Hong Kong: New water supply pact signed Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn signed a new agreement on the supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong from 2024 to 2026 with Guangdong Province Water Resources Department Director General Wang Lixin in Guangzhou today. The current agreement will expire on December 31. The new agreement continues to adopt the package deal deductible sum approach which enables Hong Kong to import Dongjiang water based on the city's need. In years with more local yield and the amount of Dongjiang water required is below the preset annual supply ceiling, a price deduction, according to the actual amount of water supplied, will be made to the annual ceiling water price. This approach provides greater flexibility in the control of water storage level, preventing wastage of Dongjiang water resources and saving pumping costs for water delivery. The new agreement also continues to adopt benchmarks on water supply volume applicable under the existing agreement. In the new agreement, the annual ceiling water price will have an annual increase of 2.39%, which is worked out with reference to the mechanism that takes into account changes in the price indices of Guangdong and Hong Kong, and the exchange rate between renminbi and Hong Kong dollars. Under the new agreement, the Guangdong side will maintain the quality of the Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong in compliance with Type II waters in the Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water, which is the highest national standard for surface water applicable to human consumption. On the same day, Ms Linn held a working meeting with Guangdong Water Resources Department to exchange views on the Dongjiang water supply and water quality monitoring work. Ms Linn thanked the Guangdong authorities for investing in infrastructure to safeguard the water supply and water quality for Hong Kong as well as providing support on the relevant policy and implementation work. She said: We are very grateful for the nation's support for Hong Kong. The continuous supply of Dongjiang water since 1960s has helped Hong Kong to solve the long-term problem of water shortage. Dongjiang water currently makes up about 70% to 80% of fresh water consumption in Hong Kong, meeting the needs of people's livelihood and social development. 2025 will mark the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong. The Development Bureau plans to launch a series of activities which will enable the public to learn about the history and current situation of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong as well as the nation's immense support and care rendered to Hong Kong through this mega water supply project. Afterwards, Ms Linn and officials from Guangdong Water Resources Department visited Gaoxinsha Pumping Station in Nansha, Guangzhou, to see the Water Resources Allocation Project in the Pearl River Delta Area. This story has been published on: 2023-12-27. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Philippines actions in South China Sea extremely dangerous, ignoring China's goodwill, restraint 09:33, December 27, 2023 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily Recently, the Philippines has repeatedly stirred up trouble in the South China Sea, continuously infringing on China's sovereignty, making provocative moves in the waters of Ren'ai Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao, and spreading disinformation to smear China. As a country from outside the region, the United States not only encouraged and supported the Philippines' provocative moves, but also distorted facts and made irresponsible accusations against China, irresponsibly escalating tensions in the region. The Philippines, bolstered by the support of extraterritorial forces, has brushed aside China's goodwill and restraint, and has repeatedly challenged China's principles and red line. This is extremely dangerous and poses a serious threat to regional peace, stability, prosperity and development. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao, and their adjacent waters. This was established in the long course of history and is consistent with international law including the UN Charter. The Philippines promised to tow away a warship illegally "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao 24 years ago. But 24 years on, the warship is still there. Over the course of this year, the Philippines has gone back on its words and kept sending government and military vessels into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao to supply construction materials for the large-scale repair and reinforcement of the "grounded" warship and permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao. These moves gravely violated China's sovereignty and went against international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. It has been the Philippines who is breaching the common understandings with China and heightening tensions in the South China Sea. It is the Philippines who has attempted to change the current status of Ren'ai Jiao and make it a fait accompli, and it is the Philippines who has on every occasion courted external forces to put pressure on China. This is an undeniable fact that cannot be changed no matter how the Philippine side tries to manipulate it. In response to the Philippines' provocations, the China Coast Guard (CCG) responded in accordance with laws to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty. The CCG's operations were reasonable, legitimate, and professional. China firmly opposes the Philippines' attempt to occupy Ren'ai Jiao and has made clear its solemn position to the Philippine side at various levels and through multiple channels, putting forward proposals for properly managing the situation. It is against the principles of international law and legally untenable for the Philippines to cite the "award" of the South China Sea arbitration, which is illegal, null and void, to claim that Ren'ai Jiao falls within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and deny China's sovereignty over it. China will continue to do what is necessary in accordance with domestic and international laws to resolutely respond to provocative moves that infringe on China's sovereignty and defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. At the same time, China has been committed to enhancing communication with the Philippines with sincerity and goodwill to properly handle the tension. China hopes that the Philippines will make the right choice, and seriously honor its commitment to properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation. The Philippines relies on the United States as an extraterritorial force to cause trouble and provocation in the South China Sea. The United States has been inciting and supporting the Philippines' attempts to repair and reinforce its warship that was deliberately "grounded" on Ren'ai Jiao. The United States even sent over military aircraft and vessels to assist and support the Philippines, and repeatedly sought to threaten China by citing the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. Instead of honoring its commitment to not taking a position on the South China Sea, the United States blatantly emboldened the Philippines' violation of China's sovereignty, confounding right with wrong and deflecting blame. It has been acting as a scaremonger on security issues that stokes confrontation and antagonism. This seriously violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and gravely jeopardizes regional peace and stability, which is extremely irresponsible and dangerous. Rigoberto Tiglao, former spokesperson for former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said in a recent article that the irrationality of the Philippines is a testament to the power of U.S. propaganda. He noted that the United States demonizes China as a threat to countries in the region such as the Philippines, saying "It was so easy for the U.S. to brainwash us." The United States has repeatedly attempted to stir up trouble in the South China Sea through the Philippines, to undermine China's relationships with regional countries and enlist their support in its geopolitical strategy to contain China. The United States once pulled strings behind the scenes when the political drama of the so-called South China Sea arbitration was staged, and now it is actively drawing in the Philippine government, intensifying military deployments around the waters in the South China Sea, and conducting so-called joint patrols, exercises, and training with its allies in the region. Through these actions, the United States has again and again sent erroneous signals to the Philippines under the guise of so-called "security commitments." Thoughtful people in the Philippines can see through the U.S. ploy of binding and instigating the Philippines to serve as cannon fodder in order to maintain the U.S. hegemony. Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Manila-based think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, noted that the U.S. efforts to draw in the Philippines are escalating tensions, divisions, and conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region, which not only threatens regional peace and stability, but also exacerbates militarization in the Philippines and the entire region at large. The collusion between the Philippines and the United States has led to the escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, which goes against the trend of the times and does not serve the overall interests of regional countries. China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation with ASEAN countries, including the Philippines. However, China will never accept any threats, coercion, or groundless accusations and attacks. China unswervingly upholds its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. If the Philippines misjudges the situation, continues to act recklessly, and even collaborates with ill-intentioned external forces to continue causing troubles, China will respond firmly and resolutely defend its rights in accordance with the law. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as marketing, personalization, and analytics. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent. David Leland, the British writer and director behind shows including Band of Brothers and The Borgias, has died aged 82. Leland was surrounded by family when he died on Christmas Eve, his longtime agency, Cassaroto Ramsay & Associates announced. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed. Following the news, a number of Lelands friends and former collaborators paid tribute, including actors Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan and Tim Roth. David Leland holds a mighty place in my heart. I was just out of Drama Centre where David was also an alumni, Brosnan said in a tribute per Deadline. It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee. David will forever be an essential part of my story and of all who knew and loved him. Neeson, who starred in Lelands The Big Man, also paid tribute, writing: David was a dream to work with. Praising him as a real collaborator, Neeson added: He genuinely loved and admired actors. We formed a close bond. I loved his mischievous sense of humour. You are always in my heart old friend. See you down the road. Roth said: David was there at the very beginning of this crazy adventure. He changed my life, and I love him for it. Ill keep him with me always. David Leland (Getty Images) Born in 1941 in Cambridge, Leland rose to international fame with his 1987 directorial debut Wish You Were Here, a comedy-drama starring Emily Lloyd. The film about a woman whose pregnancy by her fathers much older friend causes scandal in her community won Leland a Bafta for Best Original Screenplay. Before becoming known for his work behind the camera, Leland attended the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where he trained as an actor. There, he and a group of teachers and students eventually broke away and formed the Drama Centre London. After obtaining many stage credits, he went on to pursue stage management and direction at Sheffields Crucible Theatre. He later went into TV and film screenwriting, working on films such as the Roth-starring Made in Britain (1982), Mike Newells Birth of a Nation (1983) and Neil Jordans Mona Lisa (1986). Leland also served as a co-showrunner for Showtimes three-season drama The Borgias. Leland is survived by his wife, son, four daughters and six grandchildren. A 23-year-old walked away with a much bigger prize than expected after playing a scratch-off in Iowa, lottery officials said. Valerie Musgrove of Bloomfield initially thought playing a $2 crossword game landed her $2,000, but when she double checked she learned her real prize was actually $20,000, according to a Dec. 26 news release by the Iowa Lottery. I was pretty excited about $2,000, but then I checked it again last night and I found out I had 10 words and that was $20,000, the day care worker told lottery officials. I was just so surprised. In the $20,00 Crossword game, players complete words with a given set of letters. When Musgrove checked her Iowa Lottery mobile app she learned of her prize, officials said. I dont think Ive ever been this lucky in my life, she said. Musgrove, who claimed her prize at lottery headquarters in Clive, plans to save the winnings, officials said. I think it just gives me a little bit of relief just having that there in case I need it, she told lottery officials. Clive is about 10 miles west of Des Moines. Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website. Powerball player just misses $638 million jackpot in Colorado but still wins big Lottery player buys ticket during last-minute grocery trip then wife starts dancing Mom leaves lottery ticket hanging on fridge until son discovers its worth millions WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Districts Forensic Science Laboratory was partially reaccredited after nearly three years. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board said that the lab now fulfills the requirements for forensic testing and calibration within its Biology and Seized Drugs disciplines. The U.S. Attorneys Office is pleased that DFS has regained its ANAB accreditation in two forensic science units, a critical first step in rebuilding the lab, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in an emailed statement to DC News Now on Tuesday. Two cars collide, overturn, on I-270 in Montgomery County ANSI suspended the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) forensic testing accreditation in April 2021 due to multiple errors and issues. The labs leadership was noted as a root cause of such issues. In its lab assessment report, SNA International said that leadership failed to establish the required levels of oversight and accountability for forensic operations and its staff did not have sufficient expertise to perform their duties. Since the labs inception in 2012, its accreditation has been suspended twice once in 2015 due to flaws in lab processes and in 2021 for a variety of issues. An audit released in Dec. 2022 explained that at the time the agencies that relied on the lab lost trust in its ability to address complaints. One of the agencies, the U.S. Attorneys Office, said on Tuesday that DFS will prioritize working in the Forensic Biology Unit to resolve the significant CODIS backlog. The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a DNA database maintained by the FBI that allows states to compare DNA information with one another. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, crime labs need to maintain accreditation for prosecutors to process forensic evidence there. Since losing its accreditation in 2021, the lab also has not been able to test drugs, Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a public safety summit in May 2023. The District lost the ability to confirm that a substance law enforcement suspected was a drug, was in fact a drug, which meant that we lost the ability to charge almost all drug cases, said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves. Ways to celebrate New Years Eve in the District In 2022, only 33% of cases were charged by the U.S. Attorneys Office. Thats since increased to about 58%, but only between July and September of 2023 once outside lab testing was secured. On Tuesday, Bowser released a statement about the reaccreditation, saying: I am pleased to announce that the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) application for reaccreditation of its Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry Units has been approved. Responsible for testing and analyzing biological substances, including DNA, controlled substances and drugs, these reaccredited units will support MPD investigations and will add to our existing network of outside labs as well as those accessible by the U.S. Attorney. We remain focused on reducing crime and that means ensuring all parts of our public safety and justice ecosystem are working at full capacity. Reaccreditation is a critical step in supporting case closure and affording us another tool to advance justice for victims. I want to especially acknowledge the dedication and experienced leadership of Dr. Diaz and the continued hard work of the DFS scientists and staff. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser Now as an accredited lab, DFS will also be able to hire experts and staff, enhance its quality assurance system and work toward ensuring experts will be qualified for testing in criminal cases, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Accreditation is an important mile marker in the journey towards having testifying experts again. We look forward to DFS completing the journey in the coming years, and we are prepared to provide whatever support we can in these efforts, the U.S. Attorneys Office stated. Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau visited the crime lab in October, learning first then that the department applied for accreditation. Being able to prosecute higher level drug offenses like the sale of drugs, the intent to sell, the people higher up who are pushing these drugs to our street, to our residents who are becoming addicted to them. Thats huge, Nadeau said. She still has some concerns, however, including the lab not taking advice from the Science Advisory Board, which was an issue raised in the December 2022 audit. I met last week with members of the Science Advisory Board, one of whom is still on the board and one of whom has left because of his concerns with the way that the leadership at the lab is not taking into account the advice of the Scientific Advisory Board, Nadeau said. The forensic science lab should be based on science, not politics. Nadeau said the accreditation of the two labs is a step in the right direction to get crime under control. Now the challenge is really pushing forward to figuring out if theyre going to go ahead with that ballistics lab, which is one of the key pieces of addressing the crimes that were seeing still here in the District of Columbia, Nadeau said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Bodies found in car in San Antonio thought to be of missing pregnant teen, boyfriend A pair of bodies found in a car in San Antonio, Texas, are thought to be those of a missing pregnant teenager and her boyfriend, police said Tuesday night. Savanah Soto, 18, was last seen in a Kia Optima around 2 p.m. Friday on the 6000 block of Grissom Road in Leon Valley, the citys police department said in an earlier statement, adding that they believed Soto's disappearance posed "a credible threat to their own health and safety. On Tuesday night, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said two bodies were found dead in an Optima belonging to Soto's boyfriend. The bodies may have been in the car for three or four days, he said. There are two people in the car. ... They are deceased, McManus said near the crime scene. We believe that it is the missing woman and her boyfriend. The bodies will be officially identified by the medical examiner, the police chief said. Detectives are treating the case as a possible murder, McManus said. He noted that the crime scene was "very perplexing" and that information could change. Soto's disappearance had earlier triggered a CLEAR Alert. The CLEAR Alert was created in 2019 to help law enforcement find and rescue missing, kidnapped or abducted adults who are in immediate danger of injury or death, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. CLEAR stands for Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue. Savanah Soto. (Texas Department of Public Safety) The city of Leon Valley, which is about 12 miles northwest of San Antonio, had posted on its Facebook page that Soto was past her delivery date and that her family was contacted the San Antonio Police Department because they were concerned after she missed "an essential medical appointment." The city added that the Leon Valley Police Department was investigating her disappearance and that detectives and officers were seeking additional witnesses and information. NBC affiliate WOAI of San Antonio on Monday spoke to Soto's family, who said she hadn't been seen since the day before she was scheduled to be induced. "I just need to know that shes OK," said Soto's mother, Gloria Cordova. Cordova pleaded with the public for information about her daughter's whereabouts. She also filed a police report with Leon Valley over the weekend, WOAI reported. Cordova said that since she last spoke to her daughter, theres been no contact with her. "I just want her home. Im worried about the baby if shes even had the baby," she told the station. Cordova said she believes her daughter is in trouble. "Theres no reason why she would just get up and go off and do that," she said. In a Facebook post, Cordova wrote her daughter was with her boyfriend. Cordova said Soto wouldn't disappear on her own accord in light of the death of her brother, Ethan Soto, 15, last year. "She knows what I went through with Ethan, and I know she doesnt want me to go through this again. Come home. I just want her to come home. I just want her to call me and [tell] me shes OK," Cordova told WOAI. "God, hear my prayers and bring my granddaughter and my great grandson back home," her grandmother Rachel Soto told the station. "Thats all we want." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The death toll has risen to two after a drone crashed into a dacha (summer home) in the suburbs of Odesa during an attack on the night of 26-27 December, with two more people injured. Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration; Odesa Oblast Prosecutor's Office Quote from Kiper: "Four casualties were identified in the suburbs of Odesa, including a teenager, 17. A civilian died on the spot, and another man, who was taken to hospital in critical condition, died. The teenager remains in hospital; a woman and a man are being treated on an outpatient basis." More details: The official added that the six-year-old child reported earlier was injured in a domestic fire unrelated to the UAV attack. The Odesa Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported that two people were killed and three injured in the attack on Odesa Oblast overnight. A downed drone fell on dachas (summer houses) in the suburbs of Odesa, causing destruction, and a fire broke out. The aftermath of drone crash in the suburbs of Odesa Photo: Odesa Oblast Prosecutor's Office The aftermath of drone crash in the suburbs of Odesa PHOTO: ODESA OBLAST PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE And in Odesa itself, the wreckage of a drone damaged one of the uninhabited new buildings. There were no casualties. The aftermath of drone crash in the suburbs of Odesa PHOTO: ODESA OBLAST PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE The aftermath of drone crash in the suburbs of Odesa PHOTO: ODESA OBLAST PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE A pre-trial investigation was initiated in criminal proceedings on the violation of the laws and customs of war (Article 438.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Support UP or become our patron! In this photo released by the Romanian Emergency Services Prahova (ISU Prahova), a guesthouse is burning in Tohani, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. A huge fire at a guesthouse in Romania on Tuesday morning has left several people dead, including a child, and some people are missing, authorities said. (Romanian Emergency Services - ISU Prahova via AP) BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) The death toll from a massive fire at a guesthouse in Romania rose to seven people Wednesday morning, including at least two children, authorities said. Emergency intervention teams were deployed to the blaze that erupted Tuesday morning in the village of Tohani in Prahova county, where 26 people were staying at the guesthouse, according to the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. Photos of the aftermath of the blaze in local media showed the charred remains of the sprawling guesthouse as emergency workers searched through the rubble. Authorities confirmed the death of a second child Wednesday morning and said the search for missing persons was ongoing, but did not specify how many were still missing. Before the emergency authorities confirmed the fourth and fifth fatalities around noon on Tuesday, search and rescue teams had been set up to find five missing persons. It wasnt immediately clear if they were among those listed as missing. The emergency directorate said the directorates head, Raed Arafat, ordered a preliminary report to investigate what checks had been carried out at the guesthouse to help determine who was responsible for the tragedy. There was no immediate indication as to what caused the blaze. In the immediate aftermath of the blaze, authorities said 18 people had managed to escape the fire and that two of them were being treated for burns. The fire was extinguished Tuesday shortly after noon. The affected area was about 1,000 square meters (10,800 square feet). A church spire that was used as a model for Salisbury Cathedral is being eaten by pests, parishioners have warned, as they appeal for funds for the urgent repairs. Inspections of Europes tallest lead-covered wooden spire at St Marys Church in Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, have revealed significant infestations of deathwatch beetle and woodworm in its timber frame. The local vicar has said that the state of the lead-clad structure is a great worry, with a structural engineer judging that the top part of the framework will need completely replacing. Parishioners are appealing for help to reach the 30,000 funding target for the necessary repair work, as the Church of England does not automatically finance building repairs. The church was built in 1170 and some of the timber has been carbon dated to 1120. Salisbury model The 162-feet tall structure was reputedly used as the model for the original early English spire at Salisbury Cathedral. However, deathwatch beetles have bored deep inside the wooden frame and woodworm have attacked the surfaces of the timber. Fr Jonathan Sibley, vicar at St Marys, said: It is a great worry that this very important historic structure is in need of such urgent repair and we hope that organisations and individuals will be generous enough to help fund it. At the moment the church architect, the structural engineers and the timber specialist are deciding on the best course of action. The pests have also penetrated the wooden ladders and platforms which are used to access the structure, which makes repairs difficult and dangerous, he added. A timber specialist working on the structure has also discovered a special type of spider in the frame which is eating the woodworm and the death watch beetles, which he believes should mean that chemical treatment is not needed to get rid of them, according to the vicar. The timbers have been replaced and reinforced many times since the 13th century, most recently in the 1970s. The spire is also a roosting place for bats, with the Bat Conservation Trust advising that any work should be carried out in April to avoid disturbing the creatures. Rowan Williams, the former archbishop of Canterbury, paid a visit to the church in March and is a close friend of Fr Sibley, having met him when teaching theology in Cambridge in the 1970s. Part of the community Dr Williams, who held the most senior role in the Church of England until 2012, said of the church: What is inspiring here is that the church is still very much part of the community, hundreds of people coming through the doors during flower festival week, and people have enough confidence in themselves to do things that are generally celebratory of the place they are in, whatever the challenges. Parishioners raised enough funds to pay for all the surveys that have taken place, however, more is needed to pay for the timber replacements. In January, the most rev Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, acknowledged that many parishes finances are stretched, with analysis last year revealing that churchgoers had failed to return to services following the pandemic. A GoFundMe page set up to accept donations for the St Marys spire said: We are at a point where this magnificent building can still be saved but we need everyones help. The vicar added that all help will be gratefully received. The National Churches Trust has described St Marys architecture as captivating with glorious furnishings, having previously awarded the church a 10,000 grant for repairs and essential community facilities. 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. Military expert Oleh Katkov shared with NV the features and advantages of the new Ukrainian kamikaze drone AQ-400 Scythe. What makes the new Ukrainian AQ-400 Scythe drone a game-changer in countering Russian Shahed drones? We sat down with Oleh Katkov, the Chief Editor of the military portal Defense Express, to find out more. Beyond its impressive flight range of 750 km and a combat payload weighing 32 kg, the AQ-400 Scythe boasts a key advantageaffordability. According to Katkov, the cost of the basic glider is a mere $15,000. Read also: Ukraine to produce a million drones in 2024 Zelenskyy With Russia launching over 300 Shahed drones on Ukrainian territory every month, the Ukrainian Air Force manages to shoot down approximately 85-90% of them. However, the remaining drones penetrate the countrys defenses. To address this challenge, Katkov suggests that Ukraine should focus on producing and deploying kamikaze drones in similar volumes for concentrated strikes deep into enemy territory. Read also: Ukraines new long-range strike drone a real threat to Russia expert interview Domestic long-range kamikaze drones are better for striking the enemy's territory due to restrictions on the use of Western weapons within Russias borders. These drones can be launched from various platforms, including catapults, short takeoff and landing strips, or even the roof of a car. The emphasis is on cost-effectiveness. "In other words, the cheaper the launch, the better," Katkov added. The AQ-400 Scythe has a 6.5-hour airborne capability with a 32 kg payload, with a maximum 70 kg payload achievable by reducing the flight range. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The main super PAC aligned with House Democrats will spend $5.2 million in initial television and digital advertisements to flip former Rep. George Santoss (R-N.Y.) seat back to the Democrats in the upcoming special election, the super PAC announced Wednesday. House Majority PAC said it will shell out $5.2 million in initial television and digital reservations to run in the weeks ahead of the Feb. 13 special election to fill Santoss seat. With these initial television and digital reservations and mail program, House Majority PAC is making it clear that we will do whatever it takes to take back the House in 2024 and NY-03 represents the opportunity to make that happen, House Majority PAC President Mike Smith said in a Wednesday statement. Former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi (N.Y.) will face off against Republican nominee Mazi Melesa Pilip, a Nassau County, N.Y., lawmaker and former Israel paratrooper, in the upcoming special election. Souzzi already planned to run for his old seat in New Yorks 3rd Congressional District before Santoss expulsion from Congress earlier this month. He held the seat before Santoss election in 2022, but he left Congress to mount an unsuccessful New York gubernatorial bid last year. Tom Suozzi is a fighter who has a proven record of lowering costs, strengthening police, and working across the aisle to get things done. House Majority PAC looks forward to flipping NY-03 blue, Smith said. The special election for Santoss seat will be held Feb. 13, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced earlier this month. Santos was ousted from Congress on Dec. 1 in a 311-114-2 vote, weeks after the House Ethics Committee released a damning report including substantial evidence showing the New York Republican committed serious federal crimes. The vote marked the third attempt this year to expel the embattled lawmaker from the House after he was criminally charged in the spring for allegedly misleading donors and misrepresenting his finances to the public and government agencies. In a superseding indictment filed in October, prosecutors piled on additional charges over allegations Santos inflated campaign finance reports and charged donors credit cards without authorization. Santoss expulsion made him the sixth lawmaker to ever be ousted from the lower chamber. He served just 11 months in office. Santos remained defiant throughout months of criticism and controversy, reiterating his innocence and right to due process. His criminal trial is slated to begin next September. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Northwest Indiana man is accused of sending child pornography to a minor. Peter Alexander Allen, who has addresses in Lake Station and Merrillville, faces charges of child exploitation, a Level 5 felony, and possession of child pornography, a Level 6 felony. Advertisement Indiana State Police investigators were assigned a CyberTip by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a file shared on Instagram on Aug. 28, 2022 from an IP address in the vicinity of Highland, according to the probable cause affidavit. The images were flagged by Instagram as they were suspected to depict child pornography. The image was sent to an Instagram user who is a minor, despite their listed age being an adult, from a suspect named Peter, who is 19, records state. The image depicted a naked young girl. Advertisement Police drove past Allens listed address in Lake Station, but did not see either of the two vehicles registered to him. Phone calls to multiple phone numbers listed under Allens name were not returned, court records state. Allen is still at large, but his bail has been set at $5,000. WASHINGTON Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., criticized former President Donald Trumps Christmas message calling for President Joe Biden and others to rot in hell, saying it is contributing to divisiveness across the country. "Quite frankly, Im going to tell you that I think it was one of the most pathetic Christmas greetings Ive heard when a former president of the United States who wants to return tells people on Christmas Day that they can rot in hell, Dingell told CNN. He is contributing to the divisiveness and division in this country. Dingell also highlighted mounting threats against public officials, adding that hate and division are creeping into our communities far too easily. We can disagree civilly, Dingell said. We need to respect every human being with dignity. We need to treat them like everybodys a human being and bring that civility back because our democracy is in trouble. Trump appeared to respond to Dingell on his Truth Social platform following her interview, calling her a loser and claiming she wasnt thankful enough after the honors he awarded for her husbands funeral. She was married to former Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history. The former presidents Christmas message also received backlash from Mick Mulvaney, his former White House chief of staff. Mulvaney said in an interview on NewsNation Tuesday, Its horrible to put that out on Christmas, it really is. But face it, if you dont like that kind of stuff, youve already made up your mind that youre probably not supporting Donald Trump anyway, Mulvaney said. And if you decide to support Donald Trump, you sort of realize, Okay this comes with a territory, right? This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democrat slams Trump's holiday message telling rivals to 'rot in hell' By Keith Coffman DENVER (Reuters) - Colorado authorities are investigating possible threats against state Supreme Court justices, Denver police said on Tuesday, one week after the court's decision barring former President Donald Trump from the state's presidential primary ballot. The Denver Police Department also said it was providing "extra patrols" around the homes of the justices, who ruled 4-3 on Dec. 19 that Trump should be disqualified under a little-known clause of U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment for engaging in insurrection. Two nights later, Denver police officers were dispatched to the home of one of the justices in response to a call for service that police afterward described as an apparent "hoax report," adding they were still investigating the incident. Republican strategists have suggested the Colorado ballot ruling, likely headed for a U.S. Supreme Court appeal, would spark a backlash among political conservatives by reinforcing the narrative that Trump is the victim of a partisan legal process. NBC News and other media outlets have since reported the emergence of violent rhetoric on right-wing online forums from Trump supporters aimed at the four Colorado justices who sided against him. The posts in question included messages calling for the justices' personal information to be publicly exposed, and an apparent reference to the judges that said: "All f**ing robed rats must f**ing hang." "The Denver Police Department is currently investigating incidents directed at Colorado Supreme Court justices and will continue working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate any reports of threats or harassment," police said in a statement on Tuesday. Responding to a query about the probe, an FBI spokesperson in Denver said in a statement the agency was "aware of the situation and working with local law enforcement." "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," the FBI statement added. Neither the police nor the FBI commented on the nature or extent of the incidents under investigation. A spokesperson for the Colorado state judicial branch likewise declined to comment on the issue. Trump became the first candidate in U.S. history deemed ineligible for the White House under a provision of the 14th Amendment prohibiting officials who engage in "insurrection or rebellion" against the U.S. government from holding elected office. The Colorado high court held that the insurrection clause applies to Trump because of the role he played in stoking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters seeking to block Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden's victory over Trump in the 2020 presidential race. The Colorado court, whose decision applies only to the state's March 5 Republican primary, said it would delay the effect of its ruling until at least Jan. 4, 2024, to allow time for an appeal. (This story has been refiled to fix a typo in paragraph 4) (Reporting by Keith Coffman in Denver; Additional reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Stephen Coates) In this 2023 photo provided by Maria Elena Machado, Lt. Pedro Naranjo , appears with his father, retired Gen. Pedro Naranjo in Colombia. The son of a prominent opponent of Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro has been arrested after being deported by the U.S. in what migration experts say was a perfectly foreseeable outcome of the Biden administrations push to discourage asylum seekers from the turbulent South American nation. Retired Gen. Pedro Naranjo, in an interview from a migration detention center in Texas, said his sonlike him a helicopter pilot in Venezuelas Air Forceplayed no role in the 2018 barracks conspiracy for which he spent more than three years in jail. ( Maria Elena Machado via AP) MIAMI (AP) Pedro Naranjo idolized his father growing up and followed him into the Venezuelan air force to fly helicopters. So deep was their bond that when the older Naranjo feared being jailed for plotting against Nicolas Maduros socialist government, father and son fled to the United States together. Now the two have been separated by an overstretched U.S. immigration system that has left the retired Gen. Pedro Naranjo in legal limbo in the U.S. His loyal son, a Venezuelan air force lieutenant, sits in a Venezuelan military prison after he was deported by the Biden administration as part of an attempt to discourage asylum-seekers from the turbulent South American country. We never had a plan B, the older Naranjo said in a phone interview from Houston. He was released after 10 days in U.S. custody and is now awaiting the outcome of his own asylum request. It never crossed our mind that the U.S., as an ally of the Venezuelan opposition and democracies over the world, a defender of human rights and freedom, would do what it did to my son. The Venezuelan diaspora is one of the most vexing migration challenges that awaits Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas when they arrive in Mexico City on Wednesday to discuss unprecedented arrivals at the U.S. border with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Last year, Mexico ended visa-free travel for Venezuelans, which had been a ticket to those seeking asylum in the United States. Once arriving at a Mexican border city, Venezuelans could walk across the border in broad daylight and surrender to U.S. agents, avoiding the dangers of traversing Mexico and other countries over land. Restricting flights to Mexico encouraged walking through the perilous Darien Gap. More than a half-million migrants, predominantly Venezuelan, have traversed the jungle at the border of Colombia and Panama this year. The resumption for the first time in years of U.S. deportation flights to Venezuela 11 since October, according to Witness at the Border, an advocacy group that tracks flight data have failed to stem the surge. Venezuelans were arrested more than 85,000 times crossing the border illegally in October and November, the second-highest nationality after Mexicans. Little is known about how those deported fare once they are returned home. However, critics and members of south Florida's close-knit community of Venezuelan exiles have blasted the Biden administration for overlooking the grave dangers faced by deportees like Naranjo. Last week, a group calling itself Independent Venezuelan American Citizens joined Miami Republican Rep. Carlos Jimenez to denounce the younger Naranjo's deportation and subsequent arrest at the hands of Maduro. It said it sent a request to the White House on Dec. 12 seeking to block the deportation but received no response. On Dec. 14, after failing to reverse a deportation order by an asylum officer, the younger Naranjo was deported, according to his father. Ernesto Ackerman, a member of the group, said the deportation was akin to sending a U.S. drug agent into the hands of a drug cartel. Its like taking a DEA agent and sending him to Chapo Guzman, Ackerman said, referring to the Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. I dont see any difference. Naranjo's deportation comes against the backdrop of U.S. attempts to improve relations with Caracas after the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign failed to topple Maduro. In November, the White House eased oil sanctions on the OPEC nation to support fledgling negotiations between Maduro and his opponents over guarantees for next year's presidential elections. And last week, Biden announced a presidential pardon releasing from prison of a key Maduro ally held for more than three years on U.S. money-laundering charges. Neither the White House nor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement commented on the Naranjos' situation. The father-son saga began in 2018, when Gen. Naranjo was arrested with a handful of other officers for allegedly plotting to assassinate Maduro, sow chaos and disrupt Venezuelas presidential election that year. Naranjo denies his involvement in a barracks uprising dubbed Operation Armageddon by Maduro but nonetheless he was court-martialed, along with other alleged plotters, on charges including rebellion and treason. In 2021, in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, Naranjo was hospitalized after suffering a stroke in prison. Under international pressure from Maduros opponents, including the head of the Organization of American States, he was allowed to complete his sentence at home. When the government decided to extend the sentence of his co-defendants, he feared the house arrest order would be reversed and he'd be thrown back into prison. He decided to flee at the end of 2022 and his son, who he says never conspired against the Maduro government, joined him to make sure he arrived safely. The only crime he committed was being a good son, said Maria Elena Machado, who has seen her son twice in prison since his return. The two first crossed the border into Colombia, home to more than 4 million Venezuelans whove abandoned their homes since 2016. But with a leftist ally of Maduro in power, and Marxist rebels still lurking in the countryside, the two felt unsafe, so they decided after a few months to make the perilous trek through the Darien to the U.S. On Oct. 4, they crossed the Rio Grande near Brownsville, Texas, and surrendered to the U.S. Border Patrol. Crossing illegally from Mexico exposed the Naranjos to tougher standards for passing initial asylum screenings. A rule introduced in May applies the higher standard to anyone who crosses the border illegally after passing through another country, like Mexico, without seeking protection there. Migrants also must use one of the Biden administrations new legal avenues to asylum, such as a new mobile app for appointments at official crossings. Illegal crossings across nationalities, including Venezuelans, fell after the rule was introduced but the lull was short-lived. It's not clear why Naranjo's asylum request was rejected. His father said he appealed the asylum officer's initial determination that he wouldn't face retaliation if returned to Venezuela to a federal immigration judge in Pearsall, Texas, but lost. The younger Naranjo lacked an attorney throughout the proceedings, according to his father, whose case was assigned to a different judge. Asylum-seekers are entitled to call attorneys before screening interviews, but many advocates complain that those detained get little notice, often at odd hours, and are unable to find help. Venezuelans who clear screening do relatively well before immigration judges. Their asylum grant rate was 72% in the government's fiscal year ended Sept. 30, compared to 52% for all nationalities, according to Syracuse University's Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse. Upon his arrival to Venezuela, the younger Naranjo was detained again on charges of desertion. He's now being held at the military prison outside Caracas alongside several opponents of the government. Meanwhile, migration experts warn that other Venezuelans deserving of asylum could suffer the same fate. This is not a shocker, said Julio Henriquez, a Venezuelan-born immigration attorney in Boston. It was bound to happen at any moment. ___ Spagat reported from San Diego. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) warned former President Trump is likely to use the power of government against his political opponents if elected again in an interview published Wednesday. In a RealClearPolitics interview, the GOP presidential candidate painted a picture of a second Trump term centered on revenge and accused the former president of targeting political rivals, including DeSantis. Trump is fine with weaponization if its against people he doesnt like, DeSantis said. DeSantis described a bogus ethics complaint a Trump PAC filed against him, alleging he violated state law by launching a presidential campaign early. A Florida ethics board later dismissed the complaint. Trump has leaned into revenge as a focal point in his third presidential campaign. Hes repeatedly vowed to prosecute political opponents and has recently likened himself to a dictator. DeSantis also described Trumps myriad legal troubles as a distraction to the GOP race and called for an opportunity to hold the former president to account. This whole legal stuff has had a big impact on the overall dynamics, DeSantis said of Trumps multiple felony cases, which have dominated news cycles for a year. The Florida governor entered the 2024 race with high expectations, and early polling results put him neck and neck with the former president. DeSantis has sold himself as a younger, more effective version of what a Trump second term could look like. But hes gotten few opportunities to stick it to Trump because he has kept away from the primary race. Trump has refused to attend any primary debate, citing his large polling lead, much to the chagrin of his rivals. Are we going to have some type of accountability? DeSantis said of the results of Trumps first term. Are we going to have a reckoning for this, or are we just going to act like everyone did such a great job? DeSantis instead postulated that Trumps revenge-focused, legal case-obsessed campaign is all part of a plan put on by Trump and Democrats. This is all very strategic, he told RCP. Democrats want to run against Trump, and they see the indictments hurting him in a general election even if they make a primary win easy, DeSantis continued. The problem for Democrats, he said, is the ongoing trials create a massive legal wringer for the 2024 general election. The governor admitted the strategy could be working in favor of Trump. The legal situation makes it harder for a guy like me to get oxygen, he said. Thats just the landscape, and so a lot of that is beyond your control. Youve just got to do the best you can here on the ground to win the vote. DeSantiss campaign has focused its resources on Iowa as the state to make a mark, with hopes that an early caucus victory could catapult his candidacy to defeat Trump. Hes the only GOP candidate to complete a full Grassley visiting every Iowa county, named after the Hawkeye State senior Senator and has gained the endorsements of influential Iowans Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) and evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats. We are clicking, he said. We are doing good. Despite that, DeSantis trails Trump by a wide margin in national primary polls, and the former presidents lead has only expanded in Iowa in recent months. In the Hawkeye State, Trump has about 52 percent support to DeSantiss 18 percent, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average of polls. The governor has lost ground in recent months to the rising campaign of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who has about 17 percent support. He urged Iowans to put those numbers to the side. Dont listen to the media, dont listen to them cite polls, he said. Put it aside and do what you think is right. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. With 10,000 cattle, Cleveland County is the eighth largest beef producer in North Carolina to feed all those cows, farmers rely on thousands of acres of pasture and those pastures rely on a steady supply of rain. This fall, that rain didnt come until late November, and even then it wasnt nearly enough. Parts of North Carolina entered extreme drought for the first time in more than five years, prompting the USDA to offer aid to cattle farmers for the first time since 2016. Cleveland, Gaston, and many other counties west are eligible for the Livestock Forage Disaster Assistance Program. Some South Carolina counties are also eligible, including Chester and York counties. The aid is meant to help farmers recoup some of the cost of cutting their grazing season short and tapping their winter stockpiles of hay months early. For Matt Bell, a farmer in the Shelby area, that meant breaking out the hay in October, rather than late November or early December. He said he knows of others who needed it even earlier. Just really between the lack of water and the temperatures we had, the second half of the year was not ideal, he said. Grass quit growing, our fall crops were half a crop at best. Bell said area farmers were fortunate to get great conditions for a hay harvest in the spring, but due to the drought, they couldnt grow much this fall. That means when the stockpile theyve saved up for the winter runs out, farmers will have to start buying hay. Youre looking at $50 to $60 a roll, and you feed several rolls a day that cuts into the profit real quick, he said. Robbie Henderson, the president of the Cleveland County Cattlemans Association, said food costs arent the only challenges farmers are facing. He said farmers already run on thin profit margins and with high fuel and equipment prices for much of the year, the drought was just an added stressor. Its just gotten really expensive, and people that farm have to really love it because its either in you or not, he said. Henderson said the USDA aid, which amounts to about $104 per weaned cow for farmers following federal acreage guidelines, could be a big help for farmers who are struggling to see a future in the cattle business. The average age of cattle farmers has been rising, and the harder it is to maintain a farm, the less likely he believes younger farmers will carry on the mantle of their family farms. This gives them a chance or some help so that they may decide to continue on for awhile, he said. There is good weather news on the horizon. The North Carolina State Climate office predicts December will see above-average precipitation, and in an El Nino year, the southeast should see a wet winter. For farmers, Henderson said its too late to help the grass grow, but hes hedging his hopes on a good spring. Itll help the water table, he said. Itll help the creeks and the streams and the ponds but as far as the grass, its not going to do us much good at this point. This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Despite wet weather now, farmers feel impact of drought (WHTM) Pennsylvania is home to many landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Gettysburg National Park. But there is one landmark that many people do not think about when they think of the Keystone State. The Pagoda is a building located in Reading, Berks County, and has been a symbol for the city for over 100 years. It was built in 1908 by William A Witman for $50,000. It was designed by the Father-son team James and Charles Matz and was designed to cover a scar that was caused by a stone quarry owned by Witman. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Located on Mount Penn just outside the city of Reading, the building is seven stories tall and was originally built to be a centerpiece for a luxury resort. Unfortunately, the resort never materialized, due to a liquor license being denied. Presently, the city of Reading owns the Pagoda. The building sits 886 feet above the city. The building is 28 feet wide, 50 feet long and 72 feet high. At the top of the structure, there is a Japanese bell made in 1739. Called a tocsin, the bell was cast in the Mie Prefecture of Japan. The bell was purchased by Witman and the bell arrived in Reading via the Suez Canal. In 1972, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hollywood Casino bettor damages elevator after betting loss, rescued by firefighters According to berkshistory.com, many repairs and improvements have been done to the Pagoda, including the addition of red neon lights and other repairs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the building has been closed due to restoration and additional improvements. This was done after the city conducted a safety review of the structure and needed to improve the building. Visitors can tour the grounds and see the building from the outside. The ground where the pagoda sits is open from dawn to dusk every day. More information can be found by clicking here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. In 2022, the national average composite score on the ACT slipped to 19.8, falling below 20.0 for the first time since 1991. Then, in 2023, the national graduating classs average score fell again, dropping to 19.5 and marking the sixth consecutive year of decreases. The average composite score of Memphis-Shelby County Schools students on the college entrance exam, however, hasnt decreased. Instead, its increased ever-so-slightly, while remaining behind state and national averages. According to the most recent data provided by the Tennessee Department of Education, the average ACT composite score of the graduating class in the 2022-23 academic year was 16.4, inching up from 16.3 in 2021-22. Black, Hispanic, and Native American students also saw their scores tick upward, from 15.8 to 15.9. And the number of students scoring 21 or higher rose from 926 to 952, while the participation rate of students with disabilities jumped from 85% to 99%. At a time when ACT scores nationwide are declining, Memphis students are defying the trend and continuing to make gains, said MSCS interim superintendent Toni Williams in a statement. More: Memphis schools get letter grades from state. Why MSCS leaders don't like them Added Angela Whitelaw, deputy superintendent of schools and academic support: These positive gains reflect our strategic investments. Every high school now has an ACT specialist and a dedicated complex-text course, equipping students with the skills they need to analyze and decode information in and beyond the classroom. The district didnt see improvements in every area, however. The scores of economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities held steady at 15.2 and 13.4, respectively, while the average scores of English learners ticked down from 13.8 to 13.7. The districts average composite score also lags both the national average of 19.8 and the state's average score of 19.0, as well as its own scores from several years back. In the 2019-20 academic year, MSCS posted an average composite score of 17.3, and in 2020-21, it posted an average score of 16.6. The districts leaders know there is plenty of room for growth. As Williams said in her statement: This progress is encouraging, but we recognize the need to continue striving for even higher achievement. The scores of other Memphis-area school districts have also been released, with differing results. The average composite score of Collierville Schools graduating class stood at 23.7, rising from 23 the previous year. Bartlett City Schools score held steady at 20.1, while Germantown Municipal School Districts average score fell from 24.5 to 23.9 though this is still significantly above state and national average. Arlington Community Schools' score decreased from 22.3 to 21.4, a number that also remains above state and national averages. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Here's how Memphis-Shelby County Schools students did on the ACT Disappointing photos show how crowded New York City's iconic attractions are during the holiday season St. Patrick's Cathedral is beautiful, but it's packed with visitors. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Rockefeller Center, Macy's, and Bryant Park are some of NYC's most popular tourist destinations. However, the crowds seem to quadruple at these locations the day after Thanksgiving. Some of the city's attractions were so crowded that when I visited last year, I could barely move. When you're a native New Yorker, one thing you learn is that while the holiday season in New York City is magical, you should avoid tourist attractions. The Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center before sunrise on December 5, 2019. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images There are plenty of other things to do during the holidays for every Rolf's, there's a less crowded, more fun bar like Paddy Maguire's Ale House. But I wanted to see if it was all that bad, so last December, I traveled to some of the biggest holiday tourist attractions. Skaters glide about the ice rink at Bryant Park's Winter Village in 2014. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson I started at Wollman Rink in Central Park, walked to the Plaza Hotel and the Pulitzer Fountain, strolled down Fifth Avenue to Saks Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Rockefeller Center, continued west toward Bryant Park, and concluded my journey at Macy's Herald Square. First up was the Wollman Rink at Central Park. I could see people climbing on rocks to stare at the rink before I could spot the rink itself. Spectators. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Wollman Rink, in the southern part of the park, is open from October through March. It's been a popular holiday destination for decades and has featured in numerous holiday movies, including "Serendipity." I knew I was getting close to the rink, but even though I came to skate here in 2021, I had no recollection of seeing people peering down at me from a giant rock ledge. But, lo and behold, when I climbed up to see what everyone was looking at, I was staring directly at the rink. There were also people lined up around the gates I felt like I was at the zoo. More spectators. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider You can just make them out, but there are even more people across the ice at the other gate. The ice was also swarming with people. The skaters. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider When I skated at Wollman Rink, I found it was very disorganized compared to other rinks in the city, and I don't think I'll go back to skate. I wanted something from the refreshments stand, but most of the benches where I would sit to eat were full, so I skipped a snack. The refreshments stand at Wollman Rink. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Instead, I decided on a hot drink. I bought a hot chocolate, and my spirits immediately lifted. Me and my hot chocolate. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider It turns out that hot chocolate was just the thing to help me out. Feeling sufficiently warmed though apprehensive about the crowds I had witnessed I headed to the Plaza Hotel. The view of the Plaza from Central Park. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider I've never stayed inside the Plaza Hotel before, but you can imagine what an amazing view of the park guests have just by looking at the building. The Plaza opened in 1907 and is one of the most famous hotels in the world. It's also been the location of holiday movies, such as "Home Alone 2" Kevin stays at the hotel and famously asks Donald Trump for directions to the lobby. The Plaza used to be covered in scaffolding, but most of it is gone. However, I was disappointed to learn I couldn't get inside. The Plaza's steps. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider In front of the door was a sign that said only guests of the hotel or patrons of the restaurant were allowed in the building. I watched as the hotel employee stopped anyone walking in to see what their business was and turned a few people away. Across the street, the Pulitzer Fountain, which you might recognize from "Home Alone 2," was also decorated. A musician was singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The Pulitzer Fountain. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider For the last few years, the Pulitzer Fountain has been transformed into an ice-skating rink with polar bears and penguins. Last year, they toned it down with some giant ornaments and lights. I walked down Fifth Avenue, which goes all out for the holidays, and is usually packed with people ... The Peninsula Hotel. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider This is the Peninsula Hotel, another New York City landmark. There's also lots of legendary shopping on Fifth Avenue, from Bergdorf Goodman to Harry Winston to Cartier to Louis Vuitton and more. And, as usual, it was. I felt like I was being swept away by the crowd. The crowds on Fifth Avenue. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider I shouldn't have been surprised by the crowds it turns out New York City's visitor numbers have almost fully rebounded since pandemic lows. In November 2022, the city's tourist bureau, NYC & Company, predicted that 6.5 million people would visit New York City in the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's, Time Out reported. While the multiple holiday installations lining the street bring festive cheer, it also means people are constantly stopping to take pictures, sometimes right in front of you. One of the photo opportunities on Fifth Avenue. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider You have to be prepared for people to stop. I soon arrived at St. Patrick's Cathedral, one of the most famous cathedrals in the US. St. Patrick's Cathedral. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest Gothic Catholic cathedral in the US, opened in 1879. More than 5 million people visit each year. I was grateful for a break from the cold, but I was also stunned by the beautiful architecture and the holiday decorations. Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Entry is free, which makes this a great activity for anyone on a budget. Plus, the church was decorated there were wreaths and Christmas trees, and the main altar was covered in poinsettias. But I was taken aback by how many people were filing into the church to see its decorations and Nativity scene. Every way I turned, I watched people snap picture after picture. The manger. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The manger happened to be near an exit, meaning that stopping to take pictures here held up a significant amount of traffic. You can see just how many people I was surrounded by. The crowds. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider One visitor ducked out of my way when he saw I was about to snap a photo this was a common theme. I ventured back into the cold to check out Saks Fifth Avenue, which has beautiful lights. Saks Fifth Avenue. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The Saks Fifth Avenue I visited, which is actually on Fifth Avenue, is the department store's flagship. It opened in 1924 and has remained there for almost a century. Here's one of the beautiful display windows. One of the display windows. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The windows are filled with popular games and toys to fit 2022's theme of "reconnecting with family and loved ones during the holiday season," according to Saks' website. This year's display was a collaboration with Dior for a "Carousel of Dreams." Here's what the display looked like at night. The light show. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Last year's light show consisted entirely of Elton John songs. But inside, I was disappointed to see Saks wasn't decorated for the holidays, besides a small holiday market in the back of the store. Saks Fifth Avenue. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The store was selling ornaments and other holiday goodies back here, but I had to walk through the entire store just to get there. Saks is across the street from Rockefeller Center. I could already tell it was overrun with visitors just by looking at the line outside the nearby Lego store. The Lego store. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Admittedly, I'm not a Lego person (unless it's in video-game form), but it's a huge draw for parents looking to entertain their kids. I couldn't get close to the tree, with all the crowds around me. Rockefeller Center. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Last year's tree was an 82-foot-tall, 50-foot-wide, 14-ton Norway Spruce from Queensbury, New York. In 2023, the tree was an 80-foot Norwegian spruce from Vestal, New York. Everywhere I turned, I felt like I was in the background of some poor tourist's photo, looking annoyed. The crowds at Rockefeller Center. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider It was all getting a bit claustrophobic for me. So I gave up and headed west toward the Bryant Park Winter Village. Along the way, I saw Radio City Music Hall, home of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. But the street looked too crowded for me to even attempt getting closer. Radio City Music Hall. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The Rockettes' signature show is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. I'd recommend going at least once. It's playing through January 2. Once I arrived at Bryant Park, I spotted the Empire State Building in the distance. Bryant Park. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Bryant Park is home to one of the two largest holiday markets in Manhattan, the other being Union Square. I prefer Bryant Park since it's more open, has a better view, and is closer to where I live. I enjoy visiting the Winter Village at Bryant Park this time of year. The last time I was there, it wasn't too crowded, but the same couldn't be said for this visit. Bryant Park. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider If you head to the Winter Village a few weeks before the holidays, it's a more enjoyable experience. But, as you inch closer to Christmas, it gets more crowded. I originally planned on eating at Bryant Park, but it was so overwhelmingly packed, I gave up. The Lodge. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The lines were so long and densely packed that I decided I could wait. The final stop on my tour was Macy's Herald Square, the brand's flagship location and the largest department store in the US. Macy's Herald Square. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider According to the 34th Street Partnership, the store has 1.25 million square feet of retail space across 12 floors and takes up an entire city block. Macy's moved to this location in 1902. The Macy's display windows are famous, but it was hard to get a good look at them between the visitors. I also felt guilty for getting in the way of other people's photos. Macy's display windows. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider When I returned an hour later, it was easier to sneak a peek. The store has now ditched its traditional "Believe" sign, a reference to "A Miracle on 34th Street," and displays a large "Give Love" instead. The sign. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The "Believe" sign has been such a constant in my life that I walked around the entire Macy's to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. When I went inside, I was met by an overwhelming sea of people. I felt like I was going to get swept away. Inside the Macy's. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider I just had to let the crowd take me where I needed to go. Once I got a second to breathe, though, I could appreciate the decor. Macy's. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider They spare no expense decorating at Macy's. I walked around the first floor for a minute before I checked out one of the newer attractions: Toys 'R' Us. A directory of the Macy's floors. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Macy's announced that Toys 'R' Us would be incorporated into its existing stores in 2021, ahead of the 2022 holiday season. Toys 'R' Us returned for 2023. The Toys 'R' Us was on the seventh floor. I had to take an old-fashioned escalator to get there. Escalators. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The first few floors of Macy's have the classic steel escalators you'd expect. But once you get up higher, you take a wood-paneled escalator. But when I finally arrived, I was met with a scene that filled me with nostalgia: a horde of screaming kids running around a toy store. Toys 'R' Us. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider There were crowds of kids (not pictured) in the various aisles, at the play place, and inspecting the Funko Pops. But I could only handle that for so long, so I hopped on the escalator to Santaland. Santaland. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The toys were on the seventh floor, while Santa was up on the eighth floor. There was a line to meet the big guy himself, which takes place behind closed doors. Santaland. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider There was a long line to meet Santa, even though you have to reserve a time to meet him. After the chaos of those floors, I checked out a random floor to find it almost empty. It was refreshing after a day of huge crowds. Macy's. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider This was the sixth floor, which was mostly dedicated to home and kitchen goods. I felt like I could finally breathe. As I left Macy's, I reflected on my day. According to the fitness tracker on my phone, I took over 19,000 steps all in the name of holiday cheer. A closer look at the Macy's windows. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider It was a very long day. After a long day spent navigating crowds, I was exhausted. But it was ultimately worth it to see the tree at the Rockefeller Center, and New York City is still my favorite place and maybe everyone else's to be during the holidays. The Rockefeller Center Tree. Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Being in the best city for the most wonderful time of the year will still be my favorite holiday activity. Read the original article on Insider Portage resident Nivardo De La Torre, on right, and his father-in-law Mario Garcia recount the moment they spotted the wrecked truck that trapped Mishawaka resident Matthew Reum for six days, as they revisit the site of the crash on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune) Nivardo De La Torre and his father-in-law, Mario Garcia, have been fishing together for 13 years. They sometimes head to the Kankakee River but Tuesday afternoon, they decided to stick closer to home and try a spot along Salt Creek. Advertisement It was just chance, said Garcia, 60, of Hobart. We saw the glitter of the wreck. First responders respond to the scene of a crash on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 on Interstate 94 at the Salt Creek overpass after two fishermen found a Mishawaka man who police said crashed his pickup truck around Dec. 20, 2023. - Original Credit: Indiana State Police (Handout/HANDOUT) The glitter was Matthew R. Reums crashed pickup truck. Reum, 27, of Mishawaka, Indiana, had been trapped in the truck for six days, since Dec. 20, when Indiana State Police said he went off the road and survived on rain water until he was rescued. Advertisement We were coming down the trail to the fishing area, maybe 30 yards, and then we switched our focus to getting this guy out, said De La Torre, 31, of Portage. De La Torre and Garcia ultimately called 911 and Porter County Central Dispatch received the call at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday about the crash off Interstate 94 at the Salt Creek overpass one mile east of the Portage exit. After a lengthy extrication effort by first responders with the Portage and Burns Harbor fire departments, Reum was transported by Lutheran Air to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with severe, life-threatening injuries, according to a release from Sgt. Glen Fifield, public information officer with Indiana State Polices Lowell Post. Wednesday morning, Reum was in the intensive care unit at the hospital after having his left leg amputated mid-shin, according to Brad Sievers, business manager for Boilermakers Local 374, who added Reum also suffered multiple broken bones. Reum graduated from an apprenticeship with Boilermaker Local 455 in Tennessee in 2015 and transferred to the local in Hobart two years ago, Sievers said, adding Reum was a welder, among many other things, and a very good asset to his trade. Part of a crushed bumper sits along the shore of Salt Creek in Portage as Portage resident Nivardo De La Torre and his father-in-law Mario Garcia walk the scene where they spotted the wrecked truck that trapped Mishawaka resident Matthew Reum for six days, as they revisit the site of the crash on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune) A preliminary investigation shows that Reum, driving a 2016 Dodge Ram truck, was westbound on I-94 when it left the roadway for unknown reasons and went into the north ditch, missing a protective guardrail, according to Fifield. The truck overturned into the creek, coming to rest under the I-94 bridge. Reum was pinned inside the truck and was unable to call for help. Its not immediately clear where Reum was going at the time of the crash. De La Torre said he and Garcia were in rescue mode when they found Reum and his destination didnt come up. Advertisement He had messaged me earlier in the day (on Dec. 20) and asked if he could use the shop because he was going to be up here the next couple of days, Sievers said, adding he didnt know why Reum was going to be in the area but he travels a lot for work. Hobart resident Mario Garcia holds up a piece of wreckage as he and his son, Nivardo De La Torre, survey the location where they discovered Mishawaka resident Matthew Reum trapped in his truck while scouting a fishing spot earlier this week. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune) Sievers said Reum called him Tuesday night and even after his ordeal, he still had a positive attitude and talked about getting back to work because he had bills to pay. One of Reums friends created a GoFundMe page to help cover his medical expenses; the effort raised more than $18,000 by Wednesday afternoon. I said, Take care, bud. Its something they make movies about, Sievers said. The will to survive this crash was nothing short of extraordinary as it was also determined that Mr. Reum was able to drink rain water for hydration to survive for such a long period of time while exposed to the elements, Fifield said in a release. When Garcia and De La Torre found Reums truck, Garcia said curiosity drew them closer to the wreck because you dont usually see something that mangled up under the bridge. I moved the air bag out of the way and there was a person there, and thats where it all started, he said, adding it was a fortunate chance that he and De La Torre were at the scene. Advertisement Portage resident Nivardo De La Torre shows video on his phone from the night he and his father-in-law, Mario Garcia, discovered Mishawaka resident Matthew Reum, who spent six days stranded in his crashed truck, earlier this week, as he visits the location of the wreck on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune) Reum was asleep or something when the two found him, Garcia said, and the fishermen didnt think he was alive until they touched him. He was so glad to see us, Garcia said. Just the look on his face, it was like, What are you guys doing here? De La Torre said, adding Reum said he had been screaming for help but hadnt seen anyone since the crash. He was in shock just as much as we were. Reum told the good Samaritans that the crash occurred on Dec. 20. Had it not been for the two individuals that were walking the creek (Tuesday) afternoon, this incident more than likely would have had a different outcome, Fifield said. There had not been any prior reports of a crash in this area prior to the fishermen finding the vehicle. The crash, Fifield said, is a reminder of the importance of always letting someone know about travel plans, the route, and the need to always have emergency items in a vehicle. Advertisement He was really pinned in there. Without help, we would have never gotten him out, De La Torre said, adding he and Garcia remained at the scene for the hours long extrication. We stayed there until they pulled him out and were able to make a path to get him to the helicopter. A semi-truck crosses over Salt Creek on I-94 near the location where Mishawaka resident Matthew Reum spent six days stranded in his crashed truck before being discovered by Portage resident Nivardo De La Torre and his father-in-law Mario Garcia. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune) The two also called the hospital where Reum was in the ICU. He said he was thankful for their assistance in a Facebook message to Garcias wife. In a statement released by Memorial Hospital, Reum, who remains in critical condition, thanked De La Torre, Garcia, in addition to the first responders and caregivers. He requested time to process his ordeal and rest and heal. Matt knows he has a story to tell, and when he is ready, he plans to share details of that experience. Until then, Matt has asked us to share this message, while also requesting privacy during this time for himself, his family and friends. He adds, No matter how tough things get, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes in the least expected way. the hospitals statement read. Garcia and De La Torre love the outdoors and are always looking for new places to go fishing, Garcia said, yet for some reason, they decided to stay in the area to take advantage of the weather, which proved to be a benefit for Reum as well. Everything worked together, Garcia said. This is like a godsend. Advertisement alavalley@chicagotribune.com KANAB, Utah (ABC4) Over 400 dogs at a southern Utah shelter received a new toy for Christmas as part of a tradition that began in the 90s. This Christmas, toys donated by animal lovers across the country were piled into a trailer, deemed Santas sleigh, and delivered to hundreds of dogs at the Best Friends Animal Society Sanctuary in Kanab, the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the nation. Dozens of dogs at the Best Friends Animal Society Kanab Sanctuary received a new toy for Christmas as part of a tradition that began in the 90s. (Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society) Dozens of dogs at the Best Friends Animal Society Kanab Sanctuary received a new toy for Christmas as part of a tradition that began in the 90s. (Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society) Dozens of dogs at the Best Friends Animal Society Kanab Sanctuary received a new toy for Christmas as part of a tradition that began in the 90s. (Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society) Dozens of dogs at the Best Friends Animal Society Kanab Sanctuary received a new toy for Christmas as part of a tradition that began in the 90s. (Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society) Dozens of dogs at the Best Friends Animal Society Kanab Sanctuary received a new toy for Christmas as part of a tradition that began in the 90s. (Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society) Dozens of dogs at the Best Friends Animal Society Kanab Sanctuary received a new toy for Christmas as part of a tradition that began in the 90s. (Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society) In addition to the balls and ropes, the nonprofit said Blue Buffalo, a pet food company, joined the tradition for the first time this year by donating a pallet of dog treats. In Dogtown, an area of the sanctuary designed for dogs who are healing from abuse, neglect, or medical issues, dozens of dogs picked out a toy, blanket, or bed from the sleigh, according to the sanctuary. The remaining toys were distributed to the rest of the dogs at the shelter. Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, said many of these pets were once in homes and are eager to be part of a family again. She said the Christmas tradition is part of an effort to give the dogs family-like experiences during their stay at the shelter. Dogtown director Alison Waszmer echoed this by saying the event is intended to give them a sense of familiarity during the holiday season as they await adoption. We want to make sure that, just like a pet in a home, they also get something special, Waszmer said. Best Friends representatives say many shelters across the nation are full, and these pets, especially adult cats and dogs, are in need of good homes. They encourage those who can adopt a pet to do so as soon as possible. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Denis Pushilin, the leader of the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) terrorist organization, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in absentia for treason, the Prosecutor Generals Office reported on Wed., Dec. 27. On Sept. 2022, Pushilin convened and held an extraordinary session of the terrorist organization, according to the prosecutors involved in the case. At the meeting, the DPR adopted a law on holding a referendum to join the Russian Federation. As such, Pushilin had illegally called for the annexation of Ukrainian territory, committing an act of treason in the process. On Sept. 30, 2022, Pushilin signed an "agreement" with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on the annexation of the DPR and newly occupied Donetsk Oblast territories. 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 WARREN, Mich. (FOX 2) - A suspect crashed into a box truck and died while fleeing Warren police Tuesday. Police said officers stopped a red Chevrolet Cruze for a traffic violation in the area of Van Dyke and Stephens at 12:09 p.m. When an officer asked for identification, the driver said he did not have ID. The officer asked the driver to step out of the car, but he fled. Police followed him onto northbound Lawrence south of 10 Mile in Center Line. He then drove in a field near Lawrence and 10 Mile before continuing on 10 Mile. A few minutes after the initial stop, he ran a red light at 10 Mile and Ryan and hit a Ford F-150, police said. The suspect then hit a Penske box truck and the car went underneath the truck. The driver of the Cruze was pronounced dead at the scene, and no other injuries were reported. "This driver is dead due to the choice he made to flee from officers. Fleeing the police unfortunately cost this driver his life," Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer said. Police said a handgun was found on the floor of the car after the crash. The intersection of 10 Mile and Ryan is expected to be closed for several hours. "Like every police pursuit, this pursuit was closely monitored in real time by patrol supervisors," Dwyer said. "Traffic was light and the speeds were moderate throughout the entire pursuit, which lasted approximately three minutes." Russian air defense forces intercepted a drone over Rostov Oblast, Governor Vasily Golubev claimed on Dec. 27. Golubev said the drone was shot down in the early hours of Dec. 27, and that consequences on the ground were still being investigated. No information on casualties or damage has been reported. The report follows a wave of Russian attacks against Ukraine on Dec. 26-27, including an attack on a Kherson railway station that killed a police officer and drone strikes across mulitple regions. Ukrainian officials have not commented on Golubev's claim. Kyiv has repeatedly targeted military infrastructure in Russia and Russian-occupied territories. It does not typically comment on claims of drone strikes within Russia. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian landing ship hit by Ukrainian missile strike in occupied Crimea Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. US warships in the Red Sea have been battling a growing number of weapons fired by Houthi forces in Yemen over the past several weeks, including 17 drones and missiles during a 10-hour period on Tuesday alone. Yahya Saree, a spokesman for Houthi forces, said on X, formerly Twitter, that the latest launches were in continued support and solidarity with the Palestinian people. The group had previously said it was targeting ships headed for Israel following Israeli forces invasion of Gaza. The Iran-backed Houthis have launched at least 100 attacks against 14 different commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea over the past month, a senior US military official said last week. The strikes prompted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to announce the formation of a coalition of at least 10 countries to focus on security in the Red Sea. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney is seen in the Mediterranean Sea in 2018. - Ryan U. Kledzik/U.S. Navy/AP The coalition involves member ships being available near the Red Sea to respond to attacks. A goal of the initiative was to deter future Houthi attacks, but the militants have nevertheless continued targeting ships operating near Yemen. The Red Sea is home to one of the most important maritime trade routes in the world, and the attacks have had far-reaching reverberations. At least 44 countries are connected to vessels attacked by the Houthis and the attacks have disrupted wider international trade. The 17 drones and missiles launched by the Houthis on Tuesday were brought down with weapons carried by the guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon and by F/A-18 fighter jets flying off the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower, the US Central Command said. The US Navy has not said exactly what weapons its ships are using against the Houthi attacks, but analysts said a US destroyer has a range of arms systems at its disposal. These include surface-to-air missiles, explosive shells from the destroyers 5-inch main gun and close-in weapons systems, the experts said. They also said US ships have electronic warfare capabilities that could sever the links between drones and their on-shore controllers. Whatever systems US destroyer captains use, they face decisions on cost, inventory and effectiveness as the mission grows, the experts said. The drones are slower and can be hit with the cheaper missiles or even the ships gun. Faster missiles must be intercepted with more sophisticated interceptor missiles, said John Bradford, Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs fellow. US Navys main asset the guided-missile destroyer The main US asset involved in the Red Sea to counter the attacks on shipping is the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, like the USS Laboon. The missiles in its magazine include: The Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), an advanced weapon that can shoot down ballistic missiles high in the atmosphere, other lower trajectory missiles and target other ships with a range of up to 370 kilometers, according to the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). These cost more than $4 million each. Two modified Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) Block IV interceptors are launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie during a Missile Defense Agency test to intercept a short-range ballistic missile target June 5, 2008, in the Pacific Ocean west of Kauai, Hawaii. - U.S. Navy/Getty Images/File The Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) , less advanced than the SM-6 with a smaller range of 185 to 370 kilometers, depending on the version, according to the CSIS. They cost about $2.5 million each. The Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), designed to hit anti-ship cruise missiles and lower speed threats like drones or helicopters at a range of up to 50 kilometers, the CSIS says. Each one costs more than $1 million. Experts said last week they think the US is using the SM-2 and/or ESSM missiles against the Houthi threats so far. Pricey munitions and the cost-benefit ratio But as they are facing drones that can be produced and deployed in large numbers for unit prices well under $100,000, a prolonged campaign could eventually tax US resources, the experts say. These are advanced air intercept capabilities with an average cost of around $2 million - making the intercept of drones not cost effective, said Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy at Kings College in London. Houthi forces are funded and trained by Iran, so they have resources for an extended fight, the experts point out. Its also a question of to what lengths the US wants to go to protect merchant shipping, the analysts said. A US destroyers Phalanx close-in weapons system Gatling guns that can fire up to 4,500 rounds a minute could handle drone or missile threats that get within a mile of the warship, said Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain and a former director of operations at the US Pacific Commands Joint Intelligence Center in Hawaii. Thats a relatively low-cost defense. But if drones do get that close, it is the last line of defense and a miss could cost US lives. A single missile or single drone does not sink a US warship, but it can kill people and/or do damage that required the ship to withdraw for repairs in port, said Bradford, from the Council on Foreign Relations. Defense of warships vs. protection of merchants And the Phalanx system cant protect merchant ships the US destroyer may be watching over, sailing miles away from the warship. To provide wide area air defense (as opposed to self-protection) vessels rely primarily on anti-air missiles, said Sidharth Kaushal, research fellow for sea power at the Royal United Services Institute in London. Kaushal said US anti-aircraft interceptor missiles on US warships are fired from vertical launch system (VLS) cells on the deck. Each cell can contain a mix of armaments (exact numbers are classified), but the number aboard any one vessel is finite, Kaushal said. And if the Houthis can deplete a ships inventories with successive attacks, the warship could find itself short on munitions to protect the merchant vessels its watching over, said Salvatore Mercogliano, a naval expert and professor at Campbell University in North Carolina. While the navies are well equipped to swat down what the Houthi are currently throwing, the fear is that the scope and scale increase and the escorts cannot keep up a level of defense to protect commercial shipping, he said. The Houthis have not yet tried a true drone swarm attack similar to what Russia has deployed repeatedly in Ukraine one that could involve dozens of incoming threats at one time, the experts said. A swarm could tax the capabilities of a single warship, but, more importantly, it could mean weapons get past them to hit commercial ships, Mercogliano said. US warships also face the question of how to replenish missile inventory in the region, he said. The only site to reload weapons is at Djibouti (a US base on the Horn of Africa) and that is close to the action, he said. Possible threats in an evolving battlespace The experts said deployment of anti-ship cruise or ballistic missiles presents a potentially more difficult challenge. Houthi forces fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land-attack cruises missiles on Tuesday, US Central Command said. Anti-ship cruise missiles can come in low and penetrate a ships hull above the waterline. These are the type of weapons that sunk several British ships during the Falklands War and hit USS Stark (in the Persian Gulf) in 1987, Mercogliano said. Ballistic missiles could present an even greater danger, he said. The terminal velocity of the weapon and its payload could inflict serious damage on a warship or commercial vessel, he said, and may need the best US interceptors, like the SM-6, to shoot it down. Mercogliano said the battlespace is not static and the Houthis will have something to say about what they will deploy. The Houthi are watching and seeing how the navies are responding to these attacks, he said. And the experts say the US may at some point decide it has to go on offense. There is another course of action which is striking at the source. This would shift the emphasis from intercepting the capabilities once theyre in the air to strike them at the source to prevent their use in the first place, Patalano said. Given a choice and capability, it is always cheaper to take out the archers than to intercept the arrows, Schuster said. CNNs Oren Liebermann and Natasha Bertrand contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Earlier this month, UNC Health Pardee became the first Western North Carolina hospital to administer a dose of a promising new Alzheimers drug, according to our news partners at WLOS in Asheville. ALSO READ: Former WSOC anchor dies after battle with Alzheimers disease The new drug is called Lecanemab and works by targeting amyloid proteins for removal, WLOS says. By reducing the number of proteins, doctors can slow memory and thinking deterioration caused by Alzheimers disease, according to Dr. Joel Callahan, neurologist and chief of staff at UNC Health Pardee. This is not a cure for Alzheimers disease, Callahan told WLOS. This is not even anything that stops it in its tracks; this is just meant to slow down the progression, but its the first time weve had our foot in the door to offer something that changes the pathologythe actual changes in the brain that are responsible for Alzheimers disease. And so for that reason, its exciting, its a game-changer, and its a reason for hope. An 81-year-old woman from Hendersonville, diagnosed with Alzheimers, was given the first dose of Lacenemab by Callahan. The doctor says the patient had a minor headache but was optimistic about the drugs positive impacts. WLOS reports that several patients are close to beginning the new treatment. ALSO READ: Hispanic Americans at higher risk of developing Alzheimers, experts say What we hope to see is that it changes the trajectory of these patients throughout, not just in the immediate future and first couple of years, but in the length of the disease, which is a 1020-year course, Callahan told WLOS. Lacenemab was fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in July. The infusion-style treatment is made for patients with early or mild memory issues connected to Alzheimers. The infusion is given every two weeks and lasts about an hour before a brief monitoring period, WLOS reports. Some side effects from the treatment include headaches, fevers, and chills in about 25% of patients. According to Callahan, after several treatments, the risk of side effects goes down. Due to the nature of the drug, patients will face several restrictions, including not being allowed to have an MRI or be placed on blood thinners, according to WLOS. These new medicines really target those proteins and those changes that take place in the brain of an Alzheimers patient, Callahan said. The total cost of treatment is about $32,000 a year, and in certain cases, it is covered by Medicare, WLOS says. (WATCH BELOW: Board games may help prevent cognitive decline, according to study) WASHINGTON When a temporary cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war collapsed, Vice President Kamala Harris found herself in United Arab Emirates city of Dubai, pulling aside sheiks, generals and powerful Middle Eastern leaders. When she was done, she emphasized the Biden administrations staunch support for Israels right to defend itself after the bloody Oct. 7 Hamas rampage. But she also made clear Washingtons mood had shifted as the civilian death toll surged. Frankly, the scale of civilian suffering and the images and videos coming from Gaza are devastating, Harris said, raising her right index finger as she delivered the sternest U.S. warning yet to Israel about the Gaza offensive. "As Israel defends itself," she said. "It matters how." For more than a century, the one cardinal rule for America's vice presidents has been: Don't get in front of the boss. Had Harris? No, instead, this was the moment the White House united behind her and listened to her concerns about Gazas body count as the war roiled global opinion and the Democratic base. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is sworn in during the 2021 presidential inauguration of Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol. Harris remarks that day, her command of the room, were a glimpse of the politician whose potential seemed unlimited just four years ago but whose image and presidential prospects have together dimmed under the intense scrutiny that followed her ascent to the second-highest office in the land. Her supporters chalk it up to sexism, racism and unfair media coverage of the first Black woman to serve as vice president. Harris detractors point to her tendency to laugh through uncomfortable situations and sidestep direct questions with rambling answers. Others cant seem to get a read on who she is. Whatever the case, on this aspect, much of America seems to agree: Harris has an uneven record and is not ready to claim the mantle of party leader. More worrisome, are the criticisms that she lacks foreign policy experience and isnt fit to step into the Oval Office if Joe Bidens presidency takes an unexpected turn. At an October stop at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, sophomore Andrew Baxley, who chairs the schools College Democrats of America chapter, asked about steps the administration is taking to secure reproductive rights low-hanging fruit for the former California attorney general. Baxley actually wanted to ask Harris about knottier topics such as Bidens decision to allow construction to move ahead on a section of border wall. That did not fly. The White House advertised the campus appearances as moderated conversations; it didnt disclose the extent to which the events were scripted. Students were asked to submit questions on abortion, gun violence, climate change, voting and LGBTQ rights. They held a Zoom prior and rehearsed the rundown. On the day of the event, Harris answered Baxleys question. Her response drew applause, but Baxley was unsatisfied as he watched Harris handled, scripted and managed in ways that undercut her image as a leader. It was not the same Harris the unfettered Harris that wowed a global audience in the UAE. With the election 11 months away, and the presidency on the line, the deciding factor could be whether voters think Harris could really do Biden's job. Sending Dubai Harris to American swing states could be exactly what the ailing campaign needs. Backstage at the college event, Baxley tried asking Harris his other question. An aide shooed him along. Baxley felt shortchanged, unable to walk away with a positive opinion of Harris. And I feel as though, had I been able to really have a more personal connection with her, and possibly speak more in depth with her, that could have been possible. The role of the VP sucks most of the time Harris' allies have been warning the White House about the severity of her image problems for years. Part of the issue stems from being number two when she was always a number one, used to accumulating a series of firsts as a Black woman and of South Asian descent: district attorney of San Francisco, California attorney general and U.S. senator. Harris blazed trails, forging her own path and making up her own mind. Early on, she had to get in line with Bidens agenda, a quirk of the job that has caused her remarks to frequently come across as stilted. Harris positions as a candidate were to the left of Biden's on many issues, and she was not helped by White House assignments that were a poor fit for her skill set. Bidens tasking of Harris to solve the root causes of mass migration to the southern border in 2021 was especially egregious. The most experience that Harris had dealing with Central America prior to the arrangement was arresting and prosecuting human and drug traffickers. She would inevitably be compared to Biden, who, perhaps unfairly, had himself been charged with playing migration 'bad cop' by former President Barack Obama. The test led to a major setback. So, Harris allies pushed for more public appearances in places like South Carolina, in front of voting blocs that are prone to like her. In early December, Beaufort County Democrats gathered for a gala on St. Helena Island. The functions speaker was Congressional Black Caucus Chair emerita Joyce Beatty, on behalf of the Biden-Harris reelection campaign. Beatty pushed aside remarks that Bidens aides had given her to read and began to riff about the duos record with gusto. The Ohio congresswoman told attendees she had recently challenged one of Harris' Democratic detractors to name the last 20 people whod held her job. The vice presidents job sucks most of the time, Beatty told the crowd to laughter. President Barack Obama walks with California Attorney General Kamala Harris, center, and California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, after arriving at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, on Feb. 16, 2012. Vice presidents run the risk of being too good at their jobs and getting accused of trying to outshine their bosses, she explained. The role of the vice president is to do what the president tells them to do, Beatty said. It was not always this way with Harris. Obama complimented her as brilliant, dedicated and tough. She won a U.S. Senate seat in 2016 on the same night the country elected Donald Trump. Harris supporters are still in awe of how she hammered future Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his Senate confirmation hearing. Among Harris die-hard fans are John Glover. A retired IT manager from St. Helena Island, he spent nearly five decades in Berkeley, California, where Harris was raised. Glover, who turns 80 in January, has a photo of himself standing with Harris as his cellphone background. The picture was taken when she was campaigning for president in 2019. I fell in love with her the first time I met her, he said. Authentic Harris appears behind closed doors Riding an adrenaline high after three days of meetings with Asian-Pacific leaders, a more authentic version of Harris was on display at a campaign reception in Piedmont, California, in November. Her comfort was palpable in a room filled with dear friends and top donors. Together they laughed. They clapped. Harris amiable husband, Doug Emhoff, introduced her. Harris turned her gaze to a small group of reporters standing at the back of the room. When people want to talk about the polls, on and on about the polls, let me tell you: Everything we have accomplished is highly, highly popular with the American people, she said. Biden and Harris had been hit with a wave of negative surveys that showed them losing to Trump and saying that they were in trouble. Even now, as her vice presidency has stabilized, she has not entirely restored her credibility, although she has done a better job at making the role her own. Kamala Harris, Attorney General of California, with Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, present Rules Committee report, during the Democratic National Convention Sept. 4, 2012 in Charlotte, N.C. In South Carolina, Lynn Lotz, a Hilton Head Island resident, said Harris was given tasks that she should not have been given early on, because I think that put her a step back instead of moving her forward. I dont think she had the support behind her that she needed, said Lotz, who met Harris at a Democratic convention in 2019. The vice president's political opponents, such as GOP presidential candidate and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, have turned Harris failures into campaign attacks, deriding her more incoherent comments as word salads. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom to know where up is. And were there. The one thing I dont think we can survive is a President Kamala Harris, Haley told a Bluffton, South Carolina, crowd in late November. Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat from Minnesota who is challenging Biden for president, came under scrutiny last month for repeating critiques he said had been shared with him that Harris is incompetent. He later apologized and suggested that Harris should be running instead of Biden. Anne Moncure, 67, a retired health care facility administrator from Beaufort County who hoped Democrats would come up with an alternative to Biden this year, doesnt think Harris is up to the task of commander-in-chief. The role of the vice presidency, she says, should be a mentored one. How is Biden preparing her for the role? she asked. Harris was unavailable for an interview for this article. White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement the president views the vice president as a "critical partner" in the successes of the administration including the restoration of America's alliances around the world. "The President deeply values her counsel, which he seeks often, and her leadership on a wide range of issues from reproductive freedom, to artificial intelligence" Bates said. Sen. Kamala Harris of California speaks as she accepts the nomination for Vice President of the United States, during the Democratic National Convention at the Wisconsin Center, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. Is Harris turning it around? For the first time in months, Biden and Harris met for a private lunch on Dec. 15. Its a tradition that Biden began when he was vice president to Obama to help the men of different ages and lived experiences bond. But the dynamics of the relationship between Biden, 81, and Harris, 59, are starkly different. As vice president, Biden was seen as the adult in the room to a younger president, who possessed far less experience. Harris was chosen as vice president in large measure to excite the partys progressive base. In recent months, she has demonstrated a keen understanding of the politics of the Israel-Hamas war and of the political peril that she and Biden face as they head into an election year in which they believe American democracy is truly on the line. The criticisms of Harris have lessened as the White House has gotten better at utilizing her on issues that fire up progressives and on which she and Biden largely agree. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Harris was responsible for making abortion rights a centerpiece of her and Bidens midterm elections platform. Supporters had pushed for her to be the one to rally Democrats, effectively marking a turning point for Harris. Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., right, react as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents lawmakers with a Ukrainian flag autographed by front-line troops in Bakhmut, in Ukraine's contested Donetsk province, as he addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. Vice President Kamala Harris enters Michie Stadium for the 2023 Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony on the campus of U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday, May 27, 2023. In January, Harris will embark on a nationwide tour to promote the abortion rights message. Her first stop? The battleground state of Wisconsin. National tours have helped Harris reach a critical constituency: voters who are unfamiliar with work she did that took place during the pandemic and behind closed doors. Im always wondering, why am I not hearing about her? said Julie Raino, a 66-year-old grief counselor who lives on Hilton Head Island. The fact that I have to look for her is really strange. Raino says she admired the way Harris, who is of Indian and Jamaican descent, challenged Biden during a heated Democratic primary debate, telling him she was bused to elementary school during an exchange over integration. Raino says she wants to see more of Harris. I really loved her when she was running for office, Raino said. And I thought in that debate she was amazing and she could stand up to even Biden. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kamala Harris greets supporters at a election night rally Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 in Los Angeles. Harris lays groundwork in South Carolina When it was time for Bidens team to file paperwork to appear on the ballot in South Carolina this year, it turned to campaign co-chair and former Democratic majority leader Jim Clyburn. Harris joined Clyburn in Columbia, the state capital. Appearing before a small group of supporters, Harris called the influential Democrat a friend. It was South Carolina that created the path to the White House for Joe Biden and me, she told them. Clyburn and Harris were both members of the Congressional Black Caucus. He endorsed Biden for the presidency after Harris left the race at the request of his wife, Emily. It was her dying wish. He has since become one of Harris most vocal defenders. People walk around and find reasons to criticize, and then every time she has been called to step up to the plate, she's hit a home run, Clyburn said. Harris has been paying more frequent visits to the state that will hold the first, sanctioned Democratic presidential primary. She has traveled there twice since mid-October. Harris made a stop at Benedict College, a historically Black university in Columbia, on another trip last February. And she has a trip planned for Jan. 6. It's only natural she'd want to deepen her relationships in the state with an eye toward a 2028 presidential bid, activists say. I think that she gets it. She knows that you have to be here in South Carolina the same way Vice President Biden got it, says Christale Spain, who chairs the states Democratic Party. Harris own political operation in South Carolina was never tested. She shut down her financially struggling campaign on Dec. 3, 2019, a day before the conclusion of the states filing period. She still has a lot of relationships that she can still tap into when she's going back to South Carolina on the campaign trail, said Jalisa Washington Price, a senior adviser to the Biden campaign in South Carolina and Harris former deputy political director. One of Harris campaign stops at the time was Royal Missionary Baptist Church. Biden later came to the church in the primary. A photo of him with the Rev. Isaac Holt Jr. still hangs on the ministers wall. Holt says much of Harris political future, her ability to put together a winning coalition in 2028 to land the partys nomination, will depend on the rest of Bidens tenure. Its going to be a tough one. I don't think it's going to be a gimme. I don't think it'd be automatic, said Holt, 70. But she's in a better position right now than anybody else. Potential rivals, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, are already signaling they might challenge her. She must convince voters that she's uniquely suited for the job. Baxley, the college Democrat, said hes leaning toward Newsom but hasnt counted out Harris yet. Losing to any of the Republican candidates in this election could be a dealbreaker. I'm looking for a strong Democratic candidate, and if she loses in 2024, that's kind of my statement on President Harris, Baxley said. Its a heavy burden for a vice president who would face more far-reaching political damage if the Biden-Harris ticket fails. But as Harris herself has said, now is not the moment for that conversation. Vice President Kamala Harris takes a photo with supporters after speaking during a vaccine mobilization event at the TCF Center in downtown Detroit on Monday, July 12, 2021. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris' time to convince doubters has come A man was arrested in the Central District neighborhood of Seattle Tuesday on charges of possessing a stolen vehicle, eluding and driving under the influence. Just after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, an officer saw a car with a stolen license plate stopped at the intersection of 12th Avenue South and South Weller Street. When the officer attempted to stop the car, the driver took off at a high rate of speed. The driver then collided with the United States Postal Service truck at the intersection of 20th Avenue and East Yesler Way, then hit a light post. The USPS driver was not injured. The DUI suspect then ran from the scene, but officers found the 44-year-old man nearby. He was arrested and booked into the King County Jail. A new exhibition titled In Shanghai is going on at Jiushi Art Museum from Dec 23 to Feb 26, featuring 60 artworks created by more than 20 artists and designers. Art from pioneering artists in the early 1900s such as Liu Haisu and Lin Fengmian, to modern masters such as Chen Yifei and Wang Jieyin, and celebrated contemporary artists such as Ding Yi and Yang Fudong, the exhibition is aimed at reflecting the art development in Shanghai through the past century. Afghan women sit beside their newborns at the Doctors Without Borders (MSF)-run maternity hospital in Khost (Kobra Akbari) Zubaida travelled from the rural outskirts of Khost in eastern Afghanistan to give birth at a maternity hospital specialising in complicated cases, fearing a fate all too common among pregnant Afghan women -- her death or her child's. She lay dazed, surrounded by the unfamiliar bustle of the Doctors Without Borders (MSF)-run hospital, exhausted from delivery the day before, but relieved. Her still-weak newborn slept nearby in an iron crib with peeling paint, the child's eyes lined with khol to ward off evil. "If I had given birth at home, there could have been complications for the baby and for me," said the woman, who doesn't know her age. Not all of the women who make it to the hospital are so lucky. "Sometimes we receive patients who come too late to save their lives" after delivering at home, said Therese Tuyisabingere, the head of midwifery at MSF in Khost, capital of Khost province. The facility delivers 20,000 babies a year, nearly half those born in the province, and it only takes on high-risk and complicated pregnancies, many involving mothers who haven't had any check-ups. "This is a big challenge for us to save lives," said Tuyisabingere. She and the some 100 midwives at the clinic are on the front lines of a battle to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan, where having many children is a source of pride, but where every birth carries heavy risks -- with odds against women mounting. Afghanistan is among the worst countries in the world for deaths in childbirth, "with one woman dying every two hours", UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said earlier this month. The Afghan health ministry did not respond to repeated requests for comment on this story. According to the latest World Health Organization figures, from 2017, 638 women die in Afghanistan for every 100,000 viable births, compared with 19 in the United States. That figure, moreover, conceals the huge disparities between rural and urban areas. Terje Watterdal, country director for the non-profit Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC), said they saw 5,000 maternal deaths per 100,000 births in remote parts of Afghanistan. "Men carry the women over their shoulders, and the women die over the mountain trying to reach a hospital," he said. - 'Brain drain' - Before the return to power of the Taliban in August 2021 and the end of their insurgency, women would sometimes have to brave the frontlines to reach help, but now there are new challenges -- including a "brain drain" of expertise. "A lot of gynaecologists have left the country," Watterdal said. Moreover, Taliban authorities want to get rid of the mobile medical teams visiting women because "they cannot control the health messages they were giving", he said. Under the Taliban government, women have been squeezed from public life and had access to education restricted, threatening the future of the female medical field in a country where many families avoid sending women to male doctors. "Access to antenatal and postnatal care for a woman was (always) extremely complicated. It's even more complicated today," said Filipe Ribeiro, MSF director in Afghanistan. This is due to measures taken by authorities as well as the failings of the healthcare system -- including structural support from foreign donors. "What little there was has been put under even greater pressure," Ribeiro said. The financial strain on families amid the country's economic crisis increases the risks, said Noor Khanum Ahmadzai, health coordinator for non-governmental organisation Terre des Hommes in Kabul. In a public hospital where the midwives are overworked and poorly paid, women have to bring their own medicine. A delivery costs around 2,000 Afghanis ($29) -- a significant sum for many families. Despite the risks, "women who used to go to the public sector now prefer to deliver at home, because they don't have money", said Ahmadzai. An estimated 40 percent of Afghan women give birth at home, but that shoots up to 80 percent in remote areas -- often with the help of their mother-in-law or a local matriarch, but sometimes alone. - 'Mother died in childbirth' - Islam Bibi, pregnant with triplets, went to the MSF facility in Khost in pain, and empty-handed. "I was sick, my husband didn't have any money. I was told, 'Go to this hospital, they do everything for free'," said the 38-year-old, one of hundreds of thousands of Afghans who fled Pakistan in recent months, fearing deportation. Multiple births like Islam Bibi's are common, said Tania Allekotte, an MSF gynaecologist from Argentina. "It is valued here to have many children and many women take a treatment to stimulate their fecundity. We often have twins here," she told AFP. The average woman has six children in Afghanistan, but multiple pregnancies, repeated caesarean sections or miscarriages increase the risk of death. There are some rays of hope. Women in neighbouring Paktia province may have fewer risks now, thanks to a first-of-its-kind maternity centre opened recently by NAC in the small provincial capital Gardez -- a clinic run by women for women. "This type of clinic doesn't exist in the majority of provinces," Khair Mohammad Mansoor, the Taliban-appointed provincial health director, told the all-male audience. "We have created a system for them in which sharia law and all medical principles will be observed." The NAC facility aims to help "many of our sisters who live in isolated areas", manager Nasrin Oryakhil said, with similar clinics planned for four other provinces in the coming months. Its walls freshly painted and decorated with posters promoting vitamins and iron for pregnant women, the small clinic is set up for 10 deliveries a day, said head midwife Momina Kohistani. Keeping mothers alive as they bring new life into the world is close to home for her. "My mother died in childbirth," she murmured, tears rolling down her cheeks. pt-ash/sw/fox/mtp/cwl YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The live stream camera which overlooks a bald eagles nest in York County is back on. The video shows the bald eagle couple building their nest during the week at Codorus State Park, which is located near Hanover. According to abc27s media partner LancasterOnline, the live stream camera went dark a few months ago. This was because the company that runs the camera lost its power source. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter A social media campaign to raise money for the camera was then launched and was able to quickly raise the $10,000 needed for a new power source. To access the camera, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Phoenix police reported that a man from Phoenix is dead after being shot in the early morning hours the day after Christmas. Sergeant Phil Krynsky, a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department, stated that officers responded to a shooting call in the area of 39th and Northern avenues. Upon arrival, they discovered 39-year-old Mark Maldonado inside his own home with a gunshot wound. Krynsky said the fire department responded to treat Maldonado, but he died from his injuries on the scene. Officers interviewed multiple individuals who were present in the house during the shooting, leading them to detain one man initially. However, as homicide detectives arrived to conduct a more in-depth investigation, they opted to release him, as explained by Krynsky. There currently have no suspects in custody, and detectives are still investigating the situation to find out more. If anyone has information related to this shooting, they are encouraged to call Phoenix police or Silent Witness if they wish to remain anonymous. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 1 dead after early morning shooting in Phoenix the day after Christmas Eat up! These NE Ohio restaurants received national recognition in 2023 ***Video above: Slymans tradition Why folks line up early for their corned beef*** CLEVELAND (WJW) Northeast Ohio has its share of great eats and it seems like food enthusiasts across the country know that too. Back in March, Travel+Leisure.com named Cleveland among the Best Food Cities in the U.S. Cleveland ranked seventh in the article, which mentioned local gems like West Side Market, Pearls Kitchen and Cleveland Cold Brew. Holiday gift return guide: Stores, sites and deadlines Many other local restaurants, including some right here in Cleveland, were also nationally recognized in 2023. The Blue Door Cafe and Bakery Cuyahoga Falls Watch previous coverage in the video above. The Blue Door Cafe and Bakery in Cuyahoga Falls has been listed among favorite brunch spots multiple times this year. The restaurant ranked sixth on Yelps list of the top 100 best brunch spots in the U.S. The ranking was based on top reviews using the word brunch, according to the blog post. The Blue Door Cafe and Bakery was even named the Ohio Restaurant Associations Best Restaurant North. The restaurant takes pride in its true European pastry and breadmaking, along with dishes made from scratch every single day, according to its website. The cafe was also named among Yelps Top 100 Places to Eat in the Midwest in 2023. Read more about what cafe and bakery has to offer here. LJ Shanghai Cleveland When it comes to local Asian cuisine, LJ Shanghai in Cleveland took the spotlight this year, being named the best Chinese restaurant in Ohio. A summer article by lovefood.com says customers have to try the restaurants melt-in-the-mouth soup dumplings, as well as spicy noodle soup with beef, the seaweed salad, and spicy chaoshou. Eyes to the skies: Astronomical events to watch for in 2024 On its website, one of LJ Shanghais top reviewers called it the most unique Chinese food experience Ive ever had. Learn more about the restaurant and its menu here. Sauce the City University Heights ***Watch previous coverage on Sauce the City above.*** Looking for a little more heat? One of the best-selling chicken sandwiches at Sauce the City offers just that, but it was also recognized as the best chicken sandwich in the state. According to an article by lovefood.com in April, the Cleveland Hot Chicken Sandwich is the favorite with signature hot sauce, kale slaw and seasoning for extra spice. Founded by a Kent State University graduate, Sauce the City has expanded to multiple locations, including inside FirstEnergy Stadium and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Read more about the restaurant and its signature sandwich here. Slymans Restaurant and Deli Cleveland Known for its massive (and massively popular) corned beef sandwiches, its not too surprising to see Slymans Restaurant and Deli make the list. In November, lovefood.com named Slymans Ohios best old school restaurant where the recipes never change. Slymans notes other achievements on its website, such as being voted one of the top five best sandwich shops in the Cleveland and Akron-Canton areas. The restaurant was also visited by President George W. Bush in 2007 and celebrity chef Rachael Ray. Learn more about the restaurant and its menu here. Stevensons Bar & Grill Cleveland When it comes to burgers, a specialty served at Stevensons Bar and Grille has been recognized before and its happening again. The restaurants Big Guy was named among lovefood.coms list of Americas top historic burgers in September, saying the double cheeseburger has, all the elements of a perfect bar burger. 4 big Powerball winners in Ohio; jackpot still growing Stevensons, which was a staple in Euclid until it was moved to Cleveland in 2013, has previously been named among the best burgers in Cleveland by Thrillist. Learn more about Stevensons and the Big Guy here. Swensons Drive-In Akron ***Video above: FOX 8s Gabe Spiegel gives a tour of his hometown in Akron, including at stop at Swensons Drive-Thru.*** It may have branched out into a fast food chain across Ohio, but Swensons Drive-In got its start in 1934 in the heart of Akron. One of the restaurant chains signature items, the Galley Boy, was also featured in lovefood.coms list of historic burgers. According to the article, the real magic is in the sauce: one is creamy and similar to a tartar sauce, while the other is a tangy barbecue spread. Learn more about Swensons and its menu here. Did we miss local restaurants with national recognition this year? Let us know by email at tips@fox8.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Education isnt the societal, or even political, force its cracked up to be, and anyone who says differently is selling something. American education is instead captive to ever-mushrooming political, educational and societal agendas. If learning were a priority, public education wouldnt find itself with just 36% of Americans saying theyre satisfied with the system, tying a record low, according to Gallup. Education is frequently cited as the countrys most important issue because (pardon the cliche), children are our future. Candidates for public office are expected to present education platforms. Education frequently ranks high on lists of voter concerns. Knox County's middling TCAP scores However, based on dismal-for-decades analyses and assessments of American and Tennessee educational progress, all the talk, platforms and polls arent getting us much of anywhere. If that werent true, educational achievement wouldnt be at the same mediocre levels at which its been for many years, and Knox County and the nation would be well beyond educations continuing achievement doldrums. Amanda Collins holds up a sign while gathering with other education advocates at a rally against the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program in Market Square on July 15. For example, from the News Sentinel in July: About 41% of Knox County students across all grades met or exceeded expectations in the reading portion of the annual TCAP [Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program] test compared to 38% statewide. In math, 33.8% Knox County students across all grades met or exceeded expectations, just above the statewide percentage at 33.7%. In the 21st century, the most technologically advanced time in human history, when the economy is undergoing transformative change, and when the challenges of the future demand educational excellence, the numbers above dont shout success, but instead, look out below! Excuses, excuses The reasons or excuses are endless: too much testing, not the right testing or not enough testing; socioeconomic issues; not enough money put toward education; English as a second language obstacles; too much accountability placed on teachers; not enough accountability placed on teachers; too much discipline, not enough discipline, not the right discipline, etc., etc., etc. All come with agendas, and every agenda leads to an argument. This graphic provided by the Tennessee Department of Education shows the average English language arts TCAP results for all Knox County Schools students over the past six years, excluding 2020, when tests weren't administered because of the coronavirus pandemic. We repeatedly hear that the COVID-19 pandemic was, and is, responsible for a state and national learning deficit. Oh, really? Here are interesting statistics about Tennessee and national student reading achievement from the National Assessment of Educational Progress website. The NAEP is a program of the U.S. Department of Education; also, please note that the scores are based on a maximum of 500 points: In 2022, the average score of fourth-grade students in Tennessee was 214. This was not significantly different from the average score of 216 for students in the nation. The average score for students in Tennessee in 2022 (214) was lower than the average score in 2019 (219) and was not significantly different from their average score in 1998 (212). If you think things improve as time passes, please think again. What follows is the 2022 assessment of Tennessee eighth-graders and includes a reference to national results: In 2022, the average score of eighth-grade students in Tennessee was 258. This was not significantly different from the average score of 259 for students in the nation. The average score for students in Tennessee in 2022 (258) was lower than their average score in 2019 (262) and was not significantly different from their average score in 1998 (258). If were not mistaken and were not in 1998, COVID-19 wasnt even a twinkle in the eye of a bat in China or breaking loose from a laboratory test tube. These days, when the public hears something about public schools, its perhaps more likely that rather than a meaningful examination of educational deficits, other subjects will take center stage, such as a student who was assigned male at birth but identifies as female wanting to use the girls locker room, or a Satan Club possibly forming at a Memphis-Shelby County Elementary School. This graphic provided by the Tennessee Department of Education shows that students in Knox County haven't made as much improvement in math proficiency since before the pandemic. Students trading public schools for other options As the cacophonous roar of nonacademic clashes occurs, enrollment in American public schools is dropping. In August 2022, some 2 million students were cited as abandoning public schools, their parents opting instead for charter schools, private schools or homeschooling, which is burgeoning. In such environments parents can probably not be concerned about the aforementioned nonacademic concerns. Are students, particularly high school students, believing that their academic performance is irrelevant because the government will take care of their debts, health care, food, lodging and more? Are they succumbing to popular cultures image of school as being useful only as a place to meet to plan weekend parties? Theres the possibility that secondary-school courses are being watered down and grading made more lenient to show higher grade-point average achievement, to reduce criticism of teachers and administrations, to dispel complaints about inequity or all three. Changing the standards doesnt change reality but the attempt is underway. From Community College Review: According to Michigans Detroit Free Press, experts estimate that about 20% of students at four-year colleges and universities across the nation need remedial coursework of some kind. But at community colleges, it has been estimated that 60% of first-time students need at least one remedial course. Why? Because they arrive unable to do college-level work because of reading, math, or other deficiencies. But a movement is underway nationally to encourage students to refuse remedial courses, which will do nothing to improve student proficiency. Eventually, standards will have to be lowered to accommodate underperforming, or under-taught, students. The solution is hard to find. There are endless studies with endless complex graphs and charts that contain endless suggestions for how to improve the endlessly perplexing and societally damaging issue of students who cant perform at a 21st-century level. And behind each are phalanxes of experts, associations and interest groups that, for their own reasons or agendas, demand that their ideas be the ones adopted. If education were truly a priority, a 30-40% reading and math grade equivalency rate wouldnt be acceptable to taxpayers who pay public educations bills. Parents wouldnt stand for it. They would be involved actively in helping their children read. School system administrators and school boards would be rightfully embarrassed and be held accountable. Teachers would be properly supported, and alibis for poor performance wouldnt be acceptable. Legislators would focus on supporting student achievement, to the exclusion of their individual or party agendas, and be held accountable. In every school system, high standards would be set, and students expected to achieve them, without exploring innumerable ways they shouldnt be responsible or held accountable for their own learning. George Korda If education were truly the priority, adults wouldnt be fighting over a multiplicity of competing theories, policies and goals, all demanding attention, authority and, of course, money. But they are, and American public education is stuck on the rocks of competing agendas. And everyone is losing. George Korda is a political analyst for WATE-TV, hosts State Your Case from noon to 2 p.m. Sundays on WOKI-FM Newstalk 98.7 and is president of Korda Communications, a public relations and communications consulting firm. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: George Korda: Agendas, not education, are priority in public schools The Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors on Wednesday after workers went on strike ahead of contract negotiations with the city of Paris. The walkout coincided with planned events marking the 100th anniversary of the death of the tower's creator, Gustave Eiffel. The tower is open 365 days a year, apart from during occasional strikes, and it was unclear when it would open again, an Eiffel Tower spokesperson told The Associated Press. Around 800 employees work at the tower every day and 6,000,000 people visit it each year, making it the most visited ticketed monument in the world, according to the group that runs the monument, SETE. A prerecorded musical program marking Gustave Eiffel's death he died on December 27, 1923 was still scheduled to run on French television on Wednesday night. The union said in a statement that tower staffers were protesting "the current way it is managed" and said its operator was "headed for disaster," the AFP news agency reported. U.S. military carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed group in Iraq From the archives: The Smothers Brothers Treatments for Alzheimer's, other diseases, highlight pharmaceutical industry's historic year (BCN) A 33-year-old El Granada man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of several rape and kidnapping charges involving five separate young victims, San Mateo County prosecutors said Tuesday. Kaylan Freeman received the sentence last Friday after being convicted in August in the sexual assaults of the victims between the ages of 13 and 18, according to the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office. Prosecutors said that Freeman knew all of the victims and assaulted them by force and threat while on outings, including one who was taken to San Francisco under the guise of getting dinner but was driven to a secluded area and raped. Freeman was arrested at his home in January 2021 after an investigation by the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office that started back in 2012, sheriffs officials said. Calm before the storm: Officials urge storm prep as wet, unsettled weather returns At Fridays sentencing hearing, two victim impact statements were read, and the judge told Freeman that he appeared to have no remorse for his conduct and was smirking in court, according to the District Attorneys Office. Freeman received the life sentence under Californias One Strike law that mandates such sentences in sexual assault cases that have certain special circumstances, including there being more than one victim in the case. Freemans defense attorney Charles Smith III criticized the law, saying the circumstances of the case didnt warrant a life sentence. Its unfortunate that the Legislature has decided to take the sentencing decisions away from judges and is mandating these draconian sentences, Smith said. Copyright 2023 Bay City News, Inc. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. A woman shot and killed her husband during a domestic violence confrontation early Wednesday morning at a home in the Delta Park area of South-Central El Paso, police said. The shooting occurred at 4:50 a.m. on Dec. 27 in the 400 block of French Place, police spokesman Officer Adrian Cisneros said. A 54-year-old woman shot her 47-year-old spouse. The shooting was described as a domestic violence case and no arrests had been made as of Wednesday evening as investigation by detectives with the Crimes Against Persons Unit continued, police said. Details on the fatal shooting and the names of those involved had not been disclosed. Gun violence: Teen arrested following shooting frenzy at Northeast El Paso apartment complex The Crimes Against Persons Unit handles homicides, death investigations and cases were a victim is in danger of dying. Anyone with any information on any unsolved shooting, illegal guns and any other criminal activity may anonymously call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477 (TIPS) or leave a tip online at crimestoppersofelpaso.org. Crime: Parks employee robbed by man with knife in South-Central El Paso This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso woman fatally shoots husband in South-Central neighborhood A beloved fitness instructor went missing while paddling with friends along the Florida coastline, a nonprofit said. Eiffel Gilyana was found dead near Vilano Beach on Dec. 26, three days after a search began to find him, according to a Facebook post from Task Force Hydro1, a nonprofit focused on providing water-based activities to veterans and first responders. His body was discovered about 7 miles from his last known location, according to a Dec. 26 statement from the Jewish Community Alliance, which was another organization Gilyana was a part of. The man was a beacon of kindness with infectious laughter and unwavering spirit, according to a GoFundMe page organized by Jen Grubbs for his family. A group of kayakers reported the 46-year-old missing to the U.S. Coast Guard in Jacksonville at 10:39 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23, according to a Dec. 24 U.S. Coast Guard news release. He was near St. Augustine Inlet when he went missing, officials said. Gilyana worked as the fitness and wellness director at the Jewish Community Alliance in Jacksonville, where he started as a personal trainer in 2009, according his profile page. He was considered a passionate leader and role model who cared deeply about fitness, whether it was running, canoeing or surfing, the organization said on its website. Eiffel says he is always sure to never take anything for granted and to stay positive even in difficult times, his profile page reads. Aside from his role at JCA, he also served as the esteemed health and wellness adviser at Task Force Hydro1, the nonprofit said. He was married and had three children, according to the GoFundMe. Before coming to Jacksonville, Gilyana lived in Iraq and worked as an interpreter with the U.S. Army Special Forces, the fundraiser says. The U.S. Coast Guard, local law enforcement and Task Force Hydro1 searched for Gilyana when he was reported missing. The nonprofit called on local community members to participate in the search, whether it was by paddleboard, canoe or jet ski. The Coast Guards intensive search was suspended Dec. 24, search and rescue coordinator Nick Barrow said in the release. The 90-hour search spanned more than 340 square miles, according to the Coast Guard. Task Force Hydro1 then took on the mantle to continue looking for Gilyana, according to the nonprofit. A prayer vigil was held for Gilyana on Christmas Day, First Coast News reported, amassing a few dozen people into a crowd along the beach. Huddled in the rain, the group held hands and prayed for his return, per the outlet. At about 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the heart-wrenching discovery of Gilyanas death was made, JCA said. Our hearts are shattered with the devastating news about Eiffel, Task Force Hydro1 Executive Director Leonardo Yui said in the nonprofits statement. His passion, dedication, and contributions to our organization and the broader community will never be forgotten. A memorial gathering for Gilyana is being planned, JCA wrote in its statement. Further details on when the service will be posted at a later date, the organization said. Words cannot express the hollowness that engulfs us all, the crushing weight of a future forever etched with his absence, the GoFundMe reads. Each corner of our lives echoes with his laughter, his warmth, his vibrant spirit, and the silence that follows is deafening. Vilano Beach is about 40 miles southeast of Jacksonville. Search ends for man who vanished kayaking with friends off Florida, rescuers say Dog tracks down missing child in Virginia woods, cops say. Heroes come in all forms Hiker breaks leg and jaw in 25-foot fall at New York state park, rescuers say The European Union is preparing an alternative plan to provide Ukraine with EUR 20 billion (22.09 billion USD) in financial support to circumvent the veto of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, reported the Financial Times. The proposed mechanism could be used if Orban's veto cannot be overcome at the planned summit on Feb. 1., said the report. Read also: Orban acknowledges EU can provide aid to Ukraine without Hungarys involvement This plan involves guarantees from EU member states to the European budget, enabling the European Commission (EC) to raise up to 20 billion euros on capital markets to support Ukraine. The specific timeline and final amount will be determined based on Ukraine's needs. The approach is like the ECs COVID-19 response, when 100 billion EUR was provided to EU countries in 2020. Read also: Fifth column or useful idiot? Hungarys Orban blocks 50 billion in EU aid for Ukraine This option does not require guarantees from all 27 EU member states, allowing the inclusion of countries with the highest credit ratings as principal participants. As unanimous support is not required, the approach would allow the EU to bypass Hungarys veto. Some countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, may require parliamentary approval to provide national guarantees. The process is expected to be ready to provide assistance to Ukraine by March. 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 This aerial photo taken on Dec. 5, 2023 shows workers working on a container vessel at a shipyard of Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Taixing, east China's Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua] China will retain its lead in the global shipbuilding market this year, and this trend is expected to persist into 2024, market watchers and shipbuilders said. With robust growth in both new orders as well as output this year, Chinese shipyards have demonstrated greater innovation, productivity and supply chain advantages compared to foreign rivals, they added. China's shipbuilding output climbed 12.3 percent year-on-year to 38.09 million deadweight tons (dwt) in the first 11 months of 2023, accounting for 50.1 percent of the world's total, data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showed. New orders soared 63.8 percent on a yearly basis to 64.85 million dwt, taking up 65.9 percent of the world's total during the period, according to the data. China's shipbuilding industry is expected to maintain high performance in 2023, driven by a global recovery in the new vessels and offshore engineering markets, said He Guangshun, director of the marine strategic planning and economics department at the Ministry of Natural Resources. The nation's shipbuilding industry is poised to grow further in 2024, taking the lead in the export sector, said Zheng Huiming, president of the Zhejiang Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, which is based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. This will be propelled by increased global demand for new vessels utilizing liquefied natural gas, methanol, hydrogen and fuel cells as power sources, as well as the quick development of China's three shipbuilding clusters in the Yangtze River Delta region, Pearl River Delta region and Bohai Bay area, said Zheng. China's shipbuilding industry, which has benefited from a tangible growth of the Belt and Road Initiative, has also expanded into many new overseas markets and emerging sectors over the past decade, he said, adding that it will explore diversified paths for market expansion in the next phase. New Times Shipbuilding Co's three docks are operating at full capacity, with orders rolling into the first half of 2027, said Du Haiming, the assistant head of the company's marketing department. The shipbuilder, based in Jingjiang, Jiangsu province, has delivered 24 vessels to foreign shipowners to date this year, Du added. China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co, which is based in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, said it has delivered several 7,000-unit car carriers to its overseas clients this year. The shipyard is also building a 9,400-unit car carrier and developing ships capable of carrying over 10,000 vehicles. Xu Lian, vice-president of the company, said intelligent ships will be the future of the shipbuilding industry due to the rapid development and widespread application of new-generation technologies such as information technology and artificial intelligence. Intelligent ships are those that have autonomous control, remote operation and adaptive learning capabilities. They are capable of making decisions autonomously and executing tasks based on environmental changes and mission requirements. China's shipbuilding industry will maintain a stable development trend and continue to lead in the global market in 2024, Xu said. Leveraging the advantageous business opportunities of its ports and a well-developed logistics network, the Yangtze River Delta region, particularly in Shanghai and Jiangsu province, has cultivated robust capabilities in manufacturing and production support, said Qu Huili, head of the statistics division at Shanghai Customs. For example, Shanghai-based Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co was the only builder of large-scale LNG carriers in China before. But this year marked a significant shift as several other major shipyards, including Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co, Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group and China Merchants Industry Holdings Co, have all started construction for their inaugural LNG carrier orders. This development signifies the emergence of a robust industrial cluster in China dedicated to the production of large LNG carriers. The holding orders of China's shipbuilding industry totaled 134.09 million dwt at the end of November, expanding 29.4 percent year-on-year and representing 53.4 percent of the global market share, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The Financial Times has reported that the European Union is preparing a backup plan to provide Ukraine with 20 billion, bypassing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's objections. Source: FT; Radio Liberty Details: The proposed mechanism could be used if Orban's veto cannot be overridden at a summit scheduled for 1 February. This scheme will involve the provision of guarantees to the EU budget by the participating states, enabling the European Commission to borrow up to 20 billion on the capital markets in Kyiv's interests. Specific terms are still being discussed, and the final amount will be determined according to Ukraine's needs. The scheme is similar to the one used in 2020 when the European Commission provided up to 100 billion in funding to EU countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Financial Times emphasised that the important thing is that this option does not require guarantees from all 27 EU member states, as the main participants are countries with the highest credit ratings. This would allow the EU to bypass Hungary's veto as it would not require unanimous support. Some countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, will need parliamentary approval to provide national guarantees. Officials hope to complete such a process in time to provide assistance to Ukraine by March. Background: Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is convinced that the EU will, in any case, decide to allocate 50 billion to Ukraine. Following the EU leaders' talks on 14-15 December, European Council President Charles Michel said that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had not allowed the EU to adopt a budget decision that would have included a 50 billion medium-term assistance programme for Ukraine. In this regard, the leaders agreed to hold a special summit on this issue on 1 February. Read more on this topic: Orban's defeat or victory for Ukraine. Why is EU summit historic? Support UP or become our patron! The European Union is creating a debt-based plan worth up to 20 billion euro to fund Ukraine and circumvent Hungary's promised veto, the Financial Times reported on Dec. 26. EU leaders early in December failed to reach a deal on aid for Ukraine worth 50 billion euros after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vetoed the package. As wartime expenditures continue to balloon, Kyiv needs more and more aid to stave off a fiscal crisis. Washington is also struggling to secure more funding for Ukraine as a $61 billion package intended for Kyiv remains bogged down in Congress. The U.S. has so far approved $113 billion in aid to Ukraine, including nearly $47 billion in direct military aid. The new EU strategy involves member states issuing sovereign guarantees to the EU budget, allowing the European Commission to issue 20 billion euro in fresh debt earmarked for Kyiv. The scheme is similar to the structure used in 2020 when the EU sought to secure cheap financing for funding responses to the Covid pandemic. President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Dec. 19 told reporters he plans to reduce government expenditures because significant funding will be needed for fresh mobilization efforts. Ukraine risks a serious economic downturn in 2024 unless its Western supporters can muster enough funds to fill a massive hole in its budget, Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko told Politico in November. Read also: Ministry of Finance raises $532 million via military bond issuance Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Does it seem like a lot of people you know are sick? You're not alone. Respiratory illness season is in full swing in California and across much of the nation. In Los Angeles County, about 23% of people participating in a weekly text-message-based survey reported having a cough or shortness of breath for the week that ended Dec. 10, higher than the total reported during a late summer peak in respiratory illnesses, when 21% said they had those symptoms. Early summer brought a lull, with only 10% of survey respondents saying they had a cough or shortness of breath. Meanwhile, coronavirus levels in wastewater in L.A. County are at their highest since summer. Statewide, the level of flu-like illness which includes non-flu viruses such as the coronavirus is considered high, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationally, COVID-19 remains the primary cause of new respiratory hospitalizations and deaths, resulting in about 1,000 fatalities a week. Despite the chorus of coughs, the trend in terms of levels of virus in sewage and hospitalizations is milder than last year at this time. And the health infrastructure in Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area, are holding up well, with no sign yet of a major increase of patients needing intensive care. With COVID-19, "it's continuing to go up, but it's not as dramatic as, certainly, even two winters ago or even last winter, yet. So time will tell if the numbers that we see continue to go up," said Dr. Nancy Gin, regional medical director of quality and clinical analysis for Kaiser Permanente Southern California. "It's not causing intensive care units to be full of COVID-related illness, which is good." Still, Gin and other doctors say there is reason to be on guard; they're urging people to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations and asking sick people to say home and healthy people to avoid ill people. The latest ascendant coronavirus variant, JN.1, is particularly contagious and is spreading more widely. And with COVID-19 and flu still rising, and respiratory syncytial virus plateauing at a high level, it's unclear how bad this year's respiratory season will get. "We have all these respiratory viruses afoot, with RSV that hasn't really started to go down," said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious-disease expert. "With flu, it's just rising now. And then with COVID ... that's increasing, for sure." And some parts of California are being hit harder than others. Fresno County's Department of Public Health says its hospitals are seeing a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses and reporting "severely impacted conditions ... due to a historic number of admitted patients and people accessing the emergency department with non-urgent medical problems." The Sacramento area and the Eastern Sierra are at the "medium" level of coronavirus-positive hospital admissions, according to the CDC, while the rest of California's counties are in the "low" level. Read more: A new coronavirus variant may be behind California's COVID rise COVID-19 Coronavirus levels in Los Angeles County's sewage were at 39% of last winter's peak the region's last major spike according to data for the week ending Dec. 9, the most recent available. The rate at which coronavirus tests are coming back positive also continues to rise. About 11% of specimens tested at sentinel surveillance labs in L.A. County were positive for the week that ended Dec. 16, up from 10% the week prior. In the San Francisco Bay Area, coronavirus levels in the largest sewershed in Santa Clara County have reached their highest point since last winter's peak, at 72%, according to the local public health department. At UC San Francisco's hospitals, coronavirus-positive hospitalizations have been increasing and remain high, but are lower than this time last year, Chin-Hong said. As of Wednesday, there were 27 coronavirus-positive patients at those hospitals; by contrast, in mid-December, there were fewer than 20. Across California, new weekly coronavirus-positive hospital admissions are at their highest levels since last winter. For the week ending Dec. 16, there were 2,924 new coronavirus-positive hospital admissions, up nearly 50% from a month earlier, according to data posted by the CDC. This season has not at this point eclipsed last year's COVID-19 levels in terms of the number of weekly hospitalizations. And doctors in Los Angeles County say they're not seeing COVID-19 patients inundating intensive care units, although urgent care clinics are quite busy. Read more: COVID-19 and flu cases are rising in California. How bad will the holiday uptick be? Flu Flu cases also continue to rise in California. According to the state Department of Public Health, there were 1,007 new flu hospital admissions for the week that ended Dec. 9, up 20% over the prior week. The latest flu hospitalization level is about one-third the peak of last winter's. In Los Angeles County, about 18% of specimens tested at sentinel surveillance labs came back positive for the flu, compared with 14% from the previous week. Read more: COVID, flu, RSV on the rise in California. Is another 'tripledemic' coming? RSV and other viruses RSV can cause severe illness and death in babies and older people. It has plateaued at a relatively high rate in L.A. County. For the week that ended Dec. 16, about 12.3% of specimens tested at surveillance labs came back positive for RSV, about the same as the prior week's reading of 12.5%. The positive test rate for RSV in in the county has been mostly between 12% and 13% since early November, with a one-week peak that reached 15%. That represents a particularly active RSV season. Since the 201718 season, there have been just two other seasons in which the positive rate has been higher: last year's terrible season, which plateaued at a peak rate of about 20%, and the 201819 season, which leveled off at a maximum of about 15%. There are other viruses also causing illness, including rhinoviruses and enteroviruses. Most people who get these viruses develop a common cold. In Los Angeles County, 15% of surveillance-lab-tested specimens are coming back positive for rhinoviruses or enteroviruses. Emergency rooms In Los Angeles County, for the week that ended Dec. 17, about 5% of emergency room visits were classified as related to the coronavirus, just enough to warrant a medium level of concern. That's not as bad as it was last year at this time, when roughly 13% of emergency room visits were classified as related to the coronavirus. Levels of flu-like illness which include non-flu illnesses such as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus or RSV are considered high in California, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC) What you can do Doctors believe more people became infected with respiratory viruses over the Christmas holiday. Wearing a mask can help sick people avoid spreading viruses to others and lower the risk of healthy people getting sick. Many people who test positive for the coronavirus or the flu are eligible for antiviral drugs, such as Paxlovid for COVID-19 and Tamiflu for the flu. The medications can reduce the severity of illness. A program funded by the National Institutes of Health, featured at test2treat.org, gives adults who test positive for COVID-19 or flu free access to telehealth care and treatment. Those who aren't positive can still enroll to get free tests shipped to them if they are adults and uninsured or underinsured; on Medicare, Medicaid or Medi-Cal; or in the healthcare system of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Indian Health Service. Californians who don't have insurance or have a hard time getting anti-COVID-19 medication can get a free COVID-19 telehealth appointment and medication by calling (833) 686-5051 or going to sesamecare.com/covidca to request an appointment. L.A. County residents can do the same by contacting the county's Public Health Call Center at (833) 540-0473, which is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. but closed on New Year's Day. Doctors are also urging people to get a fresh vaccination for COVID-19 and flu this winter. Generally speaking, if you haven't gotten a new vaccination for either virus since September, it's time for a new one. RSV immunizations are also available for babies, those who are pregnant and people who are 60 or older. People who test positive for the coronavirus should isolate for at least five days after the onset of symptoms or their first positive test, whichever comes first. The day a person starts having symptoms or had their first positive test is considered Day Zero, and the earliest a patient can exit isolation is by the end of Day 5. Infected people can end isolation after Day 5 if they have been free of fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications and if they dont have any other symptoms, or if their symptoms are mild and improving, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health. The agency strongly recommends people get a negative rapid test result before ending isolation between Days 6 and 10. Isolation can generally end after Day 10 without needing a negative test result, unless you still have a fever. How to isolate when you have COVID-19 Infected people are encouraged to wear a mask around others for 10 full days after the onset of symptoms or their first positive test result. But the agency says people who meet the criteria to end isolation after Day 5 can stop wearing a mask too if they have two consecutive negative test results taken at least one day apart. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., criticized former President Donald Trump and Christians who continue to fervently back him, arguing that they dont understand their religion. Kinzinger hit out at Trump's fans after the former president spent his Christmas attacking President Joe Biden, special counsel Jack Smith and other perceived enemies. "MAY THEY ROT IN HELL," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" Im going to go out on a NOT limb here: this man is not a Christian, Kinzinger wrote on X/Twitter. If you are a Christian who supports him you dont understand your own religion. Trump is weak, meager, smelly, victim-ey, belly-achey, but he aint a Christian and hes not Gods man. Kinzinger has faced significant scrutiny from much of the GOP since serving on the House select committee investigating the deadline Capitol riots on Jan 6. Im going to go out on a NOT limb here: this man is not a Christian. If you are a Christian who supports him you dont understand your own religion. Trump is weak, meager, smelly, victim-ey, belly-achey, but he aint a Christian and hes not Gods man. #trumpsmells pic.twitter.com/ZUn7NBuoq3 Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) (@AdamKinzinger) December 26, 2023 Vsevolod Kniaziev, the former head of Ukraine's Supreme Court, was found guilty by a court in Kyiv of illegally accepting a gift after it was revealed he was renting an apartment in an elite neighborhood of Kyiv for Hr 1,000 ($26) a month, the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) reported on Dec. 27. Kniaziev was charged with accepting a $2.7 million bribe in May 2023. He was dismissed from his position through a vote of no confidence. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced in August that Ukrainian oligarch Kostyantyn Zhevago is suspected of having bribed Kniaziev and other Supreme Court judges in exchange for a decision in his favor. As a result of the Dec. 27 court ruling, Kniaziev was found guilty of surpassing the monetary limit of gifts while holding the position of a judge. According to anti-corruption laws, offering property for below-market-rate value can constitute a gift. According to the apartment rental app Bird, listings of similar size to the 133-square-meter apartment in Kyiv's upscale Pechersk neighborhood that Kniaziev rented cost around $2,000 per month. As punishment, the court in Kyiv confiscated a gift of Hr 906,600 ($24,000) from Kniaziev and issued a fine of Hr 2,550 ($68). Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court ordered on Dec. 21 that Kniaziev remain in custody on the bribery charges and lowered his bail from Hr 27 million ($716,000) to Hr 20 million ($530,000). His bail was originally set at Hr 107.3 million ($2.9 million) in May but has since been reduced several times. Read also: As Ukrainian officials begin filing asset declarations, controversies surface Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The family of a 13-year-old boy shot to death in North Las Vegas says the murder happened during a family cookout, leaving a hole in their collective hearts just as big as the 61 teenager who died Saturday. John Banks, the teens grandfather, says he was cooking burgers for the victim, Keon Young, when he left to buy paper plates so Young could have a third helping. I was grilling, Banks said. Youngs father came to visit his son and when Young neared the parking lot, they witnessed a car approach the area, the family said. Someone in that vehicle and another person who jumped over the wall into the Cheyenne Villas apartment complex at Cheyenne Avenue near Simmons Street, began shooting, according to the family. Keon didnt stand a chance, Banks said. Banks told the 8 News Now Investigators that Young was shot squarely in the chest, but the boy still got up and told his mother he had been hurt. Banks said anyone else would have been killed immediately, but emergency personnel tried to save Young and brought him to UMC, where he died very soon thereafter. I love my grandson, Banks said, noting that Young was often found wearing his favorite superhero costume Spiderman. And I know my grandson loved me. Banks and his wife, Terri, Youngs grandmother, spoke with the 8 News Now Investigators because they want to get out in front of any story where Young might be portrayed as a villain. Banks said Keon was not in a gang and was not the type of young man to be mixed up with gun violence. Keon Young, 13, killed in North Las Vegas shooting on Dec. 23, 2023. I dont have no reason, no why, Banks said. I just know God has an angel up there with him by the name of Keon. And its going to leave a big void in my life. While police would not identify the victims identity, saying that they do not comment on ongoing investigations, they did acknowledge a death Saturday. 13-year-old dead in North Las Vegas shooting NLVPD officers responded to the 3200 block of Fountain Falls Way, near Cheyenne Road and Simmons Street, on Saturday Dec. 23 at about 8 p.m. for a 13-year-old male who had been shot. He was transported to UMC Trauma Center and was later pronounced dead, police said in a statement. Detectives are investigating and there are no additional details available at this time. That death is the 30th homicide in North Las Vegas this year, according to the NLV police. They say 24 of those murders are already solved, and they are currently still investigating the other six. One of those unsolved also involves a young man who died trick or treating on Halloween. 17-year-old SeMauri Norris-Johnson was killed near Tropical and Camino Eldorado Parkways. According to North Las Vegas Police, SeMauri and a group of teenage boys, wearing ski masks, got out of a car and approached two trick-or-treaters. Thats when shots were fired, killing SeMauri. There will be a candlelight vigil for Young on Dec. 29 at the Desert Horizon Park. The family has also set up a GoFundMe for Young. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The family of Alegend Jones and attorney Ben Crump continue to call for justice after they viewed footage of what led to the teenage girls death. Jones, 17, died while in Youth Villages custody in November. Medical records revealed for teen who died at Youth Villages Earlier Wednesday, Jones family and attorney Ben Crump saw video footage from inside Youth Villages and Memphis Police dash camera and body camera footage of the hours leading to Jones death. The push for accountability and transparency from Youth Villages continues as Shona Garner-White grieves the loss of her 17-year-old daughter. I just seen the video. Theres no way they cant take accountability, she said. We not gone sweep this under the rug because Im not going away. According to Youth Villages, Jones was experiencing a medical emergency and died at the hospital. However, Jones family says the video shows otherwise. Youth Villages denies abuse allegations after teens death, family demands answers They said it paints a picture of a scared teen who wanted to be alive. It gave you a window into this teenagers perspective. You got to hear Alegends voice and you got to hear what her fears were, and it was so very telling, Crump said. They say Alegend was taken to the health department for a pelvic exam and her fear led to an altercation with six Youth Villages counselors that resulted in Memphis Police being called. When police got there, they see her restrained by two men, Crump said. She request that the police transport her. She was adamant about not being transported by Youth Villages counselors. The family says video shows less than thirty minutes after she returned to Youth Villages, Jones was found unconscious. They say medical records reveal Jones was choked. He popped his mask off and said F it, somebody basically choked your child, Garner-White said. And I was just horrified. Crump says Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy plans to release the video once the investigation is over. They are hoping for criminal charges. Following Wednesdays press conference, Youth Villages said in a statement: Unfortunately, Ben Crump and others continue to make false and misleading statements, which has been the case since this tragic loss of a child. We reiterate there were no abusive or otherwise inappropriate actions against the youth. We are waiting for the autopsy report before commenting on anything medical. We have offered to meet with Mr. Crump and his staff, including the opportunity to review the video. They have so far declined. We are fully cooperating with the official investigations. We reiterate the following from previous statements (linked here: Dec. 21, Dec. 13 and Dec. 1). Additionally, we can say: The youth was never in a headlock. Due to the youths aggressive outburst upon arriving at our facility, she was placed in a therapeutic hold. The young person was brought to the health department by two female staff and was never alone with male staff or asked to undress in front of male staff. Due to her aggressive behavior at the health department, additional staff support was required. Our executives met with the youths mother two weeks ago at our girls facility during an unplanned visit. We informed her that her daughters personal items were released to her legal guardians. Several other cars of people accompanied Ms. Garner to our facility. Police were called due to ongoing threats being made to our facilities and staff in previous days. Child abuse and neglect are not tolerated under any circumstances. Allegations of abuse or neglect are taken very seriously and reported directly to Child Protective Services. Any allegation is thoroughly investigated by third parties. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. The profits of China's centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) remained stable during the first 11 months of 2023, the country's top state assets regulator said. Total profits of China's central SOEs reached 2.4 trillion yuan (about 338.2 billion U.S. dollars) in the January-November period, according to a meeting held by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council that concluded Tuesday. During this period, the fixed-asset investment of central SOEs, including real estate, expanded 9.1 percent year on year to 4.1 trillion yuan, data from the SASAC showed. According to the SASAC, the central SOEs have increased spending on research and development (R&D) to boost innovation-driven development. In the first 11 months of 2023, their total R&D input topped 900 billion yuan, an increase of nearly 70 billion yuan compared with the same period a year earlier. Tuesday's data also revealed that the productivity of central SOEs increased steadily in this period, with their annualized overall labor productivity reaching 773,000 yuan per person, up 3.8 percent year on year. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A family found out their car was stolen from the hospital parking lot while they were welcoming a newborn to the world over the weekend. This all happened at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. On Friday night, Raelinda Quintero was rushed to the hospital with her husband, Edgar, for an emergency C-section. Baby Alonso was born healthy, but Edgar made a startling discovery when he went to the parking garage. Mother, son among those arrested in large drug, gun bust involving tiny home in Portland Edgar, who is a Washington State Trooper, was hoping to go get medication for his wife that night before everything closed for Christmas. However, the familys 2018 Hyundai Elantra was gone. After visiting the security office, they discovered on video that it was stolen by thieves who used a makeshift key to enter the locked vehicle and take off in a matter of seconds. The Quinteros, who just bought the car a year ago, were expecting to bring their baby home in it. You kind of have to be at the bottom of the ocean to be able to do this and to be able to steal peoples cars and things and break in, Raelinda said. The family now has to contend without a car nor the car seat and stroller left in it. The day their baby was born, family members had to give them a ride home. PHOTOS: Hot pink kitten improving in foster home after it was cleaned with toxic chemicals The Quinteros 2018 Hyundai Elantra had a license plate of CGB1405 at the time it was taken. Family members have also started a GoFundMe page to replace the stolen car and items. Legacy Health sent a statement to KOIN 6 News saying that while they cant comment on specific incidents, safety and security is a top priority. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The family of a teenager who had a life-saving bone marrow transplant hope to eventually meet the donor. Charlie Dugdale, 18, from Liskeard in Cornwall, had aplastic anaemia - a condition where the bone marrow and stem cells do not produce enough blood cells. In November 2022, a swab rally that involved about 300 people took place in Liskeard in a bid to find a donor, with no success. Then the Anthony Nolan Trust found a 29-year-old man from Germany who was a perfect match. After two years Mr Dugdale's family said they could apply to meet his donor. Charlie Dugdale was treated at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth Mr Dugdale had just qualified as a chef in the Royal Navy and was about to start his submarine training when he was diagnosed with the condition. Before the transplant, he said: "I was just out of it, I had really bad brain fog for more than a year. "I was just tired all the time and I wasn't as switched on as I should have been." He had the transplant earlier in 2023 and said: "It was quite a scary time but I pulled through and I feel alright now." His mum Danielle said: "There must be another Charlie Dugdale somewhere in the world because his match was perfect. "And I can't wait until we get to year two because after two years we can apply to Anthony Nolan Trust and we can meet his donor... if he wants to meet us, and I hope he does. "I'd like to meet him and we want to thank him obviously." Charlie Dugdale and his mum Danielle hope to meet the German donor During his recovery Mr Dugdale caught Covid-19 and had shingles on his forehead and in his eyes and is still suffering from partial blindness. Mr Dugdale has now gone back to the gym and is having rehabilitation provided by the Royal Navy. Sinn Fein MP John Finucane (pictured), the son of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane. Pat was gunned down in front of his family in north Belfast in 1989 - Brian Lawless/PA The family of a solicitor murdered by loyalist paramilitaries were appalled at Tony Blairs lack of knowledge of the case. Pat Finucane, 39, a high-profile defence solicitor who acted for high-profile IRA members was gunned down in front of his wife Geraldine and children in north Belfast in 1989. The killing was one of the most controversial of The Troubles and it later emerged that one of his murderers, Brian Nelson, was an agent for the British Armys Force Research Unit. Amid evidence of state collusion in the murder, Mr Finucanes family met with Tony Blair in 2000 after a pledge from taoiseach Bertie Ahern to organise this earlier that year. In February 1999, based on the findings of a report by Jane Winter of the British-Irish Rights Watch, Liz ODonnell, the Irish minister of state, wrote to Mo Mowlam, the Northern Ireland secretary, saying that a public inquiry was necessary and the case for such an investigation was compelling. Disappointing meeting with Blair The Republics government made more than one prompt to ensure the family of Mr Finucane met Mr Blair. The meeting at No 10 Downing Street was attended by Mr Finucanes widow Geraldine and their children Michael, John and Katherine, and had been scheduled for 30 minutes but instead lasted 50. Solicitors Paul Mageean and Peter Madden as well as Ms Winter attended the meeting with Mr Blair, who was accompanied by Jonathan Powell. In a confidential document dated Sept 5, 2000, Fergal Mythen, of the Irish governments security section, said he spoke to Ms Winter after the meeting. It was at the start a very disappointing meeting from the familys perspective, with Blair sticking rigidly to the line that an independent inquiry was not possible while the Stevens investigation was ongoing. John Stevens, a senior police officer who went on to be the Metropolitan Police commissioner, conducted three probes into allegations of security force collusion with loyalist paramilitaries. She said that Mr Blair said Northern Ireland secretary Ms Mowlam had called in Mr Stevens in February 1999 but the family understood that RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan had made the decision unilaterally to block a public inquiry. When pressed on this, Blair backtracked somewhat, saying dont quote me on that and Powell also intervened to muddy the waters on this point. Ms Winter said she thought Mr Blair was initially very dismissive of their case and had initially tried to distance his government from it. He was also badly briefed and they were appalled by his ignorance of the details of the case, the note stated. Case could negatively impact peace process Mrs Finucane, who had been injured in the attack, told him that though the Labour government had not created the problem, if it was not dealt with now they too would be culpable. Mr Blair was told that the handling of the case could negatively impact the peace process and that it was about winning the confidence of nationalists in the system of law. The note states that about halfway through the meeting, Mr Blair went off-brief and began to engage seriously with the arguments being put to him. Blair said he wanted to know the truth and that, if he found that members of the security forces had targeted individuals for murder, then they would be out of a job. The Finucanes were encouraged by his evident strength of feeling on this point. During Mr Aherns meeting with the family in February, to coincide with the 11th anniversary of Mr Finucanes killing, Geraldine Finucane had asked him to arrange the meeting with Mr Blair to push him on a public inquiry. Brian Cowen, the former minister for foreign affairs, and Ms ODonnell also attended the February meeting. The notes of the meeting said the report by Ms Winter was the most shocking report they had ever written and alleged there was machinery within the British system which targeted people for murder. Mr Ahern said he had sent a letter to Mr Blair eight months previously, in June 1999, when he said the case for a public inquiry was compelling and asked him to proceed urgently in this regard. 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 Scotland, New Year's Eve is known as Hogmanay and involves several fun traditions. The holiday dates back to the 1600s, when Christmas was made illegal throughout the country. In Scotland, it's popular to "first foot" your loved ones to wish them luck for the year. As the new year approaches, people around the globe are preparing to ring in 2024 with various traditions and celebrations. In my home country, Scotland, New Year's Eve is known as Hogmanay and it's one of my favorite holidays. There are many Hogmanay traditions that are unique and specific to Scotland, such as first footing, which means being the first person to visit a relative or loved one after midnight on January 1 to wish them well for the year ahead. Here's a wider look at the history of Scottish New Year, which has been celebrated throughout the country since 1600, according to Scotland.org. Hogmanay became popular in Scotland after Christmas was canceled The exact origins of the word "Hogmanay" are unknown, but it was thought to have first become popular after Mary, Queen of Scots, returned to Scotland from France in 1561, BBC News reported in 2012. The name can be linked back to various international phrases, including the French term, "hoginane," which translates to "gala day," Donna Heddle, a Professor of Northern Heritage at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, told BBC News. The history of Hogmanay celebrations is complicated. New Year's Eve was thought to have become a popular holiday in Scotland after 1640, when Christmas was banned due to its links to Roman Catholicism, according to the National Trust for Scotland. A woman is photographed wrapping holiday gifts. Miljan Lakic/Getty Images Christmas was illegal for 400 years and only became a public holiday in 1958, according to Scottish newspaper The National. Before Christmas was reinstated, Scottish citizens turned to Hogmanay for festivities but the traditions that ensued are still popular to this day. For example, first footing traditionally involves bringing coal to someone's door for good luck, according to Scotland.org. While I've never brought anyone coal, I enjoy being the first person to visit a family or friend on January 1 to wish them a happy new year. Growing up, it was typical for my family to "first-foot" relatives, such as my grandparents. Hogmanay in the present day A more recent tradition involves singing "Auld Lang Syne," usually right after midnight on Hogmanay. The song was penned by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788 as a response to Scotland and England forming the UK in 1701, according to the tourism organization Visit Scotland. Burns included several traditional Scots phrases in the song to ensure Scotland's language and culture would be remembered. For example, the word "jo" means "dear," and "fiere," translates to "friend," the organization states. These days, the song is known all over the world and many Scottish people sing it while linking arms to ring in the new year. Like many other countries, people in Scotland celebrate New Year's Eve with parties, balls, street parties, and live music events. The country's capital city, Edinburgh, hosts several events every year, including a live concert and a torchlight procession. Read the original article on Business Insider A man was shot and killed by a police officer Sunday morning in Rochester. Police said officers responded to Murray Street around 8:30 a.m. for reports of a man with a gun. The first officer on scene located the man and began interacting with him, police said. When a second officer arrived on scene, the suspect began to run and the officers gave chase, according to police. As they crossed Murray Street, the suspect pulled out what appeared to be a handgun, police said. One officer fired his handgun at the suspect, striking him at least once in the upper body. Officers began to render medical aide to the man, who was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. No officers were injured during the incident. At the scene, a handgun was recovered, police said. Who was the man shot by police in Rochester NY? The man has not been identified by name, but police have described him as a Rochester man in his forties. Investigation underway into fatal police shooting in Rochester NY The Rochester Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, the New York Attorney Generals Office and the Professional Standards Section are all simultaneously conducting investigations into the shooting. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is concluded. "As a Police Department, our primary mission is the safety and security of the residents of the City of Rochester," said Rochester Police Chief David Smith in a prepared statement. "We owe it to our community to ensure the most complete, thorough and transparent investigation takes place." The Police Accountability Board in Rochester is also conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, according to a statement from the board. Anyone with information is being asked to call 911. Rochester City Council member reacts to deadly police shooting Rochester City Council Member Stanley Martin responded called the shooting death of a community member "a failure of our city and public safety systems." "As this investigation is underway, I am working with my colleagues to find systemic solutions to keep our people safe, including evaluating the way RPD interacts with citizens during foot pursuits, and the risk of injury or fatal outcomes in those scenarios," Martin said in a statement. Martin said she has reached out to Mayor Malik Evans and Rochester Police chief David Smith about sharing information, including body camera footage, with the Police Accountability Board. Footage from the shooting has not been shared with members of the City Council yet. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Fatal police shooting in Rochester NY. What we know now A DeKalb County family says one of their cars is melting away. Channel 2s Michael Seiden spoke with the owner of a 2022 Honda Civic. Charles Goldberg says the trim on his daughters car started melting. Its as if someone shot a ray gun at our car, he described. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] He says last week parts of the car from the drivers side mirror to the front bumper to the passenger side mirror, he says the car started warping and the paint began to bubble up. Id never seen anything like it, Charles Goldberg told Seiden. It was also warped and started melting and disintegrating. Goldberg says his daughter, Elena, brought the car home from college and its been sitting in the driveway of their Dunwoody home. On Tuesday morning , I got a text from Elena that she went over to her car and noticed that the paint had started bubbling up, he said. The father and daughter took the car to a local Honda dealer and spoke with a service advisor who explained that the damage had been caused by the sun. He said the sunlight had reflected off of the house window and acted like a magnifying glass. Seiden did a quick online search and found that the Goldbergs arent the only ones experiencing this problem. In a few moments, he found several message boards where Honda owners vented about similar issues. Its the melting Honda! one post read. TRENDING STORIES: According to an article posted on Hondas website in 2019, this type of damage is not covered by the warranty because the company says it is environmental. Seiden shared the Goldbergs concerns with Honda and received a statement from a spokesperson that explained, in part, that the damage, though rare, is not covered by their warranty. It is a long established fact that focused sunlight can heat surfaces and cause damage, depending on the intensity and time of exposure. This sort of damage is not isolated to automobiles, or to Honda in particular. In short, under the right circumstances, while rare, reflected sunlight can cause damage, and Hondas limited warranties do not cover damage Chris Naughton with Honda & Acura Public Relations said. The Goldbergs say they arent taking no for an answer and have filed a complaint with Hondas corporate office. The Window and Door Manufacturers Association says tens of millions of energy-efficient windows are in homes and buildings right now and melting problems related to them are extremely rare. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. Here are some of the (relatively) SFW license plate requests that got rejected in 2023, according to the DMV. The Inspector General on Wednesday shared concerns that favoritism may have influenced the selection of a MBTA police dispatch vendor. In a report released Wednesday, Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro expressed concern that the MBTA could not demonstrate that its selection of a police dispatch vendor was conducted fairly, due to the authoritys chronic poor record-keeping. The need for clear, transparent and fair procedures for the selection of contractors by public entities is a bedrock principle. It is essential that the public have confidence in government when it conducts public procurements and expends the publics money, Shapiro said in a statement. The report is a supplement to a statutory review of the 2017 MBTA contract with IXP Corp. to provide police dispatch services for the authoritys Transit Police Department, officials said. The Office of the Inspector Generals Internal Special Audit Unit released its first report regarding the IXP Corp. contract on Dec. 23, 2022, officials said. At that time, the ISAU determined that it needed additional information from both the MBTA and IXP Corp. to properly evaluate the fairness and competitiveness of the MBTAs procurement process. Based upon our investigation, significant concerns were raised regarding whether or not the selection process was fair; furthering that concern, the MBTAs poor recordkeeping and records retention practices meant that the authority could not conclusively demonstrate that its selection of IXP was free from favoritism. That is not acceptable, Shapiro said. The Internal Special Audit Unit found that in 2016 the authority posted a Request for Proposal for police dispatch services on its own Business Center website, where companies interested in doing business with the MBTA can receive notification when new bid opportunities arise, officials said. In this instance, while over 1,000 companies were notified of this Request for Proposal, few provided police dispatch services, officials said. The deadline for responses was extended three times and three companies, including IXP Corp., responded. Ultimately, however, the 2016 procurement did not result in a contract and the authority had to issue a revised Request for Proposal in 2017. When the revised Request for Proposal was issued, it was posted on COMMBUYS, a public procurement website managed by the Commonwealths Operational Services Division, where companies interested in doing business with the Commonwealth can view open bids and can receive notification of bids in specific categories of goods and services, officials said. In this instance, while 33 companies were notified of the procurement opportunity, including IXP Corp., the other two companies who had previously bid were not, state officials said. The deadline for response to the Request for Proposal was only 22 days long and ultimately only one company, IXP Corp., submitted a proposal. The MBTA did not complete or maintain records related to its evaluation of IXPs response to the 2017 RFP and therefore could not demonstrate that the evaluation process was fair, the Inspector Generals Office said in a statement. Furthermore, communications between the Transit Police and IXP during the evaluation process raise significant concerns of a potential bias in favor of IXP. This raises troubling questions on two fronts records management and impartiality. Shapiro said that recordkeeping and records retention are basic functions of any business or organization. It is essential for a public entity to properly record and retain information concerning its decision-making on spending public funds (among other things). This has been a chronic problem at the MBTA and has been documented at length in the OIGs previous reports, Shapiro said. The OIG is pleased to have learned that concerted efforts are underway at the authority to address these issues. Nonetheless, the test will be how the MBTA conducts itself during future procurements and with future contract administration and how its actions align with the results from future oversight reviews. In his statement, Shapiro said he has cautious optimism in the new leadership at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA to remedy these issues for future procurements and redouble its efforts in reviewing the contract administration for active contracts across the MBTA. In 2015, the Legislature eased the requirements to privatize services for the MBTA for a three-year period. The law requires the Office of the Inspector General to conduct a review of the contract upon its completion. In addition to Wednesdays supplemental report, three reports have been issued on contracts for transit ambassadors, police dispatch services and absence management, officials said. There are four remaining open contracts for which the same review process is required. Boston 25 reached out to the MBTA for comment on the Inspector Generals report. In a statement, the MBTA said, The MBTA appreciates the Inspector Generals latest supplemental report and thanks the office for its oversight on this matter. As we work to restore public confidence under new leadership, we are fully committed to transparency and accountability. While we have not yet had the opportunity for a comprehensive review, we understand this report centers on the IXP contract awarded in 2017 and has identified potential areas for improving record-keeping and procurement processes moving forward, the MBTA statement said. As we continue working to strengthen MBTA operations overall, we remain committed to making appropriate changes that bolster accountability, integrity, and responsible stewardship of funding, including continued improvements in record-keeping protocols and expanded staff training around procurement best practices. The public deserves assurance that every MBTA project and expenditure is fully compliant and in the publics interest, the MBTA statement said. 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 POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is still searching for a Polk County man who went missing in 2017. Brian Edward Klecha, who was 35 at the time, disappeared on Dec. 27, 2017, after he was last seen making a banking transaction at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union in Auburndale. I wanted justice: AirTags used to track stolen luggage from airport to suspects home On Feb. 11, 2018, Klechas Jeep was found abandoned on State Road 618 at the Morgan Street exit in Tampa. The Jeep may have been left after a car accident days prior, the FDLE said. FDLE agents believe Klecha did not disappear on his own and think he couldve been a victim of domestic violence or drug abuse. Klecha has ties to Orange, Polk, and Hillsborough counties and was an employee of the Disney Corporation. Due to its multi-jurisdictional nature, the investigation remains ongoing. Klecha is described as a white man with blonde hair and green eyes. He would be 41 years old and is around 6-foot. Anyone with information on Brian Klechas whereabouts or disappearance is asked to call Special Agent Mark Seckley at 813-557-5287 or 813-878-7334. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. With the notable exception of the internment of Japanese Americans, World War II still has a reputation as a "good war" for civil liberties. In 2019, for example, the authors of a leading history survey text declared that "Franklin Roosevelt had been a government official during World War I. Now presiding over a bigger world war, he was determined to avoid many of the patriotic excesses." But President Roosevelt's civil liberties abuses extended far beyond the internment camps. There are few better examples of this than the government's campaign against the black press. Historian Patrick Washburn, the leading authority on that topic, concluded in A Question of Sedition: The Federal Government's Investigation of the Black Press During World War II that "the black press was in extreme danger of being suppressed until June 1942." The government's motive was no mystery. The black press had tirelessly documented Jim Crow conditions in the military, federal medical facilities, and defense industries, as well as acts of violence against black troops. These were stories their readers wanted. When William Hastie, the law school dean at Howard University, asked 56 black leaders soon after Pearl Harbor to summarize the general attitudes of African Americans, a stunning 36 said that most did not completely support the war effort. A leading outlet for this criticism was the Pittsburgh Courier, best known for publicizing the Double V campaign (fighting for democracy simultaneously at home and abroad). A vigorous supporter of this effort was the libertarian writer Rose Wilder Lane, who contributed a regular column for the paper. The Courier was not an outlier in its willingness to question government policy. During this period, the New Deal loyalist Archibald MacLeish, who served as both Librarian of Congress and director of the War Department's Office of Facts and Figures, forwarded to Attorney General Francis Biddle "seditious" articles from the Washington, D.C., Afro-American and suggested "a very useful preventive effect, if your department could somehow call attention to the fact that the Negro press enjoys no immunity." A month later, the president urged both Biddle and Postmaster General Frank C. Walker to personally admonish black editors to cease "their subversive language." Matters came to a head in June 1942, when Biddle summoned John H. Sengstackethe publisher of The Chicago Defender and the president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), an African American groupto his office. Placed on the table before Sengstacke were copies of several leading black papers, including the Defender, the Courier, and the Baltimore Afro-American. Biddle declared them seditious, and warned that the government was "going to shut them all up." Sengstacke suggested a compromise: The newspapers might be willing to tone it down if the government agreed not to issue indictmentsand agreed to give black journalists more access. Biddle verbally assented, and thereafter black publishers muted their willingness to question wartime abuses. A federal study of content in the Pittsburgh Courier, for example, showed that the paper devoted considerably less space to the Double V campaign in April 1943 than in August 1942. Moreover, the main targets of negative coverage over that period shifted away from the federal government and to local governments and private businesses. A postal inspector identified a noticeable weakening in "the vigorness [sic] of its complaints" about discrimination. But despite Biddle's promise, the authorities did not become more cooperative in sharing information with black journalists. This bureaucratic stonewalling led a frustrated Sengstacke to question if "the government really wants sincere cooperation or whether there are clandestine forces working against the interest of a section of the Negro Press." While federal authorities did not bring legal charges against the black press for the balance of the war, that doesn't mean they shifted to a hands-off approach. Instead, they ratcheted up both intense monitoring and informal pressure. In the first half of 1942, FBI agents visited leading black newspapers that had carried critical stories about the federal government. Moreover, postal inspectors admonished two leading papers that the "benefits of citizenship" carried an obligation not to "'play up' isolated and rare instances in such a fashion as to obstruct recruiting and in other ways hamper the war effort." Federal officials seemed particularly upset about the articles of George S. Schuyler, an editor and columnist at the Courier. Rated as particularly offensive were his arguments that the status quo offered no hope for "liberty, equality, and fraternity" and that the "Negrophobic philosophy, originating in the South, had become the official policy of the government." An official at the Department of Justice reacted to these statements by urging the Office of War Information to take "action" against the paper. Schuyler was especially forceful in challenging the internment of Japanese Americans: "This country probably has as many of its citizens in concentration camps as has Germany." He rejected accusations that those interned, whom he described as industrious and thrifty, presented any sort of genuine national security threat. Schuyler admonished African Americans to look beyond their own grievances, because "if the Government can do this to American citizens of Japanese ancestry, then it can do this to American citizens of ANY ancestry.Their fight is our fight." Schuyler was exceptional in depicting the plights of African Americans, Japanese Americans, and right-wing sedition defendants as analogous and interdependent. The Roosevelt administration, he concluded, was persecuting the latter for what they "said and wrote," and had presented no evidence of collusion or participation in a conspiracy. If these individuals could be put on trial for opposing the administration's policies, he asked, "then who is safe? I may be nabbed for speaking harshly about Brother [Secretary of War Henry L.] Stimson's treatment of Negro lads in the Army." In the end, informal pressure suited the government's purposes far better than direct legal punishment. As a Department of Justice analysis pointed out, the likely result of taking legal action against "a paper as prominent and as respected by the Negro population as the Pittsburgh Courier" would be "further unrest and possibly [arousing] a spirit of defeatism among the Negro population." It also would have almost certainly alienated many black voters from Roosevelt in key Northern states: The Courier had the highest circulation of all black newspapers and had provided past support for Roosevelt. So instead of indulging in politically risky sedition prosecutions of the black press, the government relied on more indirect methods of behind-the-scenes manipulation and intimidation to quiet criticism. The post How FDR Emasculated the Black Press in World War II appeared first on Reason.com. Workers weld in a workshop of Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Taixing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 5, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] East China's Jiangsu Province, a leading ship exporter of the country, exported various types of ships worth a total of 60.76 billion yuan (about 8.56 billion U.S. dollars) from January to November this year, an increase of 43.4 percent year on year. The export scale continued to rank first in the country, according to local authorities on Tuesday. Of the total, Jiangsu's export value of ships in November grew by 89.9 percent year on year to 8.18 billion yuan, marking a record high, said the customs of Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu. Jiangsu's Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. is one of the most competitive shipyards worldwide. Chen Haoyu, from the company's purchasing department, said that the company has exported and delivered 12 ships, with an export value of 790 million U.S. dollars, since the beginning of this year. Jiangsu is striving to build a world-class advanced manufacturing cluster in shipbuilding and marine engineering. Nantong, Taizhou, Yangzhou and other cities in the province are giving full play to their resources and geographical advantages to develop sectors such as marine engineering equipment and luxury cruise ships, large oil tankers and container ships, as well as large bulk carriers and ro-ro ships, injecting strong momentum into the province's ship exports. Statistics show that from January to November this year, the ship export value of Taizhou, Nantong and Yangzhou increased by 40.4 percent, 134.7 percent and 67.4 percent year on year, respectively. Henry Prudencio, right, Balmore Membreno and Karla Cativo host the "Resistencia Comunitaria" radio program in a studio at the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory last month. (Ringo Chiu / For Los Angeles Times en Espanol) It was a chilly night in Boyle Heights, but the hosts of the "Resistencia Comunitaria" radio show arrived fired up at KQBH 101.5 FM studios, ready to warn Salvadorans that their homeland is once again in very great danger. This is a special edition, announced Karla Cativo, an academic and activist. After greeting her two co-hosts and congratulating a couple of birthday boys, Cativo launched into an impassioned dialogue focused on International Human Rights Day and the 42nd anniversary of the infamous El Mozote massacre in December 1981 that underscored the brutality of U.S.-backed government forces during El Salvador's 12-year civil war. Many of us had to leave because of so much violence. Our lives were exposed to these horrors that we saw in El Mozote and in various parts of El Salvador during the 70s and 80s, said Cativo, who arrived in California with her parents when she was 4 months old, fleeing the war that killed tens of thousands. It's a conflict that still echoes among the nearly half-million Southern Californians of Salvadoran descent, and shadows the Central American nation as it slouches toward a critical Feb. 4 general election. Despite a constitutional prohibition, Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's controversial but highly popular president, is running for a second consecutive term, making him the first person to run for reelection since the dictator Maximiliano Hernandez Martinez in 1939. That's raising fears among opponents and critics that over the next four years Bukele's autocratic rule could spark scaled-up violence or even another civil war. Members of the Salvadoran community in Los Angeles protest Nayib Bukele in 2021. (Soudi Jimenez / Los Angeles Times en Espanol) As the hour-long radio program unfolded one recent evening, its hosts mixed protest anthems like Si me matan, Silvana Estrada's homage to Mexico's femicide victims, and Los de Abajo's Resistencia with pointed commentary about Bukele's "state of exception," which has drastically curtailed the country's brutal criminal mafias but also has resulted unlawful arrests, torture, detentions, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, according to the U.S. government and human rights groups. That is what we are seeing right now," Cativo continued, "so many arbitrary arrests that are taking place in El Salvador and so many deaths for no reason." Co-host Henry Prudencio, 39, chimed in, saying that Bukele's iron-fisted tactics evoke those of the previous right-wing military government that laid waste to civil liberties 40 years ago. Just as they currently do atrocities, the government denies what it does, it denies the deaths. So at first they denied that they had carried out the massacre in El Mozote, said Prudencio, an actor who came to Los Angeles in 2015 and moonlights as a clown, juggling balls, spikes and clubs at San Fernando Valley intersections. Actor, activist and clown Henry Prudencio co-hosts the radio show "Resistencia Comunitaria." (Ringo Chiu / For Los Angeles Times en Espanol) The stage for Bukele's potential reelection was set in 2021 when El Salvador's supreme court deemed that he could run again. That decision was reinforced last month when El Salvador's Tribunal Supremo Electoral (TSE) accepted his candidacy. Bukele is attempting to steer around the constitutional ban on presidents serving consecutive terms by ostensibly taking a six-month leave, beginning last month, which would allow him to campaign and to retake office in June if he wins the election, as is widely expected. Salvadorans living in the United States will be able to vote for the third time in a presidential contest, and for the first time also will choose members of Congress. In 2014 and 2019 the expatriate vote was handled by mail. This time it will take place at 81 electoral centers around the world, including 42 in 30 U.S. cities, including three in Los Angeles, two in San Francisco, and one apiece in Fresno and San Bernardino. According to the TSE, there are 741,094 expatriates on the electoral registry, many of whom hold a Unique Identity Document that will enable them to use a mobile device or computer to vote starting Jan. 6. Voters with passports will be able to mark their ballots at one of the voting centers. Read more: Inside the growing cult of El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, Latin America's political star In October 2022, pro-government legislators approved the Special Law for the Exercise of Suffrage Abroad, which included the online voting modality. Election experts have raised concerns that electronic voting could facilitate manipulation of the result, as some allege occurred during 2021 internal elections by Bukele's Nuevas Ideas party. Despite the government's insistence that voting will be fair, Claudia Ortiz, a lawyer and legislator for the opposition party Vamos, believes that the law is flawed. There are decisions that show the lack of independence of the TSE, Ortiz says. The referee is not impartial." In Los Angeles, Bukele-philes and Bukele-phobes have clashed in recent years during demonstrations and counter-demonstrations at MacArthur Park and elsewhere. Still, Bukele's support among many Southern Californians remains strong. At a 2022 protest, Salvadoran activist Cesar Fuentes holds a sign calling Nayib Bukele a gang leader. (Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times) Before leaving his native land, Salvador Martinez, an L.A. resident since 1989, had voted for president only once. That was in 1984, when he backed Jose Napoleon Duarte, the candidate of the Christian Democratic Party, which governed during the civil war's bloodiest stretch. In February, Martinez plans to cast his ballot for the incumbent president. We want the same president to continue governing, said the mechanic and native of Sonsonate, citing how El Salvador's homicide rate has plunged under Bukele. "If a government is working well and the people agree, it deserves reelection. It doesn't matter what the constitution says." Although the Biden administration has criticized Bukele's policies in the past, it has taken a more cautious approach to the prospect of another four years of him. When Brian A. Nichols, undersecretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, visited El Salvador in October, he acknowledged that there could be questions about the "legality and legitimacy" of the pending election. But he said it was up to the Salvadoran people to determine their next president. Biden has been under increasing pressure to stem the number of immigrants arriving at the U.S. southern border, among them 61,515 Salvadorans who were detained there in fiscal year 2023, according to Customs and Border Protection. Authoritarianism is spreading across the region, as Daniel Ortega consolidates his grip on Nicaragua, and in Guatemala conservative politicians are working every available lever of government to prevent President-elect Bernardo Arevalo from taking office. Salvador Chamba Sanchez, a former union organizer in his native El Salvador, and now an L.A. political scientist, said that anti-Bukele activists and political adversaries "are on an uphill climb" in opposing the popular president. They are wasting their time, he said. "What the Biden administration wants is stability. It does not care about democracy in El Salvador." 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. Orange County will finalize a plan next month to spend about $220 million in federal assistance to help homeowners still reeling from Hurricane Ian and fortify storm water systems to prevent future flood-related calamities. County staff, who hosted 13 community meetings in the fall, considered citizen concerns when drafting an allocation strategy. But the public can still suggest tweaks to the 153-page disaster-recovery document through Jan. 11. The proposed plan is online at www.orangecountyfl.net/NeighborsHousing/OCDisasterRecovery. Hurricane Ian devastated Lee and Collier counties on Floridas west coast in late September 2022, and then swamped more than a dozen neighborhoods across Orange County, where many residents were rescued by boat from rising waters. The storm damaged more than 10,500 homes locally with estimates of storm-related damages exceeding $300 million, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and claims filed with the National Flood Insurance Program. Orange County commissioners were briefed on the proposed plan Dec. 12, their final meeting of 2023. They are expected to consider a final draft Jan. 9, their first meeting of 2024. Federal guidelines spell out how the $219.7 million can be spent. Orlo Vista residents still endure struggles a year after Hurricane Ian The need is great throughout the county for everything from housing repairs to mental health programs to storm-water drainage projects, said commissioner Mayra Uribe, whose district had flooding in several neighborhoods. While $219 million sounds like a lot, it really only goes so far, Uribe said. The county plan proposes using $108 million for housing, including rehabilitation work. Orange County is currently not accepting applications for funding requests, only suggestions. Eligible projects must be tied somehow to the impacts of Hurricane Ian and prioritize underserved and vulnerable populations, said Mitchell Glasser, manager of the countys Housing and Community Development Division. He said the disaster-recovery funds are intended to repair and improve storm-damaged housing and address infrastructure deficiencies. It is not right: 200 families face eviction from flood-ravaged Orlando complex by Halloween At least 70% of the funding must be spent on programs and projects that benefit low- to moderate-income individuals or areas, a designation that requires proof from U.S. Census data and other metrics used in federal grants. At least 15% of the funds must be spent on projects to reduce long-term flooding risks. Money could be used to buy and tear down properties in flood-prone areas, but Orange County wont pursue that strategy. County officials hosted a public meeting last summer to gauge interest in a buy-out option among residents of Bonnie Brook, which was deluged when a pump station failed. Nearly all residents at the meeting rejected the idea. The public can email comments or suggestions to Disaster.Recovery@ocfl.net or send comments by mail to the Housing and Community Development Division, Attn: CDBG-DR Action Plan Public Comments, 525 East South Street, Orlando. shudak@orlandosentinel.com A federal appeals court on Wednesday temporarily blocked enforcement of an International Trade Commission (ITC) order barring Apple from selling its latest Apple Watch models in the United States. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted Apple an interim stay while it considers granting the iPhone maker a longer-term stay as it appeals the ITCs decision. Apple filed an emergency motion with the appeals court Tuesday after the import ban officially went into effect. The tech giant had pulled the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 from stores shortly before Christmas in preparation for the ban. The Biden administration, which had 60 days to weigh in on the decision, said Tuesday it would not intervene. Apple fights ban on Apple Watch imports: Heres what happens next Apple immediately appealed, arguing it would suffer irreparable harm and urging the court to at a minimum grant a stay long enough for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to decide whether a redesigned version of the Apple Watches falls outside the ITCs decision. The import ban stems from a yearslong patent dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo, which has accused the iPhone maker of poaching employees and stealing trade secrets related to the light-based technology for measuring blood-oxygen levels Masimo initially sued Apple for patent infringement at the ITC in 2021. In January, an ITC judge sided with Masimo, a decision that was later upheld by the full commission in October. The medical device maker also sued Apple in federal court in 2020, but the case ended in a mistrial in May. Apple countersued Masimo in 2022, accusing the company of copying its technology. Masimo initially sued Apple for patent infringement at the ITC in 2021. In January, an ITC judge sided with Masimo, a decision that was later upheld by the full commission in October. The medical device maker also sued Apple in federal court in 2020, but the case ended in a mistrial in May. Apple countersued Masimo in 2022, accusing the company of copying its technology. Updated at 2:38 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (FOX40.COM) A new California law that would restrict licensed gun holders from carrying their firearms in many public places will not go into full effect on Jan. 1 as scheduled, after a federal judge deemed it unconstitutional. The law, Senate Bill 2, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 26 and included an array of gun control measures. On Dec. 20, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney issued an order to stop one of SB 2s regulations, the ban on licensed gun carrying in a public place. According to SB 2, it would have been illegal in California for licensed gun carriers to have their firearms at bars, churches, parks, public events, stadiums, casinos, financial institutions, medical facilities, on public transportation, and other places. New firearms-related laws going into effect in California in 2024, later years The Second Amendment preserves a fundamental constitutional right for law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms for self-defense, Carney said in his ruling. Increasingly in modern times, with the ubiquity of guns and our countrys high level of gun violence, ordinary law-abiding people feel a need to carry handguns in public to protect themselves and their families against violence. Carney mentioned that people who legally carry guns are among the most responsible, reliable law-abiding citizens and have been through a vigorous vetting and training process to carry a handgun. According to Carney, CCW permitholders are not the gun wielders legislators should fear. Proposed regulations on CCW instructors in California draws pushback from sheriffs association CCW permitholders are not responsible for any of the mass shootings or horrific gun violence that has occurred in California, Carney said. SB2 requires that law-abiding citizens open themselves up for slaughter at the hands of people flaunting the law and creates numerous areas ripe for mass murder by ensuring there is no one there to protect people. He added that some people who have a concealed weapons permit (CCW) live in high-crime neighborhoods where they reasonably fear being robbed, murdered, and raped. Carney said CCW holders should be able to carry a weapon to protect themselves in those situations. SB2 provisions unconstitutionally deprive this group of their constitutional right to carry a handgun in public for self-defense, Carney said. Therefore, those provisions must be preliminarily enjoined. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Its a top 10 that Alabama doesnt want. The state now has one of the nation's densest feral hog populations. The feral hog problem as a whole has spread to 35 states, but the pigs are in all 67 counties in Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation. Nationwide, the exploding porcine population causes an estimated $2.5 billion yes, that's with a B damage to agriculture and forestry industries in the country each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says. Agriculture is the top industry in Alabama, according to the Alabama Farmers Federation. It drives a $70.4 billion annual economic impact and supplies 580,295 jobs, federation figures show. Along the way, the invasive species causes widespread environmental damage and impacts natural wildlife by competing for food, and even feeding on small animals. Alabamas population of the porkers comes in as the ninth highest in the nation, according to a study by Captain Experiences, a hunting and fishing outfitter organization. The hogs' largest numbers appear in southeastern states. The eyes of a feral hog in a cage. The state with the most hogs? That would be Texas, said William Green, wildlife division director of the federation. The Lone Star State is the largest state in the contiguous U.S. Five years ago, we never had a problem, said Larry Phillips, who has a small cattle operation on family land in south Lowndes County. Now they have moved in and are causing real problems tearing up the pastures. And they are wrecking the woods, too, with their rooting and wallowing. I cant tell you how many holes weve filled up in the pastures. Why are wild hogs such a problem? They have been described as "four-footed kudzu," almost impossible to eradicate after taking root. Nature and numbers seem to tip the battle of the swine in favor of the enemy. Sows become sexually mature at six months, and can drop two litters a year. The average litter size is six to 12 piglets. After reaching about two months old, the piglets have no natural predators. Adult hogs have no natural predators, other than man. A study conducted by Mississippi State University shows pig populations can double each year. Adult wild hogs eat 3 to 5 percent of their body weight daily, so 100 hogs can eat 600 pounds of food daily or 110 tons each year. More: Alabama's wild hog problem Hogs are omnivores, eating just about anything including plants, small animals and carrion. They're also smart, or at least smarter than the average mammal. That makes it difficult to try to control the population. Despite the best efforts of hunters, the numbers cant be controlled one rifle bullet at as time. Hogs are intelligent, Green said. If you shoot one or two in a field, the others will stay away from that field. Or they will become nocturnal. Feral hogs are prolific breeders. Sows become sexually mature at six months. They can have two litters a year, with six to 12 piglets in each litter. Hunting techniques The population cant be removed, just controlled, Green said. The best way is trapping, where you target the entire family group. And it takes time. The best practice is to spread bait on the ground, without a trap, Green said. Once the hogs get accustomed to feeding, start building your trap piece by piece over time. Technology allows hunters to view the trap on a cell phone and trigger the door remotely. You want to trap the entire sounder if possible, Green said. Because if any pigs escape, it will be very difficult to get them to enter a trap again. Once in the trap, state law requires that they be killed. Its illegal to transport live feral hogs. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Feral hog numbers exploding in Alabama (WHTM) Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman says hes prioritizing the 2024 election when asked if hell run for president in 2028. In an interview with Politico, Fetterman said hes not thinking about 2028. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Severe Weather Alerts Fundamentally, about politics, you never go get high on your own supply, said the first-term Senator, who would be up for a second term in 2028. With less than a year until voters cast their ballots in the 2024 presidential election, Politico Magazine released its list of candidates to watch for in the 2028 election cycle. Fetterman was named in the piece, along with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and California Governor Gavin Newsome. The story cited Fetterman distancing himself from being called a progressive and his support for Israel. Fetterman still has choppy speech patterns following his stroke, and Democrats might be reluctant to nominate someone with noticeable health issues after rolling the dice in 2024 with the octogenarian Biden. But by 2028, the burly swing stater is likely to be one of the nations most recognizable Democrats. BILL SCHER, POLITICO MAGAZINE Fetterman also offered insight into his use of the social media platform X where he gained a reputation for sharing memes and calling out his detractors. Most notably, Fetterman shared Cameos and memes targeting his 2022 Republican opponent Mehmet Oz and Senator Bob Menendez. I dont spend any time on Twitter and thats the truth, Fetterman told Politico. Fetterman on Carvilles Biden criticisms: Shut the f up Fetterman added that Twitter was not very helpful to promoting mental health after he spent several weeks at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for depression earlier this year. The Politico story noted that a Fetterman staffer clarified that the Senator still drafts all the memes on his social media accounts but his aides press send. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. NEW PROVIDENCE A 74-year-old township man was killed after he was struck by a train near the Murray Hill Station Wednesday morning. It was the fifth train fatality in Central Jersey this month and the fourth this week. Around 5:05 a.m. Dec. 27, Gladstone Branch train 400 struck and fatally injured a man near Murray Hill Station. The man has been identified as Nagi Jacob, of New Providence. There were no injuries to the five customers or crew on board, New Jersey Transit Senior Public Information Officer Kyalo Mulumba said. More: Two Somerset County men killed in train strikes; probe continues into third fatality The train departed Gladstone at 4:29 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Hoboken at 5:46 a.m., Mulumba added. Service was temporarily suspended on the Gladstone Branch line in both directions between Murray Hill and Summit, but has since resumed and is now operating on or close to schedule. The incident is currently under investigation by New Jersey Transit Police, Mulumba said. Email: alewis@gannett.com Alexander Lewis is an award-winning reporter and photojournalist whose work spans many topics. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: New Providence NJ: Fifth train fatality in Central Jersey leaves man dead The US Air Force is gearing up for a conflict with well-armed adversaries. As a part of that, the military branch is rethinking what aircraft it has and how they're designed. One change the Air Force is considering is removing the big gun from the AC-130 gunship. The US Air Force is gearing up for a conflict with near-peer adversaries, namely China and Russia, who may challenge its operations in a way it hasn't experienced in decades. Like the rest of the US military, the Air Force is shifting its focus from conducting counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations to preparing for combat against opponents with capable combat jets and advanced air-defense systems. That shift requires some honest discussion about capabilities and future challenges. As part of that, Air Force leaders are considering a radical change to one of their most effective special-operations aircraft removing the big gun from the vaunted AC-130 gunship. Big gun out? US troops by an AC-130J's 105 mm cannon during a tour at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June. US Air Force/Senior Airman Leon Redfern The AC-130 has provided air support to ground forces for more than five decades. The AC-130J "Ghostrider" is the latest version and was first deployed in 2019. The plane is revered among troops for its ability to linger over the battlefield and deliver heavy firepower with precision. But the Air Force is now considering removing the gunship's trademark weapon its 105 mm howitzer as soon as 2026, Defense News reported in November. "In a scenario where you're not able to just have free rein and fly over a friendly location for three hours, how do we beat our adversaries at that game?" an Air Force official told Defense News. "If they take away our ability to loiter for extended periods of time, what's our counterpunch?" An AC-130U's crew members load the 105 mm cannon, foreground, and the 40 mm cannon during training in September 2003. US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Greg Davis The AC-130's ability to fly low and slow over targets for long periods makes it perfect for close-air-support missions, but that's also a weakness, as it makes the gunship more vulnerable to antiaircraft fire. Discussion about removing the 105 mm gun is part of a broader effort to make US aircraft better suited for conflicts where opponents can contest or deny control of the air. In addition to removing the gun, Air Force officials are considering arming the AC-130 with cruise missiles for long-range strikes. The service has also explored equipping the gunship with laser weapons. However, BA, a former AC-130 gunner, told Business Insider that removing the 105 mm gun "would have a big effect on the capability" of the aircraft. "To take away a weapon system that had been tested and tried for years to be replaced with something new or nothing at all would ruin combat effectiveness," BA said. "The budget for this project would most definitely end up being a money pit to remove and replace the weapon when that funding could be useful elsewhere, like air-defensive systems." A US airman hands a 105 mm round to an AC-130W crew member at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico in July 2020. US Air Force/Senior Airman Maxwell Daigle The gun has been a mainstay of the AC-130 for decades and has proved highly effective when used with the plane's other cannons and machine guns. During the Vietnam War, the AC-130 and its predecessor, the AC-47, were credited with destroying more than 10,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong vehicles. "The design for the AC-130 was to equip a plane to acquire and attack targets constantly without making multiple flybys like you would in a 'fast mover,'" BA said, referring to jet-powered aircraft. "By making the gunship more stand-off rather than staying above target would completely defeat the purpose of its design," the former air commando added. A gunship with aces up its sleeves An AC-130J gunship identifies a target with green light during an exercise in Florida in May 2022. US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Ridge Shan While removing the 105 mm gun would undermine its ability to perform close air support, adding stand-off munitions such as the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb and the AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-176 Griffin missiles could expand the plane's mission set. "I think incorporating stand-off munitions with its already tried-and-tested weapon systems could be beneficial in an air-to-air offensive or defensive scenario" since the AC-130 has little ability to defend itself if engaged by enemy forces, BA said. The rethinking of the AC-130's role is part of a wider debate about the Air Force's ability to perform close air support, or CAS, in contested airspace and the resources it should dedicate to that mission. An AC-130 fires its rotary cannon during twilight operations near Hurlburt Field in Florida in 1988. US Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Lee Schading The Air Force has been trying for years to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt, its primary close-air-support aircraft, and is considering slashing the number of Tactical Air Control Party airmen, who get attached to conventional and special-operations ground units to coordinate airstrikes. But the 105 mm remains at the core of the AC-130 design. Removing it, and moving the plane away from the front line, would likely be an unwelcome change for the troops who have come to depend on it. "For guys on the ground, CAS is a safety net. We love it. Any news that go against that will always be bad for the grunt or operator who is getting close and personal with the enemy," a Special Forces operator, granted anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, told BI. Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He has a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University, has a Master of Arts in strategy, cybersecurity, and intelligence from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and is pursuing a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. Read the original article on Business Insider More than 70 firefighters are tackling a blaze at the London Oratory School in Fulham, south west London. The London Fire Brigade said it sent 10 fire engines to the school on Seagrave Road. Fire at Oratory School in Fulham - @xstiggy / X.com The outstanding-rated boys school is favoured by politicians. The sons of former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair and former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg were both educated at the Roman Catholic school, which has nearly 1,400 pupils between the ages of seven and 18. Earlier this year, Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of The Good Schools Guide, said there was fierce competition for places at the school. Places are at a premium, she told The Property Exchange podcast. You either need to be a regular church goer or need to live very close. If you can get that golden ticket, undoubtedly youre on to a winner. In a statement, the London Fire Brigade said the schools atrium is alight in a four storey building with a basement. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, it said. Police and Ambulance services are also at the school. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: Police dont know at this stage whether there are any injured persons inside the school. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and will be investigated. A nearby shopping centre and some residential addresses have been evacuated as a precaution, police said. Surrounding roads have been closed and police have asked the public to avoid the area. This is a breaking news story. 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 First Black And Youngest Overall Pilot To Fly Solo Around The World Solo Has Established An Aviation Training School To Bring More Diversity To Industry | Photo: EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via Getty Images Captain Barrington Irving is happy that the training institution he founded is helping other minorities find long-standing careers in aviation. Its no secret that there is a lack of diversity in aviation when it comes to pilots, and research conducted in 2022 found that less than two percent of commercial airline pilots are Black, according to NBC News. Although Irving not only broke a glass ceiling when he became the youngest person and first Black pilot to journey around the world solo, he is now encouraging more people of color to consider aviation as a career through education, according to News 7 Miami. Irving founded the Barrington Irving Technical Training School to guide and teach the next generation interested in becoming pilots the fundamental tools needed to be successful in the industry. Feeling like a happy parent, Captain Irving recently celebrated 15 new graduates who completed his training program with a ceremony at Opa-locka Airport in Miami. This is a full-circle moment for the educator because he began his career at the same airport as a struggling student. His student rosters have been filled with people from diverse cultures who already had an interest in aviation, faced hardships, or didnt have any background in it, which makes him take pride in the work hes doing to assist in changing their lives. I am so proud of them, and to know what they started from, Irving told the news station. Opa-locka Airport is where I got my start. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Barrington Irving (@barringtonirving) In addition to receiving their certifications during the commencement ceremony, all graduates get to choose what company best suits them for their first job out of school since theyre offered jobs from several different companies. These young people are signing with various companies in the community who said, you know what, Were going to give you a chance, were going to give you an opportunity to flourish within our industry,' Irving said. One of the graduates, Victor Zupiera, who landed a job as a Line Service Technician with Atlantic Aviation, is thankful for his time at the school because he expanded his perspective about the types of opportunities he has in life. Working here for Barrington truly changed my whole perspective on that and my whole career path and what I wanted to pursue, Zupiera said. I found a passion in aviation and its truly changed my life. The Miami Dade Mayor Daniela Levine Cava attended the ceremony and shared a few words in support of the work Irving and his learning center are doing. They are essential to our economy, hard to fill, and we have talent here at home that we are growing, she said at the event where Irvings next batch of students was announced. The ceremony ended with Tremaine Johnson, another graduate sharing his excitement about his newfound career path and the relationships hes built. In addition, he hopes people see him and know theyre capable of accomplishing the same. [I want to] just expand my knowledge of aviation, Johnson said. Fueling trucks, parking airplanes, networking with everybody [in] aviation and lending a helping hand for people behind me that want to get into aviation as well. This photo taken on June 12, 2023 shows a worker assembling vehicles at the general assembly line of FAW-Volkswagen in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. [Photo/Xinhua] "European companies are not running for the exit. Instead, most of our member companies remain committed to the Chinese market," Jens Eskelund, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. Though slow global economic development, weak demand, and a volatile geopolitical environment have led some firms to consider diversifying supply chains, the relocation of activities outside of China remains a minor phenomenon, Eskelund said. The Chinese market is stable, predictable, and reliable, he added. "The country is an indispensable part of global value chains, so you can basically not have a significant global presence if you are not present in China," Eskelund said. China, as an important market for European business, is definitely a place to stay, he added. Noting that China has some unique advantages in attracting foreign businesses, he said the country is the world's second-largest economy with a huge market as well as significant scale and technological benefits. In Eskelund's eyes, the Chinese market is competitive with high potential. "We used to say that China is a fitness center for European companies because you really need to work hard to compete with technologically improved Chinese companies and provide your best and latest technology to the market." Chinese companies have a high capacity for innovation, working hard to develop new industries and become industry leaders, Eskelund said, adding that green technology is an area where China has very significant potential going forward. Eskelund also noted that even though China's economic growth might be lower than before, most people expect a growth rate of around 5 percent this year, which is respectable compared with many other countries and will offer a lot of opportunities for many companies. "Beyond this year, we will still see growth in China. But the growth would be different. It will not be the same kind of course that we have seen before because the Chinese economy is undergoing structural change." Eskelund said that not everything will continue to go upwards at a steep incline forever, and it is natural that a very steep growth rate will moderate at some point in time. Looking ahead, Eskelund hopes for more concrete and specific measures to create reciprocity in terms of market access, which will be a powerful signal to the international business community. PORTAGE, Ind. (CBS) -- Two men out looking for fishing holes in Northwest Indiana came across a driver whose truck had crashed off Interstate 94 and who said he had been stuck for nearly a week. As CBS 2's Marybel Gonzalez reported, everything about the rescue Tuesday afternoon was almost unbelievable. But officials credited a man and his son-in-law, who had just happened to be out looking for a place to go fishing, with saving the truck driver's life. Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield said that at 3:45 p.m., the Porter County Dispatch Center received a report of a crash on I-94 at mile marker 19 one mile east of the Portage exit. Two local fishermen had been scouting out Salt Creek for potential fishing holes when they came across a mangled truck that was under the I-94 bridge and partially in the creek. Out of curiosity, the fishermen looked into the truck and saw a man inside. One of the fishermen touched the man, thinking he was dead, Fifield said. But he was alive and he turned and started talking, Fifield said. He told the fishermen he had crashed days earlier, and could not reach his cellphone to call for help. Medics from the Portage and Burns Harbor fire departments spent a great deal of time getting the driver out of the vehicle, during which the westbound lanes of I-94 were closed, Fifield said. The driver had suffered severe and potentially life-threatening injuries, Fifield said. He was taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Indiana State Police said later that he was identified as Matthew Reum, 27, of Mishawaka, Indiana, and a family member had been notified. Reum is a union welder and member of Boilermakers Local 374, a labor union based in Hobart, Indiana. "We were able to speak with him last night, we are thankful the Matt is alive and grateful for the men who found him. Matt's strong will and toughness speak volumes through this ordeal," the union said in a statement. "We will continue to pray and support our brother as he begins his recovery. We thank God that Matt is still with us." State police said that, "During their extrication efforts, it was determined that the crash had more than likely occurred sometime around December 20th," adding that the truck was a 2016 Dodge Ram that "left the roadway for unknown reasons." Reum had been driving the truck west on I-94 and missed the guardrail that runs just to the east, Fifield said. The truck went down the grass shoulder, went airborne, ended up in the creek, and rolled several times, Fifield said. It ended up going across the creek which measures 30 feet wide and rolled under the I-94 bridge, Fifield said. "Had it not been for the two individuals that were walking the creek this afternoon," state police said, "this incident more than likely would have had a different outcome. There had not been any prior reports of a crash in this area prior to the fishermen finding the vehicle." / Credit: Indiana State Police "Quite frankly, it's a miracle that he's alive in this weather. We've been lucky enough during this Christmas season our temperatures, as you know, are above normal," said Fifield. "So that was working in this individual's favor." State police said, "The will to survive this crash was nothing short of extraordinary as it was also determined that Mr. Reum was able to drink rain water for hydration in order to survive for such a long period of time while being exposed to the elements." The two fishermen who found the truck driver joined Fifield at a news conference Tuesday evening. They said they were finding their way to the fishing hole when they found the mangled vehicle that was barely recognizable as a truck. One of the fishermen, Mario Garcia, said he moved the white airbag in the cab of the truck and went to touch what he thought was the driver's dead body. But the driver turned around, and began speaking. "It almost killed me there, because it was kind of shocking," said Garcia, "but he was alive, and he was very happy to see us. Like he was really like, I've never seen a relief like that." The truck driver said he had been trapped in the truck since Wednesday of last week and had survived six days without food. "He said he tried yelling and screaming, but nobody would hear him," Garcia said. "It was just the quiet sound of the water." / Credit: Indiana State Police The truck driver did not say anything about how he survived but Garcia noted that there was no way the driver could move. "He had to survive to survive on his youth and God's help there," Garcia said. Garcia and his son-in-law and fellow fisherman, Nivardo Delatorre, called for help. It got there quickly, but the rescue took a while. "They had a very difficult time getting down into the creek area with their equipment to basically cut him out and remove him from the vehicle," said Fifield. Garcia also noted that the terrain along the creek is all riprap and boulders and he was worried one of the first responders might get hurt trying to rescue the truck driver. Garcia noted that the site where he and Delatorre found the truck was the last site they were considering choosing to look for a fishing hole. They had decided on something of a whim to go fishing that day, as their wives were both busy. "Nobody normally fishes around this time, but we decided to go anyway," said Garcia. "It wasn't planned," said Delatorre. "You know, were just out there scouting, and we came upon this situation." Fifield also noted that they found the truck at 3:45 p.m. and had the fishermen arrived half an hour later, it would have been dark out and they would not have been able to see the wrecked truck. Garcia and Delatorre almost missed the vehicle too. "I don't know of any way that anybody could've seen him," said Garcia. "It was just very fortunate that we saw the cracks in the woods the shiny of the wreck - and curiosity that took us over there." The fishermen said they were very glad they came across the man when they did. "It's cold tonight and I don't believe he would've made it through the night tonight," said Fifield. "That's my personal opinion." "He said to me that he's been there for a long time; that he had almost lost all hope - because nobody was there," said Garcia, "and one more day, and something would have been different here. CBS 2 Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon reported if conditions had been colder or snowier, this story might not have had the ending it did. Other than last Wednesday morning, when we had a temperature of 30 degrees, temperatures have been consistently above freezing in Portage, Indiana throughout the past week. On Christmas Day Wednesday, the low in Portage was 50, the high a most unseasonable 59. Had the rain been heavier in the area on Friday and Monday, there also could have been a flash flood, Ramon reported. The rain in the area totaled 0.94 inch. Investigators late Tuesday were still trying to figure out what led to the crash and have not released the driver's identity. They have no reports of the accident or a missing person. As far as the two Good Samaritans, they prefer not to be called heroes. They say they were just there at the right place and the right time. Unsealed Jeffrey Epstein court documents name accusers, world leaders and Hollywood stars Houthi militia defies U.S. warning with 25th Red Sea attack What to expect at 2024 Golden Globes on CBS As of 27 December, three units at thermal power plants across Ukraine went into emergency repairs, and two more units were shut down for routine repairs. Source: the press service of NPC Ukrenergo, an electricity transmission system operator in Ukraine and the sole operator of the country's high-voltage transmission lines. Details: It is noted that despite the shutdown of five TPP units, the electricity generated by power plants of all types is sufficient to ensure the energy supply of all legal and household consumers. Ukrenergo reports that there is currently no electricity export. Instead, electricity is imported throughout the day from Slovakia, Poland, Romania and Moldova. The total volume is 11,808 MWh, with a maximum capacity of up to 1,120 MW in some hours. In addition, 447 settlements remain without electricity due to combat action and other reasons. Quote: "The situation in Kherson is difficult: more than 90,000 consumers are without electricity due to damage to the power company's networks after massive bombardments, and there are also blackouts in the settlements of the Oblast. More damage due to bombardments has been reported in the networks of power distribution companies in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts," the statement said. The company emphasises the importance of saving electricity, as the overall level of consumption remains high despite the warm weather. Reminder: Due to the Russian bombardments on 26 December, 70% of Kherson's subscribers are without electricity supply. Support UP or become our patron! A 15-year-old Florida boy is accused of shooting his 14-year-old brother after that teenager fatally shot their 23-year-old sister as she sat outside with her baby on Christmas Eve, authorities said Tuesday. Police said the brothers had earlier gotten into a fight during a family shopping trip over who was getting what for Christmas, according to CBS News. When the siblings mother took them all to their grandmothers house in Largo afterwards, the fighting continued. The 14-year-old reportedly pointed a semiautomatic handgun at his older brothers head and threatened to kill him. The boys were separated by an uncle who managed to get the younger sibling out of the home where his sister, Abrielle Baldwin, was sitting outside with her child. Baldwin is said to have asked her brother to end the dispute. The 14-year-old, apparently angered by his sisters request, berated her with pejoratives, then threatened to shoot Baldwin and her baby before firing a bullet into the womans arm and chest. Her baby was uninjured. The 15-year-old reportedly then emerged from the grandmothers house with a semiautomatic handgun and shot his younger brother in the stomach. He then fled the home, throwing the gun into a nearby yard, and was later taken into custody at a family members house. The younger brother, who might be charged as an adult for first-degree murder, is in stable condition in a Tampa-area hospital after undergoing surgery. The 15-year-old has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. CBS News reports both teens have prior arrests for vehicular burglaries. The Pinellas County Sheriffs Department told the Daily News that the investigation is still open and active, therefore the report is unable to be released at this time. Baldwin also had a 6-year-old child. _____ TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Some Florida first responders saved Christmas for three small children who were in a vehicle that crashed Christmas morning in Volusia County. Deputies were called at about 11:45 a.m. to a crash on I-95 in which a vehicle crashed into a ditch filled with water, according to the Volusia County Sheriffs Office. There was a woman and three children all under the age of about 5 years old. The four people had minor injuries and were rescued from the car by bystanders, deputies said. However, the childrens Christmas gifts were still inside. First responders used a ladder to reach the vehicle and were able to remove most of the gifts, deputies said. The gifts were taken to the sheriffs office to be dried and sorted before being taken to a hospital for the children with a few extra donated gifts included. Courtesy: Volusia Sheriffs Office/Facebook Courtesy: Volusia Sheriffs Office/Facebook Courtesy: Volusia Sheriffs Office/Facebook Thanks to the initiative of Q93 and some great teamwork between OBFD and VSO, this familys Christmas is a little bit brighter despite the crash, deputies said in a Facebook post. Great work all! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Video above: Teen brothers get into gunfight over presents on Christmas Eve in Largo, sister killed, sheriff says TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida man who was allegedly playing with a gun on Christmas was arrested after he pulled the trigger and hit a child, according to a report. At a Christmas gathering Monday night, Diego Uriel Diaz Martinez, 41, allegedly asked to hold a gun because he was considering buying one of his own, according to WBBH in Fort Myers. Sheriff: Teen brothers get into gunfight over presents on Christmas Eve in Largo, sister killed The report said the owner got the gun out of the safe and told Martinez there was a magazine in the gun, but it wasnt loaded. Martinez was reportedly holding the gun, and a child, when he cocked back the gun and pulled the trigger, sending a bullet through a wall and hitting another child in the living room, according to WBBH. The child was reportedly shot in the leg and taken to a hospital. Martinez was charged with shooting into a building, child neglect, and using a gun under the influence, according to the report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. NAPERVILLE, Ill. - A Florida man has found himself behind bars after he allegedly shot and killed his half-brother on Christmas as he was looking for his cellphone, according to a press release from DuPage County in Illinois. Kendall Yarborough, 28, was charged with two counts of first degree murder after the incident that unfolded at a home in Naperville, Illinois, on Monday afternoon. Naperville is located within the Chicago metro. When deputies arrived at the home, they found a man identified as James Watson inside with a gunshot to his abdomen, according to a press release from DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. An investigation revealed that Watson was reportedly downstairs and became upset when he couldn't find his cellphone, according to authorities. He slammed a card table on the floor, and that's when Yarborough, who was upstairs, allegedly shot down toward Watson, striking him in the abdomen. "On Christmas day, James Watson lost his life after his half-brother, Kendall Yarborough allegedly shot him in the abdomen while James was looking for his cellphone," Berlin said in a press release. "This senseless act of violence will not go unpunished. To James family and friends, I offer my sincere condolences and wish them strength as they mourn the loss of a family member and come to terms with another family member accused of his murder. I thank DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and his office for their work on this sad case. I also thank Assistant States Attorneys Robert Willis, Helen Kapas and Michael Paup, for their work in securing charges against Mr. Yarborough." Family members immediately called 911 and began to render aid to Watson. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died. At the home, deputies found a 9mm handgun and one spent 9mm bullet casing. RELATED HEADLINES : "It is horrible that a tragedy occurred on Christmas," Mendrick said in a press release. "It goes to show that domestic violence can occur in any home and thats why we take domestic related incidents seriously at the DuPage County Sheriff's Office. Thank you for all the hard work from first responders and States Attorney Bob Berlins office for handling this serious crime during their Christmas holiday." Yarborough was taken into custody. He appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday morning. The court granted Yarborough's motion to continue his pre-trial detention hearing until Wednesday afternoon. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, attends the second plenary meeting of the seventh session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. Zhao delivered a report on the implementation of the Seed Law. [Photo/Xinhua] Senior Chinese lawmakers met on Tuesday to deliberate reports at an ongoing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, attended the second plenary meeting of the seventh session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee. Zhao delivered a report on the implementation of the Seed Law. An inspection launched by the NPC Standing Committee on the law's implementation has found that, the overall situation of China's seed industry is safe, Zhao said. The effective implementation of the Seed Law has vigorously promoted the revitalization of the seed industry, laying a solid foundation for ensuring stable and secure supply of food and important agricultural products, and advancing the building of a strong agricultural nation, Zhao said. To further implement the law, Zhao called for efforts to promote innovation in the breeding of quality seeds, cultivate and strengthen advantageous seed enterprises, step up the protection of intellectual property rights, enhance the enforcement of seed quality supervision, and improve the legal system for the seed industry. The session heard a report on the implementation of the Workplace Safety Law, two reports on the midterm evaluation of the implementation of the outline of the 14th five-year plan for national economic and social development and the long-range objectives through 2035. Lawmakers heard a report on the rectification of problems found in the execution of the 2022 central budget and other fiscal matters, a report on the allocation and utilization of cultural funds in the fiscal budget, and a report on mental health services. Lawmakers also heard a report on the handling of the suggestions, criticisms and comments submitted by lawmakers during the first session of the 14th NPC, and a report on the recording and review work in 2023 submitted by the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee. Zhao also presided over a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee on Tuesday to hear reports on law deliberations. LAKELAND, Fla. - Romance took an unconventional turn at a Florida college when a student orchestrated a proposal for his soon-to-be fiancee that involved a creative collaboration with law enforcement. The plan? Florida Southern College student Craig Vandenberg enlisted a campus police officer on Dec. 10 to trick his girlfriend into thinking he'd lost his wallet, the Lakeland Police Department shared on Facebook. The video has since gone viral, amassing nearly 8,000 views since it was posted on Saturday. You can watch the full video in the player above. Campus Officer Leach stepped in and called Vandenberg's girlfriend Emery to let her know about the "found" wallet. Photo: Lakeland Police Department VIRAL : Hungry alligator wolfs down python in thrilling video captured at Florida park: 'Score one for the home team!' "I need your help," Leach told Emery. "A police officer from downtown found Craig's wallet and you're listed as an emergency contact for him. I tried to call him, and I went by his house, but I can't get a hold of him. I'm about to go home for the day and I want to try and get the wallet back Where can I meet you to give this back?" Emery was startled, to say the least, that a campus police officer had called her. "Oh goodness!" she said, before agreeing to meet Leach at a pavilion at Lake Morton across campus. Vandenberg, armed with a bouquet of flowers and an engagement ring, hopped in Leach's patrol car and the two made their way to the proposal site. Photo: Lakeland Police Department WAIT, WHAT? : Family mistakenly buys $10K in Disney+ gift cards thinking they were good for purchases in theme parks "Dude, she has no idea," Leach said. Emery met up with Leach and unassumingly checked out the wallet to make sure everything was still inside. After exchanging a couple of thank yous, Leach had one more surprise for Emery. Photo: Lakeland Police Department "One more thing, though," Leach said as he opened the back door of his patrol car. To Emery's shock, Craig stepped out. The two shared a sweet, private moment which wasn't captured on Leach's bodyworn camera footage. But what we do know is that Emery said YES! WOAH : $3.99 vase bought at Goodwill turns out to be worth over $100,000 Photo: Lakeland Police Department Congratulations, Craig and Emery! After the first of the year, the Department of Children and Families will start putting together rules for human trafficking safehouses across Florida. Its the result of reporting by 9 Investigates, that exposed the lack of standards or regulations for those safehouses, after several survivors who lived in one Central Florida home told us they felt re-exploited there. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS Another local organization is helping DCF put together the new rules, as they prepare to open their third facility to help survivors in Orlando. Inside an East Orange County home, there are boxes of furniture waiting to be unpacked and cabinets waiting to be filled. We want to make sure our pantry is full of food, and those necessities that make a home a home, Danielle Pierson said. Read: Hostage Situation: Sanford man forced to pay thousands before emergency heart surgery in Mexico Pierson took the helm as Executive Director of Samaritan Village this fall, and is overseeing the opening of the nonprofits third safehouse for survivors of human trafficking. The third home will bridge the gap between the organizations long-established Phase 1 safehouse, where women spend up to 18 months healing immediately after exiting the life of trafficking, and SVIs 3-year-old independent living home, where women who have graduated from the program can establish a rental history. This [new] stage home allows for us to continue to work with them on those day-to-day aspects of independent living and skill building while still giving them that cushion in between, because the healing journey is a journey, Pierson said. Read: Billions of dollars in gift cards expected to go unused, experts say Its a time of growth and transition not just for SVI, but for the state of Florida, as it becomes the first in the country to regulate human trafficking safehomes. That change comes after 9 Investigates exposed complaints about a different Central Florida facility earlier this year. I think its so easy for us to just open up a home; anyone can do that, Pierson said. But is it done in a practical way that is safe, that is truly using integrity and wisdom, and is it going to be survivor-centered and trauma-informed. SVI is one of ten organizations across the state that responded to a DCF survey to help develop the new standards. That survey revealed that in addition to the county-run stabilization shelter, four other organizations are in place in Orange County, putting the county second to only Hillsborough for the number of long-term beds available to human trafficking survivors. Read: Everybodys catching flu left and right: Statewide Flu cases on the rise Behind the scenes, its really been important for me to first understand what are the needs of the survivors, Pierson said. To come alongside of them and say, are we doing this correctly? Are we serving you all in the best way possible? The new regulations will lay out expectations for staff training, trauma-informed programming, resident-to-staff ratios, and security. Those standards will protect survivors and the organizations that want to help them. Its just so awesome to be here and to be able to serve these women in a capacity that I know will forever change their life, and the trajectory of their lives for generations to come, Pierson said. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Three people were arrested after they faked names and personal information on marijuana and gambling petitions across the state, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced last week. Officials said these petition circulators submitted "dozens of falsified marijuana and gambling initiatives petitions" as a result of several statewide investigations from law enforcement agencies and elections supervisors. "Our elections process, whether it be for candidates or ballot initiatives, must remain free from those who would commit voter fraud to champion an initiative or candidate," FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said in a press release. "In this case, paid petition circulators were trying to game the voting system. Our Election Crime Unit, working with the Department of States Office of Election Crimes and Security, is committed to thwarting these attempts. These illegal activities will not be tolerated." Here's a look at the three who were arrested and their charges: Zachary Paul Dworsky , a 34-year-old from Miami, was arrested and booked into the Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Department on Dec. 13 on 15 felony counts of criminal use of personal identification information and 15 felony counts of signing another persons name or a fictitious name to a petition. He allegedly falsified petitions for ballot No. 22-05, which refers to adult personal use of marijuana. David Lennard Simmons , a 49-year-old from Clewiston, was arrested and booked into the Hendry County Jail on Dec. 13 for 17 felony counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information of a deceased individual. He allegedly falsified petitions for ballot No. 21-16, which refers to the limited authorization of casino gambling. Natalie Marie Marrero, a 33-year-old from Orlando, was arrested on an FDLE arrest warrant by Winter Park police and booked into the Orange County Jail on Nov. 17. She was charged with 16 felony counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information and 16 felony counts of false swearing of voter registration information. Marrero allegedly falsified petitions for ballot No. 22-05, which refers to adult personal use of marijuana. Authorities said additional charges may be filed pending further investigation. "The Florida Constitution is a sacred document by which Floridas government, voters and citizens are adjudicated. Florida Law lays out a detailed process by which issues can be submitted to Floridas voters for consideration before they are added to Floridas Constitution," said Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "To fraudulently misappropriate this process for personal gain is not only illegal but also violates the trust of law-abiding Floridians across the state." Attorney General Ashley Moody's office will prosecute these cases. A Florida woman was arrested after she allegedly struck her boyfriend repeatedly with a Christmas tree during an argument, according to police. Miracle Rivera, 20, was charged with domestic battery in connection with the incident that happened at about 3:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve, according to an arrest affidavit via FOX 35 Orlando. Rivera and the victim, 24, were engaged in a verbal altercation at their home in St. Petersburg, Florida, over the victim's alleged infidelity when the attack took place, police said. FLORIDA MAN SHOOTS, KILLS HALF-BROTHER WHO WAS LOOKING FOR LOST CELL PHONE ON CHRISTMAS The two individuals were eventually separated after the victim walked into the living room, but Rivera followed him into the living room, picked up a Christmas tree and struck him repeatedly while he was lying on the couch, according to the affidavit. The victim suffered several minor scratches on his upper body and arms, according to police. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP REWARD RAISED TO $10K FOR LEAD TO SUSPECT ACCUSED OF KILLING MAN INSIDE FLORIDA MALL The couple was in a romantic relationship and had been living together for two years, the affidavit showed. Rivera was booked into the Pinellas County Jail. She was released from custody on Christmas Day and has pleaded not guilty, according to the New York Daily News. Original article source: Florida woman accused of hitting boyfriend multiple times with Christmas tree during argument Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia will inevitably lead to future Russian aggression, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko said on Dec. 27. Nikolenko was responding to a comment from German lawmaker Michael Kretschmer, the head of the state of Saxony, who suggested that the Ukrainian government temporarily give up territory in exchange for a ceasefire with Russia. Kretschmer also said that Germany needs a "U-turn" in its policy toward Russia. "Russia is our neighbor. A dangerous, unpredictable neighbor. The idea of weakening Russia militarily, politically and economically so that it can no longer pose a threat to us is an attitude that dates back to the 19th century. It lays the foundation for further conflicts," he said. Kretschmer has previously been criticized for his comments on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, such as when he publicly called for the war to become a "frozen conflict" in August 2022. Ukrainian society is broadly against the idea of territorial concessions in exchange for peace. A poll published by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on Dec. 14 found that 74% of respondents said they were opposed to any kind of territorial concessions. U.S. officials have also denied that they would seek to pressure Ukraine into a peace deal on terms unfavorable to Kyiv. Read also: Editorial: Why we dont avoid unpleasant stories about Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MEMPHIS, Tenn. An ex-City Gear employee has been arrested for allegedly shooting a customer after he threatened him. According to Memphis Police, on December 16, officers responded to a shooting at the City Gear on Elvis Presley. ORIGINAL STORY: Customer shot at City Gear after allegedly making threats, police say Reports state that a customer came to the store demanding a refund for shoes. The manager told him it could not be done, and the customer became angry. He allegedly threatened the manager, saying he would have her beaten up by someone. The loss prevention employee, Robert Tucker, got in between the manager and the customer. The customer then threatened Tucker, police say. Tucker reportedly pulled out a gun and fired shots at the customer, causing him to duck behind the counter for cover. Court records state that another customer dragged the victim out of the store after he had been shot. Tucker left the scene. The manager, along with another employee, said they didnt know that Tucker had a gun. The customer sustained several gunshot wounds and was taken to Regional One in critical condition, where he later died. Robert Tucker is charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon, Employing a Firearm with the Intention to Commit a Felony, and Tampering With/Fabrication of Evidence. He appeared in court Wednesday morning. We spoke with Robert Tuckers attorney, Leslie Ballin, who says his client is not guilty. There was an outrage, out of control customer, whose actions resulted in the loss of his life. Its sad, its tragic, said Ballin. We feel for his family but what was Mr. Tucker to do? His job was to protect customers, protect other employees, and himself which is what he was doing at the time of this sad event. Ballin says it was self-defense. He did not get up to go to work that morning with the intent to kill anybody. He just got up to go to work to do his job, said Ballin. He had every right to that weapon and under these circumstances, it was good, unfortunate but good that he had the weapon. According to the Shelby County criminal justice portal, this is Robert Tuckers first offense. Tucker has a $100,000 bond. In court, he pleaded not guilty. His attorney tells us he has a scheduled court appearance for tomorrow where they hope to get his bond reduced. Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. Hibbett released the following statement regarding the incident: We can confirm that Saturday night, at closing time there was a shooting incident involving an employee and another individual at the City Gear, located at 4070 Elvis Presley Blvd. in the Whitehaven Plaza Shopping Center in Memphis. The employee has since been terminated. We are working closely with the Memphis Police Department as they investigate this incident and cannot comment further on any details. Safety is always our top priority and we do not condone violence. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Su Hongtao, deputy director of the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Second International Forum on Young People's Education for Sustainable Development, Beijing, Dec. 25, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] As the world grapples with complex challenges like climate change and inequality, the importance of youth education in sustainable development has become increasingly clear. In response, the Second International Forum on Young People's Education for Sustainable Development opened in Beijing on Dec. 25, gathering experts from China and abroad to share insights and innovative strategies on preparing the next generation for a greener future. In his opening remarks, Su Hongtao, deputy director of the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People (CSCLSCCYP), stressed the importance of education in sustainable development for young people. Recognizing the urgency of collective action, he emphasized the need for platforms like the forum to foster joint teaching, research, and extracurricular education initiatives. He stated his belief that this approach will cultivate "future-oriented youth with a global perspective and comprehensive quality," thereby shaping capable leaders for a sustainable tomorrow. Zhang Weidong, assistant resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in China, highlighted their partnership with the CSCLSCCYP in developing engaging courses on topics such as quality education, gender equality, and climate change. These courses, which use interactive games and discussions, aim to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, enabling young participants to understand and engage with the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum featured several keynote presentations, panel discussions, and workshops. In the keynote presentation session, Lu Shizhen, former Party secretary of the China Youth University of Political Studies (CYUPS) and honorary council member of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), said that rapid changes in society will inevitably affect the balance between material well-being and spiritual fulfillment. She noted that these changes raise major issues concerning the times, society, people's living conditions, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. This, she emphasized, poses a profound challenge to sustainable development and the quality education of young Chinese people. She pointed out that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China put forward the need to improve mechanisms for collaboration among schools, families, and society in education. This perspective places education in a broader social context and is a crucial guiding principle for Chinese-style modernization education. Sun Fuchun, a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Tsinghua University, called for a renewed focus on creativity and innovation in education. He stated that these skills are essential for solving complex problems and positively impacting the world. Zhang Yi, a senior teacher at the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences, shared insights from her two decades of experience in educational practice. She emphasized that the growth needs of children should be the starting point and called on all parties to provide support for the sustainable development of children. International collaboration for sustainability was a key theme, exemplified by Yulia V. Grinkevich, deputy executive director of the Andrey Melnichenko Foundation in Russia. She showcased their "Support Talented Youth" program, which identifies and nurtures talented Russian youth in STEM fields, empowering them to contribute to a sustainable future. Similarly, Alex Holmes from the British International Education Association highlighted their innovative competition, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange among diverse teams and equipping them with the skills to tackle global challenges together. Zhao Jun, head of the CSCLSCCYP's Experiencing Center, showcased their programs prioritizing hands-on learning and experiential education. He said this approach allows young people to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills essential for real-world impact in achieving the SDGs. Guests launch the "Initiative for Co-construction of Youth Sustainable Development Education" at the opening ceremony of the Second International Forum on Young People's Education for Sustainable Development, Beijing, Dec. 25, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] The opening ceremony also saw the launch of the "Initiative for Co-construction of Youth Sustainable Development Education," a collaborative effort that focuses on sharing educational resources, building diversified platforms, and developing a comprehensive education system for sustainable development. Nearly two decades after Israeli settlers pulled out of Gaza, some say they yearn to return to the Palestinian territory after the Israel-Hamas war (GIL COHEN-MAGEN) "A house on the beach is not a dream!" The advertising slogan by an Israeli settlement developer is music to the ears of former Gaza settlers yearning to return to the Palestinian territory after the war. Nearly two decades after Israeli settlers pulled out of Gaza, the real estate developer Harey Zahav sparked controversy when it posted the slogan on social media in mid-December as Israel wages a military offensive against the territory's Hamas rulers. "This campaign expresses a desire to return (to Gaza) but we have no projects in development," said Zeev Epstein, the owner of the company, which is notorious for constructing wildcat settler outposts in the occupied West Bank without Israeli government authorisation. Epstein made the comment to Israel's Channel 13 television as Palestinian supporters expressed outrage over what they saw as a proposal to build beachfront homes over the bombed-out ruins of Gaza. Israel unilaterally withdrew the last of its troops and 8,000 settlers on September 11, 2005, ending a presence inside Gaza that began in 1967, but maintaining near complete control over the territory's borders. Despite its withdrawal, Israel imposed a land, sea and air blockade on the territory and is still regarded internationally as an occupying power in the Gaza Strip. All settlements on occupied Palestinian land are regarded as illegal under international law, regardless of whether they were approved by Israel. No Israeli officials had suggested plans to send Jewish settlers back to the territory following the outbreak of war on October 7, when Hamas militants launched deadly attacks across southern Israel and Israel responded with a relentless military campaign. But on Wednesday, coalition lawmaker Zvika Foghel told public radio that Israel must "take control over the territory north of the Gaza River, and establish new Jewish settlement". - 'Paradise' - For Hannah Picard, a 66-year-old French-Israeli who lived for 16 years in the heart of the Gaza Strip, "it's obvious that we are going to go back". The ongoing war in Gaza, she said, was a prelude to her return. "Deep down, we dream of going back, because it's our home," Picard said in an interview in her three-bedroom apartment in Jerusalem, which she described as her "temporary home". Her former seaside home in central Gaza, she said, was akin to "living in paradise". The bloodiest ever Gaza war erupted when Hamas gunmen attacked Israel and killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. They took 250 hostages of whom 129 remain inside Gaza, Israel says. Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground assault in Gaza has killed at least 20,915 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry. The case for Gaza resettlement has gained some ground among Israelis, many of whom are traumatised and galvanised by the October 7 attacks. - 'Govern Gaza' - Oded Mizrahi, who works at Jerusalem's Gush Katif Museum -- named after a bloc of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip -- was convinced that returning to the territory would soon be possible. "We don't know exactly how but... everyone understands that Hamas cannot stay there," he told AFP. "We have no other choice but to govern" Gaza, he said. While the Israeli authorities have not talked about the future of Gaza clearly, the United States insists it would be up to the Palestinians to decide. "We do not believe that it makes sense for Israel, or is right for Israel, to occupy Gaza, reoccupy Gaza over the long term," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told journalists on a recent visit to Israel. "Ultimately the control of Gaza, the administration of Gaza and the security of Gaza has to transition to the Palestinians." The images from 2005 of weeping Israelis leaving their homes in Gaza settlements, soldiers in tears as they carried out evacuation orders, bulldozers razing houses and synagogues set ablaze by Palestinians are etched into the collective Israeli memory. Displayed at the Gush Katif museum were photos, maps and souvenirs from the destroyed settlements such as little bottles filled with sand from Gush Katif as well as books on Jewish history in Gaza. T-shirts emblazoned with the words "We are going home" were on sale for 35 shekels ($10). "People want to learn this story," Mizrahi said. "It's in the news." mib/ezz/ac/jd/amj/kir Former MPs Serhiy Katsuba, Oleksandr Tretyakov, and Oleksandr Zats crossed the Ukrainian border, posing as volunteers using the Shlyakh system, and did not return, NGL.media reported on Dec. 27. A journalistic investigation revealed that Serhiy Katsuba, a 44-year-old member of the now-banned pro-Russian Party of Regions, left Ukraine on July 6, 2022. He is implicated in multiple embezzlement cases at Ukraines Naftogaz, including a scheme related to Boyko Towers. These drilling rigs, Petro Hodovanets and Nezalezhnist, were purchased at double their actual value, involving then Energy Minister Yuriy Boyko. Katsuba utilized the Shlyakh system to leave the country, registering as a driver-transporter of humanitarian cargo two weeks before his departure, facilitated by the Communities and Territories Development Ministry. The application for his exit, filed by Kyiv-based Mix Travel Group LTD, was disclosed by the Ministry. In July 2023, the director of the group, Serhiy Boyko, received a five-year probation sentence for involvement in an illegal exit scheme. Katsuba did not return, NGL.media reported. Read also: Can military-eligible men be returned to Ukraine, how will EU react? Then theres Oleksandr Tretyakov, a 53-year-old ex-legislator from Our Ukraine and Petro Poroshenko Bloc, who left Ukraine on April 19, 2022, as per State Border Guard Service sources. Lviv Oblast Military Administration added Tretyakov to the Shlyakh system, according to the state service for transport safety. Despite initial denials in 2023, the administration eventually confirmed the documentation on the third attempt. Tretyakov sought assistance from the public organization Narodna Samooborona Lvivshchyny (Lviv Peoples Self-defense) to cross the border. He approached them, claiming to bring cargo for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including vehicles, bulletproof vests, helmets, and radios, from abroad in March-April of the previous year. However, his social media posts soon shifted to reposts of news and holiday greetings. Former Party of Regions MP Oleksandr Zats reportedly applied for volunteering after the Russian full-scale invasion began. In June 2022, Kherson Oblast Military Administration added him twice to the Shlyakh system as a volunteer. On June 27, Zats crossed into Hungary and never came back, according to NGL.media. Read also: Nearly 19,000 men fled Ukraine by misusing "Shlyakh" information system The public organization Ukrainian National-Patriotic Youth from Lviv, led by Petro Rapita, assisted Zats in his exit. Rapita acknowledged cooperation with Zats only on the second attempt, asserting that Zats left but supposedly returned, bringing tactical supplies for the military. The Shlyakh system, launched by Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers on March 17, 2022, permits male drivers of military age to cross the border when transporting humanitarian aid or medical supplies. Approximately 6,000 men of military age leave Ukraine through the western border every day, the State Border Guard Service reported on Dec. 20. According to spokesman Andriy Demchenko, 50% of departing men aged 18 to 60 are truck and bus drivers. The departing group also includes individuals with disabilities, parents of many children, and 3% are volunteers. 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 Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt gives remarks as an airplane is parked on the tarmac during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new terminal at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport on Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Loveland, Colo. Long-term management of Northern Colorado Regional Airport is once again a hot potato, but a new study ordered by the cities of Loveland and Fort Collins, which co-own the facility, makes one thing clear: The two parties lack a shared vision for the airport's future, but neither believes the way it's been run since 2015 is working. Today, the airport is run by a seven-member commission comprised of two officials and one citizen from each city, along with one jointly appointed citizen. Day-to-day management is overseen by an airport director and small staff. City councils maintain control over major airport decisions including budget and finances. From interviews with a combined 16 city council members in September, report author Daniel Reimer of DSR LLC, special counsel to the cities on airport matters, said all agreed Loveland has greater influence over and gets more benefit from the airport that is within its city limits. The report listed a dozen viable options for changes in airport governance but narrowed them to three recommendations for further study, including having Fort Collins divest from the airport, essentially ceding it to Loveland. Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt high fives Don Overcash during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new terminal at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport on Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Loveland, Colo. It will be up to a four-member governance subcommittee to evaluate and recommend an option to would bring to the commission and city councils. Mayor Jacki Marsh and council member Troy Krenning are representing Loveland on the committee; Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt and Council member Julie Pignataro are representing Fort Collins. Loveland and Fort Collins have been working on three priorities for the airport: development of a remote air traffic control tower, widening a runway and expanding the terminal, Loveland City Manager Steve Adams said. "They're all underway, so were headed for the path of the (airport) as a commercial opportunity for Loveland and the northern region," he said. While Fort Collins has supported those efforts, "there's maybe a different vision" between the two cities. With two of the three projects ready for completion next year, it's time to work on the governance model, Adams said. The two cities have struggled over the airport's 60-year history of joint ownership to find a governance structure that works. Four different models have been put in place, with the most recent adopted in 2015 with an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement that gives the cities joint management authority. They've disagreed in the last year over contributing $1 million each for construction of a new terminal, support for regularly scheduled commercial air service, their levels of disappointment over a virtual air traffic control tower that has failed to come to fruition, and concerns city council members do not get regular and adequate information. Whether the two cities can find a common vision remains to be seen. With new commission and council members, "we're starting fresh in many perspectives," Fort Collins City Manager Kelly DiMartino said. An extended airport commission meeting has been scheduled in January, "when we will start to get a better sense of that." Loveland's representation on the airport commission has changed recently with the Nov. 7 election of three new city council members. Adams and former Mayor pro-tem Don Overcash had served on the commission for several years and supported the terminal and remote tower. Overcash lost his race for mayor and no longer serves on council, which also meant he could not serve on the commission. Adams was ousted from the commission when council voted in November on new committee assignments. Loveland resident Curt Burgener, Marsh and Krenning, who is also a pilot, represent Loveland. Marsh and Krenning could bring a different perspective to the airport commission than Overcash and Adams, who were staunch supporters of the airport and its vision for the future. Fort Collins resident and pilot Mick Williams, Arndt and DiMartino represent Fort Collins. Jerry Stooksbury, jointly appointed by both cities, also serves on the commission. Marsh and Arndt were not immediately available for comment on this story. Don Overcash, Northern Colorado Regional Airport Commission chair and Loveland Mayor Pro Tem, gives remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new terminal at the airport on Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Loveland, Colo. Krenning said he does not support the airport's governance structure, construction of the new $22 million terminal for an airport that has no commercial air service or the virtual tower project that has failed to win approval from the Federal Aviation Administration as of yet. The existing governance structure "still leaves most of the major decisions to the city councils, which is a very tedious and inefficient way of conducting business," Krenning said. He doesn't necessarily favor a Fort Collins divestiture, although he understands "Fort Collins' frustration," he said. "The more partnerships Loveland and Fort Collins have the better it is for both communities," he said. Krenning said he would support a public/private partnership or airport authority that had members that could make decisions including the ability to hire an airport manager. The airport is currently managed by David Ruppel, a consultant with Aviation Management Consulting Group, hired as interim manager in June after the resignation of airport manager Jason Licon. Fort Collins City Council member Kelly Ohlson has said "it's time to divorce ourselves from the airport. Not a bad divorce, a good divorce and just let it be a Loveland thing," he told the Coloradoan earlier this year. "It's a Loveland airport no matter what you call it," he said. Recommendations favor airport authority, divestiture People mingle after a groundbreaking ceremony for a new terminal at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport on Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Loveland, Colo. Here's a look at the report's three primary recommendations and the pros and cons outlined in the report: Create an airport authority: All property would be transferred to the authority. Airport authorities are largely independent of their originating local government, but the FAA requires local governments to be co-sponsors for grant agreements for planning and improving airports in case the airport authority is dissolved so there will be an entity responsible for continuing to operate the airport, complete unfinished work, and satisfy the other contractual obligations. Create a special district to manage the airport: Establishing a special district through airport-specific legislation would allow the Colorado General Assembly to compose the governing body in a way that best reflects the longstanding interests of the cities; delegate specific powers to the district, including the power to levy taxes that not available to airport authorities; and possibly constitute the district in such a way that FAA would not require the cities to remain co-sponsors. Airport special districts are untested in Colorado and the report said it is uncertain of the advantages compared to an airport authority. Have Fort Collins divest itself from the airport, in essence ceding it to Loveland. Loveland would be an obvious choice to take over operations since the 1,000-acre facility is within the city and it already provides services. It would resolve joint ownership issues, increase efficiency, and acknowledge the city already provides most administrative support. But it would eliminate Fort Collins' control and influence over the airport and would not likely provide any financial gain for Fort Collins. When the property was annexed into Loveland in 1992, Loveland took on the cost of administration, including airport employees, so it gets all the sales and use tax revenue from the airport. Fort Collins reaps no direct financial benefit from the airport, but the airport hasn't cost the city anything for four years, until a $1 million request earlier this year to make up a funding gap for a new airport terminal. The airport operates on revenue coming from rates and fees charged to airport users, land leases, and federal and state grant programs. The cities commissioned the study to help them revisit the governance structure that they say makes it cumbersome to get approval from both councils on policy-level and big-ticket items. The report also cited concerns about the dissemination of information to elected officials and staff and whether those asked to make decisions are up-to-speed and equipped to do so. In the 60-plus years the cities have owned the airport, governance has changed several times, but with each iteration a board, steering committee or commission has been in place to help develop policies, budgets and oversee expenses. But the cities have never wavered on their role as the airport's owner and operator. Other options exist Maintain or amend the intergovernmental agreement to reallocate responsibility among the cities, commission and airport staff, based on concerns with the current allocation of responsibility. Maintaining the status quo has virtually no support from either city. Transfer the airport to the city of Loveland or Fort Collins. There was some interest among council members from both cities in transferring the airport to Loveland but no interest in transferring it to Fort Collins. If there were to be a transfer, one city would transfer ownership to the other. Transfer the airport to Larimer County: It would reflect regional interest in the airport and would avoid a fight over which city would assume control. On the other hand, Larimer County has no experience managing an airport and is not currently part of airport governance. Privatize all or parts of the airport. The cities could contract with a private company to run the airport or sell or lease the airport to private entities entirely. Northern Colorado Regional Airport history The cities jointly acquired roughly 1,000 acres of private property in 1964 to build the airport, which opened in 1965 as Fort Collins/Loveland Municipal Airport. From 1965 to 1979 the airport was managed with help from an airport board, including representatives of Fort Collins, Loveland and Larimer County. From 1979 through 1983, an ad-hoc committee was formed to run the airport. The committee consisted of two council members and city managers from Loveland and Fort Collins. In 1983 the airport authority was formed and remained in place until 1990. Despite the airport authority, the cities kept their "considerable" decision-making authority. From 1990 through 2015 a steering committee was formed with representation by both cities. The steering committee became the current seven-member commission under a revised intergovernmental agreement for the joint operation of the airport. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Loveland, Fort Collins seek Northern Colorado Regional Airport changes Bon said the ship had already been sent to Ukraine from Dunkirk French Minister of Transport Clement Beaune reported that his country sent a second cargo ship to Ukraine to help with the export of grain. "This morning, France delivered a second ship to support Ukraine," he said on the X social network on Tuesday, December 26. Read also: UK to provide Ukraine with two Sandown-class minehunting ships Beaune said that the ship was already en route to Ukraine from Dunkirk. Read also: Russia unable to repair missile ship Askold after precision missile strike by Ukraine "It will allow the export of cereals, to better feed the world. Our commitment is total, our solidarity will not stop," he said. Read also: Ukraine to receive warships to help protect its Black Sea grain corridor On November 23, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna stated that Ukraine has secured the Black Sea Grain Corridor with its own efforts following a campaign of destroying Russian naval assets. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A lawsuit claimed that Fresno, California police consistently ignored women's claims of domestic violence and threats, leading to the death of one woman and the paralysis of another at the hands of an abusive former partner. This week, an attorney for the women's families announced that the city has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle the lawsuit, ending a nearly nine-year legal battle. The lawsuit claimed that several Fresno police officers responded callously and inadequately to women's reports of abuse and threats by ex-partners, and failed to arrest the men who attacked them despite ample cause to do so. As a result of the officers' inaction, one of the women, Pamela Motley, was paralyzed, and another, Cindy Raygoza, was killed when their former partners assaulted them. According to the suit, Motley repeatedly reported violent threats from Paul Motley, her estranged husband, to the police. Despite Paul's repeated violation of a temporary restraining order, police made no attempt to arrest him. In one April 7th, 2014 incident Paul explicitly threatened to shoot Pamela if she didn't return to him by April 14th. However, when Pamela reported this threat to the police, the responding officer "seemed insensitive and rude to both Pamela and other witnesses who were present and available to give corroborating statements," according to the lawsuit. The officer "did not even exit his vehicle or turn his engine off when speaking to Pamela," and even "told Pamela that she should not be too worried because 'These guys only follow through 1 percent of the time.'" On April 12th, 2014, Paul shot Pamela in the face, paralyzing her, before shooting and killing himself. Pamela died in 2020 after contracting COVID-19. Police treated Raygoza with similar apathy. According to the suit, Raygoza called Fresno police after her ex-boyfriend, Michael Reams, broke into her home and attacked her. When police arrived, Raygoza told an unnamed officer that she had been a victim of domestic violence in a previous marriage. The suit claimed that the officer then "took it upon himself to berate Cindy and criticize her choices of men," and told Raygoza that "if she continued to associate with [Reams] she would be 'crying wolf' and would not receive any responses to her calls or service to her address." Police never attempted to arrest Reams, and despite continued threats, Raygoza never contacted law enforcement again. On July 14th, 2014, Reams stabbed Raygoza to death in her home. In addition to claims from Motley and Raygoza's family, attorney Kevin Little said that more than thirty women eventually joined the lawsuit with claims of mistreatment by Fresno police when reporting domestic violence. This week, after more than eight years of litigation, Little announced that the City of Fresno agreed to a $500,000 settlement. "Today marks the end of a long road for the families, the Motley and the Raygoza families," Little said during a press conference this week, adding that the two women were fatally and near-fatally attacked "as a result of inaction on the part of the Fresno police department in the face of multiple complaints that they made regarding their abusers that went unresponded, unanswered, unaddressed." While the hefty settlement can't bring Motley and Raygoza back to their families, it does send a rareand strongmessage to local police departments that encourage officers to brush off domestic violence, or even blame women for becoming victims of their ex-partner's violence. "She was loving and giving, and she would be there for anyone. And then the time that she needed help, no one was there to protect her and help her," Amanda Sylvester, Motley's daughter, said in a press conference. "No one took her [seriously], and she feared for her life for months." The post Fresno Police Ignored Claims of Domestic Violence. Now, the City Will Pay $500,000. appeared first on Reason.com. The large landing ship Novocherkassk burned down in the port of Feodosia Worried about a repeat of the powerful strike on the port in Feodosia, Russia has surrounded the city center and intensified checks on residents in the occupied Crimean city, the Center for National Resistance reported. "After the destruction of the large Novocherkassk landing ship, the enemy has surrounded the central district of Feodosia and increased checks on locals in the streets," the statement said. Read also: Ukraine has already destroyed 20% of Russias famed Black Sea Fleet in effort to liberate Crimea Russians are actively searching for individuals they consider informants monitoring events in the port. The occupation forces are attempting to prevent information leakage regarding the extent of damage to port infrastructure. Powerful explosions in the port area overnight on Dec. 26. A Ukrainian missile destroyed the Russian navy vessel, confirmed Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk, who thanked Ukrainian pilots. The Ukrainian Air Force later said the attack was carried out with cruise missiles. Read also: Ukrainian missile strike destroys Russian Black Sea Fleet command center NV sources 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 When opposition forces began their charge into Loikaw, they knew the casualties would be steep but it was a price they were willing to pay to win control of a key state capital. It was a battle waged building by building: rebel fighters spent days trying to take the heavily fortified police station, exchanging fire with regime forces from as little as 100 metres away Editor's Note: This exclusive behind-the-lines report on fighting in Myanmar between pro-democracy forces and the military junta that seized control of the Asian country in 2021 is published in conjunction with the Globe and Mail. The situation is being watched closely by Burmese refugees in the U.S., including nearly 40,000 who have settled in Indiana. LOIKAW, MYANMAR Dressed in fatigues and flip-flops, the fighter perched precariously on the back of a truck, aiming his .50-calibre machine gun at a small military surveillance plane overhead. His arms rattled as bullet casings the size of fists fell to the floor. It was late November. For weeks, the Myanmar military and Karenni opposition forces allied with the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) had been fighting for control of Loikaw, a city of roughly 50,000 in central Myanmar, around 100 kilometres from the nation's capital, Naypyidaw. Every day, surveillance planes would fly over the Karenni forces, and every night, mortars, artillery shells and bombs would rain down upon them. Regime forces conduct punishing attacks, sending units of well-armed soldiers, about 100-strong, to burn villages, attack resistance bases and kill civilians. In April, they attacked the village of Daw Ta Ma Gyi, reducing many homes to ashes. Almost three years since the military seized power in a coup, ending a brief stretch of semi-democratic rule in the former British colony and plunging Myanmar once again into civil war, the fight for Loikaw the capital of Karenni State was one of the bloodiest the Karenni forces had seen. They lost at least 60 fighters in the assault, compared to around 200 in all the fighting prior. But by mid-December they'd seized control of Loikaw, striking a major blow against the military junta. The ruling regime has been on the back foot nationwide after an alliance of northern ethnic militias that had previously sat out the war launched a surprise attack on Oct. 27. While the junta has been able to negotiate an unsteady ceasefire in parts of Shan state, where the October offensive began, it is still fighting on multiple fronts across the country, as emboldened opposition forces the Karenni among them launched their own attacks, determined to change the tide of a civil war that had been in a bloody stalemate for years. This rebel fighter was gravely wounded by shrapnel, amid intense mortar fire during the battle for the police station. He was not expected to survive. A conflict transformed International media has been banned from covering the war in Myanmar, but I was able to travel clandestinely to Karenni State (also called Kayah State) in November, and then join the opposition forces as they marched into Loikaw late that month. The state lies in a highly strategic location, bordering Thailand a key source of weapons and supplies and serving as a bridge between southern resistance strongholds and those to the north in Shan, where the country's most powerful armed groups operate. When I visited the country for The Globe and Mail, in the fall of 2022, I travelled to a Karenni Army settlement and camp for internally displaced persons deep in the jungle, from where the opposition had been launching guerrilla attacks against junta forces, while dodging brutal air raids and reprisals. Air strikes last year killed hundreds of civilians in Sagaing and Kachin, and wounded many more. The regime has also been accused of using chemical weapons, a charge it denies. (I returned to Karenni in April, 2023, and a selection of photos from all three of these trips appears below.) In April, opposition fighters were engaged primarily in guerilla warfare, fighting regime forces in the countryside, jungle and on the outskirts of towns and villages such as Daw Nyay Khu, where Karenni fighters took shelter inside a drainage ditch as a mortar shell exploded close by. One fighter was injured. A predominantly Catholic ethnic group, the Karenni have been fighting for self-determination since Myanmar, then known as Burma, gained independence from the British in 1948. The largest Karenni militia agreed to a ceasefire in 2012, but the coup in February, 2021, reignited the fighting, and Karenni forces threw their weight behind the NUG and the People's Defence Forces, formed mainly of former protesters from Myanmar's cities who fled to the jungles to take up arms against the junta. The move from fighting amid the trees to fighting in urban areas shows how far the resistance has come, but such advances bear a steep price. Two top Karenni commanders were wounded in the fighting, while dozens of their fighters were killed and many more wounded, their fate dependent on hospital camps in the jungle, often with limited supplies. These children lost their father, who was killed in October, 2022, during clashes with the military junta. Kids have suffered immensely in this war: Last year, the military struck a school with attack helicopters, killing at least 11 children and in April, an airstrike killed 168 men, women and children in the central Sagaing region. "Instead of buying bullets to fight, we have to buy food to feed the civilian population fleeing from cities because of the Tatmadaw," said Karenni Army commander Oo Reh, referring to the military. "It is our responsibility to take care of displaced civilians but we lack the resources." Tho Reh, a community leader and elder, said the opposition forces "do not have as many bullets as we wish we had so we have to get it from the enemy." The military regime had installed a drone-jamming system at the Loikaw airfield that kept opposition forces effectively grounded. But the Peoples Defence Forces team of drone experts overrode the system, allowing them to send in large aerial vehicles to blow up a main ammunition depot on the outskirts of Loikaw, sending a plume of dark smoke into the sky. Weapons of war Bullets aside, Myanmar is awash with arms, and the resistance fighters are well equipped with M16s and AK-47s, along with grenade and rocket launchers, mortars, machine guns and sniper rifles. But this pales in comparison to the military, once the second-largest in Southeast Asia, which has spent an estimated US$1-billion importing weapons and raw materials to manufacture arms since the conflict began. Junta gunships and fighter jets are able to rain down death on opposition forces and civilian populations with near impunity, even as their ground troops have struggled with the recent advances. Speaking to The Globe last month, acting NUG president Duwa Lashi La urged the international community to supply the opposition with anti-air weapons, such as Man-Portable Air Defence Systems, which have proven effective in Ukraine at helping undercut Russia's air superiority. At the start of the conflict, many observers, including the junta's allies Russia and China, expected the military to brush aside the resistance, as it has done in the past. But the Karenni and other ethnic militias, as well as the less well supplied People's Defence Forces, have proven incredibly resilient. They know the terrain well. They are mobile and agile, and can cover long distances in a day, quickly striking the enemy and then disappearing back into the jungle. They are also gaining experience in urban warfare, using drones to drop bombs on enemy positions and setting traps with improvised explosive devices. The military's recent setbacks in Shan, and opposition advances elsewhere, have seen some predict the end of the conflict. The National Unity Government claims thousands of Tatmadaw troops have already surrendered, and the junta has lost trade links with China and India, a key source of revenue. "We are winning," Lashi La said. "We firmly believe we will be able to remove the [junta] sooner rather than later." As it has been driven out of towns and villages in Karenni State, the military has been accused of deploying landmines on a massive scale, a practice Amnesty International has said amounts to war crimes, and one that could make it impossible for thousands of people to return home in the future. Karenni fighters walk past the body of a soldier from Myanmar's military after fierce clashes between the two groups in April. When I visited a jungle hospital last year, I saw the damage these brutal weapons do, speaking to fighters and civilians who had lost their legs and feet. One woman had stepped on a mine as she walked back home from harvesting rice to feed her three children. "I am not afraid to fight one-on-one with the enemy. This is war, and this is the life we have chosen for ourselves. I have a gun, they have a gun, and one of us has to die. But I fear landmines for myself and my soldiers," Karenni Army commander Ree Du told me back in April. "If you step on a landmine, you lose one or both legs. You will have to live the rest of your life with this." But despite the military's brutality, and the immense cost borne by the civilian population thousands killed and at least 2 million displaced, according to the United Nations no one I spoke to regretted the sacrifice they were making. An opposition fighter patrols the streets of Loikaw 100 metres from the front line, where his comrades are battling for control of the police station. The sound of gunshots ring out, while behind him stands a hotel that was destroyed by the junta. Most of Loikaws 50,000 citizens headed to camps for internally displaced people in nearby forested areas before the fighting began. "We cannot lose this fight. If we lose, we will be slaves," Ree Du said. "We have to fight so the next generation can be free." Writing and additional reporting by James Griffiths/The Globe and Mail About the Photographer SIEGFRIED MODOLA is a Kenya raised independent Italian/British photojournalist and documentary photographer focusing on social, humanitarian and geopolitical events. He lives in Paris with a base in Nairobi. Modola started working for the Reuters news agency in Nairobi in 2010. Since then, he has reported in more than a dozen countries in Africa and has traversed the globe, venturing into diverse and often challenging environments to shed light on untold stories. He has covered the civil war in South Sudan, the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the conflict inSomalia, the chronic insecurity gripping the Central African Republic and Nigeria, the Venezuelan Refugee crisis, the depopulation of the Italian countryside, the 2014 IsraelGaza war, the Syrianrefugee crisis in northern Iraq, and the exodus of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Modolas photographs have appeared in some of the most prominent publications worldwide, and his work in Myanmar has won several awards, including the prestigious Visa dor News Award And the Bayeux Calvados Normandy Award for war correspondents, both in 2023. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pro-democracy forces fighting military junta for control of Myanmar New satellite imagery offers a clearer look at the full aftermath of a Ukrainian missile strike on the port of Feodosia in Crimea. New satellite imagery offers clear looks at the aftermath of the destruction of the Russian Navy's Ropucha class landing ship Novocherkassk. There is clear damage to the pier where the vessel, which is now just a burned-out hulk, was moored in the port city of Feodosia on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula. Novocherkassk suffered multiple secondary explosions, including one that produced a huge fireball, after being hit by Ukrainian air-launched cruise missiles, as you can read more about in The War Zone's initial reporting . The details of the devastation can be seen in a high-resolution satellite image of Feodosia taken today that The War Zone has obtained from Planet Labs and another one from Maxar Technologies taken yesterday. The New York Times' Christiaan Triebert was the first to share the Maxar image. A satellite image of the port of Feodosia in Crimea taken on December 27, showing the aftermath of a Ukrainian missile strike that destroyed the Russian Navy's Ropucha class landing ship Novocherkassk and caused other damage. PHOTO 2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION Another image of the port of Feodosia from Maxar Technologies taken on December 26. Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies Another image of Feodosia from Maxar, taken on December 5, showing the Novocherkassk and the rest of the port as they looked before the Ukrainian missile strikes. Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies The imagery shows the submerged remains of Novocherkassk and at least one distinct impact crater and indentation in the pier alongside where the vessel had been. There are what appear to be smaller craters, as well as heavy scorching and debris, elsewhere along the pier. A close-up of the hulk of Novocherkassk and the immediate area around it, including the impact crater and indentation in the side of the pier, from the December 27 Planet Labs image. Other damage and debris are clearly visible. PHOTO 2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION The satellite imagery shows damage to what had been a long white-roofed structure near where the landing ship had been moored. A dividing wall in the middle of the pier looks to have helped shield the opposite side to a degree, but other structures can still be seen to have been partially damaged. Another close-up from the December 27 Planet Labs image showing damage to various structures, including what had been a white-roofed building at the bottom right-hand corner. PHOTO 2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION The imagery offers further confirmation that the training ship UTS-150 was left mostly submerged , if not also completely destroyed, as a result of the incident. Another large vessel or barge also looks to have been damaged. To date, the Ukrainian Air Force has only claimed to have destroyed the Novocherkassk in its strikes on Feodosia. The training ship UTS-150 is seen at the bottom left of this close-up shot from the December 27 Planet Labs image. Another large ship or barge at the top appears to have sustained damage, too. PHOTO 2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION Low-resolution imagery The War Zone obtained from Planet Labs yesterday had already shown without a doubt that Novocherkassk had been completely destroyed in the Ukrainian strike and indicated that UTS-150 had been sunk. A low-resolution satellite image of Feodosia taken on December 26 showing the complete destruction of the Novocherkassk. UTS-150 is also visible largely submerged. PHOTO 2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION Pictures taken on the ground that first began circulating online yesterday also showed additional damage to port facilities. https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1739955490157899860 https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1739591160207651227 https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1739595438032863455 Evidence had also already emerged yesterday of large debris having been sent flying a considerable distance away from the port when Novocherkassk blew up. https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1739634337933369558 Russian authorities have acknowledged the incident, but have falsely claimed that the landing ship was only damaged. The Russian government has also said that only one person was killed and two more were wounded as a result of the Ukrainian strikes. Independent, but there are still unconfirmed reports saying that as many as 33 Russian Navy sailors may be missing, and are possibly dead, and that 23 more were injured. Ukrainian authorities have also denied Russian claims that the Su-24 Fencer swing-wing combat jets that launched the missiles were shot down. There are unconfirmed reports that debris from a Storm Shadow cruise missile has been recovered in Feodosia. https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1696994738459558113 Ukrainian Su-24s are the country's platforms for launching the stealthy Storm Shadows , as well as virtually identical SCALP-EG cruise missiles , which have been supplied by the United Kingdom and France, respectively. These missiles have already been used to good effect in the past, including against Russian ships and submarines in port . https://twitter.com/GloOouD/status/1688203987877601282 Exactly what caused Novocherkassk to explode so violently when it was hit remains unknown. The Russian Navy has been actively using Ropuchas and other large landing ships to move personnel and materiel around various occupied areas of Ukraine since the start of the all-out invasion in February 2022. In fact, one of the clearest signs that Russian forces were about to launch that operation was the redeployment of several amphibious warfare ships to the Black Sea. Ropucha class vessels have also been notably used as ferries for military and civilian vehicles to and from Crimea following attacks on the Kerch Strait Bridge . https://twitter.com/MrFrantarelli/status/1677304304108019713 "They get loaded and move faster from one coast to the other. This ship could be used to transport cargo to the ports of the occupied territories," Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Col. Yuri Ignat told Radio Svoboda , a U.S. government-funded outlet, yesterday. "It could as well carry munitions, including the Shahed kamikaze drones , to Feodosia or other ports. The enemy launches Shaheds all the time so the destruction of a large batch, let's hope it was the case." Altogether, the loss of Novocherkassk is significant for the Russian Navy, which now only has 12 of these ships still in active service in total. Another Ropucha was seriously damaged, if not totally destroyed, in a combined Ukrainian cruise missile and kamikaze drone boat attack on the Crimean port city of Sevastopol in September. Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels seriously damaged a third one of these landing ships in a separate incident the month before. Novocherkassk was actually caught up in a separate Ukrainian strike on the Russian-occupied port city of Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov way back in March 2022. The strike, which may have been carried out using a Tochka-U short-range ballistic missile, resulted in the destruction of the Alligator class landing ship Orsk, which also exploded in a massive fireball after being hit. Novocherkassk, as well as another Ropucha, the Tsesar Kunikov, were moored in Berdyansk near the Orsk at the time. Video footage of that incident showed one of them appearing to be on fire, at least for a time, but both of them sailing away under their own power. https://twitter.com/COUPSURE/status/1506969662789140480 The strike Novocherkassk is also yet another example of the capability that Ukrainian forces have gained through the delivery of stealthy air-launched Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles from the United Kingdom and France. Observers have also pointed out that the missile strike was successful in spite of a Russian surface-to-air missile site being situated relatively close to Feodosia. However, a review of satellite imagery of that location in Planet Labs raises questions about its level of operation in recent months. https://twitter.com/TBrit90/status/1739553560608563308?s=20 At the same time, Russian air defenses have been seen struggling to intercept Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missiles in the past. Ukrainian forces also have access to at least a small stockpile of U.S.-made ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoys (MALD), and these look to have been employed to support previous Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG strikes. Ukraine may now have other decoys , which can be used to confuse or distract enemy forces, as well. As The War Zone's Tyler Rogoway wrote in our previous reporting on this incident: "Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG is an outstanding anti-ship weapon when those ships are in port/fully static. Add smaller ports where air defenses are less dense (compared to Sevastopol) and then add a target that is heavily laden with high-explosives much bigger chance at full write off and secondary damage to infrastructure (which could have a bigger impact that destroying the ship) and other ships and you have a perfect target." "Intel on what was on that ship and the window for attack was likely the main catalyst for executing it. Yes, for taking that explosive materiel off the table but more so because of the massive secondary explosion potential it had. Choosing targets with major secondary potential has been a key facet of this war on both sides, but Ukraine using its precious cruise missiles in this manner makes absolute sense and we will likely be seeing more of it going forward." https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel/status/1739739113690144960?s=20 The new satellite image of Feodosia from Maxar underscores the success of the Ukrainian strike on the Novocherkassk and only reinforces the likelihood that Ukraine's armed forces will continue to seek opportunities to target Russian warships in port. Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com The year 2024 is expected to usher in a new era of birth control. While an exact date has yet to be announced, an oral contraceptive named Opill is likely to be available over-the-counter, without a prescription, some time this year. Approved by the FDA in 2023, the manufacturer said to expect the pill to be readily available in stores and online at leading retailers across the U.S. in early 2024. Not only will this be a historic moment in reproductive rights in America, one that is long overdue, but the so-called mini pill is progestin-only. Compared to combination oestrogen-progestin pills, progestin-only pills carry fewer risks like blood clots and can be accessible to more people. Experts see this pill as not only a win for reproductive rights, but as a celebratory moment of innovation in contraceptives. Experts tell Salon theyre seeing more innovation in the contraceptive science field than before. The future, they say, looks bright and even more equitable as abortion care restrictions sweep across the country. I think there is a shift towards more gender equity, you can see more men getting comfortable taking on and sharing that burden, Dr. Brian Nguyen, an assistant professor in the obstetrics and gynecology department at the University of Southern California, told Salon. And more female partners who are expressing that their male partners should take on the burden. Male partners have had no options to prevent pregnancy that fall between condoms and vasectomies. But Nguyen sees firsthand the paradigm shift thats happening because he helps run clinical trials for two potential male contraceptive options. One, which he says is closest going to market as its currently in a phase 2b trial, is a male hormonal gel. The other is a once-a-day pill. The idea is that men would rub the gel on their shoulders once a day. Over the course of several weeks, it would gradually reduce their sperm count to less than one million. A normal sperm count is 15 million to one million per millimeter, so the idea is that by dropping that to less than one million is quite dramatic and can make the possibility of pregnancy less likely. While he couldnt share specific details, the results are very promising, he said. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. The daily pills are only in the first phase of their research and development. They work by suppressing hormones that initiate sperm production, not unlike the hormone suppression that is key to some forms of female birth control. But this really only scratches the surface of what could be on the horizon. One option, that Nguyen isnt directly involved with, is a non-hormonal pill that targets a protein that would produce Vitamin A. Previous research has shown that mice deprived of Vitamin A are infertile. In December 2023, a small clinical trial kicked off for this non-hormonal option in the U.K. including 16 participants. Improved reversible vasectomies could also be something that becomes more common in the future, Nguyen said. There's really no limit to the diversity of methods that could and should come out for men in the same way that we created diverse methods for females, Nguyen said, pointing out that most innovation thats happened in birth control has focused on female bodies. Humans have been controlling their reproduction for all of recorded history, from ancient Egyptian vaginal suppositories made of animal dung to spermicidal ointments made with cedar and olive oil employed by 4th Century Greeks. Modern birth control is a little more sophisticated (and effective.) In 1916, a nurse named Margaret Sanger opened the Brownsville Clinic, the first birth control clinic in America which was quickly scrutinized and rapidly shut down. The story goes that despite moments of progress, female contraception has historically been hard to innovate and access for over a century now. Issues specific to women, girls, and pregnant-capable individuals have always been understudied and underfunded, Dr. Alison Edelman, professor and OB/GYN at Oregon Health and Science University, told Salon via email. However, contraception comes with its own challenges it is an area of high risk but potentially high reward. Edelman elaborated that its difficult to create something for a diverse and healthy population. Plus, the stakes are pretty high: a majority of reproductive-aged females will use a contraceptive method in their lifetime. It must work to prevent pregnancy, be safe and have few side effects, for a big population. Given this high bar, Big Pharma has decreased their footprint in contraceptive research and development over the years and now, she said. Much of the current innovations are being pushed forward by nonprofits, small startups, the NIH NICHD [National Institute of Child Health and Human Development] and individual researchers. This month, the CDC released a report on popular contraceptive choices for teenagers between 2015 and 2019. Condoms were the first most common method of contraception for females between the ages of 15 and 19. The withdrawal method was second on the list, and the pill ranked third. The fourth most popular method was the Depo-Provera injectable, which surpassed an intrauterine device (IUD) device. Another method on the list was a hormonal implant called Nexplanon. Just as it sounds, this birth control is a matchstick-sized implant that physicians insert into a persons arm. It releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. While it sounds a bit like science fiction, similar implants could be the future of birth control, too. Nguyen said to even expect neuro-modulating switches, which turn signals on and off in the brain but that right now its baby steps with the first one to finally get a male contraceptive other than condoms on the market. How far are we away from that? "Hopefully in next five years," he said. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has noticed an increase in energy consumption among the six states it serves in the last few years. Officials expect to double or triple the grid in the future, but the current grid took 90 years to create. Scott Fiedler, a TVA spokesperson, said the corporation is currently 60% carbon neutral and plans on being greener in the future by being completely carbon neutral by 2050. The TVAs current energy breakdown looks like this: 39% from nuclear power, 33% from natural gas, 14% from coal, 10% from hydroelectric power, and 4% wind and solar power. TVA invests nearly $123M to prevent rolling blackouts this winter According to Fiedler, expansion is necessary because of the amount of power TVA produces for the six states it serves. This includes the proposed 900-megawatt natural gas facility and battery storage site in Cheatham County. However, Fiedler said nothing is written in stone yet and officials are currently taking comments from the public. This is a controversial subject across the region, and Amanda Garcia, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said this is not just an environmental issue. Starting from the bottom up, this will affect electricity bills for the average home and for local power companies that buy power from the TVA. Report: Tennessee could see more blackouts this winter Garcia is concerned about reliability, rates, and resilience. She urges Tennesseans to ask TVA for more information about alternatives including solar and wind energy. According to Garcia, citizens are stuck at a rock and a hard place because they dont have adequate information to make informed decisions and TVA should provide the public with more information on the gas plant. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. China vows to ramp up crackdown on private equity fund crimes Xinhua) 10:28, December 27, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese judiciary authorities have consistently implemented measures to address crimes related to private equity funds, resulting in 2,085 suspects being brought to trial since 2021, the Supreme People's Procuratorate said Tuesday. Meanwhile, 1,888 individuals had been sentenced for such crimes between 2021 and October 2023, according to the country's Supreme People's Court. On Tuesday, the top procuratorate and the top court also released five typical criminal cases involving private equity funds, which include illegal fundraising and embezzlement. The authorities pledged an even tougher stance toward such crimes, noting that they will work with security regulators and public security authorities to intensify the crackdown. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Taiwan business people and enterprises had donated funds and relief supplies worth more than 40 million yuan (about 5.63 million U.S. dollars) to the quake-hit areas in Gansu Province as of Tuesday, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday. At a press conference, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed gratitude to the relevant organizations and individuals from Taiwan as well as a large number of Taiwan business people and enterprises for their concern and assistance. "This once again fully shows that the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are members of one family," Chen said, noting that at no time can this family bond be severed. On Dec. 18, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake jolted a county in Gansu Province, leaving at least 149 people dead and two persons missing in Gansu and neighboring Qinghai Province. A Georgia murder suspect was arrested after a car he was riding in was pulled over due to a broken brake light, according to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The sheriffs office said a deputy stopped a driver on Highway 87 over the broken light on Dec. 22 at around 5 p.m. When he approached the car, he noticed the strong odor of marijuana. The officer asked the driver and his two passengers to step out of the car. TRENDING STORIES: Deputies learned that one of the passengers, Jordan Young, had warrants out for homicide, aggravated assault and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute out of Bibb County. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Youngs brother, Jalen Young, also had a warrant out of Bibb County for failure to appear. Both brothers were taken to the Bibb County Jail. The driver, who was not identified, was released with a warning about the broken tail light. Jordan Young was indicted in March 2022 in the murder of 22-year-old Tylik Young, according to WMAZ. He was also injured in the shooting, but later charged with murder and aggravated assault. According to an obituary placed by the family, Tylik Young was Jordan and Jalens brother and the father of a daughter. He was the third son in the family to be lost to gun violence, WMAZ reported. Shawn Watts Junior was shot to death in Macon in November of 2021. Malik Young was shot to death in Nov. 2022. Both were 24 years old at the times of their deaths. HAMPTON The driver who struck a Galley Hatch worker on his walk home from his shift has been indicted on a felony aggravated driving while intoxicated charge. Karen Ann Haraden, 59, of Hampton, was indicted on the charge this month by a Rockingham County grand jury. If convicted, she could face between 3 to 7 years in prison for striking Jaroslav Langer Aug. 30 on Winnacunnet Road. An indictment is not an indication of guilt, it just means the grand jury found enough evidence to warrant a trial. Langer, 25, was walking home in the breakdown lane with a co-worker from his job at the Galley Hatch when he was allegedly struck by Haradens vehicle. Jaroslav "Jerry" Langer, 25, a J-1 visa student from Czech Republic, is recovering from serious skull injuries after being struck by a car driven by a woman police say was intoxicated. He was walking home from his work at the Galley Hatch restaurant. Haraden was charged at the scene with driving while intoxicated. Langer, who is expected to make a full recovery from injuries to his skull and body, said he holds no ill will towards Haraden. Its very likely I will recover without any problem, Langer said this week from his home in Czechia, commonly known as the Czech Republic, where he is completing his masters degree in computer science. "Its already gotten much better. Death of Patriots fan from NH: Two Rhode Island men charged with assault Police affidavit reveals new details in case Langer, a student worker from the Czech Republic, was employed at the Galley Hatch this summer through the J-1 visa program that allows students from abroad to work and travel on their school break in the United States. He was walking home on Winnacunnet Road at 9:37 p.m. when a police affidavit states Haraden struck him, launching him about 15 feet down the road. Police arrived to find Langer lying on the ground with a group of people surrounding him and providing medical attention, according to the affidavit. Langer was covered in blood with lacerations above his left eye and was unconscious. Police say Karen Haraden was intoxicated when she struck two pedestrians and seriously injured one of them. Jaroslav "Jerry" Langer, 25, the pedestrian who was hospitalized, was walking home from his work at the Galley Hatch at the time of the crash. Police learned from Langers friends that he was walking at least five feet to the right of the solid white line when Haradens vehicle struck him. A witness directed officers to Haradens white Subaru Legacy parked a short way up the road, according to the affidavit. Police were told by a witness that Haraden was acting funny as she got out of her vehicle after the crash to move to the back seat. Police say they found Haraden sitting in the back passenger seat of the car. Haraden told police she was aware that she hit something but was unsure what it was, according to the affidavit. She described traveling on Winnacunnet Road when she saw a dark blob in the middle of the street, and the blob hit her windshield, the affidavit states. The affidavit describes Haraden having glassy eyes, slurred speech and swaying back and forth while standing and talking to police, as well as holding onto the top of the car for balance. Officers say they found a blue bottle wrapped in a towel that appeared to be a bottle of alcohol in the vehicle. Haraden also refused multiple requests by police to conduct field sobriety tests, according to the affidavit. When police took her into custody, an officer had to catch her because she began to fall over before getting into the cruiser, the affidavit states. She was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, where she cooperated with a blood draw, then to the Hampton Police Department to be booked. The affidavit states she was released on personal recognizance bail but was unable to obtain a sober ride and was taken into protective custody at Rockingham County Jail. More: State police drop assault charge against Seabrook selectman Langer expected to make a full recovery Langer said he feels both good luck and bad luck as a result of his crash. He said shortly after the crash he was unsure why it needed to take place why anyone would need to drive after drinking so much. At the same time, he said I feel no anger. It is still the same, Langer said of his feelings Tuesday. It might be weird. Langer was given some treatment in the United States but was sent home for more medical care in his home country in the weeks following the crash. He said he fractured his skull near his eye and that he may have experienced nerve damage. Doctors tell him the nerves should grow back, he said. The injury has impacted his vision, as he sees movement occur twice. If he waves his hand, he sees two hands move in tandem about two inches apart. He said it has slowly improved and has not slowed his progress in school. He said his knee and toe on his left leg are still hurt. The Galley Hatch and members of the Hampton community were supportive of Langer when the crash occurred, raising more than $4,000 to help Langer, known as Jerry for short. Langer said the experience has not deterred him from traveling. He intends to return to the United States at some point, next time likely to work in computer science rather than as a student worker in the kitchen. Hampton Beach stabbing: Police reveal details of what led to attack This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton woman who struck Galley Hatch worker faces felony DWI charge Smoke rises over the northern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment (JACK GUEZ) The Hamas-run Gaza Strip's health ministry said Wednesday war with Israel has killed more than 21,000, as Israel kept pounding the besieged territory with air strikes and shelling. The World Health Organization (WHO) said Gazans were in "grave peril" after more than 11 weeks of fighting -- triggered by Hamas's deadly October 7 attacks on Israel -- which left most hospitals in the Palestinian territory out of action and led to "acute hunger". Explosions lit up the sky over the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis -- a focus of heavy urban combat since the Israeli army said it had largely gained control over Gaza's north. The Gaza health ministry said a strike hit a house near Al-Amal hospital in Khan Yunis, killing 22 people. Heavy firefights also raged again around Gaza City in the north. Gaza's spiralling humanitarian crisis has amplified calls for an end to the hostilities. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on the international community to take "urgent steps to alleviate the grave peril facing the population of Gaza and jeopardising the ability of humanitarian workers to help" the many in need. In a statement, the WHO said "hungry people again stopped our convoys... in the hope of finding food". "WHO's ability to supply medicines, medical supplies, and fuel to hospitals is being increasingly constrained by the hunger and desperation of people en route to, and within, hospitals we reach." Israel has repeatedly vowed to keep up the campaign to destroy Hamas, an Islamist group blacklisted as a "terrorist" organisation by the United States and the European Union. The conflict erupted when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Palestinian militants also took around 250 hostages, 129 of whom remain in captivity, Israel says. Israel retaliated with a relentless bombardment and a siege of Gaza, launching a ground invasion on October 27. At least 21,110 people have been killed, according to the latest toll issued by Gaza's health ministry. It said 8,800 of them were children and 6,300 women. Israel's army blames armed groups for the high civilian death toll, charging that fighters hide in schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, or in tunnels below them. The army said 164 soldiers have been killed inside Gaza. The war has raised fears of a broader regional conflagration, with deadly exchanges between Israel and Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement, and Iranian calls for revenge after a strike blamed on Israel killed a senior general. - 'Don't know where to go' - Gaza's 2.4 million people have suffered severe shortages of water, food, fuel and medicines, with only limited aid entering the territory. An estimated 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced, the UN says. AFPTV footage showed Palestinians who had been sheltering in a UN-run school in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp fleeing south, seeking safety from the bombardment. Displaced Gazans "don't know where to go", said one who declined to be named. "First, we're displaced to Nuseirat, then to Rafah." Even schools "are no longer safe". "A solution must be reached... Implement a ceasefire instead of bringing in aid," he added. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas charged in a television interview that the war "goes beyond a catastrophe and a genocide". "Netanyahu's plan is to get rid of the Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority," said Abbas, who is based in the occupied West Bank. The UN Security Council called in a resolution last week for the "safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale". The resolution, which did not call for an immediate end to the fighting, effectively leaves Israel with operational oversight of aid deliveries. In the far-southern city of Rafah, hundreds turned up at the Abdul Salam Yassin water company with baskets, handcarts and even a wheelchair stacked with empty bottles to get clean water. "This was my father's cart," said Rafah resident Amir al-Zahhar. "He was martyred during the war. He used it to transport and sell fish, and now we are using it to transport fresh water." Elsewhere in Rafah, people split logs and stacked kindling as the lack of fuel forced them to burn wood for cooking and to keep warm. Internet and telephone services that were cut on Tuesday were gradually being restored in central and southern areas of Gaza, the Palestinian telecommunications company Paltel said. - Mideast tensions - Violence has also flared across the West Bank, with more than 310 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops or settlers since October 7, the health ministry there said. An Israeli operation in a refugee camp in the northern West Bank killed six people Wednesday, it said. The army said it had struck the Nur Shams camp from the air. The war has reverberated across the Middle East, drawing in armed groups backed by Israel's arch foe Iran in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. An Israeli air strike on a Lebanon border town killed a Hezbollah fighter, the group said Wednesday, with state media reporting two of his relatives were also killed. Hezbollah later said it launched a barrage of rockets towards northern Israel. AFPTV footage showed damage to houses and roads in the Israeli border town of Kiryat Shmona, where no casualties were reported. Iran meanwhile prepared for the funeral of general Razi Moussavi -- a senior commander in the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps -- killed Monday in an Israeli air strike in Syria. Tehran has vowed to avenge his death, with Guards spokesman Ramezan Sharif warning of "direct action" against Israel. Yemen's Huthi rebels have repeatedly fired at passing cargo ships in the Red Sea in attacks in solidarity with Hamas. As a US-led naval coalition is deployed to secure the vital maritime route, French shipping giant CMA-CGM has resumed some transit through the Red Sea days after Danish group Maersk announced a similar return. burs-ami/hkb A pall of smoke rises above Khan Younis in southern Gaza where 20 people were killed and dozens injured Wednesday when a house in which Palestinians displaced from their homes in other parts of the strip were sheltering was bombarded by Israel Defense Forces. File Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Health officials in Gaza said 20 people were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli airstrike Wednesday on a house in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. The attack targeted a property where displaced Palestinians were sheltering in the Al-Amal district, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said in an update on social media. The Hamas-run agency said it expected the number of injured to rise. Ahead of the attack, the Health Ministry said 195 people had been killed by Israeli attacks and the total death toll since Oct. 7 had risen to at least 21,110. The ministry says that 325 people have also been injured within the past day, bringing the total number hurt to 55,243. Palestinians sift through the rubble of a building following Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI Israel Defense Forces confirmed that six people were killed in an aerial attack as it conducted a raid in the Noor Shams refugee camp, arresting 14 people and confiscating a dozen weapons. The six men killed, aged between 16 and 29, were watching the raid, Al-Jazeera reported. A Palestinian girl walks amid the rubble of a building following Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI The latest deaths came after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the war in Gaza a "grave crime" against his people Tuesday. Speaking to Egyptian TV in his first interview since the Oct. 7 attacks, President Abbas described the conflict Tuesday as "beyond a war of annihilation" and a catastrophe or "nakba" in Arabic, referencing the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. "What happened in 1948, emigration and destruction, and what is happening now is far uglier than what happened then," said Abbas who stressed Palestinians were also affected in Jerusalem and the West Bank which he warned could shatter at any minute. However, Israel warned the fighting was far from over with Israel Defense Forces saying it was widening ground operations to southern and central Gaza after largely defeating Hamas battalions in the northern part of the Strip. The war would have to continue for "many more months" to consolidate the gains in the north, said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Halevi. "There are no shortcuts when it comes to thoroughly dismantling a terrorist organization except being stubborn and determined in the fighting," he said. "There are no magic solutions." Egypt unveiled a peace plan Monday that calls for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of all hostages being held by Hamas, the freeing of a significant but unspecified number of the more than 8,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons and the installation of a power-sharing Palestinian government. Hamas has rejected out of hand the idea of an umbrella administration unifying the various Palestinian factions. Criminally indicted ex-New York Rep. George Santos claims his car was broken into overnight Tuesday in Queens and hes blaming Mayor Adams for the alleged smash-and-grab job. This is all on him. You want to be a chief executive of a city? Then every failure in that city falls on you, the disgraced former Republican congressman told the Daily News on Wednesday morning. He needs to take responsibility and he should resign in disgrace The city is burning to the ground. Santos, a self-admitted liar who was expelled from Congress earlier this month after being indicted on a laundry list of campaign finance, fraud and false statement charges, first reported the alleged car burglary in an expletive-riddled video posted on X shortly after midnight on Wednesday. In the video, Santos shows what appears to be a smashed back seat window of what he describes as his brand new SUV before going on a curse word-packed rant about how he sees the alleged burglary as Adams fault. In his interview with The News, Santos said the alleged break-in happened in Flushing within the 109th Precinct and that he discovered it around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. He said the only belongings that got nabbed from his car was a basket of chocolates and a book bag that had contact lenses and some other personal items in it. They didnt even take the loose change, Santos said. The ex-lawmaker, who used to represent a House district spanning a slice of eastern Queens, Nassau County and Suffolk County, said he called 911 and that NYPD officers showed up and took a report about the incident. He said he couldnt immediately provide a copy of the report because officers informed him it wouldnt be available until Friday. An NYPD spokesman confirmed officers responded and took a report of the alleged burglary near the corner of Colden Street and Juniper Avenue in the 109th Precinct. The report states that at approximately 1800 hours, a 35 year-old male left his parked GMC Terrain at the location and when the male returned to the vehicle on 2330 hours he observed the rear passenger window broken and a book bag and gift basked removed from the vehicle without permission or authority, the spokesman said. A total of $180 worth of property was removed and there are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing. Nonetheless, in a dig at his documented history of lying, Fabien Levy, Adams deputy mayor for communications, wrote on X in response to Santos video: 99% sure you broke into the car yourself. While major felonies overall have remained effectively flat in the city this year, car thefts are skyrocketing. The 109th Precinct, where Santos says his car was burglarized, has been especially impacted, with 498 car thefts so far this year as of this past Sunday a 69.4% spike as compared to the same point in 2022, NYPD data shows. As compared to the same point in 2021, before Adams took office, thats a 155.4% increase in car thefts in the 109th, per the data. According to a recent court filing, Santos is in plea negotiations with federal prosecutors about the criminal charges against him, which include money laundering, theft of public funds, credit card fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. A group of Georgias federal lawmakers are asking questions of the United States Postal Service after a series of complaints and concerns about mail service from state residents. All but one of Georgias 14-member congressional delegation signed and sent a letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy urging the postal service to address the reported interruptions of service. According to the letter, written by Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) of Jackson, Georgia saw a breakdown of service operations ahead of the holiday season and multiple members of Congress had received complaints and concerns from constituents about mail service issues. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The letter itself was sent on Dec. 13 to DeJoy, with a request for answers to a series of questions to come no later than Jan. 8, 2024. In a Dec. 22 release, USPS said their delivery performance had fallen over the course of the most recent quarter. From Oct. 1 to Dec. 15, USPS said it took about 2.6 days for mail and packages to be delivered across the U.S., on average. TRENDING STORIES: First-class mail was reportedly delivered on time just 86.1% of the time, down 4.9% since the previous fiscal quarter, according to the postal service. Data published by the USPS regarding more regional delivery is dated for the previous quarter. However, for Georgia, the numbers were lower for all categories where data was available. For the nation, two-day delivery was on time 90.8% of the time, while for three-to-five-day delivery, mail was delivered on time 83.4% of the time. In Georgia, those numbers are 87.9% on time for two-day and 80.7% for three-to-five-day, putting the state lower than the national average by several points. The only member of Georgias congressional delegation not to sign the letter was Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) of Athens. Among complaints cited in the letter from Georgias U.S. Representatives were issues of stolen mail, misdelivered mail, closed post offices during stated business hours and inexplicable suspensions of mail service for extended periods. In response to a Channel 2 Action News request for comment, the USPS said they would respond directly to the office of Rep. Collins. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Middle District of Georgia, a Georgia inmate and member of the Surenos criminal gang has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for brokering the distribution of drugs from behind bars. Pedro Barragan Valencia aka Casper aka Bossman, aka Mexican Hitman Pete, 46, of Calhoun, was sentenced on Dec. 12 to 400 months in prison and upon release, another five years of supervision after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances like heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl on June 7. Valencia was an inmate at Calhoun State Prison at the time he brokered deals to acquire large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and other illegal drugs for distribution in Thomaston, Columbus, and other Georgia cities. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 20 co-defendants in related cases have already been sentenced and one other is awaiting sentencing. Pedro Valencia directed the distribution of at least 250 kilograms of methamphetamine from behind bars to an armed drug trafficking organization pushing these highly addictive and deadly drugs in Georgia, said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. This dangerous drug trafficking organization was dismantled because of the collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement dedicated to stopping criminals from harming our communities. Valencia is not eligible for parole. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Wolfgang Schauble (L), then German Minister of Finance, and Angela Merkel, then German Chancellor, attend a press conference at the Federal Chancellery. Merkel says she learnt of the death of her former finance minister Wolfgang Schauble "with great dismay" and has characterized him as one of the country's most important political figures. Hannibal Hanschke/dpa German leaders have paid tribute to Wolfgang Schauble, the finance minister of Europe's biggest economy during the eurozone debt crisis, who has died at the age of 81. Schauble took on the post in 2009 and came to be seen as one of the most powerful figures in then chancellor Angela Merkel's government. The start of his tenure coincided with the beginning of a European debt crisis that saw several states, particularly Greece, unable to bail out their banks or pay off their own debt. The crisis brought fears that the euro currency itself could fail. Schauble's austerity policies and strict line towards the southern European states earned him both heavy criticism and high praise during his eight years in the role. Differences of opinion with Merkel over his uncompromising treatment of Greece emerged but she kept him on. Despite the crisis he achieved the "black zero" for Germany - a federal budget without new debt. Merkel said she learnt of the death of Schauble "with great dismay" and characterized him as one of the country's most important political figures. "Germany has lost an outstanding personality with political and tactical foresight," Merkel said in a statement. "We will miss Wolfgang Schauble's voice in Germany and I will personally miss his advice." After his role as finance minister, he was later appointed the speaker of the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, a post he held until 2021. Before joining the Finance Ministry, he had been interior minister twice under both Merkel and one of her predecessors Helmut Kohl - being a key part of the negotiating team during German reunification in 1990 under Kohl. He paid a heavy price, being shot at a rally by a mentally disturbed man just after reunification and ending up paralysed. He used a wheelchair for the rest of his life. "I admired his discipline, even towards himself, which he showed despite and because of his paraplegia after an assassination attempt. He became a role model for millions of people," Merkel added. Between the two chancellors, Schauble even led the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) for over a year between November 1998 and February 2000 when the party was in opposition, but stepped down over a donations scandal. In all his career spanned more than five decades, making him Germany's long-serving member of parliament. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, from the CDU's main rival the Social Democrats, hailed Schauble for an "impressive and very long career." He added in a statement: "His intellect, his love of democratic debate, his conservative world view and his sharp rhetoric made him particularly stand out over such a long period." Current CDU leader Friedrich Merz gave his own tribute, writing on X: "In Wolfgang Schauble, I have lost the closest friend and adviser I have ever had in politics. My thoughts are with his family, especially his wife Ingeborg." Schauble, who was born in the south-western German city of Freiburg in 1942, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday evening surrounded by family members, his family told dpa on Wednesday. He had suffered a long and serious illness. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Schauble had been a "stroke of luck for German history." "In Wolfgang Schauble, we have lost a great figure and passionate politician who achieved historic things for our country," he wrote. Wolfgang Schauble (CDU), former President of the Bundestag and a member of the German Bundestag since 1972, takes part in a panel discussion on the topic of "Europe at the turn of the times". Schauble, Germany's finance minister during the eurozone crisis, has died at the age of 81, his family tells dpa. Markus Scholz/dpa Schaeuble was a minister under chancellors Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel and also played a key role in German reunification in 1990 (DANIEL ROLAND) Wolfgang Schaeuble, one of the most important figures in German politics for decades and an icon of budgetary rigour in the eurozone, has died aged 81, the German parliament said Wednesday. Schaeuble, who was a minister under chancellors Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel, and played a key role in German reunification in 1990, died peacefully in the night, the Bild daily reported. The current Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Schaeuble had "shaped our country for more than half a century". "Germany has lost a sharp thinker, passionate politician and pugnacious democrat," Scholz wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Merkel also paid tribute to Schaeuble in a statement shared by her office, describing him as "an outstanding personality... who shaped our country in many ways." As finance minister for several years under Merkel, Schaeuble carved out a reputation as the guardian of German budgetary rigour, particularly during the Greek debt crisis. Describing himself as "pitiless" in his management of Germany's public purse, he showed the same exactitude towards his euro partners, campaigning for tight fiscal discipline and insisting on stringent conditions for any bailout contribution by Berlin. - 'Destructive policies' - His harsh stance made him unpopular with many Greeks in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the ensuing eurozone debt crisis. Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, who clashed with Schaeuble during the crisis, on Wednesday accused his erstwhile counterpart of having contributed to "the impoverishment of Greece". "History will judge him harshly, but not more harshly than those who succumbed to his destructive policies," he wrote on X. Born in Freiburg in 1942, Schaeuble was the longest-serving member of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, where he had sat since 1972. It was under former conservative leader Kohl that the pro-European Schaeuble forged his career, rising through the ranks to eventually become chief of staff for the chancellor, to whom he was long seen as the heir apparent. Together they oversaw Germany's national reunification, before personal tragedy struck Schaeuble -- an assassination attempt by a deranged man in 1990 left him badly injured and forced him to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. The son of a conservative politician, Schaeuble was known for his biting wit and unerring sense of duty. He was married with four children. His biographer Peter Schuetz described him as the "most honest man" he knew, "even if he's not always the most charming". - 'Commitment to Europe' - After a slush-fund scandal shattered Kohl's reputation in the 1990s, Schaeuble spent a period in the political wilderness before making a comeback in 2002. While Merkel refused to back him two years later for the role of federal president -- instead picking former International Monetary Fund chief Horst Koehler -- he became interior minister in 2005. Schaeuble was criticised by civil liberties groups for curbing rights in response to the threat of extremist attacks. However, Merkel rewarded him in 2009 when she tapped him for the more high-profile finance ministry. Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, hailed Schaeuble as "one of the most influential European leaders of his generation". "I personally witnessed his commitment to Europe, his intellectual rigour and his statesmanship," she wrote on X. Schaeuble subsequently served as president of the Bundestag from 2017 until 2021, and remained a member of parliament up until his death. He had been suffering from cancer for several years, according to Bild. In a recent interview with Der Spiegel magazine, Schaeuble admitted he felt "lonely" as most of his peers were no longer around, but it did not appear to bother him. "I can now observe my life as it comes to an end," he said. "I find it exciting to observe myself." bur-fec/sea/rox An aerial view shows the Rheinschanke near Hattenheim surrounded by the flood waters of the Rhine. Hessian State Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) reports that the flood situation in Hesse is gradually improving. Arne Dedert/dpa The year 2023 is the warmest in Germany since records began in 1881, according to the German Weather Service (DWD), in what it told dpa was a confident prediction five days before the end of the calendar year. The average temperature is expected to be 10.6 degrees Celsius, a spokesman said on Wednesday. Temperature records have been broken across the globe this year. Globally, the current year is set to be the warmest since records began, the European Union's Climate Change Service Copernicus said earlier this month. Unseasonably warm weather experienced across Germany over the Christmas period did not however break previous records, DWD forecaster Adrian Leyser told dpa. "Christmas was rather mild, but in most regions not a record," he said. Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the Bavarian Alps on the Austrian border did post a record with an average daily high of 16.1 degrees Celsius measured between December 24 and 26. "It was considerably warmer in the foothills of the Alps in 2013," Leyser said. The highest temperature over the three festive days was in Piding in Berchtesgaden in Upper Bavaria, where 19.3 degrees was recorded in 2013, followed by Freiburg with 18.9 degrees in 2012. Floodwater flows around the village of Ruthe in the district of Hildesheim. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa People watch the water release at the Mandelholz dam. Matthias Bein/dpa This is the second in a five-day series. Read part one here. Bridget Ziegler co-founded Moms for Liberty with the goal of transforming staid school board meetings into high-octane right-wing agitprop. So it's fitting that her comeuppance arrived in the form of being read for filth to her face at a Sarasota County School Board meeting by one of her many victims, gay former Florida public school student Zander Moricz, in a clip that went viral in mid-December FLORIDA Student Schools Wildly Hypocritical Moms (Against) Liberty Founder Bridget Ziegler: You dont believe in public schools you send your kids to private you deserve to be fired not because of a threesome, but because you are terrible at it. pic.twitter.com/uehU7IIGp7 The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) December 17, 2023 On top of founding the infamous pro-censorship group, Ziegler has been serving as a school board member, while also working closely with Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., to pass the notorious "don't say gay" law meant to put public school teachers and students back in the closet. She has also been busy with at least one same-sex encounter of her own, admitting to police that she had a three-way with another woman and her husband, Christian Ziegler, the chair of Florida's state Republican Party. Police are involved because the other woman has accused Christian Ziegler of raping her, in alleged retaliation after she declined to have sex with him without his wife present. Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only. Since there's no limit to Christian right hypocrisy, readers will not be surprised to hear that the couple who would ban books for others allegedly felt no shame about creating hardcore porn for themselves. Police reportedly recovered a video of Christian Ziegler and the accuser having sex. Now sources say police have a second video, of Bridget in bed with the unnamed woman. She was doing this while also terrorizing teachers in for advertising non-explicit LGBTQ-affirming events. "You do not deserve to be removed from it for having a threesome," Moricz declared to Bridget Ziegler's face, in one of the most satisfying speeches of the year. "That defeats the lesson weve been trying to teach you, which is that a politician's job is to serve their community, not to police personal lives." "Bridget, you deserve to be fired from your job because you are terrible at your job," he concluded. "Not because you had sex with a woman. A master class in going low to go high. Moricz managed to use Ziegler's sex life to humiliate her while making a larger point against using sex as a weapon against ordinary people. It was also a fitting obituary for Moms for Liberty, which may limp on for some time as an organization, but whose political power is disappearing along with Bridget Ziegler's ability to keep up the "chaste church lady" act. It seems harder to believe today, but two years ago, Moms for Liberty was widely regarded as the great electoral hope of the Republican Party. The pro-censorship/anti-mask group was founded in Florida in January 2021 by far-right Republican activists, including Zielger, passing themselves off as mere "concerned mothers." The ostensible target was public schools, demonized for "woke" curricula and temporary public health measures to control the spread of COVID-19. The real goal? Republican victories in state and national elections. The Moms targeted school board meetings in swing states, throwing tantrums over made-up threats like "critical race theory," which is just a scare term for teaching the histories of segregation and slavery. Or to scream about "groomers," a slur term authoritarians use to falsely imply LGBTQ teachers are sexual predators. The theatrics would garner local news coverage and social media play, creating the illusion that schools were out of control with "political correctness." The hope was to stir up a moral panic that would lead to swing districts electing Republicans, all the way up to the White House. In November of 2021, Moms for Liberty scored big when Republican Glenn Youngkin won Virginia's gubernatorial race, running on a platform of annoyance over pandemic restrictions and fury that Black authors like Toni Morrison were being assigned in English class. This created a veritable mania in the GOP, which hoped that racist and homophobic panic, as well as lingering pandemic resentments, could be the key to winning over the mothers of school-age children, a group that has been trending left in the Donald Trump era. Moms for Liberty was lavished with money, attention, and acclaim, all in the hopes that their book-banning mania would be the key that unlocked future Republican victories. Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only. There was always good reason to be skeptical that the Moms were all they were cracked up to be. Post-election data showed that Youngkin did not actually get a surge of votes from parents angry about "woke" schools, but because elderly white people who were angry over Trump's loss turned out in large numbers, while other demographics, no doubt sick of politics, stayed home. Nor was there any evidence that the public had developed a sudden enthusiasm for censorship, as polls showed 83%-87% of voters opposed the Moms for Liberty-style book bans. Plus, common sense should have warned that they were wrong to believe Americans wished to continually relitigate the mask wars after the pandemic's end. Sure enough, Moms for Liberty never made good on its promise to spin electoral gold out of culture war straw. The story of the past couple of years has been how much voters reject Christian right busybodies trying to control our sex lives, our reading material, and our right to ignore some unhinged church lady screaming about how the queers are trying to critically race theorize her precious white children. Moms-linked candidates who snuck onto school boards were voted out. Republicans underperformed in most elections. Instead, voters were driven by support for abortion rights, which stands in for a whole constellation of "mind your own business, Karen" attitudes in the public. It's almost too good to be true that the already wounded organization would meet its end with a sex scandal. As most people who follow politics know, the Republicans out there making the biggest stink about the supposedly sinful sex lives of others tend to have overstuffed closets of illicit secrets themselves. No doubt there are still some liberals who are anxious about talking about the Zieglers' love of three ways, fearing it violates the principle of not using people's private sex lives as political weapons. But, as Moricz deftly illustrated, there is one loophole: When a person has built a career on shaming and policing the sex lives of private citizens, feel free to go ham when you discover there's video evidence that they love three ways. Perhaps the lesson here is simple: Any Republican who wants to monitor our sex lives or reading habits must first hand their iPhone library over for public inspection. That would invite a blessed silence from the would-be arbiters of sexual morality. Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) said Tuesday the Biden administration must reverse course on its Iran policy to help Israel after its war with Hamas is over. Israel is just going to be mowing the grass in Gaza, Waltz told Fox News anchor Bret Baier. Its going to grow back, terrorism is going to come back as long as Iran is flush with cash. The biggest thing the administration could do to help Israel is do a 180 [degree] reverse-course on its Iran policy, go back to maximum pressure and dry up their coffers that are fueling terrorism across the region, Waltz continued. Iran has shown support for Hamas amid its war with U.S. ally Israel and has long funded the organization. Fears of a wider Middle East conflict have been rising recently. On Monday, an Israeli strike in Syria killed a senior Iranian officer, resulting in Iran vowing to retaliate for the strike. Tel Aviv is waiting for a tough countdown, said Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. After three U.S. service members were wounded in an attack on Erbil Air Base by an Iran-backed militia group on Christmas Day, President Biden ordered strikes on locations in Iraq. President Biden was immediately briefed on the attack this morning, and he ordered the Department of Defense to prepare response options against those responsible. Those options were then presented to the President during a call this afternoon with Secretary of Defense Austin and members of the Presidents national security team, said National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson in a Monday statement. During that call, the President directed strikes against three locations utilized by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups focused specifically on unmanned aerial drone activities, the statement continued. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) are suggesting that President Biden may have engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress if he knew that his son Hunter Biden planned to defy a congressional subpoena. In a Wednesday letter to Edward Siskel, a White House counsel and assistant to the president, the committee chairs requested documents and communications from employees of the Executive Office of the President regarding the deposition of Hunter Biden. Comer and Jordan pointed to a statement from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to justify their suspicion of obstruction and said it could constitute an impeachable offense. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The charge comes two weeks after Hunter Biden defied a subpoena from House Republicans as part of their impeachment probe concerning the presidents relationship with his familys business dealings. The White House has repeatedly asserted that the president had no involvement in those business dealings, and it has rebuffed other accusations of obstruction by pointing to numerous Biden administration officials speaking to the committees. In response to the House GOP subpoena to appear in a closed-door deposition, Hunter Biden had offered to speak in a public hearing, with his attorney pointing to a previous statement from Comer saying that witnesses could come in depositions or committee hearings, whichever they choose. But Comer and Jordan said a closed-door format was necessary first. Rather than appear for the deposition scheduled for Dec. 13, Hunter Biden spoke outside the Capitol in a space recorded to be reserved by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and made a statement to the press asserting that his father was never financially involved with his businesses. House Republicans have pledged to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress over his failure to appear for the closed-door session. Comer and Jordan wrote that a statement from Jean-Pierre indicated that President Biden was aware in advance that his son, Hunter Biden, would knowingly defy two congressional subpoenas, compelling them to examine as part of our impeachment inquiry whether the President engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress. The day that Hunter Biden did not appear for the deposition, Jean-Pierre in a press briefing dodged questions about whether he should appear for a subpoena but said the president had some insight ahead of his sons comments. The president was certainly familiar with what his son was going to say, and I think what you saw was from the heart from his son, she said. Comer and Jordan also brought up a Dec. 6 statement from Biden saying that claims he interacted with his son and brothers foreign business partners were a bunch of lies. Devon Archer, a former Hunter Biden business partner, has testified that Biden exchanged pleasantries with some of Hunter Bidens foreign business partners on speakerphone phone calls and during a 2014 dinner at Cafe Milano but did not discuss business. In light of this evidence, the fact that the President had advanced awareness that Mr. Biden would defy the Committees subpoenas raises a troubling new question that we must examine: whether the President corruptly sought to influence or obstruct the Committees proceeding by preventing, discouraging, or dissuading his son from complying with the Committees subpoenas, the letter said. Such conduct could constitute an impeachable offense. Comer and Jordan requested that the White House provide by Jan. 10 all documents and communications sent or received by employees of the Executive Office of the President regarding the deposition of Hunter Biden and sent or received by employees of the Executive Office of the President regarding President Bidens statement about his familys business associates on December 6, 2023. This story was updated at 4:47 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. So, you got some weed for Christmas. Now, what? Well, if youre anything like other Americans this holiday season, youll be traveling. According to AAA, 115.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home over Christmas or New Years, whether thats by car or plane. So, this begs the real question: if you are given legal weed as a Christmas gift from another state, can you bring it back to Mississippi with you? I mean, it was a gift, right? Heres what the law says. More: Musician, in a Mississippi prison for medical marijuana, says racial profiling put him there Can I bring legal marijuana to Mississippi? Marijuana is grown at the University of Mississippi's Coy Waller Laboratory for research in Oxford, Miss., seen on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. UM expects to have classes open for a two-year masters program in medical cannabis and dietary supplements in Fall 2024. Well, the short answer is no, but theres a bit more to it. According to the Mississippi State Cannabis website, it is a civil offense to have up to 30 grams of marijuana, and you will probably be required to pay a fine of $250. Multiple offenses could mean bigger fines and jail time. If you were gifted more than 30 grams of weed for Christmas, it could cost you big time in Mississippi. Cheech and Chong medical marijuana in MS How Cheech and Chong are bringing medical marijuana to Mississippi Medical marijuana in MS Medical marijuana users in Mississippi: Craft your experience with variety of growers For a person who is caught with more than 30 grams, it is considered a felony and comes with jail time for up to three years. If you possess more than that, the jail time increases and could go up to 16 years. So, can you just sneak some into the state while driving? Also, no. In Mississippi, it is illegal to transport marijuana from one state to another, even if the destination has legalized cannabis. Under federal law and Mississippi law, marijuana is a Schedule I substance. Marijuana is still illegal at the national level, and moving them across state lines is a federal crime, according to the Mississippi State Cannabis website. If you are actually caught with it while traveling, there are more things to consider, like if you already have a criminal record and if you have more drugs on you than just marijuana. If youre caught with marijuana at the airport, you could be arrested on site. TSA agents may be more concerned with terrorism and large-scale drug trafficking. However, marijuana possession is still a federal crime, according to LawInfo.org. Sorry, Mississippi residents. Looks like youll have to turn away the gift of weed this year. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Can I bring legal marijuana from another state back into Mississippi? Congestion and vehicle emissions have gotten so bad that Sacramento regions transportation planner is banking on some big freeway changes as our part in the battle against climate change. Gov. Gavin Newsom and his California Department of Transportation, however, are not cooperating. Interstates 5 and 80, along with Highway 50, will eventually need two express lanes at rush hour in key stretches requiring either three passengers or single-occupancy vehicles paying the first-ever tolls in the region. Opinion As Caltrans is studying options for an additional lane on I-80 between Davis and downtown Sacramento, conspicuously missing is the double express lane plan advanced by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. Lanes that move more people more quickly are essential to SACOG complying with state law to lower the regions greenhouse gas emissions. Why isnt Caltrans even bothering to study the SACOG plan as it seeks to comply with state environmental law requiring the agency to analyze a reasonable range of alternatives? In so many words, Caltrans says that it is SACOGs fault. A multiple express lane alternative was never requested by SACOG to be analyzed, emailed Dennis Keaton, a public information officer for Caltrans local District 3. Caltrans refusal to study the regional transportation planning agencys express lane strategy brings into serious question whether the agencys yet-to-be-completed environmental analysis, if challenged, complies with the California Environmental Quality Act. Ignoring the regional transportation strategy is an apparent violation of its own guidelines, which calls for consistency with local plans. We are basically undercutting the state of Californias climate planning, said Stephen Wheeler, a professor of architecture and environmental design at the University of California at Davis. Speaking recently at a local panel discussion on the I-80 project, Wheeler said, Caltrans is now basically operating as a rogue agency operating in defiance of state and local policy. For the Newsom administration, it sets in motion a curious conflict between itself and the Sacramento region. For all the governors talk about being bold on climate change, why cant his own agency stomach what it is going to take to lower emissions when a local freeway is widened? The regions first toll lane test Known as the Yolo Corridor Improvement Project, Caltrans proposes to add about 20 miles of toll lanes between Davis and downtown Sacramento on 80/50 as well as on I-80 to West El Camino Avenue. Caltrans released its draft environmental impact report on the $465 million project in November. The public comment period closes on Jan. 12. The year before Caltrans began the environmental review process, SACOG submitted its double-express-lane proposal to a sister state agency, the California Air Resources Board. By law, SACOG must develop a so-called Sustainable Communities Strategy that demonstrates to CARB how the region intends to lower its greenhouse gas emissions in 2035 by 19% compared to 2005. That will require a lot more growing inside communities rather than outside and far more efficient transportation strategies like express lanes. CARB barely approved SACOGs 2020 plan, which only calculated an 18.5% reduction in emissions as opposed to the required 19%. CARB gave the region a pass by allowing SACOG to round the 18.5% to the higher number. The SACOG proposal for this 80 project calls for one express lane to be for high-occupancy vehicles at all times and the other only at peak hours. The agency called for dynamic pricing for the solo motorists willing to pay for a faster ride, with yet-to-be-determined tolls varying based on the level of congestion. The toll revenues would help pay for transit and other transportation projects to further improve the regions mobility. We see these toll lanes as the high-speed internet of the regions freeway system, said James Corless, SACOGs executive director. On the highest-used freeways such as I-5 between downtown and the Sacramento International Airport and the Yolo Corridor, two express lanes are needed to guarantee higher speeds. We need to encourage more efficient use of the lanes. Caltrans refusal to analyze two express lanes on I-80 puts SACOG in a difficult position with one of its key transportation partners. We have to be very thoughtful about providing transportation alternatives in these corridors, Corless said. At least Corless has some company. The Yolo County Transportation District in 2022 also wrote to Caltrans urging that a multiple-lane alternative be studied. It was ignored as well. One noted expert in California environmental law says that Caltrans may be vulnerable to legal challenges under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by leaving out SACOGs two-lane alternative. Longstanding CEQA precedent requires the lead agency under CEQA to include a broad (if not exhaustive) range of reasonably feasible project alternatives, said Professor Richard Frank, director of the California Environmental Law & Policy Center at the UC Davis Law School. I think a reviewing court could well find Caltrans CEQA alternatives analysis defective for not including the SACOG option. Caltrans risks losing $86 million in federal dollars for this project if it doesnt have an approved project by September, a Caltrans official previously told the Bee. But now it simply has no other choice to blow this deadline. The department must follow its guidelines and reopen the analysis process to review the SACOG plan for two express lanes during peak hours for the Yolo Corridor Project. Corless and SACOG must stick up for the regions plan and politely request the same. So should the governor and his team. Newsoms next climate change trip shouldnt be to China; it should be to 703 B Street in Marysville headquarters of Caltrans District 3. Sacramentans are going to have to get accustomed to changes such as toll lanes and carpooling if we are to do our part to lower greenhouse gas emissions. But we cant do the right thing if Newsom doesnt get the memo to his transportation department. A view of Beijing's CBD area. [Photo/VCG] Recently, China has implemented measures to advance the building of a unified national market, aiming to boost domestic demand and consolidate the foundations of its economic recovery. In March 2022, the Chinese government issued a guideline on accelerating the construction of a unified national market. The issue was also a focus at the annual Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing this month, where proposals to expedite the building of a unified domestic market were made. The repeated emphasis on this initiative underscores its importance to China's economic development. A unified national market is a hallmark of a major economy. China, as a country with a population of 1.4 billion people, has great potential when it comes to its large consumer market. However, problems and obstacles still impede the full realization of its market advantages. As China has developed, its coastal regions have grown faster than inland areas, influenced by its export-oriented economic structure. This disparity has led to the emergence of prosperous urban hubs, such as the Yangtze River Delta region, the Pearl River Delta region and Fujian. These areas significantly contribute to China's economic development, as well as its consumer culture. However, for China to maintain forward momentum, it's crucial that the market is not disproportionately skewed in favor of certain regions, but is spread out equally throughout the entire nation. Therefore, continued domestic growth, especially amid uncertain geopolitical conditions, depends on the consolidation and unification of the national market. Moreover, local protectionism and market segmentation have also hindered the free flow of production factors, such as population, capital and land. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure an equitable market environment and a fully accessible market. This approach will foster new opportunities for inter-regional business transactions and ultimately support the country's growth and development. Several actions can help accelerate the development of the unified national market. These include sustaining and expanding the local supply chain, enhancing opportunities for domestic tourism and travel, supporting the retail and consumption industries' expansion across other regions of China, and creating a more favorable and open environment for foreign investment in consumer-related sectors. When looked at in this light, the Chinese market continues to offer a wealth of international opportunities. China's efforts to build a unified national market will significantly affect the global economy. It will provide immense opportunities for other countries as the world's largest import market, continuing to drive economic growth worldwide. In this context, more companies will have greater opportunities to access the Chinese market, especially in sectors like foodstuffs, commodities, automobiles, and luxury goods. China is transitioning from a low-end export economy to a high-end one, while also evolving into a consumer economy. Creating a unified national market will play a crucial role in this transformation, promoting prosperity and growth both within the country and the world at large. Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/TomFowdy.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Ternopil Oblast Governor Volodymyr Trush has been dismissed, Taras Melnychuk, the government's representative in parliament, announced on Dec. 27. Melnychuk did not provide a reason for the dismissal and Trush has not yet released a statement. Trush became governor of Ternopil Oblast, which is situated in the west of Ukraine, in March 2020. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) detained two of his deputies and the head of the Ternopil Oblast council, Mykhailo Holovko, for accepting a bribe in June. According to the investigation, the suspects demanded almost Hr 2.4 million ($63,500) from a businessman for constructing and repairing infrastructure in the region. Trush denied his involvement and it is unclear whether his dismissal is related to the case. Read also: Media: SBU searches Ternopil Oblast monastery over pro-Russian propaganda Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian shelling of Kherson on Dec. 26 badly damaged" the citys energy infrastructure, leaving 70% of consumers without power supply, Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported on Dec. 27. Emergency repairs are being carried out, but its difficult to say when they will be completed, according to Prokudin. However, services are doing everything in their power to restore the light as soon as possible," the official said on Telegram. Russian forces struck a railway station full of people in Kherson late on Dec. 26, killing at least one person and wounding four others, Ukrainian officials said. Russian forces had reportedly been attacking the Kherson area for a few hours that evening. Since Ukrainian forces liberated Kherson and other regional settlements on the western bank of the Dnipro River in November 2022, Russia continues to heavily strike the area with artillery, tanks, drones, and air bombs. Since liberation, over 400 civilians were killed and over 1,700 wounded in and around Kherson, according to local authorities. Russia has recently intensified its missile and drone campaign against Ukraine's critical infrastructure. Last year's campaign killed dozens of civilians and led to wide-spread power outages across the country. 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. Grace Millane had dreamed of travelling the world since she was a little girl. "I found a school project she did about New Zealand and it said 'I'm going there one day'. And she did get there," her mother Gillian says, proudly. Growing up in Wickford in Essex, Grace was a livewire who made friends wherever she went. "She was my best friend, we would always disappear to the pub for a quick drink and we would go away on holiday together," Gillian says. Gillian (right) says her daughter Grace (left), who loved to travel, was her best friend Five years ago, after graduating from the University of Lincoln, Grace set out on a year-long solo backpacking adventure across the world. After a six-week tour of Peru, she arrived in New Zealand. Less than a fortnight later, on the eve of her 22nd birthday, she was strangled to death by a man she met on a dating app. Grace was constantly in touch with her family but had not responded to their birthday messages on 2 December, so they reported her missing to the police. Gillian was recovering from surgery for breast cancer and not able to join the search. Her husband, Grace's father David, flew out to New Zealand but a week later, their daughter's body was found in bushland on the outskirts of Auckland. During a three-week trial, the family had to sit through her killer's attempts to pass the murder off as "rough sex" gone wrong and his claims that Grace asked to be strangled. "I felt like Grace was on trial and she couldn't defend herself. As a parent, I didn't want to listen to that. It was horrendous. "You can't ask for your own death. It is ludicrous this can be used as a defence." A jury unanimously convicted him of murder and he was sentenced to life in prison. The family decided never to mention his name again. "We never say it. It's a waste of energy. I don't care about him, I don't think about him," Gillian says. Gillian has since campaigned against the rough sex defence, with the charity We Can't Consent To This, and has helped to change the law in England and Wales. Two years after Grace's murder, Gillian's husband David died from cancer, which left her in a "really dark place". Gillian credits her family and friends, long walks and "lots of counselling" for her still being here today. "I did contemplate suicide. That is a horrid place to be. But I couldn't bring any more sadness to the family. Grace had such a bright future and it was taken away from her and us. "I will never see Grace in a wedding dress or see her grandchildren. This is a life sentence I've got. This is me until the day I die. But there is a light and I found it. You have to find that inner strength." David died during Covid and they could not be together as a family but Gillian later threw a memorial party and it became a turning point. "A friend dragged me up to dance. I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do but I laughed and I looked around the room and everyone was smiling. "My toes stay in the darkness but the rest of me is facing the sun a bit. Sometimes it goes up to my waist and I do go into that black hole but I have people behind me who support me." Christmas is a very difficult time for Gillian, so last year she decided to spend it climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, which was "incredibly emotional". Gillian raised more than 30,000 climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of her daughter and husband "I went from not wanting to leave the house to climbing a mountain on the other side of the world. "I had to train and be focused. I didn't realise the power it was giving me and how much it was helping me. "Everything was aching but I knew Grace and David would be pushing me up there. They wanted to still be here, they didn't want to go, so I thought 'right get up there'." Gillian left a stone for Grace and David at the top, in tribute to them. "Whenever I go somewhere special, I put the stones there, so they are travelling. If someone picks a stone up and moves it, they go somewhere else." Grace left a stone for both her daughter and husband on Mount Kilimanjaro Her efforts raised 33,000 for the White Ribbon charity, which aims to end male violence against women. Gillian received a thank you card from the charity, saying the money had been used to fund education programmes in 65 schools in the Hull area. "I just want to raise awareness and get that message out there about violence against women so that no other family has to live this life I live," Gillian says. Four years ago, with her niece Hannah, Gillian started the charity initiative Love Grace. They collect donated handbags and fill them with toiletries for domestic abuse victims. So far, they have filled 15,600 bags for women in the UK and across the world and they received an award from the prime minister. Grace's cousin, Hannah O'Callaghan (left), and Gillian were invited to 10 Downing Street to celebrate the award Grace loved handbags, Gillian says, and each bag has a tag on it with her handwriting. "It's a simple idea but it has really taken off," Gillian says. "We were just doing it for our grief so that Grace would never just be a number. "They get this bag, they are not expecting it and they have gone through hell. We get hundreds of letters from people who have received the bags, it's heartbreaking." Next year, Gillian is applying for Love Grace to become an official charity and she will be training for a trek to Everest basecamp in September, with a plan to place two more stones there. One day she hopes to travel to New Zealand, a country which Gillian says has really taken Grace to their hearts. "I still get loads of messages of support from there. It wasn't New Zealand or travelling that killed Grace, or anything she did. It was that individual." Five years on from her daughter's death, living without Grace has not got any easier. But Gillian is still trying hard to face the sun. "I should never have buried my child and certainly she should never have died the way she did. People keep saying I'm really strong but I don't think so, I'm just a mum." She adds: "I am more resilient than I ever thought I was. I do think David and Grace would be proud. I think Grace would laugh and say these treks are a mid-life crisis. "I will never get over it but I just know I've got to make the world a better place. I want to change things so that no other family has to go through what we go through. That has got to be a good thing." If you, or someone you know, is feeling emotionally distressed, BBC Action Line has put together a list of organisations which can help. Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 A man was charged with murder after he allegedly shot and killed his father during an argument on Christmas Day in Grain Valley. Franklin Eason, who was born in 2000, was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action for allegedly fatally shooting his father, according to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office. Officers responded around 7:07 p.m. to a home in the 700 block of Southwest Woodland Circle, where they found a man who had been shot and killed lying face down in the dining room, according to a probable cause statement. After sweeping the home, officers said they found two semi-automatic handguns one in the kitchen sink and another on the counter. When an officer encountered Eason, he allegedly admitted without prompting to shooting his father and was taken into custody. Detectives learned that one of the witnesses was a friend of Eason who had lived at the home for about a year. A few days prior to the shooting, Easons friend told the victim that he planned to move out, according to the probable cause statement. On Christmas Day, the witness told detectives he, Eason, the victim and another witness, who had been dating the victim and also lived at the home with her three children, were sitting at the kitchen table. Easons friend told detectives the victim suddenly became angry over his plan to move out. He shouted at Eason and the witness, grabbed a handgun from another room and started waving it around, the probable cause statement says. Then, the victim laid the gun on the table, and Eason allegedly picked it up and shot the victim two or three times. When the gun jammed, both witnesses went to check on the children. Eason allegedly entered and told them he shot his father to keep him from shooting anyone else in the home. He also allegedly called two others around 5:20 p.m. and told them he had shot his father. When interviewed by detectives, Eason said his father had been upset because his friend was moving out and asked Eason to beat him up, but Eason refused, according to the probable cause statement. Eason allegedly told detectives that he picked up the handgun his father had been waving around and shot him twice. The victim fell to the floor, and the witnesses left the kitchen, Eason allegedly told detectives. Since the gun had jammed and his father was making gurgling noises, Eason allegedly told detectives that he found a second handgun in another part of the home and fired a third shot at his father to stop him from suffering, according to the probable cause statement. He then placed the gun on the kitchen counter and called two people who lived over an hour away in Kansas and waited until they arrived to call the police, according to the probable cause statement. Eason is being held on a $100,000 bond. A mass migration of Northeasterners and Midwesterners into Florida, many of them conservatives leaving Democratic states, has led to the states politics turning sharply to the right, experts say. New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau this month showed that movement is continuing, with hundreds of thousands of people leaving states such as New York, Illinois and California and moving to Florida and Texas in 2022 and 2023. The notion of the Big Sort is really proving itself, said Matt Isbell, a Democratic elections analyst. Thats the idea that people move based on the politics. For a lot of retirees, places like Florida are appealing, especially if theyre already conservative. According to Census estimates, New York lost nearly 217,000 people to domestic migration from July 2022 to July 2023 and nearly 882,000 since April 2020. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan also lost thousands of residents in that time. At the same time, Florida gained more than 194,000 people from other states from 2022 to 2023, the largest influx in the nation. Since April 2020, nearly 819,000 people have moved to Florida from within the U.S. Many of those new residents may have been attracted to Florida because they see it as a right-leaning state, said J. Miles Coleman, associate editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, especially amid Gov. Ron DeSantis opposition to almost all COVID-19 restrictions. Given Floridas reputation, or at least what DeSantis has tried to sell it as, with the Free State of Florida [slogan] if Im a retiree, thats what I associate Florida with, Coleman said. But it also goes the other way, Isbell said, especially with headlines about the states new laws on abortion, schools, and gay rights, and even neo-Nazi groups. If youre a liberal retiree up in the Northeast, if youre Jewish retiree in New York City right now, you see this stuff out of Florida, the Nazis and stuff, do you really think youre going to come down here? Isbell said. Even if liberals do come to Florida, they would probably avoid conservative places such as The Villages, the sprawling retirement community stretching across Marion, Sumter and Lake counties north of Orlando. The Villages does not have a mandate that you must be a registered Republican to live there, theres no litmus test, he said. But if youre a liberal retiree, you probably dont care to move there, so it becomes kind of self-sorting. Kind of a constant Its not just wealthier retirees, experts said. Working-class whites are also moving into the state. Polk County, the home of former Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles, used to be more of a rural, Democratic type of county, Coleman said. You have a lot of migrants now from the Midwest there who dont really have any attachment to that Democratic tradition. They vote Republican. In 2016, Trump did well with working-class voters in the Midwest, Coleman said. Well, those same types of voters have been moving to Florida. Those types of trends dont happen in a vacuum. Not all experts agree that migration is the main cause of the state becoming more conservative. Daniel A. Smith, the political science chair at the University of Florida, cited instead a drop in Democratic registration among younger voters. Republicans voter registration advantage over Democrats in Florida has grown to nearly 700,000 this year. There were more registered Democrats than Republicans in Florida as recently as 2021. Republicans moving to Florida, Smith said, has been a trend for at least 60 years. I dont think thats whats causing the shift in terms of [more] Republicans. Frankly, thats kind of a constant. The culture wars Northeastern Republicans have tended to be more socially moderate than their Southern counterparts. Despite their influx, Florida has become a hotbed of the culture wars in recent years, with DeSantis signing laws such as the so-called dont say gay bill, the Stop WOKE Act impacting schools and bills targeting transgender people. Much of that can be put on the shoulders of DeSantis, for raising these issues that most of these transplants dont give a hoot about, Smith said of DeSantis focus on social issues ahead of his presidential campaign. Coleman said he was not surprised that theres been no larger backlash or pushback from Northeastern Republican transplants. If youre attracting more fiscally conservative, culturally moderate voters? They still vote for Republicans, Coleman said. And if you vote for the Republicans, you dont just get their fiscal policies, you get some of their social policies those voters would maybe have to hold their noses for. With DeSantis wilting presidential campaign, culture war politics may be on the wane, Isbell said. But those issues wont go away any time soon. I still think theyve overplayed their hand with it a bit, Isbell said. But the demographics will determine how governments operate. And the demographics of Florida right now say that while its not a Bible Belt state you have retirees [in Central and South Florida] that are willing to just kind of go along with that. Smith said many transplants may simply not care about what happens in schools. These are folks who generally have paid high property taxes, theyve gotten their children through public schools, and now theyre looking to wipe their hands clean, Smith said. Theyre happy to go into their gated communities and put those days behind them. Florida vs. Texas Florida is not the only state seeing an influx. Texas saw nearly 187,000 new residents move from elsewhere in the country between 2022 and 2023, and more than 656,000 since 2020. But the two states are trending in the opposite direction, Isbell said. Florida came from the center, maybe leaning Democratic in the 90s, and moved further to the right, and then Texas has moved a bit further to the left, Isbell said. But theyre both still right of the country. While Trump won Texas by about 5.5 points in 2020 and Florida by 3, Coleman said he believes that could soon flip. One of my hot takes for the next election is that I would not be surprised if Texas ends up being closer than Florida, Coleman said. Jim Henson, director of The Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, said new residents of Texas are younger, and almost certainly more directly economically and occupationally driven, in comparison to Florida. But he was more cautious about whether the states were moving apart politically. The inner line suburbs are getting more Democratic, but slowly, Henson said. But the outer areas are [still] very Republican So Im not entirely ready to conclude this unambiguously pushes the state in a bluer, more purple direction. The younger migration into Texas helped to give the state a leg up over Florida in one key area. From 2020 to 2023, there were more than 94,000 more deaths than births in Florida, while Texas had more than 407,000 more births than deaths. All those trends will play a role in the next reapportionment of congressional districts. The Brennan Center projected that while Florida is set to get three new seats in Congress in 2032, Texas could pick up four. Still very powerful Georgia, along with North and South Carolina and Tennessee, is projected to pick up one new district thanks to similar influxes. But one reason Georgia is not trending Republican, Coleman said, is because the Atlanta suburbs are growing while its coast is largely undeveloped. Just by virtue of not having much of a coastline, it cant attract many of those types of conservative retirees, Coleman said. Which kind of was a net plus for Democrats. The prevalence of increasingly expensive retirement communities along Florida coastlines could be what starts to slow the trends. Soaring homeowners insurance premiums and the impact of climate change, from rising seas to more and stronger hurricanes, are slowly eroding that cost of living argument, Smith said. Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on heavily Republican Lee County in 2022. Were seeing the housing prices going up partly because of the cost of insurance going up, Smith said. People losing their house insurance because of high risk or paying a lot more is certainly a detriment. While the illusion still is very powerful in drawing folks from the Northeast down to Florida, Smith added, the cost of living actually is a little higher in most of Florida than many of the Midwest states. For Democrats, though, a turnaround any time soon is not in the cards. Theres no realistic demographic change that will suddenly [happen] in Florida, Isbell said. Democrats are going to be behind, and theyre going to have to keep slowly building back. And theres no magic switch or demographic swing thats going to do that for them. A Greek military pilot died in his last fight as a T-2E Buckeye aircraft, like the one pictured here, crashed into the countryside just south of his air base on Friday. Photo by Georgios Pazios/Wikimedia Commons Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A pilot died Wednesday when a military jet crashed in southern Greece, Greek Air Force officials said. Commander Sotirios Maggotsios said in a statement that a T-2E Buckeye aircraft was performing a training flight when it crashed on its return about a half-nautical mile northwest of Kalamata Airport. Officials identified the pilot as Major Epaminondas Kosteas, 40. He was on his last flight and set to retire from active duty from the Greek Air Force. The plane crashed into the countryside just outside the airbase, as his family were reportedly in the area to witness the flight. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Greece's Defense Minister Nikos Dendias declared three days of mourning in the armed forces through Friday. The T-2 Buckeye, made in the United States, first flew in the late 1950s and has served as the Greek Air Force's main training plane for years. Former prosecutor Virginia Laparra (pictured in December 2022) was arrested in February 2022 as part of apparent payback for her anti-corruption efforts (Johan ORDONEZ) Guatemala's supreme court on Tuesday ordered the release of former anti-corruption prosecutor Virginia Laparra, who was sentenced in December 2022 to four years in prison for abuse of authority in a trial criticized by the international community. The criminal chamber of the court ordered that "the preventive detention of the accused cease," in a decision reported by the press and confirmed to AFP by Laparra's lawyers. The decision took into consideration that Laparra had already served almost half of her jail term as she was imprisoned for 10 months before her sentencing on December 16 last year. The chamber ordered that the court abide by the ruling within five days. Laparra, 43, was the chief of the Quetzaltenango region of the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Impunity (FECI) when she was arrested in February 2022 as part of apparent payback for her anti-corruption efforts. She was convicted for "abuse of authority" and given a commutable term of four years. Under Guatemalan law, she could pay a fine and see her term reduced -- but only once the sentence became final. Her conviction was criticized by the United States, the European Union, Amnesty International and other human rights organizations. Laparra is facing a second trial in Quetzaltenango for alleged disclosure of confidential information but there is no start date because the prosecution is trying to replace the judge in charge of the case, who granted her house arrest in July. Despite that order, the former prosecutor remained in prison inside a military barracks in the capital. Laparra was one of multiple former prosecutors arrested who had investigated corruption cases. The crusade against them was led by attorney general Consuelo Porras, who was sanctioned in 2021 by the United States, which included her on a list of "corrupt" and "undemocratic" actors in Central America. The Guatemalan attorney general's office is accused by Washington of "undermining" democracy due to an investigation of alleged illegalities in the August election won by opposition candidate Bernardo Arevalo, 65, and judicial actions against the president-elect. Porras's actions are seen as an attempt to prevent Arevalo, who pulled off an upset win on an anti-corruption platform, from assuming power on January 14. Guatemala is ranked 30th out of 180 countries by Transparency International, which lists nations from most to least corrupt. hma/cjc/mtp/dva (WJW) Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who has spent years behind bars for her role in her mothers murder, is scheduled to be released from prison on Thursday. In 2016, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of her mother, Clauddine Dee Dee Blanchard. Cause of death released for fan who died at Taylor Swift concert: report The case made national headlines, sparking documentaries and a limited series drama. Attorneys say Gypsys mother abused and isolated her for years, forcing her to use a wheelchair and undergo unnecessary medical procedures. According to investigators, in 2015, Gypsy arranged for her online boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to kill her mother at their family home in Springfield, Missouri. They were both arrested days later in Wisconsin. Godejohn was sentenced to life in prison. Man wanted in murder arrested in Cleveland Back in September, the Missouri Department of Corrections confirmed that Gypsy would be released early on parole Thursday, Dec. 28. In a recent interview with People, the now 32-year-old says she regrets her mothers murder. Nobody will ever hear me say Im glad shes dead or Im proud of what I did, she told People. I regret it every single day. As FOX 8 previously reported, after being released, Gypsy hopes to meet pop star Taylor Swift at the Kansas City Chiefs game on Dec. 31, three days after her scheduled release. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley returns to the campaign trail Wednesday for a three-day swing in New Hampshire with less than a month to close a still-yawning polling gap between her and GOP front-runner Donald Trump before the states first-in-the-nation primary. Haleys visit marks her first time back in the Granite State since receiving the coveted endorsement of popular New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, which her campaign said was the latest evidence of Nikkis growing momentum. Sununu, who has long made clear his opposition to Trumps candidacy, is expected to campaign with Haley this week as they attempt to pitch the former South Carolina governor as the best alternative to the former president ahead of the January 23 primary. Ahead of hitting the trail, Haley released a new ad that will air statewide and features Sununu touting why Haley earned his endorsement. Shes a leader who builds people up. Shes a live-free-or-die Republican who understands fiscal responsibility and individual liberty. Shes a new generation of conservative leadership who can help leave behind the chaos and the drama of the past, Sununu says in the ad. In recent weeks, Haley has claimed growing momentum in the GOP primary after strong debate performances and expanding support from wealthy GOP megadonors. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll found Haley gaining on Trump in New Hampshire, though the former president was still ahead 44% to 29% among likely GOP voters. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis trailed with 11%. Haleys GOP rivals have responded to this heightened support by ramping up their attacks on her. Among them is former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has rejected calls to exit the GOP primary and back Haley in order to help her chances against Trump in the Granite State. If she showed me that she was actually running against Donald Trump, I might, he said at a gathering with supporters earlier this month. Last week, MAGA Inc., the super PAC supporting Trump, launched an ad targeting Haley, the first time Trumps team has gone after his former United Nations ambassador on the airwaves. The 30-second spot criticized Haley for comments she made about a gas tax while governor of South Carolina and accused her of flip-flopping on the issue. During Haleys time as governor, a gas tax increase was being pushed by a Republican state legislator, and Haley only signed on after the gas tax increase was paired with income tax cuts. The proposal ultimately did not pass in the Palmetto State. DeSantis also double downed on his criticism during a Fox interview, asserting that Haley was out of step with conservatives. Shes not somebody that conservatives have any confidence in. Thats not her record, the Florida governor said. Her program is not what Republican voters are looking to have, and I think thats been more apparent, as people have gotten to know her more and more. In response, Haley has publicly called out both Trump and DeSantis for painting false narratives of her and stressing that if they have to lie to win, you dont deserve to win. Its that simple. Despite the consistent attacks from opponents, Haleys campaign says it is focused on appealing to voters in the closing days before voting begins. Granite Staters are ready for a new generation of conservative leadership. We feel the momentum on the ground and are excited to keep building on it, Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas told CNN. CNNs Alison Main, David Wright and Kit Maher contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com In almost two years of full-scale war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have eliminated three large landing ships of the aggressor country Russia, now including the Novocherkassk , and several landing boats. According to the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, this means their amphibious capability has been cut in half. He stated this in an interview with the Voice of America on December 26th. Read also: Two Russian warships flee occupied Feodosia after Ukrainian attack destroys landing ship Novocherkassk "The Black Sea Fleet's ability to land amphibious assaults has decreased to a battalion. That is, earlier, they could land two battalions at the same time, and now only one," Neizhpapa said. He added that military amphibious ships with the Russian flag are one of the priority targets of the Armed Forces, as well as Kalibr missile carrier ships. According to the Vice Admiral, Russia currently uses amphibious ships to transport cargo between the territory of the Russian Federation and occupied Crimea. He did not rule out that there could be Shaheds on board the Novocherkassk since the detonation "was very large." The ship is completely destroyed; there is no point in restoring it, Neizhpapa emphasized. Read also: Russian submarine Kalibr missile carrier enters Black Sea, warns UA Defense Forces On the night of December 26, a powerful explosion rang out in occupied Feodosia near the port. Later, the commander of the Air Force, Mykola Oleschuk, announced the attack on the large Russian amphibious assault ship Novocherkassk, thanking the Ukrainian pilots. The Armed Forces of Ukraine declared that the attack was carried out by cruise missiles. Read also: Ukrainian pilots training with F-16s in Denmark after finishing basic orientation in UK Yuriy Ignat, the spokesman of the Air Force Command, said that it would be extremely difficult for the Novocherkask ship to survive after this. According to him, "clearly more than one rocket" was used in the strike. Later, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation confirmed the attack on the Novocherkassk. Russian sources stated that the ship "was damaged" during the repulse of the attack of the Armed Forces. Subsequently, a photograph of the consequences of the attack on the Novocherkassk VDK appeared on the Internet. In the photo, you can see that only a pile of burnt metal remains at the place where the ship was probably moored. Read also: Ukraine destroys 20% of Russian Black Sea fleet in 4 months, says British defense minister After the destruction of Novocherkassk, two Russian warships left the seaport area of occupied Feodosia, Krym.Realii reported. This was the second attack on the ship. For the first time, the Armed Forces damaged Novocherkassk in March 2022, when they destroyed another ship in the port of occupied Berdyansk, the Saratov. 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 Flash A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday announced China's decision to take countermeasures against American intelligence data company Kharon and two individuals, urging the U.S. side to stop smearing China. According to media reports, the United States recently issued an annual human rights report related to Xinjiang and sanctioned China's two officials and three companies. China said it will take resolute countermeasures. "By issuing the report, the United States once again spread false stories on Xinjiang and illegally sanctioned Chinese officials and companies citing so-called human rights issues," spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily news briefing when answering a relevant query, adding that this move constitutes grave interference in China's internal affairs and violates the international law and the basic norms of international relations. The move is designed to vilify China and harmful to the lawful rights and interests of relevant Chinese officials and companies. "We firmly oppose and strongly condemn the move and have made serious demarches to the United States over this," Mao said. Mao said in accordance with China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, China will take countermeasures against American intelligence data company Kharon, which has long collected Xinjiang-related sensitive information and provided so-called evidence for America's illegal sanctions related to Xinjiang, Edmund Xu, director of investigations of Kharon, and Nicole Morgret, former researcher of the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. The two persons will be prohibited from entering China. China will freeze the property of Kharon and the two persons in China, including their movable and immovable property, and prohibit organizations and individuals in China from transactions and cooperation with them, Mao added. "We again urge the U.S. side to stop smearing China, cancel the illegal unilateral sanctions on Chinese officials and companies, and stop implementing wrongful acts such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act," said Mao. If the United States refuses to change course, China will not flinch and will respond in kind, she said. Editor's Note: For the latest news on the Israel-Hamas conflict, please see our live updates file here. Roads leading to two of the nations busiest airports in New York and Los Angeles were temporarily blocked Wednesday by pro-Palestinian demonstrators demanding an end to the war in Gaza, prompting some travelers to reach terminals by foot. In the middle of the hectic holiday travel season, traffic on the expressway to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York came to a halt for 20 minutes as protesters locked arms and held banners. Video posted on social media showed passengers, some carrying suitcases, leaving vehicles behind and stepping over barriers onto the highway median. Officials later arranged for buses to take stranded travelers to the airport. At around the same time, activists snarled driving conditions on the road that feeds into Los Angeles International Airport by dragging blocks of concrete, tree branches, construction debris and other objects into the roadway, according to L.A. police. Police said in a social media post that protesters threw an officer to the ground and attacked uninvolved passersby in their vehicles, adding that "this was not a peaceful demonstration.'' Authorities said 26 people were arrested at the JFK protest and 36 at LAX, including one for battery of a police officer. Both airports ranked among the nations top-six in boardings last year with more than 26 million each. War in Gaza: Israeli adviser to meet with US official Developments: Israeli rockets rained down on central and southern Gaza early Wednesday, hammering areas where Palestinians fleeing fighting in northern Gaza had gathered on orders from the Israeli military. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen threatened the leader of the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon, saying Hassan Nasrallah must understand that hes next. A Hezbollah strike Tuesday wounded 11 people in northern Israel. The U.N. and member countries have spent $622 million in aid to Gaza and the West Bank, 51% of the $1.2 billion flash appeal sought by the U.N. when the war began. The Palestinian casualty toll rose to 21,110 dead and 55,243 injured after almost 200 people were killed in the last 24 hours, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Israeli authorities, who have generally confirmed the ministry's death tolls, said the fatalities include 8,000 Hamas operatives in addition to 1,000 militants killed during and immediately after the Oct. 7 attacks. Palestinian telecommunications officials said internet and telephone services are being restored across Gaza after a nearly total blackout that severely hampered rescue and aid operations. It was at least the sixth major outage since the war began. Hezbollah fighters carry the coffins of a comrade and two civilians who were killed by an Israeli airstrike that hit their house in Bint Jbeil, South Lebanon, on Dec. 27, 2023. Journalists killed in war mourned at Michigan vigil Nearly 100 people gathered at The Boardwalk in Dearborn, Michigan, on Wednesday evening to honor and mourn journalists killed in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel since the war started. Former and current journalists called for media organizations in the U.S. and elsewhere to hold to account those responsible for the deaths of dozens of journalists during the conflict. So far, at least 68 journalists have died, according to The Committee to Protect Journalists. Barbara Weinberg-Barefield told USA TODAY shes heartbroken for the slain journalists families and for people who looked to them for information about events in Gaza and the West Bank. She expressed anger at Israel for what she called a massacre. As a Jewish person, it's horrifying to me that this is going on, she said. She and others at the vigil organized by Project 1948, Wayne State Universitys Students for Justice in Palestine and other organizations chanted Free Palestine and called for a permanent cease-fire. Krystal Nurse About 100 people gathered in Dearborn, Michigan, on Dec. 27, 2023, to mourn the dozens of journalists killed since the Hamas-Israel war began Oct. 7. Phone, internet blackout another obstacle to distributing aid The communications blackout in Gaza from Tuesday into Wednesday further complicated the United Nations' attempts to distribute aid, an already Herculean task amid the fighting. Operational challenges due to insecurity, blocked roads and a scarcity of fuel are also hampering the humanitarian response, said the U.N. humanitarian office, known as OCHA. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently said the conditions required for an effective aid operation including a safe staff, logistical capacity and commercial activity are missing in Gaza. OCHA said the U.N. World Food Program still dispensed wheat, food parcels and other means of nourishment to about half a million displaced Gazans between Dec. 23 and Dec. 26, but the need is vast. According to Guterres, 80% of the hungriest people anywhere in the world are in Gaza. Iran walks back claim Hamas attack was 'revenge' for US strike An Iranian general on Wednesday walked back his claim that the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel was revenge for the assassination of an Iranian general nearly four years ago, telling Al-Araby his comments earlier in the day were incompletely conveyed and misunderstood. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Ramazan Sharif had linked the Hamas attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, to a U.S. drone strike in Iraq on Jan. 2, 2020, that killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Sharif also said the killing of a top Iranian military adviser by Israel this week in Syria would draw a military response from Iran directly or indirectly. The U.S. Justice Department, in a heavily redacted 2020 memorandum, said Soleimani had commanded the guards elite Quds Force since the late 1990s and was a key architect of lrans campaign of terrorism, assassinations and violence throughout the Middle East. The Iranian government, which helps fund Hamas, has repeatedly denied involvement in the October attack that killed 1,200 Israelis in communities along the Gaza border. Hamas issued a statement Wednesday rejecting Sharifs claim linking the rampage to Iran, saying the assault was primarily a response to dangers that threaten al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, which had seen clashes between Israeli settlers and Muslim worshippers. Sharif, however, did not retreat from his pledge of a military response for the killing of Iranian Brig. Gen. Razi Mousavi, targeted Monday in an Israeli airstrike on his Damascus home. Israel had accused Mousavi of being a key player in Tehrans efforts to supply weapons to Hamas and Lebanons militant Hezbollah. Iran will take harsh and strong revenge, Sharif said, accusing Israel of killing Mousavi as a way of escaping from its defeat in Gaza and its failures there, and to divert the worlds attention from a war crime. Erdogan, Netanyahu clash over Hitler remark Turkish and Israeli leaders engaged in a war of words Wednesday over Israeli actions against Hamas militants in Gaza described by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as no different from those of Adolf Hitler. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck back, accusing Erdogan of carrying out a genocide against Kurds and holding a world record number of opposition journalists in jails. Erdogan is the last person who can preach morality to us, Netanyahu said on social media, adding that Israel has the most moral army in the world. War Cabinet minister Benny Gantz, a political foe of Netanyahu, dismissed Erdogans remarks as blatant distortions of reality and a desecration of the Holocausts memory. Pepper-spraying of Muslim girl in NYC a possible hate crime A 15-year-old Muslim girl was pepper-sprayed and insulted in a Brooklyn neighborhood in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime. New York City police say the girl was approached last week by an unidentified woman who made "anti-ethnic remarks to the victim, then pepper sprayed the victim in the face." The woman fled the scene and police are searching for her, releasing a photo with her image. New York TV station WPIX said the woman called the teen a "terrorist,'' among the latest in the sharply rising number of hate incidents against Muslim and Palestinians reported since the war started. Christopher Cann Iranian-American group urges Biden not to support 'Israel's disastrous war' The U.S. is at risk of being dragged into an "all-out regional war" in the Middle East, and the Biden administration must secure a cease-fire instead of "blindly supporting Israel's disastrous war in Gaza," the National Iranian American Council, an advocacy group that supports democratic change in Iran, said in a statement released Wednesday. A cease-fire can provide time for diplomacy to address the underlying issues fueling the war, the council said. "The alternative increasingly looks like a broader conflict that spills across multiple borders and pulls in the United States," it said. "President Biden must act before it is too late. Israeli air force officer defends Gaza bombings The Israeli Air Force chief of staff on Wednesday firmly rejected repeated global claims that Israels airstrikes in Gaza are indiscriminate. Brig. Gen. Omer Tischler said the Israeli military is conducting a "precise, focused" military campaign stressing the protection of civilians. Evacuations are ordered in advance and munitions designed to minimize collateral damage are used, he said. And assaults are monitored in real time and can be aborted if the dangers to civilians become too great, he said. But Israel has acknowledged that its campaign in Gaza has killed more civilians than the militants it is targeting. On numerous occasions, civilians have fled to safety zones at Israel's urging, only to find those areas under attack too. "In war, mistakes can happen," Tischler said. "While they are exceptional, they are still made. We study them, learn from them, and make changes to our process as a result." Israeli defense minister says war could take 'months or years' Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told Israel's parliament the war will be long and bring heavy costs but that "justification is the highest it can be." Gallant, in translation by the Times of Israel, vowed Israel would punish Hamas "whether it takes months or years. He said Israel faces attacks from seven fronts and has struck back at almost all of them. Gallant's pledge came days after an Egyptian peace plan drew a cool response from Israel and Hamas. The plan, if accepted, would include Hamas releasing the more than 100 remaining hostages in exchange for Israel letting all Palestinians out of its prisons. Nearly 8,000 Palestinians are held by Israel on security-related charges or convictions, according to Palestinian figures. The plan also calls Israel to withdraw from the battered Gaza Strip and for militants to halt rocket attacks on Israel. Contributing: The Associated Press Palestinians flee Gaza after Israel declares war on Hamas Israel has called for the immediate relocation of 1.1 million people in Gaza amid its massive bombardment in retaliation for Hamas's attacks. 101 images Published Gallery Krystal Nurse Phone, internet blackout another obstacle to distributing aid The communications blackout in Gaza from Tuesday into Wednesday further complicated the United Nations' attempts to distribute aid, an already Herculean task amid the fighting. Operational challenges due to insecurity, blocked roads and a scarcity of fuel are also hampering the humanitarian response, said the U.N. humanitarian office, known as OCHA. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently said the conditions required for an effective aid operation including a safe staff, logistical capacity and commercial activity are missing in Gaza. OCHA said the U.N. World Food Program still dispensed wheat, food parcels and other means of nourishment to about half a million displaced Gazans between Dec. 23 and Dec. 26, but the need is vast. According to Guterres, 80% of the hungriest people anywhere in the world are in Gaza. Iran walks back claim Hamas attack was 'revenge' for US strike An Iranian general on Wednesday walked back his claim that the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel was revenge for the assassination of an Iranian general nearly four years ago, telling Al-Araby his comments earlier in the day were incompletely conveyed and misunderstood. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Ramazan Sharif had linked the Hamas attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, to a U.S. drone strike in Iraq on Jan. 2, 2020, that killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Sharif also said the killing of a top Iranian military adviser by Israel this week in Syria would draw a military response from Iran directly or indirectly. The U.S. Justice Department, in a heavily redacted 2020 memorandum, said Soleimani had commanded the guards elite Quds Force since the late 1990s and was a key architect of lrans campaign of terrorism, assassinations and violence throughout the Middle East. The Iranian government, which helps fund Hamas, has repeatedly denied involvement in the October attack that killed 1,200 Israelis in communities along the Gaza border. Hamas issued a statement Wednesday rejecting Sharifs claim linking the rampage to Iran, saying the assault was primarily a response to dangers that threaten al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, which had seen clashes between Israeli settlers and Muslim worshippers. Sharif, however, did not retreat from his pledge of a military response for the killing of Iranian Brig. Gen. Razi Mousavi, targeted Monday in an Israeli airstrike on his Damascus home. Israel had accused Mousavi of being a key player in Tehrans efforts to supply weapons to Hamas and Lebanons militant Hezbollah. Iran will take harsh and strong revenge, Sharif said, accusing Israel of killing Mousavi as a way of escaping from its defeat in Gaza and its failures there, and to divert the worlds attention from a war crime. Erdogan, Netanyahu clash over Hitler remark Turkish and Israeli leaders engaged in a war of words Wednesday over Israeli actions against Hamas militants in Gaza described by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as no different from those of Adolf Hitler. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck back, accusing Erdogan of carrying out a genocide against Kurds and holding a world record number of opposition journalists in jails. Erdogan is the last person who can preach morality to us, Netanyahu said on social media, adding that Israel has the most moral army in the world. War Cabinet minister Benny Gantz, a political foe of Netanyahu, dismissed Erdogans remarks as blatant distortions of reality and a desecration of the Holocausts memory. Pepper-spraying of Muslim girl in NYC a possible hate crime A 15-year-old Muslim girl was pepper-sprayed and insulted in a Brooklyn neighborhood in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime. New York City police say the girl was approached last week by an unidentified woman who made "anti-ethnic remarks to the victim, then pepper sprayed the victim in the face." The woman fled the scene and police are searching for her, releasing a photo with her image. New York TV station WPIX said the woman called the teen a "terrorist,'' among the latest in the sharply rising number of hate incidents against Muslim and Palestinians reported since the war started. Christopher Cann Iranian-American group urges Biden not to support 'Israel's disastrous war' The U.S. is at risk of being dragged into an "all-out regional war" in the Middle East, and the Biden administration must secure a cease-fire instead of "blindly supporting Israel's disastrous war in Gaza," the National Iranian American Council, an advocacy group that supports democratic change in Iran, said in a statement released Wednesday. A cease-fire can provide time for diplomacy to address the underlying issues fueling the war, the council said. "The alternative increasingly looks like a broader conflict that spills across multiple borders and pulls in the United States," it said. "President Biden must act before it is too late. Israeli air force officer defends Gaza bombings The Israeli Air Force chief of staff on Wednesday firmly rejected repeated global claims that Israels airstrikes in Gaza are indiscriminate. Brig. Gen. Omer Tischler said the Israeli military is conducting a "precise, focused" military campaign stressing the protection of civilians. Evacuations are ordered in advance and munitions designed to minimize collateral damage are used, he said. And assaults are monitored in real time and can be aborted if the dangers to civilians become too great, he said. But Israel has acknowledged that its campaign in Gaza has killed more civilians than the militants it is targeting. On numerous occasions, civilians have fled to safety zones at Israel's urging, only to find those areas under attack too. "In war, mistakes can happen," Tischler said. "While they are exceptional, they are still made. We study them, learn from them, and make changes to our process as a result." Israeli defense minister says war could take 'months or years' Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told Israel's parliament the war will be long and bring heavy costs but that "justification is the highest it can be." Gallant, in translation by the Times of Israel, vowed Israel would punish Hamas "whether it takes months or years. He said Israel faces attacks from seven fronts and has struck back at almost all of them. Gallant's pledge came days after an Egyptian peace plan drew a cool response from Israel and Hamas. The plan, if accepted, would include Hamas releasing the more than 100 remaining hostages in exchange for Israel letting all Palestinians out of its prisons. Nearly 8,000 Palestinians are held by Israel on security-related charges or convictions, according to Palestinian figures. The plan also calls Israel to withdraw from the battered Gaza Strip and for militants to halt rocket attacks on Israel. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel Hamas war live updates: Travelers walk to airport amid protests HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) On Christmas Eve, an individual forced entry into Twin B Motors located in the 1200 block of North King Streat in Hampton, police said. After leaving the store, the suspect stole a white 2013 BMW SUV that belonged to the business and fled, police said. The suspect was described to be last seen wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt, red face covering, gray and black gloves, jeans and black shoes. Courtesy: Hampton Police Courtesy: Hampton Police Hampton police are asking for assistance in identifying the suspect. If a tip leads to an arrest, the caller could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,500. If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. CHILOQUIN, Ore. Don Gentry stood under a pine tree on a late summer day overlooking the confluence of the Williamson River and Spring Creek. "We're at the headwaters of the Klamath River, the spring creek that flows out of the ground up there," said Gentry, pointing at the burbling waters that feed Upper Klamath Lake and eventually, the Klamath River. Gentry is the former chairman of the Klamath Tribes, who have been working to reclaim their reservation lands and waters in the Upper Klamath River Basin. They're also trying to preserve the two fish species at the heart of their cultures. The Klamath Tribes, the only tribe on the river holding a ratified treaty with the U.S., has a long relationship with Upper Klamath Lake and the Upper Klamath Basin. They own the most senior water rights in southern Oregon, and they're not afraid to use those rights to address their issues with fish in their traditional lands. That has put them at odds with farmers who also rely on the river to grow potatoes, onions and other crops after the U.S. government invited them to homestead in the now-drained Lower Klamath and Tule lakes. The three cultures of the Klamath Tribes the Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin Paiute have inhabited southern Oregon, the Tule, Upper Klamath and Clear lakes and the lands around what is now Lava Rocks National Monument for millennia. Gentry said anthropologists confirm they have lived and worked in the basin for at least 15,000 years. In 1864, the Klamath ceded 23 million acres to the U.S., receiving a 1.8-million acre reservation in southern Oregon. They retained the right to hunt, fish and gather plants. The tribe enjoyed prosperity, thanks to its logging and cattle operations. Tribal members also continued to hunt and fish for salmon, steelhead and the fish they are culturally affiliated with: the c'waam, or Lost River sucker and the koptu, or shortnose sucker. Those fish once inhabited both Upper and Lower Klamath lakes and the Lost River watershed. The c'waam is at the center of Klamath culture, according to Klamath Tribes Chairman Clayton Dumont. "Gmokamc, the Creator, chopped up a serpent who tormented the people," Dumont said. "He changed the pieces into the c'waam and told the people to care for the fish and the fish would take care of them." The tribe has worked to care for those fish ever since. With their prosperity, the tribe confronted ancient ethics regarding how they used the land's bounty. "We're not preservationists; we use things," Gentry said. But the land's blessings come with responsibilities. "As humans, we have a real responsibility to only take what we need," he said. For example, "We would gather duck and goose eggs but we wouldn't take them all." Those ethics and morals have survived colonization. But the massive system of lakes, marshes, rivers and streams once known as the Everglades of the West that had sustained fish, birds, other wildlife and Native peoples would be altered to suit settler priorities. Massive 'Klamath Project' leaves little for birds or fish Beginning in 1905, the federal government embarked on the Klamath Project, which replumbed much of the Upper Basin. The results have reverberated across the entire basin. The Bureau of Reclamation began draining Lower Klamath and Tule lakes to deliver farmlands to homesteaders. A railroad embankment separated the Klamath from the Lower Klamath Lake. Diversion dams dried up Tule Lake, freeing the nutrient-rich soil. The bureau built the "A" canal to deliver irrigation water to what eventually grew to about 240,000 acres of alfalfa, grass seed, potatoes and other crops. Dams, canals, diversions, pumping plants and other infrastructure followed. Tule Lake is now completely dry and Lower Klamath Lake is nearly so, disconnected from the ancient Klamath River Basin watershed. While one branch of government busily drained lakes and wetlands that wildlife and Native peoples depended on, and which had stored water for millennia, another branch worked to preserve the little that was left. President Theodore Roosevelt created the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in 1908, the nation's first waterfowl refuge. In 1928, President Calvin Coolidge established Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The refuges are part of a complex in the region managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which also administers the Endangered Species Act. Upriver from the Upper Klamath Lake, the Sprague River, one of the lake's major sources, was channelized by the Army Corps of Engineers to dry out wetlands and create cattle pastures. Cattle were allowed to roam in the waterway, fouling the waters. There were other consequences: The soil in the Upper Basin contains significant levels of phosphorus, which was once filtered by wetlands upriver from the lake. The combination of contaminants from cattle droppings and the basin's naturally occurring phosphorus that turbocharges algae growth, combined with agricultural runoff into the 25-mile-long lake, creates often deadly conditions for fish and hazardous conditions for humans and other species. After troubled times, Klamath Tribes move to reclaim heritage, lands and fish The coming of intensive agriculture and water diversions took a toll on the lake's aquatic life. C'waam and koptu declined greatly and were listed as endangered in 1988. Salmon, steelhead or lamphrey could no longer access about 400 miles of their cold-water spawning sites after a series of dams were built on the middle Klamath River, structures that contribute to the low fish numbers. The c'waam and koptu are indicators of ecosystem health throughout the basin, said Mark Hereford with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. "The decline of the fish is an indicator of the decline of the lake system." In 1954, Congress terminated the Klamath Tribes sovereign nation status, a ruinous blow to a once-prosperous people. It left the tribe without a land base, since the reservation had been put into private land status and allotted to individual tribal members. Termination also devastated the tribe's community structures. "Termination brought about some social problems," Gentry said. Men's roles as providers and protectors was threatened, and even the use of traditional plants was shunned as "witchcraft" due to the prohibitions against Native religious practices. In 1974, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Klamath Tribes had retained their treaty rights even though Congress had terminated their sovereignty, and the tribe regained its sovereign status in 1986. By that time, their reservation was fragmented into allotments that some tribal members managed to retain. The Klamath Tribes now have just 309 acres of noncontiguous trust land and about 2,800 acres of private land. The tribes' senior water rights were quantified in 2012, and reaffirmed several times, most recently in June 2023. Dumont said the 5,600-member tribe is committed to restoring its 1864 land boundaries along with its cultural heritage. But the tribe is in it for the long haul, he said, even though they face serious challenges. "There's not enough money on the planet to compensate for what's happened here." They must also confront challenges in maintaining water quality to preserve the c'waam and koptu. The tribe has created its own nursery for the fish, Ambodat, or "about or near the water." Klamath River Tribes' Ambodat Aquaculturist Carlie Sharpes (left), Hatchery Maintenance Manager James Esqueda (center) and Fishery Technician Noah Nicholson (right) perform work duties at the hatchery in Chiloquin, Oregon, on Aug. 22, 2023. And the tribe is restoring the lands it has purchased. One project is the Hog Creek Ranch, located on a tributary of the Williamson River. The tribe is using American Rescue Act funds to restore the 1,256-acre marshy wetland that had been drained to use as a cattle ranch. They hope the restoration will also recreate critical habitat for the Oregon spotted frog and other semi-aquatic species. The tribe is also dealing with a decline in forest health. As in other parts of the West, fire suppression and drought, fueled by climate change, have resulted in gigantic wildfires that damage plant, animal and aquatic life. The Bootleg Fire in 2021 burned 413,000 acres, including lands surrounding Upper Klamath Lake's tributaries, and damaged elk wintering areas. Farmers say they're in 'survival mode' The Klamath Tribes' use of its senior water rights to force the Bureau of Reclamation to keep water in the lake and preserve their fish hasn't sat well with other water users, such as farmers downstream in the Tulelake, Klamath and other irrigation districts and irrigators in the Upper Basin. They saw their supplies curtailed in 2001 and have dealt with uncertain supplies ever since. "We've been in survival mode for 20 years," said Scott Seus, a farmer from Tulelake. "Other parties sit in the driver's seat." Seus and other farmers in the area said they felt they lost their negotiating leverage after the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement failed to obtain congressional support. The farmers had supported dam removal as part of the agreement. Seus pointed out several abandoned potato processing facilities and fallow fields. Even if a farmer wanted to sell out, the lack of reliable water supplies means that the land is worth far less than if the water were available. Also, he said, allowing fields to remain fallow too long allows weeds and invasive plants, degrading their value even more. In 2018, the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency was formed to maximize water for irrigation water users in the Klamath Project. The agency provides conservation programs and financial assistance to farmers who agree to idle fields. The money comes from an intergovernmental agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. It's helped the situation, but the farmers who spoke with The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, said what they really needed was sufficient water to grow crops and support their families. Birds land at the bottom of the water chain Ryan Sabalow of Ducks Unlimited visits the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Tulelake, Calif., on Aug. 22, 2023. Ryan Sabalow's voice broke when he talked about the times he and his dad enjoyed duck hunting in the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Sabalow, communications coordinator for Ducks Unlimited, spoke of a time when they could go from duck blind to duck blind in the lush wetlands of the 50,000-acre refuge, part of a six-parcel complex on the Pacific Flyway. But this year's season was halted due to a shortage of birds making their way to the once-abundant fields of grasses, marshlands and other avian habitat. In its heyday, the refuge and its companions gave about 5.8 million birds respite from their long migrations as well as breeding and molting sites. More recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuges, reported about 1.8 million birds visit the lands during the course of a year. Ducks, shorebirds, bald eagles, herons, egrets and dozens of other bird species depend on these and other refuges along the flyway. Ryan Sabalow of Ducks Unlimited visits the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Tulelake, Calif., on Aug. 22, 2023. "There's not enough water to go around," Interior Secretary Deb Haaland admitted in April about the Klamath River Basin. Nowhere is this shortfall more apparent than in the wildlife refuges. The refuges are all that are left of two huge natural lakes that were drained early last century. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt set aside the 50,913-acre Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge as the nations first federal waterfowl refuge. Founded in 1928 by President Calvin Coolidge, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is 39,116 acres. The refuges are fed by agricultural runoff delivered by a 6,600-foot long tunnel under Sheepy Ridge, which juts above the lakebeds, and by a canal from the Klamath River. But when the Klamath Tribes make a water call to preserve c'waam and koptu in the Upper Klamath Lake or drought lays the Klamath low, little or no water flows to refresh the reeds, grasses and the water the birds need. That's because the government never secured reliable water rights for the refuges. At the top of Sheepy Ridge, Seus and other local farmers offered a birds-eye view of how the desert has encroached on the once-lush marshlands. The wetlands also once harbored c'waam and koptu as well as other fish. No longer. The situation became so dire that in 2021, the California Waterfowl Association started the process of purchasing water rights to convey to the Lower Klamath refuge. The 3,750-acre-feet of water floods 1,200 acres. Although this falls far short of the 100,000 acre-foot requirement the refuge needs to maintain bird habitat, Mark Hennelly, vice president of advocacy for the group, said they see it as a long-term solution to provide water to at least part of the refuges. "The Klamath Project was meant to provide water for farming," he said. "They didn't consider the refuges' needs because at the time there was water for everybody." The organization hopes to secure funding and eventually obtain up to 30,000 acre-feet of water rights, which would supply 10,000 acres within the refuge. Ducks Unlimited also stepped in to help. The organization installed a pumping station at the Lower Klamath refuge to deliver irrigation return water made available by the California waterfowl group, a local drainage district and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Four more pumps are planned, two each in the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake refuges. But these weren't enough to wet more than a small portion of the refuges. Both refuges canceled the duck hunting season last year and Lower Klamath's 2024 hunting season has been canceled. 'Walking wetlands' may be part of the solution to restoring wildlife refuges Marc Staunton pointed out a field within the Lower Klamath refuge. But instead of nettles, thistles and other noxious plants, this field held marshy grasses and water. "Back in 2005, we started working on a project to develop natural lands and have farming go on at the same time," he said. The project Staunton referred to was the Walking Wetlands program, developed by Fish and Wildlife in the 1990s. Farmers agree to put water on a plot of leased land within the refuge for a one- to four-year cycle. They plant crops as usual, but without using pesticides. This saves the growers up $200 an acre in pesticides while increasing crop yields up to 25%. It also enables the farmer to certify the crop as organic, which increases their revenues, and farmers get a break on their leases. Staunton started the project on 500 acres of his farmland. "It's been super successful," he said. Not only does he make more money with the organic crops, the wetlands attract birds. They even noticed some koptu living in the wetland area. "The suckers survived in the old farms until they totally drained the lake," Staunton said. The only thing Walking Wetlands needs is more water to make it work, he said. If not he said, "you're forsaking the birds." Reclamation attempts to bring people together for solutions Matt Strickler, deputy secretary for fish and wildlife at the Interior Department, is also serving as lead person for Klamath Basin water issues. Interior deals with most of the stakeholders and the issues, including six tribes, the refuge complex, the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Reclamation as water manager for the Klamath Project. Would we have done it this way before? Strickler asked, referring to the current state of conflicting claims and projects which he acknowledged has created a socially and ecologically degraded system. His answer: No. But the Biden administration aims to do a better job in managing the basin. Stricker told The Republic that Interior started a new effort in 2022 to bring together people who live and work in the Klamath Basin and help them access resources to address the basin's challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented in-person meetings before then, he said. The administration now has the money to foster agreements but lack any for now. Still, he said, People forgot that they dont hate each other. Tribal, local, state and federal partners have asked to meet with the Bureau of Reclamation to provide their opinions on water management and environmental decisions. The meetings, including one held in nearby Ashland in September, are an opportunity for stakeholders to claim a consistent seat at the table, improve transparency and work with each other and the bureau, he said. Strickler acknowledged that the refuges have junior water rights under water laws. That, he said, makes it critical to work with all the stakeholders on restoration work that has broad support. He's optimistic because the parties seem to agree on the need for environmental restoration. "It promises to have multiple benefits for nature and communities," he said. Modocs come home, at last Restoring the Klamath comes at an important moment for one tribal community. The Modoc Nation, banished to "Indian Country," now known as Oklahoma in 1873, is reclaiming part of their homeland. The tribe was formed from descendants of the followers of Captain Jack, a Modoc member of the Klamath Tribes. Jack rebelled against corrupt Indian agents and clashes with the Klamath people and took his band back to Tule Lake and what's now Lava Beds National Monument, which sparked the Modoc War. After Jack and three of his lieutenants were hanged at the war's end, his followers were sent away. But the nearly 500-member tribe never forgot its origins and has been buying up land within its ancestral boundaries. The most recent purchase was a worn-out sheep ranch near Sheepy Ridge. The nation plans to restore the ranch and two other pieces of land to the condition they were in when Modoc people first set foot in the remote region of northern California and southern Oregon millennia ago. Ken Sandusky, the nation's resource and development director, said the purchases are part of a larger investment to reconnect the Modoc people to their homelands. They will restore sage grouse habitat, bring bison to the ranch and hold more cultural events, such as a recent ancestral run. "Our biggest priority is restoration, sustainable economy and jobs," said Sandusky, a longtime Klamath Falls resident who's a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. "This land hasn't had Indian representation in a long time." Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. Reach Krol at debra.krol@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @debkrol. Coverage of Indigenous issues at the intersection of climate, culture and commerce is supported by the Catena Foundation. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: On the upper Klamath River, tribes, farmers and wildlife face shortage StoryPoint Granger wins Caring Stars 2024 Award GRANGER StoryPoint Granger has been recognized with a Caring.com Caring Stars 2024 Award. To receive this award, communities have an overall average rating of 4.5 stars or higher and published business responses for 1-star or 2-star negative reviews on their Caring.com profiles. In addition to its Caring Stars 2024 recognition, StoryPoint Granger also received the Caring Super Stars Award, given to senior living communities named on the Caring Stars list for three or more years. The Caring Stars 2024 Awards list includes 374 senior living communities in 36 states recognized for service excellence based on consumer ratings and reviews from seniors and their families. Birth Center lauded for maternal-fetal health initiatives MICHIGAN CITY The Franciscan Health Family Birth Center in Michigan City received the INspire Hospital of Distinction award by the Indiana Hospital Association in partnership with Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver. The birth center was judged based on the implementation of best practices in key maternal-fetal health categories, including safe sleep, breastfeeding, tobacco, perinatal substance use, Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health safety bundles and social drivers of health. AIM safety bundles are sets of practices that improve the quality of care provided during delivery and in the postpartum period with the goal of reducing deaths and severe illness. Activities ELKHART Elkhart County Parks will offer two days of hiking. First Day Hike, 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 1 at Boot Lake Nature Preserve, 51430 County Road 3, Elkhart. All ages are invited to kick off 2024 with a hike through the landscape of Boot Lake Nature Preserve. No registration required. Bird Walk, 8 to 10 a.m. Jan. 3 at Baintertown Park-River Preserve County Park, 67380 County Road 29, New Paris. Stretch your wings on a morning walk exploring the preserves wetland, woodland and prairie seeking out the bird life hidden there. For ages 8 and older. No registration required. Classes SOUTH BEND RiverBend Cancer Services Wellness House, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., will offer the following Living Well with Cancer classes. All classes are free and open to cancer patients, survivors, their families and caregivers; pre-register for all classes by calling 574-287-4197. Jan. 2: 10:30 a.m. Chair Yoga; 11:45 a.m. Chair Yoga; 1 p.m. MELT Method. Jan. 3: 10 a.m. Seated Strength; 2 p.m. Dominoes. Jan. 4: 10 a.m. Yarnwork; 10:30 a.m. Chair Yoga; 11:45 a.m. Chair Yoga; 1 p.m. Debbies Wig Salon; 2 to 4 p.m. Personal Training Sessions, call for registration specifics. GOSHEN Chair Yoga will be offered by the Elkhart County Parks at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 4 in the Ox Bow Haus Shelter in Ox Bow Park, 23033 County Road 45. Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available; bring your own if you have one. This is a free class for those 12 and older. No registration is required. SOUTH BEND The St. Joseph County Public Library is offering Yoga for EveryBODY from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 3 in Ballroom A & B, Community Learning Center, 305 S. Michigan St. Register at sjcpl.libnet.info/events. BUCHANAN The Buchanan Area Senior Center, 810 Rynearson St., 269-695-7119, offers the following exercise classes and health checks through the end of January. The exercise room is open all hours BASC is open. Note: the BASC is closed on Jan. 1. Mondays: 10 a.m. Chair fitness with Linda; 11 a.m. Dancing to the Oldies with CeCe; 2 p.m. Qigong exercise; Closed Jan. 1. Tuesdays: 9 a.m. Osteo fit with Missy; 5:30 p.m. Powerbeats with Missy. Wednesdays: 10:15 a.m. Chair fitness with CeCe. Thursdays: 11 a.m. Chair yoga. Fridays: 10 a.m. Chair fitness with Lizz. Blood Pressure Checks Always Best Care Senior Services will be at the BASC from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on Jan 11 and Jan. 25. Hearing Aid Checks Dr. Michelle Ridenour from Miracle Ear, will be at the center from 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 9, to check ears for wax, clean hearing aids and answer questions. Call the BASC to register. Senior Nutrition SNS/Meals on Wheels of SW Michigan announces the meal site in the Center is open. Lunch starts at noon. Call Kerri at 269-695-7119 by 10 a.m. Monday-Friday to reserve your meal the next business day. Seating is limited. Ask about home delivery service for qualifying homebound seniors. Must be 60 years or older. Pamper Your Feet Monthly foot clinic through Blessed Feet, LLC, beginning at 9 a.m. Jan. 25. Initial appointment fee is $40; all subsequent appointments will cost $30 (checks payable to Blessed Feet, LLC). Not covered under any insurance. Call the BASC to schedule an appointment. Vaccinations BUCHANAN The Buchanan Area Senior Center will host Yolanda Thrash, program instructor with Michigan State University and Michigan Vaccine Project, at 2 p.m. Jan. 5 to share information on vaccines and what vaccines to ask your doctor about. Call 269-695-7119 to register. BERRIEN COUNTY Corewell Health Lakeland will hold the following community drive-thru flu shot clinics. No appointment is needed, and participants remain in their vehicles the entire time. Must be 18 or older. Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 29 and Jan. 3 at 100 W. Main St., Benton Harbor. There is no cost with most insurance; bring insurance card with you. $37 for the traditional vaccine or $74 for the high-dose vaccine. Cash or check only; credit cards not accepted. For questions, please contact Corewell Health Employer Services at 269-927-5154. Blood drives Medical Foundation will hold the following drives. Register at givebloodnow.com: Saint Marys Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula St., Bristol, 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 29. Mayor of Plymouth, Plymouth Fire Station, 111 N. Center St., Plymouth, 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 30. The American Red Cross will hold the following drives. Register at redcrossblood.org: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 220 Crescent Drive, LaPorte, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST Dec. 30. Nappanee at Claywood Event Center, 13920 N. 1100 W., Nappanee, noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 2. St. Johns United Church of Christ, 101 St. John Road, Michigan City, noon to 6 p.m. CST Jan. 2. Firemans Building, 1013 E. Arthur St., Warsaw, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 2. American Legion Post 400, 302 Lakeside Drive, Walkerton, 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 4. Knights of Columbus, 901 E. Jefferson St., Plymouth, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 4. Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. Huntington, Syracuse, noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 4. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Health Briefs for South Bend area from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4 The 2016 Presidential election had a 56.4% voter turnout. President Trump lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton, 62,984,828 to 65,853,514. But, President trump won the Electoral vote, 304 - 227, to gain the presidency. Pushback against the Electoral College is nearly as old as the process itself. But, attempts at amending the winner-take-all system have failed time and time again. Despite the odds against a major change, a proposed solution to enact a popular vote is gaining the traction it would need to take effect. In order for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC) to become active, enough states totaling to an electoral majority need to sign on. In May, Minnesota became the 17th state, including the District of Columbia to do so, getting the pact to the 205 points of the 270 they need (76%), pushing the compact even closer to the finish line to enacting a popular vote. The NPVIC is an agreement among states to promise their electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote, ensuring whoever won the most overall votes in an election would become president. With years of incremental progress, the NPVIC could soon become a real player in bypassing the unpopular presidential election process. Here's what you need to know about the effort. Why do we have the Electoral College and how does it work? The procedure of the Electoral College was established in Article II of the U.S. Constitution, though not directly by name. A state's number of electoral votes is determined by its number of representatives plus two senators. With a total of 538 possible electoral votes, a majority of 270 is needed to win the presidency. The final Electoral College map of the 2020 presidential election shows former Vice President Joe Biden and California Sen. Kamala Harris with 306 electoral votes to 232 votes for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. The electors from each state are scheduled to meet Dec. 14 to finalize results. Whoever wins the state receives all of its electoral votes. Not only is the presidential election the only election in the country where the winner is not determined by a popular vote, but, the U.S. is the only country in the world that uses this system. Tara Ross, a nationally recognized expert on the Electoral College, said the process is often misunderstood. "The Electoral College just rewards the party that is doing the best job of coalition building," Ross told USA Today. Ross has written numerous books defending the system and said it benefits states with smaller populations and protects minority voices. "You're going to prevent a situation where a majority that is isolated in one part of the country, or in a handful of big cities, can just ignore everybody else," she said. "This is a good system." Other experts undermine the good the process actually accomplishes. Harvard historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist Alexander Keyssar argues the system does the opposite of representing minority voices. "It operates to completely shape, and I would say deform, the nature of the presidential campaigns," Keyssar told USA Today. "People only pay attention in the swing states and people who don't live in the swing states really feel like their votes don't matter." Data from FairVote shows that 96% of 2020 presidential campaign events took place in just 12 states, all considered swing or leaning. Similarly, ad spending was concentrated in these states, reaching in the hundreds of millions in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Florida. 2020 Presidential Candidate General Election Events Tracker (maintained by FairVote, Nov Version) The distribution of electoral votes is based on House and Senate seats. House seats are apportioned based on a state's populations. Intended to ensure more populated states don't have too much sway over an election, in actuality, the distribution rules create an imbalance, overrepresenting some states and underrepresenting others. A common example is California and Wyoming. California has 55 electoral votes and Wyoming has three. However, in California, one electoral vote represents over 700,000 people. In Wyoming, one electoral vote represents less than 200,000 people. This means that a vote in Wyoming is worth over 3.5 times a vote in California. "It's a completely anomalous and potentially hazardous system which no other country in the world uses," Keyssar said. "It's undemocratic in its principles." According to public polling, most Americans agree. Nearly two-thirds of voting-age Americans say they support replacing the Electoral College with a popular vote, according to a September 2023 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center. Support for a replacement reached a peak at 80% in 1968, according to Gallup. This was also the last time the U.S. came close to abolishing the system. In 1969, a constitutional amendment was passed in the House and then killed in the Senate by a filibuster headed by Southern Democrats and segregationists. Under the Electoral College, a state's influence is based on its population, not the votes cast. Keyssar said this influenced southern politicians to defend the system in order to retain more sway in elections. With large populations of African Americans, southern states used literacy tests and voter intimidation to prevent minority populations from voting. Should a National Popular Vote have been instituted, their small voting eligible population would've made them obsolete in presidential campaigns and punished them for voter suppression, Keyssar said. In 2000, George W. Bush narrowly won the presidential election, his victory over Al Gore hanging on the 29 electoral votes in Florida. In response to the Supreme Court deciding the presidential victor in Bush v. Gore, efforts to override the system ramped up. What is the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC)? The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC) is an agreement that requires enough states, those with up to 270 electoral votes, to agree to allocate their electoral votes to the popular vote winner, regardless of how their own state voted. The push for a national popular vote is not a partisan one, according to Pat Rosenstiel. The senior consultant to NPVIC told USA Today he is currently "trapped behind the blue wall". "I'm a life-long Republican in Minnesota who has never mattered in presidential elections," Rosenstiel said. "I can't think of a single redeeming quality to the current system." Rosenstiel started working towards a popular vote in 2007. After years of national campaign experience, he said he's seen firsthand the ways in which small states are ignored. "We never even polled most of the small states, we knew they were reliably red or reliably blue" he said. "National popular vote will make every small state politically relevant, because how much you win or lose North Dakota becomes politically important in a very close presidential election." How often has a president lost the popular vote but won the Electoral College? There have only been five divergent elections (where the winner lost the popular vote but won the electoral): 1800, 1876, 1888, 2000, 2016. Despite receiving 2.8 million more votes than Republican Donald Trump, Democrat Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 election. The largest margin ever for a candidate to win the popular vote and still lose the electoral vote. "It's the American principle of one person, one vote, which is a non-partisan idea," Rosenstiel said. "It should be applied to the presidential elections so that every voter in every state is politically relevant in every presidential election." READ MORE: Here's the full text of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Is getting rid of the Electoral College constitutional? Well, technically, the NPVIC wouldn't get rid of the Electoral College. It would bypass the mechanism in which a winner is chosen: the person who gets the most individual votes, not the person who receives the most state-awarded electoral votes. Keyssar was an original supporter of the compact. He said it was an appealing steppingstone to counter the disparities of the Electoral College without going through the process of passing a constitutional amendment that would likely be struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. The caveat? No one has figured out what comes next, Keyssar said. How do states join NPVIC? Generally, an interstate compact requires approval from a state's legislature and signature from the governor. Some states, like Nevada, have introduced the bill as a constitutional amendment, that requires further approval from another legislative session and, if passed, a state-wide ballot measure. The NPVIC is not permanent. The bill says that a state can withdraw prior to the six months leading up to the general election. A state is able to reenter the pact the same way it originally joined. Keyssar said that politicians would capitalize on this exit strategy and utilize it to their advantage. "Then you'll be in a situation where it'll be two sets of rules for presidential elections and you can alternate between them or people could game the system," he said. Rosenstiel claims the NPVIC preserves, not overrides, the Electoral College and protects the power of the legislature to award their electoral votes, ensuring that every one counts. Who's a part NPVIC now? Since 2007, 17 states including the District of Columbia have signed the pact into law. Minnesota Colorado Oregon New Mexico Delaware Connecticut New York Rhode Island California Vermont Massachusetts Washington Hawaii Illinois New Jersey Maryland In May 2023, Minnesota became the 17th state to sign the bill into law, gaining the pact 10 electoral points, totaling 205. With numerous states at various stages in the process, all but nine states have at least had hearings on the bill. All but two states who have signed the bill into law under Democratic trifectas. Despite sentiment that an overhaul to the Electoral College is a liberal policy, Rosenstiel notes Republican co-authors of bill introductions in swing states like Georgia and GOP votes for the bill in legislatures like New York and Arizona. Each state has their own obstacles to conquer when it comes to signing this act into law. Yet, over halfway there, Rosenstiel is optimistic. "This will be great when it happens", he said. Sam Woodward is the Minnesota Elections Reporting Fellow for USA Today. You can contact her at swoodward@gannett.com and follow her on X @woodyreports. This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: The effort to establish a national popular vote: What to know Ill let you in on a secret, there will be an assault at dawn tomorrow." Sviatoslav, a 57-year-old sergeant responsible for the mental support of the mortar unit, lowered his voice as he said the words. Get some sleep, as you can be sure there will be some work in the morning. On the other side of the room sits a younger, stocky man, rugged up in a winter coat and concentrating on his phone. Thirty-two-year-old Viktor Wind is going to lead the mortar team for his first time on tomorrows shift. This is his debut, said Sviatoslav. He already knows how to dial in on targets, how to use Kropyva (Ukrainian tactical artillery program), and this is the first time he will lead the team, and then we will send him home for a well-earned vacation. Viktor and the others on shift soon leave the room to get some rest before the early start. Sleep before a mission is often as uneasy as it is valuable. The unit, stationed in a village about 20 kilometers from the front line, is part of Ukraines 42nd Mechanized Brigade, fighting on the southern flank of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, near the destroyed hamlet of Andriivka. Ukrainian forces retook the ruins of the village in September, but could not push further into Russian-held territory. Consistently one of the hottest parts of the entire front line, the Andriivka sector has showcased the kind of slow but brutal positional fighting that has defined the war in Ukraine over 2023. The Kyiv Independent embedded with the unit for a 12-hour shift, but the other men usually fight here for five days at a time. Ukrainian mortar soldiers on the front line south of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, on Nov. 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent) At 3:30 a.m., by the light of red flashlights, the men load ammunition, food, and other supplies into two cars slated to head out to the positions. Trips back and forth from the front-line positions are always made in the grey: that is, at dawn or dusk, when there is just enough light for the driver to see the road but not enough for enemy drones to notice the movement. The inside of the car is quiet for most of the way, with the drivers eyes fixed on the couple of meters of road directly ahead. He must find the perfect balance of speed: too fast and he could easily run into one of the many shellholes or destroyed pieces of equipment along the way. Too slow, and the sun could rise and expose the car to drones; or worse, the team could arrive late for the morning assault. As the vehicle approaches the positions, a bright white light illuminates the fields over the front lines. A Ukrainian signal flare has been fired in preparation for the assault. There will certainly be work to do. Read also: As Bakhmut counteroffensive lags, soldiers burnt out from horrors of war Morning shift When we stop, jump straight down into the ravine on the right and take cover, Viktor said. The changeover all happens in a blur. The sun hasnt broken the horizon yet, but the men quickly unload the cars and shuffle into the dugouts; for them, its muscle memory at this point. Within a few minutes, Viktor has set himself up in a cozy dugout alongside his second-in-command, 38-year-old Kyrylo from Volyn Oblast. Viktors work tools are simple. Available targets are displayed on the tablet with Kropyva program, mortar settings for each target are recorded by hand on a notebook, while orders come in by voice message on WhatsApp. These positions host two 120mm mortars, the largest caliber fielded by Ukraine, which can fire both Soviet and Western standard mortar rounds. In this modern-day trench war, with positions mapped out by both sides and separated by a few hundred meters of blown-out fields, relative safety or danger is usually a direct function of distance from the enemy. Set up around 4-5 kilometers from the Russian zero line, the positions are just out of range not only of enemy mortars, but also of most FPV (first-person-view) drones, making them already a lot safer than the positions of shorter-range mortars or infantry. The first rays of winter sun just begin to come over the horizon as the first fire mission is ordered. Receiving the targets from the base in the rear, Viktor passes the coordinates to Dmytro, a young mortarman from Kyiv Oblast. Less physically capable than the others, two older mobilized soldiers known as the grandfathers are in charge of preparing the rounds with the right charges for the target, after which they are handed to Dmytro, who has dialed in the weapon in the meantime. In the space of seconds, the round is lowered down the tube and fired with a quick tug of rope as those standing around protect their ears from the blast. Straight after firing, the process is repeated like clockwork until the given number of rounds is sent to the enemy. Despite the proliferation of drones and Starlink satellite internet, Viktors mortar team doesnt have a tablet with the drone stream, instead simply firing at pre-determined target points, which could be anything from enemy trenches, machine gun nests, or evacuation points for wounded soldiers. Sometimes they tell us when we get a nice hit, maybe land in a trench or something, at least a couple of killed or wounded, he said. Ukrainian mortar soldiers firing on the front line south of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, on Nov. 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent) The 42nd is one of the lesser-known of Ukrainian brigades, but in many ways, represents the type of unit that now forms the bulk of the countrys army. Formed in April 2023 as part of an ongoing effort to expand the military, the brigade is made up almost solely of mobilized soldiers, mostly from regions in western Ukraine. With a handful of commanders and sergeants transferred from Ukraines veteran 10th Mountain Assault Brigade, the 42nd was first deployed to the brutal fighting in the Serebrianskyi Forest on the border of Luhansk Oblast, just outside the occupied city of Kreminna. Coming in with no combat experience, the mortar unit underwent a baptism of fire in the forest, twice being caught in the middle of Russian assaults that had broken through the Ukrainian first line. By now, the soldiers testified, they had settled into a rhythm, and there was little separating them from the more experienced brigades. Maybe Im just lucky to have guys like this, but our people here understand why they are here, said Sviatoslav, who had worked for decades as a journalist in regional media before joining the unit. Before I was drafted, as a journalist I would tell people that everyone will have to fight, some sooner, some later, so we all need to prepare. Read also: Zaluzhnyi denies requesting mobilization of 500,000 conscripts Radio relay Outgoing and incoming artillery rages in the background as the men spend time in their dugouts between fire missions, but nothing seems to land too close. The use of technology has made this war different from those previous in so many ways, but one that is often overlooked is how soldiers spend their free time, even in the cold, muddy world of front-line positions. Starlink internet dishes, now a critical part of Ukraines field communications infrastructure, also give soldiers fast internet connection on their personal phones. With no new orders, it isnt long before the phones come out; some make video calls to their families, some watch soap operas on speaker, but by far the most popular are TikTok and mobile strategy games. While the mortar team gets a chance to wind down and escape from their reality, a different reality begins to play out over the radio hanging in the dugout. Fly, this is Courier, come in! comes one voice on the radio. Courier, this is Fly, copy, replies another, quieter and higher-pitched. Fly, do you have a status on the two 300s (military code for wounded)? I don't know. One was wounded early in the morning, and the second only right now. He has the callsign Sanych on his helmet. A radio hangs in a Ukrainian dugout on the front line south of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, on Nov. 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent) After a bit of listening, the characters, each with their own voice and callsign, begin to take shape. The soldier with the callsign Fly has been tasked by command with helping to evacuate some wounded soldiers but has been himself pinned down by enemy fire. Nobody wants to say it for sure, but the assault doesnt seem to have been a success. While we went out to smoke we had two wounded, one heavily to the head, they couldn't carry him back, Viktor comments. His words are soon confirmed by Fly as the conversation continues. The one that was taken out in the morning, is he 200 (code for killed in action) now? asks Courier. Plus-plus, comes the laconic response, typically used in the military to mean a simple yes. Fly, find some cover while we figure out what to do next. There is no cover here, and something is flying above, it seems to be looking right at me, says Fly. It's a long evacuation and they need to go on foot, commented Kyrylo quietly. As dangerous as the mortar teams work might be, it pales in comparison with that of the Ukrainian infantry assaulting and defending front-line trenches. Its tougher for the infantry here, there was more cover in the forest but here they are in open fields, said Viktor; in winter especially there is very little place to hide. Ukrainian mortar soldiers on the front line south of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, on Nov. 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent) With the arrival of winter, Ukraine has been put squarely on the defensive, as Russian forces begin to make substantial gains in several key sectors of the Donetsk Oblast front line, from Bakhmut to Avdiivka and Marinka. Despite this, Viktor is adamant that localized assaults are still worth carrying out. Of course we need to assault and assault, to cut off their supply lines, the roads, the railways, he said. They can still supply their troops, but it gets harder and harder for them. Over the radio, Flys voice is getting more desperate. His mission has turned quickly from evacuating the wounded to getting out alive himself. They just tried to drop a grenade on me (from a drone) but it didnt explode. I dont want to be sitting here for much longer. Hang in there Fly, we are here with you, replied Courier. Plus-Plus, all good, everything will be Ukraine. Read also: Ukraine holds back Russian assault on Avdiivka as long winter battle looms Back to work An hour passes. The base calls Fly again and again over the radio, but he has stopped answering. On the border of life and death, the story of a soldier like Fly could be the plot of any war movie scene, but for the mortar crew, its an everyday occurrence. I wasnt really listening to it, Viktor said laconically. If we paid attention to that kind of chatter we wouldn't be able to do our work, Kyrylo added. He turns down the volume of the radio as another fire order comes in from command via voice message on Viktors phone. To battle! he shouts, as the men quickly put their phones away and don their helmets. Six rounds are fired off in quick succession, every man in the team playing their own little role in what is by now a smooth, flowing process. This time, Viktor has good news from the base. We hit a column of vehicles, he says to the others with a smile as the soldiers finish their work. Ukrainian mortar soldiers dial in their weapon on the front line south of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, on Nov. 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent) No further details for now, and still no final word on the success of the assault. Seconds later, an enemy shell screams in, hitting about 50 meters away from one of the mortars before anyone has time to react. Shrapnel can be heard rustling through the last brown leaves still hanging on to the young oak trees around the position, and the men take cover. The sun is retreating, and any warmth in the air with it. Read also: Christmas on the front line (PHOTOS) Just another day As the mortarmen once again take a rest, the background noise in the dugout is a strange mix unique to this place and time: the whir of the power station, the squeaks of the many mice, and the soldiers TikToks play their parts on the backdrop of the sporadic artillery fire. The peace is once again broken by the radio, as the base tries again to contact Fly. Fly, Fly, this is Courier, come in. Courier, this is Fly, copy. He answered!! came a jubilant, high-pitched voice from the base in the background. Fly, all good over there? Roger, Im on my way out, all good. Good to hear, replied Courier. Get some rest once you are out of there, we will need to work again later this evening." Plus-Plus. Ukrainian mortar soldiers arming their rounds on the front line south of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, on Nov. 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent) By the time the radio goes quiet, the sun has set on this short winter day, and soon it is time to get picked up. As soon as the 4x4 stops on the raised roadside, the transfer is just as quick as before, water and fuel are unloaded and empty ammunition boxes are thrown on. The drive back is quick and quiet, broken only by the crack of a shell into a ditch just after the turn west along the deserted Bakhmut highway. At the base in the village, Sviatoslav is waiting with freshly-cooked borsch and chicken for dinner. Over the meal, he reflects on the prospect of a long war. As much as everyone misses home, he said, his soldiers have become comfortable with their new lives, and are ready to serve as long as will be required of them. Sviatoslav, a mental health officer in the 42nd Mechanized Brigade, at his unit's base in Donetsk Oblast on Nov. 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent) One of our guys, Taras from Lviv, went back home for fifteen days for the first time recently, he said. In the last few days of his vacation, he was already telling me how much he couldn't wait to get back. The homes of Sviatoslav, Viktor, Kyrylo, and most of the others in the 42nd Brigade are far removed from the fighting here in Ukraines east. For Sviatoslav, this makes their mission all the more important. The thought has crystallized in me over a long time, he said, if we don't fight here in Donbas, the war will come to us in Lviv. We are defending our homes right here. Note from the author: Hi, this is Francis Farrell, thanks for coming with me on this ride. Without anything terrifying or headline-breaking, it was a more intimate look at the day-to-day trench fighting that defined 2023. We are entering a new phase of the war, which could potentially be stranger, tougher, and more uncertain than it has ever been so far. In a time when instability around the world is growing, and attention is fading when it is needed the most, please consider supporting our reporting. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A local alliance dedicated to attracting semiconductor and related supply chain businesses to the Columbus area has taken a major step toward achieving that goal. Led by the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, the alliance is among 22 finalists out of 565 applicants nationwide now eligible to compete for four to eight federal grants ranging from $20 million to $50 million in this economic and workforce development initiative. The alliance officially is named Chattahoochee Hub for Innovation and Production of Semiconductors, but most folks refer to it as CHIPS4Chips (as in computer chips) or C4C. The Economic Development Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the finalists in this contest called Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program. EDA also announced C4C as one of 24 recipients of a $500,000 Strategy Development Grant to increase local coordination and planning. This grant will help us create the workforce of the future in the Chattahoochee Valley, which is the key component in attracting industry investment and high-wage jobs, Ben Moser, president and CEO of the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, said in a news release. The program is designed to renew economic opportunities in communities with insufficient business development and jobs. It targets areas where prime-age (25-54) employment significantly trails the national average. In 2022, Congress passed the CHIPS (Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors) and Science Act. It authorizes as much as $1 billion in federal grants over five years to boost national and economic security by creating a highly skilled workforce for high-paying jobs and by recruiting semiconductor industry and other advanced manufacturing, including nanotechnology, clean energy, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. As part of the CHIPS Act, Congress appropriated $200 million in initial funding for this program. Becoming a finalist also allows the Columbus-based C4C alliance to receive technical assistance to strengthen its plan. C4C, according to its news release, is a public-private partnership comprising local leaders from businesses, nonprofit organizations, education and government in the Chattahoochee Valley of west Georgia and east Alabama. One of our communitys greatest strengths lies in its ability to bring together individuals from various backgrounds, fostering collaborative efforts that consistently produce outstanding work recognized on a national scale, Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Andy Hilmes, a consultant for C4C, said in the news release. Moser noted the collaboration between the United Way and C4C is an an incredible asset and benefits our entire region. We are grateful to so many community leaders and organizations, as well as local, state, and national officials, who are supporting this work. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia considers this a historic opportunity for the Columbus area. This economic development designation and grant award position the Chattahoochee Valley to bid for one of the most significant programs we passed in last years economic development and infrastructure bills, Ossoff said in the EDAs news release. . . . The United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley and its partners have been instrumental in getting us this far. Full steam ahead for Columbus and the region. CHIPS4Chips board members Chairman Ben Moser, president and CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. Vice chairwoman Dionne Rosser-Mims, vice chancellor of Troy University-Phenix City Betsy Covington, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley Rodney Close, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley Shaun Culligan, economic development manager for Phenix City U.S. Army Maj. Gen. (retired) Patrick Donahoe, former commanding general of Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) Melissa Gauntt, president and CEO of the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce Pace Halter, president and COO of W.C. Bradley Real Estate Jim Livingston, executive director of the River Valley Regional Commission Robbie Raybon, head of acquisitions for Covey Equity Stuart Rayfield, president of Columbus State University Gwen Ruff, senior vice president of Columbus Water Works Heath Schondelmayer, West Central Georgia and East Alabama division CEO for Synovus Bank, chairman of Columbus Development Authority and chairman of Columbus 2025 Will Thompson, East Alabama market president for Synovus Bank George White, senior director of strategic partnerships for Georgia Tech A driver accused of intentionally crashing into a Hingham Apple Store in 2022, killing one man and injuring several others, was back in court Wednesday for violating terms of his bail and was held pending an evaluation, according to officials. 54-year-old Bradley Rein was ordered by Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan to be committed to a Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Facility for further evaluation over a 20-day period after he allegedly didnt charge his GPS monitoring bracelet. This is not the first time Rein has reportedly forgotten to charge his GPS monitor, as a similar incident happened back in September. He was out on bail, facing multiple charges in connection to the deadly crash, including second-degree murder charges. Prosecutors say on December 22 just after 9:30 p.m., Massachusetts Probation Services Electronic Monitoring Program (ELMO) was alerted that Reins GPS monitoring bracelet had lost power. ELMO staffers left six voicemails on Reins phone in an attempt to contact him, according to officials, and Hingham Police also were unable to contact him after arriving at his residence. An arrest warrant was issued for Rein and he was taken into custody on Friday. In addition to a mental health evaluation, Rein was also ordered to be held without bail subject to a ruling on the motion to revoke bail, which is scheduled for January 16, 2024. In November 2022, a car driven by Rein crashed into the front of a Derby Street store, killing Kevin Bradley Jr. and injuring 19 others. Prosecutors allege Rein accelerated the car at 60 mph before impact with no signs of stepping on the break. 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 Flash This photo released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Dec. 25, 2023 shows Israeli troops conducting military operations in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis. [Photo/Xinhua] Israel declared on Tuesday the expansion of its ground offensive in the central Gaza Strip, as the United Nations warned that the escalation of attacks is exacerbating a "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave. Israel previously urged the residents of Gaza to move from the northern region to the central and southern regions, which it claimed as "safe zones." However, the Israeli forces later expanded their strikes across the strip, including the central and southern parts. In a statement, UN Human Rights Office's spokesperson Seif Magango reported that more than 50 strikes occurred in central Gaza on Dec. 24-25, targeting the refugee camps of Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi, where two strikes hit seven residential buildings, killing at least 86 people. "An unknown number of people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble," Magango said. The escalated Israeli bombardment, said Magango, is "deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian situation," with all roads connecting the three camps destroyed, hindering the delivery of relief aid. Shelters and hospitals, operating at a minimal capacity, are grappling with critical overcrowding and limited resources. Palestinian health authorities have reported that approximately 21,000 people, predominantly children, women, and the elderly, were killed during the 81-day conflict, with thousands more missing and presumed to be buried under the rubble. A majority of the 2.3 million population has been displaced, and the UN reports widespread hunger. Meanwhile, an Israeli military spokesperson told reporters that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) believes that "thousands" of Hamas militants are located in the refugee camps of central Gaza. IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said in an address to soldiers that the attacks will now concentrate on central and southern Gaza. According to Halevi, the military "is close to completing the dismantling of Hamas' battalions in the northern Gaza Strip." He said that the military killed "many" militants and Hamas commanders, some surrendered to the Israeli forces and "hundreds" were taken prisoner. However, "it cannot be said that we killed them all. It seems likely that we will still encounter fighters in this area." He acknowledged that the ongoing attack has exacted a "heavy and painful toll" on soldiers' lives, with official figures indicating that the number of Israeli troops killed has reached 161 since the beginning of Israel's ground invasion. The Israeli objectives -- eliminating Hamas and bringing back home about 129 hostages who are still held in Gaza -- "are not simple to achieve," Halevi noted, saying that the fight would continue "for many more months." Addressing the parliament Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also emphasized that Israel faces "a long fight." He said that since Hamas launched its surprise attack on Oct. 7, Israel has been "in a multi-front war. We are being attacked from seven different arenas: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), Iraq, Yemen, and Iran." Israel has "retaliated in six of these arenas," Gallant said. "Anyone who acts against us is a potential target, there is no immunity." The House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday that it has opened an investigative subcommittee into Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) over potential campaign finance and other violations of House rules. In a release, the committee said that the subpanel will determine whether Cherfilus-McCormick may have violated campaign finance laws and regulations in connection with her 2022 special election and/or 2022 re-election campaigns; failed to properly disclose required information on statements required to be filed with the House; and/or accepted voluntary services for official work from an individual not employed in her congressional office. The committee did not elaborate further on the allegations, as it typically does not disclose details about the substance of allegations against members until it completes investigations. Cherfilus-McCormicks office also did not elaborate on the allegations. As the Ethics Committee said in its statement, the mere fact of establishing an investigative subcommittee does not itself indicate that any violation occurred. Regardless, the Congresswoman takes these matters seriously and is working to resolve them, a spokesperson for Cherfilus-McCormick told The Hill. The House Ethics Committee voted to further investigate matters relating to Cherfilus-McCormick after receiving a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics in September. Cherfilus-McCormick joined the House in 2022 after winning a special election for the southern Florida district to replace the late Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.). She was elected to a full term later that year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A Wilkes-Barre husband and wife plead guilty to child endangerment charges, according to our media partner, The Times Leader. 28/22 News previously reported on the situation back in February when six children were removed from what police were calling a house of filth on Metcalf Street. 39-year-old Richard Rause and 32-year-old Dana Rause were charged after their home was condemned for unsanitary conditions, according to investigators. Richard, represented by Attorney John A. Donovan from the Public Defenders Office, pleaded guilty before Judge David Lupas to one count of endangering the welfare of children and simple assault, according to The Times Leader. Mystery note found in sealed cereal box According to The Times Leader, prosecutors withdrew several counts against Richard, including seven counts of reckless endangerment, five counts of endangering the welfare of children, and one count of simple assault and intimidation of a victim. Meanwhile, The Times Leader says Dana, represented by Attorney Al Flora, pleaded guilty to six counts of endangering the welfare of children before Judge Lupas. The couples sentencing hearing was scheduled by Judge Lupas for January 19, according to the Times Leader. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. The U.S. House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday that it was forming an Investigative Subcommittee to determine if U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Broward-Palm Beach county Democrat, violated any laws or rules. Just what the subcommittee is looking at is unknown. Neither the committees leaders nor Cherfilus-McCormicks spokesperson said what the allegations are about. The joint statement from the Republican chair and top Democrat on the committee was the usual, brief format routinely used by the ethics panel. They said the subcommittee would have jurisdiction to examine whether the congresswoman violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of her duties or the discharge of her responsibilities, with respect to allegations that she may have violated campaign finance laws and regulations in connection with her 2022 special election and/or 2022 re-election campaigns; failed to properly disclose required information on statements required to be filed with the House; and/or accepted voluntary services for official work from an individual not employed in her congressional office. Four members of Congress two Republicans and two Democrats will serve on the subcommittee. The Ethics Committee leaders said they acted after a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics. The contents of the Sept. 25 referral werent released. The Committee notes that the mere fact of establishing an Investigative Subcommittee does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules. Pursuant to (House and committee rules) no documents will be released at this time, said U.S. Reps. Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Susan Wild, D-Pa. Cherfilus-McCormick spokesperson Jonathan Levin said via email that, As the Ethics Committee said in its statement, the mere fact of establishing an investigative subcommittee does not itself indicate that any violation occurred. Regardless, the Congresswoman takes these matters seriously and is working to resolve them. Cherfilus-McCormick was elected in January 2022 to fill the remainder of the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings term and then reelected to a full term in November 2022. Related Articles The Ethics in Government Act requires candidates for federal office to file financial disclosure reports once they raise or spend $5,000. Many candidates never file. In the hotly contested 2021 primary, of the six leading candidates, three filed reports before the primary and three, including Cherfilus-McCormick, didnt file until after the primary. She received extensions, which are routine for many members of Congress, for the disclosure reports due in 2022 and 2023, both of which ultimately were filed. In 2022, Inside Elections, a nonpartisan political analysis news service in Washington, D.C., raised questions about Cherfilus-McCormick using official government funds to run ads on TV in South Florida. Using official money for TV ads is legal as long as they cover official business and steer clear of campaign content, Inside Elections reported. Cherfilus-McCormicks office said at the time the spots were all vetted and followed the rules. Campaign finance reports covering the period from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30 show Cherfilus-McCormicks campaign committee paid $20,000 earlier this year to a Washington, D.C., law firm for legal fees. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Facebook, Threads.net and Post.news. FIRST ON FOX: House Republicans are investigating whether President Biden was involved in his son Hunter Bidens "scheme" to defy his subpoena for deposition earlier this month conduct, they say, "could constitute an impeachable offense." The House Oversight Committee, House Judiciary Committee and House Ways & Means Committee are investigating "whether sufficient grounds exist to draft articles of impeachment against President Biden for consideration by the full House." The House formalized the inquiry earlier this month. JORDAN SAYS HUNTER BIDEN MADE A 'HUGE CHANGE' BY SAYING HIS FATHER WAS 'NOT FINANCIALLY INVOLVED' IN BUSINESS House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on Wednesday penned a letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, to White House Counsel Edward Siskel, notifying him of the additional area of their investigation. "In light of an official statement from the White House that President Biden was aware in advance that his son, Hunter Biden, would knowingly defy two congressional subpoenas, we are compelled to examine as part of our impeachment inquiry whether the President engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress," Comer and Jordan wrote to Siskel. The subpoenas were both for Hunter Biden's deposition one from Comer and one from Jordan. The two chairmen planned to hold the deposition in the same room, at the same time. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The presidents son was subpoenaed to appear for a deposition before the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees earlier this month. Hunter Biden defied that subpoena, and instead, appeared on Capitol Hill and delivered a public statement before the press. "On December 13, Mr. Biden did not appear for the deposition as required by the Committees subpoenas. Instead, Mr. Biden appeared on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol with his attorney and Representative Eric Swalwell," they wrote. "Mr. Biden gave a lengthy public statement to an assembly of reporters in which he made several statements that are relevant to the Houses impeachment inquiry, including representations about his business activities, assertions about President Bidens awareness and financial involvement in these activities, and attacks on the Committees inquiry." Hunter Biden "indicated that he would only testify in a public forum, a demand for special treatment that the Committees had previously rejected." HUNTER BIDEN WILL NOT SIT FOR DEPOSITION BY GOP, SAYS FATHER NOT 'FINANCIALLY' INVOLVED IN HIS BUSINESS "Although Mr. Biden professed an interest in answering questions about his actions, he departed the Capitol grounds without taking any questions. The committees subsequently recorded Mr. Bidens non-appearance at his deposition," they wrote. From left: Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., Hunter Biden and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. But later that day, Comer and Jordan pointed to a statement made by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. She was asked whether the president had watched his sons public statement. "White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden was certainly familiar with what his son was going to say," they wrote. "Ms. Jean-Pierre declined, however, to provide any further details about the Presidents actions on whether the President approved of his son defying congressional subpoenas." They added, though, that Jean-Pierres statement "suggests the President had some amount of advanced knowledge that Mr. Biden would choose to defy two congressional subpoenas." The chairmen pointed to the criminal code, citing the section which states that it is unlawful to "corruptlyendeavor to influence, obstruct, or impede the due and proper exercise of the power of inquiry under which any investigation or inquiry is being had byany committee of either House or any joint committee of Congress." Hunter Biden and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. "Likewise, any person who aids, abets, counsels, commands, induces or procures the commission of a crime is punishable as a principal of the crime," they wrote. "In light of Ms. Jean-Pierres statement, we are compelled to examine the involvement of the President in his sons scheme to defy the Committees subpoenas," they wrote. "The Committees have accumulated substantial evidence that Hunter Bidens business endeavors have improperly included his father, and the President has made false claims about his knowledge and involvement in these schemes." WHITE HOUSE, HUNTER BIDENS TEAM KEEP SHIFTING GOALPOSTS IN DENYING DADS INVOLVEMENT WITH BUSINESSES Comer and Jordan also said that just days before Hunter Biden was scheduled to appear for his deposition, the president "claimed he had not interacted with any of his sons business partners." "This is false," they wrote. "The President has met with, spoken to, and received money sourced from his sons foreign business partners." President Biden is seen at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 13. Comer and Jordan said that in light of the evidence they have collected, "the fact that the President had advanced awareness" that his son would defy the subpoenas "raises a troubling new question that we must examine: whether the President corruptly sought to influence or obstruct the Committees proceeding by preventing, discouraging, or dissuading his son from complying with the Committees subpoenas." "Such conduct could constitute an impeachable offense," they wrote. The chairmen demanded all documents and communications sent or received by the White House regarding Hunter Bidens deposition, including communications with Hunter Biden, law firm Winston & Strawn LLP, and Kevin Morris. They also demanded all documents and communications sent or received by employees of the White House Executive Office regarding the presidents statement about his familys business associates on Dec. 6. Comer and Jordan gave Siskel until Jan. 10 to produce the information. Original article source: House GOP probing if Biden was involved in Hunter's 'scheme' to defy subpoena, potential 'impeachable offense' Washington The Republican leaders of the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees on Wednesday asked the White House to turn over information about President Biden's alleged involvement in his son Hunter Biden's decision not to comply with a congressional subpoena for a deposition, expanding its impeachment inquiry into the president. In a letter to White House counsel Edward Siskel, Reps. James Comer and Jim Jordan requested documents and communications between White House staff in the Executive Office of the President and Hunter Biden or his lawyers regarding his scheduled deposition, which was supposed to happen on Dec. 13. But Hunter Biden defied the subpoena from the Oversight Committee for a closed-door interview with lawmakers, appearing briefly outside the U.S. Capitol to reiterate that he would answer questions only in a public setting. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters later that day that the president was "familiar with" what his son was going to say in his statement. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer speak to the media on Dec. 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. / Credit: / Getty Images "In light of Ms. Jean-Pierre's statement, we are compelled to examine the involvement of the President in his son's scheme to defy the Committees' subpoenas," Comer, who leads the Oversight Committee, and Jordan, chairman of the Judiciary panel, said in their letter to Siskel. They argued that Jean-Pierre's remark suggests that Mr. Biden "had some amount of advanced knowledge" that Hunter Biden would refuse to comply with the subpoena for testimony. The Republicans set a Jan. 10 deadline for the White House to provide the records regarding Hunter Biden's deposition. They are also seeking documents from staff in the Executive Office of the President related to a comment Mr. Biden made on Dec. 6 denying that he interacted with his son and brother's foreign business associates. Comer and Jordan said the president's "advanced awareness" that his son would not answer questions from lawmakers behind closed doors "raises a troubling new question that we must examine: whether the President corruptly sought to influence or obstruct the Committees' proceeding by preventing, discouraging, or dissuading his son from complying with the Committees' subpoenas." "Such conduct could constitute an impeachable offense," they wrote. Beyond Jean-Pierre's comment, it's unclear how much Mr. Biden knew about his son's plan not to appear for the deposition. Hunter Biden told reporters on Dec. 13 that he would answer at a public hearing "any legitimate questions" from Comer and Oversight Committee members, and accused the GOP leaders of the three committees conducting the impeachment inquiry of "distorting the facts." Republicans have been investigating Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings for nearly a year and claim Mr. Biden was enriched by his son and brother's overseas work and accepted bribes. They have produced no evidence of wrongdoing by the president or that he benefited financially from his family's business ventures. Still, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced in September that he would be launching a formal impeachment inquiry into the president, and the House's GOP majority voted earlier this month to formalize the probe. Comer and Jordan said they will pursue proceedings to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying the subpoena from Republicans. U.S. military carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed group in Iraq Gaza death toll surpasses 21,000, health ministry says Missing pregnant Texas teen and boyfriend found dead WASHINGTON Republicans leading the Houses ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden are asking whether he was complicit in his son, Hunter Bidens, defiance of a congressional subpoena to testify before investigators. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, sent a letter to the White House asking for any documentation or communication sent between Hunter Biden, his representatives and the White House, noting that the president was aware of his sons plans to flout the subpoena to answer questions behind closed doors. We are compelled to examine as part of our impeachment inquiry whether the President engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress, the letter, sent to White House Counsel Edward Siskel, reads. The GOP-led committees investigating Joe Biden issued a subpoena to Hunter Biden to testify in a deposition earlier this month. Hunter Biden, who demanded to testify publicly instead, ignored the subpoena and delivered remarks on Capitol Hill attacking the inquiry and defending his father. Let me state as clearly as I can: My father was not financially involved in my business, not as a practicing lawyer, not as a board member of Burisma, not my partnership with a Chinese private businessman, not in my investments at home, nor abroad," Hunter Biden said in front of the Capitol building, not far from where he was supposed to testify before investigators. House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., (L) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, talk to reporters in the Rayburn House Office Building on December 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. Hunter Biden demanded to speak publicly over concerns Republicans would selectively leak his testimony. House Republicans contended that he must comply with the terms of the subpoena and that Democrats would have disrupted the hearing in a public setting. Republicans have long alleged Joe Biden reaped personal benefits from his familys foreign business interests but have yet to produce evidence directly tying him to those dealings. House Republicans formally authorized the impeachment inquiry earlier this month in a bid to strengthen the probes legal standing should any of its requests for information make it to court. USA TODAY has reached out to the White House and Democratic representatives on the House Oversight Committee and House Judiciary Committee for comment. The letter highlights that White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said after Hunter Biden's rare public remarks that the president was certainly familiar with what his son was going to say. Ms. Jean-Pierres statement suggests that the President had some amount of advanced knowledge that Mr. Biden would choose to defy two congressional subpoenas, the letter reads. In light of Ms. Jean-Pierres statement, we are compelled to examine the involvement of the President in his sons scheme to defy the Committees subpoenas. While the impeachment inquiry has largely focused on whether the president was improperly involved in his familys foreign business affairs, his awareness of his sons defiance of the subpoena, raises a troubling new question that we must examine: whether the President corruptly sought to influence or obstruct the Committees proceedings, the letter continues. The two chairs who penned the letter noted that such conduct could constitute an impeachable offense. They also took aim at remarks the president made earlier this month as he denied having interacted with his familys business associates. The lawmakers called for documentation related to those statements in addition to the committees requests for any communication between the White House and Hunter Bidens representatives, giving the White House until January 10 to provide the information. Opinion from the House Speaker: Evidence against Biden can't be ignored. We're pursuing impeachment inquiry. Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, speaking to the media outside the United States Capitol offering to publicly testify in House Republicans request on Dec. 13, 2023 in Washington, D.C. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House Republicans ask whether Joe Biden obstructed impeachment inquiry A high-speed chase involving the Houston Police Department unfolded Tuesday morning in North Houston. The pursuit began around 11:15 a.m. at 5000 Airline and concluded at 9204 Airline, about four miles. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku and Google Android TV! HPD's pursuit was sparked by the discovery that the vehicle was reported stolen. Inside the stolen vehicle were a man and a woman. They sustained minor injuries during the chase but were examined at the scene. Fortunately, neither citizens nor officers suffered injuries during this high-stakes pursuit. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX 26 NEWS APP Now in custody, the driver is set to face evading charges, a felony offense. The HPD will collaborate with the District Attorney to explore any additional charges applicable in this case. A man is in custody after leading Houston police on chase, driving into a bayou and then trying to hide from officers in the muddy water, authorities say. The incident began around 1:10 a.m. Wednesday near Cavalcade and Los Angeles. Thats where police say a DPS helicopter saw the suspect stealing cable from a church and notified police. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio! When officers responded, the pursuit began, police say. The chase lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes before the suspect drove down an embankment into a bayou near Homestead Road and I-610, police say. A police chase ended in a bayou on Homestead Road near I-610. MORE NEWS: Teen in custody after shooting leaves 27-year-old man in critical condition Authorities say the suspect got out of the vehicle and went into the water, and officers became concerned that he may have drowned. They went in to search for him. MORE NEWS: Pregnant teen Savanah Soto and boyfriend found dead in a car, according to her family According to police, the helicopter above was able to pick up a heat signature near the front of the truck, and officers found the man hiding with his head above the water. Police say the man started making his way down the bayou away from the officers, but they were able to get him into custody. Flash People mourn a victim at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. In the past 24 hours, 241 Palestinians died and 382 others were injured in the 18 air and ground operations launched by Israeli forces across the Hamas-ruled enclave, the ministry's spokesman Ashraf Al-Qedra said in a press statement. Al-Qedra called on international organizations to help protect the hospitals and medical staff in Gaza, as well as the wounded, the sick, and the displaced people there. He also urged the international community to "immediately step up to ensure the provision of the urgently needed medicines and fuel for thousands of wounded and sick people in Gaza." Meanwhile, Gaza's main telecom provider Paltel announced via the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, a total blackout, including all internet and telephone services due to the continuing Israeli attacks. The company added that its technical teams were working to restore services despite the dangerous conditions on the ground. Human remains have been found at the southwest downtown construction site of Indy Eleven soccer team stadium, the site developer said. The fragments were identified on the north end of the site, said Keystone Group, which is building the 20,000-seat multi-purpose stadium on 20 acres bounded by Kentucky Avenue, West Street, and the White River. Its part of a $1 billion Eleven Park project that also will have apartments, offices, retail space and a hotel. A rendering of the Eleven Park development, which will include a new Indy Eleven stadium as well as apartment, office and entertainment space. The complex is on land that had been part of the Greenlawn Cemetery, one of the first public cemeteries in Indianapolis, where many believe the remains of Black people who were buried at the site are still there. Greenlawn Cemetery: Another example of erasure of Black Hoosiers in Indianapolis Keystone Group said it, Weintraut and Associates and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources/Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology have identified isolated areas of interest at the site that was the former location of Diamond Chain Co. The Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology reviews plans for developments that are within 100 feet of a cemetery, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Floyd Ingram examines of several headstones found at a Diamond Chain construction site on May 18, 1967. The area was part of the former Greenlawn Cemetery. In the case of such an uncovering of remains during digging, state code requires the pause of digging and the approval of an archeological plan be approved before it can resume. These plans must include a recovery plan for how human remains will be treated if they are discovered during construction; detail how an archeologist will monitor areas with a high probability for burials; detail the field methods for recovery of remains, laboratory processing and analysis, and reporting; and detail commitments for reinternment of remains at another local cemetery, according to the Indiana DNR. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources did request archeological monitoring and cemetery development plans from the developer, which are being followed, the Indiana DNR said. Construction continues on the Indy Eleven Park, a new soccer stadium on the site of the former Diamond Chain Co. building and Greenlawn Cemetery on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, in Indianapolis. The Green Lawn Cemetery was founded in 1821 and closed in 1890. What remains were left behind, and could be located, including pioneers, and Civil War soldiers, were moved to the newly founded Crown Hill Cemetery. The Diamond Chain Company was built in its place in 1918, and is in the process of demolition in 2023. The remains are being recovered and reinterned, Keystone said. The discoveries are all undergoing and adhering to strict identification protocols. The discoveries will be properly cataloged and subsequently reinterned at the discretion of the (Indiana Department of Natural Resources/Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology) and Keystone, a company statement said. As construction continues at the site, Keystone, Weintraut and Associates, and the (Indiana Department of Natural Resources/Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology) will continue to follow the lawful guidelines at both the state and local level with the utmost sensitivity. Weintraut & Associates is a Zionsville-based consultancy of archaeologists and historians. Keystone views these discoveries as an opportunity to correct past mishandlings by previous ownership and to respectfully relocate and honor what may be found, the Keystone statement said. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Human remains found at Eleven Park construction site A married couples drive on Christmas morning turned fatal when another driver slammed into their car, North Carolina police said. After running a red light on Hope Mills Road, a 26-year-old driver collided into another car with a husband and wife inside traveling along Raeford Road with a green light at 10:55 a.m. Monday, according to a Dec. 26 Fayetteville Police Department news release. The husband and wife were killed, and the other driver is now facing multiple charges, according to police. The couple was identified as 47-year-old Jada Fields and 46-year-old Patricia Fields, a husband and wife from Fayetteville, police said. They both were pronounced dead at the crash scene, according to the department. Jada and Patricia Fields were on their way to give Christmas presents to their 8-year-old granddaughter, according to a GoFundMe page created for the couples family. The Christmas gifts were left in the car as part of the crash investigation, according to the GoFundMe. We did not plan to leave them, together, so soon on a day that was meant for family, the GoFundMe reads, written from Patricia Fields perspective. The driver, Michael Anthony Smith Jr., stayed at the crash scene with minor injuries, police said. He later was charged with reckless driving and two counts of death by motor vehicle, as well as nine other charges, according to police. A 26-year-old woman in the back of Smiths car was injured in the crash and sent to the hospital, police said. A front passenger in Smiths car, who has not been identified, fled the scene on foot, according to the police department. An investigation is ongoing, and anyone with further information on the crash can contact 910-987-4510. 25-year-old dies after being thrown from car during rollover crash, Vermont cops say Postal worker dies in hit-and-run during busy holiday shipping season, Florida cops say Car runs over and kills 84-year-old who tripped in grocery store parking lot, cops say Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson outlined his belief that his long-shot GOP presidential campaign could pull ahead in the event of one or more criminal convictions of former President Trump in an interview with Politico. Hutchinson told the publication that he believed Trump will be convicted on at least one of the four federal and state indictments he faces during the GOP primary process. I dont know when thats going to be. In April? Mid-summer? Whether thats going to be in the fall after the convention, Hutchinson told Politico. But as long as I am able, I want to provide that alternative voice. And Im not sure other candidates have that same level of commitment. Hutchinson has polled at 1 percent or less in most surveys of the primary field, only qualifying for the stage at the first debate. Despite this, he has outlasted several contenders who qualified for further debates, including former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. In his interview with Politico, he cited his status as the only candidate in that debate who did not raise his hand when asked if they would back Trump if he was both the party nominee and convicted. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has also been a vocal Trump critic in his campaign and, despite Hutchinsons jabs at Trump, has cast himself as the only Republican willing to criticize the former president and GOP front-runner. Hutchinson expressed confidence he could surpass Christie in Iowa, where the former New Jersey governor has not campaigned. Trump has consistently led the GOP field since announcing his reelection bid last year, with his closest competitors, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, lagging him by more than 50 points, according to The Hill and Decision Desk HQs aggregation of polls. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A federal judge in Idaho has prevented the states ban on some gender-affirming treatments for transgender children from taking effect Jan. 1. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday, six days before the controversial laws scheduled start date. The injunction prevents enforcement of the law. Winmill ruled that the plaintiffs two Idaho transgender minors and their parents, who are using pseudonyms likely will prevail in their lawsuit under the 14th Amendments equal protection and due process clauses. Time and again, these cases illustrate that the 14th Amendments primary role is to protect disfavored minorities and preserve our fundamental rights from legislative overreach, Winmill wrote. That was true for newly freed slaves following the Civil War. It was true in the 20th century for women, people of color, interracial couples and individuals seeking access to contraception. And it is no less true for transgender children and their parents in the 21st century. The Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 71, and Gov. Brad Little signed it, earlier this year. The law created a felony offense for providing puberty blockers, hormone therapies and transition-related surgeries to minors. The two families sued Attorney General Raul Labrador, Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts and members of the Idaho Code Commission. Winmill dismissed the members of the Code Commission, who publish state laws, from the case. Labrador plans to appeal the injunction, he said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. The federal judiciary once endorsed the eugenics movement and forced sterilization of intellectually disabled people, Labrador said. Similarly, Judge Winmills ruling places children at risk of irreversible harm. History will not look kindly at this decision. We are taking immediate action to appeal this decision and are confident that correction will come. Little and Bennetts did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Leo Morales, executive director of the ACLU of Idaho, in a news release Wednesday said the ruling was a significant victory for Idaho transgender youth and their parents. The ACLU of Idaho, along with the American Civil Liberties Union and several other organizations, filed the lawsuit on behalf of the two Idaho families. This judicial decision is a much-needed ray of hope for trans people amid a yearslong onslaught against their rights to access health care and ability to navigate the world around them, Morales said. Idahos ban was just one of several challenges brought by ACLU affiliates against states bans on gender-affirming care. Families and medical providers in Tennessee and Kentucky in November asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision from the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals that allowed bans on transgender youths health care to go into effect. Ritchie Eppink, legal director for the ACLU of Idaho and an attorney at Wrest Collective representing the plaintiffs, told the Idaho Statesman that the Idaho court weighed the arguments on both sides carefully and plainly concluded that this kind of law should not be enforced. Other courts and decision makers across the United States would do well to closely heed this new Idaho decision, he said. In his ruling, Winmill cited the guidance of many major medical organizations that support gender-affirming care for minors. After carefully considering the voluminous evidence on this point, the court finds that the treatment for gender dysphoria when provided in accordance with the guidelines published by (the World Professional Association for Transgender Health) and the Endocrine Society, and which may include medical interventions such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries is safe, effective and medically necessary for some adolescents, Winmill wrote. Plaintiff Pam Poe, 15, struggled with depression, anxiety and self-harm Winmill wrote, and was diagnosed with gender dysphoria at a residential treatment facility. Her mental health has greatly improved since beginning treatment that would be banned under the new law, Winmills ruling says. The family would consider moving from Idaho if that happens. Plaintiff Jane Doe, 16, sometimes wished she did not even exist, according to the complaint that started the lawsuit. She also was diagnosed with gender dysphoria and received gender-affirming care that significantly improved her mental health, according to the ruling. Her family also has considered moving from Idaho if the bill takes effect. When the bill passed, Winmill wrote, Jane wept in the hallway at school, and her parents had to take her home. The Moscow, Idaho, home where four University of Idaho students were murdered last year will be torn down Thursday, according to kxly.com. Thursday at 7 a.m. crews will demolish the house where prosecutors believe Bryan Kohberger killed Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Gonclaves, and Madison Mogen. According to kxly.com, the owner of the home gifted the house to the university in early 2023. The demolishing of the home was always the universitys intention. The defense team for Kohberger was given access to the home to gather photos, measurements, and other documentation before the home was demolished. Prosecutors are seeking a trial date of next summer for Kohberger and have asked a judge to schedule with dates to avoid times when Moscow High School and area universities are in session. Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the stabbing deaths of the students at the rental home near the university campus in Moscow. His defense attorneys had sought to throw out the indictment against Kohberger but a judge recently rejected their arguments. Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said he intends to seek the death penalty. The Madison County Coroners office late Tuesday released the identity of the person killed after a weekend apartment fire in Highland. Virginia G. Barth, 68, died in the emergency room at St. Josephs Hospital in Highland Saturday, according to a release from Coroner Stephen Nonn. The Highland Fire Department was called to a single-story, six-unit apartment complex at 2942 Herzog Lane shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday. Highland firefighters arrived to find a woman trapped inside Unit D, entered the apartment and rescued the woman, according to Highland Fire Chief Chris Straub. Barth was taken to St. Josephs Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries, according to a release from the Highland Fire Department. An autopsy showed Barth suffered from severe heart and lung disease, but a final cause of death wont be issued until routine toxicology and carbon monoxide testing can be completed, Nonn stated in the release. The apartment complex had a residential sprinkler system that was functioning properly, according to the fire department. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal. The fire did not extend into the adjoining units, according to a Facebook post from the Highland Fire Department. Highland was assisted by Highland-Pierron and St. Jacob fire departments, as well as paramedics from Highland EMS. As an adult living in the US, I usually buy groceries at Trader Joe's. I love the frozen food, the cozy interior design, and how I can be in and out within 20 minutes. But I visited Costco for the first time in years. The shopping experience was completely different. Trader Joe's and Costco both have cult followings. But up until recently, I didn't have enough firsthand experience with Costco to understand its appeal. For the most part, I do my grocery shopping at Trader Joe's it's convenient, the prices are reasonable, and I love the cutesy aesthetic. That said, I've been curious to see what Costco is all about since I first spoke with superfans David and Susan Schwartz, who have visited over 200 warehouses. They love Costco so much that they self-published their first book about the wholesaler in September. I got to see Costco through their lens on a recent tour of the Brooklyn warehouse and found it to be a vastly different shopping experience from Trader Joe's. Here's why. There are only three Costco locations in and around Manhattan, making it less available to me than Trader Joe's. Costco in Brooklyn, New York. Maria Noyen/Business Insider Accessibility is among the big differences I quickly discovered between Trader Joe's and Costco. While Trader Joe's has over 10 locations in the New York City area, Costco has three warehouses, making it less readily available. For my first visit to Costco since I was a child, David and Susan recommended touring the Brooklyn warehouse because it's bigger and less crowded than the one in Harlem. From my apartment in Manhattan, I had the option of taking a 25-minute taxi or an hourlong subway ride with multiple changes. Given I was in a hurry to meet the couple at a specific time, I took a taxi. I had no plans to buy groceries, but if I had, hauling shopping bags back home for an hour would've been less than ideal. I could not have entered Costco without David and Susan, as a membership was required. David and Susan Schwartz outside of Costco in Brooklyn. Maria Noyen/Business Insider Besides distance, Costco is also more inaccessible to me than Trader Joe's because I am not a member, nor do I know friends or family living in NYC who are. While I can enter any Trader Joe's location whenever I see fit, I couldn't do the same when it comes to Costco without a membership. There are three types available, but the membership that is most affordable and applicable to me is the Gold Star, which costs $60 a year. Thankfully, I was visiting with David and Susan, who are longtime members of the wholesaler. Members, they told me, can bring two guests into the store at a time. For couples or a pair of roommates, I can see the appeal of getting a membership and making it more affordable by splitting it. Costco sells homeware and miscellaneous items, while Trader Joe's is primarily focused on groceries. From hearing aids to pianos, you can buy more than food at Costco. Maria Noyen/Business Insider From ancillary services like hearing tests, optical centers, and pharmacies to products like fridges, washing machines, pianos, and clothing, I saw plenty of things being sold at Costco that weren't food. The same can't be said for Trader Joe's, which focuses on standard grocery items more than anything else. However, I do most of my homeware shopping online, so I don't particularly see Costco's homeware sections as a massive advantage. Both Costco and Trader Joe's offer "treasure hunt" shop layouts, but I think the latter is easier to navigate. The Costco in Brooklyn is bigger than any Trader Joe's I'd visited. Maria Noyen/Business Insider A big similarity between Trader Joe's and Costco is that the store layouts are constantly stocked with new and unexpected items, keeping shoppers excited and curious about what they'll see the next time they visit. Susan described it as a "treasure hunt." "Trader Joe's has a similar thing in terms of the 'treasure hunt' that you don't know what you'll find when you go there," she said. But navigating a treasure-hunt layout is much easier at Trader Joe's for one reason: size. According to Penn Live, the average Trader Joe's store is between 8,000 and 15,000 square feet, while Costco says the average size of a warehouse is 147,000 square feet. I could also see how members can spend a whole afternoon wandering Costco, but I prefer shorter shopping experiences. This is the biggest tub of Maldon sea salt I've ever seen. Maria Noyen/Business Insider According to David and Susan, shopping at Costco in just 30 minutes is no easy task and kind of defeats the purpose of going in the first place. "To do that, you need to know what you're really looking for. You need to be disciplined," David said. "But the problem is that you're going to miss really good bargains. You're going to miss special items. You're going to miss a lot of stuff." For the couple, wandering the aisles at Costco is a perfect shopping experience. And though I get the appeal, I am much more of a get-in, get-out shopper. I want to get my grocery shopping done and dusted in less than 20 minutes, which is another reason I love Trader Joe's. Costco has a real no-frills approach to shop decor, unlike Trader Joe's. Unlike Trader Joe's, there are no decorations in Costco. Maria Noyen/Business Insider There is seemingly zero attention directed toward decorating Costco warehouses, which I found a little jarring. While Trader Joe's stores are often covered in handwritten signs and seasonal decorations, Costco's products are labeled with pieces of paper that look like they could've been made by anyone with a printer. I understand that Costco's dedication to efficiency is one of the reasons it's so successful, but when it comes to decoration, I think this approach just makes the store feel very sterile and impersonal. You can buy things in bulk at Costco if you want to, but you don't get that choice at Trader Joe's. Some pantry staples were available to buy in bulk. Maria Noyen/Business Insider A huge draw for Costco is that members can buy things in bulk. Some pantry staples, like rice and olive oil, are sold in huge portions, which explains why David and Susan say a lot of local restaurants and convenience stores shop for products at Costco. I can also see why people in larger families would gravitate toward buying groceries at Costco. Products at Trader Joe's are sold in much smaller sizes, making it a less ideal option for bigger households or people interested in stocking up on essentials. Costco's self-checkout and cashier combo at some select warehouses has Trader Joe's beat. Self-checkout machines and checkout cashiers. Maria Noyen/Business Insider Bryan Palbaum, the CEO of Trader Joe's, confirmed on the company's podcast in August that there are no plans to add self-checkout machines to any store locations, according to CNN. In the episode, Palbaum described them as "not fun" and "work." Palbaum might not think self-checkout machines are "fun," but I'll be the first to say that waiting in a long line for a cashier at Trader Joe's isn't fun either. It's not available at every Costco, but some warehouses, like the one I visited in Brooklyn, give customers the option to do self-checkout or line up for a cashier, depending on how many items they're purchasing. "Cashiers, who do the registers, are really, really fast," David said. "Much faster than a normal civilian, but they decided to keep this because the experiment seems to be working to have both." I get why David and Susan are loyal to Costco, but I'm not convinced yet. David and Susan Schwartz are longtime fans of Costco. Maria Noyen/Business Insider I get why David and Susan say Costco is their "happy place." Despite having shopped at Costco for most of their lives, the couple was in total awe as we made our way through the aisles and they spotted new items they'd never seen before, good deals, and just how much product they could get for a decent price. The warehouses are perfect for certain shoppers, but I'm not one of them. For now, I'm sticking to Trader Joe's, where I can walk in, enjoy the fun decorations, and walk out less than half an hour later. Read the original article on Business Insider You are here: World Flash The Ukrainian military said Tuesday it hit a Russian naval ship in Crimea with cruise missiles. Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, said Novocherkassk, a large landing ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, was struck in the raid. Meanwhile, Yuriy Ignat, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, said the ship stationed in the port of Feodosia was hit by cruise missiles. Ukraine is armed with Storm Shadow and Scalp missiles, Ignat said, not specifying which of them was used in the attack. The Kremlin confirmed earlier that the large landing ship Novocherkassk was damaged in a Ukrainian missile attack on the port town of Feodosia in Crimea on Tuesday. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on the overnight attack, the Kremlin said. Shoigu said the Ukrainian armed forces conducted the attack using aircraft-guided missiles, targeting the Feodosia base in Crimea. The Russian air defense destroyed two Ukrainian Su-24 tactical aircraft near the city of Nikolaev. Sergey Aksenov, head of Crimea, said earlier in the day that one person was killed and at least two others injured in the attack. Mariners have long credited sharks with having seemingly superhero-like capabilities. Now a newly released study has concluded one of those powers may be the ability to regenerate mangled body parts. The research, published Dec. 14 in the Journal of Marine Sciences, focused on the case of a badly injured silky shark seen off the coast of Jupiter, Florida. It was estimated more than 20% of the sharks dorsal fin had been mysteriously ripped away, the study notes. Then something incredible happened. The shark was photographed 332 days after the recorded injury with a newly shaped dorsal fin that had healed to 87% of the original size, the study reports. Photographs provided by divers allowed for accurate measurements of fin growth, confirming an approximate 10.7% increase in fin area, indicative of tissue regeneration, according to the study. Wound healing rate was calculated to conclude that the initial wound reached complete closure by day 42. It counts as the first example of fin regeneration in a silky shark. There is evidence whale sharks have similar healing abilities, the study reports. Anecdotal evidence has also been found in other shark species, including white sharks tagged in the Northwest Atlantic, McClatchy News reports. The silky shark at the center of the new study was part of an ongoing tagging study funded by the University of Miami Shark Research and Conservation Program, the report states. University of Miami PhD candidate Chelsea Black led the research, which began when underwater photographer Josh Schellenberg managed by coincidence to get before-and-after shots of the same injured shark. In the summer of 2022, 10 silky sharks were tagged with satellite tags for a separate study. Shortly after, a silky shark was spotted with its dorsal fin cut up in the exact shape of where a satellite tag would be, Black wrote in a Dec. 14 Instagram post. We never expected to see the shark again. Fast forward to summer 2023 and sure enough this silky shark returned to Jupiter. He was spotted by (two photographers) who were able to capture multiple images for me of this newly healed dorsal fin. Schellenberg and photographer John Moore both contributed their images to aid in the research, she said. The identity of the silky shark was confirmed with the help of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) dart tag that was present before and after the fin regenerated, she said. Silky sharks named for their smooth-looking skin are native to the Gulf of Mexico and Floridas Atlantic coast and can reach up to 10 feet in length, the Florida Museum of Natural History reports. Their size makes silky sharks a potential threat to humans, but their oceanic habits make contact with humans a relative rarity, the museum says. They prefer the edges of continental shelves and over deepwater reefs, the museum notes. This newfound insight into tissue regeneration and wound healing underscores the importance of further research to understand how they respond to traumatic injury in the face of mounting environmental challenges, Black wrote. Additionally, this study exemplifies the power of collaboration between researchers and the public, including photographers and divers, to expand the scope of research studies and bridge the gap between science and society. This indestructible shark has amazing healing ability. See photos taken 1 year apart Determined diver works to free large shark tangled in reef off Florida, video shows What killed 12-foot great hammerhead shark? Venomous clue was in jaw, Florida lab says India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that Indo-Russia ties are "very strong, very steady" at a press conference in Moscow on Dec. 27, cited by the Telegraph India. Jaishankar is in the midst of a five-day trip to Russia, where he met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian leader Vladimir Putin will meet with Jaishankar later on Dec. 27. Putin is also expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next year. Following the meeting, Lavrov said that Russia and India had made progress in talks on the joint production of military equipment, which he said would mutually benefit both countries and increase security in Eurasia. India has become a critical market for Russian oil amid intensifying Western sanctions. It is now the largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude, though sanctions present logistical difficulties in coordinating shipments. Read also: Reuters: Payment problems delay Russian oil shipments to India India and Russia have long had close ties. The Soviet Union was a critical supplier of military equipment to India as it faced off with its primary foe, Pakistan, which was backed by the U.S. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, India has largely maintained a neutral stance, declining to condemn Moscow's military aggression or join the West in isolating Russia. "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," India's Foreign Ministry said in a statement released before Jaishankar's visit. As India's international stature and power grows, it has increasingly embraced the concept of a multipolar world, in which it may pursue its own foreign policy independent of the West. Ahead of the meeting, Jaishankar said that he and Lavrov would likely discuss the "building of a multipolar world order," the New York Times reported, citing a Russian video broadcast. The U.S. has largely refrained from pressuring India to join the West's isolation of Russia, in part because it also sees India as a potential partner to counter China, which has tense relations with India. Many in the U.S., especially in the Republican party, see China as a greater geopolitical threat than Russia. Read also: As sanctions bite, Russia eyes Ukraines mineral resources to fund its invasion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Indiana state officials must continue to fund strong afterschool and summer learning programs that have helped many students catch up after the pandemic even when government money runs out, according to a new report from advocates. Programs that add hours and support to the school day, are especially critical for low-income students who were set back the most during the pandemic, according to the report, The Expanded Classroom. Those students families cant pay for tutoring, museum visits, and arts activities that more affluent families can. The classroom has been the primary venue for helping students learn, build relationships, and develop skills for the workforce, according to the report. But in the current era, such activities must transcend the classroom to help kids fully recover from learning loss, close longstanding achievement gaps, and prepare students for 21st-century careers. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now. Only one quarter of Indiana students are able to attend these programs, the report found, but many more should be added, not reduced, as will happen if money runs out in the next two years. Effort must be sustained over yearsnot monthsto make up for the lost time of the pandemic and to begin to chip away at a decades-old gap in educational outcomes between high- and low-income students, states the report, a joint project of the United Way of Central Indiana, the Boys and Girls Clubs serving South Bend and Indianapolis, and nonprofit education advocacy groups The Mind Trust and Indiana Afterschool Network. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has devoted $35 million of federal COVID relief money to out-of-school learning, plus another $185 million in state money. The federal money runs out next fall and the state money runs out in the summer of 2025. Indiana has devoted both state tax dollars and federal COVID relief money to out-of-school programs, though all budgeted money expires by summer 2025. (The Expanded Classroom) Mind Trust officials said they hope the report rallies support for out-of-school learning with legislators ahead of the 2025-2027 state budget debate. The report doesnt ask for a specific amount of money or for money for any particular program, just for understanding the importance of learning outside of the school day. Related Four Reasons to Be Hopeful from Latest Summer School Study Its really to make sure that our state leaders, legislators and others are thinking about the out-of-school time programs in Indiana as an important part of the ecosystem, and not as something that is just a time-limited program thats about COVID recovery, and nothing else, said Mind Trust chief strategy officer Kristin Grimme. State Rep. Bob Behning, chairman of the House Education Committee, said theres support for programs outside of the school day in the Legislature. But he cautioned there will be competition for money in the next budget. I would predict its going to be tight, tighter than weve had the last couple of budget cycles, Behning said. So youre going to have to really define not just the need, but that there are gains. Once you can define the academic gains. I think that there would be more interest. Grimme agreed and said programs need to be evaluated and money should go to those that were the most successful. Some programs have evaluations pending while others have emerging data on their academic impact that should be reviewed next year. Adding academic gains is extra important because Indianas recovery from the pandemic has stalled, the report contends. Though state test scores have improved since 2021, reading proficiency rates fell slightly between 2022 and 2023 while other gains were small. Indiana also saw college enrollment drop from 65 percent of graduating high school seniors before the pandemic to 53 percent in 202021. Photo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wbmmHBHcLjkEATXQbm6qw2-HCnPJiBG_/view?usp=drive_link Indianas state test scores havent risen much the last two years, leading some to consider the states COVID recovery to be stalled. (The Expanded Classroom) The report highlights the Indy Summer Learning Labs the Mind Trust and United Way have organized in Indianapolis using state money the last three years. That five-week program serving more than 5,000 students in 43 different sites around the city shows double-digit gains in proficiency rates in the tests students take at the start of the program and at the end. Last summer, the labs saw 23 percentage point increases in students scoring at grade level or above in English and 22 percentage points in math. The state will soon take applications from organizations around the state to expand that summer program to other cities, though money set aside for them ends in 2025. Indiana Learns, another program that gives $1,000 grants to low-income parents to spend on tutoring or afterschool programs for their children, is being evaluated now to see if it needs changes. With more than 10,000 students using more than 100 different tutoring providers, Grimme said, its hard to know if Indiana Learns is reaching the right students and if they are getting what they need. I do think its something that we launched quickly to try to support students and families across the state, Grimme said. Is it the version of the program that the state should sustain in the future? Few would look at Kane today and think he wants for much. The 70-pound Pit Bull Terrier mix spends most of his day in Betsy Smith and Jeremy McFaddens renovated three-car Zionsville, Indiana garage - complete with heating, a couch and a ceiling-mounted television with a subscription to DOGTV, which is exactly what it sounds like. But Kane - nowadays also known as "Lovebug, Snuggle Buggle and Handsome Boy" - has only had a few weeks to enjoy all these luxuries. Kane was 4 years old before he made it through a full night on a soft bed. Adrienne Urbanek and her daughter, Marissa, visit with dog, Kane, on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at his new home in Zionsville. The Urbanek's worked with Kane as Humane Society for Boone County volunteers for nearly three years before his adoption. Kane spent more than 1,000 days at shelter He spent a record 1,129 nights on a firm plastic bed at the Humane Society of Boone County in Indiana. Plastic is easier to sanitize, but thats not the only reason the nonprofit didnt give Kane something softer. He eats anything he shouldnt, Susan Austin, executive director at the nonprofit said with a chuckle. Hes more like a goat than he is a dog. Kane arrived at the shelter September 2020 after he was found abandoned in a nearby neighborhood. Austin and her staff quickly realized Kane was prone to "resource guarding," which in Kanes case manifested as eating things so they couldnt be taken away from him - whether or not those items are actually edible. Kanes tendency to dine off-menu resulted in two intestinal surgeries and a tall hurdle for prospective adopters. People would be charmed by the Humane Societys goofy guy, Austin said, but ultimately decided against taking him home because they lacked the time necessary to attend to such a guarded, anxious dog. But as a handful of would-be owners came and went, one prospective held out hope in her heart that the playful, yet anxious, pup would be hers. Kane gives a lick to the hand of his owner, Betsy Smith, on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in his backyard in Zionsville. Smith, 43, didnt grow up with dogs, but discovered she had a passion for them after she and McFadden, her husband, adopted: a Labrador named Lily in 2014; a Lab mix named Nola followed in 2020; and in fall 2021 Smith started volunteering at the Humane Society. At the time, only certain trained volunteers could work with Kane. Even though I was just learning about dogs, I knew that I wanted to be one of his handlers, Smith said. By the end of the year, Smith completed the requisite training and started taking Kane out for walks and playtime. She expected him to be curious and energetic, but Kane consistently surprised her. I kind of discovered that he is very emotionally intuitive, when I didnt even realize he could be, she said. Smith recalled a night she volunteered for the evening shift on the anniversary of her mothers death. She wanted to do anything to take her mind off the grief and figured playing with dogs couldnt hurt. That night, it was almost like he could sense it, Smith said. He was just focused on me the whole time he was in the yard. It was like he knew. Betsy Smith and Jeremy McFadden play ball with dog, Kane, on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at their home in Zionsville. Couple brings Kane to his fur-ever home Smith soon decided she wanted to adopt Kane, but knew it wouldnt be fair to herself, her husband or Kane to do so unprepared. Adopting Kane would demand a great deal of time and attention from Smith and McFadden, plus special living arrangements to ensure the gastronomically adventurous pooch didn't gobble something harmful. Then, on their anniversary this past summer, McFadden asked Smith if she would like to adopt Kane. There was nothing else to think about at that point, Smith said. Austin saw multiple people express interest in Kane over the 1,129 days, but Kane never seemed as fond of them as he was of Smith. She recalls the way Kane would look adoringly at Smith or how hed let her scritch him longer than anyone else. Kane picked his people, Austin said. Kane runs Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in his backyard in Zionsville. Betsy Smith and Jeremy McFadden rescued Kane from the Humane Society for Boone County in October. Kane was surrendered to the center at 10 months and lived there for three years. In preparation for the adoption, Smith and McFadden put an estimated $7,000 into home renovations. They got approval from their homeowners association to install a fence around the yard so Kane could play outside and seal-coated the garage floor in case he were to "utilize the facility." They worked with a trainer to teach Kane how to sleep on his new, soft bed without tearing it up. It's a heavy commitment, but Smith was willing to do anything the other would-be owners couldn't promise. "No matter what it was going to take, we just knew that he was our missing puzzle piece," Smith said. Couple welcomes new furry family member Kane is still acclimating to his new home, where he has lived since October. Hes met Nola, but the two dogs cant be around each other for long. His resource guarding has improved; he tends to opt for fewer cushions and blankets as he develops a taste for the occasional lick of vanilla ice cream. Smith is never surer of her decision to adopt Kane than when she snuggles with him and feels him take what she said seems like some of the first real deep breaths of his life. She feels his muscles relax in a ripple throughout his body in a way they never did at the shelter. You can see the happiness and peace in his face and you can feel it in his body, Smith said. Like hes letting it all go. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Long-overlooked dog finally finds home with couple ready to pamper him Hundreds of university students in Indonesia's Aceh stormed a temporary shelter for more than a hundred Rohingya refugees, forcing them to relocate (CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN) Hundreds of university students in Indonesia's westernmost province stormed a temporary shelter for more than a hundred Rohingya refugees on Wednesday, forcing them to leave in the latest rejection of the persecuted Myanmar minority. More than 1,500 Rohingya refugees have arrived on the shores of Aceh province since mid-November in what the United Nations says is the biggest influx for eight years. Some of their boats have faced rejection by locals and in some cases have been returned to sea. The students, many wearing jackets with different universities' insignias, entered a government function hall in the capital Banda Aceh where 137 Rohingya refugees were staying. The students demanded they be moved to a local immigration office so they could be deported, according to footage seen by AFP. It showed students chanting "kick them out" and "reject Rohingyas in Aceh". The students were also seen kicking the Rohingyas' belongings. Some women and children were in tears while men who had been praying looked to the ground. The protesters were also involved in a scuffle with police who were guarding the frightened refugees but officers ultimately permitted their removal by the students, according to an AFP journalist at the scene. The students burned tyres and prepared trucks for the Rohingyas to be moved. Police helped them board before they were taken to another government office nearby, the AFP journalist observed. Banda Aceh police did not respond to an AFP request for comment. The UN refugee agency said the incident left refugees shocked and traumatised. "UNHCR remains deeply worried about the safety of refugees and calls on local law enforcement authorities for urgent action to ensure protection of all desperate individuals and humanitarian staff," it said in a statement. "The attack on refugees is not an isolated act but the result of a coordinated online campaign of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech against refugees." Many Acehnese, who themselves have memories of decades of bloody conflict, are sympathetic to the plight of their fellow Muslims. But others say their patience has been tested, claiming the Rohingyas consume scarce resources and occasionally come into conflict with locals. "We protested because we don't agree with the Rohingyas who keep coming here," Kholilullah, a 23-year-old university student who goes by one name, told AFP. Indonesia is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention and says it cannot be compelled to take in refugees from Myanmar, calling instead on neighbouring countries to share the burden and resettle Rohingyas who arrive on its shores. str-dsa-jfx/dva EVANSVILLE Beginning on or around next Monday, Indiana Department of Transportation crews will close State Road 65 at the bridge over I-64 in Vanderburgh County to allow for bridge reconstruction, the agency reported in a news release. According to INDOT, the reconstruction project amounts to replacement of the State Road 65 bridge. Weather conditions permitting, the state agency expects work will last through early July. Ramps at the I-64 and State Road 65 interchange will remain open while work is ongoing, according to INDOT. Southbound State Road 65 traffic will be detoured to I-64 westbound to State Road 165 to I-64 eastbound. The official detour for northbound State Road 65 traffic will be I-64 eastbound to U.S. 41 to I-64 westbound. Local traffic will have road access up to the point of closure, according to INDOT. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: INDOT plans road closure for State Road 65 for bridge reconstruction An Instagram influencer in Hawaii was shot to death by her husband just two days after obtaining a restraining order against him, authorities say. Theresa Cachuela, 33, was gunned down inside a parking garage near Pearlridge Center in Honolulu on Friday morning in front of her 11-year-old daughter, according to family members. The model and beauty entrepreneur had about 20,000 followers on Instagram, where she went by the name Bunny Bontiti and often posted about her heartfelt Christian faith. Police named her killer as Jason Cachuela, 44, who was later found dead behind a residence in nearby Waipahu in what appeared to be a suicide. Court records seen by The Independent show that Ms Cachuela had secured a restraining order against Mr Cachuela just before Christmas, claiming domestic abuse (which he denied). "I am doing this to protect myself, my children, and to hopefully get him the help he needs," wrote Ms Cachuela in her petition to the court. She alleged that her husband had repeatedly ignored her requests to leave him alone, threatening to kill himself in front of her and at one point breaking into her garage and hiding under her car. According to The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, she had also told her family that Mr Cachuela was tracking her through her phone and a GPS device in her car. Family members told local broadcaster KHON-2 that the system should have done a better job of shielding her. "The police are supposed to protect. They failed her; the law failed her miserably," said her father Stephen Johnston. "I say this to the fathers out there: handle your sons, get a hold of them, teach them to treat our women with the dignity and respect they require." Ms Cachuela's aunt Kathleen Johnston added: "Laws got to be changed because this is a heinous act and it could have been prevented. On a GoFundMe page set up to cover her funeral expenses, her mother Lucita Ani-Nihoa wrote that Ms Cachuela had been on her way to have breakfast with her and exchange Christmas gifts. "My daughter did not deserve this. She was trying so hard to get help, but the justice system failed her," wrote Ms Ani-Nihoa. Inside the world of deep-cover spies that Russia is deploying to infiltrate the West Chelsea Jia Feng/BI A number of alleged Russian spies under false identities have been caught in the West. Experts told Business Insider that South America is one of the main sources of fake identities. Russia is gearing up its deployment of deep-cover spies to the West who live under fake identities Victor Muller was a popular student at the highly regarded Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. The "Brazilian" was described to CNN by fellow students as gregarious and smart. He was lively in class, open-minded, and often seen on campus carrying around his motorbike helmet. One student said he was the last person they would ever suspect of being a spy. But in March Muller's true identity was revealed. Prosecutors in the Netherlands said that Muller was, in reality, Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, a Russian military operative who under a fake identity sought an internship at the International Criminal Court in The Hague to steal intelligence. Not long after, four individuals with Bulgarian identities were arrested in the UK. British prosecutors said they were in fact Russian intelligence agents, living under false identities to gather information on key parts of the UK infrastructure. The cases, experts told Business Insider, show that as tensions with the West increase Russia is gearing up its famed program of "illegals", or spies who live under fake identities, to infiltrate foreign countries. It's a method Russia has relied on since the earliest days of the Soviet Union, with its "deep cover" operatives depicted in movies, books, and TV dramas. But with changing times experts believe that Russia has evolved new techniques for creating the "legends," or fake identities for its illegals. Russia falls back on old methods Spies deployed abroad fall into two broad categories. Most are "legals," sent to foreign embassies to apparently take up diplomatic jobs while secretly gathering intelligence. There are also so-called "deep cover" agents, or "illegals," who live under fake identities, sometimes for decades. Russia's famed ability to train "deep cover" agents goes back to the earliest years of the Soviet Union when Western countries refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Communist government and barred its diplomatic representatives. To gather intelligence about Russia's many foreign enemies, the KGB's precursor, the NKVD, began sending agents abroad under fake aliases. Often, they spent years living apparently mundane lives, while secretly developing sources and gathering intelligence. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has seen relations between the West and Russia sink to their lowest point since the Cold War, and diplomatic relations have again collapsed. Western governments have expelled 700 Russian diplomats they've accused of being "legals" working for Russian intelligence agencies. Kevin Riehle, a former FBI counterintelligence officer, said this means that Russia is falling back on old methods, and deploying "deep cover" agents under false identities to infiltrate the West. "Because they don't look Russian, they don't operate out of the embassy, they can move around without the scrutiny that a Russian diplomatic officer gets," he said. Since the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats, "illegals are what's left basically so they become very important," he added. Russian President Vladimir Putin, himself a former KGB foreign intelligence officer, has long celebrated the exploits of Russia's spies. In a speech at the headquarters of Russia's foreign intelligence agency, the SVR, in 2020, he praised Russia's "courageous" spies. Putin has portrayed becoming an "illegal" as an "act of self-sacrifice and heroism of these people to go and you know, subsume themselves from society on behalf of the motherland," said Trevor Barnes, whose book, "Dead Doubles," explores one of the most famous Russian deep-cover spy rings. In 2014, 10 Russian "deep cover" agents had their covers blown in the US. One of the spies, Anna Chapman, became a tabloid celebrity, and on her return to Russia took up a lucrative position on the board of a bank. How Russia creates 'legends' for its spies Under Putin, Russia has evolved the methods it uses to create sophisticated cover identities for its spies, or "legends" as they're known in the business. During the Cold War, Canada became a hub for the illicit creation of identities for Russian spies. The country had less stringent rules for creating passports and identity papers than other Western nations, said Barnes. Some Russian foreign embassy officials were assigned to a ghoulish role, he said, combing newspapers for notices of child deaths whose identities would then be used to obtain passports for agents. But in the wake of 9/11 new technology, such as biometric passports, made it more difficult to use fake identity papers. Barnes said that there are "swings and roundabouts" in the use of new technology for registering identity, and AI and other new technologies made the production of convincing fakes easier. New technology, he said, "puts great pressure on border agencies." Russia has also turned to a new part of the world to obtain fake identities for its agents: South America. There, corruption is rife and the Kremlin can count on the support of decades-old allies. "It's a little easier to find a cooperative individual in a registration office or in a driver's license office or whatever it is, whom you can recruit, or you can pay and who is willing to maybe overlook a minor anomaly in the application," said Riehle. "Russia goes where it's easiest. And just as with any operational activity, you go for where the less risk is, so I suspect they're going there because the risk is lower," said Riehle. In recent months, several alleged Russian agents living under South American identities have been uncovered. In Slovenia, a couple living with their two children were arrested in March and accused of living under false Argentine identities while spying for Russia. An academic living under a Brazilian identity was arrested in Norway in 2022, accused of spying for Russia. Russia may also be turning back to methods it innovated decades ago, during a brutal conflict on European soil decades before Ukraine: The Spanish Civil War. During the war, the Soviet Union's agents stole passports from foreigners who enlisted to fight for the socialist Republicans against Francisco Franco's fascists. They used them to create "deep cover" identities for spies, some of whom were only unmasked decades after the war ended. It's possible, Riehle said, that Russia is using the same tactics now. Thousands of foreign fighters from Central Asia, the Middle East, and elsewhere are believed to have signed up to fight for Russian mercenary groups in Ukraine. "I think it's possible the Russian services could use a similar method today. Particularly as there are foreign fighters from multiple countries traveling to Ukraine to fight on Russia's side, not just the Ukraine side," said Riehle. Russian 'illegals' lead ordinary lives But the world of Russia's deep cover agents is not always as glamorous as its depicted as being in films and novels. Often, said Barnes, deep cover agents lead anonymous lives quietly seeking to infiltrate their targets. Soviet spies Morris Cohen and his wife Lona lived in the 1950s in the London suburb of Ruislip under the identities of antiquarian booksellers Peter and Helen Kroger while sending intelligence to Moscow. The alleged agents recently arrested in the UK lived ordinary lives, working as network engineers, hospital drivers, and lab assistants. It's a world away from the casinos and international intrigue of James Bond movies. Defector unmasks illegals In the fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the world of espionage has become even more dangerous, said Barnes. The invasion prompted a wave of defections to the West, he said, and fears of brutal retaliation from the Kremlin. He said it's likely the unmasking of a number of Russian illegals in the West in recent months is the result of intelligence passed on by a defector. John Sipher, formerly deputy director of the CIA's Russia operations, told The Guardian he believed a source inside Russia had likely passed information to US or Western intelligence enabling illegals to be uncovered. "It's almost impossible for counterintelligence services to uncover illegals, except some of these GRU illegals who seem to have had sequential passport numbers. It is almost always a human source," said Sipher. As a result, the "illegals" program is now shrouded under even deeper layers of fear and security. "There have been lots of defections in the last couple of years behind the scenes and none of that's been made public yet," said Barnes. "Security Services have given them much, much higher levels of protection." It's impossible to know, said Riehle, how many deep cover agents Russia has deployed to the West. Traditionally, agents placed in deep cover roles train for around six years, an expensive and detailed process designed to iron out any mistakes or inconsistencies that may expose them as living under an assumed identity. The number may be as low as 30, said Riehle. But one detail, he said is almost impossible to eliminate despite years of training: Accents. It's one of the details that led students to suspect that things were not all they seemed with alleged Russian spy Cherkasov. "Looking back, it was a red flag," the former classmate told CNN, speaking on the condition of anonymity, of Cherkasov's accent. "I remember thinking at the time it didn't really make sense." Read the original article on Business Insider FILE PHOTO: The Iranian flag flutters in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organisation's headquarters in Vienna (Reuters) - Iran's atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami on Wednesday said there was "nothing new" in an international nuclear watchdog report saying that Tehran had reversed a months-long slowdown in its uranium enrichment programme, Iranian media reported. "We did nothing new and are doing the same activities according to the rules," Eslami was quoted as saying. An International Atomic Energy Agency report seen by Reuters on Tuesday said that Iran has "increased its production of highly enriched uranium, reversing a previous output reduction from mid-2023". (dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com; Editing by David Goodman) Tehran has tried to take some credit for the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel as part of revenge for the killing of a high-ranking Iranian official, but the terrorist group Hamas flatly denied the claims in a bizarre spat between close allies. "Its natural for Hamas to deny any linkage here to avoid giving Israel more reasons to continue its military mission against the terror group," Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital. "Iran has been looking to wash blood away with blood since the killing of Soleimani, whose anniversary is near and it hopes to hype," Taleblu explained. "It should come as no surprise that the worlds foremost state sponsor of terrorism would seek to use terror when responding to the loss of their chief terror mastermind." Middle East outlet Al Jazeera, which the Qatari government owns, reported Wednesday that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed the Oct. 7 attack, known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, was "one of the responses to the assassination of Qasem Soleimani." CNN ASKS ISRAELI SPOKESPERSON IF CHILDREN ARE JUSTIFIABLE ENEMIES IN HEATED CLASH Hamas, however, immediately rejected Irans statement, stressing that the group has "repeatedly" confirmed the "motives and reasons" for the attack, which it labeled as "acts of Palestinian resistance in response to the Zionist occupation and its ongoing aggression against our people and our holy sites," The Jerusalem Post reported. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP An Iraqi judge who issued a an arrest warrant for Donald Trump over the death of Qassem Soleimani is expected to travel to Washington, D.C. "Focusing on the ends, defined here as striking at the Jewish state, often matters more than the means or any intervening political motivation," Taleblu argued. "This is what makes Iran a successful patron to its proxy network." "Its natural for Hamas to deny any linkage here so as to avoid giving Israel more reasons to continue its military mission against the terror group," he added. NEW YORK TIMES FACED INTENSE SCRUTINY IN 2023 OVER ISRAEL-HAMAS COVERAGE Irans claim follows the death of another senior IRGC adviser in Damascus on Monday, which the group labeled "an act of terrorism" committed by Israel, according to Iranian state media. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi speaks while standing next to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, left, during a military parade in Tehran, April 18, 2023. The Wall Street Journal, in the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7, reported that Iran helped plan the attack and train Hamas terrorists ahead of its execution. Hamas strongly and repeatedly denied Irans involvement, and Iran initially claimed it had no foreknowledge of the attack. U.S. leaders also said they saw no evidence of Iran helping Hamas plan the attacks reports the U.S. has since reiterated, which makes Irans sudden claim so surprising and perplexing. DOCTORS AGAINST GENOCIDE' SCRAPS EVENT AT HOLOCAUST MUSEUM, APOLOGIZES AFTER UPROAR: MISUNDERSTANDING "Its clear that while Iran has been the primary backer of Hamas, it did not hit the switch to tell Hamas to conduct its horrific assault on Israel on October 7th," Joel Rubin, the deputy assistant secretary of state for house affairs during the Obama administration, told Fox News Digital. The Gaza Strip's Hamas prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh, greets lawmakers in Turkey on Jan. 3, 2012. "The result is that Hamas is growing increasingly frustrated that its patron, Iran, has not pressed the other militant groups, such as Hezbollah, to attack Israel in a cohesive way," he argued. "Iran is responding to these concerns by slowly turning on its network, but American responses to Iranian proxy attacks have been swift and effective." Hamas is just one of nearly two dozen proxy groups Iran funds and supports in the Middle East as part of its campaign against rival nations in the region, including the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Some of those other proxy groups have attempted to either expand the conflict with Israel or to attack the U.S. military assets and forces in the Middle East in order to disrupt American support for Israel. The U.S. Navy shot down 12 one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land attack missiles fired by Houthis over a 12-hour period on Tuesday, U.S. Central Command reported this week. The Houthis have launched nearly 100 drones since Oct. 17 much of their assets provided by Iran. Fox News Digitals Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Original article source: Iran and Hamas argue over credit for Oct. 7 terror attacks: 'Looking to wash blood away with blood' Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi speaks during a press conference at the Agency headquarters in Vienna. Dean Calma/IAEA/dpa The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization has rejected a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to the effect that production of highly enriched uranium has been ramped up sharply. "We are pursuing our current activities within the rules framework," Mohammad Eslami said, the Iran Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported on Wednesday. On Tuesday, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi informed the organization's member states about the increased activity. Production had previously been scaled back in mid-2023. Iran had communicated its increased production plans at the end of November for its facilities in Natanz and Fordow. IAEA inspectors then verified the production during visits on December 19 and 24, the UN nuclear watchdog said. Since the end of November, around 9 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity have been produced at the sites - compared to around 3 kilograms per month in previous months. Enrichment to at least 80% is necessary for a nuclear bomb. Iranian officials have consistently stated they have no intentions to create nuclear weapons. An international deal from 2015 limits Iran to only 4% enrichment, but Iran began violating the terms in 2018 after the US pulled out of the deal. The News Iran tripled its output of near-weapons grade nuclear fuel over the past three months, the UNs nuclear watchdog said on Tuesday, signaling the reopening of a dangerous front in Tehrans conflict with the West as the Gaza war intensifies. The International Atomic Energy Agency told member states in a confidential report that Iran is now producing uranium enriched to 60% purity at a rate of 9 kg per month, up from 3 kg over the summer and early fall. The U.S. estimates that Tehran already has amassed enough fissile material for the production of three nuclear weapons and is moving dangerously close to the 90% purity thats considered weapons grade. Tehran has increased its production of highly enriched uranium, reversing a previous output reduction from mid-2023, the IAEA said in the report, which was first viewed by the Associated Press and Reuters. Iran scaled back its production of 60%-enriched uranium following a back-channel agreement reached last spring between the Biden administration and Iran, Middle East officials told Semafor. In return for this reduction, the U.S. greenlighted the release of billions of dollars of frozen Iranian energy revenues held in Asian and Mideast banks. This sequenced deal also included a September prisoner-swap agreement that resulted in five American citizens being released from Iranian detention. But the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel launched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is armed and financed by Iran, has significantly stoked tensions between Washington and Tehran and apparently upended the nuclear compromise. Iranian-backed proxies in Iraq, Syria and Yemen have drastically increased attacks on U.S. and Western targets over the past three months. This included a Christmas Day strike on a U.S. military base in northern Iraq that injured three American servicemen, one critically. The Pentagon retaliated later Monday by launching three strikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Also on Monday, a suspected Israeli airstrike killed a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard general in Syria, Seyed Razi Mousavi, drawing threats of retaliation from Tehran. The IAEA said in its report that Iran began ramping up the production of near-weapons grade fuel in late November at its enrichment facilities in Natanz and Fordow. The agency also reported that Tehran has reconfigured its centrifuge machines in a way that could allow it to produce nuclear fuel at an even faster rate. Jays view Iran appears committed to using its nuclear program as a tool to pressure the U.S. and the West for their support of Israel. But the question now is whether Tehran will use the Gaza crisis as cover or a pretext to even further advance its atomic capabilities. U.S. officials and nuclear experts are particularly concerned that Iran might move to produce weapons-grade uranium at 90% purity, arguing its for non-military purposes. (Iran is currently the only non-nuclear weapons state in the world to be enriching uranium to 60%. A number of countries with civilian nuclear power programs, such as Brazil, Argentina and Japan, enrich uranium at lower levels.) Tehran has claimed for years that its developing a nuclear-powered submarine, which would require weapons-grade fuel. Using highly enriched uranium for such purposes wouldnt technically place Iran at odds with the UNs Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, of which its a signatory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said his country would launch military strikes against Irans nuclear infrastructure if Tehran moved to enrich to 90%. Successive U.S. administrations have often vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring weapons grade fuel. They canspring to 90%. They dont need to build, manufacture, the nuclear weapon, because they have the design, Olli Heinonen, a former IAEA deputy director, told Semafor earlier this year. And thats part of the problem because that part has not been verified, how far they got in developing nuclear weapons capabilities. The IAEAs director general, Rafael Grossi, is currently pressing Iran to explain the presence of undeclared nuclear materials at three sites inside the country. The View From Tehran Iran denies that its pursuing nuclear weapons and says its cooperating with the IAEA. Tehran also says that reports of undeclared nuclear materials inside the country are the product of fraudulent reports spread by Israel. Irans ambassador to the IAEA, Mohsen Naziri Asl, told state media on Monday that Tehrans displayed exemplary cooperation and that 12 IAEA inspectors on average have been at work inside Iran. Naziri Asl also said that Tehran is pressing multinational organizations to expose and constrain Israels nuclear weapons, which the country neither confirms nor denies possessing. Following negotiations between Islamic countries, three statements were proposed regarding three issues including: Israels crimes in Gaza, the Israeli regimes threat to use nukes and the necessity to deal with the regimes undeclared nuclear weapons program, Naziri Asl said. Notable Yemens Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a another missile strike on a container ship in the Red Sea on Tuesday. Honour guards carry the coffin of Razi Moussavi, a senior commander in the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in Iraq's holy city of Najaf (Qassem al-KAABI) Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Israel on Wednesday that it or its allied groups would take "direct" action to avenge the killing of senior commander Razi Moussavi. The general was killed Monday in an Israeli missile strike near the Syrian capital, according to state media, at a time of heightened regional tensions around the Israel-Hamas war raging in Gaza. The Israeli army, which has launched hundreds of strikes on Iran-linked targets in war-torn Syria in recent years, said only that it does not comment on foreign media reports. The body of Moussavi, a commander in the Guards' foreign operations arm the Quds Force, was taken to Iraq for funeral rites in Shiite Muslim holy sites a day ahead of his burial in Iran planned for Thursday. IRGC spokesman Ramezan Sharif warned that "our response to Moussavi's assassination will be a combination of direct action as well as (from) others led by the Axis of Resistance," the local Mehr news agency reported. Sharif charged that the Israeli killing of the general near Damascus "was likely due to its failures after the 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood'" -- a reference to the October 7 attacks Hamas launched against Israel. The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,140 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures, and saw around 250 people taken hostage. Israel has retaliated with a relentless bombardment and ground invasion that have killed at least 21,110 people, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry. - 'List of crimes' - The Gaza war has reverberated across the Middle East, drawing in armed groups backed by Israel's arch foe Iran in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Iran, which supports Hamas financially and militarily, has hailed the deadly attacks as a "success" but denied any direct involvement. 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". Sharif claimed Moussavi's killing was an Israeli attempt "to expand the war to other geographical areas". In Iraq, hundreds of mourners Wednesday flocked to attend memorial prayers for Moussavi, whose coffin was taken to the Imam Ali shrine in the Shiite shrine city of Najaf. "America is the enemy of God," some of them chanted. The pallbearers included members of the Hashed al-Shaabi, mainly pro-Iranian former paramilitary units that have been integrated into Iraq's regular armed forces. His remains were then taken to Karbala, another shrine city, ahead of his repatriation to Iran. Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Mohammed al-Sadiq, told AFP that Moussavi's death was the latest of the Israeli "enemy's list of crimes". burs-ap/mz/fz Irish President Patrick Hillerys decision to decline an invitation to the wedding of Charles and Diana prompted concerns from Irish government officials. The invitation was sent to Mr Hillery and his wife for the wedding on 29 July 1981 in St Pauls Cathedral, and requested a reply by 26 June. A briefing note on how to respond to the invite is among the State documents released by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the National Archives this year. It asked whether the reply should be issued after the Irish general election, or would it be discourteous to do so, while also noting that sending a reply too soon after the invite could also be discourteous. The note also ponders that since it is a negative reply, it would seem desirable to offer a diplomatic excuse, as no decent reason being given could be misinterpreted both domestically and internationally. The press will certainly ask the reason for the non-attendance. The document also weighed up the pros and cons of attending the wedding, noting that an invite from a friendly country to an occasion such as this should be accepted, but adding that the Irish President would attract unfavourable comment if he did attend. The wedding invitations were issued a month after IRA prisoner Bobby Sands died after a 66-day-long hunger strike, as part of a campaign to be treated as a political prisoner. The present state of Anglo-Irish relations, and specifically the very general feeling of dissatisfaction in both the north and the south with the British governments policy on prison conditions in Northern Ireland would ensure that there would be much unfavourable comment if the president were to attend the royal wedding, the document said. It added that with the appropriate diplomatic excuse, a refusal of the Irish presidents attendance would not impair the political dialogue with London. On 26 June 1981, the final date by which the RSVP was to be given, Irelands ambassador to the UK conveyed the Irish presidents thanks for the wedding invite but expressed their regret that, because of prior commitments, they will be unable to attend. They have instructed that the ambassador should represent them on this occasion, it added. A separate file published in the archive this year said that Diana, Princess of Wales, showed obvious ignorance of, or disregard for, constitutional niceties in relation to Northern Ireland, according to a note from the Irish ambassador in 1993. Irish President Patrick Hillery declined invitation to royal wedding (PA) The late princess had referred to Northern Ireland as part of Ireland in an interaction which was noted ahead of a historic visit by then-Irish president Mary Robinson to Buckingham Palace. The meeting in May 1993 would mark the first time a serving president of Ireland visited the United Kingdom, and visited Queen Elizabeth II. A folder with briefing material for the Irish president ahead of the visit includes a note by the Irish ambassador in London, Joseph Small, where he stated that the princess royal had visited Ireland in a private capacity for equestrian functions. Whenever we meet Prince Charles, he invariably says that he would love to visit Ireland, Mr Smalls briefing note dated 21 May 1993 said. He is, of course, a regular visit to Northern Ireland (sic). Princess Diana has also been there. Early last year she said to me, with obvious ignorance of or disregard for constitutional niceties: I was in your country yesterday! The briefing note also detailed the latest political situation in the UK, included notes on the Irish diaspora in the UK, and on the royal family ahead of what would become a significant visit as Anglo-Irish relations deepened. Mrs Robinsons visit to London was planned for 26-28 May, where she was to receive the degree of doctor of civil law by diploma from the University of Oxford, become an honorary fellow of Hertford College, Oxford, and present the Irish Post Awards that celebrate the Irish in Britain. On the second day of the trip at 5pm, Mrs Robinson was to pay a courtesy call to Queen Elizabeth II in response to an invite from the monarch. Among the topics noted for possible discussion between Mrs Robinson and Queen Elizabeth II was Northern Ireland, bombing atrocities in the region and in Britain, cross-border issues and general relations between Ireland and the UK. Also noted were Mrs Robinsons appreciation of her response re Somalia and her concerns regarding Sudan and Yugoslavia and the British UN military involvement. The meeting was scheduled to last around 40 minutes, where tea and light refreshments were to be served. Mr Robinson also attended the engagement, while the Duke of Edinburgh was in Liverpool attending the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. An observer wrote to the presidents office before the visit and noted some parallels with the last meeting between an Irish woman leader and a British monarch. The writer compared the Buckingham Palace meeting with the Queen of Connaught, Grace OMalley, visiting Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Castle exactly 400 years earlier, in 1593. Grace, like yourself, was also a Mayo woman! Dr Donald Martin from Killybegs in Co Donegal wrote, noting that the language spoken at the time was Latin. Mrs Robinsons special adviser replied to say Mrs Robinson read the letter with great interest. Prince Andrew was said to have a better grasp of NI affairs than Lord Mandelson, according to the papers Prince Andrew "smoothed over" mistakes made by then Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson at a charity event in 2000, according to just-released Irish state papers. Among the 13,200 files just released by the National Archives of Ireland are a number which chart the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. They also cover the Patten Report. The task of piloting the legislation to establish a new police force fell to Mo Mowlam's replacement Mr Mandelson. He took up the role as secretary of state for Northern Ireland in October 1999 but there were concerns about his level of interest in and knowledge of Northern Ireland. This was noticeable at a Co-operation Ireland charity event held at the Albert Hall in London in April 2000 which was compered by Patrick Kielty, who now presents RTE's The Late Late Show. Lord Mandelson, as he has been known since 2008, was "in a strange, almost detached, mood" that evening, according to the state papers. He embarrassed David Trimble on two occasions by confusing Harland & Wolff with Shorts and asking "loudly" if Kielty's father, Jack, who was shot dead by the UFF in 1988, "had been a member of the IRA". The "awkward silence" which ensued from that comment was resolved by a diplomatic intervention from Prince Andrew who "smoothed over the moment by remarking that there could hardly be a family in Northern Ireland that was untouched by the conflict". The Duke of York also had a better grasp of the Harland & Wolff/Shorts situation than Lord Mandelson and "appeared more knowledgeable than the secretary of state about industrial policy on Northern Ireland", the papers said. When he was appointed, Irish diplomats based in London viewed Lord Mandelson as an unknown quantity on Northern Ireland. He had made few public pronouncements on the subject and his knowledge of it was based largely on his experience of covering events in Northern Ireland while working as a journalist for London Weekend Television in the early 1980s. He was not known to have many friends or associates in the province, apart from the journalist, Mary Holland. Where Dr Mowlam was seen as too close to nationalism, Lord Mandelson was expected to appear more neutral. As a staunch Blairite, he was considered to "be a strong supporter of the Good Friday Agreement", though not being one of its architects, he would possibly "be willing to look at it in a more flexible way". By early 2000 the Irish government was dissatisfied with the extent of Lord Mandelson's neutrality and flexibility. In particular, they were concerned that his equivocation on the name of the new police service and his initial refusal to commit to an entirely neutral new badge for the force constituted unacceptable deviations from Patten's recommendations. Lord Mandelson resigned as secretary of state in January 2001, two months after the enactment of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act which established the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), replacing the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). Holy Cross One of the last high-profile security incidents policed by the RUC before its replacement in November 2001 was the loyalist protest at Holy Cross girls' primary school in Ardoyne, north Belfast. The archives contain detailed daily reports of the situation which began on 19 June, noting "conflicting reports about the cause". Loyalists complained that a woman from their community had been prevented from accessing shops by some men, while nationalists claimed a Catholic man who had been collecting his child from school was assaulted by loyalists who were erecting paramilitary flags in the area. The parish priest of Ardoyne, Fr Aidan Troy, identified demographic change as another contributory factor - citing a recent increase in the Catholic population of the area. The role of loyalist paramilitaries was also significant. Loyalists expelled from the Shankill Road during the previous year's feud had re-settled in the Glenbryn estate in Ardoyne and were "intent on stirring things up". Fr Troy did not see the dispute as entirely one-sided and had personal experience of the intimidation complained of by loyalists living in the area. The papers said: "He himself had been stoned by young children while out jogging because they mistook his t-shirt for a Glasgow Rangers jersey." Early on the morning of 3 September 2001, as the school was reopening for the new school year, Fr Troy sought conciliatory talks with the local Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) MLA Billy Hutchinson. Fr Troy was met with Mr Hutchinson's refusal to talk "to scum like you". The priest attributed the vehemence of Mr Hutchinson's language to Fr Troy's role "[a]s a priest" but declined to specify other comments uttered to him in the "tongue-lashing" he received from Mr Hutchinson. "What he called me was unrepeatable," said Fr Troy. The protests were eventually suspended in November 2001 following intervention by the Northern Ireland Executive with a cross-community support package providing additional resources for schools, traffic-calming, community transport, policing and a community forum. But a brief recurrence of violence when the school re-opened in January 2002 after the Christmas holidays showed how volatile the situation remained. The school principal Anne Tanney "bemoaned the fact that the name Holy Cross had become synonymous with bigotry and sectarian hatred, appearing alongside Drumcree in articles as a by-word for all that was wrong in their society". Professor Marie Coleman is Professor of Twentieth Century Irish History at Queen's University Belfast Teams of the police, the bomb disposal squad and the fire department carried out a search operation in the area soon after the explosion Israel has upgraded its travel advisory for citizens in India after a low-intensity explosion near the country's embassy in Delhi. The blast took place on Tuesday evening in the capital's Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave. Nobody was injured, but police said they recovered shrapnel from the spot. An investigation is under way. Israel has asked its citizens to avoid crowded places like malls and markets, and skip large-scale events. It added that "it is possible" the explosion was an "attack" and there was "a fear of a recurrence of the events". In a public message on Tuesday, the country's National Security Headquarters (NSH) also warned Israelis staying in India - and Delhi in particular - to stay alert, avoid displaying "Israeli symbols" in public and not post their trip details or photos on social media channels. Earlier this month, the NSH warned Israelis to reconsider all their travel abroad and called on those who do need to travel overseas to avoid outward displays of their Jewish identity amid the ongoing war in Gaza. It began on 7 October after Hamas led a wave of deadly attacks on communities inside Israel. Some 1,200 people, mainly civilians, were killed. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed - mostly children and women - in more than 11 weeks of fighting. The claims by the warring sides have not been independently verified. Meanwhile, authorities in India said they had tightened security around the embassy and other Israeli establishments in Delhi. In 2021, an explosion was reported outside the Israeli embassy in which cars were damaged. However, no deaths were reported in the incident. BBC News India is now on YouTube. Click here to subscribe and watch our documentaries, explainers and features. Read more India stories from the BBC: Israel embassy officials and members of the security forces check the area, following a reported explosion nearby, in New Delhi, India (REUTERS) Israel has issued a travel warning for its citizens in India after a low-intensity blast near its embassy in Delhi sparked suspicion over a terror attack amid its war against Hamas in Gaza. A blast was reported on Tuesday evening near Israels embassy in Delhis Chanakyapuri area. No one was injured in the incident. But an abusive letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador was found near the site of the blast, officials said. Israels national security council on Tuesday said an IED exploded today near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi in a possible terrorist attack. Issuing a travel advisory, it urged Israeli citizens in India to avoid crowded places like malls and markets and to skip large-scale events amid Christmas festivities in the capital. It said there was a fear of a recurrence of the events and urged citizens to be on heightened alert in public places. It also recommended that Israeli citizens avoid openly displaying Israeli symbols and publicising itineraries, photographs and details on social media. Delhi police have launched an investigation into the incident, Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir said. Police personnel conduct an investigation after an alleged explosion took place near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi (AFP via Getty Images) We can confirm that around 5.48pm (local time), there was a blast in close proximity to the embassy. Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation. The recommendations of the Israeli National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday, which come amid concerns of a recurrence of events, apply especially to New Delhi, he said. Videos from outside the Israeli embassy in Delhi showed forensic teams and a dog squad of the counter-terrorism unit, National Security Guard, at the spot as the capital remained blanketed with a mix of fog and smog. After examining the CCTV footage, Delhi police reportedly believe that there could be two suspects involved. The letter that was addressed to the Israeli ambassador was signed under the name Sir Allah Resistance, police sources said. The Independent has reached out to Israels embassy in New Delhi for comment. Police officials gather outside the Israeli embassy, following a reported explosion nearby, in New Delhi (REUTERS) Israeli missions around the world have been put on high alert amid the rise in antisemitic attacks since Israel launched a war in Gaza in its efforts to crush Hamas militants. The war that began in October has devastated large parts of Gaza, killing more than 20,400 Palestinians, mostly children and women, and displaced almost all of the territorys 2.3 million people. Israel said it launched the counter-offensive after the 7 October attack by Hamas that caught Israeli forces off guard. It is not the first time Israel has raised suspicion over the possibility of a terrorist attack. In January 2021, a small bomb went off near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. No one was injured in the incident and an Israeli official said at the time that Israel was treating the blast as a terrorist incident. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has stated that the potential capture of Marinka is not a sign of an operationally significant advance for the Russians. Source: ISW Quote: "Russia's likely capture of Marinka in Donetsk Oblast represents a limited Russian tactical gain and does not portend any operationally significant advance unless Russian forces have dramatically improved their ability to conduct rapid mechanised forward movement, which they show no signs of having done." Details: The ISW estimated that Russian forces were likely controlling most, if not all, of Marinka, despite the fact that there was no visual evidence of the full capture of Marinka by Russian forces as of 26 December. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the capture of Marinka would allow Russian troops to drive Ukrainian combat units away from occupied Donetsk and create a wider operational space for Russian troops. Many Russian military bloggers have hailed the capture of Maryinka as a tactical victory and stated that it would allow Russian forces to launch offensives towards settlements up to 15 kilometres west of Marinka in the coming weeks and months, posing a threat to nearby Ukrainian ground lines of communication. The ISW reiterated that Russian forces had been attempting to capture Marinka since 2014 and have been conducting daily direct attacks on the settlement since the start of the full-scale invasion, intensifying these attacks in early October 2023. Both Russian and Ukrainian officials have admitted that the fighting has completely destroyed Marinka, a small settlement that was home to about 9,000 people before the invasion. Quote: "A small and completely destroyed settlement does not offer Russian forces a secure operational foothold from which to launch further offensive operations. Marinka is located less than a kilometre from the pre-invasion frontline and Ukrainian forces have long fortified many of the surrounding settlements, which Russian forces have been similarly struggling to capture." To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 26 December: Russia's likely capture of Marinka in Donetsk Oblast represents a limited Russian tactical gain and does not portend any operationally significant advance unless Russian forces have dramatically improved their ability to conduct rapid mechanised forward movement, which they show no signs of having done. Localised Russian offensive operations are still placing pressure on Ukrainian forces in many places along the front in eastern Ukraine, however, and can result in gradual tactical Russian advances. Ukrainian forces conducted a successful missile strike that destroyed a Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) vessel and potentially damaged port infrastructure in occupied Feodosiia, Crimea on 26 December. Russian forces struck a train station in Kherson City where civilians were waiting for evacuation on 26 December. Russian forces have reportedly decreased the tempo of their operations on east (left) bank Kherson Oblast, likely in connection with decreasing Russian aviation activity after Ukrainian forces recently shot down several Russian aircraft. The Ukrainian government continues efforts to systematise and increase the sustainability of Ukrainian mobilisation over the long term. Russian President Vladimir Putin continued to portray himself as a gracious Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, while contrasting his apparent attention to the Russian irregular forces with the Russian Ministry of Defences (MoD) incompetence. Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states met during a series of meetings in St Petersburg on 25 and 26 December. Russian actors seized on ongoing protests in Serbia against Serbian President Alexander Vucic to blame Western actors for causing instability in Serbia, which Russia perceives as a long-term European ally. A prominent Kremlin-affiliated Russian milblogger claimed that Finland is becoming a "second Ukraine," creating rhetorical parallels between Russian narratives about Ukraine and Finland, further suggesting that Russia maintains future ideological and territorial objectives that far exceed the war in Ukraine. Russian forces made confirmed advances near Kupiansk, Avdiivka, Marinka, and Robotyne as positional engagements continued along the entire line of contact. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a series of laws on 25 December to help further bolster Russias force generation capacity. The Kremlin further formalised avenues to coerce residents of occupied Ukraine to receive Russian passports using maternity capital payments. Support UP or become our patron! Russias potential capture of Marinka in Donetsk Oblast represents a limited tactical gain and doesnt allow for any operational significant advance unless Russian forces have considerably improved their ability to conduct rapid mechanized forward movement, which they show no signs of having done, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said. Russia claimed to have fully captured the town on Dec. 25, but Ukraines Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said the next day that Ukrainian troops remained in Marinkas northern part. The ISW, a U.S.-based think tank, assesses that Russias military likely controls most if not all of Marinka, despite the lack of visual confirmation of the complete capture of Marinka as of Dec. 26. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claimed, as cited by the ISW, that the capture of Marinka would allow Russia to push Ukrainian combat units away from occupied Donetsk and establish a wider operational space for Russian troops. However, the small and completely destroyed town does not offer Russian forces a reliable operational foothold for further offensive actions, the ISW argued. Read also: Ukraine finally moves to fortify front line, but could it be too little too late? Since the start of its all-out war against Ukraine in February last year, Russia reportedly advanced roughly three kilometers in depth into Marinka, which Ukraine has heavily fortified since Russias first invasion of the Donbas in 2014. There are no indications that the rate of Russian advance to the next settlements identified as tactical Russian objectives will be any quicker, especially considering the rate of attrition that Russian forces suffered to capture a small settlement directly on the border of territory Russia has controlled since 2014, reads the ISWs assessment. Russian forces have not conducted any offensive operation that resulted in a rapid and mechanized forward advance since spring 2022, and Russian capabilities to conduct the mechanized maneuver that would be required for such an advance have been severely degraded. Marinka, which had a pre-war population of around 9,000, lies immediately west of the regional capital, Donetsk, which has been occupied by Russia since 2014. Read also: Putin plays it safe by delaying new mobilization ahead of election in Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Alex Fraser TURIN (Reuters) - A man may regain the use of his hand, left paralysed by a severe road accident, thanks to a pioneering nerve transfer operation from his partly amputated leg, doctors in northern Italy said. Surgeons at Turin City Hospital (CTO) transferred part of the man's sciatic nerve, which controlled the movement of his amputated foot, to his brachial plexus, the network of nerves that connect the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand. "It's the first time that someone transfers a component of the sciatic nerve to the brachial plexus", Paolo Titolo, one of the surgeons who performed the operation, said in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday. Marcello Gaviglio, a 55-year-old healthcare worker had to have half his left leg amputated after he was hit by a motor-bike five months ago while travelling to work on his moped. He suffered serious injuries to his brachial plexus as well as his leg, leaving him unable to use either of his hands. Because the part of the sciatic nerve that controlled his left foot was no longer needed, it could be transferred to the shoulder area in the operation carried out on Dec. 21, potentially restoring the mobility to one of his hands. Before it is clear if that is possible, Gaviglio will have to undergo around 5 months of post-operative care. For now, he is still unable to move the hand at all. Nerve transfer surgery is not new, but it has not previously involved moving a nerve that normally controls the foot to an area that controls the hand. "We think this is pioneering surgery because if it works it means that the brain plasticity can control also other parts of the body that we didn't expect and also opens new fields in neuro studies," Titolo said. The aim is to restore "some grasp function" to the hand, which will then also be able to help the other hand to do things, he added. The procedure was the result of four years of research and was published in the medical journal Injury. Gaviglio, the patient, said he had given little thought to the pioneering aspect of the surgery, he just felt it was an opportunity he should take advantage of. "I thought about relying on a team of very good doctors and being able to move my hand again a little bit," he said. (additional reporting by Massimo Pinca, writing by Alvise Armellini and Gavin Jones, editing by Alexandra Hudson) Wondering what's going on the Cayuga waterfront, or at the formerly abandoned factory on south hill? Here are some planned and ongoing projects in Ithaca, slated to continue into (or beyond) 2024. Waters Edge The proposed Waters Edge project aims to create 450 500 residential units in and alongside a mixed commercial retail space spread across the sites four proposed buildings on a site seated just off Ithacas Route 13 corridor and adjacent to the Ithaca Farmers Market. A December report from Arnot Realty, and project architect Erik Reynolds at a Planning and Development meeting included a 122-page document, outlining plans for the site. An artist's rendering of the "Water's Edge" project proposed along the Cayuga Inlet in Ithaca, slated to begin the first phase of construction in Oct. 2024. Arnot Realty, based in Horseheads, won an auction for the 8-acre site formerly a storage facility used by the state Department of Transportation in 2021, with a nearly $3.8 million bid. The two smaller buildings proposed for the site would be used purely to house people, while the two larger five-story buildings will be comprised largely of commercial space, according to site plans. Early plans for the site were presented to Ithacas Planning Board in September. The board seemed to approve of the projects design and proposed public amenities, including over 1.5 acres of green space, 420 parking spaces, 150 bicycle spaces, charging stations for electric vehicles, and the possibility of a TCAT bus stop adjacent to the site. The project would connect to the Cayuga Waterfront trail, but rather than simply leaving the trail as is, site plans indicate new landscaping and rest areas where the trail intersects with the site. Phase one of the project is estimated to cost $64 million and begin in October 2024. The first phase is estimated to be complete by June 2026, with phase two slated to be under construction from 2025 to 2027. Chain Works District Redevelopment Project The Chain Works District Redevelopment Project is another large-scale project under development in Ithaca. The project, dubbed Southworks, aims to redevelop the former Morse Chain and Emerson Power Transmission facility on the citys South Hill, a nearly 900,000 square-foot site on a 95-acre parcel. An aerial view of the Chainworks project site. Plans for the site aim to turn what once was a factory into residential, commercial, office, manufacturing, and natural areas in four phases. First, the city plans to redevelop the four existing buildings on the site, then, in phase two, repurpose the remaining smaller structures dotted around the site. Phase three would develop the remainder of the site adjacent to existing buildings and parking lots, and lastly, phase four would develop the rest of the site. More than 900 residential units are slated for the property, alongside commercial office space, retail units and manufacturing space. The project's approval has been in the works for about a decade, but SHIFT Capital a Philadelphia-based developer has been leading the project since late last year. Development plans for the project were approved in 2018, but theres one sticking point: Areas of soil at the site are contaminated with hazardous compounds used in chain manufacturing there decades ago, requiring a clean-up of the site before it can be developed. In 1994, New Yorks Department of Environmental Conservation classified the site as a Class 4 site, prompting the continuation of pollutant monitoring and groundwater and soil contamination mitigation measures. An artist's rendering of a completed version of the Chainworks project.. The department has been working with Emerson Power Transmission and the projects previous developer, David Lubin of L Enterprises in recent years to investigate and clean up on-site contamination. A site management plan was approved in October 2022 to remediate the site for residential use, meaning that it is planned to be cleaned to allow for safe levels of exposure for those who would be living there site 24/7 upon its completion. Work began this year on phase one of the project, so this will be one to watch, likely for years to come, as Ithaca officials have not publicly released a timeline for the project or estimated completion date. For more information on development in the city of Ithaca, visit the city website, linked here. This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Ithaca 2024 projects: Water's Edge, Chain Works District Redevelopment Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith has filed a motion to keep former President Donald Trump from sharing baseless claims and conspiracies with the jury in his election interference trial. The Court should not permit the defendant to turn the courtroom into a forum in which he propagates irrelevant disinformation, and should reject his attempt to inject politics into this proceeding, Smith wrote in the document, submitted Wednesday. Trumps claims that hes been persecuted and that legal challenges would interfere with his 2024 presidential campaign are irrelevant and have no bearing on his guilt or innocence, Smith said. He also asked to exclude evidence regarding agency preparation for, and responses on, January 6, referring to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection in Washington following the 2020 election. Smith cited Trumps claims blaming Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, the National Guard and Capitol Police for the attack. A bank robber cannot defend himself by blaming the banks security guard for failing to stop him, Smith wrote. He said conspiracies pushed by Trump that undercover agents played a part in the insurrection could confuse jurors and said that they should also be excluded. Smith has said its in the public interest to rush the case against Trump. Trumps lawyers have sought to delay the proceedings, which are currently scheduled to begin March 4. The former president, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, hasnt held back in his criticism of Smith. In a Christmas Day post on social media, Trump slammed Smith, calling him Deranged and an out of control Lunatic. In response to Wednesdays filing, Trump posted a rambling note repeating the persecution claims Smith is seeking to exclude from the trial and calling the special counsels motion pathetic. Special counsel Jack Smith on Wednesday asked a judge to bar former President Donald Trumps legal team from using political talking points at his upcoming election subversion trial in Washington D.C. In a 20-page filing, Smith and his team of prosecutors wrote to U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, arguing that Trumps attorneys should not be permitted to raise irrelevant political issues or arguments in front of the jury, like his claim that he is the target of a "selective and vindictive prosecution," according to The Hill. In addition to being wrong, these allegations are irrelevant to the jurys determination of the defendants guilt or innocence, would be prejudicial if presented to the jury, and must be excluded, Smiths team stated. Although the defendant is entitled to cross-examine the Governments law enforcement witnesses about matters fairly within the scope of their direct testimony, he cannot raise wholly irrelevant topics in an effort to confuse and distract the jury, prosecutors added. Much as the defendant would like it otherwise, this trial should be about the facts and the law, not politics. A bank robber cannot defend himself by blaming the banks security guard for failing to stop him," the filing added. "A fraud defendant cannot claim to the jury that his victims should have known better than to fall for his scheme. And the defendant cannot argue that law enforcement should have prevented the violence he caused and obstruction he intended. The special counsels filing comes after the Supreme Court rejected his request to expedite arguments on whether Trump had presidential immunity from federal prosecution for crimes he is accused of committing while acting as president in his election subversion case. Prosecutors are also seeking to exclude evidence about "cross-examination that would cause unnamed government witnesses to breach attorney-client privilege or protection under the Constitutions Speech and Debate clause," noted MSNBC legal analyst Lisa Rubin. "Put another way, the government is making clear they have testimony from Trump lawyers and/or members of Congress." Among other things Smith wants Trump barred from raising to the jury: -Agency prep for Jan. 6 -Undercover agents in J6 crowd -Alleged foreign influence in 2020 -Cross-examination Qs to witnesses that might infringe on valid privileges. pic.twitter.com/xlowBFJj6A Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) December 27, 2023 Bicycling is a popular way to get around Jacksonville Beach, as seen in this 2020 photo. Most of the time, though, bicycles share space with cars and trucks, and now a long-range plan by the city is being considered that would see the construction of 27 miles of trails reserved for cyclists and pedestrians. Jacksonville Beach has proposed building 27 miles of trails, wide paths envisioned as a way for pedestrians and bicyclists to move about safely throughout the mostly narrow streets of the oceanfront city. The city's plans for the Urban Trails Project call for it to be built in stages over perhaps the next 15 years, with priority given to paths on several east-west roads, allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to get to the beach safely. Work is expected to begin in the summer. Many residents, however, worry what it might mean for their front yards and property values, as the trail, which would be 10 feet in many parts, would be built on city-owned right-of-ways many of which residents have been using as part of their yards, complete with driveways, fences and landscaping. That led to a fractious public meeting this month as angry residents repeatedly shouted down city officials and a consultant. Robert Sherman took to a recently formed Facebook page, Jax Beach Urban Trail Group, and expressed his sentiment clearly: "I don't want my lawn to be part of a public recreation area (period)," he wrote. He lives on the north side of 15th Avenue North, where a multi-use path would go down city-owned right-of-way in front of his house, meaning he'd lose part of what he's thought of his front yard, as well as a good portion of his driveway. This map from the city of Jacksonville Beach shows a proposed 27 miles of urban trails across town. Plans call for it to be built in stages over a decade or more, with priority given to east-west paths allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to get to the beach safely. Some residents, however, worry what it might mean for their front yards and property values. Sherman said residents who don't live directly on where the trails would be built would probably be in favor of it. But what about those right on the trail? "Everybody I've talked to is both feeling sideswiped and just saying, 'No,'" he said. He also worries it will bring more people past his house. "The fact is they havent thought about the fact that a lot of people dont want more people walking, jogging by their house," he said. "And I know they havent thought of opportunistic crime at all. Dennis Burns, whose house on Fourth Avenue North and Ninth Street would be on the route of the trail, said the plan is an "aspirational" one that has some validity to it, but it needs to be better thought out and put on roads where the impact on residents won't be so high. It's a great idea in a place like Nocatee, he said, where development can start from scratch, but not in much of Jacksonville Beach, Burns said. "Theyre trying to jam it into an old city with narrow streets and small lots and small driveways," he said. "I didnt retire here to have a park run through my yard." Burns is also worried about the value of the house he invested in: "It'll increase the value of homes out on Penman [Road], further out, but not these homes on the path. Mark Woods: Jacksonville should check out work of "Walkable City" urban planner Even some harsh critics of the plan said parts of it were valid, with some streets more able to handle the wide paths without affecting residents as much. But some of the areas they want to put this in dont make sense," said Dominique Hughes, who spoke out strongly against the plan at the recent meeting. "Why are we needing trails already through quiet neighborhoods where there are no problems?" Plan gets some support The Urban Trails Project has been percolating since 2019 and later became part of the city's master plan for long-range planning. The first phase of trails would go in on Fourth, Eighth, Ninth and 15th Avenues North, as well as Jacksonville Drive in the southern part of the city, part of which already has a biking and walking path that was put in during recent road work. The plan does have support among residents, including Robin Smith, who grew up in Jacksonville Beach and remembers quiet streets where it was peaceful to ride bikes. The city's grown so much, those days are mostly gone, he said. Smith said he understands the concerns of those against the project but thinks the trails, one of which would run through a field behind his house, would be an overall plus. "People don't like change. But it would improve it, it would get people out of their cars," he said. "Kids riding their bikes, people with strollers, dogs and everybodys off the streets ... You've got to let progress happen." Changes to urban trail plan? Mayor Chris Hoffman said she anticipates that parts of the plan will be tinkered with for each home that it passes, but that it's mainly intended as a framework to guide the city as it works on road projects in coming years. It's intended to encourage and enable residents and visitors to get around safely without having to use cars, she said, and without having to vie for space with cars on the city's narrow streets. Danger on the streets: Jacksonville is No. 6 in highest U.S. pedestrian fatality rates as deaths rise nationally Jason Phitides, director of parks and recreation, said the trail, when built out, would connect every single park in the city, as well as its elementary schools. It would stretch from the Intracoastal Waterway under the Beach Boulevard bridge all the way to First Street along the beach (which could possibly be converted to one-way vehicle traffic to allow a wide bike-walk path on the already bustling street). The city plans to appropriate $500,000 from the general fund every year to put toward the Urban Trails Project and also seek state and federal grants available for such projects, he said. Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman stands where a proposed trail for pedestrians and cyclists would go down Ninth Avenue North, heading to and from the beach. The city wants to eventually build 27 miles of similar trails so users won't have to share narrow roads with cars. Some residents, though, are concerned how that might affect their lots and their property values. The city conducted nine previous meetings on the proposal, open to the public, though some residents complained they had not heard anything about it until recently and felt ambushed by it. Hoffman and Phitides said Jacksonville Beach plans to respond to those concerns, including residents who left comments on 115 note cards at the December meeting. "We wanted to hear from the public and we will respond to them. Every comment, every suggestion, well take under advisement," he said. North Florida Land Trust: Group buys part of Intracoastal island chain for conservation Resident Tom Larson, an avid bicycle rider, was at that meeting in strong support of the trails. "Itll add to the property value, it will add to the fun, it will make the community have more connections, social connections. Im a real advocate," he said in an interview a few days later. He lives in a development near the Cradle Creek Preserve on the Intracoastal Waterway and says he remembers that when that park was proposed there were similar complaints that it would attract crime and unsavory strangers. Now, he notes, it's a much-loved community resource. Ill grant you that there are some incidents, typically by goofball teenagers," Larson said. "But all of those things are so distantly incidental. On the other side, the park is so popular that you see families in there all the time, loving it. To me, the same kind of experience would be had with a bikeway or walkway or nice trail going through a neighborhood. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Beach plan for biking, walking trails meets opposition Jacques Delors, the former French president of the European Commission, died on Wednesday aged 98. He died this morning at his home in Paris in his sleep, said Martine Aubry, his daughter who is also the socialist mayor of the city of Lille. The French socialist politician was credited with the creation of the European Unions modern single market and the euro single currency during his tenure at the helm of Brussels between 1985 and 1995. His infamous battles with Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister, over the transfer of powers to Brussels in the 1980s helped define Britains euroscepticism. In Britain, he is probably best known for The Sun newspapers celebrated Up Yours, Delors headline, in the run-up to the Maastricht Treaty taking effect in 1993. The infamous Sun newspaper front page Mr Delors was often described as the high priest of ever closer union, making him a much-loved political figure inside the bloc. Michel Barnier, the EUs former Brexit negotiator, wrote on social media: Jacques Delors was for many of us, well beyond political divisions, a source of inspiration and a reason to believe in a certain idea of politics, of France and of Europe. Craftsman of our Europe Emmanuel Macron, the French president, praised Mr Delors as an inexhaustible craftsman of our Europe. His commitment, his ideals and his righteousness will always inspire us. I salute his work and his memory and share the pain of his loved ones, Mr Macron added. Jacques Delors as president of EC with John Major, then prime minister and his foreign secretary Douglas Hurd before the Maastricht Treaty came into effect - DAVE GAYWOOD/AFP via Getty Images Charles Michel, the European Council president, said: Jacques Delors led the transformation of the European Economic Community towards a true union, based on humanist values and supported by a single market and a single currency, the euro. He was a passionate and concrete defender of it until his last days. A great Frenchman and great European, he went down in history as one of the builders of our Europe. Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, said: Jacques Delors was the pre-eminent architect of the modern European Union and whether you agreed or not with his vision he was a towering political figure. Without Delors there would have been no Maastricht treaty and no Euro. Indeed without Delors there would have been no single market. He harnessed post Cold War anxieties about Germany to create a new federal structure for Europe - and he did it with dazzling panache. His ideas were never right for Britain as he himself later seemed to concede and there are many on the continent who have doubts about the direction of the EU. But no one can doubt his legacy today. Whatever you say about the modern EU it is the house that Jacques built. Mr Delors had a high-profile political career in France, serving as finance minister under president Francois Mitterrand from 1981 to 1984. But in 1995, despite being overwhelmingly ahead in the polls, he declined to run for the French presidency at the end of his tenure in Brussels. He took the reins of power at the Commission in 1985, spending a decade at the helm of overseeing the blocs most integrationist steps. These included the creation of the common market, the Schengen free-travel zone, the Erasmus university exchange programme and the euro. Brexit fallout Mr Delors later founded think tanks with the aim of furthering European federalism and, in recent years, warned of the dangers of populism in Europe, also calling for audacity in dealing with the Brexit fallout. Enrico Letta, the president of the Jacques Delors Institute, said on Wednesday: Modern Europe is today losing its founding father. Mr Delors was born near the Place de la Bastille in the centre of Paris on Jul 20 1925. His familys political views ranged from ardently socialist to communism. His father was a Left-leaning socialist usher at the Banque de France, but also a pacifist after being badly injured during the First World War. Jacques Delors' battles with Margaret Thatcher over the transfer of powers to Europe is considered the birth of Brexit - JOHNNY EGGITT/AFP/Getty Images A young Mr Delors had his education interrupted by the Second World War, with his family repeatedly moving. He started at the University of Strasbourg shortly after the German invasion and was captured by occupational forces. Fearing the Nazis would send him abroad, he delayed his studies. Returning to Paris in 1944, he joined the Banque de France, later becoming involved in the Catholic trade union movement, eventually becoming involved in politics. He joined the Socialist party in 1971, but the Left-wing Francois Mitterrand and the conservative Valery Giscard d Estaing asked him to join them three years later. Mr Delors was said to enjoy being regarded as Right-wing by the Socialists and Left-wing by the Gaullists. Ursula Von der Leyen, the current president of the European Commission, said: We are all heirs to the life work of Jacques Delors: a dynamic and prosperous European Union. Jacques Delors forged his vision of a united Europe and his commitment to peace during the dark hours of the Second World War. 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. Former European Commission President Jacques Delors, a key figure in the creation of the euro currency, has died aged 98 on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Jacques Delors Institute, a think tank he founded. Delors, a Socialist, had a high-profile political career in France, where he served as finance minister under President Francois Mitterrand in the early 1980s, before becoming president of the EU Commission in 1985. His 10-year presidency remains the longest in the institutions history and shaped the outlines of modern-day Europe. Under Delors, the European Union changed considerably, introducing a number of key reforms including the Single European Act, the Schengen Agreement, the Erasmus student exchange program, an overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Economic and Monetary Union, which later led to the creation of the Euro currency. In March 2020, he called on EU heads of state and government to show greater solidarity at a time when they were squabbling over a common response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Current Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Delors on X, calling the late statesman a visionary who made our Europe stronger. His lifes work is a united, dynamic and prosperous European Union. It has shaped entire generations of Europeans, including mine, the Commission President added. French President Emmanuel Macron called Delors a statesman with a French destiny, inexhaustible architect of our Europe and a fighter for human justice. His commitment, his ideals and his righteousness will always inspire us. I salute his work and his memory, and share the grief of his loved ones, the French President added on X. Delors began his career at the Banque de France where his father had also worked in 1945 and was later awarded an economics degree by Paris prestigious Sorbonne university. He became involved with the Christian Trade Union Confederation and was made its economic adviser in 1950. Delors left the Banque de France, where he had reached the executive ranks, after 17 years. He went on to head the social affairs division of the states General Planning Commission. He served as chief adviser on social affairs to Prime Minister Jacques Chaban-Delmas from 1969 to 1972 and was a member of his cabinet. He was also an associate professor at the University of Paris-Dauphine from 1974 to 1979. Delors joined Frances Socialist Party in 1974 and was elected to the European Parliament five years later. He chaired its economic and monetary affairs committee until May 1981, when he was appointed French Finance Minister by the then-President Francois Mitterrand. He also served as Mayor of Clichy from 1983 to 1984. UK tabloid newspaper The Sun famously published an Up Yours Delors headline in 1990 in opposition to Delors plans for greater European Union integration. When his term at the European Commission came to an end in 1995, Delors was considered as a serious contender for the French presidency. However, he chose not to run and, in 1996, founded his think tank. His only daughter, Martine Aubry, is a prominent French politician and former leader of the French Socialist Party. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This image from video provided by the Utah State Courts shows Jodi Hildebrandt during a virtual court appearance, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in St. George, Utah. Hildebrandt, 54, and Ruby Franke were charged with six felony counts of aggravated child abuse after their arrests on Aug. 30 at Hildebrandts house in Ivins, Washington County. | Associated Press On Wednesday in a St. George courtroom, Jodi Hildebrandt entered into a guilty plea in a felony child abuse case. Fifth District Court Judge John Walton told the court that Hildebrandt signed a plea agreement. Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. Two charges of second-degree felony child abuse were dropped as part of the plea agreement. She has pled guilty because she did not want these children to have to testify, Hildebrandts attorney Doug Terry told media after the hearing, per KSL TV. She takes responsibility and it is her main concern at this point that these children can heal, both physically and emotionally. Her sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20. One of the toughest things we ask victims of alleged abuse to do is testify in a trial against their abusers. We are pleased that the cases against Ms. Hildebrandt and Ms. Franke have both been resolved with the defendants agreeing to serve time in prison, and there will not be a trial requiring witnesses to testify, Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke said. We are grateful for the multidisciplinary team that investigated this case. We have great law enforcement officers, case workers, and Childrens Justice Centers staff in our area and Utah County. The plea agreement obtained by the Deseret News showed Hildebrandt pleading guilty to counts 1, 3, 5 and 6 of aggravated child abuse. In her statement, Hildebrandt admitted to causing physical injury and severe emotional harm against two of Ruby Frankes children, referred to as RF and EF. As part of the plea agreement, Hildebrandt admitted that her actions involved the physical torture of RF and caused two or more physical injuries to EF in addition to causing severe emotion harm to both children. Hildebrandt is a formerly licensed counselor who was charged alongside YouTuber Franke with six counts of aggravated child abuse. Franke ran the now taken down YouTube channel 8 Passengers and Hildebrandt was the founder of ConneXions Classroom. Once a licensed counselor, Hildebrandt surrendered her license to practice counseling in Utah following her arrest. Given the heinous abuse allegations, the agency felt that the surrender of the license was the best course of action to protect the safety of Hildebrandts patients and clients, Margaret Busse, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, said in a statement. Both Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested after Frankes child appeared at an Ivins, Utah, home asking for help. Hes emaciated, hes got tape around his legs, hes hungry and hes thirsty, the man who called 911 said to the dispatcher. Franke entered a plea agreement on Dec. 18 where she pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. As part of her plea agreement, she also agreed to testify against Hildebrandt. The two other child abuse charges were dropped as part of the agreement. Each count of aggravated child abuse carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. She pled guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse, the state agreed to dismiss the two other counts of child abuse, Clarke said. In her statement, Franke admitted to four counts of aggravated child abuse against two of her child. From approximately May 22, 2023 until August 30, 2023 in Washington County, Utah, the defendant, Ruby Franke, intentionally or knowingly inflicted and allowed another adult to inflict serious physical injuries upon her children that were ages 9 (EF) and 11-12 (RF), the statement said. Winward Law, who is representing Franke, released a statement after her agreement to the plea agreement, according to KSL.com. During Ruby Frankes incarceration in Washington County jail over the past few months, she has actively engaged in an introspection that has allowed her to reset her moral compass and understand the full weight of her actions. Ms. Franke is committed to taking responsibility for the part she played in the events leading up to her incarceration. Franke will be sentenced for each of the four counts on Feb. 20, 2024, and is expected to serve the sentences consecutively. A federal judge in Alabama denied the Biden administrations request to pause a lawsuit challenging the states transgender care ban while other courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, consider similar challenges in other states. In his opinion, U.S. District Judge Liles Burke wrote a stay may indeed be the most efficient way to proceed in this case, but not unless a higher court signals that it will decide the governing standard of review. The Justice Department asked for the pause because this exceptional legal landscape is quickly evolving, citing a request for the Supreme Court to block Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care, as well as a request for the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit to hear arguments on Alabamas ban. Burke wrote that if either court agrees to hear its respective case, then a stay may well be appropriate. But as long as those petitions remain pending, this case will move forward. In November, three Tennessee families with transgender children and a doctor asked the Supreme Court to step in to prevent the state from enforcing a law that prevents transgender minors from accessing gender-affirming health care. The families of transgender children in Alabama asked the entire 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in September to review a three-judge panels decision that allowed the states ban on gender-affirming care to take effect. Alabamas 2022 law makes it a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison for doctors to provide puberty blockers or hormone replacement therapy to transgender people younger than 19. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Spokane judge found a former Pasco police officer guilty of first-degree murder Tuesday afternoon in the death of a woman nearly 40 years ago. Ruby Doss, 27, was found beaten and strangled near Playfair Race track on a misty January evening in 1986. The investigation into her death quickly went cold until 2015 when DNA from a condom found at the crime scene was matched to Richard Aguirre. He was a 19-year-old in the Air Force at the time of the murder. He was first tried for Doss death in 2021 but the jury could not reach a verdict and the judge declared a mistrial. Ruby Doss Last month, Aguirre opted for a bench trial before Spokane County Superior Court Judge Jeremy Schmidt giving the judge the final say on the verdict. After four weeks of testimony, attorneys gave their closing arguments last week. Prosecutors argued that Doss, who was a sex worker at the time, could only have seen one client from about 9 p.m. when she was last seen alive to 10:44 p.m. when police were called to check on a report of a dead body in the area. They also pointed to Aguirres statements to friends that he had hit and choked a woman around that time but that she was alive when he left, along with the DNA evidence. Richard Aguirre, 59, center, is led down the hallway after being convicted, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, for the 1986 killing of Ruby Doss, 27. Judge Jeremy Schmidt ruled Aguirre guilty of first-degree murder. Dan Pelle/The Spokesman-Review Aguirres attorney, Karen Lindholdt, argued police did not thoroughly investigate other suspects and contaminated evidence, making the DNA unreliable. After Tuesdays hearing, Lindholdt said she will file a motion asking the judge to reconsider. If thats unsuccessful, she said she would appeal. While I respect the judges decision, I believe in Mr. Aguirres innocence and will continue to fight for that, she said in an interview with reporters after the hearing. Schmidt took a week to reach his decision and write his findings. He found that the DNA evidence compelling and believed there were not sufficient issues with its collection and processing to create a reasonable doubt that the condom contained the DNA of both Aguirre and Doss. He similarly found that the defense had not convincingly argued that another suspect could have committed the killing. He convicted Aguirre of first-degree murder, finding that the number of times he hit Doss and the distance he chased her amounted to premeditation. Richard Aguirre, 59, left, hugs his wife after being convicted, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, for the 1986 killing of Ruby Doss, 27. Judge Jeremy Schmidt ruled Aguirre guilty of first-degree murder. Dan Pelle/The Spokesman-Review At the announcement, members of Doss family who were watching the proceedings virtually celebrated and were overcome with emotion before placing a portrait of Ruby in front of the camera. Aguirres family, including his wife, were distraught as law enforcement officers arrived to escort Aguirre into custody. Aguirre faces up to life in prison. He was taken into custody after the hearing. His sentencing is set for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 5. Richard Aguirre listens as his attorney, Karen Lindholdt, questions a witness on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at Spokane County Superior Court in Spokane. A judge declared him guilty of first-degree murder at a hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review Less than two years after Doss was killed, Aguirre was hired as an officer for the Pasco Police Department, where he worked for 27 years. He resigned in 2015 after he was charged in Franklin County in an unrelated rape case. In 2016, a Pasco jury couldnt reach a verdict in the Franklin County rape and assault case against him but the case led to his DNA being linked to Doss death. He was later acquitted of the Tri-Cities charges. After a federal administrative judge found a Colorado Starbucks worker was illegally fired for organizing a union, that judge ordered the coffee giant to not only rehire her, but issue back pay and write a letter of apology. Barista Alendra 'Len' Harris says she feels validated by Judge Ira Sandron's ruling, which she says also backs up the hundreds of similar allegations from other Starbucks workers around the country who have unionized in an effort to get better pay and working conditions. "There's a lot of feelings," Harris said. "I'm incredibly validated." A federal administrative law judge ordered Starbucks to rehire fired Colorado barista and union organizer Alendra 'Len' Harris, ruling that her termination was unlawful. / Credit: CBS As of Tuesday, nearly 400 Starbucks stores are unionized -- up from 300 over the summer -- yet none of them have a contract. RELATED: Westminster Starbucks votes to unionize as labor board rules in favor of another Colorado Starbucks union leader CBS News Colorado met with one Starbucks barista who led the charge at her store to become the first unionized Starbucks in Colorado. The Starbucks in Superior first voted to unionize back in April 2022 but it was Harris, who first pushed this location into unionizing. Harris became the victim of unlawful termination, an administrative judge recently ruled. A federal administrative judge of the National Labor Relations Board -- which oversees union elections, allegations of worker intimidation and other labor issues -- ruled last week that Starbucks unlawfully terminated Harris back in November 2022. "It really hits different when a legal document tells you you were treated unjustly," Harris said. Shortly after successfully unionizing for better pay and working conditions in early 2022, a temporary manager at the Superior location started firing workers, according to Harris. RELATED: Starbucks location in Superior unionizes "She warned us an anti-union manager is gonna come in here, they're going to drop the axe, they're going to start really firing you for small infractions or things you didn't know about, and low and behold, after a month of working with her, that's exactly what she started doing," Harris said. "She started firing people for being a minute or two late, started firing people for dress code infractions." In the fall of 2022, Harris was notified she allegedly mishandled counting the store's safe, then received a final notice, despite not having any prior infractions during her employment. Harris was later accused of leaving the door unlocked and cash unattended. "I was her main target," Harris said, of the temporary manager. Fired Colorado Starbucks barista and union organizer Alendra 'Len' Harris, right, talks to CBS News Colorado reporter Gabriela Vidal, left, about a recent federal administrative judge's ruling, which said Harris was unlawfully fired for her role organizing a union. / Credit: CBS Harris was fired one month later, the day after she and other workers at the store joined a nationwide strike for contract negotiations. "I went to the National Labor Relations Board in Denver and I brought my concerns to them, and said, 'hey, I was just fired from the company, this company, I was engaged in organizing a union, and I'm pretty positive they fired me for union organizing,'" Harris said. After a six-month-long investigation found Harris was unlawfully fired for union organizing, Starbucks fought back in court, losing to Harris. "This is just one incident among many, many, many incidents of the company being actually held accountable, or at least legally liable, for their wrongdoings," Harris said. Harris hopes to return to work at this location, however, Starbucks said it intends to appeal the case and denied allegations of retaliation for union organizing. "We firmly disagree with the administrative law judge's recommendations and intend to file exceptions -- or an appeal -- in this matter," said Starbucks spokesman Andrew Trull. "The record demonstrates that Harris was separated following progressive discipline for violations of established safety, security and cash-handling policies, not in retaliation for their participation in, or support of, any concerted union activities." Starbucks also commissioned and paid for an outside company, Thomas M. Mackall LLC, which the company says vindicates them. That report said its authors found no evidence of an "anti-union playbook" at Starbucks, but also said it's clear that the company prefers its stores not unionize. The company provided that report to CBS News Colorado and also has it posted on its website. And while NLRB and federal administrative law judges' findings and rulings aren't final, they have found through several investigations and inquiries that Starbucks has violated its workers' rights hundreds of times. RELATED: Starbucks violated workers' rights "hundreds of times," labor judge says Workers around the country have made considerable gains through unionization and bargaining efforts in 2023. To name just a few, part-time UPS drivers got a 55% raise, airline pilots received a 40% raise and United Auto Workers landed a 25% raise plus cost of living adjustments. The wins were widespread from Hollywood writers and actors to nurses and teachers. Back in Superior, Starbucks was ordered by the administrative judge to rehire Harris at the same position and payscale, issue back pay and cease any anti-union activity. Regardless of how her case proceeds, however, Harris hopes this sends a message to other employees -- unionized or not -- to continue pushing for workers' rights in the workplace. "My win says really clearly that, yes, it may take a while," Harris said. "But you can and will win, and we can do it together and it's worth it in the end." You can read the judge's full 31-page ruling here: This embedded content is not available in your region. "The Points Guy" shares his top travel destinations for 2024 Inventor of dental device backs off his claims after investigation of patient harms Nikki Haley's Civil War comments spark reactions from GOP candidates A former South Carolina Supreme Court Justice has set a tentative date to hear the details of jury tampering allegations involving the recent double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh and determine if the twice-convicted killer will earn a new trial. Judge Jean Toal, who has been selected by the S.C. Supreme Court to hear lower court post-trial matters about Murdaugh's March 2 conviction in the June 2021 killings of his wife and son, has officially announced that a merits hearing on Murdaugh's motion for a new trial is now on her calendar. Murdaugh, who denied killing his family even as he was sentenced to life on March 3, has filed claims that a court official violated his right to a fair and impartial murder trial. Judge Toal, who replaces Judge Clifton Newman in presiding over Murdaugh murder matters, told The Hampton County Guardian Wednesday that the hearing is tentatively scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 29, at the Richland County Judicial Center, Columbia. The hearing is expected to last at least three days, until Jan. 31. Chief Justice (Ret.) Jean Hoefer Toal will now oversee Alex Murdaugh's legal quest for a new trial. Toal said her office is working with former S.C. Press Association attorney and First Amendment advocate Jay Bender to accommodate the needs of the media and the public and develop an order detailing media coverage by next week. Bender served in the same capacity during the six-week Murdaugh trial in Walterboro. Jay Bender stands outside the Colleton County Courthouse before day 13 of Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial in Walterboro, S.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Murdaugh, who is currently serving two life sentences in connection with the internationally publicized Murdaugh family murders but has staunchly denied having a hand in the killings, temporarily dropped his higher court appeal and filed a September 2023 motion for a new trial based on jury tampering allegations involving the Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill. In that motion, Murdaugh's legal team made several serious allegations against Hill, a public official embedded into the heart of that trial who read the verdict and later published a tell-all book about the historic murder case. Stan Mitchell, visiting from out of town, holds a Jesus saves cross as Alex Murdaugh arrives at the Colleton County Courthouse before the fourth day of his trial on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. Murdaugh was convicted for killing his wife and son. In their 65-page motion with attachments that include affidavits from two jurors, Harpootlian and Griffin make the following allegations of jury tampering against Hill, alleging Hill: Asked jurors not to believe Murdaugh's testimony or any evidence presented by his defense; Pressured them into reaching a quick guilty verdict, tell them that their deliberations "shouldn't take them too long;" Misrepresented information to Judge Newman in a campaign to have a juror believed to be favorable to the defense removed from the jury; Told jurors not to be "misled" by Murdaugh's evidence or "fooled" by his testimony; Had frequent private conversations with the jury foreperson, including a private chat with her during the jury's field trip to Moselle, the scene of the crime; Asked jurors for their opinions about Murdaugh's guilt or innocence; Invented a story about a Facebook post on the "Walterboro Word of Mouth" group to remove a juror who might not vote guilty; Before Murdaugh's testimony on the stand, instructed the jury to watch him closely, to look at his actions, and to look at his movements, which at least one juror understood to mean that Murdaugh was guilty; Told a juror that "the Murdaughs" had "got to" her ex-husband; Denied jurors a smoke break until they reached a verdict; Told the jurors they would be famous and handed out reporters's business cards to them after the verdict; Pressured a group of jurors to interview with a network news show after the verdict but before the sentencing. Becky Hill yells down to the attorney general Alan Wilson as he thanks her during a press conference after Alex Murdaugh was found guilty on all four counts at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post and Courier/Pool The S.C. Law Enforcement Division has been investigating the claims, and the S.C. Attorney General's Office, which prosecuted Murdaugh on the murder charges, has filed in opposition to the charges, claiming they have no merit. Hill, who also faces allegations of ethics misconduct and, most recently, literary plagiarism, has denied the jury tampering allegations. Murdaugh's legal team claims that Hill "did these things to secure for herself a book deal and media appearances that would not happen in the event of a mistrial," and that "Ms. Hill betrayed her oath of office for money and fame" to co-author the book, Behind the Doors of Justice, which she is now accused of plagiarizing in. On Tuesday, Hill's attorneys released a statement admitting the plagiarism and adding that Hill took full responsibility for those actions. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Judge sets date to hear Alex Murdaugh, Hill jury tampering allegations A federal judge temporarily blocked the enforcement of an Idaho law banning transgender health care for minors on Wednesday, just days before it was set to go into effect. The law, which the states Republican Gov. Brad Little signed in April, bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy. It also bans gender-affirming surgeries for minors, though theres no evidence of those taking place in Idaho. Judge B. Lynn Winmill ruled Wednesday that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was right to ask for an injunction blocking the law until its lawsuit on behalf of two Idaho families impacted by the ban is decided, saying it had shown a strong likelihood of success in proving the state had violated the 14th Amendments guarantee of equal protection under the law. Time and again, these cases illustrate that the 14th Amendments primary role is to protect disfavored minorities and preserve our fundamental rights from legislative overreach, Winmill wrote in his decision. That was true for newly freed slaves following the Civil War. It was true in the 20th century for women, people of color, inter-racial couples, and individuals seeking access to contraception. And it is no less true for transgender children and their parents in the 21st century. The law was set to go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. ACLU officials said Winmills decision should help transgender people feel optimistic about their rights, even in a year where more than 20 Republican-controlled states have passed bans on gender transition care for minors. This judicial decision is a much-needed ray of hope for trans people amid a years-long onslaught against their rights to access health care and ability to navigate the world around them, Leo Morales, the ACLU of Idaho executive director, said in a statement. Everyone should be free to live and thrive in their authentic identity, which means transgender people should not be shut out of accessing medically sound health care. Upon signing the bill, Little said he was doing so to protect minors from treatments that can irreversibly damage their healthy bodies, though medical experts say that view is narrow-minded. Non-surgical gender-affirming treatments are largely reversible, though its possible for patients to experience permanent breast growth or reduced fertility with long-term use. But even given that, every major medical group says the risk of that potential outcome far outweighs the risks of the mental health effects associated with cutting minors off from gender-affirming care. Transgender youth, they note, have one of the highest rates of attempted suicide in the United States. According to research from the Trevor Project, that rate is especially high among Black transgender and nonbinary youth, a quarter of which attempted suicide last year. Related... An Alabama federal judge has rejected a DOJ request to temporarily stay a lawsuit challenging Alabama's ban on gender-affirming care pending appeals in the quickly evolving legal landscape on the issue in several states. Some transgender rights activists (such as those shown at the White House in 2018 protesting a Trump administration plan to reverse recognitions of gender fluidity) are appealing a lower court ruling to the full 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a decision allowing enforcement of Alabama's law. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A federal judge Tuesday denied a Department of Justice request to pause a lawsuit against Alabama's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The decision allows the lawsuit to proceed. Judge Liles Burke wrote that the stay requested by DOJ, "may indeed be the most efficient way to proceed in this case, but not unless a higher court signals that it will decide the governing standard of review." The DOJ, citing a Tennessee appeal to the Supreme Court to block enforcement of its gender-affirming care ban and an Alabama appeal on the issue in that state, wanted the temporary stay due to the rapidly evolving legal landscape on the issue. In denying the DOJ request for a stay for now, Burke wrote that a stay "may well be appropriate" if either of those courts agree to take the cases. Alabama families with transgender children are appealing a lower court ruling to the full 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a decision allowing enforcement of Alabama's law. It's set for trial in April. U.S. District Judge for the Northern District fo Alabama Liles Burke Tuesday denied a DOJ request to temporarily stay a lawsuit challenging Alabama's ban on gender-affirming care. DOJ said it wanted a stay pending appeals because of the quickly evolving legal landscape on the issue in several states. Photo courtesy of U.S. Court Northern District of Alabama In May, the Republican-controlled Texas legislature passed a bill banning the care for minors. In June, a federal judge struck down a Florida statute that prohibited Medicaid coverage for gender-dysphoria treatment. At the end of June, judges blocked Kentucky and Tennessee bans on gender-affirming care for minors. But in late September, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request from families and medical providers to block the Tennessee gender-affirming care ban. The American Academy of Pediatrics, representing 67,000 pediatricians, reaffirmed its support for gender-related treatments for minors in August. COAHOMA COUNTY, Miss. (WREG) A family is heartbroken and searching for answers after a 10-year-old boy was shot and killed in Mississippi on Christmas Eve. ORIGINAL STORY: 10-year-old dead after shooting in Coahoma County The Coahoma County Sheriffs Office told us Tuesday that they still have no suspects in the deadly shooting that claimed the life of 10-year-old AlDarius Nesbitt. AlDarius Nesbitt AlDarius Nesbitt His mother, Marquisha Nesbitt, is in great pain as she deals with the incomprehensible death of her son. He was ten. What enemies did he have? He was ten, Nesbitt said. That was my spoiled son. He was my only son. That was my baby. He was my baby. He couldnt do no wrong. It happened in the small town of Friars Point, where, according to the Coahoma County Sheriffs Office, the 10-year-old along with a 14-year-old were passengers in a vehicle when someone fired shots. I just want justice served. Im gonna find out who did this to my baby. He was just a child. He was just a child, Nesbitt said. Nesbitt says her son, who is from Lambert, Mississippi, was visiting his dad in Friars Point, and she recalls the last time she spoke with AlDarius. Woman who was shot in the head during pursuit sues Mississippis Capitol Police He told me he would come home to me on Christmas Day when I saw him. Last time I saw my baby was Monday, she said. After the youngster was shot, investigators say he was driven to the hospital in Clarksdale. By the time family members arrived, it was too late. We all were at the hospital, and to see him laying there on that table like he was just asleep, said his grandfather, Marvin Thigpen. Thigpen says Christmas will never be same again for this family and prays society will change its ways. We need to just stop the gun violence. If we can stop that, well have a better world, he said. If you know anything that could help investigators solve this case, you are urged to call the Coahoma County Sheriffs Office at 662-592-1395. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. When people call for help in a small Clark County community, officers likely wont come. >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Local community suspends police department, turns to Sheriffs Office starting Jan. 1 Thats because the Village of South Vienna is suspending its police department. News Center 7s Brandon Lewis shows us the plans in place to keep people safe there. For the foreseeable future, the Clark County Sheriffs Office deputies will respond to emergency calls in South Vienna. Its a very quiet farm community. Like they dont even have a grocery store anymore, South Vienna resident Dawn Shirley said. Mayor Toni Keller told News Center 7 that the village has two officers and a temporary acting chief. The village doesnt have enough coverage, so its council voted to suspend the department. In a statement, in part, Keller said: The Village has had difficulty attracting and retaining police officers to work the shifts required to consistently maintain the health and safety of the residents of South Vienna. >> Area man under investigation for alleged deer poaching, ODNR officials say Keller said for some time now, the village has contracted with the Sheriffs Office to have a deputy on duty for 40 hours a week. Dawn Shirley has lived in South Vienna for nearly a year and a half, and even though she feels pretty safe in the village, she has some concerns. What my main concern is, is just how long it would take somebody to get out here, if theres something really serious happening. How long would it take them to get here from Springfield or wherever theyre coming from London, wherever, Shirley said. In another part of Kellers statement, she said the police department will be: Comprised of a sole member, the Village Marshall (aka the Chief of Police) who will work closely with the Clark County Sheriff to ensure the safety of the residents of the Village of South Vienna. Ive never had a problem, I can probably sleep with my door open and unlocked. But you just never know, Shirley said. The suspension is effective on January 1st. China allows beef imports from Uruguay Xinhua) 10:45, December 27, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China will allow the import of Uruguayan beef starting on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the General Administration of Customs. The statement specifies that companies that export beef to China should be located in areas free of foot-and-mouth disease, as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health. The companies should also be under the supervision of Uruguayan authorities and in compliance with the requirements of veterinary health and public health regulations of both sides, the statement says. Exporters should register with the General Administration of Customs, while unregistered ones are not allowed to export their beef to China, according to the statement. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Road conditions turned deadly Tuesday when a car lost control on the interstate 30 minutes north of Ames. A vehicle traveling north over a bridge on I-35 in Ellsworth around 5:23 p.m. lost control because of slippery road conditions, according to a crash report from the Iowa State Patrol. The car rolled into a ditch and ejected 42-year-old Jose Roger Rivera Vasquez of Kansas City, Missouri. Vasquez was in the back seat and not wearing a seatbelt. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A hazardous weather outlook is in place for central Iowa this week, outlining the possibility of low visibility Wednesday and slushy surfaces on grassy and elevated roads. Snowy conditions are likely to continue through Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service. There is a 60% chance of snow Wednesday before the afternoon and a slight chance before 7 p.m. Less than one inch is possible, with a high temperature of around 32. Little to no snow accumulation is expected Thursday, with and a high near 37. The rest of the week will be sunny. The Iowa State Patrol strongly recommends all people in vehicles wear seatbelts. Noelle Alviz-Gransee is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Follow her on Twitter@NoelleHannika or email her at NAlvizGransee@registermedia.com. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Kansas City man killed in crash on a slippery I-35 bridge north of Ames UPDATE: KCPD says Zakhia Hinkle has been located and is safe. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City police say a family hasnt seen a 12-year-old girl since Tuesday afternoon and theyre concerned for her safety. KCPD put out a missing runaway juvenile bulletin for Zakhia Hinkle, a Black girl who is 58 and weighs around 115 pounds. Man charged with murder in Christmas Day Grain Valley shooting Police say she was wearing light gray hoodie, light gray sweatpants and had her hair in a bun when she was last seen around around 2 p.m. near E. 36th Street and South Benton Avenue. That location is in the Oak Park Northwest neighborhood, a short distance northeast from 71 Highways intersection with 39th Street. If youve seen her or know where she is, police ask you to call KCPDs Missing Persons Unit at (816) 234-5043. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. LEAVENWORTH, Kan. The cyberattack announced on October 12 by the Kansas court system may be impacting a persons ability to pass a background check. I just want the background check done, resident Lyle Workman said in an interview with FOX4 Tuesday. I want to go to work. I want to go to work. Winter Weather Advisory issued for Kansas City area Workman left his last job at about the same time the Kansas Judicial Branch fell victim to the cyberattack. I didnt get along at my last particular job. It didnt work out. I was there for a few years. It didnt work out, Workman said. I wanted to move to something different, so I decided to do that, but I did not have no idea that Kansas system was on ransom. If I did, Id still be at my last company. I decided to move on. They didnt. Kansas Judicial Branch Public Information Officer Lisa Taylor says Kansas courts are not the ones who offer background checks. Private companies do that, but they may use court data through the Kansas eCourt case management system that was affected Oct. 12. Its not exactly clear when the system will be back up and running, but the judicial branch has opened up a public access service center at the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka. That requires you to sign up for an appointment though. Also, we are in the process of restoring the case management system in district courts right now. Its operating in many courts already and it should be operating in courts in 104 counties very soon. When the case management system is operating in district courts, we will bring the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal back online. Its also expected very soon, Taylor said. If a court is operating on the case management system, a person can visit the courthouse to conduct a search in the same way it can be done at the public access service center in Topeka. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) also offers a criminal history record search, but that will cost you $20. FOX4 newsletters: Get the latest news delivered to your inbox I would have been employed two weeks ago, Workman continued. My family would have had a lot better Christmas had I been employed. Its not through no fault of my own. Ive been hired. I dont know what else to say. Its frustrating. Its real frustrating. Anyone in the state can use the public access service center or do a KBI criminal history record search. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. On a Saturday night in August 2019, Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old massage therapist, was accosted by police officers while walking home from an Aurora, Colorado, convenience store where he had bought three cans of iced tea. The cops were responding to a "suspicious person" call. But McClain, who had committed no crime, did not understand why he was being detained, and his objections were met with swiftly escalating force, culminating in an injection of ketamine that left him unconscious. He never woke up. That horrifying incident attracted national attention after George Floyd's May 2020 death in the custody of Minneapolis police officers set off widespread protests against police brutality. There were notable parallels: In both cases, a black man complained that he could not breathe after he was tackled and pinned to the ground by white police officers. Both incidents featured police indifference to those complaints, a failure to render medical aid, the questionable use of "pain compliance" techniques, and the invocation of "excited delerium" as a justification for the use of force. And both resulted in criminal charges, which in McClain's case have now been resolved by a mixture of verdicts that reflect a cascade of ultimately fatal mistakes. Last Friday, a jury found Peter Cichuniec and Jeremy Cooper, the two paramedics who injected McClain with an overdose of ketamine, guilty of criminally negligent homicide, a felony punishable by one to three years in prison. Cichuniec, an Aurora Fire Rescue lieutenant who approved the injection, was also convicted of second-degree assault, a felony punishable by two to six years in prison. The paramedics' trial was the third in connection with McClain's death. In October, Aurora police officer Randy Roedema was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 18 months in jail. Former Aurora police officer Jason Rosenblatt, who was tried together with Roedema, was acquitted of all charges. So was Nathan Woodyard, an officer who was tried separately in late October and early November. After McClain's death, local prosecutors declined to file charges. Criticism of that decision, which was amplified after Floyd was killed in similar circumstances, prompted Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to order a new investigation by Attorney General Phil Weiser. That probe led to a September 2021 indictment, which listed a total of 32 charges, including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and assault. While the officers' lawyers complained that the charges were the result of political pressure, the cursory nature of the first investigation suggests the real scandal was the initial determination that no charges were warranted. When Woodyard approached McClain that night, he was responding to a 911 call from a teenager who thought McClain "look[ed] sketchy" because he was wearing a ski mask and making "all these kinds of signs" with his hands. The caller added that "he might be a good person or a bad person." He said no one was in danger and he had not seen any weapons. Woodyard ordered McClain to stop, but McClain was listening to music through earbuds and apparently did not hear the command. "Prosecutors said Woodyard grabbed McClain within eight seconds of getting out of his patrol car without introducing himself or explaining why he wanted to talk to McClain," USA Today reported after the officer's acquittal. "McClain, seemingly caught off guard, tried to keep walking. The encounter quickly escalated." At this point, an independent panel of investigators appointed by the Aurora City Council concluded in a February 2021 report, Woodyard did not have grounds to reasonably suspect that McClain was involved in criminal activity, which the Supreme Court has said the Fourth Amendment requires for an investigatory stop. McClain, who was holding his cellphone in one hand and a bag with the cans of iced tea in the other, "had no observable weapon and had not displayed violent or threatening behavior," the panel noted. "No crime had been reported. The officers later said they stopped Mr. McClain because he was overdressed and wearing a mask, in an area one officer referred to as 'high crime,' and a caller had reported his unusual behavior." In addition to the ski mask, McClain was wearing sweat pants, a jacket, and a knit cap, which might have seemed strange on a summer night but is understandable in light of his anemia, a symptom of which is cold extremities. Aside from his clothing and the "unusual behavior" reported by the 911 caller, Woodyard had no reason to suspect that McClain was doing anything illegal. The decision to turn what could have been a consensual encounter into an investigatory stop "had ramifications for the rest of the encounter," the panel's report noted. Woodyard was joined by Roedema and Rosenblatt, who were dispatched as backup for the "suspicious person" report. Woodyard decided to frisk McClain, a step that is legally justified only if police reasonably suspect the subject is armed. Yet the 911 caller had not reported any weapons (a point that was noted in the police dispatcher's message), McClain was plainly holding nothing but his phone and the bag from the convenience store, and Woodyard himself later said he "felt safe making an approach" because McClain "didn't have any weapons." McClain, whose walk home had been forcibly interrupted for no good reason, was understandably dismayed. He repeatedly asked the cops to leave him alone and let him continue on his way. "I have a right to walk to where I'm going," he told Woodyard. "I have a right to stop you because you're being suspicious," Woodyard replied as he grabbed McClain's arm. Less than a minute into the encounter, the officers decided they should move McClain to a grassy area in case they needed to "take him down." At this point, the independent panel noted, Woodyard's unjustified investigatory stop became an arrest, which is constitutionally permissible only when police have probable cause to believe someone has committed a crime. That is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion, a test the cops had already failed to meet. While the cops were trying, without any legal justification, to force McClain onto the grassy area, Roedema told Rosenblatt, "He grabbed your gun, dude." According to Woodyard, that exclamation "changed the situation." Once he heard Roedema's warning, Woodyard said, he decided to "take [McClain] down to the ground as hard as I could." While tackling McClain, Woodyard twice attempted a "carotid control hold," which aims to induce unconsciousness by applying pressure on both sides of the neck to cut off blood flow to the brain. The second, more successful attempt happened when McClain was restrained on the ground. After McClain came to, he repeatedly vomited. He was handcuffed and still wearing his ski mask at this point, and an autopsy found that he had aspirated some of the vomit. That, along with the downward pressure the officers were exerting, helps explain why he complained that he was having trouble breathing. At his trial, Woodyard said he used the carotid control in self-defense. "I intend to take my power back," McClain had said. Woodyard said that remark, combined with Roedema's warning about Rosenblatt's gun, made him fear for his life. But as the prosecutors noted, Rosenblatt later said he had not felt anyone touch his gun, and body camera footage showed no such movement by McClain. McClain was five feet, seven inches tall and weighed about 140 pounds. Yet the officers claimed he exhibited "crazy," "incredible," "superhuman" strength, which they attributed to "excited delerium" caused by "whatever he's on." Toxicological tests found that marijuana was the only psychoactive substance that McClain had consumed. In any case, "excited delerium" is a scientifically dubious concept that is not recognized by the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, or the World Health Organization. The label serves mainly to justify what would otherwise seem like excessive force. Forensic pathologist Roger A. Mitchell Jr., who testified during Roedema and Rosenblatt's trial, made it clear that he does not view "excited delerium" as a valid diagnosis. But even if it were, he said, McClain's behavior was not consistent with the way the condition is usually described. "He's communicating with law enforcement," Mitchell said. "He's clear on what's going on with him. He's pleading his case." Mitchell also noted that McClain's exclamations showed he was responding to the pain inflicted by the officers. "If we believe this notion of excited delirium," he said, "one of the things with excited delirium is that you're impervious to pain." Cichuniec and Cooper, who arrived 11 minutes after Woodyard first approached McClain, nevertheless agreed with the cops' diagnosis. According to the indictment, they reached that conclusion "after receiving some information from officers and observing Mr. McClain for about one minute." Neither paramedic "ascertained Mr. McClain's vital signs," the indictment notes. "Nor did either of them talk to or physically touch Mr. McClain before diagnosing him with excited delirium." The appropriate treatment, they decided, was an injection of ketamine. No one at the scene questioned that decision. "Yep, sounds good," Rosenblatt said when Cooper announced that he planned to inject McClain with ketamine. "Perfect, dude, perfect," Roedema agreed. Piling error upon error, Cooper administered 500 milligrams of ketamine. The correct dose for a 143-pound man would have been 325 milligrams, so McClain was given about 50 percent more than he should have received. Cooper never asked McClain his weight, instead guessing that it was about 200 pounds. Even if that estimate had been correct, the dosage still would have been about 50 milligrams too high. At the paramedics' trial, Colorado Public Radio reported, "Cooper and Cichuniec said they didn't hear a police supervisor on the scene, Sgt. Dale Leonard, tell them a few details about what happened, including that McClain had received two carotid holds, which cut blood flow off to his brain, and that he had been vomiting repeatedly ever since." That information was relevant because ketamine can suppress respiration, which is especially problematic for someone whose breathing is already compromised. Prosecutors argued that the paramedics failed to properly monitor McClain. "After McClain was given a large dose of ketamine by paramedics," Colorado Public Radio noted, "body worn camera footage shows that they didn't immediately tend to him, check his airway or otherwise look at his vital signs." Pulmonologist David Beuther testified that closer attention could have saved McClain's life. If a patient is "a little too sleepy" and "starting to slip into deep sedation," he said, you can reposition his head or use "a little plastic tube" to aid breathing. By the time McClain was lifted onto a gurney, he was unconscious and snoring, which can indicate an overdose. In the ambulance, paramedics found that McClain had no pulse and was not breathing. They revived him with CPR and epinephrine, but he never regained consciousness. The original autopsy report listed both the cause and manner of death as unknown. Stephen Cina, the pathologist who wrote the report, later revised it in light of information discovered by Weiser's investigation. The amended report describes the cause of death as "complications of ketamine administration following forcible restraint" but still lists the manner of death as "undetermined." Mitchell testified that he agreed with Cina about the cause of death but thought it was clear that the manner was homicide. That characterization, which does not necessarily imply criminal liability, seems hard to deny, since it is clear that McClain would not have died if the cops and paramedics had left him alone. The question of how to allocate the legal responsibility for his death is more complicated, given all the things that went wrong that night. The cops argued that the paramedics were mainly to blame. "Elijah McClain would not have died but for the ketamine," one of Roedema's lawyers told the jury. Cooper and Cichuniec argued that the cops were mainly to blame, since they controlled the scene, provided the information on which the paramedics relied, and caused the vomiting that may have contributed to McClain's death. Why was Rosenblatt acquitted? He had less experience than the other officers, and his lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, argued that Rosenblatt was just following orders. Roedema, by contrast, was the senior officer on the scene, and his treatment of McClain was more aggressive than Rosenblatt's. The indictment notes that Roedema used a "bar hammer lock," a "physical defensive tactic whereby a subject's arm is held back behind their back to gain control of the subject." Roedema "stated that he 'cranked pretty hard' on Mr. McClain's shoulder and heard it pop three times." Steinberg suggested that Rosenblatt was less violent and therefore less culpable: "Rosenblatt didn't jerk his arm. It was Roedema. Rosenblatt didn't have his knee in his back. It was Roedema." It was also Roedema who claimed, probably inaccurately, that McClain was trying to grab Rosenblatt's gun, which everyone agreed was a major factor in escalating the violence. Woodyard's acquittal is harder to understand. He set the tone for the whole encounter by initiating the use of force, and he not only used a carotid hold but did so twice, which was contrary to department policy. But Woodyard faced a different jury than Roedema did, and this one may have been more inclined to credit the claim that the cops were acting in self-defense. Woodyard, who had been a police officer for about two years at the time, "tearfully told jurors he was weeping to his supervisor on the scene because he was fearful that he was going to die and needed to step away," Colorado Public Radio reported. The officer's lawyer, Andrew Ho, portrayed him as a bystander. "Nathan Woodyard entrusted Elijah McClain to the care and custody of his fellow officers and entrusted Elijah McClain to medically trained professionals," Ho said. "Nathan Woodyard did not kill Elijah. He's not responsible for what other people did or did not do." Was anyone responsible? "Just because there's a tragedy does not mean there's criminality," one of Roedema's lawyers said during closing arguments. But prosecutor Duane Lyons emphasized that the officers had not followed their training. "They were told what to do," he said. "It didn't have to be this wayThey were given instructions, they had opportunities, and they failed to choose to de-escalate violence when they needed to." He also faulted them for failing to check on McClain's breathing. "This is not just a tragedy," he said. "This is a crime." The post Who Killed Elijah McClain? Mixed Verdicts Reflect a Cascade of Ultimately Fatal Mistakes. appeared first on Reason.com. Brandon Meadows, of Elite Mechanical, works on the HVAC installation at Gulf Cable's new Armstrong Road building in Milton on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. The pace of development won't be tapering off in Santa Rosa County in 2024, and Shannon Ogletree, the county's economic development guru, intends to open the year with a big reveal. In January or February, he said, he'll be releasing the name of a major food distribution company, presently traveling under the moniker of Project Runner, that at some future date will be occupying about 50 acres inside the Milton Interchange Park, the county's newest industrial park. "It's going to be a huge facility, probably the largest single property developed here in at least recent history," Ogletree said. "We're going to be adding 400 to 500 jobs at one time." A 50-acre development will occupy approximately a quarter of the entire Milton Interchange Park, a site of just under 200 acres that being equipped with infrastructure courtesy of a $15.9 million infusion from Triumph Gulf Coast, an organization created following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to distribute more than a billion dollars in legal settlement funds to Panhandle counties. Milton Interchange Park sits right off the State Road 87 intersection with Interstate 10, just north of the Northwest Florida Industrial Park at I-10. The smaller Northwest Florida Industrial Park at I-10 is close to capacity, having welcomed Buffalo Rock, the nation's largest family-owned bottler of Pepsi and Dr. Pepper products, in January of this year. A Buffalo Rock distribution center, when constructed, will bring in 350 to 400 employees. Project Cruise Control Ogletree's efforts to lure business to Santa Rosa County won't be limited to the commercial corridor of SR 87. At the county's Dec. 11 Committee of the Whole meeting he presented a request to seek $7.5 million from Triumph Gulf Coast to purchase 40 acres on Garcon Point Road and equip it with infrastructure. Project Cruise Control, he told county commissioners, involves a development partner and an agreement to put in a building of about 400,000 square feet. He said he is working with former state Rep. Jayer Williamson on the project. Williamson is employed with a couple other former state legislators by a company called Oak Strategies, a lobbying and consulting firm. The building will be constructed next to a Stuckey's establishment close to Interstate 10. Ogletree told commissioners the intent of the development deal was to "bring in more jobs and more opportunities. "I commend you on the work you do," Commissioner Kerry Smith told the economic development director. "It's very creative." Gulf Cable expansion continues At the same Committee of the Whole meeting, Ogletree introduced Kevin Bate, representing Gulf Cable. Bate outlined plans to expand what is already the county's largest manufacturing company on 30 acres inside the Santa Rosa Industrial Park in Milton. In three years, if all goes as anticipated, the company could occupy 1.2 million square feet of building space and employ between 600 and 800 people, Bate said. That much growth would nearly double the 650,000 square feet Gulf Cable presently has under roof at the industrial park and significantly increase the number of employees presently working for the company in Santa Rosa County. Whiting Field Aviation Park Ogletree said he also expects to see increased interest in 2024 from aviation-related businesses. He said a full design plan to construct an apron and taxiway linking the county's Whiting Field Aviation Park to Naval Air Station Whiting Field is underway. He said he expects actual construction of the apron and taxiway to get underway by the spring or summer. "Without the apron and taxiway," he said. "You're just a park adjacent to a military base." The county has $12.1 million with which to build the crucial 2,800-foot link to Whiting Field. In October of this year it received grants of $4.2 million and $6.4 million to go with a $1.5 million state appropriation announced in June. The $4.2 million came from the state's Job Growth Grant Fund. A $6.4 million Defense Community Infrastructure Partnership was obtained through a federal grant program. Presently the county has just one tenant locked into development at Whiting Field Aviation Park. Leonardo Helicopters, which has committed to investing over $65 million in the construction of a 113,000-square-foot facility at the site, broke ground at the park in July. Leonardo, which builds the TH-73 "Alpha Thrasher" military helicopters utilized at Whiting Field, will provide provide major component repair and overhaul and transmission testing and repair at the plant. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Santa Rosa growth and development to remain fast paced in 2024 LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas police are asking for help identifying a vehicle seen at the scene of an east valley shooting, hoping the driver will have information about the crime. On Saturday, Dec. 23 at around 3:40 a.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were dispatched to the 3400 block of Greenwood Springs Drive after a report of a shooting. This embedded content is not available in your region. Arriving officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound on the sidewalk. Medical personnel took the victim to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition. During the investigation, police learned that an unknown woman in a black vehicle was seen with the victim after the shooting. She left in the vehicle before officers arrived. Detectives said in a release that they believe the woman may have information related to the shooting and need help identifying her and the vehicle, shown below. Police search for vehicle involved in shooting. (LVMPD) Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521 or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or on their website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. If you're having a destination New Year's Eve wedding in Las Vegas, you could get your marriage license as you step off the plane. Clark County has taken an unconventional step to help handle the thousands of weddings expected to be held in the city on New Year's Eve by opening a temporary marriage license bureau at Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport. The thousands of weddings expected on what is normally a big holiday could even set a record thanks in part to the date, which this year creates a repeating numerical sequence of 1-2-3-1-2-3. In the industry, that repeating date is known as a "specialty date," according to the Associated Press. There were similar lines on April 3, 2021 (4/3/21) and Dec. 13, 2014 (12/13/14), according to county clerk Lynn Goya in a 2021 interview with the Associated Press. These dates are "always immensely popular," said Goya, noting that more than 1,800 tied the knot on Dec. 13, 2014. The number to beat this New Year's Eve is 4,492. That record was set on July 7, 2007 - or 7/7/07. The Associated Press said that since 2018, the city typically records between 450 and 550 New Year's Eve marriages, but multiple wedding venues and planning companies said they are expecting far more ceremonies this year. A pop-up Marriage License Bureau will open at Harry Reid International Airport from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31 to capture travelers looking to get married on New Years Eve for its double whammy of a holiday and the dates rare numerical sequence of 1-2-3-1-2-3. pic.twitter.com/ULwznlIYmE City of Las Vegas (@CityOfLasVegas) December 26, 2023 "It's a double whammy," said Melody Willis-Williams, president of Vegas Weddings in an interview with the Associated Press. "Anytime you get these specialty dates, they're always hugely popular. But tie that in with New Year's Eve and it's a showstopper." Willis-Williams said the company expects to marry more than 120 couples on New Year's Eve, with some of those couples waiting for the final countdown to midnight to say "I do." Willis-Williams said that the company's multiple venues are all fully booked at midnight. The pop-up marriage bureau at the airport is a simpler affair, located in one of the airport's terminals near a baggage pickup carousel. Those looking to get their marriage licenses or vow renewal certificates there can do so between Dec. 26 and Dec. 31, with the pop-up closing at 5 p.m. local time each evening. U.S. military carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed group in Iraq From the archives: The Smothers Brothers Treatments for Alzheimer's, other diseases, highlight pharmaceutical industry's historic year Lauder Business School in Austria has severed ties with Harvard University over antisemitism concerns. The European business school was founded by billionaire Ronald S. Lauder, heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics company. Since 2014, Lauder Business School has been a proud affiliate of Professor Michael Porters Microeconomics of Competitiveness Network at Harvard University, the school said in a statement. Lauder Business School has withdrawn from this network and expresses solidarity with the Jewish student community at Harvard University in light of recent events. Our institution is forming new partnerships that are more closely aligned with our core values and standards, the Lauder school statement said. Harvard University declined comment on Wednesday. Words matter: Harvard University president apologizes for remarks on campus antisemitism Harvard is among colleges and universities now under federal investigation for its response to incidents of antisemitism on campus. The Department of Education is looking into whether Harvard failed to respond to reports of harassment against Jewish and Israeli students following the Hamas attacks in Israel on Oct. 7. New billboards along Massachusetts highways aim to fight antisemitism Earlier this month, House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik announced an investigation into Harvard, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania following a controversial congressional hearing on antisemitism. Harvard has drawn harsh criticism from congressional leaders and others, including Congressmen Seth Moulton and Jake Auchincloss, who are both Harvard alumni, for growing antisemitism on its campus following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. In the days following those attacks, Moulton blasted Harvard in a statement. I cannot recall a moment when Ive been more embarrassed by my alma mater, Moulton said in a statement at the time. WATCH: Plane with Harvard hates Jews banner seen flying over college campuses According to the Anti-Defamation League, the country has seen a 337% increase in antisemitic hate crimes nationwide since the Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians on Oct. 7. Between Oct. 7 and Dec. 7, the Anti-Defamation League said it recorded a total of 2,031 antisemitic incidents, up from 465 incidents during the same period in 2022. This includes 40 incidents of physical assault, 337 incidents of vandalism, 749 incidents of verbal or written harassment and 905 rallies including antisemitic rhetoric, expressions of support for terrorism against the state of Israel and/or anti-Zionism. Brandeis University bans Students for Justice in Palestine, saying group openly supports Hamas This terrifying pattern of antisemitic attacks has been relentless since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, with no signs of diminishing, Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement earlier this month. The lid to the sewers is off, and Jewish communities all across the country are being inundated with hate. Public officials and college leaders must turn down the temperature and take clear action to show this behavior is unacceptable to prevent more violence. Rabbi stabbed outside Jewish day school in Brighton, local man arrested 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 Although Royals Caribbeans nine-month world cruise only set sail a few weeks ago, the experience has already gone viral on social media, with passengers opening up about their time on the boat. On 10 December, the Ultimate World Cruise officially started its tour, with the ship the Serenade of the Seas departing from Miami, Florida. As noted by Royal Caribbeans itinerary, the trip consists of 274 nights, with visits to 11 world wonders and over 60 countries. Some of the destinations include Aruba, Barbados, Japan, Italy, Greece, Spain, Denmark, Germany, and France. The cruise concludes in the United States, as it docks back in Miami on 10 September 2024, after a day in the Bahamas on 9 September 2024. Passengers will also have the opportunity to bond with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents, according to Royal Caribbeans website. In addition, travellers will have the chance to connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankinds boundless imagination. Since the cruise began, passengers have documented their experiences on board, from the size of their rooms, to the meals being served, to some additional perks if theyre part of the Royal Caribbeans Pinnacle Club, which travellers get to join after accumulating over 700 cruise points from the previous cruises theyve taken. When posting videos on TikTok, passengers often use the #UltimateWorldCruise hashtag, which has more than 119.2m views as of 27 December. From how to do your laundry to the cost of a room on board, heres everything we know about the Royal Caribbeans Ultimate World Cruise from TikTok. What are the rooms on the ship like and how much do they cost? As noted by Royal Caribbeans website, the most inexpensive room option for the 247 nights is $59,999 per person for an interior stateroom. Prices for other rooms are in a higher range, with the junior suite starting at $117,599 per person. However, regardless of the type of room passengers get, they are all offered amenities like a VOOM internet package, wash and fold laundry service, and a deluxe beverage package. On TikTok, many passengers have shared in-depth tours of their rooms, with many showing off the relatively tiny spaces. For example, Ale Kenney recently shared a video of a room, which started with footage of the living room area, where there was a blue couch with a blanket on it. She and her husband, Andrew, decorated the walls with a banner, pictures, and sketches. There was also a desk and closet, which Kenney opted not to open because it was really tiny and she didnt want everything in it to fall out. She then made her way to their small bathroom, where there was a tall shower right across from the sink. The bathroom also included a white toilet, underneath a magnetic shelf that the couple brought for extra storage. She noted that in addition to cramming [her] makeup and medicine in the storage section underneath the sink, she had a very tiny mirrored cabinet that opened. Kenney then made her way back through the living room and concluded her video with a shot of the king-sized bed in her room. What kind of food is offered on the cruise? While aboard the Ultimate World Cruise, guests are offered a variety of food options, from snacks to speciality dining. Royal Caribbean notes that one frequent spot for meals is the Windjammer, which is a buffet thats open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On TikTok, passengers have shared some of the meals theyve eaten daily. For example, a TikTok user who goes by the name Amike shared a video last week of what she ate in a day on the cruise, starting with breakfast at the Windjammer. Some of her food included fruit, yoghurt, a muffin, oatmeal, and a smoothie. For lunch, she returned to the Windjammer, where she had a salad, a burger patty with cheese, a plate of vegetables, and a coffee. For dinner at the buffet, she had some fish, noodles, corn, and slices of watermelon. Amike also acknowledged that while shes received multiple questions about the food, her meals on the ship have been so good. How do passengers do their laundry throughout the next nine months? Each passenger on the cruise receives a laundry package, as noted by Royal Caribbean. The package includes a complimentary wash and fold service where passengers can send out up to three bags of laundry per week. In a video shared to TikTok, passenger Brandee Lake went on to document her 10th day on sea, which included her plans to do laundry that day. She noted that while she didnt necessarily want someone else doing her laundry, she opted to go to the self-service laundry that was offered on board, which is free for passengers to use. Is there a certain age range among travellers on the cruise? Throughout the first few weeks of the cruise, many TikTok users have questioned who the passengers are on the trip, given its hefty price and lengthy time period. With that in mind, social media users have noticed that a lot of people who share content appear to be a part of Generation Z, meaning they were born between 1997 and 2012. However, according to Kenney, thats not necessarily the case. I would say the majority, like the overwhelming majority of passengers, are retirees (or seniors), she said during an interview with Today, as she noted that 90 per cent of passengers were retired. That doesnt change the fact that cruises are a popular travelling experience for adults. According to Gavin Smith, vice president and managing director of Royal Caribbean AUNZ, theres still a growing interest in cruises among young people. Our Caribbean and European cruises are attracting younger Australian guests, with short Caribbean sailings proving immensely popular, including our new Oasis Class ship Utopia of the Seas which launches in July, he told News.com.au. Regardless of the ages of passengers on the Ultimate World Cruise, people on social media have joked about what drama could occur on the nine-month trip. One woman named Kates, who goes by the name @whimsysoul on TikTok, went on to share The Ultimate Bingo Card for the next year for anyone else who is buckling in for this nine months TikTok reality show. Some of the spaces on her Bingo Card included someone goes home early, staff dates passenger, lobster style sunburn, brands sponsor passengers, and minor mystery to solve. The Independent has contacted Royal Caribbean for comment. Erica Smith, 54, lives in her car in Riverside County. Landlords have rejected her housing applications because of her prior convictions. On Jan. 1, Assembly Bill 1418 will ban local laws that require landlords to exclude people with criminal histories. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) In 2021, four years after finishing her last jail term and living in transitional housing in Riverside County, Erica Smith was ready for a permanent home. Shed saved enough to cover a security deposit and the first and last months rent for an apartment for her and her daughter. But after three months of searching, Smith ran out of money, having burned through $10,000 on stays in motel rooms. Shed never found a place to live. Smith had a series of drug-related and theft convictions on her record. Numerous cities within Riverside had adopted laws called crime-free housing that aimed to prohibit landlords from renting to tenants with criminal histories. Its just terrible, said Smith, 54. Why am I not able to provide a place for me and my daughter to live? Soon, Smith will have more opportunities for housing, courtesy of a new state law. Assembly Bill 1418, which takes effect Jan. 1 , will ban local governments across California from enforcing crime-free housing policies . Not only do crime-free housing rules stop landlords from renting to those with prior convictions, but many also call for the eviction of tenants based on arrests or contact with law enforcement. Read more: Black and Latino renters face eviction, exclusion amid police crackdowns in California Dozens of cities and counties in California began implementing the laws during the wave of tough on crime measures in the 1990s, with local elected officials, police and prosecutors contending they helped keep neighborhoods safe. But crime-free housing policies have come under increasing criticism as unfair, unforgiving and racially discriminatory. The blanket bans have prevented spouses and children of those convicted from accessing housing and forced evictions of domestic violence victims after police responded to their apartments. Under AB 1418, local governments will no longer be able to mandate landlords evict and exclude tenants for alleged or prior criminal conduct. It does not prevent landlords from initiating nuisance-related evictions and screening prospective residents based on criminal histories of their own accord. More than 100 cities passed crime-free housing policies between 1995 and 2020, covering potentially 4.5 million renters, according to a new report by Rand Corp. , a Santa Monica-based nonpartisan research institution. The study found that contrary to proponents claims, crime-free housing did not lower crime rates. Our overall finding is crime-free housing policies are completely ineffective, said Max Griswold, an assistant policy researcher at Rand and the studys lead author. In contrast, the analysis determined that the rules increased eviction rates on average by about 20%, an effect Griswold called unexpectedly large. The study found that cities with crime-free housing policies have a larger percentage of Black residents than those without. Theyre creating more segregation, Griswold said of the rules. At the end of the day, that seems to be their purpose. Read more: California lawmakers vote to ban mandatory evictions for arrested tenants Momentum to curtail crime-free housing laws has grown in recent years. A 2020 Times investigation found the policies had disproportionately affected Black and Latino renters in California. Last year, the city of Hesperia and San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department agreed to pay $1 million to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice alleging crime-free housing policies targeted Black and Latino residents for removal. Citing The Times story and the Hesperia case, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Hawthorne) introduced AB 1418 in February. Soon after, California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta issued formal guidance to local governments urging them to reconsider their programs on racial justice grounds. Doing that on the heels of the big Hesperia case put cities on notice that the walls were closing in on them, said Anya Lawler, a lobbyist representing the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and the National Housing Law Project, two nonprofits that are principal supporters of the bill. Over the summer, Californias Reparations Task Force, in its recommendations for remedying the legacies of slavery and other more modern government-sanctioned policies that discriminated against Black residents, called for repealing crime-free housing laws . AB 1418 attracted no formal opposition. It passed both houses of the Legislature without a dissenting vote in a committee or on the Assembly or Senate floors. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1418 in October. Among the new laws backers is the California Apartment Assn., the states largest landlord organization, which contended that local governments shouldnt require landlords to exclude or evict tenants. Read more: Accused of illegally evicting Black and Latino renters, SoCal city, sheriff to pay $1 million As AB 1418 made its way through the Legislature, the two largest cities in the Inland Empire, Riverside and San Bernardino, agreed to repeal their crime-free housing laws. San Bernardino did so as part of a settlement challenging the policy in a case filed by legal aid groups , and joined by Bonta's and Newsoms offices, on behalf of low-income residents in the city. At a hearing on the policy in August, Michael Griggs told San Bernardino City Council members that hed faced hurdle after hurdle trying to find housing. Griggs served six years in prison for robbery and assault charges related to a crime he committed as a teenager and was released in 2015. Michael Griggs, 34, is pursuing a master's in social work at Cal State San Bernardino. Because of his criminal history, he struggled for six months to find housing in the Inland Empire before finding a place. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) While incarcerated, Griggs began taking college classes. He earned a scholarship to Pitzer College and now is pursuing a masters degree in social work at Cal State San Bernardino. After his acceptance into graduate school in 2022, Griggs said, he spent six months searching for apartments throughout the Inland Empire only to have landlords reject him because of his criminal history. He said he found a place in Highland, a city with a crime-free housing policy about 10 miles from campus, only because the landlords background check did not extend to convictions that occurred longer than seven years prior. People want to move forward with their life, said Griggs, 34. How can they move forward with their life without having the first fundamental thing, which is housing, a safe place to live? Griggs said hes looking forward to AB 1418 erasing crime-free housing policies on a broader scale. Its hard work to do this at the city level, he said. Im happy that the state is stepping up. Local officials in Riverside and San Bernardino said they had already scaled back enforcement of crime-free housing programs. Ryan Railsback, a spokesperson for Riverside city police, said the department stopped dedicating an officer to overseeing crime-free housing rules in 2020 because of staffing shortages that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. In San Bernardino, the discussions at the state and local levels about potential harms caused by crime-free housing rules led city leaders to reconsider them after three decades on the books, said Jeff Kraus, a city spokesperson. The nature of crime has changed, Kraus said. The laws have changed. Peoples opinions have changed. Its probably a good time to review them now. For Smith, who remains homeless and living in her car with her 12-year-old daughter, AB 1418 represents another chance. She's protested crime-free housing policies alongside advocacy groups locally and at the state level, and recently obtained a federal Section 8 housing voucher that would subsidize her rent. Smith has yet to find a landlord that will accept the voucher, but she is counting on that to change. Im excited and quite hopeful that because Ive been dutiful in opposing these crime-free rules that part of the reward will be that housing for us is coming very soon," Smith said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Severe thunderstorms caused deadly flooding across eastern Australia over Christmas week while wildfires continue to burn in the west, fueled by a heat wave and the influence of the El Nino climate pattern. At least 10 deaths have been associated with the chaotic weather pattern, according to local authorities. A low-pressure system tapped into tropical air from the north, fueling humid conditions and severe thunderstorms across eastern Australia beginning on Christmas Day, causing a multi-day severe weather outbreak, according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology. Severe thunderstorms continued to impact parts of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland on Tuesday, bringing hail, strong winds and intense rainfall. VIDEO SHOWS TREE EXPLODE AFTER LIGHTNING STRIKE AS MAN NARROWLY AVOIDS BEING CRUSHED BY FALLING LIMBS "Police are continuing to respond to ongoing requests for assistance following the severe storms that affected the region earlier this week, with fallen trees, powerlines and other safety hazards continuing to be observed," Queensland police said in a Facebook post. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a 9-year-old girl was killed in Brisbane on Christmas during the severe weather. Three men died after a large motorboat overturned during the storm near Green Island in Queensland on Tuesday. Eight people were rescued from the water. Queensland Police said the bodies of 48-year-old, 69-year-old and 59-year-old men were later recovered. Also in Queensland, three women were swept away by floodwaters in Southside Gympie on Tuesday. One woman made it to safety. However, Queensland police said the bodies of 40-year-old and 46-year-old women were later found. Reuters reports a man and woman died in flash flooding in Victoria, and two others were killed by falling trees. Multiple marine warnings for wind and high surf were in place during the multi-day storm event. Officials with the New South Wales Police Force said a 19-year-old man is missing after going into the water to rescue a family member caught in rough surf. The man became caught in a rip current and was swept out to sea, according to police. Intense rainfall caused flash flooding and riverbeds to crest, with the highest 24-hour rain totals in Wedderburn, Victoria of 6 inches and Cockatoo Road, Queensland with 5.8 inches. Giant hail of nearly 2 inches was observed in New South Wales, and wind gusts topped 70 mph in parts of Queensland. A tornado caused power outages and damages on the Gold Coast and Scenic in Queensland on Christmas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Thousands in New South Wales and Queensland remain without power on Wednesday, according to multiple power providers in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the continued threat of severe thunderstorms for eastern Australia on Wednesday, with relief in the stormy pattern on Thursday. Flood Warnings were in place for Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The storms came about a week after Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused flooding in northeast Australia, prompting hundreds of rescues by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Personnel conduct search and rescue operations in the flooded area in Queensland, Australia on December 18, 2023. More than 300 rescued from floodwaters. (Photo by QFES/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images) Flooding and high tides washed away roads in Holloways Beach. Local news outlets report river flooding washed crocodiles into suburban communities. Meanwhile, drought and an early summer heat wave are fueling bushfire growth in parts of Australia. Summer in Australia began in December, but the heat has been ongoing since September when the Climate Council declared the El Nino event underway in Australia. WATCH AS MASSIVE 'FIRENADO' WHIPS ACROSS BURNING AUSTRALIAN FARMLAND According to NASA's Earth Observatory data, the heatwave has been particularly brutal in Western Australia, with temperatures reaching 104 degrees, which is 18 degrees above normal for this time of year. A 21-year-old volunteer firefighter was killed Tuesday while responding to a bushfire in Esperance, reports Western Australia Today. Australia's bushfire season typically peaks in January or February. This year, fire detections have topped the 2019-200 "black summer" in Australia, according to the Global Forest Watch. This week, heat wave warnings continue across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland. Original article source: At least 10 dead in Australia as severe thunderstorms cause chaos over Christmas week South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been found dead in an apparent suicide in central Seoul. Police found the body of the actor, who was 48, in a car near a city park on Wednesday. They believe Lee took his own life, Yonhap news agency reports. Police said earlier they had received a report that he had left his home after writing a note. He had been under investigation for alleged illegal drug use since October. Lee's body was taken to Seoul National University Hospital after police located his car near Waryong Park. Reports say his family have refused an autopsy and he will be buried on Friday. Police have begun an investigation to establish the details around his death, including when he arrived at the scene where his body was found, and the time of his death. In Parasite, Lee played the patriarch of the wealthy Park family which is infiltrated by members of a poor family posing as unrelated individuals. The vicious social satire won four Oscars, including best picture. Yonhap reported that he was suspected of taking drugs such as marijuana and ketamine with a hostess at a bar in Seoul. He had said that though he took what she gave him, he had not known that they were illicit drugs. The hostess had reportedly told the police that he used drugs at her home multiple times - something he denied. He had earlier requested through his lawyer to take a lie detector test. His drug tests had returned negative or inconclusive results, the report added. Police said they regretted that Lee had died in the midst of investigations, but that the inquiry had been "conducted with [his] consent", News1 Korea reported. Lee underwent three rounds of questioning, with one session last Saturday lasting 19 hours, according to Yonhap. Lee's agency, HODU&U Entertainment, said in a statement: "There is no way to contain the sorrow and despair. We respectfully ask that you refrain from spreading false facts based on speculation... so that [Lee's] final journey will not be unfair." News of his death sparked strong reactions online. "I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for him. Rest in peace," read a comment on one of the news reports. "Aren't celebrities human? People can make mistakes in their lives. It's so sad," said another. There was also praise for his work. One fan, writing on X (formerly Twitter), wrote: "I laughed and cried a lot while watching your acting. Thank you." The actor, who was married to actress Jeon Hye-jin and had two young sons with her, had a career spanning more than two decades. He starred as the lead in dozens of films and TV shows, becoming a household name through the 2010s. He rose to international fame with Parasite, as it became the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture Oscar. In South Korea, celebrities are held to high standards of propriety. Lee had a squeaky-clean, family-man image prior to his alleged drug use, but reports that emerged from the investigation caused considerable damage to his reputation. Speaking to reporters in late October before going into a police station for questioning, he said: "I sincerely apologise for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident. "I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment." Lee was dropped from No Way Out, a mystery TV series that began shooting in October. According to reports, some businesses were seen taking down posters and advertisements featuring Lee from their stores. Drug offences, including those involving usage of marijuana, are considered serious crimes in South Korea. Consumption of marijuana carries prison sentences of up to five years. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed a crackdown on drugs. This year, the country's authorities expanded its drug crimes department and the national police chief promised "a total war" on drug crimes. Lee is not the only South Korean celebrity who had been investigated for drug use recently. Earlier this month, K-pop star G-Dragon was cleared of drug allegations after weeks of investigations. Actor Yoo Ah-in is currently standing trial for drug use. Additional reporting by Fan Wang Help and support If you're affected by any of the issues in this article you can find details of organisations who can help via the BBC Action Line. In the UK you can call for free, at any time, to hear recorded information on 0800 066 066. Elsewhere in the world, you can get help here. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in Jerusalem on Oct. 24. (Christophe Ena / Associated Press) To the editor: As long as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stays in office, the hope for peace and an equitable settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians is an illusion. ("Hopes dim for cease-fire as Israel vows to continue war," Dec. 23) Why? First, he brought far-right Jewish supremacists into his cabinet and is now beholden to them. Second, under his watch, the Israeli military lost its edge and was unprepared for Hamas' murderous Oct. 7 rampage. This was one result of Netanyahu's zeal to cut down the power of the Israeli Supreme Court, which resulted in massive demonstrations. Third, Netanyahu has long undermined a two-state solution, thereby depriving Palestinians of hope for a decent future. He encouraged large-scale settlements and the taking of more and more Palestinian land. He has belittled, weakened and humiliated the Palestinian Authority. Fourth, his pitiless determination to crush Hamas has caused unspeakable suffering in Gaza. Netanyahu's leadership has done enormous damage to Israel's international reputation, which will not be easily repaired as long as he remains in office. Thomas P. Bernstein, Irvine .. To the editor: Please stop referring to Hamas as a "militant group." It is a group of terrorists whose plainly spoken goal is to obliterate Israel. They have no interest in actually governing Gaza or protecting its citizens. There are appalling civilian casualties in every war. I do not agree with many of Israels policies (West Bank settlements, especially), but as a Jew, I would defend to the death Israels right to exist. If that means using every possible means to destroy Hamas, so be it. Anne Beaty, Los Angeles .. To the editor: Israel has lost the war with Hamas. It has demonstrated cruelty beyond comprehension: More than 20,000 in Gaza have been killed, including 7,000 children; more than 500,000 Palestinians are food insecure; 60% of the infrastructure in Gaza has been destroyed; and journalists have been killed along with those flying a white flag of surrender. Israel has recruited the next generation of terrorists. Its leaders should be tried for crimes against humanity. Israel has matched and exceeded the terror of Hamas. It is time for a cease-fire and a change in government. Craig Brod, Berkeley This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Lily Gladstone has recalled growing up as a devoted fan of her Killers of the Flower Moon co-star Leonardo DiCaprio. As well as discussing the influence his work had on her acting ambitions, she also revealed that her favourite performance of his is in 1998s The Man in the Iron Mask. Randall Wallaces Alexandre Dumas adaptation starred DiCaprio as both King Louis XIV and his exiled twin brother Phillippe. I already knew at that point I wanted to be an actor, Gladstone told People, and getting to see one actor play that kind of duality, it was really cool. Gladstone, who grew up in Montana, also said she loved 1997s Titanic. It was one of the first things I spent my allowance on, remembered Gladstone. I pre-ordered the double VHS set from Toys R Us, when that was still around. By that point, she was already a dedicated follower of DiCaprios career. I had been a fan of Leo long before that, she added. My first film that I watched him in was, I cant remember which one came first, but it was either Whats Eating Gilbert Grape or This Boys Life. I loved Romeo + Juliet. Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone at the Killers of the Flower Moon press conference at Cannes 2023 (Mohammed Badra/Pool/Getty Images) Over two decades after discovering DiCaprios work, Gladstone auditioned for Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon and won the role of Mollie, an Indigenous Osage woman who is married to DiCaprios character Ernest. Gladstone has been widely praised for her performance in the film, and has been tipped as a potential Oscar winner following her success at the Gotham Awards last month. The 37-year-old won the Outstanding Lead Performance trophy for the little-seen drama The Unknown Country, beating out contenders including Greta Lee (Past Lives), Teyana Taylor (A Thousand and One), Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla), Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers) and Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction). In a five-star review of Killers of the Flower Moon The Independents Clarisse Loughrey singled out Gladstone for particular praise, writing: Its Gladstone who provides the films centre of gravity. She gives one of the most extraordinary performances by a woman in any of Scorseses movies. She is serene but not saintly; a figure of tragedy with a fire in her belly. The first time we dive into Mollies perspective, its with a force that could suck the breath out of your body. The eyes of the white men and women around her are curdled with disgust. Hers are all-knowing about the future thats barreling towards her. Senator Lindsay Graham has an interesting (that is to say, delusional) opinion of how his fellow Republicans treat people with views that are different from their own. The South Carolina Republican embarked on a remarkable intellectual journey to arrive at this destination. On Wednesday, Graham made an appearance on Fox News to complain about a new bill being considered by the New York state legislature that would require the restaurants located in the states highway rest areas to be open seven days a week. The only firm that runs afoul of this law appears to be Chick-fil-A, which is closed on Sundays as an extension of its founders conservative Christian values. Graham made a specific demand of the Democrats seated in the state legislature: Do as conservatives do and just leave well enough alone. Bottom line is, conservatives are tolerant, he said. We are, you know, kind of, get out of your business, you leave me alone, Ill leave you alone. Graham: The bottom line is Conservatives are tolerant, we are kind of get out of your business, you leave me alone, Ill leave you alone pic.twitter.com/AuzfBkKYVC Acyn (@Acyn) December 27, 2023 To find proof of just how wrong Graham is, look no further than the company hes defending. Chick-fil-A donated considerably to anti-LGBTQ organizations for years. While the company stopped those donations in 2019, owner Dan Cathy still contributes to anti-LGBTQ groups. Meanwhile, across the country, Republicans have pushed bill after bill limiting LGBTQ peoples rights to perform in drag, access health care, or simply be in public. They have passed laws preventing people from getting abortions, forcing them to flee out of state for medical treatmentsif they can afford to, that is. Graham himself tried last fall to pass a bill banning abortion after 15 weeks. All of those thingshow someone dresses, what health care they seek, whom they choose to loveare arguably just their business. And yet despite Grahams claim of tolerance, Republicans seem to feel justified in legislating all of that away. It is, however, genuinely good that the Republican Party has become a haven for those who lack self-awareness. Baby steps! AUSTIN (KXAN) Its a question I ask in nearly every interview about local elections: Why should people care? Jack Craver, editor of the Austin Politics Newsletter, answered like this: So much of the joys and frustrations that come throughout the day, whether theyre sitting in traffic or, you know, playing at a park with their kids, so much of that is due to either the successes or failures of local government. You have a say in who shapes the city moving forward. Here are the candidates who have already begun the process of seeking your vote in the November 2024 election (see which Austin City Council district youre in using this map). Mayor Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has not officially announced whether he will run for re-election. A spokesperson said the mayor is still focused on stabilizing government. FILE: Austin Mayor Kirk Watson (KXAN photo/Ed Zavala) Watson served as mayor from 1997-2001 and took office again in early 2023. The mayor will serve two years, instead of four because Austin voted to have its election run concurrent to the presidential one. It means the national stage will play a bigger role in Austin politics moving forward. These races dont happen in a vacuum. And so the most important factors in these races might be things that have nothing to do with city politics. It might be how many people are coming out to vote for Joe Biden or Donald Trump or whoever is also on the ballot, Craver said. As of right now, nobody has announced they are challenging Watson, should he run for re-election. District Two Council Member Vanessa Fuentes Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes has officially announced she is running for re-election. She has led on issues including raising the minimum wage to $20 for city workers, expanding paid parental leave to 12 weeks for city workers, and expanding access to full-day Pre-K in Del Valle ISD, her campaign website said. Fuentes beat out two other candidates in 2020 to fill the seat previously held by now-Travis County Attorney Delia Garza. Before serving on the council, Fuentes was a community health advocate with the American Heart Association. District Four A spokesperson for Austin City Council Member Jose Chito Vela said the council member will run for re-election next year. Velas campaign website lists several priorities for the council members campaign including housing, environment, public safety and transportation. Chito Vela (KXAN photo/Daniel Marin) I support Austins criminal justice reform efforts, such as the decriminalization of marijuana, initiatives to improve police accountability, and the addition of mental health as an option when calling 911. Effective and accountable public safety is a priority, his website reads. In a special election in 2022, Vela ran against seven candidates to plug now Congressman Greg Casars vacated seat. He claimed nearly 60% of the vote in that race, KXAN previously reported. Before his run for council, Vela was an immigration and criminal defense attorney. District Six Austin City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly announced she intends to run for re-election for her current seat in District Six. Krista Laine has also filed to challenge her for the seat. It seems like thats kind of a quintessential Democrat versus Republican race that I imagine will be pretty close, Carver said. Kelly has been the most conservative voice on the council during her tenure, often voting against her colleagues. Council Member Mackenzie Kelly sits down for an interview with City Hall Reporter Grace Reader (KXAN photo) With a background in volunteer first responder work, Kelly has been particularly vocal about public safety during her time on the dais. She brought forward several public safety resolutions this year including securing new ladder trucks for the Austin Fire Department and pushing for incentives for developers to create public safety spaces. Kelly ousted incumbent Jimmy Flannigan in a contentious runoff in 2020. Krista Laine (courtesy: Krista Laine Campaign) Meanwhile, Laine is a parent and advocate at Round Rock ISD serving on the safety and security committee as a community member, according to RRISDs website, and creating a group called Access Education RRISD which sought to balance the rhetoric surrounding contentious school issues. As a public schools advocate and parent, Krista has seen firsthand the struggles faced by our neighborhood public schools and the positive impact that the city, county, and other local governmental entities can have on meeting the needs of students, families, and the community, it said on her fundraising platform. District Seven Austin City Council Member Leslie Pool is term-limited and leaves an open seat in District Seven. In what looks to be a crowded race, several candidates have already filed to fill that role. The question is whether well see sort of that traditional divide between the urbanist or YIMBY (yes in my backyard) candidate and the sort of neighborhood or growth skeptic candidate, Carver said. So far, Mike Siegel, Adam Powell, Pierre Nguyen and Edwin Bautista have announced campaigns for District Seven. Mike Siegel (Courtesy: Siegel for Austin) Siegel formerly the City of Austins assistant city attorney has a background in public education, nonprofit and legal work, according to his campaign website. Siegel has run for state office as a Democrat and most recently lost the House District 10 seat to Michael McCaul (R) in 2020. As a teacher, Mike taught third grade, fifth grade, and eighth grade in the public schools, and was active in his teachers union. He has co-founded multiple nonprofit organizations, including Ground Game Texas, which fights for democracy and social justice through local issue campaigns in cities across the state, his campaign website says. Pierre Nguyen (Courtesy: Nguyen For Austin City Council Campaign) Nguyen is a firefighter and EMT in Travis County, works as the health and safety director for non-profit American YouthWorks, serves as a reservist in the Coast Guard and has been on the City of Austins Public Safety Commission and Asian American Quality of Life Commission, according to his campaign website. With my deep understanding of community needs and my unwavering commitment to serving others, I seek to bring my experience, empathy, and fresh perspective to the table, he wrote. Adam Powell (Courtesy: Adam Powell) Powell who has formerly done work as a union organizer, recruiter in education and tech executive has served as a Board Member for Austins SAFE Alliance, vice president of the North Shoal Creek Neighborhood Association and is on the CapMetro committee. He also volunteers with several organizations in Austin, including ReThink35, according to Powells campaign website. Adam made sure his full-time work was focused on creating positive change, his website said. Edwin Bautista (Courtesy: Edwin For District 7 Campaign) Bautista graduated from the University of Texas in 2020 and has worked at the nonprofit Texas Housers, which supports low-income Texans in achieving home ownership, since 2021 while also getting his masters degree, according to his campaign website. As a member of Generation Z, I bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. Im running for local public office to champion an innovative and inclusive vision for the City of Austin. Most importantly, Im running to represent the underdogs the hardworking people who deserve a fair shot and the opportunity to prosper, he wrote. District 10 Similarly, Council Member Alison Alter has reached the end of her two consecutive terms and will leave a vacant seat. Officially eyeing it so far are Ashika Ganguly and Mark Duchen. Theres a lot of speculation on whether Jennifer Virden, who ran for mayor last year and ran for District 10 a couple of years before, whether shell get back in, Craver said. Jennifer Virden, you may recall, narrowly lost in a runoff to Alison Alter in 2020 so she could jump in again. Virden told KXAN she will be deciding and making an announcement as to her potential run in 2024. Ashika Ganguly (Courtesy: Ashika Ganguly) Ganguly most recently served as the legislative director for Rep. John Bucy (D) and has a masters degree in policy, according to her website. During the 88th session, Ashika found herself fighting for equitable legislation amidst attacks on inclusion efforts, LGBTQ+ rights, school finance, voting rights, local control, and much more. These experiences propelled her towards her new mission: advocating for her community at City Hall, her campaign website said. Duchen said hes been active in neighborhood policy for the better part of a decade, starting with volunteering for his homeowners association. Mark Duchen Through this role, I became involved with the fight over how to redevelop the Austin Oaks PUD and then the 2016 District 10 council race. I would later serve on the Austin Neighborhood Council executive committee and Community Not Commodity board. I have also worked with a number of Political Action Committees including the bi-partisan City Accountability Project PAC, his campaign website said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. 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 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The city of Little Rock has seen 62 homicides and many shootings this year, although there is a 23% decrease in crime compared to last year, some families who have fallen victim to the violence say theyve had enough. As Teressa Morgan walked through the doors of her family restaurant, memories from the past 4 years come flooding back. We didnt want to do this, its something we had to do, Teressa Morgan, a mother whose son was shot, said. Little Rock police investigating Wednesday shooting at a West 12th Street store, three people injured They sold the restaurant despite the heartache, Morgan said they didnt have a choice. Here about 5 or 6 years ago, we have just seen an increase in crime around us, Morgan said. According to Little Rock Police records, on Dec 6, the real-time crime center was alerted for 15 rounds that occurred at 1100 Lewis Street. A secondary activation for 20 rounds occurred at 4200 West 12th Street around the same time. Officers were then notified of 3 shooting victims inside the AutoZone at 4200 West 12th Street. One of them was Morgans son. As soon as I heard it, it felt like something kicked me in my chest, said Morgan. Ten days later, her son was shot again on Holt Street. He was found in a ditch and taken to a local hospital where he was put on a ventilator. Thats what youre supposed to do, keep your kids safe, thats one of our packs, said Morgan. When they took him off the ventilator one of the first things, he said to me was, I never thought Little Rock would do us like this, Father, Cecil Morgan said. Little Rock police release new details on Wednesday shooting near auto parts store A son injured, their house punctured with bullet holes, they are now moving away they say its all they can do. We have to get him away because its just not safe, Cecil said. Their son is still in the hospital recovering from his nearly 8 bullet wounds and over 40 staples. They have sold their restaurant, and they will be moving out of the city as soon as possible. Both shootings are still under investigation, if anyone has information, you are urged to contact the police. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. A group of state lawmakers have unfurled a proposal to change New Hampshires official state flag: They want to add the phrase Live Free or Die, which would be the first update to the flags design in more than 90 years. The bill, HB 1016, seeks to print the famous words of General John Stark from 1809 now the state motto beneath the current state seal. It's time, said the bills lead sponsor Rep. Tim McGough, a Republican from Merrimack. He said the current flag doesnt inspire residents or visitors to the state and doesnt stand out from other state flags with similar designs. Rep. Tim McGough, a Republican from Merrimack, wants to add "Live Free or Die" to the current state flag using Times New Roman typeface. We get lost in the shuffle, said McGough. And New Hampshire has never been like that. The current flag includes the official state seal centered onto a blue background, surrounded with a wreath of laurel with nine stars interspersed, in honor of New Hampshire becoming the ninth state. That seal depicts the frigate USS Raleigh, one of the original warships of the U.S. Navy, which was built locally in 1776. The 32-gun ship was the first to carry the United States flag into sea battle. The vessel had a checkered career according to the official state almanac. After its captain was dismissed, the ship was breached off the coast, then captured by British warships, and used for the remainder of the Revolutionary War against her own country. Nevertheless, the Raleigh is depicted in front of a rising sun on all official state documents, and has adorned the flag in its current form since 1931. The proposed bill calls for the states motto to be placed below the seal in Times New Roman, a widely recognized typeface that happens to have been designed in England. A nod to our history, I guess, said McGough when told of its origins. The bill has several co-sponsors, including Sen. Lou DAllesandro, a Democrat from Manchester. According to State House records, this is at least the eighth attempt at revising New Hampshires state flag since 1989. Seven previous bills also sought to include the phrase Live Free or Die, but those measures all failed to gain widespread support. In 2018, the Legislature shot down a proposed study committee to look at ways to modify the flag to include the state motto and an image of the Old Man in the Mountain. This is not McGoughs first attempt at elevating the motto. In 1999, he was the lead sponsor of a House resolution that urged the U.S. Mint to include the phrase Live Free or Die on the states commemorative quarter, ultimately placing Starks famous saying inside of cash registers, piggy banks and vending machines around the nation. States including Mississippi, Utah and Minnesota have all redesigned their flags in recent years, retiring outdated or staid imagery with the aim of evoking a sense of local pride. In Maine, residents are expected to vote next year on a proposal to change the Pine Tree States flag from its current coat of arms to the widely known and displayed image of a white flag emblazoned with a pine tree and blue star. Printing words on a flag, as proposed in New Hampshires redesign, are generally abhorred by vexillologists, or those who study flag design. While I understand the sentiment, this takes the flag in the wrong direction, said Ted Kaye with the North American Vexillological Association, and the author of Good Flag, Bad Flag, when shown New Hampshires proposal. Words dont belong on flags, he said. They cant be seen at a distance, they are difficult to sew, and they read backwards on the reverse side of the flag. The proposal by McGough, who holds a paramedics license but no formal graphic design experience, has already received a fair amount of debate on the social media platform Reddits vexillology forum. A user named nygoth1083 offered praise for the idea, writing NGL [not gonna lie] I really like this. Something like this shows that change doesn't have to be a total revolution of everything that was previously on the flag. McGough said he likes that the proposal is generating interest, from both fans and critics. It's a great talker, he noted. He said hes open to amendments, including a complete redesign of the flag, if thats where the wind blows his fellow lawmakers. Gov. Chris Sununu, who frequently evokes Starks famous phrase, did not respond to a request for comment on the proposed flag redesign. These articles are being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Wave Free or Die: Should this be New Hampshire's new state flag? Mourners attend the funeral of Israeli staff sergeant Elisha Yehonatan Lober, who was killed in battle in the Gaza Strip, at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Israel, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) A Palestinian town with a typical population around 75,000 has been overwhelmed by hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge as Israel expands its ground offensive across Gaza. Some of the new arrivals Wednesday at Deir al-Balah traveled by foot or rode donkey carts loaded with belongings. While many crowded onto streets around the town's main hospital, others set up tents on sidewalks. Palestinian health officials said dozens were killed in Israel's heavy strikes across the center and south of the territory. The U.N. humanitarian office says the scale and intensity of ground operations and fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in most areas of Gaza and their devastating impact is impeding aid deliveries. Operational challenges due to insecurity, blocked roads and a scarcity of fuel are also hampering the humanitarian response, the office, known as OCHA, said in a statement Wednesday. OCHA warned that telecommunications blackouts are making communications and internet service unreliable and also impacting humanitarian deliveries. More than 20,900 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the start of the war, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants among the dead. About 1,200 people were killed after Hamas raided southern Israel on Oct. 7, with around 240 people taken hostage. Israel says it aims to free the more than 100 hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza. Currently: The U.N. appoints a former Dutch deputy premier and Mideast expert as its Gaza humanitarian coordinator. An Israeli airstrike in Syria kills a high-ranking Iranian general. Biden orders strikes on an Iranian-aligned group after three U.S. troops are wounded in drone attack in Iraq. Pro-Palestinian protesters block airport access roads in US. Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war. Heres whats happening in the war: ISRAELI OFFICIAL SAYS MILITANT LEADER IN LEBANON COULD BE TARGETED JERUSALEM Israels foreign minister says the head of Lebanons Hezbollah militant group could be Israels next target. Eli Cohen spoke a day after a Hezbollah strike wounded 11 people in northern Israel. The Iranian-backed group has fired missiles and rockets into Israel throughout the two-and-a-half month war between Israel and Hamas. Israel has responded dozens of airstrikes and artillery barrages. The daily battles have forced tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate their homes from border communities and raised fears that they could escalate into a region-wide war. Touring Israels border with foreign ambassadors. Cohen said Hezbollahs leader, Hassan Nasrallah, must understand that hes next. He said Hezbollah must respect a 2006 U.N. cease-fire that calls on the group to withdraw from the border area. We will operate to make the most of the diplomatic option, Cohen said. If it doesnt work, all options are on the table. Also Wednesday, Israels army chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, said the military is in a state of high readiness and has approved a number of plans for the northern front. We need to be prepared to strike if required. SUPPORTERS OF ISRAELI-AMERICAN HOSTAGE RALLY AT AIRPORT TEL AVIV, Israel Dozens of friends and relatives of a 23-year-old Israeli-American man held hostage by Hamas gathered Wednesday at Israels international airport to draw attention to his plight. Hersh Goldberg-Polin had been scheduled to fly out on Wednesday for a long-planned backpacking trip. Today, Dec. 27, Hersh Hersh has a one-way ticket to go traveling around the world. Its a trip that hes been planning for a long time. Hes been dreaming about it for a long time, said his father, Jonathan Polin. Hes unfortunately not going to be taking off on a trip today, but we are hoping and praying that hes going to take off on this trip soon. Goldberg-Polin was attending a music party near the Gaza border that was targeted by Hamas in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that triggered the Israel-Hamas war. Over 300 people were killed while several dozen were taken hostage. About 50 people joined the gathering at Ben-Gurion airport, many holding posters of Goldberg-Polins picture with the slogan Bring Hersh Home. His father brought a backpack that he said he had bought as a present for his sons trip. The bag was not supposed to be here today on my back. Its supposed to be on Hershs back, he said. We hope its going to be, soon. HAMAS IN A SPAT WITH IRAN'S REVOLUTIONARY GUARD SPOKESMAN BEIRUT A spokesman for Irans Revolutionary Guard claimed Wednesday that the deadly Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7 was launched in retaliation for the 2020 killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head of Irans elite Quds Force, in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq. Hamas promptly denied the claim, in a rare public spat between the Palestinian militant group and its main sponsor. The paramilitary guard's spokesman Ramezan Sharif made the comments at a news conference where he threatened retaliation for the killing of another top Iranian military figure, Gen. Razi Mousavi, who was killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria on Monday. On Wednesday, hundreds of mourners processed through the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala with Mousavis body. It is an Iranian tradition to take the bodies of prominent figures to the shrines of Shiite saints before being repatriated for burial. Sharif said that the Oct. 7 attack in which some 1,200 people were killed in Israel and 240 taken hostage was one of the acts of revenge by the resistance front against the U.S. and the Zionists for the assassination of the martyr Soleimani. Hamas in a statement denied Sharifs characterization and said the Oct. 7 operation was launched in response to threats to the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and to the Zionist occupation and its ongoing aggression against our people and our holy sites. Iranian and Hamas officials have previously denied that Iran ordered or played a role in planning the incursion. Hamas officials have pushed sometimes publicly for Iran and affiliated militant groups, including the Lebanese Hezbollah, to intervene more forcefully against Israel in the ensuing war, which has killed more than 20,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, in the Gaza enclave. ERDOGAN COMPARES NETANYAHU TO HITLER ANKARA, Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan intensified his criticism of Israel on Wednesday, comparing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. Netanyahu responded that Erdogan is the last person who can preach morality to us. In a speech at an award ceremony, Erdogan also suggested that the United States was complicit in the deaths of 20,000 people in Gaza, for supporting Israel. We watched Israels Nazi camps in the stadiums, right? Erdogan said in reference to a video aired on Turkish televisions that appeared to show Israeli soldiers rounding up half-naked men in a stadium in Gaza. What is this? Remember they used to talk about Hitler in a weird way? How are you different than Hitler? Erdogan continued: They will make us long for Hitler. Is there anything different in Netanyahus actions compared to Hitlers? The Turkish leader went on to say that Netanyahu was receiving all kinds of support from the United States. And with all this support, what did they do to more than 20,000 Gazans? They killed them, he said. One of Israels most vocal critics, Erdogan has previously referred to Netanyahu as the butcher of Gaza, accused him of actions amounting to genocide and called for him to be prosecuted by an international war crimes tribunal. Erdogan, who is committing genocide against the Kurds and who holds the world record for imprisoning journalists who oppose his regime, is the last person who can preach morality to us, Netanyahu said in his response. "I feel like I'm a receptacle for Bristol history," author Lizzie Lane said A best-selling author said growing up on a Bristol council estate is what inspires her books. Lizzie Lane grew up on an estate between Knowle West and Bedminster in the 1950s and 60s. The author in saga and historical fiction told BBC Radio Bristol that her work has been inspired by her time growing up. "I feel like I'm a receptacle for Bristol history," she added. Ms Lane later worked for Imperial Tobacco and said her time with the women she worked with inspired her historical fiction series "The Tobacco Girls". "It's set in Bedminster. Their lives are mapped out - getting married - until the war then they finally get aspirations and goals in their lives," Ms Lane said about the series. "I have had a lot of letters from people saying they recognise the places in my books. "I feel like I'm a receptacle for Bristol history. It was very provincial, then. "It's a very different city now, it has more culture," she added. The last book in the Tobacco Girls series was published in July. Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk BUFFALO N.Y. (WIVB) Starting in the new year, some people across the state will see a boost in their paycheck. The minimum wage across Western New York will increase to $15 an hour. Local restaurants, including Mooneys in Kenmore and Hofbrauhaus in Buffalo, say theyve already been paying their workers well above minimum wage. Owners say thats the only way they can hire quality cooks and servers, but by raising the minimum wage, theyre going to have to raise wages across the board. I think New York State is already a difficult environment for a lot of small businesses and the increase in minimum wage in general makes it even more difficult, said Edward Arnold, who runs Hofbrauhaus. We Never Close: Elmwood corner store became refuge during 22 blizzard For workers who rely on tips, such as bartenders and servers, their pay goes up to $10 an hour, including $5 an hour expected in tips. Theyll make more an hour, but if that price that gets passed down to the customer results in fewer customers, theyre going to make a lot less, Arnold said. Chris McCann of Mooneys says running a locally owned business has its set of challenges. Hes not sure if raising the minimum wage across the state is the best idea. Twin Petrels Seltzer to close at end of the year You can only take so much as an owner and business before you have to raise your prices, he said. The thing about it is, food costs are going to go up, because the cost of producing the food is going to go up, the trucking is going to go up, the people stocking the shelves is going to go up. Everything is going to go up across the board, which raises my price for everything, which is going to raise my prices for the customers. Frederick Floss, an economics professor at Buffalo State University, says he believes increasing the minimum wage has more positives than negatives for the local economy. He says raising wages could help people rely less on government-assisted programs. For individuals who are making less, its going to mean theyre going to have more money in their pocket, Floss said. For the government, if this starts to move people out of poverty that means that theyre going to have less to pay in food stamps, less to pay in [Home Energy Assistance Program]. Latest Local News Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Long night moon: See the last full moon of the year at its brightest tonight **Related Video Above: Moon shines brightly over Cleveland last November.** CLEVELAND (WJW) The final full moon of the year is upon us. Called a cold moon, its also one of the longest full moons of the year. On Tuesday night, those in Northeast Ohio may be able to catch it at full illumination at about 7:30 p.m., according to Space.com. Eyes to the skies: Astronomical events to watch for in 2024 If youre walking out to your car Tuesday or Wednesday, take 10 seconds and look for the full moon. Notice how high it is? Its nearly straight above us, astronomer Jay Reynolds told FOX 8 in a statement. In the northern hemisphere, the moon is currently at its highest point and traces its longest path, hence it being dubbed the long night moon, the Old Farmers Almanac reported. But is weather in Northeast Ohio going to cooperate enough for optimal viewing? FOX 8 meteorologists are forecasting scattered rain and some fog in the area on Tuesday evening, but that doesnt mean the moon cant pop through. Wednesday, too, could see some rain. Find the latest forecast right here. 3-year-old sneaks downstairs to open all familys presents early Christmas morning Look for the next another long full moon, a wolf moon, coming Jan. 25. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Here are four monumental moments to remember from this session During the 118th session of Congress, members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate faced several bouts of uncertainty regarding issues such as the House speakership and whether members could pass measures to avoid two government shutdowns. Vehicles are parked outside the U.S. Capitol building on Oct. 11, 2023. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) However, other issues needed attention, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus led efforts to tackle them. Here are four monumental moments led by CBC members in this session. U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York became the first Black House Minority Leader In January, Jeffries became the first Black American to hold the title of House Minority Leader. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of N.Y. speaks before President Joe Biden at the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Baltimore. (Photo by Evan Vucci, AP) For the past 11 months, members of the Congressional Black Caucus have approved of Jeffries leadership and told theGrio they hope he will be elected as Speaker of the House one day. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Tex., previously told theGrio that if Jeffries became House Speaker, some House Republicans would be relieved. I think that they wouldnt have to worry about the wars that exist with the far-right flankbecause Hakeem operates from a more centrist space, said Crockett. U.S. Representative Gabe Amo of Rhode Island makes history On Nov. 7, Rep. Amo became the first Black American and person of color to represent Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District. Gabe Amo smiles at an election results party after his win in the Democratic primary for Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in Pawtucket, R.I. (Photo by David Delpoio/Providence Journal via AP) Amo previously told theGrio, that his first days in office have been a bit surreal and that he is thankful. I just want to say thank you to the voters of Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District and thank you to so many who have found my storya Rhode Island story butalso an American story and for taking part in our victory, he told theGrio. While in office, the former Biden-Harris White House staffer plans to tackle Medicare, gun violence, climate change, and womens rights issues. Congressional Black Caucus members led calls for a ceasefire in Gaza Since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, members of the so-called congressional Squad have been vocal in calling for a cease-fire in the region and for the Biden-Harris administration to reprimand Israel for what is called war crimes. The Palestinian Health Ministry said nearly 21,000 have been killed in Gaza. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks as Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) listen during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on July 15, 2019, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images) As a result, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) launched a $100 million initiative against members of the Squad in an effort to remove them from office in 2024 due to their views on the Middle Eastern conflict. The Squad includes Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., Summer Lee, D-Pa., Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich and Jamaal Bowman, D-NY. Bowman previously told theGrio, Im not concerned. Historically throughout our history in this country and globally, whenever people of color, Black men, Black women speak up and push back against the system thats unjust, the system is going to push back, he said. This is AIPAC pushing back and as an actor mostly for a foreign country trying to control our democracythe entire country should be pushing back on that, he added. U.S. Representative Hank Johnson of Georgia put pressure on the Supreme Court to adopt a code of ethics Rep. Johnson and other congressional members and activists have repeatedly called on the nations highest court to adopt a code of ethics following reports that called into question the ethics of justices who didnt report luxury trips, real estate deals, and more. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., votes to approve the second article of impeachment against President Donald Trump during a House Judiciary Committee meeting, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Patrick Semansky-Pool/Getty Images) After months of mounting pressure, the justices adopted a code of conduct in November. However, the justices efforts were met with criticism, as Johnson and others stated the code missed the mark because it was unenforceable. Johnson previously told theGrio, the code was a public relations move. Were left with the same reality that was in place prior to the code of conduct. Justices are the judge and jury of their own ethics, he added. A recent poll by the Just Majority Coalition, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Supreme Court expansion, shows that Black voters have lost faith in the Supreme Court and believe reform is necessary to restore balance and equity. 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The post Take a look at historic and important moments spearheaded by members of the Congressional Black Caucus appeared first on TheGrio. When I have kids, well just slot them into our lives, I once said to my friend, sinking a second glass of wine, knowing there was no alarm set for the following day. And I meant it. I envisioned parties with friends, a small child snoozing under the coats. Typing on my laptop or reading on the sofa at home, while my child played happily (and quietly). I also imagined holidays, with our little one peering out of the plane window, just as excited for a new adventure as us. And of course, everyone is the perfect parent, before they become one. But I could not have foreseen the reality of keeping a young child safe and content 24 hours a day especially when travelling. Weve taken our two-year-old daughter on a plane several times. Each time, Ive felt mostly excited, but with an uncurrent of always-there, medium-to-high level of what happens if anxiety, mainly worrying about other passengers. This panic that my child may bother someone else has been fuelled by a seemingly growing intolerance of children in public spaces. Ella has flown with her toddler several times (Ella Delancey Jones) Restaurants, typically family-friendly affairs, introducing a surcharge for noisy children, for example. A fierce debate over who was in the wrong when a three-year-old approached a reactive dog. And, the real humdinger, an onslaught of stories about selfish parents taking their kids on flights. Shame on those parents, one person says on social media. Ban small children altogether!, says another. The argument in every case usually boils down to, on one side, parents trying to defend the rights of their children to live as equals in our society and, on the other, the sentiment that loud child = bad parents. Read more on family travel: There seems to be a new story every week about nightmare children and their entitled parents. So it was no surprise to me to see jubilation as a European airline began testing adult-only zones on its flights. Corendon Dutch Airlines will pilot the idea on flights from Amsterdam to the Caribbean and reserving a seat in the child-free section will cost an extra 45 per flight, rising to 100 for extra-large seats. In a dedicated family area on a plane, perhaps the anxiety for all children, parents and other travellers would be eradicated Atilay Uslu, chairman and founder of Corendon, said the airline is trying to appeal to travellers looking for some extra peace of mind during their flight. My first reaction was to feel offended. This pilot goes against my ethos: Im a staunch advocate of children being able to exist in public spaces, just as they are. But upon further reflection, I could see the appeal for parents, as well as those without kids. In fact, child-free flights or adult-only zones sound like a great idea. When my friends and fellow parents tell me why they have decided not to have a family holiday abroad with their young children yet, the consensus seems to be thus: financial reasons aside, its because theyre scared of other peoples reactions. Theyre too anxious to make precious memories for fear of bothering a total stranger somewhere along the way. Now, in my experience, people are mostly lovely and helpful when youre travelling with children. And I do understand the negative reactions to an extent especially when it comes to air travel, where you cant simply remove yourself from the situation at 30,000ft. Yes, a child crying can be extremely disruptive and distressing for the child themselves and for those who can hear it. So, in a dedicated family area on a plane, perhaps the anxiety for all children, parents and other travellers would be eradicated. Being surrounded by fellow families might make for a less anxiety-inducing travel experience (Ella Delancey Jones) Sitting in an area surrounded by other parents and their kids would mean that if, for example, my daughters ears hurt on the descent and she cried, I could perhaps expect a knowing and supportive smile across the aisle, rather than a tut and a muttered for f***s sake from the seat behind me. And if the answer, to reduce online vitriol and judgement towards children and parents (the vast majority of whom are simply doing their best), is to charge money to those who would like to remove themselves from the same space as families for a few hours, then I say more power to the airline and those who opt for it. In reality, it is only a tiny percentage of people who might dub the future leaders of this country and their very own end-of-life carers crotch goblins Theres a part of me that wonders if Im a hypocrite for being in favour of this move, having championed childrens equal right to exist in public spaces. And, of course, not everyone hates children. In reality, it is only a tiny percentage of people who might dub the future leaders of this country and their very own end-of-life carers crotch goblins. But the child-free zones concept is undoubtedly an appealing option for those who want to relax and sit in relative silence, to read a book and not have to pretend to enjoy being stared at by a small face peeking through the seats in front. Hell, I enjoy a solo journey with my head buried in a book or bliss the opportunity to sleep. Ive decided to think of adult-only zones on flights as the equivalent of the quiet carriage. But, like train travel, if tickets for adult-only zones are available, then those whod usually make a fuss about being seated near a child shouldnt complain. Like tweeting the train company about having to stand in the aisle of a packed train you always had the option to book into first class. But you didnt! Whether, in practice, adult-only zones will be any more useful than a thin curtain separating smokers from non-smokers in the olden days of flying is debatable. But at least the option is there. Just remember: there are worse people to be stuck with at altitude than children. Even if you pay more, theres no way of guaranteeing you wont be seated next to that stag party who spent the morning doing Jager bombs at the airport Wetherspoons... Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) appeared on Fox Business Networks Cavuto: Coast to Coast on Wednesday to discuss Biden administration officials trip to Mexico to speak with Mexican officials about immigration and the shared border, calling it lip service. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and White House homeland security adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall traveled Wednesday to Mexico to discuss historic levels of migration as pressure builds on the Biden administration to act. As you said earlier, Blinkens visit to Mexico is all about paying lip service to this issue, Mace told Foxs Edward Lawrence. The officials will meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his team, and they will discuss the unprecedented irregular migration and find ways the countries can reopen key points of entry. Mace said it is not the United Statess responsibility to send aid to the home countries of migrants to address the root causes of migration to America. I represent a very independent-minded district. We are seeing independents, Republicans and Democrats getting very angry about what theyre seeing at the border, Mace said. On some days, we have more people crossing the southern border in one day than we do all year from our northern border. The South Carolina lawmaker said it is a massive problem for the Biden administration, but they refuse to address it. The meeting between officials will serve as a follow-up to President Bidens phone call with Lopez Obrador last week, when the two leaders agreed additional enforcement action was urgently needed. It also comes as a caravan of 6,000 migrants is reportedly making its way toward the U.S. At least three points of entry in Texas, Arizona and California have closed to foot and vehicle traffic, and two railway crossings have closed. The meeting hopes to explore reopening some of them. The surge of migrants has created political tension as Republicans demand reforms to border policy to unlock aid for Ukraine. Biden said he is willing to make significant compromises to make it happen. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Navarre Mayor Bob Benson laughs as he flips through newspaper clippings detailing milestones in his storied career. NAVARRE Nearly 40 years ago, Bob Benson was asked to fill a vacant seat on village council. "I was on the (village) park board and council thought I did a good job, so they asked me to fill in," Benson recalled. His decades of service are coming to an end this month as Benson will step down as mayor, a job he has held for the last 27 years. More: 'Place to gather': Kremeland's new owners expand menu at family-friendly Navarre spot Since taking the top role in the village in 1996, Benson has worked to make Navarre thrive by doubling the size of the municipality and paving the way for economic stability. Navarre Mayor Bob Benson smiles as he walks through the village reminiscing about his days as mayor. Longest running mayor in Navarre history According to village records, Benson has had the longest tenure as mayor by far. The next closet was Mayor David Meyer, who was in office for 13 years from 1962 to 1975. Benson spent two and a half terms on council before he became mayor in 1996 of the southwestern Stark village with a population of around 1,800. "I was a troublemaker when I was on council," the grandfather of three joked. "But they kept me around." Sitting at his desk in his nearly empty office at Village Hall, the 79-year-old thumbed through his filing system, which he says has been computerized. He opened a folder of somewhat yellowed newspaper articles detailing the milestones in the village over his tenure. "Look at that handsome fellow," he said as he showed off an article about his visit to a local school. Reminiscing about his days in office, he dropped names of former fire chiefs, business owners and their kids, council members and others, recalling stories and business dealings with each. "I think it's funny there are some people that don't know anybody other than me as mayor," Benson said. "It was really funny when I would go to (Fairless) when (son) Bobby was in school. The kids would run around saying the mayor's here, the mayor's here. I never thought of it as a big deal, but I guess I was the mayor of Fairless." One of those people is incoming office-holder Justin Cline. "He's been in charge ever since I was in elementary school," the mayor-elect said. "Even before he was mayor he was on council, he has an incredible legacy." The 39-year-old Cline knows he has big shoes to fill. Cline will be sworn in Jan. 2 and said he is ready. He hopes to continue to grow the village like his predecessor. "He's very much a lead-by-example kind of guy," Cline said. "I am just trying to learn from what he tells me." Benson, Cline added, is a wealth of knowledge and can recall just about anything, he added. Navarre Mayor Bob Benson talks about his years as the village's mayor. His the longest serving mayor in the village's history with 27 years. Leaving Navarre a better place Benson has seen a lot of changes. When he joined council, he took courses to learn more about local government. One thing that stuck was how small villages are often taken over by bigger cities. "That was ingrained in me," he said. So when former Massillon Mayor Frank Cicchinelli began annexing land, Benson knew he had a fight on his hands. "Cicchinelli was taking everything and I was trying to have a future for Navarre," he said. "That's why I fought tooth and nail for the (Stark) County Farm." Navarre partnered with Perry Township to form a Joint Economic Development District blocking Massillon's annexation efforts. Years after the formation of the JEDD, a cooperative development agreement was made in 2016 with Stark Board of Trade/DeHoff Development Co. for the industrial development of the former County Farm. Today, the county farm land boasts two of the village's largest employers - Hendrickson and Tractor Supply Co. Hendrickson broke ground on its 180,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in 2019. Suspension systems and components for tractor-trailers are manufactured there. Mayor Bob Benson, holding his youngest grandson Danny, is sworn in for his last term as mayor in 2020. Tractor Supply's 900,000-square-foot distribution center employs about 350 full-time workers. The former county farm has room for three more large-scale businesses, the mayor said. Benson's other accomplishments include completing the largest annexation in the village and securing more than 300 properties at the north end of town from Bethlehem Township. "When I fook office, Navarre was one square mile. Now it is over two square miles. We've basically doubled it," Benson said. "It was either Massillon or us and they picked us." His legacy is built on other accomplishments like a new water tower in the village, the Towpath Trail YMCA, the Towpath Trail traveling through the village and the creation of the joint fire district between the village and Bethlehem Township. "He did a very good job," former Councilwoman Patricia Winkhart said. "He wanted to see the county farm utilized. Without industry that would help our village, we would have had to put the tax burden on the people." While the two didn't always agree, Winkhart said, they respected each other. "He made Navarre a better place," she said. "He was a good, honest man to work with." Bob Benson is sworn in for his first time as Navarre mayor. His son, Bobby, holds the Bible. Benson will step down on Dec. 31 after serving as village mayor for 27 years. He is the longest running mayor in the village. Winkhart chuckled remembering the number of times Benson said he wasn't going to stay in office. There was always something that pulled him back into the job. His last term was prompted by his youngest grandson, Danny. The 5-year-old complained he wouldn't have a photo with his grandfather getting sworn in like his older siblings. In his second retirement, Benson said he will spend more time with his grandchildren and his wife of 56 years, Patsy, who Winkhart said is part of Benson's winning equation. Navarre Mayor Bob Benson has served as village mayor for 27 years. His last day in office is Dec. 31. He is the longest running mayor in village history. Benson retired in 2011 after 42 years with AT&T (formerly Ohio Bell). He'll likely spend some time messing around in the yard and get to all the projects he kept putting on the back burner. "I just wanted to leave the village in a better place," Benson said. "Navarre has a future now. What I'm happy about is they have money that they can do it. You can have all the vision in the world, but without money it's hard." Reach Amy at 33330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@Indeonlinecom. This article originally appeared on The Independent: Bob Benson leaves lasting impression on Navarre after 27 as mayor Vessels of the 23rd escort mission fleet dispatched by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy are in replenishment operation during their voyage on April 25, 2016. Since December 2008, China has been dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Over the past 15 years, 45 consecutive fleets, 150 vessels and 35,000 personnel of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, including 12 World Food Program ships. (Photo by Qian Hong/Xinhua) BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Travelling over 100,000 nautical miles during a 235-day voyage, Ma Liang, captain of the Chinese navy frigate Jingzhou, arrived in China earlier this month after successfully completing his latest escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Ma is a member of the 44th fleet dispatched by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy to carry out escort operations in the two areas. During the mission, the fleet escorted a total of 33 Chinese and foreign ships to ensure their safety on the sea. Ma recalled that the first time he participated in one of these missions in 2009, the Gulf of Aden still faced a regular threat of pirates. Today, according to the navy officer, fewer and fewer pirates can be found in the busy gulf. Since December 2008, China has been dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Over the past 15 years, 45 consecutive fleets, 150 vessels and 35,000 personnel of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, including 12 World Food Program ships. To ward off pirates, the PLA Navy has adjusted and expanded its escort zones persistently, improved its escort tactics, and carried out diversified drills and exchanges with navies of other countries. In the Spring of 2011, the frigate Xuzhou of the 7th escort mission fleet successfully escorted the vessels tasked with evacuating Chinese nationals out of Libya. It was the first time that a Chinese warship participated in a civilian evacuation amid a humanitarian crisis. After civil war broke out in Yemen in the spring of 2015, the 19th escort mission fleet sailed to the country, evacuating a total of 683 Chinese nationals and 279 foreign citizens from 15 different countries. During the evacuation of Chinese personnel in Sudan in 2023, the 43rd escort mission fleet's destroyer Nanning and supply ship Weishanhu ensured that more than 1,000 Chinese and foreign people leave the country successfully. The PLA Navy's endeavors have won widespread recognition, with many merchant vessels from other countries applying for Chinese navy escorts and protection. In September this year, the 45th escort mission fleet set sail from China and embarked on its journey to continue the PLA Navy's unrelenting quest for peace in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Special-operation soldiers aboard the missile frigate Yueyang of the 40th escort mission fleet dispatched by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy are on vigilance during an escort mission on April 2, 2022. Since December 2008, China has been dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Over the past 15 years, 45 consecutive fleets, 150 vessels and 35,000 personnel of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, including 12 World Food Program ships. (Photo by Tang Wen/Xinhua) Staff aboard an escorted ship wave to greet the 42nd escort mission fleet dispatched by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Nov. 5, 2022. Since December 2008, China has been dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Over the past 15 years, 45 consecutive fleets, 150 vessels and 35,000 personnel of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, including 12 World Food Program ships. (Photo by Ma Yubin/Xinhua) Staff members aboard an escorted Chinese deep-sea fishing boat fly banners to express their affection for motherland China and appreciation for Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on June 4, 2022. Since December 2008, China has been dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Over the past 15 years, 45 consecutive fleets, 150 vessels and 35,000 personnel of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, including 12 World Food Program ships. (Photo by Yang Jie/Xinhua) The 35th escort mission fleet dispatched by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy carries out an anti-pirate drill on May 2, 2020. Since December 2008, China has been dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Over the past 15 years, 45 consecutive fleets, 150 vessels and 35,000 personnel of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, including 12 World Food Program ships. (Photo by Jiang Xia/Xinhua) The guided-missile destroyer Urumqi (front) and the comprehensive replenishment vessel Dongpinghu (back) of the 45th escort mission fleet dispatched by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy escort Chinese fishing boats on Oct. 20, 2023. Since December 2008, China has been dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Over the past 15 years, 45 consecutive fleets, 150 vessels and 35,000 personnel of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, including 12 World Food Program ships. (Photo by Wang Yuanfang/Xinhua) A vessel of the 26th escort mission fleet dispatched by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy sails on Suez Canal in Egypt, Sept. 2, 2017. Since December 2008, China has been dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Over the past 15 years, 45 consecutive fleets, 150 vessels and 35,000 personnel of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, including 12 World Food Program ships. (Photo by Lin Jian/Xinhua) WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department said a man was arrested Wednesday in connection to an October 2023 shooting that left a former staffer for a D.C. councilmember dead in Northeast D.C. On Oct. 16 at about 5:30 a.m., police responded to the 1500 block of Maryland Ave., Northeast, for the report of a shooting. 2 dead, 2 hurt in quadruple shooting near Nationals Park When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man who had been shot. He was identified as 28-year-old Davon Fuller, of Northwest, D.C. He was transported to the hospital where he died. On Dec. 27, 28-year-old Deandre Miles, of Northeast, D.C., turned himself into police for the shooting. Fuller was a previous staffer for D.C. Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau. He worked as a constituent services coordinator in 2018 and 2020. Man shot, killed was DC Councilmember Nadeaus former staffer In a statement released shortly after Fullers murder, Nadeau said: I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn today that Davon Fuller, a former constituent services representative in my office, was murdered on Monday at the Hechinger Mall on Benning Road following a disagreement with someone at the Safeway as he exited the store. Davon grew up in Ward 1, was well-loved in our community, and worked incredibly hard in our office. He was a proud and caring father of two young children. His murder is a tragic loss and I sincerely hope there is justice for him. I am sending my condolences to his family, friends, and the community he loved, and that loved him back. Statement from Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau Miles was charged with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A man who told investigators he was protecting his friend and others in a Grain Valley house faces second-degree murder for shooting and killing his father on Christmas Day. Jackson County prosecutors charged 23-year-old Franklin Eason with armed criminal action in addition to the murder count. Satan Club approved at Olathe Northwest High School Court documents say the victim, 44-year-old Christopher Eason, became upset after learning someone who had been living in the house was planning to move. That person and another witness told investigators the victim shouted at him and Franklin Eason before going to get a handgun. They said he returned to a kitchen area waving the gun around before setting it down on a table. The witnesses said Franklin Eason then picked up the gun and shot Christopher Eason twice, adding that Franklin said he shot Christopher because Christopher would have shot one of them. One of the witnesses was dating Christopher and living in the house with her three children, and went to check on them after the shooting. Court documents say Franklin Eason gave a statement to investigators following his arrest, and while he wasnt in fear of being shot or assaulted, he told them he was protecting his friend who was planning to move, saying Christopher Eason told him to beat up his friend. Grocer opens Independence location where previous owner closed citing theft He described the incident much like the witnesses had, adding that the gun he used to fire the first two shots jammed, so he got another gun to a fire a third shot to stop his (Christophers) suffering. He said he then called relatives who lived in Kansas before calling police and getting arrested. The Jackson County Prosecutors Office says Franklin Eason is in custody on a $100,000 bond. Online records dont yet list his court dates. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. ST. LOUIS A Spanish Lake man has been charged with the shooting of two women who were working at Dominos. The victims survived their injuries and were able to identify the shooter. Youree Hall, a 52-year-old resident of Spanish Lake, faces five felonies in connection with the shooting that occurred on December 23, 2023, at Dominos in Dellwood. According to an investigation, Hall went to the victims place of employment on December 23, 2023, and shot both of them due to an argument they had with Halls girlfriend. One victim had a gunshot wound to the abdomen, while the other was shot in the hand, hip, and thigh, resulting in the loss of a finger. Both victims identified Hall as the shooter. Hall had previously been convicted in a 1991 murder case. As a felon, he is not allowed to have a gun. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Authorities arrested a man Tuesday night who allegedly chased an MBTA employee with a sharp object. Transit Police say a 28-year-old man from Jamaica Plain was boarding a train at Braintree Station around 10:45 p.m. when a worker informed him the train was not in service. Angered by this, the suspect pulled out a hypodermic needle and chased the employee, according to officials. The suspect was arrested and transported to Transit Police Headquarters for booking. The worker was not injured during the incident. No further information was immediately available. 12/26 10:45PM Braintree Station TPD offs arrest 28y/o male from JP after he chased an #MBTA employee w/a hypodermic needle. #MBTA employee simply informed SP the train he boarded was not in service. Apparently, this angered him. He was transported to TPDHQ for booking process. MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) December 27, 2023 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 A man died of an apparent drug overdose over Christmas weekend while detained at the Menominee Tribal Detention Center in Keshena, according to tribal officials. Emergency responders were called to the jail Saturday night to attend to three men who were unconscious and apparently overdosing, according to the Menominee Nation News, the official newspaper of the Menominee Tribe. All three men were given Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, and two of the males quickly regained consciousness, but the third died at the scene. Jail administrator Rebecca McCann told the Menominee Nation News that local authorities are cooperating with the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the investigation into the death. Menominee County has one of the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths in the state. It's more than four times the state average between the years 2014 and 2022, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Man dies in Menominee tribal jail of apparent drug overdose WILKES-BARRE TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A man is facing charges after police say he threatened multiple people including a child at Mirakuya in Luzerne County. According to the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department, on December 22 officers arrested Anthony Murphy, 27, of Plymouth, after a disturbance was reported at Mirakuya Japanese Restaurant. Police say Murphy came into the restaurant demanding they partner with him and when they told him they dont do that and Murphy became extremely disorderly. Police did not elaborate on the details of the partnership. $2,000 stolen from Pocono Outlets, suspect wanted Murphy then began shouting and making racially charged statements and engaged in tumultuous behavior, officers stated. Investigators said Murphy then began threatening an elderly man, spat at him, and began threatening a child. Murphy fled into the mall where he was found by police and continued to flee. Police were able to arrest Murphy but he proceeded to yell at officers and cause a disturbance. Murphy faces the charges of disorderly conduct and harassment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Katriena Wong (R) talks with her Chinese colleague at the construction site of Nausori Plaza in Nausori, Fiji, Dec. 20, 2023. TO GO WITH Feature: "I really had wonderful memories of my visits" -- China in eyes of Fijian girl (Photo by Sang Qinlong/Xinhua) By Guo Xinhui SUVA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- "The real China that I saw with my own eyes was so different from what the Western media had been portraying for years," Katriena Wong, a Fijian girl who once studied in China for five years, told Xinhua in an interview. Awarded a Chinese government scholarship in 2013, Wong studied Mandarin at Central China Normal University in Wuhan for a year, and then went to northern Shijiazhuang City and got her bachelor's degree in law at Hebei University of Economics and Business in 2018. "China was so vibrant and full of energy," Wong recalled. "What really struck me was the sheer scale of its infrastructure: glitzy skyscrapers, airports, malls, super efficient transportation services and convenient mobile payments." Before coming to China, most of the information about the country Wong received was mainly through the English language mainstream media, which "used to show China as something rural," the Fijian girl said, adding she was even told that people can't practice their religion in China. "I was pleasantly surprised," The girl said. "I saw so many mosques, temples and churches in China. I saw many other nationalities who were practicing their religion. It's very free and very open. So I think those thoughts should be put aside now." The Fijian girl has visited a lot of places during her stay in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, where she was impressed by the culture, friendly people, landscapes, safety, and the feeling of being welcomed and respected. "I really had wonderful memories of my visits, and I always feel nostalgic about them sometimes," Wong said. The outstanding thing that she really loves about China, Wong emphasized, is that the country is extremely safe even at 2 a.m. in less populated areas. The streets are nice and clean. Every city has so many big and beautiful parks for its people. "Though the cities are full of modern buildings, nature is always there," she said. And the hospital procedure is quite simple, even for a foreigner. There are a lot of instructions in English, which are very helpful, she added. "We can learn a lot more from China, and we also hope to bring the good things we have learned back to Fiji and implement them in our society and to modernize our own country," the girl said. Now employed as a manager at the Chinese-owned Dingjin Real Estate Development Company, Wong is in charge of Nausori Plaza, one of the largest projects that Dingjin has invested in Fiji. It is also the largest mall in Nausori region, which will cater to the three bordering provinces. Chinese education is hard, but the quality is high, Wong said. "It really prepares you well when you enter the job market." The girl told Xinhua that she felt very grateful to the Chinese government for providing her scholarship to get a better education in China. According to Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian, around 300 Fijian students have studied in China under the Chinese government scholarship scheme since 1996. Zhou said the Fijian people are getting more interested in learning about China. So far this year, many Fijian cabinet ministers, members of the parliament, government officials, entrepreneurs, youth and students have traveled to China for visits, training, business or study. They told the ambassador that the trip had changed their previous perception of China. "If you have never been to China, you should come to visit. It is the only way you will know what China truly is," Wong said. 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 The 30-year-old man being held by German authorities in connection with a planned terrorist attack on the iconic Cologne Cathedral was known to police in the south-western state of Saarland, security sources told dpa on Wednesday. The Tajik man was detained on Sunday in the town of Wesel, some 100 kilometres north of Cologne after a police special unit searched a residence there, initially taking five men into custody. Four were released, while the man was held to "avert danger," they said on Tuesday, citing information relating to public order. Police said they would not provide any information on the man nor his link to the cathedral threat due to their ongoing investigations. The police increased security measures at Cologne Cathedral over the weekend owing to indications of a possible attack planned by an Islamist group for Christmas or on New Year's Eve on December 31, dpa has learned. Security was also increased at a church in Vienna, which was also reported to be a potential target. While religious services continue to take place, the cathedral has been closed to tourists until further notice. Cologne's Cathedral, a major tourist draw located right next to the city's central train station, is usually visited by more than 100,000 people between Christmas and New Year. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man who rammed a car through a fence at a southern Nevada solar facility and then set his vehicle on fire could spend another year behind bars. As the 8 News Now Investigators first reported in January, Mohammed Mesmarian, 35, a Colorado dentist, originally faced terror-related charges for the incident, which disabled the facility. Mesmarian initially faced charges of committing an act of terrorism, arson, destroying or injuring real or personal property of another and escape by a felony prisoner. According to an agreement filed in November, Mesmarian accepted guilt, but said he is mentally ill, on charges of second-degree arson and malicious destruction of property, documents said. In court Tuesday, Clark County District Court Judge Ronald Israel sentenced Mesmarian to a 2-to-10-year prison term. Because Mesmarian has been incarcerated in jail since his January arrest, he will be up for parole in about a year. Mesmarian, who is a U.S. citizen, drove through a fence at the facility on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 3, after employees had left for the day. It was not until 12 a.m. Wednesday when video reportedly showed Mesmarian setting the car on fire, documents said. Mesmarian reportedly watched the car burn, sitting in a chair for about 15 minutes before walking off, documents said. The Mega Solar Array facility, located on U.S. 93 north of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, provides energy to MGM properties but is run by a company called Invenergy. The array came back online in the weeks after the fire. I just want to say Im sorry to Invenergy and also, sorry to my parents, Mesmarian said in court. I was not in my right state of mind. I want to thank the courts for sending me to Lakes Crossing. Mesmarians attorney argued his client suffered from hallucinations and delusions. My clients actions are inexcusable and thats why we entered the plea in this case, but it goes back to the more personal problems he was having and so-on-and-so-forth as opposed to some hatred, attorney Jeff Nicholson said. A photo of the car after the fire. (KLAS) Police located Mesmarian at a campground on Thursday, Jan. 5, in Boulder Beach at Lake Mead. In addition to the prison sentence, Mesmarian must pay more than $200,000 in restitution to the solar company. Prosecutors had asked Israel to sentence Mesmarian to a minimum of two years in prison. The message must be sent that this is something that our jurisdiction will not stand for, Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Dickerson said. The defendant is a danger. Hes a danger because what has led him here to this case is something thats a product of his own mind. Under Nevada law, defense lawyers must prove their client is mentally ill when pleading guilty with the stipulation. The language means a judge could add mental health treatment as part of sentencing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A man accused of threatening a Jewish organization in Charlotte pleaded guilty to one of his charges this month, court documents show. In October, the FBI said Jeffrey Scott Hobgood sent two emails to the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte the week after Hamas attacked Israel. PREVIOUS: FBI arrests man accused of making threats against local Jewish Federation The racist and antisemitic emails threatened to annihilate Jewish people and called for their public execution. One was sent on Oct. 11 and the other on Oct. 13. The FBI determined the threats werent credible. Hobgood was arrested in his hometown of Troy, which is about an hour and a half drive from Charlotte. Federal court documents show Hobgood pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats. That charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Jewish Federation sent the following statement to Channel 9 in response to the plea: In the wake of the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians on October 7, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte received antisemitic emails containing threats to annihilate the Jewish people and calling for the public execution of Jews on October 11 and 13. Given the alarming rise in antisemitism since October 7, the news of this guilty plea is a step in the right direction in the pursuit of justice and safety. We thank the Shalom Park security team, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and the FBI, all of whom were very responsive to the antisemitic threats after we received them. Additionally, we also thank the prosecutors that brought this case to its conclusion. The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte continues to work with local elected officials and leaders to improve the security of Jews, to ensure that the voice of our Jewish community is heard, and to serve as a resource to victims of antisemitism. (WATCH BELOW: Warrant: Man called in threat to SC school before pipe bombs found at apartment) A man trapped in his mangled truck for six days after a crash in Northwest Indiana survived on rainwater as his screams for help went unanswered until two fishermen discovered the wreckage under a bridge on Interstate 94, authorities said. His rescuers, Nivardo Delatorre of Portage and his father-in-law, Mario Garcia of Hobart, were scouting the area for potential fishing holes Tuesday afternoon when they came across the heavily damaged truck partially submerged in Salt Creek under the bridge. Garcia said at a news briefing that he approached the wrecked vehicle, moved aside the white airbag and saw a young man inside. Assuming the man was dead, Garcia reached over to tap his shoulder. The man quickly turned around and was visibly relieved. Ive never seen a relief like that, Garcia said. The man, identified by state police as 27-year-old Matthew Reum of Mishawaka, Indiana, told Garcia the crash happened last Wednesday. He had been pinned in the truck since then six days unable to reach his phone while no one responded to his screams. After being stuck alone so long in the cold, Reum appeared shaken but was maintaining his composure, Garcia said. Delatorre said he called 911 and they stayed by Reum's side while waiting for law enforcement to arrive. Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield said dispatchers received a report at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday about a crash along I-94, 1 mile east of the Portage exit. It was the first they had heard of the crash. Quite frankly, its a miracle that hes alive, Fifield said, adding he didn't believe Reum would've survived another night stranded in the December chill. Reum and members of his family listed in public records did not immediately return messages Wednesday from USA TODAY. The Beacon Health System, which owns Memorial Hospital where Reum is being treated, released a statement on his behalf Wednesday, thanking people for their support and well wishes, including the people who found him, first responders and caretakers. No matter how tough things get, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes in the least expected way, Reum said in the statement provided to USA TODAY. Police said he was driving his 2016 Dodge Ram truck westbound I-94 sometime around Dec. 20 when it left the roadway for unknown reasons." The vehicle missed a protective guardrail, went into a ditch, and then overturned into the creek before coming to a stop under the bridge, a preliminary investigation found. A medical helicopter transported Reum to the a hospital for treatment. Fifield said he suffered severe, potentially life-threatening injuries. Garcia said Reum's hand appeared to be broken and had told Garcia his extremities felt numb. Police rescue a man from his damaged vehicle Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 along Interstate 94 near Portage, Ind. Authorities say the man drank rainwater to survive the ordeal while pinned in the wreckage beneath the Indiana highway bridge. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man found alive six days after crash in Indiana along I-94 Editor's note: This story has been revised to note that police have found the man who picked up the hat they need as part of their investigation. Ocala police on Wednesday continued their search for the man who they say shot and killed a man and injured a woman at the Paddock Mall two days before Christmas. Police are following up on tips and continuing their investigation. Police officials said they have received information on Albert James Shell Jr's. whereabouts, but so far nothing has panned out. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to Shell's arrest. He will be charged with murder and attempted murder. Ocala police did finally connect with the man who picked up Shell's hat, which police need for DNA testing purposes. Police had been searching for that man for several days. In a Facebook message posted about 2 p.m. Wednesday, police said they now have the hat and the man is cooperating with them. Albert James Shell Hours after the shooting, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said their investigation led them to conclude that the shooting of David Nathaniel Barron, 40, was intentional. Shell, 39, is accused of shooting the 40-year-old Barron in the common area between Macy's and the food court on the afternoon of Dec. 23. A woman, 43, of Ocala, was shot in the leg during the episode, which caused panic and mayhem at the Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road. At this point in their investigation, detectives do not believe there's a connection between Barron and the woman who was shot. The woman was just in the immediate area when the gunfire began, police officials said. Police said the woman has been treated and released from a hospital. Her name has not been made public. The suspect, Shell, is a convicted felon who was released from prison in 2021. He was convicted of driving on a suspended driver's license in 2022. So far this year, Shell has been arrested twice on multiple charges including burglary, aggravated battery and kidnapping. Those cases are still pending. Mall shooting: The latest on the Paddock Mall shooting in Ocala: No arrests yet; reward up to $10K Anyone with information about Shell can call (352) 656-6137 or **Tips. To remain anonymous, call (352) 368-STOP or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Paddock Mall shooting in Ocala: Suspect remains at large on Wednesday A cloud of smoke rises over the Gaza Strip as fighting between Israeli troops and Islamist Hamas militants continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa A suspected Israeli strike on a building near a hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday is reported to have left many dead. A spokesman for the Hamas-controlled health authority spoke of 20 dead and dozens injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service wrote on X that there were dozens of dead and injured in an attack on a residential building near the al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis. The information could not initially be independently verified. An Israeli army spokesperson said that the reports were being investigated. A cloud of smoke rises over the Gaza Strip as fighting between Israeli troops and Islamist Hamas militants continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, at a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to China-Vietnam friendship has been published. Xi delivered the speech, titled "Renewing Traditional Friendship and Embarking on a New Journey to Build a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future," in Hanoi on Dec. 13. The booklet, published by the People's Publishing House, is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across the country. An Israeli tank driving along the southern border of Israel and Gaza as fighting between Israeli troops and Islamist Hamas militants continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa A suspected Israeli strike on a building near a hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday is reported to have left many dead, with the Jewish state also hitting targets in Lebanon and the West Bank. A spokesman for the Hamas-controlled health authority spoke of 20 dead and dozens injured in Khan Younis. The Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service wrote on X: "Dozens of martyrs and wounded in the bombing of a residential building in front of al-Amal Hospital." The information could not initially be independently verified. An Israeli army spokesperson said that the reports were being investigated. The health authority of Islamist group Hamas said the deaths meant 195 people had been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip within the last 24 hours. A spokesperson for Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist group by the EU and the US, said 16 families were affected, with a further 325 people injured. Since the beginning of the war, 21,110 people have been killed in Gaza, the spokesperson said. The Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history on October 7, when over 1,200 people in Israel were killed by Hamas terrorists and other groups. Over 200 hostages were also taken, a large number of whom have since been released. The attack prompting Israel to bombard the coastal strip and launch an extensive ground operation. On the other side of Israel from Gaza, six Palestinians in the West Bank were killed in an Israeli missile strike, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. A drone shot at a house in the refugee camp in Tulkarm, Palestinian reports added. A seventh Palestinian was in a life-threatening condition with head injuries. The Israeli army had earlier raided the camp. The Israeli operation in the West Bank has escalated fears in the international community that the war will spread from the Hamas militant-controlled Gaza Strip to the other Palestinian territory and also into Lebanon. Incidents with Israelis in the West Bank have led to 298 Palestinians being killed since October 7, the Health Ministry said. Overall in 2023, 494 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed or have died during violent incidents, including while carrying out attacks. An Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon on Wednesday also killed three people, Lebanese state media reported. The strike came after a series of attacks by the pro-Iranian Lebanese militia Hezbollah on Israeli posts close to the border on Tuesday. Hezbollah said in a statement that one of its fighters was killed in the Israeli air raid, which targeted the town of Bint Jebil. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has called the ongoing Israeli onslaught in the Gaza Strip "more than a war of annihilation" and blamed the United States for the fact that it was allowed to continue. "Our people have not seen [before] such a war even in the 1948 Nakba," Abbas said, using an Arabic term referring to Palestinians mass displacement during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. "Those who go to Gaza cannot recognize it now," the head of the Palestinian Authority (PA) told Egyptian TV late on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, whenever the world, the [UN] Security Council and the General Assembly try to stop this war, the US uses the veto and refuses to stop fighting," he said. "If the US wanted, it could make a gesture to Israel and Israel would stop it. We say to the Americans what is going on is happening with your support." According to Abbas, the Gaza Strip, an impoverished enclave of around 2.3 million people, needs tens of billions of dollars to be rebuilt. "Gaza is living a very big Nakba," he said. The PA ruled the strip until Islamist Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007 in what Abbas called a coup. In rare good news, telecommunications services in the Gaza Strip were partially restored after they failed again on Tuesday due to the war. "We would like to announce the gradual restoration of telecom services in the central and southern areas of Gaza Strip after a blackout caused by the ongoing aggression," the West Bank-based Palestinian telecoms company Paltel wrote on X. A cloud of smoke rises over the Gaza Strip as fighting between Israeli troops and Islamist Hamas militants continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa An Israeli tank driving along the southern border of Israel and Gaza as fighting between Israeli troops and Islamist Hamas militants continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa A suspected Israeli strike on a building near a hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday is reported to have left many dead, with the Jewish state also hitting targets in Lebanon and the West Bank. A spokesman for the Hamas-controlled health authority spoke of 20 dead and dozens injured in Khan Younis. The Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service wrote on X: "Dozens of martyrs and wounded in the bombing of a residential building in front of al-Amal Hospital." The information could not initially be independently verified. An Israeli army spokesperson said that the reports were being investigated. The health authority of Islamist group Hamas said the deaths meant 195 people had been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip within the last 24 hours. A spokesperson for Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist group by the EU and the US, said 16 families were affected, with a further 325 people injured. Since the beginning of the war, 21,110 people have been killed in Gaza, the spokesperson said. The Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history on October 7, when over 1,200 people in Israel were killed by Hamas terrorists and other groups. Over 200 hostages were also taken, a large number of whom have since been released. The attack prompting Israel to bombard the coastal strip and launch an extensive ground operation. Tens of thousands of civilians in the Gaza Strip are seeking shelter from the war in hospitals, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Shifa Hospital in Gaza City is crowded with 50,000 people, and the Al-Amal Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip with 14,000, the health organization said on X, citing a team on the ground. The delegation was able to bring relief supplies to the hospitals together with representatives of the UN Children's Fund UNICEF and another organization, according to the statement. On the way to the hospitals, the WHO team observed tens of thousands of people fleeing the fierce Israeli attacks on foot, on mules or in cars. In the hospitals, WHO staff had to climb over patients and people seeking protection who were camped everywhere. WHO said 13 hospitals in the entire Gaza Strip were currently functioning partially, two at a minimal level and 21 not at all. WHO officials are extremely concerned that new refugee movements will further strain the health facilities in the southern Gaza Strip. "This forced mass movement of people will also lead to more overcrowding, increased risk of infectious diseases, and make it even harder to deliver humanitarian aid," the statement quoted a WHO staff member on the ground as saying. On the other side of Israel from Gaza, six Palestinians in the West Bank were killed in an Israeli missile strike, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. A drone shot at a house in the refugee camp in Tulkarm, Palestinian reports added. A seventh Palestinian was in a life-threatening condition with head injuries. The Israeli army had earlier raided the camp. The Israeli operation escalated fears in the international community that the war will spread from the Hamas militant-controlled Gaza Strip to the other Palestinian territory and also into Lebanon. Incidents with Israelis in the West Bank have led to 298 Palestinians being killed since October 7, the Health Ministry said. Overall in 2023 so far, 494 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed or have died during violent incidents, including while carrying out attacks. An Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon on Wednesday also killed three people, Lebanese state media reported. The strike came after a series of attacks by the pro-Iranian Lebanese militia Hezbollah on Israeli posts close to the border on Tuesday. Hezbollah said in a statement that one of its fighters was killed in the Israeli air raid, which targeted the town of Bint Jebil. The Israeli military said later it was increasingly prepared to expand its fight against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The IDF said later it is on high alert in the north of the country in view of increasing attacks by the Shiite militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. "Today, we approved plans for a variety of contingencies, and we need to be prepared to strike if required," Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi said on Wednesday during a visit to the army command in the northern Israeli city of Safed. "The IDF and within it the Northern Command are in a state of very high readiness," he added. "So far, the campaign here has been managed correctly and meticulously, and it must continue this way. We will not return the residents without both security and a sense of security." The Israeli military has been engaged in constant fighting with Hezbollah units in southern Lebanon since October 7. Hezbollah fired rockets at the Israeli border town of Kiriat Shmona on Wednesday and Israeli police said several buildings were damaged. No people were injured. Three people, including a Hezbollah fighter, died in Israeli attacks on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, as reported by the Lebanese news agency NNA. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has called the ongoing Israeli onslaught in the Gaza Strip "more than a war of annihilation" and blamed the United States for the fact that it was allowed to continue. "Our people have not seen [before] such a war even in the 1948 Nakba," Abbas said, using an Arabic term referring to Palestinians' mass displacement during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. "Those who go to Gaza cannot recognize it now," the head of the Palestinian Authority (PA) told Egyptian TV late on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, whenever the world, the [UN] Security Council and the General Assembly try to stop this war, the US uses the veto and refuses to stop fighting," he said. "If the US wanted, it could make a gesture to Israel and Israel would stop it. We say to the Americans what is going on is happening with your support." According to Abbas, the Gaza Strip, an impoverished enclave of around 2.3 million people, needs tens of billions of dollars to be rebuilt. "Gaza is living a very big Nakba," he said. The PA ruled the strip until Islamist Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007 in what Abbas called a "coup." A cloud of smoke rises over the Gaza Strip as fighting between Israeli troops and Islamist Hamas militants continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts police officer has been charged with sexually assaulting a child. Winthrop police officer James Feeley pleaded not guilty to child rape and indecent assault charges in court Wednesday. According to court documents, the victim was younger than 12. Prosecutors had asked for $500,000 to be posted, but the court instead set Feeley's bail at $200,000. Feeley's defense attorney, Nitin Dalal, said the bail was unjustifiably high and pointed to her client's two decades of police service. "What happened here is an aberration of immense proportions. He is not a flight risk; he knows he has to face justice for this," Dalal said. The Winthrop Police Department announced Wednesday that it had temporarily suspended Feeley. "James Feeley has been placed on administrative leave from the Winthrop Police Department pending the outcome of a criminal investigation headed by Stage Police detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office," Winthrop Police Department Chief Terence M. Delehanty said in a statement Wednesday. Feeley's next court appeached has been set for Jan. 29. A Navy ship and strike group fighter jets thwarted another series of attacks in the Red Sea on Tuesday, shooting down numerous drones and missiles fired by Houthi rebels operating in Yemen, U.S. Central Command announced on social media. The destroyer USS Laboon and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the USS Eisenhower carrier strike group shot down "twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis over a 10-hour period," the command said. The attack began at around 6:30 a.m. local time. The barrage comes a week after the Pentagon announced a new task force in the region to protect commercial shipping from such attacks. The Houthis have targeted shipping in the Red Sea since Oct. 19 in hopes of disrupting support for Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza. Read Next: The Top 10 Military.com News Stories of 2023 The post did not say what the drones and missiles were targeting, but it noted that there was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries. The 10-hour barrage also appeared to be the first instance of Navy jets responding to Houthi attacks. Central Command also said that the Laboon was also forced to shoot down four unmanned aerial drones just three days earlier on Dec. 23 because they were headed toward the ship. Military.com reached out to the Pentagon at that time to get more clarity on whether the ship was targeted in the earlier incident but did not receive a response. The attacks are just the latest in a growing number that the Houthis have launched with the apparent aim of targeting merchant shipping in the area and not U.S. Navy ships. The strikes have not only managed to hit some merchant ships with missiles, they have also undermined the Pentagon's claim that Israel's war with Hamas is contained and that the U.S. military presence is successfully deterring further aggression in the region. Early in December, Houthi officials said that their forces would continue to "prevent Israeli ships from navigating the Red Sea and [Gulf of Aden] until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops." Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters the next day that "it's still important to understand and to focus on [the fact that] what's happening in Israel and within Gaza has not spread out into a wider regional conflict." On Dec. 18, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a new international task force that is aimed at halting the attacks. The announcement came within days of several major shipping companies announcing that they would begin to avoid the area. Defense officials have not offered many details on how the new unit differs from already existing security task force efforts in the region. The U.S. also operates the Combined Maritime Forces, which has five separate task forces in the region, including Combined Task Force 153 that has focused on Red Sea maritime security since 2022. Austin's announcement said the task force, dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian, or OPG, will include the U.K., Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, and will jointly address security in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. However, Reuters has reported that Spain, Italy and France have pushed back on that claim and some countries, such as Norway and Denmark, were sending only officers, not ships. Despite that, Maersk, one of the shipping companies that diverted its ships from the area, said the unit was "most welcome news for the entire industry and indeed the functionality of global trade," in a Dec. 24 statement. "With the OPG initiative in operation, we are preparing to allow for vessels to resume transit through the Red Sea both eastbound and westbound," Maersk said. The Laboon now joins the USS Carney, USS Mason and USS Hudner in having engaged and downed Houthi military equipment in the Red Sea. Related: Incidents with Navy Ships and Rising Tensions in the Red Sea Test Pentagon's Deterrence Claims New York City will only allow buses of asylum seekers to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and noon on weekdays going forward, Mayor Adams said Wednesday, instituting the restrictions in concert with Denver and Chicago, which created broader windows for bus arrivals. Adams said New York Citys policy, implemented through executive order, is intended to create a more orderly process for asylum seekers to arrive in the city as the migrant crisis stretches the shelter system beyond its limit. Denver and Chicago will have weekday windows for migrant bus arrivals that will roughly span business hours, the mayors of those cities said in a news conference with Adams on Wednesday. Denvers daily window is to last from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and Chicagos is to span from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, the mayors said. Adams said New Yorks policy would not punish migrants who are bused to the city. The city plans to enforce the 3-hour arrival window through fines and lawsuits, and potentially by impounding buses, Adams said. This is not stopping people from coming, but about ensuring the safety of migrants and making sure they can arrive in a coordinated and orderly way, Adams said. We know the importance of this moment. We are working together. In New York, buses will be required to provide 32 hours notice before arriving in the city with migrants, according to Adams office, and will only be allowed to arrive at city-approved locations. The executive order takes effect immediately, according to its text. Adams said New York City has reached a breaking point in the asylum-seeker crisis, pointing to deep cuts in the citys budget that his administration has tied to the challenge. Its not much different here in Chicago, said Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago. The public good is already stressed. Chicago, Americas third-largest city, is providing care to about 15,000 migrants, Johnson said. The New York and Chicago migrant crises have followed similar paths, with the two Democratic-led cities struggling to house the masses of migrants, and both mayors sometimes quarreling with their states respective Democratic governors over resource allocation. Adams, Johnson and Denvers Mayor Mike Johnston all Democrats joined in calling for more federal support and ridiculing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, for shipping buses from his state filled with migrants. More than 161,000 migrants have arrived in New York since spring 2022, according to an official tally. Many asylum seekers, fleeing political and economic upheaval in South America, have traveled to New York or other northern cities without being bused by Texas. But Abbotts office said this month that Texas has bused more than 25,000 migrants to the city since summer 2022. And the border state appears to be stepping up its efforts. Last week, 14 buses with asylum seekers arrived in New York in a single night, according to Adams office. More than 14,000 migrants have arrived in New York City in the last month, said the mayors office. We cannot continue to do the federal governments job, said Adams, who has regularly called for more support from Congress and the Biden administration. He said the challenge facing northern cities has been exacerbated by Abbotts cruel, inhumane politics. Abbotts office did not immediately reply to request for comment for this story. Johnson insisted that Chicago, which has historically embraced broadly welcoming policies for migrants, is not aiming to keep asylum seekers out. This is an international crisis of global population shift, Johnson said. What we simply have articulated is this: If youre sending buses to Chicago, there has to be coordination. If youre a fan of The Bachelor reality show, theres a local face you may recognize on your TV screen soon. A woman from Charlotte is looking for love in the upcoming season premiering in January. Madina Alam is one of the 32 women the most to ever arrive at the Bachelor mansion on night one competing to capture the heart of teaching tennis pro Joey Graziadei. The 28th season of ABCs The Bachelor with Joey Graziadei will premiere on Jan. 22, 2024. The 31-year-old is a mental health therapist in Charlotte. But shes also a speaker, model and has a clothing line, according to her social media. Madina is passionate about her work as a mental health therapist and loves helping people change their lives. When she isnt working with clients, Madina loves exercising, dancing and watching The Great British Bake Off, her Bachelor bio says. The therapist is hoping to meet a man who is mature, empathetic, and who wont be on his phone the whole time during their date nights. North Carolina connections to The Bachelor There have been multiple North Carolina contestants featured on the reality dating show franchise over the years, including: The show always features contestants from all over the world, but Alam is the only person from North Carolina youll see this season. Madina is a beautiful catch with a huge heart. She comes from a close Bangladeshi family and describes herself as ambitious, loyal and caring, her bio says. Madinas life is very full, she says, adding, I have a lot to be thankful for. I just truly feel like that one missing piece is my person. Only time will tell if Alam and the Bachelor are a perfect match. The new season of the show will premiere on Monday, Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. on ABC. Wolfgang Schauble (L), then German Minister of Finance, and Angela Merkel, then German Chancellor, attend a press conference at the Federal Chancellery. Merkel says she learnt of the death of her former finance minister Wolfgang Schauble "with great dismay" and has characterized him as one of the country's most important political figures. Hannibal Hanschke/dpa Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she learnt of the death of her former finance minister Wolfgang Schauble "with great dismay" and has characterized him as one of the country's most important political figures. "Germany has lost an outstanding personality with political and tactical foresight," Merkel said in a statement. "We will miss Wolfgang Schauble's voice in Germany and I will personally miss his advice." He died aged 81. Schauble was Merkel's finance minister during the eurozone debt crisis from 2009, where his demands for austerity from the likes of Greece made him a divisive figure in Europe. He was interior minister for German reunification in 1990 and held the role again in Merkel's first cabinet. "I mourn the loss of a politician who shaped our country in many ways," Merkel added. "As a young minister, Wolfgang Schauble was my political mentor. As minister of the interior and minister of finance, he was one of the anchors of my first three cabinets." Schauble was paralysed after an assassination attempt in 1990 and used a wheelchair ever since. "I admired his discipline, even towards himself, which he showed despite and because of his paraplegia after an assassination attempt. He became a role model for millions of people," she said. The Mexican military launched a commercial airline this week with services to tourist destinations and Caribbean resorts. Mexicana airlines celebrated its inaugural departure from Mexico Citys Felipe Angeles airport on Tuesday with the enthusiastic support of the federal government. "This will be the great legacy of [President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's] administration, and will echo throughout eternity," an air traffic controller announced as the new venture's first flight departed. The flight crew on Mexicana planes are civilians, but the airline's operations are managed by an independent subsidiary of the Mexican Air Force, which is itself a subset of its Army branch. US DELEGATION TO MEET WITH MEXICO'S PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS SURGE IN MIGRANT CRISIS A passenger plane lands at Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico City, Mexico. The inaugural voyage hit some snags after poor weather conditions forced Flight MXA 1788 to re-route to the city of Merida before arriving at its final destination of Tulum hours later. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Mexicana aims to provide air transportation from major metropolitan areas to resorts and vacation areas, including Cancun, Los Cabos and Acapulco. It hopes to expand to provide service at smaller, regional airports as well. FEDS REOPEN RAILROAD CROSSINGS ALONG TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER The Mexicana brand is among the oldest in the world of aviation, established as a government-run venture in 1921. It was later sold and privatized before going bankrupt in 2010. The president celebrated the relaunch of the iconic airline as "a historic event" for Mexico. Mexican President Obrador presides over the Civic Military Parade for the 113th anniversary of the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in Zocalo Square. Lopez Obrador has championed the Mexican military as the most reliable and corruption-free institution in the country. He has criticized previous administrations' decisions to sell off and privatize state-run companies as cash grabs without the best interests of the nation in mind. State-controlled ventures in energy, mining, communications, printing, transportation and many other industries were dismantled throughout the 1980s, as federal authorities claimed they could not effectively root out widespread corruption that compromised the efficiency and fairness of the companies. "They carried out a big fraud," Lopez Obrador said during a news briefing. "They deceived a lot of people, saying these state-run companies didnt work." Original article source: Mexican military launches commercial airline, transporting tourists to Caribbean resorts Migrants continue walking in a caravan to reach the U.S. border through Mexico, in Escuintla MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's Foreign Minister Alicia Barce said on Wednesday she spoke with U.S. authorities about the importance of reopening border crossings, following the shutdown of some passages by the U.S. aimed at curbing rising migration. Barcena spoke to journalists after a meeting with a U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (Reporting by Valentine Hilaire and Adriana Barrera; editing by Drazen Jorgic) This U.S. Coast Guard boat in Michigan City could split time with another coast guard station under plans to make the station in Michigan City a part-time facility beginning in 2024. MICHIGAN CITY The Michigan City Common Council is trying to block plans to convert the U.S. Coast Guard station in the lakefront community into a part-time facility. The council unanimously approved a resolution Dec. 19 to ask federal lawmakers representing the area to try to have the decision reversed. According to the resolution, the coast guard station has been operating year round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1888. Sean Fitzpatrick, Michigan City Common Council (Fourth Ward, President) "Its definitely something critical for our lakefront with the amount of tourists we have annually and just the amount of people that frequent that lakefront, Council President Sean Fitzpatrick said. It adds to the safety and security of our community, Councilman Dr. Vidya Kora said. Vidya Kora, Michigan City Common Council (At-Large) The resolution announcing the city councils opposition to the plans will be sent to 1st District Congressman Frank Mrvan of Hammond along with both U.S. Senators from Indiana, Mike Braun and Todd Young. Decision announced: U.S. Coast Guard plans to make Michigan City station a part-time, weekends-only facility The resolution, which requests the coast guard to reconsider its decision, will also be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard office in Washington, D.C. Phil Gurtler, a public affairs officer at the coast guard station in Cleveland, said theres been no change in plans since elected officials started being notified about two months ago about the intent to downsize the Michigan City facility. The plan remains to fully staff and equip the coast guard station on weekends during the summer, when use of Lake Michigan is greatest. He previously told The Tribune that whether it would be open from Friday through Sunday or strictly two days on weekends during the summer has not been decided. The U.S. Coast Guard plans to operate its station in Michigan City as a part-time facility on weekends beginning in 2024. Local officials are fighting to keep it open year round. Gurtler said a labor shortage nationwide is forcing the decision to downsize a select number of coast guard stations across the country to restore staffing and other resources to levels they should be in areas where service calls are highest. We are going to reallocate some of the personnel and assets, he said. On average, Gurtler said, staffing at all locations is down by about 10% from what the coast guard feels a station should have to be optimally manned. He said the numbers reflect the growing challenge of recruiting people into the military over the past few years. Its been a continuous issue," Gurtler said. "Its just kind of reaching a point now where some decisions have to be made. The Michigan City station averages about 125 search and rescue calls a year, according to figures provided by the coast guard. The primary coverage area of the coast guard station in Michigan City, the sole Lake Michigan station in Indiana, includes a good stretch of the northwest Indiana shoreline and east into Michigan, including Grand Beach and New Buffalo. Gurtler said either the coast guard location at Calumet Harbor near Chicago or the one at St. Joseph will respond to service calls when the Michigan City station is not open. Whichever site is closest to the emergency will provide the response, he said. He said local first responders with access to boats, helicopters and other water rescue gear will be relied on to handle calls until the coast guard can get there in a boat or by air. Already, Gurtler said, police and firefighters begin rescue attempts if theyre the first ones to arrive. Its kind of a coin flip sometimes to see if we get on scene first, he said. Councilman Don Przybylinski expressed concerns about longer response times in a city that has a lot of boaters using the lake to fish in the spring, summer and fall and for recreation primarily during the summer. Donald Przybylinkski, Michigan City Common Council (At-Large) He said the decision would be like police and fire departments becoming part time. To me, this is a very serious situation," Przybylinski said. "They need to be there. They have to be there. LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jack Arnett is also involved in the effort to keep the coast guard station open every minute of every day on the calendar. He previously told The Tribune that securing federal grants for dredging Trail Creek leading to and from Lake Michigan is difficult enough, but it could become harder without a full-time coast guard station to help lend credibility to funding requests. Its a huge deal," Arnett said. "We got to put the full-court press on to get elected officials to understand that. Historic inauguration coming up: Michigan City's first Black mayor Gurtler said in November that he doesnt argue that coast guard response times in the Michigan City area would suffer. However, Gurtler said, a coast guard boat from Chicago or St. Joseph can still be there within the two-hour time frame mandated by Congress for coverage areas. I can say with certainty if the coast guard wasnt confident we could meet all of the requirements and, frankly, keep the public safe, we wouldnt be selecting these particular spots, he said. Bryant Dabney, Michigan City Common Council (First Ward) Councilman Bryant Dabney suggested a pay increase for coast guard officers should be given first to see if that would help draw more recruits Dabney said higher wages for lifeguards in the city worked to restore staffing levels at the public beach. I think we should be asking if they can solve that issue, he said. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Coast Guard plans to downsize Michigan City station; city objects RABAT, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan government and Germany's KfW Development Bank on Wednesday reached deals on a financing package worth 257 million euros in total (about 285.4 million U.S. dollars) for Morocco's development projects. The deals, comprising three loan agreements totaling 250 million euros, two of which are accompanied by two grants amounting to 7 million euros, were reached between Fouzi Lekjaa, the Moroccan minister delegate in charge of the budget, and Janne Rajpar, director of KfW's Morocco office, at a ceremony in Rabat. The package would help expand a social protection program for Morocco's vulnerable population, promote its sustainable urban and interurban transportation, and increase the irrigation efficiency in its agriculture sector. Former US president and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa on December 19, 2023 (KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI) The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected an attempt to remove Donald Trump from the crucial swing state's primary ballot next year over his role in the 2021 storming of the US Capitol. It was the latest in a series of bids to block Trump from appearing on ballots in multiple states under the 14th Amendment, which says officials who take an oath to support the US Constitution are banned from future office if they "engaged in insurrection." But Michigan's high court said in a brief ruling it was "not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court" ahead of the state's February 27 presidential primary. The ruling came a week after Colorado's Supreme Court removed Trump from the state's primary ballot over his role in the Capitol riot, which he is accused of inciting. Trump, 77, hailed the Michigan decision, slamming a "Desperate Democrat attempt" to stack the deck against him as he seeks another term in the White House. "This pathetic gambit to rig the Election has failed all across the Country, including in States that have historically leaned heavily toward the Democrats," he posted on Truth Social, his social media platform. Colorado's highest court issued a stay, or freeze, of its bombshell ruling until January 4 pending an expected appeal by Trump's lawyers to the US Supreme Court. Granting the Colorado case for review would thrust the country's top court into the center of the White House race, as any determination it makes on whether Trump engaged in insurrection and on his eligibility could be binding on lower courts nationwide. - 'Disappointing' - The Michigan lawsuit was filed in September by liberal-leaning Free Speech For People, a pro-democracy advocacy group that also pursued an unsuccessful 14th Amendment challenge against Trump in Minnesota and has filed a case in Oregon. "The court's decision is disappointing but we will continue, at a later stage, to seek to uphold this critical constitutional provision designed to protect our republic," election lawyer Mark Brewer, who joined the group in the lawsuit, said in a statement. "Trump led a rebellion and insurrection against the Constitution when he tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election and he is disqualified from ever seeking or holding public office again." Michigan's lower courts dismissed the case on procedural grounds early in the process, a decision upheld on appeal, meaning the question of whether Trump engaged in insurrection was never addressed. Justice Elizabeth Welch, one of four Democratic-nominated justices on the seven-member panel, acknowledged the Colorado decision but said that state's election law differed from Michigan's "in a material way" in requiring candidates to be "qualified" to run. "The appellants have identified no analogous provision in the Michigan Election Law that requires someone seeking the office of President of the United States to attest to their legal qualification to hold the office," Welch wrote. Meanwhile Maine's top elections official, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, is considering challenges to Trump's eligibility for the March 5 primary in the Democratic-leaning northeastern state. Trump's legal team called Wednesday for Bellows to recuse herself, describing her in a statement as a "completely biased Democrat partisan and a Biden supporter who is incapable of making a fair decision." Secretary of state is an elected, political position in Maine, as it is in 34 other US states. ft/bfm A health system in Michigan has experienced its second cybersecurity breach this year, affecting more than 1 million patients, according to state officials. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Tuesday there was a breach at HealthEC, a vendor that provides services to Corewell Health's southeast Michigan properties. The breach exposed patients' personal and medical information. HealthEC services is helping to "identify high-risk patients, close gaps in care and recognize barriers to optimal care," according to a release. MORE: Mortgage giant Mr. Cooper hit with cyberattack possibly affecting more than 14 million customers It's unclear what specific information was exposed but it can include name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, medical diagnoses, mental/physical condition, health insurance information, treatment cost information and billing and claims information, the release said. Patients affected by the breach had notice letters mailed to them on Dec. 22, according to Nessel's office. "Health information is some of the most personal information we have," Nessel said in a statement. "Michigan residents have been subjected to a surge of healthcare-related data breaches and deserve robust protection. It is critical that the Michigan legislature join the many other states that require companies who experience a data breach to immediately inform the Department of Attorney General." PHOTO: In an undated stock photo, a computer hacker is seen typing on a laptop. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images) Corewell Health said it contacted the attorney general's office before making a public announcement. Last month, Corewell Health announced that vendor Welltok, experienced a data breach that led to similar personal and medical information being exposed. More than 1 million patients were impacted. For anyone affected by the data breach, Nessel's office recommends steps including changing passwords, contacting one's bank or credit union and potentially putting a fraud alert on one's credit file to prevent identify theft. This is the latest in a series of cyberware attacks and data breaches that have been affecting health system across the U.S. In Oklahoma, Integris Health -- which offers hospitals and primary care clinics across the state -- said a data breach were accessed by an unauthorized party at the end of November, according to local ABC News affiliate KOCO 5. MORE: Connecticut attorney general presses 23andMe for data breach answers The health system then announced on Christmas Eve that patients were receiving messages from a group claiming responsibility for the data breach and threatening to expose the information on the dark web unless they received payment. Capital Health -- which operates hospitals in Trenton and Pennington as well as primary care offices across New Jersey -- said last month it had been experiencing network outages that it believes was a "cybersecurity incident," but was unsure if any personal information had been exposed. Additionally, hospitals run by Ardent Health Services -- including two in New Jersey -- were forced to divert ambulances to other area hospitals and cancel some non-elective procedures after the organization discovered a ransomware attack on Thanksgiving Day. Michigan health system reports 2nd data breach, affecting more than 1M patients originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Michigans highest court said Wednesday that Donald Trump can appear on the state's Republican primary ballot, but the court declined to weigh in for now on whether Trump is eligible to run in the general election and serve again as president. The court turned away an appeal from Michigan voters who argue that Trump should be barred from the ballot because of his efforts to subvert the 2020 election and stoke violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The voters cite a provision of the 14th Amendment that, in some circumstances, bars people from holding public office if they have "engaged in insurrection or rebellion." Last week, the Colorado Supreme Court became the first court in the country to declare Trump ineligible to run. The Colorado ruling is almost certain to end up at the U.S. Supreme Court soon. Meanwhile, similar challenges have proceeded in dozens of other states. On Wednesday, the Michigan Supreme Court essentially punted on the question in the critical swing state, saying in a terse order that it would not take up the issue of Trumps eligibility now. Earlier this month, a lower court ruled that Michigans secretary of state does not have the authority to remove Trump from the primary ballot. The voters challenging Trumps eligibility who were backed by the liberal advocacy group Free Speech for People, which has brought similar challenges across the country tried to appeal that ruling to the Michigan Supreme Court. But the state Supreme Court, which consists of four Democrats and three Republicans, declined to hear the appeal, writing without elaboration that the court was not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court. The Michigan Supreme Courts order does not prevent the voters from contesting Trumps eligibility to appear on the general election ballot if he wins the Republican nomination. By then, the U.S. Supreme Court may have definitively resolved the issue. One member of the state supreme court dissented from the decision not to hear the appeal now. Justice Elizabeth Welch, a Democrat, said the court should have heard the appeal and formally affirmed the lower courts conclusion that the Michigan secretary of state could not strip Trump from the primary ballot. Trump celebrated the Michigan Supreme Courts order on Wednesday. In a post on his social media site, Trump said the case was a Desperate Democrat attempt to take the leading Candidate off the ballot. Michigan has an unusual process to select candidates for the presidential primary ballot. The secretary of state creates a list of candidates generally advocated by the national news media to be potential presidential candidates. Political parties may also submit additional candidates, and others can petition to get added. That structure, the lower court ruled on Dec. 14, did not provide any room for the secretary of state to determine a candidates qualifications. The Secretary of States role in presidential primary elections is chiefly that of an administrator, the Michigan Court of Appeals wrote. In particular, when it comes to who is or is not placed on the primary ballot, the statutory scheme leaves nothing to the Secretary of States discretion. In a statement following Wednesday's order from the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, said she was "gratified" the state judiciary upheld her office's approach of not striking Trump from the primary ballot. She has argued in the past that she lacked the authority to do so procedurally. The challengers vowed to try to knock Trump off the general election ballot, should he ultimately receive the GOP nomination. The Courts decision is disappointing but we will continue, at a later stage, to seek to uphold this critical constitutional provision designed to protect our republic, said Mark Brewer, a former chair of the Michigan Democratic Party who was one of the attorneys challenging Trumps eligibility, in a statement. Benson added that the U.S. Supreme Court still should weigh in more broadly on the challenge to Trump's eligibility, as opposed to a procedural decision like the one in her state. "The U.S. Supreme Court must provide the clarity and finality to this matter," Benson said. "I continue to hope they do this sooner rather than later to ensure that we can move forward into 2024's election season focused on ensuring all voters are fully informed and universally engaged in deciding the issues at stake." Michigans state-run primary is scheduled for Feb. 27, but the Republican Party also is planning a caucus in March. 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. Trump is facing criticism for repeatedly harnessing rhetoric once used by Adolf Hitler to argue that immigrants entering the U.S. illegally are poisoning the blood of our country. Trump insists he had no idea that one of the worlds most reviled and infamous figures once used similar words. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Michigans Supreme Court is keeping former President Donald Trump on the states primary election ballot. The court said Wednesday it will not hear an appeal of a lower courts ruling from groups seeking to keep Trump from appearing on the ballot. It said in an order that the application by parties to appeal a Dec. 14 Michigan appeals court judgment was considered, but denied because we are not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court. The ruling contrasts with Dec. 19 decision by a divided Colorado Supreme Court which found Trump ineligible to be president because of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. That ruling was the first time in history that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate. The Michigan and Colorado cases are among dozens hoping to keep Trumps name off state ballots. They all point to the so-called insurrection clause that prevents anyone from holding office who engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution. Until the Colorado ruling, all had failed. The Colorado ruling is likely to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has never ruled on the rarely used Civil War-era provision. The plaintiffs in Michigan can technically try again to disqualify Trump under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment in the general election, though it's likely there will be a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the issue by then. The state's high court on Wednesday upheld an appeals court ruling that the Republican Party could place anyone it wants on the primary ballot. But the court was silent on whether Section 3 of the 14th Amendment would disqualify Trump in November if he becomes the GOP nominee. We are disappointed by the Michigan Supreme Courts decision, said Ron Fein, legal director of Free Speech for People, the liberal group that filed the suit to disqualify Trump in the state. The ruling conflicts with longstanding US Supreme Court precedent that makes clear that when political parties use the election machinery of the state to select, via the primary process, their candidates for the general election, they must comply with all constitutional requirements in that process. Trump hailed the order, calling the effort to keep him off the ballot in multiple states a pathetic gambit." Only one of the court's seven justices dissented. Justice Elizabeth M. Welch, a Democrat, wrote that she would have kept Trump on the primary ballot but the court should rule on the merits of the Section 3 challenge. The court has a 4-3 Democratic majority. Trump pressed two election officials in Michigans Wayne County not to certify 2020 vote totals, according to a recording of a post-election phone call disclosed in a Dec. 22 report by The Detroit News. The former president s 2024 campaign has neither confirmed nor denied the recordings legitimacy. Attorneys for Free Speech for People, a liberal nonprofit group also involved in efforts to keep Trump's name off the primary ballot in Minnesota and Oregon, had asked Michigan's Supreme Court to render its decision by Christmas Day. The group argued that time was of the essence due to the pressing need to finalize and print the ballots for the presidential primary election. Earlier this month, Michigan's high court refused to immediately hear an appeal, saying the case should remain before the appeals court. Free Speech for People had sued to force Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to bar Trump from Michigans ballot. But a Michigan Court of Claims judge rejected that group's arguments, saying in November that it was the proper role of Congress to decide the question. Looking ahead to the next 14th Amendment decision, Trump's lawyers on Wednesday asked Maine's Democratic Secretary of State to disqualify herself from deciding whether the former president can be on that state's primary ballot. Shenna Bellows held a public hearing earlier this month on requests to bar Trump from the Maine ballot, and her ruling is expected this week. Trump's attorneys asked Bellows to step aside, pointing to tweets that she posted after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol calling it an insurrection and bemoaning that Trump wasn't convicted by the U.S. Senate after being impeached by the House of Representatives. LANSING The Michigan Supreme Court has declined to hear a case arguing that former President Donald Trump should be excluded from the state's primary ballot, meaning the front-runner for the GOP nomination will remain a listed candidate. The order issued Wednesday is in line with lower court rulings in Michigan, though at odds with a recent ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court. The argument over whether Trump is an eligible candidate for president centers on whether his conduct related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol should be considered engaging in insurrection. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bars anyone who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution to hold office if they have "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the U.S. Another central issue in a spate of court cases is whether it would be within state powers, or only the power of Congress, to bar a candidate over such an issue. Former President Donald Trump In a Wednesday order, Michigan's highest state court said it is "not persuaded that the present questions should be reviewed by this court." It refused to reconsider a mid-December decision by a three-judge state Court of Appeals panel. That ruling affirmed a lower court ruling that neither the courts nor Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson can bar former Trump from being a candidate in Michigan's Feb. 27 Republican primary. Mark Brewer, the lawyer for Michigan voters seeking to exclude Trump from the ballot and a former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, called the decision "very disappointing but extremely narrow." If Trump becomes the Republican nominee, his clients will again challenge his eligibility for the general election ballot in November, he said. Justice Elizabeth Welch, a Democratic nominee, dissented, citing the Colorado decision, among other issues. Welch said she agrees with the Michigan Court of Appeals that under the wording of state law, the secretary of state does not have the authority to exclude from the ballot a prominent candidate such as Trump, whose name has been put forward by a political party, regardless of whether he is ineligible under the U.S. Constitution. However, "political parties might have an obligation to ensure that proposed presidential primary candidates are eligible," she wrote. The difference between Michigan and Colorado law "Considering the importance of the legal questions at issue and the speed with which the appellants and the judiciary have moved, I believe it is important for this court to issue a decision on the merits." Michigan's lower courts, along with courts in some other states, have found that the question of whether Trump is disqualified under Section 3 is one for Congress at least in terms of a primary election and not the state's courts or election officials to decide. But the Colorado Supreme Court's split decision, which is on hold pending the question of whether the U.S. Supreme Court will settle the matter, states that there is nothing in the 14th Amendment, which was written in response to the Civil War, that requires Congress, rather than a state, to make that determination, only that the U.S. House and Senate can lift any disqualification if they so choose. And the Colorado opinion noted that its state law outlines a duty to "exclude constitutionally disqualified candidates," in a process run through its courts, ahead of any election, including a primary. Michigan law includes no similar provision. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she is gratified by the ruling and it is up to the U.S. Supreme Court to provide further clarity. "We clearly stated months ago that, when it comes to ballot access for candidates in a presidential primary, my authority is limited to ensuring that any individuals 'generally advocated by the national news media to be potential presidential candidates,' along with any recommended by state political parties, qualify to be on the ballot," Benson said in a news release. "We followed that law." Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @paulegan4. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Supreme Court says Trump will stay on state primary ballot CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 27: Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks speaks at a campaign rally at Drake Enterprises, an automotive parts manufacturer, on September 27, 2023 in Clinton Township, Michigan. President Joe Biden met with striking UAW workers the day before at a General Motors parts facility. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Credit - Getty Images2023 Getty Images On Wednesday, the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear a case looking to assess whether the insurrection clause in the 14th Amendment applies to former President Donald Trump, allowing him to remain on the presidential ballot for 2024. The courts order upheld a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling on the matter, saying that it was not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court and refusing to comment on whether Trump engaged in insurrection, or whether the insurrectionist ban applies to presidential candidates. This comes after the decision made on Dec. 19 in Coloradowhere justices ruled that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment does apply to presidential candidates and that Trump was ineligible for election because of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, removing him from the primary ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court said they would stay their ruling until Jan. 4 in case the U.S. Supreme Court wanted to weigh in. The Supreme Court has not yet agreed to hear the case, but their opinion could be instrumental in how the 2024 presidential election plays out given this most recent ruling. The Michigan case was filed by Free Speech for People, a nonprofit organization, on behalf of voters. But LaBrant v. Benson was rejected on procedural grounds before it even received a hearing because the states higher court agreed that Michigan state law does not allow the secretary of state to exclude a candidate like Trump from the primary election. Plaintiffs have identified no analogous provision in the Michigan Election Law that requires someone seeking the office of President of the United States to attest to their legal qualification to hold the office, wrote Justice Elizabeth Welch in the court order on Wednesday, saying that Michigan law differs from Colorados. We are disappointed by the Michigan Supreme Courts decision, said Ron Fein, Legal Director of Free Speech For People, an attorney for the plaintiffs, in a Wednesday statement. The ruling conflicts with longstanding US Supreme Court precedent that makes clear that when political parties use the election machinery of the state to select, via the primary process, their candidates for the general election, they must comply with all constitutional requirements in that process. However, Welch said that appellants would still have the chance to bring forward another case regarding Trumps qualifications as a presidential candidate if he becomes the Republican nominee, or seeks election as an independent. Free Speech for the People, which has another lawsuit seeking to remove Trump from the ballot in Oregon, said the Michigan Supreme Courts decision has no impact on other efforts to disqualify Trump. The Courts decision is disappointing but we will continue, at a later stage, to seek to uphold this critical constitutional provision designed to protect our republic, said attorney Mark Brewer. Trump led a rebellion and insurrection against the Constitution when he tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election and he is disqualified from ever seeking or holding public office again. Contact us at letters@time.com. The Michigan Supreme Court declined on Wednesday to hear a case arguing that former President Donald Trump should be booted from the state's primary ballot, allowing the GOP frontrunner to remain a candidate, the Detroit Free Press reports. The Wednesday order aligns with lower court rulings in the state, but departs from a recent ruling removing Trump from the ballot by the Colorado Supreme Court. The question of whether Trump is an eligible candidate for the presidency hinges on whether his conduct related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack should be considered engaging in insurrection. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits anyone who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution to hold office if they have "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the nation. Another key concern in the slate of court cases is whether barring a candidate over such a matter would be within state powers or only in the power of Congress. In the order, Michigan's highest state court indicated it agrees with the latter option, declaring that it is "not persuaded that the present questions should be reviewed by this court." It refused to reconsider a mid-December decision by a three-judge panel of a state Court of Appeals, which affirmed a lower court ruling that neither the courts nor Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson can keep Trump from being a candidate in Michigan's Feb. 27 Republican primary. Mark Brewer, the lawyer for Michigan voters seeking to have Trump removed from the ballot and a former Michigan Democratic Party chairman, called the decision "very disappointing but extremely narrow." If Trump becomes the Republican nominee, he added, his clients will again challenge his eligibility for the November ballot. In a statement, Free Speech For People, a nonpartisan government-ethics organization and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, echoed the attorney's assertion, declaring that the decision does not "preclude FSFP from raising the same claims in Michigan before the general election, if Trumps candidacy proceeds to that point." It also doesn't affect the organization's pending challenge in Oregon, challenges it intends to bring in other states, or the status of the Colorado decision, the organization added. The ruling conflicts with longstanding US Supreme Court precedent that makes clear that when political parties use the election machinery of the state to select, via the primary process, their candidates for the general election, they must comply with all constitutional requirements in that process," FSFP Legal Director Ron Fein said in the statement. "However, the Michigan Supreme Court did not rule out that the question of Donald Trumps disqualification for engaging in insurrection against the U.S. Constitution may be resolved at a later stage." Justice Elizabeth Welch, a Democratic appointee, dissented, pointing to the Colorado ruling among other matters. She agreed with the Michigan Court of Appeals' argument that under the wording of state law, the secretary of state does not possess the authority to exclude from the primary ballot a prominent candidate like Trump, whose name has been promoted by a political party, regardless of whether the U.S. Constitution would deem him ineligible. But, "political parties might have an obligation to ensure that proposed presidential primary candidates are eligible," Welch wrote. "Considering the importance of the legal questions at issue and the speed with which the appellants and the judiciary have moved, I believe it is important for this court to issue a decision on the merits," she added. Michigan's lower courts, along with the courts of other states, have largely found that whether Trump is disqualified under Section 3 is a decision best left for Congress at least in terms of a primary election and not the state's courts or election officials. But the Colorado Supreme Court's split decision, now on hold pending a decision on whether the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the matter, states that nothing in the 14th Amendment, which was written in response to the Civil War, requires Congress rather than a state to make that determination. It only holds that the U.S. House and Senate can overturn any disqualification if they choose to, the decision said. The Colorado opinion also noted that its state law describes a duty to "exclude constitutionally disqualified candidates" in a process run through its courts ahead of any election including a primary. Michigan law, however, does not include any similar provision. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. "The lower court decision (and this refusal by the Michigan Supreme Court to take up the issue) is not about the merits of the underlying 14th Amendment question but more so the mechanisms of state law in placing a person's name on the primary ballot," Georgia State law professor Anthony Michael Kreis clarified on X, formerly Twitter. While arguing in her dissent that the challengers should be able to retry their challenge in the event Trump wins the nomination, Kreis notes, Welch also highlights that Colorado law and Michigan law are "not analogous." Justice Welch dissents from the order, arguing that the challengers should be able to renew their efforts should Trump with the nomination, but also notes in her dissent from the order that Colorado law and Michigan law are not analogous: pic.twitter.com/SHNRYw0DPQ Anthony Michael Kreis (@AnthonyMKreis) December 27, 2023 "The Co. Supreme Court and the Mich. Supreme Court were presented with challenges to Trump's eligibility under the 14th Amendment but have different state law vehicles for placing names on the ballot," Kreis explained. "The MI Court ruling doesn't touch the merits of Trump's eligibility as a result." The Co. Supreme Court and the Mich. Supreme Court were presented with challenges to Trump's eligibility under the 14th Amendment but have different state law vehicles for placing names on the ballot. The MI Court ruling doesn't touch the merits of Trump's eligibility as a result. Anthony Michael Kreis (@AnthonyMKreis) December 27, 2023 Though the Michigan Supreme Court didn't affirm that the challengers could renew their lawsuit for the general election, it did "allow the lower court ruling permitting a second bite at the apple to stand," Kreis added. "Justice Welch would have affirmed that part expressly." The Michigan Supreme Court didn't affirm the ability of the Trump 14th Amendment challengers to renew their lawsuit for the general election but did allow the lower court ruling permitting a second bite at the apple to stand. Justice Welch would have affirmed that part expressly. Anthony Michael Kreis (@AnthonyMKreis) December 27, 2023 The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected an attempt to remove former President Trump from the states primary ballot under the 14th Amendments insurrection ban. A liberal-leaning group had appealed a state appeals court ruling that concluded, regardless of whether the 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump from holding office, Michigans secretary of state lacks the legal authority to remove him from the ballot. The states highest court, controlled by Democrats, let that lower ruling stand, saying in an unsigned order that it was not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court. The decision hands a legal victory for Trump as his lawyers seek to stave off 14th Amendment lawsuits filed across the country, aimed at preventing the former presidents return to the White House. The amendment prohibits someone from holding any office under the United States if they engaged in insurrection after taking an oath as an officer of the United States to support the Constitution. Ratified after the Civil War, the provision was originally used to prevent Confederates from returning to federal office. The array of Trump cases citing the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot poses a series of open legal questions, including whether the clause applies to the presidency and whether courts have authority to disqualify candidates. Trumps team has successfully defended against cases filed in places including Minnesota, where the states top court similarly tossed a 14th Amendment challenge last month. But in Colorado, the states supreme court last week was the first to take the extraordinary step of ordering Trumps name off of the ballot. The ruling is temporarily on hold. In a solo dissent in Michigan on Wednesday, Justice Elizabeth Welch wrote it was important for the state court to issue a decision on the merits given the gravity of the legal questions at issue. But she likened the case to Minnesota while drawing a contrast to Colorado. Significantly, Colorados election laws differ from Michigans laws in a material way that is directly relevant to why the appellants in this case are not entitled to the relief they seek concerning the presidential primary election in Michigan, Welch wrote. Welch also noted Wednesdays ruling leaves open the possibility that the plaintiffs could renew their efforts for the general election if Trump becomes the Republican nominee, which polling indicates is very likely. The Michigan Supreme Court has strongly and rightfully denied the Desperate Democrat attempt to take the leading Candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election, me, off the ballot in the Great State of Michigan, Trump wrote on Truth Social. This pathetic gambit to rig the Election has failed all across the Country, including in States that have historically leaned heavily toward the Democrats. Colorado is the only State to have fallen prey to the scheme. Liberal-leaning nonprofit Free Speech for People brought the Michigan lawsuit challenging Trumps ballot placement, and the group brought a similar lawsuit in Oregon. The Hill has reached out to the organization for comment. The dispute could soon be headed for the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump has vowed to appeal the Colorado decision, a move that would automatically put the ruling on hold until the justices in Washington resolve the case. Updated at 10:14 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump can remain on the state's primary ballot in 2024. File Photo by Alex Wroblewski/UPI Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled to keep former President Donald Trump on the state's Republican primary ballot. The Michigan Supreme Court declined to reconsider the appeals court decision earlier this month that the courts nor Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson could keep Trump off the Feb. 27 Republican primary. The state's high court upheld a lower court ruling as it said that on procedural grounds it was not "persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court." The court, however, did not rule specifically on whether Trump should be disqualified under the 14th Amendment. Watchdog group Free Speech For People, which filed the appeal, said it was "disappointed" by the decision. "It simply declined to overrule a lower court ruling that the Michigan state challenge process does not allow challenges to presidential candidates at the primary stage," the group wrote. Trump hailed the decision in a post on Truth Social. "The Michigan Supreme Court has strongly and rightfully denied the Desperate Democrat attempt to take the leading candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election, me, off the ballot in the Great State of Michigan," he wrote. He also called challenges to his candidacy citing the 14th amendment a "pathetic gambit" as he said "Colorado is the only state to have fallen prey to the scheme" after the Colorado Supreme Court last week ruled to remove Trump from the ballot. The opposing rulings strengthen the likelihood of the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in to resolve the issue, spurred by liberal activist groups who are trying to use the 14th Amendment to keep Trump from being elected president again. The groups argued in various cases, including Michigan, that Trump's actions on Jan. 6, 2021, prevented him from running for office again, citing the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bars anyone from holding office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion." Several courts that have ruled on similar filings have said questions of Trump being disqualified from the ballots fall on Congress and not state courts or election officials. The Colorado Supreme Court, however, ruled in a split decision that the 14th Amendment, which dates back to the post-Civil War era, does not require Congress to weigh in. VIENTIANE, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Lao traffic police will step up security checks to ensure road safety during the celebration of New Year 2024 across Laos. Deputy head of the traffic police department, Keomala Sengthong, told a press conference here on Tuesday that the department is ready to serve nationwide during the celebration of New Year 2024. Over five days of the New Year 2023 celebration, 190 accidents were recorded, 311 people were injured, and 26 people died, according to the Traffic Department of the Lao Ministry of Public Security. In a bid to reduce the number of accidents during the New Year celebration this year, the traffic police department will carry out checks on drivers and their vehicles at strategic locations. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -With thousands of migrants arriving at the U.S. southern border Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas traveled to Mexico Wednesday to discuss options for slowing down the influx. Last week, President Joe Biden spoke by phone with Mexicos President Andres Lopez-Obrador. The two leaders agree that additional enforcement actions are urgently needed so that key ports of entry can be reopened across our shared border, said John Kirby, National Security Council spokesperson. Most migrants are passing through Mexico from central America and Venezuela. Lopez-Obrador confirmed last week that U.S. officials want Mexico to do more to block migrants at its border with Guatemala or make it more difficult to move across Mexico by train. Before Christmas, House Speaker Mike Johnson sent a letter to the president blaming him for the border crisis and writing, I urge you to immediately take executive actions available to you under existing immigration laws to stem the record tide of illegal immigration. A large group of House republicans are planning a trip to Eagle Pass, Texas next week to visit the southern border. Mexicos 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. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Corrections and Clarifications: An earlier version of this report misstated asylum case data from Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse. The organization says immigration judges granted asylum or other immigration relief in 50% of completed cases over 20 years. The nation's immigration court backlog swelled by more than 1 million cases in 2023, according to new data, as the number of migrants seeking asylum at the U.S. border surged. The backlog surpassed 3 million cases in November, rising from 1.9 million cases in September 2022, according to Syracuse University's Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, or TRAC, which compiles and analyzes federal immigration data. There are now more immigrants in the U.S. with a pending immigration case than people living in Chicago, the nation's third-largest city, TRAC concluded. Some are not due to appear in court for years as judges grapple with caseloads of more than 4,000 each. The quickly growing backlog is becoming a political liability for President Joe Biden heading into an election year in which immigration is shaping up to be a defining issue for voters. "The courts can only do so much when the Biden administration has opened the spigot at the border," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, at a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing in October. "Our immigration judges can't do their job, just being flooded with these huge numbers." The Biden administration has tried to address the backlog by hiring 302 judges to the nation's immigration courts. The White House is asking in its 2024 budget request for funding to hire 150 more. The judgeships are administrative posts, not lifetime federal appointments, in a court system run by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Kathryn Mattingly, press secretary for the office, said reducing the immigration court backlog is one of the highest priorities for the agency. In addition to expanding the number of judges on the bench, the agency is developing new initiatives to reduce the backlog, she said. "These efforts include encouraging the use of pre-hearing conferences to resolve matters that do not require valuable court docket time and the creation of specialized dockets to optimally schedule hearings and handle more straightforward matters more quickly," she said in an emailed response to questions. When migrants arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border seeking asylum or refuge, they often leave U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody with documents that include "a notice to appear" in one of the country's more than 600 immigration courtrooms, typically in their destination city. Immigration judges adjudicate migrants' asylum claims and have significant discretion to approve or deny them. "If a judge grants asylum, it typically puts the applicant on a pathway toward legal status and citizenship, whereas if a judge denies asylum unless alternative grounds are found it often leads to a deportation order," according to the TRAC report. Immigration judges unable to keep pace There were 734 immigration judges on the bench in October, up from 517 in 2020, the last year of the Trump administration. But even with hundreds more judges on the bench, the courts haven't been able to keep pace with the number of cases being added to the docket, TRAC found. Judges are facing caseloads of more than 4,500 apiece. "If you believe that asylum seekers deserve an opportunity to have their cases heard, then these numbers might be a positive sign," said Austin Kocher, a geographer and research assistant professor at Syracuse University, in a newsletter. "More people will have at least a nominal opportunity to apply for asylum instead of being turned away outright at the border." Migrants await to be called by Customs and Border Protection officers at the Paso Del Norte International Bridge as they present themselves after receiving an appointment via the CPB One on Dec. 14, 2023. Many Republicans and some conservative Democrats argue that many migrants may be making false claims about being persecuted in their homeland on the pretense that they'll get an opportunity to stay in the U.S. for years awaiting court dates that could be years away. "There are people who literally come to the United States and turn themselves in and claim asylum knowing that they can beat the system, and that if they are given a notice to appear at all, that it may be for years in the future," Cornyn said at the Senate hearing. In a study of roughly two decades of data through 2021, TRAC found that immigration judges granted asylum or other immigration relief in 50% of completed cases, said Sue Long, co-director of TRAC and associate professor at Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management. U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded nearly 2.5 million migrant encounters at the Southwest border in fiscal 2023, breaking annual records going back to 1960. In October and November, the first two months of fiscal 2024, the agency reported more than 483,000 encounters amid historically high levels of mass migration throughout the Western Hemisphere. More: Help wanted: Labor shortage hits hard in rural West Texas as US slams door on migrants Immigration court dates years away In early December in El Paso, Texas, a Mexican family waited in downtown for a bus ride to a local shelter. The family had crossed the U.S. border earlier that day via one of the Biden administration's "lawful pathways" through an appointment via the CBP One cellphone application. Emmanuel Padilla, 19, sat on a metal bench inside a nonprofit welcome center. He said he, his mother and 17-year-old brother left their home in Mexico's violent Michoacan state because of cartel violence. They were headed to Tampa, Florida, and had been given a notice to appear. Their immigration court hearing was scheduled for 2027 four years off. Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Immigration court backlog tops 3 million cases amid record migration Russian forces continue to attack Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast but are trying to bypass the city, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, head of the Tavria group of Ukraine's military fighting on the southeastern front lines, said in an interview with BBC Ukraine published on Dec. 27. Russia intensified its attacks against Avdiivka in early October, reportedly suffering heavy losses in an attempt to encircle the front-line town just kilometers from the occupied city of Donetsk. Ukrainian forces have continued to defend the now-destroyed town and largely prevented Russia from securing significant gains. Avdiivka remains a primary direction of Russian attacks in the area, Tarnavskyi said, but Russian forces likely want to avoid actually entering the city and engaging in the type of brutal street combat that was seen in the battle for Bakhmut. Russian forces eventually captured the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast after months of grueling urban combat in May 2023, suffering tens of thousands of casualties in the process. Fighting around Bakhmut has nonetheless continued. Read also: Ukraine holds back Russian assault on Avdiivka as long winter battle looms Oleksandr Shtupun, the spokesman for the Tavria group of forces, said on Dec. 20 that Russian forces had advanced between 1.5 and 2 kilometers since the beginning of their renewed push against Avdiivka and lost as many as 20,000 killed and wounded. Tarnavskyi added that his forces operating in the southeast sector of the country continue to take offensive actions and refuted the notion that Ukrainian actions have switched to a primarily defensive nature. Russian state-owned media RIA Novosti reported on Dec. 25 that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had declared the complete capture of Marinka, another suburb of Donetsk located around 30 kilometers southwest of Avdiivka. Shtupun denied Shoigu's claim, saying that Marinka had been completely destroyed, but fighting to control the area continued. Ukraines Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said on Dec. 26 that Ukrainian troops remained in Marinkas northern part. Tarnavskyi predicted that 2024 may be an even more difficult year for Ukraine than 2023 and said there is a current lack of resources, both human and technical. Soldiers should be rotated out, he said, adding that the army needs more men and equipment. "We must end hostilities and liberate our territories. And the closer we get to accomplishing this task, the main goal of reaching our borders, it will be even more difficult. The enemy knows about this and will do everything to prevent us from accomplishing this task." 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. Milwaukee Academy of Science 8th-grader Kamaria Ferguson is assisted by Markita Hutchinson in the Teach for America program during their class Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 2000 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee. "She helps a lot," Ferguson explained. "She lets us use our notes on our tests and I've seen an increase in my test scores." Operators of the Milwaukee Academy of Science have purchased the former Penfield Montessori Academy building at 2433 W. Cherry St., city records show. Penfield Montessori Academy, a charter school associated with the Penfield Childrens Center, closed at the end of the last school year after school leaders said they could not raise enough funds to keep operating. Milwaukee Academy of Science CEO Anthony McHenry did not immediately reply to questions from the Journal Sentinel about the school's plans for the building. The Milwaukee Academy of Science, a charter school authorized by the city of Milwaukee, opened in 2000 and now serves about 1,400 students at 2000 W. Kilbourn Ave. Records dated Dec. 22 show the Penfield property, valued at $2.475 million, was purchased by the Milwaukee Science Education Consortium, which runs the Milwaukee Academy of Science. The former Penfield Montessori Academy building, which has been purchased by the Milwaukee Academy of Science. Penfield Montessori Academy opened in the Cherry Street building in 2016 and had planned to continue adding a grade each year so its students could complete high school there. It had been authorized as a charter school by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and was run by a nonprofit board of directors. As a charter school, Penfield received state funding for each of its students, but school leaders said it wasn't enough, especially as the school prioritized serving students with special needs. In April, families gathered in the gym of the former Penfield Montessori Academy building to learn why their school was closing. Christine Holmes, president of the Penfield Montessori board, said the school had always been in a losing financial position, as state funding didn't cover the costs of providing an inclusive learning environment. The school kept students of different abilities together in the same classrooms with higher staffing levels, and offered nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy. It also invested in an elevator and ramps. Penfield started with the help $10 million in private donations, board members said, but the funding ran dry. Penfield Montessori Academy families and staff have since launched a new school to keep some of their community together. Called West Side Montessori Academy, it is considered a satellite location of another charter school, Adeline Montessori. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Academy of Science buys former Penfield Montessori building Ukraine and the United States have developed five projects of rapid "hybrid" solutions that will significantly strengthen Ukraine's air defence. Source: Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries, at a press conference Quote from Kamyshin: "The main advantage of such solutions is speed. It takes three to four years to develop a new air defence system. And we are already receiving finished products. There are various short-, medium- and even long-range projects. We do not want to compete with our partners, but rather create a new market where they could not enter before. We get a rapid air defence upgrade, and they get the opportunity to integrate their systems into new markets." Details: The minister said that the essence of all projects under the joint FrankenSAM brand is to integrate parts of Western air defence systems into old Soviet systems, which are in large numbers in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. There are projects where containers with American missiles are simply placed on old Soviet launchers, and there are solutions where entire American launchers are integrated into a common S-300 air defence system. The minister noted that the first systems are already operating in Ukraine, and the next ones will arrive every month to strengthen the air defence system. Background: In early December, the White House announced that Ukraine and the United States had signed a statement of intent on joint production and exchange of technical information to address the urgent operational needs of the Armed Forces, including in the areas of air defence systems, repair, maintenance, and production of critical munitions. In particular, the Pentagon has provided Ukraine with technological data to begin the production of FrankenSAM hybrid air defence systems. This will allow Ukraine to modernise its existing air defence systems, including those of Soviet origin, and integrate them with certain Western munitions. Support UP or become our patron! After making headlines for her "one-in-50-million" pregnancy, Kelsey Hatcher, 32, gave birth to twin daughters just in time to bring them home for Christmas. The Alabama woman has a rare condition called uterus didelphys, which means she has a double uterus. Only about 0.3% of the population has this condition. In this pregnancy, which was Hatchers fourth, her twins were separated one in each uterus. The odds of any given woman having this type of pregnancy is about one in 50 million , as an OB/GYN at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston told Scientific American. ALABAMA WOMAN WITH TWO UTERUSES IS PREGNANT WITH TWINS, ONE IN EACH WOMB: 1 IN 50 MILLION CHANCE Hatcher arrived at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital on Dec. 19 for a scheduled induction, according to a press release provided to Fox News Digital. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP After 20 combined hours of labor, Hatcher gave birth to two girls, who ended up entering the world on different days. Kelsey Hatcher, 32, gave birth to twin daughters just in time to bring them home for Christmas. Roxi was born on Dec. 19. Rebel was born on Dec. 20. ALABAMA WOMAN WITH RARE DOUBLE UTERUS PREPARES TO GIVE BIRTH TO HER MIRACLE TWINS "Never in our wildest dreams could we have planned a pregnancy and birth like this, but bringing our two healthy baby girls into this world safely was always the goal, and UAB helped us accomplish that," Hatcher said, according to the press release. "It seems appropriate that they had two birthdays, though. They both had their own houses, and now both have their own unique birth stories." The nursing team arranged for the first baby's bassinet to be in the operating room when the second baby was born via C-section. Hatcher first found out about her condition when she was 17. Her first three children Raelynn (6), River (4) and Rhemy (2) were the result of "normal" pregnancies. After 20 combined hours of labor, Hatcher gave birth to two girls who ended up entering the world on different days. For Hatchers latest pregnancy, it was discovered at her eight-week ultrasound that she was carrying twins in two different uteruses. "All I could do was laugh," Hatcher told Fox News Digital last month. "I immediately called my husband, Caleb, to tell him, as he was not at the appointment with me. He and I just laughed together." 4 SISTERS GIVE BIRTH WITHIN 4 MONTHS OF EACH OTHER AND NOW CELEBRATE BABIES FIRST HOLIDAY TOGETHER Hatchers doctors were also in shock, she said repeating how "rare and special" her case was. Kelseys obstetrician, Shweta Patel, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, cared for Hatcher during her third pregnancy and the most recent "miracle" pregnancy, which Patel referred to as a "true medical surprise." With the addition of the twins, the Hatchers now have five children. The first three babies were born in traditional deliveries. "I knew I would need additional expertise," the doctor said in the press release. "Luckily, I was able to reach out to my UAB maternal-fetal medicine colleagues who specialize in high-risk obstetrics cases and unique pregnancies." Other than a few additional appointments, Hatchers pregnancy was routine. "In a typical twin pregnancy, the twins share one womb, which can limit the amount of space each has, making preterm or early birth a high possibility," said Richard O. Davis, M.D., professor in the UAB Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, in the release. "With Kelseys babies, they each had their own womb, sac, placenta and umbilical cord, allowing them extra space to grow and develop," added Davis, who co-managed Hatchers pregnancy. Hatcher is pictured at one of her ultrasounds toward the end of her rare pregnancy. "With Kelseys babies, they each had their own womb, sac, placenta and umbilical cord, allowing them extra space to grow and develop," said a doctor who co-managed Hatchers pregnancy. Although Hatcher had one baby in each uterus, two eggs were released that were fertilized during the same ovulation cycle which meets the criteria of fraternal twins. "At the end of the day, it was two babies in one belly at the same time," Davis said in the release. "They just had different apartments." MOM WHO REFUSED TO GET AN ABORTION AFTER BRAIN CANCER DIAGNOSIS HAS NOW BEEN GIVEN LESS THAN A YEAR TO LIVE The main uncertainty was how the babies would be delivered. While C-sections may be a "more controlled delivery option" for high-risk cases like Hatchers, Patel noted, the doctors wanted to honor Hatchers wishes of having the same birth experience as she had with her other children as long as it was safe. C-sections can be a "more controlled delivery option" for high-risk cases like Hatchers, but the doctors wanted to honor Hatchers wishes of having the same birth experience as she had when delivering her other children as long as it was safe. When Hatcher didnt go into labor on her own, she was induced at 39 weeks. She was assigned two labor and delivery nurses to monitor each uterus and baby. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "As my contractions began, they were not consistently together but were within a few seconds of each other," Kelsey told UAB. "I felt each side contracting in different areas as well. I felt one consistent with the monitor that started on the left side and moved to the right." The baby in the right uterus, named Roxi, was delivered vaginally at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 19, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces. The odds of a woman having this type of pregnancy is about one in 50 million, as an OB/GYN at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston said. "There was a cheer from everyone in the room when the first baby was delivered, but there was another baby left," Patel said. "Kelsey was essentially laboring in the left uterus while simultaneously undergoing the postpartum process in the right." "She was having contractions with Baby B while breastfeeding Baby A." When the induction process moved more slowly than the doctors anticipated, the decision was made to deliver Baby B, named Rebel, via C-section. Rebel was born on Dec. 20 at 6:10 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 3.5 ounces. The nursing team arranged for Roxis bassinet to be in the operating room when Rebel was born. "After such a long and crazy journey, it meant the world to see both of my girls together for the first time," Hatcher said. For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health . Original article source: Miracle twins are born to Alabama woman with double uterus: True medical surprise A 71-year-old man who was reported missing is believed to have died in a crash, according to the Avery County Sheriffs Office. Barry Robert Hertel was last seen at Lowes Hardware in Banner Elk on Saturday. At approximately 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, someone called 911 about a vehicle in a river in Avery County off Highway 194 near Sam Eller Road. At the scene, deputies found an unresponsive man in a silver car that was partially submerged in the river. The registration number for the vehicle confirmed it belonged to Hertel. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Avery County Sheriffs Office ask for help finding missing man Hertel was also confirmed to be the man in the vehicle. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said it will be investigating the crash that resulted in Hertels death. VIDEO: Missing Charlotte mans SUV spotted in South Carolina, CMPD says A pregnant teen who had been missing since Friday was found dead Tuesday in San Antonio, Texas, along with her boyfriend. Family confirmed to Fox San Antonio that 18-year-old Savanah Soto and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra were found dead in a car at the Colinas at Medical Apartments in San Antonio. Soto was nine months pregnant and a week past her due date, according to her family. SAPD Chief William McManus gave few details during a press conference Tuesday night. He confirmed a woman and a man had been found dead in a car and said police "believe" the bodies to be that of Soto and Guerra. He refused to confirm the identity of the deceased. ALABAMA AUTHORITIES RECOVER BODY OF 22-YEAR-OLD WHOSE KAYAK CAPSIZED WHILE DUCK HUNTING 18-year-old Savanah Soto was found dead Tuesday, December 26, 2023, inside a car at an apartment complex in San Antonio, Texas. Soto was nine months pregnant and a week past her due date. Soto's boyfriend Matthew Guerra was also found dead inside the car. McManus called the crime scene "complex" and "perplexing." He said detectives are looking at the scene as a possible murder. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a CLEAR Alert on Monday for Soto who was last seen at her apartment complex in Leon Valley on Friday. KENTUCKY REMAINS IDENTIFIED AS FBI FUGITIVE WHO VANISHED NEARLY 25 YEARS AGO San Antonio Police Chief William McManus confirmed a woman and a man had been found dead in a car and said police "believe" the bodies to be that of Soto and Guerra. "The Leon Valley Police Department has been notified of the disappearance of Savannah Nicole Soto, who was reported missing by her family. Ms. Soto, who is pregnant and has passed her delivery date, has caused significant concern among her family members after missing an essential medical appointment," the alert read. People gather near the scene where Soto and Guerra's bodies were found. Police were searching for a 2013 Kia Optima. McManus confirmed Tuesday night that the two bodies were found in the Kia Optima connected to Soto's disappearance. He said the family was alerted to the car at the apartment complex and called police. It is unclear how Soto and Guerra died. When asked if a gun was found in the car, McManus refused to comment, saying the medical examiner still needed to examine the bodies. Original article source: Missing pregnant teen Savanah Soto, boyfriend found dead in Texas HANOI, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam aims to increase total export turnover in 2024 by about 6 percent compared to 2023 and maintain a trade surplus of about 15 billion U.S. dollars for the ninth consecutive year, Vietnam News has reported, citing the Ministry of Industry and Trade. However, to reach this target next year, Vietnam is forecast to face many difficulties and challenges as the export value target of 6 percent in 2023 has not been completed, according to the report on Tuesday. The country's export value in 2023 is estimated to reach about 355 billion dollars, down 4.5 percent year on year. Nguyen Cam Trang, deputy director of the ministry's Import-Export Department, said to achieve the export growth target of 6 percent next year, the ministry will promote negotiations and signing of new agreements, commitments, and trade links with other potential partners, such as the United Arab Emirates and South America, to diversify markets, products and supply chains. According to the ministry, in 2023, Vietnam has run a trade surplus for eight years in a row, estimated at a record high of nearly 30 billion dollars, nearly three times higher than in 2022. The bodies of a pregnant Texas teen and her boyfriend, who have been missing since late last week, were found in a parked car in San Antonio, according to a family member. The family of Matthew Guerra, who went missing Friday alongside the pregnant Savanah Nicole Soto, 18, told local news station KHOU that the bodies were found in the Medical Center area of San Antonio. A family member told News 4 San Antonio that Sotos body was found on Tuesday afternoon at the Colinas at Medical Apartments on the citys northwest side. The car belonged to Soto, KSAT reports. Investigators were seen working at the scene, partially covering the vehicle with tarps. If confirmed, the discovery would end a multi-day search for the couple, whose families became alarmed when Soto didnt turn up Saturday for an appointment to have her labour induced. The Independent has contacted the Leon Valley Police Department, which has been leading the search for Soto, for comment. Missing pregnant teen Savanah Soto and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra were found dead on Tuesday, 26 December, 2023, a family member said (Leon Valley Police Department) The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a CLEAR alert on Monday, describing Soto as a white, 18-year-old woman with brown eyes. Authorities said she may be tied to a grey, 2013 Kia Optima with temporary Texas tags numbered 4289D57, according to the alert, which is issued when an individual is in imminent danger or the police suspect their disappearance is involuntary. She was last seen on Friday afternoon at the Valencia Lofts apartment complex, where she lived with her boyfriend, the father of the child, according to her family. Soto was a week past her due date, her family told KENS. I pray to God every day, every minute, every second of the day we pray to God to bring her home, to bring her home safely because we need her home, to complete our family again, her grandmother, Rachel Soto, told the station. The family member added that she hadnt been able to get a hold of Guerra either since the disappearance. Its not normal, somethings not adding up here, she said. I want answers, we all want answers. Various family members of the couple offered conflicting theories about what mightve happened. Sotos sister-in-law claimed her family member was being abused. i wont allow you to be one of those statistics of what happens when u have an abusive boyfriend, she wrote on social media, in a post viewed by The New York Post. If anyone knows my son Matthew Guerra he and his pregnant girlfriend are missing, Guerras mother wrote on social media, according to the Post. I know my son and he wouldnt do anything to hurt her. Gloria Cordova told KHOU her daughter was excited to be a new mother. Savanah was so, so happy because she was going to be a mommy. It breaks my heart, she said. Those with information about the disappearance are encouraged to contact the Leon Valley Police Department at (210) 684-1391. A correctional officer was shot to death in the parking lot of a Mississippi prison, and a fellow jailer is accused of pulling the trigger, officials say. The tragic and fatal altercation happened around 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, outside the East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Meridian, according to Management & Training Corporation, which runs the prison. Officials said the deadly shooting was sparked by a dispute. The East Mississippi Correctional Facility is a private prison in Meridian. Officers immediately responded after hearing a gunshot and placed the suspect in restraints, an MTC spokesperson told McClatchy News in a statement. Local law enforcement and emergency personnel arrived soon after. The guard who was shot died at the scene. Authorities havent released the officers name. Lauderdale County deputies arrested the guard accused of firing the fatal shot, according to MTC. Authorities said theyre investigating what led to the deadly dispute. Our hearts go out to the victims family, officials said. MTC is committed to supporting them through this very difficult time. Meridian is about 90 miles east of downtown Jackson. MISSOURI CITY, Texas - A Missouri City man was hospitalized after a shooting in southwest Houston. Around 9:25 a.m., law enforcement received a call about a shooting in the 1300 block of Independence Boulevard in Missouri City. The victim told officials the shooter, who he didn't know, walked up to his car while he was stopped at a traffic light and shot him in the arm. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio! Authorities say this was not a road rage incident. According to police, the man was taken to Ben Taub Hospital in stable condition. His injuries were non-life threatening. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time. Officials have not reported if the suspect is in custody. Maia Sandu, who was appointed as prime minister of Moldova, speaks to the media in Chisinau By Alexander Tanas CHISINAU (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin must be stopped in his war against Ukraine or all of Europe will pay a much higher price, Moldova's pro-European president, Maia Sandu, said in an interview published on Wednesday. Sandu has long denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and singles out the Kremlin as the biggest threat facing her country, which lies between Ukraine and EU member Romania. Russia accuses her of torpedoing good relations and fomenting Russophobia. "You must understand that Putin will not stop unless he is stopped," Sandu told the Romania-based media group Veridica. "And unless he is stopped, the costs will be far higher for all of us. It is Ukraine that is making the greatest sacrifice." It was in everyone's interest, "not just Ukraine and Moldova," that Ukraine continues to receive assistance, though she made no direct reference to procedural delays in funding from both the United States and European Union. "I also count on and believe in the solidarity of world democracies, and I hope Ukraine will continue to receive every manner of support it needs," she told Veridica. Moldova, she said, was helping all it can, training engineers and supporting the 80,000 Ukrainian nationals who had sought refuge in her country - the highest proportion to local population in Europe. Half of those refugees are children. The European Union this month agreed to open membership talks with both Moldova and Ukraine - a long process requiring candidates to upgrade legislation and meet EU standards. Since defeating her pro-Russian predecessor in 2020, Sandu has led a drive for Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, to join the European mainstream. She said this week she would seek re-election next year and asked parliament, controlled by her allies from the Party of Action and Solidarity, to organise a referendum to endorse her policies. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas in Chisinau, Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Matthew Lewis) The family of Savanah Nicole Soto, a pregnant 18-year-old who was missing for several days before she and her boyfriend were found dead in a vehicle in San Antonio, Texas, is speaking out about the teen's death. Soto was last seen at her apartment on Friday, Dec. 22, just one day before she was scheduled to be induced to give birth, a week past her due date. She lived in the apartment with her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, who was also reported missing. On Tuesday, the bodies of a woman and man, believed to be the missing couple, were found in a vehicle by a searcher who contacted Soto's family, who then called police. The woman was pregnant, police said, and the unborn child was also dead. In a statement Wednesday, police said the victims, an 18-year-old woman and 22-year-old man, each had a gunshot wound. CBS affiliate KENS reports the investigation has been categorized as a capital murder case. San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus called it a "very, very perplexing crime scene" and said investigators were looking into the possibility of homicide. "We believe it was the missing woman and her boyfriend but we can't confirm that" until the medical examiner completes the examination, McManus said. Soto's mother, Gloria Cordova, tells CBS News that she believes her daughter was in the wrong place at the wrong time. "I think it had something to do with him and things that he was doing, not my daughter," Cordova said, referring to Matthew Guerra. "My daughter just was there with him and they didn't want ... they didn't want someone to say what happened, somebody that's going to say it's so-and-so or this is what he looked like. She just was there at the wrong time." Savanah Soto. / Credit: Texas Department of Public Safety Family says there was history of abuse Soto's mother and aunt both said that the relationship between Soto and Guerra had been abusive. "He used to abuse her," Soto's mother said. "And I told her to get out of the relationship, but she she was hard-headed, she wouldn't listen. But I think this time she was going to leave him already. That's what I'm hearing." Soto's aunt, Laura Cordova, said the couple "would fight a lot," describing their relationship as "rocky." She said her niece had had bruises and that Guerra "would hit her throughout her pregnancy." Police have not commented on or verified allegations of abuse. Soto's mother said that the couple had disagreed about whether she should be in the delivery room when Soto gave birth. Cordova said that Guerra had not wanted her in the room, but her daughter said she could be there. CBS News has reached out to Guerra's family but has not heard back. Guerra's father spoke with CBS affiliate KENS and acknowledged his son had a criminal history, including an assault charge involving Savanah last year. "He didn't hang around the best crowd," Guerra's father told the station. However, he said the two had been in a good place since living together and were excited about the baby, a boy they planned to name Fabian. "They were inseparable. Was it a perfect relationship? No, but she definitely was not a prisoner there," he said. "Her and Matthew were both overjoyed and couldn't wait for Fabian's arrival." Crime scene details Soto's brother, Jordan Corona, told CBS News that police told him there was no weapon found at the scene, and that both Guerra and Soto were shot in the back of the head. Laura Cordova said a detective told her that Guerra was found slumped over in the backseat of the vehicle, and that Soto was in the front. Soto was holding a car seat, according to her mother. "She had the car seat on her lap, so she was going to the hospital," Gloria Cordova said. Police have said that the car might have been at the location where it was found "possibly for three or four days." "I wish she was here with her baby" Soto's relatives expressed shock and grief at the loss of the teen and her baby. The family lost another child just last year Soto's brother, Ethan. Laura Cordova said she saw her niece just days before her disappearance that Soto was "counting the days" and excited to be a mother. "I wish she was here with her baby," Laura Cordova told CBS News, through tears. Gloria Cordova said her daughter "was like a mini mom" who was looking forward to motherhood. "She was like my backbone. She's the one that kept me going," she said. "I don't want to believe that she's gone. It hurts too much. She was my only daughter." She said Soto's brothers are "shattered" by the loss of their sister. "It broke my heart when they told me she passed away. And even knowing how she passed away, it kills me so bad," Cordova said. "But now I just have to think now she's with her brother in heaven. She's not feeling no pain no more." Tom Smothers, of beloved Smothers Brothers duo, is remembered for comedic legacy Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals "The Points Guy" shares his top travel destinations for 2024 A search continues after an Alaska woman vanished beneath the ice on a river trying to save one of her dogs, state troopers reported. Searchers had to abandon their efforts Tuesday, Dec. 26, because of frozen equipment but intended to return the next day, KTUU reported. Amanda Richmond Rogers, 45, of Eagle River went missing Saturday, Dec. 23, while on a walk along the north fork of the Eagle River, Alaska State Troopers said in a dispatch. Her husband, Brian Rogers, told the Anchorage Daily News in a statement that the couple went for a walk with two of their four dogs on their 18th wedding anniversary. Woman vanishes beneath ice while trying to save dog from river, Alaska troopers say When they stopped to rest, one of the dogs fell into the river while trying to drink from a hole in the ice, he told KTUU in a statement. Brian Rogers jumped in to try to rescue the dog as it was swept under the ice, then saw his wife enter the river as he got out. I could see her swimming downstream under the ice and then out of sight, Brian Rogers said, according to the Anchorage Daily News. I waited and waited and am still waiting. He said he and his wife, a mother of four and emergency room nurse, went in without thought as their instincts took over, according to the publication. Amanda loved her dogs nearly as much as our kids, they were our family, Brian Rogers said in the statement to KTUU. She did not jump in to save just a dog, it was a family member. To me and our 4 boys she died a hero. The Irish wolfhound swept under the ice also remains missing, the family told the Anchorage Daily News. The north fork of the Eagle River is about 20 miles east of Anchorage. Dog tracks down missing child in Virginia woods, cops say. Heroes come in all forms 24-year-old pizza delivery man on break shot dead in front of mom, California cops say Family visiting from out of town finds body in homes freezer, California police say PISCATAWAY - A proposal to build 1,101 residential units and 109,000 square feet of commercial space on a former corporate campus on Hoes Lane is scheduled to be heard by the township Planning Board next month. M&M at Hoes Lane Phase II is proposing 717 multi-family homes, 364 row and stacked townhouses and 21 single family homes on the 75.6-acre property. Of the 717 apartments, 121 will be designated as affordable housing units. The property is located in the township's Towne Center zone which allows the mixed-used project as well as the proposed number of residential units and commercial space. M&M is not asking for any variances or design waivers but will work with township officials if a review finds them necessary or are suggested by Planning Board members. More: Police ask for tips after Piscataway man killed in shooting When representatives of M&M, based on Stelton Road and run by Bridgewater resident Jack Morris, met informally with residents last year, tentative plans called for the office tower on the property to be converted into apartments. Edgewood Properties, also run by Morris, already has a page on the project, tentatively called Hoes Lane Commons, on its website. The website has no details on the project except for an aerial photograph of the site. Morris is one of the premier developers in New Jersey with substantial holdings in Massachusetts, California and Florida. He also has an interest in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City and he is chairman of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Board of Directors. Morris, a Highland Park native known for his philanthropic efforts, donated to New Brunswick the land on which the new Blanquita B. Valenti Community School was built. He was also the primary supporter of the Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center as part of the Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Brunswick. More: Piscataway students design Starbucks cup sleeves to spread kindness In 2016, iconectiv, formerly known as Telcordia before it was bought by Ericsson in 2011, announced it was moving to Bridgewater because the company needed room to expand. The company moved about 500 employees from Hoes Lane to the Somerset Corporate Center at the intersection of Routes 22 and 202-206. Telecordia came to the township decades ago and built the iconic tower near the municipal complex. A descendant of Bell Labs, iconectiv creates software that enables the interconnection of networks, devices and applications for more than 1 billion people every day, according to its website. The company is the world leader in managing cellphone numbers and combating fraud among cellphone users. The property has been mostly vacant since that time, though the Middlesex County Health Department used it as a site for COVID vaccinations. The public hearting on the plan is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at the municipal complex, 505 Sidney Road. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Developer proposes more than 1,000 homes on former Piscataway corporates campus Struggling to keep up with demand: Candas Misir in the Vinkara vineyards (Adem ALTAN) Drinkers are getting into something of a fizz over Turkish sparkling wine. "We are selling out very quickly. We cannot meet the growing demand especially as the New Year (celebrations) near," said Candas Misir of the Vinkara winery an hour from Ankara. When it comes to celebrating a big occasion, few might think of reaching for a bottle of Turkish bubbly in a market dominated by French champagne, Spanish cava and Italian prosecco. But Vinkara's wine -- made from a local Turkish grape variety that almost died out in the 1980s -- won the gold medal for the Best Sparkling Wine in the World at a competition in France in 2020. His fruity "Yasasin" -- which means "Hooray!" in Turkish -- has a floral aroma reminiscent of fine cremants from Alsace in eastern France. And he is the first to admit that the connoisseurs were initially a bit sceptical about the idea of Turkish bubbly rivalling champagne. "We received a very cautious welcome at the start," Misir told AFP. "People were saying, 'What do you mean, a Turkish sparkling wine?'" "However one taste is enough to make these prejudices fade away," he added. Vinkara was the first Turkish winery to start producing sparkling wine in 2009 using the traditional champagne method from its vines around the small town of Kalecik. Others have since followed with production rocketing. Despite swingeing taxes from Turkey's Islamo-conservative government to discourage drinking, Turks are making more and more dry white wines, with production tripling over the last 15 years, and five times more sparkling wine being made. - 'An awakening' - The success of the wines is down to their quality, Misir argued, being almost entirely picked by hand using the dark-skinned local grape Kalecik Karasi -- the "black of Kalecik" -- which is nicknamed the "Turkish pinot noir". On the point of disappearing in the 1980s, it has been resurrected thanks to Turkish researchers and winegrowers. Burak Demirel, an oenologist and winemaking instructor at Namik Kemal University based in northwestern province of Tekirdag, said the rediscovery of indigenous grape varieties has helped spur the recent success of Turkish dry and sparkling wines. "Universities and winemakers are doing extraordinary work in Turkey. They have identified more than 800 indigenous grape varieties," he said. "This is an enormous potential that Turkey has underexploited for years... Today we are witnessing an awakening." Andrea Lemieux, a wine expert who has been living in Istanbul for 11 years, said Turkish sparkling wine does not yet have the prestige of its French and Italian rivals, "but the quality is there". "People are very price conscious and since they don't know the reputation of Turkish wines well, they might be hesitant to spend 50 euros on a bottle." But winegrowers are working on their marketing, and blogs by foreign experts praising Turkish wines are helping spread the word. "There are so many more people writing about Turkish wine now and coming to Turkey to try the wine. It's becoming more well known," said Lemieux, author of "The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine". - Punitive taxes - "Yasasin" is even now being sold in the United States. "There's definitely interest," she said. Despite the growing popularity, the international market is still limited, with only 30,000 litres of Turkish sparkling wines being exported last year. Yet Turkey grows an enormous amount of grapes, and is the world's sixth biggest producer. "But only four percent of this harvest is intended for winemaking," Ali Basman, the president of Wine Producers Association, told Turkish media. "We are far from fulfilling our potential," he said. But both producing and drinking wine has become a lot more difficult and expensive under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has tightened legislation and upped taxes sharply during his two decades in power. Despite the pitfalls, Demirel is confident. "There's a young generation of Turkish producers and oenologists who are doing a lot of research and are at the cutting edge of what's new," he said. "The future of Turkish sparkling and dry wines is bright." bg/ach/fo/fg HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) As Hays County continues to grow, so does the number of roads in the area. RELATED COVERAGE: New road opens in east San Marcos, providing an alternative route to I-35 Now, drivers have a new route in east San Marcos that provides an alternative to Interstate 35. The new FM 110 road, part of the East San Marcos Loop, begins slightly east of I-35 and Yarrington Road and ends at State Highway 80. FM 110, part of the East San Marcos Loop, begins slightly east of Interstate 35 and north of San Marcos at Yarrington Road and ends at SH 80 (Photo Courtesy Hays County Government Twitter Account). I-35, as we all know, is all too often a parking lot. Creating these alternate routes will help us with the movement of people and products, said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. Becerra said this road is meant to be an alternative route to I-35. He thinks it could help first responders, who get caught up in traffic as well. When they are unable to move because of traffic, because of the congestion, or because of an accident, these alternate routes are really a wonderful source for them, Becerra said. We need more roads Lance Stewart is the owner of RV Land in Kyle, right off I-35. If theres an accident that pops up, this whole thing becomes a parking lot, Stewart said. People start cutting through the grass, cutting through the median and coming down on the frontage road. Stewart said the area changed a lot in the 12 years since he first set up shop. When I bought the property, we were a little speck of dirt on the south side of town, Stewart said. Now theres housing developments all around us. While the growth helps with business, Stewart said the area needs better road infrastructure to keep up. We need more roads. Lance Stewart Ultimately, Stewart hopes to see more infrastructure in the future. Roads are an important part of everything, Stewart said. With the continued growth of the area, the new housing developments, the new apartment complexes, all the new retail locations, people have to be able to get to and from those locations. Becerra said the county is considering a road bond for 2024. He said the last time they had one was back in 2016. Becerra hopes to focus on the east side of I-35, which is an area he said is falling behind on infrastructure. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. JUPITER FARMS A barn owl closes his eyes as he feels the wind beneath his snowy white wings on an afternoon flight. An animal care keeper feeds black bear twin sisters homemade peanut butter cookies. And a fuzzy little brown-and-gray duck named Stew tries to match the voices of passersby with his quacks. These are a few things a visitor might spot at Busch Wildlife Sanctuarys brand-new 19.4-acre site at Rocky Pines and Indiantown roads in Jupiter Farms. The $18 million complex is triple the size of its previous campus on 6 acres off Central Boulevard in Jupiter, from which the sanctuary moved in September after 25 years there. At the new location, about 5 acres are designated for rehabilitation, 10 for education and another 5 for native plants and trees. Amy Kight, its executive director, said the animals are settling into their new homes nicely and the Jupiter Farms community has welcomed them with open arms. What can a visitor see now at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary's new home in Jupiter? Guests can expect to see otters, bobcats, black bears, panthers, alligators, foxes, snakes, deer, eagles and more at the sanctuary. The animals are kept in enclosures and yards along a paved walkway that circles through the complex. The sanctuary's staff recommends that visitors allot at least an hour to walk through the grounds and schedule their visit around an educational program at their amphitheater, which they have daily. Day trippers can witness an alligator feeding, see river otters in action and learn about conservation. The sanctuary also rolled out the winter season with a brand-new playground for preschool kids that is just behind the bird enclosures. Construction teams are also working on an exhibit that will focus on educating visitors about Busch Wildlife's mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release the animals it treats back into the wild. The discovery center will open in mid-January. Visitors will pass through the room from the sanctuarys entrance to the rest of the facility. We really want people to understand what we do before they get to the animals, Kight said. That was something we kind of missed at our old place because people would think, What a cute little zoo. But that is not what we do. We really want to drive home our focus so people understand why the animals are here with us. It is often, though, that traumatic injuries limit the animals from safely returning to nature on their own, so they stay at the sanctuary. Kight said that around 30% are able to return to the wild, which is the national average. The exhibit also will feature interactive elements, such as artifacts that kids can feel, including furs and eggshells, and an abacus that shows how pesticides can move through the food chain. What changes are coming up for Busch Wildlife Sanctuary? The new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida on December 19, 2023. In the coming months, Kight hopes to replace the fronts of the bird enclosures with thinner wires so that visitors can see them easier. The water birds and otters are getting new ponds and the bears are getting a lazy river, similar to the ones for humans at resorts, at the end of January. Busch Wildlife is expecting a new permanent resident soon, too. Charles the panther, who formerly was an illegally-owned pet, will make the move to South Florida from California. The sanctuary might also welcome a 50-year-old American crocodile in the coming months because his current home at another animal organization in Florida is closing down its exhibit. The status of the Florida population of the American crocodile was recently changed from endangered to threatened because of an uptick in their numbers, according to the National Park Service. One thing the new facility is missing and will take time to have in place, Kight said, is a vast amount of towering trees to supply shade for the animals and visitors. To help make it happen, she started a fundraiser selling Busch Wildlife-themed yard signs to locals. The campaign raised more than $100,000 to remove exotic invasive plants, including lygodium and Brazilian Pepper, and introduce native trees in their place. Crews are now picking up the tree-planting pace. They planted 40, mostly pine, cedar, oak and wax myrtle in mid-December. One thing everybody loved about the other sanctuary location was its canopies of trees, but that was after 25 years of growth, Kight said. Its not going to be that way automatically here. This was a construction site three months ago. Its just going to take time until this gets to looking like the old Busch Wildlife. Animals adjusting after move to new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary complex A red fox gets a drink of water in its enclouse at the new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida on December 19, 2023. Wine in the Wild, the sanctuary's biggest fundraiser of the year, where supporters are invited to the center to sip wine under the stars, will be on Saturday, Jan. 27. Tickets are available for $200 each on their website. They are also hosting a Tai Chi class on Thursday, Feb. 8 to raise additional funds, with tickets for $20 each. Kight said she is proud that even with the costly improvements that have accompanied the move to the new facility, the sanctuary still does not charge an admission fee for visitors, but asks for donations. People can come here every single day if they want, Kight said. Here, they will find a place to reconnect with nature and a little peace and quiet. The larger site has allowed for bigger enclosures for the animals, which Kight said has calmed them and decreased any anxiety that they experienced with the move. This is the animals home, and they love it. Thats the most important thing for me, Kight said. Right now, its about making the animals comfortable in their new surroundings. I think were doing a really good job of that, and I think the animals agree. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Where: 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter. Hours: Seven days a week from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. It is closed on New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission: By donation. Information: www.buschwildlife.org, 561-575-3399 Maya Washburn covers northern Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today. Animal care keeper Ingrio Ramirez gives the black bears treats at the new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida on December 19, 2023. The new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida on December 19, 2023. Abi Reynolds trains Viho, a barn owl at the new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida on December 19, 2023. Visitors look at birds at the new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida on December 19, 2023. The new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida on December 19, 2023. The gift shop at the new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida on December 19, 2023. Maya Washburn covers northern Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary grows into its larger campus in Jupiter Farms A new Illinois law will give people working in the state a right to paid vacation time beginning Jan. 1. The Paid Leave for All Workers Act says paid leave accrues at one hour per 40 hours worked and applies to most employees. The act excludes independent contractors, employees at public school districts organized under the School Code and people covered by a collective bargaining agreement in the construction or parcel delivery industry, according to the Illinois Department of Labor. The legislation explicitly includes domestic workers and employees at private schools that are not organized under the School Code. The act will take effect Monday, and employees may start using their accrued paid time off Sunday, March 31. Paid Leave for All Workers is less than two weeks away. Learn more about the law and get your questions answered. Sign up for a webinar.https://t.co/mkRnAnfusI#PLAW #PaidLeave pic.twitter.com/srLj9UZ726 IL Dept. of Labor (@ILDeptofLabor) December 20, 2023 Residents of Chicago and Cook County are already covered by local ordinances requiring paid leave, but the state legislation extends that benefit to many other Illinois workers. Non-tipped workers will receive their full wage while on vacation, and tipped employees will be paid the tipped minimum wage $8.40 per hour as of Jan. 1, 2024. The non-tipped minimum wage will increase to $14 an hour in Illinois Jan. 1. Children who work less than 650 hours per calendar year will have a minimum wage of $12 an hour starting the same day, up from $10.50 previously. The Paid Leave for All Workers legislation applies to people working full time, part time and seasonally, though the number of vacation hours accrued will vary based on how much a person works. More on Paid Leave for All Up to 40 hours of paid time off may be earned under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, and companies can also set their own policies to provide for more paid time off for illness, vacation and other reasons. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the act into law in March 2023 after the state legislature passed it in January, and the Illinois Department of Labor published the acts proposed rules Nov. 3. The Illinois Department of Labor reports the states workplace protections typically apply to employees who primarily work in Illinois for a company that conducts business business in Illinois, even if the employee works in more than one state. The department will seek to provide further clarity regarding these issues in rulemaking, according to its website. Several Illinois municipalities, including Highland, are trying to exempt themselves from the Paid Leave for All Act. The law doesnt explicitly address whether interns are covered, and the Illinois Department of Labor advises employers to assess whether an intern is an employee under the Act. If so, the intern would accumulate paid leave as required under the new law. If you are an employee whose employer is not complying with the paid leave law or an employer with questions on how to comply, you can reach the states Department of Labor at DOL.PaidLeave@illinois.gov. The IDOL office in Marion can also be reached at 618-993-7090. You can also contact the DOL by email or phone if you have questions about whether you are covered under the act. While California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington State and Washington, D.C., offer paid family and medical leave, Illinois does not have specific legislation providing paid leave for new parents, other than the general Paid Leave for All Workers Act. The U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees of covered employers to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period with job protections and continued health insurance coverage. The FMLA applies to situations including, according to the U.S. Department of Labor: Birth of a child and to care for the newborn within a year of their birth; Placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement; To care for the employees spouse, child or parent who has a serious health condition; A serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job; Any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact the employees spouse, son, daughter or parent is a covered military member on covered active duty. The FMLA also gives 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a covered servicemember with serious injury or illness if the eligible employee is the service members spouse, child, parent or next of kin, the U.S. Department of Labor reports. Festive travel plans were plunged into chaos for tens of thousands on Wednesday, as Storm Gerrit brought flooding and huge disruption to rail services and left drivers trapped for hours in their cars on snow-covered roads. A rescue operation was launched to help motorists stranded in freezing conditions on the A9 near Inverness. Elsewhere, wind gusts of up to 87mph pulled huge trees from their roots onto roads, rail lines and at least one home, with boats used to rescue residents stranded in houses that were flooded. Outages cut power to 8,600 homes at lunchtime, the Energy Networks Association told The Independent. The railway line at Bowling station, West Dunbartonshire, was completely submerged (Getty) While power had been restored to 8,500 of the 27,000 properties across Scotland which suffered power cuts, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the company warned that some of the 18,500 properties still cut off at 4.30pm could face two days without power. And thousands saw their travel plans cast into disarray, as the storm knocked out ferry services and major rail and road arteries, with huge crowds left stranded at London Kings Cross after the East Coast main line to Edinburgh was flooded, blocking travel beyond Newcastle. The western rail artery into Scotland was also blocked by flooding hitting services between Edinburgh and Birmingham, and Glasgow and Manchester Airport. Avanti West Coast told all passengers not to travel north of Preston. Those with pre-booked tickets for travel between Preston and either Edinburgh or Glasgow can board trains on Thursday or Friday, the operator said; while LNER passengers stranded by the disruption on the east coast line were told to book hotels and claim back the cost. The tracks at Bowling train station were completely submerged by floodwaters (Getty) At 4pm, with cross-border rail travel already halted, ScotRail announced it was suspending all services north of Perth and Dundee, with trains already on the move ordered to return to stations suspending rail travel across most of the country. Images shared on social media earlier on Wednesday showed a tree on a train in Dumbarton, while a train driver was injured when a tree smashed through his cab at Broughty Ferry, near Dundee. Horrendous tree impact damage to a ScotRail InterCity 125 locomotive today, en route from Dundee to Glasgow. Thankfully, the driver is unharmed. Whilst a British railway icon, the crashworthiness of the 125 does not meet modern standards. The driver's cab is a fibreglass shell. pic.twitter.com/dwn3nmjAaZ Paul Sweeney (@PaulJSweeney) December 27, 2023 Further south, the main line between St Pancras and Luton was closed due to a signalling fault, with all East Midlands Railway trains cancelled. Air travel was also hit, with at least 18 British Airways flights cancelled at London Heathrow due to the storm, to both domestic and European destinations. By 3.30pm, nearly 80mm of rainfall had already fallen in the Cumbrian valley of Mickleden, Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst told The Independent, while strong gale-force gusts of 86mph were recorded on Scotlands northeast coast, and of 83mph in north Wales. The forecaster said at least 5cm to 10cm of snow appeared to have fallen in the Highlands, where hundreds of unlucky motorists were trapped for hours in their cars on a remote stretch of the A9 at Drumochter. Cars were stuck on the A9 at Drumochter after heavy snowfall (Traffic Scotland) A major incident was declared to help miles of vehicles stuck in the snow between Drumochter and Dalwhinnie, Highland Council said. Drivers are asked to remain in their vehicles meantime, keep warm, and tune in to local radio or social media where further updates will be provided as soon as possible, Police Scotland said. The trunk road was closed further south at Ballinluig due to flooding, with a host of other roads across the country blocked by flooding, and downed trees and power lines. In central Aberdeen, large trees uprooted onto a main street had to be cut up with chainsaws and removed, while a tree was pictured having landed on a house in Inverlochy, near Fort William. Further south, in the Fife town of Cupar, residents were filmed being escorted from flooded homes by emergency service workers, with dogs also seen being carried across deep floodwaters. Planning to drive to Edinburgh but am stranded in Cupar, wrote James Matheson, who took the footage. Both roads from my parents are flooded at the river. Some houses flooded. Grim. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: We were alerted at 11.36am on Wednesday, 27 December to reports of flooding in Cupar. Throughout the day, crews have rescued a number of residents who became trapped due to rising floodwaters, via boat or other means. Dogs were carried to safety in Cupar as floodwaters submerged parts of the Fife town (James Matheson) While residents in 25 locations across Scotland, England and Wales were told to expect flooding on Wednesday, lesser flood alerts were also issued in a further 186 areas. In the frequently flood-hit Shropshire village of Ironbridge, flood barriers were erected as the River Severn rose ominously, but the town remained unscathed on Wednesday evening. The River Severn has risen, causing flood defences to be put in place along the wharf at Ironbridge (PA) The high winds also disrupted ferry travel to the Hebrides and Orkney and Shetland Isles, where 15 flights were also cancelled from Kirkwall and Sumburgh airports. And on the south coast, ferry operator Red Funnel which provides services between Southampton and Cowes on the Isle of Wight cancelled its Red Jet passenger services due to strong winds. Hovercraft services between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight were also suspended. Storm Gerrit comes less than a week after Storm Pia lashed parts of the UK in the countdown to the festive season, when winds of 80mph battered parts of the country and brought travel misery for thousands attempting to return home for Christmas. The mother of a 16-year-old boy who Des Moines police shot and killed in a confrontation in a south-side apartment on Dec. 26, 2022, has filed a lawsuit against the officers, police chief and city, saying her son's death was the result of "a reckless, unlawful and unjustified use of force." Monica Woods in her suit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, also accuses Chief Dana Wingert and the police department of failing to properly train the three officers involved in the shooting in de-escalation techniques that could have helped prevent his death. Contacted by the Des Moines Register for a response, police spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek said the city prohibits police from commenting on pending litigation. An image of Trevontay Jenkins from his obituary. The 16-year-old was shot and killed by Des Moines police on Dec. 26, 2022. The Iowa Attorney General's Office reviewed the shooting and in January declared the officers "acted with legal justification." Woods' suit, however, contends that her son, Trevontay Jenkins, identified in the suit only by his initials, T.J., never pointed a gun at the officers, as they maintained. Lawrence Hyman, one of Woods' attorneys, told the Register the evidence against the officers named as defendants in the suit, Thomas Garcia, Noah Bollinger and Zachary Duitscher, includes their bodycam video, which the city has refused to publicly release. The Iowa Public Information Board turned down an appeal of that decision. More: 16-year-old killed in Des Moines police shooting was family's second recent loss Lawsuit contends teen never pointed a gun at officers The scene outside 400 E. McKinley Ave., on Dec. 26, 2022, where Des Moines police fatally shot a 16-year-old who they said pointed a gun at them. The suit says the events leading to the shooting began about 12:27 a.m. Dec. 26, 2022, when T.J.'s stepfather, Curtis Woods, called 911 to report that the boy was standing outside his apartment in a complex at 400 E. McKinley Ave. with a handgun and had pointed it at him. Officers dispatched to the scene saw T.J. outside a nearby building, then saw him enter one of the apartments, the suit says. Garcia and Bollinger ran into the apartment with their guns drawn and shouted repeatedly for the boy to put down his gun, it says. Duitscher then broke through a sliding-glass back door to the apartment, the suit says, and was followed by another officer, Nicholas Howard, who was not named as a defendant. The suit says Garcia, Bollinger and Duitscher moved to within three to six feet of the startled T.J., shouting for him to drop the weapon, shined lights on him from several directions and pointed their guns at him. T.J.'s older brother, Brandon Tukes, 23, had been killed the previous month in a shooting in a Phoenix suburb. The suit says that during the encounter with police, T.J. "made rambling comments" about Tukes' death, said "I wanna die" and then pulled out his cellphone and appeared to look at it. It says he also told the officers he would put the gun down if they would turn off the lights they were pointing at him. It also says he looked at Bollinger and told him, "I know you I can talk to you." Bollinger began a conversation with T.J. while the other officers continued shouting at him to drop the gun, the suit says. The boy then looked at the phone in his left hand, it says, and began raising the gun with his right hand toward his head. The suit says the gun was pointed to T.J.'s left and at no time was it pointed in the direction of any of the officers. It says the boy was looking at his phone, not the officers, and did not have his finger on the trigger. "At the point in which T.J.s arm was parallel to the ground across his stomach, defendant Duitscher fired two shots at T.J., causing him to double over, fall to the ground and drop his handgun," it says. Bollinger and Garcia also opened fire, the suit says, "riddling his body with bullets that struck him in the face, neck, shoulders, chest, arm, back, thigh, and hand." "The acts of shooting T.J. were a reckless, unjustified and unlawful use of deadly force by the defendants, which was a violation of his Fourth Amendment constitution rights," the suit says. The Iowa Attorney General's office, led by Attorney General Brenna Bird, based its ruling in January on interviews with the three officers who fired at the boy, other witnesses and a review of the officers' body camera video. The report says the officers negotiated with the 16-year-old for 4 minutes, 20 seconds to drop the weapon. They and family members asked Jenkins more than 70 times to put down the gun and surrender peacefully, but he did not comply, it said. The report said the teenager told the officers he would keep the gun, and raised it above his waist three times during the confrontation. De-escalation training, supervision of officers inadequate, suit says Woods' lawsuit additionally alleges that despite publishing a general order establishing guidelines in 2018 for de-escalation before using force, the police department and Wingert failed to adequately train officers in the techniques. It adds that the department's "failure to adequately supervise its officers in de-escalation techniques have contributed to the continued use of unlawful deadly force by the Des Moines Police Department in violation of the constitution(al) rights of its residents, including T.J." The suit asks the court to grant Woods "actual, compensatory, consequential and all other allowable damages," but does not specify a dollar amount. No trial date has been set. Bravon Tukes' attorneys Nicholas Bailey, left, and Jamie Deremiah, center, hug Tukes' mom Monica Woods after her son Bravon Tukes was found not guilty in January's Starts Right Here shootings. Another of Woods' sons, Bravon Tukes, 19, was acquitted in October of charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and criminal gang participation in connection with the killings of two students at a downtown Des Moines alternative school and the wounding of the school's founder. Prosecutors alleged he had helped plan the attack and acted as getaway driver for gunman Preston Walls, 18. More: Juror in Starts Right Here school shooting trial: Prosecution didn't prove gang involvement Tried separately, Walls was convicted of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the killings of Gionni Dameron, 18, and Rashad Carr, 16. He also was found guilty of willful injury causing serious injury in the wounding of school founder Will Holmes, also known as Will Keeps, who had attempted to escort him out of the school. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Mother files lawsuit in Des Moines police killing of Trevontay Jenkins Mother of four Amanada Richmond Rogers who disappeared into Alaska river with pet dog Groot (Handout) A mother of four who disappeared into a river in Alaska in an attempt to save her dog from the icy waters has been identified by her family. Amanda Richmond Rogers an emergency room nurse and known by friends as Mandy went missing while out with her dog, Groot, on 23 December. She and her husband had been celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary. On Tuesday, Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team announced it was continuing its operations in Eagle River with the assistance of the Alaska Solstice Search Dogs. Search efforts were briefly called off on Tuesday night due to frozen equipment. A statement from husband Brian Rogers, shared with Alaska News Source, said they had planned to celebrate their anniversary by hiking one of his wifes favourite trails together with their dogs. He described his wife as a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Mother of four Amanada Richmond Rogers who disappeared into Alaska river with pet dog Groot (Jennifer Richmond/ Alaska News Source) We were having an amazing time watching the dogs play, playing with the dogs ourselves, and admiring the beauty of outdoor Alaska during the winter We stopped at an especially scenic area along the river to admire the view, he said. Mr Rogers said that the pair had stopped to rest, before one of their dogs had fallen through the ice while trying to get a drink of water. He had immediately jumped in himself to retrieve the animal but was unsuccessful and climbed out. I turned around and Amanda was getting into the water. I knew from the look on her face she was going in to save our dog, he said. I yelled but doubt she even heard me as she was completely concentrating on saving the dog. Before I could get back to the opening to try and grab her I could see her swimming downstream under the ice and then out of sight. I waited and waited and am still waiting. His statement added: To anyone wondering why we would jump in to save our dog I can only answer, our instincts took over and we went in without thought. Amanda loved her dogs nearly as much as our kids, they were our family. She did not jump in to save just a dog, it was a family member. To me and our four boys she died a hero. He continued: Amanda was an amazing mother and has raised four tremendous children. She worked as an emergency room nurse, a death scene investigator and a pediatric hospice nurse but the job she excelled at was mom. She enjoyed the outdoors, her family, all animals, and adventure. She has touched so many peoples lives for the better. I could go on and on and on. She was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Multnomah County is urging residents to practice good hygiene amid an uptick in shigella cases in Old Town Portland. Shigella a bacteria that is spread through fecal matter can cause fever, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can last three to 10 days, and can include blood, health officials warn. Shigella spreads when one persons infected poop gets into another persons mouth through food or water, from objects or surfaces with shigella bacteria on them, or during sex, Multnomah County said. Shigella spreads very easily. Even a very small amount is enough to make someone sick. Mother, son among those arrested in large drug, gun bust involving tiny home in Portland In a Dec. 22 Instagram post spreading awareness of the illness, the Portland Police Bureaus Central Bike Squad echoed calls for good hygiene and advised people who live and work in the area to not bring their shoes inside their homes or tents in order to prevent further spread of the bacteria. In November, Multnomah County reported a cluster of drug-resistant shigella cases, with 16 cases reported in the Portland metro area since September. The county said the illness has historically affected men who have sex with men, international travelers, and noted other outbreaks have occurred from food service and contaminated water. Oregon DMV fees for many services to increase starting Jan. 1 In December, Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties have reported 45 cases, with multiple strains impacting case count, Multnomah County says pointing out they have identified nine different strains of shigella in the Portland metro area since October. In 2022, the tri-county area saw 150 reported shigella cases, with reported cases likely making up a small fraction of total cases, officials said. So far in 2023, 218 cases have been reported, the county says, adding that most strains enter the region from international travelers and social-sexual networks. The county says shigella among the homeless population is not typical but can easily spread among this group due to lack of access to hygiene and barriers to healthcare. True Crime Tuesday: Possibly connected deaths rattle the Portland metro Local disease patterns suggest that fecal-oral spread through sexual contact may account for between half and more than two thirds of all cases without international travel. The rest are typically attributed to other types of person-to-person spread including outbreaks among populations with lack of hygiene, shelter, and sanitation, and among people who use illicit substances, county officials told KOIN 6 News. The county pointed out during 2020 a single strain of Shigella caused multiple clusters among men who have sex with men, persons experiencing homelessness, as well as causing outbreaks at a food cart, and separately, a healthcare facility. Multnomah County epidemiology immediately identified these shifts into defined outbreaks and were successful in stopping illness spread from the food cart as well as within the healthcare facility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are 450,000 shigella infections in the United States every year. Oregon adults: Can you answer these 5th grade state math test questions? Most people with the illness are better within one to two weeks; however, symptoms can last longer and be more serious for people with weakened immune systems, health officials said. Health experts say the bacteria can live for up to four weeks in poop and warn that people can still spread the illness even if their symptoms are better. To prevent the spread of shigella, officials urge community members to maintain good hygiene by showering and washing their hands often with soap and clean water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before making or eating food. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nearly 50 years after hikers found his body in a shallow grave, a homicide victim has a name and he may have ties to Las Vegas, deputies said Tuesday. The Mohave County Sheriffs Office identified the remains of a man discovered on Nov. 23, 1976, as that of Luis Alonso Paredes. Deputies said Paredes was originally from El Salvador and may have been working and living in the Las Vegas area. Hikers found Paredes body about six miles east of Katherine Landing, which is on the eastern side of Lake Mohave north of Laughlin, Nevada. He was shot in the head at close range, deputies said. Deputies attempted to identify the body in the 1970s from fingerprints, they said. It was not until October when investigators compared the fingerprints to those in national databases unavailable at the time, they said. The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff helped deputies sketch an image of the unidentified body at the time. Paredes may have worked in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy in the San Francisco Area in the years before his death, deputies said, adding they have been unable to find relatives. Anyone with information can contact deputies at 928-753-0753 ext. 4288. Deputies ask callers to reference DR# 76-5053. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Former desert land transformed into oasis for relocated villagers Xinhua) 10:59, December 27, 2023 YINCHUAN, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Liu Kerui said it was a dream come true when he moved into a livable home in the Hongsibu District of Wuzhong City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The development of the district began over 20 years ago for people relocated from many parts of the impoverished Xihaigu area in the south of Ningxia. Liu's courtyard house was built with government support and is a comfortable home with electric appliances and running water, as well as a kitchen, flushing toilet, water heater and heating system. He also has a cattle hut in his backyard. More than two decades ago, government in Ningxia launched a large-scale relocation project, moving people from desolate, sparsely populated regions in the south of the region to the central area of Hongsibu, where they would be able to work together to seek common development. Over the last 20-plus years, more than 200,000 people like Liu have been relocated there from Xihaigu area, and they have since witnessed the construction of a modern city and modern agricultural infrastructure. But when the first group of these people arrived in Hongsibu, they had their work cut out for them as it was still a part of the Gobi Desert. The area is located at the base of Luoshan Mountain, which rises high amid a vast plain and is the third-largest mountain in Ningxia. The popular TV series "Minning Town" was released in 2021 to tell the story of the people of Hongsibu. The show described the area they arrived in as a place where grass could not survive, where no birds cared to visit, and where the ground was only sand and stones. People relocated to Hongsibu in earlier days had to adapt to the unlivable environment. Many elderly people remember that their bowls and cups were always full of sand and dirt due to frequent sandstorms. In 1995, the government launched a huge project to pump Yellow River water into the area, constructing a multi-stage channel approximately 50 kilometers in length. The river water was pumped to a height of 300 meters -- the height of a 100-story building -- to supply irrigation facilities. At the same time, the local government launched a forestation campaign to plant 1.24 million mu (about 82,667 hectares) of trees to fend off desertification and protect villages and towns. Agricultural and industrial infrastructure has been built where nothing existed before, and a wide variety of commodities are produced locally today -- wines, goji berries, daylilies, beef, mutton, green power and textiles. At a large fruit and vegetable greenhouse farm, locals now plant produce throughout the year using soilless cultivation equipment and technology, thanks to investment from businesspeople in east China's Fujian Province. "We are building a three-dimensional planting structure in order to increase production and efficiency," said Li Qi, director of a greenhouse project in the Fujian-Ningxia industrial park. The project has equipment worth a total of 6 million yuan (over 845,000 U.S. dollars), Li added. Liu Sisheng, 50, works at the greenhouse farm. He is in charge of five greenhouses and has earned 50,000 yuan over three months of harvests. "The company has improved management by helping us purchase seeds and fertilizers, and by selling the products for us." Ningxia is an ideal wine production area thanks to its dry environment and sufficient sunshine, and Hongsibu is catching up with other parts of the region in the field of winemaking. At wineries in Hongsibu, employees can always be seen selling products online, and deals totaling 20,000 bottles can be made in just five minutes of livestreaming. With vineyards occupying 108,000 mu of its land, the district now has 22 wineries producing 15 million bottles of wine annually, worth a total of 700 million yuan. "Our winery produces 130,000 bottles, or 100 tonnes, of wine each year. We have opened a branch in Fujian Province, where wine sells very well," said Lyu Zhenjie, a manager at the Pengsheng Zhenlu Wine Mansion. And it is not only local industry that has improved -- local education has also advanced to become more forward-looking. Many of the first group of people relocated to Hongsibu were illiterate or semi-literate. Now, they are watching their children and grandchildren graduate from colleges and even universities in big cities. Hongsibu high school was established 20 years ago and has since been nurturing future college students, with the number of students enrolling in colleges seeing an annual increase of 10 percent over the past three years. This is the result of the construction of a comprehensive education system in the new district, which now has 144 schools of various kinds, and all children complete their compulsory education years. The district has also built a comprehensive health care and elderly care system, which has eased the difficulties faced by the aging population. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Will former President Trump ever concede he lost the 2020 election? Should white nationalists be allowed to serve in the U.S. military? Will X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, survive without major companies advertising on it? Those were the topics and burning questions that sparked some of the most notable shouting matches, spirited debates and memorable moments between newsmakers and journalists in 2023. Here are five that stood out: Musk, the eccentric billionaire and owner of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, set off multiple firestorms with his embrace of antisemitic conspiracy theories and defiant response to backlash about harmful content on the site. The drama surrounding X came to a head this fall, when the company faced a mass exodus of advertisers from the platform. Musk was asked about during an appearance at The New York Times DealBook Summit last month. If someone is going to try and blackmail me with advertising, blackmail me with money, go f yourself, he said. Go f yourself. Is that clear? I hope it is. Journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, seemingly baffled by Musks obscene response, followed up by asking him, How do you think, then, about the economics of X if you believe this is the one part of the company that you will be beholden to companies that have this kind of view? What this advertising boycott is going to do, its going to kill the company, Musk responded. And the whole world will know that those advertisers killed the company, which we will document in great detail. Tuberville and CNNs Collins spar about white nationalism One of the most contentious prime-time interviews on cable news this year came in July, when Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) appeared on CNN anchor Kaitlan Collinss newly launched show. Collins pressed the Republican about comments he had previously made describing people who promote white supremacy as Americans, when asked if he supported the idea of white nationalists serving in the U.S. military. If people think that a white nationalist is a racist, I agree with that, he told Collins. CNNs leading anchor interrupted him, asking him to acknowledge that white nationalism is inherently racist and clarifying that a white nationalist is someone who believes that the white race is superior to other races. Well, thats some peoples opinion, Tuberville responded. Thats not an opinion, Collins shot back. My opinion of a white nationalist, if somebody wants to call them a white nationalist, to me, is an American, Tuberville said. Its an American. Now, if that white nationalist is a racist, Im totally against anything that they want to do, because I am 110 percent against racism. The senators comments sparked uproar on Capitol Hill and forced Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) to issue a rebuke of white nationalism, saying there it is unacceptable in the military. Baier tells Trump he lost in 2020 When Trump decided to sit with Fox News anchor Bret Baier for a wide-ranging interview in June, it was a major moment for both the top-rated network and the former president. It was the first time Trump had faced questioning from one of the networks straight news journalists since his 2020 election loss. It was also, notably, Trumps first news interview on Fox since the network agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787 million to settle claims of defamation stemming from its coverage of Trumps false claims of a rigged election. First of all, I won in 2020 by a lot, Trump told Baier early in their taped conversation. The anchor quickly interjected, fighting to say You know thats not what before Trump talked over him. Once Trump was finished floating unproven theories about voter fraud, Baier told him plainly: Mr. President, thats all been looked into. You lost the 2020 election, Baier said, following up by asking the former president, as a matter of political strategy heading into 2024, This is how youre going to tell an independent suburban voter that they should vote for you? Trump, the front-runner for the GOP nomination again in 2024, has been attacking Fox for months, accusing the network of trying to boost his political rivals and not treating him fairly. Republican presidential primary hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy spent much of 2023 appearing on cable news. Arguably, no appearance was more memorable than an exchange he had with Fox host Sean Hannity after the first GOP debate in October. Why would you call Nikki Haley corrupt? Hannity asked Ramaswamy about his relentless attacks on the former United Nations ambassador on the debate stage the night prior. If youre making money off your time in government, then I dont think youre fit to be president of the United States, Ramaswamy said. A lot of people dont think youre qualified because you werent even a Republican or voting Republican until, what, 2020? Hannity replied, questioning the entrepreneurs credentials. Well, Sean, it depends on what your objectives with this interview are, Ramaswamy shot back at the host. I voted Libertarian in my first election. I voted Republican in 2020. Youre right, Im not a partisan hack. I come in from the outside. Im an independent-minded patriot who speaks the truth. Ramaswamy then took a more personal approach to his pushback on Hannity, accusing the longtime Trump ally of trying to purposefully paint him in a negative light in front of the hosts millions of viewers. Im enjoying this, the GOP candidate chuckled. You have been laughing about the fake news media how many times for the last several years. And now youre buying the mainstream media narrative, when you know how corrupt it is. Im quoting your exact words, Hannity shouted back. Ramaswamy has been widely criticized for his personal attacks on Haley and other GOP hopefuls but trails Trump, as does the rest of the field, by double digits. Tapper mocks Comers impeachment of Biden As House Republicans made a late-year impeachment push against President Biden, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) the chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, went on Jake Tappers CNN newscast Dec. 8 to explain the basis of the inquiry. Youve called Hunter Biden to testify next week before your committee, Tapper said, setting up his question to Comer. You said if he does not appear, you will hold him in contempt of Congress. Hunter Biden has said, and his lawyers, that hes willing to testify publicly. He just doesnt want to do it behind closed doors. Hes afraid Republicans will leak his remarks and theyll put them out of context. Why not just allow his appearance to be public? Tapper went a step further, asking Comer why he wasnt taking an opportunity to grill Hunter Biden on national television. Heres your chance, you know? Youre the dog that caught the bus. Here it is. Comer shot back his investigation isnt about politics and isnt about theater, eliciting an audible laugh and a grin from Tapper. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. It has been a busy year for NASA with the agency's solid list of historic missions and inspiring milestones that continue to push the limits of human exploration. The space agency shared a new video showcasing its 2023 achievements, ranging from the successful return of its first asteroid sample all the way to plans for a new nuclear thermal rocket engine meant for future crewed missions to Mars. It also outlines some of the progress made with the Artemis program, an ambitious endeavor aimed at returning humans to the moon. "NASA does big things," Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, said in the video. "Things that inspire us. Things that unite us. Things that show nothing is beyond our reach." Related: NASA's Artemis program: Everything you need to know This year, the International Space Station celebrated 25 years in orbit, along with a new record set by NASA astronaut Frank Rubio for the longest U.S. spaceflight. Rubio managed to spend a total of 371 consecutive days on the orbiting lab. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope also celebrated its first year of science with the release of an unprecedented image of star formation in Earth's neighboring Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex. "We really are just getting started in terms of the scientific return from this telescope," Jane Rigby, from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in the video On Sept. 24, the OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) mission returned a pristine sample of surface material from the asteroid Bennu to Earth, concluding its 7-year mission to Bennu, that is. OSIRIS-REX is now known as OSIRIS-APEX and is headed to another space rock muse named Apophis, though the probe won't be collecting any physical samples the second time around. OSIRIS-REx represents the first U.S. mission to return a sample collected from an asteroid, offering new insights into our solar systems formation more than 4.5 billion years ago. Related Stories: 13 record-breaking space discoveries of 2023 12 of the most exciting black hole discoveries of 2023 12 out-of-this-world exoplanet discoveries in 2023 NASA is headed to another asteroid with the launch of its Psyche mission on Oct. 13. The target of this mission is a metal-rich asteroid called 16 Psyche, which orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter. Its high metal content suggests the asteroid may be the partial core of a planetesimal a building block of an early planet which would lend new insight on planet formation. "We want to protect our planet by better understanding it," Nelson said in the video. The space agency has also announced the four astronauts who are slated to fly on Artemis II the first crewed mission in NASA's program to establish a long-term presence at the moon as well as a partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a nuclear thermal rocket engine as soon as 2027 that would enable deep-space travel in preparation for crewed missions to Mars. The spacesuit prototype designed by Axiom Space for NASA's Artemis III mission , which will land astronauts, including the first woman, on the moon as soon as 2025, was also debuted this year. "Were going back to the moon, to live, work, develop, innovate to go to Mars," Nelson said in the video. "This is the power of our space program: It unites people. It brings them together. Together we are going to the moon, to Mars, and beyond." NASA spacecraft to converge with Demon of Chaos asteroid as it nears Earth After dropping off an asteroid sample to Earth, a NASA spacecraft is on a new adventure to intersect the asteroid Apophis, named after the Egyptian spirit of chaos, as it makes a close approach to Earth in 2029. NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully dropped off a sample collected from the asteroid Bennu in September. With its first mission completed, the space agency said the probe began a new mission to study the near-Earth asteroid Apophis. This earned the spacecraft a new acronym: OSIRIS-APEX for Apophis Explorer. In 2022, NASA approved $200 million to cover the extended mission, which was welcome news to the University of Arizona team led by the mission's principal investigator, Daniella DellaGiustina. 'LOSS OF SIGNAL:' NASA SUCCESSFULLY CRASHES DART SPACECRAFT INTO ASTEROID FOR PLANETARY DEFENSE Instead of traveling through the solar system and collecting a sample as the spacecraft did with Bennu in 2020, OSIRIS-APEX gets to wait for its subject a little closer to home. Apophis is set to make a close flyby of Earth in April 2029, within 20,000 miles. This encounter is close enough that those on Earth in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to see the asteroid with the naked eye. The asteroid Apophis was discovered in 2004 at the Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona and caused a big scare that it could impact Earth. Apophis earned its name from the demon serpent in ancient Egyptian mythology, which represented evil, chaos, destruction and darkness. The asteroid is about 1,100 feet wide and only approaches Earth once every 7,500 years. Apophis won't be bringing chaos to Earth, at least for the next century, according to NASA. By March 2021, astronomers changed their assessment of the orbital path of Apophis and concluded that the asteroid would not impact Earth in our lifetime. NASA FINDS WATER, BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE IN LARGEST-EVER ASTEROID SAMPLE The upcoming close approach is an optimal time for ground observations and for OSIRIS-APEX to study the asteroid. In late March 2029, Apophis will begin to come into view for the spacecraft. The team will get to work trying to understand the asteroid's rotation rate and the length of a day on Apophis. By early April 2029, OSIRIS-APEX will lock on to its target, taking images of the asteroid. EVERYTHING SCIENTISTS WOULD WANT TO KNOW IF AN ASTEROID WAS HEADING TOWARD EARTH On April 13, 2029, Apophis is expected to safely zoom by our planet, where OSIRIS-APEX will be waiting to begin its survey of the asteroid. Coming so close to Earth's gravity is expected to change the asteroid's orbit and possibly stir up its surface. OSIRIS-APEX will be able to monitor the asteroid for these changes immediately after it zooms past Earth. After a year of studying the asteroid up close, in October 2030, OSIRIS-APEX will conduct a regolith excavation by spacecraft thrusters (REST) maneuver. This is a fancy way of saying, "We blow a bunch of material around on the surface and then take a second look to see what exactly we did," DellaGiustina told FOX Weather in 2022. Studying Apophis is vital for understanding how we might mitigate a hazardous asteroid in the future if it were on a collision course with Earth. Original article source: NASA spacecraft to converge with Demon of Chaos asteroid as it nears Earth NASA has a lot in the works, like taking amazing pictures of space and putting humans on the moon and Mars. Below, we take a look at some of the excitement surrounding the space agency. Artemis mission Perhaps the mission with the most publicity, NASA's Artemis mission aims to put people back on the moon and "establish the first long-term presence." The mission is ongoing and takes place in phases. Artemis I took place in November 2022 and tested the safety of NASA's Space Launch System rocket using mannequins in preparation for phase II. Artemis II is expected to occur no later than November 2024, according to Space.com. The phase will last approximately 10 days when "four astronauts will fly around the moon to test NASA's foundational human deep space exploration capabilities ... for the first time with crew." The crew includes American astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The next phase of the mission is Artemis III, which "will mark humanity's first return to the lunar surface in more than 50 years," and "make history by sending the first humans to explore the region near the lunar South Pole." This phase is scheduled to take place in 2025. Researchers are meanwhile eyeing landing locations, some of which contain water ice that could be of use on future missions. NASA has also hinted at an Artemis IV, which is expected to take place in 2027. The goal is to "land on the moon while continuing to build out a supporting NASA-led lunar station called Gateway," according to Mark Kirasich, the deputy associate administrator for Artemis campaign development. Lunar mining In addition to exploring the moon, NASA hopes to mine the area by 2032. The agency is looking to develop resources on the moon including water, oxygen and eventually minerals like iron. Part of the goal of the Artemis mission is to set up a pilot processing plant on the moon to excavate resources, for which the first customers are expected to be commercial rocket companies, per Reuters. With the help of the Australian Space Agency, NASA plans to build and deploy a semi-autonomous rover to "demonstrate the collection of lunar soil that contains oxygen in the form of oxides," maybe as soon as 2026. On to Mars NASA hopes to eventually use the outcomes of the Artemis mission to push humanity to Mars. The space agency is starting with a simulated mission known as the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), in which four people will live in a simulated Mars-like environment for a year to test the extent to which research can be done, as well as whether people could live and work there. The first simulation began in June 2023, and the last one will take place in 2026, per CNN. The simulation was created in hopes of filling Strategic Knowledge Gaps, or "gaps in knowledge or information required to reduce risk, increase effectiveness and improve the design of robotic and human space exploration missions," per NASA. There are four main SKGs that make traveling to Mars high risk: radiation, an eyeball swelling condition that occurs when people spend too much time in low-gravity situations, crew cooperation, and food and nutrition, reported CNN. James Webb Telescope Since its launch at the end of 2021, the James Webb Telescope has provided scientists with breathtaking images of space. The agency found an exoplanet using the telescope that could contain evidence of life. Webb found dimethyl sulfide, which we only know to be produced by life. However, the finding is not yet concrete. "We are slowly moving towards the point where we will be able to answer that big question as to whether we are alone in the Universe or not," Dr. Robert Massey, deputy director of the Royal Astronomical Society in London, told BBC. The JWST along with data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory was able to find the "telltale signature of a growing black hole just 470 million years after the big bang," NASA reported. The discovered black hole is the most distant we've seen using X-rays to date and it's at an "early stage of growth that had never been witnessed before, where its mass is similar to that of its host galaxy." Tracking climate changes NASA's work isn't limited to space the agency does valuable work for Earth, as well, especially in regard to tracking climate change. NASA has an Earth-observing satellite with the ability to track carbon dioxide emissions and removal by country. The pilot project was an international effort that included 60 scientists, who published their findings in March 2023 in the journal Earth System Science Data. Tracking carbon emissions was not the initial goal of the satellite, but it provided a unique opportunity. "NASA is focused on delivering Earth science data that addresses real-world climate challenges," said Karen St. Germain, the director of NASA's Earth Science Division. Another of NASA's satellites also detected early signs of El Nino, the natural phenomenon sending global temperatures skyrocketing. "When we measure sea level from space using satellite altimeters, we know not only the shape and height of water but also its movement, like Kelvin and other waves," explained Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, a NASA program scientist. NASA scientists are also concerned about sand and dust storms, which are becoming more frequent as a result of climate change. Plane travel In addition to space travel, NASA is also working to create sustainable travel on Earth. The agency has two programs dedicated to the project: the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project and the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EFPD) project. For the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, NASA and Boeing are working to develop a full-scale demonstrator aircraft called the X-66A, CNN reported. The project "builds on NASA's world-leading efforts in aeronautics as well climate," NASA's Nelson said in a statement. "The X-66A will help shape the future of aviation, a new era where aircraft are greener, cleaner, and quieter, and create new possibilities for the flying public and American industry alike." The aircraft is an "experimental aircraft" expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30% compared with today's most efficient aircraft, CNN continued. The agency hopes to run a test flight in 2028. Streaming service NASA is joining the streaming game, creating NASA+ which will have "live coverage and views into NASA's missions through collections of original video series, including a handful of new series launching with the streaming service," according to a press release by the agency. The platform will also be an "ad-free, no cost, and family-friendly streaming service." "Transforming our digital presence will help us better tell the stories of how NASA explores the unknown in air and space, inspires through discovery, and innovates for the benefit of humanity," said Marc Etkind, associate administrator of NASAs Office of Communications. The platform will be available on iOS, Android mobile, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. Monitoring UFOs NASA's independent study team released a report on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) with "several recommendations about how the space agency can use its scientific expertise to contribute to the government's investigations into the objects," CBS News reported. "There are currently a limited number of high-quality observations of UAP, which currently make it impossible to draw firm scientific conclusions about their nature," a NASA press release detailed. The report only used unclassified data but emphasized that "NASA's assets can play a vital role by directly determining whether specific environmental factors are associated with certain reported UAP behaviors or occurrences." Sampling asteroids Through the agency's OSIRIS-REx program, scientists have retrieved a sample from the asteroid Bennu . Researchers have only tested the black rocks and dust on the outside of the collection device, but there have already been interesting findings. "We have verified that Bennu is dominated by water-bearing clay minerals," Dante Lauretta, the principal investigator for NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, told NPR . "Far exceeding our goal of 60 grams, this is the biggest carbon-rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth," NASA administrator Bill Nelson told CNN . "The carbon and water molecules are exactly the kinds of material that we wanted to find. The asteroid's clay minerals lead scientists to consider it a potential source of water on Earth. "We're just beginning here, but we picked the right asteroid, and not only that, we brought back the right sample," Daniel Glavin, OSIRIS-REx sample analyst and senior scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, told CNN. "This stuff is an astrobiologist's dream." Finding minerals NASA has started using modified U-2 spy planes to hunt for "strategic minerals" in the desert, Space.com reported. The planes are being used to "locate stores of minerals hidden in the American desert," that are "vital for electronics manufacturing, the US economy and, by extension, national security." The project is called the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx) and is in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey. "Undiscovered deposits of at least some of these critical and strategic minerals almost certainly exist in the United States, but modern geophysical data is needed to increase our knowledge of these resources," Dean Riley, a collaborator on the project, said in a statement . Psyche mission NASA launched its Psyche mission in October 2023. The mission's goal is to travel to a "unique metal-rich asteroid with the same name, orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter," according to the NASA website . The asteroid is metal-heavy and may be a "partial core of a planetesimal, a building block of an early planet." It's expected to begin exploring the asteroid in 2029. The mission hit its first success by "successfully carrying out the most distant demonstration of laser communications," CNN reported. This is through the Deep Space Optical Communications technology demonstration (DSOC) aboard the Psyche spacecraft. The DSOC was able to achieve "first light," successfully sending and receiving its first data. This is the first step in deeper space study and can aid in further exploration and reaching Mars. Updated Dec. 26, 2023: This article has been updated throughout. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A cold upper level low will be moving into our area to round out the work week bringing our first chance for snow this season. The main impact day will be Friday. Want the forecast delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for the News 2 Forecast Newsletter Two of the models are now disagreeing on when snow is possible. The GFS model shows snow lasting most of the day on Friday that could last into Saturday. GFS shows more widespread snow showers possible. However, the EURO model is bringing more rain chances that will be widespread with snow chances being more isolated on the plateau. Either way, some snow flurries are likely. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County The ground will be warm ahead of this system, so accumulation does not look that likely. We could see a coating on grassy surfaces, but the higher elevations could see up to one inch of snow, which could lead to some travel issues. However, these totals could change depending on the exact track of the low. Download the free News 2 StormTracker App We do warm up over the weekend, so any snow we do see wont stick around. If you are headed to the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, the weather should be great! Also, New Years Eve, aka Sunday, is looking not too cold and dry for the Music City Note drop. Dont forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) With less than a week until 2024, Nashville authorities are still trying to bring a number of suspects in various violent crimes that happened in 2023 and some as far back as 2021 into custody. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) maintains a list of its Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives, which is updated every Wednesday on the Criminal Warrants Division Facebook page. According to police, the suspects on the list are often considered to be some of the most violent offenders in the city. Of the suspects on this weeks list, half are wanted on homicide or murder charges. Over 70 of Nashvilles Most Wanted fugitives arrested within one year Investigators have been focusing their attention on the No. 1 Most Wanted suspect, who they said has been on the run since the police department obtained warrants charging him in connection with a deadly shooting that happened nearly a year ago. Lagarrion Blacksmith, 34, is accused of shooting and killing 35-year-old Chancellor Eddins just outside of Trvth Lounge on Feb. 18. However, he has repeatedly appeared at the top of the Most Wanted list over the last few weeks as authorities continue to search for his whereabouts. Several other suspects police are still trying to track down are wanted in connection with alleged murders or homicides that happened more than five months ago, with two reported on July 4 and one case dating back as far as August 2021. The other half of Nashvilles Most Wanted suspects are wanted on charges such as rape by an authority figure, child endangerment, aggravated assault and burglary. One man has 40 outstanding warrants related to a string of alleged appliance thefts. Convicted felon surrenders months after fleeing from Nashville police While the search for these suspects continues, the Most Wanted list has aided police in several arrests. At least 80 people who have appeared on the list have been taken into custody since the program was first launched in October 2022. According to authorities, tips from the public have been key in many cases, stacking up to a nearly 70% arrest rate among Most Wanted fugitives. Below is a list of the suspects who made the police departments Top 10 Most Wanted list the week of Dec. 27. 1. Lagarrion L. Blacksmith Lagarrion Blacksmith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) At number one, Lagarrion Blacksmith, 34, is considered this weeks Top Most Wanted fugitive, according to the MNPD. He was added to the list on Nov. 29 after police were reportedly able to connect him to a deadly shooting that took place outside a Dickerson Pike bar earlier this year. Officers said they found 35-year-old Chancellor Eddins lying on the ground just outside of Trvth Lounge on Feb. 18. He had reportedly been shot and later died at the scene. Another man who had also been hit by the gunfire was able to give officers an account of what happened. RELATED: Man wanted for homicide, other charges following fatal February shooting on Dickerson Pike According to police, the injured man told them he and Eddins had gotten into an argument with the suspect inside of the bar. Then, shots were fired as they left the location. At the time, the identity of the alleged shooter was unclear. Months later, investigators announced Blacksmith had been identified as a suspect. On Nov. 22, officials said arrest warrants had been issued against Blacksmith for criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and felon in possession of a handgun. However, efforts to locate him have reportedly been unsuccessful. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. 2. Raceme Crutcher Raceme Crutcher (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Police have been looking for Raceme Crutcher, 21, since July, when he was named as one of two suspects in a deadly Fourth of July shooting. RELATED: Teen killed in shooting at East Nashville apartment complex Officials said the shooting happened at the Fallbrook Apartments on Dellway Villa Road. Etabo Malanda, 16, was reportedly standing on the porch of an apartment when two armed individuals came from around the corner and confronted him. Malanda allegedly tried to pull out a pistol that was inside his hoodie, but he was shot. Police said he died shortly after he was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. According to investigators, four guns were recovered from the apartment, including one that was reported stolen. Crutcher and 17-year-old Jaylin Brown were reportedly connected to the crime through witness accounts. SEE ALSO: Teen wanted in connection with deadly Fourth of July shooting arrested Investigators also obtained surveillance footage and additional information from community members that they said pointed to Crutcher and Brown as suspects in the case. Officials believe the motive may have been an ongoing dispute between the suspects and Malanda. Brown was taken into custody on Aug. 31 after police reportedly caught him driving a stolen car. However, authorities said Crutcher is still on the run. He was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 15. His last location is unknown. 3. Tyrone D. Walker Tyrone D. Walker (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Tyrone Walker, 29, has repeatedly appeared on the list since July 12 after being named in a grand jury indictment charging him with first-degree murder. Police said the charge is related to the August 2021 shooting death of Cecil Holmes Jr. The 39-year-old was reportedly found dead in the Edgehill Homes parking lot on 11th Avenue South after being shot multiple times. RELATED: Police searching for suspect charged in 2021 Nashville apartments parking lot murder Further investigation into Holmess death led to the identification of Walker as the suspected gunman, officials reported. In addition to the murder charge, Walker has also been indicted on charges of felon in possession of a weapon, felony probation violation and four counts of failure to appear. Police said his last location is unknown. 4. DeTynn Q. Smith DeTynn Q Smith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) DeTynn Smith, 20, has regularly appeared on the Most Wanted list since March 8. He is believed to be the third and final suspect in the April 2022 murder of 39-year-old Tywane Miller. The incident happened in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven gas station near the intersection of Maxwell and Gallatin Avenues. RELATED: Third suspect sought in deadly Nashville shooting from April 2022 Initial reports from police indicated that Miller was shot and killed by at least one person who got out of a white Ford Flex. Miller died at the scene and a passenger in his car suffered non-life-threatening injuries. After the shooting, an officer reportedly saw the Flex on Shelby Avenue at I-24. The officer pursued the vehicle as it sped off, but eventually ended the pursuit because of the potential danger to other drivers. The Flex then got onto I-40 and hit the center retaining wall and four other cars before coming to a stop on the interstate between Fesslers Lane and Elm Hill Pike. SEE ALSO: Tywane Millers family continues hope for justice in his death Three occupants, including one believed to be DeTynn, then got out of the Flex and carjacked a 35-year-old Nashville man who was driving a 2013 Subaru Forester SUV, according to police. The Subaru was later found abandoned in a Bordeaux neighborhood. On March 1, MNPD detectives arrested one of the suspects, Deshawn L. Smith, 31, on a first-degree murder and aggravated robbery indictment. Another suspect, Michael Clay, 31, was charged last September. DeTynn is wanted on a grand jury indictment charging him with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and possession of a gun during the commission of a felony, according to the MNPD. His last location is unknown. 5. Kejuan Jordan-Cole Kejuan Jordan-Cole (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Kejuan Jordan-Cole, 21, is believed to be one of seven suspects involved in another deadly shooting on the Fourth of July, according to officials. RELATED: Man dead after 7 people reportedly shot at him on Buena Vista Pike Investigators said the victim, 27-year-old Christopher L. Harris, was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside his vehicle on Buena Vista Pike. Witnesses told police a group of young men approached Harris and around seven of them opened fire. Harris was reportedly struck by the gunfire while standing next to his vehicle. Officers told News 2 as many as 100 rounds may have been fired during the incident. The suspects one of whom appeared to be shooting a rifle left the scene in three separate vehicles, officials reported. Since the shooting, authorities have arrested and charged 16-year-old Jaden Wright, 17-year-old Erion Nesbitt, 16-year-old Kentrell Baugh and 23-year-old Deandre Jordan. SEE ALSO: Metro police arrest 4th of 7 suspects from deadly July 4 shooting in Bordeaux However, police said Jordan-Cole, who was identified as a suspect on Aug. 16, is still on the run. The charges against him include criminal homicide and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was added to the list on Dec. 13. Officials said his last location is unknown. 6. Michael A. Yarlett Michael A. Yarlett (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Michael Yarlett, 28, is wanted on three counts of aided and abetted rape, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. Court documents indicate he is one of two suspects in the incident, which happened more than a year ago in September. Yarlett was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 22. His last location is unknown. 7. Terrance Boyd Terrance Boyd (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Terrance Boyd, 43, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for statutory rape by an authority figure, according to officials. He was added to the list on Oct. 25. Police said his last location is unknown. 8. Elmer Vargas Catalan Elmer Vargas Catalan (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Elmer Vargas Catalan, 21, is wanted on over three dozen outstanding warrants related to a string of appliance thefts that occurred at multiple recently constructed homes last month, according to police. Following the crime spree, detectives said they recovered nearly 50 stolen appliances, including ovens and washers and dryers, at two separate locations. While four people believed to have been involved in the burglaries have now been arrested, Catalan is still at large. RELATED: 3 arrested, 2 at large after 48 ovens, dryers stolen from Nashville homes The charges against Catalan include 36 counts of burglary, two counts of aggravated burglary, theft of property greater than $10,000 but less than $60,000 and vandalism greater than $2,500 but less than $10,000. He was added to the list on Dec. 6. According to investigators, Catalan was last seen in the Hermitage area. 9. Amber Fiddler Amber Fiddler (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Amber Fiddler, 35, is wanted by the MNPD on outstanding warrants for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment with a weapon and felon in possession of a weapon. She first appeared on the Most Wanted list on Aug. 23. Her last location is unknown. 10. Taylor G. Lipert Taylor Lipert (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Taylor Lipert, 25, is wanted on multiple outstanding warrants stemming from a Nov. 13 crash in which officers said Lipert was driving on the wrong side of Interstate 40 with her child in her car. RELATED: Woman facing charges after wrong-way crash on I-40 in Hermitage The crash happened just after 7 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-40 at mile marker 221 near exit 221A, which is the Hermitage exit. According to Metro police, Lipert was driving her Mitsubishi Eclipse west in the eastbound lanes for about one mile before she crashed into a van head-on. The driver of the van, Lipert and her 3-year-old child all sustained injuries from the crash. (Source: WKRN) Detectives believe Lipert got onto the interstate from the 221A exit ramp, where multiple signs that read Do Not Enter and Wrong Way are posted. Lipert reportedly told officers she is new to Nashville, does not know the area and is an inexperienced driver. Police said she did not show any signs of impairment at the scene. The charges against her include aggravated child endangerment and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Officials said her last location is unknown. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Anyone with information on any of the suspects listed is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. COMMENTARY | Under cover of darkness early Wednesday morning, and on orders from Mayor Donna Deegan, city contractors began dismantling Jacksonville's last prominent confederate monument, work that by the crisp daybreak had culminated: Finally, belatedly, blessedly, the damned deed is done. The work was a closely guarded secret, but the intention was not: Deegan campaigned on a promise to remove the Women of the Southland statue from Springfield Park. She, of course, won that election, and what she did was make good on a campaign promise. Public opinion had turned in favor of taking it down. And years of craven inaction by the 19-member City Council did not make the issue go away, as some of its members seemed to hope. Even a series of racist murders just months ago did not move the council off its silence. There it was, a monument the council neither endorsed nor opposed, smack dab in a park surrounded by a majority-Black neighborhood. Shameful. Let's dispense with a bit of nonsense upfront: Taking down the Women of the Southland monument was not about "erasing history," as critics of such removals often suggest. Jacksonville was not a consequential theater in the Civil War. The only battle of any significance took place an hour west in Baker County. As a port city, Jacksonville was a magnet for pro-Union merchants who were nearly successful in attaining political power just before the war, and ultimately the city spent most of it under a series of four Union occupations. The confederates valued the place so much they sacked it on their way out. Like the other local confederate symbols that had lingered into the 21st century monuments, but also the names of schools and parks there was simply no historical underpinning for the presence of the Women of the Southland statue. Viewed through the lens of history, Jacksonville had no claim to high schools and parks and roads named after characters like Robert E. Lee and Nathan Bedford Forrest, with whom the city shared no connection. Jacksonville was, however, home to an impressive list of civil rights heroes, an actual history decades of city leaders chose to effectively erase. Only recently has Jacksonville begun to reclaim that identity. All of Jacksonville's confederate regalia came during waves of historical revisionism that swept across the Deep South. The Women of the Southland statue was no different. It was not, as some council members amusingly tried to claim, a general tribute to women and children who suffer in war time. This was never complicated or unclear: Only gaslighting could have justified any of it. Symbols matter," Deegan said in a statement. "They tell the world what we stand for and what we aspire to be. By removing the confederate monument from Springfield Park, we signal a belief in our shared humanity." Deegan's removal order was hardly the work of a tyrant, but, predictably, within a few hours of the work beginning, local Republican Party apparatchiks crowed of a "stunning abuse of power" in Deegan's unilateral move, either forgetting or deliberately omitting that Deegan's predecessor Lenny Curry, who was not only a Republican but a former chair of the Republican Party of Florida removed a similar monument a few years ago also under cover of darkness and without a vote from the council. Then, as now, this was about basic human decency. Curry was never able to move the council off its collective, cowardly arse to take down the Women of the Southland monument in Springfield Park, which, because of its vast size, could not be removed cheaply enough for a unilateral mayoral decree to pass legal muster. It's worth dwelling for a moment on the legalese Deegan engineered to take the monument down: She relied on about $187,000 in private funds provided by the Jesse Ball DuPont Fund that had been anonymously donated to 904WARD, a nonprofit that aims to end racism in the city. Not for the first time in its recent history, Jacksonville's private citizens had to step up when its political leaders failed. Fortunately, this time, they had an ally in the mayor. "We hope this is truly the end for that hateful monstrosity in Springfield Park that glorifies the Confederacy," said Kelly Frazier, president of the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, whose late father, Ben, was a tireless advocate for removal of these symbols but did not live to see all the work done. "When it is gone, there will be another ray of hope for a brand new day in Jacksonville." If confederate fanboys think they can force a favorable vote on the council to reverse this work or that they can convince some hayseed judge to order Deegan to put the monument back up, then by all means try. Confederates were never good at accepting defeat anyway. But let the record show the mayor, who campaigned explicitly to do this, and who has public opinion on her side, took it down. For once I get to say this with some real conviction: That monument isn't who we are. Nate Monroe is a metro columnist whose work regularly appears every Thursday and Sunday. Follow him on Twitter @NateMonroeTU. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Nate Monroe: Good riddance to Jacksonville's last major confederate monument Islamic terrorists on Dec. 19 killed 10 Christians in western Uganda, sources said. Members of the rebel Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) mounted the attacks on Christians in western Ugandas Kyitehurizi village, Kamwenge Sub-County in Kamwenge District at around 2 a.m., according to a Uganda official and local sources. I heard the attackers saying that, The Christians will not celebrate the birth of Issa [Jesus] we have to teach a lesson to these infidels for refusing our religion, said a young woman who escaped the attack. She told Morning Star News that she heard wailing close to her house and managed to leave and find a hiding place. Those who lost their lives were members of the Anglican Church of Uganda, the Pentecostal Church and the Roman Catholic Church, area sources said. Enock Tukamushaba, chairperson of Kyitehurizi village, identified 10 Christians killed as 3-year-old Mary Kyomuhangi; Rossete Kugonza; Princess Ahumuza; Margaret Bunyazaki; Tugume; Esther Kurihura; Glorious Arindwaruhanga; Mesulamu; Bagiriana and Panddy. More the 200 people were able to flee, but the assailants burned down their houses. Richard Baguma, a 35-year-old member of the Anglican Church of Uganda, said he escaped but lost all his belongings, including crops and farm products. Originally based in western Uganda, the ADF has operated in the neighboring DRCs North Kivu Province since the late 1990s. Considered one of the most lethal of more than 120 armed groups in the eastern DRC, the ADF in 2019 split into two factions, with one merging into the Islamic State Central Africa Province. The U.S. government in 2021 designated the ADF as a foreign terrorist organization with links to the Islamic State. A Uganda Peoples Defense Forces spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, reportedly confirmed that ADF militants attacked the village early on Dec. 19 but gave no details. On June 6, an ADF splinter group was suspected in an attack on a school dormitory in Kasese District, Uganda, killing at least 37 students, most of them Christians. On Oct. 17, the rebels killed a Christian tour guide along with a foreign married couple he was driving at a national park in Kasese District, which is near the DRC border. The Dec. 19 attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented. Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12 percent of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country. The biodiversity of frogs and toads demonstrates just how ingenious evolution can get. Some are like the glass frog, which resembles a particularly famous Muppet. Others are like the Colorado River toad, whose skin secretes a powerful hallucinogenic enzyme called 5-MeO-DMT. Then there is the so-called "horror frog" or hairy frog, which can break its own bones to pierce through its toes and form makeshift claws. But new frogs are being discovered all the time, notably in a new study in PLOS One, which adds another freaky frog to this list: Meet Limnonectes phyllofolia, the world's smallest "fanged" frog. Measuring at 1.2 inches (30 millimeters) from snout to vent, L. phyllofolia inhabits an Indonesian region known as Sulawesi Island. Aside from its diminutive stature, the frog's most notable feature are a pair of "fangs" that jut out from its lower jawbone. (Yes, some frogs have teeth!) Resembling pairs of pinpricks from a human's vantage points, the features help the tiny amphibians fight each other, attract mates and crack open the shells of prey like crabs and centipedes. Additionally, L. phyllofolia are unusual among frog species in that the males rather than the females guard the clutches of eggs. "The discovery and description of the new species highlights the remarkable reproductive trait diversity that characterizes the Sulawesi fanged frog assemblage despite that most species in this radiation have yet to be formally described," the authors write in the study. In an accompanying press statement, the study's lead author Jeff Frederick, a postdoctoral researcher at the Field Museum in Chicago, explained that there are doubtless many other fascinating frog species yet to be found and in danger of never being discovered at all. Most of the animals that live in places like Sulawesi are quite unique, and habitat destruction is an ever-looming conservation issue for preserving the hyper-diversity of species we find there," Frederick said. "Learning about animals like these frogs that are found nowhere else on Earth helps make the case for protecting these valuable ecosystems. WASHINGTON While the year may be coming to an end, Republican presidential hopefuls are only ramping up their 2024 campaigns as they try to clinch the GOP frontrunner spot from former President Donald Trump. Media outlets including CNN and ABC will be holding debates next month around the New Hampshire primary and Iowa caucus the first two key contests in the 2024 race for the White House. But presidential primary debates aren't the only showdowns voters will be watching next year. The nonpartisan Committee on Presidential Debates last month announced the sites and dates for the vice presidential and presidential debates in the general election, where the Republican and Democratic nominees will make their pitches to American voters. Heres a look at the full calendar of political events next year. Presidential primary debates Next month, CNN will host two debates among Republican presidential candidates. The first event is scheduled for a week before the Iowa caucus on Jan. 15, and the second is set for two days before the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 23. Here are the dates and locations: Jan. 10 : Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, at 9 p.m. ET Jan 21: New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. Timing to be announced. To qualify for the Iowa debate, candidates must receive at least 10% support in three separate national polls of Republican primary voters or Iowa polls of Republican caucusgoers that meet CNNs standards. Likewise, to qualify for the New Hampshire debate, candidates must receive at least 10% in three separate national polls or New Hampshire polls of Republican primary voters. ABC News and WMUR-TV, in coordination with the New Hampshire Republican State Committee, will also host a debate on Jan. 18 at Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire, just days after the Iowa caucus. It will take place at 9 p.m. ET. Candidates who finish in the top three spots at the Iowa caucuses will receive invites to participate, according to a press release. They must also receive at least 10% in two national polls or two New Hampshire polls of Republican primary voters. Presidential and vice presidential debates Though Republicans and Democrats across the country haven't officially chosen their 2024 nominees, next year's presidential and vice presidential debates are already scheduled. Here are the dates and locations of the events, according to the Committee on Presidential Debates: Sept. 16 : First presidential debate at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas Sept. 25: Vice presidential debate at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania Oct. 1: Second presidential debate at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia Oct. 9: Third presidential debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City Virginia State University will be the first historically Black college or university to host a debate in a presidential election. All debates will start at 9 p.m. ET and will run for 90 minutes without commercials, according to a press release from the committee. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When are 2024 debates? Here's when presidential hopefuls will face off FILE - Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks during a town hall, Dec. 18, 2023, in Nevada, Iowa. Haley is betting her 2024 candidacy on winning South Carolina. But the politics of Haley's home state have shifted far to the right since she was governor. That threatens her ability to tap into her local roots to notch the victory she has promised.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) GILBERT, S.C. (AP) Standing inside a rustic barn a short drive from the state capital, Henry McMaster shocked many South Carolina Republicans seven years ago by backing Donald Trump for president. Then the lieutenant governor, McMaster became the first statewide-elected official in the country to endorse Trump in 2016. The event was in Lexington County, the adopted political home of then-Gov. Nikki Haley, who had repeatedly criticized Trump and endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Trump would win the 2016 primary in South Carolina and eventually the presidency. After campaigning against him, Haley would accept his nomination as United Nations ambassador, making McMaster governor. That complicated history is coming to the fore as Haley mounts a spirited effort to become the leading Republican alternative to Trump. Her strategy is centered on a strong showing in next months Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary before much of the campaigns focus shifts to South Carolina, where the Feb. 24 contest could be the last chance for anyone other than Trump to prove they can survive. But her home state has shifted closer to Trump in the near-decade since she last ran for state office, threatening her ability to tap into her local roots to notch the victory she has promised. Ten years is an eternity when all politics are national, said Matt Moore, a former state GOP chairman. Trump tapped into thousands of low-frequency voters who have reshaped South Carolina politics. Many of them werent focused on state-level issues prior, or even now. Trump's grip on GOP The former president this time has the endorsement of almost every major South Carolina Republican. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who ran against Trump, suggested he would destroy the Republican Party and openly questioned McMasters thinking over the 2016 endorsement, is now a close ally of the former president and is co-chairing Trumps state campaign with McMaster. South Carolina's lieutenant governor, state treasurer, attorney general and three of its six Republican U.S. House members all back Trump. The only congressman to endorse Haley is Rep. Ralph Norman, a longtime ally. Trump drew an estimated 50,000 people to a sweltering Fourth of July rally in Pickens, South Carolina, in the strongly conservative Upstate. Haley, meanwhile, set a record for her campaign last month with 2,500 people along the states southern coast, known for its wealthier and more traditional conservative set. John Reed, a businessman from upscale Hilton Head Island who donated to Haleys 2010 campaign, backed Trump in 2016 and 2020. But he is supporting Haley this time because he says she offers a contrast from Trumps divisive and disrespectful tenor. I think Nikkis the best of them because she has abilities and experience, said Reed. Trumps narcissism and pride and arrogance is just too much for the office. Losing South Carolina would be a huge blow to Haley's campaign, which is counting on outlasting rivals like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and picking up momentum from people open to a Trump alternative. A home state primary loss has devastated previous campaigns, including Rubio, who dropped out of the 2016 primary after a blowout loss to Trump in Florida. Sen. Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the 2020 Democratic race after losing several primaries in one day, including in her home state of Massachusetts. Lexington County, where McMaster endorsed Trump, is Haleys adopted political home and the area she represented in the state legislature. She came back to the same rustic barn in April to hold a rally for her presidential campaign. She was little known when she launched a bid for governor against three high-profile candidates including McMaster running on a message of fiscal responsibility and going after what she described as entrenched powers in Columbia. She aligned with the tea party movement that arose during President Barack Obamas first term. Her key endorsement in that race was Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor who remained a powerhouse in GOP politics after her 2008 vice presidential bid. After also being backed by Mitt Romney, whose 2008 White House run she had supported, Haley nearly won the GOP primary outright and was victorious in the runoff. Haley's record Haley points to several accomplishments during her six years as governor, including bringing economic investment and jobs to the state, requiring companies to verify the employment eligibility of their workers, and supporting voter ID laws. She's perhaps best remembered nationally for helping to persuade the Legislature to remove the Confederate battle flag from the Statehouse grounds after a mass shooting in which a white gunman killed eight Black church members who were attending Bible study although Haley had previously dismissed the need for the flag to come down. Haley's presidential campaign points toward her previous popularity in South Carolina as a signal she will perform well when it comes time for her home state's voters to make their selection. South Carolinians first elected Nikki when she was the anti-establishment, conservative candidate for governor," said Olivia Perez-Cubas. They know she has what it takes to win because theyve seen her beat the odds before not just once, but twice. But Trump changed Republican politics in South Carolina and nationally. That includes Lexington County, where the county GOP has been roiled for months by a legal battle between two people claiming to oversee it, a split within a recently elected slate supportive of Trumps Make America Great Again vision. Michael Burgess, who served as a vice chairman for the Lexington County GOP and described himself as a never ever, ever Trumper, said he felt the areas shift toward populism in the years after Trumps 2016 election. Lexington County is a microcosm of South Carolina, said Burgess, who teaches AP U.S. History at a local high school. What weve seen since the 2020 election is a concerted effort by MAGA to take over the county party mechanism, and essentially, when they do that, to drive out long-term establishment Reagan Republicans. Burgess, who said he voted for neither Trump nor Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016 and supported Democrat Joe Biden in 2020, said he had initially backed South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott in the 2024 GOP primary, but now sees Haley as the partys best bet to defeat Trump. But another person who supported Haley when she ran in 2010 now blames her for criticizing Trump in 2016, even though he supported her work as governor. When she came out and said, We need to ignore a lot of the loud voices, that kind of really rubbed me wrong, because it was those voices that got her elected governor, said Allen Olsen, who founded a tea party group in South Carolinas capital city of Columbia. Although I understood what she was doing, it really kind of felt like I got stabbed in the back. State Rep. RJ May, a leader of the states House Freedom Caucus, argued Haley is now more of an establishment figure due to her service as governor and then United Nations ambassador. He said he doesnt see Trump the same way even though Trump is now a former president running his third campaign for the White House. Its hard to take that lane from Donald Trump, considering the weaponization of the federal government that were seeing, said May, who has not endorsed a candidate in the presidential primary. One thing I dont think you can call Donald Trump is an insider. But there are still people in South Carolina who have been waiting for Haley to run for the White House. At the event in Bluffton, South Carolina, that drew 2,500 people, Veronica Wetzel donned a Nikki 2024 hat she said she bought years ago. Now, she said shes ready to vote for Haley, in part because she wants to see Republicans win in November. I really dont know if Donald Trump can win, said Wetzel, adding she had supported Trump in past contests. We need to put somebody in there who can win because the last thing we need right now is to lose this election. ___ Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP FILE - Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks during a town hall, Dec. 18, 2023, in Nevada, Iowa. Haley is betting her 2024 candidacy on winning South Carolina. But the politics of Haley's home state have shifted far to the right since she was governor. That threatens her ability to tap into her local roots to notch the victory she has promised.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) At a packed community center in southwestern Iowa, Nikki Haley broke from her usual remarks this month to offer a warning to her top Republican presidential rivals, Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, deploying a favorite line: If they punch me, I punch back and I punch back harder. But in that Dec. 18 appearance and over the next few days, Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, did not exactly pummel her opponents as promised. Her jabs were instead surgical, dry and policy-driven. He went into D.C. saying that he was going to stop the spending and instead, he voted to raise the debt limit, Haley said of DeSantis, a former member of Congress, in Treynor, near the Nebraska border. At that same stop, she also defended herself against his attack ads and criticized DeSantis, the Florida governor, over offshore drilling and fracking, and questioned his choice of a political surrogate in Iowa. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times She was even more careful about going after Trump, continuing to draw only indirect contrasts and noting pointedly that his allied super political action committee had begun running anti-Haley ads. He said two days ago I wasnt surging, she said, but now had attack ads going up against me. With under three weeks left until the Iowa caucuses, Haley is treading cautiously as she enters the crucial final stretch of her campaign to shake the Republican Party loose from Trumps clutches. Even as the former president maintains a vast lead in polls, Haley has insistently played it safe, betting that an approach that has left her as the only non-Trump candidate with any sort of momentum can eventually prevail as primary season unfolds. On the trail, she rarely takes questions from reporters. She hardly deviates from her stump speech or generates headlines. And she keeps walking a fine line on her greatest obstacle to the Republican nomination Trump. Anti-Trumpers dont think I hate him enough, she told reporters this month in New Hampshire, where she picked up the endorsement of Chris Sununu, the states popular Republican governor. Pro-Trumpers dont think I love him enough. Haleys consistent strategy has enabled her team to build a reputation as lean and stable where other campaigns have faltered: As DeSantis support has dipped and turmoil has overtaken his allied super PAC, even some of his advisers are privately signaling they believe hope is lost. I keep coming back to the word disciplined, said Jim Merrill, a Republican strategist in New Hampshire who served on Sen. Marco Rubios 2016 presidential campaign and Mitt Romneys 2008 and 2012 bids. She has run an extraordinarily disciplined campaign. Yet Trump remains the heavy favorite for the nomination despite facing dozens of criminal charges, as well as legal challenges that aim to kick him off the ballot in several states. Haleys apparent reluctance to attack her rival even in the face of what would seem to be political setbacks for him has raised questions from voters and other Republican competitors most notably, former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey about whether she can win while passing up crucial opportunities to derail her most significant opponent. A lot of the people in this field are running against Trump without doing very much to take him on, said Adolphus Belk, a political analyst and professor of political science at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Haleys home state. If you are running to be president of the United States, it seems like it would be an imperative to take on the person who has the biggest lead. A recent poll from The New York Times and Siena College found Trump leading his Republican rivals by more than 50 percentage points nationally, a staggering margin. The poll offered a sliver of hope for Haley: Nearly one-quarter of Trumps supporters said he should not be the Republican nominee if he were found guilty of a crime. But 62% of Republicans said that if the former president won the primary, he should remain the nominee even if subsequently convicted. The challenge for Haley is peeling away more of his support from the Republican Partys white, working-class base. The Times/Siena poll found that she garnered 28% support from white voters with a bachelors degree or higher, but just 3% from those without a degree. As she barnstorms through Iowa and New Hampshire, Haley has remained committed to a calibrated approach that aims to speak to all factions of the Republican Party. Her stump speech highlights her background as the daughter of immigrants and her upbringing in a small and rural South Carolina town, but in generic terms. She nods to her status as the only woman in the Republican primary field and the potentially historic nature of her bid, but only in subtle ways. Even as she has risen in the polls and consolidated significant anti-Trump support among donors and prominent Republicans, she has continued to cast herself as an underestimated underdog, with a message tightly focused on debt and spending, national security and the crisis at the border. And she has not strayed from her broad calls for a consensus on abortion, even though some conservatives say she is not going far enough in backing new restrictions. At the same time, Democrats are looking to hit her from the other direction: The Democratic National Committee last week put up billboards in Davenport, Iowa, where she was campaigning, accusing her of wanting extreme abortion bans. Still, Haley has evolved on some fronts. In recent weeks, she has more aggressively made the case that she is the most electable Republican candidate an argument that polls show has some merit and ramped up her critiques of what she describes as a dysfunctional Washington. This month, after Republicans blocked an emergency spending bill to fund support for Ukraine, demanding strict new border restrictions in return, she accused both President Joe Biden and some Republicans of creating a false choice among those priorities, as well as aid to Israel, which the legislation also included. And now what are you hearing coming out of D.C. do we support Ukraine or do we support Israel? she said at an event in Burlington, Iowa. Do we support Israel or do we secure the border? Dont let them lie to you like that. She has ramped up her criticism of Trump on his tone, leadership style and what she describes as his lack of follow-through on policy, hitting him for increasing the national debt, proposing to raise the federal gasoline tax and praising dictators. But when confronted with tougher questions from voters over Trumps potential danger to the nations democracy or why she indicated at the first debate that she would support him as the nominee even if he were convicted of criminal charges, she tends to fall back on a familiar response. She says she thinks that he was the right president for the right time but that rightly or wrongly, chaos follows him. The thing is, normal people arent obsessed with Trump like you guys are, she told Jonathan Karl of ABC News this month, taking a swipe at the news media when asked for her thoughts on how Trump is campaigning on the idea of retribution against his political enemies. Such attempts to avoid alienating Trump supporters have helped generate interest, if not always commitment. Before Haleys event in Treynor, Iowa, Keith Denton, 77, a retired farmer and longtime Republican, said he stood with Trump 100%, and had come to watch Haley only because his wife was debating whether to support her. But after Haley wrapped up, he tracked down a reporter to acknowledge that he was now seriously considering her. I have to eat my words, he said, adding that Haley had said some things that changed my mind. For one, he said, I thought she was more of a warmonger, but now I can see she is against war. But at an Osceola distilling company the next day, Jim Kimball, 84, a retired doctor, veteran and anti-Trump Republican, elicited nervous laughter from the audience when he asked Haley a couple of bold questions regarding the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021: Did Mr. Trump trample or defend the Constitution? And is he running for president or emperor? As usual, Haley weighed her words. She said that the courts would decide whether President Trump did something wrong and that he had a right to defend himself against the legal charges he faces, but she expressed disappointment that when he had the chance to stop the Capitol attack, he did not. My goal is not to worry about him being president forever that is why Im going to win, she finished to loud applause. But afterward, Kimball said that he wished she would have said that Trump is unfit to be president and that he was still deliberating whether to caucus for her or for Christie. I wish she had the courage of Liz Cheney, he said, referring to the congresswoman pushed out of Republican leadership in Congress and then her Wyoming seat by pro-Trump forces in the party. But she doesnt want to end up like Liz Cheney, so you get the answer you get. c.2023 The New York Times Company Two Black students held backpacks in their hands. The pair walked briskly, smiling, to a classroom on the second floor of a building in Waterloo. Minutes later, Nikole Hannah-Jones followed. The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist was back home to attend a holiday party for her 1619 Freedom School. Alongside childhood friends and family, the city's biggest star is trying to better her hometown's reputation one learner at a time. More: Marcus Norris was shot in the head at 7 on Chicago's South Side. He came to Waterloo, Iowa to heal. Hannah-Jones, who grew up in Waterloo, won a 2020 Pulitzer Prize for commentary for her work on The New York Times Magazine's The 1619 Project. The project examined the role of slavery in the country's construction, America's complicated relationship with race and her personal history. Waterloo-Cedar Falls was ranked the worst place in America for a Black person to live by 24/7 Wall Street in 2018. The 1619 Freedom School aims to change that standing. It offers solely an afterschool program, focused on raising the lagging literacy rates of Black fourth and fifth graders. "How does a place that nobody even knows Black people existed, where the population is so small, make life so horrible for Black folks? Well, I know. I was born and raised here," Hannah Jones said in a wide-ranging December interview. Growing up in Waterloo, Hannah-Jones felt the ongoing effects of redlining Hannah-Jones' connection to Waterloo started when her father's mother, affectionately called "Grandmama," fled North in the 1940s and got off the railway in Waterloo. Waterloo remains a highly segregated city, with Black and white neighborhoods separated by the Cedar River. When she was a child, Hannah-Jones' family lived in a Black neighborhood. Despite the segregation, her father continued to fly an American flag in the family's front yard as a patriotic act. Nikole Hannah-Jones poses for a portrait at the headquarters of The Associated Press in New York in December 2021. Hannah-Jones was bused to predominantly white Waterloo West High School, where she first learned about 1619 in the book "Before the Mayflower." "I had been taught, in school, through cultural osmosis, that the flag wasnt really ours, that our history as a people began with enslavement and that we had contributed little to this great nation," she wrote in her seminal piece for The 1619 Project. The landmark piece of long-form journalism, published in August 2019, commemorated the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans at the British colony of Virginia in 1619. It includes more than 30 works, essays and poems. Hannah-Jones wove personal narratives throughout to support the idea that Black Americans were crucial to the formation of America and its foundation. In 2020, she began work on the 1619 Freedom School. More: Pulitzer-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones opening after-school program,'1619 Freedom School,' in Waterloo 'Most places would embrace that,' Hannah-Jones says of some Iowans' reaction to The 1619 Project's success The New York Times Magazine's editor-in-chief, Jake Silverstein, said the project's response yielded "an enthusiastic response unlike any we had seen before." A week later, the magazine sold out within hours when The Times made tens of thousands of copies available online. The project sold out several times. And the companion podcast had over 10 million downloads, Hannah-Jones said. But she also experienced an onslaught of criticism. In February 2021, Iowa Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Orange City, introduced a bill, House File 222, aimed at banning curriculum based on the project. The bill did not pass, but another bill did that bans teaching certain concepts such as that the U.S. or Iowa is systemically racist. Hannah-Jones said she was astounded that a state that had a reputation nationally for quality education succumbed to legislating ignorance in the classroom. A six-part docuseries version of 'The 1619 Project,' hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones and executive produced by Oprah Winfrey, is now available on Hulu. "Your native daughter, who because of the education she received in Iowa, because she had a Black studies teacher named Ray Dial who taught her 1619, went on to create this project that has been massively successful," Hannah-Jones said in the December interview. "Most places would embrace that." Hannah-Jones' counterpoint to pushback of The 1619 Project is that students should be exposed to different ideas and different understandings of history. Students can ultimately disagree with the project's arguments, she said. "The 1619 project" is an initiative of The New York Times. Hannah-Jones said that a quality education should help students to be critical, to have their own views challenged and, at times, be made to feel uncomfortable. Hannah-Jones added that she and her work are both symbolisms of a deep discomfort that critics carry. "It's what I represent, which is a Black woman they think is too loud, that shouldn't look like I look and work at The New York Times and be successful and that is critiquing the mythology that they hold so dear," Hannah-Jones said. Among all her accomplishments, Hannah-Jones is 'most proud' of 1619 Freedom School The 1619 Freedom School opened in 2021. The program features an all-Black woman leadership team and a predominantly Black teaching staff. "I actually feel the most proud of this school because, to me, the school is the embodiment of community," she said in reference to all of her life's accomplishments. "It's the embodiment of Black people being self-determining." From left: The 1619 Freedom School leadership team Joy Briscoe, Sheritta Stokes, Lori Dale, Sharina Sallis and Nikole Hannah-Jones pose for a photo. Joy Harrington is not pictured. For five days a week, teachers instruct students with a curriculum cultivated by Dr. Sabrina Wesley-Nero, a Black educational researcher and teaching professor at Georgetown University. One of those teachers is Sharman Chambers, a Waterloo native and retired educator who taught in the school district for 22 years. "I think very highly of Nikole because this is such a blessing what she's doing for all these kids. She didn't have to, but she chose to," said Chambers, who grew up in Waterloo. A vacant 1619 Freedom School sits empty in August 2021. It is now home to the afterschool program's library. 1619 Freedom School data shows Black student success with literacy Chambers has seen academic growth in students while serving as an instructor in the program. The curriculum teaches students literacy through Black history. Chambers has seen students' self-esteem grow, too. "It was really low, but now we see it growing because they can do these things," Chambers said. The 1619 Freedom School's promise to help better educate the city's Black students has paid off. Students from the 1619 Freedom School during the school's holiday party. According to Freedom School data collected from the Waterloo School District, in just one semester, students had a 50% increase in reading comprehension on grade level. At the beginning of the program's first semester, only 14 of the 37 students could read on grade level. By the end of the semester, 21 students were reading on grade level. Leaders' goal isn't to replace schools; it's to support the needs of Black students, Hannah-Jones said. Nikole Hannah-Jones (back) with students from The 1619 Freedom School during the program's holiday party. "I don't want to compete with Waterloo Public Schools," Hannah-Jones said. "I believe in public schools, and most of our kids are going to be at a public school. We always just wanted to supplement." The program is currently at capacity with 65 students participating in the program. Another nonprofit organization gifted the 1619 Freedom School a house to help expand the school's programming. Hannah-Jones and the leadership team eventually hope to expand to a newly constructed building. School is an example of Hannah-Jones' goal to create Black institutions In 2021, the same year The Freedom School opened, Hannah-Jones rejected an offer of tenure at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina. UNC's board of trustees had refused to vote on her tenure. Later, after weeks of protest, the trustees were forced to vote and approved Hannah-Jones' tenure. It was too late. She chose to teach at Howard University, one of the nation's premier historically Black colleges and universities. At Howard, she founded the Center for Journalism & Democracy. She said of her choice to teach at Howard, "I was sending a message publicly, but also personally, saying, you know I have spent my entire life proving to white people that I'm deserving of being in their spaces and then having to fight them every day." Nikole Hannah-Jones (left) with students from the 1619 Freedom School she founded. At the school's holiday party, she said the afterschool program aligns with her plans to create Black institutions. Hannah-Jones' legacy lives there now where students carry backpacks and big dreams. The two Black students from the hallway put down their backpacks. Halfway through the holiday party, they joined a single file line and waited to see Hannah-Jones, who sat and signed a copy of her children's book, "The 1619 Project: Born on the Water." She inscribed every book with each child's name. Nikole Hannah-Jones (right) takes photos of students at the 1619 Freedom School. Hannah-Jones knows Waterloo was once named one of the worst places in the nation for a Black person to live. She wants it to become the best place in America for a Black child to learn. "We have the resources within ourselves to educate our children." Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones gives back to Iowa hometown Statement: We have our government giving people who came into this country illegally $5,000 gift cards. Lamb Mark Lamb, sheriff of Arizonas Pinal County, has campaigned for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination on the promise to "secure the border." Hes posted short videos on X, formerly Twitter, with what he calls "truth bombs," mostly about immigration. When migrants cross the U.S. border illegally, "Theyre being given a cellphone, a plane ticket to wherever they want to go in this country and a $5,000 Visa card," Lamb said in a Dec. 5 video. "We have our government giving people who came into this country illegally $5,000 gift cards. Thats the truth, folks." Lamb tweaked his message when he repeated the claim during a Dec. 7 interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters. "The way that theyre keeping this away from the American people is they are giving money to nongovernmental organizations who swoop in as soon as theyre processed, and theyre sending them off on an airplane to wherever they want to go, giving them a phone and giving them Visa cards up to $5,000," Lamb said. He added later that the migrants "go directly to the ATMs after that and start pulling money out." Weve previously fact-checked claims about immigrants getting cellphones and free flights. Weve also checked claims about migrants getting debit cards or monthly checks from the government. We asked Lamb for his evidence that migrants are getting $5,000 gift cards from the government or nonprofit organizations, but he did not respond. On Fox News, Lamb said his information "comes from very solid sources, from multiple sources." When Watters asked Lamb to name these sources, Lamb said, "I get this information from sources that are right inside of there. Including guys that work with Border Patrol who are fed up with what their government is doing." Both the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection told PolitiFact they do not financially assist people who cross the border illegally. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which gives money to nonprofit organizations that support immigrants, said that money cannot be used to purchase gift cards or prepaid debit cards. We reached out to nonprofit organizations aiding immigrants that have received government funding, and representatives from five of them said the organizations do not provide $5,000 gift cards to migrants. Two FEMA programs provide federal funding to nonprofit organizations supporting immigrants: the Emergency Food and Shelter Program-Humanitarian Relief, and the Shelter and Services Program. Funding also goes to local governments. In fiscal year 2019, Congress authorized funding from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program for nonprofit organizations supporting migrants encountered by the Department of Homeland Security. A national board, which awards funding to organizations, gave about $400 million in fiscal year 2023. The Shelter and Services Program began in fiscal year 2023 and awarded about $380 million in funding. Both programs list allowable expenses for which nonprofits can receive funding or reimbursement. Beds, linens, food and first-aid supplies are listed; gift cards and prepaid debit cards are not. "Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston does not provide Visa gift cards in this amount to immigrants," said Betsy Ballard, the organizations communications director. Ballard said the organization sometimes provides $25 gift cards to clients, including migrants, to cover "immediate needs often related to a crisis situation, such as gas or food," but private donations fund those cards. Kate Clark, senior director of immigration services for Jewish Family Service of San Diego, which manages the San Diego Rapid Response Network Shelter Services, said asylum-seekers might get "travel cash assistance through private funders," but not from government funding. And the cash assistance is neither $5,000 nor delivered as a gift card. How much people get depends on how long theyve traveled and how big their families are, Clark said. One person might get $10 for an eight-hour travel day; a four-person family might get $100. Our ruling Lamb said, "We have our government giving people who came into this country illegally $5,000 gift cards." Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection said they do not financially assist people who illegally cross the U.S. border. Lamb also said the gift cards come from government-funded nonprofit organizations. FEMA, which directs the two federal funding programs for nonprofits that assist migrants, said grant funding cannot be spent on gift cards or prepaid debit cards. And five migrant-aiding nonprofit organizations said they do not provide $5,000 gift cards. At PolitiFact, the burden of proof is on the person making the claim. Lamb didnt provide evidence to back up his statement, either when questioned publicly or when asked by PolitiFact. We rate the claim False. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: No, the U.S. is not giving undocumented immigrants $5,000 gift cards In the Sacramento metro area, nearly two-thirds of new-car dealers are now selling electric vehicles, a recent report found. Excluding Tesla, 63.3% of new-car dealers in the region now offer EVs, compared to 55.1% nationally, according to a new study by iSeeCars. The study identified how many non-Tesla dealers are selling EVs nationally, state-by-state and by metro area, as well as which areas have the highest and lowest growth in new- and used-car dealers selling EVs. Across the country, the number of new-car dealers selling EVs grew 330% from November 2020 to November 2023. The Sacramento metro area, which includes Modesto and Stockton, saw a 250% increase in the number of dealers selling EVs during that time, according to the automotive research website. With more traditional automakers producing electric vehicles, the used-car market is expected to see a similar increase over the next two to three years, according to iSeeCars.com. Tesla does not release exact information about its sales, new or used. ISeeCars only has information about used Teslas sold by non-Tesla dealers. New car dealers outside the Tesla network offering electric vehicles have ramped up over the past three years, with the biggest growth occurring in just the past 12 months, Karl Brauer, iSeeCars executive analyst, said in a news release. This is going to put increasing pressure on Teslas sales and market share. Used car dealers have also stepped into the EV market, with more than 70 percent growth compared to three years ago. Among other findings about Californias capital region: Sacramento is ranked 24th out of all 132 metro areas surveyed nationwide in percentage of new-car dealers selling EVs. 38.6% of used-car dealers in Sacramento sell EVs, compared to 29.4% nationally. Sacramento sits at No. 20 for percentage of used-car dealers selling EVs. In the 50 most populous metro areas in the United States, Sacramento ranked just below San Francisco in percentage of new-car dealers selling EVs. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose ranked ninth with 63.5% of new-car dealers selling EVs, while Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto came in at 63.3%. In the same category, Los Angeles ranked third (66%) and Fresno-Visalia fifth (64.7%) Other key findings included: Non-Tesla EV market share has grown by more than 800% in the past three years. Three small states Delaware, Rhode Island and Hawaii have the highest percentages of new car dealers selling EVs, while larger, rural states such as Montana, Wyoming and Mississippi have the lowest percentages. In the West, California, Washington and Utah have the highest percentages of use-car dealers selling EVs, while Central states Wyoming, Mississippi and North Dakota have the lowest percentages. A slew of North Dakota Republican leaders are calling on a state lawmaker to resign following reports that he made homophobic and xenophobic comments toward an officer during a DUI stop earlier this month. State Rep. Nico Rios (R) was pulled over on Dec. 15 for not staying in his lane and was arrested on drunk driving charges, The Associated Press reported. Calling on Rios to resign on Tuesday, Republican state House Majority Leader Mike Lefor pointed to the police officers report, which stated the lawmaker was verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive and discriminatory, toward the officer, the AP reported. There is no room in the legislature, or our party, for this behavior. I understand people make mistakes, but his comments and defiance to law enforcement are beyond the pale. In addition, any lawmaker attempting to use his or her elected position to threaten anyone or skirt the law is completely unacceptable, Lefor said in a statement, according to the AP. The offices for Lefor or Rios did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment. North Dakota Republican Party Chair Sandi Sanford echoed Lefors comments, saying Rioss actions and words fall short of the basic decency we expect from any of our neighbors. He endangered the community he was elected to serve and disrespected peace officers. This violates our core values as Republicans. Rios earlier this week said his behavior was unacceptable, apologized and pledged to make sure this never happens again. I owe it to myself, my district, and everyone and I vow to make sure this never happens again, he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Moving forward after this night I feel like I have to emphasize my complete and total commitment to supporting Law Enforcement. I messed up big time and I am truly sorry. Police body camera footage obtained by the AP showed Rios cursing at the office, questioning his English accent and spewing out homophobic slurs and anti-migrant language, the news wire reported. He also reportedly said he would call the North Dakota attorney general about the incident and noted the officers would regret picking on me because you dont know who I am. Rios told authorities he was leaving a Christmas party when he was stopped by police. He is facing misdemeanor counts of drunken driving and refusing to provide a chemical test. Rios, who works in an oil field position, was first elected in 2022 to North Dakotas House of Representatives, which is currently controlled by Republicans in an 82-12 split. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) opened the 9th Plenary Meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang. (STR) North Korea has opened a year-end ruling party meeting attended by leader Kim Jong Un, state media said Wednesday, with key policy decisions for 2024 expected to be unveiled. Abandoning a once-traditional New Year's Day speech, Kim has in recent years used the Workers' Party of Korea's plenary meeting as a platform to outline policies in areas such as security, diplomacy and the economy. This year's meeting caps off a year in which Pyongyang successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite, enshrined its status as a nuclear power in its constitution and test-fired its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). At Tuesday's meeting, Kim defined 2023 as a "year of great turn and great change" as well as one of "great importance", the North's official Korean Central News Agency reported. Pyongyang saw "eye-opening victories and events achieved in all fields for socialist construction and the strengthening of the national power," Kim said, according to KCNA. He also said that Pyongyang's new strategic weapons, including its spy satellite, had "unswervingly put" the North "on the position of a military power". The meeting will involve six primary points of discussion, KCNA said, including a review of how North Korea's national policies were implemented during the year as well as a look ahead to the national budget and "direction of struggle" for 2024. Kim last week said Pyongyang would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if "provoked" with nukes. The North last week tested its solid-fuel Hwasong-18, its most advanced ICBM, for the third time in 2023. Pyongyang's launch last month of a military spy satellite, which it claimed quickly began providing images of US and South Korean military sites, further damaged ties with South Korea. The launch fractured a military agreement between the Koreas established to de-escalate tensions on the peninsula, with both sides then ramping up security along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates them. cdl/cwl In a warm and festive gathering at his residence in the national capital on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the Christian community on Christmas. The event, attended by around 80 eminent Christian leaders, saw the Prime Minister lauding the continuous contributions of the Christian community in the health and education sectors, emphasising the significant impact of institutions run by the community nationwide. Reflecting on his long standing relations with Christians dating back to his days as the Gujarat Chief minister, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for their unwavering commitment to serving the poor and deprived. He acknowledged the community's prominent role in India's freedom struggle, with many thinkers and leaders actively contributing to the nation's quest for independence. The Christian community has played an important role in the freedom movement. Many thinkers and leaders of the Christian community were involved in the freedom struggle. Gandhiji had said that the Non-Cooperation Movement was conceived under the patronage of Sushil Kumar Rudra, principal of St Stephens College, he noted in his speech. During the interaction, Modi highlighted the values embodied in Jesus Christ's life, centred on compassion and service. Drawing parallels between the teachings of the Bible and the Upanishads, he noted that these shared values serve as a "guiding light" in the government's development journey. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of cooperation, coordination, and the ethos of "sabka prayas" (everyone's effort) in propelling the country to new heights. Several members of the Christian community, including religious leaders, also spoke at the event, commending various initiatives of the Modi Government. The people who brought messages were Cardinal Oswald Gracias from Mumbai, Archbishop Anil J T Couto from Delhi, Bishop Paul Swaroop from the Church of North India Delhi diocese, Anju Bobby George retired star athlete and BJP member, and John Varghese, the Principal of St. Stephens College Delhi. The ceremony was emceed by Tom Vadakkan, National Spokesperson of the BJP. In his remarks, the Prime Minister encouraged people to focus on shared values and heritage to foster unity. He emphasised the spirit of "sabka prayas" as a driving force for collective progress. Modi revealed that during his meeting with Pope Francis in 2021, they discussed ways to make the world a better place, addressing issues such as social harmony, global brotherhood, climate change, and inclusive development. He highlighted the Pope's prayer for ending poverty, aligning it with the government's development mantra of sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayas (everyones support, everyones development, everyones trust, everyones effort). The Holy Pope, in one of his Christmas addresses, prayed that those who are working to end poverty may receive blessingsThese words reflect the same spirit that is in our mantra for development. Our mantra is sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayas (everyones support, everyones development, everyones trust, everyones effort), the PM said. In different streams of social life, we see many similar values which unite us all. For example, the Holy Bible says that whatever gift God has given us, whatever power he has given us, we should use it to serve others. This is service as the supreme religion. In the Holy Bible, truth has been given great importance and it has been said that only truth will show us the path to salvation The sacred Upanishads also focus on knowing the ultimate truth, so that we can liberate ourselves, he added. The prime minister reiterated his commitment to ensuring that development reaches everyone, especially the poor and deprived within the Christian community. He urged community leaders to spread awareness about government programs aimed at youth, such as "Fit India," the promotion of millets, and campaigns against drug abuse. Recognising the community's social consciousness, Modi called upon Christians to play a vital role in environmental campaigns to minimise carbon footprint and promote a sustainable lifestyle. He sought their support for the "Vocal for Local" initiative, emphasising the need for collective efforts towards sustainable development. The Prime Minister cited the BJP's growing acceptability among Christians, particularly in northeastern states with sizable Christian populations, but any mention of the violence in Manipur or its victims was missing from his speech. The event concluded with Prime Minister Modi expressing his wishes for a festive season that strengthens the bonds of the nation, bringing citizens closer despite their diversity. This outreach to the Christian community, the first of its kind in the Modi era, signifies the effort that the BJP is prepared to undertake to increase its footprint in the southern states of India especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Originally published by Christian Today India In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, holds a year-end plenary meeting of the ruling Workers Party in Pyongyang, North Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised what he called achievements and victories that strengthened national power and boosted the country's prestige this year, as he opened a key political meeting to set new policy goals for 2024, state media reported Wednesday. Experts said that during this weeks year-end plenary meeting of the ruling Workers Party, North Korea would likely hype its progress in arms development because the country lacks economic achievements amid persistent international sanctions and pandemic-related economic hardships. In his opening-day speech at the meeting that began Tuesday, Kim defined 2023 as a year of great turn and great change both in name and reality, in which (North Korea) left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA said North Korea achieved a rapid advancement in its defense capabilities this year in the wake of the launch of its first military spy satellite in November and the introduction of other sophisticated weapons. KCNA said North Korea also reported a rare good harvest this year as the country finished building new irrigation systems ahead of schedule and met major agricultural state objectives. It said that modern streets, new houses and other buildings were built in Pyongyang and elsewhere across the country. According to a recent assessment by South Koreas state-run Rural Development Administration, North Koreas grain production this year was estimated at 4.8 million tons, a 6.9% increase from last years 4.5 million tons, thanks to favorable weather conditions. But the 4.8 million tons are still short by about 0.7 million tons of sufficient annual levels, as experts say North Korea needs about 5.5 million tons of grain to feed its 25 million people each year. Hong Min, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification, said that during the first day of the Workers' Party meeting, North Korea avoided publicly detailing this year's economic projects but used rhetoric to boast of its advancing military programs. The party meeting, expected to last several days, will review state projects from this year and establish new objectives for next year. In recent years, North Korea has published the results of its meeting, including Kim's closing speech, in state media on Jan. 1, allowing him to skip his New Year's Day address. Hong said that attention outside North Korea will focus what it will say about relations with the United States, China and Russia, and steps it would take to solidify Kims leadership as he turns 40 next month. Last week, North Korea test-fired its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, the solid-fueled Hwasong-18, which is designed to strike the mainland U.S. North Korea said the Hwasong-18 launch, the third of its kind this year, was meant to warn the U.S. and South Korea over their confrontational moves against North Korea. On Nov. 21, North Korea put its first military spy satellite into orbit, though outside experts question whether it can send militarily useful high-resolution imagery. The launches of the Hwasong-18 missile and the spy satellite were part of an ongoing run of weapons tests by North Korea since last year. Kim has maintained he was forced to expand his nuclear arsenal to cope with increasing hostilities from the U.S. and its allies toward the North, but foreign experts say he eventually hopes to use an enlarged arsenal to win greater outside concessions when diplomacy resumes. Last Thursday, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik told lawmakers that North Korea appeared to be speeding up its weapons testing activities to highlight its achievements in defense sectors because it lacked major progress in the economy and public livelihoods. In recent years, North Koreas fragile economy was severely battered by pandemic-related curbs, U.S.-led sanctions and the North's own mismanagement. But monitoring groups say there are no signs of a humanitarian crisis or social chaos that could threaten Kim's absolute rule at home. In August, South Koreas National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that North Koreas economy shrank each year from 2020 to 2022 and that its gross domestic product last year was 12% less than in 2016. __ Associated Press writer Jiwon Song contributed to this report. North Texas New Year's Eve celebrations to ring in 2024 DALLAS - We are just days away from ringing in 2024. Do you have your New Year's Eve plans yet? Here's a list of celebrations are being held across North Texas. Lone Star NYE in Downtown Dallas New Year's Eve celebrations are returning to Reunion Tower. There will be fireworks and a drone show near the Dallas skyline. The show will feature more than 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects and hundreds of drones. You can stream the show on your connected TV on FOX LOCAL or on FOX4News.com. Learn how to download FOX LOCAL ahead of time to watch the show at your New Year's party here. There will also be watch parties at Echo Lounge & Music Hall, Texas Ale Project, and South Side Ballroom Cowtown Countdown to 2024 at Sundance Square Fort Worth is ringing in the New Year with a special celebration at Sundance Square. The celebration runs from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. with live music, food, street performers and, of course, a fireworks show. Quimikoz, Ice House and DJ Danny West will all perform leading up to midnight. Last year there were more than 15,000 people in Sundance Square for the celebration, so it's a great place to go if you are looking to celebrate with a crowd. LEARN MORE Noon Year's Eve at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Your kids may not be able to make it until midnight, but a celebration at noon is perfect for the little one in your life! The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will open at 10 a.m. before an exciting confetti drop at noon. There will be party poppers, resolutions and other ways to celebrate. LEARN MORE Epic Family New Year in Grand Prairie Epic Waters is holding a special celebration for the new year. There will be circus performances, hula dancing, games and all kinds of water slide fun. There will be duck drops for the kids at 3 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m. and midnight. LEARN MORE Royal Masquerade Ball at The Statler The Statler Ballroom in Dallas is throwing a massive masquerade ball to bring in 2024 in style. The seventh annual celebration will have an open bar, full casino, champagne and a live DJ. LEARN MORE New Year's Eve with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is putting on a special New Year's Eve show on Sunday, December 31. DSO will play you into the new year with an evening of music to say goodbye to 2023. LEARN MORE Four Day Weekend's New Years Special 2024 Bring in the New Year with some laughs! Four Day Weekend is hosting its annual New Years Special at both its Fort Worth and Dallas locations. Your tickets come with cocktail-style dinner and a hilarious show. LEARN MORE New Year's Eve Adultiverse at Meow Wolf Grapevine Meow Wolf in Grapevine is celebrating 2024 with a very special countdown. The cosmic cabaret will have guests celebrating new era across different dimensions. In addition to the surreal art, Meow Wolf will have delicious drinks, performances and an interworldly toast. LEARN MORE FRESNO, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE) More animals have been added to the Second Chance Animal Center of Selma, according to the shelters officials. All dogs remaining in the Second Chance Animal Shelter of Selma need a home before 2024. Officials with the Second Chance Animal Shelter in Selma are encouraging residents to adopt after the Selma City Council voted not to renew their contract for animal control services. City of Selma votes to end contract with Second Chance Animal Shelter Shelter officials told YourCentralValley.com that there were 13 dogs left as of Dec. 25, 2023. As of Tuesday late afternoon, officials from the shelter say there were nine dogs left however, they picked up 12 dogs after receiving a call from the Selma Police Department, leaving them with 21 dogs. How many dogs need to be adopted at this Selma shelter? An additional update was sent Tuesday evening, and officials say they have seven dogs left. With just a few days remaining in December, the Animal Center of Selma is trying to get the remaining dogs that are left in the shelter into loving homes. Officials say the remaining dogs will be handed over to the Fresno Humane which is already over capacity. The Second Chance Animal Shelter of Selma is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and they say their adoption fees are waived, but the adopter must pay for spay/neuter. They are located at 2831 W. Front St in Selma. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. The woman credited with helping save the life of a Dayton police recruit is being honored by the city. Savannah Shediack was presented with a proclamation cementing Dec. 27 as Savannah Shediack Day for her life-saving work at Wednesday mornings City Commission meeting. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Dayton Police recruit injured in crash released from hospital today There, Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal said Shediack, who is a nurse, was on her way to work when she saw Recruit Solomon Kessio on the ground after he had been hit by a truck during a training exercise on State Route 4 on Oct. 5. Afzal said after being hit, Kessio was not breathing and did not have a pulse. On seeing that crash, Ms. Shediack, who is a nurse and was headed to work, immediately stopped and approached Recruit Kessio. She immediately began rendering aid and providing CPR, specifically chest compressions and clearing his airway. At that time Recruit Kessio began breathing, he said to those at the meeting. She said it was just natural for her to stop and help. >> RELATED: Driver of truck dies weeks after crash involving Dayton police recruits I saw him lying on the side of the road and knew I needed to step in because nobody was there at the time, Shediack said. Kessio was taken to Miami Valley Hospital with a serious head injury, as well as other injuries. He was released from the hospital a few weeks later on Oct. 24. News Center 7 reached out to Dayton Police Wednesday for an update on Kessio and is awaiting a response. Afzal and the commissioners thanked Shediack for her swift and decisive actions that saved Kessios life. A quick and calm response under pressure saved Recruit Kessios life and we are grateful that she stopped and rendered aid so quickly, Afzal said. OCALA, Fla. - The Ocala Police Department has announced a $20,000 reward for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of a man accused of shooting and killing another man inside Ocala Paddock Mall. The reward was originally set at $5,000 before being doubled earlier last week. Now, police are offering anyone who provides information regarding the whereabouts of the alleged shooter $15,000. Officials are looking for suspect, Albert Shell Jr., who is wanted on charges on premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder. Shell is accused of firing shots inside the mall Saturday around 3:40 p.m. A man later identified as 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron was found dead inside the mall. A woman was found with a gunshot wound to her leg and taken to the hospital with what police described as a non-life-threatening injury. 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 Others were injured during the chaos after the shooting erupted, police said. The hearing was also told Minev later apologised to the man and subsequently admitted causing grievous bodily harm An off-duty police officer who struck a man with a glass while on a night out has been sacked, a force has said. Manchester-based PC Niki Minev admitted drinking "significant quantities of alcohol" before causing a man "serious" facial injuries in October 2022, British Transport Police (BTP) said. The force said he admitted grievous bodily harm at Liverpool Crown Court and would be sentenced in January. He was dismissed for gross misconduct after a BTP disciplinary hearing. The hearing on 11 December was told Minev was arrested after he hit a man in the face with a glass on 8 October 2022 whilst off duty. It heard he "readily admitted he had consumed significant quantities of alcohol prior to committing the offence". "Whilst this may have led him to behave in a way which was out of character, his responsibility in allowing himself to affected by alcohol to that extent is in itself an element of his culpability," it was told. 'Harmed public confidence' The hearing was also told Minev later apologised to the man and subsequently admitted causing grievous bodily harm in court. The disciplinary panel, chaired by BTP Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi, found the allegations against Minev had been proven and amounted to gross misconduct, meaning he was dismissed without notice. Speaking afterward, Ms D'Orsi said the public expected police officers, "both on and off duty, to protect them from violent and disorderly behaviour". "PC Minev did the opposite," she said. "His violent actions caused serious and lasting injury to his victim and have harmed public confidence in policing. "There is no place in BTP for someone like that. "I had no hesitation in dismissing him without notice." Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk Suspect who stole police cruiser killed by police after reports of shooting in southwest Las Vegas LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A suspect who police say fired shots in southwest Las Vegas and stole a police cruiser before carjacking two different people was killed by police Wednesday morning, police said. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials say there was an officer-involved shooting in the area of Durango Drive and Blue Diamond Road in southwest Las Vegas. The incident began at 3:46 a.m. when dispatchers received a call about a shooting at Placid Street and Maulding Avenue in southeast Las Vegas. Sources indicated that the suspect had killed two people, although police did not confirm that information. When officers arrived, they heard shooting and took cover, police said. A police cruiser was struck in the gunfire. While officers were not injured in that shooting, the suspect was able to steal a patrol vehicle and take off. Officers pursued the stolen cruiser to the 7300 block of South Durango, where the suspect abandoned the patrol vehicle, carjacked a person, and took off again. The pursuit continued to the 8500 block of Blue Diamond, where the suspect used a firearm to carjack another person. According to police, a person remained in the vehicle with the suspect. An officer who saw the carjacking fired at the suspect before the suspect took off again. The chase continued to Windmill Lane and Durango Drive, where the suspect fired a shot. The civilian in the vehicle was injured and exited the vehicle. Officers fired at the vehicle as the suspect took off. The gunfire struck the vehicle. At Durango Drive and Agate Avenue, the suspects carjacked vehicle broke down. The suspect refused to cooperate with law enforcement. After there was no motion inside the vehicle, the Las Vegas SWAT Team arrived and determined that the suspect was dead. No officers were injured in the incident. A police cruiser near Durango Drive and Blue Diamond Road could be seen with what appeared to be bullet holes through the windshield Wednesday morning. A witness told 8newsnow.com that he saw the pursuit. Gerald Worthy, who witnessed the shooting, said he saw a truck stop at the intersection of Durango Drive and Blue Diamond Road. The driver exited the vehicle before what Worthy described as an exchange of gunfire. He described 10 or 12 shots being fired before a pause and then another seven shots. A Circle K gas station appears to be part of the crime scene and is currently cordoned off with police tape. This is a developing story. Stay with 8newsnow.com for more information as it becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The man whom an Austin police officer shot and killed in an apartment complex parking lot Tuesday was holding a BB gun, officials said Wednesday. Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson said at a press conference Tuesday that officers weren't sure whether the man had a rifle or a BB gun. Asked by the American-Statesman for clarification on the type of weapon, the department confirmed in an email Wednesday that the man had a BB gun. He was pointing the weapon at officers in the parking lot of a Northeast Austin apartment complex Tuesday afternoon, Henderson said. She added that the man, whose name had not been released as of Wednesday afternoon, yelled at the officers that he wanted police to shoot him. He died at the scene after police tried to provide first aid to him at the Bridges at Harris Ridge apartments at 1501 Howard Lane. Officers were wearing body cameras during the incident, and that video will be released within 10 days, Henderson said. Austin police are seen near an apartment complex in Northeast Austin where an officer fatally shot a man who had pointed a gun at police, according to the Austin Police Department. Officials said it turned out to be a BB gun. The officer who shot the man has worked for the Austin Police Department for 4 years and has been placed on administrative leave, in keeping with department protocol, Henderson said. At 1:18 p.m., a caller reported to 911 dispatchers that a man was firing a rifle in the apartment complex's parking lot, Henderson said. The first officer arrived at 1:25 p.m., and a second arrived a short time afterward. As two officers drove through the parking lot, one said that a man standing in the lot pointed a gun at them as they drove past, Henderson said. Several residents were walking in the parking lot at the time, Henderson said. More: Grand jury indicts Austin police officer in 2022 fatal shooting of Raj Moonesinghe The officers got out of their patrol cars at 1:27 p.m. and took cover behind them as the man continued pointing his gun at them, Henderson said. After the man yelled that he wanted officers to shoot him, the officers identified themselves as police and told him to drop his weapon, Henderson said. A police helicopter was paged to assist officers at 1:29 p.m., but an officer at the scene announced at the same time that shots had been fired and the "suspect was down," Henderson said. Austin police went to the apartment complex Tuesday after reports that a man was firing a rifle in the parking lot, according to officials. She declined to say how many shots were fired. The officers started giving first aid to the man at 1:30 p.m., and EMS was called, Henderson said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:48 p.m. There will be two investigations into the shooting: a criminal investigation involving the Police Department and the Travis County district attorney's office and an administrative review conducted by the department's internal affairs unit. Officers started giving first aid to the man at 1:30 p.m., and EMS was called, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:48 p.m. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 512-974-8640 or Austin Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. More information will be released as the investigation continues, Henderson said. The apartment complex where the shooting happened is bordered by single-family homes. In an unrelated incident, a 14-year-old girl was shot and killed at the same complex in June, police have said. Staff writer Chase Rogers contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Man fatally shot by officer in Northeast Austin had BB gun, police say Law enforcement officials will be stepping up their presence around Boston on Sunday for New Years Eve celebrations. We will have officers in abundance in and around the activities for First Night, for both day and evening, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said at a City Hall press conference Wednesday, as local officials detailed their plans to protect public safety during First Night Boston 2024. Cox said there are no credible threats for First Night, which is run by Boston Celebrations, Inc. and managed by Conventures, Inc. If you see large parties or events that seem to be getting loud and boisterous and youre concerned, please dial 911 -- thats very concerning to us, Cox added. We want to make sure that all our neighborhoods are safe. And as always, if you see something, please say something, regardless of whether youre at First Night or in our neighborhoods. Boston Fire Marshal Patrick Ellis said extra staff will be on duty to inspect bars, nightclubs and other venues holding New Years Eve celebrations to ensure theyre not overcrowded and posing blocked exit problems. Mayor Michelle Wu said more than 13 hours of family-friendly activities and programs are on the First Night schedule. Some of the festivities are relocating from Copley Square this year to the revamped City Hall Plaza for the first time, Wu said. First Night Boston 2024: Everything you need to know about the New Years Eve celebration Other performances and programming will be held inside City Hall, she said. Ice sculptures, featuring iconic Boston landmarks, will be on display throughout Sunday, according to the First Night website. We all know that public safety begins with each one of us, Wu said. So we want to remind everyone that using, selling and having fireworks is not only illegal but dangerous -- and not to consume alcohol or other substances in public spaces or prohibited private spaces. Cox urged attendees to not consume marijuana in public, and to not bring or fly drones in the area. Free events kick off at 11 a.m., according to First Night Bostons schedule. A Frog Pond figure skating show is slated for 6 p.m., as well as a parade that will start at City Hall and make its way to Boston Common. Fireworks are planned for 7 p.m. over Boston Common and at midnight over Boston Harbor. Please, you know, let the professionals do the firework shows, Ellis said. Our most vulnerable residents of the city are sometimes the children. When the children see some of the adults that they know blasting fireworks off, they think its OK for them to do it. This last Independence Day prior, we had a life-altering consequence for a child that picked up an unexploded firework. Wu encouraged New Years Eve revelers to use public transit rather than driving. The MBTA will be free on all modes, including bus and subways, after 8 p.m. Sunday. There will be additional transit police on the MBTA system, said MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green. Currently there are no known threats, credible or otherwise, that will suggest that the MBTA or this event are targets, Green said. However, we will remain in close contact with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners throughout the day and night. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW It was a week before Christmas and the house was quiet. The parents were asleep in their bed, their 21-month-old son in his crib. When suddenly a loud noise awakened Courtney Sewatsky from her sleep. She, in turn, woke husband Joe who crept downstairs. "He yelled: 'Holy [expletive].' That got me up," she explained Wednesday morning. "What I saw was the back wall (of the basement) just hanging." This photo dramatically shows how much the foundation wall of the house in Ogdensburg moved in the early morning of Dec. 18, 2023. The solid concrete wall of the basement had been pushed in and was no longer supporting the back wall of their Ogdensburg home. Their home was now uninhabitable. The future vision now is of months and possibly years fighting with an insurance company that says it won't cover the damages to the house, even though they have what they thought was comprehensive home insurance. That future also includes an estimated cost of $100,000 or more to restore the basement wall. The Sewatskys have already paid to have the rear wall of their home shored up with additional braces holding up the floor. "The (insurance) adjuster says the policy doesn't cover this kind of damage," she said. NJ news Documentary: Ending the stigma in the Black community surrounding mental health Police Chief Stephen Gordon said nobody was injured, but the rear wall of the home has continued to settle because the foundation was moved in a curve inward, with the middle of the poured concrete wall being about "a foot, foot-and-a-half" in. Family friend Alyssa Norcia has started a GoFundMe page with the goal of raising money to sustain the family which, as the page notes, faces "tremendous financial and emotional hardship as they navigate their way through this crisis." Borough Police Chief Robert Gordon said nobody was injured in the incident, which occurred about 4 a.m. on Dec. 18, and brought responses from the police, borough fire department and other emergency services. The immediate danger is under control, but what caused the foundation to move is open to several theories, ranging from work done by a previous owner to a problem seen in other nearby areas of ground settling from old mine tunnels to other, natural, causes. The borough, as well as neighboring Franklin, are home to old mines with shafts and tunnels collapsing from age, causing the earth to settle. Yet another theory is that the area on which the house, as well as the entire neighborhood was built in the late 1950s and early 1960s, had been a "tailings deposit." Tailings are the remains of the mining process after the sought-for minerals have been taken out. A picture along the back basement wall of the home shows how much the wall buckled in on the early morning of Dec. 18. The house has been condemned by the state building inspector who serves the Borough of Ogdensburg. But Gordon said the property was "just farm fields" before homes in the development were built along new streets named after presidents, such as Washington, Lincoln, Grant and Madison. The area lies near the base of Hamburg and Sparta mountains to the east and the Wallkill River to the west, which means the natural flow of ground water would be down the mountains to the river. Gordon said there has been lots of rain in the area over the past month. The National Weather Service automated station at the Sussex Airport, a couple miles northwest of the borough, had recorded nearly 4 inches of rain in the week before, including 2.4-inches that weekend. The chief said the state building inspector condemned the property, declaring it a hazard. As a result, the Sewatskys have not been allowed to get back inside. Because the borough is small, it relies on the state to provide building inspector services and that person is only at the borough hall one day a week. According to county property records the family bought the house in March 2021, for $350,000. The 1,833 square-foot house was built in 1960 and sits on a nearly half-acre corner lot. This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Ogdensburg NJ couple forced from home by collapsing wall 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. 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. Originally published by The Christian Post Nov 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, US; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost speaks with the press at the Issue One watch party hosted by Protect Women Ohio at the Center for Christian Virtue in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. Two Republican Ohio politicians report that they were victims of swatting pranks at their homes Tuesday afternoon. Ohio Attorney General David Yost and State Representative Kevin Miller confirmed their homes were targeted Tuesday afternoon and both received responses from local police. Columbus police responded to Yosts home at about 3:30 p.m. and cleared the scene. The attorney general was not home at the time of the incident. Police responded appropriately, Yosts spokesman Steve Irwin said in a statement Wednesday confirming the prank. Miller, who represents Coshocton, Perry and Licking counties, said numerous sheriffs deputies responded came to his house to investigate a report of a shooting made shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday. "Shortly after 3 pm today numerous Sheriffs Deputies responded to my residence on a false report of a shooting," Miller wrote in a post on his Facebook page. "This 'swatting incident' put several lives at risk and was a huge waste of resources. Special thanks to Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp and his team for their expeditious and professional response." Police have made no arrests in either incident. What is swatting? Swatting is a prank born in online gaming communities where someone contacts local law enforcement to falsely report an emergency in progress at someones home to elicit a police response. The practice is a form of harassment and a danger to first responders and victims, as well as a waste of emergency resources, according to the FBI. Other U.S. politicians experienced similar attacks in recent days. Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green said she was the victim of a swatting prank on Christmas. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu had a similar experience at her home the evening of Christmas. It's unknown if any of the incidents are related, or the result of copy-cat attacks. However, the FBI told ABC News that there is a nationwide spree of swatting attacks also targeting nearly 200 synagogues and other Jewish institutions and that over 30 of the 56 FBI field offices are investigating similar threats. bagallion@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio AG Yost, State Rep. Kevin Miller both victims of 'swatting' Remember Ohio's primary election is in March in 2024 due to the presidential calendar The 2024 election season is finally upon us. Ohio voters will help choose the next president, determine control of the U.S. Senate and decide who they want to represent them in Columbus and Washington. Pencil in these dates as you prepare for this year's pivotal elections. When are 2024 elections in Ohio? Presidential primary: March 19 General election: Nov. 5 Important dates to remember for Ohio primary Ohio voters decide on primary day whether they want a Republican, Democratic or unaffiliated ballot. Unaffiliated voters can only cast ballots in local or statewide issues. Here's the primary voting schedule: Feb. 20: Deadline to register to vote. Feb. 21: Early in-person voting begins. March 12: Deadline for absentee ballot applications. March 18: Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by this day. March 19: Election Day. March 23: Absentee ballots mailed on or before March 18 must arrive at boards of elections by this day to be counted. Important dates to remember for Ohio general election Add these dates to your calendar for the Nov. 5 general election: Oct. 7: Deadline to register to vote. Oct. 8: Early in-person voting begins. Oct. 29: Deadline for absentee ballot applications. Nov. 4: Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by this day. Nov. 5: Election Day. Nov. 9: Absentee ballots mailed on or before Nov. 4 must arrive at boards of elections by this day to be counted. You can register to vote online at olvr.ohiosos.gov. In-person registration is available at boards of elections, Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations, public libraries and several other locations. For more information on voting and next year's elections, visit voteohio.gov. Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio elections: Remember these dates to vote in 2024 HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A man was taken into custody in Oklahoma Tuesday evening after he reportedly made a violent threat against a Middle Tennessee hospital over the phone. The Hendersonville Police Department said it responded to a report of a threatening message received by the TriStar Hendersonville Medical Centers security office on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Authorities said the caller made odd comments about various things, adding that the caller became frustrated with the person to whom he was speaking and threatened to commit violence against people at the hospital. High-speed chase on Christmas Eve leads to arrest, drug bust in Nashville According to officials, detectives quickly determined the call came from a phone used in Oklahoma. In addition, investigators discovered the caller had contacted a hospital in Ohio hospital before reaching out to TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center. Law enforcement identified the suspect as Kyle Andrew ODell, 45, of Lone Grove, Oklahoma. With extraordinary cooperation from the Lone Grove Oklahoma Police Department, the suspect was verified to be in the State of Oklahoma, and contact was made to further the investigation, the Hendersonville Police Department said in a statement. Later that day, a Hendersonville detective reportedly obtained warrants charging ODell with making a false report (threatening violence) and harassment. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Early Tuesday evening, members of the Lone Grove Police Department and the Carter County Sheriffs Office took ODell into custody, according to authorities. He will be held as a fugitive from justice, pending extradition to Sumner County. As of this time, investigators have not revealed any ties between Odell and entities within the state of Tennessee. These crimes were perpetrated over a long distance, which is not a barrier to the prosecution of serious crimes in Sumner County, TN, the Hendersonville Police Department stated. As always, please remain aware of your surroundings and contact the police if you observe suspicious behavior. If you have any information about this case, you are asked to call the Hendersonville Police Department at 615-822-1111 or the Hendersonville Crime Stoppers at 615-594-4113. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. In December 1983, amid the heightened tensions of the second Cold War, U.S. Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and his West German counterpart, Manfred Worner, agreed on a $3 billion program (worth more than $9 billion today) to boost NATOs air defenses along the central front: the inner-German border with the Soviet-controlled eastern bloc. Four decades later, under the impression of Russias missile war against Ukraine, NATO leaders are wrestling once again with the strategic, operational and technical complexities of the air defense mission. They should revisit the 40-year-old U.S.-West German agreement for inspiration. Throughout the first half of the Cold War, ground-based air defenses, or GBAD, were postured to support NATOs Forward Defense strategy for Central Europe. Nike and Hawk surface-to-air missiles were deployed in a two-layer belt in West Germany. By the 1970s, after several improvement programs, both systems were exhausting their modernization potential, whereas the Soviet threat was steadily rising. Moreover, as NATO turned toward Flexible Response emphasizing graduated, primarily conventional options over massive nuclear retaliation there was a desire for a non-nuclear replacement of Nike. But this required greater speed, range and maneuverability of the interceptors, a leap in sensor and guidance technology, as well as improvements to command, control and communication systems. Patriot was to provide this capability upgrade to U.S. and allied ground-based air defenses. Members of the German 88th Element of Light Air Defense Artillery Battery prepare a Hawk missile unit for an emergency missile transfer at McGregor Reservation, N.M., during exercise Roving Sands on June 6, 1996. (U.S. Defense Department) With defense budgets strained by other modernization priorities, Bonn and Washington struck an elaborate cost-sharing agreement to equip West Germanys Bundeswehr with 36 Patriot fire units, ultimately boasting a total of 288 missile launchers with upward of 2,300 interceptors. Twelve fire units would be purchased by Bonn outright, and another 12 would be supplied by Washington. Twelve more would be lent to West Germany by the United States for an initial period of 10 years; all would be operated by approximately 2,000 Bundeswehr soldiers. Bonn and Washington also agreed to procure several dozen Roland fire units a Franco-German mobile short-range surface-to-air missile system to protect U.S. and West German airfields in the country. These, too, would be operated by Bundeswehr troops. The Cold War ended before all Patriot systems arrived in now-reunified Germany. In the post-Cold War period, costly air defense assets were a welcome target for cuts to military budgets across Europe. The U.S.-German-Italian Medium Extended Air Defense System development effort floundered; counter-UAV capabilities, too, received little attention. German Air Force officer Friederike Hartungs recent study provides an excellent overview of the changing role of the Bundeswehrs shrinking GBAD capability after 1990, barely able to keep running a dozen Patriot batteries and little else when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But gaps are even wider elsewhere in Europe. Russias missile and drone attacks on military and civilian targets across Ukraine, and the shock of the war more broadly, produced a hurried response from European leaders to finally follow through on NATO plans to rebuild allied air defenses. By donating various systems, they helped Kyiv erect the densest air defense bubble on the continent. But this further strained European capabilities. German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs European Sky Shield Initiative, or ESSI, attempts to aggregate demand and leverage economies of scale for off-the-shelf GBAD systems, principally Patriot and the German-produced IRIS-T SLM. While 18 of Germanys European partners signed up for the initiative to date, some criticized the choice of systems included (the French-Italian SAMP/T is not on the list, for example). Paris voiced concerns about the strategic implications of Berlins decision to purchase Israels Arrow 3 to protect against exo-atmospheric threats, worrying that it signals distrust in deterrence and could undermine strategic stability. Warsaw, meanwhile, decided years ago to modernize all layers of the Polish GBAD infrastructure. It saw no benefit from join the German-led initiative. There are several paths to further broaden and deepen European cooperation on GBAD. The new Polish government outlined in its agenda for the first 100 days to follow through on its predecessors plan to acquire six Patriot batteries and to now also join ESSI. Polands desired Integrated Battle Command System configuration for its new Patriot batteries was previously considered a technical barrier to such a move, but other Europeans early expressions of interest in the capability could pave the way, thus reducing the price tag for Warsaw and expanding the initiative with a key Eastern European ally. The 1983 agreements mechanism for U.S.-owned GBAD fire units to be operated by West German soldiers could serve as a template to move ESSI from a buyers club to a more integrated European pillar in NATOs air and missile defense architecture. Instead of deploying their own troops to the eastern front, some Western European allies might find it easier to procure the hardware and have it then be operated by Estonian, Polish or Romanian personnel. This would further incentivize standardization and move European GBAD from interoperable to interchangeable. Early European investments to expand industrial capacity for air defense systems are already benefiting Ukraine as well. A significant part of the growing production of interceptors for IRIS-T, for example, goes to Ukraine. The establishment of a tactical Patriot Advanced Capability-2 Guidance Enhanced Missile production facility in Germany will also help to replenish its stocks. But to get more urgently needed launchers and fire units there, the 1983 agreements lending model could be attractive for Ukraines partners by lowering the immediate financial burden compared to donations. Today, NATOs border with Russia is double the length of the Cold Wars inner-German dividing line. To extend an effective missile shield over the entirety of NATOs European territory or even only of front-line allies would be both technically infeasible and prohibitively expensive. European NATO allies must complement efforts to strengthen GBAD with investments in deep-strike capabilities. But to advance cooperation in these areas, they do not need to reinvent the wheel. Their archives hold plenty inspiration. Rafael Loss is the coordinator for pan-European data projects at the European Council on Foreign Relations Berlin office. He is an expert in German and European foreign and security policy, European integration, trans-Atlantic relations, and nuclear policy. Editors Note: Frida Ghitis, a former CNN producer and correspondent, is a world affairs columnist. She is a weekly opinion contributor to CNN, a contributing columnist to The Washington Post and a columnist for World Politics Review. The views expressed in this commentary are her own. View more opinion on CNN. Every year matters, every year is pivotal and every year brings surprises good and bad. But its impossible to escape the sense that the world stands near a precipice and that in 2024 we will either take a step forward, upending the world order, or a step back, returning to a version of normalcy. Frida Ghitis - CNN What will 2024 bring? Predictions are tough, especially about the future, goes the quip, a truism attributed to Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Niels Bohr, and many others. The obviousness highlights just how uncertain the future is as we learned in 2020 and how frustrating the quest for answers can be, given the magnitude of the stakes. Without a doubt, the US election is one of the dominant concerns around the globe today. I have lost count of how many people have told me during recent travels how worried and baffled they are that Americans might return former President Donald Trump to the White House. In fact, The Economist magazine declared that Donald Trump poses the biggest danger to the world in 2024, describing him as a shadow looming over us all. The election will determine whether Trumps chaotic presidency with its authoritarian traits was only a fluke of US history, or whether it is the Joe Biden presidency that amounts to no more than a four-year pause in Americas descent into authoritarian isolationism. The answer will have severe repercussions across the globe. A second Trump presidency would almost certainly be more extreme on multiple fronts. The former president has vowed to use the Justice Department to seek vengeance against his political opponents, undermining US institutions, undercutting democracy and flirting with dictatorship. These actions would strengthen those who claim that Western-style democracy is a failing system, fortifying the emerging bloc of anti-Western autocracies Russia, China, Iran and North Korea a team of tyrants that seek to challenge the Wests global influence as they, all heavily armed, threaten their neighbors. Trump has spoken enough for US allies and adversaries to understand the risks or potential, depending on your perspective of a Trump 2.0 term. And his pronouncements have led Americas allies to question how committed Washington would be to their defense if he returns to office. The former president already declared he would end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. He has questioned whether the US should defend South Korea and has alluded to countries like Japan and South Korea obtaining nuclear weapons to defend themselves. The comments about Ukraine undoubtedly caught the attention of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the autocrat Trump doesnt like to criticize, and even praised, as he encircled Ukraine. The European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said Putin will not be satisfied with a limited victory in Ukraine, especially not before the American election, which may present him with a much more favorable scenario. In other words, Putin will continue attacking, hoping a Trump victory in November would pull the rug out from Washingtons support for Kyiv, helping Russia obtain total victory over Ukraine. As countries previously under Moscows heel and others have warned, if Russia wins in Ukraine, Putin could see a path to reclaiming other parts of the former Soviet empire, perhaps trying to conquer tiny Moldova and even the Baltic states that are now members of NATO. NATO is supposed to defend all its members, but Trump has already cast doubt on whether the US would help an embattled ally. Despite the recent bipartisan approval of a bill that would ban a president from unilaterally withdrawing the US from NATO without congressional approval, the president would have wide latitude in responding to global military challenges. We see this almost daily during todays crises, as Biden has ordered US warships to the Mediterranean and the Red Sea in an effort to prevent the expansion of the war between Israel and Hamas a conflict that already threatens to become regional or repeatedly sends stern messages vowing support for Taiwan as a warning to China, whose leader just repeated his vow to reunify the island. If the US stands back as Putin pushes his neo-imperialist goals, China could be tempted to try its hand at seizing Taiwan and further bullying its neighbors. The very prospect of an emboldened China would deal a blow to nuclear non-proliferation efforts. It would also trigger global tremors of volatility. The end of Pax Americana, however flawed, would propel more midsize powers to take up arms against their rivals. And yet, Trump may not win the election. If Biden is reelected, the chances of restoring global stability are much greater. But they are far from assured. In fact, the US is just one of scores of countries set to hold elections, including important nations such as Mexico, India, Indonesia, Russia and the UK. The outcome of some are preordained; Russias election, for example, is a charade. But others could signal new directions in the years ahead. One thing we do know is that no one lives forever. Key world figures Biden, Trump, Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamanei are in their late 70s and 80s. Khamenei was said to be ill in 2022, but his office has denied the reports. We dont know who will succeed him, how radical his successor will be, or how Iranians will respond when the moment comes. Lest we forget, 2024 will also surely bring happy surprises. We dont know what (they are surprises!), but theres a considerable chance that problems could be resolved for the better. Im generally not pessimistic about the future. Today, the US is in good hands. The economy is doing remarkably well. The West, despite its challenges, is united. People everywhere prefer freedom to bondage. Many dark scenarios have a flip side, a potentially happy outcome. Much of it is up to the people making decisions, from voters to world leaders. And countless people around the planet are working to secure a better future. The very notion that we stand on the edge of the precipice can motivate us to take a step back, away from the abyss, and turn toward a more peaceful, promising path. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Editors Note: Basil A. Smikle Jr., PhD, is a professor and director of the Public Policy Program at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute of Hunter College City University of New York. He is also a former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion at CNN. In a more normal world, our national split screen displaying a fractious and fragmented Republican conference, with Democrats fairly united by comparison, might have elevated President Joe Bidens 2024 re-election prospects. Instead, he faces downward spiraling poll numbers amid a fixation over a handful of issues that I consider relatively ancillary, among them, the public hand-wringing over his age. Political strategist Basil Smikle - Frank Gutierrez Discussions about whether at 81, Biden is too old to be president, have fed a rancorous debate about the qualifications of his vice president and 2024 running mate Kamala Harris. Bidens second-in-command, a former US senator and California attorney general, is being dragged down by a barrage of tropes, the kinds of chatter that many women and racial minorities frequently confront in politics. Much of the tiresome chatter within the Washington beltway in recent months has tried to raise doubts about Harris readiness to lead, should she ever be called upon to step in for Biden. Sadly, some Democrats may be culpable in allowing those narratives to gather steam. Thats especially unfortunate because the nitpicky critiques have only served to obscure the publics appreciation of what has been a highly successful administration. Some within the party have complained that Harris is endangering the odds for victory at the ballot box next year. As some Republican trolls suggest that a vote for Biden could be a vote for Harris, who is 59, opponents of the president think they can attack him by aiming barbs at her. In reality, Democrats have no reason to soft-peddle their support for Harris. In fact, if theyre smart, theyll put Harris out front and center during the 2024 presidential campaign. Not only is she not a drag on the ticket, but Harris may prove hugely instrumental in helping clinch a victory in next years presidential race. Happily, the Biden campaign seems to finally be coming around and embracing smart ways to make the best use of Harris talents and impressive resume. She might just be the partys secret weapon heading into the 2024 election. Yes, its true that Harris is underwater broadly with voters, as is Biden. A Los Angeles Times average released this month showed that 39% of registered voters had a favorable opinion of Harris and 55% had an unfavorable opinion, roughly in line with the presidents numbers. But a New York Times/Siena College polls of battleground states released in November showed that Harris was considerably more popular than Biden among nonwhite voters and voters under the age of 30, segments of the American public whose support is indispensable if the president is to win reelection. The campaign seems to be fully aware of that: The White House announced this week that Harris will be taking the lead in the administrations messaging on abortion, which many see as one of the issues most likely to motivate women, young people and progressives to the polls. And a lot has been said about Bidens flagging support among Black and brown voters in recent polling. With Harris campaigning by his side, and out on the stump on her own, Biden will have a somewhat easier challenge getting Black voters and voters of color to come home on election day. At a time when the support of people of color is softer than it has been in some time, Harris value cannot be overstated. Her appeal to non-White voters, who vote overwhelmingly Democratic, may in fact be her greatest value to the partys 2024 prospects. Harris is a woman with Indian and Jamaican parentage who intentionally rooted herself in the Black community by attending Howard University and joining the first black Greek-letter sorority in the nation. Many voters of color are only too aware of that background and celebrate it. In contrast to pundits who seem determined to see her as a liability, Ive been saying for some time that she should be given a stronger public platform as a way of highlighting her successes. After all, a veep who is seen as competent, capable and ready to lead can only be a good thing for any presidential ticket. But its not just about the competence that she exudes: More Americans than ever view themselves with an intersectionality that will soon no longer need the validation of a White male leader to succeed. Harris has changed the permission structure within her party and among the electorate. Her outreach will be particularly important among young voters. Biden won 60% of voters under 30 in the 2020 election and this group will be critically important again to clinching a victory in 2024. In addition to next months push on abortion, the campaign is ramping up its outreach to Gen Z voters on various fronts. In September and October, Harris Fight for Our Freedoms tour took her to college campuses across eight states, in a bid to continue the administrations outreach to this vitally important group. Harris portfolio of reproductive rights, voting rights and discrimination in education is tailor-made to appeal to this cadre of voters. Another issue in her portfolio that young people care deeply about is immigration a historically thorny topic, but one she can address firsthand. In fact, when confronted at a college campus in Flagstaff, Arizona about Americas immigration policies, Harris cited her own lived experience as the daughter of an immigrant mother for how she approaches the issue. Heres another reason for Democrats to celebrate Kamala: She is the very embodiment of what the party aspires to be the kind of figure who inspired millions of people like me to enter the political arena. Jesse Jacksons prime time exhortation at the 1988 Democratic National Convention for the party to embrace the countrys diversity inspired countless GenXers like me to become politically active. Jacksons speech also gave us a front row seat to a highly impactful phenomenon: the explosion of women candidates and candidates of color running for seats at multiple levels of government accompanied by the coded language and spurious metrics used to judge their qualifications. The echoes of the kinds of criticism Harris is facing is all too familiar to me. Similar threads go back to Shirley Chisholms race for the White House in 1972, and should have been excised from our national discourse decades ago. Its the kind of pushback that is vexing and unfortunately not all that unusual when a Black woman reaches the pinnacle of political power. For leaders of color in the public and private sectors, everything from their speech, clothing and mannerisms are scrutinized. Women in particular navigate a male dominated construct of leadership and stereotypical views of femininity. These pressures also force many Black leaders to decide between race-conscious and race-neutral policymaking with a tendency toward incrementalism that drives more skepticism of motives. For Kamala Harris to have risen to historic heights in our nation, any notion of weak political and substantive bona fides should be outright dismissed. Given what a potentially important asset she is, one can only ask why she has been so underappreciated and underrated? Criticism of Harris by detractors who question her value on the Democratic 2024 ticket has not abated, despite the increasingly prominent role she has played in the Biden re-election campaign in recent months. Republicans, only too happy to exploit this opening, can cause irreparable and long-lasting damage and that wouldnt just hurt Harris. The Democratic party, and its election prospects in 2024, will suffer if the party doesnt defend her more forcefully. Even as Harris ramps up her outreach to Gen Z voters, it seems more than likely that she will face an enormous challenge: unhappiness from some young voters about the administrations position on Israel. The issue thus far has proven to be a divisive one for the party, as she works to help unify fractious elements of her party, the presidents change of tone on the war notwithstanding. Meanwhile, the vice president can offer an aspirational economic message to these young voters whose enthusiasm is blunted by an inability to financially plan for their future. Its not a panacea, but it is an important overture and a lot is riding on her success. The 2020 ticket of Biden and Harris stemmed the reclamation and retribution movement of Trumpism. The president may be equally important as a transitional leader bridging an old and new electoral coalition. And his administration can tout achievements from investments in infrastructure to increased funding for transportation to reductions in prescription drug costs. These have been bolstered in no small part by the vice presidents contributions. Democrats must embrace what Republicans have long feared: that this vice presidency is not just about advancing Washingtons parochial policymaking interests. It is also about a bridge to the partys future, helmed by one of the most unfailing party leaders there is a Black woman. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com "A ceasefire and peace - these are the two things I want for Christmas," says Brendan Metcalfe, chief executive of Friends of the Holy Land. Months of war between Israel and Gaza are taking a "terrible" toll on the entire region, with devastating consequences for people in the West Bank and Bethlehem who rely on tourism. Christmas in Bethlehem is muted this year, with pilgrimages and the usual festivities cancelled and Baby Jesus placed in the rubble instead of a manger in church nativity scenes. The timing of the war couldn't be worse for the many Christians who work in the tourism industry. "First they had the Covid lockdown, then there were all the travel restrictions after Covid, so it was only really this year that pilgrimages had started to return and business was picking up again. "Now that's all gone with the start of this terrible war between Gaza and Israel and it is very, very tough for people in the West Bank," says Brendan. Adding to the difficulties are the reported arrests of people in the West Bank since the outbreak of the war, causing Palestinians to "live in fear". Furthermore, a complete lockdown of the border with Israel has made it impossible for people left unemployed by the collapse of the tourism industry to find alternative work."Before the closure of the border, people who weren't able to find any tourism work in Bethlehem were able to go to Israel and work there as labourers. Now they can't do that so there is absolutely no work for them and they don't know where their next meal is coming from," says Brendan. With so much heartache in the land where Jesus was born 2,000 years ago, he is not surprised that the mood is "sombre" this Christmas. Friends of the Holy Land is doing what it can to help, distributing financial aid and practical support for Palestinian Christians who are out of work and struggling to put food on the table. A special song, "Hear Angels Cry", by music artists Ooberfuse and Youstina, has been helping to raise awareness and funds in the run-up to Christmas. There is also a selection of prayers for the Holy Land from across denominations that Christians are being encouraged to use. But Brendan also wants Christians to reflect on their own response to the conflict. He feels that the "unwavering support" for Israel among some Christians is only fuelling the war and should be tempered by calls for restraint and peace. Otherwise, he fears there will soon be no Christians left in the Holy Land. "The founding communities of our own Christian faith are suffering in this war. The Christians in Gaza are one of the oldest Christian communities in the world and this is the very land where Jesus walked. "Wherever you are as a Christian in the world, you must have concern for the Christian presence in the Holy Land." He is fearful that the war with Israel will push many Christians out of the Holy Land. "Many Christians have lost their homes, they've seen members of their congregation killed, and they're living in a place where even before the war it was very difficult because of Hamas. What incentive is there for them to stay? "The fact is that this community of Christians, which dates back almost to the time of Christ, is facing obliteration and what are we doing about it as Christians around the world? Not much, as far as I can see. "These places where Jesus conducted his ministry will soon become museums if we allow this to continue." Originally published by Christian Today Ukrainian servicemen listen to a prayer during a service on the front line near Vuhledar this month. (Valentyn Kuzan / Associated Press) Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has said it many times: If Western military support were to falter, the Ukrainians would continue to fight. They would do it alone if need be, their backs to the wall, at a terrifying human cost. They would be in largely the same situation they were in during the first phase of Russias full-scale invasion. After all, the Ukrainians had to wait months to more than a year for the United States to provide the weapons they needed. During those long months, the courage of the Ukrainians and the talent of their commanders were enough to hold off a Russian military whose troops still were fresh, motivated and sure of themselves. In a worst-case scenario in which Congress continues to refuse to approve the funds requested by President Biden and Europe follows suit in withdrawing support, the conflict would revert to those early stages. And the Ukrainian forces, which Ive observed for two years while making three documentaries from the front lines, would shift to a long and grueling war of resistance. But they would not lay down their arms. This war is existential. Of this I am sure. Read more: Opinion: Talks can't end the Ukraine war, because Russia lies So heres the question: Given that the war will go on, are we going to prolong the fighting or shorten it? Are we going to allow civilian deaths to pile up or try to minimize them? Will the United States, for vile political reasons, let the conflict fester and encourage authoritarian and anti-American forces throughout Europe? Or will it decide to come to the aid of its natural and reliable allies in Ukraine? What message will the country choose to send to imperial China, neo-Ottoman Turkey and an Iran racing toward the nuclear threshold? Will America welcome a multipolar world in which unchecked dictatorships once again lay down the law? Or, having abandoned its allies in Kabul, Aleppo, Erbil and Yerevan, will the country pull itself together behind Kyiv because its never too late to correct a series of mistakes? If its the latter if enough Republicans reconnect with the spirit of Reagan and enough Democrats remain faithful to that of Kennedy; if they want the worlds people to know they are right to rebel and to dream of liberal democracy then American and allied aid must urgently flow to Ukraine. Read more: Editorial: 'Ukraine fatigue' is no excuse to slow military assistance European Storm Shadow cruise missiles must be delivered to the Zaporizhzhia region to enable the men and women of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade which took the village of Robotyne last summer in bold commando operations to push south past Russian fortifications toward occupied Verbove, Tokmak, Berdyansk and the Azov Sea. Ukrainian drone pilots who have demonstrated since the early days of the war that no Russian ammunition depot, naval base or ship in Crimea is out of their reach must receive the long-range U.S. Army Tactical Missile Systems, known as ATACMS, promised since September, which they need to fully open the Black Sea. F-16s, whose arrival near Donbas is equally overdue, are an essential complement to the artillery and infantry units working to liberate the Bakhmut and Avdiivka zones and the routes in and out of Donetsk and Luhansk. To the south, in the Kherson zone, which was liberated more than a year ago by unassisted Ukrainian forces, the need is for river-crossing gear, amphibious equipment and light Bradley tanks. That would enable the Ukrainian commandos under the command of Maj. Gen. Andriy Kovalchuk to expand the operations I watched them conducting on far too small a scale to the eastern side of the Dnipro River , near the villages of Krynky, Kozachi Laheri and Korsunka. Additionally, Ukraine needs an iron dome worthy of the name to replace the mobile antiaircraft units I accompanied in makeshift pickup trucks as they chased drones headed for major Ukrainian cities, trying to shoot them down with bazookas. I have been saying since Day 1 that helping the Ukrainians close the sky is essential. Read more: Opinion: Amid the Ukraine war, are sanctions against Russia working? For the most part, these weapons are readily available in American and European stockpiles. They come at a cost, of course. But that cost is far lower than that of a defeated Ukraine, which could well embolden Russia to go after a NATO country and force a full-scale U.S. and European intervention. Our defense budgets today are half what they were during the Cold War and of what they will have to be if we allow Russia to become an offensive threat again. While we hesitate to pay our respects to international law in dollars, the Ukrainians are paying in blood. Bernard-Henri Levy is a philosopher, author and filmmaker. His latest documentary from the front lines of the war on Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, recently was released nationwide and follows two others, Slava Ukraini and Why Ukraine. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Big changes are coming to Oregon and Washington in the new year, thanks to certain laws passed earlier in 2023. Starting Jan. 1, changes are coming to some of the most urgent needs of Oregon residents, targeting the states drug crisis, retail theft, and child tax credits. One law will combat the drug crisis with bills focused on educating Oregons youth about the dangers of fentanyl and preventing overdose deaths. House Bill 2513 designed to improved the voter-approved Measure 110 will increase addiction treatment staffing and speed up funding getting out the door as lawmakers say in a bipartisan move, theyre trying to give Measure 110 a chance to succeed. Portland Police investigate fatal hit-run after pedestrian hit by two cars Weve had at least 60,000 Oregonians who have received services and that number is growing every day, Rep. Rob Nosse said. Even though weve had differing views about Measure 110, weve all been able to come together and work out and recognize the importance of making this measure a success. As retail crime continues to plague Oregon businesses, Senate Bill 340 will impose harsher penalties for those convicted of retail theft. This comes as growing theft not only harms businesses and puts employees at risk, but also drives up costs for customers. Suspect in deadly October shooting near Pioneer Place arrested In Oregon, alone, its estimated that organized retail crime has cost the state $1.4 billion in lost economic activity, Derek Sangston with Oregon Business and Industry said. Through HB 3235, the new year will introduce Oregons first child tax credit. Families earning less than $30,000 per year will get $1,000 tax credits for each child five years old or younger. Lawmakers hope it will help families in need after looking to see how tax credits have impacted other families nationwide. Giving money back to the taxpayers was one of the most effective ways to end child poverty. In Oregon we still have 15% of children living in poverty, Rep. Lisa Reynolds said. Teen driver accused in deadly Christmas Eve crash facing multiple charges In Washington, wages are at the forefront of changes in 2024. Some workers can expect a boost to their paychecks with a raise of the minimum wage to $16.28 an hour for workers 16 and older. According to the Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries, minimum pay is also increasing for rideshare drivers with companies like Uber and Lyft. In trips outside of Seattle, drivers will earn 38 cents per passenger platform minute and $1.31 per passenger platform mile or $3.37, whichever is greater. Heres a full list of new laws going into effect in 2024. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. OTTAWA COUNTY A new director of veterans affairs appears to have been named for Ottawa County, after the county board opted to expand the department despite heavy criticism. Jason Schenkel, 50, of Grand Haven Township, announced on social media he's been hired to lead the department after the Ottawa Impact board majority opted to expand it by more than $240,000, criticizing the service quality currently provided to local veterans. More: Ottawa County commissioners discuss potential budget changes Board Chair Joe Moss and Vice Chair Sylvia Rhodea lead the board's Ottawa Impact majority, a group of far-right fundamentalists disgruntled over school mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group currently controls seven seats on the 11-member board. "I'm excited to start my new job," Schenkel wrote on LinkedIn last week. "This role gives me the ability to continue to serve our veterans and families of West Michigan. I get to stay in the space that gives me a full heart." Jason Schenkel Rhodea championed the idea to expand the department during the budget planning process for the new fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. She argued the county needed a new director and additional funds because "the needs of our veterans are actually being met by Kent County and Muskegon County." "There have been a number of individuals who are concerned about the level of services," Rhodea said during one finance work session in August. "I hear ... there may be some people who are satisfied, but I can tell you there are also people who are not satisfied and we can do better." Previous veterans services director Loren Snippe, however, said current staffing and programming are meeting needs adequately in Ottawa. More: Ottawa County VA staff say all needs are being met with current resources Veterans services are county-specific, he said, and can only be provided by the veterans county of residence. The only exceptions are federal VA services facilitated by VSOs (Veterans Service Officers). Following the changes, the current staff terminated their contract with the county, effective Dec. 31. This embedded content is not available in your region. Schenkel is a 2015 graduate of the University of Arkansas Grantham with an emphasis in multidisciplinary studies. He's a veteran of the U.S. Army. He most recently worked remotely from Michigan as a military engagement program manager for the Nashville, Tennessee-based Yellow Trucking Co. which announced in August it was closing and filing for bankruptcy. Holland Freight was among the subsidiaries shuttered by the move. On his profile, Schenkel describes himself as a "talent acquisition leader who excels at building teams and understands internal business partner relationships." Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage "I have managed relationships with nonprofits, for-profit, and government agencies," he wrote. "I have set up a veteran employee resource group from scratch and got folks excited to be a part of the group. I was elected to our corporate (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) advisory board because I understand the importance of culture and how it affects the bottom line." Schenkel is also a member of the employment committee of the West Michigan Veteran Coalition. County Communications Director Shannon Felgner was out of the office this week and could not confirm the hire. To learn more about the department and its services, visit miottawa.org/departments/veteransaffairs. Sarah Leach is executive editor for The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at sarah.leach@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @SentinelLeach. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Ottawa County hires new veterans affairs director Older people who live alone, but who own pets, suffer less memory decline than those without animals - ADAMKAZ/E+ Pets are known to improve fitness levels but they also help keep the mind active in later life too, according to a study. Chinese researchers have found that older people who lived alone, but who owned pets, suffered less memory decline over a decade than those without animals. Intriguingly, they found no benefit of owning a pet when people lived with others, suggesting that animals may be filling an important gap which offsets the absence of humans, and may be particularly helpful following the death of a partner or spouse. Researchers from the University in Guangzhou studied 7,945 people enrolled in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, looking to see how much mental decline they had suffered between 2010 and 2019. The team tested verbal memory the ability to remember information presented verbally, verbal fluency the ability to come up with words, and verbal cognition the ability to understand words and concepts. Worst mental decline The results showed those living on their own saw the worst mental decline but this was completely offset if a single person cared for a pet. Writing in the journal Jama Network Open, Dr Yanzhi Li, the lead author, said that loneliness was a known risk factor for dementia and memory decline and pets may help protect against social isolation in later life. It is worth noting that compared with pet owners living with others, pet owners living alone did not show faster rates of decline in verbal memory or verbal fluency, he said. These findings preliminarily suggest that pet ownership might completely offset the association of living alone with faster rates of decline in verbal memory and verbal fluency among older adults. Pet ownership constitutes a simple change. Therefore, randomised clinical trials should explore whether pet ownership can slow the rate of cognitive decline, especially in older adults living alone. If randomised clinical trials confirm our findings, pet ownership may help in slowing cognitive decline and preventing dementia. The study did not specify what kind of pets were kept by the participants but experts believe that as well as increasing activity levels, which is known to protect the brain, animals also prevent older people from feeling lonely. Loneliness is known to be a risk factor in developing cognitive decline and dementia but the number of people living alone is growing with nearly one third of British households now having only a single occupant. Early onset dementia A study released earlier this week from the University of Exeter and Maastricht University found that social isolation is one of several risk factors for early-onset dementia. Previously it was thought that genetics was the sole cause of dementia in younger people. But the team found that depression and loneliness also play a role alongside health issues, poverty, and low education. Sebastian Kohler, a professor of neuroepidemiology at Maastricht University, said: We already knew from research on people who develop dementia at older age that there are a series of modifiable risk factors. In addition to physical factors, mental health also plays an important role, including avoiding chronic stress, loneliness and depression. The fact that this is also evident in young-onset dementia came as a surprise to me, and it may offer opportunities to reduce risk in this group too. Dr Leah Mursaleen, the head of clinical research at Alzheimers Research UK, added: Were witnessing a transformation in understanding of dementia risk and, potentially, how to reduce it on both an individual and societal level. 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. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has called the ongoing Israeli onslaught in the Gaza Strip more than a war of annihilation and blamed the United States for its continuation. Our people have not seen [before] such a war even in the 1948 Nakba, Abbas said, using an Arabic term referring to Palestinians mass displacement during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Those who go to Gaza cannot recognize it now, the head of the Palestinian Authority (PA) told Egyptian TV in an interview aired late on Tuesday. Unfortunately, whenever the world, the [UN] Security Council and the General Assembly try to stop this war, the US uses the veto and refuses to stop fighting, he said. If the US wanted, it could make a gesture to Israel and Israel would stop it. We say to the Americans what is going on is happening with your support. According to Abbas, the Gaza Strip, an impoverished enclave of around 2.3 million people, needs tens of billions of dollars to be rebuilt. Gaza is living a very big Nakaba, he said. The PA ruled the strip until Islamist Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007 in what Abbas called a coup. A Helicopter fires a rocket along the southern border of Israel and Gaza as fighting between Israeli troops and Islamist Hamas militants continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa An Israeli armoured personnel carrier (APC) driving along the southern border of Israel and Gaza as fighting between Israeli troops and Islamist Hamas militants continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa A cloud of smoke rises over the Gaza Strip as fighting between Israeli troops and Islamist Hamas militants continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa It's been a year that Pamela Ballantine is keen to turn the page on. In her own words, 2023 didn't exactly pan out the way she had planned - after a cancer diagnosis in 2022 it's been a year of treatment and surgery. But the broadcaster tells BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme that she has high hopes for 2024. While Ballantine has a few more months of treatment, she's "looking forward to lots more travelling and chatting to loads more people on UTV". She told William Crawley she still received injections every three weeks, but is doing "really well". 2024 will also mark her 40th anniversary at Ulster Television and while she sees a retirement in the future, it won't be her own. "In the new year on telly, Helen will be retired," she jokes. The Helen she's referring to is the wig she wore after losing her hair through chemotherapy - named after Dame Helen Mirren. "Helen is pretty much retired, she comes out every now and then when I feel I need to look a bit more like me," she said. "Occasions when you know a photograph will be taken and you don't want to look back and go: 'That's when I had cancer.'" Looking back over her career, Ballantine recalls the "painfully shy" schoolgirl sent to Evendine Court School "for young ladies". "I never wanted to go to university, didn't know what I wanted to do, so I did a year of A-levels and then mum and dad had heard of a school that a friend of theirs had gone to way back - as Julian [Simmons] would say nineteen hundred frozen to death - and it was basically a finishing school. "I remember sitting there and the first night having a good word with myself: 'You are going to have to go downstairs and talk to people and if you don't, you're going to have a miserable year.' "A lot of people who are introverted, you just start making up for it and become quite extrovert." At the end of her year there, it was back to Belfast and a secretarial course at the College of Business Studies. 'I have been so lucky' Then at 19, Ballantine got her first job as a personal assistant at Downtown Radio. "I was very happy in the background doing the secretarial work because Downtown was only two or three years old and everybody worked in every department so you helped out, wherever you could. "They didn't have designated newsreaders as such and one day they went: 'Oh, the journalists are out covering stories - that new secretary, she can speak a bit - read that news bulletin.' "My contract said anything to assist the smooth running of programming - they gave me a programme at five o'clock in the morning." The rest, as they say, is history. "I get embarrassed when people asked me to go to a careers convention - I have been so lucky to be in the right place right time." You can listen to the full Talkback Special with Pamela Ballantine on BBC Radio Ulster at midday on 27 December and on BBC Sounds. South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, who starred in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been found dead, the countrys emergency office said on Wednesday. He was 48 years old. He was found unconscious in his car near Waryong Park in central Seoul on Wednesday, the Yonhap news agency reported. Police confirmed Lees identity following a search initiated by the actors manager, who contacted them. Lees wife, Jeon Hye-jin, had reportedly found a suicide note after he left home, Reuters said. Police are investigating whether the actor took his own life. Lee was under investigation over illegal drug use amid an ongoing government crackdown on narcotics, according to Yonhap. Lees agency, Hodu & U Entertainment, issued a statement on Wednesday, urging the media to refrain from making any malicious comments or spreading false information. The funeral will take place privately with family members and close friends in attendance, the statement read. Stringent drug laws are in place in South Korea, with offences generally resulting in a minimum prison sentence of six months. Repeat offenders and individuals involved in drug dealing may face penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment. Lee (left) with Kim Hee-won and Ju Ji-hoon in Cannes on 22 May 2023 (AP) Lee had been subject to three rounds of police questioning over suspected use of marijuana and other illicit drugs, according to reports. The alleged incidents took place at the residence of a hostess employed by a high-end bar in Seouls Gangnam district on several occasions since the beginning of this year, including last Saturday, Yonhap reported. After 19 hours of police interrogation overnight on Saturday, Lee reportedly asked for a lie detector test to ascertain the truth between him and the hostess. The woman, in her twenties, claimed that Lee had used drugs at her residence on multiple occasions, according to the Korea Herald. The newspaper also reported that Lee had filed a complaint against the woman, alleging that she had blackmailed and extorted 350 million won ($270,000) from him. In November, he tested negative for drugs during a police investigation. The actor had leading roles in South Korean movies, including the 2012 thriller Helpless and the 2014 film All About My Wife. He also starred in Oscar-winning Parasite as Park Dong-ik, the rich familys father. The 2019 comedy thriller became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020. The movie won four Oscars, plus a Golden Globe, a Bafta and a Screen Actors Guild award. In 2021, Lee had the main role in Dr Brain, Apple TV+s inaugural Korean-language original series. This six-episode, sci-fi thriller revolves around Koh Se-won, a stoic neurologist, as he endeavours to uncover clues to a mysterious family accident through the use of intricate brain experiments. Additional reporting with agencies. This article has been updated If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you Lee Sun-kyun had been under investigation for alleged drug use since October - Getty Images Europe South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, was found dead on Wednesday in an apparent suicide. The 48-year-old was discovered unconscious in a car in one of Seouls main parks. He had been under investigation for alleged drug use since October and faced police questioning three times. The actor had said he was tricked into taking drugs by a bar hostess trying to blackmail him, South Koreas Yonhap news agency reported. Lees death sparked an immediate backlash from fellow actors and fans, some of whom said it was the latest instance of a South Korean artist being shamed to their grave. Police said they found Lee during a search triggered by a report that he had left home after writing what appeared to be a suicide note. Police outside a car in which the body of South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun was found at a park in central Seoul - YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images Infringements of South Koreas tough drug laws can lead to six months in jail, or up to 14 years for repeat offenders and dealers. Lee, who was married to actress Jeon Hye-jin and had two young sons with her, had been accused of using marijuana and ketamine with a hostess at a bar in Seouls Gangnam district and at her house. The investigation prompted extensive tabloid coverage. Lee insisted that he did not knowingly use illicit substances, though admitted to taking what the hostess had given him, according to Yonhap. The woman was arrested last month after Lee filed a complaint against her and another individual, accusing them of blackmailing him. Police have reportedly sought an arrest warrant for the other individual. Lee was last seen in public on Sunday morning as he returned home from 19 hours of police questioning over his alleged drug use. He was previously interrogated by officers on Oct 28 and Nov 4 and had reportedly requested through his lawyer to take a lie detector test. I feel like it is a bit too late, but Ive finished the questioning by the police about the blackmail case, the actor told reporters as he left an office of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Department, about 30 kilometres west of Seoul, the capital. I hope the police wisely determine which statements are more reliable between mine and the blackmailers. Lee Sun-kyun, centre, had leading roles in South Korean films - LOIC VENANCE/AFP His lawyer said Lee was feeling burdened by the investigation, which reportedly saw multiple drug tests return negative or inconclusive results. The hostess had allegedly told police that the actor used drugs at her home multiple times. Police said they regretted that Lee had died amid their investigation, but that the inquiry had been conducted with [his] consent, local media reported. South Korea has long had the highest suicide rate among developed countries and has experienced a string of celebrity suicides involving K-pop stars, prominent politicians and business executives. Journalist Kim Dae-o, who has covered 30 suicides during her three-decade-long career, said in 2020 that the Korean entertainment industry bears responsibility for treating stars as commodities from whom a few powerful agencies can squeeze as much income in as short a time as possible. Stars are typically held to high standards of propriety and Lee himself enjoyed a reputation as a family man prior to the drug use allegations emerging. The claims did considerable harm to his public standing and led to him being dropped from a major K-drama in late October. South Koreas stigma culture Lees agency, HODU&U Entertainment, said there was no way to contain the sorrow and despair over his death. We respectfully ask that you refrain from spreading false facts based on speculation... so that [Lees] final journey will not be unfair, it said in a statement. News of his death also triggered strong reactions online. Korean media has killed more artists in my lifetime than I can count, and it is exactly this stigma culture that will continue to isolate and shame people to their graves, one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Actor Lee Ji-hoon said: I feel dizzy and scared. He [Lee] wondered if the words of people who had neither experienced nor been there were really fair. News, YouTube, exaggerated rumours, those damn netizens, witch hunts. Who evaluates whom? Are they living well without a single bit of shame? Stop pushing it, he added. The investigation into Lee came amid a crackdown on drug use led by Yoon Suk Yeol, the South Korean president, which has seen the countrys police chief promise a total war on offenders. Lee, born in 1975, had leading roles in South Korean films such as Helpless, the 2012 thriller, and All About My Wife, in 2014, as well as My Mister, the acclaimed 2018 TV series. But it was his role as the father in Parasite, South Koreas first feature to win an Oscar, that launched him to international stardom. A dark-comedy thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite won the 2020 Academy Award for best picture, the first non-English language movie to do so. It was also judged the best original screenplay and best international feature film, while Bong won the award for best director. Bong hailed its popularity as a sign that the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles was no longer a stumbling block to global success. In the film, Lee played the character of Mr Park, whose affluent home is infiltrated by members of a lower-class family posing as highly qualified domestic workers in a tangled scheme that ends in violence. 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. South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead Wednesday (ANGELA WEISS) South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead Wednesday in an apparent suicide, Yonhap news agency reported. The actor was discovered inside a vehicle at a park in central Seoul, Yonhap reported, citing police. Lee, 48, had been under police investigation over his alleged use of marijuana and other psychoactive drugs. Once celebrated for his wholesome image, local news outlets reported that the actor was being dropped from television and commercial projects following the scandal. A graduate of South Korea's prestigious Korea National University of Arts, Lee made his acting debut in 2001 in a television sitcom titled "Lovers". He later won acclaim for his performances in a variety of roles, including a charismatic chef and a diligent architectural engineer who learns his wife cheats on him. Globally, he is best known for his portrayal of the wealthy and shallow patriarch in director Bong Joon-ho's 2019 Oscar-winning film "Parasite". His last film, this year's horror flick "Sleep" -- in which he played a husband whose sleepwalking eventually leads to horrifying circumstances -- was well-received critically and featured in the Critics' Week section at the Cannes festival. He briefly spoke to reporters in late October before entering an Incheon police station to meet with investigators. "I sincerely apologise for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident," he said at the time. "I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment. "Once again, I sincerely apologise to everyone." South Korea has extremely tough laws on illegal drugs, with even Koreans who take drugs like marijuana legally abroad risking prosecution upon returning to their home country. This year, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for more stringent measures to eliminate drug traffickers, saying the country was no longer "drug-free". He is survived by wife and actress Jeon Hye-jin and two sons. cdl/cwl South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead Wednesday (LOIC VENANCE) South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known globally for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead in Seoul on Wednesday, police said. The 48-year-old actor was found inside a vehicle parked on the street in the capital's mid-northern Seongbuk district, an official from the Seongbuk police station told AFP. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing police, that Lee had left a "note that reads like a will". He had been under police investigation over his alleged use of marijuana and other drugs. A series of entertainment industry events in South Korea were announced as cancelled on Wednesday in order to pay condolences to the late actor. Filmmaker Byun Young-joo, who collaborated with Lee on her 2012 thriller "Helpless", honoured his memory by sharing a pitch-black image on her Instagram account. Actress Claudia Kim, also known as Soo Hyun, wrote on the social media platform that Lee's death was "a loss of great talent" for the industry. "Everyone deserves to be forgiven for their mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance," she wrote. - 'Praiseworthy in "Parasite"'- Once celebrated for his wholesome image, local news outlets reported that the actor was being dropped from television and commercial projects following the scandal. A graduate of South Korea's prestigious Korea National University of Arts, Lee made his acting debut in 2001 in a television sitcom titled "Lovers". He later won acclaim for his performances in a variety of roles, including a charismatic chef and a genius neuroscientist who is incapable of empathy. Lee received widespread critical acclaim for his performance in the 2018 TV drama series "My Mister", for his portrayal of a diligent architectural engineer. Globally, he is best known for his role as the wealthy and shallow patriarch in director Bong Joon-ho's 2019 Oscar-winning film "Parasite". He was also recognised for his performances in romance flicks, such as the 2007 TV drama "Coffee Prince" and the 2012 film "All About My Wife". Lee made appearances in South Korea's internationally acclaimed filmmaker Hong Sang-soo's movies, such as "Our Sunhi" (2013) and "Oki's Movie" (2010). His latest released film, this year's horror flick "Sleep" -- in which he played a husband whose sleepwalking eventually leads to terrifying circumstances -- was well-received and featured in the Critics' Week section at the Cannes festival. Devastated fans expressed their grief on social media, with one user writing on X: "I laughed and cried a lot while watching your acting. Thank you." Renowned Korean-American writer Min Jin Lee also expressed her condolences. "Lee was praiseworthy in 'Parasite' and exceptional in 'My Mister,'" she wrote on Instagram. "May he be remembered for his excellent work and creative gifts." - 'Great disappointment' - Lee's reputation suffered a significant blow when South Korean authorities launched an investigation into his alleged drug use in October. He had been suspected of using illicit drugs at the residence of a hostess employed at a high-end bar in Seoul. According to Yonhap, the actor asserted that he was "tricked" by the hostess into consuming the drugs and was unaware of what they were. Lee had tested negative for drugs twice, during police investigations and in a lab test last month, the news agency reported. He had also lodged a complaint against two individuals, including the hostess, alleging that they had blackmailed him and extorted money from him. From December 23 to 24, he attended his third police investigation session, which lasted 19 hours, Yonhap reported. He briefly spoke to reporters in late October before entering a police station in Incheon to meet with investigators. "I sincerely apologise for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident," he said at the time. "I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment. Once again, I sincerely apologise to everyone." South Korea has extremely tough laws on illegal drugs, with Koreans who take drugs such as marijuana legally abroad risking prosecution upon returning to their home country. The Seongbuk police official said authorities believed his body had been taken to the Seoul National University Hospital. Lee is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin and two sons. cdl/sco 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." Originally published by Christian Today New York has its 12,000-pound, Waterford crystal-encrusted ball in Times Square; Miami a 35-foot, orange dubbed Mr. Neon complete with sunglasses; and Hilton Head, a giant golf ball. A New Year's Eve pinata at 663 Main Avenue in Passaic before a test run on Thursday, December 29, 2022. For those without the wherewithal to stand in Times Square for six or more hours or the means to get to any of the hundreds of other cities that raise or lower items come midnight on Dec. 31, no worries, the city of Passaic says it welcomes all comers for its pinata drop. More: Tommy DeVito shows up at Morristown pizzeria, makes peace after fees controversy "We get people coming from Garfield, Wallington, Clifton," Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said, "as well as people who have flown in to spend the holiday with family." A New Year's Eve pinata is unloaded at 663 Main Avenue in Passaic before a test run on Thursday, December 29, 2022. Since 2018, Passaic lowers an 11 foot wide pinata that spews confetti on the crowd that gathers in and around the 663 Main Ave. building during its descent. The pinata was the brainchild of Lora, who said each year more and more families are turning out to join the fun, making Passaic one of two New Jersey towns (the other is Hammonton, which lowers a blueberry) that offer residents a chance to come together and celebrate the advent of another year. The City of Passaic prepares for the New Year's Eve pinata drop on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. (From left) Passaic Deputy Chief Louis Gentile, DPW Supervisor Robert Urena and Javier Clara, an owner of 3Reyes Dulcelandia candy shop and pinata maker. "People initially wondered why we were doing this," Lora said. "Now it has become a tradition." Unlike New York, he said Passaic's celebration is low key and easier to navigate. The fun is scheduled to start around 8 p.m. Music provided by bands like Grupo Macao, The Valerie Adams Band, as well as DJ Reymo are meant to keep the mood lively. For food, in addition to the city's scores of restaurants like Mama Sushi, located at 663 Main Ave., the city is making room for about a half dozen food trucks, and libations will also be available. "People party all night and some to 5 in the morning," Lora said. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Passaic NJ pinata drop will kick off 2024 Passengers had valid visas, says lawyer for charter airline in donkey flight investigation Passengers on a flight that was grounded in France for four days over suspicions of human trafficking had valid documents and visas, a lawyer for Romania-based charter carrier Legend Airlines said. The airlines Airbus A340 arrived in Mumbai, India on Tuesday carrying 276 passengers after its original flight to Nicaragua from the UAE was grounded in rural Vatry, in the Champagne region, where it had stopped to refuel. The Nicaragua-bound passengers, most of whom were from India, were held after authorities received an anonymous tip-off that some passengers might be victims of human trafficking. French authorities were investigating allegations that it could be a donkey flight, a term used when migrants attempt to reach countries such as the US, UK and Canada by first landing in other nearby countries with less strict entry requirements. A lawyer acting for Legend Airlines, Liliana Bakayoko, told the Indian Express newspaper that a non-European company had chartered the aircraft, but refused to disclose any further details. The flight was chartered by a company whose name I wont disclose at this stage because Legend Airlines wants to protect its clients, she said. The flight was operated as a charter flight. The client hired the plane, hired the crew, and chose the starting point and the arrival point. The lawyer said that some very high authority had provided an anonymous signal about [the possibility of] human trafficking. Indian passengers who travelled to France on a Legend Airlines Airbus A340 arrive at an airport in Mumbai after their flight was grounded in France for four days (AP) Men, women and children, including a baby, were among the passengers, she said. So, families, entire families are also there. Many were in possession of valid ID documents, valid tickets, and valid visas. And some of them even had return tickets and hotel reservations, she added. So, for now, we have absolutely no proof that any of the passengers intended to go beyond Nicaragua to the United States or Canada, or to any other country. The plane was grounded for four days in rural France (AP) Indian nationals are required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to Nicaragua. Of the 303 passengers who took off from the UAE on the original flight, 25 requested asylum in France, including some minors. Two passengers were initially detained as part of a human trafficking investigation, but were released after appearing before a judge, the Paris prosecutors office said. The lawyer said India was the only country that expressed the willingness to help and to act quickly to take the passengers after the UAE refused to take them back. There were chaotic scenes at Vatry airport last week as police took over the facility and the terminal filled up with media and local officials. Volunteers installed cots and ensured that regular meals and showers were provided for those being held there. The airport turned into a makeshift courtroom on Sunday as judges, lawyers and interpreters carried out emergency hearings to determine the next steps. WEST PALM BEACH Travelers using Palm Beach International Airport have consistently dealt with flight delays of two hours or more this week because of heavy air traffic volume, the Federal Aviation Administration reported. The FAA put a ground delay in place at PBIA for the third consecutive day Thursday, Dec. 28, in an attempt to limit air traffic in South Florida. As a result, flights travelers headed to and from the airport were experiencing an average delay of 70 minutes. Thursday's ground delay at PBIA was expected to last through the early evening, according to an alert on the FAA's website. More than 80 arriving and departing flights at PBIA were experiencing delays Thursday afternoon, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. Travelers using Palm Beach International Airport have met with delays of two hours or longer during Christmas Week 2023 because of FAA-ordered ground delays. Headed west? JetBlue to again offer nonstop flights to Los Angeles from Palm Beach International Airport "We advise everyone to check with their airline before coming to the airport," PBIA spokesperson Joe Harrington said in an email Wednesday to The Palm Beach Post. "They may also want to download their airlines app and sign up for any alerts offered. Passenger volumes are also significant this time of year so everyone should allow themselves plenty of time to park and go through security." Federal officials put a similar delay in place Tuesday, Dec. 26, that affected multiple airports in Florida as passengers began their post Christmas holiday travel. Travelers at PBIA reported delays that day of four hours or more. The FAA expected Tuesday to be the third busiest day for Christmas-related air travel with more than 41,000 flights scheduled nationally. More than 100 flights to and from PBIA were affected by delays Wednesday, with four flights being canceled. The FAA did not issue an alert for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, but there were still significant delays reported there Wednesday with more than 300 flights into and out of the airport being delayed, and seven outbound and inbound flights being canceled. The FAA reported on its website that southbound flights approaching a constrained area near Jacksonville would be delayed on average for 88 minutes Wednesday, or rerouted due to airspace volume. Meanwhile, southeast flights crossing the Gulf of Mexico were delayed on average for six minutes, according to the FAA. JetBlue's new home: A closer look at Fort Lauderdale airport's future $400 million terminal The delays and cancellations follow a report that called Florida airports, including PBIA, among the least reliable in the nation for on-time takeoffs and landings. The report issued by the private aviation booking platform Jettly found that about 30% of PBIA's 217,000 flights from January through August 2023 experienced some sort of issue. The report noted that several problems beyond an airport's control, such as nationwide shortages of pilots, mechanics and air traffic controllers, can affect flight delays and cancellations. A winter storm that brought blizzard conditions across the Midwest this week is forecast to bring wintry conditions to portions of the southern United States, potentially causing more disruptions ahead of the weekend, according to Accuweather.com "As a disturbance drops into the storm and as the air turns colder from Friday night to Saturday, snow showers will become more frequent over the southern Appalachians," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said. "This is when parts of northern Georgia, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, eastern Kentucky, West Virginia and northern and western Virginia stand the best chance of a small accumulation." Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Long delays at PBIA this week amid heavy air traffic to South Florida VISALIA, Calif. (KGPE/KGPE) A woman was killed after she was hit by a vehicle reversing over the sidewalk as it was backing out of a driveway in Visalia, according to the Visalia Police Department. Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, Visalia Police Department Officers say they responded to the 3900 block of West Vine Avenue for medical aid. After arriving on the scene, police officers learned that a vehicle backed out of a driveway and unintentionally struck a pedestrian crossing its path on the sidewalk. Police say the pedestrian was transported to the hospital where she died of her injuries. The driver remained on the scene and was cooperative. The Visalia Police Department Traffic Unit responded and is investigating the collision. Drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor, officers say. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. Krystle Terry sits on a rocking chair on the patio of The Dream Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Terry, alongside her two children, left her home following a domestic violence-charged relationship. Until two weeks ago, Krystle Terry was one of those unhoused individuals wondering how she would keep herself and her two children warm as winter steadily approached. After courageously deciding to leave a domestic violence-charged relationship, she found herself on the streets of Mason, Tennessee with her eight and 11-year-old children. "I chose to leave everything. I had a car. I had a home. I had nice things, but I wanted me and my children to have a life rather than to have those things," Terry said. "There was many nights where I wanted to go back, but God kept telling me there's something somewhere that's going to help you." The Terrys experienced a five-week-long spell of being without stable shelter. Bouncing between houses and being on the street, her children's school attendance was hindered by their lack of a secure address. 'My heart is just so full': Dream Center reopens its doors, sheltering women and children "I was panhandling and getting people to help me with money to take care of my children," she said. "We were in the cold for a couple of days I hate to say it, that makes me feel like a bad mom but that's what was going on. I was panhandling enough money for us to stay [in a hotel] for a night or two then we were back in the cold again." In the absence of such worry, she is now benefitting from the services and shelter of the Dream Center in Jackson and praises the help of its Executive Director Gail Gustafson. "Me and my kids were in the cold, didn't have a place to go, and she was nice enough to take me and my babies in," Terry said. "I left everything. We came in here carrying everything on our backs and Miss Gail took us in," Terry recalled the haunting thought of not knowing where to turn. "'It's getting cold' is all I could think about, trying to keep my children warm and fed, not even really thinking about myself, just with my children, and it being cold outside, like where would I go," she said. As temperatures continue to drop amid the commencement of winter, other local organizations are helping Jackson's unhoused population stay sheltered and warm. Krystle Terry stares outside a window as she stays at The Dream Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Terry, alongside her two children, left her home following a domestic violence-charged relationship. Expanding options In December 2020 when a member of Jackson's unhoused population lost his life in an ice storm, concerted efforts about how the city could expand its shelters and services promptly began. A project three years in the making since the tragedy, the city broke ground on a men's homeless shelter on April 19. Jackson: First homeless shelter for men breaks ground in Jackson "We were looking at the same time in 2019 of how do we start exploring this opportunity, and then it really expedited in a tragic situation in 2020 when one of our citizens froze to death next to the Civic Center," said Jackson Mayor Scott Conger after the groundbreaking. Located on McCorry Street and centrally located near other local homeless resources, it will be the first shelter exclusively for men that Jackson has had in 25 years. The project is a multi-entity collaboration between Jackson Housing Authority, Tennessee Homeless Solutions', Jackson City Council, Housing and Urban Development, Henson Construction Services, TLM Associates and the Greater Jackson Chamber. More: Jackson receives $1.6 million federal grant to help tackle homelessness At the groundbreaking, Conger commended council members and a number of organizations for their initiative in recognizing the need for a new shelter and prioritizing quality of life for Jacksonians. "The importance of this homeless shelter is giving people an opportunity," he said. "The goal is 30 to 45, but up to 90 days to provide that transitional opportunity and give people that foundation so they can move out from homelessness into a home." Construction is scheduled to begin in spring and expected to be fully operational by next winter, housing between 16 and 20 men with plans to expand capacity when COVID-19 restrictions ease. In the week following the groundbreaking, Jackson received $1,666,357 in federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for addressing unsheltered homelessness as part of the Continuum of Care (CoC) initiative. At the presentation of the check, Tennessee Homeless Solutions Executive Director Amy McDonald detailed that a little over $1 million will be used by THS to offer support services for those, who will reside in the new homeless shelter. Dream Center Executive Director Gail Gustafson (left) poses for a pictures with resident Krystle Terry on December 12, 2023 in Jackson, Tenn. Where to go in winter The Dream Center opened its door at a new location on Nov. 2 and Gustafson says she currently serves 46 women and children, offering "just about anything that's going to help you become physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and financially stable." When asked what living at the Dream Center has provided her, Terry's answer was simple. "Peace of mind and stress off my heart, especially for my children because my children worry when I worry, and I don't want that on anybody," Terry said. In years past, Gustafson explained that the number of women she served consistently spiked during the colder months, stating that "there's always a big increase in the winter." Krystle Terry stands outside The Dream Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Terry, alongside her two children, left her home following a domestic violence-charged relationship. Yearly conversations of encouraging coat donations to keep residents warm are one of the ways the Dream Center prepares to serve residents in the winter. "We've got to make sure we've got shoes and coats because people come in sometimes with just a Walmart bag, or they still got summer clothes," Gustafson said. Other organizations, nonprofits, and churches in Jackson also offer options for the unhoused year-round. In partnership with local churches, Area Relief Ministries offers the "Room in the Inn" program in which unhoused individuals are guaranteed a safe night's sleep at one of the 25 participating churches. People huddle outside the Area Relief Ministries building in Downtown Jackson as they seek a room inside on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. ARM's day center at 108 South Church Street in downtown operates year-round providing resources like case management, chapel services and job training. In what McKinnie described as a "low-demand" center, participants are encouraged to sign in and out for safety purposes but are otherwise free to come and go as they please. ARM Executive Director Fred McKinnie says that programs like Room in the Inn provide essential shelter and security for those who would otherwise be left to wonder where they'd sleep that night. In its 17th year, Room in the Inn operates from Nov. 1 through April 30 and services between 20 and 25 men nightly. He added that ARM helps its highest volume of participants between the end of November and through February. Those enrolled in the program check out a cot and sleeping bag from the ARM office to be returned the following morning and are then transported to church facilities where they have access to food, showers and medical care. "You have a consistent group, but we have new people coming in every day," McKinnie said. McKinnie noted that the number of participating churches is half of what it was five years ago and encourages more to get involved. "Our main thing is churches determine how many men we can take a night, so really our plea is for more churches and volunteers because more churches and volunteers mean more men we could serve," McKinnie said. "Our goal is to not turn away anyone." This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: How Jackson officials, nonprofits are addressing homelessness The entrance to the South Dakota Supreme Court at the state Capitol in Pierre. Some Pennington County Republicans are voicing frustration over Gov. Kristi Noems decision to wait on a South Dakota Supreme Court opinion about conflicts of interest before filling two vacant seats in the state legislature. Meanwhile, the Governors Office says Noems hands are tied. With little time left before lawmakers convene in Pierre to craft and vote on new laws on, the resignations of Sen. Jessica Castleberry and Rep. Jess Olson, both Republicans from Rapid City, have left their legislative districts without complete representation. Castleberry resigned following a Noem administration-led investigation into her receipt of about $600,000 in COVID-related financial assistance for her preschool, a move seen as a violation of conflict-of-interest laws. Castleberry inked a settlement with the state to repay the $500,000 of the money that did not directly benefit families. Olson cited health reasons for her resignation, but her businesss state contracts have also been scrutinized. These incidents have sparked a statewide debate over what constitutes a conflict of interest for state legislators. Noem issued an executive order in August to make clear that state contracts must include language acknowledging conflict-of-interest laws. However, she has decided not to appoint replacements for Castleberry and Olson until the state Supreme Court provides clarity on conflict-of-interest laws a topic the justices have taken up at Noems request. Noems decision on appointments means that Districts 34 and 35, which cover parts of Pennington County, may not have complete representation when the Legislature convenes on Jan. 9. Without full representation Local Republican party members have expressed concern that the lack of representation could disadvantage their districts. Amy Wagner, chair of the Pennington County Republican Party Central Committee, said she understands Noems position, but thinks its very concerning nonetheless. Six legislative districts include parts of Pennington County, which has a population of well over 100,000. Three of those districts do not include any areas outside the county. Castleberry and Olson represented two of them, covering the eastern and western parts of Rapid City and the majority of the citizens in the quickly growing city of Box Elder. Thats a lot of people without representation, Wagner said. Ken Straatmeyer is a Pennington County precinct committeeman. He will not be happy if his county goes into the upcoming legislative session without full representation. There needs to be something there that facilitates representation for us, he said. I mean, look how long weve been waiting. Castleberry stepped down on Aug. 18. A press release from the Governors office said to email the office with nominations or applications by Sept. 18. I get bureaucracy turns slow, but this needs to be addressed, Straatmeyer said. The Governors office has previously said it is in the process of interviewing potential candidates for these seats, with the hope that the courts decision will allow for swift appointments. But with no clear timeline for the ruling, frustration is mounting among Pennington Countys Republican constituents. Wagner said the county committee sent Noem multiple suggestions for appointments to fill the void. Lynn Kading, another Pennington County precinct committeeman, said he finds it kind of crazy that the Noem administration is the cause of Castleberrys resignation, the Supreme Courts advisory opinion request and the countys lack of representation. I think the Governor should appoint someone right away, Kading said. Stop listening to the political hacks and listen to the people. Pennington County precinct committeewoman Karli Healey thinks whats driving the two seats from being filled stems from the internal fractures within the Republican party. The states Republican party is essentially broken into two factions, she said: the long-established state Republican party which she said includes Gov. Noem and anti-establishment Republican outsiders. The special interest groups who control the legislature of course want someone from the establishment in there, she said. But Noem knows shell take flak in Pennington County if she appoints another member of the Pierre swamp. Noems office responds Noem spokesperson Ian Fury, said her position is made clear in a court brief recently filed from her office to the Supreme Court. That document intends to clarify what the administration wants the court to answer. The Governor should not make a constitutional appointment if doing so violates another constitutional provision, the document says. Therefore, not having a clear definition of what violates the conflict-of-interest provision makes any appointment improper. One candidate who filed to fill the void withdrew their application due to both potential concerns of a conflict under [state constitutional law] and the present delay, the document says. It cannot be known how many interested, qualified citizens have not even applied because of uncertainty about their own perceived or actual conflict, choosing not to risk unintentionally violating the Constitution, it reads. Necessary to the Governors consideration of any candidate must be an inquiry into whether the candidate is qualified and eligible for the appointment, possesses the skills to accomplish the job for their constituents, and whether a direct or indirect conflict of interest exists. State Court Public Information Officer Alisa Bousa said the state Supreme Court does not have a timeline for the decision and did not speculate on how long it may take. Pennington County temporarily went without full representation just last year after Senator Julie Frye-Meuller was suspended from the capital over comments made to a Legislative Research Council staffer. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Pennington County GOP wants full representation by start of session Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers are looking for a man facing multiple retail theft charges in Cranberry Township. Khalid Johnson, 40, is charged in two instances of retail theft. Johnson is facing a felony count of retail theft destroy and a felony county of receiving stolen property from an incident that happened on July 28, 2021. Johnson is also facing misdemeanor counts of retail theft destroy, receiving stolen property and possessing an instrument of crime with intention from an incident that happened on June 7, 2022. Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers describes Johnson as a Black man whos 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of KHALID JOHNSON is asked to please anonymously contact the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Perplexing: Pregnant teen, boyfriend found dead in Texas apartment parking lot Steelers announce starting quarterback against Seahawks Allegheny County lottery player will split $138K jackpot with 2 others VIDEO:Teen killed in crash honored by hundreds during vigil at Pine-Richland Stadium DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts The state of Pennsylvania had the highest increase in grocery prices over the last year, according to a report from Consumer Affairs. Overall, grocery prices in the U.S. have gone up 5.3% year-over-year, but grocery inflation has varied from state to state. Consumer Affairs, a customer review and consumer news platform, partnered with market intelligence provider Datasembly and looked at grocery price data in 15 categories, covering 150,000 stores in all 50 states and in Washington D.C. A woman shops for canned goods as a discount grocery in York. According to the data, the commonwealth has experienced the biggest hike in grocery prices, seeing an 8.2% increase in 2023 alone. Vermont (7%), Maryland (7%), West Virginia (6.9%) and New Jersey (6.8%) round out the top five. More in local news: Start the holiday with some java: Rutters to offer free coffee on Christmas Day More in business news: BAE Systems of York awarded an additional $78 million for a contract from U.S. Army Colorado had the lowest price hike (2.9%) followed by Arizona (3.3%), North Carolina (3.5%), Michigan (3.5%) and Virginia (3.6%). The report also showed that shoppers in rural areas are paying more than those in urban areas, with the biggest rise in prices being seen in ZIP codes where the average income is $35,000-$50,000. Rural areas saw an average 7.6% increase, and urban areas saw an average 5.6% increase. Consumer Affairs attributes this to a lack of competition in rural areas. When looking at grocery categories, baby formula saw the biggest jump, at a 17.5% rise. Behind that was candy/gum (9.7%), pet food (8.5%), cookies/crackers (6.6%) and beverages (6.5%). This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Pa. saw the highest increase in grocery prices this year On Sept. 30, 1938, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain left the negotiating table at a conference in Munich, Germany. He had spent the past few months negotiating with German Chancellor Adolf Hitler and Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on a nonaggression agreement that allowed Germany to complete its conquest of disputed territories in the Sudetenland and to invade Czechoslovakia without objection from Britain and France. In return, Hitler agreed to no further aggression on the European continent and Britain would be spared from any further conflict. Chamberlain was proud that he kept his country out of war. In an impromptu speech outside 10 Downing Street in London, Chamberlain raised the signed treaty above his head and declared that he was bringing peace with honor. I believe it is peace for our time. Upon hearing the statement, Winston Churchill, who in two years would replace Chamberlain as Britains wartime leader, snarked, You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor, and you shall have war. Nearly a year later, Hitler expanded his grip into Czechoslovakia and invaded Poland. World War II had begun. War is hell, William Tecumseh Sherman once bluntly stated. But as the University of Chicago social scientist Chris Blattman shows in his excellent book Why We Fight, war is rare and costly. In most cases, countries and parties avoid conflict because the cost to both sides is sufficiently high that bargaining and dealmaking is preferable to violence and calamity. What is the point of occupying a territory that is broken beyond repair? Economics and game theory (the study of strategy and competitive interaction) teach us that the best type of national security policy is deterrence. Credible signals of strength and commitment will force a belligerent actor to rethink a possible invasion or to settle quickly if combat operations have begun. Credibility must be costly to the signaler, however. If I perceive that my opponent will not follow through on his threats, then I can disregard the warnings as pure noise and push forward with my intentions. Related As the leader of the free world, it must be the policy of the United States government to state clearly, without equivocation, our intentions and signal extreme seriousness about what we would be willing to sacrifice, even at a high cost, to maintain our interests abroad. The ancient Romans understood this principle. Any citizen traveling abroad could receive free passage by uttering the phrase civus Romanus sum: I am a Roman citizen. It was a clear, credible, deterrent signal in the ancient Mediterranean. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, clearly exemplifies these ideals. Western European allies and the United States founded NATO on the desire to send a credible signal to their former ally, the USSR, that aggression from the East would not be tolerated as it was before World War II. The keystone of NATO is Article 5, which states that an attack on one would be considered an attack on all. This signal is so strong that NATO has only invoked Article 5 once: after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Evgeniy Maloletka, Associated Press Blattman points out in his book that conflicts will not resolve themselves if the gains are indivisible. It is impossible to divide Ukrainian sovereignty or Putins ego and grip on power, which are the two gains in this conflict. Thus, there will be no easy end to this conflict. Putin is willing to play the long game. The question is whether the United States is willing to check him. Aid to Ukraine is also a good deal since most of the aid is in the form of Cold War munitions that we need to destroy, anyway. The appropriations allow us to refill our own arsenal with modern equipment after we transfer old equipment we dont need anymore: a modern-day Lend-Lease Act. Essentially, we are spending around 10% of the defense budget (with no American troops) in order to check Putins aggression. Ukraine is not a NATO signatory, so Article 5 does not apply. However, what is at stake is the credibility of American resolve. I believe refusal to back our ally would be a severe mistake in this proxy conflict where not only Russia, but Iran, China, North Korea and, recently, Venezuela are watching to see if the United States and the European Union are serious about preserving democracy and sovereignty. Sadly, many elected leaders are willing to put our own countrys security at risk for short-term political returns. To be sure, leaders should ask tough questions and ensure accountability of aid. But when they chip away at our resolve to stand with NATO and back Ukraine in order to please extreme voices and gain social media prominence, they mute that credible signal and diminish our security, risking even more costly violence. At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin, perhaps apocryphally, quipped, We will either hang together or hang separately. A game theorist would have appreciated that sentiment and so must those who are serious about Americas security. Michael Kofoed is an assistant professor of economics at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a research fellow at the Institute of Labor Economics. (CNN) The Israeli government and Intel confirmed plans to build a $25 billion chipmaking factory in the south of the country, an investment Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described as the biggest in Israels history. The American tech giant already employs 11,700 people in Israel and has invested more than $50 billion in the country over the last 50 years. Intel now wants to expand its existing chipmaking factory at Kiryat Gat about 16 miles northeast of Gaza undeterred by the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Reuters earlier reported the news. Intel has chosen to approve an unprecedented investment of $25 billion and to establish its new factory right here in Israel, Israels finance minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote in a post on X on Tuesday. This investment promises to foster high-quality employment opportunities with elevated productivity in remote areas and will significantly contribute to the growth of the Israeli economy, he added. Netanyahu initially announced the new factory in June, describing it as the largest investment ever by an international company in Israel. Intel (INTC) did not confirm the new investment at the time, saying only that its Israel operations were crucial to the companys success and that plans to expand them were driven by a commitment to meet future manufacturing needs. The company confirmed the investment plans on Tuesday. The growth of our Kiryat Gat manufacturing facilities is a tremendous source of pride for our employees in Israel, and a reflection of their unwavering commitment to excellence, said Daniel Benatar, co-general manager of Intel Israel, in a statement. Support from the Israeli government will enable us to continue building on that excellence to ensure that Israel remains a global center of semiconductor technology and talent. Intel said the expansion plan for the Kiryat Gat site will help bolster its ability to source materials and chips around the world. The company is investing heavily in a bid to reassert its position as the leader of the semiconductor industry and to build greater resilience into supply chains in the face of rising geopolitical tension. It said in 2022 that it would invest $20 billion to build two new US chipmaking facilities, as well as up to $90 billion in new European factories. The Israeli government will provide a grant of $3.2 billion for the expansion of the Kiryat Gat plant, spread over several years, Israeli media reported. Intel has committed to buy 60 billion shekels ($16.6 billion) worth of goods and services from Israeli suppliers over the next decade, Reuters reported, citing the companys statement. Construction work was already underway to prepare for the expansion of the site, and a significant portion of the buildings had been completed, the news agency added. The new plant is due to open in 2028 and operate through 2035. Including Kiryat Gat, Intels most advanced manufacturing facility, the company has four development and production sites in Israel. Intel also bought Israeli driver-assist technology startup Mobileye for $15.3 billion in 2017, before taking it public just over a year ago. In February 2022, it announced plans to buy Israeli chipmaker Tower Semiconductor for $5.4 billion, but that deal was scrapped earlier this year after it failed to obtain the required regulatory approvals. The acquisition reportedly collapsed because Chinas antitrust regulator didnt provide clearance. A community in Pittsburgh came together to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa. People gathered on the 7200 block of Tioga Street in Homewood Tuesday night. Wisdom Seekers and The Legacy Arts Project hosted the celebration. The first night of celebration focused on the theme of unity and the first candle was lit in honor of that. The holiday focuses on cultivating and appreciating the lives of African Americans. Click here to learn more about Kwanzaa. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Steelers get major Kenny Pickett news Person driving BMW flees traffic stop in OHara Township, police say Man wanted for 2008 fatal shooting in Clairton VIDEO:Teen, man injured after shooting in East Hills DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Authorities say a man was arrested for stabbing another man in Grand Rapids early Wednesday morning. The Grand Rapids Police Department said it happened shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday at Southview Apartments on College Avenue NE near the intersection of Leonard Street NE. There was a gathering at the apartment when a fight broke out, according to GRPD. Police said one man was stabbed and taken to the hospital in stable condition. The suspect was arrested, according to GRPD. Anyone with information is asked to call GRPD at 616.456.3400 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. After a burglar stole thousands of pounds worth of power tools from her home, in St Albans, in October, Sharon Allen turned amateur detective. She began going house to house, making her own inquiries, and handed CCTV footage from her neighbours to police. "He's got a distinctive nose," Ms Allen tells BBC News, as she examines her own black-and-white security-camera footage. "I've given them the information and I'm hoping they've looked at the CCTV." An officer visited her home - but Ms Allen has heard nothing since. The burglar is still in the area, she says, and has been seen hanging around nearby shops. "I realise I'm not the first on the list - but I'd like to think that they will look into it," Ms Allen says. But Hertfordshire Constabulary has one of the worst burglary clear-up rates in the country. In St Albans - a cathedral city of 148,000 people, just 25 miles (40km) north of central London - although some officers are based at its civic centre, there has been no police station open to the public since 2015. "I do understand they're very busy and there's other things going on," Ms Allen says. "Maybe it needs to go back to more bobbies on the beat, panda cars driving around and just keeping an eye on things - because this person, he's still around." Sharon Allen says the burglar is still in the St Albans area Police chiefs have been under pressure to improve their response to domestic break-ins. No suspect is identified in three-quarters of all residential break-ins in England and Wales, according to the latest Home Office figures, with someone charged in less than 4% of cases. Shortly after her appointment, in 2022, former home secretary Suella Braverman wrote to all forces telling them the public wanted to know an officer would visit them after a burglary. And now, new National Council of Police Chiefs (NPCC) guidance says officers should prioritise attending the scene of a domestic break-in within an hour of the report, increasing the chances of solving the case. "Golden hour" enquiries "may make the difference between early identification and arresting a suspect and/or recovering stolen property or not", it says. Investigations should include: forensic tests searches interviewing neighbours obtaining CCTV from doorbells or security cameras "The average number of burglaries that are detected is around about 5%," NPCC burglary lead Deputy Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith says. "We don't believe that's good enough. We don't think the public would think that's good enough. So that is very much where our focus is at the moment." A two-year trial of this new approach to burglary has seen Greater Manchester Police raise the proportion resulting in charges from 3% to almost 8%. "The previous focus, I think, did take the eye off the ball in terms of burglary," Supt Chris Foster, who leads the force's Operation Castle, says. "Previously, it's been, 'We can't do anything about it, sorry. See you later, goodbye - crime closed.' "Now, we arrest more people - and burglary rates are falling." "If we turn up properly, investigate properly, arrest people and make sure that we explain our actions, even if it is negative, that begets confidence in the police." Rolling pin Burglaries are often difficult to solve and there has been debate about throwing resources at cases where little of value has been stolen and the chances of finding the perpetrator are so low. But many victims complain police will not look at CCTV images of the burglar and sometimes not even attend the crime scene. Despite public concern, burglary has fallen by about 80% since the mid-1990s, in England and Wales. But there are still more than 1,000 break-ins every day and the psychological impact can be devastating. Supt Foster's determination to catch burglars stems from when he was just eight years old. "I came home and we'd been burgled," he says, "and there was a footprint on the windowsill "I couldn't sleep that night - I had to go to bed with a rolling pin under the bed. "And I think we forget it's not just financial loss - someone's been in your house." No suspect It is this emotional impact of domestic burglary, the violation of someone's home, that has prompted the police's rethink. Even if very little of value has been stolen, victims need to believe officers will respect and respond to their trauma. Ms Allen has now waited almost three months for any progress in her burglary. A Hertfordshire police spokesman told BBC News: "All lines of enquiry have been exhausted in the case - no suspect has been identified. "Should any new investigative opportunities become available, they will be acted upon accordingly." Additional reporting: Abiona Boja and Callum May Arizona police have reopened a long-standing cold case after identifying a body found shot in the desert in 1976. Hikers found the remains buried in a shallow grave in north-western Arizona almost half a century ago. An autopsy at the time revealed that the man was in his mid-30s and had been shot in the head at close range, but officers could not identify him. But Mohave County Sheriff's Office said on Tuesday it had identified him as El Salvador national Luis Alonso Paredes. In 1976, authorities collected fingerprints during an autopsy of his remains, but could find no match on available databases. A composite image of his likeness was drawn up by the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, but the trail soon went cold and remained dormant for 47 years. But in November 2023, investigators revived the case and compared the fingerprint records to a national database not available in 1976, which soon identified the man as Paredes. Police said he had been working in the Las Vegas area at the time of his disappearance and noted that he may have been employed by the US Navy and Coast Guard about a decade before he vanished. Officers have so far been unable to locate any of his living relatives. While the mystery of Paredes' identity may have been solved, it throws open the decades-old mystery of his killing. The Mohave County Sheriff's Office have asked the public to contact them with any information about the case or any leads which could help find his surviving relatives. Seattle police are investigating after a driver crashed into a Seattle Fire Department vehicle around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The driver suffered a medical emergency before hitting the SFD vehicle, according to the Seattle Police Department. The crash happened in the 500 block of Elliott Avenue West. LUNENBURG - The live-in boyfriend of a Lunenburg woman has been charged with stabbing her to death at the mobile home park where they lived. Maria Murray, 53, was attacked at the Meadow Woods complex at 1790 Massachusetts Ave. about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, according to a police report filed with court records. Murray, with stab wounds in her back, was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, court records show. Officers later apprehended her boyfriend, Orlando Garcia Rosado, on Interstate 290 in Worcester. In Fitchburg District Court Wednesday afternoon, Rosado, 57, was arraigned on charges of murder and assault and battery on a household member. Judge Jon L. Revelli entered not-guilty pleas on the defendants behalf and ordered him held without bail. Lawyer Tom G. Vukmirovits represented Rosado. In the courtroom, Assistant District Attorney Timothy A. Westerman presented the state's case, which was translated to the defendant through a Spanish interpreter. Westerman said the defendant and the victim were in a dating relationship and lived together at Meadow Woods. Police said Rosado and Murray were arguing in the kitchen of the mobile home when Rosado grabbed a knife and assaulted her, court records show. Police tracked down Rosado after reviewing surveillance footage from Meadow Woods, according to court records. He was seen driving away in Murray's Subaru Impreza. Police departments in the region were given a description of the vehicle. State troopers located the vehicle on I-290 a short time later. Rosado was taken into custody. At Meadow Woods, a police officer kept watch on a house at Lot 44 throughout Wednesday morning. Residents of Meadow Woods said Murray lived with her teenage son at Lot 44. Bernard Progin, who lives across the street, said he brought the teen to his house Tuesday evening as police converged on the scene. The boy's father eventually came to pick him up, Progin said. Progin spoke fondly of the woman, a single mother. Police were stationed outside this house throughout the morning Wednesday. Shes the hardest-working woman I ever met in my life," he said. "She was working two jobs. She did bus monitoringand cleaning houses. She would come home 5, 6 at night. Progin said Murray's boyfriend had recently moved into the house. Tuesday evening, he said, he saw the boyfriend get into the Subaru and drive away. I thought that was odd because the boyfriend did not have a license," Progin said. Like Progin, neighbors were trying to sort out the events at the usually quiet mobile home complex. William and Lana Charest, who live next door to Lot 44, also said they knew Murray for a long time. Lana Charest said she used to babysit for the son when the mother went to work. We came out to Lunenburg to get away from the city (of Worcester) because it was getting wild in the city, William Charest said. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: DA Joseph Early: Police investigating death at Lunenburg mobile home complex An investigation is underway after a person was found dead next to a walking path near Wellesley College on Wednesday morning, officials said. Officers responding to a 911 call for an unconscious and unresponsive person on Central Street near Weston Road around 9:15 a.m. found a 70-year-old victim on the ground next to the path in a slightly wooded area, according to the Wellesley Police Department. The person who reported the incident was performing CPR on the victim when the officers arrived, but police said the life-saving measure ultimately proved unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the victim was not able to be revived and was pronounced dead on scene, the department wrote in a news release. The victim, whose name hasnt been released, isnt believed to have a connection to the college. The Officer of the State Medical Examiner was called to the scene to remove the body. Massachusetts State Police are assisting the Wellesley Police Department and Wellesley College Police with the investigation. There were no additional details immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW (CNN) Kanye West, who has made repeated antisemitic remarks, posted an apology to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by his words or actions. The recording artist, who has legally changed his name to Ye, shared the message, written in Hebrew, in a Tuesday Instagram post just days ahead of his expected release of new music. The post had been liked more than one million times Tuesday morning. It was never my intention to hurt or disrespect, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused, his message read. Ye said he is committed to learning and ensuring greater sensitivity and understanding in the future, adding he is dedicated to making amends and working toward promoting unity. In a statement to CNN responding to the post, the Anti-Defamation League said, After causing untold damage by using his vast influence and platform to poison countless minds with vicious antisemitism and hate, an apology in Hebrew may be the first step on a long journey towards making amends to the Jewish community and all those who he has hurt. Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words but this initial act of contrition is welcome, the non-profit organization added. While its unclear what prompted his post, it comes ahead of the expected release of a new collection of music titled, Vultures. In late November, Ye and Ty Dolla $ign performed a song with the same title at a nightclub in Dubai. A recording of Wests performance sparked criticism over the lyrics: How Im antisemitic? I just f**ked a Jewish b*tch. Subsequent listening events for the music spurred more controversy, including remarks Ye made at a party in Las Vegas earlier this month. The new music was originally supposed to release this month but has reportedly been pushed to January and its unclear how it will be distributed. West has long history of offensive comments In recent years, Ye has made a number of offensive statements against the Jewish and Black communities and has also targeted other celebrities. More than a year ago, major companies like Adidas and Balenciaga cut ties with him after a series of offensive actions, including antisemitic remarks. Adidas first put its partnership with Ye under review in early October 2022 after he wore a shirt with the phrase White Lives Matter, which the Anti-Defamation League categorizes as a hate slogan used by White supremacist groups. The musicians Twitter account was then locked after he said he was going death con 3 [sic] on JEWISH PEOPLE. That came days after his Instagram account was restricted because of what the company said was a violation of its policies. He also went on to repeat antisemitic conspiracy theories and make other offensive claims during a podcast. Adidas terminated the lucrative partnership with Yes brand of Yeezy apparel that month, saying it did not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech. It called the rappers comments unacceptable, hateful and dangerous. Separately, several people once close to the artist also told CNN in October 2022 that Ye had long been fascinated by Adolf Hitler and once wanted to name an album after the Nazi leader. One business executive who worked for the rapper previously told CNN that Ye spoke openly about reading Mein Kampf, Hitlers 1925 autobiographical manifesto, and expressed his admiration for the Nazis and Hitler for their use of propaganda. In November 2022, Ye also met with Donald Trump and White nationalist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes at the former presidents Mar-a-Lago estate. Ye does not currently have a listed publicist to seek comment. California filings for his holding company, Ox Paha, do not list a phone number or email address. An attorney who represents Ye in unrelated cases has not responded to a request for comment. Websites for past businesses including GOOD Music, Donda Creative and Donda Academy are no longer operational. CNNs Stephanie Becker contributed to this report. A 66-year-old woman and a man, 70, were discovered dead during a well-being check Tuesday night on the Northwest Side in the Avondale neighborhood, Chicago police said. Around 9:15 p.m., police responded to a well-being call in the 3300 block of North Central Park after neighbors grew concerned for two seniors. Officers were able to enter the unit and found the two deceased. The Cook County medical examiners office identified the victims as Victoria Guzman Perez, 66, and Miguel Guzman Chavez, 70. Detectives have opened a death investigation, and said no obvious signs of trauma were found. A police officer throws a rock at opposition supporters outside their party HQ in Kinshasa (JOHN WESSELS) Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital Kinshasa prevented protesters from assembling Wednesday, AFP reporters saw, after a demonstration against last week's elections was banned. Leading opposition politicians in impoverished but mineral-rich DRC called for the protest after rejecting last week's vote, which was marred by severe delays and bureaucratic disarray. Congolese interior minister Peter Kazadi said Tuesday that the protest would be banned because it "aims to harm the electoral process". But the opposition nevertheless urged supporters to gather near the national assembly and march to the headquarters of the country's electoral commission. Dozens of riot police were stationed in the area on Wednesday, according to AFP reporters, preventing protests from taking place. Officers fired canisters of tear gas at supporters of opposition politician Martin Fayulu, who gathered at his party's headquarters. The supporters hurled rocks at the police. Nearby, young protesters also set tyres alight. Fayulu later said that at least 11 people had been injured. Kinshasa's chief of police, General Blaise Kilimbalimba, said two officers had been injured. He added that there had been minors among the protesters -- and that the protest organisers would be summoned for questioning. Some 44 million people were registered to vote on December 20 in elections to choose a president, national and regional lawmakers and municipal councillors. But the electoral commission struggled to get voting materials to polling booths on time in the huge and fragile country -- roughly the size of continental western Europe -- leaving some people unable to cast ballots. - 'Gigantic organised mess' - Voting was officially extended by a day and even lasted until Christmas Day in some remote areas. The opposition claimed there was "total chaos" and denounced irregularities. The archbishop of Kinshasa likewise described the election as a "gigantic organised mess". Election-related tensions are common in the DRC, which has a long history of authoritarian rule and violent government overthrow. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said on social media that the opposition must await the publication of provisional results and address complaints about the electoral process to the Constitutional Court. Partial results released by the electoral commission show incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi well ahead, with 79 percent of the some six million ballots counted so far. The 60-year-old, who came to office in January 2019 after the country's first peaceful transfer of power, is running for a second five-year term. Moise Katumbi, a former governor of the south-east Katanga region, got about 14 percent of the votes counted so far. He is followed Fayulu, a former oil executive who claims he was the rightful winner of the 2018 election, with four percent. mbb-at/eml/fg Reuters reports that newly inaugurated Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on December 27th that the Polish government was getting closer to a deal to end the protests blocking trucking on several of the Ukraine-Poland border crossings. He expressed hope that the negotiations in Kyiv and Brussels will be resolved satisfactorily. Read also: Polands Tusk accuses outgoing Polish government of inaction in Polish trucker border blockade "We are close to the belief that our actions can bring results, both the talks in Kyiv and Brussels (regarding the end of the blockade of the Ukrainian border - ed.)," he said. Read also: EU transport groups pressure Poland by urging boycott of carriers choking Ukraine's trade lifelines Tusk assumes that not all of the protesters demands will be met, but hopes that further decisions of the government will make it possible to "discharge emotions" and lift the blockade at the border. Read also: Polish carriers dont intend to lift border blockade with Ukraine during holidays On December 21, Ukrainian Development Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, after a meeting with Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak, said that Ukraine hopes to reach an agreement with the new Polish government to end the border blockade by the end of the week. On December 18, Klimczak said that the Polish government is trying to find a compromise with carriers on the Ukrainian border in order to suspend the blocking of checkpoints. 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 Poland's new Prime Minister Donald Tusk tells during a news conference that his pro-European Union government is urgently preparing a new spending bill to secure raises for teachers and re-dedicate some 3 billion zlotys ($762 million), originally meant for state media, to children's health, after President Andrzej Duda, allied with the opposition party, vetoed the previous bill that earmarked funds for state media, in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday Dec. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) WARSAW, Poland (AP) Poland's political battle over state media continued on Wednesday as the new pro-European Union government put them in a state of liquidation in response to the president's rejection of funding for them. New Prime Minister Donald Tusk seeks to free the media from political control. President Andrzej Duda, an ally of the previous conservative government, vetoed the new governments bill that provided 3 billion zlotys ($762 million) for the public media. Duda proposed a new bill that strips that funding out. Liquidation gives the state TV, radio and news agency and their employees more protection from the political dispute, securing their jobs despite the lack of funding and allowing for restructuring. The new government said the lengthy liquidation process can be revoked as needed. Poland's state-owned media have become the first battleground between the coalition government of Tusk, a former top EU figure, and the conservative Law and Justice party, which held power for eight years until Dec. 13. Its members and allies retain a presence at state TV, radio and news agency headquarters. Duda remains in office for another year and a half, and his veto is an early sign of difficulties Tusk is likely to face. Some observers say Law and Justice seeks to maintain control of state media and push its message ahead of local administration and European Parliament elections next year in hopes of regaining some power. Tusk said his Cabinet would submit a new bill that takes Duda's views into consideration and shifts the funding in question from state media to children's health care. He also said untangling the former ruling party's grip on state media would take time. We are sure that our actions are in line with the law, Tusk told a news conference. Tusk won power on promises to restore national unity and democratic norms, including through the reform of public media. His government holds 248 seats in the 460-member lower house, or Sejm. Its next session is Jan. 10-11. Public media in Poland is funded by taxpayers and is required by the constitution to be free of political bias. But critics have accused Law and Justice of using media as a propaganda mouthpiece that has divided the nation by spreading disinformation, xenophobic and homophobic content and seeking to discredit Tusk and other pro-EU politicians. The Polish government is approaching the possibility of ending the blockade of several border crossings with Ukraine by hauliers. Source: European Pravda; Reuters with reference to the press conference of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk Details: "We are close to the belief that our actions can bring results, both the talks in Kyiv and Brussels (to end the blockade of the Ukrainian border)," he said. On Sunday, Polish farmers suspended their protest at one of the border crossings while hauliers continued to block the other three. "I do not think that we will achieve the maximum that the truckers want, but it seems that what can be achieved will allow us to relieve emotions and relieve blockades on the border." Tusk said. Reminder: The blockade by Polish hauliers has been ongoing since 6 November. On Monday, 18 December, the hauliers resumed the blockade of the Dorohusk-Yahodyn checkpoint after it was temporarily halted due to a ban by local authorities. Among other things, the hauliers demand the reintroduction of commercial permits for Ukrainian companies for transporting freight, with the exception of humanitarian aid and supplies for the Ukrainian military. Representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure of Poland and the Ukrainian Ministry of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure agreed on an action plan to unblock the border during a meeting in Kyiv on 22 December. Earlier, the Polish government had suggested that the border could be unblocked by Christmas. Support UP or become our patron! Poland's new pro-EU coalition government has said it is putting the country's public television, radio and news agency into liquidation. The move comes as part of its pledge to restore impartiality to state media. Last week, Culture Minister Bartomiej Sienkiewicz took the state 24-hour news channel, TVP Info, off air and sacked the boards of the public media. Opposition MPs from the Law and Justice (PiS) party called the sackings illegal and responded with sit-in protests. President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally, added the sackings had caused "anarchy" and called on the new government to adhere to the legal order. In a brief statement, Mr Sienkiewicz said putting the companies into liquidation would allow them to continue operating while restructuring took place. It would also avoid staff layoffs, he said, adding the companies could be taken out of liquidation at any time by their owner, the culture ministry. The minister said he had taken the decision due to President Duda's decision to veto a government bill on Wednesday that provided 3bn zloty (695m; 603m) in funding next year for public media. Mr Duda justified his veto saying the new government's installation of new management had violated the country's constitution. Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said his government now planned to spend the money on cancer treatment and psychiatric help for children. Roman Giertych, a lawyer who has represented Mr Tusk and is now an MP for his party, said the culture minister's decision "ends the legal dispute" and allows the government to appoint liquidators who can conduct restructuring. The head of President Duda's office, Marcin Mastalerek, said the liquidation announcement was an "admission of defeat" by the government, one they chose after they could not find a legal way to change the public media management boards. Rights groups questioned the manner of the dismissals. The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights said public media required urgent reform, because they had become "a propaganda mouthpiece of the ruling camp" under the PiS-led government that had created political and legal conditions that made carrying out such reform for Mr Tusk's government "very difficult". "However, we cannot fail to notice that the way of starting the changes in the public media raises serious doubts," the group said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, who starred in the critically acclaimed film Parasite, was found dead in a car in Seoul on Wednesday amid police investigation into his alleged illegal drug use, local media reported. The 48-year-old is believed to have died by suicide. According to a report by Yonhap News Agency, Lee was found unresponsive at around 10:30 a.m. inside a car at a park, with a charcoal briquette in the passenger seat. It said police earlier received information that Lee left home after writing a letter akin to a suicide note. The award-winning actor had been questioned by authorities on allegations of using marijuana and other illegal drugs on multiple occasions something he had denied. South Korean news outlets have reported that Lee claimed he was tricked by a hostess of a high-end bar in Seouls Gangnam district into taking drugs, without knowing what it was. In October, he filed a complaint against the hostess for allegedly blackmailing him. Local media also stated that the actor tested negative in the brief reagent test conducted by police and the elaborate drug test by the National Forensic Service. Lee rose to global fame for his role as the patriarch of a rich family in the Oscar-winning "Parasite, for which he was honored with the Screen Actors Guild Award, among other recognition. He was married to actress Jeon Hye Jin, with whom he had two children. If you are in need of mental health support, please call the 24/7 National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at (0917) 899-8727, (0908) 639-2672, (0966) 351-4518, or (02) 7-989-8727 or 1553 (Landline-to-landline only). Russia is allegedly trying to use Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in its captivity to encourage protests at home and put pressure on Kyiv, Politico reported on Dec. 27, citing interviews with the families of POWs. Ukrainian officials said in December that Russia currently holds at least 3,500 Ukrainian POWs, although the number is thought to be higher. Russia and Ukraine held numerous prisoner exchanges in 2022, but the number has decreased in 2023, with the last instance occurring in August. Ukrainian authorities said that Russia had decided on a freeze on prisoner swaps, possibly to try to destabilize Ukrainian society. Families of POWs told Politico that after months of silence, they suddenly received calls from their family members in Russian custody, in which the POWs encouraged their families to protest against the government, claiming that "Kyiv does not want to take us back." Petro Yatsenko, spokesperson of Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, told Politico that many POWs' families had received similar calls, which indicated that it was likely a "campaign to cause distrust in the government." "I think Russians want to discredit our government," the wife of a Ukrainian POW said. "They want to cause havoc." She said she did not go to protest. Throughout the war, Russia's military has been repeatedly accused of mistreating Ukrainian POWs and violating international humanitarian law. Yatsenko said to Politico that as many as 90% of returned Ukrainian POWs experienced torture or the deprivation of food and sleep. Communication with their families was almost impossible. Recent reports indicate that Russia has conscripted tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens in the occupied regions of Ukraine, forcing them to fight against their own country. Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office reported on Dec. 14 that it had opened a criminal case into Russia's alleged use of POWs as human shields after a video surfaced depicting what appeared to be unarmed Ukrainian POWs being forced to walk at gunpoint toward Ukrainian lines. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A popular restaurant chain that specializes in Korean food is opening four locations in Massachusetts for the first time. KPOT, known for all-you-can-eat Asian hot pot and Korean barbecue, is bringing restaurants to Dedham, Malden, Methuen, and West Springfield. The Dedham location is listed at 300 Providence Highway, which is the Dedham Mall. The Malden location is coming to 7 Highland Avenue, the former home of John Brewers Tavern. The Methuen restaurant is opening at The Loop Shopping Mall at 90 Pleasant Street. The West Springfield spot will welcome diners at 935 Riverdale Street. According to the eaterys website, those four locations are coming soon. KPOT is a unique, hands-on, all-you-can-eat experience that merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors, a post on the chains website states. KPOT is for both the food adventurers and the social eaters. Its about tasting the global spices and seasonings all while feeling a sense of community. KPOT currently operates dozens of locations across the United States. 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 Its looking more and more likely that Idaho is going to get that long-coveted third congressional seat after the 2030 Census. Based on new Census population estimates and an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice, Idaho stands to gain one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to the Census estimates for 2023 population, Idaho was the fourth-fastest growing state, percentage-wise, behind South Carolina, Florida and Texas. Idaho gained 25,730 people in 2023, a 1.3% increase from the previous year. According to the Brennan Center analysis of the new Census numbers, the overall trend for the decade portends a dramatic political shift in congressional seats, with Southern and Mountain West states gaining seats at the expense of states such as California, New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania. If trends continue, California could lose four seats, New York three, Illinois three and Pennsylvania two, while Texas could gain four, Florida three and Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia one, according to the Brennan Center. The prospect of a third House seat offers an interesting opportunity for Idahos bipartisan Commission for Reapportionment, which is tasked every 10 years with divvying up the states population into not only state legislative districts but also congressional districts. Drawing state legislative districts is tricky and involves a number of considerations. Drawing congressional districts, especially in Idaho where there are only two, is much more straightforward: Just divide the state into two parts with equal populations. In Idaho, that has meant simply moving the north-to-south dividing line farther and farther west to balance out the population numbers between Districts 1 (western Idaho) and 2 (eastern Idaho). Currently, the dividing line is somewhere around Eagle Road. But with three districts, the possibilities grow more interesting. Is it possible that Idaho could actually need to be concerned about gerrymandering? Its possible, but Idaho is lucky to have a truly bipartisan redistricting commission. Idahos redistricting commission is composed of six members: three Republicans and three Democrats. Idaho is one of 14 states with an independent commission that makes the redistricting decision. Partisanship varies from state to state, with appointees coming from various political offices, but Idaho is one of the few states with a bipartisan, even-numbered independent commission, meaning no one party has an advantage. Idaho voters in 1994 approved a constitutional amendment creating our redistricting commission whose six members are individually appointed by the House speaker, Senate president pro tem, the House and Senate minority leaders, and the chairs of the state Republican and Democratic parties. Even though its a system that works, and voters approved a constitutional amendment to enshrine it, I wouldnt be surprised if Republican legislators try to mess with the system so that they have an advantage leading up to the 2030 Census. With three districts, it would seem pretty straightforward to divide the state into three natural districts: Southwest Idaho, North Idaho and East Idaho. But it could be trickier than that. Currently, Ada and Canyon counties combined account for 40% of Idahos population. That percentage likely will grow even more over the next seven years. Ada County, alone, has a higher population (525,000) than the 10 counties considered North Idaho combined (377,000). So no matter what, the Treasure Valley would need to get split up. But how? Republicans likely would be champing at the bit to split up the Democratic voters of the city of Boise. A Democratic U.S. representative is still highly unlikely, no matter how you slice it, especially knowing that an overwhelming majority of the new residents moving into Idaho are registering as Republicans, and that trend is likely to continue to 2030. But with a congressional district that includes all of Boise, perhaps any Republican running in that district would need to be more moderate. Regardless, adding a third congressional district to Idaho offers a slew of interesting possibilities. Keep your eyes open for attempts to game the system because the prize is unusually large this time around. Each U.S. state offers its own set of laws and regulations, and keeping track of them can get even more difficult from year to year as new legislation takes effect. Pennsylvanias new laws in 2024 will cover many fields and acts that affect the everyday life of the commonwealths residents. Some of the highlights include new penalties for mail and package theft, requirements for fentanyl testing in hospitals and opportunities for automatic voter registration. Heres what you need to know about some of Pennsylvanias newest laws and amendments in 2024. Crime and public safety Several new Pennsylvania laws in effect for 2024 hope to curb theft. Notably, Pennsylvania will start punishing porch pirating as a felony, imposing specific penalties for those who steal mail, packages, bags or letters. Repeat offenders can receive increased penalties if they have prior mail theft convictions. Another new law will establish a deputy attorney general within the commonwealths Attorney Generals Office. An official in this role will work to lead a team of prosecutors managing retail theft throughout Pennsylvania. Sweeping reforms are on the way for probation in Pennsylvania, as well, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro. Probation review conferences are now required after two years or upon reaching 50% of a persons probation sentence, while felony probation reviews kick in after four years or upon reaching 50% of a persons probation sentence. The law also instructs judges to hold a presumption against confinement and send offenders back to jail only if they commit a serious violation or are a threat to public safety. Some notable changes will affect law enforcement. For example, a new law will reduce fitness requirements for prospective police officers, mainly by lowering the target percentiles applicants need to meet for runs, bench presses and sit-ups during fitness evaluations. Another new law will grant the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission the proper authority to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history checks for those applying to become municipal police officers. Another new law offers a host of updated regulations for incarcerated women. Notably, it prevents pregnant women from being shackled or placed in solitary confinement. Male guards can no longer perform full-body searches of female inmates. A new law will enter into effect and update some requirements for drivers, including those who fail to stop for school buses flashing red lights as they drop off students. Another law will require insurance entities to conduct cybersecurity risk assessments, develop protocols and report any breaches to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Earlier in December, Shapiro signed a bill that will result in significant changes to Pennsylvanias medical marijuana market. The commonwealths permitting program now allows all at-home medical marijuana growers to sell products to patients directly after obtaining an additional dispensary permit. Additionally, independent dispensaries can now obtain permits to cultivate their products in-house. Government A new law will allow those who renew drivers licenses or state-issued identification to choose to be automatically registered to vote, though this is not required. The legislation specifies those who are not eligible to vote (such as drivers under the age of 18) will not receive such an option. More than 20 U.S. states have pledged to implement automatic voter registration in the coming years. In a statement, Shapiro said the initiative will help Pennsylvanias elections reach more voters. Automatic voter registration is a commonsense step to ensure election security and save Pennsylvanians time and tax dollars, Shapiro said in a statement. Residents of our Commonwealth already provide proof of identity, residency, age, and citizenship at the DMV all the information required to register to vote so it makes good sense to streamline that process with voter registration. My Administration will keep taking innovative actions like this one to make government work better and more efficiently for all Pennsylvanians. Another law will help remove racist language in property deeds, such as restrictive deed covenants that prevent sales to people on a racial, ethnic or religious basis. Once effective, the act will allow property owners or homeowners associations to file forms with their local Recorder of Deeds offices to strike restrictive covenants from their deeds without needing to pay a fee. Education New laws will allow school districts to modify scheduling to complete school years by either operating for 180 days or accumulating enough instruction time (900 hours at the elementary level or 990 hours at the secondary level). Current law requires schools to be open for at least 180 days in addition to meeting hourly instruction requirements. By repealing a section of a decades-old public school code, teachers can now wear religious garb, marks, emblems or insignia while at work. A new amendment will require most Pennsylvania colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition rates to veterans, their spouses and dependent children, so long as students are Pennsylvania residents. Another law will require school districts to develop policies to help children of military members and their spouses receive advance enrollment before establishing residency (should the family receive official orders to move to Pennsylvania). Pennsylvanias state-related universities Penn State, Temple University, Lincoln University and the University of Pittsburgh are required to disclose more records about their finances, employment and operations. For the most part, the universities remain otherwise exempt from Pennsylvanias open records law. Can I move past traffic and get over at the end? What PA law says about a zipper merge Health A new Pennsylvania law will require hospitals to include fentanyl testing in urine drug screenings. Health care providers must also obtain specific and informed consent, in written or verbal form, before performing pelvic, rectal or prostate exams. Insurers must cover preventative breast and ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women, according to a new law. The act is expected to eliminate out-of-pocket costs associated with such tests. Other new laws will categorize maternal morbidity complications as reportable events and help former military medics transition to civilian EMT/paramedics by requiring service providers to consider service experience when evaluating professional credentials. Pets Several changes are on the way for Pennsylvanias dog laws. Notably, dogs must be licensed at three months of age (or when transferred to a new owner). Annual and lifetime dog license and kennel fees will increase, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has more power to increase license fees. Pet shops and kennels offering dogs for sale or adoption must display specified information for each dog. The Department of Agriculture can now revoke a kennels license or refuse a kennels license application if individuals are convicted on animal cruelty charges. Additionally, dogs deemed dangerous by the commonwealth must be muzzled, leashed and under physical restraint in public. The legislation includes additional clarification regarding definitions and penalties for dangerous dogs. Food New legislation signed in November permanently established PA Preferred Organic, a brand for Pennsylvania-grown organic agricultural products. Any products bearing the new PA Preferred Organic label meet state and federal requirements for organic production and will receive proper marketing on store shelves. Port of Palm Beach Executive Director Michael Meekins, after less than a year in the job, has come under increasing pressure to hold onto the position. At the Port of Palm Beach Commission's Dec. 22 meeting, Meekins was nearly fired after Chair Jean Enright and Commissioner Deandre Poole voted to terminate him. Commissioners Varissa Lall Dass, Blair Ciklin and Wayne Richards supported him. But Enright said she would again move to dismiss Meekins without cause when commissioners formally evaluate his job performance at the next meeting on Feb. 15. Meekins earns $230,00 a year to oversee operations at Floridas fourth largest container port. We have a problem and we need to solve it tonight (Friday), Enright told her colleagues, accusing Meekins of failing to communicate with commissioners and mismanagement that resulted in a major tenant, Florida Crystals, losing $1.5 million because one of its ships had to wait five days before it could unload its cargo. She also said he made changes to the budget, and hired and fired key personnel without first consulting commissioners. Asked to respond, Meekins, in an email, said: The Port of Palm Beach has a standing policy of not discussing personnel issues with the media. That includes personnel matters involving me. Personnel issues are to be worked out between the Board of Commissioners and the Executive Director. Commissioner Wayne Richards defended Meekins, acknowledging that his style is much different than that of the long-time executive director, Manuel Almira, whom he replaced last March. Maybe he does need to improve his communication skills, but we are nowhere near the need to make a change. Im not willing to pull the plug, Richards said. This is an extreme knee-jerk reaction. It would be a very poor decision to go down this path. Defenders of Meekins say firing him is unwarranted Michael Meekins, hired last March as executive director of the Port of Palm Beach, is under fire for allegedly failing to communicate with port commissioners. A move to fire him was defeated by a 4-3 vote on Dec. 22 but critics say they will again move to terminate him at a meeting on Feb. 15. Richards acknowledged that spending has increased under Meekins but noted that so have revenues to more than make up for the increased spending. I knew there was some level of discontent but am surprised by the level. I think he is doing a good job. Our previous director (Almira) also did a good job but for the last 12 months of his tenure, he was on cruise control. Both Lall Dass and Blair Ciklin agreed that Meekins has been doing a good job, saying that Meekins should be given time to work on alleged shortcomings that commissioners have identified. If they want more contact about port matters, Im sure he can accommodate them, Ciklin noted. I thought there was enough here already to do terminate him, Enright told The Post. They (the other commissioners) were afraid to vote but we forced them to take a position. I wanted them to go on the record whether they wanted him to stay or go. Delaying the decision is like kicking this can down the road. Enright said she has grave concerns about (Meekins') leadership ability, adding, things happen, and we learn about them through the media. Thats wrong. For example, she cited the incident with Florida Crystals' cargo ship. I learned about that from the tenant, she said at the Dec. 22 meeting. I was devastated. You (the other commissioners) need to talk to our tenants. We have a fiduciary responsibility to act. Poole said budget shortfalls were offset by increasing parking fees for cruise passengers on Margaritaville at Sea, a move that Meekins made without first consulting with commissioners. Poole said he was also concerned how Meekins handled a serious security breach at the port earlier this year. A press release was issued indicating there was a security problem but few details were released. Not having information is disrespectful to me, Poole said. "I cannot do my job effectively." An aerial view of the Port of Palm Beach, a 165-acre facility located in Riviera Beach that processes more than $14 billion a year in commodities. Meekins was chosen from among five finalists to replace Almira, who retired after 14 years of service. Meekins was the director of port operations and business development under Almira. At the time, Enright said his experience with the port along with his stint at Port Canaveral, where he oversaw port operations, made him ideally suited" to fill the executive director position. Meekins three-year contract does not guarantee salary increases or bonuses. It also specifies that he will not receive longevity salary increases routinely given to other employees. Meekins can be fired with cause but often such action results in litigation. The contract can be terminated without cause, but Meekins would then receive severance pay equal to 20 weeks of employment or more than $140,000. The deep-water port offers cruise and cargo services to more than 30 tenants. The 165-acre facility processes more than $14 billion in commodities and 2.5 million tons of cargo annually. Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him atmdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism.Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Port of Palm Beach's executive director Michael Meekins nearly fired PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Car theft in Portland has fallen to pre-pandemic levels following a surge in crime that caused Oregon to see the third-highest rate of stolen vehicles in the U.S. in 2022. The number of cars stolen in Portland decreased by 25% between November of 2022 and November of 2023, Portland Police Bureau crime statistics show. Vehicle theft remained high in January and February of 2023, when the city was seeing an average of 30 cars stolen each day. However, the number of stolen cars steadily declined into the summer and remained well-below 2022 levels through the end of November. Teen driver accused in deadly Christmas Eve crash facing multiple charges Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner told KOIN 6 News that PPB specifically targeted Portlands car theft problem in 2023. PPB is aware of the toll the theft of a vehicle can have on an owner, Benner said. It makes it difficult to get to work, school, and other important places. PPB has emphasized cracking down on vehicle thefts by conducting numerous Stolen Vehicle Operations throughout the year. Portlands monthly car theft statistics for 2022 (left) and 2023 (right). (Data provided by PPB, compiled by KOIN 6) A stolen dump truck crashed into and destroyed several cars in NE Portland on June 1, 2023 (PPB) Mother, son among those arrested in large drug, gun bust involving tiny home in Portland In 2022, 11,110 cars were reported stolen within the city of Portland. The rate of stolen cars was especially high Hazelwood, Lents, Downtown, Northwest Portland and St. Johns. Using this data, PPBs Stolen Vehicle Operations team targeted car theft in Portlands deeply impacted neighborhoods by making frequent traffic stops. PPB Sgt. Kevin Allen told KOIN 6 News in March of 2023 that the stolen vehicle missions also help to deter other crimes. What were finding is theyre using these stolen cars for other crimes, so theyll drive around in a stolen car and might get involved in gun violence, they might get involved in shootings, robberies, assaults, Allen said. The number of stolen cars reported in the city of Portland between 2019 and 2023. (PPB) A map of the areas most affected by car theft between 2019 and 2023. (PPB) Crime data for December of 2023 is not yet available on the City of Portlands website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. People place candles at the memorial site for the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. imanek Vit/CTK/dpa The student who gunned down 14 people and injured a further 25 in Prague last week before killing himself admitted the murder of a man out walking with his baby a week previously, a police spokesman said on Wednesday. A letter admitting the motiveless double murder had been found during a search of the house in Hostoun to the west of Prague, where the gunman lived with his father, the spokesman told the Novinky.cz news website. "We are unable at the moment to publish the remaining contents of the letter," the spokesman said. The investigation and gathering of evidence from witnesses could be jeopardized, he said. Ballistic evidence from a firearm found in the house previously indicated that the student could have been responsible for this murder in woodland on Prague's outskirts as well. The crime had shocked Czech society before the Prague shooting on Thursday last week. According to evidence currently available to police, the 24-year-old student murdered his father directly before the shooting from the main building of the Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University on Jan Palach Square. He was able to assemble an arsenal of weapons legally without the authorities becoming suspicious. People place candles at the memorial site for the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. imanek Vit/CTK/dpa Savanah Nicole Soto, a pregnant 18-year-old from Leon Valley, Tex., a suburb of San Antonio, was found dead Tuesday afternoon, after a two-day search led by family and local police. The bodies of Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra the father of her unborn child were discovered in the Medical Center area of northwest San Antonio, a family member told CBS News affiliate KENS 5. According to Guerras family, police confirmed both were found dead inside a vehicle in the parking lot of an apartment complex. There are two people in the car. They are deceased, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said in a Tuesday night press conference, adding that the car matched the description of the boyfriends and that authorities believe it had been in the parking lot for several days. Theres no word yet on who or what was responsible for the deaths, or in what condition the bodies were found. Its a very perplexing crime scene, McManus said. Detectives right now are looking looking at this as a possible murder, but we dont know for sure. Soto originally went missing on Dec. 22, and as of Tuesday morning, family members said she was a week past her due date. She was scheduled to be induced on Saturday, Dec. 23, but never showed up for her appointment. She was previously seen at the Leon Valley apartment complex where she lived with her boyfriend, reported CBS News. No one had been able to contact the boyfriend since Soto went missing, according to her family, and the Leon Valley Police Department issued a CLEAR alert on Monday. The alert, typically issued for missing or abducted adults, referred to her as an individual in imminent danger. Friends and family organized a search on Monday night and told KENS they were planning a search of the area around her apartment on Tuesday as well. Police reportedly attempted to gain access to Sotos apartment on Monday but were unsuccessful. She was thrilled and excited about being a mom, said Rachel Soto, the teens grandmother, who said her granddaughter already had a nursery decorated and a name picked out. A pregnant Texas teenager and her boyfriend were both shot to death, police said Wednesday morning. Savannah Soto, 18; Matthew Guerra, 22, and Sotos unborn child were found dead Tuesday in Guerras car in San Antonio. The case is listed as a capital murder investigation, according to the San Antonio Express-News. Soto was reported missing last Friday, one day before she was supposed to be induced into labor. She never arrived for her appointment. The car was eventually found less than a mile from a hospital complex. Sotos family said they first requested a welfare check last Friday night. Local cops said responding officers found no signs of forced entry at her house and dismissed the concern. Police in Leon Valley, the northwest suburb where Soto lived, said they heard the couple was out of town. On Monday, cops issued an alert that is typically used for missing or abducted adults. It said Soto was in imminent danger. Soto and Guerras bodies were located the next day. An initial investigation determined the two lovers had likely been dead for three to four days, according to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus. He described the crime scene as very perplexing and complex. Sotos family told local news outlets that she was thrilled about becoming a mom and had prepared her home for the arrival of the baby, who was to be named Fabian. She was so excited to have this baby, the house is already baby-ready, her mother, Gloria Cordova, told reporters. She was so excited she was going to be a mommy. On Wednesday, members of Guerras family took to social media to defend themselves from allegations that they were involved in the crime. We have nothing to do with this, one of Guerras relatives said in a Facebook Live video. We promise yall. I dont like how the internet is making us look like criminals. Pregnant women prescribed sleep and anti-anxiety medication may be at greater risk of miscarriage, a study suggests. Researchers in Taiwan analysed more than three million pregnancies from nearly two million women and found that those prescribed the drugs were 70 per cent more likely to miscarry. Fewer than 1 per cent of pregnant women in Britain are offered the sedatives such as diazepam or lorazepam each year to help with insomnia or anxiety disorders. But it still means tens of thousands of women are being prescribed the drugs while pregnant. The drugs are sold under brand names such as Valium and Xanax but the study, published in Jama Psychiatry, did not specify which had been taken. In the research, around 4.4 per cent of women had miscarriages with fludiazepam found to more than double the risk. Alprazolam had the lowest risk at 39 per cent. Experts from National Taiwan University concluded: Benzodiazepine use during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, even after accounting for unmeasured confounders, including those related to genetics and the family environment. The observation of an increased risk of miscarriage associated with benzodiazepine use during pregnancy suggests that benzodiazepines should only be used after a thorough evaluation of the potential benefits and risks for both the mother and child. Cause and effect questioned British experts warned that benzodiazepine use should be kept as low as possible, but said that other reasons could be driving the link between the drugs and miscarriages, such as underlying conditions which needed medication. Prof Sir Simon Wessely, regius chairman of psychiatry at Kings College London, said: Its well conducted with big numbers, and I am in no doubt that they found an association. But the big question is, is this cause and effect? And the problem is we cant tell. There may be plenty of reasons why someone is being prescribed benzodiazepines and is also at higher risk of miscarriage. They did the best they could to control these, and the association remained, but its always an issue in this kind of study. The main lesson is that for lots of reasons we should continue all efforts to reduce the prescriptions of benzodiazepines anyway, especially for anything more than a very short period. There have been several studies linking benzodiazepines to pregnancy complications in recent years. In 2020, Stanford University found that women who take the sedatives in the weeks before conception were 50 per cent more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. In 2019, a British study found women were at 60 per cent more risk of spontaneous abortion if they took benzodiazepines in early pregnancy. But not all experts are convinced. Prof Christiaan Vinkers, psychiatrist and stress and resilience chairman at Amsterdam University Medical Centre, added: I think these results have a large risk of confounding by indication, i.e. patients with mental health problems receiving more benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepine use is very broadly defined, and more stringent definitions lead to attenuated associations. Without a plausible mechanism, and pharmacological assumptions about short-acting vs long-acting that are untenable, it seems to me that this study should not change current practice. Of course, we should always be prudent during pregnancy with any medication use. However, anxiety and severe insomnia undoubtedly also have detrimental effects on the mother and unborn child. 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) Another suspected communist rebel was killed during the military's combat operation in Bukidnon on Christmas Day, bringing the total to 10. The report came after the Armed Forces of the Philippines recovered the body of the suspect at the site of the clash in Malaybalay City. In a press briefing, 4th Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Jose Maria Cuerpo II said the military was able to locate the suspected communists with the help of the residents. Cuerpo said the residents told the military that some alleged communists are doing illegal activities in preparation for the 55th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26. He added that the AFP pursued its military operation as they were also monitoring the alleged communists in the past weeks. The AFP initially reported that nine alleged members of the New Peoples Army (AFP) were killed in the clash. Authorities also seized eight firearms from the NPA members. Cuerpo said the remains of the alleged CPP members have yet to be identified. The Philippine National Police - Scene of Crime Operation unit will examine the remains before turning them over to the Malaybalay local government or their families. Cuerpo also said the military is still pursuing the remaining suspected communists they encountered in the clash. "My order is to continue the operations until we are sure that the area is cleared of this criminal groups and the community is secured, from the threats of this group," Cuerpo said. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, earlier said the military will continue its combat operations against the rebels despite CPP's declaration of ceasefire as it is an "empty statement." The Irish ambassador described Diana, Princess of Wales, as ignorant after she apparently confused Ulster with the Republic, according to a newly released document. A briefing note released by the National Archives of Ireland showed that Joseph Small, the former Irish ambassador in London, believed the late Princess showed obvious ignorance of, or disregard for, constitutional niceties in relation to Northern Ireland. The note from 1993 for Mary Robinson, then Irish president, before a historic visit to Buckingham Palace claimed that the late Princess had referred to Northern Ireland as part of Ireland. The visit by Mrs Robinson in May that year would mark the first time a serving president of Ireland visited the United Kingdom, and visited Elizabeth II. In a folder with briefing material for the president was the note where Mr Small also stated that the Princess Royal had visited Ireland in a private capacity for equestrian functions. The first official visit by a member of the Royal family since it became independent was not until 1995 when Prince Charles met John Bruton, then taoiseach, in London. Briefing note The note from May 21, 1993 said that the future King had said he wanted to visit the Republic and noted that Diana had confused Northern Ireland with the south. Whenever we meet Prince Charles, he invariably says that he would love to visit Ireland, Mr Smalls briefing note dated May 21 1993 said. He is, of course, a regular visit to Northern Ireland (sic). Princess Diana has also been there. Early last year she said to me, with obvious ignorance of or disregard for constitutional niceties: I was in your country yesterday! The briefing note also detailed the latest political situation in the UK and on the Royal family ahead of what would become a significant visit as Anglo-Irish relations deepened. As part of Mrs Robinsons visit, she would pay a courtesy call to Elizabeth II in response to an invite from the monarch at 5pm on the second day of her trip. Among the topics noted for possible discussion between Mrs Robinson and Elizabeth II was Northern Ireland, bombing atrocities in the region and in Britain, cross-border issues and general relations between Ireland and the UK. Elizabeth II met with Mary Robinson at Buckingham Palace in May 1993 - Martin Keene/PA The meeting which also included Mrs Robinsons husband was scheduled to last around 40 minutes, where tea and light refreshments were to be served. The Duke of Edinburgh was in Liverpool attending the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. Documents show an observer wrote to the presidents office before the visit and noted some parallels with the last meeting between an Irish woman leader and a British monarch. The writer compared the Buckingham Palace meeting with the Queen of Connaught, Grace OMalley, visiting Elizabeth I at Greenwich Castle exactly 400 years earlier, in 1593. Grace, like yourself, was also a Mayo woman! Dr Donald Martin from Killybegs in Co Donegal wrote, noting that the language spoken at the time was Latin. Mrs Robinsons special adviser replied to say Mrs Robinson read the letter with great interest. Hillery declines invitation to royal wedding The newly released archives also reveal that former Irish president Patrick Hillerys decision to decline an invitation to the wedding of Charles and Diana in July 1981 prompted concerns from his government officials. A briefing note asked whether the reply should be issued after the Irish general election in early June that year or would it be discourteous to do so, while also noting that sending a reply too soon after the invite could also be discourteous. The note also pondered that since it is a negative reply, it would seem desirable to offer a diplomatic excuse, as no decent reason being given could be misinterpreted both domestically and internationally. The press will certainly ask the reason for the non-attendance. The document also weighed up the pros and cons of attending the wedding, noting that an invite from a friendly country to an occasion such as this should be accepted, but adding that the Irish president would attract unfavourable comment if he did attend. The wedding invitations were issued a month after IRA prisoner Bobby Sands died after a 66-day-long hunger strike, as part of a campaign to be treated as a political prisoner. The present state of Anglo-Irish relations, and specifically the very general feeling of dissatisfaction in both the north and the south with the British Governments policy on prison conditions in Northern Ireland would ensure that there would be much unfavourable comment if the president were to attend the royal wedding, the document said. It added that with the appropriate diplomatic excuse, a refusal of the Irish presidents attendance would not impair the political dialogue with London. On June 26 1981, the final date by which the RSVP was to be given, Irelands ambassador to the UK conveyed the presidents thanks for the wedding invite but expressed their regret that, because of prior commitments, they will be unable to attend. They have instructed that the ambassador should represent them on this occasion, it added. 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. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Los Angeles and New York blocked roads leading to two of the busiest airports in the world Wednesday, disrupting holiday travel to call attention to Israels attacks on Gaza. Protesters used barriers and their bodies to stop traffic on busy roads to Los Angeles International Airport and New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport, holding up signs calling on the United States, which provides significant military aid to Israel, to divest from genocide amid strikes on the Palestinian territory. Videos of the demonstrations were widely shared on social media, showing police eventually handcuffing participants and dispersing the protests. According to local news reports, police arrested around 35 people in Los Angeles and 26 in New York. At JFK Airport, footage showed travelers getting out of blocked cars and walking down the road to catch their flights in one of the years busiest travel weeks. #happeningnow Port Authority Police are arresting the demonstrators blocked the road into JFK Airport. As the cops make arrests, dozens of passengers are pushing through the blockade with their luggage to try to make their flights. pic.twitter.com/prZAjusNAT Oliya Scootercaster (@ScooterCasterNY) December 27, 2023 Passengers are WALKING past the protest blockade to get to their terminal. The protest is happening along I678 and the service road next to it leading to JFK International Airport in New York City. pic.twitter.com/EVD4uO2ct3 Oliya Scootercaster (@ScooterCasterNY) December 27, 2023 Protests over Israels war against Hamas, the militant group whose Oct. 7 attack on the country killed around 1,200 people, have ramped up across the world as Israel aggressively retaliates, killing over 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza. In the U.S., protesters have disrupted major holiday events, including the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. New York Mayor Eric Adams said on Tuesday that the city is preparing for demonstrations to potentially impact the New Years Eve celebration in Times Square an event that draws around 1 million people annually. Were sure that theres going to be some type of attempt this year, Adams said of potential protesting. Wednesdays airport backup comes days after the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution aiming to increase humanitarian aid for Gaza despite intense resistance from the U.S. Related... Pro-Palestinian protestors obstructed traffic Wednesday near the entrances of two of the countrys largest airports Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on what is expected to be one of the busiest travel days all year. At JFK, the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) made 26 arrests for disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic, a PAPD spokesperson said. The spokesperson also said the Port Authority offered free bus rides to the airport for travelers whose travel plans were delayed as a result of the protest. At about 11:30 this morning, PAPD was notified of protest activity on the Van Wyck Expressway inside JFK Airport, the spokesperson said in a statement. After the arrests were made, the spokesperson added, The roadway was reopened at 11:50. During the disruption, the Port Authority dispatched two airport buses, offering rides to travelers involved in the backup to allow them to reach the airport safely, the spokesperson said. Videos on social media circulated Wednesday morning of protestors holding hands across two parallel roadways, blocking traffic on both, holding banners that said Free Palestine, Genocide then//Genocide now, Right to return and divest from genocide. The videos showed some people getting out of their cars and walking away from the area. The protestors were also heard chanting from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free a phrase that, according to the Anti Defamation League, is largely rebuked as an antisemitic slogan often used by supporters of groups that seek Israels destruction through violent means. On the other side of the country, similar protests took place. Images of protests at LAX also flooded social media, with claims that sandbags were purportedly aligning the roads near the airport, preventing people from entering. One photographed sign read, Ceasefire not enough. Land back! Free Palestine. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the department was aware of the protest activity. Media representatives did not reply immediately to subsequent questions about the police response. The LAPD is aware of an ongoing protest within the LAX area. Traffic in the area is currently impacted. Please avoid the area and continue to monitor for updates, the post read. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Forsyth Park Civil War memorial that was vandalized in the early morning hours of Dec. 24, 2023, was cleaned by a historic preservations specialist on Wednesday. The graffiti that read Free Gaza, Free Palestine has been cleaned off of the Civil War monument in Forsyth Park. According to City of Savannah spokesperson Joshua Peacock, the City of Savannah hired Landmark Preservation, historic preservation specialists, to clean the statue. That work order was filled today, three days after the red paint appeared. More: Forsyth Park memorial vandalized as tension grows over Israel-Hamas conflict More: Savannah man indicted for making bomb hoax for Hamas against WTOC, Islamic Center More: Savannah's Jewish communities gather for public lighting of Hanukkah menorah At around 1 a.m. on Dec. 24, the statue was vandalized, according to previous reporting by the Savannah Morning News. The Savannah Police Department (SPD) launched an investigation into the incident. As of publication time, SPD's investigation remains ongoing. No arrests have been made, but evidence has been collected, according to Neil Penttila, public safety communication manager for the City of Savannah. Hamas is a militant Palestinian nationalist and Islamist movement that governs more than 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. On Oct. 7 of this year, Hamas plunged Israel into a war after launching a ground invasion and missile attack that claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians, according to reporting by the Associated Press, which also reports that Israel's response has claimed the lives of more than 20,000 Palestinians. Drew Favakeh is a public safety and courts reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@savannahnow.com. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Pro-Palestinian vandalism removed from Forsyth Park memorial Three decades ago, it was nearly an even match. Abortion-rights proponents and anti-abortion activists at the culmination of a dramatic three-year political battle in the halls of the State House and across Maryland turned out thousands of volunteers and flooded the airwaves with ads, spending practically dollar-for-dollar in the lead-up to the 1992 election. "Privacy, safety, choice," the ads supporting abortion said. "Make them get it right," said the opposition. The question at hand: Whether Maryland would codify the protections of Roe v. Wade in what was then seen as the unlikely event that the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court case would be overturned. That ballot question was ultimately approved by 60% of voters above expectations at a time when support for abortion rights among the public and elected officials in liberal-leaning Maryland was not automatic. Now, for the first time since that historic ballot measure, Maryland voters will have the chance to make their voices heard on whether abortion should be protected even further. A question being prepared for the November 2024 ballot will ask voters whether reproductive freedom should be enshrined in the state constitution. And, once again, supporters are saying Maryland's expected support shouldn't be taken for granted. "Everywhere you turn, individual rights are under attack, and border states like West Virginia have already implemented near total abortion bans. It's critical we take steps now to ensure access in Maryland remains safe and reliable for the future," said Erin Bradley, a top Planned Parenthood staffer in Maryland who is among the leaders of a new organization aimed at raising awareness of the 2024 ballot question. Freedom in Reproduction Maryland, or FIRM, is an organization that's just beginning to take shape. Among its goals will be to raise money to launch a campaign asking voters to support the constitutional amendment in the fall. Advocates like Bradley acknowledge Maryland's ballot question is in better standing than other, more conservative states like Ohio and Kansas that have already shown voters widely support keeping access to abortions since the fall of Roe in June 2022. Both before and after the Supreme Court's decision, Maryland elected pro-abortion rights Democrats by overwhelming margins statewide and passed new laws to expand abortion access, including the language for the constitutional amendment in early 2023. But veterans of Maryland's last public battle on abortion rights agree even though Maryland is in a very different place politically than it was in the early 1990s, where Democrats now almost unilaterally agree on the issue and where polls show nearly three-quarters of the public support access the abortion question will require a serious campaign. "Polls are polls, but people showing up to the ballot box are two totally different things," said Steven Rivelis, who in 1990 chaired a political action committee whose sole mission was to elect abortion rights candidates and unseat anti-abortion incumbents in the Maryland General Assembly. Rivelis' work that year was spurred by a dramatic eight-day filibuster that killed legislation that would have protected abortion rights. Democrats were on both sides of the issue, split along a divide that at the time was more religious than partisan. "Every once in a while an issue comes up that has moral issues attached to it that nobody wants to face, but you have to face it," recalled former Democratic Sen. Frank Kelly, who was one of the anti-abortion floor leaders during the filibuster. Kelly, of Baltimore County, said his position, one that he still holds, was based on his Catholic faith and on his personal history. His mother, he said, chose not to have an abortion when she was five months pregnant with him even though a doctor discovered a cyst that was potentially cancerous. "I don't think any of us wanted to deny a woman the right to make a decision," Kelly said of the 16 legislators, 13 Democrats and three Republicans, who were known as the "blocks of granite" for holding up the bill. "But there are two lives: The mother and the child. And the child can't speak for itself." The 1990 legislation failed after an attempt to send two versions of the bill, a more expansive abortion-access bill and another more restrictive version, to voters to let them decide. Rivelis, who had been Planned Parenthood's first full-time lobbyist in Maryland starting in 1981, said he was sitting in the Senate chamber gallery with other activists during the final vote. "There was a fascinating degree of electricity on that day," Rivelis said. "All of the work that we did up until then seemed to have indicated that we were supposed to win, so there was this sort of heightened sense of being deflated by one vote. Then folks sort of, within nanoseconds, went from this sort of being pissed off to channeling their anger to 'What do we do next?'" Rivelis' answer to that question was Choice PAC, a first-of-its-kind campaign committee in Maryland. He and others went to work targeting legislators at the center of the filibuster and recruiting candidates to unseat them. The results were unequivocal. Four of the five targeted Democrats lost in the primary six months later, including multiterm incumbents like Kelly, who was running for a fourth four-year term. Kelly soon afterward switched his party affiliation to Republican, a move he said he could have done before the election in order to win in November, though he said he wasn't willing to make the change just to win. "My faith required me to stand up," Kelly said. "I knew I was going to lose and I stuck with it." Delegate Sandy Rosenberg, then a young lawyer not far removed from sitting in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's class on sex discrimination at Columbia Law School, had entered the House in 1983 as a staunch supporter of abortion rights, quickly becoming a prime sponsor of annual budget language requiring Medicaid to cover abortion care. A floor leader in the House debates on codifying Roe's protections, he called the filibuster a "bitter" fight that led directly to the sweeping changes in the election. "They lost without a doubt, no question because of their opposition to the bill and their support for the filibuster," Rosenberg said of the lawmakers. "We knew we had the votes after that election." That quickly proved true just a few months later. When the General Assembly reconvened for its annual 90-day session in early 1991, the legislation quickly passed and, in a rare bill-signing ceremony early in the session, Gov. William Donald Schaefer approved the bill just 35 minutes after the final vote. Schaefer, a Democrat, had refused to take a position during the filibuster a year earlier. Anti-abortion activists then successfully petitioned the bill to go to voters before taking effect by collecting nearly 143,000 signatures, more than four times the required amount. Rivelis recalled "there was a great deal of nervousness" heading into what became the November 1992 ballot question campaign. "It's one thing to line up the votes. You need the 24 in (the Senate) and 72 in the (House). It is another thing to win in every precinct of the state," Rivelis said, noting the financial resources needed to reach voters. "Everyone was nervous and biting their fingernails at that point." Both sides came out in full force, nearly evenly splitting $3 million in combined fundraising and spending in the weeks before Election Day, according to news reports at the time. Torrents of radio and television ads were unleashed. Thousands of volunteers went door-knocking and "churchgoers found political flyers in their weekly bulletins," according to a report from The Baltimore Sun. The Vote kNOw Coalition even recruited Dr. Ben Carson then the renowned pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins and eventual cabinet member in Republican former President Donald Trump's administration for a television ad that he quickly disavowed, apparently not understanding the impact of the proposed law, according to another Sun report. "It was definitely a national cause for the anti-choice forces," said Maura Keefe, who worked on the Maryland for Choice campaign and went on to a long career on Capitol Hill as a chief of staff for lawmakers. Keefe said her group was "ecstatic" by the eventual win with 60% of the vote, which she attributes in part to the turnout generated by having Bill Clinton and U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, both Democrats, on the same ballot. "We were very happy to be striking the old law off the books and preparing for what we thought was a remote possibility," Keefe said, referring to the idea that national abortion protections could be wiped out with Roe. "It turned out to be less than remote." Keefe said it will be important for advocates to run a strong educational campaign again in 2024, especially as misinformation and attempts to "muddy the waters" spread in an attempt to make the question fail. "You can't just sort of expect that people will be pro-choice" and automatically come out to vote for the referendum, Keefe said. "You still need to tell them and get them to come out." Rosenberg similarly said advocates "can't take anything for granted" because of false accusations that the language will allow for "abortions on demand." Those claims were made at times by Republicans as lawmakers worked to pass the constitutional amendment language in early 2023. It's not yet clear what kind of messaging Freedom in Reproduction Maryland, still in its early stages of developing a strategy for 2024, will include in its campaign or how much money it will need to get that message across. In Ohio this fall, a state constitutional amendment to protect abortion access drew $70 million in combined fundraising and spending. In Kansas last year, a ballot question asking voters to remove abortion protections had a $22 million price tag. The abortion-rights sides overwhelmingly won in both cases, by 13 percentage points and 18 percentage points, respectively. Both states lean more conservative than Maryland, where the 2024 constitutional amendment will be widely expected to pass and may not require the same level of resources from advocates. Bradley, the executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of D.C., Maryland and Virginia who is helping lead the new FIRM group, said only that more information about the effort in Maryland will be shared in the coming weeks. But, she hinted, the effort is expected to be costly even in a state that looks far different in its stance on abortion rights than it did the last time the issue was on the ballot. "With hundreds of millions of dollars spent on this fight nationally, we know this will be expensive and take the support of all of Maryland's advocates," Bradley said. There is a new push in Congress aimed at trying to help some Social Security beneficiaries who have been told they owe money because the government mistakenly overpaid them. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< This comes after our Cox Media Group investigation in partnership with KFF Health News exposed billions of dollars in overpayments and efforts to claw the money back. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] A bipartisan bill in the House introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) would limit the Social Security Administrations (SSA) overpayment lookback period to ten years. Currently, there is no limit and the agency can try to fix errors that are decades old. In 2020, we told you about a Georgia woman who was told she received a notice saying she owed money from a mistake SSA made four decades ago. Related Story: Its Hell: Georgia woman living in car after losing her Social Security disability payments Last week, the U.S. Senate confirmed the new head of the Social Security Administration, Martin OMalley. His supporters on the Senate Finance Committee, which serves as a watchdog of the agency, say OMalley has vowed to prioritize addressing the problem. Martin OMalley understands that there is no Republican or no Democratic way to make sure that we deal with these overpayments, said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). Weve got to get this fixed. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Wyden said because of these problems, Senators on the committee will be getting monthly updates about whats being done to prevent overpayments. 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. China to take countermeasures against one U.S. company, two individuals Xinhua) 14:39, December 27, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday announced China's decision to take countermeasures against American intelligence data company Kharon and two individuals, urging the U.S. side to stop smearing China. According to media reports, the United States recently issued an annual human rights report related to Xinjiang and sanctioned China's two officials and three companies. China said it will take resolute countermeasures. "By issuing the report, the United States once again spread false stories on Xinjiang and illegally sanctioned Chinese officials and companies citing so-called human rights issues," spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily news briefing when answering a relevant query, adding that this move constitutes grave interference in China's internal affairs and violates the international law and the basic norms of international relations. The move is designed to vilify China and harmful to the lawful rights and interests of relevant Chinese officials and companies. "We firmly oppose and strongly condemn the move and have made serious demarches to the United States over this," Mao said. Mao said in accordance with China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, China will take countermeasures against American intelligence data company Kharon, which has long collected Xinjiang-related sensitive information and provided so-called evidence for America's illegal sanctions related to Xinjiang, Edmund Xu, director of investigations of Kharon, and Nicole Morgret, former researcher of the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. The two persons will be prohibited from entering China. China will freeze the property of Kharon and the two persons in China, including their movable and immovable property, and prohibit organizations and individuals in China from transactions and cooperation with them, Mao added. "We again urge the U.S. side to stop smearing China, cancel the illegal unilateral sanctions on Chinese officials and companies, and stop implementing wrongful acts such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act," said Mao. If the United States refuses to change course, China will not flinch and will respond in kind, she said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) This year started with a mess at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after a power outage put flights on hold. Political controversies erupted left and right, capped by the Marcos administration announcing, in an unprecedented move, the agreement to resume peace talks with communist rebels. As 2023 comes to a close, CNN Philippines also looks back at some of the disasters the country faced, from volcanic unrest to powerful earthquakes, and even fires and boat incidents. Mayons unrest Over 20,000 people in Albay had to be evacuated as the province saw the quick escalation of Mayon Volcanos unrest in early June, with the volcanos alert level status upgraded to Level 2 and Level 3 within a week. READ: The beauty is a beast: Mayon Volcano's unrest in 2023 Courtesy: Jericho Salas In December, state volcanologists lowered the alert status to Level 2 after they recorded a general decline in unrest since November. Aside from Mayon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised in October an Alert Level 1 status over Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon, around 70 kilometers southeast of Mayon. Taal Volcano, which is located in Batangas, also spewed volcanic smog or vog in September. RELATED: Phivolcs needs 120B to monitor all volcanoes in PH Consecutive earthquakes rock Surigao del Sur In the last month of 2023, movement along the Philippine Trench triggered two major earthquakes that shook Surigao del Sur, reportedly killing three people, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). On the night of Dec. 2, a massive magnitude 7.4 quake jolted the waters off Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur. Two days later, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Cagwait, another town in the province. A series of tremors were also recorded in the two towns on the same day. A state of calamity was declared in Hinatuan town as the earthquake caused over 1.1 billion worth of infrastructure damage and 153.15 million of agriculture damage. Deadly typhoons displace millions, trample on agri sector This year, the country, highly vulnerable to the climate crisis, recorded 11 tropical cyclones, including Super Typhoon Betty (Mawar). But even bad weather caused by low pressure areas, shear lines, and monsoons affected the lives of many Filipinos. Authorities rescue residents of Sitio Libtong, Barangay Central in Manay, Davao Oriental due to floods brought about by Tropical Depression Kabayan in December.. Authorities reported 45 deaths and 2 million displaced residents across the country due to the continuous rainfall that lasted almost the whole of January. In July, the disaster management agency reported 30 deaths due to typhoons Egay (Doksuri) and Falcon (Khanun) and affected over 5 million locals. WATCH: Over 100 areas under state of calamity Data from the NDRRMC showed most of the fatalities were caused by either floods or landslides. Five people were killed in General Nakar, Quezon following a landslide in Sitio Angelo, Brgy. Umiray on Tuesday night due to continuous rains in October. The weather disturbances took a great toll on the countrys agricultural sector, with Egay alone leaving more than 4 billion worth of agricultural damage, the Department of Agriculture said. Some groups said each affected farmer needed 25,000 worth of aid. RELATED: PH seeks rice importation to prepare for impact of El Nino, Egay on harvest Price increases in vegetables, including bell pepper, cabbage and carrots, were seen in Metro Manila markets after Egay. The cost of tomatoes climbed to 120 per kilo 45 more compared with its price in June. It further went up by 210 per kilo on Sept. 1 due to Falcon and Super Typhoon Goring (Saola) in August. Mindoro oil spill The threat from a massive oil spill in the waters of Mindoro was also one of the biggest news in 2023. It affected 200,000 locals and halted the work of around 27,000 fishers, with the country losing nearly 5 billion worth in fish production. MT Princess Empress was carrying around 900,000 liters of industrial fuel when it capsized on Feb. 28, then eventually sank a day after. It took authorities four months to siphon off the remaining oil in the vessels cargo tanks. Oil slicks reportedly reached Antique, Palawan, and the Verde Island Passage. On April 22, oil spill-affected fisherfolk are clearing the shores of Pola, Oriental Mindoro of oil slicks as part of their tasks in the government's cash-for-work program. April 22 is Earth Day. RELATED: Mindoro oil spill may damage habitats worth 7B DENR Capsized boats In July, at least 26 people drowned after MB Aya Express, which sailed during bad weather, sank in waters off Binangonan, Rizal. Authorities found that the motorbanca with a seating capacity of 42 carried nearly 70 passengers who were not wearing life vests. The captain also admitted that he bribed Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel to allow him to sail even when the vessel was overloaded. A survivor revealed that the boat was also loaded with heavy items such as sacks of rice and textiles. The Maritime Industry Authority suspended the passenger ship safety certificate of MB Aya Express, while the PCG filed a complaint for syndicated estafa against its owner. In early October, oil tanker Pacific Anna, registered in the Marshall Islands, rammed fishing boat Dearyn off Bajo de Masinloc, resulting in the death of three fishermen. Eleven others survived the incident. READ: 'We tied him so his body wouldn't drift away': Survivors recall ramming of PH boat off Bajo de Masinloc Fire destroys PH iconic spots The year 2023 was also marked by a loss in Philippine architecture and heritage as flames left the historic Manila Post Office totally burned, and damaged 7,000 national IDs as well. READ: How the Manila Central Post Office made its mark in PH history Authorities said the fire started past 11 p.m. on May 21 in the post offices basement when a car battery exploded. Fire out was declared after more than 30 hours. The Manila Post Office said the reconstruction of the 97-year-old structure may take around two years. In March, a fire also razed 1,700 stalls of the Baguio City Public Market, displacing at least 2,200 people, including 1,700 vendors who occupied the burned stalls and 500 vendors in the surrounding area. No casualties were reported. Authorities said the fire began after a discarded lighted cigarette ignited a sack of clothes. The fire left around 24 million in damages. Fatal bombing in Marawi A bomb attack at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City left four people dead and 72 others injured on Dec. 3. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly explosion, which happened during a Catholic mass service at the university gym. Suspect Jafar Gamo Sultan alias Jaf/Kurot was arrested five days later, the military said. Other suspects identified were Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membisa, who police said were members of the Dawlah Islamiyah Maute group. RELATED: PNP: Marawi State University situation now back to normal after state university bombing The Sanibel Lighthouse is still under repair Tuesday, Dec. 19 2023, after suffering the impacts from Hurricane Ian last year. It makes sense that even repairs to Sanibel's lighthouse involve insurance estimates, deductibles and delays. More than a year after Hurricane Ian slammed the barrier island, smashing one of the historic tower's leg into three pieces, it's awaiting final fixes as the city deals with its municipal insurance company. The good news, says spokesman Eric Jackson, is the popular beach on the lighthouse's point is open, with only the apron around the tower closed off. "There's fencing and caution tape just to keep people away" from the active repair area, Jackson says, "but people can view it and get pictures of it." More good news: Repairs might be in the home stretch as early as next week. Here are five things to know about the lighthouse and its recovery: The Sanibel Lighthouse is still under repair Tuesday, Dec. 19 2023, after suffering the impacts from Hurricane Ian last year. The gossip mill was wrong about it being swept to sea Though early rumors had it the lighthouse was gone, the illuminated tower made it through the storm. What Ian did sweep away with its 155 mph-plus wind and 13-foot storm surge were two historic cottages at the light's base. When the buildings slammed into the tower, they knocked one of its legs out from under it, breaking it into three pieces, later found nearby. Missing limb or not, the tower still stood, a testament to its soundness, Celina Kersh Monte-Sano, president of the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village told The News-Press a month after the storm. "It shows how how structurally stable that tower actually was," she said. Even so, the city wasn't taking any chances, and quickly replaced the broken leg with an emergency wooden support. That was later replaced with a metal placeholder, Jackson said. Getting it fixed is complicated of course Almost immediately, the paperwork (well, electronic work) began. The process involves the city, its municipal insurance company, specialty structural engineers and artisanal cast-iron fabricators and Kersh Monte-Sano's nonprofit, which manages Sanibels historic properties. A complete structural evaluation and report had to be drafted before restoration could start. Eventually, the final bespoke replacement leg will be a cast iron replica of the original support column, says Crystal Mansell, Sanibel's director of administrative services. "The contractor that is fabricating the cast iron replica is Robinson Iron Co. out of Alexander City, (Alabama)," Mansell wrote in an email. Once the new leg is in place, a second contractor, Razorback LLC out of Tarpon Springs, will mobilize and begin corrosion remediation and coating application to all interior and exterior painted surfaces, she wrote. The tower will get "a high-performance industrial coating with an epoxy primer and polyurethane finish." A relighting ceremony of the Sanibel Lighthouse was held on Tuesday, Feb.28, 2023 morning. Members of the community showed up for the 6 a.m. event. The light was turned on a few minutes after six. The lighthouse has been dark since Hurricane Ian slammed into Southwest Florida. One of the legs was washed away and the cottages were destroyed in the storm. The leg is being repaired. Prosthetic or not, the tower was quickly illuminated again After five months of darkness, in February, the U.S. Coast Guard, which maintains the lighthouse, re-lit it. Many turned out to watch the ceremony, which gave islanders a huge psychological boost, City Councilwoman Holly Smith, who was the island city's mayor in the storm's aftermath, told The News-Press. How much will this all cost? The repairs should be about $839,000. "The contract amount for repair of one column, one strut and 5 tie rods is $217,020," Mansell wrote. "The contractor will also repair the broken cast iron ladder and two window stops (and) the cost for the interior and exterior coating project is $622,000." The Sanibel Lighthouse is still under repair Tuesday, Dec. 19 2023, after suffering the impacts from Hurricane Ian last year. What's the timeline? Of course the region has learned that with hurricane repairs, everything is subject to change, but "fabrication of the column, struts (and) tie rods is expected to be complete by December 31," Mansell wrote. "Tentatively, the contractor is expected to mobilize the second week of January to begin the permanent column repair. A confirmed schedule date will be dependent upon completion of fabrication work." This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: New year, new leg: Sanibel Lighthouse might soon be on all fours again The Cincinnati region has been connected to monumental crimes and criminals in years past. Here is a look at one of them. The hook: A Cincinnati-built steamboat exploded in April 1865, killing some 2,000 people in what remains to this day the worst maritime disaster in the history of the United States. The SS Sultana was a 260-foot wooden-sided steam transport built in 1862 at the John Litherbury Shipyard on Front Street in Cincinnati. The factory is long gone, but a plaque about a mile from where it once stood commemorates the disaster and the role Cincinnati played in it. In the mid-19th century, Cincinnati was a major (riverboat) construction site, Barbara Dawson, then a librarian at the Cincinnati Historical Society, told The Enquirer in 1999 when the plaque was proposed by history buff Chris Heather. Cincinnatis role in the (Civil) War has always been downplayed, Heather said. The city had a number of factories that cast cannons, Cincinnati supplied many soldiers, including my own great-great-grandfather. While exploding steamboats werent unheard of at the time, the Sultana disaster immediately stood out: Not only was the boat filled well beyond legal capacity with Union prisoners of war eager to return home, but the decision to pack so many aboard one steamboat was made by military men promised financial kickbacks for doing so. The steamboat: Sultana was a mammoth looking craft for these times, according to an 1862 Cleveland Daily Leader story announcing that the steamboat was fitted out and ready for sea and about to embark on its first trip. A few months later, the newspaper noted the boat had hauled the largest cargo ever taken from the Saginow (sic) valley when it passed by with 750,000 feet of lumber. Steamers were novel enough in the mid-19th century that local newspapers announced their arrivals and departures so people could line the river to watch. While the first steamboat was built by a Scotsman toward the end of the 1700s, the first successful U.S.-built steamboat came from Robert Fulton in 1807. As the decades passed, the boats got bigger, requiring more and larger boilers, which always posed an explosion risk. The biggest danger facing steamboats was boiler explosion, according to A History of Steamboats, published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. If boilers were not carefully watched and maintained, pressure could build up in the boiler and cause a spectacular and deadly explosion. The victims: The Sultana, initially intended to haul cotton along a regular route between St. Louis and New Orleans, was only approved to carry a regular crew of 85 and 376 passengers. And yet, when disaster struck, the boat had nearly 2,500 people aboard, plus dozens of horses, mules and hogs. The reason for the overcrowding came down to money and opportunity. As the Civil War ended in April 1865, thousands of federal prisoners who were held at Confederate prisoner of war camps in Alabama and Georgia were paroled and brought to Vicksburg, and they hoped to head home. The U.S. government paid between $5 and $10 per prisoner to riverboat companies willing to take on the passengers. That government money trickled down to riverboat captains who were given a per-soldier bonus payment to jam as many prisoners aboard their boats as possible. Thats how the Sultana came to be so overfilled. Its captain, James Cass Mason, stood to pocket at least $700 or more than $13,000 in todays money. The blast: Capt. Mason not only erred when he agreed to take on far more passengers than the Sultana was allowed to carry, but he did so knowing that two of his four boilers had been giving him trouble. He had them repaired twice in recent voyages, and before the boat reached Vicksburg, where the prisoners of war were set to board, they gave out again. A local boilermaker found a bulge in the middle larboard boiler that was bad enough that he was amazed the thing had made the trip from its prior stop, New Orleans. Capt. Mason refused the boilermakers plea to dock a few days to give him time for a proper repair. Instead, the boilermaker slapped on a patch and watched as Mason refused to divert his stream of passengers to other steamers able and willing to take on some of the prisoners, too. The historical marker for the SS Sultana steamboat is along the Riverwalk in Bicentennial Commons. At 2 a.m. April 27, 1865, a few miles north of Memphis, Tennessee, as the thousands of passengers huddled awkwardly in hopes of getting some sleep, the patch affixed to the larboard boiler blew, causing two more boilers to explode simultaneously. Hundreds of people were instantly killed, while others awoke in the water disoriented. Most didnt know how to swim and were in poor health from years as prisoners, making surviving the Mississippi Rivers frigid water nearly impossible. The alligator: This part of the story sounds made up, but its true: Aboard the Sultana was a pet alligator named Sal that the crew kept in a sturdy crate. A private named William Lugenbeal remembered that crate, sought it out, and killed Sal with a bayonet. (He apparently decided that tossing a live alligator into the river with drowning men would be ill advised.) Then he threw the crate into the water and rode it to safety. Theres a Sultana-devoted museum in Marion, Arkansas, outside Memphis, that still sells Sal the Alligator toys to this day. The aftermath: Capt. Mason wasnt injured in the initial explosion but apparently knew that he was at least in part to blame for the blast. Survivors reported seeing him tearing off pieces of wood from the wreckage and throwing them into the water for survivors to cling to. He was never seen leaving the wreck, apparently going down with his ship at 34 years old. Breaking news photography wasn't a thing back in the 19th century, so Harper's Weekly hired an artist to illustrate the April 27, 1865, explosion of SS Sultana, a Cincinnati-built steamer that had been jammed with at least five times the number of passengers it was legally permitted to carry. One of Masons superiors, Lt. Col. Reuben Hatch, was spared legal charges (or court-martialing, in military terms) largely thanks to his brother, Ozias Mather Hatch, who served as Abraham Lincolns Illinois Secretary of State. Lincoln had previously written letters of support when Reuben Hatch had been repeatedly accused of scheming to steal tons of money from the government. Although Lincoln had been assassinated two weeks prior to the Sultanas explosion, Ozias Hatch still had considerable pull with the powers that be. Another of Masons superiors Capt. Frederick Speed was the only one who couldnt avoid a court martial. Speed was in charge of properly documenting which prisoners of war were boarding the Sultana but he decided to cut corners. Instead of carefully preregistering each prisoner, he opted to let them check in as they boarded, which led to hundreds more being allowed aboard than expected. Speeds sloppiness initially got him convicted, but that was later overturned. No one else was ever tried for the disaster. The tally of dead has never been confirmed The Enquirer in 2011 put the count at around 1,800 but most estimates put the count above 2,000. Only about 900 people survived, and that figure isnt definite either because some 200 of the soldiers initially marked as survivors ended up dying from their injuries before ever making it home to their loved ones. Enquirer journalist Amber Hunt is host of the podcast "Crimes of the Centuries" and co-founder of the Grab Bag Collab podcast network. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The worst maritime disaster in US history involved a Cincinnati boat EVANSVILLE It can be tough to squeeze in a vacation this time of year, but there's a plethora of places to go within a reasonable driving distance of the Evansville area. That means you can get away without being too far gone. Whether it's a day trip or a weekend adventure, there are plenty of places five hours away or less that offer a little bit of everything for any traveler. Here's a list of five cities to visit this winter season. Chicago Distance: 290 miles Travel time: Five hours, give or take time for stops Once you get there: You can start your day walking down the Chicago Riverwalk, take a 90-minute architecture river cruise, look at the downtown skyline, kayak down the river, or look at public art throughout the city. When baseball season is here, check out historic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs and the second-oldest active ballpark in the country. (Evansville's Bosse Field, by the way, is the third-oldest.) Take a shopping break on the Magnificent Mile, the 13-block stretch of Michigan Avenue that is home to hundreds of luxury and department stores, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or the observation deck 360 Chicago. Some other things to do: Willis Tower, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago History Museum, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago, and taste Chicago deep-dish pizza. Chattanooga, Tennessee Distance: 280 miles Travel time: Four hours, assuming traffic in Nashville isn't a nightmare Once you get there: Known as the "Scenic City," Chattanooga is the place to be if you want to be surrounded by nature and still enjoy city life. You can start your day at Tennessee Aquarium. If you still have the water bug, jump onto the Chattanooga Riverboat Co. Southern Belle and explore the city from the Tennessee River. After shopping at some of the local vendors and tasting local whiskey or wine, travel outside the city limits to climb Lookout Mountain or try some of the hiking trails nearby. After all that work, food is essential, so try local restaurants like Big River Grille or Taco Mamacita. Other things to do: Ruby Falls, Rock City, Raccoon Mountain Caverns, hit a whiskey tasting and check out Lookout Mountain. Memphis, Tennessee Aerial view of downtown Memphis on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Distance: 290 miles Travel time: Four hours, 30 minutes. Once you get there: The largest city in Tennessee has a little bit of everything. You can eat at restaurants made famous by Food Network shows, such as the original Gus's Fried Chicken, BB Kings, and the plethora of barbecue joints that dot the city. Connect with local civil rights history by visiting the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated; the National Civil Rights Museum; or the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum. For music, you could hit Beale Street, visit Sun Studio, or the Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum. When you need a break from the blues and barbeque, travel about 15 minutes outside of downtown to Graceland where you can see Elvis Presley's home and museum. Other things to do: Stax Museum, Memphis Zoo and Peabody Hotel. Gatlinburg, Tennessee Distance: 370 miles Travel time: Six hours, depending on the traffic in Nashville. Once you get there: Opposite of Memphis, Gatlinburg is another beautiful, scenic city. This resort town is the access point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and allows any hikers or travelers to enjoy scenic views. For those looking to do scenic drives, check out Cataloochee Valley. If you're downtown, some of the best lookout points are the Space Needle, Gatlinburg Skylift, or the Clingman's Dome, which offers some of the best views from the hiking trails. Stop back downtown to try some of the local breweries or get pizza at Ski Mountain Pizza and barbecue at Smith & Son Corner Kitchen. Other things to do: Baskins Creek Trail, Anakeesta, Greenbrier, Newfound Gap Road Roaring and Fork Motor Nature Trail. Gahanna, Ohio Distance: 335 miles Travel time: Five hours, but you may have to battle some congestion in Cincinnati. Once you get there: Gahanna is a place for anyone who would like to get a little nutty with Indiana's neighbor. Located in a suburb 20 minutes outside of the state's capital of Columbus, Gahanna gives you the ability to double dip in locations. Try out the Buckeye Candy Company or one of the local brewing companies to sample some locally crafted beer. Visit the Columbus Museum of Art, Gahanna Sanctuary Bell Tower, or the Gahanna Historical Society Settlement to see some local museums. Things to Do: Columbus Museum of Art, Gahanna Sanctuary Bell Tower, Gahanna Historical Society Settlement, Glow Putt. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: What are some cool, quick trips a short drive from Evansville, Indiana? The Red Arrows, also known as the RAF Aerobatic Team, is known as the public face of the service - Cpl Phil Dye/RAF The Royal Air Force falsely told MPs that Red Arrows sexism allegations did not meet a criminal threshold, whistleblowers have claimed. Four former members of the Red Arrows squadron have condemned the RAFs handling of an investigation into claims of a toxic culture that saw women plied with alcohol, treated like property and harassed for sex. Victims have claimed that the RAF misled the public by telling Parliament that none of the allegations heard by the inquiry team met a criminal threshold, according to the Sky News documentary Untouchable: Inside the Red Arrows. One trainee officer said that police never interviewed her and others to test independently whether there had been a criminal case to answer. She said that she and others chose not to go to the police directly because they had focused on speaking to the inquiry. A report published last month found that women were treated like property, plied with alcohol and harassed for sex in a predatory environment within the Red Arrows. A campaign of bullying and sexual harassment was widespread and normalised in the squadron, with female personnel forced to form groups known as shark watch to protect themselves at social events, the report found. The report added that it was highly likely women had to deal with being hounded for sex, unwanted physical contact and derogatory comments about their appearance. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton offered his unreserved apologies following the reports release, and said he was appalled by its findings - MoD/Andrew Wheeler The Red Arrows, also known as the RAF Aerobatic Team, is known as the public face of the service. It flies Hawk jets and has been displaying the services skills since 1965, often with a diamond nine shape and combinations of close formations and precision flying. Two investigations into alleged unacceptable behaviour were launched after three women approached the then head of the RAF directly with allegations of ill-treatment. The first investigation, launched in December 2021, covered a three-year period from 2017. It reported preliminary findings in February 2022. A second investigation, started in December 2022, looked at failings in the command and leadership of the Red Arrows. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the chief of air staff, offered his unreserved apologies following the reports release, and said he was appalled by its findings. The RAF has previously said that evidence of possible criminal behaviour was passed to the service police, but they were unable to gather sufficient evidence to begin prosecutions. Responding to the latest allegations, an RAF spokesman said: RAF Specialist Investigations Branch were informed of a series of incidents that had been identified from the NSI [non-statutory inquiry] process. Having followed all lines of inquiry open to them, the Specialist Investigations Branch concluded that there was insufficient evidence available to meet the evidential sufficiency test for referral to the Service Prosecuting Authority. Unreserved apology An RAF spokesman said: Two comprehensive and thorough investigations have been completed relating to unacceptable behaviours within the Red Arrows. The findings of the investigations led to action being taken against several individuals, up to and including dismissal from the service. This was followed by an unreserved apology from the chief of the air staff and the introduction of many changes within the unit based on the recommendations of the reports. As the chief of the air staff has previously stated, any new evidence on unacceptable behaviours anywhere in the RAF will be thoroughly investigated. Where appropriate, he will not hesitate to use the most severe sanctions available to deal with those whose behaviour harms others. 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) sees an increase in job opportunities for Filipinos in Japan, South Korea, and in the different provinces of Canada. Canada's Saskatchewan province is actively recruiting Filipino workers, especially healthcare professionals. In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the department is working on a framework agreement for the deployment of more workers in Canada. "Looking forward na sana mapirmahan na next year yung framework para sa recruitment ng ating workers pero ang good news diyan ay hindi lang healthcare workers ang kanilang kinukuha meron na rin tayong framework for the recruitment of non-healthcare workers," Caunan said. [Translation: We are hoping for the signing of the framework with Canada next year. The good news is they are not only hiring healthcare professionals but also non-healthcare workers.] The DMW official explained that a framework will speed up the recruitment process and the cost of employment will be clear in the terms of agreement. "Usually, they are looking for welders, pipe fitters, then you also have work opportunities in the hospitality sector, she added. Caunan added that working in Canada will also mean an opportunity for Filipinos to bring their families there. The DMW also sees opening of opportunities in Asia, particularly in Japan and South Korea. "Marami na po kaming natatanggap na requests from delegations from Japan at nakikita po nila na ang Pilipino ay seryoso pagdating sa pagtatrabaho sa Japan," Caunan said. [Translation: We are receiving a few requests from Japan, and they see that many Filipinos are interested in working there.] Caunan said Japan is interested in hiring Filipinos in the sectors of agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing, as well as care workers. Talks are also underway for possible deployment of caregivers in South Korea. The demand for Filipino workers remains high in Hong Kong and Taiwan, according to the DMW. As of Oct. 30, the DMW said over 2,028,307 overseas Filipino workers have been deployed and the number is expected to surpass pre-pandemic deployment in 2019 of 2,156,742. CHILLICOTHE Happy New Year Chillicothe! It has been another year of me, Shelby, reporting on the area and this year has certainly been busy and memorable. Let's take a look back together at some of my favorite stories from 2023. See last year: Reporter Shelby Reeves shares favorite stories from 2022 Jeff Cardin walks through downtown back to the Ross County Community Action Homeless Shelter on February 21, 2023 in Chillicothe, Ohio. Cardin has been homeless since November 2022 and has been living at the emergency shelter. While this list is not ranked there is a reason I wanted this story first and that is because I believe it is the most important one I have written this year. Homelessness is not just an issue in Chillicothe but worldwide. Throughout the years I have heard many people give their ideas on how to stop homelessness but oftentimes these people go home at the end of the day to a roof over their heads and a warm bed to sleep in, I felt very strongly that it was important to hear from someone actually experiencing homelessness. Jeff Cardin was the perfect voice for this story because he was very open to having me shadow him for a day and ask him hundreds of questions. He was very honest and open telling me things that needed to be said. From this story the thing that stuck with me most was the Homeless Clock concept where he pointed out that every event in a person's life moves them closer to or further from homelessness and sometimes these events are out of our control. If you haven't read this I believe you should as it gives a very honest look at what it is like to be homeless for just one day. I hope that by telling these stories I can help contribute to ending homelessness, or even just inspire people to give back, in some way. Dr. Blake Lloyd from North Fork Animal Clinic performs several spaying and neutering operations on local animals. Like ending homelessness, getting animals fixed is something that I believe to be important. With this story, I was able to talk to stakeholders in the community who are invested in fixing animals so that fewer strays are left to live on the streets with no one to care for them. I was also able to watch a local vet as they fixed several cats in a matter of an hour. This process is not something I can say I ever thought I would want to watch but it was very interesting and eye-opening seeing just how many strays were brought in through different programs. With all of the benefits of fixing your animals, like a reduced risk of cancer, I believe it is something that most owners should do and I was glad to see local people invested in helping these animals who are left to fend for themselves. You can also see my love for adoptable animals in stories like Have a tail wagging good time with a dog from the Ross County Humane Society and in galleries like Adoptable cats visit families at the library. National Parks Service Ranger, Hailey M. Senediak, stands amongst the mounds at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park educating visitors about the earthworks, Hopewell culture and indigenous peoples before the start of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage Inscription on October 14, 2023, in Chillicothe, Ohio. The UNESCO designation is a huge deal for Ross County with people traveling all over the world to visit every site. The celebration was filled with recognition for all the hard workers who spent years on the designation and felt like a great way to celebrate finally making it on the list. I am very excited to see how the county grows and improves thanks to this designation. Chef Jerry Clark holds a dish he was preparing to serve in the kitchen at Longhorn Steakhouse on March 16, 2023, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Clark will be competing on the 2023 Longhorn Steakhouse Steak Master Challenge. This story is a great example of what my job is like, I arrived at the restaurant expecting a small little article about the chef and his skills but I ended up with so much more. Jerry Clark had a real story to tell that went deeper than a cooking contest. All his hard work to become a better person for himself and his family was truly inspiring. Antique racing cars hang from the ceiling and car parts line the shelves and floor in Danny Smith's garage, a legend in the national Sprint Car racing circuit, at his home on Jan. 10, 2023 in Chillicothe, Ohio. Danny has been racing for decades and won his first race in 1976. Do I know anything about racing? No. Did I have fun learning while researching this story? Yes. This story originally came about when I was online on Christmas the previous year and saw Danny Smith's post about sending cheer from Chillicothe. Being curious I looked him up and after learning more about him I decided to reach out. He was more than happy to have us out to his garage and show us his equipment which was very cool even for someone who knows nothing about cars. This story also received a good amount of page views which honestly surprised me as I did not realize how big of a fan base sprint car racing had. After talking to Smith I was excited for the story to come out but it was nice to see other people excited about my work. I always love being able to learn more about the niche interests of readers. When renovating an old historic building you never know what you are fully getting until you demo the building and see the bare bones, for example, a staircase built on top of another staircase. This story took forever to write but it was definitely worth it. I, like many other people, am nosey so when I see a building being worked on I want to know what is happening, when it will be finished and what will be moving into the spot. Luckily, with my position, I am able to get a behind-the-scenes look which the nerd in me always enjoys. Things like seeing a staircase built on top of another staircase are always interesting and I love that I was able to showcase a small part of Chillicothe's history. James and Jarron train together in a wrestling ring. Well everybody if you have made it this far welcome to the annual time where I talk about how much I love pro wrestling. I have said it before but I will repeat myself- I have and will talk about pro wrestling for hours if given the chance. I will not subject readers to hours of me ranting but I will say that this year was a great year for my love for the business. I was able to be a part of not one, not two but three assignments involving wrestling. My story with local man James Hines and his sons was amazing, I was excited to be able to interview Hines and hear his story and also talk to his sons about their lives. I love a good family story and I am happy that I was able to showcase this hardworking bloodline. I was also able to photograph two meet-and-greets this year, one in March and one in September. During these events, I got to meet superstars like D-Von Dudley, Wardlow, RVD, Sting, The Boogeyman, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Ted Dibiase, Bret Hart, Gangrel and more. During the September event photographer Ty also got some amazing shots of in-ring action. I would like to take this time to say that young Shelby was 100% scared of The Boogeyman but adult Shelby is only around 30% afraid. The guy eats worms how can I not be a little afraid? Looking back, this year I have had the opportunity to meet some awesome people with great stories. So much has happened this year that I am sure there are amazing stories that I didn't list but loved and am proud of. As this year ends I am already looking forward to what comes next. 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: See reporter Shelby's favorite stories from 2023 Then outgoing EU Commission President Jacques Delors pictured during an event in Bonn. Delors has died, according to French media reports citing his daughter Martine Aubry. picture alliance / dpa Jacques Delors, the former president of the European Commission, has died at the age of 98, according to French media reports citing his daughter Martine Aubry. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to him on the online platform X as a "fighter for human justice". A French Socialist, Delors ran the European Commission from 1985 until 1995. Born in Paris in 1925, he initially became known in France as a deputy governor of the French central bank. A centrist, he only joined the French Socialist Party in 1974. He then became economic policy spokesman to French former president Francois Mitterrand, he became minister of the economy and finance in 1981. On departing from the Commission post, he was praised as a visionary with a highly analytical mind. Others said he had put a soul in the faceless business of European integration. He is also remembered for his swift encouragement for the reunification of Germany in 1990. Payment issues have caused delays in shipments of Russian Sokol crude oil to India, forcing Indian Oil Corp (IOC) to purchase more oil from the Middle East, Reuters reported Dec. 26, citing sources close to the matter. IOC is India's largest refinery, and the only state-owned refinery with an annual contract to buy varieties of Russian grades, including Sokol, from the Russian oil giant Rosneft. According to shipping data, IOC was set to receive six shipments of Sokol from late November to December, but those cargoes were not delivered. One of the tankers, the NS Century, was sanctioned by the U.S. on Nov. 16. While the NS Century is bound for Singapore, the other shipments remain floating off the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. "The supplier has an intent to deliver crude oil. Hopefully a solution will be found soon," one source told Reuters. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us IOC has been paying for Russian oil supplies with dirhams, the currency of the United Arab Emirates, since the Indian government advised all its state-owned refineries to switch from Chinese yuan to dirhams. Sources told Reuters that IOC's payments were delayed because Sakhalin-1 LLC, the Rosneft entity that supplies Sokol oil to IOC, has not been able to open a bank account in the UAE that can accept dirham payments. India has become a critical market for Russian oil amid intensifying Western sanctions. It is now the largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude, though sanctions present logistial difficulties in coordinating shipments. According to Reuters, India's oil ministry told a parliamentary panel in December that state oil companies have difficulties paying for Russian oil supplies because some banks cannot process payments for Russian oil in U.S. dollars. The ministry also told the panel that India was complying with the G7's price cap of $60 per barrel for seaborne Russian oil. Read also: Ukraines effort to isolate Russias economy through International Sponsors of War list Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) An airport staff was caught escorting two human trafficking victims who attempted to fly to Dubai on Dec. 22, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday. The BI said in a statement that the incident was already reported to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation and filing of appropriate charges. According to the bureau, the two victims were supposed to transit through Thailand for Dubai. They initially posed as friends from General Santos City on vacation. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said it was discovered during secondary inspection that the victims did not know each other's names and they did not have return tickets. They later confessed to being recruited as household service workers in Dubai through Facebook, without knowledge of their transit arrangements to UAE. Tansingco emphasized that immigration areas are strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel, especially those providing VIP treatment to trafficking victims. Note: An earlier version of this story reported three human trafficking victims instead of two, citing the BI's initial report. The immigration bureau has since corrected its figures. Russia is drastically underplaying the toll of its warship exploding, report suggests The Russian landing ship Novocherkassk, seen here in 2015, was damaged in a Ukrainian airstrike, Russian officials confirmed. Reuters Russia confirmed a Ukrainian missile attack damaged one of its Black Sea Fleet warships. But Russian officials have said that only one person was killed. Independent Russian media suggests dozens may be dead. The damage to a Russian warship appears much worse than the Kremlin is willing to acknowledge. The Russian navy's landing vessel Novocherkassk part of its Black Sea Fleet was hit in a Ukrainian attack on a port in Russian-held Crimea, officials said Tuesday. While the Kremlin-appointed governor there has said the ship was damaged and one person was killed, video and media reports paint a much-darker picture. Images of a massive explosion at a dock in Feodosia spread on social media. Reporters and open-source intelligence channels posted photos showing smoldering wreckage at the pier, backing up Ukraine's claim that long-range missiles triggered a massive explosion that blew up the ship. Independent Russian media is also questioning the stated death toll. Astra, a Telegram channel sharing Russian news from independent journalists, reported there were 77 sailors aboard the Novocherkassk at the time of the Ukrainian attack; this class of ship typically has a crew size of about 100. While one person is confirmed dead, 33 more are missing and another 23 were wounded, a report on the Astra channel said, citing anonymous sources. Russia's apparent downplaying of the attack calls to mind the cruiser Moskva's sinking in 2022, after which some families of the ship's 500 crew members said officials were keeping them in the dark. The attack on the Novocherkassk is most likely not a serious blow to the Russian war machine, analysts including Mark Galeotti at The Spectator have said. The loss of the ship would reduce the Black Sea Fleet's capacity to move troops and tanks by sea. But the strike is just the latest to target Russia's Black Sea Fleet, which Ukrainian forces have hammered since Russia's invasion began. Business Insider previously reported that Russian naval assets in occupied Crimea were being moved to safer ports. Feodosia the eastern Crimean dock where the Novocherkassk was hit was one of those ports. Read the original article on Business Insider Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the guilty verdict against former Benguet provincial cashier Esther Pagano for malversation of public funds. In its decision dated December 20, the anti-graft courts Fifth Division said it found no valid reason to reverse an earlier ruling by a regional trial court in La Trinidad, Benguet that convicted Pagano on 12 counts of malversation. Pagano earlier appealed her conviction, claiming the RTC erred in its ruling. The Sandiganbayan stressed that it is not inclined to review the findings of fact of the trial court unless its findings are erroneous, absurd, speculative, conjectural, conflicting, or tainted with grave abuse of discretion. It added that the trial court is in a better position to decide on the credibility of witnesses having heard the witnesses themselves and having observed their demeanor and manner of testifying during the trial. Pagano was charged for failing to account for over 4 million in provincial funds in 1997. As provincial cashier, she was responsible for collecting cash and checks and depositing them to the banks under Benguets General Fund. At first, Ukraine noticed its GPS-guided 155mm Excalibur artillery shells suddenly started veering off target. Then rockets fired with Himars, which Kyiv once boasted had scalpel-like accuracy, began missing their targets. In some areas, they almost always missed. The same happened to JDAM guided bombs supplied to Ukraines air force by the United States. Frantic investigation eventually discovered they had all fallen victim to a new threat Russian jamming. Moscow has quietly developed a knack for taking out some of Ukraines most prized missiles and rockets. It is a rare but crucial example of Russian technological advantage in a war that has been slowly tipping in Moscows favour. Along almost the entirety of the front lines, an invisible wall of electromagnetic pulses now stretches like a shield. An elaborate network of radio, infrared and radar signals hurled into the skies over the battlefield provides Russian forces with unprecedented protections in some areas. Their electronic warfare is better than ours And its not just Ukrainian missiles that are now failing to reach their targets. Perhaps more significant is Russias ability to counter the array of cheap, sometimes off-the-shelf, drones upon which Ukraine has become reliant for reconnaissance and long-range strikes. Ukrainians know they are now at a disadvantage. One front-line soldier, whose 120mm mortar unit regularly uses Chinese-made Mavic drones to spot targets, told The Telegraph: Theyve always had good electronic warfare since the start of the full-scale invasion. But now it is better than us. Another person with knowledge of the front lines said: Its getting pretty intensive but nothing high-tech, just the same Russian stuff power in quantity not quality. It remains a major problem along the front, Andrey Liscovich, of the Ukraine Defence Fund, recently told the Geopolitics Decanted podcast. He explained Ukrainian forces are in a continual game of cat and mouse with their Russian enemy as they jostle for control of the airwaves. The radio frequencies used to fly both first-person view attack drones and spotter UAV are getting jammed quite comprehensively. A Ukrainian soldier from the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss operates an anti-drone gun near Bakhmut - SHANDYBA MYKYTA/10TH MOUNTAIN ASSAULT BRIGADE EDELWEISS Devices deployed by the Russians either scramble their guidance systems or simply sever the radio-control links with their operators. Some drones crash to the floor without hitting their targets, while others hover uncontrolled in the air until their batteries run out. Truck-mounted Shipovnik-Aero especially effective A report by Royal United Services Institute, the defence and security think tank, suggests Russia has deployed one major electronic warfare system every six miles along the front line. The truck-mounted Shipovnik-Aero is said to have proved especially effective against Ukrainian drones. With a range of six miles, it can block drones and also acquire the coordinates of the pilots location, within one metre, in order to direct retaliatory artillery fire. On parts of the front lines not covered by the more sophisticated systems, Russian soldiers use smaller, trench-based devices. The battery-powered systems have ranges between 50 and 100 metres, and are not often switched on 24 hours a day to conserve power. In these areas, it is often easier to hit targets because the machines are either not in operation or the drones get close enough before losing signal. But in the zones more densely covered by electronic warfare jammers, Ukrainian soldiers are taking more and more precautions before launching their precious drones. Ukrainian troops training in the use of FPV (first person view) drones near the front line in Donetsk region in November - ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP They deploy to the front line using spectrum analysers to work out which frequencies are being jammed nearby. The main counter-measure is reprogramming drones, which is not simple when they have been purchased off the shelf or constructed using readily available commercial parts. Often analogue signals are favoured over digital because the results are closer to a degradation of the video feed rather than a full blackout. Another tactic is to send a swarm of drones, as not every frequency can be blocked at the same time. More sophisticated counter-measures, which are used by Nato countries, are largely seen as out of Ukraines reach. The US has an export ban on the transfer of electronic warfare devices that is policed by the State Department because of fears its technologies will fall into enemy hands. And then there is the cost, which would force Kyivs military to fight in an entirely different fashion, according to Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former Nato commander. Western counter-measures cost millions Systems used by Western militaries cost thousands, while Ukrainian drone manufacturers aim to keep their units as cheap as possible, forcing them to piggyback on consumer technologies. Reports suggest that FPV drones costing as little as $260 have been used by Ukraine to take out Russian tanks. Meanwhile, the Watchkeeper UAV operated by the British military costs millions of pounds but features in-built electronic warfare countermeasures. Its a dilemma, and only the Ukrainians will answer whether it is better that they lose 50 per cent of their $500 drones or go for the next step, which are very much more expensive, to counter that, Mr de Bretton-Gordon said. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, this week announced that it would seek to manufacture a million drones for its war efforts. Quantity has a quality all of its own, Mr de Bretton-Gordon added. Even if they lose half of those through electronic counter-measures, they are still going to have a huge impact. Technology is at the top of the Ukrainian militarys shopping list, with the countrys top general warning that if its forces do not get new kit, Russia will be able to turn any city into another Bakhmut in a matter of months. 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 28) A few days before New Year's Eve, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local officials to strictly enforce the firecracker ban in their respective localities. "Tiyakin po natin na napaiiral ang mga ordinansang itoLagyan natin ng pangil ang mga ordinansang ito laban sa mapanganib na paputok," said DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos, referring to the at least 1,210 local government units that have passed ordinances against the use of harmful firecrackers. [Translation: Let's make sure that these ordinances are being implementedLet's be strict in implementing these ordinances against dangerous fireworks.] According to the Philippine National Police, the prohibited firecrackers include varieties such as Five Star, Pla-Pla, Piccolo, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Bading, Giant Bawang, Watusi, Atomic Triangle, Judas Belt, Super Yolanda, Super Lolo, and Coke-in-Can. READ: Call to ban firecrackers raised anew Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Wednesday, Quezon City Public Order and Safety Department head Elmo San Diego said they have been implementing a firecracker ban since 2019. "We are actually very aggressive in strictly implementing a total ban on use and display of firecrackers in the city," San Diego said. He said city residents face a six-month jail term and a fine of 5,000 for violating the ordinance. Officials of the city's 142 barangays in QC were also advised to establish their respective fireworks display areas, he added. The Department of Health has logged a total of 75 firecracker-related injuries over the last six days. The Russians have claimed that their air defence system shot down two Ukrainian drones on the night of 27 December. Source: Governor of Russia's Rostov Oblast Vasily Golubev; Russian Defence Ministry Quote: "On the night of 27 December, air defence forces shot down a drone over the territory of Rostov Oblast. The aftermath is being established on the ground." Updated: According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, their air defence system allegedly shot down two Ukrainian UAVs over the territories of Belgorod and Rostov oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! MOSCOW Russia has commissioned the frigate Admiral Golovko, the countrys first ship built to launch Zircon hypersonic missiles, the government announced. At the Dec. 25 flag-raising ceremony, President Vladimir Putin said that by 2035 the Severnaya Verf shipyard will build a series of small- and medium-displacement corvettes. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had previously announced that all frigates and corvettes under construction would be armed with Zircon missiles. However, experts have doubts about Russias ability to build both the vessels able to launch Zircons and the missiles themselves in the planned timeline. Despite the statements about the start of serial production, this is still a piece[-by-piece] production, Pavel Luzin, senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, told Defense News. The vessels will likely use a universal launcher, which includes Kalibr, Oniks and Zircon missiles. Given that the Zircon missile is more expensive, the basis of the anti-ship armament of these vessels will be Kalibr and Oniks. In addition, there are few carriers for Zircon, Luzin added. The Severnaya Verf shipyard, a subsidiary of United Shipbuilding Corp., is currently under contract to build or prepare to launch seven Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates, also known as Project 22350. Three frigates of this type are in service with the Russian Navy. Russia is also developing a modernized frigate, dubbed Project 22350M, and plans to build 12 of the ships. Severnaya Verf has produced three warships over the past three years, but plans to produce two frigates per year only of this class, according to a Russian military expert and lieutenant colonel in the reserves. United Shipbuilding Corp. wants to create new shipyards, although they have problems with the old ones. The Severnaya Verf lacks a new boathouse; repairs, modernization and additional equipment are needed, the officer told Defense News on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic. In addition, Steregushchiy-class corvettes under projects 20380 and 20385 are to be armed with Zircons. Ten corvettes are in service, and nine are reportedly under construction, with plans for a total fleet of 29. But as a result of sanctions, high quality components for the creation of radar complexes and diesel engines are either impossible to obtain or very expensive, the officer explained. Because of this, many things need to be developed independently from scratch. But I am not sure that the Russian industry is ready for this. It would be long, expensive and with unclear results, and the corvette was supposed to be cheap. It is not clear how manufacturers will solve these problems and coordinate this with the Defence Ministry, the officer added. Meanwhile, its unlikely industry can produce the Lider-class destroyer, according to the state-owned media organization RIA Novosti, citing an interview with Aleksey Rakhmanov, the general director of United Shipbuilding Corp. And the battlecruiser Pyotr Velikiy is set to be decommissioned, per Russian media. Attack on Russian ship Earlier this week, Ukrainian aircraft damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea, both countries said, bolstering Ukrainian morale after battlefield disappointments and doubts about the future of Western aid. The attack marks a recent setback in Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. The planes fired guided missiles at the landing ship Novocherkassk, which is moored at a base in the city of Feodosia, Russias Defence Ministry said. Video on Russian and Ukrainian social media showed an explosion in the port. Ukrainian authorities claimed the ship was destroyed. They said it was likely carrying ammunition and possibly drones. The 360-foot Novocherkassk can carry 10 tanks and 225 sailors. The Associated Press contributed to this report. (CNN) Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has spoken out for the first time since his sudden disappearance several weeks ago, after his team said they eventually located him at a penal colony in Siberia Monday. Navalny, a staunch Kremlin critic, shared a message via his aides on social media on Tuesday, expressing relief after surviving what he said was a 20-day prison transfer that covered thousands of miles. They brought me here on Saturday night. And I was transported with such precaution and on such a strange route (Vladimir - Moscow - Chelyabinsk - Ekaterinburg - Kirov - Vorkuta - Kharp) that I didnt expect anyone to find me here before mid-January, Navalny wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The 20 days of my transportation were pretty exhausting, but Im still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus, he said, adding that he is fine and totally relieved that he finally finished the trip. According to CNNs calculations, Navalny covered more than 3,700 miles (about 6,000 kilometers) in the 20 days his journey took, an average of 185 miles a day. Navalny had been imprisoned in a penal colony about 150 miles east of Moscow until his lawyers revealed that on December 11 they had lost contact with him. An intensive search effort followed and on Monday they announced theyd located Navalny in the IK-3 prison colony in the village of Kharp, about 40 miles north of the Arctic Circle, in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region. His disappearance sparked immediate concerns for his well-being and came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he will run for re-election in March next year. Putin has de facto ruled Russia since 2000, becoming increasingly autocratic with each decade. Opposition figures like Navalny have been routinely jailed, silenced or fled into exile. Navalny is the best-known opposition politician in Russia. Throughout Putins rule, Navalny has used his blog and social media to expose alleged corruption in the Kremlin and Russian business circles, and organized anti-government street protests. Even behind bars, his Instagram and Twitter accounts have kept up attacks on Putin with messages transmitted via his team. In his latest posts, Navalny said he had met with his lawyer, thanked supporters for their concern, and that he was doing well. His spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, told CNN on Tuesday that Navalnys health was no worse than prior to his transfer, though the process was very physically challenging. Navalnys posts on Tuesday suggest he remains in solitary confinement, though he did say he went for an outdoor walk in a yard. I saw a convoy, not like in central Russia, but like in the movies - with machine guns, warm mittens, and felt boots. And with the same beautiful fluffy shepherd dogs, he wrote on X. Thanks again to everyone for your support. And happy holidays! Navalny was sentenced to 19 years in prison in August after being found guilty of creating an extremist community, financing extremist activities and numerous other crimes. He was already serving sentences of 11-and-a-half years in a maximum security facility on fraud and other charges he denies. Supporters of Navalny claim his arrest and incarceration are a politically motivated attempt to stifle his criticism of Putin. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Jailed Russian opposition leader Navalny relieved after exhausting 20-day prison transfer" Ukraine's Air Force has reported that the Russians launched attack UAVs from the south in the evening, and the all-clear was given at 23:22. Source: the Air Force on Telegram Quote: "There is a threat of attack UAVs being deployed in Kherson, Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts!" Details: At 21:56, attack UAVs changed their route and started moving towards the city of Dnipro. At 22:18, another group of attack UAVs was launched in the direction of Kryvyi Rih from the south. At 22:33, there was a threat of attack UAVs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. At 22:45, all groups of attack UAVs changed their direction of movement to Zaporizhzhia from the west. Support UP or become our patron! Oleksandr Syrskyi, ommander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported that the Russians are advancing on the Lyman front to dislodge Ukrainian troops from the Serebrianka Forest, and trying to capture Synkivka at any cost on the Kupiansk front. Source: Syrskyi on Telegram Quote: "The enemy continues intense offensive operations on the Kupiansk, Lyman, Siversk, and Bakhmut fronts. On the Kupiansk front, the enemy seeks to capture Synkivka at any cost and create conditions for the blockade of Kupiansk. After sustaining losses, they are regrouping their units and increasing efforts by relocating forces from other fronts. The overall personnel count of the assaulting enemy units exceeds two thousand." Details: The Russian army resumed intensive offensive operations to displace Ukrainian troops from the Serebrianka Forest area and expand the Torskyi Salient on the Lyman front. Also, the Russians do not give up attempts to capture Terny and exit to the Chornyi Zherebets ("Black Stallion") River. On the Siversk front, the Russians are trying to develop an offensive near Spirne and Bilohorivka. They conduct training of assault units from the number of airborne units to develop the offensive near Soledar and Siversk. On the Bakhmut front, the Russians are trying to seize Bohdanivka and regain their lost position in the districts of Klishchiivka, Kurdiumivka, and Andriivka. Quote: "Despite the challenging situation, our soldiers, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and courage, are holding back the enemy's advance and inflicting significant losses on them. In just the past week, the occupiers have lost over three thousand personnel on the eastern front, with more than a thousand of them killed. Additionally, 361 units of enemy equipment have been destroyed or damaged, including 43 tanks, 83 infantry fighting vehicles, and 69 artillery systems." Background: On 26 December, Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, denied reports about the successes of the Russian army near the village of Synkivka in the Kupiansk district. Support UP or become our patron! (CNN) Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny has been located at a penal colony in Siberia, his team said Monday, two weeks after they lost contact with him. We have found Alexey, his spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. She said Navalnys lawyer had visited him earlier Monday. Navalnys lawyers said on December 11 they had lost contact with him. Until then, he was imprisoned in a penal colony about 150 miles east of Moscow. Yarmysh told CNN on Tuesday that Navalny was doing well and was in good spirits. She added that his health was no worse than it was prior to his transfer, though the process was very physically challenging. The fact that we (found) him so quickly is a good thing. And now Alexey will be able to work more profoundly, even given the fact that he (will) be isolated in this new prison, Yarmysh said. Yarmysh said it was a miracle that Navalnys team had found him. They filed 680 requests to locate Navalny before learning of his whereabouts, she said. Navalny had never been hidden for so long, his team said after he was absent from two scheduled court hearings last week. They warned he had been in poor health before his disappearance after being deprived of food and kept in a punishment cell without ventilation. His disappearance, which came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he will run for re-election in March 2024, had sparked concerns for his well-being and safety. Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalnys anti-corruption foundation, said the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp where Navalny is now being held, known as Polar Wolf, is one of the northernmost and most remote colonies. The conditions there are harsh, with a special regime in the permafrost zone. It is very difficult to get there, and there are no letter delivery systems, Zhdanov wrote on X. Zhdanov said Navalnys lawyer had not been allowed into the penal colony right away. It seems that the colony was prepared for his arrival in advance. The head of the Federal Penitentiary Service, Arkady Gostev, was there in April, and perhaps it was then that they decided to transfer Alexey there, he added. Kharp, in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, is almost 2,000 miles from Moscow, where Navalny had previously been held. He had been sentenced to 19 years in prison in August after being found guilty of creating an extremist community, financing extremist activities and numerous other crimes. He was already serving sentences of 11-and-a-half years in a maximum security facility on fraud and other charges he denies. Supporters of Navalny claim his arrest and incarceration are a politically motivated attempt to stifle his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalny has posed one of the most serious threats to Putins legitimacy during his rule. He used his blog and social media to expose alleged corruption in the Kremlin as well as Russian business, and organized anti-government street protests. In 2020, Navalny was poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent, and airlifted from the Siberian city of Omsk to a hospital in Berlin, where he arrived comatose. A joint investigation by CNN and the group Bellingcat implicated the Russian Security Service (FSB) in Navalnys poisoning. Russia denies involvement in Nalvanys poisoning. Putin said in December 2020 that if the Russian security service had wanted to kill Navalny, they would have finished the job. Navalny was immediately incarcerated upon his return to Russia in January 2021, on charges of violating the terms of his probation related to a fraud case brought against him in 2013, which he also dismissed as politically motivated. CNNs Catherine Nicholls contributed to this report (CNN) Two men were arrested in London this weekend, suspected of stealing a new Banksy art installation on the very same day that it was unveiled. The work, featuring three drones overlaid on a traffic sign in Peckham, South London, had been confirmed as a new creation by the anonymous graffiti artist. Banksy, whose work has fetched more than $23 million dollars at auction, shared a series of photos on Instagram around midday local time (7 a.m. ET) Friday. But witnesses told the PA Media news agency that they saw two men removing the STOP sign from the street junction where it was being displayed around 12:30 p.m. using bolt cutters. The two men were arrested on Saturday and Sunday respectively, Londons Metropolitan Police told CNN in a statement both on suspicion of theft and criminal damage. One remains in custody, with the other released on bail. This guy comes up and grabs it, we watched in awe, one witness to the incident told PA Media, having come across the artwork after seeing Banksy post about its debut on social media. We said what are you doing? but no one really knew what to do, we sort of just watched it happen. We were all a bit bemused. He ripped it off and ran across the road and ran away. He said nothing, the witness continued. He didnt seem to care that much about the art itself. The alleged theft is still under investigation, the Metropolitan Police told CNN, appealing for anyone with further information about the incident or the whereabouts of the sign to get in touch. The road sign itself has since been released, the police added but without Banksys touch. PA reported that Banksy himself is not thought to be behind the removal of the artwork. The mysterious artist is known to confirm his works on social media without providing any further comment. Some have interpreted the latest piece as a call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, given that Banksy is known to support the Palestinian cause. The artist owns a hotel in the city of Bethlehem, which is located a few steps from Israels imposing separation barrier that runs through the occupied West Bank. Banksy opened the Walled Off Hotel in 2017 to draw attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and it bills itself as the hotel with the worst view in the world. Though the market value of his work has soared in recent years, Banksy continues to produce works in public spaces that make their preservation near impossible and even invite theft or defacement. Spy Booth, one of Banksys most famous murals, depicting three secret agents surrounding a phone booth with recording equipment, was destroyed in 2016. And in February this year, an abandoned freezer forming part of an artwork that had appeared in the English town of Margate was taken away just hours after Banksy confirmed the piece as his. In 2018, meanwhile, the artist famously destroyed one of his own works. The painting in question, of a girl with a red balloon, shredded itself moments after selling at auction for $1.4 million. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Two men arrested over alleged theft of new Banksy artwork in London" Hong Kong (CNN) The reunification of Taiwan with China is inevitable, Chinese leader Xi Jinping claimed in a speech Tuesday, reiterating Beijings long-held stance on the self-ruled island democracy ahead of a crucial election there next month. The realization of the complete reunification with the motherland is an inevitable course of development, is righteous and what the people want. The motherland must and will be reunified, Xi said in an address marking the 130th anniversary of Peoples Republic of China founder Mao Zedongs birth. The comments echo those previously made by Xi one of Chinas most powerful leaders since Mao who has made taking control of Taiwan a cornerstone of his broader goal to rejuvenate China to a place of power and stature globally. But they take on particular significance now, coming just weeks ahead of a critical presidential vote in Taiwan. There, political parties differing views on relations with China often make elections a litmus test for public sentiment on Beijing and bring what Taiwan claims are a ramping up of influence operations on the island from Chinas ruling Communist Party. This years election follows years of heightened tensions, as Beijing has been ratcheting military, political and economic pressure on the island under the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen, who is widely seen as cultivating Taiwans unofficial relationship with the United States. Tsais successor candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party, Vice President Lai Ching-te, is leading in the polls and is openly loathed by Chinese officials. Lai is ahead of two other candidates Hou Yu-ih from the Kuomintang party and Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan Peoples Party who are seen as favoring closer relations with Beijing. Chinas Communist Party claims Taiwan as its own territory, despite never having controlled it. Chinese officials say they aim for peaceful reunification but have not ruled out using force to take control of the island. (We must) promote peaceful development of cross-strait ties, and resolutely prevent anyone from separating Taiwan from China in any way, Xi said in his speech Tuesday, in an apparent veiled warning not just to those in Taipei but also in Washington. Taiwan has emerged as one of the thorniest issues in US-China relations. During a summit in San Francisco last month, Xi told US President Joe Biden that Chinas reunification with Taiwan is unstoppable, according to Chinas Foreign Ministry. In August 2022 when then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was hosted by Tsai during a visit to Taiwan, China surrounded the island for days with extensive military exercises and cut off high-level military communication with the US armed forces. That channel was only reopened last week, following more than a year of careful diplomacy, including the Xi-Biden summit. The US maintains an unofficial relationship with Taiwan and upholds a One China policy. Under the policy, the US acknowledges Chinas position that Taiwan is part of China, but Washington has never officially recognized Beijings claim to the island of 23 million. It is also bound by law to provide the democratic island with the means to defend itself. Taipei and Beijings contested relationship goes back to 1949, when General Chiang Kai-shek fled with his nationalist forces to Taiwan after Maos Red Army gained the upper hand in the Chinese Civil War. In his speech Tuesday, Xi called for Chinas citizens to never forget Mao and the Communist Partys original aspiration and founding mission and remain confident in our history and grasp historical initiative, so as to steadily advance the great cause of Chinese modernization. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Chinas Xi claims reunification with Taiwan is inevitable as crucial election looms" (CNN) It sounded like the perfect festive break: a cruise around the sunny Caribbean, before flying back to the cold and wet UK just in time for Christmas. But the idyllic vacation turned into something of a nightmare for the 225 British passengers on P&O Cruises Caribbean Fly-Cruise, after their chartered return flight hit freak turbulence, landing some passengers in hospital and delaying everyones return home until after Christmas. The passengers had booked one or two-week cruises on the luxurious Arvia ship. With no fewer than four pools and 30 bars and restaurants onboard, it was set to be a dreamy trip around top Caribbean destinations, including Antigua, St. Lucia and the Dominican Republic. As it happened, the cruise went to plan. But getting home in time for Christmas was a different story. Passengers boarded a charter plane, organized by the cruise company, to fly them from Barbados to Manchester on December 23, but shortly after takeoff the plane experienced every flyers nightmare: clear air turbulence, which is impossible to predict. It hit two and a half hours into the flight, as the Airbus 300-200, operated by Maleth Aero, was cruising at 38,000 feet. The plane diverted to LF Wade Airport in Bermuda, where 11 passengers were taken to hospital. A spokesperson for P&O Cruises confirmed that all were discharged the same day. None of the 13 crew were injured. Christmas on the beach But their mission to get home for Christmas was still thwarted, as the flight could not be operated again until December 26. Instead, the passengers were put up in hotels in Bermuda at the cruise companys expense. The repatriation flight was due to take off on Tuesday afternoon, arriving back in the UK on the morning of Wednesday December 27. A Bermuda government spokesperson said in a statement released to local outlet Bernews that all the injuries were minor. They added: At approximately 12:50 a.m., Maleth Aero Flight 1975, en route from Barbados to Manchester experienced severe turbulence, necessitating an emergency landing at LF Wade International Airport. The aircraft executed a controlled landing on the island. Emergency Medical Technicians from the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service [BFRS] greeted the aircraft to provide initial assessments of the passengers and pre-hospital care. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will remain grounded until a comprehensive inspection has been completed, ensuring the safety and integrity of the aircraft. Bermudas Acting Minister of National Security Owen Darrell, added in a statement: We are extremely grateful for the quick response of all our emergency services personnel who ensured the safety of the passengers and crew. A spokesperson for P&O Cruises told CNN in a statement: Following freak (unexpected) turbulence a flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda on Sunday morning. Having explored all flying options and due to airport operating times, guests were placed in hotels in Bermuda. The flight home will now depart at 4 p.m. today [Tuesday]. We are very sorry for this disruption to the journey following their holiday and we worked round the clock with the airline and hotels to take care of the guests and to ensure they get home as soon as possible. They added that passengers were sent seven texts and five letters keeping them updated over the three-day period they were in Bermuda. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Freak turbulence lands 11 airplane passengers in hospital as they returned from a Christmas cruise" Israel expands ground offensive in central Gaza, UN warns of "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis Xinhua) 14:47, December 27, 2023 JERUSALEM, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israel declared on Tuesday the expansion of its ground offensive in the central Gaza Strip, as the United Nations warned that the escalation of attacks is exacerbating a "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave. Israel previously urged the residents of Gaza to move from the northern region to the central and southern regions, which it claimed as "safe zones." However, the Israeli forces later expanded their strikes across the strip, including the central and southern parts. In a statement, UN Human Rights Office's spokesperson Seif Magango reported that more than 50 strikes occurred in central Gaza on Dec. 24-25, targeting the refugee camps of Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi, where two strikes hit seven residential buildings, killing at least 86 people. "An unknown number of people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble," Magango said. The escalated Israeli bombardment, said Magango, is "deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian situation," with all roads connecting the three camps destroyed, hindering the delivery of relief aid. Shelters and hospitals, operating at a minimal capacity, are grappling with critical overcrowding and limited resources. Palestinian health authorities have reported that approximately 21,000 people, predominantly children, women, and the elderly, were killed during the 81-day conflict, with thousands more missing and presumed to be buried under the rubble. A majority of the 2.3 million population has been displaced, and the UN reports widespread hunger. Meanwhile, an Israeli military spokesperson told reporters that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) believes that "thousands" of Hamas militants are located in the refugee camps of central Gaza. IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said in an address to soldiers that the attacks will now concentrate on central and southern Gaza. According to Halevi, the military "is close to completing the dismantling of Hamas' battalions in the northern Gaza Strip." He said that the military killed "many" militants and Hamas commanders, some surrendered to the Israeli forces and "hundreds" were taken prisoner. However, "it cannot be said that we killed them all. It seems likely that we will still encounter fighters in this area." He acknowledged that the ongoing attack has exacted a "heavy and painful toll" on soldiers' lives, with official figures indicating that the number of Israeli troops killed has reached 161 since the beginning of Israel's ground invasion. The Israeli objectives -- eliminating Hamas and bringing back home about 129 hostages who are still held in Gaza -- "are not simple to achieve," Halevi noted, saying that the fight would continue "for many more months." Addressing the parliament Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also emphasized that Israel faces "a long fight." He said that since Hamas launched its surprise attack on Oct. 7, Israel has been "in a multi-front war. We are being attacked from seven different arenas: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), Iraq, Yemen, and Iran." Israel has "retaliated in six of these arenas," Gallant said. "Anyone who acts against us is a potential target, there is no immunity." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) (CNN) While thousands of migrants enter the US illegally every day, more than 11,000 people continue to wait in shelters and camps on the Mexican side of the border, CNN has learned from community leaders. With Washington divided on the future of US immigration policy, those waiting migrants and asylum seekers still hope to enter the US through legal pathways established by the Biden administration. In Tijuana, Mexico, across the border from San Diego, California, an estimated 3,800 migrants from countries like Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela are staying in shelters, according to municipal migration affairs director Enrique Lucero. In Reynosa, Mexico, across the border from McAllen, Texas, another 3,273 migrants are waiting at Senda De Vida shelters, according to pastor Hector Silva, who runs the facilities. And in nearby Matamoros, Mexico, about 4,000 migrants are living in camps, shelters, and abandoned homes, says Glady Canas who runs nonprofit Ayudandoles a Triunfar. The waiting migrants feel desperate, according to Canas but many have put trust in mechanisms like the CBP One app, which automates scheduling appointments to claim asylum with border patrol, she said. In recent weeks, US border cities have struggled under the weight of an unprecedented surge of people crossing into the US from Mexico. Federal authorities reported a seven-day average of more than 9,600 migrant encounters along the US southern border in December, CNN reported Friday. For comparison, the seven-day average reported on November 28 was about 6,800 encounters. According to Canas, three migrants drowned in the Rio Grande in the Matamoros area December, but people continue to try to cross the river despite the lethal dangers. Migrants who choose not to wait for a legal pathway are often blinded by hope, boosted by video and voice messages they receive from migrants who have been processed by US immigration authorities and have been released into American communities, she said. The migrants are only sharing the beauty, but they are not sharing the reality thats what worries me, Canas said. Their chances are slim. Since May, the US Department of Homeland Security has deported or returned over 445,000 migrants the vast majority of whom had crossed the US Southern border, the agency said online. The federal government has also closed ports of entry in multiple states and reassigned personnel to transport and process migrants as it grapples with ways to maximize its limited resources. The Biden Administration also temporarily suspended rail operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso, but those services resumed Friday. One group of migrants that had been waiting in cold temperatures in Eagle Pass, Texas, has been cleared and processed within the past couple of days, but US Customs and Border Protection is not out of the woods yet from the ongoing border surge, a senior CBP official told CNN Monday. The official said that many steps, including increasing resources, were taken to address the challenge the agency faced in Eagle Pass last week, when CNN witnessed thousands of migrant families waiting outside to be transported to immigration processing facilities. Despite the improved scene in Eagle Pass, illegal crossings continue, the same official said, and are being fueled by bad actors who push migrants to enter the US southern border between ports of entry, including rural areas of Arizona. CNN has also learned large groups of migrants continue to arrive at the border by train. According to Sister Isabel Turcios, the director of a migrant shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico which is across the border from Eagle Pass about 1,000 migrants arrived by train Monday. She said that violence in the streets of Piedras Negras temporarily stopped large groups of migrants from crossing into the US Monday. On Wednesday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is set to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and President Bidens Homeland Security Adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall in Mexico City. This story was first published on CNN.com, "More than 11,000 migrants waiting in northern Mexico amid border surge" (CNN) Sigrid Kaag, a Dutch politician and veteran United Nations diplomat, will take charge of the international bodys effort to bring humanitarian relief to war-ravaged Gaza, the UN Secretary General announced Tuesday, filling a position created this month in a breakthrough UN Security Council resolution. In a post on X, Kaag said that she would resign her position as finance minister and deputy prime minister of the Netherlands to take on the role of UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza. Peace, security, and justice have always been my motivations, Kaag said in a statement. I have accepted this special assignment in the hope to contribute to a better future. The appointment, which is set to take effect on January 8, comes as conditions in the besieged Palestinian enclave reach nightmare levels, as the chief of the World Health Organization put it after a recent visit. Shortages of power and medicine have stripped hospitals of most functioning, and the risk of famine looms over Gazas population, humanitarian organizations have said. Since war began on October 7 following Hamas terror attacks, Israel has allowed a limited number of trucks to bring humanitarian aid into Gaza through Egypts Rafah crossing. The UN has described this amount as a trickle that fails to come close to meeting the needs of the population of over 2 million. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also accused Israels tactics in Gaza, which include intensive aerial bombardment, as creating massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid inside Gaza. Kaag will now be responsible for creating a mechanism to accelerate the movement of aid into Gaza and for facilitating, coordinating, monitoring, and verifying the relief effort, according to the UN, including the complex process of ensuring aid trucks are screened before they enter the enclave to ensure theyre not carrying non-humanitarian material. The Security Council resolution creating the position, which called for immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, passed last week with the abstention of the US after several days of negotiations and delays. Seasoned diplomat, Arabic speaker In a speech last month, Kaag stressed the need for adequate humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Israels right to exist and its right to defend itself is self-evident to us. But in these dark times, it is important that acts of war comply with international law and the humanitarian law of war in order to avoid innocent civilian victims and enable adequate humanitarian aid to be provided in time, she said. Kaag previously worked on Palestinian issues as a senior official at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. She later went on to serve as an Assistant Secretary General with the United Nations Development Programme and, from 2015 to 2017, as the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, according to a biography provided by the UN. Reacting to the appointment, a Dutch government official told CNN that Kaag is seen as very suitable for the role. She is a very experienced diplomat who knows the Middle East well and also speaks Arabic. Before she went to the Netherlands for a political career, she was also a UN envoy who negotiated with Assad about giving up Syrias chemical weapons, the official said. The Syria effort, the result of a last-minute US-Russia plan that staved off a US military intervention, was considered a success, with then US President Barack Obama hailing the destruction of Syrias declared chemical weapons stockpile as an important achievement. The almost impossible deadlines, meant we couldnt waste a second, Kaag told a Harvard interviewer in 2014. We were on message, on mission, looking for results that you can measure. Kaag later held various positions in Dutch electoral politics, leading the social liberal party D66 to victory in a 2021 vote, and serving in various cabinet positions, including as minister of foreign affairs and minister of trade and development cooperation. Her tenure as foreign minister lasted only a few months; she resigned in September 2021 after a majority of the Dutch parliament said she had mishandled the evacuation of Kabul that summer after the Taliban seized control of the country. In her statement Tuesday, Kaag called her work with the Dutch cabinet special and challenging, citing progress on climate change and support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia. She had said in July that she was planning to leave politics, describing a toxic environment of online intimidation and threats, according to Reuters. It becomes a battery of so-called slurs that are meant to demonize you, to deconstruct you, she said at a Council on Foreign Relations event in September. It erodes the value of our democracy if this persists and is condoned. Global diplomats celebrated the announcement in statements Tuesday, following months of division and deadlock in the UN Security Council about how to get aid to Gaza civilians. Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot called her the right person for this challenging role given her extensive knowledge and very broad (diplomatic) experience. Look forward to working closely with @SigridKaag in this new role and to supporting her efforts to streamline and accelerate the UNs life-saving work in Gaza. There is no time to lose, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield wrote on X. This story was first published on CNN.com, "What we know about the veteran Dutch diplomat tasked with getting more aid to Gaza" Space News space history and artifacts articles Messages space history discussion forums Sightings worldwide astronaut appearances Resources selected space history documents advertisements History-making SpaceX booster mostly destroyed in post-flight topple December 26, 2023 The first U.S. commercial rocket to launch astronauts into orbit has met its end after being destroyed during its latest post-flight recovery. Referred to by SpaceX by its serial number, B1058, the Falcon 9 first stage was being transported back to shore after its record-setting 19th flight when "the booster tipped over "due to high winds and waves," the company reported on X, the social network previously known as Twitter, on Sunday (Dec. 25). Two days earlier, the stage had helped launch 23 of SpaceX's Starlink broadband satellites before successfully touching down on the company's droneship "Just Read the Instructions," which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Florida. Photos shared online of the returning ship revealed that only the lower segment of B1058 remained, with three of its four landing legs still deployed and all nine of its Merlin engines still intact. "We are planning to salvage the engines and do life leader inspections on the remaining hardware. There is still quite a bit of value in this booster. We will not let it go to waste," wrote Jon Edwards, SpaceX's vice president of Falcon launch vehicles, on X on Tuesday (Dec. 26). Lost with the upper segment of B1058 was a unique, tell-tale marking that it had been used to launch the first astronauts for NASA. The booster was the only stage in SpaceX's fleet to be adorned with the space agency's "worm" logotype. On May 30, 2020, B1058 lifted off for the first time on SpaceX's Demo-2 (DM-2) mission carrying NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley aboard the company's Crew Dragon capsule "Endeavour." The two-month long mission to the International Space Station was the first to launch American astronauts from the United States since the end of NASA's space shuttle program in 2011. Since that flight, B1058 was used in the launch of SpaceX's 21st cargo delivery to the space station (CRS-21), a dedicated satellite launch for South Korea (ANASIS-II), two shared ride satellite launches (Transporter-1 and Transporter-3) and 14 Starlink missions. The stage, like the other "Block 5" boosters in SpaceX's fleet, had been certified for 20 launches. "This one reusable rocket booster alone launched to orbit two astronauts and more than 860 satellites, totaling 260+ metric tons, in about 3.5 years," SpaceX posted on X. Other Falcon 9 first stages might have survived the rough sea conditions given improvements made to their landing legs. "We came up with self leveling legs that immediately equalize leg loads on landing after experiencing a severe tippy booster two years ago on Christmas," wrote Kiko Dontchev, SpaceX's vice president of launch, on X. "The fleet is mostly outfitted, but 1058, given its age, was not. It met its fate when it hit intense wind and waves resulting in failure of a partially secured OG ["octograbber" hold-down clamp] less than 100 miles [160 kilometers] from home." "One thing is for sure we will make lemonade out of lemons and learn as much as possible from historic 1058 on our path to aircraft like operations," he wrote. With the loss of 1058, SpaceX is believed to have 16 flight-proven, active Falcon 9 first stages still remaining and three pending their first use. Fans of the company reacted to the news of 1058's destruction with regrets that it had not made it into the Smithsonian or another museum to be preserved. To date, SpaceX has retired four of its earlier-flown Falcon 9 stages for public display. B1019, the first to return to its launch site for a successful landing, today stands outside the company's headquarters in Hawthorne, California. B1035, which launched two Dragon cargo missions to the International Space Station, is now exhibited on its side at Space Center Houston in Texas. B1023, which helped launch Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster into space as a side booster on the first Falcon Heavy rocket launch, is now a part of "Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex" attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. And B1021, the first booster to be re-flown and the first to land on a droneship, was just recently installed outside Dish Network's headquarters in Littleton, Colorado. The remains of SpaceX's first Falcon booster to fly astronauts into orbit are seen atop the droneship "Just Read the Instructions" after a mishap following the stage's record 19th launch. ( Sean Cannon ) SpaceX's Falcon 9 first stage B1058 is seen launching (at left) and landing on Dec. 23, 2023, completing its 19th re-flight. (SpaceX) Seen after landing from its first flight in 2020, B1058 was the only Falcon 9 first stage to be adorned with the NASA "worm." (SpaceX) SpaceX plans to salvage the nine Merlin engines from what remains of its first Falcon 9 booster to fly 19 times, including the company's first flight with astronauts aboard. Seen here, the wreckage atop the droneship "Just Read the Instructions" on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. ( Sean Cannon ) A rare look at the inside of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as a result of the damage caused when the stage toppled over during recovery. ( Sean Cannon ) SpaceX recovery team members offer a sense of scale for the remaining wreckage the Falcon 9 first stage B1058 on Dec. 26, 2023. ( Sean Cannon ) 1999-2024 collectSPACE. All rights reserved. Grassroots Carbon CEO Brad Tipper poses for a portrait with grass-fed cattle at Pure Pastures on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Canyon Lake, Texas. Grassroots Carbon is a local company that helps ranchers optimize their grazing practices to be as environmentally friendly as possible, taking carbon from the air and storing it in the grass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Grass-fed cattle graze at Pure Pastures on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Canyon Lake, Texas. Pure Pastures is partnered with Grassroots Carbon, a local company that helps ranchers optimize their grazing practices to be as environmentally friendly as possible, taking carbon from the air and storing it in the grass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Grassroots Carbon CEO Brad Tipper, left, chats with ranch co-owner Jeremiah Eubank, right, at Pure Pastures on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Canyon Lake, Texas. Pure Pastures is partnered with Grassroots Carbon, a local company that helps ranchers optimize their grazing practices to be as environmentally friendly as possible, taking carbon from the air and storing it in the grass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Ranch co-owner Jeremiah Eubank feeds his cattle alfalfa cubes at Pure Pastures on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Canyon Lake. Pure Pastures is partnered with Grassroots Carbon, a local company that helps ranchers optimize their grazing practices to be as environmentally friendly as possible, taking carbon from the air and storing it in the grass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Grass-fed cattle at Pure Pastures on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Canyon Lake, Texas. Pure Pastures is partnered with Grassroots Carbon, a local company that helps ranchers optimize their grazing practices to be as environmentally friendly as possible, taking carbon from the air and storing it in the grass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Grassroots Carbon CEO Brad Tipper poses for a portrait with grass-fed cattle at Pure Pastures on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Canyon Lake,Texas. Grassroots Carbon is a local company that helps ranchers optimize their grazing practices to be as environmentally friendly as possible, taking carbon from the air and storing it in the grass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Grass-fed cattle graze at Pure Pastures on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Canyon Lake, Texas. Pure Pastures is partnered with Grassroots Carbon, a local company that helps ranchers optimize their grazing practices to be as environmentally friendly as possible, taking carbon from the air and storing it in the grass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Grass-fed cattle graze at Pure Pastures on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Canyon Lake, Texas. Pure Pastures is partnered with Grassroots Carbon, a local company that helps ranchers optimize their grazing practices to be as environmentally friendly as possible, taking carbon from the air and storing it in the grass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Grassroots Carbon CEO Brad Tipper poses for a portrait with grass-fed cattle at Pure Pastures on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Canyon Lake, Texas. Grassroots Carbon is a local company that helps ranchers optimize their grazing practices to be as environmentally friendly as possible, taking carbon from the air and storing it in the grass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News A San Antonio startup is taking the fight against climate change to cowboy country. The idea behind Grassroots Carbon, headquartered on Houston Street, can be mowed down to this: Cattle eat grass. When grass grows, it draws carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Therefore, the grazing practices used by ranchers in Texas and across the U.S. can have tremendous impact on global warming. So, the company partners with ranchers to help them employ what Brad Tipper, its new CEO, calls regenerative practices, including using native grasses and rotating cattle across grazing sites to mimic the natural herd movements seen on the Great Plains hundreds of years ago. Beyond being good for the environment, the practices benefit ranchers by helping them raise healthier cattle and make their land more productive, he says. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A native of New York City, Tipper moved to San Antonio about a year ago with his wife, who grew up here. He became CEO of Grassroots in December, joining forces with former Shell executive Henk Mooiweer and well-known local entrepreneurs Ed Byrne and Lew Moorman. The company is part of the portfolio of Soilworks Natural Capital, the investment firm founded by Byrne and Moorman. This concept of red meat has been vilified, but it shouldnt be, Tipper said. We have the opportunity to really improve the overall health and well-being of our food production and increase the productivity of the land. We can make this generational shift back to what I consider to be pre-World War II, pre-industrial revolution land management practices. By selling carbon credits to companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint, including H-E-B, Nestle and Microsoft, Grassroots helps ranchers make the investments needed to implement regenerative practices. With 20 employees in San Antonio and elsewhere in Texas, the company has grown quickly since its founding in 2021 and is set to pick up speed in coming years, Tipper said. Weve successfully partnered with 65 ranches, with a heavy emphasis on Texas, but weve since kind of expanded to both coastlines, managing about 300,000 acres today, he said. Were quickly growing into about a million by the end next year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tipper spent the first decade of his career working in private equity before the 2018 death of his mother from colon cancer helped motivative him to shift his focus to the health and wellness industry. He went on to serve as CEO of Prospect Farms, an organic farming and manufacturing complex based in the small town of Prospect, Maine. He recently sat with the Express-News to discuss the Grassroots business model, the companys growth plans and how carbon credits work. The following has been edited for brevity and clarity. Q: How is it living in San Antonio versus New York City? A: We absolutely love San Antonio. I was a little bit transparently cautious as a born-and-raised New Yorker that loved the fast-paced energy of New York. My only requirement moving down here was I needed to have sidewalks. I needed to be within walking distance to a coffee shop. We were fortunate to get both of those things when we stumbled upon this old house in Monte Vista. Q: Tell me about your decision to leave private equity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A: In 2018, I unfortunately lost my mother to a long battle with colon cancer. Then I myself had some personal health issues; some early kind of cancer warnings. Being at a younger age in my career, I took it as an opportunity to (figure out) what I wanted to get out of life, both personally and professionally. 2018 kind of coincided with the Farm Bill, legalizing the production of industrial hemp at scale. I first scoured the country as an opportunity to invest as an angel, because they became just fanatic with this concept of plant-based therapeutics and their opportunity to manage things like inflammation. When you look at a lot of the disease states that youd see particularly colon cancer its an inflammatory response in the colon. I was able to kind of connect purpose and passion with preventing my own kind of health challenges from expediting, but also honor the legacy of my mom. Q: How did you get involved with Grassroots? A: When we moved to San Antonio, I became a bit of a serial networker and introduced myself to anyone and everyone that was in and around the early stage investment landscape. I was fortunate through that to get introduced to Lew Moorman, who was known for all the great work at Rackspace, later Scaleworks. What was very under-publicized at the time was this Soilworks concept, which is another kind of fund that Lew and Ed (Byrne) had started, focused on the regenerative ranching industry. We really aligned on similar personal stories that led us to leave behind what I would consider to be more institutional careers to combine this idea of passion and purpose. There was an early opportunity about 30 months ago to partner with the Grassroots founder, Henk Mooiweer, who was a 30-year Shell executive, to put some resources and rigor around building out this thesis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Q: Whats the business model? A: The broad-strokes business opportunity here is partnering exclusively with U.S. ranchers in support of their transition from conventional ranching to regenerative. You look at just the continental United States 41% of the footprint is grasslands, or roughly 350 million acres. Less than 5% today is regenerative. Its arguably the largest landmass that we have available to us thats capable of sequestering carbon and its traditionally overlooked. The concept of ranching and cattle has been a bit vilified. We focus exclusively on providing those ranchers with both the educational as well as financial resources to not only make the transition from conventional, but to implement, maintain and sustain those regenerative practices to help draw down and sequester more carbon. Q: So, basically, youre encouraging practices leading to greater grass coverage, and the carbon is stored in the grass rather than the atmosphere? A: Even to take it one step further not just to increase the grass coverage, but actually to graze it more frequently, so that youre speeding up the ability to draw more. Whats happening is essentially those grasses are entering a bit of a state of shock, so theyre like, We need to grow faster and faster, and theyre drawing carbon out of the atmosphere. With those frequent rotations, you allow for rest periods so that it has an opportunity to continue to establish its root system and really grow above the soil. The cattle are helping speed up that process because theyre creating natural fertilizers. Q: The company offers an app called PastureMap. What does it do? Advertisement Article continues below this ad A: Every ranch is separate and unique, right? A ranch in Corpus is going to be materially different than one in Colorado. PastureMap is our software tool that we provide ranchers as part of our partnership program to make informed decisions around their ability to rotationally graze their specific ranch and help establish the proper paddock size, proper rest areas; the amount of capacity in terms of the number of cattle that they can raise at any one period of time; to really improve not only the productivity of the land, but also improve the overall well-being of the animals. Q: Whats the typical motivation for ranchers to do this? Is it profit motive or a desire to help the environment? A: The primary motivation for the ranchers is the long-term commitment to making their land more productive. While we have a strong fundamental thesis around soils potential to be a meaningful driver of climate change, that isnt part of the rancher-pitcher dialogue. We really focus on the four walls of their particular property, really thinking about how we lock arms to make their land more productive. As you make this transition from conventional to regenerative, youre reducing a lot of the input costs and requirements. We talk a lot with the ranchers about the frequent rotations: You can actually increase the number of cattle on your property. Youre reducing those input costs and labor costs but youre also improving the health of the animals. By the way, we do have a very strong alignment of interest in terms of our profit share, where were currently paying 80% of all profits back to the ranchers so that they can continue to maintain these regenerative practices. Q: Your website mentions buying and selling carbon credits. How does that work? A: The voluntary credit markets have been around for coming up on two decades now. Probably the most robust marketplace exists in Europe. Some of the biggest participants in the voluntary credit markets are your multinational corporations like Microsoft and Shell that are looking for opportunities to meet their net-zero climate initiatives by 2050. Currently, the carbon credits are the currency by which were able to financially incentivize ranchers to make that long-term commitment. Weve been fortunate to have the corporate support from H-E-B, locally. Q: How is H-E-B involved, exactly? A: They are sponsoring Grassroots Carbon to generate credits on their behalf. Nestles a great representation of this. Nestle has a very vast network of ranching partners across the United States and we work with those ranchers within typically an average of 100 miles of each one of their processing and distribution facilities to help reduce their carbon footprint within their supply chain. Q: What is your companys plan going forward? A: I think weve only scratched the surface in terms of the participation in the soil carbon market. We have aspirations to grow materially over the years, but if we focus exclusively on the United States, theres 350 million acres, right? That has the potential on an annual basis to remove 500 million tons of CO2 a year. There are many smart ways to save for a child's college education, Michael Taylor says in his latest Ask an Ex-Banker Q-and-A. Here, St. Philip's College graduate Destiny Guerra celebrates with her daughter Emily after graduation in 2021. Jerry Lara/Staff file photo A credit card can be a good tool for educating your teen about finance and building a positive credit score, columnist Michael Taylor says. Staff photo illustration A credit card can offer a teen lessons in finance while helping them build a good credit score, columnist Michael Taylor says. Getty Images Q: We signed up my son for his own low-limit credit card when he was about 17 to help build his credit. It worked. He just graduated from college and will soon be getting a new credit card with a different bank with a higher limit. At what point is it OK to close the original credit card? I know the length of credit helps the score, but is that only for active and old accounts, or will his score still receive the same benefit if we close that old account? B. Johnson, Kingwood Advertisement Article continues below this ad A: Its somewhat valuable for a credit score to have a long history in ones file on a single credit line. Historic length of credit constitutes 15% of a credit score. A 4-year-old line of credit is more valuable than a 4-month-old line of credit for scoring, and keeping the 4-year-old line open will have a mildly positive effect. Ask an Ex-Banker Do you have questions about your personal finances? Smart Money columnist Michael Taylor wants to hear them. Email your questions to him at michael@michaelthesmartmoney.com However, if your son already has established good credit, its generally not worth doing things just for the credit score. If the card is inconvenient, expensive, has too small a line or is just annoying to keep, then its not a bad thing to cancel it and move on to the more convenient, better-term, larger-credit-line card. Also, credit scores should be understood as good enough targets. Once he has a 720 score, thats considered prime and hell basically be treated well when it comes to auto loans or mortgage loans the two things that matter most. He wont get a better deal for a 775 or 810 credit score. It just doesnt really matter at that point. So thats why I think doing this just for the credit score is not very valuable. If he has no credit or a weak credit score, then its worthwhile to consider things like credit-line longevity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Overall, the right mindset is to understand that slow, boring, long-term good credit behavior (pay your debts on time and do that for decades) is the right way to approach credit. Short-term activities have only minor effects or could be counterproductive. Another approach There is an alternative method of building your childs credit, one that I used for my family. I opened a credit card for my oldest when she turned 16 as an authorized user on my own credit line. This did not count toward her FICO score until she turned 18, which she has. Im paying the bill, but shell get the credit-scoring benefit just like you provided for your son. I plan to do this until she graduates from college and gets a job. Because I believe in the convenience of credit cards and I trust my daughters, Ive opened a card in a similar way for my now-13-year-old daughter. Again, she wont get the credit-scoring benefit of this until she turns 18, but she and I will benefit from the convenience of me not having to keep a $20 bill on hand when she needs to buy a sandwich. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Q: I am planning to invest $5,000 in some long-term manner for the benefit of a 1-year-old grandchild. I intend for the proceeds to be sheltered from any family interference or benefit. An IRA or a fund account would seem best because of reinvestment of earnings. My question is whether large capital, small capital, Dow Jones or another type would be safer and more productive. I have an IRA that is almost depleted and never earned very much. Most investment info confounds me. I am financially secure with pensions and Social Security. J. Barry, San Antonio A: Ill tell you what I would do: Id open a 529 college saving plan in my grandchilds name. I would invest in a broadly diversified, 100% equity index fund. Thats it. Past performance is no guarantee of the future, but if the broad equity market returns in the next 18 years what it did in the past 18, that single $5,000 investment would grow to $25,712. Thats a nice start to defraying your grandchilds higher education costs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With a 529, although you name the grandchild as the beneficiary, you retain control over it at all times. If they join the military, get a 100% scholarship or never go to college, the rules of the accounts are flexible enough that you can name a different beneficiary or spend it on K-12 education or vocational training, or even starting in 2024 turn it into an IRA later. Why not an IRA? The reason I do not recommend opening an IRA now in your grandchilds name is that the child would have to earn up to $5,000 in income outside of their home in the year of the account funding to qualify for that annual contribution. Thats theoretically possible for a 1-year-old child actor or baby model but highly unlikely for most kids, however cute and delightful your grandchild may be. You could instead open a brokerage account to make investments in your name with the grandchild as beneficiary and you as custodian. In Texas this would be called a Uniform Gift to Minors account, or UTMA. The usual downside of this type of account is that while you control the way it is invested until the beneficiary is 18, the child would typically have full rights to all the money when they become a legal adult at 18. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With the 529 college account you never give up that control. You can feel good about the wholesome goal of education for your grandchild. That would contrast with just turning over the money when they reach maturity, at which point it could be misspent on, say, wine, women and song. It was an emotional scene as Police Chief William McManus spoke to Savanah Sotos family around 6 p.m. Tuesday before addressing the media. Police found Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, dead in Guerra's Kia on Tuesday afternoon. Jacob Beltran It was an emotional scene as Police Chief William McManus spoke to Savanah Sotos family around 6 p.m. Tuesday before addressing the media. Police found Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, dead in Guerra's Kia on Tuesday afternoon. Jacob Beltran After a pregnant teen and her boyfriend were found dead Tuesday after a CLEAR Alert was issued for her on Christmas day, some may be wondering what a CLEAR Alert is and how it differs from other missing person alerts. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, CLEAR Alerts help law enforcement locate missing, kidnapped and abducted adults or adults who are in immediate danger of injury or death. They also help in locating potential suspects. The alert was created in 2019 after state legislation was passed to close the gap between missing children and senior citizens, according to DPS. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Children as young as 1 year old went missing in Bexar County in 2023 Each letter in the alerts name is meant to honor victims of violence, which led to the legislation being passed: Cayley Mandadi, DLisa Kelley, Erin Castro, Ashanti Billie and the Rest. For a CLEAR Alert to be issued, DPS says the missing person case has to meet the following criteria: Is the individual 18 to 64 years of age whose whereabouts are unknown? Has a preliminary investigation verified the adult is in imminent danger of bodily injury or death, or is the disappearance involuntary, such as an abduction or kidnapping? Is the clear alert request within 72 hours of the individuals disappearance? Is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public to help locate the individual, a suspect, or the vehicle used in the incident? The main difference between a CLEAR Alert and other common missing person alerts is the missing persons age. The adult must be between 18 and 64 as Amber Alerts are for children 17 years or younger, and Silver Alerts are for adults 65 or older. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other alerts include Blue Alerts, which help police locate violent criminals who kill or seriously wound local, state or federal law enforcement officers, and Camo Alerts, which help locate missing current or former members of the United States armed forces. DPS released a CLEAR alert for Savannah Soto on Monday after she was last seen at 2 p.m. Friday in the 6000 block of Grissom Road in Leon Valley with her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra. The department said Soto was in a 2013 gray Kia Optima at the time of her disappearance. Tuesday evening, Police Chief William McManus said two people were found dead in a Kia described as belonging to Guerra at an apartment complex in the 5900 block of Danny Kaye Drive. While both families are grieving the losses of pregnant teen Savanah Soto and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, Guerras family has become increasingly frustrated with speculation that they had anything to do with the disappearance. Courtesy photo The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a CLEAR Alert on Christmas Day for Savanah Soto, 18. Courtesy Gloria Cordova It was an emotional scene as Police Chief William McManus spoke to Savannah Sotos family around 6 p.m. Tuesday before addressing the media. Police found Soto and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra dead in Guerra's Kia on Tuesday afternoon. Jacob Beltran While both families are grieving the losses of pregnant teen Savanah Soto, her unborn baby and boyfriend Matthew Guerra, Guerras family has become increasingly frustrated by speculation that they had anything to do with the deaths. A CLEAR Alert for Soto was issued on Christmas Day after Soto, 18, and Guerra, 22, went missing Friday. Soto was scheduled to be induced into labor on Saturday, according to a Facebook post by her mother, but the couple was found dead in Guerras car Tuesday. Police Chief William McManus said in a press conference on Tuesday that the couple was found about three miles from where they went missing. He called the crime scene perplexing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO READ: SAPD says Savannah Soto and Matthew Guerra each had a gunshot wound McManus couldnt confirm anything for sure, but he said investigators believe the incident to be a homicide. It is also believed that theyd been dead for three or four days. Soto's family has said Guerra has a history of abusing his girlfriend. He was given a year's probation in June for assault bodily injury-married. One of Guerras family members posted to Facebook, asking people to stop with all the narratives surrounding what happened to both Guerra and Soto. She also emphasized that three loved ones were lost Soto, Guerra and unborn baby Fabian and both families are affected by their deaths. A TikTok account posted a video of Matthews older brothers Facebook live as he talks about the disappearance of his brother and Savannah. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He stated that everyones portraying us like we had something to do with my brother and my sister-in-laws missing, and first of all, we do not. We (his family) have nothing to do with this. We promise yall. I dont like how the internet is making us look like criminals. Matthews mother, Karen Hernandez, also posted to Facebook, stating that she is heartbroken and that no one will take the love she has for her son. I love you Matthew Gabriel Guerrathe baby u lost and the beautiful queen u loved (Savannah). the post reads. As of Tuesday, the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office has not confirmed their causes of death. Iraqi Shiite militia claims rocket attack on U.S. base in Syria Xinhua) 14:48, December 27, 2023 BAGHDAD, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- An Iraqi Shiite militia on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a rocket barrage on a U.S. military base in Syria's northeastern province of al-Hasakah. The militia, named Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed in an online statement that its fighters fired rockets on the al-Shaddadi military base and hit their targets, without giving further details. The attack by the Iraqi armed group is part of a series of retaliatory measures against the U.S. forces amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the group's statement added. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, confirmed that explosions were heard in the al-Shaddadi base. There are no reports of casualties so far. The incident marked the 61st recorded attack on the U.S. bases in Syria since Oct. 19, the war monitor added. Earlier in the day, the White House said that U.S. President Joe Biden ordered the military to launch airstrikes against three locations utilized by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq. The order came after a drone attack on Monday on a U.S. base near Erbil Airport in northern Iraq wounded three U.S. service members, one critically. Later in the day, the Iraqi government condemned the U.S. airstrikes on Iraqi security sites, which killed a security member and injured 18 people, including civilians, according to a statement by the media office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Fireworks are part of CelebrateSA, the city's annual free New Year's Eve celebration downtown. JERRY LARA/San Antonio Express-News San Antonians hoping to ring in the new year with a bang better think about where they plan to celebrate. It's illegal to use fireworks in San Antonios city limits, but people who want to do more than just watch a New Years Eve show can shoot off their own fireworks in unincorporated Bexar County. But even in the county, there are some restrictions and safety tips to keep in mind. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Bexar County Fire Marshals Office will beef up staff on New Years Eve to patrol the county for violations said Chief Inspector David Brewer. The goal, he said, is largely to educate people and promote safe handling of fireworks. Have fun and enjoy your New Year, Brewer said, but we really want folks to be safe in how they do it. Heres what you need to know. What counts as fireworks? Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Antonios ordinance is broad and says that the term fireworks includes but is not limited to firecrackers, Roman candles, sparklers, torpedoes, bombs, skyrockets, buzz bombs, atomic wings, aerial flash salutes, and trail blazers. Brewer said that fireworks are not limited to explosives. Smaller items such as snakes, which simply produce a small pile of ash, and sparklers are all considered fireworks in the eyes of the county. Where can I shoot fireworks? Anyone can use fireworks in unincorporated Bexar County, which is any part of Bexar County that is not within a citys limit. San Antonios ordinance banning fireworks says that violators can be fined up to $2,000. Other smaller cities within Bexar Countys limits such as Leon Valley, Alamo Heights and Helotes all have similar restrictions. Brewer said he doesnt know of any city within Bexar County that allows people to pop fireworks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Though unincorporated Bexar County allows fireworks, there are restrictions on where a person can use them. In unincorporated Bexar County you cannot use fireworks: within 600 feet of a hospital, sanitarium, veterinary hospital, school, or church. within 100 feet of gas stations or any place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gases are stored or dispensed. within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold. in a motor vehicle, and you cannot throw fireworks at a vehicle, either. Brewer said violators can be fined $150 plus court fees for breaking those rules. However, there is officer discretion. A marshal is allowed to give someone a warning or just ask them to leave a prohibited area rather than issue a citation. For example, Brewer said that though snakes are considered fireworks, people using them in prohibited areas will just be asked to leave rather than slapped with a fine. When can I use fireworks? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fireworks can be used in unincorporated Bexar County any time of year, but selling fireworks in Bexar County is only allowed around the Fourth of July and New Years Eve holidays. How do I safely use fireworks? The Bexar Fire Marshals Office recommends that people only buy fireworks from licensed vendors and asks that people use them outdoors in a clear, open area. A bucket of water or water hose should be nearby at all times. Children and people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are asked not to use fireworks. If a firework does not light, people should dispose of it rather than trying to light it again. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Brewer said people should submerge fireworks in water before throwing them away. He said firefighters often respond to fires caused by people who put firework debris in trash cans without wetting them first. Heres the countys full list of firework safety tips. Fires can be reported to the Bexar County Fire Marshal at 210-335-0300. If you see someone illegally using fireworks in San Antonio, the San Antonio Police Department can be reached on its non-emergency line at 210-207-7273. Where can I watch a firework show in San Antonio? If driving out to unincorporated Bexar County on New Years Eve sounds like a hassle, you can still celebrate by watching a firework show downtown at Hemisfair Civic Park. Reporters and bystanders wait for Police Chief William McManus to begin a news briefing on the disappearance of Savanah Soto, 18. The teenager was expecting her first child. Jacob Beltran On Christmas Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a missing-person alert for Savanah Soto, 18, who was expecting her first child. Courtesy Gloria Cordova Police officers at the Northwest Side apartment complex where Savanah Soto, 18, and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22, were found dead on Tuesday. Soto was expecting her first child. Jacob Beltran Savanah Soto, 18, shown with boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 25, went missing last week. Her family grew desperate after she failed to show up at Stone Oak Methodist Hospital on Saturday for a 6:30 a.m. appointment to have doctors induce labor. Courtesy photo On Christmas Day, police issued a missing-person alert for a pregnant San Antonio teenager named Savanah Soto. On Tuesday, two bodies believed to be those of Soto, 18, and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22, were found in a car on the Northwest Side. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here's a timeline of developments in the case: Friday, Dec. 22 Soto is last seen around 2 p.m. at an apartment complex where she and Guerra lived in the 6000 block of Grissom Road in Leon Valley. She was reported to be in a gray 2013 Kia Optima, a car later identified as belonging to Guerra. Soto was pregnant with her first child, who she planned to name Fabian. Family members call Leon Valley police to request that they visit Soto's apartment to conduct a welfare check. Police say they went to the apartment, saw no signs of forced entry and determined there were no grounds for concern. Saturday, Dec. 23 Soto is supposed to check in at Stone Oak Methodist Hospital at 6:30 a.m. so doctors could induce labor. She does not show up and does not answer her phone. That evening, Soto's mother, Gloria Cordova, posts a message to Facebook, pleading for help in finding her daughter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "If you see her please reach out to me and lmk where you seen her. Im worried about her safety ...Prayer for my baby girl," Cordova writes. Saturday-Monday: Dec. 23-25 Soto's family members spend the weekend and Christmas Day searching the Grissom Road apartment complex for signs of Soto and put up missing person posters. Monday, Dec. 25 The Texas Department of Public Safety issues a Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue (CLEAR) alert for Soto, saying she is believed to be in "imminent danger." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tuesday, Dec. 26 Shortly after 4 p.m., two people are found dead in Guerra's Kia, which is parked at the Colinas at Medical Apartments in the 5900 block of Danny Kaye Drive in Northwest San Antonio, about three miles from where Soto was last seen. Family members are heard sobbing as San Antonio Police Chief William McManus arrives at the scene and briefs them on the discovery. McManus tells reporters that although the bodies have not been positively identified, "we believe" they are those of Soto and Guerra. He said the bodies may have been in the car for three or four days. He says police are investigating the case as "a possible murder" and calls the crime scene "very complex ... very, very perplexing." He declines to elaborate. Wednesday, Dec. 27 The San Antonio Police Department describes the case as "capital murder" and lists three victims: an 18-year-old Hispanic woman, a 22-year-old Hispanic man and an "unborn child, deceased." Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a terse statement released Wednesday morning, SAPD says the man and woman found in the car both suffered gunshot wounds. "The medical examiners office will conduct a death investigation to determine cause of death and confirmation of the victims identity. This investigation remains ongoing," the statement said. Police offer no details as to a motive for the killings or possible suspects. On Wednesday night, SAPD issues an update saying the medical examiner has positively identified the 22-year-old Hispanic man as Guerra. "We are still awaiting positive identification for the female victim," the statement says. Also Wednesday, Guerra's family takes to social media to denounce rumors that they were involved in the couple's disappearance and death. Soto's family has said Guerra had a history of abusing Soto. Earlier this year, Guerra pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic violence causing bodily injury in connection with an assault on Soto on Christmas Day 2022. Guerra was still on probation for the assault at the time of his and Soto's deaths. Thursday, Dec. 28 The Bexar County medical examiner confirms that Soto was the 18-year-old woman found in the car, and that both she and Guerra were killed by gunshots to the head. In Guerra's case, it was a contact gunshot wound," indicating that the muzzle of the firearm was held directly against his head. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAPD asks for the public's help in identifying two "persons of interest" seen on security video at the Colinas at Medical Apartments, where the bodies were found. In the undated video, two vehicles are seen pulling up side-by-side in a parking lot. One is a Chevy Silverado pickup; the other is Guerra's Kia. The driver of the pickup gets out and hands something to the driver of the Kia. The two men speak briefly before driving off in different directions. It's unclear where Soto and Guerra were at the time the video was recorded or whether they were alive. McManus says Guerra is not the man seen driving the Kia. In releasing the video, SAPD encourages anyone with information about the scene in the parking lot to call the homicide unit at 210-207-7674 or 210-207-7440, adding: "You can remain anonymous." Police Chief William McManus says the rendez-vous captured on the video happened a few days before the Kia was discovered at the Colinas at Medical Apartments with the bodies of Soto and Guerra inside. Investigators believe the two were killed elsewhere and the car was brought to the apartment complex to be abandoned, the chief said. Friday, Dec. 29 The medical examiner says the "manner of death" for both Soto and Guerra was homicide. The determination rules out a murder-suicide, a possibility police had initially considered. Wednesday, Jan. 3 SAPD announces the arrest of a father and son in the killings. Christopher Preciado, 19, was charged with capital murder. His father, Ramon Preciado, 53, was charged with abuse of a corpse for allegedly moving and concealing the victims' bodies. Sgt. Washington Moscoso, an SAPD spokesman, says the killings resulted from a drug deal "gone wrong." Christopher did the killings, Moscoso says. His father helped him try to hide the car and victims. Thursday, Jan. 4 New details about the case are revealed in an affidavit of probable cause filed by SAPD to obtain arrest warrants for the two Preciados. Guerras family told investigators he sold drugs and often posted pictures on social media showing drugs and cash, the affidavit says, adding: "It was stated that he had been shot at before." Friday, Jan. 5 Police announce they've found the murder weapon. Chief William McManus says officers discovered the gun while conducting a court-sanctioned search of the home where Christopher and Ramon Preciado live. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales says the elder Preciado was not charged with capital murder because detectives have not found any evidence that he was present when Soto and Guerra were shot or that he knew beforehand what would happen. That can change if the investigation turns up new evidence, Gonzales said. After the Preciados were arrested, police said Soto and Guerra were killed over a drug deal gone bad. On Friday, McManus says both Soto and Guerra were involved in the sale of narcotics and used their cell phones to conduct much of their business. Gonzales says its too early to say whether the DA's office will seek the death penalty. Wednesday, Jan. 10 Police arrest a third member of the Preciado family in connection with the slayings of Soto and Guerra. Christopher Preciado's stepmother, Myrta Romanos, is charged with abuse of a corpse; tampering with evidence; and altering, destroying and concealing human remains. Police say she owned the gun used to kill the victims. Romanos, 47, lived with Christopher and his father, Ramon, in the 5000 block of Charlie Chan Drive on the Northwest Side. She is believed to be Ramon's common-law wife. While both families are grieving the losses of pregnant teen Savanah Soto and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, Guerras family has become increasingly frustrated with speculation that they had anything to do with the disappearance. Courtesy photo Savanah Soto, a pregnant San Antonio teenager missing since Friday, and her boyfriend were found shot to death in their car Tuesday afternoon in a case described by police as perplexing. Soto, 18, was last seen around 2 p.m. Friday at a Leon Valley apartment complex where she lived with her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22. Soto was expecting her first child, who she planned to name Fabian, family members said. Relatives grew concerned when Soto did not show up Saturday morning for an appointment at Stone Oak Methodist Hospital, where doctors planned to induce labor. That night, her mother, Gloria Cordova, posted a message to Facebook pleading for help in finding her daughter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "If you see her please reach out to me and lmk (let me know) where you seen her. Im worried about her safety ...Prayer for my baby girl," Cordova wrote. The family spent the weekend and Christmas Day searching the apartment complex in the 6000 block of Grissom Road where Soto had last been seen and putting up missing person posters. On Monday, The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue (CLEAR) alert for Soto. The search reached a tragic conclusion on Tuesday afternoon, when the bodies of a man and woman were found in Guerra's car, a gray 2013 Kia Optima, outside an apartment complex in the 5900 block of Danny Kaye Drive on San Antonio's Northwest Side, about three miles from where the couple were last seen. Police Chief William McManus said that although the bodies had not been positively identified, "we believe" they are those of Soto and Guerra. He said the bodies may have been in the car for three or four days. In a terse statement Wednesday, the police department described the case as "capital murder" and listed three victims: an 18-year-old Hispanic woman, a 22-year-old Hispanic man and an "unborn child, deceased." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The medical examiners office will conduct a death investigation to determine cause of death and confirmation of the victims identity. This investigation remains ongoing," the statement said. Police offered no other details. While both families grieved, Guerras family took to social media Wednesday to condemn what they described as speculation that they were implicated in the couple's disappearance and death. The speculation appeared to stem from Guerra's history of domestic abuse. Earlier this year, Guerra pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic violence causing bodily injury in connection with an assault on Soto on Christmas Day 2022. He was sentenced to a year's probation. Sotos aunts said she was so badly injured, she had to be hospitalized. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Facebook, one of Guerras family members asked people to stop with all the narratives surrounding the couple's death. She said the two families had lost three loved ones Soto, Guerra and the unborn baby. Guerras older brother said on Facebook: Everyones portraying us like we had something to do with my brother and my sister-in-law missing, and first of all, we do not. We have nothing to do with this. We promise yall. I dont like how the internet is making us look like criminals. ALSO READ: SAPD says Savannah Soto and Matthew Guerra each had a gunshot wound Sotos family described her as an outgoing, bright, selfless young woman who was excited about becoming a mother. Her aunts, Laura Cordova and Cindy Martinez, said Soto matured quickly through her pregnancy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Her bags were packed, a room was ready and she was looking forward to the birth of her baby. A family member said she already had a present under the Christmas tree for Fabian. RELATED: CLEAR Alert issued for missing pregnant teen after she failed to show up for scheduled induced labor Martinez said she worked with her niece at a Brookdale senior living center, where she helped the elderly. Soto stopped working to have her baby but was planning to return. She aspired to be a nurse. Before she disappeared, Sotos mother helped her daughter pack, and Soto had her nails done. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She even called her mom on Friday morning and said, Mom, dont be late for Saturday, Laura Cordova said. Gloria Cordova, Sotos mother, described on Facebook how she waited in vain for her daughter to arrive at Stone Oak Methodist to be induced into labor early Saturday. Cordova called her daughter's phone but got no answer. She has a lot of family that loves her, Martinez said. Shes going to be really missed. This is not the first tragedy to befall the Soto family. Savanah's 15-year-old brother, Ethan, was shot and killed in May 2022. In October, the Sotos were at the center of a courtroom brawl at a hearing for the man accused of killing Ethan. San Antonio police near the scene where bodies believed to be those of Savanah Soto, 18, and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, were found on Tuesday afternoon. Jacob Beltran Savanah Soto, 18, and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, were found dead Tuesday afternoon in Guerra's car on the Northwest Side. Both had gunshot wounds, police said. Courtesy photo The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a CLEAR Alert on Christmas Day for Savanah Soto, 18. Courtesy Gloria Cordova San Antonio police, media and onlookers near where bodies believed to be those of Savanah Soto, 18, and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, were found on Tuesday afternoon. Jacob Beltran A pregnant teen and her boyfriend who went missing over the weekend have been found dead on San Antonios Northwest Side. Each had a gunshot wound. The unborn baby also died, and police listed the case as capital murder. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a CLEAR Alert for 18-year-old Savanah Soto on Christmas Day. She was last seen at 2 p.m. Friday in the 6000 block of Grissom Road in Leon Valley with her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22. CLEAR alerts are issued when someone is in imminent danger or disappearance was involuntary. It was an emotional scene as Police Chief William McManus spoke to Sotos family around 6 p.m. Tuesday before addressing the media. He said the crime scene was perplexing but would not elaborate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad DPS said Soto was in a 2013 gray Kia Optima at the time of her disappearance. McManus said two people were found dead in the Kia, which was described earlier as belonging to Guerra, at an apartment complex in the 5900 block of Danny Kaye Drive. Its about three miles from where the couple went missing. The chief said investigators believed the case to be a double homicide. He said that although the medical examiner hadnt positively identified the bodies, investigators believe they are those of Soto and Guerra. McManus estimated theyd been dead for three or four days. A woman who identified herself as Sotos sister-in-law posted on Facebook that Soto had been found at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shes in bad bad condition, the post stated. About an hour later, she asked her followers to let her and the family grieve. Although the couple was found, the family has nothing but more questions. Why were they at the apartments when the couple lived off Grissom Road? What happened to Soto? They never imagined they would find the soon-to-be-mother dead. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sotos family described her as an outgoing, bright and selfless young woman who was excited to be a mother. Her aunts Laura Cordova and Cindy Martinez said Soto matured quickly through her pregnancy. Her bags were packed, a room was ready and she looked forward to her newborn. The baby would have been named Fabian. But there was no Christmas for family members this year. Instead, they spent the weekend and Christmas searching the apartment complex where the couple lived off Grissom Road in Leon Valley. They put up missing person posters. (Savannahs mom) showed up at the hospital at six oclock, waited there for two hours and no show, her aunt Laura said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Martinez said she worked with Soto at Brookdale, a senior living center, where she helped the elderly. Soto had stopped working to have her baby but was planning to go back there for work. She had aspirations of being a nurse. Before she disappeared, Sotos mother helped her pack and she had her nails done. She even called her mom on Friday morning and said, Mom, dont be late for Saturday. Gloria Cordova, Sotos mother, posted to Facebook that her daughter was scheduled to be induced into labor at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday but did not show up to Stone Oak Methodist. When Soto didnt show up at the hospital, calls to her went unanswered. In October, the Soto family was at the center of a courtroom brawl at a hearing for the teen accused of killing Cordovas 15-year-old son, Ethan Soto, in 2022. While waiting for his case to be called, Victor Nathaneal Rivas, 18, was rumored to have made a gesture at the Soto family. The Bexar County Sheriffs Office reported several members of the Soto family jumped over the bar separating the gallery from the courtroom and began assaulting Rivas. Ethan and Savannah Soto were Cordovas only children. The aunts said Savannah had been in an abusive relationship for three years. This time last year, she was beaten so hard she ended up in the hospital, they said. As for the pregnancy, they said Matthew Guerra didnt want Savannahs mother in the room, but she was determined to be there. Family members said they would remain at the apartment Tuesday until the medical examiner retrieved her body. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett talks about the importance of simplifying the FAFSA application process for students during a workshop at Eastside Early College High School in Austin in 2021. Thao Nguyen, San Antonio Express-News / Contributor In just a few days, college-bound students and their parents will open the 2024-2025 FAFSA, the all-important federal financial aid application, and find it looks different than in years past hopefully living up to a promise that it is simpler, easier and faster to fill out. The U.S. Department of Education is expected to release the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, by Dec. 31. The online form, submitted by millions of current and prospective college students every year, has received a major makeover intended to help more students access federal grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans. Now, calculations for the federal Pell Grant program will be based on family size and federal poverty guidelines. The update will allow about 51,000 more Texas students to be eligible to receive Pell Grant funding and 132,000 Texas students to receive the maximum aid, according to federal data. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here are a few of the major changes: A graduate takes a selfie with her degree during the morning Texas A&M University-San Antonio Fall commencement ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 at Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas. Around 800 Texas A&M University-San Antonio students graduated with their degrees in Tuesday?s ceremonies. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Anabelle Sanchez, 18, of San Antonio, left, checks with roomate Alondra Nohemi Lopez, 18, of Brownsville they unpack their Dubuis Residence Hall dorm room during move in day at University of Incarnate Word on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023 in San Antonio. The university expected roughly 1,175 students to participate in move-in day with help from friends, parents, siblings and other family members. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The number of questions has decreased from a lengthy set of 108 to approximately 50. Some applicants may only have to complete 18 of them. The IRS will now transfer federal tax information directly to the application, removing the need for a complicated data retriever tool. The form will be available in the 11 most common languages spoken in the United States instead of only English and Spanish. Contributors (students, parents, stepparents or student spouses) must provide financial information and will be able to create their own StudentAid.gov account, even if they do not have a Social Security number. Students may list up to 20 colleges or universities on their application instead of being limited to 10. The new free Federal Student Aid Estimator tool will provide an estimate of how much federal aid a student may be eligible to receive. Created in response to one of the most frequently asked questions, a new feature has also been added to the form called, Whos My FAFSA Parent? The tool will allow the 300,000 students who are experiencing homelessness or are unable to obtain their parents income information to still complete the form and receive a provisional eligibility calculation before needing to provide additional documentation, according to the agency. Other changes have been less popular. For example, families with multiple children in college will now lose out on extra financial help often referred to as the sibling discount. The FAFSAs new formula no longer bumps up a students financial aid eligibility if they have one or more siblings attending college at the same time, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The delay in opening the application has also caused some concern that colleges will have less time to generate financial aid packages. The FAFSA form usually launches every October but was pushed back this year due to the hefty redesign. It is expected to open by the end of the month and will be preceded by a soft launch period where the department will monitor site performance, conduct planned pauses for maintenance and make technical updates as needed. If a student completes their form during this period, their information will be stored for processing, and they do not need to return to resubmit their application after the soft launch concludes, the agencys website says. FAFSA eligibility information will be provided to colleges starting in late January. The Alamo Colleges website says that due to this processing delay, its financial aid office wont be able to confirm whether student FAFSAs have been received until a month or more after they have been submitted, likely in February or March. The deadline to apply for federal funding is June 30, 2025. Students must submit their applications by March 15 for priority consideration in Texas, but private or two-year universities may have different deadlines. The changes come as part of the FAFSA Simplification Act passed by Congress in 2020, which called for a more streamlined user experience and expanded eligibility for federal student aid. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a press release that students and families who fill out the new form will find that applying for financial aid is simpler, easier and faster than ever. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last Friday, the Experts Club analytical center hosted the final seminar-tasting of Ukrainian wine and vintage drinks. This event once again brought together representatives of the Ukrainian wine industry, professional tasters, retail experts and media representatives. Maksim Urakin, founder of Experts club, opened the event, emphasizing the importance of reviving and developing the culture of wine and vintage drinks in Ukraine. The Ukrainian wines presented at todays tasting are limited editions that have not yet been presented to the general public, but have already been recognized at both Ukrainian and international competitions. Our events are held to support the development of domestic winemaking and spirits production, which will allow Ukrainian products to regain their leading positions, primarily in the domestic market, which, unfortunately, have been lost in recent years, said Urakin. The founder of Experts club also emphasized that a systematic approach to supporting Ukrainian producers will also lead to their entry into foreign markets and help the development of our economy as a whole. In his turn, Andriy Strelets, General Manager of Knyaz Trubetskoy, emphasized that despite the destruction his winery suffered as a result of military operations, production continues to revive and develop. The wines that are presented at todays event are new limited collections of 2022. And this is a sign that our winery is resuming production and working to expand its range. We have decided to change the name of our brand to Stoic Ukrainian winery, as it should symbolize the resilience of Ukraine in these difficult times, said Strelets. Sergiy Parkhomchuk, Marketing Director at PrJSC Knyaz Trubetskoy, spoke about the companys new projects. Dnipro Hills is a new Ukrainian wine created in cooperation between STOIC Ukrainian winery and Chateau Pinot winery. At a critical moment in the 125-year history of our winery, Chateau Pinot provided us with invaluable support. Representatives of a new industry for Ukraine the production of craft distilled beverages, Oleksandr and Lesya Slobodian, presented their own products, including whiskey, calvados and grappa made in Ukraine. CraftSAD is a family-owned distillery with a unique history and philosophy, created by the Slobodian couple. Even after the loss of their laboratory and home during the war, they did not give up, but found a way to continue creating unique signature drinks for their fans. Their work is based on two key principles: the use of local raw materials (grains, berries, fruits) and the priority of quality over quantity. This provides CraftSAD with the opportunity to produce products that preserve the unique aroma and taste of natural ingredients and guarantee the uniformity of each batch. The event presents the authors drinks that are already loved by many. Zapechena is based on an old Cossack recipe, a spicy honey brew that will first surprise and then impress with its richness of flavors. Aged for more than 3 years, the exquisite whiskey and calvados are truly worthwhile drinks, of which there are very few left after the house was destroyed, said Lesia Slobodian. In general, the event emphasized the importance of supporting Ukrainian wine and spirits producers and promoted the popularization of unique domestic alcohol brands. The partner of the Experts club was Myasnyi Rai. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird congratulated Officer Cole Button on his graduation from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in a ceremony held at Camp Dodge in Johnston on Friday, Dec. 15. The graduation ceremony was attended by family, friends and law enforcement officials from across the state, according to a news release. Bird welcomed the graduates onstage as they were presented with their diplomas by ILEA Director Brady Carney. Button was part of the 312th graduating class and completed the academys 16-week training program that consisted of coursework in policing communications, criminal law, physical fitness and emergency response. He also received training in patrol procedures, investigations, and tactical and administrative skills. Our law enforcement officers are heroes with a good heart, Bird said. I am so proud of our graduates from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for answering the call to serve and protect. Our officers hold the line between justice and crime to keep us safe. Its not an easy job, but its an important one. Iowa thanks you and your families for your selfless service." Button will serve as an officer with the Council Bluffs Police Department. An 18-year-old Sidney High School student was arrested Tuesday for making what law enforcement described as a "hit list" to target for arson. Kaelyn Surrell was arrested on suspicion of seven counts of terroristic threats, a Class D felony, according to a news release from Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope. Surrell allegedly created the "hit list" of students and staff at Sidney High School as well as other people in the community. The sheriff's office said in the release that Surrell threatened to commit acts of arson toward the people on the list. Surrell was held on a $5,000 cash bond, according to the release. Iowa Code states that the felony offense requires a "reasonable expectation or fear of the imminent commission of such an act of terrorism" in addition to the threat itself. A Harlan student recently visited Washington, D.C., as part of his inaugural duties as president-elect of the Iowa State Career Association. Iowa Jobs for Americas Graduates said in a news release that Zeke Christensen visited the District of Columbia for legislative meetings and a national leadership conference. Christensen and seven other Iowa students kicked off their trip in D.C. on Thursday, Nov. 30, with a tour of the White House and special meet-and-greets with Iowa's legislative delegation: Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst as well as Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Ashley Hinson, Zach Nunn and Randy Feenstra. Following a day at the White House, Christensen attended NSLA for three days of skill-building, advanced leadership training, professional networking and activities related to effective communications. The annual event is exclusive for top student leaders across 39 state affiliates of the Jobs for Americas Graduates organization. About 350 of 45,000 JAG students are invited to attend each year. Last month, Christensen was named as the president-elect for the Iowa SCA whose term will begin in the 2024 school year. He was voted to the position by nearly 1,100 of his peers during Iowas Leadership Development Conference. The Iowa SCA is a four-chair student leadership team led and managed by iJAG, a statewide nonprofit organization who partners with Iowa schools to deliver in-class career development programming. Anheuser-Busch and Doll Distributing provided 2,352 cans of emergency drinking water to Essex Fire Rescue to provide critical hydration. With volunteers comprising 67% of firefighters in the United States, they are local communities first line of defense in a range of emergencies, while often operating with limited resources and staffing, according to a news release. Clean drinking water is essential to ensure they can be at their peak performance when protecting our communities. The donation of emergency drinking water was sourced from Anheuser-Buschs brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado, which periodically pauses beer production to can clean and safe drinking water to be delivered to communities in times of need. Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding tradition of providing emergency drinking water and supplies for disaster relief efforts in partnership with the American Red Cross, dating back to 1906. Since the inception of its emergency drinking water program in 1988, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 90 million cans of clean drinking water to U.S. communities affected by natural disasters and other crises. Doll Distributing in Council Bluffs partnered with Anheuser-Busch and the National Volunteer Fire Council to deliver the water to Essex. "At Doll Distributing we are committed to supporting the communities we serve," Rhea Eitmann, marketing manager for Doll, said in the release. Tests reported to the state have detected infections at the highest rate all year. (Image by Fotograzia/Getty Images) The weekly number of people admitted to Iowa hospitals who have COVID-19 recently reached its highest in nearly a year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were about 315 new admissions reported for the week that ended Dec. 2 a 52% increase over the week prior. That is the most recent week for which the data is available. A new report is expected Friday. The number of new admissions had been increasing throughout November but had a relatively dramatic spike that week, following Thanksgiving. A similar spike happened a year ago, and admissions stayed about that level for the rest of December 2022. Overall COVID-19 activity in Iowa was high the week that ended Dec. 2, according to the latest respiratory virus surveillance report published by the state Department of Health and Human Services. There are signs that influenza is also on the rise but HHS rated its activity as low. During respiratory virus season, its not unusual to see variations in the activity levels of different viruses due to variety of factors, said Alex Carfrae, an HHS spokesperson. Iowans should practice good hand hygiene, stay home when theyre sick, cover coughs and sneezes and talk with their health care provider about the immunizations recommended for them or their family. COVID-19 vaccines are often free for people who have health insurance or through the CDCs Bridge Access Program, which has agreements with health care providers and pharmacies. The CDC has an online search to find vaccine providers, or people can call (800) 232-0233 for help. In April, the state ended its requirement for clinical labs to report COVID-19 test results. The number of tests reported to the state is now less than half what it was a year ago. In the latest HHS respiratory virus report, about 19% of the reported weekly tests were positive for infection. That is the highest percentage in at least a year and can indicate two things: there is high community transmission and a need for more testing to understand the full scope of the spread. Early in the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization recommended that countries and states should wait until their positivity rates held below 5% before loosening restrictions meant to contain the virus. State alters death reports The states weekly respiratory virus reports also have information about deaths that are attributed to COVID-19 and influenza. But in October, HHS modified how it reports those deaths. Previously, the department included a cumulative tally of the deaths for each year, which reset at the start of the flu season in early October. There were about 885 deaths in Iowa related to COVID-19 for the 2022-2023 year, according to the HHS report for the week ending Sept. 30. Subsequent reports do not have the cumulative total and instead have an unlabeled line chart that shows the overall trend of deaths for the past year. They also include a death count for the week that is being reported, but death reports can often be delayed for weeks or months. Because of that, HHSs weekly COVID-19 death reports in the past two months have deviated substantially from what the CDC reports for Iowa on its website. Since early October, HHS has reported a total of 35 deaths in its weekly reports, whereas the CDC has tallied more than 120 for that time period. HHS did not respond to requests to provide its COVID-19 death tally for this flu season. Whats the best way to spend New Years Day? Iowa Department of Natural Resources said in a news release that a First Day Hike in an Iowa state park or forest is the answer. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowas state parks. We are excited to host First Day Hikes again, helping visitors experience Iowa state parks and forests year-round, said Sherry Arntzen, chief of the Iowa DNR State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau. These hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. Staff and volunteers will lead free, guided First Day Hikes in nearly 20 participating state parks. Some hikes will include wildlife viewing and hot beverages. Hikes will average 1 to 2 miles, but some are longer, depending on location. Details about the hikes can be found at iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes. First Day Hikes in southwest Iowa include: Lake Anita State Park, 10 a.m., east side of beach parking lot at 55111 750th St. in Anita. A long hike and short hike are available, with both offering scenic views on a paved path through mostly restored prairie. Prairie Rose State Park, 10 a.m., park office at 680 Road M47 in Harlan. A hike to the east side of the lake likely ending with The Friends of Prairie Rose providing hot chocolate and popcorn with lots of animal signs on the hike. Waubonsie State Park, 1 p.m., Wa-Shawtee Lodge Park at 2585 Waubonsie Park Road in Hamburg. A 2-mile hike winds off trail through the Militia Hollow Wildlife Management Area with free food and beverages before and after the hike. To see a comprehensive national map of First Day Hikes, visit stateparks.org Participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media with #FirstDayHikes or #iowastateparks. Weather Alert ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 PM CST FRIDAY... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON CST FRIDAY... ...WIND CHILL WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM FRIDAY TO NOON CST TUESDAY... * WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. For the Wind Chill Advisory, very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero. For the Wind Chill Warning, dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 50 below zero. Coldest wind chills are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning. * WHERE...Portions of east central, northeast, and southeast Nebraska. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, from 3 PM this afternoon to 9 PM CST Friday. For the Wind Chill Advisory, from midnight tonight to noon CST Friday. For the Wind Chill Warning, from 9 PM Friday to noon CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be hazardous. Areas of blowing snow will reduce visibilities, even after snow has stopped falling. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday evening and Friday commutes. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && (Photo : Photo by Anatolii Stepanov / AFP) (Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images) Russia and Ukraine each freed 50 prisoners of war in a surprising exchange after Moscow conducted missiles strikes that hit the Kyiv's energy infrastructure. Russia and Ukraine each freed 50 prisoners of war in the latest development in the war after the two sides met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the negotiations. The latest exchange allowed the 100 soldiers from both sides to go back home to each of their home countries. Officials from Russia and Ukraine said that following negotiations, each side freed 50 imprisoned soldiers. Prisoner Exchange In a statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said that 50 Russian servicemen were returned to their home country from the territory controlled by Kyiv on Nov. 24, following the negotiation process. The agency added that the captives were in mortal danger while imprisoned in Ukraine. The announcement added that the returned soldiers will be taken to Moscow and be given treatment and the necessary medical and psychological assistance. An official from the office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, two officers among the 50 who were released was captured in battles in Mariupol, Azovstal, Chernobyl power plant, and Snake Island, as per CNN. Yermak said in a statement that Ukrainian officials continue to work on releasing all of Ukraine's captured soldiers from imprisonment. He also expressed his gratitude for the work of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatments of Prisoners of War. The Ukrainian official said that there have been 86 Ukrainian service members who have already been returned, adding that a total of 1,269 people were released over the course of the Russian invasion. According to France24, the prisoner exchange came as Ukrainian energy workers struggled to restore power after Russian missile strikes pummeled Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leaving millions of citizens without power. In a statement, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, accused Moscow of weaponizing winter, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for immediate action from the UN against Russia's "formula of terror." Read Also: Kim Jong Un's Sister Sends Stern Message to USA Over Anti-North Korean Acts: 'Be Mindful' Russia-Ukraine War Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 15,000 people have gone missing, said an official from the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP). In July, the Hague-based organization opened an office in Kyiv to assist Ukraine in documenting and tracking down missing individuals. The agency's program director for Europe, Matthew Holliday, said that it remained unclear just how many people had been forcibly transferred, were being held in detention in Russia, were alive and separated from their family members, or had died and had been buried in makeshift graves. The prisoner exchange after Russian and Ukrainian representatives met in the United Arab Emirates last week to discuss negotiations. The talks were linked to the resumption of Russian ammonia exports, which go to Asia and Africa via a Ukrainian pipeline. Sources familiar with the meeting said that the Gulf Arab state mediated the talks and did not include the United Nations. This came despite the UN's central role in negotiating the ongoing initiative to export agricultural products from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports. They added that the negotiations seek to remove the remaining obstacles in the initiative extended last week and aim to ease global food shortages by unblocking Ukrainian and Russian exports, Reuters reported. Related Article: New Russian Strikes Pummel Ukraine, Leaving Residents Without Power, Struggling for Winter Shelters @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 2023 will be remembered in Morocco as the year when a powerful earthquake struck several regions of the Kingdom on September 8th, leaving nearly 3,000 martyrs and many injured. But with tragedy comes unity. The quake, which hit hard the remote Atlas Mountain villages, has shown the strong bonds existing between the Throne and Moroccan people. It has also shown the countrys resilience fueled by the Moroccans outpouring solidarity that was hailed worldwide. Immediately after the devastating tremors, King Mohammed VI convened an emergency meeting and ordered the mobilization of the Royal Armed Forces, governmental departments, security services, local authorities, and civil protection units to take all emergency measures to intensify field relief efforts and provide care to the victims & their families. Moroccos Royal Armed forces deployed important human and logistical air and land resources, Search & Rescue teams, and medical-surgical field hospitals. To coordinate relief aid, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity mobilized all its bodies to support and deliver assistance to citizens in affected areas. Warehouses for storage of basic necessities (medicines, tents, beds, foodetc.) were set up in every region hit by the tremor. The national blood stock was beefed up, drinking water, food kits, tents and blankets were provided to the affected population. The King held several working sessions devoted to the situation on the ground following the earthquake, devising emergency rehabilitation and aid programs to reconstruct as soon as possible the destroyed homes in the affected areas. On Sept.12, the Sovereign visited the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech, where the Monarch enquired about the condition of the wounded, victims of the quake. The King visited the resuscitation and hospital departments set for earthquake victims, where the Sovereign was informed of the state of health of the injured and the care they were receiving from the medical teams mobilized in the wake of this major natural disaster. During this visit to the hospital, King Mohammed VI donated blood, a powerful gesture expressing the Monarchs full solidarity and compassion for the victims and their grieving families. Thanks to the Sovereigns leadership and wise guidance, Morocco moved from the phase of rescue to the phase of reconstruction through the implementation of a program worth $12 billion in the six quake-struck regions. The program, which spans over a five-year period, covers the provinces of Marrakech, Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Azilal and Ouarzazate. A population of 4.2 million is expected to benefit from this ambitious and integrated program which aims at rebuilding houses and upgrading infrastructures as well as strengthening socio-economic development in targeted areas. Funding for this major program comes from the State budget, contributions from local authorities and the Special Solidarity Bank Account dedicated to managing the effects of the earthquake, as well as through donations and international cooperation. All components of Moroccan society also showed an inspirational outpouring solidarity with those affected by the earthquake by donating money, blood, food, medicine, tents, and clothing. The international community was impressed by the Moroccan solidarity and cohesion when they saw Moroccans in supermarkets donating their carts filled with packs of water, milk, flour, canned goods, and cakes. Roads linking Marrakech to the towns and villages of the Atlas Mountains were congested with heavy and light vehicles. King Mohammed VI has lauded the resilience and the values of solidarity and social cohesion shown by Moroccans of all walks of life following the earthquake. In his speech delivered at the opening of the fall session of the Parliament, the Monarch said this tragedy has shown that authentic Moroccan values have prevailed. They have enabled our country to overcome adversity and crises, again making us not only stronger, but also more determined to forge ahead, with unwavering confidence and optimism. The Nigerien military government has announced the suspension of all cooperation with the International Organization of Francophone nations (OIF), citing Frances utilization of the OIF to defend French interest. Niger has cut ties with the OIF, Nigerien military leaders said, as the West African country has disengaged from multiple foreign partners since the military seized power in a coup on 26 July. The 88-member body has always been used by France as an instrument to defend French interests, a spokesperson for Nigers military government said on Sunday December 24. This is widely seen as a response to the OIFs decision taken on 19 December to suspend Niger from the bodies of La Francophonie, denouncing the July coup and calling for the release of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest for five months now. But the military government in Niamey where the OIF was originally established in 1970 has described the OIF as an empty shell, a shadow of its former self. The founding fathers of the OIF saw the organizations mission in promoting the French language, supporting peace and democracy, and encouraging education and development in Francophone countries around the world, many of which are former French colonies. The Nigerien military government has now said that La Francophonie is no longer an instrument of reconciliation but rather a tool for the diktats and interests of France. In their communique, Nigers transitional authorities have also called for a decolonization of minds and the promotion of national languages in accordance with the ideals of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism. The Colombian designing and development company Quipux SAS has sold its minority shares in Abidjan-based Quipux Afrique SA, a company running integrated management center at the Transport ministry of the West African country. he company thus becomes a private company with 100% Ivorian capital. The Colombia firm sold its shares to Cote dIvoire, which owns 35 per cent of share, the Ivorian government said in a statement Tuesday December 26. Through the transaction, the Ivorian State represented by Societe nationale de developpement informatique (SNDI) sees its shares upping to 49 per cent while IBRAMEX, the main shareholder, sees its portion dwindle from 65 per cent to 51 per cent. The statement did not provide details about the amount of the transaction. It is also unclear why Quipux SAS has pulled out from the market. The announcement came following a board of directors meeting on December 20. Quipux Afrique SA was birthed in 2013. With the pullout of the Colombian technology company, Quipux Afrique SA becomes a full Ivorian controlled company. The Malian armed forces, FAMA, announced Tuesday December 26 they dealt blows to radical Islamist militants of Ansar Dine militant group that attacked the Mourdiah Military Base in central Mali. Mourdiah base came under attack on Monday December 25. The militants claimed to have inflicted significant losses on the Malian Armed Forces. In a statement, they reportedly claimed the killing of dozens of soldiers and the seizure of a considerable cache of weapons. The Malian army acknowledged the incident that it termed complex terrorist attack and announced a retaliation. The FAMA Tuesday said the base was recovered thanks to the professionalism of its soldiers. However, it also indicated the recovery of the base left several soldiers killed in fighting with militants led by Iyad Ag Ghaly, a prominent Touareg militant. The deployment of special forces and aerial vectors made it possible to observe and destroy several terrorist targets that were in the process of retreating in the Naoulena sector, a nearby locality, the Army added. The latest attack was the major setback suffered by the Army since taking back the city of Kidal in November 2023 from Touareg rebels who besieged region for 10 years. The future once looked so bright for Kevin McCarthy! Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty In an era of politics as turbulent as ours, and for a nonmajor-election year, its difficult to denote any big political winners for 2023. It is, however, possible to identify some big losers. The following is a far from exhaustive and entirely subjective ranking of politicians who had a really bad year, often after high expectations. They are in reverse order of loserdom. 6. Youngkin ends 2023 as he began it, as the red-party governor of blue-state Virginia. But as chief executive of the only state that bars consecutive gubernatorial terms, the power is already ebbing out of him as he ends his second year in office, and his street cred was further damaged when his bid for a state legislative trifecta in November instead turned into a loss of a legislative chamber to Democrats. This was more than a local setback, moreover. Youngkin had become the darling of the national Republican Establishment donor class, imagined by some as a last-minute Hail Mary presidential candidate in 2024 who could save the GOP from Trump. And the national significance of Youngkins legislative loss was magnified by his claim that he had found a magic message on abortion rights that could neutralize Democratic strength on this issue. Pretty clearly, he didnt. 5. Hizzoner doesnt rank higher because we really dont know where the federal investigation of his campaigns ties to foreign donors might lead. But New Yorkers seem to think hes in big trouble: A recent Marist poll showed 72 percent of respondents indicating his campaign did something wrong in its dealings with Turkey, with fully a third going so far as to believe that Adams himself broke the law. Speaking of polls, the mayors job-approval rating in a new Quinnipiac survey fell to an alarming 28 percent, and the large city budget cuts he recently announced arent going to make him more popular. While hes been a figure of ridicule for his strange utterances throughout his term in office, hes come a long way down just in the last few weeks. As recently as the end of October, progressive critics of Adams fretted they might not find a viable primary challenger to him when hes up for reelection in 2025. Now the big problem is making sure another big loser, Governor Andrew Cuomo, has a lot of company on the Democratic ballot with Adams if he chooses to run. The incumbent is in big and apparently escalating trouble. 4. The recently expelled former congressman and indicted fraudster would also rank higher on this list if his political demise and legal peril hadnt been obvious before the beginning of the year. As it is, he may have bottomed out, and could even achieve a bit of a comeback if he snags a plea deal that minimizes time in the slammer, and/or capitalizes on some of his recent commercial ventures. In any event, he may never exceed the infamy he earned when the House Ethics Committee report that sealed his congressional doom came out in November, concluding Santos had sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit. 3. The senior senator from New Jersey really should have found a reason to conclude his half-century career as an elected official at the end of last year, when he could have gone into the history books as a veteran of two decades in Congress who was just criminally indicted for corruption once (escaping the hoosegow in 2017 after a mistrial and then a decision by federal prosecutors not to try him again. After all, nobodys perfect. Instead, Menendez faced two fresh indictments in 2023, the first for accepting (along with his wife) hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from business figures, and the second for acting as an unregistered agent for the government of Egypt. The accumulated evidence of cupidity (investigators found huge piles of cash and even gold bars in the Menendez home) was too much for the national and New Jersey Democrats who had backed him for many years. While vowing not to resign amid growing demands that he do just that, Menendez drew two powerful primary challengers for his previously assumed renomination in 2024, and his job approval rating quickly dropped to 8 percent. Hes done politically for sure this time. 2. The governor of Florida could yet challenge for the spot of biggest loser in 2024 if he finishes third in the January 15 Iowa Caucuses and is forced to drop out of the presidential race right then and there. Even so, his descent into loserdom throughout 2023 was remarkable. In early January of 2023, he was near an all-time high of over 30 percent in the national GOP presidential polling averages, and holding Donald Trump to under 50 percent of the vote. He was within seven points of Trump in the first public poll of Iowa, and actually led the former president by 12 points in a January poll of New Hampshire by UNH. He was even in a strong second place in South Carolina. His campaign and super-PAC were flush with money, and the latter was in the process of building a king-hell get-out-the-vote operation in the early caucus and primary states. Just as importantly, it seemed like every element of elite Republican circles that wasnt already in Trumps camp was either supporting or encouraging the Florida governor, whose boffo reelection performance the previous November still shone brightly in recent memories. Since then, DeSantis has lost nearly two-thirds of his national support, isnt leading Trump anywhere, is in fourth place (and in single digits) in New Hampshire, and is a weak third place in South Carolina. His campaign is all but out of money, and the wheels have fallen off his super-PAC, which has been shedding donors and top staff steadily. His strategy of out-flanking Trump on the right has signally failed to slow down the front-runner, and his much-claimed electability advantage over Trump has vanished. Elite support (at least outside Iowa) has mostly defected to Nikki Haley. I strongly suspect he wishes now he had given 2024 a pass; hes in danger of becoming a political has-been at the age of 45. 1. Despite a lot of competition, theres little doubt the biggest political loser of 2023 was former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. At this point in 2022, McCarthy was the GOPs Speaker-designee for the 118th Congress, having flipped the chamber narrowly in November. He began 2023 with a historic struggle to claim the gavel he thought he had earned months earlier, taking 15 ballots and humiliating concessions to the obstructionists of the House Freedom Caucus. After less than 10 turbulent months on the job, beset by constant rebellions from his own ranks and a dismal inability to get any actual legislation to the presidents desk. After narrowly avoiding a government shutdown that would have been entirely blamed on House Republicans, McCarthy was ejected from the speakership, and his fall was triggered by a pip-squeak of a personal rival in Matt Gaetz. After vainly waiting around like Napoleon on Elba, expecting a call to return to power, McCarthy suffered the additional pain of watching back-bench right-winger Mike Johnson eventually become his successor. Worse yet, House Republicans let Johnson do exactly what McCarthy did (cutting a deal to keep the government open with Democratic votes) and kept his gavel (at least for now), making it clearer than ever to the Californian that his rejection was personal as well as ideological. He subsequently resigned from Congress altogether. But even now his agony isnt apparently over: His designated successor in Congress, former staffer Vince Fong, has now been struck from the ballot in the special election McCarthys resignation required on grounds that he had already filed for a state legislative race. You have to wonder if McCarthys next step is to appear in used-car ads in Bakersfield, asking prospective customers: Remember me? What a loser. . Gavin Newsoms name may surprise some readers, including those who (a) think the world of the California governor or (b) dont think the world of him but have seen him on so many Future President of the United States lists that they figure hes a permanent resident of the political stratosphere. I regard him as a borderline 2023 loser mostly because of the ground he has lost his year. His job approval rating fell underwater in one major poll; his state budget went from a nice surplus to a deep deficit; and he devolved from being a top Plan B presidential fallback candidate to debating an even bigger loser, Ron DeSantis. For dessert, he spent a good part of the year getting out of a trap he laid for himself with an incautious promise to appoint a Black woman to a U.S. Senate vacancy. Maybe hes still a winner overall, but 2023 has not helped his reputation. As for Tim Scott, he stands in for all the GOP candidates about whom you have wondered: Why is this person running for president? He never showed anything other than potential, never established a clear identity as a candidate, and repeatedly blew opportunities to break out of the pack in debates. Scott isnt squarely on the losers list since he might be getting something out of endorsing a rival and could even become Trumps running mate. But whatever 2024 brings, 2023 has not been kind to him. I hope she had good support upon her release. What she had to endure by her mother is incomprehensible. I read she had surgery to have her salivary glands removed. I had part of one of mine removed due to a tumor and that shit is serious and that's only a tiny fraction of what she went thru. Reply Thread Link I believe her father & step-mother plan to be involved. Although, I'm pretty sure she got married as well. Her stepmother said they'd doing a late Christmas, spa day, etc... when she gets out. The step-mother also said that Gypsy Rose is glad she went to prison and the classes & stuff she got helped her grow. Edited at 2023-12-27 07:21 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link her father and step mother seem to genuinely care for her. I hope that shes able to have a loving family around her after release. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It's sad her life is better in prison than with her mom Reply Parent Thread Link her mother put her through some of the most horrific medical abuse imaginable and was holding her captive...it makes me so, so sad that Gypsy feels any kind of remorse for what happened to her (though I get it, she seems like a kind person) my god, her mother was evil Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Omg without saliva teeth deteriorate so quickly. Mine have bc of pain meds for endo and adeno. And there's nothing to reverse it. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah she did baby. Reply Thread Link She deserves to be free and safe. Her mom was killing her. Reply Thread Link Theres no doubt in my mind that her mom would have killed her within a couple of years. Gypsy was pushing for freedom; her mom would have escalated. Reply Parent Thread Link Dee Dee apparently told her ex-husband's wife that if she dies, Gypsy's coming with her. Dee Dee would tell me, When I die, I hope she dies with me, because one cant live without the other, she said. Now thinking back, its like, Oh my god, she wouldve ended up She wouldve killed Gypsy. She would have. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i totally agree. there was something to her mom pretending she was younger than she was... like the mom wouldn't have wanted a grown ass 30 year old woman in her control Reply Parent Thread Link She should never have been given a prison sentence. Reply Thread Link Her life with her mother was enough of a prison sentence imo. Reply Parent Thread Link Her story is incredibly sad and she seems to be speaking with maturity about her actions. The tiktok yassification of her in the months leading up to her release is wild. Reply Thread Link I don't use Tiktok, what are they saying? Reply Parent Thread Link the gays are turning it into some sort of album release type of "yass mother", "slay mama" etc. It's not very funny and I just hope they leave her alone. She's not a pop star. She's a young woman recovering from severe trauma. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Honestly, this young woman's mother did need to die and she did deserve it. She was going to kill this girl. Reply Thread Link Yeah, maybe I'm just a bad person but I'm not here for any of the ~life is sacred~ bullshit. The world would definitely be a better place - and many innocent lives would be spared of trauma and pain - if some people indeed were dead. Reply Parent Thread Link The issue comes that there will always be flaws in determining who "deserves" to die. So you either have to accept innocent/ not worthy to die people dying, or that innocent people staying alive is worth bad people living too. Reply Parent Thread Link I don't condone murder, in most cases. And I'm fully against the death penalty but I am also truly ambivalent about abusers reaping what they've sown all at once. I'll support a victim killing their abuser 100 times out of 100. In this specific case I genuinely can see no other way Gypsy would ever be free. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The American "violence is never the answer" is such bullshit. Yes the fuck it is sometimes; namely, in self-defense. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm with you. Reply Parent Thread Link agreed. she was a horrific, premeditated abuser. she was a danger and an absolutely horrible person. fuck her. Reply Parent Thread Link I feel awful that she had to carry that responsibility for the rest of her life, but Dee Dee was an abuser who did have to die. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Wait her mom was keeping her prisoner, she got herself away from that abuser and the solution was to put her in prison again? Fuck that Reply Thread Link Basically, yes. Her mom was keeping her prisoner and abusing her, forcing her to have medical procedures done that she did not need. Gypsy didn't see a way out other than killing her mother. Gypsy should not have been sentenced to any prison time. It was self-defense, imo. Reply Parent Thread Link You know what's so sad? She said she felt more free in prison than she ever did with her mom. Reply Parent Thread Link girl .. so many pod cats have covered it.. its wild from the start. Reply Parent Thread Link This is probably the most known case of Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy/ Factitious Disorder Imposed On another. Reply Parent Thread Link A well run Prison is for peoples rehabilitation and to prevent further crime, it is not supposed to be torturous, like her mother was doing Reply Parent Thread Link Doubt we have those in the states Reply Parent Thread Link The system failed her. Shouldnt have been sentenced. Her mother was a monster. Reply Thread Link I hope she does well in life and has a good support system. Id hate to see her fall victim to another scammer/abuser. I also dont think the world is a worse place without her mother in it and I will leave it at that. Edited at 2023-12-27 07:57 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I think most of us agree she did deserve it but this is such a mature, empathetic thing to say. It's making me even sadder to think about where she could be today if she had an ok childhood. Reply Thread Link DeeDee did deserve it tho. She was a monster who would have killed Gypsy, eventually. But if this is where Gypsy needs to be, mentally and emotionally, to process her past and move on with her life, then fine. I hope Gypsy is able to live a happy and full life from now on. Reply Thread Link I put something similar above. DeeDee was not going to ever let her go and she likely wouldn't stop until Gypsy Rose was dead. Reply Parent Thread Link Her Dad should have fought a lot harder to get to Gypsy. He has a lot of excuses for why he was not in his daughter's life other than financially and none of them stand up. Any way I try to see it, he always comes off as a financially supportive but deadbeat dad who just didn't want to deal with a kid with [what he was told were] health issues. He didn't want a disabled daughter. Edited at 2023-12-28 01:45 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Some things arent right but they are justified, ya know? Reply Parent Thread Link Glad she's finally out. It's bullshit that she was ever put there. Reply Thread Link I wish her well, but I'm scared what will happen to her. She never lived as an adult outside of the prison, this will be so rough for her. I hope she has some kind of support system. I wonder if anybody would ever catch on what was happening if she didn't kill her mother. Probably not, or at least not anytime soon. Reply Thread Link Any time someone did catch on, DeeDee would move them away. If Gypsy's medical records hadn't been lost during hurricane Katrina, maybe things would have been different. Reply Parent Thread Link They talk about this in the doc. The doctor knew that if he called her out, he would be silenced because DeeDee had built such an intense support system around them. She also requested medical records frequently and bounced from doctor to doctor once she saw in the notes that they questioned her. Reply Parent Thread Link I wish her nothing but the best. It sounded like her father and his family were very supportive of her so if that's still the case, I'm glad she's not just being thrown to the wolves. Reply Thread Link A Kazakh media outlet, citing a watchdog group representative, is reporting that the Kazakh government is balking at a Chinese proposal to build the Central Asian nations first nuclear power plant. The Kazakh government has not officially commented on the report. The Kursiv news outlet cites Baurzhan Ibrayev, chair of the Central Asia advisory board of the UK-based New Nuclear Watch Institute, as saying the projected cost of the Chinese-built plant would be up to half the price of proposals submitted by French, Russian and South Korean entities. At the same time, Ibrayev appeared to cast shade on the Chinese nuclear industry, hinting in the Kursiv report that a Chinese entity used not the latest technology in a previous joint venture, which started up in 2015 to produce nuclear fuel assemblies in Kazakhstan. One advantage of Beijings proposal is that a Chinese design would be compatible with Kazakh-produced fuel assemblies, or structured groups of fuel rods used to fuel for nuclear reactors, Kursiv reported. The other designs under consideration, however, couldnt run on domestically produced fuel assemblies, according Ibrayev. Today, there is new technology, new reactors requiring different fuel, he is quoted as saying. The cost of building a two-unit nuclear power plant could be more than $12 billion, according to Energy Ministry estimates. As currently envisioned, the two-unit plant could produce 2.4 GW of power. Elsewhere, China is actively pursuing solar energy development in Uzbekistan. Uzbek diplomats from the consulate in the Chinese city of Guangzhou held talks with representatives of Laplace Energy Solutions in early December, focusing on developing a training program for Uzbek workers. Company experts will soon travel to Uzbekistan on a fact-finding mission, the Uzbek news agency Dunyo reports. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The recent easing of sanctions between the United States and Venezuela, marked by pivotal legal settlements and new commercial arrangements, represents a significant turning point for the global energy industry. These developments, particularly the resolution of disputes involving Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), signal the reinvigoration of Venezuela's oil and gas sector and hold substantial promise for energy-hungry Europe. The settlement between PDVSA and Refineria di Korsou (RdK), navigated by Dentons Europe LLP - led by David Syed, head of their Sovereign Advisory practice - brings to an end a longstanding impasse that had stifled the operational potential of RdK's refinery and oil terminal in Curacao since 2020. Under this settlement, PDVSA will resume the supply of crude oil to RdK and initiate discussions on long-term gas supply, enabling RdK to recommence its operations. This development is a win for PDVSA and RdK and a strategic move that reopens crucial pathways in the Caribbean energy landscape. Furthermore, the collaboration between PDVSA and Repsol Exploracion, S.A. to bolster investment in their joint venture, Petroquiriquire, S.A., heralds a new era of increased production in the Venezuelan oil and gas industry. A similar deal with ENI of Italy is imminently expected. The intention to significantly boost overall production underlines a commitment to revitalize the national economy of Venezuela, a country with one of the world's largest oil reserves but whose potential has been largely untapped due to political and economic challenges. For Europe, these developments couldn't be timelier. The continent benefits greatly, grappling with energy supply concerns exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and a push for diversification away from reliance on Russian energy sources. Venezuela's re-entry into the global oil and gas market as a significant player provides Europe with an alternative and potentially stable energy source. This could be instrumental in mitigating the current energy crisis and contributing to Europe's energy security. Venezuela's strategic geographic location and colossal oil reserves make it an ideal candidate for European nations striving to diversify their energy sources. Venezuela boasts the world's largest proven oil reserves, exceeding even those of Saudi Arabia. According to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Venezuela's proven oil reserves are estimated to be around 303.8 billion barrels, representing a significant portion of the global oil supply. Before the sanctions and economic turmoil, Venezuela was producing about 2.4 million barrels per day. Though current production levels are significantly lower, there is potential for rapid growth given the country's abundant reserves. Oil output has already increased significantly over the last year under the leadership of Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Oil Minister Pedro Rafael Tellechea. As of 2021, the European Union's crude oil imports from Russia accounted for roughly 27% of its total oil imports, according to Eurostat. Replacing even a fraction of this with Venezuelan oil could significantly enhance Europe's energy security. ADVERTISEMENT Moreover, Venezuela's location is advantageous for transatlantic trade. Its proximity to the Caribbean Sea provides direct maritime routes to European ports, potentially making oil and gas transportation more efficient and cost-effective compared to other global suppliers. In essence, the sanctions relief deal and the subsequent legal and commercial maneuvers represent a recalibration of the global energy equation. For Venezuela, it marks a resurgence of its energy sector and a step towards economic recovery. For Europe, it offers a new avenue for securing energy resources, crucial for its economic stability and energy independence. By More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A Christian magazine faces criticisms after claiming that Jesus Christ was Asian. This issue started when Christianity Today-an Evangelical media magazine based in Carol Stream, Illinois-posted an article on Monday, Dec. 25. The article that the religious news outlet posted is about how Asian artists portray Jesus' birth from 1240 until modern times. If you read the article, there's already something wrong in the first sentence. If you're a Christian who religiously reads the Bible, here are the major details you need to know about the latest issue of Christianity Today. Christian Magazine Faces Criticisms After Claiming Jesus Christ is Asian According to Fox News' latest report, Christianity Today's controversial article was written by Victoria Emily Jones, A Christian writer. In her article, she claimed that Jesus was born in Asia; arguing that the son of God was Asian. "Jesus was born in Asia. He was Asian," said Jones in her official Christianity Today article. "Yet the preponderance of Christian art that shows him at home in Europe has meant that he is embedded deeply in the popular imagination as Western," she added. Aside from these controversial statements, Victoria also included nine pieces of artwork from Asian cultures, which depict the Nativity of Christ. The Christian author explained religious artists could portray a deeper theological meaning of the universality of Jesus Christ's birth. Emily Jones further stated that Christians who portray Jesus Christ as other than a Jewish man by tackling the subject of incarnation aim to achieve theological meaning and not historical realism. "By representing Jesus as Japanese, Indonesian, or Indian, they convey a sense of God's immanence, his 'with-us-ness,' for their own communities-and for everyone else, the universality of Christ's birth," she further explained. Read Also: Who is St. Nicholas? Here's the Jolly Old Heretic-Smacking Origin Story of Santa Claus Netizens Bash Christianity Today Via its official X account, Christianity Today even posted its controversial article. Because of this, many netizens were able to share their disappointments in the comment section. Most of them are accusing the religious magazine of blasphemy, questioning the author if she even read the Bible. An X user said that based on the Gospels, Jesus Christ wasn't Asian, Palestinian, Black, or even European. He said that Jesus was a Jew since it was necessary for humanity's salvation that he become a son of David. The netizen further stated that Jesus Christ is the King of Jews and the one and only savior of the world. Meanwhile, others said that Christianity Today should change its name to "Heresy Today" since the magazine is writing nonsense things about Christianity. These are just some of the opinions shared by disappointed netizens. You can click here to see more. Related Article: [STUDY] Asian American Christians Drastically Decreasing-From 42% Down to 34% This 2023 @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Attacks on shipping in the Red Sea continued over Christmas, but Brent crude failed to extend its rally on Wednesday morning. Shipping Disruptions See Reversal in Hedge Fund Strategies - Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea might be the bullish moment oil markets were waiting for as hedge funds stopped shorting crude futures for the first time since September. - After 10 consecutive weeks of hedge funds cutting their net length in the WTI contract, in the week ending December 19 that trend saw a reversal, even if coming from lower short positions (while long positions remained around 200 MMbbls). - The 127 MMbbls in short positions that money managers held in WTI until this past week was the highest level since January 2019, signalling that hedge funds believe oils immediate future to be bearish. - Reflective of investors losing some of their interest in the oil markets, open interest in the WTI contract dropped to 2,037 MMbbls, some 200 MMbbls below this years average, whilst open interest in ICE Brent remains in line this years trend curve. Market Movers - The worlds second-largest container shipper A.P. Moller-Maersk (CPH:MAERSK) announced it is preparing to resume shipping through the Red Sea with the help of the US naval task force. - The UAEs investment holding Mubadala Capital is in negotiations with Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) to sell back a stake in its fully-owned 333,000 b/d Mataripe refinery, two years after it bought it for $1.8 billion. - Germanys utility major RWE (ETR:RWE) acquired three offshore wind projects off the English coast from Swedens Vattenfall in a $1.2 billion deal, increasing German exposure to UK wind projects. Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The post-Christmas resumption of trading was set to swing Brent above $80 per barrel, with a drone strike hitting an India-bound chemicals tanker far away from the Red Sea, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, however, Maersks announcement that it would resume shipping through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait has limited the upside. It remains to be seen whether the US-led naval coalition can curb the frequency of missile and drone attacks, however amidst weak trading activity it might be only in the first week of 2024 that wed see notable price movements. No Stopping to Missile Attacks on Commodity Tankers. Expanding the geographic scope of the Red Sea missile attacks, the Israeli-affiliated merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto carrying Saudi Arabian ethylene dichloride to India was struck by a drone, some 200 km from Indias southwestern coast. Alaskas Key Upstream Project Moves Ahead. US oil major ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) gave the financial approval to its long-stalled $8 billion Willow oil and gas project in Alaska, aiming for a 2026 start to production and a peak output plateau of 180,000 b/d, equivalent to 2% of US oil production. Mozambiques Idled LNG Hopes Get Revived. Idled since the 2021 Islamic State insurgency, work on Mozambiques $20 billion LNG project in Cabo Delgado is expected to be restarted in the first quarter of 2024, spearheaded by project operator TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) and targeting a 2028 start-up. Venezuela Greenlights Key Gas Project. Venezuela signed a 30-year term contract with Shell and Trinidad and Tobagos National Gas Company to develop the Dragon offshore natural gas field, with Caracas license allowing for an initial output of 185 million cubic feet per day. Investors Flee Russias Arctic LNG 2 Project. Russias LNG expansion plans hit a brick wall as the foreign shareholders of the Arctic LNG 2 plant Chinas CNOOC and CNPC, Frances TotalEnergies and a Japanese Mitsui-JOGMEC consortium suspended participation in the project, halting their financing. Little by Little, US SPRs Get Replenished. The US Department of Energy awarded contracts to Sonoco, Phillips 66 and Macquarie to buy 2.1 million barrels of sour crude for a February 2024 delivery to the SPR site in Big Hill, following up on the 4-million-barrel SPR replenishment in January. PE Wants a Cake of Oil Majors Renewable Ambition. The Swiss energy-focused fund EIP has agreed to buy a 9% stake in the low-carbon and retail unit of the Italian oil major ENI (BIT:ENI) in a deal valued at $11 billion including debt, paving the way for a much-delayed IPO at some point in 2024. Related: Turbulent Times For China's Aluminum Industry Equinor Quits Azerbaijan. After more than 30 years in Azerbaijan, the Norwegian energy major Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) sold all its assets in the country to the state-owned oil firm SOCAR, including interests in the ACG oilfields and the BTC pipeline, posting a loss of up to $400 million on its value. ADVERTISEMENT ET Fights Off Accusations of Anticompetitive Behaviour. A Louisiana natural gas pipeline developer is taking US midstream major Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET) to court, arguing it is denying competing projects to let them cross its own pipelines in an attempt to control 80% of the Gulf Run system. Turkey Strikes Kurdish Oil Fields in Syria. Following intensified skirmishes in Kurdish-populated regions, Turkey targeted Kurdish-controlled oil facilities in northeast Syria that led to electricity blackouts, halting the operation of gas-fuelled power stations. US Claims Huge Parts of Ocean Seabed. The government of the United States has formalized its claims to the so-called Extended Continental Shelf covering some 386,100 square miles, predominantly in the Arctic and Bering Seas with some parts also claimed by Canada and Russia. India to Start A Domestic Carbon Trading Scheme. Indian authorities announced the creation of a carbon offset market that should start up in 2026, aiming to integrate the most hard-to-abate sectors first such as steel, iron ore, oil refining and petrochemical production. African States Reaffirm Their OPEC Commitment. Following Angolas exit from OPEC, other African members of the oil group Nigeria and Congo reaffirmed their readiness to follow 2024 production quotas, saying OPECs role is pivotal in fostering stability in the oil market. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The rise in the benchmark Brent oil price from just over US$72 per barrel (pb) to above US$80pb in a week highlights that the risk premium attached to the Israel-Hamas war is still very much in play in the global oil markets. Although other factors played a part in the oil price rise, a significant part of the increase was due to the rising danger posed to tankers moving oil from the Middle East to Europe via the Red Sea. This has long been the shortest and generally cheapest method to move oil via ships from east to west. However, several vessels supposedly linked in some way to Israel, but some are not at all connected have been seized by Yemens Houthi militants. The group remains overtly backed by Iran and covertly backed by Irans own sponsors, most notably in this instance Russia, but also China. Given the crucial importance of this transit route and the area surrounding to the global oil markets, things may become a lot worse very fast. In many ways, the problem for ships of countries seen as aligned to the U.S. travelling through the Red Sea begins before the Red Sea is reached in fact, somewhere east of the Oman coast of the Arabian Sea, which then flows into the Gulf of Aden, on the south coast of Yemen. It is at this juncture that ships must pass through the crucial chokepoint of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. This 16-mile-width waterway flows between the west coast of Yemen on the one side, and the east coasts initially of Djibouti and then of Eritrea on the other, before it joins the Red Sea. As it stands, never has the literal translation of the chokepoints name from Arabic The Gate of Grief - been more apposite than it is now. From the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War that effectively began on 7 October, the Middle Easts leading Shia Islamic power, Iran, has been looking to catalyse an expansion of the direct conflict between those two protagonists into a wider war between Islam and the Jewish state of Israel, which it thinks could draw the U.S. and its allies into another no-win war in the region. Tehrans attempts to mobilise Lebanons Hezbollah militants a much bigger force than Hamas, which Iran also supports with money, weapons, and training - into a simultaneous full-scale war against Israel have so far been unsuccessful, due in large part to the extraordinarily accomplished diplomacy of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his team. Similarly unsuccessful and for the same reason has been Irans call for an embargo on the exports of oil by Islamic states to Israel. Related: New U.S. Oil Field Developments Are A Sign Of Things To Come For Saudi Arabia One of the elements that has proved particularly effective in the efforts of Blinken and his team has been Chinas avoidance - so far - of doing anything to encourage a broader escalation of military hostilities by Iran and its Middle East allies against Israel and its allies. Beijing maintains a very high degree of influence over Iran through the all-encompassing Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, as first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject and analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. Chinas reluctance to fan the flames of conflict in Israel or the Middle East as a whole is mainly due to its own precarious economic position, which would be made even worse if oil prices suddenly spiked much higher and/or the U.S. went back into full-scale Trade War mode with it. Although it can buy oil and gas at 30 percent or more discounts from its key Middle Eastern suppliers through various deals agreed in the past few years, the economies of the West remain its key export bloc, with the U.S. still accounting for over 16 percent of Chinas export revenues on its own. According to a senior source in the European Unions (E.U.) energy security complex spoken to exclusively by OilPrice.com recently, the economic damage to China directly through its own energy imports and indirectly through damage to the economies of its key export markets in the West would dangerously increase if the Brent oil price remained over US$90-95 pb for more than one quarter of a year. Beijings lack of appetite for an outright superpower showdown in the Middle East right now was signaled clearly by the recent visit to the U.S. of its President, Xi Jinping his first in six years. This said, according to the E.U. source, the Iranian-backed Houthis are not acting against vessels in and around the Red Sea without Beijings tacit approval. In brokering the stunning 10 March relationship resumption agreement between the Middle Easts major Sunni power, Saudi Arabia, and Shia counterpart, Iran, as also analysed in depth in my new book, China cemented the control it had over the key oil transit routes in the region. The previous 25-year deal with Iran gave Beijing influence over the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 30 percent of the worlds oil travels. The same deal also gave China a hold over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (controlled on the Yemen side by the Iran-backed Houthis), and on the other side by Djibouti and Eritrea (both of which owe money to Beijing as part of Belt and Road Initiative-related loans made to them). It should not be forgotten that prior to the seizure of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship on 19 November supposedly for being Israeli-owned Iranian forces also took two other oil tankers in a week at the beginning of May around the Strait of Hormuz. Neither of them were anything to do with Israel. Instead, said the E.U. source at the time, Iran seized them to demonstrate that it still had control over that transit route and, perhaps even more importantly, it was done with the full blessing of Beijing. Although Xi [Jinping] doesnt want a full-blown confrontation with the U.S. at the moment, he does want China to stay relevant to whats going on there [in the events adjunct to the Israel-Hamas War] and having a role in this Red Sea problem achieves that, he added last week. The danger here for oil markets, of course, is if China changes its broadly cooperative posture towards Western interests as the Israel-Hamas War rages on. Such a change could come if Beijing felt that the U.S. an its allies were trying to push China back out of the geopolitical gains it has made in the Middle East in the past five years, as also analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. A spark for this might come from any notable expansion or extension in Operation Prosperity Guardian - a new multinational security initiative announced last week by the World Shipping Council. This came shortly after the U.S. Department of Defense stated that the initiative was being launched under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of its Task Force 153. The Force so far comprises only countries allied to the U.S., including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. If China did take its foot off the brake with Iran, then the chances of an embargo on oil exports first to Israel and then to its allies would dramatically increase, bringing with it the prospect of a re-run of the events of the 1973 Oil Crisis, as examined in detail in my new book. This saw oil prices spike around 267 percent, from about US$3 per barrel (pb) to over US$11 pb, and stoked the fire of a global economic slowdown, especially felt in the net oil importing countries of the West. A broader oil embargo of the sort that Iran still wants would have similarly disastrous effects, if not worse. According to a recent assessment by the World Bank, a loss in global crude oil supply of 6-8 million bpd which it refers to as a large disruption scenario comparable to the 1973 Oil Crisis - would result in a 56-75 percent increase in prices to between $140 and $157 a barrel. However, a broadening out of the embargo on Israel by the Islamic members of OPEC, as called for by Iran, would likely lead to a much bigger loss of global oil supplies than the World Bank has calculated. The Islamic members of OPEC are Algeria, with an average crude oil production rate of around 1 million barrels (bpd), Iran (3.4 million bpd), Iraq (4.1 million bpd), Kuwait (2.5 million bpd), Libya (1.2 million bpd), Saudi Arabia (9 million bp), and the UAE (2.9 million bpd). This totals just over 24 million bpd - or about 30 percent - of the current average total global production of about 80 million bpd. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: China took in half of all the crude oil that Russia exported this year, with India a close second, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said today on state TV. China now accounts for 45% to 50% of Russian oil and fuel exports, while India is taking in some 40%, Novak said. The increase is particularly remarkable for India, where Russia exported almost no oil whatsoever until 2022. Now, it is the subcontinents leading supplier. If earlier we exported around 40-45% of our total crude oil and refined products to Europe, by the end of this year we expect this share to have fallen to 4-5%, Novak said. The figures suggest that China has essentially replaced Europe as destination for Russian crude and oil products. Last week, another Deputy PM said that Russias oil exports are seen rising 7% this year from 2021 levels. The most pressing problems last year have generally been resolved. This firstly concerns payments and cargo insurance, [and] secondly concerns ensuring seaborne shipping of hydrocarbons by tanker fleet, Alexander Belousov said. Also last week, Transnefts head, Nikolay Tokarev, reported that the volume of Russian oil shipments to China this year had surged to some 100 million tons, equal to about 2 million barrels daily. Export volumes to China and India have increased significantly; many times over. I can say that about 70 million tonnes of oil were supplied to India this year, while about 100 million tonnes of oil went to China, Tokarev said. ADVERTISEMENT Indian imports of Russian crude, meanwhile, hit a four-month high in November, at 1.6 million bpd, according to data Reuters reported it had obtained from trade sources. The November imports were 3.1% higher than Indias intake of Russian crude in October and accounted for more than a third of all Indian crude oil imports last month. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Iran has exported $26.46 billion worth of crude oil since the start of its calendar year, in March, contributing to a 7% increase in total trade, which stood at $112 billion in the period. This is according to customs data from Tehran, as cited by Reuters. For next year, Irans government is making budget plans based on an expected daily average crude oil export rate of 1.35 million barrels, at an average price of $65 per barrel. Gas exports, meanwhile, did even better, according to the data. These rose by an impressive 139% in the seven months between March and October, topping $2 billion in terms of value, according to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, a government agency. Earlier this year, oil minister Javad Owji said the government expected oil production to add 300,000 bpd from the current production rate, to reach 3.6 million barrels daily by the start of the next calendar year. Iran has recently signed six contracts for the development of oil and gas fields in the past months, including deals to develop joint fields in the west of Karun, such as Azadegan and Yaran. The total value of the contracts is $14.5 billion, according to the minister. Earlier this month, Owji said that Irans oil production has jumped by 50% percent since the current administration came into office two years ago. Some analysts have attributed Irans higher oil sales abroad despite the current sanctions to the U.S. not looking to clamp down too much on the exports as it looks to keep oil markets well supplied. However, Iranian exports could come under pressure as the United States signaled last month that it would tighten the sanctions on Irans oil industry. This weekend, the U.S. accused Iran of launching a drone strike that hit a ship in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of India. This is the first time the U.S. has accused Iran of direct involvement in ship strikes after claiming it was helping the Yemeni Houthis who are targeting ships passing through the Red Sea. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Crude oil rose on Tuesday following the latest strike by Yemens Houthis on a container ship in the Red Sea and retained the gain when trade began today as well. Yesterday, crude oil booked its biggest gain in over a week, according to Bloomberg, following the news that the Houthis had struck a container vessel owned by MSC and bound for Pakistan, traveling from Saudi Arabia. The attack took place despite the increased military presence of U.S and UK forces in the area, after the U.S. announced Operation Prosperity Guardian last week. Several other countries including France, Italy, Spain, Norway, and Denmark pulled out of the coalition saying they would not serve under U.S. command but only under NATO command. Even with this heightened U.S. and UK presence in the Red Sea, MSC said it will continue rerouting its ships that were previously scheduled to pass through the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Meanwhile, Brent topped $80 per barrel, hitting $81 on Tuesday, while WTI remained around $75 per barrel earlier today. At the time of writing, the benchmarks were trending slightly down. Thats evidence that despite the potential for supply disruption, sentiment on the market appears to be still focused on the balance between supply and demand, leaning towards weaknesses in the latter. "Despite shutting down shipping channels and re-routing vessels, how far the global supplies are impacted is still debatable," Phillip Nova senior analyst Priyanka Sachdeva told Reuters. Speaking to Bloomberg, however, Sachdeva said that Persistent conflict in the Red Sea is propelling a rally. Thin market depth owing to the holiday season is adding further to complexities. Bloomberg noted in its report that oil prices remain on track to post their first annual decline for the last three years despite the most recent rebound. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are down over 2% on Wednesday, with Brent crude closing in on similar losses on the day as global shipping giants gear up to resume traversing the Red Sea despite an ongoing Houthi missile barrage. At 3:43 p.m. ET on Wednesday, WTI was trading down 2.02% at $74.04. Brent crude was trading down 1.86% at $79.56. Oil prices have continued to track downwards on faith that a U.S.-led international task force, dubbed Prosperity Guardian, will be able to protect merchant vessels from Houthi targeting in the Red Sea, on the way to the Suez Canal. Earlier on Wednesday, Danish shipping giant Maersk confirmed it had scheduled dozens of vessels for the Suez Canal, via the Red Sea, in the coming weeks after a temporary halt. The Houthis are targeting merchant vessels going through the Bab al-Mandab Strait between Djibouti and Yemen. U.S. Central Naval Command has released data showing a minimum of 15 commercial ships attached by the Houthis in November and December, with the most recent attack on Tuesday, December 26. While Maersk and others are resuming shipping in the Red Sea, using evasive maneuver, Germanys Hapag-Lloyd said on Wednesday that it would not be following suit, deeming the Suez Canal route still too dangerous despite U.S. military protection, the BBC reports. Instead, the shipping giant will reroute vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, which adds 3,500 nautical miles to the trip and a concomitant increase in shipping costs. Hapag-Lloyd is the fifth-largest shipping company in the world by capacity. Shippers will continue to evaluate the situation, with Maersk also noting that the overall risk in the area is not eliminated at this stage. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Danish shipping giant, Maersk, and scores of leading shipping companies have begun shipping via the Suez Canal weeks after they abandoned the pivotal route following numerous attacks by Houthi rebels. On Christmas eve, Maersk announced it was preparing a return to the Red Sea, citing the deployment of a U.S.-led military operation to protect vessels against the attacks. On Wednesday, Reuters reported that the shipping giant had scheduled dozens of to traverse the Suez Canal, view the Red Sea. Since Dec. 19, Maresk has rerouted ships around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. Last week, the company announced that it would add charges of $700 for a standard 20-foot container traveling from China to Northern Europe, consisting of a $500 peak season surcharge as well as a $200 transit disruption surcharge. Since mid-November, Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched attacks on commercial shipping vessels in-transit via the lower Red Sea after Israel began its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Ships traveling through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait have faced persistent attacks by the militants, greatly increasing risk for ships passing through the Suez Canal. The Red Sea is the most significant waterway connecting Europe to Asia and east Africa and also one of the worlds most densely packed shipping channels. About 12% of global trade, including 30% of global container traffic, passes through the Red Sea. Dozens of companies have stopped shipping in the Red Sea and at the Suez canal. Some of the largest container-shipping companies, namely Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA, CGM and MSC, have paused or suspended their services in the Red Sea. So far, the shipping disruptions have not significantly affected oil and gas prices. Two weeks ago, Goldman Sachs told clients that LNG disruptions through the Suez Canal would have limited impact on the global markets but acknowledged that it would result in higher shipping costs for specific routes. Oil freight prices have already been impacted, with insurance war risk premiums having gone up fivefold from $2,000 to $10,000, while rates for booking a Suezmax to transport crude from the Middle East to Europe up 25%. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, the true economic costs of the disruption can be huge: Lloyds List has estimated that the Ever Given held up $9.6 billion in daily trade for the six days it was stuck in the Suez Canal. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Energy infrastructure company, the Williams Companies Inc. (NYSE:WMB), has agreed to acquire a portfolio of natural gas storage assets from Hartree Partners for $1.95B, a purchase the company says will improve its natural gas storage operations to meet growing power demand for Gulf Coast LNG and data centers along the Transco corridor. The gas assets include six underground natural gas storage facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi with total capacity of 115B cf, 30 pipeline interconnects to attractive markets including connections to Transco and 230 miles of gas transmission pipeline. Transco is the largest U.S. natural gas transmission pipeline "Importantly, this storage will also allow us to provide value to customers in markets with growing renewables adoption as daily peaks for natural gas increases the need for storage," Williams President and CEO Alan Armstrong said in a press release. WMB has gone on an M&A spree as the company looks to expand and enhance its gas pipeline network. Williams has acquired MountainWest Pipelines consisting ~2,000 miles of interstate pipeline systems and 56 billion cubic feet of storage capacity from Southwest Gas (NYSE: SWX) for $1.07 billion in cash and assumed $430 million of MoutainWest's debt. MountainWests pipeline network runs across Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. This acquisition has helped to expand the company's services in the Rockies region and also boost its cash flows backed by government-regulated rate structures. Williams says there are significant synergies as it integrates the incoming system into its existing assets, which it says could allow it to offer additional services to shippers. Earlier, Williams acquired Trace Midstream's Haynesville gathering and processing assets as well as NorTex Midstream. The company has been using its improved balance sheet to expand its natural gas infrastructure platform. Last month, Williams CEO Alan Armstrong told shareholders that low natural gas prices are good for the company in the long term because they tend to increase demand for transportation, both on gathering systems and big transmission systems. ADVERTISEMENT The company delivered a beat in its third quarter earnings report with adjusted EBITDA revenue clocking in at $1.65B, versus its consensus estimate of $1.61B, and EPS of $0.45 (ex-items), compared to its $0.41 consensus estimate. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: China just expanded its already tight restrictions on export of technology related to refining rare earth minerals. The most recent restrictions involve technology for making rare earth magnets which are used in electric motors and generators. These minerals are also used extensively in the automotive industry and in consumer electronics such as cellphones. I have previously written that the clean energy economy is a metals energy economy, and rare earths constitute a substantial and key part of that metals energy economy. Export of rare earth extraction and separation technology had already been banned by China. The most recent and previous restrictions are part of a broader trade war between the United States and China over exchange of technology. In late 2022 the United States banned exports of advanced microchips. China responded with a ban on the export germanium and gallium, two metals crucial to the manufacture of advanced chips. The United States imports half of its germanium needs and all of the gallium it uses. What exactly are the Chinese hoping to achieve? The answer becomes pretty clear when you realize that China supplies 90 percent of the volume of refined rare earth metals to the world. The country produces 60 percent of the ore. That means the rest of the world is sending three-quarters of its ore to China for processing, and the Chinese would like to continue to enjoy its near monopoly on processing. That puts China in a commanding position to decide who will get these metals and even whether the rest of the world gets any at all. China unexpectedly and dramatically reduced its rare earth exports in 2010, driving prices skyward. The obvious response to such uncertainty would be to encourage the mining of rare earths outside of China. The current U.S. administration rolled out a modest program to incentivize U.S.-based mining of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, graphite, cobalt and manganese. Many rare earths are already on what is known as the List of Critical Minerals and thus eligible for incentives to encourage domestic production. A small amount of funding has been allocated for this purpose. A private attempt to revive a closed rare earth mine, the largest in the United States, resulted in a colossal financial loss for the investors when rare earth prices plummeted after China resumed its previous level of exports following the reduction in 2010. This shows how China can easily sabotage any attempts to challenge its dominance of the rare earth market. Given the close relationship between China's government and its rare earth industry, the only reasonable way to break the Chinese stranglehold on the rare earth market would be for governments to guarantee the price of rare earths mined by domestic companies. That runs so counter to the neoliberal free market ethic of the past 40 years that I don't see it becoming a reality. In a world where the consensus regarding the free exchange of goods is breaking down and geopolitical interests are coming to the fore, China seems to care far less about living up to free trade rules than protecting its perceived national interests. If other major trading countries and blocks start moving in the same direction, the easy availability of cheap goods and resources produced in faraway locales may become increasingly problematic. By Kurt Cobb via Resource Insights ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: By Sohrab Darabshaw via AGMetalminer.com Conflicting reports continue to emerge from China regarding aluminum supply, demand, and production. Some information notes that the downturn in the countrys economy is largely due to the ongoing real estate crisis. As demand wanes, this poses questions regarding the internal pickup of aluminum and other base metals. However, other reports talk of the country setting new aluminum production records. Even Fitch Ratings agency recently predicted that aluminum demand in China would continue to increase in 2024. The lack of clear information makes it difficult for global analysts to nail down the current situation with aluminum supply and demand. This, in turn, makes forecasting difficult. Take this report, for instance. It discusses Golden World Innovation Aluminum, a private aluminum operator in Guangdong, the southern manufacturing hub of China. According to the article, the company recently asked its workforce to go on a five-month furlong with reduced salaries, underlining the rising unemployment in the worlds second-largest economy. Meanwhile, employees choosing to stay with Golden World Innovation will receive only 80% of the Foshan labor laws minimum monthly salary, which is about U.S. $266, or 1,900 yuan. This represents a third or less of their usual income, with the pay cut lasting until the beginning of April. Aluminum Supply and Chinas Unemployment Problem Is Golden World an isolated case? Most analysts agree that 2023 has not been ideal for Chinese workers. The countrys economy continues to face hiccups, requiring an occasional boost from the government to kick start it. Yet, the economy and employment are still not as healthy as many experts expect, seemingly in defiance of various support measures. Related: Ten Improbable Energy Ideas for 2024 According to some reports, employment looks to have stabilized in the last few months. In fact, unemployment hovered around the 5% mark for three consecutive months, just within the governments own target of 5.5%. However, much of the employment-related news coming out of the country seems to paint a more grim picture. This report from WIO News says the decline in the housing sector triggered a ripple effect, impacting industries beyond aluminum production. For example, Yaxin Iron and Steel Group in Henan recently declared a production stop, while another piling company sent much of its staff on unpaid leave. Moreover, frequent disruptions in funding across industries created significant cash flow problems. The article quotes analysts as calling for stabilizing manufacturing as well as additional policy support to breathe more life in domestic demand. Yet, despite such challenges, the report maintains that China is still on track to achieve its growth target for 2023. Primary Aluminum Production Increased in November Amid such pessimistic data comes a new report saying Chinas primary aluminum production increased by 4.8% in November compared to the same period last year. Apparently, a surge in demand for the lightweight metal prompted major producing regions to expand their capacity. Indeed, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the worlds largest aluminum producer generated 3.54 million metric tons of primary aluminum last month. In November, industry consultancy Aladdiny reported that Inner Mongolia, Chinas second-largest producing region, augmented its capacity by approximately 100,000 tons. Calculations by Reuters revealed that the average daily aluminum output in November reached 118,000 tons, indicating an increase from Octobers daily average of 116,774 tons. Whats more, up through November this year, China produced 38 MT of aluminum. This represents a 3.9% increase from the same period last year. Chinese Aluminum Output Exceeding Expectations The news of the expanding aluminum supply came on the heels of a reports that the International Aluminum Institute recently revised Chinas production through the first half of the year significantly higher. The IAI initially projected an annualized decline of 118,000 metric tons for the first seven months of 2023. However, the latest estimate indicates that national output actually increased by 1.3 million metric tons. Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings now says that the ongoing stimulus measures in China and an industrial rebound in developed nations will bolster the demand for base metals and steelmaking raw materials in 2024. Our neutral sector outlook is also influenced by government spending initiatives in China, Europe, and the U.S., aimed at supporting the energy transition and infrastructure projects that necessitate metal resources, the firm said in a press note. ADVERTISEMENT Finally, predictions of global aluminum consumption recovering in 2024 may work in favor of Chinas aluminum sector next year. By AGMetalminer.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: One of Russia's warships in the Black Sea was damaged because of Ukraine's air strike. This was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense of Russia on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Before the acknowledgment, the Ukrainian government announced that it was able to destroy its enemy's Novecherkassk landing vessel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was quite pleased with what his forces achieved. On social media, Zelenskyy jokingly said that the Noverocherkassk joined Russia's "underwater Black Sea fleet," meaning that Ukrainian soldiers sunk the warship. Russia's Warship in Black Sea Damaged by Ukrainian Air Strike According to BBC News' latest report, Russia acknowledged Ukraine's airstrike at Feodosiya in Crimea, which is currently occupied by Russian troops. Kremlin officials said that the aerial counteroffensive happened early in the morning of Dec. 16. However, the Russian defense ministry didn't say that the warship was completely destroyed. The Ministry of Defense only said that Ukrainian aircraft carrying guided missiles damaged the Novercherkassk warship. Sergei Aksyonov, the appointed Russian leader in Crimea, said that one person died because of Ukraine's air strike. He added that numerous people were also injured. When it comes to infrastructure damages, six buildings were destroyed. Because of this, a small number of people had to be transported to temporary accommodation centers. Russian defense officials said that the Black Sea port's transport operations are still in operation despite the deadly Ukrainian air strike. Read Also: Report: North Korea Sends Over 1 Million Artillery Shells to Russia for Spy Satellite Advice Ukraine Boasts Damaging Russia's Warship Business Insider reported that Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk-the current Ukrainian Air Force commander-posted a video showing the explosion that happened in Crimea via Telegram. The Ukrainian defense leader boasted about the achievement, saying that Russia's fleet is getting smaller and smaller. "Thanks to the Air Force pilots and everyone involved for the filigree work," added the general. Sources familiar with the latest deadly Ukrainian air strike said that the Novercherkassk warship was either damaged by French-manufactured SCALP-EGs or British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles. They further stated that these missiles were reportedly being launched from the western part of Ukraine. Aside from this, they also claimed that Ukraine could be using its only major anti-ship platform called the "Sukhoi Su-24" bomber to launch the missiles. After dealing damage to the Russian warship in the Black Sea, Oleshchuk warned the Russian military to leave Crimea "before it's too late." Related Article: Will Russia-NATO War Happen? American Think Tank ISW Says It's Possible-Here's Why @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Here are a few of the top-performing headlines for today, Dec. 26, according to CNN: Apple Watch The clock has wound down on the newest Apple Watch after the White House declined to issue a last-minute, emergency action to keep the best-selling smartwatch on store shelves. The Biden White House had until the end of Christmas day to overturn a US International Trade Commission ruling that prevents Apple from selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, among other newer models, because they violate patents registered to another company. But, as expected, it did not intervene. The office of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai confirmed the decision in a statement Tuesday. After careful consultations, Ambassador Tai decided not to reverse the ITCs determination and the ITCs decision became final on December 26, 2023, Tais office said. Read the rest here: Powerball The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $685 million after no ticket matched all six numbers to nab the grand prize during Monday nights Christmas drawing. The top prize up for grabs during the next drawing on Wednesday has a lump-sum option of an estimated $344.7 million, according to Powerballs website. No one has won the Powerball jackpot on Christmas Day since 2013, when a ticket in Missouri won a $71.5 million jackpot, according to a Powerball news release. The numbers drawn Monday were 5, 12, 20, 24, 29 and Powerball 4. While no one won the jackpot Monday, several tickets matched the first five numbers to win big prizes. Get more info about it here: Kanye West apology Kanye West, who has made repeated antisemitic remarks, posted an apology to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by his words or actions. The recording artist, who has legally changed his name to Ye, shared the message, written in Hebrew, in a Tuesday Instagram post just days ahead of his expected release of new music. The post had been liked more than one million times Tuesday morning. It was never my intention to hurt or disrespect, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused, his message read. Ye said he is committed to learning and ensuring greater sensitivity and understanding in the future, adding he is dedicated to making amends and working toward promoting unity. Find out more here: (CNN) Resurrection biology attempting to bring strings of molecules and more complex organisms back to life is gaining traction in labs around the world. The work is a far cry from the genetically engineered dinosaurs that escape in the blockbuster movie Jurassic Park, although for some scientists the ultimate goal is de-extinction and resurrecting animals and plants that have been lost. Other researchers are looking to the past for new sources of drugs or to sound an alarm about the possibility of long-dormant pathogens. The field of study is also about recreating elements of human history in an attempt to better understand how our ancestors might have lived and died. Here are four fascinating research projects in this emerging field that launched or made significant progress in 2023. Reviving zombie viruses Warmer temperatures in the Arctic are thawing the regions permafrost a frozen layer of soil beneath the ground and potentially stirring viruses that, after lying dormant for tens of thousands of years, could endanger animal and human health. Jean-Michel Claverie, a professor emeritus of medicine and genomics at the Aix-Marseille University School of Medicine in Marseille, France, is seeking to better understand the risks posed by what he describes as zombie viruses by resurrecting viruses from earth samples from Siberia. Claverie managed to revive a virus in 2014 that he and his team isolated from the permafrost, making it infectious for the first time in 30,000 years by inserting it into cultured cells. In his latest research, published in February, Claverie and his team isolated several strains of ancient virus from multiple samples of earth representing five new families of viruses. For safety, he had chosen to study a virus that could only target single-celled amoebas, not animals or humans. The oldest was nearly 48,500 years old, based on radiocarbon dating of the soil, and came from a sample of earth taken from an underground lake 52 feet (16 meters) below the surface. The youngest samples, found in the stomach contents and coat of a woolly mammoths remains, were 27,000 years old. That amoeba-infecting viruses are still infectious after so long is a signal of a serious potential public health threat, Claverie said. We view these amoeba-infecting viruses as surrogates for all other possible viruses that might be in the permafrost, Claverie told CNN earlier this year. Our reasoning is that if the amoeba viruses are still alive, there is no reason why the other viruses will not be still alive, and capable of infecting their own hosts. Hunt for new antibiotics goes back to the ice age For bioengineering pioneer Cesar de la Fuente, Presidential Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, the past is a source of opportunity that has opened up a new front in the fight against drug-resistant superbugs. Advances in the recovery of ancient DNA from fossils mean that detailed libraries of genetic information about extinct human relatives and long-lost animals are now publicly available. The machine biology group he leads at UPenn uses intelligence-based computational methods to mine this genetic information and identify small protein, or peptide, molecules they believe to have bacteria-fighting powers. He has discovered promising compounds from Neanderthals and ice age creatures such as the woolly mammoth and giant sloth. It has enabled us to uncover new sequences, new types of molecules that we have not previously found in living organisms, expanding the way we think about molecular diversity, de la Fuente said. Bacteria from today have never faced those molecules so they may give us a better opportunity at targeting the pathogens that are problematic today. Most antibiotics come from bacteria and fungi and have been discovered by screening microorganisms that live in soil. But in recent decades, pathogens have become resistant to many of these drugs because of widespread overuse. While de la Fuentes approach is unorthodox, the urgency to identify possible candidates has never been greater as the global population faces nearly 5 million deaths every year that are associated with microbial resistance, according to the World Health Organization. Plotting the resurrection of the dodo, woolly mammoth and Tasmanian tiger Extinctions are happening at a faster pace than ever. For some scientists, a path to staunching this loss could be trying to resurrect lost creatures from the past. Biotechnology and genetic engineering startup Colossal Biosciences announced in January that it wants to bring back the dodo an odd-looking flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean until the late 17th century and reintroduce it to its once native habitat. The company is working on other equally ambitious projects that will incorporate advances in ancient DNA sequencing, gene-editing technology and synthetic biology to bring back the woolly mammoth and the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger. Geneticists at Colossal Biosciences have found cells that act as a precursor for ovaries or testes in the Nicobar pigeon, the dodos closest living relative, that can grow successfully in a chicken embryo. The scientists are now investigating whether these cells called primordial germ cells, or PGCs can turn into sperm and eggs. The company plans to compare the genomes of the dodo and the Rodrigues solitaire, an extinct bird closely related to the dodo, to identify how they differ. Then it will edit the PGCs of a Nicobar pigeon so it expresses the physical traits of a dodo. The edited cells will then be inserted into the embryos of a sterile chicken and rooster. With the introduction of the edited PGCs, the chicken and rooster will be capable of reproducing, and, in theory, their offspring will resemble the dodo thanks to the hybridized pigeon DNA in their reproductive systems. Physically, the restored dodo will be indiscernible from what we know of the dodos appearance, said Matt James, chief animal officer of Colossal Biosciences, told CNN in a November email. Even if the researchers are successful in this high-stakes endeavor, they wont be making a carbon copy of the dodo that lived four centuries ago but an altered, hybrid form instead. Colossal Biosciences has partnered with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to conduct a feasibility study to assess where to best locate the birds if the experiment is successful. However, finding a home may prove challenging. Mauritius is a relatively small island that has changed significantly since the dodo went extinct. Despite being one of the most famous birds in the world, we still know virtually nothing about the dodo, so how it interacted with its environment is impossible to know, said Julian Hume, an avian paleontologist and research associate at Londons Natural History Museum, who has studied the bird. Because of the complexity of recreating a species from DNA, even if it was possible, (it) can only result in a dodo-esque creature. It will then take years of selective breeding to enhance a small pigeon into a large flightless bird. Remember, nature took millions of years for this to happen with the dodo, he added. What Egyptian mummies smelled like Visitors to Denmarks Moesgaard Museum can sniff the scent of an Egyptian mummification balm last used 3,500 years ago. The evocative smell was recreated from ingredients identified by studying residues left in two canopic jars discovered in Egypts Valley of the Kings in 1900. The two jars once contained some of the remains of an ancient Egyptian noblewoman known as Senetnay. The exact recipes used in the mummification process have long been debated because ancient Egyptian texts dont name precise ingredients. The invesetigation, led by Barbara Huber, a doctoral researcher of archaeological chemistry at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Germany, identified the balm ingredients using a variety of highly advanced analytical techniques. She found the balms contained beeswax, plant oils, animal fats, resins and the naturally occurring petroleum product bitumen. Compounds such as coumarin and benzoic acid were also present. Coumarin, which has a vanilla-like scent, is found in pea plants and cinnamon, while benzoic acid occurs in resins and gums from trees and bushes. The balms differed slightly between the two jars, which means that different ingredients may have been used depending on which organ was being preserved. In the jar used to store Senetnays lungs, researchers detected fragrant resins from larch trees and something thats either dammar from trees found in India and Southeast Asia, or resin from Pistacia trees that belong to the cashew family. The presence of such a vast array of ingredients, including exotic substances like dammar or Pistacia tree resin, indicates that extremely rare and expensive materials were used for her embalming, Huber told CNN when the research was published in August. This points to Senetnays exceptional status in society. The scent was then recreated with the help of French perfumer Carole Calvez and sensory museologist Sofia Collette Ehrich. The first time I encountered the scent, it was a profound and almost surreal experience, Huber said. After spending so much time immersed in the research and analysis, to finally have this tangible, aromatic connection to the ancient world was moving. It was like holding a faint echo from the past. The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. Breakthrough discoveries in the evolutionary biology and behavior of pets Breakthrough discoveries in the evolutionary biology and behavior of pets Dog eyebrows evolved to communicate with humans Some cat meows sound like baby cries to get you to do their bidding The guilty look is in response to owner cues, not actual guilt Domesticating cats likely caused them to keep 'making biscuits' into adulthood Canine and human genomes evolved together Dogs evolved to understand our hand signals Dogs may have domesticated themselves For cats, boxes are their safe space Animals may have been domesticated as living tools Former State Sen. Adam Morfeld was the victim of a prank 911 call known as swatting on Christmas morning. Shortly before 10 a.m., a 911 caller reported that Morfeld had killed his wife and was threatening to kill himself. It wasnt true. Several police cruisers descended on Morfelds home, and a neighbor called Morfeld whod left Monday morning for the airport to let him know police were at his home. Morfeld, contacted via text, said he talked to the neighbor and then to police officers, who confirmed both he and his wife were fine. Morfeld said hed landed in Chicago on a layover when he got the text from his neighbor. It is unfortunate that there are people out there that attempt to endanger police and residents who are just trying to enjoy Christmas, he said. I appreciated the Lincoln Police Departments quick response, professionalism and (that they are) investigating the incident. Swatting is a prank 911 call, often about hostage situations or violent crimes, intended to draw police to an address. The practice has become more common, and in some cases has had dire consequences. Lincoln Police Capt. Max Hubka said Lincoln police, like departments across the country, have seen an uptick in such calls, but have trained on how to deal with those situations. He said theyll investigate the incident to try to find the caller. Callers often use technology to mask their identities and where theyre calling from, and the FBI told NBC News this summer that the agency has formed a national online database to share information between hundreds of police departments and law enforcement agencies. Morfeld, who is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Civic Nebraska, is active on social media and was the subject of attack ads that Lincoln police debunked during a hotly contested race for Lancaster County Attorney. 2023 was home to 13 full moons, a function of a roughly 29.5-day lunar cycle fitting into the 365 days it takes for the Earth to rotate around the Sun. That brought the blue moon Aug. 30, the second full moon of a month. Four of the full moons were supermoons: July 3, Aug. 1, Aug. 30 and Sept. 29. During a supermoon, the moon is at its closest distance to the earth. The moon's rotation around the Earth isn't a perfect circle, it's longer on one side than the other. Therefore, the moon is at varying distances to the Earth, depending on the time of year. During supermoons, the moon appears brighter and about 7% bigger than other full moons. The one lunar eclipse, when the full moon drifts into the shadow of the Earth, occured on Oct. 28. Most of the time, the "full" moon isn't actually 100% full. Only when the moon, Earth and the sun are exactly aligned is the moon technically 100% full and produces a lunar eclipse. Scroll down to see the names given to each full moon as well as the meaning behind each and more information about the lunar eclipse. The naming information comes from space.com. BLOOMINGTON A Bloomington man has been detained pending trial, accused of possessing a stolen vehicle and attempting to elude authorities. Maurice A. Tutwiler, 21, is charged with one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated fleeing, a Class 4 felony. Tutwiler appeared in court Tuesday where prosecutors sought to deny him pretrial release based on the willful flight standard. According to a probable cause statement, Tutwiler was stopped by Bloomington police in the early morning hours of Dec. 19 for a traffic violation. When he was informed he had an outstanding warrant, Tutwiler attempted to flee in the vehicle while an officer held onto his left arm, prosecutors said. The officer later sought medical treatment for a shoulder injury. The vehicle was later found crashed and unoccupied on Veterans Parkway. On Dec. 23, police responded to report of a stolen vehicle at the Kruger Animal Hospital in Bloomington. After the information was relayed to other law enforcement agencies, Illinois State Police said the vehicle was seen on Interstate 55 near mile marker 153, parked on the side of the road. When authorities approached, the occupant fled into a field. He was later apprehended and determined to be Tutwiler, prosecutors said. Prosecutors argued Tutwiler shows a pattern of attempting to avoid arrest and prosecution, and no court conditions would ensure he complies with court orders. Judge Scott Black found the state showed Tutwiler has a pattern of intentional conduct with the purpose to thwart the judicial process or to avoid prosecution and he has a high likelihood of willful flight to avoid justice. Tutwiler was denied pretrial release and detained pending trial. An arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 12. 8 political cartoons debate aid to Ukraine At public universities across the state, staff and faculty unions have faced a contentious year of negotiations and, in some cases, strikes. Pay has been a major issue on several campuses and the unions are now looking to Springfield for potential reforms to the states higher education funding. At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, negotiations are ongoing between campus leadership and the union that represents clerical workers. Amy Bodenstab, who works as an office manager in the Department of Teaching and Learning, also picks up weekend shifts at a local domestic violence shelter and contract work in data analytics to make ends meet. She is on the bargaining team of AFSCME Local 2887, which has been without a contract since June 2022. She said the low pay and perceived lack of respect has resulted in high turnover rates, hampering university staffs ability to do their jobs. She said its especially troubling because of the complexity of the positions her union represents, which can involve financial management, purchasing, scheduling and more. If youre staff, youre treated as less than, Bodenstab told Capitol News Illinois. Nicole Franklin, a spokesperson for the university, declined to comment specifically on the ongoing negotiations but said the university continues to bargain in good faith with the union. But Bodenstabs experience is echoed on other campuses around Illinois. In mid-November, dozens of building services, clerical and culinary staff at Eastern Illinois University held an informational picket as negotiations continued between the local union and administrators at the Charleston campus. The No. 1 issue is pay, said Kim Pope, an office manager and the head of the local union. Negotiations between the building services workers at Northern Illinois University are also ongoing. The head of the union there, Patrick Sheridan, also said pay is the focus of negotiations. Research published this fall by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a think tank with strong ties to organized labor, found that pay for staff at state universities is 21% less than the rate paid to employees at state agencies who are performing the same or similar work. When controlling for hours worked, occupation and several demographic factors, the research found the average staff pay at state universities is 14% less than at state agencies. Robert Bruno, a University of Illinois professor in the School of Labor and Employment Relations and lead author of that report, said these trends made him consider the impact on staff morale. You worry about turnover, about positions not being filled, about if people dont feel regarded or respected, Bruno said. He also noted these trends could be explained by an ongoing trend in higher education. It starts to look like a more for-profit model, he said. Part of that is a lack of support at the state level. That research and recent university staff negotiations have led union organizations to begin planning a bigger request to the state in next years budget talks an ask that could prove challenging as early estimates from Gov. J.B. Pritzkers budgeting office project a revenue shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. Well be pushing for an appropriation that can be earmarked for wages, Anders Lindall, a spokesperson for the statewide AFSCME organization, said. He specifically pointed to Brunos research as part of the reasoning for this push. Were going to be talking to legislators about these systemic pay gaps, he said. AFSCME is one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in Illinois. In the 2022 election cycle, AFSCME, through its state council and national organization, spent $2.6 million on campaign contributions and expenditures around the state. That includes over $300,000 each in contributions to House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park. In addition to staff negotiations, the past 12 months have seen a wave of strikes led by faculty unions. In January, faculty at the University of Illinois Chicago struck for five days. In April, faculty at Chicago State University, Governors State University and Eastern Illinois University all went on overlapping strikes, lasting between five and 13 days. Northeastern Illinois University authorized a strike, although the faculty union there never formally struck. In private higher ed, Columbia College Chicago faculty also went on an unusually long strike which lasted all of November and ended in mid-December. Dan Montgomery, head of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, said after the Columbia strike ended that he had never seen anything like it in any other year. Were a strong labor state. I think those trends youre seeing play out in Illinois are playing out around the country, Montgomery told Capitol News Illinois. Were just better organized. Montgomery said he is cautiously optimistic that a new funding model being developed by the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding could help alleviate some of the problems that led to the strikes. The commission, which was created by the General Assembly in 2021, is tasked with developing a new model for funding higher education. The legislature charged the commission with remediating inequities in the higher education system that have led to disparities in access for underrepresented students such as Black and Hispanic students and those who come from low-income families. The commissions work is ongoing but was delayed by this summers U.S. Supreme Court decision about affirmative action and race in higher education. While the commissions work is likely not going to impact next year's budget, it could create a drastic shift in the long term. The model being developed will be similar to the funding formula used for K-12 schools in Illinois, which was rolled out in 2017. The K-12 model calls for an added $350 million in funding each year and sets a funding adequacy target for each district. It then directs greater portions of the new funding to the schools furthest from their adequacy target. While the commission has not finalized a formula, some draft meeting materials presented at the boards November meeting suggest it would require as much as an overall $14,000 per-student increase in state appropriations to fully fund higher education. With 130,000 undergraduates and 56,000 graduate students enrolled at state universities this year, these numbers suggest the needed funding increase could reach into the billions. Lawmakers allocated about $4.5 billion from the states general revenue fund to higher education in the current fiscal year. Any recommendations from the commission, however, would need to be approved by the General Assembly, leaving room for doubt when it comes to fully implementing and funding the commissions recommendations. The problem is always the problem: finding the funds to do it, Montgomery said. The state revenue landscape could further compound the challenge. The Governors Office of Management and Budget is projecting an $891 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year 2025, although that number drops to $721 million when accounting for the statutory contribution to the states rainy day savings fund. I think it's a signal that everybody, we need to be careful in Illinois, we have to balance our budget Pritzker told Capitol News Illinois when asked about the projection earlier this month. And so, if that requires us to reduce the increases that may occur in certain programs, maybe that will be necessary. Saving for your kids' college education? Everything you need to know about 529 plans Saving for your kids' college education? Everything you need to know about 529 plans The attention of the Ministry of National Security has been drawn to a press release by the Honourable Yao Gomado, Member of Parliament for the Akan Constituency, accusing operatives of the Ministry of deliberately killing two persons in his Constituency. The Ministry wishes to state that the account by the Member of Parliament for the Akan Constituency on the regrettable loss of the lives of the two persons is grossly inaccurate and mischievously fabricated to satisfy a parochial agenda. The facts of the matter are as follows: In October 2023, the Ministry of National Security, in collaboration with COCOBOD, launched an intelligence-led operation along the Eastern Corridor which includes the Akan Constituency, to prevent cocoa smuggling to neighbouring countries. The launch of the intelligence-led operation was informed by a surge in cocoa smuggling activities, leading to a significant reduction in the quantum of cocoa beans sold by farmers to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs). This explains the presence of National Security personnel in the Akan Constituency. The anti-cocoa smuggling operations have, so far, been successful with several persons involved in the smuggling activities arrested. A significant amount of cocoa beans seized from the smugglers have been submitted as exhibits for the prosecution of the arrested persons. It is worth noting that as a result of the intelligence-led operations, the LBCs have recorded an uptick in the quantum of cocoa sold to them by farmers. Regrettably, on December 25, 2023, one of the vehicles of the anti-cocoa smuggling operations team was involved in an accident when it collided head -on with a motorcycle carrying two persons; a development that claimed the lives of the two persons aboard the motorcycle. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, personnel of the Ghana Police Service arrived at the scene to commence full-scale investigations. However, some aggrieved persons in the Akan Constituency, guided by a misconception that the two deceased persons were deliberately targeted, vandalised the vehicle and set it ablaze. The Ministry deeply regrets the loss of the two persons and expresses its deepest condolences to their families. The Ministry, however, deems it prudent to put on record that the incident leading to the deaths of the two persons was purely accidental and not borne out of a targeted operation. To this end, the public is urged to disregard the factual inaccuracies contained in the press release issued by the Member of Parliament for the Akan Constituency aimed at courting disaffection for the anti-cocoa smuggling operation currently ongoing in the Constituency. Source: MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY 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 Rev Stephen Yenusom Wengam, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, has urged Ghanaians to be grateful for all that God has done for them, especially in the face of "severe economic hardship". "A people who are not grateful for what they have are not likely to be grateful for what they are going to get. As individuals and a nation, we have every cause to be overly grateful to God for all grace; who has showered his mercies on us all these years even in the face of monumental challenges such as severe economic hardship, flooding of devastating consequences in parts of the country, amongst others," he averred. Rev Wengam who was speaking in a Christmas message to the Church and the entire country said there's the need to be holy and generous in this season, eschewing "sin, unbelief, corruption and abuse of human rights". "The birth of Christ offers many useful lessons on holiness and is relevant for our survival in these challenging times...Holy living is paramount as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christlets eschew sin, unbelief, corruption and abuse of human rights. Let us end the year on a note of holy living...and ensure that we pursue holy living as a lifetime project. Use the occasion to declare holiness to the unsaved" he urged. 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 former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu has made some damning allegations against his successor, Kissi Adjabeng in the unresolved investigation in the Charles Bissues Galamsey Fraud Case. Martin Amidu claims that Kissi Adjabeng has suppressed investigations that were undertaken into bribery cases against his partner, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. In his latest epistle titled; The Special Prosecutor Blackmails the Government by Prosecutions of Former Government Appointees and Achievements, Martin Amidu disclosed as per his investigations that, the former Secretary to the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) Charles Bissue was entrapped by Anas Aremeyaw Anas in the 2019 Galamsey Fraud Part 1 documentary. He explained that Anas Aremeyaw Anas employed dubious means and bribery to register ORR Resources Enterprise, the company that was used to entrap Charles Bissue. According to Martin Amidu, Anas Aremeyaw Anas was being investigated for that crime, a matter he disclosed Kissi Agyabeng was unaware of at the time he had written to the OSP to have Anas Aremeyaw Anas masked in giving evidence to the case. Kissi Agyebeng has forgotten as most suspected criminals easily do, that as a lawyer for Anas Aremeyaw Anas he is on record in the OSP during my tenure as the founding Special Prosecutor to have sought assurances under his signature for Anas Aremeyaw Anas to give evidence in the Charles Bissue investigation wearing a mask, unbeknown to him that the OSP was investigating Anas Aremeyaw Anas for suspected bribery and corruption in the registration of ORR Resources Enterprise which was used to entrap the suspects in the case. Martin Amidu continued that Kissi Adjabeng had since assuming office Suppressed that investigation and others, all to protect his and Anas Aremeyaw Anas interest. Kissi Agyebeng on assumption of office as the Special Prosecutor suppressed that investigation and the evidence gathered of suspected bribery and corruption against his client and law partner, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. The Special Prosecutor upon assuming office also suppressed the almost completed investigations into three distinct corruption and public procurement malpractices investigations involving his client, Tekstart Africa Limited (Tekstart) and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA). The Ashanti Region Lotto Marketing Companies Retailers Association and other complainants are still to come to terms with the suppression of their complaints and information provided to the OSP during my tenure against Tekstart Africa Limited and the NLA, he clarified. Your browser does not support iframes. 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 Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailands leading hotel operator, is reflecting on a highly successful year that saw it celebrate several major milestones and achievements. 2023 marked 40 years since Centara first introduced its family-centric Thai hospitality to the world, and this year was also one of the most significant in the companys history. With three new hotels, including its inaugural property in Japan, a newly refreshed brand, a key executive appointment and multiple awards, Centara has advanced its five-year goal of becoming a top 100 global hotel operator by 2027. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Centara created a series of mega marketing campaigns to thank guests for their support and stimulate demand. This was not the only milestone for Centara in 2023; Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin turned 100 with a special centenary offer to help commemorate this iconic, century-old Thai heritage hotel. Centara opened three new properties comprising 899 keys in 2023, taking its total portfolio to 95 hotels and resorts either open or in the pipeline. These included Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a 33-storey urban landmark which marked the groups debut in Japan. With its stylish and spacious rooms, modern MICE venues and five-star facilities, including eight world-class bars and restaurants, this hotel has already become popular among business and leisure travellers alike. Centara also reaffirmed its leading position in Thailand with the launch of two new properties: Centara Ubon, its first hotel in the northeastern gateway city of Ubon Ratchathani, just steps from the Central Ubon lifestyle mall, and Centara Ayutthaya, a new all-in-one leisure and lifestyle destination located next to the Central Ayutthaya mall and less than 15 minutes from this historic citys UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples. To accelerate its future growth, the company has rebranded Centra by Centara as Centara Life, revealing a fresh and exciting new brand identity. Centara Lifewill retain its core concept of Elevating the Essentials to help guests travel and stay seamlessly. The rebranding process will involve the complete and vibrant refresh of the brands visual identity which will permeate the brands physical and digital presence, plus a series of new signature guest experiences such as extra sleeping comforts, complimentary local delicacies, flexible breakfast hours and more! To help drive the growth of its six diverse brands, Centara recently announced the appointment of Michael Henssler as its new Chief Operating Officer. A hotel industry expert with almost 30 years of experience, most recently as Kempinskis Chief Operating Officer for Asia, Henssler will help Centara to move into dynamic destinations and exciting new international markets. Centara also achieved a series of prestigious awards. Brand Finances annual Thailand 50 report named Centara Grand, the flagship five-star brand, as the Strongest Brand in Thailand, based on factors including its brand equity, trust and value, while the Investment Analysts Association (IAA) Awards for Listed Companies 2022-23 presented the Outstanding CEO award to Centaras Thirayuth Chirathivat, the Outstanding CFO prize to Gun Srisompong, and the Best Investor Relations award to Central Plaza Hotel PCL (CENTEL), Centaras parent company. Centara was also proud to be named as the Best Employer Thailand 2023 in the Kincentric Best Employers Awards, and to achieve sustainability certification by Vireo SRL, which means that Centaras corporate office and 12 of its hotels are now GSTC certified, as it strives to reach full certification by 2025. Three of Centaras hotels were honoured in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023. Roukh Kiri Khao Yai, a member of Centara Boutique Collection, was chosen as one of Thailands finest Upcountry Hotels, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives won second place in the House Reefs category for the Maldives, and Centara Reserve Samui was selected as one of the best Beach Island Resorts in Thailand one of nine awards this stunning property achieved this year! 2023 was an exceptional year for Centara. As the travel and hospitality industry returned to full strength, we took several important steps to position our company for a strong and sustainable future. With the addition of multiple hotels, the refreshed Centara Life brand and the arrival of Michael Henssler, we are perfectly placed to accelerate our development. To also win a series of prestigious awards reaffirms our confidence that we are moving in the right direction, said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centaras CEO. Daihatsu's safety test scandal leads to a serious production halt as all its four manufacturing plants are affected. The production suspension is expected to last until 2024. This was confirmed by the Toyota-owned carmaker on Monday, Dec. 25, after admitting that it falsified its safety tests for some vehicles. Before the announcement, Japan's transport ministry conducted an investigation. After confirming that the Japanese automaker really conducted testing frauds, the transport ministry ordered it to stop its shipments until all its car units passed the government's environmental and safety standards. Daihatsu Pauses Production Until 2024 Over Safety Test Scandal BBC News reported that Daihatsu admitted that it manipulated some of its safety tests on 65 makes for three decades; 24 of these car models were sold with Toyota branding. Because of this, it had to close its headquarters in Osaka, Japan. The suspension of the Osaka plant followed the closures of Daihatsu's other production lines in Kyoto, Shiga, and Oita prefectures. On Wednesday, Dec. 27, the Japanese carmaker confirmed that it halted all its vehicle shipments after the latest admission, which followed the investigation of Japan's transport ministry. Japanese speculated that Daihatsu falsified its safety tests because it was pressured to keep production rolling. The Toyota-owned car manufacturer provided its plan to solve its business fallout because of the fake safety test scandal. Daihatsu explained that it will work with its main suppliers and help smaller subcontractors that don't receive compensation to access the support funds provided by the Japanese transport ministry. Read Also: Honda Major Recall Affects Over 2.5 Million Vehicles; How To Know If Yours Is Included? What Will Happen to Daihatsu Workers? Experts warned that the latest safety test scandal could jeopardize over 9,000 Daihatsu employees, as well as the carmaker's reputation. Because of this, the Japanese automaker's labor union is demanding Daihatsu to provide 90% of the affected workers' regular salaries, as reported by The Japan Times. Although Daihatsu said that many of its plant employees would still be able to work in the following days, the scandal created fears that the production suspensions would negatively affect the local economies. As of writing, Daihatsu said that the production halt could last until the end of January 2024. But, this could either end earlier or get prolonged depending on the resolution. You can click this link to learn more about the latest Daihatsu vehicle safety test scandal. Related Article: Nissan Engine Failure Concerns Lead to US Investigation; Almost 500,000 Vehicles Allegedly Affected @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain In 2015, the LIGO/Virgo experiment, a large-scale research effort based at two observatories in the United States, led to the first direct observation of gravitational waves. This important milestone has since prompted physicists worldwide to devise new theoretical descriptions for the dynamics of blackholes, building on the data collected by the LIGO/Virgo collaboration. Researchers at Uppsala University, University of Oxford, and Universite de Mons recently set out to explain the dynamics of Kerr black holes, theoretically predicted black holes that rotate at a constant rate, using theory of massive high-spin particles. Their paper, published in Physical Review Letters, specifically proposes that the dynamics of these rotating black holes is constrained by the principle of gauge symmetry, which suggests that some changes of parameters of a physical system would have no measurable effect. "We pursued a connection between rotating Kerr black holes and massive higher-spin particles," Henrik Johansson, co-author of the paper, told Phys.org. "In other words, we modeled the black hole as a spinning fundamental particle, similar to how the electron is treated in quantum electrodynamics." The connection between Kerr black holes and higher-spin theory was first explored in two distinct papers published in 2019. The first of these studies was carried out by Alfredo Guevara at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and his collaborators in Europe, while the second by Ming-Zhi Chung at National Taiwan University and his colleagues at Seoul National University. Image illustrating Compton Scattering, the main process discussed in the paper. Credit: Cangemi et al. Both of these previous works showed that the well-known Kerr metric can be matched to an infinite family of higher-spin scattering amplitudes. These amplitudes were first obtained by physicists Nima Arkani-Hamed, Tzu-Chen Huang and Yu-tin Huang, as part of a previous study. "While these previous results are remarkable, they are not yet sufficient to accurately describe Kerr black-hole dynamics in view of upcoming experiments, such as the Einstein telescope, LISA and the Cosmic Explorer," Johansson said. "Some important missing information is contained within the black-hole Compton scattering amplitude, which is currently unknown for general spin." In their paper, Johansson and his colleagues suggest that the principle of gauge symmetry could be used to successfully constrain the dynamics of rotating black holes. The researchers showed that massive higher-spin gauge symmetry, informed by a mechanism first outlined by Ernst Stueckelberg and later formalized by Yurii Zinoviev, can be used to reproduce the Kerr scattering amplitudes reported in previous papers. "We also showed that the unknown Compton scattering amplitudes are severely constrained, even if achieving uniqueness requires further input," Johansson said. "Higher-spin quantum field theories (QFTs) are notorious for their complexity. Even low-spin QFTs, such as the spin-1 case of the Standard Model, and the spin-2 case of General Relativity, are of course complicated, and their formulations fundamentally rely on gauge symmetry and diffeomorphism symmetry (general covariance). These two symmetries may be regarded as the lowest two rungs on an infinite ladder that is called higher-spin gauge symmetry." While gauge symmetry is not necessary for describing the dynamics of massive particles, it has proved to be a valuable tool for outlining consistent interactions. One realization of this massive gauge symmetry is the so-called Higgs mechanism. "Using massive higher-spin gauge symmetry for black holes, we could ensure that the spin degrees of freedom are treated consistently and write down an effective Lagrangian," Johansson explained, "The Lagrangian both gives the correct higher-spin description of a Kerr black hole and has a reasonably good high-energy behavior. The good high-energy behavior is not important for classical black holes, but it gives some confidence that the effective theory might also describe certain quantum processes." Johansson and his colleagues were the first to apply higher-spin gauge symmetry to black holes. The outcome of their initial calculations is promising and could soon pave the way for further studies exploring this link. "While we expect that it will take some time before the full effective theory for rotating black holes is understood, we think that higher-spin gauge symmetry will be a critical component in its formulation, similar to how gauge symmetry and diffeomorphism symmetry guided the theoretical framework of 20th-century physics," Johansson said. "The complete Compton scattering amplitude for a Kerr black hole remains enigmatic, but we have high hopes of being able to fully constrain it in the future. This involves both understanding it for arbitrary spin orders, and to higher orders in Newton's constant." Fully constraining the scattering amplitude of Kerr black holes will ultimately require close collaboration between theoretical physicists studying massive higher-spin particles and those trying to solve the so-called Teukolsky equation rooted in general relativity theory. Recent collaborations between these distinct research communities suggest that progress could soon be made in this direction. "In our next works, we would also like to further pursue the connection between black holes and their quantum properties, which are reminiscent of elementary particles," Johansson added. More information: Lucile Cangemi et al, Kerr Black Holes from Massive Higher-Spin Gauge Symmetry, Physical Review Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.221401 Journal information: Physical Review Letters 2023 Science X Network 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: Flax. Credit: Newcastle University in Singapore A new study has compared the reinforcing efficiency of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and cultivated flax fiber in poly(butylene succinate) composites. PALF, a less explored but potentially sustainable alternative, outperformed flax at 20 wt.%, showcasing its potential in high-performance bio-composites and aligning with environmental goals. The focus of this research revolves around a comprehensive exploration of the reinforcing capabilities of two distinct natural fibers, namely pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and cultivated flax fiber, within the context of unidirectional poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) composites. The primary objective is to discern and compare the mechanical efficiency of these fibers as potential reinforcements in polymer composites. Flax, renowned for its robust mechanical properties, is a benchmark for comparison against PALF, which represents a less investigated yet potentially sustainable alternative. To systematically assess their performance, short fibers with a length of 6 mm were incorporated into the composites at varying weight percentages, specifically at 10% and 20% levels. The manufacturing process involved two-roll mill mixing, then creating uniaxially aligned prepreg sheets that were subsequently compression molded into composite materials. The 10 wt.% composite formulations of PALF and flax exhibited remarkably similar stressstrain curves, suggesting comparable mechanical behaviors at this concentration. However, the study took an intriguing turn at the 20 wt.% level, where PALF unexpectedly outperformed flax despite its inherently lower tensile properties. This unexpected result prompted a more detailed investigation into PALF's mechanical characteristics at the 20 wt.% level, PALF/PBS composites demonstrated impressive mechanical properties, reaching a flexural strength of 70.7 MPa, a flexural modulus of 2.0 GPa, and a heat distortion temperature of 107.3C. In contrast, the equivalent flax/PBS composites exhibited slightly lower values, with a flexural strength of 57.8 MPa, a flexural modulus of 1.7 GPa, and a heat distortion temperature of 103.7C. This comparative analysis provides valuable insights into the potential of PALF as a reinforcement material, especially at higher concentrations. Complementing the mechanical analysis, X-ray pole figures were employed to assess the matrix orientations in both PALF/PBS and flax/PBS composites. The results revealed similar matrix orientations, indicating that the overall structural integrity of the composites was comparable despite the differences in fiber type. Further scrutiny involved the examination of extracted fibers to elucidate differences in breakage behavior. This microscopic analysis unveiled distinct characteristics in the fracture patterns of PALF and flax fibers, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms influencing their mechanical performance. In conclusion, this research underscores the significant potential of PALF as a sustainable reinforcement option for high-performance bio-composites. The unexpected superiority of PALF at higher concentrations challenges conventional assumptions about its tensile properties compared to flax. Encouraging the adoption of PALF in composite materials not only expands the repertoire of sustainable alternatives but also aligns with broader environmental goals, promoting the development of eco-friendly and mechanically robust materials for diverse applications. The paper is published in the journal Polymers. More information: Taweechai Amornsakchai et al, Comparative Study of Flax and Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Poly(butylene succinate): Effect of Fiber Content on Mechanical Properties, Polymers (2023). DOI: 10.3390/polym15183691 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: Arbitrary logical state preparation protocol. Top panel: The surface code is divided into 5 regions, the central data qubit, regions I, II, III, and IV. The logical operators Z _L and X _L intersect at the central data qubits. Bottom panel: The circuit of the protocol. All qubits are reset to |0 state at the beginning of the circuit. Then the data qubits in the regions I and III are prepared to |+ by Hadamard gate, and the central data qubit is prepared to the target state | by rotation gates. One round of surface code cycle is applied afterwards, projecting the data qubits state into the logical state space. Credit: Yangsen Ye et al Quantum computers have the potential to outperform conventional computers on some tasks, including complex optimization problems. However, quantum computers are also vulnerable to noise, which can lead to computational errors. Engineers have been trying to devise fault-tolerant quantum computing approaches that could be more resistant to noise and could thus be scaled up more robustly. One common approach to attain fault-tolerance is the preparation of magic states, which introduce so-called non-Clifford gates. Researchers at University of Science and Technology of China, the Henan Key Laboratory of Quantum Information and Cryptography and the Hefei National Laboratory recently demonstrated the preparation of a logical magic state with fidelity beyond the distillation threshold on a superconducting quantum processor. Their paper, published in Physical Review Letters, outlines a viable and effective strategy to generate high-fidelity logical magic states, an approach to realize fault-tolerant quantum computing. "We have a long-term plan in the field of quantum error correction," Prof. Xiao-Bo Zhu, co-author of the paper, told Phys.org. "Following the completion of our previous work on a distance-3 surface code for repeated error correction, we consider the next focus to be on the preparation of logical magic states." The ultimate objective of the recent research by Prof. Zhu and their colleagues is to realize robust, fault-tolerant, universal quantum computing. The preparation of logical magic states is a key step to implement non-Clifford logical gates, which in turn lead to the attainment of fault-tolerant quantum computing. "In simple terms, the basic idea of our protocol is to first inject the state to be prepared into one of the qubits in the surface code, and then 'propagate' the state information to the entire surface code, thereby achieving a logical state preparation," Prof. Zhu explained. "In this protocol, the choice of the inject position of the state to be prepared and the initialization states of other qubits is important." Experimental results of the prepared different logical states. (a) Logical state fidelity with post-selection in Bloch sphere. The fidelity of the preparation of different logical states is represented as a circle, which is divided into multiple annular sectors, each representing a point on the Bloch sphere, with the radial direction representing the polar angle and the tangential direction representing the azimuthal angle . The obtained average logical fidelity is 0.8983. (b) Logical measurement results of X _L, Y _L, Z _L as a function of polar angle or azimuthal angle . The colored dashed curves are the result of fitting with trigonometric function. (c) The logical density matrices of the magic states. Real and imaginary parts are represented separately, and the transparent wireframes represent the difference from the ideal density matrix. Credit: Yangsen Ye et al The protocol proposed by this team of researchers outlines a simple, experimentally viable and scalable strategy to prepare high-fidelity raw magic states in superconducting quantum processors. As part of their recent study, Prof. Zhu and his colleagues applied this protocol on Zuchongzhi 2.1, a 66-qubit quantum professor with a tunable coupling design. "This processor's design allows us to manipulate the interaction between any two adjacent qubits, ensuring that our quantum gates be sufficiently high fidelity despite a high degree of parallelism," Prof. Zhu said. "This design is also conducive to expanding the scale of qubits on one processor." When the researchers implemented their protocol on the Zuchongzhi 2.1 processor, they achieved very promising results. Specifically, they non-destructively prepared three logical magic states with logical fidelities of 0.87710.0009, 0.90900.0009, and 0.88900.0010, respectively, which are higher than the state distillation protocol threshold, 0.859 (for H-type magic state) and 0.827 (for T-type magic state). "We have achieved a critical milestone in the development of fault-tolerant computing based on the surface code by successfully preparing a distance-three logical magic state with fidelity surpassing the distillation threshold," Prof. Zhu said. "This outcome implies that we can feed low-fidelity magic states into the magic state distillation circuit, undergo multiple distillations to obtain sufficiently high-fidelity magic states, and subsequently employ them to construct fault-tolerant non-Clifford logical gates." In the future, the protocol developed by Prof. Zhu and his colleagues could be used by other research teams to realize high-fidelity raw logical magic states, utilizing a broader range of superconducting quantum processors. Ultimately, it could contribute to the realization of robust fault-tolerance quantum computing, which could in turn enable the development of larger-scale quantum computers. "In the field of quantum error correction, we plan to continue exploring two main research directions," Prof. Zhu added. "First, we aim to enhance the performance of a logical qubit (or error-corrected quantum memory) by reducing the physical manipulation error rate and increasing the number of encoded qubits, thereby suppressing the logical error rate to practical levels. Second, we conduct experimental research on error-corrected logical operations, such as lattice surgery, for application in future fault-tolerant quantum computing." More information: Yangsen Ye et al, Logical Magic State Preparation with Fidelity beyond the Distillation Threshold on a Superconducting Quantum Processor, Physical Review Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.210603 Journal information: Physical Review Letters 2023 Science X Network 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: Mean sea surface current direction and speed from July 20 to August 9 (a), and 2001 to 2020 (b). The anomaly between these two datasets is highlighted in c. Credit: Frontiers in Marine Science (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1252302 Extreme environmental events are becoming an ever more pressing concern with the continued stresses of climate change, both on land and in the marine realm. While terrestrial heat waves tend to occur over a few days, those in the oceans often have longer timescales of weeks to months. An anomalous few weeks of extremely high temperatures occurred in the East Sea (Sea of Japan, northwest Pacific) during the summer of 2021, when one particular current experienced record-breaking changes in dominant patterns, first significantly intensifying before weakening. This was the East Korea Warm Current (EKWC), which is a western boundary current off the east coast of South Korea that occurs due to intensification of marine conditions in the west of the ocean basin, and carries warm water from the tropics poleward. New research published in Frontiers in Marine Science has investigated the factors that likely resulted in this unusual event. Doctoral researcher Gyundo Pak, of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, and colleagues determined a northward shift of the EKWC up to 40N at the end of July 2021, alongside increased current speeds of 1.16m/s, measured from moorings on the seabed. These moorings also measured an increased volume of water transported via the EKWC during this time (more than double normal levels) into the East Sea, as it is a key inflow branch to the basin. However, by the middle of August, a rapid deceleration of the current saw it weaken to summer background levels of 0.5m/s. Velocity changes in the East Korea Warm Current (a) and sea surface temperature changes across the East Sea over the study interval (b). In both the red line highlights the prominent peak and trough occurring in 2021 compared to typical interannual levels across the preceding 20 years. Credit: Frontiers in Marine Science (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1252302 The cause of such abrupt oceanographic change is attributed to temperature gradients between the coast and offshore locations and changes in wind patterns, linked to coastal downwelling and freshwater discharge from rivers that began to develop in early July 2021. In such locations, warm surface waters are "pushed" to greater depth, while cold-nutrient rich waters are prevented from reaching the surface along the coastal region, hence making them zones of low productivity for marine organisms. By the middle of August, wind patterns were further altered by a monsoon (Typhoon Lupit) that drove southerly wind-induced upwelling and thus altered surface temperatures. Overall, the research team attribute an anomaly in ocean temperature as the main driver of the EKWC marine heat wave of 2021. The subsurface layer at a 200300m water depth contributed the most to this temperature change, and was influenced by the nearby Ulleung Warm Eddy, a lens-shaped water mass that sits within the thermocline (transition between deeper cool water and warmer surface water). By August, this eddy was weakened by the passage of Typhoon Lupit. Understanding the occurrence and cause of marine heat waves is vitally important not just for the health of our oceans, but for the people who rely on them for survival, such as global fishing communities that count fish as an important source of protein for a vast proportion of the world's population. More information: Gyundo Pak et al, Quantification of the extremely intensified East Korea Warm Current in the summer of 2021: offshore and coastal variabilities, Frontiers in Marine Science (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1252302 Journal information: Frontiers in Marine Science 2023 Science X Network 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: IscS and SUF-mediated Fe-S cluster biogenesis controls persistence of Mtb. Credit: Mayashree Das (created using Biorender) Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in collaboration with NCBS and InStem, have uncovered an important mechanism that allows the tuberculosis (TB) bacterium to persist in the human host for decades. They found that a single gene involved in the production of iron-sulfur clusters could be crucial for the persistence of the TB bacterium. The study was published in Science Advances. Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which can be present in the human body for decades without any symptoms. "Mtb needs humans to survive. In many cases of Mtb infection, the immune system can detect the bug and clear it out," explains Mayashree Das, first author and Ph.D. student at the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology (MCB), IISc. However, in several asymptomatic individuals, Mtb hides within deep oxygen-limiting pockets of the lung and enters a state of dormancy in which it does not divide and is metabolically inactive. In doing so, it successfully hides from the immune system and TB drugs. "Due to persistence, there is a bacterial reservoir in a subset of the human population at any point which can reactivate and cause infection. Unless we understand persistence, we will not be able to eradicate TB," says Amit Singh, Associate Professor at MCB and corresponding author of the study. Singh's team grew Mtb in liquid cultures containing special supplements needed for its growth in a state-of-the-art Bio Safely Level-3 facility at the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), IISc. Several proteins in Mtb depend on iron-sulfur clusters for functioning. These clusters consist of iron and sulfur atoms organized in various configurations like chains or cuboids. The iron atoms in the cluster can pass on electrons from one site of a protein complex to another in cellular reactions such as respiration and carbon metabolism. "The iron-sulfur cluster-containing proteins are important for essential processes such as energy production by respiration, enabling the bacteria to survive harsh conditions of the lungs and causing infection. So, we wanted to study the mechanisms that Mtb uses to build these iron-sulfur clusters," explains Singh. Iron-sulfur clusters are mainly produced by the SUF operon in Mtb, a set of genes that get switched on together. However, there is another single gene called IscS that can also produce the clusters. So why would the bacterium need both? To solve this mystery, the researchers generated a mutant version of Mtb that lacked the IscS gene. They found that under normal and oxygen-limiting conditions, iron-sulfur clusters are produced mainly by the action of the IscS gene. However, when the bacterium faces a lot of oxidative stress, the iron atoms of the clusters become oxidized and released, damaging the clusters. Therefore, there is an increased demand for producing more clusters, which switches on the SUF operon. The researchers then sought to find out how the IscS gene contributes to disease progression. They infected mice models with the mutant version of Mtb lacking the IscS gene. The absence of the IscS gene led to severe disease in the infected mice rather than a persistent, chronic infection typically seen in TB patients. This is because, in the absence of the IscS gene, the SUF operon is highly activatedalbeit in an unregulated fashionleading to hypervirulence. Depleting both IscS and the SUF system dramatically reduced the persistence of Mtb in mice. Therefore, the team found that the IscS gene keeps the activation of the SUF operon in check, causing persistence in TB. The researchers also noted that bacteria lacking the IscS gene were more likely to be killed by certain antibiotics. "It becomes sensitive to some antibiotics and resistant to some. We would also like to explore this further," says Das. The team suggests that combining antibiotics with drugs targeting IscS and SUF might be more effective. Singh is hopeful that a better understanding of the IscS and SUF systems in Mtb can eventually pave the way for eradicating persistence of TB. More information: Mayashree Das et al, Cysteine desulfurase (IscS)mediated fine-tuning of bioenergetics and SUF expression prevents Mycobacterium tuberculosis hypervirulence, Science Advances (2023). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2858 Journal information: Science Advances 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: Small round pits as lytic lesions indicate the presence of the pathogen in the cancellous bone tissue the vertebral bodies, which leads to the focal destruction of bone. Credit: Krisztian Kiss (ELTE) Recent research suggests that the emergence of tuberculosis infection (TB) in human populations dates back tens of thousands of years earlier than previously known cases in the Middle East. In collaboration with an international research team, Hungarian researchers have edited and published a special issue of the journal Tuberculosis. In July 2022, the Department of Anthropology of the University of Szeged organized a conference on the paleopathology and evolution of tuberculosis. The ICEPT3 conference was closely linked to the research project of Gyorgy Palfi (Department of Anthropology, Szeged University), and the presentations of researchers from all over the world provided a comprehensive overview of the history of the pathogen, going beyond the previous knowledge. In the last decades, the historical Carpathian Basin has become the best-researched region in the world in terms of TB infection, primarily as a result of the work of researchers from the Department of Biological Anthropology at the Faculty of Science and Informatics at University of Szeged the Department of Biological Anthropology at the Faculty of Science at Eotvos Lorand University and the Department of Anthropology at the Hungarian Natural History Museum. Recent analyses by Gyorgy Palfi, Ildiko Pap, and their colleagues suggest Neanderthal specimens from Subalyuk cave (Hungary), who lived more than 32,000 years ago, may have also suffered from TB infection. These new scientific discoveries place the appearance of tuberculosis in human populations tens of thousands of years earlier than the earliest known cases. The first section of this Tuberculosis Supplement issue is dedicated to the memory of Professor David Ernest Minnikin, an outstanding scholar of TB evolution and a well-known pioneer in the field of mycobacterial research, who died in 2021. In the first articles, the authors commemorate his outstanding work and the remarkable findings which have enriched both the modern and ancient mycobacterial research community. The following papers are about essential ancient TB research results with active contributions by Professor Minnikin and collaborators: the above-mentioned discovery and analysis of paleopathological and paleomicrobiological traces of TB infection in the Subalyuk Neanderthal remains (Hungary). These results are of great importance for our knowledge of the evolution of tuberculosis, and these studies are closely related to the subjects of the articles that follow. Two studies led by doctoral students from the Department of Biological Anthropology at ELTE have contributed significantly to the detailed exploration of the evolution of tuberculosis, reviewing previously known and publishing newly identified cases from inside the borders of today's Hungary. Anett Gemes and colleagues presented a detailed review of 18 cases alongside the introduction of seven new cases. Three of the seven cases are from the Bronze Age (2600/2500800 BC) when cases of skeletal tuberculosis from the Carpathian Basin had not been reported. Krisztian Kiss and colleagues have reviewed 114 previously published cases of TB with the publication of the detailed description of an additional 39 new cases. Thus, a comprehensive database representing the Carpathian Base of the 2nd16th centuries was established. Primary data (sex and age) and detailed description of pathological alterations are available for the affected individuals, illustrated by photo- and radiographs. It would not have been possible to collect this large number of cases without close cooperation between the Departments of Biological Anthropology of ELTE and SZTE, and between several other institutions, anthropologists, and archaeologists. All articles in the volume will be available free of charge until 14 January 2024 at the following link (five studies are Open Access and will remain available for download): https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/tuberculosis/vol/143/suppl/S As the database includes detailed paleopathological descriptions furthermore photo- and radiographic documentations for skeletal tuberculosis, a deeper understanding of the natural course, macromorphological and radiological manifestation of the disease can be achieved. Thus, besides revealing temporal and spatial trends based on the results, the study can be also considered significant contribution to the paleopathological and clinical disciplines. The conference and the accompanying special issue of Tuberculosis highlight how a broad national collaboration in a given field, supported by an international network of researchers, can achieve tremendous and internationally outstanding results. The number of cases representing this relatively small geographical region is unique around the globe, which is the result of the hard work of Hungarian anthropologists in the last decades. The many identified TB cases with the detailed descriptions provide a good basis for designing future molecular studies and test multiple hypotheses better to understand the evolutionary history of tuberculosis pathogen strains. More information: Gyorgy Palfi et al, Re-examination of the Subalyuk Neanderthal remains uncovers signs of probable TB infection (Subalyuk Cave, Hungary), Tuberculosis (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2023.102419 Anett Gemes et al, Tuberculosis in prehistory in Eastern Central Europe (Hungary)Chronological and geographical distribution, Tuberculosis (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2023.102396 Krisztian Kiss et al, More than one millennium (2nd-16th century CE) of the White Plague in the Carpathian BasinNew cases, expanding knowledge, Tuberculosis (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2023.102387 A last minute course change in the Moreau sewer district consolidation proposal raised more than just eyebrows and voices during the town boards final meeting of 2023. Following extensive public comments expressing concern over the legality and overall benefit to the proposed sewer consolidation, the board decided not to move forward at this time with the proposal, however, it did adopt a resolution stipulating that if the districts are not consolidated by Jan. 1, 2025, the Billing Coordinator is hereby directed to invoice properties within Sewer District No. 1, Extension Nos., 2, 3, and 4 for unpaid sewer connections fees as applicable. The clause is meant to address alleged discrepancies in the fees that were either charged or not charged to developers within the past four years. Multiple projects were subsequently approved after the sewer connection fee was established but without proper collection of connection fees as required by the aforesaid town board resolution; the uncollected balance exceeds $1,000,000, the resolution reads. Those allegations stem from a refuted map, plan, and report assembled by the Laberge Group along with William F. Ryan, senior counsel with Tabner, Ryan, and Keniry, the special council for the project. Why are we taking this as a resolution instead of just trying to address this with any builder or development, Councilmember Mark Stewart asked of Ryan during Thursdays meeting. Ryan responded by explaining that the time frame specified in the resolution was meant to give adequate time for those discussions to take place and ensure that the money allegedly owed to the town would be paid one way or another. Matters just got kicked down the road, Mr. Stewart and were never resolved, frankly, Ryan answered. However, when pressed again by Stewart about allowing the matter to play out in a civil court rather than the board setting terms via resolution, Ryan was much less forthcoming. There are various legal answers to that question, which Id rather not get into in a public session, he said. Heres the thing, Im not an attorney either but if youve got fees that are due, you bill the people; they dont pay up then you go to court and a judge decides if they have to pay them or not, Councilman John Donohue interjected. What that has to do with sewer consolidation just baffles me. You obviously dont have an answer for that. The issue came to a head when Allyson Phillips, a partner at Young/Sommer, LLC. and legal counsel for Rich Schermerhorn, one of the developers whose projects are alleged in the claims, pointed out that the resolution being discussed had not been publicly posted in time to even be admissible for a public meeting. This resolution was posted online a half an hour before the meeting, Phillips alleged before she was silenced by Supervisor Todd Kusnierz. This is town board deliberation, councilmembers and counsel will do the talking, Kusnierz said. I can say that I only received this six hours ago, Stewart said, addressing the New York open meetings law which requires all resolutions to be published 24 hours before an open meeting. So how can we give public notice with... Ryan then interrupted. I cant answer that question, you have to ask the town clerk. Town clerk, was this posted 24 hours in advance, Stewart asked Moreau Town Clerk Brenda Hutter. No, Hutter replied. OK. Done issue, Stewart asserted. Didnt even do it right. Youre an attorney. Was this legally flawed because this wasnt posted 24 hours (beforehand), Donohue asked of Ryan. There is a problem with it, yes, Ryan responded. We just heard from the town clerk, and elected official that it wasnt posted in the 24 hour manner, and we just heard from our special council that, that is the law, Stewart summarized. Go ahead and bring this to a roll (call vote). With no further discussion, Kusnierz called for a roll call vote in which Stewart and Donohue voted no, and Kusnierz, Councilman Alan Van Tassel, and Councilman Kyle Noonan voted yes, passing the problematic resolution. Gasps and shouts of shame on you, could be heard from the crowd before Kusnierz moved the meeting on to other business. No public comment time was given following the conclusion of the boards business. When asked after the meeting why they had voted in favor for it, Kusnierz and Van Tassel were unfazed by the potential open meetings violation. We heard from the public that they didnt want to move forward with consolidation, so we didnt move forward with consolidation, Kusnierz said. Theres way too much that still needs to be sorted out on that, and I think the next board can do a good job, Van Tassel added. From a press release: Volunteers from the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to two people after a fire Friday afternoon on Thunder Way in Salem, Washington County. Additionally, volunteers from the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to four people after a fire Christmas night on Ferguson Road in Cossayuna, Washington County. The Red Cross provided financial assistance for necessities such as shelter, food and clothing to two adults. Volunteers also offered emotional support, health services, and comfort kits containing personal care items. In the coming days, Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to help those affected by the fire as they navigate the road to recovery. The Red Cross relies on the generosity of local donors to help families prepare, respond and recover from disasters in Northeastern New York. Please visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to donate to Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters big and small. You can also help by volunteering with the Red Cross and responding to home fires and other disasters in your community. Browse current volunteer opportunities now at redcross.org/volunteer. Mainland slams Lai Ching-te's comments on war risk Xinhua) 16:19, December 27, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland official condemned Lai Ching-te, deputy leader of China's Taiwan region, on Wednesday for his comments on the risk of a cross-Strait war. The pursuit of "Taiwan independence" means war, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference. Chen made the remarks in response to Lai's recent claim that if he is elected as Taiwan's leader, the chances of a war across the Taiwan Strait are minimal. The Democratic Progressive Party authorities obstinately stick to "Taiwan independence" stance, escalating the tense and volatile situation across the Strait and pushing Taiwan toward the brink of war, Chen said. Upholding the one-China principle is a common consensus of the international community, the spokesperson said, emphasizing that opposing "Taiwan independence" and safeguarding peace is the right way forward. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) NYPD Detective Junior Sesay was recently cleared of charges stemming from the George Floyd protests back in 2020, which were levied by a Civilian Complaint Review Board. The highly-publicized video of the incident saw Sesay inching his vehicle forward amid a throng of protesters who surrounded it. The Detective's Side Sesay, who hails from Sierra Leone, had always maintained that he feared for his life, as well as that of his partner when the vehicle in which he was transporting two prisoners was surrounded and blocked by rioters using metal gates and bicycles. The story originally made headlines in 2020 due to Sesay's steadfast assertion that he believed he was in the fight of his life. The Verdict NYPD Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Trials Paul Gamble ruled that Sesay and his partner, Officer Desean Mullings, were not guilty of abuse of authority and giving false statements regarding the events that occurred during the May 30, 2020 protest near Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Gamble's findings were sent to the legal representative of each of the accused officers but Police Commissioner Edward Caban had not signed off on the decision as of yet. Caban has the final say in police disciplinary matters. Police union officials have declared victory in the case. "First, Detective Sesay and his partner were targets of a violent mob - and then targets of the cop-hating CCRB's attempt to ruin a highly respected detective's career," Detectives' Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo said Friday. "The DEA was proud to represent Detective Sesay to ensure he was exonerated - and now call on the Police Commissioner to endorse the findings of the trial." The Trial The departmental trial took place on September 27. "I wish you were inside the RMP [radio motor patrol car] when I was behind the wheel!" screamed Sesay, 39, a native of Sierra Leone. "Because of a breakdown of law and order, my grandma was killed after she was thrown into a burning house," he continued, tearing up. As the police SUV rolled further down Flatbush Ave., protesters broke the SUV's side and rear windows, according to the officers. The video presented at the departmental trial didn't show the windows being shattered. When the SUV finally stopped around Grand Army Plaza, Mullings recalled sweeping shattered glass off his prisoners, who were huddled in the rear of the vehicle. "They were in total shock," Mullings said. "The person on my side was visibly shaken and said, 'I thought I would die.'" @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. From a press release: Stewarts customers came through in a big way, helping the 2023 Holiday Match program raise more than $2 million for local childrens charities. Customers donated more than $1 million between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day again this year. With the company match, hundreds of nonprofit childrens organizations will benefit from the $2 million that will be distributed over the next few months, serving as a big boost to communities throughout New York and Vermont. Even during uncertain economic times, our customers continue to amaze me with their generosity, said Stewarts Shops chief operating officer Chad Kiesow. Stewarts is a sharing company and clearly so are our loyal customers. Kiesow worked a shift last week at Stewarts Round Lake Road shop in Malta to thank our partners for their hard work and dedication to making Holiday Match a perennial success. It is inspiring to know that we have such a great team working so hard to make Holiday Match happen, Kiesow said. It all starts with the caring communities and customers who support us. Including this years tally, the Stewarts Holiday Match program has raised more than $38 million since the program started in 1986. Because Stewarts does not charge any administrative fees, 100% of those funds are re-distributed into the community. Last year, the program benefitted 1,939 local nonprofit childrens organizations. Stewarts is accepting applications for Holiday Match funds through Jan. 31. Organizations can apply online at stewartsshops.com. All applicants must be a locally based, 501c3 charitable group that benefits children. More than 600 organizations have applied for Holiday Match this season. All funds will be distributed by the end of March. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant for the Town and Village of Lake George at the Fort William Henry Carriage House on Wednesday. This is one of the most impactful things that I can do, and personally the most satisfying. An infusion of money all at once is transformative, Governor Hochul said of the $10 million grant. Over the course of an 18-month period, Lake George submitted a unified vision in a coordinated effort to include around 15 potential projects like art installations, public transit initiatives, and housing that could further cement the village as a year-round economic hub. You can read more about the potential projects from a previous story on September 13 when Lake Georges DRI application was about to be submitted: https://poststar.com/news/local/lake-george-has-14-items-on-dri-wish-list/article_00c6eec4-5252-11ee-9993-6f6bc288fb86.html. Dan Barusch, Director of Planning and Zoning, believed then that Lake George was in a good spot with their application and chances of winning the grant. Mayor Ray Perry praised Baruschs efforts leading the DRI committee application, calling him a maestro and urban planner extraordinaire. Which projects receive the funding has yet to be established. Thatll get honed once we start having meetings with the DRI committee and economic development, Mayor Ray Perry told The Post-Star. A process expected to begin in the coming months. Today we stand at a pivotal moment in our history, poised to revitalize the Town and Village of Lake George in a way that will resonate for generations to come, Mayor Perry said. By strategically investing in our downtown area, we are boosting our economic prospects and fostering a more sustainable, comprehensive workforce destination. Mayor Perry called the DRI a visionary program because of its ability to inject vitality into downtowns across the state. He also thanked Governor Hochul and her administration for her unwavering support. Governor Hochul praised the cooperation between the Town and Village of Lake George to create such a robust and detailed plan for the DRI grant. New York States DRI program has become a cornerstone of the States economic development because it transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity, the states website says. Since the DRI and NY Forward programs began seven years ago, 70 communities across the state have been transformed, according to Governor Hochul. By recalling memories of riding on the steamboats and swimming in the lake, Governor Hochul made it personal when she spoke about awarding this significant DRI grant to Lake George. This region is so steeped in history, but this is about keeping the locals here engaged, Hochul said. Hochul explained how the DRI program is an investment in small business, likening her experience working at her mothers flower shop in Hamburg, New York. I know what its like to be a small business owner and how hard it can be, she said. We invest in our downtowns and help our small businesses because theyre the ones that give the defining character of our downtowns, Hochul said. Otherwise, it would all be national chains and you couldnt tell one from the other. Governor Hochul thanked all the leaders in local government, including Lake George Mayor Ray Perry, as well as various economic development teams that helped contribute. Theyre the ones who work so closely to put pen to paper and search for all the applications, she said. This is the day when people will look back and ask what was the turning point? Youll remember this day. Lets get started and lets get those shovels in the ground, Hochul concluded. In addition to the $10 million DRI grant for Lake George, Schuylerville and Hoosick Falls were each awarded $4.5 million from the NY Forward program. Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Kevin Geraghty, thanked the state for the investment. We thank New York State for this investment in our wonderful Lake George Town and Village, and commend the town and village leaders who successfully applied for this funding. We are confident that this funding will be used to make the vibrant Lake George community even better for residents and visitors for decades to come, Geraghty said. From the Department of Military and Naval Affairs: New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen expect to provide military funeral honors for the families of 9,000 veterans by the end of 2023. New York Army National Guard honor guard Soldiers will conduct more than 7,100 funeral honors services, while their New York Air National Guard counterparts will serve conduct services for 1,990 families. These figures are based on funeral tallies as of Dec. 21, and estimates of funerals to be conducted by 1 January, 2024. In 2022, 9,824 families were served by Army and Air National Guard Honor Guards, and in 2021, the funeral honors were conducted 10,431 times. Federal law requires the military to provide honors at the funerals of any former members of the U.S. military who were not dishonorably discharged. This includes members of the reserves and National Guard. Army Guard honor guards provide honors for Army veterans, while the Air Guard conducts funeral for Air Force vets. The New York Army National Guard currently has 39 Soldiers working funeral details full-time and 48 Soldiers who volunteer part-time. The New York Air National Guard has 22 Airmen with a full-time funeral honors mission, and 68 volunteers. Soldiers and Airmen on the details are trained to ensure that everything they do meets exacting standards. These range from the uniforms they wear, to the way they fold the flag presented to families. Honor Guard members take these standards seriously, according to Specialist Mason Cool, who oversees the Army Guard honors detail in Buffalo. We do a lot of rigorous training, he said. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. James Jarmacz, who heads the 174th Attack Wing honor guard at Hancock Air National Base in Syracuse, agreed. This may be the only military that some of these family members see, Jarmacz said. They see our team out there honoring their family member. By law, every veteran is guaranteed a two-person funeral detail. Mandated honors include folding a flag and presenting it to the family. While one detail member presents the flag, the other plays taps on an electronic bugle. Retired military personnel, and those who passed away while on active duty are entitled to honors that involve as many as nine or more Soldiers or Airmen. These can include a rifle firing party and pallbearers. Ideally, honors are conducted at the gravesite, but honor guards must be flexible, said Army Guard Sgt. Edwin Barreto, who oversees the Army Guard teams in New York City. His detachment, which provides honors around 1,000 times a year, can be tasked to conduct six to ten services daily, Barreto said. Because funeral directors usually scheduled their graveside events from 11 p.m. to 1 p.m. honors must be conducted other times, he explained. I have to call funeral homes that are willing to work with me to do services before the mass, he said. We are also conducting services late at night at the wake. Going from cemetery to cemetery in heavy New York City traffic slows things down even more, Barreto added. While Barretos Soldiers face heavy traffic, Cools teams in the Buffalo office face long distances. Our area is so large we might have a service in Niagara Falls and another service in Alleghany, a good hour, and a half away, he said. Teams also travel outside New York. On Dec. 20, four Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, helped inter Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher-killed in a special operations aircraft crash in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Air Guard Master Sgt. Alan Sanchez, whose 106th Rescue Wing honor guard covers Long Island and New York City, is one of the busiest in the Air Force. The 27 Airmen from F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard base-whose are includes the massive Calverton National Cemetery have conducted 640 funerals so far in 2023. But Sanchez, who has been in the honor guard business for 15 years, in both the Army and Air Guard, said the number of funeral services is dropping. Whether it has to do with enlistment numbers, and fewer veterans and fewer servicemembers that served in that time period, there is a ten percent decrease in funerals, Sanchez said. According to the website USA Facts, in 2022 there were 580, 856 veterans living in New York, down 35 percent from 2012. According to the Veterans Administration, the number of veterans in New York is dropping at just over 3 percent annually. The World War II generation, with 16 million veterans, was the largest group of veterans for years. But now, according to the National World War II Museum, only an estimated 119,000 World War II veterans are still living. Both Army and Air Guard honor guard members say they love what they do, but the job can be emotionally taxing, according to Sanchez. I tell the Soldiers not to choke, but I choke sometimes, especially when you have to give the flag to a very young child, Barreto said. I have had to give it to a seven year old. Its difficult. On one mission, where remains were being transferred at an airport, it was very tough to keep his composure, Barreto recalled. Coming from the plane, the mother just dropped to the floor, he recalled. Sometimes it just gets the best of you. We are all human after all and sometimes it just gets the best of you. A week before the end of 2023, the New York Army National Guards eight honor guard detachments have conducted these services: Albany: 651. Camp Smith (Hudson Valley):793. New York City: 978. Long Island: 2,341. Buffalo: 857. Rochester: 605. Binghamton (Southern Tier): 213. Syracuse: 508. The New York Air National Guards base honor guards have conducted the following funerals in 2023: 105th Airlift Wing, Newburgh, Hudson Valley: 236. 106th Rescue Wing, Westhampton Beach, Long Island:633. 107th Attack Wing, Niagara Falls (With Air Force Reserves 914th Refueling Wing): 428. 109th Airlift Wing, Schenectady: 229. 174th Attack Wing, Syracuse: 362. Eastern Air Defense Sector, Rome: 68. MIDDLE TOWNSHIP Mayor Tim Donohue received a glowing sendoff from community members, township staff and elected officials last week during his final meeting as a member of the governing body. Donohue, 63, spent 12 years on the Township Committee and helped cement Republican control of what had been a rare Democratic stronghold in Cape May County for decades. He did not run for reelection this year, leaving the field wide open for former police Chief Chris Leusner, who ran unopposed and is set to be sworn in to the three-member governing body next week. At the Dec. 18 meeting, Donohue said he did not know the tribute was coming, supplanting what was to be the engineers report on the agenda. Instead, former Mayor Dan Lockwood, who served with Donohue and is a central figure in Republican campaigns in the township, took over the meeting and invited several people to speak. Those included Bob Barr of Ocean City, a member of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, and Commissioner-elect Melanie Collette, who also is set to be sworn in to the county governing body next week. Leusner praised Donohues efforts on the board and credited him with improving life in the township. Kimberly Osmundsen, the township business administrator, was traveling and had poor cell service. She recorded a video in advance to be played at the meeting, and fellow Committee members James Norris and Theron Ike Gandy also lauded Donohue. Norris described Donohue as a mentor and said he first became involved politically as a teenage volunteer working on Donohues campaign. In an extensive presentation, Norris cited the COVID-19 shutdowns of 2020, describing them as one of the worst times in U.S. history. Beyond politics, you were a friend, he said. Its funny because we dont have very much in common. We dont like the same music, and he makes fun of me all the time for not knowing bands from the 80s. Middle Township OKs amendments to rent board The Middle Township Committee on Monday unanimously approved changes to the townships rent control board. A new board is expected to be appointed in January. Officials described the previous board as dysfunctional. He became emotional, talking about events joyful and tragic in his personal life for which Donohue was present. Ditto, said Gandy, drawing a laugh in the room. Gandy said he had helped with campaigns but had no interest in running for office until Donohue said to him, If not you, who? If not now, when, a paraphrase of a quote attributed to first century scholar Hillel the Elder. Lockwood and other speakers cited their friendship with and admiration of Donohue, saying he has improved life in the township. Its been an honor to be your friend. I have learned so much from you. I will miss you. Ill be calling you, Barr said. Collette, who works as director of community engagement for the 1st Legislative District, said Assembly members Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen were sorry they could not attend but were tied up in Trenton. Collette, who has often described herself as a close friend of Donohue, said he played an important role in the community, especially during the pandemic, providing detailed updates to residents and careful planning. She described herself as his little sister. Mike Clark joins Middle Township wall of mayors Family, fellow firefighters and former mayors turned out to watch former Middle Township Mayor Michael Clark unveil his portrait Monday in the meeting room of the Township Committee in Township Hall. A well-run town attracts business and people that want to live here, said Dennis Roberts, a local businessman and president of the Middle Township Board of Education. After 25 years on the board, Roberts lost his reelection bid this year. He also mentioned the pandemic. Tim was the leader that we needed at that time. And those were dark days, he said. Later, Leusner spoke of other extraordinary challenges while Donohue was in office, citing the protests that took place in the township and around the country after the death of George Floyd, and the H2oi car rally in 2022, which presented major problems in the township before leading to multiple crashes in Wildwood, including fatalities. He said he first met Donohue when he ran for office in 2011. I couldnt have asked for a better leader to follow during those times, he said, including building back the Police Department after cutbacks during the 2008 recession. He also cited work on a new, more reliable radio system. Donohue also mentioned Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The previous radio system could not be relied upon throughout the township if an officer needed backup or a firefighter needed help. We solved that problem, he said. Donohue indicated he was uncomfortable with the attention, saying before opening the regular public comment portion of the committee, Dont talk about me, please. Donohue spoke about the political fights in the township but also said those that have been involved with township government tried to do right. We had some battles, he said. But I like to look at that wall of mayors back there and believe that all of those people served for the right reasons, even if we had our disagreements politically. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. NEW YORK Federal prosecutors on Tuesday urged a judge to reject U.S. Sen. Bob Menendezs request to delay his bribery trial scheduled for next spring by two months, until July. Prosecutors argued against the postponement a week after defense lawyers offered multiple reasons why they say a trial of the Democrat and codefendants, including his wife, should be delayed. The senator gave up his position as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after his September arrest. Prosecutors said the original May 6 trial date was appropriate and drew no objections when it was announced even though circumstances were the same. The schedule was and remains reasonable, and in accord with the strong public interest in a speedy trial, prosecutors wrote. Defense lawyers cited over 6.7 million documents to be reviewed, an unprecedented foreign-agent charge and complex legal questions to be addressed as they asked for a delay of a trial now scheduled for May 6. They said a two-month adjournment would still bring defendants to trial within 10 months of their arrests. Sen. Menendez joins call for HUD to take over Atlantic City Housing Authority Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., has joined U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew in calling for the federal government to take over the Atlantic City Housing Authority. Four defendants, including Menendez, have pleaded not guilty to a bribery conspiracy charge that alleges that Menendez and his wife accepted bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen who wanted the senators help and influence over foreign affairs. The senator, his wife and a third defendant have also pleaded not guilty to a charge that they conspired to use the senator as an agent of the Egyptian government even though he was prohibited from doing so as a member of Congress. In asking for a delay, defense lawyers wrote, Given the complexity of this case and the seriousness of the charges at issue, the speed with which this case is proceeding is extraordinary. They said they plan to ask Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan to dismiss the indictment on multiple grounds, including for constitutional and sufficiency reasons and because New York federal court is the wrong venue. Prosecutors said in their letter to the judge that the voluminous amount of evidence turned over to the defense should not delay the trial because it was consistent with what the government promised at the first conference in October. In short, if there were a right to have multiple months to digest discovery prior to filing motions, as the defendants appear to suggest, practice in this district would look quite different. The current schedule set by the Court is expedited, but reasonable, prosecutors said. Editor's note: As the calendar year, and fall semester, wrap up, the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus sat down with area college students about their experience over the past several months. This is the second in that series. Like many of her peers from high school, 20-year-old Yuli Marceleno a graduate of Davenport Central initially planned to attend the University of Iowa. "I thought that was my dream school. I thought I wanted that big school experience and everything," she said. "The spring semester of my senior year, I got a full-ride scholarship to come here (St. Ambrose University.) I was like, 'I can't turn that down." Now, Marceleno is half-way through her junior year at St. Ambrose University (SAU) and she hasn't looked back. "I was trying to stay away from a smaller school. Once I got here, I loved the small class sizes," she said. "You get to form close relationships with your professors and your classmates I think that's super nice; If you ever need help or to study with someone, it's easy to find that or contact someone." Marceleno admitted the fall 2023 semester was her hardest to date. "Up until this point, I thought college was easy. Then, the first week of school, I was drained," she said. "If I can get through this semester, I can get through anything." This fall, the Secondary Spanish Education major juggled her classes, 75 observation hours, extracurriculars, a social life and working part-time for campus admissions. To study, Marceleno tends to lean on a resource familiar to many students: Quizlet. "Quizlet is like my best friend," she said. "I also do a lot of (class readings) review and highlighting." While she said "it's a lot to keep up," Marceleno finds overall fulfillment in her busy schedule notably, as president of SAU's Latinos Unidos organization. "It's time-consuming, but it's always just super fun," she said. "And, I get to hang out with so many friends." Time management helps, too. "I would say, academic-wise, time management has been the biggest lesson I've learned in college," Marceleno said. "Especially this semester I definitely learned that lesson the hard way." It's just as important to strike a balance between academics and fun, she added. "It's not always that serious," Marceleno said. "Sometimes, that paper can wait It's important to have a social life. You don't have to be stuck in a library 24/7." Additionally, she advises other SAU students or those at similarly-sized schools to make the best of the small campus. "It's definitely what you make of it," Marceleno said. "Once you find the right group of people and stick with them, the college experience is just as good as what I imagined it to be." To her, the convenience is a bonus. "There are so many little things you don't think about, like when it's like raining outside and you don't have to walk 20 minutes to class," Marceleno added. "I would definitely take advantage of that environment." Students weigh in on issues, trends As an aspiring educator herself, Marceleno feels strongly about the student debt crisis. "Students are how the world keeps turning," she said. "I feel like that why it's super important to make higher education accessible to more people." While she's enjoyed both her time and community at SAU, Marceleno said she'd like to see more two-way communication between university leaders and students. "I think they could do a lot more to promote clubs on campus, especially the cultural clubs," she said, later adding that SAU is generally good about inclusion overall. "I just feel like its always the club going to student resources with (ideas, initiatives) and not the other way around." For example, when a global or cultural event is happening, Marceleno said SAU will often promote information, resources or honor said event. Asked what she perceives as the most prominent global event from this fall, she named the occupation and war in Gaza. "The ongoing conflicts and historical tensions create a lot of violence and suffering. It affects not only people in the region but also impacts (global) security, economies and diplomatic relations," Marceleno said. "The mix of cultural, religious and political factors makes finding solutions hard. Outside interventions often make things more complex." She also urged other college students to "stay informed and do your research" about global events. In the quest to stay informed, Marceleno follows several different news outlets on X, formerly Twitter typically using the app as her "first stop" for news. "Then, I'll usually Google a topic myself (from there)," she said, adding she often discusses current events and news with her friends and family, too. On the lighter side of social media, Marceleno said the TikTok inspired "bodysuit combo with the Uggs and thick jacket" was a trend on SAU's campus this fall. "Definitely all the new 'Stingers' (on-campus energy drink) flavors are super popular, too," she added. Next semester, Marceleno will have a similar schedule but said it's "smoothing sailing" from there. "I have student teaching next year," she said with excitement. "I could be anywhere from North Scott all the way out to East Moline." Photos: St. Ambrose spirit squads perform at football halftime (Oct. 21, 2023) A Davenport man who since July has twice been convicted on assault-related charges was arrested Sunday for allegedly battering another man after a verbal argument the day before, police said. Bradley Charles Widener, 37, is charged in Scott County District Court with one count of willful injury causing bodily injury, a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years. Widener also is charged with assault causing bodily injury, and interference with official acts for fighting with police when they were trying to arrest him. Each of those charges is a serious misdemeanor that carry a jail sentence of up to one year. According to the arrest affidavit filed by Davenport Police Officer Scott Crow, on Saturday at 10:24 a.m., officers were sent to 212 N. Brady St. to investigate an assault that had occurred at the intersection of East 2nd and North Perry streets. The victim was walking away from Widener after a verbal argument when Widener attacked him. Widener hit the victim in the face which sent the victim to the ground. Widener continued to hit and kick the victim. The victim suffered several lacerations to the soft tissue around the eyes, nose and lips. The victim told police his teeth were knocked out during the assault. After the assault stopped the victim sat on a park bench. Witnesses told police that Widener continued to yell, scream and curse at the victim, and saying he got blood on him. As officers were taking Widener into custody at 2:16 p.m. Sunday, he fought with police and attempted to get out of his handcuffs while in the rear seat of a squad car. Officers had to wrestle with Widener who continued to resist until he was once again handcuffed with his hands behind his back. During a first appearance on the charges Monday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Stephen Wing scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Jan. 4. Widener was being held Tuesday night in the Scott County Jail on bonds totaling $6,000, cash or surety. This is Wideners third arrest on assault charges since July. On July 26, he pleaded guilty in Scott County District Court to a charge of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and was sentenced by District Associate Judge Korie Talkington to one year on unsupervised probation. According to the arrest affidavit in that case filed by Davenport Police Officer Ethan Bock, on July 3 at 2:30 a.m., officers were sent to 106 E. 3rd St. to investigate an assault. Widener and the victim got into a verbal argument that became physical. Widener then took the victim to the ground and held a stiletto-style knife to the victims throat. The victim had a visible red abrasion on the right side of his neck. The victim identified the knife that was used in the assault. Officers took the knife used in the assault from Widener. Then, on Sept. 29 at 10:41 p.m., officers were sent to 136 E. 3rd St. to investigate a disturbance at RAW, which serves cocktails and appetizers. The business is located in the Mississippi Lofts and Adler Theatre building. According to the arrest affidavit filed by Davenport Police Officer Robert Myers, Widener threw a large rock in front of the business. He then picked the rock up and threatened and intimidated customers with the rock. When the owner of the business threatened to press charged, Widener told the business owner he was going to kill him. Widener is banned from the property for life according to Scott County District Court records. Widener was charged in that case with first-degree harassment, an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of two years. He also was charged with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. On Nov. 29 during a hearing in district court, Widener pleaded guilty to the harassment charge and District Associate Judge Cheryl Traum sentenced Widener to one year on unsupervised probation. The assault charge was dismissed in the plea agreement. On March 15, 2013, Widener was sentenced to 30 months, or 2 years, in federal prison after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of a stolen firearm. He violated his supervised release several times after serving his initial prison sentence, according to electronic records of U.S. District Court, Cedar Rapids, and was sent back to federal prison. Widener was released from federal prison for the final time on Nov. 29, 2019. A Clinton man awaiting trial in two Scott County theft cases was arrested Saturday on new theft charges for allegedly breaking into and stealing items from the cellular site operated by AT&T and Verizon in north Davenport in August. Thomas Eldon Jepsen, 41, is charged in Scott County District Court with one count each of first-degree theft and first-degree criminal mischief. Each of the charges is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 10 years. According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Officer Joshua Derner, police responded to the cell service site at 5602 E. 76th St. on Aug. 21 to investigate a theft and damage to the property. The site is operated by AT&T and Verizon. Sometime between Aug. 19 and Aug. 21, someone had gotten into the site through the privacy fence. The person had damaged utility meters, and stole six large batteries and two smaller batteries belonging to Verizon. The person then had broken into a utility shed and cut out copper wiring from several utility boxes owned by AT&T. The cost to repair the damage and replace the stolen batteries belonging to Verizon is estimated to be in excess of $6,000. The cost to repair the damage to the AT&T property came to $22,569.21. The cellular site was inoperable for several months while repairs were made. Davenport Crime Scene Technicians were able to lift several latent fingerprints from the site. One of those latent prints that came from the front of a cabinet door belongs to Jepsen. A warrant for Jepsens arrest was issued Dec. 8 by Scott County District Court Judge Christine Dalton. Jepsen has two other theft cases pending in Scott County. On July 2, Jepsen was arrested by Eldridge Police after he was seen riding a 2014 Yamaha motorcycle that had been reported stolen out of Davenport. Jepsen had put a license plate on the motorcycle that was expired and that belonged to a trailer, not a motorcycle. When Eldridge Police Cpl. Tony Cavanaugh tried to make a traffic stop on the motorcycle, Jepsen sped away reaching speeds of more than 100 mph. Jepsen was seen passing vehicles at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic. Jepsen was captured when the motorcycle crashed after striking two other vehicles. He is charged in that case with second-degree theft and eluding, each of which is a Class D felony that carry a prison sentence of five years. He also is charged with driving while barred, an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of two years. A jury trial is scheduled in that case for April 15 in district court. On Sept. 6, Jepsen was arrested by Scott County Sheriffs Deputies on charges of third-degree burglary and second-degree theft. According to the arrest affidavits in that case, Jepsen allegedly broke into a storage unit at Store QC, 11630 140th St., Davenport, and stole a compound bow and a 2019 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. A hearing in that case is schedule for Jan. 19 in district court. Jepsen was being held Tuesday night in the Scott County Jail on a $10,000 bond, cash or surety. SIOUX FALLS The long-stalled process of naming two new federal judges to South Dakotas U.S. District Court is expected to speed up in January 2024, with Sioux Falls lawyer Eric Schulte atop the names being considered for a lifetime appointment. South Dakota News Watch interviews with people involved in the process reveal fresh urgency to negotiations between President Joe Bidens administration and Republican U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds to find candidates agreeable to both sides. Schulte, a litigation lawyer with Davenport Evans and former president of the State Bar of South Dakota, could be nominated by Biden as early as January. The nomination is sent to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and then must be confirmed by majority vote on the Senate floor. Schulte, a graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law, has practiced at Davenport Evans since 2000, focusing on general civil litigation, insurance defense, and commercial and complex litigation. He did not respond to a request for comment from News Watch. Chief U.S. District Judge Roberto Lange could not comment on the nomination process but told News Watch that any action on the vacancies would be welcomed because of the states increasingly crowded federal docket. The district of South Dakota has started bringing in judges from other states to relieve the strain on current judges that stretches back more than two years, when Judge Jeffrey Viken of Rapid City announced his retirement timeline. U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland of North Dakota and U.S. District Judge James Moody of Arkansas have presided over recent criminal trials in Rapid City. Were doing everything we can to keep up, said Lange. Were responsible for our own district, and (using judges from other states) is obviously not ideal or sustainable long-term. Were doing the best we can. South Dakotas district has four divisions: southern in Sioux Falls, northern in Aberdeen, central in Pierre and western in Rapid City. It handled 822 criminal and civil cases combined in 2022, said Matt Thelen, clerk of courts. That number is up to 854 in 2023 through Dec. 20. Criminal cases add up in Rapid City Viken announced his retirement in September 2021 but took senior status, a process by which qualified judges assume a reduced workload and create a federal vacancy. He kept most of his criminal cases while his civil docket was distributed among other judges. Viken fully retired at the end of September 2023, meaning all Rapid City criminal cases fell to the other judges, creating the need for occasional help from out of state. Indian Country jurisdiction makes it a unique and busy docket, with the division encompassing nearly 40% of South Dakotas federal criminal cases filed in 2023. Those criminal cases have been distributed among active judges: Lange in Pierre and Aberdeen, U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier in Sioux Falls, and two district judges on senior status, Lawrence Piersol and Charles Kornmann. Kornmann, 86, and Piersol, 83, have been on senior status for more than a decade and dont work a full caseload, taking time off in the winter months. Schreier announced in January 2023 that she plans to retire and take senior status upon the confirmation of her successor. That means there are two seats to be filled out of three available active judgeships in the South Dakota district. We have two senior judges handling a significant number of cases and the current active judges handling a crushing number of them, said Neil Fulton, dean of the University of South Dakota School of Law, who served as chief of staff under former Gov. Mike Rounds. I hope that everyone who has a say in this remains focused on identifying mutually acceptable candidates that can move forward. Lack of South Dakota Democrats hurts process Political realities have shaped the process in South Dakota. Biden, a Democrat up for re-election in 2024, is assessing vacancies in a heavy Republican state that already has a stable of Democratic-chosen lifetime appointees from Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Of the active judges, Schreier was appointed by Clinton and Lange by Obama. Kornmann and Piersol were appointed by Clinton. Biden has a razor-thin Senate majority that makes it necessary to consult with Thune and Rounds to identify agreeable candidates. Judicial nominations typically go through a Senate tradition known as the blue slip, which allows home-state senators to weigh in on whether the nominee should move forward. Thune and Rounds did not respond to requests for comment through their offices for this story. Complicating the process is the lack of a Democratic Party standard-bearer in South Dakota to shepherd the process of identifying, recommending and championing qualified candidates. In most states, the recommendation process would be handled through the office of a Democratic statewide officeholder, as when then-U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson shepherded the 2009 appointments of Viken and Lange under the Obama administration. With no statewide elected Democrats in South Dakota, the task fell to Randy Seiler, a former U.S. attorney and South Dakota Democratic Party chair who died in April 2023. His top choice fell through in April 2021 when former U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin announced her intention to remain as president of Augustana University in Sioux Falls. Biden seeks diversity on federal bench Dan Ahlers, executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, told News Watch that he has met with potential candidates for the federal bench as he tries to steer the party through recent leadership changes. Ahlers and party chairman Shane Merrill traveled to Washington earlier this month to meet with Democratic National Committee staff. They have sought an open channel with the White House Counsels Office to establish timelines for judicial nominations. Weve got to have a judge West River who knows the needs of the area and understands the differences in cultures, said Ahlers, a former state legislator and U.S. Senate candidate from Dell Rapids. When youre shipping people in and out from other places, they don't have those connections. I think everyone that's part of this conversation understands that and wants to be able to get someone in there as soon as possible. When Viken announced his impending retirement in the fall of 2021, he told the Rapid City Journal that a Native person would be an extraordinary candidate for this job. That fit with the Biden administrations priority to nominate women and people of color as Article III judges (Supreme Court, Circuit Court, District Court), preferably those with experience in civil rights. Nearly two-thirds of the federal judges Biden has appointed so far are women, and the same percentage are members of racial or ethnic minority groups, according to analysis by the Pew Research Center. Three previous candidates missed mark Finding qualified candidates in South Dakota who fit those criteria has been a priority and a challenge. Seiler formed a six-person committee in April 2021 to review applications for judicial candidates with that task in mind. The three candidates recommended were Tracy Zephier, then-attorney general of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe; Sarah Collins, an assistant U.S. attorney who is a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe; and Troy Morley, an assistant U.S. attorney and member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa who currently serves as tribal liaison for the U.S. Attorneys Office. One of the applicants withdrew their name from consideration, and the other two werent advanced by the White House as formal nominees. Veronica Duffy, a federal magistrate judge in Sioux Falls, was later recommended by Seiler but is no longer under consideration, according to News Watch interviews with those involved. Schultes candidacy is aided by the fact that he worked to boost the number of Native American lawyers as president of the bar association, promoting recruitment events along with support for Native students such as financial assistance with law school entry. He also has been active with nonprofit and social service efforts, serving on the board of directors for East River Legal Services and The Banquet. Bolstered by his litigation experience and state bar leadership, his candidacy has garnered support from both sides of the political spectrum where others did not. Its incredibly difficult to be nominated and confirmed as an Article III judge, said Fulton, a former federal public defender in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Theres a background check process, political process, there could be other concerns from the White House or party. Its just hard to get all the gears to align for someone to move forward. Oklahoma gains Native federal judge As of Dec. 19, Biden has had 39 circuit court judges and 126 district court judges confirmed by the Senate during his presidency. If Schulte is nominated in January, it will depend on the committee calendar and finding a slot for floor consideration to get him confirmed. There have been 10 district court confirmations in the past month, including a female Native American judge approved for a lifetime appointment in Republican-controlled Oklahoma. Sara Hill was confirmed Dec. 19 for a district seat in the Northern District of Oklahoma, becoming the first Native American woman confirmed for a lifetime appointment in the state. Hill, a former Cherokee Nation attorney general, was opposed by Oklahomas Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, but supported by GOP U.S. Sens. James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin. This has to be an agreement between both senators in Oklahoma and the White House, Lankford told the Oklahoman newspaper. As I would tell you, both senators from Oklahoma and the White House dont agree on a lot of things, but we do have to find common ground to be able to work on things together. Hill was confirmed by a vote of 52-14. Thune voted no, while Rounds was listed as not voting. For South Dakota, Lange said there is a need for someone with the right federal judicial experience and temperament to make a lasting impact in a critical jurisdiction. Its important to have someone with a background in federal litigation and trial work, who has exposure to criminal and civil cases, who is willing to work devotedly, and who doesnt have a political agenda, he told News Watch. According to multiple reports, Russian soldiers have access to Western-made military equipment despite economic sanctions that were imposed upon Russia at the beginning of Russian aggression against its Ukrainian neighbors. The sanctions, which include a variety of export controls issued by the United States, the European Union, and other Western Allies, were made in support of Ukraine. Russia Uses Western-Made Military Equipment According to Russian investigative news site Important Stories, some Russian snipers have been using rifle scopes that should not have access to, but clearly do. The site brandished several YouTube videos that showed Russian soldiers using Western equipment on the battlefield. In one video cited by the outlet, a Russian sniper says that his firearm is equipped with a Leupold scope. Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is an American optics manufacturer based in Beaverton, Oregon.Soldiers in a second video can be seen using a scope with a logo from the Lavonia, Georgia-located company Nightforce.The site cited customs data that stated $173 million worth of the scopes were imported to Russia between 2022 and 2023. Read Also: PM Netanyahu Explains Key to Israel-Palestine Peace: Hamas Elimination, Gaza Demilitarization, More Moscow Imports American Weapons Since Russia-Ukraine War Started Important Stories goes on to state that Pointer, a company based in St. Petersburg, Russia, has imported $32 million worth of scopes from Holosun, another US-based company, since the war against Ukraine began. Though labeled as "for installation on hunting weapons" and "not for military use," the tactile advantage enjoyed by combatants brandishing high-quality scopes is apparent. "The import of scopes and other goods 'for hunting,' of course, is carried out through parallel imports-manufacturers most likely do not know where their goods end up," Important Stories wrote. Related Article: Russian Warship in Black Sea Damaged by Ukrainian Air Strike-Defense Ministry Shares Details @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This holiday season, Trump supporters continue to embrace our former president as if he were Father Christmas. A quick glance at his recent speeches and plans, however, reveals that this man in a red suit aint here to deliver gifts. Hes here to rob every one of us blind, beginning with our democracy. Many Americans still dont understand or have somehow forgotten that January 6th was nothing less than a violent, attempted coup, the very kind we deplore in other countries. Trump knew full well that he lost the election. He just didnt like the result. So unlike every other presidential election loser in our nations history, he incited violence to try to regain power. Thank God he failed, but it has made him even more of a threat to our American way of life. While Trump may have had some vague ideas of governing the country in his first term, his current presidential bid is all about power. Power not to make things better, but to seek pay-back on those who have in any way opposed him which, unfortunately, includes the vast majority of us. Recent speeches offer his usual false claims about his accomplishments along with simple-minded promises to Make America Great. What really fires Trumps juices, though, are the prospects of exacting revenge on his perceived enemies. Today, especially, in honor of our great veterans on Veterans Day, he recently told a New Hampshire audience, we pledge to you that we will root out the Communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country. These remarks would be laughable if they werent so dishonest, dangerous, and insulting to the very veterans who have fought to protect our democratic values. To begin, Trump has praised and cozied up to communist dictators like no other president in American history. His assertion that there are Marxist and radical left thugs to worry about are ridiculous although he does use these red-baiting labels to target anyone who opposes him. It is when he attacks fascists, however, that Trump is at his most deceitful. Why? Because the ideas of Trump and his key supporters mirror those of Hitler and other fascist regimes on a breathtaking, nightmarish scale. One of the guiding documents for Trumps power base is Project 2025, a product of the deeply anti-democratic Heritage Society and various elitist, dark money interests. Please look it up. It is a plan that would essentially turn Trump or another Republican contender into a dictator. It begins with replacing many of our nonpartisan civil servants with cronies subservient to the president. It dismantles the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, and hands control of the Justice Department, the Federal Communications Commission, and other key agencies directly to the president. Perhaps most frightening, Project 2025 suggests invoking the Insurrection Act to use the military for law enforcement including enforcing all of us to march lock-step with our new presidential dictator. The upshot is that Trump and his key supporters aim to destroy everything that you and I were raised to cherish and believe in. And if you think that this in any way benefits you, I invite you to look at Russia, China, North Korea, Syria, or any other dictatorial regimes and ponder how happy you would be living under them. Because that is the exact road Trump and his backers will take us down. Trump is not Father Christmas delivering gifts. He is Scrooge, eager to stuff our freedoms into his sack and carry them off for good. Colleen Curran Living Editor Follow Colleen Curran 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 Hidden Wit Brewing Co., a new brewery in far west Chesterfield County, started with one beer, an Irish stout aptly called: We Should Open A Brewery. Chad Ritter, an award-winning home brewer, brewed it for a Christmas party that Butch Taylor, owner of Titan Auto & Tire in Chesterfield, was attending. I said, Chad, this beer is really good. We should open a brewery, Taylor said. And they did. But it took six years. Hidden Wit Brewing Co., an upscale farmhouse-style brewery, opened in mid-November at 21110 Hull Street Road in Moseley, just past the Metro Richmond Zoo. The 10,000-square-foot brewery offers a country-like escape with a 10-acre site including a taproom with 18 beers on tap, a dining room, full kitchen, event space and back patio with fire pits and space for kids to run and play. It took several Richmond business owners to make Hidden Wit a reality. Butch and Kim Taylor are the main business owners. Brad and Andrea Cooper, who own Steam Bell Beer Works in Midlothian, are also owners. Dave Butler and Stephan Parry of the Parry Restaurant Group, the owners of Q Barbeque who were brought on to work on the restaurant, are also co-owners and investors. And Ritter, the head brewer, and his wife, Jessica, are also owners. The concept: a little getaway where guests can find great beer, good food and hang out with their kids and dogs. We wanted to give people an experience like you would have at a nice restaurant in the city only at those places, you cant bring your kids or your dog there, Ritter said. Hidden Wit uses a 20-barrel brewing system, and Ritters brewing style is something for everyone. I made a pledge that were going to have at least one other beer for every IPA on the menu, Ritter said of the 18 beers that are on tap. Also, Hidden Wit focuses on craft beer with lower alcohol content. Because of where we are, people are going to come out here and stay awhile. We wanted to make quality, flavorful beer with less alcohol. Thats going to be better for everyone, he said. For example, many of the beers like We Should Open a Brewery have 4.2% ABV, whereas craft beer at other breweries often packs 7% ABV. In the past, Ritter has won gold medals for his saison, pumpkin and dry stout styles. Before Hidden Wit, he was head brewer at Blind Dog Brewery in Chester, which has since closed. Hidden Wit also serves wine from Virginia wineries such as Upper Shirley and Barboursville and craft cocktails from a full bar. Hidden Wit tapped Jason Kane, formerly of Red Salt Steakhouse, as head chef to craft a menu of crunchy, salty, flavorful food that pairs well with beer. Theres everything from charcuterie boards that change seasonally ($24) to a pimento cheeseburger ($18), a Nashville fried chicken sandwich ($17) and a short rib dip sandwich with pepper jam and creamy horseradish ($18). Theres also a kids menu with chicken tenders, pigs in a blanket, pizza bread and mac n cheese ($7-$8). Hidden Wit looks like an elegant urban farmhouse with a long covered porch and back patio overlooking an artificial turf where kids can run and play. Inside, the taproom has a big stone fireplace, seating and a large, welcoming bar with a custom-made hickory bar top. We call this the nerve center, said Butler, referring to the wrap-around bar. Originally, the layout was intended for a private event space opposite the taproom, but interest in the brewery has been so high, they have opened that space for regular dining and seating. Hidden Wit can seat roughly 180. That space can still be rented for private parties and events. The journey from we should open to a brewery to actually opening Hidden Wit took six years and several turns, including setbacks due to COVID, soaring lumber prices and being so behind schedule that the brewing equipment was delivered before the building was finished. But everything happens for a reason, Taylor said, even though the project went $1 million over budget. Hidden Wit has already become a popular destination for surrounding suburban communities in Brandermill and Midlothian such as Magnolia Green, Hallsley and Woodlake. At any time, youll look outside and there will be 40 to 50 kids running around here, Butler said. Were committed to the community. PHOTOS: Hidden Wit Brewing Co. To get ahead in your career, you have to find the right people to surround yourself with. Networking is something that many of us do without even thinking about it, but for others, it can feel a bit awkward. Trying to sell yourself, your ideas, and your work ethic to others can be intimidating. Learn how to network like a pro using these favorite tips, and start making the connections you need with ease! What Is Networking? Networking is the act of exchanging information with others who are in a similar field or have similar goals. Networking can propel your business forward, help you make strong social connections, and improve your quality of life. Meeting people with similar goals helps make your own business goals clearer. Bouncing ideas off of people who are educated in your field can give you the boost you need to reach your goals, Max Schwartzapfel, CMO of Schwartzapfel Lawyers, says. Getting used to introducing yourself and being outgoing is the first step to networking successfully. Once youve done it, youll easily see the benefits that it can have. The Importance of Networking As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person meetings have become more rare, which makes it harder for people to network. Now more than ever, people need to know that success is often measured by the success of those around them. A well-built and maintained professional network could be one of the most powerful tools for career advancement, marketing specialist Tim Stobierski writes on the website of Harvard Business School Online. Surrounding yourself with successful individuals will motivate you to be a better version of yourself. It also opens up countless opportunities when your newfound connections are looking for new collaborators or team members. Networking Tips To Try When going into the new year, networking should be on your mind. If youre unsure how to go about networking, follow these tips. Have a Plan Ready Whether youre attending a networking event or just trying to meet people in the office, have a plan in place before you get started. This plan can be related to how many people you connect with, certain departments you want to be involved in, and whether you have any initiatives that need extra staffers. Your first networking event can be nerve-wracking, to say the least. Ranking what is most important to talk about and who to meet makes it easier to break the ice, offers Dr. Fred Melius MD, CEO of BioSpectrum Hemp. You dont want to walk out of your event empty-handed, so bring a list of things you want to accomplish when the intention is networking. People love meeting others who are driven and know what they want. Practice Reciprocity Networking is about collaborating with others to reach common goals. Often, you go in thinking, How can these people help me succeed? Be sure to also ask yourself, How can I help others? You bring as much to the table as your peers; its just a matter of figuring out how you and your new connections can work together. Be aware of other peoples time. If you cant offer them anything but expect them to help you become successful, youre not networking. Go into an interaction with the mindset of wanting to help someone as much as they can help you, explains Jim Mitchell, Chief Growth Officer of Awesome CX by Transcom. It will become a symbiotic relationship if you and those youre networking with are able to trust one another. Take Time To Learn Names and Titles Being looked over is one of the more painful results of poor networking. Learning the name and title of everyone you meet will make it easier to remember them at future events, paving the pathway for a genuine connection. When you learn someones name, repeat it back to them twice when you first meet them and once as you exit the conversation. This shows that youre paying attention and taking in information. It helps you to stand out among others in your same position, advises Maggie Brown, Founder and CEO of Recess Pickleball. Becoming an active participant in a conversation and bringing in other people who could be of use is a great way to make yourself known and help others feel seen. Introduce People to Your Circle If you're able to make a connection for someone else, do it. Networking is also about bringing people who might be of use to each other. As the name implies, it involves creating a network of like-minded people who can all be of use to each other and effective networking means you become an important connector of others. When a colleague tells you theyre looking to fill a role that youre just not quite right for, consider using it as an opportunity to connect them with someone whos perfect for the job. Not only is this a good deed, but it means that your peers may feel indebted to you for helping them out, explains Raja Subramanian, GM of Power Wizard. Networking events involve cross-conversation. Certain topics might not fit into your own business or specialty, but that doesnt mean you dont know someone else who could benefit from being involved. The more you do this for others, the more likely they are to help you in the future. Utilize Social Media Regardless of your job function, social media has the power to benefit you and your business. If you are online publicly for your work, others are more likely to stumble onto your page and interact with you. Public profiles used to be a scary thing, but now they can propel you forward and showcase your ideas and projects. Its an easy way to keep people in the loop and constantly add new collaborators, shares Andrew Chen, Chief Product Officer of CommentSold, a company that specializes in Shopify live selling. Additionally, if you meet people that you connect with, sharing socials and staying up-to-date on each other may lead to future collaborations. Take Down Contact Information Networking doesn't work if you dont take down contact information. Just meeting people isnt going to be enough if you want to see long-lasting relationships form. Always have a pen and paper on you, or at least a phone that can easily take notes and contact info. You never know when youre going to meet someone that could help you along in your career, says Ryan Rottman, Co-Founder and CEO of OSDB. Being proactive about keeping contact information shows those that you are networking with that you are serious about continuing the conversation at a later date. Have an Elevator Pitch Practiced Before the networking event, you might find it helpful to come up with a three-minute elevator pitch. This is the concise pitch that you give that introduces who you are and what kind of work you do without losing peoples attention. It [the elevator pitch] is used to catch the appropriate attention of people we meet by promoting the value we offer (the company, a potential employer, a network member), Susan Colantuono, founder & retired CEO of Leading Women, writes at Leading Now. If you have your elevator pitch prepared, you will feel more confident going into introductions. You dont need to overwhelm people with any extra information, so this pitch highlights your work and what you want out of your future. Join New Projects or Clubs Networking isnt just about finding people who have similar interests. It can also be about finding projects that align with your goals and even joining clubs that you might find fun. Especially in the workplace, being a part of social groups is important in maintaining a good work-life balance. Networking can be intimidating, no doubt. One way to make it less stressful is by adding an element of fun! Even if you might not make a direct professional connection, you could make a new friend by joining their pickleball league or their book club. This still expands your network, opening the door to additional opportunities organically, advises Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, a company known for their line of phones for kids that come with parental controls built right in. Familiarizing yourself with others that you work with makes future collaborations and projects flow easier, as you are comfortable heading into them. Attend Online Events Ever since the pandemic, remote networking events have become more popular. People are utilizing online events to build relationships with those that they work with. It can be awkward to try to meet so many people in person, so joining in on as many online events as possible helps ease that anxiety. Meeting people online makes it much easier to strike up a conversation when you come across them in real life! exclaims Shaunak Amin, CEO and Co-Founder of SnackMagic. Every event that you attend will look different, so its important to try them all out. You never know what kind of space will be the most promising for what youre looking for. Be Yourself It may sound cliche, but being yourself is the most important thing that you can do to network like a professional. People dont want to meet a version of you that you think is best they want to meet the real you! Youll make more meaningful connections when you practice being yourself. People with similar interests and energies are naturally going to be attracted to you and your business, shares Marcus Hutsen, Business Development Manager of Patriot Coolers. As long as youre true to your own needs, you will come across people who want to collaborate and work with you. Being yourself can truly pay off in the networking world. Network into 2024 Effortlessly The 2024 season is going to be about making connections and being able to maintain them. With these networking tips, you will find it easier to share with others and make meaningful connections. Dont be afraid to put yourself out there and work towards your networking goals! The electrical workers arrived on a Sunday night and cut power to the auto dealership on West Broad Street. They connected an electric cable to the building's circuit breaker, ran it through the ceiling, down the wall and under the sidewalk outside to the electric vehicle charging station. It's just one piece of a big investment Parks Chevrolet has made to sell and service electric vehicles. Parks has spent roughly $100,000 retrofitting its facility for electric vehicles, which is less than the average $350,000 spent by dealerships throughout Virginia, according to the Virginia Auto Dealers Association. Costs include high-power charging stations, car lifts with extended arms and hundreds of hours of training for technicians. But electric vehicles have an uncertain future, as sales have not met expectations. The question has arisen: Is all that investment worth it? Dealerships in Virginia, which largely had no choice in making the upgrades, see it as a long-term investment that will pay off eventually, said Ralston King, the association's vice president for legislative affairs. "It's not going to be a quick, short-term investment, because we're seeing the demand plateau a little bit," King said. "We believe that this large investment in charging stations, service lifts, education and many more commitments will ultimately yield a return. Maybe not immediately, but in the future." In Virginia, EVs are growing in popularity. In the first nine months of 2023, they accounted for 9% of all new vehicle sales, up from 6% last year and 3% in 2021. But based on the current trajectory, it does not appear Virginia will reach the mandate set by the California Air Resources Board, which will ban the sale of new gas-powered, light-duty cars in 2035. Sales have not surged upward as manufacturers hoped, as concerns linger about charging infrastructure and the price of the vehicles. Ford announced it would slow production of the F-150 Lightning, and Honda and General Motors canceled a $5 billion joint initiative to create affordable electric sports-utility vehicles. Chevrolet told its dealerships that if they wanted to sell electric vehicles, they had to upgrade their facilities. Dealerships in the state largely complied, and now they're caught in the middle between the California law and a large chunk of consumers who are not ready to buy electric. That's led to some frustration. Some dealers nationwide have decided EVs are not worth the cost and are not selling them. Don Hall, CEO of the Virginia dealers' association, said if EVs fail, dealerships should not be the reason why. He urged managers to talk up the cars with their sales teams and not allow an anti-EV culture to take over at a dealership. "We do not want to be in a situation where dealers shoulder the blame for EVs sitting on lots and taking up space," he said. State law generally does not allow car manufacturers sell directly to consumers. Instead, most cars are sold through independent franchised dealerships. Virginia does allow direct-to-consumer sales when there is no dealership available to the community to offer a manufacturer's cars "in a manner consistent with the public interest." Tesla CEO Elon Musk has argued that no franchised dealers can profitably operate its fixed-price business model in a manner consistent with the public interest. Virginia allowed Tesla to open four locations in Virginia, including one on West Broad Street in 2017. Rivian, another electric car maker, put a service center on Dabney Road in Henrico. Earlier this year, Parks Chevrolet on West Broad installed a Level 3 charging station made by InCharge Energy Inc., a California-based company whose main research and testing facility is in Chesterfield County. Level 3 chargers are the fastest way to power up an EV a Chevy Bolt can go to full power in 90 minutes or less. But the 6-foot station costs about $50,000. Parks installed two concrete pylons on either side to protect it from oncoming cars. Customers who bought their car at Parks can charge there for free, and the dealership expects to add a credit card machine so any driver can plug in. Installing a Level 3 charger often means upgrading a building's voltage. Most commercial buildings have between 120 and 240 volts running into the breaker, said Kate Staples, electrification manager at Dominion Energy. A building that installs a Level 3 charger needs 480 volts. Most urban settings have enough electricity running through the wires to support the extra voltage. But placing a high-powered charger on a rural site might require more work. Dominion sometimes upgrades a facility for free, Staples said, because the consumer is buying more electricity. There are 18 lifts in the Parks service bay that raise cars into the air. But they're not situated to lift an EV, which is significantly heavier. A GMC Hummer EV weighs about 10,000 pounds, compared with a gas-powered GMC Sierra pickup, which is about 6,000, King said. So Parks bought a lift with longer, reinforced arms. EVs need plenty of other specific tools, including a particular multimeter for measuring electrical current, high-voltage gloves to be worn by technicians and a 6-foot-long pole with a round hook on the end. If the technician working on the car is shocked, another worker has to grab the hook, wrap it around the technician's torso and pry him off the vehicle. The hook was an additional $350. Parks has never needed it. "A 12-volt battery is going to shock you and hurt you," said Bill Milliron, a technician at Parks. "So imagine what 369 volts can do." Milliron is the only technician there completely trained for electric vehicles, so he works on every EV that comes for service. Just about every dealership in town now has an EV-trained technician, he said. He's taken more than 40 classes over the past 15 years. Many were free and online, which he completed on his own time. Others required travel to Baltimore or Atlanta. This year, he became gold certified. Once he passes a number of in-person, eight-hour tests, he'll be considered a master. But while he's away, Parks doesn't have anyone who can fill his shoes. Corey Joseph, at the front of the store, took a number of online classes to learn everything necessary to sell the cars. He's mastered the details of the tax credits, the cars' range and one-pedal driving the system on an EV in which the car slows down the moment the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator. Sometimes he'll spend an hour with a customer in a Chevy Bolt, circling the parking area. I want them to fully understand everything about the vehicle," Joseph said. Buyers tend to fall into one of two camps those who know everything about EVs and have decided what kind of car they want to buy, and those who know nothing. Some buyers are interested in electric vehicles until they learn about the complexities. Others are sold on the relatively low price of a Chevy Bolt, which costs about $30,000 and is significantly cheaper than the Tesla Model 3. Are we about to face an EV technician shortage? Are we about to face an EV technician shortage? Few technicians are certified to work on EVs EV sales are growing quickly A large number of EVs are starting to age A technician shortage could cause issues for EV owners The brother of Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith was taken into custody Tuesday after allegedly stealing his brothers truck and leading police on a pursuit that ended with his arrest at Clymore Elementary School in Fort Defiance. Ronald William Smith, 41, of Churchville, was taken to Augusta Health after he initially refused to exit the vehicle and had shouldered a hay spear like a long rifle. Ronald William Smith is charged with seven offenses and is being held without bond in Middle River Regional Jail in Verona. He is charged with obstruction of justice, attempted aggravated murder, felony destruction of property, driving under the influence of drugs, misdemeanor destruction of property, felony eluding, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Sheriff Smith alluded to substance abuse problems his brother suffers from in a statement. As your sheriff, I am not exempt from family issues and addiction problems, the sheriff said. Im extremely grateful that no one was seriously hurt by my brothers actions, and commend my deputies and the Virginia State Police for ending the situation safely. Sheriff Smith called his office at 4 p.m. Tuesday to ask for assistance stopping a stolen vehicle. The stolen vehicle a red, 2000 International, single-axle semi-tractor with a gooseneck trailer attached was his vehicle. Sheriff Smith said he unsuccessfully attempted to stop the vehicle on Churchville Avenue, near Eagle Rock Lane. Sheriffs deputies tried to stop the vehicle at Route 262 and Commerce Road. A pursuit ensued through the intersection and continued to Woodrow Wilson Parkway. The vehicle turned onto Balsey Road, then made an abrupt U-turn in a driveway back onto Balsey Road. Deputies used tire deflation devices to stop the vehicle without success. The pursuit continued through Verona to Fort Defiance Road and the parking lot of Stewart Middle School. The vehicle then drove into the parking lot of Clymore Elementary, where Smith intentionally rammed a deputys vehicle and attempted to pin a second deputys vehicle between the stolen truck and trailer. Tire deflation devices were again used to disable the semi-truck in the parking lot. The Sheriffs K-9 dog attempted to take Ronald Smith into custody but could not. Deputies told Smith to exit the truck, but he did not. Smith shouldered a hay spear like a long rifle. Deputies learned he was holding a piece of metal and not a firearm. Deputies then opened the driver-side door and ordered Smith out of the vehicle. He was taken into custody. Ronald Smith was treated at Augusta Health for an arm injury before being taken to Middle River Regional Jail. Thomas Brown has worked since he was 16 years old. He's worked in restaurants, repaired tractor-trailers, served in the U.S. Air Force and spent more than 25 years in the U.S. Postal Service, taking care of the machines that process mail. Even while working at the postal service, Brown made ends meet with a part-time job in building maintenance, and he kept working in private-sector jobs after leaving the federal civil service 20 years ago. Now 74, living in Highland Springs, he receives pension benefits he earned over 30 years in the military and civil service, but his monthly check from Social Security isn't close to what he expected for the years he contributed to the national retirement savings plan. Instead, Brown receives about one-third of the benefit he believes he earned less than $600 a month of the nearly $1,800 to which he says he's entitled. "You earned the daggone money they shouldn't take it from you," he said. Rep. Abigail Spangberger, D-7th, agrees. The three-term Virginia congresswoman introduced legislation this year with Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., to repeal two 40-year-old provisions of the Social Security Act that were intended to prevent public sector retirees from "double-dipping' with pension benefits, but instead block them from receiving the full benefits to which they say they are entitled for work outside of public service. "It is absolutely just an issue of fairness," Spanberger said in an interview. She first heard of the "Windfall Elimination Provision" and "Government Pension Offset" when campaigning in 2018 for her first term in a district that then included parts of Henrico County, where she lives, and Chesterfield County. She was appearing at a meeting of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association when a woman who had lost her husband tried to explain the disputed provisions of the Social Security Act. "I remember thinking, 'She must be explaining it wrong, because what she's saying seems enormously unfair,'" Spanberger recalled. This is the second time that she has tried to repeal the two provisions of the law. One, the Windfall Elimination Provision, hurts retirees such as Thomas Brown by sharply cutting the earnings subject to the Social Security benefits formula; the other, the Government Pension Offset, applies to people such as the widow at the association meeting, who are eligible for benefits both from their deceased spouse's Social Security-covered earnings and their own government pension plan. Brown is one of almost 48,000 Virginians who are receiving less in Social Security benefits than they would be entitled to if they were not also receiving retirement benefits from pension plans to which they contributed while working in government jobs under the Windfall Elimination Provision of the law, according to the Congressional Research Service. The Government Pension Offset, aimed at spousal death benefits, affects almost 7,900 Virginians. Federal employees are not the only retirees affected by the law. The provisions also apply to other government workers, such as many public school teachers, firefighters and police officers, including the U.S. Capitol Police. Fairfax police officer For example, Robert Callahan retired in 2006 after 29 years as a Fairfax County police officer. He had contributed 12.5% of his earnings to the Fairfax County Police Officers Retirement System, but he also had contributed to Social Security in jobs he worked before joining the police department and as an officer at two other local governments for a total of 16 years. Callahan stopped working full time this year and began receiving his Social Security benefits in June at age 67 years and three months. He calculated that his benefit should have been $2,224 a month, but the Windfall Benefit Provision reduced the monthly benefit to $1,658, a difference of $566 a month. He does not think he should be penalized for his contributions to the Fairfax police pension plan. "While employed as a police officer I contributed a significantly higher percentage of my income to a retirement plan than I would have had to Social Security and have earned that benefit as result of my contributions and years of Service," he wrote in testimony to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. Congress has resisted previous attempts to repeal the provisions, in part because it does not want public sector retirees to collect an unfair "windfall," but also because of the cost to a Social Security system that faces serious concerns about its future solvency. Repealing the provisions would cost an estimated $183 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Research Service. But opposition to the disputed provisions law has been growing, with 300 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signing onto the legislation this year as co-sponsors. Those co-sponsors include all five of Spanberger's fellow Democrats in Virginia's congressional delegation and two Republicans: Rep. Rob Wittman of the 1st District, which covers parts of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield, and Rep. Jen Kiggans in the 2nd District, based in Virginia Beach, which represents a larger number of active military, veterans and federal retirees. The Social Security Fairness Act will rectify unfair reductions in seniors benefits that they have rightfully earned," said Wittman, who called the legislation "a crucial measure in supporting our seniors who served our communities as first responders, teachers, and public employees." "We must ensure that beneficiaries who paid into the Social Security program for decades receive their full benefits, he said in a statement. Among the co-sponsors are newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., whose state includes 90,000 people affected by the two provisions, and House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., whose panel considers measures affecting federal government employees. "This is the most progress we've made so far," Spanberger said. In the Senate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among 49 co-sponsors of legislation to repeal the two provisions of the law. Spanberger is retiring from Congress after next year to run for governor in 2025, so she is counting on the House getting it done in 2024. It won't be easy because of the major political challenges the House faces in the coming new year, with deadlines on Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 to pass appropriations bills to fund the government in the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1. Currently, Congress is operating under the second of two stopgap spending bills it adopted in the fall to avert government shutdowns. But Spanberger said repealing the two provisions of the Social Security Act is a priority that she shares with the 55,000 Virginians who say they deserve the benefits they earned. "It is shocking," she said. "Folks know what they're not getting." These are the biggest mistakes people make with Social Security These are the biggest mistakes people make with Social Security Aguakan to challenge Congress decision to revoke extended contract Riviera Maya, Q.R. Aguakan says they will challenge the States decision to revoke the extended 30-year concession. Company Desarrollos Hidraulicos de Cancun SA de CV, better known as Aguakan, will challenge the decision announced by Quintana Roo Congress to end their concession on its original date of December 31, 2023. As of January 1, 2024, Aguakan will no longer provide its water and sewage services to four of the states most busy and populated municipalities. As of now, Aguakan, which is a private company, services the municipalities of Benito Juarez (Cancun), Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos and Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen). Aguakan says they have been granted a concession until December 31, 2053, however, that extended 30-year concession was revoked by State Congress last week on several legalities and technicalities. Decree 195 absolutely ignores the nature and governing regulations of the Concession Title and invades spheres and powers of the sovereign Municipalities granting the Concession, as well as the Executive Branch of the State of Quintana Roo, which represents a clear transgression to the constitutional order and applicable law, said Aguakan. In a lengthy statement Tuesday aimed at citizens, the water company acknowledged the end of its concession by State Congress and proceeded to detail its accomplishments over the years. After the session where the deputies of the XVII Legislature of the State Congress modified the validity of the concession granted to our company Aguakan for the provision of drinking water, sanitation and wastewater treatment service, it is essential for us to share the milestones that we have achieved in the last 30 years of operation, Aguakan said in its opening statement. State officials have not commented on the possibility, if any, of the Aguakan concession continuing past its initial agreed contract, which is to expire December 31, 2023. American cruise ship passenger transferred to Cancun hospital for intestinal obstruction and Covid-19 Isla Mujeres, Q.R. An American cruise ship passenger was transferred to a Cancun hospital Tuesday for medical treatment. Medical personnel from the Navy of Mexico made the emergency transfer after the ship made the request for assistance. Early Tuesday morning, cruise ship personnel helped to transfer a 58-year-old American passenger to a waiting Navy vessel for a water transfer to land. The man was taken to a Cancun hospital after presenting symptoms of intestinal obstruction and for also testing positive for Covid-19, conditions impossible to treat on board. In a press release, the Navy reported during the early hours of Tuesday, personnel belonging to the Ninth Naval Region carried out the emergency medical evacuation of a 58-year-old man of American nationality who was traveling aboard a tourist cruise ship approximately three nautical miles (5.5 kilometers) northeast of Isla Mujeres. In the Command and Control Room of the Ninth Naval Region, a call for help was received requesting support for the transfer of the passenger, who presented symptoms of intestinal obstruction in addition to testing positive for Covid-19. The American cruise ship passenger was transferred to a waiting ambulance then to Cancun hospital. Photo: Marina Quintana Roo December 26, 2023. In response to the emergency, a Defender type vessel set sail from the Naval Search, Rescue and Maritime Surveillance Station (ENSAR) Isla Mujeres, with specialized rescue and health personnel, who upon arriving at the emergency point, medically reviewed and evacuated the tourist, who was transferred to Puerto Juarez, where an ambulance was waiting to transfer the patient to a local hospital, in order to receive specialized medical care. Mexicana makes inaugural landing at Tulum International Tulum, Q.R. Mexicos Mexicana de Aviacion made its inaugural flight into the Tulum International Airport Tuesday five hours later than scheduled. The flight was delayed due to heavy fog. While the plane left Mexico City on time, it was diverted to Merida where it sat for more than five hours while airport authorities in Tulum waited for the fog to lift. The plane was finally able to land at Tulum at 1:28 p.m. The flight marks the restart of the airline after more than 13 years of being inoperative. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says the airline will cover 20 destinations, including destinations not covered by commercial airlines. On Tuesday, Mexicana de Aviacion began to cover 14 routes in the country. Another four destinations will be added that will cover the main destinations in Mexico, Lopez Obrador reported. The airline will be managed by the Ministry of Defense (Sedena) through the OlmecaMayaMexica airport, railway and auxiliary services group. This group already has under its responsibility the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA), in the State of Mexico, the Tulum and Chetumal airfields in Quintana Roo and those of Campeche, Puebla and Nuevo Laredo in Tamaulipas. AMLO says the airline will cover destinations not covered by commercial airlines. Photo: AMLO December 26, 2023. Upon the restart of Mexicana de Aviacion, President Lopez Obrador said it is the result of the rescue undertaken by his Government which promoted agreements and repaired damage committed in previous six-year terms against former company workers. Mexicana de Aviacion flies again. This is an emblematic, historic airline which during the Fox government was privatized. () The important thing is that this Mexican airline is rescued after acts of corruption and these deliveries of public goods to individuals, he reported. Passengers board the first Mexicana flight bound for Tulum. Photo: AMLO December 26, 2023. The president indicated that the new airline of the people of Mexico will be strengthened in the remainder of his six-year term under the administration of the Secretariat of National Defense through the Airport, Railway, Auxiliary and Related Services Group Olmeca-Maya-Mexica. We are going to consolidate this line in the time we have left in the Presidency. We are sure that those who are going to replace us will finish the work of strengthening Mexicana de Aviacion, he added. Passengers are seen getting off the first Mexicana flight at the Tulum airport. Photo: December 26, 2023. The first Mexicana de Aviacion passengers flight took off Tuesday destined for the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum. The Tulum airport will be Mexicanas secondary base of operations. MARTINSVILLE The Henry County Industrial Development Authority and the Henry County Board of Supervisors has approved plans to construct a 105,000 square-foot shell building in the Patriot Centre Industrial Park. The IDA met at noon Dec. 19 and the board of supervisors met in closed session later that afternoon before announcing intentions to build on Lot 2 of the Patriot Centre Industrial Park in Martinsville, marking the first time that the county has entered into an agreement with a private developer for the purpose of constructing and marketing an industrial site. Our team is always looking for innovative ways to position Henry County as a leader in the advanced manufacturing sector, said Jim Adams, chairman of the board of supervisors. We are confident that this new shell building will be a valuable asset to our community, and we are grateful for the partnership with MDT [Marlboro Development Team]. The last time a shell building was constructed in Henry County was in 2014 when a 96,970 square-foot shell building was constructed on Lot 8 for $3.2 million. In Sept., 2021, Henry County announced that SCHOCK, a German company, would open its first manufacturing operation in the facility, creating 335 jobs. The cost of construction has increased significantly since 2014, said James McClain, Chair of Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). However, shell buildings remain an essential part of our economic development strategy. They provide turnkey options for businesses, allowing them to cut costs, save valuable time, and streamline their production process. This partnership with MDT will allow us to once again offer that option to prospective businesses. Lot 2 of the Patriot Centre is a 32-acre site with a 25.8-acre graded pad and can support future expansion of the building to over 400,000 square feet. This is a win-win for our community, said County Administrator Dale Wagoner. We will be able to leverage MDTs expertise in marketing speculative buildings and construction administration, while MDT will be able to expand their footprint into Virginia. MDT is a subsidiary of MPD Electric Cooperative, a South Carolina-based real estate developer focused on single tenant build-to-suits, value-add acquisitions, and strategic investments throughout the United States, a release from Henry County stated. Given our extensive and highly successful deployment of our speculative building program in other states, we are excited to extend this initiative into the Commonwealth of Virginia, said MDT President and CEO William Fleming. Martinsville and Henry County have proven to embody the precise characteristics of a community we seek to establish relationships with, fostering the pursuit of advanced manufacturing through the development of market ready buildings. Construction of the new shell building is expected to begin in 2024 and be completed in 2025. In a somber development, approximately 80 Palestinian bodies, their identities yet to be determined, have been laid to rest in a mass grave located in Rafah, a city situated in the southern region of Gaza. According to sources within the health ministry controlled by Hamas, the bodies were transferred from morgues and graves to Israel. The purpose of this transfer was to enable authorities to verify that there were no hostages among the deceased individuals. Dead Palestinians Buried in Rafah Per BBC, the individuals were then brought back via the Kerem Shalom crossing located in the southern region of Gaza. According to Israeli authorities, a total of 240 individuals were reportedly abducted and transported to Gaza. As of now, 129 of these individuals remain unaccounted for, leaving their whereabouts unknown. A series of attacks on that fateful day, allegedly orchestrated by Hamas, resulted in the loss of 1,200 lives. According to Gaza's health ministry, the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli bombardments has exceeded 20,600. Israeli forces have reportedly launched a ground offensive into urban refugee camps located in central Gaza. Prior to this offensive, the Israeli military had subjected the densely populated Palestinian communities to intense bombardment. Additionally, residents were given orders to evacuate the area. Gaza's primary telecommunications provider has made an announcement regarding yet another "complete interruption" of services within the besieged territory. According to the UN human rights office, over 100 Palestinian lives have been lost in the ongoing bombardment of middle Gaza since Christmas Eve. According to the office, Israel has issued an order for certain residents to relocate. Residents in central Gaza have reported intense shelling and airstrikes that have caused significant tremors in the Nuseirat, Maghazi, and Bureij camps. In the aftermath of the 1948 war, Palestinians and their descendants have found refuge in the built-up towns, where they have sought solace after being displaced from their homes in what is now Israel. The camps have become increasingly crowded as a result of the influx of individuals who have fled from the northern region. In a phone interview from Bureij, Radwan Abu Sheitta described the bombing as highly intense. Read Also: Russian Warship in Black Sea Damaged by Ukrainian Air Strike-Defense Ministry Shares Details Palestinians Seek Shelter Amid Ongoing Israeli Intense Combat The Israeli military has issued an order for residents to evacuate a specific area in central Gaza. Urging them to relocate to the nearby town of Deir al-Balah, this directive highlights the escalating tensions in the region. In a recent development, the military has revealed that it was conducting operations in Bureij. Furthermore, they have made a claim that they successfully identified a Hamas training camp in the area. In the wake of a series of telecom outages witnessed throughout the war, Paltel has recently announced yet another outage. NetBlocks, a renowned organization specializing in monitoring internet outages, that network connectivity in Gaza has once again been disrupted. This disruption is expected to have a significant impact, as it is likely to result in a majority of the residents being left without online access. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan revealed that multiple countries have submitted proposals aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. This development comes in the wake of news regarding an Egyptian proposal, which suggests the establishment of a transitional Palestinian government in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. In his statement, he expressed that Hamas has shown willingness to consider any proposals that would result in a comprehensive cessation of hostilities against their people. The military's announcement of the new battle zone threatens further destruction in a war that Israel says will last for "many months" as it vows to crush the ruling Hamas militant group after its Octotber 7 attack. Israeli forces have been actively involved in intense urban combat in both northern Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis. As a result, Palestinians are being forced to seek shelter in increasingly confined spaces, as per WA Today. Israel's Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, held a meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, according to official statements from the United States. In response to US appeals for Israel to reduce civilian casualties and growing international demands for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the military will intensify its engagement in the conflict. Related Article: PM Netanyahu Explains Key to Israel-Palestine Peace: Hamas Elimination, Gaza Demilitarization, More @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Seguin, TX (78155) Today Areas of patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy early, then sunshine for the afternoon. High 74F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear with gusty winds developing late. Low 51F. S winds shifting to W at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Giant to absorb one per cent GST hike for 700 essential products for six months in 2024. (PHOTO: Giant) SINGAPORE Supermarket chain Giant will absorb the one per cent rate increase in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for 700 products from 1 January to 30 June 2024. It announced on Tuesday (26 December) that this will be for 700 essential products across its key categories, including "fresh and grocery", "personal care" and "household essentials". As one of Singapore's leading value retailers, our top priority is to ensure that essential products remain affordable. By absorbing the GST increase over a six-month period, coupled with Giant's ongoing initiatives like Lower Prices That Last, 4% Senior Citizen Discount, and yuu Rewards Club, we hope that Singaporeans can continue to shop and enjoy their favourite essential products in the new year," said Yoep Man, Managing Director for Food, Singapore, for DFI Retail Group, which operates Giant. DFI said that those 700 essential products have been carefully selected based on customer feedback and data. Some of these products include: Leafy Vegetables 220g Carrot China Sweet Corn Malaysia Royal Gala Apples Meadows Milk 1L Meadows Home Bathroom Tissue Meadows Home Laundry Liquid Meadows Assorted Biscuit Meadows Canned Tuna Meadows Mayonnaise Meadows Granulated Sugar Meadows Shredded Mozzarella Meadows Ice Cream 1L Meadows Pasta Sauce Meadows Home Aluminium Foil Vitapet Dry Cat Food Yu Pin King Raw Peanuts Giant joins the FairPrice Group, which also announced a similar programme in November. Home furnishing retailer IKEA has also announced its initiative to absorb the GST rate hike. Senior citizen discount Meanwhile, Giant's ongoing four per cent storewide discount for senior citizens every Thursday will be in effect for the entire year of 2024. Story continues Giant will also be continuing its Lower Prices That Last campaign which was launched in 2020 "with the goal of providing Singaporeans with essential groceries products that are fresh, high quality and affordable". Singaporeans can enjoy these savings by signing up for the yuu Rewards Club and earn points for every dollar spent at the same time. The accumulated points can be redeemed for rewards at over 1,000 places including Giant, Cold Storage, CS Fresh, Guardian, and 7-Eleven. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. HIV testing kits in China. (PHOTO: Reuters/Thomas Peter) SINGAPORE The Ministry of Health (MOH) is reviewing a law which requires those with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) to inform their sexual partners of the risk of viral transmission or face jail time. The Straits Times reported on Wednesday (27 December) that the ministry as saying that studies have revealed that there is "practically no risk" of transmission among people living with HIV who have been compliant with treatment and maintained a stable, undetectable viral load. MOH is conducting a review of the Infectious Diseases Act (IDA) following the White Paper on Singapores Response to COVID-19, and will take the latest scientific evidence into account when reviewing the sections on HIV to ensure continued relevance and alignment with our public health policy goals, an MOH spokesperson told ST. The law was introduced in 1992 so that partners of those living with HIV can make an informed decision and take necessary precautions to protect themselves. In 2008, the maximum jail term was raised from two years to 10 years, while culpability was also widened to include those who do not know if they have HIV or AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) but have reason to believe they were exposed to significant risk of infection, such as having multiple sex partners. From 2019 to this month, six people were convicted for failing to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners. Sexual health should be shared responsibility: Experts ST reported that advocacy groups and infectious diseases experts believe the current law may be counterproductive to public health goals. In a letter published on the national broadsheet's Forum page last month, the advocacy groups argued that sexual health should be a shared responsibility between partners, regardless of their HIV status. They also said the law is unnecessary, given that there is existing legislation outside the IDA that penalises deception and grievous harm. Story continues Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, told ST that he is also of the view that the law should be repealed. It is a very extreme minority who want to deliberately infect other people with HIV, but everyone should know that they can protect themselves from HIV by using condoms or taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis medicine), he said. However, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung had cautioned in a Parliamentary reply in February that the use of prophylaxis medicine is a supplementary HIV-preventive option, as it is neither fully effective nor protects against other sexually-transmitted infections. Close to 7,000 people living with HIV HIV attacks the immune system and AIDS - which is fatal if untreated - is the final stage of its infection. While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy can improve the immune system and suppress the viral load in a patients body to an undetectable level. According to an MOH update on the HIV/AIDS situation, Singapore has close to 7,000 people living with the disease. A total of 9,331 persons have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS since 1985, with 188 newly-diagnosed cases in the first 10 months of 2023. Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. To feel 2023 is to listen closely and think on the words of awe, dread, anger, disconnect, loss and yes, love that flowed from people directly involved in the world's most recent turns of history. To help tell the story, The Associated Press presents quotes from people around the world who shared their experiences, thoughts and insights. Some are universal and insightful, others intimate and specific and a few cases looking at you, Elon Musk may require a double take. In many instances, the sharing itself was an act of courage at a time when people are increasingly isolated. Perhaps, they'll make you feel less alone as this year of war, chaos and beauty comes to a close. LONELINESS Its like hunger or thirst. Its a feeling the body sends us when something we need for survival is missing. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in an interview with The Associated Press in May after his office reported that loneliness is an epidemic in the U.S. that was dramatically worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization says anxiety and depression increased by 25% globally since the outbreak the COVID-19 global crisis. FATIGUE Ten years of war and struggle. And it seems like the blood has only just begun to flow, truly. I regret nothing. But, God, its just so tiresome. Dmytro Riznychenko, a 41-year-old psychologist, walking through Kyiv's Independence Square in November as he considered an uprising that unleashed a decade of momentous change for Ukraine, eventually leading to the current war with Russia. WONDER Im feeling the goosebumps, and its a very happy moment You can see the energy. Its beyond words. Shrini Singh as she watched the live broadcast of Indian spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 landing on the lunar surface, making India only the fourth country to achieve this milestone. The successful landing showcasing Indias rising standing as a technology and space powerhouse sparked celebrations across India. Singh was speaking in New Delhi on Aug 23. GRIEF We are the best actors in the world. We act like people. When really, we are other beings frozen in our acutely agonizing desolation. Rachel Goldberg, mother of Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, speaking to the U.N. in Geneva Dec. 12. She was describing the experience of walking around in the world in a sort of limbo, with family members kidnapped during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack still in captivity as Israel bombards Gaza. Hersh was last seen in a Hamas video climbing into a pickup truck that day with his arm blown off. LIMBO She comes into my dreams. She comes into every conversation were having here. Everyone keeps asking about her, how her night was, if there is anyone holding her. Because she is all alone. Tal Idan, speaking of her niece, Abigail, 3, whose parents were killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas raid in Israel. Abigail was taken hostage and later released during a prisoner exchange. HUMILIATION We were treated like cattle, they even wrote numbers on our hands. We could feel their hatred. Ibrahim Lubbad, a 30-year-old computer engineer arrested in Beit Lahiya in the Gaza Strip on Dec. 7 with a dozen other family members and held overnight. Israeli wartime roundups, in which people have been taken to a camp at an undisclosed location, nearly naked and with little water. The roundups revealed an emerging tactic in Israels ground offensive in Gaza, experts say, as the military sought to solidify control in evacuated areas in the north and collect intelligence about Hamas operations. EXASPERATION We are here all together, all the world together, to combat climate change and really, were negotiating for what? Were negotiating for what in the middle of a genocide? Hadeel Ikhmais, a climate change expert with the Palestinian Authority, on Dec. 1 during the COP28 talks in Dubai. The Israeli offensive has killed more than 18,700 Palestinians as of the weekend of Dec. 16-17, the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory says. MEANING There will come a point where no job is needed. You can have a job if you wanted to have a job for personal satisfaction. But the AI would be able to do everything One of the challenges in the future will be how do we find meaning in life. Tesla CEO Elon Musk on AI, in conversation Nov. 20 with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. DISAPPOINTMENT "They told me that this country was different. But for me, its been hell. Karina Obando, 38, a mother from Ecuador who has been given until Jan. 5 to leave the former hotel in New York City where she has been staying with her two young children. She is one of thousands of migrant families in an emergency shelter system who has been ordered by the city to clear out, with winter setting in. Mayor Eric Adams says the order is necessary to relieve a shelter system overwhelmed by asylum-seekers crossing the southern U.S. border. PAIN What is most painful is that years after the brutalities and the stealing of our land, British companies are still in possession of our ancestral homes, earning millions from their comfortable headquarters in the U.K., while our people remain squatters. Joel Kimutai Kimetto, 74, speaking to the AP in a phone interview during King Charles IIIs visit to Kenya in October. Kimetto said his grandfather and father were kicked out of their ancestral home by the British. HOPE God gave me a new lease on life. Osama Abdel Hamid, weeping at a hospital in Idlib, Syria, after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, the deadliest in decades, devastated his war-ravaged country and parts of Turkey Feb. 6. He said most of his neighbors died when their shared four-story building collapsed. As he fled with his wife and three children, a wooden door fell on them, shielding them from falling debris. ANGER We did not die from hunger or the earthquake, but we will die freezing from the cold. It shouldnt be this way. No one is sending help. Aysan Kurt, 27, speaking to the AP near the quakes epicenter in Turkey. FOCUS When we dig, we look for someone alive. From there, we dont ask ourselves questions. If theyre alive, great. If theyre dead, its a shame. Patrick Villadry of the French rescue crew ULIS, describing the technique necessary given the quakes devastation. Recovering the dead, he noted, was important for Moroccan families. QUESTIONING I dont understand. Now it's harder and colder. A commander of the 11th National Guard Brigades anti-drone unit who is known on the battlefield as Boxer, voicing discontent among Ukrainian soldiers once extremely rare and expressed only in private. He was speaking about Ukraine's attacks against well-armed Russian troops on the other side of the Dnieper River in the southern city of Kherson. Soldiers are asking why these difficult amphibious operations were not launched months ago in warmer weather. DISILLUSIONMENT "This is probably the most uniquely horrible choice Ive had in my life. Andrew Collins, 35, an independent from Windham, Maine, on the likely showdown in next years election between political foes men who each have served one term as president, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden. Collins participated a poll this month from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. in which American voters made clear how less than jazzed they are about such a rematch in 2024. AWE "It is amazing to see this huge berg in person it stretches as far as the eye can see. Andrew Meijers, chief scientist aboard the research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough, which crossed paths with the mega iceberg known as the A23a near Antarctica in early December. The iceberg is three times the size of New York City, or more than twice the size of Greater London. SHOCK When they asked me to open my bra ... I was shocked! But I couldnt speak or refuse. When I tried to cover my breast with my hand, I was even scolded and yelled at...I was totally confused, nervous and humiliated, especially when I was told to lift my left leg on the chair. Priskila Ribka Jelita, a 23-year-old model and a 2023 Miss Universe Indonesia contestant, describing her body check in an interview with The Associated Press on August 15 in Jakarta, Indonesia. APPRECIATION There was silence and like a mist, as if it was dusk, but only a few minutes later the birds were singing again. Carmen Jardines, 56, watching the ring of fire eclipse in October from Cancun, Mexico on the dance of the moon and the sun cheered by millions across the Americas. ALIENATION "My name is used to raise money. But Jean-Pierre doesnt give me much. Amazon Kayapo tribal Chief Raoni Metuktire, on Belgian filmmaker Jean-Pierre Dutilleux after the souring of their five-decade partnership, considered to be among the worlds most productive partnerships between an Indigenous chief and a Westerner. WARINESS Maybe it looks the same on the surface. But when you look with a magnifying glass, youll see the essence isnt the same." Hong Kong artist Wong Ka-ying, 32, who said she sees cultural life is recovering from a stretch of stifling protests and pandemic restrictions. But, she said, even at a glamorous art fair, she felt the chill of a legal clampdown. The art felt tamer than in past years and overtly political art was rare. She was one of 20 people interviewed who said that business indicators and everyday life point to a recovery. But when it comes to anything political, the openness and freedoms that were once hallmarks of the Chinese-ruled former British colony seem permanently gone. CELEBRATION A three-part summer of feminine extravaganza. Taylor Swift, Time's Person of the Year, describing the summer of 2023 being dominated culturally by her Eras tour, the Barbie movie and Beyonces blockbuster Renaissance Tour. PROTECTIVENESS Lets not have the bleeding of these works, all this intellectual property leaving the continent. Lets keep it here. Ugandan attorney Linda Mutesi, an art collector who helped launch the Contemporary Art Society of Uganda. Collecting for her and others has become a principled effort aimed at retaining Africas most unique cultural resources. INTENTION Im trying not to do anything that alienates anyone. But I cant just not do the right thing because Im scared. Cydney Wallace, a Black Jewish community activist in Chicago, part of a growing number of Black Americans who see the Palestinian struggle in the West Bank and Gaza reflected in their own fight for racial equality and civil rights. The recent rise of protest movements against police brutality in the U.S., where structural racism plagues nearly every facet of life, has connected Black and Palestinian activists under a common cause. PRAYER May God save us. Phrase that neighbors used to greet each other in a remote village in Moroccos Ouargane Valley after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake devastated the region Sept. 8. It was the most intense tremor to hit North Africa in 120 years. WASHINGTON With the GOP presidential primaries just about to start, many Republicans aren't certain that votes will be counted correctly in their contest, as pessimism spreads about the future of both the Democratic and Republican parties, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About one-third of Republicans say they have a "great deal" or "quite a bit" of confidence that votes in the Republican primary elections and caucuses will be counted correctly. About three in 10 Republicans report a "moderate" amount of confidence, and 32% say they have "only a little" or "none at all." In contrast, 72% of Democrats have high confidence their party will count votes accurately in its primary contests. Democrats are also slightly more likely than Republicans to have a high level of confidence in the Republican Party's vote count being accurate. Republicans continue to be broadly doubtful about votes being counted accurately in the early contests or beyond them. About one-quarter of Republicans say they have at least "quite a bit" of confidence that the votes in the 2024 presidential election will be counted accurately, significantly lower than Democrats. Slightly fewer than half of U.S. adults overall (46%) believe the same, which is in line with an AP-NORC poll conducted in June. The skepticism among Republicans comes after years of former President Donald Trump falsely blaming his 2020 loss on election fraud. Federal and state election officials and Trump's own attorney general have said there is no credible evidence the election was tainted. Courts, including judges Trump appointed, also rejected the former president's allegations of fraud. "Nothing will be fair because the last election was rigged," said Julie Duggan, 32, of Chicago, a Trump voter, referring to 2020. "I don't trust any of them at this point." The AP-NORC poll found a widespread lack of trust in both major political parties among U.S. adults overall. About one-quarter of U.S. adults say they have "only a little" confidence or "none at all" that both the Democratic Party and Republican Party have a fair process for selecting a presidential nominee. About half of independents have that low level of confidence in both party's processes, compared with one-quarter of Republicans and 19% of Democrats. Slightly fewer than half of U.S. adults 46% say they are pessimistic about the way the country's leaders are chosen. About half of U.S. adults are pessimistic about the future of the Republican Party, including one-third of Republicans and 45% of independents. The poll found 45% of U.S. adults are pessimistic about the future of the Democratic Party, including about one-quarter of Democrats and 41% of independents. "The way they're spending our money, sending it all over the world and not protecting our people here in the United States of America," said Gary Jackson, a 65-year-old retired trucker and Republican in Boise, Idaho. "Right now, I'm not impressed with either party." Christine Allen, a political independent in Gambrills, Maryland, sees her state's last governor, Larry Hogan, a moderate Republican, as a model for the country. But Hogan refused to run in the GOP presidential primary, which she sees as emblematic of how the two-party system prevents talented leaders from holding office. "Everybody right now is a bunch of children, stomping their feet until they get their way," Allen, 44, said. "Everybody's at fault here. There's no winners." Nonetheless, Allen thinks the primaries will be fair. "They're fairer than the Electoral College," she said. Even those who identify with the two political parties are uneasy about whom their organizations will nominate. A recent AP-NORC poll found that Democrats and Republicans are also not especially confident that their party's primary contests will result in a candidate who can win the general election in November. Additionally, there are some doubts on both sides that the emerging candidates will represent their party's views or Americans overall. Only three in 10 Democrats say they are confident the Democratic party's process will result in a candidate whose views represent most Americans. About one-quarter of Democrats believe the process will produce a candidate whose views represent their own. Similarly, about three in 10 Republicans say the GOP process will produce a candidate who represents a majority of Americans. About one-third of Republicans expect they'll get a nominee whose views represent their own. Mark Richards, a 33-year-old middle school teacher in Toledo, Ohio, and a Democrat, said he expects President Joe Biden will be nominated again by the party, despite his low job approval numbers. The incumbent faces only token opposition in the Democratic presidential primary. "I feel like there's got to be someone better out there, but I don't think another Democrat is going to unseat Joe Biden," Richards said. Though Richards thinks the primaries will be fair and the votes accurately counted, he sees the nominating system as inherently flawed. "It's all about money, who can get the most money from PACs and Super PACs," he said, referring to political committees that donate to candidates or spend millions of dollars on their behalf. From wildfires to floods, photos reveal intensity of climate change in 2023 Most U.S. state legislatures will reconvene in January for the first time since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel sparked a war in Gaza and protests worldwide and they're preparing to take action in response, both symbolic and concrete. Legislatures in at least eight states that were in session late in 2023 already condemned the attacks. "My worldview was shaped by the fact that my forbearers were not protected during the Holocaust, that no one came to their aid," said Florida state Sen. Lori Berman, a Democrat who sponsored a resolution that passed unanimously last month in her state. "Silence and indifference are the reason why bad evil is able to prevail." Measures were introduced for the 2024 sessions in states from New Hampshire to Tennessee, and more are likely. In the Oct. 7 attack, Hamas killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 240 others hostage. Israel responded with attacks on Gaza, leveling buildings, causing 1.9 million Palestinian residents to flee their homes and killing more than 20,000, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. Strong emotions about the war are informed by a long history of conflict. Since Oct. 7, at least 59 Hamas- or Israel-related pieces of legislation have been introduced in state legislatures. Most are resolutions condemning Hamas' attack and supporting Israel. In states including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas, resolutions condemning Hamas' attack passed unanimously or nearly so. Others have different aims: Resolutions in Pennsylvania and Texas would encourage President Joe Biden to facilitate an end to the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. A New Jersey bill would have the state reimburse travel bills for state residents who were evacuated from Israel during the attack or afterward. The issue could become more complex as the war goes on, with Democrats in some states becoming divided on resolutions. In Michigan, the Democratic-led state House adjourned its 2023 session without agreeing on a resolution, as Arab American lawmakers refused to support a resolution condemning Hamas and supporting Israel's response. Another resolution in Michigan would call on Democrat U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib the only Palestinian American in Congress to resign over rhetoric widely seen as calling for the eradication of Israel. Her statements already brought her censure from Congress. While condemning the attack is a largely popular position, how the bills do so varies. During a special session this month, the Georgia House of Representatives approved a resolution condemning the attacks. Only two of the 180 representatives voted against the resolution, but 49 didn't vote. Among those not voting was Rep. Ruwa Romman, a Democrat and the first Muslim woman elected to the chamber. She said she told the bill's authors that she would have supported it if it had said the state stands with the Israeli people, instead of Israel. "You can't ask me to stand with a country that displaced my grandparents and is now killing people en masse," Romman said. Lawmakers also are weighing how to handle protests and Palestinian-oriented events at universities, some of them accused of allowing antisemitism. Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania this month defeated legislation to send $33.5 million to the private University of Pennsylvania's veterinary school amid criticism and claims that the university was tolerating antisemitism. Indiana's Republican House Speaker Todd Huston told his caucus in November that he would prioritize addressing antisemitism on college campuses in light of the Israel-Hamas war. The Indiana House passed a bill during the 2023 legislative session that sought to define antisemitism as religious discrimination and "provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination." The bill died in the Senate. A Florida measure introduced in 2023 would force public university students who support Hamas and other groups designated as terrorist organizations to pay out-of-state tuition. The bill did not advance in a special session in November but the bill's sponsor, GOP state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, said he would bring it back. A New Jersey measure would target funding for universities, rather than individual students, prohibiting them from "authorizing, facilitating, providing funding for, or otherwise supporting any event or organization promoting antisemitism or hate speech on campus." Its sponsor in the Assembly, Republican Alex Sauickie, said he believes the idea can pick up the bipartisan support needed to pass in a Democrat-controlled legislature. Edward Ahmed Michell, the national deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said measures restricting speech could be found unconstitutional and he doesn't expect them to gain traction. He said many of the others, which focus on support for Israel but not for the people of Gaza killed or displaced in the war, also are troubling. "I understand state legislators want to comment on international incidents that are relevant to their constituents, and that's fine," said Edward Ahmed Michell, national deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "But they need to be morally consistent." RENO, Nev. 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 2,500 miles away. He announced the tribe is abandoning its 3-year lawsuit and wanted to show that 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," he said, "but we are changing our strategy." 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 touted more spending on infrastructure and health care across Indian Country. Many tribes benefitted, including those who led campaigns to establish new national monuments in Utah and Arizona. In New Mexico, pueblos 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 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, 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 that there was "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 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 tribes 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 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 the administration will be aggressive with training to make sure employees understand sacred sites. "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. Before long, six cameras that record motorists license plate numbers will be mounted on digital overhead signs on Interstate 80 somewhere in Lancaster County, the latest crime-fighting tool of the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office. The so-called automated license plate readers an increasingly common tool used by law enforcement agencies to help find suspects are controversial because of privacy concerns. Although law enforcement officers say theyre a game-changer, the ACLU Nebraska has opposed them at the state level as well as locally. The cameras capture a still image of all license plate numbers that pass near the device and are used by law enforcement officers, who flag vehicles connected to various crimes including Amber alerts, human trafficking and violent crimes. Lancaster County has two cameras mounted on cruisers and one mounted on a Lincoln Police Department cruiser used by an officer on a criminal interdiction task force, which is overseen by the sheriffs office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. LPD spokeswoman Erika Thomas said other than the officer on the interdiction task force, the department no longer uses such devices. Douglas and Seward counties and the Bellevue Police Department are among Nebraska agencies that use them. But last year, the Douglas County Sheriffs Office pulled a proposed agreement with the City of Omaha to put the cameras on Omaha streets because there wasnt sufficient support from the council. Lancaster County Board Chairman Christa Yoakum said she had concerns about the cameras, though the statutory limitations ultimately convinced the board, which unanimously approved extending a contract with Vigilant Solutions for another year that allowed the sheriffs office to buy the new cameras. Since 2018, Nebraska has had a law that governs the use of such devices, including how long law enforcement can retain images captured by the plate readers. The law has caused confusion about what data can be used in court proceedings and a legislative bill introduced this year attempted to clarify that. The bill, which didnt make it out of committee, also would have required documented reasons for the search to be recorded in a digital log and audited annually, made intentional violations of the act a felony and limited who can operate such cameras to law enforcement agencies. Under the existing law, license plates are stored by a third-party contractor for six months, but police can flag images of specific plates as investigatory so they wont be erased. ACLU Nebraska opposed changes to the original bill, which it helped draft. This is mass surveillance operated by law enforcement with the tech companies, the ACLUs Spike Eickholt told a legislative committee. Jane Seu, an attorney with ACLU Nebraska, said concerns about privacy and a lack of transparency remain. Theres a question of where the information is being harvested and if its with a third party, what theyre doing with it, she said. Without transparency or safeguards, I think theres big risks. Lancaster County Sheriffs Capt. Mike Peschong said the six cameras will be placed in two locations, with three cameras (one per lane) at each location. The department just got the cameras but are still going through a permitting process with the state before they can install them. The department is working with the State Patrol, which is working to get additional cameras to put along the interstate farther west, he said. Peschong said the cameras have been very useful helping catch six homicide suspects over the past four years. An advantage to having fixed cameras is that they arent dependent on the deputy with the camera on his cruiser being on duty to capture images. He said there are guidelines in place to ensure agencies use the cameras appropriately, and law enforcement agencies can only flag vehicles connected to crimes. Last year, the license plate readers helped locate a teenager from Houston who was charged with the death of his mother, who was found strangled to death in the trunk of his car when he was stopped by patrol officers near Grand Island, Peschong said. I think were going to be able to rescue more children and human trafficking victims that we wouldnt normally know about, he said. Top Journal Star photos for December 2023 Israel announced on Tuesday that they had blocked automatic visas for United Nations employees amid the rising tensions in the Israel-Hamas war. The Israeli government accused the UN of being involved in Hamas's tactics. Israel Blocks Automatic Visas for UN Employees Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy announced that Israel will only consider case-by-case basis visa requests and said that the country will no longer work with the people who cooperate with Hamas's terror regime's propaganda machine. Levy said that the international officials have been deflecting blame onto Israel to cover up for the fact that they were covering up for Hamas in failing to condemn Hamas for hijacking aid and failing to condemn it for waging war out of hospitals. He noted that Israel urges its allies to follow suit and stand up for basic integrity. Tensions between Israel and the UN have intensified in recent weeks due to the UN's repeated calls for a ceasefire. According to the health ministry in Gaza, over 20,900 Palestinian casualties have been recorded since early October. Israel has expanded its ground offensive in the central Gaza Strip, mainly in the urban refugee camps, to neutralize Hamas. US officials have also engaged in discussions with Israel's minister for strategic affairs at the White House due to the escalating pressure for a ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has reached central camps like Nuseirat, Maghazi, and Bureij, where shelling and airstrikes were reported. Palestinians now reside in these camps who fled northern Gaza during the early stages of Israel's ground offensive. Israel's military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, claimed that there would be extensive fighting in central camps. Read Also: Ukraine Refutes Russia's Claim of Gaining Control of Key Town in Donetsk UN Passes Ceasefire Resolution The UN passed a nonbinding resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza earlier this month, along with ten countries. The US and Israel voted against the resolution. Several UN leaders, such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have repeatedly supported increased aid to Gaza and a ceasefire. Last week, the UN Security Council passed a resolution for humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. According to The Hill, Hamas took 240 people hostage during its October 7 attack in Israel into Israel. Israel's retaliation on October 7 has killed 1,200 people. Last month, Hamas released 100 hostages during a week-long ceasefire. The US voted against the most recent resolution but did not also block it. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield claimed that the UN Security Council clarified that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza needs to remain at the forefront of their agenda. Furthermore, while the US has not joined the ceasefire in Gaza, the White House and other US officials said they have warned Israel to take greater caution in minimizing civilian deaths in Gaza. Related Article: PM Netanyahu Explains Key to Israel-Palestine Peace: Hamas Elimination, Gaza Demilitarization, More @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. I finally abandoned my opposition this year to an old idea -- the horseshoe theory of political ideologies. The term is often attributed to French author Jean-Pierre Faye's 1996 book "Le Siecle des ideologies" ("the century of ideologies"), but the concept is much older. It basically holds that the extreme right ("fascism") and extreme left ("communism") bend toward each other like the ends of a horseshoe. While I've always thought totalitarian regimes -- Stalin's Russia, Hitler's Germany -- have more similarities than differences, I didn't believe that the horseshoe theory mapped well in the American context. For starters, it depends heavily on the European understanding of the left-right ideological continuum. In contrast to the Anglo-American tradition, in the continental tradition, right vs. left fights were more about how to use state power, rather than how to limit it. Statism wasn't much of a dirty word for either side. Meanwhile anti-statism, including an ornery passion for civil liberties -- i.e. classical liberalism -- has always been a core component of American exceptionalism. Indeed, left and right in U.S. politics often become less statist as they become more extreme. This is a familiar observation about the right. Wanting to abolish government agencies, privatize or deregulate state functions, was long a hallmark of the American right. It's hard to see how becoming more libertarian makes you more "fascist." But the American left has an anti-statist streak, too. For instance, defunding the police, legalizing drugs, open borders, decriminalizing prostitution, abolishing the "prison industrial complex": These are more anarchic ambitions than statist. True communists like their cops and prisons. So while the American left and right have always had plenty of disagreements, they were usually hashed out within the framework of America's deep-seated classical liberalism. But what happens when the extremes abandon that liberalism? They start looking awfully similar. For instance, few extremists from either pole really oppose cancel culture or censorship. They just want the ability to cancel or censor people or ideas they don't like. Former President Donald Trump is a zealous advocate for his free speech rights, but holds nearly opposite views for his critics. The left and right may see huge differences between left-wing identity politics and right-wing identity politics. But it's still identity politics, and the notion that individuals should be judged by what groups they belong to is profoundly illiberal. Perhaps the most discomforting convergence is over the Constitution. The Federalist Society, with its deeply conservative and passionate commitment to constitutional fidelity, has always been a bulwark of classical liberalism because the Constitution is a quintessentially liberal charter. Indeed, that's why Trump has reportedly turned his back on disloyal Federalist Society lawyers, many of whom wouldn't aid Trump's effort to steal the election. He now favors MAGA pettifoggers happy to treat the Constitution like an illegitimate law they can help their client wiggle out of. There's even a new right-wing project called "common good constitutionalism" that seeks to dethrone the Federalist Society and abandon constitutional originalism in favor of a results-driven approach to the law and the Constitution. From my perspective as a traditional conservative, that approach mirrors the left's invocation of a "living constitution" to defeat constitutional interpretations it doesn't like. Of course, these trends predate 2023. But what's changed is how much more willing the political center is to let itself be defined by the logic and rhetoric of the extremes. The result is a kind of bipartisan consensus around the more European idea of fighting for control of the state, led by fairly mainstream politicians terrified of their party's bases. Why the rhetoric of the fringes has become mainstream probably has a lot to do with the changing media landscape and weakness of parties. But what remains constant is the importance of rhetoric itself. And the loudest voices are bending the arc of our politics towards illiberalism. GILBERT, S.C. (AP) Standing inside a rustic barn a short drive from the state capital, Henry McMaster shocked many South Carolina Republicans seven years ago by backing Donald Trump for president. Then the lieutenant governor, McMaster became the first statewide-elected official in the country to endorse Trump in 2016. The event was in Lexington County, the adopted political home of then-Gov. Nikki Haley, who had repeatedly criticized Trump and endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Trump would win the 2016 primary in South Carolina and eventually the presidency. After campaigning against him, Haley would accept his nomination as United Nations ambassador, making McMaster governor. That complicated history is coming to the fore as Haley mounts a spirited effort to become the leading Republican alternative to Trump. Her strategy is centered on a strong showing in next months Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary before much of the campaigns focus shifts to South Carolina, where the Feb. 24 contest could be the last chance for anyone other than Trump to prove they can survive. But her home state has shifted closer to Trump in the near-decade since she last ran for state office, threatening her ability to tap into her local roots to notch the victory she has promised. Ten years is an eternity when all politics are national, said Matt Moore, a former state GOP chairman. Trump tapped into thousands of low-frequency voters who have reshaped South Carolina politics. Many of them werent focused on state-level issues prior, or even now. Trump's grip on GOP The former president this time has the endorsement of almost every major South Carolina Republican. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who ran against Trump, suggested he would destroy the Republican Party and openly questioned McMasters thinking over the 2016 endorsement, is now a close ally of the former president and is co-chairing Trumps state campaign with McMaster. South Carolina's lieutenant governor, state treasurer, attorney general and three of its six Republican U.S. House members all back Trump. The only congressman to endorse Haley is Rep. Ralph Norman, a longtime ally. Trump drew an estimated 50,000 people to a sweltering Fourth of July rally in Pickens, South Carolina, in the strongly conservative Upstate. Haley, meanwhile, set a record for her campaign last month with 2,500 people along the states southern coast, known for its wealthier and more traditional conservative set. John Reed, a businessman from upscale Hilton Head Island who donated to Haleys 2010 campaign, backed Trump in 2016 and 2020. But he is supporting Haley this time because he says she offers a contrast from Trumps divisive and disrespectful tenor. I think Nikkis the best of them because she has abilities and experience, said Reed. Trumps narcissism and pride and arrogance is just too much for the office. Losing South Carolina would be a huge blow to Haley's campaign, which is counting on outlasting rivals like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and picking up momentum from people open to a Trump alternative. A home state primary loss has devastated previous campaigns, including Rubio, who dropped out of the 2016 primary after a blowout loss to Trump in Florida. Sen. Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the 2020 Democratic race after losing several primaries in one day, including in her home state of Massachusetts. Lexington County, where McMaster endorsed Trump, is Haleys adopted political home and the area she represented in the state legislature. She came back to the same rustic barn in April to hold a rally for her presidential campaign. She was little known when she launched a bid for governor against three high-profile candidates including McMaster running on a message of fiscal responsibility and going after what she described as entrenched powers in Columbia. She aligned with the tea party movement that arose during President Barack Obamas first term. Her key endorsement in that race was Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor who remained a powerhouse in GOP politics after her 2008 vice presidential bid. After also being backed by Mitt Romney, whose 2008 White House run she had supported, Haley nearly won the GOP primary outright and was victorious in the runoff. Haley's record Haley points to several accomplishments during her six years as governor, including bringing economic investment and jobs to the state, requiring companies to verify the employment eligibility of their workers, and supporting voter ID laws. She's perhaps best remembered nationally for helping to persuade the Legislature to remove the Confederate battle flag from the Statehouse grounds after a mass shooting in which a white gunman killed eight Black church members who were attending Bible study although Haley had previously dismissed the need for the flag to come down. Haley's presidential campaign points toward her previous popularity in South Carolina as a signal she will perform well when it comes time for her home state's voters to make their selection. South Carolinians first elected Nikki when she was the anti-establishment, conservative candidate for governor," said Olivia Perez-Cubas. They know she has what it takes to win because theyve seen her beat the odds before not just once, but twice. But Trump changed Republican politics in South Carolina and nationally. That includes Lexington County, where the county GOP has been roiled for months by a legal battle between two people claiming to oversee it, a split within a recently elected slate supportive of Trumps Make America Great Again vision. Michael Burgess, who served as a vice chairman for the Lexington County GOP and described himself as a never ever, ever Trumper, said he felt the areas shift toward populism in the years after Trumps 2016 election. Lexington County is a microcosm of South Carolina, said Burgess, who teaches AP U.S. History at a local high school. What weve seen since the 2020 election is a concerted effort by MAGA to take over the county party mechanism, and essentially, when they do that, to drive out long-term establishment Reagan Republicans. Burgess, who said he voted for neither Trump nor Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016 and supported Democrat Joe Biden in 2020, said he had initially backed South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott in the 2024 GOP primary, but now sees Haley as the partys best bet to defeat Trump. But another person who supported Haley when she ran in 2010 now blames her for criticizing Trump in 2016, even though he supported her work as governor. When she came out and said, We need to ignore a lot of the loud voices, that kind of really rubbed me wrong, because it was those voices that got her elected governor, said Allen Olsen, who founded a tea party group in South Carolinas capital city of Columbia. Although I understood what she was doing, it really kind of felt like I got stabbed in the back. State Rep. RJ May, a leader of the states House Freedom Caucus, argued Haley is now more of an establishment figure due to her service as governor and then United Nations ambassador. He said he doesnt see Trump the same way even though Trump is now a former president running his third campaign for the White House. Its hard to take that lane from Donald Trump, considering the weaponization of the federal government that were seeing, said May, who has not endorsed a candidate in the presidential primary. One thing I dont think you can call Donald Trump is an insider. But there are still people in South Carolina who have been waiting for Haley to run for the White House. At the event in Bluffton, South Carolina, that drew 2,500 people, Veronica Wetzel donned a Nikki 2024 hat she said she bought years ago. Now, she said shes ready to vote for Haley, in part because she wants to see Republicans win in November. I really dont know if Donald Trump can win, said Wetzel, adding she had supported Trump in past contests. We need to put somebody in there who can win because the last thing we need right now is to lose this election. Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Former President Donald Trumps campaign makes a move for the patriotic heartstrings in its latest ad. The campaign ad, which is titled A Christmas to Remember and is airing in Iowa, features former Trump White House spokeswoman and current Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders describing Trumps unannounced visit in Christmas 2018 to see U.S. troops in Iraq. That room absolutely erupted, Sanders says in a recording from a Trump campaign event featured in the new ad. That was the kind of patriotism President Trump brought back to our country. Trump continues to hold a consistent and commanding lead over the Republican presidential primary candidates, both nationally in Iowa, ahead of the Jan. 15, first-in-the-nation Iowa Republican caucuses. He is just over 50 percent in the rolling polling averages at both Real Clear Politics and fivethirtyeight, with roughly 30-point leads over the rest of the field in both. Haley highlights polls in new ad Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haleys campaign has unveiled a new campaign ad that began airing recently in Iowa. The new ad, titled Strong and Proud, features recent national polling that shows Haley faring better than other Republican primary candidates in a prospective general election against Democratic President Joe Biden. A recent Wall Street Journal poll showed Haley beating Biden by 17 percentage points. The Haley campaign also is airing a new campaign ad in New Hampshire, which highlights the endorsement of New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu. In Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds has endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP race. LINCOLN A contentious legislative session that drew national attention, including fights over abortion, gun rights, school choice and transgender care, dominated Nebraska politics in 2023. Those are among the top five political stories of 2023, as selected by the staff of the Nebraska Examiner: A stricter abortion ban, but less strict than initially sought Conservatives in the Legislature fell one vote short of passing what they call a heartbeat bill, which would have banned abortions after an ultrasound detects embryonic cardiac activity, or at about six weeks gestational age. But later in the session Gov. Jim Pillen and legislative leaders revived the issue, crafting a new ban at 12 weeks gestational age and combining it with legislation limiting gender-affirming health care options of trans minors. State law had previously banned abortion at 20 weeks after fertilization. Lawmakers passed the combined measure, Legislative Bill 574, after days of protests. After the vote, legislative action was disrupted by people in the legislative chambers gallery shouting and throwing tampons and pads onto the legislative floor. The vote was so close that in order to help overcome a filibuster, State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, who was sick and pregnant, left the hospital to help the bill pass. Abortion rights advocate Opponents of abortion restrictions pledged to fight back. They are gathering signatures for a potential ballot initiative to put the right to an abortion in the Nebraska Constitution. Transgender health care LGBTQ Nebraskans and allies fought LB 574, with many rallying around a session-long filibuster by Omaha State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh and Megan Hunt that grabbed national attention. Medical experts and parents testified about the risks of suicide facing trans teens and the value of gender-affirming care. Hunt told stories about the difficulties facing her trans son. Cavanaugh pleaded for her colleagues to consider the damage they were doing to an already vulnerable group of Nebraskans. Senators expect her filibuster to lead to a lengthy fight over legislative rules in the next session, including possible discussions about lowering the threshold for ending debate. State Sen. Kathleen Kauth and other supporters of LB 574 argued that some of the hormones and surgeries being offered to trans minors carried risks, were sometimes irreversible and should wait until patients were adults. Opponents of LB 574 have pledged legal action against the bills restrictions on health care for trans minors, once they see the full scope of how the state implements its provisions. Concealed carry without a permit The Legislature passed State Sen. Tom Brewers Legislative Bill 77, his years-long effort to allow concealed carry of handguns in Nebraska without a permit or state-mandated training. Brewer and Pillen touted standardizing gun regulation across the state and affirming the Second Amendment rights of Nebraskans. The mayors and police chiefs in Omaha and Lincoln pressed Brewer to change the bills language, which sharply curbs the authority of cities to restrict guns more stringently than the state. The chiefs also testified that the stricter local ordinances helped them get gang-related guns off city streets. This fall, cities acted again to restrict guns further, arguing that such restrictions would make residents safer. Gun rights groups responded by filing lawsuits against the Cities of Omaha and Lincoln, arguing their continued efforts to restrict guns on city-managed or owned properties defy state law. School choice legislation State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, who chairs the Revenue Committee, passed what she and Pillen described as the states first significant school choice legislation. The Opportunity Scholarships Act provides dollar-for-dollar tax breaks to people who donate funds for private K-12 school scholarships. Opponents of the bill, including unions representing Nebraskas public school teachers, criticized its price tag. The bill initially sets aside $25 million a year in tax credits. That number eventually could grow to over $100 million a year. Public school advocates said draining state coffers that way risks leaving less money for public education and other priorities. During the debate, many argued that Nebraska would follow the path of other states that started with similar scholarship plans and eventually adopt a broader school voucher plan. Linehan and school choice defenders, including representatives of faith-based schools, have argued there is value in giving parents more choices than just public schools. Opponents led a successful petition drive over the law, which means voters will get a chance in 2024 to weigh in on the Opportunity Scholarships Act. Ricketts appointment to U.S. Senate Pillen drew some political heat for picking his predecessor as governor, Pete Ricketts, to replace former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse. Sasse vacated the seat to lead the University of Florida. All three are Republicans. Some in the GOP had argued that Pillen should pick a placeholder candidate and let Nebraska Republicans and Democrats run for an open seat in 2024. Privately, some questioned whether Pillen was paying back his political patron. Ricketts had drawn criticism for aggressively backing Pillen during the 2022 GOP primary race for governor. Pillen said that wasnt a factor. He said he wanted a conservative willing to run for the remainder of Sasses term in 2024 and then run again for a full term in 2026. He picked Ricketts from 111 applicants. Thus far, Ricketts only announced challenger in the 2024 Senate race is former 1st District House candidate John Glen Weaver, a Republican. In Slates annual Movie Club, film critic Dana Stevens emails with fellow criticsfor 2023, Bilge Ebiri, Esther Zuckerman, and Mark Harrisabout the year in cinema. Read the first entry here. Hello, you snarling Visigoths, When I first saw The Holdovers back at the Toronto International Film Festival in a press screening so packed that people were kicked out because they were standing in the aisles, all I could think after sobbing my way through Paynes film was that it would be a perfect movie to watch with my family at Christmastime. I dont run a movie studio, but I did find it baffling that The Holdovers started its limited run in mid-October and has now all but disappeared from cinemas. Im sure there was probably some sort of thought behind that strategy, and yet I dont really understand why you wouldnt play up the holiday season aspect of this movie for audiences. Every Christmas Eve growing up, my family and I would do what good Jews do and go to the movies. My parents had a pretty lax idea of what was appropriate for a child to watch, so we would mostly just see whatever they thought was interesting. I remember, for instance, that when I was 12 we saw Todd Haynes magnificent Far From Heaven, a riff on Douglas Sirk films from the 1950s about a housewife whose life is turned upside down when she discovers her husband is gay. Now, I wouldnt call Far From Heaven a cozy movie, but I have cozy feelings remembering watching it on the holiday all those years ago. Thats in part because I loved that family tradition so much, and in part because of the nostalgic milieu that Haynes evoked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Payne does a similar thing in The Holdovers, which would have been an ideal selection for one of those movie nights. While Far From Heaven feels like a lost film from the 1950s, The Holdovers similarly feels like a lost film from the 1970s. I think thats why the word cozy has gotten thrown around so much when discussing it, Bilge. Its not because its treacly, its because its the kind of thing we just dont get frequently anymore from cinema: a character-based drama about normal people where the stakes are really just about how they will choose to live their lives. Its a movie that feels somehow enormous and tiny at the same time, if that makes sense. Huge because of the way its emotions and the people in it burrow into your soul, but small in that their problems seem like the kind that anyone could have. Each time Ive watched it Ive just felt overwhelmed by just the humanity of the story I witnessed. I felt the same way about another 70s-set period piece that landed on both my and Danas Top 10: Kelly Fremon Craigs wonderful adaptation of Judy Blumes seminal young-adult novel Are You There, God? Its Me, Margaret. Advertisement Advertisement Even before seeing Margaret I had high hopes for it. Craigs previous feature, 2016s The Edge of Seventeen, is one of the best teen flicks in recent memory, one of the rare works about young people that actually seems to understand how confusing it is to be that age. Edge of Seventeen allows its heroine Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) be a real jerk, never sanding down her rougher edges. You root for her, but youre also aware that shes being wrongheaded and bratty. You can see all your mistakes in Nadine even as you want her to succeed. Craigs deft sense of the messiness of youth boded well for her take on Blumes oeuvre, which has always refused to let kids be simple. Advertisement Advertisement If you ask someone with only a passing familiarity with Blumes book about Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret the first thing theyll probably say is, Isnt that the one about the periods? But menstruation is just one part of Blumes puberty classic. The story is less about Margaret (played by Abby Ryder Fortson) wanting to get her period and grow boobsthough that is a part of itthan about her trying to figure out what to believe in. Advertisement Advertisement Margarets Jewish dad, Herb (Benny Safdie, having a great year), and Christian mom, Barbara (Rachel McAdams, perfect), havent imposed any sort of religion on her. Because of their own scarsBarbara was disowned by her parents for marrying a Jewthey think its best if Margaret chooses for herself. But it can be challenging for a sixth-grader to find her own version of spirituality! The way Craig, channeling Blume, offers no easy answers makes her film one of the canniest about faith in recent memory. It recognizes the importance of having something to believe in, but acknowledges how arbitrary that choice can be. Advertisement Related From Slate A Tepid 2006 Rom-Com Has Unexpectedly Become This Years Most Contentious Christmas Movie Read More Craig made a couple of brilliant decisions in her adaptation. While I dont know for sure, I bet some executive urged her to update Margaret for 2023, but she kept it rooted in the 1970s. Craig doesnt as fully commit to the bit as Payne, with his retro title cards, but theres a similar warmth that comes from keeping the story in the past. It doesnt make it any less complicated, but it clarifies itId never want to see Margaret scrolling Instagram or whatever. We have Bo Burnhams great Eighth Grade for that. And Im so grateful that Craig expanded the character of Barbara, Margarets mom. Craig recognized that many of her viewers may have read Margaret as a child, but are now Barbaras age, and so she created a parallel journey for her. Just as its difficult for Margaret to discover her place when her family moves to the suburbs, it is also challenging for Barbara, an artist who attempts to join the Jersey moms in their PTA activities. In Rachel McAdams, one of our most underrated and subtle performers, Craig found an ideal conduit for this characters compassion and emotional uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Bilge, you mentioned your fear that The Holdovers is getting forgotten in the awards shuffle. But one place where the movie feels like its a lock is in Best Supporting Actress, where DaVine Joy Randolph looks to get deservedly recognized. Ill be thrilled if that does happen. But I would also love it if McAdams could make her way into the conversation. Alas, that feels, depressingly, like a long shot. But maybe that just goes to show what an incredible year it is for women on screen. What say you, Mark? Are you there Movie Club? Its me, Esther Read the next Movie Club post: May December Is a Masterpiece No One Knows How to Talk About In Slates annual Movie Club, film critic Dana Stevens emails with fellow criticsfor 2023, Bilge Ebiri, Esther Zuckerman, and Mark Harrisabout the year in cinema. Sometimes, other critics interrupt. Read the first entry here. Let me interrupt, please, to address Bilges No. 3 movie of the year, Michael Manns Ferrari. For anyone who is interested in biopics as a form, Hollywood history consists of two eras: BDC and ADC, or Before Dewey Cox and After Dewey Cox. In the days before the 2007 release of Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, you could get away with a lot of cliches in a biopic, and mostly viewers like me would shake our heads and say, That seems sorta familiar, but I guess you have to do all that in this kind of movie. I guess you have to include the ominous scene where the star gets introduced to drugs. I guess you gotta have the part where his first wife says hes never gonna make it in this business. I guess theres no getting around the fact that, at some point, the biopic subject is going to break some furniture or whatever to symbolize how his life has hit rock bottom. But that was BDC. When Walk Hard, directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Kasdan and Judd Apatow, came along and satirized every single one of those biopic tropes, plus a hundred others, it rendered the traditional tools of the biopic director absolutely, positively useless. Now, in the ADC era, if your biopic starts with a scene of your hero, near the end of his days, thinking about his entire life before he takes the stage? I am gonna roll my eyes. If a new, historically famous character walks into a scene in your biopic, and someone immediately refers to him by his full name? Im gonna scoff. If your biopic introduces the main characters saintly brother, who in some way is superior to the movies soon-to-be hero? I am, Im afraid, going to snort right there in my seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I approached Michael Manns Ferrari, as I approach all biopics in the ADC years, with great caution. At first it seemed quite promising. Like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood or Selma, other biopics I have kind of admired, Manns portrait of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the titular car company, does not attempt to tell his entire life, but just focuses on a single dramatic incident (in this case the Mille Miglia race of 1957). It doesnt follow a rise-and-fall arc, though Enzos fortunes take as many twists and turns as a Tuscan highway. And, of course, it is not a musical biopic, so there is no scene of Enzo plugging in his guitar, playing one chord, and hearing the crowd go wild. Advertisement Yet even Ferrari could not escape echoes of Dewey Cox. Because Michael Mann insisted upon casting Adam Driver, in his late 30s at filming, as 59-year-old Enzo Ferrari, the movie does include some eye-catching old-agening, giving Driver a little paunch and silver hair. In the movies first 15 minutes, we meet tortured Enzos bitter wife (Penelope Cruz) and his saintly mistress (Shailene Woodley). We also meet his tiny, wizened mother, played by Daniela Piperno, whose narrow, glittering eyes and wicked tongue are reminiscent of an orc from The Lord of the Rings. Its she who, at the movies 16-minute mark, delivers the line I thought I would never hear in a major motion picturenot in the ADC era. She tells the familys consigliere about the death of Enzos brother, Alfredo Jr., during the Great War. Then she sets her face in stone, glares off into the middle distance, and intones: The wrong son died. Advertisement Advertisement Friends, I embarrassed myself in that movie theater, barking with laughter. The wrong kid died is, of course, a leitmotif of Walk Hard, heard over and over after Deweys brother Nate suffers a terrible childhood case of being cut in half by a machete. Deweys unforgiving father, Pa Cox, says it at least six different times in the movie, in situations both relevant (bitterly, after Nates death) and unusual (singing, while hauling sacks of flour in a barn). He even shows up in Deweys hallucinations while the rock n roll star is quitting drugs cold turkey. Dewey, I dont know if you can hear me in there, says spectral Pa Cox to a sweating, panicking Dewey, but the wrong kid died. Advertisement Advertisement How on earth did this line end up, nearly verbatim, in a prestige biopic by one of the most respected directors in Hollywood, 16 years later?! I can certainly believe that Michael Mann, a great filmmaker whose movies are not particularly funny, has never seen Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. But, truly, no one on the set of Ferrari had ever seen it? Or, if they had, none of them felt brave enough, on that particular day, to gently take Mann aside and suggest that they might find another way for Adalgisa Ferrari to express her displeasure with her son? Advertisement Advertisement Well, I mused, maybe the problem is that the screenwriter had never seen Walk Hard. Unfortunately, I cant ask the credited screenwriter, Troy Kennedy Martin, who died in 2009 and presumably wrote the script when Mann first pursued the picture around the turn of the millenniummaybe even before Walk Hard came out. Indeed, some more digging suggests that the line itself predates the production of Walk Hard by decades. Ferrari is, officially, adapted from the auto journalist Brock Yates biography of Enzo, first published in 1991. (Though Yates did write the screenplay for Cannonball Run, he did not write this one.) And if you turn to Chapter 15 of the book, theres stubby, inflexible Adalgisa, who during moments of rage was heard to shout, The wrong son died young! (Yates seems uncertain whether she really meant it: Whether or not this was a brand of mordant octogenarian humor is unfathomable.) Advertisement Astonishingly, it seems this line in Ferrari is based on documented fact. Does that mean it should be in the movie? Of course not. Time and circumstance have turned it from an incisive character note to a total howler. Its been 16 years since Walk Hard, and in those years Martins screenplay has passed through the hands of innumerable studio execs, assistants, lackeysnot to mention such previously attached stars as Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. That no one, in all those years, stepped upthat after decades of development, the movie still arrived in theaters bearing this line of dialoguesuggests that Hollywood has still not heeded the lessons of Dewey Cox. Will We Ever Learn From Walk Hard? a recent headline in Paste plaintively asked, and the cliche-ridden scriptsand box-office successof Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, and many more suggest that no, they wont. Now weve even had Walk Hards spiritual successor, last years Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, and it still hasnt stopped. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Whats Fact and Whats Fiction in Maestro Read More Ferrari avoids many of the Walk Hard pitfalls. It even offers many pleasures: Penelope Cruz overacting with all her might, cool cars on winding Italian roads, a guy cut in half even more disgustingly than Nate Cox. But after that line, I simply could not take Ferrari seriously. For no matter its impeccable production design, brilliant direction, or whipcrack editing, it is infected with the fatally silly virus that infects basically all biopics: the self-seriousness inherent in creating a portrait of a Great Man (or, very occasionally, a Great Woman), who brushes aside all else in pursuit of that very Greatness. The wigs, the cliches, the golden-hour light of Italy 1957: Its all in service of a fundamentally foolish goal, one that not even a director as good as Michael Mann can achieve without making me giggle. Its that goal, not only the specific music-biopic tropes, that Walk Hard is satirizing. And Manns Ferrari, serious as a Mass, steers right into the wall. Advertisement Neither Michael Mann (traveling internationally), Judd Apatow (away for the holidays), nor Jake Kasdan (no response to multiple emails) had any comment about the appearance of this indelible line in this most unexpected of places. I thought, once upon a time, that Walk Hard would change the way Hollywood made biopics, just as it had changed how I watched them. Instead, it seems, biopics just inch closer and closer to Walk Hard every year. In 2023, the biggest, splashiest biopic of the holiday season even quoted it. Read the next entry in Movie Club: The Best Movie About Faith This Year Was Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret. This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become. Ms. Sus nomination lasted 281 days, the longest a cabinet-level nominee has waited without a floor vote when the same party controls the White House and the Senate. We need a qualified Secretary of Labor who can impartially enforce the law, properly manage a department, and refrain from partisan activism. Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking Republican member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee On Dec. 20, the last working day of the fabulously ineffective first year of the 118th Congress, the Senate returned the nomination of acting Labor Secretary Julie Su to the White House, unconfirmed. Republicans, who oppose her unanimously, instructed Biden to pick a different nominee. Biden, the self-proclaimed most pro-union president in American history, who also hasnt had a formal labor secretary in almost a year, has indicated he will not do that, and will renominate her in January. Su just wrapped up a year in which she served 281 days as the acting labor secretary, unconfirmed in the role, doing the job but without the full title. Thats a record, much to Republicans chagrin: the longest period a Cabinet-level official has gone without confirmation during a period of semi-unified government (though the defection of Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and the meaninglessness of West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchins Democratic Party ID stretch the boundaries of that designation). Advertisement Because she was confirmed by the Senate as deputy labor secretary, she is able to continue serving as acting secretary of labor, where she has performed admirably, and we urge the Senate to take swift action to confirm her as secretary, a White House spokesperson told the New York Post. We are going to be very clearJulie Su will be renominated (as) secretary of labor in the new year. That is something that we are committed to, said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sus permanent purgatory is the result of an unholy alliance that has formed against the famously pro-worker appointee. Republicans, partly out of a commitment to obstructionism, and partly because of their anti-worker fervor, are all against her. Manchin, who voted to confirm Su as deputy labor secretary in 2021her record is basically unchanged since that momenthas also come out against Su, as he works shamelessly to bid up the signing bonus on the lobbying contract that hes extremely likely to sign in a few months. Advertisement None of that should have mattered; Democrats have 51 votes in the Senate, and Su only needed 50 to be confirmed. But with Dianne Feinstein holed up in California dying during a major chunk of the years official Senate business, Democrats lost the threshold. So Su twisted in the wind, because, apparently, Feinsteins farewell tour was a higher priority. Feinstein did indeed die and was replaced, but Sus fate somehow got no clearer, an indication that Manchin is not the only big-business Democrat who has turned against her. Who else might be stopping her? Well, gig-work firms hate Su for her past advocacy for rideshare drivers, and Montana Democrat Jon Tester has been a loyal ally of Silicon Valley, where he has gone for regular fundraising sprees. The National Restaurant Association, D.C.s vanguard group for low wages, also hates Su for her advocacy for fast-food workers; they are known to have the ear of Virginia Democrat Mark Warner, who cast a crucial vote against Bidens $15 minimum wage proposal in 2021. Kyrsten Sinema loves private equity and seems committed to going out in a blaze of nihilism. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have tried a number of gambits to depose Su for good. They have brayed about her supposed violations of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, claiming that Su had overstayed her interim welcome. North Carolina Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, the House Education and Workforce Committee chairwoman, turned to the Government Accountability Office to substantiate that case and knock Su out. But in September, the GAO published a report about Sus eligibility, finding that she was lawfully serving as the Acting Secretary and that the Vacancies Acts time limitations on acting service do not apply to her. Not for nothing, Republicans perfected the art of the acting Cabinet secretary under Donald Trump, who often didnt bother to confirm or even formally nominate top appointees, some of whom were so objectionable they would have struggled to get the votes. Advertisement Advertisement In three years as president, Biden has largely made good on this pledge to deliver historic support for organized labor. His appearance on the picket line at this years United Auto Workers strike was without precedent for a sitting president. Su played an important role in that contract negotiation, which delivered record wins for union autoworkers. Meanwhile, Republicans have halfheartedly continued to make the case that they are the party of the working class, a claim that looks more and more ridiculous with every passing day. Trump has made fewer and less effective appeals to organized labor on the campaign trail this time around than he did in either of his previous campaigns; Republicans new fallback, Nikki Haley, might well be the most virulent anti-labor politician in the entire country. Re-upping the fight over Julie Sus nomination for another year will make that distinction clearer than ever. It will also preview what the Senate might look like without Manchin and Arizona independent Kyrsten Sinema: a place held up by a new revolving cast of pro-corporate moderate Dems, quietly undermining the Democratic agenda. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are the backbone of any thriving small business, steering strategies and sharpening decision-making. This article dives into a wide array of KPI examples tailored to the unique needs of small businesses. Were here to help you navigate through these metrics, ensuring youre well-equipped to track your companys health and progress. The Role of Key Performance Indicators in Business A Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is a measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives. For small businesses, KPIs are crucial as they provide a clear focus for strategic and operational improvement. They offer insights into performance, helping businesses monitor progress towards their goals. KPIs turn data into actionable insights, enabling small businesses to make informed decisions and strategically steer their path toward success. ChatGPT Prompts for Business Sell Your Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Advertise Your Business Here Key Performance Indicators vs Traditional Metrics While traditional metrics provide historical data, KPIs are designed for real-time monitoring and decision-making. KPIs are more dynamic, offering insights into current performance relative to a specific goal, similar to the growth rate formula, which businesses use to measure their growth over a specific period. This real-time aspect of KPIs makes them more actionable than traditional metrics, which often reflect past performance. For businesses, this means the ability to quickly adjust strategies and operations, leading to more efficient and effective decision-making processes. KPI Categories KPIs can be broadly categorized into quantitative, qualitative, and specifically, leading and lagging indicators. Quantitative KPIs, like sales revenue, provide numerically measurable data, while qualitative KPIs focus on intangible aspects such as brand strength. The distinct categories of leading and lagging indicators offer valuable insights, much like understanding the advantages of teamwork in a business setting. The distinct categories of leading and lagging indicators offer valuable insights: leading indicators anticipate future performance, whereas lagging indicators reflect past results. This classification is further detailed with input KPIs, measuring resources used, and output KPIs, assessing the effectiveness of business activities. Small Business Deals Selecting the Right Key Performance Indicators for Your Business Choosing the right KPIs hinges on your business goals and industry. Start by identifying whats crucial for your success be it customer satisfaction, financial health, or operational efficiency. Retail businesses might focus on sales volume and customer retention, while service-based industries prioritize client satisfaction and service quality. Regularly review and adjust your KPIs to ensure they stay aligned with evolving business objectives and market conditions. Tailoring KPIs to your specific needs ensures meaningful insights for growth and improvement. If you are going to use a third party, Its crucial for a business consultant to understand and implement relevant KPIs that align with the objectives of your business and industry standards. How to Optimize KPI Data as a Small Business KPI Aspect Description Optimization Strategy Benefits Selecting Relevant KPIs Choosing KPIs that align with business goals. Focus on KPIs that directly relate to your business objectives and growth. Ensures tracking is relevant and actionable. Regular Monitoring Keeping a consistent check on KPIs. Set a routine (daily, weekly, monthly) to review KPI data. Allows for timely adjustments and keeps goals on track. Data Accuracy Ensuring the data used is reliable and accurate. Utilize reliable data sources and validate data regularly. Provides a trustworthy basis for decision-making. Employee Involvement Engaging employees in KPI tracking. Make KPIs visible to all relevant team members and encourage their input. Increases team engagement and accountability. Technology Utilization Using software tools for KPI tracking. Implement tools like dashboards or business intelligence software for real-time tracking. Streamlines data analysis and improves accessibility. Benchmarking Comparing KPIs with industry standards. Regularly compare your KPIs with industry benchmarks or competitors. Provides context and highlights areas for improvement. Actionable Insights Translating data into actionable steps. Use KPI data to inform strategic decisions and operational changes. Transforms data into tangible improvements in business processes. Customization Tailoring KPIs to specific business areas. Customize KPIs for different departments or business segments. Ensures relevance and effectiveness across all areas of the business. Training and Development Educating team on KPI importance and interpretation. Provide training on how to read and use KPI data effectively. Empowers team members to contribute to performance improvements. Continuous Review Regularly reassessing and updating KPIs. Periodically review whether KPIs are still aligned with changing business goals. Keeps the business agile and responsive to change. Examples of KPIs by Category Dive into our curated list of KPIs, categorized for clarity and ease of application. Whether its sales, marketing, or operations, find your perfect fit here. Sales Key Performance Indicator Examples Explore these sales KPIs that measure performance. For example, consider incorporating creative sales contest ideas to motivate your team to improve these KPIs and highlight opportunities to drive strategic sales decisions in your business. Sales Growth Rate Measures the increase or decrease in a companys sales revenue over a specific period, indicating market traction and growth. Sales Target A specific sales goal set for a period is crucial for motivating the sales team and measuring their performance. Conversion Rate Shows the percentage of prospects who have completed a desired action, which is crucial for understanding sales effectiveness. Average Purchase Value Indicates the average amount spent per transaction, helping to understand customer buying behavior and pricing strategies. Total Sales Revenue The total income from sales activities before expenses is a primary measure of a businesss financial health. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) Estimates the total revenue a business can expect from a single customer account over time, indicating customer relationship value. Qualified Leads The number of potential customers who have shown interest in your product and meet certain criteria is vital for sales focus. Sales Cycle Length Measures the average time taken to close a sale, highlighting the efficiency of the sales process. Lead-to-Customer Ratio Indicates the efficiency of the sales funnel by showing the percentage of leads that become customers. Cost of Sales The total cost of goods or services sold is essential for understanding profitability and pricing strategy. Sales Volume by Location Tracks sales numbers across different locations, providing insights into regional market performance and customer preferences. Repeat Purchase Rate Shows the percentage of customers who return to make additional purchases, indicating customer satisfaction and loyalty. Marketing Key Performance Indicators Delve into these essential marketing KPIs to gauge the effectiveness of your marketing strategies and campaigns. Cost Per Lead Measures the average cost to acquire a lead, which is crucial for evaluating the efficiency of marketing campaigns. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) The average cost to acquire a new customer is key for assessing the effectiveness and value of marketing efforts. Marketing Qualified Leads (MQL) Leads deemed more likely to become customers based on specific criteria indicative of marketing campaign success. Social Media Engagement Rate Tracks interactions like likes, shares, and comments on social media, reflecting audience engagement and content appeal. SEO Ranking Measures a websites position in search engine results, which is crucial for online visibility and organic traffic generation. Monthly Website Traffic The total number of visitors to a website in a month, indicating its reach and online presence. Email Open Rate The percentage of recipients who open a sent email is vital for gauging email campaign effectiveness and audience interest. Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI) Evaluate the profitability and effectiveness of marketing investments, which are essential for budget allocation and strategy planning. Brand Awareness Quantifies how well your brand is known among your target audience, vital for marketing strategy and growth. Content Reach Measures the extent of audience exposure to content, which is important for content strategy and brand visibility. Influencer Performance Metrics Tracks the impact and effectiveness of influencers in marketing campaigns, which is crucial for partnership and campaign evaluation. Operational KPI Examples Explore these operational KPIs to monitor and enhance your businesss efficiency and productivity in daily operations. Operational Efficiency Assesses how effectively a company utilizes its resources, which is crucial for cost management and productivity improvement. Process Downtime Measures the time systems are non-operational, vital for assessing process efficiency and minimizing disruptions. Delivery Time Tracks the time taken to complete customer orders, key for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Order Accuracy Rate The percentage of orders correctly fulfilled is crucial for customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Inventory Turnover Shows how often inventory is sold and replaced, indicating inventory management efficiency and product demand. Capacity Utilization Rate Measures how well a business uses its production capacity, which is important for cost efficiency and planning. Supply Chain Cycle Time The total time taken from product creation to delivery is crucial for supply chain efficiency assessment. Maintenance Costs Tracks expenses for maintaining equipment and facilities, essential for budgeting and operational efficiency. Energy Efficiency Measures how effectively energy is used in operations, important for cost savings and environmental impact. Quality Index Assess product or service quality levels, which are crucial for customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. Safety Incidents Number of workplace accidents or unsafe incidents vital for employee safety and risk management. Employee Performance KPI Examples These employee performance KPIs offer insights into workforce efficiency, satisfaction, and development within your organization. Employee Productivity Measures output per employee, crucial for assessing workforce efficiency and operational effectiveness. Turnover Rates Tracks the rate at which employees leave the company, which is important for understanding workforce stability and satisfaction. Employee Satisfaction Gauges the overall contentment of employees, which is key for a positive work environment and employee retention. Absenteeism Rate The percentage of unscheduled absences is vital for assessing employee engagement and operational impact. Training Effectiveness This evaluates the impact of training programs on employee performance, which is very important for workforce skill development and enhancement. Goal Completion Rate Measures the percentage of objectives employees meet, indicating performance efficiency and goal alignment. Peer Feedback Assesses the quality and effectiveness of peer-to-peer feedback, which is important for teamwork and performance improvement. Job Competency Evaluate employee skills and effectiveness in their role, which is crucial for performance management and training needs. Innovation Contributions Tracks employee contributions to innovation and improvement, which is key for fostering a culture of creativity and growth. Time to Proficiency Measures how quickly new employees reach full productivity, important for training effectiveness and workforce planning. Leadership Effectiveness Assesses the impact of leadership on team performance and morale, vital for organizational success and growth. Social Media KPI Examples Uncover the impact and reach of your social media efforts with these vital KPIs, enhancing your digital presence and engagement. Followers Count Tracks the number of followers on social media platforms, indicating brand reach and audience growth. Post Engagement Rate Measures interactions per social media post, reflecting content effectiveness and audience engagement. Click-Through Rate (CTR) The percentage of users who click on a link in a post is crucial for gauging content effectiveness and interest. Social Media Conversion Rate Tracks the percentage of social media interactions that result in a desired action, key for ROI assessment. Audience Growth Rate Measures the speed at which a brands social media audience increases, indicating content appeal and marketing effectiveness. Share of Voice Quantifies brand presence in online conversations, crucial for market position and competitive analysis. Brand Mention Sentiment Assesses the tone of social media mentions, which is key for brand reputation management and customer feedback. Response Rate and Time Tracking how quickly and frequently a brand responds to social media interactions is vital for customer engagement. Profile Visits Number of times users visit a social media profile, indicating brand interest and online presence. Top Performing Content Identifies the most successful social media posts, which are crucial for content strategy and audience engagement. Video Views Measures views of video content, key for understanding content reach and audience preferences. Financial Key Performance Indicators Examine these essential financial KPIs to gain a comprehensive understanding of your companys fiscal health and financial management. A thorough understanding of the role of a financial analyst can greatly assist in interpreting these KPIs. Net Profit Margin Shows the percentage of revenue that becomes profit after all expenses, which is key for financial health assessment. Gross Profit Margin Measures the percentage of revenue exceeding the cost of goods sold, indicating pricing strategy and operational efficiency. Operating Cash Flow Tracks cash generated from business operations, crucial for assessing liquidity and financial stability. Current Ratio Assesses a companys ability to pay short-term obligations, vital for financial health and creditworthiness. Return on Equity (ROE) Measures profitability from shareholders perspective, which is key for assessing financial performance and investor appeal. Debt-to-Equity Ratio Compares a companys total liabilities to its shareholder equity, which is important for financial risk assessment. Working Capital Measures a companys operational liquidity, which is crucial for managing day-to-day financial obligations. Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) Assesses a companys profitability before interest and taxes, which is key for understanding operating performance. Asset Turnover Ratio Measures how efficiently a company uses its assets to generate revenue, crucial for operational effectiveness. Inventory Turnover Tracks how often inventory is sold and replaced, indicating demand and inventory management efficiency. Accounts Payable Turnover Measures how quickly a company pays its suppliers, which is important for managing cash flow and relationships. Customer Service KPI Examples These customer service KPIs provide valuable insights into customer experiences, satisfaction, and service efficiency in your business. Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) Measures customer satisfaction with a product or service, key for gauging service quality and improvement areas. First Response Time Tracks the time taken to respond to customer inquiries, crucial for assessing service efficiency and customer satisfaction. Customer Churn Rate Measures the rate at which customers stop doing business, important for understanding loyalty and service impact. Net Promoter Score (NPS) Assesses customer willingness to recommend a product or service, vital for customer loyalty and brand advocacy. Average Resolution Time Tracks the average time to resolve customer issues, which is crucial for service efficiency and customer satisfaction. Support Ticket Volume Measures the number of customer support requests, important for resource allocation and service demand assessment. Customer Effort Score This KPI evaluates how easy it is for customers to get their issues resolved, which is key to service experience and satisfaction. Service Quality Assesses the overall quality of customer service, which is crucial for customer retention and brand reputation. Call Abandonment Rate Tracks the rate at which customers hang up before speaking to an agent, indicating service accessibility and efficiency. Self-Service Usage Measures customer usage of self-service options, key for assessing service efficiency and customer empowerment. Complaint Escalation Rate Tracks the rate of customer complaints escalated, important for assessing service quality and problem-solving effectiveness. Human Resources Key Performance Indicators Navigate through these Human Resources KPIs to understand and enhance your workforces productivity, satisfaction, and overall effectiveness. Employee Turnover Rate Measures the rate at which employees leave the company, which is crucial for assessing workforce stability and retention strategies. Employee Satisfaction Score Quantifies how satisfied employees are with their work environment, vital for maintaining morale and productivity. Cost Per Hire Calculates the average cost involved in hiring a new employee, essential for budgeting and recruitment efficiency. Absenteeism Rate Tracks the frequency of unscheduled employee absences, which is important for understanding workforce engagement and operational impact. Time to Fill Measures the average time taken to fill a vacancy, indicating the efficiency of the recruitment process. Training Return on Investment Evaluate the effectiveness and financial return of training programs, which is crucial for workforce development and strategic planning. Performance Goals Achieved Assesses the percentage of objectives met by employees, which is vital for performance management and goal alignment. Diversity and Inclusion Metrics Quantifies workplace diversity and inclusivity, which is key for fostering a balanced and fair work environment. Employee Engagement Index Measures the level of employee commitment and enthusiasm, crucial for productivity and organizational success. Health and Safety Incidents Tracks the number of workplace accidents or unsafe incidents, essential for employee safety and risk management. Succession Planning Rate Assesses the effectiveness of preparing employees for future leadership roles, vital for organizational continuity and growth. Product Development KPI Examples Explore these Product Development KPIs to gauge the efficiency and success of your product development processes and innovation strategies. Time to Market Measures the duration from product conception to its launch, which is crucial for competitive advantage and market responsiveness. R&D as a percentage of sales Indicates the proportion of sales revenue invested in research and development, key for innovation and growth. Product Quality Assesses the standard and reliability of products, which is vital for customer satisfaction and brand reputation. Number of New Products Developed Tracks the total number of new products created, indicating innovation and market expansion capabilities. Development Cost Overrun Measures the extent to which product development costs exceed budget, crucial for financial management and project control. Project Schedule Adherence Tracks the adherence to product development timelines, which is essential for project management and operational planning. Idea-to-Product Conversion Rate Quantifies the efficiency of turning ideas into marketable products, key for innovation and growth strategy. User Experience Score This KPI evaluates customer satisfaction with the products usability and experience, which is vital for product design and improvement. Feature Usage Rate Measures how frequently product features are used, indicating their relevance and appeal to users. Innovation Pipeline Strength Assesses the robustness and potential of the product development pipeline, which is crucial for long-term growth and sustainability. Product Return Rate Tracks the rate at which products are returned, important for assessing product quality and customer satisfaction. Optimizing Your Business Performance with KPIs To maximize business performance, smartly integrate KPIs into your strategy. Focus on a few relevant indicators rather than getting lost in data overload. Align KPIs closely with your specific goals and review them regularly to ensure they reflect current business realities. Avoid common pitfalls like relying solely on historical data; instead, combine it with predictive KPIs for a well-rounded strategy. Remember, KPIs are tools for guidance, not rigid mandates. Use them to inform decisions and adapt as needed. FAQs: Key Performance Indicators Examples What one key performance indicator should CEOs be tracking above all else and why? CEOs should prioritize tracking the Net Profit Margin. This metric is essential as it encapsulates the companys overall financial success, balancing revenue generation and cost management. Its significance lies in providing a quick, comprehensive view of profitability, guiding strategic decisions, and indicating long-term viability in a competitive market. What is a net profit margin, and why is it a key performance indicator? Net profit margin is a financial metric that shows what percentage of a companys revenues are left as profit after all expenses are paid. Its a key performance indicator because it reveals the companys financial health, efficiency in managing costs, and overall profitability. A healthy net profit margin is indicative of good management and a sustainable business model. How often should a Business review its KPIs? Businesses should review their KPIs at least quarterly. This frequency allows for timely adjustments in strategies while providing enough data for meaningful analysis. However, some KPIs might require more frequent monitoring, depending on the business dynamics and industry. Regular reviews ensure KPIs remain aligned with evolving business objectives and market conditions. Why are financial metrics considered crucial KPIs? Financial metrics are crucial KPIs because they provide concrete evidence of a companys fiscal health and operational efficiency. Metrics like cash flow, profit margins, and return on investment offer insights into profitability, financial stability, and investment effectiveness. They are essential for making informed decisions, attracting investors, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Another distinctive factor that sets the brands a cut above the rest is their product durability cooking, and this is precisely where Steemos electrical steam cookers excel. Engineered to suit commercial as well as domestic requirements, the steam cookers are available in transparent poly carbonate and stainless steel models. While the turbo steam generator inside the product produces steam within 30 seconds, the stainless steel material ensures non-reactivity to any acids. With a cooking capacity of 1 KG of rice and an automatic shut-off feature, the multilayered cooker also offers specialized variants, including a three-plate idly stand and a continuous soup maker, the industry first product incorporated by Sameer to extract vitamins from the food. The Gas-O-Grill, on the other hand, is a smokeless indoor BBQ designed to run on most burners. Its non-stick coating enhances its lifespan, while its sturdy tempered glass lid and non-stick drip tray with handles facilitate safe handling and easy cleaning. The company has also recently launched the first rotisserie bar grill in India, named the Steemo Deep Grill 360-degree Magical BBQ Grill. Our products use infrared technology in short, medium, and long wave lengths, which penetrates into the food and cooks it evenly from the inside without scorching the exterior, adds Sameer.Another distinctive factor that sets the brands a cut above the rest is their product durability. Our fundamental idea is that our technology should last for over 20 years. While creating a product, we thoroughly understand the customers expectations and incorporate all the needs of the hour. We are adaptable to any system changes in the market, shares Sameer. Bound by well-crafted marketing policies, the company exhibits its products in live demos held throughout the country, deploying numerous cooks traveling across cities. Additionally, the organization is also marked by its customer responsiveness and exceptional after-sales service. Unlike others, apart from the 2-5 year warranty, the company also offers an immediate replacement in case of any issues, even after 5-6 years. However, the ventures deep-rooted commitment to quality has led to a very low rate of such product exchanges.Sameer also takes immense pride in his strong and quality-conscious team, which includes inhouse employees, external agencies, and cooks, who collectively work towards uplifting Steemos motto Quality means doing it right when no one is looking. Remarkably, there are around 15 employees who have been there with the company since inception, which underscores Steemos people-centered work culture that fosters creativity, openness, and innovation. With such distinctive factors in its repository, Steemo is currently in the process of introducing a new commercial model of its 360-degree rotisserie BBQ with the aim of selling around 1000 units in one go. Anticipating a widespread hit in India, the company is also looking forward to marketing the product in Canada and the US, thereby expanding Steemos legacy of ingenuity beyond the boundaries of India. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has commenced a crucial gathering of the nation's ruling party, as reported by state media outlet KCNA on Wednesday. This event marks the beginning of a platform where important policy choices for the upcoming year are expected to be revealed, as per Reuters. North Korea Convenes Key Meeting Before 2023 Ends The ninth Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea marked the end of a year filled with noteworthy developments for the isolated nation. Notably, North Korea solidified its nuclear policy by incorporating it into its constitution. Moreover, the country achieved successful milestones such as the launch of a spy satellite and the test-firing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). In recent years, the days-long assembly of party and government officials has served as a platform for making significant policy announcements.State media has made public the speech delivered by Kim Jong Un on New Year's Day. During the inaugural day of the meeting on Tuesday, participants engaged in discussions surrounding six significant agenda items. These topics encompassed various aspects such as the policy and budget implementation for the current year, the presentation of a draft budget for the year 2024, and strategies to strengthen the party's leadership, as reported by KCNA. Kim Jong Un has described 2023 as a year of significant transformation and progress. In various domains such as the military, economy, science, and public health, Kim has praised the advancements made, despite acknowledging certain deviations. According to a statement from KCNA, Kim Jong Un provided an extensive report that focused on various indicators of the national economy. The report highlighted the progress being made in the comprehensive development of socialist construction. Read Also: China Steals AI Tech To Carry Cyberattacks in US, FBI Warns North Korea Nuclear Plan According to the statement, the country has been propelled into a position of military power due to the development of new strategic weapons, such as the reconnaissance satellite. In recent weeks, tension has resurfaced as North Korea conducted a test of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The purpose of this test, according to North Korea, was to assess the preparedness of its nuclear forces in the face of increasing hostility from the United States. Kim reiterated that Pyongyang would respond with a nuclear attack if provoked by an adversary wielding nuclear weapons. In response to North Korea's missile test, the United States, South Korea, and Japan have jointly expressed their condemnation. Additionally, they have taken immediate action by activating a system designed to detect and evaluate North Korea's missile launches in real-time. Furthermore, the three nations have come together to establish a comprehensive, multi-year plan for conducting trilateral military exercises. The country's recent advancements in strategic weaponry, such as the reconnaissance satellite, have elevated its status to that of a military power. In a recent statement, Kim reiterated that Pyongyang would respond with a nuclear attack if provoked by an adversary wielding nuclear weapons. In a united front, the United States, South Korea, and Japan have voiced their condemnation of the recent missile test conducted by North Korea. Taking swift action, the three nations have activated a sophisticated system designed to detect and evaluate North Korea's missile launches in real-time. Additionally, they have come together to establish a comprehensive multi-year plan for trilateral military exercises. Related Article: South Korea's Organized Crime Crackdown Targets Gen Z, Millennial Criminals-What to Know About 'MZ Gangsters' @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231226/germanys-army-general-warns-of-equipment-gaps-due-to-brigades-deployment-in-lithuania-1115828920.html Germany's Army General Warns of Equipment Gaps Due to Brigade's Deployment in Lithuania Germany's Army General Warns of Equipment Gaps Due to Brigade's Deployment in Lithuania The German army may face equipment gaps, and its equipage may drop to 55% from 60% due to the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania. 2023-12-26T23:29+0000 2023-12-26T23:29+0000 2023-12-26T23:25+0000 military europe germany lithuania military equipment german bundeswehr troop redeployment /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/1e/1100149031_0:86:3072:1814_1920x0_80_0_0_7e0b9e13e8c728cd4e155ba7a5b5e2b3.jpg Mais voiced his concerns about the consequences of stationing the brigade in Lithuania in a letter addressed to German Defense Chief Gen. Carsten Breuer and obtained by German media. The Bundeswehr is currently only 60% equipped, "at the limit of what is acceptable," lacking everything from "A" to "Z," "from artillery pieces to raincoats." "The establishment of a new major brigade without additional investment would reduce this number to 55%," Mais is quoted as saying in the letter. Last week, Lithuanian National Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas and his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, in Vilnius signed an action plan for the deployment of a Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania by 2027, with up to 5,000 German troops with their families arriving in Lithuania. The Lithuanian Defense Ministry said Germany plans to deploy a heavy brigade with three maneuver battalions and the necessary combat support and supply units in Lithuania. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in early November that Berlin is responding to the current security situation by the long-term deployment of a Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania and is willing to have more large military units in high readiness. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230626/germany-ready-to-deploy-combat-ready-troops-in-lithuania-1111472356.html germany lithuania 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 how many german troops deployed to lithuania, equipment gaps in german munitions https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/biden-qatari-counterpart-discuss-securing-release-of-hostages-held-by-hamas---white-house-1115829843.html Biden, Qatari Counterpart Discuss Securing Release of Hostages Held By Hamas - White House Biden, Qatari Counterpart Discuss Securing Release of Hostages Held By Hamas - White House US President Joe Biden and his counterpart from Qatar in a telephone call discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, said the White House. 2023-12-27T03:28+0000 2023-12-27T03:28+0000 2023-12-27T03:28+0000 world us joe biden qatar hamas white house israel sheikh tamim bin hamad al thani /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/1d/1115285453_0:205:3072:1933_1920x0_80_0_0_95d086c863f0f8932f3820f44dcd6812.jpg "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar," the release said on Tuesday. "The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens." The two leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to facilitate increased and sustained flows of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the release added.On Friday, US senators urged the administration to leverage the United States relationship with Qatar to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. The lawmakers said in a letter to Biden that Qatar maintains close ties to Hamas, hosts some of its senior leaders and provides significant funding to the group, the letter said. As such, Doha maintains outsized access and influence to engage in hostage negotiations, the letter 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/20231227/fbi-says-closely-monitoring-threats-to-us-public-this-holiday-season-due-to-gaza-conflict-1115829499.html qatar 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 president joe biden, amir sheikh tamim bin hamad al-thani of qatar, release of the hostages hamas, hostages held by hamas, us qatar talks https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/cope--seethe-why-are-us-ukraine-downplaying-maryinkas-liberation-1115834689.html Cope & Seethe: Why Are US, Ukraine Downplaying Maryinka's Liberation? Cope & Seethe: Why Are US, Ukraine Downplaying Maryinka's Liberation? The Western mainstream media is trying to downplay the liberation of Maryinka, a settlement southwest of Donetsk, as money flow to Ukraine from the US and the EU is drying up. 2023-12-27T14:24+0000 2023-12-27T14:24+0000 2023-12-27T14:24+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis russia donetsk ukraine dpr /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/05/1115404708_0:0:3055:1719_1920x0_80_0_0_ac963ec841a276a3601a27ab186d593c.jpg Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday announced the liberation of Maryinka, a town in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), which for years served as a strategic stronghold for Ukraine's military forces who have continually shelled Donetsk's residential areas. With Maryinka changing hands, this threat has been moved away from Donetsk.The liberation of Maryinka holds significant importance for Russia, both strategically and politically. In September 2022, the DPR voted to join the Russian Federation via a referendum. Subsequently, on October 3, 2022, the State Duma ratified the admission of the DPR into Russia, with the administrative boundaries established based on the Donetsk region of Ukraine in 2014. By taking control of Maryinka, the Russian military has made an important step towards expanding the territories under its control.Meanwhile, the Western press is trying to downplay the significance of Maryinka's liberation by shifting the focus to Ukraine's terrorist attacks on Russia's Crimea. Having sustained defeat in its six-month-long offensive, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have stepped up strikes on the peninsula, which is home to Russia's Black Sea Fleet.Thus, on Tuesday night, head of Crimea Sergei Aksenov reported an enemy attack on the port city of Feodosia. The Russian Ministry of Defense revealed that while repelling an attack by the Ukrainian military, a large landing ship, the Novocherkassk, was damaged. The Crimean Ministry of Health later announced that one person was killed and four were injured in the attack, two of whom were hospitalized.The New York Times tried to present the recent Ukrainian attack on Crimea as a PR coup, while reporting on the Ukrainian forces' defeat in Maryinka. "Like Bakhmut, Marinka held limited strategic value," the newspaper asserted to its readers.However, one might ask as to why the Ukrainian military had taken every effort to maintain control over the settlements at the cost of heavy losses, if their strategic value was as insignificant as the Western press claims.Likewise, President Zelensky is in no rush to admit Kiev's territorial losses from the Ukrainian counteroffensive.Earlier this month, the Ukrainian leader appeared to have totally forgotten about the loss of Artemovsk (Bakhmut) and other settlements when he claimed to a US broadcaster that the Russian military has not taken any new settlement in 2023.Meanwhile, Russia completed the liberation of Artemovsk in May, and by the end of November, the Russian military liberated the village of Artemovskoye (Khromovo) in the DPR.Zelensky's "amnesia" and unwillingness to admit that the Ukrainian forces have been slowly but steadily losing positions along the front line could be explained by the Kiev regime's fear that the West's funding could soon completely dry up.Indeed, following the failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, there has been a growing concern among American and European politicians about the effectiveness of providing financial assistance to Ukraine. As a result, House lawmakers chose not to pass the $60 billion Ukraine aid package before leaving for the winter holidays. Additionally, Hungary blocked aid to the tune of $50 billion euros ($54 billion) intended for Kiev.Meanwhile, a December poll by the Financial Times-Michigan indicated that 48% of US voters said Washington was shelling out "too much" on financial and military aid to Ukraine. For its part, Newsweek quoted a Eurobarometer survey stressing that European support for aiding Kiev had plummeted from April 2022 to August 2023 from 67% to 48% and is continuing to plunge. The recent success of right-wing parties in the EU, who are skeptical of what they believe to be a US proxy war against Russia in Ukraine to the detriment of Europe's interests, appears to support the trend.Under these circumstances, the Zelensky regime is bending over backwards to maintain the flow of Western money into Ukraine and even points to some sort of "Plan B" if the aid doesn't come soon. Acknowledging that Ukraine is losing on the battlefield could put the final nail into the coffin of Kiev's cash bonanza. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231226/why-russian-liberation-of-maryinka-is-so-significant-1115824423.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231225/christmas-liberation-of-maryinka-1115807930.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231226/how-new-mobilization-law-could-buy-time-for-zelensky-with-thousands-of-lives-1115824209.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/zelenskys-tone-deaf-dc-trip-leaves-republicans-wishing-hed-never-come-1115622795.html russia donetsk ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova russia special military operation, ukrainian crisis, maryinka liberation, who is winning in ukraine, is russia winning in ukraine war, who is winning in donbass https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/eu-assistance-to-ukraine-comes-at-expense-of-european-economy---kremlin-1115836504.html EU Assistance to Ukraine Comes at Expense of European Economy - Kremlin EU Assistance to Ukraine Comes at Expense of European Economy - Kremlin Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that the European Union's assistance to Ukraine came at the expense of the bloc's economy and industry that was already facing difficulties. 2023-12-27T16:42+0000 2023-12-27T16:42+0000 2023-12-27T16:42+0000 world dmitry peskov viktor orban ukraine kiev russia european union (eu) kremlin hungary maxim oreshkin /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/04/1113915541_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_0018326aa09f0bc46d3a45b82c770061.jpg On Tuesday, the Financial Times reported that the EU was working on a backup plan to help Ukraine, which would require member states to issue national financial guarantees, enabling the European Commission to borrow up to 20 billion euros ($22 billion) for Ukraine in 2024. The scheme does not require that all member states issue guarantee and will allow the participants to circumvent Hungary's objections. In mid-December, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vetoed an increase in the EU budget for 2024-2027, including 50 billion euros in macro-financial aid to Kiev. After Russia launched its special military op in Ukraine in 2022, first the US, and then shortly after Europe, adopted comprehensive sanctions against Russia. However, the anti-Russian restrictions failed to yield the desired effect, as Moscow managed to withstand external economic and political pressure, showing steady economic growth over the period of the conflict.Earlier, Moscow's Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) confirmed a robust 5.5% GDP growth for the third quarter in December and upgraded its annual GDP growth estimate for January-September to 3% (up from the previous 2.9%). This positive tendency de facto pushes Russia to be Europe's economic leader, Russian presidential aide Maxim Oreshkin said in an interview with Expert magazine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231223/dipping-into-esm-to-bankroll-ukraine--bypass-hungarys-veto-will-weaken-eu---analyst-1115761819.html ukraine kiev russia hungary 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 ukraine joins eu, ukraine's accession to the eu, who's against ukraine joining eu, why is hungary against ukraine joining eu, what stops ukraine from joining eu, why doesn't eu want ukraine, problems with ukraine's accession to the eu https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/highly-touted-bidenomics-proves-remarkable-disappointment-1115827497.html Highly Touted 'Bidenomics' Proves Remarkable Disappointment Highly Touted 'Bidenomics' Proves Remarkable Disappointment On this episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discusses several topics from around the globe, including the failure of the White House's recovery plan to reverse the economic woes plaguing the US. 2023-12-27T04:06+0000 2023-12-27T04:06+0000 2023-12-27T08:20+0000 the backstory donald trump joe biden ukraine volodymyr zelensky bidenomics china radio /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/1a/1115827792_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_1824d228f5a3ea8891d72d401090f0c0.png Highly Touted 'Bidenomics' Proves Remarkable Disappointment On this episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discusses several topics from around the globe, including the failure of the White House's recovery plan to reverse the economic woes plaguing the U.S. Richard Wolff - Economist and ProfessorMark Sleboda - International Relations and Security AnalystEd Martin - Lawyer and President of the Phyllis Schlafly EaglesThe Backstory's Rachel Blevins kicked off her post-Christmas show with an in-depth discussion on 'Bidenomics' with renowned economist Richard Wolff. Professor Wolff not only highlighted the disappointment of this economic initiative, but also its macroeconomic effect on US relations with other countries.To begin the final hour, Rachel spoke to international relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda about the ongoing financial and political issues that are wreaking havoc on Ukraine.The show would conclude with Rachel and guest Ed Martin discussing how the 2024 presidential race is shaping up and the chances of former President Donald Trump taking part in the election. ukraine china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Rachel Blevins Rachel Blevins 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 Rachel Blevins donald trump, joe biden, ukraine, volodymyr zelensky, bidenomics, china, , radio https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/idf-to-push-hezbollah-away-from-border-if-lebanon-other-countries-fail-to-do-so-1115841500.html IDF to Push Hezbollah Away From Border If Lebanon, Other Countries Fail to Do So IDF to Push Hezbollah Away From Border If Lebanon, Other Countries Fail to Do So The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will push Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah away from the northern border if Lebanon's authorities and other countries fail to do so as time for diplomatic solutions is running out, Israel's National Unity Party head and war cabinet member, Benny Gantz, said on Wednesday. 2023-12-27T22:24+0000 2023-12-27T22:24+0000 2023-12-27T22:24+0000 palestine-israel conflict benny gantz lebanon israel israel defense forces (idf) gaza strip hamas hezbollah yoav gallant world /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/0d/1114932849_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_41316e20971a7019665f4ce87ae89185.jpg On December 27, IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, said that the Israeli military was on high alert on the border with Lebanon and should be ready to strike. On Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant did not rule out agreements that would ensure the return of residents of northern Gaza to their homes. On Tuesday, Israeli media reported about a kamikaze drone attack in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon, which resulted in the death of a soldier. An Israeli citizen also received injuries in the kibbutz of Adamit as a result of a projectile launch from Lebanon. The IDF said nine servicepeople were wounded after the moshav of Shomera was shelled by an anti-tank missile while the troops were attempting to evacuate a victim of the previous strike. The tensions have been mounting on the Israeli-Lebanese border since the onset of the Palestine-Israel conflict escalation on October 7, with intermittent exchanges of fire and a looming threat of a two-front war for Israel persisting to date. On October 7, Palestinian movement 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 21,100 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/20231121/will-lebanon-get-embroiled-in-hostilities-with-israel-1115075807.html lebanon israel gaza strip 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 hezbollah, israel defense forces, idf, lebanese shia, shia movement, israel-lebanon war, lebanon-israel war, israeli-shia war, israei-hezbollah war, border security, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/israel-expands-gaza-ground-offensive-following-intense-bombing-of-refugee-camps-1115830912.html Israel Expands Gaza Ground Offensive Following Intense Bombing of Refugee Camps' Israel Expands Gaza Ground Offensive Following Intense Bombing of Refugee Camps' The latest escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been underway since early October, when Hamas launched a massive rocket attack on the Jewish state from the Gaza Strip. 2023-12-27T09:27+0000 2023-12-27T09:27+0000 2023-12-27T09:27+0000 world israel palestine palestine-israel conflict mahmoud abbas benjamin netanyahu /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/1b/1115830755_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_3b65ad40c90ee7014fb52e889bc198cf.jpg The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the expansion of its ground offensive in Gaza, specifically targeting urban refugee camps situated in the central area.Tuesday's announcement of a new battle zone came as residents of central Gaza referred to shelling and airstrikes that rocked the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij camps, where they reportedly shared "the bombing was very intense."The Israeli military ordered the residents to evacuate so that they could move to the nearby Deir al-Balah camp. The UN humanitarian office reported that the area where the evacuation was ordered was home to nearly 90,000 people before the start of the IDF ground incursion. According to the UN, the area is currently home to more than 61,000 displaced persons, mostly from northern Gaza.In a separate development on Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi told reporters that the war in Gaza would continue "for many more months" to ensure that Israel's ''achievements are preserved for a long time.""There are no shortcuts when it comes to thoroughly dismantling a terrorist organization, except to be stubborn and determined in the fighting," he added, in an apparent reference to Hamas, which is blacklisted by Tel Aviv as a terrorist group.Halevi was echoed earlier by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who promised that the IDF would not reduce the intensity of the fighting and would "deepen operations in southern Gaza.''He spoke as Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said at least 241 civilians had been killed and 382 others wounded in Gaza in the past 24 hours. The ministry said at least 20,915 Palestinians - mostly children and women - have died in more than 11 weeks of Israeli bombardment.On October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a large-scale surprise rocket attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, breaching the border, murdering and kidnapping people in neighboring Israeli communities. Tel Aviv retaliated with indiscriminate strikes and launched a ground incursion into Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas fighters. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231226/palestinian-groups-say-talks-underway-over-egyptian-proposal-on-gaza-strip-1115826239.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/death-toll-from-israeli-strikes-on-refugee-camp-in-gaza-strip-rises-to-45---reports-1115790527.html israel palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.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 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg escalation of palestine-israel conflict, idf's new battle zone in gaza, idf's ground offensive's expansion into urban refugee camps in gaza, idf's bombardments of gaza https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/lavrov-jaishankar-talks-moscow-and-new-delhi-to-boost-specially-privileged-ties-1115835693.html Lavrov-Jaishankar Talks: Moscow and New Delhi to Boost 'Specially Privileged' Ties Lavrov-Jaishankar Talks: Moscow and New Delhi to Boost 'Specially Privileged' Ties In opening remarks ahead of the negotiations, Sergey Lavrov praised Russia and India as reliable partners, which he said had repeatedly been confirmed be development of bilateral ties within multilateral forums. 2023-12-27T14:55+0000 2023-12-27T14:55+0000 2023-12-27T15:41+0000 world russia india sergey lavrov subrahmanyam jaishankar talks relations ties relationship economy /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/1b/1115835519_0:0:3436:1933_1920x0_80_0_0_e160940f8738a6a973e0077988f5e1be.jpg Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sat down with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Moscow on Tuesday to focus on an array of pressing issues related to bilateral cooperation.One of the topics discussed was the North-South transport corridor, of which Russia and India are members.When asked by a Sputnik correspondent whether the corridor needs a second breath, Lavrov said he doesnt think so because this project "has already been revitalized."Jaishankar, for his part, told the Sputnik correspondent about mutually beneficial collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi, touting Russia as a valuable and reliable partner.He pointed out that trade turnover between India and Russia could exceed $50 billion before the end of this year, something that he said had been discussed during his talks with Lavrov. Jaishankar also stressed the importance of bilateral trade being "more balanced and sustainable."The Indian foreign minister also said that economic relations between Moscow and New Delhi "are developing" and that India, in particular, hopes to expand its investments in the Russian oil and gas sector.Separately, Jaishankar expressed hope that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take place next year.Lavrov, in turn, told reporters that during the Wednesday talks, Moscow and New Delhi specifically confirmed their focus on strengthening cooperation in the energy sector.He said that Russia taking part in the project is its practical contribution to India's efforts to meet its needs for clean and safe energy from its own production."Lavrov also said that he had discussed the future of the Russia-India defense industry partnership, adding that "concrete forward movement" was seen in cooperation between the two countries.As part of efforts to boost the military partnership between the two nations, Moscow is ready to support the Make in India initiative launched by New Delhi in 2014 with a view to increasing the production of goods and items manufactured in this Asian country, according to Lavrov.The Russian foreign minister underlined that he and Jaishankar also called to boost political dialogue, praising bilateral ties as "specially privileged" ones.The Indian foreign minister is visiting Russia from December 25-29 as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two countries. Apart from Lavrov, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with Trade Minister Denis Manturov to discuss a spate of economic matters and to sit down with President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday evening, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "India is an important partner of ours, so the minister will talk about the [bilateral] contacts as we discuss them," Peskov said, referring to the upcoming meeting. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230928/payments-in-national-currencies-between-russia-india-up-5-times-in-2023-year-on-year---sberbank-1113760865.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231023/russia-india-see-trade-more-than-double-over-8-months-from-2022-1114414992.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.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 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg talks between russian foreign minister sergey larov and indian counterpart subrahmanyam jaishankar, russian-indian relations, cooperation between moscow and new delhi https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/michigan-supreme-court-blocks-attempt-to-remove-trump-from-2024-ballot-1115837147.html Michigan Supreme Court Blocks Attempt to Remove Trump From 2024 Ballot Michigan Supreme Court Blocks Attempt to Remove Trump From 2024 Ballot Michigan's Supreme Court ruled on an attempt to remove former US President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot in an "insurrectionist ban" case on Wednesday. 2023-12-27T18:14+0000 2023-12-27T18:14+0000 2023-12-27T18:14+0000 americas us donald trump michigan colorado /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/03/1113872513_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_3d8985df79d671dd2586621bbfa361db.jpg "The application for leave to appeal the December 14, 2023, judgment of the Court of Appeals is considered, and it is DENIED, because we are not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court," the order said. The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified after the Civil War, bans officials from taking office if they "engaged in insurrection." Thousands of former Confederates were disqualified from elections because of this provision. Last week, Colorado's Supreme Court disqualified Trump from the ballot based on this argument.The decision to ban Trump from partaking in the upcoming US presidential election was mulled over by US lawmakers for quite a while. The official decision to write him off of the voting ballot in that state was made in light of Trump's alleged influence over the January 6 riot in Washington D.C. The insurgence saw a rowd of pro-Trump protesters break into the Capitol building to oppose the results of the 2020 presidential election. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231226/us-police-bolster-patrols-for-colorado-judges-amid-violent-threats-over-trump-ballot-ruling-1115828770.html americas michigan colorado 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 trump-2024, is trump running for president, why is trump banned from election, who's banning trump from election, why is trump banned from election, who's against trump in presidential election, was trump behind january 6, who organized january 6 https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/moldova-extends-restrictions-on-grain-imports-for-3-months-1115839700.html Moldova Extends Restrictions on Grain Imports for 3 Months Moldova Extends Restrictions on Grain Imports for 3 Months The Moldovan Commission for Emergency Situations said on Wednesday it had decided to extend restrictions on grain imports to the country until March 2024, even after the state of emergency ends. 2023-12-27T20:11+0000 2023-12-27T20:11+0000 2023-12-27T20:11+0000 world moldova grain grain supply ukraine farmers food supplies /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/10/1112644640_0:147:3118:1901_1920x0_80_0_0_2f870de514c869be5819b714979d6f09.jpg In October, the Moldovan authorities introduced mandatory licensing for grain imports under the state of emergency. In December, the state of emergency in the country was extended for 30 days starting from December 1. Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean told reporters that the state of emergency would not be extended further. Both physical and legal entities can apply to get a license, the statement read. The applications will be considered by a specially established commission. In the summer and late autumn, Moldovan farmers staged mass protests in the country, demanding a reduction in VAT on grains, restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports and access to European funds for the agricultural sector, as well as an increase in the national agricultural development fund. They also urged the Moldovan authorities to introduce a moratorium on the payment of debts to creditors and to cancel penalties imposed by banks until October 31, 2024. In addition, the protesters demanded that the government allocate over 1 billion lei ($56.3 million) from the national agricultural development fund to support the sector during the crisis. The Moldovan authorities introduced a state of emergency on February 24, 2022, and have extended it several times since then. In such conditions, the Moldovan Commission for Emergency Situations has the right to make decisions without parliamentary approval to provide all consumers with energy resources and maintain the country's energy security. The Moldovan opposition has continuously opposed the extension of the state of emergency. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230912/polish-govt-adopts-resolution-to-ban-ukrainian-grain-import-after-september-15-1113310101.html moldova 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 ukrainian grain, moldova won't import ukrainian grain, moldova won't buy ukrainian grain, no to ukrainian grain, grain exports, food exports, grain supply, ukrainian grain, grain import, grain imports, moldovan-ukrainian economic relations, moldova-ukraine economic relations, moldova-ukraine relations, moldova-ukraine ties, ukrainian agricultural products, import restrictions, agricultural products from ukraine, moldovan economy, influx of ukrainian grain, ukrainian grain influx On Tuesday, the United States forces destroyed 12 Houthi-launched drones and five missiles over the southern Red Sea in the Middle East. The US Central Command claimed that the drones and missiles were fired from Yemen by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. US Destroys Houthi-Launched Drones, Missiles The Central Command stated that the USS Laboon destroyer and F-18 Super Hornets had destroyed 12 one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory in over 10 hours. According to The Independent, there were no reported injuries or damage to ships. The Houthi rebels in Yemen attacked the cargo ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, disrupting global supply chains and forcing large shipping companies to stop using the crucial route. Last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a new US-led multinational operation to protect ships in the Red Sea. The operation includes military personnel from the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Bahrain. In early November, the US had already distributed the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East amid the rising tensions in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Biden administration blamed Iran, which provides funding and training for Hamas, for the attacks of Houthi militants against commercial and military vessels entering the Suez Canal. The US has carried out strikes against Iran-backed militant groups in Iraq after three US service members were wounded in drone strikes on Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq on Christmas Day. The Kataib Hezbollah militant and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for the attack, resulting in one service member in critical condition. US forces in the Middle East continued to face escalating threats since the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel, which killed around 1,200 Israelis. On Monday, Iran pledged to take revenge for the death of one of its top generals, Seyed Razi Mousavi, who was killed in the Syrian capital of Damascus. General Qassem Soleimani, the deceased commander of Iran's special Quds Force, was a close associate of Mousavi, who was killed in January 2020 in an American drone strike in Iraq. President Biden was informed of the drone attack on US forces in Iraq. According to White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, Biden ordered the Department of Defense to prepare a response. Read Also: President Biden Greenlights Attack on Iran-Backed Terror Group Who are the Houthis? The majority of northern Yemen has been under the militant Houthis' control, including Sana'a, the country's capital. Iran supports both the Houthis and Hamas, which on October 7 launched a deadly strike on Israel from the Gaza Strip. Following the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Houthis launched a campaign of missile and drone strikes against ships in the Red Sea that they claimed had connections to Israel. The Red Sea was a crucial commercial channel and the route to the Suez Canal, used by 10-15% of all ships worldwide. Related Article: Iran-Launched Drone Strike Hits Chemical Tanker Sailing in the Indian Ocean @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/pentagon-releases-internal-report-on-growing-extremist-beliefs-within-us-military-1115840168.html Pentagon Releases Internal Report on 'Growing' Extremist Beliefs Within US Military Pentagon Releases Internal Report on 'Growing' Extremist Beliefs Within US Military The report was first commissioned by the defense secretary following the January 6, 2021 insurrection on Capitol Hill. 2023-12-27T22:39+0000 2023-12-27T22:39+0000 2023-12-27T22:36+0000 military us us military extremism pentagon us department of defense (dod) charlottesville unite the right black lives matter life under covid-19 quarantine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/04/0b/1109364457_0:158:3072:1886_1920x0_80_0_0_6375aaa30aeca2f7fc4be2f86dc4d4bb.jpg The US Department of Defense has finally released an internal report on extremism in the military, which has - unfortunately - left many questions unanswered.The report was first commissioned by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot; a separate report showed that more than 80 of those charged in crimes related to the attack had some tie to the US military, and many of those with a military background were veterans.The released report was first completed in June of 2022. But in its 262 pages, the report - obtained by US media - does little to shed light on extremism issues in the US military. Instead of offering new data, it gathered existing data from sources that included the militarys inspector general.The report also researched court-martial judgements for data on extremists and found 10 such cases. However, courts-martial only represent a small portion of extremists, the report said. The reason being that many cases of extremism dont make it to court-martial, and are instead addressed through administrative action, non-judicial punishment, or referral to command for appropriate action, the report determined.The report foundthrough public data which included the Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) databasethat participation rates for former service members appear to be growing.The "Unite the Right" rally occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, with the COVID pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, and the US presidential election occurred in 2020. A year later, the January 6 attack on Capitol Hill kicked off 2021.The report also found through PIRUS data that 28% of those who participated in extremism served in either the Army or the Marine Corps. While the Army is the largest branch, the Marine Corps is the smallest," which "means that the Marine Corps has the largest per capita rate of participation in extremism cases, the report wrote.The findings also determined the process for handing out security clearances to military personnel were outdated and insufficient. But the DOD doesnt need data to know that their security clearance is outdated. This year, a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman was arrested after sharing classified military information online. Despite being only 21, he was granted top-security clearance allowing him access to highly classified US government information.Amid the US military's ongoing difficulties with making recruiting goals, a watchdog previously determined that some recruiters were intentionally skipping portions of the onboarding screening process that flags any applicants tied to extremist groups or gangs. An inspector general finding from August found that in a sample of 224 applicants from 2021 to 2022, 41% of applicants weren't properly vetted. https://sputnikglobe.com/20210204/pentagon-chief-orders-60-day-military-stand-down-to-address-extremism-in-us-armed-forces-1081977615.html charlottesville Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg us military, report, military report, extremism in the military, us dod https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/russia-develops-supercam-kamikaze-drone--1115831295.html Russia Unveils New Supercam Kamikaze Drones Russia Unveils New Supercam Kamikaze Drones Head of Rostec state enterprise Sergey Chemezov told Sputnik about key advances in Russian military technologies and explained how they will affect the course of special military operation. 2023-12-27T06:54+0000 2023-12-27T06:54+0000 2023-12-28T11:01+0000 military russia rostec drone drone warfare sergey chemezov /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/18/1113618518_0:0:3047:1714_1920x0_80_0_0_83b38ac4988c8778743a95618a0524ed.jpg Russia has developed the Supercam loitering ammunition - a projectile highly protected against electronic warfare systems, the head of Rostec Sergey Chemezov told Sputnik.At present, Supercam, which also has a modification for battlefield reconnaissance, is undergoing extensive testing.The Rostec executive added that Supercam is "highly protected against means of electronic warfare" and that such drones are "difficult to suppress".Remote-Controlled Infantry Fighting Vehicles to be Tested in Battle Russia has created the newest remote-controlled IFV and plans to test it on the battlefield, Rostec chief Sergey Chemezov told Sputnik. He stressed that this new machine will eliminate risks for the crews in the most dangerous directions. In the near future, the remote control system will also be installed on self-propelled guns.T-14 Armata Tank EnhancedRussia is improving the combat capabilities of the T-14 Armata tank and the worst for its enemies is yet to come, Rostec chief Sergey Chemezov told Sputnik. He added that the Armata tank easily trumps the Israeli "Merkava", which has been hyped as over-protected and in fact is no safer than heavy IFV - as can be observed during the Gaza crisis.New Radar Stations Against Ukrainian DronesRussia has created new radar systems capable of locating enemy drones from tens of kilometers away, Chemezov told Sputnik.New MLRS Vozrozhdenie CreatedRussia will create the newest bicaliber MLRS Vozrozhdenie ( lit. "Renaissance"), full-scale production will begin in the first half of Y2024, Sergey Chemezov told Sputnik. He added that Vozrozhdenie will be produced on the basis of the Zemledeliye (lit. "Agriculture") remote mine-laying system, which "has proven its capabilities in the special operations zone." According to Chemezov, Rostec experts combined the features of the MLRS with the features of the remote mining system. As a result, they created a machine capable of both mass rocket launch and remote mine-laying. He said that the system has "a name that speaks for itself - Vozrozhdenie".New Anti-Interference Guided Missiles Russia is creating a new anti-interference guided missile for MLRS systems, Chemezov told Sputnik. He added that the projectile is currently undergoing tests, including tests on real battlefields. At the same time, serial production is underway. Guided Bombs Improved The Russian defense industry is also improving the technology of guided bombs and extending their range. Chemezov also stressed that Russian guided bombs have already "generated a lot of buzz" by turning so-called "dumb bombs" (unguided) into guided smart projectiles. He added that Su-34 bombers regularly use guided bombs in the special military operation zone and have already destroyed "hundreds of Ukrainian military targets" using Rostec technologies.En course of special military operation, Russian defense companies has boosted the productions of weapons. Earlier Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stressed that Russian military-industrial complex is working in round-the-clock mode.Construction of Next-Gen Fighter Jets Underway Next-generation Su-57 fighter jets are already under construction and will be delivered to the Russian Armed Forces next year, the Rostec chief said. He added that "the number of fifth-generation fighter jets being put into service is almost doubling every year". Earlier it was reported that in Y2023 Russian authorities launched the modernization of production facilities of Su-57 fighter jets. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230809/abramsx-vs-armata-how-does-uss-next-gen-main-battle-tank-stack-up-against-its-russian-analogue-1112488087.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230721/russian-company-introduces-compact-radars-to-thwart-maritime-drone-threats-1112032529.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231214/watch-russian-grad-mlrs-eliminate-positions-of-ukrainian-forces-in-krasny-liman-direction-1115568648.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/russian-su-34-fighter-bomber-annihilates-ukrainian-troops-on-kupyansk-front-1115454024.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sergey Lebedev Sergey Lebedev 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 Sergey Lebedev russian military technologies, military-industrial complex, russian drones https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/russian-air-defenses-down-2-ukrainian-drones-over-belgorod-rostov-regions-1115831190.html Russian Air Defenses Down 2 Ukrainian Drones Over Belgorod, Rostov Regions Russian Air Defenses Down 2 Ukrainian Drones Over Belgorod, Rostov Regions Russian air defense systems have prevented a drone attack by the Ukrainian armed forces on Russia's western regions of Belgorod and Rostov, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. 2023-12-27T06:29+0000 2023-12-27T06:29+0000 2023-12-27T06:29+0000 military ukrainian crisis ukrainian drone attacks on russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/04/1114726856_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6a9f5c08571e58e42cf218f5119282d5.jpg Both drones have been destroyed, the statement said."During the night, the attempts to stage a terrorist attack by the Kiev regime with the use of unmanned aerial aircraft-type vehicles on the Russian territory were prevented," the defense ministry said in a statement. Ukraine has repeatedly attacked Russia's Bryansk, Belgorod, Rostov and Kursk regions with drones since Moscow launched special military operation to protect people of Donbass from Kiev regime. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231226/russias-drone-dominance-may-force-kiev-to-retreat-1115820239.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia's special military operation, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian drone attacks on russia, ukrainian drone terrorism https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/russian-defense-sector-ceo-shoots-down-myth-of-western-military-superiority-1115824044.html Russian Defense Sector CEO Shoots Down Myth of Western 'Military Superiority' Russian Defense Sector CEO Shoots Down Myth of Western 'Military Superiority' Recent reports from the special op zone have shown that Russian troops continue to advance, thereby expanding their areas of control on all fronts. The main... 27.12.2023, Sputnik International 2023-12-27T09:57+0000 2023-12-27T09:57+0000 2023-12-27T12:10+0000 military military & intelligence sergey chemezov sergei shoigu russia kiev ukraine lancet sputnik afv /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1e/1113820252_0:161:3068:1887_1920x0_80_0_0_c0d868e5f8335e39be8e073c90ae5e8b.jpg Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec Corporation (a state-owned defense conglomerate) recently sat down for an interview with Sputnik. Chemezov shed light on several key topics, including the rapid enhancement of Russian equipment through combat experience, the vulnerability of Western tanks, advancements in high-precision weapons and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), and innovative approaches to countering Ukrainian drone attacks.Chemezov began by highlighting the fact that the extensive US-led support for the Kiev regime virtually has no tangible future. The amount of various weapons used by Ukraine's forces is rapidly dwindling. Meanwhile, Russia has done a great deal of work when it comes to modernizing its military facilities long before the special op ever came to be. In fact, it entailed modifying capacities, and introducing up-to-date findings and technologies. The process covered multiple areas that ended up being extremely productive on the front lines.Artillery and TanksAs for manufacturing artillery shells, Russias overall production volume has skyrocketed by roughly 50 times, compared to 2021. The number of infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) and various armored fighting vehicles (AFV) has quintupled. That said, today the country produces nearly seven times the number of tanks, making Russia a global leader in this category.Russian experts are meticulously examining 'trophy' samples of Ukrainian equipment. Some things are undoubtedly taken into further consideration, but on that score, it has become evident that the so-called military and technological superiority of the West is largely a myth.Another widespread fallacy about Western weaponry is their supposed impenetrability. Reality has demonstrated that they burn down in batches, with Russian anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) such as the Kornet or Khrizantema piercing right through them, like a hot knife through butter."There truly is no exaggeration whatsoever when Russias tank-building tradition is described as the most advanced in the world", the CEO stressed. The new and advanced T-90s, as well as the extensively upgraded T-72s and T-80s, are all currently operating in the special op zone. These vehicles have exhibited an outstanding performance. Take the Proryv tank, for instance, which stands as the premier mass-produced vehicle when compared to similar ones globally. Even Western specialists, albeit reluctantly, acknowledge its superiority.Top-Notch Accuracy of Russia's Weapons and DronesHigh-precision weaponry together with Russias latest drones have displayed remarkable effectiveness in the special op zone by targeting and neutralizing the enemy's armored vehicles, air defenses, and troops. An exemplary instance is the renowned Lancet drone.An exciting newcomer is the Koalitsiya howitzer that will ensure Russias offensive advantage over Western artillery. The first experimental and industrial batch is expected to be delivered to the front lines in late December 2023.Cheremezov noted that "this year, Rostec enterprises finished working on a whole 'bouquet' of new artillery systems. In addition to the Koalitsiya-SV, the company has produced tha Malva 152 mm wheeled self-propelled gun, the Floks 120 mm gun, the Drok 82 mm self-propelled mortar, and the Derivatsia 57 mm anti-aircraft gun". Each is unique in their own way. Recently, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted that during the course of the special op, "Russias defense industry has shown its remarkable agility in creating new weapons in a matter of mere months", like the KUB and Lancet drones, produced by the world-renowned Kalashnikov concern, as well as the Zemledelie remote mining system. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231225/top-5-powerful-russian-weapons-that-shattered-myth-of-natos-superiority-in-2023-1115773982.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231214/why-russian-made-drones-terrify-the-ukrainian-military-1115580209.html russia kiev 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 military & intelligence, sergey chemezov, sergei shoigu, russia, kiev, ukraine, lancet, sputnik, afv, challenger, multiple-launch rocket systems (mlrs), kornet https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/russian-indian-foreign-policy-chiefs-meet-hold-press-conference-in-moscow-1115832057.html Russian, Indian Foreign Policy Chiefs Meet, Hold Press Conference in Moscow Russian, Indian Foreign Policy Chiefs Meet, Hold Press Conference in Moscow Foreign policy chiefs will discuss a number of bilateral issues with emphasis on three crucial topics the Gaza Strip crisis, dedollarization and cooperation within BRICS bloc. 2023-12-27T09:22+0000 2023-12-27T09:22+0000 2023-12-27T11:08+0000 russia sergey lavrov subrahmanyam jaishankar brics gaza strip /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0d/1115554302_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_3202e7d9821a317a521e39ecadac3377.jpg Sputnik presents a live broadcast from Moscow, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is holding talks with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.Russia and India are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas. This conflict has severe consequences for the civilian population of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Both Moscow and New Delhi firmly support the idea of a two-state solution to this issue.In addition, the top diplomats will cover the topic of de-dollarization and discuss the role of BRICS in a multipolar world.Follow Sputniks live feed to learn more! gaza strip 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 Lavrov and Indian FM Jaishankar host press conference in Moscow Lavrov and Indian FM Jaishankar host press conference in Moscow 2023-12-27T09:22+0000 true PT178M55S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia, brics, sergey lavrov, india, gaza strip crisis https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/scott-ritter-us-sustainability-in-jeopardy-as-world-turns-against-hegemony-1115837656.html Scott Ritter: US 'Sustainability' in Jeopardy as World Turns Against Hegemony Scott Ritter: US 'Sustainability' in Jeopardy as World Turns Against Hegemony Ukraine will continue to sustain a strategic defeat during 2024, while the US risks finding itself engaged in a conflict with China over Taiwan, Scott Ritter, former US Marine Corps intelligence officer and UN weapons inspector, told Sputnik's Big Radio Marathon. 2023-12-27T19:31+0000 2023-12-27T19:31+0000 2023-12-27T19:31+0000 us world military & intelligence joe biden russia china israel nato hamas sputnik /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/05/03/1082789419_0:159:3077:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_9186ec9689cc5039e806f63a0e04bff9.jpg As 2023 comes to a close, the Israel-Palestinian crisis and the Ukrainian conflict are dominating world news, prompting questions as to what next year holds in store for the international community.Sputnik's Dimitri Simes, Jr. sat down with former US Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter to sum up the results of the year and discuss how things may pan out in 2024.Ukraine: Russia Determined to Reach Military and Political GoalsThe Ukrainian military will continue to sustain a strategic defeat in 2024 as it is exhausted in terms of manpower, ammo and arms, according to Sputnik's interlocutor. It's up to Moscow and the Russian Armed Forces' operational tempo whether the conflict will drag on until 2025, as per Ritter.Russia's special military operation to demilitarize and de-Nazify Ukraine has never meant to be a blitzkrieg, the expert stressed, adding that the conflict will end when political and military objectives set by the Russian leadership are accomplished.Presently, Russia is continuing to "grind" the Ukrainian military and steadily liberate its new territories, thus accomplishing the demilitarization task. When it comes to Moscow's political goals, it's important to stamp out the forces behind the 2014 coup d'etat that brought ultra-nationalists and neo-Nazis, including the Azov Battalion, the Svoboda Party and other ideological heirs of Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera, to power.In the course of the special military operation, Russia has mastered modern warfare, per Sputnik's interlocutor.Ritter rubbished the claims made by US President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that having won the Ukrainian conflict, Russia would proceed to take on NATO member states. Per Ritter, Washington's rhetoric is "fear-mongering" aimed at justifying further military spending.After accomplishing its goals in Ukraine, Russia will focus on strengthening its military and stepping up the protection of its borders in the West, Arctic and the East, where they are threatened by the US and their NATO allies, according to the military expert.Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Will Wrap Up Early in 2024Israel is facing nothing short of a strategic defeat against Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian group that is part of an "Axis of Resistance" led by Iran, as per Ritter.Ritter assumed that if elections were held today in Gaza and in the West Bank, Hamas would win a landslide victory, opening the door to the formation of the Palestinian state.Hamas has been supported by Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria, forcing Israel to fight a war on multiple fronts. Despite Tel Aviv threatening Hezbollah with a repetition of the 2006 Lebanon War, Israel cannot defeat the Lebanese Shiite group, according to the former Marine Corps intelligence officer. Neither can Israel axe the Houthi resistance which is gaining momentum in the Red Sea.The US has recently brought together an international coalition in order to safeguard the Red Sea passage. However, the coalition could end up trapped with the Houthis and Iranians shutting down the Bab al-Mandeb and Hormuz straits, with Washington unable to do about it, according to Ritter. Furthermore, coalition warships could become easy targets for Houthi and Iranian missiles and drones, he added.Ritter does not see the Israel-Palestinian conflict spiraling out of control next year and believes that it will wrap up early in 2024. He points to the fact that the rift is already growing between Tel Aviv and Washington and the international community increasingly opposes the "genocide" of the Palestinian people.Wild Card of 2024: Potential US-China ConflictMeanwhile, the Indo-Pacific could turn into a theater of war if the US and China clash over the island of Taiwan, according to Ritter.In January 2024, the Taiwanese will cast ballots in general elections. The stakes are high given that the pro-US ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) could be unseated by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT). While KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shau-kong has made it clear that he and his running mate Hou Yu-ih will not talk with China about unification if elected, the two are advocating resuming dialogue and restoring ties with the People's Republic.For its part, the US-backed DPP has adopted a belligerent stance against Beijing, with the Biden administration increasingly arming the island. Most recently, Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping made a veiled warning to Washington about meddling in China's affairs. Beijing sees Taiwan as its sovereign territory, with Xi telling his American counterpart that China will eventually reunite with Taiwan.Ritter believes that if the DPP wins, a conflict could potentially erupt between China and the US which would have dramatic consequences for the global market and drag the world into recession.Could the US Wage a Multi-Front War?While the US has already engaged in a series of proxy conflicts, the problem is that it is unprepared for an all-out war with China or Russia, according to Ritter.According to the military expert, the Ukraine conflict has shown that the idea of the US having technological superiority has been largely overestimated. The war has become a "slow-plotting process" where numbers mean a lot, he noted.The Russo-Ukrainian conflict has turned into a "meat-grinder" and "war of attrition" in which the Russian military demonstrated high resilience and agility, the military expert pointed out. Per Ritter, the Russian Armed Forces is the only army in the world that can engage in large-scale combat and replace what it has lost.For its part, the US cannot wage a war of attrition and "doesn't have numbers", he noted. In particular, Ritter referred to Washington's incapability of rapidly replenishing its ammo and weapon stockpiles amid the Ukraine conflict.If the US sustains huge losses in terms of manpower, it won't be able to replace them with new troops since its draft system differs greatly from Russia's and basically relies on a limited contingent of military professionals who join the ranks voluntarily. "We don't have a system to draft people quickly," he said. To complicate matters further, the US presently has a shortfall in recruiting with the youths being disenchanted by the US modern "woke" army, he said.The US defense industry is also facing challenges as many facilities have been moved overseas with production and specialists being outsourced. That's why America cannot step up its artillery capacity after providing Ukraine with ammo, he said, adding that the US has recently requested Patriot missiles from Japan. Generally, the US has become a "prisoner of the military procurement system" which is aimed not at improving the nation's security but at making money in the first place, he said.To make a long story short, the US does not have the capacity to maintain its global hegemony and engage in high-intensity conflicts worldwide, as per Ritter. The world is turning against the US imperial ambitions, seeking to create a multi-polar environment where all countries are treated equally and with due respect, the former Marine Corps intelligence officer underscored. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/big-radio-marathon-dimitri-simes-jr-talks-geopolitics-2023-with-scott-ritter--michael-hudson-1115832355.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231226/multi-arena-war-what-does-the-future-hold-in-store-for-israel-palestine-conflict-1115822252.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/scott-ritter-us-builds-a-trap-for-itself-in-the-red-sea-1115746216.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/ex-pentagon-analyst-warns-us-stretched-thin-on-ukraine-israel-and-taiwan-fronts-1115749074.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/new-military-docs-leaked-on-war-thunder-game-forum-1115734747.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231225/russias-strategy-prevails-as-western-aid-to-ukraine-flounders-1115796238.html russia china israel ukraine taiwan red sea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova us, ukraine, ukraine strategic defeat, russia to boost its military and border protection, nato expansion, joe biden, israel-hamas war, palestinian-israeli conflict, red sea, houthi attacks in the red sea, taiwan, possible clash between us and china over taiwan, russian army, nato forces, war of attrition, us economy, us hegemony https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/turkiye-inching-toward-final-vote-on-swedens-nato-bid-after-key-committee-backing-1115829065.html Turkiye Inching Toward Final Vote on Swedens NATO Bid After Key Committee Backing Turkiye Inching Toward Final Vote on Swedens NATO Bid After Key Committee Backing Turkiye's Foreign Affairs Committee has endorsed Sweden's bid, setting the stage for a final vote in the Turkish Parliament as Sweden aimed at meeting Ankara's conditions for approval. 2023-12-27T00:07+0000 2023-12-27T00:07+0000 2023-12-27T06:04+0000 world sweden turkiye nato recep tayyip erdogan nato expansion /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104952/13/1049521306_0:364:3500:2333_1920x0_80_0_0_e200ab4b220a679c8dccc01567373668.jpg Turkiye has moved a step closer to greenlighting Swedens NATO membership, with the countrys Foreign Affairs Committee officially endorsing the bid. The development, which marks a critical juncture on Sweden's road to joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, paves the way for a final decision by the Turkish Parliament potentially happening this week.The approval process has involved significant diplomatic negotiations, including a recent discussion between Biden and Erdogan, which also touched upon Turkiye's potential acquisition of F-16 fighter jets from the US. The White House has linked Sweden's NATO membership to this sale.Sweden's bid faced challenges due to its stance on support for Kurdish independence, which Turkiye views as linked to terrorism. However, Sweden has made constitutional and legal amendments to address Turkiye's concerns.Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned that NATO's expansion does not contribute to international peace and security, calling the policy a "relic of the Cold War." The Russian president also stressed that the US was doing its best to thwart Moscow's rapprochement with Europe. Vladimir Putin recently pointed out that NATO expansion is based on false promises made to the late Soviet leaders. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230320/a-fateful-error-history-of-natos-expansion-1108611973.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/ukrainian-conflict-exposes-western-powers-underlying-motives-1115683419.html sweden turkiye 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 turkey foreign affairs committee, will turkey accept sweden in nato, will sweden join nato, nato expansion, us press on turkey, kurds in sweden https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/ukraine-plotting-false-flag-with-chemical-weapons-warns-russian-foreign-ministry-1115833064.html Ukraine Plotting False Flag With Chemical Weapons, Warns Russian Foreign Ministry Ukraine Plotting False Flag With Chemical Weapons, Warns Russian Foreign Ministry Russian officials have documents at least 23 cases of usage of chem weapons by Ukraine which is considered a war crime by international law. 2023-12-27T11:40+0000 2023-12-27T11:40+0000 2023-12-27T12:02+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis toxic chemicals dangerous chemicals false flag organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons (opcw) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1c/1094264759_0:44:2000:1169_1920x0_80_0_0_678d85a58939b792125e50f28faf96e4.jpg Moscow believes that Ukraine may be cooking up an anti-Russian false flag operation with the use of Western-made poisonous substances with the aim of pinning the blame on Moscow for the usage of such chemical weapons, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova cautioned.Earlier, Sputnik reported that Russia had sent 23 notes to the secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) concerning Ukraine's use of toxic substances as chemical weapons. However, the OPCW was reluctant to send any of its experts to the special military operation zone.In August, a high-ranking Russian military doctor said that the Kiev regime had used shells containing white phosphorous in Zaporozhye. This toxic substance causes severe burns and acute poisoning, as well as tissue necrosis. Moscow believes that Western countries are supplying Ukraine with such noxious chemicals. This winter, a video emerged on the Internet showing the Ukrainian military loading canisters onto drones. Experts suggested that these vessels could likely contain phosgene, a substance explicitly prohibited by the United Nations' Chemical Weapons Convention. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/we-prepared-to-use-them-in-vietnam-untold-story-of-us-toxic-romance-with-depleted-uranium-1114200068.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sergey Lebedev Sergey Lebedev 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 Sergey Lebedev russia special military operation, ukrainian crisis, did ukraine use chemical weapons, ukrainian phosphorous, phosgene ukraine, ukraine chemical weapons https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/us-efforts-to-kill-arctic-lng-2-could-sow-distrust-amidst-allies-1115836647.html US Efforts to 'Kill' Arctic LNG 2 Could Sow Distrust Amidst Allies US Efforts to 'Kill' Arctic LNG 2 Could Sow Distrust Amidst Allies US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt openly stated earlier this year that the United States goal is to kill the Arctic LNG 2 project, and that the US is doing that through our sanctions, working with our partners in the Group of Seven and beyond." 2023-12-27T17:52+0000 2023-12-27T17:52+0000 2023-12-31T14:48+0000 analysis russia liquefied natural gas (lng) us sanctions investors /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0d/1111123717_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_338988231683ca95feb227a248753cf9.jpg US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt openly stated earlier this year that the United States goal is to kill the Arctic LNG 2 project, and that the US is doing that through our sanctions, working with our partners in the Group of Seven and beyond."In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said this week that The situation around Arctic LNG 2 once again confirms the destructive role of Washington for global economic security.US sanctions against Arctic LNG 2 may be an attempt by the Biden administration to garner support, argued Thomas W. Pauken II, a geopolitical commentator and consultant on Asia-Pacific affairs. Biden's approval ratings in the US have been sagging amid the prospects of the American economy heading for a "downturn."According to Pauken, the Arctic LNG 2's foreign stakeholders apparently participated in the project under the impression that their involvement would not incur repercussions in the form of US sanctions.Now that the US imposed such sanctions, this is going to sow mistrust between the United States and the parties involved in the project, and this situation is going to harm the US image.This is a big story, that you have friends of America who are losing out big money in this deal, Pauken observed.He also suggested that as Russia realizes that it cannot rely on Europe and Japan for business partnership in light of the US sanctions pressure, it will likely forge closer economic relations with other countries such as India, Mongolia and Central Asian states, not to mention deepening its already close ties with China.Meanwhile, Nikita Lipunov, an analyst at the Institute for MGIMO Institute for International Studies, pointed out that Arctic LNG 2 foreign stakeholders have so far only suspended their participation in the project and are now mulling the associated risks. US sanctions are expected to come into effect on January 31.Foreign participants of Arctic LNG 2 [deem] there will be losses either way: if they give up their share in the venture and future LNG shipments or if they ignore the US secondary sanctions and suffer the consequences, he said.Lipunov also deemed as unlikely the odds of the US destroying the Arctic LNG 2 project, considering Russias vast experience in running large international economic projects while under sanction pressure.He noted that, while the French and Japanese participants of the project may end up pulling out of the venture under pressure from the US, there is still a chance that the Chinese companies involved may not follow suit. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231210/netherlands-resumes-lng-imports-from-russia-after-3-month-pause-1115513731.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Andrei Dergalin Andrei Dergalin 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 Andrei Dergalin arctic lng 2 project, us russia sanctions, arctic lng 2 sanctions https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/us-europe-likely-on-track-to-become-failed-economies-1115839426.html US, Europe Likely On Track to Become 'Failed Economies' US, Europe Likely On Track to Become 'Failed Economies' Polls in the US show that 70-80% of Americans think their countrys economy is getting worse and is being mismanaged, says US economist and former Wall Street analyst Michael Hudson.During an interview with Sputnik, Hudson argued that the US' gross domestic product growth occurs only for the 10% of the population, with the remaining 90% of Americans being left empty-handed. 2023-12-27T20:06+0000 2023-12-27T20:06+0000 2023-12-27T20:06+0000 analysis michael hudson joe biden germany west us economy sanctions /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/10/1115618690_0:100:3286:1948_1920x0_80_0_0_8859621897885991af9d7065a8e00491.jpg Polls in the US show that 70-80% of Americans think their countrys economy is getting worse and is being mismanaged, says US economist and former Wall Street analyst Michael Hudson.During an interview with Sputnik, Hudson argued that the US' gross domestic product growth occurs only for the 10% of the population, with the remaining 90% of Americans being left empty-handed.However, Hudson also indicated that across the pond, Europe is not faring any better as the destruction of German heavy industry as a result of the Nord Stream blow-up and the sanctions against Russia have pushed Germany into a decline.The German economys woes, in turn, put the entire euros exchange rate at risk because of the significant role Germanys export surplus played in the Eurozone balance and foreign exchange.Without German exports and earnings, there is a pressure on the euro to go down against the [US] dollar, and the euro is becoming a sort of failed currency, Hudson said.Hudson dismissed US President Joe Bidens boasting about the American economy growing, with the American economist noting the growth is essentially a product of the US Federal Reserve pumping money into the stock market and that is pushing up stocks.At this time, the United States faces a health crisis, housing crisis and a general economic malaise, he added.Hudson also weighed in on matters such as the ramifications of Western powers seizure of Russias foreign assets and the role of US dollar as an instrument of control wielded by Washington. germany west 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 economy problems, west bifurcated economy, us housing crisis, us economic malaise Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, is scheduled to hold a meeting with national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in Washington on Tuesday. This confirmation was provided by a spokesperson from the White House National Security Council. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson announced that Ron Dermer, a trusted ally and confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Tony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan this afternoon. Netanyahu's Ally Set To Meet Us Officials According to The Hill, the purpose of this face-to-face consultation is to discuss various issues pertaining to the conflict in Gaza and the safe return of hostages currently being held by Hamas. The meeting between Dormer and officials from the Biden administration is scheduled to occur on Tuesday. As the administration continues its efforts to urge Netanyahu's government to reduce its bombardment of Gaza, this development has emerged. In response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters, the Israeli assault has reportedly resulted in a significant loss of life, with estimates from the Gaza Health Ministry suggesting that over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed. The United Nations has issued a warning, emphasizing the urgent need to permit aid into the territory of Gaza. According to the organization, failure to do so will result in an ongoing risk of starvation, illness, and displacement for the remaining population in the area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a public rejection of the notion of a drawdown, despite facing pressure from officials in the United States and Europe. On Monday, Netanyahu stated that the ongoing attack on Gaza is far from reaching its conclusion. During a visit to Gaza on Monday, he boldly declared, "There is no such thing as stopping, whoever talks about it." Hamas has managed to release a total of 110 hostages who were taken during the attack on October 7th. Notably, a considerable number of these releases took place during a temporary cease-fire in November, which was skillfully negotiated by the United States. According to Israeli officials, Hamas is reported to still be holding a total of 129 hostages, with 21 of them believed to be Israeli nationals who are unfortunately presumed deceased. In a statement released in mid-December, the Israeli military confirmed the unfortunate incident in which three hostages were accidentally shot and killed by Israeli military soldiers. Read Also: Russian Warship in Black Sea Damaged by Ukrainian Air Strike-Defense Ministry Shares Details US, Israel to Discuss Gaza Conflict NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said the upcoming leaders' meetings will primarily focus on consultations regarding various aspects of the conflict in Gaza and the return of hostages held by Hamas. In the midst of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, Tuesday's meetings are taking place. The campaign has caused significant destruction in the Strip, despite consistent appeals from the United States and other Western allies for Israel to take greater measures in order to minimize civilian casualties during the operations. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, under the control of Hamas, approximately 20,000 individuals have been reported as deceased since the initiation of the war following Hamas's attack on October 7. However, it is important to note that this figure does not provide a breakdown between civilian and combatant casualties. Throughout much of the conflict, the United States has consistently upheld Israel's right to self-defense. However, the White House's unwavering support for Israel, despite the mounting death toll, has drawn heightened criticism for the Biden administration both at home and abroad. The Biden administration has made efforts to urge Israel to halt its high-intensity operations. Instead, they are advocating for a shift towards a greater focus on special forces conducting specific and targeted missions against Hamas leaders. According to Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Netanyahu, there is a mutual attentiveness between Washington and their government. Regev expressed his belief that both parties carefully listen to each other's statements. Moreover, Netanyahu outlined three key objectives for the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's primary goals include the removal of Hamas from power in Gaza, the demilitarization of the US-designated terrorist group, and the deradicalization of Palestinians. Related Article: Israel Ramps Up Strikes in Central Gaza; Death Toll in Refugee Camp Rises to106 @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Rideau Carleton track record holder Best Honey Hanover was recently recognized in a special retirement ceremony at the Ottawa oval after providing her connections with memories to last a lifetime. Among her dozen wins this year was a track record performance for aged pacing mares when Best Honey Hanover posted a 1:51.3 winning mile on July 20 at Rideau Carleton Raceway in rein to Pascal Berube. The eight-year-old Art Major-Best Chance Hanna mare, who boasts a lifetime mark of 1:51.1 taken at The Meadowlands, concluded her career with 52 wins, 19 seconds and 22 thirds while banking $321,122 from 158 starts. Best Honey Hanover holds a special place in the hearts of the Cassell family. She started her career on the New York fair circuit and competed at Eastern U.S. racetracks before venturing north of the border last year, where she was claimed for $18,750 at Woodbine Mohawk Park by Keith Cassell in February 2022. The mare has since remained in the care of Cassell's granddaughter, trainer Macy Cassell-Smyth. "'Best Honey' means a lot to me, often beyond words," Cassell-Smyth told Trot Insider. "Im grateful and humbled to be a part of her life. It felt like a true partnership between us; I took care of her and she always made sure to take care of me. "Beyond her and I, she did a lot for my son Weston. Hes eight years old. The bond they share is really neat. Shes so smart, he can do anything with her. Most times he would be the one loading her in the trailer to go race! Its important to have a horse spark a childs interest in our industry. Watching his responsibility, husbandry and love of the horse and sport makes us very proud." Best Honey Hanover enjoyed hunting down her competition and flourished in the care of the Cassells, earning 19 wins in a span of a year of half. "We set goals for 'Honey' this summer. 'Honey' was NCRHHAs May Horse of the Month at Rideau," noted Cassell-Smyth in reference to a memorable month in which the mare earned three consecutive wins and a close second-place finish. "That also got Weston Groom of the Month!" The track record performance was, of course, a major highlight in her career. "I knew she was capable of a track record so that was definitely a goal," said the Metcalfe, Ont. horsewoman. "And to reach 50 lifetime victories." Best Honey Hanover reached the 50-win milestone on Aug. 31 amid a four-race win streak at the capital oval. 'Queen Honey,' as she is more fondly referred to in the Cassell stable, has provided her connections with lasting memories, both on and off the track. "Meeting her in the winner's circle, she seemed to meet me with pride," recalled Cassell-Smyth. "She was so proud to win. She knew it. Setting the track record was definitely my favourite memory though. Once she got rolling, she didnt stop. "Off the track, its the quiet moments. Watching her walk around the farm, finding the perfect piece of lawn to munch on. Knowing shes happy and relaxed. She is such a deserving horse. "The day my husband Drew pulled her shoes, there were some tears. I gave her a hug and she stood there peaceful. It felt like she knew it was the conclusion to her racing career." Cassell-Smyth has reported that her family plans on breeding Best Honey Hanover in early 2024. "Shes still at home on the family farm, first stall. Lately, 'Honey' has been hanging out on the farm free-ranging, taking my son for rides and getting pampered by him." Best Honey Hanover, who last raced in late September, was honoured with a retirement ceremony during Rideau's season finale on Dec. 17. The mare and her connections were also featured in an interview with track announcer John MacMillan, available below. Woodbine Mohawk Park would like to inform all racing participants that training has been cancelled for Thursday, Dec. 28 due to inclement weather. The next training day will be Saturday, Dec. 30. (Woodbine) The Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, India, through Notification No. 16/2023-Customs (ADD) dated 26th December 2023, has decided to impose an anti-dumping duty on Gypsum Board/Tiles with lamination, originating from China PR and Oman. This move comes after the designated authoritys final findings highlighted the adverse effects of dumping on the domestic industry. Detailed Analysis: The designated authority, in its final findings, identified key reasons for imposing the anti-dumping duty. Firstly, it determined that the subject goods were exported to India at prices below the normal value, constituting dumping. Secondly, the dumping had a material impact on the establishment of the domestic industry in India. Lastly, this material retardation was attributed to the dumped imports from China PR and Oman. The anti-dumping duty rates, specified in the notification, vary for different producers and countries. For instance, Dream brand new materials (Pingyi) co. ltd. from China PR faces a duty of 23.46 USD/MT, while Global Gypsum Board Co. LLC. from Oman faces a duty of 71.80 USD/MT. The duty, applicable for a five-year period, aims to mitigate the injury caused to the domestic industry. The rates are specified in USD per metric ton and shall be payable in Indian currency. The relevant date for determining the rate of exchange is the date of bill of entry presentation under section 46 of the Customs Act, 1962. Conclusion: Indias decision to impose an anti-dumping duty on Gypsum Tiles reflects its commitment to safeguarding domestic industries. This move is expected to address the adverse impacts of dumping from China PR and Oman and foster a more competitive and stable environment for the domestic gypsum industry. Stakeholders should closely monitor the implementation and effects of this duty over the specified five-year period. MINISTRY OF FINANCE (Department of Revenue) Notification No. 16/2023-Customs (ADD) | Dated: 26th December, 2023 G.S.R. 915(E).Whereas, in the matter of Gypsum Board / Tiles with lamination at least on one side (hereinafter referred to as the subject goods), falling under chapter 68 of the First Schedule of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975) (hereinafter referred to as the Customs Tariff Act), originating in, or exported from Peoples Republic of China and Oman (hereinafter referred to as subject countries) and imported into India, the designated authority in its final findings, vide notification F. No. 06/11/2022-DGTR, dated the 29th September, 2023, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part I, Section 1, dated the 29th September, 2023, has come to the conclusion, inter alia, that- i. the product under consideration has been exported to India at a price below the normal value, resulting in dumping; ii. the dumping of the subject goods has materially retarded the establishment of the domestic industry in India.; iii. the material retardation to the establishment of the domestic industry in India is due to the subject dumped imports from the subject countries, and has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on imports of the subject goods, originating in, or exported from the subject countries and imported into India, in order to remove injury to the domestic industry. Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (5) of section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act 1975 (51 of 1975) read with rules 18 and 20 of the Customs Tariff (Identification, Assessment and Collection of Anti-dumping Duty on Dumped Articles and for Determination of Injury) Rules, 1995, the Central Government, after considering the aforesaid final findings of the designated authority, hereby imposes on the subject goods, the description of which is specified in column (3) of the Table below, falling under the tariff items of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act as specified in the corresponding entry in column (2), originating in the countries as specified in the corresponding entry in column (4), exported from the countries as specified in the corresponding entry in column (5), produced by the producers as specified in the corresponding entry in column (6), which are imported into India, an anti-dumping duty at the rate equal to the amount as specified in the corresponding entry in column (7), in the currency as specified in the corresponding entry in column (9) and as per unit of measurement as specified in the corresponding entry in column (8) of the said Table, namely :- TABLE Sl. No Heading Description Country of origin Country of Export Producer Amount of Duty Unit Currency (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) 1 68069000/ 68080000/ 68091100/ 68091900/ 68099000 Gypsum Board / Tiles with lamination at least on one side China PR China PR Dream brand new materials (Pingyi) co. ltd. 23.46 MT USD 2 -do- -do- China PR China PR Shijiazhuang DianYu Import and Export co. ltd. 35.68 MT USD 3 -do- -do- China PR Any country including China PR Any other producer excluding producers mentioned in Sl. No. (1) to (2) above 47.62 MT USD 4 -do- -do- Any country Other than subject countries China PR Any 47.62 MT USD 5 -do- -do- Oman Oman Global Gypsum Board Co. LLC. 71.80 MT USD 6 -do- -do- Oman Any country including Oman Any other producer excluding producers mentioned in Sl. No. (5) 91.42 MT USD 7 -do- -do- Any country Other than subject countries Oman Any 91.42 MT USD 2. The anti-dumping duty imposed under this notification shall be levied for a period of five years (unless revoked, superseded or amended earlier) from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette and shall be payable in Indian currency. Explanation.-For the purposes of this notification, rate of exchange applicable for the purpose of calculation of such anti-dumping duty shall be the rate which is specified in the notification of the Government of India, in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), issued from time to time, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962), and the relevant date for the determination of the rate of exchange shall be the date of presentation of the bill of entry under section 46 of the said Customs Act. [F. No. 190354/230/2023-TRU] NITISH KARNATAK Under Secy. 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. S/V Boat to Freedom launched from the West Coast in June 2022 with its sights set for Japan. For 176 days, the uncrewed vessel's GPS reported its location before going silent. There was no further sign of the boat until October 2023, when a piece of the ship was found near Fort Hase Beach in Hawaii. The piece wasn't from just any vessel, but a 5-foot boat built and decorated by Wallace Elementary fifth grade students during the 2021-22 school year. Now, a different Kelso elementary school class is ready to launch their vessel in the district's second year participating in an Astoria museum's program that helps kids build and launch miniboats to teach boating and engineering. This time the goal isn't to reach Japan, but any land just like part of the S/V Boat to Freedom accomplished. Where can the boat reach? Miniboat S/V Grizzly Bear was christened last week at Kelso City Hall in preparation for its voyage across the Pacific Ocean. Fifth grade students from Barnes Elementary School constructed the miniboat as part of the Columbia River Maritime Museum Miniboat Program. The program, developed in partnership with not-for-profit Educational Passages and other organizations, helps students practice STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) skills as they build and track miniboats that are launched into the Pacific Ocean, museum Education Director Katy Menne said. The museum has run the miniboat program for seven years, though it did not operate during the 2022-23 school year, boat instructor Olive DelSol said. This was the first year Menne and DelSol have been involved, and they have implemented changes, including shifting the goal from having miniboats reach Japan specifically to making landfall in any location. "We looked at the data and realized this was not feasible," Menne said. How to track the boat Visit educationalpassages.org/events/atsea to track the S/V Grizzly Bear's journey once it hits the sea. The miniboat is set to be launched in January. Now, students learn about multiple possible locations their miniboat could end up, which include Mexico, a number of island nations, and Hawaii. When Josh Bailey found part of the S/V Boat to Freedom in Hawaii, he and his son were diving to look for his missing wedding ring, which he also retrieved. "How rare are the chances of that, to find the wedding ring and then find a boat that launched from (Washington)?" Bailey said. Bailey contacted the district using information printed on the boat and was able to ship it back to Washington. The district plans to show it to the class at Barnes Elementary, but its permanent home will be at Wallace, Barnes Principal Seth Peck said. Building S/V Grizzly Bear The Barnes Elementary students spent 10 weeks building the Grizzly Bear, during which they got weekly visits from DelSol. Educational Passages provided the materials used in construction and the tracking equipment the class will use to follow the boat's journey, Menne said. The class voted to decide the boat's name and design, which was inspired by the school mascot. Students learned about a mix of subjects such as the science behind boat construction, how ocean currents and winds work, traditional methods of navigation such as the ones used by ancient Polynesian sailors, and the cultures that the boat might encounter after making landfall. Many of the lessons included educational games, such as an interactive mystery based on events in the Lewis and Clark expedition or an island-hopping game that uses latitude and longitude to practice mapping points. The museum is also working to educate students on marine debris and what impact their boat could have on the environment, from polluting the water to becoming an artificial reef. After the christening, the Grizzly Bear was taken to Lake Sacajawea for a shakedown cruise to test its sea-readiness. Its next stop is San Diego, where the Coast Guard ship Alert will deploy it into the ocean. The exact deployment date has not been decided, but it will likely be in January, DelSol said Once it's off, DelSol plans to visit Barnes Elementary once a month to help the students track the boat's progress. Because it is designed to drift on the wind, it's hard to predict where it might end up, but past boats have landed on the Marshall Islands and Hawaii, DelSol said. The Grizzly Bear contains handkerchiefs decorated by the students, pictures of them and drawings of things they love as a way to identify themselves to whoever might find it, DelSol said. "I can imagine it making landfall and being able to really reach out to someone elses life, some kid on a far-flung shore, and how exciting that would be for those kids and ours," she said. The share of in-state residents served by Oregons largest universities has dropped dramatically over the past two decades. This fall, Oregonians barely outnumbered out-of-state and international students at both the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. The vast majority of enrollment growth at the states two largest public universities in the last 25 years has been driven by an increase in out-of-state and international students. The total number of in-state residents enrolled at the two schools has grown too, but at a much smaller clip, and nearly all of that growth is at Oregon State. The 17,877 Oregon residents at Oregon State this year make up 50.2% of students enrolled at the states largest university. Thats way down from the 78% in-state students in 2000, though the total number of Oregon students enrolled is up by nearly 5,000. The University of Oregon counted some 12,237 resident students in fall 2023, representing 51.3% of the universitys overall enrollment. That share is down from the 68% of in-state students who attended the university in 2000, though the number is nearly identical. Administrators at both universities say theyre committed to serving Oregon students and that the share of in-state students they admit is complicated by a decline in community college transfers, enrollment in online programs and student interest. Both universities accepted about 9 of every 10 Oregonians who applied this year, enrollment managers said. If youre a qualified resident, theres room for you here. We are not taking non-resident students at the expense of a resident, said Jon Boeckenstedt, vice provost for enrollment management at Oregon State. With a combined enrollment of more than 60,000, the University of Oregon and Oregon State enroll the bulk of Oregons 98,545 undergraduate students and advanced degree seekers. Despite serving a declining share of Oregon residents over time, the states two major universities continue to buck statewide enrollment trends that resulted from the pandemic. Since 2019, Oregon State and the University of Oregon have increased the raw number of Oregon residents they serve. Statewide, things have gone in a different direction. The number of Oregon residents enrolled at the states seven public universities has dropped by 3,299 students since 2019, according to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, mirroring a two percentage point decline in overall enrollment. Without enrollment growth at the two largest universities, that drop would have been steeper. Across the state, about 62.7% of all students enrolled at Oregon public universities are in-state residents this year. Oregon State says online enrollment skews ratios A huge chunk of out-of-state student enrollment at Oregon State University is driven by the schools online programs, which began picking up steam around 2005, Boeckenstedt said. There are nearly 11,000 students enrolled in those online programs today, 75% of whom live outside Oregon. Those 8,100 students pay the same online tuition as Oregon residents and dont come to campus, Boeckenstedt said, so theyre not creating capacity issues in Corvallis. The ratio on campus goes the opposite way, Boeckenstedt said. Of the more than 20,000 undergraduates on the Corvallis campus, only about a third are non-residents, he said. Residents are the first priority when Oregon State admits its freshman class, Boeckenstedt said. The university enrolls Oregonians first, then fills the rest of its available slots with out-of-state students. Last years first-year class was about 60% residents, he said. Oregon State admitted 84% of traditional first-year applicants in the fall of 2023 and closer to 90% of in-state applicants, he said. Over time, as it has grown in size, Oregon State has also become the predominant educator of in-state students of the two largest universities. In 2000, OSU served about 52% of Oregon students enrolled in Corvallis or Eugene. Today, Oregon State serves more than 59% of them. We educate more residents, more nonresidents and more international students than any other campus in the state, Boeckenstedt said. Not only are we serving the largest share of residents, were also an engine bringing revenue into Oregon from beyond the borders. University of Oregon wants more Oregonians The University of Oregon enrolled 2,509 Oregonians in this years freshman class. Thats a record, the school says, though they represent just 49.6% of the 5,057 student first-year group. Theres both an optimists view of that number, says Vice President of Enrollment Management Roger Thompson, and a pessimistic one. On the bright side, not only was the volume of in-state students in the first-year class higher than ever, the diversity of that cohort set records too. About 38% identify as students of color. The bad news is this: Oregon fielded more than 7,000 applications from state residents this year and admission rates for in-state students approach 90%, Thompson said. That means the majority of Oregon students admitted to the University of Oregon decided not to enroll. Thats the challenge we deal with pretty much every day in our organization: How can we convert more of those admitted students into enrolling? Thompson said. For the better part of two decades, the University of Oregons in-state enrollment has fluctuated around 13,000 students. But the share of Oregon students enrolled dropped consistently into the low 50% range by 2013. Last year, in-state enrollment dipped to 49.9% the first time in recent history that it enrolled more out-of-state or international students than Oregonians. But this year its back to 51.3%. As the share of Oregon students has dropped over the decades, Californias slice has grown dramatically. Californians accounted for about 8% of all University of Oregon students in 2000 but are now about 25%. Thompson points to a number of factors altering UOs mix of students. As community college enrollment has declined over time, UO is receiving at least 1,000 fewer in-state transfer students a year than it has in the past, he said. Former president Michael Schill drove the university to reduce the time it took students to graduate from four years and two terms down to four years, Thompson said. That change, which financially benefits students, has decreased enrollment somewhat because fewer students are spending extra semesters on campus, he said. In addition, Oregons high school graduating classes are getting smaller, which means the University of Oregon needs to increase the market share of those students it attracts. (College-going rates among those graduates have also declined pretty dramatically for Oregon students over the past decade.) The University of Oregons data suggests that residents admitted to campus who decide not to attend typically enroll at an out-of-state school thats giving them good financial aid, Thompson said. The University of Oregon is the most expensive public university for Oregon students, with an estimated price tag of $35,721 per year before financial aid, about $3,200 more expensive than OSU. That cost includes tuition, books, lodging, meals and personal expenses. Thompson argues that UO may be more affordable than other colleges if students finish their degrees more quickly. And he said the university offers in-house scholarships, like PathwayOregon, which covers tuition and fees for low-income Pell Grant recipients. Now the university needs to do a better job of selling that story, he said. Were here to serve the state of Oregon and I wish more Oregon kids chose us, he said. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain A recent New York Times article released a list of people "behind the dawn of the modern artificial intelligence movement"and not a single woman was named. It came less than a week after news of a fake auto-generated woman being listed as a speaker on the agenda for a software conference. Unfortunately, the omission of women from the history of STEM isn't a new phenomenon. Women have been missing from these narratives for centuries. In the wake of recent AI developments, we now have a choice: are we going to leave women out of these conversations as welleven as they continue to make massive contributions to the AI industry? Doing so risks leading us into the same fallacy that established computing itself as a "man's world". The reality, of course, is quite different. A more accurate history Prior to computers as we know them, "computer" was the title given to people who performed complex mathematical calculations. These people were commonly women. English mathematician Ada Lovelace (18151852) is often referred to as the first computer programmer. She was the first person to realize computers could do much more than just math calculations. Her work on the analytical enginea proposed automatic and fully programmable mechanical computerdates back to the mid-1800s. By the 1870s, a group of about 80 women worked as computers at the Harvard Observatory. They catalogued and analyzed copious amounts of astronomic data for astronomer Edward Charles Pickering (who exploited the fact they'd work for less money than men, or even as volunteers). By the late 19th century, increased access to education meant there was an entire generation of women trained in math. These woman computers were cheaper labor than men at the time, and so employing them significantly reduced the costs of computation. During the first world war, women were hired to calculate artillery trajectories. This work continued into the second world war, when they were actively encouraged to take on wartime jobs as computers in the absence of men. Women continued to work as computers into the early days of the American space program in the 1960s, playing a pivotal role in advancing NASA's space projects. One of these computers was Katherine Johnson, who was responsible for quality-checking the outputs of early IBM computers for an orbital mission in 1962. Many women made significant contributions to computing, yet few were recognized for these contributionslet alone financially compensated. According to Virginia Tech professor Janet Abbate, by 1969 a female computer specialist's median salary was US$7,763, compared to US$11,193 for a male computer specialist. Woman computers worked behind the scenes, while their male counterparts received recognition, awards and publicity. Women in AI Computing and programming are the foundation of AI as we know it today. At a basic level, today's generative and predictive AI systems work by analyzing large amounts of data and finding patterns in it. The women who pioneered computing from as early as the 1800s laid the foundations for this work. The work they were doing by hand for more than a century has now been replaced by machines capable of analyzing much larger quantities of data in much a shorter time. This transition does not diminish women's contributions to the field of computing and, more recently, AI. Myriad women are doing pioneering work in the AI industry today, including the 12 women named is this recent Medium article. From Google's ex-chief decision scientist Cassie Kozyrkov, to Canadian computer scientist Joy Buolamwini, to OpenAI's CTO Mira Murati (pictured in this article's banner image)these women are helping make AI safer, more accurate, more accessible, more inclusive and more reliable. And they're taking these strides despite working in a heavily male-dominated industry. One 2018 study of 4,000 researchers who had been published in leading AI conferences found women made up just 12% of this group. The impact of omission The omission of women isn't limited to the AI industry, or even to STEM. As historian Bettany Hughes notes, women occupy a meager 0.5% of recorded history. Clearly, a lack of gender diversity in the workforce is part of a much larger, systemic problemone that affects many more people than the individuals being excluded. In 1983, NASA engineers suggested packing 100 tampons on the Challenger space shuttle for astronaut Sally Ridefor a trip that was one week long. Such an incident is seemingly harmless on the surface. But what happens when gender bias and stereotypes bleed into the design and development of AI? Research published in 2018 by international non-profit Global Witness found Facebook's job ad platform, which uses algorithms to target users with ads, based its targeting on sexist stereotypes. For example, ads for mechanics were targeted mostly at men, while ads for preschool teachers were targeted mostly at women. Another 2018 study found computer vision systems reported higher error rates for recognizing women, and in particular women with darker skin tones. A lack of gender diversity in AI has a demonstrated ability to harm and disadvantage women and, by extension, all of us. While many argue that improving AI training datasets could address the gender gap, others rightly point out that women should also be included in data-collection processes Breaking the glass ceiling Speaking at the UN Women's HeForShe summit earlier this year, Hugging Face research scientist Sasha Luccioni made a salient point: "AI bias doesn't come from thin airit comes from the patterns we perpetuate in our societies." The recent New York Times article is an example of how both media and industry play a role in reinforcing a status quo that disproportionately favors men. This form of bias does nothing to help close a persistent and problematic gender gap. Despite millions of dollars being spent to encourage women to take up careers in STEM, these fields are struggling to retain woman workers. Women's contributions to AI are not insignificant. Failing to acknowledge this can make the glass ceiling seem impossible to break through. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Medical device maker Masimo Corp accuses Apple of infringing on its 'light-based oximetry functionality' Apple said on Tuesday it will appeal a US ban on its latest smartwatch models after the Biden administration opted to not veto a ruling on patent infringements. The ban on Apple's latest smartwatch models came into effect Tuesday, with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 no longer available in stores or online. The ban is the latest legal tussle involving big tech companies over valuable patents that has also seen Google battle in court against Sonos in a fight over speaker tech. The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) decided in October to ban the Apple Watch models over a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels. The order stemmed from a complaint to the commission in mid-2021 by medical device maker Masimo Corp, which accused Apple of infringing on "light-based oximetry functionality." "After careful consultations, Ambassador (Katherine) Tai decided not to reverse the... determination and the ITC's decision became final on December 26, 2023," the office of the US Trade Representative said in a statement on Tuesday. Though US President Joe Biden's office has authority to reverse import bans, such actions are only taken rarely. In a statement, Masimo said the confirmed ban "is a win for the integrity of the US patent system, and ultimately American consumers who will benefit from an ecosystem that rewards true innovation." Apple contends that the ITC finding was in error and should be reversed, filing an appeal in a US federal court. But the company pulled the products from the online Apple Store on December 21, with retail locations ceasing sales December 24just ahead of the holiday. Apple Watch Ultra 2 devices are displayed for sale in Los Angeles. Apple manufactures the vast majority of its products overseas, predominantly in China, giving the International Trade Commission jurisdiction over the matter. Masimo contends it invented the technologyand that Apple poached its employees to win access to the knowledge. 'Strongly disagree' Apple has been steadily ramping up fitness and health features with each generation of its Apple Watch, which dominates the smartwatch category. In September, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 9, touting increased performance along with features such as the ability to access and log health data. "We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible," Apple said in a statement Tuesday. At the time of the original decision, Apple said Masimo had "wrongly attempted to use the ITC to keep a potentially lifesaving product from millions of US consumers while making way for their own watch that copies Apple." In May, a trial of Masimo's allegations ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Apple has argued that Masimo is using litigation to make way for its own Apple Watch-inspired products. In November, Masimo was cleared by US regulators to use its own wrist-worn product for prescription and over-the-counter use. Late last year, Apple filed two patent infringement lawsuits accusing Masimo of copying Apple Watch technology. 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Alphabet Inc.'s Google considered changing its app store pricing model to circumvent a regulatory crackdown, but abandoned a proposal to charge a set fee per app after it became clear that could cost the company billions of dollars, according to documents released late Thursday. Google created Project Everest in 2021 to reconsider the Play Store billing model, according to the documents, which were released as part of an antitrust suit by Epic Games Inc. Google last week lost the suit brought by the maker of Fortnite when a federal jury found the tech giant abused its monopoly power over the app store. Sparked by mounting pressure from regulators and developers over Google Play's hefty 30% commission, the presentation showed the search giant was concerned about staving off what it saw as potential regulatory overreach. "We can defend the status quo for a few months," Google said in the presentation. "Making proposed changes sooner may help support reasonable legislation, position Google as a leader, and prevent more draconian legislation." Project Everest explored charging developers piecemeal service fees for putting their apps or games in the Play Store, with additional fees for user downloads, updates and referrals. But the company estimated that model created "potential for significant loss" from $1 billion to $2 billion for apps and $6 billion to $9 billion for games. Instead, employees recommended allowing app developers to process payments themselves in exchange for paying Google a lower fee. The company estimated the change would reduce the store's annual revenue between $250 million and $1.3 billion, depending on how many users opted for the other payment choice. That solution essentially mirrors the $700 million settlement Google announced last week with a group of state attorneys general from about three dozen states and consumers. Google's loss to Epic threatens to roil an app store duopoly with Apple Inc. that generates close to $200 billion a year and dictates how billions of consumers use mobile devices. Epic has spent years railing against the Apple and Google's practice of charging commissions of as much as 30% to software developers who typically have few other options. Google's loss is likely to accelerate the weakening of app store rules, which have already come under fire from regulators and lawmakers around the world. Mobile app developers have long complained that Google's commissions are too high and require them to charge consumers more, a grievance that has led countries like Korea to require the company to open its app stores to other payment systems. New European Union rules set to come into effect in March will also require Google and Apple to open up their stores. Dozens of state attorneys general also sued Google in 2021, alleging the company employed unlawful tactics to block competition and ensure that developers have no choice but to go through the Play Store. On Monday, the states announced that Google would pay $700 million and allow developers to use their own payment systems to resolve the suit. Google's internal documents, however, indicate the company was already moving that way. Google spokesman Dan Jackson said the fees help the company maintain investment in Android and the Play Store. Google has also reduced fees on subscriptions and on the first $1 million that developers make in the store. Under the title "User Choice Billing," the company rolled out the program in 2022 the lets app developers process payments themselves and give Google a slightly lower fee of 26% or 11% on subscriptions. "User Choice Billing is designed to address choice," Purnima Kochikar, one of the Google employees involved in designing it, testified as part of Epic's trial. About 80 developers have opted to move to User Choice Billing as of May 2023, she testified. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The foreign affairs committee of Turkey's Parliament has given its approval to Sweden's bid to join NATO. This decision brings the Nordic country one step closer to becoming a member of the esteemed military alliance. The measure, which requires approval from the full Parliament, is currently awaiting a vote. However, no specific date has been set for this crucial decision. The head of the foreign affairs committee has cautioned reporters against anticipating a swift resolution to the matter, as per NY Times. Turkey Approves Sweden's NATO Bid In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, Sweden's application to join NATO has faced a series of delays, with Turkey playing a key role in the process. Insisting that certain demands must be met, Turkey has repeatedly postponed the progress of Sweden's application, citing requirements that involve not only Sweden but also the United States and Canada. With the anticipated approval of Sweden's NATO membership, the measure would then be presented to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The act of ratifying it into law would bring an end to a nearly two-year-long procedure that has caused discontent among some of Ankara's Western allies. Fuat Oktay, the chief of the commission, downplayed anticipations regarding the speed of the vote in the Grand National Assembly as a whole, assuring reporters that the speaker would determine the vote's timetable. Early January also features a two-week recess for Parliament. "Although the decision to present it to the general assembly has been reached at this moment, this does not necessarily imply that it will be approved with the same velocity by the assembly. That is not the case," stated Oktay. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom issued the following statement following the commission's approval: "Sweden welcomes the move and looks forward to joining NATO." Read Also: Germany Agrees to Permanently Deploy Troops to Lithuania Amid Rising Tensions NATO Praises Turkey's Approval Additionally, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg praised the Turkish parliamentary commission's approval. All 31 members of NATO are obligated to grant approval for new members. Turkey expressed reservations in May of last year regarding the requests of Sweden and Finland to become members of the alliance. Erdogan cited their defense of trade embargoes and the protection of individuals Turkey labels "terrorists" as justifying his objections. In April, Turkey endorsed Finland's proposal; however, Sweden was not granted ratification until Turkey implemented further measures to suppress activities of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), an organization that is classified as terrorist by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States. As a reaction, Stockholm enacted legislation that criminalizes membership in a "terrorist organization." Additionally, NATO members Sweden, Finland, Canada, and the Netherlands eased arms export restrictions on Turkey. Although Sweden's membership in NATO has not been ratified by Hungary, Turkey is regarded as the primary obstacle preventing the Scandinavian country from joining the military alliance and fortifying its Baltic Sea defenses. Turkey's ratification of Sweden's membership was additionally contingent on the United States authorizing F-16 fighter aircraft sales to Turkey, according to Erdogan. Per Aljazeera, he disclosed this month, following a conversation with US President Joe Biden, that Washington was contemplating ratification in order to advance the request. Related Article: Will Russia-NATO War Happen? American Think Tank ISW Says It's Possible-Here's Why @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Alexandre Bartel, Professor at Umea University, has, in collaboration with European research colleagues, studied major weaknesses in one of the world's largest programming languages. Credit: Mattias Pettersson Alexandre Bartel, Professor of Software Engineering and Security at Umea University, in collaboration with several European researchers, has extensively analyzed weaknesses in software written in one of the world's most widely used programming languages. "This involves flaws in the processes that retrieve and recreate informationsuch as customer accounts, transactions, or patient records. These vulnerabilities can create huge costs for businesses, governments and public authorities." Java is behind applications used in mobile games, robots, embedded systems or business applications. Over the years, several security flaws have been reported and now European researchers have investigated whether and how these have been addressed. They have looked at Java products that use deserialisation, the process of restoring packaged information to its previous state, such as user settings, game functions, shopping carts or banking applications, and carried out an in-depth analysis of existing vulnerabilities and attacks. Big companies affected "We have identified weaknesses and how they have been addressed. The problem is that the programmers seem to repeat the same mistakes over and over again and therefore reintroduce the vulnerabilities," Professor Bartel says. In the study "An In-Depth Study of Java Deserialization Remote-Code Execution Exploits and Vulnerabilities," which was conducted in collaboration with Eric Bodden, Professor at Paderborn University, Yves Le Traon, Professor at the Universite du Luxembourg and Imen Sayar, now researcher at INRIA, several examples are given: Flaws in PayPal's critical applicationsgave access to production databases Vulnerabilities at the San Francisco Department of Transportationthe attackers gained control of 2,000 computers and blocked the payment systems Equifax, the largest US credit reporting agency in the USsuffered an attack in which the attacker managed to steal 147.7 million pieces of personal data What the European researchers are seeing is that the flow of bytes, the flow of information, opens for modification by attackers. "It is during the actual deserialization process, when the information is recreated, that the attacker can gain total control over the receiving system. Even very small changes in the code can make systems vulnerable to attacks," Alexandre Bartel says. Serious flaws Most Java programs rely on external libraries and there is no easy way to fix the affected systems. Alexandre Bartel argues that to prevent security flaws from being introduced in new code, the developers should avoid using Java deserialisation altogether. "Our findings suggest that the entire supply chain of the developed application should be thoroughly verified throughout the application's lifecycle. The findings are very serious as they have the potential to be costly, not only for companies but also for society at large," says Alexandre Bartel. The study has attracted considerable interest and was published in the highly regarded and selective Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology journal, TOSEM, of the Association of Computing Machinery, ACM. The findings were also presented at ICSE, the International Conference on Software Engineering, which is one of the most prestigious conferences in the field. Bartel and his research group are now developing methods to more efficiently detect these vulnerabilities and prevent attacks. Serialization and deserialisation Processes in computer science that involve saving a data structure or object state in a format that can then be stored or transferred to another computing environment. It involves "translating" data structures into a stream of bytes to facilitate storage in, for example, a memory, a file or during data transfer to another machine. Examples include: Pharmaceutical systems, where governments require packaging to be coded so that it can be tracked throughout the supply chain. Game development: to store and load game data such as player progress, settings and saved games. Financial sector: storage and transmission of data on financial transactions between banks and other financial systems. 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: This combination of photos shows logos of X, formerly known as Twitter, top left; Snapchat, top right; Facebook, bottom left; and TikTok, bottom right. Social media companies collectively made over $11 billion in U.S. advertising revenue from minors last year, according to a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health released Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo, File Social media companies collectively made over $11 billion in U.S. advertising revenue from minors last year, according to a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health published on Wednesday. The researchers say the findings show a need for government regulation of social media since the companies that stand to make money from children who use their platforms have failed to meaningfully self-regulate. They note such regulations, as well greater transparency from tech companies, could help alleviate harms to youth mental health and curtail potentially harmful advertising practices that target children and adolescents. To come up with the revenue figure, the researchers estimated the number of users under 18 on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube in 2022 based on population data from the U.S. Census and survey data from Common Sense Media and Pew Research. They then used data from research firm eMarketer, now called Insider Intelligence, and Qustodio, a parental control app, to estimate each platform's U.S. ad revenue in 2022 and the time children spent per day on each platform. After that, the researchers said they built a simulation model using the data to estimate how much ad revenue the platforms earned from minors in the U.S. Researchers and lawmakers have long focused on the negative effects stemming from social media platforms, whose personally-tailored algorithms can drive children towards excessive use. This year, lawmakers in states like New York and Utah introduced or passed legislation that would curb social media use among kids, citing harms to youth mental health and other concerns. Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, is also being sued by dozens of states for allegedly contributing to the mental health crisis. "Although social media platforms may claim that they can self-regulate their practices to reduce the harms to young people, they have yet to do so, and our study suggests they have overwhelming financial incentives to continue to delay taking meaningful steps to protect children," said Bryn Austin, a professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Harvard and a senior author on the study. The platforms themselves don't make public how much money they earn from minors. Social media platforms are not the first to advertise to children, and parents and experts have long expressed concerns about marketing to kids online, on television and even in schools. But online ads can be especially insidious because they can be targeted to children and because the line between ads and the content kids seek out is often blurry. In a 2020 policy paper, the American Academy of Pediatrics said children are "uniquely vulnerable to the persuasive effects of advertising because of immature critical thinking skills and impulse inhibition." "School-aged children and teenagers may be able to recognize advertising but often are not able to resist it when it is embedded within trusted social networks, encouraged by celebrity influencers, or delivered next to personalized content," the paper noted. As concerns about social media and children's mental health grow, the Federal Trade Commission earlier this month proposed sweeping changes to a decades-old law that regulates how online companies can track and advertise to children. The proposed changes include turning off targeted ads to kids under 13 by default and limiting push notifications. According to the Harvard study, YouTube derived the greatest ad revenue from users 12 and under ($959.1 million), followed by Instagram ($801.1 million) and Facebook ($137.2 million). Instagram, meanwhile, derived the greatest ad revenue from users aged 13-17 ($4 billion), followed by TikTok ($2 billion) and YouTube ($1.2 billion). The researchers also estimate that Snapchat derived the greatest share of its overall 2022 ad revenue from users under 18 (41%), followed by TikTok (35%), YouTube (27%), and Instagram (16%). More information: Social media platforms generate billions of dollars in revenue from U.S. youth: Findings from a simulated revenue model, PLOS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295337 Journal information: PLoS ONE 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Schematic of the 20 DoF snake robot showing the structure for the "macromicro" operation: (a) shows the three tip sections with decoupled actuation; (b) shows the seven base sections with coupled actuation. Credit: Ma et al Robotic systems inspired by nature can help to efficiently tackle a wide range of problems, ranging from navigating complex environments to seamlessly completing missions as a team. In recent years, roboticists have created a growing number of bio-inspired systems designed to replicate the body structure and movements of various animals, including snakes. Snake-like robots could have various advantages over other systems with more conventional body structures. Due to their flexible body and sliding motions, they could reach small and confined areas that would otherwise be difficult to access, for instance moving inside pipes, mines, and in other challenging environments. Despite their potential, so far snake robots have not been successfully deployed on a large-scale. This is in part due to difficulties encountered when trying to effectively modulate these systems' stiffness, allowing there to perform desired motions and reach target positions with high precision. Researchers at Lancaster University, Beijing Institute of Technology and North China University of Technology recently set out to develop a new design strategy that could help to better regulate the stiffness of snake robots. Their proposed method, outlined in the journal Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, was applied to the development of a snake-like robotic arm with 20 degrees of freedom (DoF). "Snake robots have been widely used in challenging environments, such as confined spaces," Nan Ma, Haqin Zhou and their colleagues wrote in their paper. "However, most existing snake robots with large length/diameter ratios have low stiffness, and this limits their accuracy and utility. To remedy this, a novel 'macromicro' structure aided by a new comprehensive stiffness regulation strategy is proposed in this paper." The macromicro structure devised by this research team can improve the positional accuracy of snake-like robots as they are navigating confined spaces, both above and under the ground. This structure is accompanied by a newly developed, comprehensive strategy to regulate the robot's stiffness, as well as a kinetostatic model designed to estimate errors. "The internal friction, variation of cable stiffness as a function of tension, and their effects on the structural stiffness of the snake arm under different configurations have been incorporated into the model to increase the modeling accuracy," Ma, Zhou and their colleagues wrote. "Finally, the proposed models were validated experimentally on a physical prototype and control system (error: 4.3% and 2.5% for straight and curved configurations, respectively)." Ma, Zhou and their colleagues used their proposed design to develop a prototype system, which they then evaluated in a series of initial tests. Their findings were highly promising, as their strategy enabled them to adjust the tension of the cables driving the snake-like arm's motions by an average of 183.4%. In the future, this recent study could inform the development of better performing snake-inspired robotic systems, which can be modulated with greater precision and can thus better complete missions in complex and highly confined environments. These robots could prove to be incredibly valuable for assisting human agents during search and rescue operations, to monitor underground environments, and for countless other advanced real-world applications. More information: Nan Ma et al, Comprehensive stiffness regulation on multi-section snake robot with considering the parasite motion and friction effects, Bioinspiration & Biomimetics (2023). DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad0ffc Journal information: Bioinspiration and Biomimetics 2023 Science X Network Shares of Ameren Co. (NYSE:AEE Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the nine analysts that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $85.33. AEE has been the subject of several analyst reports. StockNews.com lowered shares of Ameren from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, December 22nd. Barclays lowered their target price on Ameren from $80.00 to $77.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Mizuho cut their price target on Ameren from $77.00 to $72.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Evercore ISI lowered Ameren from an outperform rating to an in-line rating in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Ameren from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Get Ameren alerts: View Our Latest Report on AEE Insider Buying and Selling at Ameren Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ameren In related news, Director Rafael Flores sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.65, for a total transaction of $116,475.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 13,007 shares in the company, valued at $1,009,993.55. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . In related news, CFO Michael L. Moehn sold 3,244 shares of Ameren stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.28, for a total value of $250,696.32. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 198,937 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,373,851.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Also, Director Rafael Flores sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.65, for a total value of $116,475.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 13,007 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,009,993.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 0.42% of the stock is owned by insiders. Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Colony Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Ameren by 3.7% in the first quarter. Colony Group LLC now owns 3,405 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $294,000 after buying an additional 120 shares during the period. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. lifted its holdings in Ameren by 35.9% in the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 466 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 123 shares during the last quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Ameren by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC now owns 14,746 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,204,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Ameren by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 15,965 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,304,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kestra Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of Ameren by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 6,943 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $567,000 after purchasing an additional 128 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.77% of the companys stock. Ameren Stock Down 0.4 % Shares of NYSE AEE opened at $71.77 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $76.41 and a 200 day moving average price of $79.30. The company has a market cap of $18.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.31, a P/E/G ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.46. Ameren has a 12-month low of $69.71 and a 12-month high of $91.18. The company has a current ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. Ameren (NYSE:AEE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The utilities provider reported $1.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.80 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $2.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.40 billion. Ameren had a return on equity of 10.67% and a net margin of 14.59%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 10.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.74 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Ameren will post 4.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. Ameren Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 13th will be issued a $0.63 dividend. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.51%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 12th. Amerens dividend payout ratio is presently 57.27%. Ameren Company Profile (Get Free Report Ameren Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Transmission. It engages in the rate-regulated electric generation, transmission, and distribution activities; and rate-regulated natural gas distribution and transmission businesses. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ameren Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ameren and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC boosted its holdings in American Express (NYSE:AXP) by 6.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 44,386 shares of the payment services companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,553 shares during the period. Exchange Traded Concepts LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $6,622,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted 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 valued at $2,028,913,000 after buying an additional 13,720,460 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its position in American Express by 87,430.5% during the second 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 acquiring an additional 12,682,662 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in American Express in the 4th quarter valued at $911,554,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its stake in shares of American Express by 139.1% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 6,869,384 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $1,133,106,000 after purchasing an additional 3,996,083 shares during the period. Finally, Swiss National Bank acquired a new stake in shares of American Express during the second quarter worth $397,678,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.08% of the companys stock. Get American Express alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have weighed in on AXP shares. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of American Express from $185.00 to $175.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. HSBC initiated coverage on American Express in a research note on Friday, October 13th. They set a buy rating and a $181.00 price target for the company. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on American Express from $194.00 to $188.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. TD Cowen assumed coverage on shares of American Express in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. They set a market perform rating and a $158.00 target price for the company. Finally, Citigroup raised shares of American Express from a sell rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price target for the company from $143.00 to $154.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $171.78. American Express Trading Up 0.2 % NYSE AXP opened at $185.93 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $135.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.23. American Express has a 12 month low of $140.91 and a 12 month high of $186.37. The companys fifty day moving average price is $162.60 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $162.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70, a current ratio of 1.60 and a quick ratio of 1.60. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 20th. The payment services company reported $3.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.96 by $0.34. American Express had a net margin of 13.61% and a return on equity of 30.60%. The company had revenue of $15.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.36 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.47 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 13.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that American Express will post 11.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. American Express Announces Dividend The business 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%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Vice Chairman Douglas E. Buckminster sold 11,344 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.87, for a total transaction of $1,802,221.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 88,376 shares in the company, valued at $14,040,295.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total transaction of $3,536,276.64. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 125,646 shares in the company, valued at $21,149,991.18. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Vice Chairman Douglas E. Buckminster sold 11,344 shares of American Express stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.87, for a total transaction of $1,802,221.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 88,376 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,040,295.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock. 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. Further Reading 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. MoneyLion Inc. (NYSE:ML Free Report) Equities research analysts at B. Riley issued their FY2025 earnings estimates for MoneyLion in a research note issued to investors on Friday, December 22nd. B. Riley analyst H. Goetsch expects that the company will post earnings of $1.79 per share for the year. The consensus estimate for MoneyLions current full-year earnings is ($2.71) per share. Get MoneyLion alerts: MoneyLion (NYSE:ML Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported ($0.40) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.79) by $0.39. MoneyLion had a negative return on equity of 24.71% and a negative net margin of 43.43%. The business had revenue of $110.26 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $114.40 million. ML has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Cantor Fitzgerald upped their price target on MoneyLion from $30.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Lake Street Capital began coverage on shares of MoneyLion in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $75.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Craig Hallum increased their price target on shares of MoneyLion from $30.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Get Our Latest Stock Report on MoneyLion MoneyLion Trading Up 8.2 % Shares of ML opened at $64.66 on Monday. MoneyLion has a twelve month low of $7.50 and a twelve month high of $65.12. The firm has a market capitalization of $664.70 million, a P/E ratio of -3.05 and a beta of 2.51. The firms 50-day moving average is $35.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $23.03. Insider Activity at MoneyLion In other MoneyLion news, CFO Richard Correia sold 8,460 shares of MoneyLion stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.28, for a total value of $273,088.80. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 162,182 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,235,234.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, CFO Richard Correia sold 8,460 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.28, for a total value of $273,088.80. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 162,182 shares in the company, valued at $5,235,234.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Diwakar Choubey sold 1,289 shares of MoneyLion stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.24, for a total transaction of $44,135.36. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 699,600 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,954,304. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 58,961 shares of company stock valued at $1,955,689. 14.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On MoneyLion Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. FNY Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in MoneyLion during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $324,000. Canaan Partners X LLC bought a new position in MoneyLion during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,633,000. Canaan Partners XI LLC acquired a new position in MoneyLion during the 2nd quarter worth $908,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of MoneyLion by 22.1% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 82,490 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 14,934 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC lifted its position in shares of MoneyLion by 69.9% during the first quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 86,241 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 35,481 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 24.78% of the companys stock. MoneyLion Company Profile (Get Free Report) MoneyLion Inc provides a digital financial platform. The company's platform offers access to banking, borrowing, and investing solutions for customers. Its principal products include roarmoney, a digital demand deposit account; instacash, a cash advance product that gives customers early access to their recurring income deposits; Credit Builder Plus; MoneyLion Investing, an online investment account that offers access to separately managed accounts invested based on model exchange-traded fund portfolios; and MoneyLion Crypto, an online cryptocurrency account. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for MoneyLion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MoneyLion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Boston Trust Walden Corp increased its position in shares of Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE:VMI Free Report) by 34.5% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 124,682 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 31,962 shares during the period. Boston Trust Walden Corps holdings in Valmont Industries were worth $29,950,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Fred Alger Management LLC raised its stake in Valmont Industries by 103.2% during the 4th quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 128 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd increased its holdings in Valmont Industries by 347.4% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 170 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Middle East FZE bought a new stake in Valmont Industries during the 4th quarter worth approximately $58,000. Point72 Asset Management L.P. bought a new stake in Valmont Industries during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $81,000. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new stake in Valmont Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $67,000. 84.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Valmont Industries alerts: Valmont Industries Stock Performance VMI stock opened at $234.89 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $4.91 billion, a PE ratio of 32.53, a P/E/G ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a quick ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 2.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The business has a 50 day moving average of $215.19 and a 200-day moving average of $244.34. Valmont Industries, Inc. has a 12-month low of $188.63 and a 12-month high of $341.81. Valmont Industries Announces Dividend Valmont Industries ( NYSE:VMI Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The industrial products company reported $4.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.70 by $0.42. The company had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.12 billion. Valmont Industries had a return on equity of 20.32% and a net margin of 3.62%. Valmont Industriess quarterly revenue was down 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.49 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Valmont Industries, Inc. will post 14.82 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.02%. Valmont Industriess payout ratio is 33.24%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have commented on the company. Northcoast Research lowered Valmont Industries from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. TheStreet lowered Valmont Industries from a b rating to a c rating in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com lowered Valmont Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on Valmont Industries from $334.00 to $298.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $294.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on VMI 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 Articles 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. Shares of Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:WTS Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Hold from the five analysts that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation. The average 1 year price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $183.60. A number of brokerages recently weighed in on WTS. StockNews.com lowered shares of Watts Water Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Watts Water Technologies from $198.00 to $199.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, TD Cowen upped their target price on shares of Watts Water Technologies from $165.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. Get Watts Water Technologies alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on WTS Watts Water Technologies Price Performance WTS opened at $211.96 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.72, a current ratio of 2.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. Watts Water Technologies has a 12 month low of $142.10 and a 12 month high of $212.64. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $191.28 and a 200 day simple moving average of $184.73. The stock has a market cap of $7.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.85, a P/E/G ratio of 3.31 and a beta of 1.00. Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The technology company reported $2.04 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.83 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $504.30 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $497.47 million. Watts Water Technologies had a net margin of 13.68% and a return on equity of 19.22%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.79 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Watts Water Technologies will post 8.08 EPS for the current year. Watts Water Technologies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st were paid a dividend of $0.36 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.68%. Watts Water Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 17.56%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Watts Water Technologies Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Watts Water Technologies by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,188,071 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $550,962,000 after purchasing an additional 29,113 shares during the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lifted its stake in Watts Water Technologies by 94.9% in the 3rd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 9,285 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,605,000 after purchasing an additional 4,520 shares during the last quarter. Headinvest LLC acquired a new stake in Watts Water Technologies in the 3rd quarter valued at about $41,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Watts Water Technologies by 31.9% in the 3rd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 1,636 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $283,000 after acquiring an additional 396 shares during the period. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP raised its holdings in Watts Water Technologies by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 184,615 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $31,905,000 after acquiring an additional 840 shares during the period. 75.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Watts Water Technologies (Get Free Report Watts Water Technologies, Inc supplies products and solutions that manage and conserve the flow of fluids and energy into, through, and out of buildings in the commercial, industrial, and residential markets in the Americas, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. The company offers residential and commercial flow control and protection products, including backflow preventers, water pressure regulators, temperature and pressure relief valves, thermostatic mixing valves, and leak detection and protection products for plumbing and hot water applications. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Watts Water Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Watts Water Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambridge Advisors Inc. reduced its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 5.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 9,235 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 555 shares during the period. Cambridge Advisors Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $306,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Riverwater Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 3.2% in the 3rd quarter. Riverwater Partners LLC now owns 12,265 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $407,000 after buying an additional 386 shares during the period. Nikulski Financial Inc. grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 21.1% during the third quarter. Nikulski Financial Inc. now owns 49,811 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,652,000 after purchasing an additional 8,662 shares during the period. S.E.E.D. Planning Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the third quarter worth $253,000. Meridian Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 88.2% during the third quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 123,952 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $4,113,000 after purchasing an additional 58,091 shares during the period. Finally, Argus Investors Counsel Inc. grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 8.8% during the third quarter. Argus Investors Counsel Inc. now owns 36,965 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,226,000 after purchasing an additional 2,980 shares during the period. 68.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Price Performance Shares of NYSE PFE opened at $28.41 on Wednesday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $29.57 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $33.48. The company has a market cap of $160.41 billion, a PE ratio of 15.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.61. 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 twelve month low of $25.76 and a twelve month high of $51.93. Pfizer Increases Dividend Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.15. Pfizer had a return on equity of 16.72% and a net margin of 15.30%. The firm had revenue of $13.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.77 billion. On average, analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.53 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 26th will be given a $0.42 dividend. This is an increase from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 25th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.91%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 89.62%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. TheStreet cut Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, September 25th. Truist Financial reduced their target price on Pfizer from $42.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Pfizer from $39.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Pfizer in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Pfizer from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $38.00 to $39.00 in a report on Monday, October 16th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Pfizer has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $40.35. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Pfizer Insider Activity In other news, Director Scott Gottlieb bought 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were bought at an average price of $26.47 per share, with a total value of $79,410.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $238,230. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.05% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Pfizer (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. See Also 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. In a plea to President Joe Biden, Paul Whelan, a former Marine who recently marked his fifth Christmas in a Russian penal colony, has urged the President to take decisive action and expedite his return home. Whelan addressed the President as "Mr. President" and claimed a promise was made to bring him home. In a statement, Whelan expressed his concern regarding the failure of diplomatic efforts and the perceived lack of action being taken to secure his release from the highest levels of authority. Paul Whelan Urges Biden to Man Up As stated in the holiday message, the former marine expressed his disbelief at being left behind. Meanwhile, President Biden has reportedly approved a deal that resulted in the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner from a Russian prison. The agreement, which took place in December 2022, involved the exchange of Griner for Viktor Bout, a notorious arms trader known as the "Merchant of Death." According to the White House, Moscow was reportedly unwilling to release Whelan at the time. The White House also assured that they would persist in their efforts to secure his freedom. In April, the administration reached an agreement for yet another prisoner swap. This time, the swap involved the release of Russian drug trafficking pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko in exchange for Trevor Reed, a former Marine. In a scathing message, Whelan vehemently criticized President Biden, referring to him as "the individual responsible for abandoning me not once, but twice." Paul Whelan, who was attending a friend's wedding in Moscow, found himself in the clutches of the law. On December 28, 2018, he was apprehended and slapped with charges of espionage. In June 2020, a verdict was reached, and he was handed a 16-year prison sentence. Read Also: Pope Francis Approves Blessings for Same-Sex Couples, Dividing Catholics Worldwide US-Russia Prisoner Swap Per NY Post, both he and the US government have categorically denied Russia's claims. Whelan is currently detained at a labor camp located in Russia's Mordovia Republic, situated approximately 350 miles to the east of Moscow. In a shocking incident last month, he fell victim to an assault perpetrated by a fellow inmate, resulting in significant injuries. According to the detainee, there seems to be a personal vendetta from the labor camp's deputy warden towards him. This alleged grudge stems from Whelan's refusal to pay a sum of $1,100, which the detainee refers to as "protection money." According to Whelan, he alleges that an individual has orchestrated deliberate provocations in an attempt to cause him harm as a form of retaliation for the person facing consequences. In a bid to secure the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in the city of Yekaterinburg on spying charges in March, the United States is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts. Both the reporter's employer and the government have vehemently denied the accusations, The Independent reported. Related Article: Russian Opposition Leader Found in Siberian Prison After Being Reported Missing Two Weeks Ago @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Capital Investment Advisors LLC lowered its holdings in Sysco Co. (NYSE:SYY Free Report) by 3.0% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 12,705 shares of the companys stock after selling 397 shares during the period. Capital Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Sysco were worth $839,000 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 SYY. Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its holdings in Sysco by 166.0% in the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 16,127 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,338,000 after purchasing an additional 10,065 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. increased its holdings in Sysco by 6.9% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 258,746 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,068,000 after purchasing an additional 16,772 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in Sysco by 12.9% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 22,139 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,808,000 after purchasing an additional 2,522 shares during the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in Sysco by 1.0% in the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 659,712 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,865,000 after purchasing an additional 6,711 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its holdings in Sysco by 54.8% in the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 833 shares of the companys stock valued at $68,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.60% of the companys stock. Get Sysco alerts: Sysco Stock Performance Shares of NYSE SYY opened at $73.33 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $70.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $70.72. Sysco Co. has a 52 week low of $62.24 and a 52 week high of $82.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.04, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a current ratio of 1.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $36.99 billion, a PE ratio of 20.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 1.13. Sysco Announces Dividend Sysco ( NYSE:SYY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported $1.07 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.05. Sysco had a return on equity of 117.17% and a net margin of 2.35%. The firm had revenue of $19.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $19.73 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.97 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Sysco Co. will post 4.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business 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. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.73%. Syscos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 56.34%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Stephens dropped their price objective on Sysco from $90.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Barclays lowered their price target on Sysco from $86.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Sysco from $75.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Sysco in a report on Thursday, October 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $75.00 price target for the company. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Sysco in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $83.30. Get Our Latest Analysis on Sysco Insider Activity at Sysco In related news, Director Sheila Talton sold 2,200 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.76, for a total transaction of $157,872.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,782 shares of the companys stock, valued at $917,236.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.58% of the companys stock. 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. Further Reading 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. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC lessened its holdings in shares of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (NYSE:MTW Free Report) by 25.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 8,823 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 3,067 shares during the quarter. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLCs holdings in Manitowoc were worth $133,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Summit Global Investments bought a new stake in shares of Manitowoc during the third quarter worth approximately $511,000. SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new stake in shares of Manitowoc during the third quarter worth approximately $240,000. Range Financial Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Manitowoc by 2.8% during the third quarter. Range Financial Group LLC now owns 31,581 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $475,000 after acquiring an additional 868 shares during the period. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL bought a new stake in shares of Manitowoc during the second quarter worth approximately $203,000. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Manitowoc by 20.3% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 20,207 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $380,000 after acquiring an additional 3,409 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.70% of the companys stock. Get Manitowoc alerts: Manitowoc Stock Up 2.6 % Shares of MTW stock opened at $17.05 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.79, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $15.90. The Manitowoc Company, Inc. has a 1 year low of $9.06 and a 1 year high of $20.20. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Manitowoc ( NYSE:MTW Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.22 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.01) by $0.23. Manitowoc had a positive return on equity of 13.75% and a negative net margin of 4.30%. The firm had revenue of $520.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $477.18 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.10 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that The Manitowoc Company, Inc. will post 1.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on MTW shares. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Manitowoc from $17.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Manitowoc from $18.50 to $17.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Manitowoc in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and six have given a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Manitowoc currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $17.43. View Our Latest Stock Report on MTW Manitowoc Company Profile (Free Report) The Manitowoc Company, Inc provides engineered lifting solutions in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific. It designs, manufactures, and distributes crawler-mounted lattice-boom cranes under the Manitowoc brand; a line of top-slewing and self-erecting tower cranes under the Potain brand; mobile hydraulic cranes under the Grove, Shuttlelift, and National Crane brands; and hydraulic boom trucks under the National Crane brand. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (NYSE:MTW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Manitowoc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manitowoc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Eldorado Gold Co. (TSE:ELD Get Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$13.99 and traded as high as C$18.13. Eldorado Gold shares last traded at C$17.62, with a volume of 798,784 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently issued reports on ELD shares. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded shares of Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from C$15.50 to C$16.50 in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their target price on shares of Eldorado Gold from C$16.00 to C$17.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. Bank of America cut their target price on shares of Eldorado Gold from C$12.20 to C$11.70 in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Stifel Canada upgraded shares of Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, National Bankshares raised their target price on shares of Eldorado Gold from C$19.00 to C$21.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned 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 target price of C$17.53. Get Eldorado Gold alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eldorado Gold Eldorado Gold Trading Up 1.6 % The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$15.92 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$14.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.04, a quick ratio of 2.28 and a current ratio of 4.00. The stock has a market capitalization of C$3.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 56.20 and a beta of 1.21. Eldorado Gold (TSE:ELD Get Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported C$0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.02 by C$0.21. Eldorado Gold had a net margin of 5.88% and a return on equity of 1.70%. The company had revenue of C$329.04 million for the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Eldorado Gold Co. will post 0.7824156 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Senior Officer Mehmet Yilmaz sold 10,195 shares of Eldorado Gold stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$17.63, for a total transaction of C$179,737.85. In other news, Senior Officer Lisa Marie Ower sold 39,621 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$15.50, for a total value of C$614,125.50. Also, Senior Officer Mehmet Yilmaz sold 10,195 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$17.63, for a total transaction of C$179,737.85. Insiders have sold a total of 61,813 shares of company stock worth $996,636 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.66% of the companys stock. Eldorado Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eldorado Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, development, and sale of mineral products primarily in Turkey, Canada, Greece, and Romania. The company primarily produces gold, as well as silver, lead, and zinc. It holds a 100% interest in the Kisladag and Efemcukuru gold mines located in western Turkey; Lamaque gold mines located in Canada; and Olympias, Stratoni, Skouries, Perama Hill, and Sapes gold mines located in Greece, as well as the 80.5% interest in Certej development projects located in Romania. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eldorado Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eldorado Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC boosted its holdings in shares of AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Free Report) by 17.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 147,837 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 22,346 shares during the quarter. AbbVie comprises approximately 0.6% of Exchange Traded Concepts LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th largest position. Exchange Traded Concepts LLCs holdings in AbbVie were worth $22,037,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. raised its position in AbbVie by 5.0% in the second quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 372,189 shares of the companys stock worth $50,154,000 after purchasing an additional 17,879 shares in the last quarter. DDD Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of AbbVie by 9,979.7% in the 2nd quarter. DDD Partners LLC now owns 135,673 shares of the companys stock worth $18,279,000 after buying an additional 134,327 shares in the last quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc lifted its position in shares of AbbVie by 11.6% during the 2nd quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc now owns 358,872 shares of the companys stock worth $48,351,000 after buying an additional 37,368 shares during the period. Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC boosted its stake in AbbVie by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC now owns 18,755 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,989,000 after buying an additional 68 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in AbbVie in the second quarter valued at $486,807,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.86% of the companys stock. Get AbbVie alerts: AbbVie Stock Down 0.2 % Shares of ABBV stock opened at $154.62 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $144.69 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $144.98. AbbVie Inc. has a 1 year low of $130.96 and a 1 year high of $168.11. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.59. The firm has a market capitalization of $272.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.36, a PEG ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.48. AbbVie Increases Dividend AbbVie ( NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The company reported $2.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.86 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $13.93 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.72 billion. AbbVie had a return on equity of 152.70% and a net margin of 11.81%. AbbVies revenue was down 6.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.66 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that AbbVie Inc. will post 11.24 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 16th will be paid a $1.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 12th. This is a boost from AbbVies previous quarterly dividend of $1.48. This represents a $6.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.01%. AbbVies dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 162.19%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently commented on ABBV. UBS Group reduced their target price on AbbVie from $157.00 to $150.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 20th. Raymond James increased their target price on AbbVie from $177.00 to $181.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 1st. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on AbbVie from $193.00 to $196.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of AbbVie in a report on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $150.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Barclays upgraded shares of AbbVie from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the stock from $160.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $167.59. View Our Latest Research Report on AbbVie AbbVie Company Profile (Free Report) AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune, intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq, a JAK inhibitor to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, and ulcerative colitis; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat hematological malignancies. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for AbbVie Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AbbVie and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA lessened its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 682 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 25 shares during the period. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PAs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $344,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of UNH. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the first quarter worth approximately $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth approximately $39,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the third quarter worth approximately $44,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth approximately $47,000. Finally, Horizons Wealth Management bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth approximately $48,000. Institutional investors own 85.69% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on UNH shares. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $610.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $591.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $596.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $587.00 to $579.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $574.89. UnitedHealth Group Price Performance NYSE:UNH opened at $520.08 on Wednesday. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a one year low of $445.68 and a one year high of $554.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.80. The firm has a market cap of $481.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.57, a PEG ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 0.61. The firms fifty day moving average is $536.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $508.28. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.23. The business had revenue of $92.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate 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% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $5.79 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 EPS for the current year. UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 4th were given a $1.88 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 1st. This represents a $7.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.45%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 32.64%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the director now owns 521,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $282,084,374.44. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the director now owns 521,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $282,084,374.44. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total transaction of $36,370,321.59. Following the transaction, the director now owns 635,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 192,094 shares of company stock worth $104,507,072. Company insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Company Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. 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. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC trimmed its position in Edison International (NYSE:EIX Free Report) by 26.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,717 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 2,068 shares during the quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLCs holdings in Edison International were worth $362,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Fiduciary Alliance LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Edison International in the second quarter worth $25,000. RVW Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Edison International in the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. bought a new stake in Edison International during the second quarter valued at about $36,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Edison International by 61.4% in the first quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 615 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 234 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Edison International by 61.4% in the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 670 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 255 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 88.17% of the companys stock. Get Edison International alerts: Edison International Stock Performance Edison International stock opened at $71.64 on Wednesday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $65.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $67.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89. The company has a market cap of $27.48 billion, a PE ratio of 22.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.00 and a beta of 0.86. Edison International has a twelve month low of $58.82 and a twelve month high of $74.92. Edison International Increases Dividend Edison International ( NYSE:EIX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.38 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.46 by ($0.08). Edison International had a return on equity of 12.79% and a net margin of 8.75%. The company had revenue of $4.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.71 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.48 EPS. The companys revenue was down 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Edison International will post 4.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a dividend of $0.78 per share. This represents a $3.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This is a positive change from Edison Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.74. Edison Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 91.90%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com downgraded Edison International from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Guggenheim lifted their price objective on shares of Edison International from $63.00 to $66.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $81.00 target price on shares of Edison International in a report on Tuesday, September 12th. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Edison International from $70.00 to $67.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Edison International from $52.00 to $53.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Edison International presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $71.42. Read Our Latest Analysis on EIX Edison International Profile (Free Report) Edison International, through its subsidiaries, generates and distributes electric power. The company supplies electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors. It also provides decarbonization and energy solutions to commercial, institutional, and industrial customers in North America and Europe. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EIX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Edison International (NYSE:EIX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Edison International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edison International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. lessened its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 0.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 16,418 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 54 shares during the period. GHP Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $8,856,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter worth about $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter worth about $39,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Grayhawk Investment Strategies Inc. boosted its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 168.6% in the first quarter. Grayhawk Investment Strategies Inc. now owns 94 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $60,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares during the period. Finally, Power Corp of Canada bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $48,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.69% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $540.58, for a total value of $65,688,578.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly 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 can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $540.58, for a total value of $65,688,578.70. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 521,818 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $282,084,374.44. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at $5,017,173.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 192,094 shares of company stock worth $104,507,072. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently commented on UNH. StockNews.com lowered shares of UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 21st. UBS Group upgraded shares of UnitedHealth Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $520.00 to $640.00 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Jefferies Financial Group cut 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. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $580.00 to $584.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Finally, HSBC reissued a reduce rating and issued a $480.00 price target (down previously from $550.00) on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Monday, December 18th. 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 given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $574.89. View Our Latest Research Report on UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group Trading Down 0.0 % NYSE:UNH opened at $520.08 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $536.03 and a 200 day moving average of $508.28. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52 week low of $445.68 and a 52 week high of $554.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $481.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.57, a P/E/G ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 0.61. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.23. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 6.02% and a return on equity of 26.58%. The company had revenue of $92.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $91.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $5.79 EPS. The firms revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 earnings per share for the current year. UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 4th were issued a $1.88 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 1st. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.45%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.64%. UnitedHealth Group Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Halogen Software Inc (TSE:HGN Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$12.49 and traded as high as C$12.51. Halogen Software shares last traded at C$12.49, with a volume of 1,900 shares trading hands. Halogen Software Price Performance The firms 50 day moving average is C$12.49. Halogen Software Company Profile (Get Free Report) Halogen Software Inc (Halogen) is a Canada-based company, which is engaged in providing cloud-based talent management (TM) solutions. The Company provides industry specific configurations of its solutions for healthcare, professional services, financial services, manufacturing, education, public sector and hospitality. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Halogen Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Halogen Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 23.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,545 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 488 shares during the quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $1,093,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. PrairieView Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. CGC Financial Services LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the second quarter valued at $30,000. Kozak & Associates Inc. boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 7,000.0% in the 2nd quarter. Kozak & Associates Inc. now owns 71 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares during the period. Pacific Center for Financial Services boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 134.4% in the second quarter. Pacific Center for Financial Services now owns 75 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the period. Finally, Studio Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the 4th quarter worth $33,000. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Up 0.4 % IVV opened at $477.87 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $369.70 billion, a PE ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $450.08 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $446.19. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 52 week low of $378.15 and a 52 week high of $479.08. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KFG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 2,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $239,000. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Avalon Trust Co purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 191.1% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 294 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 193 shares during the period. Steph & Co. raised its stake 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 acquiring an additional 160 shares during the period. First Manhattan Co. lifted its holdings 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 worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 328 shares during the last quarter. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC acquired a new position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF during the second quarter worth $38,000. 83.21% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Trading Up 0.2 % AGG stock opened at $99.02 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $95.47 and its 200 day moving average price is $95.95. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $91.58 and a 12-month high of $101.15. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Profile 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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AGG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report). 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. A YouTuber, James Hinkle, discovered the human remains of Donald Erwin from 13 years ago in a submerged vehicle in a private pond on December 16. Hinkle runs a YouTube account named Echo Divers and sets out on a mission to find answers about Erwin's disappearance. Hinkle Discovers Erwin's Remains From 13 Years Ago Hinkle has been investigating the case of Erwin, a former Marine, who vanished on December 29, 2013, after leaving his home to go to a store for cigarettes. His family claimed that he disappeared without a trace. He contacted the property owner where the pond was located earlier this month after one of Echo Divers' drone cameras had noticed the vehicle scraped out of the pond. The authorities said Hinkle had received permission from the property owner to search the area on foot and by kayak. The search and discovery were posted on his YouTube channel and immediately reported Erwin's remains to the Camden County Sheriff's Office. Hinkle told Daily Mail Online that the Marines were all heroes who deserved the best treatment and must be brought home. He added that Erwin had served people, so he wanted to serve him. He took a particular interest in the case after realizing he lived just 90 minutes from where Erwin was last seen. The clue was discovered in Erwin's car on a private property close to his home. Divers and cadaver dogs were dispatched to the Camden County scene to retrieve human remains, among which was an artificial hip that appeared to match Erwin's. "While a forensic pathologist will have to examine the remains to determine for certain if they are indeed those of Mr. Erwin, investigators are confident the hip and remains belong to him," the sheriff's office said. Erwin lost his left leg above the knee and was primarily wheelchair-dependent. Read Also: UK: Devon Village in Shock After Government Removed 100 Ancient Beech Trees Hinkle Mourns With Erwin's Family Erwin lived in central Missouri with his wife and drove a silver Hyundai Elantra on the day that he disappeared. His family has been seeking answers about his disappearance to no end for ten years. The police reported that there had not been any arrests and said the current homeowners were cooperative with the search. Erwin's family said he randomly disappeared in December 2013. But now, Hinkle said he hoped Erwin's family would finally get closure. He expressed that he was happy for Erwin's family and sad at the same time as they were now going through the actual grieving process. However, Hinkle said that after spending time with them, the family was grieving, but they were happy to know they finally had the answers. "You can't put into words what that means and what that feels like," he added. Related Article: North Carolina Couple Faces Charges After Baby Discovered Buried in Backyard for Several Months @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Meridian Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 108.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,626 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,925 shares during the quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $1,296,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ITW. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 59.4% during the third quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 604 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $139,000 after acquiring an additional 225 shares during the last quarter. Park Place Capital Corp raised its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 6.9% in the 3rd quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 1,601 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $369,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares during the period. DAVENPORT & Co LLC boosted its position in Illinois Tool Works by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 24,927 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,743,000 after purchasing an additional 197 shares during the period. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 41.3% in the 3rd quarter. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,992 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $919,000 after purchasing an additional 1,166 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC raised its position in Illinois Tool Works by 5.5% in the third quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC now owns 1,666 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $384,000 after purchasing an additional 87 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.56% of the companys stock. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Illinois Tool Works Price Performance Shares of NYSE ITW opened at $263.74 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. The company has a market capitalization of $79.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.14 and a beta of 1.13. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a twelve month low of $217.06 and a twelve month high of $264.78. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $240.23 and a 200-day simple moving average of $242.04. Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.55 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $4.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.10 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.55% and a return on equity of 95.68%. The companys quarterly revenue was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.35 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a $1.40 dividend. This represents a $5.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.12%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 54.32%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently issued reports on ITW. Citigroup increased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $244.00 to $256.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. 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 note on Tuesday, December 19th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $238.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased 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 research report on Monday, October 16th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $240.82. View Our Latest Stock Report on ITW 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 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. New Hampshire Trust lessened its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 10.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 509 shares of the companys stock after selling 61 shares during the quarter. New Hampshire Trusts holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $273,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of LLY. Cassia Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. Cassia Capital Partners LLC now owns 951 shares of the companys stock worth $511,000 after acquiring an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Benchmark Financial Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.4% in the third quarter. Benchmark Financial Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 808 shares of the companys stock valued at $434,000 after purchasing an additional 19 shares during the period. Investment Advisory Group LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 3.1% in the third quarter. Investment Advisory Group LLC now owns 625 shares of the companys stock valued at $336,000 after buying an additional 19 shares in the last quarter. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC now owns 3,428 shares of the companys stock worth $1,841,000 after buying an additional 19 shares during the period. Finally, Paragon Capital Management Ltd lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Paragon Capital Management Ltd now owns 1,585 shares of the companys stock valued at $851,000 after buying an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance NYSE:LLY opened at $570.81 on Wednesday. The companys 50-day moving average is $585.86 and its two-hundred day moving average is $538.70. 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 firm has a market capitalization of $541.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 103.41, a PEG ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $9.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.88 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.55% and a return on equity of 48.12%. Analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.6 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.91%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 81.88%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $650.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, December 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $535.00 target price for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $583.24. Check Out Our Latest Report on Eli Lilly and Company Insider Buying and Selling In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 21.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 14,506 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,534 shares during the period. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $481,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Pfizer during the first quarter valued at about $29,000. Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Pfizer during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Steward Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $43,000. VitalStone Financial LLC increased its position in shares of Pfizer by 179.3% during the second quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 1,106 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $45,000 after acquiring an additional 710 shares during the last quarter. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the third quarter valued at approximately $45,000. 68.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Stock Performance NYSE:PFE opened at $28.41 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $29.57 and its 200 day moving average is $33.48. Pfizer Inc. has a 52-week low of $25.76 and a 52-week high of $51.93. The firm has a market cap of $160.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.52, a PEG ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 2.05 and a current ratio of 2.38. Pfizer Increases Dividend Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.15. The company had revenue of $13.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.77 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 15.30% and a return on equity of 16.72%. Research analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.53 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 26th will be issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 25th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.91%. This is a boost from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 89.62%. Analyst Ratings Changes PFE has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 16th. TheStreet lowered shares of Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, September 25th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $44.00 to $33.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Pfizer from $42.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Pfizer has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $40.35. Read Our Latest Research Report on PFE Insider Buying and Selling In other Pfizer news, Director Scott Gottlieb bought 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $26.47 per share, for a total transaction of $79,410.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $238,230. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.05% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Pfizer (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. See Also 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. Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF (BATS:PSFM Get Free Report) shares were up 0.1% on Monday . The stock traded as high as $25.86 and last traded at $25.86. Approximately 431 shares traded hands during trading, The stock had previously closed at $25.83. Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of $18.88 million, a PE ratio of 19.63 and a beta of 0.61. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $24.85 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $24.56. Get Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Pacer Advisors Inc. boosted its position in Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF by 40.2% during the 2nd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 410,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,039,000 after buying an additional 117,805 shares during the period. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF by 1,202.2% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 177,371 shares of the companys stock worth $4,333,000 after purchasing an additional 163,750 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $2,658,000. Finally, Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $211,000. Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF Company Profile The Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF (PSFM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust index. The fund aims for specific buffered losses and capped gains on SPDR S&P 500 ETF over a specific holdings period. The actively-managed fund holds options and collateral. PSFM was launched on Mar 31, 2021 and is managed by Pacer. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. trimmed its position in shares of Parker-Hannifin Co. (NYSE:PH Free Report) by 6.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 609 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 39 shares during the quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $237,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Strategic Blueprint LLC purchased a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin during the 3rd quarter worth $284,000. Meridian Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 104.9% during the third quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,094 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $816,000 after purchasing an additional 1,072 shares during the period. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 16,711 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $6,566,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares during the last quarter. B & T Capital Management DBA Alpha Capital Management purchased a new stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $289,000. Finally, Eastern Bank grew its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 19.8% in the 3rd quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 12,446 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $4,848,000 after buying an additional 2,055 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.25% of the companys stock. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Parker-Hannifin Price Performance Parker-Hannifin stock opened at $461.63 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. Parker-Hannifin Co. has a 52-week low of $286.79 and a 52-week high of $462.89. The firm has a market cap of $59.31 billion, a PE ratio of 25.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 1.50. The companys 50 day moving average is $420.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $404.76. Parker-Hannifin Announces Dividend Parker-Hannifin ( NYSE:PH Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The industrial products company reported $5.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.33 by $0.63. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 29.56% and a net margin of 11.92%. The business had revenue of $4.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.88 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $4.74 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Parker-Hannifin Co. will post 23.19 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 13th were given a dividend of $1.48 per share. This represents a $5.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.28%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 10th. Parker-Hannifins dividend payout ratio is presently 32.87%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Parker-Hannifin from $450.00 to $510.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. StockNews.com began coverage on Parker-Hannifin in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Wolfe Research reaffirmed a peer perform rating on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Parker-Hannifin from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $462.00 to $506.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and issued a $500.00 price objective on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a report on Monday, December 4th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $458.93. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Parker-Hannifin Parker-Hannifin Profile (Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Parker-Hannifin Co. (NYSE:PH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Strategic Blueprint LLC increased its position in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 4.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 3,754 shares of the credit services providers stock after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the period. Strategic Blueprint LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $1,486,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of MA. ERTS Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Mastercard by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. ERTS Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,376 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $541,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares in the last quarter. Werba Rubin Papier Wealth Management lifted its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 3.0% in the second quarter. Werba Rubin Papier Wealth Management now owns 869 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $342,000 after buying an additional 25 shares in the last quarter. Acropolis Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Mastercard by 1.6% during the second quarter. Acropolis Investment Management LLC now owns 1,677 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $660,000 after acquiring an additional 26 shares during the last quarter. New World Advisors LLC grew its stake in Mastercard by 2.0% during the second quarter. New World Advisors LLC now owns 1,300 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $511,000 after acquiring an additional 26 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cassia Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in Mastercard by 2.1% during the third quarter. Cassia Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,240 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $491,000 after acquiring an additional 26 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.94% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Mastercard In other news, insider Ajay Bhalla sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $425.00, for a total transaction of $1,700,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,235 shares in the company, valued at $2,649,875. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Mastercard news, insider Timothy H. Murphy sold 7,419 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $397.28, for a total value of $2,947,420.32. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 39,007 shares in the company, valued at $15,496,700.96. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Ajay Bhalla sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $425.00, for a total value of $1,700,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,235 shares in the company, valued at $2,649,875. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 514,683 shares of company stock valued at $198,366,316. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets MA has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on Mastercard from $441.00 to $432.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Mastercard from $510.00 to $496.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $450.00 to $475.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $479.00 to $470.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Mastercard from $443.00 to $439.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Mastercard has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $451.81. Read Our Latest Report on MA Mastercard Stock Performance Mastercard stock opened at $423.65 on Wednesday. Mastercard Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $340.21 and a fifty-two week high of $427.61. The company has a market capitalization of $397.29 billion, a PE ratio of 36.90, a P/E/G ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $401.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $398.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.17. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The credit services provider reported $3.39 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.21 by $0.18. Mastercard had a return on equity of 188.83% and a net margin of 44.85%. The business had revenue of $6.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.53 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.68 EPS. Mastercards revenue was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 12.16 earnings per share for the current year. Mastercard declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback plan on Tuesday, December 5th that allows the company to buyback $11.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the credit services provider to purchase up to 2.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Mastercard Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.66 per share. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.62%. This is a boost from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 8th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is presently 19.86%. Mastercard Company Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing, and settlement, as well as delivers other payment-related products and services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Strategic Blueprint LLC decreased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 12,111 shares of the companys stock after selling 271 shares during the quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $6,505,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Private Trust Co. NA raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% during the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 10,335 shares of the companys stock worth $5,551,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares during the period. Planning Alternatives Ltd. ADV acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the third quarter worth about $223,000. Nikulski Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 3.8% during the third quarter. Nikulski Financial Inc. now owns 856 shares of the companys stock worth $460,000 after purchasing an additional 31 shares during the period. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.2% during the third quarter. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC now owns 4,334 shares of the companys stock worth $2,328,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares during the period. Finally, Meridian Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 168.5% during the third quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,770 shares of the companys stock worth $5,785,000 after purchasing an additional 6,759 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on LLY shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $710.00 price objective (up from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Friday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, Argus raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $583.24. Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 0.1 % NYSE LLY opened at $570.81 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $585.86 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $538.70. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12 month low of $309.20 and a 12 month high of $629.97. The firm has a market capitalization of $541.87 billion, a PE ratio of 103.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. The company had revenue of $9.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.88 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 48.12% and a net margin of 15.55%. On average, analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.6 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 81.88%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. See Also 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. Summit Financial Group Inc. lowered its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 8,208 shares of the companys stock after selling 204 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF comprises approximately 1.5% of Summit Financial Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 18th largest holding. Summit Financial Group Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $3,525,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in IVV. TrueWealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. TrueWealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,776 shares of the companys stock worth $1,683,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the period. Sara Bay Financial lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Sara Bay Financial now owns 1,257 shares of the companys stock worth $560,000 after acquiring an additional 24 shares during the period. White Lighthouse Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. White Lighthouse Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,795 shares of the companys stock worth $800,000 after acquiring an additional 24 shares during the period. Focused Wealth Management Inc lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Focused Wealth Management Inc now owns 2,186 shares of the companys stock worth $974,000 after acquiring an additional 24 shares during the period. Finally, Eagle Ridge Investment Management lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Eagle Ridge Investment Management now owns 1,548 shares of the companys stock worth $690,000 after acquiring an additional 25 shares during the period. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Trading Up 0.4 % iShares Core S&P 500 ETF stock opened at $477.87 on Wednesday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a twelve month low of $378.15 and a twelve month high of $479.08. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $450.08 and a two-hundred day moving average of $446.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $369.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00. About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC decreased its position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 12.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,403 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 208 shares during the quarter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $707,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $39,000. RVW Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the third quarter worth $44,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc acquired a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter valued at $47,000. Finally, Horizons Wealth Management acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $48,000. 85.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: UnitedHealth Group Stock Down 0.0 % Shares of UnitedHealth Group stock opened at $520.08 on Wednesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $536.03 and its 200-day moving average is $508.28. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $481.03 billion, a PE ratio of 22.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 0.61. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12-month low of $445.68 and a 12-month high of $554.70. UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.33 by $0.23. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 6.02% and a return on equity of 26.58%. The firm had revenue of $92.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $91.41 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $5.79 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Investors of record on Monday, December 4th were paid a $1.88 dividend. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.45%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 1st. UnitedHealth Groups payout ratio is presently 32.64%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total value of $2,448,171.44. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at $5,017,173.04. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other UnitedHealth Group news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total value of $2,448,171.44. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,218 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,017,173.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total value of $36,370,321.59. Following the sale, the director now owns 635,528 shares in the company, valued at $349,788,255.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 192,094 shares of company stock valued at $104,507,072 over the last 90 days. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $580.00 to $584.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $591.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. UBS Group raised UnitedHealth Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $520.00 to $640.00 in a research note on Monday, October 16th. HSBC reaffirmed a reduce rating and issued a $480.00 price objective (down previously from $550.00) on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Monday, December 18th. Finally, Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $610.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $574.89. View Our Latest Report on UNH UnitedHealth Group Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. See Also 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. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. raised its position in Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP Free Report) by 35.7% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 608 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 160 shares during the quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in Ameriprise Financial were worth $200,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Motco grew its stake in shares of Ameriprise Financial by 15.6% in the second quarter. Motco now owns 237 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $79,000 after buying an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Ameriprise Financial by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,872 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,286,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares during the period. Astoria Portfolio Advisors LLC. lifted its stake in Ameriprise Financial by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Astoria Portfolio Advisors LLC. now owns 1,128 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $386,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Ameriprise Financial by 44.4% during the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 117 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares during the period. Finally, Ignite Planners LLC raised its stake in Ameriprise Financial by 4.2% in the second quarter. Ignite Planners LLC now owns 884 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $294,000 after buying an additional 36 shares during the period. 82.62% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Ameriprise Financial alerts: Ameriprise Financial Price Performance Ameriprise Financial stock opened at $378.25 on Wednesday. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. has a one year low of $275.09 and a one year high of $382.22. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $345.57 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $339.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51, a current ratio of 0.57 and a quick ratio of 0.57. The firm has a market cap of $38.28 billion, a PE ratio of 15.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.44. Ameriprise Financial Announces Dividend Ameriprise Financial ( NYSE:AMP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The financial services provider reported $7.68 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.58 by $0.10. Ameriprise Financial had a net margin of 17.63% and a return on equity of 81.75%. The business had revenue of $3.91 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.96 billion. As a group, research analysts expect that Ameriprise Financial, Inc. will post 29.37 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 17th. Investors of record on Monday, November 6th were given a dividend of $1.35 per share. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 3rd. Ameriprise Financials dividend payout ratio is 21.98%. Insider Activity at Ameriprise Financial In other news, CEO James M. Cracchiolo sold 9,948 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $365.86, for a total transaction of $3,639,575.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 157,103 shares in the company, valued at $57,477,703.58. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, CFO Walter Stanley Berman sold 6,409 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $370.81, for a total transaction of $2,376,521.29. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 8,048 shares in the company, valued at $2,984,278.88. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO James M. Cracchiolo sold 9,948 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $365.86, for a total transaction of $3,639,575.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 157,103 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $57,477,703.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.73% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $410.00 target price on shares of Ameriprise Financial in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. StockNews.com cut shares of Ameriprise Financial from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $383.00 price target (up previously from $365.00) on shares of Ameriprise Financial in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $388.50. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Ameriprise Financial 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. Further Reading 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. Chinese peacekeepers to MINUSMA accomplish mission (People's Daily App) 16:19, December 27, 2023 After completing the over-one-year peacekeeping mission, the second batch of the 10th Chinese Peacekeeping Troops to United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) returned to China on December 24. According to the UN resolution, the UN peacekeeping forces in Mali started the planned withdrawal from July 1. By now, the Chinese peacekeeping troops have ended the deployment and terminated the 10-year peacekeeping mission as well. (Video source: CMG; Edited by Li Zhuoman) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) A Florida man shot his half-brother on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, because of a lost smartphone. On Tuesday, Dec. 26, prosecutors and law enforcement officials confirmed that the victim died. The criminal was identified as 28-year-old Kendall Yarborough, a Tampa-area resident. Meanwhile, the half-brother he killed was identified as James Watson. Law enforcement authorities shared other details explaining how the petty family issue turned into a gruesome crime on Christmas Day, which was supposed to be a time of giving and loving. Florida: Man Shoots Half-Brother on Christmas Day DuPage County Sheriff's deputies said that they were called to a residence at around 3:00 p.m. because of an alleged shooting. They responded to the call at an unincorporated Naperville house. According to CBS News' latest report, the residence is located in the 25W0-100 block of Wood Court. When they arrived at the crime scene, they were surprised to find out that James Watson was already lying on the floor. Officers said that Watson had a gunshot to the abdomen. Responders immediately took him to a local hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead by medical staff. "On Christmas day, James Watson lost his life after his half-brother, Kendall Yarborough allegedly shot him in the abdomen while James was looking for his cell phone," said DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin via Fox News. He added that the "senseless act of violence" that the Florida man did "will not go unpunished." Read Also: NYPD Detective Cleared of Wrong-Doing by Assistant Deputy Commish, Charges Stemmed from George Floyd Protests Half-Brother Killed Over Lost Cell Phone Investigators explained how a petty family issue turned into a gruesome crime on Christmas Day. They said that James Watson was downstairs when he was looking for his cell phone. Since he couldn't find his gadget, the victim became upset. Watson allegedly slammed a card table on the floor because of his anger. On the other hand, Kendall Yarborough was upstairs when his half-brother's tantrums were happening. A few moments later, Kendall decided to go downstairs and shoot his half-brother in the stomach. Law enforcement authorities said that they found a 9mm Sig Sauer P-365X handgun, as well as a shell casing in the crime scene. "It is horrible that a tragedy occurred on Christmas," said DuPage County Sheriff James Kendrick. "It goes to show that domestic violence can occur in any home and that's why we take domestic-related incidents seriously at the DuPage County Sheriff's Office," he added. Related Article: Ohio: 13-Year-Old Boy Arrested, Charged After Plotting Mass Shooting at Temple Israel Synagogue @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Minerals Technologies Inc. (NYSE:MTX Free Report) by 825.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,700 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,300 shares during the period. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in Minerals Technologies were worth $203,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Boston Trust Walden Corp boosted its stake in shares of Minerals Technologies by 6.5% in the 3rd quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp now owns 640,920 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $35,097,000 after purchasing an additional 39,112 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC boosted its position in Minerals Technologies by 2.9% during the second quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 17,286 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $998,000 after buying an additional 479 shares during the period. Comerica Bank bought a new position in shares of Minerals Technologies during the second quarter valued at about $86,080,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky increased its holdings in shares of Minerals Technologies by 5.7% in the second quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 10,566 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $610,000 after buying an additional 571 shares during the period. Finally, Nuveen Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Minerals Technologies by 80.9% in the 2nd quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 649,182 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $37,451,000 after purchasing an additional 290,345 shares during the period. 94.24% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Minerals Technologies alerts: Insider Activity In related news, SVP Jonathan J. Hastings sold 8,960 shares of Minerals Technologies stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.44, for a total value of $559,462.40. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 49,131 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,067,739.64. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, SVP Jonathan J. Hastings sold 8,960 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.44, for a total value of $559,462.40. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 49,131 shares in the company, valued at $3,067,739.64. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Dj Monagle III sold 14,598 shares of Minerals Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.08, for a total transaction of $993,831.84. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 76,720 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,223,097.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 26,213 shares of company stock valued at $1,730,754 over the last ninety days. 2.86% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Minerals Technologies Stock Performance Shares of MTX stock opened at $70.44 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.40 and a beta of 1.30. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $60.82 and a 200 day moving average of $57.80. Minerals Technologies Inc. has a 52 week low of $48.61 and a 52 week high of $73.57. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 2.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Minerals Technologies (NYSE:MTX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The basic materials company reported $1.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $547.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $551.85 million. Minerals Technologies had a return on equity of 9.15% and a net margin of 2.99%. The businesss revenue was up 1.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.35 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Minerals Technologies Inc. will post 5.19 earnings per share for the current year. Minerals Technologies Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 7th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 1st were paid a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.57%. This is an increase from Minerals Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.05. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 31st. Minerals Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 20.10%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently weighed in on MTX. Sidoti raised Minerals Technologies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $65.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. TheStreet lowered shares of Minerals Technologies from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, October 9th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Minerals Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Read Our Latest Report on Minerals Technologies Minerals Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Minerals Technologies Inc develops, produces, and markets various specialty mineral, mineral-based, and synthetic mineral products, and supporting systems and services. The company operates through three segments: Performance Materials, Specialty Minerals and Refractories. The Performance Materials segment supplies bentonite and bentonite-related products, as well as leonardite. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Minerals Technologies Inc. (NYSE:MTX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Minerals Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Minerals Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. lessened its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report) by 43.9% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 2,202 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,726 shares during the period. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF were worth $334,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 120,617.6% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 222,740,910 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $33,778,659,000 after purchasing an additional 222,556,396 shares in the last quarter. Hackensack Meridian Health Inc. bought a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $113,953,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $105,774,000. CI Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $80,230,000. Finally, Alera Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 131.5% during the third quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC now owns 792,802 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $120,363,000 after purchasing an additional 450,352 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of IWD stock opened at $165.22 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $154.97 and its 200-day moving average price is $156.30. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF has a 12-month low of $143.34 and a 12-month high of $165.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $52.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.53 and a beta of 0.95. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the large capitalization value sector of the U.S. equity market, as represented by the Russell 1000 Value Index (the Index). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. cut its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWN Free Report) by 19.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,240 shares of the companys stock after selling 295 shares during the quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF were worth $168,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of IWN. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 13.4% in the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 2,900 shares of the companys stock valued at $393,000 after buying an additional 342 shares during the period. Rodgers & Associates LTD raised its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter. Rodgers & Associates LTD now owns 4,617 shares of the companys stock valued at $626,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares during the period. Meridian Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 100.0% in the third quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 19,622 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,660,000 after purchasing an additional 9,813 shares in the last quarter. Hillcrest Wealth Advisors NY LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 2.8% during the third quarter. Hillcrest Wealth Advisors NY LLC now owns 78,395 shares of the companys stock worth $10,626,000 after buying an additional 2,125 shares during the period. Finally, Atlas Brown Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 1.1% during the third quarter. Atlas Brown Inc. now owns 20,057 shares of the companys stock worth $2,719,000 after buying an additional 211 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF Stock Up 1.3 % NYSEARCA:IWN opened at $158.11 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $12.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.40 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF has a twelve month low of $124.97 and a twelve month high of $158.50. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $139.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $140.60. About iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF, formerly Ishares Trust Russel 2000 (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 2000 Value Index Fund, is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 2000 Index issuers with relatively lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Hold from the ten brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have given a hold recommendation and three 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 $89.58. A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com upgraded shares of WEC Energy Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of WEC Energy Group from $87.00 to $80.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. KeyCorp dropped their price target on shares of WEC Energy Group from $102.00 to $94.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of WEC Energy Group from $91.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, LADENBURG THALM/SH SH began coverage on shares of WEC Energy Group in a research note on Monday, September 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $85.00 price target for the company. Get WEC Energy Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on WEC Energy Group Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Investors Weigh In On WEC Energy Group In related news, Director Ulice Payne, Jr. sold 600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.46, for a total value of $50,076.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 20,933 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,747,068.18. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Quilter Plc acquired a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $234,348,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. acquired a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co acquired a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. First Manhattan Co. lifted its holdings in WEC Energy Group by 102.0% in the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 303 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA acquired a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. 75.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. WEC Energy Group Price Performance WEC opened at $83.64 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.38 billion, a PE ratio of 19.32, a P/E/G ratio of 3.04 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.60. WEC Energy Group has a 1 year low of $75.47 and a 1 year high of $99.26. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $82.57 and its 200 day simple moving average is $85.15. WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $1.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.03 billion. WEC Energy Group had a net margin of 14.80% and a return on equity of 11.48%. WEC Energy Groups revenue was down 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.96 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that WEC Energy Group will post 4.62 EPS for the current year. WEC Energy Group Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be issued a $0.835 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 13th. This represents a $3.34 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.99%. This is an increase from WEC Energy Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. WEC Energy Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 72.06%. WEC Energy Group Company Profile (Get Free Report WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. The company operates through six segments: Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure, and Corporate and Other. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for WEC Energy Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WEC Energy Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A federal appeals court on Tuesday reversed former Nebraska Rep. Jeff Fortenberrys three felony convictions, agreeing with Fortenberrys argument that the trial should not have taken place in California. Fortenberry was convicted by a federal jury in Los Angeles in 2022 on one count of concealing conduit campaign contributions and two counts of lying to federal agents, all felonies. The charges stemmed from Fortenberry receiving an illegal campaign donation from billionaire Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury at a 2016 fundraiser and then allegedly lying about the donation during later interviews with FBI agents. On Tuesday, a panel of three judges with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 27-page opinion reversing Fortenberrys convictions without prejudice to retrial in proper venue, meaning Fortenberry could be tried again in Nebraska or Washington, D.C., where the interviews with FBI agents took place. Prosecutors had argued that holding the trial in California was proper because the fundraiser at which Fortenberry received the illegal money was in Los Angeles, and because the agents investigating the case were based in California. But the appeals court found that wasnt enough to satisfy the constitutional right for a criminal defendant to be tried in the place where the crime allegedly occurred. Fortenberrys trial took place in a state where no charged crime was committed, the conclusion of the opinion reads. The Constitution does not permit this. Fortenberrys convictions are reversed so that he may be retried, if at all, in a proper venue. Fortenberry resigned shortly after the verdict. His congressional seat currently is held by Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., who won a special election in 2022 to complete Fortenberrys term and then was re-elected to a full two-year term. The facts that led to Fortenberrys now-overturned convictions began with the 2016 fundraiser, at which Fortenberry raised $36,000 for his re-election campaign, according to court documents. But prosecutors said almost all of that money $30,000 was provided by Chagoury, a foreign national, and then distributed among fundraiser attendees who acted as conduit donors. During a 2018 phone call that an FBI agent listened in on, according to court documents, a friend of Fortenberrys who helped organize the first fundraiser explicitly mentioned Chagourys illegal donations while discussing the potential for another fundraiser with Fortenberry. But when interviewed by FBI agents about Chagoury twice in 2019, Fortenberry denied any knowledge of the $30,000 contribution, according to court documents. Attorneys for Fortenberry fought for the trial to be moved from California to Nebraska almost immediately after his October 2021 indictment. Soon after the indictment was filed, Fortenberry filed a motion to dismiss the case for lack of venue and later to transfer the venue to Nebraska, both of which were denied. Following his conviction, Fortenberry was sentenced to two years of probation, 320 hours of community service and a $25,000 fine. Fortenberry and his wife, Celeste Fortenberry, praised the courts decision Tuesday. We are gratified by the Ninth Circuits decision, Jeff Fortenberry said in a statement. Celeste and I would like to thank everyone who has stood by us and supported us with their kindness and friendship. Thom Mrozek, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Los Angeles, noted that the appellate court left a path open for future proceedings against Fortenberry. The ruling does not preclude a retrial on the charges that then-Congressman Fortenberry made multiple false statements to federal agents, Mrozek said in a statement. We are evaluating potential next steps before deciding how best to move forward. Patricia Hartman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia, declined to comment on the rulings potential impact for federal prosecutors in Washington. This report contains material from the Associated Press. MARION Illinois workers express mixed feelings about the states upcoming minimum wage increase and the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, both of which are set to go into effect in less than a week. Effective Jan. I, the minimum wage will increase from $13 to $14 for non-tipped workers, and from $7.40 to $8.40 for tipped workers. Wages for youth workers under 18, working fewer than 650 hours per calendar year, will increase to $12 per hour. Senate Bill 208, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, mandates up to 40 hours of paid leave during a 12-month period. It will also take effect Jan. 1, making Illinois the third state in the nation and the first in the region to mandate time off be used for any reason. Under existing law, workers are not guaranteed pay when taking time off for sick leave, childcare, bereavement, medical appointments, mental health reasons, vacation or any other reason. The act does not distinguish between part-time, full time, or seasonal employeesall are covered. However, employees who work fewer hours may accrue less leave time compared to full-time employees. The legislation states that paid leave shall accrue at the rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked. Casey Meyers, a full-time employee at a local nonprofit, said she was nervous about the minimum wage increase, but happy about the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Meyers said despite the increased wages, her financial situation may stay stagnant. Although she said the increase results in $100-$150 of additional income per month after taxes are taken out of her check, the higher income may reduce the amount of aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program her family qualifies for. If it changes the amount we get each month for SNAP, I am worried, Meyers said. Its already a tight budget, so I could see us going to food pantries more often, or trying to get down to more basics. Meyers said when her familys income has slightly increased in the past, their SNAP benefits decreased. She said she is excited about the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, however, because the non-profit where she works doesnt currently offer any benefits. Every time I need to call in sick I know Im losing a days wage, Meyers said. I would love to have the ability to accrue PTO and know my paychecks will be steady, even when I miss a day. Another Illinois worker, Allen Payne, said he supports the minimum wage increase. It helps the people out there who are poor the people who need it, he said. While Payne makes $18/hour at Pepsi MidAmerica in Marion, he said he speaks for friends who make minimum wage. Its a relief to get a dollar more, even though the employers dont like it, he said. He said he believes businesses raise prices for customers, regardless of whether employee pay also increases. [The increase] doesnt make no impact at all on them, he said. Even on small businesses. I dont think it makes a big difference anyway, because they just raise their prices. He said he believes businesses are going to continue to raise prices after the minimum wage stops increasing in 2025, when it will hit $15 an hour. Payne said a lot of people think that when the minimum wage goes up, the price for everything else goes up, too. But they dont realize everything goes up anyway, he said. Payne said a grocery chain his brother works at, for instance, raised prices three separate times in the past year, even before the minimum wage increase. Im all for people getting that extra dollar, he said. WEST END, N.C. Jesse Wimberley burns the woods with neighbors. Longleaf Pine Prescribed Burns FILE -A member of the Bridge Crew watches over a fire line, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, in case the prescribed burn jumps the line and ignites on the other side of Kings Pinnacle in Crowders Mountain State Park in Gastonia, N.C. As the U.S. tries to restore a key forest ecosystem in the Southeast, landowners must light more fires on private property. The so-called prescribed burns are key to clearing forest debris and allowing pine cones to drop seeds onto the floor. (John D. Simmons /The Charlotte Observer via AP, File) 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. Longleaf Pine Prescribed Burns A longleaf pine tree is seen on Jesse Wimberley's property Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in West End, N.C. Grassroots forest burners are proving key to restoring a fire-loving ecosystem across the South. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) 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 (360,000 square kilometers) 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. Longleaf Pine Prescribed Burns Jesse Wimberley poses for a photo at his property Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in West End, N.C. Grassroots forest burners are proving key to restoring a fire-loving ecosystem across the South. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) 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 (4.5-meter) 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. A late 1920s education campaign known as the Dixie Crusaders" harmed those interdependent relationships. Federal officials turned southerners against the practice and burning fell off. Flammable needles and wiregrasses piled up to dangerous tinder levels. Wimberley's family resisted, knowing their livelihoods depended on fire. His ancestors first applied it to sweat" out the pine's lucrative sap distilled into turpentine or exported as sealants. Later generations burned to shield crops. Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. Burning looks different from the times Wimberleys mother dragged kindling known as fat lighter" through the forest. But public understanding of its importance is returning and the ranks are growing. Were all a bunch of pyromaniacs, said Tribble, the tree farm owner. Still, Tribble burns for a reason: he values connecting with people and the land. Before his burns, brush cluttered the ground, choking water flow to parts of the property that were bone dry. Now water runs from more marshy areas and the squeaky call of the rarely spotted red-cockaded woodpecker resounds from mature pines. Wild turkeys appear when smoke fills the sky. Steed, the Lumbee outreach coordinator, is heartened by the rekindling of this proactive fire culture beyond the tribe that she says introduced it to the region. She ran through her grandfather's scorched woods as a child, but the expanse has gone about a decade without fire. Steed plans to lead her first burn next year in Wimberley's woods and then manage a family property she recently inherited. It feels empowering, Steed said of prescribed fire. It feels like a very tangible way to connect to the past and also guide the future. A Potter Springs, Georgia man is in prison after he pleaded guilty to shooting a woman in Orangeburg. Travon Leontrae Glover, 27, of 2869 Old Lost Mountain Road, pleaded guilty to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. He was originally charged with attempted murder. He entered his guilty plea before Circuit Judge Maite Murphy during a recent term of court held at the Orangeburg County Courthouse. Murphy sentenced him to prison for 15 years. After he serves six years, the remainder of his term will be suspended to four years of probation. She gave him credit for having already served 799 days in jail. She also ordered Glover to undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Glover faced three additional counts of attempted murder, but those charges were dropped. Glover shot into a Rustic Street home in Orangeburg on June 1, 2021. Four people were inside. A woman in the home suffered a gunshot wound to her upper left thigh. In other recent guilty pleas: Tawny Fiongos, 31, of 478 Cannon Bridge Road, Cordova, pleaded guilty to third or subsequent offense possession of one gram or less of methamphetamine/cocaine base. Murphy sentenced her to five years in prison, suspended to two years of probation. She also ordered Fiongos to obtain her GED, complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Vicki Holozena Harper, 43, of 954 Kearse Drive, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of cocaine, although she was originally charged with first-offense possession of a scheduled narcotic. Murphy sentenced her to three years in prison. After she serves 16 days, the remainder of her term will be suspended to two years of probation. Harper was given credit for having already served 14 days in jail. Murphy also ordered Harper to obtain her GED, complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Teronita A. Harris, 55, of 325 Gable Drive, Eutawville, pleaded guilty to driving under suspension license not suspended for driving under the influence and habitual traffic offender status. Murphy sentenced him to five years in prison, suspended to probation for two years. Harris faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: driving on the wrong side of the road, first-offense uninsured motor vehicle fee violation, temporary license plate time limit to replace, transporting alcohol with a broken seal and having an open container of beer or wine in a motor vehicle. Paul David Herndon Jr., 37, of 386 Campbell Road, Ridgeville, pleaded guilty to breach of trust with fraudulent intent valued more than $2,000 but less than $10,000. Murphy sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended to probation for two years. She gave him credit for having already served 21 days in jail. She also ordered Herndon to pay restitution and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Herndon was also charged with residential home builders practicing without a license, but the charge was dismissed. Jacob Andrew Hunter, 33, of 311 Flowers Lane, Allendale, pleaded guilty to stalking. Murphy sentenced him to five years in prison. Because he already served 306 days in jail, his term is suspended to probation for three years. Murphy also ordered Hunter to wear a GPS monitoring and stipulated that he cannot reside in Orangeburg County. Hunter was also charged with second-degree harassment, but that charge was dismissed. Timothy Antwone Johnson, 37, of 65 Horton Road, Beaufort, pleaded guilty to second-degree domestic violence. Murphy sentenced him to three years in prison, provided that after he serves 126 days, the remainder of his term will be suspended to probation for 18 months. She also ordered Johnson to obtain his GED and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Romello Henry Loynes, 27, of 645 Kings Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence. Murphy sentenced him to jail for 90 days, suspended to probation for 18 months. She gave him credit for having already served one day in jail. Loynes was also charged with malicious injury to real property valued at $2,000 or less, but that charge was dismissed. Pierre Shondell Martin, 45, of 2791 Ranger Drive, North Charleston, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a pistol and first-offense possession of a controlled substance, although he was originally charged with first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug. Murphy sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended to probation for two years. She also ordered Martin to complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Martin was also charged with possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent felony, but that charge was dismissed. Claude Franklin McAlhany, 49, of 1058 French Quarter Creek Road, Huger, pleaded guilty to domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. Murphy sentenced him to prison for 10 years, suspended to probation for two years. She gave him credit for having already served two years in jail. She also ordered him to complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. McAlhany was charged with assaulting a police officer while resisting arrest, but that charge was dropped. Omar Moore, 51, of 1219 Ashley Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to two counts each of public disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Murphy sentenced him to one year in prison. Moore also faced the charge of first-offense littering 15 to 500 pounds, but that charge was dropped. In a few weeks, the 2024 election season will officially commence when the Iowa Caucus takes place. As of now, former president Donald Trump has a commanding lead in the Hawkeye State polls. However, Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor, remains a viable candidate and definitely can beat President Joe Biden in November. Based on the Real Clear Politics Average, Haley is beating Biden by 5.8%. By contrast, Trump holds a slim 2.2 percent edge over the president. Moreover, Haleys favorable versus unfavorable spread of minus 0.7 percent is the slimmest among all of the candidates left in the race. Election 2024 Haley Republican presidential candidate former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during a campaign event at the Lawrence Community Center in Anamos For context, Biden has a minus 15.8% spread, Trump boasts a minus 15.2 spread, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has a minus 14.2 spread. Polling aside, Haleys strong record as the governor of South Carolina demonstrates she has the domestic policy chops to be a successful president, especially given the problems the nation is facing. Haley is a fiscal hawk who has criticized Republicans and Democrats for running trillion-dollar deficits in recent years. On the campaign trail, she has vowed to end profligate federal spending, which she rightfully points out is akin to generational theft. To stop the spending and borrowing madness, Haley promised to implement commonsense spending reforms such as reducing the federal budget back to pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, her record as governor from 2011 to 2017 shows she has the experience necessary to turn around a sinking economic ship. On other issues at the top of voters list of concerns, Haley also has a track record of success. As governor, she was a vocal proponent of school choice, Second Amendment rights, a strong and secure Southern border, ethics reforms, increased transparency, election integrity, and federalism. Haley also has ample foreign policy experience as a former ambassador to the United Nations. While serving in this significant position, she took a hardline stance on adversarial nations, implemented many long-overdue reforms to the U.N., defended U.S. allies like Israel, and was a consistent advocate for human rights. Haley is also a leader who is unafraid to ruffle feathers and stand up for her beliefs. Her response to the tragic shooting in which a White supremacist killed nine Black people at the Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston in 2015 proves she can unite people during a time of crisis. Of course, this is not to say that Haley is flawless. In fact, I do not agree with her 100% of the time on all policy issues. However, as a former resident of South Carolina who lived in the state during her time as governor, I know that she is a leader capable of finding common ground and bringing people together. As we approach the 2024 election, it is evident that our nation is more divided than at any point in recent history. Under these circumstances, it is imperative that our next president be someone who can overcome our political and cultural differences. Yet, this is far easier said than done. Unfortunately, too many recent presidents have failed to unite the country. When Biden took the oath of office, he promised to put partisan differences aside and govern as a moderate. To date, he has failed to fulfill this promise. Likewise, Trump was incapable of uniting the country. The United States is in a precarious position. The American people are struggling to make ends meet, the Southern border is wide open, crime is rising, the fentanyl epidemic is getting worse, and it seems as if the world is on fire. We need a firm but compassionate leader. We need someone who can overcome our differences. And we need someone who can solve our pressing problems. Maybe Nikki Haley is the right person for this job. Maybe she isnt. But she indeed is more than capable of becoming the 47th president of the United States. A mixed-use development is planned for the former Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries Brookland campus outside Orangeburg. RG Development has plans to build between 200 and 300 homes on a 169-acre tract of land on Five Chop Road (U.S. Highway 301) and Roquemore Drive. Many jobs are coming to the Orangeburg area, said Ben Gramling III, president of Charleston-based Gramling Brothers Real Estate & Development. Orangeburg is doing a good job right now of trying to recruit companies. I commend them for that, he said. Gramling is partnering with Orangeburg businessman Jim Roquemore, who is the president and board chairman of YC Holdings Inc. YC Holdings Inc. purchased the property earlier this year after Connie Maxwell closed its location, citing the cost of upgrades and repairs. YC Holdings Inc. is a land holding and investment company that leases approximately 15,000 acres to SuperSod to produce turf grass. YC Holdings Inc. also holds approximately 1,000 acres in developmental real estate. Gramling said there are signs of growth along the Interstate 26 corridor from Columbia to Charleston. These companies are finding South Carolina a good place to bring their companies right now, Gramling said. We need to prepare housing for them. Gramling particularly cited the Volvo plant and the Camp Hall Commerce Park in Berkeley County as significant. This is really not that far away from those sites, Gramling said. Roquemore said, Weve got a lot of people getting jobs out there. We are hoping it will be a really nice development in the area. The development will be built in at least two phases. It will include one and two-story homes ranging from under 2,000 square feet to the 3,000-square-foot range, Gramling said. The homes will most likely have three bedrooms and two baths, though some could be larger. We want to make them as affordable as they can be with what is going on in the world, Gramling said. A price range has not been developed for the homes. Gramling estimates construction will most likely not begin until the end of 2024 or during the first part of 2025. In addition to homes, the development will also include green space, a swimming pool and could also include a grocery store and hotel, Gramling said. The former Connie Maxwell land currently has structures on it including a chapel, office buildings and a gymnasium. Roquemore said there are no immediate plans to tear the buildings down, though there are some challenges with the structures. For example, he said the chapel has water issues, and there is no running water in the gym. If they can be incorporated tastefully, we will try to keep them, but we are trying to have a high-end development and to maintain the good taste," Roquemore said. Gramling said a final layout has not been finalized for the project. The planned mixed-use development will be located next to the new planned Willie Jeffries Charter School. A dirt road will separate the residential development from the school. Roquemore said he is hoping to be a partner with the school. The school is expected to open in August 2024. Orangeburg County Council on Monday gave unanimous first-reading approval to rezoning two properties totaling 169.14 acres to allow the development to proceed. The properties will be rezoned to a planned use district from its current forest agriculture zoning. County officials say the northwest portion of the property falls within wetlands and a flood zone. The county's Planning Commission had previously unanimously approved the rezoning request. Gramling Brothers is no stranger to residential developments. Most notably, the company is developing a 7,000-acre master-planned community in Berkeley County known as Cane Bay. Another is Charleston-based Reverie on the Ashley, a condominium community. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar. The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens. The leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to facilitate increased and sustained flows of life-saving access to humanitarian aid into Gaza. READ NEXT: Statement from President Biden on Record 2024 Affordable Care Act Health Care Enrollment @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. COLUMBIA Nikki Haley had been forewarned that the Lexington County Republican power brokers she was about to meet were backing her primary opponent, South Carolinas longest-serving GOP state representative. But Haley brilliant white smile, jet black hair, and eager, outstretched hand was unfazed. She emerged from the meeting, as it later was recounted, with a contribution from each of the party grandees. As those Republican leaders found out and as the GOP voters of Iowa and New Hampshire now know Haley, who later was S.C. governor and U.N. ambassador, is a brilliant retail politician. Election 2024 Haley Campaign buttons for Republican presidential candidate former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley sit on a table during a campaign event at the Lawren She is also a grifter albeit minor league compared to Donald Trump and his family, and, Republicans argue, the family of President Biden with a ferocious temper who can be vindictive. Her relationship with the truth is occasionally suspect as well. Politically, Haley is a shape-shifter. A grifter? Consider: After her election to the S.C. House, Haley, whose finances were tenuous, landed a $110,000-a-year job with the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, an arm of a metro Columbia hospital. (Haleys 2008 job application said she made $125,000 a year. In reality, she was making a fifth of that amount.) At the foundation, Haley, an S.C. House appropriator, raised funds from lobbyists and companies, including payday lenders, with business before the state. She also engaged, at least once, in vote counting on legislation of huge importance to Lexington Medical, a 2008 bill to allow it to expand its lucrative heart procedures. While a state representative, Haley also landed a then-unknown consulting contract paying $48,000 with the now-defunct Wilbur Smith Associates engineering firm. When asked why Haley had been hired, a company official said: Her contacts, adding her passive position landed no new business for the firm. After exiting the Trump administration, Haley joined Boeings board of directors. Boeing, which makes airplanes in North Charleston, received $120 million in tax incentives from the state while Haley was governor. For her short stint on the Boeing board, Haley was paid $340,072. Post-U.N., Haley also has been a prolific speechmaker, earning millions for addressing groups her favorites being pro-Israel or pro-India, and right-wing. Ferocious temper? Vindictive? As a presidential candidate, Haley has won plaudits for her nuanced position on abortion, saying she will lead the country to consensus. As S.C. governor, however, Haley was combative, not a consensus builder. For example, she issued report cards for members of the GOP-controlled House and the majority Republican state Senate in 2011. Their grades were based on whether the legislators voted for Haleys agenda. If not, she openly backed her fellow Republicans primary opponents in several races. (Small wonder that Trump has more endorsements than Haley among the states Republican legislators.) Similarly, as the U.N. ambassador, Haley vowed to take names of countries that opposed U.S. positions. While governor, Haley also used a press conference to explode at a reporter for The (Columbia) State newspaper after a 2012 story about the state governments youngest employee, Haleys then-14-year-old daughter. Haleys fury was so wincingly over the top that the wife of another Republican officeholder called the reporters editor. She said neither she nor her husband wanted to be associated with Haleys tirade. Truthy? A shape-shifter? For years, Haley has referred to herself as an accountant, touting that training as qualifying her to cut government budgets. The problem? Haley is not an accountant. She has an accounting degree. (Splitting hairs? Ask a law school graduate who fails the bar exam.) Haley also says that, as governor, she took the Confederate flag off the S.C. State House grounds. But, running for re-election in 2014, she told a televised debate the flag was not an issue. Immediately after the 2015 Emanuel AME Church massacre, she again said the flag was not an issue. Only days later, Haley reversed field, saying the flag should come down, encouraging the legislature which had the power to remove the flag, not her to take it down. Haley was elected South Carolina governor in 2010, largely because of the efforts of former GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin and the states then-lame-duck governor, Mark Appalachian Trail Sanford. A Sanford-affiliated political committee injected $400,000 into Haleys faltering GOP primary bid. Then, Palin endorsed her fellow female trailblazer days before the primary. Despite her tea party roots, Haleys politics when consistent pass for pre-tea party. She is for lower taxes, smaller government and a muscular U.S. foreign policy. But Haleys politics can swing like an ambitious weather vane. Consider her tortured relationship with Trump. Before the 2016 S.C. GOP primary, Haley endorsed Sen. Marco Rubio. When Rubio faltered, Haley endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz. Then, stunningly, she joined the Trump administration. After the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Haley blistered Trump, saying the insurrection had ruined his legacy. Later, she said she would not run against him. Then, she entered the race. Then, in the primarys first debate, Haley said she would support Trump if he was the Republican nominee. Now, she says Trump was the right president in 2016, but not now. According to polls, most Republican voters dont agree. Despite the Haley boomlet, those voters favor Trump by a wide margin, even in South Carolina. But Haley will be back in 2028 her real goal, I suspect assuming the then-occupant of the White House whether Trump or Biden is willing to leave. (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. A 22-year-old woman who set fire to Wellspring Health Access in Casper last year Wyomings only remaining abortion provider was ordered Tuesday to pay almost $300,000 in restitution. Lorna Green must pay $298,170.95 in restitution, a federal order shows. About 80% will be paid to Nationwide General Insurance Company, the clinics insurance provider. The remainder will be distributed to Julie Burkhart, the president of Wellspring Health Access, and to the buildings owner. The restitution, which was the full amount requested by federal prosecutors, appears to cover about the total cost of the damage, the federal order shows. Earlier this year, Burkart said in a statement that the heinous attack caused nearly $300,000 worth of damage. Green was also sentenced to five years in prison on the federal arson charge in September. The five-year sentence was the mandatory minimum while the maximum sentence is 20 years. She eagerly looks forward to a productive and peaceful life, after serving her sentence, Ryan Semerad, Greens attorney, said in emailed statement Wednesday. Lorna Green, while serving her sentence, has agreed to repay the damages she caused as part of her efforts to atone for her actions, Semerad said. She was taken into custody July 20 after pleading guilty in a Cheyenne courtroom, as part of an agreement with federal prosecutors. At the time, Green told United States Magistrate Judge Alan B. Johnson that she deeply regrets her actions. On May 25, 2022, Green tried to burn down Wellspring Health Access, which was weeks away from opening at the time. It sits along East Second Street in the central part of Casper. Green stated she did not like abortion and was having nightmares which she attributed to her anxiety about the abortion clinic, so she decided to burn the building, the federal complaint states. It took almost 10 months to identify Green as the responsible party. Several tipsters identified Green after the reward was increased from $5,000 to $15,000 in March. Green is serving her sentence at Federal Prison Camp, Alderson, which is a minimum-security womens facility in West Virginia, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate finder. She is expected to be released in October 2027. Lauren Rankin, a spokesperson for Wellspring Health Access, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. A man was allegedly drunk driving last year when he crashed his car on Interstate 25 near Casper, which resulted in the death of three young adults. Steven Gale Spearman is accused of three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and one count of driving under the influence with serious bodily injury in connection with the May 7, 2022, crash, an affidavit in the case states. Dalton Foos, 22, Justin Robles, 19, and Abigail Helms, 17, died when the SUV they were traveling in sideswiped Spearmans disabled car, the affidavit states. They were all pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Tahayla Kohtala, who was seated on the rear left passengers side, sustained serious injuries and was the sole survivor. The charges were brought against Spearman in November over one year after the crash. He is expected to be arraigned on Feb. 13. Kohtala called 911 shortly after 4 a.m. on May 7, 2022, to report that she was in a vehicle, which crashed with a wrong way driver, the affidavit states. There was a total of four people in a 2002 GMC Yukon. She reported that she was thrown from the vehicle she was in, and she believed the other three occupants were also ejected from the vehicle, the affidavit states. The crash was near mile marker 194 on Interstate 25 in Natrona County. At the scene, a Natrona County Sheriffs Office deputy located Spearman near a fence, and he was on the phone with his then-fiance, the affidavit states. Spearman allegedly refused to end his call at first, but ultimately hung up his cell phone, the affidavit states. He allegedly told the deputy that he was suffering from severe anxiety, and was freaking out. The deputy asked, Have you been drinking at all tonight? the affidavit states. Spearman allegedly responded, I drank a little bit earlier tonight...but, the affidavit states. He did not finish the sentence. He told authorities that he wrecked his 2012 Toyota RAV4 because he blew a tire or a tire rod or something in the front end of his vehicle, the affidavit states. His car was disabled in the middle of the road, and the GMC Yukon crashed into it. Spearman allegedly told authorities that he was already outside of his car when it got hit, the affidavit states. It was determined through the crash investigation that Foos was the driver of the GMC Yukon, the affidavit states. Foos crested a hill in the direction of where Spearman previously crashed and attempted to swerve but was unsuccessful. The loss of control resulted in the GMC Yukon rolling and ejecting all occupants from the vehicle, the affidavit states. Multiple authorities believed Spearman may have been under the influence and could smell alcohol at the scene, the affidavit states. They also saw a gun on the floor of his car. Spearman was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, the affidavit states. Wyoming Highway Patrol Sgt. Clint Christensen went to speak with him and explained the circumstances of the crash to include the fact that there was serious bodily injury and death. He provided a voluntary blood sample, which later showed a blood alcohol concentration of .173, or over two times more than the legal limit. In March 2023, the Natrona County Sheriffs Office was asked to assist in the investigation by Natrona County District Attorneys Office and the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the affidavit states. They conducted several interviews. Kohtala told authorities that Foos got onto Interstate 25 north to drive her home in the area of Homa Hills, the affidavit states. The group went to a party earlier that night. She allegedly heard Foos yell before he swerved the vehicle, the affidavit states. He was not on his phone or distracted by anything, and he was driving about 80 mph. Kohtala remembered that she told herself to go limp, and she watched everyone else in the vehicle get ejected, the affidavit states. She had a piece of glass in her head and a foreign object inside her right hand, the affidavit states. She was informed by medical personnel that she was about 2% away from having an above knee amputation. Kohtala told authorities that she aware of who Spearman was because he was friends with her older brother, the affidavit states. She alleged that Spearman was drinking with her brother shortly before the crash. Her older brother allegedly tried to get Spearman to stay at his house overnight, but Spearman refused, Kohtala said, according to the affidavit states. Kohtalas brother allegedly confirmed to authorities that he hung out with Spearman at Butchs Happy Days in Evansville prior to the incident, he said, according to the affidavit. They were both drinking beer at the bar and playing pool. When Kohtalas brother found out about the crash, he was mad, the affidavit states. He called Spearman on the phone to confront him. Spearman was allegedly crying and asked for Kohtalas brother to pass on an apology to her, the affidavit states. In June, Spearman was interviewed by authorities. He allegedly admitted that he had a couple of drinks the night before driving home on Interstate 25, the affidavit states. Spearmans car allegedly lurched to the left really hard, causing him to crash into the median and stop in the middle of the road, the affidavit states. He tried to push his car off the road but was unable to. Before he was able to get in the car, the Toyota was hit by the Yukon, the affidavit states. Spearman said he was thrown upon the collision, and that he blacked out for a second. Spearman told authorities that he didnt know anyone died from the crash in the moment, the affidavit states. He only found one of the males that was breathing pretty heavily, and then he found Kohtala. He is facing up to 67 years in prison, if found guilty on all four felonies. In 2016, Spearman was convicted of robbery in Natrona County. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. A Tesla robot attack incident has resurfaced in a 2021 injury report. Investigators said that the alarming incident happened at the automaker's gigafactory in Austin, Texas. The report 2021 injury report was filed to Travis county and federal regulators. Although this is considered to be the only robot attack that happened at the Tesla Gigafactory in Texas in 2021 and 2022, it is still alarming. The incident was confirmed as concerns over automated technologies in workplaces increased. Now, the question is, should humans and robots really work together in the same place? 2021 Tesla Robot Attack Incident Confirmed According to The Daily Mail UK's latest report, two workers witnessed the horrifying robot attack at the Tesla Gigafactory Texas in 2021. They said that a machine attacked their fellow worker after malfunctioning. The robot, which was designed to grab and move freshly cast aluminum auto parts, pinned the victim who was programming software for two disabled Tesla robots. The 2021 injury report stated that the Tesla machine sunk its metal claws into the employee's arm and back, leaving a blood trail along the factory surface. The victim was left with an open-wound on his left hand, as described by investigators. Prosecutors said that the injured Tesla worker wasn't provided any time off although his injuries were severe. "We've had multiple workers who were injured and one worker who died, whose injuries or death are not in these reports," said Workers Defense Project's Attorney Hannah Alexander via The Daily Beast. She explained that these robot-related injury robots should be accurately completed and submitted by the American automaker to the county in order to get tax incentives. Read Also: Russian 'Combat Robots' Redefines the Ukrainian Battlefield Should Humans Work With Robots? The 2021 robot attack incident at the Tesla Gigafactory Texas is just one of the injuries in workplaces linked to machines. Industry experts said that reports show increasing robot-caused injuries in other companies, such as Amazon's shipment centers. These machine-related incidents involve self-driving car accidents, violence from robotic chess instructors, and incidents involving droid surgeons. Because of these, many advocates are questioning the fast integration of automated technologies in workplaces where humans are usually present. Although humans could face many risks if they work with machines, many companies encourage the use of robots to complete tasks faster and more efficiently. But, if tech giants want to do this, advocates said that they should have effective safety measures. Tesla and other companies integrating automated machines in workplaces should provide enough training sessions to their workers as well. Aside from this, companies should also disclose all injuries and deaths that are caused by their machines so that authorities will know what to do. Related Article: China Seeks To Build Advance Humanoid Robots by 2025, Issues Guidelines for Innovation System @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. GLOBAL growth is expected to remain weak, with the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region projected to experience 2% GDP growth in 2023. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggests that T&Ts economy is on a broad-based recovery path. Explore these and other international, regional and local economic insights from the Chambers Trade & Business Development Unit. THE Merriam-Webster dictionary defines icon as a person or thing widely admired, especially for having great influence or significance in a particular sphere. Subhas Panday believes his brother, Basdeo Panday, was such a person... and then some. Trinidad and Tobago has lost a man who blazed a trail like few others before him ever had, and like few others ever will again. These were the words of President Christine Kangaloo as she paid tribute to former prime minister Basdeo Panday at his state funeral, at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), San Fernando, yesterday. It was one of the best tributes (eulogies) I saw or heard, and perhaps the best speech Presi Dan Aykroyd once punched a hole in the wall of Lorne Michaels office. Why? He was sick and tired of all the last-minute script changes on Saturday Night Live. I was so mad at the way he would give us last-minute changes before air, he once explained. We would have to run down and give them to the cue card guys, and they would be going crazy and saying, Are you kidding?! You want us to get this on? But despite Aykroyds frustrations, last-minute ideas, rewrites and punch-ups are behind some of the most successful bits in SNLs history (including one by Aykroyd himself). Here are five favorites Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. 1 The Coneheads Play One of Aykroyds signature sketches began as a different concept entirely the Pinhead Lawyers of France. I had been looking at TV I guess Id smoked a J or something and I thought, Everybodys heads dont reach the top of the screen. Wouldnt it be great if you added four inches to everybody? he related in SNL oral history Live From New York. So I drew up this design. But some were afraid that the characters would disparage encephalitic people, Aykroyd says. Was there also concern that it might be ripping off Zippy the Pinhead, an underground comic strip that had become nationally syndicated at around the same time? Cartoonist Bill Griffith has complained about the similarities. Whatever the reason, Aykroyd rewrote his idea, changing the Pinhead Lawyers to the Coneheads. Michaels suggested making them aliens instead of lawyers, with France now a cover story. The rewritten idea spawned 11 sketches, an animated sitcom pilot and a feature film. Advertisement 2 Mrs. Ed Advertisement Advertisement Because you never know when inspiration will strike, several of the shows best ideas come late in the week. In the early days of SNL, writer Alan Zweibel was hanging in a restaurant with Michaels late one Friday night, according to Saturday Night: A Backstage History of Saturday Night Live. News broke that the animal star of 50s sitcom Mr. Ed had just died. Can we get a horse? Zweibel asked Michaels. Youre not thinking of interviewing Mrs. Ed, are you? Michaels responded. Yep, Zweibel affirmed. Zweibel woke the shows property master at 4 a.m. with his equine request; by Saturday afternoon, a horse was learning its lines backstage. (Okay, that was Gilda Radner.) Speaking of last-minute rewrites, its pretty clear that Mrs. Ed suffered from stage fright during the live show, but Weekend Update anchor Bill Murray leaned on his improvisational chops to make the bits off-script moments work anyway. Advertisement 3 Mick in the Mirror Play Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Fallon thought he had a killer sketch idea for Mick Jagger. Michaels thought otherwise. I go, Why dont we do a bit where I play Mick in the mirror? And Lorne goes, Please dont do that. That sketch has been done a million times. Groucho Marx did it, Lucille Ball did it. Its just been done, Fallon explained in Interview magazine. So Fallon pitched Jagger a million ideas. A bit about working at Sunglass Hut. A sketch about a Keith Richards clone. Pitch after pitch, Jagger told Fallon that he didnt like the ideas. In a last-minute Hail Mary, Fallon threw out his original concept: What about, youre in the mirror, and Im on the other side as you. Micks response? Hey, thats a funny idea. I like that. Sketches are normally written on Tuesdays, but like Mrs. Ed, we wrote it on a Friday night, which is rare for SNL, and it did really well during dress. Advertisement When the sketch was performed on the air, the place was shaking, Fallon says in Live From New York. People were standing up, clapping. Ill never forget that. 4 More Cowbell Advertisement Advertisement It took a few swings at the readthrough table for More Cowbell to even be considered for a live show. How many people know about Blue Oyster Cult and its percussion choices anyway? When it was finally chosen for the Christopher Walken show, the sketch bombed big-time at dress rehearsal. Credit Will Ferrell with the last-minute comic save. The clock was ticking, and we didnt know what to do, he explained in an oral history of the sketch. Finally, I get an idea. I asked wardrobe to get me a shirt one size smaller. She asked, Are you sure? I said, No, but its all weve got. His shirt kept riding up, remembered Horatio Sanz. Thats all it took, said Fallon. That shirt was so small! marveled Chris Parnell. I was just happy we got the sketch to work, a relieved Ferrell explained. I shouldve kept that shirt. Advertisement Israel has warned that they have prepared for war on seven fronts, which sparked fears of escalating conflict in neighboring countries. The neighboring countries have recorded extensive attacks in the last 48 hours. Israel Prepares for War on 7 Fronts On Tuesday, Yoav Gallant, Israel's defense minister and one of only three members of its war cabinet, said in an address to the Israeli government that they were coming under attack from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran. "We are in a multifront war and coming under attack from seven theatres," he said before listing the neighboring countries. He added that they were taking action on six fronts without going into detail. His comments came after the explosions on the coast of Yemen, which were presumed to be an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, and missiles were fired into Israel by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon. The British Maritime Authority issued a warning to ships passing through the Red Sea to exercise caution after reporting that missiles had been spotted off the coast of Yemen, close to Houthi installations. They claimed to have witnessed many explosions in the vicinity during the day, but there were no casualties. The incidents that have been recorded occurred one week after the US declared a multinational maritime security strategy in the Red Sea in response to attacks on vessels by Yemen's Houthis. Since October, the Houthi militants, which Iran supported, have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea. According to the group, the attacks were an act of sympathy with the Palestinians who were under Israeli siege in Gaza. The Israeli military said that more than a thousand miles directly north, southern Lebanese forces had struck a church and injured a civilian after an exchange of missiles across the border. Furthermore, they accused Iranian-backed Hezbollah of deliberately firing at Israeli civilian and religious sites after a Greek Orthodox church was struck on Tuesday. Two additional assaults were reported against the Israeli embassy in New Delhi, India, as well as in northeastern Egypt, near the borders of Gaza and southern Israel. There were no casualties in either attack, and it remains unclear who was behind them. Read Also: Oklahoma: Man Finally Free After 48 Years in Prison in Wrongful Murder Conviction Israel's Bombardment On Monday, an Israeli airstrike in Syria has killed an Iranian general. The US warplanes also struck an Iranian-backed militant in Iraq, which wounded American soldiers in drone strikes. Israel continued bombing the Gaza enclave to destroy Hamas, another organization sponsored by Iran that carried out the horrific attack on Israeli territory on October 7. The attack resulted in 1,140 people dead and led to 240 people being taken hostage. More than 20,900 Palestinians were killed by Israel's bombardment and subsequent ground invasion of Gaza. According to the Hamas health ministry, more than 240 were killed in the last 24 hours. On Tuesday, Israeli forces bombed Palestinian refugee camps in central Gaza and warned the residents to evacuate the area, urging them to move to Deir al-Balah. Related Article: Israel-Hamas Conflict: Dozens of Dead Palestinians Burried in Rafah Mass Grave in Southern Gaza @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine at Arizonas three universities are hitting back against an Arizona House committees remarks on antisemitism on school campuses. The chapters of the pro-Palestine group at the University of Arizona, Arizona State and Northern Arizona condemned a Dec. 12 committee meeting about antisemitism, a joint statement last week says. Despite the fact that Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters were a focal point of discussion at this hearing, none of the SJP chapters in Arizona received an invitation to represent our student organizations, the statement, which was posted to the groups Instagram accounts read. This reflects a pattern of unequal treatment and censorship of pro-Palestinian voices seen at the university, state and national levels. The Ad Hoc Committee on Antisemitism in Education is a 12-person bipartisan group of legislators in the Arizona House. The meeting featured speakers and comments on both K-12 education and university level schooling in the state. Many speakers criticized Students for Justice in Palestine. Tammi Rossman-Benjamin, the co-founder and director of AMCHA Initiative, which documents antisemitism at higher education institutions, said that many of the antisemitic incidents her organization has seen this year can be attributed to Students for Justice in Palestine. The group has issued statements praising Hamas freedom fighters, Rossman-Benjamin told the committee. Their rallies have been seen to justify the murder of Jews, she added. The group defended itself against Rossman-Benjamins accusations in their statement, writing that it speaks volumes to the low standards of this committee that no one, including the chairman, required actual evidence for egregious statements against SJP to be made, including the absurd and baseless accusation that SJP chapters in Arizona have provided material support to Hamas. The nationwide Students for Justice in Palestine organization, of which the university chapters are a part, described Hamas military feats as a historic win for Palestinian resistance, and called for not just slogans and rallies, but armed confrontation with the oppressors, in a statement published after Hamas Oct. 7 invasion of Israel. Students for Justice in Palestine may receive public funding through universities student activities fees, said Nathan Schanzer, the senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He added that the committee should push for the revoking of the chapters charters. In their statement, the organization pushed back against that claim. This hearing was held to provide a pretext to introduce legislation to de-charter and withhold funding from our chapters on Arizona university campuses, violating our rights to expression as well as due process, organization leaders wrote. Therefore, we demand to be heard by the legislature before any legislation is put forward. The group added that their receive funding from student government budget requests and membership fees from students. According to SJP, the censorship of pro-Palestinian voices on Arizona campuses has become a recurrent theme over the course of the past two months. On Nov. 17, ASU canceled a scheduled appearance of U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, a pro-Palestine congresswoman, for procedural issues, despite, SJP wrote, the organizers having collaborated with administration for months prior. The statement also accused the ASU Undergraduate Student Government of suppressing a bill calling for ASU to divest from Israel. The UA has also seen its fair share of controversy over the conflict as well. On Oct. 12, University President Robert Robbins wrote a campus-wide email in which he condemned a planned protest by the group. SJP cancelled the event the next day, calling the presidents email inflammatory. Additionally, two UA professors in the universitys college of education were suspended last month over remarks they made in class about the Israel-Palestine conflict that were recorded and leaked online. After a multi-day student sit in, the professors were eventually reinstated, though they were not allowed to return to teach that specific class. We refuse to be intimidated in the face of illegal censorship and repression by our universities and state institutions, the Arizona chapters wrote. There were definitive calls at the hearing to shut down SJP entirely, the statement said. If either the legislature or our universities take steps to materially hinder our organizations or deny us recognition, we will not hesitate to bring legal action against them, the group threatened. The statement concluded with a demand to be heard by the state House committee. We demand to be heard by the ad-hoc committee and be given equal time as our critics to provide further context about the objectives and activities of our independent student organizations, the group wrote. We reiterate our demands for our universities to treat all students with equal respect and reaffirm their commitments to protecting the academic freedoms of their most vulnerable students. SEOUL, South Korea Lee Sun-kyun, a popular South Korean actor best known for his role in the Oscar-winning movie Parasite, was found dead in a car in Seoul on Wednesday, authorities said, after weeks of an intense police investigation into his alleged drug use. Police and emergency officers initially found Lee in what they believed was an unconscious state in the car parked on a street in northern Seoul. Emergency officers later confirmed he was dead, according to Seouls Seongbuk police station. Police had been searching for Lee, 48, after receiving a report that he was missing. They refused to provide further details including whether they had determined Lee killed himself. But South Korean media outlets including Yonhap news agency said that Lees family earlier Wednesday reported to police that he left home after leaving a message similar to a suicide note. Lee appeared in Parasite, which won Oscars for best picture and three other categories in 2020. The class satire was the first non-English-language film to win best picture in the then-92-year history of the Academy Awards, and was the first South Korean movie to win an Oscar. In the film, Lee played the head of a wealthy family. The films cast, including Lee, also won a Screen Actors Guild award for the best motion picture ensemble cast in 2020. He was nominated for best actor at the International Emmy Awards for his performance in the sci-fi thriller Dr. Brain last year, as well. Even before Parasite, Lee had been a popular actor in South Korea for a long time. He rose to stardom for his role in a hit TV drama series, Coffee Prince (2007), and gained mainstream popularity with a series of hit TV dramas such as Behind The White Tower (2007), Pasta (2010) and My Mister (2018). Lee had been under a police investigation into allegations that he used illegal drugs at the residence of a bar hostess. Lee insisted he was tricked into taking the drugs and that he did not know what he was taking, according to Yonhap. But the investigation prompted extensive tabloid coverage and unconfirmed online rumors about not only his alleged drug use but also his private life. Lee filed a suit against two people including the hostess, alleging they blackmailed him. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: An organ transplant is one of the greatest medical achievements of the past century, and nothing short of a lifesaving miracle. For patients, however, the gift of receiving a transplant is only the first chapter in a long and often arduous journey to stay alive. While recent national attention has focused on reforms to our countrys organ transplant system, we must pay just as much attention if not more to much-needed progress for all those in the post-transplant phase of their journeys. There are hundreds of thousands of Americans who face the seemingly endless stream of post-transplant drugs, check-ups, and biopsies that make up a system too often reliant on outdated science and imprecise medicine. This is deeply personal to me. My youngest child Dylan was born with a rare condition called cardiomyopathy. At a time when many parents are celebrating their first magical moments with a newborn, our doctors noticed Dylans heart rate dropping rapidly. We were terrified as Dylan was rushed to the PICU only to find out two days later he would need a heart transplant. A transplant is a gift of life a selfless decision to save, heal and provide hope to a family like ours. Dylan received a new heart at eight months old, and with it, both a new life as well as the start of an entire series of new procedures, check-ins, and appointments. We traveled out of state regularly for Dylans biopsies, as there was no transplant center in our hometown of Phoenix at the time. While my family and I dealt with the logistical and financial tolls of these trips, baby Dylan dealt with the physical and emotional toll of the actual procedures. Biopsies involve essentially snipping out tiny pieces of tissue from the organ to check for possible rejection. Patients often face a lifetime of these invasive tests, which can occur as frequently as each week or each month and can be painful and intrusive on the life of any patient, let alone a child. This was Dylans, and our familys, reality until just a few years ago when we first learned about noninvasive blood tests that can provide a highly accurate solution to determine whether a patient is experiencing organ rejection. Switching to these donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) tests transformed our lives. They meant fewer biopsies, and Dylan no longer had to plan his school and social life around a schedule of hospital trips and check-ups. And for us as parents, we were provided some relief in receiving more frequent, accurate results. There is much more innovation needed to advance all fields in organ transplantation, but we should certainly celebrate the progress being made. Patients must be aware of and have access to these new, effective options. Increased access to dd-cfDNA tests, for example, means that doctors may not need to introduce unnecessary biopsy risks to patients, and loved ones no longer need to suffer through uncomfortable, risky invasive procedures. This is a win-win thats already been supported by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the American Society of Transplantation, and the International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation, and yet, its estimated that dd-cfDNA is only used in 27% of applicable opportunities in the U.S. today. The donation of a new heart gave my son another chance at life. The way we are making the most of that gift is by continuing to advocate for the best care possible for all transplant recipients to thrive and live their best lives. Lets start by pushing for more innovation, support, and reform in the transplant space, and expanding access to existing transplant innovations. Michael Dekker Tulsa World Business Writer Follow Michael Dekker Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Related content Chick-fil-A plans Brookside location A new Chick-Fil-A planned for Brookside has some neighbors in favor of the development over an empty building and others concerned about a huge influx of traffic and noise the restaurant could bring. I just have misgivings about the impact on the culture here, said Jonathon Landis, one of several people who spoke recently at a Brookside Neighborhood Association meeting. Chick-Fil-A representatives held the meeting to outline the planned restaurant at the site of the former Arbys at 4143 S. Peoria Ave., which has been vacant for at least a year. About 40 people attended. Landis, who said he has lived in Brookside about four years, said that while he doesnt expect the area to remain the same forever, he was concerned about Brooksides unique nature changing with establishments such as Chick-Fil-A. A new Raising Canes fast-food chicken restaurant opened in Brookside earlier this year at 3534 S. Peoria Ave. The good old days do not stay the same forever, right? Landis said. But, he said, Whats going to happen a year from now or six months from now? Brookside is known for a lot of unique things here. Theres a certain spirit here. If were going to build something, I think it should really be in just keeping with the rest of the neighborhood, Landis said. Im starting to feel like Im on 71st Street all the time. Nothing against the company (Chick-Fil-A). If were going to build this, can we kind of make it look like it belongs here? Rob Aloisio, one of the owners of Mondos Ristorante Italian, 3534 S. Peoria Ave., attended the meeting and expressed support for the new chicken sandwich establishment. Chick-Fil-A is a good, Christian company. They know what they are doing, he said. In November 2020, Mondos announced that it had purchased the old Crow Creek Tavern as the site of its new, current and expanded Brookside restaurant, which opened in 2022. Some residents at the meeting expressed frustration with an increase in crime and homelessness in Brookside, particularly in vacant lots and buildings. Ive been through all of this before, Aloisio said, When we moved locations, we had all kinds of issues with homelessness and people hanging out in the vacant lot where we were going to build. Everything eventually worked out, and now everything is fine. Getra Sanders, Chick-fil-A senior director of development, said the new restaurant will have a drive-through window and that the property will be heavily landscaped. Renderings of what the property will look like were on display at the meeting, which was at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 3500 S. Peoria Ave. Chick-Fil-A said in an email that it did not have images of the renderings that could be provided to the Tulsa World but said it would notify the news media company of future updates for the Brookside location. Some residents expressed concerns about the additional traffic the restaurant will bring to their neighborhood and about the potential of not being able to get in and out of their driveways on adjacent residential streets. Chick-fil-A officials said traffic problems have occurred around their restaurant at 41st Street and Yale Avenue but that they expect those tie-ups to be alleviated when the Brookside restaurant and another one at 13th Place and Utica Avenue are opened. Because of that saturation in the midtown Tulsa area, traffic at the Brookside location is not expected to be as bad, they said. Tulsa city councilors in October unanimously approved a rezoning request that clears the way for the construction of the Chick-fil-A at the northwest corner of 13th Place and Utica Avenue. The property of the former Arbys in Brookside is already zoned commercial and does not require a zoning change for Chick-Fil-A to build there. Some residents at the meeting said having a Chick-Fil-A at the location is better than a vacant building. Which would you rather have: crime or traffic? one participant asked. A timeline of when the the new Chick-Fil-A would open has not yet been determined, Sanders told the Tulsa World at the meeting. Were just getting started, she said. This (meeting) is our first step. Sixteen other Chick-fil-A restaurants serve the wider Tulsa market. Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A Inc. has more than 190,000 team members, operators and staff. Its chicken is pressure cooked in fully-refined peanut oil. Chick-fil-A was one of the first fast-food restaurants in the industry to eliminate chicken raised with antibiotics, the company said. It serves guests at more than 3,000 restaurants in 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada. The family-owned and privately held restaurant company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. In 2022, Chick-fil-A was named a Best Employer in America by Forbes and a top company for career opportunities for Black employees by Glassdoor. The company was also honored with the Employees Choice award by Glassdoor, honoring top CEOs, and was named a Culture 500 Culture Champion in 2020. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. CAPE TOWN, South Africa In an extraordinary pushback against Pope Francis, some Catholic bishops in Africa, Poland and elsewhere say they will not implement the new Vatican policy allowing blessings for same-sex couples. Others downplayed the policy approved this week by Francis as merely reaffirming the Vatican's long-standing teaching about marriage being only a union between a man and a woman. The reactions show how polarizing the issue remains and how Francis' decade-long effort to make the church a more welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community continues to spark resistance among traditionalist and conservative Catholic leaders. Some of the strongest responses came from bishops in Africa, home to 265 million Catholics, or nearly a quarter of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. Many of those Catholics live and their churches operate in societies where homosexuality is condemned and outlawed. Out of the continents 54 countries, 31 have laws criminalizing homosexuality, more than any other continent, according to the Human Dignity Trust, which defends LGBTQ+ rights. Zambia's bishops conference said same-sex couple blessings were not for implementation in Zambia. The bishops conference of Malawi said blessings of any kind for same-sex unions of any kind would not be permitted. In Zambia, gay sex is punishable by between 15 years and life in prison and the law puts it in the same section as bestiality. Malawis laws call for up to 14 years in prison for homosexual sex, with the option of corporal punishment for those convicted. Zambian bishops said there should be further reflection on the blessings and cited the countrys laws against homosexuality and its cultural heritage that rejects same-sex relationships as reasons for its decision. The Polish bishops conference among the most conservative in Europe and a reference point beyond the continent given its ties to St. John Paul II said it has no plans to give blessings to same-sex couples. Marriage, the conference asserted, remains only the union between a man and a woman, and sexual acts outside of that are always an offense against Gods will, according to a statement by spokesperson Rev. Leszek Gesiak. It is unusual for an entire national bishops conference to publicly voice dissent of a Vatican policy, though the declaration from the Vatican doctrine office did not instruct bishops to allow blessings of same-sex couples but merely provided guidance on how they could be done if people requested them. The document, entitled Fiducia Supplicans, says that blessings can be offered to people in same-sex relationships if they are not confused with the ritual of marriage and reaffirmed that marriage is a lifelong union only between a man and a woman. The announcement Monday by the Vatican office reversed its 2021 statement that had ruled out blessings for same-sex couples because God cannot bless sin. The U.S. bishops conference, seeking to downplay any shift, stressed that the church's teachings on marriage have not changed and that the announcement "articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire Gods loving grace in their lives," according to a statement. Some of the more piqued opposition came from Francis' usual critics. German Cardinal Gerhard Muller, who previously headed the Vatican doctrine office, said the declaration was self-contradictory as it still said same-sex relationships were contrary to God's law while allowing same-sex couples to receive a blessing. The church cannot celebrate one thing and teach another, Muller wrote in an essay published in religious media outlets. Kazakh Bishop Athanasius Schneider, who has long opposed Francis' progressive bent, called the new policy a great deception. Priests should be aware of the evil that resides in the very permission to bless couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples, he said. He and Kazakh Archbishop Tomash Peta said in a statement on the Catholic Herald magazine's website that they had prohibited priests in their archdiocese from performing "any form of blessing whatsoever" for same-sex couples. Bishop conferences and church leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar and South Africa also released public statements, most of them moving to clarify what they said was confusion among their flock over whether the new policy was an official recognition and acceptance of same-sex relationships. The predominant sentiment among many was a fear that the move was a step toward the Catholic church accepting homosexuality. Nigeria's bishops said there had been various interpretations of the policy in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and home to 20-30 million Catholics, and they needed to make clear that the Vatican document does not allow for a blessing and a formal acceptance of same-sex relationships. In the United Kingdom, an organization representing some 500 Catholic priests in Britain released a signed letter reaffirming the Churchs teaching regarding marriage and same-sex unions after widespread confusion." I knew Armenia had experienced on-again, off-again conflict with Azerbaijan, its neighbor to the east, over the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. But I did not expect all hell to break loose precisely as I was packing to go there on a journalistic internship. After some heated consultations, I proceeded anyway, arriving in Yerevan at 3 a.m. on Sept. 24, bleary-eyed and not knowing what to expect from my time at the Civilnet news website, sponsored by The Armenia Project NGO. Across the border, just a few hours drive away, a major drama was unfolding. Azerbaijan had attacked the autonomous, Armenian-populated enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh days earlier, and in a shocking development, almost the entire population of 120,000 fled their homes for Armenia, a country of less than 3 million. Within days, my host organization called to say a refugee family, outside sleeping in their car, would like to move in with me. It was an exhausted-looking couple in their 40s and their daughter, no more than 5 years old. She was very quiet for a small child. I was eager to find out more, but they did not speak English. So, I took to bringing home coloring books and crayons and craft supplies for the girl, by the door, hoping to make the family feel welcome. Eventually the girl became more animated; once I even heard her laughing. One night, I heard a knock at my bedroom door. It was the mother and daughter, who had come to give me some bananas. My baby wants to thank you, said the mother. Thank you! I struggled to fathom how a family that had left everything behind and now had next to nothing went out of their way to give me something. World Central Kitchen, in partnership with the Armenian General Benevolent Union, set up a food preparation and distribution site in our building, providing meals to refugees. The mother started to work there, and I stopped by. There I met another woman named Emma who fled Nagorno-Karabakh with her 94-year-old mother, who died in Armenia immediately after the 30-plus hour journey. She said her mother died realizing she was never going home. The womans fervent wish was to bury her mother back there, next to her father. The Yerablur Military Cemetery, the busiest Ive ever seen, was thronged by the bereaved diligently cleaning graves. Most of the gravestones were for young men, and several were elaborately decorated for birthdays they would never celebrate. I watched them from a respectful distance. In early October, I traveled to the border town of Goris, through which much of the mass displacement had passed. I was struck by the contrast between the landscapes stunning beauty and the darkness of mood. That same week, colleagues from CivilNets office in Stepanakert, the capital of the enclave, had arrived safely in Yerevan. Im proud to have worked alongside them to bring this important story to the world. Friends from abroad would ask me, How is Armenia? I struggled to explain in a text message about living and working alongside people who have lost so much. How it is devastating, but also inspires hope. I was amazed at how war can permeate all aspects of life. The experience has deepened my conviction that this is my calling: telling the untold story, giving voice to the voiceless and reporting on underreported events. As a native of Tulsa, I know events in faraway places like Armenia can seem irrelevant to our lives, especially with so many conflicts competing for our attention today. But beyond the economic and security ripple effects of war, there is also our shared humanity. And in the case of Armenia, the first state to adopt Christianity in the 4th century, shared religion. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Vietnamese conglomerate Hoang Anh Gia Lai has announced that it plans to sell 9.9 million shares, or a 99-percent stake, in its Hoang Anh Gia Lai - University Medical Center in Pleiku City, the capital of the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, in order to pay out for bonds it issued in 2016. The firms board of directors authorized its deputy general director Ho Thi Kim Chi to sign contracts, agreements, and documents; and complete procedures to transfer the shares. Doan Nguyen Duc Duc, chairman of the board, made the sale announcement to Hoang Anh Gia Lais stakeholders on December 15. Hoang Anh Gia Lai - University Medical Center was established in 2012 as a joint venture between Hoang Anh Gia Lai and the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City. The hospital has 11 inpatient departments, six administrative departments, and 20 clinics. Hoang Anh Gia Lai had earlier said it was resolved to turn the hospital into a leading medical center which could deploy the most advanced domestic and international medical techniques in the Central Highlands. As of the end of September this year, Hoang Anh Gia Lais total debt stood at nearly VND16 trillion (US$655 million), according to the firms third-quarter consolidated financial report. Of the total, its loans neared VND7.8 trillion ($319.4 million), dropping VND387 billion ($15.8 million) over early this year and more than VND19 trillion ($778 million) compared with the figure at the end of 2015. In September this year, Hoang Anh Gia Lai sold its hotel, also in Pleiku City, for VND180 billion ($7.4 million) to pay its debts. The firm has transferred its two resorts in south-central Binh Dinh Province and the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, a hotel in central Da Nang City, as well as subsidiaries, shares, and projects in Myanmar over the past few years. In meetings with investors, Hoang Anh Gia Lai chairman Duc emphasized the firm's commitment to paying all of its debts by the end of 2025. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Students in cities across Vietnam are grappling with learning schedules that span from early morning until late at night, invariably robbing them of their childhoods. N.T.H., a 42-year-old mother from Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, does not have a moment to sit down with her family until about 9:30 pm, when her children finally make it home from their various classes and after-hours courses. But even after she briefly meets with her children at 9:30 pm, they go right back to working on school assignments until midnight. That busy schedule is not confined to weekdays. Even on Saturdays and Sundays, her children spend much of their time attending extra classes. According to H., despite the fact that these classes are necessary if her children wish to do well on their upcoming university entrance exams, watching her children be robbed of their childhood is heartbreaking. Comparatively, H. spent her childhood going to school for half the day and spending the other half doing homework, helping her mother with chores, and hanging out with friends. It was a typical childhood, she said, filled with colorful memories of flying kites, playing folk games, and having fun with other kids in the neighborhood. But times change. In the city, families have little interaction with their neighbors and children are too busy attending extra classes to make friends with other kids in the neighborhood, H. said. H. expresses dissatisfaction not only with the perception that children are missing out on a proper childhood but also with the observation that, despite their extensive studies, their formal education has not imparted significant real-world knowledge. Once, on a trip to the countryside, she realized her children could not tell the difference between a cow and buffalo or a duck and goose. Her children rarely meet live animals and even fear cats and dogs. Rather than play games outside with friends, they spend their little free time glued to electronic devices. Recently, a mother sent a letter to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper confiding, Like many parents, I am often exhausted due to my childs heavy academic scheduling. I have a child. I spend almost the entire day shuttling him between classes and preparing meals. I am also responsible for showing my child how to study and review his lessons at night. If my child fails to complete homework, his teacher blacklists him. He is losing his childhood." N.X.D., 45, a resident of District 7 in Ho Chi Minh City, is doing his best to push back against busy academic schedules for his children. According to D., he and his wife try to keep their kids from suffocating under too much academic pressure. They encourage their children to study on their own instead of attending extra classes. They prioritize family dinners every night and collaborate on household chores, fostering the development of essential life skills. In the summers, they take week-long trips so that their children can explore nature. They visited the Central Highlands, stayed with locals, and taught English to children there last summer. These valuable experiences, D. said, can help city children live responsibly, love others, and learn to lend a helping hand to those in need. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City are investigating the drowning of a 10th grader in a swimming pool on Thong Nhat Street in the district. The victim was identified as N.L.M.D., a 15-year-old schoolgirl at a high school in Go Vap District. D. and her two friends, a boy and a girl, entered the swimming pool after buying entrance tickets at noon on Monday. Two lifesavers were guarding the pool at that time. The trio sat on a chair near the pool after they swam. Subsequently, one of the lifeguards did not see D., thereby asking her friends where she was. The lifeguard then checked and found D. at the bottom of the swimming pool, so he jumped into it to scoop her up. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Yet, she was pronounced dead. Police in the district quickly cordoned off the pool for investigation. The pool measures from 0.8 meters to 2.5 meters in depth. D. drowned at the 2.5-meter-deep pool section. The owner of the pool said that it was closed to visitors on that day, but these students implored ticket selling employees to allow them to enter it. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Hai Chau District in Da Nang City, central Vietnam has installed convex mirrors in alleyways in a bid to minimize traffic accidents and ensure safety for local residents, district chairman Le Tu Gia Thanh said on Tuesday. This is the first time convex mirrors have been installed in the inner-city area. Typically, they are mainly placed on mountain passes and curved roads in order to help drivers see around turns. As an inner-city district, Hai Chau has a high population density and many narrow alleys and roads with busy traffic, Thanh noted. Traffic accidents often occur in such alleys. Therefore, the district has come up with many solutions to reduce such crashes, including the installation of convex mirrors. A convex mirror is erected in a narrow alley near Da Nang International Airport in the namesake city. Photo: Ha Chau / Tuoi Tre The districts urban management division has coordinated with the administration of wards to survey and propose 155 locations for the convex mirrors. In the next one month, the district will erect more than 230 convex mirrors in locations with sharp bends and dangerous intersections in order to help residents see around corners and avoid collisions, Thanh informed. The district will install the convex mirrors in areas at high risk of traffic collisions and then assess the effectiveness of the project before approving its expansion to 13 wards, the official added. Le Tu Gia Thanh, chairman of the Peoples Committee of Hai Chau District in Da Nang City, says the district will assess the efficiency of the convex mirror installation to expand the project across the district. Photo: Ha Chau / Tuoi Tre Nguyen Bao An, a resident in an alley near Da Nang International Airport, said he was living in an old residential area with most of the roads measuring only five meters in width each. Many roads have sharp bends with limited visibility. Narrow roads and poor visibility pose a high risk of traffic accidents, especially at night," An said. We strongly support the [authorities] decision to install convex mirrors to ensure safety for road users." Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Russia is allegedly using Ukrainian POWs. This time, the new allegation claims that the Kremlin is forcing prisoners of war to order their families to protest against the Ukrainian government. This was confirmed by Ukrainian coordinating staff's spokesperson Petro Yatsenko, who claimed that families of Ukrainian POWs receive some calls from captive soldiers being held by the Russian government. Yatsenko said that some families haven't heard from their captive relatives for over a year, and then suddenly their loved ones are calling them. Russia Allegedly Forcing Ukrainian POWs to Protest Against Ukraine According to Politico EU's latest report, some Ukrainian families are receiving calls from POWs. These prisoners of war allegedly ask them to go against the Ukrainian government since Kyiv no longer plans to get them back. "It was Serhii. We talked only for three minutes. I was not allowed to ask him questions. As soon as I tried, he shook his head and just said no," said 35-year-old Valentyna Tkachenko. Tkachenko is a mother of two from Chernihiv in northern Ukraine whose husband was kidnapped after Russia invaded the European country. "Instead, he kept saying: 'Valya, go make things hard for Kyiv. Kyiv does not want to take us back,'" added the Ukrainian civilian. Valentyna further stated that her husband had to end the call for unknown reason. But, he promised her that he'll call back if he ever had a chance. Many war experts said that Russia is refusing to exchange POWs with Ukraine for many reasons. One of these is to worsen tensions in Ukrainian society so that Ukraine's residents will go against Volodymyr Zelenskyy. If this is true, then the Kremlin is taking advantage of Ukrainian POWs by using them as political weapons against Ukraine. "They started so well, exchanging so many. But then suddenly it all stopped. I think Russians want to discredit our government. People are exhausted, and POWs' relatives are losing their temper," explained Valentyna. Read Also: Russia Allegedly Putting Ukrainian Children in Military Training; Thousands of Kids Possibly Relocated in Belarus Other Ways Russia Allegedly Use POWs Aside from using POWs as political weapons against Ukraine, Business Insider reported that Russia also allegedly used Ukrainian prisoners of war as human shields. This alarming activity was revealed by a video, which showed that Russian soldiers were pointing assault rifles at Ukrainian positions while leading unarmed POWs, who were covering them. The footage revealed that these POWs are in front of Russian soldiers; raising their hands in the air to prevent Ukrainian troops from attacking Putin's forces. If you want to learn more about this alarming POW activity of the Russian government, you can click this link. Related Article: Ukraine Investigates Ukrainian POW Execution Allegations Against Russia; Victims Reportedly Unarmed When Killed @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tourism in Ho Chi Minh City has thrived significantly in recent years due to the concerted efforts and resolve of the government at all levels, enterprises, and the general public. The implementation of programs to stimulate tourism demand, enhance and diversify tourism products, and highlight distinctive tourism offerings has all been prioritized. Furthermore, the integration of digital technology into the tourism sector has been actively encouraged. Since 2019, the tourism sector in the city has implemented advanced technologies extensively. As an example, it has introduced the Smart Interactive 3D/360 Tourism Map of Ho Chi Minh City (Map 3D/360), which serves as a systematic implementation of 3D technology for the purpose of promoting tourism. The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Edifice What is Map 3D/360? Smart Interactive 3D/360 Tourism Map of Ho Chi Minh City is the full name of the application Map 3D/360. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism developed this innovative application with the purpose of offering visitors a more comprehensive view of the city's tourist destinations via vivid 3D/360 videos and images. Starting its operations in 2019, Map 3D/360 has constructed a 3D/360 imaging system covering over 100 landmarks, museums, amusement centers, hotels, and conference centers in Ho Chi Minh City. Reunification Palace in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City The image system is entirely integrated with audio, multilingual text, and 3D VR clips that are digitized by specialized devices and transported to a virtual reality environment at a ratio of 100 percent. Before the creation of the 3D/360 Map, visitors seeking information about tourist destinations in the city would have to refer to a variety of sources, including television, the press, websites, fan pages, destination publications, and travel companies directly, among others. The factors mentioned above introduced several limitations, including significant time requirements for information search and compilation, incomplete data on numerous destinations, unattractive 2D images, limited perspectives, occasional inaccuracies, outdated information, as well as scattered and disconnected data. These challenges extended to difficulties in comparing and selecting destinations, as well as hindrances in designing itineraries and discovering experiences in Ho Chi Minh City. However, all of these constraints have now been completely addressed with the introduction of the smart Map 3D/360. Ben Duoc Memorial Temple in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City Advantages of using the Map 3D/360 Simplified, Fast, and Convenient Search: It assists visitors in locating tourist destinations throughout the city in a comprehensive and accurate manner, facilitating the search for and gathering of information. Furthermore, it offers flexible, convenient, and time-efficient accessibility via laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Multidimensional Display: It creates a genuine atmosphere through the use of images, 3D displays, and 360-degree views to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. By putting on VR eyewear and viewing 3D/360 videos and images, tourists can also engage in virtual reality tourism which provides them with the sensation of physically visiting the destinations. Vinhomes Central Park in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City Selfie Photography with Mobile Phones: With the feature of taking selfies using mobile phones, even amateur photographers can capture and directly share photos on the 3D/360 perspective. Measuring Objects: Tourists are able to precisely determine the dimensions of buildings, monuments, and objects, such as the statue of Saint Giong at the intersection of Phu Dong Thien Vuong or the statue of Tran Hung Dao in Ben Bach Dang, District 1. In addition, it provides an abundance of other appealing attributes. Saigon Central Post Office in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Up to now, the Ho Chi Minh City 3D/360 Map has received over 350,000 interactive experiences from tourists from 121 countries and territories worldwide. Tourists can access the Ho Chi Minh City 3D/360 Map via the link https://map3d.visithcmc.vn/. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Hanoi seized a large number of counterfeit Blackmores supplements, Yujin face masks, and Femfresh intimate skin care products during a raid on a 1,400-square-meter business facility in the outlying district of Chuong My on Tuesday afternoon. The business facility, formerly a chicken farm, is owned by N.V.T., a 33-year-old individual from Phu Tho Province in northern Vietnam, as reported by the Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance. Officials found out that large quantities of goods in the facility were cosmetics and beauty products like cream, face serums, face masks, and supplements labeled and stamped with foreign brand names. The seized items comprised 840 bottles of Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil, 1,300 Yujin face masks, and 16,362 bottles of Femfresh intimate skin care, all of which were suspected to be counterfeit products. A representative from Blackmores, a well-known Australian brand specializing in vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements, expressed concerns that the provided quantity of Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil bottles may be counterfeit products. At the time of the raid, the business facility was also caught packing possibly fake items into bottles, cartons, and other containers labeled with brand names like Ronas, Ultra-V, Vitamin E, Gamma, and Royal Retinol, with a total weight of 40 metric tons. These included 6,288 Vitamin E Cream bottles whose labels read Made in Australia,' 828 Gamma Linolenicacid Evening Primrose Oil bottles said to be made in Canada, 450 UltraV Premium Peeling vials, 12,290 Royal Retinol bottles, and over 1,000 J-cain bottles whose labeling reads Made in Korea,' among others. The forces also detected a large volume of empty plastic bottles, containers, labels, and a dozen metric tons of materials of unknown origin on the ground. Nguyen Phi Hien, head of the Market Surveillance Unit No. 25 in Hanoi, said this is one of the large-scale confiscations of counterfeit supplements in the area. The suspects took advantage of remote areas and vast animal farms offered for lease at low prices to convert them into facilities to make bogus items. It took the competent forces up to 20 hours to transport all of the counterfeit products using 26 trucks. All the fake items and equipment at the facility measured 50 metric tons in weight. The forces are processing procedures to transfer the case to the local police unit for further investigation. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Japanese government has provided two districts of Vietnams Kien Giang and Khanh Hoa Provinces with aid totaling more than US$245,000 for bridge-building projects and medical equipment. The non-refundable aid, sourced from the Japans Grassroots Grant Program (GGP), was announced during an aid agreement signing ceremony held at the Japanese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday with the attendance of Consul General Ono Masuo and representatives of the two provinces. Under the agreement, three bridge construction projects in two communes in Kien Giangs An Bien District will be funded with $83,247 for development. Speaking at the ceremony, Consul General Masuo affirmed that building new bridges to replace deteriorated infrastructure is crucial in ensuring traffic safety, facilitating the transport of goods, and contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of residents. In addition, the district health center received a color Doppler ultrasound machine, a respiratory function meter, five three-channel electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, and a neck and back stretching device, worth a combined $83,416. These bridge projects will certainly bring practical efficiency and help meet the urgent needs of [our residents], Tran Chi Dung, chairman of the Kien Giang Union of Friendship Organizations, the organization which received the aid, told the ceremony. In addition to granting funds for large-scale infrastructure projects, the Consulate General will still keep an eye on smaller projects which need funding, the consul general said. He suggested that local authorities continue to work with the consulate general to secure funding for such projects in order to help improve the quality of life in these localities. The ceremony also saw the consulate general donate a $79,115 specialized ultrasound machine which can be used for cardiovascular tests to the Dien Khanh District Medical Center in Khanh Hoa Province, located on the south-central coast of Vietnam. Japanese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Ono Masuo (R) and Pham Tan Duc, director of Khanh Hoa Provinces Dien Khanh District Medical Center, show the aid agreement which was signed between the two sides in Ho Chi Minh City on December 26, 2023. Photo: Nghi Vu / Tuoi Tre Pham Tan Duc, director of the center, said that the gift will help low-income residents access advanced medical services at low costs. We are committed to effectively using the machine to care for and protect public health, Duc said. The total value of grants awarded to the two localities amounted to $245,778. Under the GGP, a non-refundable official development aid (ODA) program funded by the Japanese government, Japan has provided aid to 219 projects in 26 southern provinces and cities of Vietnam, with a total amount of $17,652,694, mainly in education, health, agriculture, and rural infrastructure, between 1995 and 2022. Presently, Japan holds the position of the largest ODA lender to Vietnam. According to Dau Tu (Investment) newspaper, which cited the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the total loan amount extended by Japan to Vietnam has reached approximately 3,000 billion yen ($21.1 billion) since the initiation of ODA grants in 1954. The Eastern Asian country also holds the third position among the countries and territories investing in Vietnam and comes fourth among the world's top countries trading with Vietnam, according to news site VnExpress. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The United Nations (UN) has passed a resolution designating Lunar New Year as an annual UN holiday for the first time from 2024, after a coordinated campaign led by more than 10 countries, including Vietnam. The 78th UN General Assembly adopted the resolution at its session in New York, the U.S., last Friday, recognizing the significant importance of the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in many UN member states, and urged UN agencies not to convene meetings on the first day of this traditional festival. The General Assemblys adoption of a resolution ahead of the 2024 Lunar New Year carries significance for countries observing the festivities and is good news for nearly two billion people worldwide who see it as the most important holiday of the year, Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented in a recent statement. As such, the Lunar New Year will be one of 10 annual UN holidays from 2024. This adoption marked the international communitys recognition of traditional Asian culture, and was the result of a coordinated advocacy process at the UN by 12 member countries, including Vietnam. On August 10, the ambassadors and heads of delegations of Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to the UN sent a joint letter to UN leaders proposing the designation of the Lunar New Year as a UN holiday. Such designation will recognize the cultural significance of this important holiday and demonstrate the UNs commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion, the letter said. About one-fifth of the world's population annually celebrate the Lunar New Year festival in diverse manners, VTC News reported, citing Dai Bing, charge daffaires of China's permanent mission to the UN, as saying after the resolution was passed. Every year, the UN secretary general extends his best wishes to all people of all countries that celebrate the Lunar New Year around the world. The coming Lunar New Year in Vietnam begins on February 10. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A 49-year-old from Ha Tinh Province, north-central Vietnam has been detained for a four-month period after being caught storing frozen animals parts from species considered rare and endangered. Police in the provinces Huong Son District on Tuesday pressed charges against Tran Anh Tuan for allegedly violating regulations on the protection of endangered and rare animals. On Wednesday last week, police officers raided Tuans residence and discovered that he had been storing six dead animals with long tails, tiny heads, and long snouts; two animals with yellow coats with black stripes; and one with a black coat in a refrigerator. Tuan confessed that these animals included six pangolins, two tigers, and one chamois head. He admitted to having purchased them for resale. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security has broken up a major human trafficking ring which sold Vietnamese women to China using forged marriage certificates. The Criminal Police Department under the ministry teamed up with police in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region to crack down on a cross-border human trafficking ring and arrest its three leaders, according to an announcement released by the ministry on Tuesday. The individuals taken into custody by authorities were identified as Vay Tuyet Mai, 40, and Tran Quang Phat, 44, both residents of Binh Tan District in Ho Chi Minh City; and Nguyen Thi Nho, a 38-year-old resident of Dak Nong Province. Police in the Central Highlands province discovered that Mai had disguised the trafficking operation as a marriage brokering company with branches in Ho Chi Minh City, Dak Nong, and several Mekong Delta localities. After collecting evidence, police summoned Mai; Nho; Phat; Tran Sieu Khiem, a 64-year-old resident of District 6 in Ho Chi Minh City; and Huynh Hong Chi, 40, from Ca Mau Province, on Tuesday last week. Results of the investigation showed that Mai is Vietnamese-Chinese and is married to a Chinese national, and that she often traveled between Vietnam and China. The investigation also uncovered that in late 2022, Mai met a Vietnamese woman who lives in China and was told that there is a market in China for Vietnamese brides. Mai began recruiting women to sell as brides to Chinese men, earning VND200-300 million (US$8,170-12,250) per sale. Mai colluded with Nho, Khiem, and Phat organized online or in-person meetings that allowed Chinese men to select a suitable woman. They also completed all relevant procedures and paperwork to send the selected women to China. After being trafficked to China, the victims were kept under close watch by their 'husbands' and had their ID cards, passports, and phones seized. Mai and her accomplices have trafficked dozens of Vietnamese women in the past year. Some victims managed to escape from China and return to Vietnam, where they reached out to police for help. Mai and other traffickers were detained while preparing to sell seven more women to China. Police are currently expanding their probe into the ring. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A spring festival will kick off at Tao Dan Park in downtown Ho Chi Minh City in early February 2024, while six flower marketplaces will be opened at several other major parks in the city to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year. The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee is set to organize the spring flower festival for 10 days, from February 6 to 15 2024, or between the 26th day of the 12th lunar month of 2023 and the sixth day of the first lunar month of 2024. The entry fee is scheduled to stand at VND30,000 (US$1.22) per adult, while children under 1.2 meters tall can enter for free. Several art performances and music shows will be held in conjunction with the festival. A flower and bonsai exhibition area, as well as a bird competition, are also expected to stun fest-goers. Tourists and residents of Ho Chi Minh City can admire and buy numerous kinds of flowers during six flower market sessions at Gia Dinh, Le Van Tam and September 23 Parks, and in Thu Duc City, the Phu My Hung Urban Area in District 7, and District 8. These flower markets will open from the 23rd day to the 30th day of the lunar December of 2023, or from February 2 to 9, 2024. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Hundreds of sheep will don colorful costumes for a parade on Thursday at a square in Ninh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam as part of a festival scheduled for Tuesday through Sunday to welcome the New Year. The sheep parade is scheduled to take place at Muoi Sau Thang Tu Square in Phan Rang-Thap Cham City, Ninh Thuan Province, starting at 5:00 pm on Thursday. This event is part of the 'Ninh Thuan Cuisine Festival Welcome the New Year 2024' program, the event organizers said. The parade will last for an hour so that locals and tourists can take photos with the sheep, which will don clothing themed after Christmas and the New Year. The organizers measures a sheep to prepare its costume. Photo: Duy Ngoc / Tuoi Tre Ha Nguyen Huy Hau, a resident in Ninh Hai District, Ninh Thuan Province, said his family picked 50 most beautiful sheep for the parade. We are taking care of them so that they will have great fleece, Hau said. To maintain a clean and orderly event, the organizers have decided to feature about 300 sheep instead of the initially planned 1,000, said Nguyen Van Hoa, director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The chosen sheep hail from Phan Rang-Thap Cham City and various districts including Ninh Hai, Thuan Bac, Ninh Phuoc, Thuan Nam, and Bac Ai, with 50 of them selected from each district and city. The sheep will be washed and decorated before they are transported to Muoi Sau Thang Tu Square," Hoa said. This is the first time for Ninh Thuan to organize a sheep parade, and it will be a highlight to attract domestic and foreign visitors for the New Year 2024. The organizers say that they are nearly finished tailoring the sheep costumes. Photo: Duy Ngoc / Tuoi Tre In addition to the sheep parade, local residents and tourists will have a chance to experience the provinces diverse and special cuisine, with more than 80 booths of dishes and One Commune One Product (OCOP) products within the framework of the 'Ninh Thuan Cuisine Festival - Welcome the New Year 2024' program. Visitors can also join street art activities and games. Nguyen Long Bien, vice-chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said the program was aimed at promoting the provinces tourism and developing its cuisine. The sheep wear costumes prepared by the organizers of the Ninh Thuan Cuisine Festival Welcome the New Year 2024 program. Photo: Duy Ngoc / Tuoi Tre Ninh Thuan has the most sheep in Vietnam with 160,000 units, according to the statistics of the Ninh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Sheep flocks are mainly raised in Ninh Son, Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hai, Thuan Nam, Thuan Bac, and Bac Ai Districts. A sheep dons a costume. Photo: Duy Ngoc / Tuoi Tre Many sheep are not accustomed to the costumes, so they try to wiggle out. Photo: Duy Ngoc / Tuoi Tre A sheep wears a neckerchief. Photo: Duy Ngoc / Tuoi Tre The sheep costumes will follow a Christmas and New Year theme. Photo: Duy Ngoc / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese author Nachi Nguyen was named on Tuesday the winner of the Silver Award at the 17th Japan International Manga Awards, an annual event hosted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for her work The Dancing Universe. The Dancing Universe stood out among 587 entries by international authors to become the fifth Vietnamese comic to have claimed a prize from the prestigious manga award, according to Vietnamese comic company Comicola, which publishes the work. Previously, Vietnamese comic books Dragon Land and Rain on a Moon Night secured the bronze awards in 2012 and 2022, respectively. Holy Dragon Imperator and Gateway to Underworld earned the silver awards in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Nachi Nguyen, whose real name is Nguyen Huong Giang, expressed her surprise and joy at winning the award, which has yet to be formally presented to her, emphasizing that she had not harbored high expectations for her work. The Dancing Universe was incomplete when the 17th Japan International Manga Award opened for entries, but since the contest accepted one-shot submissions, she decided to submit it. An extract from a page of The Dancing Universe I love astronomy but am not good at math, said Nguyen as she shared her inspiration for creating the comic book. Luckily, Im blessed with a drawing ability. Instead of daydreaming about working at NASA, I opted for depicting a story about the universe from my own perspective. The Dancing Universe portrays the daily lives of celestial bodies such as the Sun, Earth, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus, working together to protect life on Earth. Through humanized depictions of planets, Nguyen aims to explain the universe in an accessible way, bridging the gap between astrophysics and a broader audience. The series is anticipated to have three episodes, with the author working to complete the first so that it can be released in spring 2024. The Japan International Manga Awards, established in 2007 by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serve to foster international exchange and mutual understanding through manga culture. This prestigious annual contest attracts hundreds of authors worldwide. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, who won an Oscar for his performance in the comedy-thriller film Parasite, was reportedly discovered dead in his vehicle on Wednesday, December 27, in Seoul after a lengthy police probe into allegations of his drug use. In a report by The Associated Press, Lee was initially discovered in a parked automobile on a street in northern Seoul by police and emergency personnel who thought he was only unconscious. The Seongbuk police station said that medical personnel subsequently verified his death. After getting an alert that the 48-year-old actor was missing, the police began hunting for him. They were tight-lipped about whether or not they had concluded Lee had committed suicide. South Korean media reported that Lee's family informed the police early Wednesday that he had left a letter that seemed to be a suicide note before he left the house. Career as Actor In 2020, Lee was a part of the cast of Parasite, a film that took home four Oscars, including best picture. The satire made history as the first South Korean film to win an Oscar and the first non-English-language movie to win best picture in the Academy Awards' 92-year history. The film featured Lee as the father of a privileged household. The whole cast, including Lee, also took home an award in 2020 from the Screen Actors Guild for their work in the film's ensemble performance. Last year, for his role in the science-fiction thriller Dr. Brain, he received a nomination for Outstanding Actor at the International Emmy Awards. For several years prior to Parasite, Lee had considerable success as an actor in South Korea. His breakout performance was in the 2007 TV drama Coffee Prince, and subsequent hits like Behind The White Tower, Pasta, and My Mister catapulted him into the public. See Also: 'Max Payne' Voice Actor James McCaffrey Passes Away at 65 Alleged Drug Use Accusations that Lee took illegal drugs at the home of a bar hostess placed him under police investigation. As reported by Yonhap, Lee maintained that he was deceived into taking the drugs and had no knowledge of their contents. However, the inquiry led to widespread tabloid coverage and unproven online speculation over his personal life and his suspected drug use. Lee accused the hostess and another person of blackmail and sued them. In late October, he apologized to his family and fans and bowed deeply many times upon being called for interrogation at a police station in Incheon, a city near Seoul. Police in Incheon said on Wednesday that they would be discontinuing their investigation into Lee's alleged drug usage claims but would maintain their probe against the two individuals that Lee had sued. See Also: Vin Diesel Speaks Out After Former Assistant Files Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Battery @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. ROME (Reuters) - Italy must focus on its debt problem and a parliament decision not to ratify the reform of the euro zone bailout fund has no impact on it, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said on Wednesday. Italy's lower house of parliament last week voted against a long-awaited reform of the euro zone bailout fund, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), throwing into doubt ratification of a European Union treaty that is designed to provide help for failing banks. "The ESM is neither the cause nor the solution to our problem, our problem is called debt," he told a parliamentary committee. "We must focus on the fact that this debt, when it costs, and it is onerous, must be kept under control otherwise this country will not make it." He later added that he believed the Italian banking system was the most solid in Europe. (Reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Agnieszka Flak) Israel has warned they are in a war on seven fronts as attacks recorded in a handful of neighbouring countries in the last 48 hours spark fears of the conflict escalating to the wider region. In an address to the Israeli government on Tuesday, Yoav Gallant, the countrys defence minister and one of only three members of its war cabinet, said they were coming under attack from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. We are in a multifront war and coming under attack from seven theatres, he said, before listing them all. Without specifying, he added that they were taking action on six of the fronts. His comments came as explosions were recorded off the coast of Yemen, presumed to be an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, and missiles were fired into Israel by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon. Israels defence minister Yoav Gallant said they were ready to fight on seven fronts (AP) The British Maritime Authority said on Tuesday that missiles had been sighted off the coast of Yemen, near Houthi positions, and advised vessels travelling through the Red Sea to transit with caution. They said they had also seen multiple explosions in the area throughout the day, though there were no casualties. The reported incidents come a week after the United States announced a multinational maritime security initiative in the Red Sea in response to attacks on vessels by Yemens Houthis. The Iranian-backed Houthi militia has been attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea since October, a campaign the group says is in solidarity with Palestinians besieged by Israel in Gaza. Israels military said that, more than a thousand miles directly north, southern Lebanese forces had hit a church and injured a civilian after an exchange of missiles across the border. They accused Iranian-backed Hezbollah of deliberately firing at Israeli civilian and religious sites after a Greek Orthodox church was struck on Tuesday. Hezbollah fired from within a mosque in southern Lebanon toward Israeli civilians. This is not Hezbollahs first attack involving a holy site today. Places of worship should be sacred, not sacrificed for terrorism. pic.twitter.com/ss3RQvtI2G Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 26, 2023 There were an additional two attacks recorded in northeastern Egypt, close to the southern Israel and Gaza borders, and on the Israeli embassy in New Delhi, India. There were no casualties in either attack and it remains unclear who was behind them. Story continues On Monday, meanwhile, a watchdog said an Israeli airstrike in Syria killed an Iranian general, while US warplanes hit Iranian-backed militias in Iraq which had wounded American soldiers in drone strikes. Both drone attacks led to vows of revenge. Within Gaza, Israel continued its bombardment of the enclave as part of its goal to destroy Hamas, another Iranian-backed group that launched the deadly attack on Israeli soil on 7 October that killed 1,140 people and led to 240 people being taken hostage. More than 20,900 Palestinians have been killed by Israels retaliatory aerial bombardment and subsequent ground invasion of Gaza, according to the local, Hamas-run health ministry. More than 240 were killed in the last 24 hours, the ministry added. On Tuesday, Israeli forces bombed Palestinian refugee camps in central Gaza and issued orders telling residents to evacuate the area. A man inspects the Al Nawasrah familys destroyed building in Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza (AP) With Israeli forces now spread throughout the enclave and bombing all corners of it, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Palestinians to find somewhere to shelter. The United Nations said they were gravely concerned about the ongoing Israeli bombardment and the recent focus on central Gaza, having spent months fighting in the north and south. Despite international pressure for a ceasefire and US calls for a reduction in civilian casualties, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the fighting isnt close to finished. An Israeli move into central Gaza what a top Israeli foreign official said amounts to a transition from the second to the third stage further shrinks the area into which Gazas 2.3 million people have been forced to squeeze. Already more than 85 percent of the population has been driven from their homes. Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, on Boxing Day (AP) The Israeli military issued an order on Tuesday calling on residents to evacuate a belt of territory the width of central Gaza, urging them to move to Deir al-Balah, a small city nearby. But Deir al-Balah and Rafah, another small strip of land in the far south on the Egyptian border, have been overwhelmed with displaced people, even as Israel bombards them. The UN Security Council last week called for the immediate speeding up of aid deliveries to Gaza but there has been little concrete sign of a change. The UN says it struggles to distribute aid because many areas are cut off by fighting. UN officials have now said a quarter of Gazas population is starving under Israels siege. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll and humanitarian issues in Gaza, citing the militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel also says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants, without presenting evidence. Huge blaze at the Ferma Dacilor guesthouse in Tohani (AP) A massive fire at a guesthouse in Romania has left seven people dead, including two children, authorities have said. Emergency services were sent to the blaze in the village of Tohani in Prahova county, around 60 miles east of Bucharest, on Tuesday. The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations said 26 people were staying at the Ferma Dacilor guesthouse at the time. They added that the blaze had been extinguished just before 1pm. Photos of the aftermath of the blaze in local media showed the charred remains of the sprawling guesthouse as emergency workers searched through the rubble. Authorities confirmed the death of a second child on Wednesday morning and said the search for missing persons was ongoing, but did not specify how many were still missing. Before the emergency authorities confirmed the fourth and fifth fatalities around noon on Tuesday, search and rescue teams had been set up to find five missing persons. It wasn't immediately clear if they were among those listed as missing. The emergency directorate said the directorate's head, Raed Arafat, ordered a preliminary report to investigate what checks had been carried out at the guesthouse to help determine who was responsible for the tragedy. According to reports by Euronews Romania, the two people in hospital are a 47-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy. The affected area was about 1,000 square metres. There was no indication what caused the blaze. Photos of the fire shared by emergency authorities show a near hollowed-out structure engulfed in flames as firefighters work to put it out. It really isnt easy to write about great comedies. You think it might be, especially if its a movie virtually everyone loves and has a legion of fans, but its actually rather frustrating. What more can be said about the sendup of the classic detective shows, The Naked Gun: From the Files of Poilce Squad? From the makers of Kentucky Fried Movie, Airplane! (but not Airplane 2: The Sequel), and Top Secret!, Jim Abrahams and the Zucker Brothers joined forces to give their one-season-wonder a good and proper movie. Who knew itd spawn a franchise? Proving himself adept at slapstick and deadpan comedy, Leslie Nielsen returns as Detective Frank Drebin. For this outing, Drebin is trying to figure out who tried to kill his partner and best friend Officer Nordberg (O.J. Simpson replacing Peter Lupus). Franks investigation leads him to local construction magnate Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalban in his most diabolical villain role) and his beautiful assistant Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley). As Drebin digs deeper, he uncovers a dastardly plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth (Jeannette Charles, the real Queen was unavailable)! Before The Naked Gun, Leslie Nielsen was mostly known for his dramatic appearances on TV and film - and a few classic horror turns in films like Creepshow and Prom Night. Of course, he had popped up in Airplane! delivering a terrifically hilarious turn, but comedy wasnt his career highlight. That quickly turned around with this film. The vast majority of his 90s work and into the 2000s was comedy (some less funny than others). Likewise, George Kennedy who replaced Alan North as Captain Ed Hocken broke out with his deadpan hilarious performance. Given the cast, its hard to avoid the elephant in the cast, O.J. Simpson. Now notorious for other, um, reasons, he was the classic dufus character who endured the most physical peril of anyone in the series. Montalban is as evil and charming as ever, but its Priscilla Presley who stands out in the supporting cast. Before her big run on Dallas, the former Mrs. Elvis was mostly stunt cast in shows like The Fall Guy and the unintentionally hilariously melodramatic TV movie Love is Forever (seriously if you can find it, it's a hoot). While the romantic interest, she delivers her lines with her own deadpan hilarity rising out of the shadow of her former husband. I didnt want to get stained or wrinkled at least not yet. - juxtaposed against the sight of her boiling a nasty-looking hunk of meat, that line kills me every time! The whole film is like that, one actor after the next, one line after the other, The Naked Gun is just hilarious. As Ive gotten older I always worry Ill age out of the humor or the jokes just wont land the same way, but then that press conference scene starts up and Im laughing before the gag even begins. Likewise, leave it to an icon like John Houseman to deliver one of the best lines of the film and a true life lesson in dealing with adversity - "Gently extend your arm...extend your middle finger...very good, well done." Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad tackles its 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release in a two-disc + digital SteelBook from Paramount. The 4K is pressed on a BD-66 with a BD-50 recycling the previously issued 2011 Blu-ray release. The discs each get a tray to rest on within the SteelBook and the Digital Code redeems via Paramounts portal - but is not Movies Anywhere compatible. The SteelBook, I dare say, isnt the most attractive chunk of metal ever. The cover art is a weird recreation of one of the alternate poster images only now the gun has been traded for a banana. The beaver is also a weird addition since it was a one-note gag. The back is a bizarre mishmash of images related to the film. The inside image is about the only one that makes any sense. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home United States Michigan SC breather for Trump in 2024 Poll disqualification suit This is in contrast to the Colorado Supreme Court that in the last week disqualified the former US President from the state ballot. Read More Thursday December 28, 2023 9:32 AM , ummid.com News Network Washington: In a breather for Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 US Presidential Elections, Michigan Supreme Court Wednesday rejected a plea to remove him from the states primary ballot under the 14th Amendments insurrection ban. A liberal-leaning group had appealed a state appeals court ruling that concluded, regardless of whether the 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump from holding office, Michigans secretary of state lacks the legal authority to remove him from the ballot, according to The Hill. This is in contrast to the Colorado Supreme Court that in the last week disqualified the former US President from the state ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court cited the rarely used provision to disqualify Trump from holding the U.S. President office over his alleged role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol building riot . Any action on the Colorado Court order is on hold. Michigan Court Order The Michigan court in its order denied a request from four voters to review a Michigan Court of Appeals decision that allowed Trump to remain on the Republican presidential primary ballot. The Michigan Supreme Court, comprising of seven justices, said it is "not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court." The order was not signed, and a vote count was not noted. Elizabeth Welch, one of the judges, wrote her dissent. She however lacks the legal authority to remove a legally ineligible candidate from the ballot once their name has been put forward by a political party in compliance with the statutes governing primary elections." The decision means that Trump's name will be listed on Michigan's presidential primary ballot. The primary is scheduled for Feb. 27, according to CBS News. The U.S. Presidential Elections is slated to be held on November 04, 2024. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Science & Technology Social media erupts over reports Tesla robot stabbed engineer According to multiple media reports, including the one by Daily Mail, the Tesla engineer was attacked by a robot at Teslas Giga Texas factory near Austin in the United States. Read More Wednesday December 27, 2023 10:19 PM , ummid.com News Network [Industrial (L) vs humanoid robot.] Texas (United States): X and other social media platforms Wednesday December 27, 2023 were flooded with angry reactions after reports emerged claiming that a Tesla engineer was stabbed by a robot which turned rogue. According to multiple media reports, including the one by Daily Mail, the Tesla engineer was attacked by a robot at Teslas Giga Texas factory near Austin in the United States. The engineer was pinning two disabled Tesla robots when one intended for gripping and moving aluminium vehicle parts turned hostile, sinking its metal claws into the Tesla employees back and arm, leaving a distressing "trail of blood" across the factory floor, the Daily Mail reported. The robot pinned the Tesla engineer to wall and sank metal claws in his arm and back, Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert, Andrew Eborn, told GBNews.com. The 2021 injury report revealed this shocking incident, noting an "open wound" on the victim's left hand. Despite the severity, the report claimed the engineer did not require time off work to recover. However, scepticism arises as an attorney representing Tesla's Giga Texas contract workers believes there is an underreporting of injuries at the factory, citing the unreported death of a construction worker in September 2021. The concerns extend beyond the factory walls, reflecting the broader apprehensions about the increased adoption of automated robots in workplaces. Official Record According to the official documents, it was determined that a production robot pushed an engineer against the wall in the company's factory in Texas in 2021. It was recorded that the robot was turned off while the engineer was performing inspection and maintenance, but then the robot took action and attacked the engineer. It was also noted that the engineer was injured and bleeding after the attack of the robot. Why Social Media users angry? But what angered the netizens is that the incident occurred in 2021 and the robot was an industrial robot possibly manufactured by KUKA leading robot supplier based in Germany. The social media users are also enraged by the humanoid robot images that accompanied the media reports of the 2021 incident. What's infuriating really is that they post pictures of Optimus and talk about Tesla's deadly robot, when the completely unrelated incident occurred with an industrial (Kuka etc) robot BEFORE Optimus program started, a social media user who post using X ID @ConnectingODots wrote . It is very clear they want readers to perceive it as the humanoid. Only thing left is to arrange pitchforks and torches and mob the mad scientist's castle Young Frankenstein style, the social media added. Some social media users added context to the media reports. "Headline and image are very misleading. This incident happened in 2021 and has nothing to do with the depicted Tesla's AI powered Optimus Robot. It was caused by a regular programmed robot arm, responsible for moving cast aluminum car parts", it read. Tesla unveils Optimus Gen 2 Optimus is Teslas humanoid robot. Interestingly, the media reports of the 2021 incident of the industrial robot attacking the Tesla engineer appeared a day before Tesla unveiled Optimus Gen 2 - the second generation of its humanoid robot. Optimus Gen 2 is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 121 lbs, which is 22 lbs lighter than the previous version. It can run at a speed of 5 mph, which is 30% faster than before. Tesla is not the only company that is working on humanoid robots. However, Tesla has an advantage over its competitors in terms of mass production and scalability. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. HA NOI Despite the volatile trend on the stock market, a number of listed enterprises still announced plans to issue millions of shares to raise capital. According to many financial experts, businesses increasing capital mobilisation through stock issuance is a reasonable solution, easing the burden on credit capital and the bond channel, which have not really improved. Last week, SSI Securities Corporation announced that the company's shareholders had approved the plan to issue a total of more than 453.3 million new shares to increase capital. In particular, the securities firm will issue 302.22 million bonus shares at a ratio of 100:20 to existing shareholders, meaning 100 shares will receive 20 new shares. SSI also issues more than 151 million shares for existing shareholders at a price of VN15,000 a share (US$0.62 a share). The ratio of exercising rights is 100:10, which means shareholders owning 100 shares have the right to buy 10 new shares. It expects to earn nearly VN5.3 trillion from this share issuance to supplement capital for margin trading loans and investment in bonds, certificates of deposit and other valuable papers. SSI's charter capital is also expected to increase from more than VN15.1 trillion to nearly VN19.65 trillion. Many other securities companies have also announced plans to issue shares to increase capital in the last days of 2023 and early 2024. For example, the Ho Chi Minh Securities Corporation plans to release more than 297 million additional shares to increase charter capital from VN4.58 trillion to more than VN7.5 trillion. VNDirect Securities Corporation also plans to offer nearly 244 million shares to existing shareholders at a ratio of 5:1, with an offering price of VN10,000 per share. VNDirect intends to pay stock dividends to shareholders at a rate of 5 per cent, equivalent to issuing nearly 61 million new shares. HD Securities Corporation is also implementing a plan to offer more than 67.5 million shares to existing shareholders at a price of VN15,000 a share, bringing its charter capital to nearly VN1.7 trillion. This helps the company improve its financial potential and raise capital size to supplement business activities. Not only in the securities industry, but many real estate companies issue a large number of shares to raise capital in the face of difficult-to-access bank credit channels. Novaland has asked for shareholders' opinions to approve the plan to issue 200 million individual shares with a par value of not less than VN10,000 a share. The property developer also plans to offer a maximum of more than 1.17 billion shares to existing shareholders at a ratio of 10:6, meaning that shareholders owning 10 shares will have the right to buy 6 new shares with price not lower than VN10,000 per share. The earnings from these offerings will be used for purposes such as investing and contributing additional capital to subsidiaries to restructure debt and pay off obligations. Similarly, at Xanh Group has just announced a public offering of more than 101 million shares to existing shareholders. With the offering price of VN12,000 per share, the entire amount of mobilised capital is VN1.22 trillion and is expected to be used to contribute capital to Ha An Real Estate Investment and Business JSC and pay its issuing expenses. Other real estate businesses, such as Hoa Binh Construction Group and Hung Thinh Corporation, also intend to raise capital through share issuances. Meanwhile, Hoang Anh Gia Lai JSC approved a plan to offer 130 million shares to three strategic investors to mobilise VN1.3 trillion to repay loans. The price of Hoang Anh Gia Lais shares on the exchange has increased rapidly after the announcement, as investors believe that the additional issuance will have a positive impact on the companys business activities while alternative mobilisation channels are difficult to access. Ease burden According to many experts, raising capital through issuing shares amid the current unstable stock market is not easy. However, this is a more feasible capital mobilisation option as other channels, such as bonds, are still difficult. Corporate bond maturities are under significant strain, and bank credit channels are difficult to obtain. Previously, besides borrowing from commercial banks, some real estate businesses mobilise capital through the channel of issuing large bonds, Nguyen Huu Huan, HCM City University of Economics, told Nguoi Lao ong (The Labourer) newspaper. However, businesses that can access bank capital all have outstanding loans or no longer have collateral to borrow, forcing them to find other capital mobilisation plans. Meanwhile, fundraising through corporate bond issuance has not improved recently. Although the stock market has not yet attracted cash flow from investors, especially with the pressure of net selling from foreign investors, issuing bonds to mobilise capital is the most feasible option now, Huan said. Economic expert inh The Hien said that the demand for credit capital of many businesses is very high, but on the contrary, the pressure on bonds due at the end of the year and the 2024-2025 period is not small. This forces businesses to source capital from many different sources, not just bank credit. Therefore, mobilising capital from the stock channel is also a way to ease the burden on bank credit and the bond channel. VNS HA NOI The 2023 export performance is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for the rice sector, enabling it to explore new markets, strengthen the reputation of Vietnamese rice, enhance national food security, and foster sustainable production and exports in the future. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung uc Tien forecasts a potential 11 per cent year-on-year surge in rice export volume in 2023, reaching over eight million tonnes for Viet Nam. The year 2023 is full of difficulties for rice export as geo-political conflicts in the world have disrupted food and input material supply. The El Nino phenomenon, which poses a risk of contraction in food production, has triggered some countries concern over supply for domestic demand. The suspension of grain export by countries such as India, the UAE, and Russia has also caused big supply pressure, thus mounting concern in the global food market. However, as a leading exporter of farm produce, particularly rice, Viet Nam has still managed to guarantee national food security and export growth. Facing complex developments in the rice market, the Prime Minister on August 5 issued a directive ordering national food security to be firmly ensured and sustainable rice production and export promoted in the current period. He has also assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade to coordinate with relevant agencies to carry out rice trade promotion programmes appropriate to the new situation to improve Vietnamese rices value. They were also asked to capitalise on preferential treatments under the free trade agreements to which Viet Nam is a party to diversify markets and better the competitiveness of the Vietnamese grain. Under the strategy on developing rice export markets of Viet Nam until 2030, agricultural authorities are ordering localities and key rice farming zones to conduct restructuring to produce more quality grain for export and raise the added value. Though domestic rice supply is low at present, there are still grounds to anticipate that this years export volume will surpass eight million tonnes. About 7.75 million tonnes of rice worth US$4.4 billion were exported during the first 11 months of 2023, rising 36.3 per cent year on year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported, attributing the surge to a 17.3 per cent increase in the average export price to $568 per tonne. Export prices now average $663 per tonne as a result of high demand, it said. In addition, the quality of Vietnamese rice in the global market has also been further affirmed after the ST25 variety once again obtained the Worlds Best Rice title recently. Vu Van ong, General Director of the ai Duong Investment and Trade JSC, perceived that high prices form an advantage but also pose a risk to Vietnamese rice. Businesses can export much and earn big as India, the worlds biggest rice exporter, is suspending overseas shipments of the grain. However, to those keeping large stockpile, if they do not make right assessments and proper preparations, they will face difficulties once India or China changes its policy, he pointed out. Businesses hope that rice prices in the winter spring crop will stay high to benefit farmers. Meanwhile, export prices in the further future may decline but are unlikely to fall sharply, possibly to about $600 per tonne, ong added. VNS Nguyen Thanh Trung from the northern province of Quang Ninh said he has travelled to nearly all of Viet Nams provinces and cities. As a foodie, he always tries to find a specialty dish at each location. Recently, he visited Bac Giang and Yen The chicken completely won his interest. For him the free-range chicken is most tasty when boiled, done to a turn. The South Korean military, police, and emergency workers participated in rarely-seen defense exercises on Wednesday, December 27. The drills mimicked an assault by North Korea on Seoul. The purpose of these exercises was to alleviate concerns that the city is within striking distance of Pyongyang's weaponry and covert attack strategy. The drill takes place amid heightened tension after the North Korean government's launch of its first military spy satellite and the testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Meanwhile, South Korea has recently resumed certain military initiatives that were scaled back after an agreement was signed in 2018. See Also: South Korea's Organized Crime Crackdown Targets Gen Z, Millennial Criminals In Case of Surprise Assault "There was a big lesson for us when Israel's world-class advanced [defense] system helplessly buckled under a surprise attack by Hamas armed with conventional artillery and primitive means," said Mayor of Seoul Oh Se-Hoon, as reported by Reuters. The extremist group's cross-border rampage across cities in Israel on October 7 demonstrated that superior military capabilities did not matter much if the enemy conducted a successful surprise strike, according to him. That rampage resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people at the time and the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. A large water supply facility, telephone network stations, and an underground communications and power cable corridor were all targets of imitation assaults during the exercises that took place on Wednesday. Oh went on to say that Seoul's proximity to the military border with the North, which is just 38 kilometers (24 miles) away, makes it especially vulnerable to an incident at any moment. With an additional 1.4 million individuals who work and attend school there daily, the highly populated center of government, business, and finance is home to 9.4 million people. Oh has taken a harsh stance against North Korea, stating that, to neutralize the danger posed by Pyongyang, the South must acquire nuclear weapons. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, on the other hand, has said that he does not want to acquire nuclear weapons. Instead, he has made it a top priority to strengthen a military alliance with the United States and to restore security to Japan. In other news, eight North Koreans associated with nuclear and missile programs were sanctioned further by South Korea on the same day as the exercises. The Korean Conflict Since the conclusion of the Korean War in 1953, there has not been a frontal assault on Seoul. However, there have been clashes at sea between the two nations, and the North attacked one of the South's islands, which resulted in the deaths of several people on both sides. Following the successful launch of its first military spy satellite in November, the North conducted a test of its newest ballistic missile this month. In September, the country's constitution was revised to establish the use of nuclear weapons as a national defense strategy. See Also: North Korea Convenes Party Meeting, Sets Stage for Unveiling Nuclear Policy Ahead of New Year @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. HCM CITY After the so-called water bus became popular in HCM City as a means to experience and explore the Saigon River, a new double-decker service was launched on Saturday (December 23) to promote river tourism. "Saigon River Sightseeing" uses a boat with a lower deck with a tea and coffee counter and an uncovered deck with a 360-degree view. It offers 60-minute ride through sights such as Nha Rong Harbour, Bitexco tower, Thu Thiem 2 bridge, and Landmark 81 building. Hong Hanh of Go Vap District said on normal boats one can only see the scenery through the windows, but the double-decker offers a completely different and more interesting experience. Nguyen Kim Toan, director of Thuong Nhat Co Ltd, which operates both services, said the new service also offers transportation. There are nine trips every day from morning to evening. The ticket costs VN177,000-339,000 (US$7.30 to 13.98) depending on the services a passenger opts for. The company next plans to launch night trips meant for tourists soon. The city has great potential to develop waterway tourism with its inland waterway network of nearly 1,000 kilometers, 73 tourism and passenger ports enabling it to berth large vessels with cruise tourists. VNS HA NOI As many as 75 paintings by late artist Nguyen Ngoc Tho (1925 2016) are on display at the Viet Nam Contemporary Art Theatre in downtown Ha Noi. This is part of a private collection by ao Danh Hung and Tran Cuong. Nguyen Ngoc Tho is a famed name of the third generation of Vietnamese modern art, after the Indochina and Revolution periods. He is one among the first 76 students of noted painter To Ngoc Van (between 1955 and 1957), the first course of the Viet Nam Fine Arts College after 1954 when peace returned to Ha Noi. He created paintings of various materials like lacquer, oil on canvas, colour powder, watercolour paint, and wooden carving, a popular material in 1960-1970. His works have typical Asian features, with significant marks of culture and history praising the beauty of people and nation. Tho then worked as a lecturer at the Ha Noi Industrial Fine Arts College (now the Ha Noi Industrial Fine Arts University). He has been highly appreciated for his talent, characteristics, and energy. He had won various prizes at art exhibitions in and outside the country. He won a Second Level Revolution Medal (in 1986); a Prize in the 35th anniversary of Viet Nam Fine Arts Association; the First Level Labour Medal (1992) and For the Sake of Vietnamese Fine Arts Medal (1997) and For the Sake of Vietnamese Literature and Arts Cause (1999). The works displayed this time are among nearly 200 paintings stored by collectors ao Danh Hung and Tran Cuong. Typical works in the collection of ao Danh Hung - Tran Cuong include lacquer paintings Young Girl and Old Street, Hanoian Young Girl, Tiger, A Herd of Horses; oil on canvas paintings: On the Field; Space Abstract; Tornado Abstract; Thang Long; colour powder on paper paintings: Hai Phong Cast Iron Factory, A Female Engineer, An Irrigation Site; watercolour on paper painting: Bach ang Ship Building Factory, A Buffalo, A Farm; coal pencil on paper painting: A Miner, A Break Time, Hope. Collector ao Danh Hung (born in 1955) was born into a family with a tradition of collecting artworks. Hung himself concentrated on the work since the 1990s and has gathered many artworks by painters of the Indochina period including a painting collection by famed collector Bui inh Than, who was known as uc Minh (1920 - 1983). Hungs son-in-law, Tran Cuong, has been working as an art collector as well. In 2012 - 2013, a neighbour of painter Ngoc Tho introduced Cuong and his father-in-law to Tho and they often visited Thos house and watched him work. Tho then sold paintings to Cuongs family to have some money to cover his hospital fees. We discussed such an exhibition when painter Tho was really weak, said Cuong. Though he was professionally trained in the art, the painter had not sent his paintings to any gallery and rarely shared them with the public. This exhibition is like a commitment between my family and the painter. Cuong said after the exhibition, his family intended to print a book on the collection and host another exhibition on the painters 100th birthday anniversary. The exhibition will run till January 2 at No 16 Le Thai To Street. VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasised the necessity for farmers to undergo a transformation in both mindset and actions to become the focal points of the agricultural development process. Given the trends of a decreasing and ageing agricultural workforce, with surplus labour from urban and industrial areas moving to rural regions for livelihoods in agriculture, the Vietnam Farmers' Union (VNFU) needs to innovate its operating methods. It should provide assistance and accompany farmers for at least the next five years as the nation strives towards the goal of becoming a modern industrialised country with high average income by 2030 and a developed, high-income country by 2045. He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the eighth National Congress of the VNFU held in Ha Noi on Tuesday, with the participation of 995 delegates representing over 10 million farmers nationwide. With the theme "Solidarity - Democracy - Creativity - Cooperation - Development," the three-day congress is a significant platform for Vietnamese farmers to discuss and set specific goals and tasks for the next five years. Presenting the report of the VNFUs seventh Central Executive Committee, Vice Chairwoman Bui Thi Thom stated that during the 2018- 23 term, the role of the VNFU in building the farmer class has been increasingly affirmed, contributing to raising political and educational levels, and improving the lives of farmers. Thom said in the 2023-28 term, the VNFU will set out three ground-breaking tasks, including: innovating methods of gathering and uniting farmers, developing the collective economy, and improving the qualifications of farmers. In addition, the VNFU will continue to complete and strengthen its operation, timely resolve obstacles in operational mechanisms, build competent officials, and establish a database while enhancing membership management on a digital platform. Speaking at the ceremony, many delegates expressed their hopes that in the upcoming term, the VNFUs activities will undergo significant changes, benefiting farmers more in agricultural production. They also proposed directions and support for farmers to invest in modern farming and livestock facilities, apply advanced technologies linked with safe production processes, and develop production aligned with domestic market needs as well as exports. Le Thanh Hien from the Vinh Long Provinces Farmers Association expressed his hope that the congress would introduce breakthrough solutions in agriculture to ensure that farmers' products are processed and accepted by the market, and the living standards of farmers continue to improve. Hien said farmers in rural areas still find it challenging to develop the economy in their hometowns. They face difficulties due to the impact of climate change, high cost of fertiliser and maintenance materials, while the product prices are low, leading to high production costs, and low profits or even losses. Many households are reluctant to implement collaborative production models. He stressed the necessity of building various models for economic development, leveraging the advantages of localities, and strengthening linkages in building value chains according to market trends to provide peace of mind for farmers in their production. Speaking at the ceremony, Party chief Trong pointed out that the work of the VNFU has not kept pace with the requirements of the country's situation and the rapid development of technology and international integration. He proposed the construction of the VNFU to be increasingly strong, truly representing the legitimate rights and interests of farmers and acting as a bridge between farmers and the Party and the State. The Party General Secretary demanded stronger participation in training and skill development for farmers; providing advice on professions, employment and establishing businesses, farms, and production and business facilities. He emphasised that the union at all levels should well organise the supply of agricultural equipment and materials, and support farmers in investing in production, cultivation, animal husbandry, and the development of collective economy in agriculture. It should focus on supporting farmers in establishing cooperatives and implementing effective models of value chain cooperation. Party General Secretary Trong highlighted the need for innovation, and improvement of the quality and efficiency of the VNFU's participation in social supervision and criticism, especially in areas related to agriculture, farmers and rural areas. The VNFU at all levels should proactively participate in international integration, promoting information dissemination about the country's development policies and the foreign policy of the Party and State to international organisations, partners and friends, he added. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting in Ha Noi on December 26 to consider seven proposals on drafting laws and ordinances, and two bills. The proposals covered the Law on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, the Law on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, the Law on Extradition, the Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue; the Law on Judicial Assistance in Civil Affairs, the Law on Urban Development Management, and the Ordinance on management and protection of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The two bills put for discussion were the revised Land Law and the revised Law on Credit Institutions. Speaking at the event, PM Chinh said this year, the Government, along with ministries and agencies, has made significant efforts and made significant progress in strengthening institutions, including holding 10 specialised meetings on law building. He, however, said much work remains to be done in the context of many arising issues while some current regulations fail to meet the emerging requirements. Therefore, the PM required that ministries, sectors and Government members continue to renew their thinking and make more efforts in law building. Legal documents must continue to be reviewed for timely amendment, so as to enhance policy responsiveness in the new situation, he said, adding that the quality of officials and public servants engaged in legal affairs should be improved. Attention should be paid to close cooperation between ministries and agencies, as well as public feedback and the recommendations of experts and scientists in the law building process, the PM noted. VNS HA NOI Protecting and promoting human rights is a consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and State. With the lodestar of putting people at the centre, considering them the driving force for national development, and striving to improve their lives and the enjoyment of rights to ensure no one is left behind, Viet Nam has gained many important achievements in human rights protection over the years. Building, perfecting legal system on human rights When late President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam in 1945, he affirmed the importance of human rights: All the peoples of the world are born equal, every nation has the right to life, the right to happiness and the right to freedom. Even in its early days, the Vietnamese state built and promulgated many legal documents on human rights, which were also recognised in the 1946 and 1959 Constitutions. In 1957, Viet Nam joined four Geneva conventions of International Humanitarian Law. Since becoming a member of the United Nations (UN) in 1977, Viet Nam has become even more active and proactive in participating in international conventions on human rights. As of 2022, Viet Nam had ratified and joined seven out of nine basic UN conventions on human rights; and ratified and joined 25 conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), including seven out of eight basic conventions. In addition, the country has made great efforts to build a legal system ensuring harmony between national law and international law. In particular, the 2013 Constitution can be considered the pinnacle of constitutional activities on protecting human rights in Viet Nam, affirming consistency in the issue of human rights and citizen rights mentioned in the Constitutions of 1946, 1959, 1980 and 1992. Accordingly, the 2013 Constitution (Article 1, Article 2, Article 3) stipulates that the nature of the power of the Vietnamese State is a socialist law-governed state of the people, by the people, and for the people; and the state ensures and promotes the people's right to mastery, and recognises, respects, protects and ensures human rights and citizen rights. The 2013 Constitution has 120 articles, with as many as 36 articles stipulating human rights, and basic rights and obligations of citizens. Contents related to human rights are also included in other chapters of the Constitution to create the highest legal basis for all citizens to enjoy, exercise and protect their human rights. The Constitution also sets out duties and responsibilities for State agencies, officials and civil servants to enhance the social and legal responsibilities of respecting, protecting and ensuring human rights as prescribed by the Constitution. Ensuring human rights in all fields With efforts to make and enforce human rights-related laws, Viet Nam has gained a lot of remarkable achievements in ensuring human rights in all aspects of social life. The country has actively implemented the Sustainable Development Goals and increased access to basic services for its people. The social security system has been developed and expanded to benefit more and more people. This can be clearly seen through the increasingly improved quality of social services, especially in the field of employment support, preferential treatment for people who rendered service to the nation, as well as improvements in education, health care, housing and clean water access, especially in remote, mountainous and island areas. In the latest multidimensional poverty reduction report published by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in mid-2022, Viet Nam was recognised as having achieved much progress in multidimensional poverty reduction thanks to efforts to create jobs, improve social services and expand the social insurance system. Previously, the UNDP also appreciated Viet Nam in reducing extreme poverty from the peak rate of about 40 per cent in the 1990s to less than 5 per cent in 2020. Regarding the right to freedom of belief and religion, Viet Nam has built a solid legal framework to ensure this right with the 2013 Constitution and the 2016 Law on Belief and Religion, creating favourable conditions for religious activities. The country has also gained achievements regarding the right to freedom of access to the internet, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of use of social networks, with about 70 million Vietnamese people using the Internet today. As of the end of 2022, the country had more than 800 press agencies, including 127 newspapers, 670 magazines and 72 radio and television agencies. According to the Department of Gender Equality under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, last year, Viet Nam ranked 60th in the world, fourth in Asia and first in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in terms of the proportion of women participating in people-elected bodies. It ranked third in ASEAN and 47th out of 187 countries participating in the ranking of gender equality in politics and governance. In the economic field, women have the same labour and employment opportunities as men, and women are even given priority in some fields such as education and health. The rate of businesses owned by women reached 26.5 per cent, ranking ninth out of 58 countries and economies participating in the survey. Actively participating in promoting human rights around the world Not only has Viet Nam gained many achievements in ensuring human rights, it also actively and proactively contributes to promoting and protecting human rights in the region and the world. This is clearly shown through the high level of trust of countries when electing Viet Nam to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2023-2025 term and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2019-2021 tenure. Previously, in the 2014-2016 period, Viet Nam successfully served as a member of the UNHRC, contributing to protecting national interests, enhancing the position and prestige of the country, and boosting cooperation and dialogue among countries to promote a balanced, progressive, people-oriented approach. In the region, Viet Nam's reputation is demonstrated through its role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Chair of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in 2020. The 13th National Party Congress in 2021 determined that the people are the centre and subject of the reform process; and all guidelines and policies must truly have their origin in the lives, aspirations, legitimate rights and interests of the people, and take their happiness and prosperity as the goal for which to strive. These are sound and important directions for Viet Nam to continue building and perfecting its policies and laws, and protecting and ensuring human rights in the coming years. VNS HA NOI The High-level People's Court in Ha Noi rejected the appeal and upheld the sentence of life imprisonment handed down at the first-instance trial for three defendants in the repatriation flights case on Wednesday during an appeal trial that began this week. The three defendants Pham Trung Kien, a former official at the Ministry of Health; Nguyen Thi Huong Lan, former director of the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Vu Anh Tuan, former officer of the Immigration Department at the Ministry of Public Security were imprisoned for life on the charge of taking bribes. The court also kept unchanged the prison sentences for Vu Sy Cuong, former officer of the Immigration Department at the Ministry of Public Security; Tran Minh Tuan, director of Thai Hoa Company; and Pham Bich Hang, deputy director of International Tourism Co., Ltd, at 20 months. The court reduced the sentences for To Anh Dung, former deputy minister of Foreign Affairs (from the initial 16 years in jail down to 14 years); o Hoang Tung, former deputy director of the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (from 12 years down to 10 years); and Tran Van Tan, former deputy chairman of the Peoples Committee of Quang Nam Province (from six years down to five years). A group of defendants charged with giving bribes, including executives of many businesses, also had their prison terms reduced. The court explained that their violations were partly caused by harassment by officials in State agencies or flaws in State mechanisms. Those defendants have also shown cooperation during the investigation process. Three defendants had their jail sentences reduced to suspended sentences, including: Nguyen Hoang Linh, former staff member of the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia; ang Minh Phuong, former accountant of the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia; and Tran Quoc Tuan, director of Viet Nam Tourism Trade Promotion Co., Ltd. Notably, Hoang Van Hung, former head of the investigation division of the Investment Security Department at the Ministry of Public Security, also had his sentence reduced from life imprisonment to 20 years in prison. At the appeal hearing, Hung, charged with "fraudulent appropriation of assets, admitted to his violation with remorse, and returned VN18.8 billion (over US$773,000) associated with the committed offense. He had promised to clear the crime of the director of a travel company during the investigation of the repatriation flight case, in return for a bribe of a large sum. The court reduced the jail sentences for former Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Tran Viet Thai (from the initial four years down to three years on the charge of abusing position and power while performing duties), and Nguyen Anh Tuan, former deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Public Security (from the initial five years down to four years on the charge of brokering bribery). According to the first-instance verdict, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government ordered organising repatriation flights for overseas Vietnamese. Specific tasks were assigned to the Government Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries, and some municipal and provincial peoples committees. The defendants had taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to commit the crimes, which had occurred at many different ministries, sectors and localities. Most of the charges were classified as particularly serious and particularly dangerous for society. The defendants taking bribes were those holding high positions and power in State agencies. After the case was brought to light, there were signs of collusion with one another to conceal their violations. Some defendants did not make sincere statements or admit their crimes. The indictment read that under the Party and States policy, the arrangement of more than 1,000 flights to repatriate over 200,000 Vietnamese citizens from 62 countries and territories was a demonstration of the States humanitarian policy. The purpose of the flights was well-intentioned, but this policy was stained by degenerate officials, eroding its reputation in the eyes of the people and the international community. VNS BINH PHUOC Smuggling, particularly illicit trade in firecrackers, typically increases in Binh Phuoc Province towards the end of the year. The local authorities have implemented numerous professional measures to tackle the problem, yet it remains complex and unpredictable in border regions. The Bu op Border Guard Station in Bu op District is assigned to manage the 17km border section. Major o Ngoc Tuan, Deputy Chief of the station, said local peoples income depended on agriculture and small-scale livestock farming. Prices of agricultural materials are high, while prices for agricultural products remain low, compounded by erratic weather, leading to reduced productivity. Numerous people are either unemployed or in unstable jobs. Consequently, a portion of the population frequently engages in the illegal purchase and sale of firecrackers and cigarettes with strangers. As the Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, the situation is much more complicated. The station has promoted education to raise awareness, not to trade prohibited goods across the border," said Tuan. Nguyen Huu Quan, who lives in Bu Tam Village in Hung Phuoc Commune, said that the border guards went to residential areas to instruct people not to smuggle firecrackers. Continuous education in recent months has helped people obey regulations well. Thi E, another resident, said: After being guided by the border guards, we are aware and strictly comply with it. Smuggling fireworks violates the law. We are ready to denounce illegal goods trading when we discover it." Border guards coordinate with local authorities to regularly patrol all day to prevent illegal activities in border areas. Deputy Head of the Drug and Crime Prevention Department under the provincial Border Guard Nguyen Tuan Anh said that Binh Phuoc Province had a nearly 259km long border and two main border gates. It also has many roads through the border gates. Rivers run out of water in the dry season, so it is difficult to prevent fireworks smuggling across the border. "Some people in Binh Duong and ong Nai provinces, and HCM City use mobile phones and social networks to contact people in border areas to order firecrackers in large quantities to transport to inland provinces for profit," said Anh. They even take advantage of children to transport the firecrackers. This is their new trick, causing obstacles for the authorities in investigations, he said. To fight fireworks-related crimes, the Binh Phuoc Border Guards will continue to coordinate with local authorities to direct people to know about prohibited behaviour. The border guards, together with police, customs and market watch forces, will also strengthen patrols across the border to detect violations and take appropriate measures. VNS HA NOI The labour market is bouncing back with more people getting employed in 2023 than in the previous year. That was the remark made by ao Ngoc Dung, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, at the ministerial virtual meeting on labour on Monday. He said the workforce in many industrial zones and key economic sites was stable in 2023, as the mass layoffs that had ravaged the country since Q4/2022 had lost steam in the last months of the year. Measures had been taken to help more people get jobs overseas. In 2023, over 150,000 workers were employed abroad, up nearly 9 per cent year-on-year. The rise in employment had led to higher participation rates in social insurance (39.3 per cent) and unemployment insurance (31.6 per cent), surpassing the targets set earlier this year. By the end of November, over one million people had filed for unemployment benefits, of which about 955,000 claims were approved, up 9.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. The ministry also did quite well in terms of social support, with around VN29 trillion (US$1.2 billion) being granted to over 1.1 million beneficiaries. Social assistance had also been well spent on 3.3 million vulnerable individuals and over 354,000 households monthly. The National Fund for Vietnamese Children had raised VN110 billion ($4.5 million) to offer direct support to 68,000 children and indirect support to 57,500. The minister said that despite 2023 being a year marked by difficulties and obstacles, the ministry had overcome them to reach its targets. The ministry will delve into the issues it had not solved in 2023 to gain better results in 2024. At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha urged the ministry to improve the legal framework on labour to keep it in line with the standards set by the International Labour Organisation and new-generation free trade agreements. He also assigned the ministry the task of drafting a national strategy to deal with the problems of population ageing and gender imbalance. The Deputy PM also said he will attend the inauguration of the National Jobs Platform, to take place in Q1/2024. With the platform, the ministry will take the lead in terms of digital transformation in the country. Regarding people with merits in the revolution, he called for measures to ensure they would be at the top of the social benefit hierarchy. He also called for measures to help disadvantaged groups, including ethnic minorities and people in poverty, to access social services with ease. "It is essential to ensure social welfare is readily accessible to beneficiaries," said Ha. Minister Dung said the ministry would spare no efforts in 2024 to meet the three targets set by the National Assembly, namely an unemployment rate of less than 4 per cent, trained workers reaching 69 per cent of the workforce, and a multidimensional poverty rate kept down around 1 per cent. VNS HCM CITY HCM City authorities on Tuesday organised a four-day cyber security drill in an effort to enhance its cyber security readiness amid the growing sophistication of cyber attacks throughout the country. Taking place until December 29, the HCM City Network Security Drill 2023 will be conducted both in-person and online, utilising live combat drills and scenario-based drills. The drill, organised by the Department of Information and Communications, will involve various government agencies, State-owned enterprises, and major corporations in the city. The objective of the drill is to simulate and test the citys response capabilities in the event of a cyber security incident, including scenarios such as data breaches, malware attacks, and cyber espionage, said the department. The drill will involve simulated cyber security incidents that will test the response and coordination of various Government agencies and organisations. It will also include training sessions and workshops to improve the overall cyber security awareness and capabilities of the participants. The exercise also aims to identify potential weaknesses in the city's cyber security infrastructure and develop strategies to address them. It will provide an opportunity for participants to exchange best practices and lessons learned in dealing with cyber security incidents in the city. In recent years, Viet Nam has witnessed an increase in cyber security threats, with a rise in cyber attacks targeting Government agencies, businesses, and individuals. The issue has prompted the Government to focus on cyber security as a national security priority and to invest in efforts to strengthen the countrys cyber defense capabilities. Viet Nam faced the third highest number of cyber attacks in Southeast Asia last year, according to global security firm Kaspersky. VNS HA NOI In three years of implementing the Law on Crop Production, the agriculture sector has gained significant achievements, including the production of varieties adapted to climate change and suitable for each region, said Nguyen Nhu Cuong, director of Crop Production Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Particularly, many individuals and organisations have conducted self-declared circulation of plant varieties that do not belong to the main plant species under State management, Cuong told the forum on Effective and Sustainable Development of Crop Production in Viet Nam, organised by Nong Nghiep Viet Nam (Viet Nam Agriculture) newspaper in Ha Noi on Tuesday. This was a very important change, but also a problem that many individuals, businesses and State management agencies have not had time to adapt to the transformation, Cuong said. After three years of implementing the Law on Crop Production, there are still some issues, but the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Crop Production have provided timely guidance and support, Cuong told the forum. There has never been a shortage of seeds, especially rice varieties, he said. From the old management method, we switched to a new method and faced many challenges, but basically the Law on Crop Production has met the requirements of production, he said. The ministry and department have reviewed and amended inappropriate items in the law for submission to the Government in 2024. "Policies consistent with real conditions have the effect of creating a favourable seed production and business environment, benefiting producers and farmers, Cuong said. Today's forum is a venue to discuss difficulties and propose solutions to solve problems to better implement plant variety management in the spirit of harmony between businesses, farmers and State management agencies, supporting industry restructuring and increasing incomes for people directly producing in the fields, he said. Varieties have an important affect on crop yield and quality. However, currently, a number of problems has arisen that affect the seed system in Viet Nam. In the forum, participants proposed solutions for sustainable development of the crop industry. Regarding legal and technical problems with the process of registration and recognition of improved plant varieties in Viet Nam, ang Ngoc Chi, representative of CropLife Viet Nam, said the current testing guidelines lack criteria and methods to evaluate and recognise improved traits such as insect, pesticide or disease resistance, leading to a lack of tools to determine differences between genetically modified varieties and base ones. Besides, it is not possible to register base varieties and genetically modified varieties with improved traits at the same time, Chi said. She proposed adding criteria and methods of evaluation and recognition for improved traits to the two standards of TCVN 13382-2:2021 and TCVN 13381-2:2021 for corn. Vuong Huy Minh, deputy director of the Corn Research Institute, assessed that the provisions of the Law on Crop Production recognising the circulation of varieties in general, corn varieties in particular, have simplified many procedures, thereby reducing time and procedure costs for research units. Regarding regulations on testing scores and numbers, Minh said that regulating the number and testing scores by region is necessary. Vietnamese standards currently have many very high criteria so very few varieties can pass those conditions, Minh said. Regarding the regulations on reference varieties, many reference varieties from other corporations are currently being used. "The appropriate solution is to change the reference regulations to overcome the shortcomings of the law," he said. Fruit tree production in Viet Nam has been an important pillar in agriculture, with a significant increase in area and output. Despite having a diverse system including about 50 types of trees, the fruit tree industry faces many major challenges. According to Head of Industrial and Fruit Tree Section of the Crop Production Department, Nguyen Quoc Manh, the main variety structure is largely local plants, but only 32 varieties have been recognised from 2008-2019. Although there has been an increase with 120 varieties from 2020-2022, the number of recognised varieties remains very small, said Manh. Along with that, poor quality seedlings, lack of quality control, and research into fruit tree breeding without breakthrough technology are all big challenges, Manh said. Faced with these difficulties, Manh suggested that subjects in the fruit industry chain need to co-operate closely, improve management capacity and invest strongly in research and development of fruit varieties to ensure food safety, improve quality and enhance production efficiency. Faced with the trend of online plant seed trading, Tran Xuan inh, general secretary of the Viet Nam Plant Seed Trade Association, assessed that this is inevitable but brings many consequences. Some individuals and fraudulent groups have organised introductions and advertisements on social networks such as Facebook, Zalo and TikTok for new plant varieties, purporting big, beautiful and attractively coloured fruits and delivery to farmers' homes. Best-selling rice varieties or good varieties favoured by farmers from big brands such as ThaiBinh Seed and Vinaseed are counterfeited and sold online or in a pyramid trading model. Many farmers in remote and isolated areas where retail and distribution systems have not yet reached become victims, said inh. Seed production and trading is a conditional business, strictly regulated in legal documents and legal guidelines. However, online sales do not have specific regulations and sanctions, which is a loophole and difficulty in managing plant varieties and many other commercial activities, inh said. According to inh, although there are many seed production systems, their capacity is limited and does not meet the actual requirements of commodity production and export. The weakest point in the seed industry is vegetable and flower varieties, he said. In addition, the legal provisions still have some inadequacies with cumbersome procedures while legal guiding documents are slow to be promulgated and some are contradictory. Production and supply systems are uneven among different regions, and the number of businesses participating in the seed industry is quite large but of poor quality. He proposed amending the Law on Crop Production and guiding decrees and circulars to make it more feasible and practical to avoid conflicts between laws. Nguyen Thi Mai Hien, vice director of the ministrys Legal Department, proposes recognition of plant variety testing organisations, supplementing instructions on gene sequencing methods, conditions for renewal of plant varieties, and completing the system of Vietnamese standards for major plant varieties. VNS Indiana state police are praising the discovery of a 27-year-old man who had been struggling for his life alone in a wrecked vehicle, which two curious fishermen discovered on Tuesday, December 26, after seeing something shiny along a stream. Curiosity Leads to Miraculous Rescue At a press conference hosted by the state police, Mario Garcia said that he and his son-in-law, Nivardo Delatorre, had been fishing in Salt Creek, close to the city of Portage in northwest Indiana, when they saw something shining in the distance and decided to stop for the day. Inquisitive, they ventured to investigate, only to find that it was a wrecked truck. Over the stream, beneath the bridge of Interstate 94, lay the damaged pickup vehicle. Once Garcia cleared the airbag, he peered over the shoulder of the driver and saw what seemed to be a lifeless body. Garcia said that as soon as he put his hand on the driver's shoulder, the man turned around and awakened himself. Garcia startled but intent on helping the man, requested Delatorre to get assistance. The two remained at the man's side until rescuers arrived to remove him. According to Garcia, the guy thanked them many times, indicating that he was alive and pleased to see them. In a report by CNN, Indiana State Police Sergeant Glen Fifield said during the press conference that the victim, Matthew Reum, from Mishawaka, may have been there for up to seven days and had serious, potentially fatal injuries. The state police said that Reum was able to live in part by drinking rainwater. "The will to survive this crash was nothing short of extraordinary," police stated. Fifield added, "It's a miracle that he's alive in this weather." The accident occurred in Porter County when the temperature dropped to 29 degrees only days before. See Also: YouTuber Discovers Human Remains From 13 Years Ago in Submerged Vehicle in Private Pond Time of the Accident Based on what Garcia has learned, the Reum informed them that he had been confined to his seat inside the wrecked vehicle since December 20 and was unable to use his phone. "He says he tried yelling and screaming, but nobody would hear him. It was just quiet - just the sound of the water ... He said to me that he's been there for a long time that he had almost lost all hope because nobody was there," Garcia recalled. Upon his injuries were assessed, Reum was reportedly sent to a hospital on Tuesday. The exact reason for the incident remains unknown. However, Fifield said it seemed that the man's vehicle veered off I-94, failed to hit the railing, went airborne, and eventually came to a stop beneath the bridge. The truck spun around many times as it plunged into the stream, NBC News reported. No one reported an accident to the police, and even if someone had, they would not have been able to see the debris from the bridge, according to the authorities. See Also: Florida: Man Shoots Half-Brother on Christmas Day Over Lost Cellphone @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple to appeal US watch ban, source: apple.com The ban on Apple's latest smartwatch models came into effect Tuesday, with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 no longer available in stores or online. The ban is the latest legal tussle involving big tech companies over valuable patents that has also seen Google battle in court against Sonos in a fight over speaker tech. The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) decided in October to ban the Apple Watch models over a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels. The order stemmed from a complaint to the commission in mid-2021 by medical device maker Masimo Corp, which accused Apple of infringing on "light-based oximetry functionality." "After careful consultations, Ambassador (Katherine) Tai decided not to reverse the... determination and the ITC's decision became final on December 26, 2023," the office of the US Trade Representative said in a statement on Tuesday. Though US President Joe Biden's office has authority to reverse import bans, such actions are only taken rarely. In a statement, Masimo said the confirmed ban "is a win for the integrity of the US patent system, and ultimately American consumers who will benefit from an ecosystem that rewards true innovation." Apple contends that the ITC finding was in error and should be reversed, filing an appeal in a US federal court. But the company pulled the products from the online Apple Store on December 21, with retail locations ceasing sales December 24 just ahead of the holiday. Apple manufactures the vast majority of its products overseas, predominantly in China, giving the International Trade Commission jurisdiction over the matter. Masimo contends it invented the technology and that Apple poached its employees to win access to the knowledge. - 'Strongly disagree' - Apple has been steadily ramping up fitness and health features with each generation of its Apple Watch, which dominates the smartwatch category. In September, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 9, touting increased performance along with features such as the ability to access and log health data. "We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible," Apple said in a statement Tuesday. At the time of the original decision, Apple said Masimo had "wrongly attempted to use the ITC to keep a potentially lifesaving product from millions of US consumers while making way for their own watch that copies Apple." In May, a trial of Masimo's allegations ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Apple has argued that Masimo is using litigation to make way for its own Apple Watch-inspired products. In November, Masimo was cleared by US regulators to use its own wrist-worn product for prescription and over-the-counter use. Late last year, Apple filed two patent infringement lawsuits accusing Masimo of copying Apple Watch technology. Vietnam seeks 5G investment increase from Apple Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong held strategic meetings with Apple's CEO Tim Cook on November 15 during his visit to the US for the 2023 APEC High-Level Week. Australian fund helps Ba Ria-Vung Tau improve quality of refraction service, Illustrative image (source: baobariavungtau.vom.vn) Ba Ria-Vung Tau The Fred Hollows Vietnam (FHFVN, Australia) has provided a 3.6-billion-VND (nearly 150,000 USD) aid package for the Eye Hospital of the southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau to improve the quality of refraction services in the locality. This non-refundable project, to be implemented in the next five years, aims to enhance community access to two standard eyeglasses service facilities, and the access of eyeglasses and prescription eyewear service facilities to refraction training courses, thus improving the quality of refraction and prescription eyeglasses services in the locality. The provincial Peoples Committee has ordered the hospital to take full responsibility for managing, implementing, and completing the project on schedule and in line with the commitment to the sponsor. The hospital will coordinate with Fred Hollows Vietnam and related agencies to implement the project following the provisions in a decree of the Government on the management and use of non-refundable aid not in the form of official development assistance of foreign agencies, organisations, and inpiduals for Vietnam. Ba Ria-Vung Tau boasts huge potential for green economic development With huge potential, and favourable economic and investment policies, Vietnams southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau is becoming a magnet for businesses and investors looking for opportunities in the green and marine economies. Ba Ria-Vung Tau shines spotlight on economic diplomacy Alongside expediting its socioeconomic development targets, the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau has also made laudable achievements in the realm of foreign affairs in 2023. Passengers use biometric authentication application when checking in at Noi Bai International Airport (Photo: VNA) Hanoi - The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) on December 25 issued a written report to the Ministry of Transport asking for its approval of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV)s proposal to continue applying biometric authentication for air passengers. To be authenticated biometrically, air passengers need to have a chip-based citizen identification card and a PNR (Passenger Name Record) reservation code, and agree to share personal data and facial recognition information. Meanwhile, check-in counters need to be equipped with chip-based ID card readers and facial recognition device. In the first quarter of 2024, the ACV will complete the investment, equipment, ID card application software solutions and full-process biometric authentication technology at Phu Bai and Cat Bi international airports in central Thua Thien-Hue province and northern Hai Phong city, and Dien Bien airport in the northern mountainous province of the same name. CAAV suggests more time for piloting biometric authentication The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed continuing pilot application of biometric authentication (facial recognition) at airports check-in desks. Van Don intl airport to pilot biometric authentication for passengers The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has announced that passenger biometric authentication (facial recognition) will be piloted at check-in desks in Van Don international airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh. Demand for electrical vehicles increases in Laos, Illustrative photo (source: thestar.com.my) Vientiane The number of electrical vehicles (EVs) and charging stations in Laos has been increasing, according to the countrys Ministry of Energy and Mines. It said Lao authorities have granted licences for 18 charging station operators and there have been 41 stations across the country so far. The Government of Laos is strongly encouraging the use of EVs to reduce the need for imported fuel and better ensure energy security. It is also part of the government's strategy to solve the country's economic and financial difficulties. To this end, the Lao Government has included the goal of increasing the use of clean energy in the fields of transportation and telecommunications into its 9th 5-year socio-economic development plan. The ministry is cooperating with relevant industries to introduce regulations on taxes and technical standards for EVs and charging stations management. According to the ministry, Laos has huge potential in electricity production, which will support the use of EVs nationwide. In 2022, Laos had more than 3,200 EVs. This year, the country has imported nearly 3,900 others. It is expected that in 2024, the number will continue to increase. Besides policies to promote the import and production of EVs, Laos also has another to replace gasoline-powered public vehicles with EVs, aiming to make EVs account for at least 1 per cent of the total vehicles in the country by 2025 and at least 30 per cent by 2030. Laos, Thailand talk building of railway bridge over Mekong River The foreign ministers of Laos and Thailand have begun talks on the construction of a railway bridge over the Mekong River to connect Laoss Vientiane capital and Thailand's northeast province of Nong Khai. First Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam friendship bicycle race opens in Laos The first CambodiaLaosVietnam friendship bicycle tournament opened in Vientiane on December 6. In mid-December, CEO Group, GP Invest, and Sovico Group participated in a business matching event with a delegation of Japanese companies to discuss collaboration opportunities. The Japanese delegation combined 10 real estate developers and smart solution providers, including Daiwa House Industry, Daibiru Corporation, Creed Corporation, and Tekko Building. These companies are looking for domestic partners to develop projects, such as complex facilities, detached houses for the high-end and middle classes, condominiums for the high-end and middle classes, and also houses and apartments for the low and middle classes, among others. In recent times, real estate companies have said they are facing difficulties in accessing capital following the tightening of loan regulations. Nguyen Quoc Hiep, chairman of GP Invest said even at present, when the lending rate is at a low level, property firms are reserved in approaching loans from banks because the low lending rate is applied for short-term loans. Meanwhile, property projects need middle-term and long-term loans, at which they just enjoy the low lending rate for the first year. Thus, we see that mobilising foreign capital is an effective solution, Hiep said. His company has just done so for four ventures. The Japanese parties expressed their intention to cooperate with GP Invest in single projects initially. If everything goes smoothly, they may become our strategic partners, who are not only the capital sponsors but also join the management board. Cooperating with Japanese partners will help GP Invest to improve management and operations, Hiep added. The representatives of CEO Group and Sovico also expect to gain new partners thanks to the meeting. Nishimura Naoki, deputy director of the International Affairs Office at City Bureau, the office is under Japans Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, told VIR, Japanese companies see the potential of the Vietnamese real estate market. They have the advantage in capital, technology, and management skills. Meanwhile, Vietnamese real estate developers have advantages in land funds and flexibility in completing the administrative procedures. Making use of the advantages of the two parties will create high-quality products with competitive prices. For the past year, many Japanese investors have co-ordinated with Vietnamese counterparts to develop property projects in the country. North Hanoi Smart City Development Investment Company, a consortium between Sumitomo and BRG Group, started construction of a $4.2 billion smart city in Hanoi in November. The project is expected to take nine years to complete in five phases. The first four phases involve planting trees and building homes, schools, parking lots, and other structures. The last phase, to be completed from 2030 to 2032, will involve the construction of certain highlight structures, including a mall and a 108-story financial centre. Elsewhere, Mitsubishi has cooperated with Vietnamese property developer Bitexco to create 240 low-rise housing units and two high-rise condominiums out of a proposed total of more than 1,000 low-rises and 17 high-rises at The Manor Central Park project, also located in the capital. One analyst told VIR that, in the upcoming time, the capital inflow from the Japanese into the real estate sector may increase thanks to the weakening Japanese yen. The countrys real estate lending conditions are relatively easy, while the loan-to-value ratio of real estate is at 70 per cent and interest costs only fluctuate around 1 per cent. Thus, Japanese real estate developers can take advantage of low lending rates to get loans to foster their investment abroad, including in Vietnam, he said. Event helps young Vietnamese make career choices in Japan Vietnamese Professionals in Japan organised an event entitled "The Debaters" in Tokyo on December 10. HCM City works to better investment climate for Japanese firms Authorities of Ho Chi Minh City had a roundtable with Japanese businesses on December 14 to tackle difficulties facing the firms and share information about the southern economic hubs investment cooperation demand. On December 14 in Hanoi, the German Development Agencys Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) programme offered a comprehensive assessment of the market potential and staged participation opportunities in each renewable energy subsector in the country. According to CASE director Vu Chi Mai, Vietnam has the capacity to domesticate renewable energy by 2050. The localisation rate for solar power is projected to increase from 37 to 55 per cent, and for wind power from 45 to nearly 80 per cent. Localised value may amount to $80 billion, or half of the total market potential. We are keen on the possibility of specialisation in the wind and solar power sectors when Vietnam establishes an enormous market for these two energy industries, Mai said. The localisation rate is the proportion of industrial components and basic materials utilised that are produced domestically as opposed to those that are imported. According to CASE, the localisation rate during the project development phase (specifically, the production of technical reports) for onshore wind power has achieved a remarkable 90 per cent. Additionally, 85 per cent of foundation components and equipment were manufactured, and 70 per cent of wind power plant installations were completed. Transformer stations, cables, and support pillars, in particular, have a significantly reduced domestic ratio of 30, 10, and 3 per cent, respectively. However, at the present time, Vietnam lacks a manufacturing facility capable of fabricating wind turbine components, such as nacelles, hubs, and blades. Furthermore, there are only eight manufacturing facilities in Vietnam with an estimated annual capacity of 1020GW, with the majority of this capacity devoted to exports. A dynamic market On the basis of cost calculations and analysis, Mai recommended segments with substantial localisation potential in Vietnam. Vietnam should initially concentrate on developing segments in which it has a competitive advantage. Then, it should contemplate development strategies for segments characterised by advanced technological complexity, where Vietnam possesses limited superiority, Mai said. Vietnam is recognised as the most dynamic market in the Asia-Pacific area and is at the forefront of renewable energy development in Southeast Asia. However, Tran Thi Hong Lan, deputy director of the State Agency for Technology Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology, noted that Vietnamese enterprises continue to exhibit a limited level of involvement in the supply chain pertaining to wind and solar power. According to our statistics, renewable energy initiatives continue to import 90 per cent of their instruments at this time. Localisation progression has been sluggish due to a lack of evaluation capacity and infrastructure in addition to technological capacity, and a manufacturing level that fails to meet requirements, Lan said. Vietnam continues to require policy structures that can promote industry for renewable electricity. The government prioritises the vigorous development of renewable energy sources for electricity generation in the Power Development Plan VIII, which is projected to comprise approximately 3139 per cent of the total by 2030. Vietnam Electricity projects that the systems aggregate output reached 257.35 billion kWh in November, representing an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Among this amount, 34.7 billion kWh was derived from renewable energy sources, representing 13.5 per cent of the total output. The phases of project development, equipment manufacturing and installation, and factory construction for wind and solar projects are estimated to collectively have a market potential of $160 billion between 2025 and 2050, representing 1.02 per cent of the nations GDP. Offshore wind power comprises the greatest proportion, accounting for 51.8 per cent of the total, followed by onshore wind power at 24 per cent and solar power also at 24 per cent, according to the German Development Agency. Generating advantages The issue of localising renewable energy is not unique to Vietnam. Fabby Tuwina, executive director of the Indonesian Institute for Essential Services Reform, stated that solar energy is expanding at an exponential rate in Indonesia, drawing on personal experience from the country. By the end of 2023, Indonesia is projected to achieve a solar power capacity of approximately 0.8-1GWp. In light of its trajectory, Indonesia has established a 40 per cent localisation target for the development of solar panels by 2030, Tuwina said. Localisation in solar power development helps generate green employment and reduce imports. The solar power sector has the potential to generate 1,300 manufacturing jobs per gigawatt of electricity produced. In addition to enhancing the efficiency of domestic businesses, the objectives of promoting locally produced goods are to fulfil the national energy policys targets for renewable energy and to satisfy electricity demand. The market potential for solar energy is enormous, with annual investment projected to range $2-7 billion by 2030, but Tuwina also identifies substantial obstacles. The residential solar panel market is constrained to less than 15 per cent installed capacity due to rooftop solar power. Domestically produced goods reach the market for a mere 5 per cent of the total, Tuwina said. Institute of Energy representative Nguyen Ngoc Hung noted that Vietnam is developing an industrial ecosystem for renewable energy. However, the implementation of wind and solar power technologies locally depends on various factors, such as the level of implementation of the national power plan, the competitiveness and development orientation of domestic enterprises, and state policies, Hung said. He asserted that the categorys capacity to localise offshore wind power projects, encompassing activities such as foundation supply, transmission lines, onshore and offshore transformer stations, port construction, and operation and maintenance, can approach 40 per cent. With that in mind, Vietnam requires enhanced transparency in its procedures, competitive electricity rates, establishment of equipment supply chain priority areas, and new infrastructure, Hung said. Dr. Nguyen Duc Hien, deputy head Central Committee Economic Commission In 2022, the energy industry was designated as one of the six foundational industries of Vietnam. The move placed emphasis on the advancement of new energy and renewable energy industries, and further acknowledged the significant contribution of foreign-invested enterprises to breakthroughs. However, it emphasises that domestic enterprises are crucial in ensuring the effective implementation of this process. Meanwhile, the energy industry in Vietnam still faces several obstacles. As a result of the insufficiency of domestic supplies to satisfy the brisk growth in energy demand, numerous power projects are falling behind schedule. Annual declines occur in the reserves and production output of gas, crude oil, and coal. Import obligations for energy pose a challenge to the growth of Vietnams energy industry, as they diminish energy independence and heighten reliance on other nations economies. With policies, structures, and technologies undergoing significant transformations, the global energy industry has shifted its focus from the production and consumption of conventional fossil fuels to the utilisation of sustainable renewable energy sources. As a result, in order to guarantee energy, Vietnam must expeditiously formalise and implement the objectives it has set out. EPTC withdraws proposal for price cuts in FIT for renewable energy projects Electricity Power Trading Company (EPTC), part of Vietnam Electricity (EVN), initially proposed a reduction in purchase prices for 38 renewable energy projects currently benefiting from a 20-year incentive scheme. However, it was retracted just a day later. Measures sought to increase localisation rate in wind, solar power development Experts sought measures to increase the localisation rate in wind and solar power development in Vietnam during a conference in Hanoi on December 14, aiming to realise the Party and States orientations and policies regarding technology application, transfer and development in the energy industry. This award attests the community's recognition and trust in the contributions made by Picasso Dental, providing great motivation for the team's doctors and medical staff to continue the mission they are pursuing. As one of the leading brands in the field of Dental Tourism, the artists in Picasso Dental blouses began their 2023 journey with the name Serenity Dental (Tam An, predecessor of Picasso Dental) to discover the secrets of art to create smile masterpieces. Over more than 10 years of creating smiles for 57,000 customers from 62 countries, Picasso is on par with the most developed medical fields such as those in the US, the UK, and Australia, and meets strict global standards as a reputable dental provider that customers are confident in. The team at Picasso Dental is committed to continuously improving its expertise and utilising modern technology so that every smile it creates is truly a work of art. Placing medical ethics as its top priority, Picasso is a pioneer in applying cutting-edge science and technology to provide customers with the full range of appropriate dental and beauty treatments. The team at Picasso Dental is committed to continuously improving its expertise and utilising modern technology so that every smile it creates is truly a work of art. With a team of highly specialised doctors and pioneering equipment, Picasso provides all its customers with clear information, an accurate current dental status, and appropriate solutions, meeting the most scientific standards in their procedures to create a masterpiece smile. One of the key factors that has helped Picasso Dental achieve significant success is its team of highly skilled and experienced dental professionals, whose reputation is based not only on their extensive dental knowledge but also on their proven track record of satisfying more than 57,000 customers over the past 10 years. For Picasso Dental, a standard smile should not only ensure dental functionality but also reflect the unique personal touch of each customer. Clients are given private treatment spaces, catering to each individual's requirements. The most beautiful works of art are the radiant smiles of every customer who comes to Picasso. The title of SME100 Asia 2023 winner is not only an affirmation of Picasso Dental's leading position in treatment quality but also its commitment to accompanying customers on the path to creating masterpiece smiles. Generali confirms its extremely solid capital position Generali has delivered strong profit growth in the first quarter of 2023 and confirmed its extremely solid capital position. Parkway dental clinic chain secures $5 million investment Vietnamese dental clinic chain Parkway has wrapped up an investment of about $5 million from 24hmoney. Along with the provincial planning announcement on December 24, Quang Ngai province held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick-off construction of Hoang Sa-Doc Soi road. According to Dang Van Minh, Chairman of Quang Ngai People's Committee, the road is the largest ever road traffic project funded by the province. It will see a total length of 26.8km and an investment value reaching $148 million. The project is identified by the Party Standing Committee as a key one to welcome the 21st Quang Ngai Party Congress during the 2025-2030 term. Minh said that when completed and put into use, the new road will be a crucial axis connecting inter-regional traffic in the north-south direction; gradually improve the province's road traffic network; reduce the flow of vehicles participating on National Highway No.1; and meet increasing transport needs in terms of trade. When completed and put into use, the new road will be a crucial axis connecting inter-regional traffic in the north-south direction. This will be motivation to propel socioeconomic development, and ensure national defence and security of Quang Ngai province and the northern districts of the province in particular, Minh said. Minh has requested the provincial Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board, with responsibility as the project investor, to focus on coordinating with relevant bodies and localities to carry out the project on schedule. He also requested local authorities in the project area to coordinate with the investor and relevant departments in the process of carrying out compensation and site clearance, and especially promptly removing problems during the implementation process. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha noted that the implementation of the road is extremely important as it will help promote regional connections and create new development spaces. "We are promoting the implementation of a resolution made in regards to urban positioning and determining urban development goals, yet traffic must be one step ahead, DPM Ha said. Quang Ngai planning: new vision, new opportunities Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha last month approved the planning of Quang Ngai province towards 2030, with a vision to 2050. With creative thinking and strategic vision, the planning will open up new development opportunities for this central province. The outlook of Quang Ngai urban area Quang Ngai provinces planning for the next decade and beyond has been approved by the government to help it maximise its potential and create a breakthrough in economic and social development. Solar rooftop projects are on the rise in Vietnam. What are the main criteria that clients, especially small-scale ones, use to select energy solutions providers and partners? S AMRESH KUMAR, chairman and CEO of rooftop solar and distributed energy solutions provider SkyX Solar Commercial and industrial companies typically consider several key criteria when selecting rooftop solar developers in Vietnam to ensure the success of projects and a return on investment. These criteria include a strong project execution track record in renewable energy, particularly solar rooftop projects; demonstrated financial strength and stability; and competitive discount rates and commercial terms that foster mutually beneficial partnerships. They also involve local regulatory and incentive knowledge, unwavering commitment to safety and environmental compliance, and robust maintenance policies. How is your performance in Vietnam thus far in leveraging the Vietnamese renewables market? Currently, Vietnam faces a critical issue of severe power shortages, which are already affecting the manufacturing activities of factories and other commercial businesses. These shortages are expected to persist for years, prompting businesses and industries to seek solutions. Additionally, multinational corporations are mandated to report annual emissions to their shareholders, creating pressure for factories and suppliers to transition to renewable energy sources. The increasing demand for cleaner energy sources to meet carbon reduction goals underscores the significance of SkyX Solars work. SkyX Solar is a provider of rooftop solar and distributed energy solutions for commercial and industrial clients in Vietnam. The company is jointly owned by two major groups: VinaCapital, an investment group with a diversified portfolio of $4 billion in assets under management, and EDF Renewables, a European renewables giant with a total installed capacity of 13.8GW worldwide. Together with VinaCapital and EDF Renewables, both of which have multiple wind farms under development, we are dedicated to assisting companies in achieving the objectives of 100 per cent renewable energy consumption and a net-zero status. This is achieved by offering a range of solutions, including direct power purchase agreements (DPPAs) whenever regulations permit, battery energy storage systems, and renewable energy certificates. Thus far, SkyX Solar has successfully raised over $100 million for investment in solar power assets and currently operates more than 100MW of rooftop solar projects across 40 sites in Vietnam. Our clients include renowned names such as Mondelez, An Phat, Nike, New Balance, Tan A Dai Thanh Group, and Minh Phu Group. We are at the forefront of revolutionising the energy landscape, offering clients zero-hassle, zero-capex, and zero-opex energy solutions. Within SkyX Solars rooftop solar systems, clients not only save millions of dollars on their electricity bills, but also make a significant contribution to reducing their carbon footprint. What makes you different from other competitors, and what are SkyX Solars ambitions for the next five years? We rank among the top three rooftop solar power companies in the Vietnamese market, offering a unique value proposition that combines the knowledge and expertise of international players with the strengths of local partners. There are several key factors that set SkyX Solar apart from its competitors. It uses its own balance sheet to invest, which allows for fast deployment, and it boasts attractive commercial offers with contracts that foster mutually beneficial partnerships with clients. We have innovative design capabilities, allowing us to develop efficient and effective solar solutions tailored to various types of roofs. In addition, human resources play a significant role in project development, with the technical team comprising highly skilled professionals who possess international experience, local expertise, and stay updated on industry developments Sky X also has a locally based leadership and execution team, meaning agile and quick deployment; uncompromising commitment to health and safety practices and adhering to global standards; and it understands the local regulatory environment, grid connection processes, and the availability of incentives and subsidies in Vietnam. In one year, we have established a robust pipeline of over 200MWp and continue to develop, positioning itself on the path to becoming a market leader. Over the next five years, we aim to be the renewable energy partner of choice for top commercial and industrial companies in Vietnam. Vietnam aims for 50 per cent rooftop solar adoption in offices and residential buildings by 2030. How can the nation realise this target, and what suggestions do you have for the government? While there are numerous economic and non-economic benefits associated with rooftop solar, achieving this goal presents several challenges. One of the significant barriers is the need for a clear and stable nationwide guideline to determine whether a construction permit is required for rooftop solar power installations. Additionally, the requirement for obtaining firefighting certificates has been experiencing delays in many provinces. The current lack of standardisation and clarity in permitting applications has become a bottleneck, hindering the progress of numerous projects. Recognising this challenge, the government has taken steps to expedite licensing applications and standardise the process across different provinces. Apart from streamlining the permitting process, it is essential for the government to continue providing financial incentives, such as tax benefits and subsidies, for the development of rooftop solar power on schools, hospitals, offices, and residential buildings. Improving net metering policies to ensure fair compensation for surplus solar energy fed back into the grid is also important. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns can help educate citizens and businesses about the benefits of rooftop solar. Vietnam is considering the efficiency of buying solar power directly from production units through a DPPA. What does this mean for driving Vietnams energy transition forward? Vietnam is in the final stages of launching its own initiative to rapidly implement the first phase of DPPA. Significant off-takers in Vietnam are eager to transition to a fully green energy supply produced within the country. The DPPA mechanism is a cornerstone of Vietnams energy transition strategy, with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This approach is poised to have several positive impacts, driving Vietnams energy transition by accelerating the adoption of renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels while promoting solar and other renewable energy sources. This shift aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and mitigate environmental impacts. The integration of solar power into the energy mix diversifies the sources of electricity generation, enhancing energy security by reducing the countrys vulnerability to supply disruptions in fossil fuel markets. DPPAs offer corporate consumers the opportunity to access clean and sustainable energy. This aligns with businesses environmental and sustainability goals, providing a competitive advantage and enhancing their corporate image. SkyX Solar invests $100 million in 200MWp rooftop solar capacity in next three years EDF Renewables, an international leader in renewable energy, on October 13 made a significant investment in SkyX Energy, the holding company of SkyX Solar, a rooftop solar power developer and a VinaCapital subsidiary. SkyX Solar extends sustainability ambition Rooftop solar developer SkyX Solar and its strategic partners VinaCapital and EDF Renewables are planning to invest more than $100 million to develop 200MWp of rooftop solar and distributed energy solar projects for commercial and industrial customers in Vietnam over the next few years. Bich Ngoc talked with Samresh Kumar, chairman and CEO of SkyX Solar about the investment strategy of the consortium in Vietnam. Its Vietnamese subsidiary Militzer & Munch (M&M) Vietnam Co., Ltd. started operations on December 18. The new country unit offers the full range of M&M services, with a special focus on air and sea transport. The M&M Group is pursuing a growth strategy in Asia, the Far East, and Oceania. Most recently, a new company was founded in New Zealand in 2022. After M&M China, M&M Malaysia, M&M Sri Lanka, and M&M New Zealand, M&M Vietnam is now the fifth national subsidiary in the region. It is located in Ho Chi Minh City, as the 9 million-strong metropolis is both the economic centre of the country and an important transport hub for Southeast Asia. M&M focuses on promising markets in the region and considers the location to have great potential for further growth. Within a few years, Vietnam has developed from one of the worlds poorest nations to a middle-income country, said Andreas Lowenstein, regional managing director for Asia and the Far East at Militzer & Munch. We therefore see clear opportunities for successful development and are strengthening our network in the region with the new country unit. M&M Vietnam will serve many different industries with imports and exports. A large part of the transport volume will be shipped by sea and air. Peter Schupbach, who previously held various management positions, is heading the new subsidiary. According to Mordor Intelligence, Vietnam's freight and logistics market size is estimated at $45.19 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $65.34 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.34 per cent during the 2023-2029 period. A logistics report published by VinaCapital in mid-2023 named Vietnam as having one of the fastest-growing logistics sectors in the world, with an annual growth rate of 14-16 per cent. The sector is expected to continue to grow for years to come, driven by the continued growth of the manufacturing sector, middle-class consumers, e-commerce, and the demand for perishable food and other products. Vietnamese government committed to boosting logistics infrastructure At the Vietnam Logistics Summit 2023 co-hosted by SPL Vietnam and VIR, representatives from the Vietnamese government reaffirmed the country's steadfast dedication to enhancing the nation's logistics infrastructure. Logistics providers in Hong Kong eye Vietnamese market Logistics service providers from Hong Kong are looking to strengthen partnerships with their Vietnamese counterparts to tap into the nation's logistics market. This new 3D-printed chip is expected to eliminate the need for animal test subjects in the health and medicine industry. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland were the ones who created this groundbreaking innovation. For the past few years, scientists and health researchers have been relying on animals to test new medicines and treatments for different health conditions. Although testing these medical treatments on animals is not that efficient, health experts still need to do it to see if they are safe for human use. Now, a new 3D-printed device could replace animal test subjects since it can effectively replicate human internal organs. Here's how it works. This New 3D-Printed Chip Could Save Animal Test Subjects The new 3D-printed chip called "body-on-chip" can perfectly copy how medicine flows through a human body. This means that scientists can use it to test drugs and see how different organs react to the medicine. The University of Edinburgh's 3D-printed health device is composed of five compartments that can mimic the main organs of the body; health, brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys. These artificial human organs are all connected by channels that act like the body's circulatory system. This artificial circulatory system can allow new medicines and drugs to pass through, pumping them to the five main internal organs. Liam Carr, the main inventor of the new 3D-printed chip, said that their innovation relies on positron emission tomography scanning. With PET, the device can produce detailed 3d images to show what's going on inside the human organs. "The PET imagery is what allows us to ensure the flow [of new drugs being tested] is even," explained Carr via The Guardian. "This device is the first to be designed specifically for measuring drug distribution, with an even flow paired with organ compartments that are large enough to sample drug uptake for mathematical modeling," he added. As of writing, the body-on-chip is still being tested to see if it can really replace animal test subjects. If the new 3D-printed device is proven effective, then it can help save animals from the harms of health tests. Read Also: New Anti-Anti-Resistant Bacteria Antibiotics Discovered by AI! First One in Over 60 Years Other Innovations Aiming to Remove the Need for Animal Test Subjects Aside from the University of Edinburgh's latest body-on-chip, Futurism recently reported that the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) also created a similar 3D-printed device. SEAS researchers said that their organs-on-chips can replace hearts, livers, cartilage, bone, and other tissues in the human body. Aside from this, the 3D-printing approach that SEAS scientists established also allowed them to create systems that can mimic lungs, intestines, and tongues. If more of these 3D-printed health innovations arrive in the future, there's a high chance that the medical industry will no longer rely on animals as their test subjects. Related Article: MIT's Vibrating Pill for Obesity Cheaper, Less Invasive Than Weight-Loss Surgery-Here's How It Works @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. OTC drugs are those that can be dispensed, retailed, and used without a prescription, from a Ministry of Health list, while prescribed drugs require a medical prescription due to the potential risks to the users health or life. Ngo Thanh Hai, lawyer, LNT & Partners For a decade, there have been new regulations emphasising the selection of cost-effective drugs at hospitals, prioritising affordability. Consequently, businesses are focusing on developing the OTC channel to fortify their positions and ensure competitiveness in the market. The existing scenario indicates a high potential for the growth of demand for OTC drugs, driven by current regulations, their effectiveness, and the evolving nature of OTC drug usage. According to SNS Insider, the global OTC drugs market reached a valuation of $166 billion in 2022, with a projected increase to $254 billion by 2030. This growth is expected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5 per cent from 2023 to 2030. Primarily, both current and forthcoming regulations emphasise the procurement of domestic drugs at reasonable costs. In October, the prime minister endorsed the national strategy for development of Vietnams pharmaceutical industry to 2030. The goal by 2030 is for domestically produced drugs to meet approximately 80 per cent of demand and account for 70 per cent of the market value. The aim also includes producing 20 per cent of the raw materials needed for domestic production and ensuring that domestic vaccines meet all the demand for expanded vaccination and 30 per cent of the demand for service vaccination. Moreover, the new Bidding Law, effective from January 1, 2024, explicitly supports the state policy of encouraging the development of domestically produced drugs. Article 56 of the law outlines incentives for purchasing drugs, reinforcing the commitment to sourcing from domestic manufacturers meeting specified criteria. Secondly, OTC drugs, available for direct purchase without a prescription, play a crucial role in self-care and treating common health conditions. The demand for OTC drugs remains significant for the majority of people, and the development of pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises adds to the competition in providing affordable, quality drugs. Thirdly, the rapid growth of e-commerce and online retail platforms has reshaped consumer purchasing behaviour, including OTC drugs. Fourth, the OTC drugs market is expected to experience substantial growth, with CAGR of 7.24 per cent from towards 2028. This is attributed to the expansion of Vietnams pharmaceutical industry, particularly in generics, biosimilars, and OTC drugs. Over the past five years, prescription drugs have contributed approximately 75 per cent of total revenues. Since 2017, the Ministry of Health has mandated that pharmacies can only dispense prescription drugs with valid prescriptions, aiming to prevent drug abuse, particularly with antibiotics. Additionally, the extension of drug circulation licences, or marketing authorisations, poses a significant challenge. Addressing the large number of these authorisations necessitates proactive measures, such as automatic extensions or continued usage for drugs meeting safety criteria. To mitigate risks, the new Law on Medical Examination and Treatment and the Bidding Law have introduced avenues for medical facilities and hospitals to autonomously decide on procurement. The former grants autonomy to state medical facilities, allowing them to use legal revenue or borrow capital for infrastructure and medical equipment investment. The latter empowers hospitals to independently procure drugs not covered by insurance funds transparently and efficiently. Despite the potential for prescribed drugs medicine development, short-term risks exist due to unclear legal guidance. The implementation of these laws may face challenges if hospitals lack a clear mechanism for execution. The forthcoming years are poised to witness significant impacts on pharmaceutical companies due to new regulations governing bidding processes, as well as medical examinations and treatments. Domestic pharmaceutical production takes precedence, making domestic companies the primary beneficiaries. With years of accumulated resources, domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises are anticipated to experience rapid and robust growth in the near future. However, as the focus remains on developing the OTC channel, the availability of essential therapeutic care prescribed drugs may still heavily rely on imported drugs. For foreign-invested enterprises engaged in drug importation and multinational corporations operating in the pharmaceutical sector, regulations permit hospitals to proactively procure necessary drugs during shortages. This ensures the stability of drug procurement channels, such as those for brand-name drugs, which are expected to persist and evolve. Nevertheless, the absence of guidance from the aforementioned laws regarding the autonomous procurement mechanisms of hospitals may pose challenges in distribution, potentially impacting revenue. Supply shortage pushes up prices of many drugs The prices of anaesthetics have increased due to supply disruptions, said insiders at some hospitals and dental clinics. Extension eases strain on drugs management International pharma businesses are pinning high hopes on smooth business performance after their long-expected proposal of extension of marketing authorisation for drugs was approved. Toyota's Daihatsu suspends all domestic production The firm, which has about 9,000 factory workers in Japan, closed the last of its four domestic plants, a Daihatsu spokesman told AFP on Tuesday. "Production will be suspended through January. We have not been able to assess as to exactly when our domestic production can resume," the spokesman said. The move could affect more than 8,000 companies across the country, according to a private research firm. Last week, the company said it had been manipulating safety tests since at least 1989, affecting 64 models, including some sold under the Toyota brand which also are being suspended. In April it said it had been falsifying crash test results for four of its models, involving a total of 88,000 vehicles made in Thailand and Malaysia in 2022 and 2023. In May, it announced it was halting production in Japan of two hybrid vehicle models because of similar "irregularities", including the Toyota Raize SUV, manufactured on behalf of its parent company. Founded in 1907 to manufacture internal combustion engines, Osaka-based Daihatsu launched its first three-wheeled vehicle in 1931, before being taken over by Toyota in 1967. Toyota subsidiary to halt all shipments over rigged safety tests Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu said Wednesday it will suspend shipments of all car models in Japan and abroad, following news it had rigged safety tests. Vietnam has been making significant strides in attracting foreign direct investment over the year. However, among many other quarters, Do Nhat Hoang, director general of the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), has raised concerns about the impact of a new worldwide tax on corporates that will enter into force in 2024 and could harm Vietnams prospects. Despite positive factors such as a significant increase in the number of newly registered projects in 2023, there are signs large corporations are being more cautious and carefully considering their intentions to invest heavily in Vietnam, Hoang said. Since mid-last year, foreign financiers in Vietnam have expressed similar concern following the announcement that many countries have decided to implement a global minimum tax (GMT) rate of 15 per cent from 2024. With the application of this tax rate, foreign backers may be required to pay a substantial amount of additional capital to their home countries. Under the agreement, companies with global revenues of 750 million ($824.5 million) or more will be subject to a GMT rate of 15 per cent. If the effective tax rate enjoyed by the company is lower than 15 per cent in the country of investment, it will have to pay the difference to its home country. While the agreement is expected to create a level playing field for multinational corporations and reduce tax avoidance, it also poses challenges for countries such as Vietnam, which have been successful in attracting foreign investment with preferential tax rates. With the implementation of a GMT rate, some foreign investors may choose to place their money elsewhere. Dao Thi Thu Huyen, deputy general director of Canon Vietnam, revealed that the company currently provides more than half of the conglomerates production output, and one of the reasons why Canon funds large-scale production in Vietnam is to enjoy tax incentives. However, if Vietnam does not have a timely policy on the application of GMT, the conglomerate may consider allocating production to other production bases with different competitive advantages. Should Canon opt to relocate its production to other countries, the repercussions would not be limited solely to Canon Vietnam, but would also impact over 130 other satellite manufacturers, Huyen said. The current climate gives rise to authentic concerns, as there are indications that major conglomerates are displaying reticence when making investment decisions in Vietnam. The statistical data on overseas funding attraction since the close of the previous year corroborates this trend. Urgent measures needed Urgent and critical are words frequently used by experts and businesses when discussing the issue of the GMT rate. The story is not just about Vietnam falling behind in the race to attract large corporations, but also losing the right to levy additional taxes. In August of last year, the government established a task force to address the issue. Both the Ministry of Finance and the MPI were tasked by the prime minister to conduct research and formulate appropriate policies. In recent times, a series of conferences and discussions organised by the ministries as well as the National Assembly Committee of Finance and Budget Committee have been held to identify suitable policies. According to Dang Ngoc Minh, deputy director-general of the General Department of Taxation (GDT), there are currently around 1,015 foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam whose parent companies fall under the scope of the GMT rate. Upon further review, about 100 businesses are likely to be affected by the GMT rate when it comes into effect in 2024. Major corporations such as Samsung, Intel, LG, Bosch, Sharp, Panasonic, Foxconn, and Pegatron, which are investing heavily in Vietnam, are on the list. If all countries with parent companies implement the GMT rate, these countries will collect an estimated additional differential tax of more than VND12 trillion ($511 million) in 2024, Minh stated. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc pointed out that for the past 35 years, Vietnam has used tax incentives as a vital financial leverage to entice new funding. Currently, although Vietnams corporate income tax (CIT) rate is 20 per cent, higher than the minimum tax rate, it will not be sufficient to address this issue because of the countrys wide range of tax incentives. Urgent measures must be taken to address the GMT rate to minimise its impact on Vietnams economy, Ngoc stated. Last year, Vietnam issued special incentives, including reduced preferential tax rates of 5-9 per cent. Businesses were also granted tax exemptions or reductions for a certain period, typically exempted for four years and granted a 50 per cent reduction in the following nine years. However, the application of the GMT will render these incentives ineffective. Experts suggest that Vietnam should proactively exercise its tax authority and continue to create a favourable business environment. Robert King, partner at EY Vietnam, emphasised that Vietnam should prioritise this issue as a country that receives major investment. At a recent meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC), Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue expressed great concern that there had been no proposals related to the GMT issue. He emphasised that the issue is urgent as the GMT will be applied from January 2024 in many places. Chairman Hue suggested that a pilot resolution should not only address the tip of the iceberg by adjusting what affects the bigger multinationals. Instead, the fundamental issue of reviewing and revising regulations on CIT and incentives should be addressed through decisive amendments to the law. On the same note, the NASC agreed to amend the law on CIT promptly to respond to the GMT. Vietnam must act decisively to maintain its competitive capacity and ability to attract foreign investment, it said. Which policy for Vietnam? During a recent meeting with the GDT, Samsung proposed two policy recommendations aimed at maintaining the capacity of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and their preferential treatment in Vietnam. Firstly, it suggested establishing support mechanisms to complement and enhance the reduced incentives for FIEs when applying the GMT, depending on their business types. Secondly, Samsung recommended applying a domestic minimum tax mechanism to secure additional tax revenue and finance support schemes. Choi Joo Ho, general director of Samsung Vietnam, advocated for a cash support mechanism to replace the income tax exemption and reduction for corporations, which will be nullified by the GMT. According to him, this measure would sustain the competitiveness of FIEs in Vietnam and enable them to continue their business operations through reinvestment using the support funds. He noted that the government would not face any difficulty in mobilising funds or making payments since the support would be disbursed after the companies fulfill their tax obligations and complete the registration procedures. In addition, several tax experts and advisors have also raised similar recommendations. Thomas McClelland, partner and head of Tax Advisory at Deloitte Vietnam, suggested that Vietnam consider implementing the domestic minimum tax mechanism to secure additional tax revenue ahead of other countries. This approach has already been announced by some markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. McClelland also proposed that Vietnam adopt cost-based incentives policies to support companies affected by the GMT. Robert King from E&Y Vietnam suggested two ways to address this issue. To secure supplementary tax revenue, Vietnam could apply the supplementary domestic minimum tax according to GloBE model rules instead of the uniform supplementary domestic minimum tax of 15 per cent. Additionally, Vietnam could provide favourable policies for investors to enhance their competitiveness, such as direct investment cost subsidies, research and development cost support, construction cost support for environmental protection projects, and emission reduction activities, King stated. In this regard, Phan Duc Hieu, a standing member of the National Assembly Economic Committee, suggests that consideration can be given to deducting expenses to achieve dual objectives. For example, instead of reducing tax rates, companies may be allowed to deduct more than 100 per cent (for instance, 150 per cent) of the costs they invest in activities such as research and development, employee training, and hiring high-quality personnel. This policy would still achieve a preferential impact while enhancing the quality of investment in the activities desired by the host country, said Hieu. In a recent dialogue with foreign investors, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that the Vietnamese government is urgently reviewing and implementing solutions to allure investment and provide support beyond taxes on a basis that does not contravene international regulations and commitments. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung also emphasised that Vietnam will study and prepare incentive policies and support for new initiatives to enhance business environment competitiveness and balance the interests of investors. Vietnam set to implement global minimum tax Vietnam is poised to adopt global minimum tax (GMT) regulations, a move set to impact 122 foreign investment conglomerates and strengthen the country's fiscal framework in line with international standards. Vietnam will remain FDI magnet with global minimum tax in place On November 29, the National Assembly of Vietnam approved a resolution on applying additional corporate income tax following the Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules, which is expected to have an impact on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Vietnam. NEW YORK (AP) The New York Times is striking back against the threat that artificial intelligence poses to the news industry, filing a federal lawsuit Wednesday against OpenAI and Microsoft seeking to end the practice of using its stories to train chatbots. The Times says the companies are threatening its livelihood by effectively stealing billions of dollars worth of work by its journalists, in some cases spitting out Times' material verbatim to people who seek answers from generative artificial intelligence like OpenAI's ChatGPT. The newspaper's lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan and follows what appears to be a breakdown in talks between the newspaper and the two companies, which began in April. The media has already been pummeled by a migration of readers to online platforms. While many publications most notably the Times have successfully carved out a digital space, the rapid development of AI threatens to significantly upend the publishing industry. Web traffic is an important component of the papers advertising revenue and helps drive subscriptions to its online site. But the outputs from AI chatbots divert that traffic away from the paper and other copyright holders, the Times says, making it less likely that users will visit the original source for the information. These bots compete with the content they are trained on, said Ian B. Crosby, partner and lead counsel at Susman Godfrey, which is representing The Times. An OpenAI spokesperson said in a prepared statement that the company respects the rights of content creators and is committed to working with them to help them benefit from the technology and new revenue models. Our ongoing conversations with the New York Times have been productive and moving forward constructively, so we are surprised and disappointed with this development, the spokesperson said. Were hopeful that we will find a mutually beneficial way to work together, as we are doing with many other publishers. Microsoft did not respond to requests for comment. Artificial intelligence companies scrape information available online, including articles published by news organizations, to train generative AI chatbots. The large language models are also trained on a huge trove of other human-written materials, which helps them to build a strong command of language and grammar and to answer questions correctly. But the technology is still under development and gets many things wrong. In its lawsuit, for example, the Times said OpenAIs GPT-4 falsely attributed product recommendations to Wirecutter, the papers product reviews site, endangering its reputation. OpenAI and other AI companies, including rival Anthropic, have attracted billions of dollars in investments very rapidly since public and business interest in the technology exploded, particularly this year. Microsoft has a partnership with OpenAI that allows it to capitalize on the companys AI technology. The Redmond, Washington, tech giant is also OpenAIs biggest backer and has invested at least $13 billion into the company since the two began their partnership in 2019, according to the lawsuit. As part of the agreement, Microsofts supercomputers help power OpenAIs AI research and the tech giant integrates the startups technology into its products. The paper's complaint comes as the number of lawsuits filed against OpenAI for copyright infringement is growing. The company has been sued by several writers including comedian Sarah Silverman who say their books were ingested to train OpenAI's AI models without their permission. In June, more than 4,000 writers signed a letter to the CEOs of OpenAI and other tech companies accusing them of exploitative practices in building chatbots. As AI technology develops, growing fears over its use have also fueled labor strikes and lawsuits in other industries, including Hollywood. Different stakeholders are realizing the technology could disrupt their entire business model, but the question will be how to respond to it, said Sarah Kreps, director of Cornell Universitys Tech Policy Institute. Kreps said she agrees The New York Times is facing a threat from these chatbots. But she also argued solving the issue completely is going to be an uphill battle. Theres so many other language models out there that are doing the same thing, she said. The lawsuit filed Wednesday cited examples of OpenAIs GPT-4 spitting out large portions of news articles from the Times, including a Pulitzer-Prize winning investigation into New York Citys taxi industry that took 18 months to complete. It also cited outputs from Bing Chat now called Copilot that included verbatim excerpts from Times articles. The Times did not list specific damages that it is seeking, but said the legal action seeks to hold them responsible for the billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages that they owe" for copying and using its work. It is also asking the court to order the tech companies to destroy AI models or data sets that incorporate its work. The News/Media Alliance, a trade group representing more than 2,200 news organizations, applauded Wednesday's action by the Times. Quality journalism and GenAI can complement each other if approached collaboratively, said Danielle Coffey, alliance president and CEO. But using journalism without permission or payment is unlawful, and certainly not fair use. In July, OpenAI and The Associated Press announced a deal for the artificial intelligence company to license APs archive of news stories. This month, OpenAI also signed a similar partnership with Axel Springer, a media company in Berlin that owns Politico and Business Insider. Under the deal, users of OpenAIs ChatGPT will receive summaries of selected global news content from Axel Springers media brands. The companies said the answers to queries will include attribution and links to the original articles. The Times has compared its action to a copyright lawsuit more than two decades ago against Napster, when record companies sued the file-sharing service for unlawful use of their material. The record companies won and Napster was soon gone, but it has had a major impact on the industry. Industry-endorsed streaming now dominates the music business. AP Technology Writer Matt O'Brien contributed to this story. Editors note: The Tribune-Herald is wrapping up 2023 with a series looking back at the Waco areas top stories of the year, chosen by our editors and staff writers. The countdown continues with No. 3. Ascension Texas started the year with layoffs, including an unknown total hitting Wacos Ascension Providence network. Then over the course of the year, Ascension Providence announced several clinic closures, leaving gaps in the Waco areas health care options. In all, Providence in 2023 closed its ear, nose and throat clinic, Hearing Center, Lacy Lakeview Family Medicine Clinic and DePaul Center. Waco Family Medicine is also taking over ownership and operation of the Ascension Providence Midwifery Clinic and Hillsboro Clinic. Waco-area health care professionals said the closures leave a hole in McLennan Countys health care network, with the DePaul closure a particularly tough loss for the areas already-strained network of mental health care facilities. Dr. Adam Falcone, president of the McLennan County Medical Society, said Texas overall is facing a shortage of primary care physicians, and while McLennan County is about at the average mark, the area is in need of more primary care doctors, not fewer. The main thing is that family medicine clinics here are already under great strain trying to provide for all the patients we have, Falcone said. Getting in to see a new physician is already difficult because they are so booked across McLennan County. With a growing population in both Texas and McLennan County, the number of physicians is remaining stagnant, leading to the strain, Falcone said. However, the Waco area is lucky to have multiple Waco Family Medicine clinics offering care to people who may not be able to afford it otherwise, he said. Waco Family Medicine has seen an increase in patients attempting to schedule appointments due to the closures of the Ascension clinics, said Dr. Ben Wilson, interim chief medical officer for Waco Family Medicine. He also said Waco Family Medicine is looking into ways to maximize its capacity for patients to serve those displaced by the Ascension closures. Waco Family Medicine also has entered a partnership with the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network to open a primary care clinic in January in the networks new Diversion Center that opened in October. The Diversion Center, intended to keep people facing acute mental health needs from winding up in jail for lack of a better option, has 16 inpatient beds. Officials said its opening is particularly important in light of DePauls closure. The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network is also relocating its crisis call center from DePaul to the Diversion Center. Ascension Providence officials have been tight lipped on the reasons for its clinic closures and declined requests for comment as they were announced. The Ascension Providence Hearing Center closed in September, followed on Oct. 31 by the ENT clinic housed in the same building. Also in October, the Lacy Lakeview Family Medicine Clinic closed. Ascension announced in October that DePaul would close by Dec. 1, with outpatient services ceasing by years end. Local health care professionals said the closure of DePaul leaves a gaping hole in an already-strained mental health care network in Waco. Ascension Providence DePaul Center has served us well over the years, Ascension Providence President Philip Patterson said in a press release at the time. Unfortunately, the center is not adaptable to renovation and expansion in a way that will meet evolving industry standards and the growing needs for mental and behavioral health in the community, especially among those who are most vulnerable. Multiple area health care professionals said DePaul had been operating for years at a loss because it offered care to patients who could not afford it, and the center was not paid back by the state. DePaul was only one of two centers in the county that offered both inpatient and outpatient mental health services, with the other being Oceans Behavioral Hospital. A few facilities operated by the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network offer one or the other. Falcone said accessing mental health services is difficult throughout Texas, and Waco has an overall lack of services. The Health Resources and Services Administration designates McLennan County as a Health Professional Shortage Area, with a rating of 13 out of 26 in terms of severity. Before closing, DePaul had been a mainstay in the Waco community, as Providence opened Miriam Hall, the first psychiatric unit in Waco, in 1952, with DePaul following in 1984. Early this month, Waco Family Medicine and Providence announced the transfer of the Providence Hillsboro Clinic and its Midwifery Clinic in Waco. Waco Family Medicine will officially start operating the clinics Jan. 1, keeping most of the health care providers who work there in place and continuing to accept the same insurance plans. Falcone said the health care industry is facing a large number of problems, which include a lack of funding, a ballooning cost of care and a lack of doctors. Falcone said a high cost of care leads people to put off treating minor problems until they get bad enough to go to an emergency room, which is more expensive and not designed to serve as a primary care clinic. After receiving emergency room care, many patients would be unable to afford paying, and the lack of funding from the state means the hospital would not be reimbursed for the care provided, Falcone said. In January, the Tribune-Herald also reported Ascension Texas was eliminating jobs, including in Waco. A statement from Ascension placed the blame on the pandemic. Prior to the layoffs, Ascension Providence was ranked second in total employees in McLennan County with 2,518. Now, it sits at third with 2,300. The New York Times also reported that Ascension had cut many jobs leading up to the pandemic, leaving it short staffed when COVID-19 hit. Additionally, over its last two fiscal years Ascension has reported net losses of $4.5 billion total, with $2.7 billion in losses in 2023 and $1.8 billion in 2022. Amid the closures, Ascension Providence brought at least two new operations to Waco this year. In August, it opened a new lactation consultation outpatient clinic in partnership with the company Breastfeeding Success, which runs the clinic in Providences Womens and Newborns Center. Joe Don Bobbitt, chief appraiser at the McLennan Central Appraisal District, announced he has accepted a new position as executive director and chief appraiser at the Tarrant Appraisal District. Deputy Chief Appraiser Jim Halbert will take over the interim McLennan County position. Bobbitt has worked for the McLennan County district since June 2011 following a five-year Army career that included two tours in Iraq. He served as interim chief appraiser from September 2019, after the departure of former Chief Appraiser Andrew Hahn, until May 2020 when the appraisal district board promoted him to the permanent position. He will begin his new job in February. Bobbitt joins the Tarrant team in Fort Worth following former Chief Appraiser Jeff Laws resignation in September. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Law resigned after issues with the districts website sparked claims of a data breach, and a recording obtained by the Star-Telegram exposed the districts head of information systems support of creating a false narrative to media about the situation. Tarrant district board Chair Tony Pompa has since said the lone finalist for Laws replacement, now known to be Bobbitt, exudes trustworthiness, honesty and is very straightforward, the Star-Telegram reported last week. A press release from the Tarrant Appraisal District said Bobbitt was chosen through a search by the firm Mackenzie Eason. Bobbitt said media has always treated him well, and he has always been forthcoming with information when asked. Even if there was something unfavorable or interesting happening, Bobbitt would do his best to inform entities and media about it ahead of time to get information to the public before rumors spread, he said. He is not new to turmoil. The board had become displeased with his predecessor before Bobbitt stepped in as interim chief, he said. McLennan Central Appraisal District board Chair Ben Perry commended Bobbitts leadership in a press release. He took over a District that had lost any positive interaction with other taxing entities and the general public, Perry said. Joe Don implemented procedures for staff to follow that not only changed our reputation with the entities and general public but in the process brought on a culture change within the District itself. People are suspicious of government entities to begin with, and it will take some time to build trust with cities and taxing entities, Bobbitt said. Sometimes people just need to be heard and understood, which he commits to doing in his new position, he said. Tarrant Countys population of some 2.13 million is much greater than McLennan Countys 263,000, but Bobbitt believes he is ready. The Tarrant Appraisal District staff is already very proficient, and he looks forward to reestablishing relationships and trust with taxing entities, he said. Bobbitt said he originally came to McLennan County because of his military service, and becoming chief appraiser was never his goal, but he has enjoyed his time and the community here. I am sad to leave, but it is a really good opportunity for me and my family, Bobbitt said. Jim Halbert, Bobbitts deputy chief appraiser, will serve as interim chief appraiser for six months before likely becoming the permanent chief. The board of directors will have the final vote on Halberts placement. Halbert, a native Wacoan and Baylor University graduate, has always been in the area and has deep ties to the community, Bobbitt said. He said he knows Halbert will do a great job. Producers of a Broadway-style musical about the famous eclipse of 1878 will debut their songs with help from Baylor University theater students on April 7, just one day before Wacos next total eclipse. The musical American Eclipse, inspired by a nonfiction book of the same name by science journalist David Baron, will dramatize the story of how the astronomical event inspired American progress in the 19th century. Baron, a self-professed eclipse chaser, plans to bring his extended family to Waco for the performance at Jones Theatre and for the April 8 total eclipse festival that Baylor is planning with the city of Waco and Lowell Observatory at McLane Stadium. I recommended other cities in the path of totality to the musicals producers, but they chose Waco, too, and I could not be more thrilled, Baron said. Producers Janet Brenner, Andrew Koenigsberg and Laura Ivey have been working four years to develop American Eclipse with hopes of bringing it to Broadway. Lyricist and composer Michael John LaChiusa will be at the Baylor premiere along with cast members. LaChuisa will reorchestrate some of the music for the voices of Baylor theater students invited to participate. The exact selections of songs have not yet been picked for the April 7 event, which will include two performances at Jones Theatre. Times and ticket information will be announced soon. Lauren Weber, a lecturer in musical theater at Baylor, played a significant role in bringing American Eclipse here, said Jeremy Vickers, Baylors assistant vice provost for research and director of technology commercialization and industry engagement. I have to give Lauren all the credit, Vickers said. She really pulled folks together. She and I have been working together with the leadership of the musical team (at Baylor) coordinating on venues, marketing and fundraising. Weber called LaChiusas music beautiful and very intricate. LaChiusas music will be a wonderful challenge for our students, Weber said in a recent interview at Jones Theatre. In this collaboration, when they brought it to us, it fits right into what we want to be challenging (our students). They cant listen to a recording to learn these. These are brand-new songs and he is reorchestrating them for our group, for this concert, which is really exciting. Evie Atwell, a senior theater major, is among about a dozen Baylor students who will make up the chorus for the performances. Its such a really cool opportunity, to work on a new work and go through that whole process of figuring out what works and what doesnt with professional actors and working with Michael John LaChiusa whos a four-time Tony-nominated writer, Atwell said. Its going to be really, really special and really, really helpful for our careers in the future. Theater student Melia Messer said she was excited to work on a production of this size with professional actors. Its just super cool, Messer said. Were all very excited to work with actors and theater professionals coming from all over to talk about this amazing natural phenomenon happening right here. The April 8 total eclipse will be the first one Waco has seen since the 1878 event celebrated in the book and musical. Astronomers from the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, have predicted Waco will offer some of the nations best eclipse experience, based on the length of the totality here and local accommodations. The eclipse will begin around 12:30 p.m. and the moon will completely transit the sun by 3 p.m. Totality, when the moon totally blocks the sun, should begin in Waco at 1:38 p.m. and end at 1:42 p.m. San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Dallas and Tyler lie in a narrow band of the U.S. where the total eclipse will be visible, running southwest to northeast. Waco sits close to the center of the path of totality, meaning the total eclipse will last longer here, at four minutes, 13 seconds. Emergency management officials here are preparing for some 100,000 visitors for the eclipse. The book that led to the American Eclipse musical was inspired by Barons trip to Aruba in 1998 to see a total eclipse. Baron had worked at a college radio station when majoring in physics in the late 1980s, and he went on to become an award-winning science correspondent with National Public Radio. I interviewed an astronomer for NPR in 1997 and he told me I owed it to myself to see at least one total eclipse, Baron said. I went to Aruba for that first one, and I was hooked. Ive been chasing eclipses around the world ever since. The book American Eclipse, subtitled A Nations Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World, was published in 2017, the year of the total eclipse in Oregon and other parts of the U.S. I approached the first eclipse as an intellectual curiosity and found it to be a transcendent experience, Baron said. I wanted to bring to life the excitement I felt in a book for the American public. His research began in earnest in 2012 and included a trip to the Texas Collection at Baylor. As his research progressed, he focused his narrative on three Americans from the era. The most compelling stories I found were those of a young Thomas Edison and Michigan astronomer James Craig Watson in Rollins, Wyoming; and Maria Mitchell, an astronomy professor at Vassar College, who led a women scientists expedition to Denver, Baron said. They all went out to the Wild West in 1878 to see the eclipse and it changed them. Shortly after he invented the phonograph and before the he invented the light bulb, Edison went to Wyoming to see the eclipse of 1878, Baron said. He had been a tinkerer until the phonograph and then he became a sensation, Baron said. Edisons experience seeing the eclipse of 1878 propelled him on to the invention of the light bulb and planning the electrification of America, Baron said. Watson, during his observations from Wyoming, believed he found evidence for a planet closer to the sun than Mercury, called Vulcan, Baron said. Vulcans existence was later disproven, but that whole series of events began during the eclipse, Baron said. The expedition of female scientists that Mitchell led to see the eclipse in Denver was the beginning of women being taken seriously as scientists in America, Baron said. So we had the electrification of America, this whole drama about discovering a planet and changing roles for women all happening at the end of the 1800s and the early 1900s, and in so many ways, these expeditions to view the eclipse of 1878 catalyzed much of that change, Baron said. Laura Ivey, the producer, bought the stage and screen rights to American Eclipse about four years ago from Baron and his publisher, W.W. Norton. I first heard about the book from my son, when he was at astronomy camp at the Lowell Observatory with his grandfather, Ivey said in an interview. Then I read it myself and fell in love with the story. I gave it my producing partner and he loved it. Ivey hired LaChiusa four years ago to begin developing the songs and the story. Earlier this year Ivey brought in director Bill Rauch, who had won a Tony award for Robert Schenkkans All the Way. The performances at Baylor, will be the first ones open to the public, Ivey said. Ivey has held American Eclipse workshops for smaller audiences by invitation only, but the first public performances will be at Baylor, Ivey said. Ivey plans to stage the production in regional theater by fall 2025. Baron is among those who have attended the smaller workshops. When I heard the songs Michael John LaChiusa wrote for the musical, I was amazed at the way he translated the experience of watching a total eclipse into songs and music, Baron said. The emotions I felt watching and listening to that performance reminded me of my own first experience seeing a total eclipse. LaChiusa received four Tony nominations in 2000 for his work on The Wild Party and Marie Christine, and another in 1996 for his book for the musical Chronicle of a Death Foretold. Baron cant wait to see the public response to the American Eclipse songs at Baylor in April. Baron calls a total eclipse a transcendent moment of unity, and he looks forward to sharing not just the musical but the experience of a total eclipse with his family and the public in Waco. You feel connected to all those other people around you watching it together, and to nature, part of the collective being of humanity, Baron said. (Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images) The Colorado Supreme Court issued a ruling that disqualifies former United States President Donald Trump from the state ballot in the 2024 presidential race over his involvement in the Capitol Hill siege. On Wednesday, the Michigan Supreme Court rejected an attempt to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot under the 14th Amendment's insurrection ban. The group ruled in favor of Trump remaining on the ballot as a left-leaning collective. They ruled that, regardless of whether or not the former president violated the 14th Amendment, Michigan's Secretary of State does not have the legal authority to remove him from the ballot. The state's Supreme Court, which leans heavily Democrat, let the lower court ruling stand in an unsigned order that stated it was "not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court." This is a clear victory for Trump and his legal team as his lawyers attempt to fight off 14th Amendment lawsuits from across the country, which aim to prevent the former President from returning to the White House. What is The 14th Amendment? The amendment, as designed, would prohibit someone from holding any office if they engaged in an insurrection after taking an oath as an officer of the United States. The 14th Amendment was ratified after the Civil War and was used to prevent Confederates from returning to office after fighting against the Union. The Trump cases - citing the events of January 6th - pose a series of open legal questions, including whether the clause applies to the presidency and whether courts have authority to disqualify candidates.Trump's legal team had successfully defended against a case in Minnesota, but he took a big hit in Colorado, where the state's supreme court banned him from the ballot. However, that ruling is currently on hold. Liberal-leaning nonprofit Free Speech for People brought the Michigan lawsuit challenging Trump's ballot placement, and the group brought a similar lawsuit in Oregon. @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. CEDAR FALLS A Waterloo man has been arrested for allegedly stealing items from the historic Mandalay Mansion in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls police arrested Brian Donald Picken, 54, of 125 Palmer Drive, on Dec. 15 on a count of third-degree burglary. He was also arrested for allegedly breaking into a Waterloo home. According to court records, Picken had prior working relationship with Mandalays owner, Alan Brase. In September 2021, items were reported missing from the historic building a 1603 Park Drive. The stolen items later turned up at area pawn shops and an investigation led to Picken, according to court records. An arrest warrant was obtained in July 2023, but Picken remained at large until around 7 a.m. Dec. 15 when police were notified of an alarm at a home undergoing remodeling at 220 Forest Ave., Waterloo. Officers found Picken outside the house carrying a camera and drills taken from the home. Mandalay Mansion was built in the early 1920s on the cliff overlooking the Cedar River. It was placed on Preservation Iowas list of endangered historic structures in 2017. This isnt the first time someone has been arrested for breaking into the building. In August 2021, a woman who lived in an apartment at the property forced her way into the landlords home. Here and gone in Waterloo, Cedar Falls BHC Courthouse Paramount Theatre Astro City Rocket Slide J.C. Penney building 18th Street bridge Clay Equipment McDonald's Sans Souci Hotel Ben Franklin downtown Jake & Bill's Coast to Coast Broom Factory Restaurant WATERLOO Authorities are pursuing federal drug charges for a Waterloo man who was found with marijuana and more than $59,000 in cash during a traffic stop. Last week, an investigator with the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force filed a complaint charging Javoni Marcelius Butler, 42, with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to court records, officers found Butler carrying $1,900 in cash and 12 grams of marijuana during a traffic stop at Clay and Dane streets on May 9. In his Audi, police discovered a MCM bag holding $57,219 in cash. A subsequent search of his cell phone uncovered information about cocaine trafficking, records state. Officers searched Butlers home at 726 Sherman Ave. a few weeks later and found 1.48 grams of cocaine and a digital scale, records state. Another search warrant was executed on Dec. 20, and officers found 6.5 grams of cocaine, records state. Butler is also awaiting trial in state court for drug charges stemming from a July 2021 traffic stop in Cedar Falls where police found 23 grams of marijuana and $10,520 in cash. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he does not think new gambling laws will affect the horse racing industry, amid concerns raised by the sector. Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has brought forward a Bill which provides for the establishment of a gambling regulatory authority and is intended to protect children and those vulnerable to problem gambling. The Government says the Bill seeks to ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way. It also includes safeguards to address problem gambling and advertising as well as measures to prevent gambling from being a source or support to crime. Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne (Brian Lawless/PA) However, horse racing channels and betting services have expressed concern about the viability of their businesses if the tighter regulations come into effect. Mr Martin, who supports the legislation and is the party leader of Minister Browne, said he does not believe the industrys concerns will be realised. He said: I think the Irish racing industry is very strong, the breeding industry is very strong, its world class. I think James Browne has worked very diligently and effectively in producing a very comprehensive piece of legislation to his credit and he has a lot of respect across the Oireachtas in respect of this. I dont believe the fears will be realised. The Fianna Fail leader said gambling addiction is a considerable issue in society and a serious public-health issue. Mr Martin added: The ESRI estimate that about 130,000 people are problem gamblers. The problem with gambling is that it can destroy families overnight. People lose their houses. It can have very, very traumatic impacts on families. So the Bill reflects the seriousness of the situation and the seriousness of gambling addiction and I believe there are ways of dealing with some of the issues that people have raised. Search warrants publicly filed last week suggest there might have been a financial motive in the killing of Winona resident Madeline Kingsbury. The applications for the search warrants to look at Kingsburys bank information submitted by Robert Wilkinson, a special agent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension share that in early April, law enforcement spoke with Kingsburys accused killer and ex-boyfriend Adam Fravel and learned from him that Kingsbury was the primary income producer for the couple and their two children. The applications also reveal that Fravel might have been able to gain from a death benefit Kingsbury had in place through her employer, Mayo Clinic, totaling $170,000. Kingsbury had not listed a beneficiary for the benefit, however, it is believed that the benefit would be paid out to her surviving children. As the biological father of the children, Fravel would have access to these funds, the search warrant applications read. In addition, Kingsbury was looking to move out of their residence. Fravel acknowledged that recently their relationship was not working, so they decided to separate and were in the process of moving out of their Winona residence. Kingsbury had been looking at different apartments in the area for her and the children to live in, the search warrant applications read, also noting that Fravel told law enforcement that Kingsbury had also entered into a new relationship with someone else. The owner of the house that Kingsbury, Fravel and their children were living in told law enforcement during the investigation that Kingsbury had texted him four days before she was reported missing that she was somewhat unexpectedly finding her own place. The applications revealed that Kingsburys mother, Krista Naber, identified in the documents as K.N., had told law enforcement officers that Kingsbury and Fravel had been multiple months behind on rent until recently. According to the property owner, starting in Sept. 2021 when rent was paid, it was paid by Kingsbury. Before then, from March to August 2021, the rent was evenly split between Kingsbury and Fravel. According to K.N., Fravel had stopped working and was not working when Kingsbury became pregnant with their second child, now about two years old. K.N. believed Fravel was laid off during the global COVID19 pandemic, and was not financially supportive. K.N. recalled Kingsbury crying over the phone because they didnt have any money, the application read. Naber told law enforcement that the couple had also been concerned about credit card bills and day care costs. The search warrant applications went on to read: According to K.N., when Fravel would come into some money, such as with the COVID relief payments, Fravel spent it on things like a home gym set instead of helping Kingsbury with things for their children or bills. According to K.N., Fravel seemed to have money available, but what was his was his, and what was Kingsburys was theirs. The applications shared that it is believed that Fravel was largely dependent on Kingsbury for financial support, and the prospect of their relationship ending would likely result in a loss of these financial support. The bank information sought after in the search warrants would illustrate that Fravel had a motive to cause Kingsburys death, due to the distress caused by his financial dependence upon Kingsbury and the prospect of the end of their relationship, according to the applications. Fravel, who is facing two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, is being held in jail with a $3 million bond without conditions and $2 million with conditions. Fravel has an omnibus hearing scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Thursday in Court Room 1 with Judge Nancy Buytendorp presiding. The hearing will be in a hybrid format, with spectators able to view the court hearing remotely via Zoom. The meeting ID for the Zoom will be 160 150 4231, with passcode 5279546. The owners and patrons of Wisconsin bars, breweries, wineries, wedding barns and other businesses where alcohol is consumed can expect to see some changes due to a sweeping law signed into law earlier this month. Supporters of the new law, which Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed on Dec. 6, say most of the changes will be largely unnoticed by consumers, though some business groups, including those representing wedding barns, have raised concern that the new law could drastically harm their businesses. In addition, the conservative law firm Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty has already signaled plans to file a legal challenge against provisions in the new law, which could overturn some components of the measure. So what changes under the new law? Breweries Under the new changes, brewers can now sell out-of-state beers, marking a change from previous law, which only allowed those businesses to sell their own product and other Wisconsin-made brews. What's more, brewers can now own retail locations not located at their brewery. Previously, brewers could only sell alcohol at retail locations on the same site as a tap room or brewery. Wineries The new law allows wineries to stay open as late as bars, meaning they can now open as early as 6 a.m. and don't have to close until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30 a.m. on weekends. Previously, wineries could only operate between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Wedding barns One of the most contentious components of the new law relates to wedding barns and private event venues businesses that rent out venue areas for parties, where the renter is responsible for purchasing and providing alcohol to guests. Under the new law, wedding barn owners will have the option of getting a "no sale event venue" permit, which allows the venue to operate as it has in the past, with patrons providing their own alcohol. However, the law limits the number of such events at one per month and no more than six total events in a year. Wedding barn owners also have the option of getting a liquor license, which would allow them to sell alcohol at their venue or prohibit the serving of alcohol on the premises. The changes have been opposed by many in the wedding barn industry, though several groups, including the powerful lobbying group the Tavern League of Wisconsin, have largely supported the effort as a means to hold private event venues to the same standards as other establishments where liquor is served. Lawmakers specifically included in the legislation a two-year delay before the changes for wedding barns go into effect. RNC closing times The law also creates a four-day exemption to bar closing times during the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled for July 15-18 in Milwaukee. Bars within 14 counties Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Rock, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Dane, Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Columbia, Sheboygan and Fond du Lac would be able to stay open as late as 4 a.m. in that four-day span. Individual cities, towns or villages have the ability to opt out of the extended hours, or to deem a specific establishment as ineligible for the exemption. Regulatory changes One of the biggest areas of change under the new law are likely going to be the least noticeable to consumers. The new law transfers all alcohol beverage regulations to a newly created Division of Alcohol Beverages within the state Department of Revenue. The new division will enforce state laws that pertain to breweries, wineries and distilleries, as well as retailers and distributors of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol in Wisconsin is distributed and sold through a roughly 90-year-old, three-tier system in which producers of beer, wine and spirits sell to wholesalers, who then sell the products to retailers to sell to consumers. The three-tiered system was created in the 1930s to prevent monopolies by barring any one company from producing and selling alcohol at the wholesale level. The framework has been a point of criticism over the years for failing to keep up with the industry and new businesses in craft beers or wedding barns. The law expands and clarifies regulations related to the production, sale and distribution of alcohol in the state, as well as licensing and enforcement, which proponents say better address the state's evolving alcohol industry. Other changes The new law also: Allows ax-throwing businesses to obtain a liquor license. Unaccompanied minors would also be allowed at such businesses. Allows alcohol producers who also own event venues to now serve spirits beyond the ones they make. What's next? While many of the changes in the law are now in place, the component relating to wedding barns comes with a two-year delay to allow time for businesses to adjust. Lucas Vebber, deputy counsel with the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, said there "definitely will be" a lawsuit filed, likely in early 2024, challenging the wedding barn provisions. Vebber said the law expands the definition of what public spaces are barred from providing alcohol without a permit to include any space "available for rent to a member of the public for an event or social gathering." The new law essentially gives wedding barn and private event venue owners three options: getting a liquor license, which could also require modifications to their conditional use permits and investments to comply with tavern requirements; operating as a "no sale event venue," which limits the number of events they can host; or no longer allowing alcohol at events. Vebber said the hope is that any lawsuit is concluded before those new rules go into effect. This is an industry that has never faced this kind of regulation because they dont sell alcohol and theyve never been classified as a public place before," Vebber said. "So this is all new to them, and so many of them now are grappling with what are they going to do moving forward?" "Unfortunately, I think the practical reality is that many of them are going to close," Vebber said. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Whether youre ringing in the new year with a midnight kiss, singing Auld Lang Syne, watching fireworks or writing a laundry list of resolutions, when the clock strikes midnight, its a moment of transition from old to new. And when you have transition markers like New Years Eve, says Jack Santino, 76, a retired professor of popular culture at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, it is often accompanied with ritual, belief and superstition. AARP Membership Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now [People] feel that you can do something during the period of transition that will have an effect on the future, on whats coming, says Santino, who has also written several books on holidays and ritual and was the former president of the American Folklore Society. Whether youre planning to call it an early night or you have a ritual of your own that you wholeheartedly believe or just partake of in jest, these rituals are all about making sure to mark the occasion, and symbolically open ourselves to new and hopefully more positive experiences, says Debra Lattanzi Shutika, 59, a folklorist and associate professor at George Mason University. Rituals can be especially comforting when youre looking for a way to move on from the past, says Shutika. Weve had some pretty tough years and so the idea is that you want to mark the boundary and say, That horrible year is behind us, or even that mediocre year and were hoping for better things in the year to come. AARP spoke to Santino, Shutika and other folklorists and anthropologists to uncover some unique New Years rituals and the reasons behind them. Eating 12 grapes before midnight At the top of Santinos mind when discussing New Years Eve rituals is one he took part in while visiting Spain: feeding 12 grapes to a partner. You would actually place the grape in a partners mouth, and we did the 12 [grapes] for the 12 tolling bells, he says, adding that the longstanding tradition had been commercialized to the point that supermarkets now sell cans of 12 individual grapes in Spain. This Spanish tradition, practiced in various forms throughout Latin America, supposedly ensures you a year of good luck if youre quick enough. Folklore says it may bring you bad luck if you dont finish on time. Circular or semicircular foods and items represent coins and money, and in this instance the number of grapes symbolizes one good wish, one good thing consumed for each month, says Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby, 62, professor of Russian studies, folklore and linguistics at the University of Kentucky. The $45 billion online gaming business in China has taken a hit due to plans to cut spending and regulate the industry. Investors are in a state of worry after regulators announced new guidelines last week, including spending limitations for online games, a prohibition on games that reward players for checking in every day, and a ban on lucky draw components supplied to minors. According to The Guardian, the market value of Tencent's stock dropped over $43 billion as its shares dropped over 12% on Friday, December 22. NetEase's stock also dropped over 24%. The social networking site BilliBilli, which gets about 17% of its income from gaming, even saw an almost 10% drop in share price on Friday. The authorities have heard all sides' worries and thoughts, according to state media, and the suggestions may yet be improved and revised. Crackdown on the Gaming Sector In an effort to limit kids' and teenagers' gaming time, Chinese officials first focused on the country's enormous gaming industry in 2021. Video games were referred to as "spiritual opium" by state-run media at that period. The business went into a spiral when the government introduced a restriction that was difficult to enforce, which indicated that children under 18 may play games for only two hours per day, including on weekends and holidays. The popularity of video games persists despite China's crackdown on the sector. This year, domestic sales increased by 13%. Half of China's population, or 668 million people, played video games in the first half of the year, according to the government-run industry group CGIGC, which released its numbers in July. In a report by NewScientist, researchers from the University of York discovered this year that the 90-minute daily gaming ban that was put in place in 2019 did not reduce heavy gaming at all. Nevertheless, the year 2022 saw the first-ever decline in the online gaming industry. Though they had risen from their low points by Wednesday, December 27, Tencent and NetEase shares on the Hong Kong stock market are still lower than they were before Friday. Tencent Games' Vice President Vigo Zhang has promised that the business would adhere rigidly to any new rules. Read Also: China Steals AI Tech To Carry Cyberattacks in US, FBI Warns Latest Regulations by Chinese Authorities According to experts, the new regulations will have the greatest impact on smaller gaming enterprises. After Beijing's initial crackdown in 2021--which blocked the approval of new games for over a year--about 14,000 smaller studios and video game companies allegedly deregistered in the second half of that year. A new regulation mandating the processing of gaming license applications within 60 days is one of the industry-welcomed improvements included in the most recent proposals. On Friday, Beijing also gave the go-ahead for 40 new imported games to be released in China. An industry group said that the government's approval of 105 more games this week demonstrates its support for the expansion of online gaming. The deadline for public feedback on the suggestions is January 22, 2024. Read Also: China's iPhone Crackdown Worsens as Western Smartphone Ban in State Firms, Government Departments Expand @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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He said, "This is going to my African fundamentalism... No non-African can ever be the best of anything African," before adding, "It's an insult to the ancestors. It's an insult to the race and it's an insult to every Black person." "We gotta stop naming non-African people as being the best of any aspect of our cultural power because it is an insult," he continued. "I can acknowledge Eminem's talent. But for you to put him at the top, that's white supremacy." "Do you think I can go to Palestine and be the best of anything of Palestinian culture? You never see that," he furter argued. "You think I can go to Israel and be the best of anything in Israel whether it be a cook, an instrumentalist, a dancer? Hell no." Dr. Umar went on to stress, "We have to stop naming non-African people as being the best of any aspect in our cultural product because it's an insult." His statements didn't sit well with many people. One person in particular fumed, "Bro, tired of people making everything about race. Can't stand this cancel culture. Eminem is one of the greats and let him have that title. It's well deserved." Another commented, "Hip Hop and Rap isn't AFRICAN! It's multicultural and doesn't belong to one race. His skin tone has NOTHING to do with his talent and to undermine that is wild." You can share this post! Cover Images//Media Punch Celebrity Kenneth Ball reportedly joins the one million civil lawsuit against 810 Billiards and Bowling as he claimed that 'he's suffered substantial pecuniary loss both in the past and in the future.' Dec 27, 2023 AceShowbiz - The drama in Takeoff's family in the wake of his passing has yet to be over. According to a new report, his father, Kenneth Ball, has joined a $1 million wrongful death lawsuit against 810 Billiards & Bowling in Houston as an "Intervenor." The lawsuit was first filed by Takeoff's mom, Titania Davenport, back in June. Now Kenneth entered the legal case as a third party as he claimed that "he's suffered substantial pecuniary loss both in the past and in the future," according to AllHipHop. "Indeed, [Ball] has suffered past and future pecuniary loss," Kenneth's lawyer, Brant J. Stogner, added, "including funeral and burial expenses, psychological and psychiatric expenses, loss of advice, loss of counsel, loss of services, loss of care, loss of maintenance and loss of support." Like Titania, Kenneth is seeking at least $1 million from 810 Billiards & Bowling, where their son Takeoff was fatally shot. Media Take Out previously divulged that Takeoff did not have a will when he died in a shooting in November 2022. Under Georgia state law, his entire estate will go to his closest living relatives. Since he did not have any children, that persons would be his parents. The problem is Takeoff's mother and father are reportedly not on good terms. According to people close to him, the 28-year-old was raised by his mother and they have no idea what involvement Takeoff's father had in rearing the Migos star. However, since Takeoff's death, many of Takeoff's father's relatives have taken to social media, claiming about his involvement in the late rapper's life. Kenneth wrote after Takeoff's passing, "Kirsnick Khari Tiquon Ball my first love out of my five kids this is so so hard please keep Titania Davenport (Treet) and me (Kenneth M Ball) and the entire family on both sides in your prayers doing our difficult time. No one know the pain I'm feeling right now BUT with GOD I will find peace." You can share this post! Celebrity The 48-year-old South Korean actor was found unconscious inside a parked car in a park in Seoul after police received a report that he had left what appeared to be a suicide note. Dec 27, 2023 AceShowbiz - South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun has passed away. The star, known internationally for his role in awards-winning film "Parasite", is believed to have tragically ended his own life on Wednesday, December 27. The 48-year-old actor was found unconscious inside a car that was parked in a park located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Police had gone to the site after receiving an emergency call from a woman who said her husband had left the house after writing what appeared to be a suicide note. They located the actor's vehicle in the park approximately 30 minutes later, at around 10:30 A.M. The police have since confirmed his death, stating, "We have confirmed the identity and death of Lee Sun-kyun." The police have also found evidence of lit charcoal briquettes inside his car, further suggesting that the actor's death may have been suicide. Lee Sun-kyun's shocking death came amid police investigation into his suspected drug use. He had appeared before the police for three rounds of questioning and always denied the charges. Most recently, he appeared at the Nonhyeon Police Station in Incheon and underwent an intense investigation that lasted nearly 20 hours on Saturday, December 23. During the last questioning, he told the authorities that he thought he was using a sleeping pill, not realizing it was a drug. "I inhaled using a straw through my nose but thought it was a sleeping pill. I didn't know it was a drug," he said. Lee Sun-kyun rose to fame in South Korea through his roles on "Coffee Prince" (2007) and "White Tower" (2007). He later landed the lead role on popular TV series "Pasta" (2010), "Golden Time" (2012) and "My Mister" (2018). On the big screen, he received a Best Actor award from the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival for his role in "Paju" (2009). He later starred in Bong Joon-ho's critically-acclaimed film "Parasite", which won Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards. Lee Sun-kyun is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two sons. You can share this post! Instagram/Cover Images/Seth Browarnik Celebrity Meanwhile, Kim's other child Chicago, whom she also shares with her rapper ex-husband, steals the show with her strong resemblance to the SKIMS founder. Dec 27, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's eldest daughter North West paid a fashion tribute to her dad at the Kardashian-Jenner family's Christmas Eve bash. The 10-year-old girl served looks as she incorporated one of the rapper's most iconic looks into her outfit. In Instagram pictures shared on Tuesday, December 27, North could be seen going color-coordinated with Kim for the festive soiree. The little girl rocked the same embellished Balmain trucker jacket the rapper wore to the Met Gala in 2016. She paired the bedazzled designer jacket with a white turtleneck and silver sandals. Her famous mom Kim, meanwhile, looked stunning in a light-blue floor-length dress. The beautiful dress screamed Christmas as it featured fur and silk details. The 43-year-old star further oozed sexiness with the plunging neckline as she donned layered necklaces for the accessories. The snaps also saw the SKIMS founder joined by her other kids, namely Saint (8), Chicago (5) and Psalm (4). For the annual party, Chicago donned an icy blue long-sleeved top and matching leggings. She matched Kim's look as the outfit came with a blue furry skirt and furry details on each sleeve. As for Psalm and Saint, the boys wore black shirts and matching pants for the occasion. Upon catching wind of the snaps, fans couldn't help but rave over Chicago's beauty and her strong resemblance to Kim. "Chicago is literally your mini you!" one fan commented underneath the post. Another gushed, "Chi is your twin, she is beautiful." "Chicago is such a pretty girl!" one other said. Some others, meanwhile, called the little girl her mother's "look-alike" and "doppelganger." Kim's sister Khloe Kardashian was also one of those who praised Kim's children, writing in a comment, "All of the babies are serving!!!!! Wow wow wow." As for Paris Hilton, she said, "Stunning!" At the party, which took place at Kim's lavish $60 million mansion, guests were treated to a fun sledding activity. Family friend and musician Babyface also serenaded the party-goers as he belted out Christmas carols alongside Tank and Wanya Morris. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The daughter of Shanna Moakler and Travis Barker is bombarded with backlash from critics, including one who accuses her of seeking attention with a controversial post. Dec 27, 2023 AceShowbiz - Alabama Barker has found herself in hot water following her controversial social media post. After sharing several racy photos, the daughter of Shanna Moakler and Travis Barker was blasted for allegedly being "so desperate for attention." On Tuesday, December 26, the 18-year-old former reality TV star was bombarded with criticisms over her never-before-seen pictures featuring her wearing a sizzling outfit. In the comments section of her Instagram post, one critic bluntly wrote, "So desperate for attention. I just don't get it. Poor thing." Meanwhile, another penned, "Shocked she didn't drop an OF on her 18th lol," making a reference to adult platform OnlyFans. Despite the unpleasant online responses, Alabama was defended by other social media users. One in particular stated, "Damn I never seen so many elderly people hating on a barely legal female. like don't you guys have jobs and families to look after? But here you are hating on someone who doesn't even know you exist lol." Similarly, another asked, "Why are y'all so damn worried about what she does? Go touch grass lmao." In the photos, Alabama was captured flaunting her chest in nothing under an unzipped black leather crop jacket, which came with two long sleeves and white graphics on some of its parts. She was also seen putting on a leggy display in a pair of black leather pants that were short enough to expose her upper thighs. Around her waist, she donned a black strap that had "Alabama Barker" silver embellishments on it. The new post came after the former "Meet the Barkers" star, who turned 18 years old on Christmas Eve, bragged about having a Birkin Hermes bag for the first time. On Monday, December 25, she uploaded a photo of a white Birkin handbag via Instagram Story. Over the snap, she noted, "Your girl got her first birkin," adding a smiling face emoji. Alabama Barker showed off what she got for Christmas and 18th birthday. That same day, Alabama also revealed that her dad Travis treated her and her older brother Landon Barker to matching all-black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons for Christmas. On Instagram Story, she released a video of the two luxury vehicles, which were decorated with huge red bows, being parked in the family's driveway. Over the clip, she penned, "I LOVE YOU!" and tagged Travis as well as Landon's Instagram accounts. You can share this post! Two U.S. senators are urging Tesla to conduct a mass recall because of faulty EV suspension parts. The American officials sent a letter to Elon Musk, asking the billionaire to order his EV company to initiate a recall. Democratic senators Edward Markey (Massachusetts) and Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut) said that they are concerned about the recent report about the automaker's knowledge of safety flaws in its EV models, as well as the concealment of these flaws' causes. The report they were referring to came from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. US Senators Call for Tesla Recall Over Faulty EV Suspension Parts Markey and Blumenthal said that it is quite concerning that Tesla already has knowledge regarding its faulty EV suspension components and still blames the issues on drivers. "We are disturbed that you would blame your customers for these failures," said the Democratic senators via Teslarati. "It is unacceptable that Tesla would not only attempt to shift the responsibility for the substandard quality of its vehicles to the people purchasing them but also make that same flawed argument to NHTSA," they added. Based on Reuters' investigation, Tesla allegedly informed its EV consumers and NHTSA that the issues on suspension parts, such as the aft link, are happening because of driver abuse. With this claim, the giant EV maker was able to avoid recalling its affected electric cars in the United States. But, what's suspicious about this is that Tesla conducted a recall in China back in 2020 over the same suspension flaws. However, the investigation revealed that the Tesla 2020 recall in China only included the Model X and Model S, which are low-volume cars, meaning that fewer Chinese consumers are purchasing them. Read Also: Tesla Cybertruck Resellers Could Face Lawsuit if They Sell EV Less Than a Year Tesla Engineers Complain About Suspension Failures In 2020, NHTSA issued a statement regarding the mass recall in China. The transportation safety agency said that it was aware of the faulty suspension parts in the Chinese market. But, officials clarified that they haven't received any significant report on these suspension issues in the U.S. However, the latest investigation by Reuters revealed the opposite. The report claims that some Tesla engineers are complaining about frequent failures of aft link suspensions and other similar components. Aside from these, they have also reported issues with EV axle and steering wheel parts for years. As of writing, Tesla and Elon Musk haven't commented regarding the recall request of the two U.S. Democratic senators. Related Article: 2021 Tesla Robot Attack Incident Resurfaces as Concerns Over Automated Technology in Workplaces Increase @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Cover Images/Roger Wong Movie While the 'View' moderator makes a surprise cameo in the new adaptation of Alice Walker's novel, she has not attended the film's promotional events because she's 'just here to pass the baton.' Dec 27, 2023 AceShowbiz - Fans may not need to read between the lines regarding Whoopi Goldberg's non-presence at "The Color Purple" premieres. The comedian, who had a role in the original film by Steven Spielberg, has not attended promotional events for the new movie, which is now explained by director Blitz Bazawule. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times regarding Whoopi's surprise cameo in the movie, Blitz says he understands why the actress refused to attend the premieres. "We had talked about it in her trailer a little bit, and she said, 'I'm just here to pass the baton,' " says Blitz of Whoopi. "I really appreciated that, because not everybody is as benevolent when it comes to knowing that 'The Color Purple' is really the star here," he adds. "It was incredibly special to know that we had her blessing to move forward with this version." Recalling the filming of Whoopi's cameo, the helmer shares, "We had to stop and laugh because of everything she did, and you forget that she comes from stand up [comedy]." He then appreciates the 68-year-old's sweet gesture to the movie's star Phylicia Pearl Mpasi. "But more than anything, I just remember how caring and loving she was to Phylicia," he gushes. "It was symbolic not only because of what Whoopi represents in the canon of 'The Color Purple', but what Whoopi represents, period - the juggernaut that she is, and the doors she kicked open." Whoopi was cast as a midwife who helps Phylicia's young Celie deliver a baby at the beginning of the film. Screenwriter Marcus Gardley says that he thought Whoopi playing Celie's mother "felt too on the nose," so he created the role of a local midwife. "Symbolically, that felt like the perfect part, because she's the one to not only encourage her during the birth, but it's like she herself gave birth to the role and now we see her passing it down," he explains. "It's one of the most beautiful scenes because you see [Whoopi] looking upon [Phylicia] with pride and telling her, 'You can do it.' " Gardley also reveals that Whoopi's presence in the movie is in a way to honor Steven's film. "We struggled with figuring out where it could happen and what character she would be, because the Spielberg film looms so large in our culture," he shares. "And these actresses grew up watching these iconic roles that inspired them to become actresses themselves." Whoopi's cameo was kept under tight wraps and nobody dropped a hint even during the cast's appearance on "The View". In the December 13 episode, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks visited the show with Blitz, but Oprah Winfrey, who starred alongside Whoopi in the 1985 film and serves as producer for the new take, did not take part in the filming, fueling speculation there's a beef between the two former co-stars. " 'The View' is pissed that Oprah avoided 'The View'," a so-called ABC insider revealed to Page Six earlier this month. According to a source, the episode was "taped on Nov. 27 when [Oprah] wasn't available." A spokesperson for Oprah's Harpo production company also noted that Oprah made up her absence by recording the show's "Favorite Things" segment. The rep said, "As one of the producers, there have been appearances Ms. Winfrey did not participate in with the cast, and was unable to be in New York when this segment was filmed right after Thanksgiving. She is overjoyed to see the cast have their moment." Meanwhile, Media Take Out previously reported Oprah informed Fantasia that Whoopi did not want to be bothered when the "American Idol" alum would like to reach out to the "Sister Act" star while filming the movie. Whoopi reportedly felt slighted because she was very open to helping in any way she could and she wondered why Fantasia never reached out. You can share this post! In a significant and unique move, Aashirvaad Atta, Indias No.1 atta brand, unveiled its new campaign 'Likh ke Le Lo which is aimed to empower consumers with detailed insights into crucial quality parameters of atta. This is expected to help them make informed choices. Consumers today, are more conscious than ever about the food products they consume and often seek information on ingredients, sourcing, etc to assess the quality of the same. For a food category like atta, where a significant proportion of households are still using the unbranded formats, Aashirvaad has come out with an industry first initiative to instil confidence in the minds of the consumers and allay any fears they might be harbouring; right from concerns related to the quality of the wheat being used, how clean it is, how it is ground to whether it has any maida added. As a responsible market leader in the branded atta segment, Aashirvaad brings personalised Quality Certificate to foster transparency and trust. Each pack of Aashirvaad Shudh Chakki atta comes with a QR code that will allow consumers to get information pertaining their own atta pack, reinforcing the brands pledge to unmatched quality. The certificate covers information highlightingJourney of Excellence from grain to atta - Sourcing: Aashirvaad Atta meticulously sources wheat from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab which then undergoes 40+ quality control tests Grinding: A rigorous three-step cleaning process is undertaken to ensure that the wheat has no form of impurities. It then goes through traditional stone chakki grinding which ensures high water absorption leading to softer rotis. Purity: Aashirvaad comes with the purity promise of 100% atta and 0% maida Cleanliness: Packed with precision and untouched by hands, Aashirvaad Atta is packed in the most hygienic process ensuring controlled moisture levels, giving a shelf life of up to three months. Speaking on the campaign, Mr. Anuj Kumar Rustagi, COO, Staples & Adjacencies, ITC Foods said, "Aashirvaad's legacy of quality and purity takes a giant leap with the 'Likh ke Le Lo campaign. This symbolizes our unwavering commitment to delivering whole wheat atta of the highest standards. This certificate not only assures consumers of our quality standards at every step, but also empowers them with information to evaluate their current choices. We believe this initiative will redefine consumer expectations, setting a new industry benchmark." To further amplify the campaign and convey the message to consumers effectively, Aashirvaad has roped in the popular TV star Rupali Ganguli and curated a TVC campaign. Here, she will be seen assessing the Quality Certificate feature of Aashirvaad Atta. Beyond Key, a global leader in IT consulting and software services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anuj Karwa as Vice President of Sales. Having worked in sales for more than 13 years in a variety of industries, Anuj brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Anuj holds an MBA from the esteemed Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies and is a distinguished graduate. He started his career at Tata Consultancy Services as a Change Management Consultant, and his strategic thinking and hard work earned him a promotion to Business Development Manager. Anuj developed his talents even more at Jio Platforms Ltd., where he held the role of Business Development Manager and made a major growth contribution to the company. He later moved on to work for Oracle as an Account Manager, where he demonstrated his ability to establish and maintain relationships with clients. Anuj's career progressed with multiple successful positions, leading to his most recent position as Vice President of Sales at Beyond Key. At Beyond Key, Anuj will be in charge of the Global Business Development programs. As the driving force behind the company's expansion plans, his unwavering dedication to quality and enthusiasm for innovation make sure Beyond Key stays afloat in the rapidly changing business and technological landscape. "We are thrilled to welcome Anuj Karwa to our team as Vice President of Sales," said Piyush Goel, Beyond Key's founder and CEO. "With his broad experience, strategic approach, and successful sales history, Anuj will definitely be a key player in propelling Beyond Key's expansion into international markets." Anuj's market exposure is wide, with a concentration on the USA, Europe, Africa, and India. His sales experience covers a wide range of industries, including market research and advisory services, Ed-Tech (technology and content solutions), IT solutions and services, and more. "I am ecstatic to be working with Beyond Key. Joining this innovative company represents a thrilling new phase in my career journey, says Anuj. "Beyond Key's dedication to quality, innovative solutions, and dynamic workplace environment are a wonderful fit for my professional goals. I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to the team, and I look forward to contributing to the company's continued success. In addition to furthering my professional development, I believe that this partnership will greatly advance Beyond Key's expansion and success. On the occasion of Kisan Diwas 2023, Godrej Agrovet Limited, one of Indias largest diversified agri-business, released a brand film to thank Indian farmers. The film, titled#KisanSeHumHai, is a heartfelt tribute torecognize the integral role our farmers play in feeding the nation. Conceptualized and executed by the Corporate Brand and Communications team at Godrej Industries Limited and Associated Companies along with Creativeland Asia, the film showcases appreciation that Godrej Agrovet has towards the Indian farmers and its pledge to help uplift the farming families. qEX-h_HuZ6s?autoplay=0&rel=0" frameborder="0"> On the launch of the brand film this Kisan Diwas, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet Limited, said, At Godrej Agrovet, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our farmers who ensure that our nation is well-fed. The film is a sincere acknowledgment of the hard work and selfless nature of farmers. Being the backbone of our nation, their well-being is not just our goal, it's our foundation. Hence, on behalf of the entire team of our company, I extend our gratitude to them and salute their dedication. Representing the collective voice of the leadership team, all of them pledged steady support to farmers in various domains. Burjis Godrej, Executive Director emphasized the companys objective to meet farmers needs which is the core purpose and passion of the company. Rajavelu N.K., CEO Crop Protection Business, highlighted how company ensures every seed sown by the farmer flourishes to make thriving nation and also uplift the farming families. Sandeep Kumar Singh CEO, Animal Feed Business, focused on animal care, watching over livestock thereby sustaining Indias protein needs. Bhupendra Suri, CEO Godrej Jersey, the dairy business of Godrej Agrovet Limited, celebrated the spirit of dairy farmers who take care of countrys nutrition while the company ensured their cattles well-being and support for their journey to prosperity. Sougata Niyogi, CEO Oil Palm Business, highlighted companys efforts to champion sustainable oil palm farming in the country thereby reducing Indias dependency on oil palm imports and most importantly safeguarding farmers profits. Anu Joseph, Co-Founder and Creative Vice-Chairman, Creativeland Asia, said, "Godrej Agrovet wanted to express their gratitude to men and women who grow the food that's put on our table. So, we wrote an ode to farmers on Kisan Diwas. And what can be better than the team at Agrovet themselves narrating it." The Godrej Group has consistently worked directly with farmers, providing support for better returns through knowledge, superior technologies, and innovative processes. At Godrej Agrovet, the team has been at the forefront of innovation since 1991, striving to improve farm productivity and help feed our nation. Authored by Bhaskar Majumdar, Head Marketing Communications, CSR and Digital, Egis India and South Asia The Indian Public Relations (PR) industry is poised for significant growth in 2024, driven by several key factors. The industry has gone through a radical shift with the availability of data, wider reach of internet, analytics, and growth of smartphones. Another primary driver is the increasing importance of digital communication channels. As technology continues to advance, PR professionals are adapting their strategies to leverage digital platforms for enhanced outreach. Technology will continue to rule (even more than before) as the primary tool for PR practitioners. This includes digital marketing automation tools. These tools create efficiency and effectiveness without having the practitioner sit at the desk to do it. The evolving media landscape will shape the PR industry's trajectory. Traditional media outlets are facing challenges, but at the same time, new and niche platforms are emerging. PR professionals will need to navigate this dynamic environment, crafting tailored messages for different mediums to ensure maximum reach and impact. The role of Corporate Communication has become a multi-specialty outreach, the modern Corporate Communications function is agile, multidisciplinary, and insights driven. Blend of earned, paid, owned, and shared media and Digital Outreach and Social Media Outreach will be now being an integral part of all Communication campaign planning. Communicators are increasingly acting as change agents, enabling ongoing transformation. Public Relations (PR) in India has witnessed a significant evolution with the integration of social media influencer engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into its service offerings. The increasing emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. Consumers are increasingly conscious of a company's ethical practices, and PR strategies will need to align with these values. Companies that effectively communicate their commitment to social and environmental causes are likely to build stronger, more positive relationships with their audiences. The incorporation of CSR into PR services reflects a growing awareness of the importance of corporate responsibility in shaping public perception. Many Indian brands now consider CSR initiatives not only as a philanthropic endeavor but also as an integral part of their overall PR strategy. PR agencies play a pivotal role in aligning CSR efforts with the brand narrative, creating a positive impact on both society and the brand's image. By integrating CSR into their service offerings, PR agencies contribute to building a socially responsible corporate image. This approach not only resonates well with consumers who prioritize ethical and socially conscious brands but also enhances a company's long-term reputation. Brands that actively engage in CSR activities, guided by strategic PR, often enjoy a competitive edge in the market. The advent of social media platforms has revolutionized the way brands communicate, making influencer engagement an indispensable component of PR strategies. As a result, PR agencies in India are increasingly leveraging the reach and impact of social media influencers to enhance brand visibility and credibility. Social media is expected to play a pivotal role, with influencers and online communities becoming vital channels for brand communication. Brands are likely to focus on building authentic connections with their audiences through engaging content and interactive campaigns on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Social media influencers, with their extensive follower base, provide a unique avenue for brands to connect with a diverse audience. PR agencies recognize the power of influencer collaborations in amplifying brand messages, driving engagement, and fostering a more authentic connection with consumers. The dynamic nature of social media allows for real-time interactions, enabling PR professionals to adapt and respond swiftly to market trends and consumer sentiments. The role of data and analytics in PR will continue to expand, enabling professionals to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns more precisely. Data-driven insights will guide PR strategies, allowing for real-time adjustments and optimization to achieve the desired results. The growth of PR in India is intricately linked to its adaptation to the digital landscape and the inclusion of influencer engagement and CSR as integral service offerings. As brands continue to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape, PR professionals must adeptly utilize social media influencers and CSR initiatives to foster meaningful connections with audiences while positively impacting society. A thirst for content thats relevant and authentic and easily adoptable in different tools of communication will be key. While opportunities abound, challenges also loom on the horizon. Crisis management will be a critical aspect of PR strategies, as brands face increased scrutiny in the age of instant information dissemination. PR professionals will need to be agile and proactive in addressing potential issues to safeguard the reputation of the organizations they represent. The Indian PR industry in 2024 is set to experience a transformation shaped by digital communication, social responsibility, evolving media dynamics, and data-driven decision-making. Success in this landscape will require adaptability, strategic thinking, and a keen understanding of the changing expectations of both clients and audiences. Authored By Surabhi Trivedi, Co-founder ( Media Maniacs Group ) The Role of Media in Human Rights Advocacy "The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened". John F. Kennedy had made this statement in the last century. No wonder it holds in the present scenario, especially regarding the role of media in Human Rights Advocacy. Let's look at the glorious past of the media, the Pre-Independence era, to be precise. We see how Hickys Bengal Gazette was published in 1780 in defiance of the autocratic rule of the British East India Company. Mass media played a defining role in that period, catalysing the freedom movements of Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters. Media and effective PR strategies have chaperoned the rights of the ordinary people, the marginalised, underprivileged, transgender people, and elderlies, and awareness around child labour and female infanticide belligerently. It is the spirit with which media has gone about championing the cause of the right to freedom in India and elsewhere in the world. The media has acted diligently to bridge the gap between the Government and the masses. The relationship between the masses and the media is symbiotic. The existence of a democratic polity supposedly rests upon the existence of a free and independent media. To say that the media is subservient to the Government at times should not be considered as pithy as it seems. It implies that it can either have a therapeutic effect or be detrimental to the stakeholders' interests. Ethical Journalism and PR Practices If we look at todays scenario, ethical journalism is the need of the hour. The set of codes that every journalist is aware of seeks and reports the truth as it is without distorting the facts and minimizing the harm by demonstrating compassion for sources and story subjects and acting independently by not falling for undue influence from lobbyists or potential newsmakers. Lastly, be accountable for any story exposing unethical practices of media. Another important aspect of ethical journalism is that it should respect the confidentiality and anonymity of its sources whenever possible and simultaneously avoid undue intrusion or harassment while collecting information. The onus is on them to protect the identity of whistle-blowers and individuals at risk. What PR professionals pitch to the journalists should be done with utmost care and importance. It is so because, as a PR professional, what matters is the news value that it makes for its clients to be put across to its audience and carve out a niche for itself in the market as a brand. Public Relations is all about perception management. If we look into perception, it is how an individual interprets and makes sense of the world, which is influenced by their experiences, culture, belief system and the information they are exposed to. PR professionals should prioritize transparency, accuracy, honesty, integrity and reliable communication to maintain credibility. Scheming tactics that deceive the public can erode confidence and trust and have long-term consequences for the organization and the PR industry. Ethical practices should always guide the practice of PR. Amplifying Human Rights and World Human Rights Day Every year on the 10th of December, we come together and celebrate the essence of being human. We have rights simply by being born as human beings. Human rights are relatively easy to understand and conjure. It is a virtue that implies one to feel respected, treated with dignity, and valued for who they are. The rights we humans have emanate from the fact that we have a Constitution that guarantees its citizens the fundamental right to live a life with human dignity. One should not hold a myopic view when it comes to issues related to children. Children are also human beings, and they have human rights, too. PR practitioners and news professionals should raise their voices for these meek, subdued, puerile individuals. Be it child labour, child abuse, child marriage, or child sexual exploitation, they are often the most vulnerable section of society. Undoubtedly, children are the assets of the future, but at the same time, they are also the victims of most human rights violations worldwide. What matters is that our liberty should not be abjured in the name of national security; that is to say, our right to voice our opinion should not be gagged, and this is where the role of news professionals and PR practitioners comes in. Like the lighthouses, these professionals should act as a beacon of hope to people whose voices have been trampled and gagged. So much so that even Nelson Mandela had to say that, "To deny people their human rights is challenging their very humanity". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to discuss post-war plans for the Gaza Strip. As of writing, it looks like Netanyahu is only focusing on eliminating Hamas. Ever since the 7-day ceasefire between the Israel Defense Forces and the Palestinian terrorist group ended on Dec. 1, Israel has been expanding its counteroffensives. Despite calls from the U.S. and other allied countries, IDF is still bombarding the Gaza Strip; expanding their attacks to densely populated urban refugee camps in the central part of the city. Because of this, security officials are now urging Netanyahu to discuss post-war plans for Gaza. Unfortunately, the prime minister rejected their requests. Israeli PM Netanyahu Refuses to Discuss Post-War Plans for Gaza According to The Guardian's latest report, directors of Mossad, the Shinbet, the IDF chief of staff, and the defense ministry requested Netanyahu's office to arrange post-war discussions for Gaza. However, Israel's Channel 12 (Keshet 12)a local news companyclaimed that the prime minister rejected the requests of the security officials. The Israeli network mentioned an unnamed security leader of Israel, who said that Netanyahu and his government should start making decisions inside and outside the Gaza Strip after the war. "Time is running out and decisions need to be made already about how to act with regard to all the relevant actors inside and outside the Gaza Strip," explained the anonymous Israeli official. He added that the Israeli government needs to start discussing post-war plans for Gaza since the United States is already asking for explanations. Read Also: Iran Releases Animated Assassination of NetanyahuHere's How They Envision Killing Israel's Leader Why Netanyahu Don't Want Post-War Gaza Plans Rumors claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu is refusing post-war plan discussions for the Gaza Strip since he is protecting his current position as Israel's prime minister. Experts said that once the Israel-Hamas war ended, his wartime unity government would be disbanded. They added that any solution involving Palestinian leaders, such as the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank, could threaten the stability of Netanyahu's far-right coalition government. Since Netanyahu is showing no interest in making post-war plans for the Gaza Strip, many leaders accuse him of just wanting to exterminate all Palestinians. One of these leaders is Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu only wants to get rid of Palestinians in Gaza. While the Israeli government refuses to talk about post-war Gaza plans, Politico reported that the Biden Administration officials are drafting their own after-war game plan for the Palestinian city. The majority of their drafted post-war game plan involves allowing a "revamped" Palestinian Authority that could govern the Gaza Strip. Although this solution is still far from perfect, U.S. officials claim it is the best one for Palestinians. Related Article: Israel-Hamas Conflict: Dozens of Dead Palestinians Buried in Rafah Mass Grave in Southern Gaza @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A 14-year-old Florida boy is charged with murder, accused of fatally shooting his sister in an argument over Christmas presents, according to the sheriff in Pinellas County. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said the Christmas Eve incident began when 14-year-old Demarcus Coley went shopping with his mother, two siblings and two nephews. After shopping, the family went to their grandmothers house, where an argument over who was getting which gifts ensued. Coleys sister, 23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin, walked outside with him and told him to stop arguing during the holiday. Gualtieri said that Coley responded by telling his sister he was going to shoot her and her 11-month-old baby whom she was holding in a baby carrier. While they were standing outside, Coley then produced a firearm and shot his sister once in the chest, according to the sheriff. Moments later, their 15-year-old brother, Darcus Coley, came out of the house, armed with another firearm and shot Damarcus Coley, the sheriff said. Darcus Coley then fled the scene. Baldwin was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her baby was not injured. Damarcus Coley was also taken to the hospital, where he was listed in stable condition as of Monday. After fleeing the scene, Darcus Coley contacted his mother. He was located and taken to a mental health facility due to self-harm statements he made to investigators. Damarcus Coley has been charged with 1st-degree murder, child abuse and being a delinquent in possession of a firearm. Darcus Coley is charged with attempted 1st-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. A Mobile County public fishing pier will close Friday for the first of two brief shutdowns. According to information provided by the county, the shutdowns of Cedar Point Pier will allow for a temporary restroom structure to be replaced with a permanent one. Other repairs also will be made. The park, at 18250 Dauphin Island Parkway, will close at 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29, and reopen at 6 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. It will then close again at 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, and reopen at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13. The fishing pier and surrounding property was purchased by the county in 2021 after decades of ownership by the family of Roland Mac McRae, who purchased and rebuilt it after Hurricane Frederic. After some renovations, it reopened to the public in April 2022. At the time, county officials said they planned to replace a restroom trailer with a permanent facility. Because of its location at the tip of the mainland, where Alabama 193 approaches the Dauphin Island Bridge, the pier has been described as a welcome mat to the island. Authorities have released the name of a pre-teen boy who was killed in an accidental shooting on Christmas Eve. The Jefferson County Coroners Office on Wednesday identified the boy as. He Jamycah Ramone Frazier-Turner. He was 12 and lived in Adamsville. West Precinct officers were dispatched at 4:50 p.m. Sunday to a report of a juvenile shot in the 1300 block of Pike Road. When officers arrived on the scene, they were led to an alley where they found Jamycah suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to Childrens of Alabama, where he was pronounced dead at 5:36 p.m. Police said it appears the boy was visiting family friends when he got the gun out of a nearby vehicle. Everybody that was there when the gun discharged remained on the scene and fully cooperated with police. Jamycah was one of two children killed over the past week in Birmingham. On Thursday, 3-year-old Kacey Jackson was killed when he found his mothers gun under her bed at their east Birmingham home. Kaceys mother, Meosha Mayfield, spoke with AL.com about the ordeal. The worst thing about these two deaths is we know from speaking to victims families that dates trigger trauma and memories, and you have a holiday as big as Christmas where we have lost two of our children, Officer Truman Fitzgerald said after the 12-year-olds death. You can only image what Christmas will be like in the future for these families. I know once we conclude this investigation, Mayor Woodfin and Chief Thurmond are going to sit down at the table and come up with a game plan to do everything we can in our power to educate the public to prevent accidents like these from happening in 2024. Visits to emergency rooms by people with respiratory illnesses have skyrocketed in December, and the flu appears to be the top culprit, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention classifies flu levels as very high in Alabama right now. South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, New Mexico and New York City had the highest rates of flu-like activity in the country for the week ending on Dec. 16, according to the CDC. Flu activity rates were high or very high in most of the South and western United States that week. A graph published by the Alabama Department of Public Health shows a sharp increase in flu-like illnesses in mid-December. They represented 6.52 percent of visits to emergency departments for the week ending on Dec. 16. Two weeks earlier, flu-like illnesses only accounted for about 3 percent of emergency room visits. Diagnosed COVID-19 cases represented 1.68 percent of visits and RSV cases accounted for a little more than 1 percent of cases. The symptoms of all three viruses are similar and include fever, fatigue and coughing. All three are especially dangerous for older patients. Young children and babies can also suffer dangerous complications from flu and RSV. Alabama has not reported any pediatric flu deaths this year, but had four last year. Vaccines are available for all three viruses. The RSV vaccine, which was approved earlier this year, is recommended for people ages 60 and older and pregnant women. The state health department recommends the flu vaccine for all children and adults ages 6 months and older. The agency also says people should stay home if they are feeling sick, cover sneezes and coughs and wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Doctors can also prescribe antiviral drugs for flu within the first few days of symptoms. People who are older or at higher risk are encouraged to call the doctor early for treatment, according to the state health department. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the fatal shooting of a man by Jackson County deputies Tuesday afternoon. WAAY is reporting that the incident happened about 2:30 p.m. at a home on County Road 88 in Pisgah. Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen told the station an investigator went to the home to interview a man about a weeks-old homicide. The man was not a suspect but was wanted for questioning, according to WAFF. According to Harnen, the man, whose name has not yet been released, came at him with a rifle mounted on his shoulder and then barricaded himself inside the home. Later, the man emerged from the house and fired on deputies, Harnen said. Deputies returned fire, killing the man. No deputies were injured. The massive public-private effort to bring back the Souths most iconic treethe longleaf pineis falling short of its original restoration goal. The drive to revive the longleaf pinethe state tree of Alabamais occurring across a nine-state region that is losing forest faster than any other part of the country. But the restoration isnt moving as fast as hoped. The partnership, Americas Longleaf Restoration Initiative, last month released a new plan that gives itself 15 more years to get 8 million acres of longleaf in place, a target the group had hoped to meet by 2025. Bringing back the pine that dominated Alabamas landscape in the past is an important move to gird the state for the future, experts say. The states vast forests have been stocked for decades with fast-growing trees like loblolly and slash pines that historically were a small portion of Alabamas terrain. These easy-maintenance trees are great for churning out pulp and paper, but weak against the increasing assaults of disease, wind and drought in a time of climate change.. Longleaf is slower growing and requires intensive management in the modern landscape,but it is resistant to pine beetles, withstands hurricanes better than other pines and slows down its uptake of water when rain is scarce. To promote longleaf, forest managers need to set regular, low-intensity fires and thin out other trees to clear out competing vegetation. By doing so, they reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Moreover, longleaf restoration recreates a native ecosystem of mixed grasses and wildflowers in which the most iconic wildlife of the South can thrive. It means reviving the habitat of the red-cockaded woodpecker, eastern indigo snake, the gopher tortoise and scores of other species that have become endangered or threatened due to longleafs demise. Restoration wont bring back forest lost to urban and suburban development, but would replace existing forestincluding the weaker loblolly and slash pineto make way for the longleaf. Inside Climate News and AL.com spent five months examining the many trade-offs, and found: Since 2009, the coalition has achieved a 30 percent increase in the amount of longleaf on the landscape to about 5.2 million acres. But thats just 6 percent of the 92 million acres of longleaf forest that once covered the Southeast. At least $700 million has been spent since 2010 on longleaf restoration by three federal agencies, nine states, numerous nonprofit groups and array of corporations involved. Federal government spending is spread out through an array of farm, forest, land and wildlife conservation programs, and is not easily tracked. The financial support has been crucial to private landowners, who hold 87 percent of the Southern forest, and forgo faster returns to grow longleaf. Although longleaf stores more carbon and is more resilient than other pines, it will be years until newly planted stands realize their promise as a climate solution. Meanwhile, restoration generates carbon emissions, not only due to repeated prescribed burning required, but also because older trees are cut down to make way for young longleaf. The fast-growing wood pellet industry, Enviva and Drax, which have been expanding operations in Alabama, are major participants in longleaf restoration. They get a reputational boost at a time when their biggest customers in Europe are questioning the sustainability of their operations, and they gain access to new raw materialthe lower value trees removed in favor of longleaf. On National Forests, which cover a small part of the Southeast but hold an outsized share of existing longleaf, timber sales can get in the way of restoration. To allow for sale of nearby stands and logging, the Forest Service sometimes defers prescribed burns as long as 10 yearsthe upper limit of the recommended interval between burns. Although the longleaf partners see their effort in sync with President Joe Bidens goal of managing U.S. forests for greater climate resilience, the widespread harvests clash with Bidens stated objective of protecting mature forests as carbon sinks. In one planned 5,000-acre logging and clearcutting project in Talladega National Forest in Alabama, 70 percent of the targeted stands are more than 61 years old. Climate change is making longleaf restoration more difficultsubstantially reducing the number of summer days in the South when prescribed burning is feasible and safe. Forest managers are shifting burns to winter months, when they are less effective. One survey shows 38 percent of longleaf forest managers report that they do not burn as often as they should, due to weather, lack of equipment, funding or personnel. The findings suggest that the front end of the restoration effortcutting down treesis far easier to implement than growing and maintaining healthy longleaf forest. With the partnership aiming to accelerate and improve its efforts, longleaf restoration is shaping up to be a major test of nature-based climate solutions in a landscape that already is being transformed by global warming, as well as human development and economic pressure. There remains a low chance for a little snow for the northern part of Alabama later this week. But the timing has slowed down some. The National Weather Service said the chances for snow are still on the low side, but if it happens the main window will be Thursday into Friday, with more emphasis on Friday in the latest forecasts. No accumulations are expected at this point, according to forecasters. The change in the forecast as of Wednesday is that computer forecast models have slowed down the arrival of the weather system that could bring the chance of snowflakes to Alabama. As of the latest forecast from the weather service the best chance of seeing snowflakes will be delayed until late on Thursday but more likely early Friday morning as an upper-level weather system moves into the region. Colder air is also expected to settle into the region by this time, according to forecasters. Here is the low temperature forecast for Thursday night into Friday morning: Low temperatures are expected to fall to or below freezing across much of Alabama from Thursday night into Friday morning.NWS The weather service said some rain or light snow could linger into Friday evening as well. In fact, the weather service in Birmingham said the best chances for north-central Alabama to see snowflakes could be Friday into Friday night. Drier and slightly warmer weather is expected to take over starting on Saturday and through the last weekend of 2023. This may not be the last chance for Alabama to see a few snowflakes, according to forecasters. The long-range, El Nino-influenced pattern shows several opportunities for precipitation in early January -- its just the question of whether temperatures will be cold enough to generate any snow. By Tanasia Kenney | The Charlotte Observer (TNS) A correctional officer was shot to death in the parking lot of a Mississippi prison, and a fellow jailer is accused of pulling the trigger, officials say. The tragic and fatal altercation happened around 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, outside the East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Meridian, according to Management & Training Corporation, which runs the prison. Officials said the deadly shooting was sparked by a dispute. Officers immediately responded after hearing a gunshot and placed the suspect in restraints, an MTC spokesperson told McClatchy News in a statement. Local law enforcement and emergency personnel arrived soon after. The guard who was shot died at the scene. Authorities havent released the officers name. Lauderdale County deputies arrested the guard accused of firing the fatal shot, according to MTC. Authorities said theyre investigating what led to the deadly dispute. Our hearts go out to the victims family, officials said. MTC is committed to supporting them through this very difficult time. Meridian is about 90 miles east of downtown Jackson. 2023 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The New York Times is striking back against the threat that artificial intelligence poses to the news industry, filing a federal lawsuit Wednesday against OpenAI and Microsoft seeking to end the practice of using its stories to train chatbots. The Times says that the companies are threatening its livelihood by effectively stealing billions of dollars worth of work by its journalists, in some cases spitting out Times material verbatim to people who seek answers from generative artificial intelligence like OpenAIs ChatGPT. The newspapers lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan. OpenAI and Microsoft did not respond to requests for comment. The media is one of many industries that could be upended by the rapid development of AI. Media organizations have already been pummeled by a migration of readers to online platforms and while many publications most notably the Times have successfully carved out a digital space, AI could become a significant threat. These bots compete with the content they are trained on, said Ian B. Crosby, partner and lead counsel at Susman Godfrey, which is representing The Times. Artificial intelligence companies scrape information available online, including articles published by news organizations, to train generative AI chatbots. The large language models are also trained on a huge trove of other human-written materials, such as instructional manuals and digital books. That helps them to build a strong command of language and grammar and to answer questions correctly. But the technology is still under development and gets many things wrong. In its lawsuit, for example, the Times said OpenAIs GPT-4 falsely attributed product recommendations to Wirecutter, the papers product reviews site, endangering its reputation. OpenAI and other AI companies, including rival Anthropic, have attracted billions in investments very rapidly since public and business interest in the technology exploded, particularly this year. Microsoft has a partnership with OpenAI that allows it to capitalize on the companys AI technology. The Redmond, Washington, tech giant is also OpenAIs biggest backer and has invested at least $13 billion into the company since the two began their partnership in 2019, according to the lawsuit. As part of the agreement, Microsofts supercomputers help power OpenAIs AI research and the tech giant integrates the startups technology into its products. The papers complaint comes as the number of lawsuits filed against OpenAI for copyright infringement is growing. The company has been sued by several writers including comedian Sarah Silverman who say their books were ingested to train OpenAIs AI models without their permission. In June, more than 4,000 writers signed a letter to the CEOs of OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Meta and other AI developers accusing them of exploitative practices in building chatbots that mimic and regurgitate their language, style and ideas. As AI technology develops, growing fears over its use have also fueled labor strikes and lawsuits in other industries, including Hollywood. Different stakeholders are realizing the technology could disrupt their entire business model, but the question will be how to respond to it, said Sarah Kreps, director of Cornell Universitys Tech Policy Institute. Kreps said she agrees The New York Times is facing a threat from these chatbots, but she also argued solving the issue completely is going to be an uphill battle. Theres so many other language models out there that are doing the same thing, she said. The lawsuit filed Wednesday claims that generative AI tools developed by OpenAI and Microsoft are closely summarizing content from the Times, mimicking its style and even reciting it verbatim. The complaint cited examples of OpenAIs GPT-4 spitting out large portions of news articles from the Times, including a Pulitzer-Prize winning investigation into New York Citys taxi industry that was published in 2019 and took 18 months to complete. It also cited outputs from Bing Chat now called Copilot that it said included verbatim excerpts from Times articles. The Times did not list specific damages that it is seeking, but said the legal action seeks to hold them responsible for the billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages that they owe for the unlawful copying and use of The Timess uniquely valuable works. It is also asking the court to order the tech companies to destroy AI models or data sets that use its work. Web traffic is an important component of the papers advertising revenue and helps drive subscriptions to its online site. The outputs from AI chatbots divert that traffic away from the paper and other copyright holders, the Times says, making it less likely that users will visit the original source for the information. Less traffic to the Times Wirecutter articles, for example, means less people clicking on affiliate links, which in turn means less revenue for the papers product review site. The New York Times said its never given permission to anyone to use its content for generative AI purposes. The lawsuit also follows what appears to be breakdowns in talks between the newspaper and the two companies that began in April, and could be a way to kickstart talks on ending a business dispute. The News/Media Alliance, a trade group representing more than 2,200 news organizations, applauded Wednesdays action by the Times. Quality journalism and GenAI can complement each other if approached collaboratively, said Danielle Coffey, alliance president and CEO. But using journalism without permission or payment is unlawful, and certainly not fair use. In July, OpenAI and The Associated Press announced a deal for the artificial intelligence company to license APs archive of news stories. This month, OpenAI also signed a similar partnership with Axel Springer, a media company in Berlin that owns Politico and Business Insider. Under the deal, users of OpenAIs ChatGPT will receive summaries of selected global news content from Axel Springers media brands. The companies said the answers to queries will include attribution and links to the original articles. The Times has compared its action to a copyright lawsuit more than two decades ago against Napster, when record companies sued the file-sharing service for unlawful use of their material. The record companies won and Napster was soon gone, but it has had a major impact on the industry. Industry-endorsed streaming now dominates the music business. ___ AP Technology Writer Matt OBrien contributed to this story. (Photo : JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images) Members of the Israeli army deploy to demolish houses in in Rummanah town in the occupied West Bank, on August 8, 2022. - Israeli security forces arrested Subaihat, 20, and Yussef Al-Rifai, 19, in May 2022 on suspicion of killing three Israelis in the central town of Elad. Heavy strikes continued to rock central and southern Gaza overnight and into Wednesday after Israel began broadening its offensive against Hamas militants to areas that the IDF had previously told Palestinians to seek in southern Heavy bombing was reported in the Bureji refugee camp in central Gaza, in the city of Khan Younis, and in the southern town of Rafah. These are areas where tens of thousands of Palestinians have sought solace as northern Gaza was turned to rubble by Israeli fighter planes. "It was a night of hell. We haven't seen such bombing since the start of the war," said Rami Abu Mosab, speaking from the Bureij camp, where he has been sheltering since fleeing his home in northern Gaza. What Is The Bureji Camp? The Bureji camp was created to house refugees in 1948, Gazans who had been displaced when the modern state of Israel was created..With large swaths of northern Gaza deemed unlivable, Palestinians believe a similar fate with eventually befall Khan Younis, which is where Israeli group forces launched operations in early December. Six Palestinians were killed in the West Bank during an overnight raid in the Nur Shams refugee camp, reported the Palestinian Health Ministry. A total of 300 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the war began. @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On a day when the eyes of millions watch the ball drop in Times Square, a smaller group will gather in Birmingham to watch a giant monkey climb down a vine to welcome in 2024. New York has Times Square, Mobile has the Moon Pie, and now Birmingham has Jingles, a five-foot tall plush monkey. The event Sunday will be a first for the zoo. Hell be lowered down on a rope that looks like a vine, swinging carefree, said Bill Lang director of marketing and events We will have some educational components with it and do the big countdown. Revelers will not have to stay up all night for this family friendly celebration. Jingles will swing down at 2 p.m., then hoisted back up for an encore at 6 p.m. Activities run from 1 to 3 p.m. and then a Primates & Pajamas Nighttime celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. The Primate Lantern Scavenger Hunt throughout Wild Glow will also run from 5 to 9 p.m. Its a way to come out and not be up till midnight to do that for good family fun, Lang said. The monkey theme was a natural fit for the zoo, especially since the first exhibit at the animal park was Monkey Island, he said. Jingles the giant plush monkey will be climb down a vine during 2024 New Year's Eve celebrations at the Birmingham Zoon.Birmingham Zoo The zookeepers came up with the ideal of doing something, Lang said. We shipped in a giant money and an orangutan, but the orangutan wasnt big enough, so we went with the monkey. It was fun working with the zookeepers about what was appropriate. Jingles will be given away in a drawing at the end of the evening. General admission to the zoo is all that is needed to attend the special event. Lang has become an expert is creative New Years celebrations. While working for Retirement Systems of Alabama and its Renaissance Hotels, Lang was part of the team that created the MoonPie Drop in Mobile. The downtown event was named one of the top 10 drops in the country by USA Today. It generated a lot of attention for Mobile, the hotel, and the building there, so I wanted this to be zoo specific and fun, Lang said. I think is going to be fantastic. I researched possum drops and sweet potato drops. This is an area where I have expertise - obscure New Years Eve drops. Lest we forget in the New Year, below are on-record tidbits reminding us where Joe Biden finds his staunchest Washington support, from a bipartisan cast of characters. Lindsey Graham, RINO: Lindsey Graham is well known, since his John McCain days, for being a man of sudden (often militaristic) passions and frequent political reversals/betrayals. Regarding Biden, Graham has remained true to his reputation, referring to the bumbling octogenarian as the best person to lead America; from a Guardian article: People will calm down. People will say, I dont want to be associated with that [MAGA]. This is a group within a group. What this does, there will be a rallying effect for a while, [then] the country says Were better than this. Asked if Biden could help the country come together again, Graham said: Totally. Hell maybe be the best person to have. I mean, how mad can you get at Joe Biden? As Huffington Post reported: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) gushes in a new Republican ad that former Vice President Joe Biden is as good a man as God ever created while President Donald Trump is a xenophobic, race-baiting, religious bigot. What a difference an administration makes. The comments were pulled from Grahams past, before he lost his conscience and became one of the presidents staunchest defenders, noted a statement from the Republican Voters Against Trump. More recently, Graham has pulled out all the stops in his admiration for Bidens cowardice, praising the old man's failure to stand in word and deed with Americas staunchest ally, Israel, in the latters war for survival; in his side remarks, hes ignored a bevy of factual incrimination about the Biden corruption scandal: [W]hen asked about GOP efforts in the House to impeach Biden, Graham showed little appetite for the inquiry that lawmakers authorized last week. If there were a smoking gun, I think wed be talking about it, Graham said of Bidens conduct. Im not worried about impeaching the president right now, Graham continued. You know what Im worried about? Helping the president bring the Mideast to a better spot; trying to convince the Arabs and the Israelis to not let Iran get you off track. Mitt Romney, RINO: For those of us who remember Mitt Romneys sycophantic luncheon attempts to get into President Trumps cabinetand the senators subsequent forever-venom when Trump said nowe know this isnt news, but its still worth recalling. The following is exemplar of Romneys past political relations moves: Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) wrote for The Atlantic Monday that President Joe Biden is a genuinely good man, but doesn't see him as a great unifier for the country. The genuinely good man stuff is either huge moral misjudgment or self-serving untruth (see Ukraine and Romney family). But, yes, by 2023, we can emphatically declare that Biden has not been a great unifierthe Big Guy finds himself with only 30% public approval. What he said: Biden has yet been unable to break through our national malady of denial, deceit, and distrust, Romney wrote. No, Mr. Biden has certainly not been able to break through on denial, deceit, and distrust. Au contrairehe has grown these evils exponentially. Romney criticized Biden and former President Donald Trump as the Utah Republican explained what he'd like to see in a future presidential candidate. Trump, he said, would feed the sickness, probably rendering it incurable. Several contenders with experience and smarts stand in the wings; we intently watch to see if they also possess the requisite character and ability to bring the nation together in confronting our common reality, he added. One wonders if humble Romney, with the help of a tricky copywriter, is advancing himself again, as the contender with experience and smarts, in the wings. Recent press reports an interest in a ticket with Senator Manchin. Dr. Jill Biden, Emeritus: Dr. Biden, as she seeks to be known, is the First Lady and wife of Biden Family Enterprises. Jill has tied herself fast to the mast of the Ship of Fools, the Biden family conveyance of choice. Fore-eva or concurrently, Jill has insisted, despite audio and visual evidence to the contrary, not only upon her husbands physical strength and mental acuity, but also upon his vast presidential successes. Last month the Biden matriarch visited Pennsylvania to stump for Bidenomics; from a local outlet: Biden spoke about apprenticeship programs, establishing career pathways into robotics, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, and of regional plans to generate more than 1,000 new jobs. She praised the Pittsburgh region for embracing manufacturing and clean energy and highlighted the progress made since the Biden administration's workforce hub initiative began. In many ways Pittsburgh has always been a part of this transformation, Biden said. Where iron ore turns to steel and steel to prosperity. And today youre still transforming, turning old steel mills into a training center for the jobs of the future, she said, referring to the 60,000-square-foot engineering and science lab CMU students had access to there on the 265,000-square-foot Mill 19 complex. Aint Joe grand? No more nasty defense or energy manufacturing, but lots of green education and training for, can you believe it 1,000 new jobs? (Did AI replace the lost human jobs?) Yet here, for Nurse Jills consideration, are the number of jobs that have been lost in Pennsylvania, thanks to her husbands green work and Bidenomics. Chuck Schumer, Your Tax Dollars Cash Out Man: Chuck Schumer on Hamas, Israel, and Biden: Ive known President Biden since he was Senator Biden and Vice President Biden, and now President Biden. His support for Israel comes from the heart. Hes a believer and that is so good. And I know he will deliver a strong message of support and solidarity when he comes before the Jewish people. Yet, Bidens heart is as conflicted about Israel as it is on the tenets of his own Catholic faith. Heres this, from CNN: Rifts between the United States and Israel spilled into public view Tuesday as President Joe Biden warned that Israel was losing international support for its campaign against Hamas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected American plans for post-war Gaza. The divides, which until now had mostly been contained behind the scenes, reflected growing differences between the two staunch allies as the civilian death toll in Gaza mounts. Speaking to Democratic donors in Washington, Biden voiced criticism of Israels hardline government and said Netanyahu needed to alter his approach. Present his serial failures in every bespoke foreign policy action (Afghanistan, China, Iraq, Venezuela), it is a wonder that Biden now wants to take chargein his own mind at leastof a venerable, regionally unique democracy and a strong and necessary U.S. ally. Biden is gaming Israels safeguarded, national strategic and intelligence decisions for its own historically tenuous, national, and religious survival. Why? As the Left gears up for its mystery power-candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential vote, welcome to the Ship of Fools, 2024. Image generated by AI. I believe in the KISS principle: keep it simple, stupid. I do my best to boil events down to their essential truths and then hammer those truths again and again. Repetition is my weapon of choice. The reason I stick to this strategy has nothing to do with who is reading. It has to do with the nature of the war we are already fighting. Never before in human history have people been so bombarded by lies and propaganda from their own political leaders. The information warfare that the U.S. government and other Western nations use against their own peoples is meant to conquer minds with direct programming instead of directed bullets. How do you counter-program people who have been indoctrinated for years, if not decades? You KISS them, so that theyll KISS others, and a steady flow of simple truths can begin to crack the glass of our invisible cage. The whole thing sounds quite dirty and promiscuous, but constantly reminding ourselves what is actually true in a blizzard of lies is an admirable pursuit. Crafty French diplomat Talleyrand, who managed to keep his head through both the French Revolution and the reign of Napoleon, observed, Speech was given to man to conceal his thoughts. The Marxist globalists who use censorship and propaganda as shield and sword are Talleyrands ardent disciples. The size of the information war being conducted against us is astounding, and because the formerly free press has been conquered and conditioned to support the State, news outlets willing to report the truth are few. When the corporate news cartel controls 95% of the information flow and the Department of Homeland Security is effectively censoring the remaining 5%, it becomes essential for those of us who see this war as it really is to sound a little like broken records. Using labels such as Deep State, Uniparty, Marxist globalists, ruling class, and elites is a form of subversive branding meant to align us against a common enemy. Make American Great Again is more than a jingle or campaign slogan; it is an attempt to cut through artificial political divisions so that abused citizens can find common purpose. Rejecting woke dogma, political correctness, and other Marxist distortions of truth is a form of mental armor that defends against the governments unabating propaganda. Repetition of simple truths must meet the repetition of outrageous lies head-on. Why do I bring this up? Because the information warfare leveled against us is going to become much worse. A Canadian court recently ruled that describing drag queens who perform in front of children as groomers is not protected speech. Western governments war against moral virtue has become so obscene that those who abuse children have become a legally protected class. Hate speech laws that novel approach by Marxist globalists to criminalize all dissent are silencing people throughout the West. Before you assume that the First Amendment will prevent Canadas love for depravity over free speech from fully metastasizing down here, remember this: the U.S. governments terrorist watch list is now over two million people worldwide, including thousands of Americans here at home. Although the OBiden administration has made it clear that Iran (the worlds leading State sponsor of terrorism) and Hamas (a bunch of vile murderers and rapists) are its friends, it has gone out of its way to use the FBI to hunt Christians, concerned parents, pro-life Americans, and Trump-supporters as domestic terrorists. Since when has the federal government ever worried about a suspected (non-leftist) terrorists free speech? What happens when a hundred and fifty million Americans discover that they are now seen as terrorists? With enough intimidation, the national security surveillance State expects that dissent will disappear like a puff of smoke. As Brandon Smith wrote recently in an essay dissecting information warfare, The globalists view public manipulation and social engineering as their birthright. They think its their manifest destiny, and they suggest often that humanity would somehow decay and self-destruct without their influence. Those who keep it simple and stand their ground, though, may force the Marxist globalists to one day face their Waterloo. I have met few people with a perfect track record of seeing through the governments propaganda over the last twenty years. Not everyone saw the PATRIOT Act as a dangerous step toward an all-powerful surveillance State. Not everyone saw through the Russia collusion hoax. Not everyone recognized the early steps of the federal governments manipulation of social media as a mass censorship campaign against the American people. Not everyone recognized the mass hysteria over COVID as a complex, multi-pronged battle plan meant to manipulate the 2020 election and convince terrified people to surrender their own liberties. Not everyone recognized the war in Ukraine as a money-laundering operation for politicos, bankers, and industrialists. Be patient with those who do not clearly see things as quickly as you do, because we have all had the wool pulled over our eyes at some point in life. The government is exceedingly effective in its information warfare because it, too, keeps it simple. Diplomats of the woke faith repeat dopey lies such as men can menstruate with such gusto that even religious leaders who should know better begin spreading those same lies as truths. Politicians use our morality against us when they say things such as, Were all in this together, and good people can get caught in those empathy traps. Military spokespeople use our patriotism against us when they insist, If we dont fight them over there, well fight them over here, and it is easy for warriors to end up volunteering for the wrong wars. My point is this: however much you think you know, chances are that the U.S. government has conditioned you to believe at least some damaging lie in the course of your life. Have compassion for those who are just now waking up to the reality of our situation, and state the truth calmly and simply, again and again. NYU professor Mark Crispin Miller, a scholar who has written much about propaganda, says bluntly: The media has been crucial to this entire operation, and ... I would say since the beginning of 2020, we have been subjected to a Rolling Thunder of Propaganda. First, there was the virus panic. Then, there was the George Floyd moment. ... There was the 2020 Election. There was the so-called insurrection. That was a wave of crackpot hysteria. ... Then, there was Ukraine, and the entire backstory of Russias invasion was completely missing from all the coverage. ... To say the press has failed abysmally is actually giving them too much credit. While you see through the medias obvious lies, too many Americans still see them as obvious truths. It is far easier to accept outrageous deceptions than to accept that our most trusted institutions habitually distort reality. The only way out of this psychological war is to confront falsehoods, mock propaganda, and speak honestly again and again, until you break the governments spell over the enchanted. As the great James Howard Kunstler wisely advises: Remember, you are a sovereign individual and the blob in our nations capital city is an undifferentiated mass of feckless protoplasm. You contain a cosmos of ideas and aspirations. The blob is an agglomeration of sham and failure. The blob stands for itself, not for our country. You and I can stand for our country. My advice for emancipating others from their mental straitjackets is straightforward: acknowledge that there is good and evil in this world, and commit yourself to fighting evil. Because we are in an information war, recognize that every lie must be confronted before it is allowed to subvert important truths. Repeat what is true often. And always keep it simple. Image via Pxhere. Americas southern, and perhaps northern, border is open for business, lined with welcome mats, neon lights, and a sign flashing, come one, come all. To even call the physical boundary of the United States a border is a miscarriage of language. Todays reality is that there is no national border. At least for those crossing by foot or caravan. For those attempting to enter the U.S. legally, by following the law and visa application process, its a nightmare of rules, delays, cost, and frustration. YouTube screen grab For those interested, read here about the bizarre labyrinth facing citizens of many countries to legally visit or transit through America. Lady Liberty doesnt want any huddled masses yearning to breathe free that follow American law, but has her arms and purse wide open to those coming to America illegally. How many? Before President Biden, As of 2021, the nations 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants represented about 3% of the total U.S. population. What about now, specifically the past three years under Biden? Since Biden took office in early 2021, the Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) has encountered almost 8 million border crossers, the majority young military age males. In August alone, that number was 232,972, an annualized rate of 3 million migrants a year. December is no better with 300,000 migrant arrests, as Fox News reported. Those arrested are told to appear in court up to a decade later. Good luck with that. Trump promised to Build a wall. Biden promised in Reagan-parody fashion to Tear down the wall. He ordered his border agents to cut Texas barbed wire fence, at least until a judge put a temporary hold on Bidens wall tear down. Encounters and catch-and-release arrests are only part of the story. How many snuck through without being encountered? Those are called gotaways. CBP reports 1,000 known gotaways per day. Thats 30,000 gotaways per month or 365,000 per year, the population of New Orleans. How many unknown gotaways? Another New Orleans amount? Or perhaps an Atlanta, Boston, or San Francisco number of illegal migrants? The numbers are worsening. The New York Post reported: Record 12,600 migrants encountered at the border in 24 hours last week. Thats 4.6 million a year or 18.4 million in four years, or 6 percent of the U.S. population every four years growing from illegal migrants, unvetted and most unable to support themselves. Thats the equivalent of adding a state to America every four years, and a large state at that, such as California, Texas, Florida or New York. The border is wide open, with Border Patrol agents shuttling busloads of migrants across the border at night in unmarked busses, as this Owen Shroyer report illustrates. Here is a Fox News report from last week, The besieged U.S. southern border saw a record number of migrant encounters in a single day on Monday, as thousands flooded into Eagle Pass, Texas, amid a broader surge in recent weeks that has left authorities overwhelmed. There were over 12,600 migrant encounters on Monday, Customs and Border Protection sources told Fox. Whats the cost to American taxpayers of illegal immigration? One estimate is $150 billion per year but who knows for sure? What about tangential costs? According to Colorado Public Radio: Colorado has seen a nearly 60 percent increase in [tuberculosis] cases this year from last. Why would that be? Is it from legal weed or magic mushrooms, two staples of Colorado life? How many illegal migrants are tested for TB? Are any treated? If so, how? It takes up to a year to treat TB. Or are they simply released into America with a handful of pills and a suggestion to see a doctor? The Denver Post unintentionally answers the question: Denver has received more migrants per capita over the past year than any other large U.S. city that doesnt flank the southern border. TB is not the only cost. Again, from the Denver Post, If Denver doesnt receive more federal support, Johnston said, the city could be looking at spending an unplanned $100 million in 2024 about $2 million per week and we wouldnt be able to survive that. Denver is getting what it wanted as a sanctuary city, supported by its overwhelming number of Democrat voters. Same for Chicago with Mayor Brandon Johnson accusing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott of attacking our country for sending illegal migrants to Chicago. Chicago, too, is a sanctuary city, now bellyaching that they have to live up to their 38 years of virtue-signaling, With five mayors vowing to shield all immigrants in Chicago from federal agents, regardless of whether they are citizens, permanent residents or asylum seekers. Its obvious that elected officials of both parties have no interest in enforcing existing immigration law or closing our national borders. Former House Speaker Paul Ryan thwarted President Trumps desire to build the wall. Yet these same cheap-labor chamber of commerce types are happy to send hundreds of billions of dollars to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other countries to protect their borders. Why dont we as a country just give up and invite the entire world to move to America? Do we even have room? Yes, we do. A National Geographic writer ran the numbers, The entire world could fit in Texas if each person were alloted the same average square feet of living space as in New York City. I lived in New York City, and the sqaure footage wasnt that bad. Give up a private screening room and a wine cellar and a couple of extra bedrooms and most of your kitchen space and youd be surprised. At the rate we are going, soon the entire world may migrate to America for free food, shelter, education, health care, and even voting rights. The latter perk is the real reason Democrats want open borders as Americans wont vote for their nonsensical proposals and candidates. Imagine Democrat ballot-harvesting dreams with tens of millions of illegal migrants on the voter rolls, being sent ballots deemed undeliverable, that harvesters retrieve, fill out, and stuff into the nearest drop box. Taxpayers reportedly fund thousands of dollars in benefits for migrants including cash, gift cards, cell phones, and free transportation to the city of their choice. As shoehorning the entire world into Texas is not fair to Texas, everyone could instead live in New York, California, and Illinois, solid blue states with about as much combined land area as Texas. This seems farcical but when does farce morph into tragic reality? The border remains wide open and instead of slowing, illegal migration is picking up steam, turning many large U.S. cities into unhealthy and crime-ridden hellholes. But if current trends continue, perhaps America can give the states that vote for open borders politicians a taste of what they asked for. Put a big Welcome sign in a few such states and they can demonstrate their compassion, tolerance, inclusivity, and diversity by sharing their states with the entire world. Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and writer. Follow me on Twitter @retinaldoctor, Substack Dr. Brians Substack, Truth Social @BrianJoondeph, LinkedIn @Brian Joondeph. Because it spotlights the current state of affairs in the West -- and all the key players -- the recent uprising in Dublin should not be so quickly forgotten. Background: on Nov. 23, 2023, a Muslim man of Algerian origin, with a known criminal record, knifed a group of preschool children attending Saint Marys, a Catholic school in Dublin. Three children -- two girls and a boy aged between five and six -- and a care assistant who tried to defend them, were stabbed in the assault. Knifed near the heart, a five-year-old girl was critically injured and, as of the last reporting from December, remains hospitalized in critical condition. On the evening of the night of the stabbing, Irish citizens, apparently sick of taking in Muslim migrants who show their thanks by randomly stabbing Irish children and committing other crimes, took to the streets to protest their nations immigration policies. Before long, a riot -- described as the worst in modern Dublin history -- broke out. This incident marks something new: a western demographic consisting of everyday men and women revolted -- not just with words or hashtags, but in actual fact -- against the mainstream narrative concerning migrants coming into Europe. Up until now, here is how things worked: western authorities, the elites, opened their nations doors to millions of Muslim migrants. They did this by exploiting their citizens sense of decency, by making them feel it is their duty to provide all these migrants with a good life. Meanwhile, many of these migrants exhibit Islams natural hostility for all things and persons non-Islamic. Wherever there is a significant presence of migrants, crimes, rapes, and general insecurity soar. This is to be expected: the migrants Islamic upbringing -- which is regularly nurtured by European subsidized mosques -- is inherently tribal, and sees in the other nothing but walking prey. Finally, the guardians of what western people are allowed to know and talk about -- media, politicians, experts, and the elites who own and control them -- have done everything to conceal these facts: the names and identities of criminals and rapists are generally suppressed; a rise in crimes is blamed on anything and everything -- from a lack of equity to European racism -- but the obvious. However, because the weight of deception has so increased, the edifice of lies is collapsing. Growing numbers of western peoples are seeing reality for what it is: their leaders, their elected representatives, are implementing polices -- in this case, mass Muslim migration -- that harm and disempower the very people they are supposed to represent. Up until now, the peoples response has been largely confined to criticism -- words. Which is what makes the Dublin riot unique. Not only is it a rare instance of mass and violent protest against the authorities; it has also pushed the authorities to double-down on their position -- further exposing where their loyalties lie (that is, not to the people). Thus, Leo Varadkar, Irelands prime minister, responded by accusing those protesting his open doors policy, which has dramatically raised the crime rate -- most recently, with the stabbing of three children -- of being racists filled with hate: They did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people. They did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped. They did so because theyre filled with hate. They love violence. They love chaos and they love causing pain to others. Varadkar further vowed to use the full resources of the law to punish the protesters and tighten legislation concerning hate speech and incitement. Put differently and moving forward, any Irish citizen who dares speak the truth concerning Muslim migration in Ireland -- and any foolhardy enough to try to take the law in their own hands when Muslims commit heinous crimes -- will be targeted as a hater and quickly muzzled. While the Dublin incident made dramatic headlines worldwide, it is hardly the only such incident to reflect this growing divide between Western populaces and their leaders. Indeed, a near-identical incident unfolded a few days earlier in France. On Nov. 18, in the small rural town of Crepol, a gang of machete and knife-wielding Muslims (also of Algerian origin) descended on a village festival, where they murdered one 16-year-old boy, and seriously wounded nearly 20 others. Numerous eyewitnesses heard the attackers cry out anti-White racial slurs, including, We are going to kill White people. It wasnt just a fight like were used to, where theres little punches thrown at each other, said one French eyewitness. We saw between 15 and 20 people arrive. We didnt know them, they took out the knives; they were there to kill. To the murder of one of their own, French authorities responded just like their Irish counterparts. According to a BBC report titled, French pledge to tackle ultra-right after teen killing sparks protests, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin says he is going to propose a ban on small ultra-right groups, in response to a series of violent protests over the murder of a schoolboy at a village dance He added that extremist militias seek to attack Arabs, people with different skin colours, speak of their nostalgia for the Third Reich. In between these two Muslim attacks in Ireland and France have been countless others all throughout Western Europe. As just one seasonally appropriate example, a few days ago, a group of Muslim teenagers accosted a 54-year-old man dressed as Santa Claus in Germany. They called him a fat man and son of a bitch, before ordering him to remove his costume. Their logic? We are Muslims and this [Germany] is our country. When he refused, they thrashed him. Such, then, is the current state of affairs: the people are increasingly seeing through the lie -- to the point of rising up in violence -- and the authorities are doubling down on the lie, to the point of robbing the people that they represent of their freedoms, including the most basic: freedom of speech. A ticking time bomb, this situation is a harbinger of things to come; worst of all, it is all preventable, and exists entirely by design. Raymond Ibrahim, author of Defenders of the West and Sword and Scimitar is the Distinguished Senior Shillman Fellow at the Gatestone Institute and the Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum. Image: CanalEnthusiast Anybody notice how many Nigerian Christians got slaughtered on Christmas Eve by Muslim terrorists this year? According to Fox News: Nomadic herders in Nigeria killed at least 140 people during a Christmas Eve rampage through 15 villages, according to media reports. The hours-long attacks happened in the country's central Plateau state as suspected nomadic herders used firearms and machetes on their victims, Reuters reported. "As I am talking to you, in Mangu local governorate alone, we buried 15 people. As of this morning, in Bokkos, we are counting not less than 100 corpses. I am yet to take stock of (the deaths in) Barkin Ladi," Plateau Gov. Caleb Mutfwang said in a broadcast on the local Channels Television. "It has been a very terrifying Christmas for us here in Plateau." The violence was the bloodiest in the country since 2018, when more than 200 people were killed amid clashes between farmers and herders. That 'nomadic herder' tripe from Fox is like calling Somali pirates 'local fishermen' or Gaza terrorists 'Palestinian civilians.' These are brute barbarians infected with Islamist fanaticism doing things barbarians do. Romantic? Pastoral? Not these guys. They don't get a pass for primitive thuggery. They are fanatics on the same level as ISIS or the Taliban, filthy dirtbags who are attempting to impress the other dirtbags in a vile gang dynamic. Here is some footage from Twitter: 160 Christian Nigerians were killed by Muslim militias in a series of attacks against 20 villages over Christmas Did international media make it front page news? Was there a Million-Man March in London? Mass-burials of the victims are starting. pic.twitter.com/7N3HmqXjnu Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) December 27, 2023 It's reminiscent of the horrors that visited Israel last October 7, the suffering immense, and the people persecuted clearly for their religious identity. These aren't run of the mill Christians, either, they are intense practitioners of their faith, too, like the early Christians, like the ones thrown to the lions in Rome or martyred in other gruesome ways, the likes of whose remains fill the catacombs -- St. George, St. Philomena, St. Agatha ... the holy Nigerians. We had a Nigerian priest over yesterday evening - we spoke about what is happening to Christians in Nigeria. Yet, he informed us that all the seminaries are FULL. So much courage and bravery in the face of such persecution. https://t.co/aQI3IDo43c Clara Campbell (@ClaraFCampbell) December 27, 2023 Weekly Mass attendance in Nigeria where Catholics face severe persecution in the hands of Islamist terrorist groups is 93 percent. pic.twitter.com/Ge94KGAMPN Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) December 27, 2023 What a terrible specter this is, and what's terrifying is that it's not stopping, the people perpetrating it are doing this to attract global terror funding (of which Hamas and the Iranians have a lot of) and the Nigerian government is allowing to happen. This evil has been going on for awhile now, but this time we are seeing dramatically higher numbers of victims. Many Catholics in the states, and I am one of them, know just how intense Nigerian Catholics are because we are privileged to have Nigerian priests. I've met them in Michigan, in the Bay Area, in Los Angeles and more. And yes, kidnapping is common of their relatives and killings and other mayhem are common, too. Yet they still carry on. Which brings us to President "Devout Catholic" Joe Biden: What's he doing about this? About what you'd expect, he's making it easier for the killers to kill and kill again. According to a CNA news item that ran in Catholic World Report, less than two weeks ago: In 2020, the State Department designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in the State Departments International Religious Freedom Report. The country was placed on the list for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. Then, in 2021, the Biden administration removed Nigeria, a nation notorious for extreme levels of religious persecution, from the CPC list. As religious freedom advocates and proponents, and leaders of grassroots organizations with millions of American members, we appeal to you to urgently respond to the Department of States failure to adequately address egregious, systematic, and ongoing religious persecution in Nigeria as required by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, said the Dec. 12 letter with 29 signatories. Catholic clergy in particular have been targeted in the West African nation. Aid to the Church in Need reported that since early 2022, 100 Catholic priests in the country have been abducted and still havent been freed, with 20 being murdered, the letter said. In recent months, one priest was kidnapped while visiting the sick and another religious brother was kidnapped and murdered. The letter also calls for the appointment of a special envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region and urges members of Congress to support and co-sponsor legislation co-authored by New Jersey Republican Rep. Chris Smith and Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar. That legislation would call for the State Department to appoint the envoy and designate Nigeria as a CPC. Citing reporting from the Christian religious freedom watchdog Open Doors, the letter said that a staggering 90% of Christians killed worldwide for their faith in 2022 were murdered in Nigeria, an increase of 10% from the previous year. What a terrible picture that is. Susan Crabtree at RealClearPolitics also has an excellent report from around the same time. And Joe Biden takes them off of the "countries of particular concern" list with that kind of activity in those kinds of percentages? If this isn't a country of particular concern, the country of particular concern, what is? Seems the persecution of Christians turns the old puppet's shriveled heart to stone. Odds are, the reason that happened is that the U.S. needs Nigeria to pump oil for it. Biden won't budge on drilling our own, so somebody else needs to pump it, and such countries, as Venezuela can tell you, get amazingly good treatment from the Bidenites, no matter what their human rights record. It's outrageous. This attack on Christmas Eve marks a sharp escalation in attacks against Christians. If Joe Biden can only enable their killers by taking the pressure off the government where these terrorists nest, it won't be long before other groups persecute Christians elsewhere in an emboldening effect. That's Biden's failed foreign policy at work, where evil triumphs because "good" men (O.K., it's a stretch) do nothing, where good cannot be distinguished from bad, and where the innocent suffer. Image: Twitter screen shot . Apparently the Cuban communists finally wised up, and theyve traded in the extrajudicial assassinations for judicial ones; according to Christian Caruzo at Breitbart in an article published yesterday, Cubas Communist Party recently approved changes to the nations health code thatyes, you all know where this is goingupon implementation, will permit the state to euthanize its subjects. For compassions sake of course. From Caruzo: The right of people to a dignified death is recognized in end-of-life decisions, which may include the limitation of therapeutic effort, continuous or palliative care, and valid procedures that end life, the corresponding text in the final draft of the legislation reportedly read. State media claimed that the euthanasia provision is allegedly meant for people with chronic degenerative and irreversible diseases, with intractable suffering, who are in an agonizing or terminal phase of life or who have suffered injuries that place them in this condition. I wonder how many accidents are fixing to befall political dissidents or other undesirables, ones that could place these poor unfortunate souls in a position of intractable suffering that demands an end by euthanasia. Cubas socialized medicine system (or more recognizable to American leftists as universal healthcare), has long been touted by prominent Democrats as an ideal. Michael Moores 2007 documentary Sicko heaped sycophantic praise on the institution compared to the evil capitalist American system. In Sean Penns 2016 glowing review of Fidel Castro, Penn, like the leftist idiots before him, honed in on Cuban healthcare (and literacy), while ignoring the slaughter of the civilians (because Castro had promised he would do better), and noted that Cuba exports more doctors worldwide than any other country (while also leaving out that medical exports were the number one source of export revenue for the Castro regime. Barack Obama, on numerous occasions, lauded Cuba for making enormous achievements regarding healthcare; as a Forbes reporter wrote, Obama was effusive in his praise. Notorious Marxist Angela Davis said this: Cuba has the best health care system in the entire area and in many respects [its] much better than the U.S. Inevitably though, socialized medicine requires rationingwhich is why the system is now actually in ruinand, equally inevitably, rationing always requires death. Communist governments have a lot of problems, and euthanasia kills lots of birds (people) with one stonewhich is why the regimes vehicle of choice is completely predictable. The only thing that surprises me is that it took these murderers so long to figure out that euthanasia and dignified death was better press than death squad. Im wondering if the firing squad is considered a valid procedure to end-of-life care? Probably. Image: Public domain. December 21, 2023. A 24-year-old man murdered his father, then shot up a university, killing 14 and wounding 25 before killing himself. Just another horror story from gun violent America? Not quite. It happened in Prague, the Czech Republic. How can this be? Everyone knows America, because of our sinister gun culture is far more violent than anywhere else on Earth. Should one have the misfortune to believe our democrat/Socialist/Communist media, theyd think America a cesspool of gun violence, unparalleled in all the world. Anyone daring to step outdoors is certain to be filled with lead, always by Ultra-MAGA white supremacists, and lately by radical Catholics, Christians who like the Latin Mass. None are apparently more violent than Christians who speak or understand Latin, or merely appreciate its connection to their history and faith. Yes, America has more guns in private hands than any other nation, and Americans, no dummies, have been buying more than 1,000,000 guns a month for the last 4+ years. Actually, that figure derives from a million federal background checks per month, and since one may buy multiple guns with a single background check-a single visit to a dealerthe number of guns sold is surely significantly higher. Yet, America is far safer than most nations, as this classic Bill Whittle videoNumber One With A Bullet--illustrates, America is not first, tenth, not even fiftieth in the world in per capita homicides, but one hundred eleventh. The video was produced about eight years ago, but the numbers are little, if at all, changed. Image: used with author's permission Eliminating statistics from our most murderous, d/S/C ruled cities, if we had the same per capita murder rate as Plano, Texas-.4 per 100,000which Whittle affirms one of the best armed cities in America, wed be not one hundred eleventh in the world, but two hundred eleventh in the world: Image: used with author's permission If not America, what are the top ten most violent countries in the world? 1) Honduras 2) Venezuela 3) United States Virgin Islands 4) Belize 5) El Salvador 6) Guatemala 7) Jamaica 8) Lesotho 9) Swaziland 10) Saint Kitts and Nevis Note that all of these countries/territories are either socialist, strictly gun controlling, or both. Here are some other interesting factsnot my truthsbearing on reality: Over the 20 years from 1998 to 2017, the US had less than 1.13% of the worlds share of mass public shooters and 1.77% of its mass public shooting murders. Thats much less than the USs 4.6% share of the world population. This holds true for school attacks as well, which remain thankfully rare. This is not at all what the d/S/C media would have us believe. Why would they try to deceive Americans? Gun/people control. Their narratives tell us guns can be used only for ill. Theyre far more likely to kill their owners and their families than criminals, and they have the mystical power to compel normal, sane people to mass murder. The Second Amendment doesnt affirm an individual right to keep and bear arms, and America will never be safe until Normal Americans are disarmed. Reality is very different. Every study done since the Clinton Administration reveals Americans successfully, defensively use guns, usually without firing a shot, from 500,000 to 2.5 million times each year. Many of these studies were done by government, particularly the CDC, before Congress, in 1996, prevented it from spending money on anti-liberty/gun research. The Clinton Administration tried a study, confident it would provide more ammunition for gun bans, and found 1.5 million defensive gun uses per year. They tried to bury the study, but it leaked. Well never know the actual number of self-defense gun uses. Many people repel criminals and dont report the incidents. Many blue cities dont report such incidents either. They dont want to reveal the depth of the failure of their pro-criminal reform policies, nor do they want to give any positive publicity to honest gun owners or the Second Amendment. However, we can be sure self-defense gun uses are far in excess of even the most optimistic study results. While America is far from the most dangerous nation in the world, many of its d/S/C ruled blue cities and states are dangerous. It is that realization driving month after month of record-setting gun purchases. Many buying guns for the first time are not stereotypical Deplorables, but women, minorities, gays, lesbians, and most recently, Jews. It seems reality, once recognized and accepted, can exert a sobering influence. Its also ironic these Americans are arming against people like themselves, or at least people theyve always thought victims. Human beings are potentially violent, but Americans are far from the top of the list. Mike McDaniel is a classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor and retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. We've seen this before. A caravan comes together in Mexico and "walks" to the U.S. border. This is the latest according to news reports: Thousands of migrants arrived on Sunday in the southern Mexican town Alvaro Obregon to spend the Christmas Eve in a public square without shelter before making their way north to cross the country and reach the border with the United States. On Sunday, the group of mostly Central American and Caribbean migrants had walked 15 kilometers (more than 9 miles) from the southern border city Tapachula to get to Alvaro Obregon, with plans to set off again around 4 a.m. the next day. Again, nothing new here. In the meantime, there is supposed to be a meeting between representatives of the U.S. and Mexico governments. The purpose of the meeting is to talk about all this. What will happen? Don't get your hopes up. Why do I say that? Well, President Andres Lopez-Obrador of Mexico wants to help but also wants the U.S. to open talks with Cuba. Why open talks with Cuba without that regime making some concessions? How did Obama opening an embassy work out? There is an embassy in Havana but not much more has changed. I heard from a Mexican friend that Lopez-Obrador wants to get credit for ending the embargo. How is any of this going to end the caravans? That's what happens when Mexico is lecturing the U.S. rather than the other way around. In other words, the U.S. should tell Mexico to end the caravans and we will talk about Cuba later. So more people are coming and they will probably get an appointment with the judge in 2031. Don't laugh because there are so many cases on the calendar that we are scheduling that far ahead. They can drive an electric car to the appointment. Isn't everybody supposed to be driving an electric car by then? P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: RawPixel.com The Apple Watch import ban made huge headlines after the Biden Administration decided not to veto the restriction. Because of this, the iPhone maker can no longer sell its latest smartwatches via its official stores. Luckily, this scenario changed after the gadget manufacturer scored a major victory on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Apple was able to do this after filing an emergency request to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The appeals court then decided to temporarily pause the Apple Watch import ban. Here are other details consumers need to know. US Temporarily Lifts Apple Watch Import Ban On Monday, the Biden Admin refused to pause the import ban of ITC against Apple's smartwatches. This was confirmed by the Office of the U.S. Trades Representatives on Dec. 26. But, Apple was able to appeal the decision, allowing the latest Apple Watch models to be sold in the U.S., thanks to the temporary ban lift made by the U.S. appeals court. "This is a big win for Apple that was unexpected by many given the legal issues involved in this patent battle," said Dan Ives, a Wedbush Securities analyst, via AOL. "Masimo now has a big fight ahead. We expect an appeals case in January to be a big moment," he added. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit's four-paragraph decision said that it would temporarily halt the import restriction while waiting for Apple's motion for a longer-term halt, as reported by CNBC. Officials said that they will wait for the measures of the iPhone maker during the appeals process. Meanwhile, the appeals court gave the U.S. International Trade Commission to respond to Apple's request until Jan. 10. "The motion for an interim stay is granted to the extent that the Remedial Orders are temporarily stayed," explained the court filing. Read Also: China's iPhone Crackdown Worsens as Western Smartphone Ban in State Firms, Government Departments Expand What Apple Watch Import Ban Lift Means for Consumers Apple is not the only one benefitting from the temporary Apple Watch import ban lift. Consumers of the iPhone maker can also take advantage of this halt since they can now order the latest Ultra 2 and Series 9 watches via the official Apple stores. However, interested Apple Watch buyers need to decide if they want to purchase the newest smartwatch models this December since Apple's case against Masimo's allegations is still ongoing. If ever Apple really loses against Masimo, then the import ban could drastically affect its business; making it lose hundreds of millions of dollars. "Going forward, it's absolutely certain they are going to have to take a different approach in future hardware to still enable this feature," explained Creative Strategies CEO Ben Bajarin. Related Article: Apple Watch Imports Now Banned in US as Biden Admin Refuses to Veto; iPhone Maker Appeals ITC's Decision @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hoi. Ich hab da ne Frage zu den Statistiken von AdGuard. Ich hab die App ins Arbeitsprofil kopiert und dort nur fur eine Spiel App ("Q") laufen. Nach wenigen Minuten zeigt mir die Startseite, dass ich 294 MB gespart habe, bei 2,1k an Werbung. In der genaueren Auflistung sehe ich aber bei dieser App nur 11 Anfragen und ein paar kb gespart. In der Rubrik "Unternehmen" sehe ich eine Firma die mit der App zusammenhangt und 232 Werbungen mit nur 33 MB gespart anzeigt. Woher kommen die restlichen ~250 MB gespart. Ist das ein Schatzwert? Und wo nimmt sich AdGuard die Info her? Wenn nur eine App aktiv ist, musste der Rest dann ja durchs Android kommen, was ich mir nicht vorstellen kann, obwohl ich ein Galaxy nutze. Nachtrag: Wie vertrauenswurdig ist das HTTPS-CA-Zertifikat? Ich meine, laut Beschreibung kann AdGuard dann alle Eintrage wie Passworter die ich eingebe, etc. sehen. Gerade bei Banking sehr kritisch. Samsung pushed the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update to quite a handful of Galaxy phones. It is now available across the Galaxy S23 series, S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and even plenty of A series handsets. In total, over 60 Galaxy devices have received One UI 6.0 update. However, the latest update brings some issues along, according to reports across Google forums. A bunch of Galaxy users are experiencing issues with Android Auto after updating to One UI 6.0. Samsungs One UI 6 may have broken wireless Android Auto for some users For some Samsung Galaxy owners, the recent upgrade to Android 14 brought more than just new features. An unwelcome guest crashed the party: a bug that cripples wireless Android Auto. The first complaints started rising in late November as Samsungs rollout of Android 14 gained momentum. More importantly, it isnt just limited to a specific series or model. It has affected a range of phones, from the Galaxy S23 series to the A series smartphones. Advertisement Advertisement The affected users on the Google support forum mostly described two scenarios: either wireless completely refusing to work, or flickering in and out like a dying lightbulb. If the issue lies within the app itself, we can expect a fix to arrive sooner than expected. A fix could be on its way, but try this meanwhile Thankfully, Google hasnt turned a blind eye. It acknowledged the issue on its Known Issues list this week, and a community specialist has offered their support. However, a concrete fix is yet to arrive. Meanwhile, users could solely rely on connecting to Android Auto using a cable i.e. wired connection. 9to5Google noted that several Google Pixel users are experiencing similar connectivity woes after the December update, albeit to a much lesser extent. It is similar to the previous issues. The issues reported by Pixel users mirror those plaguing Galaxy phones: wireless connections dropping completely or sputtering out after brief moments of functionality. If theres one phrase we kept hearing throughout the year, its AI (artificial intelligence). The fire ignited by OpenAIs ChatGPT has created a whole new niche among tech majors. Subsequently, several AI-powered chatbots landed, including Googles Bard, and the latest, Xs AI debut Grok. One tech major has been quite late to the show, and we didnt hear much from it on the subject up until last months earnings call. Exactly, thats when Tim Cook hinted about its interest in generative AI. Cupertino major was long speculated of working on this project for years, but now it is confirmed. Altogether, Apples R&D budget also soared to a whopping $23 billion annually. And now, more details are coming to support the previous information. Apple approached news publishers to train its AI model The New York Times reported Apple is approaching several major publishers and news organizations to hold talks, citing people familiar with the matter. Apple wants to use the published content to train its generative AI systems for about $50 million. It has contacted key publishers like Conde, NBC News, and IAC. For reference, Conde owns Voge and The New Yorker; and IAC owns People, The Daily Beast, Investopedia, and Brides, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Although Apple lagged in the generative AI race, but it earned trust by seeking permission and offering payments for data. It has long debated using internet data due to privacy concerns, unlike competitors accused of scraping content. More importantly, OpenAI faced lawsuits from novelists and nonfiction authors, including George R.R. Martin and John Grisham, who claim their works were used without consent to build a multi-billion-dollar business. It looks like Apples cautious approach, though slower, prioritizes ethical data acquisition. Nevertheless, the war on AI chatbots is real with more and more data being fed to train the systems. Big techs like Meta, Google, OpenAI, etc. have already come up with their chatbots and implemented the same in their products. Every day, it becomes more fascinating to watch each competitor strive to outdo the others. Over a year after Elon Musk could take over X (formerly known as Twitter), the company still faces lawsuits from former employees and contractors. X was first sued over mass layoffs and unpaid bills. Now, the company is facing another lawsuit over failing to pay bonuses to its employees. According to Reuters, a federal judge ruled on Friday that X violated contracts by not paying the promised bonuses. The lawsuit against X Corp was filed by the companys former senior director of compensation, Mark Schobinger, in June. Schobinger left X in May. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria said Schobingers breach of contract claim is based on California law. Schobinger added that Twitter promised to pay 50% of their 2022 target bonuses but never did so before and after Musks takeover. Once Schobinger did what Twitter asked, Twitters offer to pay him a bonus in return became a binding contract under California law. And by allegedly refusing to pay Schobinger his promised bonus, Twitter violated that contract, the judge noted. X fails to pay promised bonuses to its employees, resulting in a lawsuit against the company After Xs motion to dismiss the case was denied, the company claimed it had an oral promise with the employees over the bonuses, and there was no official contract between them. Additionally, X wants the case to be governed according to Texas law. However, the judge failed X by choosing the California law and adding that Twitters contrary arguments all fail. X has not yet responded to the requests for comment. Since Elon Musks takeover in October 2022, X has faced multiple lawsuits from former employees over non-compliance with the terms of the contract and discrimination against women and staff with disabilities. X was even sued by its landlord over not paying the rent. As expected, the company denied all the allegations. Advertisement Above all, X is now under fire over mishandling the Israel and Hamas war. The European Union alleges that X deliberately allows misinformation to spread and fails to protect users. The strictures of the E.U. have reportedly made Elon Musk think of blocking the platform on this continent. Regulators worldwide have become more sensitive to the business practices of tech firms and social platforms. Every once in a while, we hear about a multi-million dollar lawsuit against a tech firm in a country outside of the U.S. In a recent case, Meta faced a 5.85 million ($6.45 million) lawsuit in Italy over breaching gambling advertising rules. The global Xiaomi 14 launch will take place in Barcelona, it seems, as part of MWC. Not only that, but a possible launch date has been tipped. Do note that this info comes from a tipster that is not the most reliable, but it does make sense considering last years launch timeframe. The global Xiaomi 14 launch event will take place in Barcelona, it seems The information has been shared by 91mobiles, in collaboration with Yogesh Brar, a tipster. He said that the Xiaomi 14 will launch at MWC 2024 in Barcelona. That part is probably accurate. He did mention February 27 as a launch date which is doubtful. Advertisement Advertisement Most major product launches take place before the Mobile World Congress officially starts. By that logic, the Xiaomi 14 could launch on February 25, rather than February 27. Thats also what 91mobiles believes, despite Yogeshs tip. So well see. Now, the tipster did refer to this launch as the Xiaomi 14 launch, not the Xiaomi 14 series launch. The question remains whether both the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro will launch, or only the Xiaomi 14. The Xiaomi 14 Pro might not launch globally even though it probably will A recent report actually said that Xiaomi is not developing the Xiaomi 14 Pro global software. That hinted at the possibility that the phone will not launch globally. Well, theres always a chance that the tipster looked in the wrong place. Its actually unrealistic not to expect the Xiaomi 14 Pro to arrive. If the Xiaomi 14 Ultra arrived at the same time, then sure, the Xiaomi 14 Pro omission would be easier to swallow. The way things are, however, thats unlikely. The Xiaomi 14 is expected to launch globally both in Barcelona and in India at the same time, basically. That probably means the same day, if not the same time literally. Both the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro have already launched in China, so we know what to expect from them. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is also expected, but that device could arrive at a later date, in early Q2 2024, or something like that. There is still a chance Xiaomi will flip things around, and launch the Ultra model in Barcelona as well. Leaks and rumors have left nothing to the imagination about what to expect from the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. The next-generation flagship devices from the South Korean brand are expected to debut on January 17. In a new development, the leaked SIM trays of the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus hint at three new colors. Leaked SIM trays suggest three new color options for the Galaxy S24, S24+ Tipster Roland Quandt came across a spare parts store that offers products specifically, SIM trays for the upcoming Galaxy S24 series. The images of the SIM trays reveal new color options for the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus. The frame colors point towards orange, green, and blue. The official name of those color options could be different. Advertisement Advertisement The full list of colors on the vendors website includes black, orange, green, purple, blue, gold, and white. We had previously shared renders of the Samsung Galaxy S24 in black, grey, violet, and yellow hues. The Galaxy S24+ will also come in the same hues as the standard variant. It could be possible that gold and white could potentially replace yellow and grey shades respectively spotted in the press renders. That leaves us with orange, green, and blue as the new color variants. These will be exclusive variants of the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus that will be available to purchase only from Samsung.com This isnt the first time weve heard the Galaxy S24, and S24+ in orange, green, and blue colors The latest development about the Galaxy S24 and S24 Pluss new color options has been echoed in the past by DSCCs Ross Young and Ice Universe. This years Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are available in Graphite and Lime Green exclusive colors. Leaked renders have revealed that the forthcoming Galaxy S24 duo will sport a boxy design with a compact form factor. It will have polished edges, three vertically stacked camera sensors, and an ultra-wide-band antenna on the side frame. Earlier this year, the Nintendo Wii U and 3DS were dealt a pretty big blow when the Kyoto-based company discontinued both systems online shops (the Switchs successor is expected to come out next year, so it makes sense). While that was the case, you were allowed to play games online using those systems. Well, we have more bad news; Nintendo is shutting down the Wii U and 3DS online Play months ahead of schedule. It wasnt supposed to happen for another four months Nintendo agreed to keep the servers on for a while longer so that people could get some more rounds of Super Smash Bros. in. When Nintendo said when it was planning on shutting online play down, players thought that they had a while to keep playing. The company stated that itd keep things going until April 2024, but it didnt say that it was a definite thing. In fact, the company did say that it could shut them down before the date. Advertisement Advertisement Nintendos shutting down Wiiu and 3DS online play a while ahead of schedule Well, the company said that it could shut it down before April, but we didnt think that the company was going to start this soon. Were at the end of December, and people are already starting to see their games go offline. This is a major blow, as these are folks thinking that they had another four months to play their games online. While this is starting to happen now, its not happening all at once. We believe that Nintendo is doing a gradual shutdown of this service. So, its possible that more people will start to see it go offline as time goes on. We dont know which regions will lose connectivity next, so its anyones guess. Its unfortunate, as many people took Nintendos April forecast to heart and planned on playing this deep into the Spring of 2024. If you still have access to Nintendo online play, then youll want to enjoy it for as long as you can. To strengthen its cross-device ecosystem, Samsung has introduced its official Phone app on Windows PCs. It arrives just in time before the launch of the Galaxy Book4 in the global markets. The laptops debuted in the home country earlier this month. Samsungs Phone app aims to bridge the gap between mobile and computing experiences by making key features on users Galaxy smartphones easily accessible from desktops. Samsung Phone app for Windows PC announced for a smoother ecosystem experience The Samsung Phone app is now available to download on the Microsoft Windows Store. The listing description mentions that it is supported on the newly announced Galaxy Book4 or later and Intel-based PCs. Additionally, it appears that the software is only limited to Galaxy devices. Advertisement Advertisement The Samsung Phone app requires laptops and PCs running Windows 10 and above. It weighs 357.8MB in size. The Store listing also mentions that the availability of features will depend on the country of release and model. Samsung Phone app for Windows: features The Samsung Phone app brings iPhone-Mac-like continuity features on Galaxy phones and laptops. Users will be able to text and call using the laptop when it is paired with compatible smartphones and tablets. This is evident from the screenshots on the store listing. The app will display a pop-up notification of incoming calls that users can answer, reject, or even send a message. The Samsung Phone app will let Galaxy smartphone users use the same number from their phones on their Galaxy Book laptops. However, it remains to be seen how this functionality will work as the Book4 lacks eSIM support. Its likely that the Samsung Phone app packs more features beyond the basic calling functionality. The store listing does not explicitly divulge into more details but we expect more features like accessing the phones gallery, managing notifications, transferring files etc. For those unaware, Windows already offers a Phone Link app that offers all these features for any Android smartphone connected via Bluetooth to their Windows PC. Samsung is pushing back the production of advanced semiconductor chips at its new plant in Taylor, Texas. According to the Korean media, mass production at the factory will begin in 2025. The company originally planned to start churning out chips from this facility in the second half of 2024. Samsungs new chip plant in Texas may not be operational before 2025 In November 2021, Samsung announced a $17 billion investment to set up a new semiconductor factory in Taylor. It would be the companys second chip plant in the US. The other factory is located in Austin, Texas, and has been operational since 1996. Industry insiders reported earlier this year that the new factory may end up costing Samsung $25 billion, over $8 billion more than the initial estimate. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the added cost, the firm appeared on track to finish construction at the site by the end of 2023 and start operations next year. Unfortunately, the latest word is that the plan has been delayed. The new plant may not be operational until sometime in 2025, Bloomberg reports citing information from the Seoul Economic Daily. Samsung Foundry President Choi Siyoung reportedly broke the news at a recent industry event in San Francisco. The Samsung executive didnt share a precise timeline regarding the mass production plans at the new Texas chip plant. However, even if the production begins in early 2025, we are staring at a few months of delay. The cause of the delay is not known, though. There have been reports that the company is looking to construct a new building at the site to expand its production capacity amid an exponential rise in demand for AI chips. TSMC has also postponed production at its new factory in Arizona Samsung isnt the only semiconductor foundry building a new factory in the US. Taiwanese firm TSMC, which holds a lions share in the global foundry market, is also constructing a chip plant in Phoenix, Arizona. It originally planned to start producing 4nm chips at the factory in 2024. However, the plan has been postponed until 2025. TSMC said this delay is due to a shortage of skilled workers with the necessary experience in installing semiconductor equipment. Advertisement These delays are a huge blow to US President Joe Bidens plan to create a robust semiconductor supply chain in the country. The long-term plan is to establish self-sufficiency to avoid supply disruptions in the future. An unprecedented global chip shortage in 2021 cost American companies hundreds of billions in revenue. Biden wants the US tech industry to be prepared for such adversities in the years to come. However, his government hasnt quite delivered on promises of financial support to foreign companies expanding their chip production capacity in the US. Biden signed the Chips Act into law over a year ago, pledging an incentive of over $100 billion for participating companies. However, his government has reportedly only awarded a single grant so far$35 million to British aerospace firm BAE Systems. Whether we see more activities after next years US presidential election, time will tell. Wells Fargo has recently been sending checks to past and and former customers. David Zalubowski/AP Earlier this month a Houston man received an unexpected communication from his former bank, Wells Fargo, and a check for slightly more than $8,000. During a review of the account, we identified that you are eligible for compensation on a prior Credit Defense product, said the letter, reviewed by the Houston Chronicle. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Other consumers, on social media sites such as Reddit and TikTok, are reporting receiving similar letters, as well as checks ranging from a few dozen dollars to thousands. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres what we know about the mysterious missives. Why did Wells Fargo just send me a check? Wells Fargo, headquartered in San Francisco, has in recent years been ordered to pay billions of dollars to millions of consumers in various settlements with state attorneys general, the Department of Justice and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the federal agency responsible for consumer protection in the financial sector. The largest of these came in December 2022, when the CFPB ordered Wells Fargo to pay $3.7 billion for widespread mismanagement of auto loans, mortgages, and deposit accounts. That includes a $1.7 billion civil penalty and more than $2 billion in redress to 16 million consumers. In the CFPBs 11 years of existence, Wells Fargo has consistently been one of the most problematic repeat offenders of the banks and credit unions we supervise, said agency director Rohit Chopra at the time. Put simply, Wells Fargo is a corporate recidivist that puts one-third of American households at risk of harm. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What Wells Fargo is saying The bank provided few details in an emailed response Wednesday to a request for comment. While we cannot comment on regulatory matters, we continue to put legacy issues behind us as evidenced from this letter which covers a time period dating back more than one decade ago, said Tom Goyda, senior vice president for consumer lending communications. If customers have questions about these letters, they can call the toll-free number provided in the letter itself or contact Wells Fargo by calling the number on their account statement or 800-869-3557. How do I know that this isnt some sort of scam? Some recipients of checks are skeptical, given their previous experiences with Wells Fargo and the recent proliferation of financial scams. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My scam sense is tingling, although I am aware Wells Fargo did have multiple settlements in recent years, one former customer wrote in a Reddit post after receiving a check, asking if others have had similar experiences. The letter reviewed by the Chronicle says that the recipient could contact Wells Fargo for more information at 855-939-4507. That number leads to the Wells Fargo Customer Remediation Program Information line. Im a current or former Wells Fargo customer. Should I be expecting a check? Its possible. Wells Fargo is one of the largest banks in the United States, noted the personal finance website Bankrate last week, and is focusing on repairing its fractured relationship with customers after a series of missteps. If youre a current or former customer, you can contact the number given above to ask about your individual situation. The CFPB lists another number, 844-484-5089, which leads to the Wells Fargo Specialized Customer Care and Resolution line. French video game publisher Ubisoft is currently probing a potential data breach. Reports say it could contain about 900GB of confidential data. It came to light after vx-underground posted leaked images on X purportedly showing the companys internal software and developer tools. Ubisoft confirmed the same while speaking to BleepingComputer. It said that the company is aware of an alleged data security incident. It comes after research group vx-underground shared screenshots on X. They claim to have obtained screenshots originating from Ubisofts internal services. While the extent of the breach remains hazy, the leaked screenshots, believed to originate from Ubisofts internal network, paint a worrisome picture. Advertisement Advertisement Ubisofts data may have been compromised, suggests research group Vx-underground revealed that an unidentified actor informed them of a breach into Ubisofts systems on December 20th. They had access for about 48 hours, however, failed to steal around 900GB of data from the companys computer systems. Pictures shared suggested that they could have gained unauthorized access to various company platforms, including Ubisofts file storage, Microsoft chat, and other important tools. Notably, Ubisoft has a name for developing video games in the industry. It has come up with some blockbuster franchises like Assassins Creed, FarCry, and Tom Clancys Rainbow Six Siege. However, its undeniable that this isnt Ubisofts first tryst with cybersecurity concerns. In 2020, the company fell victim to the Egregor ransomware group. This led to the unauthorized release of segments from the Ubisoft Watch Dogs game source code. Later in 2022, Ubisoft faced another security challenge that disrupted various aspects of its games, systems, and broader services. Insomniac Games, the developer behind Ratchet & Clank, also suffered a recent data breach that exposed sensitive employee information and details about upcoming titles. While Ubisoft is currently investigating a potential security incident, theres no indication that any sensitive data or information about their games was accessed or disclosed. Former European Commission president Jacques Delors, who played a key role in the design of the euro and creation of the single market, has died aged 98. Mr Delors was hailed as a statesman of French destiny by French president Emmanuel Macron after news of his death was confirmed. Homme dEtat au destin francais.Inepuisable artisan de notre Europe.Combattant pour la justice humaine. Jacques Delors etait tout cela. Son engagement, son ideal et sa droiture nous inspireront toujours. Je salue son uvre et sa memoire et partage la peine de ses proches. pic.twitter.com/3D5FBvdduh Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 27, 2023 Mr Delors served as European Commission president from 1985 to 1995, a period that saw him involved in several skirmishes between Brussels and Britain. In 1990, then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher said no, no, no as she issued a Commons rebuke to Mr Delors as he sought greater Brussels control. In November 1990, a front page of The Sun under the headline Up Yours Delors urged readers to face France and shout the insult in a bid to protect the British pound. While Mr Delors was depicted as a Euro bogeyman by Mrs Thatcher, the former French finance minister was once hailed by the TUC as Frere Jacques for his crusade over the social charter, which guarantees fundamental social and economic rights. Labour former leader Neil Kinnock said Mr Delors sought to emphasise common interest and shared sovereignty. Recalling the exchanges with Mrs Thatcher, Lord Kinnock told BBC Radio 4s PM programme: To represent him as some kind of fanatical federalist who wanted to create some country called Europe with all the trappings of that was extremely misleading, but it suited her political purpose at that time. And of course the caricature stuck. That wasnt Jacques at all. He described Mr Delors as a very polite, calm, highly intelligent man, a problem-solver, noting: He wouldnt let his judgment of what was possible, what was practical, what was doable be clouded by personal reservation or dislike. Conservative former chancellor Lord Clarke of Nottingham said Europe had its most powerful and reforming leadership during the era of Helmut Kohl as German chancellor, Francois Mitterrand as French president, Mrs Thatcher and Mr Delors. Margaret Thatcher meeting Jacques Delors at a European Single Market Conference in London (PA) He told the same programme: Jacques Delors was one of the most reforming and creative of the four and when they worked together, or when one of them managed to prevail to get an idea, Europe developed as never before. Margarets own contribution was the single market because Margaret was in favour of economic Europe, she was in favour of a total free trade Europe, she never talked about leaving the European Union, she saw it as an economic thing to make us more prosperous by giving us a big free trade bloc. She suspected Jacques, as she revealed in that extraordinary outburst in the House of Commons, of going beyond that and being in favour of a political Europe, which she was against, which was going to be a sort of united states of Europe, a superstate and all the rest of it, which I agree with Neil I dont think Jacques was interested in that at all. Pro-European Lord Clarke said he thought Mr Delors views on common employment laws were too social democrat and left-wing, adding he was impressed by the highly intelligent man when they discussed finance matters. He went on: The truth was that Jacques Delors and Margaret Thatcher deeply disliked each other personally, they hated each other for personal and political reasons. If you saw them together it was painful. He thought she was a silly right-wing woman and she thought he was an irritating French intellectual obsessed with creating a united states of Europe. Lord Clarke said this caused Mrs Thatchers final explosion in Parliament. Former MEP Nigel Farage, who led Ukip and the Brexit Party, told the PA news agency: Jacques Delors had a vision that turned the EC (European Community) into the EU. For Eurosceptics like me he was an important figure who helped propel me into a political career. My only regret is not doing battle with him on the floor of the European Parliament. A British official expressed concern that Irish president Mary McAleese would be at a memorial service for the victims of the Omagh bombing when Queen Elizabeth II was not attending. Twenty-nine people, including a woman pregnant with twins, were killed when a car bomb exploded in the Co Tyrone town in 1998. It was the worst loss of life in a single incident in Northern Irelands troubled past, and came just months after the historic Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. A memorial service in honour of the victims was planned a week after the bombing. The aftermath of the bombing in Market Street, Omagh (PA) On August 21 1998, the day before the event, Irish Embassy official Philip McDonagh was called to the Foreign Office to discuss Irish premier Bertie Ahern and president Mary McAleeses attendance. A note sent from the London embassy to Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs suggested that George Fergusson, the head of the Ireland department within the UKs Foreign Office, had gently encouraged the country not to send such senior representatives to the ceremony. He suggested that a formal memorial service would be announced within less than 24 hours that would be attended by the British monarch and then-UK prime minister Tony Blair, which would allow the taoiseach and president to withdraw from the first event despite having confirmed their attendance. Mr Fergusson appeared to suggest that locals were against high level attendance at the memorial. President Mary McAleese speaks in 2010 to Margo McCrory whose son was injured during the Omagh bombing (PA) Mr McDonagh replied that based on soundings they had taken, the contrary was the case, and said that Mr Aherns and Mrs McAleeses plans had already been announced, and substantive meetings were likely to take place around the visit. Mr Fergusson then said that Mr Blair and the Queen could face embarrassment by not attending, to which Mr McDonagh replied they had received nothing but praise for their gestures of sympathy. He added that he could not see British figures attracting criticism on grounds of protocol. Mr Fergusson then admitted he was more concerned about the Queens absence rather than the prime minister. He said it was not practical to send a senior royal to Omagh as it could detract from the ceremony itself, and said if a less prominent member were sent it could appear inadequate if President McAleese is present. Northern Ireland secretary John Reid shows Queen Elizabeth II the site of the Omagh bombing during a visit to the County Tyrone town in 2002 (PA) He suggested a compromise, where Mr Ahern would attend but Mrs McAleese would not, to which Mr McDonagh said he was uncomfortable with the use of the word compromise in a matter of this kind, which Mr Fergusson accepted. In a comment on the correspondence sent to Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr McDonagh added that he felt Mr Fergusson implied that the taoiseachs attendance was in some sense in the gift of the British government. Mr McDonagh said that he was deliberately not taking this point. Mrs McAleese and Mr Ahern attended the memorial service the following day. [Based on files in 2022/45/423, 2022/45/424 and 2022/45/426] Ingenius creates ales for the open-minded. Theyre a Houston area brewpub thats always pushing boundaries. They specialize in small batches, constantly changing brews and find inspiration everywhere utilizing non-traditional (but always all natural) ingredients. Ingenious Brewing The owners of Humbles Ingenious Brewing Company said Tuesday they are closing the doors permanently during the first week of 2024, marking an end of the 6-year-old business. It is with a heavy heart that today we have to announce the upcoming closure of our dear brewery, the company said in a Facebook post. As many of you are aware, COVID-19 and the consequential economic/sociologic changes have been brutal to craft beer industry; we were no exception. MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: An intimate Japanese-style bar is opening in the Heights Advertisement Article continues below this ad Founded in 2017 by Justin Gyorfi, a urologist, and Mike Broderick, a home brewer originally from Pennsylvania, Ingenious has billed itself as a brewpub that specialized in small-batch beers, particularly stouts and IPAs. The company was issued its first license from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in 2017, and most recently renewed it in August, according to state records. The brewpub opened to the public in 2018. The company said the financial blows caused by the pandemic had finally taken its toll. We strapped down and pivoted every way possible to try and lessen the loss, the post said. Unfortunately its now nearly 3 years later and despite multiple rounds of loans and the employee retention credits keeping us floating, the outlook is even worse than when this started. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bar closures in the early days of the pandemic caused other establishments to stop ordering kegs from the brewery, the company said in 2020. The company said it was buoyed for a time by beer-to-go sales. According to the Brewers Association, a trade group, more than 385 independent breweries in the United States closed in 2023. Craft brewers were affected by slowing demand growth, competition from across beverage alcohol and a retail environment marked by declining draught sales, according to the association. A leading Dublin tourist attraction freshly crowned the worlds best visitor experience is hoping the global accolade, assisted by a David Beckham boost, can drive it to new heights in 2024. The Guinness Storehouse, which took away the top prize at the World Travel Awards earlier in December, is set to welcome more than 1.4 million visitors this year. Perhaps the most famous of those were David Beckham and his son Cruz who paid a visit in February, sharing the experience with their tens of millions of combined Instagram followers. Storehouse managing director Catherine Toolan said winning the worlds leading tourist attraction accolade was an achievement two decades in the making. The Guinness Storehouse has been in this location and open as a visitor experience and a brand experience for 23 years now and throughout that 23 years we continued to invest in creating a world-class experience, she said. The World Travel Awards is really the Oscars of the travel industry. Its an award thats been going on for 30 years. We have won Europes leading experience in 2015 and also the World Travel Award for the leading beer tour experience. But this year was the pinnacle by winning the worlds leading tour experience, competing against the likes of the Taj Mahal, the Ferrari experience (in Abu Dhabi), the Great Wall of China and the Walt Disney resort in Florida. Im so proud of the team. Its a brilliant award for us. And its a brilliant award for the city as well and for tourism in Ireland. David and Cruz Beckhams visit came five months after US basketball star Steph Curry also toured the Storehouse, which is on the site of Guinnesss famous St Jamess Gate brewery in Dublin. In previous years, Tom Cruise and the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, have also visited. Ms Toolan said the exposure generated by high-profile visitors tangibly boosts engagement and interest in the Storehouse online. People walk past the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) Referring to the Beckhams Instagram posts, she added: When they post something like that to their followers, we do see, you know, a lot more engagement and indeed we would have a lot of visitors asking us or coming in and saying Where did David Beckham pull his pint? The centre has also recently expanded its offering to host live music events, with performances from Kelis, Bicep, Annie Mac and Dermot Kennedy among others. Working with Irelands Autism Charity, AsIAm, the Storehouse also secured official accreditation in 2023 as an autism and neuro-divergent friendly venue. On the first Wednesday of every month it now hosts dedicated sensory friendly experience days. The initiative is aligned with the venues wider environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) goals. Some of the initiatives that we have in place from that perspective are that we have now 100% renewable energy in the building, we have a zero to landfill (policy), and were working with Diageo and indeed all our partners to become net carbon neutral by 2030, which is a really lofty goal, but one were really focused on, added Ms Toolan. Guinness Storehouse managing director Catherine Toolan (Niall Carson/PA) Looking forward to 2024, the Storehouse boss paid tribute to the 600-strong team of core workers and partners that help operate the attraction. It takes a village to run a brand experience like this, from the team that manage our warehouse, the team that manage our retail store, to the team that welcome visitors every single day, she said. I feel so privileged to have such amazing people as part of that and they make the difference. And they give that cead mile failte (one hundred thousand welcomes) and that warm welcome to our visitors every day. So winning awards is really special, but being able to come into a building and being the custodian of the 264-year, almost 265-year, Guinness history and working with the team that I work with every day, its just such a privilege. Wales has enjoyed many contrasts throughout 2023, from the celebrations surrounding frequent visits by the new Prince and Princess of Wales to tragedy as several young people lost their lives on the countrys roads. The royal couple visited Cardiff to meet members of the Windrush generation and celebrate the work of diverse community groups in the area. William and Kate were greeted by cheering schoolchildren when they arrived at Grange Pavilion close to the city centre for an event marking the start of Black History Month. The Prince and Princess of Wales meet schoolchildren during a visit to the Grange Pavilion in Cardiff (Jacob King/PA) (Jacob King/PA) They also championed Wales during the Six Nations rugby international against England at the Principality Stadium. The Prince and Princess of Wales in the stands ahead of the Guinness Six Nations match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff (Joe Giddens/PA) Sir Keir Starmer promised to make the UK a world leader in clean green steel as he visited Port Talbot. The Labour leader visited Tatas giant plant in South Wales, saying the industry was the future, not the past. The Government announced it will pump up to 500 million into Port Talbot as part of plans to produce greener steel but as many as 3,000 jobs could be lost. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to Tata Steels Port Talbot steelworks in South Wales (Ben Birchall/PA) Workers outside Tata Steels Port Talbot steelworks as around 3,000 jobs are at risk at the plant as part of a planned restructuring (Ben Birchall/PA) Police searching for four teenagers, who had been missing after going camping, found their bodies inside a crashed car in North Wales. A massive hunt was launched for Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Henderson and Hugo Morris after they failed to return home from an overnight trip to the Snowdonia area. Photos of the four teenagers with candles and a sympathy card inside Shrewsbury Abbey(Matthew Cooper/PA) The scene in Gwynedd, North Wales, where police officers were searching for the four young men (PA) Meanwhile, three people died and two others were badly injured in a crash in Cardiff in March. Rafel Jeanne, 24, Eve Smith, 21, and Darcy Ross, 21, died in the collision on the A48(M) near the St Mellons area of the city. Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, were badly injured. Police were criticised after the group were discovered two days after the collision. People attend a vigil in the St Mellons area of Cardiff, in memory of Eve Smith, Darcy Ross and Rafel Jeanne (Ben Birchall/PA) Floral tributes left near the scene in the St Mellons area of Cardiff (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) Controversial plans to house asylum seekers in a hotel in West Wales were dropped by the Home Office. The Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli was due to house up to 241 people, a move that was opposed by the council and led to protests being held outside the building. Carmarthenshire County Council said the Home Office sent it written confirmation that the plan has been scrapped after the authority highlighted to the Government its concerns over rising community tensions. Protesters gathered at Stradey Park Hotel in Furnace, Llanelli (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) Protesters banners outide Stradey Park Hotel (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) Several people were arrested following a riot that was sparked by the deaths of two teenagers in Cardiff. Harvey Evans, 15, died alongside his best friend Kyrees Sullivan, 16, when the Sur-Ron bike they were riding crashed in the Ely area of the city. Their deaths sparked several hours of violence and disorder after word spread on social media that a marked police van had been pursuing the pair minutes before the crash. CCTV from the area has since confirmed police were following the teenagers despite South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael dismissing it the following day as rumour. Police officers on Wilson Road in Cardiff as they faced a large scale disorder (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) It was all change at the Senedd as Plaid Cymru welcomed new leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. Mr ap Iorwerth, who represents Ynys Mon (Anglesey) in the Senedd, was named as successor following the resignation of Adam Price after a report found a culture of sexual harassment, bullying and misogyny and made 82 recommendations to detoxify the party. Rhun ap Iorwerth was officially announced as the new leader of Plaid Cymru (PA) And in December, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford announced he is standing down as Labour leader, triggering the contest to find his successor. The 69-year-old politician, who has been Wales leader since December 2018, said he hoped his replacement could be in place before Easter 2024. Disruption caused by Storm Gerrit has brought misery for travellers on their way home from the Christmas holidays across the country. Wind gusts of 80mph and heavy rain caused delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport. Train operator LNER, which runs services between London and Scotland on the East Coast Main Line, advised customers not to travel due to the weather. Flooding at #Granthouse which prevented us from running north of #Newcastle. pic.twitter.com/lJooN8aO1o London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) December 27, 2023 Customers stranded by the disruption were told to book hotels which they can claim back. Avanti West Coast, which operates services on the West Coast Main Line, said its route to Scotland is impassable, with all services to and from London terminating at Preston. Those with pre-booked tickets for travel between Preston and either Edinburgh or Glasgow can board trains on Thursday or Friday, the operator said. A major incident was declared on the A9 in the Scottish Highlands, Police Scotland said, which had to close after drivers reported being stuck for hours in heavy traffic on the snow-covered road. Flood water was cleared from the M9 at Stirling (Andrew Milligan/PA) The heavy snow led to cars becoming stuck near Drumochter before snowploughs were able to start clearing a way through. Bear Scotland, which manages the trunk roads in the area, sent six ploughs and three tractors to the scene. The A9 further south at Ballinluig in Perthshire has also been closed by police due to flooding, while 27,000 properties across Scotland suffered power cuts, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). SSEN said that as of 4.30pm on Wednesday supplies had been restored to about 8,500 properties, with more than 18,500 still cut off. We have already seen some gusts around 70 and 80mph and we are likely to see these strong gusts continue today and through the early hours of the morning for some spots pic.twitter.com/Ma1bVPakm0 Met Office (@metoffice) December 27, 2023 The firm warned some could face 48 hours without power. A rainfall gauge at the Great Langdale Valley in the Lake District has seen the highest accumulation in the country so far, with 80mm nearly half the usual 178mm monthly rainfall for December, the Met Office said. The fastest recorded wind gusts so far are 86mph at Inverbervie on the north-east coast of Scotland, 84mph at Fair Isle and 83mph at Capel Curig, north Wales, the forecaster said. About 2-3cm of snow has fallen in Aviemore in the Cairngorms. People braved the weather as they crossed the Millennium Bridge in London (Jeff Moore/PA) Eighteen British Airways flights have been cancelled due to air traffic control restrictions. The BA return domestic trips to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey and Manchester, and to Barcelona, Berlin, Madrid and Paris Charles de Gaulle in mainland Europe, were axed. Ferry operator Red Funnel, which provides services between Southampton and Cowes on the Isle of Wight, cancelled its Red Jet passenger services due to strong winds. Hovercraft services between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight were also suspended. Network Rail Scotland imposed speed restrictions on Wednesday because of the weather. (PA Graphics) Flooding between Lockerbie and Carlisle means all rail lines are blocked between those stations. A tree fell on the line and caught fire near Dumbarton East Station in West Dunbartonshire, Network Rail Scotland said, closing the line in both directions. Lines have now reopened between York and Malton in North Yorkshire, where a tree was blocking the tracks. The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions due to strong winds, National Highways said. Flood defences were put up along the swollen River Severn at Ironbridge in Telford, Shropshire (Nick Potts/PA) The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, advised as an alternative route, was closed because of a crash. According to the Environment Agency, 17 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, are active in England, up from five earlier on Wednesday. The RNLI urged those visiting the coast to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers. Gareth Morrison, RNLI water safety partner, said: The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life. Storm Gerrit comes less than a week since Storm Pia lashed parts of the UK in the countdown to the festive season. Winds of more than 80mph battered northern parts of the UK, with gusts of 81mph recorded at Brizlee Wood near Alnwick, Northumberland, and at Baltasound on Shetland, with 70mph gusts reported elsewhere in the North East of England. Ferry passengers are suffering long delays at the Port of Dover because of staff sickness among French border officials, the Kent port said. People arriving for cross-Channel sailings on Wednesday were forced to wait as long as three hours to pass through French checks. By 1.45pm the waiting time had been cut to two hours, the port said. The current wait time at the French border is 120 minutes. The additional processing time today is a result of staff sickness within Police aux Frontieres. All teams are working hard to get everyone on their way as quickly as possible. Port of Dover Travel (@PoD_travelnews) December 27, 2023 Passengers arriving at the port are processed by Police aux Frontieres (PAF) French border workers before boarding ferries. Those who miss booked departures because of the queues were put on the next sailing with space available. A spokeswoman for the port said: The additional processing time today is a result of staff sickness within Police aux Frontieres. All teams are working hard to get everyone on their way as quickly as possible. We advise passengers to check with their chosen ferry operator for travel updates. Enhanced passport checks following the UKs withdrawal from the EU have significantly increased processing times at Dover. Port bosses have taken a series of measures aimed at minimising queues. A TikToker who became a viral sensation dancing on the Tube has said she is so glad to have sparked a worldwide trend in 2023 which encourages women to have fun and get out of their comfort zones. Sabrina Bahsoon, known as Tube Girl, has become known for dancing on the London Underground with the wind in her hair, but said she has no fears about planned public transport updates removing carriage windows in years to come, saying she will carry a leaf blower instead. The 23-year-old filmed her first video as her dancing alter ego on the Central line in August with no idea she would become TikTok famous, boasting more than 800,000 followers and 28 million likes by the end of the year. I definitely did not expect (to go viral), Bahsoon, from west London, told the PA news agency. I just posted that video for fun. The first Tube Girl video came out in August (Sabrina Bahsoon/PA) In the video, which amassed more than 10 million views, Bahsoon can be seen dancing along to David Guettas Where Them Girls At featuring Nicki Minaj, with the caption: Being the friend who lives on the other side of the city so you gotta hype yourself up during the commute. From there the dancing format exploded, with many more videos from Bahsoon following as she coupled music from artists including Rihanna and Charlie XCX with her trademark move of using the windows of Tube carriages to allow wind to blow through her dark brown hair. Theyre super empowering and they make you feel confident and like youre that bitch, Bahsoon said. Despite many recognising Bahsoon as Tube Girl, it was her current manager who came up with the name. Screen grab of Sabrina Bahsoons first Tube Girl TikTok (sabrinabahsoon/TikTok) My manager reached out to me when I had 6,000 followers, after the second Tube Girl video, she said. He said to me, I was telling my friends that I was having a meeting with the Tube Girl and they were so excited, and it sort of clicked in my head. I hashtagged it on the rest of my videos and it kind of went from there. Bahsoon now has millions of views per video on TikTok, which has led to women worldwide emulating the trend by proudly dancing on often packed public transport. Sabrina Bahsoon refers to Tube Girl as her sassier alter ego (Sabrina Bahsoon/PA) Im so glad other girls are having fun with me and getting out of their comfort zones and caring less about what others think, she said. Now I see the Tube Girls of Warsaw, of Paris, and its just insane. Bahsoon said she is much shier in herself than as her alter ego. I am way more shy and introverted than Tube Girl is, she said. Shes like my alter ego, shes way more sassier. Bahsoon who grew up in Malaysia and was born to a Malay mother and a father from Sierra Leone added she wanted to represent my people through her videos. I did not really see any huge creators that looked like me, she said. And it genuinely is the best thing when people say they feel represented when they see me. Some of the highlights of her year include meeting some of her music idols. Troye Sivan was in a video with Bahsoon this year (sabrinabahsoon/TikTok) I met Raye recently and she was so lovely and appreciative of my videos, she said. Ive met Omar Apollo and Troye Sivan, who Ive been watching for ages, so meeting all these people who are my idols in music is just wow. I got to go backstage for a Valentino show (for Paris Fashion Week), which was an insane experience. I think my biggest highlight so far is that everyone Ive worked with so far has been so kind and so understanding and as a person thats just got thrown into this, it can be very daunting. As she spends a lot of time on the London Underground travelling to visit friends which was the inspiration behind the dancing trend she has become somewhat of a Tube connoisseur. The Central line is my favourite because that is where the original video was filmed, she said. Sabrina Bahsoon said some of her highlights include meeting music stars (Sabrina Bahsoon/PA) And then I would say the Victoria line as that is another line I take a lot to go and see my friends. The Bakerloo line is the worst for me because I just dont like the lighting in there and its very rickety and hard to keep my balance. In 2025, Piccadilly line trains are set to receive a revamp which will see them get air-conditioning and walk-through carriages, which could potentially lead to similar changes on other lines and the removal of the Tube windows, which are a key part of the Tube Girl routines. However, Bahsoon is not too stressed about it. I think by 2025, I may not be doing Tube Girl videos on the Tube itself anymore hopefully, Im a rockstar by then, she said. Im not too stressed; I feel like the wind is now not the most dependent thing, but my managers did gift me a leaf blower so I can have wind whenever and anywhere. I think on the updated Tube, I would just get one of my friends to follow me around with the leaf blower. The Ada County Coroners Office has identified the pedestrian who was struck and killed by a vehicle on Friday night in West Boise. Just after 9:30 p.m. Friday, a vehicle struck Lars Johnson, 50, of Boise, at Cloverdale Road and West Mesquite Drive, according to a news release from the coroner. Johnson died from multiple blunt force injuries and his death was ruled an accident by the coroners office. The Boise Police Department is investigating the crash. The Idaho Statesman reached out to police for additional information. Police previously asked anyone who might have any information to contact the countys dispatch at (208) 377-6790. By Blake Brittain and Jaspreet Singh (Reuters) -Apple can for now resume sales of its flagship smartwatches, after a U.S. appeals court on Wednesday paused a government commission's import ban on the devices imposed in a patent dispute over its medical monitoring technology. The tech giant had filed an emergency request asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to halt an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which had ruled that Apple had infringed the patents of Irvine, California-based Masimo. A final decision could cost either company millions of dollars and potentially force a settlement or some kind of technological workaround by Apple, analysts said. Ultimately, though, any financial hit for Apple is likely to be dwarfed by the bad publicity the lawsuit is generating, they said. Masimo shares closed 4.6% lower at $115.11 following the decision on Wednesday, and Apple shares closed flat at $193.15. "We are thrilled to return the full Apple Watch lineup to customers in time for the new year," Apple said in a statement. "Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, including the blood oxygen feature, will become available for purchase again in the United States at Apple Stores starting today and from apple.com tomorrow by 12 pm PT." Masimo declined to comment on the court decision. The ITC barred imports and sales of Apple Watches with technology for reading blood-oxygen levels. Starting with its Series 6 model in 2020, Apple included a pulse oximeter feature in its smartwatches. Masimo has accused Apple of hiring away its employees, stealing its pulse oximetry technology and incorporating it into Apple Watches. Apple has countersued, calling Masimo's legal actions a "maneuver to clear a path" for its own competing smartwatch. "Apple can easily develop their own blood monitoring software, it is just a matter of time ... The software development costs are not something that will be too concerning for a company as wealthy as Apple," said Stuart Cole, chief macro economist at Equiti Capital. "The bigger issue is that this is not very good PR for Apple, suggesting as it does that Apple is stealing technology from competitors rather than developing its own. Apple is fighting this lawsuit more with an eye on what it means for their future health-wearable products rather than this specific blood oxygen monitoring piece of software," he said. In a four-paragraph ruling on Wednesday, the appeals court said it would halt the ban while it considers Apple's motion for a longer-term pause during the appeals process. The court gave the ITC until Jan. 10 to respond to Apple's request. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration declined to veto the ban on Tuesday, allowing it to take effect. Apple asked for a pause of the ban later that day. Apple has said it is working on a range of legal and technical options. On Tuesday, the company told the court that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is considering whether redesigned versions of its watches infringe Masimo's patents and can be imported. The customs agency has set a target date of Jan. 12 for its decision, Apple said. Apple had paused sales of the affected devices from its website and retail locations last week in the United States due to the ITC decision. They remained available at retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Costco and Walmart. The ban did not affect the Apple Watch SE, a less-expensive model without a pulse oximeter. Previously sold watches also were not be affected by the ban. A jury trial on Masimo's allegations against Apple in California federal court had ended with a mistrial in May. Apple's wearables, home and accessory business, which includes the Apple Watch, AirPods earbuds and other products, brought in $8.28 billion in revenue during the third quarter of 2023, according to a company report. (Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington and Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Max Cherney in San Francisco, and Akash Sriram and Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Ben Klayman, Chizu Nomiyama, Howard Goller and Matthew Lewis) On Dec. 31, many of us will celebrate with parties, noisemakers and plenty of bubbly. But for some cultures, New Year's Day celebrations can look a little different. Many of these traditions feature food from a spicy chicken stew to Chinese fortune cakes to Three Kings Day bread and can be seen all around New Jersey. There is one similarity, though: The new year represents a new start, a chance at new fortune, new perspectives, and hopefully some good luck. Here's to a happy and healthy 2024! Smashing pomegranates and vasilopita The Bournias family's vasilopita made for New Year's Day 2024. Some Greek families bring their family luck, prosperity and fertility by smashing a pomegranate on New Year's Day. The tradition dates back to ancient Greece, according to the nonprofit Greek platform XPAT Athens: The more seeds that spring out, the more good fortune will come to the house. Bobby Bournias, owner of the Brownstone Pancake Factory in Freehold Township, Brick and Edgewater, celebrates a different Greek tradition. "For New Year's, we make a round, sweet bread (similar to challah) called vasilopita that brings good luck to the home and family," he said. "(Before) it's baked, a hidden coin is placed in the dough so it will bake inside." On New Year's Day, we (slice) the bread for each family member in order of age from eldest to youngest," he said. "Whoever has the coin in their slice receives good luck for the year." Also for the holiday, Bournias said his family also has a tradition of making French toast or bread pudding. Holiday foods: We love to eat this time of year, but what's behind traditional holiday foods? Pots and pans Then there's Italy. "We eat lentils with sausage on New Year's Eve because it's supposed to bring fortune and good luck in the new year," said Andrea Paterno, co-owner of Flavia's Cucina Romana in Asbury Park, whose mother is from Rome. Teddy Megaris, owner of Tramonto's Pizza in Ocean Township, said "our family usually runs outside banging on pots and pans to celebrate." According to tour site Walks of Italy, Italians in southern Italy traditionally launched their celebrations on New Years Eve by throwing old pots, pans, clothes, appliances and even furniture out the window. "Its meant to symbolize 'letting go' of past unhappiness to prepare yourself for the future," according to the site. 'Thirteen months of sunshine' Doro wot, a spicy chicken stew with niter kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter), boiled egg and injera at Ada's Gojjo in Asbury Park. Adanech "Ada" Asghedom, owner of Ada's Gojo in Asbury Park, celebrates both in January and on Sept. 11, for Enkutatash, a New Year's holiday celebrated in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ethiopia is one of few countries that doesn't follow the 12-month Gregorian calendar, Asghedom said. It's still 2016 there, because there are 13 equal months of 30 days. Because of this, she said, Ethiopia is nicknamed the country with "13 months of sunshine." For both holidays, her family customarily makes her favorite dish served at her restaurant, doro wot. It's a spicy chicken stew with niter kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter) and boiled egg, served with injera, a spongy flatbread. The Year of the Dragon Many Asian-Americans, particularly those from China, celebrate the Lunar New Year. Based on the lunar calendar, it coincides with the second new moon after the winter solstice: In 2024, that will be Feb. 10, which begins the Year of the Dragon. For both the Gregorian New Year and the Lunar New Year, Asian-Americans also have a tradition of eating lucky foods. Chinese fortune cakes (a.k.a. fa gao) from Asian Food Markets in Marlboro. Shirley Chau, marketing manager of Asian Market in Marlboro, Plainsboro, North Plainfield, Piscataway and Jersey City, said dumplings and other gold ingot-shaped bites bring wealth. Long, uncut noodles represent longevity, and red and gold foods like Chinese fortune cakes (called fa gao) bring wealth and luck. Everything you eat or do during Chinese New Year represents something positive, she said. Things like earning money, being happy or having a good year from beginning to end. There are Chinese traditions centered around whole roasted pork, duck and chicken, but having a whole fish on the table really means something especially to Cantonese families. "The head of the fish represents the beginning of the year, and the tail represents the end," Chau said. "(If eaten), you'll be lucky from the beginning to the end of the year, so you can't just serve the middle, or a filet." Other traditions, from grapes to Hoppin John In Spain, there is a tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for 12 months of good luck. According to Food Republic, the tradition likely dates back to the 1880s. "It is thought to have morphed out of the French tradition of eating grapes and drinking champagne on New Year's Eve, which was mimicked by the Madrid bourgeoisie. Eventually, members of the lower classes took to eating the grapes as a way of mocking the bourgeoisie, meeting up in public squares like the Puerta del Sol, with its historic clock tower." Many Hispanic families celebrate by baking a traditional sweet bread called Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Day bread); in Mexico, they traditionally hide a tiny plastic baby in the bread, to represent Jesus. This bread can be found at bakeries statewide like Juanito's Bakery in Red Bank and La Jarochita Bakery in Passaic. Meredith Hyland, owner of gourmet cheese shop Fourchette in Red Bank, Beach Haven and Clinton, the "Galette de Rois" celebration involves cake made of Frangipane, with a little charm (aka feve) hidden inside. The person who gets that slice will have good luck. Hoppin' John is usually made of black eyed peas, rice and other ingredients. In America, our friends in the South have a tradition of eating "Hoppin' John" (usually made of black eyed peas, rice and other ingredients), leafy greens and cornbread dates to 1862's "Watch Night" or "Freedom's Eve," when soon-to-be-freed African Americans waited for the Emancipation Proclamation to fully take effect in the new year. According to National Museum of African American History and Culture, the meal is supposed to bring good fortune and prosperity. And it wouldn't be the New Year for my Uruguayan family without celebrating Dia de Los Reyes on Jan. 6, by leaving carrots out for the wise men's donkeys and camels, only to find trinkets and presents in their place the next morning. More: Burger 25 to open third restaurant, in this brilliant location (hint: beer) Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Year's Day traditions around the world celebrated in NJ "The Crown" actor Dominic West explained that he and Prince Harry are no longer friends after the actor went into too much detail about how they celebrated reaching the South Pole together. "We sort of, no, I said too much in a press conference," West, 54, told Times Radio presenter Kate McCann after she asked if he had gotten Harrys take on Wests portrayal of his father, King Charles III, on the Netflix show. "You must still have his number though, surely," McCann asked after West explained that their trek to the South Pole was 10 years ago. "We sort of didnt speak after that," West said of his comments at a press conference about their adventure. THE CROWN TAKES ON KATE MIDDLETON, PRINCE WILLIAM ROMANCE: KNIVES WERE OUT FOR KATE Dominic West, left, said he and Prince Harry no longer speak after West "said too much" about their celebrations in 2013. "What did you say?" McCann said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP West said, "I think I was asked what we did to celebrate when we got there [South Pole] and probably said something too much." Jonathan Pryce, who plays Prince Philip on the show, jokingly advised West, "Dont say it again." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER In 2014, West described a "two-day bender" after they reached the South Pole. "Most of us, Harry included, just went on a two-day bender with the Icelandic truck drivers who had brought some lethal home brew with them," he said of their celebrations during the Walking With the Wounded charity trek in December 2013, according to ABC News. Prince Harry, right, and Dominic West accompanied Walking with the Wounded on its 2013 excursion to the South Pole. He said, "There was a lot of liqueur drunk. We all drank champagne out of Duncan's favorite prosthetic legs," in reference to service member Duncan Slater who lost his legs in Afghanistan and was also on the expedition. West added that Harry also told "filthy" jokes to keep the teams spirits up during the trek: "He was very kind to me." Reps for Prince Harry and West did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment. LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS West told Radio Times magazine last year that Queen Camilla once jokingly greeted him as "Your Majesty" in a nod to his role on the show, and King Charles himself sent a letter to West, which went through his private secretary after the actor offered to resign from the Prince's Trust charity because of the show, that said, "You do what you like, youre an actor. Its nothing to do with us." Dominic West plays Prince Charles in "The Crown." West also said he was "told by everyone I met" that he was miscast in the role and Pryce added that a journalist suggested West was "too sexy" for the part. "I thought she was talking to me," the 76-year-old Pryce joked. Pryce told McCann that when he received his knighthood from Princess Anne he apologized for playing her father. "She put the sword lightly on the shoulder, and I stood up and I said, thinking she was thinking, you know, I said, Oh, I dont know what to say to you. Um, sorry?' And she said, Why? Its done now." He continued, "Now, whether she meant I was saying sorry for being here tonight or sorry for, you know, Youve played my father the way youve done it, It was quite an amusing moment, for me at least." Original article source:'The Crown actor says Prince Harry no longer speaks to him: I said too much Former "That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson was admitted to state prison on Wednesday after being convicted of raping two women. Masterson, 47, was admitted to North Kern State Prison in Delano, "where he is going through the classification and reception process," the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement. MORE: Danny Masterson gets 30 years to life for rape after emotional victim statements The agency released the booking photo of Masterson, who was wearing an orange jumpsuit and had a full beard. PHOTO: The booking photo for Danny Masterson, Dec. 27, 2023. (California Department of Corrections) He will be recommended for placement at an institution following the classification and reception process, which could take up to 90 days, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in September after a jury found him guilty of two counts of forcible rape during a retrial of a case involving three women. The women accused him of raping them between 2001 and 2003. MORE: Jury finds Danny Masterson guilty on 2 counts in rape retrial Masterson will serve two 15-year sentences consecutively, one for each charge. He must also register as a sex offender. The third count against Jane Doe No. 3 was declared a mistrial and has since been dismissed after prosecutors said they would not retry Masterson on the rape charge. Masterson was deemed a potential flight risk and was remanded into custody following the verdict. He previously had been detained at the Los Angeles County jail. His attorney, Shawn Holley, previously said she believes the convictions will be overturned. Danny Masterson admitted to state prison after rape conviction originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Breaking news Houston Chronicle A married couple who previously worked for NASA have been accused of a fraudulent mortgage loan scheme to pay for a luxury home in Missouri City. Noreen Khan-Mayberry, 50, and Christopher Mayberry, 51, turned themselves into federal authorities Wednesday morning and will make initial appearances in the case, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas. Neither of their cases was available online as of Wednesday morning. MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Houston on pace to post 20% decline in homicides in 2023 Advertisement Article continues below this ad The couple were indicted Dec. 12 and accused of claiming to be victims of identity theft after defaulting on loans for a home, officials said. While they were employed by NASA, they allegedly purchased a home in 2016 and took out personal loans to fund the purchase before quickly defaulting. The indictment alleges the couple tried to eliminate the debt by filing a police report, submitting a report to the Federal Trade Commission and sending letters to credit bureaus to have the loans removed. The couple allegedly signed three loan agreements with mortgage lenders between 2017 and 2021. They also allegedly provided false employment information. Authorities in the Dominican Republic are searching for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, but have yet to locate him, according to Spanish-language reports. The Santo Domingo Prosecutor's Office for Children and Adolescents sent police officers to Franco's mother's house on Tuesday, according to the Dominican news outlet Listin Diario, and then moved on to Franco's nearby residence in his hometown of Bani. They went to raid two properties that Wander Franco has there, but they were not carried out, because he was not in any of those places, a Dominican agent told the Associated Press. The person requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. The agent said people at the residences were informed that Franco was being sought for questioning at the office of Public Ministry. Franco, 22, was placed on administrative leave in August, when allegations of an improper relationship with an underage girl first surfaced. Franco, who made the American League All-Star team for the first time in 2023, has denied the allegations. Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave in August. Franco was having his best season as a major leaguer, hitting .281 with 17 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 112 games when the allegations surfaced. He played his last game on August 12, and the Rays placed him on the restricted list two days later. "This is a very delicate topic because there is a minor involved, Angel Dario Tejada Fabal, a prosecutor in the Peravaia, a province of the Dominican Republic, told the Associated Press in August. Relationships between adults and minors under the age of 18 years old are prohibited in the Dominican Republic, regardless of whether the minor gives consent. MLB is also conducting its own investigation. The Rays signed Franco to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021. The team put him back on the 40-man roster last month since administrative leave is only applicable during the regular season. He will continue to be paid and accrue service time while he is away from the team. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rays' Wander Franco wanted for questioning in Dominican Republic Food & Wine's superlatives include a Kewpie corn pizza, Turkish coffee cream pie, and the ultimate lunch counter burger. John Troxell As 2023 comes to a close, the Food & Wine team reflects on the dishes and drinks that still stand out after a year full of incredible dining. These are our superlatives for the best things we tasted over the past 365 days cue Dont You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds. Most craveable pasta: Mushroom Gnudi at Press (Napa Valley) John Troxell This was hands down my favorite dish of the year. Press regularly has a gnudi variation and it's executed to perfection every time. This one had three small gnudi (like super light gnocchi) in a mushroom consomme. It's super savory and flawlessly balanced. Sean Flynn, senior editorial director Best slice: Chef Katsuyas Original Mentaiko and Corn Pizza at Tonari (Washington, D.C.) Vina Sananikone While in Washington, D.C., I visited Tonari, a restaurant that's serving Wafu (meaning, Japanese-style). Several of the dishes were unforgettable, but my favorite was this square slice of pizza. It is a super creamy, topped with corn sauce, Kewpie-mentaiko cream, brick cheese, and chives. It was so decadent, fluffy, and delicious. It channeled my fond memories of eating creamy corn as a child but in a new, classier way. I'd like corn and Kewpie on all slices of pizza from now on. Merlyn Miller, social media editor Best dressed: Charred Broccoli with Cornbread Romesco at Marjies Grill (New Orleans) Courtesy of Marjieas Grill I love it when you order the most unassuming thing on the menu and are then knocked out by its complexity and the attention to detail that the cooks give the dish. I'm always up for roasted broccoli but didn't expect this depth of flavor from the coal-roasted broccoli salad at Marjie's. It was fantastic tangy and funky from the lime juice and fish sauce and served over what they call, 'cornbread romesco,' a sauce made with crumbled cornbread, chiles, and cane vinegar. This dish gave plain roasted broccoli the best kind of upgrade. Chandra Ram, associate editorial director, food Most dependable: S&P Burger at S&P Lunch (New York City) Steven Twan It's physically impossible to consume this burger in more than six bites, and I've gobbled it up in far fewer. With its plush bun, smear of mayo-based sauce, and its just-thick-enough patty topped with American cheese, tomato, crisp iceberg lettuce, and white onion, this is the platonic ideal of a lunch-counter burger. Lucy Simon, assistant editor Related: 'Succession' May Be Going Away but Cousin Gregs Real-Life Restaurants Are (Hopefully) Here to Stay Life of the party: Fruta Fresca con Chamoy at Superbueno (New York City) Kristina Lopez I had this beautiful chamoy-drenched fruit salad during a very quick trip to New York City. I love this bar very much, and the chilled fruit was so good with mezcal and a birria broth shooter on the side Hunter Lewis, editor-in-chief Most worthy of waiting in line for: Borekas (Los Angeles) Its not hard to see why people line up for the intensely flaky (you might need a change of shirt kind of flaky) namesake pastry at Borekas in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood. This version, with a brown-butter laminated dough that arrives bursting with a ricotta-like cheese and zaatar, will make you consider buying a house down the street. Khushbu Shah, former restaurant editor Most likely to brighten someone's day: Turkish Coffee Cream Pie at Loquat (San Francisco) Nicola Parisi Its difficult to improve upon a classic cream pie, but Loquat, a charming new bakery that recently opened in San Francisco's Hayes Valley neighborhood, has done so by imbuing the filling with the pleasantly bitter flavor of Turkish coffee, topping it off with a thick mascarpone and cardamom cream, and presenting it all in a chocolate crust. Khushbu Shah Related: Closing Out Your Tab, Picking Up the Check, and 9 More Ways You Became a Better Diner in 2023 Best way to end a meal: Chocolate Bourbon Tiramisu at Adalina (Chicago) Courtesy of Adalina This iteration of pastry chef Nicole Guinis oft-changing tiramisu is layered with dark chocolatebourbon mascarpone mousse, chocolate ganache, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a smoked-vanilla gelato. The sweet and smoky flavors took it over the top I cant wait to get back for more. Chandra Ram Most likely to turn heads: Thai Iced Tea Nam Kaeng Sai at Kalaya (Philadelphia) Mike Prince Every single thing on the menu at Kalaya is phenomenal, from the tender ground chicken dumplings to the epic tom yum, but you have to figure out how to save room for dessert. You will absolutely regret not ordering this shaved ice, which arrives to the table as a generous mound of fluffy snow soaked in a fruity guava syrup and stuffed with a Thai teaflavored cream. Its a refreshing ending to a heavy meal. Khushbu Shah Best main event: Whole Branzino at Calliope (Chattanooga, Tennessee) Karen Culp At Calliope, chef Khaled Albanna is cooking food that speaks to his Jordanian heritage. The crisp-skinned, whole branzino, from the mashawi (grilled) section is served with a luscious, creamy smoked-tomato tahini, matbucha (a Moroccan condiment made of cooked tomatoes and bell peppers), and a zesty, herbaceous chermoula. With every forkful, you get a different balance of the juicy, mild-fleshed fish and big, bright flavors. Karen Shimizu, executive editor Best cocktail: Hinode at Ama Sushi (Montecito, California) Courtesy of Ama Sushi I recently fell in love with the Hinode cocktail at Ama Sushi, located within the Rosewood Miramar Beach. It sounds like a wild mash-up of ingredients Ilegal Mezcal, pineapple liqueur, dry vermouth thats been slightly acidified, sparkling sake from the Fukucho brewery near Hiroshima, and black-lemon bitters but the end result is savory, subtle, and ethereally smoky-tangy. The kinome leaf garnish on top (from sansho, or Japanese prickly ash trees) also adds a haunting herbal, aromatic note. The drink is excellent on its own or as an accompaniment to Ama's stellar Edomae-style sushi. Ray Isle, executive wine editor For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) From an ice storm in North Dakota that sealed windows shut to blizzard conditions in Colorado causing hundreds of airport delays and cancellations, a winter storm pummeled much of the central United States on Tuesday, the day after Christmas. The heavy snow conditions in the Plains should be slowly alleviating today, but itll be very slow. Even when the snow ends, the high winds should keep visibility near zero whiteout conditions for a decent part of today, said Weather Prediction Center Forecaster David Roth. Laura Schmidt-Dockter, a resident of Bismarck, North Dakota, wore ice spikes on her shoes as she walked outside to the trash can. Her driveway was sheer ice, she said. A neighbor took to the street on ice skates. Its actually not bad! the neighbor quipped about the quality of the ice, skating by Schmidt-Dockter in a video she posted to social media. But at Denver International Airport there were over 440 flight delays and 22 cancellations as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the tracking website FlightAware. Blizzard conditions on the high plains east of the city closed Interstate 70 overnight Tuesday from Denver all the way to the Kansas border, but it reopened later in the morning. According to the National Weather Service, it's considered a blizzard when winds exceed 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour) for three hours or more, with considerable blowing snow and visibility down to less than a quarter mile (0.4 kilometers). Blizzard warnings were in effect mid-Tuesday for western portions of South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas, along with eastern portions of Colorado and Wyoming. Ice storm warnings and winter weather advisories remained in place in South Dakota, North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. On Christmas Day, one person was killed and three others were injured in Kansas, when the driver of a pickup truck lost control on snow and ice and collided head-on with a sport utility vehicle 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Larned, according to the State Patrol. The woman killed in the crash was identified as 86-year-old Evelyn Reece of Wichita. Rosebud Sioux Tribe officials in South Dakota said on social media that some people had ignored the no-travel advisory issued Monday evening. The advisory meant no one should have been on highways or backroads because of the whiteout, they said. We have multiple resources being dispatched to rescue a total of 13 people who ignored the advisory, and then rescue the ranchers who got stuck trying to get to them, the tribe's Office of Emergency Management posted on Facebook early Tuesday, along. Nine hours later, the office gave an update saying the motorists were safe "and all is well. Badlands National Park and the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in South Dakota were closed Tuesday due to the severe weather. On Monday, wind gusts howled as high as 67 miles per hour (108 kilometers per hour) in Oakes, North Dakota, said National Weather Service Meteorologist Megan Jones. The ice storm has affected highways throughout the eastern parts of the state, with Interstate 29 from Grand Forks to the Canadian border closed until Tuesday afternoon, and no travel advised in south-central parts of the state. Freezing rain began in Fargo on Monday afternoon and expanded westward, Jones said, and as much as three-quarters of an inch of freezing rain fell in Jamestown. Heavy icing and strong winds downed tree branches and cause power outages in the southern James River Valley. No major outages were reported. Still, the weather service reminded people about the risk of fire caused by candles or space heaters. Anyone using a portable generator should keep it outside and at least 20 feet (6 meters) away from doors, windows and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. We just want people to be careful if they have power outages," Jones said. You always want to be careful with your heat sources. ___ Associated Press writers Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, and Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota, contributed to this report. Trisha Ahmed 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 under-covered issues. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @TrishaAhmed15 India has said it is sending three warships to the Arabian Sea after a drone hit an "Israel-affiliated" merchant vessel off its western coast last week. MV Chem Pluto was attacked about 200 nautical miles (370km) off the coast of the western state of Gujarat. The attack triggered a fire but it was quickly extinguished by the crew. There were no casualties. The vessel's crew included 21 Indians and a Vietnamese citizen. The MV Chem Pluto is Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker. British Maritime Security firm Ambrey said the ship was linked to Israel but didn't specify the connection. Indian media reports said the vessel was transporting oil from Saudi Arabia and was heading to the Mangalore Port in southern India when the attack took place. After the attack, an Indian Coast Guard ship accompanied the MV Chem Pluto to Mumbai on Monday. "Considering the recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea, Indian Navy has deployed Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence," the navy statement said. The navy added that it was also regularly flying a long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft to monitor the situation. India heavily relies on fuel shipments from the Middle East, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Any disruption in this route can be problematic for India. "India plays the role of a net security provider in the entire Indian Ocean region," Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday. Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata is among the vessels deployed by the country He said the Indian Navy had increased its surveillance of the seas. "We shall find whoever is responsible for this attack and strict action will be taken against them." No group has admitted responsibility for the drone attack. The United States blamed Tehran for the attack but a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry called the accusation "baseless". A spate of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels, who are opposed to Israel's military campaign in Gaza, have triggered concerns for the global shipping industry. The US Central Command says at least 15 commercial ships have come under attack by Houthi militants so far in the past two months. Several shipping companies have already changed the course of their vessels to avoid the Red Sea. That is triggering concerns for exporters in South Asia. "We are worried. Our shipping agents say the transport cost could increase by 10 to 15% and the travel time will increase by five to seven days," said Syed Nazrul Islam, vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association told the BBC. Bangladesh exports billions of dollars' worth of ready-made clothes to Europe and the United States. Though the cost of transport is usually paid by the clothing brands in the West, Mr Islam said Bangladeshi exporters were worried that the buyers would ask for a discount next time when they order. BBC News India is now on YouTube. Click here to subscribe and watch our documentaries, explainers and features. Read more India stories from the BBC: Georges DE KEERLE - Getty Images On April 9, 2005 then-Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, a full 35 years after the couple first met. Understandably, the nuptials feature in the final season of The Crown, but what was the big day really like for Camilla and Charles? The wed in a civil ceremony Though he was the heir to the throne, Charles's second wedding was a far more subdued event than his internally-watched 1981 wedding to Princess Diana. Yet the wedding was no less historic for the royal family. Both Charles and Camilla had previously been divorced, and Camilla's former husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, was still alive. For much of history, the Church of England had a major taboo against remarrying after a divorce, in particular, to someone whose former spouse was still living. Since the monarch also serves as the head of the Church of England, this rule has essentially made it impossible for members of the royal family to marry divorcees for centuriesKing Edward VIII famously abdicated the throne in order to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. However in 2002, the Church softened its view on the subject, ultimately paving the way for the future King Charles to wed his longtime paramour. That didn't mean that everything was straightforward for the couple's nuptials, though. While they were allowed to marry, they decided to wed in a small civil ceremony rather than a religious celebration, making Charles the first British royal to marry in a civil ceremony (his sister, Princess Anne, married her second husband, Timothy Laurence in a Presbyterian service rather than the Church of England.) The ceremony was held at Windsor Guildhall, outside of Windsor Castle (but technically off of royal grounds) with just 28 guests in attendance. After the civil service, the couple journeyed to St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a more formal religious blessing by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams. Camilla wore two different looks for the duo of eventsa white dress and coat with a wide-brimmed white Phillip Treacy hat for the civil service, and a long blue-gray coat with gold embroidery and a gold feathered headpiece for the religious ceremony. Following the wedding, she officially took up the title of Duchess of Cornwall. getty images - Getty Images There were some notable exceptions to the guest list. Among the well-wishers were Charles's siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, as well as his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Camilla's children with her first husband, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, were also there to support their mother, with Tom and Prince William serving as witnesses for the service. Two notable absences? Charles's parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, neither of whom attended the civil ceremony. Though the royal couple publicly shared their support for the marriageBuckingham Palace shared their "warmest good wishes for their future together," when the engagement was announcedit was ultimately decided that it wouldn't be appropriate for the queen, as the head of the church, to attend the wedding of two divorced people. Nonetheless, they did get in on the celebrations; the Queen attended the blessing service at St George's Chapel, and later hosted a special reception for the newlyweds after the wedding. You Might Also Like Multiple political figures said their homes were the target of swatting incidents on Christmas Day, where multiple law enforcement officers were called to their residences for false calls of an emergency. What is swatting? Swatting incidents occur when a person or multiple individuals call in a false report of an emergency, crime, mass shooting, or kidnapping in progress to prompt a large police response. Swatting attempts have become more common in recent years, often targeting celebrities, political figures and internet livestreamers as a form of online harassment. Responding law enforcement are often told there is a threat inside the home, putting the victim of such attempts in danger. The FBI in June launched a national database to track these incidents following a push from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who called the attacks dangerous, disturbing and downright terrifying. The latest swatting attempt against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) on Monday said her residence was targeted on Christmas Day, following a series of previous swatting attempts against the conservative lawmaker. Greene revealed on social media that someone reported a fake crime at her home, marking what she said was about the eighth swatting attempt on her home. I was just swatted. This is like the 8th time. On Christmas with my family here. My local police are the GREATEST and shouldnt have to deal with this, she said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Multiple calls into a crisis hotline cited Greenes address in Rome, Ga., prompting a local police response, a spokesperson for the police said. Coordinating with Greenes security detail, local police determined there was no emergency at the address. Greenes home has been the target of multiple swatting incidents since last year. In one instance in August 2022, a caller claimed a shooting occurred at Greenes home and the next day, another caller suggested they possibly shot Greenes family. Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) says home swatted on Christmas Day Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) on Monday said his home was swatted on Christmas Day, prompting the Cayuga County Sheriffs Office to contact him and confirm it was a false alarm before arriving at the residence. Our home was swatted this afternoon, he said Monday on X. Thanks to the Deputies and Troopers who contacted me before arriving. They left with homemade cookies and spiced nuts! Merry Christmas everyone! The deputies & troopers were polite, professional, & prompt, he added. God bless them. It was not immediately clear whether Williamss case is related to Greenes incident. Police in Rome, Ga. confirmed they received multiple reports of an emergency at Greenes address in Georgia and the same address in Rome, N.Y. Williamss district. Boston Mayor Michelle Wus home reportedly swatted on Christmas Day The Boston Police Department on Monday said they received a report of a shooting at an address matching Boston Mayor Michelle Wus home in Roslindale, a neighborhood of Boston, according to multiple media reports. Authorities determined the shooting was a hoax, the Boston Herald reported. The Hill reached out to the Boston Police Department and the Boston mayors office for comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 19: South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun attends the press conference on February 19, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. The cast and crew held a press conference after returning home from the 92nd Academy Awards with four awards. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage) Lee Sun-kyun, who was best known for his starring role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has reportedly died. He was 48. According to a report from the South Korean news agency Yonhap, the actor was found dead following an apparent suicide on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 10:30 a.m. local time. The outlet reports that police were notified after Lee left a troubling note and his car was no longer at home. "As he was pronounced dead, he wasn't taken to hospital," a fire official said, per Yonhap. It's said Lee is survived by wife Jeon Hye-jin and their two sons. This tragic update comes after Lee was allegedly the subject of a drug investigation, in which the actor was reportedly questioned multiple times. In addition to his work in Parasitein which he played the Park family patriarch, Park Dong-ikLee notably starred in the 2012 thriller film Helpless, the 2012 romantic comedy All About My Wife and the 2014 thriller film A Hard Day. Yet, it was through his work in Bong Joon-ho's Parasite that he nabbed a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. He was also nominated for an International Emmy Award for his work in the Apple TV+ series Dr. Brain. Countless fans have since paid tribute to Lee on social media. For instance, one fan penned on X (formerly Twitter), "thank you for being such a great actor, lee sun-kyun." Another chimed in, "I cant believe this is how we lost Lee Sun-Kyun. Such a heartbreaking way to leave this world when you had such a beautiful way of helping telling stories of loss and pain." If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Next: Remembering the Stars and Legends We've Lost In 2023 NORTHERN GAZA As Israel says it has almost destroyed Hamas brigades in northern Gaza, its forces are preparing to blow up some of the hundreds of tunnels it says belonged to the militant group including one large enough to drive a car through. NBC News was invited into Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday to take a look at what it says is the largest tunnel discovered so far. The entrance is roughly a quarter-mile or a 10-minute walk from the destroyed Erez border crossing, which was breached by Hamas terrorists as they launched multipronged attacks on Israel on Oct. 7. Israeli soldiers stand at the entrance of what the military says is the largest tunnel yet discovered in Gaza near the Erez crossing in the north of the enclave. (Josh Lederman / NBC News) Read more on this story at NBCNews.com and watch NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT. The IDF said the tunnel is roughly 2.5 miles long and extends all the way to Gaza City, the enclaves largest city, although NBC News could not independently verify this claim. As Israeli tanks occasionally rolled past, a vast wasteland of mangled steel, concrete blocks and dusty mounds of sand could be seen along the way. Workers on cherry-pickers were repairing the border barrier damaged during the Hamas incursion. Although Israels military believes it has cleared any Hamas presence from the tunnel, troops with weapons drawn stand guard part of the way inside. (Josh Lederman / NBC News) Fairly close by, gunshots and artillery explosions could be heard, as well as the buzz of Israeli drones overhead, although no Palestinians were seen during the roughly two-hour visit. Reinforced with concrete, the tunnel has shafts in the floor that extend vertically down below to what the IDF said was a sprawling network of offshoots and other levels. Although Israels military said it believed it had cleared any Hamas presence from the tunnel, troops with weapons drawn stood guard inside. The Israeli military announced the tunnels discovery earlier this month and released its own video from inside. In the past, Israel has said that the tunnels have been used to conceal hostages, weapons and fighters who can travel across the Gaza Strip without exposing themselves to airstrikes and to ambush invading ground forces, and that they are also a hiding place for the groups leaders. Part of the destroyed Erez border crossing with Gaza. (Josh Lederman / NBC News) But the country came under particular scrutiny last month over its allegations of Hamas command and control facilities in tunnels and bunkers under Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the site of an Israeli onslaught that a number of rights groups said violated international protections for hospitals. At the time, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said that he was deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life reported in Gazas medical facilities. Although the IDF released videos and photographs showing tunnels and some weapons in the compound, several independent analyses of the evidence raised questions about whether Israel had compellingly proven its claims. Hamas called the allegations that it used the hospital to wage war blatant lies, and medical staff at the hospital also disputed the IDF's claims. Asked Wednesday whether Israel was showing tunnels to the media to justify the huge numbers of Palestinian deaths, Maj. Doron Spielman, an IDF spokesman, said it was instead to justify that Israel has no choice but to be in Gaza fighting Hamas. Those civilians were condemned the moment that Hamas built those tunnels underneath them, because it was clear there was going to be a war here, he said in an interview outside the tunnels entrance as nearby tanks kicked up dust from Gazas sandy earth. The tunnel near the Israeli border enters the ground at a diagonal angle, which the IDF said enabled Hamas to drive vehicles through it. Spielman said that Israel had known about the tunnels entrance, but not that it extended so close to its territory. These are the big questions Israels going to ask when this war is over, he said. Police say a man in Texas has been accused of hiding his mother's remains in a trash can in a storage unit. Local outlet KSAT citing an arrest affidavit reported that Rogelio Bernal, 53, was arrested for an unrelated warrant on Friday, Dec. 22 and has since been charged with altering, destroying or concealing a human corpse. Police were called to storage facility in San Antonio on Thursday because a corpse was found inside a trash can in a unit. The caller had obtained the unit through an auction. KENS5 reported the property manager identified Bernal as the previous owner. Bernal already had an active warrant and was taken into custody. Remains of missing man found: YouTuber helps find man missing since 2013, locates human remains in Missouri pond: Police Mother's body concealed for 2 years During an interview with police, Bernal said the remains were his mothers who died more than two years ago. According to KENS5, Bernal said his mother tripped and fell in the shower on October 31, 2021. His mother was still breathing, but Bernal, who was her caretaker said he didn't call 911 because of his previous criminal record. After she died, he said he placed her in a closet in their shared apartment, KSAT reported. For more than a year, he concealed her body in lye and cleaning supplies. He was evicted in October 2022 after a gnat problem grew inside the apartment. Bernal then put his mothers remains in a trash can, rented the storage unit and moved several items in. He's currently being held in the Bexar County Jail on a $75,000 bond, KSAT reported. The San Antonio Police Department did not respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man charged after mother's remains found in storage unit: Police Berniece Davis was on a family vacation in Maine when her alarm company called: Someone had kicked in the door at her home in Houston. As the security company called Houston police, Davis phoned a friend who lived 30 miles from her neighborhood of Brookhaven. When he arrived, he FaceTimed Davis to show her the damage, boarded up the doorway, and left. It was another 90 minutes, Davis said, before she watched police arrive through her Ring camera. It was just amazing to me, she said. He had stabilized the house and he was gone before police showed up. What Davis experienced is part of a trend: the Houston Police Department is now responding to top-priority calls at the slowest rate since the 1990s, a Houston Chronicle investigation has found. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And responses to all other calls to which officers are dispatched the ones experts say help determine public confidence in a police force have slowed even more, steadily rising for years. The problem is citywide, but data shows Houstons south side where Davis lives consistently has recorded some of the slowest responses to serious calls in the city. HPD Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite, who oversees patrol operations, acknowledged the issue. We understand we have a problem. Its extremely concerning, Satterwhite told the Chronicle. When people are calling, theyre expecting a response. Every day we think, Are we doing everything we can to try to meet that demand and be the department the public expects us to be? HPD tries to answer Priority 1 calls when a life threatening event is in progress within an average of 4 to 6 minutes. But the department has exceeded that range in each of the last two years, and is on pace to do so again this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Priority 2 calls also are nearing the slow end of HPDs response goal, topping 11.5 minutes for the first time in at least two decades. And Priority 3 calls, which HPD answered in about 30 minutes for most of the last decade, now take more than an hour. Priority 2 calls are those in which a property crime is in progress or a life threatening event has just occurred. Priority 3 applies when a property crime has just occurred or when a resident reports a life-threatening incident after the fact. It does impact police-community relationships if it takes a long time to get a patrol officer to a crime scene, said Clete Snell, a University of Houston-Downtown criminologist. Shorter response times also increase the probability of arrest. Seconds matter. If its minutes beyond whats the norm, that can have a real impact. Satterwhite said the root of the problem is HPD simply having too few officers and dispatchers. HPDs 5,024 officers are about 150 fewer than it has averaged over the last decade. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But data from 2004 through 2008 when a wave of retirements left HPD with 190 fewer officers, on average, than it has today suggests staffing is not the only issue. Police were quicker to respond to serious calls then, the Chronicle found, despite handling more calls than they get today. Total calls, in fact, have trended downward over the last two decades; the only call type to clearly rise during that span were Priority 2 needs. Houston Police Officers Union president Doug Griffith agreed call volume is not the reason for slowing responses. And while he echoed Satterwhites call for more officers, he also said allocating existing officers differently would improve response times. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our problem isnt that we dont have enough officers in patrol we dont have enough running calls for service in patrol, Griffith said. You have specialized units, you have crime suppression teams. Those are guys that do not run calls for service. Slow on the south side Davis south side neighborhood of Brookhaven, along with nearby Sunnyside and South Union, are in the citys two busiest beats for top-priority calls and had consistently slower response times than the typical beat. More than 6,000 times last year, HPD took more than 8 minutes to respond to a Priority 1 call, double the departments target goal. More than a tenth of those came from Brookhaven, Sunnyside and South Union. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It does not sit well with Davis, a Brookhaven resident for 12 years and a longtime civic club leader there, that these areas are predominantly Black and low-income. Its very frustrating because I had purposely moved back to the Black community, bought property, designed and built a home because I want to live here, she said. So for my community not to be of urgency, in spite of, you know, we all pay taxes its just kind of mind-boggling to me. Travis McGee, a civic leader in neighboring Sunnyside, also is concerned by slow response times but isnt surprised. Its always been like that, he said. If the area is a high-crime area you would think that the response time would be better and you would think that youll have a better police presence and things like that, but you dont. Sunnyside civic leader Travis McGee poses for a photograph at his barbershop, which is under renovation, Friday, May 26, 2023, in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Satterwhite stressed the department does its best to meet the needs of all residents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Southeast Division, he said, is a particular challenge: The area is geographically large and is home to street gangs whose rivalries often turn violent, generating many high-priority calls. One shooting, particularly if an arrest is made, can pull a handful of officers from patrol for hours, Satterwhite said. And since each beat typically is patrolled by only one officer at any given time, serious incidents leave fewer nearby officers available to answer other urgent calls. There can be Code 1's holding longer because were already on three or four other Code 1s, so the Code 2s for sure will hold longer because our officers are tied up dealing with whats in front of them right then, Satterwhite said. The Southeast Division also is home to Houstons first use of ShotSpotter, a controversial shot-detection technology that generates hundreds of automated alerts, all of them Priority 1. No matter what other call youre on, if that drops, you go, Griffith said. That causes all the others to back up and wait longer. When south side neighbors ask about slow response times at civic meetings, McGee said, city leaders say HPD is shorthanded. He feels the department is making excuses instead of addressing community concerns. Other neighbors have stopped expecting a prompt police response. We dont always rely on HPD to be our first line of defense. Were kind of just always ready, and we have to be, said Eduardo Reyna, who grew up in Brookhaven and recently returned to the neighborhood, building a new home for his wife and kids. Thats how we have been raised in the area you dont stay out late, you dont leave the gate open. One south Houston site that generates a lot of calls to Houston police is the Cullen Park Apartments, at 4700 Wenda, for issues including vandalism, assault, intimidation, theft, burglary and car theft. Photographed on Thursday, June 8, 2023 in Houston. Houston police response times have been increasing in recent years. Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle Too many specialized units? Improving response times in south Houston or any other area of town is not as simple as moving patrol officers from one station to another, said former Chief Charles McClelland. Crime shouldnt be political, but it is, said McClelland, who was chief from 2010 to 2016. If you start as the police chief trying to move officers from one division to another and its moving officers out of one council members district to another council members district, theyre going to come unglued. Griffith said the police union, too, likely would fight the involuntary transfer of officers between stations. However, HPD sometimes places a disproportionate share of newly graduated cadets in busier divisions, Satterwhite said. Were a data-driven department, he said. Our staffing model is based on the data. About half of HPDs roughly 5,000 officers were assigned to patrol divisions in April, roughly the same share as a decade ago. The Southeast Division has about 230 staff, a handful fewer than it had a decade ago. Not only are these officers spread across three shifts and between desk and street jobs, but many dont answer calls for service, said Griffith, the union president. He called the Southeast station recently to inquire about staffing on the evening shift, the busiest of the three shifts. Hey Griff! , a supervisor shouted as a colleague relayed the question. We need 80 (officers), but we only got 56. Of those 56 officers, the man added, only 29 or 30 are typically answering calls for service. Griffith worked in a specialized unit in the Southeast Division for much of his career, and said these groups have value such efforts can take serial offenders off the street, decreasing future calls. But he believes HPD has too many such teams. There are also jobs civilians could do in order to free up officers for patrol, he said, and the jail booking process could be made more efficient. Officers paperwork could be streamlined, he added, and the software used to file reports could be less unwieldy. Snell, the UHD criminologist, said HPD should be allocating resources to match the volume of calls to address persistently lagging response times in south Houston. If theyre aware of it, theyre not doing anything about it to change it, he said. And if theyre not aware of it, they should be. They should be making adjustments. The Southeast Division will get a large number of the departments latest cadet class, Satterwhite said, but other divisions have needs, too. We simply still do not have enough to grow Southeast like we want to, he said. This is a common concern throughout the city at every station, and the residents and the people that live and work in those areas wanting more police. Were trying our best to be as effective and efficient as possible and assign based on data. Houston Police Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite speaks to news media after a shooting by an officer on June 22, 2022, in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer A surefire way to drive down response times, in south Houston and citywide, would be to hire dramatically more officers, Griffith and Satterwhite said. But neither viewed that as likely. Mayor Sylvester Turner campaigned on asking voters for the funds to grow the department by 540 officers when he first campaigned for mayor in 2015; eight years on, no such item has appeared on the ballot. And HPDs annual budget now tops $1 billion; thats more than a third of the citys general fund budget, which must also fund the fire department, trash pickup, parks, libraries and other core services. HPDs officers per capita also are not below those of most peer cities. Houstons rate of 2.23 officers per 1,000 residents was above the median rate among big U.S. cities, according to the most recent FBI data. There are far more police in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, but among Southern and Western cities of more than a million residents, Houston trails only Los Angeles, at 2.49, and Dallas, at 2.26. No other big Texas city had a rate higher than 1.83. Jaison Oliver, a community organizer with ImagiNoir/BLMHTX Collective, says HPD needs to use the officers it has more efficiently before asking for more. Watching management district meetings, Oliver has heard discussion of security guards punting minor calls like an unhoused person sleeping near a business to HPD officers. He bemoans data showing police rush to thousands of Priority 1 ShotSpotter alerts but rarely find anything. Even the form for residents to report crimes online which can reduce 911 calls is flawed, he said, because it is too narrow. Victims of property crimes often just need a police report to make an insurance claim, but the HPD form says car thefts and vehicle related crimes have to be called in. Were forcing people to call 911 for things and sending cops out for stuff that is not urgent, Oliver said, so when its really urgent theyre not there when you want them which causes people to be asking for more police. Kitchen sink approach for now In the absence of a dramatic change in HPD staffing, Satterwhite said the department is taking a kitchen sink attitude to reduce response times. One effort will train officers who cant be in the field, such as those recovering from injuries, to call citizens awaiting help with low-priority needs in the hopes of resolving the issue by phone rather than sending an officer, he said. Some staff do this at the Houston Emergency Center, which takes 911 calls. Satterwhite said the expanded effort would assign perhaps a handful of additional officers at a station in each of the three patrol districts to the task. HPD also plans to soon ask City Council to fund a new records management system for the department, including a better platform for citizens to report incidents online, said Melissa Cummins, deputy director of HPDs Office of Planning & Data Governance. Other Texas police departments facing similar struggles have changed what calls officers respond to. Dallas, hoping to combat rising response times, announced in May it would no longer send officers to minor accidents, car burglaries, identity theft, graffiti, thefts of less than $2,500 and some other calls. Austin in 2021 announced police would no longer respond to calls with no immediate threat to life or property and no suspect present. Staffing any police department at the level a police chief wants will never be attainable, said former Chief McClelland nor is that the best answer. The best way to reduce response times, he said, is to reduce calls for service through long-term investments unrelated to policing: family counseling after domestic violence calls, mental health services, keeping kids from dropping out of school. Police didnt invent crime, and theyre not ever going to do away with it, he said. Theres too many socioeconomic factors. Berniece Davis looks out of the window of her home on Thursday, June 8, 2023 in Houston. When Davis' home was burglarized in 2017, she said it took more than 90 minutes for police to arrive. Houston police response times have been increasing in recent years. Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle Arriving back home in Brookhaven after her winter vacation in Maine, Davis was cold the thief had broken her thermostat and still frustrated shed been burglarized. Her TV, some valuables, and a computer had been taken. We are fortunate enough that our community is fairly safe, Davis said of the sluggish police response to her alarm. But when you need them, you need them. New York City police are searching for a woman suspected of pepper-spraying a Muslim teenager in the face after making Islamophobic remarks. The 15-year-old girl was attacked on the afternoon of Dec. 19 while walking down a street in Bensonhurst, a residential neighborhood in south Brooklyn. Police say the girl was approached by an unidentified woman who made "anti-ethnic remarks to the victim, then pepper sprayed the victim in the face." The woman, believed to be in her 40s, fled on foot, according to an unsigned email from a NYPD spokesperson. The teenager refused medical attention at the scene. A photo released by the police department shows the woman wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and blue backpack. NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the incident. Surveillance images released by the New York City Police Department of a woman accused of pepper-spraying a 15-year-old Muslim girl in Brooklyn, New York, on Dec. 19. The case is being investigated as a hate crime, according to the NYPD. The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations released a statement on Wednesday calling for hate crime charges to be brought against the suspect in the case. We condemn this alleged attack and call on law enforcement authorities and public officials to do whatever they can to protect minority communities targeted by hate, said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher in a statement. Citing WPIX, a television news station, CAIR-NY said that the woman called the teenager a "terrorist" before pepper-spaying her. Police have not detailed what the woman is accused of saying. Hate crimes against Muslim Americans has been a concern for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies across the country since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October. In early December, CAIR said the group received 2,171 complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate over the last two months a 172% increase over same period in the previous year. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Muslim teen pepper-sprayed by woman who made anti-ethnic remarks An appeals court on Wednesday halted a federal ban on Apple Watch imports that took effect one day earlier. The ban was enacted after the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that some Apple Watch models created since 2020 infringed on pulse-reader patents owned by the California-based biotech firm Masimo. The ITC is expected to file a response to Wednesday's ruling by Jan. 10. According to the tech news website 9to5Mac, Apple has also submitted a software update it believes will resolve the issue. Neither Apple nor the biotech firm, Masimo, immediately responded to requests for comment. Barbra Streisand has explained why shes not letting any criticism about her appearance get to her. The 81-year-old actor spoke candidly about embracing the way she dresses during a recent interview with The New York Times. During the conversation, she hit back at the idea that people should dress their age, acknowledging that ones style isnt linked to how old they are. People should express themselves and wear whatever they feel on any given day, she said. And that has nothing to do with age. Streisand went on to reflect on the early days of her career, when she received scrutiny over some of her clothing choices. However, according to the former Broadway star, shes at a point in her life where shes not concerned about other peoples opinions of her, I was too afraid to be seen that way at that time, she explained. Now Im too old to care. While discussing her style, she also recalled how, in 1993, she attended former US President Bill Clintons first inaugural gala in a grey, striped jacket, skirt, and vest. The vest had a deep neckline, which prompted a writer for The New York Times to call her outfit a disturbing signal and coy mixed message. During her recent interview with the publication, Streisand responded to the criticism of the outfit, before hitting back at stereotypes that women in Hollywood have faced. I thought that writer was reading a lot into that outfit, and it said more about her than about me, she explained. Like I wrote in my book: Why cant women be accomplished and attractive, strong and sensitive, intelligent and sensual? This isnt the first time that the Funny Girl alum has opened up about the scrutiny shes faced for her appearance over the years. During an interview with The Guardian in 2022, she spoke about her 1996 cover photo shoot for Vogue, as the pictures showcased her nose. She noted that while she was mocked for how her nose looked at the time, she didnt take the criticism too seriously. I was thrilled about that! she said, referring to the Vogue photo shoot. [However], I was called embarrassing names. Another critic said I looked like the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, Streisand added, while laughing. I thought, really? Maybe Im both. After decades of working in show business, Streisand has also opened up about stepping back from acting. During an interview with People in December, one month after the release of her memoir My Name is Barbra, she noted that she hasnt starred in a movie in 11 years, and doesnt necessarily have plans to star in anymore. No, not really. I mean, it was 2009 that I was fighting for the rights to play Gypsy, she said. In other words, it gets exhausting, trying to come up with the structure of the movie and then have it not happen. She also reflected on the many movies shes worked on throughout her career, before describing some of the reasons why shes turned down acting opportunities. I had many movies that I wanted to make, and then I get lazy. I go: Oh yeah, to do this one, I have to have all these fittings for period clothes. This one, Id have to live in Arkansas to do this one, she said. I dont know. Its complicated, but I am complicated, I guess I get lazy. Streisand added: Bette Davis made 80 movies. I made 19. Shes a wonderful actress and she liked working. I like time off. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Resurrection biology attempting to bring strings of molecules and more complex organisms back to life is gaining traction in labs around the world. The work is a far cry from the genetically engineered dinosaurs that escape in the blockbuster movie Jurassic Park, although for some scientists the ultimate goal is de-extinction and resurrecting animals and plants that have been lost. Other researchers are looking to the past for new sources of drugs or to sound an alarm about the possibility of long-dormant pathogens. The field of study is also about recreating elements of human history in an attempt to better understand how our ancestors might have lived and died. Here are four fascinating research projects in this emerging field that launched or made significant progress in 2023. Reviving zombie viruses Warmer temperatures in the Arctic are thawing the regions permafrost a frozen layer of soil beneath the ground and potentially stirring viruses that, after lying dormant for tens of thousands of years, could endanger animal and human health. Jean-Michel Claverie, a professor emeritus of medicine and genomics at the Aix-Marseille University School of Medicine in Marseille, France, is seeking to better understand the risks posed by what he describes as zombie viruses by resurrecting viruses from earth samples from Siberia. Cores of earth drilled from Siberian permafrost have been analyzed to detect frozen viruses. - Jean-Michel Claverie/IGS/CNRS-AM Claverie managed to revive a virus in 2014 that he and his team isolated from the permafrost, making it infectious for the first time in 30,000 years by inserting it into cultured cells. In his latest research, published in February, Claverie and his team isolated several strains of ancient virus from multiple samples of earth representing five new families of viruses. For safety, he had chosen to study a virus that could only target single-celled amoebas, not animals or humans. The oldest was nearly 48,500 years old, based on radiocarbon dating of the soil, and came from a sample of earth taken from an underground lake 52 feet (16 meters) below the surface. The youngest samples, found in the stomach contents and coat of a woolly mammoths remains, were 27,000 years old. That amoeba-infecting viruses are still infectious after so long is a signal of a serious potential public health threat, Claverie said. We view these amoeba-infecting viruses as surrogates for all other possible viruses that might be in the permafrost, Claverie told CNN earlier this year. Our reasoning is that if the amoeba viruses are still alive, there is no reason why the other viruses will not be still alive, and capable of infecting their own hosts. Hunt for new antibiotics goes back to the ice age For bioengineering pioneer Cesar de la Fuente, Presidential Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, the past is a source of opportunity that has opened up a new front in the fight against drug-resistant superbugs. Advances in the recovery of ancient DNA from fossils mean that detailed libraries of genetic information about extinct human relatives and long-lost animals are now publicly available. The machine biology group he leads at UPenn uses intelligence-based computational methods to mine this genetic information and identify small protein, or peptide, molecules they believe to have bacteria-fighting powers. He has discovered promising compounds from Neanderthals and ice age creatures such as the woolly mammoth and giant sloth. Ancient molecules, including those from extinct human relatives such as the Neanderthals, may offer hope in the fight against superbugs. - Mike Kemp/In Pictures/Getty Images It has enabled us to uncover new sequences, new types of molecules that we have not previously found in living organisms, expanding the way we think about molecular diversity, de la Fuente said. Bacteria from today have never faced those molecules so they may give us a better opportunity at targeting the pathogens that are problematic today. Most antibiotics come from bacteria and fungi and have been discovered by screening microorganisms that live in soil. But in recent decades, pathogens have become resistant to many of these drugs because of widespread overuse. While de la Fuentes approach is unorthodox, the urgency to identify possible candidates has never been greater as the global population faces nearly 5 million deaths every year that are associated with microbial resistance, according to the World Health Organization. Plotting the resurrection of the dodo, woolly mammoth and Tasmanian tiger Extinctions are happening at a faster pace than ever. For some scientists, a path to staunching this loss could be trying to resurrect lost creatures from the past. Biotechnology and genetic engineering startup Colossal Biosciences announced in January that it wants to bring back the dodo an odd-looking flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean until the late 17th century and reintroduce it to its once native habitat. The dodo is one of several extinct creatures that Colossal Biosciences is trying to resurrect. - Ranjith Jayasena The company is working on other equally ambitious projects that will incorporate advances in ancient DNA sequencing, gene-editing technology and synthetic biology to bring back the woolly mammoth and the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger. Geneticists at Colossal Biosciences have found cells that act as a precursor for ovaries or testes in the Nicobar pigeon, the dodos closest living relative, that can grow successfully in a chicken embryo. The scientists are now investigating whether these cells called primordial germ cells, or PGCs can turn into sperm and eggs. The company plans to compare the genomes of the dodo and the Rodrigues solitaire, an extinct bird closely related to the dodo, to identify how they differ. Then it will edit the PGCs of a Nicobar pigeon so it expresses the physical traits of a dodo. The edited cells will then be inserted into the embryos of a sterile chicken and rooster. With the introduction of the edited PGCs, the chicken and rooster will be capable of reproducing, and, in theory, their offspring will resemble the dodo thanks to the hybridized pigeon DNA in their reproductive systems. Physically, the restored dodo will be indiscernible from what we know of the dodos appearance, said Matt James, chief animal officer of Colossal Biosciences, told CNN in a November email. Even if the researchers are successful in this high-stakes endeavor, they wont be making a carbon copy of the dodo that lived four centuries ago but an altered, hybrid form instead. Colossal Biosciences has partnered with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to conduct a feasibility study to assess where to best locate the birds if the experiment is successful. However, finding a home may prove challenging. Mauritius is a relatively small island that has changed significantly since the dodo went extinct. Despite being one of the most famous birds in the world, we still know virtually nothing about the dodo, so how it interacted with its environment is impossible to know, said Julian Hume, an avian paleontologist and research associate at Londons Natural History Museum, who has studied the bird. Because of the complexity of recreating a species from DNA, even if it was possible, (it) can only result in a dodo-esque creature. It will then take years of selective breeding to enhance a small pigeon into a large flightless bird. Remember, nature took millions of years for this to happen with the dodo, he added. What Egyptian mummies smelled like One of two canopic jars that are part of the Museum August Kestner's collection in Hanover, Germany, once contained the remains of ancient Egyptian noblewoman Senetnay. - Christian Tepper/Museum August Kestner Visitors to Denmarks Moesgaard Museum can sniff the scent of an Egyptian mummification balm last used 3,500 years ago. The evocative smell was recreated from ingredients identified by studying residues left in two canopic jars discovered in Egypts Valley of the Kings in 1900. The two jars once contained some of the remains of an ancient Egyptian noblewoman known as Senetnay. The exact recipes used in the mummification process have long been debated because ancient Egyptian texts dont name precise ingredients. The invesetigation, led by Barbara Huber, a doctoral researcher of archaeological chemistry at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Germany, identified the balm ingredients using a variety of highly advanced analytical techniques. She found the balms contained beeswax, plant oils, animal fats, resins and the naturally occurring petroleum product bitumen. Compounds such as coumarin and benzoic acid were also present. Coumarin, which has a vanilla-like scent, is found in pea plants and cinnamon, while benzoic acid occurs in resins and gums from trees and bushes. The balms differed slightly between the two jars, which means that different ingredients may have been used depending on which organ was being preserved. In the jar used to store Senetnays lungs, researchers detected fragrant resins from larch trees and something thats either dammar from trees found in India and Southeast Asia, or resin from Pistacia trees that belong to the cashew family. The presence of such a vast array of ingredients, including exotic substances like dammar or Pistacia tree resin, indicates that extremely rare and expensive materials were used for her embalming, Huber told CNN when the research was published in August. This points to Senetnays exceptional status in society. The scent was then recreated with the help of French perfumer Carole Calvez and sensory museologist Sofia Collette Ehrich. The first time I encountered the scent, it was a profound and almost surreal experience, Huber said. After spending so much time immersed in the research and analysis, to finally have this tangible, aromatic connection to the ancient world was moving. It was like holding a faint echo from the past. CNNs Ashley Strickland and Tom Page contributed to this report For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Eiffel Tower in Paris closed to the public on Wednesday because of a strike by staff. Employees were protesting about the way the Tower was being managed, France's powerful CGT union said. The date of their strike was not picked at random: 27 December is the centenary of the death of the tower's creator, Gustave Eiffel. A visionary French engineer and entrepreneur, Eiffel died on this day in 1923, at the age of 91. Completed in 1889, the so-called Iron Lady remains one of the world's prime tourist attractions, attracting 5.85 million visitors last year, 7% of them from the UK alone. Tower operator SETE apologised for the strike, which it said was due to part of the staff, adding that the esplanade beneath and surrounding the structure remained open. Any visitors with electronic tickets should check their email, it said. The hard-left CGT union said that staff had decided on a strike because SETE was "heading for disaster", with an economic model that was "over-ambitious and untenable", under-estimating the annual number of visitors as well as the costs of maintenance and renovation. The top floor of the Eiffel Tower is due to close next month for an annual makeover lasting several weeks. The strike will not dampen the spirits of those who want to celebrate the iconic monument and the centenary of its creator's death. A sound and light concert will be broadcast on TV and social media on Wednesday night from the first floor of the Tower, as a tribute to Gustave Eiffel. French President Emmanuel Macron paid homage to the engineer in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "100 years since Gustave Eiffel left us. But his legacy to the world is very much alive!" Eiffel, a civil engineer, made his name building bridges and viaducts for the French railway network and contributed to the building of the Statue of Liberty. However, he was best known for the tower, which was designed to show off France's modern industrial prowess on a world stage, as the centrepiece of the 1889 Paris Exposition, or world's fair. Built in little more than two years, it was at the time the tallest building in the world and soon became a defining image of the French capital. Parts of the eastern US will face tricky holiday travel after avoiding deadly blizzard conditions and ice that slammed the central US earlier this week. A batch of steady rain will move across the mid-Atlantic through Wednesday afternoon and push into the Northeast by Wednesday evening. This rainfall could become heavy at times, especially late Wednesday and Wednesday night. Washington, DC, Philadelphia and New York City all face a Level 1 of 4 flood threat from the heavy rain. Ponding on roadways could slow travel on the ground and reduced visibility may lead to flight delays. Wednesdays travel weather hazards come after a blizzard-fueling winter storm swept across the Plains and upper Midwest with heavy snow, freezing rain and strong winds, creating dangerous travel in the busy holiday week. Light-to-moderate snow as well as rain and freezing rain could fall over parts of the region Wednesday, but will largely wrap up by the end of the day. A few rain and snow showers will then track through portions of the Great Lakes on Thursday. Snow blown by strong winds piles up into drifts in Box Elder, South Dakota. - Evan Ludes/LSM The storms worst happened on Monday and Tuesday, when snow combined with strong wind gusts sometimes 50 to 60 mph, with isolated gusts up to 75 mph to hit parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming. Blizzards occur when blowing snow and sustained strong winds combine for at least three hours and reduce visibility to a quarter-mile or less. In Kansas, snow and ice contributed to a deadly crash early Monday evening in Pawnee County when a driver of a pickup truck lost control and struck a car head on driven by 86-year-old Evelyn D. Reece. Reece was killed in the Christmas day crash, according to Kansas Highway Patrol. The driver of the pickup truck was injured, as well as two others riding in the vehicle with Reece. Cars also collided and slid off roads Monday in Nebraska, where tractor-trailers jackknifed and got stuck on eastbound Interstate 80 near York in the morning and early afternoon, the Nebraska State Patrol said. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol said they responded to about 150 weather-related incidents on Christmas Day, according to a news release. Nebraska first responders work along a slick I-80 on Monday between Grand Island and Lincoln. - Nebraska State Patrol Low visibility levels also shut down major roadways that lingered into Wednesday morning. Westbound Interstate 80 and Highway 30 were closed from Kearney, in the middle of Nebraska, to the Wyoming state line, a stretch of about 270 miles, according to the state Department of Transportation. Eastbound travel on the highways was closed from Wyoming to North Platte, Nebraska, about 179 miles, according to the transportation department and state police. One traveler, Bradley Sanders, told CNN he was driving from Denver to Chicago on Tuesday when the blizzard hit, so he pulled over near Ogallala, Nebraska, to charge his car around noon. Soon after, he learned the highway was shut down, so he booked a motel for the night. He said there was a line of stranded drivers at the motel looking for a room. Amanda Dawn Benitez was also stuck in Ogallala, she told CNN on Tuesday. She was traveling from Twin Falls, Idaho, to McDonough, Georgia, with her husband, son and 2-pound chihuahua. Her husband is a truck driver, so theyve been making the trek in his 18-wheeler, where they plan to spend Tuesday night. Benitez, who is from Alabama, said shes never experienced so much snow in her life. I said I wanted a white Christmas, but I didnt want a blizzard, she said. Benitez said her son and chihuahua played in the snow and enjoyed it. Dangerous low visibilities from blowing and drifting snow made for treacherous driving in Box Elder, South Dakota. - Evan Ludes/LSM Residents in 14 North Dakota counties were advised to avoid all travel Tuesday because of poor winter road conditions, the states Department of Transportation announced. Westbound lanes of about 50 miles of Interstate 94 in the state were closed Tuesday morning due to multiple traffic incidents. In South Dakota, I-90 was closed in both directions from Monday night through Tuesday morning for a more than 200-mile stretch between Mitchell and Wall, the South Dakota Department of Transportation said. Parts of South Dakota were hit with a foot or more of snow, including 13.8 inches in Gregory and 12 inches in Deadwood and Spearfish, according to the the National Weather Service. Aurora, Colorado, received 7.5 inches of snow, and Norfolk, Nebraska, got 7 inches, the service said. CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford and CNNs Paradise Afshar, Alaa Elassar, Sharif Paget, Andy Rose, Sarah Engel, Jamiel Lynch and Dave Alsup contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com How can someone murder three people in an English village without it being noticed? This simple question is at the heart of what has made Agatha Christie the worlds most popular novelist. How is it that Englands green and pleasant land can be so riddled with people willing to poison, stab and bludgeon their neighbours? It is a premise that has become a core part ho ho ho! of the BBCs festive programming, which returns this year with a 1950s spin on Christies 1939 novel, Murder Is Easy. On the train to London, Luke Fitzwilliam (Rye Lanes David Jonsson), freshly arrived from Nigeria, encounters a curious old lady, Lavinia Pinkerton (Penelope Wilton). I have to report, she tells the young civil servant, ominously, murder. Miss Pinkerton has, she believes, witnessed two maybe three murders, but before she can arrive at Scotland Yard shes mowed down by a rogue motorist. Coincidence? Not in the mind of Fitzwilliam, who immediately heads to Miss Pinkertons village, Wychwood, to investigate the crimes. There, he teams up with Bridget Conway (The Rings of Powers Morfydd Clark), a former secretary who is now engaged to the obnoxious Lord Whitfield (Tom Riley). As they nose around the villages business, their mutual attraction grows, just as the body count rises. On his jaunt in the country, Fitzwilliam encounters a bevy of British TV character actors: Tamzin Outhwaite, Mark Bonnar, Mathew Baynton, and Douglas Henshall (among others). It may not quite match the wattage of the 1974 Murder on the Orient Express (Sean Connery, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, John Gielgud, Vanessa Redgrave) or the 1978 Death on the Nile (Mia Farrow, David Niven, Jane Birkin, not to mention Maggie Smith and Bette Davis), but its a decent lineup. The sort of decent lineup weve grown accustomed to in recent festive Christie adaptations. With Kenneth Branagh doing his big screen best (which is not very good) tackling the Poirot novels, the BBC has chosen to adapt a series of Christies less celebrated standalone works: The Pale Horse, Ordeal by Innocence, Witness for the Prosecution, and now Murder is Easy. It is a decision that gives them the freedom to experiment, without fear of being held in contrast to the great adaptations of the past. That freedom here is best expressed by a new interest in late-colonialism and middle Englands racism. Jonssons Fitzwilliam represents the first time a Christie protagonist has been played by a Black actor, and the narrative embraces that new development. Behold the imperial African, Fitzwilliams friend at the West Africa Club announces. Self-colonised, collaborating with his oppressors. As with all creative decisions that promote a more diverse and inclusive agenda, it will provoke both the tabloid media and easily offended viewers, but many of Christies works are thoroughly engaged with the consequences of empire. Bringing the action forward by a couple of decades allows the creators to gerrymander some more progressive ideals into the story. While Christies views might not have been expressed in quite such bluntly liberal terms (Gordon likes to collect nice things, Bridget observes, of her fiances treasury of African artifacts; Not really his nice things though, are they? Fitzwilliam responds), there has always been a sufficiently distinguishable native thread of interest in these matters for it to be extrapolated out to a broader canvas. This is something the show does well enough, but it is one of the few things to achieve even basic competence. Where Sarah Phelpss adaptations for the BBC (And Then There Were None, for example, or her reimagining of The ABC Murders) were shrouded in a very modern darkness, Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berres adaptation of Murder is Easy falls between two stools. Too bland to excite the violent impulses of the Line of Duty generation, yet insufficiently zippy or playful to stir Christie aficionados. The script is only part of the problem: more striking, perhaps, is the cheapness of the design. Rather than shooting for the murkiness of Scandinoir, Murder is Easy manages to be both over-saturated and over-exposed, while the costumes, locations and cars all have that counter-intuitively anachronistic air of being vintage. It is striking that, in the 34 years since David Suchets Poirot first aired on ITV, the aesthetic quality of Christie adaptations seems to have regressed. Against this unsatisfying backdrop, Jonsson tries hard to assert his authority. It is never easy playing a disposable dick neither Poirot nor Marple; never going to spark a franchise but Jonsson is not aided by what the kids are calling CRF (chronic rizz face). Bridget, why are you marrying that man? he purrs at Clarks vivacious temptress. Both are in the Tommy and Tuppence mould spunky and selfless yet, like most things with this adaptation, more washed out than intended. They navigate their way around a convoluted plot like Theseus delicately, clumsily, returning to Ariadne. If British television wishes to continue adapting Christies novels which doubtless it does, given there are many that are yet to receive a primetime airing then theyd be advised to remember what makes them so popular. Propulsive, compulsive plots, a distinctive vision of Britain in the first half of the 20th century, and a radical, by the standards of modern mysteries, coherence. Murder might be easy, but a good murder mystery is far less straightforward. Kenneth Heller can tell you a story about nearly every house in his North Miami neighborhood. Its not surprising considering that hes lived there, on and off, for some 66 years. Every time I went away, like a homing beacon, there was always something bringing me back, Heller, 78, said. I think Ive been here longer than just about anyone else now. But the home hes lived in for most of his life the home his parents built in 1957 and where Heller cared for his mother in the final years of her life is showing its age. For several years now, the roof has been draped in frayed blue tarps. The ceiling is dotted with gaping holes. The house has flooded before, Heller said, and keeping the water out is an ongoing battle. The last time the roof was replaced was 1984, according to Heller. And, of course, things are a lot more expensive now than they used to be, he said. Fixing the problem isnt cheap. Heller said that the lowest estimate he has gotten to repair the roof is around $60,000. He doesnt have homeowners insurance. After all, he asks, who can afford insurance these days? Kenneth Heller, 78, sits on a walker in front of his house in North Miami. Blue tarp covers the entire roof, which is almost 40 years old and in bad shape. Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com To fix this with what I have I wouldnt be able to eat, Heller said. There are other challenges. Hellers kitchen stove no longer works and has been replaced by a small hotplate. Hes currently borrowing a refrigerator from one of his neighbors; it wouldnt fit through the kitchen door, so Heller keeps it in the living room. Illusions of grandeur Heller prefers to talk about better days, like learning to water ski in Biscayne Bay after he first moved to Florida or taking Spanish classes in Mexico as a teenager. He graduated from the University of Florida and went on to law school at Samford University in Alabama. By his own admission, Heller wasnt the most dedicated law student. Instead, he spent his time fooling around and living the high life. He eventually dropped out and joined the Marine Corps in 1968 at the height of the Vietnam War in hopes of seeing the world. Youve got to understand, I had illusions of grandeur, Heller said. Besides, it was either join up or get drafted. The kitchen of Kenneth Hellers home has holes in the ceiling and some appliances dont work. His parents built the house in 1957, and Heller has lived there most of his life. Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com Heller never did go to Vietnam. He said he broke his elbow and a knee during training and was eventually discharged. He returned to Florida and went to work at a Zayre department store in Miami before eventually going back to law school in Alabama and graduating in 1975. Heller moved around over the ensuing decade. He got married, had two children and got divorced. He moved back to his North Miami home in 1987 to take care of his mother. A year later, in 1988, the law firm that he worked at was sold off, and he soon became his mothers full-time caregiver. She passed away in 1999. Holding onto the family home Its been nearly 25 years since his mother passed away, and Heller is hoping to fix up his family home while dealing with a long list of health challenges. He struggles with hearing and vision deficits, as well as congestive heart failure. Getting around can also be difficult; Heller wears braces on both of his legs and uses a walker. A birdseye view of Kenneth Hellers North Miami home. The home, which the family built in the 1950s, is deteriorating, and the roof is in bad shape, but Heller, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, does not have the money to fix it. Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com He has help from his friend Victoria Sanchez who stays with him at times. Sandi Dioli Kumm, who works for the North Miami Foundation for Senior Citizens Services, stops by often. She said that Heller needs help paying to repair his roof and purchasing some small appliances, like a toaster oven. Its the family home. Everybody else has gone through two and three ownerships, but hes held onto it, said Kumm, who nominated Heller for Wish Book, a Miami Herald/elNuevo Herald program that raises money from the community to help needy people identified by nonprofit agencies. Were trying to work to rectify some of these issues that are just overwhelming for a man in his late 70s. He wants to stay in his home and we want to make sure he can do so safely, she said. Heller said that hes been encouraged by some friends to sell the home, but insisted that he wants to stay put. Im trying to hold onto this house, he said. Its where I belong. How to help To help this Wish Book nominee and the more than 100 other nominees who are in need this year: To donate, use the coupon found in the newspaper or pay securely online through www.MiamiHerald.com/wishbook For more information, call 305-376-2906 or email Wishbook@MiamiHerald.com The most requested items are often laptops and tablets for school, furniture, and accessible vans Read all Wish Book stories on www.MiamiHerald.com/wishbook Veteran Kenneth Heller, 78, stands in front of his house in North Miami, with blue tarp covering the entire roof. He lacks the resources to fix it. Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com She lost her husband to cancer. Her wish for their kids is happiness and a computer She was a toddler when she survived the Haiti earthquake. Now she needs a laptop for school They wanted a better life for their kids in the US. They werent ready for the US economy The Republican-led House Oversight and Judiciary committees on Wednesday are seeking any communications between the White House and lawyers for Hunter Biden about efforts to depose the president's son as part of their impeachment inquiry. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, made the request in a letter to Edward Siskel, assistant to the president and White House counsel, obtained by NBC News. The GOP chairmen said they're seeking to determine whether the president was involved in his sons decision not to comply with a congressional subpoena. The letter asks for all documents and communications sent or received by employees of the Executive Office of the President regarding the deposition of Hunter Biden, as well as any records "sent or received by employees of the Executive Office of the President regarding President Bidens statement about his familys business associates on December 6, 2023. The Republican lawmakers indicated they're not aware whether any such communications exist. In light of an official statement from the White House that President Biden was aware in advance that his son, Hunter Biden, would knowingly defy two congressional subpoenas, we are compelled to examine as part of our impeachment inquiry whether the President engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress, Comer and Jordan wrote. "The fact that the President had advanced awareness that Mr. Biden would defy the Committees subpoenas raises a troubling new question that we must examine: whether the President corruptly sought to influence or obstruct the Committees proceeding by preventing, discouraging, or dissuading his son from complying with the Committees subpoenas. Such conduct could constitute an impeachable offense, they added. President Joe Biden in Woodside, Calif., on Nov. 15, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images file) The White House declined to comment. The offices of Abbe Lowell and Kevin Morris, attorneys for Hunter Biden, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Comer and Jordan referred specifically to a statement made during a White House press briefing Dec. 13 in response to a question about Hunter Bidens statement on the day he was due to appear for a closed-door deposition. Instead of participating in the deposition, as Republicans had requested, the presidents son spoke to reporters at a news conference outside the Capitol, repeating his offer to testify in a public hearing. Im here today to make sure that the House committees illegitimate investigations of my family did not proceed on distortions, manipulated evidence, and lies. And Im here today to acknowledge that Ive made mistakes in my life, and wasted opportunities and privileges I was afforded, Hunter Biden said, reading a prepared statement. For that, Im responsible, for that Im accountable and for that, Im making amends. During the Dec. 13 press briefing, a reporter asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre: Did [President Joe Biden] spend any time watching what his son had to say outside the Capitol? Jean-Pierre noted that Hunter Biden is a private citizen and referred reporters to his representatives, adding that the president was certainly familiar with what his son was going to say. And I think what you saw was from the heart from his son," she said. And youve heard youve heard me say this; youve heard the president say this: When it comes to the president and the first lady, they are proud of him continuing to rebuild his life. They are proud of their son. After Hunter Biden defied the request for a closed-door deposition, Comer and Jordan said Republicans would initiate contempt of Congress proceedings. The House is not expected to be back in session until the second week of January. House Republicans last week released records showing that the president exchanged emails with his son's business associate 54 times while he was serving as vice president, with some of the messages sent around the time he was traveling to Ukraine while his son was working for a Ukrainian gas company. The records do not include the content of the emails. NBC News has not independently reviewed the messages. Hunter Biden faces a series of legal woes. Federal prosecutors charged him with nine tax-related charges this month, including three felony counts. That came after he was indicted in September on federal charges of possessing a gun while using narcotics. Comer has accused Hunter Biden and other Biden family members of engaging in shady business practices but has not yet provided concrete evidence of wrongdoing or influence-peddling by the president. bbernard // Shutterstock Every day, nine people in the United States die due to distracted driving, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Distracted driving comprises any activity that results in the driver taking their eyes off the road, whether it's eating and drinking, adjusting car controls, smoking, or fumbling with the radiobut cellphone use is by far the most dangerous. Sending a single text takes a driver's eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA further reports that in 2021, 8% of all fatal car crashes and 14% of injury-causing car crashes were attributable to distracted driving. However, it is important to note that because the majority of recorded distracted driving incidents are self-reported, these statistics are likely much higher. The economic consequences of distracted driving are also significant. In a measure that includes quality-of-life valuations, medical costs, legal costs, emergency services, and property damage, NHTSA determined that distracted driving vehicle crashes resulted in a total economic loss of $395 billion in the United States in 2019. The consequences of distracted driving have been long documented, but counteractive measures have made little more than a dent in the rate of fatal accidents. In 2017, 14% of all fatal distraction-based car crashes were attributed to cellphone use. In 2021, the most recent year this data was assimilated, it was 12%. A 2019 study by the University of Adelaide's Centre for Automotive Safety Research determined that such a slow rate of change may be due to the motivations underlying distracted driving. This includes feelings of obligation to respond quickly to electronic communications; a desire to use one's time efficiently; the habitual nature of such behaviors; and overestimating one's ability to drive safely in spite of distractions. NHTSA aims to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving at a national level; however, related laws governing distracted driving are mandated at the state level. Interestingly, Arizona, Montana, and Missouri are the only states without a texting and driving ban that applies to drivers of all ages. Meanwhile, Delawarewhich has the strictest distracted driving lawsis among the top 10 safest states for driving and issues the most distracted driving citations. Using data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, Westfield compiled a list of states with the strictest driving laws. States were selected based on how strict their handheld, cellphone, and text message use while driving laws were. Eduardo Medrano // Shutterstock Arkansas - Handheld ban: school and work zones only - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban Pierre Leclerc // Shutterstock Hawaii - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban Sean Pavone // Shutterstock Indiana - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: novice drivers (under 21) - Text messaging: all driver ban Canva Louisiana - Handheld ban: learner or intermediate license (regardless of age), drivers in school zones - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (drivers under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban Joseph Sohm // Shutterstock Maine - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: novice drivers (learner or intermediate license) - Text messaging: all driver ban Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock New Hampshire - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban photo.ua // Shutterstock Ohio - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban Josemaria Toscano // Shutterstock Oregon - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban kintermedia // Shutterstock Texas - Handheld ban: yes, in school crossing zones and on public school property only - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban S_Hoss // Shutterstock Vermont - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban kan_khampanya // Shutterstock Washington - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: novice drivers (learner or intermediate license) - Text messaging: all driver ban Canva West Virginia - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: novice drivers (under 18 w/ learner or intermediate license) - Text messaging: all driver ban Brett Barnhill // Shutterstock Georgia - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers - Text messaging: all driver ban Canva Virginia - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers - Text messaging: all driver ban antsdrone // Shutterstock Arizona - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban Maks Ershov // Shutterstock California - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban f11photo // Shutterstock Connecticut - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban Khairil Azhar Junos // Shutterstock Delaware - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (learner or intermediate license) - Text messaging: all driver ban Orhan Cam // Shutterstock Washington D.C. - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (learners permit) - Text messaging: all driver ban f11photo // Shutterstock Illinois - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (under 19) - Text messaging: all driver ban Real Window Creative // Shutterstock Maryland - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban lunamarina // Shutterstock Massachusetts - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban Gerald Bernard // Shutterstock Michigan - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (handheld ban) - Text messaging: all driver ban Mark Herreid // Shutterstock Minnesota - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (drivers with learner under 18 or provisional license) - Text messaging: all driver ban Kamira // Shutterstock New Jersey - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (permit or provisional license) - Text messaging: all driver ban Big Joe // Shutterstock Rhode Island - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (under 18) - Text messaging: all driver ban Brian Wilson Photography // Shutterstock Tennessee - Handheld ban: yes - All cellphone ban: school bus drivers and novice drivers (learner or intermediate license) - Text messaging: all driver ban This story originally appeared on Westfield and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. State Sen. John Whitmire speaks to supporters after defeating U.S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee to become Houstons 63rd mayor at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer One of the youngest, most diverse cities in the nation just elected a 74-year-old white-straight-male-50-year-career-politician mayor. As far as change candidates go, John Whitmire will never be confused with Barack Obama. To wit: while Obama authored a well-known book called Audacity of Hope, Whitmire keeps insisting that he had to look up the word audacious when he read it in our October editorial fantasizing about the boldness we wanted to see in Houstons next mayor. Whats that word you used again? Whitmire asked Saturday, perhaps jokingly, perhaps seriously its hard to tell with him when he called a member of this board as it looked the mayoral runoff would soon be called for him. Reminded of the word, he insisted that his tenure would be full of bold policies that Houstonians could only describe as audacious. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We hope so. Of course, its easier to be audacious when fate isnt spewing relentless floods, ice storms and global pandemics in your direction. Nobody knows what the future holds for Whitmire during his tenure. But hes been clear in his promises to voters that his priorities are basic: crime, infrastructure, a functional city government that picks up the trash on time and doesnt overcharge you for water. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Whitmire's mayoral victory is well-deserved Whitmire has never claimed to be a visionary or some generational leader and thats apparently not what voters were looking for anyway, considering they handed him the largest margin of victory for a first-time candidate in 46 years. Even in the congressional district his opponent U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee had represented for 28 years, Whitmire got 49% and she squeaked by his total with 879 more votes. The truth is, vision and audacity mean different things in different cities. In Houston, fixing stuff thats perpetually broken water mains, affordable housing, firefighter contracts might indeed qualify as audacious. Great cities solve their problems, Whitmire said in his victory night speech. Advertisement Article continues below this ad His ideas bringing in Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to help with traffic enforcement and other crime-fighting initiatives, ensuring street and drainage projects are properly funded, insisting on better ethics standards in how lucrative contracts are awarded by the city; and bringing some much-needed transparency to the citys procurement process demonstrated an understanding that Houstonians want practical solutions rather than lofty promises. Whether you drive a Rolls Royce or a beat-up Honda, we all curse under our breath when driving over the same potholes. We all roll our eyes when our trash cans arent emptied on time. READ ALSO: Sheila Jackson Lee files for reelection to Congress after mayoral defeat The challenge, of course, to Whitmires Problem-Solver-In-Chief narrative is that the scale of Houstons problems is so vast that he cant possibly make headway with basic nipping and tucking of the city budget to find efficiencies. The city faces a fiscal crisis, plugging budget gaps with creative budgeting such as land sales and federal funds that will soon dry up in the next two years. Without potentially severe budget cuts, even Whitmires relatively basic campaign promises, such as recruiting and hiring more police officers, will be difficult without bold action. Whitmires political skills in building his broad-based coalition to get elected mayor suggest that he has the capacity to pull off what past mayors couldnt: getting voters to change a voter-approved property tax revenue cap, which the Chronicle reported has kept more than $1.4 billion from city coffers since 2014. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mayor Sylvester Turner talked a big game about asking voters to amend or repeal the cap during his two terms in office but never put it on the ballot, in part because he was fending off a number of crises, from public pensions to Hurricane Harvey. Whitmire told us this week he is open to adopting Mayor Bill Whites approach to amend the cap for public safety spending. Thats a good start, and would certainly help fund more police officers and firefighters. He also said he would consider a bond issue for infrastructure upgrades, but only after he cuts waste within the city budget. Whitmires decisive win gives him a rare window to cash in his political capital to put the city on more solid financial footing and fund the bread-and-butter core services he promised to deliver. We look forward to seeing him translate his campaign message into action. One message, though, might prove harder than all the rest in the rough-and-tumble world of city politics. We dont bully people, he told supporters in his speech after winning. It was a not-so-subtle needling of Jackson Lee, whose harsh treatment of employees, flight attendants and other fellow humans has been a recurring issue throughout her career and surfaced again in the mayoral campaign. Outgoing Mayor Turner is also known for his thin-skin and public rebukes of journalists who dare to ask tough questions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My family taught me to treat people the way you want to be treated, and that works wherever you are, Whitmire said. The golden rule? In politics? Were tempted to call BS. But if he proves us wrong, wed be happy to call him audacious. A group of 20 Northern Lebanon High School Students will be taking a trip to New York City later this month, but it's not just to go see the big city. The high school's Volunteer Club will embark by bus on Dec. 19 for their annual Spirit of Giving trip, a tradition for the school for 18 years now, according to Jennifer Thoman, Mathematics Department Chair at Northern Lebanon High School, who advises the club. Last year, Northern Lebanon High School's Volunteer Club collected 131 blankets, 286 coats, and $2,000 for donation. Gently used coats and blankets are collected by the club and are handed out, along with a hot meal, to the homeless in New York City. Due to high demand for the trip over the years, the club works with two soup kitchens, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and St. Lukes Soup Kitchen, both in New York City. Before the trip, students in the club serve their local community by helping out at the Lebanon Rescue Mission. "We also want to have them see the needs of those around us," Thoman said. "So on Sunday the 3rd, 11 students, another teacher and I, went into the Lebanon Rescue Mission and prepared and served a meal to the men who lived there as well those in the community who needed a hot meal." Money raised by the club is split between the New York soup kitchens and the Lebanon Rescue Mission. Students are required to go out to local business to look for sponsors for the trip to help with the cost of the bus, which has roughly doubled in price over the last 18 years, Thoman explained. Dieffenbach's Potato Chips donates chips and The Hershey Company donates chocolates for the students to take up to the soup kitchen as well. While the program has become more and more popular over the years, this year's group is actually slightly smaller than previous years because one of the soup kitchens did not have enough open spots for volunteers. Usually, they have about 25 students go on the trip. Last year, the students raised $2,000 after the cost of the bus, 131 blankets and 286 coats. They will be raising funds until the day before the trip, Dec. 18. Anyone interested in donating should reach out to jthoman@norleb.k12.pa.us. Daniel Larlham Jr. is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at DLarlham@LDNews.com or on X @djlarlham. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Northern Lebanon Pa. students' trip to NYC benefits those most in need Maybe Nvidia's (NVDA) stock isn't grossly overvalued after a sizzling 237% gain this year, given the arms race to unleash new AI superpowers on the world. "I think there is a chance for it [to become the world's most valuable company] to happen," veteran tech analyst Paul Meeks said on Yahoo Finance Live. "[If] you think about it, it's going to have to increase its market cap at least 100% from here. I think it could happen, but I would not be bold enough to make that claim yet." Nvidia is viewed as holding the pole position in the AI space due to its chips that power OpenAI's ChatGPT platform. The company fueled by voracious demand for its H100 chip has also inked high-profile generative AI chip deals with ServiceNow (NOW) and Snowflake (SNOW). The strong demand has triggered a material upward reset in Nvidia's profit forecasts by Wall Street analysts. Just 90 days ago, Wall Street was banking on Nvidia earning $10.76 per share in profits for its current fiscal year according to Yahoo Finance data. Today, that figure stands at $12.29 per share. For its next fiscal year, Nvidia's profits are expected to surge at least 67% from the prior year to $20.50 a share. Three months earlier, analysts were modeling for profits of $16.71 a share. The stock's impressive triple-digit return in 2023 has pushed its trailing twelve-month price-to-earnings ratio (PE) to 65, according to Yahoo Finance data. That's almost three times more than the trailing PE on the S&P 500. But analysts Yahoo Finance has spoken to say Nvidia's stock still looks cheap when applying other valuation metrics. Nvidia's stock, for instance, trades on a PEG (price to expected earnings growth) ratio of a mere 0.5 times. A PEG ratio below 1 is often viewed by Wall Street as a potentially undervalued opportunity. On a forward PE ratio, Nvidia's stock fetches 24.5 times expected earnings not too far removed from the S&P 500's forward multiple of 21. Given Nvidia's expected earnings growth over the next 12 months is potentially north of 70% (the S&P 500 is only forecast to grow earnings around 10% in 2024), a case could be made that shares aren't yet priced for perfection. "This is my best tech idea going into 2024," Meeks contended. Meeks isn't alone on the bullish Nvidia thesis supported by an attractive valuation. Researchers at Evercore ISI, led by Matthew Prisco, outlined several catalysts for Nvidia in 2024. They include a "broadening" of its customer base from large language model startups and consumer internet companies to sovereign AI cloud and enterprise software players. NVIDIA HGX AI Supercomputer is shown on display during the annual Foxconn Tech Day in Taipei, Taiwan October 18, 2023. (REUTERS/Ann Wang) (REUTERS / Reuters) Another driver is Nvidia finally being able to make enough of its AI chips to feed its top-line sales and industry-leading gross profit margins. Prisco believes there is a "clear path" to Nvidia becoming the most valuable company in the market, supplanting the likes of Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft (MSFT). To be clear, Nvidia's market value is well shy of those two tech titans ($1.22 trillion for Nvidia vs. $2.93 trillion for Apple and $2.8 trillion for Microsoft). Prisco acknowledged it's next to "impossible" to quell investor concerns about profit-taking on Nvidia in early 2024 and downside risk tied to the US export ban on AI chips to China. But from a pure valuation perspective, Nvidia doesn't appear to be a bubble. "In 2024 for Nvidia, there is no doubt a lot more room to grow from a revenue and a profit dollar standpoint," said Moor Insights & Strategy CEO Patrick Moorhead on Yahoo Finance Live. Added Moorhead, "We are also going to see some big action on the inference side as we saw in machine learning about four or five years ago when the growth went from training to inference. No doubt there is more room here for Nvidia." And in the process, perhaps grow into a headier valuation. Brian Sozzi is Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor. Follow Sozzi on Twitter/X @BrianSozzi and on LinkedIn. Tips on deals, mergers, activist situations, or anything else? Email brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com. Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance By Hyonhee Shin and Soo-hyang Choi SEOUL (Reuters) -Lee Sun-kyun, a South Korean actor who drew global attention with his performance as the wealthy patriarch in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead on Wednesday in an apparent suicide in a Seoul park, officials in the capital said. Lee, 48, who met a gory end in the 2019 film, South Korea's first to win any Oscar, had faced police questioning three times over accusations of illegal drug use amid a government crackdown, with one session running 19 hours over the weekend. The actor had said he was tricked into taking drugs by a bar hostess trying to blackmail him, the Yonhap news agency reported. Authorities found Lee in a search triggered by a missing person report, a fire official told Reuters on condition of anonymity, as the matter is a sensitive one. Lee was found in a car at a park in Seoul, after his manager told police the actor had left home, leaving behind an apparent suicide note, a police official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Lee's agency, HODU&U Entertainment, did not respond to calls. However, domestic media cited a statement by the agency that expressed sadness at the death, while urging restraint regarding false information, speculation, or malicious reports. Infringements of South Korea's tough drug laws can lead to six months in jail, or up to 14 years for repeat offenders and dealers. A dark-comedy thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite won the Academy Award in 2020 in the four categories of best picture, best director, best original screenplay and best international feature film, off six Oscar nominations. The film became the first non-English language movie to win the best picture award. Bong hailed its popularity as a sign that the "one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles" was no longer a stumbling block to global success. In the film, Lee played the character of Mr Park, whose affluent home is infiltrated by members of a lower-class family posing as highly qualified domestic workers in a tangled scheme that ends in violence. Lee, born in 1975, had leading roles in South Korean films such as the 2012 thriller "Helpless" and 2014's "All About My Wife", as well as the acclaimed 2018 TV series "My Mister". He played the lead in Apple TV+'s first Korean-language original series, rolled out in 2021. A six-episode sci-fi thriller, "Dr. Brain" featured a cold-hearted neurologist hunting for clues to a mysterious family accident through brain experiments. Lee's wife is award-winning actress Jeon Hye-jin, and the couple had two children. (Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi, Josh Smith, and Hyonhee Shin; Additional reporting by Minwoo Park and Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Here are three Terrebonne and Lafourche artists with projects dropping in 2024, and how to find them. Cody Robinson Houma based hip hop artist Cody Robinson, stage name 1200 Slim, performing at a show. Robinson is a Houma-based hip hop artist known as "1200 Slim" who plans to release an album in January as well as polishing off a single that's out now. The single is titled "Ms. Tequila," is about a love affair with the spirit. The track is out now and can be found on Apple Music. Robinson said he wants to add visuals and promos to the song on Jan. 1. "It's about an infatuation with tequila, and speaking on it as if it was a woman," he explained. "In the video we are going to take it out of the norm of poppin' bottles and we are going to actually create a Ms. Tequila, like an actual person. The video will be pretty dope once it's out." He described Ms. Tequila as having a smooth rap and R&B vibe. After the promotion of that single, he said he will drop the album titled "Chosen Word." It will have 10 to 12 tracks with a mix of R&B and Hip Hop. Robinson is in the mixing phase, and he expects it to be ready for release in the first week of January. Houma based hip hop artist Cody Robinson, stage name 1200 Slim, performing at a show. The album is Robinson's attempt to distinguish hip hop with roots in the Bayou region from those of other Louisiana cities. He said talent in the Houma-Thibodaux area is abundant but gets overshadowed by other cities, like New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. "A lot of other cities - I'm not trying to take anything away from them - they not really bayou," he said. "You are not going to get bayou culture from someone from the city." "Chosen Word" will include samplings of accordions, country, jazz and blues, he said. "The sounds of Louisiana, the sounds of the bayou, is what I am trying to cultivate," he said. "Because nobody never put that in hip hop. We down here, and we can actually throw parties on the water, we got boat blessings, we got this and we got that, and we never exploit that. So for me as a hip hop artist, you know it's my obligation, my responsibility, to put the world on how we actually coming down here." Robinson said he writes about half a mix tape each week to keep music stocked up, and he said he is aiming to release about 10 albums in 2025. His music can be found on Apple Music, iTunes, Youtube, and other music platforms. Kristen Kortright Comic book artist, writer, and animator Kristen Kortright poses with her drawings. Kortright is a comic book artist, writer and animator based in Thibodaux. She and her brother, Enrique Kortright Jr., came up with the character The Black Shadow. The Black Shadow features Trevor Stirling, an inventor turned superhero who puts his own life in peril to save others. Stirling uses his inventions such as a 3D printer, invisibility cape and a solar-powered car to combat crime and rescue people from disasters. There are currently three issues in the series, and the fourth issue is titled "Black Shadow and the Protectors #3." She plans to release it on Kickstarter in February or March. The issue is listed as the third, but that is because the 75-page graphic novel is not counted in the series. A separate graphic novel based in New Orleans also is in the works. Kortright said she didn't want to release details about it because she has never seen anyone do what the comic will do. It is currently 80 pages, but she is seeking an editor to slim it down to keep the pace engaging. That comic should be on Kickstarter by late 2024, and Kortright plans to have it in readers' hands by March 2025. Asked if it had a title, she said it did, but it would give away the idea. "Yes, but it would kind of give away the whole concept, which I don't want to do yet," she said. "I definitely want the book to be out by Mardi Gras 2025 because that plays a role in the story." She will be promoting the release of the projects on her Instagram which is @KK_Animator. Kortright said she would also be attending three conventions this year to meet with fans and promote her comics: Retro Con, Cypha Con, and Peli Con. Retro Con will be in Morgan City in March. Cypha Con will be in Lake Charles in April, and Peli Con will be in New Roads, also in April. More: Cutoff man, 27, dies after head-on collision on Leeville Bridge Dec. 15 More: Two murder trials bring guilty verdicts in December, including a cold case from 1998 Grace Sarre Houma-based electronic musician Grace Sarre creating music with her soundboard and laptop. Sarre is a 22-year-old electronic musician based in Houma who has released three albums since she began in 2014. On New Year's Eve, Sarre will drop her new album titled "Evaporate." Sarre's music blends her vocals with beats from her soundboard to create what she describes as electronic/ambient music. "Evaporate" is an emotional album for Sarre, she said, because its music deals with different chapters of the past five years of her life. The album will have an industrial sound and will have nine tracks, she said. "Half of the stuff is kind of like just me singing and producing behind it, but I was trying to kind of experiment with this one by putting a little bit more midi, chopping and pasting, and making it a bit more glitchy," she said. "All the songs were written over the past few years I was going through the death of my dad, and the ending of a five year relationship. Cuz' it was kind of like, not healthy relationships make you kind of want to write." She said the emotions the album grapples with are heavy, but the sound is upbeat. Sarre will be performing New Year's Eve at the Intracoastal Club, 8448 E Main St, Houma, where she will be selling physical copies of "Evaporate." Sarre said this is the first time in her career that she will sell physical albums, and they will be $10. "I've been told the lyrics are a bit depressing, like, if you actually listen to the words they are really depressing, but the music is supposed to make you want to dance," she said. "It's not supposed to bum you out." Sarre's music can be found on Soundcloud, and Youtube. This article originally appeared on The Courier: Houma-Thibodaux area artists with new projects to watch in 2024 Tom Smothers, half of the famed Smothers Brothers comedy and music duo that fought racism, the Vietnam War and television censors, died on Tuesday, his family said. The 86-year-old's passing was announced Wednesday by the family and National Comedy Center. Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner," brother Dick Smothers said in a statement. "I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed. Tom and Dick Smothers were never shy about using their platform to needle authority, in any way possible in staid, confrontation-adverse 1960s media. CBS famously pulled the plug on the The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in April 1969 due to their content consistently poking fun of the powerful and boosting Vietnam War critics and civil rights proponents. At a 2019 event to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the firing, the pair still had a humorous take on their momentous roles in pop culture history. Its really an honor to be honored in this way, Tom Smothers told The Associated Press in 2019. At least were both alive and not having someone speak for us. We can mumble our own way through. Looking back at the 1969 CBS termination, brother Dick said they believed their comedy was rather "benign" despite the backlash. Dont tell a comedian not to say a certain word. For sure theyll do it, he said. The funny thing is, I look back at those things. Theyre so benign, but at the time they were volatile. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. President Biden dispatched top officials to Mexico City this week for a meeting with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador that the White House described as "productive." It came as migrants are crossing the U.S. border in record numbers and Congress has been unable to reach a consensus on funding border security. The White House National Security Council said in a statement Thursday that "Lopez Obrador has taken significant new enforcement actions yet we have a lot more work to do together," and that top White House officials will meet again with Mexican leaders in Washington in January. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Mr. Biden's homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall traveled to Mexico on Wednesday to meet with Lopez Obrador. Senior Biden administration officials said late Wednesday that the meeting lasted over two hours. One senior administration official said that Mexico "came prepared to share a plan with us on how they were taking the work that they are already doing" to help stem the flow of migrants into the border. "We have seen in recent days a pretty significant reduction in in border crossings," one of the officiasl said. "So again, this is not something that the U.S. and Mexico will be able to address on or off on their own. So I would say the majority of our conversation actually focused on work that we're doing together in the region." Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, center, at a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and other officials on controlling migration, in Mexico City on Dec. 27, 2023. / Credit: RODRIGO OROPEZA/AFP via Getty Images The senior administration officials said Mexico agreed on the need to crack down on smuggling. They also said Blinken and Lopez Obrador discussed "legal pathways" for migrants, which one official described as one of the "strong intersecting interests between President Biden and President Lopez Obrador." The meeting came as mayors of New York, Chicago and Denver said Wednesday that they have no more capacity for migrant arrivals, as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has continued to send migrants to those cities. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Wednesday that all three cities "have reached a point where we are either close to capacity, or nearly out of room." "Without significant intervention from the federal government, this mission will not be sustained," Johnson said. In response to the mayors, White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said in a statement that federal immigration clinics have provided assistance to roughly 10,000 migrants in applying for work permits. He he noted that Temporary Protected Status and work permit applications are being decided in 30 days on average. The White House said last week that Mr. Biden spoke to Lopez Obrador about "ongoing efforts to manage migratory flows in the Western Hemisphere." The two leaders "agreed that additional enforcement actions are urgently needed so that key ports of entry can be reopened across our shared border," the White House said. The visit comes after Border Patrol processed nearly 50,000 migrants who entered the U.S. illegally in just five days last week. In November, Border Patrol agents apprehended more than 191,000 migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully. This month, as many as 10,000 migrants were apprehended daily at the southern border. Mexico's president said last week he's willing to help address the issue, but he wants the U.S. to provide more aid to the region and ease sanctions Cuba and Venezuela. "We have always talked about addressing the causes [of migration]. The ideal thing is to help poor countries," Lopez Obrador said, according to the Associated Press. In the U.S., Congress has debated border policy changes for weeks as part of a larger package including assistance to Ukraine and Israel. To convince Republicans who want harsher border security measures to support more foreign aid, Democrats are considering drastic limits on asylum and increased deportations. Camilo Montoya Galvez contributed to this report. "The Points Guy" shares his top travel destinations for 2024 Inventor of dental device backs off his claims after investigation of patient harms Giant statue honoring Shakira unveiled in her Colombian home city The United Nations has appointed a veteran Dutch diplomat and politician as senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for the Gaza Strip in line with a Security Council resolution that passed the chamber last week. Sigrid Kaag, former deputy prime minister and former finance minister of the Netherlands, was appointed as the U.N.s special humanitarian coordinator, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced Tuesday. Kaag is expected to begin her appointment Jan. 8 and will be responsible for helping streamline deliveries of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, where nearly 2 million people are reported displaced and nearly all are facing a crisis of hunger after 11 weeks of Israels war against Hamas following the groups Oct. 7 attack. Kaags appointment followed intensive negotiations over a week in the Security Council, where the majority of the 15-member body sought to pass a resolution that took action to relieve the humanitarian crisis. But it was held up by the United States advocating for Israel to have a role in inspections of deliveries into Gaza and watering down calls for a cease-fire. The U.S. abstained from voting for the Security Council resolution, with U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield explaining the resolution was not perfect and slamming unnamed members of the council who refused to condemn Hamas for its attack against Israel, where 1,200 people were massacred and 240 taken hostage, with more than 100 still in Hamas captivity. We will continue to push the Council to right this wrong, Thomas-Greenfield told reporters following the vote. We also believe the Council must continue to support the resumption of humanitarian pauses. Israel is committed to reaching another agreement now Hamas must agree to additional pauses. Still, theres no doubt that today was a massive, positive step. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Tuesday welcomed Kaags appointment, saying the U.S. intends to work closely on efforts to accelerate the delivery of lifesaving aid, of which it has contributed $110 million in assistance. Kaag is a veteran United Nations diplomat working in the Middle East, having served as a special coordinator for Lebanon; on the prohibition of chemical weapons in Syria; as regional director for the Middle East and North Africa and with the United Nations development program; with the United Nations Childrens Fund in Jordan; and with UNRWA, the main U.N. body for Palestinian refugees. A former member of the progressive and liberal Democrats 66 party, she announced her resignation from Dutch politics earlier this year, citing extremism, toxicity and concerns for her familys safety amid deepening conservatism in the Netherlands. Kaag is married to a former senior Palestinian Authority official, Anis al-Qaq, who served as a minister in the government of Yasser Arafat in the 1990s and ambassador to Switzerland. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Wednesday it has filed a lawsuit against Grand Canyon University for deceptive advertising, illegal telemarketing and misrepresenting the school as a nonprofit. The FTC filed a complaint against Grand Canyon Education Inc (GCE), its CEO and the university in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The FTC accuses them of "deceiving prospective doctoral students about the cost and course requirements of its doctoral programs and about being a nonprofit, while also engaging in deceptive and abusive telemarketing practices," according to a statement. The university "has been operated for the profit of GCE and its stockholders, and pays 60% of its revenue to GCE," the commission alleges. GCE describes the university as a "partner" in regulatory filings. The Arizona-based university denied what it said were "unsubstantiated allegations" and said it would take all measures necessary to refute them. "Given the major problems that exist in higher education ... it is baffling that the federal government has chosen to target a Christian university that is addressing those issues in very positive ways," the university said in a statement. The lawsuit follows a $37.7 million fine on the university by the U.S. Education Department for misrepresenting the costs of its doctoral programs, according to CNBC. Fewer than 2% of the school's doctoral program graduates completed their program within the advertised cost, and almost 78% of these students take five or more continuation courses, according to the Education Department. (Reporting by Caitlin Webber in Washington and Ismail Shakil in OttawaEditing by Dan Whitcomb, Matthew Lewis and Frances Kerry) Photograph: Gleb Garanich/Reuters The US will provide Ukraine with up to $250m in arms and equipment, including air defense munitions and artillery ammunition, the US has announced. The package of arms includes Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, additional Himars ammunition, javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems as well as artillery and small arms ammunition. It is the Biden administrations 54th disbursement of military equipment to Ukraine since August 2021. In a statement, the US Department of Defense (DoD) said: These capabilities will support Ukraines most pressing needs to enable its forces to defend their sovereignty and independence. US leadership is essential to sustaining the coalition efforts of some 50 allies and partners currently supporting Ukraine. Security assistance for Ukraine is a smart investment in our national security. The latest assistance was made using the presidential drawdown authority, a US foreign policy tool, which allows for the speedy delivery of DoD stocks to foreign countries in crisis. In another recent instance, PDA was used in December 2022 to assist Taiwan with a $345m weapons package in its defense against increasing military pressure from China, who denies the countrys sovereignty and claims it as its own territory. News of more US military aid to Ukraine comes after Joe Biden announced another $200m military aid package earlier in December amid concerns that the war had reached a stalemate and amid growing Republican opposition to renewing a larger $61bn of aid. Critics of continued financial support for Ukraine have grown louder on Capitol Hill in recent months and include senior Republicans who have insisted on White House concessions on border security as a condition for a deal. The latest assistance was made using the presidential drawdown authority, which allows for the speedy delivery of DoD stocks to foreign countries. Both Ukrainian and Russian soldiers are struggling to make much progress along the frontline of the 22-month war. And US critics of continued financial support for Ukraine have grown louder on Capitol Hill in recent months. They include senior Republicans particularly far-rightwingers Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene who have insisted on White House concessions on border security as a condition for a deal. A September CBS News/YouGov poll found 39% of Republicans believe the US should send weapons to Ukraine a 10-point drop in support since February. As continued weapons supplies looked uncertain, Ukraines minister of strategic industries said on Wednesday that Kyiv was working to increase its own weapons manufacturing in 2024. Oleksandr Kamyshin told a briefing Ukraine was producing six Bohdana self-propelled artillery units a month. Bohdanas are the only Ukrainian-produced self-propelled gun using Nato-standard 155mm rounds, making it a strategically important weapon for Kyiv. Kamyshin also said the country next year aims to produce up to 1,000 long-range strike drones, which have a range of about 1,000km (620 miles), 10,000 middle-range and 1,000 long-range strike drones. His words came as Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine on Wednesday and shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to evacuate. Ukrainian officials said the barrages killed at least six people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of Kherson. Investigators found human remains in a Missouri pond on Sunday, just days after discovering the car of a man who went missing 10 years ago thanks to the help of a Youtuber. Detectives from the Camden County Sheriff's office believe the remains belong to Donnie Erwin who was last seen on the morning of Dec. 29, 2013, when he was 59 years old. They also recovered an artificial hip consistent with the one Erwin had. His silver 2002 Hyundai Elantra with the Missouri license plate MK6-E3P was recovered on Dec. 16 in the Southern Camden County pond. After a week of searching, cadaver dogs alerted them to possible remains in the center of the pond on Saturday. The next day, divers located the remains. "While a forensic pathologist will have to examine the remains to determine for certain if they are indeed those of Mr. Erwin, investigators are confident the hip and remains belong to him," the sheriff's department said. Remains that investigators believe belong to Donnie Erwin were recovered from a private pond in Missouri on Sunday. Erwin was last seen in December 2013. YouTuber helps authorities locate missing man Officials said they received a call about the breakthrough in the decades-old case from Youtuber James Hinkle who was independently investigating Erwin's disappearance. Hinkle, a local videographer who operates the YouTube channel Echo Divers, was flying his drone when he noticed a submerged vehicle on a private pond, the sheriff's department said. The Youtuber was searching the area for clues on Erwin's disappearance. The videographer then contacted the property owner and asked to search the pond. After searching the area by foot and kayak, Hinkle found "a light-colored submerged passenger car in the pond." That prompted the property owner to contact police. Police have since updated Erwin's family on the recovery. "All of us at the Camden County Sheriff's Office who have investigated this case for 10 years are elated at the recovery and overjoyed with the closure we know this brings to the family. This development would not have been possible without the assistance of countless volunteers throughout the years. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all," Detectives recovered the 2002 silver Hyundai Elantra that belonged to Donnie Erwin out of a private pond on December 16. Erwin has been missing since December 2013. Youtuber reopens 20 year old case: Diver finds 1998 Pontiac belonging to missing Tennessee teen, reopening decades-old cold case Internet sleuths helping solve cases This isn't the first time a Youtuber or online content creator has helped solve a missing person case. In December 2021, YouTuber Jeremy Beau Sides discovered a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am that belonged to one of two teenagers who went missing in April 2000. Investigators then found remains in the car. For years, police had no new evidence in the disappearance of Erin Foster, 18, and Jeremy Bechtel, 17, in Sparta, Tennessee. Several Youtubers have also helped crack old cases with the help of groups like Adventures With Purpose, an Oregon-based underwater sonar search and recovery dive team that claims to have helped solve 29 cases since 2019. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: YouTuber helps find human remains of missing Missouri man: Police CPC Central Committee holds symposium commemorating 130th anniversary of Mao's birth Xinhua) 08:07, December 27, 2023 Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Tuesday morning held a symposium at the Great Hall of the People to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the symposium. Xi stressed the importance of pushing forward the cause pioneered by Comrade Mao Zedong and called for efforts to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization. Mao Zedong Thought is an invaluable spiritual wealth for our Party and will guide our action in the long term, Xi said, underscoring that the best way to commemorate Comrade Mao Zedong is to continue to advance the cause pioneered by him. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng attended the symposium. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the symposium. In his speech, Xi said that the life of Comrade Mao Zedong was one devoted to national prosperity, rejuvenation, and people's happiness. Mao led the people in blazing a trail for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, forging the great, glorious and correct CPC and founding the New China with the people being masters of the country, Xi said. He also led the people in establishing the advanced socialist system and founding a new model of people's army that is invincible, Xi said. Mao made indelible historic contributions to the Chinese nation and the Chinese people, which will go down in history, Xi said. Comrade Mao Zedong devoted his life to the Party and the people, and his noble spirit will be forever remembered by posterity. Noting that the central task of the whole Party and the entire nation on the new journey of the new era is to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, Xi said it is a cause passed down from veteran revolutionaries including Mao Zedong, and is the solemn historical responsibility of today's Chinese Communists. On the new journey, we must never forget our original aspiration and founding mission, and must remain confident in our history and grasp historical initiative, so as to steadily advance the great cause of Chinese modernization, said Xi. Chinese modernization is the cause of all Chinese people, emphasized Xi. He called for efforts to stimulate the historical initiative of the people, and reiterated that the gains of modernization should benefit all the people fairly. He also stressed the importance of breaking new frontiers in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Reform and opening-up is a major reason why China has been able to catch up with the times at such an extraordinary pace, and is a crucial move that determines the fate of Chinese modernization, said Xi. He stressed that to advance Chinese modernization, it is a must to further deepen reform and opening-up across the board, and remove all institutional barriers hindering the advancement of Chinese modernization, so as to continue expanding its development space. Chinese modernization is the socialist modernization led by the CPC, said Xi, stressing that only by making the Party stronger can Chinese modernization realize steady and sustained development. He said that it is necessary to improve the systems for exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance, and ensure the Party will never change its nature, its conviction, or its character. Noting that the advancement of Chinese modernization calls for the efforts of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation in solidarity, Xi underscored the need to uphold and improve the systems for implementing the "one country, two systems" policy and ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. He stressed the need to see that Hong Kong and Macao are administered by patriots, and ensure both the central government's overall jurisdiction and a high degree of autonomy in the special administrative regions. Xi said that realizing China's complete reunification is an inevitable trend, stressing that it is where the greater national interest lies, and it is what the people desire. Highlighting the need to implement the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, and uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, Xi called for efforts to advance integrated development in all fields across the Taiwan Strait, and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. We will resolutely prevent anyone from making Taiwan secede from China by any means, Xi underscored. He stressed that Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, which not only benefits Chinese people, but is also conducive to promoting modernization of other countries. Dedicated to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, we will carry forward the shared values of humanity, and advance the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, Xi said. By doing so, we will bring about an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity, he added. China's development strengthens the world's forces for peace, Xi said, stressing that no matter what stage of development it reaches, China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism. While presiding over the symposium, Cai Qi urged earnest study and full implementation of Xi's speech and called for concerted efforts in advancing the great cause of building China into a stronger country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and relevant leading officials of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Central Military Commission attended the symposium. Before the symposium, leaders including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng came to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, where they made three bows toward Mao's seated statue and paid respects to the remains of Mao. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng attended the symposium. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng attended the symposium. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng attended the symposium. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall before attending a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Alexandria Robertson shows her daughters, Novah and Kellani-Ari Wilson, ultrasound pictures from her pregnancies in their home in Manor. Leila Saidane/The Texas Tribune Since April, states across the country have been kicking people off Medicaid, and no state has kicked off more people than Texas. Were at 1.7 million. And counting. Some of this is right-sizing. Medicaid is health insurance for low-income households, paid for by both federal and state governments. After several years of pandemic-era protections, people who have aged out or who now earn too much to qualify are no longer covered by the program, and its up to the states to sort all that out. Texas is a big state, so it seems logical that our numbers would be high. But Texas isnt just removing families for good reasons. More than 858,000 children lost coverage for missing signatures, late paperwork or other procedural reasons issues that have nothing to do with whether they should qualify or not, kicking out kids whose families might have to decide between an inhaler and dinner, between medication and bills. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While filling out the application and gathering the documents that it requires, people hit all sorts of snags. Mail gets delayed or sent to an old address. Sometimes the forms are hard to find in the language the person speaks. Sometimes the states computer system kicks users off because theyre taking too long. Yes, the state has made some effort to improve matters. Its loosened some requirements, and Texas Health and Human Services dispatched loads of robocalls, emails text messages and such to help people learn about the process. But why should the process be so hard in the first place? Especially when it could be much, much simpler. Every state employs some version of a process called data-driven renewal, generally recognized as an accurate and efficient way to keep eligible people in the program minus all the hassle. Also known as auto-renewal or ex parte renewal, it uses reliable data sources, such as the Texas Workforce Commission and Social Security, to assess quickly whether an individual still qualifies. It entirely spares people from filling out a renewal application and gathering all those documents themselves. Plus, they dodge all the possible mishaps. For the first time, thanks to federal reporting requirements, we now know how Texas stacks up compared to other states when it comes to data-driven renewal. And its bad. Dead last bad. So bad that this month Texas, along with a handful of other states, received a scolding letter from the federal government, urging it, in part, to do a better job. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Just 2.7% of people in Texas considered for renewal were approved via the data-driven process, according to an analysis by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group. Thats compared to a national average of roughly 31%. If we could just get up to the average, wed have so many eligible kids who arent churning in and out of the program, said Stacey Pogue, a senior policy analyst at Every Texan. The unnecessary bureaucracy seems deliberate, given Texas' general stinginess with Medicaid. The state has failed to expand Medicaid, beyond only recently extending it for new mothers, and has woefully poor coverage of children to begin with. We dont doubt that workers at the states health and human services commission are diligent and would rather see eligible people covered than not. What we question is why our leaders dont set our agencies up to succeed. If Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas lawmakers value life as much as they claim, why isnt the state at the top of the list for getting eligible children covered by Medicaid? They should spend the time before the next legislative session figuring it out. It boils down to, we make choices about how hard we want parents to work to keep their kids covered, said Pogue. And I think Texas often makes the choice to say it shouldnt be easy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Viksit Bharat yatra to reach those excluded from sop Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his dedication to identifying those yet to be encompassed by these welfare initiatives.(Image source:Twitter) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said his government is working to make cooperatives a strong aspect of rural life. He said they are being scaled up in fisheries and different sectors of agriculture after making a mark in the dairy and sugar industries. Engaging with beneficiaries during a virtual interaction of the ongoing 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' (VBSY), the Prime Minister expressed his dedication to identifying those yet to be encompassed by these welfare initiatives. He declared that the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' is actively seeking individuals excluded from government welfare schemes. Elaborating on the efforts to organise small farmers, the Prime Minister discussed the establishment of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and cooperative enterprises like Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). It is our endeavour that cooperation emerges as a strong aspect of rural life in India. We have seen the benefits of cooperation in the milk and sugarcane sectors, and now it is being expanded to other areas of farming and sectors like fish production. We are moving ahead with the target of creating new PACS in two lakh villages in the coming time, said Modi. He also highlighted proposals for promoting cooperative solutions in dairy and storage, along with efforts to strengthen over two lakh micro-industries in the food processing sector. He emphasised that the goal of VBSY is to extend support to individuals who, for various reasons, have been excluded from government schemes. The Prime Minister asserted that this campaign, aligned with the vision of a developed India, is continuously expanding. It has not even been 50 days since the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra started, but it has already reached 2.25 lakh villages. This is a record in itself, stated Modi, expressing gratitude to everyone, especially women and youth, for contributing to its success. He highlighted the Yatra's purpose, aiming to reach individuals who, due to specific reasons, have missed out on the benefits of Government of India schemes. This proactive outreach is intended to assure people that government schemes are accessible to all without any bias or discrimination, and I am actively searching for those who have been overlooked, Modi said. The Prime Minister underscored the unprecedented confidence among beneficiaries, acknowledging their stories of positive life changes in the past decade. These benefits are motivating beneficiaries to enhance their lives further. Today, millions of beneficiaries across the country are using government schemes as a means to progress, he noted. He mentioned the transformative impact of Modi ki Guarantee ki Gaadi and its role in boosting people's confidence while fulfilling their aspirations. The Prime Minister pointed out that many new beneficiaries are availing themselves of these benefits and emphasised the responsibility of local body representatives in identifying eligible individuals in villages, wards, cities, and localities. In his address, Modi shared the government's initiative to empower women in rural areas through a substantial campaign for self-employment. Over the past years, approximately 10 crore sisters, daughters, and didis have joined self-help groups, receiving assistance exceeding Rs 7.5 lakh crore from banks. To further expand this campaign, I have set a target of creating two crore Lakhpati Didis in the next three years, he announced, introducing the Namo Drone Didi Yojana aimed at bolstering the confidence of rural women. Says Army will wipe out terrorism, must avoid mistakes Srinagar: Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, on Wednesday lauded the Army's role in securing the borders of the country and fighting valiantly against the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir alongside other security forces. But he also sought to drive home other big responsibility on your shoulders which is to win the hearts of the countrymen and not to repeat the mistakes that might hurt any countryman -- an obvious reference to the death of three residents in the custody of the Army in the Poonch district of the Union Territory last week. While speaking to troops in Rajouri, the defence minister said, We will win war and any type of battle too. We will wipe out terrorists as well. But along with it we have to win the hearts of our countrymen too. You have a huge responsibility on your shoulders. He added, I know apart from guarding the countrys borders you are making efforts in this direction as well, but sometimes a mistake does take place. Such mistakes, that may hurt any citizen of the country, should not happen. During his interaction with the jawans and officers of the Army and other security forces, Mr. Singh lauded their role in securing the borders of the country and fighting valiantly against the terrorists in J&K. He said that the Indian Army is not an ordinary army but is counted among the best armies of the world for a variety of reasons. Apart from being the guardian of Indias frontiers and playing a profound role in nation-building, your role in tackling the losses of people during natural calamities is acknowledged by the entire world, he said. He added, The people believe that the Indian army has become more powerful than it was in the past. It has become well-equipped compared to the past. The security of the country is in your hands. During his visit, the defence minister obtained firsthand knowledge about the massive counterinsurgency operations underway in the frontier region for the past seven days. The operations were launched jointly by the Army, the J&K police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to track down what the officials say are dreaded Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists who ambushed two vehicles a Gypsy and 1 ton truck- of the 48 Rashtriya Rifles at Dera ki Gali, an area of Poonch surrounded by dense forests, on December 21, leaving four soldiers dead and three others critically wounded. Following the deadly terror attack, the Army had detained more than a dozen residents of neighbouring Topa Pir and Bafliaz areas and allegedly subjected them to severe beatings that resulted in the death of three of them and injuries to ten others. Amid widespread public outrage over these custodial deaths and facing severe criticism by opposition political parties and human rights groups, the Army on Sunday removed four of its officers including Brigadier Padam Acharya, Brigade Commander of the Rashtriya Rifles, and attached for a Staff Court of Inquiry. The Army had earlier said that internal inquiry has been ordered into the incident. The J&K government had at the weekend said that legal action in this matter has been initiated by the appropriate authority. It also announced compensation for each of the deceased and compassionate appointments to the next of their kin. The Army pledged full support and cooperation in the investigation. Love them, hate them ignore them at national peril, is the babu guarantee and Dilips belief. Share significant babu escapades dilipcherian@hotmail.com Her pivotal role in advancing transformative healthcare in Bhutan has elevated Indias status as a key partner in Bhutans development Retired Punjab IAS officer Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singhs recent award of Bhutans National Order of Merit gold medal not only signifies her exceptional contributions to Bhutans healthcare but also gains significance in the context of Indias ties with the mountain kingdom and Chinas increasing engagement with Bhutan. As the first Indian to serve as the regional director of WHO Southeast Asia, Dr Khetrapal Singhs recognition exemplifies Indias commitment to global health leadership. Her pivotal role in advancing transformative healthcare in Bhutan, leading to the early elimination of measles and rubella, has elevated Indias status as a key partner in Bhutans development. The timing of the award, coinciding with Bhutans National Day celebration and the announcement of the Gelephu mindfulness mega-city project in the presence of a large Indian contingent is being seen as quite significant. Bhutans king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, made the announcement during elections in Bhutan, signalling the projects continuity despite political changes. King Wangchuks subsequent visits to India to discuss the project, where Indian infrastructure and private investment will play a vital role, indicate Indias commitment to countering Chinas growing influence in the region. Indias proactive engagement in healthcare and development in Bhutan assumes significance, and its involvement in the countrys ambitious projects symbolises a strategic response to reinforce Indias regional leadership. DG dilemma: Delay in appointments raises alarm As central paramilitary forces and central police organisations grapple with several vacant director general (DG) level posts, the impending retirement of Mohammed Taj Hasan adds to the ongoing leadership vacuum. Hasan is set to retire at the end of this month as DG of fire services, civil defence and home guard. The delay in appointing regular DGs in critical agencies such as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has raised serious concerns. Compounding this issue is the prolonged vacancy in the key position of DG (Investigation) at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), since August, following Manoj Yadavas transfer to the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Babu corridors are abuzz with discussions about the significance of the post of director at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, considered an additional director general (ADG) rank post. The retirement of A. Seema Rajan in February 2023 led to the elevation of the then inspector general Amit Gard as the head of the institution in the rank of ADG. Recent security lapses in Parliament have heightened the awareness of senior officials across services and batches regarding crucial vacancies at the senior level. It may hasten the announcement of new appointments of regular DGs in the CISF, CRPF, fire service and civil defence, and possibly the NHRC. Watch this space for updates. Promotions and puzzles: IRS overhaul signals change The Centre has filled the vacant post of director general (investigations) in the Competition Commission of India (CCI) by appointing Anshuman Pattanaik, a 1994-batch IRS (Income Tax) officer. This position became available after Atul Verma completed his second extended term in November. As head of the independent investigation arm of the CCI, Mr Pattanaik will lead inquiries into several high-profile corporate giants, including Big Tech companies, scrutinising anti-trust and competition-related matters. Meanwhile, in other IRS-related developments, the 2006 batch of IRS officers have seen promotions to the grade of Commissioner of Income Tax (CIT). A total of 58 IRS officers have been promoted, signifying a reshuffling of key positions within the IRS. While the general impression is that this is a routine matter, it is noteworthy that the recommendation of the departmental promotion committee (DPC) for the empanelment of 16 IRS officers has been shrouded in secrecy, with the names placed in sealed covers. Adding a layer of intrigue, at least three IRS officials have been denied empanelment. The reasons behind these decisions and the implications for the affected officers remain undisclosed. It will be interesting to observe the impact of these changes on the dynamics of tax administration and regulatory oversight in the country. Today's news: China won't join US in curbing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea; In Japan, the world's largest nuclear power plant is about to be switched on again; Ousted from the Russian presidential election is journalist Ekaterina Duntsova, the only one to condemn the invasion of Ukraine;The Philippine army attacks the New People's Army rebel base. IRAN Iran is increasing production of highly enriched uranium, reversing a previous reduction in production from mid-2023, the IAEA said. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the country is enriching l 60% uranium, close to the 90% destined for nuclear weapons, in the Natanz and Fordow plants. CHINA For the moment, China will not deploy naval forces in the Red Sea against the Houthi militiamen, "as this could jeopardize the position taken on the Israel-Palestine conflict" according to Beijing. The Houthis, supported by Iran, continue to attack Israeli commercial ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, in response to the prolonged military attack on Gaza. More than 20 countries took part in the US-led coalition to safeguard commercial traffic. Despite the impact of the attacks on its supply chains, China will not take part in the anti-piracy campaign until Chinese vessels are involved. ISRAEL-PALESTINE Israel's war against Hamas will last months, said Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, as a series of clashes outside the Gaza Strip have highlighted the risk of the conflict expanding. Israeli actions intensified around Christmas, particularly in the area that bisects the Gaza Strip. Palestinian health authorities say nearly 21,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, and thousands more are feared buried under the rubble. JAPAN On Wednesday 27 December, the Japanese nuclear energy regulator lifted the operating ban imposed on the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the largest in the world. The recovery still needs approval in Niigata Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan coast. With a capacity of 8,212 megawatts, the plant was shut down in 2011, when the Fukushima disaster led to the closure of all of Japan's nuclear power plants. Restarted for the first time in 2018, its operation was suspended in 2021 due to security breaches. RUSSIA Journalist Ekaterina Duntsova, the only possible candidate in the March presidential elections who condemns the special operation in Ukraine among the 30 who ran, was rejected by the Election Commission, and now intends to appeal to the Supreme Court of Russia to obtain admission, having presented the necessary signatures. PHILIPPINES The army carried out an offensive against New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Malaybalay town, Bukidnon, on Christmas Day as the guerrillas prepared to celebrate and receive guests during the 55th anniversary of the Party's founding Communist Philippines the next day, for which they had declared a unilateral ceasefire. The death toll is 10 NPA rebels. SOUTH KOREA - RUSSIA South Korea has stopped the production of blocks and equipment for Russian cargo ships in compliance with international sanctions, suspending the contract between Samsung Heavy Industries and the Russian company Zvezda for which government permission had previously been issued, pending to be able to complete the work at a later period. MYANMAR Heavy artillery shelling by the coup junta's army against the ancient capital of Myanmar, Mrauk-U, in Rakhine state, between Sunday and Monday resulted in the deaths of three civilians. The bombing also caused enormous damage to an archaeological museum which houses priceless finds from ancient pagodas and Buddhist temples. I'm fine, as I'm very fortunate to own my home I own, but I'm feeling the pinch on my mortgage with other inflation costs I rent and it's expensive, but it could be worse I'm seriously considering leaving the valley if something doesn't give Vote View Results Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. X is under a new lawsuit after a federal judge ruled that X, formerly Twitter, had failed to pay its employees the promised annual bonuses which accounted for millions of dollars in total. Read Also: Crypto Scammers Exploiting X Links to Impersonate Accounts: How to Not Fall for Scam X Employees Accused Company of Not Paying Bonuses The lawsuit was filed in June 2023 in the San Francisco federal court by the former senior director of compensation at X, Mark Schobinger. On behalf of the affected employees, Schobinger detailed that several former and current X employees did not receive their 2022 bonus. According to the suit, employees were promised to receive 50% of their 2022 target bonuses before and after Elon Musk acquired Twitter that year. However, the payments were never fulfilled by the company. "Once Schobinger did what Twitter asked, Twitter's offer to pay him a bonus in return became a binding contract under California law. And by allegedly refusing to pay Schobinger his promised bonus, Twitter violated that contract," U.S. district judge Vince Chhabria ruled. On the other hand, X argued that the promise was not written in the contract and was only an oral promise. Further, the Texas law should govern the case. The judge ruled that all of X's contrary arguments failed and that California law governed the case. X Ends 2023 With Lawsuits As 2023 nears its end, the Musk-led company faced numerous lawsuits filed by former employees and executives. Moreover, with only over a year under the new ownership the company laid off several employees which led to a massive backlash. In addition, there were also discriminatory cases filed against X, with employees claiming such practices against older employees, women, and workers with disabilities. The company also allegedly failed to give advance notice of the mass layoffs. Regardless, X remained firm that it had not done anything wrong since the turnover. On the other hand, Musk also implemented several changes starting from changing the company name from Twitter to X. The company has also been looking for more ways to boost its advertising power. Related Article: Former Twitter Security Head Files Lawsuit Against X, Claims Wrongful Termination I haven't made any significant steps with my Hot Wheels collection in 2023. But I've bought around 40 or 50 new items from multiple series. Still, I've kept a close eye on everything Mattel, and it would be cool to do a short review of the Mainline cars this year. Audi '90 quattro Photo: WS Mart Diecast Rimac Nevera Photo: WS Mart Diecast Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Photo: WS Mart Diecast '89 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC AMG Photo: Ministry of Diecast AMG Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Photo: Ministry of Diecast Volvo P1800 Gasser Photo: WS Mart Diecast Nissan Patrol Custom Photo: WS Mart Diecast BMW 507 Photo: Ministry of Diecast Volkswagen ID. Buzz Photo: eBay/User prdiecast4u EV Ford Escort RS2000 Photo: WS Mart Diecast The diecast manufacturer released 15 mainline cases in 2023, which equates to about one every 24 days. That adds up to 1,080 Hot Wheels cars, about three per day. But in today's dynamic market, you always need something new to keep the customer interested. So, with every new case, we'll see at least one brand-new casting and several recolors.And I was curious to see how many new cars appeared in the 2023 mainline series. I counted 58 of them, only 22 of which are fantasy models. That leaves us with 36 brand-new licensed vehicles, an average of just over two per case. I initially planned to select the five best ones, but it felt like an impossible challenge due to all the cool designs. I decided to bump up the number to ten instead.The following list reflects my preference, and yours might look different. Some of you may be shocked that I haven't included the Bugatti Bolide year, but I never even saw one live. The 'Tooned cars were exciting, but cuteness alone wouldn't have helped them make it onto this list. Despite my love for the Mazda 787B, it's not on this list, as we have seen it in the premium series.And I get all the hype surrounding the '82 Supra, but I'm just not a fan of the classic Supra shape. I last wanted to include Mad Mike's new 787D drift car. Yes, you read that right. The tiny Hot Wheels casting came first, and I'll try to cover the topic more extensively in a future story. But let's get back to our topic of interest.There's something unequivocally exciting about the raw sound and power of a turbocharged, inline-five-cylinder engine. I loved the Group B Quattro from the first day I saw it, and it's only natural that I felt the same way about its racetrack-going sibling: the IMSA-monster '90 Quattro. Fraser Campbell designed this casting, and in 2023, Mattel delivered two iterations as part of the Retro Racers Mainline series.The first featured the iconic Audi livery, while the latter had a slightly different color combo. With AeroDisc wheels on all four corners, this is one of my favorite Hot Wheels castings ever. And the upcoming Super Treasure Hunt version will undoubtedly cause a commotion when it arrives in stores.I've been following Mate Rimac's project since he was still driving the electric BMW E30, and I somehow feel like I've been part of his journey, if only from the outside. So when the Croatian company finally revealed the Nevera , I was more than stoked to see the fruition of over a decade of hard work.Manson Cheung designed the tiny Hot Wheels replica of the electric hypercar, and the first iteration looked spectacular in Riviera Blue. I'm surprised the designers from El Segundo opted for Galactic White on the second variation, but I'm sure we'll see some more exciting colors in 2024.Mattel introduced three different Porsche mainline castings in 2023. But the 911 Turbo 3.6 is a 'Tooned model, and I'm not a big fan of the 928S Safari. On the other hand, I would cry happy tears if I even had the chance to drive a 911 Carrera RS 2.7 for ten minutes.It's not the most powerful Porsche ever made, but there's more to cars than simple numbers. The Fraser Campbell-designed casting arrived with two variations in 2023, and there's one more on the market for 2024. I've bought all three of them, and I can't wait for the following color combo.Undoubtedly, the car that caused the most considerable stir in the Hot Wheels community in 2023 was the '89 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC. I've seen people hoarding dozens of these, some trying to sell them for as much as ten times their market value. Sonny Fisher designed the casting, and it almost looks like a premium model with detailed headlights and tail lights.Black was the perfect choice for the First Edition model, as it also had black Retro Slow Wheels with a chrome lip. The second variation arrived in Metalflake Silver, but collectors are eager to get their hands on the upcoming Super Treasure Hunt variation in Spectraflame Red.There were several Hot Wheels SUVs to choose from in 2023, but is any of them as unique as the Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution? The Japanese manufacturer reportedly sold less than 3,000 units, which might be rarer than the Tommi Makinen Evo!Dmitriy Shakhmatov designed this casting, and it first appeared in the Mud Studs Mainline series featuring the iconic Ralliart livery. I didn't necessarily enjoy the white variation, but Mattel is betting big on this casting for 2024. That's right, it will join the Super Treasure Hunt series and might arrive in case J.We covered the topic extensively when "Ain't No Saint" won the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour . Lee Johnstone worked with his three daughters to build the Volvo P1800 Gasser, and I remember I couldn't wait to see it in the palm of my hand. Mattel had Lee Johnstone and Manson Cheung working on the project before its HW Dream Garage debut.I think the Hot Wheels Legends Tour concept is one of the best ideas the diecast manufacturer has implemented recently, and it all adds more realism to one's collection. Of course, the First Edition model is an accurate replica of the actual car. But sadly, I'm not sure if any of the upcoming iterations can be as exciting.The same man who designed the Pajero Evolution also handled the Nissan Patrol Custom; the result is almost as good. Who doesn't remember seeing videos of these monsters drag-racing up some random dune in the desert? One of the best things about this casting is that you can see the engine, which is similar to the Nissan Maxima Drift car.The Custom Patrol was quite popular among fans of the genre this year, so it comes as no surprise that Mattel released three variations in less than 12 months. We've already seen a fourth one for 2024; all use BLOR wheels.The BMW 507 is yet another impressive appearance in the HW Mainline series. But it may be too rare and old for the masses to appreciate. It wasn't very successful as a car when it debuted in the '50s, but it did enjoy a lot of popularity with collectors in 2023. When I found them in stores, I immediately picked up two white ones but skipped the red ones.I will undoubtedly add the upcoming yellow model to my collection, and I hope to find the Super Treasure Hunt model for 2024. The latter is the only one so far not to use the Deep Dish 8-Spoke wheels.I have yet to drive the Volkswagen ID. Buzz yet, but some of my colleagues did, and they seemed to enjoy it. While I'm still not rid of the range anxiety that comes along withownership, I would love to have one in my garage as a fourth or fifth car.Lindsey Lee designed this casting, and we've only had one variation. As it featured a yellow paint job, I instantly bought one for my display at home. For some reason, I feel we might see it in a Premium series next, and it might work as part of a Team Transport set alongside the I.D. R.I couldn't forget about the Ford Escort RS2000. Fraser Campbell designed this one, and we saw three variations in 2023 alone. The white and red ones are my favorite, but I guess the black ones aren't half bad, either.Mattel has had a fast production line for this casting, with two more iterations arriving in 2024. One is a Super Treasure Hunt model, a peak point for the Escort RS2000, no doubt. Good luck finding one for less than $40! 4WD That's an excellent time to spend between Christmas and New Year's Eve, right? We think so, too, especially since they managed to find one of the few 2024 Tacoma pickup trucks on the market. A word of caution, though. As always, the folks over at TFL Truck are conducting non-scientific tests at an altitude of about a mile above sea level, which will definitely impact their trucks' performances.But let us meet the contestants first. The show's star is, without a doubt, the crimson 2024 Tacoma (N400) they brought to face off with its naturally aspirated V6-powered predecessor. They are both level in terms of pony count, but the torque advantage is for the new generation. Plus, it's turbocharged and has more gears eight instead of six. On the other hand, the old Taco is much lighter, so this will be pretty balanced.As it turns out, the old Taco can't stand up against the new one's higher torque from lower revs and the fact that it's turbocharged but the difference is also not that great, either. They also did a rolling start, just to be thorough, and the gap was about the same. Thirdly, it was only natural to put those new rear disc brakes to the test, and the 2024 Tacoma faired pretty well about ten feet better than its predecessor. However, consider that the trucks had different tires, which could also impact the performance.Interestingly, since the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel got retired and because the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is not yet on sale, the high-output 310-hp Chevy Colorado is currently the most potent and torque-tastic mid-size pickup truck on the market. It also made an appearance to show Tacoma who's the current sales boss and swiftly beat the 278-hp opponent. Of course, things might change when the 326-hp i-Force Max hybrid Taco comes out. But until then, it's not the best on the market.Last but not least, someone also brought a first-gen single cab Tacoma on the improvised, non-prepped 'dragstrip,' and it didn't come alone. Instead, the little Taco came equipped with the latest Magnusson supercharger, churning out around 305 horsepower and nowhere near as much weight as the modern Tacoma. Curiously, when racing in, it even beat the higher-powered Colorado! So, to sum it up, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is marginally better than its predecessor (in a quarter-mile drag race) but still needs to work stuff up before reclaiming the overall mid-size pickup truck throne from Chevy's new Colorado! Despite the many trivial things that keep us occupied here on Earth, humanity is slowly reaching out into space as it seeks to spread its influence beyond the confines of our own planet. And there's no better proof of that than the many space missions that are currently ongoing. Photo: NASA Photo: NASA Our planet has around 77 space agencies. NASA, the largest of them all, is the driving force beyond humanity's expansion into space, as it has no less than 100 active missions at the time of writing. More than 40 of them are handled through something called Deep Space Network (DSN).And by handled, I mean these missions , including the most important ones of our time (the James Webb Space Telescope, the Perseverance Mars rover, and the Artemis program), are getting tracked, commanded, and can send science data back thanks to this thing.The DSN is a global communication network that traces its roots back to 1958. It was then that the U.S. Army requested the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to use portable radio tracking stations in order to receive telemetry data from Explorer 1, America's first successfully launched satellite.Because the idea worked, JPL was then tasked with coming up with a comms network that could link our planet to deep space missions something that was not a reality at the time, but the great minds of the era knew was coming.JPL did exactly that, and the ground stations it developed, known as the Deep Space Information Facilities, were incorporated into the Space Flight Operations Facility by the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration.That happened on December 24, 1963, and marked the official birth of the Deep Space Network. It also means that this Christmas Eve, the DSN turned 60 years old, having been in operation 24/7 during all this time.Described as the "largest and most sensitive scientific telecommunications system in the world," the DSN presently comprises a total of 14 antennas divided between three locations on Earth: one in Goldstone, California, another in Canberra, Australia, and the third in Madrid, Spain.These three locations are spaced about 120 degrees of longitude apart, and that allows the dishes to play a sort of relay race: when the spacecraft with which a part of the DSN talks to sink below the horizon as the planet rotates, and contact is lost, another DSN location picks up the conversation, ensuring continuous comms with deep space.The system works on a follow-the-Sun basis, meaning each of the three stations takes turn controlling the entire network, passing the bar along when night reaches their respective regions.All three DSN locations on this planet link and send their data through the Space Flight Operations Facility, known among the people working there as the Center of the Universe.To mark the 60th anniversary of the comms network, NASA released last week a few details about what it plans for the future of the DSN.Because it's of such crucial importance for space programs, the DSN will probably be around for as long as the many space programs are ongoing. The thing is, 60 years is a very long time, and the requirements of the current space missions begin to exceed the capabilities of the system.Furthermore, the number of missions to be handled in the near future is expected to double, growing from 40 to 80 in a very short timeframe.That's why NASA plans to upgrade the DSN with the installation of new dishes - it's unclear how many and where they will be installed and the upgrading of the existing ones. Most importantly, though, NASA will try to complement the current way of talking to spacecraft with a new approach.Currently, the DSN uses radio waves to talk to spacecraft, but if all works according to plan, NASA will also include laser communications on the menu.To see if that's something that can be done the space agency recently used an instrument on the Psyche spacecraft for an impressive test. On its way to a namesake asteroid for a closer look, the spaceship shot back to Earth a laser beam, which despite the complexities of the maneuver (Psyche was 10 million miles/16 million km when it did that), was captured in California.The tech demonstrated by Psyche is called Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), but it's too early to talk about its full deployment in the service of the DSN yet."The DSN is the heart of NASA it has the vital job of keeping the data flowing between Earth and space," said in a statement Philip Baldwin, acting director of the network services division at NASA."But to support our growing portfolio of robotic missions, and now the human Artemis missions to the Moon, we need to push forward with the next phase of DSN modernization."We'll probably get more updates on the changes to be made to the DSN in the coming months. Photo: Hyundai kW kWh We now have a new one that claims the Korean automaker has reportedly decided to green-light it, and it seems it is a couple of years away from arriving on the car scene.According to Korea's ETNews, Hyundai has decided to build 100 copies of the show car . The report claims that 70 of them will be sold to private customers, whereas the rest will supposedly be used for racing in North America and Europe, acting as ambassadors for the N sub-brand.The report says that the car's production version, supposedly previewed by the N Vision 74 Concept, will boast around 800 metric horses or 789 brake horsepower/588 kilowatts. The model is understood to be able to travel for 250 to 310 miles (400-500 km) in optimum conditions, down from the study's 373 miles (600 km). Save for the range that sounds impressive, though we seriously doubt it will happen.If everything goes according to this alleged plan, then it should launch in the first half of 2026. But is that really how it is going to pan out? There are some serious eyebrow-raisers here, as first, the Korean outlet doesn't reveal its source. This, combined with other similar rumors that Hyundai themselves denied, tells us that we should take this information with the proverbial pinch of salt - and a large one, for that matter.Now, while very unlikely to happen, the production version of the N Vision 74 Concept would be a breath of fresh air that would step into a niche where fuel cell cars would prove superior to electric vehicles. The reason is the 114 horsepower (116 ps/85) fuel cell stack acting as an on-board charger, which feeds the 62.4battery pack with 800V capability that juices up the two rear motors that steam out a combined 670 hp (680 ps/500 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque.The study was inspired by the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe, which Giorgetto Giugiaro styled, and it is a wonderful modern ode to it that stays true to some of its iconic lines and looks like it came straight from the '70s to the electrified present.As we already told you, such a model would be a great addition to the company's lineup, even if its production will be kept to only 100 copies, as it would be a testament to what they can achieve. Still, despite the latest report claiming otherwise, we doubt that it will indeed happen. Guess only time will tell if it's true or not. Last week, Toyota issued a press release stating that approximately 1 million vehicles feature OCS sensors that may short. The sensors in question may have been improperly manufactured. By whom? Unfortunately, the supplier wasn't named in the automaker's release. On the other hand, documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal the supplier's name. SRS Photo: Toyota NHTSA One of the most valuable companies on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Aisin Corporation is controlled by none other than Toyota. At the moment of reporting, Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Industries Corporation are listed with voting ratios of 24.80 and 7.68 percent, respectively. Other notable shareholders include The Master Trust Bank of Japan (9.89 percent voting ratio) and Denso (4.81 percent). Speaking of which, Toyota Motor and Toyota Industries also have a big say in Denso's business.Turning our attention back to the recall, no fewer than 999,901 vehicles were manufactured with Aisin sensors that may short circuit in time. According to the report attached below, Aisin may have deformed the circuit board during production. This, in turn, could result in a cracked capacitor that allows moisture to enter, thus resulting in a short circuit.Before going any further, it should be noted that a vehicle's occupant classification system is programmed to determine the weight of the front passenger. Based on the occupant's weight, the supplemental restraint system determines the airbag deployment strategy of the front passenger airbag.In the event of a failed sensor, the occupant classification system doesn't provide input to the supplemental restraint system. When this occurs, thewarning lamp and passenger airbag off lamp will illuminate. Toyota informed retailers nationwide to inspect the potentially shorted OCS sensors and if necessary replace them with properly manufactured sensors. The faulty sensors bear part numbers 89105-0E040 and 89107-0E040 in Toyota's parts system. Aisin estimates that 0.2 percent of the affected vehicle population could feature cracked capacitors, meaning 1,999.8 vehicles. Affected nameplates comprise the Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna Hybrid, the Lexus ES 250, ES 300h, ES 350, RX 350, and RX 450h. Model years range between 2020 and 2022, whereas build dates range from May 2020 to November 2021.Owners will be informed of Aisin's blunder in the period between February 4, 2024 and February 18, 2024 via first-class mail. Owners can verify whether their vehicles are recalled by running the 17-character VIN on Toyota USA's or the's website.Of the aforementioned nameplates, the Avalon and its hybrid version are both gone. The large sedan was discontinued at the end of the 2022 model year due to worsening sales. Toyota moved a meager 19,460 units during calendar year 2021 in the US market, whereas the mid-size Camry sold 313,795 units.The Avalon may be gone, but remember that the Lexus ES is the closest thing to the Toyota Avalon nowadays. Not only does it feature the TNGA-K platform of the Avalon, but its wheelbase is identical as well (113.0 inches or 2,870 millimeters). The ES currently starts at $43,190 sans destination charge, which is similar money to the best-equipped Avalon for the 2022 model year. More specifically, the Touring used to retail at $43,075 in December 2021. Tesla launched the Hardware 4 Autopilot computer earlier this year, but it's already working on the next-generation chips. The EV maker has been listed among the first companies to benefit from TSMC's most advanced 3 nm lithography process, called N3P. EV Everyone who remembers the chip crunch that followed the pandemic knows how vital the chip industry is for car manufacturing. Every modern vehicle is a computer on wheels, with sometimes hundreds of chips controlling various sub-systems. When car production increased in 2021, the chip-hungry carmakers were forced to halt production because the tiny electronic devices were nowhere to be found.Tesla faired substantially better thanks to its vertically integrated manufacturing. Themaker designs its own chips instead of using off-the-shelf components. This allowed it to consolidate many functions and controllers into a single chip die, thus needing far fewer of them. Controlling the hardware also allowed Tesla to control the software, which meant it could quickly repurpose different chips to offer various functionalities based on what was available at a particular moment.The electronic chips are critical components, especially since there are only two companies that can manufacture the most advanced chips: Samsung and TSMC. These two giants duel for silicon supremacy, with the Taiwanese company having a slight edge over the Koreans. Tesla used both manufacturers at times. Early Autopilot chips were manufactured by Samsung using 14 nm lithography, which was later upgraded to a 7 nm process However, Tesla switched sides to TSMC with the Hardware 4 Autopilot chips , as the Taiwanese had a more advanced 5 nm technology. It could also deliver the quality and production scale Tesla needed for its current production needs. However, as the EV market leader is preparing the next-generation Autopilot, it will use both Samsung and TSMC chips in its computers. Clearly, Tesla anticipates a significant increase in vehicle production by the time HW5 arrives, which corresponds with the start of next-generation vehicle production.In July, we wrote about the deal Tesla signed with Samsung to produce HW5 Autopilot chips using their 5 nm node. According to Korean media, the production was expected to start in 2026. At the time, Tesla had already signed a similar partnership with TSMC for the same purpose. Now we know more details about the TSMC contract.The Taiwanese chip giant is currently using a more advanced 3 nm technology called N3E, which has attracted leading chip designers such as MediaTek, AMD, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Intel. TSMC will start mass production of its most advanced 3 nm technology, dubbed N3P, next summer, and Tesla has been listed among its customers.Rumors suggest that Tesla plans to utilize the N3P process for its next-generation self-driving chips. It's also apparent that Tesla placed a huge order, potentially turning it into one of TSMC's most important clients. The updated N3P process provides a 5% improvement in performance, up to 10% reduction in power consumption, and a slight increase in chip density compared with N3E, which is in production today. Since 2022, Tesla invited owners to vote on the locations where they want more Superchargers installed. The system has been highly appreciated, but it's now put into question as two countries with few Tesla owners top the leaderboard in the winter Supercharger voting. EV Tesla Supercharger is the most extensive and appreciated charging network in the world. You can find a Supercharger station almost anywhere, and the chances of finding a broken charger are practically non-existent. This makes the Supercharger network such a great asset for Tesla and one of the main reasons customers choose one of its electric models over the competition.Tesla is expanding the network at a fast pace, surpassing 50,000 charging points in September. Themaker announced its 40,000th Supercharger in November 2022, thus adding 10,000 chargers in less than a year. Last year, Tesla also introduced a voting routine to let owners decide where they want a new Supercharger station installed. This option proved very popular, with hundreds of thousands of people voting for a Supercharger that they could benefit from. The voting is a multi-step process, which starts with owners suggesting Supercharger locations in their area. After considering the proposed sites and its own expansion plans, Tesla sets up a list of eligible places each season. The one that gets the most votes "wins" a Supercharger station. Each Tesla owner gets five votes, so they must be careful where they cast them.Of course, Tesla builds far more Supercharger stations than the one that gets the most votes, and that's a good thing. But the fact that owners also get a say in the matter is most appreciated. However, the latest polls have had surprising results, which prompted some to question the fairness of the process.Specifically, a Romanian city (Brasov) won the summer contest and is now getting its own Supercharger station. However, the winter voting looks also set to be won by a Romanian city. This season, there's a close race between several Romanian and Hungarian cities, with other countries too far behind to hope for a win. This isn't surprising, considering the century-old rivalry between Romania and Hungary. Still, there may be more to it.As some Tesla owners noted on social media , there are very few Superchargers available in this part of Europe, which is also a popular transportation corridor for people going to the Black Sea or Greece for summer vacation or to Romania and Bulgaria for the ski season. There are roughly 10 Supercharger stations in the Balkans, which is unfortunate, even considering the number of Teslas in these countries. The vote also shows how dedicated and organized Tesla owners can be in these countries.Since neither Greece nor Bulgaria got a proposed Supercharger location in this voting round, many Tesla owners from these countries voted for one that was closest to their homes. This explains, in part, the popularity of Hungary and Romania locations. Several Tesla owners from Bulgaria admitted they voted for Romanian locations , and they knew many who did the same. People from Greece shared a similar story. Hackers continue to wreak havoc across tech and media companies in the last months of 2023. In addition to other ransomware cases, CBS and Paramount's parent company, National Amusements. However, in this case, it might not count as "recent." National Amusements Breach The company only reported the attack this month, which affected 82,128 people. The weird thing is that the breach actually happened a year ago, around December 13th to 15th, 2022, and the company is only disclosing the incident now. With the digital privacy law, the company was legally bound to report the breach, which it did so with Maine's Attorney General. 64 of the victims of the cyberattack were said to be residents of Maine, as reported by Engadget. In the filing, it was revealed that the hackers might've stolen data like financial information like account, debit, and credit card numbers, along with the security codes, access codes, passwords, or PINs for the accounts. The most affected by the breach may be the company's employees, given that National Amusement SVP of Human Resources filed the notice. Of course, this is merely what it implies and not an actual confirmation, especially with the numbers being what it is. The letter says that the company was already aware of suspicious activity within its system back on December 15th, 2022, followed by saying that they "immediately took steps" to secure their network and minimize the disruption of their operations. The notice from Maine's Attorney General also shows that the data breach was discovered on August 23rd this year, which means that there is an eight-month gap between the first time they noticed unusual activity versus the day they confirmed it. No one can say for sure if they had taken action the moment they detected unauthorized activities, but the disclosure of the breach a couple of months later does not inspire confidence, nor does it fall under the category of "immediately." Read Also: Sony is 'Currently Investigating' Alleged Insomniac Games Ransomware Hacking Paramount Breach Paramount has also suffered a cyberattack in recent months, as it also sent a notification letter to the affected individuals. Reported back in late August, the breach allowed hackers to gain access to personally identifiable information. The company said in the letter that based on their investigation, the information that may have been stolen included names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and other government-issued identification numbers, as per Bleeping Computer. Compared to the recently disclosed attack by National Amusements, Paramount's was relatively smaller as it only impacted less than 100 individuals. Paramount has hired a cybersecurity professional since then to investigate the attack on its system. "We did investigate an incident where we learned that an unauthorized party accessed certain files from our systems. Upon discovery of the unauthorized activity, we took swift action to identify and address the incident," a spokesperson from the company said. It was still undisclosed who the victims were, whether they were employees or customers like Paramount+ subscribers. With more than four billion subscribers to its service, only having 100 victims in the breach can be seen as somewhat of a win. Related: Comcast Confirms Hacker Breach That Affects 36 Million Xfinity Users Yerevan will take over the year-long rotating presidency on January 1. This was reaffirmed by the leaders of five ex-Soviet states making up the Russian-led trade bloc during a summit in Saint Petersburg on Monday. Speaking during the summit, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian stressed that his government regards the EEU as a purely economic organization that must not have a political and especially geopolitical agenda. The EEU and its economic principles must not correlate with political ambitions, Pashinian said without elaborating. His remarks highlighted Yerevans deepening rift with Moscow and efforts to forge closer links with the European Union and the United States. Speaking during a news briefing, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, was asked whether Moscow is worried about the Armenian presidency of the EEU in light of those remarks and Armenian leaders broader criticism of Russia. Russias interaction with Armenia within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union is built on a pragmatic and mutually beneficial foundation, replied Zakharova. We can see that Yerevan is drawing significant dividends from its participation in the union. Despite some ambiguous statements by representatives of the republic mentioned by you, we are building a constructive, depoliticized dialogue with our Armenian partners as well as with the other EAEU member states. The prime minister of this country, speaking at the December 25 meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Saint Petersburg, announced Yerevans focus on fully achieving EAEU objectives in the medium and long term, she said, adding that Moscow supports Pashinians stated intention. Russia accounts for over 95 percent of Armenias trade with the rest of the EEU and 35 percent of the South Caucasus nations overall commercial exchange, compared with the EUs 15 percent share in the total. Russian-Armenian trade has skyrocketed since Russias invasion of Ukraine and the resulting barrage of Western sanctions against Moscow. Armenian exports to Russia tripled in 2022 and nearly doubled in January-September 2023. The peace process appeared to be a key focus of his talks with Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. Amir-Abdollahian discussed the issue with his Azerbaijani and Russian counterparts in separate phone calls on Tuesday. Amir-Abdollahian said that he discussed with the Armenian leaders Irans possible role in Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations. The Islamic Republic of Iran wants to see peace and stability [in the South Caucasus] ensured without the interference of outside forces and believes it can be achieved only with the help of regional guarantors, he told a joint news conference with Mirzoyan held after the talks. He said that the so-called Consultative Regional Platform 3+3 involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Turkey is the most suitable format of doing that. The foreign ministers of the five states held their first multilateral meeting in Tehran in October. Georgia has refused to join the platform launched in December 2021 in Moscow, citing continuing Russian occupation of its breakaway regions. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told Pashinian last week that extra-regional countries must not be allowed to intervene in unresolved disputes in the South Caucasus. Raisi thus reaffirmed Irans strong opposition to Western presence in the region, which is shared by Russia. By contrast, Pashinians government is now pinning hopes on U.S. and European Union efforts to broker an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. Mirzoyan on Wednesday praised Irans strong support for Armenias territorial integrity but gave no indications that Yerevan would like Tehran to replace the Western powers as a mediator. I want to emphasize that the Islamic Republic of Iran supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia, Amir-Abdollahian said in Yerevan. He reaffirmed Tehrans support for the Armenian governments position on transport links with Azerbaijan. During his meeting with Pashinian, the Iranian minister also praised the current state of Armenian-Iranian relations, saying that they are deepening in various areas. Our assessment is that the two countries are on the right track, Pashinians press office quoted Amir-Abdollahian as saying. 27 December 2023 12:44 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The separatist clan, having lost their strength and the ability to suck the juices out of life in the territory of Azerbaijan's Garabagh, became complicit with the French pro-Armenian authorities. The massively spreading disease of separatism and anti-religious discrimination continues to manifest itself in France through a gross neglect of cultural values and the morals of friendship. The new variant of separatism should make the authorities think about the vaccination of some officials and that group of people who violate the norms and standards of the above-mentioned principles and are more susceptible to infection. Today, Azerbaijan, after clearing its territories out of separatism by means of brilliantly conducted anti-terrorist measures, is moving on the newly charted path towards peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The past years were not a good scenario for the South Caucasus, where there was a long conflict between the two neighbours, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Today, there is no more conflict, but there are those who had a hand in its inception. Some adherents of separatism want to promote it through information or propaganda among societies, sharing ideas of revanchism and hatred. The human system is already subject to global changes and wars where world organisations and the world community act based on the worldview of clans and Western elites. Sticking to their ideology and orders of the "master," the adherents of chaos are losing their former rigid grip on reformating the world order. Sometimes the ship stops sinking as soon as the rats leave. Armenian lobbyists work tirelessly to spread the mythology that has been hypothetically dinned in heads of population in Armenia. Their job has always been to propagandise Armenia's "higher values" and to appropriate someone else's things not created by them. Although Armenia and Azerbaijan were in enmity with each other, the latter always observed the ethics of respect for the cultural values of the nation and the cultural monuments of the opposing side. This is confirmed by more than 6,000 cultural monuments, memorials, and other Armenian historical landmarks protected under the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan. No such thing can be said about Armenia, as evidenced by the destroyed and desecrated graves of Azerbaijanis, mosques, cultural monuments, and what can be found today in the liberated territories that were previously unavailable. The latest separatist vandalism was seen in Zangilan and in the French town of Evian, where the monument to Khurshidbanu Natavan is located. The pro-Armenian French politicians managed to make UNESCO remain indifferent. It has become known that the pro-Armenian municipality of the French city of Evian-les-Bains, which signed a charter of cooperation with the Azerbaijani city of Ismayili in 2015, recently decided to remove all references to the Azerbaijani park in the city. On June 3, 2017, the official opening of the park took place. After the opening of Azerbaijan Park and the Friendship Spring, the opening ceremony of the monument to the outstanding Azerbaijani poetess Khurshudbanu Natavan was held in the park. On December 18, opposition representatives demanded that the Municipal Council officially remove all inscriptions related to the park. Their demand came from what they called "dictations" by the "September aggression" of Azerbaijan. Pro-Armenian Mayor Josiane Ley stated that all references to Azerbaijan, including parks and other places, have already been removed. These actions can be characterised as a cause where another group of people was infected with the virus of "separatism" as a consequence of being nearby. Following the experience of countries in the fight against the pandemic, the French Ministry of Health should have isolated the group of such badly infected people and prevented its spread to the more susceptible group of elderly people. During the occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan, Armenia destroyed the Natavan monument, and now the mayor of Evian is daring to carry out this action. "Today, the threat to demolish the Natavan monument in France demonstrates what "common values" Armenian and French societies have. Racist French politicians, MPs, mayors, and journalists who accuse Azerbaijan of allegedly 'destroying Armenian heritage' in Garabagh should be ashamed," the West Azerbaijan Community said in a statement. Back in 2017, mutual respect for the culture and values of the two countries coexisted between Azerbaijan and France. Today, France has trapped itself in a pit of manure and cannot realise how it got there. Representatives of the opposition, who put forward these demands because of the anti-terrorist measures taken by Azerbaijan, make us realise that the pit into which they have fallen is deep. In addition to the Monument to the Azerbaijani poetess, there is also a "spring of friendship" in the park, which was a symbol of respect and appreciation for the friendship between the cities of Ismaili and Evian-les-Bains. One should not expect the French authorities to show culture and its value in such an infected state. As mentioned above, world organisations and communities act out of self-interest and do not serve peace and order. The world-famous UNESCO, the world organisation for the protection of cultural and non-cultural heritage, has its headquarters in France. And what do you think the organisation has done? Inaction. Back in May 2023, guests from France, including the head of the French community of Gurgy le-Chateau Lou Beaumier, and editor-in-chief of Danser magazine Michel Oden, with the support of the State Committee for Diaspora Work and the organisational support of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan, paid a visit to the city of Shusha on May 21. They saw with their own eyes the monuments of prominent figures of Azerbaijani culture, such as Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyov, who were shot by Armenian vandals. The guests were informed that during the occupation, Armenians wanted to take the statues to Armenia and melt them down. On the initiative of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, the sculptures were brought to Azerbaijan and kept in the yard of the Baku Art Museum. After the city was liberated from occupation, they were returned to their former places. Deputy Mayor Jean-Pierre Amadio stood in defence of the monument, paying tribute to Khurshidbanu Natavan. "She is known as a free woman, and on the monument in Evian she is depicted without a veil. Of course, we support the Armenian people, but culture and art are the most reliable bridges that connect peoples and countries. Should we all clean up and tear down these bridges?" he said. The monument of Khurshudbanu Natavan also symbolises the memory of the meeting with Alexander Dumas Sr. In 1858, the famous writer and traveller Alexander Dumas Sr. visited Azerbaijan, and Prince Umtsiyev could not miss such an event as a meeting with the famous writer. Dumas was fascinated by the Prince's excellent French language and intelligence, but it was the educated woman of the East, Natavan, who impressed him. What is remarkable in this story of the meeting between Natavan and Dumas is that she gave him a kitset embroidered by her. But having beaten the Frenchman at chess, she received it as a gift from the great writer. This meeting remains a piece of history for France and Azerbaijan; however, Azerbaijan, unlike those separatist-minded French officials, does not burn French books and does not act based on the weight of a bag of gold. In conclusion, it is worth recalling that for 30 years, Armenia has been destroying and desecrating the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people in the occupied lands and preventing the UNESCO mission to these territories. Today, UNESCO is apparently under pressure from the Armenian lobby and does not notice what is happening in the world like other organisations. --- Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 21:45 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijan-France relations have been ebbs and flows recently. France's ambiguous support for Armenia, such as providing it with lethal weapons and international anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric, strictly damaged relations with Azerbaijan. Last week, Baku exposed a French espionage cell, and the employees of the French embassy were declared persona non grata on December 26, 2023. Many experts put the blame on the French authority for worsening relations between Azerbaijan and, especially, the failed foreign policy of Paris. The South Caucasus is not the only region where French foreign policy has reached an impasse. Paris carries out unpredictable foreign policy in Ukraine, and it lost all its leverage in Niger and so on. The crisis within the French government gradually increased and reached such an extent that it is impossible to hide it anymore. President Emmanuel Macron fired Bernard Emie, the head of the Foreign Spy Agency, on the accusation of failure in Africa, Ukraine, and the South Caucasus. To clarify the issue, Azernews learned the opinion of Irish political analyst and historian Patrick Walsh. He noted that French-Armenian matrimony is based on a win-win policy. Paris sees an opportunity to enter the South Caucasus with the help of Yerevan to replace Russia. On its turn, Yerevan considers Paris an important partner in the road leading to the EU. France has seen an opportunity in Armenia with Yerevan's pivot to the West. Its objective is to replace Russia if it can. He said that France is well positioned with its Armenian diaspora and past good relations with Armenia. It has something Yerevan desperately wants access to: a modern arms industry. It is also key to EU entry. There are lots of mutual benefits in this relationship, Walsh said. He underlined that Azerbaijan will obviously be concerned about this. France has been one of Armenia's most supportive powers in the past. It can provide Yerevan with sophisticated weaponry. The Armenians see this as a "game changer". So it really puts France in the enemy camp. Patrick Walsh emphasised that Armenia claims it is only interested in defence, but the Armenian record is one that has included a thirst for territory. With another government and at another time, the priority may not be defensive. As for the question of how long the tense relationship between Azerbaijan and France could continue, he pointed out that this is a situation that is likely to continue. Although a peace deal may settle things for now in the South Caucasus, there is still a strong revanchist spirit in Armenia and in the diaspora. Unfortunately, strong vigilance will be needed, which is depressing because arms money would be better spent on development and social improvements, the pundit said. He also touched on the issue of possible future resignations or dismissals in the French government and noted that it is difficult to say. However, he added that wrongdoers are always looking for a victim to blame. It is difficult to say, but right across the West, there will be changes. There are always scapegoats for policy failure and the loss of influence in the Global South. These problems will not be addressed by the sacking of individuals since they are geopolitical failures related to a lack of realism in world affairs and being tied too closely to Washington's interests. Ukraine and Gaza will be the graveyard of many careers, military and political, in Europe, the Irish historian added concluded. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 17:26 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Azerbaijan Investment Company OJSC, owned by the Ministry of Economy and Demiroren Investment Holding A.S., a Turkish company, signed a Joint Participation Agreement between the Group of Companies and Arges Energy Team Ltd. According to Azernews, this was announced by Minister Mikail Jabbarov in his account on the social network "X". According to the Minister, the agreement aims to restore and operate 5 small hydroelectric power plants in the Kalbajar and Lachin districts, which are the next project to create a "green energy" zone in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation. "Azerbaijan aims to get 30 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project, implemented within the framework of a public-private partnership, along with the creation of new jobs, will contribute to the acceleration of the Great Population Return, sustainable economic development in the territories liberated from occupation, and the transfer of new experience and skills in the field of renewable energy," the minister said. Azrbaycan 2030-cu ildk elektrik qoyulusu gucunun 30 faizini brpa olunan enerji mnblrindn ld etmyi v #istixanaqaz emissiyalarn azaltmag hdflyir. Isgaldan azad edilmis razilrimizd "#yaslenerji" zonasnn yaradlmas istiqamtind novbti layih olan #Klbcr pic.twitter.com/pjALJYmhZe Mikayil Jabbarov (@MikayilJabbarov) December 27, 2023 The Ministry of Economy said in a statement that Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and Turkish Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan Jahit Bagci attended the signing ceremony. The document was signed by AIC Executive Director Ulvi Mansurov, head of Demiroren Investment Holding, A. Yildirim Demiroren, Chairman of the Board of the Group of Companies, and Mehmet Fehmi Ozata, head of Arges Energy Team, who signed the agreement. According to the agreement, it is planned to rehabilitate and put into operation 5 hydroelectric power plants located on the rivers Hakari and Tartar. The implementation of the project will promote public-private partnerships, create new jobs, improve renewable energy expertise and skills, achieve the target of increasing the share of renewable energy in energy production to 30 percent by 2030, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is HPP's second project to attract private investment into the liberated territories. The first project was the production of sawn timber at a limestone deposit located in the village of Shahbulag, Aghdam district. The creation of sustainable energy in Azerbaijan and the transportation of "green energy" to the world markets are the priorities of the country's energy policy. It is not by chance that COP29, one of the most important interstate events in the world, will be held in Azerbaijan in 2024 on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev. In this regard, cooperation with private investors to implement alternative energy projects in the region, restore hydroelectric power plants in liberated territories, and create new ones is of great importance. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 19:42 (UTC+04:00) Nigar Hasanova Read more Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shahin Abdullayev, has met with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi to explore prospects for cooperation between the Council`s member countries and Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi recalled his meeting with President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, during the Summit of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), held in Baku this November. The GCC Secretary General stressed that the GCC member countries attach special importance to developing relations with Azerbaijan, highlighting numerous opportunities for enhancing ties between Azerbaijan and the GCC member countries in political, economic, investment, and other domains. The two also discussed the steps to implement the GCC-Azerbaijan Joint Action Plan 2024-2028, approved in November. The Joint Action Plan 2024-2028 between the GCC and the Republic of Azerbaijan, achieved through the collaborative efforts of working teams from both sides, covers several areas of mutual interest, including political coordination, trade cooperation, and investment opportunities. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 14:58 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimi has conducted several meetings with the goal of enhancing cultural collaboration. The minister first met with the Ambassador of Belarus to Azerbaijan, Andrei Ravkov, to discuss the cultural ties between the two countries, Azernews reports. In his speech, Adil Karimi recalled that Azerbaijan has participated in many events, including book fairs held in Minsk. He underlined that the mutual visits of creative teams from the two countries were organised as well. The minister stressed that joint efforts to develop cultural cooperation should continue further. Expressing his gratitude to the minister for the warm welcome, Andrei Ravkov said that Belarusian-Azerbaijani relations cover a wide spectrum. He emphasised that the cultural factor is of great importance for bringing the peoples of the two countries closer together. There are ample opportunities for further deepening cooperation in this area. The diplomat took the initiative to organise days of Belarusian culture in Baku next year, and an exchange of views on this issue took place. Adil Karimli said that in 2024, the VI World Forum of Intercultural Dialogue will be held in the Azerbaijani capital as part of the Baku Process. He added that the ministry welcomes the participation of Belarus in the event. At the end of the meeting, the ambassador was presented with a book about Shusha. Adil Karimli also discussed the prospects of cooperation with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Azerbaijan Issam bin Saleh al-Juteili. The sides hailed the declaration of Shusha city the Capital of the Islamic World for 2024 by ICESCO. The events that will be organised during this significant year were also discussed. In conclusion, the minister expressed hope that Saudi Arabia will once again make its contribution to the VI World Forum of Intercultural Dialogue to be held in Azerbaijan next year. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 16:57 (UTC+04:00) Nigar Hasanova Read more The world's largest robot competition, International Robotex, will be held in Azerbaijan for the first time, organised by the Global Olympic Centre and supported by the European Union, Azernews reports. Everyone, from preschoolers to students studying in higher schools, will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this competition. At the Robotex competition, which will be organised for the first time in Azerbaijan, participants will compete in 2 main categories and 19 subcategories. In addition to competing with their robots, participants will also have the chance to present their startups. This way, they will get to know the world's most famous entrepreneurs, engineers, and investors. The selection round of the competition will be held in Azerbaijan on March 23, with the participation of several countries. The winning teams in the selection round will have the right to participate in the semi-finals, which will be held in Antalya on April 20-21. The successful teams in this round will represent our country in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, on November 15-19. At the stage organised in Azerbaijan, the best 3 teams in 19 categories will be recognised. At the same time, a team specially selected by the jury will also advance to the semi-finals in its category. In the final stage of this prestigious event, which has been organised since 2001, thousands of robotics engineers, professionals, and enthusiasts from every continent gather under the same roof every year and exchange global knowledge and experience. Everyone can participate in International Robetex from pre-school age to 4th year higher education students. The last date of registration is January 20, 2024. It should be noted that the purpose of the International Robotex Competition is to teach young generations not only to be interested in science and technology but also to gain experience in these fields to face the challenges of the 21st century, as well as to educate children and young people about these issues in our world, where robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation play an increasingly important role. Robotex provides participants with networking, international development, and academic advancement. The purpose of this festival is not only to compete or learn but also to create an extensive communication network that connects participants with industry leaders, engineers, managers, students, and apprentices. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 10:32 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Iranian Foreign Minister Hosein Amir Abdollahian has discussed the situation in the South Caucasus with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Azernews reports. Abdollahian, in his conversation with Lavrov, welcomed the negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia to reach a lasting peace agreement and stressed Iran's support for stabilising peace and stability in the region, IRNA reported. During the telephone conversation, the ministers discussed the latest developments in the South Caucasus, the current state of cooperation and bilateral relations, as well as some issues on the regional and international agenda. In the telephone conversation, Lavrov and Abdollahian emphasised respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other's countries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 December 2023 22:23 (UTC+04:00) A joint lunch has been arranged for the CIS heads of state in Saint Petersburg. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are not the only technology the US government has banned the sale in its history, nor would it be the last. Due to various reasons, the federal government has prohibited the importation of certain gadgets and equipment into the US. Some are for security concerns, while several are due to business violations. Here are some of the technologies the US government has imposed the sales ban in recent years: Also Read: Apple Watch Ban Will Proceed as ITC Denies Motion to Delay Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 Starting with the most recent controversy, the US International Trade Commission has prohibited Apple from selling its latest smartwatch products after it was found to be violating a patent. The issue comes from the blood oxygen reader feature Apple has used since 2020 with the Series 6. The feature was apparently a patent infringement of a similar product of Masimo, a health technology manufacturer, which also filed the complaint against Apple. As of writing, the ban continues in effect as the US government agreed with ITC's decision. Apple has already pulled the affected watches on its online store for US customers. Apple continues to appeal to various courts to suspend the ban as it works to replace the patented feature into its smartwatches. Huawei, ZTE Telecommunication Equipment The Apple Watches are not the only technology that received the ban hammer during the administration of President Joe Biden. Last year, the US government approved the ban of new telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE due to "unacceptable risk" to American security. The ban was imposed amid the rising tension between the US and China, the country hosting Huawei and ZTE. Huawei has to replace the telecommunication equipment to bypass the US import ban and continue its sales in the Western country. Related Article: Huawei Revenue Stabilizes, 'Back to Usual Business' Following US Sanctions Kaspersky Software Another ban brought by security concerns, the Kaspersky Lab antivirus software was banned in the US early this year amid economic sanctions on Russia. The Russian cybersecurity firm has already been accused of assisting on secret projects with Russia's Federal Security Service. Security concerns over the software grew during the conflict between Ukraine and Russia last year. The US Department of Commerce justified the ban by "fully exercising its authorities to protect Americans' sensitive data." Xiaomi The Beijing-based phone manufacturer Xiaomi also received similar US sanctions as Huawei and ZTE during the former President Donald Trump's administration. Similar reasons were also given as it was designated as a Communist Chinese Military Company. In response, Xiaomi filed a lawsuit against the US government for "unlawful and unconstitutional" removal from US markets. However, unlike Huawei, Xiaomi was later removed from the US blacklist during the Biden administration after the two parties reached an agreement. HTC On the opposite side of things, Apple won a patent infringement case before against HTC after the ITC declared that the Taiwanese computer manufacturer was violating one patent of the tech giant. Apple's victory in 2011 resulted in the ban of HTC's Android devices across the US, including the Sprint Evo 4G, Verizon Droid Incredible, AT&T Aria, and T-Mobile G2. The legal battle for this patent violation spanned decades, starting in 1999, over a phone feature of turning a phone number into a link. HTC has since issued a new program for its phone number link feature in future phones to continue its operations in the US and Europe. 27 December 2023 17:56 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and one of its most significant contributions to the world of performing arts is its professional national theatre. This year marks a remarkable milestone as the Azerbaijani Professional National Theatre celebrates its 150th anniversary. Azerbaijani professional theatre has been an integral part of the country's artistic legacy. The national theatre has dynamically evolved, embracing various genres, styles, and forms. The history of Azerbaijani theatre dates back to the late 19th century, when the first professional national theatre was established in Baku. The National Theatre was created in the 1870s at the initiative of prominent playwright Mirza Fatali Axundov. Adventures of the Lankaran Khanate Vizier was the first dramatic work played on the stage of the Azerbaijani theatre. Its premiere took place on March 10, 1873, at the initiative of Azerbaijani print media founder Hasan-bay Zardabi and dramatist and public figure Najaf-bay Vazirov. Thus, March 10 became the day of the Azerbaijani professional theatre establishment. Another comedy by Akhundov, "Haji Gara", was shown to the audience a month later, in April 1873. Baku Theatre School was opened in 1923, and its students played an important role in the development of the national theatre. During the 1960s, the Azerbaijani theatre entered a transformative phase with the staging of William Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra." This era saw the emergence of talented young playwrights who made significant contributions to the theater's repertoire. Notably, the arrival of the renowned Azerbaijani poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzade at the Academic Drama Theatre in 1969 with his work "Second Voice" added depth and variety to the theater's life. The plays by Nabi Khazri, Anar, and other playwrights achieved widespread acclaim and popularity when performed in the country's theatres. In the 1980s, the Azerbaijani theatre experienced a period of remarkable artistic development. This era witnessed significant advancements in terms of stylistic and genre diversity, contributing to the theater's overall artistic growth. Starting in the 1990s, Azerbaijani theatres demonstrated plays by modern and classic Azerbaijani writers, as well as works by Russian and international dramatists. This era marked a broadening of the theater's repertoire. The year 2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani professional theatre. Over these years, the theatres in the country have produced a wide range of theatrical works that have gained wide recognition. A series of special events and performances have been planned throughout the year to mark the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani professional theatre. Besides, the Azerbaijan Theatre Workers Union has hosted a scientific and practical conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani professional national theatre. Co-organized by the Culture Ministry, the Theatre Workers Union, and the Jafar Jabbarli Theatre Museum, the event was attended by prominent theatre scholars and figures. During the conference, extensive reports were heard on the topic of finding ways to solve problems in the field of theatre, discussions took place, and proposals were voiced on this issue. At the event, a video was shown reflecting the rich history of the national theatre. The Azerbaijani theatre will further continue to embrace new forms of expression and captivate theatre enthusiasts worldwide. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 13:14 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, participated in the international symposium on "Deportation and its psychological effects on society, especially women," held in Ankara by the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye and the Turkiye-Azerbaijan Friendship, Cooperation, and Solidarity Foundation. During her presentation at the event, the Ombudswoman gave detailed information about the facts, such as the ethnic cleansing policy against the Azerbaijanis living in Armenia at different stages of history, the destruction of the historical and cultural heritage belonging to the Azerbaijanis in those areas, the destruction of cemeteries, the settlement of Armenians in those regions, and the changing of place names. At the same time, despite the fact that 75 years have passed since the deportation of Azerbaijanis from their native lands, it was noted that the policy of hatred and intolerance towards Azerbaijan is still being supported in Armenia. The Ombudswoman said that Armenia carried out ethnic cleansing, deportation, and genocide policies against Azerbaijanis at different times, killed hundreds of thousands of civilians, and took successive steps to realize the ideology of Armenia without Turks. Noting that women and children were also seriously affected by this policy, S. Aliyeva stated that these crimes in Armenia are based on ethnic hatred and pointed out that two reports on hate crimes and hate speech against Azerbaijanis were prepared by the Ombudsman institution and addressed to relevant international organisations. The Ombudsman of Azerbaijan said that as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War and the anti-terrorist operation carried out in September this year, Azerbaijans territorial integrity has been restored, those areas have been cleared of separatist terrorist groups, and conditions have been created for the return of internally displaced persons to their native lands. At the same time, S. Aliyeva touched on the importance of Turkiye's moral support to Azerbaijanis during the war and post-war period and reminded that the Chief Ombudsman of the Republic of Turkiye carried out fact-finding missions in the liberated regions where the civilian population was targeted by Armenia, as well as in the territories destroyed during the occupation. The Human Rights Commissioner pointed out that the indifferent attitude and double standards of international organisations towards such crimes cause massive and gross violations of human rights and freedoms, hinder peacebuilding, create an environment of impunity, and most importantly, lead to the recurrence of such cases. In conclusion, S. Aliyeva said that the Armenian side should create conditions for the return of Azerbaijanis who were deported to their homeland, and compensation should be paid for the damage caused to them. During the event, a video about the policy of hatred against Azerbaijanis prepared by the Office of the Ombudsman was shown. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 13:43 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the "procedure of control over the management of space objects registered in the state register of space objects of the Republic of Azerbaijan," Azernews reports. Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed a new decree in this regard. The order was developed based on the law "On Space Activities". Azerbaijan's space programme is carried out mainly through international cooperation, as several Azerbaijani factories produced equipment for Soviet Union space projects during the Soviet era, but their equipment is now obsolete. The programme includes several satellite missions, both national and in cooperation with other countries. In 2006, the agency came under the Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan. In 2009, Azerbaijan's space industry became more active as a new agency was established after Ilham Aliyev approved a state programme for the development of the space industry. As part of the programme, it is planned to prepare proposals for the assembly and production of a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Satellite Terminal) in the country by 2013. A small earth station for satellite data transmission, providing digital data transmission at speeds of up to 56 kbps. VSATs operating at T1 data rates (up to 1.544 Mbps) are called "TSATs," as are parts of other terminal stations and satellite receivers of various types and functions (internet, direct TV, GPS, etc.) in order to create a space industry. On June 30, 2014, MAKA, in cooperation with Airbus, launched the SPOT 7 Earth observation satellite. They form a constellation of Earth imaging satellites designed to provide continuous, high-resolution data with a wide field of view until 2024. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 12:31 (UTC+04:00) Asim Aliyev Read more The Press Service of the Agency for Mine Action of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) informs that on December 26, 2023, an employee of the agency, Mahmudov Zaur Eldar, born in 1982, was wounded as a result of an explosion of an anti-personnel mine, which occurred while performing his official duties in the territory of Sarijali village in Agdam district, Azernews reports. At the initial examination, a fracture of the metatarsal and metatarsal bones was found. After rendering all necessary medical aid to the victim, he was placed in the Surgical Training Clinic of the Azerbaijan Medical University for further in-patient treatment. His life is not threatened. Further information on the condition of the injured staff member will be provided. The information states that the life and health of every staff member involved in creating a safe environment in the liberated territories are of special importance to the agency and are always at the centre of attention. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 17:12 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The State Road Agency of Azerbaijan hosted a traditional blood donation action to help those suffering from hemophilia, thalassemia, and other blood diseases, Azernews reports, citing the agency. The action, which is held for the 6th time already, was attended with great enthusiasm and voluntary participation by the Board of the State Road Agency of Azerbaijan, employees of the Agency's apparatus, and subordinate organisations located in Baku city, who joined the action of noble and humanistic nature to help people in need of blood. Doctors-hematologists preliminarily checked the health of each donor, and after a thorough medical examination, blood was taken from them. The blood supplied will be used to treat patients with hemophilia and thalassemia, as well as other patients in need of blood. The participants of the action emphasised that voluntary blood donation for children suffering from blood diseases is a noble cause and said that it is a civic duty to take an active part in such actions. It is planned to continue such charity events held on the joint initiative of the State Road Agency of Azerbaijan and the Central Blood Bank of the National Haematology and Transfusiology Centre of the Ministry of Health in the future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 14:37 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Russia sees attempts by external forces to draw Yerevan into even more dangerous geopolitical games, Azernews reports. "The West is indifferent to the fate of the Armenian population, the people of Armenia - they use their feelings, historical memory, pain, and suffering exclusively in their interests." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Maria Zakharova noted that, taking into account the allied nature of relations, Russia is ready to support the peace, stability, and prosperity of Armenia in every possible way. "For us, this is indeed of crucial importance for several reasons," she said. Zakharova noted that thanks to trade and economic ties with Russia and EAEU member states, Armenia's economy is showing impressive growth. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova added that Russia sees the prospect of normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia within the framework of trilateral agreements between the heads of state. "We see good prospects for normalisation of relations between Yerevan and Baku based on trilateral agreements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. There are prerequisites for improving relations between Armenia and Turkey. And in general, we are interested in reducing conflict in the South Caucasus and unlocking the rich potential of this region, which, among other things, could be facilitated by expanding interaction within the framework of the consultative-regional platform 3+3," Zakharova said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 20:00 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more President Ilham Aliyev visited several villages during his visit to Aghdam district on December 24. Two of these villages are Kiyasli and Salahli Kangarli villages, Azernews reports. Deputy Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Bashir Hajiyev, told reporters about this. Giyasli village is designed in a modern style through the preservation of historical traditions. The total area of the village is about 400 hectares. It is planned to resettle 4972 people in Giyasli village. A total of 1323 individual houses are planned to be built in the settlement. In the first stage, 656 individual houses will be built to resettle 2546 people in the village. A school for 540 places, two kindergartens for 180 places, and other social facilities will be built in Giyasli village. Alternative energy will be used in the village to save energy resources. Another Aghdam village, Salahli Kangarli, has a total area of about 178 hectares. It is planned to resettle 1376 people in Salahli Kangarli village. A total of 418 private houses will be built in the village. In the first stage, it is planned to build 150 individual houses to resettle 850 people in the village. A 480-seat school, an 80-seat kindergarten, and other social facilities will be built in Salakhli Kangarli village. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 17:43 (UTC+04:00) The organisation of War Veterans of Labour and Armed Forces of Azerbaijan addressed President Ilham Aliyev with a statement to show support and solidarity. According to Azernews, the statement reads: The people of Azerbaijan are currently experiencing a completely new, extremely proud, and glorious stage of its history. The Patriotic War, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, ended with a glorious victory. First, the territorial integrity and then the sovereignty of the country were fully secured. Azerbaijan came out of the 44-day war stronger. The operation in 2023 took only 1 day. Parts of the Armenian army were completely cleared from Azerbaijani lands, and war criminals and heads of the military junta were arrested. With these historic victories, the architect of which was President Ilham Aliyev, he put an end to the hardships, defeats, and shocks faced by Azerbaijani people over the past 200 years, and the Golden Age of Azerbaijan's statehood history was opened. Having successfully fulfilled this sacred mission, President Ilham Aliyev has fulfilled the cherished dream of national leader Heydar Aliyev - "father's testament." 8 November - Shusha Liberation Day entered our history as Victory Day. Today, the flag of Azerbaijan flies proudly in Khankandi, Khojaly, and Aghdara. Ilham Aliyev is the victorious leader of the victorious nation. All Azerbaijani people and all veterans are proud of it! Azerbaijan, which 30 years ago was saved by the national leader from a difficult crisis and the threat of disintegration, is developing dynamically today, following the path of Heydar Aliyev, thanks to President Ilham Aliyev's determination and his policy meeting the challenges of time. The huge successes achieved by Azerbaijan, especially in the last 20 years, have turned it into a place of political stability, progress, and global initiatives in the world. Ilham Aliyev's course of independent policy based on national interests and mutual trust has brought Azerbaijan great respect and authority at the international level. When we veterans look at today's Azerbaijan, we see that our efforts have not paid off. We are proud that Azerbaijan is in safe hands, and we are proud that Azerbaijan has such a president as Ilham Aliyev. This is historical happiness inscribed in the destiny of the Azerbaijani people! Today, the Azerbaijani people are closely united, and the heart of every Azerbaijani beats for common action and common purpose. This is our national strength! This is the policy of national leader Ilham Aliyev! Today, everyone is in a hurry to build. Azerbaijan is giving new life to our ancient lands with its possibilities, and our people are returning to their ancestral homes. Today, we, the veterans, look at the youth and are proud of them. They are walking our path with honour, spreading our glory all over the world. These are the youth who grew up in the times of President Ilham Aliyev, ready to give their lives, their blood for the motherland, and their flag. Let it be love for the youth with this determination and this faith! We, the veterans, have gone through painful ordeals and suffered a lot. Today, many regions of the world yearn for peace, while wars and massacres have engulfed the surrounding regions. But Azerbaijan, as an island of stability, security, and development, is only going forward. We, veterans from all over the republic, gathered in Baku to hold this general meeting and declare that each of us wants the continuation of President Ilham Aliyev's policy. Ilham Aliyev has fulfilled all his promises to the people. His word is his signature. The whole world knows it. We, veterans, declare that we are with President Ilham Aliyev! These victories need to be everlasting! --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00) On New Year's Eve, Xiaomi will hold another presentation, where it will reveal details about the Xiaomi EV branded electric vehicle platform, Azernews reports, citing a tweet by Xiaomi founder Lei Jun. It will take place on December 28, 2023. During the event, Xiaomi is expected to reveal details of branded electric motors for cars, talk about the features of its own autopilot system, and announce the release date and prices for the company's first electric car SU7. Xiaomi has been working on its electric car for several years. Thousands of engineers were involved in the development, and investments in the project exceeded $ 1.4 billion. With its product, the Chinese tech giant plans to take a significant share in the market and compete for leadership with Tesla itself. Xiaomi's electric car is expected to come in three versions: SU7, SU7 Pro and SU7 Max. The dimensions of the car are rumored to be 4,997 by 1,963 by 1,455 mm, and the wheelbase is 3,000 mm, which promises a spacious interior. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 18:21 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The Russian Community of Azerbaijan has expressed support for the candidacy of Ilham Aliyev in the upcoming presidential elections, the community said in a statement, Azernews reports. It notes that members of the community welcomed with satisfaction the decision of the New Azerbaijan Party to nominate Ilham Aliyev as the party's presidential candidate in the February 7, 2024, elections. "We are confident that members of the Russian Community will continue to support our president, his purposeful, uncompromising activity for strengthening peace, preservation of multinational society in friendship and brotherhood, further development, and strengthening of the country's Armed Forces, and will cast their votes for Ilham Heydarovich Aliyev for the bright future of our motherland on February 7," the statement reads. The Azerbaijani people overcame with honour and dignity all the difficulties of more than 30-year occupation of the country's territory by neighbouring Armenia, the Russian Community noted. "Heroic sons of Azerbaijan of different nationalities gave their lives for the establishment of long-awaited peace, for the prosperity of their homeland, and for the well-being of their descendants. Rallying around the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, victorious President Ilham Aliyev, our brave soldiers, as true patriots of the country where they were born, grew up, and loved, used all their capabilities to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. All these years, the Azerbaijani people believed in their just cause, in their struggle for justice and independence, in their victory and peace. And this victory came under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Heydarovich Aliyev. Our valiant soldiers of the Azerbaijani army gave all of us a peaceful sky above our heads. Our Garabagh has been liberated from years-long Armenian occupation. Hundreds of families, once expelled from their homes, are returning to their native places, to comfortable houses, thanks to the purposeful state programme on the return of former IDPs". The statement also noted that Azerbaijan's authority in the international arena strengthens every year. "Large-scale programmes for the development of the region leave no doubt about the ever-increasing role of Azerbaijan in the international community. The firm position of the President of Azerbaijan in the issues of strengthening peace and good-neighbourliness arouses respect and support from the people of the country". Extraordinary presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on February 7, 2024. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Europe's latest data breach just cost almost thousands of customer data stolen from the United Kingdom's biggest parking service apps. EasyPark Group, the parent company of RingGo and ParkMobile, announced that hackers were able to steal customer names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, and even credit card numbers in the latest cyberattack. The data breach was first spotted on Dec. 10, Sunday. EasyPark has already notified European cybersecurity authorities of the breach and has since launched their investigations. The parking app operator did not provide a specific number of compromised accounts but said at least 950 RingGo users in the UK were affected. EasyPark assured that its 50 million US ParkMobile users were not affected by the data breach with the "majority of users affected are users in Europe." Its ParkMobile app in the US has already been breached before in 2021, exposing the personal data of high-profile individuals like Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Also Read: Bluetooth Security Flaw Allows Hackers to Hijack Devices: How to Protect Your Phones from Cyberattacks? Cause for Data Breach on EasyPark Apps Despite the attack already being weeks away, the company remains unaware of the motive of the attack nor the perpetrators responsible for it. As of writing, EasyPark has yet to receive a ransom demand from the hackers. The company has already warned its users to be aware of phishing attacks following the data breach, alerting its European customers to be more careful in accessing links from accounts that claim to represent the app operator. Cyberattacks Increases Across the European Grid The data breach on EasyGroup is only the latest report of the increasing cyberattacks across the continent. Throughout 2023, European countries have experienced a spike of data breaches and ransomware attacks, particularly in the energy sector, Politico reported. Another study indicates that Europe cyberattacks have surged 57% from 2022 to 2023. Security experts point the cyberattacks to the "Russian Federation and non-democratic countries" due to the uptrend of cyberattacks being recorded soon after Russia invaded Ukraine. More companies have since hired cybersecurity firms to improve their protection against further attacks. Related Article: Citrix Bleed Vulnerability Still Exploited by Hackers for Cyberattacks 27 December 2023 18:42 (UTC+04:00) Asim Aliyev Read more Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Russia's cooperation with Armenia is built on a pragmatic, mutually beneficial basis within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Azernews reports. According to Spokeswoman, "Armenia's own economic indicators demonstrate high growth rates from year to year, Yerevan receives significant dividends from participation in the union." M. Zakharova also noted that despite some contradictory statements of Armenia, Russia is building a constructive, depoliticized dialogue with it. She stressed that from January 1 the chairmanship of these bodies will be taken over by Armenia. Recall that speaking at the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St. Petersburg on December 25, the Armenian Prime Minister said that Yerevan aims at the full implementation of the set tasks in the medium and long term. According to the Armenian Prime Minister, "we support the steps of our partners aimed at strengthening the development of Eurasian economic integration". --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 23:20 (UTC+04:00) Taiwan will definitely be united with mainland China, Azernews reports, citing Chinese leader Xi Jinping telling at the event dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the People's Republic of China Mao Zedong. "We will resolutely prevent anyone from separating Taiwan from China in any way," Xi Jinping said. In 1949, Taiwan became a haven for the Government of the Republic of China and the Kuomintang Party, which lost the civil war to the Communists led by Mao Zedong. They did not recognize the legitimacy of the new Chinese authorities and did not agree to consider themselves part of the country subject to the Communists. Beijing does not recognize Taiwan's sovereignty and considers it one of its provinces. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 December 2023 21:10 (UTC+04:00) Rome has been the city of choice for people looking to buy a house in 2023, accounting for 9.4% of searches on the website Immobiliare.it and related App, the real estate agent said on Wednesday, Azernews reports, citing ANSA. Searches in the Lombardy regional capital have accounted for just over 5% of the total, followed by Turin at 3.3%. In fourth and fifth position are the cities of Genoa and Naples at around 2% each. At neighbourhood level, Rome's Talenti-Monte Sacro-Nuovo Salario district has led the pack for the second year running, accounting for 8.1% of searches, followed by Naples' Vomero-Arenella district at 5.9% and Milan's Citta Studi-Susa at 5.8%. According to the research, 63% of prospective home buyers set a maximum budget of 250,000 euro and almost 30% looked for properties measuring between 100 and 125 sqm. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 December 2023 20:00 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan's national air carrier, AZAL, is offering a special discount campaign from Baku to popular destinations. Travellers can book the discounted tickets from December 26 to 29. Fo flights to Mineralnye Vody, Astrakhan, Volgograd, Samara, Sochi, Ufa, and Minsk one-way tickets start from AZN 79, while round-trip tickets are available from AZN 149. Travellers heading to Moscow (Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports), Kazan, Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Almaty, and Astana can purchase one-way tickets from AZN 129, and round-trip tickets from AZN 249. This offer is valid for flights between January 15 and May 25, 2024, excluding peak periods. Hurry, as the number of discounted tickets is limited! Please note that the cost of tickets does not include check-in baggage, but passengers are allowed to carry up to 10 kg of hand luggage. To purchase tickets, please visit the official website www.azal.az, use the renewed mobile app of the airline, or approach to the ticket offices or accredited agencies of Azerbaijan Airlines. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz (Photo : Unsplash/Saumya Rastogi ) Two Pizza Hut operators in California are ending in-house delivery services at numerous stores, leading to over 1,200 driver layoffs ahead of the pay bump in April 2024. The layoffs will happen by the end of February, coinciding with California's minimum wage increase of $4, which is anticipated in April, where fast-food workers in the state will get a pay increase close to 30%, increasing the minimum wage from $16 to $20 per hour. READ ALSO: Minimum Wage Update: Half of U.S. States Plan Adjustments by 2024 WARN Layoff Notice PacPizza, LLC, known as Pizza Hut, notified through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice that the company decided to eliminate first-party delivery services, removing all delivery driver positions. This information was reported by Business Insider and filed with the state's Employment Development Department. The WARN Act mandates employers to provide advance notice in cases of significant layoffs or plant closures. Southern California Pizza Co., a second Pizza Hut franchise, is cutting its in-house delivery services and letting go of 841 drivers, as indicated in a WARN Act notice on December 1. The affected drivers are from Pizza Hut locations in cities like Sacramento, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and others across the state. Severance Pay Offerings An anonymous driver, fearing retaliation, mentioned to BI that he was offered a $400 severance if he stayed until his February 5 layoff. Having worked as a driver for nine years, he expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "The money they are giving us as severance pay is a slap on the face. It comes to $3 a month for nine-plus years of service." Gene Erdman, the Chief People Officer at American West Restaurant Group, did not comment in response to a request. The franchise operates under SoCal South OC LLC and SoCal Pizza Holdings LLC. Lisa Hough, the Director of Human Resources for PacPizza in San Ramon, California, was the contact person on all five WARN Act notices signed by the company's president, Brian E. Thompson. However, both Hough and Thompson responded to a request for comment. Third-Party Apps Replacement Customers can use third-party apps like DoorDash, GrubHub, and Uber Eats for food deliveries at the impacted chain restaurants. Pizza Hut informed Business Insider that its franchisees manage their restaurants independently, following local market dynamics and adhering to all federal, state, and regulations. They continue to offer quality service and food through carryout and delivery. More Harm to Come for Higher Labor Costs Mark Kalinowski, a restaurant industry analyst, anticipates additional negative consequences as fast-food chains implement measures to mitigate the impact of increased labor costs. Chipotle and McDonald's both announced their intentions to offset the high labor costs in California by raising menu prices for customers. In 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the FAST Act into law to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $22 per hour in 2023. However, corporate chains like McDonald's, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and franchise advocacy groups opposed the law. A coalition of restaurant-industry organizations argued that the law could increase costs for fast-food restaurants by $3 billion and worked to place a referendum on the ballot. AB 1228, a new law replacing the controversial FAST Act this year, adjusted the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour, seen as a compromise between the labor unions representing fast-food workers and the restaurant industry that impacts 557,000 fast-food workers at 30,000 restaurants in California. RELATED ARTICLE: Cooling Job Market Presents Tougher Challenges for Seasonal Job Seekers 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Lawyers for North Carolina's top legislative leaders have signaled that they will seek a new state Supreme Court review of the long-running Leandro education funding case.The state Court of Appeals issued an order Monday granting lawmakers an extension until Oct. 25 for their opening brief in the latest Leandro-related dispute. Legislators' lawyers had filed paperwork seeking the extension.A footnote in Friday's court filing explained that lawyers for Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, plan to file aThat petition would allow the state Supreme Court to review a Leandro funding order now docketed with the Appeals Court. Lawmakers are appealing Superior Court Judge James Ammons' April 17 ruling in the case, officially known as Hoke County Board of Education v. State.Ammons determined that the state should spend an additional $677 million on items included in a comprehensive remedial plan tied to the Leandro case. A writ of prohibition from the Appeals Court has blocked enforcement of Leandro spending orders.lawmakers' lawyers wrote in the Appeals Court footnote.Ammons' $677 million spending order matched a figure Gov. Roy Cooper's state budget office produced in December 2022.A 12-page order from Ammons in April rejected proposed revisions from state legislative leaders. Those revisions would have reduced the outstanding Leandro spending obligation to as little as $376 million.Ammons' order responded to a November 2022 directive from the state Supreme Court. The high court, which then had a 4-3 Democratic majority, asked Ammons to determine how state budget changes signed into law in 2022 affected earlier Leandro rulings.The November directive originally called on Ammons to order state executive branch officials to move money from the state treasury to meet the Leandro obligation. But the current state Supreme Court, with a 5-2 Republican majority, took that option off the table in March. The high court will decide in the months ahead whether a trial judge can force officials to transfer money without authorization from the General Assembly.Two different judges overseeing the Leandro case before Ammons had calculated the state's outstanding education spending obligation as $1.75 billion in November 2021 and $785 million in April 2022. The smaller $677 million figure indicates that the last two signed state budgets have addressed more than $1 billion in Leandro-related items from the original 2021 calculation.Ammons' order specifically set the Leandro spending obligation at $509,701,707 for the NC Department of Public Instruction, $133.9 million for the NC Department of Health and Human Services, and $34.2 million for the University of North Carolina System.Those numbers matched calculations first put forward by NC Justice Department lawyers last year, little more than one month after the state Supreme Court's November directive. The Office of State Budget and Management, which works for Cooper, prepared the calculations.Ammons specifically addressed five items that could have reduced his Leandro spending number by more than $48.4 million. Legislative leaders argued that spending on items such as new teacher support, district and regional support, and principal salaries should have been part of the state's calculations. In each case, Ammons refused to accept legislators' numbers.The judge also took no action on lawmakers' request that he address hundreds of millions of dollars that would fund the same programs twice, since both the original November 2021 order and the revised April 2022 order were designed to address two years of a multiyear Leandro spending plan.made one year ago, Ammons wrote.Ammons' order concluded.In a footnote, he added,In addition to action at the state's second-highest court, further Leandro activity is expected at the state Supreme Court. That court issued major rulings in the case, officially known as Hoke County Board of Education v. State, in 1997, 2004, and 2022.If Ammons' calculation of the outstanding Leandro obligation stands, the high court's major issue will be to decide whether a trial judge can bypass the General Assembly to address Leandro.The November 2021 order, from Judge David Lee, would have forced the state budget director, controller, and treasurer to move $1.75 billion out of the state treasury. The money would have covered two years of otherwise unfunded items in the Leandro plan, officially called a comprehensive remedial plan.The controller objected to the forced money transfer and secured afrom the Court of Appeals. That writ blocked the forced transfer piece of Lee's order.By April 2022, after Judge Michael Robinson replaced Lee in presiding over the case, the forced money transfer was not included in a revised order. Robinson called for $785 million in Leandro spending, once again focusing on two years of the court-endorsed plan.The state Supreme Court's November 2022 ruling would have permitted the forced money transfer. But that order arrived four days before voters replaced two Democratic justices on the state Supreme Court with Republicans. The court shifted from a 4-3 Democratic majority to a 5-2 majority favoring Republicans.When the controller's office raised continuing objections about the details of carrying out a forced money transfer, the new Supreme Court majority restored the writ of prohibition in March. No judge can bypass the General Assembly for Leandro spending until the Supreme Court issues a new ruling.The high court has not indicated when it plans to address the controller's objections. This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is Donna King A group of prominent North Carolina business leaders, and some big Republican donors, sent a letter Tuesday morning to all House Republicans urging them to abandon plans to muddy the budget process with legalized casinos, earmarks for NCInnovation, and expansion of Medicaid, an agreement reached with Gov. Roy Cooper earlier this year.It comes hours after Republican General Assembly leadership filed two key pieces of legislation, splitting casinos off and pairing them with Medicaid expansion in one bill, and a separate bill containing the state budget.the letter reads.The letter is signed by Art Pope, budget director under former Gov. Pat McCrory and CEO of Variety Wholesalers; John Allison, Wake Forest University School of Business, retired CEO of BB&T, and retired president and CEO of the Cato Institute; Rodney Pitts, chairman of Southern Elevator; E.C. Sykes, general partner, Aslan Ventures; and Bob Luddy, CEO of CaptiveAire and founder of Thales Academy and College.said Luddy in a phone interview with Carolina Journal on Monday afternoon.Monday night's bills emerged after Republicans took criticism last month for proposing a $1.4 billion allocation for the private NCInnovation economic development fund, which amounts to 5% of the overall state budget. In the version circulating Monday evening, NCInnovation was scaled down to an initial allocation of $250 million with eligibility for a second infusion of $250 million if certain benchmarks are met.The prominent North Carolina Republican business leaders are united, at least on the budget process, with Senate Democrats and House Democrats sending similar messages to Republican leadership on Monday.Over the weekend, a tumultuous back-and-forth among lawmakers reportedly flared up after leadership proposed the dual-track strategy of running competing priorities in separate legislation; one that could get Cooper's signature for casinos and Medicaid expansion, with another that contains the state budget and expansion of Opportunity Scholarships. Enough Republicans and moderate Democrats support the school choice program and the budget's raises for teachers, state employees, and public safety officers that they could likely override a Cooper budget veto.Budget efforts last week to add four casinos in Nash, Anson, Rockingham, and Robeson counties sparked opposition from the House Freedom Caucus and others who wanted to see casinos vetted in committee instead.Rep. Neal Jackson, R-Randolph, told Carolina Journal.However, Cooper has not publicly supported the strategy calling it a2024 CASTS SHADOW OVER BUDGET PROCESSThe entire North Carolina legislature is up for re-election in 2024. Some members worry that Republicans' bare supermajorities in the Senate and House could become fragile in the waning days of the session.However, it's been a successful session for Republicans as they look to wrap up: restrictions on abortions after the first trimester, 14 veto overrides that put the Parents' Bill of Rights and protection for female athletes on the books, plus bans on gender transition for minors and Second Amendment protections for some churches and other facilities.Privately, some members say the last-minute flurry of policy threatensfor those representing deep red parts of North Carolina. If forced to vote for a budget that had casinos and Medicaid expansion in it, many say they would likely voteUnder state law, there are no government shutdowns when there is no new budget agreement. The law requires that the state budget from the previous year automatically stays in place if lawmakers cannot reach a new agreement.North Carolina's entire Senate Democrat Caucus sent a letter saying they will reject a Medicaid expansion bill if it iswith casino legislation that didn't go through committee. Sen. Paul Lowe, D-Forsyth, was the last to sign on, quickly getting heat from his colleagues.Senate Democrats' letter reads.On the House side, Democrat Majority Leader Robert Reives, D-Chatham, had similar language in his letter signed by 29 members. It showed support for a Medicaid state budget, rather than the possibility that there is no new budget at all.Reives' House letter reads. 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. Ponder this until you get to it in the article: Beyond their boilerplate anti-2A rhetoric, as we have documented consistently, if you dont have a violent criminal record and are not associated with the violent sociopathic thug, drug, or gang subcultures that commit the vast majority of crimes in America, your chances of being shot or killed by an assailant are extraordinarily low as low as in most Western European nations with strict gun control laws. Oh, and in Switzerland, which has a higher concentration of assault weapons per capita than any nation in the world, the murder rate is one of the lowest in the world. By Mark Alexander at The Patriot Post Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclination, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence. John Adams (1770) Predictably, Democrat presidents and their leftist Democrat Party cadres, as repeatedly demonstrated by the current White House prevaricator-in-chief, Joe Biden, always label the rare instance of a mass murder as gun violence. They do so in order to call for bans on so-called assault weapons. Most of those high-profile assaults are committed by young sociopaths, and those attacks rarely involve an assault weapon, but mass murders are so horrendous that they create wall-to-wall advertising opportunities for the mass media. Thus, they seem like a daily occurrence. But here is a fact they wont tell you: Rifles and shotguns of any type combined, are used in less than 3% of all homicides, but Demos never let facts get in the way of their political agenda. Furthermore, these rare and tragic mass assaults are especially suited as leftist political fodder if the racial motivation of the assailant fits the Demos white supremacist narrative, feeding their divisive toxic race obsession. Racially motivated mass murders are also exceedingly rare. But all such incidents provide Demos the opportunity to use American flags as political rags, ordering them to half-mast nationwide to promote their anti-Second Amendment agenda. The irony of using the symbol of American Liberty to undermine the first line of defense for American Liberty falls squarely into the Lefts cauldron of BIG Lies. And a greater irony: Democrats are the historical architects and political beneficiaries of systemic racism. When high-profile assaults occur, Democrats default to blaming guns and those who support the Second Amendment as a diversionary distraction to avoid the politically inconvenient truth regarding the actual racial demographic of assailants responsible for the national epidemic of violent crime. It is all political smoke and mirrors to obfuscate the reality that guns dont commit homicide; violent thugs do. The hard and apparent reality Demos would most like to avoid is that violence is not a gun problem but in fact is highly correlated with the their most loyal constituency, and is the direct result of a Demo-induced culture problem spawned primarily by generations of failed socialist policies resulting most notably in the disintegration of families. That is particularly true given the common denominator that most violent offenders grew up in fatherless homes. The result is metastasizing violence on Demo-controlled urban poverty plantations, the violent urban centers that have been under Democrat control for generations. Here is the inconvenient truth about that violence: A grossly disproportionate number of violent crimes nationwide are committed by black assailants, and black-on-black assault is the most prevalent violent crime in the nation. In fact, on almost any single day, the total victim count of black-on-black and black attacks on people of other races far exceeds the death totals of any rare but high-profile mass assault. But Democrat politicians studiously avoid any discussion of this data because it would require studious consideration of the Democrat policies that have created these conditions. If they actually believe black lives matter, they would not propagate the failed urban policies that proliferate black-on-black violence. Manhattan Institute fellow and nationally respected crime researcher Heather Mac Donald has compiled the data on black assailants: Dozens of blacks are murdered every day, more than all white and Hispanic murder victims combined, even though blacks are only 13 percent of the nations population. Blacks between the ages of ten and twenty-four are murdered at twenty-five times the rate of whites between those same ages. Their assailants are not the police, not other whites, but other blacks. Where victim race was known, black-on-black assault is much more prevalent than white-on-white. The fact that black citizens are 13% of the population but their murder victim rate is 22% higher than for white victims should be the starting place for every meaningful conversation about resolving the racial disparity associated with violence. This gross racial disparity in criminal assailants is not a new issue, as made clear by a 2015 Harvard study on black-on-black violence. In that study, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg noted: Ninety percent of all people killed in our city and 90 percent of all those who commit the murders and other violent crimes are black and Hispanic. It is shameful that so many elected officials and editorial writers have been largely silent on these facts. This disparity is also true in other crime categories, which dispels the assertion that somehow prisons have more black inmates because of systemic racism. And regarding those policies, the most alarming data on murder is that the suspect in 88% of black murders is also black. Sidebar: Here in Tennessee, as is the case in many states, there is one white guy on the most wanted list of thugs. And in Chattanooga where our publishing offices are located, a decade ago the citys police department was crucified for posting photos of its worst of the worst criminals, a mistake they have not made since. But it is only on those rare occasions that a white business person is murdered, or white children are killed, that white politicians and wealthy suburban white folks take note. Further, Mac Donald has thoroughly documented the interracial crime disparity. She notes that before Demo-controlled cities were adulterating the data: There were 593,598 interracial violent victimizations between blacks and whites last year, including white-on-black and black-on-white attacks. Blacks committed 537,204 of those interracial felonies, or 90 percent, and whites committed 56,394 of them, or less than 10 percent. She reports: From 2016 to 2020, blacks nationally were twice as likely to commit a hate crime as whites, according to FBI data. In New York City, from 2010 to 2020, blacks were 2.42 times as likely as whites to commit a hate crime. Blacks in Los Angeles committed anti-Asian hate crimes at 4.8 times the rate of whites in 2021 and committed anti-gay hate crimes at seven times the rate of whites, and anti-Semitic hate crimes at 2.4 times the rate of whites. These disparities are better understood in context when considering as noted, that black Americans represent just 13% of our population but perpetrate 90% of violent interracial crimes and the young black males who committed most of those crimes represent less than 3% of the population. That imbalance is staggering. Mac Donald adds: That ratio is becoming more skewed. In 2012-13, blacks committed 85 percent of all interracial victimizations between blacks and whites; whites committed 15 percent. From 2015 to 2018, the total number of white victims and the incidence of white victimization have grown as well. Mac Donald concludes: Blacks are also overrepresented among perpetrators of hate crimes by 50 percent according to recent Justice Department data; whites are underrepresented by 24 percent. This is particularly true for anti-gay and anti-Semitic hate crimes. However, as I have argued, ALL murders are hate crimes, as every murder deprives a victim of his or her most fundamental civil rights. Further, as investigative journalist Daniel Greenfield notes about murder case closure rates: In the 1960s, 90% of murders were solved. That fell to 75% in 1980, and 60% in 2000. In the year of Black Lives Matter, the homicide clearance rate fell so low that it became a coin flip. Thats right, now only 50% of murders are being solved. In fact, in 2020, the year BLM led the defund the police chorus, more than half of black teenagers (1519) who died, were murdered. And not only is the murder closure rate for black people substantially lower now because the murder rate for blacks is exponentially higher, but after the vilification of police officers, departments are now unable to fill critical positions. Were on the verge of being the first developed nation where the majority of homicides go uncleared, according to Thomas Hargrove, founder of the Murder Accountability Project. That abysmal case closure rate has been confirmed by the leftist Marshall Project. And those rates are overstated because the FBI is counting a case solved if the prime suspect is being tried for another crime. Again, not only is interracial violence predominantly perpetrated by black offenders, but violent assaults on black people are predominantly perpetrated by other black people. Of course, the high-profile Democrat constituency group that ostensibly represents black victims, the Marxist so-called Black Lives Matter consortium of black supremacists, is also silent on violent black-on-black crime data. (Update: Despite the much-heralded but incomplete data indicating, according to the FBIs 2022 summary, that murder and violent assault declined, what Biden and his cadre are not saying is amplifies the racial disparity. In 2022, there were 11,565 black people murdered (27.5 per 100,000 population), versus in 2019 when there were 8,438 black people murdered (20.5 per 100,000 population) before the Demos Summer of Rage.) And not a word on the, likewise, disproportionate murder of black children. According to Pew Research, In 2021, 46% of all gun deaths among children and teens involved Black victims, even though only 14% of the U.S. under-18 population that year was Black. So, how are Democrats solving this inconvenient truth? By deception concealing the data. They have done a masterful job of concealing the real data on violent crime. Apparently, they subscribe to the maxim offered by management advisor Peter Drucker: If you cant measure it, you cant manage it. Conversely, computer magnate Michael Dell concluded, Anything that can be measured can be improved. Democrats fomented the violent summer of rage riots in 2020, unleashing a record surge of murder and violent assaults across the nation, and that surge continues. Thus, they have gotten creative in order to conceal the truth from crime databases. The violence claimed the lives of more than 21,000 Americans in 2020 and about estimated to be higher in 2021 and 2022. Demos know these inconvenient truths, and they are colluding to cover up the crime scene. Major U.S. cities with district attorneys backed by billionaire leftist George Soros are both refusing to prosecute crimes and refusing to provide the Justice Department with racial data regarding violent crimes. Thus, they are concealing the key demographics about who is committing those crimes in order to conceal the root causes of violent crime, and at the same time claiming their failed policies are working. Of course, when a black Soros-backed district attorney exposes the truth about leftist criminal justice reforms, as did Albany County, NY DA David Soares, he quickly became a target of the Left. Democrats dont care about inner-city black Americans despite the fact they know who suffers most. They are ignoring black racism and gang violence. Apparently, black victims are expendable. I should note further that the surging number of murdered black Americans is also the result of the Demos defund police movement in 2020, and the residual effect continues to be deadly. Ah, yes, cops, the second-favorite whipping boy of race-hustling leftists. Blame-shifting to the men and women in blue, who are on the front lines protecting Americans from the effluent of generations of Democrat policies, is a deadly ruse, given the black-on-black slaughter taking place every day in our major cities. That is not a police problem, and every person involved in the diversionary protests, ostensibly about the death of one Minneapolis resident, have the blood of THOUSANDS of mostly black men, women, and children on their hands. The Demos war on cops has resulted in a couple of immediate consequences. First would be the escalating numbers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. That, combined with the failure of urban leaders to back them, has prompted mass resignations nationwide, leaving major departments critically short of patrol officers, who risk their lives every day for ungrateful legions. The second would be the fact that when Beltway and big-city Demos pander to the racist Burn, Loot, Murder (BLM) radicals, bowing to their hateful Marxist legions, while simultaneously throwing their police under the bus, they are throwing their black constituents under that same bus. After a lifetime observing how leftists manipulate black constituents, Walter E. Williams concluded, The true plight of black people has little or nothing to do with the police or what has been called systemic racism. He adds, We need to look at the responsibilities of those running our big cities. The Lefts claims that cops are racist and that theres an epidemic of racially motivated police shootings are dangerous fabrications. Again, I turn to the research of Heather Mac Donald, who affirms there is no such epidemic. According to Mac Donalds exhaustive analysis: The Washington Posts database of fatal police shootings showed 14 unarmed Black victims and 25 unarmed white victims in 2019. The number of unarmed Black shooting victims is down 63% from 2015, when the database began. There are about 7,300 Black homicide victims a year. The 14 unarmed victims in fatal police shootings would comprise only 0.2% of that total. Ideally, officers would never take anyones life in the course of their duties. She argues that, given the number of arrests they make each year (around 10 million) and the number of deadly-weapons attacks on officers (an average of 27 per day in just two-thirds of the nations police departments), there is no evidence of an epidemic of racist police shootings. That is confirmed by a National Academy of Sciences study that found no such racial link. As Mac Donald concludes: It turns out that white officers are no more likely than black or Hispanic officers to shoot black civilians. It is a racial groups rate of violent crime that determines police shootings, not the race of the officer. In fact, if there is a bias in police shootings after crime rates are taken into account, it is against white civilians, the study found. Wall Street Journal editorial board member Jason Riley notes: Police shootings have fallen precipitously since the 1970s. Empirical studies have found no racial bias in police use of deadly force, and that the racial disparities that do exist stem from racial differences in criminal behavior. The problem isnt a shortage of data but a race-based narrative that is immune to any data that challenge it. Indeed, as Mac Donald notes, The anti-cop narrative deflects attention away from solving the real criminal-justice problem, which is high rates of black-on-black victimization. According to the latest data, Nationally, African Americans between the ages of 10 and 34 die from homicide at 13 times the rate of white Americans. So, what happens when police are condemned by their political leaders and told to stand down? Mac Donald, author of the definitive book The War on Cops, notes in a report: Todays violent-crime increase call it Ferguson Effect 2.0 or the Minneapolis Effect has come on with a speed and magnitude that make Ferguson 1.0 seem tranquil. George Floyds death at the hands of Minneapolis police in late May was justly condemned but the event has now spurred an outpouring of contempt against the pillars of law and order that has no precedent in American history. Every day, another mainstream institution from McDonalds to Harvard denounces the police, claiming without evidence that law enforcement is a threat to black lives. (Read more in the Law and Liberty study on Race, Crime, and Policing in America.) Of course, as I noted previously, Democrats never let facts get in the way of their political agenda. As for the epidemic of blame-shifting, Thomas Sowell, senior fellow at Stanfords Hoover Institution, observed, Politically, there are few ideas more potent than the notion that all your problems are caused by other people and their unfairness to you. He also declared flatly: Racism is not dead. But it is on life-support, kept alive mainly by the people who use it for an excuse or to keep minority communities fearful or resentful enough to turn out as a voting bloc on Election Day. That deception comes at a very heavy price. Meanwhile, here is another stat that Demos wont mention. Beyond their boilerplate anti-2A rhetoric, as we have documented consistently, if you dont have a violent criminal record and are not associated with the violent sociopathic thug, drug, or gang subcultures that commit the vast majority of crimes in America, your chances of being shot or killed by an assailant are extraordinarily low as low as in most Western European nations with strict gun control laws. Oh, and in Switzerland, which has a higher concentration of assault weapons per capita than any nation in the world, the murder rate is one of the lowest in the world. If youre a law-abiding citizen, your statistical probability of being killed by a drunk driver is much higher than being murdered by an assailant with a firearm. (Oddly, no one is organizing marches to ban automobiles or ask for a federal background check before purchasing a beer.) For the record, if Democrats actually wanted to take action to keep American communities, schools, workplaces, and homes safe, as Joe Biden claimed in one of his gun-control rants, they would turn their attention to the illegal drugs killing more than five times more Americans each year than those killed by assailants with illegal firearms. In 2022, there were an estimated 110,000 drug overdoses, most of them due to fentanyl, which is pouring across our open southern border. Fentanyl deaths surged again in 2022, and despite the fact the Biden administration is trying to put a smiley-face on it, almost all of it is being muled into the U.S. by the more than three million illegal immigrants Biden has invited in. And the fastest growing overdose demographic is infants and toddlers who are exposed to the deadly drug. And on the subject of immigrants and crime Take a look at the faces and names of those on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Not much diversity there. Or take a look at the Los Angeles Police Departments Ten Most Wanted. Not much diversity there. Same for the FBIs most wanted murderers, domestic terrorists, and even white collar criminals. Same lack of diversity is evident in the U.S. Marshals Service most wanted and the DEA most wanted. Sidebar: The crime data I want to see the FBI collect annually, under threat of funding reductions by House Republicans, is a national database on violent crimes committed by illegal aliens so there can be some accountability for Bidens open border policy. Every violent crime committed by Bidens illegal pawns needs to be hung around his neck. Of course the obstacle to reliable data is the same as it is with the FBIs overall crime surge data and the race of both assailants and victims some Demo-controlled states and urban centers, especially those so-called sanctuary cities, will also refuse to submit information on crimes committed by illegal immigrants. Finally, in the timeless words of Ronald Reagan: "You wont get gun control by disarming law-abiding citizens. Theres only one way to get real gun control: Disarm the thugs and the criminals, lock them up, and if you dont actually throw away the key, at least lose it for a long time. He declared after the assassination attempt against him: Its a nasty truth, but those who seek to inflict harm are not fazed by gun control laws. I happen to know this from personal experience. Of course, only law-abiding citizens abide by laws, and making lawful citizens helpless clearly does not make outlaws harmless. Remember: The vast majority of mass assaults occur in gun-free zones. Commenting on urban violence recently, Virginias Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, a black woman who understands violence is a culture problem not a gun problem, declared: This is not about law-abiding gun owners. Even if you took all gunsfrom law abiding citizens, the others who mean harm, who mean to kill and maim, theyre still going to have guns. So we have to figure out what is going on in our communitiesto figure out the real problems so we can determine the real solutions. If we dont lock [offenders] up and just release them back into the community so they can keep killing, when do we say enough is enough? Who is in charge? Is that the mayor? Is that the chief? Lets start naming names, because otherwise no-one is accountable We need leadership, true leadership, because this is not happening where the movers and shakers live. This has to stop, and we know where it starts. The people who elected here, they are in charge, they must make the adjustments so the shootings dont keep happening. The bottom line regarding the epidemic of violence: Democrats institutionalized lawlessness in the name of social justice, beginning with their Summer of Rage riots in 2020, when they intentionally provoked and promoted violence. They simultaneously villainized law enforcement and cut police budgets. The result was, and continues to be, a one-two sucker punch against victims of violence and those charged with protecting them. Surging violence today is the direct result of empowering leftist mobs in the name of social justice, in effect sending the message that Democrat constituents are entitled to be violent and that sense of entitlement continues unabated. The implications, given the rising generation of sociopaths, is dire. It will take years to restore real justice rule of law but leftists politicians are not going to do that when they can label the violent cultural devolution they have fomented a gun problem, and avoid the inconvenient truth about race and violence. Finally, after four years of record firearm sales and conservative estimates that more than half of all adults are legal gun owners, it turns out that the fastest growing demographic of new handgun owners is women, and more specifically black women. Much to the dismay of all those wealthy suburban white women who are Demo pawns advocating policies to suppress Second Amendment rights self defense being the primary reason Americans acquire firearms women are now the fastest growing group of new firearm owners. And given the inconvenient truth that a grossly disproportionate number of murders and violent crimes are perpetrated in urban centers by black assailants on black victims, 30 percent of the women purchasing firearms are black urban residents. In other words, what we have here is mostly wealthy white privilege suburban women attempting to dictate to mostly poor urban black women, what they can and cant do to defend themselves. I suggest a cage match game on! FOOTNOTE: Regarding so-called gun violence and mass shootings: For the record, murders of multiple people, particularly mass murders, are very rare in our nation of 330 million people. There were approximately 25,000 homicides in the U.S. in the latest year of record, which you can view state by state, and fortunately there are indications that homicides may be declining after the surge in violence unleashed by Joe Biden and his Democrat agitators in 2020. The Demos ubiquitously and falsely label the generational murderous contagion they have seeded, gun violence, and focus exclusively on the infrequent high-profile mass shootings, which account for only a tiny fraction of all homicides. More than 99% of murders in the U.S. are not the result of mass attacks. (Notably, guns dont commit violence, thugs and sociopaths commit violence.) The oft-cited Gun Violence Archive defines a mass shooting as any incident that involves a minimum of four victims shot, either injured or killed. The vast majority of those violent attacks are the result of drug and gang violence committed on Democrat-controlled urban centers. In a country and culture that ignores the rising generation of sociopathic murderers thugs in violent urban centers who are saturated with cultural violence to the point of glorifying it, it is fortunate that the incidence of mass murder is not ten times higher. Arguably, the only thing keeping that number from being higher is that 125 million Americans are legal and responsible gun owners. Democrats dont focus on the vast majority of murders, particularly the epidemic of black-on-black murders on their degraded urban poverty plantations because they want to avoid at all cost, the inconvenient truth about race and violence, which is the direct result of failed Democrat social programs. Those murders arent useful for the gun control narrative they invoke to evoke emotional reaction from mostly wealthy white suburban women, whom form the Demos largest voter constituency. As for actual mass murders, that is detailed in the FBIs data on active shooter incidents which it defines as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area in 2022 the FBI reported 50 incidents resulting in 313 casualties (100 killed and 213 wounded). That number was up significantly from 2020, when the FBI reported 40 incidents resulting in 164 casualties (38 killed and 126 wounded). A more relevant record of mass shooting data is maintained by the Associated Press and Northeastern University, which uses the Department of Justice definition of mass public shooting: A multiple homicide incident in which four or more victims are murdered with firearms. These numbers fluctuate significantly year over year, and range between 20 and 40 incidents. FOOTNOTE 2: Regarding why Democrats only focus on less than 1% of murders nationwide they are intentionally using these rare high-profile tragedies to foment fear most notably their oft-repeated but erroneous claim that gun violence is the leading cause of death for children. If by children they mean gang and drug associated murders of those primarily between the ages of 16 and 21, then yes. Democrats are experts at fomenting fear and division. The fear and angst Demos are intentionally propagating is taking a toll on Americans mental health. Psychological researcher Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson observes: Watching it time and time again on your phone or on the headlines can really impact you in ways that I dont think we knew before to be as impactful. Its so in our face all the time and we have access to so much footage, so many pictures, so many videos, so many accounts that were ingesting it in ways thats really unhealthy for us. The result for many mothers is an irrational fear that their children will be shot. That is precisely the fear that Democrats want to perpetuate, especially among their female constituents, in order to advance their gun control agenda. FOOTNOTE 3: Regarding those so-called assault weapons, for much the same reason Democrats focus only on the rare high-profile attacks to generate fear and angst, some of those attacks involve semi-automatic rifles versus pistols, thus the calls to ban them. However, rifles and shotguns of combined are used in less than 3% of all homicides, but Democrats never let facts get in the way of their political agenda. FOOTNOTE 4: Regarding firearms and violent crime, researcher John Lott reports, Over 92% of violent crimes in America do not involve firearms. Again, the only thing keeping that number from being much higher is that 125 million Americans are legal and responsible gun owners. FOOTNOTE 5: Regarding firearms and suicide, 54% of all deaths involving firearms are suicide, most also involving drugs or alcohol abuse, but the big numbers in gun violence reports often do not distinguish between murder and suicide. It would seem that the Demos support for assisted suicide is in conflict with their support for gun control. FOOTNOTE 6: Regarding alcohol v firearm deaths, Demos should ban alcohol because alcohol abuse is far more deadly than firearm abuse. More than 140,000 people died from alcohol abuse last year thats SEVEN times the number homicides associate with fire arms. Drunk drivers are responsible for 28 deaths per day. And notably, it is estimated that alcohol is also a key factor in at least 30% of homicides involving a firearm. (Include illegal drug use and that number jumps to about 60%.) If Democrats are serious about homicides, they should outlaw alcohol. Problem is, the vast majority of alcohol users possess and use it legally and responsibly. Likewise, the vast majority of firearm owners possess and use them legally and responsibly. Enacting a prohibition on firearms is tantamount to enacting a prohibition on alcohol. In both cases, only law-abiding users obey the laws, while lawless users dont. (Updated) Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis Pro Deo et Libertate 1776 2023 was a major year for healthcare data breaches, with cybersecurity incidents occurring across virtually every physician specialty. Here are seven major data breaches that impacted gastroenterology patients this year: 1. Arietis Health, a medical billing company that services GI facilities, filed a data breach notice Oct. 2 with the Texas attorney general after discovering a hacking incident. 2. Yuba City, Calif.-based Sutter North Surgery Center, which provides GI and endoscopy services to patients, filed a data breach notice in September. 3. More than 134,000 people enrolled or formerly enrolled in certain Massachusetts state programs, including those seeking GI services, had personal information, including medical details and financial data, compromised in a data breach involving a file transfer program used by Boston-based UMass Chan Medical School. 4. A Bethany, Okla., GI patient is suing Oklahoma City-based Integris Health, alleging that the system allowed third parties to take personal patient healthcare information for advertising purposes. 5. Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare reported a cybersecurity incident exposing the information of 11 million patients. The health system includes 180 hospitals and 153 ASCs, including GI and endoscopy centers. 6. Patients from Cleveland Clinic, a health system with several ASC and endoscopy center affiliates, were caught in a data breach at medical billing company MedInform. 7. Captify Health, a colonoscopy prep-focused management services company, notified about 244,300 patients that their personal information may have been compromised during a data breach of the company's colonoscopy prep retail site. (Photo : Unsplash/Taiki Ishikawa) A Tesla engineer was attacked by a robot at the Giga Texas factory near Austin, adding to concerns about the company's working environment. Robot Malfunction Attack The incident was documented in Tesla's Form 300 Report to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), when one of the manufacturing arms at the electric car manufacturer pinned an engineer who was programming software into nearby robots, resulting in a laceration, cut, and an open wound on the victim's left hand on November 10, 2021. The engineer fell a few feet down a chute designed for collecting scrap aluminum, leaving a trail of blood, as witnesses told The Information. Mounting Concerns on AI-powered Machinery Although no other robot-related incidents were reported in 2021 or 2022, the recent attack highlights growing concerns about the treatment of humans by AI-powered machinery and the overall safety at the Tesla factory, which the company must report. READ ALSO: How Technology Can Reduce Workplace Accidents And Injuries Underreporting Injuries There are concerns that Tesla is underreporting the number of injuries. In 2018, OSHA investigators in California found that Tesla omitted at least 36 injuries from government filings. Troubling data from The Information in 2022 showed that nearly one in every 21 workers was injured, compared to the industry median rate of one in every 30 workers. The ratio was about one in every 26 workers for more on-the-job severe injuries. The median rate at which such injuries happen at other U.S. auto factories amounted to one in every 38 workers. Inadequate Safety Training Last year, the labor nonprofit Workers Defense Project filed a lawsuit against Tesla, claiming the company didn't provide adequate safety training to its employees. Heatstroke Death In September 2021, a construction worker building Tesla's Giga Texas factory died of heat stroke. The Texas Observer's investigation of Antelmo Ramirez revealed that Tesla didn't thoroughly report accidents. In court filings, Tesla denied wrongdoing, attributing Ramirez's death to pre-existing medical conditions and for not exercising ordinary care despite a medical examiner stating Ramirez had no known medical history. Added Construction Injuries According to sources, the fast construction of the Giga Texas facility, completed in two years, contributed to lax safety and increased injuries. Tesla's aggressive construction pace, known as "Elon Speed," involved 24/7 work shifts, leading to faster-than-expected completion. Self-reported worker injuries at Tesla range from blunt force trauma to chemical exposures and machine accidents, causing some workers to recover for months. Examples include an ankle caught in a moving cart, leading to a 127-day absence, and a material handler struck in the head, requiring 85 days to recover, as per OSHA records. Compliance Report for Economic Incentive Agreement The Giga factory is more accurately situated in an "unincorporated" area called Del Valle in Travis County, commonly described as being in Austin. Tesla received over $60 million in tax breaks from Travis County and the Del Valle Independent School District for choosing this location. However, there are concerns that Tesla might not be adhering to the strict requirements linked to these tax incentives. The Workers Defense Project's attorney, Alexander, noted that Tesla must compile an annual compliance report for the economic development incentive agreement. As Alexander shared DailyMail.com via phone, some construction worker injuries, including the death of Antelmo Ramirez, haven't been appropriately recorded in the report, going against the agreement's terms, which mandate reporting all injuries and deaths of construction workers on the site, not just those directly employed by Tesla. RELATED ARTICLE: Businesses and Tech Groups Warn EU Against Over-regulating AI Foundation Models 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Midland (Texas) Memorial Hospital is demolishing its existing facility and getting over $156 million in upgrades as part of its master facility plan, CBS7 reported Dec. 20. Built in 1950, the hospital's south campus is dealing with costly electrical and plumbing issues, outdated furnishing, low ceilings, broken elevators, and more, the publication shared. The multiyear project includes the demolition of the hospital's original south tower, development of a new professional office building, additional parking; along with renovations to endoscopy, radiology, infusion center, a simulation center, and the operating room to better serve patients, Stephen Bowerman, president and CEO of Midland Memorial, told Becker's in a statement. "Were subtracting 238,000 square feet, adding back about 115,000 square feet," Mr. Bowerman told CBS7. "So that's a lot less square foot for our facility teams to maintain and it'll reduce our utility bills. It'll make better use of the space that we have. And being able to eliminate 120,000 square feet overall will save the hospital system some money." The project will be funded without a community tax increase, and is expected to kick off construction in February 2024, Mr. Bowerman told Becker's. More than 1 million patients at Corewell Health may have had their information exposed as the health system's population health management vendor, HealthEC, experienced a data breach, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Dec. 26. A small number of patients were also affected through Beaumont ACO, which has a separate contract with HealthEC. HealthEC sent affected patients letters about the breach Dec. 22. Exposed patient information may include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and medical information such as diagnoses, prescriptions and health insurance account details. The company is offering patients 12 months of credit monitoring and identity protection services through TransUnion. "Upon learning of the suspicious activity, we moved immediately to investigate and respond," HealthEC said in a Dec. 22 statement on its website. "The investigation included confirming the security of our network, reviewing the relevant files and systems, notifying potentially affected business partners/customers, and notifying federal law enforcement. As part of our ongoing commitment to your privacy and the security of information in our care, we are also reviewing our existing policies and procedures." The breach comes about a month after another Corewell vendor, Welltok, disclosed it was targeted in the massive MOVEit breach. Welltok offers patient communication services to Grand Rapids and Southfield, Mich.-based Corewell Health and operates a wellness portal for Priority Health, the health system's health plan. Health records of around 1 million patients and about 2,500 Priority Health members were potentially exposed in the breach. Editor's note: Becker's has reached out to Corewell for comment and will update this article if more information becomes available. With some EHR installation costs climbing north of $500 million, a botched installation can seriously affect a health system's bottom line. In 2023, Becker's reported on health systems in Massachusetts, Iowa and Nebraska dealing with the financial fallout of a new EHR system. Mercy Iowa City (Iowa) cited its decision to switch to Altera Digital Health as one of the major contributing factors in filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Mercy's Chief Restructuring Officer Mark Toney said the new system made it difficult to submit reports and "misconfigured workflows." In October, Gardner, Mass.-based Heywood Healthcare also said that a "lengthy electronic medical record transition" was partly to blame for its decision to file for Chapter 11. The health system adopted Meditech in 2019. Even when an expensive EHR installation doesn't lead to bankruptcy, it can still have negative financial effects on a health system. In July, credit ratings agency Fitch downgraded Scottsbluff, Neb.-based Regional West Health Services to "BB-" amid problems associated with its Cerner EHR rollout. A five-day strike has ended involving members of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals from two Prime Healthcare hospitals; Norristown, Pa.-based Suburban Community Hospital and Bristol, Pa.-based Lower Bucks Hospital. "In the here and now, Prime Healthcare needs to invest in its nursing staff in order to provide future generations with high quality critical care close to home," a PASNAP spokesperson said in a statement shared with Becker's. The strike, which began Dec. 22, was authorized by union members in early December after labor contracts lapsed on Oct. 11, resulting in ongoing negotiations for a new deal with Ontario, Calif.-based Prime. "Suburban Community Hospital and Lower Bucks Hospital are continuing to bargain in good faith with the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals leadership to reach an agreement in the best interests of our hospitals, employees, and, most importantly, those we serve. However, the parties have not scheduled other dates for bargaining," Michelle Aliprantis, Regional Director of Marketing and Communications at Prime Healthcare, told Becker's in a statement. While Prime told Becker's in an initial statement that its union proposals, "would increase wages and provide a valuable healthcare plan, maintain important benefits, and be competitive with other hospitals in the market," the union said issues that members raise during ongoing negotiations remain unaddressed. Along with the strike, union members have also pointed to concerns regarding three Philadelphia-based hospitals that are reportedly up for sale. While the names of the three hospitals were not confirmed in an email notice from Los Angeles-based investment bank Xnergy obtained by The Philadelphia Inquirer, the notice did describe the hospital's owner as one that has acute care facilities with an average of 136 beds. The notice description fits the bed parameters of three Philadelphia-area hospitals: Lower Bucks, Suburban Community, Philadelphia-based Roxborough Memorial Hospital; all owned by Prime Healthcare. "Prime Healthcare's mission is to always do what's best for our communities and patients, however, we do not comment on strategic merger and acquisition initiatives," Elizabeth Nikels, vice president of communications and public relations for Prime Healthcare, said in an initial email response to Becker's regarding the sale. Lower Bucks and Suburban Community were both involved in the five-day nursing strikes that ended Dec. 27, and union representatives told Becker's they still don't have clarification on if these two hospitals are part of the sale. "Never, in months of bargaining, did Prime mention the possibility of a sale," the PASNAP spokesperson said. "When we requested additional bargaining dates prior to the strike to continue negotiations and our conversation, management refused. Then, in a letter to staff dated 12/22 the first day of our strike Sonia Mehta, MD, Region II Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Chief Medical Officer & Chief Academic Officer with Prime Healthcare, wrote: "We recently initiated exploring partnerships and collaborations with academic centers. Academic centers and behavioral health providers could better serve the ever-evolving community needs during this ongoing mental health crisis." If both Lower Bucks and Suburban Community are sold, the union workers told Becker's they hope that both hospitals will become part of a nonprofit system. "We believe it's incredibly important that Suburban Community Hospital and Lower Bucks Hospital remain critical care hospitals for the health and well-being of their patient communities," the PASNAP spokesperson said. Becker's has reached out to Prime for an updated statement regarding the sale of the three hospitals. When it comes to maternal health disparities, Sarosh Rana, MD, believes it's time for institutions to walk the talk. "We just keep saying, 'oh, the metrics are so bad,' so we should do something to improve," she told Becker's in a recent interview. Year after year, U.S. reports show dismal maternal health metrics. From 2018 to 2021, the nation's maternal death rate doubled, reaching nearly 33 deaths per 100,000 live births. In Black women, the rate is nearly 70, according to the March of Dimes latest annual report card on maternal and infant health. In November, UChicago Medicine, an urban academic health system predominantly serving Black patients, named Dr. Rana as its first chief obstetrical transformation officer a role that stands out as among the first C-level health system positions to address a distinct form of health equity. She previously served as the organization's maternal-fetal medicine chief and led a postpartum hypertension management program that eliminated a disparity in follow-up visit rates for the condition between Black and white patients and improved clinical outcomes since it began in 2019. More than 5,000 patients have been enrolled in the program that earned UChicago Medicine a health equity advancement award from The Joint Commission in October. Now, as chief obstetrical transformation officer, Dr. Rana aims to continue making measurable improvements in eliminating maternal health disparities by expanding access to high quality obstetrical care. Establishing strong relationships with community partners and safety net hospitals are key in doing so. "We really need to create patient-centered processes and involve our community partners," she said. "Involve your community partners. Involve your federally qualified health centers. Involve your safety net hospitals and create systems which will benefit and will create a kind of safety net for all patients." "If we don't do this, who will?" And UChicago Medicine is doing just that, working closely with South Side Healthy Community Organization, a nonprofit comprised of 13 healthcare organizations including safety net hospitals, health systems and federally qualified health centers to advance care for patients in South Chicago. Through this partnership, UChicago Medicine is piloting maternal-fetal medicine care and high level ultrasound and consultation services at several FQHCs in the region. Additionally, strengthening relationships with safety net hospitals is a key priority to eventually bring maternal health quality programs like the postpartum hypertension management initiative to other clinics and hospitals in the area. Right now, UChicago Medicine is focused on optimizing collaboration with its Ingalls Memorial Hospital and the FQHC associated with it to develop an OB quality program and integrate MFM care. "One of the first things that I want to do is put some of these programs which are very successful we've done them, we're already had them running here for several years in the Ingalls system so that they can directly impact and reduce disparities in the care of patients," Dr. Rana said. Three to four years down the line, the ultimate goal is to develop a roadmap other AMCs across the nation can use to create a sustainable model of care for women to access high quality material healthcare. "Maternal morbidity and mortality is a very prevalent problem and I think bigger institutions need to take a major role and say, 'Let me try to figure this out,'" Dr. Rana said. "The onus lies on us. It lies on the institutions if we don't do this, who will?" New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City-based NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital reached a settlement, which calls for the health system to pay $300,000 for using advertising tools that shared personal information with technology companies. The health system used pixel-tracking technology between 2016 and 2022. In some cases, the third parties received health information about the website visitors. In addition to the $300,000 payment, NewYork-Presbyterian must implement new third-party compliance standards and privacy policies. "We are pleased to have reached a resolution with the New York State Attorney General on this matter," a NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital told Becker's. "The privacy and security of our patients' health information is of paramount importance, and the protection of this confidential information remains a top priority. We continually assess our data collection, data privacy, and digital monitoring tools and practices so that they meet or exceed the highest standards." In recent months, multiple past and present health system CEOs have published books. Here are four that other healthcare executives might consider adding to their reading list: 1. David Schreiner, PhD, president and CEO of Dixon, Ill.,-based KSB Hospital, has written a book that shares his leadership approach and the philosophy behind it. The book, titled "Be the Best Part of Their Day: Supercharging Communication with Values-Driven Leadership" and published by Forbes' publishing arm Advantage Media will be released Jan. 16. It is available for pre-order on Amazon. 2. Patricia Gabow, MD, former CEO of Denver Health, has published a book called "The Catholic Church and Its Hospitals: A Marriage Made in Heaven?" The book, published by the American Association for Physician Leadership, considers the question, "What enables a group of less than 300 Catholic bishops to define the healthcare of millions of Americans, 80% of whom are not Catholic?" Hard copies are available for purchase on the Association's website, and e-books can be purchased on Kindle. 3. Eugene Woods, CEO of Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health, authored the book "Health, Hope, and Healing for All: Toward More Equitable and Affordable Healthcare." The book details the behind-the-scenes workings of one of America's largest health systems, and all proceeds go to charitable funds supporting Advocate Health employees. It is available for purchase on its publisher Skyhorse Publishing's website. 4. James Fanale, MD, former CEO of Providence, R.I.-based Care New England Health System, recently self-published a book entitled "ONWARD: A Teaching, and a Love Story For Physicians, and Everyone." The book tells the story of his cancer journey with the hopes of educating other healthcare workers on supporting caregivers as well as their patients. The book is available for purchase on Amazon, and all proceeds will go toward a new caregivers fund at Dana-Farber. Clinicians have long adhered to 98.6 degrees as the standard, healthy human temperature, but recent research suggests it's more commonly between 97.3 and 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, health professionals should move away from the traditional temperature benchmark to provide optimal care for patients, The Washington Post reported Dec. 25. The debate over this specific benchmark has been ongoing since it was introduced as metric in the 19th century. Several studies throughout the years have found the same, that 98.6 often is not the average temperature for many healthy individuals. Since medical diagnoses and metrics like temperature can vary from person to person, some have suggested the metric be personalized and measured as an average on an individual basis, like blood pressure. "There is no reason why doctors can't do this routinely," Adele Diamond, PhD, a professor of developmental cognitive neuroscience at the University of British Columbia in Canada who has researched the topic, told The Post. "There is a need to individualize it." The need to individualize could lead to improved patient outcomes. Since temperature is an important tool for clinicians to look at related to medical conditions and diagnoses, a more personalized understanding of what is average for one patient could help identify certain conditions more quickly. "When patients come in and say: "I don't feel well, and this temperature is not normal for me,' you should listen to them," Julie Parsonnet, MD, professor of medicine, epidemiology and population health at Stanford (Calif.) University, told the outlet. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is settling a religious discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, according to an EEOC Dec. 22 press release. The pediatric healthcare system is set to pay $45,000 to a former maintenance employee who allegedly requested religious exemption from the system's flu vaccination requirements due to "sincerely held religious beliefs" in 2019, the suit claims. CHOA had allegedly approved a religious exemption for the employee in both 2017 and 2018. While the employee worked primarily outside and had little public and staff interaction, the system reportedly denied his 2019 religious exemption request and fired him. The suit claims that CHOA's alleged actions violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids firing an employee due to their religion and requires employers make reasonable accommodations for employees' religious beliefs, the release said. After an initial attempt to reach a prelitigation settlement through a conciliation process, the EEOC filed the lawsuit against CHOA in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division. The former employee will receive $45,000 from CHOA in monetary damages under the consent decree resolving the lawsuit. "It is the responsibility of an employer to accommodate its employees sincerely held religious beliefs," Marcus Keegan, regional attorney for the EEOCs Atlanta District Office, said in the release. "Unless doing so would require more than a minimal cost, an employer may not deny requested religious accommodations, let alone revoke those previously granted without issue." The system will also make influenza vaccine religious exemption policy adjustments to account for remote employees or those primarily out of contact with patients and other colleagues, along with alternative position abilities if an employee's religious exemption request is turned down. Under Title VII, certain CHOA employees will also be trained on religious accommodation rights, the release said. Becker's has reached out to CHOA for comment regarding the lawsuit and will update this story if more information becomes available. Many of the struggles that strained the nursing profession in years prior continued to do so in 2023, perhaps unsurprisingly to some. Multiple surveys on the profession this year highlighted continued staffing issues, burnout, nurses wanting to leave the profession, lacking feelings of support from hospitals and a range of other issues. With a growing nursing shortage, projected to continue through 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects there will be an average of 194,500 annual openings in the nursing profession until that time. Retirement rates of nurses in the baby boomer generation are happening at a faster pace than incoming nurses can replace are expected to further contribute to the overall shortage, according to the American Nurses Association But there are other factors too, several surveys found, that may deter prospective and even current nurses from entering or staying in the profession. The pandemic put even more strain on front-line workers, and since then many have felt unprepared for similar health crises in the future and unsupported by their employers, a January survey from the American Nurses Foundation reported. Feelings of unpreparedness and a lack of support in jobs are commonly associated with reasons for departure, which was also reflected in several surveys on the nursing profession in 2023. Not only are 85% of nurses planning to leave their roles in the next year, according to a survey of more than 18,000 nurses conducted by AMN Healthcare, but a separate survey from the ANA found that 43% of nurses report the desire to leave the nursing profession entirely. On top of that, fewer than half of nurses 45% report being "fully engaged" in their work, a separate survey published in September found. Some nurses have also reported widespread challenges culturally in their hospital settings. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation revealed in June that 80% of nurses report that they have directly witnessed or experienced discrimination from patients, and 60% from their own colleagues. Nurse leaders have identified possible solutions to increase retention and boost nurse wellness like hospitals investing in nurse residency programs, increasing pay, and having flexible scheduling, so nurses can more easily take time off when they need it most. Despite efforts from hospitals, some of these efforts are still falling short. Nurse residency programs help with the retention of newer nurses as they transition from school to practice with robust support, but 55% of respondents to a LinkedIn poll told Becker's they feel that their hospital lacks a strong nurse residency program. It is not all doom and gloom, though. Many nurses still love what they do. In fact, 60% said just that in a survey led by nurse.org. But with an additional 91% responding in the same survey that they feel the nursing crisis is worsening, looking to longer-term solutions for this workforce population will be critical in 2024 and beyond. (Photo : Unsplash/Slejven Djurakovic) Intel has confirmed intentions to construct a $25 billion chipmaking factory in the southern part of the country, calling it the most significant investment in Israel's history. The Goal of Intel's Expansion Intel, the American tech giant, plans to invest $25 billion in expanding its chipmaking factory in Kiryat Gat despite the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, according to Israel's finance minister Bezalel Smotrich's post in X on Tuesday. Smotrich sees this investment as crucial, especially during a time when Israel is confronting a war against absolute evil, interpreting it as an expression of confidence in the State of Israel and its economy. The investment is expected to generate high-quality jobs in remote areas, boosting productivity and making a substantial contribution to the growth of the Israeli economy. Netanyahu initially announced the new factory in June, highlighting it as the largest-ever investment by an international company in Israel. READ ALSO: NVIDIA's Next Frontier, Vietnam Expansion on AI Revolution Intel's Confirmation on Expansion Intel did not officially confirm the new investment at the time. They stated that their operations in Israel were vital to their success, and any expansion plans were driven by a commitment to fulfill future manufacturing needs. Plans were only confirmed on Tuesday, as Daniel Benatar, co-general manager of Intel Israel, expressed pride in the growth of the Kiryat Gat manufacturing facilities, attributing it to the unwavering commitment of Intel's Israeli employees to excellence. Benatar stated that support from the Israeli government would allow Intel to build on this excellence further, ensuring that Israel continues to be a global hub for semiconductor technology and talent. The chipmaker's expansion plan seeks to regain its leadership in the semiconductor industry, improve supply chain resilience in geopolitical tensions, and strengthen Intel's ability to procure materials and chips globally. The business declared 2022 that it would invest $20 billion in two new U.S. chip manufacturing facilities and $90 billion in new European factories. $3.2 Billion Grant for Plant Expansion According to Israeli media, the Israeli government will grant $3.2 billion for the Kiryat Gat plant expansion, to be distributed over several years. In the coming decade, Intel has pledged to purchase goods and services totaling $16.6 billion from Israeli suppliers. Construction expansion had begun with a substantial portion of the buildings already completed and is expected to open in 2028 and run through 2035, according to the news agency. Intel has four development and production sites in Israel, with Kiryat Gat being its most advanced manufacturing facility. In 2017, Intel acquired Mobileye, a driver-assist technology startup in Israel, for $15.3 billion before taking it public just a year ago. In February 2022, Intel revealed intentions to acquire Israeli chipmaker Tower Semiconductor for $5.4 billion, which was canceled earlier this year due to the failure to secure necessary regulatory approvals, with China's antitrust regulator not granting clearance, according to reports. RELATED ARTICLE: X to Start Hiring Japan Engineers in 2024, Aims to Foster Strategic Partnership with Its Second-largest Market 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Patients treated at hospitals acquired by private equity firms are more likely to develop hospital-acquired conditions, according to a new study published in JAMA Dec. 26. The findings suggest poorer quality of inpatient care at facilities associated with private equity firms, which have acquired more than 200 acute care hospitals from non-private equity owners, per the report. Researchers associated with Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston-based Harvard Medical School; Boston-based Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; and the University of Chicago examined 662,095 hospitalizations at 51 private equity-acquired hospitals and 4,160,720 hospitalizations at 259 matched control hospitals using 100% Medicare Part A claims data. They assessed stays between 2009 and 2019, accounting for three years before and three years after a private equity acquisition. Private equity-acquired hospitals were associated with a 25.4% increase in hospital-acquired conditions, according to the report. This figure was driven by a 27.3% increase in falls and a 37.7% increase in central line-associated bloodstream infections, although private equity-acquired hospitals placed 16.2% fewer central lines than their counterparts. In addition, surgical site infections doubled following a private equity acquisition, despite these hospitals reporting an 8.1% reduction in surgical volumes. Despite their increased association with adverse events, private equity acquisitions see a smaller proportion of patients with Medicare, and the Medicare patients they do see are a part of a lower-risk pool; they tend to be modestly younger, less likely to have dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid, and more likely to be transferred to other acute care hospitals relative to the control group. However, the increase in hospital-acquired conditions at private equity-associated facilities might be connected to their staffing practices, per the study's authors. These hospitals tend to see an increased net income, due in part to reduced clinician staffing which has previously been associated with adverse patient events. "Hospital success is measured not only in dollars or the number of patients who pass through the doors, but also in lives saved, complication rates, patient satisfaction, and a number of other quality and safety metrics," Sneha Kannan, MD, a Harvard Medical School research fellow and Massachusetts General Hospital physician said in a Dec. 26 news release. "We need to make sure we fully understand the costs and benefits of this prominent new force in health care." Six days after the sudden closure of St. Louis-based Northview Village nursing home forcing the transfer of 185 residents officials with the St. Louis City Senior Fund announced they will allocate $174,000 in aid for the residents. The transfer of the nursing home residents was not a smooth process, according to media reports. "There was one person who was moved with no pants, no shoes, no socks, and a lot of their personal items were stolen," Jamie Opsal, executive director of the St. Louis City Senior Fund, told St. Louis Public Radio. The fund will be available to help about 85 residents with replacing incidentals and case management services. The $174,000 in aid from the city's senior fund will only be available to help residents over 60, but the St. Louis Mental Health Board and the Department of Human Services are working to create a plan to aid residents under 60, according to the outlet. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is investigating the abrupt closure, which was announced to the residents Dec. 15 as a line of vans arrived outside to transport them to 14 different nursing homes, according to The New York Times. While the facility's financial reports reveal it had been losing money for several years, questions have also been raised about how to hold its owners accountable. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and former employees criticized the owners following the incident. A combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, physician shortages, and delays to receive in-person care have led to the boom of subscription-style healthcare services that promise a fast review of symptoms and streamlined ordering of prescriptions. But experts are questioning if this is truly the answer medicine needs, according to CBS News. Companies like Hims & Hers, Wisp, Ro and many others allow consumers to easily and quickly be evaluated from the comfort of their home, or anywhere with internet access, and receive prescriptions for everything from hair loss, mental health conditions, sexually transmitted infections, birth control and more. Amazon also pushed into the subscription healthcare realm this year, partnering with One Medical to allow subscribers to more easily access care and prescriptions for even everyday illnesses. While these telehealth subscription models do have contracted physicians to review patient information and suggest and prescribe treatments, some experts worry that the model is too heavily focused on drugs instead of other, also important aspects of healthcare. "This isn't medicine. This is selling drugs to consumers," Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD, a professor of pharmacology and physiology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., told CBS. The ease with which patients can access care instantly, compared by some to being as easy as accessing Netflix, misses the piece of incorporating and monitoring other important aspects of patient care, other experts told the outlet. "These companies are very solution-oriented," Ateev Mehrotra, MD, a professor of healthcare policy and medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, told CBS. "They're not thinking about that comprehensive care." Patients who receive medications through these services don't typically have routine follow-up check-ins or accompanying treatment plans like talk therapy in addition to depression medication, for example. Although experts may be concerned, consumers seem to enjoy the access and ease of the new models of care. Companies like Hims & Hers, Wisp and Ro continue to grow their market shares. These companies assert that they should not replace primary care, but be an asset to it in a system that is overburdened. Heading into the week of Christmas, new hospitalizations and emergency department visits for respiratory viruses continued to rise nationwide. There were nearly 220,000 combined ED visits for COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus for the week ending Dec. 23, with flu accounting for the majority of the visits. This marks a 21% increase from the week prior, when 181,462 ED visits were recorded, according to the latest CDC data. Overall, hospitalization rates are highest among adults 65 and older and young children. As measures of respiratory virus activity continue to tick up, some hospitals are already operating under significant strain, sparking renewed concerns that healthcare systems could face another capacity crisis later this season. "We're treading water OK right now," Sallie Permar, MD, PhD, chief pediatrician at Weill Cornell Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, told The Atlantic in a recent report. "Add much more, and we're thrown into a similar situation as last year." Three more hospital trends to know: COVID: New weekly hospital admissions rose for the sixth week straight, with 25,577 reported for the week ending Dec. 16 a 10% jump from the week before. The increase comes as a new variant, JN.1, quickly gains ground in the U.S., making up more than 44% of cases. Experts previously predicted the strain would gain dominance around Christmas, indicating it could kick start a new wave around New Year's. Flu: Most parts of the country continue to see an increase in flu activity, with nearly 10,000 flu patients admitted to hospitals for the week ending Dec. 16. The overall cumulative hospitalization rate so far this season is 11.3 per 100,000 population. RSV: Hospitalization rates for RSV remain elevated, and continue to increase in many areas of the country, with slight decreases seen in some states in the Southeast. The hospitalization rate is highest among children under 4 at nearly 23 per 100,000. Peter Paige, MD, became UVA Health's inaugural chief clinical officer Dec. 11, marking a departure from his most recent role as the CEO of Albany (N.Y.) Medical Health System. The move, however, signifies a return to familiar territory for Dr. Paige, who previously served as executive vice president, chief physician executive and chief clinical officer at Jackson Health System in Miami. Dr. Paige says he strategically embraced his CEO role at Albany Medical Health System, recognizing it as a valuable opportunity to better understand the clinical intricacies and strategic business considerations that come with running an academic medical center. Now back in the role of chief clinical officer at Charlottesville, Va.-based UVA Health, Dr. Paige's primary focus is on improving efficiency and standardizing clinical operations across the four-hospital system. Becker's spoke with Dr. Paige a mere eight days into his new position about how he plans to leverage his CEO perspective, his top priorities for 2024 and more. Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity. Question: What are the key challenges and opportunities that come with stepping into a newly created C-suite role? Dr. Peter Paige: It's both a challenge and an opportunity. On a positive side, we can prioritize and create what we need based on what we think will be most effective for the organization to continue to improve upon a lot of our basic indicators. We're all trying to get better and better with quality, satisfaction, experience, and staff satisfaction and retention. All of those will factor in. They've done a lot of great work here. I've been very impressed with the leadership teams that I've worked with so far. But there are always opportunities, and I think that being able to structure this role to help us prioritize targeted areas is a great opportunity. It's also been fun because I've already had people reaching out to me saying, "Oh, could you help with this? Could you help with that?" and I'm not even two weeks in. The challenge is that there is no template it's not like somebody was in this role previously. And so it's really perceived as kind of an ambiguous role to a lot of people in the organization. You have to navigate the waters carefully because a lot of people have been here for a long time and are very successful. You have to be very respectful of boundaries and be a resource and an influence in a lot of these areas, but be respectful of what people have done and continue to do very well. Q: What is the most crucial thing for a new C-suite leader to do in their first month to ensure a smooth transition? PP: It's visibility. You have to get out there. You have to meet with people. I'd rather go to their office or a hospital to sit down with people and better appreciate and understand some of the challenges they're going through, what's going well and what's not. In an inaugural role, it's also important to help clarify what the expectations are of me in this role and how I can support them. This healthcare system is full of people with a lot of skill and experience. It's that focus I need to be committed to, especially for the early portion of the transition. Q: How has your past CEO role prepared you for your current role? Do you see any overlap there? PP: The biggest reason that I wanted to be the CEO of a medical center was I wanted to experience some of the things that, as a physician leader, I hadn't had as much responsibility over. Going through that process for the past 18 months has broadened my scope, my experience and my understanding of what CEOs of academic medical centers go through on a day-to-day basis. Some of the things that I didn't appreciate as much as a physician leader, as it relates to nursing challenges, facilities and maintenance or capital budgets and investments those aren't as prominent for physician leaders in some organizations. I just thought that getting that experience would make me stronger for a role like this in a big complicated system where my relationships with other leaders are a little more well-informed. It makes you better at supporting and being a resource to CEOs across the health system, understanding some of their challenges and trying to work collaboratively with them to come up with solutions. Overseeing the budget for a big academic medical center is a significant task, especially in this day and age. It just gives you a different viewpoint and a bit of a different objectivity. Q: What are your one or two biggest priorities for 2024? PP: It's going to be trying to integrate the community hospitals with the academic medical center, medical college, training programs, the faculty and potentially with research. We have ambulatory surgery centers, a couple of different medical groups. I'm trying to create more alignment across all those different areas and disciplines. I was formerly a private physician in emergency medicine, and I joined medical groups at my last two sites. I have a lot of experience with multiple physician groups and types, so my hope is that we'll also be able to create greater alignment with some of the private practitioners, medical groups and the main campus. I'm also focused on recognizing things that are being done really well. There are pockets in the organization that do some great work if we can figure out how to harness and promote that on all the different campuses. Ultimately, there's going to be a lot of community outreach as well. We have a lot of communities locally that we support, but we want to be a bigger resource for the state and potentially beyond as it relates to types of care that we provide that other places may not be able to provide. Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based Advent Health launched a new primary health division focused on whole-person care this year and is looking forward to modernizing and unifying its statewide network structure in 2024, according to Jennifer Jackson, AdventHealth's senior vice president and chief population health officer. The executive featured in this article is speaking at Becker's 14th Annual Meeting in Chicago. Hospital and health system leaders can click here to apply for a complimentary badge. Interested in exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities to connect with 3,000+ hospital and health system leaders? Download the prospectus here. Question: How has population health strategy at AdventHealth changed the most over the last year, and what initiative are you most excited about for 2024? Jennifer Jackson: In 2023, AdventHealth formed the Primary Health Division, a new business vertical that brings together non-acute care business units to deliver high-value, longitudinal, whole-person care that succeeds in multiple reimbursement structures. The new division aligns primary care practices, home health services, urgent care and population health to focus on delivering care solutions and services that advance value-based care for the populations we serve. As the new division takes shape, I am energized by the initiatives on the horizon for our population health services organization in 2024. Our top priority is the unifying of two large Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs) into a singular, statewide entity with a cohesive market presence. The modernized CIN will enable us to address the growing health needs within our community and attract employers and payers who are seeking a high-value network that can manage the total cost of care for consumers. The modernized CIN construct will allow flexibility in engaging providers in varying tiers of risk such as pay for performance, shared savings, capitation or delegated risk based on their willingness and ability to perform. This along with a new standard performance program where incentives are distributed quarterly, allows us to engage and maintain high performing providers in our network. The incentive program is designed specifically to address ED utilization, the appropriate use of specialists, access to care, enhanced quality performance, and overall cost effectiveness. In addition to new financial models and timely incentives our CIN will focus on simplifying the administrative burden on our providers by narrowing the number of contracted quality metrics to 14 standard metrics. This quality program emphasizes the implementation of proactive clinical programs and initiatives to continuously improve these core measures and lessens the need to chase care gaps. By modernizing our network structure and approach to provider engagement, we aim to improve network performance, align high value providers, continue to prepare for advanced payment models, and ultimately meet the needs of our consumers. NYC Health + Hospitals rolled out a new care delivery model in 2023 that entails designating one staff member on each unit as a "well-being buddy" tasked with checking in and supporting colleagues. Every shift, a nurse or ancillary staff member volunteers for the role, which formalizes their responsibility to promote and protect the team's well-being. The check-ins can be simple questions asked during the workday "Did you get a lunch break?" or "Do you need water or coffee?" but they've led to significant improvements, according to Natalia Cineas, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nurse executive of NYC Health + Hospitals. "This peer-to-peer check in has been transformational," she told Becker's. "We all know you have to care for yourself before you care for others. Now that's really ingrained in the culture 24/7. We've seen nurses now singing happy birthday to patients just the entire milieu has really changed because of the well-being buddy." The positive culture change is also reflected within the health system's patient experience and nurse satisfaction scores, both of which increased this year, according to Dr. Cineas. NYC Health + Hospitals deployed well-being buddies in six hospitals in 2023, with five more to go in 2024. Dr. Cineas said staff members have embraced the program with open arms. "When you have change management, you never know how it's going to go but we've been really pleased as to how staff have really just taken on this new initiative that we designed and they've made it their own," she said. "It's been pretty phenomenal." The effort is separate from the New York City-based health system's Helping Healers Heal program, which is designed for staff members who may need more assistance to cope with workplace stress or anxiety. The peer-led employee wellness program offers peer-to-peer support, mental health expertise and team-debriefing sessions to staff members after traumatic events. Virginia plans to end funding for more than half of the community health workers employed at the state's local health districts, VPM reported Dec. 22. On Dec. 20, Gov. Glenn Youngkin released his proposed budget for the next two years, which did not include funding for community health workers. There are currently 112 community health workers employed at 25 of Virginia's 35 health districts; by July 1, 2024, 60 of them will lose funding, and by June 30, 2025, at least 20 more will be cut. The radio station obtained those figures from internal Virginia health department documents; since only 25 of the 35 health districts were included in the records, it is possible that even more community health workers could be affected. It would cost $11.3 million to fund all 112 positions for the next two years, which is 0.5% of the health department's overall proposed budget, according to the radio station. Health districts are unsure where they will come up with the money to continue employing community health workers. One internal document reported that 96% of Virginia health districts "strongly agree that loss of funding for CHWs will negatively impact one or more health department programs or services in their health district." Public health programs, including blood pressure monitoring and training on how to use naloxone (a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses), might be cut as a result. There are still two sources of hope for community health workers and their advocates: Virginia might permit the services they provide to be reimbursable through Medicaid, or might pass a budget amendment that allocates ongoing funding for their positions at local health districts. Mr. Youngkin's office did not respond to the radio station's request for comment. As the popularity of spine procedures in the ASC setting continues to grow, some physicians worry that payer behavior could stunt technological growth and surgeon abilities. Physicians are concerned that insurance companies won't be open to covering new care options, and potential care plan denials by insurers often result in patient care delays and revenue delays for orthopedic surgeons. As spine procedures expand into the ASC setting, payers are increasingly resistant to covering certain procedures in an outpatient setting. The industry won't be able to see benefits if insurers choose to continually deny coverage for these care options. Chad Campion, MD, clinical instructor of orthopedic and spine surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Campbell Clinic in Memphis, spoke with Becker's about the two trends he is watching in 2024. Dr. Campion: 1. The increasing popularity of endoscopic spine surgery, as well as the shift to more outpatient and ASC cases in spine surgery. 2. As endoscopic continues to grow, there will need to be an acceptance by payers of its efficacy, in addition to agreeing on billing and coding that reflects the procedure being done. Augmedics has treated its 5,000th patient using its Xvision spine system, the first augmented reality system to gain FDA approval for surgery. The news follows a big year for Augmedics, in which the company saw the launch of its first artificial intelligence application and earned $82.5 million in Series D financing. The 5,000th case was performed by Andrew Sama, MD, co-chief of spine and associate attending orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. In 2022, HSS became the first in New York State to use AR navigation for spine surgery, according to a Dec. 23 press release. Dr. Sama has performed over 100 cases using the Xvision system and utilizes Augmedics for nearly all his thoracolumbar procedures, according to the release. Gov't remains vigilant to prevent chain reaction of bankruptcies By Anna J. Park Speculation runs high that Taeyoung Engineering & Construction (Taeyoung E&C) is close to filing for corporate restructuring due to a liquidity crisis triggered by a soured real estate project financing (PF) deal. Some market watchers expect the construction company will file for restructuring as early as this week, given that the aggregate amount of PF loans maturing later this week and until early next year has surpassed the level that Taeyoung can service. The construction company did not confirm the market rumors in a public disclosure announced on Wednesday and said, "The company is currently reviewing various options for the normalization of operations. However, nothing has been confirmed yet. The company will provide updated disclosure on the issue at the time of confirmation or within a month." PF is a financing technique that uses loans to finance a project after promising the future revenue of a real estate development project as repayment. As of the end of the third quarter, Taeyoung's entire real estate PF loan balance is estimated at around 4.4 trillion won ($3.4 billion). When excluding 1.2 trillion won worth of social overhead capital PF guaranteed by the government, 3.2 trillion won remains as the net real estate PF balance. Out of the 3.2 trillion won worth of real estate PF, approximately 47 percent of Taeyoung E&C building sites have yet to start construction due to a lack of secured repayment funds. "The issue at hand is Taeyoung E&C's lack of short-term liquidity. As of the end of the third quarter of 2023, Taeyoung E&C's sequential borrowings amount to 1.93 trillion won, with a debt ratio reaching 478.7 percent," Kang Kyung-tae, a construction sector analyst at Korea Investment & Securities, pointed out. "Among the major construction companies ranked within the top 35 in the country in terms of construction capability assessment, Taeyoung E&C has the highest debt ratio. Repayment of the debt through revenues would be very challenging, as all earned operating profits are fully offset by interest costs." This week alone, the construction company is facing the maturity of a PF loan related to an office building development project in Seongsu District in eastern Seoul, which amounts to 48 billion won. The company has other debt maturing in early January. Financial authorities on full alert The government is vigilantly observing how the situation pans out. The so-called "F-4" members indicating four key financial authorities: Choi Sang-mok, nominee for finance minister, Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Kim Joo-hyun, Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Governor Lee Bok-hyun and Bank of Korea (BOK) Governor Rhee Chang-yong held a meeting on late Tuesday, discussing the possibility of Taeyoung E&C's restructuring and its potential repercussions on the real estate PF market. Earlier this month, the FSC chairman, who is the top financial regulator, highlighted that the government is aiming for what he called a "soft landing" and "orderly cleanup" of the real estate PF market, hinting that the financial authorities are expecting and ready for bankruptcy filings or restructuring by a number of insolvent construction companies. The FSS governor also shared a similar view earlier this month. "In principle, construction and financial companies with insufficient profitability and chronic problems should undergo appropriate adjustments or restructuring, unless they undertake extraordinary measures, such as asset reduction," he said. With those comments coming out, it is now clear that the government has shifted its position from focusing on prolonging maturity expirations to letting go of some businesses that cannot remain profitable. Financial industry sources told The Korea Times that it is the government's view that allowing severely unprofitable businesses to fail in accordance with market principles can be beneficial to the national economy in the long run, despite short-term turbulence. The FSC vowed late last week to ensure prompt responses in the event of market uncertainties. While Taeyoung E&C is making utmost efforts to secure liquidity by selling stakes in various development businesses and affiliates, construction and finance sector insiders seem to have already acknowledged the looming restructuring as a fact. Meanwhile, the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act, which ended in October, was reinstated after the National Assembly passed the bill early this month. The act serves as the fundamental legal framework for debt adjustment or restructuring of companies showing signs of insolvency. The law allows insolvent companies that undergo a temporary liquidity crisis to extend debt maturity when more than 75 percent of creditors consent to offering such support. If Taeyoung applies for the workout under the law, subsequent procedures will immediately be taken, according to the law. DUP tells party to focus on the issues that really matter to voters Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald during an interview at her office in Leinster House, Dublin. Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire The only issue Sinn Fein cares about is creating division and instability, a DUP MLA has said, after Mary Lou McDonald speculated that a border poll could be held within the lifetime of the next Dail. It comes as opinion polls have Sinn Fein emerging as the largest party in the Republic following the next general election south of the border, which has to happen before the Spring of 2025. However, the partys support has been slipping in the Republic according to recent polls. It comes after the issue of migration was again the focus of attention after three children and a school care assistant were stabbed outside a primary school in Dublin city centre. Sinn Fein criticised Irish justice minister Helen McEntee for the riots that followed but she survived a vote of no confidence in the Dail after Ms McDonalds party brought the motion. In an interview with the PA news agency, Ms McDonald said that, if her party comes out on top following the next general election, it would use its mandate to urge the UK Government to spell out the criteria for determining when a border must be held. Read more Sinn Fein will face more urgent matters than Irish unity if it gains power in the Republic Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has to call a border poll if it appears likely that a majority of those voting would back unity. However, there is no set criteria for when a border poll would be triggered. Asked if a vote on constitutional change in Northern Ireland could happen within the lifetime of the next government in the Republic, the Sinn Fein President said: It could be. But it would certainly require a level of diligence and work. One thing for sure is, it will only happen if you have a government thats actually serious about the proposition and actually fully understands what it can mean for Ireland, and who is ambitious to create that space and those opportunities for our people. DUP MLA Deborah Erskine hit out at Ms McDonalds remarks. Regardless of where they live, people want to see action on the issues that really matter to them, the journalism graduate and former press officer said. Sinn Feins focus isnt on schools, hospitals, childcare or housing. The only issue Sinn Fein cares about is creating division and instability through agitating for a border poll. Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said there is no evidence supporting the need for, or likely success, of a border poll. "The reality is Sinn Fein trot this line out every quarter like red meat for its supporters as it plays towards an election in 2024, he added. As a unionist it is also very clear that Sinn Fein are the very antithesis of the thing they wish to achieve. A Sinn Fein government in Ireland would quickly dissolve any hope of a united Ireland. For unionists it is the quiet, rational and respectful voices for Irish unity we must concern ourselves with. To counter their aspirations we must present a vision for a Northern Ireland that works and creates opportunity for everyone within the United Kingdom. TUV leader Jim Allister said: "Unionists have no control over who will form the next government in the Republic. As it is a foreign jurisdiction that is as it should be. "Unionists do, however, have a say in who forms the government in Northern Ireland. If Sinn Fein being in government in Dublin will further their goal of an all-Ireland, being part of a Stormont executive is only going to further that objective all the more. With the Protocol giving them the tools to build an all-Ireland economy it would be madness for Unionists to accept an Uncle Tom role in a Republican led government in Belfast. "It is incumbent upon all Unionists at Stormont to reflect on what the consequences are of giving Sinn Fein a character reference they can wave in the faces of the southern electorate by going into government with Republicans here." Ms McDonald was also asked if, as Taoiseach, she would have any problem attending unionist-linked commemorative events in Northern Ireland, like Remembrance Sunday ceremonies. Well as a matter of fact, I go to Remembrance Sunday in St Patricks Cathedral (in Dublin). But, yeah, I mean, thats a good example, she replied. I think its absolutely appropriate that that is a moment in which the taoiseach, on behalf of all Irish people, irrespective of your tradition, that we stand in remembrance and respect for that tradition. On the issue of attending IRA commemorations if she becomes Taoiseach, Ms McDonald said she would do everything she could to chart a path that was balanced and respectful. I actually think that that is not going to be a source of contention, for the simple reason that I will do everything within my power to be balanced and respectful, she said. I am an Irish republican and Im the leader of Sinn Fein. People know my political views. Any leader, you have to be authentically yourself, thats who I am, but I am also very, very clear in my mind around the additional expectations that people have of you when you occupy the highest office in the land. So, I can assure you that Im very, very conscious of that. And the objective of any Taoiseach worthy of the name has to be in a balanced, respectful and fair way and being authentically yourself to give expression and to give respect to all traditions across society. So, actually, to be honest with you, its a challenge that I would relish. Pat Finucane was gunned down by loyalist paramilitaries inside the family home in north Belfast in 1989 (PA) The family of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane were appalled by Blairs ignorance of case details during a meeting in 2000 where they pushed for a public inquiry. The high-profile defence solicitor was gunned down by loyalist paramilitaries inside the family home in north Belfast in 1989. The meeting between his family and UK prime minister Tony Blair was set up after a pledge from taoiseach Bertie Ahern earlier in 2000. In February 1999, based on the findings of a report by Jane Winter of the British-Irish Rights Watch (BIRW), it was conveyed to the Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam that the Irish government believed a public inquiry was necessary. Geraldine Finucane, widow of Pat Finucane, and daughter Katherine, arrive at Downing Street to meet Tony Blair in 2000 (PA) Though minister of state Liz ODonnell had said in a letter to Ms Mowlam that the case for a public inquiry was compelling, the Irish government had not made a public statement calling for such a probe. Documents released to the National Archives show the Irish government made more than one prompt to ensure the family met Mr Blair. The meeting at No 10 Downing Street was attended by Pats widow Geraldine and their children Michael, John and Katherine, and had been scheduled for 30 minutes but instead lasted 50. Solicitors Paul Mageean and Peter Madden as well as Ms Winter attended the meeting with Mr Blair, who was accompanied by Jonathan Powell. In a confidential document dated September 5 2000, Fergal Mythen, of the Irish governments security section, said he spoke to Ms Winter after the meeting. It was at the start a very disappointing meeting from the familys perspective, with Blair sticking rigidly to the line that an independent inquiry was not possible while the Stevens investigation was ongoing. Tony Blair with Mo Mowlam (PA) John Stevens conducted three probes into allegations of security force collusion with loyalist paramilitaries. She said that Mr Blair said Northern Ireland secretary Ms Mowlam had called in Mr Stevens in February 1999; the family understood that RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan had made the decision unilaterally to block a public inquiry. When pressed on this, Blair backtracked somewhat, saying dont quote me on that' and Powell also intervened to muddy the waters on this point. Ms Winter said she thought Mr Blair was initially very dismissive of their case and had initially tried to distance his Government from it. He was also badly briefed and they were appalled by his ignorance of the details of the case, the note stated. Geraldine Finucane, who had been injured in the attack, told him that though the Labour government had not created the problem, if it was not dealt with now they too would be culpable. Mr Blair was told that the handling of the case could negatively impact the peace process and that it was about winning the confidence of nationalists in the system of law. The note states that about halfway through the meeting, Mr Blair went off-brief and began to engage seriously with the arguments being put to him. Blair said he wanted to know the truth and that, if he found that members of the security forces had targeted individuals for murder, then they would be out of a job. The Finucanes were encouraged by his evident strength of feeling on this point. Mr Finucanes son John is now an MP (PA) During Mr Aherns meeting with the family in February, to coincide with the 11th anniversary of Pat Finucanes killing, Geraldine Finucane had asked him to arrange the meeting with Mr Blair to push him on a public inquiry. Minister for foreign affairs Brian Cowen and minister of state Liz ODonnell also attended the February meeting. The notes of the meeting said the report by Ms Winter was the most shocking report they had ever written and alleged there was machinery within the British system which targeted people for murder. Mr Ahern said he had sent a letter to Mr Blair eight months previously, in June 1999, when he said the case for a public inquiry was compelling and asked him to proceed urgently in this regard. He said this would have given enough time to establish an inquiry. He added he had also raised the Finucane case during St Patricks Day meetings in Washington the previous year and would do so again in March 2000. The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file 2023/154/20 Fire engines and ambulances on Seagrave Road in Fulham, west London, as firefighters tackle a blaze at London Oratory School (James Manning/PA) Firefighters have tackled a blaze at a school in west London. Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters were called to the London Oratory School on Seagrave Road in Fulham at 10am. The fire is now under control and no injuries have been reported, the London Fire Brigade said. Part of an atrium in the four-storey building was damaged by fire. The London Ambulance Service said it had not treated any patients. A nearby shopping centre and some residential addresses have been evacuated as a precaution. Residents were urged to keep their windows closed. Fire engines and police officers on Seagrave Road (PA) The prestigious Catholic school, which admits boys aged seven to 18 and girls aged 16 to 18, is a short distance from the Chelsea stadium, Stamford Bridge. The schools alumni include actor Simon Callow, trade unionist Mick Whelan as well as the children of the former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, Harriet Harman and former deputy prime minister, Sir Nick Clegg. A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: The brigade was called at 10.11am and is still at the scene. Fire crews from Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Wandsworth, Hammersmith, Clapham, Lambeth and Soho fire stations were in attendance. The cause of the fire is under joint investigation by the Brigade and the Met Police. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: Police dont know at this stage whether there are any injured persons inside the school. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and will be investigated. A nearby shopping centre and some residential addresses have been evacuated as a precaution. Road closures are in place. Please avoid the area at this time. The London Ambulance Service, which was on the scene, urged residents to close their windows. A spokesperson said: We sent a number of resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an incident response officer, a medic in a fast response car and members of our hazardous area response team (HART). Our first medics arrived at the scene in less than three minutes. We did not treat any patients at the scene. Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands said he was concerned by the incident, and was in touch with the police. Posting on X, he added: Lots of helicopter noise overhead this part of Fulham too. Members of the court staff wearing silk scarves printed with artwork of the Old Bailey (Victoria Jones/PA) The first Old Bailey merchandise has gone on sale for charity with silk scarves fit for a Kings Counsel. The scarves, which come in two colour schemes, capture the grandeur of the worlds most famous courthouse. Proceeds are going to the Sheriffs and Recorders Fund, a charity which supports the rehabilitation of people after they leave prison and their families. The Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, who is the charitys vice-president, called on the artistic talent of his son Matthew after he created a scarf for his wifes 60th birthday. Judge Lucraft said he wanted the design to be instantly recognisable as the Old Bailey and was overwhelmed by the result. The silk scarves made by Matthew Lucraft (Victoria Jones/PA) He told the PA news agency: I mentioned my wifes scarf to other judges and one said why doesnt Matthew design something for the Old Bailey. He managed to capture on the scarf so many aspects of the Old Bailey. The Grand Hall, the figure of justice on the dome, Court One, Dead Mans Walk, both old and new entrances to the building. Its just very evocative of the grandeur of the court as a whole. The inspiring and iconic Old Bailey was built at a time when it was important for the country to recognise the rule of law and the justice system and that remains the case today, he said. He added: In the past we have been able to offer books or cards which relate to the Old Bailey but this is the first piece of dedicated merchandise we have offered to support a small but very important charity. This having been successful I hope we might look at other ways of increasing our revenue of the charity through offering for sale other items relating to the Old Bailey. The scarves are to be sold for the Sheriffs & Recorders Fund charity appeal (Victoria Jones/PA) Matthew Lucraft, 32, set to work on the Old Bailey scarf last summer by sketching images on A3 paper. The architectural designer, from London, said: It was something that my dad had in his mind and had been mulling over for a little while. I have never worked in making products before. There was no really fixed brief. It was more to find interesting corners or spaces of the Old Bailey that could be combined into a quadrant format that would work on a square scarf. I found this company that print on silk and it came out really well. The Old Bailey dates back to the 16th century and was used by Charles Dickens to vilify the Victorian legal system in his novel, A Tale Of Two Cities. The current building which was constructed in 1902 and extended in 1972 lies on top of the old Newgate gaol and even older Roman ruins. With a total of 18 courtrooms, the Grade II listed Old Bailey in central London remains the highest criminal court in England and Wales and venue for among the most serious terrorism and homicide trials. Mr Lucraft said his father was a great client only stipulating the design should include a glimpse into the Grand Hall. The Grand Hall of the Central Criminal Court also known as the Old Bailey, in central London (John Stillwell/PA) The hall was immortalised on the silver screen when Gal Gadots Diana Prince fended off terrorists there in the 2017 film Justice League. In real life, the decorative interior of the Old Bailey was damaged in an IRA attack in 1973 and is largely hidden from view to all but court staff and users. Mr Lucraft said: I do think its one of the great gems that is not as accessible as some of the others and a really nice one to draw. We have all these monuments, especially in London. We have this amazing history. On the completion of the project, he said: It was a real journey. I think its come together really well. When you see the whole thing together its a good way of capturing some of the key spaces. Its quite subtle. Its not immediately recognisable. Mr Lucraft said it was slightly bizarre for the Old Bailey to have its own merchandise but added that it was all for a good cause. The Sheriffs and Recorders Fund is committed to the rehabilitation of prison leavers and the welfare of their families. Based at the Old Bailey, the Fund works closely with the Probation Service and aims to ensure grants reach those most in need. The Old Bailey scarves are available to buy for 120 online through the Fund website: https://sr-fund.org/ The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive for a visit to the Grange Pavilion in Cardiff (Jacob King/PA) Wales has enjoyed many contrasts throughout 2023, from the celebrations surrounding frequent visits by the new Prince and Princess of Wales to tragedy as several young people lost their lives on the countrys roads. The royal couple visited Cardiff to meet members of the Windrush generation and celebrate the work of diverse community groups in the area. William and Kate were greeted by cheering schoolchildren when they arrived at Grange Pavilion close to the city centre for an event marking the start of Black History Month. The Prince and Princess of Wales meet schoolchildren during a visit to the Grange Pavilion in Cardiff (Jacob King/PA) (Jacob King/PA) They also championed Wales during the Six Nations rugby international against England at the Principality Stadium. The Prince and Princess of Wales in the stands ahead of the Guinness Six Nations match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff (Joe Giddens/PA) Sir Keir Starmer promised to make the UK a world leader in clean green steel as he visited Port Talbot. The Labour leader visited Tatas giant plant in South Wales, saying the industry was the future, not the past. The Government announced it will pump up to 500 million into Port Talbot as part of plans to produce greener steel but as many as 3,000 jobs could be lost. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to Tata Steels Port Talbot steelworks in South Wales (Ben Birchall/PA) Workers outside Tata Steels Port Talbot steelworks as around 3,000 jobs are at risk at the plant as part of a planned restructuring (Ben Birchall/PA) Police searching for four teenagers, who had been missing after going camping, found their bodies inside a crashed car in North Wales. A massive hunt was launched for Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Henderson and Hugo Morris after they failed to return home from an overnight trip to the Snowdonia area. Photos of the four teenagers with candles and a sympathy card inside Shrewsbury Abbey(Matthew Cooper/PA) The scene in Gwynedd, North Wales, where police officers were searching for the four young men (PA) Meanwhile, three people died and two others were badly injured in a crash in Cardiff in March. Rafel Jeanne, 24, Eve Smith, 21, and Darcy Ross, 21, died in the collision on the A48(M) near the St Mellons area of the city. Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, were badly injured. Police were criticised after the group were discovered two days after the collision. People attend a vigil in the St Mellons area of Cardiff, in memory of Eve Smith, Darcy Ross and Rafel Jeanne (Ben Birchall/PA) Floral tributes left near the scene in the St Mellons area of Cardiff (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) Controversial plans to house asylum seekers in a hotel in West Wales were dropped by the Home Office. The Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli was due to house up to 241 people, a move that was opposed by the council and led to protests being held outside the building. Carmarthenshire County Council said the Home Office sent it written confirmation that the plan has been scrapped after the authority highlighted to the Government its concerns over rising community tensions. Protesters gathered at Stradey Park Hotel in Furnace, Llanelli (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) Protesters banners outide Stradey Park Hotel (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) Several people were arrested following a riot that was sparked by the deaths of two teenagers in Cardiff. Harvey Evans, 15, died alongside his best friend Kyrees Sullivan, 16, when the Sur-Ron bike they were riding crashed in the Ely area of the city. Their deaths sparked several hours of violence and disorder after word spread on social media that a marked police van had been pursuing the pair minutes before the crash. CCTV from the area has since confirmed police were following the teenagers despite South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael dismissing it the following day as rumour. Police officers on Wilson Road in Cardiff as they faced a large scale disorder (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) It was all change at the Senedd as Plaid Cymru welcomed new leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. Mr ap Iorwerth, who represents Ynys Mon (Anglesey) in the Senedd, was named as successor following the resignation of Adam Price after a report found a culture of sexual harassment, bullying and misogyny and made 82 recommendations to detoxify the party. Rhun ap Iorwerth was officially announced as the new leader of Plaid Cymru (PA) And in December, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford announced he is standing down as Labour leader, triggering the contest to find his successor. The 69-year-old politician, who has been Wales leader since December 2018, said he hoped his replacement could be in place before Easter 2024. Flood water is cleared from the M9 at Stirling (Andrew Milligan/PA) A road closed because of snow, leaving drivers trapped for hours, has now fully reopened, Police Scotland have said. Storm Gerrit caused parts of the A9 to be closed in Drumtocher in the Scottish Highlands, before snowploughs were eventually able to clear a path. When snowfall was at its worst, and parts of the A9 were shut, police had asked drivers and passengers to remain in their vehicles and stay alert for updates on social media and local radio channels. 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 On X, formerly Twitter, Police Scotland Highland and Islands said: The A9 has fully reopened in both directions following earlier closures due to adverse weather. The road is passable with care, however, motorists are advised to only travel if essential and extra caution should be exercised. A train driver had a narrow escape after the train he was operating hit a tree. On X, the train drivers union Aslef Scotland said it involved a train travelling from Dundee to Scotland. The front of the drivers carriage was smashed in, but the driver escaped uninjured. 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 Aslef posted: Shocking event thats happened at #BroughtyFerry the outdated HST hit a tree. Driver reacted superbly and is shaken but not hurt. We continue dialogue with ScotRail over the future of these trains on the railway. It comes as travellers across Scotland endure disruption, with several major roads closed and all trains cancelled north of Perth and Dundee. Some 27,000 properties were left without power, as high winds and snow hit power lines. Network operator Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) Distribution reconnected about 8,500 by 4.30pm on Wednesday. About 18,500 households remained cut off and SSEN said some could be without power until Friday. Floods hit the town of Cupar, Fife, and some residents had to be rescued. Yellow weather warnings are in place throughout Wednesday for much of northern, western and southern Scotland. Bear Scotland, which manages the trunk roads in the area, has sent six ploughs and three tractors to the scene on the A9. Torrential rain, flooding and high winds are affecting other routes across Scotland. A Met Office yellow warning is in place until midnight and warns of the potential for hazards including flood water, flying debris, downed trees and power lines. James Matheson says it is the worst flooding he has ever seen in Cupar (James Matheson/PA) Police say motorists should only travel if it is absolutely essential. The A9 is also closed in both directions further south at Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross. Rory Stuart, 36, told the PA news agency he was stranded in his car for more than six hours in low visibility on the A9 before being turned around. Mr Stuart, a flooding engineer with Perth and Kinross Council based in Dunfermline, Fife, said: We were just on our way home and hit the bad weather just south of Dalwhinnie. It progressively got worse, to the point where visibility was down to about 50 yards or so. We then sat for just over six hours before an operative from Bear Scotland advised us that no traffic would be allowed southbound and we were turned around and directed back to our original destination. He said you just make the best of it as there was nothing you can really do when its totally out of your control. The A90 is closed in both directions at Kincaldrum in Angus, between Forfar and Dundee, and road closures are also in place around Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes. Inspector Michelle Burns, from Police Scotlands road policing unit, said: Yellow warnings are in place across the country and, as such, conditions for travel in the affected areas may be hazardous and extra caution should be exercised by all road users. Members of the public are urged to listen to local radio or keep an eye on social media for travel updates. There are a number of closures on major roads and bridge restrictions have also been implemented during this period of adverse weather, and we would advise the public to consult the Traffic Scotland and Met Office websites for continuous and updated information. 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 Bear Scotland said conditions are extremely challenging. James Matheson, 37, was hoping to drive to Edinburgh but was stranded in Cupar, Fife, as floods blocked both roads out of the town, where his parents live. The PR consultant told the PA news agency: Its the worst flooding weve seen in this part of the town in my lifetime and in the 35 years my family has lived here. He said flooding is affecting two parts of the town, adding: Thankfully [my parents] house is OK as its further up the hill, we just have no access to the town and I cant leave Cupar via car until one of the floods has subsided. There are a handful of homes in this area that are impacted and they are being evacuated or support is being brought to them. Shortly after 2pm, ScotRail said no further trains would run north of Dundee or Perth. In additional, several rail routes have been flooded, including Kilwinning to Ardrossan/Largs, Dumfries to Kilmarnock, Ladybank to Dundee, Dalmuir to Balloch/Helensburgh and Paisley to Gourock/Wemyss Bay. (PA Graphics) Earlier, all train services between Edinburgh and Helensburgh Central were cancelled after a tree fell and blocked the railway at Dumbarton East. Network Rail said the tree had caught fire, affecting the overhead power lines. The line reopened shortly after 11am, but flooding at Bowling closed it again. There is also disruption on the ferry network, with NorthLink services across the Pentland Firth to Orkney cancelled. CalMac ferries are also delayed and suspension across the west coast. Travellers are advised to check if their services are operating. Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said: Storm Gerrit will run towards western UK on Wednesday and bring with it potential impacts for much of the UK. Rain is an additional hazard from Storm Gerrit, with active weather fronts leading to a wet day for many. Snow is also likely to cause problems for some northern areas. Around 10cm to possibly 20cm of snow may affect some of the highest routes, this combining with very strong winds to lead to some difficult travel conditions. At lower levels a combination of heavy rain and very strong winds will dominate. Electrical workers are continuing to restore power to thousands of people. The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said that as of 9.45pm on Wednesday, electrical supply had been restored to about 25,000 customers. About 16,000 properties currently have no power. It said that some customers in rural areas may need to wait up to 48 hours for their electricity to be restored, particularly in the north east of Scotland. They have contacted about 50,000 customers and are continuing to offer help. SSEN says welfare vans offering hot food will be available at the following locations from 9am on Thursday: the Riggs Car Park in Fort Augustus, Finzean Hall in Banchory, Hatton of Fintry in Aberdeenshire and the Square in Tarland. There will also be vans in Bellabeg in Strathdon, the Public Hall on the High Street of Sandhaven, Fraserburgh, and in Aberlour parish church par park, Aberlour. SSEN says it will also give details of five other locations where food vans will be present, on Thursday. SSEN customers without power for more than 12 hours are entitled to 30 per person, per day, to cover the cost of food and drink, which can be claimed back through the companys website. Andy Smith, operations director at SSEN Distribution, said: I know this has been a tough day for our customers, and Id like to thank them for their patience. Weve had every resource at our disposal deployed from first thing this morning to respond to faults on the network. The conditions we have encountered while doing so have been extremely challenging. In the face of the days adverse weather, our teams have made good progress, reconnecting almost 25,000 customers, but poor conditions, and the challenges weve had travelling by road to affected areas, mean it will take time to complete all repairs. Some customers in rural areas where there are multiple points of damage, may be without power until Friday. Meanwhile, the Scottish Governments Resilience Room (SGoRR), met on Wednesday to put in place appropriate measures for the impact of the storm. Although the worst of the storm in Scotland has subsided, a warning for wind and snow is live across Shetland until 6am on Thursday and SEPA has issued a number of flood alerts and warnings across the country. Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance, who chaired the meeting, said: Following a combination of rain, wind and snow across the country, I have chaired a meeting of SGoRR to ensure that were acting as quickly and safely as possible to mitigate the impacts of Storm Gerrit. We know that there are areas across the country where people are without power and SSEN are working to restore this where they can. She added: There have already been a number of disruptions across the transport network. Its good to see that the incident on the A9 has been cleared and the road has now reopened but people should pass with care. A 21-year-old man remains in a critical condition after he was stabbed in a large-scale disturbance, which left two others injured. The man was found by police officers with stab wounds to the chest in Liverpool city centre at 5.30am on Wednesday, a spokesman for Merseyside Police said. The force said the man, who was found by patrols at the junction of Church Street and Whitechapel, was given medical assistance by officers before being taken to hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition. A 21-year-old man with a stab wound to his back and a 23-year-old man with a laceration to his head self-presented at hospital. Police believed the injuries are linked to a large-scale disturbance involving two groups of men, shortly after they left The Safehouse nightclub, and appealed for witnesses to come forward. On Wednesday morning, two officers were standing outside the club, on Victoria Street, and a forensic investigator could be seen taking photographs in Peter Street, at the side of the venue. Police officers outside The Safehouse nightclub on Victoria Street in Liverpool (Eleanor Barlow/PA) Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: We know that there were vehicles and pedestrians in the area of Peter Street who may have witnessed the disturbance and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area to come forward. I would ask taxi and delivery drivers to check their dashcams to see if they captured anything significant and members of the public to come forward if they captured any photographs or video footage on their mobile phones. Knife crime has no place on the streets of Merseyside and we are committed to finding the people who choose to carry knives. We need the public to speak to their family and friends and make it socially unacceptable for them to even think of carrying weapons. A police cordon on Church Street in Liverpool (Eleanor Barlow/PA) While people may be concerned when they hear of incidents such a this I want to reiterate that Merseyside has seen a 22% decrease in knife crime in 2022-2023 compared to the previous year, the second highest reduction of any county nationally and the force remains determined to further reduce knife crime and the devastating impact it has on individuals, families, and the wider community. A large cordon remained in place in the city centre as police investigated, with shoppers being directed away from parts of Church Street and some stores, including Next and River Island, closed as a result. Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on social media or call Crimestoppers UK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 23001323831. Conservationists from a Hampshire zoo have been working to help protect the worlds most endangered zebra species before a major infrastructure project is set to disrupt their natural habitat in Kenya. The animal welfare specialists from Marwell Wildlife have been fitting GPS collars to monitor the movements of 20 Grevys zebras in northern Kenya to collect data which will be used to help monitor their movements and help safeguard the species. The project, which is being run with the Kenya Wildlife Service, has been launched ahead of an oil pipeline, motorway and railway called the LAPSSET corridor (Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport) which will cut across the zebras range, potentially splitting the population. A spokeswoman for the charity which runs Marwell Zoo near Winchester said: These infrastructure projects are recognised as one of the greatest emerging threats to the Grevys zebra population in Kenya. Professor Philip Riordan, Marwell Wildlifes director of conservation, said: The Grevys zebra is one of the most endangered mammals in the world and Kenya is the last stronghold for this species with less than 3,000 animals remaining. Were working with our colleagues to ensure we have as much knowledge about Grevys zebra, particularly given the amount of infrastructure and development across the region that might affect the animals. By collaring them, we hope to gain more insights that can inform not just our conservation work but the mitigations that we might advise being put in place to ensure this species has a future. The team of conservationists fitted the collars to 20 of the zebras, which will help inform planning and conservation measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the LAPSSET scheme on the species. The vets also checked over the zebras before fitting each collar while others photographed the Grevys unique stripe pattern, hooves and teeth. Tanya Langenhorst, senior conservation biologist at Marwell, said: We also took this opportunity to collect as many biometrical data as possible, blood and faecal samples, body temperature and measurements of body parts, so we can learn more about this amazing species. She added: Grevys Zebra Trust and Marwell are using the EarthRanger (ER) platform to visualise the almost real time movement of the Grevys zebra. Well be able to identify which habitats are critical for Grevys zebra distribution, dispersal and movement, and why these areas are important. Our findings will be reported to Kenya Wildlife Service and the LAPSSET planners, so that mitigating measures such as over and under-passes can be implemented where most suitable. The collaring project is the latest initiative involving Marwell Wildlife, which has helped create a national conservation strategy for Grevys zebra in Kenya and has carried out previous surveys. It also manages the International Studbook and the European Ex situ Programme (EEP) for the species. An Israeli armoured personnel carrier moves near the Gaza Strip border, in southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Israel launched heavy strikes across central and southern Gaza overnight and into Wednesday after broadening its offensive against Hamas to more areas where the military had told Palestinians to seek shelter earlier in the war. Residents reported heavy bombing in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, in the southern city of Khan Younis and in the southern town of Rafah, areas where tens of thousands have sought refuge as much of northern Gaza was pounded to rubble. It was a night of hell. We havent seen such bombing since the start of the war, said Rami Abu Mosab, speaking from the Bureij camp, where he has been sheltering since fleeing his home in northern Gaza. He said warplanes flew overhead and gunfire and explosions echoed from the eastern edge of the camp which, like others in Gaza, houses refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants and now resembles other densely populated neighbourhoods. A home near Mr Abu Mosabs shelter was hit, but no-one was able to reach the area, he said. Mobile phone and internet service was down for several hours before being gradually restored on Wednesday, the latest of several such outages that have complicated rescue efforts. With much of northern Gaza levelled, Palestinians fear a similar fate awaits other areas, including Khan Younis, where Israeli forces launched ground operations in early December, and a cluster of built-up refugee camps in central Gaza where the focus has shifted this week. The militarys latest evacuation orders cover an area of central Gaza that was home to nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north, according to the UN humanitarian office. Israel has said the bombing campaign and ground offensive are necessary to dismantle Hamas and prevent a repeat of its October 7 attack, in which militants broke through Israels formidable defences and killed some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducted around 240. An estimated 129 remain in captivity after dozens were freed. Achieving its goals, Israel has said, will take many months. Its offensive is already one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) More than 21,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed, including nearly 200 people in the last 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. In Khan Younis, the Palestine Red Crescent said Israel struck a residential building next to the Al-Amal Hospital, which is run by the rescue service. Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said at least 20 people were killed and dozens more wounded, with the death toll likely to rise. Some 85% of Gazas population of 2.3 million Palestinians have fled their homes, crowding into smaller and smaller areas in recent weeks as the ground offensive has expanded. For many Palestinians, the exodus has echoes of the mass displacement in 1948 that they refer to as the Nakba, or catastrophe. UN officials say a quarter of the territorys population is starving under Israels siege, which allows in a trickle of food, water, fuel, medicine and other supplies. Last week, the UN Security Council called for immediately speeding up aid deliveries, but there has been little sign of change. US calls for Israel to curb civilian casualties, and international pressure for a ceasefire, have also had little effect. A Palestinian boy walks through the aftermath of the Israeli military raid on Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank (Majdi Mohammed/AP) Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll in Gaza because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. The military says it has killed thousands of militants, without presenting evidence, and that 164 of its soldiers have been killed since the ground offensive began. The war has ignited other fronts across the Middle East. Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group have repeatedly traded fire along the border. An Israeli strike on a family home overnight killed a Hezbollah fighter, his brother and his sister-in-law, local officials and state media said on Wednesday. Another family member was wounded. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians during an overnight raid in the built-up refugee camp of Nur Shams, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Palestinians walk through the aftermath of the Israeli military raid on Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank (Majdi Mohammed/AP) More than 300 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the war, mostly in confrontations with Israeli forces during raids and protests. As fears of a wider conflict mount, the US, Qatar and Egypt have been working on a new agreement to release more hostages. US President Joe Biden spoke to the ruling emir of Qatar on Tuesday. Hamas says no more hostages will be released until Israel ends the war, and that it will trade the remaining captives for large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants. Smoke rises after an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Israel has rejected both demands. Egypt has floated a proposal to end the war that would include the release of all hostages held in Gaza and all Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, as well as the establishment of a government of Palestinian technocrats to administer Gaza and the occupied West Bank. It has received a cool reception from both sides, but neither rejected it outright. North Korea has convened a key year-end meeting of the ruling Workers' Party with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance to discuss next year's policy direction, Pyongyang's state media said Wednesday. Kim presided over the plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea the previous day to review state policies for this year and discuss those for 2024, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim defined 2023 as a "year of great turn and great change" in which North Korea "left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country," the KCNA said in an English-language report. Kim also called 2023 a "year of great importance" that witnessed "eye-opening victories and events achieved in all fields for socialist construction and the strengthening of the national power," it said. Six major agenda items were put forth at the meeting, including the review of the implementation of state policies in 2023, the orientation of struggle in 2024 and a series of issues strengthening the party's leadership function, the KCNA said. The meeting will continue, the KCNA said, without providing further details. Kim is likely to deliver a major speech at the meeting to unveil the North's domestic and foreign policy directions in lieu of his New Year's Day address. Since 2020, Kim has skipped the address and has instead delivered a speech at a plenary session of the year-end party meeting. (Yonhap) Warhammer 40K: A Primaris Lt. Visits Japan And Finds Castles and More 7 Minute Read Advertisement Come and take a trip through the Land of the Rising Sun with a 40K Space Marine Primaris Lieutenant. If you tuned in last time you know, how our story starts. In the hectic days of the Indomitus Crusade the safety of Holy Terra was utmost in Guillimans mind. To ensure its safety, he dispatched troops to inspect the fortifications. One such envoy was Primaris LT. Antonius aided by the trusty Guardsman Privit. Upon arriving on Terra however, they found that due to a Warp Rift theyd be transported to the distant past of the world. Still, orders are orders, and they set out to make sure the defenses were in good shape. After touring Italy and seeing some of the origins of the Imperium, the pair hoped in a Warp Rift, hoping to end up home. Sadly for them, it simply took them across Old Terra to a new location. Advertisement For the last few weeks, Ive had the pleasure of traveling to Japan and seeing various castles and other sites. As is my tradition, I also took along some minis to view the trip and photograph. I figured the most fitting model to take on my travels was a ubiquitous Primaris Lt., the model soon to make up 100% of GWs lineup. Along with him, and returning from other trips is Guardsman Privit. Here are a few of the highlights my little friends saw along the way. Stepping out of the portal the pair found themselves near a massive mountain, in the Old Terran country of Japan. Advertisement Guardsman Privit was able to recon the area and learn the mountain was named Fuji, though he was unable to see the top. Portals are hungry work, and the two enjoyed some local udon to build up their energy. Subscribe to our newsletter! Get Tabletop, RPG & Pop Culture news delivered directly to your inbox. By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy With full bellies, they were able to complete their scouting of the area. But the question remained, how well was the region defended in case of a Chaos attack? In the north, Matsumoto Castle was a pretty sight in the dark. Advertisement While in the south Kumamoto Castle had been badly damaged by an earthquake, yet LT. Antonius was able to confirm that repairs were well underway and it would serve well. Privit meanwhile approved of Matsuyama Castles hilltop location. It was a fine fortress. Odawara Castle was once the largest in the nation and remains impressive to the pair. Nothing however could really beat the splendor of Himeji Castle. Advertisement It was one of the most impressive complexes the two had found. It LT. Antonius approved of the views from the top. Local air defense seemed to have some kind of Nid problem. Guardsman Privit thought this was because they were using swords to battle flying monsters. However LT. Antonius assured him this was how the Codex said it should be done. The county had more than just castles to defend itself, as the pair found out at the Yamato Museum. The centerpiece was a massive model of the ship. LT. Antonius wasnt sure what model meant, the ship looked normal sized to him! Advertisement In fact, he thought it might look even better as a space battleship. The museum also had many other nice models. The battleship Mikasa was another ship the two visited. It also had an impressive model collection. They seemed to span many years. The pair also needed to make sure the region was protected from Chaos influence. The pre-Imperial fane of Fushimi-Inari seemed up to the task. Guardsman Privit liked the layout of Itsukushima Shrine. In Nagano they even found what appeared to be bound daemons used as an unorthodox protection. Enoshima island not only provided a commanding view form its top. It also housed a dragon trapped in a cave. Surely not the Dragon of Mars? The pair saw many wonderous sites on their inspection tour, such as volcanos in Kagoshima. Which looked stunning in the sunrise. They traveled on trains, and boats. And witnessed a sunset on the Inland sea. They saw the generative power of Kurobe Dam. And where caught in a snow storm on Mt. Tate. It was not all hardship however. In the resort town of Yufuin they enjoyed the local onsens. While In Kyoto they feasted on the finest sushi. In In Tokyo they marveled at the views. Eventually after some prompting from Privit, the two comrades even enjoyed some wine and a nice bath. In Tokyo at the Imperial Palace they found a rare breed of beasts, known as BoLS Writers playing some kind of game. The region known as Akihabara was filled with many power weapons, but they all seem like things the Xenos Tau would use. Their last feast seemed like some kind of final fantasy. Eventfully they felt the strong pull of a certain location. They could see once more the grand battles of the 41st Millennium calling to them. Brothers in arms, once long thought lost, appeared. Many a grand battle took place before their eyes. Titans clashed in anger. And at last another strange portal opened before the pair, whisking them away to who knows where. Thanks for joining me on this romp! Let us know where you think our little friends should head next, down in the comments! Author: Abe Apfel Abe is that rare thing, an Austin local born and raised here. Though he keeps on moving around, DC, Japan, ETC., he always seems to find his way back eventually. Abe has decades of experience with a wide range of tabletop and RPG games, from historicals, to Star Wars to D&D and 40K. He has been contributing to BOLS since almost the start, back when he worked at and then owned a local gaming store. He used to be big into the competitive Warhammer tournament scene but age has mellowed him and he now appreciates a good casual match. He currently covers 40K tactics and lore, as well as all things Star Wars, with occasional dabbling in other topics. Abe remains in mourning over the loss of WFB to this day. Advertisement Read the Comments (1) Supporters of Pita Limjaroenrat, whose Move Forward Party won the most seats in the May general election, protest after conservative and royalist rivals stop the party from forming a government, at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, July 21, 2023. Thailands post-election interregnum has ended. The military and royalist establishment, through their control of the appointed Senate, blocked the liberal Move Forward Party (MFP), which won the most seats in the May polls, from setting up a coalition government. But even within the opposition, royalist and military elites remain highly uncomfortable with the party and its erstwhile prime ministerial nominee, Pita Limjaroenrat. They are waging a war of judicial attrition against the party and Pita to keep them mired in the court system, hoping MFP will eventually be dissolved. While these elites were cautious in the months following the election for fear of prompting a public backlash having thwarted the peoples will, they are now moving against MFP and its leadership with focus and deliberation. Indeed, while the military-backed parties have proven poor at governing or garnering popular support, theyve been adept at blocking MFP from governing and putting legal pressure on its leadership. The first legal challenge MFP faces is related to Pitas ownership of stocks in a now-defunct media company, iTV, which he inherited from his father. The Election Act bans politicians from holding shares in media companies, although iTV has been off-air since 2007. Pita appeared confident ahead of the courts ruling set for Jan. 24, 2024. It remains to be seen whether the courts or the Election Commission will move to ban MFP altogether, as they did with its predecessor, Future Forward, in February 2020, after a court said the party violated election laws in the 2019 polls. Former Thai prime ministerial candidate and Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat leaves the Constitutional Court after attending a hearing on a case related to his ownership of media shares, Bangkok, Dec. 20, 2023. [Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP] The conservative establishment is obviously concerned that banning the countrys most popular party would provoke demonstrations in Bangkok, where MFP won 32 of 33 seats. But a ban may not be off the table, considering the second legal challenge MFP is facing, which is related to the criminal codes draconian Article 112 on royal defamation, also called lese-majeste. The Constitutional Court is hearing a petition that argues MFP violated Article 112 by merely proposing monarchy reforms during the election campaign. The prosecution said that this was an attempt at overthrowing the democratic regime with the king as the head of state. The court is set to rule in this case on Jan. 31, 2024. If the court doesnt dissolve MFP, what we are likely to see is the continued process of judicial attrition. The pro-royal and military establishment has used this tactic with aplomb, dating back to February 2020 when a court banned Future Forward leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and 15 others from the party from engaging in politics for 10 years. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, Calif., Nov. 15, 2023. [Carlos Barria/Reuters] The government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, whos from the Pheu Thai party, has no interest in challenging the militarys prerogatives, and monarchy reform is completely off the table. Pheu Thai, which won the second-highest number of seats in the May election, was once the establishments bete noire. However, since it formed a conservative-leaning government with pro-royal and pro-military parties, it is clearly uninterested in reforming the monarchy. The new government has, meanwhile, continued to use Article 112, which the previous administration relied on to quash dissent during the 2022 demonstrations. Leading student activists, including hunger strikers, from back then are now silent in the face of additional lese-majeste charges. Earlier this month, a court sentenced Move Forward MP Rukchanok Ice Srinork to six years in prison under lese-majeste for two tweets she posted on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, before she even joined the party or won her parliamentary seat. In September, a court sentenced a leading human rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, to four years over his calls for monarchy reforms. It was the first of 14 cases against him. Authorities have systematically weakened the opposition through legal proceedings. Between July 2020 and the end of November, authorities had charged 262 people for violating royal defamation, 135 for violating Article 116 (sedition), and 195 people for violating the Computer Crimes Act, according to the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. But the military and pro-royal backers of Sretthas government will have to tread carefully when it makes its moves against MFP, as the parties that thwarted the poll leader from forming the government remain reviled. A survey held this month by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) showed MFP remained overwhelmingly the preferred party, with 44% of respondents votes, the Bangkok Post reported Thursday. Pheu Thai came in a distant second with 24%, the Democrat Party was supported by 3.6%, and all the other parties, including the two military-backed parties, only garnered a combined 1.85%. But even if they have to be careful while moving to emasculate Move Forward, move they will, because left unchecked, Thailands most popular party might get the opportunity to do what the voters want it to: govern. Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or BenarNews. People wearing masks depicting Syahrul Yasin Limpo, ex-agriculture minister, and the then-chair of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Firli Bahuri, protest outside the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building in Jakarta, Nov. 23, 2023. Indonesias embattled anti-graft watchdog suffered another blow Wednesday after an internal ethics council found the agencys suspended chairman guilty of gross ethics violations and demanded he resign. Firli Bahuri, the erstwhile chief of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), made unauthorized contact with a graft suspect and failed to declare assets, the KPKs Ethics Council said. Meanwhile, Firli had submitted a resignation letter to the president earlier this month, but it was returned to him on technical grounds. The matter remains unresolved as Firli did not formally confirm on Wednesday whether he would resign as the ethics council demanded. Police last month had named Firli a suspect in extorting the former agriculture minister, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, in exchange for leniency in the latters graft case. The Ethics Council has concluded that Firli Bahuri violated the KPKs code of ethics by meeting with Syahrul Yasin Limpo, who was a target of an ongoing KPK investigation, Tumpak told a news conference. The defendant had the opportunity to refuse or not communicate by ignoring Syahrul Yasin Limpos messages, but he did not do that. He even actively contacted Syahrul several times. The five-member ethics council also accused Firli of serious misconduct for failing to or misreporting his wealth as a state official. He had rented a luxury house in a posh South Jakarta neighborhood, where he met Syahrul, without declaring it, the council said. The ethics councils verdict is irreversible and cannot be appealed, said Hatorangan Panggabean Tumpak, the councils chair. Firlis lawyer, Ian Iskandar, did not respond to BenarNews inquiries. He had previously denied that Firli extorted money and favors from Syahrul in exchange for dropping the case. The national police are investigating the extortion claims. The police did not disclose the amount of money involved, but local media reported it was about U.S. $200,000. Syahrul, in turn, is awaiting trial for allegedly soliciting bribes from subordinates and contractors at the ministry. He resigned as minister in October. Firli has claimed the charges against him are politically motivated attempts to tarnish his name. Earlier this month, he filed a pre-trial challenge against his status as a suspect, but a court dismissed it. He was also absent at the ethics hearings, and it appeared he was trying to stall the investigation. History of integrity problems Firli is the first KPK chairman to face corruption charges since the agency was established in 2003. His appointment four years ago as KPK chairman was itself a flawed process, said Zaenur Rohman, an anti-corruption researcher at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. Firli has a history of integrity problems, but he was appointed anyway. This means that all along, the political elite had wanted a problematic figure to lead the commission, Zaenur told BenarNews. KPK once stood as a beacon of hope in Indonesias struggle against entrenched corruption. But its reputation has been marred in recent years by what activists believe to be political interference. In particular, KPKs independent reputation was tarnished after the passage of a 2019 law to reform the agency. The law, passed under President Joko Jokowi Widodos watch, included the establishment of a supervisory board that curbed KPKs investigative powers. It also mandated that employees take a civics test, which critics alleged was designed to get rid of the agencys veteran investigators. In 2021, dozens of employees and senior investigators were sacked after failing this test. University students demonstrate in front of the People's Representative Council (DPR) in Aceh provinces capital, Banda Aceh, against the arrival of Rohingya refugees, Indonesia, Dec. 27, 2023. A huge crowd of students stormed a temporary shelter for Rohingya in Indonesias Aceh province on Wednesday demanding they be deported, in an escalation of the campaign against the refugees, a U.N. agency and local media reported. The protesters then evicted the 137 shaken-up and distressed refugees from their basement shelter in Banda Aceh, forced them onto two trucks, and transported them to another location, said the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR. The agency said it was deeply disturbed to see a mob attack on a site sheltering vulnerable refugee families, adding that many in the group were children and women. Hundreds of youngsters stormed a building basement on Wednesday where refugees were sheltered, UNHCR said in a statement. The mob broke a police cordon and forcibly put 137 refugees on two trucks, and moved them to another location in Banda Aceh. The incident has left refugees shocked and traumatized. While the students were roughing up the Rohingya and creating mayhem at the shelter, most of the refugees either looked shell-shocked or were sobbing uncontrollably, video footage shot by Agence France-Presse news agency showed. All the while, the protesters were shouting slogans such as kick them out and reject Rohingya in Aceh, an AFP report said. The refugee agency said it remains deeply worried about the safety of refugees. It called on local law enforcement authorities to take urgent action to ensure the Rohingya and humanitarian staff are protected. Indonesia has a history of welcoming the Rohingya, Myanmars persecuted Muslim minority, and has traditionally been a supporter of the Rohingya cause. Most of the Rohingya who arrive in Aceh have left crowded and violent refugee camps in Myanmars neighbor, Bangladesh, where 740,000 of them have been sheltering since they faced a brutal crackdown by the Burmese military in 2017. Rohingya refugees enter the compounds of a government building after demonstrating university students stormed their temporary shelter and forced them out, in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia, Dec. 27, 2023 on December 27, 2023. [Chaideer Mahyuddin/AFP] However, as hundreds of Rohingya began to arrive in boats on Acehs shores starting mid-November, the provinces villagers grew testy, first rejecting a vessel and then demanding the refugees be sent back. More than 1,500 Rohingya have arrived since last month. Villagers claimed that resources were already scarce for the locals, while some said they had unpleasant experiences with the Rohingya who had arrived previously and were troublesome. Small protests then made way for online campaigns against the Rohingya, with Indonesians accusing the refugees of being colonizers and demanding their deportation, authorities said in recent weeks. The campaign against the Rohingya was fueled by misinformation and propaganda on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, where fake accounts and anti-refugee posts have gone viral. Following Wednesdays incident, however, the refugees found some support on X. Herriy Cahyadi, an Indonesian who runs his own humanitarian NGO, lambasted the university students who participated in Wednesdays incident as barbarians in a post on X. What's the difference between you and the uneducated, violent group? Your alma mater is a symbol of higher education. But your mentality is savage, Herriy, posting under @herricahyadi, said. His comment had been liked by more than 4,400 people on X, and was reposted or cited more than 3,200 times by late Wednesday. Rohingya refugees are transported away from their temporary shelter to a different location, following a protest calling for their deportation, Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia, Dec. 27, 2023. [Riska Munawarah/Reuters] UNHCR said that it wished to emphasize that the Rohingya refugees seeking shelter in Indonesia are victims of persecution and conflict, and survivors of often deadly sea journeys. The U.N. agency was referring to the rickety vessels that ferry the Rohingya to Southeast Asia, sometimes taking as long as two months. In January, the agency said that at least 348 individuals died or went missing at sea in 2022. The U.N. refugee agency is also alerting the general public to be aware of the coordinated and well-choreographed online campaign on social media platforms, attacking authorities, local communities, refugees and humanitarian workers alike, inciting hate and putting lives in danger, the UNHCR statement said. UNHCR appeals to the public in Indonesia to cross-check information posted online, much of it false or twisted, with AI-generated images and hate speech being sent from bot accounts. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo, meanwhile, said earlier this month that the government would provide temporary humanitarian assistance to the refugees while prioritizing the local communitys interests. The government plans to coordinate with the UNHCR and other international organizations to address the issue, he said. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (left) speaks with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in Geneva, Dec. 11, 2023. [Courtesy X via @Menlu_RI] Indonesias top diplomat, Retno Martsudi, took a plea on the Rohingya to Geneva, where she urged the UNHCR to find third countries for resettling the refugees. In a meeting Dec. 11 with Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees who heads UNHCR, Retno emphasized the need for a collective approach to the refugee crisis. The Southeast Asian nation is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, but has a long history of hosting refugees from various conflicts. It allows refugees to stay temporarily while they wait for a third country to resettle them, a process that can take years. But advocates for refugee rights say that Indonesia is bound by the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the forced return of refugees to their home countries. Workers from the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) protest outside the facility against working conditions in the parks factories, Bungku, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Dec. 27, 2023. Dozens of workers on Wednesday protested at a China-owned nickel smelter complex in Indonesias Central Sulawesi province after a weekend fire killed 19 people, exposing safety issues in the fast-growing industry. About 100 workers demanded the closure of all smelters in the Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) until a full investigation into Sundays fire was completed, but the demand was rejected by an official at the industrial complex. We demand a thorough investigation of the work accidents that have occurred at IMIP, Rizky Akbar, the leader of the protesting workers at the steel plant, told BenarNews. We also urge a 20% increase in wages for workers. Provide fair compensation to workers and temporarily halt nickel production before there is a comprehensive evaluation. IMIP spokesman Dedy Kurniawan said the company would enhance safety measures. However, it is not possible to shut down all smelters in the IMIP area, he told BenarNews. After a dialogue with the protesters, they understood this and dispersed. Meanwhile, another worker who was injured in the fire died on Wednesday, taking the death toll from the incident to 19 eight Chinese and 11 Indonesian nationals according to hospital staff and the company. IMIP 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. Between 2019 and 2023, more than 30 workers have died at two nickel plants with majority Chinese ownership in Morowali and North Morowali regencies, according to a mining watchdog. China is a big investor in an array of Indonesian projects through its Belt and Road Initiative, a globe-spanning infrastructure-building program. In 2022, more than 42,000 Chinese were working in Indonesia, accounting for about 44% of all expatriates in the country, according to the Ministry of Manpower. Indonesia, the worlds largest producer and exporter of nickel, is a key component of stainless steel and lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and other devices. Activists have pointed out the fast expansion of the industry, driven by the global demand for nickel in electric vehicle batteries, could lead to companies putting profits before people. Relatives weep during the funeral at a cemetery of a worker killed in a nickel plant explosion, Polewali Mandar, Indonesia, Dec. 26, 2023. [Yusuf Wahil / AP] Afraid to work One protesting worker, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, criticized the poor occupational safety conditions at the complex. [A] fter the incident, we are afraid to work. We dont want to become victims because of the poor safety at the company, the worker told BenarNews. We want assurances that our lives are not worth only 600 million rupiah (U.S. $42,000), he said, referring to the amount of money the company offered to the families of the workers who died in the fire. The worker said that some Chinese colleagues ignored inputs from local staff regarding the general work environment at the plant. This also needs to be evaluated because if we dont listen to each other, it could be dangerous, especially since our communication with them is not so good, the worker said. Initial reports indicate that a faulty furnace may have been the source of Sundays fire, although authorities said they are still trying to ascertain the cause. Investigators have interviewed 17 witnesses to the explosion, said Senior Commissioner Djoko Wienartono, spokesman for the provincial police. He said the fire in the smelter furnace was followed by an explosion. Around the site, there were oxygen tanks that were used for welding. After the furnace fire, the tanks exploded, he said. On Wednesday, a group of environmental and human rights activists held a protest at the offices of the Central Sulawesi police and the provincial government to demand the formation of an independent team to investigate the accident. South Korea imposed independent sanctions Wednesday on eight North Korean individuals, including the chief of the North's spy agency, for their involvement in arms trade and cyberactivities banned under international sanctions. The latest imposition of sanctions came in response to the North's test-firing of a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile on Dec. 18 in violation of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, the foreign ministry said. Ri Chang-ho, the head of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, was added to the list for leading the intelligence agency known to be behind North Korea's major cyberattacks, led by such hacking groups as Kimsuky, Lazarus and Andariel. These hacking groups have engaged in illegal cyberactivities to earn hard currency and steal technologies, the ministry said. Park Young-han, the chief of Beijing New Technology, is accused of handling arms trades on behalf of the North's Korea Mining Development Trading, responsible for exports of conventional weapons and the supply of equipment for ballistic missiles. Yun Chol, a former third secretary at the North Korean Embassy in China, was involved in the trading of lithium-6, a key material for nuclear weapons banned from dealing by the UNSC. The remaining five are Ryang Su-nyo, Kim Sung-su, Pae Won-chol, Ri Sin-song and Kim Pyong-chol of Pan Systems Pyongyang, an arms dealer under the control of the Reconnaissance General Bureau. All of the entities to which the eight people belong have already been sanctioned by the UNSC and the South Korean government, the ministry added. "We have made it clear that North Korea's provocations will come with a price," the ministry said. "We will continue to work closely with the international community, including the United States and Japan, to help North Korea realize this, stop provocations and reengage in the denuclearization talks." Under the sanctions, anyone seeking to have financial deals with those on the sanctions list is required to get approval from the chief of the Bank of Korea or the country's financial authorities. Wednesday's announcement of the sanctions designation is the 14th of its kind under the government of President Yoon Suk Yeol. It raises the total numbers of sanctioned North Korean individuals and institutions to 83 and 53, respectively. (Yonhap) Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy with snow showers developing for the afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 31F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Key North Korean officials arrived for a year-end meeting of the ruling Worker's Party in luxury vehicles, state media footage showed Wednesday, despite international sanctions banning the supply of luxury goods to the North. Footage from the North's Korean Central Television showed Premier Kim Tok-hun; Jo Yong-won, secretary for organizations affairs at the ruling Workers' Party; and Choe Ryong-hae, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, using Mercedes-Benz S-class cars as they made their way to the party meeting. Earlier Wednesday, North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong-un presided over the plenary session of the ruling party to review state policies for this year and discuss those for 2024. The footage showed a soldier escorting Premier Kim as he emerged from the rear seat of the eighth-generation S-class limousine, Jo and Choe each appeared from the driver's seats of luxury cars presumed to be ninth- and eighth-generation S-class sedans. The 10-minute video from the state media also showed a second-generation model of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vehicle parked nearby, presumed to belong to the North Korean leader. Kim has made public appearances in different Mercedes-Maybach S-class vehicles, including a limousine when attending a ceremony congratulating soldiers on the launch of a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile this month. In August 2020, he was spotted in the driver's seat of an SUV presumed to be a Lexus LX 570. Such vehicles are subject to U.N. sanctions that ban the supply of luxury automobiles to North Korea. In October, South Korea's unification ministry said Kim and his family are spending up to millions of dollar a year on luxury goods despite chronic food shortages and economic difficulties worsened by sanctions and COVID-19. (Yonhap) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close When the land beneath them went up for sale, these Hinsdale residents banded together to buy it If all goes according to plan, come August, a new music academy will open in the former St. Marks Episcopal Church on Commercial Street. Dubbed the Berkshires Academy for Advanced Musical Studies (BAAMS), it will provide kids ages 10 to 18 with the opportunity to study and play music year-round with an all-star faculty. GREAT BARRINGTON Getting rid of lead paint or replacing a failing septic system both are pricey fixes. But for residents who can't afford it, there is help for these and other home repairs with no-interest loans of up to $50,000. The money comes from the federal government that flows through the state's Community Development Block Grant program. Gov. Maura Healey's administration announced the $1.35 million in August, and now the town announced it is ready for applications from homeowners who are struggling. The program can serve up to 24 households in town for work that includes various building and sanitary code violations. Work on problem windows and doors, leaky roofs, furnaces, foundations and other critical repairs are covered. Priority is given to problems that affect health and safety. All the application materials can be found by clicking the Planning Department's link on the town's website. The money is loaned on a first-come, first-served basis. The loans are forgiven if the homeowner stays in the house for at least 15 years. Eligibility depends on family size. The income limit for a family of four, for example, is $79,700. Other towns and cities also received program money for the same purpose. The state awarded Sheffield $966,000 for the rehabilitation up to 15 homes or units Egremont and Lee were awarded $1.5 for 26 total housing units Adams received $1.35 to support housing rehabilitation for 10 units, as well as for other work that includes repaving of Route 8 and sidewalk replacements The Regional Housing Rehab program is for small towns and cities and is overseen by the state Department of Housing and Community Development with money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It's not the first time Great Barrington and surrounding communities have received funds through the popular program. Town officials say the program is "a key" part affordable housing initiatives. Upon receiving the money, Town Manager Mark Pruhenski said "Great Barrington has been very proactive in creating new affordable homes and apartments in recent years, but it is equally important to provide funds for homeowners to ensure their homes are safe, healthy and energy-efficient." Lingering community questions demand serious answers before a decision on MCLA shelter plan Our Opinion: Lingering community questions demand serious answers before a decision on MCLA shelter plan As Councilor Shade simply put it at Tuesday's City Council meeting, We want to know whats going on." We do, too and the entire community deserves a much clearer view and a more-informed say before the decision is made. April 29: We still have far more questions than answers about the plan to site a homeless shelter on the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, even as the school already faces enrollment struggles. Were not alone in wanting to know more. At Tuesday nights North Adams City Council meeting, residents brought their questions and concerns to city officials. But the mayor and city officials had little in the way of answers; they, too, are left wondering about key operational details of the shelter plan and worrying about the transparency of the decision-making process. ... Given the impact this decision carries for not just Berkshire Countys sole public four-year college but the entire surrounding community, the lack of candor so far has been problematic. That goes for both MCLA President James Birge and the state Department of Housing and Community Development. Yes, this is state property and President Birge is entitled to make management decisions for the school. But making that decision ethically entails not only carefully considering the impact but seriously engaging the community on whose behalf this choice is being made. Now: When MCLA leadership strongly considered the state's shelter proposal for Berkshire Towers, this issue appeared frequently on our Opinion pages not just in our editorials seeking more information on the contours and expectations of the plan but in many letters to the editor and numerous community stakeholders' op-eds from all sides of the issue. Ultimately, MCLA President James Birge backed away from the plan, but this controversy still offers some hard lessons that reach beyond Berkshire County's only four-year state college campus. It underscores the importance of vital community institutions to be transparent with the communities that support and depend on them, and it highlights the undeniable difficulty in finding systemic solutions to the commonwealth's swelling homelessness crisis. In Springfield Diocese abuse suit settlement, overdue contrition and a call to do better Our Opinion: In Springfield Diocese abuse suit settlement, overdue contrition and a call to do better The end to this saga, long delayed by the diocese's shameful obfuscation, underscores the fact that often such morally necessary accountability can only be unearthed by the courage of survivors and the tireless truth-seeking of community journalists. May 27: With the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfields settlement announcement, a powerful institution that deals in absolution finally accepted a real measure of accountability to a Chicopee man who endured clergy abuse as a boy and undermining of his truth as an adult. The end to this saga, long delayed by the dioceses shameful obfuscation, underscores the fact that often such morally necessary accountability can only be unearthed by the courage of survivors and the tireless truth-seeking of community journalists. The settlement agreement averts a trial in the civil lawsuit brought against the diocese by a man identified in court documents as John Doe. A decade ago, when the Springfield Diocese and the Catholic Church more broadly were grappling with the fallout of a systemic sexual abuse coverup scandal, John Doe came forward with allegations that the late Bishop Christopher J. Weldon and several other priests gang-raped him while he was an altar boy in the 1960s. ... For there to be peace, there must first be truth. While it is often said that the truth will out, it does not do so passively. That the Springfield Diocese or any powerful institution is forced to grapple with the truth of its costly failures and grievous harms is only possible because of wounded but unbroken survivors like John Doe and the disinfecting spotlight directed by journalists like Larry Parnass. Now: In some ways, the news story that inspired this editorial marked the end of long drawn-out saga detailing one survivor's struggle for dignity and truth against a regional diocese's years-long cover-up. More broadly, though, it is a reminder of the hurdles that abuse victims often face in seeking justice and accountability, as well as the critical role that investigative journalism plays in pursuing that accountability. This editorial was part of a series that won first place in the Carmage Walls Commentary Prize, a national award for opinion journalism. A hopeful day Our Opinion: A hopeful day We know many of our Northern Berkshire neighbors are all too familiar with the hardships of a health care desert. While Berkshire Health System's plan still needs state and federal approval, the new opportunity for a critical access hospital designation is a shot in the arm for the desperate hope of an entire community that has endured years of despair and frustration since North Adams Regional Hospital shuttered. Jun 30: While searching The Berkshire Eagles archives from March 2014, one might notice an editorial simply headlined A gloomy day. Nearly a decade later, most folks in Northern Berkshire know exactly what those three words are referring to: the sudden and devastating closure of North Adams Regional Hospital. It seems fitting, then, to characterize today as a hopeful day, given the news that North Adams Regional Hospital has a real chance of being resuscitated as a Northern Berkshire institution and a critical point of health care access for tens of thousands of regional residents. ... We know many of our Northern Berkshire neighbors are all too familiar with the hardships of a health care desert. While BHS plan still needs state and federal approval, the new opportunity for a critical access hospital designation is a shot in the arm for the desperate hope of an entire community that has endured years of despair and frustration since NARHs closure. Now: The hopefulness from Berkshire Health Services' announcement regarding North Adams Regional Hospital is still with us, although some of the official hurdles remain between now and the hospital's targeted reopening date in March of this upcoming year. BHS recently received state Department of Public Health approval of its determination of need application, as well as state approval authorizing the health system to move forward with renovations at the North County campus. Procuring a hospital license is the last regulatory step at the state level. Following that will be receiving federal designation as a critical access hospital from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; the recently shifted eligibility rules for this designation are what made this encouraging reopening plan possible in the first place. While those steps are still in front of us, BHS certainly seemed to have its ducks in a row before announcing this plan. We're grateful for that, and we look forward to being even more grateful when the greater North Adams community gets its regional hospital back in, fingers crossed, a matter of a few months. North Korea will continue to escalate its nuclear threats against the United States and South Korea next year while seeking to improve its capabilities to strike back with a nuclear weapon if it comes under a nuclear attack, experts said Wednesday. Jun Bong-geun, a professor emeritus at the state-run Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA), made the point at a briefing on the prospects of international relations for next year, stressing that North Korea has taken the "most aggressive nuclear posture in the world" due to its inadequate "second-strike" capability. "The nuclear doctrine prevalent among those with second-strike capabilities is 'if you strike me, I will strike back with my nuclear weapons so you will die anyways if you strike me,'" he said. However, North Korea, with a limited arsenal of only around 50 nuclear weapons, is unlikely to have the capability to launch a nuclear retaliatory attack after sustaining a "first strike" from an adversary, he added. Pyongyang will seek to increase its number of nuclear weapons to more than 100 "in the shortest possible time," he said. Choi Woo-seon, a professor at the KNDA, echoed Jun's views, saying North Korea can carry out a provocation any time next year, though it will likely be "limited" under the U.S. extended deterrence. On growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, Jun saw it unlikely for Moscow to transfer arms related to intercontinental ballistic missiles. "Russia will not do anything to neglect its responsibility at the very least as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and a nuclear country under the Non-Proliferation Treaty," he said. In October, the U.S. government said the North had shipped more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia. The revelation came after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a Russian spaceport, in September, raising concerns about a possible arms deal between the two countries. (Yonhap) BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. 2024 holds the promise of further groundbreaking initiatives that will shape the future of healthcare in India In a groundbreaking year for the Indian healthcare sector, 2023 witnessed a transformative wave of rebranding initiatives by key players such as Johnson & Johnson, Paras Hospitals, Narayana Health, and Ramesh Hospitals. Notably, the world's largest health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat also underwent a rebranding exercise. The Indian Government's strategic decision led to the rechristening of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres as 'Ayushman Arogya Mandir,' adorned with the empowering tagline 'Arogyam Parmam Dhanam.' Among these visionary transformations, Narayana Health emerged as a beacon of success with its rebranding campaign, standing out as one of the largest and most impactful health system overhauls in India. With the launch of the resonant slogan 'Healthcare with a Heart' and a meticulously crafted new brand logo, Narayana Health not only revamped its visual identity but also spearheaded a comprehensive brand rejuvenation across its extensive healthcare establishments. "After about two decades of cultivating trust and expanding our reach, we embarked on a transformative journey to redefine our brand, recognizing the evolving healthcare landscape where patient empowerment is gaining prominence. This strategic endeavor allows us to articulate our fundamental values with clarity and make more impactful choices in a competitive marketplace," said Dr Ashish Bajaj, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Narayana Health. Earlier in March this year, Paras Healthcare unveiled its new brand identity campaign along with the launch of its new logo. Paras Healthcare is now renamed Paras Health. Hence, 2023 witnessed massive brand transformation not only in healthcare but across industries. Brand experts and healthcare leaders expect the trend to continue and 2024 is likely to witness more such rebranding and brand transformation. Strong nomenclature, compelling visual identity, a uniform brand experience, patient trust, prioritisation of the patient journey, and the strategic leveraging of all marketing prowess are the essential components to build a robust brand. Through these, we can forge a resilient brand presence, standing as a beacon that navigates the competitive currents within the crowded marketplace of healthcare services, said Rajesh Shukla, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Paras Health, Udaipur. This year, Aster DM Healthcare and Ramesh Hospitals also announced a collaborative brand transformation. 'Specialist Hospital,' Bengaluru, underwent a transformative rebranding, emerging as 'Trilife Hospital.' The hospital's new brand positioning, 'Responsible Wellbeing,' reflects its new journey and aspirations to redefine standards in patient care and medical innovation. Healthcare branding is fully aligned with patient experience. It surpasses the mere clinical aspect, as patients tend to recall the emotions and impressions cultivated during their interactions with healthcare facilities rather than the intricacies of treatments or procedures. By prioritising a positive patient experience throughout this continuum, healthcare providers can establish a lasting connection with patients, recognising that emotions and perceptions significantly shape the overall impact of healthcare interactions, said Alok Kumar, Chief Marketing and Branding Officer, Medanta, Lucknow. American pharmaceutical behemoth Johnson & Johnson (J&J), with a deep presence in India, also unveiled its plans for a comprehensive brand image overhaul starting with a new brand logo. The company signaled its intention to consolidate its Meditech and pharmaceutical divisions under the renowned banner. According to Baldev Raj, Branding Expert and MD, Prius Communications, "Brand strategy needs to be aligned with perception. However, we need to go beyond consumer perception and must incorporate a broader, purpose-designed essence, elucidating the organization's core values. This extends beyond consumer-facing aspects, resonating with internal stakeholders. Experts anticipate a flourishing landscape for healthcare branding in 2024 too. The successes of 2023 serve as beacons for a future where healthcare entities build brands that resonate with consumers, foster trust, and deliver exceptional patient experiences. The year 2024 holds the promise of further groundbreaking initiatives that will shape the future of healthcare in India. Scores of families who have been relocated from the railway line in Philippi to a temporary site next to Stock Road station say they have had to endure days without adequate provision of water or working toilets. As a result, many families are now refusing to move until the issue is resolved. The 891 households being relocated are part of Operation Bhekela, a joint operation between Prasa, City of Cape Town, the Housing Development Agency, national departments of transport, human settlements, and public works, and their provincial departments, to clear Cape Towns Central Line of the 5,195 shacks built along the railway at Langa, Nyanga, and Philippi. People settled on the railway line and rail reserve during the Covid lockdown in 2020, when many of them could no longer afford to pay rent as backyarders. Trains had already stopped running on the line in October 2019 because of theft and vandalism. This situation was exacerbated by Prasas cancellation of security contracts. Now the line has been partially cleared up until Nyanga station, with the latest relocation, which began in the first week of December, as part of the plan to reinstate the remainder of the line to Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain by March next year. But due to problems with water and sanitation at the Stock Road station temporary relocation site, many of the families are refusing to move until services are provided. (There are taps and chemical toilets at the Stock Road station itself, where the occupation has taken place.) While the land belongs to Prasa, Parliaments Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) was told that the City of Cape Town would be responsible for the provision of water, sanitation and waste removal. Chemical toilets have been placed on site, but they were not connected to the necessary containers to make them functional. People we spoke to said Prasa had instructed them not to speak to the media, and they were asked to remain anonymous. I am not moving there because there are no services such as water and toilets, a 39-year-old mother of two daughters said. A 30-year-old mother, who moved to the Stock Road station site, said that without running water and working toilets, people were relieving themselves in the bush. We cant be expected to live a normal life under these circumstances, she said. For now we have to go to the nearest settlement, which is Heinz Park and Acacia, to ask the people there to assist us with water. They have been helpful, but we dont know for how long will they help us. Precast concrete blocks have been placed as foundations for relocated shacks, but some families said their size is too small to accommodate their structures. A 55-year-old father of five children said he would not move to the site because it was too small and there was no space in the yard to park his two cars. I cant go there with the current arrangements because it is not viable I have a bigger family and have a lot of furniture, he said. Prasa spokesperson Andiswa Makanda said the provision of water and sanitation was the Citys mandate, and that toilets had been delivered to the site. City of Cape Town spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said a water tanker was providing water twice a week. This article was originally published on GroundUp. 2023 GroundUp. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. By Jun Ji-hye The number of work days lost due to strikes hit a 10-year low at 330,726 days this year, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced, Wednesday, attributing the achievement to the governments adherence to laws and principles in its ongoing push for labor reform. From May 10 last year when the Yoon Suk Yeol government commenced to Nov. 30 this year, the total number of work days lost due to strikes stood at 560,357 days, 36.8 percent of the average of previous administrations at 1.52 million days tallied during the same period. The number stood at 2.35 million days during the Roh Moo-hyun government, 1.23 million days during the Lee Myung-bak government, 1.2 million days during the Park Geun-hye government and 1.32 million days during the Moon Jae-in administration. The ministry also noted that the average duration of labor-management disputes per case was nine days the shortest since 2015 when the figure was tallied at 29.9 days. Labor reforms are one of three areas of change President Yoon Suk Yeol is pursuing, along with education and pension reforms. The Yoon governments labor reform agenda has emphasized laws and principles to improve outdated norms and practices, and create a sustainable labor market that can be a substantial help to both workers and managers. During a Cabinet meeting on Feb. 21, Yoon instructed the labor ministry to sternly respond to any illegal and unfair activities, saying the governments important task this year is to build a decent market economy system where labor unions are like labor unions and business owners are like business owners. The ministry has since enhanced its inspection and supervision into unlawful acts committed by unions and employers, and encouraged both sides to solve disputes through mediation and negotiation. The ministry said some workplaces underwent difficulties due to labor disputes, citing the general strike staged by the unionized rail workers in September where, afterward, an amicable settlement was reached in wage negotiations at the Korea Railroad Corp. Managements and unions should do their best to reach agreements through sincere dialogues, and strikes should be the last resort, Employment and Labor Minister Lee Jung-sik said. In the New Year, we will continue to stick to laws and principles, while pushing for various tasks to protect workers in vulnerable industries and improve the unfair structure in the labor market. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Speakers call for Gaza cease-fire, emphasizing humanitarian measure By Jung Da-hyun DOHA World leaders, diplomats, policymakers and experts gathered in Doha, Qatar, seeking solutions to global crises such as the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the advent of the AI-driven era and the escalating competition between the United States and China. The 21st edition of the Doha Forum, under the theme of "Building Shared Futures," brought together approximately 3,500 individuals from over 120 countries, and featured more than 270 speakers across various sessions from Dec. 10 to 11. In the opening session, Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani underscored the forum's role as a communication platform, open to fostering dialogue among people. Strongly calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, Palestine, he asserted Qatars commitment to exerting pressure on Israel, aiming to secure a truce in the Gaza conflict. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his concerns, highlighting the imminent risk of a collapse in the humanitarian system due to Israel's actions in Gaza. Diplomats, policymakers and experts discussed global solutions to address the Palestinian crisis during the forum. Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, redirected the focus to the most critical issues in Gaza from the predictions of the future of Gaza. He emphasized the necessity of discussing a permanent and comprehensive cease-fire, urging reflection on past failures and lessons learned to understand the present situation. Rather than talking about the day after, it is more important to focus on today and the past of Gaza, he said. Daniel Levy, the president of the U.S. Middle East Project (USMEP), a not-for-profit policy institute, expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Gaza. He criticized the decision of the U.S. to veto a U.N. resolution on Dec. 8 which aimed at calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. An increase in arms supply and the vetoes within the U.N. Security Council could potentially exacerbate Israel's actions, he said, emphasizing the need for a more responsible approach. Middle powers respond to U.S.China competition Delving into one of the great power rivalries of the century, the Doha Forum also sought potential strategies and responses from so-called middle-power states in the context of the U.S.China competition. Several speakers argued that middle-power states are reducing their reliance on the U.S., indicating a diminishing interdependency. David Monyae, a professor at the Centre for China Africa Studies at the University of Johannesburg, pointed to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit as a significant recent event, suggesting a shift in global power away from the U.S. towards a stronger Global South. However, for countries like Korea, which is geographically close to China but remains dependent on the U.S. for security, the situation is more nuanced. Park Cheol-hee, chancellor of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, emphasized the importance of strategic reliance on the U.S. with flexibility towards China. In terms of security, the U.S. is unquestionably an ally to Korea, but we also have to embrace China in a more significant manner, he said. Mentioning South Korea's anticipation of China's backing in the denuclearization efforts concerning North Korea, Park highlighted the simultaneous necessity to foster a cordial relationship with China while maintaining a steadfast alliance with the U.S. In the case of South Korea, security considerations take precedence, underscoring the imperative for a resolute association with the U.S., he said. Trust issues in AI era As the rapid development of new technologies continues to provide unprecedented convenience, concerns about data security and the regulation of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are also on the rise. The advent of generative AI has prompted companies worldwide to grapple simultaneously with the challenges of integrating this new technology. During the forum, questions arose about how to navigate it, formulate effective strategies, capitalize on its benefits and identify potential vulnerabilities. Experts and government officials at the forefront of the discussion tackled the challenges and strategies associated with ensuring privacy within AI systems. They explored a range of solutions, from technical safeguards to ethical considerations. A significant focus of the discussions centered on the escalating worries regarding protecting data privacy while the use of AI increases. The growing dependence on AI heightens the risk of misuse of personal or classified information, particularly in the absence of legal frameworks or specific guidelines. Muznah Siddiqui, a global governance research and planning associate from the United Nations University Center for Policy Research, stressed the urgent need for collaboration across industries, as well as the private and public sectors. Highlighting the lessons drawn from the COVID-19 situation, she emphasized the crucial need for transparent and trustworthy data sharing between various sectors. She cited specific countries that faced criticism amid concerns about government use of personal information for COVID-19 tracking. Trust issues related to AI could be achieved if the public sector or companies utilizing data adopt transparent practices, openly showcasing the processes involved in collecting and utilizing data, she said. Other experts echoed concerns about the current inadequacy of systems for data sharing, highlighting the importance of implementing regulations to address the challenges of data privacy in the AI-driven era. Governing our climate future With the worlds temperature predicted to rise by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, experts reviewed key takeaways from the recent 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) aimed at sustainable green growth and climate sustainability. The U.N. secretary-general called for increased ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, citing the affordability and cleanliness of renewable energy. Maria Fernanda Espinosa, a former president of the U.N. General Assembly, voiced frustration at the continued growth of emissions despite international meetings like COP to address climate issues, urging for a shift to emergency mode. Proper implementation plans and actions should be implemented, especially for developing countries, she said. Climate experts urged fossil fuel companies to leverage their vast resources to spearhead the renewables revolution, highlighting the imperative for collective action in the face of a rapidly warming planet. INS Imphal, the third Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at an impressive ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on Tuesday, Dec. 26. 2023. (Photo: Defence Production India/ Twitter) MUMBAI (PTI): Stealth guided missile destroyer Imphal, which has an ability to fire advanced supersonic BRAHMOS cruise missile, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Mumbai on Tuesday. Apart from Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the event that marked the formal induction into the Navy of the third of four 'Visakhapatnam' class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Navy's in-house organisation, Warship Design Bureau, and constructed by defence PSU Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai. INS Imphal is the first warship to have been named after a city from northeast India. INS Imphal was delivered to Indian Navy on October 20 after the completion of a rigorous and comprehensive trial programme both in the harbour and at sea. "Subsequently, the ship successfully test-fired the extended-range supersonic BRAHMOS missile in November 2023, a first for any indigenous warship before commissioning, thus demonstrating the Navy's thrust on combat effectiveness and confidence in its cutting-edge indigenous weapons and platforms," the Navy said. Project 15B (Visakhapatnam class) is the latest in the lineage of Project 15A (Kolkata class) and Project 15 (Delhi class) indigenous destroyers with upgraded capabilities and greater indigenous content. Measuring 163 metres in length, displacing 7,400 tonnes and with 75 per cent indigenous content, Imphal is "one of the most potent warships" to have been constructed in the country, the Navy said. INS Imphal is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots and is packed with sophisticated 'state of the art' weapons and sensors, such as Surface to Surface Missile and Surface to Air Missiles. The ship is fitted with a modern surveillance radar that provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems of the ship. The ship's anti-submarine warfare capabilities are provided by the indigenously developed rocket launchers, torpedo launchers and ASW helicopters. The ship is equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions and has a high degree of automation and stealth features further enhancing her combat capability and survivability, the Navy said. It added that some of the major indigenised equipment/ systems onboard are the Indigenous Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles, surface to surface missiles, torpedo tubes, anti-submarine rocket launchers, super rapid gun mount, besides combat management system, integrated platform management system, automated power management system, foldable hangar doors, helo traversing system, close-in weapon system and bow mounted sonar. The time taken to build Imphal and for its trials is the shortest for any indigenous destroyer, the Navy said. Its keel was laid on May 17, 2017 and the ship was launched into water on April 20, 2019. The ship sailed out for her maiden sea trials on April 28 2023 and has completed a comprehensive schedule of trials, both in the harbour and at sea. It was delivered to the Navy on October 20, 2023 within a record time frame of six months the fastest for a ship of its size, the Navy added. In January, Republicans in Iowa will be the first to cast their votes in support of a presidential candidate in the 2024 US election when they attend public gatherings known as caucuses. Former US president Donald Trump is heavily favoured to win the caucuses, but there have been last-minute surprises in the past. Advertisement Here is a guide to the process and what to expect: What is the Iowa caucus and when is it? The caucus is a process by which voters in the Midwestern state select their top choice for their partys presidential nomination. It differs from a primary because it's overseen by the state party, not the state government, and does not require voting at a polling place. The Republican Party will hold its caucuses on January 15th, 2024. Iowa Democrats, separately, are choosing their candidate entirely by mail-in ballot this election cycle and will release their results on March 5th, Super Tuesday. How does the Iowa caucus work? Advertisement At 7 pm CST (0100 Irish time on January 16th), Republicans will gather in small groups at a neighbourhood location a school, a church, a union hall where representatives will make speeches on behalf of their favoured candidates. There are about 1,700 precincts across the state. Advertisement Votes are tallied by secret ballot and delegates to the county convention are selected. The results are sent to the state party and announced when the tallies are complete, typically within a few hours. No remote participation is permitted. The process has been criticised for excluding voters who may be working or have disabilities that make it more difficult to attend. About 30 per cent of registered Republicans in the state caucused in 2016, the last time there was a competitive race. Iowas 40 delegates to the Republican National Convention will be awarded to the candidate on a proportional basis based on the statewide vote. For example, in 2016, US senator Ted Cruz received the largest share of the vote at 27.6 per cent and ultimately received eight delegates, while Mr Trump, who finished a close second, received seven. The third-place finisher, US senator Marco Rubio, also received seven. Who can vote? Iowa residents who are over 18 and registered as a Republican can participate in the caucuses. Advertisement Why does Iowa go first? Advertisement Iowa has traditionally gone first because of a quirk of history. After the Democratic Party liberalised its candidate selection procedures following the 1968 election, Iowa was the first state to schedule its nominating contest. Once candidates and the media flocked to Iowa and spent buckets of money the state made sure to keep its first-in-the-nation status. That has changed, however, with this election. Heeding a call within the party for a more diverse state to kick off their nominating process, Democrats have tapped South Carolina, which unlike Iowa has a large Black population, as the first state on its 2024 calendar. Republicans chose to keep their nomination kick-off in Iowa, where nearly 90 per cent of the population is white. Why are the Iowa caucuses important? The caucuses are viewed as the first snapshot of voters' support for presidential candidates. Typically, those candidates will have spent months campaigning across the state, testing their messages and their appeal. Those who don't fare well sometimes opt to drop out of the race. Advertisement In the case of Republicans, however, the state has not been a reliable barometer of national support. None of the winners of the last three Iowa caucuses - in 2016, 2012 and 2008 went on to capture the partys nomination. Thats largely due to Iowas evangelical Christian community, which plays an outsized role in the process and tends to back the most socially conservative candidate in the field. In addition, given its relatively small population, Iowa sends far fewer delegates to the national convention than a state such as Florida or Texas, meaning that it plays a highly disproportionate role in the nominating process. A British official expressed concern that Irish president Mary McAleese would be at a memorial service for the victims of the Omagh bombing when Queen Elizabeth II was not attending. Twenty-nine people, including a woman pregnant with twins, were killed when a car bomb exploded in the Co Tyrone town in 1998. Advertisement It was the worst loss of life in a single incident in the Troubles, and came just months after the historic Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. A memorial service in honour of the victims was planned a week after the bombing. The aftermath of the bombing in Market Street, Omagh (PA) Advertisement On August 21st, 1998, the day before the event, Irish Embassy official Philip McDonagh was called to the Foreign Office to discuss taoiseach Bertie Ahern and president Mary McAleeses attendance. A note sent from the London embassy to the Department of Foreign Affairs suggested that George Fergusson, the head of the Ireland department within the UKs Foreign Office, had gently encouraged the country not to send such senior representatives to the ceremony. Advertisement He suggested that a formal memorial service would be announced within less than 24 hours that would be attended by the British monarch and then-UK prime minister Tony Blair, which would allow the taoiseach and president to withdraw from the first event despite having confirmed their attendance. Mr Fergusson appeared to suggest that locals were against high level attendance at the memorial. Advertisement President Mary McAleese speaks in 2010 to Margo McCrory whose son was injured during the Omagh bombing (PA) Mr McDonagh replied that based on soundings they had taken, the contrary was the case, and said that Mr Aherns and Mrs McAleeses plans had already been announced, and substantive meetings were likely to take place around the visit. Mr Fergusson then said that Mr Blair and the Queen could face embarrassment by not attending, to which Mr McDonagh replied they had received nothing but praise for their gestures of sympathy. Advertisement He added that he could not see British figures attracting criticism on grounds of protocol. Mr Fergusson then admitted he was more concerned about the Queens absence rather than the prime minister. He said it was not practical to send a senior royal to Omagh as it could detract from the ceremony itself, and said if a less prominent member were sent it could appear inadequate if President McAleese is present. Advertisement Advertisement Northern Ireland secretary John Reid shows Queen Elizabeth II the site of the Omagh bombing during a visit to the County Tyrone town in 2002 (PA) He suggested a compromise, where Mr Ahern would attend but Mrs McAleese would not, to which Mr McDonagh said he was uncomfortable with the use of the word compromise in a matter of this kind, which Mr Fergusson accepted. In a comment on the correspondence sent to Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr McDonagh added that he felt Mr Fergusson implied that the taoiseachs attendance was in some sense in the gift of the British government. Mr McDonagh said that he was deliberately not taking this point. Mrs McAleese and Mr Ahern attended the memorial service the following day. National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a visit to Tokyo on Wednesday and called for Tokyo's support in uncovering the truth behind a post-earthquake massacre in Japan 100 years ago. Speaker Kim Jin-pyo made the remark during the meeting at Kishida's residence, saying the parliaments and the governments of the two countries should work together to move relations between the two countries in a "future-oriented" manner. The Kanto Massacre was a mass murder that took place in the aftermath of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake in Japan. Up to 6,000 Koreans were killed by Japanese people agitated after the government spread a rumor that Koreans planned a riot, according to historians. During the meeting, Kim also expressed hopes for closer trilateral cooperation between South Korea, Japan and the United States next year in countering threats from North Korea, noting that South Korea has become a nonpermanent member at the U.N. Security Council for the 2024-25 term. (Yonhap) Britain's Princess Diana showed obvious ignorance of, or disregard for, constitutional niceties in relation to Northern Ireland, according to a note from the Irish ambassador to the UK in 1993. The late British princess had referred to Northern Ireland as part of the Republic in an interaction which was noted ahead of a historic visit by then-president Mary Robinson to Buckingham Palace. Advertisement The meeting in May 1993 would mark the first time a serving president of Ireland visited the United Kingdom, and visited Queen Elizabeth II. A folder with briefing material for Mrs Robinson ahead of the visit includes a note by the Irish ambassador in London, Joseph Small, where he stated that the Princess Royal had visited Ireland in a private capacity for equestrian functions. Advertisement Whenever we meet Prince Charles, he invariably says that he would love to visit Ireland, Mr Smalls briefing note dated May 21 1993 said. Advertisement He is, of course, a regular visit [sic] to Northern Ireland. Princess Diana has also been there. Early last year she said to me, with obvious ignorance of or disregard for constitutional niceties: I was in your country yesterday!' Advertisement The briefing note also detailed the latest political situation in the UK, included notes on the Irish diaspora in the UK, and on the royal family ahead of what would become a significant visit as Anglo-Irish relations deepened. Mrs Robinsons visit to London was planned for May 26th-28th, where she was to receive the degree of doctor of civil law by diploma from the University of Oxford, become an honorary fellow of Hertford College, Oxford, and present the Irish Post Awards that celebrate the Irish in Britain. On the second day of the trip at 5pm, Mrs Robinson was to pay a courtesy call to Queen Elizabeth II in response to an invite from the monarch. Among the topics noted for possible discussion between Mrs Robinson and Queen Elizabeth II was Northern Ireland, bombing atrocities in the region and in Britain, cross-border issues and general relations between Ireland and the UK. Advertisement Mary Robinson with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 1993 (Martin Keene/PA) Also noted were Mrs Robinsons appreciation of her response re Somalia and her concerns regarding Sudan and Yugoslavia and the British UN military involvement. Advertisement The meeting was scheduled to last around 40 minutes, where tea and light refreshments were to be served. Advertisement Mr Robinson also attended the engagement, while the Duke of Edinburgh was in Liverpool attending the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. An observer wrote to the presidents office before the visit and noted some parallels with the last meeting between an Irish woman leader and a British monarch. The writer compared the Buckingham Palace meeting with the Queen of Connaught, Grace OMalley, visiting Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Castle exactly 400 years earlier, in 1593. Grace, like yourself, was also a Mayo woman! Dr Donald Martin from Killybegs in Co Donegal wrote, noting that the language spoken at the time was Latin. Mrs Robinsons special adviser replied to say Mrs Robinson read the letter with great interest. The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file 2023/146/40. President Patrick Hillerys decision to decline an invitation to the wedding of Charles and Diana prompted concerns from Irish government officials. The invitation was sent to Mr Hillery and his wife for the wedding on July 29th, 1981, in St Pauls Cathedral in London, and requested a reply by June 26th. Advertisement A briefing note on how to respond to the invite is among the State documents released by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the National Archives this year. It asked whether the reply should be issued after the Irish general election, or would it be discourteous to do so, while also noting that sending a reply too soon after the invite could also be discourteous. The note also ponders that since it is a negative reply, it would seem desirable to offer a diplomatic excuse, as no decent reason being given could be misinterpreted both domestically and internationally. Advertisement The press will certainly ask the reason for the non-attendance. Advertisement The document also weighed up the pros and cons of attending the wedding, noting that an invite from a friendly country to an occasion such as this should be accepted, but adding that the president would attract unfavourable comment if he did attend. The wedding invitations were issued a month after IRA prisoner Bobby Sands died after a 66-day-long hunger strike, as part of a campaign to be treated as a political prisoner. The present state of Anglo-Irish relations, and specifically the very general feeling of dissatisfaction in both the north and the south with the British Governments policy on prison conditions in Northern Ireland would ensure that there would be much unfavourable comment if the President were to attend the royal wedding, the document said. It added that with the appropriate diplomatic excuse, a refusal of the Irish Presidents attendance would not impair the political dialogue with London. Advertisement On June 26th, 1981, the final date by which the RSVP was to be given, Irelands ambassador to the UK conveyed the presidents thanks for the wedding invite but expressed their regret that, because of prior commitments, they will be unable to attend. They have instructed that the ambassador should represent them on this occasion, it added. The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file 2023/47/2319 A new name for a Northern Ireland police force that would supersede the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) needed to be face saving for David Trimble, according to newly released files. State Papers records released this year show various discussions between the British and Irish governments on issues relating to paramilitary decommissioning, prisoner releases and establishing a trusted police force in Northern Ireland. Advertisement There are also several references to pressure that Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble was under after signing his party up to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. At a meeting between Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern at No 10 Downing Street in the summer of 2000, dissidents, demilitarisation and House of Commons facilities for Sinn Fein were discussed. Advertisement The meeting took place on July 31st, 2000, after the initial decommissioning deadline of May 2000 was missed. Advertisement The Independent Commission on Policing in Northern Ireland, chaired by Lord Patten, made recommendations that would lead to the RUC transitioning into the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in 2001. During the hour-and-a-half-long meeting, according to notes sent by the Irish ambassador to the UK, Edward Barrington, Mr Blair said that it was important to leave the unionists with something. Advertisement It needed to be clear that the RUC was not the name that was used, but also that it was not being erased from history. He said that the Chief Constable agreed that there could not be a dual name, but the unionists did not want their faces rubbed in it, adding that the British and Irish Governments approach needed to be smarter. If David Trimble could not have a face-saving formula on the name we were in real trouble. We needed to help him through the by-election and his party conference and to ensure that he was strong enough to face a general election. Mr Trimble said he would not be rolled over on the Police Bill. Advertisement Mr Ahern said that he had no sense that the leaders of nationalism and republicanism were triumphalist, and said Gerry Adams wanted the police reform to work and genuinely wanted a police service that young nationalists could join. Advertisement Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon also wanted reforms to work, but could not commend a force seen as inadequate and that would make him look like a Gerry Fitt figure. Mr Blair agreed with Mr Aherns proposal to have officials focus on essential points such as the name, flag, emblem, reserve and Special Branch, and to include explanatory paragraphs which would explain what the legislation actually meant instead of resolving things through clever legislative drafting. Advertisement Former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Mandelson (PA) The meeting also came after a difficult meeting between Irelands then-foreign affairs minister Brian Cowen and UK secretary of state for Northern Ireland Peter Mandelson, on May 26th. In that meeting, Mr Cowen raised concern about aspects of the Policing Bill that had been introduced in the House of Commons, before an opportunity to discuss it. Mr Mandelson claimed that Irish officials had signed off on the Bill and on the implementation plan; the word wrong was handwritten next to this paragraph on the archive document. The note written by the Irish official stated that the Police Bill was discussed initially in the secretariat on May 8 when we signalled we had problems. In spite of request for a copy of the Bill for consultations it was only given to us on the 15 May when it was introduced in Parliament. The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file 2023/154/4 Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he does not think new gambling laws will affect the horse racing industry, amid concerns raised by the sector. Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has brought forward a Bill which provides for the establishment of a gambling regulatory authority and is intended to protect children and those vulnerable to problem gambling. Advertisement The Government says the Bill seeks to ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way. It also includes safeguards to address problem gambling and advertising as well as measures to prevent gambling from being a source or support to crime. Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne (Brian Lawless/PA) Advertisement However, horse racing channels and betting services have expressed concern about the viability of their businesses if the tighter regulations come into effect. Mr Martin, who supports the legislation and is the party leader of Minister Browne, said he does not believe the industrys concerns will be realised. He said: I think the Irish racing industry is very strong, the breeding industry is very strong, its world class. Advertisement Advertisement I think James Browne has worked very diligently and effectively in producing a very comprehensive piece of legislation to his credit and he has a lot of respect across the Oireachtas in respect of this. I dont believe the fears will be realised. The Fianna Fail leader said gambling addiction is a considerable issue in society and a serious public-health issue. Advertisement Mr Martin added: The ESRI estimate that about 130,000 people are problem gamblers. The problem with gambling is that it can destroy families overnight. People lose their houses. It can have very, very traumatic impacts on families. So the Bill reflects the seriousness of the situation and the seriousness of gambling addiction and I believe there are ways of dealing with some of the issues that people have raised. Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a railway station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said. The barrages killed at least five people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of Kherson. Advertisement The aerial barrage came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea as both sides soldiers struggle to make much progress along the front line of the 22-month war. Overnight, the Kremlins forces launched an artillery and drone bombardment of the Kherson region just as some 140 civilians were waiting for a train at the regions capital city of the same name, according to Ukrainian interior minister Ihor Klymenko. In 2023 across the British countryside, Ukrainian recruits have been training hard. Over 30,000 have now been trained on Op Interflex. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/UJRaxMdMmB Advertisement Advertisement Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) December 27, 2023 The shelling killed a police officer and injured two others, as well as two civilians. Advertisement More than 100 people who were waiting for the train at the time of the attack arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning, national rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said. The attack on the Kherson region and its capital hit residential areas and a shopping centre as well as striking the power grid, leaving around 70% of households in Kherson city without electricity during the winter cold, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. It was not immediately possible to estimate when power might be restored, he said. Targeting energy infrastructure was also a Russian tactic last winter, when it tried to break Ukrainians spirit by denying them heating and running water. Advertisement In Odesa, another major city in southern Ukraine, the drone assault killed two people and wounded three, including a 17-year-old man, regional governor Oleh Kiper said. Hanna Boichuk cries during the funeral of her son Vasyl Boichuk, a Ukrainian serviceman killed in Mykolayiv in March 2022, in Verkhovyna, Ukraine, on Tuesday December 26 2023 (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Ukraines air force said it intercepted 32 out of the 46 drones that Russia fired overnight. Advertisement A western military assessment, meanwhile, reckoned that Russias capture this week of a city in eastern Ukraine would not provide it with a springboard for major battlefield gains. Ukrainian commander-in-chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi said on Tuesday that his troops had retreated to the northern outskirts of the city of Marinka, which sits about 12 miles west of Donetsk, the largest city in Russian-held territory. Advertisement General Zaluzhnyi said his troops had held Marinka for almost two years but Russians were destroying it street by street, house by house. The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank, said: Russian forces are highly unlikely to make rapid operational advances from Marinka. But it noted that localised Russian offensive operations are still placing pressure on Ukrainian forces in many places along the front in eastern Ukraine. A Ukrainian MSLR BM-21 Grad rocket launcher fires towards Russian positions at the frontline near Kreminna, Ukraine (File image/Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Amid concerns that weapons supplies from abroad could diminish as allies become fatigued with the war, Ukraines minister of strategic industries told a briefing on Wednesday that the defence sector aims to increase production significantly next year and that production was three times higher in 2023 than in the previous year. Oleksandr Kamyshin said Ukraine is now producing six Bohdana self-propelled artillery units per month. Bohdanas are a strategically important weapon for the Ukrainian defence industry as they are the only Ukrainian-produced self-propelled gun using Nato-standard 155mm rounds instead of the 152mm rounds used by artillery based on Soviet technology. Mr Kamyshin also said the country next year aims to produce up to 1,000 long-range strike drones which have a range of about 620 miles an increase from only a few dozen a month currently. It is also targeting production of 10,000 middle-range and 1,000 long-range strike drones. The British prime minister considers the matter of UK home secretary James Cleverly joking about spiking his wifes drink with a date rape drug closed, Downing Street said. A spokeswoman for Rishi Sunak could not say whether he had spoken to the home secretary since the UK Cabinet minister reportedly made the remarks at a Downing Street reception. Advertisement She highlighted the action the UK government had taken in recent weeks on the issue of spiking when asked by reporters about the backlash Mr Cleverly had faced from date rape victims and womens rights groups following the comments. Mr Cleverly told female guests at a No 10 event before Christmas 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 Advertisement The UK home secretary 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. The home secretary met his wife Susie at university and the couple have two children. He has since apologised, via his spokesman, for making an ironic joke. Advertisement But womens rights group the Fawcett Society said the comments were sickening and called for Mr Cleverly to resign. No 10 said the UK prime minister considers the matter of the British home secretarys joke about spiking closed (Leon Neal/PA) That call was echoed by Gina Miller, an anti-Brexit campaigner and head of the True and Fair Party, who said she was often drugged in a previous abusive relationship. Advertisement Some topics are off limits when it comes to jokes, she tweeted. Women need men as allies to help end this evil not joke about it. A spokeswoman for the UK prime minister told reporters on Wednesday: You saw, and it was right, that the Home Secretary apologised for what I understand to be comments made during a private conversation. The Prime Minister considers the matter closed, and he and the Home Secretary are focused on the action the Government is taking to tackle spiking and protect women and girls. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Mr Cleverlys Home Office is in charge of tackling incidents of spiking when someone puts drugs into anothers drink or directly into their body without their knowledge or consent. Mr Sunaks spokeswoman, when asked whether the prime minister was concerned about the type of message the remarks might give to victims of spiking, reiterated that the British leader and Mr Cleverly were focused on taking action to crack down on the behaviour. That is why we made sure that existing laws recognise the threat that spiking poses to women and girls, she continued. Mr Cleverly has previously described tackling violence against women and girls as a personal priority and called spiking a perverse crime. Some topics are off limits when it comes to jokes. Rape, #DomesticAbuse #coercivecontrol, use of Rohypnol/roofies is alarmingly on the rise. Women need men as allies to help end this evil- not joke about it. Especially not a Home Secretary, at work, home, private or public https://t.co/YqdxNRzqTo Advertisement Gina Miller (@thatginamiller) December 26, 2023 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 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. UK home secretary James Cleverly with his wife Susannah Cleverly (Victoria Jones/PA) It is not the first time Mr Cleverly has talked himself into trouble since taking over the role from the controversial Suella Braverman just over six weeks ago. He was forced to apologise last month after swearing in Parliament. The senior Conservative 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 Mr Sunak in the reshuffle which saw David Cameron replace him as UK foreign secretary in November. Former European Commission president Jacques Delors, a founding father of the European Union's historic single currency project, died on Wednesday at the age of 98. Mr Delors, an ardent advocate of post-war European integration, served as president of the European Commission, the EU executive, for three terms - longer than any other holder of the office - from January 1985 until the end of 1994. Advertisement During Mr Delors' dynamic decade as Commission chief, the EU completed its integrated single market and agreed to introduce a single currency and build a common foreign and security policy. The then 12-nation bloc also set the conditions on his watch for eventually admitting the ex-communist states of central and eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. His daughter, Martine Aubry, the socialist mayor of Lille, told AFP that her father died in his sleep at his Parisian home. Advertisement French president Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to his compatriot as an "inexhaustible architect of our Europe" and a fighter for human justice. Advertisement Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief negotiator during Britain's divorce from the EU, said MrDelors had been an inspiration and a reason to "believe in a 'certain idea' of politics, of France, and of Europe". Mr Delors, a staunch federalist, was a passionate defender of an "ever closer union" who, at the helm of the EU executive, frequently clashed with Britain's then-prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, who vigorously pushed back against any shift of power to Brussels. Mr Delors' plans for monetary union led The Sun tabloid in Britain to famously run a front page headline in 1990 reading "Up Yours Delors." The announcement of Mr Delors' death came hours after news broke of the passing of Wolfgang Schaeuble, whose career in the German parliament spanned more than half a century, during which he helped secure his country's place at the heart of Europe. Advertisement In an interview to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding Treaty of Rome in March 2007, Mr Delors told Reuters he worried the EU could unravel within 20 years unless it reformed its institutions to streamline its decision-making. A little over two decades later, Britain quit the bloc. Federalists still warn that planned further enlargement, perhaps as far east as Ukraine, risks bringing decision-making to a grinding halt if deeper reforms are not enacted. Nevertheless, Mr Delors at the time expressed pride in the EU's record of spreading peace, prosperity, democracy and the rule of law on a continent scarred by war, dictatorship and atrocities. "Jacques Delors was a visionary who made Europe stronger," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said. Futures - "bU Fashion Show 2023 Original Soundtrack" | DREAM Label Group Los Angeles, CA (December 22nd, 2023) Worship group Futures releases a new album titled bU Fashion Show 2023 Original Soundtrack. The album was produced by Andrew Barlow and Mark Griffiths and features new songs Cant Live Without You and Anything For You. The album is in support of their annual bU Fashion Show they have at their church. We had a blast writing these songs and it was even more rewarding for those of us who got to be in Australia and perform them live at the show! Our Senior Pastor and founder of the bU Fashion Show reached out to us earlier this year to write the original soundtrack and we jumped at the opportunity, pulled together our writing teams and got to work. It was an awesome way to collaborate with our writers and producers from our Futures campuses across the globe and showcase music written across multiple different genres - we even have 2 super fun kids songs in the collection! Our Fashion Show has been running for 21 years, but we think this year was the most special with these songs taking to the runway. - Chloe Evans, Futures. Listen or Buy bU Fashion Show 2023 Original Soundtrack here Connect with Futures: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube The Australian government this year banned TikTok on government devices over security concerns related to Chinas intelligence laws. Governments from Britain, Canada, France and New Zealand have also banned the app from official devices. A TikTok spokeswoman on Tuesday denied the pixel breaches Australias privacy laws. Loading Pixel usage, which is voluntary for our advertising clients to adopt, is an industry-wide tool used to improve the effectiveness of advertising services. Our use of this tool is compliant with all current Australian privacy laws and regulations, and we dismiss any suggestion otherwise, the spokeswoman said. But TikToks aggressive harvesting of personal data is only the tip of the iceberg that should finally wake Australians up to the dangers of big technology companies tracking users online behaviour, according to David Vaile, chair of the Australian Privacy Foundation and executive director at the University of NSWs Cyberspace Law and Policy Centre. He said while Chinese-owned social media giant TikToks tracking tool was egregious, Australians had become far too blase about protecting their privacy online. Theres no doubt that the Chinese operation is a very explicit form of internet censorship and a very thorough internet tracking and surveillance, Vaile said. But Western countries, particularly the United States [where big tech companies are often based], has never really accepted the global standard of privacy protections. There are a lot of reasons to criticise TikTok and China, but the difference between what they do and what various Western entities do is nowhere near as big TikTok is just the tip of the iceberg. Marketing and advisory agency Civic Data director Chris Brinkworth said organisations trying to keep pace with changing technology was like playing a game of whack-a-mole. Unfortunately it moves so fast and the digital world has changed so rapidly over the last five to six years, Brinkworth said. The way data can be collected and used its very hard for any one person to stay on top of. Marketers often use tracking pixels for retargeting campaigns and to deliver more relevant ads that follow users across websites after a user has consented to the privacy policies of websites. David Vaile, executive director of the Cyberspace Law and Policy Centre at UNSW. Credit: Vaile said the vast majority of Australians were not providing informed consent, and that online companies were obfuscating and obscuring as much as possible to make it harder for users to detect and completely understand what they were consenting to. You get long pages, thousands of words, legalese, and the reality is most people arent going to read it, but they click a box saying they have read it, they understand it and they agree, Vaile said. So they havent read it, they dont understand it because they havent read it, and they cant agree because they dont know what theyre agreeing to. The implication is that all consent is the same and that is a widely abused mechanism to improve the legal situation of the people behind it on the other side of the contract. Loading Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus is in the middle of another round of consultations on the right to request erasure proposals and 115 other reforms put forward by his department in the review of the Privacy Act, commissioned by the former Morrison government. A key theme of the review was bringing Australias law into line with global standards of information privacy protection, with the report landing after the data of millions of Australians was stolen in cyberattacks on Optus and Medibank Private last year. In response to the hacks, the government increased fines for serious or repeated breaches of the Privacy Act from $2.2 million to $50 million. The right to erasure is one of many proposals that are being considered as part of the reform process, a spokesman for the attorney-general said. The government is also alive to the fact that many privacy policies are far too complex and lengthy leading many Australians to tick a box in order to receive goods and services without necessarily understanding what they are agreeing to. To tackle this, the government is considering the introduction of new rules to ensure that the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is always fair and reasonable. Falk said reforms to the Privacy Act were vital to ensure Australias privacy laws were fit for the digital age. Loading Reforms will also provide a greater range of enforcement powers to the [Office of the Australian Information Commissioner] which will increase our ability to take regulatory action on behalf of the Australian people in a flexible and proportionate way, and to identify systemic privacy issues, she said. Civic Datas Brinkworth and opposition cybersecurity spokesman James Paterson welcomed the commissioners decision to launch an inquiry into TikTok. By Kim Hyun-bin The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has officially signed a deal to acquire 20 additional F-35A stealth jets as part of the second phase of its next-generation fighter jet program, according to the state-run arms procurement agency, Wednesday. A letter of acceptance was signed Dec. 8, following the U.S. approval of the sale in September. The procurement, conducted under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, builds upon Korea's previous acquisition of 40 F-35As in the first phase between 2019 and 2022. However, the Air Force has decided to retire one stealth fighter that was seriously damaged by a bird strike in January 2022. According to DAPA, the newly signed jets, scheduled for delivery starting in 2027, will feature substantial enhancements in threat response capabilities, encryption and security functionalities and armed operational capacities compared to their predecessors. The additional F-35As boast a 1.5-fold increase in internal armament capacity compared to earlier versions and can be equipped with cutting-edge armaments such as laser-guided GBU-56 (L-JDAM) precision-guided bombs. "The F-35A stealth fighter is operational not only in our Air Force but also in 17 other countries, totaling over a thousand stealth jets. It is a proven high-performance aircraft," a DAPA official said. DAPA said preparations are underway for projects aimed at further improving the performances of the F-35A aircraft already procured in the first phase of the program. The Australian sharemarket set a new 100-day high on the first day of trade after the Christmas and Boxing Day break, following the lead of Wall Street, which is on the brink of a record. The S&P/ASX 200 lifted 59.6 points, or 0.79 per cent, to 7561.2 at the close, as all 11 sectors traded higher. The local bourse is within 80 points of its record high in August 2021. Markets are closing in on their previous all-time highs. Credit: Bloomberg The Australian sharemarket was fuelled by a rally in the price of iron ore, which rose to an 18-month high of $US140 a tonne. The mining sector was up 1.14 per cent, buoyed by heavyweights BHP (up 1.07 per cent), Fortescue (up 0.7 per cent) and Rio Tinto (up 0.54 per cent). Consumer discretionary stocks lifted 0.74 per cent and real estate investment trusts were trading 1.51 per cent higher on the back of the Boxing Day sales momentum. The Australian Retail Association is forecasting shoppers to spend a record $24 billion, up 1.6 per cent, during the post-Christmas sales frenzy. Seoul: Lee Sun-kyun, a South Korean actor who starred in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been found dead by authorities following up a report that he had gone missing, a fire official in Seoul said. Lee, 48, who played the head of a wealthy household in the film, had faced investigation over accusations of illegal drug use amid a government crackdown. Actor Lee Sun-kyun gets out of a car upon his arrival at a police station on Saturday. Credit: Yonhap Lee had been questioned three times by police, including for 19 hours over the weekend. The actor said he was tricked into taking drugs by a bar hostess who then tried to blackmail him, the news agency Yonhap reported. Lee was found unconscious next to charcoal briquettes inside a car at a park in Seoul on Wednesday morning, after his wife reported to police that he had left home, and she had found what appeared to be a suicide note, Yonhap said. Tom Smothers, the older half of the comic folk duo the Smothers Brothers, whose skits and songs on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in the late 1960s brought political satire and a spirit of youthful irreverence to network television, paving the way for shows like Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show, died Wednesday at his home in Santa Rosa, California. He was 86. He died following a recent battle with cancer, a spokesperson for the National Comedy Centre announced on behalf of the family. Though he played a naive buffoon onstage, he was the driving force behind the folk-singing duos groundbreaking TV show. Credit: AP The Smothers Brothers made their way to US network television as a folk act with a difference. With Tom playing guitar and Dick playing stand-up bass, they spent as much time bickering as singing. With an innocent expression and a stammering delivery, Tom would try to introduce their songs with a story, only to be picked at by his sceptical brother. As frustration mounted, he would turn, seething, and often deliver a trademark non sequitur: Mum always liked you best. Advertisement Opinion FoodRestaurant news Everywhere I turned there was care, beauty and optimism, just like Bill himself Renowned Sydney chef Kylie Kwong pays tribute to the late Bill Granger, with whom she opened the lauded billy kwong restaurant in 2000. Kylie Kwong December 27, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Bill Granger and Kylie Kwong in 2000 at the opening of their joint venture, billy kwong in Surry Hills. Jennifer Soo It was 1998, and I had spent two years running the 400-seat restaurant called Wokpool for Neil Perry. I yearned to work in a small-scale, intimate-style eatery and business. After a month of rest and re-evaluation, I called Bill Granger out of the blue. I had never met Bill before, nor had I been to his eponymous cafes (at the time he had bills2 in Surry Hills, alongside his original bills in Darlinghurst), but I had certainly heard about them. Fortunately, the timing was right and there was a chefs position available, so I began working at the original bills. It was a steep learning curve for this 29-year-old Australian-Chinese chef who didnt know how to cook scrambled eggs or ricotta hotcakes, the signatures of his restaurants. The ricotta hotcakes at bills in Darlinghurst. Wolter Peeters Advertisement Bill, I am so sorry, but I am Chinese, and, um, we just dont eat this type of food, we have congee for breakfast. Can you please teach me? I want to learn, I said to him at the time. Bill and I hit it off immediately. As well as our obsession with cooking and sharing fresh, beautiful, locally grown, simply cooked, flavoursome food, we had an instant creative connection. I was especially inspired by the beauty and idiosyncratic nature of bills in Darlinghurst; how Bill had made this tiny, jewel of a space so completely and utterly stunning. Everywhere I turned there was care, beauty and optimism, just like Bill himself. Bill Granger serving at bills in Darlinghurst in 2002. Like everyone else, I was drawn to the open, natural, casual, sunny vibe of that generous, heartfelt space with its iconic, oversized, welcoming wooden table. Being inside bills simply made me feel good. Bill was a former art student, and I could see and feel his artistic eye and character in every single aspect of his business. Bill had an extremely high emotional intelligence for someone so young. We were the same age both just shy of 30 when we first met. Advertisement I had never met anyone like Bill, there was connection on so many levels. We had countless deep and meaningful conversations about our rich and complex family lives; our unique relationships with our parents; our differing childhood experiences; our love of art and beauty; and our ideas about what hospitality truly means. Kylie Kwong and Bill Granger in the tiny billy kwong. I will cherish these memories. Bill made me feel good about my individuality and quirks. One of his greatest qualities was the way he celebrated people and accepted them for who they truly were. Everyone who knew Bill remembers how non-judgemental he was; he saw the sunlight in everyone and every situation. I had never met anyone like Bill, there was connection on so many levels. I felt like Bill understood my true nature. I went on to become Bills head chef for both bills Darlinghurst and bills2 Surry Hills. Advertisement Then, in 2000, we joined forces and opened the original billy kwong an amalgamation of his first name and my surname in Crown Street, Surry Hills. Because Bill already had two small businesses under his belt, he was able to offer much guidance and support in the opening of billy kwong. Kylie and Bill in the kitchen at billy kwong. Sahlan Hayes Bills father and my mother helped us with the administration, and one of my brothers did the graphic design it was a true family business. Bill made an indelible impression on me and my life as a restaurateur. Some 23 years later, in my current eatery Lucky Kwong, I can see bill-isms everywhere, in the small, intimate, aesthetically beautiful space, filled with handpicked precious objects and artworks. I want this space to light up our diners hearts and souls, just like Bill did for anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. My heart goes out to Bills extraordinary life partner Natalie and their three beautiful children. Amid this unfathomable loss, I know that Bills exceptional spirit will continue to shine brightly and deeply for years to come Advertisement Advertisement Eating outBest of No plans? No worries: 10 of the best Sydney venues to celebrate New Years Eve in style From walk-in bars to set price food and drink packages, these hotspots are putting on a fittingly fine show for the last night of 2023. Isabel Cant December 28, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Weve rounded up 10 events across Sydney where you can say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 in style. Theres an Italian-inspired soiree, rooftop revelry, walk-in options and more. A sample of the NYE spread at Le Foote. Supplied Le Foote The decadent new-ish grillhouse from the crew behind Hubert and Albertos Lounge is putting on a one-off banquet menu in their mosaic-adorned dining room. Highlights include caviar and smoked creme fraiche tartlets, a chilled seafood selection, as well as wagyu striploin and king prawns hot off the charcoal grill. Finish with their summery take on rum baba with macerated cherries. Step outside and youre already in the prime firework-watching spot, The Rocks. Price: $180 per person for ten dishes plus a glass of champagne. Advertisement Some walk-ins available or book here. 101 George St, The Rocks. Head up to the rooftop at the Taphouse for NYE celebrations. Supplied Taphouse If youre after a celebratory feast thats more budget than blow-out, head to the roof of Darlinghurst boozer the Taphouse and choose between their Chinese a la carte and banquet menu. The banquet menu hits all the nostalgic classics (hello, sweet and sour pork), but their a la carte menu offers more NYE-worthy centrepieces like roast duck platter, steamed barramundi and wok-fried mud crab. Take advantage of all of their frozen gin cocktail specials going for $15 instead of the usual $20, too. Price: A la carte menu or $65 per person banquet menu Advertisement Walk-ins available or book here. 122 Flinders St, Darlinghurst Enjoy a four-course menu, plus a glass of Charles Heidsieck champagne at Otto. Supplied Otto Beyond the million-dollar water views, Otto is the perfect spot to catch the last sun rays of 2023. Those with packed NYE agendas can take advantage of the Italian stalwarts full a la carte menu at their first seating at 5pm. From 7.30pm, diners will be offered a four-course menu, plus a glass of Charles Heidsieck champagne on arrival. Standouts include zucchini flowers filled with scallops and prawn and wagyu chuck tail flap MBS 9+ steak. Kids are also catered for with a special $60 menu. Price: A la carte menu until 6.15pm, $360 per person menu plus a glass of champagne after 7.30pm, $60 per person kids menu. Advertisement Book here. Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo Feast the year away at Ho Jiak Town Hall. Edwina Pickles Ho Jiak Town Hall Junda Khoos supercharged Malaysian playground has a luxurious a la carte menu that seems like it was made for celebrating New Years Eve. Go all out with lobster pipis sang mee and bone marrow roti, or choose your own adventure with a selection of finessed Malaysian sauces to accompany NT mud crab and whole coral trout. That is, if you can look past the expertly executed classics like Hainanese chicken and swimmer crab char kwai teow. Banquet menus are also on offer if it all sounds too good to make a decision. Price: A la carte menu, or $98/$168 per person for the banquet menu. Advertisement Walk-ins available, or book here.125 York St, Sydney Celebrate NYE at Sky Bar at Shell House. James Brickwood Shell House All four levels at Shell House will be open as usual for NYE, a stones throw away from the action at Circular Quay. Enjoy the Italo-inspired menu at the cool and casual Menzies Bar & Bistro (dont miss the lobster rolls), snack on caviar up at the Clocktower Bar, or go all out at the Dining Room with showstoppers like grilled southern rock lobster and 900 gram Delmonico steak. All levels have the option to add a bottle of Perrier-Jouet and a serving of their signature crab & caviar for $150. Walk-ins available or book here. 37 Margaret St, Sydney Advertisement El Primo Sanchez will be slinging Mexican canapes and good times. Jennifer Soo El Primo Sanchez Theyll be slinging as many moreish Mexican canapes as you can eat for three hours at this mezcal bars inaugural New Years Eve party. Cured snapper tostadas, blue swimmer crab tacos and classic tacos al pastor are standouts, but the evenings mission should be to try all nine. Margarita cheesecake and corn tres leches with salted caramel will satisfy sweet tooths, too. Tickets include three cocktail tokens for mezcal-fuelled night festivities. After 10pm, canapes will stop roaming to make way for some serious dancing, but $60 tickets will score you two El-Primo cocktails. Price: $160 per person from 7-10pm, $60 from 10pm. Tickets will be sold at the door, or book here. 27-33 Oxford St, Paddington Advertisement Join the pizza party at Pizza Madre. Dominic Lorrimer Pizza Madre If battling the city crowds isnt your thing, head to Pizza Madre in Marrickville for vegetarian wood-fired pizzas in relaxed surrounds. Try their December selections from their a la carte menu, or add some mezze, a seasonal salad, and a dessert (cherry pavlova, were looking at you) to make it a set menu for $65 per person. Price: A la carte menu, or $65 per person set menu Walk-ins available or book here. 2/205 Victoria Rd, Marrickville Advertisement For fried chicken with spice and all things nice head to Belles Hot Chicken. Supplied Belles Hot Chicken If youre looking for a good way to cleanse yourself of 2023, sweat it out with some spicy fried chook at Belles Hot Chicken. All of their Sydney locations will be taking walk-ins and offering their full menu. Opt for their big wings for the maximum crispy skin-to-meat ratio, and wash it down with a schooner of Belles Draught, which will be on special for $5. Walk-ins available or book here. Locations in Barangaroo, Circular Quay and Bondi The Dolphin Hotel in Surry Hills is a good time all of the time. Jennifer Soo Advertisement The Dolphin Hotel The Surry Hills pub will be throwing open its doors to all comers, whether theyre here for a couple of drinks, or eyeing off their Italian-leaning menu. Celebrate what was 2023 and the return of the Dolphins wood-fire pizza oven, helmed by Bella Brutta alum Sasha Smiljanic. Walk-ins available, or book here.412 Crown St, Surry Hills Cho Cho San Advertisement Two Australian brothers are among those suspected to have died in an airstrike on a town in the south of Lebanon. Local media in Lebanon reported that Australian brothers Ibrahim Bazzi, 27, and Ali Bazzi, 30, were killed in an airstrike in the centre of the city of Bint Jbeil. The 27-year-old mans wife, Shorouk Hammoud, was also reportedly killed in the attack, the report says. Local media reported an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of homes in Bint Jbeil. Credit: Lebanon News/Telegram According to the ABC, the Sydney man Ibrahim Bazzi had travelled to Lebanon to visit his wife Shorouk Hammoud, who recently acquired an Australian visa. His brother was born in Sydney but had moved to Lebanon several years ago. Local media in Lebanon reported that an Israeli warplane fired a missile that hit a number of homes in Bint Jbeil. The Herald and the Age have been unable to confirm these reports. Now is the winter of our discontent, wrote Shakespeare. It might have been 430 years ago, but it encapsulates the zeitgeist of the 2020s quite well particularly the feeling of restless indignation that has come to define Gen Z. Yet in the very next line, Shakespeares winter of discontent was made glorious summer, much like Dickens worst of times was intertwined with the best of times. History shows us that times of societal restlessness whether that be anti-monarchical Elizabethan England or revolutionary France are always temporary. Students march in the School Strike for Palestine in Melbourne on November 23. Credit: Getty Images This is difficult to remember in the 2020s, an era termed the age of uncertainty. It is even harder for my generation, who have never known anything else. The crises of our time climate change, gender inequality and cost of living are ongoing and do not seem as if they will be resolved within our lifetimes. One of our rare constants is, somewhat paradoxically, a perpetual sense of impending doom. So it is surely a testament to our collective mental fortitude that this feeling has resulted in activism rather than ennui. A Sydney real estate agent and his wife allegedly moved an elderly client with dementia into their home so they could rent out her flat, steal her jewellery and use her credit cards to fund shopping sprees, before abandoning her on a trip overseas. Robby Yong, of GW Property and Investment in the citys south, was contacted in late 2021 by the elderly Diana Yoe, who has dementia and speaks primarily Indonesian, court documents obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald claim. Real estate agent Robby Yong was arrested (inset) in October after he and his wife allegedly defrauded an elderly woman with dementia by renting out her Mascot unit (pictured) using her credit cards and other valuables, NSW Police allege. The 81-year-old Yoe had purchased a new unit in Mascot but, after living there for a few months, became lonely and wished to sell up. The real estate agent allegedly persuaded the elderly woman not to sell her unit, and instead move into the Narwee home he shared with his wife, Olyn Goenawati. Families in homes hammered by the Christmas storms may have to wait days until their power is restored, with electricity workers and emergency services personnel enduring a heatwave as recovery efforts continue. Authorities on Thursday said they were confident 90 per cent of properties would have electricity restored by New Years Eve, however large parts of the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim were predicted not to have power until 6pm on Sunday. The remaining 10 per cent of properties were predominantly in Tamborine Mountain and Jimboomba, with about 10,000 properties affected. The advice is that those areas arent able to have power restored, theyll need to have a power system rebuilt, Energy Minister Mick De Brenni said. A suburban home in Melbournes north with links to alleged gangland figure Mohammed Charif Oueida has been targeted for the second time in less than a week. Victoria Police did not speak about the incident but in a statement said offenders poured accelerant on the driveway of a Fawkner home on Major Road before setting a parked car alight overnight. They then fled in a waiting vehicle. Emergency services were called to the property about 3.20am on Thursday. A short time later, a second car thought to be a white Toyota Camry was found on fire at the intersection of William and Lowson streets. There were no injuries, but both fires were being treated as suspicious. A former U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commander on Wednesday called for the deployment of a U.S. tank battalion to South Korea to strengthen defense capabilities as he warned of North Korean military threats in the new year. Ret. Gen. Burwell B. Bell, who led the USFK from 2006 to 2008, made the call in a New Year's message sent to the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation, noting "escalating" challenges faced by the allies from North Korea. "Clearly, the United States needs to send a tank battalion to South Korea to fall in on prepositioned tank stocks and thus augment the Infantry Stryker brigade," he said in the message. Last year, the U.S. Army transitioned its rotational force in South Korea to a new brigade combat team employing the Stryker armored fighting vehicle from the existing one operating M-1 Abrams tanks and M-2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. It, however, decided to maintain the previous armored combat team's equipment, including the Abrams tanks and the Bradleys, on the Korean Peninsula to ensure defense capabilities. Bell said the next year will present the "most serious" threat to peace and stability on the peninsula since the North's 2010 sinking of a South Korean warship, which claimed 46 lives, calling on the allies to bolster readiness. "The very best way to ensure continued peace and stability is for both Alliance members to stand together in public solidarity and simultaneously demonstrate enhanced military ground unit commitment and readiness," he said. The USFK maintains some 28,500 troops as well as around 280 armored vehicles, according to South Korea's 2022 Defense White Paper. (Yonhap) 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 Five years ago, Walaa Abomogdeb hid in her apartment as terrorists attacked her city of Sweida in south-western Syria. The attackers, who were affiliated with Islamic State, killed hundreds of people with suicide bombs and shootings. I was so afraid, Abomogdeb says. A lot of people died. We knew many of them. New arrivals: Syrian refugees Walaa Abomogdeb, her husband Obada Azzam, and their two-year-old son Saad in a Meadow Heights park. Credit: Joe Armao Her husband, aid worker Obada Azzam, 31, was helpless, having fled for his life to Erbil, in northern Iraq, a year before. It was very scary, he says. I didnt know what maybe had happened to her. Four months later, the couple were reunited in Erbil after Abomogdeb sold her gold, and Azzam worked to fund her fare. Advertisement Their son, Saad, was born two years ago, and the family came to Australia as refugees on March 9, 2023. The Age is telling their story as part of The Year I series, which profiles the experiences of Victorians in 2023. Abomogdeb, Azzam, and their son Saad at Doha Airport in Qatar en route to Australia in March 2023. Now settled in a brick house near lovely parks in Meadow Heights, in Melbournes north, the family is in a different world. Abomogdeb, 32, says that at first, the move to Australia felt scary, because we dont know whats happening, where we are, what well do. But gesturing to her bubbly toddler, says she is content with at least one thing. He is safe, she says. The couple, who are from the Druze faith, feel they can start to build a life. Advertisement Now we feel safe. We are safe, Abomogdeb says. We feel in the normal life. We can plan. We can do anything in the future. Before that, we cant do that. In Syria, many times, it was, when can we go out? When will the war stop? Mourners attend a funeral of people killed by Islamic State fighter suicide bombings in Sweida, Syria in July 2018. Credit: AP Abomogdeb says it was dangerous to live in Syria among warring factions. She once studied in Aleppo and the 390-kilometre trip there from Sweida took 40 hours, in buses that took convoluted routes to avoid fighting. On that journey, she often had to wear a burqa rather than the jeans, T-shirt and uncovered head she wore in her less conservative, Druze-majority hometown. I was frightened of Daesh [ISIS], Abomogdeb says. Advertisement In Syria, Azzam was a law graduate who worked in disaster management for the Red Crescent, where Abomogdeb also worked. He fled to Iraq in 2017 after his life was put in danger due to his work. Syrians inspect the site of a suicide bomb attack in Sweida, Syria, in July 2018. Credit: AP There, he picked up work in menial jobs, then was a hospital receptionist and graphic design trainer but couldnt find work as a lawyer. Azzam is determined to re-qualify as a lawyer in Australia, but will have to study for years. Abomogdeb, an environmental engineer, says her Syrian qualifications are recognised in Australia. But they both must first do intensive study of English. Azzam is frustrated at not being able to express himself in speech freely yet. Advertisement I dont have enough words, he says. I used to talk a lot. I used to speak funny words, to be funny, but in English, its hard for me. At first, when we arrived in Melbourne, everything was strange to us and had to be learned, like using the bus and train, and paying by card. In Syria and Iraq, you pay everything by cash. Australia can help him to grow up in safety, says Abomogdeb of her son. Credit: Joe Armao Locals in Meadow Heights have been welcoming. The family had Christmas Day lunch at the home of a neighbour, and brought a rice dish and Arab sweets. The Aussie tradition of bringing a plate is new. In Syria, the host provides all the food. Abomogdeb says everything is different in Australia. Here you can live comfortably. You can sleep. You can plan your life, she says. Here you can plan your future. Advertisement A 46-year-old Perth father is lucky to be alive after an encounter with a shark at a popular tourist and surfing location on Christmas Eve left him with serious injuries on his ankle. Speaking to 9 News Perth, Troy Brown said he needed more than 40 stitches after being bitten by what is believed to have been a bronze whaler while foil boarding off Wedge Island, north of Lancelin. Brown said he had fallen off his board and then felt something sharp on his ankle. It took him a moment to realise he fell into the sharks mouth, leaving him with more than 20 puncture wounds. The volunteer firefighter killed while responding to an out-of-control bushfire near Esperance on Tuesday has been identified as Harry Stead. Its understood Stead, 20, was fatally injured after falling from a private firefighting vehicle while conducting fire suppression activities on a farm. Harry Stead died while battling a bushfire in Esperance on Boxing Day. Credit: Nine News Perth/Instagram The 2020 Hale School graduate was the son of prominent farmer Simon Stead, who is the chairman of CBH Group. A WA Police spokesman said authorities were investigating the cause of the fire and the circumstances around Steads death. A young woman who died while ramped at a Perth hospital would have had a very slim chance of surviving meningococcal if her treatment was not delayed. That is the conclusion of a coroners inquest into the death of Ashleigh Hunter, delivered four years after her death at Royal Perth Hospital on December 27, 2019. Ashleigh Hunter died at Royal Perth Hospital in 2019. Hunter died less than two hours after an ambulance rushed her to the emergency department on what hospital staff had described as a very busy day. Her boyfriend had called triple zero about midday following a big night out, after the 26-year-old accountants health rapidly deteriorated from what she thought was a flu to 10 out of 10 abdomen, back, chest and leg pain, and nausea. At the end of a sloppy year for Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton suddenly finds himself in a competitive position just 19 months after one of the Coalitions worst elections in generations. Blocking his path to government, however, is a barrier in the form of seven, once-Liberal urban electorates held by progressive teal independents. Think of this electoral handicap as a runner jumping over hurdles 15 centimetres taller than in previous races. Peter Dutton will have to leap higher tow win back the teal seats. Credit: Joe Benke Without these seats, the Coalition must gain support in new areas and form novel paths to winning elections. Labors midterm turbulence, and the optimism it inspires in the opposition, merely masks this structural weakness. The 2022 teal wave and the oppositions response to it is numerically and symbolically pivotal. On Saturday, we learnt that of the Liberals who lost to independents in May 2022, only Tim Wilson (Goldstein) is guaranteed to seek re-election. Staring at the baggage carousel, my eyes search in vain for a white Samsonite with red tags. When the carousel comes to a complete stop, I have to accept what Ive feared for the past 15 minutes. Im in Honolulu, but my suitcase isnt. Credit: Jamie Brown Every day, more than 70,000 checked bags are delayed, damaged, misdirected or lost by airlines around the world. Today, its my turn. Im not sure whats about to happen, but I suspect its going to be inconvenient at best, a monumental pain at worst. Just what I dont need after a 10-hour overnight flight in economy class. According to SITA, a leading provider of IT services and data to the aviation industry, global baggage mishandling rates in 2022 were the highest in a decade. More than 26 million pieces of luggage were lost, delayed or damaged; a whopping eight bags in every 1000. Lately Ive noticed more of a sharp increase in missing luggage than I ever did in the prior eight years, says Luvena Lee, Flight Centre travel specialist. Moscow: Jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has confirmed his arrival at what he described as a snow-swept prison above the Arctic Circle and said he was in excellent spirits despite a tiring 20-day journey to get there. Navalny posted an update on X via his lawyers after his allies lost touch with him for more than two weeks while he was in transit with no information about where he was being taken, prompting expressions of concern from Western politicians. Alexei Navalny appears via video link in a file image. Credit: Russian Federal Penitentiary service His spokeswoman said on Monday that Navalny, 47, had been tracked down to the IK-3 penal colony north of the Arctic Circle located in Kharp in the Yamal-Nenets region about 1900 kilometres north-east of Moscow. I am your new Santa Claus, Navalny wrote jokingly in his first post from his new prison, a reference to the harsh weather conditions there. Australians in Lebanon have been urged to leave the country as soon as possible, as acting Foreign Minister Mark Dreyfus confirmed two citizens have been killed in an Israeli airstrike. Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah said one of two Australian brothers killed in the strike on Wednesday, Ali Bazzi, was one of its fighters claims Dreyfus said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) was still investigating. The two men, Ali and Ibrahim Bazzi, as well as Ibrahims wife Shorouk, died in Israeli attacks on the southern Lebanese city of Bint Jbeil, Reuters reported, citing security and local sources. Speaking from Melbourne on Thursday, Dreyfus said he had received confirmation from the Israeli government the two men had died, and any Australians who fought with, associated with, or gave money to Hezbollah a listed terror organisation would be committing a crime. Hamas is rooted in the ideology that Israeli control over what it regards as Palestinian land must be opposed by force, a tenet likely to endure, experts said. As long as that context is there, you will be dealing with some form of Hamas, said Tahani Mustafa, senior Palestine analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank. To assume that you can simply uproot an organisation like that is fantasy. The Israeli military said this week that it had killed about 8000 Hamas fighters out of a force estimated at 25,000 to 40,000. But it is unclear how the count is being made. About 500 have surrendered, according to the military, though Hamas has denied that all were from its ranks. The military has at times delivered positive progress reports on its objectives, describing as imminent full control over the areas in northern Gaza where it began its ground offensive in late October. But Netanyahu acknowledged Sunday that the war is exacting a very heavy cost from us as the military announced that 15 soldiers had been killed in the previous 48 hours alone. Rockets are still being fired almost daily from southern Gaza into Israel, albeit far fewer than before. Michael Milshtein, a former senior intelligence officer for Israel, criticised statements by some Israeli leaders depicting Hamas as being at its breaking point, saying that might create false expectations about the length of the war. Theyve been saying this for a while, that Hamas is collapsing, Milshtein said. But its just not true. Every day, were facing tough battles. The Israeli military distributed flyers in Gaza recently offering cash for information leading to the arrest of four Hamas leaders. Hamas has lost its power. They couldnt fry an egg, said the flyer in Arabic, quoting a folk expression. The end of Hamas is near. The military promised $US400,000 ($585,000) for Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza, and $US100,000 for Mohammed Deif, head of its military wing, the Qassam Brigades. The two are considered the architects of the October 7 attack. Although long among the most wanted men in Gaza, the elusive Deif has avoided assassination or capture. The only picture of him in public is a decades-old headshot. The bounties appeared to be another indication that Israel is struggling to remove the Hamas leadership. The groups top echelon are believed to be sheltering, along with most of its fighters and the remaining hostages, in deep tunnels. Although the Israeli army has said that it demolished at least 1500 shafts, experts consider the underground infrastructure largely intact. The tunnels, built over 15 years, are believed to be so extensive, estimated at hundreds of miles long, that Israelis call them the Gaza Metro. Hamas is actually weathering this assault quite well, said Tareq Baconi, an author who wrote a book about the group. Its still showing that it has an offensive military capability. Loading Giora Eiland, a retired major general and former head of Israels National Security Council, said Hamas had demonstrated the ability to quickly replace commanders who are killed with others equally capable and equally devoted. From a professional point of view, I must give credit to their resilience, he said. I cannot see any signs of collapse of the military abilities of Hamas nor in their political strength to continue to lead Gaza. Hamas is rooted in the Muslim Brotherhood, which was born in Egypt in 1928 as a religious social reform movement but has often been blamed for fomenting jihadi violence in recent decades. Israel once allowed the group to grow as an Islamic counterweight to the more mainstream and secular Palestine Liberation Organisation. In one of Israels notorious first efforts to dismantle Hamas, in 1992, it deported 415 of its leaders and allies, dumping them in a buffer zone along the Israel-Lebanon border. Over the months before their return, they built an alliance with Lebanons Hezbollah, the most powerful Iran-backed militia in the region. The United States and Israel condemn both Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organisations. A string of Israeli assassinations of Hamas political, military and religious leaders also failed to weaken the group. It won control of Gaza in free Palestinian elections in 2006, then evicted its more moderate rival, the Palestinian Authority, in a bloody conflict the next year. Israel fought three other wars in Gaza targeting Hamas between 2008 and the current crisis. The operations of the Hamas military wing, the Qassam Brigades, remain opaque. The units were designed to continue functioning even if Israel destroyed parts. Loading Divided geographically, its five main brigades were in northern Gaza; Gaza City; central Gaza; and two southern cities, Khan Younis and Rafah. Most of the elite troops were in the two northern brigades, which constitute about 60 per cent of the force, said an Israeli military official who requested anonymity under military regulations. About half of them have been killed, wounded, arrested or fled south, the official claimed. For Israel, the aim is first to dismantle the government, then to disperse the fighters and eliminate the commanders and their primary subordinates, the Israeli official said. But Azzam Tamimi, a Palestinian journalist and member of the Muslim Brotherhood who has written a book about Hamas, said the group was prepared for that. The top leadership can disappear at any time because they can be killed, they can be arrested, they can be deported, he said. So they developed this mechanism of the easy transfer of command. Loading The Qassam Brigades are divided into battalions, with even smaller units defending individual neighbourhoods. Other specialised battalions include an anti-tank unit, a tunnel-construction unit and an air wing whose drones and paragliders were an important element of the surprise attack on October 7, according to analysts and former military and intelligence officials. The Nukhba Brigade, consisting of about 1000 highly trained fighters, also appears to have played a central role on October 7. Trying to eliminate Hamas entirely would require fighting from street to street and house to house, and Israel lacks both the time and personnel, said Elliot Chapman, a Middle East analyst with Janes, a defence analysis firm. As the United States found in attempting to squash al-Qaida or the Taliban, the organisations tend to spring back once the armed pressure is lifted. The Gaza fight has been compared with the campaign to wrest Mosul, Iraq, from the Islamic State group less than a decade ago, but there are significant differences. Notably, Hamas is organic to Gaza it grew out of frustration with the mainstream factions abandoning the armed struggle against the Israeli occupation. Hamas refuses to recognise Israel, and according to its founding charter, is committed to its destruction. The scale of Israels war is likely to radicalise a new generation: More than 20,000 people in Gaza have been reported killed thus far, according to the Gaza health ministry. Some in Gaza curse Hamas, even taking to the airwaves or social media to do it, despite the organisations history of repressing opponents. Others, however, say that they still back the resistance, and Hamas has long attracted support by providing services like schools and clinics. A recent poll by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research found that most respondents endorsed the Hamas attack on Israel. Support for Hamas in Gaza since the war started has risen to 42 per cent, from 38 per cent, the poll reported. At best, Israel can probably contain Hamas, experts said. Loading But even if Israel somehow succeeds in dismantling the group in Gaza, there are still branches in the West Bank and abroad, in places like Lebanon and Turkey, that could revive it. The right way to think about it is to degrade the organisation to the point that it is no longer a sustainable threat, said Marc Polymeropoulos, a retired CIA officer who specialised in Middle East counterterrorism. Allies of Trump have also been developing an intellectual blueprint to cast aside the post-Watergate norm of Justice Department investigatory independence from White House political direction. Loading Foreshadowing such a move, Trump had already violated norms in his 2016 campaign by promising to lock up his opponent, Hillary Rodham Clinton, over her use of a private email server. While president, he repeatedly told aides he wanted the Justice Department to indict his political enemies, including officials he had fired, such as James Comey, the former FBI director. The Justice Department opened various such investigations but did not bring charges infuriating Trump and leading to a split in 2020 with his attorney general, Bill Barr. Trump intends to carry out an extreme immigration crackdown Trump is planning to revive and ramp up his first-term attempt to tighten the border with an assault on immigration at a scale unseen in modern American history. Millions of immigrants who entered the US illegally would be banned from the country or uprooted from it years or even decades after settling here. Bolstered by agents reassigned from other law enforcement agencies, officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement would carry out sweeping raids aimed at deporting millions of people each year an order of magnitude more than previous administrations, including his own. Under the plan, military funds would be used to erect sprawling camps to hold detainees. A public health emergency law would be invoked to shut down asylum requests by people arriving at the border. And the government would try to end birthright citizenship for babies born on US soil to parents without legal status. Migrants cross through a gap in the US-Mexico border fence in Jacumba Hot Springs, California. Credit: Bloomberg Trump plans to go far beyond his first-term trade wars Trump is also planning to significantly escalate his efforts to upend Americas trade policies with new protectionist measures. While those measures would be aimed at eventually bolstering domestic manufacturing and factory jobs, they would also risk causing more immediate disruptions to the economy. To make domestically produced goods more competitive in the US market, he is planning to impose a new so-called universal baseline tariff, meaning an import tax on most imported goods. That would raise costs for US consumers and for manufacturers that buy foreign goods. It would also risk alienating allies and could ignite a global trade war if other countries respond with retaliatory tariffs targeting US exports. Trump started a trade war with China in 2018. While the Biden administration has kept in place the tariffs Trump imposed then, Trump now wants to go much further in spurring an economic conflict between the worlds two largest economies, which exchanged $758 billion in goods and services last year. He plans to enact aggressive new restrictions on Chinese ownership of assets in the United States, ban Americans from investing in China and phase in a ban on importing key categories of Chinese-made goods such as electronics, steel and pharmaceuticals. Loading Trump may undercut NATO and retreat from Europe Trump has long made clear that he sees NATO, the countrys most important military alliance, not as a force multiplier with allies but as a drain on US resources by freeloaders. While in office, he repeatedly threatened to withdraw from NATO, and his campaign website says he plans to finish the process of fundamentally reevaluating NATOs purpose and NATOs mission. He and his team have refused to elaborate on that cryptic line, fuelling widespread anxiety that his return to power could mean ending or gutting the alliance. But Trump has clearer plans for using US military force closer to home. As president, he had mused about using the military to attack drug cartels in Mexico, an idea that would violate international law unless Mexico consented. That idea has since taken on broader Republican backing, and Trump has said he intends to make the idea a reality if he returns to the Oval Office. Trump wants to use US troops on domestic soil Trump could also deploy federal troops inside the United States. While it is generally illegal to use the military for domestic law enforcement purposes, a law called the Insurrection Act creates an exception. His top immigration adviser has said that in a second term, they would invoke the Insurrection Act at the southern border to use soldiers as immigration agents. Anti-police-violence protests in Washington escalated into riots in 2020 following the death of George Floyd. Credit: Getty After some anti-police-violence demonstrations in 2020 became riots, Trump had an order drafted to use troops to crack down on protesters in Washington. He never signed it. But the prospect of using federal troops to enforce order on domestic soil continues to entice him. Trump also suggested at a rally in Iowa this year that he intends to unilaterally send troops into Democratic-run cities. You look at any Democrat-run state, and its just not the same; it doesnt work, Trump said, calling cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco crime dens. We cannot let it happen any longer. And one of the other things Ill do because youre supposed to not be involved in that; you just have to be asked by the governor or the mayor to come in the next time, Im not waiting. Loading Trump allies want fewer checks to restrain him Forces that somewhat contained Trumps autocratic tendencies in his first term staff members who saw their job as sometimes restraining him, a few congressional Republicans episodically willing to criticise or oppose him, a partisan balance on the Supreme Court that occasionally ruled against him would all be weaker in a second term. As a result, his and his advisers more extreme policy plans would have a greater prospect of becoming reality. Perhaps the most important check on his presidency was internal administration resistance to some of his demands. The advisers who have stuck with him are determined that if he wins a new term, there will be no officials who intentionally stymie his agenda. A coalition of think tanks run by people aligned with Trump has been compiling a database of thousands of ideologically vetted potential recruits to hand to a transition team if he wins the election. Politically appointed lawyers sometimes frustrated Trumps desires by raising legal objections to his and his top advisers ideas. In a potential new term, Trumps allies are planning to systematically install more aggressive and ideologically aligned legal gatekeepers who will be more likely to bless contentious actions. Trump and his 2024 campaign declined to answer a series of detailed questions about what limits, if any, he would recognise on his powers across a range of war, secrecy and law enforcement matters many raised by his first term in a Times 2024 presidential candidate survey. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. By Nam Hyun-woo A total of 55 government officials won orders of merit, medals and commendations for their brilliant services for the public this year during an awarding ceremony, Tuesday. President Yoon Suk Yeol attended the ceremony at the Sejong Convention Center and granted awards to winners. It was the first time in five years that an incumbent president attended such a ceremony. Among Tuesdays winners, Hong Seok-ku, a deputy director of agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, was awarded the Green Stripes Order of Service Merit, which is the fourth-highest decoration given to public servants who excelled in their services. Hong was recognized for his service in the governments introduction of a raw milk pricing system, setting different prices for raw milk depending on product purposes, such as for drinking or use in dairy products. Inspector Oh Hyeok-jin of Korea Coast Guard Changwon Station won the Aquamarine Stripes Order of Service Merit, the fifth-highest decoration, for apprehending nine suspects over a technology leak worth 83 billion won ($63.89 million). Fire Captain Han Jeong-min at Seoul 119 Special Rescue Services was also awarded the Aquamarine Stripes Order of Service Merit for his two decades of lifesaving service as a water rescue specialist. He participated in seven international rescue activities, including rescue missions in the typhoon-hit city of Tacloban, the Philippines, and at the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan. Nine other public servants also won the Service Merit Medals, and 21 were awarded with presidential commendations for their contribution to government projects. The commitment of government officials is a huge asset of the people and the country, Yoon said during the ceremony. Please visit the field and pay even closer attention to the voices of the people. Yoon pledged to improve the working environment of government officials, urging them to join for the betterment of the country and the peoples happiness. A U.S. Border Patrol agent apprehends an undocumented man from Honduras after he illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in Mission, Texas, U.S., April 9, 2019. (Photo: REUTERS) On December 27, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, accompanied by American officials, traveled to Mexico to discuss and potentially implement policies and enforcement actions with the Mexican government aimed at curbing the influx of illegal immigrants into the United States. This diplomatic move comes as approximately 6,000 individuals from Latin American countries like Venezuela and Cuba are traversing through Chiapas in southern Mexico, heading toward the U.S.-Mexico border. Many of these individuals, including children, are trekking along highways and carrying banners advocating for an end to poverty. They are still about 1,600 kilometers from the U.S.-Mexico border, and Mexican police have not taken any action to stop them. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has expressed willingness to assist the United States. He also hopes the U.S. will provide more developmental aid to Cuba and Venezuela, the largest sources of migrants to the U.S., and consider reducing or eliminating sanctions and blockades. In October, the U.S. suspended sanctions against the Venezuelan state oil company and related entities, subsequently strengthening cooperation through prisoner exchange agreements and somewhat easing tensions between the two countries. However, relations with Cuba show no signs of improvement. The U.S. continues to enforce over 60 years of sanctions and blockades against Cuba, causing an estimated $1.3 trillion in economic loss and a significant humanitarian crisis. This year, the U.S. also continued to list Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, imposing comprehensive sanctions on its military, economic aid, tariffs, and financial sectors. Traveling through Mexico has been the primary route for Latin American illegal immigrants entering the U.S. In the first 11 months of this year, about 680,000 illegal immigrants passed through Mexico on their way to the U.S. The Biden administration hopes the Mexican government will implement strict measures to prevent illegal immigrants from entering at its southern border or restrict their use of public transportation to cross Mexico. The Biden administration is under pressure, mainly from Republicans, to expedite solutions to the illegal immigration issue. To garner Republican support for aid to Ukraine, the Biden administration must act to stem the rising tide of illegal immigrants. In November, the number of illegal immigrants detained at the U.S.-Mexico border was 6,370, marking the fourth consecutive month of increases. As December approached and rumors spread within Mexico of the U.S. closing all entry points at the U.S.-Mexico border and implementing an appointment system for entry, despite clarifications from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, many believed these claims, leading to a surge in illegal crossings. On average, over 10,000 individuals per day were detained by U.S. authorities in December. Many illegal immigrants seek asylum and refugee status in various states upon entering the U.S., leading to strained local resources and increased social security risks. In August, Massachusetts declared an emergency due to the number of asylum seekers exceeding its capacity, prompting federal aid from the Biden administration. Chicago, Illinois's largest city, even converted police stations and parks into shelters to accommodate the overwhelming number of asylum seekers, with plans to transform vacant schools into shelters. Luis Garcia Villagran, a migrant rights activist from Mexico and the organizer of the 6,000-person caravan, opposes the Biden administration's tightening of immigration policies due to domestic political issues. He believes such actions only harm those impoverished individuals seeking to change their lives through immigration. Inditex, Zara's Parent Company, Sees 40% Profit Surge Amid Store Closures and Price Hikes (Photo: unsplash.com) Amancio Ortega, the founder of Zara, has been identified as one of the top ten billionaires whose fortunes have significantly increased in 2023. According to the Forbes list of billionaires with the most significant wealth growth in 2023, Ortega ranked sixth, with his net worth jumping from $64.2 billion at the beginning of the year to $97.4 billion by December 15, approximately 767.1 billion yuan. As of December 26, Ortega's wealth stood at $99.5 billion, positioning him as the 13th richest globally and maintaining his status as the wealthiest in Spain. Ortega's wealth increase in 2023 is primarily attributed to a significant surge in the stock price of Inditex, Zara's parent company. By the close of the market before the Christmas holiday on December 22, Inditex's stock had risen 52.54% since the start of the year to 39.05 euros, valuing the company at 122.1 billion euros, about 961.7 billion yuan. In the preceding week, Inditex's stock price even peaked at 39.28 euros, marking the highest record since the company went public. Ortega indirectly owns 59.29% of Inditex through his companies, Pontegadea and Partler. For the fiscal year 2022, Inditex paid a total dividend of 2.895 billion euros, of which Ortega received approximately 1.72 billion euros based on his shareholding. Additionally, Ortega, serving as a director of Inditex, also earns an annual salary of 100,000 euros. Ortega, a self-made billionaire, was born in 1936 into a working-class family in Spain. He left school at 14 to work in a clothing shop and continued his career in the textile industry. At 39, he founded Zara in 1975, evolving it from a single store into a global fashion empire. In 2011, Ortega stepped down as the chairman of the Inditex group and officially retired in 2017, relinquishing his positions in 53 subsidiary companies. Since then, through his family investment company Pontegadea, Ortega has actively pursued investments, mainly in real estate, and has also ventured into the energy sector. In real estate, Ortega is keen on acquiring commercial properties like office buildings and hotels across Europe and the United States, recently shifting towards logistics and residential properties. In 2023 alone, Ortega purchased an office building in central London for 82 million pounds and three warehouses in the Netherlands, Southern California, and Florida for $116 million, $109 million, and $113 million, respectively. Pontegadea's real estate assets increased by 2.8 billion euros in 2022, reaching a market value of 18.1 billion euros (about 142.6 billion yuan), making it the largest real estate company in Spain. In the energy sector, Reuters reported in November that Ortega acquired a 49% stake in a portfolio of Spanish wind and photovoltaic power plants. He already holds shares in Spanish submarine cable suppliers, natural gas, and electricity grid operators. Despite his diverse investments, Ortega's fortune is primarily determined by Inditex's market value. Given the strong performance and growth of Inditex, his wealth is likely to continue to rise. Since Ortega's younger daughter Marta Ortega assumed the chairmanship of Inditex in April 2022, the company has focused on enhancing its fashion appeal, introducing premium product lines, raising prices, and improving store image while significantly closing stores to improve operational efficiency. Reflected in the financial reports, in 2022, Inditex's sales revenue and net profit reached record highs of 32.569 billion euros and 4.13 billion euros, respectively. The fiscal year 2023 continued this growth trend. In the nine months leading up to October 31, Inditex's sales revenue increased by 11.1% to 25.609 billion euros (about 198.3 billion yuan), and net profit grew by 32.5% to 4.102 billion euros (about 318 billion yuan), achieving a net profit margin of 16%, a rate not exceeded since the fiscal year 2014. Charlie Hebdo published its latest edition with a cover depicting Erdogan sat in a chair in his underwear and with his tongue out lifting the skirt of a woman wearing an Islamic dress. (Photo: Reuters / Murat Cetinmuhurdar) Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made no secret of his real demands regarding the approval of Sweden's NATO membership. Since September and continuing into this month, Erdogan has repeatedly called on the United States, asserting that the Turkish parliament would vote on Sweden's NATO membership if the U.S. fulfills its promise to sell F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. Last week, Erdogan more explicitly suggested that the Turkish parliament's approval of Sweden's NATO accession should occur "simultaneously" with the U.S. Congress's approval of the sale of F-16s to Turkey. On December 26, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly approved the bill for Sweden's NATO membership. The full assembly will now vote on Sweden's accession. Turkey is now awaiting the decision of the U.S. Congress. Erdogan has prepared a Plan B in case the U.S. Congress firmly opposes the sale of F-16s to Turkey. During the December 26 vote, the Justice and Development Party, Erdogan's party and the largest in the Turkish parliament, expressed its support. Ultimately, with the joint support of parties like the Justice and Development Party and the Republican People's Party, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly approved the bill for Sweden's accession to NATO. This means Turkey is one step away from agreeing to Sweden's NATO membership. With the full assembly's vote, Turkey will allow Sweden to join NATO. Turkey, as NATO's second-largest military power, is the biggest obstacle to Sweden's accession. While Hungary has also not approved Sweden's NATO membership, its dispute with Sweden centers on European Union affairs, seeking to unfreeze EU funding for Hungary. Previously, both Turkey and Hungary delayed approving Finland's NATO membership. Once Turkey approved Finland's membership, Hungary immediately ratified Finland's application. However, when the Turkish Grand National Assembly will vote on Sweden's NATO membership is uncertain. As Erdogan stated, the timing of the vote depends on the U.S. Congress's attitude toward the sale of F-16s. Turkey, frequently clashing with Greece, continuing to strike Kurdish forces in Syria, and deeply involved in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, is eager to acquire next-generation fighter jets. Turkey initially aimed for the more advanced fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets. The country was once part of the U.S. F-35 program, planning to purchase over 100 F-35s and had already paid $1.4 billion in advance to the U.S. However, after Turkey purchased the Russian S-400 missile defense system, the U.S. expelled Turkey from the F-35 program and sanctioned it. The U.S. also did not refund the $1.4 billion Turkey had paid. After being banned from buying the F-35, Turkey began seeking to purchase 40 new F-16s and 79 sets of F-16 upgrade equipment from 2021, with an order value of up to $20 billion. According to Turkey's plan, the unreimbursed $1.4 billion would be used as payment for the new F-16s. The U.S. Biden administration supports the sale of the new F-16s to Turkey, but the U.S. Congress opposes it, with Democrats criticizing Turkey's human rights and freedom of speech deterioration and its hostile attitude toward NATO allies. Bob Menendez, the former Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a Democratic senator, is a representative figure opposing the sale of F-16s to Turkey. During the review period for U.S. foreign military sales, both the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee have the authority to request a hold on military sales. However, Menendez was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for bribery in September and resigned as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Erdogan specifically commented on Menendez's indictment, accusing him of being one of the biggest obstacles to Turkey's purchase of F-16s. He acknowledged that Menendez's resignation brought advantages to Turkey but also pointed out that the F-16 issue does not depend solely on Menendez. Even after Menendez's departure, there are still voices in the U.S. Congress opposing the sale of F-16s to Turkey. The newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, continues to criticize Turkey's deteriorating human rights situation. Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is also dissatisfied with Turkey's strikes against the U.S. ally Kurdish forces in Syria. Last week, Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar expressed optimism about the prospects of the F-16 deal. He announced that Turkey had completed technical talks with the U.S. for purchasing the F-16s and was looking forward to the U.S. taking "concrete steps" soon. Akar also pointed out that the European Typhoon fighter is another option for Turkey, "the best and most effective alternative option we consider." Last month, Turkey began negotiations with the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain to purchase 40 European Typhoon fighters. Turkish officials at the time said that due to the uncertainty of the U.S. Congress's attitude toward the F-16s, Turkey began considering the European Typhoon fighters. The European Typhoon fighter is a multi-purpose fourth-generation and a half fighter jointly designed and developed by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. When it comes to exporting the European Typhoon fighter, any of the four countries has veto power. Currently, countries other than Germany have expressed willingness to sell fighters to Turkey. Germany is dissatisfied with Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system and Turkey's activities in the eastern Mediterranean. In 2020, Turkey began drilling for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean. Greece and Cyprus strongly protested, accusing Turkey of violating their sovereignty. Greece also intensified its sea patrols in disputed areas, and at the time, Germany urged the EU to respond clearly to Turkey's actions. Currently, the UK and Spain are trying to persuade Germany not to veto the sale of European Typhoon fighters to Turkey. Allowing Sweden to join NATO could also serve as leverage for Turkey to pressure Germany. For Turkey, the best outcome from using Sweden's NATO membership as a bargaining chip would be to purchase both F-16 fighter jets and European Typhoon fighters. If buying the F-16s is not possible, the European Typhoon fighter is an acceptable alternative option. If the purchase of the European Typhoon fighter is also unsuccessful, Erdogan says Turkey has other options. During his visit to Germany last month, Erdogan confidently stated that if the four countries do not agree to sell the European Typhoon fighters to Turkey, "we have many other doors to knock on." On the issue of the Russian S-400 system, Turkey has also left itself an alternative. Turkey has tested the system but has not formally deployed it to date. Turkey has maintained close cooperation with Russia in Syria, the South Caucasus, natural gas supply, and other areas. For Russia, further NATO expansion eastward would continue to compress its strategic space. NATO has already expanded eastward five times, with Finland and Sweden marking NATO's sixth expansion. After Finland joined NATO, NATO's border with Russia has doubled. If Sweden also joins NATO, the Baltic Sea will be surrounded by NATO countries, making Russia the only non-NATO country around the Baltic Sea. Sweden's strategic island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea is about 300 kilometers from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which is also the headquarters of the Russian Baltic Sea Fleet. Sweden's leading submarine technology would also allow NATO to deploy new-generation submarines in the Baltic Sea after Sweden joins. Sweden and Finland's accession would also expand NATO's influence in the Arctic, as both countries are members of the Arctic Council. Currently, the Arctic Council has eight members: the U.S., Canada, Russia, and the five Nordic countries. After Sweden and Finland join NATO, Russia will become the only non-NATO country in the Arctic Council. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar (left) and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov exchange documents following their talks in Moscow on Wednesday (Photo: PTI) India will begin trade negotiations with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) bloc of countries for a free trade deal in January, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday in Moscow. Addressing a press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov after both had extensive discussions as part of the annual India-Russia bilateral engagements, Jaishankar said that trade, investments and logistics had figured extensively in their talks. The EEU is an economic union of five post-Soviet states Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia with an integrated single market. Coming into force in 2015, the EEU currently consists of 183 million people and a gross domestic product of over $2.4 trillion. An agreement with the bloc will open the lucrative Central Asian consumer market to Indian goods. It will also entrench the expansion of Indian products in Russia, which has suffered a flight of Western brands and goods after Russia attacked Ukraine early last year. The ministerial meeting also saw talks on mutual investments, and the need to progress on a bilateral investment treaty, Jaishankar said. He stressed that both nations discussed long-term arrangements to ensure flows of fertilisers and coking coal. Energy and connectivity The minister said India was keen on expanding oil and gas investments in Russia. Prospective implementation of joint projects for the development of hydrocarbons on the Arctic shelf and the Russian Far East figured in the talks. A delegation from the region will visit India next month. They may participate at the next months Vibrant Gujarat Summit, where a considerable Russian presence was expected, Jaishankar said. In nuclear energy, both signed two important amendments on Tuesday to construct future power generating units at the Kudankulam nuclear power project, Indias largest, in Tamil Nadu that is being developed with technical assistance from Russia. Jaishankar said both sides had discussed proposals to increase connectivity between Western India and Russia through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The INSTC was Indias grand plan to cut short the time taken for trade shipments to reach Russia and Europe, and enter the Central Asian markets, and vice versa. It incorporates thousands of kilometres of all-weather highways from the Iranian port of Chabahar in the south, through Azerbaijan in the north, and onwards to Russia and Europe. Both sides also discussed connectivity from eastern India, from Chennai to Vladivostok, and the polar route. Related areas where Indias polar capabilities could be enhanced in collaboration with Moscow were also discussed. Jaishankar said India would like to see more Russian tourists in India. We have increased the number of flights from India every week, from 52 to 64. We are open to increasing it further, he said. Committed to Russia Jaishankar said that both nations had benefitted enormously from the bilateral ties, and they remain very steady and strong. They are based on our strategic convergence, on our geopolitical interests, and because they are mutually beneficial, he said. The ties have come under intense scrutiny after the Ukraine war, with the United States and Western nations criticising India over its continuing bilateral engagement with Russia. My presence here today and the fact that all the developments that I have pointed out including our growing trade investments, our military-technical cooperation, our connectivity projects, all of this will give you a good sense of the importance and value that we attach to the relationship, he stressed. The ministers also discussed the global strategic situation, including the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the Indo-Pacific, Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and Afghanistan. Its been a very, very good discussion. Minister Lavrov and I have met regularly in the course of this year. I think thats a very natural interaction between two countries, which have such a strong and close history of cooperation, Jaishankar said. In his opening remarks before the bilateral talks with Lavrov, Jaishankar said it was always good to be in Moscow. Russia on Wednesday said it supports India's aspirations to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and also praised New Delhi's deft handling of the contentious issues at the G20 Summit as a "true triumph" of its foreign policy. The Security Council has 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members. India has long been seeking a permanent membership at the UNSC, strongly calling for reform of the United Nations in line with the changing realities of the world. The five permanent members are the UK, China, Russia, the US and France. "We support India's candidacy for joining" the UN Security Council as a permanent member, Lavrov said after holding talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar here. Jaishankar is on a five-day visit to Russia. Lavrov said the G20 Summit that took place in New Delhi earlier this year was a "true triumph of India's foreign policy; it was a triumph of multilateral diplomacy, which has become possible, to a decisive degree, because the G20 Chair did not allow making the outcome document unilateral. The outcome document reflects the balance of interests". "This is a model of how to work within the G20 and, by the way, in the UN and the Security Council, he said. In G20, India managed to bring together nations with starkly divergent views on Ukraine. The G20 joint declaration that avoided direct criticism of Russia for its war against Ukraine is being described as a significant diplomatic win for India, the host of the summit. The declaration garnered unanimous support from all G20 member nations, without a single dissenting note, with the key players, including the US, the UK, Russia and China, praising the outcome. Moscow ready to launch the production of modern weapons under 'Make in India' Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday said that Moscow is ready to launch the production of modern weapons under the 'Make in India' initiative. Lavrov said this while addressing a news conference after holding talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar here. Jaishankar is on a five-day visit to Russia. He said they discussed the outlook for military-technical cooperation, including joint production of modern weapons, between Russia and India, the state-run news agency TASS reported. There is concrete progress on this track, Lavrov said. The diplomat said Russia understands and is ready to support New Delhi's initiative, "producing military-purpose goods as part of the Make in India programme". "We are ready to cooperate on this issue, he said. Russia has been the major supplier of defence equipment to India. However, after India and the US stepped up their bilateral ties, New Delhi has diversified its import of military equipment to include many American defence items. Lavrov also said that the North-South transport corridor project will be implemented "in the near time". Russia, India and Iran signed an intergovernmental agreement on the creation of the North-South multimodal transport corridor in 2000. The number of participants expanded to 14 later. The project goal is to bring transit freight traffic from India, Iran and Persian Gulf countries via the Russian territory to Europe. The project brings together several different transport systems of individual countries at present. Lavrov said the project "caused great enthusiasm among countries, on which its implementation depends, and it will be definitely realised in the near time. The foreign minister said Russia and India have agreed on the "whole range of steps making possible for us to broaden cooperation, particularly in the context of the start of the North-South international transport corridor being prepared, creation of the Chennai-Vladivostok route and cooperation on Northern Sea Route development this is a very promising line. In his opening remarks before the bilateral talks with Lavrov, Jaishankar said it was always good to be in Moscow. "I agree with you that our relationship has been very strong, very steady, and I think we have lived up to the responsibilities of a special and privileged strategic partnership," he said. Jaishankar said that during his meeting with Lavrov, "we will focus on bilateral cooperation in different spheres, adjusting it to changing circumstances and demands". "We will discuss the international strategic situation, conflicts and tensions where they are. Also, focus on development challenges that the Global South faces. And of course, the state of multilateralism and the building of a multi-polar world order," he said. Investments from private equity and venture capital funds into domestic companies declined about 40 per cent to USD 27.9 billion so far this year, while the outflow increased marginally to USD 19.34 billion year-on-year. According to the numbers collated by Venture Intelligence that tracks private capital and debt flows, and industry body IVCA, investments by private equity and venture capital funds as of December 20, 2023, fell to a low of USD 27.9 billion across 697 transactions, as against USD 47.62 billion inflows in 2022 across 1,364 deals. The year also saw more money being pulled out from the country by private equity players with overall exits touching USD 19.34 billion from 248 companies as against 233 exists worth USD 18.45 billion in 2022, according to the data. Industry watchers, however, said green shoots of more funding is very much visible in the coming year. The funding slowdown this year is a temporary adjustment, and as we move forward, we expect renewed and robust inflows, said Rajat Tandon, president of IVCA (Indian Private Equity and Venture Capitalist Association). He said the ongoing green shoots of funding indicates an opportune time for venture capitalists, domestic private equity and private capital firms to create pools of capital to cash in on emerging opportunities in the domestic startup ecosystem, which demonstrates resilience in the face of challenges, offer innovative solutions to current market needs, and possess the potential for sustainable growth. According to Tondon, the decline in investments this year mirrors the trend of larger but fewer investments, indicating a focus on projects and businesses that have the potential to create substantial value and foster sustainable growth. The top five investments of the year included TPG Capital and Temasek pumping in USD 2.4 billion into Manipal Hospitals in April, followed by HDFC Credila (the education loans arm of the now defunct HDFC right before its merger with HDFC Bank) being snapped up by Baring Asia and ChrysCapital for USD 1.35 billion in June; Qatar Investment Authority pumping in USD 1 billion into Reliance Retail Ventures in August; the renewable player Avaada Ventures getting USD 1 billion from Brookfield in April; and fertility clinic Indira IVF Clinics getting USD 732 million from Baring Asia in July. Venture Intelligence said the fall in volumes is a strategic refinement and suggests a strategic approach to investment, focusing on quality and sustainability along with optimizing opportunities and ensuring a more discerning selection process for long-term value creation. The investments were led by sectors such as the healthcare and life sciences which saw 30.2 per cent higher inflow compared to last year, energy (14.5 per cent), retail (98.8 per cent) and advertising & marketing which received inflows nearly double (199.8 per cent) than last year. In contrast, sectors that saw deepening funding winter included players in the IT & ITES sector receiving 64.5 per cent less than what they got in 2022. While BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance) sector got 47.6 per cent less this year, funding in manufacturing went down by 43 per cent, while in engineering & construction lowered by 64 per cent. Also, shipping & logistics witnessed a fall of 60.6 per cent, inflow in education lowered by 78.4 per cent. It declined by 48.5 per cent in FMCG and fell 80.9 per cent in agri business, dipped 70.4 per cent in food & beverages, and decreased by 83.6 per cent in telecom. The top five PE exists in the year were Tiger Global and Accel India selling their holdings in e-commerce major Flipkart to its parent Walmart for USD 1.78 billion in July; Lenskart investors Chiratae Ventures, PremjiInvest, Unilazer Ventures, Steadview Capital, TR Capital, Kris Gopalakrishnan, and Epiq Capital paring their holdings to the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority for USD 410 million in March; non-banking lender DMI Finance getting USD 167 million from Japanese banking major MUFG Bank by acquiring stakes from the Burman Family Office, New Investment Solutions, and NXC Corp in April; personal care brand Mamaearth investors Sofina, Stellaris Venture Partners, Fireside Ventures, and Sharp Ventures selling their stakes in a public issue for USD 133 million in October; and shadow bank Veritas Finance getting USD 97 million from Multiples PE in July which bought stakes in British International Investment and Lok Capital. The year also saw VCs withdrawing USD 3.5 billion through 79 exits in 2023 as against the outflow of USD 3.1 billion from 113 companies a year ago. The top five VC exits through strategic/secondary sales were from Flipkart (USD 1.78 billion), Lenskart (USD 410 million), DMI Finance (USD 167 million), Mamaearth (USD 133 million vial IPO) and Veritas Finance (USD 97 million). Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to open a Consulate General of India in New Zealand's Auckland. The Consulate is likely to be opened and fully operationalised within a time frame of 12 months. In the press release, the Cabinet noted that opening the Consulate General of India in Auckland will help in increasing India's diplomatic footprint. Furthermore, it will strengthen India's diplomatic representation, considering India's increasing global engagement and help promote India's strategic and commercial interests. "Opening of Consulate General of India in Auckland would help in increasing India's diplomatic footprint and strengthen India's diplomatic representation in view of India's increasing global engagement," the Cabinet in the press release said. "This will also help promote India's strategic and commercial interests and better serve the welfare of Indian community in Auckland. The Consulate is likely to be opened and fully operationalized within a time frame of 12 months," it added. Notably, India and New Zealand have historically shared "close and cordial ties." India and New Zealand have various similarities, like membership in the Commonwealth, common law practices and pursuing shared aspirations of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems. The two nations became independent in the same year and diplomatic representation of India in New Zealand was established in 1950 with the opening of a Trade Commission, which was later upgraded to High Commission. Russia will soon deploy its newest howitzers to its Northern Military District which borders Finland and Norway, the head of the Rostec state defence conglomerate said in remarks published on Wednesday. The testing of the new Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery units has been completed and their mass production has already started, Sergei Chemezov, the head of Rostec told the state RIA news agency in an interview. The first pilot batch will be delivered by the end of 2023, he said. "I think they will appear there (in the Northern Military District) soon, since howitzers of this class are needed to provide an advantage over Western artillery models in terms of firing range," Chemezov said. In 2021, Russia's President Vladimir Putin changed the status of the Russian Northern Fleet, whose zone of responsibility was chiefly the Russian Arctic, to the Northern Military District, incorporating into it also the Murmansk region, which shares borders with Finland and Norway. Since launching a full-scale invasion in Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has accused "the collective West" of staging a proxy war with Russia and warned that Moscow will build up forces at its western borders following Finland's accession to the U.S.-led NATO alliance. Earlier in December, Russia's TASS state news agency reported that single Coalition-SV howitzers had already been deployed to the frontline in Ukraine. The howitzers, with a range of up to 70 kilometres (44 miles), are equipped with a modern 2A88 cannon of 152 mm caliber with a firing rate of more than 10 rounds per minute, as well as a modern system for automating the processes of gun pointing, target selection and navigation, according to TASS. The defense ministry on Wednesday appointed a trauma surgeon known for his high-profile treatment of gunshot wound patients as the head of a military hospital. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik named Lee Cook-jong to lead the Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital in the central city of Daejeon in a ceremony at the ministry's headquarters in central Seoul. Lee, who previously led the Ajou University Hospital Trauma Center in Suwon, just south of Seoul, gained public attention in 2011 for successfully operating on a freighter captain wounded by multiple gunshots in a Navy rescue operation against Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden. The ministry said it appointed Lee based on his expertise in trauma surgery and his efforts to improve the national emergency medical system, such as the introduction of an air ambulance in Gyeonggi Province, surrounding Seoul. "I will faithfully carry out my duty as the head of the Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital to help service members carry out their service in good health," Lee was quoted as saying. Lee is set to officially begin his duties on Thursday. The ministry also promoted Lee as an honorary Navy captain in recognition of his contributions to the military. Lee has offered advice to the military on ways to improve its medical system by participating in naval medical exercises over the years and became a medical adviser to the ministry last year, according to the ministry. He first became an honorary Navy lieutenant in 2015 for his treatment of the freighter captain, and earned further honorary promotions to a lieutenant commander in 2017 and a commander in 2018. Lee is also credited with saving the life of a North Korean soldier, who was shot multiple times as he dashed through the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom to defect to South Korea in 2017. (Yonhap) Six people were injured after unknown assailants fired at a passenger van near Saddar police station in the Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as reported by The News International. The firing happened on Tuesday, and six people, including the driver, were injured. Soon after the incident, District Police Officer (DPO) Hangu, Nisar Ahmad Khan and his team arrived at the scene of the incident and collected evidence from the crime scene, The News International reported. Further details are awaited. Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been witnessing continuous attacks and blasts this year, as terror activities see a rise in the country. Earlier in September, at least four people, including a police officer, were killed while 12 persons sustained injuries as two blasts rocked the Doaba police station in the Hangu area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dawn reported citing police. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, at least 52 people including a police officer, were killed and around 50 people injured in a blast near a mosque in the Mastung district of Pakistan's Balochistan on the same day. Pakistan witnessed the highest number of suicide attacks this year after 2014, with nearly half of them targeting the security forces, Dawn News reported. Citing the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Dawn reported, "A staggering 29 suicide attacks were reported, resulting in the tragic loss of 329 lives and leaving 582 individuals injured." "As many as 48 per cent of deaths and 58 per cent of injuries were inflicted upon security personnel. This marks the highest death toll since 2013 when 683 people lost their lives in 47 suicide bombings," it stated. Comparing the data to the preceding year, 2022, the report revealed a distressing 93 pc increase in the number of suicide attacks, a shocking 226 pc rise in resultant deaths, and a troubling 101 pc surge in the number of injured individuals. The most attacks occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 23 instances that resulted in 254 deaths and 512 injuries. Within KP, newly merged districts or erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) experienced 13 suicide attacks, leading to 85 deaths and 206 injuries. Balochistan faced five attacks, causing 67 deaths and 52 injuries, while Sindh witnessed one suicide attack, resulting in eight deaths and 18 injuries. People Like Us Create (PLUC) News Summary At the recently concluded UN annual climate conference, COP28, a group of key climate enterprises from South Asia were showcased for their innovative and impactful climate solutions. The initiative called the South Asian Business House (SABH), launched at Dubai Expo City, put the spotlight on lesser-known climate-focused businesses and their diverse solutions, spanning sectors from cooling solutions and green finance to energy and transport. Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 9:31AM Honda is ready to showcase its latest electric vehicle (EV) innovation at the upcoming CES 2024. The automaker will reveal a new EV series for the first time during a press conference on January 9, 2024, at 1:30 PM ET. You can watch the live stream of the event in the video above. The new EV series is part of Hondas ambitious goal of launching 30 electric models by 2030 and achieving zero-emission sales in North America by 2040. The automaker promises to share several key technologies that illustrate the significant transformation Honda is currently undergoing as it transitions to a more sustainable and competitive future. Hondas current electrified lineup includes the all-electric Prologue SUV and two hybrid models. The company has discontinued several hybrid models in recent years as it shifted its focus to battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles. Source Lee Jun-seok vows to create new party as 'agora' of responsible politicians By Nam Hyun-woo Former chairman of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Lee Jun-seok, left the party and pledged to launch his own party, Wednesday, saying he will create an agora of responsible politicians instead of a colosseum where politicians wield swords against others. Today I leave the PPP, and give up all political assets that I had within the party, Lee said during a press conference at a restaurant in Nowon District, Seoul, which is his political hometown. You cannot paint a vivid future with your mind on the glory and the legacy of the past. The departure came 12 years after he made his political debut as an emergency leadership committee member of the conservative Grand National Party, which later became the PPP. In recent months, Lee has been raising pressure on the PPP by threatening to leave and create a new party if President Yoon Suk Yeol does not change his leadership style by Wednesday. He proposed a number of conditions for him to remain with the party, including a meeting between the president and the bereaved families of those killed in the Itaewon crowd crush in October last year. "While the country is facing a crisis, someone is still attempting to scapegoat opponents as villains and is actively steering citizens in that direction insisting that dismantling them is the most crucial mission," Lee said. Nearly two years have passed after the presidential election, but why must we still speak a swordsmans language as if we have to defeat an enemy? The comments were interpreted as referring to Yoon and new PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon. Both are former prosecutors and have been using harsh rhetoric against the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea. Politics requires effort to make peoples lives better, Lee added. Citizens should stop enjoying gladiator battles to defeat the opponent at the colosseum. Please come to the agora and support responsible politicians who discuss resolutions to the crisis in our community. Once viewed as a golden boy among conservatives, Lee lost his political footing after being removed from the partys leadership over a bribery and prostitution scandal in 2022. Since then, Lee has been butting heads with the president and his loyalists in the party as he struggles to maintain a political presence and build up momentum for a successful return. During the press conference, Lee slammed a series of policies that the Yoon administration introduced, such as the governments idea of expanding medical school quotas, using taxpayers money to support universities outside of Seoul and pension scheme reforms. Including the president, most Korean politicians cannot solve those problems because most of their political careers will end in 10 years, Lee said. How can their politics be future oriented? ... In my new party, I will take on these crises and address these problems honestly even though that may cost ballots If someone again attempts to make others villains in the colosseum, I will do my best to bring them back to the agora and speak about our future. Lees breakaway bid was once expected to have an impact on the ruling partys general election campaigns, as it could signal a rift between pro- and anti-Yoon factions within the party. But a new twist was introduced after the party nominated the former justice minister as its interim leader. Han, described as the next presidential candidate of the ruling bloc, instantly became the center of media attention, creating hopes of a fresh leadership at the ruling party among conservative voters, while liberals criticized his bold language and hardline stance against the opposition. Lees breakaway bid has already lost momentum, said Park Sang-byeong, a professor at Inha University's Graduate School of Policy Science. Politics is all about timing. Lee should have floated his own ship when the tide was good for him. With Han dominating the public's attention, the outlook remains grim for Lees new party. It remains unclear whether Lees departure will resonate among party members who were close to the former ruling party chief or those who have been critical of Yoon. Among Lees four closest associates in the ruling party, former PPP Supreme Council member Kim Yong-tae has said he will stay within the party. Rep. Her Eun-a, who is a proportional representative, will lose her lawmaker status if she leaves the party, and Chun Ha-ram, the head of the partys regional unit in Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, will also lose his position if he exits. Chances are also slim for Yoon's critics within the PPP to join Lees new party. Former PPP Rep. Yoo Seong-min said in an interview with broadcaster MBC, Tuesday, that it is extremely difficult to succeed with a new party and that he has yet to decide whether to leave the party or create a new one. Although Lee has already left the party, he has no option but to return to the party in the future, given his political footing, Park said. In that case, a possible plan B is giving up his new party bid and running for the general elections in conservative strongholds, such as Daegu, so that he will minimize the impact on the PPPs campaign. Vietnamese market contracts 15% in November ICR Newsroom By 27 December 2023 Cement dispatches in Vietnam declined by 15 per cent YoY to 4,965,222t in November 2023, according to the Vietnam National Cement Association, VNCA. Of this total, 1,525,967t was delivered by VICEM, which saw its shipments down by 15 per cent. Other VNCA members supplied 939,255t, down 20 per cent YoY, while non-members saw a 13 per cent drop in deliveries to 2,500,000t. Total exports slipped by three per cent YoY to 2,503,749t in November 2023. Clinker exports dropped 22 per cent YoYt to 1,015,771t, but cement exports increased by 17 per cent YoY to 1,487,978. On a company level, VICEM exported 4629t of clinker in November 2023 vs none in November 2022 and 178,530t of cement, down 37 per cent YoY, in November 2023. Other VNCA members exported 59,521t of clinker, down 62 per cent YoY, and 218,350t of cement, up 76 per cent YoY, in November 2023. Non-member companies saw their clinker exports fall by 17 per cent to 951,621t but reported and 27 per cent increase in cement exports to 1,091,098t. January-November 2023 In the first 11 months of 2023 total dispatches in Vietnam declined by 17 per cent YoY to 51.325Mt. VICEM sold 16.065Mt, down 18 per cent YoY, in the 11M23, while other VNCA members saw their sales declined by 24.1 per cent YoY to 10.362t. Non-members reported a 13.2 per cent drop in domestic sales to 24.898Mt. Total cement and clinker exports were stable at 28.6737Mt in the 11M23, of which 9.867Mt were clinker exports (-27 per cent YoY) and 18.806Mt cement exports (+25 per cent YoY). Vicem reported an 89 per cent YoY drop in clinker exports to 59,534t with a similar drop noted by other VNCA members to 128,250t in the 11M23. Non-member clinker exports were down by 19 per cent YoY to 9.679Mt. In terms of cement exports, VICEM saw volumes reduced by 15 per cent YoY to 2.661Mt, but other VNCA members saw a 123 per cent advance to 2.396Mt. Non-member companies improved their export sales by 27 per cent YoY to 13.748Mt. Published under By Kim Ae-ran For three months in the fall of 2023, together with my senior Sister Gemma who has devoted herself to the immigrant mission for several decades, I visited 13 Korean Catholic Communities spread over 13 cities in the six States of Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee. Encountering various Korean parishioners, I felt not only the joy and happiness of living a migrant life but also the challenge of making much effort to survive in a foreign country. I still remember the encouraging and consoling words of an old woman at the mission in Nashville. Before Mass, during the peace greetings, and after Mass, she was happy to see us and came near us, saying in a loud voice Thanks for coming. You are doing a good job. I pray for you all As Pope Francis always emphasizes, we, the Pauline sisters, are willing to go to the frontiers in search of people longing for spirituality. On the way to our mission, we always experience so many inspiring moments and learn a lot from people we meet. Truly, the diversity of immigrants makes the Catholic Churches in the United States much more lively, sincere, affluent, touching and colorful. Our mission trip in search of Korean parishioners is a precious and grace-filled opportunity both to experience an intensive outgoing mission and to give spiritual food to people across the States. Except for two parishes in Atlanta, 11 other communities were considerably small. Nevertheless, going out on the mission to small communities inspires, encourages and rewards us. While going through various programs such as a special lecture on Lectio Divina, the retreat, the homily, a spiritual song and three-minute talks at the end of Mass, we are happy to give a chance to meet with some meaningful moments for the re-education of people with the help of the good image and appealing presence of Pauline in the world. We dont know anything about the future, but one thing is very clear: the seeds we have sown will grow somewhere little by little by the awesome and inspiring power of the Holy Spirit. We truly appreciate the constant prayers and faithful encouragement of all our acquaintances. Thanks to their sincere, faithful and constant prayers as well as the considerate collaboration of benefactors and volunteers including book club members, everything was possible. Although there were some changes in our schedule, there were many families who welcomed and provided us with food and lodgings. We are thankful for all the gifts of God. The words are not enough to express our heartfelt thanks for all their generous, warm-hearted, cheerful and hospitable gestures of friendship and sharing. So many angels around us bring us grace-filled moments of love and joyful encounters. I assure and pray for their happiness. Truly, the almighty God has presented himself through the birth of baby Jesus and presents himself among us always. Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests! (Luke 2:14). Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our Lord. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10). Therefore, let us celebrate the Christmas season with great joy. The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul. Please feel free to visit her blog "A piece of sunshine" at mtorchid88.blogspot.com. By Park Jae-hyuk Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are seen as beneficiaries of the U.S. governments plan to tighten regulations on Chinese legacy chips, which is expected to result in banning American defense companies from importing semiconductors from China, according to securities analysts, Wednesday. Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it will launch a survey in January to identify how American companies engaged in critical industries, such as telecommunications, automobiles, aerospace and defense, are sourcing chips of 28 nanometers or larger from China. The department said the survey aims to reduce national security risks posed by China. The upcoming measure is interpreted as a preemptive attempt to prevent Chinese firms' low-priced products from dominating the U.S. semiconductor market, as they did in the American steelmaking and solar power sectors. After the announcement, the Korean government has been on alert over the measures potential impacts on domestic companies. The government has strengthened cooperation with the U.S. and major countries to stabilize the semiconductor supply chain, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said last Friday. Based on the cooperation, we will continue to speak with the U.S. government. However, most market observers expect the U.S. restriction to have negative impacts on the exports of Chinese chipmakers only, while helping Samsung and SK sell their stocks of legacy DRAMs and NAND flash chips. Regardless of the U.S. Department of Commerces additional actions on Chinese chips, American companies are expected to reduce their reliance on Chinese products to avoid regulatory uncertainties, KB Securities analyst Kim Dong-won said. The forthcoming U.S. measure seems to be targeting YMTC, CXMT and SMIC, and considering the supply of semiconductors, Chinese factories of Samsung and SK will likely be exempt from the measure. The analyst also said the forthcoming regulation is intended to curb the growth of YMTCs share in the U.S. NAND flash market. Samsung and SK are expected to start profiting from their NAND businesses during the second half of next year, thanks to the price hike caused by decreased supply (of Chinese chips), the analyst said. As a result, both companies will enjoy rapid earnings growth. Korean chipmakers have remained cautious about predicting the potential impacts of the U.S. measure, given that they have operations in both the U.S. and China. In my personal opinion, the U.S. regulation on legacy chips will help Korean companies use up their inventories, as they have also produced legacy products, a semiconductor industry official said on condition of anonymity. Beijing has already criticized Washington for weaponizing trade issues. Chinas foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbing urged the U.S. last Friday to respect international trade rules and market-based principles. A Collegedale citizen was concerned Tuesday that residents in the 4500 block of University Drive may have been exposed to toxic chemicals due to a strong smell coming from the duplex. It was discovered that the neighboring apartment resident painted their kitchen earlier that day, creating the odor. Officers responded to the 9000 block of Old Lee Highway for an individual in crisis. The individual was voluntarily transported for an evaluation. An unknown 9-1-1 call came in from the 9300 block of Ocoee Street. Officers found no signs of an emergency. Officers responded to reports of a disorder in the Integra Hills complex. Officers arrived and were able to prevent the incident from escalating. An individual was arrested for public intoxication after being found loitering in the Chic Fil A parking lot. Recently, Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp announced that in 2023, her office had transferred the cases of 14 juvenile offenders to criminal court to be tried as adults. According to DA Wamp, these transfers are necessary to deter other juvenile offenders from engaging in criminal activity, thus promoting public safety. However, the evidence does not support this claim. Studies have shown that trying children as adults does not reduce crime and may even lead to worse outcomes. For example, one study found that the arrest rate for violent crimes committed by juveniles in Idaho increased 13 percent after the state implemented a juvenile transfer law. Another study, which analyzed juvenile arrest rates in New York, found that a state law that automatically sent juveniles charged with violent crimes to adult court had no deterrent effect on juvenile crime. Several similar studies also support the conclusion that transferring more juveniles to adult court does not reduce the juvenile crime rate. Furthermore, some studies have even found that trying juveniles as adults increases their likelihood of committing future crimes. For example, a study done by the CDC found that in Florida, youths sent to the adult system were 34 percent more likely to be rearrested for felonies than those retained in the juvenile system. According to researcher Dr. Richard E. Redding, there are several possible explanations for this phenomenon, including the stigmatization and other negative effects of labeling juveniles as convicted felons, the sense of resentment and injustice juveniles feel about being tried as adults, the decreased focus on rehabilitation and family support in the adult system, and the learning of criminal mores and behavior from adult criminals. The harsh environment of the adult criminal legal system likely contributes to a cycle of criminal behavior rather than rehabilitation, increasing the crime rate and making society less safe. When considering juvenile crime, it is also essential to understand the impact of adolescent brain development on behavior. One of the main differences between adult and adolescent brains is that adolescents brains lack prefrontal cortex development. Because of this, adolescents struggle to understand the risks and consequences of their actions, manage impulse control, and cope with stressful situations such as economic instability and violence. All adolescents experience a period of brain development that makes them more susceptible to crime, but youth suffering from mental health disorders are at even greater risk. Approximately 70 percent of youth in the juvenile system have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and over 90 percent have at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), such as witnessing or experiencing violence, growing up in extreme poverty, or having a parent incarcerated. The lack of brain development in juveniles makes them fundamentally less culpable than adults and often plays a major role in juveniles criminal behavior. To be clear, this is not to say that it is never appropriate to try juveniles as adults. However, it is a decision that must not be taken lightly and should be made only after careful consideration of the circumstances of each individual case. In most cases, though, it is in the best interest of both the juveniles and society to keep young offenders in juvenile court. This is because the primary goal of juvenile courts is rehabilitation and treatment rather than punishment. The principles underlying the juvenile system are based on the understanding that adolescents are still developing and can be positively influenced to lead law-abiding lives. Juvenile courts can provide meaningful and practical solutions to address juvenile crime through restorative justice practices, evidence-based interventions, and collaborative efforts with community-based organizations while also ensuring that juvenile offenders are held accountable. Through these measures, the juvenile system can address the root causes of criminal behavior and offer interventions to guide children toward becoming productive members of society. Tyler Foster A native of Chattanooga, Tyler Foster is "a formerly incarcerated individual who is passionate about creating a more equitable criminal legal system." He serves on the Board of Directors for Chattanoogans in Action for Love, Equality, and Benevolence, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works on criminal legal reform. He also serves on the Governance Committee of the Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network, a national nonprofit organization that helps formerly incarcerated individuals pursue higher education. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Memphis in May 2023 and will be attending law school next fall. * * * As Mr. Foster alluded to, I prefer to let our elected official, District Attorney Coty Wamp, make the decision regarding moving juveniles to adult court. I support her 100 percent. Ernie McCarson * * * I agree with Mr. Foster. Many of these young people, especially those going on to commit even serious crimes, have been broken down at such a young, vulnerable and impressionable age, the outcome is predictable. Many in the field of child behaviors have been warning for decades. When you break children like limbs from trees and carve worthless, failure, monster, (read the book "Monster"--Walter Dean Myers) and label them with other derogatory names on their souls, conscience and tiny masks, along with the physical abuse so many have endured earlier on in life, you risk the chance producing more hardened criminals without a conscience. Some years ago, studies were showing young people committing crimes were imitating things that had been done to them while being stopped. Down to and including invasive pat downs and such. You can see the change emerging in many of these young people, especially young boys, by third grade. I personally witnessed it working in the school system over 30 years ago. They came into school being those inquisitive, impish, curious, excited little tykes...with that light in their eyes. Then by third grade the light was gone and replaced with this dull stare. Girls often internalize their pain, and commit self destructive acts. While boys go inward and out, self destructing and exploding on society. These youths committing crimes, aren't feeding off one another as much as they're imitating and regurgitating adult behaviors and their experiences when having crossed paths with those adults who've harmed and damaged them/ physically, psychologically and emotionally. Brenda Washington * * * I absolutely agree with DA Wamps decision to try teenagers as adults for certain levels of criminal offenses. It is quite obvious, the Juvenile Court route has not been successful in stopping or slowing down these crimes. It actually seems to have become an enticement for teens to participate. It seems these crimes have become a sort of initiation. There seems to be a level of pride, which is evident when they are caught, sent to Juvenile Court and released. Maybe they have proven their skill level. This is not a race issue. All races are guilty of ongoing blatant and dangerous practices which, if not stopped will multiply with time. The parents of these teenagers should be held responsible for the actions of their children. Kudos to DA Wamp. I am so thankful that we have a DA in place who is determined to make a difference. Gene Porter * * * I believe the proper solution lies in a balanced approach. It is essential to impose stricter punishments for aggressive crimes committed by children, while also addressing the underlying causes such as education and poverty. Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge the role of parents in shaping their children's behavior. Growing up in poverty myself, I understand the significance of providing opportunities for personal growth. However, it is important to recognize that young minds may not be fully developed, and the current systems of punishment often fail to address the root issues. Implementing comprehensive programs that focus on education and poverty alleviation, alongside rehabilitation and skill-building after release, can help break the cycle of re-offending. It is imperative to find a middle ground in treating these young individuals, considering the severity of their actions. Understanding the reasons behind their mindset is also crucial for effective interventions. Christopher Cooper * * * The notion of major juvenile crime and proportional punishment was brought home to my family this week. A granddaughter will graduate from college in May as a teacher, so shes student teaching this spring. I asked her where, and she named an elementary school in a small town several miles west of Athens, Ga. Curious, I looked it up on the maps, then sought specific information on the little town. Uh-oh! In 1986 a 13-year-old boy stabbed the schools principal to death with a nail file. News items from that time are available online; one of them says the boy who was paddled the day before was charged with fatally stabbing principal Murray Kennedy during a heated meeting with the boy's mother. Say what you will, the boy was black, the murdered man was white, and things got exciting. The usual bunch of support groups came to town to add their two cents worth to the festivities. The young murderer was tried as an adult and sentenced to 15 years in prison. When I told this to my granddaughter and the rest of the family (ages 17 to 76), their united reactions might surprise you. Nobody said, Poor boy! or Thats extreme; he was just a kid! Nobody even asked where he got the nail file. Without exception, they began, Only fifteen years?! Yes, only fifteen years. For murder?! Yes, for murder. And then someone did the arithmetic: That murderer is out of jail now! I did the math, too; the victim and I were age-mates. A relatively young, educated, useful professional man was murdered. He was just as dead as if hed been shot by a dozen adult terrorists with a dozen guns. But nobody here was concerned about the killers age or other details; it didnt matter whether the mush in the kids skull had gelled yet, or whatever other excuse might be posited. The important thing was that an innocent man was dead, as dead as anybody could ever make him. Its safe to say that in my family, at least, prosecuting serious young criminals as adults is accepted as reasonable. The problem with the case in point is not that the trial and sentence of the kid was excessive; the problem is that the penalty wasnt proportional to the crime. Its not a question of age or race, mush-for-brains or bad environment or anything else of the sort. That principal was absolutely dead at 43 years old, and his murderer paid a shamefully small price for his crime. Maybe someone will do the research and discover that the murdering kid turned his life around and is now the most useful citizen of that small town. By now hed be 50 years old, if he isnt dead himself. Mr. Murray Kennedy, the dead principal, wouldve been the same age I am now, 80 years old. But he was murdered, and he didnt get to spend Christmas 2023 with his kids and grandkids. I think that's significant. Larry Cloud Northeastern State University campus located in Tahlequah. On Dec. 21, NSU announced it is partnering with Bacone College to provide a seamless pathway for all Bacone students seeking to transfer and graduate on their current timeline. On Dec. 22, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced his order to create a task force to address jurisdictional issues arising from the McGirt decision, but Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. while welcoming inquiry in good faith found the orders delivery divisive. U.S. electric carmaker Tesla has emerged as a major player in Korea's imported passenger vehicle market this year, with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi set to close the year as the three best-selling brands, industry data showed Wednesday. Tesla's vehicle sales have been on the rise since September when it began to bring in Model Y midsized SUVs manufactured at its Shanghai plant at sharply lowered prices compared with the Model Y's U.S.-made versions. Tesla began to deliver its models, starting with the Model S 90D, to the Korean market in June 2017. It currently sells the Model S flagship sedan, the Model X flagship SUV and the rear-wheel-drive Model Y SUV in Korea, while operating 1,007 stalls at 147 supercharger stations here. The Shanghai-made Model Y is widely expected to continue to boost Tesla's vehicle sales due to its price competitiveness and the rising demand for emission-free cars. In the January-November period, Tesla ranked fourth with sales of 15,439 units, exceeding its bigger rivals: Volvo Cars with 15,410 units and Lexus with 12,191 units, according to data from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) and local market tracker CarIsYou. Local demand for German brands remained strong this year as a growing number of consumers prefer high-end and high-performance models. German carmakers, including the three brands mentioned above and the Volkswagen brand, sold a total of 173,579 units in the 11-month period, accounting for 71 percent of overall imported vehicle sales of 243,811 autos, KAIDA data showed. BMW topped others by selling 69,546 units, followed by Mercedes-Benz with 68,156 units and Audi with 16,650 units in the first 11 months. Japanese brands Honda Motor, Toyota Motor and its independent brand, Lexus saw their sales rebound this year after suffering years of sluggish demand due to a trade dispute between Seoul and Tokyo. Local consumers shunned Japanese vehicles over the neighbor's restrictions on exports of key materials to Korea in 2019. In July 2019, Japan tightened regulations on exports to Korea of three high-tech materials critical for the production of semiconductors and displays. In the following month, Japan officially removed Korea from its list of countries given preferential treatment in trade procedures. The Japanese moves were widely seen as retaliation against court rulings here that ordered Japanese firms to compensate Korean victims of forced labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Helped by improving ties between the two countries, however, Japanese brands' vehicle sales jumped 37 percent to 21,027 units in the 11-month period from 15,315 units. In particular, Lexus vehicle sales soared 87 percent to 12,191 units from 6,534 during the same period due to robust demand for fuel-efficient gasoline hybrid models. Among luxury brands, Porsche stood out, with its vehicle sales jumping 31 percent to exceed 10,000 units for the first time in the first 11 months. "A growing number of brands has advanced to the Korean market in recent years, providing local customers more options to choose from at reasonable prices," an industry official said. "Some imported cars are no longer regarded as luxury items." (Yonhap) (Photo : Bloomberg) Insurance Mogul Calvin Lo to taken Serious steps in recent days Advertisement Bangkok, Thailand - In a landmark development that has sent ripples through both the financial and media worlds, Calvin Lo, a renowned insurance mogul, has filed a complaint against journalists Robert Olsen, John Kang, and Zinnia Lee with the Royal Thai Police. This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the financial elite and members of the press, highlighting the complex interplay of power, ethics, and legal boundaries in modern journalism. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Calvin Lo, a figure celebrated for his financial acumen and influential connections in Thailand, has been thrust into the spotlight following an article penned by Olsen, Kang, and Lee. Published on July 26, 2023, the article accused Lo of challenges his personal networth. The article, which quickly gained international traction after being translated into multiple languages, including Chinese, Portuguese, and Thai, has become a focal point of controversy and discussion worldwide. At the heart of Lo's complaint are serious allegations of character assassination and professional misconduct against the journalists. Lo claims that the trio engaged in factual inaccuracies, invasion of privacy, and slander, casting a shadow over his financials. This has led to rampant speculation and debate over the veracity of the claims and the motivations behind them. In an unprecedented move, Olsen reportedly reached out to Lo's clients and associates, suggesting them to sever ties with him. This aggressive tactic, seen by many as a significant deviation from standard journalistic practices, has only served to intensify the conflict between Lo and the journalists. A central point of contention in this complaint is the journalists' demand for Lo's personal bank statements. Lo views this as a gross invasion of privacy and an unwarranted pursuit of sensationalist news. The request has fueled further speculation about Lo's wealth, a topic he has consistently sought to downplay in favor of highlighting his professional achievements. The situation escalated when Olsen sent over 20 letters and emails to clients of R.E. Lee International, Lo's company, posing probing questions about their ongoing association with the firm. Lo interprets this as a deliberate attempt to undermine his company's reputation and business operations, exceeding the bounds of normal journalistic inquiry. Lo's defense goes beyond personal vindication; he is championing the cause of equitable journalism and respect for privacy. He maintains that his asset management strategies are sophisticated, legally compliant, and secure, and accuses the reporters of basing their story on incomplete and often misleading information, sensationalizing a narrative that is misaligned with his principles and values. Adding to the controversy is Lo's highlighting of Olsen's interactions with a former employee of his, who is currently embroiled in legal troubles in Dubai for dishonesty and fraud. This connection raises serious questions about the impartiality and integrity of Olsen's investigation. This incident has sparked a broader debate on the boundaries of responsible journalism. Lo's team asserts that Olsen's conduct surpasses the limits of fair reporting, suggesting a deliberate intent to tarnish their Lo's reputation. They also point to Olsen's promotion of the article on LinkedIn, coinciding with Lo's birthday and ongoing legal proceedings, as indicative of malice and personal vendetta. In response to this unfolding drama, Lo has received overwhelming support from the Thai community. He has expressed his gratitude for this support and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding high standards of conduct and respect for Thailand's values and traditions. His complaint is seen as a stand for these cherished values and a defense against perceived unjust assaults by the reporters. By filing this complaint, Calvin Lo is making a clear statement about his determination to protect his name and principles. His actions reflect a deep commitment to defending his reputation, upholding the truth, and preserving the integrity of journalism. In an era where the line between accurate reporting and sensationalism is increasingly blurred, Lo's stance serves as a poignant reminder of the need for ethical journalism. It underscores the importance of honoring individual privacy and dignity, and the responsibility of the press to maintain a balance between public interest and personal rights. This case is likely to be closely watched, as it could set important precedents for the relationship between the media and the financial elite, and for the standards of journalism in the digital age. Advertisement TagsCalvin Lo, R.E. Lee International (Photo : Getty Images. ) U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday evening tweeted that his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping will be a "difficult one." Advertisement In a decision reverberating across the political landscape, the Michigan Supreme Court has ruled to keep former President Donald Trump on the state's 2024 Republican primary ballot, a move that aligns with earlier lower court rulings in Michigan but diverges from a recent Colorado Supreme Court decision. This pivotal ruling comes amid intense debate and legal scrutiny over Trump's eligibility for office based on his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The Michigan Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case leaves Trump's name listed as a candidate, dismissing the argument that his actions on Jan. 6 constituted "engaging in insurrection," as outlined in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The amendment bars anyone from holding office if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S., after having taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. A significant legal question underpinning the series of court cases nationwide is whether it's within state powers or solely the purview of Congress to bar a candidate over such allegations. Justice Elizabeth Welch, a Democratic nominee, detailed in the ruling why the appellants in the Michigan case were not entitled to the relief they sought concerning the presidential primary election. She noted the stark differences between Michigan and Colorado's election laws, particularly Colorado's explicit duty to "exclude constitutionally disqualified candidates." Michigan law contains no such provision. This nuanced legal landscape has led to disparate conclusions in different states, with Colorado's Supreme Court disqualifying Trump from its ballots under the 14th Amendment due to his alleged involvement in the Capitol riot. The legal discourse has been further complicated by the varying interpretations and applications of state laws. Welch pointed out that in Colorado, Trump's disqualification followed a detailed evidentiary proceeding that developed the necessary factual record to address the complex legal questions at issue. In contrast, Michigan lacks analogous provisions in its election laws requiring presidential candidates to attest to their legal qualifications to hold office. The decision to keep Trump on the Michigan ballot, therefore, rests on a distinct legal and procedural foundation compared to the Colorado ruling. Trump's response to the Michigan ruling was triumphant, declaring the court had rightly denied a "Desperate Democrat attempt" to remove him from the ballot. He portrayed the legal challenges as a broader scheme to rig the election, asserting that Colorado is the only state to have succumbed to such a tactic. The former president's remarks underscore the contentious and polarized nature of the ongoing legal battles surrounding his eligibility, which continue to unfold in states like Texas, Nevada, and Wisconsin. As the nation grapples with these legal and constitutional debates, the Michigan Supreme Court's decision marks a significant moment in the prelude to the 2024 presidential election. It reflects the intricate interplay between state laws, constitutional amendments, and the broader political dynamics shaping America's electoral landscape. As Trump remains a central figure in the Republican primary race, the implications of these legal disputes extend far beyond the courtroom, influencing the political discourse and the choices presented to American voters. Advertisement Tagsdonald trump In a once overlooked backwater town that was written off as unpromising, researchers have discovered new evidence that challenges previously held beliefs about the downfall of the Roman Empire. For thirteen years, a team of archaeologists from the University of Cambridge has been conducting surveys and excavations in Interamna Lirenas, an ancient Roman settlement located in central Italy. The latest findings indicate that the town continued to prosper well into the third century A.D., which is considered to be when Italy began experiencing a decline. According to Alessandro Launaro, a researcher at the University of Cambridge and leader of the excavation project, the town seemed to be rather ordinary. It was of average size and occupied a middling position in the settlement hierarchyit is therefore likely to be more representative of a large number of towns which dotted Roman Italy and the empire at large, he said. It was assumed that the state of the town had started to take a nosedive by the end of the first century B.C. However, recent discoveries have shown that Interamna Lirenas was actually complex, monumental, and articulate during that time. It peaked in the second century B.C. and was still flourishing in the third century A.D. As time went on, the population diminished until the town was completely deserted in the later sixth century A.D. In the third century, the Roman empire itself nearly collapsed due to invasions, war, plagues, and economic crises, but it had already been showing signs of trouble earlier on. Laurano believes that Interamna Lirenas adapted to the challenging conditions by building a strong network of relationships in the political, social, and economic realms, which was how they thrived before the rise of the Roman Empire and survived after its fall. The analysis of Interamna may provide a better understanding of how other communities in Italy managed to overcome troubling times. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Since CT began its global ministry in 2020, we have had hundreds of English articles translated into more than 10 non-English languages. In early 2022, Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional) became the firstand so far the onlylanguage in which CT has had original articles. Most articles originally written in Chinese have English translations, and a few of them have translations in other languages. Here at the end of 2023, there are now more than 50 articles originally written in Chinese on the CT website (Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and foreign language translations of the same article are counted as one). Below are the English translations of the 10 best articles originally written in Chinese in the past year, as recommended by the CT Chinese managing editor. These 10 articles are quite representative of CT Chineses content themes. There are reports and commentaries on the current situation and trends of Chinese churches in China and overseas, as well as reviews and reflections on missions history; there is illumination of Chinese culture from biblical perspectives as well as reflections on science, technology, and pop culture based on Christian values. Authors include pastors, church leaders, and scholars of the Bible, theology, and church history from Chinese churches in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and North America. In 2024, we will continue to publish and translate articles originally written in Chinese. If you have any suggestions or comments on our articles, please feel free to email us (ChristianityTodayZH@christianitytoday.com) to provide feedback. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Check out the rest of our 2023 year-end lists here. [ This article is also available in and . ] This past year may be defined for some evangelicals by the bits of duct tape put over the word United on so many United Methodist Church signs. Or the 152 bullets fired at a Christian school in Nashville, killing six people. Or by the hymns that Tim Keller chose to have sung at his funeral. There were moments of grace amid a lot of darkness. There was also a lot of darkness. There were tragedies, prayers, votes, big decisions, and little decisions made with great determination, contributing to the ongoing, unfolding shifts in evangelicalism. As 2023 draws to a close, here are 10 stories that stood out to us as pivotal. 10. New York City Christian College Closures A number of evangelical colleges saw record enrollment in fall 2023, but Christian higher education still suffered from long-term trends. This year New York City watched the closing of its only two evangelical colleges, The Kings College and Alliance University (formerly Nyack College). Nyack in particular was a historic loss; the Christian and Missionary Alliance school was 140 years old. 9. Mass Shooting at Nashville Christian School The Covenant School in Nashville was targeted in the most high-profile attack on a Christian school in US history, with a shooter killing three students and three staff during an attack in March. The tragedy led some Covenant families to call for stricter red flag laws to prevent gun violence. 8. Church of Englands Same-Sex Blessings In a long-awaited and long-debated compromise, Anglicans approved on a trial basis special services to bless same-sex couples. Evangelicals feared the decision could split the Church of England, and conservatives from the Global South denounced the move. 7. SBC and CMA Votes on Women in Ministry Two denominations considered policies around women in pastoral roles, with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) backing the removal of Saddleback Church for its female pastors and the Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA) voting to allow women to use the title of pastor in non-elder positions (leading a handful of churches to leave the CMA). 6. Abuse Allegations Several major ministries and churches investigated abuse allegations, including against International House of Prayer founder Mike Bickle in Kansas City, Missouri, and Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi in England. Others faced scrutiny over their response to abuse, including counselors at John MacArthurs Grace Community Church; leaders at Chi Alpha and the Assemblies of God who knew about a sex offenders ongoing ministry involvement; and Hillsongs Brian Houston, who was found not guilty of covering up abuse by his father. 5. PEPFAR The year began with a celebration of the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR, a hugely successful program to fight HIV/AIDS that has saved 25 million lives and currently has 20 million people on treatment, often through faith-based partners on the ground. But the program was up for reauthorization this year, and US pro-life groups have successfully halted its renewal based on thus-far unsubstantiated concerns about the program funding abortions. African Christians working in health care are worried about what the implications will be for the millions they are treating. 4. Israel-Hamas War Hamas coordinated a surprise terror attack from Gaza on Israeli civilians on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and throwing the region into war. War brought civilian casualties to Palestinians too, and local Christians in the Holy Land wrestled through how to live with both anger and hope. Palestinian Christians said they wanted Hamas gone, while in the US Christians tried to find ways to address rising antisemitism. 3. Tim Kellers Death A generational influence on the global church, New York pastor and author Tim Keller died in May after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Keller modeled graceful engagement in American evangelicalisms growing tensions, built up local churches, and showed how to worship in the face of death. CT published a special issue on Keller this year. 2. Asbury University Revival When its chapel service stretched on for weeks and drew crowds with reports of revival, Asbury University in Kentucky prioritized the leadership of its students and the work of the Spirit over celebrity and spectacle. The outpouring at Asbury inspired revivals at other campuses and encouraged Christians worldwide. 1. United Methodist Church Disaffiliations As a result of ongoing denominational divides on same-sex marriage and LGBT clergy, more than 7,600 congregations have left the United Methodist Church, with around 5,600 departing in 2023 alone. Some struggled to disaffiliate and keep their property, including Korean American churches and churches in states like Georgia, where they took legal action. Check out the rest of our 2023 year-end lists here. Home World Catholic church stokes outrage for 'blasphemous and provocative' same-sex Nativity scene A Roman Catholic church in Italy has stoked outrage for displaying a Nativity scene that replaced Joseph with a second woman decked out in rainbow garb. "I wanted to show with this scene that families are no longer just the traditional ones," said Father Vitaliano Della Sala of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, according to 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," Della Sala added. The creche at the church in Capocastello di Mercogliano, east of Naples, prompted condemnation from Italian Senator Maurizio Gasparri, who said it "offends all those who always had respect and devotion for the Holy Family." Priest in Italy creates a same-sex nativity scene. Replaces St. Joseph with another woman, who is shrouded in LGBT colours. Over to you Holy Father. pic.twitter.com/1LuXnhxET6 Timeless Faith ? (@timelessfaithh) December 24, 2023 The display also provoked a petition from the pro-life group Pro-Vita & Famiglia, which denounced the display as "a blasphemous and provocative representation that distorts the meaning of the Nativity scene itself and of the Holy Family," and called on Bishop of Avellino Arturo Aiello to have it removed. The petition, which has garnered nearly 25,000 signatures as of Wednesday, specifically condemned "the removal of Saint Joseph, sacrificed on the altar of political correctness," as well as "the very serious message relating to the 'two mothers' which 'sanctifies' a practice as illegal as the buying and selling of gametes." Surrogacy in Italy has been illegal since 2004, and Italian lawmakers have been debating another law that would ban engaging a surrogate mother in another country, punishable by up to three years in prison and 1 million euros in fines, according to The Associated Press. Della Sala, who has been dubbed "the disobedient priest," has clashed with the Catholic hierarchy over the years and was removed as a parish priest of Sant'Angelo a Scala in 2002 for his activism, which included marching in a Pride parade, according to the organization Portraits in Faith. Aiello reinstated him as a parish priest in Mercogliano in 2018. "I am a Catholic priest who is often not in agreement and often in dissent with the Catholic hierarchy," Della Sala said during an interview with Portraits in Faith. "But I think that dissent is necessary in bettering my faith, to be in such a way that my faith is lived better. I think that dissent is also necessary to better the church that I belong to." According to Reuters, Della Sala suggested his views align with Pope Francis, who signed off earlier this month on "Fiducia Supplicans," a controversial declaration from the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith that allows for "spontaneous pastoral blessing" for "same-sex couples" and other couples in "irregular situations." The guidance has prompted mixed reactions from Catholic prelates around the world. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) emphasized that the declaration from the Vatican made a "distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God's loving grace in their lives." "The Church's teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God's healing love and mercy in our lives," the USCCB said in a statement. Home Living From witchcraft to Jesus: Woman details path to Christ after years of searching for 'the truth' Texas resident Lindsay Smith, who turned away from witchcraft and left a same-sex lifestyle to follow Jesus, said that from an early age, she had a unique ability to see things in the spiritual realm. Adopted as a baby, Smith was raised in a traditional Christian household where she often felt misunderstood and like a bit of an outcast because her family couldn't relate to her or understand why she was frequently seeing demons. The 24-year-old shared her journey to Christ in an interview with The Christian Post, detailing how God opened her eyes to the Gospel and delivered her from spiritual warfare at a time when she had lost all hope. "The devil's agenda is to get you in your child years so he can keep you in your adult years," Smith said. "I first started seeing spirits, which I thought were ghosts. I thought I had a gift of being able to see ghosts. But they were really demons. I had countless encounters of seeing things like that. The first time I saw something from the spiritual realm, it appeared to be like a black and gray dust cloud flying through my grandma's house," Smith recalled. "There was another time I was just laying in bed trying to fall asleep, and I just saw eyes staring at me from the bathroom, and I was like: 'What is that?' Because I didn't know anything about spiritual warfare," she added. "I didn't know anything about the fact that they were demons that I should be rebuking and that they're not ghosts. They're not kind or nice spirits of people that are just wandering around. That's not what they are. They're literally demonic spirits that were preying on me." Smith shared her testimony in an Oct. 19 episode of Delafe Testimonies a YouTube channel with over 580,000 subscribers that aims to "create the world's largest archive of Jesus testimonies." In the video, she shared why she rejected Christianity from a young age. "I was seeing ghosts, and I would tell my Christian family. 'I'm literally being able to see in the spirit,'" Smith recounted. "I was going and telling Christian people what was happening to me, and they would just tell me, 'it's my imagination.' They 'have no explanation for me.' That kind of made me think in my mind, 'OK, well, my answer is not in the Christian Church.'" As she continued into grade school, Smith said she kept seeing "terrifying" demons but was told by her parents that it was all in her imagination. "I felt like I was just always misunderstood. I just had this depression, anxiety. I was so shy really, really like in my shell," she said. When she entered high school, she dated a male who introduced her to the occult. "He actually started teaching me about astrology, Ancient Egypt, all of the things like the New Age and the witchcraft stuff. I ended up getting out of the relationship. It took me like nine months to get out. The relationship was very abusive, narcissistic, and it involved mind control," Smith said. "He would do witchcraft on my mind. It took me a long time to get out. It was like, every time I was trying to get out, blackmail, 'I'll do this and you won't be able to ever find someone else. I'll leak this picture.' It was bad," she continued. After the relationship ended, Smith began college in 2017 and entered into a same-sex relationship with a woman who was also transitioning to become a male. "I was dating this person, and I was learning so much about the whole LGBT mindset of being 'open, accepting whatever people, you're born this way. There's nothing you can do. There's no solid concrete objective truth,'" Smith said. As time passed, Smith said she continued in the relationship and practiced witchcraft but began to realize both were not bringing her peace. "The root of it was depression. If we're being really honest, the root of it was generational curses, trauma, fear; all these different things. It's a counterfeit. It's not real peace," she said. After a few years of searching for answers, Smith searched online about New Age and witchcraft and came across video testimonies of former witches who turned to Christ. Those videos changed the trajectory of her life, saying, "It was the truth that I was always looking for and I finally got." "'[I Googled] what is this New Age to Jesus? What is New Age?' I started watching these videos for a whole week straight. I'm watching a boom, boom, just all I'm consuming is that, and I was literally destroyed. Just to be quite honest, I was very much destroyed," Smith said. "Every single thing that I built my life on was torn down in that moment. I threw everything [out], the spiritual books. I had all these witchcraft books. They were witchcraft books. People were trying to teach you how to control and manipulate energy. It was so disgusting. So I threw all those away. I threw out all my crystals [and] sage [and] natal chart." After giving her life to Christ on May 23, 2021, Smith says she is still growing closer to Him in her daily walk. She said walking away from same-sex relationships and turning away from the occult are the best decisions she could have made. Smith said she no longer sees demons and the demonic spiritual realm in the earthly world because God has since delivered her from those encounters. "I'm still trying to figure God out. There's so many facets to Him. I can't even sit here and be like, 'I know everything about Jesus.' I know what the Bible tells me. I know I experienced Him. I know how I talk to Him. I know when He answers my prayers. I know that about Jesus," Smith said. "He said in His Word, we prophesy in part, but at some point, it's going to all be revealed to us. I'm like, 'I know You, but I know there's so much more to You that I don't know.'" Iran has resumed enriching uranium at a similar rate as at the start of the year, the IAEA said Tuesday, as the country accelerates its nuclear program while denying it is developing a bomb. Iran has "increased its production of highly enriched uranium, reversing a previous output reduction from mid-2023", the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement. Iran has increased its production of 60 percent enriched uranium to a rate of about 9 kilograms (20 pounds) a month since the end of November. That's up from about 3 kilograms a month since June, and a return to the 9 kilograms a month it was producing during the first half of 2023, the IAEA said. "On 19 and 24 December, IAEA inspectors verified the rate of production of uranium enriched to this level at the two facilities where Iran is carrying out these activities the Natanz Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant," it said. Nuclear weapons require uranium enriched to 90 percent, while 3.67 percent is enough for nuclear power stations. Iran appeared to have slowed its enrichment as a gesture while informal talks for a nuclear treaty had resumed with the United States. But animosity between the two countries has intensified in recent months, with each one accusing the other of exacerbating the war between Israel and Hamas. In November, a confidential IAEA report seen by AFP indicated that Iran's enriched uranium stocks were 22 times the limits authorized in the 2015 accord limiting Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions. That accord fell apart in 2018 when then president Donald Trump pulled out the United States. His successor Joe Biden has tried to revive the accord through talks in Vienna, but the process has been at a standstill since the summer of 2022. Iran, which has supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has prevented IAEA inspections and disconnected surveillance cameras installed at its nuclear program sites. In November, it held 567.1 kilograms of uranium enriched at 20 percent and 128.3 kilograms at 60 percent, three times what would be needed to build an atomic bomb if enriched to 90 percent. (AFP) Home Church & Ministries Pope urges Vatican officials to avoid rigid ideologies after approving blessings for gay couples Pope Francis urged Vatican officials to avoid "rigid ideological positions" in a speech days after his recent approval of blessings for same-sex couples. Addressing the Holy See hierarchy in his annual Christmas greeting last Thursday, Francis emphasized the importance of evolving to serve the Catholic Church effectively. "In our service here in the Curia too, it is important to keep faring forward, to keep searching and growing in our understanding of the truth, overcoming the temptation to stand still and never leave the 'labyrinth' of our fears," the bishop of Rome said. "Fear, rigidity and monotony make for an immobility that has the apparent advantage of not creating problems ... but lead us to wander aimlessly within our labyrinths, to the detriment of the service we are called to offer the Church and the whole world." Francis warned against the fear-driven adherence to rules, which he said could hinder the Vatican Curia's service. "Let us remain vigilant against rigid ideological positions that often, under the guise of good intentions, separate us from reality and prevent us from moving forward," the pontiff added. Referring to the division between the conservatives and progressives, the pontiff said, "[t]he real, central difference is between lovers and those who have lost that initial passion. That is the difference. Only those who love can fare forward." The pope also spoke against the "illusion of omniscience" and the danger of rigidly applying rules. Quoting Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, Francis highlighted the distinction between discernment and legalistic exactitude, emphasizing the need for pastoral adaptability. Earlier in the week, the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a declaration titled "Fiducia Supplicans," which provided "a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings, which is closely linked to a liturgical perspective." While the Catholic Church still holds that marriage is a union reserved for one man and one woman, the declaration distinguishes between sacramental blessings and pastoral blessings, which can be given to persons who desire God's grace, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "It is precisely in this context that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church's perennial teaching on marriage," stated the Catholic Church leadership. "This Declaration is also intended as a tribute to the faithful People of God, who worship the Lord with so many gestures of deep trust in his mercy and who, with this confidence, constantly come to seek a blessing from Mother Church." The declaration warned that "one should neither provide for nor promote a ritual for the blessings of couples in an irregular situation." "At the same time, one should not prevent or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God's help through a simple blessing," the Vatican document added. The declaration has elicited mixed reactions. Progressives and LGBT advocates welcomed it as a gesture of inclusion, while conservatives criticized it as contrary to biblical teachings on homosexuality. In his Christmas greeting, Francis did not directly mention this declaration but urged listening and discernment, moving beyond the binary of progressives and conservatives. A Catholic archbishop in Kazakhstan reportedly issued a formal repudiation of the Vatican doctrinal office's guidance, accusing the Catholic Church of propagating "gender ideology." Tomash Peta, who has served as metropolitan archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana since 2003, prohibited any form of blessing for same-sex couples and also publicly admonished Pope Francis, asking him to revoke the guidance, according to The Catholic Herald. The guidance also prompted responses from some U.S. bishops, with many reaffirming the Catholic Church's teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman while noting that the guidance does not change official teaching on the subject. Home U.S. The Christian Post's top 10 stories of 2023 (part 1) Many topics dominated the headlines in 2023, ranging from culture wars and intrafaith conflicts at home to the continuation and escalation of violence and religious persecution overseas. The Christian Post has compiled a list of the top 10 news stories of 2023 based on the topics that most interested our readers and what CP's editors viewed as the most significant events of the year. Read CPs top 10 news stories of 2023 part 1 on the following pages. Read part 2 here. Home Opinion This Christmas season, remember what Jesus saved you from In our contemporary, politically correct culture, it is sometimes said that there is a war on Christmas. We often see Christians as the warriors in the battle to save Christmas from leftist groups hostile to public expressions of faith in Jesus Christ in the public square. Interestingly, this dynamic was not always the case. There was a period of American history when the war on Christmas was waged not by the world but by the Church. The Puritans in 17th and 18th century colonial America were extremely hostile to the Christmas holiday. They typically derided the holiday as foolstide instead of yuletide. For over 20 years, celebrating Christmas was a criminal offense in New England, until the English crown flexed its muscles and forced a Christmas celebration in Boston in 1686. The royal governor of Massachusetts was so nervous about violent backlash to this event that he was flanked by armed guards as he entered the town hall to recite Scripture and sing Christmas hymns! The Puritans had several reasons for bringing an end to recognizing Christmas and banning celebrations of it. Speaking of Christmas, the reverend Hugh Latimer wrote, Men dishonor Christ more in the 12 days of Christmas than in all the 12 months besides. In 1712, Cotton Mather preached a sermon in which he told his flock, The feast of Christ's nativity is spent in reveling, dicing, carding, masking, and in all licentious liberty ... by mad mirth, by long eating, by hard drinking, by lewd gaming, by rude reveling! Most of us today probably would not come to the same conclusion about Christmas celebrations as the Puritans, but there is still something to be said for their concerns. Whenever the Christmas holiday falls on a Sunday, we see numerous churches closing their doors that morning because their congregations are too busy celebrating the holiday to attend services. Does anyone else see the tragic irony? Too often, even in the church, we have lost the point of Christmas. So, what is the point of Christmas? What is it that we should be celebrating, and that should be central to this significant day? The Sunday school answer that even the world knows is the birth of Jesus. However, as we have been asking this month, why was Jesus born? Why was Christmas necessary? Today, we arrive at our fifth and final reason for Christmas: Jesus came to give us a lasting, eternal gift a gift that never gets outdated, gets replaced by a new model, wears out, and gets lost. Jesus came to give eternal life to everyone who believes. Our passage in John 3:16-21 begins with these familiar words, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. One significant point is that this gift is received by faith. Eternal life is a gift not to anyone, not even to everyone, but specifically to those who believe. Belief in Jesus is critical to receive the greatest gift ever given. This passage gives us three reasons to believe in Jesus. First, believe in Jesus because He is the proof of Gods love. Jesus is all the evidence we need of Gods love. While John weaves this point throughout our passage, he makes it explicit in verse 16: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Gods love here finds its expression in the gift of His one and only Son. Other passages in Scripture also relate that Gods love was most clearly displayed in the gift of the Son. For example, Romans 5:8 says, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. When Paul says that Christ died for us and John says that God gave the Son, they are saying the same thing. For John, the giving of the Son was the gift of Him to us by handing Him over to death. Gods love for sinners was seen in the death of Christ, which achieved two things for us. Christs sacrifice bought our forgiveness of sins through His shed blood, and it secured our righteous standing before God through His obedience to the point of death. Jesus death was unique in that it was effective for those people, who would believe, in saving them from Gods wrath. Jesus death also ended with His resurrection. Gods plan in giving the Son over to death included and culminated in His resurrection from the dead and His subsequent exaltation as King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus death, while real, was temporary. It was not final. It was the path to Him for glory, and Christ willingly chose it as He and the Father demonstrated their great love for sinners. Second, believe in Jesus because He is the rescue from Gods judgment. Notice specifically verse 18: He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. The word judged in this verse carries the connotation of condemnation, and the idea of being convicted of sin before the judgment seat of God. Believe in Jesus because He is the rescue from Gods verdict of guilty against your sin. One fascinating aspect of the incarnation of Christ is that He did not come to judge the world. Christmas was not about judgment, but salvation. Salvation does imply judgment, however, which is what Jesus makes clear in verses 18-20. Jesus did not need to come to put sinners under the judging sentence of God because they were already there and destined for eternal damnation. Christmas seems like an odd time to discuss Gods wrath and judgment, but it is a vital part of this season of remembrance and celebration because Jesus came to rescue us from Gods wrath and to save us from being condemned by Gods Law. Jesus also gives a test of faith in verses 20-21, which is obedience. Obedience is always the test of faith. Those who practice wickedness do not come to Christ. They dont want their sin to be exposed because they love their sin, and they dont want to forsake it. On the other hand, those who come to Christ hate their sin and want to be rid of it. They want their sin exposed by His light so that they can walk in His truth. No one should think that merely acknowledging the reality of Christmas is what Jesus has in mind in this passage and throughout the teachings of His ministry on earth. Rather, Jesus desires repentance, trust, and willingness to follow wherever He leads. True belief is manifest by coming to the Light, seeing our sin for what it is, and forsaking it. Third, believe in Jesus because He is the Giver of eternal life. In verse 17, we see that we are saved through the Son: For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. It is the Son who gives us this life. Johns Gospel is full of this truth about Jesus being the giver of life. In 1:3, we learn that Jesus was the agent of God in creation, the One who made everything. In verse 4, we read that Jesus inherently possesses life. In verse 12, it is Jesus who gives us the right to become children of God. In verse 16, it is from the fullness of Jesus that we all receive grace upon grace. Repeatedly, John points us to Jesus for life. The clearest expression of this is in John 5:21. Jesus said, For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. Then in John 6:48, He declared, I am the bread of life.Jesus Himself is the one who gives His people eternal life. Over the past five posts, we have answered the question behind the question of Christmas: Whats the Point? We have seen that Christmas is so much more than the mere birth of Jesus, but that His incarnation in a Bethlehem manger overflowed with eternal significance for all who call upon His name. Jesus was born to reveal Gods glory, to fulfill Gods promises, to save His people from their sins, to bring salvation from sin, and to give eternal life to everyone who believes. May we remember, appreciate, and praise the point of Christmas as we cherish our Lord plan and purpose to give us eternity with Him. Home World 160 Christians massacred, including pastors, in Nigeria; coordinated attacks launched during Christmas Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Terrorists massacred 160 people, many of them preparing for church Christmas programs, Saturday night through Christmas Day in coordinated attacks on predominantly Christian areas in Plateau state, Nigeria, sources said. Church pastors were killed and hundreds of houses were destroyed in the massacres in villages of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu counties, officials and residents said. The assailants killed the Rev. Solomon Gushe of Baptist Church in Dares village along with nine of his family members, said Bokkos County resident Dawzino Mallau. Some pastors were killed, and another pastor and his wife and five children were killed during these attacks, Mallau told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News in a text message. These terrorists who attacked these Christian communities were in the hundreds, and they carried out the attacks as the hapless Christians were preparing for Christmas programs lined up by their pastors. Most of the Christians killed were women, children and the elderly unable to escape, he said. Alfred Mashat, another resident of the Bokkos area, said hundreds of houses were destroyed. About 160 Christians in these villages were killed by the terrorists, Mashat said in a text message to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. We believe they are carrying out these attacks alongside armed Muslim Fulani herdsmen. Among the predominantly Christian villages attacked, he said, were NTV, Maiyanga, Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Dares, Chirang, Ruwi, Yelwa, Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani. Mashat identified some of the Christians killed in the attack on Maiyanga village as Sati Solomon Langweng, David Jallang, Gauis Adamu, Mafulul Langweng, Nafor James Markut, Matawal Gauis Adamu, Fidelis Solomon Jallang, Emmanuel Amos Jallang, Sule Shahu, Mildred James Markut, Maren Paul Mashok, Samuel Mamot and Machief Mangut. Four Christians slain in Daruwat village he could identify only as Tanko, Haruna, John and Salo. Local officials on Monday confirmed the attacks, reportedly stating that at least 160 people were slain. Monday Kassah, head of the local government in Bokkos, told AFP that 113 people had been killed there in well-coordinated attacks in at least 20 villages. More than 300 wounded people were rushed to hospitals in Bokkos, Jos and Barkin Ladi, he said. Dickson Chollom, a member of the state parliament, told AFP that at least 50 people were reported dead in villages in the area, while Bokkos area resident Solomon Musa told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that the bodies of 60 Christians in the Bokkos Council area were recovered and buried. Another 26 corpses were buried in Barkin Ladi Council area on Christmas Day, Musa said. On Saturday, Dec. 23, Muslim terrorists attacked Christian villages in Bokkos Local Government Area, attacks that continued to Christmas Day. In Bokkos LGAs Ruwi village, 16 Christians were killed, many others were wounded and many houses were destroyed, he said. Alfred Alabo, spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, said in a press statement that the assailants on Sunday night (Dec. 24) attacked 12 villages in the Bokkos LGA: Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani. That same hour, at about 10:45 p.m., three villages in Barkin Ladi LGA were attacked, he said: NTV, Hurum and Darawat. In Bokkos LGA, 221 houses were set ablaze, 27 motorcycles and eight other motor vehicles were burned, and more than 79 persons were killed, Alabo said, adding that in Barkin Ladi LGA, 17 deaths were initially recorded. Plateau Gov. Caleb Mutfwang on Monday (Dec. 25) said that at least 50 people had been killed in Mangu and Bokkos counties in the prior 48 hours. This is unacceptable. Enough is enough. These stupid, senseless and unprovoked acts must stop, Mutfwang said, vowing to strengthen security agencies in the efforts in tackling insecurity in the state. The assailants are described locally as bandits, shorthand for a mix of criminal elements including ethnic Fulani herders hit by drought and dwindling land for their cattle. Riding motorcycles and well-armed with sophisticated weapons obtained from criminal elements outside of Nigeria, some of the predominantly Muslim assailants are said to be mercenaries from Chad or Niger. Estimated to number in the tens of thousands, such assailants have been active in northern Nigeria for more than a decade but have increasingly expanded into Plateau, Benue and other states, including some in southern Nigeria. Christian leaders and other observers also believe elements of Islamic extremist group Boko Haram and a faction aligned with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) form part of some of the attacking criminal gangs. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in the Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people. In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year. Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery, the WWL report noted. This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation. Nigerias government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians rights are carried out with impunity. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Home World China attempts to stifle Christianity with education system crackdown The level of control imposed on Christians by the Chinese government continues to increase particularly on children. Since 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping has implemented a campaign framework called Sinicization to govern religious affairs in China. Under this movement, religions in the country must have Chinese characteristics and adapt to socialist Chinese society. Beijing is most heavily reinforcing its religious restrictions on minors, with the goal of ensuring that future generations are ideologically indoctrinated to listen to and follow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). A pastor who founded a house church in the coastal area of southeast China recently shared with Global Christian Relief the strategy the Chinese government employs to strictly control minors, which he calls The Pharaoh Policy. Just as Pharaoh targeted the Israelites children in Exodus 1, Beijings tactics highlight its determination to eliminate opportunities for young people to learn about God. The overall situation [in China] is challenging for house church Christians. Nowadays, it is easier [for the government] to brainwash Christians, said the pastor. The systemic crackdown has been imposed on the next generation. The goal is to cut the growth at the next generation, so there will be fewer Christians in the future. Chinese children have been barred from attending religious services and engaging in religious activities since 2017. Before Xi came to power, children during the era of former President Hu Jintao were allowed to attend Sunday School. Now, under Xi, many parents of kindergartners and middle schoolers must sign and submit a pledge to not believe in religion to their childrens schoolteachers. Government staff monitors to make sure no child enters places of worship. Protests by parents who say they cannot leave their children home alone go unheard. To bypass these restrictions, many churches secretly host Sunday School in member's homes. Homeschooling has gained popularity among Chinese Christian families in recent years. Many families have banded together to host homeschools to avoid CCP political indoctrination. The number of students in a homeschool typically ranges from 10 to 50, with some having as many as 100 children in attendance. The presence of these homeschools has attracted unwanted attention from the local authorities. In cities like Hangzhou, Qingdao and Guiyang, many home schools have been shut down. In Wenzhou, five Christians were arrested and subject up to 20 days of detention. For more than a year, a principal was placed under residential surveillance at a Designated Location, a form of secret detention used to target and punish individuals. To further deter Christians from setting up home schools, authorities have issued fines starting from $98,000 to an astronomical $838,500. School leaders refuse to accept the unreasonable penalties to delegitimize the governments actions. Given these challenges, many Christian parents have little choice but to send their children overseas for education. Those who cannot afford this option continue their homeschooling in secrecy, believing that education based on biblical principles, coupled with homeschool co-ops with other Christians, is vital to the upbringing of their children. Christian college students are also facing increased crackdowns on college campuses. In the past, campus fellowships run by churches were common at universities. But beginning in 2014, many churches were forced to display signs that read, Minors and college students are not allowed to participate in religious activities, leading to the shutdown of campus activities. Christian students in universities are prohibited from proselytizing to their classmates on campus, and face being reported to authorities for doing so. Fellowship leaders are targeted with threats and surveillance. Christian professors are also not allowed to share the Gospel with students. The harsh clampdown on seminaries associated with unregistered churches is another indication of Beijings willingness to reign over religious education. In the cities of Chengdu and Xuzhou, several seminaries have been raided by the police and their leaders have been taken away for questioning. In 2022, two Bible institutes in Wenzhou were labeled as illegal social organizations by a civil affairs bureau and disbanded. Historically, Chinese Christians would travel to Hong Kong for seminary or to connect with believers there. After the pro-democracy movement in 2019, Beijing grew wary of the regions influence over Chinese citizens. Chinese Christian leaders who visit Hong Kong risk interrogation after their return. Studying at seminaries is now more precarious for Christians looking to escape the mainland. Hong Kong, along with the rest of China, is no longer a haven for Christian education. Home World Father of 19-year-old Israeli-American held hostage by Hamas praying for miracle of son's return Ruby Chen, the father of a 19-year-old Israeli-American who has been held hostage by Hamas for over 80 days, asked that families celebrating the Christmas season to leave an empty seat at the table for his son and other remaining hostages. Chens son, Itay Chen, is a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and solider for the Israel Defense Forces. On Oct. 7, Itay was on active duty when Hamas carried out its terrorist attacks against Israel, an onslaught that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people. The terror group also seized around 240 individuals as hostages and injured thousands of others. Itay had been part of a tank unit that included three other soldiers before he went missing from his post near the Gaza border on the day of the attacks. In an interview with The Christian Post, Ruby Chen recalled that his son had sent him a message the morning of Oct. 7, telling him that there appeared to be a missile attack. As Ruby Chen explained, missiles launched from Gaza are a regular occurrence in Israel, but he soon realized that something was wrong. Chen attempted to make contact with his son, and when that failed, he tried to assure himself that his son was probably preoccupied since he's an IDF soldier. But as the days passed, there was no indication that Itay was being treated at a hospital and his name wasn't on the deceased list. And after a couple of days, we got a knock on the door from two IDF officials, the father said, recalling what he felt that day. And thats when you go through a process of denial. You want to just disappear; you definitely do not want to open that door. Then you need to collect yourself and, somehow, open that door, he said, adding that he wouldn't wish this experience on anyone. The IDF officers said Hamas had taken Itay captive, which Chen said was the good news, as it couldve been news of Itays death. However, he also hasn't received any notice that his son is alive after being taken captive 81 days ago. During the interview with CP, Chen reminisced about his son and how he liked to sing and dance. He also revealed that Itay is skilled at doing magic tricks with cards. Im trying to keep a positive image of him in some dark place, he said, adding that he hopes someone gave Itay a deck of cards so at least hes entertaining or keeping busy and helping others to pass this nightmare. While over 100 hostages have been released, Hamas and other radical jihadist groups in Gaza continue to hold hundreds of people captive, including Itay. Hamas released multiple hostages, such as 4-year-old Abigail Mor Edan, an American-Israeli, during a temporary ceasefire. As The Times of Israel previously reported, the terror group declared that it wont release more hostages unless the fighting in Gaza ends and Israeli forces retreat, a proposition that Israel rejected. Regarding what should be done to secure the release of the remaining hostages, Chen believes that more pressure must be applied to international communities, such as Egypt and Qatar, whose governments the father believes can influence Hamas. And my question to the international community is: How do you think thats OK? Chen asked. And why do you not think that if that happens here, it will not happen in your backyard in the near future? Earlier this month, the father met with President Joe Biden alongside the family members of eight other Americans believed to be held captive by Hamas. Regarding how the Biden administration has handled the situation, Chen said the families had been blessed with a president that is totally behind the hostages. But I think we also need not forget that 76 days have passed, and still, the significant majority of U.S. hostages that were taken are still in custody, he told CP last week. He also asked for people to pray for his son and the remaining hostages. He noted that the Jewish people have finished commemorating the miracle of Hanukkah, and now, Christians are celebrating the Christmas season. When celebrating the Christmas holidays, please leave an empty seat for my son, who is not going to be with me, and for all the other hostages, Chen said. And remember that there are U.S. citizens that have been abducted, he continued. Kidnapped. Nobody knows where they are; nobody has given a sign of life. And we need you to pray for us. To give us that miracle, a big miracle again. Home Business Pornhub parent company admits to profiting from sex trafficking, agrees to 3-year monitor Pornhub's parent company has admitted in federal court to profiting from sex trafficking and agreed to be monitored for three years as part of a deferred prosecution agreement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced in a press release last week. Aylo Holdings S.A.R.L., which owns Pornhub and other adult websites, will also pay the U.S. government $1.8 million and compensate victims after being arraigned in Brooklyn on a charge of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions involving sex trafficking proceeds, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York. Aylo, formerly known as MindGeek, had been accused of knowingly hosting videos that depict sexual abuse and of engaging in an unlawful monetary transaction with the websites GirlsDoPorn and GirlsDoToys, which were shut down following a DOJ investigation charging the adult website executives with sex trafficking crimes. Prosecutors claimed that multiple women contacted Aylo between 2016 and 2017 to report that they had been lied to and defrauded into filming content for GirlsDoPorn and GirlsDoToys, and that the videos were posted to Pornhub without their consent. They also said Aylo "should have known" after women who appeared in the videos filed a civil lawsuit in 2017, claiming they were tricked into making the videos. Aylo only ended its partnership with GirlsDoPorn in 2019, prosecutors said, and did not remove all the content in question until December 2020. Pornhub removed millions of videos and confessed that at least 118 of them contained confirmed instances of child sex abuse material following a New York Times article that month accusing Pornhub of hosting child sex abuse content. The company has claimed that the investigation found Aylo and its affiliates had not violated any federal laws related to sex trafficking or the sexual exploitation of minors, but said in a statement in November that it "deeply regrets that its platforms hosted any content produced by GDP/GDT [Girls Do Porn and Girls Do Toys]." "While the production company provided the platforms with written documentation that purported to be consent forms signed by women who were featured in the GDP/GDT productions, and Aylo was unaware of GDP/GDT's criminal conduct, Aylo now understands that those forms were obtained by GDP/GDT through fraud and coercion," the company added. As part of the agreement, an independent monitor will ensure that Aylo adheres to the deferred prosecution agreement, and "will also evaluate the strength and thoroughness of Aylos due diligence protocols" regarding its content partners, its screening processes, its handling of takedown requests, and its disclosure to law enforcement regarding illegal content. Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement that the agreement "will not only provide oversight over one of the largest online content distributors in the world and ensure the companys lawful behavior, but it will also develop industrywide standards for safety and compliance." FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge James Smith said in a statement that Aylo was "motivated by profit" and "knowingly enriched itself by turning a blind eye to the concerns of victims who communicated to the company that they were deceived and coerced into participating in illicit sexual activity." Haley McNamara, who serves as vice president of strategy and communications at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCSE), praised the agreement in a statement and called for continued accountability. This announcement is a huge victory for survivors who have been bravely coming forward for years with their testimonies of exploitation and abuse on Pornhub while Pornhubs parent company refused to take responsibility," said McNamara, whose nonprofit filed a lawsuit in July 2021 on behalf of multiple defendants who allegedly had their images or video uploaded to Pornhub without their consent. "Finally, Pornhubs parent company has admitted to profiting from sex trafficking concerning one sex trafficking operation which alone victimized hundreds of women. Now the company must be held accountable to the highest degree of the law civilly and criminally, not only in this case, but in many others." Noting that there are now two class-action lawsuits and other civil lawsuits against Pornhub, McNamara said the victims "deserve justice." "By admitting to profiting from sex trafficking, Pornhub disqualifies itself from speaking on issues like pornography performer welfare, age verification, online privacy, and child safety," she added. "Pornhub has demonstrated that it does not care about those who have been exploited on its platform and therefore cannot be trusted." Aylo did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, but Solomon Friedman, whose private equity firm acquired Aylo this year, told The New York Times that Aylo has not acknowledged engaging in illegal activity. While we did not know that our partner at the time, GirlsDoPorn, was involved in unlawful activity, we later learned that they were and we regret that deeply, he said. Home U.S. The Christian Post's top 10 news stories of 2023 (part 2) 2023 was defined by tumultuous political struggles in the United States, including a mass shooting at a Christian school carried out by a trans-identified former student and the ongoing debate about state laws banning sex-change procedures for minors. Major terror attacks in Israel also dominated the headlines as the U.S. presidential election campaign season heats up. The Christian Post has compiled a list of the top 10 news stories of 2023 based on the topics that most interested our readers and what CP's editors viewed as the most significant events of the year. Read CP's top five news stories of 2023 in the following pages. Read part 1 here. Home Opinion What does Pope Francis want LGBTQ Catholics to do? The Vatican declared in 2021 that same-sex relationships cannot be blessed because God cannot bless sin. And now less than three years later, Pope Francis has authorized blessings for same-sex couples. What exactly does Pope Francis want LGBTQ Catholics to do in response to his shocking declaration? The Pope has a huge responsibility to clarify his hopes and dreams for LGBTQ Catholics, especially since some Catholic bishops in Africa, Poland and elsewhere say they will not implement the new Vatican policy allowing blessings for same-sex couples. Does the Pope want these couples to view homosexual behavior as less sinful than fornication and adultery? Does he perhaps want them to celebrate their same-sex desires, or instead, turn away from those ungodly desires as other same-sex attracted individuals have done? Does the Pope pray that LGBTQ Catholics will repent of their homosexual behavior? While Pope Francis has not specifically affirmed same-sex marriage, he has completely blurred the lines by declaring that priests can now bless same-sex relationships. Steven Millies explains that the Pope is oriented toward caring for and ministering to people rather than teaching doctrine. The word pastoral appears 20 times in the Pope's declaration. But how does this pastoral approach compare with the holy pastoral approach used by Jesus and the Apostle Paul? Did Jesus or Paul ever bless adulterers or those persisting in homosexual behavior? Of course not. Jesus and Paul never blessed or coddled people with comforting words when they were planning to continue committing sexual sin. Christs first sermon began with the word, Repent (Mark 1:15). Repentance involves a change of mind where you renounce your sin as you intend by the grace of God to move in a godly direction. The Messiah invited everyone who repented to believe the good news (Mark 1:15). In the familiar story about the woman caught in adultery, Jesus did not condemn her but simply told her, Go now and leave your life of sin (John 8:11). Telling adulterers or those engaging in homosexual behavior to leave their life of sin is a far cry from giving them a blessing. It is actually unloving to tell a person that he or she can enjoy Gods blessing while persisting in sexual sin. The Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, delivered a beautiful description of repentance in his second letter to the church in Corinth. Sexual immorality, among other sins, had surfaced in the church. Paul wrote: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done (2 Corinthians 7:10-11). Pope Francis should encourage priests to utilize that insightful passage when counseling same-sex couples, as well as those engaged in fornication or adultery. After all, apart from repentance, there is no forgiveness. Pope Francis seems to understand that genuine repentance leads to a change of behavior. As reported last year, Pope Francis Calls on Christians to Repent and Modify our Lifestyles to Save the Planet. The Pope needs to be just as clear when calling people to repent and turn away from sin, whether it be homosexual behavior or any other sin. Unfortunately, the Pope has led Catholics to now wonder where he stands on the issue of homosexual behavior. Many Catholics and others view the Pope's stunning declaration as a signal that Francis approves of homosexual behavior between two consenting adults who care deeply for one another. Does the Pope want these couples to continue down the course they are on, or not? Does he believe their immortal souls are in danger apart from repentance, or not? (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). A Catholic woman in Argentina voiced what some other Catholics are most likely thinking in response to the Popes declaration: Yes, I agree with what the Pope said, the Church has to modernize. We cannot continue living 2000 years behind. The world has changed, it is changing. It seems perfect to me. Everyone does with their life what they want. Ten years ago I penned a CP op-ed titled: Will Pope Francis Balance Compassion and Repentance? I wrote, Pope Francis says he wants to find a new balance in the Catholic church as it relates to hot-button moral issues in society and the church. But as the Pope attempts to tweak the spiritual focus, will he do what Jesus did in balancing compassion and repentance? Sadly, the biblical command to repent is greatly lacking in the Pope's emotional appeal to bless same-sex couples. On the heels of the Vaticans announcement less than a week before Christmas, Pope Francis urged Vatican bureaucrats to avoid rigid ideological positions that prevent them from understanding todays reality. Sexual boundaries in Scripture are rigid because God created sex to take place within the confines of marriage between a man and a woman. Fornication, adultery, and homosexual behavior are clearly out of bounds and deeply offensive to God. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body (1 Corinthians 6:18). Pope Francis said that we are called to follow the light that leads us at times along unexplored paths and new roads. What new roads is he talking about? Many LGBTQ Catholics now assume these new roads include an eventual acceptance and affirmation of homosexual behavior between consenting adults in a committed relationship. But is that what the Pope wants to see happen, or not? Rather than giving the impression that he affirms the behavior of those who have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, (Romans 1:25) Pope Francis could rely upon Gods grace to rise above the spirit of the age. After all, the grace of God that brings salvation teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:11-12). There is nothing godly or self-controlled about pornography, fornication, adultery, or homosexual behavior. The Holy Spirit has never led anyone, including the Pope, to bless sin. Pope Francis made that decision all on his own. Home Opinion When did God become a human? At some point in time, the son of God became the son of man. Do you know when that happened? Do you know when the hypostatic union happened? Do you know when full divinity embodied full humanity? When did God become a human? Its an important question. Just as its impossible to understand the hope of Resurrection Sunday without understanding Easter Friday, its impossible to understand the hope of Christmas and Jesus birth without understanding his incarnation. Jesus incarnation, birth, death, resurrection (and return) are the sum of the Gospel. Meaning Jesus incarnation is part of the Good News, so we need to understand it. The incarnation is part of the Christmas story. Its about God becoming human or as the Bible says in John 1:14, God becoming flesh. Its about the miraculous conception of Jesus in his virgin mothers womb. Many of us take Jesus incarnation for granted. So many of us fail to understand why its so crucial. God became human because humans sinned against God. Jesus becoming fully human while fully God was the only way for Him to become the mediator between God and humans (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus incarnation is the answer to the question: how can a holy God forgive humans for breaking His law? How can a just God forgive sinners without punishing the sin? Just as a good judge cant simply forgive a murderer no matter how remorseful they are, God cant simply forgive our sin He has to punish it. Even if there was one human who was willing to bear the sins of all humanity, He would have to be sinless and righteous. And because our sins against an eternal God demand an eternal punishment even if a sinless and righteous human was somehow possible, this sacrificial person would have to be able to bear an eternal punishment. Thats why the righteous son of God became the sinless son of man. Thats why God became human. By becoming human, Jesus was able to bear the weight of all of our sins on his eternal shoulders and He imputed His righteousness to sinners so that whoever believes in him is justified (declared righteous) by faith. All of that would be impossible without the incarnation of Jesus Christ. If God didnt become human, humans couldnt be godly. So the Gospel of Jesus Christ begins with God becoming human. So with that in mind, when did God become human? When did eternity kiss humanity? When did He who has no beginning commence His humanity? It wasnt when He was born. It wasnt when all of his organs were developed in the womb. It wasnt when he first kicked his mother in the womb. It wasnt at his heartbeat. No, Jesus became a human at the same stage of human development as the rest of all humanity: conception. Jesus became a human when his virgin mothers egg was fertilized by the Holy Spirit. Jesus became a human when he was a fertilized egg a zygote. In his deity Jesus has no beginning, however, like you and me, he can track his human DNA to the point of conception: from the time he was the size of a poppy seed. At one point, the most precious person in the universe was the size of a poppy seed. So when people advocate for abortion at any point in pregnancy, remember when God became a human. Originally published at Slow to Write. President Xi Jinping vowed on Tuesday to resolutely prevent anyone from "splitting Taiwan from China in any way," the official Xinhua news agency reported, a little more than two weeks before Taiwan elects a new leader. China views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, despite the strong objections of the government in Taipei, and has ramped up military and political pressure to assert its sovereignty claims. Taiwan holds presidential and parliamentary elections on Jan. 13 and how the island handles relations with China is a major point of contention on the campaign trail. At a symposium commemorating the 130th anniversary of the birth of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, who in 1949 defeated the Republic of China government in a civil war which then fled to Taiwan, Xi said "the complete reunification of the motherland is an irresistible trend." "The motherland must be reunified, and inevitably will be reunified," Xinhua cited Xi as telling senior officials from the Communist Party. China must deepen integration between the two sides, promote the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait, and "resolutely prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China in any way," he said. The report made no mention of using force against Taiwan, though China has never renounced that possibility. It also did not mention the upcoming election. China says the Taiwan election is an internal Chinese affair but that the island's people face a choice between war and peace and any attempt at Taiwan independence means war. Over the past year and a half China has staged two rounds of major war games around Taiwan and regularly sends warships and fighter jets into the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese government has repeatedly denounced the front-runner to be Taiwan's next president, Lai Ching-te from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), as a dangerous separatist and has rebuffed his calls for talks. Both the DPP and Taiwan's main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT), which traditionally favors close ties with China but denies being pro-Beijing, say only the island's people can decide their future. (Reuters) 160 Christians massacred over Christmas in Nigeria Terrorists massacred 160 people, many of them preparing for church Christmas programmes, Saturday night through Christmas Day in coordinated attacks on predominantly Christian areas in Plateau state, Nigeria, sources said. Church pastors were killed and hundreds of houses were destroyed in the massacres in villages of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu counties, officials and residents said. The assailants killed the Rev. Solomon Gushe of Baptist Church in Dares village along with nine of his family members, said Bokkos County resident Dawzino Mallau. "Some pastors were killed, and another pastor and his wife and five children were killed during these attacks," Mallau told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News in a text message. "These terrorists who attacked these Christian communities were in the hundreds, and they carried out the attacks as the hapless Christians were preparing for Christmas programmes lined up by their pastors." Most of the Christians killed were women, children and the elderly unable to escape, he said. Alfred Mashat, another resident of the Bokkos area, said hundreds of houses were destroyed. "About 160 Christians in these villages were killed by the terrorists," Mashat said in a text message to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. "We believe they are carrying out these attacks alongside armed Muslim Fulani herdsmen." Among the predominantly Christian villages attacked, he said, were NTV, Maiyanga, Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Dares, Chirang, Ruwi, Yelwa, Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani. Mashat identified some of the Christians killed in the attack on Maiyanga village as Sati Solomon Langweng, David Jallang, Gauis Adamu, Mafulul Langweng, Nafor James Markut, Matawal Gauis Adamu, Fidelis Solomon Jallang, Emmanuel Amos Jallang, Sule Shahu, Mildred James Markut, Maren Paul Mashok, Samuel Mamot and Machief Mangut. Four Christians slain in Daruwat village he could identify only as Tanko, Haruna, John and Salo. Local officials on Monday confirmed the attacks, reportedly stating that at least 160 people were slain. Monday Kassah, head of the local government in Bokkos, told AFP that 113 people had been killed there in "well-coordinated" attacks in at least 20 villages. More than 300 wounded people were rushed to hospitals in Bokkos, Jos and Barkin Ladi, he said. Dickson Chollom, a member of the state parliament, told AFP that at least 50 people were reported dead in villages in the area, while Bokkos area resident Solomon Musa told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that the bodies of 60 Christians in the Bokkos Council area were recovered and buried. "Another 26 corpses were buried in Barkin Ladi Council area on Christmas Day," Musa said. "On Saturday, Dec. 23, Muslim terrorists attacked Christian villages in Bokkos Local Government Area, attacks that continued to Christmas Day." In Bokkos LGA's Ruwi village, 16 Christians were killed, many others were wounded and many houses were destroyed, he said. Alfred Alabo, spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, said in a press statement that the assailants on Sunday night (Dec. 24) attacked 12 villages in the Bokkos LGA: Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani. That same hour, at about 10:45 p.m., three villages in Barkin Ladi LGA were attacked, he said: NTV, Hurum and Darawat. In Bokkos LGA, 221 houses were set ablaze, 27 motorcycles and eight other motor vehicles were burned, and more than 79 persons were killed, Alabo said, adding that in Barkin Ladi LGA, 17 deaths were initially recorded. Plateau Gov. Caleb Mutfwang on Monday (Dec. 25) said that at least 50 people had been killed in Mangu and Bokkos counties in the prior 48 hours. "This is unacceptable. Enough is enough. These stupid, senseless and unprovoked acts must stop," Mutfwang said, vowing to "strengthen security agencies in the efforts in tackling insecurity in the state." The assailants are described locally as "bandits," shorthand for a mix of criminal elements including ethnic Fulani herders hit by drought and dwindling land for their cattle. Riding motorcycles and well-armed with sophisticated weapons obtained from criminal elements outside of Nigeria, some of the predominantly Muslim assailants are said to be mercenaries from Chad or Niger. Estimated to number in the tens of thousands, such assailants have been active in northern Nigeria for more than a decade but have increasingly expanded into Plateau, Benue and other states, including some in southern Nigeria. Christian leaders and other observers also believe elements of Islamic extremist group Boko Haram and a faction aligned with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) form part of some of the attacking criminal gangs. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in the Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians' lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people. In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year. "Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery," the WWL report noted. "This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation. ... Nigeria's government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians' rights are carried out with impunity." Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdom's All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. "They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity," the APPG report states. Christian Daily International, Morning Star News Hatun Tash, Christian preacher feared missing, 'is fine' An update from the ministry of evangelist Hatun Tash has said she "is fine" after fears that she was missing. Tash leads Defend Christ Critique Islam Ministries (DCCI) and often engages with Muslims at Speakers' Corner in London's Hyde Park. DCCI raised concerns about Tash's welfare a few days ago and claimed that the police had not responded to requests to look into her whereabouts. The Met Police denied the claims and said that a missing persons investigation had been carried out. "In recent weeks, concerns have been raised online about the safety of Hatun Tash. While there was no specific information to suggest she had come to harm, given the number of people who were worried about her safety, a missing persons investigation was launched," a spokesperson said. "Based on the information established as part of that investigation, Hatun is no longer being treated as a missing person. "We understand that those who are worried about her will want to know more details to satisfy their own concerns, but it would not be appropriate for us to go into the details of either the investigation or any specific communication officers have had as part of it." DCCI Ministries has now shared an update confirming that she has been in touch by email "saying that she is fine". The ministry is asking Christians to continue praying for her and to join in a day of fasting and praying for her on 28 December. Concerns about Tash's welfare arose days after a man was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison for a plot to kill her. Edward Little, 22, travelled to London from his home in Brighton on 23 September with the intent of killing the preacher. He was intercepted by police while on his way to buy a weapon and arrested. He was carrying thousands of pounds in cash at the time. In May, the 22 year old pleaded guilty to preparing an act of terrorism and was sentenced this month. In July 2021, Tash was slashed in the face at Speakers' Corner. The attacker has never been caught. Articol adaugat de: UNICEF Moldova Alte articole de la acest autor: Articol adaugat de: Secretariat Caritas MD Alte articole de la acest autor: BNM anunta concurs pentru postul vacant de expert principal al Directiei consolidarea supravegherii financiare Articol adaugat de: DRC Moldova Alte articole de la acest autor: Articol adaugat de: INTERSOS Onlus Alte articole de la acest autor: A petition to invoke appraisal is not the same thing as a motion to compel arbitration, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled Friday. The high court dismissed an appeal by Great American Insurance Co. that sought to overturn a trial courts order denying its motion to compel an appraisal in a dispute over hurricane damage to a beachfront condominium complex. The insurer argued that its motion was subject to the Federal Arbitration Act because an appraisal is akin to arbitration, which means it can appeal the Baldwin County Circuit Courts decision to deny it. A unanimous Alabama Supreme Court disagreed. As we have noted, Alabama cases have consistently drawn distinctions between appraisal and arbitration, the courts unsigned opinion says. Alabama law focuses on whether the parties to the contract intended to arbitrate the dispute at issue based on the language of the contract, and, despite the prolific presence of appraisal clauses such as the one at issue in insurance contracts, our courts have never held that appraisal is the same procedure as arbitration.' As Hurricane Sally approached the Alabama coast in September 2020, the main water line to the 12-story Crystal Shores condominium complex in Gulf Shores was shut off in preparation for landfall. The owner of Unit 606, however, had left a bathtub faucet open before he evacuated. When the water was turned back on after the storm passed, water ran into the tub for more than 24 hours, causing an overflow that flooded a stack of condominium units below. The Crystal Shores Owners Association filed a claim with its three insurers; Great American, RSUI Indemnity Co. and Landmark American Insurance Co. The association hired Servpro of Montgomery to repair the damage, but the insurers refused to pay the full amount of its invoices. The owner of the Servpro franchise filed a lawsuit against Crystal Shores. The Owners Association filed an answer and a counterclaim. The association also filed a motion with the Baldwin County court asking to amend its complaint to add RSUI, Landmark and Great American. The court approved. Great American filed a motion to dismiss the Owners Associations complaint, or in the alternative, to stay proceedings and resolve the dispute with appraisal. Crystal Shores objected, saying tat the insurers had based its denial of its claims on exclusions in the policy and coverage issues that could not be resolved through appraisal. Great American responded by saying the tub overflow issue had been resolved when it denied the claim by disclaiming coverage. The only unresolved issue was the amount of the loss, the insurer said. The circuit court denied Great Americans motion to dismiss. Great American appealed. Crystal Shores asked the Supreme Court to dismiss what it called an interlocutory appeal, arguing that the circuit courts ruling was not final. The Supreme Court agreed to dismiss the appeal, but did not agree on the grounds. Six of the courts nine justices joined in an opinion that said Great Americans requested appraisal was not an arbitration under federal law so it isnt subject to the Federal Arbitration Act. The arbitration clause did not provide a specific standard to determine the value of the loss. Also, an appraisal would not resolve the entire dispute because there is disagreement about coverage and causation in addition to value, the majority opinion says. Three other justices wrote an opinion that concurred in the decision to dismiss, but said the case should have been decided using state law alone. I see no need to consider federal authority here because our own precedents have determined that an appraisal does not constitute arbitration, the concurring opinion written by Justice Jay Mitchell says. Photo of Crystal Shores is courtesy of liquidlifevacationrentals.com. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) A man was fatally shot and three people were hurt as gunfire rang out at a shopping center in Colorado on Christmas Eve, police said Sunday. A fight broke out between two groups of people in the afternoon at the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs and officers received a report of gunshots and responded, the Colorado Springs Police Department said. One adult male was dead at the scene with a gunshot wound, and two more people, who were shot at least once, were taken to hospitals, where they were in stable but serious conditions Monday, police said. A woman was also taken to a hospital with what were said to be minor injuries. Police initially said they had detained multiple people and were working to determine their involvement. However, they said Monday that no arrests have been made. The mall was cleared and closed, police said, and there was no known threat to the community on Monday. Colorado Springs, about 71 miles (114 kilometers) south of Denver, is Colorado`s second-largest city and where five people were killed in a November 2022 shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub. What exactly motivated the shooter, who didnt grow up in Colorado Springs and is now serving life in prison, may never be known. But the attack killed five people, wounded 17 others and shattered the sense of safety at Club Q, which served as a refuge for the citys LGBTQ+ community. There have been other shootings in recent years at the mall, according to The Gazette of Colorado Springs, including one that broke out during a fight in 2022 that wounded a 12-year-old girl who was a bystander. Her mother is suing the mall`s owners, alleging they have failed to implement adequate security measures. In the six-and-half years before her daughter was wounded, she says there have been at least six shootings. The owners denied the allegations in a court filing. The girl was shot in the chest and was paralyzed from the waist down, according to the lawsuit. A telephone message and email sent to mall management on Monday was not immediately returned. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. ANCHORAGE, Alaska A woman is missing after she went into a frozen river in an attempt to rescue a family dog that had fallen through the ice. A news release from Alaska State Troopers says searchers are still trying to find Amanda Richmond, 45, of Eagle River, who was last seen going under the ice of the Eagle River on Saturday. The Alaska Dive Search, Rescue, and Recovery Team, Solstice Search and Rescue K9 Team, and the Alaska Wildlife Troopers all are involved in the search. Troopers say Richmond and her husband, identified in reports as Brian Rogers, were walking along the North Fork Eagle River Trail at about 2:15 p.m. Saturday when one of their dogs went onto the ice and started drinking from an open hole. The dog then fell through the ice. Rogers first entered the water in an attempt to find the dog, according to the Anchorage Daily News. When he couldnt find the dog, he exited the water, but Richmond then went in. I knew from the look on her face she was going in to save our dog, Rogers said in a statement to the Daily News. She is an emergency room nurse, trained to help and save people. In this situation, she was going to save our dog. I yelled but doubt she even heard me as she was completely concentrating on saving the dog. Before I could get back to the opening to try and grab her I could see her swimming downstream under the ice and then out of sight. I waited and waited and am still waiting. Rogers said in the statement that the dogs were considered members of the family. The couple also has four children. She did not jump in to save just a dog, it was a family member, Rogers said in the statement. To me and our four boys she died a hero. I knew something was amiss when the taxi meter read 10.50 euros as we pulled away from the Roma Termini train station. While negotiating the evening rush hour traffic and typing into a translation app on his cell phone, the cab driver suggested the starting fare included a surcharge for all rides from Rome's main train station. That was at most a half-truth and all the confirmation I needed to know that I had become a statistic one of thousands of tourists who are scammed by taxi drivers in Italy every year. According to Rome's tourism authority, the taxi meter should have started at 3 euros as with all rides between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays, with one additional euro for the second piece of luggage in the trunk. Some travel sites suggest there's an additional 2 euro surcharge for all taxi rides from Roma Termini, although that information is not listed on official sites. The 5 km ride from Roma Termini to my guesthouse in Trastevere came up to 24 euros about double the amount that was suggested by a Google search and a local taxi ride hailing app that I frantically downloaded during the ride. The worry is always about the extent of the overcharges. But what to do especially as a helpless tourist, locked inside the back of a car in a foreign city? Here are three things that can help on your next Italy holiday. Download taxi apps The strength of the taxi union and lobby in Italy has severely curtailed the growth of ride-hailing apps such as Uber. That means Uber is only available in major cities such as Rome and Milan but even those have only a limited Uber Black fleet, which also means generally higher prices. Before arriving in Italy, download taxi hailing apps associated with the major Italian taxi companies, such as ItTaxi, FreeNow and Free Taxi. But not all apps work in all cities, particularly the smaller ones. Taxi drivers holding a demonstration in Piazza del Campidoglio in response to the decision made by the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and the Councilor for Mobility, Eugenio Patane, to issue new taxi licenses in exchange for payment. The event took place on Nov. 9, 2023, in Rome, Italy. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Apps allow for cashless payment, but they don't ensure a set rate. When you book a taxi via telephone or through an app fares may still run by the meter, and they can start the moment drivers accept a job. Some fares reflect a range, with the high-end estimate a worst case scenario. Despite the lack of fixed prices, it's still prudent to download these apps since hailing a cab off the street isn't easy. Plus, you can only board a taxi at designated stands in cities, or if you order one over the phone or via the app. Do your research Learn to recognize official white cabs and the various city emblems, and where taxi drivers post their taxi licenses and vehicle registration numbers. "Inform yourself about tariffs before paying for the service, especially for journeys between airports and the city center. Usually, these journeys have a fixed price," said Claudia Gualdi, travel intelligence data lead at Riskline. Taxis parked in front of the Duomo Cathedral in Milan, Italy. Francesca Volpi | Bloomberg | Getty Images In Rome, a cab ride to and from Fiumicino Airport from parts of the city within the Aurelian Walls which covers the the city's historical core and parts of Trastevere and the Vatican should cost a flat 50 euros each way. Base fares also vary from city to city. Meters start at 3 euros in Rome from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, but are slightly higher (3.30 euros) in Florence. Surcharge and progressive fare structures also vary between cities information that is not always available in the taxi itself. Avoid taxis unless absolutely necessary As for me, that taxi ride from Roma Termini to my guest house turned out to be the first and last taxi ride I took during my week-long visit to Rome. I eventually paid the dubious amount on the meter because I was exhausted. I was also relieved that the amount wasn't higher. The cab driver took offense at my request for a receipt and my attempts to take a photo of his taxi license and vehicle registration number. He stopped the vehicle on a busy road, got out and opened the back door, demanding I exit the vehicle. High-speed trains at the central railway station in Milan in July 2023. Gabriel Bouys | AFP | Getty Images In this article NVDA-CH NVDA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, at the Hope Global Forums annual meeting in Atlanta on Dec. 11, 2023. Dustin Chambers | Bloomberg | Getty Images OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has admitted that he was surprised by the popularity of ChatGPT, which was released as a research project a little more than a year ago. His team had spent an entire meeting debating whether it was worth even opening up the chatbot to the public. As it turns out, OpenAI's decision to launch ChatGPT in November 2022 became the defining moment for generative artificial intelligence and set the stage for a rush of investments and a mountain of new products and services in 2023. Some form of generative AI has made its way into virtually every industry, from financial services to biomedical research. Some 95% of utility and energy companies are discussing using generative AI algorithms, according to a July survey. To see the financial effect of the generative AI rush, you need only to look at Nvidia's bottom line. The chipmaker's graphics processing units, or GPUs, are at the heart of the large language models created by OpenAI as well as those from Alphabet , Meta and a growing crop of heavily funded startups all battling for a slice of the generative AI pie. Through the first three quarters of 2023, Nvidia generated $17.5 billion in net income, up more than sixfold from a year earlier. Its stock price jumped 237% this year, far exceeding any other member of the S&P 500. Generative AI quickly became the buzzy phrase for corporate earnings calls, as every company needed a narrative. Sometimes, the story was painful, such as when digital education company Chegg said in May that it was seeing a "significant spike in student interest in ChatGPT," which appears to be "having an impact on our new customer growth rate." The stock plunged 48% in one day following the warning. Perhaps no company was less prepared for the generative AI boom than OpenAI itself. In November, Altman was suddenly ousted by the board for a dispute that reportedly had to do with his aggressive push to develop new commercial products at the expense of safety. However, Altman quickly returned to the helm after employees threatened to flee and large investors banded together to fight for his reinstatement. The public spat included a reshuffling of OpenAI's board and shined a bright light on the debate raging between AI skeptics and evangelists. While advances in generative AI showcase the potential for technology to unlock all sorts of business opportunities and efficiencies, fears of the algorithms' perceived power gained equal resonance. Some of the real-life harms for minorities and vulnerable populations showed up in FTC proposals, wrongful arrests, contaminated datasets and more. Here were some of the key areas for generative AI advancements in 2023: The Anthropic website on a laptop arranged in New York on Aug. 15, 2023. Gabby Jones | Bloomberg | Getty Images Chatbots ChatGPT opened up the floodgates for investments in chatbots, as it became clear how the input of a few words could produce more thorough and creative responses than ever before. Nearly two months after launch, ChatGPT broke records as the fastest-growing consumer app in history until Meta's Threads dethroned it last summer. ChatGPT now has about 100 million weekly active users, along with more than 92% of Fortune 500 companies using the platform, according to OpenAI. Earlier this year, Microsoft plunged an additional $10 billion in the company, making it the biggest AI investment of the year, according to PitchBook, and OpenAI is in talks to sell employee shares at a price that would suggest a valuation of $86 billion. According to Bloomberg, the company is in discussions to potentially raise capital at a valuation of $100 billion or more. Google was caught off guard by ChatGPT's success and responded by accelerating the public release of its Bard chatbot, powered by its LLM called LaMDA, which stands for Language Model for Dialogue Applications. Google has been rolling out new Bard features, including integrations with Google Search and a YouTube extension, and recently released Gemini, the new and buzzy AI model to power Bard. Gemini's launch this month involved a marketing blitz and controversy over an edited video promoting the model's capabilities. In addition to its internal investments, Google is one of many big names behind Anthropic, an AI startup that's currently in talks to raise $750 million at a valuation of $18.4 billion. Founded by former OpenAI research executives, Anthropic is the developer of the chatbot Claude. In July, Anthropic debuted Claude 2, and said it has the ability to summarize up to about 75,000 words, which could be the length of a book. Users can input large datasets and ask for summaries in the form of a memo, letter or story. As a category, new generative AI chatbots have been used this year to answer questions about business strategy, as well as to design study guides, offer advice on salary negotiation and spark creative writing prompts. They've even assisted in writing wedding vows. "It's probably one of the most influential step function changes in technology that we've seen," Jill Chase, investment partner at CapitalG Ventures, told CNBC. Chase said it's up there with the dawn of the internet and the shift to mobile. "Things like that just open up people's imaginations," she said. Academics and ethicists have voiced significant concerns about the technology's tendency to fabricate information and to propagate bias. Still, it has quickly made its way into schools, online travel, the medical industry, digital advertising and beyond. Microsoft and IBM have invested increasing amounts in enterprise AI offerings, including development studios for companies to personalize the use of LLMs. There are plenty of detractors. Publishers, artists, writers and technologists have been pushed to pursue legal action against companies behind popular generative AI tools, out of concern that their creative content is being used as free training data. John Grisham, George R.R. Martin and other prominent authors sued OpenAI in September over alleged copyright infringement. This photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023, shows an artificial intelligence manga artist, who goes by the name Rootport, wearing gloves to protect his identity, demonstrating how he produces AI manga during an interview with AFP in Tokyo. Richard A. Brooks | Afp | Getty Images Image and video generation Generative AI for images and video emerged in 2022, due to powerful image generators such as OpenAI's DALL-E 2, Stable Diffusion and Midjourney, and video-generation AI tools from Meta, Google and Amazon . While interest in those technologies continues, progress has waned compared to chatbots, according to Brendan Burke, an analyst at PitchBook. "Multimedia content generation has fallen behind language in the pace of progress," Burke told CNBC. "The initial excitement with Stable Diffusion in 2022 exposed both the general interest but also the drawbacks of AI content generation. Progress has been incremental this year, yet still disappointing for the most sophisticated content creators." Meta's Instagram recently debuted a feature that allows users to change the background of Stories posts using AI. Google and Amazon have incorporated generative AI tools into advertising technology to create more appealing marketing images. Some industry leaders say the future of generative AI is "multimodal," bringing the various mediums together. "The world is multimodal," Brad Lightcap, OpenAI's operating chief, told CNBC in a recent interview. "If you think about the way we as humans process the world and engage with the world, we see things, we hear things, we say things. The world is much bigger than text. So to us, it always felt incomplete for text and code to be the single modalities, the single interfaces that we could have to how powerful these models are and what they can do." Agents and assistants After the chatbot comes the agent. It's not just about getting sophisticated answers, but it's also about using generative AI to be productive in completing tasks. That could be scheduling a group hangout by scanning everyone's calendar to make sure there are no conflicts, booking travel and activities, buying presents for loved ones or doing a specific job function such as outbound sales. Last month, OpenAI announced custom GPTs, or customized, niche versions of ChatGPT that users can personalize for getting travel recommendations, recipe help or startup advice. However, the company chose to delay the release of the platform that would popularize different use cases the "GPT store" until next year. One type of AI assistant that has gained popularity is for coding. Take, for example, Microsoft's GitHub coding repository. GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke wrote in a blog post earlier this year that an average of 46% of all code on GitHub, "across all programming languages," was AI generated. Last month, GitHub introduced a more expensive version of its Copilot assistant that can explain and provide recommendations about internal source code. "Copilot, when it started at the very beginning, was thought to be a tool that could help developers write docs," Kyle Daigle, GitHub's chief operating officer, told CNBC in an interview. In the past year, he said, the company has expanded the technology, looking for more places "to help developers collaborate and work together and solve problems outside of just the code." But PitchBook's Burke said coding assistants are in their very early days and currently can only do "a small part" of a developer's work. That's true in the broader world, he said. "Users have found how little AI can do for them this year," he said. "AI knows a lot, but it can't do a lot yet. We're still far away from AI truly being able to do the complex tasks that people are used to doing in their personal lives and at work. That has been shown by the struggles of AI agents this year." Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks at the Supermicro keynote presentation during the Computex conference in Taipei on June 1, 2023. Walid Berrazeg | Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Looking ahead Overall, 2023 was a big year for consumer excitement surrounding generative AI and for adoption of a few popular products. But business success stories have been few and far between. "It was an especially transformative year from a consumer perspective where AI became much more tangible than before," Grace Isford, a partner at Lux Capital, said in an interview. "AI is nothing new, but the awareness and in turn, the adoption has skyrocketed. Many more hackers and builders are leveraging the technology and the really exciting advancements into products." CapitalG's Chase said the consumer fascination with the space has allowed people to "see what was possible" in AI, allowing for a "cake tasting" of sorts and a teasing of the imagination. Early in the year, people "extrapolated out early exploration of that technology into lasting and enduring use cases," Chase said. She added that there hasn't been a straight line from early adoption and widespread use of one or two products to mainstream popularity. Companies and developers are now going back to doing research and development to "build the right infrastructure and tooling" that can hopefully lead to mass adoption. "I think that will happen over the next year," she said. "I think some people thought it would happen this year." In 2023, it's clear that the overwhelming beneficiary from all the hype was Nvidia. The challenge for the coming year and beyond is for businesses to show that their hefty spending on those advanced GPUs and the models they power can lead to the development of products that allow more companies to share in the wealth. "I thought that the excitement at the end of last year would quickly translate into enterprise adoption, but the reality is that very few companies have launched generative AI applications into production and experiments aren't quickly translating into reliable applications," Burke said. "We're still looking at an outlook where companies may not widely deploy products until later next year or even the following year." WATCH: There's good news for Microsoft about corporate AI spending plans Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea in this photo released on Nov. 20, 2023. Yemen's Houthi rebels launched fresh attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, while the U.S. carried out strikes against targets in Iraq, amid fears that the war in the Gaza Strip could engulf the Middle East. The U.S. military carried out retaliatory strikes against three installations in Iraq linked to Kataib Hezbollah on Monday, the Pentagon announced, after three American service personnel were injured in a one-way drone attack carried out by the Iran-aligned militant group. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement that there is "no higher priority" than the protection of American troops and interests. "While we do not seek to escalate conflict in the region, we are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities," Austin added. The Iraqi government criticized the U.S. strikes as "an unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty" and emphasized that attacks by armed groups against military bases that house U.S.-led coalition advisors are deemed to be hostile acts and violate Iraqi sovereignty, a government statement said, according to Reuters Tensions continued to stoke in the Red Sea. On Tuesday, Houthi militants, also backed by Iran, launched a fresh drone attack against a container ship operated by MSC that was heading for Pakistan. "The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a targeting operation against the commercial ship, 'MSC UNITED,' with appropriate naval missiles," Yahya Sare'e, spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, said in a post on the X social media platform, formerly known as Twitter. A smoke plume erupts over Khan Yunis from Rafah in the southern Gaza strip during Israeli bombardment on December 26, 2023, amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group. Thousands of Palestinian families fled Wednesday from the brunt of Israel's expanding ground offensive into Gaza's few remaining, overcrowded refuges, as the military launched heavy strikes across the center and south of the territory, killing dozens, Palestinian health officials said. On foot or riding donkey carts loaded with belongings, a stream of people flowed into Deir al-Balah a town that normally has a population of around 75,000. It has been overwhelmed by several hundred thousand people driven from northern Gaza as the region was pounded to rubble. Because U.N. shelters are packed many times over capacity, the new arrivals set up tents on sidewalks for the cold winter night. Most crowded onto streets around the town's main hospital, Al-Aqsa Martyrs, hoping it would be safer from Israeli strikes. Still, no place is safe in Gaza. Israeli offensives are crowding most of the population into Deir al-Balah and Rafah at the territory's southern edge as well as a tiny rural area by the southern coastline. But those areas continue to be hit by Israeli strikes that regularly crush homes full of people. The newly displaced were fleeing from several built-up refugee camps in central Gaza targeted in the latest phase of Israel's ground assault. One of the camps, Bureij, came under heavy bombardment throughout the night as Israeli troops moved in. "It was a night of hell. We haven't seen such bombing since the start of the war," said Rami Abu Mosab, speaking from Bureij, where he has been sheltering since fleeing his home in northern Gaza. He said warplanes flew overhead, and gunfire and explosions echoed from the eastern edge of the camp. A home near his shelter was hit, but no one was able to reach the area, he said. Bureij camp, like others in Gaza, houses refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation and their descendants and now resembles other densely populated neighborhoods. With much of northern Gaza leveled, Palestinians fear a similar fate awaits other areas, including Khan Younis, just south of Deir al-Balah, where Israeli forces launched ground operations in early December. In Khan Younis, Israeli shelling Wednesday struck a residential building next to Al-Amal Hospital, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, which runs the facility. Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said at least 20 people were killed and dozens more wounded, with the death toll likely to rise. Footage from the scene showed several torn bodies lying in the street as rescue workers loaded a man whose legs had been severed below the knees onto a stretcher. Israel has said the bombing campaign and ground offensive are necessary to dismantle Hamas and prevent a repeat of its Oct. 7 attack in which militants broke through Israel's formidable defenses and killed some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducted around 240. An estimated 129 remain in captivity after dozens were freed. Achieving its goals, Israel has said, will take "many months." Longtime investor Leon Cooperman racked up market-beating returns before closing his hedge fund, and he still remains one of the most influential voices on Wall Street and a prolific stock picker. Cooperman converted his New York hedge fund, Omega Advisors, into a family office in 2018 to manage only his personal wealth. He said at the time that the decision was made based on his age in a way to reduce his stress level. Founded in 1991, Omega's fund had posted a 12.6% annualized return during its operating years, compared to the 9.6% gain for the S & P 500 during the same period, according to The Wall Street Journal. The 80-year-old investor, a regular guest on CNBC television, has kept himself busy in recent years. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, he turned bullish on the energy sector when it was still an unloved area of the market. The S & P energy sector ended up being the best-performing grouping in 2021 and 2022, returning 48% and 59%, respectively. Cooperman recently said he still owns some of his favorite players in the sector, including Canadian companies Tourmaline Oil and Paramount Resources . Still, Cooperman has been negative on the overall market longer term as he believes the unprecedented stimulus from the pandemic has pulled demand forward and created an artificial situation in the economy. He believes that stock picking is key to superior returns going forward as the overall market has grown stagnant, and he expects very little from the benchmarks . In 2016, Cooperman and his hedge fund were charged with insider trading in Atlas Pipeline Partners by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cooperman, who called the case "extraordinarily abusive," later agreed to a $4.9 million settlement but admitted no wrongdoing. Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa, U.S. December 19, 2023. The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected an attempt to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's 2024 presidential primary ballot. The Michigan court ruled against an appeal by liberal group Free Speech For People to block Trump from running for his involvement in inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol. Michigan, a key election battleground, has helped decide the past two presidential elections, going for Trump in 2016 and President Joe Biden in 2020. State courts across the U.S. are confronting similar cases trying to remove Trump from the 2024 ballot on the basis of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, a constitutional clause that bans those who engage in insurrection activity from holding office. The decision by the Michigan high court came more than a week after the Colorado Supreme Court disqualified Trump from that state's primary ballot. Colorado is the only state so far that has ruled in favor of barring Trump from its 2024 ballot. That ruling did not sway the Michigan court, which noted in its opinion that "Colorado's election laws differ from Michigan's laws in a material way." In this article MSFT NYT GTIM Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now The New York Times on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, creator of the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, accusing the companies of copyright infringement and abusing the newspaper's intellectual property to train large language models. Microsoft both invests in and supplies OpenAI, providing it with access to the company's Azure cloud computing technology. The publisher said in a filing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York that it seeks to hold Microsoft and OpenAI to account for the "billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages" it believes it is owed for the "unlawful copying and use of The Times's uniquely valuable works." The Times said in an emailed statement that it "recognizes the power and potential of GenAI for the public and for journalism," but added that journalistic material should be used for commercial gain with permission from the original source. "These tools were built with and continue to use independent journalism and content that is only available because we and our peers reported, edited, and fact-checked it at high cost and with considerable expertise," the Times said. The New York Times Building in New York City on February 1, 2022. Angela Weiss | AFP | Getty Images "Settled copyright law protects our journalism and content," the Times added. "If Microsoft and OpenAI want to use our work for commercial purposes, the law requires that they first obtain our permission. They have not done so." "We respect the rights of content creators and owners and are committed to working with them to ensure they benefit from AI technology and new revenue models," an OpenAI representative said in a statement. "Our ongoing conversations with the New York Times have been productive and moving forward constructively, so we are surprised and disappointed with this development. We're hopeful that we will find a mutually beneficial way to work together, as we are doing with many other publishers." A representative for Microsoft didn't respond to requests for comment. The Times is represented in the proceedings by Susman Godfrey, the litigation firm that represented Dominion Voting Systems in its defamation suit against Fox News that culminated in a $787.5 million million settlement. Susman Godfrey is also representing author Julian Sancton and other writers in a separate lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft that accuses the companies of using copyrighted materials without permission to train several versions of ChatGPT. 'Mass copyright infringement' The Times is one of numerous media organizations pursuing compensation from companies behind some of the most advanced artificial intelligence models, for the alleged usage of their content to train AI programs. OpenAI is the creator of GPT, a large language model that can produce humanlike content in response to user prompts. It uses billions of parameters' worth of information, which is obtained from public web data up until 2021. Media publishers and content creators are finding their materials being used and reimagined by generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Midjourney and Stable Diffusion. In numerous cases, the content the programs produce can look similar to the source material. OpenAI has tried to allay news publishers' concerns. In December, the company announced a partnership with Axel Springer the parent company of Business Insider, Politico, and European outlets Bild and Welt which would license its content to OpenAI in return for a fee. The financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed. Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading. Tesla The electric vehicle maker added 1.9% after Bloomberg News reported improvements to its Model Y vehicle are coming. Tesla plans to revamp the car from its Shanghai plant starting in the middle of 2024, the report said. The New York Times Company Shares jumped 1.9% after The New York Times on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and ChatGPT-parent OpenAI, accusing the tech companies of copyright infringement and unlawfully using the newspaper's intellectual property to train large language models. NetEase Shares of the Chinese internet company rebounded nearly 12% after China's top gaming regulator promised to "further modify and improve" fresh rules targeting excessive gaming. Rival Tencent climbed 4%, while Bilibili , a social media site involved in Chinese domestic gaming, jumped 6.7%. Coherus BioSciences The biopharma stock soared 34% after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Udenyca Onbody, an on-body injection system that patients take in conjunction with chemotherapy to prevent infection. The company expects Udenyca Onbody to be commercially available beginning in the first quarter of next year. Iovance Biotherapeutics The biotech stock plunged nearly 23% after regulators put a clinical hold on Iovance's trial of LN-145 for non-small cell lung cancer. 4 day work week printed calendar with pink pins on three days off in week weekend days four day working week concept. Modern approach doing business short workweek. Effectiveness of employees. Productivity and efficiency days off The four-day workweek trend is "really hitting the ground" globally, as a rising number of companies start implementing the new policy, HR and workplace industry analyst Josh Bersin tells CNBC Make It. Last month, Bersin and his advisory firm Josh Bersin Company published an analysis of companies worldwide who made the move to a four-day workweek, to see which practices they had in common to achieve success in this transition. "The one thing in common between all of these companies that have made a successful transition to a four-day workweek is that they are viewing this as a way to increase productivity rather than just enforcing the workweek," Bersin says. "And they are doing so through using tech tools like AI and other organizational tips to reduce wasted time." Bersin highlighted three approaches he thinks companies should adopt to ensure a seamless transition into a four-day workweek schedule. It's not about cramming 5 days of work into 4 Bersin says it's wrong to characterize the four-day workweek initiative as an effort to cram five days of work into four. Instead, companies should view it as a work-time reduction project. "A lot of the early pilots were basically taking the same amount of work and just squeezing it into four days, so everybody was working at night," he says. That method tends to fail, Bersin says; it doesn't necessarily combat problems like burnout that the 4-day workweek initiative aims to address. Instead, what he suggests companies do is to view this as a productivity initiative "focused on enabling a four-day workweek, not just forcing the four-day workweek." To do that, there are some questions to consider: Do you need to have all the meetings you are currently having every week? Are there certain projects that you are wasting time with that don't matter as much in the grand scheme of company objectives? Can you improve communication and provide resources within the company so that employees don't spend as much time having the same conversations back and forth? Most of the companies Bersin spoke with reached out directly to teams in the company to look for productivity roadblocks in the way they do work. Most teams are thrilled by the idea and are eager to figure out things they can do. Inventium, an Australian consulting company highlighted in the report, said that individualized productivity practices, such as scheduling deeply focused work around what day or time each employee or team feels the most productive, helped in their transition to the four-day workweek. The company noted a 26% increase in productivity and 18% decrease in employee stress levels at the end of its trial. "In most companies, the five-day week is an institutionalized legacy, there's a lot of wasted time during those 40 hours," Bersin says. "And sure enough, virtually every company we talked to said that with the four-day workweek they were getting more work done in less time and the employees felt better about their jobs because they had more time outside of work." Clarify and simplify accountability and lines of command Another big trend is increasing productivity and decreasing work time by simplifying lines of command and flattening organizations, Bersin says. Flattening organizations has many benefits, he argues: it speeds communication around groups and makes the company more dynamic. A hierarchical structure gives employees incentives to work harder through the opportunity of getting promoted. Although Bersin's call for flattening isn't necessarily a call for the complete absolution of hierarchy in corporations, he does argue for giving employees the chance to move horizontally rather than linking raises with upward promotions. Flattening organizations goes hand in hand with clarifying accountability, Bersin says, as flatter organizations without clear accountability would lead to just as much if not more loss of productivity. "Teaching managers to be very clear on who's responsible for what and flattening the organization so there aren't too many managers saves time," Bersin says. "If every time I do something I have to get approval from my manager and every time he does something, he goes to his manager, well we're going to waste a lot of time just going up and down the chain." Utilize AI and other tech tools Municipal bonds, favored for their tax-free income, are looking at a solid year in 2024 and could be a compelling purchase for investors hoping to lock in attractive yields. Munis, along with an array of fixed-income assets, saw a sizable bump in yields amid the Federal Reserve's rate-hiking campaign. However, rates have calmed as the year winds down the 10-year Treasury yield is around 3.8%, far off its October highs of more than 5%. "We will likely see positive total returns," said Cooper Howard, fixed income strategist at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. "Outperformance relative to Treasurys might be difficult, but the positive view boils down to two points: High absolute yields and good credit." The Morningstar U.S. Municipal Bond index has a roughly 6.4% total return in 2023, up sharply from its -9.2% return in the prior year as a sharp rise in rates led to falling prices for fixed income. Bond yields and prices have an inverse relationship to one another. With the central bank penciling in three rate cuts in 2024 , investors who've snapped up longer-dated munis could see another silver lining in addition to locking in today's higher yields: rising prices on the holdings. "If the trend line for government bond yields is lower, there's a high probability the muni bonds will follow suit you get capital appreciation from duration in the muni market," said Peter Higgins, head of fixed income and senior portfolio manager at Shelton Capital Management. Tax-free municipals are generally lower risk and lower yielding compared to their corporate counterparts. However, the fact that they generate income free of federal taxes (and free of state taxes if investors reside in the same state as the issuer) means a high-income investor would have to find a higher-yielding corporate bond in order to match what he or she would get from a muni bond. To that effect, if a muni bond yields 3.5%, an investor in the 32% tax bracket would have to find a taxable bond yielding 5.15% to generate comparable income, according to New York Life Investments . More flows, higher duration The forecast for rate cuts in the new year isn't great news for investors hiding out in money market funds : Yields on cash are going to come down. However, by adding more duration that is, raising exposure to longer-dated bonds with more price sensitivity investors get to benefit from locking in higher yields and the opportunity for price appreciation. "The longer-duration nature of the asset class can potentially reduce the reinvestment risk present with the recently popular money market instruments," said Ben Barber, director of municipal bonds at Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, in his muni outlook. "A sustained increase in demand should support muni bond performance over the coming months." Schwab's Howard pointed out that longer-term municipal bonds offer investors more relative value compared to the short-term counterparts. "The gap between AAA-rated municipal bonds and Treasury bonds after taxes is fairly tight up until about 10 years, and then begins to widen out," he pointed out in his muni outlook. Given the current set-up, Paul Malloy, head of municipal investment at Vanguard, likes the idea of using a barbell to get intermediate-level duration. That involves using a short-term fund, like the asset manager's Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES) and a longer-dated fund, such as the Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund (VWLTX) . "Munis are one of the best things going in the fixed income space," he said. "It's got yield. It provides all the attributes of fixed income, and it serves as ballast to an overall diversified portfolio." Issues to watch in 2024 There are a couple of developments on the horizon in 2024 in the muni world. "There are higher balances in municipalities' rainy day funds, and the economy remains relatively strong, and tax collections are supportive of municipal budgets," said Beth Foos, associate director, fixed income strategies, at Morningstar. "That said, there is still a possibility for revenue slowing," she added, and that is all the more reason for managers to focus on credit quality and projects that are going to remain resilient even in a slowing economy. Naturally, rates are on the minds of fixed income investors and strategists, as well as recession risk. "The Fed is still trying to navigate the economy from this restrictive policy stance, and that means that there are recession risks still on the table for 2024 and it means the high yield part of the muni market is an area where we have to be ultra selective," said Malloy. Finally, elections in the new year are worth eyeing. That's because a slate of provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are due to sunset at the end of 2025. The TCJA currently places a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction a write-off that was popular with taxpayers who itemize deductions and reside in states with high income and property taxes , such as New York, New Jersey and California and this so-called SALT deduction is set to expire at the end of 2025. What will happen with the TCJA and the SALT deduction will depend on the outcome of state and presidential elections in 2024 and that could make waves for munis. "It takes a long way to get to tax law changes, but if there is talk of it on the campaign trail, that can create headline risk," said Howard. Even with these issues, investors with a long-term perspective may benefit from adding to their high quality muni bond exposure while it's still cheap. "If you're in a higher tax bracket, it's a great time to re-establish your fixed income positions, especially if you've been holding cash," Malloy said. Several Tesla electric vehicles are parked in front of a Tesla service center in the Kearny Mesa region, in San Diego, California, U.S., October 31, 2023. Two U.S. senators have written to Elon Musk, Tesla 's top executive, calling on him to "swiftly" recall any steering and suspension parts that pose a safety risk. The letter cites "an alarming" Reuters investigation published on December 20 that exposed how Tesla has blamed drivers for frequent failures of components it has long known were defective. "We write with extreme concern following recent reporting about Tesla's knowledge of safety flaws in its vehicles and concealment of the causes of these flaws from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration," states the letter, which is signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal, of Connecticut, and Edward J. Markey, of Massachusetts. The senators call on Musk to correct "apparent false and misleading representations" made to the safety agency. The Reuters report found that Tesla told NHTSA and customers that the frequent failures of defective parts in its electric vehicles were caused by driver "abuse," such as hitting a curb. In 2020, Tesla gave that explanation in a letter to the safety agency explaining why it would not recall a suspension part called the aft link in the United States, despite having just recalled it in China. Tesla documents reviewed by Reuters show the automaker's engineers for years tracked frequent failures of aft links and other suspension, steering and axle parts, often on relatively new cars. The company instructed its service managers to tell customers that the parts were not faulty as it struggled to contain soaring warranty costs, the records reviewed by Reuters show. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during the third Republican presidential primary debate at the Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida, on November 8, 2023. Vivek Ramaswamy's presidential campaign has stopped spending money on television ads and does not have any TV ad reservations booked, according to his campaign and data from an ad-tracking firm. As recently as the first full week of December, the GOP entrepreneur's campaign spent more than $200,000 on TV ads. Last week, it spent just $6,000 on ads all of it on TV figures from the firm AdImpact show. Ramaswamy's campaign says it is still spending money on ads, just not on TV. "We are focused on bringing out the voters we've identified best way to reach them is using addressable advertising, mail, text, live calls and doors to communicate with our voters on Vivek's vision for America, making their plan to caucus and turning them out," Tricia McLaughlin, the campaign's press secretary told NBC News. "As you know, this isn't what most campaigns look like. We have intentionally structured this way so that we have the ability to be nimble and hypertargeted in our ad spending," McLaughlin added. The shift in strategy comes less than a month before the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses the first contest in the GOP presidential nominating process and the Jan. 23 New Hampshire primary. In early November, Ramaswamy's campaign announced that it planned to spend over $10 million on ads broadcast, cable, radio, digital and direct mail in Iowa and New Hampshire. Since that announcement, the campaign has spent $2.2 million on TV, digital and radio ads, according to AdImpact. Ramaswamy's rivals former President Donald Trump, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are still buying up ads on the U.S. airwaves. In the same week that Ramaswamy spent just $6,000 on TV ads, Trump's campaign spent $1.1 million, followed by Haley's $1 million, DeSantis' $270,000 and Christie's $88,000. That's in addition to the ad money being spent by the super PACs backing Ramaswamy's opponents. SFA Fund Inc., a group backing Haley, spent $4.8 million on all ads last week. Fight Right, a group backing DeSantis, spent $1.3 million, followed by MAGA Inc.'s $987,000 and almost $700,000 by Tell It Like It Is PAC, which supports Christie. American Exceptionalism PAC, which backs Ramaswamy, has not spent money on ads of any kind since October. The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission approved Sweden's NATO membership bid on Tuesday in a key step towards enlarging the Western bloc after 19 months of delays in which Ankara demanded security-related concessions from Stockholm. The commission, controlled by President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party, voted to back the bid - which Sweden made last year in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine - after some four hours of debate, including talks on other matters. It had postponed a vote on the bid after an earlier debate on Nov. 16. The next step is a vote in the parliament general assembly, where Erdogan's party also holds a majority. It is also expected to pass there in a vote that could be held within weeks. Erdogan would then sign it into law, concluding a process that has frustrated some of Ankara's allies and tested its Western ties. Commission head Fuat Oktay played down expectations for a speedy vote in the general assembly, telling reporters in parliament that the parliament speaker would decide on timing. "The decision to submit it to the general assembly has been made now, but this should not be interpreted as (a sign) that it will pass the general assembly with the same speed. There is no such thing," Oktay said. Parliament is set for a two-week recess in early January. Erdogan's AK Party, its nationalist MHP allies, and the main opposition CHP voted in favour of ratification, while the small Islamist Felicity party and right nationalist Iyi party voted against it. In a statement following the commission's approval, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said Sweden welcomed the move and looked forward to joining NATO. Boris Ruge, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, said on social messaging platform X that the commission's approval was "excellent news. Oguz Kaan Salici, a lawmaker from the CHP and member of the commission, told Reuters that his party had asked for an explanation on what had changed since the Nov. 16 commission meeting, adding he expected all parties to take a similar stance in the general assembly. "We questioned what changed from the last meeting to this meeting. As the main opposition party, we asked for this to be explained to us. They briefed us on the steps Sweden has taken, Turkey's foreign policy priorities, and openly referred to the talks between President Erdogan and (U.S. President Joe) Biden," Salici said. TURKISH OBJECTIONS Erdogan raised objections in May last year to both Swedish and Finnish requests to join the alliance over what he said was their protection of those Turkey deems terrorists and over their defence trade embargoes. Turkey ratified Finland's bid in April, but kept Sweden waiting until it took more steps to crack down on local members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which the European Union and United States also list as a terrorist group. In response, Stockholm introduced a new anti-terrorism bill that makes being a member of a terrorist organisation illegal, saying that it had upheld its part of a deal signed last year. Sweden and NATO members Finland, Canada and the Netherlands also took steps to relax Turkey arms-export policies. While NATO member Hungary has also not ratified Sweden's membership, Turkey is seen as the main roadblock to adding the Scandinavian nation to the military alliance and bolstering its defences in the Baltic Sea region. Erdogan sent Sweden's bid to parliament in October, but has also linked its ultimate ratification with U.S. approval of sales of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. After a call with Biden this month, he said Washington was eyeing the ratification to move on the request. The White House backs the sale, though there is no clear timeframe for the U.S. Congress to approve it and Turkey faces some congressional opposition over delaying NATO enlargement and over its human rights record. Turkey's tough diplomacy over the last 18 months irked some alliance members amid the war in Ukraine. Unlike its allies, Ankara maintains good relations with Moscow as well as Kyiv, opposing Russia's invasion but also the Western sanctions on Russia. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) The year 2023 was a time of greater expansion for the Globe Group, as it continued to deliver life-enabling innovations that solve daily pain points of Filipinos. From its network optimization and data center business to its debut in climate tech and fintech expansion overseas, the Globe Group cast an even wider net across industries this year, with unstoppable momentum going into the new year. Despite the challenges we faced, 2023 was another banner year for Globe, as we continued to cement our standing as the foremost digital solutions provider in the Philippines, with an unrivaled ecosystem of products and services that make life better, said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO. Here are highlights of the year for the Globe Group: STT-GDC Philippines breaks ground in QC, Cavite STT GDC Philippines a joint venture of Globe, Ayala Corporation, and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres of Singapore is in the thick of an aggressive expansion, breaking ground on two major infrastructure projects this year. In May, it broke ground on the STT Fairview data center campus, touted to become the largest interconnected and carrier-neutral data center in the Philippines at a capacity of 124 MW upon its completion in early 2025. Six months later, STT GDC Philippines also announced the start of construction on the 6-MW STT Cavite 2, which will rise as a two-storey building with a gross floor area of over 4,500 square meters in a campus just south of the countrys capital region. It will serve to complement its enterprise-grade STT Cavite 1 at the same campus in General Trias, Cavite, which has a 4.3 MW capacity. It also expanded its existing data centers to 5.2MW. STT GDC Philippines is closing the year with a total seven facilities in Metro Manila, Cavite and Davao, as it aims to serve the as the next data center hub in Southeast Asia amid steadily rising demand for data center services. Gogoro Philippines hits Metro Manilas roads Photo from Globe Gogoro Philippines, a leader in electric mobility and battery-swapping technology, launched commercially in the country this year, bringing a new sustainable transport option to Metro Manilas congested roads. A collaboration of Globe's 917Ventures Inc., Ayala Corporation, and Gogoro Taiwan, Gogoro Philippines opened the Gogoro Experience Center in Makati City in November, giving the Filipino public access to its Smartscooters, battery-swapping technology, and other merchandise. It formally went to market in December, launching its Energy Plans for Filipino riders. Currently, Gogoro Philippines will close the year with a total five GoStations for battery swaps in BGC, Taguig, Paranaque City, Makati City and Pasig City. It will open 6 more GoStations by Q1 of 2024: two each in Quezon City and Makati City, and one each in Marikina and Pasig City. GCash expands global footprint Globe Group affiliate GCash, the No. 1 finance super app in the country, continued its international expansion this year. The app is now available for use with international mobile numbers for Filipinos in Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Canada, and the US, with services such as send money, pay bills, bank transfers, and buy load available in these key countries. Its Global Pay business, which allows users to pay via QR, is now available in 17 countries including Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, France and Italy. GCash users may also use their Visa-powered GCash Card for cashless transactions in over 36 million merchants across 210 countries. 917Ventures launches new startups 917Ventures, the Globe Groups corporate venture builder, had a prolific year, introducing new startups in various areas. To date, 917V has vetted over 700 ideas, launched and tested 29 ventures, and has a total portfolio of 13 companies. For one, Housify was launched as a proptech (property tech) digital solutions platform for Filipino real-estate brokers meant to increase productivity and sales conversions. It has a strict no-duplicate policy, ensuring that listings are served on a first-come, first-served basis. To date, it has partnered with 550 sellers and brokerage firms, with almost 7,000 verified listings to its database. 917Ventures also launched PetPal this year, an all-in-one digital pet care solutions provider with a stable of licensed and accredited veterinariansmaking pet care services more accessible to Filipino pet owners. It offers hassle-free online consultations and home grooming services, with more services set to be launched in the coming year. In the new year, 917Ventures aims to strengthen its growth strategy by maximizing its Systems of Advantage continuing to innovate and develop digital solutions that will positively impact Filipino businesses through digital inclusion and sustainably-driven solutions. Going into 2024, the Globe Group is set to sustain its change-making and trendsetting pace to bring even more life-enabling digital solutions to Filipinos here and abroad. Our wins in 2023 fuel our momentum going into the new year, as we continue to innovate to drive digital transformation in the country, said Cu. To know more about Globe, visit globe.com.ph. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) will take control of SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), as Meralcos renewable energy development unit MGreen completed its majority purchase. Meralco said MGreen completed its 15.9-billion investment in SPNEC, a subsidiary of Solar Philippines founded by Leandro Leviste, son of Senator Loren Legarda. As a result, MGreen will own 15.7 billion common shares and 19.4 billion preferred shares in SPNEC, translating to a total voting interest of 50.5%, Meralco said. Pangilinan was also voted on Wednesday as chairman, president, and chief executive officer, while Leviste is vice-chairman. Earlier, Solar Philippines also sold 1.6 billion of its secondary shares to MVPs Metro Pacific Investments Corporation for 2 billion. The two also signed a deal to sell up to 7.4 billion secondary shares for up to 9.25 billion. In total, Meralco said the 50.1 billion shares outstanding would place SPNECs value at 63 billion. SPNEC is the developer of a planned 3.5-gigawatt-hours (GWh) solar and 4.5-GWh battery project in Nueva Ecija. SPNEC is currently majority-owned by Levistes Solar Philippines. Meanwhile, SPNEC currently has a solar project pegged at about 200 billion centered in Nueva Ecija. Pangilinan said this is expected to be one of the worlds largest single contracted solar projects. Its a big project. It has attracted a lot of interest from foreign investors because its big. Its transformative for the Philippines, Pangilinan said. Leviste said the entry of the MVP Group of Companies into SPNEC will help it grow even beyond what has been planned for the benefit of shareholders and stakeholders. All of us shareholders are extremely fortunate for this opportunity. We are optimistic that becoming the newest member of the MVP Group of Companies will help SPNEC grow even beyond what we have planned, for the benefit of all shareholders and other stakeholders, Leviste said. MGreen is the arm of Meralco Powergen Corporation, a subsidiary of power distributor Meralco, while SPNEC is a battery project developer, a subsidiary of Solar Philippines. SPNEC shares closed at 1.25 apiece, up 11.16%. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is in talks with the Saudi Arabian government and mega construction firms for the possible deployment of Filipino skilled workers to the Middle Eastern country. DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan told reporters on Tuesday that the agency has been conducting regular meetings with its Saudi counterparts to finalize a possible agreement for the deployment of Filipino workers. "Owners of the mega projects and kami po, since October, we are in talks with mega recruitment agencies," said Caunan. [Translation: We have been talking with mega project owners and mega recruitment agencies since October.] The DMW said there is a need to iron out details for the deployment since it will open opportunities to hundreds of thousands of Filipino skilled workers. "Wino-work out po namin mga detalye, mahirap magpadala ng daan daang libo ng hindi pa naka-work out ang detalye," she added [Translation: We are working out the details. It's difficult to send workers without clear details.] The DMW official hopes to conclude talks and finalize any agreement on the deployment by first quarter of 2024. "Sa nakikita namin ASAP need nila, kami rin hindi namin binabagalan, sana first quarter ng next year most likely magkakaroon ng resolusyon," she said. [Translation: We hope to find a resolution as soon as possible, hopefully by first quarter next year.] Caunan explained that the Philippine government takes time in reviewing agreements to ensure the rights and welfare of Filipino workers are protected. Saudi Arabia is investing in ambitious mega infrastructure projects as part of its move to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) The Department of Justice (DOJ) said a special panel of experienced prosecutors was formed to assess the additional charges and pieces of evidence on the case of the controversial 2022 Manila drug raid. In a statement released on Wednesday, the DOJ said the panel was formed following the National Prosecution Service and the Philippine National Police's (PNP) case conference on Dec. 15, which focused on the operation that led to the seizure of 990 kilograms of "shabu" in October 2022. The department said the conference tackled the additional complaint which emerged after a probe "into potential anomalies and irregularities committed by certain individuals during the operation." "In response to this additional complaint, the DOJ has constituted a panel of experienced prosecutors. This panel's mandate is to rigorously evaluate the additional complaint and associated evidence to determine the presence of all necessary elements to substantiate the crime charged," the DOJ said. The department said the "voluminous evidence" is undergoing "detailed examination." The shabu raid in October last year seized drugs with an estimated value of P6.7 billion after a series of anti-drug operations in Manila. The operation was hounded by controversy when reports claimed that police officers pilfered around 42 kilos of shabu from the drugs confiscated from a dismissed police officer. Criminal and administrative charges were recommended against 49 PNP officials and personnel for the alleged cover-up of the incident. Former Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group chief Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo in April this year claimed that drug syndicates have "succeeded" in putting the blame on law enforcers linked to the 990-kilo shabu haul. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) reminded banks and financial institutions on Wednesday that the Civil Code backs wives who opt to use their maiden surnames in legal documents. PCW Executive Director and OIC Kristine Rosary Yuzon-Chaves said wives with documents rejected by banks for not bearing their husband's surname may file a complaint against the institution. "They have the option to file a complaint kasi it's a violation of their right. Ang sabi sa civil code is (The civil code states) that a married woman 'may' use the surname of the husband. Permissive lang po siya (it's only permissive)," the lawyer told CNN Philippines' Newsroom Ngayon. PCW earlier released Memorandum Circular No. 2023-04 which reiterates guidelines for banks and financial institutions to ensure compliance with existing laws that offer women the choice to retain their unmarried surnames. Yuzon-Chaves said the commission has been receiving complaints from wives whose documents with their maiden surnames are not being recognized by some companies. "The banks and financial institutions actually do not have any legal basis na i-mandate na (to mandate that) once you're married na gamitin ng client nila automatic ang surname ng husband (the client should automatically use the husband's surname)," she said. The lawyer maintained that this is an option given to women under the law. Gender-equality global ranking Citing a study released in June, Yuzon-Chaves said the Philippines placed 16th over 146 countries in the latest World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Index report (GGGR). The lawyer said the country has "closed the gap" in gender-equality in the education sector, with the study showing a 99.9% rate in the educational attainment sector. However, Yuzon-Chaves said Filipinos ranked low in women labor participation and leadership. The PCW is a policy-making and oversight agency on gender equality and the empowerment of women. Browser Compatibility Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks. We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today! Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published. Error! There was an error processing your request. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Gorge Social Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Hood River Lions Club has donated $82,000 for a playground remodel at Mann Park, above. The donation includes equipment and installation costs. The project is expected to begin in the spring. Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. What better time of the year to get some free money, huh? Theres certainly a lot to be had. The state of Ohio oversees over $3.9 billion in unclaimed funds, theres $3.5 billion in Illinois and more than $1 billion of unclaimed money sitting in Oregon. And theres certainly a good chance that some of that money is rightfully yours as someones heir. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) estimates that one in 10 Americans may have unclaimed property. These funds can sit quietly in the hands of state governments for decades. There could be leftover insurance money from your grandparents, divorce settlement checks that never got cashed or any number of things. The reason these funds sit there is because very few people take them seriously or take the time to investigate them properly. Most unclaimed money is held by individual states, not the federal government, but USA.gov the U.S. governments official portal and probably its most comprehensive site thought it would stick its nose in the situation and update consumers on how to search for their potential piece of the pie. You should know that this is somewhat of a crapshoot and there will be some paperwork involved if you find something worthwhile. But, as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? Step 1: Search by state The biggest database where you can search for unclaimed money from your states unclaimed property office is Unclaimed.org. If you have lived in other states, you should check their unclaimed property offices, too. Step 2: Search for specialty databases Besides the individual states, there are other databases worth checking, too insurance, taxes, employment, Native American, etc. Heres what USA.gov lists in that regard: The "Detective Conan 30th Anniversary Exhibition," which will be held from January 12th to February 25th, 2024, has released new information about additional exhibits, a new preview video, and original merchandise. Below is the original press release. Major New Details Unveiled for the "Detective Conan 30th Anniversary Exhibition" The "Detective Conan 30th Anniversary Exhibition" will be held at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, from Friday, January 12th to Sunday, February 25th, 2024. Today, we are excited to reveal new information about additional exhibits, a new preview video, and original merchandise. Advance tickets, which offer a discount, are available until 11:59 PM on Thursday, January 11th at various ticket guides. This exhibition celebrates the 30th anniversary of the serialization of "Detective Conan" and will feature displays of memorable quotes from the series, a section reflecting on various forms of "love" that transcend romance, a focus on the culprits that are key to the story, and a spotlight on Conan's worthy adversary, Kaito Kid. The exhibition will be divided into six chapters, each with a different theme. Additionally, special movies that can only be seen at this exhibition and precious early concept materials from "Detective Conan" will be unveiled for the first time. New Information #1: Never-before-seen concept materials from the past 30 years will be on display! Extremely precious materials from Gosho Aoyama's workspace, which have never been shown anywhere before, have been discovered!! Early concept materials for Conan and Shinichi, along with other valuable materials that have been kept secret for 30 years, will be displayed at the Conan Exhibition! Be sure to see them at the venue. New Information #2: New event preview video released! A new preview video that allows fans to experience the 30-year journey of "Detective Conan" has been released. New Information #3: Second wave of original merchandise for the event revealed! Some of the merchandise includes: - Frame stickers (65 types in total) - Detective Conan font letter sticker set - Detective Conan cocoa cigarettes (6 sticks x 10 boxes) Our Voices is written by columnists outside of the newspaper and focuses on capturing the diverse identities and personal narratives within our community. Contact mere@dailycal.org or opinion@dailycal.org. Who cannot rejoice at the return of the pint of champagne, described by Winston Churchill as the perfect measure, being enough for two people at lunch and for one at dinner? He did not mention breakfast but in Edwardian times there were plenty of people who would have approved of early consumption. Before World War I, doctors would prescribe a morning glass of fizz to convalescent patients who could afford it and I suspect it did more good, and probably cost less, than a lot of the things they prescribe today. I am not so sure about the approach to such matters of Sir Winston's son, Randolph. One of this newspaper's great political reporters, the late Gordon Greig, once observed a waiter bearing a bottle of whisky and a fine crystal glass on a silver tray up the majestic staircase of the Grand Hotel in Brighton at nine in the morning. Ever on the alert, he asked, 'Who is that for?' and received the answer: 'This, sir, is Mr Randolph Churchill's breakfast.' Who can not rejoice at the return of the pint of champagne, writes PETER HITCHENS Even so the news (if it turns out to be true) will warm the hearts of many who are not wholly sure that the age of cocaine is better than the age of champagne was. It will also cheer anti-modernists, such as I am, who loathe the chilly, rigid foreign measurements stealthily imposed on us over the past half-century, in place of our own familiar, human ones. If a camel is a horse designed by a committee, a litre is a pint designed by a commissar by a commissar who had mucked up his measurements. The whole metric system, which we must now use, was devised by revolutionaries anxious to make everything, including people, neat and new. The entire thing, founded on the metre itself, is based on a mistake. Two French scientists, Jean-Baptiste Delambre and Pierre Mechain, spent six years trudging between Dunkirk and Barcelona, laden with instruments and meeting with deep suspicion among the many peasants they encountered, trying to measure the size of the Earth. They also discovered that this great floating ball on which we live was not itself as regular and tidy as they had imagined. And so they got their measure wrong, especially poor old Mechain, who went into a decline as result. But the official metre is still based on their mistaken conclusion, a point worth remembering when efficient, glinting people go on about the scientific superiority of the metric system, as they do. The French revolutionaries even tried to decimalise time, but failed because the number of days in a year is an unalterable fact imposed by the rotation of the planet and is simply not tidily divisible by ten. Also people hate ten-day weeks, which mean fewer weekends, coming round less often. Which sums up the whole issue of pints, pounds, metres, kilograms, litres, stones, acres, hectares and the rest. The old system, which endured here for centuries with occasional revisions, was based on human life and the human body. The inch was a thumb joint, a foot was, well, a foot, a yard was a pace. A pint was what you could comfortably drink with pleasure. A pound was what you could readily hold in your hand. An acre was what you could plough in a day. A fathom was more or less the height of a man. People liked these measurements, polished in use, easy to remember and calculate in the head. They liked them most especially in France, the country where metric rules were first imposed in 1799. The pint of champagne was described by former prime minister Sir Winston Churchill as the perfect measure After several years of price-gouging, 'rounding up' and bossiness, the French people were so sick of being ordered to use the metric system that even the Great Dictator Napoleon Bonaparte decreed a relaxation of the rules in 1812 before he headed off to disaster in Russia. He permitted 'usual measures', metric versions of the old pounds and feet. His wise compromise lasted till 1840. But in fact it is still quietly observed. I have bought butter by the livre (pound) from Normandy farmers. In French cafes, draught beer is sold by a measure known as the 'demi' (half) which is pretty much half a pint, not half a litre. I am told that in some Paris locations it has become fashionable to sell beer in actual pints (pintes). This is only reasonable, as the word 'pint' is French in origin. In French Quebec in metricated Canada, you can order steaks measured by the 'once' (ounce), and signs giving the height of arches are often in 'pieds' (feet) and 'pouces' (inches). Despite decades of being messed about by officials, these commendably stubborn people prefer the measurements their forefathers used in the days of King Louis XIV (there is a fine bust of the Sun King in the Place Royale in Quebec City). It is not just the French. In almost all metric countries, school rulers are 30 centimetres long, which happens to be almost exactly a foot (imagine the space metre-long rulers would take up, with everybody poking each other in the eye). When I was stationed in communist Moscow, where metrication had been forced on the people by the Bolsheviks for 70 brutal years, Mrs Hitchens bought meat from private market stalls that sold it not by the official kilogram but by something called the 'polkilo' (half kilo), more or less equivalent to the pound. But perhaps my favourite metric anomaly concerns the bottle of wine. It is true that rough rotgut is sold all over Europe in litre containers, sometimes made of plastic. You are welcome to it. My rotgut days are, I hope, behind me. Any decent wine, in France, Germany, Italy or Spain, comes in a 75 centilitre glass bottle. But why? Well, because that is the size of bottle most people like. And because we in Britain have always been such good customers for European wine it is based on an old English wine measure, of roughly a pint and a third, known amusingly as . . . a 'Bottle'. I love our customary measures precisely because they are bottom up, old, expressed in lovely short words which work in poetry and good prose. We have inherited them like other quirky and human things such as roads that curve uphill, jury trial and common law from our forebears. And they are furiously hated by reformers who think they can begin the world over again. A 50cl bottle of Rathfinny Mini, a Sussex sparkling wine, the perfect amount for a couple to share In fact, I have to confess that it is partly because modernisers hate them so much that I defend them so fiercely. Why can we not have them back in our daily life everywhere and for all things? It is nearly 20 years since the death of the Sunderland greengrocer Steve Thoburn, actually prosecuted and convicted in the courts for selling bananas by the pound. His conviction still stands. That great patriot George Orwell would have hated that. He wrote in 1947: 'Another thing I am against in advance for it is bound to be suggested sooner or later is the complete scrapping of our present system of weights and measures.' He did not oppose metric measures in science or foreign trade. But he argued there was a strong case for keeping on the old measurements for use in everyday life. He had many reasons for this and so have I. Are we really less stubborn than the French? You have to wonder why, freed from the power of Brussels, a nominally Tory government cannot both pardon Steve Thoburn (a long overdue act) and a do a bit better than reviving the pint of champagne, welcome as it will be. READ MORE: Hilarious images show what happens when vacations go wrong The makings of a competent employee include a thorough work ethic and most importantly, attention to detail. However, we've all been there when the day seems to drag on and our patience has worn thin - as we grow desperate to end the task at hand. People from around the world have shared hilarious images of workers scraping by and hoping to get off the clock after completing the bare minimum. Collated by Bored Panda, the comical offences range from a few innocent mishaps, to obviously deliberate 'mistakes'. One Starbucks customer told staff his name was spelled with a C, but a cheeky worker gave him a takeaway cup hilariously labelled 'Cark' instead of 'Marc'. One unsuspecting Starbucks customer named Mark did his best to help the US coffeehouse's staff spell his name right, but instead ended up with a takeaway cup hilariously labelled 'Cark' Safe to eat? This lettuce grown in Ireland goes out of date on a Monday, but it's anyone's guess as to when this falls This worker has surely committed a sackable offence after detailing a building's emergency evacuation route with the singular word 'run' In a snap Posted to US forum Reddit, shoppers were no doubt baffled after someone listed the expiry date on a packet lettuce as 'Monday'. Elsewhere one worker has surely committed a sackable offence after detailing a building's emergency evacuation route with the singular word: 'run'. Meanwhile, American drive-in fast-food chain Sonic had to deal with a prankster employee using a billboard to explain that their chicken strips cost $3.79 because the chicken was 'broke'. American drive-in fast-food chain Sonic had to deal with a prankster employee using a billboard to explain that their chicken resorted to stripping after losing its job We've all been there before when the day seems to drag on and our patience has worn thin - as we grow desperate to end the task at hand - which seems to be the case here A spellcheck wouldn't go amiss at this place. The worker who made this sign perhaps meant sanitizing and not devil worship I think you were supposed to add the date! Health and safety has gone to pot in this workplace Hopefully, the halauge firm asked for their money back after asking for 'no smoking' to be written on the side of this tanker in Arabic Don't insult anyone's intelligence! The writer behind the first Polish dictionary felt that a horse did not warrant explanation Bring your credit card! You might go to this dealership hoping for a bargain, but it's anyone's guess what you will pay for a new car Never heard of Google Translate? A tradesperson made a very weak attempt at erecting a safety sign A tenant was lost for words after receiving an unexpected Christmas gift from their landlord. The week before Christmas the tenant came home and found a card on their doorstep. To their surprise, enclosed was $50 and well wishes from the landlord who thanked them for the support over the last year. 'We got home from church this morning and found this at our front door. What a beautiful and thoughtful gesture. God bless,' the anonymous person wrote and shared an image to The Kindness Pandemic Facebook page. A lucky tenant received a Christmas letter from their landlord with a handwritten note and $50 Inside the card was a handwritten note that read: 'Dear tenants, thank you for your support. 'May your Christmas be blessed with peace and joy and the new year even better. From the landlord.' The generous act was praised by hundreds of others on social media who were also left in disbelief. Many praised the offering as 'wonderful' and 'rare'. 'That's amazing. We need more people like this in the world,' one person wrote. 'My landlord dropped the rent $50 a week,' another said. Other landlords said they always give their tenants something every year as a 'thank you'. 'We give a gift basket to our tenants each year, through the real estate,' one wrote. 'We always do this. Without good long-term tenants, it would be a challenge,' another said. 'We used to put one week's rent into a card for our great tenants,' a third wrote. However, others shared their own struggles and only wished their landlord would be so kind. 'My landlord wouldn't do that in a million years,' one claimed. 'You're so lucky. I got another rent increase. Seems to be my annual Christmas gift now,' another said. 'How nice - our landlord put the rent up $40 a week for us for Christmas,' another wrote. 'I would do it for my tenants if I could afford it,' someone else admitted. He made his first appearance at a royal engagement earlier this month, but there was no sign of Princess Beatrice's son Wolfie at the royal outing to church at Sandringham on Christmas Day. In fact, Christopher, known as 'Wolfie', seven, swapped real-life princesses for fairytale ones on a Disney cruise ship with his mother, architect Dara Huang, 40, Richard Eden reports. The two then joined Dara's family in Florida, where she grew up. Last Christmas, Wolfie stayed in Norfolk with his stepmother Bea, father, property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his half-sister Sienna, two. Christopher, known as 'Wolfie', seven, swapped real-life princesses for fairytale ones on a Disney cruise ship with his mother, architect Dara Huang, 40 Wolfie attended the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey earlier this month with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Wolfie didn't miss out on all the royal festivities, though, as he attended the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey earlier this month with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Wolfie has previously been kept out of the public eye, but proudly walked hand-in-hand with Beatrice into Westminster Abbey on Friday. Beatrice has previously described Wolfie as a 'bonus child' while Sarah Ferguson refers to him as her grandson. Last year, he joined the King and Queen on their walk to church at Sandringham on Christmas Day. Dara Huang was engaged to interior designer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 39, before he married the King's niece Princess Beatrice, 34. Princess Beatrice 's stepson Wolfie looked adorable as made his first appearance at a royal engagement at the Princess of Wales ' Westminister Abbey carol concert Wolfie, seven, sat next to his stepmother and cousins at the concert Miss Huang, 39, was born and grew up in America, to where her maternal grandfather had emigrated from Taiwan. She was granted British citizenship earlier this year. The Harvard-educated architect who grew up in Florida, has an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and transferred to the Ivy League school for her Masters in Architecture. Edoardo was previously engaged to Dara for three-and-a-half years before they split in 2018, a year before he proposed to Princess Beatrice. Due to the pandemic, Beatrice and Edoardo tied the knot on July 17, 2020 in a low-key ceremony at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor, with the lat Queen and Prince Philip in attendance and Wolfie acting as best man. Beatrice and Edoardo had their daughter Sienna Elizabeth in September last year. Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's firstborn daughter Beatrice gave birth to baby girl Sienna weighing 6lbs 2oz at 11.42pm at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, in London. Edo and Dara share custody of their son Christopher Woolf - known as Wolfie - and Dara is understood to remain on good terms with her ex and his wife, who is a hands-on stepmother. When Beatrice married property developer Edo in 2020, she became the first royal step-parent among the young generation of royals. Miss Huang has previously voiced her relief that the seven-year-old will be educated in Britain rather than America, where she fears he could have become yet another victim of a school shooting. 'I'm glad my son doesn't go to school in the USA,' Dara declared online. 'I can sleep at night knowing he won't die at his desk tomorrow morning.' James Middleton has revealed his bittersweet Christmas celebrations as he marks the festive season for the first time as a father. The brother of the Princess of Wales welcomed a baby boy, Ingo, in October with his French wife Alizee, but there was a tinge of sadness hanging over the festive season after the death of James' beloved Spaniel Ella, in January this year. Sharing a snap of his Christmas tree with a picture of Ella in pride of place at the top, he wrote: 'The angel on our tree watching over us. My first Christmas in 16 years without Ella but our first with Inigo. Happy Christmas from my family to yours.' He has previously revealed how Ella stopped him from 'contemplating suicide' during his battle with depression, and said that 'during difficult times' he would spend an entire day without speaking to anyone but her. James also shared a snap of himself cradling Inigo as they met Father Christmas - surrounded by his faithful dogs. James Middleton is celebrating his first Christmas as a father after welcoming a son, Inigo, in October this year The entrepreneur revealed there's a tinge of sadness hanging over the celebrations after the death of his beloved dog Ella, who has taken pride of place on top of the Christmas tree In late October, the brother of the Princess of Wales, shared an adorable Instagram post to announce that his son had been born a few weeks earlier. Sharing a photo of Inigo's tiny hand 'holding' a badge containing an emblem of his late beloved dog Ella, and another photo of the tiny baby in his cot while James's other dogs watched over him, the new father praised the NHS for looking after both Alizee and the newborn at Basingstoke Hospital, where he was born. He also revealed he has already taught little Inigo about Ella, who passed away in January of this year leaving James heartbroken. Although he did not reveal Inigo's exact birthday, he had said the little one has been in his life for 'just a few weeks'. James Middleton announced the death of Ella, who was 15, on Instagram in January this year In a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, James wrote: 'He has been in our lives for just a few weeks but they have been the most special of my life getting to know our beautiful baby boy. 'No matter how prepared I thought I wasI was not prepared for the overwhelming emotion of meeting Inigo for the first time and the love for my darling Alizee as we became three. 'We have settled into our new life as parents and Ive told him all about Ella and that if it wasnt for her he wouldnt be here today and that we miss her greatly. 'The dogs have been fantastic at welcoming their little brother into the pack (although Inka needs to know the teddybears are not all for her) 'We would like to thank the wonderful team at Basingstoke hospital, from the very first scan to walking out the front door for the first time as three, we couldnt have felt more supported and looked after throughout so thank you NHS.' James also credited Ella for introducing him to his wife Alizee. In 2014, he was at Chelsea's the South Kensington Club when Ella 'made a beeline for Alizee'. James, who was 'embarrassed', went over 'to apologise and bring Ella back', recalling how Alizee thought he was a 'waiter' and 'ordered her drink while continuing to stroke Ella, who at this point was on her back lapping up the attention.' A 13-year-old was left with 'weeping' chemical burns after getting a black henna tattoo on a family holiday to Cyprus - but hid the agonising reaction from his family because he'd heard that 'tattoos were supposed to hurt'. Tyler Skee's arm was 'burning' six days after returning home from the 2,400 trip abroad - and he has since been seen by the burns unit and 14 specialists, even being pulled out of school, to try and deal with the 'nightmare'. Shocking pictures show the young boy's red, scabbing and blistering wound covering his entire forearm - from his hand to his elbow - in the shape of a dragon. His mother Chloe, 34, form Gateshead in Tyne and Wear, says doctors believe the reaction was caused by paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical commonly found in black henna, which is banned for use in skin products by the European Union. While PPD can be lawfully used in hair dyes, levels are strictly controlled. But experts warn that black henna often exceeds these amounts to give a darker colour. Tyler Skee's arm was 'burning' six days after returning home from the 2,400 trip abroad. Pictured with his black henna tattoo She also explained that her son has autism - leading to a high pain tolerance, as well as taking things very literally - so he didn't seek help even though the reaction was burning his arm for days. The mother let Tyler and his sister Brooke, 10, get the 15 ink designs on the last day of their holiday at a shop after it was recommended by a local. Chloe posted the ordeal to Facebook, where she warned others of the product and said she feared her son was going to be left with a permanent scar. Now - she'd 'never' let her children get a henna tattoo and is urging other parents to be careful. 'Everybody who I see, especially friends who have just had young babies, I say if you ever go on holiday, don't let them get a henna tattoo,' she added. 'In [Tyler's] mind, he must have thought that was normal so he never said anything to us. 'It wasn't until the Sunday [October 29] at my Gran's for dinner and he said "Mam is this supposed to still be burning?" 'It's a nightmare Tyler's been through, bless him. He's had to be off school and everything. Shocking pictures show the young boy's red, scabbing and blistering wound covering his entire forearm - from his hand to his elbow - in the shape of a dragon 'He's had loads of time off for numerous GP appointments. I've had to go into school and put creams on and take medications in when he has been there.' After being seen by several professions and being put on courses of antibiotics, Chloe says Tyler's wounds were weeping and sticking to his clothes. He then came out in a full-body rash, which doctors say was due to an autoimmune response to the infection, where his body started to attack itself. The young boy was also recently at a burns unit, where Tyler's mother says he was seen by 14 medical professionals who didn't know how to treat him before he was given more steroid creams and antiviral medicine. Chloe says Tyler's wound is still not fully healed. '[A plastic surgeon] said it's gone past the point of it being a chemical burn. It's now contact dermatitis because of the reaction his body has had,' she revealed. 'Tyler's been an absolute little trooper, he's never once complained of being in pain. The only thing he's complained of is being itchy, and that was more his body. 'He's got a few other [medical] tests going on, and with the whole thing with his arm on top of that, a few weeks ago he just broke down in tears, which isn't Tyler because he doesn't really show his emotions. 'It was absolutely heartbreaking. I could have stood there and cried with him but I didn't want to do that because I wanted to be strong for him.' The mother let Tyler and his sister Brooke, 10, get the 15 ink designs on the last day of their holiday at a shop after it was recommended by a local. Pictured: Chloe with Tyler and Brooke And the ordeal has affected other family members too. 'It's been horrible for his little sister as well because she's got ADHD so she worries a lot,' she said. 'At one point when it was really bad she had got it into her head that he was going to have his arm chopped off. She's been an absolute mess as well. 'It is actually looking a lot better now and the dermatologist thinks it won't scar. 'I'm still not convinced because his skin is healing and there are certain places where it still looks white.' Chloe says she has reached out to the tattoo shop to alert them of the situation but is yet to receive a response. It's not the first time a parent has put out a warning to others over the common holiday treat. In September, a mother-of-two feared that her seven-year-old daughter will be 'scarred for life' with a butterfly print on her arm due a reaction to a henna tattoo while on vacation. Kirsty Newton, 37, let daughter Matilda Newton get the 3cm-tall temporary tattoo on her right forearm while staying at an all-inclusive Turkish hotel this summer. Chloe says she has reached out to the tattoo shop to alert them of the situation but is yet to receive a response. Pictured: Tyler's wound Despite initially appearing fine, the black henna tattoo became red and itchy after they returned home to Pudsey, West Yorkshire, resulting in two pharmacy trips. Matilda was later rushed to hospital after the skin around the tattoo started bleeding, with doctors confirming that she had suffered an allergic reaction to a chemical in the henna. She is now urging others to be cautious when letting their children get henna tattoos and to make sure they have a skin test first. When the family-of-four returned back to the UK, Matilda's butterfly print began causing a burning sensation on her skin. The family made a few pharmacy trips in a bid to manage the reaction themselves. But Kirsty rushed Matilda to Leeds General Infirmary when her skin started to crack and bleed. Doctors there confirmed Matilda was having an allergic reaction to the black henna. She was prescribed anti-allergy tablets, steroid and antibiotic creams to help heal her scorched skin. Before getting the medication, Matilda was sick and had a rash on her tummy, which doctors say could have been linked to the allergic reaction. Kirsty believes that the burn was caused by PPD. 'Please be cautious when letting your children get henna tattoos,' she said. 'People need to know what happened and make sure they have skin tests done if they do have a tattoo before having one of these done. 'Matilda should have had a skin test done before but this wasn't offered.' A 75-year-old woman who has worked at McDonald's for 53 years has revealed she has no plans to retire soon because she 'loves' spending her days on the job. Barbara Cramer, from Florida, began working at the chain in 1970 and is now celebrating more than five decades with the company. And despite her age, she has noted that she has no desire to slow down any time soon because the establishment means 'everything' to her. During her celebration, Barbara revealed she never imagined working anywhere else as she recounted the beginning of her career at McDonald's. Barbara Cramer, from Florida, has worked at McDonald's for 53 years and has revealed she has no plans to retire soon because she 'loves' spending her days at the fast food giant She began working at the chain in 1970 (seen) and is now celebrating more than five decades with the company And despite her age, she has noted that she has no desire to slow down any time soon because the establishment means 'everything' to her Speaking to WPTV, the 75-year-old gushed about the fast food giant - specifically the Fort Pierce location she works at. Barbara is referred to as a 'McLegend' by her employees - who she embraced during her celebration. She first joined the fast food giant in 1970 after applying for a job at a school board at the same time. However, when the burger chain got back to her first, she immediately took the job and has never looked back. She explained: 'So I came here, and I winded up, you know, working my way up.' Barbara spoke about how the party honoring her time at McDonald's meant 'everything' to her. 'I just love it here,' she told the outlet. While she has jumped around from various locations, she has always found her way back to the Fort Pierce establishment. During her celebration, Barbara revealed she never imagined working anywhere else as she recounted the beginning of her career at McDonald's and was praised by coworkers Speaking to WPTV, the 75-year-old gushed about the fast food giant - specifically the Fort Pierce location she works at She revealed that she considers herself 'semi-retired' because she works part-time and has no desire to work anywhere else (seen in 1992) The location's owner Ricky Wade gushed over Barbara at her celebration, which included balloons, cake, and sweet snaps of her posing with Ronald McDonald himself when she first started in 1970. He revealed that they were so 'proud to have you as part of our family.' 'We are honored to celebrate this special moment with you,' he added. While she has jumped around from various locations, she has always found her way back to the Fort Pierce establishment. According to WPTV, Barbara's first husband worked at the same restaurant as her, while her second husband worked at a different location. And because she loves her job so much, she revealed she had no plans to leave. She revealed that she considered herself 'semi-retired' because she worked part-time and had no desire to work anywhere else. A couple warned tourists 'don't take travel advice from social media' after they spent almost all of their 9,400 Maldives holiday in - 'thick clouds and pouring rain'. Oskar Kappland and Dan Goz, both 26, from Gothenburg, Sweden, booked the no-expense-spared nine-day trip to celebrate their nine-year anniversary of being together. They were expecting to experience picturesque sunsets and shimmering crystal seas at the two resorts where they stayed. They had seen countless Instagram posts of the Maldives featuring perfect weather and never considered it might not be like that all the time. Instead, more than half of the pricey trip was spent under shelter due to poor conditions - despite them going in December, which is the 'high season' for weather. Oskar Kappland and Dan Goz, both 26, from Gothenburg, Sweden, went to The Maldives for their nine-year anniversary but spent days in overcast, rainy surroundings An overcast Maldives on Oskar and Dan's holiday. The couple travelled in December, which is meant to be ideal for good weather Dan, a travel reviewer, said it was 'the opposite of travel inspo'. He said: 'We tried to see the funny side because all you can do is laugh. 'We knew it was normal for afternoon showers, but we had four days straight of thick clouds and pouring rain! 'Our message in general is don't set your expectations based on travel advice from social media. 'Do your research, social media doesn't represent reality. 'Make sure you know what to expect and prepare for the good AND the bad.' Oskar and Dan in the Maldives in 2019 when they enjoyed sunny conditions Dan, a travel reviewer, said the trip was 'the opposite of travel inspo' and warned people not to go by everything they see on Instagram The couple were hoping to go snorkelling and swimming but the rainy conditions meant they could not enjoy outdoor activities Due to constant 'thick clouds and pouring rain' most of the time they were there, it turned out to be a very different holiday to what they expected The couple, who post their travels on social media @oskaranddan, had been to the Maldives before and loved it. So they never considered their return between December 6 and 14 would be any different. They had four days booked at a hotel in Dhigurah, which is famous for whale shark sightings. But it was constant 'thick clouds and pouring rain' and they didn't see any sharks. Oskar, a musician, said: 'The whole place is weather-dependent - we went for the swimming, snorkelling and sun.' Dan said they were trying to escape the dull weather in Sweden but it was just like being at home When the pair visited The Maldives in 2019, they enjoyed perfect weather conditions (pictured) and that's why they were eager to return The travel bloggers said that people should be aware that social media only shows the best side of any potential trip On the second part of the holiday they stayed in a fancy resort costing 1,170 a night, where there were indoor activities on offer to compensate. They saw grey skies and rain for seven of the nine days they were away. They tried to enjoy the trip, but said the weather was just as bad as at home. Oskar said: 'We're originally from Sweden and the weather was like our winter there, apart from Sweden is colder. It's what we were trying to escape in northern Europe!' They wanted to warn people to be careful with their expectations when travelling - even to a destination with an 'Instagrammable' reputation. Dan said: 'We know a lot of people who want to go just for pics - for those people, it's not a worthwhile gamble. 'We've been using social media for years, people always see the best version online and it gives a false perspective of how the world is. 'People might be willing to spend thousands of dollars to go to the Maldives and they're not aware half of more of their stay could be bad weather. 'It's paradise when it's sunny - but when its not, you're just stuck there.' Very, very sad news indeed particularly for millennials who love to post photos of their breakfast. Because the inventor of avocado on toast has died. And, no, it was not Meghan, Gwyneth or Kylie Jenner; however many photos or recipes of this protein-rich snack they have posted between them over the years and it's an awful lot. It was actually Bill Granger, the deeply loved Australian chef who has died aged just 54, who first popped a chopped avocado on a piece of sourdough, drizzled it with lime juice, olive oil, salt and coriander, and stuck it on the menu of his first Sydney restaurant, back in 1993. Bill changed the face of breakfast for ever we'll get on to his extraordinary scrambled eggs and pancakes later. And inspired generations of celebrities, influencers, millennials and mums with nothing better to do into posting endless artfully-lit photos of smashed avocado on social media. But, with that single, oh-so-simple dish, he also unwittingly jumpstarted our obsession with avocados today we eat over 60 million kilos of them in the UK each year and laid the foundations of the 12 billion global avocado market. No wonder he became known as the 'Godfather of Avocado'. The oh so simple dish of avocados on toast jumpstarted our obsession with the fruits, and we eat over 60 million kilos of them in the UK each year But it was Australian chef Bill Granger (pictured with Natalie Elliott), who has died aged 54, who first put chopped avocado on sourdough So, it is ironic that, when he wrote his first cookery book, Bill's Sydney Food, he almost didn't include it because he didn't consider it a proper dish, just a simple snack he'd always eaten. As Bill put it once himself: 'I did say to my editor, this was back in 1999, is it too ridiculous to put avocado on toast into a recipe book?' Clearly not. Indeed, it seems that, pretty much ever since, everyone from nutritionists, to chefs, to celebrities, to my husband, have been banging on about the magic powers of avocados. How they're a 'super food' bursting with vitamins, proteins and healthy fats. How good they look mushed up on toast on a crisp, white plate, garnished with pea shoots and worth every penny of the often-astronomical price tag. How they've become the lifeblood of the millennial generation, who can't stop posting glossy pictures of 'avocadotoast' on Instagram and have apparently also suffered a record-breaking number of hand injuries after stabbing the stones impatiently with sharp knives. There are T-shirts emblazoned with 'avo on toast'. Pencil cases. Key rings. Mugs. Cuddly toys. Even swimming trunks though the positioning of the avocados is not for the fainthearted and, without getting too graphic, you can see why, back in the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors called it the aguacate, after ahuacatl Aztec for testicle. People feel very strongly about them. Pop star Miley Cyrus loves them so much she has a tattoo of half an avocado neatly stoned on her left upper arm. Meghan is known to close friends as the 'avocado toast whisperer' and likes to serve hers on a solid silver platter. So doubtless many avocado afficionados will today be in shock. Perhaps right now, even, preparing a special green protein-packed snack, drizzled in cold-pressed olive oil and scattered with pink Himalayan salt, in homage to poor Bill, who passed away in hospital, surrounded by his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters Edie, Ines and Bunny, on Christmas Day. KYLIE JENNER: The queen of influencers likes to keep it simple: Toast a slice of sourdough bread, then spread with mashed avocado. Drizzle it with honey, and season with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt MEGHAN MARKLE: The Duchess of Sussex posted online her recipe for what she called 'The Smash', with feta and chilli. To make it, gently hand blend a ripe avocado with a sprinkle of feta cheese, a dash of red chilli flakes, a squeeze of lemon and salt to taste Tributes of love, friendship and deep sadness have poured in from all around the world from chefs (Jamie Oliver, Nigella), film stars, friends and neighbours in his adoptive home of London. From pretty much anyone who ever met him. Because, while his life was cut monstrously short it is believed after a battle with cancer it was also full of sunshine (his favourite word), love and happiness. It seems everyone who met Bill loved him. Perhaps close friend and film star Hugh Jackman, 55, summed him up best yesterday. 'His talent, his joie de vivre, the way he brought people together, and his commitment to family were inspiring.' He was phenomenally successful 14 cookbooks, 19 restaurants everywhere from Sydney to Osaka, London to Seoul, and five television series. But he was also modest, chuffed to bits if he met someone who'd bought one of his books, and a little bit astonished at his extraordinary career. Because in Bill's mind, his biggest success was his family his beloved wife Natalie, with whom he created the business, and their three girls, whom he adored. It is hard to think of another cook a self-taught art school drop-out, he'd never describe himself as a chef, just someone who liked good simple food who has influenced the world of food quite so much. Albeit much of it by chance. He opened his first restaurant aged just 22, with a 20,000 Australian dollar loan from his father, a butcher. But due to a glitch in the tenancy agreement, he was only allowed to be open from 7am to 4pm and had no alcohol licence. So he focused on breakfast foods, high-quality coffee instead of booze and called it 'bills' lower case and no apostrophe. 'I did it because I was young and it was trendy,' he once said. 'It drives people bananas.' He introduced communal tables his parents divorced when he was young and the family never ate together, so he was always trying to make up for it the world's best scrambled eggs (double cream instead of milk and folded rather than stirred), his legendary ricotta and honey pancakes. And, of course, avo on toast. PRUE LEITH: The Bake Off judge conceived a taste sensation, with wasabi and smoked salmon: Mix cream cheese with wasabi and spread it on the bread. Top with a thinly sliced avocado, cover with smoked salmon and sprinkle it with zest of lime and half a teaspoon each of black and white sesame seeds VICTORIA BECKHAM: Naturally, the famously fussy Posh Spice uses a special bread for her avocado toast: La Beckham revealed on Instagram that her family had swapped out regular white bread for a 6 loaf of Ezekiel 'sprouted' bread, from an ancient recipe. Made with wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt, Ezekiel bread claims to be higher in protein, minerals and vitamins than ordinary bread EVA LONGORIA: The Desperate Housewives star favours hers with a fried egg and paprika. The actress says she learned from chefs to dice avocados in the shell before scooping out. She recommends buying organic avocados and adds salt before mashing. She tops her avocado toast with an egg fried in olive oil, crushed red pepper and smoked paprika So when, in 2009, he arrived in London, aged 40, in search of 'a new adventure' and with his young family in tow he bought all of that with him, along with a raft of fresh, zingy Asian ingredients that crept into our everyday cooking. But it was the avocado on toast that really stuck. Or off toast, for that matter. Hollywood star Rachel Weisz was once overheard ordering 'avocado on toast without the toast, please'. And now everyone seems to have their own take. Gordon Ramsay beefs up his with chorizo, Kylie Jenner adds agave syrup to hers, and Meghan favours a bit of chilli, feta and lemon. Of course, while he did plenty for the cause, Bill didn't actually invent avocados they've been grown in Mexico for more than 9,000 years. And he definitely wouldn't have been the first person to put them on toast. But he was the first to put them on a menu and in a cookbook and he reaped the rewards. Last January, he was even awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, for services to tourism and hospitality. So it's a shame that, recently, there's been a bit of a backlash. Not against lovely Bill. But definitely against his beloved avos. Because, sadly, for all their health benefits and photogenic qualities, they are not the most environmentally friendly fruit yes, they are fruit, not veg. Particularly, when produced in today's crazy quantities. In fact, over recent years, avocado production in the Third World has gone completely bananas. And it has a terrible impact on the local environment as trees are felled to make room and other crops are shoved out so farmers can cash in on the 'green gold'. GORDON RAMSAY: The multi-Michelin-starred chef makes a predictably complicated but delicious Spanish version, which involves frying chorizo with onion, then adding tomatoes and sherry vinegar to make a topping for the avocado toast. Finish with a sprinkle of Manchego cheese JAMIE OLIVER: The celebrity chef has come up with no fewer than seven 'twists' on avocado toast. To make an unusual fruity version with strawberries, spread ricotta cheese over a slice of toast or rye bread. Finely slice half a ripe avocado and 6 small ripe strawberries and arrange on top, then scatter with pine nuts. Lastly, drizzle with balsamic vinegar Production has been linked to water shortages avocado trees are horribly thirsty, and it can take 1,000 litres of water to grow just three avocadoes human rights abuses, illegal deforestation, ecosystem destruction and general environmental devastation. In Mexico, where nearly half of all avocados are grown, year-round, the crop is so valuable that drug cartels have become increasingly involved, and violent, and growers are being forced to pay protection money. And on top of all that, the thousand of miles any avocado has to travel to Britain means a heavy carbon footprint two avocados have a footprint of 846g of CO2, compared to 160g for two bananas. (It doesn't help that they are relatively heavy and cannot be frozen because it ruins their texture. So they have to be transported either by air, or in air-conditioned container ships, to ripen at just the right moment.) As a result of all this, the tide is beginning to turn. Some restaurants and cafes are boycotting avocados and serving crushed peas on toast instead, which doesn't have quite the same ring, certainly doesn't look as good on Instagram, and has not yet been fully embraced by the super powers of Gwyneth, Meghan and the millennial gang. But it is a darn sight cheaper, and it might just save the environment. And I'm quite sure lovely Bill wouldn't have minded in the slightest. A young woman has revealed a fool-proof way to tell if someone is extremely wealthy simply by looking in their kitchen. Zoya Biglary, a food entrepreneur from the US, proudly showed off the massive jar of saffron she uses sparingly when cooking. Saffron is the world's most expensive spice - famously known to be 'worth its weight in gold' - with 100g costing up to an eye-watering $14,400 in Australia. 'Some people like to flex their wealth with bags and shoes, and others are into quiet luxury,' Ms Biglary said in a video. Zoya Biglary, a food entrepreneur from the US, proudly showed off the massive jar of saffron in her kitchen In the comments, many wanted to know how much the jar of saffron is worth but Ms Biglary didn't disclose an exact value. Instead she said: 'Dollar amounts don't matter. I'd say about 500 dishes worth of smiles.' But many continued to speculate and a debate sparked in the comments, as the price varies depending on where you're located. Australian brand Mckenzie's sells 100mg saffron containers at Woolworths for $14.40, but shoppers can find the coveted spice at selected stores online and at specialty supermarkets. Saffron is the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus flower, and it takes 150 flowers to produce one gram of dried saffron - which a leading reason why the spice is so expensive. In addition, it only flowers for six weeks in the autumn and growers have to handpick each stigma in the early morning as sun degrades its quality. The task can only be accomplished by talented labourers as a machine could irreparably damage the flowers. According to the ABC, Australia produces 10kg of saffron annually and imports around 3,500kg of the spice from Spain and Iran each year. Signs you're wealthy in Australia: Own house over $1million in reasonable proximity to the CBD Cutlery shelf in the dishwasher Second fridge in the garage Butler's pantry off the kitchen Frank Green water bottles Ordering extras at brunch Not looking at prices when shopping for groceries Owning some kind of mid-level 4WD for weekends out and a normal car for day trips Holidays once or twice a year often during school holidays Having the self-perception as being middle class working professionals even though they are quite well off Hiring a house cleaner Buying organic food Getting a blow dry at the hairdressers between cuts Advertisement Many were in awe of Zoya's kitchen containing several grams of saffron. 'Never seen that much saffron before,' one said. 'Allow me to flex, I just bought my boss 10g of saffron as a Christmas present,' another wrote. 'My mum gifted me a jar of saffron and it's literally my culinary treasure!' a man revealed. 'Oh you got MONEY,' another person claimed, someone else added: 'She just called me poor with a jar.' Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has been spotted holding hands with Crown Prince Frederik at a Christmas Eve church service with their four children. Despite the swirling rumours of the Prince's alleged 'affair' that rocked the family in November, Mary, 51, and Frederik, 55, appeared loved up as they headed into Aarhus cathedral on Sunday, December 24. The royal couple were all smiles as they stepped out alongside Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, Prince Vincent, and Princess Josephine, both 12, before celebrating Christmas Day at Marselisborg Castle with Danish Queen Margrethe. Mary looked stylish in a $1,400 floral Saloni maxi dress she paired with Aquazzura's knee-high suede Gainsbourg 85 Boots. The Aussie-born royal kept cosy from the winter chill in a grey soft-drop coat and matching burgundy gloves. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has been spotted holding hands with husband Prince Frederik while attending a Christmas Eve church service with their four children Despite swirling rumours of the Prince's alleged 'affair' that rocked the family, Mary and Frederik appeared loved up as they headed into Aarhus cathedral on Sunday, December 24 Mary looked stylish in a $1,400 floral Saloni maxi dress she paired with Aquazzura's knee-high suede Gainsbourg 85 Boots, a grey soft drop coat and burgundy gloves Queen Margrethe also attended as well as Frederik's brother Prince Joachim, his wife Princess Marie and their children Count Henrik and Countess Athena. It's been a month since the Danish Royal Family was shaken by rumours of an alleged 'affair' between the future King and Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova, but he and Mary have put on a united display during the festive season. The Danish royals were rocked by photos published in October that showed Prince Frederik out for the evening in Madrid with the 47-year-old socialite. As Spanish magazine Lecturas published the photos and alleged the pair had spent the evening at a bodega in the Spanish capital where they watched flamenco dancing and dined into the early hours, Genoveva hit back at 'malicious' rumours she was romantically involved with the heir to the Danish throne. Since the photos emerged Princess Mary has remained tight-lipped about her husband's dinner with the socialite, and the pair have adopted a 'business as normal' attitude during public appearances. The royal couple were all smiles as they stepped out alongside Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, both 12 Queen Margrethe (right) also attended as well as Frederik's brother Prince Joachim, his wife Princess Marie and their children Count Henrik and Countess Athena. Pictured from left: Prince Christian, Princess Josephine and Princess Isabella The popular royal family celebrated Christmas day at Marselisborg Castle with Frederik's mother Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Days before Christmas, the mum-of-four shared a cryptic post about loneliness and the need for positive human connection during the festive season. The post came after the Princess reconnected with Frederik and three of their children in New Zealand during an unofficial getaway. In the letter which was posted on the Mary Foundation website the future queen reflects on the past year - and says she felt it was shorter than previous years. 'And at the same time, so much has happened that it is impossible to put it all into words,' she continued. An excerpt posted on the official Instagram of the Danish Royal House had some speculating the princess was using her foundation to hint at the 'affair' rumours. 'We need each other if we are to succeed.' And that's not only true in the working world and for those of us who are working to combat social isolation,' it read. 'This is true for all of us. Humans need humans.' The post and powerful words were pictured alongside a gorgeous picture of the royal in the snow. It's been a month since the Danish Royal Family was rocked by rumours of an alleged 'affair' between the future King and Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova (the pair were pictured in November on a night out in Madrid) Princess Mary has shared a cryptic post about loneliness and the need for positive human connection ahead of Christmas She wore a purple jacket beneath a warm woollen wrap and gave a soft smile toward the camera. 'The Danish royal family are lucky to have you. I hope your husband realises he has embarrassed you and his children immeasurably. You will make a fine queen,' one fan commented. Another wrote: 'I think this is a sad year for Mary, her husband's (alleged) betrayal and it's public. What a brave woman, she can handle anything. I just adore her.' Some came to the defence of the royals calling for people to stop talking about the scandal. But these people were often slammed by others. 'Have you seen the movie from that morning, where he walks around the city with his suitcase and no PET - standing at a public bus shed waiting to be picked up. He has made himself, Mary and many others a laughing stock! It is naive to remain believing he is completely innocent,' one woman wrote. READ MORE: Princess Mary sheds a tear as she leaves New Zealand with husband Frederik Advertisement She said it doesn't matter if there was an affair - the fact he was in Spain with another woman was enough. Others simply thanked her for her seasonal greeting. 'You are so wonderful, our beautiful Crown Princess,' one fan wrote - echoing the sentiment of dozens of others. Princess Mary touched down in New Zealand on December 18 - where she was met by Prince Frederik and their eldest daughter Isabella. The Crown Princess had been staying in Australia since December 6 - connecting with family - alongside her twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. The party of three were pictured atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge - but the photograph which is taken of every climber - was quickly removed from the tour company's Instagram account. The Princess' visit to Australia marks her most low-key return home ever - with many speculating the recent spotlight on her marriage is to blame. An American woman who has travelled the world was left 'disappointed' by Australia's dating scene after receiving little to no attention from men. Lili, from Oregon, said her experience in Sydney left a lot to be desired because she isn't 'thin and blonde'. 'I have a good personality, I make friends easily, I put myself out there - and I just haven't gotten anything back in return,' she said in a TikTok video. 'I see white, thin, blonde girls put almost nothing out there - and they get everything. I was with two of them walking to the beach, and they both got stopped and asked for their numbers within two minutes. It's never happened to me.' As someone who is mid-size and heavier, Lili said it was 'extremely frustrating' to travel and date in Australia and that she 'didn't love' the experience. Lili revealed that her experience in Sydney was tainted as someone who isn't 'thin' and 'blonde' 'Australia is just very much a country where things are determined by your body,' she said, adding: 'It's true everywhere, but it has felt even more severe here.' The American said her experience in Spain was much different - and better - compared to Sydney. 'If you're not thin, white, and possibly blonde, your experience in Australia as a woman will be very different,' she said. 'I [hung out] with this girl I met on Facebook and we were talking about what it's like to live in Sydney and travel Australia as someone who isn't thin or white. 'Genuinely since I got to Australia I've received little to no romantic attention and I know it's because I'm not thin and blonde.' READ MORE: Woman slams Australian dating culture after yet another disappointing 'date' Advertisement Many Aussies disagreed with Lili's assessment. 'I'm an Australian red head. I've been fat and thin, I've been hit on in all stages of my physique, even pregnant and postpartum. I'm 36. It's your vibe I think,' one said. 'You seem negative and jealous - if [you] change [your] energy [you] will see a huge difference. Australia is all about easy going people,' another wrote. 'If you're moody, then no one wants to be around that.' 'I'm plus-size and had a great time dating in Sydney!' a traveller shared. A few claimed it was a Sydney-specific problem. 'As a plus-size brunette who has lived in both Sydney and Melbourne - it's a Sydney issue,' a woman said. 'Sydney anywhere near the water is very shallow,' another echoed. Several blonde Australian women also weighed in on the topic. 'Nah, but this isn't specific to Australia - this is worldwide. Come on, now,' one said. 'Born and raised in Australia and have never had anyone ask for my number when I was out. Are you saying it might be different if I left?!' another asked. A third said: 'But we don't even want attention from who we get it. Trust me, you're not missing out.' Millions of Americans will delight in the luxury of getting a few hours of extra sleep over the Christmas holiday weekend - but may not realize theyll likely pay the price later on. Sleeping longer than the recommended seven or eight hours every night, while it seems like the best bet for recovering from a busy week at work or the madness of preparing for the holiday, actually causes more grogginess and low energy throughout the day. Each sleep cycle starts over every 80 to 100 minutes, so adding an hour or more to a nights sleep typically means waking up in the middle of a deep sleep cycle, resulting in a post-hibernation hangover. There are four sleep cycles, but waking up during the third, when sleep is deepest, will have the greatest influence on how someone feels in the daytime. After the third cycle comes REM, or the rapid eye movement cycle, which is when we dream. Getting too much sleep, like too little sleep, can cause a litany of health problems, from headaches, depression, and low productivity to an elevated risk of chronic heart disease, diabetes, and obesity The harmful effects of sleep deprivation are similar to those linked to sleeping too much, including a weakened immune system and risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure and inflammation The brain cycles through two different types of sleep REM and non-REM, which includes the early stage, when a person just begins to fall asleep, followed by light sleep, when the heart rate and breathing are regulated and body temperature drops. The third stage is deep sleep when the brain can consolidate new memories and commit them to long-term storage. This phase is characterized by slow electrical waves that, on a monitor, look like unevenly spread-out rolling hills as opposed to the tightly packed crests and valleys that represent brain waves during wakefulness. In REM, or rapid eye movement sleep, the electrical activity looks similar to an awake brain. During REM sleep, the brain continues to consolidate those memories and solidifies them into long-term memory. It is also the phase in which most dreams happen. Doctors can detect when a person is in REM by examining facial twitches, eye movement behind the eyelids, and jaw tension. The first cycle of REM sleep is the shorted, about 10 minutes. But each cycle gets longer with the greater amount of time spent asleep. A persons brain typically resets the cycle four or five times every night. Cycles typically last an average of 90 minutes, making the optimal duration for sleep around seven and a half hours. Dr Alexandria Reynolds, a sleep researcher and psychologist at the University of South Carolina, said: 'If you were to wake up while you were in deep sleep, you would wake up feeling super groggy, super confused, and whoever woke you up might not be safe. 'If you were to wake up when you're in REM sleep then you feel much more rested, ready to tackle the day, and you'll feel pretty good.' This is because during REM sleep, the brain is very active. It's why vivid dreaming takes place during the REM stage, making the transition to wakefullness smoother. Dr Reynolds added that on those mornings when a person wakes up on their own an hour before their alarm goes off should think twice before rolling over for that extra hour of sleep and instead get up and start the day. 'You go back to sleep, you roll over, your alarm clock wakes you up and then you feel like trash... You really should have gotten up. You were oversleeping when your alarm clock woke you up,' she said. But getting the recommended number of hours every night is easier said than done, and normal life can get in the way, whether in the form of a heavy workload or a mad dash to prepare for Christmas festivities. The freedom of work-free weekends often lulls people into the false sense of belief that snoozing for longer on Friday and Saturday nights will make up for their sleep deficit during the week. But experts maintain this simply is not how sleep works. The more a person lacks sufficient sleep over time, the more they rack up sleep debt, the harder it is to pay it off. They have long said that one cannot compensate for lost sleep by snoozing more on their day off. When a person does sleep for an additional hour or more into a Saturday or Sunday morning, they typically struggle to fall asleep on schedule Sunday night, perpetuating the sleep debt cycle. Dr Jeffrey Iliff, a sleep and traumatic brain injury researcher at the University of Washington, said: 'The sleep that you lose is sort of gone forever and many of the benefits of that sleep - that's memory consolidation or whether that's rejuvenation that happens in the brain - you sort of miss the boat.' Research has shown that it can take up to four days of adequate sleep to recover from just one hour of lost sleep and up to nine days of good sleep to completely wipe out sleep debt. Experts recommend people avoid exercise, heavy meals, alcohol or caffeine directly before bed, keep a consistent sleep schedule and avoid afternoon naps to help prevent sleep fragmentation, which puts them at an increased risk of developing cognitive issues down the line A 2003 study performed at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research put the weekend sleep catch-up method to the test. In the study, 66 people spent either three, five, seven, or nine hours asleep every night for a week, followed by three days of eight hours of sleep. Over the week, each participant underwent motor reaction speed and attention tests. During the three-day recovery phase, those who rested for seven and five hours continued to perform as poorly on the tests after several nights of longer sleep as they did during the week with poor sleep, showing no significant improvement. The group with three hours of sleep saw their motor and attention skills improve after the first night of normal sleep, but their performance was not fully restored to normal and stayed similar to the seven and five-hour groups. Getting too much sleep, like too little sleep, can cause a litany of health problems, from headaches and low productivity to an elevated risk of chronic heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Sleeping for longer than eight hours per night has also been linked with various mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. About 15 percent of people living with depression are oversleepers. While oversleeping can lead to negative health outcomes, it can also be indicative of an underlying condition, including sleep apnea that causes poor quality of sleep throughout the night or hypersomnia, a condition in which people have excessive daytime sleepiness. But, Dr Reynolds said, 'We don't know the direction of causality until we do more experimental studies.' Experts recommend keeping to a sleep schedule with a goal of snoozing for around the same length of time consistently without over-indulging a few nights a week. Napping is a good option, but there is such as thing as 'good' napping and 'bad' napping. Dr Iliff said: 'When you wake up after a nap and you feel like you just got hit by a truck, it's because what has happened is you started to build what's called sleep inertia. 'Once you start sleeping, after you get past a certain point, your brain gets into the mode that thinks, "oh, we're doing this for the next eight hours." and if you interrupt it after it's gotten past that point it's sort of a rude awakening.' Experts recommend napping for a short period of time, around 25 minutes, or a longer 90 minute nap, which is enough time for the brain to go through an entire sleep cycle. Meonpause campaigners have criticised the postcode lottery for HRT, as women in some affluent areas may have better access to the therapy. NHS prescribing data indicates that Cornwall and the Scilly Isles, along with Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Gloucestershire, have better provision of HRT, which helps some menopausal women suffering from symptoms like low mood, hot flushes, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. The provision in Cornwall and the Scilly Isles for women aged 45 to 60 is three times that of north east London, which has the lowest rates in England according to analysis by the Daily Telegraph (SUBS - pls keep, and pls make clear all statistics are from Telegraph analysis). The analysis found six out of 10 areas with the highest prescribing rates are in south-west England, and that rates are also high in Suffolk and North East Essex, Sussex, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Surrey. Meanwhile five of the 10 areas with the lowest prescribing rates are in London, and rates are low in the Black Country, Birmingham and Solihull, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, West Yorkshire, and the North East and North Cumbria. NHS prescribing data indicates that Cornwall and the Scilly Isles, along with Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Gloucestershire, have better provision of HRT (Stock image) Dr Louise Newson, a GP and menopause specialist, who campaigns for better access to HRT, said: 'The majority of perimenopausal and menopausal women are currently being denied hormones, which is wrong and also barbaric - this postcode lottery when it comes to accessing evidence-based treatment must change. 'Many women are finding it easier to be prescribed antidepressants than HRT, with prescribing rates of antidepressants in England around double for women compared with men, and many women being offered them for common menopausal symptoms such as low mood and anxiety, although antidepressants are not a first-line treatment. 'Often women from more privileged backgrounds can more readily equip themselves with the knowledge to ask their GP for HRT. 'This may help to explain the higher rates in some more affluent areas too, but we need better and more appropriate education to reach everyone, as often women do not always realise symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, brain fog, memory problems, poor sleep and joint pains can be caused by declining levels of hormones.' Carolyn Harris, the Labour MP for Swansea who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on menopause, told the Mail: 'We are already concerned that women with lower incomes don't have the time or opportunity to learn about menopause symptoms and treatments which might work for them from the media, or the time to find out about this from meeting up with friends for coffee, as middle-class women might be more likely to do. 'This problem is made even worse if lower income areas have lower prescribing rates for HRT, and this massive postcode lottery which clearly exists needs to end. 'We need national, not local HRT prescribing, and we also need prescribers to give out a wider range of drugs, so that shortages do not arise. 'This is too important for prescribing rates to be different depending on where you live in the country.' More than 464,000 HRT prescription prepayment certificates have been issued since their launch in April (Stock Image) National HRT shortages led to a Mail campaign, launched last year, which called for more women to be made aware of symptoms and treatment options. The NHS prescribing data analysis, which covers the 12 months until September 2023, suggests a widening gap in provision between the richest and poorest areas compared to just over a year ago. Haitham Hamada, from the British Menopause Society, said: 'Women should not be disadvantaged because of their geographical location or their background, and all women should have access to menopause-related advice, support and treatment where appropriate.' A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: 'We have put women's health at the top of the agenda by publishing a Women's Health Strategy for England, appointing the first-ever Women's Health Ambassador, and taking action to increase supply and reduce the cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).' More than 464,000 HRT prescription prepayment certificates, which allow women to save money by making a one-off payment for 12 months of HRT, have been issued since their launch in April. An NHS spokesman said: 'To ensure women have the most appropriate options to choose from, all GPs are expected to follow clinical guidelines set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence when prescribing HRT and other treatments.' NHS trusts saw their car parking profits jump by up to 60-fold last year, MailOnline analysis shows. Liverpool University Hospitals raked in 1.6million in parking fees in 2021/22. For comparison, the trust which charges patients and visitors 3 for an hour of parking made just 26,549 the year before. Across the whole of England, hospital patients and visitors were forced to pay out 146million for car parking last year, or 400,000 every day. The overall sum was up 50 per cent on the 96.7m taken one year earlier and triple the 47.9m logged two years ago. Critics branded parking charges a 'tax on caring' and accused ministers of failing to deliver on a Tory manifesto pledge to end the unfair fees. This map shows the 10 NHS trusts in England with the largest percentage growth in income from parking charges for patients and visitors last year compared to the year prior. Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recorded the biggest jump in parking income, with a 5,982.9 per cent increase last year, a huge boost compared to the 26,549 it recorded the year prior. Source: NHS data Your browser does not support iframes. Hospital patients and their visitors were made to fork out 146million in car parking charges (Stock Image) Campaign groups also warned 'sky high' prices could put people off seeking care or deprive them of the support they get from visitors. Analysis by this website, compiled into a search tool for readers, shows the burden is not being felt equally across the country. Other trusts that enjoyed massive boosts to their non-staff parking income last year included cancer treatment centre The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. The former recorded 210,603 (an increase from 7,916) whereas the latter made 535,127 (an increase from 26,432). While Liverpool University Hospitals saw the largest percentage increase in parking income year-on-year, it wasn't the biggest overall earner. Graphic shows the ten NHS trusts with the highest income from parking charges University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire made 5.2million from patient and visitor parking fees last year. It was followed by University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, with 3.6million. Meanwhile, parking fees paid by hospital staff soared eight-fold nationally compared to the previous year, from 5.6million in 2021/22 to 46.7million in 2022/23. The enormous jump is because some parking charges scrapped during Covid were reintroduced in March last year. The figures cover parking fees, permits, fines and VAT, but exclude any charges or costs incurred by trusts who use third-party parking contractors. For example, some NHS hospitals in the UK don't own their own car parks, instead leasing them from a private company. The current totals are still lower than before the pandemic, however. In 2019-20, patients and their visitors paid 199.2m for parking, and staff were charged 90.1m. Current NHS guidance, updated in March last year, says disabled people, frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight and staff working night shifts should park for free. The guidelines also recommend that any charges are 'reasonable for the area' while deterring commuters and shoppers. But 18 trusts still make disabled people pay for parking at some or all of their sites, NHS data suggests. Daisy Cooper, health and social care spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, who uncovered national figures, said: 'Hospital car parking fees are becoming a tax on caring for visitors and our hard-working NHS staff. 'This Conservative Government is utterly failing to deliver on their promise to crack down on unfair hospital parking fees, and people are literally paying the price.' A Tory spokesman said: 'The Conservatives have fulfilled their manifesto pledge to end unfair charges for those in greatest need. The Lib Dems should come clean as to which services they would cut to subsidise parking further.' Ministers were accused of failing to deliver on the Tory manifesto pledge to abolish unfair fees (Stock Image) Pictured: A sign for the visitor car park at Darlington Memorial Hospital (Stock Image) A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said they had provided free hospital parking in England for those most in need. He added: 'As of October 2022, all trusts that charge for car parking have fully implemented this commitment. This is the first time that free hospital car parking in England has been made available to those who need it the most.' Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, which campaigns for elderly people, said: There is no case for any parking charges for essential visits to hospital or for hospital workers. Nobody goes to hospital to get some exercise walking around the corridors or to make use of the over-priced retail units. Everyone is there because someone is very sick. Hospital parking charges are often sky-high for very short visits and definitely act as disincentives for regular family visits to long-term patients. And if you need to go to A&E, not only do you have to put up with hours of waiting, but you have to keep popping out to feed the greedy meters. Parking charges in hospitals represent a very regressive way of raising funds for the NHS. Campaigners also voiced concerns that high charges could deter patients from seeking care (Stock Image) NHS Trust gross income from car parking was up 50 per cent on last year. Pictured: A visitor car park at Brookland Hospital in Dover, Kent (File Image) Dr Matt Kneale, co-chair of Doctors Association UK, said: The Doctors' Association UK is alarmed by escalating car parking fees, which severely impact rotating doctors in training and, indirectly, patient care. The existing system often mandates our colleagues to extend their already lengthy shifts to find parking. This not only imposes a financial strain but also jeopardises staff wellbeing and safety, notably for those on night shifts or with irregular travel times. Variable parking fees across NHS trusts create a postcode lottery, unfairly burdening staff working across multiple sites. These challenges can also affect patient access to care, as high parking costs could deter necessary hospital visits. We call on the Government to establish a fairer, more consistent parking policy for all NHS users, considering the broader implications on healthcare delivery. Patricia Marquis, director for England at the Royal College of Nursing, said: For nursing staff and support workers, the soaring cost of parking takes too much of their low wage. Nurses work around the clock to be there for their patients and working odd shift times or in difficult locations means public transport is not always possible. District nurses even pay their own fuel costs to travel to patients. Government and the NHS must rethink - leaving nursing staff out of pocket just for doing their jobs is wholly unfair. Ministers need to invest in nursing, otherwise even more will leave this brilliant profession and it will be patients who ultimately pay the price.' Pictured: A surface hospital car park in Lancaster (File Image) Pictured: A car park outside Macclesfield General Hospital in Cheshire (File Image) Professor Phil Banfield, chair of council at the British Medical Association, said: The cost of parking on NHS sites in England is a long-standing issue for healthcare workers as well as patients; they are a covert tax on the sick, those who visit and those who care for them. In the context of chronic underinvestment in our NHS, we can see that some of the revenue trusts bring in from parking charges is invested in patient care, but it remains yet another hike in the cost of living for healthcare staff already undervalued by the UK Government. At a time when staff morale is at its lowest, they need to feel valued too many are leaving, so of course the government should be looking again at these punitive charges. While most NHS trusts increased the amount of money they made off patients and visitors, a few recorded a reduction in income. Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust only recorded a parking income of 947 last year, a 99.8 per cent reduction on the year prior when it recorded 483,138. East Cheshire NHS Trust and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust also recorded notable reductions in parking income, dropping 86.3 per cent and 44.5 per cent respectively. The great vision of Victorian thinkers and engineers lives on in the railways, the Bazalgette sewers, Brunel bridges and the town halls which grace the nations industrial cities. Contemporary political leaders fail us with a lack of resolve essential to guiding imaginary projects through to completion. There is much hand-wringing about low productivity and growth in the UK. How much better the output potential of Britain would have been if the Tories fully backed not just Hinkley but Heathrow and HS2 as well. Of the three Hs, only Hinkley in Somerset the super-nuclear power station looks as if it will be completed. And why is that possible? It is being managed by French-state owned EDF with the support of Chinese finance and an intelligent pricing policy. The vision of the Victorians lives on in the railways, bridges such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol (pictured) and the glorious town halls which grace the nation's industrial cities Former chancellor George Osborne was castigated for using a strike price for the electricity generated at twice the grid tariff at the time of commission. It has proved to be a judgement that has served the nation. Contrast Osbornes willingness to overrule penny pinching in Whitehall with the pricing foul-up over the most recent auction of offshore wind licences. A pre-Christmas decision in Whitehall to raise the strike price for wind power off the Norfolk coast by as much as 66 per cent was required to stop Swedens Vattenfall pulling out and to bring German utility RWE in as an investor. All the wrangling delayed the project and cast economic uncertainty over job prospects. The second H, Heathrow, is vital to the national interest. Business and financial services generate much of the nations wealth and Heathrow needs to be a superb hub to support Britains role. But instead, our biggest airport has a reputation for overcrowding, poor passenger experience, take-off and landing delays, over-charging for parking and long, uncomfortable bus rides from airside to terminals. A third runway would not on its own solve these problems. But it would put in place the infrastructure which could overcome delays and provide the essential capacity to compete with Frankfurt, Paris and Dubai. Haphazard Spanish control by construction group Ferrovial largely is responsible for the lack of investment which has contributed to the nightmare. Finally, there is HS2. Rishi Sunaks decision to cancel the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the project is the biggest economic blunder of his trouble-strewn administration. Transport experts and businesses have been making plans for almost a decade on the basis of a HS2 backbone. High-speed transport is one of the keys to reviving investment in the industrial North-West. Instead of showing the managerial willpower to overcome problems, Sunak dealt a fatal blow to levelling-up. We also learn that Labours biggest idea, a 28billion-a-year investment to turn Britain into a green energy superpower, could be watered down. In her first retreat, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves delayed the proposed start date until half way through the next Parliament. A further scaling back is also on the cards. Our politicians must learn that sticking to long-term goals is the path to boosting productivity and building towards a carbon-free future. Festive tax treats: Top columns of 2023 by Heather Rogers Heather Rogers is This is Money's resident tax expert. And the founder and owner of Aston Accountancy has fielded all manner of questions over the past year. Keeping sales receipts on holiday, giving away assets to avoid care fees, getting stung with a tax bill in a divorce, and many more topics have been covered. Keep your tax questions coming, by scrolling down to find out Heather's contact details. And read about three of her top columns from 2023 here. An octogenarian still working as senior partner in a family firm wrote to Heather about the best way to manage succession to her two sons and minimise any inheritance tax bill. She wanted to know if she should be transferring her shares in the business to them now. 'I am loath to do this if not absolutely necessary as it will make this poor old lady feel redundant!' she told Heather. Luckily, there is inheritance tax relief designed to help family businesses in this kind of situation. Heather explained the details to give our hard working reader some peace of mind. It is not unusual for readers to consult Heather about family problems. The grandmother in this case planned to split her estate equally between her two grandchildren, but one had a marriage described as 'rocky'. 'To avoid in the future potentially his wife being entitled to some of this inheritance we have discussed the option of my grandmother leaving 100 per cent to myself,' our reader wrote to Heather. 'My brother and I have a very good and close relationship. This would keep the money safely under my control. I would then when the time is right use the money to provide things for my brother such as a car, holiday and so on.' How do you find a good accountant? Heather Rogers answers the questions people most want to know about hiring an accountant. When do you need one, how do you find someone decent, and what does it cost? Read her guide to getting an accountant. The reader was concerned though about the tax implications of spending potentially large amounts on 'gifts' for their brother. Heather ran through the options open to this family, but warned there was no way of completely guaranteeing protection of a future inheritance in this scenario. Many people want to avoid inheritance tax but not many move to the other side of the Earth to do it. Our reader admitted the sunshine the beautiful country of Australia enjoys was another important reason why he emigrated in 2005. 'Whilst I am not wealthy, my estate is likely to exceed the current UK inheritance tax threshold,' he wrote. 'Australia, being a far more enlightened country, does not have this death tax - pay during your lifetime and get clobbered again when you die.' Heather explained that how your estate is taxed depends not only on your residency but on your domicile, how these work in general, and their bearing on this case. Please note that the information box by This is Money in this column about how inherited pensions are taxed in the UK is now superseded by news in the recent Autumn Statement. The Chancellor has dropped plans for tighter tax rules for pensions inherited from people who die aged under 75. AstraZeneca has agreed to buy a Shanghai-based pharmaceutical company for just under 1bn as it places its bets on Chinas medical technology. Britains biggest drugmaker yesterday said it would buy Gracell Biotechnologies for up to 950million. It comes as pharmaceutical giants are increasingly eyeing investments in China and its biotech industry. The takeover which is one of AstraZenecas first outright acquisitions in China represents a bold move by long-serving boss Pascal Soriot. It is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2024, according to a statement from the Cambridge-based firm. It means AstraZeneca will invest further in cancer cell therapy treatment. China deal: AstraZeneca's takeover of Shanghai-based Gracell Biotechnologies represents a bold move by long-serving boss Pascal Soriot (pictured) A potential new treatment for multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer, could be added to what AstraZeneca calls its own growing pipeline of cell therapies. Susan Galbraith, executive vice president of oncology research and development at AstraZeneca, said: The proposed acquisition will complement AstraZenecas existing capabilities and previous investments in cell therapy. The company has already established a presence in complex cancer treatments known as CAR-T and T-cell receptor therapies targeted at tumours. The addition of Gracell means AstraZeneca can also explore using cell therapy to help people with autoimmune diseases, Galbraith added. Earlier this year Soriot said there had been an explosion of biotech companies that are coming up with innovative medicines and new technologies in China. AstraZeneca has the biggest sales of any overseas pharmaceutical company in China and has already agreed a handful of licensing agreements there over the twelve months. It is another purchase in a recent shopping spree after AstraZeneca said it would buy Seattle-based Icosavax its first vaccine company for 875million earlier this month. Rival GSK is also searching for deals in China after chief commercial officer Luke Miels recently told the Financial Times that it was working on deals in the country. GSK signed a licensing agreement in October worth up to 1.2billion for a cancer drug developed by Hansoh Pharma. It remains an unusual military outpost in the middle of the South China Sea BRP Sierra Madre was grounded on purpose by the Philippines in 1999 With tensions rising in the South China Sea, a rusting Second World War ship wrecked on a tiny island could be all that stands between Beijing and the complete control over one of the world's busiest shipping routes. Although now crumbling with rust and holes, the slightly listing BRP Sierra Madre on Second Thomas Shoal remains an actively commissioned Philippine navy ship, meaning any assault on it would be considered an act of war. And with China growing more aggressive in its push to dominate the region, it has become a fragile symbol of the territorial claims of the Philippines, as well as a growing flash point between Manila and Beijing. For more than two decades, Filipino soldiers have been stationed on the vessel where they sleep 'eyeball to eyeball' for months on end, keeping watch over the Sierra Madre and - by extension - the South China Sea. The warship was deliberately grounded by Manila's navy on the Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert its sovereign rights over the atoll. But the BRP Sierra Madre's journey to shoal, and its duty as an unlikely military outpost, dates back farther. With tensions rising in the South China Sea, the BRP Sierra Madre (pictured) - a rusting Second World War ship wrecked on a tiny island - could be all that stands between Beijing and the complete control over one of the world's busiest shipping routes This photo taken on August 22, 2023 shows a general view of the grounded Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre, with the flag of the Philippines seen flying over the vessel The vessel started life in the US navy as the USS LST-821. It was laid down in 1944 and launched that year on October 27 straight into the fray of the Second World War. During World War II, it was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theatre, and spent the remainder of the war ferrying supplies around Western Pacific ports ahead of the planned invasion of the Japanese islands, and with the end of the war, the ship continued to support the US occupation of Japan. On December 11 1945, the USS LST-821 sailed back to the United States where it was decommissioned and put on leave, and in 1955 was renamed USS Harnett County. Another decade later, it was recommissioned and returned to service in the Vietnam War in which it saw extensive action, before again being decommissioned in 1970. Over the course of its service in the Vietnam War, the crew of the Harnett County was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations for 'extraordinary heroism' and 'superb' performance, while the ship received several accolades. In October 1970, the US transferred the ownership of the vessel over to the Republic of Vietnam Navy, and it was again renamed the RVNS My Tho (HQ-800). During the fall of Saigon, it was loaded with more than 3,000 refugees from the city and sailed downriver towards the ocean, before eventually arriving at Subic Bay in the Philippines after a desperate 1,000 mile journey east. In exchange for its assistance in harbouring the South Vietnamese refugees, the United States brokered an agreement that saw all operable ships moored in the bay transferred over to the Philippines. The Philippines navy officially acquired the ship in 1976 and renamed her BRP Dumagat, but was quickly renamed again to BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) - after Sierra Madre mountain range - the country's longest mountain range. For the following decades, the ship continued to operate as an amphibious transport, until 1999 when it reached its journey's end. It was then when the Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded by the Filipino navy on the Second Thomas Shoal (locally known as Ayungin Shoal) to assert its sovereign rights over the atoll that lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). For more than two decades, that is where it has remained, grounded in the remote, shallow waters to guard against Chinese expansion. But why is the shoal so significant to both sides today? Although now crumbling with rust and holes, the slightly listing BRP Sierra Madre (seen in 2014) on Second Thomas Shoal remains an actively commissioned Philippine navy ship, meaning any assault on it would be considered an act of war The warship was deliberately grounded by Manila's navy on the Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert its sovereign rights over the atoll. But the BRP Sierra Madre's journey to shoal, and its duty as an unlikely military outpost, dates back farther China's repeated attempts to blockade the Second Thomas Shoal, located less than 200 nautical miles from the Philippines' province of Palawan, has made the submerged reef a flashpoint for conflict between Manila and Beijing. Philippine officials and security experts fear Beijing is plotting to take over the shoal and militarise it as it did with Mischief Reef, which lies just 25 miles from the shoal. 'The shoal is a good site for a military base and China has the money to turn it into one,' said Jonathan Malaya, a senior official at the Philippines' National Security Council. 'That's why they wanted it.' China, which has deployed vessels to patrol there, has repeatedly called on the Philippines to tow away the ship based on what it says was a 'promise' made by Manila, but Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr denied such a pact existed. If there ever were such a deal, he was rescinding it, he said. China has repeatedly and forcibly blocked supply ships from reaching the vessel. Jay Batongbacal, a Manila-based expert on maritime law, has said Second Thomas Shoal is not only close to the Philippines, but is also close to the sea lines of communication passing through the Palawan passage. This makes it an ideal extension of Mischief Reef for China, which Beijing has occupied since 1995. Analysts believe that China is waiting for the rusting ship to simply crumble into the sea, leaving South Thomas Shoal unoccupied. But abandoning the ship would be painful for the Philippines. The Sierra Madre is 'a symbol of how far and by how much our sovereignty and sovereign rights stretch,' Jaime Naval, assistant professor at University of the Philippines, told The Guardian in October. However, bringing materials to reinforce the shop is complex, either by air or by water, given the efforts by Chinese boats to block supplies from reaching it. Second Thomas Shoal only has a single, narrow entrance that can easily be blocked, and Chinese ships quickly deploy there from Mischief Reef. Philippine military chief, General Brawner, right, and Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, left, Commander of the AFP's Western Command shares a meal with Filipino marines and navy personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, December 10, 2023 Philippine military chief, General Brawner, center, and Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, right, Commander of the AFP's Western Command poses for pictures during their visit with Filipino marines and navy personnel stationed aboard the grounded vessel The Sierra Madre's importance has only grown in recent years, with Manila and Beijing becoming embroiled in increasingly intense confrontations over and around the Second Thomas Shoal. China has become more assertive in pressing its maritime claims, alarming rival claimants and other states operating in the South China Sea, including the US. China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, pointing to a line on its maps that cuts into the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. Taiwan, which China also claims as part of its territory, has said it does not accept Beijing's maps. In early December, Manila accused Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels of repeatedly firing water cannon at its resupply boats and deliberately ramming another near the Second Thomas Shoal. While this was not the first time that China's coastguard vessels had fired water cannon at Philippine boats, the incident caused such serious engine damage to one of the resupply vessels that it had to be towed back to the port. This prevented it from completing its mission. The Philippines military chief was onboard another boat which was also fired on by water cannons and rammed while transporting food and water for Filipino soldiers living aboard the ageing Sierra Madre. Philippine Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Romeo Brawner, said he was unhurt and that he does not believe China knew he was on the boat. But Manila summoned Beijing's ambassador and filed diplomatic protests over what it called China's 'aggressive' actions that were a threat to 'peace, good order and security' in the region. China's foreign ministry said it has lodged solemn representations and a strong protest with the Philippine side over the collision it blamed on Manila, which has accused Beijing of spreading false narratives. The Sierra Madre is seen in this aerial shot of Second Thomas Shoal taken in March 2020 China's repeated attempts to blockade the Second Thomas Shoal, located less than 200 nautical miles from the Philippines' province of Palawan, has made the submerged reef (seen from above in 2020) a flashpoint for conflict between Manila and Beijing A Chinese Coast Guard ship uses water cannons on Philippine navy-operated supply boat M/L Kalayaan as it approaches Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday Dec. 10, 2023 General Brawner told the Associated Press that China was escalating its aggression in the contested waters but said it would not deter Filipino forces from defending their territorial interests. December saw more than 100 official Chinese and other government-linked ships swarm the high seas around the contested Second Thomas Shoal. Brawner said their presence was much bigger than in previous months. 'It's pure aggression,' Gen Brawner said at the time. 'I witnessed how many times the big Chinese coastguard and militia ships cut our path. 'They water-cannoned us, then bumped us. It's angering. 'This really needs a diplomatic solution at the higher level,' he said, but added that the armed forces would continue to support front-line troops and protect fishermen. Gen Brawner, the US-educated chief of the 150,000-member armed forces of the Philippines, joined navy personnel in a wooden-hulled supply boat, the Unnaiza Mae 1, which brought Christmas gifts, food and other supplies to a small contingent of Filipino marines and navy personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre. Gen Brawner said he conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's Christmas greetings to the Filipino forces and shared with them a traditional rice lunch. The latest confrontations further strain relations between the Philippines and Beijing, which have grown tense under President Marcos. He has increasingly accused China of aggressive behaviour, while he has sought closer ties with the United States. But Justin Baquisal, National Security Analyst at FACTS Asia, thinks that would not affect the overall shape of high-level China-Philippines relations, since 'a lot of the tit-for-tat on the South China Sea issue only happens at the ground-level.' Philippine officials have also said that disputes in the South China Sea were not the sum of the country's relationship with China, which is among the Philippines' top trading partners. Marcos has also kept the conversations with his Chinese counterpart going, and at the sidelines of an economic summit in San Francisco last month he and President Xi met to formulate ways forward in the South China Sea. USS Harnett County (AGP-821) is seen operating in South Vietnamese waters, some time between 19671970 during its time in the US navy and operating during the Vietnam War But in the event of a conflict, the US has repeatedly warned it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships or aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea. China has warned the US not to meddle in what it says is a purely Asian dispute. The country has rejected all international condemnation and attempts at legal intervention, including a 2016 ruling by a UN-backed arbitration tribunal that invalidated China's claims, leaving them without any legal basis. China says it has a legal right to 'defend its sovereignty' in keeping with its expansive claim to the South China Sea. 1956 - PHILIPS SOLO CHRISTMAS Philip, wore a tie with a pattern of hearts on and was said to be terribly hurt and very angry about the situation. Queen Elizabeth II poses with her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, after their reunion at Lisbon on the royal visit to Portugal, February 1957 The Christmas of 1956 was a particularly upsetting one for the late Queen. After four years of playing second fiddle to his wife Prince Philip jumped at the chance of undertaking an extended four-month tour of the southern hemisphere on the Royal Yacht Britannia. This meant he missed his wedding anniversary (though he did send her some white roses and a photo of two iguanas appearing to embrace), Charless 8th birthday and the festive season. Rumours of a royal rift escalated and when the couple were reunited in Portugal it was before the worlds press. Philip, wore a tie with a pattern of hearts on and was said to be terribly hurt and very angry about the situation. 1957 - A TRAUMATIC BROADCAST Queen Elizabeth in a photograph taken after her Christmas Day message to the nation in 1957 - the first time it would be broadcast on television as well as radio A family watches as the Queen makes her first televised Christmas broadcast In 1957 the Queen decided to her Christmas speech should be televised for the first time. Once again it was a live broadcast. The Eastern Electricity Board had to dig up the lawns at Sandringham to lay cables to run a power supply into the house. The Queen later recalled electricians drilling holes through the walls to let the cables in as well as icy blasts of air which made her shiver more than her nerves did. To her amusement, make-up girls had to paint huge yellow spots on her forehead, cheeks, and chin to tone down the shine on her skin as well as having to darken the parting in her hair as it would have looked like a thick white line across her head. Ironically, the theme of the broadcast was I welcome you to the peace of my own home. 1959 - MARGARET PUTS THE CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS Queen Elizabeth laughs heartily but Princess Margaret looks nonplussed as they leave Liverpool Street Station by car. The sisters were returning to London from Sandringham earlier that year The Queen pictured in December 1963, following a Windsor memorial service for President John F Kennedy The Queen was heavily pregnant with Prince Andrew when the family gathered at Sandringham for the last Christmas of the Fifties. She was concerned about two issues. Firstly, she wanted to honour Philip by declaring that their descendants would have the surname Mountbatten Windsor. This upset traditionalists led by the Queen Mother and the Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. Secondly her sister Princess Margaret had told her that she wanted to marry society photographer Antony Armstrong Jones which was another shock to the establishment. When the PM arrived at Norfolk to see the Queen he was met by her red-faced uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, who declared: Thank heavens youve come, Prime Minister. The Queen is in a terrible state. Theres a fellow called Jones in the billiard room says he wants to marry her sister, and Prince Philips in the library wanting to change the family name to Mountbatten. The princess was given permission to marry but had to wait until the birth of Andrew on 19 February before she could announce her engagement. 1969 THE QUEEN IS A NO SHOW AT CHRISTMAS Christmas at Windsor Castle is shown here with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip shown putting finishing touches to the Christmas tree In October 1969 it was announced that the Queen would not make a Christmas broadcast the time in her 70-year reign that she didnt make the speech, replacing it with a written message. Prince Philip thought it was getting stale and told a press conference we thought wed take this year off and scratch our heads and see whether we can do something better. When it returned in 1970 it included photos and film footage of the royals, making for a less formal programme. 1992 - THE ANNUS HORRIBILIS CHRISTMAS The Queen makes her Christmas Day broadcast in 1992, the end of a terrible year featuring family divorce and the devastating fire at Windsor Castle Princess Margaret, rear left, Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother, centre in blue, are greeted by children at Sandringham, on Christmas Day 1992 The Queen described 1992 as her annus horribilis. It saw the marriages of Charles and Diana and Andrew and Fergie end in separation as well as the disastrous fire at Windsor Castle. The country waited with bated breath to hear what the Queen would say in her broadcast. They didnt have too long to wait since The Sun newspaper obtained a leak copy of the pre-recorded speech and splashed the transcript word for word across its middle pages. The Queen instructed her solicitors, Farrer & Co to threaten the newspaper with legal action. In the end 200,000 was paid to one of her charities in an out-of-court settlement. 1997 - CHRISTMAS WITHOUT DIANA Prince Charles, his younger son Prince Harry, his niece Zara Phillips and his sister HRH Princess Anne, behind, walk from Sandringham Parish Church on Christmas Day 1997 Prince William, and Prince Charles attend the annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church in 1997 Christmas Day 1997, the first without their mother, was bound to be traumatic for princes William and Harry. They attended church at Sandringham as usual, with Harry staying close to his fathers side and William next to his cousin Peter Phillips as they walked past a crowd of 1000 onlookers. Canon George Hall said to the congregation: 'We thank God for Diana, Princess of Wales, and for all our loved ones who have departed this life.' In her Christmas broadcast the Queen added 'we all felt the shock and sorrow of Dianas death.' 2007 - HARRYS CHRISTMAS FIGHTING THE ENEMY Prince Harry talks to aircraft operating over Afghanistan on December 31, 2007 in Helmand province, Afghanistan Prince Harry spent Christmas 2007 fighting in Afghanistan. He woke up on Christmas Day on a camp bed in a former Taliban religious school, its walls peppered with bullet-holes following a night in which the temperature had fallen to -8 degrees. The only washing facilities were icy water outside in a bucket. Instead of the specially reared Norfolk turkey his relations were tucking into at Sandringham the prince had a scrawny chicken, freshly slaughtered by Gurkha soldiers with their fearsome daggers. Harry had volunteered to serve at Christmas: 'I was hoping to come down here for Christmas Day to be with the Gurkhas,' the Prince explained. 'I don't know why, it was just something I wanted to do, just to be with them.' This year, having missed the Christmas post, the Prince had no presents sent to him. 'I got nothing for Christmas, most of these guys got nothing for Christmas,' he said, although, like his fellow soldiers, he did benefit from anonymous parcels sent to all British troops by well-wishers at home. 2011 - PRINCE PHILIPS HEART OP Britain's Prince Charles leaves Papworth Hospital in Cambridge after visiting his father, The Duke of Edinburgh, on December 24 Prince Philip leaves Papworth Hospital to rejoin the royal family at Sandringham On Friday 23rd December 2011, 90-year-old Prince Philip collapsed with chest pains at Sandringham. A helicopter was scrambled for him to be flown to Papworth Hospital, Huntingdon, where he underwent an emergency angioplasty to have a stent fitted in an artery to relieve a blockage. The following day the Queen and four of her children took a helicopter flight to the hospital to see the Duke and on Christmas Day his six older grandchildren spent the day with him. He was well enough to eat a Christmas Dinner, and he was driven back to Sandringham on the 27th. Meanwhile a crowd estimated at 3,000 people three times the normal size gathered to show support for the Queen as she arrived at church on the royal estate. 2016 - WILLIAM AND KATE ENJOY A MIDDLE CLASS CHRISTMAS Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge attend Church on Christmas Day on December 25, 2016 in Bucklebury William and Kate broke with royal tradition by spending the festive season with the Middleton family at their Bucklebury home. It was the second time they had missed a Sandringham Christmas. The last was in 2012 when Kate had recently been hospitalised with severe morning sickness. One theory is that they were putting their small children first. At Sandringham royal toddlers and babies eat separately from the adults and are not permitted to go to church. This year three-and-a-half-year-old George and 20-month-old Charlotte attended the Christmas Day service at the local church and were very much part of the lunch party at the more relaxed Middleton home. 2021 - THE FAMILY GATHER TO SUPPORT THE QUEEN Queen Elizabeth II records her annual Christmas broadcast in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle on December 23, 2021 in Windsor, The Queens final Christmas was spent at Windsor Castle. The 95-year-old monarch was growing increasingly frail and very much missed her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, who had passed away the previous April. She was joined by three of her children Charles, Andrew and Edward as well as daughters in law Camilla and Sophie and grandchildren Beatrice Eugenie and five great grandchildren. William and Kate were at Anmer Hall in Norfolk for Christmas with Kates family and the Sussexes were in California. Sadly, Princess Anne was unable to attend the gathering as her husband, Tim Laurence had tested positive for Covid-19. In what would be her last, and most poignant Christmas broadcast, the Queen referred to the death of my beloved Philip and how that mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him. Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a Missouri teen convicted of orchestrating her medically abusive mom's murder in 2015, is set to be freed from prison tomorrow after serving eight years behind bars. Blanchard, now 32, was the subject of a bizarre media frenzy that spawned numerous documentaries and a Hulu series, after she ordered her online boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to stab her mother Claudine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard, 48, to death. The teen is believed to have suffered one of the highest profile cases of Munchausen syndrome, where her mom's insistence that she suffered various made-up illnesses led her to undergo painful surgeries and take medications with adverse side effects. It was also claimed her mother kept her imprisoned and malnourished, and after meeting Godejohn online in 2012, she confided in him about her mother's coercive and sadistic control over her, and they began to form a plan to kill. Claudine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard (right) convinced her daughter Gypsy Rose (left) and others that she was suffering a variety of illnesses including leukemia and muscular dystrophy. The abuse continued for years, until Gypsy Rose ordered her mother's murder to 'escape' Gypsy Rose (pictured in recent years behind bars) endured years of torment as her mother kept her confined to a wheelchair and forced her to undergo painful surgeries and take medications with adverse side effects Gypsy Rose (left) was handed a ten-year sentence for plotting to kill her mother, while her online boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn (right) was given a life sentence Dee Dee was found on the morning of June 14, 2015, after being stabbed 17 times in her sleep by Godejohn, who is currently serving life in prison without parole. She had built a public persona as a doting caregiver for her chronically sick daughter, making a number of local media appearances while enjoying perks like charity-funded trips to concerts and Disney World. Her death was only discovered after a Facebook account she shared with Gypsy Rose posted a chilling statement: 'That b**** is dead!' The brutal murder shocked the local community and led to a wave of speculation over what led to it, with Green County Sheriff Jim Arnott telling reporters shortly after investigations began that 'things are not always as they appear.' But the twisted saga that led to the slaying began two decades prior, when Gypsy was only three months old, and her mother told doctors the infant was having trouble breathing. She was diagnosed with sleep apnea and given breathing apparatus, the first of many instances where Dee Dee falsified her daughter's ailments. Because of her mother's unyielding focus on Gypsy's non-existent illnesses, she was forced to use a wheelchair from a young age, and Dee Dee told her family the child was suffering a chromosomal disorder that limited her movement. In the subsequent years, the list of diseases and illnesses that Dee Dee told people her daughter suffered from included leukemia and muscular dystrophy, as she insisted to anyone speaking to her to remember she had the 'mind of a seven-year-old.' She would shave Gypsy Rose's head to mimic the effects of leukemia, force her to use a wheelchair 24/7, sleep with a breathing machine, and even ordered the removal of her salivary glands. Dee Dee once conned doctors into removing Gypsy Rose's salivary glands, and was accused of a number of depraved lies including shaving her head to make it seem she was suffering from leukemia Dee Dee is believed to have suffered from Munchausen by proxy syndrome, as she led people to believe that her daughter was terminally ill to enjoy praise as a doting mother along with perks such as charity-funded tickets to concerts and Disney World The twisted story was told in Hulu series 'The Act', with Dee Dee portrayed by Patricia Arquette (left) and Gypsy Rose played by Joey King (right) It was believed Dee Dee thrived on control over her daughter, and she had previously been ostracized from her family due to suspicions she killer her mother by withholding food. While many of Gypsy Rose's disorders were entirely fictitious, Gypsy Rose's frequent hospital visits saw her take an array of medications that severely hampered her health. In one instance, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and prescribed Tegretol, which caused her teeth to fall out. This also saw Dee Dee fit a feeding tube to her wheelchair, despite Gypsy Rose's ability to eat and drink normally. As a former nurse, Dee Dee was able to convince some doctors of her young daughter's symptoms, and would cease all contact with any that would question her or offer contradictory medical results. She was also accused of plying her daughter with certain medications to mimic symptoms, such as using a topical anesthetic to numb her gums to make her drool. Munchausen syndrome by proxy typically centers on caregivers coercing and repressing individuals for attention, however it is also suspected that Dee Dee's motivation for her daughter's ordeal was financial. She had enlisted funding and services from a number of charities, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House, and after Hurricane Katrina devastated their home in Louisiana, they received a slew of support. This included Habitat for Humanity building them a bright-pink home equipped for Gypsy Rose's various fictitious problems, including a wheelchair ramp, while soliciting donations from well-wishers who thought she was a struggling mom taking care of her sick child in a crisis. Hurricane Katrina also offered Dee Dee an opportunity to bolster the lies around her daughter as she claimed medical records, such as her birth certificate, were destroyed in the floods. When Gypsy Rose entered adolescence, she was kept under even tighter control by her mother, who convinced her that she essentially could not move around or function without her. Amid questions over why she didn't expose her mother's lies, Gypsy Rose said she lived in a haze of confusion and deceit, saying she 'couldn't just jump out of the wheelchair, because I was afraid and I didn't know what my mother would do. I didn't have anyone to trust.' Dee Dee was able to keep up the charade of her daughter's illness throughout her childhood, and would cease all contact with any doctors who questioned her health or offered contradictory medical results Because Gypsy Rose's mom would shave her head to mimic the effects of leukemia, she was frequently seen wearing wigs, including her 'favorite' blonde princess wig On one occasion when she was 14, a Missouri neurologist determined Gypsy Rose was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and later expressed regret at never telling authorities of his suspicions. A separate report also made similar claims and led caseworkers to visit their home, however Dee Dee convinced them the allegations were baseless smears. Dee Dee also began to lie about her daughter's age during her teenage years, helped by her birth certificate ostensibly being destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. In a moment that may have spurred her hopes of freedom from her mother's control, Gypsy Rose attempted to flee when she attended a science fiction convention in 2011, taking off with a man she had met online. She was quickly tracked down to a hotel room by her mother, and although Gypsy Rose was 19 at the time, Dee Dee produced fictitious paperwork claiming she was a minor. Gypsy would later say that when they returned home, Dee Dee smashed her computer with a hammer and left her restrained and handcuffed to her bed for two weeks. The year after her attempted escape, Gypsy had managed to worm her way back online, mostly using the internet after her mom had fallen asleep to avoid detection. Despite being unsure on her true age and believing many of the lies about her health, she joined a Christian dating site to try and meet other people in her sheltered life, which is where she encountered Nicholas Godejohn. The two reportedly bonded over an interest in BDSM kinks, and would frequently talk about violent sexual fantasies, including about Godejohn's 'evil side.' He had been diagnosed autistic, and also had a criminal record for indecent exposure after being caught watching pornography in a McDonalds with his hands down his pants for almost nine hours, according to a local report from Patch.com. Questions remain over Gypsy Rose's culpability in her mother's murder, amid claims she funded her killer boyfriend's travel and provided him with the knife used in the 2015 slaying In 2015, three years after they first met online, the couple met in person, and Gypsy Rose was said to be so keen for her mother's approval she arranged for Godejohn to pretend to meet them spontaneously at a cinema screening of Cinderella. She then snuck away for a bathroom break, and reportedly had sex with Godejohn in the stalls. Shortly after their first encounter, the couple began to plan Dee Dee's murder, fueled by Gypsy Rose's confessions of the abuse she had suffered throughout her life. She later told a Discovery ID documentary that the moment the plan formed came as the couple 'were talking one night, and he said that he would do anything to protect me, and I asked him, 'Anything?' and he said, 'Yeah.' 'From anybody?' [I asked], he said 'Yeah.' 'Even my mom?' [I asked], he said 'Yes.' And that's when this kind of plan started to develop [into] a murder plot.' According to Fox4, she sent Godejohn money to help him travel from Wisconsin to her home in Missouri, and stole a knife from Walmart for him to use in the attack. Godejohn then arrived at the family home in Springfield in June 2015, however it is not clear the exact date of the attack as Dee Dee lay in a pool of her own blood for several days. He was let into the home by Gypsy Rose after her mom had gone to sleep, and hid in the bathroom with her hands over her ears to mask the noise of the savage stabbing. She told ABC News that she wanted her mom to die 'not because I hated her... it was because I wanted to escape her.' In an HBO documentary, Gypsy Rose later alleged that Godejohn raped her directly after the murder, which he said in a police interview that he believed to be 'pretty much kind of consensual.' 'I don't consider it to be consensual,' she said. Amid questions over why she didn't expose her mother's lies, Gypsy Rose said she lived in a haze of confusion and deceit, saying she 'couldn't just jump out of the wheelchair, because I was afraid and I didn't know what my mother would do. I didn't have anyone to trust' Despite her claims that Godejohn sexually assaulted her, the duo then appeared to spend around five days together, carrying out regular errands including shopping at Walmart. Godejohn would go on to describe those on the run days as 'the happiest' of his life, feeling that he got to enjoy a brief period of time with his 'soulmate.' 'That was, man, probably the best days of my life, that's the only way I can describe it,' he told Oxygen in 2019 from behind bars, where he will spend the rest of his days without the possibility of parole. 'I enjoyed every second of it,' he continued. 'From the very beginning, I just knew we were soulmates. Those five days when I was actually with her, physically with her, those five days were the most intense, and magical, and awe-inspiring days I've ever had.' Police were initially baffled by Gypsy Rose's disappearance after her mother's murder and believed she may have been abducted, however investigators quickly realized her home life may not have been as it first seemed. 'Once we started peeling the layers back in, we started getting information based on our Facebook posts, we were able to put everything together and that's when we were able to figure out that she was, in fact, alive,' said Sheriff Arnott at the time. 'And then in talking with the detectives immediately up there, she was walking, which we all thought was impossible.' Cops launched an urgent manhunt for the couple after Dee Dee was found on June 14, and they were tracked via the chilling Facebook posts from Dee Dee's shared Facebook account. Alongside the post announcing her death, another, more disturbing post, read: 'I - SLASHED THAT **** AND RAPED HER SWEET INNOCENT DAUGHTER... HER SCREAM WAS SOOOO LOUD LOL.' The Facebook posts were traced to Godejohn's house in Big Bend, Wisconsin, and the duo were promptly charged. Gypsy Rose has talked of her depseration to 'escape' her mother, claiming she was the victim of a years-long medical abuse campaign that saw her mother rub numbing agents on her gums to make her drool convincingly Gypsy was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2015 after accepting a plea deal admitting her role in her mother's slaying. She is now set to be freed after serving 85 percent of her sentence Although they were quickly snared, they had at one stage thought they'd got away with the crime successfully, and Godejohn said they were already planning their fantasy life together. 'I was gonna get a job and start looking for an apartment. After a little ways down the road, I'd probably end up marrying her and end up having children with her,' he said. 'That's something I've never had with someone else. To this day, she's the only one I've ever had that with.' He pinned the blame for the idea to kill Dee Dee on Gypsy Rose, saying that she masterminded the plot after the coercive mom tried to keep them apart - despite Gypsy Rose being 23 at that time. Referring to his frenzied stab attack, he said: 'Somehow I just knew, deep within my heart, some way me and her would end up being together in the end. There's no other option, we gotta do it. 'I wanted to make sure her mom was not going to harm her anymore. I made sure of that.' At his trial, Godejohn's lawyers described the killer as a 'low-functioning person with autism', who was 'so in love with (Gypsy Rose) and so obsessed with her that he would do anything... and Gypsy knew that.' He pleaded not-guilty, and a number of psychologists testified to his mental state, however it was successfully argued by prosecutors that Godejohn understood the weight of his plan, not least having discussed it with Gypsy Rose for at least a year. After her own trial for her mother's murder, Gypsy Rose shocked the world after she walked into her first court hearing without any assistance. Gypsy Rose shocked the world after she walked into her first court hearing without assistance At his trial, Godejohn's lawyers described the killer as a 'low-functioning person with autism', who was 'so in love with (Gypsy Rose) and so obsessed with her that he would do anything... and Gypsy knew that' In the years since their murderous plot, Gypsy Rose and Godejohn have parted ways, with family members saying they see her twisted relationship with him as an act of 'desperation.' Godejohn told ABC News in 2018 that he felt 'betrayed' by Gypsy, saying: 'I loved Gypsy to the point where I would ... do anything for her. I've proven that with what I did. 'Unfortunately, because of how far I went, I feel as if she's betrayed me. I feel that she's abandoned me... there is a part of me that will probably always love her, but she's hurt me so badly.' In 2019, the same year Godejohn gushed over his final days of freedom, family friend Fancy Macelli told People that Gypsy Rose had gotten engaged in prison to a pen pal. 'They are very happy,' Macelli said at the time. 'You can hear the excitement in her voice.' She said Gypsy Rose's fiance, who she didn't name, contacted her after watching HBO documentary 'Mommy Dead and Dearest'. It is unclear if the couple are still together, with Macelli saying the family approved of the relationship, but warned they weren't in for an easy time together. 'Whether it ends up being (a good thing) in the end who knows, but for her right now it's a very positive and happy time.' 'She's 27 years old, she deserves to be in love and she deserves to have somebody who cares about her,' Macelli concluded. 'He's just there for her.' Now, after serving eight years of her 10-year prison sentence, Gypsy Rose can look forward to freedom, as her parole was granted in Missouri in September. The strange and depraved saga that landed her in prison for 10 years still sparks questions to this day, with Sheriff Arnott recently telling Ozarks First that he still has doubts about the case to this day. 'From my perspective, she was the mastermind behind the murder of her mother,' he said, feeling that the 10-year sentence she received, in response to a guilty plea, was too lenient for her role in her mother's murder. 'If she served the 85%, then it is what it is. She did her time,' he said. 'There's a lot of victims in this deal. And that's not just Deedee and it's not Gypsy. It's the entire community.' One in five young Americans has a positive view of 9/11 mastermind and Al Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden, according to disturbing results of a DailyMail.com poll. The alarming survey also found three in 10 Gen Z voters believe the views of the anti-Semitic terrorist leader who slaughtered thousands of innocent people were a force for good'. Family members of 9/11 victims said the findings are 'horrifying' and proof of a startling trend suggesting some in the younger generation are growing sympathetic to terrorists. Another DailyMail.com poll in October found one in 10 voters under the age of 30 had a positive view of Hamas, despite the group's murderous attack on Israel that killed more than 1,300 men, women and children. Bin Laden orchestrated the 2001 hijackings that killed 2,977 people and injured thousands at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. He was also behind multiple plots that have slain countless others around the world. The relatives of the Americans he murdered 22 years ago fear his diabolical actions are quickly being forgotten. One in five young Americans have a positive view of Osama Bin Laden and three in 10 believe the views of the terrorist leader who slaughtered thousands of innocent people were a force for good, according to disturbing results of a DailyMail.com poll They have urged schools to do more to teach children about the perpetrators and for the U.S. to come clean about Saudi Arabia's involvement in the attacks. J.L. Partners asked 1,000 Americans what they thought of the man who declared holy war against the United States. The mass murderer was shot and killed by Navy SEALS in Pakistan in May 2011 after a global manhunt. When 18 to 29-year-olds were asked what they thought of the Saudi Arabian warlord, eight percent said they had a 'completely positive' view while 12 percent said they had a 'somewhat positive' perspective. Among black voters, almost one in five (18 percent) shared the same positive views. Eight percent of the Gen Z age group said both Bin Laden's 'views and actions' were good, while 23 percent said his views were good but his actions were bad. Overall, 81 percent of American voters said they had negative views of him, while just under one in ten (eight percent) viewed him positively. Fourteen percent said the terrorist leader had some 'some good in terms of either his views, actions or both' while 70 percent said both his views and actions were bad. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. was united in tracking down Bin Laden and the terrorists responsible. And in 2011, shortly after he was shot and killed, a poll of 22 countries found that three-quarters believed the United States was justified in taking him out. The stunning results of DailyMail.com's poll reveal a stark change in attitudes and follow worrying examples in recent months of younger Americans questioning Bin Laden's evil. In November, anti-Israel TikTok users sent Bin Laden's 2002 'Letter to America' with his justification for 9/11 viral. Some users said their 'eyes had been opened' and backed his claim that the attacks were a retaliation for the U.S. supporting Israel. In the letter he also accused the American government of spreading AIDS throughout the world and described homosexuality as 'immoral'. James Johnson, founder of J.L. Partners, told DailyMail.com: 'It is hard to avoid the conclusion that there is a cancer in the American body politic: a small but sizeable group of its youngest voters. 'Polling has found that 18-29-year-olds are most likely to deny the Holocaust and, in our October Daily Mail poll we found that Gen Z Americans are more likely to sympathize with Hamas. 'And now we have this on Osama Bin Laden, the man behind the biggest attack on American soil in its history. 'A few weeks ago his writings went viral, with young Americans praising the Islamist leader. Some wrote that off as a few shrill voices on social media, others suggested it was fake. 'This poll shows that was no fad, but a reflection of real opinion amongst one in five 18-29-year-olds.' Terry Strada told DailyMail.com the results are horrifying and are a disturbing sign that terrorism is being normalized. Her husband Tom, a partner at Cantor Fitzgerald, was in the North Tower on the 104th floor on 9/11. Their final conversation was when he called her after the second plane hit. Eight percent of the Gen Z age group said both Bin Laden's 'views and actions' were good, while 23 percent said his views were good but his actions were bad In the 22 years since, she has been fighting to find justice for her husband's murder and for the families of the victims as the National Chair of 9/11 Families United. What is wrong with our youth? she added. How do they not realize the horrors of terrorism? This is a dangerous and slippery slope to go down. Strada blames the results on the U.S. school system not adequately teaching the truth about 9/11 and those who were responsible. The heroism of first responders is covered in lessons, but not the role of terrorists or the involvement of any state actors. She has led the effort to pressure the U.S. government to reveal any ties Saudi Arabia had to the attacks, while they have swept them under the rug. The results of this poll, she says, will leave a terrible legacy for the children of 9/11 victims who could still be seeking answers as the vile attacks slip from the national consciousness. Brett Eagleson, who was 15 when his father perished in the South Tower, said the poll results show young minds are being 'perverted' by the U.S. government's 'feckless inability' to hold responsible parties to account. He has also spent years fighting for justice for the families torn apart on that fateful day and demanded the U.S. be more transparent about Saudi involvement. DailyMail.com: 'We have never been told the full story or truth about what happened to us on 9/11. Fourteen percent said the terrorist leader had some 'some good in terms of either his views, actions or both' while 70 percent said both his views and actions were bad 'So its no wonder why todays youth and adolescents have taken such extremist views supporting the evil that visited us that day. We have a two-decades-long government cover up to blame for this. 'The time is past for a full accounting of the Saudi Government role in 9/11 as well the intelligence failures of the US government. 'The minds of this countrys youth are being perverted by our government's feckless inability to be honest with itself and hold the rightful parties accountable, so we actually have a situation where a significant number of young people are praising the murder and death of our neighbors.' Bin Laden orchestrated the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center that killed 2,977 people and injured thousands. He was also behind multiple plots that slain countless others Brett Eagleson, who was 15 when his father perished in the South Tower, said the poll results show young minds are being 'perverted' by the U.S. government's 'feckless inability' to hold responsible parties to account Terry Strada told DailyMail.com the results are horrifying and are a disturbing sign that terrorism is being normalized. Her husband Tom, a partner at Cantor Fitzgerald, was in the North Tower on the 104th floor on 9/11 and perished after calling her for the final time He was also outraged when Bin Laden's letter went viral, and said TikTokers fawning over him realized he wouldn't hesitate to kill them. The letter began to gain traction online after UK newspaper The Guardian linked to a 2002 article which translated it in full in a piece about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. It was subsequently deleted by the British news outlet, but not before videos with the hashtag 'LettertoAmerica' had been viewed millions of times. In his infamous letter, Bin Laden ranted that the treatment of Palestinian people had to be 'revenged' and expressed justifications for the killing of civilians in the name of jihad. 'The American people are the ones who pay the taxes which fund the planes that bomb us in Afghanistan, the tanks that strike and destroy our homes in Palestine, the armies which occupy our lands in the Arabian Gulf, and the fleets which ensure the blockade of Iraq,' bin Laden wrote. In November, anti-Israel TikTok users sent Bin Laden's 2002 'Letter to America' with his justification for 9/11 viral For this reason, the Saudi Arabian terrorist wrote, all Americans and Jewish people were culpable for 'the crimes committed by the Americans and Jews against [Muslims].' Bin Laden wrote that AIDS was a 'Satanic American Invention' and repeatedly made anti-Semitic remarks including suggesting that American society was infiltrated by Jewish people who 'control your policies, media and economy.' The rapid spread of the letter and the discourse it sparked among young people shows how TikTok is becoming an influential source of news. A Pew Research poll conducted in November found the number of Americans getting their news from TikTok had quadrupled from three percent in 2020 to 14 percent in 2023. A third of those under 30 said they regularly got their news from the video platform. One of Bill Clinton's closest aides is among the dozens of people whose links to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein are set to be exposed in the new year. Documents related to Doug Band, who helped rebuild Clinton's image in his post presidency following the Monica Lewinsky scandal, will be released in early January after a ruling by a judge in New York. Six files related to Band are among the hundreds ordered unsealed by Judge Loretta Preska, a tranche of information which could give fresh insight into the former president's dealings with Epstein. More than 170 people linked to Epstein are expected to be identified in the file including the late financier's associates, friends, victims, and witnesses to his crimes. They include the managers of Epstein's island and a woman who testified at the 2021 trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's madam who is now serving 20 years in jail for recruiting underage girls for him. Doug Band (pictured right in an undated photo) one of Bill Clinton's top aides, is among more than 170 people who will be named in court documents about Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking operation due to be unsealed in early 2024 Six files relating to the Clinton confidante are due to be released in early 2024. Band has been named as Doe number 8 on the list of 177 people. He is pictured right with Ghislaine Maxwell Others could include Epstein's powerful friends: the pedophile was known to have associated with Clinton, Prince Andrew, and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Band worked in Clinton's White House Counsel's office and served as Deputy Assistant to the President before becoming his chief advisor from 2002 to 2011. With Band's help, Clinton fashioned a new role for his post presidency with his Clinton Global Initiative which donated millions to good causes. Yet Band was also with Clinton during some of his encounters with Epstein and was on the infamous 2002 trip to Africa about the pedophile's private jet where the passengers included Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker. Photos from the trip show Clinton getting a massage from Chauntae Davies, an Epstein victim who worked as a flight attendant on the jet, nicknamed the 'Lolita Express'. Afterwards Clinton called Epstein a 'highly successful financier and a committed philanthropist with a keen sense of global markets and an in-depth knowledge of twenty-first-century science'. The documents are being released as part of a 2015 defamation case against Maxwell brought by Virginia Roberts, Prince Andrew's accuser. The case was settled but the Miami Herald sued to make the case documents public and since 2019 they have been released on a rolling basis. Band worked in Clinton's White House Counsel's office and Deputy Assistant to the President before becoming his chief advisor from 2002 to 2011 The trove of names of people associated with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell is due to be released in the New Year In Judge Preska's ruling, Band is John Doe number eight and she wrote that the documents should be unsealed as 'no interests that outweigh the presumption of access have been identified with specificity'. The judge cited a 2020 Vanity Fair interview given by Band and said it was about 'his or her interactions with Epstein' and him speaking out publicly weighed 'against continued sealing'. The interview was one of the most brutal takedowns of Clinton and it came from somebody who had been so close he was almost regarded as family. Band, 51, a lawyer who works for a venture capital firm, landed an unpaid internship at the Clinton White House while he was 22 and still studying at Georgetown University. When Clinton left office in 2001 Band went with him and helped to resurrect his brand that had been tarnished by controversial pardons and the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal. In the Vanity Fair piece, Band told how he had been trying to get Clinton away from Epstein since their notorious 2002 trip to Africa on the pedophile's private plane. According to Band, who was on the trip, Epstein made a series of absurd claims including that he had invented the market in derivatives, a complex financial instrument. Band didn't know about Epstein's crimes then he was first arrested in 2006 but got enough 'bad vibes' to advise Clinton to cut ties with him. The judge cited the 2020 Vanity Fair interview given by Band in her decision to release the documents. Pictured: Band with then-President Clinton in the Oval Office Clinton posed with Maxwell on the steps of Epstein's 'Lolita Express' in 2002 During a stopover at a small airport in Portugal to refuel, Epstein victim Chauntae Davies was pictured giving the former president a neck massage But he didn't and in 2006 Epstein donated $25,000 to the Clinton Foundation and Clinton made more than 24 more trips on Epstein's jet. In January 2003, Band claimed Clinton visited Little St. James, Epstein's island in the US Virgin Islands. A Clinton spokesperson has strongly denied this, citing Clinton's travel log entries which show no visit to the island. Chelsea Clinton's relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell was another problem, Band told Vanity Fair. Clinton and Chelsea were so close to Maxwell that they attended the King of Morocco's wedding where they posed with her and Epstein. In 2010 Chelsea invited Maxwell to her lavish wedding in Rhinebeck, New York, even though Epstein had by then admitted to having sex with a minor and served 15 months in jail. Upon his release, Epstein had become a registered sex offender. Band said: 'Ghislaine had access to yachts and nice homes. Chelsea needed that'. Despite his advice, the Clintons maintained ties with Epstein and in 2006 Epstein donated $25,000 to the Clinton Foundation and Clinton made more than 24 more trips on Epstein's jet The former adviser also said Chelsea was close friends with Epstein's alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell because 'Ghislaine had access to yachts and nice homes' and 'Chelsea needed that'. In 2010 Chelsea invited Maxwell to her lavish wedding in Rhinebeck, New York In late 2011 Band told Clinton's office to bar Maxwell from all events related to the family or their various ventures. Rather than stopping their exposure to somebody embarrassing, his reasons were more personal: to drive a wedge between Maxwell and Chelsea. Band said: 'I knew in telling everyone to stop including Ghislaine that Chelsea and her father would be very angry. It made it harder for them to justify being close to her'. After Epstein's suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, Clinton faced renewed scrutiny over his links to Epstein. When police raided Epstein's New York mansion they found a bizarre painting of Clinton in a blue dress pointing outward. A spokesman for Clinton said he visited Epstein's New York apartment once in 2002 but denied any wrongdoing and said he 'knew nothing about the terrible crimes' perpetrated by the pedophile. DailyMail.com has contacted Band through AlleyCorp, a New York-based venture capital firm that he works for. He previously worked for international PR and strategy company Teneo, which he helped to set up. Six in ten voters, including nearly one third of Democrats, say Joe Biden should not run for president in 2024, according to an exclusive DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll. In a further alarming sign for Biden almost half of Democrats say it is not too late for the 81-year-old to be replaced as their party's nominee. The extensive survey showed 60 percent think Biden should not seek re-election, with only 34 percent saying he should, and six percent expressing no opinion. Perhaps the most troubling revelation for the White House will be that even 29 percent of Democrats said Biden should not run, while 64 percent say he should. The latest set of alarming results for the Biden administration come less than 24 hours after a DailyMail.com poll revealed Donald Trump is ahead by four points nationwide. Six in ten voters, including nearly one third of Democrats , say Joe Biden should not run for president in 2024, according to an exclusive DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll President Joe Biden responds to questions by members of the media upon arrival at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 20, 2023 In a further alarming sign for Biden almost half of Democrats say it is not too late for the 81-year-old to be replaced as their party's nominee EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Voters describe their 2024 choice between a Trump second term and a Biden second term as a choice between REVENGE or NOTHING in Daily Mail poll Advertisement Results for male and female voters were virtually identical, the poll revealed. It showed Biden's support has collapsed among young voters, with 68 percent of under-30s saying he should not run again, the most of any age group. In every age group over 50 percent of voters thought he should drop out of the race. Majorities of both college graduates and non-graduates also agreed. There were signs of Biden losing support in his Democrat base with 59 percent of Hispanic voters, and 49 percent of black voters, saying he should not be the nominee. And there were further worrying signs for the president with 65 percent of independent voters saying he should not run, with only 26 percent believing he should. Winning over independents will be crucial if Biden is to defeat the likely Republican nominee Donald Trump in 2024. In 2020 independents voted 54-41 in favor of Biden over Trump but that advantage now appears to be under threat. The extensive survey showed 60 percent think Biden should not seek re-election, with only 34 percent saying he should, and six percent expressing no opinion Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a 'Commit to Caucus' event for his supporters in Iowa= A word cloud based on voters' responses to the prospect of a Biden second term Joe Biden is losing support to Trump The poll showed more Democrats believe it is not too late to ditch Biden than those who think the time has passed. It revealed 44 percent of Democrats think it is not too late, while 42 percent say it is. Among independents 66 percent thought it was not too late to replace Biden, and 71 percent of Republicans agreed. Majorities of white, Hispanic and black voters all agreed it was not to late to find another Democratic nominee. Biden trails Trump in Daily Mail polling 'Voters continue to have serious doubts about Joe Biden's ability to mount another Presidential campaign,' said Scarlett Maguire, Director of J.L. Partners pollsters. 'An astonishing 6 in 10 say that Biden should not run for the Oval Office next year, including 1 in 3 Democrats. 'There are clear concerns about the President's age and his time in office.' She said Biden was seen to be more 'friendly' and 'caring' than Trump but is seriously lagging behind when it comes to 'strength' and 'getting things done. The two men are neck-and-neck on whether voters believe they have a good track record. Morgan Wright is Chief Security Advisor for the cybersecurity company SentinelOne No phones. No internet. No satellites. Oil tankers running aground. Planes falling out of the sky. Flamingos in the swimming pool. Zombie deer in the backyard. Chaos without explanation. Netflix's apocalyptic thriller 'Leave the World Behind,' starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke is based on a book by Rumaan Alam and it has terrified U.S. audiences. The film portrays a modern world in collapse. An unknown phenomenon - a foreign cyberattack, interstellar force or global cabal - knocks out vital U.S. infrastructure and, for some unexplained purpose, plunges America into a nightmare. Barack Obama's production company is behind the movie, and its director says the former president 'was able to ground me a little bit on how things might unfold in reality.' Does this dystopia have the stamp of presidential approval? Could any of this really happen? In short, yes. I should know. I've studied attacks aimed at creating real world chaos (minus the flamingos, of course), as the senior law enforcement advisor for the 2012 Republican National Convention. As a former senior advisor in the U.S. State Department Antiterrorism Assistance Program, part of my mission was to help partner countries defend their own critical infrastructures. Now, as the Chief Security Advisor for cybersecurity company SentinelOne, defense against ransomware and state-sponsored cyber strikes is my job. Netflix 's apocalyptic thriller 'Leave the World Behind,' starring Julia Roberts (right) , Mahershala Ali (left) and Ethan Hawke (center) is based on a book by Rumaan Alam and it has terrified U.S. audiences. No phones. No internet. No satellites. Oil tankers running aground. Planes falling out of the sky. Flamingos in the swimming pool. Zombie deer in the backyard. Chaos without explanation. (Above) Scene from the film Leave the World Behind - New York City is under attack China and Russia are the only adversarial nation-states with the military and cyber capability to conduct total global warfare. These enemies of America don't need to bring down passenger planes or sabotage supertankers to trigger mayhem. Hackers affiliated with the Chinese military have already reportedly digitally infiltrated critical U.S. infrastructure, including a water utility facility in Hawaii, a West Coast port, and an oil and gas pipeline, according to the Washington Post. Recall the panic set off by the Russian-linked ransomware group DarkSide attacking the Colonial Pipeline on May 7, 2021. The oil delivery system is the largest of its kind in the U.S. carrying 45 percent of the East Coast fuel supply. News channels showed images of cars lined up for miles as gas stations from Virginia to Florida ran dry and were forced to close. North Carolina declared a state of emergency. It didn't matter that the attack only lasted a few days. It didn't matter that the oil supply wasn't lost or that the government was cautioning everyone to remain calm. The fear was real - and that's a precursor to bringing a nation to its knees. China's President Xi Jinping recently warned President Biden that it's his intention to 'reunify' Taiwan with the Chinese mainland. If Beijing does decide to invade the island nation then expect the Chinese armed forces to seek to bog the United States down in a domestic crisis. Their first wave of disruption would likely target large population centers like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, or Philadelphia. News channels showed images of cars lined up for miles as gas stations from Virginia to Florida ran dry and were forced to close. North Carolina declared a state of emergency. (Above) Cars wait for gas at Atlanta, Georgia Costco in May 2021 Recall the panic set off by the Russian-linked ransomware group DarkSide attacking the Colonial Pipeline on May 7, 2021. (Above) Exxon station runs out of gas after Colonial Pipeline attack in May 2021 Taking out power to 100 homes would generate little interest and have negligible impact. The goal of a power attack is to cause massive disruption and create the conditions to overwhelm public safety and the response of federal authorities. Perhaps, the Chinese would take a page out of the Russian cyber playbook. December 23rd marked eight years since Russia attacked Ukraine's power grid with their BlackEnergy malware, a malicious computer virus that shut down the country's energy supply. The attack took out power to over 250,000 homes and affected hundreds of thousands of people. BlackEnergy was launched by a email created to look like it came from the Ukrainian parliament. When opened, the email's attachment, a Word document, gave the attackers access to the system. The Russian malware made it impossible for the Ukrainian engineers and technicians to control the electrical grid. Power at the main facilities, along with backup power, was completely disrupted. The computers controlling the utility's management were wiped clean and could not be rebooted. Failure after failure cascaded through thirty substation systems. It took several hours to restore control, and only in a manual, heavily-restricted mode. December 23rd marked eight years since Russia attacked Ukraine's power grid with their BlackEnergy malware, a malicious computer virus that shut down the country's energy supply. The attack took out power to over 250,000 homes and affected hundreds of thousands of people. (Above) Scene from Leave the World Behind - CNN broadcasts news of cyberattack Their first wave of disruption would likely target large population centers like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, or Philadelphia. (Above) Scene from Leave the World Behind - Self-driving Telsa vehicles crash making roads impassable The event that no one hoped would happen did - and it permanently changed the discussion around the security of power grids. China would also attack critical infrastructure in Guam, the Pacific Ocean island nation that lies less than 2,000 miles from Taiwan. It's here that U.S. forces would stage a military defense of Taiwan. Simultaneously, they'd target U.S. communications. Again, the Kremlin provides the blueprint. At the launch of the 2014 Russia-Ukraine war, Russia deployed a new cyber weapon striking out at the Ukrainian command-and-control infrastructure cutting the lines of communication between the generals in Kyiv and their forces on the ground. One of those weapons was given the name AcidRain. It struck high-speed modems that rely on satellites, making them inoperable, severing vital communication channels. AcidRain didn't stop there. The malware accidentally spilled over into Germany, a NATO partner, and knocked out control of 5,800 wind turbines. It's not the first time that a NATO nations has been hit by Russian attacks. The most devastating cyber strike in history was the NotPetya ransomware that jumped containment in Ukraine to infect nearly 100 companies, causing over $10 billion in damage all from a single piece of code. In response to these incidents, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana warned in January 2022 that further cyber warfare against NATO allies could be grounds to trigger an Article 5 response collective retaliation World War III. In the days following this hypothetical Chinese attack on American infrastructure, China would launch its own military operations, knowing full well the United States was likely dealing with domestic disorder. Based on Rumaan Alam's 2020 novel, the film follows the Sanford family as they depart their Brooklyn apartment for a vacation at a plush modernist rental house on Long Island But rest assured, even as Chinese and Russia have been preparing this digital battlefield for years so has the United States and its allies. The U.S. public is not often aware of this cold cyberwar because much of it remains classified, and America's authoritarian enemies are very good at silencing their domestic media. Though from time to time, news of this struggle will break through. Never officially confirmed, Operation Olympic Games was a collaborative effort between the U.S. National Security Agency and Israel to successfully disable Iranian centrifuges. Started by George W. Bush's administration in 2006 and continued by President Obama's administration, this sabotage operation sought to undermine Tehran's race to build a nuclear weapon. The U.S. deployed Stuxnet, the first true cyberweapon, which infiltrated Iran's Natanz nuclear power plant causing it's centrifuges, unbeknownst to the operators, to spin out-of-control. The malware first became known in 2010 when it was discovered by a Belarusian company. Now, nearly two decades later, imagine what is available to the U.S. to hit back in the event that its adversaries ramp up hostilities. Police Scotland is rethinking its approach to trivial cases of causing offence after logging almost 3,800 non-crime hate incidents in a year. Latest figures show the force recorded more events where no crime had been committed than genuine hate crimes. It is now looking at following guidelines set out this year which would stop frivolous cases being recorded as hate incidents. UK guidance says the fact someone is offended does not on its own qualify an internet post or a public remark to be logged. It says freedom of speech should be prioritised and those commenting on debate should not be stigmatised simply because someone is offended. Police were mocked for their probe into controversial stickers bearing the phrase women wont wheesht in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in 2021 The most recent Police Scotland performance report shows non-crime hate incidents recorded where offence may have been caused but no crime committed outstripped hate crimes by 525. There were 3,773 non-crime hate incidents compared with 3,248 hate crimes between October last year and September this year. The performance report says Police Scotland is reviewing the UK College of Policings guidance. Critics have long argued police tracking of non-crime hate incidents has a chilling effect on free speech. Campaign group Index on Censorship had claimed it was stifling robust debate. Yesterday, Scottish Conservative deputy justice spokesman Sharon Dowey backed the possible new approach. She said: Given the huge pressures on police budgets due to brutal SNP cuts, this is a welcome step in the right direction. The public expect officers to be focused on fighting crime in their communities, rather than resources being diverted towards recording incidents which are not crimes by the polices own admission. Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at Sex Matters, an organisation that campaigns for clarity on gender in law, said a more sensible approach would be very welcome particularly for Police Scotland, which she said was among the more extreme forces when it comes to the targeting of gender-critical women. The new guidance, which requires officers to prioritise freedom of expression over offensive, controversial or derogatory language, aims to drastically reduce the numbers logged by police for non-crime hate incidents, which stand at some 120,000 across the UK over the past five years. Police are advised to look for a common-sense reason not to record an incident if the complaint is trivial, irrational or malicious. Police Scotland yesterday defended its record on logging hate incidents. A spokesman said: Recording of non-crime hate incidents has been in place for many years. There are many matters which are not crimes which police deal with. We have a duty to prevent, as well as detect crime and also to work to improve community wellbeing. The recording of such matters is in line with that duty. The zealousness with which Police Scotland has tackled certain reports of hate crimes has caused the force embarrassment in the past. It was widely mocked in May 2021 after urging the public in Kirkcaldy to report sightings of controversial stickers bearing the phrase women wont wheesht. The stickers were part of a publicity campaign by For Women Scotland, which was opposed to gender reform legislation. Prisoners handed life sentences are being freed after serving as little as 11 years behind bars. The number of lifers let out has soared by nearly 60 per cent in a year, according to the Parole Board for Scotland (PBS). It means that some of the countrys worst criminals, including murderers and rapists, are walking the streets again despite committing the most grievous offences. Life terms are mandatory for murder but can be imposed as discretionary sentences in rape cases if, for example, they involve repeated attacks. The figures have fuelled demands for the introduction of whole-life tariffs, which mean the worst offenders are never released from prison. But the soft-touch SNP Government has so far ruled out tougher sentences despite life tariffs being used by courts south of the Border. Scottish Tory deputy justice spokesman Sharon Dowey has called for life to mean life in Scotland and insists the most violent criminals should not be released Last night, Scottish Tory deputy justice spokesman Sharon Dowey said: The SNPs continued weak approach to justice means even the most violent criminals are now being released early. That is a total insult to victims and their families who have suffered at the hands of these dangerous offenders. Life should mean life for those who commit the most heinous crimes. The Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly called for this to be the case and in light of these shocking figures, we urge other parties to join us. She added: They should feel the full force of the law, rather than enjoying these vastly reduced sentences. The PBS annual report showed two lifers were freed after serving only 11-12 years in 2021-22. One was freed after 12-13 years, and five served 13-14 years, with 25 behind bars for more than 14 years. Since 2019, a total of five lifers have been released after only 11-12 years. The number of lifers freed from prison rose by 57 per cent, from 21 to 33, between 2020-21 and 2021-22. In one shocking case, John Wilson, 34, was jailed for life in 2009 with a minimum of only 12 years behind bars for the murder of Michelle Stewart, 17, in Drongan, Ayrshire. The schoolgirl was stabbed to death by Wilson, her former partner, near her home. Wilson was denied parole earlier this month but Michelles family say they live in fear of his release. Her father Kenny Stewart said: Wilson should never get out and nor should any other life prisoner. Life should mean life these people have committed serious crimes, and are clearly at high risk of reoffending. But no one ever seems to be held accountable or takes responsibility when they are let out and when they reoffend. A huge rise in the number of lifers being freed and the fact theyre spending so little time behind bars should be a cause for concern. But the SNP doesnt seem to care, and as a result the justice system isnt taken seriously by criminals, or victims and their families. Mr Stewart has campaigned for years for Michelles Law to keep Wilson behind bars and ensure victims voices are heard and considered throughout the parole hearing process. In April 2013 in Dumfries, a thug who murdered his friend in a savage attack was jailed for life and given a punishment part of only nine years and nine months, later increased to 14-and-a-half years after an appeal by the Crown Office. Darrin Callander punched, kicked and stamped on Brian Scott, 54, and left him to die. The 49-year-old killer died in October 2021 while serving a life sentence at HMP Shotts in Lanarkshire. In 2001, European laws led to radical changes in the system which compelled judges to set a punishment part for lifers the period of time a prisoner must spend in jail before becoming eligible to apply for parole. If parole chiefs rule a prisoner can be released on licence after the punishment element is complete, the convict can be freed. The punishment part must be served by everyone regardless of their prison record, and any request for parole can be rejected if the prisoner is deemed to need further rehabilitation. Although the PBS is independent, members are appointed by ministers, who also refer prisoners to the board for possible parole. Prisoners serving a sentence of four years or more are eligible for parole if they can satisfy the PBS that they do not pose a danger to the public. In 2022, a violent rapist was given a form of life sentence with a punishment part of just over three years. Richard Stewart, who was 29 at the time, repeatedly raped two women during attacks. At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Boyd told Stewart he had committed forceful and often violent rapes against vulnerable young women. The court heard that Stewart, formerly of Dumfries, posed a high risk of reoffending. Lord Boyd imposed an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) a form of life sentence on Stewart. He must serve a 40-month term before he can seek release. Kenny Stewart (left), whose 17-year-old daughter Michelle was murdered by John Wilson in Ayrshire, believes the killer should never be released after he was jailed for life in 2009 with a minimum of just 12 years behind bars OLR prisoners are not often let out because the orders are handed down for the worst violent and sexual offenders. Commenting on the figures on lifers, a PBS spokesman said: Where a person is sentenced to life imprisonment the judge sets a punishment part of the sentence. This is the minimum time the person must spend in prison before they can be considered for release into the community by the board. The punishment part length will be determined by the circumstances of the case and is set by the sentencing court. The Board considers each case on its own merits and takes account of all the information put before it in considering whether a prisoner should be released. The PBS said there will inevitably be a variation from year to year in the number of prisoners released. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Decisions on parole are for the independent Parole Board, who rightly consider each case on its merits. Public safety is always the overriding concern. One of the RAF's most senior officers ignored a plea to rein in abusive Red Arrows pilots, it has been claimed. Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall allegedly brushed aside an appeal by a woman who had been targeted by Top Guns. The claim is included in a television documentary to be screened on Sky News tonight. The victim, referred to as 'Kate', had hoped AVM Marshall would intervene to prevent further mistreatment of females on the world famous squadron. But despite her revelations, no remedial action was taken. The whistleblower subsequently suffered a breakdown and attempted to kill herself. Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall allegedly brushed aside an appeal by a woman who had been targeted by Top Guns Last night, the RAF insisted 'Kate' had failed to pass on enough information for an investigation to be launched (File Image of the Red Arrows) 'Kate' told the documentary: 'I told her there was a toxic pocket on the Red Arrows, of behaviours that needed to be looked into. 'And she said, 'I am sorry to hear about your experiences, good luck in the future'.' The seemingly dismissive response of senior RAF officers affected the mental health of 'Kate'. She said: 'I got to the point where I thought I was doing everything I could, I was raising the alarm. Nobody was listening to me. And then I ended up in hospital very mentally unwell.' Last night, the RAF insisted 'Kate' had failed to pass on enough information for an investigation to be launched. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), known as the Red Arrows, has been embroiled in claims of sexual abuse, harassment of female crew members and bullying. The shocking allegations were first reported by the Mail last year. Eventually a pair of Top Guns were sacked, but neither pilot faced criminal charges. A subsequent in-house inquiry found certain pilots treated female crew members as 'property' and engaged in predatory behaviour. This misconduct was accepted due to a 'bystander culture'. The women suffered unwanted physical contact, sexual texts and invitations to engage in sexual activity. When the RAF's findings were published in November, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, apologised 'unreservedly' for their experiences. No disciplinary action has been taken against AVM Marshall, and she is not facing any investigation. Last night, RAF sources insisted her response to the claims had been 'correct and reasonable'. The shocking allegations were first reported by the Mail last year. Eventually a pair of Top Guns were sacked, but neither pilot faced criminal charges (File Image of the Red Arrows) AVM Marshall, 50, is the first woman to command one of the RAF's two 'Operational Groups'. Previously she was the first woman to pass the qualified weapons instructor course for the Tornado F3 aircraft. 'Kate', a junior member of the squadron, told Sky News she once woke up to find a male pilot lying beside her. She had been in no state to consent to any form of intimacy. At the time the Red Arrows were on an overseas tour. Pilots and other squadron members were partying in hotels and drinking heavily. 'Kate' said the pilot warned her against filing a complaint, suggesting such a move would lead to her removal from the Red Arrows rather than his. He described himself as 'untouchable'. On other nights drunken pilots, who were due to fly the next day, would bombard her with flirty text messages inviting her for drinks in their rooms. An RAF spokesman said last night: 'We are unable to offer comment on individual cases. The AVM was not in the service person's chain of command and she was not investigated as part of the inquiry. 'Two comprehensive investigations have been completed relating to unacceptable behaviours within the Red Arrows. The findings led to action against several individuals, including dismissal from service.' Untouchable: Inside the Red Arrows airs on Sky News at 9pm on Wednesday, 27 December. Zoo Atlanta received an early Christmas surprise as it welcomed the birth of its first rare baby southern white rhinoceros over the weekend. The unnamed calf was born to 22-year-old mother Kiazi and 12-year-old father Mumbles on December 24. The species is currently classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to being poached for its horns. In early 2022, the parents met after Kiazi arrived in late 2021 from another Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Animal Care and Veterinary Teams monitored Kiazi via voluntary ultrasounds since detecting her pregnancy in the spring of 2023. The Zoo confirmed that the calf is healthy and strong and Kiazi is receiving maternal care. The unnamed calf was born to 22-year-old mother Kiazi and 12-year-old father Mumbles on December 24 In a press release, the Zoo confirmed that the calf is healthy and strong and Kiazi is receiving maternal care The new parents were 'recommended' to breed under the AZA White Rhino Species Survival Plan, of which the zoo is a member. The plan aims to maintain healthy, genetically diverse, and self-sustaining animal populations in professional human care. Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta, said: 'The Zoo Atlanta family is beyond excited about the birth of Kiazis calf. This birth has been long-awaited news for many months. We have had many exciting developments in our rhino population over the past year. 'If there is a special connection that our Members and guests can make with Kiazi and her calf, this is a connection that can translate to conservation action. 'All rhino species are currently in peril, and as stewards of this brand-new ambassador here in Atlanta, we also have a responsibility to do all we can to raise awareness of the status of wild rhinos.' An eastern black rhino born in 2013 is the only other rhino to take birth at the Zoo in the organization's 134-year history. In October 2023, a new 17-year-old rhino named Dakari was also introduced to the zoo under the Survival Plan. She will be introduced to Mumbles sometime in 2024. Kiazi has had two other children in the past at another organization before she moved to Zoo Atlanta. The new parents were 'recommended' to breed by the AZA White Rhino Species Survival Plan, of which the zoo is a membe White rhino pregnancies are among the animal kingdoms longest, averaging anywhere between 16 months and 18 months and newborns weigh 100 to 150 pounds at birth Found in Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Kenya and Zambia, the semi-social and territorial animals can live up to 35 years in the wild and 40 in captivity. The herbivorous mammal is the most recognizable of Africas rhinoceros species. The southern white rhino stands 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs up to 6,000 pounds. White rhino pregnancies are among the animal kingdoms longest, averaging anywhere between 16 months and 18 months and newborns weigh 100 to 150 pounds at birth. Breeding in this species occurs year-round, with courtship and mating periods lasting one to three weeks. Gestation is approximately 16 months. Females usually begin to breed at six years old and males at 10 to 12 years old. The story so far: Poirot has been poisoned but his stay in hospital proves insightful. Someone at Frellingsloe House is not who they say they are. Arnold Laurier is dead and Poirot readies himself to reveal both his murderer and that of Stanley Niven... December 23, 1931 We were gathered in the library of Frellingsloe House. Poirot had positioned himself by the window, beside the Christmas tree. He had dressed for the occasion; looking at him, one could be forgiven for thinking he was about to make his debut at the Fortune Theatre. The following people were present in the library: Inspector Mackle; Mother; Vivienne, Douglas, Jonathan, Maddie and Janet Laurier; Enid and Terence Surtees; Dr Robert Osgood; Felix Rawcliffe; Nurse Olga Woodruff and Nurse Zillah Hunt. 'Mesdames et messieurs,' said Poirot. 'I have been an investigator of serious crimes for many, many years, and I am sorry to say that the business with which we concern ourselves today the murders of Stanley Niven and Arnold Laurier are without doubt the two saddest murders I have encountered in my career so far. 'Why? For two reasons. The first is that these were two truly happy men. Of course, even the best people are often disliked. Nevertheless, mes amis... happy people who have a talent for making others happy rarely become murder victims, because no one wants them dead and nobody, let me tell you, no one in this room or anywhere in the world hated Stanley Niven or Arnold Laurier enough to want to murder them. We were gathered in the library of Frellingsloe House. Poirot had positioned himself by the window, beside the Christmas tree. He had dressed for the occasion; looking at him, one could be forgiven for thinking he was about to make his debut at the Fortune Theatre 'Both men were murdered on purpose by someone who did not want them dead in the slightest. You see, in both cases, the murders delivered results for the killer that were greatly desired. But in neither instance was that result the death of the victim.' Poirot paused surveying the confused faces before him. 'Very simply: Stanley Niven was murdered because someone with no knowledge of him or interest in him at all happened to find themselves in his hospital room. 'This human object, having placed itself quite deliberately in this inconvenient position, then had a grave dilemma: how to explain to Monsieur Niven what it was doing there. To open the door and walk into a stranger's room? Quite inappropriate. 'When Monsieur Niven realised that this stranger seemed both distressed and afraid, he probably called out for assistance: 'Nurse, nurse!' Or maybe he said only: 'Shall I call a nurse?' Of course, the murderer could have said to him: 'Please be silent. I need to hide in here until the coast is clear.' 'If you were a patient in a private hospital, would you respond to a plea like that by saying, 'Bien sur, stranger-who-is-shaking-with-fear, you may wait in my room for as long as you wish'? I myself would not. 'A good-natured man like Monsieur Niven would have called for a nurse as much for the sake of the intruder as for his own sake. He would have thought they were in trouble and needed help. 'This cannot be allowed to happen. The killer reaches for the vase on Monsieur Niven's side-table, throws the flowers and water on the floor, and...Monsieur Niven is silent, because he is dead.' 'But why did the murderer go into Stanley Niven's room in the first place if he did not know him?' Terence Surtees asked. 'An excellent question, Monsieur. To hide.' 'From whom?' asked Vivienne Laurier. 'From the doctors and nurses?' 'From a nurse,' replied Poirot. 'This is senseless,' snapped Jonathan Laurier. 'Why go to someone's place of work if you do not wish to be seen by them? Is this killer chap a fool?' 'Until the afternoon of September 8, the killer did not know that this nurse worked at St Walstan's Hospital,' Poirot told him. 'Then...Stanley Niven's murder had nothing to do with Stanley Niven himself,' said Maddie. 'If his murderer had chanced to open a different door, if he had slipped into some other patient's room to avoid whoever it was that he didn't want to see... ' The same person betrayed her sister Beatrice, ran away from home to avoid the shame caused by her actions, and then later met and fell in love with a man called Arnold and bore him two sons, Douglas and Jonathan, whom she loved with all her heart 'Correct,' said Poirot. Poirot began to move slowly around the library as he spoke. 'Let us picture Ward 6 of St Walstan's Hospital on September 8. It is 20 minutes after two o'clock. Five members of the Laurier family have come to the hospital to inspect the room that has been reserved for Arnold Laurier. 'They are standing in the corridor. With them is Nurse Zillah Hunt. Then Dr Wall and Nurse Bee Haskins, having finished their rounds on the ward, come out of a patient's room and begin to walk in the direction of the exit door. Zillah Hunt opens the door to Arnold Laurier's room and walks in, leaving the door open for Monsieur Laurier's relatives to follow her in. 'The Laurier party and Zillah Hunt remove themselves from the corridor. By the time Dr Wall and Bee Haskins pass Arnold Laurier's room, none of the five Lauriers remain in the corridor. But they did not all go into that room. Only four members of the Laurier family followed Nurse Hunt into Arnold Laurier's room. The fifth went instead into Stanley Niven's.' 'To hide?' said Terence Surtees. 'Yes.' 'From Whom?' asked Dr Osgood. 'Ah! I was wondering when one of you would ask that. From Nurse Bee Haskins,' Poirot told him. Jonathan Laurier pushed back his chair and stood up. 'You seem to be suggesting, Monsieur Poirot, that Stanley Niven was murdered by one of us: me or my brother, or one of our wives, or my mother.' 'It is more than a suggestion,' said Poirot. 'It is the truth.' 'Now, remember that the murderer had entered Monsieur Niven's room in order to hide from Nurse Bee Haskins. Once Monsieur Niven was dead, what happened next? Probably the killer saw Nurse Haskins on the other side of the courtyard, in the room of Professor Burnett. 'Our murderer must have fled from Monsieur Niven's room and slipped into the adjacent room, Arnold Laurier's, of which the door had been left open. The killer closed it behind them once they had entered. 'When Bee Haskins first entered Professor Burnett's room on Ward 7 and noticed that an unpleasant scene was unfolding in a room on Ward 6, the door of Arnold Laurier's room was open. 'She saw clearly only some of the Laurier party those nearest to the window: Jonathan and Janet Laurier. She was aware of people behind them, but could not see them clearly. When the sixth person finally joined the rest of the party and closed the door, it is hardly surprising that Bee Haskins did not notice.' 'Why did this killer want to hide from Bee not merely once but twice?' asked Inspector Mackle. Adapted by Katharine Spurrier from Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Sophie Hannah 'To be seen and recognised by Bee Haskins would have put an end to a pretence. The consequences of such a collision with unpalatable reality... psychologically, this would have been a prospect worse than their own death.' Another pause while the room took in what Poirot had said. 'Poirot, you seem to be suggesting that the killer of both Pa and Mr Niven is either me, my wife or my mother,' said Douglas Laurier. 'That is so, monsieur.' 'I am afraid your theory has a flaw, Monsieur Poirot,' said Mother. 'If the killer wished to hide from Bee Haskins, why on earth would they not simply dash into the room they had come to see, Arnold's room?' 'It is a good question, madame. My suspicion is that the killer believed that would take too long. It would have attracted much attention if the murderer had pushed the others out of the way to get into Monsieur Laurier's room quicker, would it not? That would have turned into the...how would you say it? The scuffle.' 'Scuffle,' I corrected him. He had said it as if it rhymed with souffle. 'Yes, the scuffle, exactly. The only way to vanish from sight and from that corridor immediatement was to open the nearest door to where the killer was standing and slip into that room Stanley Niven's room.' 'That is pure invention on your part, Monsieur Poirot,' said Mother. 'It is deduction, madame.' His voice had a hard edge. 'I think I know who killed Mr Niven,' said Jonathan quietly. 'Jonathan, stop,' his wife begged. 'Please do not ask me anything about who spoke when, Monsieur Poirot,' Zillah Hunt's voice shook. She knew who the murderer was, I realised. So did Janet Laurier. Both had worked it out by a process of elimination. I had written in my notes: according to Inspector Mackle's account of events, it was Vivienne Laurier who had opened the door. If that was accurate, then in all likelihood she had been standing closer to the door than any of the others because she had been the last to enter the room. 'I doubted your abilities,' she said to Poirot now. 'I was wrong to do so. Perhaps, after this long preamble, you might consent to tell us who the murderer is.' Slowly, a sly smile spread across her face. 'Of course, if you are about to say that it was Vivienne Laurier who killed two kind, innocent men one of them her beloved husband then we will all laugh at you, I'm afraid.' 'You, madame, are Vivienne Laurier, are you not?' 'I have been Vivienne Laurier,' she said. 'Sometimes. Monsieur Poirot, surely you are intelligent enough to understand that Vivienne Laurier is not a murderer?' 'That depends on one's point of view,' Poirot told her. 'Please enlighten us: what do you think is the name of this murderer who has killed two people?' 'Her name is Iris Haskins,' said Vivienne. 'Haskins?' said Zillah Hunt. 'That is Aunt Bee's family name.' 'Iris is your aunt's sister,' Poirot told her. 'Older by ten years.' 'But...then if all you have said is true, Iris Haskins must be Vivienne Laurier. They must be one and the same person.' Poirot nodded. 'Oh, no,' said Vivienne. The eerie smile had not left her face, and I could hardly stand to look at it. 'Two very different people.' 'Vivienne would never hurt Arnold,' said Maddie. 'I refuse to believe it. She was devoted to him. She would rather have died than harm him.' 'Yet harm him she did,' Poirot said. 'For the same reason that she murdered Stanley Niven.' 'I have told you all: Iris Haskins is the murderer,' said Vivienne, looking at Mother as if in hope of support. 'What rot!' Dr Osgood snapped, 'the two men cannot have been killed for the same reason.' 'They can and they were,' said Poirot. 'Catchpool, please explain to the doctor why it must be so.' 'I... don't know,' I said. 'Unless...' A jolt of realisation shot through me. 'Ah! Light dawns! Go on, mon ami.' Convinced I would turn out to be wrong, I began tentatively: 'Now that Arnold Laurier is dead, he cannot be admitted to St Walstan's Hospital in January. 'His wife would have been expected to visit him in the hospital every day, until he died...' Vivienne had started to nod slowly. 'If Ma was so desperate to be able to visit Pa at St Walstan's desperate enough to commit murder then why did she not kill this Nurse Bee person instead of Pa?' questioned Douglas. 'Her own sister?' said Poirot. 'A healthy woman who still has many years left to live, whom she has betrayed once already in the most vicious way? 'It was easy for Iris to kill Arnold,' said Vivienne. Everyone stared at her. 'He had fallen asleep on his desk. He didn't know anything about it.' 'What was the vicious betrayal?' Zillah Hunt asked. 'All I know is that Aunt Bee had a sweetheart who took his own life, and that her sister had loved him, too the same man.' Poirot said to Inspector Mackle: 'Please go and fetch mademoiselle Bee Haskins, Inspector.' 'Oh, no, no,' Vivienne said in a sing-song voice, as if talking to an infant. 'Stay where you are, Inspector. We do not want to admit that person to our sanctuary.' 'Where does Mr Hurt-His-Head come into it?' I asked. 'He witnessed the murder of Stanley Niven. Then, moments later, he saw the killer Vivienne Laurier appear in the room next door. For all he knew, the other people in the room were in mortal danger. He did not stretch out his arms to Vivienne Laurier in an appeal for her to rescue him. 'What he meant to do was point to Madame Laurier. He then continued to repeat those same words in an agitated manner whenever he saw Nurse Bee Haskins. Why? Because before Vivienne Laurier lost a large amount of weight, there was a clear facial resemblance between her and her sister Bee.' Arnold Laurier is dead and Poirot readies himself to reveal both his murderer 'Iris was clever to think of the vase and the paper flowers,' said Vivienne. 'And the water. She made the scene look as much like Mr Niven's murder as possible. Vivienne had an alibi for Stanley Niven's murder, you see, so everyone would assume she had not killed either of the two victims, if she used the same method. Killers tend to have very distinctive methods, I believe, that they use over and over.' 'How did you put it all together?' I asked Poirot. 'From the start, Madame Laurier stood out to me as being suspicious. She seemed to be a strange melange of facts that did not fit together. She has the strong-as-an-ox constitution, n'est-ce pas? The good genes that will cause her to live to be 150? 'Yet also I am told that she had lost her entire family by the time she married Monsieur Laurier. 'And Monsieur Surtees, did you not tell Catchpool that, like you, she was one of five siblings? Good strong genes. And yet all those younger siblings, as well as both of her parents, are dead by the time Madame Laurier is 29? How, then, did they die? Surely not from a range of illnesses not if she comes from a family of such sound and healthy constitutions. 'In which case, there must have been a terrible accident. Or else a heinous crime was committed and they were all murdered in their beds one night. 'Those are the only other possibilities, are they not, once we have ruled out the kind of natural causes that afflict those with poor health and weak constitutions?' Come to think of it, Vivienne had not told me that all the members of the family into which she was born were dead, only that she had 'lost' them by the time she met and married Arnold Laurier. While I was mulling this over, Inspector Mackle entered with a woman. She bore a very strong similarity to that of the less haggard Vivienne Laurier whom I had seen in the photographs on Arnold's desk. 'Bee,' Vivienne rose to her feet. 'What are you doing here?' 'Iris,' said Bee. She started to cry. 'I have missed you so much, in spite of everything.' 'I am a little confused.' Vivienne looked around. 'Who are all these people? Where is Nicholas? Is he coming to visit today?' 'There is no point in this charade, Vivienne,' Dr Osgood said coldly. 'They will hang you no matter what you say. Pretending to be a lunatic will not save you.' 'She is not pretending,' Bee Haskins said. December 24 It was late by the time we arrived back in London on Christmas Eve. When I opened my suitcase, I saw that there were two items in it that I had not put there. One was a white envelope, sealed, with my name written on the front. Sitting on top of the envelope was a small, crumpled piece of paper on which were written a few words: Dear Edward, Vivienne wrote this letter to you yesterday. I did not wish to disturb you, so I put it in your suitcase. Happy Christmas, Darling. All my love, Mother. I opened Vivienne Laurier's letter. It was dated December 23, 1931 yesterday. I read it once, then again, then a third time. It was without doubt the most extraordinary communication I had ever received. Dear Edward, I, Vivienne Laurier, am writing this letter. In the shock of everything that happened earlier today, I was, temporarily, not myself. Now I have returned to full mental strength and I wish to make clear that I know exactly who I am. There can be no doubt about it. In a strictly factual analysis, I have only ever been one person. That person changed her name from Iris Haskins to Vivienne March, and then later, when she married, to Vivienne Laurier. According to the law, therefore, the same person betrayed her sister Beatrice, ran away from home to avoid the shame caused by her actions, and then later met and fell in love with a man called Arnold and bore him two sons, Douglas and Jonathan, whom she loved with all her heart. According to the law, the same woman who devotedly nurtured and dedicated her life to her new family also destroyed her original family and then, later still, murdered a stranger in a hospital room and then killed her husband. I have no desire to claim that I (by which I mean the entity I am for legal and criminal purposes) was not responsible for the two crimes committed. The same hand writing this letter was one of two that lifted those vases and brought them down on the heads of two innocent victims. I am perfectly prepared to pay the price for this. Now that I have made that clear, I wish to explain something else: Vivienne Laurier did not commit those murders. What I know to be true, as the only expert, the only person who has lived my life, is that Iris Haskins is the killer. It was Iris who did not want to be recognised by her sister Bee. Iris did not want to exist any more at all, you see. And the moment Bee saw her, she would have no choice but to come back into existence. That would have meant that Vivienne Laurier had nowhere to live. Iris was intelligent and honest enough to find her own existence unbearable, and she willingly disappeared so Vivienne could take her place. Iris did not want to come back to life and, being ruthless and depraved, she was willing to kill to ensure that she did not. Before September 8, I, Vivienne Laurier had lived a virtuous life of love and service to my family for many, many years. I had hurt nobody, given as much love as possible, and never even raised my voice in anger, not once. The truth is that I am innocent. Iris is the guilty one. Iris deserves her punishment. If only she were here to receive it... but I am confident that none of us will see her again. I should like to tell you a little about Iris: what she did to her sister Bee and, as a result, to Zillah Hunt. As you already know from the scene in the library earlier, Bee is not Zillah's second cousin. She is her mother. Until today, Zillah believed that her parents had both contracted tuberculosis while travelling overseas and died while Zillah was still a tiny baby. Verity Hunt had then taken her in, or so went the tale. The truth was this: as a young woman of 19, Bee Haskins had fallen in love with a man called Nicholas Streeter. He had loved her back, and they soon made plans to marry. Both families were delighted, all except for Iris, Bee's older sister by ten years. Iris, still unmarried at 28, was, unbeknown to anyone, in love with Nicholas herself and turned bitter and vindictive towards Bee. Then one day, a full year before the date of the wedding, Bee discovered that she was pregnant. Both sets of parents, the Haskinses and Streeters, were devout Christians who would have been shunned by their social circles if a grandchild had arrived who had been conceived out of wedlock. Bee's former schoolteacher, Verity Hunt, came up with the answer to how they could keep the child: she would take Bee with her to the continent as her paid travelling companion. While abroad, Verity would make sure word reached her friends that the true reason for her trip was to have a baby herself, far away from the prying, judgmental eyes of those who knew her in England. Verity, who was independently wealthy and loved to shock people as much as she possibly could, had never given the slightest damn about what anyone thought of her. Bee could write to her parents expressing her shock at the news of this pregnancy, about which she would say that she had not been told before the travels began. And then, some time later, the plan was for Verity to turn out to be a most unsuitable mother. Bee and Nicholas, who would have married by then, would offer to take in the poor child in order to give it a better start in life. None of their parents would disapprove of this. Bee made a fatal mistake, however: a few days before leaving for the Continent, she confided in Iris. Iris saw her chance to cause trouble for the young lovers who, as she saw it, had caused her so much pain, and she seized that chance. She told her and Bee's parents about Verity's plan and the illegitimate child. Her parents told Nicholas's parents, who promptly fired him from the family firm and disowned him. Two weeks later, Nicholas took his own life. Bee's parents were more forgiving than the Streeters: of Bee, but not of Iris, whom they called cruel and un-Christian. They said that while Bee could repent and be forgiven for her sins, she, Iris, would surely burn in hell for what she had done. Iris found herself as the pariah in her family. So she walked away from them and her life for ever. She did not see her sister Bee again until September 8 this year. Wrecked by Nicholas's death, Bee was in no condition to bring up a child, and her parents did not feel able to do so either, so Verity Hunt took over. 'She adopted Zillah and, seven years later, when Bee was finally well enough to look after herself again and live a normal life, Verity invented the 'second cousin' story so that Bee could become a regular presence in Zillah's life and have a close relationship with her daughter. It was only in November 1929 that Verity saw Duluth Cottage with a 'For Sale' sign outside it, and fell in love. She and Zillah had soon moved to their new home and of course Bee followed them a few weeks later. Bee and Zillah, both nurses, found work at St Walstan's hospital. None of them had the slightest idea that Iris, the monstrous sister who disappeared all those years ago, had become Vivienne Laurier and lived only a short distance away, in Frellingsloe House. One thing I would like you to know, Edward, is that Bee can see that I am no longer the Iris she knew. She has a new sister now: me, Vivienne. She loves me, and I love her. It is a wonderful blessing to have this happen at the end of my life. I am glad, in spite of everything, that your mother persuaded me to invite you and Monsieur Poirot to Frellingsloe House. My darling late husband, with whom I am constantly in communication (no, I do not expect you to believe it, but it is true nonetheless), is tickled pink that his murder was solved by the great Hercule Poirot. Yours sincerely Vivienne Laurier December 25 Poirot and I had a delightful Christmas Day in London, 'We are lucky indeed to have arrived home in time for Christmas,' Poirot commented. 'I cannot believe we managed it,' I said. 'With only hours to spare, too. Good old George he rustled up a proper feast for us at very short notice.' Poirot's valet was something of a wonder. I raised my glass. 'Merry Christmas, Poirot.' Adapted by Katharine Spurrier from Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Sophie Hannah (HarperCollins, 22). Sophie Hannah 2023. 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. At least 32 states in America and parts of Canada have seen reports of a virus dubbed 'Zombie deer disease' that could potentially spread to humans in what one experts calls a 'slow-moving disaster.' 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. Now, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has detected the virus in 32 states and four Canadian provinces. Much of the reported cases are in the upper midwest, as well as the mid-Atlantic states. At least 32 states in America and parts of Canada have seen reports of a virus dubbed 'Zombie deer disease' that could potentially spread to humans in what one experts calls a 'slow-moving disaster' The fatal brain virus, which leaves animals confused, drooling, and unafraid of humans may someday infect people, as cautioned by some authorities Kansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin have all seen over 40 counties report cases of the virus, according to USA Today. Dr. Michael Osterholm, who studied the spread of what's known as 'mad cow disease,' is the one who sounded the alarm in The Guardian, calling it a 'slow-moving disaster.' Scientists believe there is a very real possibility for the disease to spread to humans. Dr. Cory Anderson and Osterholm both say many thousands of people have probably eaten meat from infected deer. Anderson, the program co-director at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, 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. 'We're talking about the potential of something similar occurring.' 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'. The alarm was raised after a deer carcass tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Yellowstone National Park in northwest Wyoming in November 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 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 '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.' 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. CWD has spread to over 31 US states, two Canadian provinces and South Korea, according to the US Geological Survey 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. 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. The Irish agonised over how to decline an invitation to Charles and Diana's wedding shortly after the death of hunger striker Bobby Sands, documents reveal. Then Irish president Patrick Hillery's decision to decline the invitation prompted concerns from Dublin officials. The invitation was sent to Mr Hillery and his wife for the wedding on July 29 1981, and requested a reply by June 26. A briefing note on how to respond is among state documents released by the Irish department of foreign affairs this year. The note asked whether the reply should be issued after the Irish general election, or would it be 'discourteous' to do so, while also noting that sending a reply too soon after the invite could also be 'discourteous'. The wedding invitations were issued a month after IRA prisoner Sands died following a 66-day-long hunger strike in May 1981 Then Irish president Patrick Hillery's decision to decline the invitation prompted concerns The note also pondered that since it was a 'negative' reply 'it would seem desirable to offer a diplomatic excuse', as no decent reason being given could be misinterpreted. The document also weighed up the pros and cons of attending, noting that an invitation from a 'friendly' country to an occasion 'such as this' should be accepted, but adding that the president would attract 'unfavourable' comment if he did attend. The wedding invitations were issued a month after IRA prisoner Sands died following a 66-day-long hunger strike in May 1981. 'The present state of Anglo-Irish relations would ensure that there would be much unfavourable comment if the president were to attend,' the document said. It added that with the 'appropriate diplomatic excuse', a refusal of attendance would not 'impair the political dialogue with London'. On June 26, the final date by which the RSVP was to be given, Ireland's ambassador to the UK conveyed the president's thanks for the invitation but expressed 'their regret that, because of prior commitments, they will be unable to attend'. 'They have instructed that the ambassador should represent them on this occasion,' it added. The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral in London, 1981 Another briefing note made public details how the Irish ambassador to London believed Diana showed 'obvious ignorance of, or disregard for, constitutional niceties' in relation to Northern Ireland. The note from 1993 details how the late princess had referred to Northern Ireland as part of Ireland. The ambassador, Joseph Small, wrote in the note dated May 21: 'Whenever we meet Prince Charles, he invariably says that he would love to visit Ireland. 'Princess Diana has also been there. Early last year she said to me, with obvious ignorance of or disregard for constitutional niceties: "I was in your country yesterday!"' Houthi rebels supported by Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles north towards Israel on Tuesday, with the onslaught blocked by a U.S. Navy destroyer and F/A-18 Super Hornets. U.S. Central Command said that the attack began at 6:30am and lasted for 10 hours. 'U.S. assets, to include the USS LABOON (DDG 58) and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, shot down twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis over a 10 hour period which began at approximately 6:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on December 26,' Centcom said on X. 'There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries.' F/A-18C Hornets assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 fly over the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Hornets were in action on Tuesday to shoot down missiles fired from Yemen into the Red Sea The guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) was on Tuesday shooting down strikes fired from Yemen The attack came the day after President Joe Biden authorized retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, following strikes on a U.S. airbase in Erbil which left three U.S. troops injured - one of them critically. And Tuesday's attack is just the latest launched from Yemen. On Saturday, Laboon shot down four unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea. After shooting down the drones, the Laboon responded to distress calls after two commercial vessels came under attack, Navy Times reported. The M/V Blaamanen, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical tanker reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone, while the M/V Saibaba, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker was hit by a one-way attack drone, with no injuries reported. A week before, on December 16, the Navy destroyer Carney took down 14 attack drones in the Red Sea. CentCom 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.' Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, announced on December 18 the creation of a multinational task force to help protect civilian ships in the region. Hospital patients and their visitors were forced to pay 146 million for car parking last year as the total cost soared after falling during the pandemic. Critics branded the charges a 'tax on caring' and accused ministers of failing to deliver on a Tory manifesto pledge to end the unfair fees. Campaign groups also warned the 'sky high' prices could put people off seeking care or deprive them of the support they get from visitors. NHS trusts' gross income from patient and visitor parking was 145.8 million in 2022/23, NHS England figures show. This was up 50 per cent from 96.7 million a year earlier, and triple the 47.9 million made from parking fees two years ago. Across last year, it was the equivalent of 400,000 being spent in hospital car parks every day. Hospital patients and their visitors were made to fork out 146million in car parking charges (Stock Image) Ministers were accused of failing to deliver on the Tory manifesto pledge to abolish unfair fees (Stock Image) Pictured: A sign for the visitor car park at Darlington Memorial Hospital (Stock Image) Campaigners also voiced concerns that high charges could deter patients from seeking care (Stock Image) NHS Trust gross income from car parking was up 50 per cent on last year. Pictured: A visitor car park at Brookland Hospital in Dover, Kent (File Image) Graphic shows the ten NHS trusts with the highest income from parking charges University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust reported the largest income from patient and visitor parking fees last year, at 5.2 million, followed by University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, with 3.6 million. Meanwhile, car parking fees paid by hospital staff soared more than eight-fold nationally compared to the previous year, from 5.6 million in 2021/22 to 46.7 million in 2022/23. The enormous jump is because of parking charges scrapped during the Covid-19 pandemic being reintroduced in March last year. The figures cover parking fees, permits, fines and VAT, but exclude any charges or costs incurred by trusts who use third-party parking contractors. The current totals are lower than before the pandemic. In 2019-20, patients and their visitors paid 199.2 million for parking, and staff were charged 90.1 million. Current NHS guidance, updated in March last year, says disabled people, frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight and staff working night shifts should park for free. The guidelines also recommend that any charges are 'reasonable for the area' while deterring commuters and shoppers. But 18 trusts still make disabled people pay for parking at some or all of their sites, NHS data suggests. Pictured: A surface hospital car park in Lancaster (File Image) Pictured: A car park outside Macclesfield General Hospital in Cheshire (File Image) Daisy Cooper, health and social care spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, who uncovered the figures, said: 'Hospital car parking fees are becoming a tax on caring for visitors and our hard-working NHS staff. 'This Conservative Government is utterly failing to deliver on their promise to crack down on unfair hospital parking fees, and people are literally paying the price.' A Tory spokesman said: 'The Conservatives have fulfilled their manifesto pledge to end unfair charges for those in greatest need. The Lib Dems should come clean as to which services they would cut to subsidise parking further.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said they had provided free hospital parking in England for those most in need. He added: 'As of October 2022, all trusts that charge for car parking have fully implemented this commitment. This is the first time that free hospital car parking in England has been made available to those who need it the most.' Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, which campaigns for elderly people, said: There is no case for any parking charges for essential visits to hospital or for hospital workers. Nobody goes to hospital to get some exercise walking around the corridors or to make use of the over-priced retail units. Everyone is there because someone is very sick. Hospital parking charges are often sky-high for very short visits and definitely act as disincentives for regular family visits to long-term patients. And if you need to go to A&E, not only do you have to put up with hours of waiting, but you have to keep popping out to feed the greedy meters. Parking charges in hospitals represent a very regressive way of raising funds for the NHS. Dr Matt Kneale, co-chair of Doctors Association UK, said: The Doctors' Association UK is alarmed by escalating car parking fees, which severely impact rotating doctors in training and, indirectly, patient care. The existing system often mandates our colleagues to extend their already lengthy shifts to find parking. This not only imposes a financial strain but also jeopardises staff wellbeing and safety, notably for those on night shifts or with irregular travel times. Variable parking fees across NHS trusts create a postcode lottery, unfairly burdening staff working across multiple sites. These challenges can also affect patient access to care, as high parking costs could deter necessary hospital visits. We call on the Government to establish a fairer, more consistent parking policy for all NHS users, considering the broader implications on healthcare delivery. Patricia Marquis, director for England at the Royal College of Nursing, said: For nursing staff and support workers, the soaring cost of parking takes too much of their low wage. Nurses work around the clock to be there for their patients and working odd shift times or in difficult locations means public transport is not always possible. District nurses even pay their own fuel costs to travel to patients. Government and the NHS must rethink - leaving nursing staff out of pocket just for doing their jobs is wholly unfair. Ministers need to invest in nursing, otherwise even more will leave this brilliant profession and it will be patients who ultimately pay the price.' Professor Phil Banfield, chair of council at the British Medical Association, said: The cost of parking on NHS sites in England is a long-standing issue for healthcare workers as well as patients; they are a covert tax on the sick, those who visit and those who care for them. In the context of chronic underinvestment in our NHS, we can see that some of the revenue trusts bring in from parking charges is invested in patient care, but it remains yet another hike in the cost of living for healthcare staff already undervalued by the UK Government. At a time when staff morale is at its lowest, they need to feel valued too many are leaving, so of course the government should be looking again at these punitive charges. 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) It is a fact that many people have no choice but to drive to hospital. They may need to take in a sick child or elderly relative who might find the journey by public transport a struggle. They may be required to attend frequent appointments for gruelling treatments such as chemotherapy or keep vigil, round the clock, in an intensive care unit. Or they may be members of staff whose shifts start or finish at hours when the buses and trains have stopped running. At a time of anxiety, patients and visitors shouldn't need to worry about paying exorbitant hospital parking charges. Nor should the often low-paid workers, whose dedication keeps the health service going. Hospital chiefs say they have no choice but to charge for parking as NHS trusts fleeced them out of 193 million in fees in 2022-23 (File Image) But indefensibly, NHS trusts fleeced them out of 193 million in fees in 2022-23 up from 102 million the year before. Hospital chiefs say they have no choice but to charge for parking. First, there is the capital cost of building car bays. Then there is the idea that charges deter those shoppers and commuters who might leave their cars there for the day. And, they argue, the bulk of the revenue generated goes back into general hospital services. Nobody disputes that cost-saving exercises in the NHS are welcome. But sky-high parking fees are nothing less than a tax on the sick and on those who care for them. If people spend a great deal of time in hospital, the charges can very quickly cause financial hardship. That can disincentivise the less well-off from seeking treatment or visiting loved ones. If people spend a great deal of time in hospital, the charges can very quickly cause financial hardship (File Image) It's nine years since the Government issued voluntary guidelines cracking down on cynical hospital parking charges. Now it should abolish fees completely. Hospitals are meant to be centres of care and compassion. Not places where the sick and vulnerable are exploited for profit. All talk on migrants Stung by criticism that he is weak on illegal immigration, Sir Keir Starmer has dreamed up another idea to stop the small boats crossing the Channel. Labour's leader is looking at 'offshoring' asylum seekers. This would involve paying another country to accommodate arrivals while their claims are processed. In contrast to the Government's Rwanda deterrent, the migrants would not be settled there. They would either be granted sanctuary and returned to Britain or deported. But deported where exactly? Labour's leader is looking at 'offshoring' asylum seekers, which would involve paying another country to accommodate arrivals while their claims are processed As many Channel migrants destroy their documents, it is almost impossible to send them home (Pictured: A group of people thought to be migrants after being brought in to Dungeness, Kent in November) As many Channel migrants destroy their documents, it is almost impossible to send them home. So if they are not to languish in perpetuity in the 'offshoring' country, logic dictates Sir Keir will be forced to bring failed asylum seekers back to the UK. He would have to house them at a cost of billions something he has condemned the Tories for. And if migrants knew there was a good possibility they'd eventually end up here, wouldn't that simply lead more to chance their arm in traffickers' boats? At least the Rwanda scheme could work, if given a chance. Labour's plan would be all talk, all cost and no deterrent. Scrap this levy lunacy First, the good news. The number of international visitors to Britain has almost rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. But before we break out the champagne, there is also less encouraging news. The amount of money tourists are spending here is still 16 per cent lower. The number of international visitors to Britain has almost rebounded to pre-pandemic levels (File Image) The reason is not hard to fathom. In almost every European country, they can buy goods free of purchase taxes. Here they must pay 20 per cent VAT. The Treasury claims this will raise up to 2 billion a year. But it clearly won't if tourists can buy comparable goods cheaper in the boutiques of France and Italy. With the recovery so fragile, we can't afford this perverse 'tourist tax'. When will the Chancellor admit it is disadvantaging us? One woman killed and another injured in Adelaide office A real estate agent critically injured in an alleged random stabbing attack has paid tribute to her colleague who died, calling her an 'amazing human being'. Shaun Michaels Dunk, 30, is accused of storming into REAL Estate Agents Group in Plympton, Adelaide, and attacking the women on December 20. Property manager Julie Seed, 38, died at the scene, while team leader Susan Scardigno, 50, was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital with serious injuries. Ms Scardigno broke her silence on Wednesday to say the tragic death 'didn't snuff out her light' but had 'only made it shine brighter'. 'Now everyone knows what an amazing human she was, kind, loving and with the ability to see the beauty in the smallest things,' she wrote on Facebook. Property manager Julie Seed, 38, died at REAL Estate Agents Group in Plympton, Adelaide, on December 20 after Shaun Michaels Dunk, 30, allegedly stormed the office armed with a knife. Ms Seed is pictured with fiance, Chris Smith Team leader Susan Scardigno, 50, was critically injured during the attack (she is pictured right, with Julie Seed, left) 'Julie viewed the world and everything in it in a way few people take the time to, and now it bares as a reminder for everyone else to do the same. 'As for me, [I'm] more determined than ever to create change and love harder with every breath and every second. 'I didn't lie down then and I'm not about to now.' Ms Scardigno thanked her partner Sean, her daughters, her REAL colleagues and the first responders who she believes saved her life. Dunk, who has been charged with one count each of murder and attempted murder, was released from a mental health facility on December 20. He had also been discharged from hospital on December 18, despite allegedly warning police a fortnight earlier he had been hallucinating and was worried he might hurt someone. It comes after REAL Estate Agents Group principal Ally Comley paid tribute to her employees on Sunday and called for more support for mental health care workers. 'We must honour dear Julie's life and ensure this tragedy is the turning point to fast-track an immediate overhaul of the SA Mental Health System that has utterly failed so many,' Ms Comley wrote on Facebook. 'There is no person at fault here. The blame lies entirely in the inadequacies of the broken system they work within, not them personally.' 'Now everyone knows what an amazing human she was, kind, loving and with the ability to see the beauty in the smallest things,' Ms Scardigno said of Ms Seed (pictured with her fiance) Shaun Michaels Dunk, 30, (left) has been accused of storming into the REAL Estate Agents Group in Plympton, Adelaide, on December 20 and attacking workers with a knife and hammer Ms Comley described Ms Seed and Ms Scardigno as like 'sisters' to their colleagues at the agency and 'an integral part of our REAL family who we love wholly'. 'Julie's family are suffering incredibly with the pain of their loss and we feel deeply for them,' Ms Comley wrote. 'Sue was severely injured but pulled through due to her inner strength and the hand of God. She is an inspirational woman and is already making a remarkable recovery due to her tenacity. REAL Estate Agents Group principal Ally Comley (above) paid tribute to Ms Seed and Ms Scardigno on Facebook 'But her emotional healing I'm sure, will be lengthy. We will stand by all of them in every way possible.' A friend of Ms Scardigno previously told Daily Mail Australia she had sustained her injuries while trying to protect Ms Seed. Ms Comley thanked those who had come to her employees' aid including paramedics and police officers. 'We are completely indebted to our co-tenants in the building for their brave and timely intervention,' she wrote. 'Without question they saved Sue's life.' Ms Comley said Ms Seed's death and Ms Scardigno's injuries had deeply affected their colleagues' families, friends and clients. 'Such tragedies never just stay within a few,' she wrote. 'They have a ripple effect and in this case, the emotional damage to many families is immense. 'We have been overwhelmed and humbled by messages of support from our clients, landlords, tenants, and our neighbouring businesses - your kindness and beautiful messages have touched us.' Flowers are seen at the REAL Estate Agents Group on Thursday a day after the alleged attack Emergency services is seen at the scene in Plympton, Adelaide, on December 20 Dunk spent the night of December 19 in the care of the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre on Grenfell Street in Adelaide's central business district before being let out two hours before the alleged attack. He had been detained under the Mental Health Act on December 5 after showing up at a police station claiming he was experiencing hallucinations of people threatening to kill him, according to The Advertiser. SA Health has launched a review into their processes and the state's chief psychiatrist will be reviewing the circumstances around Dunk's treatment and discharge. Dunk appeared via video link before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on December 21. He did not apply for bail and will remain in custody until March when he is due to to face court again. A friend of Ms Seed's fiance, Chris Smith, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her family cover flights from the United Kingdom and other funeral costs. Ms Seed has two daughters aged 12 and 18, and got engaged to Mr Smith a year ago. Joe and Jill Biden have escaped Washington D.C. and landed on the Caribbean island of St. Croix for a vacation and a free stay at the home of billionaire Democratic donors. The president and first lady stepped off Air Force One on Wednesday afternoon with their 19-year-old granddaughter Natalie, the daughter of their late son Beau, for the break on the sunny beaches of the U.S. Virgin Island. The family will ring in the New Year as Biden faces continued questions about his 2024 prospects, dire polls and an increase in attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East. They will stay rent-free at the beachfront villa owned by friends Bill and Connie Neville, who made their fortune in the tech industry and attended the White House state dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron. The property is in an area where homes can sell for up to $3million and has three bedrooms, a pool and access to a private beach. Biden will take in sweeping bay views in the secluded enclave and may make use of one of the island's golf courses as he faces a political storm back home. Joe and Jill Biden and his granddaughter Natalie, 19, landed on the Caribbean island of St. Croix for a vacation and to ring in the new year as he faces of torrent of issues and questions over 2024 back in Washington D.C The president, the first lady and his granddaughter stepped off Air Force One at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on Wednesday afternoon Awaiting him back on the mainland will be the upcoming battle to fund the government, with the deadline looming on January 19. And the 2024 election will kick into high gear next month as Republicans begin the primary process to pick their presidential nominee. There will also be more immediate, pressing political issues, including rising tensions in the Middle East and the surge in migrant crossings at the southern border. As Biden heads south to the Caribbean Sea, two of his top officials - Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas - will head south to Mexico, where they will seek help to drive down border crossings. The politically-charged issue is weighing down on the Biden administration. Immigration has entrenched itself into Biden's foreign policy - his push for more funds for the Ukraine and Israel was stymied by Republicans desire for more border funding. And it's a political hot potato for the president as he seeks a second term in office. Republicans - and even some Democrats - have criticized him for not doing enough to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Biden's granddaughter Natalie, the daughter of his late son Beau, is a student at the University of Pennsylvania Awaiting Biden back on the mainland will be the upcoming battle to fund the government, with the deadline looming on January 19 During the trip, Biden will also have to deal with more immediate issues such as the rising tensions in the Middle East that prompted him ordering airstrikes on targets in Iraq Meanwhile, fears are growing of a widening Middle East war that could draw in American troops. U.S. troops in Syrian and Iraq have already faced attacks by Iranian proxy groups. And Biden continues to try and persuade Republicans to back more funding for Ukraine as it fights off Russian troops. Amid all this, the president will get family time at one of the Biden family's favorite winter destinations. The Bidens have a long family tradition of spending time on St. Croix, visiting there nearly every year since 2008. President Joe Biden and family are staying at the home of a billionaire Democratic donor on St. Croix - largest of U.S. Virgin Islands The villa sits on Solitude Bay, which has access to a private beach and is owned by Democratic donors Bill and Connie Neville Homes in the idyllic beachfront community of Solitude Bay can sell for around $3million The Nevilles, who made their fortune in the tech industry, hosted the Biden family in 2022 The Bidens boarded Air Force One on Wednesday in the rain to begin their Caribbean journey It's unlikely the president will be able to escape the darkening political clouds both at home and around the world as he sits on the sunny beach of the U.S. Virgin Island Joe and Jill Biden board the smaller steps of Air Force One in the rain as they began their journey to the Caribbean The Bidens rang in 2023 on its private beach. St. Croix is the eastern most point of the United States and thus gets the first sunrise of the new year for the United States. In the past, the Bidens joined locals in greeting the first sunrise of the new year at Point Udall, the eastern-most point under the American flag. But, as president, he requires more security, thus the private early morning tradition. The first family spent Christmas at Camp David but returned to the White House on Tuesday for a short, 24 hour stay. Last year, the Bidens' daughter Ashley, her husband Howard and Biden grandkids Natalie and Little Hunter joined the president and first lady on St. Croix. Both the president and first lady are known to enjoy beach time. The Bidens own a beach home in Rehoboth, Delaware. The Bidens will enjoy a gorgeous escape from the cold - the average temperature on St. Croix is in the 80s with sunny skies forecasted for the next week. Biden's brother James owns property on Water Island and, in the past, the Bidens would often spend a week there in January, when the cold weather settles in on the East Coast. During his time as vice president, Biden vacationed on St Croix in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Last year he was the first president to visit the island since former President Bill Clinton in the 1990s. Barack Obama visited it in 2007 when he was a presidential candidate. Before Biden, the last sitting president to visit St Croix was Harry Truman in February 1948. The daughter of world-renowned Australian chef Bill Granger who died on Christmas Day at the age of 54 is continuing his legacy with her shared passion for cooking. The iconic restaurateur died in a London hospital surrounded by his wife Natalie Elliott and their three daughters, Edie, 22, Ines, 20, and Bunny, 19. The 54-year-old, dubbed the 'King of Breakfast', is understood to have lost a battle with cancer after being diagnosed several months ago. Like her father, Ines is a cooking enthusiast and has an Instagram page dedicated to her culinary creations. The page is filled with photos of various cuisines ranging from Asian delicacies, Mexican banquets, Italian dishes and delectable deserts. Ines Elliott Granger, 20, (pictured) shares her father's love for cooking Bill Granger (pictured) died on Christmas day, aged 54, following a battle with cancer Recent recipes include a vegetable curry udon with onion, eggplant, zucchini, peppers and oyster mushrooms, a spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter, pan fried sage leaves and parmesan, and lentil soup topped with parmesan, and served alongside a mozzarella sourdough toasted sandwich. She was also the master chef for their family Christmas day lunch two years ago - one of the last they would have before her father fell ill. 'Made Christmas lunch,' she wrote, alongside a picture of the spread. 'Glazed ham, chopped salad w zucchini, sweet corn, asparagus, avocado and miso dressing, potato salad with parsley, pickles and mustard dressing (mayo free ofc), green salad w lettuce, cucumber, fennel, white wine vinegar and olive oil.' Ines, a student at the City & Guilds of London Art School (CGLAS), also uses the profile to display some of her creative works. In June, she shared a father's day card she made for Granger featuring a fried-egg pattern and the words 'Best sous chef ever'. Her father also started an arts degree in his youth before dropping out and opening his first restaurant, bills, in Darlinghurst in Sydney's inner suburbs in 1992 when he was just 21. His family announced the news of his death on his Instagram page on Wednesday. 'A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Ines and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London,' the post read. 'He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss most profoundly felt by his adored family, who are grateful for all the love and support that has been given.' In the comments, Ines wrote: 'I love you dadda'. Ines shared the above photo of the Christmas lunch she made for her family in December 2021 when she was aged 18 Pictured: a lentil soup dish Ines shared on her Instagram page last month Another recipe featured last month was the above vegetable curry udon. She added: 'Pan fried until they were a bit charred and then simmered with the curry sauce for a bit. So tasty and took like 45 mins including cutting the veg, couldnt recommend enough' Born in Melbourne, Granger was a self-taught cook who became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning over 30 years. He will be remembered for his unpretentious food and spurring the growth of informal and communal eating in Australia after he was inspired by his frequent trips to Japan. 'It is in the Australian attitude to life. People are interested in health - they want to get up early, go for a surf and eat healthy, and because the climate is so mild it makes you want to eat fresh food,' the chef is quoted as saying. In an interview with food blogger Lorraine Elliott, Granger revealed his father was a butcher while his mother was a vegetarian. His focus on family and sitting together over a meal was sparked by many nights spent eating alone without his father, who would work late. Granger also revealed his first job was at Kmart Fountain Gate where the iconic Australian comedy Kath and Kim was filmed. He quit studying architecture at RMIT in Melbourne to move to Sydney where he says he was immediately 'seduced' by the beautiful city. Granger then made the life-changing decision to move from art to food. 'When I was at my second year of uni I needed some money to pay my way and there was a restaurant across the road and I applied for a job as a waiter,' he said. 'So I became friends with the owner and I cooked for her and she really like the way I cooked so she invited me to cook in the kitchen and it started from there.' Ines is also an art student, like her father was in his youth She made the above card for her dad on father's day in June this year The self-taught chef said he learnt to cook from Women's Weekly cookbooks and recipe cards that were kept in a box next to the stove in his family home. His laidback approach to breakfast food has been lauded by acclaimed chefs like Jaime Oliver as well as celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Baz Luhrmann. Granger has authored 14 cookbooks, made five TV series and most recently was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2023. Despite enjoying fame on TV and with his cookbooks, he preferred to make his customers happy at his restaurants. 'I love nothing more than seeing people being really happy with food and getting really excited and having a nice coffee,' he said. 'Food is an amazing way to communicate with people.' Tributes flowed for Granger on Wednesday from fellow celebrity chefs including Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver as well as Australian actor Hugh Jackman. 'I'm heartbroken to hear this. So cruel. Deepest love to N, E, I and B,' Nigella wrote. Oliver, 47, wrote he was 'devastated' by the news of Granger's death and described the chef as a 'wonderful human' whose food was 'so good'. Granger pictured with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Ines and Bunny Tribute have flowed for the father-of-three 'This is devastating news, I'm so sad to hear this, what a guy he was . a wonderful human, kind calm soul,' Jamie wrote. 'I admired everything he represented in food. I remember the first time I met him many moons ago he couldn't have been nicer and his food so good. 'Sending so much love to all his family. Rest in peace, Bill, he will be sorely missed.' Sydney chef and Netflix star Mark Best also shared a touching tribute to Granger and his family describing him as a 'gorgeous man leaving behind a beautiful family'. Swazi-English actor Richard E Grant was lost for words and opted to share a string of broken heart emojis in response to the shock announcement. Granger has four cafes in Sydney in Bondi Beach, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Double Bay and 19 worldwide in locations like London, Hawaii and Korea. Avocado on toast has since remained a staple within his cafe empire and has grown to become the breakfast that defines a generation. The bodies of the missing pregnant teenager who was due to give birth and her boyfriend have been found dead, according to her family. Savanah Nicole Soto, 18 and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, vanished on December 23. The couple's bodies were found inside a vehicle on the northwest side of the Colinas Medical Apartments in San Antonio. Soto was last seen at her Leon Valley apartment and was described to be in 'imminent danger' or involuntarily disappeared, according to authorities. The nine-months pregnant teenager never showed up at the hospital where she was scheduled to be induced on Saturday at 6.30 pm. Savanah Soto, 18 and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, have been found dead after they went missing on December 23 Her boyfriend Matthew Guerra had also gone missing and some have accused him of being involved. Guerra's mother denied the accusations against her son: 'I know my son and he wouldn't do anything to hurt her' The couple's bodies were found at the Colinas Medical Apartments on the northwest side San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the department will work with the Leon Valley Police Department to investigate her death. McManus told reporters that the crime scene is 'very complex and perplexing'. He said: 'Detectives right now are looking at this as a possible murder, but we don't know for sure.' McManus also said the police did not know who located the vehicle and did not clarify if the child had survived. Mariana Delgado, who claims to be the deceased teenager's sister-in-law, posted on Facebook that Soto's body had been found early this evening and that she was in a 'bad bad condition'. Delgado later requested the family to be allowed to grieve. 'Savanah was so, so happy because she was going to be a mommy. It breaks my heart,' Soto's mother Gloria Cordova had previously told KENS5. 'Please come home. No one's going to judge you. No one is going to say anything,' Cordova said. 'I just want you to be home.' The Leon Valley Police Department had issued a CLEAR alert on Monday for Soto, described as a white female, 5-feet 1-inch tall, weighing 115 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The heartbroken mom said she last heard from her daughter on December 22 but failed to reach her on Saturday when she decided to check on Soto at her apartment outside San Antonio. 'I went by there and knocked and knocked and knocked and she wasn't answering,' Cordova said. 'We got to the hospital. They said she wasn't there.' Cordova said Soto was ready to become a mom, had the nursery done and planned on giving birth with her mother in the delivery room. A user who claimed to be a neighbor of Soto and Guerra last year said they witnessed the boyfriend 'arguing and beating her almost every day' Mariana Delgado, who claims to be the deceased teenager's sister-in-law, posted on Facebook that Soto's body had been found early this evening and that she was in a 'bad bad condition' San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters that the crime scene is 'very complex and perplexing' 'We don't even know what happened. They said it could be anything,' Cordova said, adding that her daughter would never disappear like this. Cordova had also taken to social media to ask for help by posting a photo of pregnant Soto. 'Im worried about her safety she is with her boyfriend who is no good,' the desperate mother had written in a Facebook post. The bizarre disappearance of Soto elicited an overwhelming response from social media users, with a Facebook group being formed to search for the teenager. More than 17,000 users joined the 'Find Savannah Soto Discussion' group as social media users fervently searched for clues that could possibly lead to Soto's disappearance. The discussion under #savannahsoto has garnered more than seven million views on TikTok as of Tuesday noon. Social media users have accused Soto's boyfriend Guerra of abuse, citing the bruises and marks they observed on Soto in her TikTok videos. The 18-year-old was last seen at her Leon Valley apartment and was described to be in 'imminent danger' or involuntarily disappeared 'Please come home. No one's going to judge you. No one is going to say anything,' Cordova said. 'I just want you to be home' A user who claimed to be a neighbor of Soto and Guerra last year said they witnessed the boyfriend 'arguing and beating her almost every day.' 'I witnessed him beating her and kicked her downstairs while she was unconscious,' the unnamed person said, adding that 'he kicked her body and face' and 'she needed stitches.' The person claimed they testified against Guerra, who is said to be on probation. Guerra's mother denied the accusations against her son: 'I know my son and he wouldn't do anything to hurt her.' 'I know my son and his girlfriend were taken against their will because my son does what he does for money. He is not an abusive boyfriend,' the mother said in a Facebook post that has been deleted. The human remains believed to be of a Missouri veteran who disappeared 13 years ago have been discovered in a private pond with the help of a YouTuber who had been investigating the case. Donald Erwin, a former Marine, vanished on December 29, 2013 aged 59, after leaving his home to go to a store for cigarettes. His family say he vanished without a trace. James Hinkle, who runs a YouTube account named Echo Divers, set out on a mission to find answers surrounding Erwin's disappearance. Hinkle is the father of a Marine and has veterans throughout his family, and felt strongly about trying to help in anyway he could. 'Those guys are all heroes, they deserve the best treatment they can,' Hinkle told DailyMail.com. 'Military people are always heroes and those guys need to be brought home. Donnie served us, I wanted to serve him.' Donald Erwin vanished in December 2013 after driving to go for cigarettes The vehicle was dredged from the water after being spotted on by one of Echo Divers' drone cameras just two days earlier Erwin's vehicle was pulled from the water of the pond on a private property this week. There was no sign of him Hinkle took a special interest in the case after realizing he lived just 90 minutes away from where Erwin was last seen. On December 16, a clue finally came with the discovery of his vehicle in a pond on a private property not far from where he lived. The vehicle was dredged from the water after being spotted on by one of Echo Divers' drone cameras just two days earlier. Divers and cadaver dogs were brought out to the scene in Camden County to recover human remains, most importantly an artificial hip consistent with Erwin's. 'While a forensic pathologist will have to examine the remains to determine for certain if they are indeed those of Mr. Erwin, investigators are confident the hip and remains belong to him,' the sheriff's office said. Erwin was largely wheelchair-dependent after losing his left leg from above the knee. Erwin's family say he disappeared 'without a trace'. They continue to search for answers about his disappearance James Hinkle, who runs the YouTube account Echo Divers , is the father of a Marine and has veterans throughout his family and wanted to see Erwin, himself a veteran, brought home The human remains of a Missouri veteran who disappeared 13 years ago have been discovered in a private pond with the help of a YouTuber who had been investigating the case He lived in central Missouri with his wife, and drove a silver Hyundai Elantra. For ten years, his family have been seeking answers about his disappearance to no end. There have not been any arrests and police say the current homeowners were cooperative with the search. Erwin's family say he vanished 'without a trace' in December 2013. Now, Hinkle says he hopes they'll be able to get some closure. 'I'm happy for the family, sad that they're now going to go through the actual grieving process to know that he's deceased but after spending time with the family, they are grieving but happy to know they finally have answers,' he said. 'You can't put into words what that means and what that feels like.' A 23-year-old Florida mother-of-two has been shot and killed following an argument over Christmas presents. Abrielle Baldwin was killed on Christmas Eve at their grandmother's home in Largo, Florida. Police believe the gun was fired by her 14-year-old brother Damarcus Coley who was then shot by their 15-year-old sibling, Darcus Coley. It is alleged Darcus fled the scene and then made a call to their mother. Damarcus and his sister were taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery, but Abrielle did not survive her injuries. Both brothers have been charged with murder, and the state is considering trying them as adults. Abrielle Baldwin, a 23-year-old mother of two, was shot and killed on Christmas Eve in Largo, Florida Darcus Coley, 15 (left) and his brother Damarcus Coley, 14 (right), are both facing murder or attempted murder charges The drama began when the siblings went shopping with their mother, Joyce, and Arielle's two children - a six-year-old son, and an 11-month-old baby boy. They returned to their grandmother's house in Largo and began arguing, with the 15-year-old saying his younger brother was getting more than him. 'The fact that you get two teenagers arguing over presents - a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old - that happens,' said Bob Gualtieri, the sheriff of Pinellas County. 'But not with guns.' The 14-year-old, Damarcus, allegedly pulled out a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun and threatened to shoot his brother in the head - but their uncle managed to remove him from the home, Gualtieri explained. Outside, it is understood Damarcus was confronted by their sister, who was carrying her 11-month-old son in a baby carrier. 'You all need to leave that stuff alone. Why are you trying to start it? It's Christmas,' she told him, in audio captured by a neighbor's home camera system, and obtained by The Tampa Bay Times. The Christmas Eve shooting happened outside the siblings' grandmother's house in Largo (pictured) Abrielle was shot and killed with this gun, police said - which they believe was stolen from a car Damarcus Coley, 14, is seen posing with his gun hours before he allegedly shot and killed his sister Gualtieri continued: 'Damarcus then began arguing with Abrielle and used some very derogatory language I won't repeat it all and all kinds of profanity. 'He was calling her a w***e and all kinds of other stuff, and stated that he was going to shoot her and that he was 'going to shoot the baby, too.' Damarcus then allegedly shot his sister in the chest. His brother Darcus reportedly ran out the house, screaming that his sister had been shot - and then allegedly shot Damarcus, with his own .45 caliber pistol. Darcus fled the scene, throwing his gun into a nearby yard and contacting his mother, deputies said. He was later taken to a mental health facility due to 'self-harm statements' and is expected to be transferred to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center. Both brother have been charged. Damarcus Coley faces charges of first-degree murder, child abuse and delinquent in possession of a firearm, and may be charged as an adult. His 15-year-old brother faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. Abrielle Baldwin, 23, was mother to a six-year-old son and an 11-month-old baby boy The baby was held by his mother in a carrier when she was shot - but the child was unharmed Gualtieri said that 'juvenile delinquents' are getting their hands on firearms either by purchasing stolen guns on the street or through car burglaries. 'Both Damarcus and Darcus carried guns all the time. They routinely carried firearms on them,' he said. 'People knew it. That's what they did.' He added: 'This is what happens when you've got young delinquents and they carry guns. 'They get upset, they don't know how to handle stuff, so they just pick up their guns and start shooting each other.' Gualtieri said both brothers were well known to police. Damarcus' arrest history dates back to when he was 12. He previously has been charged with vehicle theft, battery on a school employee and battery on a law enforcement officer, Gualtieri said. Both brothers were arrested in May for multiple car burglaries and both have previous juvenile charges for being a minor in possession of a firearm. Gualtieri added: 'The problem is, you've got way too many kids out there with way too many guns.' He said gun violence among young children was the worst he's ever seen it. 'These kids need to get locked up,' Gualtieri said. 'Send a message.' Sir Winston Churchill was known to have referred to a pint of champagne as the ideal size as it was 'enough for two at lunch and one at dinner'. And pint bottles of wine and sparkling wine will soon be stocked on supermarket shelves thanks to Brexit freedoms, the Government has announced. Brussels' preference for metric measures meant EU red tape has prevented alcohol being sold in pints apart from an opt-out for draught beer and cider. Yet before the ban around 60 per cent of champagne sold in the UK was by the pint. Business minister Kevin Hollinrake told the Mail last night: 'Winston Churchill's favourite tipple was a pint of champagne and thanks to our exit from the EU, Mail readers will soon be able to enjoy a pint of the good stuff again. Sir Winston Churchill was known to have referred to a pint of champagne as the ideal size as it was 'enough for two at lunch and one at dinner' And pint bottles of wine and sparkling wine will soon be stocked on supermarket shelves thanks to Brexit freedoms, the Government has announced 'The UK is home to over 900 vineyards, and this will be a huge Brexit bonus for them. 'Innovation, freedom and choice underpins this move and it will see the UK seizing new opportunities to export and provide a real boost to our great British wineries, further growing the economy.' The reforms were made possible through this year's Retained EU Law Act. British makers produce around 12.2 million bottles of still or sparkling wine a year. As well as in the pint size (568ml), it will also be possible to sell still wine in 200ml quantities and sparkling wine in 500ml both now banned. WineGB chief executive Nicola Bates said: 'We are happy to raise a glass to the greater choice this allows UK producers.' Sadiq Khan's Ulez expansion is suffering a fresh setback after drivers for Dutch lorry firms argued 6.5million fines were issued unlawfully. The lorry firms have launched a legal review against Transport for London in the High Court in the first legal challenge of its kind over fines to foreign drivers. If this case is successful, it could open doors for similar ones to follow. The Ulez zone, which was extended in August to cover all of London's boroughs, requires those who drive vehicles non-compliant which emissions standards to pay a daily 12.50 charge. If they don't pay, the drivers are fined 180. But for highly polluting heavy goods vehicles, like lorries, the non-payment in low emission zones can be up to 3000. But the Dutch company has applied for permission to launch a judicial review against TfL, claiming it has been unlawfully issuing fines to companies in the Netherlands. Sadiq Khan's Ulez expansion is suffering a fresh setback after drivers for Dutch lorry firms argued 6.5million fines were issued unlawfully The Ulez zone, which was extended in August to cover all of London's boroughs, requires those who drive vehicles non-compliant which emissions standards to pay a daily 12.50 charge The company, Transport in Nood BV, claimed that 6,500 in Ulez and Lez fines were wrongly issued to Dutch firms whose vehicles have been caught in the charging zones. Owner Antonio Oliveira said the company was bringing legal action over unfair fines which led to some firms filing for bankruptcy, The Telegraph reported. He told the paper: 'People have been really impacted. I have seen people in tears over this, others have had to sell their trucks. It is completely unjust, and we need to get an answer from an English court to find out if this is correct. 'We are launching this claim to get the fines that have already been paid to be repaid, and the court costs. We are talking millions of pounds. We are only talking about Holland it must be even greater across Europe. We are not the only country, of course.' The firm decided to bring the case after its clients received more than 10,000 fine notices from TfL through Euro Parking Collection (EPC) - from November last year. According to the company, many of these fines arrived at the same time, costing some firms tens of thousands of euros in just a single day. The legal challenge is based upon the claim thar the fines were unlawfully denominated into euros. This is contrary to UK legislation which says that all fines should be given in pounds. Lawyers representing the firms claim the EPC used a high exchange rate, meaning fines are 200 more expensive when issued to Dutch drivers. The company will also argue that if the fines were sent when the drivers were caught in the zones instead of later on, drivers could have changed their behaviour and avoided further fines. A TfL spokesman told the Telegraph: 'We have received a claim relating to penalty charge notices from claimants based in the Netherlands and are considering our response.' Harvard's embattled president is facing yet further questions about her academic record, after a statistics expert challenged the data used in a report which helped win her tenure at Stanford. Claudine Gay, who took over as president in July, has been at the center of a firestorm since the October 7 Hamas attacks. She was seemingly slow to condemn students who justified the terrorist violence, and slow to speak out against antisemitism on campus. The harsh spotlight has spread to her academic record, with accusations of plagiarism - and on Tuesday, a data scientist challenged her analytical methods. It was then revealed that she had refused to share her data, raising eyebrows in academia. Jonatan Pallesen, a Copenhagen-based data scientist working for the Confederation of Danish Industry, tweeted that he had examined her use of data in her PhD thesis, and a 2001 American Political Science Review (APSR) paper. The 2001 paper - 'The Effect of Black Congressional Representation on Political Participation' - was one of four peer-reviewed political science articles which secured her 2005 tenure at Stanford. Claudine Gay, the president of Harvard, won tenure at Stanford in 2002, thanks to four peer-reviewed papers but one of them has now been questioned Kenneth W. Shotts (left), a professor of political economy at Stanford, and Michael C. Herron (right), a quantitative social science professor at Dartmouth, questioned her study Gay had received an undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in government from Harvard, before returning to Stanford to teach. In 2006, she joined Harvard's faculty, serving as a professor of government and of African and African American studies. She became dean of Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences in 2018. Pallesen found that the 2001 paper was misleading, and incomplete. 'I am not a political scientist, but I am pondering about the whole approach of her study,' he said. Christopher Brunet, a contributing editor at The American Conservative, then followed up on Pallesen's concerns in The Dossier, and found that Gay had refused to share the data which informed her conclusions. Two professors - Michael C. Herron, a quantitative social science professor at Dartmouth, and Kenneth W. Shotts, a professor of political economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business - told a 2002 conference of The Society for Political Methodology that she would not share her data or code with them. 'We were, however, unable to scrutinize Gay's results because she would not release her dataset to us (personal communication with Claudine Gay, 2002),' they noted. The professors said the statistical practice Gay used in her research often leads 'logical inconsistencies.' But, Brunet finds, their criticism of Gay was removed from the website. Brunet said that Gay's refusal to share her data was 'shameful'. Herron, the professor who in 2002 criticized her, told The New York Post that Gay was just one person they looked at when discussing data analysis. Also on Tuesday, it emerged that two Harvard board members and four faculty held a private dinner where they reportedly discussed a culture of 'self-censorship' on campus, amid growing outrage over the school's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The four professors in attendance on Tuesday said they didn't address the elephant in the room for the Ivy League institution - Gay's uncertain future as president - despite reports stating otherwise. Harvard Law School professor Jeannie Suk Gersen, Psychology professor Steven A. Pinker, lecturer Flynn J. Cratty, and former Harvard Medical School Dean Jeffrey S. Flier were present along with board members Tracy Palandjian and Paul J Finnegan. Two Harvard board members and four faculty held a private dinner where they reportedly discussed a culture of 'self-censorship' on campus. According to the professors, they did not discuss the elephant in the room - Claudine Gay's tenure as president. (Pictured: Claudine Gay) Gay studied at Stanford (pictured) and then taught at the university, before switching to Harvard in 2006 The dinner at Bar Enza in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was first reported by the New York Times, - and it sparked rumors that Palandjian and Finnegan could be breaking ranks with the Harvard Corporation's decision to stand by the beleaguered president. Gay, who took office in July this year, sparked fury during a congressional hearing after she said that it depended on context whether calls for the genocide of Jews at Harvard constituted harassment and violated the rules. According to the Times, Palandjian said that 'replacing the university's president might not be going far enough to get Harvard back on course' - but each of the professors who were at the dinner told the Harvard Crimson the topic did not even come up. Pinker told the Crimson he had 'no memory of Palandjian saying she supported Gay's resignation.' 'That would have been a bombshell I could not possibly have forgotten,' he said. Cratty described the dinner as a 'very frank and friendly conversation about ways Harvard can grow in its commitment to civil discourse and diversity of thought'. 'We did not discuss or request President Gay's removal,' he added. According to the Times, Palandjian also said Harvard needed 'generational change' - but Gersen wrote in a statement to The Crimson that she didn't 'specifically recall Tracy Palandjian using the language of 'generational' change at Harvard.' The dinner at Bar Enza in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was first reported by the New York Times - and it sparked rumors that Tracy Palandjian (left) and Paul J Finnegan (right) could be breaking ranks with the Harvard Corporation's decision to stand by the beleaguered president 'But if she did, it was not about possibly replacing the President or members of the Corporation, as that was not the conversation we were having,' Gersen said. Harvard spokesman Jonathan L Swain said the dinner was 'a constructive and positive conversation about the importance of academic freedom, civil discourse and intellectual diversity.' 'The discussion of 'generational change' occurred in that context; that addressing such a vital and complex societal issue would not happen overnight, but would take time,' Swain said. 'It was not related to any individual at Harvard.' Meanwhile, Flier previously told the Times and the Wall Street Journal he urged Palandjian and Finnegan to do more to address the anti-Semitism furor threatening to envelop the Ivy League school. 'You need to be more out front of this,' Flier recalled telling the execs, as he spoke with the New York Times. 'If people are saying the university is making mistakes, they are talking about you!' Finnegan and Palandjian did not immediately respond to requests for comment from DailyMail.com. Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokesperson for the New York Times, wrote in a statement that the publication is 'confident in the accuracy of our reporting and stand by the story.' Charlie Sheen's blonde divorcee Buddhist neighbor has pleaded not guilty to assaulting the actor after he was allegedly strangled at his rented Malibu apartment. Electra Schrock - nee Poag - is officially charged with 'felony assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.' An initial charge of 'assault with a deadly weapon with force' was dropped. A court heard that Sheen is 'quite fearful' following the shocking incident on December 20. Schrock, 47, was arrested shortly afterwards the same afternoon by Los Angeles County sheriffs at her rented 3rd floor two-bedroom apartment in the same complex where the Two and a Half Men star currently resides. Standing in a glassed off area for defendants, Schrock said just a few words during her nine-minute arraignment hearing in Dept. 100 at Van Nuys Superior Courthouse on Tuesday. Electra Schrock, Charlie Sheen 's blonde divorcee Buddhist neighbor has pleaded not guilty to assaulting the actor after he was allegedly strangled at his rented Malibu apartment Schrock, 47, was arrested shortly afterwards the same afternoon by Los Angeles County sheriffs at her rented 3rd floor two-bedroom apartment in the same complex where the Two and a Half Men star currently resides A court heard that Sheen is 'quite fearful' following the shocking incident on December 20 Last night, she remained behind bars after Judge John Reid kept her bail amount at $75,000. Prosecutors also requested a criminal protective order - commonly called a restraining order - which the judge approved. 'You are required to follow this protective order,' Judge Reid told Schrock. 'Do you understand?' 'I do,' she said. Sheen's worried parents - The West Wing actor Martin Sheen, 83, and Janet, 79 - who also live in Malibu, rushed to check on their son shortly after the incident, DailyMail.com can reveal. Sheen, 58 - once Hollywood's highest paid TV actor - was attacked after opening the door of his relatively modest second floor apartment Schrock's public defender, Randy Kaplan, told the court his client has two previous misdemeanor convictions. Of the latest allegations, he said: 'It doesn't seem like anything more than an overfilled misdemeanor battery. There were no injuries. The victim was examined by a medical doctor who stated that he (the victim) was fine.' Standing in a glassed off area for defendants, Schrock said just a few words during her nine-minute arraignment hearing in Dept. 100 at Van Nuys Superior Courthouse on Tuesday Schrock's public defender, Randy Kaplan, told the court his client has two previous misdemeanor convictions Prosecutors also requested a criminal protective order - commonly called a restraining order - which the judge approved He said prosecutors are 'basically alleging the defendant had grabbed the neck area, grabbed him by the collar which seems on the extremely lower end of what has been filed (by prosecutors).' But prosecutor Nicole Flood told the court Sheen is 'quite fearful' following the incident. She also said that Sheen had some stitches on his body, and in the tussle with Schrock one had 'come out.' Flood also said that a previous elder abuse case involving Schrock is currently 'pending.' In June this year she had pled no to a charge of 'Elder/Dependent Adult Cruelty.' 'The court should be aware that the defendant is on a pending diversion case.an elder abuse charge,' said Flood. 'She was on diversion for that matter when she committed this offense and assaulted the victim in the present case. We believe that that means the defendant presents a danger. 'The victim is quite fearful.' Schrock works with children's charities. A close friend told DailyMail.com: 'Electra is an attractive, kind woman who wouldn't hurt a fly. She's a Buddhist. She's a peaceful person. She's being set up.' Schrock works with children's charities. A close friend told DailyMail.com: 'Electra is an attractive, kind woman who wouldn't hurt a fly. She's a Buddhist. She's a peaceful person. She's being set up' Last night, she remained behind bars after Judge John Reid (pictured) kept her bail amount at $75,000 The alleged assault took place after Sheen heard a knock at the door and went to answer before the suspect burst into the home A preliminary hearing for the case has been set for Jan. 8. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Cindy Crawford, Robert Downey Jr., Halle Berry, Cher, Charlize Theron and Mel Gibson who call the exclusive Malibu beach enclave home live in ocean-front homes or gated mansions with stunning views. Sheen is renting the Malibu condo after selling the last of his three Mulholland Estates mansions with Los Angeles city views in 2020. In mid-2021 he was renting another property in Malibu - that time a house - for over $16,000 per month. Former staff at a concrete construction company which recently went bust have copped a devastating blow days after Christmas. MMD Concrete Construction Pty Ltd collapsed in September with forensic accounting firm Worrells appointed to liquidate the company. The company based in Batesford near Geelong, south-west of Melbourne owes at at least half a million in unpaid taxes and employee entitlements, according to a liquidator report dated December 18. The report stated that MMD owed employees $127,832 in unpaid superannuation and another $112,613 in wages, leave and retrenchment. Former staff may not see a cent of their unpaid entitlements following the collapse of MMD Concrete Construction Pty Ltd (stock image of tradies) The company also had a tax debt at least $230,000 accumulated over the last four years which could be as high as $345,322, according to MMD itself, the Geelong Advertiser reported. Liquidator Scott Andersen conceded that employees may never see a cent of what they owed, despite being listed as priority creditors to be paid first. The report also found that MMD Concrete Construction may have been insolvent for the last two-and-a half years. 'My preliminary assessment is that the company has likely been insolvent from 30 June 2021,' Mr Andersen wrote. MMD director Nick Burnett is owed $678,922 while another company Mr Burnett is also director of is owed $103,621, according to the liquidator's estimate. MMD Concrete Construction Pty Ltd also left behind a hefty tax debt. Pictured is one of the firm's projects MMD Concrete Construction Pty Ltd was wound up on September 27. Pictured is company director Nick Burnett Mr Burnett cited the Covid-19 pandemic and 'increasing taxation debt' when asked to explain the company's financial woes to liquidators, the report stated. The company was registered in October 2017. Its Facebook page remains online with its most recent photo of a project dated July 14. 'Here at MMD concrete we work on jobs big and small, we specialise in commercial concreting,' the page states. The collapse is another big blow to the construction industry hit by high interest rates, soaring material costs and an ongoing worker shortage. An estimated 2,349 construction firms have collapsed in 2023m, amid fears more will follow suit in 2024. Almost 800 construction businesses traded as insolvent in the September quarter alone, according to new data from corporate regulator ASIC. She is now behind $39,000 in strata payments A Melbourne woman's desperate plea to access her superannuation after 10 years of defects in her apartment left her financially ruined has been denied by red tape. Construction company Shangri-La Construction went into liquidation at the end of March shortly after completing 10 residential unit blocks across Melbourne. Many residents were in the process of suing for defective building work when the company collapsed - with customers forced to foot the bill for repairs themselves. Mother-of-one Tamara Railton-Stewart, 48, bought her two-bedroom, two-bathroom Shangri-La apartment for $649,000 in 2014, news.com.au reports. In December 2015 - after just one month of living in the unit - several leaks appeared after Melbourne was inundated with heavy rain. The family were forced to live in the mould-riddled apartment during Covid lockdowns with the fed-up resident certain it was one of the factors that caused her then 16-month-old daughter to be diagnosed as asthmatic. Despite receiving a $2million insurance payout to cover some of the defects over a 10-year period the homeowner is still $39,000 behind in strata payments. Melbourne mother-of-one Tamara Railton-Stewart, 48, bought her two-bedroom, two-bathroom Shangri-La apartment for $649,000 in 2014 Cancer-survivor Ms Railton-Smith has requested early access to her superannuation on compassionate grounds but has been rejected three times since February. In response to her pleading letters, the Australian Treasury said she doesn't meet the requirements because her bank has yet to threaten to repossess her home. She also lived elsewhere for a period of time due to the mould, meaning the unit is not considered her principal place of residence by the government. 'I think people in my position should have access to their super,' she said. 'I am not asking for a handout, but simply access to my own money.' The resident is particularly furious that she can't access her retirement funds while other Australians are reportedly using a loophole to access superannuation to pay for cosmetic treatments like a breast augmentation or liposuction. In March, the Albanese government was forced to issue an extraordinary warning that cosmetic surgeons were preying on Australians by encouraging them to blow their retirement savings on beauty procedures. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones used the example in justifying why the Labor government plans to make it harder for Australians to withdraw their super. Construction company Shangri-La Construction went into liquidation at the end of March (pictured, men work on a construction site in Melbourne) Early access to superannuation is allowed in situations where someone is permanently incapacitated, has a physical or mental condition that stops them from working, is dying or their loved one is. Severe financial hardship is also another reason for early access but the onus on the individual to prove they need the cash desperately to their superannuation fund. However, under current laws the Treasurer or any member of parliament has the power to approve the release of an individual's superannuation. Ms Railton-Smith was advised to seek the advice of a financial counsellor. The Melbourne resident said surviving cancer was 'easier' than her 10-year battle over the Shangri-La apartment. 'I would go through cancer 10 times over to never relive the nightmare of this apartment ever again,' she said. A separate from another block of Shangri-La units was for $10million worth of damages including cladding problems and water leaks. An advertisement for a Sydney real estate agent's team has raised eyebrows after a female staff member failed to get a mention in the ad copy. The picture, shared to social media on Tuesday, shows McGrath Double Bay agent James Ledgerwood with his sales associate Ben Fraser, both of whom have their names and contact details listed. Executive assistant Alina Setter is also included in the photo titled 'The James Ledgerwood Team' but she is not mentioned by name. The post has been viewed by more than 114,000 people in less than a day. Many took to the comments to voice their disapproval Ms Setter was left out while Mr Ledgerwood is mentioned three times. A seemingly unremarkable advertisement for a Sydney real estate agent has caused a stir online after it was shared on social media. The female staff member is not named, as many of the more than one hundred thousand people who viewed the post noted 'They are all named except the woman. Not cool,' one person said. 'Great PR to get a woman in the shot and not give her a name,' another said. 'Women make 70 per cent of real estate purchasing decisions. Marketing yourself in a way that is likely to annoy women doesn't seem to be a very smart choice in my opinion,' agreed a third. 'No recognition of the executive assistant. Who'd be the one doing actual work.' added a fourth. Others went so far as to label the ad 'sexist' and question if Ms Setter was the 'token' female there as 'window dressing' to balance the picture. But, as one commenter pointed out, there might be another explanation for why there were no contact details listed. 'Is the woman a licensed agent? If not she cannot talk about real estate to buyers or sellers. She can do admin tasks like setting appointments but not allowed to even say how many bedrooms a property has.' Mr Ledgerwood works in Sydney's exclusive eastern suburbs and reviews of him online appear to be overwhelmingly glowing According to NSW Fair Trading 'anyone who wants to work as a real estate agent in NSW needs a licence'. An agent license allows the holder to sell, lease and manage real estate on behalf of clients. Anyone without a license cannot act as an agent for a prospective purchaser, seller, landlord or tenant and cannot negotiate transactions like buying, selling, exchanging or leasing property. It is unclear if Ms Setter has her real estate licence. Mr Ledgerwood, a former Real Estate Industry Queensland (REIQ) Agent of the Year in 2014, welcomed Ms Setter on board earlier this year. He specialises in property in the Bellevue Hill, Bondi, North Bondi, Bondi Beach and Vaucluse areas and holds the record for selling the most expensive apartment in Bondi when he sold the Kew Penthouse in November 2022 for $8.4million. Mr Ledgerwood and Ms Setter have been contacted for comment. Boston's party-throwing mayor faced some uninvited guests on Christmas Day when police banged on her door in response to a hoax shooting report. Michelle Wu was swatted as she sat at home with her family less by a malicious caller than two weeks after she was dubbed 'Wu Klux Klan' for throwing a controversial 'no whites' party for 'electeds of color'. The caller told police that he had shot his wife at the $850,000 house in the tony Rosindale district after coming home to find her cheating on him. Moments later the Democrat mayor answered her door to find police with guns drawn and two ambulances outside. 'For better or worse my family are a bit used to it by now, and we have a good system with the department,' Wu told WBUR. Michelle Wu, Boston's first nonwhite mayor, was unapologetic outside the 'electeds of color' Christmas party in the city's Parkman House on December 13 The Mayor was at home at 5.30pm on Christmas Day when police and two ambulances arrived Wu tweeted a photo of the controversial event for the city's elected officials from which white people were purposely excluded 'When there are true emergencies that happen and there are resources being deployed in this way, it is concerning.' Boston's first female mayor faced a storm of criticism and claims she may have broken anti-segregation laws for her December 13 party for the city's elected officials at the city-owned Parkman House from which all white people were purposely excluded. News of the party only emerged when a city hall employee sent out the invite to all city councilors by mistake. But the mayor was unrepentant claiming 'some of the folks who are concerned might also just not have all the information'. 'We celebrate all kinds of connection and identity and culture and heritage in the city,' she added. 'Just yesterday we hosted our official City Hall Hanukkah lighting. 'We have had tree lightings, and we want to be a city where everyone's identity is embraced, and that there are spaces and communities we can help support.' Prominent Boston conservative Howie Carr accused her of putting 'the party back in apartheid'. 'What if a white mayor had held a whites-only party at a city-owned building, after specifically disinviting all the non-white members of the City Council?' the veteran radio host wrote in a Boston Herald editorial. Wu's director of City Council relations, Denise DosSantos, reportedly invited the chamber to the exclusive event by accident, and apologized for any offense caused 'It would have been the end of the world, a national story for days if not weeks on end. On the night of the party, there would have been rioting, or looting and violence.' The hoaxer called 911 at 5.30pm on Monday and said he had tied up both the wife he had just shot and the man he had found her with. Dispatchers recognized the address as Wu's and checked with the security detail stationed outside who told then he had heard no gunshots from within. He then waited for back-up to arrive before hammering on her door. Wu said her home has been swatted a number of times since she took office as mayor in November 2021 and police said they had no confirmation of the motive for the latest hoax. The event was revealed after Mayor Wu's director of City Council relations Denise DosSantos (pictured) accidentally invited the entire chamber instead of only 'electeds of color' It took place just hours after Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene was swatted for 'like the eighth time' at her home in Georgia, days after she celebrated meeting notorious 'Q-Anon shaman' Jacob Chansley. 'My local police are the GREATEST and shouldn't have to deal with this,' she tweeted as she enjoyed Christmas Day with her family. 'I appreciate them so much and my family and I are in joyous spirits celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ!' The 49-year-old conservative was swatted twice in August alone. On August 23, the Rome Police Department said officers 'responded to a 911 call reference to a subject being shot multiple times at an address within the city limits.' According to the police report, the caller said a man had been shot at MTG's home and that a woman and children could still be inside. When cops turned up at her home, she assured them there was no issue and the call was determined to be a swatting incident. The police report went on to say officers 'received a second call from the suspect who was using a computer generated voice stating that he/she was upset about Mrs Greene's political view on transgender youth rights.' The next day, her home was targeted again by a prank caller who told cops they had gunned down her family and threatened to kill any officers who came to the door. Controversial Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was also swatted on Christmas Day, days after meeting 'Q-Anon shaman' Jacob Chansley at a far-right conference Wu said she had been swatted before since taking office in November 2021 and police have not revealed a motive for the latest attack Jewish sites across the United States reported 199 'swatting' incidents in the space of 24 hours earlier this month as anti-Semitic incidents have surged in the aftermath of the war in Gaza. And the FBI set up the country's first Command Center in May 2023 to co-ordinate the federal, state, local responses to tackle swatting. Celebrities including Ashton Kutcher, Tom Cruise, Chris Brown, Miley Cyrus, Iggy Azalea, Jason Derulo, Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber, and Clint Eastwood have fallen victim to the practice And at least two victims have been shot dead by police in the US responding to bogus reports. The man who stabbed two teenage girls on vacation from South America at Grand Central Terminal's has 17 prior arrests and was just let out of jail two weeks before he said 'I want all the white people dead' during his attack. Steven Hutcherson, 36, is said to have gotten into an argument with staff at Tartinery who told him he could not sit in the restaurant's seating area. That argument led to the attack on the innocent girls, aged 16 and 14, who were visiting from Paraguay. Yussif Abdullahi, 46, said that he was the victim of a November 7 attack in the Bronx after he saw Hutcherson - who is homeless and has a history of mental health problems - harassing a woman before pulling on a gun on him and making similar anti-white threats. 'Why are you working for white people? I'm going to kill this man! I'm gonna shoot you. I don't care what kind of green card the government gave you,' Hutcherson said, according to police. Steven Hutcherson, 36, is believed to have gotten into an argument with staff at Tartinery who told him he could not sit in the restaurant's seating area. That argument led to the attack on the two innocent girls, aged 16 and 14, who were visiting from Paraguay Abdullahi - who was working outside a freight truck depot at the time - thought that Hutcherson was possibly 'high and going crazy,' according to the New York Post. 'I was thinking maybe he was just saying it and didn't mean it,' he said. Then, Hutcherson told Abdullahi: 'Open your mouth and say something. I will shoot you right now.' Hutcherson then walked away but less than a half hour later, he sucker-punched another man, police said. He was eventually arrested while in possession of a knife at a gas station and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, harassment and assault. They did not find a gun on him. Hutcherson pled guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge but was given conditional discharge on December 12 by Judge Matthew V. Grieco. Abdullahi said it was the most dangerous thing he'd ever faced since he emigrated to the United States from Ghana in 2008. 'They shouldn't have let him out [of jail]. I don't believe it,' he said after learning of Hutcherson's stabbing attack. The man who stabbed two teenage girls on vacation from South America at Grand Central Terminal's has 17 prior arrests and was just let out of jail two weeks before he said 'I want all the white people dead' during his attack Two teenage girls on vacation from South America have been stabbed while eating at Grand Central Terminal's dining concourse (file photo) The girls, aged 14 and 16, were touring the city with their parents when they were suddenly attacked. The stabbing happened around 11:25am on Christmas when the family had stopped for an early lunch. The suspect, identified as Hutcherson, a Bronx resident, allegedly told the girls, 'I want all the white people dead.' When Hutcherson complained that the two victims were being allowed to sit in the restaurant, he allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed them both. Hutcherson was arrested in under a minute as MTA police swooped in from their nearby posts. One of the girls was stabbed in the thigh while the other was stabbed in the back, nicking her lung. Both victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital. Hutcherson has been charged with attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. Hutcherson is believed to have got in an argument with staff at Tartinery, pictured, who told him he could not sit in the restaurant's area (file photo) He is known as an emotionally disturbed person with an arrest record by both the MTA police and NYPD. Counting his November 7 charge, Hutcherson has been arrested twice in the last six months for intimidating people while brandishing a gun in the Bronx. He pleaded guilty to another weapons possession arrest on July 24. For his July office he was given a 15-day jail sentence, while for November he was given a conditional discharge together with a temporary restraining order against his victim. Antoinette Lattouf has announced she will be launching a podcast following her axing from the ABC as a fill-in radio presenter after just three days in the role. Ms Lattouf had been presenting ABC Sydney Mornings last week but was let go on Wednesday afternoon and did not return for her shifts on Thursday and Friday. She was sacked after sharing a series of anti-Israel posts regarding the conflict in the Middle East. A flood of complaints from the ABC's Jewish listeners reached chairwoman Ita Buttrose, leading to Ms Lattouf being fired. Ms Lattouf will now focus on her latest career venture - a new podcast titled 'The Antoinettes'. Antoinette Lattouf has announced she will be launching a podcast following her axing from the ABC as a fill-in radio presenter after just three days in the role Ms Lattouf announced her podcast last week. She will host it with American poet Azure Antoinette 'What happens when an Australian journalist named Antoinette and an American poet named Antoinette sit down to tackle the world's biggest and smallest problems?' she wrote in an Instagram post. 'They trade many words and some barbs! There are trials and errors, and plenty of laughs as the Antoinettes navigate their friendship while trying to make sense of the world's chaos. 'Each week, the two smarta***s will unpack one problem. Nothing is off the table. Welcome to the bin fire. Welcome to the s**t show!' Ms Lattouf said the first episode would drop early next year. Last week the journalist lodged a complaint with the Fair Work Commission, alleging she was unlawfully terminated. Her submission to the FWC 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 Ms Lattouf's position at the national broadcaster. The ABC declined to comment. Late last Wednesday night, Ms Lattouf posted on Instagram that she was 'very disappointed by the ABC's decision'. 'I believe I was terminated unlawfully,' she said. 'This is not a win for journalism or critical, fair thinking. I'm currently considering my legal options.' The ABC has strict editorial policies and requires staff to be impartial in their reporting and protect the broadcaster's reputation. Last week the journalist lodged a complaint with the Fair Work Commission, alleging she was unlawfully terminated from the ABC 'A thoughtless post or tweet can instantly compromise this perception of impartiality,' the ABC's rules state. A GoFundMe has been set up by Ms Lattouf's supporters, to help fund her legal fees. 'We stand with Antoinette and support the rights of workers to be able to share news that expresses an opinion or reinforces a fact, without fear of retribution,' the fundraiser, which has garnered more than $12,000 in donations, read. 'We must help her fight this decision and we must fight for the right of all of us to share whats happening around the world, without fear of professional reprimand. 'Seeking and speaking the truth, and sharing that truth with others, should never be punishable, its a freedom and a right we all have an obligation to defend.' Ms Lattouf recently co-authored an article questioning the veracity of viral footage that showed pro-Palestine activists chanting 'gas the Jews' at the Sydney Opera House at a protest in October. 'Analysis of the Aust Jewish Association videos by fact checker RMIT CrossCheck found a number of signs that suggest audio was edited' she claimed. In another post from November, Ms Lattouf wrote: 'We need a PERMANENT ceasefire and to address the ROOT of the problem - unlawful occupation of Palestine.' A Queensland family of five almost didn't live to see Christmas Day after a driver crossed onto the other side of the road nearly causing a head-on collision. Dashcam footage showed the family travelling on the highway from Bowen to Guthalungra, in the state's north, on Friday afternoon. As the family travelled around a corner they were met by a driver travelling the opposite direction, in their lane. The driver had seemingly tried to overtake the car in front of them by entering the family's lane. Thankfully, the dashcam owner's reflexes kicked in and they swerved to the side while the driver careered into the grass behind them. A Queensland family of five narrowly avoided a collision in the state's north last Friday afternoon (pictured, the driver crossing into the family's lane) No major damage was done to their car with only the driver-side mirror taken out. A woman screamed and swore as the car headed towards the family. 'F**k me. you f***ing a***ole c**t,' she said. 'We almost got hit and died.' Commenters under the video applauded the quick-thinking of the driver. 'Amazing job! You saved multiple lives in a millisecond! Glad you and the missus are OK,' one said. 'Thank goodness that you were alert, and I hope you kissed the ground when you got out,' another wrote. Others commenters weren't convinced the car was trying to overtake. The family managed to swerve away just seconds before a driver travelling the opposite direction would have collided with them (pictured, the driver after the near-collision) 'They went straight into the grass,' one wrote. 'Could of been on their phone, fallen asleep, had a medical emergency, someone could of grabbed the wheel in an argument. So many things.' Queensland Police were unaware of the incident. The family of pregnant teenager Savanah Nicole Soto who was found dead with her boyfriend were seen brawling in court with a man accused of her brother's murder. Ethan Soto, 15, was shot dead in what is believed to have been an act of revenge for a drug robbery in May 2022, according to San Antonio police. His sister, Savanah, 18, is now also dead after her body was located on Tuesday evening alongside her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, just three days after the pair were reported missing, on the same day she was expected to be induced into labor. Police are now investigating their deaths as a possible homicide, in a tragic parallel to the death of Ethan who police say was murdered. Just months ago, the Soto family were seen as the man accused of killing Ethan, Victor Nathaneal Rivas, appeared in court to face charges over his death. As Rivas took the stand, members of the Soto family were seen launching at him, triggering a huge brawl breaking out. Footage shows at least four members jumping a partition and throwing punches at Rivas - who allegedly provoked the group by making a gesture at them. A user who claimed to be a neighbor of Soto and Guerra last year said they witnessed the boyfriend 'arguing and beating her almost every day' The shooter reportedly lured his 'victim' from his home in May 2022 after Ethan stole THC cartridges from Rivas (pictured: Ethan Soto) Victor Nathaneal Rivas, 18, was on trial for the murder of Ethan Soto, 15, on Friday when the Soto family launched an attack, footage shows Four people were arrested after the violent outbreak - including two adult males and two juvenile males - who were expected to be charged with assault and disrupting court proceedings, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Rivas, who was 17 at the time of his alleged crime, was arrested in August 2022 and charged with murder after he was accused of shooting Soto in what appeared to be revenge for drug robbery, San Antonio police said. Judge Ron Rangel said had been forced to hit the courtroom's panic button after the brawl broke out. Rivas's attorney Adam LaHood told KSAT they were in court for a routine preliminary hearing. He said the outburst was 'certainly unexpected' and 'not something you ever want to see happen'. The shooter reportedly lured his 'victim' from his home in May 2022 after Ethan stole THC cartridges from Rivas. Now in a shocking twist, Ethan's sister, who regularly posted online about her grief over losing her brother, has also died. After days of search, Savanah and her boyfriend's bodies were found inside a vehicle on the northwest side of the Colinas Medical Apartments in San Antonio. Soto was last seen at her Leon Valley apartment and was described to be in 'imminent danger' or involuntarily disappeared, according to authorities. Gloria Cordova, mother to Savanah and Ethan, said at the time her daughter went missing that the teen would never run away, especially after the death of her brother The sobbing parent said: 'She knows what I went through with Ethan and I know she would not want me to go through this again. It's hard, like one after the other' Rivas, who was 17 at the time of his alleged crime, was arrested in August 2022 and charged with murder after he was accused of shooting Soto in what appeared to be revenge for drug robbery, Sant Antonio police said (pictured: Rivas) Savanah Soto, 18 and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, have been found dead after they went missing on December 23 The nine-months pregnant teenager never showed up at the hospital where she was scheduled to be induced on Saturday at 6.30 pm. Gloria Cordova, mother to Savanah and Ethan, said at the time her daughter went missing that the teen would never run away, especially after the death of her brother. The sobbing parent said: 'She knows what I went through with Ethan and I know she would not want me to go through this again. It's hard, like one after the other.' Mariana Delgado, who claims to be the pregnant teenager's sister-in-law had posted pictures of tributes that had been laid for Ethan last year. She was seen carrying Ethan's casket in one of the pictures. Early last evening, she posted on Facebook to confirm that Savanah's body had been found and that she was in a 'bad bad condition'. Delgado later requested the family to be allowed to grieve. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the department will work with the Leon Valley Police Department to investigate her death. McManus told reporters that the crime scene is 'very complex and perplexing'. He said: 'Detectives right now are looking at this as a possible murder, but we don't know for sure.' McManus also said the police did not know who located the vehicle. A memorial for Ethan was posted by members of his family In a post on Facebook, Delgado that Savanah body had been found early this evening and that she was in a 'bad bad condition' The Leon Valley Police Department had issued a CLEAR alert on Monday for Soto, described as a white female, 5-feet 1-inch tall, weighing 115 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The heartbroken mom said she last heard from her daughter on December 22 but failed to reach her on Saturday when she decided to check on Savanah at her apartment outside San Antonio. 'I went by there and knocked and knocked and knocked and she wasn't answering,' Cordova said. 'We got to the hospital. They said she wasn't there.' Cordova said Savanah was ready to become a mom, had the nursery done and planned on giving birth with her mother in the delivery room. She had also taken to social media to ask for help by posting a photo of pregnant Savanah. 'Im worried about her safety she is with her boyfriend who is no good,' the desperate mother had written in a Facebook post. 'Please come home. No one's going to judge you. No one is going to say anything,' Cordova said. 'I just want you to be home' Her boyfriend Matthew Guerra had also gone missing and some have accused him of being involved. Guerra's mother denied the accusations against her son: 'I know my son and he wouldn't do anything to hurt her' Social media users have accused Soto's boyfriend Guerra of abuse, citing the bruises and marks they observed on Soto in her TikTok videos. A user who claimed to be a neighbor of Soto and Guerra last year said they witnessed the boyfriend 'arguing and beating her almost every day.' 'I witnessed him beating her and kicked her downstairs while she was unconscious,' the unnamed person said, adding that 'he kicked her body and face' and 'she needed stitches.' The person claimed they testified against Guerra, who is said to be on probation. Guerra's mother denied the accusations against her son: 'I know my son and he wouldn't do anything to hurt her.' 'I know my son and his girlfriend were taken against their will because my son does what he does for money. He is not an abusive boyfriend,' the mother said in a Facebook post that has been deleted. Donald Trump Jr. has said he will do everything possible to prevent his father from choosing Nikki Haley as his running mate - describing her as an establishment stooge who would undermine Trump from within his team, and calling her 'the new favorite candidate of the billionaire class.' Trump Jr. was asked by Newsmax host Eric Bolling whether his 77-year-old billionaire father would consider naming Haley, 51, as his vice presidential running mate. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations and is widely seen as having successfully managed to keep MAGA Republicans on side, while appealing to a broader base. A poll shortly before Christmas in New Hampshire showed Haley only four points behind Trump, easily overtaking the initial frontrunner, Ron DeSantis. But Trump Jr., asked about Haley joining his father's ticket, replied: 'I wouldn't have her.' Donald Trump Jr. told Newsmax host Eric Bolling he was strongly opposed to his father choosing Nikki Haley as his running mate Haley and Trump are seen in October 2018, when Haley stepped down as Trump's ambassador to the UN Trump Jr. continued: 'I would go to great lengths to make sure that that doesn't happen. 'Nikki Haley wants never-ending wars. She's a puppet of the establishment in Washington, D.C. She's the new favorite candidate of the billionaire class because they want control; no different than academia and Harvard.' Trump Jr. said that Haley's rise was due to the faltering campaign of DeSantis. 'Ron DeSantis has proven that he doesn't have what it takes to be on that stage,' said Trump Jr. 'He's embarrassed himself that way. She is now the preferred candidate.' And Trump Jr, widely seen as the most politically-interested of Trump's five children, warned that she would not be an asset to the internal dynamics of their team. 'All you get is her trying to destroy Donald Trump from within forever,' he said. 'The second she ever got that anointment it would be a disaster of epic proportions.' Haley is pictured on December 14 speaking in Atkinson, New Hampshire None of the candidates have yet announced their running mates, with the primaries still to come. Trump has teased several names - among them Tucker Carlson. Haley, however, would certainly broaden the appeal of Trump's platform. In a poll just before Christmas of New Hampshire voters, Haley was chosen by 29 percent of likely Republican voters in the American Research Group survey. Trump secured 33 percent of support. 'Granite Staters are ready for a new generation of conservative leadership,' said Olivia Perez-Cubas, Haley's spokesperson. 'As Nikki continues to surge, it's clear this is a two-person race between Nikki and Donald Trump and we look forward to debating him one-to-one.' Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, came in third with 13 percent of support, beating Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, who was chosen by only six percent of those surveyed. Nikki Haley is trailing Donald Trump by only four points in the latest poll of New Hampshire voters, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown on January 23 DeSantis is still the second-placed candidate to Trump nationwide, but his candidacy has disappointed many, who expected him to easily defeat Trump. Vivek Ramaswamy, the entrepreneur and political newcomer who burned brightly but has fizzled out under intense scrutiny, came in fifth with only 5 percent of support. The pollsters spoke to 361 Republicans and 239 undeclared voters between December 14-20. The poll is consistent with the steady climb Haley has made since the beginning of the fall, helped by strong performances in the primary debates and several key endorsements. Her campaign was delighted to secure the backing of New Hampshire's four-time governor, the widely liked Chris Sununu. Trump is seen on December 19 at a rally in Waterloo, Iowa Haley is pictured on Thursday at a rally in Anamosa, Iowa, ahead of the first vote in the election, on January 15 Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy pictured on December 6 during the debate in Alabama Christie is facing calls to drop out and allow his supporters to back Haley, but he is not showing signs of wanting to do so. Sununu said Christie should 'clear the way' for Haley, saying she was the best-placed candidate to defeat Trump. 'I'm behind Nikki Haley,' said Sununu, when asked if the former New Jersey governor should drop out. 'I think they should all get out frankly, including former President Trump. I think everyone should kind of clear the way.' But Christie insisted his candidacy was still strong. 'I'm not going anywhere, so let's be really clear about that,' he said. He added that it wasn't Sununu's job 'to tell anybody when to get out.' President Joe Biden would lose to Trump and Haley if he faced either in a general election match-up today The polling comes as the candidates compete for the Republican nomination to challenge Democrat President Joe Biden in 2024. Iowa is up first for Republicans, followed by the New Hampshire primary. Biden continues to lag in polling and approval ratings, including a new survey that found he would lose to both Trump and Haley in the general election. If the general election were held today and it were a rematch between Trump and Biden 50 percent of voters say they would cast their ballot for the former president, while 46 percent prefer the current president. Meanwhile, Haley holds 49 percent compared to Biden's 43 percent support. Having two Republican candidates polling ahead of Biden, and outside the 3 percentage point margin of error, is concerning for Democrats as voters are already expressing increased concern with the president's age and fitness for office. The survey was conducted among 1,007 registered voters from December 10-13. The latest results come on the back of polling last week that shows Biden also trailing Trump in seven main swing states key to winning in the 2024 election. Nearly 5,000 voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Nevada reveal the ex-president could re-flip states that went against him in 2020. While the swing states are vastly different ranging in class, race demographics and political leanings they have one thing in common in the lead-up to the next presidential election; they all prefer Trump over Biden. On average, 47 percent of voters in the battleground states would cast their ballot for Trump if a general election against Biden were held today compared to the president's 42 percent support, according to a Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll released on Thursday. The search will resume at first light for the body of an Alaskan mom-of-four who disappeared while swimming under the ice of a frozen river in a desperate bid to save her drowning dog. Amanda Richmond Rogers, 45, was hiking north of Anchorage with her dog Groot and her husband Brian Rogers on December 23 - their 18th wedding anniversary. Groot fell through a small hole in the ice of the frozen Eagle River after stopping to take a drink, and first Brian, and then Amanda followed it into the water. 'She did not jump in to save 'just a dog', it was a family member,' Rogers, 49, said in a statement. 'To me and our four boys she died a hero.' Missing mom-of-four Amanda Richmond Rogers and her Irish Wolfhound Groot disappeared just two days before Christmas on the North Fork Eagle River Trailhead north of Anchorage Amanda Richmond Rogers with her family Liam Rogers, 16, Leif Thurmond, 25, August Rogers, 15, Brian Rogers, 49, and Bodhi Rogers, 10 Rescuers have risked their own lives to try and find the missing mother in the Eagle River Relatives were heading to the family's home nearby for the first Christmas since the death of her father earlier this year. The couple had dropped in on friends along the route of the North Fork Eagle River Trailhead and were having an 'amazing time' in one of Amanda's favorite places, Rogers said. But their joy turned to horror when their beloved Irish Wolfhound toppled through the hole, and they dashed across the ice. 'I thought I saw a flash of a big white paw underneath the ice,' Rogers said. 'Before even thinking, I was jumping into the water to save our dog. I held onto the edge of the ice as I frantically ducked under the ice reaching into darkness trying to feel and grab our dog. 'I felt nothing. I ran out of breath and jumped out of the opening. 'I took four steps downstream to look for the dog through the ice again. I turned around and Amanda was getting into the water. 'I knew from the look on her face she was going in to save our dog. 'She is an emergency room nurse, trained to help and save people. I yelled but doubt she even heard me as she was completely concentrating on saving the dog. 'Before I could get back to the opening to try and grab her I could see her swimming downstream under the ice and then out of sight. The brutal Arctic weather has hampered even the experienced search and rescue teams Search efforts will resume at first light with underwater drones and sonar equipment 'I waited and waited and am still waiting. 'To anyone wondering why we would jump in to save our dog I can only answer, our instincts took over and we went in without thought.' Alaska State Troopers, the state's Dive Search, Rescue, and Recovery Team, the Solstice Search, and the Alaska Wildlife Troopers have all been helping in the search since the alarm was raised early on Saturday afternoon. Some rescuers had to halt their efforts early on Tuesday after equipment froze up in the bitter Arctic weather, and underwater drones, sonar equipment and specialist rescue dogs will be deployed when the search resumes on Wednesday. 'It is certainly a tragic event for the family, our thoughts are with them, especially with the closeness to the Christmas holiday,' Austin McDaniel of the Alaska State Troopers, said. 'But our focus is finding the missing woman so the family can have some closure.' The couple met when they were both working as medics in Texas but made their permanent home in Alaska when Rogers was deployed there by the Air Force. 'Amanda loved her dogs nearly as much as our kids, they were our family,' he said. 'We have a room in our house dedicated to the memory of all our previous dogs. We have tattoos of our dog's paws. 'Amanda has around 35 thousand photos and videos on her phone from our 18 years of marriage and a majority of them of our dogs.' Rogers said he was overwhelmed by the 'incredible' support his family has received from their community, and that they are 'blessed to live in such a special place'. 'Amanda was an amazing mother and has raised four tremendous children,' he added. 'She worked as an emergency room nurse, a death scene investigator and a pediatric hospice nurse but the job she excelled at was mom. The dog too remains missing despite both its owners risking their lives to save it 'She enjoyed the outdoors, her family, all animals, and adventure. She has touched so many people's lives for the better. I could go on and on and on.' Her sister Jennifer said Amanda would be remembered for her kindness. 'Her sons were everything to her,' she added. The dog has not been found. Sharon Graham's sinister web of sex and deception ended in the bloody murder of her ex-partner Bruce Saunders. First responders found his shredded limbs sticking out of a woodchipper which was staged as an accident before Graham was to inherit the contents of his will and a lucrative life insurance policy worth $750,000. Months after being sent to jail for the rest of her life, two Facebook profiles paint a grim picture of the architect. Dozens of pictures, some dating back years, capture her smiling, laughing, drinking at the pub and posing in Christmas costume. Her introduction on one profile reads: 'I'm a carring (sic) loving happy person. Love life.' But the introductions on both profiles share a single, cryptic message. 'Those who hesitate have lost.' Sharon Graham (pictured) was sentenced to life behind bars for the horrific murder of her ex-partner Bruce Saunders The message becomes fairly ironic in the circumstances Graham now finds herself in and after a judge said she displayed 'deep-seated psychopathy'. She was jailed for life in October for murdering her ex-partner Mr Saunders, a Nambour butcher, after arranging for him to be fed to an industrial woodchipper. The complicated relationships In a twisted display of cruelty, she hatched a plan to take it all from Mr Saunders and cover up every inch of her involvement. It would be the perfect crime: nothing left behind, everything to gain. But she didn't have the guts to do any of it. Instead, she drew in the work of her two cronies - Peter Koenig and Gregory Roser - to bring her horrifying plan into reality. Graham had started a relationship with Mr Saunders after meeting online in 2016. She followed him to Toowoomba, then Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast, and finally Nambour where they settled in a home bought on Wentworth Court. In 2017, after breaking up with Mr Saunders, she started a relationship with Roser. She left Mr Saunders' house for a while, but returned, staying in a separate bedroom. Roser lived in a caravan park out of Deception Bay. Koenig had also been previously intimate with Graham. He had even taken nude pictures of her - but this had been reduced to a 'tortured' friendship. The former truck driver said the pair had met while Graham lived in South Australia with another ex-partner. Graham (pictured right) planed to kill Bruce Saunders (pictured left) in a bid to inherit his will and lucrative life insurance policy Graham (pictured) hatched the plan to have Mr Saunders placed into a woodchippers with emergency crews finding the man's shredded limbs sticking out of the machine Sharon Graham's heinous plans Graham's methods of carrying out the murder varied. At first, she wanted Roser to shoot Mr Saunders in his home, while he slept. She then revised the plan, ordering her boyfriend to shoot Mr Saunders in the car park behind his work. A subsequent police search of Roser's caravan found handwritten documents describing Mr Saunders' shift times at IGA stores in Noosa Junction and Yandina, his usual car park spot, as well as his car model and number plate. One note read: '3.30-4am HAS TO BE THERE BEFORE HE WAKES UP'. It also listed Mr Saunders' Wentworth Court address, directions to the master bedroom he slept in and details of an alarm in the house. Another read: 'dates to be done ... 14-23 July.' Those specific dates were when Graham flew down to Adelaide and returned home for a holiday. Instead, she settled on a more remote decision. Sharon Beighton, a friend of Graham's, needed help clearing her property in Goomboorian, near Gympie, so she could sell it. Graham enlisted the help of Mr Saunders, Roser and Koenig to clear trees over several weekends in November 2017. Mr Saunders used his own money to pay for an industrial woodchipper for the job. It would be the very machine he would be killed in - all part of Graham's plan. At her murder trial, Koenig himself gave evidence he saw Roser deliver the fatal blow to Mr Saunders with a metal bar. After feeling the 54-year-old 'brush' past his arm he saw Mr Saunders on the ground, before Roser struck him in the head again. 'He (Roser) asked me to give him a hand to bring him down to the woodchipper,' Koenig said in his evidence. 'I had his legs, Greg had his arms.' The pair then fed Mr Saunders into the machine, head first. Peter Koenig (pictured) confessed to aiding to put the victim's body through the woodchipper as part of Graham's plan to kill Mr Saunders Gregory Roser (pictured) hit Mr Saunders with a metal bar twice before he and Koenig put Mr Saunders through the woodchipper head first All that remained were his legs, from the top of his thighs to his feet. Koenig, who was initially charged with Mr Saunders' murder, pleaded guilty to a charge of accessory after the fact to murder in July 2022. In exchange for his release after some four years in pre-sentence custody, he gave evidence against Roser and Graham at their respective murder trials. Roser was convicted of Mr Saunders' murder in 2022 and sentenced to life in prison. Graham was also convicted of murder in late October. Throughout her trial, the Crown contended she procured Roser to murder Mr Saunders with Koenig's help. He was worth 'more dead than alive' to her; she would gain more than $800,000 in assets upon his death, including the lucrative aforementioned life insurance policy. The Crown pointed to covert recordings taken at Mr Saunders' home following his death, capturing the worried whispers of the trio getting their 'story straight'. They relied on detectives pointing out inaccuracies in Koenig and Roser's accounts of Mr Saunders' death, including strange bloodstains near the woodchipper which came from a vertical source. They relied on Koenig, who said he helped carry out the shocking deed and became caught up in the horrific plot to cover up what happened. Graham had pleaded not guilty, insisting she thought Mr Saunders' death was an accident. But a jury was not swayed, finding her guilty on the count. Bruce Saunders (pictured) died in in November 2017 after he along with Peter Koenig and Gregory Roser were enlisted by Graham to clear trees at one of her friend's property before Mr Saunders was savagely killed Graham (right) pleaded not guilty at her trial and claimed Mr Saunders' death was an accident but the jury convicted her over the man's death Peter Koenig (pictured) gave evidence against Graham and Roser in exchange for his release after four years in pre-sentence custody Supreme Court Justice Martin Burns, who had also presided over the pre-trial hearings and Roser's sentencing, summed up the kind of person Graham was in his sentence: 'By my observations you have displayed the hallmarks of deep-seated psychopathy,' Justice Burns said. 'If at any point the authorities seriously consider your release, I ask they keep that observation firmly in mind.' You are a despicable human No one has felt the pain of losing Mr Saunders more than his son, Blake Saunders. Upon Graham's guilty verdict being returned, he and others screamed with joy, breaking into tears while she sat motionless and unmoving in the Supreme Court dock. It brings an end to the six-year nightmare that has plagued his life. In his victim impact statement, Blake spoke of his father being a 'loving, gentle, funny, kind, hardworking and trusting man'. 'After losing my Mum, Dad was strong and helped me cope and come to terms with losing my Mum,' Blake's victim impact statement read. 'Sometimes, I wonder if Dad prioritised my needs so much that he didn't seek the help he needed to cope with our loss. 'Mum and Dad had a wonderful 22 years of marriage and a very deep love for each other.' Blake's statement reveals the horrifying twist Graham pulled following his father's death. On the day of Bruce Saunders' funeral, Graham turned up, sitting beside Blake in the front row, between his family members. 'You pretended to cry in a pathetic way, trying to look upset, trying to cover up the guilt of a murder you meticulously planned,' Blake said in his statement. 'Then I offered my arm to you in an act of support. Gregory Roser (pictured right) was found guilty of Mr Saunders' murder in 2022 and was also sentenced to life behind bars 'Little did I know then, that you planned, orchestrated and covered up my father's shocking murder. 'Consoling you at that distressing time will haunt me for the rest of my life.' In another despicable act, Graham then requested Bruce's ashes be split, so she could keep half. 'This, all part of your evil plan to make it look like you were a grieving girlfriend, but really it was you trying to hide your guilt and cover up his murder,' Blake's statement said. He spoke of the six years he lay awake at night with thoughts of his father's death, how his health had declined and his depression set in. 'You took his life - for an insurance policy,' Blake's statement said. 'You are a despicable human. Graham (pictured left) broke up with Mr Saunders (pictured right) before she plotted to kill her ex-partner Mr Saunders' son Blake (pictured) described Graham as a a 'despicable human' in his victim impact statement 'Those that knew and loved my dad will remember him as the wonderful, kind, selfless, compassionate, decent man that he was. Traits and characteristics that you do not possess and probably cannot comprehend. 'I cannot put into words the anger and resentment I have for you, for taking my dad from me.' Where are your friends now Sharon? Sharon Beighton, the woman whose property was the scene of the shocking crime, did not hold back on Graham either. She spoke of how her husband Andrew and herself thought of Graham as family. How they trusted her, went on holidays together and shared meals, even Christmas. Ms Beighton treated Graham like a sister. 'I defended you when everyone said that you were involved in Bruce's death, I kept thinking: 'No way, I know her. She's a Christian, she wouldn't take someone's life like that',' Ms Beighton's victim impact statement said. 'It is hard to believe that you would arrange to do such a thing. 'When I sit and think about things, Bruce was more of a friend to us than you could ever be, as no true friend would do what you have done, and on our property.' Mr Saunders was murdered at the rural property (pictured) in Goomboorian, near Gympie in south-east Queensland Graham's (pictured) friend Sharon Beighton who's property was the scene of the murder said said in a victim impact statement that she was left in disbelief over the crime Graham committed Ms Beighton revealed she had a complete breakdown. She couldn't trust anyone, she never left the bedroom of her daughter's home. She confided only in her dog, Hope. 'She (Hope) shows compassion and unconditional love, which you lack. You show no empathy, no emotion, no compassion for others,' Ms Beighton said of Graham. 'You stole my sense of trust in humanity, that I could not put myself into a position of opening up to others. 'I wished I had never met you. 'Where are your friends now Sharon? They have all gone.' An Australian has been killed in a Lebanese village that was targeted in Israeli air strikes, according to family members and local media reports. Ibrahim Bazzi, 27, had travelled from Sydney to the village of Bint Jbeil to visit his Lebanese wife Shorouk Hammoud, who recently acquired an Australian visa. The couple, who married in Lebanon three years ago, were planning a new life in Australia. Relatives revealed Mr Bazzi had become concerned about the conflict in the Middle East and 'felt strongly about travelling to Lebanon in person to bring his wife to Australia,' the ABC reported. Mr Bazzi's brother, Ali Bazzi, 30, is also thought to have been killed in the bomb blast. Local Lebanese media is reporting the three people were killed when a two-storey building was struck by a missile fired by an Israeli fighter jet overnight, leaving the house completely destroyed. The Israeli Defence Force said it has been striking Hezbollah terrorist targets in Lebanon, after the Iranian-backed militia fired rockets at the Jewish state. Ibrahim Bazzi, 27, had travelled from Sydney to the village of Bint Jbeil to meet his Lebanese wife wife Shorouk Hammoud, who recently acquired an Australian visa. Black smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab, a Lebanese border village with Israel in south Lebanon, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 READ MORE: Australians are told to get out of Lebanon as Israel-Hamas conflict escalates and the government scrambles more rescue flights Advertisement Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting the brothers or Ms Hammoud were linked to Hezbollah. Mr Bazzi was an electrician and a construction worker from the St George area in Sydney's southeast. His uncle, Mohamed Kahmees said he was in a 'state of shock' as he called Mr Bazzi 'a beautiful boy'. Ms Hammoud's first cousin Mohamed Hammoud lives in Sydney and told the ABC the news was devastating. 'My family is numb. My family is devastated. My family is in disbelief,' he said. 'We were expecting to meet and greet them here and welcome her to Australia and now that's not to beutter disbelief.' Mr Hammoud said he would cherish the memories he had of Ms Hammoud. 'She used to paint my daughter's fingernails, she was full of life and happy,' he said. Mr Bazzi's brother, 30-year-old Ali Bazzi (pictured right) was also reported dead in the incident Australians were warned to leave Lebanon in October with fighting ramping up between Israel and Hezbollah. Foreign Affairs minister Penny Wong warned Aussies that commercial flights may not be available out of the country in a crisis. 'I am now saying to Australians, if you are in Lebanon you should consider whether your need to remain there is essential,' she said. 'If you wish to leave, you should know that a crisis could limit commercial options for departure and you should consider the first available option.' Australians are also advised to reconsider travel to Israel and not to travel to Gaza or the Gaza border, where Israeli forces are engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment. The father of a woman who died when a man she was on a first date with crashed a speedboat on the River Thames has demanded her killer is never released. Charlotte Brown, 24, suffered fatal injuries when Jack Shepherd flipped the boat they were both in after losing control in a champagne-fuelled crash in December 2015. Following the incident, which saw the boat they were on hit a log and capsize, throwing them into the river near Wandsworth Bridge in London, her killer fled the country to Georgia. When he returned to Britain, Shepherd was given a six-year determinate prison sentence after being convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence as well as a further four years after admitting hitting a barman over the head with a vodka bottle in a hotel in Devon. But amid reports he is due to be eligible for early release in the coming weeks, Charlotte's father Graham Brown, has said the remorseless and 'evil' killer is not released. Jack Shepherd was jailed for six years for manslaughter after a speedboat crash killed a woman he was on a first date with. Pictured: Shepherd in court in Tbilisi, Georgia, where he fled during his trial Charlotte Brown received fatal injuries after being thrown from the speedboat into the River Thames when it crashed. Pictured: Ms Brown in a photo released by her family The speedboat (pictured) owned by Shepherd was found to be riddled with defects after the crash Speaking to the Mirror, Mr Brown, 60, demanded that the man responsible for his daughter's death stays behind bars 'until he tells us the truth' about what happened on that fateful day. He said: 'The only one who knows what really happened is Shepherd. We want to know what happened. But evil men like this who do these sorts of things never admit or tell anyone. 'He will never admit it, I know he won't. He will say it's not his fault. In my mind he murdered my daughter and should be doing a proper life sentence. He shouldn't be released until he tells us what he did.' The grandfather-of-three said that despite Shepherd apologising to Charlotte's family, he still blamed her for the crash by claiming she was behind the wheel of the defect-laden 14ft Fletcher Arrowflyte GTO which he had bought from Gumtree. He added that the killer's actions after Charlotte's death, which saw him get married, have a child and flee the country, reveal Shepherd's true nature. Mr Brown told the Mirror: 'One thing we can be sure of is that Jack Shepherd is a misogynist, he only cares about himself, he's got no respect for women. 'After he had killed my daughter, he got married and had a child. Then he went to Georgia and got another girlfriend. The man is evil and is a complete danger.' He added: 'He's an evil man. He's got no idea of the devastation he's caused. I have this vision of him just shrugging it off, saying, 'It wasn't my fault'.' Mr Brown said there's no way his daughter, who he says was 'Mrs Sensible', would have driven the boat at high-speed. He said: 'I believe she thought it was going to be a toddle up the Thames. I'm sure she had no idea he was going to put his foot down. Jack Shepherd is set to be freed after serving half of his sentence for the champagne-fuelled accident that killed Charlotte Brown 'She was 24 years old when she lost her life. She had just been promoted and was just about to start a new job. She has been robbed of having a family. 'She's never been able to lead that life because Jack Shepherd robbed her of it. There's not a day goes by that we don't think of Charlotte.' Shepherd had fled Britain after being charged with Ms Brown's manslaughter, and was given a six-year prison sentence in his absence. The fugitive finally handed himself into Georgian police after an international manhunt was sparked and the Daily Mail put up a 25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. In July 2020, Shepherd had 78 days cut from his 10-year jail term because of time he served waiting for extradition after fleeing the UK to Georgia. Three appeal judges said the 78 days Shepherd spent in custody awaiting extradition in Georgia should count as part of the jail term he is serving. Shepherd's trial in July 2018 heard how he had bought the 1980s boat on Gumtree and had tried to impress women with it. But his first date with Ms Brown ended in tragedy when the 14ft Fletcher Arrowflyte GTO, which was riddled with defects, hit a log and capsized, throwing them into the river near Wandsworth Bridge. He later sparked outrage by launching an appeal against the conviction while on the run in Georgia - and he was awarded funds to do so. After spending ten months on the run, Shepherd was finally extradited and ordered to serve six years with six months consecutive for skipping his bail in April 2019. The web designer then admitted hitting a barman over the head with a vodka bottle in a hotel in Devon and was given four more years. In 2019, Shepherd was moved to a different high-security jail after being bullied by other inmates. He was transferred for his own safety to HMP Woodhill, near Milton Keynes. The King's speech was the most watched programme on Christmas Day, with 7.8milion people tuning in across six channels. The 10-minute Christmas Broadcast attracted 5.9m viewers on BBC One and 716,000 on ITV. While still the most watched programme of the day, it attracted far fewer viewers than last year when a record-breaking 10.6m tuned in to hear Charles's reflections on the death of the late Queen in his first address as monarch. The BBC's programmes took nine out of the top ten most-watched slots and for the first time in decades ITV's flagship soap opera, Coronation Street, did not feature on the list. Only ITV1's One Percent Club Christmas Special, a big-money game show hosted by the comedian Lee Mack, made it to the top ten - coming in ninth. King Charles delivered his speech to the nation from Buckingham Palace at 3pm on Christmas Day Strictly Come Dancing came second in the ratings as around 5.3m viewers tuned in to BBC One to watch EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, 29, win the festive glitterball with his dance with professional Nancy Xu, 32. Including the King's Speech and Strictly, the BBC had nine of the day's most-watched shows with other top shows including Doctor Who, which had its first Christmas Day special since 2017. The episode, which came in third in the ratings and averaged 4.7m viewers, saw Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa, 31, make his first full appearance as the 15th Time Lord. Other top BBC One shows included the Ghosts Christmas Special (4.43m viewers) in fourth place, Call The Midwife (4.39m) in fifth, Michael McIntyre's Christmas Wheel (4.17m) in sixth and EastEnders (3.58m) in seventh. Eighth on the top 10 most viewed shows was Toy Story Four, aired on BBC One, ninth was ITV's sole top ten show - The One Percent Club - and tenth was the children's programme, Tabby McTat, again on BBC One. EastEnders came in unexpectedly low on the ratings as number seven, considering it saw the unveiling of the killer in a murder plotline which had been running since earlier this year. The show's late evening time slot at 9.45pm is blamed for its lower viewing figures. In his annual festive address to the nation, Charles hailed the ways communities come together in times of trouble, both internationally and at home. And he highlighted the nation's 'selfless army' of volunteers, describing them as the 'backbone' of the country and highlighting their important part in his coronation. King Charles addressed issues including climate change and global conflicts as he appealed for everyone to protect one another He was joined at Sandringham by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their young family Zara Tindall, Lena Tindall and Mike Tindall attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham Princess Beatrice of York and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi wait outside after attending the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service As if to emphasise his message of peace and reconciliation, the King extended an invitation to his former sister-in-law, the Duchess of York, to join the Royal Family and walk to church at Sandringham yesterday morning for the first time in more than 30 years. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE - The late Queen granted Sarah Ferguson a royal funeral at Windsor... but she'll be interred a MILE away from Philip! Advertisement And Sarah - affectionately known as Fergie - proved a hit with the crowds at the royal estate in Norfolk, enthusiastically gathering armfuls of flowers and gifts on behalf of Charles and Camilla, even hugging a favourite photographer. She was among around 30 members of the Royal Family spending the festive season at the monarch's Norfolk estate who yesterday enjoyed locally-bred organic turkey for lunch. In his second Christmas address as monarch, the King highlighted his familiar green message, just weeks after giving the headline speech at the COP28 climate change conference. Proving he is finding ways to adapt a lifetime of environmental campaigning to his new role as monarch, Charles stressed the need to 'care for the Earth for the sake of our children's children'. Standing by a 'living Christmas tree', which will later be replanted, covered with environmentally-friendly decorations, he said: 'To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. 'We care for the Earth for the sake of our children's children. Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie attending the Christmas Day morning church service Sarah Ferguson attends the Royal Family's Christmas Day service 'During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share. 'I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognise this - as does the Christmas story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds. READ MORE - Ireland agonised over how to turn down an invitation to Charles and Diana's wedding after the death of hunger striker Bobby Sands, documents reveal Advertisement 'These were people who lived simply amongst others of God's creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night.' The broadcast, made this year by ITV, featured footage from environmental events during the King's state visit to Kenya in November. This speech was also woven with references to his coronation in May, from the location it was filmed in - the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace, overlooking the balcony from which he and Queen Camilla greeted to the crowds in The Mall - to the national anthem, performed by British Army Musicians from the Households Division of the Symphonic Brass. They not only performed at the coronation but also at the King's first official Birthday Parade in June and his Coronation Concert at Windsor. Several clips of footage from the Coronation weekend's events featured heavily, showing Charles, Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children. The King included footage of all senior working royals in his ten-minute address: the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal. Prince Andrew, Duke of York, waits outside after attending the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, wears forest green to this year's service Princess Charlotte of Wales and Mia Tindall share a joke at the morning service Harry and Meghan, who stood down as working royals and moved to North America in 2020, did not feature. The Sussexes' attacks on Harry's family have caused a deep and painful rift, although Charles did receive a call from his youngest son on his 75th birthday in November. The King said in his message that he was moved to see how events such as the coronation, highlighted the way in which communities up and down the country care for each other, particularly through volunteering. READ MORE - King Charles gifts Royal Family members 115 Highgrove Heritage Scarf Advertisement To mark his accession, Queen Camilla spearheaded the Coronation Champions Awards with the Royal Voluntary Service, backed by the Daily Mail, to celebrate and recognise inspiring volunteers who have made an exceptional difference in their communities. He said this spirit of togetherness was particularly noteworthy at Christmas, whether people are of a religious persuasion or not, saying: 'For some, faith will be uppermost in their hearts. For others, it will be the joy of fellowship and the giving of presents. 'It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and think also of those whose work of caring for others continues, even on this special day.' The King also highlighted the cost of living crisis. He has set up the Coronation Food Project to tackle by helping distribute surplus food. He said: 'Over this past year my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another - going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do, at work and at home, within and across communities. 'My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people - volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction - were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the coronation earlier this year. Mike Tindall, Zara Tindall and Lena Tina depart St. Mary Magdalene Church Catherine Princess of Wales and Mia Tindall at St. Mary Magdalene Church 'They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasised the meaning of coronation itself - above all, a call to us all to serve one another, to love and care for all. 'Service also lies at the heart of the Christmas story - the birth of Jesus who came to serve the whole world, showing us by his own example how to love our neighbour as ourselves. 'Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their communities. 'This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves.' Unsurprisingly, Charles' thoughts also turned to conflicts abroad, notably the ongoing military struggle of the people of Ukraine and the current fighting in Israel and Gaza, where he has attempted to bring people of all faiths together. He said: 'At a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other. 'The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: 'Do to others as you would have them do to you.' 'Such values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of religions, and other belief systems, across the Commonwealth and wider world. 'They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbours, and to seek their good as we would our own.' Kate and Charlotte smile at the crowds gathered to see the royal family this Christmas A committed Christian and head of the Church of England like his late mother, the King closed his speech on a religious note. He said his 'heart and my thanks' go to all who are serving and caring for one another, 'not least the friend we do not yet know'. And he concluded: 'In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves. I wish you a Christmas of 'peace on Earth and goodwill to all', today and always.' The King's great-grandfather, George V, began the tradition of Christmas Day broadcasts in 1932. Queen Elizabeth recorded 70 messages, first on the radio and, from 1967, on television. Princess Diana was 'ignorant' and 'didn't know the difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland', an unearthed note has claimed. Diana, then the princess of Wales, showed 'obvious ignorance of, or disregard for, constitutional niceties' in relation to Northern Ireland, according to a note from the Irish ambassador in 1993. The late princess had referred to Northern Ireland as part of Ireland in an interaction which was noted ahead of a historic visit by then-Irish president Mary Robinson to Buckingham Palace. The meeting in May 1993 would mark the first time a serving president of Ireland visited the United Kingdom, and visited Queen Elizabeth II. A folder with briefing material for the Irish president ahead of the visit included a note by the Irish ambassador in London, Joseph Small, where he stated the princess had visited Ireland in a private capacity for equestrian functions. Princess Diana visiting Ulster Hospital, near Belfast, Northern Ireland, in December 1993 A smiling Princess Diana chats and greets a crowd of well-wishers in Belfast 'Whenever we meet Prince Charles, he invariably says that he would love to visit Ireland,' Mr Small's briefing note, dated May 21 1993, said. 'He is, of course, a regular visit to Northern Ireland (sic). Princess Diana has also been there. 'Early last year she said to me, with obvious ignorance of or disregard for constitutional niceties: "I was in your country yesterday!"' The briefing note also detailed the latest political situation in the UK, included notes on the Irish diaspora in the UK, and on the royal family ahead of what would become a significant visit as Anglo-Irish relations deepened. Mrs Robinson's visit to London was planned for May 26-28, where she was to receive the degree of doctor of civil law by diploma from the University of Oxford, become an honorary fellow of Hertford College, Oxford, and present the Irish Post Awards that celebrate the Irish in Britain. On the second day of the trip at 5pm, Mrs Robinson was to 'pay a courtesy call' to Queen Elizabeth II in response to an invite from the monarch. Queen Elizabeth II with president of Ireland Mary Robinson at Buckingham Palace in 1993 The note labelled Princess Diana as 'ignorant' and claimed she confused Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland Among the topics noted for possible discussion between Mrs Robinson and Queen Elizabeth II was Northern Ireland, bombing atrocities in the region and in Britain, cross-border issues and general relations between Ireland and the UK. Also noted was Mrs Robinson's appreciation of 'her response re Somalia' and her 'concerns' regarding Sudan and Yugoslavia and the 'British UN military involvement'. The meeting was scheduled to last around 40 minutes, where tea and light refreshments were to be served. Mr Robinson also attended the engagement, while the Duke of Edinburgh was in Liverpool attending the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. An observer wrote to the president's office before the visit and noted some parallels with 'the last meeting between an Irish woman leader and a British monarch'. The writer compared the Buckingham Palace meeting with the Queen of Connaught, Grace O'Malley, visiting Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Castle exactly 400 years earlier, in 1593. 'Grace, like yourself, was also a Mayo woman!' Dr Donald Martin from Killybegs in Co Donegal wrote, noting that the language spoken at the time was Latin. The late princess had referred to Northern Ireland as part of Ireland in an interaction which was noted ahead of a historic visit by then-Irish president Mary Robinson to Buckingham Palace Princess Diana meets members of the public in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 1985 Mrs Robinson's special adviser replied to say Mrs Robinson read the letter with 'great interest'. Also revealed in the new archive was a note describing officials' concerns after former Irish President Patrick Hilary declined an invitation to attend Charles and Diana's wedding in July 1981. Officials questioned when would be the best time to give the refusal without appearing rude. It was noted that an invitation to the wedding should be accepted, but that it would cause backlash at home if it was. The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file 2023/146/40. A man and woman in their 40s have been stabbed in a double knife attack in London's Tower Hamlets on Christmas Day. Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service rushed to Brick Lane in Bethnal Green at around 6.30am after reports a man had been assaulted. On arrival they found the pair with stab wounds and in need of hospital treatment, although neither received life-threatening injuries. Police say both are believed to have been stabbed following an altercation in Code Street, close to the north end of Brick Lane, at around 5.30am. The Met said two men - aged 39 and 42 - were arrested and will appear in court today over the incident. The pair were stabbed close to the north end of Brick Lane in Tower Hamlets (file image) The force said the pair were initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and drug offences, and have since been charged with the former. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone who can help their investigation to come forward. Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or X @MetCC and quote CAD1249/25Dec. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. He was at the centre of one of the greatest political scandals in history, brought down by an illicit affair with a showgirl 27 years his junior. But three years before John Profumo resigned in disgrace from Harold Macmillan's government, the then War Secretary was being urged to confront the Queen. Newly declassified War Office documents from 1960 reveal that soldiers deployed to protect the Queen at Balmoral were being used as grouse beaters by members of the Royal Family. A constituent raised the issue with Bill Carr, Conservative member for Barons Court in London, who became alarmed that soldiers at the Queen's Aberdeenshire estate were driving grouse for the Duke of Edinburgh and Lord Snowdon, the husband of Princess Margaret. The outraged constituent told the backbench MP: 'I think it is a damned disgrace that 50 Cameron Highlanders presumably common soldiers should be used to wave white flags and serve as beaters so that grouse, happy and carefree in the heather, can be raised into the air so that [Lord Snowdon] can go home with his 'bag'. Three years before John Profumo (pictured) resigned in disgrace from Harold Macmillan's government, the then War Secretary was being urged to confront the Queen Newly declassified War Office documents from 1960 reveal that soldiers deployed to protect the Queen at Balmoral were being used as grouse beaters by members of the Royal Family. Pictured: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Balmoral in 1972 'Please Mr Carr, I would request that you, as my representative, found out on whose authority, and at whose expense, those 50 soldiers were used for this particular 'sporting event'.' The Times reported that the MP then wrote to Profumo, and said: 'I should be most grateful for as full an explanation as possible to put before this gentleman who appears to be, if I may say so in confidence, a 'nasty piece of work' and whom I should very much like to reassure on this matter one way or the other.' An assistant, replying on behalf of Profumo, wrote back: 'I so agree with your description of the gentleman to whom you refer. 'I believe it is prudent to give him as short an explanation as his questions demand. The troops detailed for guard duties at Balmoral are also available to render other personal services to the Queen, including working as beaters for shoots on the royal estates.' The reply said it would be enough for the constituent 'to be informed that this has the authority of the War Office and involves no extra expense to the public'. Grouse hunting has a long history at Balmoral, being a regular pastime for the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's reign, with the sport transforming large areas of the Scottish countryside. Grouse hunting has a long history at Balmoral (pictured), being a regular pastime for the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's reign But the 1960 incident was not the first time such concerns had been raised. War Office documents show that Lieutenant-General Sir Colin Barber, the governor of Edinburgh Castle, said in 1955: 'I understand that in the past the guard has been used in this capacity for shooting parties quite outside the royal circle. 'You will appreciate how undesirable this is, as it may give a handle to Labour MPs to ask awkward and embarrassing questions in Parliament.' Profumo's career ended when his sexual relationship with 19-year-old model Christine Keeler was uncovered in 1963. The scandal, made far worse as Keeler also had an affair with a Soviet diplomat, helped to bring down MacMillan's Conservative government and became the defining British political scandal of the 20th century. Profumo died in March 2006, aged 91. Mexican migrants are reduced to sleeping atop freight trains as their caravan continues to make its way from the southern part of their country, bound for the US border. The pictures emerged just a day before Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas will visit Mexico to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to discuss the ongoing crisis, one of the many issues plaguing the Biden administration ahead of the 2024 election. The officials will discuss 'unprecedented irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere and identify ways Mexico and the United States will address border security challenges,' according to a statement from State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. Last week, Biden spoke with Lopez Obrador by telephone, during which the two leaders said that more enforcement was needed at their shared frontier. Lopez Obrador has said he is willing to help, but also says he wants to see progress in U.S. relations with Cuba and Venezuela, two of the top senders of migrants, and more development aid for the region. Both sides face strong pressure to reach an agreement after past steps like limiting direct travel into Mexico or deporting some migrants failed to stop the influx. This month, as many as 10,000 migrants were arrested daily at the southwest US border. Migrants rest on railroad cars as they wait for a freight train to travel to the U.S. border, at a rail yard in Chihuahua, Mexico Around 10,000 people have been seeking to enter without authorization each day on the southern US border, nearly double the number before the pandemic This latest caravan of people left southern Mexico no Sunday US border authorities have been so overwhelmed that they have suspended several legal crossings to focus on processing migrants The US has struggled to process thousands of migrants at the border, or house them once they reach northern cities. Mexican industries were stung last week when the U.S. briefly closed two vital Texas railway crossings, arguing border patrol agents had to be reassigned to deal with the surge. Blinken left open the possibility those crossing could be reopened if Mexico provides more help. 'Secretary Blinken will discuss unprecedented irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere and identify ways Mexico and the United States will address border security challenges, including actions to enable the reopening of key ports of entry across our shared border,' his office said in a statement prior to Wednesday's meeting. Mexico already has assigned over 32,000 military troops and National Guard officers about 11 percent of its total forces to enforce immigration laws, and the National Guard now detains far more migrants than criminals. But the shortcomings of that approach were on display Tuesday, when National Guard officers made no attempt to stop a caravan of about 6,000 migrants, many from Central America and Venezuela, when they walked through Mexico's main inland immigration inspection point in southern Chiapas state, near the Guatemala border. In the past, Mexico has let such caravans go through, trusting that they would tire themselves out walking along the highway. No caravan has ever walked the 1,000 miles to the southern border. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador discussed migration in a telephone call Thursday with Biden as migrants spent Christmas Day sleeping outdoors Lopez Obrador told reporters Friday that Mexico would 'reinforce our plans' to deal with US-bound migrants - few of whom are Mexicans - after his government also said it was at the breaking point on enforcement State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the US delegation would speak to Lopez Obrador on the 'urgent need for lawful pathways and additional enforcement actions' on migration. Mexico, under agreements with both Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump, has agreed at least temporarily to take in migrants seeking to cross into the United States A Bible is seen on a railroad car as migrants wait for a freight train to travel to the U.S. border in a rail yard, in Chihuahua But wearing them out by obliging Venezuelans and others to hike through the jungle-clad Darien Gap, or corralling migrants off passenger buses in Mexico no longer works. Many have simply found other ways. So many migrants have been hopping freight trains through Mexico that one of the country's two major railroad companies was forced to suspend trains in September because of safety concerns. Actual police raids to pull migrants off railway cars the kind of action Mexico took a decade ago might be one thing the American delegation would like to see. Lopez Obrador confirmed last week 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 (US) differences with Cuba,' Lopez Obrador said. 'We have already proposed to President (Joe) Biden that a US-Cuba bilateral dialogue be opened.' 'That is what we are going to discuss, it is not just contention,' he said. Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Biden in November, is again campaigning on stridently anti-immigrant rhetoric, accusing foreigners of 'poisoning the blood of our country' Migrants camp in tents outside the Church of Santa Cruz y La Soledad in Mexico City Migrants walk in a caravan heading to the northern border with the US, in the municipality of Huixtla in Chiapas, Mexico, on 26 December Andrew Rudman, director of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, expected Blinken to seek additional support from Mexico to keep migrants within its borders, such as temporary work permits Migrants have been fleeing Central American countries ravaged by poverty, violence and disasters worsened by climate change Mexico says it detected 680,000 migrants moving through the country in the first 11 months of 2023. In May, Mexico agreed to take in migrants from countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba who had been turned away by the US for not following rules that provided new legal pathways to asylum and other forms of migration. On Wednesday, migrants and asylum seekers, many carrying small children, walked along the highway near the southern Mexican city of Villa Comaltitlan. Some held a banner reading 'Exodus from poverty.' Rosa, from El Salvador, said she hoped the officials would ease the suffering of migrants. 'We are looking for something better for our children and our families,' she said as she walked. 'I hope this touches their hearts,' she added. Migrants and asylum seekers transit through Mexico to the US to escape violence, , economic distress and negative impacts of climate change, according the United Nations. The number crossing the perilous Darien Gap straddling Colombia and Central America has topped half a million this year, double last year's record. Migrants in Huixtla heading to the border as a Mexican National Guard patrol moves alongside them Migrants are grouped up by US National Guard after crossing the border Eagle Pass, Texas, on December 26 Migrants walk to a processing center under US authorities escort after crossing the border Migrant rights activist Luis Garcia Villagran criticized the meeting, saying the officials' main concerns are domestic electoral issues, and that more enforcement efforts aimed at stopping migrants from reaching the U.S. border would only hurt the poorest of the poor. 'They want women and children to be bargaining chips,' he said, speaking alongside the caravan on Tuesday. 'We are not bargaining chips for any politicians.' Grace Millane's mother has revealed she contemplated suicide after her daughter was murdered while backpacking in New Zealand and her husband died of cancer during the pandemic. Gillian Millane said she was left in a 'really dark place' when her husband died two years after Grace, who was brutally murdered by her Tinder date on the eve of her 22nd birthday. Five years ago a week-long search was launched after Grace did not respond to her family's birthday messages on December 2. She was eventually discovered dead in the New Zealand bushland. Her killer, Jesse Kempson, then 26, claimed in court Grace's death was an accident and that she had asked to be strangled during sex - but the jury saw through his lies and unanimously convicted him of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison. Her mother has spent the last five years campaigning to change the law on the 'rough sex' defence, fundraising for charity and helping support victims of domestic abuse. Five years ago Grace Millane, 21, was murdered by a man she met on Tinder in New Zealand Grace's mother Gillian (pictured) said she was left in a 'really dark place' after her husband also died during the pandemic Grace (right), pictured with her parents and two brothers before the trip which would result in her murder Ms Millane credits her loved ones, long walks and 'lots of counselling' for surviving her 'really dark time'. She told the BBC: 'I did contemplate suicide. That is a horrid place to be. But I couldn't bring any more sadness to the family. Grace had such a bright future and it was taken away from her and us. 'I will never see Grace in a wedding dress or see her grandchildren. This is a life sentence I've got. This is me until the day I die. But there is a light and I found it. You have to find that inner strength.' Remembering the trial of her daughter's killer, Ms Millane said she felt as if 'Grace was on trial and she couldn't defend herself'. She was spurred on to campaign for a change in the law, and successfully helped ensure the 'rough sex' defence is banned in murder cases, alongside the charity We Can't Consent To This. Ms Millane said after her husband died it wasn't until after the pandemic when the family could finally hold a memorial service that she reached a turning point. A friend pulled her on to the dance floor and she described how she saw 'everyone smiling'. Remembering the trial of her daughter's killer, Ms Millane said she felt as if 'Grace was on trial and she couldn't defend herself' Ms Millane told the BBC her daughter Grace was her 'best friend' Jesse Kempson, then 26, was found guilty of murder after claiming Grace's death was an accident during rough sex Ms Millane, who has two sons, said she still sometimes finds herself in a 'black hole' but has a good support system in place to help her get out of it. READ MORE: Shattered mother of slain British backpacker Grace Millane breaks her silence with a powerful message to the cold-blooded killer Advertisement She also found focus when she trained to hike Mount Kilimanjaro over Christmas last year. She left two stones, engraved with Grace and David's names, at the summit. The climb raised 33,000 for the White Ribbon Charity, which works to end male violence against women. But her fundraising efforts did not stop there. Four years ago Gillian started a charity initiative, Love Grace, with her niece Hannah. The pair collect donated handbags and fill them with essential toiletries for victims of domestic abuse. They have filled 15,600 bags for women in the UK and across the world and have even received an award from the Prime Minister. Each handbag has a label with Grace's handwriting on it in a tribute to her memory. Ms Millane said: 'We were just doing it for our grief so that Grace would never just be a number. 'They get this bag, they are not expecting it and they have gone through hell. We get hundreds of letters from people who have received the bags, it's heartbreaking.' Next year, Ms Millane is to apply to make Love Grace an official charity. She is also set to train for a hike to Mount Everest base camp, where she will leave two more stones. One day, she intends to travel to New Zealand, where Grace was killed. But for now, Ms Millane just wants to 'make the world a better place'. For confidential help and support, call the Samaritans for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org. Irish police are still looking for the machine pistol used in the botched attack on a Dublin steakhouse on Christmas Eve. Suspected gangster Tristan Sherry, 26, opened fire at a 47-year-old man while he was eating at Browne's Steakhouse at around 8pm in Blanchardstown, west Dublin on December 24. Sherry was promptly overpowered and reportedly stabbed almost 30 times, killing him. But, somehow, Gardai do not know where his submachine gun is. Both Sherry and the victim - who is in a critical condition - are known to police for their alleged involvement in drug crime. Detectives say the steakhouse hit on Sunday was likely unplanned and Sherry may have been pushed by his gangland associates to carry out the attack. The claim emerged as it was reported that Sherry also tried to kill a rival amid the Corduff Feud, a spree of more than 70 incidents of arson, shootings and beatings in Ireland, in 2019, according to The Irish Sun. Investigators say he fired seven shots into a car in Mulhuddart village. 'Sherry has been active for a number of years,' a source told The Irish Sun. 'He was the chief suspect in the shooting in 2019 in Mulhuddart village and then on Christmas Eve he went and targeted another man. But he was never the brightest, and this shooting highlights it.' It comes as the family of Sherry have set up a fundraising page with an an aim to raise 7,000 (6,077) to cover funeral costs. The page was set up yesterday and has so far received 27 donations, with 550 donated by family, friends and well-wishers with some sending donations of up to 100. Tristan Sherry (pictured) is believed to have shot a man at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, on Christmas Eve. However, after entering the restaurant, Sherry was overpowered during the attack and was stabbed to death A diner can be heard screaming 'someone's about to get whacked in front of me' in footage as the gunman stormed the Dublin steakhouse Police cordon off the area outside the steakhouse where the incident occurred The attacker, suspected to be Sherry, burst into the restaurant which was packed full of people - including young families - who all witnessed the attack. In one video shared of the aftermath, a young child is seen being removed from the premises by his parents. It is understood Sherry entered with another person and targeted a man in his forties. A source told The Irish Sun the attack unfolded in a way that was bound to create chaos. 'There's one way in and one way out of that restaurant. To walk in covered and with a firearm like he did in a packed restaurant just caused absolute mayhem,' they said. 'And it appears he tried to find another exit out after the shooting, but couldn't. He was caught then and it's clear he suffered a horrendous death himself.' After the attack, Sherry's accomplice is believed to have fled the scene in a white Audi, as reported by Irish News. It is not known if police have yet been able to locate the second unidentified alleged assailant. The victim was later taken to Dublin's Connolly Hospital and remains in a critical condition. The motive for the shooting is understood to be an ongoing feud between drugs gangs in Corduff, Blanchardstown, and Finglas in north Dublin. Both sides have been exchanging attacks since 2019. Gardai fear an all-out war between the two factions following the death of Mr Sherry. Sherry was revealed to have been involved in an attack on a man in Mulhuddart village in 2019, firing seven shots into a car. Gardai had already identified the threat and warned the victim his life was in danger, allowing him to flee uninjured before burning out his own car and refusing to cooperate with the investigation. The family of Sherry have set up a crowdfunder to raise money for his funeral. On the GoFundMe page, Ms Hand wrote: 'Hi my name is Marey Hand and my son was murdered on Christmas Eve, his name was Tristan Sherry. 'We made this to raise money for his funeral cost in this difficult time. We are absolutely heartbroken that this has happened. 'He was well known for his love of motorcycles and was loved by many. He was an amazing Son, Brother, Father and Friend. We can't believe life has to go on without him'. Sherry's 'heartbroken' mother, Marey Hand, has now set up a fundraising page with an an aim to raise 7,000 (approximately 6,077) to cover funeral costs A shocking video was uploaded to social media on Christmas Day, appearing to show Sherry lying on the street covered in blood As a result of the shocking attack, additional armed and uniformed patrols have been authorised by Garda HQ to stem any reprisals which may occur. This will include the Corduff area of Blanchardstown but it is understood that areas of Finglas, known to be the strongholds of the leaders of the other gang will also have an increased Garda presence as a result of the attack. Several videos of the aftermath of the event have been shared on social media in the hours after the incident. In one video, a man can be seen lying on the ground covered in blood as he is repeatedly kicked and hit over the head with a chair. Other videos show people hiding under tables and screaming. Gardai have pleaded with members of the public to stop sharing these videos and instead give them any information which may help them apprehend those behind the attack. Justice Minister Helen McEntee has condemned the attack which is thought to be linked to a vicious west Dublin-based feud, which has already been responsible for a high number of assaults. '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. 'I'm 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 outside Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas morning, following the shocking shooting incident This has been the second gangland murder of the year. It comes after Brandon Ledwidge, who was in his 20s, was shot dead as he opened the door of his home in Finglas, north Dublin, last month. Gardai do not believe the two shootings are linked. They also urged people to be aware of serious misinformation being shared on social media in relation to Dublin's latest gangland shooting. A Garda spokesman 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. '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. 'Anyone with information on this incident or who may have video footage is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.' A mother charged over the death of her eight-year-old daughter was previously convicted of failing to provide her with the necessities of life, telling a jury at that trial she was 'a daughter of God'. The disturbing comments made by Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs, the mother of Elizabeth Struhs, can be revealed after she and 13 others were ordered to face a judge-alone trial over the girl's 2022 death. Elizabeth's father, Jason Richard Struhs, and the leader of the religious cult known as The Saints, Brendan Luke Stevens, are both charged with her murder. Kerrie, Elizabeth's older brother Zachary Alan Struhs and 10 other people - Loretta Mary Stevens, Acacia Naree Stevens, Therese Maria Stevens, Sebastian James Stevens, Andrea Louise Stevens, Camellia Claire Stevens, Alexander Francis Stevens, Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch, Samantha Emily Schoenfisch and Keita Courtney Martin - are each facing charges of manslaughter. The 14 co-accused, who believe in the healing power of God and allegedly shun medical intervention, are alleged to have withheld the child's lifesaving diabetic medication for days in January 2022, instead opting to pray for God to heal the girl. Elizabeth Rose Struhs (pictured) died in 2022 after members of her family allegedly chose not to give the girl life saving diabetic medication Kerrie Struhs (pictured), the mother of Elizabeth was charged with manslaughter over the death of her daughter On November 27, following numerous pre-trial hearings at Brisbane's Supreme Court, an order was granted for all 14 people to face a judge-only trial together. Prior criminal proceedings involving Kerrie and Jason failing to supply Elizabeth with the necessaries of life can now be revealed, along with the shocking comments she made at her own criminal trial. 'I am a daughter of God' Three years before her death, Elizabeth Struhs became deathly ill from her undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes. She spent days being incontinent, struggling to stay awake or keep food down at her family's Rangeville home. She had lost a considerable amount of weight and was being pushed around the house in a chair. Despite this, Kerrie refused to take her to the hospital. She insisted to her husband Jason that God would intervene and heal their daughter. Jason eventually rushed the child to Toowoomba Base Hospital on July 17, 2021. By the time she arrived, Elizabeth was comatose and weighed just 13.4kg. Doctors opined she would not have survived if not for her father's intervention. While Jason pleaded guilty and only received a suspended prison term, Kerrie opted to plead not guilty and fight the charge. Representing herself in July 2021, Kerrie began her address to the District Court jury by asserting she was not 'lawyer-smart' but had 'nothing to hide'. 'I am a daughter of God,' Kerrie told the 12 jurors. 'I came to the knowledge of the words in the Bible 17 years ago, that he will place his Holy Ghost on those that believe in him and that is with proof of speaking in tongues.' Kerrie did not deny Elizabeth had gotten sick, acknowledging she had renal failure, swelling on the brain and a blood clot. She claimed this was the 'hand of God' hovering over her child. Kerrie Struhs (pictured) told a District Court in July 2021 that she was a 'daughter of God' after she pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge Struhs told the court (pictured) that her daughter was sick but claimed her illness was the 'hand of God' hovering over her child Kerrie told the jurors many of them placed their hand on the Bible and made their oaths while being sworn in for the trial. 'That must mean you believe in a God, that is able to help you, that's a power. 'As I said, the things that are inside the Bible, that you said 'so help me God' to, he's the one that I trust and will believe. 'He says in there: 'Do not put trust in man'.' She continued saying sickness was 'given by God' and in this case, he was trying to show 'everyone he is there'. Kerrie railed against the medical system, referencing disgraced ex-surgeon Jayant 'Dr Death' Patel, for wrong medications being assigned by doctors and confusion around the Covid-19 pandemic. 'I believe I'm here today to simply tell you there is a God and you need to turn to him because his judgment is coming,' she told the jurors. 'I don't believe I am being judged today in this court. 'I've been judged, I've turned to the Lord. He has judged me righteously. 'This is for you to work that out for yourselves.' Playing chicken in the name of faith Within the hour of Kerrie's submissions, a jury would find her guilty on the count of failing to supply the necessaries of life. Asked if she had to say anything in reply, Kerrie only gave a slight, trembling reply: 'No, Your Honour.' 'I won't be getting legal representation. I'm not familiar with the processes,' she told Judge Jennifer Rosengren. Crown prosecutor Shontelle Petrie had explained Kerrie had known Elizabeth's life was in serious decline in the days prior to her hospitalisation. She argued Kerrie's lack of any criminal history and parental responsibilities could not overwhelm a sentence of imprisonment. The delay in seeking medical attention meant lifesaving devices had to be used by hospital staff to save the girl, along with tireless work by medical staff to resuscitate Elizabeth, Ms Petrie said. Prosecutors argued that the Kerrie knew Elizabeth's (pictured right) health was deteriorating significantly before she was admitted to hospital where she was weighed at just 13.4kg 'The lesson that you can't play chicken in the name of faith does need to be learned, if not by Mrs Struhs then by others,' she said. Ms Petrie said a cloak of faith did not permit Kerrie from abdicating her duty to protect her child. 'The delay in seeking treatment exacerbated the symptoms,' she said. When asked if she had anything to say in her favour, a tearful Kerrie told the court she was being taken away from her children. 'I tried to do everything right in my life, so I have no criminal history,' she sobbed. 'I have nothing else to say.' Judge Rosengren asked: 'Nothing else to tell me about your personal circumstances at all?' 'I'm not sure what else there is to say,' Kerrie responded. 'Elizabeth has no long-term effects. My husband takes her to see a diabetes doctor. 'He comes home and tells me how well the doctor sees Elizabeth is doing. She's got nothing wrong with her.' Kerrie Struhs told the court she was being taken away from her children when asked if she had anything to say in her favour (pictured stock image of a judge gavel) Judge Rosengren ultimately jailed her for 18 months' jail, ordering she be released on parole after serving five months. She said Kerrie had shown no insight or remorse to what had occurred. 'It is of some concern that you told the police that you would do the same again, even knowing of the dire situation that your daughter was in when she was taken to the hospital,' Judge Rosengren said during her sentencing. '(Elizabeth) was plainly unable to care or look after herself or to make an informed decision whether or not to obtain medical attention. 'You failed to seek it for her.. you added to the grave danger she faced and extended her suffering needlessly.' 14 to face judge-only trial Throughout their committal proceedings, members of the group derided the charges, calling them 'disgusting' and insisting they were acting out of love and concern for Elizabeth, among other claims. All members have repeatedly declined to seek legal representation. Some have refused to read the brief of evidence detailing the Crown's case against them, or acknowledge they have received critical material related to their cases while in custody. None of the 14 has applied for bail. Brendan Luke Stevens (pictured), who is the leader of a religious group known as The Saints, was charged with Elizabeth's alleged murder These attitudes continued even during higher court proceedings when Mr Schoenfisch, on the first trial review date last April 6, defiantly said the group was 'not bothered' by any potential outcome of the case against them. 'We're not bothered by the outcome, we're not worried how we can escape years and years of jail,' he told the court. 'You can't force us to get legal representation.' On November 27, an application to have all 14 co-accused tried before a judge instead of a jury was granted. Chief Justice Helen Bowskill said Brendan Stevens was charged with murder on the basis he allegedly counselled one or both of Elizabeth's parents to not provide her medication knowing she would be harmed if she didn't receive it. Jason's murder charge related to his alleged failure to provide insulin and or did not provide medical care for his daughter, knowing that failing to do so would cause her death. Elizabeth's father Jason Struhs (pictured) allegedly failed to provide his daughter with insulin for her diabetic condition along with medical care for the girl Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch (pictured top) and his wife Samantha (pictured bottom centre) are are among 10 others facing manslaughter charges following the death of Elizabeth Struhs 'Kerrie Struhs...is charged with manslaughter on the basis that she failed to provide insulin to Elizabeth and or did not provide medical treatment for her,' Justice Bowskill said. The remaining 11 manslaughter charges related to allegations 'they counselled and or procured and or aided Elizabeth's parents to unlawfully kill her'. In a prior review Mr Stevens used his time in court to complain that the 14 co-accused did not have any opportunities provided to discuss the case together while in custody on remand. It is understood several members of the group are being held in separate jails. On September 22, Mr Stevens said they did not have access to get on emails or a phone from prison. But Justice Burns rejected this. 'I've set up a protocol for contacts, there's any number...Corrective Services are on board with this,' Justice Burns said. 'It was indicated to you if you wanted to meet in advance, that could be arranged. All you needed to do was make a request and I would do my best to facilitate it.' He suggested an easier solution to discuss the matter would be to apply for bail - something all 14 members have indicated no interest in doing. During discussions about jury trials, Mr Stevens told Justice Burns: 'We don't believe we will get any more justice from a jury than we believe we will already get without one.' Jason Struhs also raised concerns about splitting potential trials among the group. He said there was a heightened risk of the members not getting a fair trial if several members were heard before others. Jason also complained about the media's publicity of the case. 'We've already been labelled by the media anyway...they've already labelled us all these different stuff,' he said. 'How can you put it out in the public and trust them?' Have you been affected by the breach? Hackers have stolen the details of nearly 1,000 UK drivers in a cyber attack at the firm that owns parking app RingGo. Swedish-based EasyPark, which also owns the app ParkMobile in North America, says it discovered that there had been a data breach on December 10. It said that information including the names of customers, phone numbers, physical and email addresses, as well as parts of credit card numbers had all been swiped by the hackers. The firm said this data was 'non-sensitive' and that parking data had not been leaked, adding that it has reported itself to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The company has refused to say how many customers the breach affected overall, told MailOnline that 950 RingGo users have been impacted and informed. Have you been affected by the breach? Email matthew.lodge@mailonline.co.uk The company that owns parking app RingGo says around 950 of its UK customers were affected by a data breach after a cyber attack. Pictured: A notice informing motorists in Windsor and Maidenhead that they will have to use RingGo to park in the future The parking app is estimated to have around 17million users in the United Kingdom. Pictured: A file image of a man holding a smartphone in a car park It added that 'the majority of users affected are users in Europe on the EasyPark brand', suggesting that thousands of customers on the continent are impacted. The firm reassured customers that 'none of the personal data can be used to perform unauthorised payments'. It is not clear who is behind the hack, which was first reported by the Guardian. In a statement on its website, EasyPark said it was 'deeply sorry' about the breach and had been working to contact affected customers. It said: 'On December 10, 2023, we discovered we were the victim of a cyber attack. 'The attack resulted in a breach of non-sensitive data, but did not impact our services. 'We took swift measures to stop the cyber attack and have notified the appropriate authorities. We are reaching out to affected customers.' The firm said customers should 'as always, be mindful of phishing attempts, which are unfortunately common'. It added: 'Our security team, including external security experts, is working hard to ensure effective security and privacy measures are in place. 'At EasyPark Group, we take protecting your privacy seriously and strive to deliver the best possible experience for you. Experiencing a data breach naturally creates concerns for all of us. 'We are deeply sorry this happened and will continue to work hard every day to earn your trust.' RingGo, which has been downloaded by more than 5million people on the Google Play Store and is estimated to have around 17 million users, allows customers to pay for parking using their smartphones. In recent years councils across the country have ditched their pay-as-you-go cash machines and instead have started to direct users to apps such as RingGo or its competitors such as PayByPhone and MiPermit. Russia will soon deploy its newest howitzers against Ukrainian forces with the aim of using their greater range to gain an advantage on the battlefield. The testing of the new Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery units has been completed and their mass production has already started, Sergei Chemezov, the head of Rostec, told the state RIA news agency in an interview. The first pilot batch will be delivered by the end of 2023, he said. 'I think they will appear there (on the battlefield in Ukraine) soon, since howitzers of this class are needed to provide an advantage over Western artillery models in terms of firing range,' Chemezov said. Russia's TASS state news agency reported earlier this month that single Coalition-SV howitzers had already been deployed to the frontline in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin. The testing of the new Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery units has been completed and their mass production has already started, said Sergei Chemezov, the head of Rostec (File Photo) A Coalition-SV class self-propelled howitzer (File Photo). The new howitzers, with a range of up to 70 kilometres (44 miles), are equipped with a modern 2A88 cannon of 152 mm caliber with a firing rate of more than 10 rounds per minute, according to TASS The howitzers, with a range of up to 70 kilometres (44 miles), are equipped with a modern 2A88 cannon of 152 mm caliber with a firing rate of more than 10 rounds per minute, as well as a modern system for automating the processes of gun pointing, target selection and navigation, according to TASS. The Kremlin said today that any fresh European Union aid to Ukraine would not affect the outcome of the conflict there and that such spending would only hurt Europe's economy. Commenting on EU plans to provide 20 billion euros (17.4 billion) to Ukraine that would sidestep opposition from Hungary, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was up to EU taxpayers to realise that their money was being misspent. Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said today. The barrages killed at least five people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of Kherson. The aerial barrage came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea as both sides' soldiers struggle to make much progress along the front line of the 22-month war. Overnight, the Kremlin's forces launched an artillery and drone bombardment of the Kherson region just as some 140 civilians were waiting for a train at the region's capital city of the same name, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The shelling killed one policeman and injured two other police officers, as well as two civilians. A self-propelled 152 mm howitzer 2S-35 COALITION-SV (File Photo). The first pilot batch of the new Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery units will be delivered by the end of 2023, said Sergei Chemezov, the head of Rostec More than 100 people who were waiting for the train at the time of the attack arrived in Kyiv this morning, national rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said. The attack on the Kherson region and its capital hit residential areas and a mall, as well as striking the power grid, leaving around 70 per cent of households in Kherson city without electricity during the winter cold, regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. It was not immediately possible to estimate when power might be restored, he said. Targeting energy infrastructure was also a Russian tactic last winter, when it tried to break Ukrainians' spirit by denying them heating and running water. In Odesa, another major city in southern Ukraine, the drone assault killed two people and wounded three, including a 17-year-old man, regional Governor Oleh Kiper said. Ukraine's air force said it intercepted 32 out of the 46 drones that Russia fired overnight. A Western military assessment, meanwhile, deemed that Russia's capture this week of a city in eastern Ukraine would not provide it with a springboard for major battlefield gains. Ukrainian commander-in-chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi said yesterday that his troops had retreated to the northern outskirts of the city of Marinka, which sits about 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of Donetsk, the largest city in Russian-held territory. Zaluzhnyi said his troops had held Marinka for almost two years but Russians 'were destroying it street by street, house by house'. The Institute for the Study of War, a think-tank, said: 'Russian forces are highly unlikely to make rapid operational advances from Marinka.' But it noted that 'localised Russian offensive operations are still placing pressure on Ukrainian forces in many places along the front in eastern Ukraine'. Police failed to solve more than half of shoplifting cases in the past year, new data revealed today. The number of cases across England and Wales closed without a suspect being identified rose by a third to 205,676 in the year to July - equivalent to 560 a day. This represents 57 per cent of all shoplifting incidents in the past year - a record high proportion since 2019. It brings the overall number of unsolved shoplifting cases since 2019 to 843,406. In addition, just one in seven cases in the last year resulted in a suspect being charged or summonsed, down from 21 per cent in 2019. The number of cases across England and Wales closed without a suspect being identified rose by a third to 205,676 in the year to July - equivalent to 560 a day The figures, which emerged through analysis of Home Office data, prompted calls for more investment in frontline policing and tougher sentencing. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: 'Far too many people no longer feel safe in their own communities and town centres because this government has decimated community policing. 'We already know what works to stop crime - it's not task forces and gimmicks, it's putting police back on the beat and ensuring that crimes are properly investigated.' The data shows that police have increasingly struggled to crack down on shoplifters, despite a slight reduction in incidents. In the year to July 2019, half of the 370,516 cases recorded led to a suspect being identified, and just over a fifth resulted in them being charged or summonsed. But despite a fall in overall cases - there was a low of 241,603 in 2020-21 during the Covid pandemic, when many shops were closed - the proportion of unsolved cases has continued to rise, peaking at 57 per cent last year, while the rate of suspects being charged or summonsed has fallen by a quarter in the past five years. The revelations come just a day after figures suggested shoplifters will be the most likely to avoid time behind bars under Government plans to tackle overcrowding in prisons. Justice reforms announced in October will mean any sentences of less than a year will be suspended, with criminals having to serve their time in the community instead. But analysis from the Labour Party showed that shop theft accounted for more than one in eight of these sentences last year, sparking fears that the main impact of the proposals will be to reduce the number of shop thieves punished with prison sentences. It comes after new analysis of police data by MailOnline revealed the vast chasm between between how different forces respond to the growing shoplifting epidemic. The Co-op has renewed warnings that more needs to be done to tackle record levels of retail crime from repeat offenders and organised criminal gangs who are 'exempt from consequences'. The supermarket chain's campaigns and public affairs director, Paul Gerrard, told MailOnline that forces such as the Met, which only sees around five per cent of shoplifters being charged, were 'not showing leadership' over the issue. Brazen shoplifters stealing from a shop in Doncaster, South Yorkshire in October this year The shoplifter leaves the store after stealing items from the store on October 30 2023 CCTV footage of an armed robbery at a Co-op which saw a member of staff threatened with an axe Britain's biggest force the Met charged 5.9% of shoplifting cases, the second worst in the country behind Surrey's 5.2%, the latest full year of data to March 2023 shows. Norfolk Constabulary performed the best in the country, with 26.6% of shoplifting incidents leading to a charge or summons, with Cumbria and Lincolnshire eeking out the number two and and three spots with 24.7% and 24.3%, respectively. READ MORE - Northampton police officers take down suspected shoplifter - right in front of Policing minister who was on a visit to shopping centre Advertisement But he lauded the efforts of forces such as South Yorkshire Police, the 6th best performing in the country and the best performing large force, where nearly 25 per cent of shopliftings led to a charge. Mr Gerrard also commended the work of Sussex Police, which has one of the worst rates in the country of 9.8% for the work they are doing to improve the situation. 'If you look at Sussex, localised in Brighton, Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne PCC has recognised this as issue and you see dozens and dozens of arrests in specific areas. 'I spent decades in law enforcement, in Customs and Excise and my brother is an ex-police officer, so I'm not interested in attacking the police. 'But what it shows that what they've done in Nottinghamshire and Sussex shows that it is solvable if the police are going to step forward take this seriously and work with retailers.' He said that police in Nottinghamshire, Sussex and Essex, and soon in Portsmouth, Hampshire, are working with store managers to identify repeat offenders and hotspot areas for shoplifting. 'Colleagues will know who these individuals are to help police identify repeat offenders and deploy resources to tackle and arrest them,' Mr Gerrard said. A shoplifter has a tug of war with a Co-op worker in Liverpool Inspector Ollie Vale, of Nottinghamshire Police, previously said that working partnership with stores like the Co-op allows them to focus on repeat shoplifters. 'This is not an issue that the Police alone can enforce our way out of, working with our partners both in public sector and retail and understanding the limitations and challenges being faced allows for better results for victims and offenders,' he said. READ MORE - Thieves plunder Tesco of Christmas drink in shocking scenes Advertisement 'The importance of information sharing and working together cannot be emphasised enough.' Data indicates that there is no apparent correlation between the size of a force - and how many shoplifting incidents are recorded - and charge rates. While the Met faced 41,984 shoplifting incidents in 2022/23 - by far the most in the country - just 2,459 resulted in someone facing a charge or summons. But South Yorkshire Police charged 23.6% of alleged shoplifters - or 2,467 out of 10,457, slightly more charges in total than the Met despite seeing one quarter of the total incidents faced by the London force. Co-op has resorted to using undercover security guards in some stores to detain shoplifters until the police arrive - but more often than not staff have to let them go when the police do not show. In London, Met officers failed to attend in 80% of cases where undercover guards had detained offenders. This figure is 81% in Bedfordshire, 68% in the West Midlands and 87% in Sussex. Co-op has previously released footage of its staff grappling with shoplifters in stores 'We have undercover teams and they will make citizens arrests,' Mr Gerrard said. 'It's pretty dangerous.' The Co-op boss added: 'They are supplied by security contractor, highly trained they will make arrests. We have them in stores and they will work with police. 'But 80% of the times we have someone in custody in a store the met police do not turn up. 'What does that mean? We let them go. We have no choice, we can't hold them forever - the Met don't turn up 80% of the time.' 'We welcome what the Met have said but they have a long way to go,' he added. But in South Yorkshire, which nationally has one of the highest shoplifting charge rates, police only failed to attend 46% incidents where security detained a shoplifter. Palestine's president says that Gaza is unrecognisable due to the damage sustained during the Israeli offensive and has blamed the US for prolonging the war. The assault has seen at least 241 people killed over the last 24 hours, as the war rages into its third month. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas described the Gaza Strip conflict as 'beyond a war of annihilation', adding that it was unprecedented in the history of the Palestinian people. Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi said the war would continue for 'many more months' so that Israel's 'achievements are preserved for a long time'. On an Egyptian TV channel in his first interview since the start of the war, Abbas said that the West Bank could cave in at any time. The shrouded bodies of Palestinians killed in nothern Gaza, which were taken and later released by Israel, are buried in a mass grave in Rafah, on the southern Gaza Strip, on December 26, 2023 The destruction at the Khalifa Bin Zayed School following Israeli attacks, in Beit Lahia, Gaza, on December 26, 2023 Injured Palestinian people are taken to a hospital after the Israeli attacks on a building in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on December 26, 2023 He accused Washington of lengthening the war by vetoing UN draft resolutions aimed at securing a ceasefire. Abbas has called the war a 'grave crime' against his people. Israel says it struck more than 100 sites yesterday, amid reports of imminent ground operations in central Gaza. Loud blasts could be heard from the Gaza Strip across the perimeter with Israel in the early hours of Wednesday. Six Palestinians died in an overnight Israeli drone strike in the Nur Shams refugee camp in Tulkarem in the West Bank, Palestinian medical sources said. Gaza's health ministry said 382 people had sustained injuries over the same 24-hour period. Footage released from Gaza City yesterday appears to show IDF soldiers rounding up men stripped down to their underwear. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has described the Gaza Strip conflict as 'beyond a catastrophe' Palestinian girls search the rubble of a building following Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on December 26, 2023 Palestinians injured in Israeli attacks are brought to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for medical treatment as the attacks continue in Deir al Balah, Gaza, on December 24, 2023 The video shows several men standing in the middle of a stadium in front of armed soldiers. Several men are later shown sitting on the grass with their hands behind their backs as others are lined up with their hands raised in front of troops. More than 20,900 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the start of the war, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants among the dead. About 1,200 people were killed after Hamas raided southern Israel on October 7, with around 240 people taken hostage. Israel says it aims to free the more than 100 hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza. Lieutenant General Halevi, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), told a news conference: 'There are no shortcuts when it comes to thoroughly dismantling a terrorist organisation except being stubborn and determined in the fighting.' 'There are no magic solutions,' he added. A plume smoke erupts over the northern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment from southern Israel on December 27, 2023 amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas He promised to arrest or eliminate the Hamas leadership even if it would take time to do so. Halevi also noted that the IDF is close to taking apart all of the Hamas battalions in northern Gaza. Israeli and Arab media say that Egypt has put forward a ceasefire plan. This would see the phased release of all Israeli hostages and an undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, culminating in the suspension of Israel's offensive, according to reports. Dozens of hostages were released from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in a previous temporary truce deal negotiated by Qatar. But so far both sides have defied calls for a lasting ceasefire. The countess who runs the real-life Downton Abbey estate has blasted the Government's rewilding plans and insisted Britain must grow more of its own food. Lady Carnarvon, who farms at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, said rewilding risked making the UK reliant on foreign imports of food, adding 'we cannot eat the trees that politicians propose we plant'. She argued that 'everyone needs to be able to earn a living' and 'all countries should at least be partially self-supporting'. Rewilding aspires to restore natural ecosystems by reducing human influence on them - and can include the introduction of missing species. The Government has set itself a target of creating 30,000 hectares of new woodland every year in the UK by March 2025 - equating to between 90 million and 120 million trees each year, depending on planting density. Lady Carnarvon with her husband, Lord Carnarvon, outside Highclere Castle with their Labradors Stella and Frea Lady Carnarvon said rewilding risked making the UK reliant on foreign imports of food, adding 'we cannot eat the trees that politicians propose we plant' Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee concluded in July that it was 'extremely unlikely' this target would be met as levels of tree planting remained 'below half the rate required to meet the overall target of 30,000 hectares per year'. Lady Carnarvon, who has run Highclere Castle since 2001 with her husband the Earl of Carnarvon, wrote in The Telegraph: 'Rewilding is part of the countryside story but we cannot eat the trees that politicians propose we plant. We should grow at least some of our own food and for that farmers need support. READ MORE - A drop of Downton Abbey! The real-life occupants of Highclere Castle that inspired the show start producing their very own sparkling wine Advertisement 'As farming support dies away, it has been estimated that the UK could lose 75% of its wheat production over the next five years. 'Will we import from Ukraine or the US? The wheat would have to travel miles and it would give us no food resilience.' Last month, the Princess Royal said she was 'not sure that rewilding at scale is necessarily a good idea'. Anne said care must be taken not to 'rewild all the wrong things' which can be more successful at growing. She revealed she discusses the topic with her brother, the King, but would not say if they always agree. In 2021, Charles told the Cop26 Climate Change Conference that 'restoring natural capital' and 'accelerating nature-based solutions' were part of the solution to the environmental crisis. But speaking to The Telegraph, Anne said: 'I'm not sure that rewilding at scale is necessarily a good idea - it probably is in corners, but if you're not careful you rewild all the wrong things because they are just the things that are more successful at growing. 'You've just got to live with what's there and Highclere Castle pictured alongside the cast of Downton Abbey, which pulled in audiences around the world Lady Carnarvon is not the only prominent figure who has raised concerns over rewilding. Earlier this year, Princess Anne admitted that she isn't sure 'rewilding at scale is necessarily a good idea' as she marked the 30th anniversary of a wildlife conservation charity she has backed for 24 years. READ MORE - Could rewilding animals turn Britain into a modern day JURASSIC PARK? Advertisement The Princess Royal, 73, is known as the UK's most hard-working royal for good reason; she is involved with more than 300 charities, organisations and military regiments. One of these is the Whitley Fund for Nature, which was launched as the Whitley Awards in 1993 - and has since raised 20million for around 200 conservationists in 80 countries. Anne's involvement with the charity is indicative of her great passion for nature, one she brings home to her 18-century manor estate at Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire. She told The Telegraph that she isn't sure 'rewilding at scale is necessarily a good idea - it probably is in corners, but if you're not careful you rewild all the wrong things because they are just the things that are more successful at growing'. Rewilding is the process of allowing an area to return to a wilder or more natural state. This is largely by bringing back native plants, and not interfering in growth. The princess said her issue at home is ragwort, which lots of people think is 'absolutely brilliant because butterflies love it, but it's not good for horses' - it is, in fact, toxic. A beauty therapist who sued her boss for sexual harassment after he called her 'sexy legs', asked for a full-body massage and sent porn to her work computer has won a 1,500 payout. April Freke was left feeling 'sick' and 'frightened' by Rohit Vikal's advances which included turning up to her hotel uninvited and frequently touching the badge on her chest, an employment tribunal heard. The older businessman also told her she needed to get her teeth fixed because 'everything has to be perfect' while making repeated requests for her to be his girlfriend. Less than a year after starting the job Ms Freke resigned, citing harassment as the reason. She was awarded 1,522.05 after Mr Vikal made unlawful deductions from her wages. An employment judge ruled he had violated her dignity at a time when there was a 'clear imbalance' between a young woman starting her career and an 'established' businessman offering her the chance to progress. The hearing in Reading, Berkshire, was told Ms Freke started work as a beauty therapist at Mr Vikal's Shapins clinic in Farnham, Surrey in February 2022. April Freke, 25, sued her boss for sexual harassment after he called her 'sexy legs' and asked for a full body massage The clinic offers a variety of skin treatments, telling customers 'The best skin of your life starts here'. Two months after starting Ms Freke said Mr Vikal asked her for a full body massage. 'He scheduled it into her timetable without asking her,' the hearing was told. 'She refused him and he kept asking and pleading with her for a massage which made her feel uncomfortable.' The tribunal found his requests made Ms Freke feel uneasy and 'under pressure to do something she did not want to do'. The next month Ms Freke went on a training course which involved her staying overnight in a hotel near Watford. 'On the evening of 3 May 2023 [Mr Vikal] sent [Ms Freke] a number of text messages stating that he was in the reception area of the hotel and was about to come up to her room. '[She] asked him if he was serious, told him she was washing her hair and eventually said she would meet him in reception. She went down to reception and texted him again. [He] then replied that it was a joke, and he was not in the hotel at all. '[The next day when she] returned to her hotel after her course [Mr Vikal] was waiting for her.' The tribunal heard the pair then ordered pizza and remained in Ms Freke's room for the rest of the evening. Ms Freke was awarded 1522.05 after Mr Vikal made unlawful deductions from her wages However, the panel concluded that that was at his insistence rather than her express invitation. The next month the tribunal heard Mr Vikal asked Ms Freke to click on a link on his laptop to the X rated website Pornhub. When she refused he 'airdropped' the link to the clinic Reception computer. In July he referred to her having 'sexy legs', the panel was told. On multiple occasions in June and September 2022 he also touched her knee whenever she was in his office, and frequently touched the badge that she wore on her chest. In September Ms Freke - who was in another relationship - sent him a Whatsapp message that read: 'Rohit you asked me to be your girlfriend that's pretty straightforward and after the multiple conversations we have had previously I cannot believe we are back here again.' Later that month she went off sick with stress, complaining of harassment, and resigned in December. Ms Freke told the tribunal that Mr Vikal's behaviour had made her feel 'lost, sick, frightened' and had led her to seek help and counselling. 'She said [he] had breached boundaries and created an intimidating and hostile environment,' the tribunal heard. 'His inappropriate behaviour was not one incident but gradually progressed over a series of months, which affected her mentally and physiologically. 'She now realised she had been manipulated and groomed over a number of months and has had to have a great deal of counselling'. Mr Vikal's claims that Ms Freke was confusing his conversations with her about becoming a business partner as being conversations about his wanting her to become his girlfriend was dismissed by the tribunal. Employment Judge Wendy Anderson said: '[Ms Freke] is clearly able to distinguish between the two and was aware throughout her employment that a future business partnership was a possibility, and that this was a matter distinct from a romantic relationship with [Mr Vikal],' it said. Ms Freke was awarded 1,522.05 after Mr Vikal made unlawful deductions from her wages. The sex harassment compensation will be decided at a later date. Rescue teams believe missing British artist Millie Young is trapped inside the vessel she was on when it capsized off the coast of Thailand last week. A helicopter and dozens of ships have spent days following ocean currents around the Surin Islands where the ship sank, but have not found anything to help in their search for Ms Young, who disappeared on December 23. The ship's cook Samniang Chaichana, 67, is also thought to have been trapped on board when the ship sank to a depth of 180ft while Ms Young was enjoying a dream adventure with friends. Pichet Songtan, spokesman for Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC), said: 'The rescue committee is working to find the sunken ship as quickly as possible. We believe that the missing people are trapped inside.' The Reggae Queen left Thap Lamu Pier on the mainland in the afternoon of December 22, carrying 13 tourists and five crew members. Songtan explained how the ship was forced to stop en route as 'the waves were so strong'. Waves 'more than three metres high' slapped against the side of the ship, with too much being taken on for the waste water pump to remove. Crew woke the passengers and arranged life rafts for evacuation before the ship sank. On Christmas Day, it was reported an inflatable life raft had been found, 20 nautical miles away from where the ship went down. Millie Young, who vanished on December 23 after the ship she was on sank near Thailand New: the discovery of the inflatable raft on December 25, two days after the ship sank The Reggae Queen, which sank in choppy waters outside the Surin Islands on December 23 Navy chiefs said they will now use sonar to find the wreckage of the Reggae Queen, a large ship that took tourists on overnight diving trips around the idyllic tropical islands, some 37 miles from the mainland in Phang Nga province. Songtan said that a 'side-scan sonar' had been requested from the navy's battle fleet to find the co-ordinates where the ship sank. 'The ship floated on the waves for more than three hours until another boat found it and rescued the group at around 9 am,' Songtan said - meaning teams believe Ms Young was not successfully evacuated with her group. Rescuers later found an empty raft believed to be from the Reggae Queen. Rear Admiral Pongmit Narongkul, the Chief of Staff of the third Naval Region, said: 'A navy patrol plane has been flying across the area to search for the two victims along with navy boats. 'An inflatable life raft was found 20 nautical miles from where the ship sank but there was nobody inside. 'The flight path search area has been expanded to the western area of the Surin Islands, with a radius of 15 nautical miles from the forecast point. 'The missing people have not been found but the search is continuing.' It is understood Ms Young had lived in Thailand since 2007, splitting her time between the beautiful southeast Asian kingdom and the UK. She had recently met family members at the airport in Bangkok before travelling on their holiday to the beauty spot in the south, where clear water and diverse marine life are a big draw for snorkelling and diving trips. The group booked five places on the Reggae Queen, departing on December 22. Officials said a Mayday call was made shortly before 9am on December 23 as the ship was battered by waves on approach to the Surin Islands to the northwest of the mainland. Footage showed the rescue of passengers and crew members, but only 16 of the 18 on board are reported to have made it safely off the boat. 12 rescued tourists and four of the crew were safely returned to the shore Shocked holiday makers scrambled to safety but Ms Young is understood to have been dragged into the choppy sea along with Samniang, the chef onboard the vessel Rescue operations continue northeast of Thailand as teams desperately search for the missing victims of the tragedy. Navy chief Pichet Songtan said: 'The rescue committee consists of 3rd Naval Area Command, Thai-MECC Region 3, and the Surin Islands National Park. 'The mission plan consists of searching on the surface, on the beach, and from aircraft, and requesting cooperation from nearby vessels. 'The missing persons are likely to be stuck inside the ship. We believe that they were unable to escape and were pushed down by the water. 'We are still waiting for the correct latitude and longitude to be determined. When it is, deep sea scuba divers are ready to search further.' Supoj Rodruang Na Nongkhai, the governor of Phang Nga province, said he had instructed all boats in the area to look out for the two missing people in the Andaman Sea region. He said that rescue teams were searching in the direction of the sea currents, which are believed to have carried the missing pair in a northwest direction. The governor added: 'The missing person is a British woman and a Thai member of the crew. We are putting all of our resources into finding them.' Sunee Panpeng, 43, the daughter of the missing cook, said her mother had worked on the trips for around four years, and would have three days at sea before returning to shore. She added: 'When I was told that the ship had sunk, I was immediately worried about my mother because she cannot swim. 'We can only pray that she will be found. Now I am waiting for a miracle.' Penny Wong is set to wed long-term partner Sophie Allouache although the details of the ceremony are being kept under wraps. The Foreign Minister, 55, and Ms Allouache have been together for almost 18 years having met in 2006 and the couple share two daughters. Several people have confirmed they have been invited to the wedding, but haven't revealed anything further, according the to Daily Telegraph. Potential guests include Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Health Minister Mark Butler and Jay Weatherill, the former Labor premier of Senator Wong's home state of South Australia. Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured left) is set to wed long-term partner Sophie Allouache Who is Penny Wong's bride to be Sophie Allouache? Sophie Allouache has been Penny Wong's partner for almost 18 years after the couple met in 2006. She is a public servant who works as a manager for South Australia's Health & Department of Human Services and has expertise in early childhood health and mental health issues including eating disorders. Ms Allouache is seven years younger than Senator Wong and is a former University of Adelaide Students' Association president. In December 2011, Ms Allouache gave birth to the couple's first child Alexandra who was conceived through IVF and using a donor's sperm. After the birth of Alexandra, Senator Wong and Ms Allouache said they would tell her who the father is. Ms Allouache gave birth to the couple's second daughter Hannah in 2015, reportedly using sperm from the same previous donor. Advertisement The passing of same-sex marriage laws was a turbulent period for Senator Wong. She condemned the toxic debate surrounding the 2017 plebiscite on whether Australia should allow same-sex unions - held under Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull - as an 'expensive stunt'. However, when Australians voted overwhelmingly to approve such marriages she wept with joy. 'I hope that everyone in this parliament has heard the resounding voice of the Australian people today, a mandate for change, a mandate for equality,' she said. 'Because it is time. 'Thank you for standing up for fairness, thank you for standing up for equality. Thank you for standing up for our families.' Seven years earlier, Senator Wong had controversially stuck to what was then Labor's policy maintaining that marriage was an institution between a man and a woman. 'On the issue of marriage I think the reality is there is a cultural, religious, historical view around that which we have to respect,' she said. Senator Wong publicly came out as gay in 2002, shortly after she was elected to the Senate although her sexuality was not a secret to friends and family. Ms Allouache, who works as public servant in Adelaide and is seven years younger than the Senator Wong, carried and gave birth to the couple's daughters Alexandra and Hannah after undergoing IVF and using the same male donor's sperm. Senator Wong declared the birth of Alexandra in 2011 as a life-changing experience. Senator Wong (right) and Ms Allouache greet the arrival of their first daughter Alexandra in 2011 'Sophie and I are delighted beyond words. Like all new parents know, there's nothing like this,' she said at the time Hannah, was born in 2015. In a 2016 interview with Mamamia Senator Wong described her family life as 'boringly normal'. 'We have a station wagon and a mortgage and we live in the suburbs,' she said. Senator Wong's office has been contacted for comment. The number of people leaving London for a life in the countryside has fallen to the lowest level in nine years, according to a leading estate agent. Research from Hamptons' database and HMRC found that 69,190 Londoners moved out of the capital and bought homes outside the city, the lowest number since 2014. At the height of the pandemic in 2021, a record 100,980 people swapped their bustling city routine for a slower pace of life in the country. Those buying properties outside of the city are also spending less than last year, with Londoners shelling out an average of 415,020 on new homes, 89,990 less than the 505,010 average spend in 2022. In total, Londoners spent 28.7billion on homes outside the capital in 2023, compared to the the 48.8billion they paid in 2021. These figures highlight a U-turn in buying properties since lockdown. The country has continued to open up again after the breakout of Covid-19, with many businesses asking their workers to come back into the office after a long stint of working from home. In total, Londoners spent 28.7billion on homes outside the capital in 2023, compared to the the 48.8billion they paid in 2021 More than 69,000 Londoners moved out of the capital and bought homes outside of the city, the lowest number since 2014 (stock image) Then-chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced stamp duty holiday and cheaper mortgages, and those who traditionally worked in office jobs could work from anywhere - with many looking to invest in second homes. Clementine Hudson, 26, opted to stay in London rather than return to Oxfordshire, and bought a 475,000 flat in east London. Speaking to The Times, she said: 'I was familiar with the inconveniences that come with countryside living, which include poor transport and few social opportunities, particularly for someone my age. 'Before Covid I had done the Oxfordshire to London commute every day and it started to feel as though work was my life.' Ms Hudson added that she enjoys being surrounded by museums, gyms and restaurants 'all within walking distance'. The more affordable authorities had the biggest increase in London buyers this year. This includes areas of Essex such as Epping Forest, Braintree and Brentwood. Those who decided to leave the capital also ventured further out than in previous years at a whopping 25.5 miles, up from a pre-pandemic figure of 20.8 miles in 2019. A young mother-of-four has tragically died while her daughters unwrapped their presents on Christmas Day. Ashley Stanik told her ex-boyfriend and father of her children, Kane, she wasn't feeling well and needed to lie down. Ms Stanik asked Mr Stanik to film the girl's reaction opening their gifts while she got some rest at her home in Deception Bay, 40km north of Brisbane. The 33-year-old, however, died while her children aged 17, 12, 8, and 4 were opening their presents which she had packed and placed under the Christmas tree the night before. Her sister-in-law Cassandra said the family are struggling to come to terms with Ms Stanik's death as there were no signs she was unwell. Ashley Stanik (pictured centre) suddenly died on Christmas Day as her children unwrapped presents 'There was no indication that there was anything wrong, which makes it even harder to comprehend,' she told the Courier Mail. Cassandra said Ms Stanik was out shopping for presents on Christmas Eve and had a busy start to the morning the next day. 'She had been up for a couple of hours in the morning, but went back to sleep to see if she could sleep it off,' Cassandra said. 'My brother, Kane went in to wake her around 2.30pm, but it was too late. She had already left us'. Ms Stanik's daughter's are reeling from their mother's death and are now with their father. Mr Stanik cannot afford to pay for the funeral costs as he is receiving a disability pension. The family also don't know who will own the house which was registered under the name of Ms Stanik. The mother-of-four (pictured centre) asked her ex-partner to film the excited reactions of her daughters opening their presents but she passed away as they were opening their gifts Cassnadra said Mr Stanik had spent most of his time at the home looking after his daughter's so that he could make it easier for them to stay together as a family. She set up a GoFundMe page on Tuesday in a bid to raise money to pay for Ms Stanik's funeral. '[We are] wanting to raise money for funeral and help her 4 (sic) children, sadly she left us on Christmas Day,' she wrote. 'They (children) are left to say goodbye with no one knowing how to pay [for the] funeral and how much help these children are going to need to some what (sic) get back to normal.' A mechanic says the stress of Sadiq Khan's hated Ulez charge is making him go bald. Ross Stanesby said the income from his motorcycle recovery firm has halved after he had to scrap his non-compliant Nissan truck. The 46-year-old has been forced to work three nights a week stacking shelves at Sainsbury's to make ends meet. The father-of-two says he was forced to scrap it as he could not afford the 12.50 charge which impacts him in Carshalton, south London. Now business has halved because he does not have a big enough vehicle to go out on jobs. Ross Stanesby said the income from his motorcycle recovery firm has halved after he had to scrap his non-compliant Nissan truck The 46-year-old, seen revealing his hair loss, has been forced to work three nights a week stacking shelves at Sainsbury's to make ends meet Mr Stanesby told MailOnline: 'It's been a living nightmare since it was brought in. 'I had a stress-free life before. I had very few worries. Then Ulez came in and it all went wrong. 'I had to scrap the truck because it was not compliant. I could not afford the 12.50 a day it would have left me without a business. 'And I could not afford to buy a compliant one because they'd be too expensive for the size of one I would need. READ MORE - Sadiq Khan's Ulez expansion suffers fresh setback in form of rebelling European drivers with Dutch lorry firms arguing some 6.5million fines were issued unlawfully Advertisement 'Half of the business has gone. I can only do jobs here at my house, I cannot travel for work which means I have lost a hell of a lot of business. 'I have to spend three nights in a supermarket. It's ruined my life. It's making me go bald. 'My hair started falling out after August when the zone was expanded.' Mr Stanesby said his doctor has said the hair loss is as a result of the stress caused. 'My doctor said it's the direct cause - the stress of the business and having to work nights, all caused by Ulez,' he said. 'It's horrible. I will have to go back and be put on medication if it does not improve. 'They said there are other causes of hair loss as a result of stress because of Ulez.' Mr Stanesby now reckons he will be 'totally bald' by next year. He said: 'It was never on the cards. Before all this things were pretty good. Life and business were good. 'I am a skilled tradesman having to stack shelves to get by. It's demoralising. 'Ulez has ruined my life. I'll be totally bald next year.' Mr Stanesby claims his doctor said other people had complained of the same thing happening to them. Mr Stanesby told MailOnline: 'It's been a living nightmare since it was brought in.' Pictured is hair loss on the back of his head He added: 'I have to spend three nights in a supermarket. It's ruined my life. It's making me go bald' 'She said many others have had the same people,' he said. 'I put something on Facebook and other people said it was happening to them. 'I have no history of this in my life. 'It's awful. I know other people are having the same trouble. It's quite serious. I am worried about other health impacts going forward as well.' Mr Stanesby is married with two children, a boy aged 16 and daughter aged 12. He added: 'It's been hell. It's impacted my family. 'The situation has made me feel down. I am totally against Ulez, I think it is targeting the wrong people and punishing them for not being well-off.' Mr Khan's decision to expand the ULEZ area to cover the whole of London from August 29 has sparked a surge in vandalism of the scheme's cameras, which use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to identify vehicles. READ MORE - Fury as drivers are told cars that would be scrapped under Sadiq Khan's Ulez rules can't be sent to the Ukraine frontline Advertisement A TfL spokesperson said: 'London has made significant progress over the last six years in improving air quality, but it sadly remains the case that thousands of Londoners die prematurely each year as a result of toxic pollution. Children are growing up with stunted lungs and thousands of people in our city are developing life-changing illnesses due to pollution, such as cancer, lung disease, dementia and asthma. The recent expansion of ULEZ London-wide brings the benefits of the scheme to a further five million Londoners living in outer London, where over half of the deaths attributable to air pollution occur. 'Only those with the most polluting vehicles have to pay the ULEZ charge, and data shows that 95 per cent of vehicles seen driving in the zone on an average day are already compliant. Millions of pounds of support is still available through the scrappage scheme to help London residents, small businesses and charities to transition to greener alternatives. 'London-based sole traders and businesses with fewer than 50 employees can scrap up to three vehicles through the scrappage scheme, with grants of 7,000 available for scrapping a non-compliant van and grants of 6,000 are also available for retrofitting a non-compliant van. There is no need for drivers to purchase a brand new vehicle, affordable compliant vehicles are available, with Euro 4 petrol vehicles from after 2005 being compliant.' It follows claims Mr Khan has hired a goon squad of thugs with face tattoos wearing skeleton balaclavas to protect his hated Ulez cameras. Homeowners in suburban London said the gang of 'masked heavies' would often dress in black and hang around schools and homes while recording passersby on body cameras. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have slammed Khan's antics as 'intimidation' and promised they will scrap the Ulez expansion if they win the mayoral election in May. TfL claimed the guards are held to 'high standards of professionalism' and that they were necessary to protect Ulez cameras from the Blade Runners. Mother-of-five Claire Dyer, 47, from Biggin Hill in Bromley, claimed concerned residents lived in fear of the Ulez protection gang. She told MailOnline: 'You have thuggish security - they don't need to be behaving the way that they are. 'All you can see is their eyes. They are wearing masks and balaclavas - even that might have skeletons on them. 'Dressing all in black with body cameras all in masks. They seem to be above the law.' Prince Andrew 'smoothed over' a gaffe by Lord Mandelson in which the then Northern Ireland Secretary asked whether TV presenter Patrick Kielty's father had been in the IRA, newly released papers reveal today. The comedian's builder father Jack was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries in 1988 after refusing to pay protection money. Kielty later told how his grieving family had to rebuff efforts by the Republican terrorist group to recruit him and his teenage brother for 'revenge', telling them 'in no uncertain terms where to go'. But at a charity event in 2000 compered by Kielty, who now presents RTE's The Late Late Show, Peter Mandelson as he then was - asked 'loudly' if his father 'had been a member of the IRA', according to the archives released by Dublin. His comment led to an 'awkward silence' which was resolved by a somewhat uncharacteristic diplomatic intervention from the Duke of York, according to papers uncovered by Irish historian Prof Marie Coleman. Prince Andrew meeting members of the Corrs during the 2000 Co-operation Ireland charity event held at the Albert Hall in London At the event Lord Mandelson asked 'loudly' whether compere Patrick Kielty's father had been in the IRA Comedian Patrick Kielty with his wife, Cat Deeley, at an event in Los Angeles Prince Andrew 'smoothed over the moment by remarking that there could hardly be a family in Northern Ireland that was untouched by the conflict', they record. During the Co-operation Ireland charity event held at the Albert Hall in London Lord Mandelson was in a 'strange, almost detached, mood', according to the state papers. He was also said to have embarrassed then Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble by mixing up major Belfast employers Harland & Wolff and Shorts. READ MORE - Tony Blair and Bill Clinton were alarmed the IRA would not meet the Good Friday agreement deadline to decommission its weapons Advertisement By contrast, the Duke 'appeared more knowledgeable than the Secretary of State about industrial policy on Northern Ireland', the papers said. 'David Trimble was trying to use the example of Jack Kielty's death to illustrate the impact of the Troubles on so many families and intended to elicit sympathy for Patrick Kielty,' Prof Coleman, of Queen's University Belfast, told MailOnline. 'But Mandelson misinterpreted the situation causing much embarrassment to Trimble. 'Prince Andrew by contrast understood what Trimble was getting at and his mollifying comment rescued an awkward situation.' The event is recounted in a letter dated April 10, 2000 from then Irish Ambassador to the UK Ted Barrington to Dermot Nally at the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. Kielty was not part of the conversation, and the archives do not record whether he was aware of the gaffe. Mr Mandelson who was made a peer in 2004 succeeded Mo Mowlam in Tony Blair's Cabinet in 1999, tasked with implementing the Good Friday Agreement, signed the year before. According to the 13,200 files just released by the National Archives of Ireland, Irish diplomats viewed him as an unknown quantity as he had made few public comments relating to Northern Ireland before being appointed to the role. Jack Kielty was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries in 1988 after refusing to pay protection money. Pictured is Patrick carrying his coffin at the funeral Jack, a building contractor, was murdered in 1988 at the age of 44 He later caused dissatisfaction in Dublin due to his stance over negotiations relating to the name and badge for the province's new police force, replacing the Royal Ulster Constabulary, which was distrusted by Catholics. Lord Mandelson, now 70, resigned following the 'cash for passports' scandal in 2001. READ MORE - Granddaughter of German businessman murdered by the IRA in 1973 reveals how she never thought she'd live to see 40 Advertisement He was alleged to have helped Indian tycoon Srichand Hinduja win British citizenship after he and his brothers donated 1million towards the construction of London's Millennium Dome now called The O2. An inquiry later found there had been no improper link, however he never returned to the Blair cabinet. Earlier this year Kielty, now 52 and married to fellow TV presenter Cat Deeley, recalled how the IRA tried to recruit him following his father's killing in his home village of Dundrum, Co Down. 'At the time of my dad's death, there were thousands of armed paramilitaries and it would've been easy for me to pick up a gun myself,' he told a BBC documentary. 'My dad's brother had been approached in the graveyard by the IRA to say, 'Look, we could probably use a couple of good smart strong strapping lads like those Kielty lads if they're interested in revenge'. 'They were told in no uncertain terms where to go.' Recalling how he was called to his headteacher's office to be told about the shooting, Kielty said: 'Rather than pay protection money to loyalist paramilitaries he decided to go to the police.' A Russian 'maniac' beheaded a prostitute and then killed a second who mocked him because he could not perform in bed during a visit to 'de-stress' from the first murder, according to reports. Detained Alexei Varakin, 37, is believed to have killed two escorts in a frenzy after he 'was unable to have sexual intercourse with them', 'driving him crazy', according to Russian news outlet Shot. He is reported to have appeared in court following the discovery of the bodies of the two escorts. The beheaded remains of Olga Vorobyova, 40, were found near a hotel where they allegedly met in Moscow district Izmailovo. Vlada Skitskaya, 25, is believed to have been killed a day later in her rented flat in the Moscow City business district. After visiting Skitskaya to 'de-stress' after the first murder and being mocked by her for his sexual inadequacy, he allegedly then lunged at the 25-year-old with a knife, with Skitskaya putting up a fight and injuring her attacker, according to Shot. A terrified Skitskaya had managed to call a friend during the attack and say that a client was trying to kill her, it was reported. Alexei Varakin, 37, (pictured) was jailed in 2010 for the murder of two women LEFT: Vlada Skitskaya, 25, is believed to have been killed in her rented flat in Moscow, Russia. RIGHT: Olga Vorobyova, 40, whose beheaded remains were found near a hotel in Moscow Her cries for help were also heard by neighbours. Police were called but when officers arrived the woman had died from knife wounds. There were signs of attempted beheading, according to reports. The suspect had recently been released from prison after he was incarcerated in 2010 for the murder of two sex workers. Shot identified the suspect as Alexey Varakin from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, adding that Ms Vorobyova 'had taken some drugs and refused to have sex with him, so he cut off her head and ran away.' The Moscow Prosecutor's Office confirmed on Sunday that it was looking into the recent murder of two women, without providing details other than that a 25-year-old woman sustained knife wounds during a dispute in a residence in western Moscow. Varakin was seen in a court video where he was remanded in custody for two months The crime scene where Olga Vorobyova, 40, was allegedly murdered Varakin was detained by police and stood trial in court, 13 years after his first conviction Varakin was then seen in a court video where he was remanded in custody for two months. In court he confessed to the two latest killings, according to reports. The suspect had been 'cured' after he was sent to a psychiatric hospital in 2010 following the murder of two sex workers, the court was told. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire at a Catholic school in west London on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said. Ten fire engines are at the scene of the blaze at London Oratory School in Fulham, south west London, where politicians Tony Blair and Nick Clegg sent their sons. More than 70 firefighters rushed to the scene of the blaze at around 10am this morning. The Met police said a 16-year-old boy was arrested at 11.15am. The Roman Catholic 'outstanding' school has nearly 1,400 pupils between the ages of seven and 18. It admits boys from age seven and girls aged 16 to 18, and is a short distance from the Chelsea stadium, Stamford Bridge. The fire is now under control and no injuries have been reported, the London Fire Brigade said. A source said the suspect is thought to be a pupil at the London Oratory as he entered the main building with a school-issued swipe card. All the books in the library are said to have been damaged in the fire. The Roman Catholic 'outstanding' school has nearly 1,400 pupils between the ages of seven and 18 Ten fire engines are at the scene of the blaze at London Oratory School in Fulham, south west London A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: 'Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to a fire at a school on Seagrave Road in Fulham. 'An atrium is alight in a four-storey building with basement. 'The Brigade was called at 10.11am and is still at the scene. 'Fire crews from Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Wandsworth, Hammersmith, Clapham, Lambeth and Soho fire stations are in attendance. 'The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.' The London Ambulance Service, which is on the scene, urged residents to close their windows. Posting on X, the ambulance service said: 'We have an incident response officer and hazardous area response team on standby at the fire in Fulham. 'Please avoid the area if possible and close your windows if you live nearby.' Photographs from the scene showed a heavy emergency service response, with groups of police officers being briefed as they arrived. A nearby shopping centre and some residential addresses have been evacuated as a precaution, police said. Fire engines and police officers on Seagrave Road in Fulham, west London, as firefighters tackle a blaze at London Oratory School Smoke was seen in the air as firefighters tackled the blaze on Wednesday Surrounding roads have been closed and the public are being asked to avoid the area. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'Police don't know at this stage whether there are any injured persons inside the school. 'The cause of the fire is currently unknown and will be investigated. 'A nearby shopping centre and some residential addresses have been evacuated as a precaution. 'Road closures are in place. Please avoid the area at this time.' Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands said he was 'concerned' by the incident, and was in touch with the police. Posting on X, he added: 'Lots of helicopter noise overhead this part of Fulham too.' The school's alumni include actor Simon Callow, trade unionist Mick Whelan as well as the children of the former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, children of Harriet Harman and former deputy prime minister, Sir Nick Clegg. A San Diego couple vanished days before Christmas, with their adult children now asking the public for help amid a frantic search for them. Melissa, 45, and Johnny Soto, 52, went missing from their home in the San Ysidro district of San Diego on Wednesday, December 20. The couple, who had been married for 20 years and have three adult children, recently separated. In Ring camera footage, Melissa is seen pulling into the driveway of her estranged husband's home about 8.51pm on the night they disappeared, while Johnny, who had been at a work holiday party, is seen returning in his truck about an hour later. The couple's son, Vincent, said his father then sat down with him to watch TV. A few minutes later, however, Vincent was asked by his father to leave the home. Within the next 15 minutes, Melissa's car is seen exiting the driveway - only to repark in reverse. A neighbor's surveillance camera shows the garage door and Melissa' car's trunk open about six minutes later, and John's truck is nowhere to be found. The couple's kids are now worried sick, after Melissa left behind her wallet and other personal belongings. Scroll down for video: Melissa and Johnny Soto disappeared from their home on Wednesday, and their three kids are now asking the public for help. The pair, seen at left, recently separated and their relationship was rocky, but were last seen leaving Johnny's San Ysidro home together Ring camera Footage captured last week added to the uncertainty, when it showed Melissa's car pull into the couple's driveway the night they disappeared. It begins at 8:51 pm, and within an hour-and-a-half, the mom-of-three's car exits the driveway only to repark in reverse Vincent, who was the last to see the couple, told NBC San Diego that it 'felt like a normal night'. '[My dad] was just sitting here watching TV like he always does. And my parents, they always talk. 'He asked me, 'Hey, Vinny, can you leave for a minute? We're going to talk. So I left the house, not assuming anything,' he said. Vincent said he left the home for about an hour-and-a-half before he got a text from his dad saying that they had left, and the coast was clear. However, neither he nor his sisters Alexia and Elise have heard from him since. The couple also failed to show up to their respective places of work. A search has since ensued, with the siblings saying it's not like their parents to leave and not come back. 'Him and my mom, they like to talk and get together,' Vincent told ABC 10 - while also revealing the couple had a somewhat rocky relationship and recently separated after 20 years. 'So while they were talking, they like to go take the truck,' he continued, citing how it was not out of the ordinary for the couple to take off in his dad's silver Tacoma truck. '[Johnny] called me, he's like, 'Hey Vincent, we're going go to the truck for a little bit,'' he further remembered. 'That's the last time I heard from him.' A different neighbor's surveillance camera shows the garage door and car trunk both open six minutes later. Nothing was left inside. Johnny's truck, meanwhile, is missing, and footage appears to show him returning from a holiday party for work Melissa - seen here with her three kids - joined him for a conversation at the home after, but neither have been seen since Vincent, left, was the last person to see the pair, and recalled to NBC San Diego Tuesday, how he left the his parents' home for about an hour and a half so they could be alone - before returning and getting a text from his dad saying they'd gone and the coast was clear The couple also failed to show up to the holiday party and their respective places of work after allegedly driving off The family has since filed a report with the local police department, and so far, the surveillance camera clips serve as their only real clues The family has since filed a report with the local police department, and so far, a week into their investigation, the surveillance camera clips serve as their only real clues. In them, Melissa's car is seen pulling car pulls into the driveway at 8:51 p.m 'You can see someone getting out of car,' neighbor Raymond Arzola said, citing the clip taken from a camera stationed at his nearby house. 'You could tell it's most likely a man because of the jeans and the blue jacket,' he added. 'I usually see Johnny wear a blue jacket.' Then at 10:19 p.m., Melissa's car pulls out of the driveway and then reparks in reverse. About 14 minutes later, that same man is seen getting into his silver Toyota after pulling off the parking maneuver in Melissa's car - before driving off around 10:33pm. In this clip, Melissa is noticeably absent, even as her car sits in the driveway for around 15 minutes. 'My dad had his phone and his wallet, but my mom didn't have her phone, wallet, or her keys,' Alexia Soto, the eldest, said. 'Even though they were separated, there were like no issues between them at all,' she added of the pair's strained relationship, which she and her siblings said took a turn in July. 'They were still in contact,' she said, citing how her mom would still regularly visit the couple's old house. 'They still talked. She would come over [to Johnny's house] and talk.' DailyMail.com has reached out to the San Diego Police Department for an update on their investigation. DailyMail.com, meanwhile, has reached out to the San Diego Police Department for an update on their investigation, as relatives revealed Melissa had left behind her phone and wallet The footage released by the family further fuels their uncertainty, as it shows who many believe to be Johnny moving around the scene without his wife, and someone seemingly fiddling with her vehicle before Johnny's truck takes off. Aunt Christina Sandoval further noted on Tuesday how the couple 'left with no clothes,' telling the local NBC affiliate '[they] left with nothing. All his clothes that he wears normally, like the sweats there in the bedroom. 'Her phone was left here. Her wallet was left here,' she continued, as the search for the couple on Wednesday continued. 'Her keys were left here and then his phone was turned off about 15 to 20 minutes after he left here.' Despite the array of ominous clue, the siblings told the news stations that they are staying strong. 'We've always had like a really strong, like, sibling dynamic,' Alexia, 23, told NBC 7. 'No matter what happens, we're always making sure we're watching out for each other.' Sandoval, meanwhile, has started a GoFundMe to help with 'groceries and any bills' for the family as they search, and all three are pleading with the public to contact them or police with any leads that may help them find their parents. Two of the sibling, meanwhile, left their mom and dad with an emotional message as cops continue to look, telling them to contact them as soon as possible if they are listening. 'Even if they did go somewhere and plan to stay out for a while, at least message or call one of us to let us all know they are both ok,' said Alexia. Elise added: 'And that we love them.' Officers' search, meanwhile, remains ongoing. Both of the Sotos have been declared missing persons. The family car of a notorious neo-Nazi was firebombed in a Christmas Eve attack. Tim Lutze, who is a member of the National Socialist Network, shared images of his wife's blue Holden Commodore being consumed in a fireball outside his Werribee home in Melbourne's west. 'Last night, left-wing terrorists firebombed my pregnant wife's car while I was sleeping in the middle of the night,' he said in a video. '(They) threw Molotov cocktails, other ones were found in the front yard. 'My children were sleeping inside at the time, we were woken up by it, the neighbours came running out in the street, and they (the offenders) basically just ran off into the night.' Tim Lutze, who is a member of the National Socialist Network, shared images of his wife's blue Holden Commodore being consumed in a fireball outside his Werribee home in Melbourne 's west Mr Lutze said two Molotov cocktails were found in his front yard that had failed to ignite into petrol bombs. 'Fire spread to the fence of the house and could have gone very bad very fast,' he said. 'It's lucky there is a close community here all the neighbours came out and helped.' Mr Lutze accused anti-fascist activists of committing the attack and claimed his group - which proclaims Australia is for the 'white man' - is peaceful. 'These people have no honour attacking a home where children and a pregnant woman are sleeping,' he said. 'The media push this narrative that we're violent and that we're terrorists when we are the polar opposite of that. 'We remain peaceful at all times we only have terrorism committed against us.' Victoria Police are now investigating the incident. Neo-Nazi Tim Lutze has posted images of his wife's car being consumed in flames after it was hit by a petrol bomb on Christmas Eve outside his western Melbourne home The car was left a burnt out wreck after the attack, which Victoria Police believed may have involved several perpetrators 'Detectives believe a number of offenders have thrown a Molotov cocktail into the window of a vehicle parked outside a Bower Drive address shortly before 1am,' a police spokesperson said. 'The Holden Commodore sustained extensive damage. 'Two other Molotov cocktails were thrown in the vicinity of the property but there was no further damage.' Mr Lutze was listed as a business director of a Sunshine West gym that has hosted far-right meetings of neo-Nazis with photographs showing the interior walls decorated with swastikas and other far-right iconography. The gym's business number was cancelled in May, meaning it is no longer a legitimate commercial entity for taxation purposes. Mr Lutze has been pictured performing the Nazi salute, now illegal in Victoria, and has been photographed attendeding several of the far-right rallies. The most recent public demonstration in early December saw around 30 masked and black-clad men march down the main street of the Victorian regional city of Ballarat 115km north west of Melbourne. Mr Lutze was listed as a business director of a Sunshine West gym that has hosted meetings of neo-Nazis with photographs showing the interior walls decorated with swastikas and other far-right iconography Questions were raised about Victoria Police watching and even escorting the group while managing traffic around them. The Project host Steve Price also took aim at Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, accusing her of using 'weasel words' to duck responsibility for allowing masked neo-Nazis to brazenly march down the main street of a town. 'She should have got her police minister to tell the police commissioner of Victoria that you can't allow people to walk down the street completely covered in a mask,' he said. 'Police should have stopped those blokes on that street in Ballarat, demanded that they demask or they would have been arrested.' Victoria Police have been contacted for comment. A prestigious Austrian university has severed ties with Harvard in the latest blow to the university over its response to the Israel-Hamas war and the rise of anti-Semitism on campus. Lauder Business School in Vienna announced the bombshell decision to pull its partnership with the Ivy League as a show of 'solidarity with the Jewish student community at Harvard.' Founded by Jewish billionaire Ronald Lauder, 79, who is the heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics empire, the school announced it would be 'forming new partnerships that are more closely aligned with our core values and standards.' The move came on December 14 in the immediate aftermath of the Harvard Corporation's decision to stand by President Claudine Gay amid calls for her to resign. It's the latest in a series of hits to Harvard, which reportedly lost a staggering $1 billion in donations thanks to Gay's 'failures', according to billionaire alumni Bill Ackman, who campaigned for her removal. Lauder Business School in Vienna announced the bombshell decision to pull its partnership with the Ivy League as a show of 'solidarity with the Jewish student community at Harvard'. (Pictured: founder Ronald Lauder) Lauder Business School (pictured) said it has been 'a proud affiliate of Professor Michael Porter's Microeconomics of Competitiveness Network at Harvard University' since 2014, but its leaders felt compelled to withdraw amid the anti-Semitism furor enveloping Harvard Lauder is the latest in a long line of donors to cut ties with Harvard amid calls for the Ivy League's president, Claudine Gay (pictured), to resign Lauder Business School said it has been 'a proud affiliate of Professor Michael Porter's Microeconomics of Competitiveness Network at Harvard University' since 2014, but its leaders felt compelled to withdraw. The network provides a microeconomics course for students at Harvard's Business School, along with pupils at 'over 100 universities around the world,' according to its website. It explores what drives competition in economies around the world, from groups of countries to cities. New York-born Lauder also previously told the University of Pennsylvania he would 're-examine' his financial support of the school over its lackluster response to anti-Semitism on campus. He condemned the Ivy League's decision to host a 'Palestine Writes Literature Festival' last month, which featured several speakers he said publicly hold and promote anti-Semitic views. The president of the University of Pennsylvania Liz Magill resigned over her testimony, which mirrored Gay's The magnate, who has a net worth of $4.5 billion according to Forbes and previously served as the US Ambassador to Austria, penned a long public letter eviscerating the university for hosting the event. UPenn's president, Liz Magill, resigned from her post following her own disastrous congressional testimony where she spoke alongside Gay and the leader of MIT. Lauder decision to end his Austria's school ties with Harvard is the latest in is the latest in a long line of wealthy donors to pull their support amid the anti-Semitism firestorm fanned by its president's own public statements. Billionaire Len Blavatnik, whose family foundation has given the Ivy League at least $270 million, has also halted donations to his alma mater until it addresses what they see as 'rampant anti-Semitism on campus,' as first reported by Bloomberg. Others who have paused donations include Leslie Wexner, the former CEO of L Brands - the parent company of Victoria's Secret, Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his wife Batia, and Bill Ackman. Ackman accused Gay of 'doing more damage to Harvard's reputation than anyone in the university's history' and demanded the board also review her personal history, including plagiarism allegations and discrimination. 'President Gay's failures have led to billions of dollars of cancelled, paused, and withdrawn donations to the university,' Ackman wrote. 'I am personally aware of more than a billion dollars of terminated donations from a small group of Harvard's most generous Jewish and non-Jewish alumni,' he added. 'I have been copied and blind copied on numerous letters and emails to the University from alums who have written scathing letters to Gay and/or the Board withdrawing donations.' Founded by Jewish billionaire Ronald Lauder (pictured), 79, who is the heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics empire, the Lauder Business School announced it would be 'forming new partnerships that are more closely aligned with our core values and standards' Billionaire Bill Ackman, who has donated hundreds of millions to his alma matter, also paused donations following the breakout of the war, and has since led a campaign to replace Gay Gay, who took the reigns at Harvard on July 1, has faced intense scrutiny since the October 7 terror attack in Israel, following her failure to immediately condemn students who justified Hamas' actions The school, the country's richest, heavily relies on its endowment - it's largest revenue source by far. But Harvard has been fierce in its commitment to stand by Gay, even after fresh accusations of plagiarism moved from conservative media to more liberal outlets like CNN and The New York Times. Gay, who took the reigns at Harvard on July 1, has faced intense scrutiny since the October 7 terror attack in Israel, following her failure to immediately condemn students who justified Hamas' actions. She subsequently issued two apologies that offered more vociferous condemnation of Hamas, the Palestinian terror group behind the atrocities. Fuel was poured on the fire on December 5, when she testified before Congress about antisemitism on campus, and equivocated on whether calling for the genocide of Jews was hate speech. Many students at the top university responded to the October 7 attack by placing the blame on Israel. A group of 31 student groups released a letter to the public as a 'Joint Statement by Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups on the Situation in Palestine' saying that the attacks 'did not happen in a vacuum'. 'We, the undersigned student organizations, hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence,' the groups wrote. They did not condemn the terrorist group's actions or express sympathy for the 1,200 victims. Several pro-Palestine protests erupted around campus in the weeks that followed, including some which escalated into physical confrontations. In Palestine, more than 20,000 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes which have pummeled the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the bombing will continue until Hamas releases the remaining hostages. The Harvard Corporation admitted that she should have condemned Hamas' attack in Israel sooner, but gave its full support for her continuing in her role. 'Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,' the board said in a statement. It added: 'So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the University's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation. On Tuesday, a data scientist also challenged her analytical methods. It was then revealed that she had refused to share her data, raising eyebrows in academia. The Palestine Solidarity Committee holding banners outside the prestigious college Gay, who has apologized for her testimony, is also facing accusations that she plagiarized about half of the 11 journal articles on her resume Jonatan Pallesen, a Copenhagen-based data scientist working for the Confederation of Danish Industry, tweeted that he had examined her use of data in her PhD thesis, and a 2001 American Political Science Review (APSR) paper. The 2001 paper - 'The Effect of Black Congressional Representation on Political Participation' - was one of four peer-reviewed political science articles which secured her 2005 tenure at Stanford. Gay has found her academic record pored over, and accusations of plagiarism in works listed on her resume have emerged. The university launched an investigation into this on November 2. Gay had received an undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in government from Harvard, before returning to Stanford to teach. In 2006, she joined Harvard's faculty, serving as a professor of government and of African and African American studies. She became dean of Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences in 2018. Pallesen found that the 2001 paper was misleading, and incomplete. 'I am not a political scientist, but I am pondering about the whole approach of her study,' he said. Harvard is the most influential university in U.S. politics, having produced eight former presidents and four of the nine current Supreme Court Justices. Nora Mishanec is a San Francisco Chronicle breaking news and enterprise reporter. She joined the paper in 2020 as a Hearst fellow and returned in 2022 after a stint at The Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com. Was posted the day after Christmas at Trump's Florida residence Mar-a-Lago image included Trump's youngest son Barron, 17, and Melania Trump's father, Viktor Knavs but did not picture the former first lady Kimberly Guilfoyle posted a Trump family photo to her Instagram story the day after Christmas but noticeably absent from the group snap was former first lady Melania Trump. Eric Trump and wife Lara were also not in the group shot in front of the Mar-a-Lago Christmas tree. Donald Trump's youngest son Barron, 17 who is rarely seen publicly post-White House days was in the picture, along with Tiffany Trump, who is the former president's only child from his second marriage to Marla Maples. Tiffany's husband since November 2022, Michael Boulos, was also at the Palm Beach gathering, according to the image. Melania's father, Viktor Knavs, was in the photo beside Tiffany. Don Jr.'s fiance Kimberly Guilfoyle posted to her Instagram story a Trump family photo (above) with several members of the ex-president's family at Mar-a-Lago the day after Christmas, including Barron Trump Noticeably absent from the family Christmas photo is former first lady Melania Trump, pictured above with husband Donald Trump on December 31, 2022 for their New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago last year Trump's older daughter Ivanka and husband Jared, both once advisors to the ex-president, were in the family photo with their three children Arabella, 12, Joseph, 10, and Theodore, seven. Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host who was married to Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom when he was mayor of San Francisco, is engaged to Trump's eldest son Donald Trump Jr., who appeared in the Christmas image. It's not clear if Melania was at the gathering but just not in the image. During a rare appearance with public remarks earlier this month, the former first lady welcomed 25 new citizens to America during a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives on December 15. Guilfoyle also posted a few images to her Instagram grid with her fiance Don Jr., and the ex-president in front of the festive decorations at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and residence. Melania Trump made a rare public speech on December 15 for a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle also posted to her Instagram on Tuesday, December 26 an image with fiance Don Jr. and former President Donald Trump with the back drop of Mar-a-Lago Christmas decorations Ivanka Trump, 42, husband Jared Kushner, 42, and their three kids - Arabella, 12, Joseph, 10, and Theodore, seven - were pictured with former President Trump on December 26 While they did not spend Christmas Day together, half sisters Ivanka and Tiffany Trump joined the family celebration on December 25. The two also showed off their festive spirits in jolly posts shared to their respective social media accounts. Marla Maples, 60, who was married to Trump from 1993 to 1999, posted a photo of her and her daughter, Tiffany, 30, posing in front of a Christmas tree. The mother-daughter duo donned an all-black look, wearing their hair loose as they beamed at the camera. 'Merry Christmas, from our hearts to yours,' Marla wrote on the post. 'Love, Marla & Tiffany.' Meanwhile, Ivanka shared some festive snaps to social media, posting a Christmas snap - as well as some throwback pics. The family also shared a Christmas lunch with Ivanka's 97-year-old maternal grandmother Marie Zelnickova (pictured) She also posted a throwback picture of herself as a child, standing next to a Christmas tree wearing a red pea coat and red gloves with white bows Sharing two pictures to her Instagram story, the second eldest child of Donald's first wife Ivana and the president, showed off her smiling family celebrating the holidays. In one picture, Ivanka, husband Jared Kushner, both 43, and their three kids Arabella, 12; Joseph, 10; and Theodore, 7 all posed with the former first daughter's maternal grandmother as they celebrated Christmas lunch. The whole family donned more casual attire than for the Mar-a-Lago celebrations, wearing shades of light green and white as they gathered around Ivanka's 97-year-old grandmother, Marie Zelnickova. 'Christmas lunch with Babi,' she wrote in a caption of the image. Ivanka also uploaded a photo of her family later in the evening, standing in front of an extravagant Christmas tree with her father the day after Christmas. The family were dressed up for the celebration, with the mom-of-three simply adding a Merry Christmas gif to her Instagram story. She also posted a throwback picture of herself as a child, standing next to a Christmas tree wearing a red pea coat. Ivanka, who converted to Judaism for husband Jared, posted on the first night of Hanukkah urging people to 'bring light to the world' amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. A former Miss Bolivia has been seized by police accused of arms trafficking. Suspect Alondra Mercado Campos, better known to social media followers as Alondra MC, 22, was Miss Bolivia Mundo 2020 and Miss Charm Bolivia 2023. She regularly treats more than 40,000 Instagram followers to revealing bikini snaps from the beach or wearing figure-hugging evening gowns at VIP events. But now she is being held at the country's tough Trinidad Women's Prison in Beni, northeast Bolivia, charged with arms trafficking. Local media reports that police found significant quantities of guns and AK-47 assault rifle ammunition at her home. Alondra Mercado Campos, better known to social media followers as Alondra MC, 22, (pictured) was Miss Bolivia Mundo 2020 and Miss Charm Bolivia 2023 She is being held at the country's tough Trinidad Women's Prison in Beni, northeast Bolivia, charged with arms trafficking Campos will be held for 30 days in pre-trial detention until her first court appearance, according to local media. Local media reports that police found significant quantities of guns and AK-47 assault rifle ammunition at her home Campos will be held for 30 days in pre-trial detention until her first court appearance, according to local media. Forensic tests on her car may also provide evidence for drug charges, say prosecutors. She reportedly chose to stay silent when she was put before a judge during a court appearance, in which prosecutors asked to hold her in prison. Her partner, named locally as Andres Vasquez, is currently on the run and wanted for questioning on drug trafficking. Beni Department's deputy prosecutor Geraldo Balderas said: 'The boyfriend is being investigated for trafficking in controlled substances and is a fugitive.' Balderas said that videos found on a mobile phone seized from Campos show her and her partner at a number of parties with the illegal weapons seized by police. The investigation is ongoing. A Canadian man with depression who has tried to kill himself twice has backed a controversial new law which will allow people whose only medical condition is mental illness to be euthanized. The country is set to enact the bill in March, but the move has divided Canadians on how their country cares for those with mental illnesses. The country's law around medically assisted dying (MAID) is one of the most liberal in the world and 13,241 Canadians were euthanized in 2022 according to Health Canada. Euthanasia was legalized for the terminally ill in Canada in 2016, and the law was expanded to other severely ill people in 2021. The law is set to expand to those suffering solely from mental illness on March 27 and those patients are starting to prepare their applications for the process. Jason French told The New York Times he has severe depression and has tried to kill himself twice - and he is lobbying for people like himself to have access to assisted dying. 'My goal from the start was to get better. Unfortunately, I'm resistant to all these treatments and the bottom line is, I can't keep suffering. I can't keep living my life like this,' French said. 'I don't want to have to die terrified and alone, and have someone find me somewhere. I want to do it with a doctor. I want to die within a few minutes, peacefully.' There is speculation and debate if MAID for the mentally ill will become available in March since the government has delayed it in the past over concerns of how to implement it. This past March, clinical guidelines were released to address those concerns, but some people who provide treatment said those were insufficient. This has motivated French, who said he rarely leaves his home, to create a five-page document explaining his case and hand it out to medical experts at events promoting assisted death. Lisa Marr, a former paramedic diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, said she has attempted suicide 15 times and is waiting for the new law to go into place. 'The only reason I haven't done it yet, I think, is I'm waiting for this decision in March,' she told The Times. The process for an assisted death in Canada starts with downloading a form online. This involves the applicant answering a series of tick box questions and signing the bottom, followed by securing the signature of witnesses. There will then be a phone call and home visit from a doctor. If the application is approved by two separate doctors, the person must wait 90 days from the time of their application, and then a doctor can administer the lethal drug via injection. Currently, people solely with mental illnesses such as depression and personality disorders with no physical conditions are not eligible for assisted suicide. Medical professionals are torn over if legalizing euthanasia would hinder their efforts to prevent suicide in mental health treatment. Dr. John Maher, a psychiatrist in Barrie, Ontario, said he is concerned patients will opt for assisted death instead of seeking treatment. 'I'm trying to keep my patients alive. What does it mean for the role of the physician, as healer, as bringer of hope, to be offering death? And what does it mean in practice,' said Maher. Other professionals said denying mentally ill people access to assisted death could be discrimination. Dr. Alexandra McPherson, a psychiatry professor at the University of Alberta and assisted death provider, said she treats a small number of patients 'with severe disabling mental health disorders who suffer equally to the patients that I see in cancer care.' Canada's law around medically assisted dying (MAID) is set to expand to people suffering solely from mental illness in March In 2022, over 13,000 Canadians were euthanized. However it remains uncertain if the new law will go into effect and those suffering from mental illness are advocating for the expansion Critics of Canada's assisted suicide program say it's on a perilous road to mass euthanasia and ever-more pressure on the sick, disabled and poor to end their lives prematurely. Alex Schadenberg, director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, said euthanasia rates were 'skyrocketing' because a 'heavy promotion of MAiD within our medical system' had 'normalized' lethal injections. 'Every major healthcare institution has a MAiD team which will literally approach everyone who may qualify for MAiD and ask them if they want to die,' Schadenberg told DailyMail.com. Daniel Zekveld, an analyst with ARPA Canada, a Christian advocacy group, said Canada had created 'one of the most permissive euthanasia regimes in the world' where deaths 'steadily rise.' 'Safeguards continue to be relaxed and euthanasia is increasingly offered as an easy solution to suffering,' Zekveld told DailyMail.com. 'Instead of normalizing euthanasia and accepting the deaths of thousands of Canadians, Canada needs to promote suicide prevention and life-affirming care for all.' A Minnesota teenager is facing second-degree murder charges with police accusing him of shooting dead his ex-girlfriend and throwing her body out of his van. Fenan Uso, 17, and broken up with Jayden Lee Kline, 18, two weeks before the December 21st shooting. The horrific killing occurred in the Minneapolis suburb of Fridley. First responders were called to a report of an injured woman around 4pm. When they arrived, they found Kline lying unresponsive on her driveway. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead less than an hour later. On Tuesday, an Anoka County Attorney's Office spokesperson confirmed that prosecutors are charging Uso as an adult. Fenan Uso, 17, and broken up with Jayden Lee Kline, 18, two weeks before the December 21st shooting The couple had been dating for around a year but recently broke up after the suspect had been dishonest, the victim's family said According to the St. Paul Pioneer-Press, Uso and Kline were dating for around a year before their breakup. The break-up occurred because he had not been honest to his family about their relationship. On the tragic day of her death, Kline and Uso were at the Rosedale Center mall together. Neighbors said that they heard a loud bang around 4pm and then saw a gold van speeding away from the area close to Kline's home. While her brother, Brandon, told the police that shortly afterwards, he saw her lying lifeless close to their driveway. He told the police that his initial reaction was that his sister had been hit by a car. Police say that a ring camera in the area showed Uso's van driving slowly towards Kline's home and then stop. A shot can be heard and then a few moments later, a woman fell out of the car. Investigators were able to ascertain that the van belonged to Uso. It was registered in his mother's name. He was later tracked to another Minneapolis suburb thanks to cellphone data. When he was taken into custody, police found a pistol in his vehicle's center console. When questioned, Uso admitted to having a fight with Kline and pulling the trigger just after he dropped her off. He allegedly told officers that he 'knew he did something stupid.' Police said that the .40 caliber Smith & Wesson that they took from his car matched a gun that was stolen in Iowa. Uso said that he acquired it the day before the shooting. Kline was a graduate of Columbia Heights High School where she was on the synchronized swim team. At the time of her death, she was considering a career in nursing, friends say. Zena Stenvik, the superintendent of Columbia Heights Schools, told ABC Minneapolis that the community is 'reeling' in the wake of Kline's death The suspect attended Fridley High School where he was a star on the wrestling team. Kline was a graduate of Columbia Heights High School where she was on the synchronized swim team. At the time of her death, she was considering a career in nursing, friends say. 'She was so very proud of that. It's so sad. One day they are there and then the are not,' her next door neighbor Cynthia Goren told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Zena Stenvik, the superintendent of Columbia Heights Schools, told ABC Minneapolis that the community is 'reeling' in the wake of Kline's tragic death. ''The community's been reeling. Just full of grief and sadness. A difficult night last night, and a difficult day today.' Stenvik said that Kline had been a mentor to younger athletes at school and was proud of her Native American heritage. 'She was really a balance between her Indigenous culture, her passion for that culture, and also a friend, a supporter, and an incredible athlete as well,' Stenvik added. 'We need to put an end to this gun violence and youth having guns in their hands. Its very problematic. Our youth are so vibrant. They've got their whole lives ahead of them,' Stenvik also said. It was Goren who told police that she heard a 'noise' or a 'bang' shortly before Kline's body was discovered. She originally thought it was a car crash. 'I saw her on the ground while our neighbor was doing chest compressions. She had packages and a big drink in her hand.' Goren said that it never occurred to her that Kline had been shot. 'We just didn't even think of that... It's just so terrible that [the suspect] had to get so angry to do something like that.' Uso will make his first appearance in court on January 5. A cruel cat owner dyed her cat hot pink and cleaned it with Windex and rubbing alcohol, leaving the tiny, adorable kitten in shock and barely responsive. Elizabeth Zurcher-Wood, 39, brought her kitten to an animal hospital near Portland, Oregon, earlier this month, saying she cleaned the animal with a mixture of Windex, Spic and Span and rubbing alcohol because it had diarrhea. Veterinarians found the kitten 'in shock, severely hypothermic, and hypoglycemic' when it was brought in due to the toxic chemicals contained in household cleaning products. The good news is that the kitten is now 'improving and receiving great care in a foster home,' Laura Klink with the Oregon Humane Society told KOIN 6. Zurcher-Wood is facing animal abuse charges. She pleaded not guilty last Friday and remains in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center, as reported by Oregon Live. Elizabeth Zurcher-Wood, 39, dyed her cat hot pink and cleaned it with Windex and rubbing alcohol, leaving the tiny, adorable kitten in shock and barely responsive Zurcher-Wood brought her kitten to a Portland, Oregon, animal hospital earlier this month, saying she cleaned the animal with a mixture of Windex, Spic and Span and rubbing alcohol because it had diarrhea Zurcher-Wood is facing animal abuse charges. She pleaded not guilty last Friday and remains in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center. She is pictured in a 2021 mugshot When the kitten was brought into the DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital it was still soaked with the cleaning solution. The veterinarians said the cat's body temperature plummeted because of the rubbing alcohol. Staff gave the kitten back to the suspects, though it's unclear why they did despite the feline's treatment. Zurcher-Wood was arrested Thursday, when a motel manager alerted police and tried to evict her from the Deluxe Inn Motel in Portland. She was found inside the motel with the pink kitten and a chihuahua in a stroller. An officer also reported seeing ''the kitten appeared to have burn marks on its head.' The cat was taken into custody by the Humane Society, and Zurcher-Wood faces a second-degree animal abuse charge. Zurcher-Wood 'did not seem to understand that the chemicals were toxic,' to the animal, Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Austin G. Buhl noted. During a hearing on Friday, her attorney asked the case to be dismissed because of a shortage of public defenders. 'The alleged victim in this case is a feline so if anything this is a very middling property crime, not a person crime, no real actual sentient victims,' the attorney told the court. The judge overruled: 'I did have an opportunity to review the allegations of the animal abuse in the second degree and the court did find there was sufficient evidence.' 'I'm not going to dismiss this case, I'm going to allow six more weeks for the state to try to find someone to help you, okay?' During a hearing on Friday, her attorney asked the case to be dismissed because of a shortage of public defenders Zurcher-Wood 'did not seem to understand that the chemicals were toxic,' to the animal, Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Austin G. Buhlnoted Zurcher-Wood is now held in the detention center for a probation violation after she was convicted of a first-degree bias crime and attempted second-degree assault in July 2022. She attempted to kidnap a six-year-old boy and threatened his parents by wielding a machete while hurling racial slurs in August 2021. 'She's like, "That is my child, give me my kid back. I will kill you guys if you don't give me the kid," and that's when she was whacking that machete around,' Shanay Grant, the boy's mother told KOIN in 2021. 'I dont know if it was racially motivated or if it was a mental illness, but she was sure that we had her child and it was not our child and she wanted to get him back,' she added. Zurcher-Wood was found unfit to assist in her defense and was subsequently sent to the Oregon State Hospital for care. She returned to court in May of last year while taking psychotropic medication, according to court records. A month later, she made no contest pleas to attempted second-degree assault, first-degree bias crime and menacing, and was sentenced to three years of probation. Last week, Zurcher-Wood was found in violation of her probation due to the new charge and her failure to report to her probation officer in October. She is scheduled to appear in court this Friday for the probation violation on the attempted kidnapping case. She is expected back in court on the animal abuse case in late January next year. Three Brits including a father and son have been arrested amid a 96million cocaine bust in the Atlantic after police seized a Spanish-registered yacht that was trafficking drugs to Europe. Officers from the National Crime Agency worked with counterparts in France and Spain to target a crime group suspected of shipping the cocaine. The yacht was then seized about 1,200 miles east of Martinique by a French navy frigate on December 18 - with around 40 bales of cocaine weighing 1.2 tonnes recovered by officers. Three crew members were arrested, including a 29-year-old from Stornoway, Scotland, before they were transported to Martinique to face criminal charges. Spanish authorities in Marbella and Valencia arrested five more people believed to be involved in the shipment - including a 62-year-old British national from Lincolnshire and his 24-year-old son. The father is now a Spanish resident. Three Brits including a father and son have been arrested amid a 96million cocaine bust in the Atlantic after police seized a Spanish-registered yacht that was trafficking drugs to Europe The yacht was seized about 1,200 miles east of Martinique by a French navy frigate on December 18 They were detained by the Policia Nacional as they sat in a restaurant in Marbella on December 19. The group remain in custody as investigations are ongoing. The operation led to officers from the NCA's international network working alongside the Spanish Policia Nacional, French customs (DNRED), the French Navy and the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre Narcotics (MAOC-N) in Lisbon. Paul Owen, the NCA's International Liaison Officer in Madrid, said: 'This multi-national operation has seen a huge consignment of cocaine prevented from reaching Europe, and huge profits denied to organised criminals. I have no doubt that some of these drugs were destined for the UK. 'Tackling these global networks requires international law enforcement co-operation, and I'm grateful to our partners in France, Spain, the Caribbean and MAOC-N for their assistance. 'Working together we are determined to do all we can to target, disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking groups, and prevent them from fuelling violence, intimidation and decay in UK communities.' A woman was killed and a man who had been shot six times drove her to a Queens police station trying to seek help. Authorities identified the woman as Clarisa Burgos, 28, and said she died after being shot once in the head. The unidentified 39-year-old man had driven her to the 103rd precinct station in Queens after being shot six times himself. The fatal shooting took place near the corner of 127 Street and Liberty Avenue in the Richmond Hill neighborhood. The driver was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Now, police are investigating the shooting and working to identify suspects. A woman was killed and a man who had been shot six times drove her to a Queens police station trying to seek help. Clarisa Burgos, 28, was shot once in the head and declared dead outside the police station. The fatal shooting took place near the corner of 127 Street and Liberty Avenue in the Richmond Hill neighborhood Multiple gunmen reportedly opened fire on the car, injuring the driver who then raced to a nearby NYPD station in a failed attempt to save the fatally wounded woman in his passenger seat. The injured man pulled up to the 103 Precinct station house in Queens Tuesday night shortly before midnight, alerting officers to the harrowing incident, police said Wednesday. Officers recovered 16 shell casings, both .45 caliber and 9mm, from the crime scene. The injured driver has 29 arrests on his record, according to police. Multiple gunmen reportedly opened fire on the car, injuring the driver who then raced to a nearby NYPD station in a failed attempt to save the fatally wounded woman in his passenger sea Officers recovered 16 shell casings, both .45 caliber and 9mm, from the crime scene The 39-year-old driver, shot half a dozen times in the torso, was rushed by medics to Jamaica Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition Police are still searching for the suspects and say they are seeking two to three men wearing dark clothing who are believed to have fled in a dark-colored sedan. The motive of the shooting remains under investigation. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing. The 106th Precinct, where the shooting occurred, has seen just one homicide this year, according to recent NYPD statistics. Shootings are reportedly also down more than 66 percent for the year. Anyone with information regarding the shooting are encouraged to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. A fortress said to have inspired Walt Disney has been restored to its former glory after the rain eroded its vibrant pink paint away. Craigievar Castle is located in Aberdeenshire and the animator and film producer is believed to have based his Cinderella Castle designs on it. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) said extensive conservation work has been ongoing for more than a year to protect the historic building and its collections from the effects of climate change. The harling was replaced in 2009, but fresh conservation and maintenance work was deemed necessary. Multiple coats of a special recipe of limewash have been applied to the castle walls to refresh the colour. NTS added that they are going to add 'small and discrete adaptations to the roof which will future-proof the castle against the wetter winters'. Slide me The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) said extensive conservation work has been ongoing for more than a year to protect Craigievar Castle (pictured before paint work left and after, right) from the effects of climate change Gille Young, the NTS regional conservator, described the project as a slow process. 'It's really important we look after this castle,' she said. 'If we look after the building, then the collections inside are looked after as well. 'It's going to be really positive, particularly for the local community who look up from the main road and see this beautiful pink castle which glows at the best of times.' Colleague Annie Robertson, regional building surveyor for NTS, explained: 'This project follows on from one around 15 years ago. That was to address a long-standing problem with dampness in the castle. 'We have to look after this building into the future. It's such an important piece of architecture. 'Craigievar is renowned for being the pink castle. It really is the icon of the castles in Aberdeenshire, but originally it wasn't pink. It used to be an off-white colour. 'It wasn't actually until the 1820s when the Forbes Laird at the time had instructed repairs at the castle - it needed quite a bit of work - and Aberdeen architect John Smith instructed that the castle should be made pink to match the granite mouldings.' Speaking of the new paint job, stonemason Steven Harper said: 'Limewash is basically lime putty watered down and diluted to a milky consistency, then we add earth pigments into it which gives it its pink colour. 'There are around three pigments we put in for the Craigievar pink. But I can't go into the details because the recipe is top secret.' Built by the Mortimers of Craigievar between 1575 and 1595, Craigievar Castle in its original form would have looked a little different. Rather than the iconic turrets, the uppermost level of the castle was likely much plainer and less soaring in height. Walt Disney is believed to have based his Cinderella Castle (pictured) designs on Craigievar Castle in Scotland Multiple coats of a special recipe of limewash have been applied to the castle walls to refresh the colour. Pictured: The castle under construction in January The late 16th-century castle is everything below the carved stone corbel, decorated with projecting stone cannons that wrap around the castle walls. Due to the skill of the architect-masons who worked on the building, it's not immediately apparent that Craigievar is actually the result of two building phases. The castle as it appears now was completed by William Forbes around 1626. He purchased the lands in 1610 and, keen to express the status his wealth - gained from working as a merchant through the Baltic trade - had brought him, he replaced the plain uppermost parts of the castle with the array of turrets and balustraded viewing platform we see today. The Forbes family resided there for over 300 years before placing it in the care of the National Trust for Scotland in the 1960s. One of only four surviving versions of Schindler's List is on sale for $1.8 million, almost 80 years after it saved the lives of 1,098 Jews. German businessman Oskar Schindler employed them in his munitions and enamel factory in World War II, convincing the Nazis they were too important to kill. Those SS officers he couldn't convince he bribed, spending his entire fortune on cash and black market goods so they would spare his workers. Schindler's story was immortalized in the 1993 film starring Liam Neeson that won seven Oscars and revived interest in the Holocaust worldwide. Seven lists in total were drawn up when his factory was moved from Krakow, now in Poland, to the Brunnlitz labor camp, now in the Czech Republic. One of only four surviving versions of Schindler's List (pictured) is on sale for $1.8 million, almost 80 years after it saved the lives of 1,098 Jews Schindler's story was immortalized in the 1993 film starring Liam Neeson that won seven Oscars and revived interest in the Holocaust worldwide Collectors Eric Gazin and Gary Zimet are selling the list on behalf of an anonymous client in Israel, who bought the list in 2011. 'A more poignant and historic World War II relic cannot be imagined. This is the opportunity of a lifetime to acquire an item of truly incredible magnitude,' Zimet wrote on his Moments in Time website, where it is being sold. The list went up for sale twice before, once on eBay in 2013 for $3 million and in 2017 for $2.4 million, but never attracted a single bid. Gazin and Zimet hope the reduced price will finally prompt a wealthy collector to snap up the extremely rare document. Zimet and his auction house are notorious for putting the cars rappers Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. were shot dead inside up for sale in 2018. He was also sued by Leonardo DiCaprio in 2014 over a signed photo of the actor with Nelson Mandela that never made it to DiCaprio but he claimed was his. German businessman Oskar Schindler (pictured) employed Jews in his munitions and enamel factory in World War II, convincing the Nazis they were too important to kill The version up for sale was written on April 18, 1945, by Itzhak Stern (left), a Jewish inmate who served as Schindler's accountant The first Schindler's lists were created by Marcel Goldberg in October 1944, one of 700 men and the other of 300 women, who were to be moved to the new factory. Schindler was detained by the Nazis at the time over one of the many bribes he paid SS officers, but had ordered the lists to be drawn up. These first lists no longer exist, but a second version compiled by Poldek Pfefferberg once Schindler's Jews arrived at the factory on October 21, 1944, survives. Other lists were created over time as more names were added or it needed to be retyped and handed to Nazi officials in the chaotic finals days of the war. The version up for sale was written on April 18, 1945, by Itzhak Stern, a Jewish inmate who served as Schindler's accountant and was portrayed by Ben Kingsley in the film. The 14-page document names 801 men, along with their dates and places of birth, and was the second-last of the seven lists to be drawn up. Stern, who died in 1969, gave it to his nephew, and from there it passed through the hands of collectors until it was acquired by its current owner. Stern was portrayed by Ben Kingsley in the film (pictured typing up the list alongside Neeson as Schindler) Photos and documents including the original Schindler's List in an office of the Stuttgarter Zeitung newspaper in Stuttgart, where the suitcase full of documents was deposited by a couple who found it while cleaning the attic of their family home Another part of the 14-page document that names 801 men, along with their dates and places of birth, and was the second-last of the seven lists to be drawn up A carbon copy of the same list, made for safekeeping around the same time, was discovered the the Library of New South Wales in Sydney in April 2009. This copy of the list was used by Australian author Thomas Keneally to write Schindler's Ark, the 1982 historical fiction novel the film is based on. Pfefferberg, who is listed as worker number 173, handed Keneally the list copy in 1980, and persuaded him to tell Schindler's story for the first time. Schindler's heroism had until the publication of the book largely been lost to time outside the memories of the Jews he saved and their families. The 13 yellowing, fragile pages were found by library staff sandwiched between research notes and German newspaper clippings in one of six boxes of Keneally's property the library bought in 1996 without knowing it was there. Another version of the list, made by Nazi camp administrators in Brunnlitz, along with the accompanying list of 291 women, is preserved in the Yad Vashem Memorial in Jerusalem. The fourth surviving version of the list, made on April 1, 1945, is at the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. Collectors Eric Gazin (right) and Gary Zimet are selling the list on behalf of an anonymous client in Israel , who bought the list in 2011 Schindler died of liver failure on October 9, 1974, and was buried on Mount Zion in Jerusalem Schindler was a German spy who collected intelligence in Poland and Czechoslovakia before the war, and became a wealthy businessman. A card-carrying member of the Nazi Party - as all successful Germans were required to be - he didn't start out trying to help the Jews. He was originally convinced to use Jewish labor by Polish Jew Abraham Bankier because he wouldn't have to pay them. As time went on, Schindler came to care about the Jews who worked for him, and was disgusted by the wholesale murder the Nazis were perpetrating. He had a camp built inside the factory grounds where his workforce was properly fed and treated well, and protected from extermination. Schindler kept them safe by bribing SS officers with both cash and luxury goods he acquired on the black market, and the demands grew more and more expensive. By the end of the war he had spent his entire fortune and after a few years moved to Argentina and tried his hand at poultry farming, but went bankrupt. He returned to West Germany and after new business ventures failed, he relied on the financial support of the Schindlerjuden, the Jews he saved. Schindler died of liver failure on October 9, 1974, and was buried on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Israel declared him Righteous Among the Nations, an award for non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. They claim the tech companies used 'millions of articles' to They claim the tech companies used 'millions of articles' to develop their artificial intelligence The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft alleging copyright infringement, claiming the tech companies used their articles to train chatbots that now threaten the jobs of journalist. The lawsuit, filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan on Wednesday, said the companies illegally fed 'millions of articles' to Microsoft's Bing Chat and OpenAI's ChatGPT to develop their products. 'This action seeks to hold them responsible for the billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages that they owe for the unlawful copying and use of The Timess uniquely valuable works,' said the complaint. The Times argued that OpenAI and Microsoft artificial intelligence programs use large-language models that were developed by copying their articles with a particular emphasis. The lawsuit said, 'Defendants seek to free-ride on The Timess massive investment in its journalism by using it to build substitutive products without permission or payment.' The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft alleging copyright infringement, claiming the tech companies used their articles to train chatbots In the complaint, The New York Times also alleged Microsoft's Bing search index copies their online content and gives it to users without permission from the publication and deprives them of subscription, licensing, advertising and affiliate revenue. One example of misappropriation of commercial referrals they gave is when a user purchases a New York Time's Wirecutter-recommended product through a link on one of Microsoft's or OpenAI's artificial intelligence generated platforms, they do not receive affiliate revenue. The New York Times also said the artificial intelligence 'hallucinations' - a phenomenon that occurs when the chatbots generate false information and wrongly attribute it to a source - is potentially damaging to their reputation. The Times said using their work has been extremely lucrative for the companies, and they have tried to negotiate with the companies to ensure they received their fair share while working with them to develop their technology but have been unable to reach an agreement. 'Microsofts deployment of Times-trained LLMs throughout its product line helped boost its market capitalization by a trillion dollars in the past year alone. And OpenAIs release of ChatGPT has driven its valuation to as high as $90 billion,' said the lawsuit. A spokesperson for OpenAI said, 'We respect the rights of content creators and owners and are committed to working with them to ensure they benefit from AI technology and new revenue models.' 'Our ongoing conversations with the New York Times have been productive and moving forward constructively, so we are surprised and disappointed with this development. Were hopeful that we will find a mutually beneficial way to work together, as we are doing with many other publishers.' In the lawsuit, The Times claimed OpenAI and Microsoft have said their conduct is protected as 'fair use' because their use of the content is for a new 'transformative' purpose. The lawsuit claimed the companies illegally fed 'millions of articles' to Microsoft's Bing Chat and OpenAI's ChatGPT to develop their products The Times argued the artificial intelligence 'hallucinations' - a phenomenon that occurs when the chatbots generate false information and wrongly attribute it to a source - is potentially damaging to their reputation The Times argued, 'There is nothing transformative about using The Timess content without payment to create products that substitute for The Times and steal audiences away from it.' This is the first time a major American media organization has sued the creators of popular artificial intelligence and could carry major legal implications. The first ever copyright lawsuit against OpenAI was filed in July by a pair of bestselling novelist who claimed ChatGPT's parent company broke copyright law by training its chatbot to 'ingest' their books without permission. Authors Mona Awad and Paul Tremblay alleged that ChatGPT was trained in part by 'ingesting' several of their novels - all without their consent. Shortly after, comedian Sarah Silverman and authors Richard Kadrey and Christopher Golden filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms and OpenAI claiming they used copyrighted material to train chat bots. FILE - A sign for The New York Times hangs above the entrance to its building, Thursday, May 6, 2021 in New York. The New York Times filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 seeking to end the practice of using published material to train chatbots. Mark Lennihan/AP The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement on Wednesday, opening a new front in the increasingly intense legal battle over the unauthorized use of published work to train artificial intelligence technologies. The Times is the first major American media organization to sue the companies, the creators of ChatGPT and other popular AI platforms, over copyright issues associated with its written works. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, contends that millions of articles published by the Times were used to train automated chatbots that now compete with the news outlet as a source of reliable information. The suit does not include an exact monetary demand. But it says the defendants should be held responsible for "billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages" related to the "unlawful copying and use of the Times' uniquely valuable works." It also calls for the companies to destroy any chatbot models and training data that use copyrighted material from the Times. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Representatives of OpenAI and Microsoft could not be immediately reached for comment. The lawsuit could test the emerging legal contours of generative AI technologies -- so called for the text, images and other content they can create after learning from large data sets -- and could carry major implications for the news industry. The Times is among a small number of outlets that have built successful business models from online journalism, but dozens of newspapers and magazines have been hobbled by readers' migration to the internet. At the same time, OpenAI and other AI tech firms -- which use a wide variety of online texts, from newspaper articles to poems to screenplays, to train chatbots -- are attracting billions of dollars in funding. OpenAI is now valued by investors at more than $80 billion. Microsoft has committed $13 billion to OpenAI and has incorporated the company's technology into its Bing search engine. "Defendants seek to free-ride on the Times' massive investment in its journalism," the complaint says, accusing OpenAI and Microsoft of "using the Times' content without payment to create products that substitute for the Times and steal audiences away from it." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The defendants have not had an opportunity to respond in court. Concerns about the uncompensated use of intellectual property by AI systems have coursed through creative industries, given the technology's ability to mimic natural language and generate sophisticated written responses to virtually any prompt. Actress Sarah Silverman joined a pair of lawsuits in July that accused Meta and OpenAI of having "ingested" her memoir as a training text for AI programs. Novelists expressed alarm when it was revealed that AI systems had absorbed tens of thousands of books, leading to a lawsuit by authors including Jonathan Franzen and John Grisham. Getty Images, the photography syndicate, sued one AI company that generates images based on written prompts, saying the platform relies on unauthorized use of Getty's copyrighted visual materials. The lawsuit filed on Wednesday apparently follows an impasse in negotiations involving the Times, Microsoft and OpenAI. In its complaint, the Times said that it approached Microsoft and OpenAI in April to raise concerns about the use of its intellectual property and explore "an amicable resolution" -- possibly involving a commercial agreement and "technological guardrails" around generative AI products -- but that the talks reached no resolution. Besides seeking to protect intellectual property, the lawsuit by the Times casts ChatGPT and other AI systems as potential competitors in the news business. When chatbots are asked about current events or other newsworthy topics, they can generate answers that rely on past journalism by the Times. The newspaper expresses concern that readers will be satisfied with a response from a chatbot and decline to visit the Times' website, thus reducing web traffic that can be translated into advertising and subscription revenue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The complaint cites several examples when a chatbot provided users with near-verbatim excerpts from Times articles that would otherwise require a paid subscription to view. It asserts that OpenAI and Microsoft placed particular emphasis on the use of Times journalism in training their AI programs because of the perceived reliability and accuracy of the material. Media organizations have spent the past year examining the legal, financial and journalistic implications of the boom in generative AI. Some news outlets have already reached agreements for the use of their journalism: The Associated Press struck a licensing deal in July with OpenAI, and Axel Springer, the German publisher that owns Politico and Business Insider, did likewise this month. Terms for those agreements were not disclosed. After the Axel Springer deal was announced, an OpenAI spokesperson said the company respected "the rights of content creators and owners and believes they should benefit from AI technology," adding, "We're optimistic we will continue to find mutually beneficial ways to work together in support of a rich news ecosystem." The Times is also exploring how to use the nascent technology. The newspaper recently hired an editorial director of artificial intelligence initiatives to establish protocols for the newsroom's use of AI and examine ways to integrate the technology into the company's journalism. In one example of how AI systems use the Times' material, the suit showed that Browse With Bing, a Microsoft search feature powered by ChatGPT, reproduced almost verbatim results from Wirecutter, the Times' product review site. The text results from Bing, however, did not link to the Wirecutter article, and they stripped away the referral links in the text that Wirecutter uses to generate commissions from sales based on its recommendations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Decreased traffic to Wirecutter articles and, in turn, decreased traffic to affiliate links subsequently lead to a loss of revenue for Wirecutter," the complaint states. The lawsuit also highlights the potential damage to the Times' brand through so-called AI "hallucinations," a phenomenon in which chatbots insert false information that is then wrongly attributed to a source. The complaint cites several cases in which Microsoft's Bing Chat provided incorrect information that was said to have come from the Times, including results for "the 15 most heart-healthy foods," 12 of which were not mentioned in an article by the paper. "If the Times and other news organizations cannot produce and protect their independent journalism, there will be a vacuum that no computer or artificial intelligence can fill," the complaint reads. It adds, "Less journalism will be produced, and the cost to society will be enormous." The Times has retained the law firm Susman Godfrey as its lead outside counsel for the litigation. Susman represented Dominion Voting Systems in its defamation case against Fox News, which resulted in a $787.5 million settlement in April. Susman also filed a proposed class action suit last month against Microsoft and OpenAI on behalf of nonfiction authors whose books and other copyrighted material were used to train the companies' chatbots. The former manager of Venezuelan rapper Canserbero has revealed that she murdered the hip hop star in a video confession. The 2015 death of Canserbero, who Rolling Stone magazine had labelled the world's best Spanish-language rapper, had originally been ruled a suicide. Venezuelan Attorney-General Tarek William Saab yesterday released video statements recorded on December 19 by ex-manager Natalia Amestica and her brother Guillermo, in which they recalled the events on the night of the rapper's death. Amestica said she had drugged the musician and stabbed him. With her brother's assistance, she then chucked the body from a 10th-story window, she said in a video statement released by Venezuela's attorney-general, BBC News reports. Amestica claims that she had become angered during the musician's Chile tour, when his friend and producer, Carlos Molnar, had informed her that she would not gain a share of the profits from the tour, which she said she had organised, the publication reports. Venezuelan Attorney-General Tarek William Saab yesterday released video statements recorded on December 19 by ex-manager Natalia Amestica (pictured) and her brother Guillermo Canserbero, whose real name is Tyrone Gonzalez. His friends and family had continued to express doubt over the official version of events and the case was reopened in November after pressure from them She was also told she would not be able to get the money back for the plane tickets she had purchased. Amestica and Carlos Molnar, 35, were a couple and had reportedly been romantically involved for more than a decade. She also says that she found out on the tour that the rapper, whose real name is Tyrone Gonzalez, didn't want her as a manager anymore. 'This hurt me a lot and left me with a lot of internal pain,' she says, according to BBC News. Canserbero's friends and family had continued to express doubt over the official version of events and the case was reopened in November after pressure from them. Amestica recounted how on the night of January 19, 2015, Canserbero and Molnar visited her apartment in the city of Maracay in Venezuela, the publication reports. 'The kids had left to stay with their grandmother and the chance arose to make them a tea,' she said, according to the report. Amestica said she spiked the drink with a potent tranquiliser. When her drugged boyfriend Molnar entered the kitchen, where she was preparing a meal, she stabbed him in the neck, the arm and in the back, according to the report. The 2015 death of Canserbero had originally been ruled a suicide. Venezuelan Attorney-General Tarek William Saab compared the crime to the murder of American rapper Tupac Shakur in the United States in 1996 'Tyrone saw me and was very worried, but he was also sleepy. I explained that it was an attack of rage, that I hadn't been able to control myself,' she said, according to BBC News. 'He [Canserbero] collapsed on the sofa asleep and I stabbed him twice in the side. In desperation, I then called my brother Guillermo to help me resolve the situation.' Amestica says that her brother showed up with three officers from Sebin, Venezuela's intelligence agency. 'They finished arranging the scene in a way to make it look like a murder-suicide, meaning that they stabbed Carlos a few more times, my brother Guillermo stabbed him four times. The rest, the Sebin officials did,' she said, according to the report. The ex-manager describes how her brother beat Tyrone's face to make it look like he was involved in a fight. 'Then we were told how to throw him out of the window to complete the murder-suicide scene,' she said, according to the report. Guillermo backs up her account of the evening's events in a video statement which has also been released by the attorney-general's office. The attorney general's office has issued arrest warrants for several police officers who were at the scene, accusing them of taking money from the siblings to cover up the crime. Warrants were also issued for a forensic pathologist and two investigators with the prosecutor's office who were involved in the investigation. 'Canserbero can rest in peace,' said Saab, who compared the crime to the murder of American rapper Tupac Shakur in the United States in 1996 at the age of 25. Michigan's Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump can stay on the state's primary election ballot, a week after Colorado justices sparked a firestorm by kicking him off. The court rejected hearing an appeal of a lower court's ruling from groups seeking to disqualify Trump over the Constitution's 14th Amendment 'insurrectionist' clause. The Michigan appeals court judgment was considered, but denied 'because we are not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court.' The ruling followed a December 19 decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to kick Trump off the state's ballot because of his role in the January 6 Capitol Riot. That ruling was the first time in history that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate. Trump applauded the Michigan decision in a post on Truth Social. 'The Michigan Supreme Court has strongly and rightfully denied the Desperate Democrat attempt to take the leading Candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election, me, off the ballot in the Great State of Michigan,' he wrote. 'This pathetic gambit to rig the Election has failed all across the Country, including in States that have historically leaned heavily toward the Democrats.' Michigan's Supreme Court is keeping former President Donald Trump on the state's primary election ballot The ex-president and 2024 White House hopeful applauded the Michigan decision while continuing to criticize the December 19 decision from the Colorado Supreme Court, which aims to kick him off that state's primary and general election ballot The Michigan and Colorado cases are among dozens hoping to keep Trump's name off state ballots. They all point to the so-called insurrection clause that prevents anyone from holding office who 'engaged in insurrection or rebellion' against the Constitution. Trump pressed two election officials in Michigan's Wayne County not to certify 2020 vote totals, according to a recording of a post-election phone call disclosed in a Dec. 22 report by The Detroit News. The former president's 2024 campaign has neither confirmed nor denied the recording's legitimacy. Attorneys for Free Speech for People, a liberal nonprofit group also involved in efforts to keep Trump's name off the primary ballot in Minnesota, had asked Michigan's Supreme Court to render its decision by Christmas Day. The court said Wednesday it will not hear an appeal of a lower court's ruling from groups seeking to disqualify Trump over the 14th Amendment 'insurrectionist' clause of the Constitution The group argued that time was 'of the essence' due to 'the pressing need to finalize and print the ballots for the presidential primary election.' Earlier this month, Michigan's high court refused to immediately hear an appeal, saying the case should remain before the appeals court. Free Speech for People had sued to force Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to bar Trump from Michigan's ballot. But a Michigan Court of Claims judge rejected their arguments, saying in November that it was the proper role of Congress to decide the question. So far, Colorado is the only state where judges have kicked Trump off the ballot - and that case is heading to the Supreme Court. On December 19, in a 4-3 decision, four justices appointed by Democratic governors in Colorado ruled that Trump was disqualified from running due to his violation of the 'insurrectionist' clause. Trump continued to express outrage over that decision Wednesday, saying that Colorado was the 'only State to have fallen prey to the scheme.' 'That 4-3 Colorado Supreme Court decision, which they themselves stayed, thus keeping me on the ballot as we go up to the U.S. Supreme Court, is being ridiculed and mocked all over the World,' Trump wrote. The ex-president then continued to falsely claim that he won the 2020 race. 'We have to prevent the 2024 Election from being Rigged and Stolen like they stole 2020 - just look at the complete mess we have as a result with Crooked Joe Biden violently destroying everything in his sight, from our once-great Economy to our once-fair Justice System,' Trump wrote. 'We have to save our Country from decline and the Radical Left. Make America Great Again!' A Minnesota woman is a professional marketer who is on the market herself - and she came up with a unique and festive way to let people know. Julia McClellan is a 27-year-old singleton who is sick and tired of navigating the dating app scene. After trying her luck at finding love on sites like Hinge and Bumble, she decided she needed to take a more creative approach to dating, and she used her marketing expertise to come up with a new idea. McClellan sent out her holiday cards as usual this year but featured a secret message on the side. 'Are you seeing this on my friend's fridge? Are you a single male between 25-35? I'm Julia and this is my pup,' the Christmas card read - before revealing her phone number. Julia McClellan, 27, sent out her holiday cards as usual this year but featured a secret message on the side After trying her luck at finding love on sites like Hinge and Bumble - she decided she needed to take a more creative approach to dating, and she used her marketing expertise to come up with a new idea McClellan told DailyMail.com she wanted to have a boyfriend in the new year after years of searching with no luck. She revealed that in the past year or so, she had been on almost 30 dates - and fewer than five of them have resulted in a second date. McClellan said she was shocked at how challenging it was to have standard normal conversations with men. The first dates chats that McClellan was having with her dates had 'no back-and-forth,' she said, adding that the men never asked her any questions and she found herself feeling like an interviewer. After her 'truly terrible' year on the dating apps, McClellan came up with her holiday card dating advertisement and sent out 15 of them to her friends and family to put on their refrigerators. What started as a lighthearted effort to make her loved ones laugh has turned into a great success for McClellan's love life. She revealed to DailyMail.com that ever since her holiday cards started gaining public interest she has racked up a fair few dating prospects to explore in 2024. 'I do have some prospects, but the DMs are still open', she joked. McClellan told DailyMail.com she wanted to have a boyfriend in the new year after years of searching with no luck She revealed that in the past year or so, she had been on almost 30 dates and fewer than five of them have resulted in a second date McClellan also revealed that interestingly many of the responses she has received have been from mothers who are trying to set their sons up. She is even going on a date with one of the sons this week after his mother swooped into her direct messages with a full description of her son - including pictures of him as a three-year-old. 'She was obsessed with your holiday card,' her future date told her about his mother. But McClellan said that not all of her prospects have been promising, and some have even been terrifying. 'Some of them are 52 and scary looking,' she confessed. When asked about her type, McClellan admitted that if they were tall and handsome she 'wouldn't be mad,' but said that her main priority is compatibility. The Minnesota-native also said that, as someone is very into her faith, she would love if she and her future partner shared that in common. Her only other requirement is that her future partner is a dog-lover, as she and her pup Susie are a package deal. She also suggested that anyone who doesn't love dogs might need to try therapy. McClellan is an eligible bachelorette herself- with a prestigious job as Senior Content Marketing Manager art CircleCI, a software company. She is also a proud homeowner after buying a property in Golden Valley, Minnesota, last March McClellan makes music - and says that s he's excited to explore her new dating pool as inspiration for her songwriting McClellan is an eligible bachelorette herself, with a prestigious job as Senior Content Marketing Manager art CircleCI, a software company. She is also a proud homeowner after buying a property in Golden Valley, Minnesota, last March. On her Linkedin, McClellan boasts that 'it'd be wrong not to note that I am fun to work with. I like to make people laugh.' McClellan makes music - and says that s he's excited to explore her new dating pool as inspiration for her songwriting. While the holidays are over and her friends and family will soon be taking down their holiday cards, the 27-year-old is still open to potential suitors and you can reach out to her on her Instagram page @juliamcclellan. A steam pipe ruptured in Midtown Manhattan in New York City early Wednesday morning, forcing streets to close and officials are now warning residents to shut their windows. The steam pipe issue occurred near East 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue around 5:30 am, according to the New York City Fire Department. Emergency crews responded to the scene and capped the steam line around 6:45 am. No injuries were reported. Officials say they are testing for possible asbestos in the impacted area. Many streets on the East side of Manhattan were forced to close, including 3rd Ave, 2nd Ave, 1st Ave, and Lexington Avenue between 54th St. and 51st St. Southbound 2nd Avenue between 51st and 57th streets and Lexington Avenue between 51st and 53rd streets remain closed as of Wednesday afternoon. New York City's Office of Emergency Management reported that Con Edison crews were on sight and that anyone living or working nearby is urged to close all windows. A steam pipe ruptured in Midtown Manhattan in New York City early Wednesday morning, forcing streets to close and officials are now warning residents to shut their window The steam pipe issue occurred near East 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue around 5:30 am, according to the New York City Fire Department Southbound 2nd Avenue between 51st and 57th streets and Lexington Avenue between 51st and 53rd streets remain closed as of Wednesday noon It remains unclear what caused the leak, but air quality testing is currently underway. 'The main concern right now is air quality testing. We'll have those results back later this morning,' said Zachary Iscol, commissioner of the NYC Emergency Management.' 'We just want to let residents in the area know that A) we're doing all that we can to take care of this and expedite things as we work through the cleanup operations, but B) people should be staying clear of this area,' he added. Con Edison, the energy supplier in New York City, said they noticed the steam line issue at around 2am Wednesday. The underground steam leak began building up before bursting at around 5.30am Wednesday. Cars and streets on the scene were covered in white dust in the aftermath of the steam line rupture. Con Edison shut down a portion of a steam main in Manhattan and said that seven customers were impacted by the rupture. It's advising 'anyone in the vicinity of East 52nd Street and 2nd Ave to stay clear of the area for safety reasons and to close all windows.' Cars and streets on the scene were covered in white dust in the aftermath of the steam line rupture Emergency crews responded to the scene and capped the steam line around 6.45am. No injuries were reported Mass transit passengers were instructed to wear N95 masks due to a concern of possible asbestos in the air after the steam line rupture Passengers were instructed to wear N95 masks due to a concern of possible asbestos in the air after the steam line rupture, as reported by NBC and FOX. A social media use on the scene said: 'I was at NYU Langone on East 53rd, one of the streets closed. Impression I got was that asbestos leaked.' Another person in a similar situation wrote: ' Steam pipe burst and spewed asbestos into the air in my neighborhood for about 6 hours. We were asked to shelter in place this morning. They added that 'suspected asbestos were found on parked cars.' 'Currently, there's no active condition. We do have a potential asbestos release, so we are working closely with other agencies to ensure the safety of the public and our employees,' Con Ed Vice President of Steam Operations Hugh Grant said. Authorities are handing out masks for residents and helping escort those who may have concerns. LATEST The following street closures are highlighted on the map. Please avoid the area. Expect delays so plan accordingly and utilize alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/3elxyE2gIg Chief of Transportation (@NYPDTransport) December 27, 2023 Meanwhile, northbound busses have been detoured and the Staten Island Ferry is operating on a modified schedule, with service approximately every 20 minutes. The FDNY announced Wednesday morning: 'Expect traffic delays, mass transit disruptions, and emergency personnel near E 52nd Street & 2nd Avenue, Manhattan. Please use alternate routes. 'As we're defining with DEP and Con Ed the area of concern, there will be messaging going out... to message to residents what are the areas to avoid, and allowing people to safely go about their day,' FDNY Assistant Chief Tom Currao said. 'So more information will come as tests come in and as the area is further defined,' he added. 'Right now, there's no report of any victims that have been contaminated, thankfully,' said FDNY Chief Nick Corrado. 'We're going to go through our procedures with our members to make sure that they're safe. But right now, no report of injuries or people contaminated.' A Republican prosecutor who previously promised to combat Cincinnati's violent crime problem has indicted a smoke shop worker for allegedly shooting dead a 16-year-old suspect during a robbery attempt. Tony Thacker, 29, is accused of firing the fatal shots at a fleeing Travis Johnson on October 20, spurring Hamilton County's Melissa Powers to hand down his indictment on Tuesday. In a statement explaining the decision, the supposedly tough-on-crime prosecutor insisted 'there [was] simply no justification for shooting at someone as they [were] running away.' The former Hamilton County Juvenile Court judge then added, 'retail thefts will not be tolerated,' and even urged citizens, 'If you try to rob a store, you should expect to be shot.' As for Thacker, who was working as the manager of VIP Smoke Shop when Johnson and four other suspects stormed in, he now faces charges of felonious assault, as well as tampering with evidence and illegal possession of a firearm. Scroll down for video: Tony Thacker, 29, fired the fatal shots at a fleeing Travis Johnson on October 20, spurring Hamilton County's most powerful prosecutor to hand down the judgment Tuesday He had been sleeping at the back of the business in his connected apartment when he heard glass break and the group rush in, Powers explained, leading him to draw his illegal firearm and begin firing. He killed Johnson, 16, and wounded another, leading to the new charges In a statement explaining the decision, the jurist - who last year campaigned on being tough on Cincinnati's rising crime - insisted 'there [was] simply no justification for shooting at someone as they [were] running away.' Those charges could see him put in prison for up to 16 years, after he had been sleeping at the back of the business in his connected apartment when he heard glass break and the group rush in, Powers explained. The noise led him to draw his illegal firearm and begin firing, she added, as the suspects quickly scattered and started a mad dash into several cars they'd stolen. In the chaos, Johnson was shot and killed, she revealed. 'I want to thank the Delhi Police Department for their tireless work solving this case,' She wrote roughly a year after succeeding former Prosecutor Joe Deters - now a justice on the Ohio Supreme Court - in January. 'There is simply no justification for shooting at someone as they are running away,' she continued. 'However, I want to make perfectly clear these retail thefts will not be tolerated. 'If you try to rob a store, you should expect to be shot.' The assertion was accompanied with more details about the case - including that Thacker and his brother, 21-year-old Malachi Thacker, tried to disable VIP Smoke Shops security system and remove shell casings once the suspects were gone. Also revealed was the fact the manager had not been permitted to own firearms due to an adjudication for a felony he received as a minor, the Hamilton County Prosecutors Office said. Powers on Tuesday said that despite this, the store staffer still allegedly gunned down Johnson, and also kept firing at the other suspects as they tried to flee in the stolen vehicles. Also struck while attempting to enter the ill-gotten cars was 19-year-old Amontae Carter, Powers said, whom she said is now facing charges of murder, burglary and possession of criminal tools. As for Thacker, who was working as the manager of VIP Smoke Shop when Johnson and four other suspects stormed in, he now faces charges of felonious assault, as well as tampering with evidence and illegal possession of a firearm after firing with an illegally owned weapon Also struck while attempting to enter the ill-gotten cars was 19-year-old Amontae Carter, Powers said, whom she said is now facing charges of murder, burglary and possession of criminal tools. The teen appeared in court on December 15 for arraignment, where his attorney sought to frame him as a victim - citing how he was shot by Thacker three times, with each of the bullets barely missing his spine The assertion was accompanied with more details about the case - including that Thacker and his brother, 21-year-old Malachi Thacker (seen here), tried to disable VIP Smoke Shops security system and remove shell casings once the suspects were gone. The teen appeared in court on December 15 for arraignment, where his attorney sought to frame him as a victim - citing how he was shot by Thacker three times, with each of the bullets barely missing his spine. Able to stand without aid for his arraignment, Carter is currently jailed on $1million bond. The only robber who, will be tried as an adult, he was struck in one of the vehicles, Powers said. Johnson, she said , was hit a few seconds before. 'After the suspects were gone, [Thacker] and his brother Malachi [Thacker] attempted to disable the stores security system and remove shell casings,' Powers' statement continued. Without getting into specifics, it pointed out Thacker's previous, unspecified case a minor preventing him from owning or operating a firearm, even in self-defense It then stated how '[the] [t]hree juvenile suspects have [already] been charged and are awaiting bindover from Juvenile Court' in relation to the case, on the same murder and burglary charges that Carter is facing. The 19-year-old could spend life in prison with a chance at parole if he is convicted on all charges, according to the prosecutor. One of the suspects, a 15-year-old boy, was also was charged with auto theft, she said, while a 16-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy face additional charges of receiving stolen property. As of Wednesday, none are identified, and all their cases are currently making their way through the county's juvenile court - the same court Carter spent seven years as a judge before assuming her post as Hamilton County Prosecutor this past January. All were arrested at some point after driving off in the allegedly stolen vehicles - and all face charges of murder despite none of them shooting at Johnson themselves or even being armed All were arrested at some point after driving off in the allegedly stolen vehicles - and all face charges of murder despite none of them shooting at Johnson themselves or even being armed. If convicted, Carter could face life behind bars, Powers on Tuesday - with eligibility for parole after 15 years. Thacker, meanwhile, could face a similar sentence to the paroled one if jurists hit him with the book, after Powers wrote how he 'fired multiple shots at the suspects,' and 'ran to the front of the store continued to shoot through the front door as... [they were fleeing in the stolen cars.' 'Thacker [also] shot Carter as he was seated in the rear of one of stolen cars,' Powers further notes, in what's only the most recent hundreds of violent felony cases she's handled involving juvenile offenders. Those cases, however, came from her stint in the Hamilton County Juvenile Court from 2016 to 2022 - a sort of return for the the lifelong Cincinnati resident, who got her start as an Assistant Prosecutor in Hamilton Countys juvenile court in the 90s. After more than a decade there, the then 40-soimething began her own practice as a private criminal defense attorney - before being pegged by the state's then governor to serve 10 years a judge on the Hamilton County Municipal Court. There, she enjoyed a successful tenure that saw her work to use programs helping offenders with alcohol and drug addiction and post traumatic stress disorders, focusing on those with military records. she was sworn in as Hamilton County Prosecutor to serve the unexpired term of former Prosecutor Hoe Deters, who, after 25 years, stepping down amid criticism for showing mercy to violent criminals Such judgements earned the the nickname 'Mister Softee', and spurred Powers to campaign on promises of being tougher on crime 'Put the most violent dangerous people committing these offenses behind bars and making sure they stay behind bars and not released,' Powers said in an interview last month, when her office was already probing the Thacker case 'So in a murder when we achieve that conviction and the sentence is life, life should mean life. It doesn't mean somebody gets released early' Then, in 2016, she was put back in the Hamilton County Juvenile Court, this time as a judge. There, she presided over hundreds of cases involving custody, dependency, and delinquency cases; including hundreds of violent felonies committed by juvenile offenders. Planning on retiring last year, she was sworn in as Hamilton County Prosecutor to serve the unexpired term of former Prosecutor Deters, who, after 25 years, stepping down amid criticism for showing mercy to violent criminals, especially those with addictions or with lesser crimes. Such judgements earned the the nickname 'Mister Softee', and spurred Powers to campaign on promises of being harsher on crime. 'Put the most violent dangerous people committing these offenses behind bars and making sure they stay behind bars and not released,' Powers said in an interview last month, when her office was already probing the Thacker case. Hours after issuing her statement, Johnsons brother, 20-year-old Isaiah Johnson, was charged with felonious assault for an alleged incident at his late brother's vigil, where cops said he shot a 20-year-old woman outside the same vape shop. Powers, as of Wednesday, has yet to comment on the new case 'So in a murder when we achieve that conviction and the sentence is life,' she continued, life should mean life. 'It doesn't mean somebody gets released early.' By such logic, Thacker could spend at least a decade behind bars for his felonious assault and unlawful possession of a firearm, while Carter and his accomplices - despite being underage - could be hit with even more hefty sentences. Cases involving minors, however, are kept confidential and often yield slighter sentences - though, with Power's history and her decision to hand out all three murder charges, it appears these teens could be slapped with stern sentences. Hours after issuing her statement, Johnsons brother, 20-year-old Isaiah Johnson, was charged with felonious assault for an alleged incident at his late brother's vigil, where cops said he shot a 20-year-old woman outside the very same vape shop. As of Wednesday, there was no word on her condition, but cops confirmed to DailyMail.com that a fight broke out at the vigil around 10:30 p.m., and the 20-year-old woman was brought to a hospital. A short time later, Cincinnati cops reportedly responded to a SWAT standoff at a home on McPherson Avenue in East Price Hill, where they were able to take in the suspect. That night, the Delhi Township police chief - after seeing a rash of incidents over the past few years in the once placid Cinicinatti suburb - expressed frustration with the state of the town's streets. 'We can't turn one tragedy into another tragedy,' Chief Jeff Braun said, as Powers' office set Johnson's brother's bail at $500,000 'You know, we want peace, we want people to be able to grieve obviously and reflect obviously the tragedy that happened last night.' Powers, meanwhile, has yet to comment on the new case. DailyMail.com has reached out for comment. A talented scientist was crushed to death when a giant explosion blasted through her laboratory, an inquest heard today. Microbiologist Danielle Evans, 40, was unaccounted for after a fireball was sent soaring into the sky and destroyed several businesses on the industrial estate. Ms Evans was found the next day in the remains of a building after the fire tore through 13 commercial units. Her business, Celtic Food Laboratories, was one of the firms based there since 2009 and specialised in the microbial testing of food. The coroner's court in Pontypridd heard today that a pathologist had given Mrs Evans' provisional cause of death as traumatic asphyxia. The woman who died after an explosion at an industrial estate in Treforest, south Wales, was previously named as talented scientist Danielle Evans Microbiologist Danielle Evans was unaccounted for after a fireball was sent soaring into the sky and destroyed several businesses The industrial estate was ravaged by the blaze earlier this month Senior Coroner Graeme Hughes said the police investigation into the cause of the explosion in Treforest, South Wales, was ongoing. He said he was hoping for an update on that investigation into the death of Danielle, of Gorseinon, Swansea, by the end of March. Emergency services were called to the Treforest Industrial Estate, Rhondda Cynon Taff, at 7pm on Wednesday following reports of an explosion and a fire which destroyed several businesses. A major incident was declared with the two-storey building described as 'totally alight' and 'at risk of collapse' by the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Searches were carried out at the site on Thursday after a person was unaccounted for, leading to the discovery of the body. The coroner offered his condolences to her family and adjourned the inquest to a date to be decided once the police provide that update. A major incident was declared after the 'massive' blast and fire on December 13. Ms Evans' lab was in Rizla House, which housed 13 commercial units including a gym, a towel manufacturer and a telecoms service company. Her body was found the day after the explosion after firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. A large plume of smoke rises from a fire at the Treforest Industrial Estate in Pontypridd, Wales, on December 14, 2023 Danielle was described in a tribute as an intelligent, caring and beautiful soul A photo taken from a car showed the building engulfed by flames and smoke rising Police, fire and ambulance services in attendance at a major incident after an explosion on an industrial estate The inquest on Wednesday heard Ms Evans died from traumatic asphyxia Company director Ms Evans was believed to be finishing work at the family-run food testing business when she was caught up in the explosion. Her family paid tribute to her for starting the business - and being fiercely loyal and loving. They said: 'Dan was a whirlwind of a woman. She leaves a gaping hole in her family and friends' hearts, which will never be replaced. She was an intelligent, caring and beautiful soul. She started her own successful laboratory business - Celtic Food Labs. Poured her heart and soul into it, but the most important things to her were her husband, family, dogs and friends! 'She was a fiercely loyal and loving wife. The best friend anyone could hope for. She met strangers and friends with the same positive, infectious and loving energy. 'She pulled you into her orbit like nobody you will ever meet or will again. A magnet that pulled us all together. 'Her passions were science, camping, partying with her friends and quality time with her beloved family. She was an amazing aunty and cherished every second with her nieces. 'She came from a loving family and was so close to her mum, dad, brother, aunties and uncles, her love was boundless. She touched so many lives. 'She will be so sorely missed but my word, do we all have some amazing memories that we made and cherish! 'We would like to give a big heartfelt Thank You to all of the Emergency Services who attended and who are involved with the incident, your efforts throughout have been professional and heroic. We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts.' A fire broke out on Treforest Industrial Estate, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in the early evening on Wednesday Emergency services were called to premises in Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, Rhondda Cynon Taff, at 7pm on Wednesday following reports of an explosion and a fire Detective Superintendent Richard Jones said: 'Our thoughts remain with Danielle's family, friends and work colleagues, at what is a very difficult time for them. 'Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident, and these enquiries are being carried out in partnership with relevant agencies. 'The patience and understanding of the businesses in Treforest Industrial Estate and local residents is very much appreciated whilst this work remains ongoing.' Danielle's business, Celtic Food Laboratories describes itself as an 'independent privately owned food testing laboratory that specialises in the microbiological testing of food and food products.' It goes on to say: 'The laboratory is fitted out to the highest standard. The layout and design is planned around the efficiency and accuracy of testing of all samples. 'The floor plan incorporates a large storage room, an isolated media production area, isolated pathogen area, a sample receipt area and a main microbiological testing laboratory. The equipment is new, good quality, fully calibrated and validated.' Government plans will allowing sparking wine to be sold in 50cl bottles Corks were popping today at British winemakers after plans were unveiled to overhaul bottle rules. Government proposals will scrap unwanted EU legislation allowing wine to be sold in 200ml bottles and sparkling wine to be sold in 500ml bottles. It will also lift restrictions that could see the return of pint bottles; banned when Britain entered the Common Market in 1973. The Rathfinny Wine Estate, which produces sparkling wine in East Sussex, has been campaigning since 2015 to be allowed sell 50cl bottles. Sarah and Mark Driver (pictured) celebrate with the The Rathfinny Mini, a 50cl bottle that contains four glasses of Sussex sparkling wine The 50cl bottle format allows sparkling wine to be made in the 'traditional method', with secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle. Pictured: The Rathfinny Mini, a 50cl bottle The winery, run by co-owners Mark and Sarah Driver, has laid down a limited quantity of 800 50cl bottles from its 2020 vintage which should be available to purchase in 2024. Mark said: 'We are delighted. It is the perfect size for a couple to share as it offers four glasses of wine unlike the standard 75cl bottle that has six, and the half bottle that has just three glasses. 'It is also perfect for two people who simply want to share a bottle of Sussex sparkling wine at the end of the day but don't want to open a full bottle.' He added: 'It is even more relevant now in an increasingly health conscious world which wants to drink less, but drink better wine. It has always baffled us why the EU changed the rules.' The 50cl bottle format allows sparkling wine to be made in the 'traditional method', with secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle. This avoids the pitfalls of the current 37.5cl half-bottle which is often decanted from a larger bottle, reducing the amount of bubbles and producing an inferior wine. The change in the law could also give the burgeoning English sparkling wine industry a boost as Champagne houses recently said they are unlikely to follow suit. They already sell out of their traditional sizes. Two well-known London hotels are keen to take the entire production off their hands for their rooms and restaurants. Sarah added: 'It's about consumer choice, providing the ideal bottle for two people to share at lunch or before dinner. 'How many times have you opened the fridge and thought can we, should we open a whole bottle?' A retired German GP has sold an incredible replica World War One triplane he made in tribute to his hero the Red Baron after admitting to being too scared to fly it. Dr Peter Brueggemann, 59, who lives in Norfolk, spent eight years and 70,000 building the Dreidecker Dr 1 fighter from scratch. He fulfilled his childhood dream to emulate German fighter pilot ace Manfred von Richtofen by flying it over the East Anglian countryside. But he decided last year to part with his pride and joy as he found it very difficult to fly given his limited experience. After a year of searching for a suitable buyer, he has sold the Fokker to British display pilot Richard Vary for 60,000, who intends to do display flights in it. Dr Peter Brueggemann, 59, who lives in Norfolk, has sold his replica World War One plane he made in tribute to his hero the Red Baron - after admitting he is too afraid to fly it Brueggemann fulfilled his childhood dream to emulate German fighter pilot ace Manfred von Richtofen by flying it over the East Anglian countryside. He has sold the plane for 60,000 to pilot Richard Vary after a year looking for a suitable buyer The model, which he completed in 2018, is an almost exact replica of the original aircraft and he used the same materials as 100 years ago The Red Baron, who claimed 80 victories, terrified British airmen in the First World War The father of two, who was a GP at Holt Medical Practice, said he was sad to part with the triplane having invested so much time and money into it. But he was 'proud' of what he accomplished and pleased the aircraft is going to a seasoned pilot who will take proper care of it. Peter said: 'I decided to sell the plane because while it is fantastic to fly, it is difficult to land. 'I had some difficult landings over the summer of 2022 and I didn't enjoy flying it anymore. 'All triplanes of this type are a challenge to land. 'When you get to 5 to 7ft above the runway you can't see the runway anymore, so it is difficult to judge. 'An experienced pilot with 1,000s of hours flying would be able to master the landing, but I only did 25 hours of flying in it. 'For a year I was looking for a buyer then Richard Vary got in touch and asked if it was still for sale. 'We did the deal and I'm glad it is going to someone who will appreciate it and do display flights in it. 'At the moment he is looking for a hangar to keep it in so it is currently still in mine. 'It is sad to say goodbye to it as I invested so much time and money in the project. 'But I am proud that, even though I'm not a professional air mechanic, I built it from scratch and flew it. 'I got to experience a little bit of what it would have been like for the Red Baron over 100 years ago, and it has just given me even more respect for him.' Since all the original Dreideckers' were destroyed or lost, Dr Brueggemann used technical drawings created in 1976 by American aviation fanatic Ron Sands as a blueprint to build his own version. His model, which was completed in 2018, is an almost exact replica of the original aircraft and he used the same materials as 100 years ago. He used the same metal to construct the fuselage and wood imported from Finland to build the three wings. For safety reasons, he fitted a modern engine. He sourced 'Richthofen red' fabric for skin of the aircraft from Germany and painted large four black crosses - the insignia for the German Flying Corps - on the wings and tail. Dr Brueggemann equipped the Dreidecker with two fake Spandau 7.92 mm machine guns which makes an all mighty racket and fires flames from a butane tank at his feet. The Dreidecker measures 18ft 11in in length, has a wingspan of 23ft 7in and is 9ft 8in tall. It has a maximum speed of 115mph. Dr Brueggemann, who has lived in England for 26 years and is married to wife Sue, has a pilot's licence and also flies a 1930s Tiger Moth. He acquired the title Baron from the independent territory of Sealand off the English coast so he is Baron von Brueggemann in homage to his idol. The Red Baron, who claimed 80 victories, terrified British airmen in the First World War. He insisted his aircraft was the only one in red because he wanted the enemy to know he was coming. Dr Brueggemann working on the wing spars outside his home, as his dog looks on in the background The Dreidecker measures 18ft 11in in length, has a wingspan of 23ft 7in and is 9ft 8in tall. It has a maximum speed of 115mph, and is equipped with two fake Spandau 7.92 mm machine guns The skin of the aircraft is made from 'Richthofen red' fabric from Germany Dr Brueggemann said: 'This plane is almost identical to the one over 100 years ago - the only difference is the engine. 'The machine guns really sound like machine guns. I've done it to make the plane more realistic so people can see the aircraft and hear the noises so they know what it was really like in the First World War. 'This type of aircraft is so unique - the way it looks and its red colour - and the history behind it is quite fascinating. 'It was Richthofen's idea for the plane to be painted red because he wanted to be seen fairly quickly by the enemy and for them to be afraid of him because they knew he was the only pilot with a red plane. 'He actually came from the cavalry but he had a killer instinct and he always wanted to be more efficient.' The death of a young Brazilian fan who fell ill at a Taylor Swift concert in sweltering Rio de Janeiro last month was due to heat exhaustion, police said on Wednesday. Ana Clara Benevides, 23, collapsed at the Nilton Santos Stadium on November 17 while attending the first of six shows in Brazil as part of The Eras Tour. She was taken to an on-site medical station and later transferred to the Salgado Filho Hospital, where she died. The concert came amid Brazil's record-breaking heat-wave in November, with Rio recording on that day its highest-ever levels at the time of the so-called heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, at 59.3 degrees Celsius (139F). A police report published on Wednesday said Benevides suffered heat exhaustion that led to cardiovascular and respiratory issues, citing 'alveolar hemorrhage and polyvisceral congestion caused by diffuse exposure to heat' as the official cause of death. Toxicological tests did not indicate alcohol or drugs in her blood, the report said. Ana Clara Benevides died at the concert in November due to heat exhaustion, police said Taylor Swift performs during night two of "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Estadio Olympico Nilton Santos on November 19, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Swift was able to get water from personnel in the crown which she then threw out into the crowd Benevides had travelled from Mato Grosso do Sul state in midwest Brazil to Rio to attend the concert. Show organizers T4F acknowledged they could have taken more measures to help fans cope with the extreme heat in Rio, including changing the start time for shows and publicizing that fans could enter with cups of water. Rio police opened a probe into the firm last month. 'Company representatives will be called to provide clarifications following this report,' police said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that the investigation was ongoing. Following the news of Benevides' death, Swift wrote on Instagram that she had a 'shattered heart' and was 'devastated.' She postponed her second Rio concert the next day due to scorching heat, but went ahead with the remaining shows on the Brazilian leg of The Eras Tour. Fans complained the conditions were unbearable at the event as the city soared. Writing on social media after the event, several claimed to have needed medical treatment as temperatures soared to over 100F (37C). User @autoranya said she left the event with three severe burns as 'the metal plates that covered the floor turned into hot plates at 40C'. Another said the conditions were 'inhumane' inside the stadium, with crowds pushing up against each other. 'When they opened the entrance, I was pushed and fell to the ground HOT. I got two second-degree burns that wouldn't stop burning in the sun.' Fans also claimed they were banned from bringing water into the stadium, as Taylor Swift directed staff to hand out bottles. During the set, Swift was forced to stop the event and called for water to be distributed among concertgoers. In one video, she is seen saying: 'There's people that need water right here, maybe 30, 35, 40 feet back. 'So whoever is in charge of giving them that, just make sure that happens. Can I get a signal that you know where they are?' Local reports claimed fans could expect to pay R$8 ($1.60) on a small 305ml cup of water. The Public Prosecutor's Officer and consumer protection agencies launched investigations into possible neglect on the behalf of organisers T4F. Taylor was unaware of the tragedy during her performance and issued a statement expressing her devastation over Benevides' death Taylor Swift pictured on the second night of the Rio leg of her Eras Tour, November 19 2023 Brazil recorded its hottest ever temperature - 112.6F (44.8C) - that weekend in the town of Aracuai, in Brazil's south-eastern state of Minas Gerais. The freak phenomenon was attributed to the El Nino phenomenon and climate change. Red alerts were also issued across the country as Brazil sweltered in high heats and humidity. Former President Donald Trump launched a bitter attack on Rep. Debbie Dingell on Tuesday night after she raised the alarm about his threats against judges and dismissed his Christmas message as 'pathetic.' In a social media rant, he blamed her for the decline of the country, high crime rates and even took aim at her for crying after the death of her husband. It was all apparently sparked by a CNN appearance hours earlier in which the Democrat criticized the former president and slammed his not-very-festive message that his enemies could 'rot in hell.' 'And I quite frankly, I'm going to tell you that I think it was one of the most pathetic Christmas greetings I've heard when a former president of the United States who wants to return tells people on Christmas Day that they can rot in hell,' she said. 'He is contributing to the divisiveness and division in this country.' Donald Trump launched a bitter attack on Rep. Debbie Dingell on Tuesday after she raised the alarm about his threats against judges and dismissed his Christmas message as pathetic Trump used his Truth Social platform to launch a stinging attack on Dingell Trump quickly punched back on Truth Social, calling Dingell a 'loser,' who was helping 'Crooked Joe Biden and his merry band of thugs,' 'When I gave, as President, her long serving husband, the absolute highest U.S. honors for his funeral, a really big deal, she called me, crying almost uncontrollably, to say that she couldnt believe I was willing to do that for a Democrat,' he added. 'She thanked me profusely. Two months later, she was back on the trail ranting and raving about TRUMP. She ought to focus on how badly the Auto Workers of Michigan, and the USA as a whole, are being treated by CHINA, to which Crooked Joe Biden has given this once great industry away!' Rep. John Dingell was the longest serving congressman in US history. He represented Michigan from 1955 until 2015 before his wife took over his district. He died in 2019 at the age of 92. Trump was among those who paid tribute. 'Longest serving Congressman in country's history which, if people understand politics, means he was very smart,' he said in a tweet. 'A great reputation and highly respected man.' John and Debbie Dingell attending a Thanksgiving parade in Detroit, Michigan, in 2012 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attend the funeral service for former U.S. Rep. John Dingell at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, U.S., February 14, 2019 Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., center, accompanied by former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton follows the flag-draped casket of former Rep. John Dingell after a funeral service at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Washington. Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress in American history who mastered legislative deal-making and was fiercely protective of Detroit's auto industry, has died at age 92 But it wasn't long before Trump and Dingell's widow clashed. She voted in favour of the then president's impeachment in 2019 prompting Trump to say her late husband was 'looking up' from hell. 'The last time I spoke to Debbie Dingell was her call thanking me for granting top memorial and funeral service honors for her then just departed husband, long time Congressman John Dingell,' he tweeted at the time. 'Now I watch her ripping me as part of the Democrats Impeachment Hoax. Really pathetic!' Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao rejected the Police Commissions list of three finalists for the citys next police chief, setting back a nearly yearlong process to replace LaRonne Armstrong. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has rejected the Police Commissions list of nominees for the next police chief, one of whom she previously fired and another whos on leave and under investigation in his current chief job. Francis Zamora, Thaos spokesperson, said in a statement to the Chronicle that Thao has requested a new list from the commission. The Oakland Police Chief leads a critical component of the Mayors comprehensive community safety strategy, Zamora said. Mayor Thao thanks the Oakland Police Commission for their continued service and looks forward to working with the commissioners to select the best possible candidate for Oakland. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zamora said the mayor wanted to review more candidates to make a well-informed decision on the best police chief for Oakland, but declined to elaborate on why she rejected the three finalists. Marsha Peterson, the president of the Police Commission, said in a statement that the group respects the mayors decision to ask for a new list of candidates. The Oakland Police Commission will continue to perform our duty under the City Charter to review candidates and provide recommendations to the Mayor, Peterson said. The commission will work collaboratively and diligently with the Mayor to find exceptional candidates for Oakland. The candidates on the commissions list included former Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, whom Thao fired in February; Kevin Hall, an assistant chief from Arizona; and San Leandro Police Chief Abdul Pridgen, who has been on leave while under investigation from that department, according to a source with knowledge of the list. Thao had said previously she would not consider Armstrong for the role, leaving her with the other two candidates to weigh. Bob Jackson, the bishop of the Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland and a member of the NAACP, said he didnt understand why Armstrong was on the list of finalists when the mayor had made it clear she didnt plan to rehire him. He also wondered why the San Leandro chief would be considered when hes on leave. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are just in a quandary as to whats going on, Jackson said. Its like some kind of game thats being played with the citizens of Oakland. The rejection throws a wrench into the citys plans to appoint soon a permanent police chief to head up the department. Thao fired Armstrong in February after an independent investigation found he had mishandled two misconduct cases. An independent arbitrator sided with Armstrong in a claim against the city, but stopped short of calling for his reinstatement. Thao has said she fired Armstrong for his statements criticizing the federal monitor appointed to supervise the department and for insisting he had done nothing wrong while on paid leave. Armstrong told the Chronicle Wednesday that it's unfair that I am unable to continue to serve and protect the people of Oakland. As a native of Oakland, nothing gave me greater pleasure and pride than to work in my community and fight to improve it. Thaos move comes as the city continues to grapple with a rise in violent crime, robberies and burglaries. Thao has tried to combat the problem by expanding police foot patrols citywide and boosting their presence in commercial corridors. Whoever Thao selects also will be charged with leading the department out of its longstanding oversight by federal authorities, which has endured for more than 20 years. The oversight traces to a 2000 lawsuit in which six men in West Oakland argued they had been falsely arrested on drug charges. The men accused four officers, known as the Riders, of systematically assaulting and framing them. John Burris, one of the plaintiffs attorneys in the Riders case, said Thaos rejection is a major setback in getting out of federal oversight because whoever takes over the position will have to learn how to keep the department in compliance for the long term. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The commission sent the list of three finalists in mid-December, following through on a promise to provide selected candidates before the end of the year. Thao had previously said that if the commission failed to send her candidates before the end of the year, she would call for a state of emergency. Armstrong reapplied for his job in October. Its unclear now whether she will call for an emergency, but her rejection of the list requires the commission to restart their vetting process. In a statement on Tuesday, Zamora said the mayor was conducting her due diligence on the candidates. This is an important decision and the Mayor Thao will take the time that is necessary to select the person that will lead the Oakland Police Department, Zamora said. Finding the right leader for the Police Department is a priority, and Mayor Thao intends to conduct this process in a timely manner. Barbara Leslie, president of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, said residents and businesses deserve a thorough and thoughtful process to ensure the best possible candidate is hired as Oaklands next police chief. While there is a sense of urgency felt by us all, this must be done right and the focus for the mayor should be finding the best candidate for the job, Leslie said, adding that the chamber supports a charter review to streamline hiring in the future. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Barry Donelan, president of the Oakland Police Officers Association, said the entire search has been extremely disappointing. It shortchanges the men and women of the department who have been waiting for a permanent chief for 11 months, Donelan said. This experience makes it very clear that public safety is not a priority under the Sheng Thao administration. Oaklands charter requires the Police Commission to go through the applicants, narrow the list and send nominees to the mayor. Once Thao receives the names, she is in charge of reviewing the candidates and decides whether to appoint one of them. The charter also allows the mayor to reject the list in its entirety and request new nominees from the commission. The local NAACP has criticized Thaos firing of Armstrong and sent a letter last week to the mayor and members of the Police Commission demanding they release the names of the finalists and hold a public forum so residents could interview them. Robert L. Harris, an executive member of the local chapter, lambasted the mayor for rejecting the candidates without giving Oakland residents an opportunity to vet them. He added that the mayor is depriving the city of leadership within the Police Department. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The NAACP is sick and tired of the mayor playing games with the lives and the property of the city of Oakland, Harris said. The time for politics is over. She needs to learn the art of leadership. This city is on fire, and we need leadership that can deal with the fire that were facing. In 2020, the last time the city searched for a police chief, the Police Commission and former Mayor Libby Schaaf held an online public forum with the four finalists. Schaaf selected Armstrong for the role. This is the terrifying moment a murderer went on a stabbing spree, knifing one man to death and leaving two other people with life-changing injuries. Antonio Tibere, 25, has been jailed for life for his random 3am onslaught during a drug and booze-fuelled rampage three days before Christmas. Prowling Birmingham's streets with a blade in hand, Tibere first knifed a 26-year-old woman, before fatally stabbing 35-year-old father Krystian Debski minutes later and then injuring second man, aged 50. Tibere also chased two other people during his 10-minute attack on December 22, 2022, before uploading a chilling Facebook live video in Romanian in which he called himself a 'terrorist' and vowed: 'I will kill anyone who comes across me.' The mayhem came to an end 15 minutes after Tibere's first victim was knifed, with dramatic body-worn camera showing the moment armed police charged at him with pistols drawn before detained him. Dramatic footage shows armed officers leaping from their car after spotting Tibere walking down the street. Antonio Tibere, 25, has been jailed for life for his random 3am onslaught following a drug and booze-fuelled rampage three days before Christmas last year Tibere has now been jailed for life after admitting one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder and pleading guilty to having a bladed article and possessing cocaine. He will serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars. Following his conviction, West Midlands Police released chilling CCTV footage showing the moment Tibere attacked his victims before being apprehended. The horrifying footage shows the knife-wielding killer striding towards a woman in Soho Road, Handworth shortly after 3am, as she desperately attempts to back away. Woolwich Crown Court heard that seconds earlier, the 26-year-old victim had asked Tibere, of West Bromwich, for a cigarette before he then revealed his blade and lunged at her, slashing towards her face as she fell to the floor. The woman managed to escape and Tibere then continued with his rampage, this time attacking 'loving father' Krystian Debski. Vicious Tibere plunged the knife into Mr Debski's chest just once but with such force it penetrated the 35-year-old's rib and cut the pulmonary artery, causing him to collapse to the ground. Loving father Krystian Debski, 35, died after being stabbed once in the chest Left, Tibere (pictured as "number one") moments before fatally stabbing Mr Debski, and right, CCTV footage capturing Mr Debski running for his life after being stabbed Seconds before his fatal stabbing of Mr Debski, Tibere was caught on CCTV rounding the corner with his knife and attacking his first victim Another CCTV angle capturing Tibere attacking his first victim (who is pictured right) Later, Tibere is filmed threatening another man during his 10-minute rampage Armed police who were already hunting for the knifeman following the first attack, arrived and found Mr Debski unconscious. He was taken to hospital where he died shortly after. Tibere attacked the third victim, a 50-year-old man, 30 seconds later after fatally wounding Mr Debski. Dramatic footage shows armed officers leaping from their car after spotting the killer walking down the street. Drawing his pistol with a laser pointed at Tibere's chest, the armed officer yells: 'Armed police. You, show me your hands now,' before screaming: 'Get on the floor, get down.' Officers then detain Tibere and recover his '8in blade' that was 'covered in blood'. Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, who headed the investigation, said: 'This was a series of vicious and unprovoked attacks on innocent members of the public. 'Tragically Mr Debski lost his life as a result of being stabbed. Two other people also suffered life-changing injuries. 'The family of Mr Debski are still coming to terms with the appalling events from December 22 last year. They are finding it difficult to comprehend through the sheer randomness of the attack. Dramatic footage shows armed officers leaping from their car after spotting Tibere walking down the street and yelling at him to 'get down' Earlier, CCTV footage caught Tibere entering a shop during his night of mayhem A bloodied knife is recovered from Tibere after he is arrested by armed police 'Although this kind of random attack is rare, it is yet another devastating example of the consequences of carrying knives in public places. 'My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Debski and the two other victims, who will always have to live with what happened on that dreadful night.' Woolwich Crown Court heard that psychiatrists concluded Tibere had suffered an acute psychotic episode after drinking vodka and taking cocaine during a 48-hour period which caused him to hear voices in his head. Judge Sylvia De Bertodano told him it was 'quite clear you were determined to attack anyone who crossed your path that night'. She added it was a 'matter of luck' the other two stab victims survived. 'At the time of the attacks you felt untouchable and on a mission,' Judge De Bertodano told the killer, BirminghamLive reported. 'You realised what you had done the following day. You expressed remorse for your crimes and said you had been unable to resist the voices in your head.' She added: 'I understand when you have not taken substances you are not for a moment the sort of person who would behave in this way and you would give anything to take back what you did.' Sickening new battlefield footage allegedly shows three kneeling and surrendering Ukrainian paratroopers shot dead in cold blood by Vladimir Putin's brutal forces. The Ukrainian troops are seen kneeling with their hands behind their heads on the frontline in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region. Despite the low resolution of the video, the moment they are shot is clearly visible. Smoke is seen from the weapon seemingly held by a Russian soldier shortly before the men collapse on the ground, one after the other. Top Ukrainian officials have condemned the incident, claiming it shows that Putin's forces 'are simply not human'. The General Prosecutor's Office in Kyiv said in a statement: 'The Russian army captured three Ukrainian defenders during a combat clash near the village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region. Smoke can be seen pouring out of the Russian soldier's weapon The bodies of the Ukrainian servicemen were seen lying face down in the battlefield 'An hour later, in violation of Article 3 of the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the occupiers shot them. 'A pre-trial investigation is carried out by investigators of the SBU Department (Ukrainian intelligence) in the Zaporizhzhia region.' 'This is another case of a gross violation of international humanitarian law regarding the treatment of prisoners of war by the aggressor country.' While the video will need to undergo checks and verification before it can be used as evidence of a war crime, the shooting appears an appalling violation of the rules of conflict. Ukrainian journalist Andriy Tsaplienko, of TSN TV channel, called the triple shooting 'yet another war crime committed by the Russians.' Russian occupiers shot captured paratroopers on one of the areas of the frontline. 'This video will become another document at the international tribunal. 'It shows how three paratroopers were brought to their knees and shot from a distance of a few metres. Ukraine has been occupied for the last 22 months 'The execution of the prisoners is watched by a person in uniform who stands behind them, probably a Russian soldier who commands the execution. 'The video taken by the drone is a confirmation that the occupiers are simply not humans.' Putin's forces 'do not follow the rules and customs of war', he said. He claimed 'their goal, like these soldiers, is to destroy all Ukrainians just like these soldiers.' Earlier this month, harrowing footage from near Avdiivka showed the moment 'two surrendering Ukrainian troops are mercilessly gunned down by Russian troops'. The chilling video showed one unarmed Ukrainian soldier emerge from a trench with his hands above his head. He evidently obeys instructions shouted by the Russian invaders and lies face down on the ground. A second Ukrainian from the 45th separate rifle battalion then comes out of the underground passage and is seen rapidly shot in a hail of machine gun fire. The first soldier gets up to look what is happening and is also gunned to death in a cloud of smoke. The latest footage comes as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), general Valerii Zaluzhny, said he had underestimated how much blood Putin was ready to spill in the war. 'I thought the number of casualties we caused would stop anyone. But not the Russian Federation,' he said. On Wednesday, the Kremlin attempted to scare the EU by claiming that any aid sent to Ukraine would not affect its invasion, and would only serve to hurt European economies. The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that the EU was preparing a back-up plan of funding worth up to 20 billion euros (17.38 billion) for Kyiv. The debt-funded scheme would sidestep Hungary, which opposes such aid to Ukraine, allowing the EU to release the funds to Kyiv quickly. Asked about the report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed, without citing specific examples, that EU taxpayers were starting to understand that their money was being misspent by authorities in Ukraine. 'Both Europeans and Americans are already well aware of the level of corruption (in Ukraine) and they understand that a fair portion of this money is stolen,' Peskov told a regular news briefing. 'Both Europeans and Americans are already well aware of the level of corruption (in Ukraine) and they understand that a fair portion of this money is stolen,' Peskov told a regular news briefing 'This money will not be able to change the course of events. This money is allocated to the detriment of EU economies which are already going through difficult times,' he said. Peskov reiterated that Moscow would press on with what it calls its special military operation in Ukraine until it had achieved 'the goals that stand before us'. Moscow has previously said its military operations in Ukraine are aimed at the demilitarisation and 'denazification' of the country. Kyiv and its Western allies say Moscow is bent on an imperial-style land grab in Ukraine. The EU agreed on December 14 to open membership talks with Ukraine despite the ongoing military conflict, but they could not agree on a 50 billion euro package of financial aid for Kyiv due to opposition from Hungary. EU leaders, who would prefer a deal backed by all members but also have a plan B that would circumvent Hungary, are expected to revisit the issue at an emergency summit in February. Kyiv says it is doing its best to crack down on any corruption. Ukraine's SBU security service and the Defence Ministry said earlier this month that they had uncovered a scheme for the fraudulent purchase of artillery shells that involved embezzlement of the equivalent of nearly $40 million. A new MGM film forcing white liberals to confront their own hypocrisy in Hollywood and beyond is receiving critical acclaim from the same people it skewers. Cord Jefferson's 'American Fiction' is a commentary on the way the establishment tends to favor reductive portraits of blackness in the name of diversity and inclusion, often at the expense of quality. The movie tells the story of a black professor, Thelonious 'Monk' Ellison played by Jeffrey Wright, who is fed up with his snowflake students and struggling to get any critical interest in his work, so jokingly pens a novel littered with racial stereotypes only for it to become an overnight success. The biting satire pokes fun at powerful white liberals in the publishing world and later Hollywood who lap up the outlandish parody, entitled 'My Pafology' and later renamed to just 'F***'. And now in an ironic twist, the film has been earning stellar reviews from left-leaning publications keen to make it known they are in on the joke. American Fiction stars Jeffrey Wright as frustrated professor Monk Ellison, who jokingly resorts to writing a novel based on black stereotypes in a bid to gain commercial success Ellison is stunned when his poverty-porn book, 'My Pafology' becomes an overnight success, proving that white liberals are only interested in certain portrayals of blackness The Washington Post states the movie is, Racial parody rooted in wincingly familiar honesty.' Salon declares that American Fiction 'reframes what black success means for writers.' While Rolling Stone brands the flick 'an absolute triumph' for the way it 'deconstructs how white guilt stifles black creatives.' In the movie, Jeffrey Wright's middle-class Monk only finds commercial success when he ignores his privilege and writes a 'hood' novel under the pseudonym of on-the-lam con Stagg R. Leigh. Prior to his six-figure book deal, an exasperated Monk is seen arguing with publishers who believe his Classics-based work should be categorized under African American literature due to their fixation on race. He is advised to write something 'blacker' and ultimately inspired to do so after witnessing the success of fellow author Sintara Golden (Issa Rae), an Oberlin-educated writer who is praised for her 'urgent' and 'raw' poverty-porn novel, 'Wes Lives in Da Ghetto'. But by combining this plot point with an exploration into Monk's personal and family life including his struggle to connect with siblings played by Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K Brown, the film seeks to highlight how absurd the fixation solely on race has become. 'The important question that needs to be asked, the question I'm asking now, is: Why is this stuff being made to the omission of everything else?' Jefferson told Rolling Stone. The film seeks to skewer white liberals who have designated themselves the arbiters of black art. Pictured: Sterling K. Brown as Monk's brother By combining this plot point with an exploration into Monk's personal and family life including his struggle to connect with siblings played by Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K Brown, the film seeks to highlight how absurd the fixation solely on race has become The film is the directorial debut of Cord Jefferson who seeks to ask 'what it means to be a black writer and a black creative' 'Why is it always the tragedy and the misery? Abuse and violence, cross burnings and lynchings, shootings and murder and death and drugs why has black life become reduced to just onscreen? To me, it suggests an inability to see black people as complex and nuanced and full of interiority in the same way as everybody else.' Hollywood itself does not escape unscathed in American Fiction. A major target in the movie is a pseudo-woke filmmaker played by Adam Brody, who insists on referring to Monk as 'brother.' The character's latest film is a horror featuring a couple who get married on a plantation only to be haunted by the ghosts of slaves - a pointed reference to the wedding of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Likely that took place in such circumstances. With the film earning rave reviews with glowing articles entitled: 'How Cord Jefferson Took on Hollywood and Won' per Rolling Stone, it has sparked speculation that Hollywood could be moving away from 'wokeness'. 'Look, movies like 12 Years a Slave are important. I love New Jack City and Django Unchained. Oh, Boyz n the Hood is on? Lets watch it,' Jefferson told the outlet. But he added his film is an expression of 'what it means to be a black writer and a black creative, and the expectations that people have for what black artists should make.' The New York City Police Department has released bodycam footage of the moment a man who killed two people was shot dead by officers after he charged at them with a knife. Jason Pass, 47, went on the run after he shot dead neighbors Bladimy Mathurin, 47, and his stepson Chinwai Mode, 27, in Brooklyn following a noise complaint. He was driving down another Brooklyn street on November 1 when officers were notified that the Honda HRV he was driving was involved in the murders. Pass spoke to two cops for several minutes before he got of the car and began to flee on foot. Footage of the incident shows he brandished a knife and charged at the police officers before he was shot dead. The New York City Police Department has released bodycam footage of the moment a man who killed two people was shot dead by officers after he charged at them with a knife Jason Pass, 47, went on the run after he shot dead neighbors Bladimy Mathurin, 47, and his stepson Chinwai Mode, 27, in Brooklyn following a noise complaint Footage of the incident shows he brandished a knife and charged at the police officers before he was shot dead Two police officers approached the black Honda that was being sought in connection with a double homicide and saw Pass was in the driver's seat. They spoke to him at length while continuing to inspect the vehicle before he got out and started to run. Pass brandished a knife and the officers chased him for half a black before multiple other cops arrived at the scene and cornered him. Bodycam footage shows the officers pleading with him to drop the knife and get on the ground while they have their guns aimed at him. 'Jason just drop the knife,' one is heard saying. 'That's all we're asking. Just do us that favor and drop it. 'You know you want to. Am I right?' But Pass unexpectedly rushes toward them with the knife still in his right hand in the video and he is shot multiple times by the surrounding police officers. He was struck in the leg, chest and jaw following the stand-off which lasted almost 30 minutes. Pass, a former state corrections officer, was taken to hospital in critical condition, where he died of his injuries. The shooting of Mathurin and Mode happened on the fourth floor of a well-known housing complex in East Flatbush, where Barbra Streisand and late The Wire star Michael K. Williams grew up. Bodycam footage shows the officers pleading with him to drop the knife and get on the ground while they have their guns aimed at him 'Jason just drop the knife,' one is heard saying. 'That's all we're asking. Just do us that favor and drop it. You know you want to. Am I right?' But Pass unexpectedly rushes towards them with the knife still in his right hand and he is shot multiple times by the surrounding police officers Shocking footage of the shooting showed the fatal confrontation on October 28. Mathurin is seen coming out of his apartment with scissors before the shooter takes out his weapon and executes him and his stepson. Marie Delille, Bladimy Mathurin's widow, previously told DailyMail.com that Pass' death 'is not going to bring her husband and son back.' Mathurin's sister Trishia Christian said: 'Our priority is the familys safety were working on relocating them at the moment... Im still heartbroken. There are a lot of moving parts.' Video of the shooting begins with a man dressed in black, angrily pacing the hallway outside of an apartment. As the man paces, a woman in sweatpants and a tank-top emerges from an apartment and the situation escalates. The woman is quickly joined by the man, subsequently identified by police as her son Chinwai Mode, 27. The video does not have audio, so it is unclear precisely what the neighbors' back and forth entails. As the situation appears to heat up, the mother and son are then joined by Mathurin, who angrily confronts then neighbor while appearing to wield a pair of scissors. His wife attempts to turn him away from the confrontation, but Mathurin - reportedly an amateur bodybuilder and father of four - pushes her away. The neighbor then pulls a gun from his jacket, which he instantly aims at Mathurin. The NYPD said Pass lunged at them with the above knife before he was shot Mathurin was shot by a neighbor after a confrontation over a noise complaint - an issue that had come up many times between the two men who lived in apartments on adjacent floors Chinwai Mode, 27, was also gunned down on Wednesday A three candle memorial has been set up outside the home of the victims Despite seemingly acknowledging the gun, Mathurin dismisses it and turns to walk back toward his door. The neighbor, allegedly Pass, then begins to fire, striking Mathurin who immediately falls to the ground. The stepson, who was in the hallway and saw Mathurin go down, attempts to run from the shooter but is unsuccessful and is shot multiple times before collapsing, motionless, in a pool of his own blood near the staircase. Pass then allegedly focuses his attention back on Mathurin, who was struggling to get up at that moment. He shoots him execution-style just outside his door. The man looks around the bloody hallway and then calmly waits for the elevator, which he takes downstairs before fleeing the scene. Nine bullet casings were recovered from the scene, according to the Post. The day before the shooting, Pass had reportedly been banging on his ceiling because of the allegedly loud noises stemming from Mathurin and Delille's apartment. Mathurin responded by banging back, which prompted the neighbor to bound up the stairs and kick the family's front door, according to the grieving widow. 'This man hates us with every bone in his body,' said Delille. The NYPD said Pass had called 311 six times since March 2022 on his upstairs neighbors to complain. Delille revealed that this feud had been going on for four years. It was sent back to Miami where it's adopted by one of the crew members A cat named Ovie embarked on a journey from the US to the Down Under, only to face the threat of euthanasia by biosecurity agents. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Royal Caribbean crews, the feline was successfully transported back to the U.S. after weeks of fighting for its life. A recent passenger on board the Ovation of the Seas had smuggled Ovie on the cruise from Hawaii to Sydney, according to Royal Caribbean Cruises President and CEO Michael Bayley. 'We believe that it was in the guests sweatshirt, and we assume he must have been sedated or something because he wouldnt beep, since Ovie isnt metal,' Bayley mentioned in a social media post. The cat was discovered during a routine inspection by officials from New Zealand and was not allowed off the ship throughout its nearly three-week voyage from Hawaii to Sydney. But it was fortunate enough to be sent back to the U.S. and adopted by one of the Royal Caribbean guest service team members in Miami, Bayley said. A cat named Ovie embarked on a journey from the US to the Down Under, only to face the threat of euthanasia by biosecurity agents A passenger on board the Ovation of the Seas had smuggled Ovie on the cruise from Hawaii to Sydney, according to Royal Caribbean Cruises President and CEO Michael Bayley. The cat was discovered during a routine inspection by officials from New Zealand and was not allowed off the ship throughout its nearly three-week voyage from Hawaii to Sydney Both New Zealand and Australia have strict biosecurity laws governing what can and cannot be imported. Pet owners are required to present various documents to clear through customs and have their pets quarantined for at least ten days. The whole process could take months, according to the government. 'When discovered the cat was not allowed off the ship in Australia or New Zealand by authorities and was supposed to be euthanized,' Bayley wrote. After the small feline was found during a routine inspection for banned plants, fruits and animals, biosecurity agents were called to investigate. Royal Caribbean International picked up the expenses for the care of the cat, according to Travel Pulse. Crew members stepped in to quarantine the cat and make sure it's free of any potential disease. The cat was discovered during a routine inspection by officials from New Zealand and was not allowed off the ship throughout its nearly three-week voyage from Hawaii to Sydney Royal Caribbean Cruises does not allow any pets on board unless it's an emotional support animal or service dog After the small feline was found during a routine inspection for banned plants, fruits and animals, biosecurity agents were called to investigate. Royal Caribbean International picked up the expenses for the care of the cat The team spent several weeks successfully bringing Ovie halfway around the world to Miami, where it was adopted by a crew member. 'Ovie is now happily living in Miami,' Bayley announced. According to the company's policy, live pets, other than service animals, are strictly prohibited on board. 'Passengers who bring on board...are also subject to immediate disembarkation or denial of boarding,' the company wrote on its website. 'Passengers shall have no claim for refund, loss, damage, inconvenience, or compensation whatsoever under any of these circumstances,' it continues. Royal Caribbean declined to identify the traveler who smuggled Ovie on board, and it's unclear what penalty they may face,' as reported by the New York Post. Republicans have demanded the White House hand over any communications that could show President Joe Biden was aware that son Hunter was going to defy his subpoena to testify to Congress. Instead of appearing for closed-door deposition with the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees on December 13, the president's 53-year-old son held a press conference outside the Capitol building where he defended the impeachment inquiry into his father. The GOP said that it would be an 'impeachable offense' if the president was part of his bid to ignore the subpoena. Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) say they are 'compelled to examine the involvement of the President in his son's scheme to defy the Committees' subpoenas,' according to a letter to White House Counsel Edward Siskel. During a White House press conference the same day of Hunter's remarks on Capitol Hill, Biden's Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president was 'certainly familiar with what his son was going to say.' House Republicans are demanding the White House turn over information, documents and communication that could indicate whether President Joe Biden helped his son Hunter defy a congressional subpoena on December 13 and instead hold a press conference outside the Capitol (pictured) 'Ms. Jean-Pierre declined, however, to provide any further details about the President's actions or whether the President approved of his son defying congressional subpoenas,' the letter adds. 'Nonetheless, Ms. Jean-Pierre's statement suggests that the President had some amount of advanced knowledge that Mr. Biden would choose to defy two congressional subpoenas.' The two Republican chairmen claim that Jean-Pierre's statement from the podium on December 13 indicate that Biden was 'aware in advance that his son, Hunter Biden, would knowingly defy two congressional subpoenas.' Therefore, they note, they must 'examine as part of our impeachment inquiry whether the President engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress.' Hunter's attorney sent justification ahead of time for why his client would not comp;y with the terms of the subpoenas, but the committee said the president's so would not receive 'special treatment.' At a White House press briefing on December 13, Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre (pictured) said President Biden was 'certainly familiar with what his son was going to say,' opening up questions on whether he advised Hunter to 'obstruct' Congress Oversight Chairman James Comer and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan say they are 'compelled to examine the involvement of the President in his son's scheme to defy the Committees' subpoenas,' according to a letter to White House Counsel Edward Siskel (pictured) They noted that the Committees would initiate contempt of Congress proceedings if Hunter Biden did not testify behind closed doors. Hunter said in his five-minute press conference earlier this month that he would testify to Congress, but only in a public setting. As the Republican-led committees consider whether to bring impeachment charges against the president, they are requesting the White House comply with the investigation, which now includes whether Biden was involved in his son 'obstructing Congress.' Comer and Jordan are demanding White House Counsel Siskel produce by January 10, 2024 'all documents and communications sent or received by employees of the Executive Office of the President regarding the deposition of Hunter Biden' and 'regarding President Biden's statement about his family's business associates on December 6, 2023.' 'Thank you for your cooperation with the impeachment inquiry,' the letter concludes. Police arrested pro-Palestinian protesters that blocked entry to New York City's John F. Kennedy airport and the Los Angeles International Airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year. Travelers were forced to get out of their cars and walk to the airport with their luggage in New York after activist demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war blocked the road leading to one of the country's biggest and busiest airports on Wednesday. Port Authority Police Department were notified of the protest activity on the Van Wyck Expressway inside JFK airport around 11:30 a.m. Police said 26 arrests were made for disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic and the roadway was reopened at 11:50 a.m. 'During the disruption, the Port Authority dispatched two airport buses, offering rides to travelers involved in the backup to allow them to reach the airport safely,' said Port Authority media relations. Police arrested 26 pro-Palestinian protesters that blocked entry to New York City 's John F. Kennedy airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year Port Authority Police said they were called to the scene on the Van Wyck Expressway inside JFK airport around 11:30 a.m. and were able to reopen the road at 11:50 a.m. Police said 26 arrests were made for disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic Travelers were forced to get out of their cars and walk to the airport with their luggage Video shows protesters joined hands to create a line blocking traffic while holding signs calling for a free Palestine and chanting 'From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever.' Port Authority Police are seen arresting the demonstrators and loading them onto an airport bus and taking them into custody. In Los Angeles, video shows protesters gathering near the LAX sign at the airport. Los Angeles Police Department said, 'The LAPD is aware of an ongoing protest within the LAX area. Traffic in the area is currently impacted. Please avoid the area and continue to monitor for updates.' FOX 11 reported authorities declared an unlawful assembly when the pro-Palestine protesters blocked traffic outside the Los Angeles International Airport. A dozen protesters were detained outside Los Angeles International Airport while blocking off entry to the airport 'Crew at the scene said the group of protesters carried signs that read messages such as "Ceasefire is not enough," and "Free Palestine,"' said FOX 11. It turned into a chaotic scene when police arrived around 9:30 a.m. and protesters reportedly ran off into different directions while some were taken into custody. Officials said by 10:10 a.m. a dozen protesters were detained. Video showed heavy traffic along Century Boulevard and travelers were encouraged to use Sepulveda Blv, Arbor Vitae Street and Airport Way as alternatives. Century Boulevard has since reopened but traffic is reported to remain heavy. Around 39 million passengers are expected to jet to destinations during the next two weeks, with airports preparing to receive up to 2.5 million every day. The TSA expects a six per cent increase on the number of passengers compared to last year, with the busiest days projected to be December 21, 29, and January 1. A senior delegation of U.S. officials flew to Mexico on Wednesday to address record numbers of people illegally crossing the border, and as a caravan of about 6,000 migrants makes its way through the country. The visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is widely seen as a chance for the Biden administration to increase pressure on Mexico to tighten border security ahead of next year's presidential election. But the Mexican president got his response in first, saying the U.S. Congress should offer more help to Latin America rather than 'building walls.' Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador also warned his guests that the political problem was only going to going to get bigger ahead of the 2024 election. 'The migration issue is going to intensify,' he said. Blinken was due to arrive in Mexico City at a time when Border Patrol agents have encountered more than 10,000 a day trying to cross the border. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a meeting with Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to address the situation at the border The talks are widely seen as a chance for the Biden administration to increase pressure on Mexico to tighten border security ahead of next year's presidential election About 6,000 people are making their way through Mexico on their way to the U.S. border Both sides in the talks face pressure to reach a deal after previous steps such as limiting direct travel into Mexico or deporting some migrants failed to stop the influx. The U.S. has struggled to process thousands of migrants at the border, and house them once they reach northern cities. Mexican industries were stung last week when the U.S. briefly closed two vital Texas railway crossings, arguing that border patrol agents had to be reassigned to deal with the surge. Another non-rail border crossing remained closed in Lukeville, Arizona, and operations were partially suspended in San Diego and Nogales, Arizona. The U.S. delegation has made clear that action to deter lawbreakers would allow the crossings to reopen. 'Secretary Blinken will discuss unprecedented irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere and identify ways Mexico and the United States will address border security challenges, including actions to enable the reopening of key ports of entry across our shared border,' said his office ahead of the trip. Last week President Joe Biden spoke to his Mexican counterpart to discuss the crisis and stress the urgency of dealing with it. Mexico says it detected 680,000 migrants moving through the country in the first 11 months of 2023. Mexico has assigned more than 32,000 military troops and National Guard officers about 11 percent of its total forces to enforce immigration laws, and the National Guard now detains far more migrants than criminals. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told his guests that the issue would only intensify U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives at Felipe Angeles International Airport in Zumpango, Mexico Migrants rest on railroad cars as they wait for a freight train to travel to the U.S. border, at a rail yard in Chihuahua, Mexico But the shortcomings of that approach were on display Tuesday, when National Guard officers made no attempt to stop a caravan of about 6,000 migrants, many from Central America and Venezuela, from walking through Mexico's main inland immigration inspection point in southern Chiapas state near the Guatemala border. In the past, Mexico has let such caravans go through, trusting that they would tire themselves out walking along the highway. By Wednesday, Lazara Padron Molina, 46, from Cuba was sick and exhausted. The caravan set out Dec. 24 from the city of Tapachula and had walked about 45 miles through the heat to Escuintla in southern Chiapas state. 'The route is too long to continue walking. Why don't they just give us documents so that we could get a bus or a taxi?' Padron Molina said. 'Look at my feet,' she said, showing blisters. 'I can't go on anymore.' But wearing the migrants out by obliging Venezuelans and others to hike through the jungle-clad Darien Gap, or corralling migrants off passenger buses in Mexico no longer appears to work. So many migrants have been hopping freight trains through Mexico that one of the country's two major railroad companies suspended trains in September because of safety concerns. Police raids to pull migrants off railway cars the kind of action Mexico took a decade ago might be one thing the American delegation would like to see. The visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is seen as a chance for the Biden administration to increase pressure US border authorities have been so overwhelmed that they have suspended several legal crossings to focus on processing migrants Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador discussed migration in a telephone call Thursday with Biden as migrants spent Christmas Day sleeping outdoors Migrants walk near the river bank of the Rio Grande after crossing the border to Eagle Pass, Texas, one of a number of border towns to be hampered by the huge influx of migrants this year A few blocks from Mexico City's main plaza where Blinken will meet with Lopez Obrador at the national palace migrants stayed at an improvised shelter at a church, gathering strength before continuing north. David Pena, his two daughters and his pregnant wife, Maryeris Zerpa, hoped to reach the United States before the child is born in about a month. 'The goal is to cross over so the baby will be born there,' Pena said. But with no asylum appointment, he had no idea how the family will enter. Homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall will also attend the meeting. The U.S. has shown that one country's problems on the border quickly become both countries' problems. The Texas railway closures put a chokehold on freight moving from Mexico to the U.S., as well as grain needed to feed Mexican livestock moving south. Lopez Obrador confirmed last week 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.' He said Mexico has proposed to President Joe Biden that a U.S.-Cuba bilateral dialogue be opened. In May, Mexico agreed to take in migrants from countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba who had been turned away by the U.S. for not following rules that provided new legal pathways to asylum and other forms of migration. A forensic report released by Brazilian authorities in the southern city of Goiania has claimed that a lawyer used poison to kill her ex-boyfriend's father and mother. Details of the report, which were released Wednesday, showed that Amanda Partata placed a poisonous substance on cakes she served for breakfast for police officer Leonardo Pereira and his mother, Luzia Alves, at their home, where they fell ill prior to being rushed to a hospital where they died December 17. Goias Civil Police forensic expert Mayara Cardoso said during a press conference that large doses of poison were detected in two of the four cake jars. Cardoso did not reveal the name of the poisonous substance that was used. Amanda Partata placed poison on cakes she served during a December 17 breakfast at Goiania, Brazil home of her ex-boyfriend's father and grandmother, who died the same day at a hospital A forensics report released by Brazilian police Wednesday showed that police officer Leonardo Pereira (left) and his mother, Luzia Alves (right) ate cake that was allegedly poisoned by the ex-girlfriend of Pereira's son Amanda Partata was seen on video visiting a Goiania market, where she purchased juice and food, including four cakes in a jar, two of which she allegedly poisoned and fed to her ex-boyfriend's father and grandmother at a breakfast on December 17 hours before they died Authorities allege that Partaba poisoned Pereira and Alves because she refused to accept the end of her relationship with Pereira's son, Dr. Leonardo Pereira Jr. The former couple had dated for a month and a half. Partata was seen on camera visiting a market earlier in the morning and purchasing cheese, juice, bread, biscuits and the cakes. She returned to her hotel and then went to the victims' residence, where she spent about three hours and then departed for her home in the city of Itumbiara. Partata received a phone call from her ex-boyfriend's father, who informed her that he and his mother were experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. He urged her to seek care because she had previously claimed that she was pregnant. Pereira and Alves were rushed to a local hospital, where they died. Dr. Pereira commented publicly for the first time Tuesday after he met with the police for questioning and said he never thought Partata was capable of killing his father and grandmother. Dr. Leonardo Pereira Jr. (center) dated lawyer Amanda Partata for a month and a half before they broke up Amanda Partata seen at the table while she was having breakfast with her ex-boyfriend's father and mother, who she allegedly killed by poisoning two cakes she had fed them 'We never imagined anything that would justify such brutality. And we are experiencing our grief. It has been very difficult,' he said. Partata is facing double homicide charges and claimed her innocence during a court hearing last Thursday. Her defense team said in a statement that she was illegally placed in police custody at a psychiatric clinic, where she was admitted after she attempted suicide. Partata alleged that she was beaten by cops. The Civil Police's internal affairs unit is investigating the claim. Following the breakup, she informed her Dr. Pereira that she was pregnant and his family held a gender reveal party, which showed that they were expecting a girl, Brazilian news outlet Metropoles reported. A medical document provided by her attorneys to the police at her arraignment hearing last December 20 showed that she is not pregnant. The Goia Civil Police are not sure if Partata lied about being pregnant and created test result documents to prove she was or if she suffered a miscarriage. Police also said that Partata harassed Dr. Pereira and his family by sending threatening messages via six fake social media profiles. She downloaded a software on her cellphone that she used to block her cellphone number and allegedly texted threats to her former boyfriend. On one occasion, Partata texted herself a message that read, 'I'm going to kill you and your little girlfriend.' Melania is expected to take on a more public role in the lead-up to 2024 election Speculation ensued after Melania was not pictured in a Trump family Christmas photo posted by Don Jr.'s fiance Kimberly Guilfoyle on Tuesday Former first lady spent Christmas taking care of her mother in the hospital Melania Trump wasn't in family Christmas images posted to social media because she was taking care of her sick mother. Amalija Knavs, 78, is sick in the hospital, according to multiple reports and the former first lady has been by her mother's side instead of at Mar-a-Lago celebrating the holidays with her family. Donald Trump Jr.'s finace Kimberly Guilfoyle posted a family photo to her Instagram story the day after Christmas including several members of the Trump family. Immediately of notice was Melania's absence from the image. 'Melania has always been very devoted to her entire family,' a source close to the former first lady told Fox News Digital. 'It should be no surprise that she spent this Christmas with her ailing mother.' Guilfoyle's image posted on her Instagram story on Tuesday evening saw a large chunk of the Trump crew in front of a Christmas tree at the ex-president's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Melania's father, Viktor Knavs, 79, was present in the photo. Melania Trump was not present in a family Christmas photo because she was taking care of her ailing mother, who is in the hospital, according to reports. Pictured: Melania and Donald Trump with Amalija Knavs, 78, on June 29, 2018 Don Jr.'s fiance Kimberly Guilfoyle posted to her Instagram story a Trump family photo (above) with several members of the ex-president's family at Mar-a-Lago the day after Christmas, including Barron Trump. Pictured far left: Melania's father Viktor Knavs The picture also includes former President Donald Trump; his eldest son Don Jr. and finace Guilfoyle; the youngest Trump child Barron, 17; Tiffany Trump and husband Michael Boulos; and eldest daughter Ivanka with husband Jared Kushner and their three kids, Arabella, 12, Joseph, 10, and Theodore, seven. The tallest of the bunch is Barron, who is seen standing several inches taller than his father, who is 6'3'. Reports this month indicate that Melania, 53, will increase her public appearances the support her husband's reelection bid. It comes after the former first lady, an immigrant herself, appeared at the National Archives on December 15 for remarks at a naturalization ceremony. She also joined the other first ladies at Rosalynn Carter's funeral last month even though her husband did not attend with the other presidents. Besides Melania, Eric Trump and wife Lara were also not in the group shot in front of the Mar-a-Lago Christmas tree posted on Tuesday. Guilfoyle also posted a few images to her Instagram grid with her fiance Don Jr., and the ex-president in front of the festive decorations at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and residence. Melania Trump made a rare public speech on December 15 for a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Her public appearances are expected to increase as her husband makes his bid for another term Melania and Donald Trump arrive for Christmas Eve dinner with the former first lady's parents Viktor Knavs and Amalija Knavs in West Palm Beach, Florida on December 24, 2019 Throwback: Trump poses with Melania and Barron and his parents-in-law Amalija and Viktor Knavs on Christmas 2008 While they did not spend Christmas Day together, half sisters Ivanka and Tiffany Trump joined the family celebration on December 25. The two also showed off their festive spirits in jolly posts shared to their respective social media accounts. Marla Maples, 60, who was married to Trump from 1993 to 1999, posted a photo of her and her daughter, Tiffany, 30, posing in front of a Christmas tree. The mother-daughter duo donned an all-black look, wearing their hair loose as they beamed at the camera. 'Merry Christmas, from our hearts to yours,' Marla wrote on the post. 'Love, Marla & Tiffany.' Meanwhile, Ivanka shared some festive snaps to social media, posting a Christmas snap - as well as some throwback pics. Former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle also posted to her Instagram on Tuesday, December 26 an image with fiance Don Jr. and former President Donald Trump with the back drop of Mar-a-Lago Christmas decorations Ivanka Trump, 42, husband Jared Kushner, 42, and their three kids - Arabella, 12, Joseph, 10, and Theodore, seven - were pictured with former President Trump on December 26 Sharing two pictures to her Instagram story, the second eldest child of Donald's first wife Ivana and the president, showed off her smiling family celebrating the holidays. In one picture, Ivanka, husband Jared Kushner, both 43, and their three kids Arabella, 12; Joseph, 10; and Theodore, 7 all posed with the former first daughter's maternal grandmother as they celebrated Christmas lunch. Ivanka also uploaded a photo of her family later in the evening, standing in front of an extravagant Christmas tree with her father the day after Christmas. The family were dressed up for the celebration, with the mom-of-three simply adding a Merry Christmas gif to her Instagram story. Ivanka, who converted to Judaism for husband Jared, posted on the first night of Hanukkah urging people to 'bring light to the world' amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. A cocktail at Movida, where the drinks include Persian and Mexican ingredients. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle In the Bay Area beverage world, 2023 was undeniably the year of the wine bar. While once stuffy and staid, with bulky glasses and boring cheese plates, a flood of new bars from the Marina to San Jose has remade the genre. Now, theyre likely to boast raucous music and tiny INAO-style glasses brimming with natural wine. But the 14 best new bars of 2023 offered plenty of variety, too: See Napas new tequila hotspot and Berkeleys new hub for one of the regions best breweries. And cocktails, with an increasing eye toward low- and no-ABV drinks, were shaking across the Bay Area, too. C.P. Conical separatory funnels with house-distilled spirits on a wall at Aphotic in San Francisco. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Aphotic Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fine dining seafood restaurant Aphotic also boasts one of San Franciscos most elaborate new bars, worth a visit on its own. There, diners can even opt for a cocktail tasting menu ($95): The eight-course sampling takes inspiration from the globes bodies of waters; past examples include fun riffs on classics like the Ramos Fizz and another featuring an anchovy-infused spirit served in a porron. (The tasting is by appointment only but certain entries, like the aforementioned ones, are available on the normal bar menu.) Bar director Trevin Hutchins leads an audacious program that goes as far as making distillates in house many of which find their way into the cocktails. The most surprising and shocking, partly because of its $30 price tag, is the Aphotic martini, which has an attractive salty umami quality thanks to seaweed-infused gin. C.H. 816 Folsom St., San Francisco. aphoticrestaurant.com Lights hang at the opulent Movida, a lounge that opened this year in SoMa. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to The Chronicle Movida Part club, part restaurant, part Mexican, part Persian, Movida is a place of risk-taking combinations. Where else can you get tacos filled with juicy skewers of lamb and beef koobideh? Where else can you eat them at low, sultry lounge tables below gold pendant light fixtures and a DJ booth? Movidas cocktails from industry veteran Carlo Splendorini, the partner and bar director at Bar Sprezzatura, are a particular highlight. The sweet-savory Tala ($19) is smoky with Cortes Mezcal, carrot, dill, and poblano, serrano and urfa chiles; and patrons ooh and aah over the Shishi, a lychee martini-like drink made with grapefruit-rose Ketel One, Coit Caravan gin, lychee, yuzu and bergamot black tea. Its topped with a glistening lychee dome the bartenders use a bubble machine to create, and you use your finger to pop. C.P. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 555 2nd St., San Francisco. Co-owner and bar director Yanni Kehagiaras shakes a cocktail at Stoa in San Francisco. Jonah Reenders/Special to The Chronicle Stoa S.F. drinks writer Camper English says he can always spot a drink made by Yanni Kehagiaras, Stoas bar director, formerly of Nopalito. Typically, they seem simple but taste beguiling. At Stoa, take the Castaway ($14), a low-ABV, three-ingredient cocktail Manzanilla sherry, green Chartreuse and salted velvet falernum, a tropical tasting liqueur thats surprisingly complex, like a cool island breeze. Thats Yanni! said English. Thats also the vibe at Stoa: The unassuming new cocktail bar in the Lower Haight under-promises and over-delivers. Dont skip the delicious Mexican- and South Asian-influenced bar food from chef and partner Joji Sumi, which would make most restaurant menus jealous. C.P. 701 Haight St., San Francisco. stoabar.com Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bartender Isaac Harrell makes cocktails at Dawn Club in San Francisco. Juliana Yamada/The Chronicle Dawn Club This resurrection of a historic S.F. jazz club with nightly live music, a theatrical Art Deco look and top-notch cocktails is exactly the kind of revival San Francisco needs right now. Brian Sheehy, the prolific co-owner of many downtown bars like Bourbon and Branch, studied up on the original Dawn Clubs history to faithfully channel its 1940s heyday. The cocktails have a sense of that lineage, too, but remain contemporary. For something sweet and refreshing, order the Sauternes Cobbler ($24), which beverage director Jayson Wilde adapted from a historic recipe, with tropical, peach accented Sauternes. If youre seeking something stronger, peruse the bars extensive whiskey collection. C.P. 10 Annie St., San Francisco. www.dawnclub.com The Felix is an underground cocktail bar located beneath Vietnamese restaurant Bodega SF. Felix Uribe/Special to The Chronicle The Felix Advertisement Article continues below this ad This high-energy Tenderloin bar beneath the Vietnamese restaurant Bodega is accessible via a side door marked only by a neon sign of a grinning Felix the cat. Down the stairs is a swanky subterranean lounge with plush saffron booths and, Thursday to Sunday, a DJ spinning dance tracks. Drinks take inspiration and ingredients from the restaurant upstairs, like the Pho Wimme ($17), made from Michters whiskey fat-washed with Bodegas pho broth. A lychee martini variation with Creme de Violette ($17), aloe and plum bitters is on the sweet side, but the bars best-seller. For sustenance without leaving the lair, snacks like house-made tom yum-flavored Chex mix are also available. C.P. 138 Mason St., San Francisco. instagram.com/thefelixsf The interior of Bar Gemini, which pours 11 natural wines by the glass, including several on tap. Amaya Edwards/The Chronicle Bar Gemini You can probably tell this soignee wine bar with beautiful redwood interiors comes from a couple of industry insiders. Maybe its the devotion to zero-zero wines, a designation more natural than natural, indicated on the menu with an amphora symbol, the ancient wine making jars. Maybe its the wine on tap from Subject to Change Wine Co., run by the bars co-owner, Alex Pomerantz. (He and partner Dominique Henderson opened their nearby wine retail shop, Gemini Bottle Co., in 2018.) The snacky, of-the-moment food menu, including cacio e pepe deviled eggs and marinated Rancho Gordo beans, is a collaboration with nearby restaurant Ernest. C.P. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 2845 18th St., San Francisco. bargeminisf.com Claire Sullivan (right) serves customers from behind the bar at Banter in El Cerrito. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to The Chronicle Banter An instant locals favorite, Banter brought a much-needed wine bar to El Cerrito with a rustic interior, lively yet easygoing energy and reasonable prices. In the Bay Areas greater sea of natural wine bars, it also stands out as a place for drinkers who dont automatically love natural wine. The ethos prioritizes minimal intervention and organically farmed grapes, but youre not likely to see any funky, kombucha-like wines. Instead, expect about 12 by-the-glass options that show balance and restraint, plus simple snacks like cheese and charcuterie. J.B. 10368 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. banterwine.com A flight of beers at Cellarmaker, which opened new taprooms and breweries in Berkeley and Oakland this year. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle 2019 Cellarmaker Brewing Cult-favorite Cellarmaker has been busy. It shut down its original brewery in SoMa at the end of last year, then took over the old Rare Barrel brewery in Berkeley and debuted a new flagship location in Oakland. But the two new East Bay locations feel quite different. Oakland is like a full-blown restaurant. So if you just want to drink some hoppy beers in peace, go to Berkeley. The vibe is classic industrial brewery, with lots of picnic tables, a large sunny patio, friendly service and a disco ball. (Theres even karaoke on Fridays!) Bring your kids and your dogs, and choose from 15 beers on tap, plus a bunch of tempting bottles of sour experiments from the Rare Barrel. The food menu is minimal, but there are some crispy round bar pies that are great for sharing. J.B. 940 Parker St., Berkeley. cellarmakerbrewing.com The Delta Diamond cocktail stars popcorn-infused Tequila at Chispa in Napa. Ramin Rahimian/Special to The Chronicle Chispa Chispa is undeniably the hottest Wine Country bar opening of 2023 and wine is, surprisingly, not the focus. Instead, this downtown Napa bar is dedicated to tequila. With more than 80 selections that go far beyond mainstream labels, order it neat or in cocktails. The purple-hued Side Eye, for example, is made with Tequila blanco, lime, hibiscus and a bitter pomegranate liqueur from Mexico. Chispa is the latest project from the owners of Cadet, Napas most popular wine bar, and is arguably the most exciting and energetic addition to the citys booming cocktail scene. Seafood takes center stage on the robust food menu: try the spicy Kung Pao octopus ($20), or if youre feeling fancy, the Caviar Bump ($150) comes with a shot of Tequila, fried chicken skin chips and quail eggs. Yet its something simpler the queso crossed with a caramelized French onion dip that absolutely cant be missed. J.L. 1500 First St., Suite 140, Napa. chispabar.com Citrus salad from the Redwood, a new natural wine bar in Sebastopol. Jameson Wolf The Redwood The Bay Area may feel oversaturated with natural wine bars, but theyre shockingly scant in Wine Country, where classic styles reign supreme. This makes the Redwood, a cozy and understated natural wine oasis in Sebastopol, a welcome addition to Sonomas wine scene. Dont be afraid to go wild with the wine list: Youll find a pet-nat from Georgia, a locally-made, red-white co-ferment and even skin contact wine from Wisconsin. Plan to stay for lunch or dinner, as the Redwoods Mediterranean menu has turned this spot into one of the best restaurants in town. Order a variety of snacks to share tinned fish, coppa and melon and a trio of dips with pita alongside something hearty, like braised lamb shank or a curry-spiced roasted chicken. J.L. 234 S Main St., Sebastopol. theredwoodwine.com Patrons gather outside Celeste, a natural wine bar in Cow Hollow. Caleb Pershan / The Chronicle Celeste See all those people drinking on the sidewalk in Cow Hollow? No, its not Balboa Cafe. Thats Celeste, another natural wine bar from the team behind vibrant S.F. bars Bodega and Key Club. Like its sibling establishments, Celeste can get loud with raucous music, in its case partly due to a chic minimalist wood interior thats a bit echoey. The wine list includes cheeky tasting notes: a Cab Franc is described as musk, palo santo, boho; a Sicilian red as in the know, daddy dollars. Order some Greek-inspired skewers to eat and grab a quieter table outside to enjoy a glass of juicy Loire red described as a sidewalk sipper. C.P. 2165 Union St., San Francisco. instagram.com/celestewinebar Custom carved redwood sculptures sit behind the bar at Voyage in San Anselmo, which serves natural wine and low-ABV cocktails. Courtesy Cass Cleave Voyage Theres plenty of Marin terroir in the look and feel of this new natural wine bar, with handsome, rustic materials like redwood arched columns, Douglas fir floorboards and a roaring fireplace. The owners of nearby restaurant Stillwater in Fairfax do justice to this stately corner theater building in San Anselmo, stocking it with a list of mostly natural wines from France and California (they also run the nearby wine shop Souvenir). Theres also bar food like local cheeses and a mortadella hoagie ($13) and low-ABV cocktails; try a martini-like number called the Tomales with bergamot, Manzanilla sherry, and Dolin blanc vermouth garnished with a Douglas fir tip ($13). C.P. 500 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. voyagebar.com Owner Steven Huynh behind the bar at Goodtime Bar in San Jose. Weber Shih/Special to The Chronicle Goodtime Bar San Jose got in on the natural wine bar boom this year with Goodtime Bar, where a disco ball spins inside and locals spill out onto bustling Fountain Alley. All glasses which are tiny and cartoon-adorned cost $14; theres no list to choose from, so ask the staff what theyve got open and theyll fill you in. The bar is bringing in all of these cool people who Ive never seen come downtown, Wendy Neff, owner of neighboring brewpub Foxtale Fermentation Project, previously told the Chronicle. C.P. 30 Fountain Alley #160, San Jose. goodtimebarsj.com A picture window with seating at Left Door, which opened above longtime institution the Bus Stop Saloon in Cow Hollow this year. Courtesy Left Door Left Door This speakeasy-style bar located above Cow Hollow classic Bus Stop Saloon feels like someones San Francisco apartment, if that someone were very rich and had recently redecorated. Walk-in guests are welcome buzz in at the unmarked left door next to the bar downstairs but reservations would be wise: On a recent weeknight visit, the space was packed with patrons, who are encouraged to dress up and put down their phones while hanging out in several rooms of lounge-y tufted couches, velvet chairs and dark patterned wallpaper. Drinks are luxe and pricy, mostly in the $20 range. Focused on California-distilled spirits, the menu features a whole section devoted to martinis and optional olive pairings (with blue or goat cheese, Meyer lemon rind or even caviar). But you can also get a shot of good bourbon and a Budweiser, a special that will set you back $23. C.P. This is the moment a crazed accountant and his husband had a huge airport meltdown and swore at a wheelchair-bound woman after accusing American Airlines staff of keeping them from their pet dogs. Furious Dustin Miller, 42, was seen screaming 'American Airlines have f**ked us over!' as his Louis Vuitton-toting husband Anthony Thorne, 40, implored him to think about their 'girls' - the couple's pet dogs Shelby and Dolly. The drama began at Charlotte Douglas Airport earlier this week, with accountant Miller also seen screeching 'F**k off, bitch!' at a woman in a wheelchair who was also waiting to board the flight to Fort Lauderdale, where the couple live. 'You're not going to get on the flight and see your girls,' Thorne shouted as he aggressively dragged his husband away from the American Airlines staff member who he was berating for an unknown reason. It's unclear what prompted the drama, which was initially shared on TikTok. DailyMail.com has contacted the couple and AA for further comment. 'Remember your girls! You don't care about the girls, you don't care about the girls,' Thorne kept repeating, in a seemingly manic state. The 'girls', later identified as Shelby and Dolly, are actually the two dogs that the couple share, their social media revealed. The names are possibly a reference to the 1989 movie Steel Magnolias in which one of the characters is called Shelby and Dolly Parton plays the part of Truvy Jones. A gay couple on their way home to Florida had an epic meltdown in the airport as one clutched Louis Vuitton luggage while the other screamed at a woman in a wheelchair According to social media, the couple recently celebrated their nine-year wedding anniversary. 'Who knew Anthony could turn this h*e (just kidding) into a husband,' Miller jokingly posted on his Facebook page in an anniversary tribute to his husband 'You're not going to get on the flight and see your girls,' Thorne screamed as he aggressively dragged his husband away from the American Airlines staff member The 'girls,' later identified as Shelby and Dolly, are actually the two dogs that couple shares, their social media revealed Miller (left) works as an accountant at Sykes & Company. He is seen here with his husband, Anthony Thorne (right) Thorne and Miller are pictured celebrating their wedding day in 2014 Miller - who works as an accountant at Sykes & Company - was not afraid to draw attention to their chaotic dispute. 'Hello, everybody! American Airlines f***ed us over,' Miller screamed at the baffled crowds in the lounge. 'Shelby and Dolly. Shelby and Dolly. Shelby and Dolly, remember them. Shelby and Dolly. Shelby and Dolly,' Thorne slurred at his husband as Miller pointed at members of the crowd and staggered around the gate. 'I'm just trying to get home to the girls,' Miller's fed-up husband pleaded with him. Just as the situation was de-escalating, a woman sitting in a wheelchair made an inaudible comment that set Miller off again. 'F*** off, b*tch,' he shouted at the woman after speaking incoherently about his 'most favorite dogs.' Meanwhile a young girl in the background can be seen grinning as the drama unfolds before her. According to social media, the couple recently celebrated their nine-year wedding anniversary. 'Who knew Anthony could turn this h*e (just kidding) into a husband,' Miller jokingly posted on his Facebook page in an anniversary tribute to his husband. In a separate social media post, Miller joked: 'Please pray for my husband. Nothing is wrong with him. He's just married to me and I am a lot.' Just as the situation was de-escalating, a woman sitting in a wheelchair made a comment that set Miller off again. 'F*** off b*tch,' he shouted at the woman 'I'm just trying to get home to the girls,' Miller's fed-up husband pleaded with him Records show the the pair live in an apartment building in the popular gay neighborhood of Wilton Manors, Florida. Their building features a large pool and their approximately $800,000 apartment has a large balcony. Prior to working as an accountant, Miller worked as the manager of the chain restaurant Longhorn Steakhouse in Greenville, North Carolina, according to his Linkedin profile. Comments on the TikTok video that captured the dramatic meltdown were quick to poke fun at the couple's obsession with 'their girls.' 'The gorls Shelby and Dolly are definitely Pomeranians,' one user said. 'I'm telling my kids this is Cam and Mitchell,' another commenter joked - referring to the gay couple in Modern Family. Danny Masterson is pictured in a new prison mugshot after he was transferred to state prison to serve out his 30-year sentence for raping two women more than 20 years ago. The That '70s Show star was moved to North Kern State Prison on Wednesday and is pictured tight lipped with long messy hair and a beard. Masterson, 47, had been sentenced to 30-years to life with the possibility of parole for two counts of rape with force, violence or fear of bodily injury on September 7 and was being held at the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail. Following his sentencing, it was reported that he was under round-the-clock surveillance in case he showed signs of 'mental distress' and deputies would come by his cell every half hour to check on him 'with the goal of keeping tabs on his mental state and making sure he's safe'. Danny Masterson, 47, is pictured in a new mugshot after he was transferred to state prison to serve out this 30-years to life prison sentence The That '70s Show star was moved to North Kern State Prison on Wednesday A jury found the actor guilty in May for two rapes committed in 2003 and was hung on a third rape charge, which prosecutors have said that they will not push further for a conviction. At the sentencing trial, Jane Doe 1 called Masterson a 'true coward and heartless monster,' adding that to this day she suffer from an extreme fear of the dark and frequently wakes up crying. Sometimes, she said, she hides in a closet or screams out the window: 'I'm not okay.' 'I think life is an appropriate sentence,' she said. The woman continued telling the room that she was born into a family of Scientologists, and when she reported the rape to the church, a top official 'made it clear that Danny was untouchable.' 'I did not choose to be born into Scientology - and I did not choose to be raped by Danny Masterson,' said the mother of three daughters, fighting back tears. 'Scientology attempted to silence us to intimidate us.' Of the two women whose rape Masterson was convicted of, Jane Doe 1 testified that in April 2003 she was at the actor's house where he gave her a fruity red drink with vodka that made her feel woozy, then threw her in his Jacuzzi, carried her upstairs where she passed out and woke up to find him raping her She fought back, pushed a pillow into his face, she told the jury. But he pushed it back into her face, smothering her and she blacked out again. When she woke, she said, Masterson opened a bedside draw and pulled out a gun which he brandished, telling her, 'Don't fing move.' Jane Doe 2 - whom the actor was also convicted of raping - met Masterson at a bar in 2003 and gave him her phone number. He called her and invited her to his home. Masterson blows his wife Bijou Phillips a kiss in the court room as he is sentenced to 30 years behind bars, seen in a court sketch Masterson arrives at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, May 31, 2023, with wife Bijou Phillips for his trial She went, and, after having a drink and a stint in his Jacuzzi, she found herself in his bathroom shower with him where, she told jurors, he 'suddenly shoved his penis into her vagina.She said no, I told you no sex.' They ended up in Masterson's bed where, despite her protests, he flipped her over and started pounding her from behind 'like a jackhammer,' she testified, adding that she felt 'like a limp rag doll.' At sentencing, Jane Doe 2 said, 'You are pathetic, disturbed and extremely violent and the world is a safer place with you in prison.' Jane Doe 3 - whom Masterson was charged with, but not convicted of raping - lived with Masterson for six years. She was only 17 when she met him and he persuaded her to become a Scientologist, she told the court. About a year into their relationship he became very 'controllingand very aggressive sexually' - she would often wake up at night and he would be on top of her, having sex with her, she said. In one such incident in November 2001, when she woke up to find him having sex with her, she told him no and tried to push him off, the court heard. When that didn't work, she pulled his hair. But he retaliated by hitting her across the face and calling her 'white trash,' she told the jury. After his conviction, Masterson was expelled from the Church of Scientology and declared a 'suppressive person' or 'SP' which the church defines as someone whose behavior seeks to impede the spiritual progress of those around him. The label means fellow Scientologists, including his wife Bijou Phillips and his family, will be required to cut all ties with the convicted rapist. But even with the expulsion, the church maintains that Masterson is innocent of all charges, according to insiders. Phillips, 43, stood by her husband throughout the two trials - but just 12 days after his September 7 sentencing she filed for divorce after 12 years of marriage. Masterson played wise-cracking Steven Hyde on That '70s Show from 1998 to 2006 The former That 70s Show star agreed to give Phillips both legal and physical custody of the couple's daughter as he serves time in jail The Church of Scientology expelled Masterson following his conviction and declared him a 'suppressive person' In her filings she revealed that she and Masterson who is currently in LA's Central Men's Jail awaiting a decision as to where he will serve his sentence had been living apart for five years. Masterson's lawyer remains defiant in the wake of the actor's 30-year sentence for rape, telling the media that the legal fight is not over because his conviction is 'not supported by evidence.' The That 70s Show star's lawyer Shawn Holley told the media after the sentencing that a 'a team of the top appellate lawyers in the country has been reviewing the transcripts of the trial.' '[They] have identified a number of significant evidentiary and constitutional issues which they will address in briefs to both state and federal appellate courts,' she added. Holley called the jury's verdict 'not supported by the evidence' and that despite having the upmost respect for the judicial system 'sometimes they get it wrong. And that's what happened here.' Holley said that her team was confident that Masterson's conviction would be overturned on appeal. The demonstrators have already disrupted the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting and Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade The New York City Police Department is ramping up security for the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square over fears Pro-Palestine protestors are set to disrupt it. It is deploying thousands of officers to the area and could use a combination of robots, drones and detection dogs to prevent any interruption to the event, which annually attracts an estimated one million people. Mayor Eric Adams said he is 'sure' Pro-Palestine protestors will try to cause disruption at the famous New Year's Eve ball drop. 'Were sure theres gonna be some type of attempt this year,' he said at a news conference on Tuesday. 'Everyone looks for events like this if they want to do bad things, and the police department is on top of it.' It comes after the protestors, who are calling for a ceasefire as 21,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fight between Israel and Hamas, disrupted the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting and Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. The New York City Police Department is ramping up security for the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square over fears Pro-Palestine protestors are set to disrupt it It comes after the protestors, who are calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas , disrupted the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting and Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade Mayor Eric Adams said he is 'sure' Pro-Palestine protestors will try to cause disruption at the famous New Year's Eve ball drop The NYPD is placing thousands of police officers in Times Square on New Year's Eve, both in uniform and plain clothes, to prevent any interruptions. They will be using different strategies and technologies to monitor any potential disruptions. 'The variety of tools, whether robots, drones, bomb-sniffing dogs all of those things are in play,' former deputy commissioner Richard Esposito told CBS New York. 'Theyre going to be on alert for something different than what weve had in the past, but they are mostly concerned [about] the people who go out [to] enjoy their night. 'And they want to keep the protests and the freedom of speech from interfering with other peoples freedom and enjoying themselves.' The Times Square Alliance has teamed up with the NYPD, private security firms and federal authorities to keep the area safe. Its president Tom Harris said: 'If youre going to come and try to disrupt the event, youre probably not gonna be successful, and if you are, youre going to be arrested. 'So stay home and protest someplace else.' Times Square will be closed off from around 12 pm on New Year's Eve and those who want to get into the area have to go through police checkpoints and security screenings. Mayor Adams is worried about the police's ability to deal with protestors after the city settled a lawsuit this year over how police can respond to mass demonstrations. The NYPD is placing thousands of police officers in Times Square on New Year's Eve, both in uniform and plain clothes, to prevent any interruptions The Times Square Alliance has warned demonstrators they won't be successful and will be arrested so to 'stay home and protest someplace else' The NYPD agreed to stop 'kettling,' which is a tactic to herd and confine groups into a small area before making arrests. 'The Police Department [has] to be extremely more hesitant in actions that they would have carried out in the past to keep the peace,' Adams warned. 'I did not agree with the concept of those changes. I pushed back hard I thought it put us on a very troubling direction.' The NYPD has not received any threats of demonstrations at the event. It comes after pro-Palestine supporters marched on Christmas Day and targeted the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Demonstrators also disrupted the Thanksgiving Day Parade last month where they poured fake blood on their clothes and called for 'liberation for Palestine.' DailyMail.com has contacted the NYPD for comment. Embattled Harvard President Claudine Gay has said she's planning an official trip to Asia, despite mounting pressure for her to quit over the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus. Gay told the Harvard Crimson she was 'looking forward' to visiting the far east continent in March, in what would be her first international tour since assuming office in July. She said she hopes to spend the trip connecting 'with different parts of our alumni community that I haven't had a chance to reach so far.' Though it's not clear which countries she will visit, her four predecessors made high-profile trips to east Asian countries including China, where they each met with Xi Jinping in Beijing. The penultimate Harvard president, Lawrence S Bacow, also spent his final Spring break as president this year touring Jordan, Israel and Palestine. Embattled Harvard President Claudine Gay (pictured) has said she's planning an official trip to Asia , despite mounting pressure for her to quit over the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, talks to Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow at the Great Hall Of The People on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, in Beijing, China Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, poses with Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust for photos at the Great Hall of the People Monday, March 16, 2015 in Beijing, China Gay is likely to be touring some of the same countries to potentially meet heads of states, raise funds, meet international alumni and visit local colleges. Harvard spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain confirmed last week that Gay is 'planning is ongoing for a potential trip by her to Asia in March.' 'No locations or destinations for the potential trip have been confirmed,' he added. Harvard heavily relies on donations as one of it's largest revenue source by far - but its response to the Israel-Hamas conflict has put these funding sources at risk. A laundry list of major donors have withdrawn financial support and partnerships with the university amid the anti-Semitism firestorm fanned by its president's own actions. They include powerful billionaire alumni Bill Ackman, who is leading the campaign for Gay's removal, and claims that Harvard lost a staggering $1 billion in donations thanks to her 'failures'. Gay, who took the reigns at Harvard on July 1, has faced intense scrutiny since the October 7 terror attack in Israel, following her failure to immediately condemn students who justified Hamas' actions. She subsequently issued two apologies that offered more vociferous condemnation of Hamas, the Palestinian terror group behind the atrocities. Fuel was poured on the fire on December 5, when she testified before Congress about antisemitism on campus, and equivocated on whether calling for the genocide of Jews was hate speech. Many students at the top university responded to the October 7 attack by placing the blame on Israel. A group of 31 student groups released a letter to the public as a 'Joint Statement by Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups on the Situation in Palestine' saying that the attacks 'did not happen in a vacuum'. Gay, who took the reigns at Harvard on July 1, has faced intense scrutiny since the October 7 terror attack in Israel, following her failure to immediately condemn students who justified Hamas' actions Billionaire Bill Ackman, who has donated hundreds of millions to his alma matter, also paused donations following the breakout of the war, and has since led a campaign to replace Gay 'We, the undersigned student organizations, hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence,' the groups wrote. They did not condemn the terrorist group's actions or express sympathy for the 1,200 victims. Several pro-Palestine protests erupted around campus in the weeks that followed, including some which escalated into physical confrontations. In Palestine, more than 20,000 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes which have pummeled the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the bombing will continue until Hamas releases the remaining hostages. The Harvard Corporation admitted that she should have condemned Hamas' attack in Israel sooner, but gave its full support for her continuing in her role. 'Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,' the board said in a statement. It added: 'So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the University's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation. On Tuesday, a data scientist also challenged her analytical methods. It was then revealed that she had refused to share her data, raising eyebrows in academia. The Palestine Solidarity Committee holding banners outside the prestigious college Jonatan Pallesen, a Copenhagen-based data scientist working for the Confederation of Danish Industry, tweeted that he had examined her use of data in her PhD thesis, and a 2001 American Political Science Review (APSR) paper. The 2001 paper - 'The Effect of Black Congressional Representation on Political Participation' - was one of four peer-reviewed political science articles which secured her 2005 tenure at Stanford. Gay has found her academic record pored over, and accusations of plagiarism in works listed on her resume have emerged. The university launched an investigation into this on November 2. Gay had received an undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in government from Harvard, before returning to Stanford to teach. In 2006, she joined Harvard's faculty, serving as a professor of government and of African and African American studies. She became dean of Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences in 2018. Pallesen found that the 2001 paper was misleading, and incomplete. 'I am not a political scientist, but I am pondering about the whole approach of her study,' he said. Harvard is the most influential university in U.S. politics, having produced eight former presidents and four of the nine current Supreme Court Justices. QUESTION: Why can some wines be matured in bottles for years and others can't? The ability of a wine to age and improve in the bottle depends on several factors and not all wines are suitable, or designed, for long-term ageing. Tannins are compounds found in grape skins, seeds and stems, as well as in oak barrels. Red wines generally have higher levels than white wines. Tannins preserve and help wines age gracefully. Over time, they can polymerise and soften, leading to a smoother texture in the wine. If you were to taste a classic claret such as Chateau Margaux, Lafite or Latour in its youth, it would taste astringent. After a decade or two, the tannins will have softened to something deep, complex and alluring on the nose and palate. To mature over a long period, a wine needs components that slow its oxidation and allow its elements to evolve in harmony. Tannins provide structure and add oxidative capacity. The more tannin, the slower a wine will oxidise. Grapes with a higher acidity tend to age better. Acidity acts as a natural preservative and can help a wine maintain its structure and freshness over time. The ability of a wine to age and improve in the bottle depends on several factors, and not all wines are designed or suitable for long term ageing Sugar and alcohol content are important, too; sweet and high-alcohol wines tend to age better than dry and low-alcohol wines. They act as preservatives and can help protect the wine from spoilage. Sauternes, the great dessert wines of Bordeaux, can mature for decades. Tomorrow's questions Q: Can a tick bite make you allergic to meat? Tom Davies, Kidderminster, Worcs. Q: Who were the Broederbond sect? Rachel London, Cranleigh, Surrey. Q: Was there a great Saxon queen of England who has been forgotten by history? Jean Forster, Ascot, Berks. Advertisement The way a wine is made, including the use of oak ageing and the duration of skin contact during fermentation, can affect its ageing potential. Wines that have undergone extended maceration (soaking skins in grape juice) or have been aged in oak barrels can develop complex flavours and aromas over time. Varietal characteristics are key; some grape varieties age better than others. For example, red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese are high in tannin and acid and are revered for their ageing properties; whereas Beaujolais, a classic Rhone Valley red, is almost always drunk young. It is made from the Gamay grape, which is low in tannins and bursting with ripe fruit drink almost immediately after it's made. Many white wine grapes lack tannins and their product is designed to be drunk young; a good example is Sauvignon Blanc. However, varieties such as Riesling, Chenin Blanc and the ever-versatile Chardonnay can produce wines that evolve positively with age; think of some white Burgundies such as Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet and Meursault, though these will cost a pretty penny. It's important to note that not all wines are meant to be aged. Many wines, especially those produced for immediate consumption, are crafted to be enjoyed in their youth, when their fruit flavours and freshness are at their peak. Before deciding to age a wine, it's advisable to check with the producer or seek expert advice to determine its suitability for cellaring. James Mullery, Oxford. QUESTION: Was SMERSH a real organisation? Yes, SMERSH was a real organisation. SMERSH is an acronym for 'Smert shpionam' in Russian, which translates as 'Death to spies' in English. Former British intelligence agent Ian Fleming borrowed the name SMERSH to use as his 'bad guys' in the early James Bond novels Casino Royale, Live And Let Die, From Russia With Love and Goldfinger. He later replaced it with the less-political SPECTRE. SMERSH was named and formed by Joseph Stalin himself out of counterintelligence elements of the NKVD (the Soviet secret police) in April 1943. He placed it under his direct control, thus bypassing the network of NKVD leader Lavrentiy Beria. Stalin placed Viktor Abakumov (1908-54) at its head. Abakumov was a notoriously brutal official known to torture prisoners with his own hands. SMERSH, an acronym for Smert sphionam (death to spies) was named and formed by Joseph Stalin himself out of counterintelligence elements of the NKVD in 1943 Following the Siege of Stalingrad and the German retreat, SMERSH's primary goal became finding and arresting members of Nazi intelligence and counterintelligence. The arrest of Soviet collaborators and vetting of Soviet citizens living in areas that had been occupied by German troops was another aspect of its work. At the end of the war and in the first postwar year, SMERSH was actively involved in the inspection of former Soviet PoWs and repatriates in special filtration camps organised for this purpose. More than four million people went through the system. After inspection, countless soldiers were sent to the Gulag, despite having fought for their country. Among the many thousands of victims arrested by SMERSH was artillery officer and writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. At the end of 1946, SMERSH's activities were taken over by the Ministry of State Security (MGB). In 1946, Stalin appointed Abakumov head of MGB, carrying out the persecution and torture of prominent Jews. The latter was himself executed after being denounced by one of his subordinates. Neil J. Foulds, Gloucester. QUESTION: Can any parts of the body not heal themselves? The only part of the body that cannot regenerate to some extent is tooth enamel. It is a hardened secretion of calcium phosphate, not a living tissue, and the cells that secrete it are dead and gone by the time a tooth emerges from the gum. Enamel can only be artificially repaired by a dentist. Tooth enamel is the only part of the body that cannot regenerate to some extent and can only be artificially repaired by a dentist Other parts of the body have a slow or restricted ability to regenerate. Damaged nerve cells only grow back at a rate of about an inch a month, and recovery is typically incomplete and slow. Cartilage, which cushions joints, has a limited blood supply and lacks nerve cells. As a result, it has a poor capacity for self-repair. Cartilage injuries often lead to long-term issues, and conditions such as osteoarthritis can develop. The pancreas has limited regenerative capacity; and damage to its insulin-producing beta cells can contribute to the development of diabetes. Conversely, some tissues have tremendous capacity for regeneration. For example, the liver regrows to normal size even after half of it has been removed. However, its function can be severely compromised if it is repeatedly damaged by, for example, excessive drinking. Dr K. Singh, Luton, Beds. READ MORE: Victoria to ban all new homes from having a gas connection Millions to be charged thousands to connect to gas Millions of Australians will be slugged thousands to connect their homes and businesses to natural gas as part of one state's plan to halve carbon emissions. Victoria's Essential Services Commission has proposed new rules that will require homes to pay $2,500 and businesses $31,000 to connect to the network. The cost of connecting homes to the gas network depends on where the property is located but the average upfront cost is between $1,778 and $2,378. The price balloons for commercial and industrial properties with business owners to pay between $7,111 and $30,993 to connect to the network. The rules will replace current ones that allow for network connections to be paid back over a period of time through charges on utility bills. Millions of Australians will be forced to cough up thousands to connect their homes and businesses to natural gas (stock image) The ESC says the plan will bring the industry into line with electricity and water connections which can cost new homeowners between $600 and $2,400. The state's energy regulator says this will also cap new investments into the gas network - forcing customers to pay back even more. Victoria is on a mission to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and is limiting any further growth of the gas network to reduce the gas assets that need to be paid off. Industry experts say people with lower incomes who can't afford to convert to electricity will be the ones who cop the costs, with gas providers given the green light to charge an extra $333million over five years. The transition from gas to electricity comes amid modelling showing electricity prices had soared by more than 50 per cent in one year. It comes after new homes that require a planning permit after January 1, 2024 were banned from connecting to gas as the state moves towards electric power. Any new public buildings which are yet to reach design stages by the cut off date - including schools, police stations and hospitals - must be entirely electric. The Allan government hopes the transition will shave up to $1,000 from household electricity bills each year with hopes it will also lead to cash savings. Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs, previously told Daily Mail Australia the changes were a 'direct attack on Victorian families who are facing the ever-increasing dilemma between whether to heat or eat'. Victoria's energy regulator as proposed new rules that will require homes to pay $2,500 and businesses to pay $31,000 to connect to the gas network (stock image) 'Gas bills for Victorian families have increased by 50 per cent... This price rise is by far the largest increase of any state, and more than double the national average.' Mr Wild said it would be 'misleading' to blame the Russian invasion of Ukraine for the price hikes - as the Victorian Energy Minister has done in the past. 'Her government has no one else to blame for out-of-control gas price rise but themselves, which has been more reckless than any other state in banning the development of this vital resource,' he said. 'Banning the use of gas is fundamentally out of step with community expectations and is another example of the ever-growing intrusion of the Victorian Government into the day-to-day lives of families.' In July, Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio proclaimed it was 'time to put gas on the backburner' in the wake of massive price hikes due to the invasion of Ukraine. New data recently revealed struggling Victorians are increasingly relying on government energy bill relief grants amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Earlier this year, prominent think tank the Grattan Institute suggested state and territory governments ban new natural gas connections to homes and businesses. Victoria is the first state to legislate such changes, and partially funds the institute. The Grattan report said Australia would fail to meet its net zero by 2050 carbon emissions target unless gas appliances were replaced with electric ones. New Year's Eve revellers have been advised to wear face masks, test for Covid if they have symptoms and steer clear of large gatherings with cases on the rise. Experts have warned a new wave of Covid subvariants, which are less severe than the original virus but more contagious, has taken hold of Australia. While case numbers have been climbing, a lull in Covid testing and reporting has made it difficult to predict when the wave will peak. Curtin University professor of public health Jaya Dantas believes the worst of the wave will likely hit next week following large gatherings for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Data from the Covid Live tracker shows new cases nationally averaged 964 over the last seven days. New Year's Eve revellers have been advised to wear face masks, test for Covid if they have symptoms and steer clear of large gatherings with cases on the rise Experts have warned a new wave of Covid subvariants, which are less severe than the original virus but more contagious, has taken hold of Australia As of December 27, 1,638 people were hospitalised with the virus and 22 were in intensive care. NSW had the highest number of hospitalisations with 811 receiving treatment for Covid. Prof Danatas believes the actual number of Australians sick with Covid is much higher. 'Our numbers would be much more than what is reported not enough testing is happening, but case numbers are definitely increasing,' Professor Dantas told the Australian Financial Review. 'There will also be an increase in Covid in the period post-Christmas and New Year's just because we've been gathering, so we need to take small precautions.' She advised the precautions include 'sensible choices' like wearing face masks in public and getting eligible booster shots. University of South Australia professor Adrian Esterman said that while it's difficult to predict when cases will peak, it's clear there's 'an awful lot of Covid around'. While case numbers have been climbing, a lull in Covid testing and reporting has made it difficult to predict when the wave will peak He added the subvariants circulating the most were JN.1, HK.2 and HV.1 and urged Australians to top up their booster shots. Symptoms of these strains included severe sore throats and difficulty sleeping - fevers were rarer than in earlier variants. Professor Esterman predicted Australia will see another two or three waves of Covid in 2024. 'We are also likely to see improved vaccines such as nasal sprays or inhalants and better antivirals. Long Covid will also be a major issue, with more people affected but fewer services available - not a good recipe,' he said. The Government is renting out hundreds of properties which were bought for the doomed HS2 line for millions of pounds after the owners were forced to sell up. After 600million of taxpayer's money was spent buying up property for Phase 2 of the high speed rail line, the Prime Minister axed the northern leg. But the project had already seen land bought across the country, decimating communities who saw their neighbourhoods shattered, with one resident calling her town a 'ghost village' because so many properties were snapped up. Even after the northern leg was cancelled, HS2 bosses still pressed ahead with 201 property purchases - half of which fell along the Birmingham to Manchester leg. And now it has emerged that at least 710 of the properties have been put back onto the rental market, collecting almost 9million a year. After 600million of taxpayer's money was spent buying up property for Phase 2 of the high speed rail line, the Prime Minister axed the northern leg. Pictured: Mockup of a HS2 train Phases 2a and 2b of the project were scrapped earlier this year The cancelled route would have cut through homes in Hopton, Staffordshire Whitmore Heath in the West Midlands, where 70 per cent of homes were purchased for HS2 Originally designed as a 'Y-shaped' network, it was envisioned that the line would link a number of routes across London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and the Midlands. Under current plans, Phase One of HS2 involves the railway being built between London and Birmingham, with the line being extended from the West Midlands to Crewe under the now cancelled Phase 2a. Phase 2b would then have connected Crewe to Manchester and the West Midlands to the East Midlands and a further eastern leg which would have ran from Birmingham to Leeds. According to the i newspaper, property in places such as Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire are being rented out, making HS2 a collective 8.9m a year. The northern leg of the project was planned to pass through some of the countryside's most expensive postcodes, meaning HS2 is now renting out many high-value homes. More than half of these properties are costing between 1,000 to 5,000 a month. In total, HS2 earns 22million from renting out the homes - and almost 9million relates to the cancelled Phase 2 stretch. A general view of the HS2 construction site at Curzon Street in Birmingham Comedian John Bishop sold Whatcroft Hall to transport bosses behind HS2 for 6.8million In Northwich, Cheshire, HS2 bought the comedian John Bishop's home because the route was supposed to come within 150 metres of his property. Bishop bought the 24-acre mansion in Northwich, Cheshire, for 2.25million in 2011 but sold it to The Secretary of State for Transport for 6.8million. Whatcroft Hall was valued twice by HS2 surveyors and an offer was made below the market value, which Bishop reluctantly accepted. This is despite his public opposition to the scheme. The 52-year-old funnyman 'maintains his opposition to HS2' But the mansion is now being rented out by HS2 for as much as 10,000 a month. In nearby Middlewich, HS2 bought up Stanthorne Park Mews, which includes ten barn conversions. An advert for one of the three-bedroom properties was added to RightMove this month at a rent of 1,200. In Whitmore, Staffordshire, around 50 properties were bought by HS2. The residents who are left say it has been turned into a 'ghost village' because of this. For those living along the ghost route like Staffordshire farmer Bernard Kettle, the news of the cancelled northern leg came as a blow. Mr Kettle's farm has been wrecked by HS2. Before planners decided that a tunnel would need to go under his land and a compound built for where it exited the earth, he had 500 cattle and crops galore. He told MailOnline that for years, as the plans evolved, he had a series of experts arriving on his land to conduct surveys. 'Surveys for bats, surveys for reptiles, surveys for soil, you name it, they surveyed it,' he said. 'Some of the stuff I saw was just ridiculous. The original route of Britain's High Speed Two network extended to Leeds and Manchester Staffordshire farmer Bernard Kettle has seen great expanses of his farm wrecked and repurposed by HS2 over the years 'During one very hot spell, the newt experts turned up with dozens of pieces of corrugated tin that they laid all over the fields. 'They said it was to attract the newts and I told them if a newt goes under one of those things, they'll cook themselves. They were so hot you couldn't pick them up. 'They have covered the farm with newt fencing to stop any migration and then they dug deep newt ponds only to come back a few weeks later and cover the holes over health and safety concerns. 'In another part of the farm they planted saplings and then surrounded them with this awful fencing so strong it would have been too much for a lion enclosure. 'There were eight foot high gates as well totally out of keeping for the landscape, and when I asked they said it was to keep out the deer. I've been here 50 years and I've not seen a deer yet.' Much of the work done on the farm was to off-set HS2's carbon footprint and to that end, HS2 ordered 29,000 trees to be planted. Snape Hill Farm in Whitmore on the western edge of Staffordshire was one of those to lose a sizeable chunk of their land to HS2 and locals are now hopeful it will be returned. The high speed line ploughed straight through their 265-acre holding with two tunnels and a viaduct in quick succession to counter the hillside and a main rail line. This has blighted the farm where the Slater family have worked for the past 70 years. John Slater, 38, who runs the farm with his father Chris, 79, said: 'The route went right through the middle of the farm. If they had gone purely for tunnels we might have been alright but they added a viaduct over the existing rail line and that was the problem. 'They took 76 acres under compulsory purchase but the amount they paid us means we would never be able to buy it back. 'You are supposed to get 90 per cent of the value but they were paying 11,500 per acre when the market price is now 18-20,000. 'Now they own the farmyard, they own the cattle grid in front of the farmhouse. We would never be able to sell and we don't know what happens next.' The Department for Transport sparked uproar when it hailed the new spending in the capital as being made possible by using 'rerouted HS2 funding'. A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd told the i: 'We recognise that people did not choose to live in the path of a high speed railway, and understand the frustration they may now feel following the cancellation of the northern sections of HS2. 'At all times we endeavour to be understanding and to provide appropriate support and guidance. 'Where it is financially advantageous for the taxpayer, we always strive to lease properties on the open market, and HS2 Ltd's agents apply industry standard checks to all prospective tenants. 'Some properties require maintenance to meet current regulations before being let, and any vacant properties are maintained and kept secure with the interests of local residents in mind.' The revelation comes after ministers came under fire for promoting a 235million scheme to fix roads in London by using money stripped from HS2. The Department for Transport sparked uproar when it hailed the new spending in the capital as being made possible by using 'rerouted HS2 funding'. It also said that the London work was part of the Network North project, despite being in the South East. The project is spending 8.3billion across the UK on road repairs. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has blamed both the Biden Administration and Texas for his city struggling to care for thousands of migrants. The city has spent $138 million on the crisis that is only expected to get worse as temperatures drop as winter goes on. Johnson said about 15,000 asylum-seekers were crammed into 27 shelters across the city after being bused in from the US-Mexico border, particularly Texas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has sent more than 25,300 migrants to Chicago since August 2022, on buses and more recently on charter flights. About 10,000 migrants are crossing the border every day and many of them are sent to 'sanctuary cities' like Chicago, New York, and Denver. Chicago has spent $138 million on the crisis that is only expected to get worse as temperatures drop as winter goes on Johnson renewed his feud with Abbott, calling his actions 'reckless and dangerous', but also bemoaned the lack of federal support. 'I've said repeatedly that we need more resources and I've asked for $15 billion for the entire country,' he said on CNN on Wednesday. Johnson said he appreciated the federal government handing out work permits to get immigrants into jobs so they could support themselves. But he warned: 'Without significant investment from our federal government, it won't just be the city of Chicago that won't be able to maintain this mission. 'It's the entire country that is now at stake.' He shot another barb at President Joe Biden by calling for 'real, substantive immigration reform and policies that allow us to have a structure and a pathway to citizenship'. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has blamed both the Biden Administration and Texas for his city struggling to care with thousands of migrants Johnson said about 15,000 asylum-seekers were crammed into shelters across the city after being bused in from the US-Mexico border, particularly Texas Hundreds of asylum seekers temporarily stay at the O'Hare International Airport in Chicago The mayor claimed since he was elected seven months ago, poor coordination between federal, state, and local government had made the crisis worse. 'What I've worked to do instead of having chaos is provide some structure and calm around this situation and without significant federal support. This is not sustainable,' he said. 'We're talking about individuals who have suffered miles, thousands of miles of treachery, quite frankly, to get to the border. 'And so what we've seen... is that lack of coordination has caused tremendous stress.' An example included Abbott loading as many immigrants on to buses as he could and sending them to Illinois with no warning. Chicago tried to have them arrive at designated locations during business hours and impounding buses that didn't follow these rules. However, bus companies responded by dropping off migrants as far as 60 miles from Chicago, and Abbott started sending them on charter flights. Texas spent $86.1 million so far sending migrants to 'sanctuary cities' around the country, about $1,650 per person. 'In no way what the state of Texas is doing is helping the cause,' Johnson said on Wednesday. 'As much as we recognize there are significant challenges at the border... sending buses all over Illinois and all over the country is reckless and, quite frankly, dangerous.' A young migrant girl eagerly shows what she made from the overnight snowfall, in a small tent community in Chicago Chicago's mayor claimed since he was elected seven months ago, poor coordination between federal, state, and local government had made the crisis worse Johnson was joined by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston later on Wednesday for a coordinated attack on both Texas and the federal government. 'We cannot do this alone, we need more support from the federal government and today we stand charged and committed to ensure that our respective cities do our part and we need the federal government to lean in and provide more financial assistance,' he said. 'All of our cities have reached a point where we are either close to capacity or nearly out of room. 'Without significant intervention from the federal government, this mission will not be sustained.' Johnson said the haphazard arrival of 'rogue buses' from Texas had 'created an incredible amount of chaos' that was damaging local economies. '[They are] literally dropping families in the middle of nowhere,' he said. 'These families have experienced a great deal of political turmoil, trekking hundreds of thousands of miles to get to the border without real care or processing and without a system in place. 'The rogue buses, and now chartered flights, is not only unsafe but inhumane. So we are calling on not just the federal government to provide support and resources to address this humanitarian crisis, we also need better coordination at the border. 'The state of Texas has a responsibility to connect with municipalities around the country to help address and deal with this crisis.' Mayor Adams backed him up on both points, urging Abbott to stop 'using migrants as political pawns' but also on Biden to do far more to help. 'We cannot continue to do the federal government's job... we need action and we need it now,' he said. 'This is a national problem that has only been exacerbated by Governor Abbott's cruel and inhumane politics and that requires additional, national solutions. 'The federal government must take responsibility and lead on this humanitarian crisis instead of leaving it to cities and localities to handle.' Migrants are seen lining up in El Paso on Dec. 19 to board the plane to Chicago Officials from the City of El Paso have been working with state officials to bus over 17,000 migrants out of the West Texas city Texas migrants buses Over 12,500 migrants to Washington, D.C. since April 2022 Over 31,200 migrants to New York City since August 2022 Over 25,300 migrants to Chicago since August 2022 Over 3,400 migrants to Philadelphia since November 2022 Over 11,800 migrants to Denver since May 18 Over 1,200 migrants to Los Angeles since June 14 Source: Office of Gov. Greg Abbott Advertisement Conditions in Chicago's migrant shelters have been under a microscope since five-year-old boy Jean Carlo Martinez Rivero died on December 17. Johnson maintained there was 'no evidence the condition of the shelter caused the death of this young boy'. Volunteers who try to help the asylum-seekers as best they can argue differently, submitting lists of concerns to city officials months before Jean's death. Photos and videos inside the shelter where he died showed 2,300 migrants huddled together in freezing temperatures under a leaking roof. One video showed a young boy with what appeared to be a bandage on his head lying on a thin fold-out bed, distracting himself with a tablet. Another shows a different child coughing and crying as they had their temperature taken and were examined by volunteers. A third video showed water leaking from the roof and pooling on one of the beds. Despite strict ordinances penalizing charter buses loaded with migrants heading into Illinois, buses and planes with migrants are bound for Chicago as we speak, El Paso officials confirmed to DailyMail.com. Five-year-old Jean Carlo Martinez Rivero fell ill while at the Pilsen migrant shelter and was pronounced dead on arrival in hospital on Sunday days later Last week, the Texas Division of Emergency Management or TDEM, which handles migrant transports, chartered its first flight with migrants to Chicago to avoid growing restrictions over when and where migrants can be dropped off. 'TDEM basically flipped it; they said if we're going to have problems with buses, we are going to send flights,' John Martin, who runs the Opportunity Center for the Homeless in El Paso, told DailyMail.com in an interview on Tuesday. Migrants without money to move on to their final destination often opt to get on one of the Texas buses headed to so-called sanctuary cities. They sign a waiver saying they voluntarily agree to get on and be taken to New York City, Chicago, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Denver, or Los Angeles. From there, the state takes over. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said Clinton adviser James Carville should 'shut the f*** up' for questioning whether 81-year-old President Joe Biden should run for reelection. For months, Carville, 79, has voiced concerns about the president's sluggish poll numbers amid a less than enthusiastic Democratic base. In interview with Politico that was published Wednesday, Fetterman said Carville's commentary hasn't been useful. 'I'll use this [as] another opportunity to tell James Carville to shut the f*** up,' Fetterman said. 'Like I said, my man hasn't been relevant since grunge was a thing.' 'And I don't know why he believes it's helpful to say these kinds of things about an incredibly difficult circumstance with an incredibly strong and decent and excellent president. I'll never understand that,' the Pennsylvania Democrat added. Pennsylvani Sen. John Fetterman (left) told Democratic strategist James Carville to 'shut the f*** up' in an interview Wednesday with Politico Carville has questioned whether President Joe Biden (pictured), 81, should seek reelection due to his advanced age and low poll numbers Fetterman, 54, argued that it's too early to freak out over the polls, which show Biden is unpopular, would lose to former President Donald Trump in key swing states and that voters are concerned about the president's advanced age. The Pennsylvania senator said 'that doesn't really matter.' 'There's a whole lifetime in politics between now and next November as well. I'm not worried about that. And I'm very vocal about this, too, while there are Democrats that are being very critical about the president,' Fetterman said, before bringing up Carville's name. Carville broke onto the national scene during the 1992 race, helping Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton get elected president of the United States. In the three decades since, the Ragin' Cajun - as Carville is called - has been known for his frank takes on U.S. political affairs. In September, Carville floated that he believed the Democrats would easily keep the White House - if they ran a candidate younger than age 60 against Trump. 'We'd get 55 percent,' Carville said during an episode of Bill Maher's podcast. He was also interviewed at length for an October Atlantic story about Rep. Dean Phillips' decision to launch a primary campaign against Biden. In that piece, Carville discussed how Biden's poll numbers were 'not good - and they're not getting any better.' 'I talk to a lot of people who do a lot of congressional-level polling and state polling, and they're all saying the same thing. There's not an outlier; there's not another opinion The question is, has the country made up its mind?' Carville mused. He noted how the president's team believed Biden could win against Trump in 2024 because he already did so in 2020. But Carville pointed out that 2020 and 2024 are shaping up to be two very different election cycles - as there are a number of third party and independent candidates to siphon off voters and the Democrats aren't as enthusiastic as they were four years ago. 'The most under-covered story in contemporary American politics is that black turnout has been miserable everywhere since 2020,' the longtime Democratic political strategist observed. Carville also noted that 'nobody is saying "James, you're wrong." They're saying, "James, you can't say that."' In November, he told DailyMail.com that polls showing Biden losing to Trump in five of six swing states were 'totally unsurprising.' Responding to Fetterman's comments to Politico, Carville noted that some of the senator's Democratic colleagues 'apparently haven't gotten the memo yet' that he's irrelevant. 'His colleague Sen. Casey asked me to host a fundraiser with him last week,' Carville said, name-dropping Pennsylvania's other Democratic Sen. Bob Casey. 'Sen. Brown asked me to go to Cleveland to campaign with him,' he added, referencing Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. He said of Fetterman, 'I'm glad he's feeling better.' Fetterman suffered a near-deadly stroke last year and was hospitalized earlier this year for depression. Kevin Shenkman practices his argument for a California Supreme Court Voting Rights lawsuit against the city of Santa Monica in front of law professors in San Francisco on June 14. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle Thank you for giving readers an in-depth look at the California Voting Rights Act and how its good intentions can go awry (Powerful California law is reshaping how you vote, California, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 21). When cities and agencies abandon at-large voting and slice themselves into small districts, they may have trouble finding candidates willing to run, and extremists may take advantage of the vacuum. Small districts wont improve racial representation unless the population is racially segregated to match the districts. Proportional ranked choice voting offers a better alternative. All voters can rank all candidates in the order they prefer. Voters in a minority group can successfully elect candidates representing their group, in proportion with the groups size and strength. A 40%-Black community will likely end up with a 40%-Black governing body or whatever category voters identify with deeply. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With multi-member districts and proportional ranked choice, elected bodies ranging from local water boards to the U.S. Congress could come to reflect their constituents values more faithfully. Harry Chomsky, Albany Chron shares guilt Regarding How conservative Christians are taking over California school boards (California, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 21): The California Voting Rights Act was intended to empower citizens to have greater control over their local school boards. As the Chronicle correctly asserts after studying it for the past year, the act has accomplished that goal. For the Chronicle to say, however, that the wrong types of people are being empowered Christian conservatives is to engage in exactly the kind of anti-democratic, exclusive ideology that the law was intended to address. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tief Gibbs, Novato CVRA provisions ignored Regarding A powerful California law is reshaping how you vote. Lawyers are making millions off it (California, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 21): This article needs further reporting. Heres why: In the city of Novato, when Mr. Shenkmans letter arrived in 2019, the city attorney told the council, Pay the $30K. They paid. They also engaged a political consulting firm to create maps for a district election that would do exactly one thing: preserve each incumbents district. Two incumbents lived blocks from each other. A third incumbent, the then-current mayor, needed to be rescued from his adjacency to a fourth incumbent who was unbeatable. Accordingly, the consultants chopped up Novatos downtown, a majority/minority district, sending tendrils of white-voter-seeking north and south in order to build a friendly district that reached the mayors house in the hills. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The local papers opinion columnist wrote about it under the headline, Novato council is gerrymandering district lines and declared, Novatos citizenry should be outraged. Which begs the question: How many other entities have simply ignored the provisions of the CVRA, while pretending not to? Kevin James Morrison, Novato Biden should bow out Nothing would make President Biden look more magnanimous than removing himself from the ballot for the upcoming 20204 presidential election. There is a justifiable perception that politicians care almost exclusively about retaining office to the exclusion of all else. This would make Biden look noble. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There are a vast array of capable men and women in the party who would provide fresh ideas and energy. This is in no way advocating for or promoting Gov. Gavin Newsom. It would be stretching this to call it a sacrifice in the conventional sense but it would show him putting himself above party and self for the greater good. It is my fervent desire that he do so or that his inner circle persuade him to very strongly consider this. Edward Kierklo, San Francisco Gazas neighbors can help Gaza civilians have nowhere to go is the mournful refrain weve been hearing for more than two months. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Not true, if only neighboring countries Egypt, Jordon, Lebanon, Syria would welcome their Arab neighbors into their countries. Egypt is willing to bring desperately needed supplies into Gaza but will not allow thousands of Gazans waiting at the Rafa gate and elsewhere in. Call it callous, indifference, cold blooded, hypocrisy or something else. I call it tragic. He was a household name playing bumbling buffoons in the Carry On films. But behind Peter Butterworth was an extraordinary wartime backstory that can now be revealed in full for the first time. As a prisoner of war, not only was Lieutenant Butterworth closely involved in organising the famous Great Escape from Stalag Luft III, but he also played a vital role in passing coded messages back to British intelligence in apparently innocent letters to home. He was supposed to have been the last man in the tunnel, but ended up staying behind when 76 airmen famously escaped the Nazi POW camp on March 24, 1944. Researchers who uncovered new details of his Second World War exploits in the National Archives believe he may have remained in the camp to carry on his vital coding work. Peter Butterworth was a household name playing bumbling buffoons in the Carry On films. He is pictured in the Carry On Girls film alongside Barbara Windsor But behind Peter Butterworth was an extraordinary wartime backstory that can now be revealed in full for the first time Researchers who uncovered new details of Butterworth's Second World War exploits in the National Archives believe he may have remained in the camp to carry on his vital coding work. He is pictured in the film Carry On Up The Khyber Butterworth's name was on an archived list of 'Code Letter Writers' at the camp in Poland. Prisoners were allowed to write letters to loved ones provided their correspondence passed the scrutiny of German censors. But they used this benefit to secretly pass on vital military intelligence they had discovered, such as the location of enemy ammunition dumps. Butterworth's job was to include a secret sign that the letter contained intelligence intended for MI9, a section of the War Office set up to help POWs escape. The code was so complicated that its secret was lost in time for more than 70 years until a team of experts from Plymouth University managed to figure it out. The intriguing details of Butterworth's wartime activities were uncovered during research for an exhibition and book to mark the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Great Escape, made famous by the 1963 movie starring Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough. Dr Will Butler, of the National Archives, said Butterworth's forging and espionage activities were one of the biggest surprises. He said: 'He was a talented artist and is noted in the camp records as a very highly skilled forger of documents. As a prisoner of war, not only was Lieutenant Butterworth closely involved in organising the famous Great Escape from Stalag Luft III, but he also played a vital role in passing coded messages back to British intelligence in apparently innocent letters to home. Pictured are Richard Attenborough and Steve Mcqueen in the film The Great Escape Talbot 'Tolly' Rothwell persuaded the Germans to let them build a camp theatre to entertain the prisoners, went on to write many Carry On film scripts and Butterworth appeared in 16 of them. Pictured: Peter Butterworth, Jim Dale and Phil Silvers in the film Carry On: Follow That Camel 'We had photos of people performing in the camp theatre, but we did not realise Peter Butterworth was in them until we showed them to his son, Tyler. 'Peter was also responsible for creating sets in the theatre, where the soil from the tunnelling was hidden under the seats.' Indeed, it was Butterworth and another British officer, Talbot 'Tolly' Rothwell, who persuaded the Germans to let them build a camp theatre to entertain the prisoners. Rothwell went on to write many Carry On film scripts and Butterworth appeared in 16 of them. During the war, the actor served in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, but was shot down in 1940. Initially held at a POW camp near Frankfurt, he and 17 others escaped in June 1941 by digging a tunnel using soup spoons. He was free for three days before being recaptured and sent to Stalag Luft III. There he became one of the vaulters in the Wooden Horse tunnel escape, in which a gymnastic vaulting horse was used to conceal a tunnel entrance. Butterworth, who was married to the impressionist Janet Brown, died in 1979 aged 63. He is pictured alongside Barbara Windsor in Carry On Henry Butterworth was famously later turned down for a role playing himself in the 1949 film of this escape. Though heavily involved in the Great Escape, he didn't leave the camp. All but three of the 76 escapees were recaptured, and 50 were executed on Hitler's orders. Dr Butler said: 'Peter was supposed to be the last man out of the tunnel but he didn't go in the end. Clearly he had this vital role with British intelligence. 'Afterwards, because of the executions, escape attempts were halted so his incredibly complicated coded messages were the only means of getting vital information back to London.' Butterworth, who was married to the impressionist Janet Brown, died in 1979 aged 63. Their son, Tyler, also an actor, said people 'had no idea this bumbling man had this incredible war story'. Former President Donald Trump claimed Wednesday that Home Alone 2's director and producers begged him to appear in the holiday movie and boasted that he helped make it a hit. Home Alone 2's director Chris Columbus said in an interview with Business Insider on Sunday that Trump had made his cameo part of the deal in order for production to use the Plaza Hotel, which he owned at the time. In a Truth Social post Wednesday, Trump said it was the other way around. '30 years ago (how time flies!), Director Chris Columbus, and others, were begging me to make a cameo appearance in Home Alone 2,' the ex-president said. 'I was very busy, and didn't want to do it. They were very nice, but above all, persistent. I agreed, and the rest is history!' In the 1992 film starring Macaulay Culkin, Culkin's character Kevin McCallister asks Trump for directions in the lobby of the Plaza, after boarding the wrong plane and ending up in New York instead of Miami with his family. Former President Donald Trump (left) refuted claims by Home Alone 2's director Chris Columbus that he bullied his way into making a cameo with Macaulay Culkin (right) in the hit 1992 holiday film Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social Wednesday to say that the filmmakers of Home Alone 2 begged him to make the cameo. Columbus said the cameo was part of the deal Trump inked in order to let production happen at his Plaza Hotel 'That little cameo took off like a rocket, and the movie was a big success, and still is, especially around Christmas time,' Trump noted. 'People call me whenever it is aired.' 'Now, however, 30 years later, Columbus (what was his real name?) put out a statement that I bullied myself into the movie. Nothing could be further from the truth,' the ex-president continued. Columbus explained that they needed to shoot at the Plaza because it was something that couldn't be reconstructed on a soundstage. He said that like most locations in New York, 'you just pay a fee and you are allowed to shot in that location.' But when production approached the Plaza the deal came with an extra ask. 'Trump said OK. We paid the fee, but he also said, "The only way you can use the Plaza is if I'm in the movie." So we agreed to put him in the movie, and when we screened it for the first time the oddest thing happened: People cheered when Trump showed up on-screen."' 'So I said to my editor, "Leave him in the movie. It's a moment for the audience,"' Columbus continued. 'But he did bully his way into the movie.' While Trump objected to the 'bully' comment, he touted the impact his cameo had on the film. 'That cameo helped make the movie a success, but if they felt bullied, or didn't want me, why did they put me in, and keep me there, for over 30 years?' the 2024 hopeful mused. 'Because I was, and still am, great for the movie, that's why!' he answered. 'Just another Hollywood guy from the past looking for a quick fix of Trump publicity for himself!' Trump said. An Israeli special forces hero has told of his death-defying missions into Gaza to rescue comrades under fire from Hamas. Master Sergeant G is part of the secretive Unit 669 which has saved hundreds of soldiers on over 500 ground and aerial deployments since October 7. The elite troops are trained to SAS standards but use their skills only to evacuate those injured in the most dangerous places imaginable. Dodging rocket fire to land in Gaza metres from terrorists in helicopters, they aim to be back on the aircraft with the casualty in under 60 seconds. Other missions see them speed across the border in armed vehicles and drive into enemy fire to save the injured by land. The Mail was granted exclusive access to the unit's base on Tel Nof Airbase near Rehovot, central Israel, where the 29-year-old we can only identify as MS G told of his incredible missions. The secretive Unit 669 has saved hundreds of soldiers on over 500 ground and aerial deployments since October 7 The elite troops are trained to SAS standards but use their skills only to evacuate those injured in the most dangerous places imaginable Dodging rocket fire to land in Gaza metres from terrorists in helicopters, they aim to be back on the aircraft with the casualty in under 60 seconds 'Our job is to rescue Israeli soldiers or civilians anytime, anywhere, by air sea or land,' he said. 'It's rescuing Israelis that civilian rescue forces aren't able to get to, so they call in the best and the most elite rescue team in Israel. 'That's what the unit does every day, 24/7 around the year. 'Our motto is, 'Call upon me in times of trouble, I will be there for you and will rescue you'.' Troops are on standby round the clock. Within 15 minutes of a call, they must be on the way to Gaza. While they are paramedics, they are trained in Israel's ferocious Krav Maga martial art and are among the deadliest soldiers on the planet. In Gaza, Unit 669 must charge into oncoming fire and fight off Hamas. 'On a daily basis we enter in and out of Gaza,' MS G said. 'It's very, very difficult and challenging to land in urban territory where you have missiles shot during flight and landing. 'We challenge the air crews to the maximum because we want to get as close as possible to the casualty. Other missions see them speed across the border in armed vehicles and drive into enemy fire to save the injured by land The Mail was granted exclusive access to the unit's base on Tel Nof Airbase near Rehovot, central Israel, where the 29-year-old we can only identify as MS G told of his missions While they are paramedics, they are trained in Israel's ferocious Krav Maga martial art and are among the deadliest soldiers on the planet. In Gaza, Unit 669 must charge into oncoming fire 'We meet our teams on the ground, we will land and we'll be able to bring multiple casualties out, sometimes in less than a minute. There is shooting sometimes a few metres from us. You're not sure if it's our soldiers or the terrorists.' Thousands apply to join Unit 669 each year but only 50 make it through gruelling fitness tests. They then train for 18 months but just half will finish. MS G did his mandatory national service with Unit 669 in 2018 and was a medical student set to get married when war broke out. In the past three weeks, he has lost three younger comrades from the unit. MS G said the survivors 'cry together and then come back to base and get on call again. There will be a day at the end of the war to say goodbye properly'. Turkey's President Erdogan has likened Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler in a vicious swipe at the Israeli prime minister. Mr Erdogan also yesterday compared Israel's attacks on Gaza to the treatment of Jewish people by the Nazis. He said Western countries supporting Israel were complicit in what he called war crimes, adding that Turkey would welcome academics and scientists facing persecution for their views on the conflict. 'They used to speak ill of Hitler,' he said. 'What difference do you have from Hitler? They are going to make us miss Hitler. Is what this Netanyahu is doing any less than what Hitler did? It is not.' He added: 'He is richer than Hitler, he gets the support from the West. All sorts of support comes from the United States. And what did they do with all this support? They killed more than 20,000 Gazans.' Mr Erdogan (pictured) said Western countries supporting Israel were complicit in what he called war crimes, adding that Turkey would welcome academics and scientists facing persecution for their views on the conflict Mr Erdogan also yesterday compared Israel's attacks on Gaza to the treatment of Jewish people by the Nazis. Pictured: Hitler making a speech in 1930 Mr Netanyahu (pictured posing for a photo with Israeli troops) responded by saying that the Turkish president should be the last person to lecture Israel Mr Netanyahu responded by saying that the Turkish president should be the last person to lecture Israel. 'Erdogan, who commits genocide against the Kurds, who holds a world record for imprisoning journalists who oppose his rule, is the last person who can preach morality to us.' Despite its criticism of Israel, Turkey has maintained commercial ties with the state, drawing a backlash from opposition parties and Iran. But Ankara says that trade with Israel has fallen sharply since October 7, when Hamas launched its cross-border rampage that killed 1,200 people, prompting Israel to launch its war on Hamas. Unlike its Western allies and some Arab nations, NATO member Turkey does not view Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Two young men have been caught on camera cheerfully tearing down posters of kidnapped Jewish children and women taken hostage by terrorist group Hamas. The pair were walking a dog down a street in Melbourne's inner city suburb of Prahran at about 5.30am on Wednesday. An anonymous woman, who was driving on her way to the gym, spotted the two men ripping the posters off a pole and decided to stop and film the pair. Realising they have been caught, the men cheerfully greeted the woman as one leaned against the pole and stuck his tongue out. 'What are you guys doing?' the woman asked. 'Just cleaning up the community from bulls**t,' one of the men replied. The two young men were spotted ripping down posters of Jewish children - who were kidnapped by terrorist group Hamas - while walking a dog Prahran, Melbourne When she stopped filming the woman claims the men threw the ripped up posters at her. The video supplied to the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) and shared on X - formerly Twitter - was labelled 'disgusting and un-Australian' by the organisation. 'It takes a cruel person to go out of their way to rip down posters of kidnapped children and other victims,' AJA wrote. READ MORE: Australia issues 860 visas to Palestinians trapped in Gaza Advertisement 'These are pictures of someones son, someones daughter and someones sibling. 'This conduct is disgusting and un-Australian.' It comes after a pro-Palestinian protester was arrested after interrupting the annual Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne on Sunday. The woman stormed the stage at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, stealing the microphone from Channel Nine hosts David Campbell and Sarah Abo before screaming 'while youre carolling, kids are dying in Gaza'. She and another demonstrator, who was also waving the Palestinian flag, were then dragged away by security as the crowd booed the pair off the stage. The war in Gaza has entered its 82nd day, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostage. At least 68 people were killed at a refugee camp in Gaza during a Christmas Eve Israeli airstrike thought to be one of the deadliest since the war began. The 68 fatalities include at least 12 women and seven children, according to early hospital figures from Gaza officials. When asked what they were doing, one man replied 'cleaning up the community from bulls**t' while the other leaned against the pole and stuck his tongue out The war has also devastated parts of Gaza, killing close to 21,000 Palestinians and displaced almost all of the territory's 2.3million people. Meanwhile, 154 Israeli troops have been killed since the ground offensive began, with Israel vowing to crush Hamas' governing and military capabilities and release the remaining 129 captives. Multiple pro-Palestinian rallies have been held in Australia's major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra since October 7, with many Aussies calling for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Australian Jews reported suffering a spike of 738 per cent in anti-Semitic abuse since October 7, according to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. Israel also upgraded travel warnings for its citizens heading to Australia following a rise in anti-Semitism stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Travel warnings to Australia were raised to level two at the beginning of December, which urges Israeli citizens to take additional precautions while visiting. Pub boss and Brexit campaigner Tim Martin is to be knighted in the New Year Honours. The outspoken JD Wetherspoon founder has been nominated for the honour for services to business after building one of Britain's biggest pub chains from scratch. But the nomination also reflects his status as one of the leading pro-Brexit business voices in the 2016 referendum on whether to leave the EU. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch is said to have pushed his candidacy behind the scenes, arguing that it is wrong for successful entrepreneurs to be overlooked by the Establishment because they supported Brexit. And leading Brexiteers welcomed the nomination last night. Founder of JD Wetherspoon Tim Martin (pictured right with Boris Johnson) is to be knighted for services to business in the New Year Honours Nigel Farage, who hailed Mr Martin as a 'Brexit legend', described him as a 'larger than life character, an entrepreneur to his fingertips and great company'. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'I am delighted to hear this as Tim not only was brave enough to take up the political cudgels in support of the majority of the British people but he also brings daily cheer to people's lives through the good value provided by his pubs. A true British paladin.' Former Cabinet minister David Jones said: 'Tim Martin played a big part in the Brexit campaign. He was in tune with the national sentiment and understood the desire of the British people to recover their independence. The honour is well deserved and long overdue.' Mr Martin, the son of a Guinness executive, opened his first pub in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1979. He initially named it Martin's Free House, but renamed it Wetherspoons the following year after a teacher who had told him he would never amount to anything. JD Wetherspoon was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1992 and now operates more than 800 pubs, which have carved out a reputation for good value food and drink. Last year it recorded a turnover of 1.9billion and returned to profit for the first time since the Covid pandemic. Mr Martin is also well known for his forthright views on politics and business. He has lambasted politicians for treating pubs as a 'milk cow' and taxing them more heavily than supermarkets. During the pandemic he clashed with ministers over restrictions on hospitality, arguing that people were more likely to catch the virus at home than in a well-run pub. But the 68-year-old is best known in the political world for his opposition to EU red tape and his trenchant support for Brexit. During the 2016 referendum he donated 200,000 to the victorious Vote Leave campaign and became one of the most prominent business supporters in a campaign in which the Remain side tried to claim that the business world was united in opposition to leaving the EU. Mr Martin is said to have been handed the honour after Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch pushed for him to be on the list During Theresa May's negotiations with Brussels he supported a no-deal Brexit, arguing it would bring down prices for consumers. He later backed Boris Johnson to become Prime Minister. In 2018, he announced that his pubs would ditch French champagne and German wheat beers in favour of alternatives from Britain and Australia. The Cabinet Office declined to comment ahead of the publication of the New Year Honours this weekend. A spokesman said: 'It would be in inappropriate to comment on speculation regarding potential honours recipients. The honours list will be published shortly in the usual way.' You'd be forgiven for thinking this is one of the owls from Harry Potter perched on the porch of the Dursleys' house in Privet Drive. But while she might pass for a creature from the boy wizard's fictional world, this huge European eagle owl is very much real. She has set up home on a cul-de-sac in north Wales having swooped in on Halloween. Residents in the village of Rossett, near Wrexham, have taken her under their wing, despite some mystery over where she came from. European eagle owls are not native to the UK. Those who have managed to get close to her say she has a leather strap on her leg, which suggests she has escaped from captivity. Some locals are calling her Hedwig, after Harry Potter's snowy owl, while Tina Brown, on whose porch she is pictured, said: 'I call her Tallulah Ta looooo lah because that's how her call sounds, it's so loud.' Mystery visitor: No one knows where the owl has come from. She has set up home on a cul-de-sac in north Wales having swooped in on Halloween and residents in the village of Rossett, near Wrexham, have taken her under their wing Some locals are calling her Hedwig, after Harry Potter's snowy owl, while Tina Brown, on whose porch she is pictured, said: 'I call her Tallulah Ta looooo lah because that's how her call sounds, it's so loud' You'd be forgiven for thinking this is one of the owls from Harry Potter perched on the porch of the Dursleys' house in Privet Drive (pictured) The rare European Eagle Owl, which has made its home in a North Wales village, takes flight with its six foot wingspan on show Tina Brown, 60, (pictured) added: 'She's a magnificent animal. She must have been in captivity because she is not frightened of me at all. She arrived on Halloween, which was a bit weird. I did wonder whether I was the chosen one. Would I be whisked off to Hogwarts or platform nine-and-three-quarters?' Predator that can kill deer The European eagle owl is the world's largest owl and lives up to 20 years Females are bigger than males, with wingspans of over 6ft Their size makes them capable of killing rabbits or even small deer But they live mostly on mice, voles and rats, other birds and even fish Not native to Britain, they are mostly found in Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and central Asia Females have distinctive ear tufts to attract mates Advertisement Mrs Brown, 60, added: 'She's a magnificent animal. She must have been in captivity because she is not frightened of me at all. She arrived on Halloween, which was a bit weird. I did wonder whether I was the chosen one. Would I be whisked off to Hogwarts or platform nine-and-three-quarters?' Neighbour Roy Jones, 61, said of the owl: 'She is massive. When she's flying over there is a great big shadow on the ground from her wings.' Another resident, Rob Blackwell, 69, said: 'It stands over 3ft tall, up to waist height and it doesn't hoot, it kind of growls. 'I saw it one night when I was driving home. It was standing, watching something in the hedge. I wouldn't approach it, it's a big bugger.' Grandmother Kay Hennessey, 61, said: 'I've got a little dog called Rosie but Hedwig, as I call it, doesn't seem bothered about Rosie at all. She's not bothered about humans, cats or dogs. She's taken a liking to Tina's porch and now she's here so often she's like one of the neighbours.' Falconer John Islwyn Jones said: 'If she had escaped from a breeder or bird of prey centre someone would be looking for her, so it looks like someone maybe had her as a pet and has lost her or let her go for some reason.' A judge in New York City has rejected a request from Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman to review the 2019 ruling that sentenced him to life in prison. Guzman, 66, for decades led the powerful Sinaloa cartel that is blamed for thousands of deaths in Mexico. He escaped from Mexican prisons twice and was finally captured and handed over to the United States in January 2017. The Mexican drug lord had filed habeas corpus petitions - civil suits used to assess whether an imprisonment is lawful - and asked for legal representation in this appeal. But Judge Brian Cogan, of the Eastern District of New York - who presided over his headline-grabbing trial in Brooklyn - rejected the request. 'This was perhaps the most notorious criminal prosecution of the decade, and the charges of which petitioner was convicted could well have resulted in the death penalty but for the terms of his extradition,' wrote Cogan in the ruling denying the petition. The ruling rejects arguments that Guzman's defense did not sufficiently explore a plea bargain and cites sealed evidence suggesting Guzman still controls up to billions of dollars in assets, even if they are not in his own name. Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman is seen on January 19, 2017, being handed over to U.S. law enforcement Guzman is seen meeting actor Sean Penn. Penn went to interview him for Rolling Stone magazine Cogan rejected the request for legal counsel, saying Guzman already had help from Mariel Colon Miro, a lawyer who has in recent years represented Guzman and his wife, Emma Coronel. Coronel was sentenced in November 2021 to three years in a Californian prison for drug trafficking and money laundering. She was released in mid-September; the 34-year-old celebrated her freedom in an Los Angeles nightclub visit that was pasted all over social media, with a party arranged by Colon Miro. Coronel, a former teenage beauty pageant queen in Mexico and mother of Guzman's twin daughters, was freed with four years of court supervision. Cogan also questioned where Guzman had obtained the funds to pay his lawyers and why his wife - released from prison in September - has not had access to his assets. Guzman is serving a life sentence in a Colorado prison known as the 'Alcatraz of the Rockies,' where prisoners are kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours per day. Guzman is currently in a supermax prison in Florence, Colorado Having escaped from Mexican prisons twice, Guzman is now in America's toughest prison Emma Coronel (right), the wife of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, poses with her lawyer, Mariel Colon, who performed as a Mexican Regional soloist at an event in Los Angeles, just two days after she was released from federal custody Mariel Colon, who was part of the defense team that represented Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman and his wife, Emma Coronel, in separate trial, performs at a show in Los Angeles to mark Mexico's Independence Day Emma Coronel (second to the right) is starting her life anew following her release from federal custody. She completed 31 months of the 36-month sentence that was handed down by a Washington, D.C. federal court in November 2021. She is seen on September 15 in LA After twice escaping from maximum-security prisons in Mexico, including in a mile-long tunnel from his cell, Guzman was in 2017 deported to the United States and convicted on drug trafficking charges in 2019. Guzman's Sinaloa cartel remains one of the country's two most powerful criminal organizations, alongside its main rival, the Jalisco New Generation cartel. A powerful faction within the Sinaloa cartel is now led by Guzman's four sons, one of whom has also been extradited to the United States. Guzman's mother, Maria Consuelo Loera, died in Sinaloa on December 10, at the age of 94. At the end of November, the head of security for the Sinaloa Cartel, who was one of their main hitmen, was arrested. Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, better known as 'El Nini,' was captured at a walled compound in Culiacan, Mexico. He was head of security for four of Guzman's sons Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, Joaquin Guzman Lopez and Ovidio Guzman Lopez known as the 'Chapitos.' Ovidio was arrested in January 2023 and is currently in Chicago, awaiting trial. The FKU IK-3 penal colony is a Soviet-era prison camp located deep in the Arctic Circle, 1,200 miles north-east of Moscow. Known as the Polar Wolf, it is considered to be one of the toughest prisons in Russia, with the temperature due to drop to minus 28c over the next week. On Monday, it was revealed to be the new home of President Putin's public enemy No 1 Alexei Navalny. Now we know where he was during a period of 20 days when he was reported missing by his legal team: in transit from his former home, Penal Colony No 6 a mere 150 miles from Moscow to the frozen north. Such transfers can take days, weeks or even months as prisoners are transported in specially designed trains, which have caged compartments for inmates, with no showers, and strictly limited supplies of food. Harsh rules dating back to Soviet times dictate that prisoners' families and lawyers are only informed about their whereabouts after they have reached their destination. Former inmates have described how FKU IK-3 is designed to make prisoners feel 'completely hopeless' and crush 'any rebellious spirit'. If so, it's certainly not having that effect on Navalny, not yet at any rate. On Monday, it was revealed President Putin's public enemy No 1 Alexei Navalny (pictured) is a new resident in the FKU IK-3 penal colony is a Soviet-era prison camp Now we know where he was during a period of 20 days when he was reported missing by his legal team: in transit from his former home, Penal Colony No 6 a mere 150 miles from Moscow to the frozen north A group of officers walk inside a prison colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenetsk region about 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow In a series of posts on X/Twitter this week, he said: 'I am your new Santa Claus... I don't say 'Ho-ho-ho' but I do say 'Uh-oh-oh' when I look out the window, where I can see a night, then an evening, and then the night again. Unfortunately there are no reindeer but there are huge fluffy and very beautiful shepherd dogs.' Even locked up in Siberia, Navalny is impossible to silence. Whenever he meets with his lawyers, he makes sure to tell them what he wants to tweet. The message is then passed to allies running his X account. This level of bravery in the face of relentless suffering is a testament to his exceptional resilience. At Penal Colony No 6, Putin's contemporary take on the Stalinist Gulag, rape and violence involving inmates are commonplace, while the guards were remorseless in their sadism especially when it comes to their most troublesome prisoner. Since Russia's most famous dissident began serving a 19-year sentence for various alleged crimes, including extremism, the rehabilitation of Nazism and inciting children to commit dangerous acts, he has been systematically abused. The prison authorities punish him for the slightest of supposed infractions or for nothing at all. On one occasion, he was punished for washing his hands six minutes earlier than scheduled. On another, for undoing the top button of his shirt. His daily life is a torment. He is allowed a pen and piece of paper for only 30 minutes per day, while his bed is folded each morning so that he cannot lie down on it. He is also regularly put in solitary confinement. In September, Navalny's press secretary Kira Yarmysh said he had spent 207 out of the last 365 days in a punishment cell. Former inmates have described how FKU IK-3 is designed to make prisoners feel 'completely hopeless' and crush 'any rebellious spirit'. If so, it's certainly not having that effect on Navalny (pictured with his wife) not yet at any rate Harsh rules dating back to Soviet times dictate that prisoners' families and lawyers are only informed about their whereabouts after they have reached their destination On one of the last occasions he was seen earlier this year, Navalny had just emerged from his 11th separate period of incarceration in a 10ft by 7ft 'concrete kennel', with only a hole in the ground for a toilet. He looked even more gaunt and unwell than usual and was suffering from a severe lung infection contracted after prison officers forced him to share a cell with a tramp suffering from a contagious respiratory condition and then refused to treat him when he got sick. On another occasion, they moved another prisoner with mental health problems into the cell next door. 'He screams for 16 hours per day, sometimes he barks or howls,' Yarmysh said. 'Sometimes he talks in different voices to himself.' But no matter what the authorities do to him he continues to resist. Instead of being cowed, Navalny fights back via his now-exiled Anti-Corruption Foundation team. Founded in Moscow in 2011, it was designated an 'extremist' organisation ten years later and more than 1,000 of Navalny's associates were forced to leave the country to avoid arrest. Today, it operates from stylish offices in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, where Navalny's name is mounted on the office wall in neon lights. While consistently supportive of her husband, Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, is believed to be living in Germany away from the relentless state surveillance and media spotlight with their son Zakhar, 14, while their 22-year-old daughter Daria is studying at Stanford University in America. The core team in Vilnius records daily news bulletins and discussion streams, as well as occasional major corruption investigations. Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny gestures while speaking to a crowd during a political protest in Moscow in 2019 Alexei Navalny is seen on a screen via a video link from the IK-2 corrective penal colony in Pokrov during a court hearing to consider an appeal against his prison sentence in 2022 One of the most recent of these focused on Navalny's former jailers at Penal Colony No 6. Aiming straight at the top, it targeted the jail's governor, Colonel Dmitry Nozhkin, naming his mistress, and revealing his penchant, apparently along with that of his wife, for threesomes. It also detailed how Nozhkin receives orders from Moscow and holds lengthy meetings on how to make 'life worse for Putin's main enemy'. And domestically, Putin's main enemy he undoubtedly is, to the point that Putin cannot bring himself to utter his name. So what makes Alexei Navalny so special? He qualified as a lawyer in 2001, but politics was always his true passion. He joined the United Democratic Party Yabloko in 2000, becoming chief of staff in their Moscow branch in 2004. But he soon found traditional politics too constraining and the more he saw of Putin's Russia, the more it sickened him. In 2011, he was arrested for protesting the result of that year's parliamentary elections but, instead of being cowed by the experience, as soon as he was released, he called on Russians to unite against Putin. His intense charisma had begun to win him a following among the Russian electorate and the regime began to take note. When he ran for Mayor of Moscow in 2013, the authorities took no chances and arrested him on embezzlement charges. But when thousands took to the streets of Moscow in protest, Putin's nerve failed him and Navalny was released a day later. The rebel candidate eventually got 27 per cent of the vote in a poll he claimed was rigged. A group of prisoners sit during classes inside the prison colony where associates of Alexei Navalny say he has been located Alexei Navalny, 47, had vanished inside Putin's sinister prison system. Pictured: Alexei (left) pictured with his wife Yulia (second left) and their children Three years later, Navalny announced he would stand in the 2018 presidential election. During his presidential election campaign, thugs attacked him in his Moscow office, spraying green dye in his face, an act Navalny claims cost him 80 per cent of the sight in his right eye. When the authorities eventually banned him from standing, he called for Russians to boycott the election. The security forces arrested him repeatedly over the next few years, mainly for 'leading anti-government protests', but nothing could stop him. Eventually the Kremlin snapped. In August 2020, in the city of Tomsk in central Russia, FSB agents broke into his hotel room and smeared the nerve agent Novichok on his underpants. On the flight back to Moscow, he was violently ill and fell into a coma, prompting the pilot to divert the plane to Omsk in Siberia for treatment. From there, he was permitted to medically evacuate to Germany. When he woke up, he realised the stakes had changed irretrievably. 'So Putin has decided to kill me after all,' he told associates. Putin has always denied any role in this episode, saying that had the security services wished to poison Navalny 'we would probably have finished the job'. 'He [President Putin] will enter history as a poisoner,' Navalny later responded. Alexei Navalny takes part in a march in memory of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow in 2020 'We had Yaroslav the Wise and Alexander the Liberator. And now we will have Vladimir the Poisoner of Underpants.' In January, 2021, he returned to Russia knowing that, in the twisted world of Russian 'justice', there was a good chance he would be jailed for violating the terms of his parole by leaving the country. He refused to be an exile, he said, because it made it easier for Putin to discredit him. 'Emigration is not an option for me, and it is not an option for 99 per cent of people who work with me,' he added. Once more, the people took to the streets. This time the demonstrations were nationwide, with the authorities detaining more than 8,700 people in 86 cities. Several media outlets reported that the turnout exceeded 100,000 in total the largest protest in Russia for seven years. He has been in prison ever since. Some attribute his decision to return to a desire to be a martyr. After all, with an international network and reputation, he could have run an effective opposition in Berlin. 'But he started to think he was like Ayatollah Khomeini,' an expert familiar with his story told me. 'Like Khomeini, who returned from exile to lead the 1979 Iranian Revolution, he thought he would go back, and the revolution would happen.' Some attribute his decision to return to Russia to a desire to be a martyr. After all, with an international network and reputation, he could have run an effective opposition in Berlin. Pictured: With wife Yulia A group of officers visit the prison colony in the town of Kharp where the temperature is due to drop to minus 28C over the next week What is it that has made Putin so determined to persecute Navalny, personally? Just like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn during the Soviet era, Putin faces in Navalny the corporeal embodiment of opposition to his rule. A single figure, who stands as a living rebuke to all that is wrong about the regime. In this sense, this is a story about more than politics. It is a tale of two men who have never met into which is woven the wider story of 21st-century Russia. In his own early career, Navalny was a nationalist known for his racist comments towards Chechens and Central Asians sentiments which he has since distanced himself from. Putin himself used more refined rhetoric when he came to power promising to end the Chechen revolt and reassert Russian Slavic authority. On assuming the presidency in 2000, he also vowed to root out corruption after the hypercapitalism of the 1990s had turned Russia into a gangster state riven with turf wars. Asked when he was going to 'waste' the oligarch 'leeches', he said: 'Not a single clan, not a single oligarch... all should be equally distant from power.' But then of course, Putin went on to become Russia's biggest gangster, using oligarchs to launder his money and reputation, both at home and abroad. He is now worth billions and controls the 'Obshchak' the gang's budget to which all the smaller gangsters underneath chip in. Navalny, meanwhile, stuck to the professed tenets of early Putinism and became Russia's biggest anti-corruption crusader. He turned himself, in essence, into what Putin promised (or rather pretended) to be. And he is without fear, unafraid to target Putin and his inner circle personally. Next year, Russia is set for another presidential election. Putin will be standing for his fifth term. But 1,200 miles away in the Polar Wolf prison camp the man who has been a thorn in his side for more than ten years shows no sign of giving up on his struggle. Texas may be getting the last laugh in a show-down with Chicago officials over transporting migrants away from beleaguered border towns to the Windy City after flying asylum-seekers from El Paso to Chicago last week. Despite strict ordinances penalizing charter buses loaded with migrants heading into Illinois, buses and planes with migrants are bound for Chicago as we speak, El Paso officials confirmed to DailyMail.com. El Paso has sent 139 buses to Chicago in recent months with the help of state officials, according to the City of El Paso's migrant dashboard. Last week, the Texas Division of Emergency Management or TDEM, which handles migrant transports, chartered its first flight with migrants to Chicago to avoid growing restrictions over when and where migrants can be dropped off. 'TDEM basically flipped it; they said if we're going to have problems with buses, we are going to send flights,' John Martin, who runs the Opportunity Center for the Homeless in El Paso, told DailyMail.com in an interview Tuesday. Last Tuesday marked the first time that the governor of Texas used planes to transport the migrants. The cost of the flight to Texan taxpayers has not been revealed Migrants are seen lining up in El Paso on Dec. 19 to board the plane to Chicago In recent weeks, the City of Chicago and suburbs like Aurora and Tinley Park started fining charter bus companies that don't give them advance warning of where and when asylum-seekers would be arriving. 'They (migrants) have to be respected, they have to be taken care, but this is ultimately the bus company's responsibility,' Tinley Park Village Manager Pat Carr to Chicago's NBC station. 'They're the ones who are trafficking these people up here.' The new rules resulted in one bus being impounded and dozens of citations. In El Paso, migrants at the Opportunity Center, one of three non-profit shelters that are bursting with recent border crossers, are still signing up to go to the Windy City. Officials from the City of El Paso have been working with state officials to bus over 17,000 migrants out of the West Texas city Thousands of asylum seekers have been bussed to major cities from border states including Texas as unprecedented numbers continue to enter the United States A legal waiver migrants must sign before boarding a Texas-funded bus Texas Governor Greg Abbot attends the event for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit at the southern border in Edinburg, Texas, U.S. November 19 'The (migrants) that are under care have a desire to go to Chicago,' Martin stated. He added that it's one of the top destinations migrants want to go. New York City and Denver are the other two top choices. 'We're trying to be as honest as possible-- basically saying, 'You know, that may not be the best option, one because of some of the policies that are going on, and secondly and more importantly, the temperatures. In fact, in our welcome center, we have a poster that shows some of the daily temperatures for each of the locations just so they can visually see that they are going to very cold locations.' Texas migrants buses Over 12,500 migrants to Washington, D.C. since April 2022 Over 31,200 migrants to New York City since August 2022 Over 25,300 migrants to Chicago since August 2022 Over 3,400 migrants to Philadelphia since November 2022 Over 11,800 migrants to Denver since May 18 Over 1,200 migrants to Los Angeles since June 14 Source: Office of Gov. Greg Abbott Advertisement Migrants who meet the requirements to make an asylum claim end up at the Opportunity Center after they are screened and released by the Border Patrol. After warning migrants about what they might face depending on where they are headed, Martin says migrants in his shelter are directed to a TDEM center in El Paso. Those without money to move on to their final destination city are the individuals who often opt to get on one of the Texas buses headed to so-called sanctuary cities. Migrants sign a waiver saying they voluntarily agree to get on and be taken to New York City, Chicago, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Denver or Los Angeles. From there, the state takes over. 'We know that a couple of ours that were planning to go to Chicago, they went to the pick up location for the buses,' Martin explained. 'From what they told us, the buses took them to another shelter, which we are guessing is a hangar, and then they were put on a plane.' Volunteers at the Opportunity Center say the migrants are dead set on making it to their final destination as they often have family, friends or an immigration sponsor waiting for them. The state of Texas has spent a staggering $86.1 million busing migrants north at a cost of $1,650 per migrant. That does not include the price of flights, a figure that hasn't been made public. 'Texas communities like Eagle Pass and El Paso should not have to shoulder the unprecedented surge of illegal immigration caused by President Biden's reckless open border policies,' Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has previously said. The squabble between Texas and Chicago comes amid another record-breaking surge at the US-Mexico border. Border officials reported the highest number of migrant crossings ever, with a seven-day average of more than 9,600 in December. Eagle Pass, Texas is the second busiest migrant crossing location in the entire country, with at least 18,853 migrants last week, according to the US Border Patrol. Rep. Frank Riggs, R-Windsor, shown in a television image from 1998, has died at 73 from complications following heart valve surgery. He represented the North Coast and pursued a conservative path now rare among California politicians. APTN Frank Riggs, a three-term Republican congressman who represented Northern California in the 1990s from the Oregon border to Mare Island in Solano County, has died. The cause involved complications following heart valve surgery, said former wife Cathy Riggs. He was 73. Riggs had been in the U.S. House of Representatives less than a month in 1991 when he cast one of three controversial Republican votes opposing President George H. W. Bushs bid to invade Iraq. Riggs former campaign manager, Mitch Mulanix, recalled walking out of the Oval Office with Riggs before the vote. Frank said, I think thats a bad plan, Mulanix said. He did what he thought was right. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The vote colored the congressmans reputation among fellow conservatives, although it reflected widespread opposition to the Gulf War in his North Coast district, where Democrats far outnumbered Republicans. He was listening to his constituents, said Cathy Riggs, who was married to Frank Riggs from 1980 until 2021. Thats called representative government. A former Healdsburg police officer and Sonoma County sheriffs deputy, he lost his bid for reelection in 1992, but retook the office again in 1994 and 1996. Riggs pursued a conservative line over the course of his political career, voting to restrict abortion access, limit affirmative action and back pro-logging policies. He broke with party leadership on issues like worker rights. In 1992, Riggs was part of the so-called Gang of Seven, a group of new Republican U.S. representatives, including John Boehner and Rick Santorum, who confronted Democrats about overdrawn accounts with the House bank. Riggs faced calls for resignation in 1997 after he made comments supporting the shocking treatment of environmental protesters by a group of deputies. The protesters, including a 16-year-old girl, had chained themselves to a redwood stump outside Riggs Eureka office and deputies swabbed their eyes with Q-tips soaked in liquid pepper spray. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Sierra Club broadcast a television ad condemning the actions with a video recording of Riggs saying, I dont know how more patient or more humane the police could have handled this incident. Cathy Riggs said Riggs felt environmental causes often neglected to consider the livelihoods at stake on the North Coast. Del Norte, Eureka, Humboldt youre talking (about) third-generation logging families and all the companies that supply them, she said. In 1998, Riggs was challenged by Mike Thompson, then a popular Democratic state senator, and opted against seeking reelection, instead starting an unsuccessful bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer. During that campaign his last in California Riggs affixed blame for Americas problems on bad moral choices by adults: illegitimacy, crime, drugs, divorce, child abuse and neglect, pornography and abortion, according to a 1998 Chronicle story reporting his campaign launch. We need to focus more on the spiritual state of our union, Riggs said at the time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Three-term Rep. Frank Riggs, R-Windsor, left, and his then-wife wife, Cathy Riggs, talk to Eureka resident Dale Warmuth at a press conference on Feb. 16, 1998 announcing his bid for the U.S. Senate. Rich Bickel/Eureka Times-Standard Frank Duncan Riggs was born in Louisville in 1950 to George and Patricia Riggs. His family moved to San Francisco when he was in high school, and he served as a military police officer in Germany after two years at St. Marys College in Moraga. Riggs later worked for the Healdsburg Police Department and then the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office. He met his wife, who was the first female officer for the Santa Rosa Police Department, while visiting her department. His family moved from California to Virginia in 1995 while Riggs was in Congress, then to Arizona in 2002. After leaving California politics, Riggs ran the Charter Schools Development Corp. based in Maryland for a decade. He ran unsuccessful campaigns for Arizona governor in 2014 and that states superintendent of public instruction post in 2018. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He was living in Sun City West in Arizonas Maricopa County when he died. The Texas pregnant mom who went missing days ago and has now been found dead alongside her boyfriend had a restraining order against him, court documents show. Savannah Soto, 18, had been beaten by boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, last Christmas Day and filed charges against him resulting in a protective order. 'You are prohibited from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly communicating with Savannah Soto, whether by telephone, in writing, or in person in a harmful or injurious manner,' court records state. The documents do not provide details on the 2022 assault. Soto went missing Dec. 23, one week after she was due to give birth to a baby and never showed up at the hospital where she was scheduled to be induced on Saturday. Savanah Soto, 18 and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, have been found dead after they went missing on December 23 A user who claimed to be a neighbor of Soto and Guerra last year said they witnessed the boyfriend 'arguing and beating her almost every day' Mariana Delgado, who claims to be the deceased teenager's sister-in-law, posted on Facebook that Soto's body had been found early this evening and that she was in a 'bad bad condition' Two bodies, believed to be Soto and Guerra, were found dead in a car in the parking lot of a San Antonio apartment building Tuesday, police confirmed. The pair had been dead for three or four days, the police chief said, adding that the crime scene was 'perplexing,' and that the deaths were being treated as murders. On Wednesday morning, police said that both victims had sustained a 'gunshot wound'. The unborn baby was also pronounced dead at the scene. Soto's sister-in-law, Joanie Wasil, told local news station KSAT that someone who spotted the car contacted her on Facebook, and the family made their way to the scene after alerting police. Wasil told the station that she saw Soto dead in the front passenger seat, and Guerra dead in the back. She saw Soto's face 'and didn't want to see anymore'. Guerra violated his parole for the domestic violence charge just days after the Christmas Day beating last year. In June, he was back court after being charged with three new felonies: evading arrest, unlawfully having a fire arm and reckless driving. 'The defendant demonstrates being in the pre contemplation stage and wants to continue to engage in criminal activity,' the legal paperwork notes. He also failed to seek lawful employment or attend battery counseling classes. Matthew Guerra, 22, pictured in jail booking photo from 2022 A search of public records in San Antonio shows all the pending cases against Matthew Guerra in Bexar County The 18-year-old was last seen at her Leon Valley apartment and was described to be in 'imminent danger' or involuntarily disappeared After Soto's disappearance, a neighbor of Soto and Guerra claimed they witnessed the boyfriend 'arguing and beating her almost every day.' 'I witnessed him beating her and kicked her downstairs while she was unconscious,' the unnamed person said, adding that 'he kicked her body and face' and 'she needed stitches.' Despite a documented history of violence, Guerra's mother made online claims that her son was not abusive. 'I know my son and he wouldn't do anything to hurt her,' Karen Hernandez posted in the days when the couple was still missing. 'As a mother, I know my son and his girlfriend were taken against their will because my son does what he does for money.' Her boyfriend Matthew Guerra had also gone missing and some have accused him of being involved. Guerra's mother denied the accusations against her son: 'I know my son and he wouldn't do anything to hurt her' Victor Nathaneal Rivas, 18, was on trial for the murder of Ethan Soto, 15, on Friday when the Soto family launched an attack, footage shows The shooter reportedly lured his 'victim' from his home in May 2022 after Ethan stole THC cartridges from Rivas (pictured: Ethan Soto) Hernandez did not elaborate on what exactly the did for money. Neither Guerra or Soto were strangers to the court system. Soto's family was recently involved in a courtroom brawl. Soto's younger brother Ethan, 15, was shot dead in what is believed to have been an act of revenge for a drug robbery in May 2022, according to San Antonio police. Just months ago, members of the Soto family were seen charging the man accused of killing Ethan. Victor Nathaneal Rivas was taking the stand in court, when members of the Soto family were seen launching at him, triggering a huge brawl breaking out. Footage shows at least four members jumping a partition and throwing punches at Rivas - who allegedly provoked the group by making a gesture at them. An autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause of death for Soto and Guerra. Sobering new video shows the human tidal wave of migrants riding trains in northern Mexico just hours away from the US border-- as thousands of migrants in a caravan are traveling through southern Mexico. Separately, thousands more asylum-seekers are already in Northern Mexico waiting to cross over. In Chihuahua, a Mexican state just south of Texas, about 800 migrants left the capital city Christmas day headed for Juarez-- the Mexican town directly across the international boundary from El Paso, Texas, according to the Border Report. Footage showed hundreds a top a train heading north while cars honked and cheered as they drove past the train cars. Another 3,000 migrants are a few hours south in the town of Jimenez in a migrant camp. Migrants line up at the U.S. border wall Wednesday after being detained by U.S. immigration authorities, near El Paso, Texas It could be just a matter of days before the South and Central American asylum-seekers arrive at the US-Mexico border and begin attempting to cross into West Texas. Even without their arrival, El Paso is seeing about 900 border crossings a day, according to the city's migrant dashboard. Additionally, the city's homeless shelters are overwhelmed with migrants from other border hot spots like Eagle Pass, Texas and Lukeville, Arizona. Those entry points, seeing thousands of migrants a day, are sending migrants to El Paso to help decompress overcrowding in those regions. Once those migrants are screened and vetted by the US Border Patrol, those who are eligible for release are set free in El Paso. Migrants, mostly from Central and South American wait near El Paso, Texas for their turn to turn themselves over to US Border Patrol for a chance to seek asylum in the United States It's pushed migrant resources to the brink, even though those migrants did not cross the border in El Paso. Days ago, city officials responded by opening an emergency shelter at a vacant middle school. There could be 11,000 more migrants spread out across Northern Mexico within days of reaching international crossings. An estimated 3,800 migrants are holed up in shelters in Tijuana, according to city's migration affairs, reported CNN. Across the border from McAllen, Texas, another 3,273 migrants are waiting at Senda De Vida shelters in Reynosa, Mexico. Another 4,000 migrants are living in camps, shelters, and abandoned homes, in nearby Matamoros, Mexico-- across from Brownsville. A migrant caravan, 6,000-8,000 people strong is currently making its way through Southern Mexico bound for the US This comes as a sprawling migrant caravan with 6,000-8,000 migrants is cutting through southern Mexico, and could arrive at the border in a matter of weeks. However, border officials believe it's possible the massive crowds will split up before they reach the border. 'We know they're coming, but we just don't know how it's going to split,' one Border Patrol official speaking on condition of anonymity told DailyMail.com. 'It's likely you won't see the whole caravan crossing at the same place. Some could go to Eagle Pass, while others could end up in El Paso. It just depends.' So far this month, about 10,000 migrants have been crossing the border each day, according to federal officials. If those projects hold, the US could end up seeing 300,000 migrant crossings for the month of December. Top of the list is the Hawaii wildfires in August that killed at least 100 people Report ranks the biggest climate disasters of 2023 by their per capita cost From droughts, floods, wildfires and tropical storms, no corner of the globe was spared by disastrous climate events in 2023. A new report reveals the 20 most financially costly climate disasters of the year and all six of the world's populated continents are on the list. At the top is the shocking Hawaii wildfires in August, which killed at least 100 people and cost over $4,000 per person in damages. Also featured are the storms in Guam in May which cost almost $1,500 per head of population floods in New Zealand, droughts in Spain and wildfires in Chile. Experts describe 2023 as 'the year of climate breakdown' and blame the extreme events on a 'failure to rapidly phase out of fossil fuels'. Christian Aid has ranked the top 20 costliest climate disasters of the year. Its new report divides the total damages caused by each disaster by the total population of the affected area, thereby providing an estimation of economic burden per person The top five costliest climate events 1. Hawaii wildfires ($4,161) 2. Guam storm ($1,455) 3. Vanuatu storm ($947) 4. New Zealand storm ($468) 5. New Zealand flood ($371) Advertisement International charity Christian Aid published the analysis in the new report, entitled 'Counting the Cost 2023: A year of climate breakdown'. It said many of the awful events received 'little international attention' despite all having a 'heavy cost', not just in the financial sense. 'With 2023 the hottest year on record, the effects of climate change are more obvious than ever before,' said the charity's chief executive Patrick Watt. 'The human cost of the climate crisis is seen increasingly in homes washed away and lives ended by floods and storms, and crops and livestock lost to drought. 'This year was once again devastating if you happened to live in a climate vulnerable country.' Scientists are increasingly linking extreme weather events with the warming of the planet, which is being largely caused by carbon emissions from fossil fuels. For example, warmer air can hold more moisture meaning more intense rainfall and flooding. Storms are becoming more intense too, because warmer sea surface temperatures increase wind speeds. And warmer conditions increases the risk and severity of wildfires, by creating a 'tinderbox' environment of dry and readily-combustible vegetation. The Hawaii wildfires in August killed at least 100 people and cost over $4,000 per person in damages. Pictured, a volunteer makes damage assessment of charred apartment complex in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii on August 12 Hawaii wildfires: The hall of historic Waiola Church in Lahaina and nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in flames along Wainee Street on August 8, 2023 The charity found the highest per capita cost of natural disasters was the wildfires which affected Hawaii in August READ MORE Shocking photos show damage by Hawaii's wildfires Pictured, an aerial view of the wildfire aftermath in Lahaina on Maui Advertisement For the report, Christian Aid divided the total damages caused by each disaster by the total population of the affected area providing an estimation of economic burden per person. 'This method offers a more individualised perspective of the disaster's impact, highlighting the financial strain on the average citizen rather than just the aggregate economic toll,' the report explains. The charity found the highest per person cost of natural disasters was the wildfires which affected Hawaii in August. The cost of these wildfires averages at $4,161 per person more than any other climate weather event of the year. It's also nearly three times the total cost of the next event on the list Guam's tropical storm in May ($1,455 per person). For around just 15 hours, a 'super typhoon' known as Mawar battered the little US territory, which is situated in the Pacific Ocean around 1,200 miles east of the Philippines. The ferocity of the storm killed two people, devastated buildings, knocked out utilities and uprooted trees. Christian Aid noted the high prevalence of storms in the list, which is 'likely to increase due to climate change'. Also in the top five were the Vanuatu storm in March ($947 cost per person) and the New Zealand storm of February ($468 per person). For around 15 hours between May 23 and May 24, super typhoon Mawar battered the US territory of Guam in the Pacific Ocean around 1,200 miles east of the Philippines. With wind speeds of up to 145mph, it was the strongest tropical storm endured in Guam for decades This powerful image of Cyclone Freddy was captured on the afternoon of February 19 by a NASA satellite READ MORE The 20 countries with the highest risk of flooding Scientists are worried because settlements are expanding into flood danger zones Advertisement Meanwhile, at position 18 in the list is a cyclone that caused havoc as it moved across the southern Indian Ocean between February and March, known as Cyclone Freddy. Although it affected several countries such as Mozambique and Madagascar, the hardest-hit was Malawi, where incessant rains caused catastrophic flash floods. According to Christian Aid, people in wealthier countries such as the US are able to better prepare for possible future extreme weather events, as they're more able to invest in better homes or take out insurance. But people in poorer countries like Malawi, resilient buildings are less common and fewer households have the financial buffers that let people recover. Mofolo Chikaonda, a widow aged 69 from southern Malawi, is quoted in the report: 'The worst negative impact of Cyclone Freddy that I shall never forget in my entire life is the destruction of the only house that we struggled to construct.' Vehicles are stranded by flood water in Auckland, New Zealand on January 28, 2023. Record levels of rainfall pounded New Zealand's largest city, causing widespread disruption. Tropical cyclone Gabrielle was the worst storm to hit New Zealand so far in the 21st century. Pictured, flooding in the Hawkes Bay region in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, February 16 A flooded area caused by heavy rains across Italy's northern Emilia Romagna region on May 26 More people die in disasters in poorer countries due to climate events, according to the experts. 'It also means that recovery is slower, and more unequal, with many people pushed further into poverty as assets are destroyed or damaged,' Watt said. All 20 events that make up the new list are linked to climate change in terms of cause and effect. Therefore, the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in February, as well as the Morocco earthquake in September, are not included. 'Climate science is not clear on whether climate change is affecting the frequency and intensity of earthquakes,' the report says. 'A particular event may "merely" be an example of a long-run historical pattern rather than caused somewhat by climate change.' A scientist's email to Apple CEO Tim Cook in 2013 may have triggered the legal battle between the tech giant and Masimo, leading to the Apple Watch ban. The tech giant is prohibited from selling all smartwatches featuring the blood oxygen sensors added in 2020 because it infringes on Masimo's patents. But the debacle may have been started by a former employee of Masimo's sister company, Cercacor Laboratories. Marcelo Lamego emailed Cook 10 years ago promising to make Apple 'the No. 1 brand in the medical, fitness and wellness market' with his knowledge of medical devices. Masimo's lawyers claimed Lamego lacked prior knowledge of such technologies and used Masimo's sensors to develop those in the Apple Watch Series 6. Marcelo Lamego was hired by Masimo in 2003 as a research scientist and became the CTO for Ceracaor about three years later. He emailed Tim Cook in 2013, claiming he could develop technology to take Apple to the top spot in the wellness market The blood oxygen feature is the focus of a legal dispute involving Apple and California-based biotech company Masimo, which says Apple poached its staff and stole IP to use in its own devices. DailyMail.com has contacted Apple and Masimo. The email, published by Bloomberg, was sent on October 2, 2013 at 12:54 am. 'I have developed several medical devices in the last 10 years, and I am positively sure I could add significant value to the Apple team if I [were] given the chance of becoming part of it in a senior technical executive position without conflicting with the large IP I have developed for Masimo and Cercacor during the same period,' the email reads. Lamego was hired by Masimo in 2003 as a research scientist and became the CTO for Ceracaor about three years later. Masimo's lawyers claimed he focused on neural interfaces and not medical devices. Cercacor specializes in medical equipment research and development and was founded by Masimo CEO Joe Kiani, who has spent at least $60 million fighting Apple in court. Marcelo Lamego emailed Cook 10 years ago promising to make Apple 'the No. 1 brand in the medical, fitness and wellness market' with his knowledge of medical devices Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 were pulled from the shelves and the Apple Store due to patent infringement claims Apple is said to have offered Lamego a position at the company in 2013 when the tech giant met with Masimo for a possible acquisition that never matured. Lamego declined the offer but reconsidered after being passed over as the CTO of Masimo, lawyers for the medical company argue. Lamego was hired by Apple in 2014, and he 'pursued on behalf of Apple numerous patent applications on technologies he was intimately involved in at Plaintiffs Cercacor and Masimo,' the lawsuit claims. The scientist is also named as an inventor on an August 2014 patent titled 'Reflective Surface Treatments for Optical Sensors,' along with several others. 'Lamego had unfettered access to Plaintiffs highly confidential technical information. He was trained and mentored at Masimo by the most skilled engineers and scientists and was taught about the keys to effective non-invasive monitoring, something he was not involved in prior to Masimo,' the lawsuit claims. 'He was also exposed to guarded secrets regarding mobile medical products, including key technology and advance plans for future products.' Lamego's LinkedIn profile shows his work history, starting with Masimo in 2003 and ending with Apple in 2014. He then started True Wearables Masimo sued Apple, claiming the tech giant used its blood oxygen sensors in its smartwatches Lamego left Apple just seven months after being hired. Former Apple executive Steve Hotelling told Bloomberg that Lamego 'didn't fit in at the company' and 'clashed with managers, demanded multimillion-dollar budgets and wanted the ability to hire his engineers without approval.' Lamego later launched his startup, Oxxiom, which developed devices for continuously monitoring blood oxygen levels. Masimo sued Oxxiom in 2022, stopping the company from selling the product due to a breach of contract. Lamego, including his now True Wearables company, has been barred from 'selling the Oxxiom in its current form and 'making further use of any Masimo 'confidential information,'' the lawsuit filed in California reads. Masimo sued Apple in federal court in 2020 and again in 2021 after the Apple Watch Series 6 release, the first model to have the blood oxygen feature. The International Trade Commission (ITC), which is responsible for clamping down on unfair trade practices, issued the landmark ban. In October, the ITC announced its ruling, finding that the devices infringed on two patents owned by biotech company Masimo, based in California. The ban went into effect on December 24, leaving the final decision in the hands of the White House, which could have vetoed the ruling. However, President Joe Biden chose not to intervene. On Tuesday, Apple filed an emergency motion with the US Appeals Court to pause the ban. The company has asked the court to halt the ban until a US Customs decision due on January 12 about whether Apple's redesigned watches avoid Masimo patents. If the attempt fails, Apple will have to wait until 2028 to use the blood oxygen feature - the end of the patent hold. The ban does not affect Apple Watch SE, a less expensive model, which will continue to be sold and previously sold watches will not be impacted by the ban. The Guinness Book of World Records has recognized a lake as the largest in the world, but the body of water dried up millions of years ago. The Parathetys once covered the current Black and Caspian Seas and blanketed parts of the surrounding European and Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Romania, Hungary, and Serbia. At its largest, scientists suspect Paratethys covered about 1.08 million square miles. But it also went through several periods of drying out between 7.65 and 7.9 million years ago, which eventually shrank its borders. And once it reconnected with the Mediterranean between 6.7 and 6.9 million years ago, it was no longer an independent lake. The new world record is based on a 2021 study that mapped the megalake's historical boundaries and volume. The Megalake Paratethys once covered the area now occupied by the Black and Caspian Seas. Some of the only remaining evidence of its existence can be found in these cliffs overlooking the Black Sea These proportions were published in the journal Scientific Reports. Part of the reason for the delay was that the lake dried up a long time ago. But thanks to advanced geological research tools, it took its rightful place in the world record books this month. The Parathetys was home to unique wildlife, including giant elephants, tiny whales, and rich communities of single-celled organisms that formed the base of the food chain. Cycles of drying out and refilling left their marks in the rocks that ringed the lake. By analyzing the magnetic signatures in these rocks, scientists could propose a timeline for the lake's rise and fall. The Parathetys had a tumultuous history, thanks to the actively shifting continental plates in the region. It initially formed as a sea about 34 million years ago, spanning from the Balkans to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan - overlapping the modern-day coasts of both sides. The Parathetys once encompassed the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It also covered much of modern-day Georgia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia Around 11 million years ago, the smashing together of plates in the Earth's crust gave rise to Central Europe's mountain ranges - the Balkans, Alps, and Carpathians. These changes cut the Paratethys from the rest of the open ocean, turning it from a sea into a lake. Over millions of years, the marine species trapped when the mountains went up either adapted or died off. Soon, a thriving ecosystem developed in the Paratethys. Riabinini, the world's smallest baleen whale species, made its home there. This tiny mammal is fed by filtering out microorganisms living in the mud at the bottom of the lake. And in the swamps and lowlands surrounding the megalake lived the deinotherium, a vast species of elephant whose backward-curving tusks may have been used to excavate food. Unique wildlife made its home in and around the Eurasian megalake Parathetys. But a series of drying-out events devastated these communities, and eventually, it reconnected with the open ocean Between 9.75 and 7.65 million years ago, a series of drying-out events meant the lake lost more than two-thirds of its surface area and one-third of its volume. In some places, the water level decreased by 250 meters (820 feet). These fluctuations killed off much of the lake's wildlife. As the Parathetys lost water, its salt concentration went up too much for its residents to adapt. The timeline of these events is recorded in the rock itself, and scientists can read these records with a technique known as magnetostratigraphy. Every 100,000 to 1 million years, the Earth's magnetic polarity has reversed. When each of these events occurred, it left its mark in volcanic rocks that hardened with the signature of the current direction. So if there is a rock whose direction matches a known polarity flip, then the surrounding soil and rock can be presumed to be from that same time period. Comparing samples from the areas surrounding the lake to the dates of these reversals, scientists could reconstruct the Parathetys's dimensions. Around 6.7 and 6.9 million years ago, after one of these drying cycles, the Parathetys refilled so much that it was reconnected with the Mediterranean Sea. At this point, it was no longer a distinct body of water and lost its status as a lake. But it still qualified as the largest lake the world has ever seen, cementing its place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Dozens of dead seal pups with 'their heads torn off' have been found on beaches along the California coast since 2016, raising concerns humans may be to blame. However, scientists found the cuts were jagged and not as precise as those made by a knife, leading them on a mission to uncover what was responsible. A team on the case set up camera traps in the state's northern region with hopes of catching the culprit in action - and they were surprised by what they saw. The footage showed a coyote dragging a lifeless pup into the camera shot and gnawing off its head, confirming the animals are feasting on the seals at several back locations across California. Dozens of dead seal pups with 'their heads torn off' have been found on beaches along the California coast since 2016, raising concerns humans may be to blame The cameras are part of UC Santa Cruz PhD student Frankie Gerraty's land and sea connections research, who teamed up with Sarah Grimes, stranding coordinator at the Noyo Center for Marine Science in Mendocino County. The team has not yet released the footage of the coyote due to conducting more research, but they plan on sharing the video at a later date. 'It was so gruesome,' Grimes told The Mercury News that first reported on the matter. 'I was like marine mammal CSI, seeing all the dead pups with their heads torn off, and I'm like, 'What the heck did that?' ' Coyotes are found across the US and in different environments. The National Park Service emphasized the predator's ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats - much due to the loss of their homes because of the growing human population. Coyotes are known to catch fish, consume rodents and pick at already dead seals on beaches. Grimes noted that the four-legged predators are not known to go after live marine life, making the discovery 'surprising.' 'My guess is that the brains are pretty nutritious compared to a lot of other seal parts. Blubber can be pretty hard to get through,' Gerraty told the Los Angeles Times. Grimes and Gerraty set up cameras at MacKerricher Beach in northern California and waited to see if anything turned up. The footage showed a coyote dragging a lifeless pup into the camera shot and gnawing off its head, confirming the animals are feasting on the seals at several back locations across California 'We set up camera traps and got one really solid video of a coyote dragging a harbor seal pup and beheading it,' Gerraty told The Mercury News. 'We are pretty confident there has been predation at four sites along the Northern California coast.' However, the researchers have yet to uncover why coyotes only feast on the heads and leave the body behind. One of the first sightings of headless seal pups was made in 2016 by Steveston resident David Stuart, who was walking his dog on the beach. Stuart noticed the body was without cuts, and the one around the neck was 'surgical,' he said. 'The seal's rectum has been removed and cauterized; it makes no sense,' Stuart told the Richmond News in 2016. 'This was a crime scene as far as I was concerned; this needed to be looked at.' He notified authorities who believed the wounds were 'consistent with that of a large propeller.' But more than seven years later, scientists have found the culprit behind the seal murders. Train services from London to Europe could be set for a massive expansion as the decade goes on amid plans for new direct rail routes to Germany and Switzerland. Swiss national railways (SBB) is working on a new five-hour service between St Pancras and Basel through the Channel Tunnel using Eurostar trains; while Spanish firm Evolyn wants to open a direct link to Frankfurt, Cologne, Zurich and Geneva. These come amid a string of possible rival services to the Eurostar being planned, with Sir Richard Branson allegedly looking into Virgin operating the current route and Dutch train start-up Heuro hoping to launch a rival service within the next five years. Rail passengers travelling from London to Basel currently must make a laborious journey involving three trains that tends to take around six-and-a-half to seven hours. They have to catch a Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord then travel by RER metro to the Gare de Lyon, from which they can take a TGV service to Basel. But Swiss railway bosses hope the new route would involve just one train as well as a single check through security and passport control at the departing station. While there is no timescale on the project, SBB has confirmed the direct link is 'possible'. Plans for the London to Basel link were confirmed by Philipp Mader, SBB's head of international passenger transport, at the Swiss Travel Association conference. Speaking at the event in November, Mr Mader said: 'As a long-distance destination, we are looking into a direct train from Switzerland to London, the most frequently flown city in Europe. Basel to London in around five hours, that's possible.' But he added that implementation would be tricky, saying: 'The infrastructure is expensive on this route - partly because of the journey through the Eurotunnel.' SBB is hoping to give passengers a viable alternative to flying between Britain and Switzerland, given there are dozens of daily flights between London and Swiss airports each day. The idea of the London to Basel train link has gathered momentum after being proposed by Swiss politician Matthias Aebischer in March, who pointed out that it was important for travellers concerned about climate change. He said at the time: 'Many people today would like to travel climate neutral. But if they have to change trains several times for a train journey in Europe, they end up taking the plane after all.' However, a major issue before the direct trains could run would be a redevelopment of Basel station given that security and passport control for travellers heading to London would now be similar to what is required at airports. Mr Aebische has asked the Swiss Federal Council to work with France, Britain and Eurostar to establish whether the route can be achieved. Eurostar currently runs trains from London to Paris, Lille, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam Rail expert Mark Smith, founder of the international train guide Seat61.com, told MailOnline: 'This would be a terrific service and would soon become popular, linking the UK with Switzerland overland. 'However, the context is that Eurostar is concentrating on its core routes due to Brexit reducing passenger processing capacity at St Pancras.' He also pointed out that the planned introduction in 2025 of the new Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) visa, which will require UK citizens to register ahead of travel to the European Union, 'poses another risk'. Mr Smith continued: 'This year their (Eurostar's) ski train is a connection off a normal London to Lille service, not a direct train as in previous years in spite of pressure from ski-related businesses in the French Alps. 'The direct London to Marseille summer Eurostar has not resumed post-pandemic and the direct Eurostar to Disneyland Paris ceased in June this year. 'So Eurostar themselves are unlikely to be keen on another non-core route, even if SBB is. 'The logistical difficulties are significant: They need to find customs-secure stabling for the Eurostar train and a platform that can be cordoned off with covered space to check in passengers with security screening and border control. I would love this to happen, but I'm not holding my breath.' There is plenty of capacity to increase services operating through the Channel Tunnel, with the tunnel's owner and operator Getlink saying double the number of daily services between the UK and Europe could run. But Eurostar currently appears to be focusing on its core routes to France, Belgium and the Netherlands - with only one stop remaining in the UK at St Pancras, after it stopped using the Kent stations at Ebbsfleet and Ashford during the pandemic. Passengers at London St Pancras (pictured) could eventually use direct trains to Germany A Eurostar spokesman told MailOnline: 'It is encouraging to see interest from the Swiss national railway in expanding their international train route network. READ MORE Is Sir Richard Branson plotting to launch a Eurostar rival? Billionaire rumoured to be planning a return to the railways Advertisement 'We always monitor the potential for new routes, but our current focus is our extended network of European destinations following our union with Thalys.' MailOnline has contacted SBB for comment. Meanwhile Evolyn is buying 12 trains from French manufacturer Alstom, the maker of France's iconic TGV train, for its planned high-speed rail service. The firm's 1billion investment in the project to run trains under the English Channel aims to challenge Eurostar's monopoly on the route which it has held since 1994. Evolyn hopes to start London to Paris trains from 2025 before building up to full operation by 2026 and later extend direct services from the UK to other countries. While these other destinations have not yet been confirmed, it is thought that they could include direct trains from London to Frankfurt, Cologne, Zurich and Geneva. The move would make it far easier for Britons to travel beyond Belgium and Paris into Europe by rail, cutting out the need to change if heading to Germany or Switzerland. Eurostar currently runs trains from London to Paris, Lille, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam although services from the Netherlands to St Pancras will be suspended for six months from June next year. After Thalys merged with Eurostar in May last year, Thalys-branded red and white trains are now disappearing and being rebranded as Eurostar across the extended network in Europe The decision was announced in November by Dutch rail company Nederlandse Spoorwegen, which said Amsterdam Centraal will be unable to process cross-Channel passengers during a major renovation of the station. Eurostar trains will therefore have to run empty on the route from Amsterdam via Rotterdam before picking up London-bound travellers in Brussels. It was initially feared direct services from the Netherlands would be suspended for almost a year. Passengers wanting to travel from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to London by rail will be required to take a train to Brussels and change for a Eurostar service. Direct Eurostar trains from London to the Netherlands will continue to operate. There are currently four daily return services between London and Amsterdam via Brussels and Rotterdam. It is a key route for the operator as it challenges one of the busiest European markets for airlines. But passenger numbers for services from Amsterdam are currently restricted due to limits on how many can pass through passport and security checks at the station. Nederlandse Spoorwegen said that organisations involved in the renovation project investigated how services from Amsterdam could continue but found it would not be possible 'despite all efforts'. In 2011 there were reports that Deutsche Bahn wanted to start running services between London St Pancras and Brussels from 2013 which would then divide with one half going to Amsterdam via Rotterdam and another to Frankfurt via Cologne. While direct trains from London to Amsterdam via Rotterdam were eventually launched by Eurostar in April 2018, Deutsche Bahn has still not yet run services to London and there are still no direct trains from London to Germany. Sources at Eurostar confirmed to MailOnline earlier this year that there are currently no plans for it to run direct services to Germany or Switzerland from London. However, the situation has changed slightly since Thalys merged with Eurostar in May 2022 with Thalys-branded red and white trains now disappearing as of October and being rebranded as Eurostar across the extended network in Europe. As part of this, Eurostar has aimed to make it easier for its customers to book to 28 locations now branded as 'Eurostar' destinations on its new website, including several German cities via Brussels. Eurostar runs a lucrative business connecting London and mainland Europe via high-speed rail, having made a record core profit of 332million (288million) for 2022. The company said in June that its London-Netherlands route has seen passenger volumes more than double when compared to pre-pandemic levels. Advertisement Only last week, the Mail reported on unscrupulous practices by an unofficial meet-and-greet operator at Heathrow, but that was just one example of horror stories at airports across the UK. Upset customers have told Escape of damage to engines, lost keys, mud-splattered paintwork, mysteriously low petrol levels and rubbish scattered inside vehicles. Some have been faced with repair bills of more than 2,500. Others have been suspicious that high extra mileage on odometers could only have come from vehicles being used as taxis. Airports are warning holidaymakers to be on the alert. Upset customers who've used airport parking have told the Mail of damage to engines, lost keys, mud-splattered paintwork, mysteriously low petrol levels and rubbish scattered inside vehicles. Some have been faced with repair bills of more than 2,500 Gatwick has even issued this five-point checklist, which is applicable to motorist-travellers at all airports. Look for positive reviews on Trustpilot or other reputable review sites. Ensure clear contact details are on a firms website not just a mobile phone number. Check for a Companies House number, VAT number and registered company address. Establish that the firm is using a car park granted a British Parking Association Park Mark accreditation for security. Search for a Trading Standards Buy With Confidence accreditation. Above is the Mail's comparison of charges at official airport car parks across the UK where you also know your car will be safe YOUR AIRPORT PARKING CHECKLIST - Check where your car will be stored. Its reasonable to ask and be given a clear answer, with location and a picture. - Get a proper receipt and ensure the address details match what the meet-and-greet company has online. - Does the company have a designated location at the airport? If not, its suspicious. - Ensure the car park has a Park Mark award; you can check at parkmark.co.uk. - Check that the companys terms and conditions are not misleading. - Does the employee who greets you wear an official uniform and ID badge? If so, check the ID matches the correct company name. - Be cautious of customer reviews and look for signs of authenticity such as correct spelling and grammar. - Take a picture of your cars mileage using your phone to check if theres a significant increase while you were away. - Take photos and videos of your car inside and out at drop-off and pick-up. - Never leave valuables in the car. - The cheapest option is not always the best option! Source: British Parking Association (britishparking. co.uk) and Trading Standards. Advertisement Using an official airport meet-and-greet service is one way of providing peace of mind (stock image) Rogue 'meet-and-greet' parking firms have become the bane of British airports. Absurd byelaws allow third-party companies to operate, while terms and conditions are so vague the cowboys get away with almost anything. Local authorities and Trading Standards need to clamp down on unscrupulous operators and protect travellers. Daily Mail Comment If youre using a meet-and-greet parking service at a UK airport where a valet parks your car and has it ready when you return be very careful indeed. Usually, a simple assessment of reviews on Trustpilot will highlight companies to avoid. Drivers are advised to steer well clear of operators with a score of only one out of five and to be cautious of any scoring below four. Using an official airport meet-and-greet service is another way of providing peace of mind. Last week, a Mail investigation found that Deals4Parking, a company operating at Heathrow with just 1.3 stars on Trustpilot, had let down numerous customers, who claimed to have been landed with a nightmare service. Many had been stranded at the airport or had vehicles returned in a filthy condition. A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport, which has had a recent 250 per cent spike in complaints regarding cowboy firms, said: If you are going to book with a parking company that is not the official Gatwick Airport parking, do due diligence. Check them out thoroughly as there are so many rogue operators about. If you skimp and save, say, 20 by taking a chance on one of them, thats a big risk. Your car is usually the second most expensive thing you own after your house, so why just hand over your keys to anyone? Meanwhile, Tom Kiss, general manager of Maple Parking a reputable meet-and-greet company established in 1992 operating out of Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and Southend, and with a Trustpilot score of 4.6 after almost 11,000 reviews said: The bulk of companies are doing things properly. Rogue companies are creating a lot of bad press for all of us. Along with Maple Parking (mapleparking.co.uk), Holiday Extras (holidayextras.com) is another third party company i.e., one thats not officially owned/run by an airport itself with a strong reputation. So why aren't rogue operators stopped? All smiles... but what awaits drivers returning? Airports are warning holidaymakers to be on the alert If youre using a meet-and-greet parking service at a UK airport where a valet parks your car and has it ready when you return be very careful indeed (stock image) Some progress is, in fact, being made in this area. In August a family who ran an unscrupulous meet-and-greet operation using a car park in a muddy field near Manchester Airport was prosecuted, with the main instigator, Mohammed Isaq, 62, jailed for 17 months, while community service orders were handed out to his children, Sultan Khan, 28, and Amani Khan, 27. The judge at Manchester Crown Court accused them of exploitation of customers under the company names Manchester Meet and Greet Limited and Manchester Airport Parking Services Limited. Judge John Potter said the business showed a disgraceful failing to take any responsibility to the customers seriously, as well as wilful neglect. Instead of cars being left in secure car parks, they had been parked in fields or on streets without the CCTV coverage and 24-hour staffing that had been advertised. Complaints from customers had included an extra 688 miles being clocked on an odometer, parking fines, damage from collision with a bus (caught on CCTV), lost keys, cannabis found in cars and muddy vehicles. At Gatwick, airport authorities are working with police, Trading Standards officials from West Sussex County Council and the British Parking Association to raise awareness of such operators in the hope of a nationwide crackdown. Advertisement I am strolling along the Bodo harbour quayside, gulping salty air while gazing in awe at spiky green islands and encircling granite peaks dusted with snow. It is simply world-class, the setting of this Folkestone-sized city sandwiched between mountains and sea just inside the Arctic Circle. When Bodo (pronounced bow-dah), together with the outlying Nordland County, was announced as a 2024 European Capital of Culture, there was bewilderment in Norway. The government had told the bidding committee not to bother applying and offered zero financial support. But the bigwigs in Oslo had reckoned without the Viking-esque feistiness of their go-it-alone compatriots way up north. Nothing illustrates this spirit better than the decision to hold the opening ceremony on February 3 next year on a floating stage in the harbour and Queen Sonja of Norway will be in attendance in the deep Arctic mid-winter. The ceremony will also feature a floating stage designed to mimic an otolith which, as we all know, is the tiny ear bone inside fish. Heavenly: The Northern Lights hang in the night sky above Bodo (pronounced bow-dah). Together with the outlying Nordland County, it was announced as a 2024 European Capital of Culture. Martin Symington drops by It is going to be mind-blowing, especially if the Northern Lights come out to play that night, says Julie Abelsen, of the tourist office, when I meet her in the city centre. Light represents hope for the future and is one of our themes. Julie tells me how a Nato air base, with its buzzing international community, was the lifeblood of Bodo as she grew up. The base closed in 2022 but we were not going to sit and cry. We young people were determined to reboot Bodo as something new. Certainly, I find a youthful vibe around town. Cold to cool is a theme reflected in huge multi-coloured walls where avant garde street artists have let loose. Incorporating the heritage and culture of the Sami (pictured) the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia was key to the culture bid, writes Martin Bobbing about: Brightly coloured fishing boats in Bodo harbour There is a striking new waterfront library, a thriving cafe culture and restaurants serving artily presented dishes such as Arctic skrei cod and reindeer meat. Incorporating the heritage and culture of the Sami the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia was key to the culture bid. There will be story-telling and theatre in giant lavvos peaked animal-hide shelters used by travelling reindeer herders. A kaleidoscope of other traditional events is planned, many of them putting the Arctic regions relationship with the ocean in the spotlight. There will be a concert by scuba-diving musicians in a submerged cave and an opera about stockfish both world-firsts. When the winter darkness morphs into summer, festivals of music, dance, sculpture, opera and theatre will bloom in the midnight sun. Bodos chance to dazzle in 2024 comes alongside similarly undersold Tartu in Estonia and the spa town of Bad Ischl in Austria. Having ticked off most of Europes more obvious choices, the EU is giving this lesser-known trio their moment in the sun (midnight or otherwise). Martin visits Bodo harbour quayside and describes 'gulping salty air while gazing in awe at spiky green islands and encircling granite peaks dusted with snow' Kjerringoy nestles in a bay where russet-painted boathouses and turf-roofed fishermens shanties have been restored to collectively become a museum of the bygone age of stockfish drying and trading, says Martin ICE-COOL 2024 HIGHLIGHTS Inaugural Weekend: February 3. A royal extravaganza of light erupting on the marinas midwinter darkness with jazz, classical music and Sami theatre. Midsummer Mischief: June 20 to 23. An outdoor party with bonfires, barbecues and dance while the sun never sets. Arctic Food Festival: September 13 to 14. The ArktiskMat symposium in Mosjoen puts raw ingredients of traditional and contemporary arctic food on the culinary map. Advertisement Bodos dazzlement is heightened hugely by the Norland region which shares the Capital of Culture mantle. I drive an hour north towards the old trading post of Kjerringoy, on a road through scenery that presses all the fantasy-Norwegian-fjord buttons. I wind round deep-slicing inlets whose silky waters mirror glacier-polished cliffs. Kjerringoy nestles in a bay where russet-painted boathouses and turf-roofed fishermens shanties have been restored to collectively become a museum of the bygone age of stockfish drying and trading. It is this most traditional strand of culture that villagers have chosen to showcase for 2024. Elsewhere, at the Kjerringoy Land Art Biennale on a nearby lake, I find contemporary creations which could contest the Turner Prize. But I find myself revelling more in the wind-rippled water, the mountains and snow, while a white-tail eagle wheels overhead. These strike me as natures truest art. Next day I drive east towards Norland National Park near to the Swedish border. The Gulf Stream keeps the Norwegian coast ice-free and relatively mild, but my route feels properly Arctic. White mountains rear on all sides, and the park beyond is a sort of Scandinavian Middle Earth. I watch a lone moose drift through a strange pearly light. The park is hosting exhibitions of Sami culture and local art as part of Bodo 2024. However, as with Kjerringoy, it is the surrounding natural world that is painted from a truly epic palette. Bodo may have been a startling choice as 2024 Capital of Culture, but it has long been the capital of an utterly captivating region. She debuted her romance with a mystery new man last week. And Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice, 35, celebrated Christmas with her new beau by her side during a romantic trip to New York City over the weekend. Posting to Instagram, the former athlete shared a gallery of loved-up photos showing the couple packing on the PDA around the Big Apple. One photo showed her boyfriend kissing Stephanie on the cheek as she smiled at the camera. Another photo showed the couple walking down a city street hand-in-hand, each rugged up in beanies and scarves against the wintery chill. Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice, 35, (right) celebrated Christmas with her mystery new beau by her side during a romantic trip to New York City over the weekend In her caption, Stephanie admitted that she 'never expected this year to end this way.' 'Giving my life to God, following His call to move my life to Dubai, meeting you on my first week at Church in Brisbane, and spending our first Christmas together in New York. I can't tell you how long I've waited for this,' she added. Stephanie is currently living in Dubai, and recently announced that she was dedicating herself to religion. Posting to Instagram, the former athlete shared a gallery of loved-up photos showing the couple packing on the PDA around the Big Apple The champion swimmer, who bought a one-way ticket to Dubai to start a new life, revealed earlier this month how turning to God has 'helped her feel so supported in my new home.' She currently worships at the Kingdom City church. It is unclear whether she met her new boyfriend there. In her caption, Rice admitted that she 'never expected this year to end this way' Stephanie first 'soft launched' her new relationship on Instagram last week, sharing photos of the couple holding hands in New York - without showing her boyfriend's face. It came as a happy surprise, as the brunette had only recently spoken about her lacklustre love life. Back in October, she had lamented about her dating life during an intimate scene with SAS Chief Instructor, Ant Middleton. Back in October, she had lamented about her dating life during an intimate scene with SAS Chief Instructor, Ant Middleton (left) 'I think it'd be nice to have somebody to go through the harder times,' she said on the show. 'I would love to have somebody to ride the waves with,' she continued. Stephanie admitted to not having a lot to look forward to when she left the show. The pool queen was previously in a relationship with fellow swimmer, Eamonn Sullivan. Previously she has also been romantically linked to legendary American swimmer Michael Phelps, NRL star David 'Wolfman' Williams and swimmer, Nic D'Arcy. Then-private attorney Pamela Price walks away after addressing the media in 2016 concerning the case of a sexually exploited teen who went by the name Celeste Guap. The state Supreme Court has ordered Oakland to release records about the case that had been requested by the press. Santiago Mejia/Special to the Chronicle 2016 Oakland must release records it has withheld about its investigation of police who had sex with a teenage abuse victim, and the suicide of one of those officers, the state Supreme Court decided Wednesday. The court unanimously denied review of an appellate ruling requiring the city to provide documents to two journalists who filed suit in 2019 after the records were withheld. The justices also upheld the ruling, a broad interpretation of Californias Public Records Act, as a binding precedent for all trial courts in California. Oakland paid $989,000 in 2017 to settle a suit by the 19-year-old Richmond woman, whose first name was Jasmine but who went by the alias of Celeste Guap. The daughter of an Oakland police dispatcher, she said 29 police officers in Oakland, Livermore and San Francisco, as well as sheriffs deputies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, had sexual relations with her, some of them when she was still a minor, and others sent her sexually explicit messages. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A city investigation found misconduct by five Oakland police officers, said Sam Ferguson, a lawyer for the journalists seeking the records. Six current or former Oakland officers were charged with crimes, and several reached plea agreements, while others had their charges dismissed. The scandal had become public in 2015 after Brendan OBrien, an Oakland officer, committed suicide and left a note describing his and other Oakland officers relationships with the young woman. The suit was filed by Darwin BondGraham, now news editor of the Oaklandside, and freelance reporter Ali Winston. They appealed after Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch allowed Oakland to withhold records of much of the young womans testimony, identities of witnesses and some information about officers, including those who were found to have committed misconduct. The 1st District Court of Appeal overruled Roesch in August and said the Public Records Act, which requires government agencies to disclose significant information to the public, must be interpreted broadly because it furthers the peoples right of access. The wrongfully withheld documents included the police reports recommendations of new policies and training for offices, Justice James Richman said in the 3-0 ruling, which became final Wednesday when the states high court upheld it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The appeals court also said Oakland must identify the officers who testified about misconduct by their colleagues, because a state law allowing witnesses names to be withheld from public records applies only to civilians and not to police. Wednesdays court action means that the public will have a real window into police investigations, said Ferguson, lawyer for the journalists who filed suit to obtain the records. Thats the purpose of this law, for the public to have insight into how police departments investigate their own. There was no immediate comment from the city attorneys office. Nick Carter's sister, Bobbie Jean Carter, will be buried in Florida, where she died Saturday at the age of 41, according to People. Although the cause of death remains unclear, and sources close to the family have said they believe she passed away due to cardiac arrest. The insider also relayed that Bobbie Jean's daughter Bella, eight, is in the custody of her grandmother, Jane Schneck, 64. In a statement to TMZ the grieving mother spoke about her devastating loss. '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. Bobbie Jean Carter will be buried in her home state of Florida, where she died Saturday at age 41 '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: 'However 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.' Fans may know Bobbie Jean from her appearance in the reality show House of Carters, which aired in 2006. She, like her late brother Aaron and late sister Leslie, struggled with substance abuse. Aaron died from an accidental drowning in November 2022 at his home in Lancaster, California, caused after his inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, the generic form of brand-name Xanax. He was 34. Fans may know Bobbie Jean from her appearance in the reality show House of Carters, which aired in 2006 Billie Jean, like her brother Aaron and sister Leslie struggled with substance abuse. Leslie died of a drug overdose at age 25 in 2012. Leslie, (center) died of an drug overdose in 2012 at 25. Aaron passed away from an accidental drowning to to his drug use in November 2022 (Pictured in 2006) Leslie died of a drug overdose at age 25 in 2012. In June, Bobbie was arrested on a shoplifting charge for an incident at Hobby Lobby and was put on a suicide watch after threatening to kill herself. Investigators discovered she was in possession of fentanyl, potent synthetic opioid drug similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more powerful. If Bobbie Jean did die of a heart attack as her family reportedly believes, her drug use could have contributed to it, according to the National Library of Medicine. Nick, 43, has not spoken publicly about this latest family tragedy, but his sister Angel, 35 made a lengthy statement on Instagram Sunday, promising to prevent the trauma that haunted her siblings from hurting the next generation Nick, 43, has not spoken publicly about this latest family tragedy, but his sister Angel, 35 made a lengthy statement on Instagram Sunday, promising to prevent the trauma that haunted her siblings from hurting the next generation. 'This starts with our children, and creating healthy conversation within the home. The generational dysfunction stops now.' she wrote Sunday. 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.' If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357. Married At First Sight star Cathy Evans has shared a worrying Instagram Story post about her 'worst nightmare' coming true. Cathy, who appeared on the Australian dating show in 2020, shared a photo taken inside an airplane as it was docking at a New Zealand airport on Monday, and captioned it with some distressing words. 'Emergency flight to NZ. My worst nightmare come to life. Always hold your loved ones close,' the New Zealand-born influencer, 30, wrote next to the photo. Cathy, who currently lives in Sydney, then admitted she was currently struggling and asked her fans for advice on returning to Australia. 'I'm not doing very well and I'm unable to think clearly. If anyone has dealt with international repatriation companies, please send my way,' she added. Married At First Sight star Cathy Evans, 30, (pictured) took to social media on Tuesday to share a worrying post about her 'worst nightmare' coming true Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Evans for comment. Evans has undergone an incredible transformation since appearing on MAFS. Among her many procedures, the 30-year-old forked out around $30,000 on liposuction to ten different areas of her body in 2021. Evans shared a photo taken from her plane's window of the aircraft docking at a New Zealand airport and captioned it with some distressing words Cathy, who currently lives in Sydney , then admitted she was currently struggling and asked her fans for advice on returning to Australia Among the areas treated were her chin, inner thighs, stomach, waist, back and buttocks. At the time, the influencer revealed why she decided to go under the knife, after critics told her to 'go to the gym' instead of the plastic surgeon. 'People are saying, ''Why aren't you just going to the gym?'' And I do go to the gym,' she said in a YouTube video. 'What I am after is not found at the gym. This shaped, sculpted body by a surgeon or doctor is not found at the gym,' she added. Tiffany Haddish on Monday joked about the opulence of the Beverly Hills Jail, about a month after she was arrested in the luxe city in her second DUI in as many years. Haddish, 44, was arrested early hours of November 24 in Beverly Hills, California in connection with DUI when officers found her sleeping in her automobile with the engine running, which was parked on the busy Beverly Drive at the time. The Emmy-winning actress-comedian took to the stage for a Christmas set at The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, appearing at a benefit in which people in need were provided with meals, and toys for their children. The Afterparty star was clad in a festive Mrs. Santa Claus-inspired ensemble as she spoke to the crowd about her time in jail following the arrest, in a clip published by TMZ. 'Girl, I know Im gonna be all right, Ive been through way worse than this - I'm sorry, but you aint lived till you got arrested in Beverly Hills, OK?' she said. 'Its beautiful over there. Ive been in quite a few jails - just like the rest of yall - I can tell some of yall been to jail, I still smell jail.' Tiffany Haddish, 44, on Monday joked about the opulence of the Beverly Hills Jail about a month after she was arrested in the luxe city in her second DUI in as many years Haddish was pictured with actor Joseph Tomangi, who shared pics from the event on his Instagram Haddish joked, 'If youre gonna do something, I say get arrested over there cause that jail is nice ... that jail was nice - its so clean! Haddish said that she 'had already ate four times' on Thanksgiving ahead of her arrest, so she 'didnt even have to eat,' but authorities offered her 'juice and stuff.' Haddish said, 'I was like, "Oh this is nice," adding that her menstrual cycle had started while she was in custody. 'Im bleeding in the jail, OK cool ... but they had the best maxi pads,' Haddish said. 'Ive never seen pads so big.' Haddish joked that the maxi pads distributed were big enough to be used as pillows. 'I was comfortable, it was nice,' she said. 'They gave me one of those fleece blankets that you get in like first grade to take a nap on and I did that, I took a nap. 'It was beautiful - wonderful experience!' Haddish on December 20 entered a not guilty plea to two counts of 'driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a .08% BAC,' TMZ reported. The Emmy-winning actress-comedian took to the stage for a Christmas set at The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles The Afterparty star was clad in a festive Mrs. Santa Claus-inspired ensemble as she spoke to the crowd about her time in jail following the arrest Haddish appeared at a benefit in which people in need were provided with meals, and toys for their children Haddish was previously taken into custody in January 14, 2022 in Peachtree City, Georgia after officers found her sleeping behind the wheel of her car. Haddish was arrested in connection with DUI and improper stopping on a roadway, as authorities believed she was under the influence of marijuana. In court docs reviewed by TMZ last month, Georgia state prosecutors said they 'want a court there to modify the bond conditions' the Girls Trip star received in her 2022 arrest to prohibit her from using any drugs or alcohol, with weekly testing for both. The Like a Boss star is full of 'regret' after her arrest on suspicion of DUI charges, and is keen to shut down any suggestion she has an alcohol problem, according to insiders. Haddish, who is relieved that no one was hurt by her 'mistake', is reportedly conscious of being defined by the incident. 'Tiffany regrets that she is in the news for being arrested, but is grateful that nobody got hurt,' a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. 'She is going to tackle it all head-on and get the right lawyers. 'She doesn't want this to define her or have people think she needs help. She made a mistake, and it is not because she has an alcohol problem. It was just a bad thing that she got herself into and she is working on moving on from it.' The insider added: 'She's looking forward to getting back to work and heading into the new year with the outlook of finding new love and new film and TV opportunities.' Haddish had been performing at the Laugh Factory November 23, just hours before her arrest Haddish took to the stage for the club's 43rd annual free Thanksgiving feast for the community The Laugh Factory is about a 15 minute drive from Beverly Hills - where Haddish was found Haddish was seen smiling in her mugshot after her DUI arrest in January 2022 In her arrest last month, Beverly Hills police officers received a call at 5:45 AM about a person 'slumped over the wheel while the car was running,' according to TMZ. The vehicle was located in the middle of the busy Beverly Drive, which is lined with stores including Pottery Barn and Sephora. In a video obtained by the outlet, the actress and comedian can be seen with her hands cuffed behind her back as she is escorted to a patrol car. The arrest was said to be 'peaceful' with no resistance. The arrest came hours after she performed a stand-up set at The Laugh Factory on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood for the club's 43rd annual free Thanksgiving feast for the community. The Laugh Factory is about a 15-minute drive from Beverly Hills. Pictures from the November 23 event showed Haddish on stage wearing a floral top similar to the one she was wearing at the time of her arrest. She acknowledged the incident 24 hours later during another set at The Laugh Factory. Responding to an audience member who asked 'what happened,' she said: 'I prayed to God to send me a man with a job. A career. Preferably in a uniform. God answered my prayers.' In January 2022, when she was arrested under a similar circumstance in Georgia, she made a similar joke while discussing the incident with Jimmy Fallon. She addressed the arrest days later during an appearance on The Tonight Show, telling host Fallon: 'I can say this, Jimmy Ive been praying to God to send me a new man. A good man. And God went ahead and sent me four. In uniform.' She continued: 'And now I got a really great lawyer, and were going to work it out. Ive got to get my asking of things to God a little better!' Christmas is one of many people's favourite times of the year. And some Aussie Influencers had even more reason to celebrate as they were spoilt with elaborate gifts from their loved ones. Tammy Hembrow revealed her new fiance Matt Zukowski surprised her with a trip to Japan as they celebrated their first Christmas together. 'Waitttt. He got me a trip to Japan (I've always wanted to go) and a photo album of our Maldives trip,' she wrote on Instagram. She then revealed she had also gifted Matt an experience he had always wanted to do. Aussie Influencers have revealed the extravagant gifts they received for Christmas this year. Pictured: Tammy Hembrow and fiance Matt Zukowski Tammy took to her Instagram to share a photo of plane tickets and revealed Matt had surprised her with a trip to Japan 'And I got him a great white cage diving trip (which he always wanted to do) and an empty photo album and a camera.' PR maven Roxy Jacenko showed off the new white Nike sneakers she purchased for Christmas during her holiday in France. She shared a closeup photo of the shoes, which retail for $962, to Instagram. Tahlia Skaines also revealed her lavish gift on Instagram after receiving a $6950 Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet. PR maven Roxy Jacenko (pictured) showed off the new white Nike sneakers she purchased for Christmas during her holiday in France She shared a closeup photo of the shoes, which retail for $962, to Instagram Tahlia Skaines also revealed her lavish gift on Instagram after receiving a $6950 Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet 'In love,' she simply captioned a photo of the jewellery. Influencer Madison Woolley was also spoilt this year, as she was gifted a stylish white Chanel handbag. The 25-year-old showed off her new bag, which retails for $4990, on Instagram and wrote: 'New love'. Influencer Madison Woolley was also spoilt this year, as she was gifted a stylish white Chanel handbag Married At First Sight bride Olivia Frazer delivered a savage burn to series 'villain' Harrison Boon on Tuesday, revealing there is no friendship between them. The former reality star, 29, hosted a Q&A with her Instagram fans and did not hold back when asked if she remained in contact with Harrison, 33. 'Nope. I gave him a chance and he burned me like he does everyone,' she began. Olivia then showed her solidarity with Harrison's MAFS ex-wife Bronte Schofield. 'Bronte is, has and always will be my girl and is one of the toughest cookies I know,' she wrote and added a love heart emoji. Olivia Frazer (left) delivered a savage burn to fellow Married At First Sight star Harrison Boon (right) on Tuesday, revealing there is no friendship between them. Both pictured in April Speaking to Daily Mail Australia Harrison said he was confused with Olivia's 'attention seeking story'. 'It's a shame that Olivia can't understand that I can still be her friend AND not agree with everything she does,' Harrison said. 'I'm good with Olivia. But her story doesn't shock me, I don't think there's a person out there she hasn't irritated in some way. I think collectively everyone is just done with Olivia and her behaviour.' Boon insisted he has no idea why Olivia is saying that he 'burnt' her, but wasn't phased with her opinion. The former reality star, 29, hosted a Q&A with her Instagram fans and did not hold back when asked if she remained in contact with Harrison Harrison appeared on the most recent series of MAFS this year, while Olivia starred on the dating show in 2022. Olivia and Harrison met for the first time in April this year, at the Sydney Comedy Festival's opening night at the Enmore Theatre but have never publicly dated. They were both controversially labelled series 'villains' due to their perceived dishonest behaviour towards their respective spouse, Bronte Schofield and Jackson Lonie. Frazer later blamed the hit series for her relationship with Jackson ending, claiming it put too much pressure on them. Olivia then showed her solidarity with Harrison's MAFS ex-wife Bronte Schofield (right). 'Bronte is, has and always will be my girl and is one of the toughest cookies I know,' Olivia said Meanwhile in March, Harrison's televised marriage to Bronte Schofield sensationally ended in turmoil before the finale. During the show's final dinner party, the 28-year-old brutally dumped Harrison after an honesty box challenge went horribly wrong. Bronte explained she was sick of Harrison always playing the victim and gaslighting her. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Bronte finally snapped, declaring, 'I'm done with you. I'm done with this man. Harrison, we're done.' 'We're over, and I honestly don't wanna see you again,' she continued before storming out of the dinner party, leaving Harrison and their fellow contestants in shock. UK celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson have paid tribute to Bill Granger after the Australian food pioneer's tragic death from cancer, aged 54. Oliver, 48, took to Instagram to express his sadness: 'This is devastating news, I'm so sad to hear this, what a guy he was . a wonderful human, kind calm soul.' 'I admired everything he represented in food. I remember the first time I met him many moons ago he couldnt have been nicer and his food so good,' Oliver added. In a second tribute shared to Jamie's Instagram story, the British celebrity chef wrote he 'loved Bill so much'. 'This is such sad news... I loved Bill Granger so much, he was such a wonderful man, warm, charming, and had an extraordinary ease and style of cooking that could only come from Australia,' Jamie wrote. Jamie Oliver, 48, (pictured) has paid tribute to Bill Granger after the Australian food pioneer's tragic death from cancer, aged 54 'Bless you Bill so much love! What a guy. So much love to his family and friends.' Meanwhile, Nigella, 63, expressed she was 'heartbroken' to hear that Granger had died. 'He was the loveliest man, and the joy he gave us whether through his food, his books, the spaces he made for us, or in person came from the kindness and generosity and sheer, shining exuberance of his very self...it's too cruel,' she wrote in an Instagram post. World-renowned Australian chef Bill died at the age of 54, his family revealed in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday. 'This is such sad news... I loved Bill Granger so much, he was such a wonderful man, warm, charming, and had an extraordinary ease and style of cooking that could only come from Australia,' Jamie wrote in an Instagram post Meanwhile, Nigella Lawson, 63, (pictured) expressed she was 'heartbroken' to hear that Granger had died. 'He was the loveliest man, and the joy he gave us whether through his food, his books, the spaces he made for us, or in person came from the kindness and generosity and sheer, shining exuberance of his very self...it's too cruel,' she wrote in an Instagram post 'He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss most profoundly felt by his adored family, who are grateful for all the love and support that has been given,' the post read. 'It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce he has passed away on 25th December at the age of 54. 'A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Ines and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London.' Australian chef Bill (pictured) died at the age of 54, his family revealed in an heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday Former MasterChef judge Matt Preston also remembered Bill as a 'genuinely lovely bloke and an inspiration'. 'So sorry to hear this news Together he (with Natalie by his side) helped shape the image of modern Australian food around the world. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those he worked with at this sad time,' he wrote. Aussie actor Jason Donovan said Bill's death is 'devastating' news. 'Wonderful father and husband. Wonderful man! Ray of Aussie sunshine,' the former Neighbours star said. Born in Melbourne, Bill was a self-taught cook who became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning over 30 years Born in Melbourne, Australia, Bill was a self-taught cook who became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning over 30 years. In 1999, he and his wife Natalie began a professional partnership that launched the business globally. Together they built a successful business that today has 19 restaurants across Sydney, London, Greater Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Seoul. Bill authored 14 cookbooks, made five TV series and most recently was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2023. He will be remembered as the 'King of Breakfast', for making unpretentious food into something special filled with sunshine and for spurring the growth of Australian informal and communal eating around the world. The self-taught cook dropped out of art school at the age of 24 and opened his first 'Bills' restaurant in Sydney's Darlinghurst in 1992. Bill then went on to own an 18 cafe-strong empire with restaurants around the world including in Japan, Hawaii and London. The chef was credited with inventing a breakfast staple that has come to define a generation - the humble avocado on toast. Kourtney Kardashian confidently showed off her postpartum frame in a glamorous ensemble in new Instagram photos shared on Tuesday. The Poosh founder, 44 who welcomed her fourth child last month in November donned the outfit while attending her family's annual, star-studded Christmas Eve bash over the weekend. In the caption of the post, she explained to her 224 million fans and followers, 'When not much in the closet fits yet and the boobs are filled with milk, throw on a cozy coat.' The reality star turned heads while putting on a leggy display wearing a long, black fuzzy coat that was clasped at the front. Underneath, the TV personality also opted for a black bodysuit as well as sheer, black tights to coincide with the monochromatic color scheme. Kourtney Kardashian, 44, confidently showed off her postpartum frame in a glamorous ensemble in new Instagram photos shared on Tuesday In the caption of the post, she explained to her 224 million fans and followers, 'When not much in the closet fits yet and the boobs are filled with milk, throw on a cozy coat' She slipped into a pair of closed-toed heels that contained silver, sparkling details and were secured with thin straps that wrapped around her ankles. Kourtney accessorized the outfit with mini earrings as well as a glittering necklace for a flashy flare. Her dark locks were pulled back into a sleek ponytail, preventing any loose strands from falling onto her face. The beauty struck a few poses while standing in front of a plain, white wall to flaunt her fashionable look during the festive night out. The mother-of-four also included a short reel as she twirled for the camera and flashed a big smile near a lit up Christmas tree. Social media users and celebrities jumped to the comment section to share their positive and encouraging thoughts, including her sister Khloe, who penned, 'When you're a baddie no matter what.' Olivia Pierson typed out, 'You looked SO beautiful ,' while Stassi Schroeder added, 'YES.' Pregnant Miranda Kerr also joined in by typing a fire emoji. Kourtney notably wore the stylish coat while attending the annual Kardashian/Jenner Christmas Eve bash - which was hosted by her younger sister Kim this year at her Calabasas mansion. The mother-of-four also included a short reel that filmed herself twirling for the camera and flashing a big smile near a lit up Christmas tree Social media users and celebrities jumped to the comment section to share their positive and encouraging thoughts, including her sister Khloe, who penned, 'When you're a baddie no matter what' Kourtney notably wore the stylish coat while attending the annual Kardashian/Jenner Christmas Eve bash - which was hosted by her younger sister Kim this year at her Calabasas mansion The large estate was covered with fake snow to make guests feel as if they were in a winter wonderland. Babyface was one of the celebrity guests and also performed at the glitzy affair. Last year, Sia notably performed at the annual party - which had been hosted by Kourtney. Other stars that stopped by to join in on the holiday festivities included Paris Hilton her sister, Nicky Hilton. The bash was notably sponsored by Coca Cola, and glass bottles of the fizzy soda had 'Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve Party 2023' printed on the labels. And late last week, shortly before ringing in the holidays, Kourtney and her husband Travis Barker shared a first look of their baby boy, Rocky, in sweet, family holiday photos on Instagram. The Poosh founder simply captioned the carousel of snaps with, 'ROCKY,' followed by a black heart emoji. In the first picture, Kourtney could be seen resting her head on the musician's lap as the couple paused for a photo while sitting on the floor. Barker gently held Rocky as he propped him up near his shoulder. In another snap, Kourtney could be seen gently holding her seven-week-old son in her arms as she lovingly gazed down at him while breastfeeding. The bash was notably sponsored by Coca Cola, and glass bottles of the fizzy soda had 'Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve Party 2023' printed on the labels And late last week, shortly before ringing in the holidays, Kourtney and her husband Travis Barker shared a first look of their baby boy, Rocky, in sweet, family holiday photos on Instagram In another snap, Kourtney could be seen gently holding her seven-week-old son in her arms as she lovingly gazed down at him while breastfeeding She donned a black hoodie which color-coordinated with Rocky's ensemble that comprised of black, velvet sweats. The mother-of-four also included a black and white image of Travis giving his little boy a kiss. The drummer could be seen sporting a black, hooded sweatshirt to match his wife's ensemble for the family photos. Another picture was taken as Barker stood in front of a Christmas tree that was decked out with lights. Rocky's tiny feet could be seen in the image as the star held their baby boy in his arms. Lastly, Kourtney added a snap to her 224 million followers of Travis gently placing his hand on their son's back as he rested on the drummer's stomach. Also last week, she took a big step and embarked on her 'first day at the gym' since welcoming baby Rocky. She recently shared another snap as she spent time on a treadmill and expressed, 'doing the most important job in the world...being a mommy.' The star also added, 'taking time to slowly ease back into some uphill walks on the treadmill when I can sneak them in, along with my walks outside in the stroller. be kind to yourself.' Earlier last month on November 1, The Kardashians star gave birth to their baby boy - just two months after she underwent a 'terrifying' fetal surgery to save her unborn son's life. The mother-of-four also included a black and white image of Travis giving his little boy a kiss Also last week, she took a big step and embarked on her 'first day at the gym' since welcoming baby Rocky Kourtney also embraced the Christmas holiday by sharing stockings that were filled with candy canes, including one for herself and her baby boy, Rocky She also gave a glimpse of yummy cookies that had been made for Santa Clause At the time of the baby announcement, both Barker as well as Kylie Jenner were spotted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The businesswoman also shares Mason, 14, Penelope, 11, and Reign, nine, with ex Scott Disick. Travis is also father to Landon, 20, and Alabama, 18, whom he welcomed with ex, Shanna Moakler. The Blink-182 member also has remained close to Atiana De La Hoya, 24 - Moakler's daughter from her previous relationship with Oscar De La Hoya. Kourtney also embraced the Christmas holiday by sharing snaps of stockings that were filled with candy canes, including one for herself and her baby boy, Rocky. She also gave a glimpse of yummy cookies that had been made for Santa Clause. The star of the BBC's Agatha Christie adaptation has admitted he is not a fan of 'colour-blind casting', but felt that the decision to change his character's race from white to black was a genuine attempt to do something different. David Jonsson, who plays the protagonist in tonight's drama Murder Is Easy, said he initially turned down the role for this reason. In the radical reworking of Christie's book, Luke Fitzwilliam has been changed from a retired white colonial police officer to a black Nigerian, newly arrived in the UK for a diplomatic post in Whitehall. Those behind the new adaptation, which also stars Penelope Wilton, say it has been 'embedded' with 'themes of dying empire, power, and the desire for independence, political and personal'. Screenwriter Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre said she wanted the drama, about murders in an English village, to reflect the experience of black immigrants in the UK. David Jonsson, who plays the protagonist in tonight's drama Murder Is Easy, said he initially turned down the role In the radical reworking of Christie's book, Luke Fitzwilliam has been changed from a retired white colonial police officer to a black Nigerian The star admitted he is not a fan of 'colour-blind casting' (Pictured: Luke Fitzwilliam, played by David Jonsson, and Bridget, played by Morfydd Clark) Those behind the new adaptation, which also stars Penelope Wilton (pictured), say it has been 'embedded' with 'themes of dying empire' Luke Fitzwilliam arrives in the UK for a diplomatic post in Whitehall and is accused by fellow Nigerian immigrants of working for a boss who is a 'colonial butcher' The story sees Fitzwilliam socialising in a West African Education Centre, where he is accused by fellow Nigerian immigrants of working for a boss who is a 'colonial butcher' and of 'collaborating with his oppressors'. He is also asked whether he would not be better 'helping his own people gain independence back home'. Jonsson said: 'I'm not a big fan of colour-blind casting... to be blind to anything is not a good thing. So I think I said no and they were quite persistent.' But he said that after speaking to the show's bosses he realised they were not being 'blind to anything' and so he agreed to take part. Chris Hemsworth surprised fans on Wednesday as he showed off his drumming 'skills'. In a video posted to Instagram, the Hollywood star, 40, is shown manning a drum kit while brothers Liam, 33, played the guitar and Luke, 43, sung. The Hemsworth siblings gave a purposely messy version of Greenday's (Good Riddance) Time of Your Life. Chris pounded the drums and cymbals off rhythm as Liam played clumsily and Luke screamed the lyrics. In the caption, Chris joked their 'Christmas album had just dropped, thanks for the inspiration Greenday,' before tagging his brothers. Chris Hemsworth showed off his dubious drumming skills while performing with his brothers Liam and Luke on Wednesday The video comes after Chris and wife Elsa Pataky hosted Christmas at their $20million Byron Bay pad on Monday. The couple were joined on the day by their family, including Chris' brothers, who got into the festive spirit by dressing up. The Thor star took to Instagram to share snaps and videos from the Christmas lunch, where the clan ate a decadent feast in front of their infinity pool and sweeping ocean views. Stunning in a grey slip on dress, the Fast and Furious star cosied up to her man for a selfie with Liam. Chris showed off his bulging biceps in a white singlet top, which he teamed up with grey tracksuit pants. In an Instagram video, the Hollywood star, 40, is shown manning a drum kit while brother Liam (pictured right), 33, played the guitar and brother Luke (pictured left), 43, sung Together, the Hemsworth siblings gave a purposely messy version of Greenday's (Good Riddance) Time of Your Life. In the caption, Chris joked ' Christmas album just dropped, thanks for the inspiration Greenday' The couple, who have spent time holidaying separately in recent months, recently reunited as they enjoyed a family holiday in Fiji. Posting to Instagram, the pair each shared a gallery of happy holiday snaps showing themselves relaxing at the Tavarua Island Resort with their sons Tristan and Sasha, nine, and daughter India, 11. Also joining the Hemsworths for their romantic getaway was Chris' brother Luke and several other family friends. Elsa made sure to upload plenty of loved up selfies as they cuddled at the beach, went swimming and took a boat ride with friends. 'Fiji family adventures,' Elsa captioned her post, tagging Chris. It comes as Chris and wife Elsa Pataky (pictured centre) hosted Christmas at their $20million Byron Bay pad on Monday. The couple were joined on the day by their family, including Chris' brothers Liam and Luke, who got into the festive spirit by dressing up The posts came after fans grew concerned about the status of Chris and Elsa's relationship. The genetically blessed duo have spent a significant amount of time holidaying separately in recent months, prompting fans to question if all is well in paradise. Since the fans raised their concerns, Chris shared an image of himself and Elsa to Instagram, showing the pair lapping up the sun aboard a boat. The couple, who have spent time holidaying separately in recent months, recently reunited as they enjoyed a family holiday in Fiji The chatter began when Elsa and the couple's children put up the family Christmas tree at their Byron Bay mansion without Chris. 'Haven't seen you and Chris together in a while. Hope all is good,' one follower commented underneath photos the Spanish star posted of the Hemsworth clan decorating the home. 'Where is Chris?' another worried fan wrote, as one pointed out the pair have been taking less photos together than usual. In October, Elsa, 47, jetted to Japan with the couple's twin sons Tristan and Sasha without her husband. Meanwhile, Chris took their daughter India on a daddy-daughter getaway to Iceland. T he genetically blessed duo have spent a significant amount of time holidaying separately in recent months, prompting fans to question if all is well in paradise Katie Holmes cut a chic figure on Tuesday as she stepped out in New York City. The 45-year-old actress who celebrated her birthday last week looked sharp in a long black and white coat from Patou. She wore it over a black turtleneck and a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg, indigo blue denim trousers. The Dawson's Creek alum made a fashion statement as she added a bright red leather Patou purse crossbody-style. The brunette bombshell changed up her look by showing off new, flirty, sideswept bangs as the rest of the locks flowed over her chest. Katie Holmes cut a chic figure on Tuesday as she stepped out in New York City The 45-year-old actress who celebrated her birthday last week looked sharp in a long black and white coat from Patou Holmes hit the pavement in the Big Apple wearing a pair of square-toed black leather boots. Her face was softly made up in a warm palette of pink-toned makeup. The filmmaker flashed a soft smile as she walked cooly with her hands in her coat pockets. Holmes is regularly spotted on the move while out and about in the Big Apple. Less than one week ago she marked her birthday with 17-year-old daughter Suri Cruise in tow. Tom and Katie married in a Scientologist ceremony held at the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Italy in November 2006, just seven months after welcoming Suri. Six years later, Katie filed for a divorce that was finalized ten days later. Last summer Katie revealed that her daughter recorded a cover of the song Blue Moon for her film Alone Together, which she wrote, directed and starred in. The Dawson's Creek alum made a fashion statement as she added a bright red leather purse crossbody-style Holmes is regularly spotted on the move while out and about in the Big Apple Katie was spotted doing shopping in the city days before Christmas On why she asked her daughter to sing in the film, she answered: 'I always want the highest level of talent, so I asked her.' Holmes also revealed that Suri sang in Rare Objects, a project Katie also wrote, directed, and starred in that was released in April. She actually did sing in Rare Objects, which is the film we did last fall,' she explained. Cruise will graduate from high school in June and begin college in fall 2024. Bob Egelko has been a reporter since June 1970. He spent 30 years with the Associated Press, covering news, politics and occasionally sports in Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento, and legal affairs in San Francisco from 1984 onward. He worked for the San Francisco Examiner for five months in 2000, then joined The Chronicle in November 2000. His beat includes state and federal courts in California, the Supreme Court and the State Bar. He has a law degree from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento and is a member of the bar. Coverage has included the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, the appointment of Rose Bird to the state Supreme Court and her removal by the voters, the death penalty in California and the battles over gay rights and same-sex marriage. He can be reached at begelko@sfchronicle.com. Helen Flanagan gave fans an insight into her 'weird' Christmas as she shared a gallery of snaps after spending the holiday without her three children. The soap star, 33, shares Matilda, seven, Delilah, five, and Charlie, two, with her ex-fiance Scott Sinclair, 34, and as it was his turn to have the children for Christmas, Helen ensured she kept herself busy. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Helen revealed she wasn't in the festive spirit without her brood but showed how she spent the week without them. Addressing her one million followers, she confessed: 'Wasnt really feeling Christmas this year, felt weird without the kids but next year Ill be festive My week around Christmas on my camera roll '. She then proceeded to explain the circumstances around each snap, with the first image showing the mother-of-three wowing in a plunging scarlet dress with a racy thigh split. Helen Flanagan gave fans an insight into her 'weird' Christmas as she shared a gallery of snaps after spending the holiday without her three children Among the images was a candid selfie in the tub as she mused: 'Spotty and hungover in the bath, WHY am I still spotty at 33, hope my hormone meds help ' Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Helen revealed she wasn't in the festive spirit without her brood but showed how she spent the week without them Helen said of the occasion: 'Dolling myself up for a night out but probs drank too much ( never helps when you feel rubbish)'. In her next snap, Helen was seen flashing a peace sign in the back of a cab as she revealed she was addressing her premenstrual dysphoric disorder and thanked Vicky Pattison - who has been vocal about her issues with the severe premenstrual syndrome - the symptoms women can experience in the weeks before their period. Helen explained: 'Finally doing something about my PMDD Thankyou @vickypattison for being a support x I get SO emotional just before I bleed x other women that have this condition please comment '. The next snap saw her posing makeup-free with her rarely-seen brother Tom, writing: 'Christmas shopping with my brother for his wife x love him so much and always funny x'. Another makeup-free image cradling a McDonalds delivery was up next as she explained: 'Me as a skatty mess at my friends apartment. Loosing my keys ect. I do have ADHD and Im managing it really badly at the moment [sic].' She was glammed up for the next image but admitted: 'Having to keep my coat on at dinner because my dress ripped in two.' Helen then moved onto a candid selfie in the tub as she mused: 'Spotty and hungover in the bath, WHY am I still spotty at 33, hope my hormone meds help .' Later on her Stories, Helen revealed she was set for a reunion with her children as she snapped a picture of herself packing for their family trip to Bali. The former Coronation Street star, 33, shares Matilda, seven, Delilah, five, and Charlie, two, with her ex-fiance Scott Sinclair, 34 (pictured together) The former soap star split from her fiance Scott last year and spent her first Christmas without their children as he had custody of them for the day In one In snap, Helen flashed a peace sign as she revealed she was addressing her premenstrual dysphoric disorder The next snap saw her posing makeup-free with her rarely-seen brother Tom, writing: 'Christmas shopping with my brother for his wife x love him so much and always funny x' Another makeup-free image cradling a McDonalds delivery was up next as she explained: 'Me as a skatty mess at my friends apartment. Loosing my keys ect. I do have ADHD' [sic] She was glammed up for the next image but admitted: 'Having to keep my coat on at dinner because my dress ripped in two' Earlier this month, it was alleged that Helen was set to spend Christmas in Bali with David Haye and his girlfriend Sian Osborne. However close friends of the star dismissed the claims and insisted she is 'very single'. Friends of Helen's told MailOnline: 'She's happily single and happily dating and it's completely false that she's in a throuple. She's not going away with David'. It was previously alleged that Helen and David, 43, were planning to meet up on the Indonesian island for Christmas where his girlfriend Sian would also be present. Yet Helen revealed she would not be spending the day with her childrenfor the first time and she would be staying in Bolton with her parents. She told Closer: 'My children really miss their daddy and they're very close to their nanna, so they're going to spend Christmas with them. I won't have them for about four days. It will actually be the first Christmas that I don't have my children.' Helen added that she will have the kids back after December 25, and will be whisking them away to Bali with her friends - not David - to ring in the New Year. Later on her Stories, Helen revealed she was set for a reunion with her children as she snapped a picture of herself packing for their family trip to Bali Kim Kardashian and her daughter North West took fans behind-the-scenes as they got ready for their family's epic Christmas Eve bash held over the weekend. In a TikTok clip shared Tuesday, the mother-daughter duo are seen getting pampered from head-to-toe by a team of top makeup artists, hairstylists and nail techs. The clip begins with a 'before' look at Kim, 43 who recently went to a celebrity dermatologist without makeup and noticeably wet hair free of hair extensions. Her complexion looked flawless and her perfectly arched eyebrows were freshly groomed. North, 10, then waves at the camera while sitting in the glam chair wearing adorable Christmas pajamas. Kim Kardashian appears WITHOUT makeup in new TikTok clip showing her and daughter North West, 10, getting ready for their family's epic Christmas Eve bash In a close-up shot, Kim has her eyes closed while her makeup artist effortlessly created a dramatic eyeshadow look. She didn't seem to have on foundation yet but her face did appear to be 'underpainted' a technique originated by celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips that places cream blush, bronzer and contour before foundation application. Next, Kim is seen getting her previous nail polish removed and her nails cut to create a clean slate for her new manicure and pedicure. She had her toenails painted a shiny pale pink to match her claw-like acrylic manicure. North went the edgier route by having her fake nails painted black for the family occasion. To close out the clip, Kim throws up a peace sign while her glam squad puts the finishing touches on her hair and makeup. Her makeup artist hurried to blend out her blush and bronzer after applying the star's signature brown lip liner to her pout. North then captured Kim, whose makeup and hair were finished, standing in her closet as she changed out of her SKIMS robe and into her vintage Mugler gown. The BTS montage showed just how much effort goes into transforming the appearances of reality TV's most famous family. The clip begins with a 'before' look at Kim without makeup as well as noticeably wet hair free of hair extensions. In a close-up shot, Kim has her eyes closed while her makeup artist effortlessly created a dramatic eyeshadow look Later in the clip, Kim's glam squad is seen putting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup North then captured Kim, whose makeup and hair were finished, standing in her closet as she changed out of her SKIMS robe and into her vintage Mugler gown She had her toenails painted a shiny pale pink to match her claw-like acrylic manicure North, 10, is seen waving at the camera early in the TikTok video while sitting in the glam chair wearing adorable Christmas pajamas The pre-teen also got her nails done In contrast to her mom's manicure, North went the edgier route by having her fake nails painted black for the family occasion And they had plenty of excuse to get glam this weekend as the Kardashian-Jenner clan gathered on Christmas Eve to celebrate at Kim's $60M Calabasas mansion. The SKIMS founder offloaded photos from the soiree on Tuesday that showed her posing with all four of her kids North, 10, Saint, eight, Chicago, five, and Psalm, four in front of an arrangement of flocked Christmas trees. Their father Kanye West as well as his new wife Bianca Censori, 28, were noticeably absent from the annual event. But North did pay homage to the rapper by wearing one of his most iconic looks to the family function on Sunday. She wore the same embellished Balmain trucker jacket that the rapper wore to the Met Gala in 2016. He famously attended the star-studded soiree with his then-wife Kim, 43, and received backlash for violating the night's 'black tie' dress code. Instead of her dad's suede boots and tattered jeans, North styled the bedazzled designer jacket with a white turtleneck and silver sandals for the night. Kim originally filed for divorce from Kanye in February 2021 after nearly seven years of marriage but disputes over custody dragged out the proceedings. She previously confessed that it's 'very difficult' co-parenting with Kanye, but they've since agreed to joint custody and 'equal access' to their four kids. The Kardashian-Jenner clan gathered on Christmas Eve to celebrate at Kim's $60M Calabasas mansion; Kim seen with her kids (L-R) Saint, Psalm, Chicago and North And North proved that she's her dad Kanye West's mini-me when she arrived to the family function wearing the embellished Balmain trucker jacket the rapper wore to the Met Gala in 2016 Kanye famously attended the star-studded soiree with his then-wife Kim Kim Kardashian and received backlash for violating the night's 'black tie' dress code; seen in 2016 North seen with mom Kim on Christmas Eve Instead of Kanye's suede boots and tattered jeans, North styled her bedazzled jacket with a white turtleneck and silver sandals for the holiday celebration; seen with mom Kim and little sister Chicago The lavish family party was held at the SKIMS founder's $60million mansion in Hidden Hills As for child support, TMZ previously revealed that Kim receives $200,000 monthly. The KUWTK alum has also done her best to shield North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm from their father's controversies the most disturbing being his attacks on the Jewish community. Earlier this month, Kanye was in Las Vegas for a listening party for his upcoming LP Vultures, where he launched into a disturbing stream-of-consciousness rant blaming Jews for various societal ills and listing himself in the same company as 'Jesus Christ' and 'Hitler.' Last year, Kanye was dropped by Adidas, Gap and other major companies after he began targeting the Jewish community which included a since-deleted IG post where he threatened to go 'death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE' Kim previously condemned the Stronger hitmaker for his 'hate speech' but has yet to speak on his recent conduct. In a shock move, Kanye issued an apology to the Jewish people on Tuesday as he published a statement in Hebrew to his newly-reactivated Instagram. 'I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions. It was not my intention to hurt or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused,' the apology read in part. 'I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding More in the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity.' Despite the drama, Kim hosted a party to remember for her family and friends at her Hidden Hills estate over the weekend. The annual soiree is held at a different Kardashian-Jenner family member's home each year and never disappoints on the extravagance. In her party photos shared Tuesday, Kim looked sensational in sheer light gray gown with hints of blue and glamorous faux fur trim. In her photos shared Tuesday, Kim looked sensational in sheer light gray gown with hints of blue and glamorous faux fur trim; (L-R) Kim with Saint, Psalm, Chicago and North Chicago looked darling as she matched her mother in a blue and gray look The boys, Saint and Psalm, matched in comfy all-black outfits that consisted of baggy shirts and pants Kim's younger sister Khloe, 39, and her two children daughter True, five, and son Tatum, one joined in on the photo fun Her raven hair was swept back off her face and she accessorized with sparkly diamond necklaces. Chicago looked darling as she matched her mother in a blue and gray look. Kanye and Kim's youngest daughter wore a pale gray dress with blue faux fur trim and cuffs. The boys, Saint and Psalm, matched in comfy all-black outfits that consisted of baggy shirts and pants. Kim's younger sister Khloe, 39, and her two children daughter True, five, and son Tatum, one joined in on the photo fun. Though Calabasas, California is not exactly known for frigid temperatures, Kim didn't let that stop her from covering her entire property in fake snow. In photos and videos shared by the family to Instagram, Kim and her BFF Paris Hilton were caught sledding together in the man-made ice together. While snow and light up Christmas trees dominated the outdoors, the inside of the bash was decorated with logs stacked up very high, and there were massive gingerbread houses constructed. One way the family was able to put together such a lavish affair was that the celeb-packed event was sponsored by beverage giant Coca-Cola. The entire family was dressed to the nines but it was Kylie Jenner and her lookalike daughter Stormi Webster who stole the show. Despite the drama, Kim hosted a party to remember for her family and friends at her Hidden Hills estate over the weekend While snow and light up Christmas trees dominated the outdoors, the inside of the bash was decorated with logs stacked up very high, and there were massive gingerbread houses constructed The makeup mogul and the five-year-old who she shares with ex-boyfriend Travis Scott both wore custom gold Dolce & Gabbana dresses for the occasion. Though Travis was missing from the action, Kylie's new boyfriend Timothee Chalamet was captured celebrating with the Kardashian-Jenner family in a photos that surfaced on social media. While Christmas Eve was an epic bash, Christmas Day was much more relaxed for Kim and her brood as they appeared on TikTok in comfy PJs. Rebel Wilson was spotted stocking up on groceries with her fiancee Ramona Agruma and their baby daughter Royce, one, on Tuesday. Rebel and her family recently returned to Los Angeles after celebrating the Christmas holiday in Fiji. For their shopping trip, she pushed their cart full of stuffed paper bags while Ramona carried Royce in one arm. The Pitch Perfect star, 43, kept comfy in a beige hoodie, dark wash skinny jeans and white sneakers. She wore gold-framed aviator shades and her curly blonde hair was left down. Rebel Wilson was spotted stocking up on groceries with her fiancee Ramona Agruma and their baby daughter Royce, one, on Tuesday Ramona, 37, strolled closely beside her soon-to-be wife in a white crewneck sweatshirt and baggy blue jeans. The fashion designer completed her low-key look with Ugg boots and reflective sunglasses. Baby Royce looked sweet in a light pink jumper with a hood. Though she was dressed down on Tuesday, Rebel put on a sizzling display earlier this week when she appeared on Instagram in a wetsuit, which she left saucily unzipped. The actress placed her ample bust on display and shot the camera a smoldering look. 'Find me in Fiji,' she cheekily captioned the image, which she shared to Instagram. Her pal Paris Hilton appeared to like what she saw, sharing a comment consisting of a heart eyes emoji and a series of flames. The LA-based Australian star also shared a series of images to her Instagram Stories on Friday giving fans a glimpse at her getaway to Fiji. Rebel and her family recently returned to Los Angeles after celebrating the Christmas holiday in Fiji For their shopping trip, she pushed their cart full of stuffed paper bags while Ramona carried Royce in one arm The Pitch Perfect star donned a yellow and white summer frock as she kicked back aboard a boat. She was accompanied by her fiancee Ramona Agruma as well as a group of friends and family. Rebel indulged in a meal by the ocean as she took in the view and sipped a decorated cocktail. The star posed up a storm aboard the boat and appeared and relaxed and happy after her recent stresses back home. It comes after Rebel revealed she went to extraordinary lengths to avoid Sydney traffic. Rebel, who recently returned home to direct her upcoming film The Deb, posted to Instagram to vent about congestion at the newly opened Westconnex Rozelle Interchange in the inner-west. She then revealed she had hired a helicopter to take her to work that day. 'I've had to get a helicopter to work because of the traffic at the Rozelle Interchange, but you know, it's all good,' said the actress sarcastically. Though she was dressed down on Tuesday, Rebel put on a sizzling display earlier this week when she appeared on Instagram in a wetsuit, which she left saucily unzipped Her pal Paris Hilton appeared to like what she saw, sharing a comment consisting of a heart eyes emoji and a series of flames The LA-based Australian star also shared a series of images to her Instagram Stories on Friday giving fans a glimpse at her getaway The star posed up a storm aboard a boat and appeared and relaxed and happy after her recent stresses back home It comes after Rebel revealed she went to extraordinary lengths to avoid Sydney traffic by taking a helicopter to work Behind her a helicopter could be seen preparing to take her to work. Wilson has previously called on the New South Wales government to fix one of Sydney's most notorious intersections, after she was forced to sit at traffic lights for 30 minutes. The roadway, which stretches for 16.6km and cost the government $4billion, was opened late last month and has been referred to by critics as the 'spaghetti junction' due to its confusing arrangement. Filming herself in the passenger's seat on Tuesday, Wilson complained she was running late to work because of the traffic and branded the interchange as 'crazy'. A celebrated South Korean actor who shot to international stardom with his leading role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite has been found dead in a suspected suicide at the age of 48, amid a drug investigation and accusations of blackmail by a bar hostess. Lee Sun-kyun was found in his car on Wednesday morning, in a Seoul parking lot. His wife, Jeon Hye-jin, an actress and former Miss Korea contestant, called police after finding a suicide note. Lee was being investigated by police over allegations of using marijuana and a powder which his accuser, a hostess at a high end bar, said was ketamine. The drugs, she claimed, were taken at her home. His three appearances at police stations for questioning were highly publicized, and made headlines. His lawyer, after his final session on December 23 , asked that any further questioning be carried out in private, owing to the 'burden' of the spotlight. Lee insisted he had not knowingly taken illegal drugs, and passed toxicology tests: he was demanding a lie detector test at the time of his death, to assess whether he or the hostess - known only as 'A' - was telling the truth. Lee Sun-kyun, a South Korean actor who featured in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been found dead at age 48 amid a police investigation into alleged drug use after a bar hostess claimed the star had taken marijuana and ketamine He was discovered unconscious next to charcoal briquettes placed inside of a car at a park in Seoul on Wednesday morning Police are seen covering a vehicle believed to be where Lee took his own life on Wednesday He claimed she was trying to blackmail him, and had filed a criminal case. 'I would like to sincerely apologize once again for causing so many people concerns,' he said after his first questioning, on October 28 at the Nonhyeon Police Station in Incheon. 'I will answer all questions truthfully. 'A' tricked me into doing drugs. I did not know that what she handed me were illegal drugs.' South Korea, like many Asian countries, has extremely strict laws against drug use. Those who sell or buy marijuana face a minimum of one year in prison. Those who use it can be sentenced to up to five years in prison or fined up to $37,600. Lee apologized to the public after his first police interview for his 'involvement in such a dishonorable affair' and pledged to cooperate with the investigation in an 'honest' manner. Lee had been questioned three times - in October; on November 4; and on December 23, when he arrived at the police station at 10am and was interrogated for 19 hours. He was accused of using ketamine, marijuana and psychedelics on multiple occasions. The actor had said he was tricked into taking drugs by a bar hostess who then tried to blackmail him. Lee had filed a complaint against the woman, claiming she had blackmailed and extorted some 350 million won ($270,000) from him, The Korea Herald reported. Lee is pictured on December 23 (left) as he arrived at Incheon Metropolitan Police station in South Korean for questioning over his drug use Lee's wife, Jeon Hye-jin (pictured), reportedly found a suicide note from her husband before raising the alarm An ambulance carrying the body of the actor is seen leaving the park in central Seoul on Wednesday But Lee had admitted that he and the host met four times and he had inhaled a powder through the nose with a straw. He said he thought was a crushed sleeping pill. The woman claimed to have seen Lee snorting ketamine. The identity of the bar hostess in her 20s, who worked in the Gangnam district of Seoul, has not been made public. Lee's attorney had said last week that he should not be forced to endure further public humiliation by showing up at the police station for questioning, as the actor felt 'burdened' by having to show up in front of cameras for police summons. The December 23 questioning was likely his last, police sources told local media. The session lasted 19 hours, and he left the police station in the early hours of Christmas Eve. 'I have also completed questioning as the plaintiff in the blackmail case,' Lee said to reporters as he came out of the police building on Sunday morning. 'The police will now decide whether my statements or the blackmailer's are credible, and I hope that they use good judgment.' When asked if the actor admitted to the allegations of drug use, Lee replied that he he had 'answered all questions sincerely during the police investigation today'. Lee was discovered three days later, unconscious next to charcoal briquettes placed inside of a car near Waryong Park in northern Jongno-gu, Seoul. Parasite went on to become the first non-English movie to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards (pictured in February 2020 at the Oscars ceremony in Hollywood) Lee starred as the father of a wealthy family in the global blockbuster Parasite Lee's role in the Oscar-winning film about a poor family breaking into the home of a rich family catapulted him to stardom. Parasite won Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best International Film Born in 1975, Lee starred as the father of a wealthy family in Parasite. The film, which also starred international screen icon Song Kang-ho, was a global blockbuster. It became the first Korean film to win the Palme d'Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and it went on to become the first non-English movie to win the Best Picture honor at the Academy Awards. It also won three other Oscars, including for best director, best original screenplay and best international feature film Lee had also played leading roles in South Korean movies, including the 2012 thriller Helpless and 2014's All About My Wife, among others. He had the lead role in Apple TV+'s first Korean-language original series, which rolled out in 2021. Dr. Brain, a six-episode sci-fi thriller, was about a cold-hearted neurologist, Koh Se-won, who tries to find clues to a mysterious family accident through brain experiments. Lee's career skyrocketed when he starred in the popular Korean drama, Coffee Prince, in 2007. The show had also cast Gong Yoo - who is known for appearing in Squid Game and Train To Busan - as well as Yoo Eun-hye and Kim Jae-wook. The same year, he also was cast in the successful medical drama called Behind The White Tower. This year he appeared in the romantic comedy, Killing Romance, which was released in April. In the movie - which was directed by Lee Won-suk - the late actor played the character of Jonathan Na. Jeon, who married Lee in 2009, is seen in the 2017 film The Merciless Lee insisted he had not knowingly taken illegal drugs, passed toxicology tests and was demanding a lie detector test at the time of his death At the time of the project's release, Sun-kyun talked to The Korea Times about taking on a role in the comedy and stated, 'The script was funny, silly and experimental.' 'I was curious how director Lee Won-suk would keep pace with the frenetic storytelling, and I heard [Lee] Ha-nee already signed on to the film. So the two convinced me to accept Jonathan's role,' he said. 'Whenever I portray a character, I always look for plausibility. 'But Jonathan is unpredictable and unreasonable. So I could do whatever I wanted with the character, which was quite liberating.' He also starred in the thriller, Sleep, which had also cast Jung Yu-mi as well as Kim Nam-woo. The film was released in September. In 2009, Lee Sun-kyun married fellow actress, Jeon Hye-jin, and the couple welcomed a son born in November 2009 and a second boy in August 2011. AFL star Garry Lyon and Nicky Brownless announced their engagement earlier this month, seven years after their relationship began in scandalous circumstances. On Wednesday, Nicky was spotted flashing her eye-popping engagement ring at Melbourne Airport, as she returned from an overseas holiday with Garry, 56. Nicky proudly flaunted the stunning sparkler on her left hand as she made her way through the arrivals lounge with Lyon. The stunning creation looked simply exquisite on her hand and stood as a testament to the strong bond she shares with her fiance Garry. Nicky rocked a laidback casual look as she walked alongside the AFL star, opting to wear a loose-fitting grey blouse which she paired with black pants. AFL star Garry Lyon and Nicky Brownless announced their engagement earlier this month, seven years after their relationship began in scandalous circumstances. Both pictured On Wednesday, Nicky was spotted flashing her eye-popping engagement ring at Melbourne Airport, as she returned from an overseas holiday with Garry, 56 She allowed her blonde locks to hang freely around her shoulders and added a light layer of makeup. Meanwhile, Garry looked to be in good spirits as he walked alongside Nicky in a plain blue t-shirt and grey pants. He accessorised his look with a pair of sunglasses tucked into his tee. Garry wore his black hair freshly styled and completed his laidback look with a salt and pepper beard. The former Melbourne captain controversially went public with Nicky, who is the ex-wife of his close friend and former AFL Footy Show co-host Billy Brownless, 56, in 2016. Garry blindsided his best mate by starting a relationship with his wife of 18 years just 12 months after they separated. Nicky proudly flaunted the stunning sparkler on her left hand as she made her way through the arrivals lounge with Lyon After years of intense scrutiny, Gary got down on one knee and proposed to Nicky during a recent trip to the Mornington Peninsula and presented her with a giant diamond ring. Nicky posted a picture of the pair lovingly embracing each other on Instagram and captioned it 'The best surprise'. She recently opened up about her life with Garry and her children following her public split from ex-husband Billy in 2015. The blonde beauty revealed she is still very close to Billy and has a strong co-parenting relationship with the former Geelong Cats star, she told The Sydney Morning Herald. Big Brother Australia star Tully Smyth was rushed to hospital after a shocking mishap on Tuesday. The influencer, 36, was in hospital visiting her sick father when the accident occurred. In an Instagram story, she explained that her arm had been caught in a faulty elevator and her new boyfriend Ned Rohrt had to help her to the emergency department. 'He had to literally pull me out of the door because it wouldn't open,' she wrote over a picture of herself in a hospital waiting room while wearing a surgical mask. 'Whoever is writing the plot to my life, can you chill out?' she added. Big Brother Australia star Tully Smyth (pictured) was rushed to hospital after a shocking mishap on Tuesday In the next story, she shared a picture of herself and boyfriend Ned as they waited to hear from doctors, with a sarcastic caption reading: 'Such a romantic way to spend the most wonderful time of year.' In a later story, the Big Brother alumna shared an X-ray of her arm and wrote: 'No break thankfully.' She also shared a picture of herself with her arm in a sling while she smiled. In an Instagram story, she explained that her arm had been caught in a faulty elevator and her new boyfriend Ned had to help her to the emergency department. 'He had to literally pull me out of the door because it wouldn't open,' she wrote over a picture of herself in hospital In the next story, she shared a picture of herself and boyfriend Ned (pictured right) as they waited to hear from doctors, with a sarcastic caption reading 'such a romantic way to spend the most wonderful time of year' It comes two weeks after the reality star 'hard launched' her relationship with her new beau The internet personality shared a series of loved-up pictures with Rohrt, a Melbourne-based dentist, along with a caption inspired by Taylor Swift's hit song Karma. Adopting Swift's lyrics, the caption read: 'Karma is the guy with the teeth, coming straight home to me.' In a later story, the Big Brother alumna shared an X-ray of her arm and wrote 'no break thankfully' She also shared a picture of herself with her arm in a sling while she smiled Tully's reference to teeth no doubt reflects Ned's profession, but also his perfectly straight and white smile shown off in her images. According to the website of Ned's clinical practice, the handsome dentist has a particular interest in Oral Surgery and Cosmetic Dentistry. It came just seven months after Tully split with her boyfriend of two years, Daniel Parisi. Former Married At First Sight star Ella Ding has welcomed a new addition to her family. The influencer, 29, and her boyfriend Guy Palmero are now proud owners of a puppy named Yuki. Sharing a photo of Guy clutching the canine to Instagram, Ella wrote, 'Meet our new family member, Yuki.' The couple have already introduced Yuki to their two cats, who seemed unimpressed with the pup. Despite not getting engaged yet, Ella and Guy have made several strides to strengthen their relationship since confirming their romance in April. Former Married At First Sight star Ella Ding has welcomed a new addition to her family - the influencer, 29, and her boyfriend Guy Palmero are now proud owners of a puppy In addition to moving in together, the couple also share a joint bank account. Before meeting Guy, Ella enjoyed a fling with British Made In Chelsea star Miles Nazaire. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia after the breakup, Ella claimed Miles 'manipulated' her into appearing on the reality series. 'We met organically and we spoke for a very long time,' she said of their relationship. '[Miles] kind of manipulated me in ways and persuaded me to come on the show.' 'I said to him, "I didn't want to go on the show, I didn't need the show, I just want to meet you." And he was like, "It's just reality. It's fine."' Sharing a photo of Guy clutching the canine to Instagram, Ella wrote, 'Meet our new family member, Yuki' But it was far from the reality experience Ella had gone through during her time on MAFS. Ella slammed what goes on behind-the-scenes for Made in Chelsea, claiming she 'didn't know' how heavily scripted it was. 'It was just not reality. It's like a set action, cut, lines I would say something, they would make me say it again... They would have someone who remembered my lines. It's like a movie,' she said. Ella explained that after filming Made in Chelsea she 'made a promise' to herself that she'd never do a reality show again to find love. Alex Pike was joined by her Manhattan-based plastic surgeon boyfriend Dr Sachin Shridharani to celebrate Christmas with her family in Australia. The celebrity cosmetic nurse, 46, shared a gallery of photos to Instagram on Tuesday capturing her posing up a storm with her loved-ones to mark the occasion. One precious picture shows a glammed-up Alex rocking her best angles in a jaw-dropping sleeveless red designer gown featuring a cut-out midriff. The brunette beauty looked every inch the stunner as she posed next to her handsome American beau. Another photo shows a beaming Alex hugging her son Hudson, whom she shares with her ex-husband Leon Siebel. Alex Pike has celebrated Christmas in Australia with her Manhattan-based surgeon boyfriend Dr Sachin Shridharani (pictured) and her family The ex-AFL WAG looked absolutely radiant in the stunning photos as she doted over her family at the intimate gathering. Alex captioned the gallery with some heartwarming words: 'An unforgettable Christmas. The perfect blend of cherished traditions and special moments.' Alex and Sachin started dating earlier this year and the couple made their relationship public in September when the swanky surgeon flew to Noosa to meet the mother-of-three's family for the first time. Another picture shows Alex hugging her son Hudson, whom she shares with her ex-husband Leon Siebel Alex was all smiles as she posed with her three sons, Spencer, Hudson and Jim The Harvard-educated doctor is one of the top names in his field and was trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital. The surgery star went on to establish his own clinic LUXURGERY in 2014, which offers many of his own signature procedures, including the Tubeless Tuck. The popular clinic is located on New York's famed Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It comes after Alex's high-profile romance with AFL legend Nathan Buckley came to an end in 2022. Since the split, Buckley, 51, has been dating business manager Brodie Ryan, 35. She said she 'will no longer feel guilty' and 'will not apologize' for the romance Real Housewives of Orange County alum Alexis Bellino on Monday showed off a promise ring she received for Christmas from her beau John Janssen, who once dated the show's Shannon Beador. Bellino, 46, took to Instagram to display the pricey piece of jewelry Janssen, 59, purchased her for the holiday, as she wore the ring on her hand in an accompanying photo. Bellino, who parted ways with former fiance Andy Bohn in September, captioned the image: 'Words cannot. Actions do. I will no longer feel guilty. I will not apologize. Love will create its own story. I love you Johnny J.' The Bravo personality added the hashtags, #lovewins, #notengaged, #promised and #merrychristmas, tagging the French luxury jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels into the post. According to Van Cleef & Arpels, the Perlee Clovers ring sells for $16,300, and comes in rose and white variations of 18-karat gold. Real Housewives of Orange County alum Alexis Bellino, 46, on Monday showed off a promise ring she received for Christmas from her beau John Janssen, 59, who once dated the show's Shannon Beador, 59 Bellino took to Instagram to display the pricey piece of jewelry Janssen purchased her for the holiday, as she wore the ring on her hand in an accompanying photo The Hannibal, Missouri-born reality star - who has publicly tangled with RHOC alum Vicki Gunvalson over the romance - subsequently posted a pair of images of her and Janssen together, including a shot in which she was wearing the pricey ring. 'Johnny J, let everyone talk,' Bellino said. 'But you have shown me love that Ive never known. I love you,' adding the hashtags #thisisourchristmascard and #merrychristmas. In one of the shots, Bellino and Janssen matched in khaki ensembles as they posed in front of a wine barrel rack. Bellino's ring was in prominent display as she held onto Janssen's light brown suede coat. In the other picture, Bellino and Janssen were pictured in a boat holding hands with the ocean in the background. Speculation ensued about a possible romance between Janssen and Bellino November 19 when they both attended a group dinner at the Corona Del Mar, California restaurant The Quiet Woman, US Weekly reported. Beador, 59, who was dating Janssen for three years before their surprise split in January, said she was 'hurt' after learning that Janssen had been dating Bellino. Beador on December 6 attended the second season premiere of Jeff Lewis' Hollywood Houselift, where she commented on her feelings about Janssen's romance with Bellino. 'I'm not going to lie, I've been hurt,' Beador told E! News. 'I've been hurt a lot in the last couple of weeks,' Beador began. In one of the shots, Bellino and Janssen were pictured in a boat holding hands with the ocean in the background Real Housewives of Orange County star Shannon Beador and Janssen, pictured in 2019, dated for three years before parting ways earlier this year Bellino, who's publicly tangled with RHOC alum Vicki Gunvalson over the romance, was pictured last month at a DIRECTV event in LA Beador said she was 'hurt' after learning that Janssen had been dating Bellino. Pictured last month in Las Vegas Beador said she's been hurt 'because, number one, John said that he didn't want to be in the public eye, and he's thrust himself more into the public eye at this point; so, I'm quite confused about that.' The new relationship is also quite bizarre considering Alexis' ex-husband Jim Bellino previously sued Beador for defamation in 2018, long after Alexis left RHOC. 'John is very well aware of a lawsuit that I was involved in with Jim Bellino, and Alexis was involved in that lawsuit,' Shannon said. 'I was financially and emotionally devastated for years. And I won. But it devastated me financially. And I'm a single mom. John's aware of that.' Beador, who joined RHOC in season nine, just after Bellino had left the show in season eight, added she doesn't know why Janssen would date another RHOC member. 'I don't know how to process it. How many Orange County Housewives have there been? Is that your dating pool?' she asked. Beador also cleared up rumors that she got into an verbal altercation with Bellino, just one night before her DUI arrest in September. 'I don't know her,' Beador said. 'She said that I screamed obscenities at her across the bar on my unfortunate night, which I didn't, and I have witnesses to prove that. If you're going to say things about me, let's talk about the truth.' When asked where she stood with John, she said, 'I haven't spoken to him in quite some time. It's been two months.' Bobbie Jean Carter's daughter, Bella, is staying with her and Nick Carter's mother, Jane Schneck, after her tragic passing at the age of 41 three days earlier. A source from the Carter family informed People that the eight-year-old is currently with her grandmother following Bobbie's death. The sister of the late Aaron Carter and Nick Carter was found dead on Saturday in her Florida home, although the cause of death remains unclear. Her family, however, believes that the House Of Carter star went into cardiac arrest while inside the house. According to the outlet, the insider also confirmed Bobbie will be buried in her home state of Florida. Bobbie Jean Carter's daughter, Bella, is staying with her and Nick Carter's mother, Jane Schneck, after her tragic passing at the age of 41 three days earlier; seen in 2006 The sister of the late Aaron Carter and Nick Carter was found dead on Saturday in her Florida home, although the cause of death remains unclear; Bobbie seen bottom right with Aaron Carter, Nick Carter, Leslie Carter and Angel Carter in 2006 in NYC Jane spoke about her heartbreaking loss in a statement to TMZ when the news of her daughter's passing came to light. '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.' '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: 'However 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.' Fans may know Bobbie Jean from her appearance in the reality show House of Carters, which aired in 2006. She, like her late brother Aaron and late sister Leslie, struggled with substance abuse. Aaron died from an accidental drowning in November 2022 at his home in Lancaster, California, caused after his inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, the generic form of brand-name Xanax. He was 34. A source from the Carter family informed People that the eight-year-old is currently with her grandmother following Bobbie's death; seen in 2006 in Pasadena Aaron's team exclusively told DailyMail.com in a statement that it has been a year of 'such loss and tragedy' for the family; Bobbie (far right) seen with Angel Carter, Leslie Carter and Aaron Carter in 2006 Leslie died of a drug overdose at age 25 in 2012 which was caused by a toxic combination of prescription medications. In June, Bobbie was arrested on a shoplifting charge for an incident at Hobby Lobby and was put on a suicide watch after threatening to kill herself. Investigators discovered she was in possession of fentanyl, potent synthetic opioid drug similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more powerful. If Bobbie Jean did die of a heart attack as her family reportedly believes, her drug use could have contributed to it, according to the National Library of Medicine. Aaron's team exclusively told DailyMail.com in a statement that it has been a year of 'such loss and tragedy' for the family. '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.' '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.' Nick, 43, has not spoken publicly about this latest family tragedy, but his sister Angel, 35 made a lengthy statement on Instagram Sunday, promising to prevent the trauma that haunted her siblings from hurting the next generation 'This starts with our children, and creating healthy conversation within the home. The generational dysfunction stops now,' she wrote Sunday Nick, 43, has not spoken publicly about this latest family tragedy, but his sister Angel, 35 made a lengthy statement on Instagram Sunday, promising to prevent the trauma that haunted her siblings from hurting the next generation. 'This starts with our children, and creating healthy conversation within the home. The generational dysfunction stops now,' she wrote Sunday. '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.' If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357. The Northpoint Centre, an 87,000-square-foot shopping center at 350 Bay St. in San Francisco, has been sold. Google Street View A largely vacant shopping center and adjacent residential complex that span an entire city block near Fishermans Wharf have been scooped up by a partnership of investors. Anchor Pacific Capital Inc. (APC) partnered with a private family office to buy the roughly 87,000-square-foot Northpoint Centre at 350 Bay St. and the 72-unit Northpoint Vistas apartment complex at 2351 Powell St. for $25 million, a real estate market insider with knowledge of the deal confirmed Tuesday. That pricing breaks down to the partners paying about $90 per square foot for the 1960s-era indoor mall and roughly $240,000 per unit for the apartment building. The seller was Northpoint Investors, which listed the properties for sale earlier this year after the malls anchor tenant, Safeway, departed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When contacted on Tuesday, APC Managing Partner Anton Qiu confirmed the deal, which he brokered on behalf of the investment firm. Qiu said APC has also been appointed as the asset manager of the apartment complex. Jeffrey Weber, Quynh Le, Cooper Engst and Alicia Muller of global real estate investment bank Eastdil Secured represented the seller. The properties are located on the edge of North Beach and within walking distance of Fishermans Wharf, a neighborhood beloved by generations of tourists and locals alike. We believe in San Franciscos long-term prospect, said Qiu when contacted on Tuesday. He added: Theres only one Fishermans Wharf. Before the pandemic and operating at 100% capacity, the mall would be valued at roughly $400 per square foot, or about $35 million, Qiu said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to Qiu, the shopping mall is a bit tired and in need of some tender loving care. Apart from Safeway, which was North Beachs largest grocery store and closed permanently in March, other tenants like Walgreens and Radio Shack have long departed from the property. Today the mall sits about 90% vacant. An individual who was not involved in the deal but is familiar with it said the properties went into escrow multiple times since they were listed in the spring, but potential buyers reportedly struggled to close due to lender issues. Before the mall was listed for sale in May, Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, a discount grocery and retail chain thats headquartered in Emeryville, indicated it was seeking to fill the vacancy left behind by Safeway, but its unclear where that plan stands now: Qiu said APC is in early discussions with multiple candidates for the anchor vacancy. The 57,000-square-foot apartment building comes with views of San Francisco Bay and consists of condos that have historically been rented, according to Qiu. The Northpoint properties also include a 350,000-square-foot gated parking structure; their sale comes as pronounced change sweeps over the Fishermans Wharf area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This summer, Los Angeles-based investor BH Properties acquired a roughly 200,000-square-foot shopping center at 500 Beach St., known as Anchorage Square. That mall is located roughly three blocks from the Northpoint properties and sold for $65 million. The Anchorage Square mall is still home to perhaps the areas busiest restaurant, In-N-Out, but suffered many losses throughout the pandemic, including the citys only Krispy Kreme outlet, which was located inside the complex but closed in 2021. Brodie Ryan lit up Instagram on Tuesday with a heartwarming announcement. The lifestyle influencer, who is dating AFL icon Nathan Buckley, introduced the world to her newborn nephew, Greyson. Alongside a stunning image of Brodie holding the little tot, the 35-year-old expressed her excitement at becoming an aunt for the first time. 'Couldn't miss going home to Bendigo for my new nephew's first Christmas!' she wrote next to an adorable photo. 'So grateful to be an aunty for the first time. Love you baby Greyson. x'. Brodie Ryan lit up Instagram on Tuesday with a heartwarming announcement. The lifestyle influencer, who is dating AFL icon Nathan Buckley, introduced the world to her nephew. Pictured: Brodie and Nathan Alongside a stunning image of Brodie holding the little tot, the 35-year-old expressed her excitement at becoming an aunt for the first time It comes just days after Brodie and her former AFL star boyfriend returned home from a trip to the US. The 51-year-old footy star whisked his girlfriend away to Las Vegas for a romantic getaway. The happy couple dined at the finest restaurants in Vegas before watching U2 perform at the MSG Sphere. Sharing a gallery of glamorous photos from her trip to Instagram, Brodie captioned it, '30hrs in Las Vegas for dinner and a show.' She continued, 'The show just being the U2 Concert at @spherevegas (OMG). This restaurant is a 'must' for any Australian foodies looking for the best steak in town.' The business manager went on to call the trip 'an unforgettable experience'. The happy couple dined at the finest restaurants in Vegas before watching U2 perform at the MSG Sphere The pair posed with the chef of one of the Vegas restaurants they attended She also posted a string of selfies with a beaming Buckley, who looked absolutely smitten to be abroad with Brodie. The brunette beauty previously told the Herald Sun that she and Buckley connected over their similar upbringings. Despite their 17-year age gap, the Melbourne businesswoman said they have so much in common and that they push each other every day to be the best versions of themselves. 'Helping others be the best version of themselves and prioritising their mental health and wellbeing and giving back to others is a passion both Nath and I have always shared and these topics and different initiatives was a big attraction to each in the beginning,' she told the publication. 'We had very similar upbringings and share a lot of the same values due to this,' she continued. 'I have always been enthusiastic about helping others where I can, and to have a partner that exercises this same passion every day with his family, friends, and the wider community inspires me.' Brodie said Nathan's public profile has given him the opportunity to help others through hardships and to give back, and that she is 'inspired' by the work he does. Smitten by her love, she gushed: 'He is a beautiful person.' The pair started dating last year, and the AFL star is clearly as besotted with Brodie, as he often expresses his love for her on social media. Victoria Silvstedt showcased her svelte model figure as she enjoyed a day at the beach during a lavish trip in St. Barths on Monday. The Swedish model, 49, appeared to be in great spirits as she was spotted larking around in the sea on Christmas Day. The blonde beauty wore a gorgeous lace white cover-up, flaunting her toned long legs in the hip-high split detailing. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face down at the beach as she was pictured giggling with friends and family. Victoria, who has been in a relationship with businessman Maurice Dabbah since 2011, looked incredible in her beachwear attire. Victoria Silvstedt, 49, showcased her svelte model figure as she enjoyed a day at the beach during a lavish trip in St. Barths on Monday The Swedish model appeared to be in great spirits as she was spotted larking around in the sea on Christmas Day The model also took to Instagram to share some sexy snaps during her festive trip as she posed in a racy red bikini. The beauty and Maurice, who is dubbed one of the richest businessman in Sweden, are in a long-term relationship. Maurice has 25 years of experience in international real estate investments and as a large real estate portfolios across New York and Europe. He's a founding partner of Empire Resorts, which developed the Monticello Casino & Raceway. Victoria, who spent a long break in the South of France this summer, enjoyed a lengthy stint in the spotlight after being chosen to represent her country in the Miss World pageant in 1993. After her pageant days, the Scandinavian stunner was spotted by Hugh Hefner and went on to become a Playboy Playmate. Since her career rocketed, Victoria has modelled for some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses, including Chanel, Dior and Valentino. Despite the glamorous veneer to her lifestyle as a young model, she revealed there was a dark side in a recent interview with Female First. The blonde beauty wore a gorgeous lace white cover-up, flaunting her toned long legs in the hip-high split detailing The model also took to Instagram to share some sexy snaps during her festive trip as she posed in a racy red bikini The beauty and Maurice Dabbah, who is dubbed one of the richest businessman in Sweden, are in a long-term relationship (pictured in 2011) Victoria said: 'I started very young to model in Paris when I was 18, I remember like starving myself to fit into the clothes. 'It was an amazing experience but you know I did shows for Valentino, Chanel, so it was really prestigious. 'But it never felt like it was my thing, I'm not like a runway skinny model, I'm more curvy. It was torture, I put myself through starvation, you know torturing myself. 'To be a young girl as well, you cannot take criticism, everything that you hear is like "no no no" and then I went to Playboy and I could be bigger!' Holly Willoughby stunned This Morning fans on Wednesday after returning to the show for a celebrity interview, albeit in a pre-recorded segment. Willoughby relinquished her role as host of the daytime flagship in October after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the mother-of-three resulted in the arrest of a man from Harlow, Essex. But she was back on ITV1 for the first time since stepping down as This Morning aired a festive compilation of clips from the last 12-months, including one with Willoughby that was originally shown in July. Seated alongside co-host Craig Doyle on the show's famous sofa, the presenter was on hand to interview Hollywood star Idina Menzel about her iconic role as Elsa in animated Disney classic Frozen. The interview took place just two months after show veteran Phillip Schofield, Willoughby's long-term co-host, stepped down amid ongoing speculation about his private life. Holly Willoughby stunned This Morning fans on Wednesday after returning to the show for a celebrity interview, albeit in a pre-recorded segment She was back on ITV1 for the first time since stepping down as This Morning aired a festive compilation of clips from the last 12-months, among them her interview with Idina Menzel But those who tuned in late were left speechless after seeing the presenter in a vibrant floral dress instead of one of the show's current female hosts, prompting a flurry of tweets on X, formerly known as Twitter. Taking to the social media platform, one wrote: 'Viewers just switching on will think Holly's back.' While a second added: 'Calm [down], guys, it's a compilation clip. Holly hasn't actually returned on This Morning.' Elsewhere a third predicted: 'I think Holly will make a return eventually.' The presenter is yet to confirm whether or not she will return to ITV, with Dancing On Ice - another Willoughby-fronted show - scheduled to return in January. Stephen Mulhern, her former co-host on defunct children's show Ministry Of Mayhem, has been confirmed as Schofield's replacement, but Willoughby's continued involvement remains uncertain. A source told The Sun: 'Holly is spending Christmas with those closest to her. She is not rushing to make a decision and is putting it to the side for now to enjoy the festive period with her children. 'Holly is expected to make her decision in the new year.' Seated alongside co-host Craig Doyle on the show's famous sofa, the presenter was on hand to interview Menzel about her iconic role as Elsa in animated Disney classic Frozen Those who tuned in late were left speechless after seeing the presenter instead of one of the show's current female hosts, prompting a flurry of tweets on X, formerly known as Twitter The interview took place just two months after show veteran Phillip Schofield, Willoughby's long-term co-host, stepped down amid ongoing speculation about his private life The terror of the recent kidnap attempt means she is still undecided as to whether she will host Dancing On Ice when it returns next month though she is expected to tell ITV whether she will return imminently. Willoughby has also paused her 1million deal with Marks & Spencer because she remains fearful for her safety. She has fronted collections for the high street chain since 2018 but told bosses that she needs to take time out from the contract while she comes to terms with her terror over the case. Willoughby usually fronts several 'capsule' collections per year and also offers fashion tips to shoppers on the store's website. The presenter has also frozen her seven-figure deal with L'Oreal, as the face of its Garnier Nutrisse hair dye. She has not taken part in any promotional activity with the brand. It is not known whether she has forgone any income from the contracts. The presenter is yet to confirm whether or not she will return to ITV, with Dancing On Ice - another Willoughby-fronted show - scheduled to return in January Stephen Mulhern, her former co-host on defunct children's show Ministry Of Mayhem, has been confirmed as Schofield's Dancing On Ice replacement (pictured together in 2006) On December 21 she was seen for the first time after months of being too frightened to leave her home A source close to the star said: 'Holly is still absolutely traumatised and her priority is her family right now. 'She decided to take time away from the limelight for a while and just concentrate on dealing with the situation. It has been very sad for her and everyone around her and she is dealing with it in the best way she can. 'So with that in mind, she just wants time with her family to heal. 'Everyone she has been working with has been so understanding and kind while she deals with all of this. Holly absolutely loves both Marks & Spencer and L'Oreal; they are brands that are very close to her heart.' Willoughby left This Morning 'for the sake of her family' after discovering she was the target of an alleged kidnap and murder plot. Gavin Plumb, 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting murder and incitement to commit kidnap the former This Morning host. The security guard will remain behind bars after being denied bail. During a short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Plumb, from Harlow, Essex, who was not present, was refused a bail application. He has a trial date fixed for June 24 next year. It came five months after Schofield's departure following his affair with a young male showrunner was made public, followed by claims of an increasingly strained relationship with his co-host. Only one of Ryan O'Neal's four children attended his memorial service last week with his son, Griffin, claiming that he wasn't even invited. The late 82-year-old Oscar nominated actor died in Los Angeles on December 8 of congestive heart failure. On Saturday, he was buried alongside longtime lover Farrah Fawcett - although her friends have alleged that she didn't want to be buried, but instead cremated and her ashes returned to Texas. Patrick O'Neal was his only child to attend the funeral. His three remaining kids, daughter Tatum, 60, and sons Griffin, 59, and Redmond, 38, were notably absent. Following the ceremony, Griffin alleged to the New York Post that he wasn't notified of the service. O'Neal was last seen being aided into his vehicle from a wheelchair by a helper in Brentwood, California on November 6, 2023 'I wasn't even invited to send him off,' Griffin said. 'I'm the hated son who told the truth. Dark times in this family. Love means never having to say you're sorry and Ryan never did, to anyone.' O'Neal's and his son Griffin had a volatile relationship since his childhood. In a 2015 interview with People, Griffin said: 'My life has been a reign of drug and alcohol degradation. 'I had to self-medicate my entire life because there was pain everywhere. 'There were drugs everywhere in my family all day, every day.' Previously, in a 2009 interview with Vanity Fair, Griffin alleged that his father gave him cocaine when he was just 11. 'He was a very abusive, narcissistic psychopath. He gets so mad he can't control anything he's doing.' Griffin O'Neal claimed that he wasn't invited to his father's memorial service O'Neal was known for his high-profile relationship to Charlie's Angels actress Farrah Fawcett - and he was buried beside her despite claims from her friends that she wished to be cremated Fawcett's friends also told the New York Post that she didn't want to be buried in LA, but instead wanted to be cremated and her ashes returned to Texas. Her University of Texas sweetheart told The Post: 'She never wanted a burial or a monument where people could come gawk at her. 'Ryan created this narrative like it was this big love story.' O'Neal and Charlie's Angels actress Fawcett started dating in the late 70s before welcoming their son Redmond in 1985. The two were partners from 1979 until 1997 when he was caught in bed with actress Leslie Stefanson. After their split, O'Neal's daughter Tatum alleged that he physically abused Fawcett. O'Neal and Charlie's Angels actress Fawcett started dating in the late 70s before welcoming their son Redmond in 1985 The Oscar-nominated actor's son Patrick was his only child to attend his graveside service The late actor was buried in Los Angeles , CA at Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery O'Neal poses for portrait at Farrah Fawcett Foundation Presents 1st Annual Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 9, 2015 'He had a terrible temper and was very violent. He beat her up,' she said. Fawcett and O'Neal rekindled their relationship in 2001. O'Neal's children were born to three different women. His eldest, Tatum and Griffin were born to his first wife, actress Joanna Moore. Patrick was born to actress Leigh Taylor-Young, and his fourth child, Redmond to Fawcett. Speaking to Vanity Fair in 2009 about fatherhood, O'Neal admitted: 'I'm a hopeless father. 'I don't know why. I don't think I was supposed to be a father. 'Just look around at my workthey're either in jail or they should be.' Arnold Schwarzenegger made the most of his post-Christmas experience with his family in a snap that was shared on his son Patrick's Instagram Story on Tuesday. In the snap, the 76-year-old actor was joined by his son-in-law Chris Pratt, his other son Christopher and the 30-year-old actor, and the group all wore matching patchwork flannels and black sunglasses. Not seen in the image was Arnold's youngest son, 26-year-old Joseph Baena, who he fathered with his former housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena. The son of the Terminator star, who was recently spotted while locking lips with a Hungarian actress, also added a short text graphic to his post that read 'Chad, Brad, Thad, Trent.' Patrick shared the holiday-themed snap just one after it was announced that he had become engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Abby Champion. Arnold Schwarzenegger made the most of his post-Christmas experience with his family in a snap that was shared on his son Patrick's Instagram Story on Tuesday Not seen in the image was Arnold's youngest son, 26-year-old Joseph Baena , who he fathered with his former housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena; Joseph seen working out on Wednesday The Gen V actor made the news known to the public through a post that was jointly shared on their Instagram accounts on Tuesday. In the snaps, the performer and his 26-year-old fiance embraced one another and locked lips while standing in front of a heart-shaped arrangement of roses that had been installed on a beach. He also sat next to the model showed off a celebratory cake that had been made for the special occasion in another shot. Patrick and Abby left a sweet message in their post's caption that read 'Forever and ever.' The actor went on to share a throwback snap featuring his fiance on his Instagram Story shortly after announcing his engagement to the public. The performer and his partner were seen during their younger years in the snap, and he added a short text graphic that read: 'Two little kiddos falling in love.' It was confirmed that Patrick and Abby had started dating in 2016, and they went Instagram official with their relationship that same year. The actor and the model have since shown up in each other's Instagram posts over the past few years. Patrick shared the holiday-themed snap just one after it was announced that he had become engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Abby Champion In the snaps, the performer and his 26-year-old fiance embraced one another and locked lips while standing in front of a heart-shaped arrangement of roses that had been installed on a beach Patrick and Abby left a sweet message in their post's caption that read 'Forever and ever' The performer and his partner were seen during their younger years in the snap, and he added a short text graphic that read 'Two little kiddos falling in love' Patrick's mother, Maria Shriver, shared her excitement about her son's engagement by reposting their engagement photos on her Instagram account on Tuesday. The 68-year-old author also penned a message to express that she was 'beyond thrilled' about the happy news. 'They love each other, they accept one another, they cheer one another on. They are each others best friend, confidante, and cheerleader. Their love is something to behold,' she continued. Shriver concluded her message by wishing her son and his fiance all the best in their future as a couple. The journalist expressed: 'I'm so happy for them, for their now, and for their future!' Maya Jama looked more than loved-up as she spent the day larking around with her boyfriend Stormzy on Wednesday. The Love Island presenter, 29, and her rapper boyfriend, 30, were in full spirits as they went on a brisk walk in the forest. Taking to Instagram to share some playful snaps, Maya couldn't wipe the smile off her face. The couple, who spent their first Christmas together since rekindling their romance over the summer, looked stronger than ever. Maya wrapped up warm in head-to-toe designer clothing as she sported baggy Loewe jeans and a Canada Goose padded coat. Maya, 29, looked more than loved-up as she spent the day larking around with her boyfriend Stormzy, 30, on Wednesday The Love Island presenter and her rapper boyfriend were in full spirits as they went on a brisk walk in the forest On Monday, the duo shared snaps from there Christmas Day festivities spent with friends and family. Maya looked incredibly chic in a black dress and wore a glamorous palette of makeup. Meanwhile, Stormzy showcased his muscular physique in a tight-fitting black T-shirt as he filmed himself with Maya singing at the top of their lungs. Stormzy took to Instagram to share the doting duo singing along to Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely. Maya recently shared a number of photos from her recent antics with her 3million followers, including a shot showing her posing in the back of a car with a 30,000 Hermes handbag and a vast bunch of red flowers. Another shot showed her playing cards during a US trip where she was joined by Stormzy, with whom she reunited earlier this year, while she gave an insight into her love of gambling by sharing a shot of $16,000 (12,000) worth of chips in the casino. A number of the pictures in the carousel came from her trip to Las Vegas with her love, with whom she watched a UFC fight together in Sin City. She put on a raunchy display with her rapper boyfriend as she licked his face while filming themselves on her phone. Taking to Instagram to share some playful snaps, Maya couldn't wipe the smile off her face The couple, who spent their first Christmas together since rekindling their romance over the summer, looked stronger than ever Maya wrapped up warm in head-to-toe designer clothing as she sported baggy Loewe jeans and a Canada Goose padded coat On Monday, the duo shared snaps from there Christmas Day festivities spent with friends and family The TV personality spent her first Christmas with Stormzy since they rekindled their romance over the summer Stormzy looked delighted by the public display of affection, as he returned her gesture with a sweet kiss on the cheek. In the clip, Maya leaned in to kiss Stormzy before changing tack and licking his face as they larked about together on the night out. The couple were joined by one of Maya's pals at the UFC 89 event, where Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett fought Tony Ferguson. Maya and Stormzy's romantic videos on her Instagram Stories come after they finally went social media official, seven months after rekindling their romance. The pair reconciled back in summer of this year after splitting in 2019 and were then seen on a romantic Greek holiday in August. Maya confirmed her relationship with Stormzy was back on in August as they were seen strolling hand-in-hand during a holiday in Greece. The couple dated for four years before parting ways in 2019, with the rapper publicly declaring he has 'never loved anyone how I've loved her'. He has always denied any infidelity in the relationship but admitted he had to learn some hard lessons about his behaviour, describing it as 'disrespectful'. Maya certainly seems to be enjoying her successes as she took to Instagram last week to flaunt her swanky belongings A number of the pictures in the carousel came from her trip to Las Vegas with her love, with whom she watched a UFC fight together in Sin City The couple looked smitten in a snap Maya shared on her social media as she posted about hosting the British Fashion Awards earlier this month Speaking to Louis Theroux on his interview series, the rapper admitted to making mistakes during their four-year relationship but revealed he has since grown. He explained: 'My break-up, that was probably the biggest catalyst for growth as a man. It was like, OK, you made a mistake and you lose someone you loved, someone you cared for, someone who is special to you. 'That's probably the biggest loss a man can have, isn't it? Away from someone passing away, that's the biggest loss you can have.' They've been basking in the sunshine on a festive family getaway. And Love Island star Lucie Donlan stunned her followers on Wednesday as she shared a sizzling bikini-clad snap with her lookalike sister Emily. The reality star, 25, showed off her incredible figure in a plunging red two-piece as she and model Emily, 23, posed with matching Santa hats. Lucie captioned her post: 'Sisters' followed by kiss, present and wave emojis. Emily works as a social media and marketing assistant for a surf club in Newquay and freelances as a model. Love Island star Lucie Donlan stunned her followers on Wednesday as she shared a sizzling bikini-clad snap with her lookalike sister Emily Model Lucie and her fiance Luke Mabbott both starred on Love Island but in different series. Lucie appeared on the 2019 series of Love Island, and briefly dated fellow contestant Joseph Garratt, while former heating engineer Luke found fame on the first winter edition of the show in 2020, Luke reached the final of the winter series of the ITV dating show, but split from Demi Jones shortly afterwards. The now-betrothed pair met in July 2020 after Lucie revealed that she messaged Luke first on social media. The pair got engaged a year later in the December after Luke romantically proposed in front of the Northern Lights during their trip to Finland. He wrote: 'Mrs Mabbott to be. The northern lights made an appearance for the perfect moment to pop the question. A night we will never forget.' Lucie said they're in no rush to wed and are planning on being engaged for three to four years though that won't stop her from wedding dress shopping as she recently shared a snap to Instagram revealing she's found her dress. The former Islander previously told MailOnline the pair have considered 'jetting off somewhere' and getting married 'just the two of us' as she admitted to favouring a private wedding over a big event. Model Lucie and her fiance Luke Mabbott both starred on Love Island but in different series Lucie explained that Luke is moving to Cornwall with their dog Bunny once the renovations on her idyllic seaside cottage are complete. She said: 'We said we may just jet off somewhere ourselves and get married so we're not decided on who would at our wedding just yet it may only be just us two. We would prefer to have a much smaller wedding for sure. 'We're a family orientated couple. We would love our wedding to be just close family and friends.' Nick Carter's sister Bobbie Jean was found unresponsive in the bathroom just like their younger brother Aaron was at the time of his tragic death from 'accidental overdose'. First responders had found the 41-year-old in the bathroom of her Tampa, Florida home on Saturday morning and rushed her to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office told TMZ on Wednesday. Bobbie Jean - whose daughter will be staying with her mother - was on probation for cocaine possession when she died according to law enforcement but her roommates had told them that she had not used any narcotics since her prison release. Interestingly, TMZ reports that the sheriff did not find any narcotics or drug paraphernalia in Bobbie Jean's bedroom or bathroom and there were no signs of any foul play. Nick Carter's sister Bobbie Jean was found unresponsive in the bathroom just like their younger brother Aaron was at the time of his tragic death from 'accidental overdose '; Bobby Jean and Aaron are seen in June 2006 First responders had found the 41-year-old in the bathroom of her Tampa, Florida home on Saturday morning and rushed her to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office told TMZ on Wednesday; seen in 2006 in Pasadena Law enforcement told the publication that her death is still under investigation at the official cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner's Office pending toxicology results. It is a rather wild coincidence that Bobbie Jean was found in the bathroom as the same happened with Aaron when he passed away in November 2022. In January, Aaron's family has claimed he suffered a drug overdose after coroners told them no water was found in his lungs, ruling out drowning as a cause of death. The troubled singer was found dead in his bathtub in his Californian home at the age of 34 on November 5, 2022 after, cops responded to a report of 'drowning'. Their claims echo the way Carter's older sister, Leslie, died following a drug overdose in 2012, when she was just 25 years old. This comes just a day after it was reported that her daughter, Bella, is staying with her and Nick Carter's mother, Jane Schneck, after her tragic passing at the age of 41 three days earlier. A source from the Carter family informed People that the eight-year-old is currently with her grandmother following Bobbie's death. The sister of the late Aaron Carter and Nick Carter was found dead on Saturday in her Florida home, although the cause of death remains unclear. Bobbie Jean Carter's daughter, Bella, is staying with her and Nick Carter's mother, Jane Schneck, after her tragic passing at the age of 41 three days earlier; seen in 2006 The sister of the late Aaron Carter and Nick Carter was found dead on Saturday in her Florida home, although the cause of death remains unclear; Bobbie seen bottom right with Aaron Carter, Nick Carter, Leslie Carter and Angel Carter in 2006 in NYC Her family, however, believes that the House Of Carter star went into cardiac arrest while inside the house. According to the outlet, the insider also confirmed Bobbie will be buried in her home state of Florida. Jane spoke about her heartbreaking loss in a statement to TMZ when the news of her daughter's passing came to light. '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.' '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: 'However 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.' Fans may know Bobbie Jean from her appearance in the reality show House of Carters, which aired in 2006. Aaron's team exclusively told DailyMail.com in a statement that it has been a year of 'such loss and tragedy' for the family; Bobbie (far right) seen with Angel Carter, Leslie Carter and Aaron Carter in 2006 She, like her late brother Aaron and late sister Leslie, struggled with substance abuse. Aaron died from an accidental drowning in November 2022 at his home in Lancaster, California, caused after his inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, the generic form of brand-name Xanax. He was 34. Leslie died of a drug overdose at age 25 in 2012 which was caused by a toxic combination of prescription medications. In June, Bobbie was arrested on a shoplifting charge for an incident at Hobby Lobby and was put on a suicide watch after threatening to kill herself. Investigators discovered she was in possession of fentanyl, potent synthetic opioid drug similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more powerful. If Bobbie Jean did die of a heart attack as her family reportedly believes, her drug use could have contributed to it, according to the National Library of Medicine. Aaron's team exclusively told DailyMail.com in a statement that it has been a year of 'such loss and tragedy' for the family. '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.' Nick, 43, has not spoken publicly about this latest family tragedy, but his sister Angel, 35 made a lengthy statement on Instagram Sunday, promising to prevent the trauma that haunted her siblings from hurting the next generation 'This starts with our children, and creating healthy conversation within the home. The generational dysfunction stops now,' she wrote Sunday '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.' Nick, 43, has not spoken publicly about this latest family tragedy, but his sister Angel, 35 made a lengthy statement on Instagram Sunday, promising to prevent the trauma that haunted her siblings from hurting the next generation. 'This starts with our children, and creating healthy conversation within the home. The generational dysfunction stops now,' she wrote Sunday. '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.' If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357. Joan Collins gave an insight into her Christmas Day as she celebrated with her husband Percy Gibson, rarely-seen brother Bill and family. Sharing some photos to Instagram on Wednesday, the legendary actress, 90, got into the festive spirit in a red roll neck jumper. Looking as glamorous as ever she accessorised with a huge cross necklace and glitzy earrings. Joan pulled her dark hair back into a chic bun and later layered over a luxurious brown fur gilet. Her husband Percy could be seen as he posed for a fun snap underneath the Christmas tree wearing a fur Santa hat. Joan Collins, 90, gave an insight into her Christmas Day as she celebrated with her friends and family Sharing some photos to Instagram on Wednesday, the legendary actress, 90, got into the festive spirit with her husband Percy Gibson, 58 Joan captioned the update: 'Another fabulous family party on Christmas Day hosted by my sister-in-law Hazel and brother Bill for daughter Katy, Barry Langford, Umair Asanti, Ivan Massow, godson Theo and friend Alan.' Joan celebrated her 20th anniversary last year with fifth husband Percy. Originally from Peru, Percy is a noted Hollywood producer, known primarily for producing Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Percy, who is 31 years Joan's junior, is her fifth husband, following marriages to Maxwell Reed, Anthony Newley, Ron Kass and Peter Holm. 'He takes care of everything,' Joan told Saga magazine, gushing about Gibson. 'He takes care of my children and all our finances. He's the love of my life. It's a great marriage, a great relationship.' The legendary actress exchanged vows with Hollywood film producer Percy Gibson at London's Claridge's on February 17, 2002. The pair hit it off right away and when a last minute change of plans saved Percy from being near the World Trade Center on 9/11, they decided to marry. The former Dynasty star, who calls Percy 'the best lover I ever had' in her new book Behind The Shoulder Pads, told how their relationship was platonic at first. Joan got into the festive spirit in a red roll neck jumper while joining her brother Bill for a photo Joan captioned: 'Another fabulous family party on Christmas hosted by my sister-in-law Hazel and brother Bill for daughter Katy, Barry Langford, Umair Asanti, Ivan Massow, Theo and Alan' Joan and Umair smiled in their festive hats She said: 'Percy and I became really good friends first. So we had this connection. We really knew each other. 'And separate bathrooms is key! Although we are very lucky. I know that's not something everyone can have.' Percy is the last man standing in a storied lineup of lovers for Collins, as her romantic history is practically Hollywood lore. Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Heming, commemorated their 16th wedding anniversary by sharing a pair of sweet snaps on her Instagram account on Wednesday. In the shots, the 45-year-old model and her 68-year-old husband affectionately planted kisses on one another as they made the most of what appeared to be a tropical getaway. The fashion industry personality, who opened up about the 'guilt' she felt while dealing with her husband's health issues, also wrote a short message that read: '16 years with this special man. My love and adoration for him only grows.' Emma wore a light blue long-sleeve dress that showed off her toned legs while she posed for the snaps. The media figure completed her look with sandals and sunglasses, and her gorgeous brunette hair was tied back into a tight bun. Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Heming, commemorated their 16th wedding anniversary by sharing a pair of sweet snaps on her Instagram account on Wednesday Willis donned a green button-up shirt, shorts and a beige cap as he spent time with his wife of nearly two decades. The actor and the model first met in 2007, and they began seeing each other not long after their first encounter. The Pulp Fiction star was formerly married to Demi Moore, and their union lasted from 1987 until 2000, and the two have remained on friendly terms ever since their split. The performers also share three daughters named Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29. Willis eventually began a relationship with Emma, and they held a wedding ceremony in Turks and Caicos in 2009. The pair started a family with the birth of their first daughter named Mabel, 11, and they welcomed a second named Evelyn, 9, in 2014. The star of the Die Hard franchise's family announced that he retired from his acting career after he was diagnosed with aphasia in March of last year. It was revealed that the performer had also been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia this past February. The fashion industry personality, who opened up about the 'guilt' she felt while dealing with her husband's health issues, also wrote a short message that read '16 years with this special man. My love and adoration for him only grows' The actor and the model first met in 2007, and they began seeing each other not long after their first encounter; they are seen in 2019 The Pulp Fiction star was formerly married to Demi Moore, and their union lasted from 1987 until 2000, and the two have remained on friendly terms ever since their split; they are seen with Emma and their daughters in 2019 The star of the Die Hard franchise's family announced that he retired from his acting career after he was diagnosed with aphasia in March of last year Emma spoke about her husband's health issues during an interview with Today and stated that her entire family's lives had been affected by his condition. 'It's hard on the person diagnosed, it's also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is,' she said. The model went on to state that the daughters she shared with the actor had learned to become more empathetic while taking care of their father. 'It's teaching them so much and how to care and love, and it's really a beautiful thing amongst the sadness,' she said. by Anwar A. Khan Our glorious Liberation War of 1971 to found Bangladesh is our plume. Our national flag is our preen. Our national anthem is our pridefulness. We achieved Bangladesh at the blood-bath of 3 million of our people by the lunatic Pakistani military regime in league with the US and Chinese governments and their local brutish cohorts, majorly the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) sub-humans. To attain Bangladesh, three hundred thousand of our mothers and sisters lost their chastity at the hands of those malefactors. We saw their baleful everlasting annihilation of the freedom-loving people of all classes and all religions in the country. Commando training for members of the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi National Liberation Army) during the Bangladesh Liberation War, in Syaldaa Nadi, East Pakistan, 22nd November 1971. [Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images] These perps forced out one million of our people from their homes with unspeakable sufferings made them shelter-less and forced them to take refuge inside India. All these man-made disasters were played out throughout a 9-month war in 1971. We finally gave them a crushing defeat on December 16, 1971; the scalawag Pakistani Armys 93,000 soldiers surrendered to our feet, and our beloved Bangladesh came into being as an independent and sovereign state on the world map. We are proud of the secular spirit that we earned through our glorious Liberation War in 1971. That was a shameful defeat for them for which they cant forget this abasement. At every moment, they have been looking for a dent to inflict heartrending damage upon the political party now in power under whose leadership Bangladesh attained independence in 1971 and hurt massively the underlying structure of the country Bangladesh. The pearls do not fall from their sweet smiles, though they show up in the Lapp language to make us believe them, with the intent to deceive us in other respects or ways. So, there have been daggers unremittingly in their smiles or in their malefic actions long against Bangladesh and the pro-Bangladesh government. These daggers are very large and sharpened, and they are combat-ready to stab us from behind the scenes and from the frontline. This means that wicked men smile not out of kindness but to hide their wicked intentions. If we delve into the drawer, we find that these men who smile at us are concealing daggers, wanting our blood. Of all these men are our vitriolic foes counting on the forthcoming national polls. It is also essential to bring up the point that the bacilli of the local defeated forces of 1971 could not be destroyed after Bangladeshs Founding Father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahmans killing intentionally and with premeditation on August 15, 1975, by Khondokar Mushtaque Ahmed and his camarilla and because of skullduggeries of depraved military rulers Gen. Zia, Gen. Ershad, and their compadre Begum Zia for two decades or so. Unfortunately, they have infected, so many other people, especially the vast majority of the younger generation, in the country. BNP and JP are unlawful machinates, were born in the military bivouac on September 1, 1978, and January 1, 1986, respectively, by profaned military dictators Gen Zia and Gen Ershad using government spy agencies and millions of monies from the government exchequer, and they were self-proclaimed Presidents of Bangladesh. Deviating from what is considered moral, right, proper, or good, these reprobate personas, power-hungry men in nature purposely reinstated the anti-liberation forces, especially Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), small factions of Muslim League, and their ill chums in every sphere of circuits on the soil of Bangladesh. So, BNP and JP are unquestionably anti-liberation forces in the country and they embody the defeated forces of our 1971 war to establish Bangladesh. Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) is well-known and long-familiar both at home and abroad as a killing outfit of millions of people in 1971 in league with Pakistans military junta and Uncle Sam as well as in support of China. It is also well-known for its worst war criminality in the annals of history. Even if we also hark-back the years of 2013 and 2014, we can see the vivid pictures of the real violent world of BNP and JeI and how these two political outfits brought about terrible excruciations to our people in the country. We cannot and shall never forget the Taliban or ISIS style of brutalities they thrust out on our innocent people during those times. It is deplorable that because of rapacity for some pies of bread and butter from power and being funded by Jamaati liquidators of 1971 and their perps, some veteran freedom fighters, some small left-leaning political parties and the likes of them have surrendered to the blood-stained mitts of the anti-liberation forces, Pakistans ISI, CIA of America, and their quislings to give them more leverage at free-will to do more impairment to Bangladesh and its people. All these sounds of megascopic perfidiousness to the souls of millions of our people who consecrated their lives to attain Bangladesh in 1971. Their ill action mechanisms also bear witness to their utter assaultiveness to the core gems or pearls on which Bangladesh was founded in 1971. The U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas and his overseas white-skinned mango-twigs have come to the fore in the field of Bangladesh in mooring with all ferine anti-Bangladesh liberation forces as Prime Minister Hasinas corpus rival in the country for the upcoming general polls. The defeated forces of 1971 also want to rewrite history to slur over Bangladeshs glorious Liberation War. It is also a willingness for them to reinterpret even the most sacred chapters of Bangladeshs history. The obnoxious nexus of anti-Bangladesh liberation forces and their foreign perps should keep in mind that in the centre of a Russian inner sanctuary, the white-domed Hall of Glory, an enormous statue of a Soviet soldier stands with a sword at his feet; its sheath bears this inscription: He who comes to us wielding a sword shall die by the sword, and our people echoed the same words to Uncle Sam and their newfangled sidekicks, both local and foreign, giving them a crushing defeat in the forthcoming 12th national voting fight. Still, then, the defeated forces, neo-face defeated forces, and their cronies are combat-ready to tweak with several fingernails to the bottle green national flag of Bangladesh with the red circle symbolising the rising sun and the sacrifice of lives in our freedom fight in 1971. Their past casts long shadows. To really grasp how violations of human rights, crimes against humanity, and genocide came about in 1971, a look into the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) inner line of actions and this religion-trading-based bestial murdering squad are ineluctable. As long as JeI and Jamaat-e-BNP crimes and violations are seen to be related solely to those outside ones inner circle, the mechanisms of denial and silencing create complicity. Their loyalty is thus built on lies only, bald-faced lies only. This means that wicked men smile not out of kindness but to hide their wicked intentions. After all, the 1971 Holocaust would not have been so successful had the Jamaat-e-Islami mass murderers not found their accomplices in Pakistan, CIA, and the American establishment. Transmitted down the generations, these patterns of thinking are now breaking the surface, still spreading fear and discriminatory or abusive behaviour towards members of other religions. Hence, the eruption of nationalism came to the fore with its unfeigned power in Bangladesh against the Pakistani military junta in 1971, the abominable American establishment and the Chinese government. In 1971 Pakistans military junta targeted our commemorative culture, raising their ugly secrets ever deeper underground, ruthlessly displaying a petty Pakistani nationalism and inciting enmity against the Bengalis, the majority populace of the then ill-famed Pakistan. It is so-called Big Joyful Smiles on their faces considering the forthcoming national elections! This means that wicked men smile not out of kindness, but to hide their wicked intentions. Behind the grey stone walls of Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamaat-e-BNP, and their mango twigs both local and foreign, there is a load of rubbish, and next to this rubbish are ill people belonging to the U.S. and its 30 vassal states and more than that, some high-profile freedom fighters of 1971 who want to further ravage our glorified achievements which we attained at the bay of blood in 1971. It is a big shock, that we cannot take. In truth, since they are collectors of miscellaneous useless objects or collect things that have been discarded by others, their places are bound to be the outfall at a far-off grime place in Pakistan like a rogue state. Because they do not belong to Bangladesh they are anti-Bangladesh liberation forces! Views are personal Pierce Brosnan has been slapped with a court date in Wyoming for allegedly wandering into 'delicate' and dangerous protected hot springs at Yellowstone National Park. The James Bond actor is accused of venturing off the permitted path and attempting to get a closer look at thermals in the Mammoth Terraces section. He has been cited twice over the alleged violations on November 1, and is scheduled to appear in court on January 23. Brosnan has been charged with Foot Travel in a Thermal Area and Closure Violation, according to court documents filed on Tuesday. He is due to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick next month. Pierce Brosnan has been hit with a court date after allegedly breaching rules at Yellowstone National Park The James Bond actor is accused of leaving the designated walkway and attempting to access thermals at Mammoth Terraces He was issued two citations and is due to appear in court in Wyoming on January 23 The Mammoth Terraces are a popular feature in Yellowstone, constantly changing in color and activity. Federal rules stipulate visitors to national parks must stay on the designated walkways. Venturing off the boardwalk is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Brosnan is just the latest tourist to try to bend the rules at the stunning park. At least 22 people have died from burns sustained in Yellowstones springs and geysers. They include Colin Nathaniel Scott, who is thought to have dissolved in the hot acidic water after leaving the boardwalk at the parks Norris Geyser Basin in search of a place to soak in 2015. Similarly, the foot of Il Hun Ro, 70, was discovered by a National Parks employee after apparently falling in. In 2021, a Connecticut woman jailed for seven days, fined $2,000 and banned from Yellowstone for two years for leaving the walkway and approaching the thermals. Leaving designated paths is punishable by up to to six months in jail or $5000 fine Water temperatures at Mammoth Terraces' springs routinely soar to 161 degrees, while some springs at Yellowstone can register as low as 2 on the pH scale - just one mark above coercive stomach acid. In June, shocking video emerged of a couple ignoring warnings at they attempted to touch 175-degree geysers elsewhere in the park. A woman was seen screaming in pain as she plunged her hand into the hot springs. The clip was shared on the Instagram page TouronsofYellowstone, which regularly documents abuses and poor behavior in the park. Most recently, a tourist was seen destroying delicate moose vegetation by driving off-road in a car. DailyMail.com has contacted Brosnan's reps and Yellowstone Park Rangers for comment. Justin Hemmes celebrated Christmas surrounded by friends at his $100million mansion in Vaucluse, Sydney. The billionaire pub baron, 50, hosted a lavish lunch at his property on Wednesday and invited an array of local celebrities including socialite Jade Yarbrough, 'nude artist' Dina Broadhurst and Pilates queen Bernadette Fahey. His model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel, 27, also attended. In several social media snaps that stars shared from the event, guests were treated to a feast of Mediterranean-inspired dishes while soaking up the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. Holtznagel wowed guests in a beige bustier and sported a matching mini skirt. Justin Hemmes, 50, celebrated Christmas surrounded by friends at his $100million mansion in Vaucluse, Sydney on Wednesday. Pictured with girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel at their home in October The model had her hair slicked back tight to show off her bold gold hoop earrings. Meanwhile, 'nude artist' Broadhurst, 46, stunned in a sheer green dress that left little to the imagination as it displayed her black undergarments. Yarbrough, 30, looked chic in white trousers that featured crochet patchwork, as well as a matching crop top. The billionaire pub baron hosted a lavish lunch at his property and invited an array of stars like Jade Yarbrough (centre) and Dina Broadhurst (left). Pictured with pilates trainer Bernadette Fahey Broadhurst, 46, stunned in a sheer green dress, while Yarbrough, 30 looked chic in white trousers that featured crochet patchwork, as well as a matching crop top Hemmes is known for hosting lavish parties at his Vaucluse home, and recently celebrated his partner Holtznagel's 27th birthday at the luxurious property. Holtznagel began the joyful day arriving via boat to the waterfront property, where she discovered all her friends waiting to surprise her. The genetically blessed beauty was all smiles when she finally made it to her birthday lunch and surrounded herself with loved ones. Hemmes made a gushing toast to the blonde bombshell in front of friends and family. Holtznagel (second from left) wowed guests in a beige bustier and sported a matching mini-skirt. Pictured with Caroline Tran and Bernadette Fahey In several social media snaps that stars shared from the event, guests were treated to a feast of Mediterranean-inspired dishes They also soaked up the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour But he didn't stop there, as Madeline later revealed on Instagram that he bought two llamas as a tribute to his love for her. Sharing a video to Instagram of the moment they jumped out to wish her a happy birthday, Madeline wrote: 'The best surprise ever. 'Thank you to my amazing boyfriend and friends who made my birthday so special.' Back in June, Madeline teased her Instagram followers by wearing a ring on her wedding finger while cuddling up to Justin as they enjoyed a bowl of Udon noodles together at a restaurant in Japan. Hemmes recently hosted a lavish sit-down luncheon at his $100million waterfront home for his girlfriend Madeline's 27th birthday The bling appeared to be a pretty turquoise dress ring she teamed with her outfit. Another photo saw her wearing a different ring on the same finger as she posed in front of a bathroom mirror for a selfie. The couple were all smiles in the photos, looking happy in love. The pair have been dating for several years now. She even spent lockdown at his Vaucluse mansion in 2020. She now reportedly lives in a Coogee penthouse he owns. Holtznagel began the joyful day arriving via boat to the waterfront property, where she discovered all her friends waiting to surprise her While they used to prefer to keep things low-key, the couple are now fixtures of Sydney's social scene. Madeline recently wished her publican boyfriend a happy 50th birthday, telling Justin she 'adores' him in an Instagram post. She shared a gallery of nine photos from the pair's exotic travels across the world, including days at the beach, journeys on private jets, and camping in the woods. Justin made his debut on the Australian Financial Review's annual Rich List in 2018, with an estimated net worth of $951million. Last year, his net worth grew to $1.2billion, making him the 97th richest person in Australia. Glen Powell is giving Sydney Sweeney 'all the credit for' for suggesting they play up the dating rumors between them while promoting their film Anyone But You. When asked about their decision to lean into their characters, Ben and Bea, the actor star, 35, opened up about utilizing their 'authentic chemistry' to entice viewers to watch their rom-com. 'I don't have the mental capacity to pull anything like this off, but she's very smart. She's very smart,' the Top Gun: Maverick actor told Business Insider. 'I had such a wonderful journey with her on this thing. But in terms of actual dating and actually being together? [Laughs.]' As for how their chemistry on-screen and natural rapport at press events may have created a 'lot of headaches for' him, the performer acknowledged his split from Gigi Paris. Having fun: Glen Powell is giving Sydney Sweeney 'all the credit for' for suggesting they play up the dating rumors between them while promoting their film Anyone But You (seen earlier this month) 'Well, look, the only reason it made things harder for me to lean into that stuff was that I was going through a very real breakup amidst a promotional tour,' he explained. Powell continued: 'I was with someone that I really loved and cared about and was trying to kind of make sense of a lot of stuff.' Meanwhile, the Scream Queens alum pointed out that 'it was a lot easier for Sydney to lean into something like that because she's in a very committed and wonderful relationship and she's very happy.' 'So it was a little harder for me,' he admitted. Rumors about Glen and Sydney's relationship began to stir at the beginning of the year during filming, and quickly gained traction after Glen quietly split with his model girlfriend Gigi Paris in April. Sydney, who is engaged to Jonathan Davino, 40, shot down the rumors during a tell-all interview with Variety in August. 'It's a rom-com. That's what people want,' she said. 'Glen and I don't really care. We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much; he's such a hard worker, and I'm a hard worker. Just friends: When asked about their decision to lean into their characters, Ben and Bea, the actor star, 35, opened up about utilizing their 'authentic chemistry' to entice viewers to watch their rom-com Ex love: As for how their chemistry on-screen and natural rapport at press events may have created a 'lot of headaches for' him, the performer acknowledged his split from Gigi Paris (pictured together on January 10, 2023) 'We're excited for the press tour, and I literally just left ADR with him. We talk all the time like.' Her comments came as a member of production working on the film claimed that a number of people on the set 'thought they were already a couple.' 'I knew him from Top Gun,' they said. 'But I just assumed they were a couple in real life. That's what it looked like to most of us. And to some of the extras as well.' Sweeney is engaged fiance, Jonathan Davino, 40. Chinese automaker BYD is poised to overtake Tesla as the most popular electric car manufacturer in the world, new analysis shows. The gap between the two giants has been steadily closing in recent years, with Tesla selling just 3,456 more EVs than BYD in the last financial quarter. It is no doubt embarrassing news for Tesla founder Elon Musk who once famously snickered at BYD's cars during a 2011 appearance on Bloomberg Television. Experts speculate BYD could overtake the American automaker early next year. But it comes as demand for electric vehicles is starting to wane generally, as US car dealers complain vehicles are piling up unsold on their lots. A host of automakers such as Toyota, Volkswagen and General Motors, have invested millions into new EV projects in a bid to take on Tesla. Chinese automaker BYD is poised to overtake Tesla as the most popular electric car manufacturer in the world, new analysis shows. Pictured: Tesla founder Elon Musk in November this year The gap between the two giants has been steadily closing in recent years, with Tesla selling just 3,456 more EVs than BYD in the last financial quarter It is the latest blow to Musk - after DailyMail.com revealed earlier this month how a Tesla engineer was attacked by one of the company's own robots during a brutal and bloody malfunction at the company's Giga Texas factory near Austin. A driving factor behind BYD's success is its relative affordability. The entry-level BYD e1 is priced at $10,000 in the US - almost a quarter of the $38,990 price tag attached to a Tesla Model 3. Bridget McCarthy, head of China operations for Shenzhen-based hedge fund Snow Bull Capital, told Bloomberg: 'The competitive landscape of the auto industry has changed. 'Its no longer about the size and legacy of auto companies; its about the speed at which they can innovate and iterate. BYD began preparing long ago to be able to do this faster than anyone thought possible, and now the rest of the industry has to race to catch up.' And it appears Elon Musk is paying attention. Back in May, a Twitter account devoted to Tesla owners reposted a 2011 clip of Musk snickering at the brand. However the 52-year-old multi-billionaire shot back: 'That was many years ago. Their cars are highly competitive these days.' What do you think of BYD? Elon Musk starts laughing have you seen their cars ? pic.twitter.com/aSvcqmOAo8 Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) May 27, 2023 Research by S&P Global found that global EV sales are set to fall to 1,051,824 in January 2024. This is down from 1,406,407 in December and 1,287,991 in November this year For seasoned investors, BYD's appeal was evident from the very beginning. In 2008, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc., invested around $230 million for a 10 percent stake in the company. The following year, late Berkshire Bice Chairman Charlie Munger told Bloomberg TV that BYD was 'one of the most important subjects affecting the technological future of man.' He later reaffirmed his view, telling the podcast Acquired that 'the guy at BYD is better at actually making things than Elon is.' BYD is run by CEO Wang Chuanfu, 53, who started his career as a government researcher on rare-earth metals critical to batteries and electronics. He is now worth $14.8 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires' Index. However, the manufacturer faces an uphill challenge maintaining an American market because none of its vehicles qualify for the Government's federal tax credit for EVs, worth up to $7,500. This is because the credit has strict rules about cars being manufactured in the US. What's more, they are also subject to a 25 percent tariff. And the Wall Street Journal reported last week that the Biden administration is discussing raising this levy even further. The entry-level BYD e1 is priced at $10,000 in the US - almost a quarter of the $38,990 price tag attached to a Tesla Model 3, pictured Similarly, Europe also looks poised to join the US in imposing higher tariffs on Chinese car imports. Nevertheless Chuanfu remains bullish. He recently told an event recently that Chinese automakers must band together to 'demolish the old legends' of the autoworld. BYD is expected to launch its third-generation EVs next year which may offer automated-driving capabilities like Tesla. But across the board, it appears demand for eco-vehicles is beginning to stagnate. Research by S&P Global found that global EV sales are set to fall to 1,051,824 in January 2024. This is down from 1,406,407 in December and 1,287,991 in November this year. Car-shopping website Edmunds told the Wall Street Journal it takes a dealership around three weeks longer to sell an electric car than a gasoline one. There also appears to be a geographical divide, with some states more likely to adopt the tech than others. Between July and September, nearly a quarter of all vehicles sold in California were EVs compared to just 3 percent in Michigan, according to the trade body the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. The negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Oman are moving at a fast pace and the pact is likely to be signed next month, a senior government official said. Export sectors which could get a boost from the agreement include motor gasoline, iron and steel products, electronics, machinery, textiles, plastics, boneless meat, essential oils, and motor cars. According to a report of think-tank GTRI, these goods at present face a 5 per cent import duty in Oman. About 16.5 per cent of Indian exports to Oman, worth about USD 800 million and goods such as wheat, medicines, basmati rice, tea, coffee and fish that already have duty-free access, will not see additional benefits from the agreement, it added. Currently, over 80 per cent of its goods enter Oman at an average of 5 per cent import duties, the report has said. Oman's import duty ranges from 0 to 100 per cent along with the existence of specific duties. A duty of 100 per cent is applicable on specific meats, wines and tobacco products. Officials of the two countries concluded the second round of talks for the pact, officially dubbed as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) earlier this month in Muscat. "With Oman, there is a very good progress and both sides are very eager to conclude this deal. It may be signed in January 2024," the official said. India has potential for export of products such as light oils and preparations of petroleum and bituminous minerals, medicaments, parts and accessories for motor vehicles, iron ores and concentrates, ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, and aluminium. The negotiations on the text of most of the chapters have been concluded by both sides. Oman is India's third-largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. India already has a similar agreement with another GCC member UAE, which came into effect in May 2022. On the imports front, India's merchandise imports from Oman were USD 7.9 billion in 2022-23. Key imports are petroleum products (USD 4.6 billion) and urea (USD 1.2 billion). These account for 73 per cent of imports. Other key products are propylene and ethylene polymers, pet coke, gypsum, chemicals, and iron and steel. GTRI's report has stated that Oman's products, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, petrochemicals, and certain types of manufactured goods, will find a more receptive market in India, post-implementation of the trade agreement. Continuing its minority outreach programme ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2024, the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reached out to the Sikhs on Tuesday. Union Ministers and BJP Chief Ministers then thronged the Gurudwaras in their vicinity across the country. Modi and his ministers had previously met with Christian religious leaders, and in a similar fashion, BJP leaders participated in Christmas Day events nationwide. Prime Minister Modi reached out to the Sikhs through Veer Bal Diwas, a day dedicated to honouring the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singhs two sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh. The event took place at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre in Pragati Maidan. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda visited a Gurudwara in Kolkata, while Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Ashwini Vaishnav, along with Union Minister Smriti Irani, visited Bangla Sahib and Rakabganj Gurudwara. Thakur also served langar to the devotees at Bangla Sahib. On the occasion, Modi said, With the observance of Veer Bal Diwas, a new chapter has begun in the Amrit Kaal of the countrys independence. He said Indias goal of becoming the worlds third-largest economy will benefit younger people the most, as he led tributes to the sons of the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh, who were bricked alive at the ages of nine and six in 1705. Speaking at a Veer Bal Diwas event to commemorate the martyrdom of two sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Modi said India is now coming out of the mindset of slavery and has full faith in its people, their abilities, and heritage. This year, America, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, and Greece organised programmes related to Veer Bal Diwas Today, when we are proud of our heritage, the world has started looking at us differently Todays India has confidence in its people, potential, and inspirations, he said. PM Modi said economic progress would mean better education, jobs, quality of life, etc, for the youth. He referred to the nationwide campaign of linking youth with the dreams and resolution of Viksit Bharat (developed India). When we did not respect our heritage, the world also did not value it, he said, adding that the global perspective has now changed. When the country moves forward with pride in its heritage, the world also respects it, Modi said. Modi said his Government has a clear vision and roadmap to fulfill the unlimited dreams of Indias youngsters, irrespective of the region and society they were born in. The next 25 years will bring a lot of opportunities for youngsters, he said. The government has a clear policy and no flaw in its intentions, Modi said, citing the increase in the size of the Indian economy and its global recognition. The world is looking at India as a land of opportunities today, and the country is playing a big role in resolving global challenges, he added. Shah and Nadda offered prayers at Gurudwara Bara Sikh Sangat in Central Kolkata and also offered pujas at Kalighat Temple ahead of a crucial strategy meeting for the Lok Sabha 2024 polls. On Veer Bal Diwas, I bow to Guru Gobind Singh Jis Sahibzade and Mata Gujri Ji. With supreme courage, they stood against the brutal Mughal rule and chose martyrdom, refusing to convert. Their unmatched valor will continue to inspire generations to come, Shah wrote on X. The Home Minister said by proclaiming their martyrdom day as Veer Baal Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spread the saga of their sacrifice to every corner of the country and the world. Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi and took part in community service by serving langara community kitchen meal. Today not only the country but the whole world is celebrating Veer Bal Diwas and paying tribute to the Sahibzadas. The youth can learn a lot from their sacrifice and contribute to making a Viksit Bharat, said Thakur. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnav visited Rakabganj Gurudwara and offered prayers. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh visited Takhat Sri Harimander Sahib Gurudwara Patna Sahib and offered prayers. Puri, who is the only Sikh in the Narendra Modi cabinet, expressed delight upon visiting the historical site where the 10th Sikh Guru was born. The origins of Veer Baal Diwas trace back to January 9, 2022, when PM Modi announced its observance on December 26 to honor the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas Prime Minister Modi also flagged off a youth march on the event marking Veer Baal Diwas. The Delhi Government Forest Department has not found an elusive leopard in South Delhis Sainik Farm area after the recovery of a nilgai carcass on Monday morning. According to Sushil Jain of Bail a Tail in Sainik Farms, there was no sighting of a leopard on Tuesday night. My team monitored the entire night in Sainik Farm where a nilgai carcass was found. Nothing has been found. It seems the leopard has returned to the Asola Bhatti wildlife sanctuary, Jain added. Meanwhile, panic has gripped the residents of the area as this is the second incident this month. The Residents Welfare Association of Sainik Farm issued an advisory urging residents to be careful while stepping out and also advised keeping their pets inside. Jain said they have asked the WARWA, Sainik Farm, to install CCTV cameras in the area adjacent to sanctuary boundaries. Earlier this month, after three days of rigorous searches, the Delhi Police and Forest Department officials called off their hunt for a leopard that was spotted in the Sainik Farm area. However, pugmarks believed to be a leopards were seen in the area where the forest department hunted for a big cat but did not find one. The Asola Bhatti Wildlife sanctuary shares boundaries with densely populated settlements like Sangam Vihar, Chattarpur, Sainik Farms, Fatehpur Beri, and villages such as Mangar and Pali in Faridabad. One settlement, Sanjay Colony, is situated within the boundaries of the sanctuary. Dr Saveera Parkash has become the first woman from the minority Hindu community to run in the provincial elections in Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A doctor by profession, Parkash, 25, on Friday filed her nomination papers for the general seat of PK-25 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Buner district, her father Om Parkash told PTI on Tuesday. Om Parkash said his daughter filed a nomination for the general seat PK-25 constituency of the KPK Assembly from the mountainous Buner district as a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate. She has also filed papers for a seat reserved for women in the KPK Assembly. Parkash filed the papers at the request of the provincial leadership of the party Senator Rubina Khalid. She will formally get a party ticket during a PPP rally in Buner on Wednesday. She is a serious candidate and will contest the upcoming elections due for February 8 on a general as well reserved seat, said Om Parkash, a recently retired doctor who had been an active member of the party for the past 35 years. According to local politician Saleem Khan, who is affiliated with the Qaumi Watan Party, Parkash is the first woman from Buner to have submitted her nomination papers to contest the upcoming elections from the general seat. Parkash completed her MBBS from the Abbottabad International Medical College in 2022 and is also the general secretary of the PPP womens wing in Buner. Parkash said she wanted to follow in her fathers footsteps in working for the areas poor. She said she had submitted her nomination papers on December 23 (Friday). Parkash emphasised her desire to work for the welfare of women in the area to ensure a safe space for them and to help them attain their rights. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which borders Afghanistan is a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban terror group, blamed for a series of attacks on security forces. She said women have been suppressed and neglected, especially concerning the development sector. Serving humanity is in my blood, she said, citing her medical background, highlighting that her dream to become an elected legislator stemmed from having experienced poor management and helplessness in government hospitals as a doctor. According to the ECPs recent amendments, a five per cent inclusion of women candidates is mandatory on general seats. A day after the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto reached Mumbai port, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday that the Indian Government has taken serious cognizance of the recent attacks on it and another ship MV Sai Baba. He emphasised that strict action will be taken against those behind the attacks, even locating them from the depths of the seas. Speaking after the commissioning of the stealth guided missile destroyer INS Imphal in Mumbai, Rajnath also stated that India has intensified patrolling of the seas following the recent attacks on merchant navy ships. The Indian Government has taken the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto and the attack on MV Sai Baba in the Red Sea seriously. We will find those who executed the recent attacks on merchant navy ships, even from the depths of the seas, and take strict action against them, the Defence Minister said. MV Chem Pluto, with 21 Indian crew members, was struck by a drone about 217 nautical miles from Porbandar in the Arabian Sea on Saturday, prompting both the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to deploy several assets to provide assistance to the ship. A Gabon-flagged commercial crude oil tanker with 25 Indian crew members reportedly came under a drone attack in the Southern Red Sea. Indian officials later clarified that the commercial oil tanker was not an Indian-flagged vessel. Meanwhile, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar mentioned that four warships have been deployed to counter piracy and drone attacks on merchant ships. He stated that P-8I aircraft, Dorniers, Sea Guardians, helicopters, and Coast Guard ships have all been deployed jointly to counter the threats of piracy and drone attacks. On Monday, the Navy revealed that, after the oil tanker MV Chem Pluto reached Mumbai, analysis of the area of the attack and debris found on the ship pointed towards a drone attack. However, further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of the attack, including the type and amount of explosive used. A Joint Investigation by various agencies has commenced upon completion of the analysis by the Navys Explosive Ordnance Team. MV Chem Pluto has been cleared for further operation by her company-in-charge in Mumbai. The ship is scheduled to undergo mandatory checks by various inspecting authorities before undertaking Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer of cargo. This is likely to be followed by docking and repairs of the damaged portion of MV Chem Pluto. Considering the recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has deployed Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata (Guided Missile Destroyers) in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence. Long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are being regularly tasked to maintain domain awareness. The Western Naval Commands Maritime Operations Centre is actively monitoring the situation in close coordination with the Coast Guard and all concerned agencies. Delhi experienced the most intense fog of this winter on Tuesday, causing visibility to plummet to zero metres at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and disrupting both flight and train operations. The minimum temperature dropped to nearly 7 degrees Celsius. As of 10 am, over 100 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport, and 14 train arrivals faced delays due to the foggy conditions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital remained in the very poor category, reaching 377 by 4 pm, with specific areas recording higher AQI levels. Reduced visibility due to thick fog was observed in various parts of the city, including Safdarjung, Anand Vihar, and India Gate. At Delhis primary weather station in Safdarjung, visibility was recorded at 200 metres at 5:30 am, while it measured 100 metres at Palam. According to Delhi airport officials, at least 55 domestic and 17 international departures, along with 39 domestic and 12 international arrivals, were delayed due to poor visibility. Additionally, five flights were diverted from Delhi to Jaipur between 8:30 am and 10 am. The Delhi airport issued an alert to passengers regarding flight delays as dense fog persisted over the national capital for the third consecutive day, reducing visibility to nearly zero. According to the Delhi Airport Flight Information Display System data, the IGI airport is experiencing delays in both arrivals and departures for approximately 30 flights, with five flights diverted to Jaipur between 8:30 am and 10 am. Delhi airport is facing delays in both arrivals and departures for about 30 flights, including international ones, due to dense fog, stated airport officials. They also issued an advisory, notifying passengers that while landing and take offs continue, flights not compliant with CAT III standards may be affected. The CAT III instrument is an anti-fog landing system activated during poor visibility. While landings and take offs persist at Delhi airport, non-CAT III compliant flights may experience disruptions. Passengers are urged to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused, stated the advisory from Delhi Airport. The Northern Railways reported that 14 trains have been affected in the northern zone due to dense fog prevailing over the national capital on Tuesday. Delayed arrivals in Delhi include Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express, Kanpur-New Delhi Shramshakti, Allahabad-New Delhi Prayagraj, Azamgarh-Delhi Kaifiyat Express, Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar Vikramshilla, Gaya-New Delhi Magadh Express, Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani, Durg-Nizamuddin Samparkkranti, Chennai-New Delhi GT Express, Hyderabad-New Delhi Telangana, Habibgang-New Delhi Bhopal Express, Khajuraho-Kurukshetra Express, and Vasco-Nizamuddin Goa Express. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that dense to very dense fog is likely to persist over northwest and parts of adjoining central India for the next 3-4 days. Foggy conditions are expected from December 29 to December 30, with a slight dip in the minimum temperature, according to the weather department. Morning scenes from Delhis India Gate, Sarai Kale Khan, AIIMS, Safdarjung, and Anand Vihar areas revealed a dense fog, significantly reducing visibility. The weather office supplemented this observation with satellite images illustrating a widespread fog layer extending over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Reports from Moradabad and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh indicated an almost zero visibility due to a thick fog blanket. People were observed gathering around bonfires along roads and lanes to combat the bone-chilling cold in the region. In its bulletin, the weather forecast agency predicted that dense to very dense fog conditions were highly likely to persist during the early and morning hours in certain pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh from Tuesday to Thursday. Additionally, these conditions were expected over Rajasthan and north Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday and Wednesday. by M. K. Bhadrakumar Indian diplomacy is ending 2023 with a momentous turnaround. What began as a course correction necessitated by the torrential flow of events in West Asia is assuming strategic overtones. Truly, the aberration in Indias policies can be traced to the UPA rule (2004-2014) but it is under the period since then 2014 that they accentuated phenomenally and began creating contradictions undermining national interests. This aberration also led to a serious erosion of Indias strategic autonomy in a transformative international environment. A Palestinian man carries his daughters body near Al-Shifa hospital, Gaza after she was killed by an Israeli airstrike Indias voting pattern in the United Nations with regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict is lately marked by a calibrated distancing from Israel. Only a few weeks ago, Israels ambassador in Delhi bullishly described the Indian stance as one of 100% support to his country. But that is no more the case today. Delhi has rejected the repeated Israeli entreaties to declare Hamas as a terrorist organisation, marking its independent opinion regarding the ecosystem of resistance movements. Indeed, this is a highly significant distinction that Delhi is making vis-a-vis the Israeli and Western narrative about Hamas. although India has not hesitated to condemn the violence directed against Israel on October 7, it refused to name Hamas. Considering that Hamas had a chequered past of receiving patronage from Israel, Tel Aviv has no right to expect Delhi to dance to its tunes. Equally, Hamas future is far from an open and shut case. The fact that Sinn Fein and Irish opinion has shown empathy towards Hamas, or that South Africa, which has itself been a victim of apartheid, has recalled its ambassador and diplomatic mission to Israel, calling the horrific Gaza killings as genocide, go to show that the embers of national liberation struggle are still burning. Although India expressed solidarity with the Israeli people over the brutal violence on October 7, it cannot condone the vastly disproportionate Israeli retaliation since then, blithely calling it a matter of Israels right to self-defence. On December 13, India voted in favour of a resolution in the UN General Assembly that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This was the first time India supported such a resolution since the war broke out more than two months ago. Such a stance puts India on the right side of history, as the 193-member UNGA overwhelmingly adopted the resolution at an emergency special session, with 153 nations voting in its favour. A third aspect is that from a geopolitical perspective, Delhi has marked its distance from the US-Israeli campaign branding Iran as the instigator of extremist groups acting against Israel. Interestingly, on December 19, India was one of only thirty states along with Russia and China who voted against a UN resolution on the human rights situation in Iran. The running thread here is that India has reverted to its traditional stance on the Palestine problem and jettisoned the tilt supportive of Israeli interests. The unprecedented unity among the Arab countries, the close coordination between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the huge groundswell of opinion in the Arab world against Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian populations in Gaza and West Bank all this has created a new momentum in Middle East politics that has pitchforked the Palestine problem to the centre stage, which is something India cannot afford to ignore. Nor can Delhi be oblivious of the new reality that something has fundamentally changed in the dynamics of the Palestine problem after the events since October 7. The Israeli ploys of dissimulation and evasiveness and deliberate wrecking of dialogue process and negotiations may no longer work. Indeed, Israels overwhelming military superiority vis-a-vis its Arab neighbours has lost its relevance. Coupled with the US loss of influence and Americas waning global hegemony alongside the sharp polarisation of opinion within Israel itself internally add up to create grave uncertainties regarding the future of the state of Israel as it exists today. Suffice to say, India feels the need to adapt to the new conditions in West Asia where regional countries prefer to settle their issues by themselves, which in turn undermines the rationale behind the creation of Israel as a cockpit of western strategic interests. The way out of this impasse lies in Israel reinventing itself. But the near civil war conditions in the country wont permit that to happen. An immediate fallout of all this is going to be that India is unlikely to join the US-led alliance in the Red Sea gearing up to wage a war on terror against the Houthis of Yemen. This is despite the US efforts to involve the Quad countries in the Red Sea operations. By the way, both Japan and Australia have dissociated themselves from joining the US-led coalition of the willing. Once again, Delhi will be guided by the consideration that the USs ill-fated move to use military power against the Houthis has no takers among the regional states. The US naval enterprise in the Red Sea is struggling to be born. The well-known ex-CIA analyst Larry Johnson has written that On paper it would appear that Yemen is outnumbered and seriously outgunned. A sure loser? Not so fast. The U.S. Navy, which constitutes the majority of the fleet sailing against Yemen, has some real vulnerabilities that will limit its actions. Johnson cites the expert opinion of Cdr. Anthony Cowden, a US Naval Reserve Officer, that given the current configuration of the US Navy as a forward-based navy as distinct from an expeditionary navy US Navy no longer has sufficient capability for sustaining expeditionary operations. After all, the Chief of Staff of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Mohammad Reza Naqdi was not far off the mark when he warned last week that the US and its allies are trapped in the Red Sea and should prepare for the closure of waterways stretching all the way to the western gates of the Mediterranean Sea. The Indian defence and security establishments have been unabashed votaries of Indias strategic ties with Israel. Such excessive adulation of the Israeli model as worthy of emulation by India was built on sheer naivete, completely overlooking that the two countries operate under vastly different conditions and national ethos. It is patently absurd that India can emulate Israeli methods of brutal repression or assassination as part of statecraft, apartheid policies and so on and get away with it. The incidents of October 7 have been an eye opener for Indians, which has exposed not only Israels frailties as a modern state but also its militarys bluster and intelligences failure. The acolytes of Israel in the Indian strategic community feel utterly disillusioned. Simply put, an influential constituency in India and the interest groups that it spawned are no longer calling the shots in Delhi. This is going to be consequential. At the same time, the entire ideological underpinning of the present governments tilt towards the Israeli leadership under Benjamin Netanyahu is unravelling. In a brilliant essay recently, the well-known French scholar and author on right-wing politics in India, Christophe Jaffrelot wrote that the emerging India-Israel alliance during the recent years was anchored not only on the two ruling elites hostility to Islam but also on affinities between Hindutva and Zionism, characterised by ethno-nationalist ideologies that prioritise factors like race, territory and nativism. Going forward, such affinities are going to be hard for the Indian elite to sustain, leave alone openly flaunt, as Israel turns into an apartheid state and gets battered by the forces of history. M. K. Bhadrakumar was a career diplomat by profession. Roughly half of the 3 decades of his diplomatic career was devoted to assignments on the territories of the former Soviet Union and to Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Other overseas postings included South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Turkey. He writes mainly on Indian foreign policy and the affairs of the Middle East, Eurasia, Central Asia, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific. Veer Bal Diwas was celebrated on 26th December in the government schools of the state to pay tribute to the bravery of Sahibzada Jorwar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the children of the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Gobind Singh. During this period, creative competitions like poetry, painting, slogan making were organized in schools. Children were also told stories of bravery of Sahibzada Jorwar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. School children also listened carefully to the address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the program organized on the occasion of 'Veer Bal Diwas' at Bharat Mandapam in the capital Delhi on YouTube. As per the instructions of the Department of School Education and Literacy, classes from class 10th to 12th have been conducted in schools as per the requirement, keeping in mind the secondary and higher secondary board examinations. In view of Veer Bal Diwas, children of these classes participated in offline competitions. Whereas children from primary classes to class 9 took part in interesting online competitions and paid tribute to the bravery of 'Chhote Sahibzade' on My Gov of Government of India and in My Bharat portal, school children of the state participated in online interactive quiz related to 'Veer Bal Diwas' 2023. During this, children solved the quiz questions using their knowledge. Children who successfully complete the online quiz competition will be awarded the My Gov. Award of the Government of India. Certificate of Participation was also given by the portal. A 40-year-old labourer was killed and another suffered serious injuries in outer Delhi's Narela area after the cable of a lift installed at a factory snapped, police said on Tuesday. The accident took place on Monday night, when Nemi Chand and Anirudh Chauhan (28) were climbing the upper portion of the factory. "The lift was already loaded with heavy construction material. As the lift reached the first floor, its cable broke and it had a free fall from the first floor to the basement from a height of around 30 feet," a senior police officer said. "We have taken custody of the body of Chand. It has been sent for autopsy, while injured Chauhan was rushed to the hospital," the officer said. Police have registered an FIR under sections 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 304A (causing death by negligence), of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), against the owner and the contractor of the factory. Investigation of the spot revealed that the cable of the lift snapped due to which it had a free fall, police said. "Both had received serious injuries and were rushed to hospital, where Chand died during treatment. We got to know that Chauhan, along with Chand, was going to the first floor to cook, when the cable of the lift snapped. Both were working as labourers and had been staying there," an investigator said. A 22-year-old MBA student from Technocrats Institute of Technology (TIT), Bhopal died of cardiac arrest, reason of cardiac arrest remained suspicious, said police in the preliminary investigation. His friends took the student to Gayatri Hospital in Patel Nagar where the doctors declared the student dead after examination. Piplani police station said that Vivek Soni (22), resident of Rewa, lived with friends in Ayodhya Nagar area. On Monday night at around 8 pm, he was cooking with friends in the flat. Then he told his friends about chest pain and fell unconscious in the kitchen. Vivek was immediately taken to Gayatri Hospital in Patel Nagar, where he was declared dead. Friends who were present with Vivek Soni at the time of the incident told that on Monday night, four of us friends had gathered to study in a flat in Ayodhya Nagar. We all were about to start studying, then Vivek said First we will eat food, then we will study. It will be around 8 pm. Vivek went to the kitchen. He was talking while cooking and suddenly he fell. When we saw, he kept his hand on chest and wasn't able to say anything. We immediately took him to Gayatri Hospital located in Patel Nagar. Here the doctors declared him dead. Sudeep Rajput, Head Constable, Piplani Police Station said Vivek Soni had a heart attack when he was cooking and was taken to Gayatri Hospital, where the doctor declared him dead. After postmortem, the body of the student has been handed over to his family. Dr. GR Adlak, Director, Gayatri Hospital said that Vivek Soni was brought to the hospital by his friends around 11 pm on Monday night. The young man had died before reaching the hospital. The friends accompanying Vivek had informed about his chest pain. Probably he had a heart attack. The Delhi Police has arrested five people who allegedly robbed a 65-year-old man of cash, mobile phone and a bag at gunpoint in Northeast Delhi's Gautampuri area, officials said on Tuesday. According to the police, three of the accused were involved in several cases of murder, robbery, snatching, and theft. Police said that they had stolen Rs 40,000, mobile phone and a bag to lead a lavish lifestyle and purchasing of branded cloths. "We have arrested Rizwan (28), Noor Ali (28), Nazim (26), Rakesh (33), and Kamal (40). A country-made pistol, stolen motorcycle, Rs 20,000 cash and three live cartridges were recovered from them," Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey said. Around 7 pm on December 22, Gian Chand Tayal told police that he runs a grocery shop in Gautampuri and while he was on his way home, three unidentified people overpowered him and robbed him at gunpoint. A case was registered based on Tayal's complaint and investigation taken up, police said. "We scanned and analyzed CCTV footage of the cameras installed in the vicinity. We checked one scooter following Tayal. Later, two suspects identified as Rizwan and Noor Ali were arrested on December 26 from Zero Pushta road, who confessed to their involvement," the DCP said. On their instance, police arrested their associates Nazim, Rakesh, and Kamal, and recovered Rs 20,000 from their possession. "They told police that they committed the crime to earn easy money and to fulfil their expenses for maintaining lavish lifestyle as they were fond of wearing branded clothes, accessories and shoes. Accused Rizwan, Noor Ali and Nazim were found to be previously involved in several cases of murder, robbery, snatching and theft," DCP Tirkey said, adding that further investigation into the matter has been started. Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri on Tuesday charged that the Arvind Kejriwal government has discontinued old age pension for the elderly for the last five years. Bidhuri also said not only are new applicants not receiving pensions, but even with over one lakh vacancies, new individuals are not being granted pensions, while more than two lakh elderly individuals are pleading for pensions. Bidhuri mentioned that the Delhi government not only maintains an inhumane perspective towards the elderly but is also committing contempt of the Delhi High Court's orders. It has been reported that on October 17, 2018, the Kejriwal government issued an order stating that applications for the new pension can only be made through the MLA's ID. People protested this arbitrary order and approached the Delhi High Court. The court immediately cancelled the order, emphasizing that applications for the new pension can be submitted individually, Bidhuri said. Expressing dissatisfaction with the order of the High Court the Delhi government did not accept any new application, he added. Bidhuri stated that not only is the government not approving new applications, but it is also not providing approved pensions. While 5,30,000 elderly individuals in Delhi are eligible for pensions, only 4,29,210 receive them. This means that an additional 1,00,790 elderly individuals could be granted pensions, but the Delhi government is not making any decision on this sensitive matter. In response to a question in the assembly, it was mentioned that the Kejriwal government needs to hold a meeting and make a proper decision on this issue. Still, no such meeting has taken place, leaving the elderly in Delhi struggling for the past five years. The Kejriwal government is not even hearing Aam Aadmi Party legislators voices in the assembly who have raised questions about this issue. Over two lakh people have applied for pensions, but their applications are still pending with the government. The All India Congress Committee has decided to dissolve the Madhya Pradesh Congress working committee, party general secretary in-charge for the state Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday. "The All India Congress Committee has decided to dissolve the MP Congress working committee. The district in-charges and joint in-charges will continue to work till the next directive," Mr Singh told reporters after holding a meeting with party leaders. Newly-appointed MP Congress president Jitu Patwari, Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh, former Union ministers Kantilal Bhuria, Suresh Pachouri and Arun Yadav among others attended the meeting. The move comes against the backdrop of the party's debacle in the recently held assembly elections wherein the BJP retained power by winning 163 seats while Congress' tally came down to 66 in the 230-member House. In the wake of the party's defeat the AICC recently appointed Jitu Patwari as MP unit president replacing Kamal Nath. Safeguarding Indian territory, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday revealed that it has successfully shot down or recovered no less than 100 Pakistani drones attempting to smuggle narcotics, arms, and ammunition into India through Punjab alone. Sharing its achievements in a series of posts on social media, BSF Punjab Frontier said: Till now, in 2023, BSF Punjab has successfully shot down or recovered 100 Pakistani drones being used by anti-national elements to smuggle narcotics, arms, and ammunition into Indian territory. The forces highlighted their multi-faceted approach, describing a three-pronged strategy designed to curb the illegal movement of drugs and other contraband into India. This strategy involves not only intercepting and neutralizing the drones but also apprehending smugglers actively facilitating these illicit activities. Apart from recovering drones, narcotics, and arms, BSF has also successfully apprehended smugglers who were facilitating smuggling through drones, the BSF emphasized in its social media posts. The BSF's three-pronged strategy, as detailed in their statement, aims to curtail drug supply, raise awareness against drug abuse, and empower the youth with skills to redirect their energy towards meaningful employment opportunities. In a recent incident, the BSF thwarted a smuggling attempt in Amritsar on Monday, seizing 434 grams of heroin. The contraband was wrapped with adhesive tape and dropped by a Pakistani drone that violated Indian airspace. The BSF troops swiftly launched a search operation in the Ranian village, successfully retrieving the illicit substance. On 25 December 2023, during morning hours, on specific information of BSF regarding smuggling through drone on the outskirts of village Ranian and Rear Kakkar, District - Amritsar, an Operation was planned, stated the BSF in a post. The vigilant BSF personnel, upon hearing a buzzing sound indicative of a suspected flying object, recovered the heroin packet with a ring attached for hanging with the drone. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in countering cross-border smuggling operations. The BSF remains committed to implementing robust measures to safeguard the nation's borders and protect against the nefarious activities of anti-national elements. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that people will get services without any difficulty due to administrative efficiency for which senior officials have been made responsible for monitoring implementation of public welfare schemes at divisional level. The Chief Minister said that officers and employees should devote time for discharging responsibilities at their respective headquarters and also perform field level duties. He said that officers must understand the problems of the people and effectively address them. Dr. Yadav said that workers of Vinod Mill of Ujjain and Hukumchand Mill of Indore have been given their liability amounts. Similarly, a roadmap should be drawn out to provide benefit to the workers of JC Mill of Gwalior also. Dr. Yadav asked the officials to set an example of good law and order situation. He asked them to implement plans keeping in mind the needs of the next 20 - 25 years. Yadav said that the complaints received from the general public should be timely resolved and the prescribed schedule of night stay by the officers should also be strictly adhered to. Services should reach out to the citizens in the cities and villages. Senior officers involved in monitoring will play an effective role. Coordination will bring about transparency in implementation of government schemes. Chief Minister Yadav said that surprise visits by the officers would help ensure good services. This Chief Minister observed this while holding discussions with Additional Chief Secretaries in-charge of the divisions and all Additional Directors General of Police at a meeting in Mantralaya.It may be noted that the state government has assigned division-wise responsibilities to senior administrative and police officers before reviewing the development works at the divisional level under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. Additional Chief Secretary level officers will monitor and supervise the status of various development activities. The Additional Chief Secretary will visit districts of the division at least once in two months and review the development works through video conferencing every month. Along with the review of major schemes and projects identified for the districts, the Additional Chief Secretary will also be present in the divisional meetings of the Chief Minister. Similarly, Additional Director General of Police level officers have been asked to review law and order situation and police functioning. Yadav said that idols and clothes of deities sold at major religious and spiritual places, the decorative art pieces and materials come from other states. To provide employment to the local people and motivate them for self-employment, art camps should be organized to make them skilled in the production of such material. Small scale industries should be encouraged. This will help increase income of the local people and this will also promote religious and spiritual tourism. Chief Minister Yadav said that steps should be taken for traffic management in Ujjain also on the lines of Tirupati Balaji. Devotees should not face any inconvenience in commuting. The pilgrims should have time to visit surrounding places after darshan. The Chief Minister said that on the occasion of Sankranti, Sawan, Magh etc., ashrams and other arrangements should be made near religious places for comfortable stay of senior citizens. Chief Minister Yadav said that farmers in rural areas should be given full support for agricultural work as well as animal husbandry. Efforts should be made to increase their income by benefiting from various schemes. Successful initiatives of cottage industries in Gujarat should be implemented in Madhya Pradesh. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami laid the foundation of and inaugurated 160 development schemes worth Rs 415 crore in Tehri district on Tuesday. The chief minister launched the developmental schemes at the Beti-Bwaryun Ku Kauthig programme at Bauradi. The works launched by Dhami included 44 schemes worth Rs 201 crore which were inaugurated and 116 schemes worth Rs 214 crore for whigh the foundation stones were unveiled. He also inaugurated the grounding of memoranda of understanding worth Rs 2,400 crore out of the Rs 3,900 worth MoUs signed for Tehri district during the recent Global Investors Summit. Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that the work of the double-engine government is clearly visible in Uttarakhand in the form of development. He said that ensuring the development of every area in the State is the priority of the government. Dhami said that India is moving ahead with women development and is now talking of women in leadership roles. The work being done for women empowerment under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership across the nation is presenting a great picture of a new India. Women in the villages too have been linked to basic facilities like homes, toilets, cooking gas, electricity and water while the government is also working diligently on education, health, nutrition, vaccination and other necessary requirements of daughters, the CM said. Dhami said that currently there are about 70 lakh self help groups in the nation in which about eight crore women are involved. In Uttarakhand too, members of women self help groups have done commendable work in various sectors. The CM said that honouring the women of the State, the State government has provided 30 per cent horizontal reservation for women in government jobs. In addition to this, various schemes like the Mukhyamantri Nari Sashaktikaran Yojana, Mukhyamantri Mahalakshmi Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Mukhyamantri Aanchal Amrit Yojana, Mukhyamantri Swarozgar Yojana, Nanda Gaura Matrivandana Yojana and Mahila Poshan Abhiyan have been started by the government. Speaking on the occasion, the minister in-charge of the district, Prem Chand Agrawal said that various development schemes of the State government are being executed under the CMs leadership. Interest-free loan of upto Rs five lakh is being provided to women self help groups to make them self reliant. The government is also working to develop Uttarakhand as a wedding destination, he added. Expressing his views on the occasion, cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal said that the State government is successfully executing various schemes to make the women self-reliant. Various public representatives and officials were also present on the occasion. The war within the Punjab Congress unit has reached a boiling point as the partys top brass on Tuesday gathered in New Delhi for a meeting of paramount importance to discuss the issue of infighting, among many others. The meeting, chaired by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, with senior leader Rahul Gandhi and recently-appointed state Congress party affairs in-charge Devender Yadav in attendance, is poised to tackle the issue of internal strife that has plagued the party in the wake of the ensuing 2024 general elections. The high-stakes meeting comes as a response to the rising discord within the Punjab Congress stemming from the possibility of forming an alliance with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state, with leaders openly expressing dissatisfaction and demanding a course correction. Apart from central leaders, nearly three dozen party leaders from Punjab attended the meeting, including state party president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, his predecessor Navjot Singh Sidhu, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Partap Singh Bajwa, former Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former Union Minister Ambika Soni, sitting MPs, among others. During the closed-door meeting, discussions were held on several issues, particularly those related to formulating the strategy for the Lok Sabha elections, due next year. As per initial reports, till the time of filing this news, the issues of alliance with AAP and indiscipline within the partys state unit did come up for discussion with special mention of the partys defeat in 2022 state assembly polls due to the same reason. Warring, after the meeting, maintained that high command, as such, did not take up the issue of alliance with AAP, but some leaders, who have their opinion on the same, put it before the central leaders at their own level. Yadav also maintained that the meeting was held in very cordial atmosphere and discussions were held on various issues. However, none of the leaders openly disclosed if the high command issued any waring to any of the leader for indulging in war of words in public. The internal squabbles, particularly between Bajwa and Sidhu, have intensified threatening the party's stability in the state. Punjab Congress president Warring, set the tone for the meeting, making it abundantly clear that any form of indiscipline would be met with stringent action. Warring's remarks were seen as a veiled critique aimed at Sidhu, who has been at the center of the controversy. The core issue on the table is the internal bickering, and alliance with AAP in Punjab, among others. Congress had suffered a massive defeat in the 2022 Assembly elections, attributed in part to internal conflicts and a lack of coordination. Party leaders, including Pratap Singh Bajwa, have blamed Sidhu's leadership for the drastic decline in the party's seat share from 78 to 18. The meeting aimed to address these internal challenges and forge a unified strategy for the upcoming political battles, including the Lok Sabha elections. The infighting has exposed rifts within the party, with factions emerging, some advocating for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and others vehemently opposing it. The presence of Rahul Gandhi, a key figure in the Congress hierarchy, underscores the gravity of the situation. Rahul, known for his involvement in strategic decision-making, is expected to play a pivotal role in resolving the internal strife and ensuring the party's cohesion. Devender Yadav, the newly appointed in-charge for Punjab Congress, brings a fresh perspective to the table. His role will be instrumental in bridging gaps, fostering communication, and implementing strategies to revitalize the party in Punjab. The ongoing factionalism, particularly the public sparring between Bajwa and Sidhu, adds another layer of complexity to the party's internal dynamics. The high command's challenge is not only to resolve the existing issues but also to establish a roadmap for future unity and cohesiveness. As the meeting unfolds behind closed doors, the outcome remains uncertain. The decisions taken in this closed-door gathering will likely shape the future trajectory of the Punjab Congress and have far-reaching implications for the party's standing in the state and beyond. Ukraine wants more Patriot missiles and support equipment. The United States and European NATO countries are sending all they have. One reason for this urgency and generosity is that Ukraine has developed some new ways to use Patriot missiles more efficiently and effectively. In early 2023 Ukraine received two Patriot batteries plus some additional missiles. Another battery is supposed to arrive by the end of the year. Soon after Ukraine received the first Patriot batteries, they managed to destroy two Russian jet fighters and three helicopters that were carrying out bombing attacks on Ukrainian targets in the north, near the border with Russias Bryansk province. This happened so quickly that Russia decided to cease launching airstrikes from bases in this region. The main reason for this was the unexpectedly effective Ukrainian use of their Patriot systems. The Ukrainians had developed some new techniques to do this. For example, Ukrainian Patriot system operators have developed methods for reliably and consistently using Patriot against several different Russian ballistic missile systems. These methods have stopped dozens of Russian ballistic and high-speed cruise missiles sent to attack the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, as well as other targets in Ukraine. Ukrainians were not the first Patriot users to come up with novel ways to use the system. Patriot has proved to be very configurable and able to deal with many new situations the Patriot System designers never expected. That sort of thing has kept Patriots in service for over three decades. Patriot has been in service since 1984 and experienced its first sustained combat in 1990, when it was used against Iraqi SCUD ballistic missiles fired at Israel and Saudi Arabia. Its success rate, 40 to 70 percent, was mediocre at best. That was largely due to the improvised modifications Iraqis made to their SCUDs to extend their range. As a result, the SCUDs tended to fall apart during the terminal (speeding down towards the target) flight phase which created unintended countermeasures. Some of the larger pieces of these modified SCUDs, like additional fuel tanks, broke away and were seen by Patriot radar as the actual missile warhead section. In some cases, non-warhead portions, like the fuel tanks carrying very toxic fuel, of the SCUD came down on military or civilian personnel on the ground. Subsequent upgrades to Patriot increased accuracy against deliberate or accidental countermeasures. Patriot has been used against UAVs but firing a missile costing over three million dollars at homemade UAVs, as Israeli forces did a few times, isnt healthy for the economy so Israel developed cheaper solutions for UAVs. Although initially designed to be used against manned aircraft, the Patriot did not face this threat very often and it wasnt until 2014 when Patriot downed one. An Israeli Patriot shot down a Syrian Su-24 fighter-bomber. While Patriot was originally designed for use against aircraft, most of what it has shot down have been ballistic missiles, either SCUDs or more recent Iranian and Russian designs. The UAE sent a battery to Yemen where it successfully defended major military bases from Iranian ballistic missile attacks. Arab Patriot users have developed a lot of missile crews with combat experience and that has helped attract capable recruits to air defense work, which is usually seen as less prestigious than traditional service with ground, air, and naval combat units. During 2023 Patriot Systems began operating in Ukraine, with the usual spectacular results. This was especially the case with the Ukrainians, who tended to find additional uses for many of the weapons they received from NATO countries. Since 1970 over 10,000 Patriot missiles and 1,500 launchers have been produced. After decades of service, some were updated while others were scrapped. Patriot missiles can, with regular upgrades and refurbishment, remain in use for over 40 years. A growing number of Patriot missiles are doing just that, but many are still fired each year for training and testing. Most Patriot batteries are equipped with both longer-range GEM-T missiles for aircraft and shorter-range PAC-3 MSE ones for ballistic missiles or, if necessary, aircraft. The PAC 2 is older, cheaper, and designed to intercept manned aircraft at ranges up to 160 kilometers, while the PAC 3 is the newest and about twice as expensive (over $4 million). The Patriot system, with continued upgrades, will likely remain in production until the 2040s, though it badly needs a mobile replacement for various reasons such as attack by swarms of cheap UAVs, plus that the precise location of Patriot radars can be easily determined from orbit. Demand for Patriot missiles in Ukraine means that nearly all the older Patriot missiles are being used and the manufacturer is working overtime to produce more missiles. Each Patriot battery is manned by about a hundred troops and contains a radar plus four or more launchers. The launcher is designed to use both the smaller PAC 3 missile as well as the original and larger PAC 2 anti-aircraft version. A Patriot launcher can hold sixteen PAC 3 missiles versus four PAC 2s. A PAC 2 missile weighs about a ton while a PAC 3 weighs about a third of that. The PAC 3 has a shorter range that was originally 20 kilometers, but the latest version can do 35 kilometers. The larger PAC-2 can reach 160 kilometers. NATO countries are being asked to send all the Patriot missiles they can. The NATO countries are also sending their Patriot System experts in order to learn about the novel methods Ukrainians have developed. It did not take long to train Ukrainian crews. Ukraine points out that it will take a lot less time for Ukrainians to master Patriot operation because it is wartime and time is of the essence. That proved to be the case. A Delhi court on Tuesday extended by two days the ED custody of three Vivo-India executives in a money laundering case against the Chinese smartphone maker and others. Additional Sessions Judge Aparna Swami extended the custody of Interim CEO of Vivo-India Hong Xuquan alias Terry, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Harinder Dahiya and consultant Hemant Munjal on an application moved by the Enforcement Directorate. The accused were produced before the court on the expiry of their three-day ED custody granted earlier. The ED sought their remand for five days, claiming they were required to be confronted with the other accused arrested in the case earlier. China had said on Monday it will provide consular protection and assistance to the arrested employees working for smartphone maker Vivo in India and expressed its firm backing to the Chinese businesses in protecting their lawful rights and interests. The federal anti-money laundering agency had earlier arrested four people -- mobile company Lava International's MD Hari Om Rai, Chinese national Guangwen alias Andrew Kuang, and chartered accountants Nitin Garg and Rajan Malik -- in the case. They are in judicial custody at present. The ED had filed a charge sheet against the four in a special PMLA court in Delhi. The court recently took cognisance of the charge sheet. The ED alleged in documents submitted to the court with regard to the four arrestees that their activities enabled Vivo-India to make wrongful gains that were detrimental to the economic sovereignty of India. It had raided Vivo-India and people linked to it in July last year and claimed to have busted a major money laundering racket involving Chinese nationals and multiple Indian companies. The ED had then alleged that Rs 62,476 crore was "illegally" transferred by Vivo-India to China to avoid payment of taxes in India. The company had, however, said it "firmly adheres to its ethical principles and remains dedicated to legal compliance". Lava International's Hari Om Rai had recently told a court that though his company and Vivo-India were in talks to launch a joint venture in India a decade ago, he had nothing to do with the Chinese firm or its representatives since 2014. "He has not derived any monetary benefit nor has he engaged in any transaction with Vivo-India or any entity allegedly related to Vivo, let alone having been associated with any alleged proceeds of crime," Rai's lawyer Nitesh Rana had told the court. The probe agency filed an enforcement case information report (ECIR), the ED's equivalent of a police FIR, on February 3 after studying a December 2022 Delhi Police FIR against an associated company of Vivo-India, Grand Prospect International Communication Pvt. Ltd. (GPICPL), its directors, shareholders and some other professionals. The police complaint was filed by the Corporate Affairs Ministry alleging that GPICPL and its shareholders used "forged" identification documents and "falsified" addresses at the time of incorporation of the company in December 2014. This company had its registered addresses in Himachal Pradesh's Solan, Gujarat's Gandhinagar and in Jammu. The crackdown on the leading Chinese company came after ED found that three Chinese nationals, all of whom left India between 2018 and 2021, and another person from that country incorporated 23 companies in India in which chartered accountant Nitin Garg allegedly assisted them. "The allegations (made by the Corporate Affairs ministry) were found to be true as the investigation revealed that the addresses mentioned by the directors of GPICPL did not belong to them. In fact, it was a government building and the house of a senior bureaucrat," the ED said. It said Vivo Mobiles Pvt. Ltd. Was incorporated on August 1, 2014 as a subsidiary of Multi Accord Ltd., a Hong Kong-based company. The 23 companies incorporated in India were found to have transferred huge amounts of funds to Vivo India. Further, out of the total sale proceeds of Rs 1,25,185 crore, Vivo India remitted Rs 62,476 crore or almost 50 per cent of the turnover out of India, mainly to China, the ED has alleged. These remittances, it added, were made to "disclose huge losses in Indian incorporated companies to avoid payment of taxes in India". The action is seen as part of the Union government's effort to tighten the screws on Chinese entities that are allegedly indulging in serious financial crimes like money laundering and tax evasion while operating here. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated a week-long photo exhibition in Raipur on Monday to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The exhibition, organized by the Public Relations Department, features achievements from Vajpayees tenure and his contributions to Chhattisgarhs development. It also highlights welfare schemes now implemented in Chhattisgarh. Students are visiting the exhibition in large numbers. A student from Madhya Pradesh described it as educational and informative. The exhibition will conclude on December 31. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday hailed the clearance of three criminal justice bills by the President. Taking to X, Sai said: It will replace as many colonial-era acts as a watershed moment in Indias history. It marks the beginning of a new era with laws centred on public service and welfare." He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the new provisions. President Droupadi Murmu on Monday gave assent to the three new criminal law bills passed by Parliament last week. The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 will replace the IPC, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will replace the CrPC and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will replace the Indian Evidence Act. Six labourers died and four others got injured when a brick kiln wall collapsed on them in Haridwar districts Lahboli village in Roorkee on Tuesday morning. The labourers were working at the kiln when it collapsed on them, the Haridwar senior superintendent of police Pramendra Dobhal said. The Haridwar district magistrate Dhiraaj Singh Garbyal has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. The incident happened around 7 AM on Tuesday. Labourers at the brick kiln were busy making bricks when the wall fell on them and some cattle. The authorities concerned along with the district disaster management team reached the spot and started relief and rescue operations on receiving the information. The workers trapped under the debris were pulled out with the help of machinery. It took considerable time for the authorities to pull out the victims from beneath the debris. Dobhal said that five labourers died on the spot while the remaining five were taken to a hospital in Roorkee. Another labourer succumbed to injuries in the hospital during treatment, the SSP said. Besides this, a horse was also killed after getting buried under the rubble of the wall. The SSP, DM and other senior officials also reached the spot when authorities were carrying out the work to remove the injured labourers buried under the debris. Dobhal said that the police analysed the space where the accident occurred and will investigate accordingly. He said, "We are looking into the circumstances that led to the accident. The police will investigate the matter and take strict legal action against the guilty party." The DM has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter which will be conducted by the joint magistrate of Roorkee. He said that three of the labourers belonged to Lahboli village, one was from Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar and the remaining belong to nearby villages. The SSP said that the police had informed the families of all victims. The bodies of the deceased will be handed over to families after the completion of legal procedure, he added. In a heart-wrenching incident, two teenagers lost their lives while enjoying a bath in the Subernarekha River near Jamshedpur. The tragic event unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, along the Kapali Thana area in the adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district. Victims Identified: The victims were identified as Adarsh Pandey (14) and Karnbir Singh (15), both residents of Anil Sur Path at Ulyan in Kadma. The third boy, who was also drowning, was fortunate enough to be rescued by local fishermen present at the spot. Picnic Trip Turns Tragic: According to police reports, the group of six boys, aged between 14 and 15 years, had embarked on a picnic trip from their homes in Kadma. Their journey took them to Sapra, under Gamharia Thana area, near the Domuhanithe convergence point of Kharkai and Subernarekha rivers. After spending some joyful moments there, the boys proceeded to Kapali with the intention of taking a bath in the Kapali Ghaat along the Subernarekha River. Rescue Attempt and Tragedy: Tragedy struck when three boys took a plunge into the river for a bath. Local fishermen present at the scene managed to rescue one of the victims, averting a potential third fatality. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, Adarsh Pandey and Karnbir Singh lost their lives. Efforts to Save Lives: After the fishermen recovered the bodies from the water, local residents rushed them to Tata Main Hospital and MGM Medical College Hospital (MGMMCH). However, the emergency medical staff at both hospitals declared them dead. Postmortem Procedures: Kapali Thana Officer-in-Charge, Sandeep Kumar, has taken charge of the situation and seized both bodies from Tata Main Hospital and MGMMCH. The bodies are scheduled to undergo postmortem examinations at the medical college mortuary. This tragic incident has left the community in shock, emphasizing the need for increased safety awareness, especially during water-related activities. The apex activity of The Institution of Engineers (India) is the prestigious Indian Engineering Congress which is organized every year during the month of December since 1987. It is the largest congregation of engineers from all over the Country as well as from several countries. The 38th Indian Engineering Congress is being held at Jabalpur during 27-29 December 2023 on the theme "Reimagining Tomorrow: Shaping the Future through Disruptive and Interdisciplinary Technologies.". The Jabalpur Local Centre of The Institution of Engineen rufo be hosting the Congress, with valuable support from the Department of Science & Technotcas Government of India, and many other national organisations. The Chief Guest for the inaugural session will be Er. U P Singh, Former Secretary, Government of India. One of the signature events of the Congress is the IEI Industry Excellence Award and IEt Education Excellence Award. During this event renowned industries and educational institutions are awarded for their performance. During the 38th IEC total 18 industries including Multinationals will be awarded and 9 renowned engineering educational Institutions Also & Local Centres will be given award. Over the three days event 08 Memorial Lectures in the memory of the doyens of engineering profession will be delivered by top engineering professionals from across all over India and foreign countries. Er. Shivanand Roy, President, The Institution of Engineers (India) shall be honouring two eminent Engineers for their outstanding contributions in the field of engineering during he "Glimpses of Engineering Personalities." The esteemed individuals inclun Lt Gen Chaudhry, VSM (Retd), Former Director, Border Roads and Er. Vinay Kumar Singh, MD, National Capital Region Transport Corporation Ltd., New Delhi. Adding to the enriching Congress program are the inspiring 'Visionary Talks," where the institution invites renowned personalities to share their insights and motivate the future generation This year, we are privileged to have Mr. Jayant D Patil, Member, Executive Committee of Management, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, and Dr. Ranjith Dissanayake, President, The Institution Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), delivering these visionary talks In line with our commitment to fostering global collaboration, the institution is organizing the International Meet in conjunction with the 38th Indian Engineering Congress. This initiative aims to unite engineers and techrinlogists worldwide, providing a platform for knowledge exchange. information sharing, and the formation of strategic alliances. Delegates from the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers (KIEE), institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), The Institution of Frraineve (E(1) Alumni meet to be conducted during the congress shall highlight the imvalpable contribution of its Alumni in development field and also discuss the issues related to Alumni. Most important part of the Congress is presentation of about 75 technical Papen meticulously selected by expert panel's form more than 350 Papers received from authors from Across the Country and abroad, in 10 technical sessions during the 03 day event stal organisations to show their contribution in nation building can also be seen at the venue. Ahead of the high-stakes meeting scheduled in the national capital between the Punjab Congress leadership and the party high command, tensions within the party have come to the forefront. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, while interacting with the media in New Delhi ahead of the crucial meeting, has delivered a blunt message, indicating that strict action will be taken against any party member engaging in indiscipline. Unequivocal in his stance, Warring said that 100 percent action would be taken against those who break party discipline. Highlighting the importance of coordination within the party, Warring underscored the consequences of a lack of harmony. He pointed out that the party had suffered losses in the previous elections due to internal disagreements and public airing of divergent opinions. The party, he warned, would incur further damage if discipline is not maintained. I would like to remind all the Congressmen that no one can present their individual views on a public platform otherwise action will be taken. A leader can give personal opinion after leaving the party, he said. Warring, without explicitly naming his predecessor Navjot Singh Sidhu, launched a scathing verbal attack, emphasizing that while being a part of the Congress, individuals cannot express personal opinions publicly. He asserted that if anyone wishes to voice their personal opinions, they should do so after parting ways with the party. The timing of the meeting is crucial, and it is likely that the issue of infighting, which has sparked verbal clashes between Sidhu and Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Partap Singh Bajwa in recent days, will be addressed during the proceedings. Bhopal police have arrested an accused from Bhind who posed himself as Bhopal Police Commissioner to a Deputy Superintendent of of Police (DSP) of Bhopal district. First, introducing himself as a sub inspector (SI) posted at Bhopal Police Commissioners office, he contacted the police control room and got the mobile number of the DSP. After police information, family members of accused kept distance. On Sunday afternoon in Bhind, a youth was caught by the Bhopal police when he called the control room by posing as a sub-inspector. After this the accused asked for the number of Umri police station and headquarter DSP. When the police became suspicious of the accused's actions, he was arrested. Police said, Ankit Parihar, son of Rakesh Singh Parihar, resident of Piprauli village under Sahson police station of Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh, called constable Arun Dixit posted in the control room on Sunday morning and named himself sub-inspector Virendra Singh in the office of Bhopal Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra. The accused asked for the mobile number of Umri police station in-charge Ravindra Sharma and DSP Headquarters Sanjay Kocha over the phone. This was given from the control room. After this, while talking to the DSP Headquarters, the accused changed his voice and started talking on the mobile as Bhopal Commissioner himself. Headquarters DSP Kocha became suspicious on this due to the tone of conversation. When the mobile location was checked, it was found to be of Raun police station area. After this doubt turned into belief. The police caught the accused along with the vehicle. The accused was roaming around with a rented four-wheeler car. Information about the accused was given by Bhind police at the police headquarters. A case of forgery is registered against the accused in Bhopal. Bhopal Crime Branch police reached Bhind on Monday evening to pick up the accused and returned on Tuesday morning. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Narayana Gowda faction) on Wednesday targeted business establishments in Bengaluru and damaged their signboards and name plates which did not use Kannada. The activists took out rallies in various parts of the city, especially in the business hubs such as MG Road, Brigade Road, Lavelle Road, UB City, Chamarajapet, Chickpet, Kempe Gowda Road, Gandhi Nagar, St Marks Road, Cunningham Road, Residency Road and Sadahalli Gate near Devanahalli. The activists claimed that the business establishments were "undermining the official language of Karnataka, which is Kannada." Many malls, shops, commercial buildings, companies and factories, especially multinational companies, faced the ire of KRV activists, who damaged and defaced signboards and name plates which were not in Kannada. Later, the agitating members including the KRV convener T A Narayana Gowda, were taken under preventive custody by police. Addressing reporters, Gowda said the name plates and signboards in Karnataka should be in Kannada. Citing BBMP rules, he said, "60 per cent of the signboards and name plates should be in Kannada. We are not against your business but if you are doing business in Karnataka then you have to respect our language. If you ignore Kannada or put Kannada letters in small, we will not let you operate here." The KRV leader warned the government that it will face the music in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if it did not take their love for Kannada seriously. The traffic on the Ballari road leading to the Airport and many other places was chock-a-blocked with activists, leading to vehicles moving at a snail's pace. The police too found themselves helpless before the agitating crowd, which had gone berserk. Meanwhile, state Home Minister G Parameshwara told media in Kalaburagi that the pro-Kannada activists have been warning against the non-usage of Kannada language in the signboards, advertisements and name plates. He said the government respects Kannada very much because all its activities take place in the state's official language. Ford Motor (NYSE:F Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Hold by the fifteen research firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $14.02. Several equities research analysts have weighed in on F shares. UBS Group started coverage on Ford Motor in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. They set a buy rating and a $15.00 price target on the stock. Barclays upgraded Ford Motor from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $14.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. BNP Paribas cut Ford Motor from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $12.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. StockNews.com started coverage on Ford Motor in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Ford Motor from $16.00 to $15.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Get Ford Motor alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Ford Motor Insider Activity at Ford Motor Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ford Motor In other Ford Motor news, insider John Douglas Field purchased 182,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 8th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $11.05 per share, for a total transaction of $2,011,100.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now directly owns 720,176 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,957,944.80. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . 0.80% of the stock is owned by insiders. Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Ford Motor in the second quarter valued at $26,000. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Ford Motor by 178.1% in the second quarter. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,805 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 1,156 shares in the last quarter. Milestone Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Ford Motor in the third quarter valued at $27,000. Quarry LP acquired a new position in Ford Motor in the second quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, Peoples Bank KS acquired a new position in Ford Motor in the third quarter valued at $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 52.73% of the companys stock. Ford Motor Stock Performance Shares of F stock opened at $12.44 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $49.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.12, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The business has a fifty day moving average of $10.85 and a 200 day moving average of $12.31. Ford Motor has a 1 year low of $9.63 and a 1 year high of $15.42. Ford Motor (NYSE:F Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The auto manufacturer reported $0.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $43.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $43.94 billion. Ford Motor had a return on equity of 21.01% and a net margin of 3.54%. The businesss revenue was up 17.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.30 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Ford Motor will post 1.86 earnings per share for the current year. Ford Motor Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 1st were issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, October 31st. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.82%. Ford Motors dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.22%. About Ford Motor (Get Free Report Ford Motor Company develops, delivers, and services a range of Ford trucks, commercial cars and vans, sport utility vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles worldwide. It operates through Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro; Ford Next; and Ford Credit segments. The company sells Ford and Lincoln vehicles, service parts, and accessories through distributors and dealers, as well as through dealerships to commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces are using cheap (about $500 each) quadcopter UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) controlled by soldiers a kilometer or more away, who use FPV (First Person Viewing) goggles to see what the day/night video camera on the UAV can see. Adding night vision doubles the cost for each UAV, so not all of them have that capability. Each of these UAVs carries half a kilogram of explosives, so it can instantly turn the UAV into a flying bomb that can fly into a target and detonate. This is an awesome and debilitating weapon when used in large numbers over the combat zone. If a target isnt moving or requires more explosive power that the UAVs can supply, one of the UAV operators can call in artillery, rocket, or missile fire, or even an airstrike. A major limitation is the need for trained UAV operators. These troops need over a hundred hours of training before they are able to start operating these UAVs, and another hundred hours of actual use before they are able to make the most out of the system. These UAVs are difficult to shoot down until they get close to the ground and the shooter is close enough, as in less than a few hundred meters, away to successfully target a UAV with a bullet or two and bring it down. Troops are rarely in position to do this, so most of these UAVs are able to complete their mission, whether it is a one-way attack or a reconnaissance and surveillance mission. The recon missions are usually survivable and enable the UAV to be reused. All these UAVs are constantly performing surveillance, which means that either side commits enough UAVs to maintain constant surveillance over a portion of the front line, to a depth, into enemy territory, of at least a few kilometers. This massive use of FPV-armed UAVs has revolutionized warfare in Ukraine and both sides are producing as many as they can. Not having enough of these to match the number the enemy has in a portion of the front means you are at a serious disadvantage in that area. These UAVs are still evolving in terms of design and use and becoming more effective and essential. One countermeasure that can work for a while is electronic jamming of the UAVs control signal. UAV guidance systems are constantly modified or upgraded to cope with this. Most UAVs have flight control software that sends UAVs with jammed control signals back to where they took off from to land and await. The jammers are on the ground and can be attacked by UAVs programmed to home in on the jamming signal and detonate their explosives on the source of the jamming signal. As a result, even countermeasures can be overcome and the side that can do this more quickly and completely has an advantage. That advantage is usually temporary because both sides are putting a lot of effort into keeping their combat UAVs effective on the battlefield. Ukraine was not where extensive use of these UAVs first occurred. Innovative use of small UAVs is something that has been going on for several decades and is evolving all the time. This began in 2010, when the French firm Parrot introduced the first consumer friendly quadcopter. By 2017 Parrot had competition from the Chinese firm DJI, which innovated more quickly than anyone else and soon dominated the market for commercial quadcopters. This is why both Russia and Ukraine first turned to Mavic quadcopters as models for new militarized quadcopters they would produce. Both sides soon designed and built their own UAVs or heavily modified commercial models like Mavic. Russian troops had a more difficult time doing this. Russian troops also used Mavic quadcopters, when they could get them. Corruption in Russia made importing Mavic quadcopters difficult. This isnt just about Mavic because corruption became more widespread in Russia in 2022 when the Ukraine War started, and subsequent sanctions disrupted the Russian economy. Russias national bureaucracy discourages and disrupts any private efforts to design and build not merely UAVs, but private efforts to build most anything which might compete with government ways of building or doing things. This has been true since the 1920s, originally because of the Communist system, then because that was normal even after the Communists were overthrown, and then because that private enterprise interferes with government corruption. Ukrainians have noticed that one of their assets in the war is the disruptive effect Russian bureaucracy has on the Russian military. The Ukrainians are faster in developing new weapons, and particularly new UAVs. While there is some corruption in Ukraine, there is also a lot more popular anger and active opposition to any corruption hurting the war effort. Less corruption in wartime Ukraine means there are a lot more opportunities for innovation without interference from some corrupt official or supplier. Russian troops still had a lot of UAVs but not as many as the Ukrainians and not with all the innovations found in many Ukrainian UAVs. This made a difference and still does, even though the Russians have been quick to use new forms of jamming to disrupt or destroy Ukrainian UAVs. Both sides suffer heavy, as in the thousands, of UAV losses each month and Ukraine, with NATO support and unencumbered by economic sanctions, is able to maintain a UAV edge on the battlefield. Ukrainians were particularly adept at modifying quadcopters to carry explosives. If the operator found an enemy tank or lighter armored vehicle with a top hatch open, the vehicle could be destroyed when an explosive was dropped through the open hatch. The explosives were often used against Russian troops in foxholes or open trenches. This capability is bad for Russian morale and the Ukrainians made the most of it. DJI quadcopters are popular with military customers worldwide, as well as with gangsters, drug smugglers and Islamic terrorists. American forces were banned from using DJI products from 2017 to 2020 because of fears that DJI, which thrives and survives by cooperating with the Chinese government, might have hidden capabilities in the control software that would enable DJI quadcopters to be monitored by the Chinese, especially in wartime. Several years of trying to prove this failed to discover anything and the American ban was quietly dropped. The ban on military use of DJI quadcopters was not universal, even among NATO countries. But many NATO members did avoid DJI and found that alternatives were more expensive and less capable. For example, in 2021 the French military ordered 300 ANAFI USA micro-UAVs from Parrot, a French firm that is the largest European designer and manufacturer of consumer and commercial UAVs. The ANAFI USA model was developed in response to a 2019 U.S. Army order for a militarized quadcopter that was similar to the banned DJI products. That was considered difficult to do because DJI had a huge head start, especially with flight control software and reliability. The American military determined that Parrot was best suited for this contract because there were few Western firms as capable as Parrot. The French military spent $36 million not just for the purchase of 300 ANAFI quadcopters. The five-year deal includes Parrot developing new ANAFI features to meet specific needs of army, navy, and air force users. One of the first users will be French special operations units. The ANAFI quadcopter is a militarized version of a similar, but lighter (at 300 grams), consumer model. ANAFI weighs 500 grams (1.1 pound), has endurance of 32 minutes and standard equipment is a day/night vidcam using military-grade communications. Parrot carries two 4K (21 megapixel) vidcams with 32X zoom and the ability to identify man-sized targets two kilometers distant plus useful detail in general at up to five kilometers. There is also a thermal sensor on the Parrot that works with the 4k vidcam and enables the operator to see hot spots superimposed over the video image. The flight software is as capable as DJT models and uses no Internet access. An additional security feature is the flight control software being regularly audited to ensure that no new features have compromised security. ANAFI is very quiet and is inaudible when about 130 meters away. ANAFI can be ready for use in less than a minute and is designed to be used after brief training. For experienced quad-copter users, ANAFI is very familiar, and training consists of explaining the unique security and military features. ANAFI is also built to accept accessories that generate digital maps and thermal videos. This kind of flexibility is a major feature of Parrot commercial quadcopters and one reason for its market dominance in Europe. The ANAFI is being delivered to French forces as systems, each with two quadcopters, additional batteries, and operator controllers. Parrot does have some competition in the military market. Since 2015 Israeli firms have designed and built several quadcopters for military and police use. In 2016 the Israeli military bought some locally made Rotem L UAVs for their infantry to use in urban combat. Rotem L is a lightweight (4.5 kg/10 pound) quadcopter based on commercial designs, but modified so that it not only carries the usual day/night cameras but can also replace the cameras with two 450g (one pound) grenades which can be armed and released by operator command. With 30-minute endurance and easily learned operation, Rotem L can be carried (in a case) by one man, set up and ready to go in a minute or so and recovered for reuse. The controller has a range of up to 10 kilometers but in a dense urban environment, the max range is more like 1,500 meters. The major advantage of Rotem L is that it is quiet and can be flown through open doors or windows. Carrying one or no grenades allows Rotem L to stay airborne for up to 45 minutes. The grenades can be triggered while still aboard Rotem L to provide a self-destruct mechanism. If Rotem L lands with live grenades aboard, the operator can double-check the armed status of the grenades before recharging it for another mission. Rotem L can be used unarmed by police or carry tear gas and flash-bang grenades. Rotem L is expensive, costing over $10,000 each. Military users prefer to use it equipped with vidcams and use the cruise missile option only when forced to. Israel firms offer less expensive unarmed quadcopters for military and police use. Parrot was competitive with the Israeli designs and offered to build ANAFI USA in the U.S. as well as demonstrating it could incorporate military-grade security features and a quadcopter that matched Israeli and Chinese designs in flexibility, features, and price. Parrot had another advantage because France was a NATO member, and this made it easier for French firms to meet NATO standards that enabled all NATO members to easily purchase Parrot UAVs. NATO troops in places like Syria, Iraq, Mali and Afghanistan found that both Islamic terrorist and local security forces were eager users of high-end Chinese-made DJI commercial quadcopters. A particular favorite is DJI Matrice 200/210. This is an industrial-grade quadcopter costing up to $20,000 each. The DJI 210 weighs 4.7 kg (10.3 pounds) and can carry up to 1.45 kg (3.2 pounds) of cameras, additional batteries, or improvised weapons. Max endurance is about 30 minutes and top speed is 60 kilometers an hour. When under user control the 210 can operate up to eight kilometers away although five kilometers is more common. The 210 can be programmed to use its GPS/GLONASS navigation system to cover a specific route and return. If the control system is lost for any reason, the quadcopter will automatically return to where it started and land. While the 210 is mainly used for surveillance and reconnaissance though some have been equipped with an explosive dispenser. Anything from grenades to IEDs (improvised explosive devices) can be used. The 210 can be rigged as a one-way cruise-missile but that is expensive and increasingly common with groups backed by Iran as well as other well-funded Islamic terrorists. High-end models like the 210 are favored because they are rugged and can handle wind and incorporate obstacle avoidance. This is important when operating in urban areas, forests or at night using a night-vision camera. While popular with Islamic terrorists, gangsters and less-well equipped police and military units, Western forces tended to avoid DJI products because of fears that China may have ordered the manufacturer to include secret features that would allow the Chinese military to disable or take-control of DJI products. No one has ever found such a back door in the quadcopter software and these Chinese quadcopters, especially those made by DJI, are the most popular models worldwide. Thats because DJI models offered are the best value as well as being the most reliable. Sometimes these bans were issued after troops had already obtained and were using DJI quadcopters. For example, in early 2018 the U.S. Marine Corps announced a new squad and platoon organization, based on its experience so far this century, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the unique changes to the new 12-man squad was that each one would get a commercial quadcopter. These were smaller, more compact models costing less than two thousand dollars each. The Marines had already bought 600 and ordered another 200 when the U.S. Department of Defense ordered a ban on the use of Chinese quadcopters. The Marines did manage to get an exemption to the new ban and sought government approval to purchase commercial quadcopters. These are out there but none as inexpensive as the Chinese models. The complaints about the DJI ban from military users in the United States and other NATO countries played a role in the ban being lifted in 2020. The U.S. Army banned the use of DJI quadcopters in 2017. The troops had been encountering these DJI quadcopters in combat zones for years and some troops had bought them with their own money to use (successfully) in combat. Its no secret that DJI quadcopters have been showing up in combat zones with increasing frequency since 2014. Initially the most popular of these was the DJI Phantom quadcopter. Phantom 3 showed up in 2015. It cost about a thousand dollars, weighs 3.9 kg (8.6 pounds), can stay in the air about 20 minutes per flight and can go up to 2,000 meters from the operator. The operator can see (at 720p resolution) what is under the Phantom using a small display and capture a higher resolution video (2.7k or 1080p) on a 16 GB micro memory card on the UAV. The Phantom 3 was widely available. It is easy to operate and has flight control software that makes it easy to operate and keeps the video image stable. You can equip these with a night vision camera. Max altitude is over 500 meters (1,600 feet) but most Phantoms operate lower down because getting to higher altitude takes time. DJI kept upgrading its Phantom line of quadcopters from the moment the first one hit the market in 2013. The Phantom 1 was basically a quadcopter you could add your own GoPro wireless vidcam to. But every few months DJI added new features and major upgrades were introduced as a new model. Phantom 2 appeared at the end of 2013, Phantom 3 in early 2015 and Phantom 4 a year later. Phantom 3 was the most popular model and Phantom 4 was basically a Phantom 3 with lots more capabilities (4K video, video transmission range of five kilometers) and a higher price (about $1,500 each). New models of the Phantom continued to appear, sometimes just with a few new features and a lower price. New features include collision avoidance sensors and software. The Phantom line was replaced by the Mavic and Matrice which included low (Mavic) and high end (Matrice) models. Year by year the capabilities of the DJI quadcopters increased and the troops were not happy that they could not use them, but the enemy could and did. For combat troops cost is an important feature because something low-cost and capable in the combat zone equipment is quickly worn out. This is especially true with quadcopters. As a result, the troops have become accustomed to buying commercial products whenever they can get away with it. America does not have a viable quadcopter industry because its cumbersome technological export rules prevent American companies from exporting their products to foreign markets. We have our own troublesome bureaucracies. Applied Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 1,224 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $206,000. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Dechtman Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Chevron during the 2nd quarter worth $648,000. Tsfg LLC boosted its position in Chevron by 5.3% during the 3rd quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 3,473 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $586,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares during the period. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in Chevron by 13.1% during the 2nd quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 14,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,255,000 after acquiring an additional 1,661 shares during the period. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA boosted its position in Chevron by 13.4% during the 2nd quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA now owns 79,961 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $12,582,000 after acquiring an additional 9,477 shares during the period. Finally, Kooman & Associates boosted its position in Chevron by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter. Kooman & Associates now owns 1,568 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $247,000 after acquiring an additional 158 shares during the period. 68.87% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Chevron alerts: Chevron Stock Up 0.9 % NYSE:CVX opened at $152.41 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $287.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.31, a PEG ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.11. Chevron Co. has a 1-year low of $140.72 and a 1-year high of $187.81. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $147.95 and its 200 day moving average price is $156.37. Chevron Dividend Announcement Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $3.05 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.70 by ($0.65). The business had revenue of $54.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $51.41 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 12.11% and a return on equity of 16.15%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.56 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Chevron Co. will post 13.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th were given a $1.51 dividend. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.96%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 16th. Chevrons payout ratio is currently 44.84%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have issued reports on CVX shares. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Chevron from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $184.00 to $182.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. Bank of America upgraded Chevron from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $190.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Mizuho cut their price objective on Chevron from $215.00 to $195.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $180.00 price objective on shares of Chevron in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Chevron from $203.00 to $201.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $186.50. Get Our Latest Analysis on Chevron Chevron Profile (Free Report) Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atwater Malick LLC grew its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 1.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 165,839 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,964 shares during the quarter. Pfizer accounts for approximately 2.4% of Atwater Malick LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest holding. Atwater Malick LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $5,501,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PFE. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in Pfizer by 98,197.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,948,438,709 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $71,468,732,000 after acquiring an additional 1,946,456,532 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 89,592.7% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 161,143,638 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,257,000,000 after buying an additional 160,963,976 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 4th quarter worth about $3,150,472,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 9.8% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 218,931,933 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,932,423,000 after buying an additional 19,602,359 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 1,034.0% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 12,149,955 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $495,718,000 after buying an additional 11,078,514 shares during the last quarter. 68.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth PFE has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. TheStreet downgraded shares of Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, September 25th. UBS Group cut their price target on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 14th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $44.00 to $33.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Pfizer in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $40.35. Pfizer Trading Up 0.0 % Shares of PFE opened at $28.41 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $29.57 and its 200-day moving average price is $33.48. Pfizer Inc. has a twelve month low of $25.76 and a twelve month high of $51.93. The stock has a market cap of $160.41 billion, a PE ratio of 15.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.61. 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 (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.32) by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $13.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.77 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 16.72% and a net margin of 15.30%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.53 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 26th will be paid a $0.42 dividend. This is an increase from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 25th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 89.62%. Insider Activity at Pfizer In related news, Director Scott Gottlieb bought 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $26.47 per share, with a total value of $79,410.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $238,230. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.05% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Pfizer (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Recommended 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. Cambridge Advisors Inc. lessened its position in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 7.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 10,882 shares of the companys stock after selling 891 shares during the quarter. Cambridge Advisors Inc.s holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $1,120,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in MRK. Riverwater Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. during the third quarter valued at about $316,000. Wagner Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 8.1% in the third quarter. Wagner Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,968 shares of the companys stock worth $614,000 after buying an additional 445 shares during the period. Riverview Trust Co increased its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 4.5% in the third quarter. Riverview Trust Co now owns 26,625 shares of the companys stock worth $2,741,000 after buying an additional 1,145 shares during the period. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 13.6% in the third quarter. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC now owns 24,501 shares of the companys stock worth $2,522,000 after buying an additional 2,927 shares during the period. Finally, Meridian Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 3.2% in the third quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 49,655 shares of the companys stock worth $5,112,000 after buying an additional 1,541 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 74.59% of the companys stock. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets MRK has been the topic of several analyst reports. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $122.00 price objective on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a report on Friday, October 6th. TheStreet upgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Monday, November 27th. BMO Capital Markets upgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $132.00 price target on the stock in a report on Friday, October 27th. Morgan Stanley boosted 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. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a report on Monday, December 18th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.14. Merck & Co., Inc. Price Performance Shares of MRK opened at $107.63 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $272.74 billion, a PE ratio of 59.79, a P/E/G ratio of 9.11 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $103.64 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $106.43. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 1-year low of $96.36 and a 1-year high of $119.65. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.13 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.19. The business had revenue of $16 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.30 billion. Merck & Co., Inc. had a net margin of 7.77% and a return on equity of 18.26%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.85 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 1.37 EPS for the current year. Merck & Co., Inc. Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.77 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This is a 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 yield of 2.86%. Merck & Co., Inc.s payout ratio is currently 171.11%. Insider Buying and Selling at Merck & Co., Inc. In other Merck & Co., Inc. news, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total transaction of $4,602,729.69. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 111,764 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,738,572.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total value of $213,052.78. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,862,394.58. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of the companys 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 completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 111,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,738,572.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. 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. Featured Stories 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. CreativeOne Wealth LLC decreased its position in The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 27.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 14,780 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 5,459 shares during the quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLCs holdings in Southern were worth $957,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Calamos Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Southern by 0.5% during the second quarter. Calamos Wealth Management LLC now owns 29,786 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,092,000 after acquiring an additional 144 shares during the period. Spirit of America Management Corp NY lifted its position in shares of Southern by 8.8% during the 2nd quarter. Spirit of America Management Corp NY now owns 1,850 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $130,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Syntegra Private Wealth Group LLC boosted its stake in Southern by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Syntegra Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 3,831 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $269,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. STAR Financial Bank grew its holdings in Southern by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. STAR Financial Bank now owns 6,322 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $444,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Murphy Middleton Hinkle & Parker Inc. increased its position in Southern by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Murphy Middleton Hinkle & Parker Inc. now owns 38,605 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,757,000 after buying an additional 151 shares during the period. 62.85% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Southern alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Southern In other news, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred 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 transaction, the insider now directly owns 28,691 shares in the company, valued at $1,990,868.49. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.39, for a total transaction of $693,900.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 28,691 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,990,868.49. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.39, for a total value of $341,950.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 111,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,610,712.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 25,000 shares of company stock worth $1,722,000. 0.37% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on shares of Southern from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Southern from $69.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Mizuho cut their price objective on shares of Southern from $76.00 to $73.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Scotiabank downgraded Southern from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $78.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com raised Southern from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.00. View Our Latest Report on SO Southern Stock Up 0.0 % Shares of NYSE:SO opened at $69.45 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $75.74 billion, a PE ratio of 25.07, a P/E/G ratio of 4.82 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.84. The companys fifty day moving average is $69.37 and its 200-day moving average is $69.21. The Southern Company has a 52 week low of $58.85 and a 52 week high of $75.80. Southern (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.32 by $0.10. Southern had a net margin of 11.60% and a return on equity of 10.26%. The firm had revenue of $6.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.38 billion. Equities research analysts predict that The Southern Company will post 3.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Southern Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 20th were issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 17th. Southerns dividend payout ratio is currently 101.08%. 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. Further Reading 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. DAVENPORT & Co LLC increased its stake in shares of Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM Free Report) by 10.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 28,675 shares of the business services providers stock after buying an additional 2,672 shares during the period. DAVENPORT & Co LLCs holdings in Waste Management were worth $4,371,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Capital Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Waste Management by 2.4% during the third quarter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 8,032 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,224,000 after buying an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. Everence Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Waste Management by 12.5% in the third quarter. Everence Capital Management Inc. now owns 19,254 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,935,000 after purchasing an additional 2,140 shares in the last quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Waste Management by 7.5% in the third quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLC now owns 13,726 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,092,000 after purchasing an additional 963 shares in the last quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network increased its stake in shares of Waste Management by 37.0% in the third quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network now owns 1,760 shares of the business services providers stock worth $268,000 after purchasing an additional 475 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LMG Wealth Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Waste Management by 11.4% in the third quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 6,778 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,033,000 after purchasing an additional 695 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.34% of the companys stock. Get Waste Management alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 4,167 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $172.00, for a total value of $716,724.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 177,321 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,499,212. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, SVP Tara J. Hemmer sold 10,048 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $171.19, for a total transaction of $1,720,117.12. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 49,099 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,405,257.81. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 4,167 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $172.00, for a total transaction of $716,724.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 177,321 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,499,212. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 43,598 shares of company stock valued at $7,517,269. Corporate insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock. Waste Management Price Performance WM stock opened at $177.52 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.80. Waste Management, Inc. has a one year low of $148.31 and a one year high of $179.50. The stock has a market cap of $71.50 billion, a PE ratio of 31.42, a P/E/G ratio of 2.96 and a beta of 0.70. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $170.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $164.72. Waste Management (NYSE:WM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The business services provider reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.02. Waste Management had a net margin of 11.47% and a return on equity of 34.14%. The business had revenue of $5.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.27 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.56 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Waste Management, Inc. will post 5.97 EPS for the current fiscal year. Waste Management Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st were paid a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.58%. Waste Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 49.56%. Analyst Ratings Changes WM has been the subject of several recent research reports. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Waste Management from $183.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of Waste Management in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Erste Group Bank raised shares of Waste Management from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $160.00 to $163.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Oppenheimer boosted 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 companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $179.93. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Waste Management Waste Management Profile (Free Report) Waste Management, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the United States and Canada. It offers collection services, including picking up and transporting waste and recyclable materials from where it was generated to a transfer station, material recovery facility (MRF), or disposal site; and owns and operates transfer stations, as well as owns, develops, and operates landfill facilities that produce landfill gas used as renewable natural gas for generating electricity. 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. Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE:HT Get Free Report) and Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, risk, dividends and earnings. Institutional and Insider Ownership 57.0% of Hersha Hospitality Trust shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 66.4% of Extra Space Storage shares are held by institutional investors. 20.8% of Hersha Hospitality Trust shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.6% of Extra Space Storage shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get Hersha Hospitality Trust alerts: Profitability This table compares Hersha Hospitality Trust and Extra Space Storages net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Hersha Hospitality Trust 8.57% 4.17% 2.17% Extra Space Storage 35.54% 11.64% 5.02% Volatility & Risk Dividends Hersha Hospitality Trust has a beta of 1.81, meaning that its stock price is 81% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Extra Space Storage has a beta of 0.71, meaning that its stock price is 29% less volatile than the S&P 500. Hersha Hospitality Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Extra Space Storage pays an annual dividend of $6.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.1%. Hersha Hospitality Trust pays out 117.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Extra Space Storage pays out 119.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Extra Space Storage has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Extra Space Storage is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations for Hersha Hospitality Trust and Extra Space Storage, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Hersha Hospitality Trust 0 10 0 0 2.00 Extra Space Storage 0 6 4 1 2.55 Hersha Hospitality Trust currently has a consensus target price of $9.63, suggesting a potential downside of 3.65%. Extra Space Storage has a consensus target price of $149.20, suggesting a potential downside of 6.42%. Given Hersha Hospitality Trusts higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Hersha Hospitality Trust is more favorable than Extra Space Storage. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Hersha Hospitality Trust and Extra Space Storages revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Hersha Hospitality Trust $405.87 million 0.99 $146.72 million $0.17 58.76 Extra Space Storage $1.92 billion 17.51 $860.69 million $5.44 29.31 Extra Space Storage has higher revenue and earnings than Hersha Hospitality Trust. Extra Space Storage is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Hersha Hospitality Trust, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Extra Space Storage beats Hersha Hospitality Trust on 13 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Hersha Hospitality Trust (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. The Company's common shares are traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HT. About Extra Space Storage (Get Free Report) Extra Space Storage Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of September 30, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,651 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, D.C. 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. The Company offers customers a wide selection of conveniently located and secure storage units across the country, including boat storage, RV storage and business storage. It is the largest operator of self-storage properties in the United States. 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. Franklin Street Properties (NYSE:FSP Get Free Report) and Prologis (NYSE:PLD Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, risk, institutional ownership and earnings. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Franklin Street Properties and Prologis top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Franklin Street Properties alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Franklin Street Properties $165.62 million 1.60 $1.09 million ($0.53) -4.83 Prologis $5.97 billion 20.64 $3.36 billion $3.24 41.19 Prologis has higher revenue and earnings than Franklin Street Properties. Franklin Street Properties is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Prologis, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility & Risk Profitability Franklin Street Properties has a beta of 0.95, meaning that its stock price is 5% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Prologis has a beta of 1.04, meaning that its stock price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares Franklin Street Properties and Prologis net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Franklin Street Properties -35.87% -7.26% -4.54% Prologis 38.24% 5.21% 3.34% Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Franklin Street Properties and Prologis, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Franklin Street Properties 0 0 1 0 3.00 Prologis 0 2 10 1 2.92 Franklin Street Properties currently has a consensus target price of $2.50, indicating a potential downside of 2.34%. Prologis has a consensus target price of $139.27, indicating a potential upside of 4.37%. Given Prologis higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Prologis is more favorable than Franklin Street Properties. Insider & Institutional Ownership 76.2% of Franklin Street Properties shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 90.9% of Prologis shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.3% of Franklin Street Properties shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.7% of Prologis shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Dividends Franklin Street Properties pays an annual dividend of $0.04 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.6%. Prologis pays an annual dividend of $3.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Franklin Street Properties pays out -7.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Prologis pays out 107.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Prologis has increased its dividend for 10 consecutive years. Prologis is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Summary Prologis beats Franklin Street Properties on 15 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Franklin Street Properties (Get Free Report) Franklin Street Properties Corp., based in Wakefield, Massachusetts, is focused on infill and central business district (CBD) office properties in the U.S. Sunbelt and Mountain West, as well as select opportunistic markets. FSP seeks value-oriented investments with an eye towards long-term growth and appreciation, as well as current income. FSP is a Maryland corporation that operates in a manner intended to qualify as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for federal income tax purposes. About Prologis (Get Free Report) Prologis, Inc. is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At September 30, 2023, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (114 million square meters) in 19 countries. Prologis leases modern logistics facilities to a diverse base of approximately 6,700 customers principally across two major categories: business-to-business and retail/online fulfillment. Receive News & Ratings for Franklin Street Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin Street Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KFG Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 8.1% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 1,135 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 85 shares during the quarter. KFG Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $261,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of ITW. GoalVest Advisory LLC bought a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the second quarter worth $25,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Quarry LP boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 52.7% in the first quarter. Quarry LP now owns 142 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Union Savings Bank acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the second quarter valued at approximately $39,000. 79.56% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Citigroup lifted their price target 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. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $238.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price 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. StockNews.com began coverage on Illinois Tool Works in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Barclays decreased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a report on Thursday, September 7th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $240.82. Illinois Tool Works Trading Up 0.7 % NYSE:ITW opened at $263.74 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $79.36 billion, a PE ratio of 25.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.14 and a beta of 1.13. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $217.06 and a fifty-two week high of $264.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27, a current ratio of 1.58 and a quick ratio of 1.13. The stocks 50-day moving average is $240.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $242.04. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last released its 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. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.55% and a return on equity of 95.68%. The company had revenue of $4.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.10 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.35 EPS. The companys revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be given a $1.40 dividend. This represents a $5.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is currently 54.32%. Illinois Tool Works Company 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. Read More 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. Park Place Capital Corp boosted its stake in Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY Free Report) by 8.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 420 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock after acquiring an additional 31 shares during the period. Park Place Capital Corps holdings in Teledyne Technologies were worth $172,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in TDY. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC bought a new position in shares of Teledyne Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new position in shares of Teledyne Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 137.9% during the 2nd quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 69 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 91.7% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 92 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its holdings in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 32.2% during the 3rd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 115 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 28 shares in the last quarter. 87.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Teledyne Technologies alerts: Teledyne Technologies Price Performance Shares of NYSE:TDY opened at $437.48 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.53, a PEG ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 1.01. The stocks 50 day moving average is $398.33 and its 200-day moving average is $403.00. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated has a twelve month low of $364.98 and a twelve month high of $448.71. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Teledyne Technologies ( NYSE:TDY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $5.05 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.76 by $0.29. The business had revenue of $1.40 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.43 billion. Teledyne Technologies had a return on equity of 10.86% and a net margin of 14.02%. Teledyne Technologiess quarterly revenue was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $4.54 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Teledyne Technologies Incorporated will post 19.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of equities analysts have issued reports on TDY shares. Needham & Company LLC increased their price target on Teledyne Technologies from $455.00 to $522.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 22nd. StockNews.com raised Teledyne Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. UBS Group began coverage on Teledyne Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a buy rating and a $495.00 target price on the stock. Finally, BNP Paribas began coverage on Teledyne Technologies in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set an outperform rating and a $530.00 target price on the stock. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $517.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TDY Insider Activity at Teledyne Technologies In related news, CFO Sue Main sold 9,461 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $421.34, for a total value of $3,986,297.74. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 40,127 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,907,110.18. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Teledyne Technologies news, Vice Chairman Jason Vanwees sold 3,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $420.29, for a total value of $1,555,073.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 50,008 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,017,862.32. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Sue Main sold 9,461 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $421.34, for a total value of $3,986,297.74. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 40,127 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,907,110.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 70,766 shares of company stock valued at $29,178,338. 2.14% of the stock is owned by insiders. About Teledyne Technologies (Free Report) Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and internationally. The company's Instrumentation segment offers monitoring and control instruments for marine, environmental, industrial, and other applications, as well as electronic test and measurement equipment; and power and communications connectivity devices for distributed instrumentation systems and sensor networks. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TDY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Teledyne Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teledyne Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Park Place Capital Corp trimmed its holdings in shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:MUFG Free Report) by 11.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 9,634 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,297 shares during the quarter. Park Place Capital Corps holdings in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group were worth $82,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bessemer Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in the second quarter valued at about $47,000. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC bought a new position in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group during the second quarter worth about $36,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC bought a new position in shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $58,000. Arlington Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $70,000. Finally, Sawtooth Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $63,000. 1.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Stock Performance NYSE:MUFG opened at $8.52 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $105.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 0.65. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $8.45 and a 200-day moving average of $8.08. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $5.99 and a 1 year high of $9.04. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE:MUFG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The company reported $0.22 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by $0.06. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group had a net margin of 17.31% and a return on equity of 6.70%. The firm had revenue of $20.01 billion during the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. will post 0.8 EPS for the current fiscal year. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Company Profile (Free Report) Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc operates as the bank holding company for MUFG Bank, Ltd. that provides various financial services in Japan, the United States, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through Digital Service Business Group; Retail & Commercial Banking Business Group; Japanese Corporate & Investment Banking Business Group; Asset Management & Investor Services Business Group; Global Corporate & Investment Banking Business Group; Global Commercial Banking Business Group; and Global Markets Business Group segments. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MUFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:MUFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Private Trust Co. NA trimmed its position in shares of SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFI Free Report) by 4.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 24,607 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,156 shares during the period. Private Trust Co. NAs holdings in SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF were worth $1,075,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Trust Co. of Vermont bought a new stake in shares of SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Private Ocean LLC purchased a new position in SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF during the second quarter valued at $35,000. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. purchased a new position in SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF during the second quarter valued at $35,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF by 30.3% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,016 shares of the companys stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 236 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its stake in SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF by 6,940.5% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 2,605 shares of the companys stock valued at $120,000 after acquiring an additional 2,568 shares in the last quarter. 82.61% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF alerts: SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF Stock Up 0.1 % TFI opened at $46.98 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $45.10 and a 200 day moving average of $45.24. SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF has a fifty-two week low of $42.95 and a fifty-two week high of $47.37. SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF Profile SPDR Lehman Municipal Bond ETF, formerly SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF (the Fund), seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Barclays Capital Municipal Managed Money Index (the Index). The Fund uses a passive management strategy designed to track the Index. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Nuveen Barclays Municipal Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dr. B. Naveen Kumar, a senior 2008 batch IPS officer, is accused of creating fake documents and forging signatures to grab a house at Prashasan Nagar of retired IAS officer Bhanwar Lal at Jubilee Hills. (DC Image) Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Central Crime Station (CCS) on Wednesday questioned Dr B. Naveen Kumar, the joint director of the RBVRR Telangana State Police Academy in a forgery and property grabbing case. Kumar, a senior 2008 batch IPS officer, is accused of creating fake documents and forging signatures to grab a house at Prashasan Nagar of Jubilee Hills, which is owned by retired IAS officer Bhanwar Lal. Kumars associate, Orsu Sambasiva Rao, and his wife, O. Roopa Dimple, have already been arrested and placed in judicial remand. Ashok Kumar, ACP of the Economic Offences Wing, CCS, questioned Kumar, collecting case details from him. Naveen Kumar, after the questioning, told media persons that the allegations made against him were false. "I have appeared before the IO and given all the details they have asked. Facts will come out soon," he said. Although a case was registered on November 17, with Kumar named the second accused (A2) in the FIR, the arrests took place on December 23 and Kumar served a notice after a 40-day delay. Bhanwar Lals wife Mani Lal, the complainant in the case, reportedly made rounds of police stations for action but the same was initiated only after she met Hyderabad police commissioner K. Sreenivasa Reddy and submitted her grievance, sources said. As per the complaint, Bhanwar Lal leased his house to Sambasiva Rao in November 2014 for five years. After Lal retired in June 2019, he asked Rao to vacate the house, which he promised to do by December. Meanwhile, Lal learned that Naveen Kumar, who introduced him to Rao, was also staying in the same house without prior information and not paying rent, due to which the occupants were asked to immediately vacate the premises. But Rao did not vacate the house and stopped paying the rent as well, it was alleged. In September 2020, Rao sent four post-dated cheques to Lal, one of which bounced. After much persuasion, Rao transferred the funds to Lals account, but the three other cheques also bounced, following which Lal approached the court over the cheque bounce. Rao sent legal notices to Lal, claiming to have spent Rs 11.30 lakh besides having paid Rs 11 lakh in rent and further, giving Rs 38 lakh cash towards their house construction at Alwal, along with copies of the alleged fake agreement and payment receipts. Mani Lal, in her complaint, said that Rao and Kumar subjected her husband to stress, resulting in ailments and immobility, necessitating hospital treatment. Despite this, they initiated legal proceedings using forged signatures and fabricated documents, she alleged. Further investigation in the case is underway, said a senior official at the CCS. Under-construction Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple during a media tour organised by Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, in Ayodhya, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: The government is all set to throw a multi-layered security blanket to secure the sprawling Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya in the run up to the consecration ceremony (Pran Pratishtha) of Lord Rama in child form at the temple. Top sources in the government said a foolproof sixlayer high security plan has been chalked out for the safety of the temple complex built after a long-drawn out legal battle. The consecration ceremony will be held on January 22 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the main ritual during the event. According to the sources in the security set up, a high tech security arrangement, similar to the G-20 Summit security, has been envisaged. The sources said that the entire complex would be covered by over 600 CCTV cameras laced with "Artificial Intelligence" covering the "Red Zone" (Inner Circle) of the main temple having the idol of Ram Lala. A specialised control room has also been built in the security building, which will keep track of the every movement of the visitors. Apart from the main complex, a similar number of the cameras have been set up on all roads and lanes leading to the temple premises and the security personnel deployed there will be in live contact with the main control center inside the complex, the sources said. They also said that the security officials will keep eye on the pilgrims right from the lanes leading to the temple and this will also help them in crowd control during the festivals. The officials are initially expecting the average footfall to be over 1 lakh after the consecration ceremony on January 22 which may be increased. A total of seven bomb detection squads will be provided. These are highly trained explosive experts equipped with the new and latest security scanner and detection gadgets for the safety along with the antidrone systems. On the recommendation of the central force CISF which has recently conducted a safety and fire survey, has suggested adequate fire safety measures to be installed at the temple premises. Similarly, a dedicated cyber team for temple security to scan threats from the "DarkNet" has also been provided. Recently the security agency had received a threat message on this hidden platform, which was detected by the intelligence agencies and the intelligence and security personnel nabbed the accused. The cyber team will also keep eye on the social media platforms from the security point of view, an official in the state police force said, adding that the residents residing near the temple complex have been asked to keep details of the visitors/ relatives coming to their homes for "Darshan". Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other cabinet ministers during the launch of logo and application of Praja Palana at Secretariat on Wednesday. (DC Image/R. Pavan) Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday launched the Praja Palana application forms, which would facilitate eligible people to avail of benefits under the Congress Six Guarantees, at the Secretariat. He said applications will be accepted from December 28 to January 6 across the state at grama/ward sabhas in all villages, towns, and cities. Revanth Reddy said that while specialised counters would be set up till January 6, the process would be a continuous one and people could submit applications at a later date as well, at specified government offices. Potential beneficiaries can apply for benefits under five schemes, except for the Yuva Vikasam guarantee, through these forms. Further, applications will also be accepted for new ration cards or other grievances faced by people, officials said. Under available benefits currently are Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to women and Rs 500-gas cylinders under the Maha Lakshmi guarantee. Under Rythu Bharosa, tenant farmers and agriculture labourers can apply for Rs 15,000 per acre per year and Rs 12,000 per acre per year financial aid, respectively. Under the Indiramma Housing scheme, families of those who participated or died in the statehood struggle can apply for 250-square-yard plots. Under the Gruha Jyothi scheme, people can apply for free power up to 200 units. Under the Cheyutha scheme, widows, toddy tappers, weavers, dialysis patients, AIDS patients, beedi workers, filaria patients, single women, and beedi tekedars can apply for a monthly pension of Rs 4,000, while physically challenged people can apply for a monthly pension of Rs 6,000. Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat, Revanth Reddy said that his government was committed to implementing the Six Guarantees promised: "in letter and spirit". He said that even people without ration cards could apply for the scheme, even as ration cards were decided as the basis for determining eligibility. "There should not be any confusion in the minds of the people. Every eligible person will get the benefits of the Six Guarantees. There is no need to panic. People without ration cards too can apply. Those who failed to submit applications during the Praja Palana programme will be provided an opportunity to do so later," he said. Revanth Reddy said Praja Palana was launched to ensure that the government reaches out to people, instead of forcing people to approach the government to get their grievances resolved. "Thousands of people are queuing up at Praja Bhavan in Begumpet to air their grievances whenever Praja Vani is held on Tuesdays and Fridays. This proves that the previous BRS government was not available to the people in the past 10 years and the governance had not reached them. The hardships people faced in submitting their grievances could be seen as over 24,000 petitions have been received since December 8 in the Praja Vani programme, prompting the state government to take governance to the people, thus, avoiding the scope for difficulties to travel to Hyderabad from far-off places," Revanth Reddy said. The Chief Minister said sufficient counters would be opened to collect applications and separate counters would be set up for women. Every mandal would be divided into two parts, one to be headed by an MRO (mandal revenue officer) and the other by an MPDO (mandal parishad development officer). "Each officer would visit two villages in one day. In villages where there are more people, more counters will be opened. Those who cant apply at Grama Sabha can apply at Gram Panchayats too. This will be a continuous process and wont stop on January 6," he said, adding that people can submit applications at MRO offices or MPDO offices after January 6. Separate counters would be made available for the people who prefer to submit grievances other than submitting the Praja Palana application form, he said. Revanth Reddy said that Praja Palana was launched to ascertain the exact number of beneficiaries to be covered under various schemes. "Until the government has the exact figures of the beneficiaries, how can it provide benefits to them? With this, the government will know about the number of beneficiaries and funds required," he said. Revanth Reddy said the government already laid down a process of digitalising the grievances received at the Praja Bhavan by giving them a docket number and sending acknowledgment messages to the applicant. "A tracking system was put in place to know where the application reached and what was the action taken," he said. The Chief Minister said that steps are being taken to resolve issues within 100 days of receipt. Uppal is facing a money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate. He is named as accused in the case in which allegations of kickbacks were made against outgoing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. PTI New Delhi: In another big achievement for the Enforcement Directorate, authorities in Dubai have "restricted the movements" of Saurabh Chandrakar, one of the two Mahadev online betting app promoters being investigated by the agency. Dubai authority's action comes amid talks with Indian agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has been probing the Mahadev Book online betting syndicate case under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), said sources. Chandrakar is believed to be the mastermind of a betting syndicate. This move comes nearly two weeks after the other promoter of the Mahadev App, Ravi Uppal, was detained in Dubai by the local police. Uppal is facing a money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate. He is named as accused in the case in which allegations of kickbacks were made against outgoing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. As per officials, Dubai Police detained Uppal following a Red Corner notice issued against him at the behest of the Enforcement Directorate. Sources said that Dubai authorities conveyed to Indian officials soon after the arrest of Uppal and showed their willingness to deport him as he is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in money laundering worth nearly Rs 6,000 crore. Red Corner notices were issued against Uppal and Chandrakar, the other promoter and mastermind of the illegal betting syndicate, who is also in the UAE, in October this year. A Red Corner notice was issued against both the accused after the Enforcement Directorate had moved a special court in Raipur and obtained a non-bailable warrant against them. After arrest of Uppal, it was then learnt that Chandrakar may be arrested soon. The development comes months after a lavish wedding held this February in the United Arab Emirates caught the attention of the Enforcement Directorate as the entire money-around Rs 200 crore spent on the bash was paid entirely in cash. At his wedding held in Ras AlKhaimah, Chandrakar hired private jets to ferry family members from Nagpur to the UAE and paid celebrities from the film industry to perform, according to the ED. The Mahadev Online Book Betting app is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites to enrol new users, create user IDs and launder money through a layered web of Benami bank accounts. The ED said Chandrakar and Uppal, who hail from Bhilai in Chattisgarh, are the two main promoters of the Mahadev betting platform and run their operations from Dubai. They had created an empire for themselves in that country. The agency had recently conducted searches at 39 locations across Raipur, Bhopal, Mumbai and Kolkata and seized illegal assets worth Rs 417 crore. ED has also earnestly taken up investigation abroad. A Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) special court at Raipur has also issued non-bailable warrants against the suspects. AE Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Sysco Co. (NYSE:SYY Free Report) by 3.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 34,356 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,207 shares during the period. AE Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Sysco were worth $2,269,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its holdings in Sysco by 166.0% during the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 16,127 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,338,000 after buying an additional 10,065 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in Sysco by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 258,746 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,068,000 after buying an additional 16,772 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in Sysco by 12.9% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 22,139 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,808,000 after buying an additional 2,522 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in Sysco by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 659,712 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,865,000 after buying an additional 6,711 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its holdings in Sysco by 54.8% during the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 833 shares of the companys stock valued at $68,000 after buying an additional 295 shares in the last quarter. 80.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Sysco alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently commented on SYY shares. Stephens cut their price objective on Sysco from $90.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Sysco in a report on Thursday, October 19th. They set a buy rating and a $75.00 price objective for the company. Barclays cut their price objective on Sysco from $86.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 23rd. StockNews.com started coverage on Sysco in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Sysco from $75.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $83.30. 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 completion of the transaction, the director now owns 12,782 shares in the company, valued at $917,236.32. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.58% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Sysco Stock Performance Shares of SYY stock opened at $73.33 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.04, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a current ratio of 1.29. Sysco Co. has a fifty-two week low of $62.24 and a fifty-two week high of $82.38. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $70.13 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $70.72. The company has a market capitalization of $36.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.66, a PEG ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 1.13. Sysco (NYSE:SYY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported $1.07 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $19.62 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate 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% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.97 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Sysco Co. will post 4.33 earnings per share for the current year. Sysco Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 26th. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.73%. Syscos dividend payout ratio is presently 56.34%. About Sysco (Free Report) Sysco Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the marketing and distribution of various food and related products to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and internationally. It operates through U.S. Foodservice Operations, International Foodservice Operations, SYGMA, and Other segments. Featured Articles 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. HB Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK Free Report) by 9.6% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 1,980 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 173 shares during the period. HB Wealth Management LLCs holdings in American Water Works were worth $245,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of AWK. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in American Water Works by 5.1% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 623,854 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $103,268,000 after acquiring an additional 30,316 shares during the period. Aviva PLC raised its stake in American Water Works by 33.1% during the first quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 78,509 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $12,996,000 after acquiring an additional 19,512 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in American Water Works by 53.1% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,079 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $344,000 after acquiring an additional 721 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in American Water Works by 2.0% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,960,717 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,635,157,000 after acquiring an additional 434,737 shares during the period. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. raised its stake in American Water Works by 21.9% during the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 2,186 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $362,000 after acquiring an additional 392 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.99% of the companys stock. Get American Water Works alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on AWK shares. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $169.00 price objective on shares of American Water Works in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Guggenheim decreased their target price on shares of American Water Works from $147.00 to $126.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Mizuho upped their target price on shares of American Water Works from $134.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of American Water Works in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Insider Activity In related news, Director Michael Marberry acquired 3,786 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $130.20 per share, for a total transaction of $492,937.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 7,459 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $971,161.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. American Water Works Trading Up 0.5 % American Water Works stock opened at $132.24 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $127.48 and a 200-day simple moving average of $134.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.75 billion, a PE ratio of 27.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.51 and a beta of 0.65. American Water Works Company, Inc. has a 12-month low of $114.25 and a 12-month high of $162.59. American Water Works (NYSE:AWK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.55 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $1.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.14 billion. American Water Works had a net margin of 22.26% and a return on equity of 9.99%. The businesss revenue was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.63 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that American Water Works Company, Inc. will post 4.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. American Water Works Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 8th will be issued a $0.7075 dividend. This represents a $2.83 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.14%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 7th. American Water Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 58.71%. American Water Works Company Profile (Free Report) American Water Works Company, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It offers water and wastewater services to approximately 1,600 communities in 14 states serving approximately 3.4 million active customers. The company serves residential customers; commercial customers, including food and beverage providers, commercial property developers and proprietors, and energy suppliers; fire service and private fire customers; industrial customers, such as large-scale manufacturers, mining, and production operations; public authorities comprising government buildings and other public sector facilities, such as schools and universities; and other utilities and community water and wastewater systems. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AWK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for American Water Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Water Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IFP Advisors Inc cut its stake in Brookfield Co. (NYSE:BN Free Report) by 9.2% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 10,423 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,062 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Incs holdings in Brookfield were worth $326,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Brookfield during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $3,727,998,000. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in Brookfield during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,847,395,000. 1832 Asset Management L.P. acquired a new stake in Brookfield during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $775,028,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp acquired a new stake in Brookfield during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $739,834,000. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Brookfield during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $483,001,000. 58.22% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Brookfield alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Brookfield news, major shareholder Gp Ltd Bcp sold 132,700 shares of Brookfield stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.47, for a total transaction of $327,769.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 30,368,482 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $75,010,150.54. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Brookfield news, major shareholder Gp Ltd Bcp sold 132,700 shares of Brookfield stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.47, for a total transaction of $327,769.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 30,368,482 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $75,010,150.54. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Ocm Growth Holdings Llc sold 562,500 shares of Brookfield stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.06, for a total transaction of $6,783,750.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 16,742,168 shares in the company, valued at approximately $201,910,546.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 1,558,058 shares of company stock valued at $11,644,139. 11.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Brookfield Price Performance Shares of NYSE BN opened at $40.48 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $66.35 billion, a PE ratio of -1,348.88 and a beta of 1.48. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $34.41 and a 200 day moving average of $33.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.22. Brookfield Co. has a one year low of $28.25 and a one year high of $40.53. Brookfield (NYSE:BN Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported $0.73 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $24.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.07 billion. Brookfield had a net margin of 0.12% and a return on equity of 2.23%. Brookfield Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be issued a $0.07 dividend. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.69%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. Brookfields payout ratio is presently -933.02%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have commented on the stock. TD Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Brookfield from $54.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an action list buy rating in a research note on Sunday, November 12th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Brookfield from $48.00 to $43.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Brookfield from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. CSFB cut their target price on shares of Brookfield from $42.00 to $41.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 31st. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on shares of Brookfield from $36.00 to $37.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $43.63. View Our Latest Report on Brookfield Brookfield Company Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Corporation is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. It manages a range of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Co. (NYSE:BN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Gasyard Development Trust has revealed the name of its new museum. The Peacemakers Museum: the journey from conflict in Derrys Bogside is one element of a 2.8million redevelopment and extension of the Gasyard Centre being managed by Derry City and Strabane District Council. The community heritage museum which received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is expected to open in Spring 2024. It will use artefacts, oral history, archive footage, interactive features and unique displays to tell the story of the Bogside community and the many ways its people contributed to the transition from conflict to peace. Linda McKinney, Gasyard Development Trust Manager said: "We are delighted to announce that the name of our new museum will be the Peacemakers Museum: the journey from conflict in Derrys Bogside. "The name emerged from extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders and perfectly captures the unique role played by local people in helping to shape the peace we all enjoy today whilst acknowledging that the area endured decades of conflict to reach this point. When developing the exhibition, we consulted with experts and were guided by The Principles for Remembering in a Public Space. We adopted this approach to offer all visitors an opportunity to engage with the exhibition and be confident that the narrative was cultivated in a holistic and sensitive way. "It will explain and celebrate the progress made through the Good Friday Agreement and remembers the cost of the conflict to the local area and beyond. Peacemakers Museum Project Manager Michael Cooper added: "The exhibition space will have relevance to local residents and tourists alike and includes recorded personal stories from fifty residents from a range of social and political backgrounds who explain their own memories of living in the area during the period 1972 to 2007. There will be an emphasis on the role played by local women and young people in moving society forward as well as insights into womens rights, trade unionism, LGBTQ+ experience and culture and sport in the community. It covers the role of local residents and politicians Martin McGuinness, John Hume and Mitchel McLaughlin in the evolution of the peace process as well as installations relating to iconic local landmarks such as Free Derry Wall, the former Rossville flats and a replica interior of a 1970s house. Materials on the museum website will support GCSE and Leaving Cert curricula that focuses on modern Irish history and will include learning tasks on conflict and peace process events. Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: Heritage is all about how we understand the past and how that can be retained for the future. Over nearly three decades, thanks to National Lottery players, we've invested 270million in a variety of heritage across Northern Ireland - from built and natural heritage through to community heritage projects which help people explore their past. The logo for the Peacemakers Museum - the journey from conflict in Derrys Bogside, a new community heritage museum within the Gasyard Centre which is due to open in Spring 2024. "The Peacemakers Museum presents the stories of a community in a way which gives us better insight into how people in the Bogside engaged with the peace process. With project funding from the Heritage Fund, communities can tell their stories of the past and conserve and share their experiences so that others can get a better understanding of their perspective. "Anyone who has a heritage project idea they would like to bring to life, can visit the Heritage Fund website to find out more. The new museum is a member of the Heritage Venues Collective which promotes the heritage offer in the City and wider Council area and it complements existing attractions such as The Museum of Free Derry, The Siege Museum and Aras Colmcille. Gasyard Development Trust Manager Linda McKinney continued: We hope that by growing community tourism, the Peacemakers Museum will make a unique contribution to the interpretation of the area's history and improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the Bogside and wider City. "All the facilities at the redeveloped Gasyard Centre will be used to encourage interaction and integration with the community by providing a safe space for residents and visitors to come together and access the heritage of our community. The leader of a cultural organisation has said it is devastating and traumatic for refugees from the Middle East now living in Northern Ireland to see the destruction in Israel and Palestine. ArtsEkta is a Belfast cultural organisation that works to develop intercultural relationships and was founded by Dr Nisha Tandon OBE, in 2006 on the principles of inclusivity, creativity and openness. Dr Tandon and several members of ArtsEkta were invited to meet the Queen of Jordan during her visit to Belfast at the beginning of October. During the visit, Queen Rania spoke to refugees from the Middle East who had built new lives for themselves in Northern Ireland, supported by organisations like ArtsEkta. Dr Tandon said the experience was amazing. Queen Rania was just so down to earth speaking in their language, which you know that English is not their first language and how comfortable they feel talking in their own language and they could relate their issues and their promises about Belfast as where their home is, that what they have got out of Belfast was something very positive, she said. And that was something which Queen Rania really admired such a small country that has welcomed people from different parts of the world. Queen Ranias visit took place on October 3, just before the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent bombing in the Gaza Strip that has killed tens of thousands.Dr Tandon said for refugees living in Belfast, it is devastating to see the violence impacting their home countries. I have two artists who are from Gaza and Palestine border and one of them was here and he showed me the videos of his family, how they have been traumatised leaving their own homes, she said. And the status he has is that he can only do a very limited amount here, in a sense limited help. Dr Tandon said the current situation was very very traumatic for those who had experienced and escaped conflict in the past. The Syrian ladies when they come here every Tuesday and Thursday for their art class and English class, they just are very traumatised themselves because they remember what happened in their own part of the world, she said. And they can only sympathise, we can only sympathise and if we can do them any comfort is just to embrace them and say, what else can we do for you and how can we support? Dr Tandon praised the community in Belfast for how it had welcomed minority communities. I think that theres a lot of charity in Northern Ireland and especially in Belfast, theres a lot of goodwill, people will go out a mile to help their neighbours and I think thats something which we should commend, she said. There were a number of hate crime incidents against migrant or Muslim communities in Northern Ireland in 2023, but Dr Tandon said such attacks were not representative of the majority of the community. Its sad that in this day and age that is happening, but there is something behind that too, it just doesnt happen, she said. Its not an ordinary person in the street who would be wanting that, it is what they are getting from their leaders or whoever you want to call, and I think thats wrong. Already that community has gone through such a trauma and on top of that they have come to a country which had gone through trauma, and now we are in that peace, and we should be really helping that peace within those new communities as well. Because they are starting with their new home, theyre not going begging. They are business people, they are contributing, they are bringing good to our economy, they are paying their dues, so why not? They have that equal rights, just as the person from the local community has. Dr Tandon said her simple hope for 2024 is that everyone would be treated equally. I think education, education in all aspects, is very, very important. Its not about oh, we are going to be bringing 100 nurses who are going to do this, 100 IT people, these people who are coming from either the resettlement scheme or from their asylum status, they are also well-educated and well-equipped people, she said. Why cant we use their expertise and bring them back and integrate them into the society? So my hope is that equal rights and human rights are also put in place for every citizen. ArtsEkta is home to the Belfast Mela the largest celebration of cultural diversity on the island of Ireland. Jmem Tek enhances chip security, helping prevent chips from being physically cracked by reverse engineering With the coming Internet of Things (IoT) era, a large number of devices will be connected to the Internet. While this trend brings convenience, it also brings an increased risk of equipment being hacked and chips being illegally copied. Faced with such threats to information security, the Taiwanese start-up Jmem Technology (Jmem Tek) has developed various products, such as MSOTP and PUF, that can help companies raise their storage density, prevent physical attacks, and generate random data for higher unpredictability, to meet the market's high demand for security. John Chang, CEO of Jmem Tek, pointed out that there are several pain points in information security for chips. First, most memory chips are very similar in their structure, while the main difference is the firmware. This similarity makes it easier for hackers to crack. Second, a large amount of firmware is stored in OTP (one-time programmable) memory. Protecting firmware has thus become the current key to information security. Third, chips are exposed to the risk of reverse engineering. Hackers can easily obtain chip data by removing the coating or using physical methods such as X-ray. Jmem Tek's technology can solve those pain points. Jmem Tek was co-founded by four graduates of the College of Electrical and Computer Engineering of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityJohn Chang, Paul Lo, Johnny Lu, and Jerry Chang, with their product concepts originating from John Chang's doctoral thesis. The company currently houses a team of about 15, whose member's backgrounds include electronic engineering and other professional fields. John pointed out that, in its early days, the Jmem Tek team actively participated in competitions to promote its innovative concepts and technological achievements. And it did quite wellfor example, this year (2023), it was invited to participate in the City-Tech.Tokyo event for startups, the world's largest urban technology exhibition, hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. In September, it was selected as second place in the TW-SG Startup Exchange Program and was invited to the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH). Then, in November, it was selected into the TINVA TOP 10 Startup by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) New Venture Association (TINVA), showing the company's potential for development. John then introduced Jmem Tek's major technologies. Its patented MSOTP is a major innovation in the field of anti-fuse OTP memory. Each device unit in MSOTP can store two bits of data. That means fewer transistors can store the same amount of data as in traditional methods. In addition, the structure Jmem Tek designed makes it difficult for physical attacks such as X-ray and decapping to attain the storage status of the MSOTP. Since it is also highly compatible with the CMOS logic process, the technology requires no additional photomask during the manufacturing process, meaning production costs can be reduced. MSOTP's low power consumption and small surface area are particularly suitable for IoT, where space is limited and devices are distributed. Applications for MSOTP include secure data storage, key storage, sensor fine-tuning, parameter setting, function selection, etc. In addition, users can also integrate MSOTP and traditional OTP to avoid brute force cracking and meet higher security level storage requirements. In addition to MSOTP, Jmem Technology's patented technology also includes hardware security technology PUF. PUF is a hardware security technology derived from non-uniformity in the wafer manufacturing process. The unique "uniqueness" and "unpredictability" of PUF can generate random sequences in the trust system, effectively reducing the risk of being cracked by the algorithm. Jmem Technology's patented PUF technology relies on its innovative structure to reduce chip area and improve performance, making it highly competitive in the market. The technologies of MSOTP and PUF make the chip almost impossible to crack by reverse engineering, greatly improving the security strength. The company's current business model is to provide design services to IC manufacturers, John pointed out. This technology is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises or start-up teams that cannot easily obtain relevant resources from large IC design manufacturers. Jmem Tek can assist customers with limited scale to quickly meet the security needs of the market. Regarding future development, John said that Jmem Tek will focus on the two major areas of the Internet of Things and vehicle-mounted systems, as well as AIoT protection algorithms and solutions that combine the algorithms on the device side to avoid algorithm theft. There are a large number of edge devices in the Internet of Things, and the functions of chips are single and there are many cost considerations. The company's solutions help manufacturers in this field create economical and simple systems. The automotive market has taken off rapidly in recent years, and industry players and consumers have become increasingly aware of system security. Jmem Technology's patented technology meets these needs. Since the automotive field requires long-term certification, the initial focus will be on the Internet of Things. The automotive market development strategy is to first establish cooperative relationships with industrial supply chain manufacturers and enter the market step by step. It has been about a year and a half since its establishment in April 2022. John's feelings about Taiwan's new innovation environment are quite positive. He pointed out that Taiwan currently has a vibrant atmosphere for innovation, with policies, regulations, and various plans becoming more and more complete, such as the startup cluster planned by TTA and InnoVEX, the startup exhibition area that helped participate in COMPUTEX. For start-up teams with limited resources, it will bring huge help in technology exposure and fundraising. In addition, he also hopes that there will be more resources and policies focusing on early-stage start-ups in the future. It allows teams with the potential to accelerate their maturity and create a win-win vision of co-prosperity for both the enterprise and the country's economic development. Jmem Tek team members Photo: Company Taiwan's carbon market takes flight: navigating the dawn of carbon pricing Recently, the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange (TCX) initiated the first set of international carbon credit trades, kicking start Taiwan's era of carbon pricing. Tien Chien-Chung, General Manager of TCX, remarked that going forward, companies with emission reduction plans might transition from buyers to sellers, challenging the conventional buyer-centric model. The significance of international carbon credits extends beyond Taiwan's industries, playing a pivotal role in achieving global carbon reduction objectives. During the 2023 Taiwan ESG Forum: Green Transition to a Circular Net-Zero Future, Tien highlighted that the initial carbon credits span seven countries across Asia, Africa, and South America. Developers from the UK, Taiwan, Singapore, and Switzerland engaged in diverse projects, including clean water sources, wind power, solar, and electricity generation from biogas. A notable aspect is that among the first projects traded, involving a total of 88,520 tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent), Taiwan's lone seller is Sacurn Carbon. The company successfully traded around 6,257 tons of carbon credits from a biogas project in Kenya on TCX's international carbon credit trading platform, officially launched on December 22. Sacurn Carbon explained that biogas power generation involves the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste, followed by purification, resulting in methane-rich biogas. This biogas can be utilized to produce thermal energy for generators, converting it into electricity. Discussing the market demand for carbon credit trading, Tien revealed insights gathered from visits to various large enterprises. He noted diverse demands for carbon credits based on each company's unique carbon reduction objectives. Beyond varying purposes, Tien highlighted a notable gap in the understanding of carbon credits among businesses. While many enterprises are familiar with RE100, demand for renewable energy certificates is high in Taiwan, particularly among semiconductor manufacturers allocating substantial budgets for their procurement. Tien emphasized that international surveys indicate that businesses willing to invest in carbon credits are those actively engaged in climate action. Considering Taiwan's geographical constraints and high carbon intensity, relying solely on domestic carbon credit production poses significant challenges. Thus, international carbon credits are inevitable for Taiwan's industries. Dr. Niven Huang, Managing Director of KPMG Sustainability Consulting, shared insights into Taiwan's 2022 commitment to a net-zero transition by 2050. Anticipating an annual investment of NT$100 billion for net-zero development, he emphasized the vast business opportunities this transition will bring. Publicly listed companies will face pressure from international capital markets to enhance their carbon management practices, requiring increased capital investment and strengthened low-carbon marketing efforts. As Taiwan navigates its low-carbon transformation, companies must seize opportunities and translate them into enhanced competitiveness in the evolving carbon market. Nvidia reportedly gives SK Hynix and Micron significant advance payments to secure HBM supply It is reported that Nvidia has paid hundreds of millions of dollars in advance to SK Hynix and Micron to ensure a stable supply of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). Recently, Samsung Electronics completed product testing and signed an HBM product supply contract with Nvidia. According to industry sources cited by Chosun Biz, SK Hynix, and Micron each received between KRW700 billion and KRW1 trillion (approximately US$540 million to US$770 million) in advance payments from Nvidia for the supply of advanced memory products. Although the details are not disclosed, the industry believes this is a measure by Nvidia to secure the supply of HBM3e for its new GPU products in 2024. It is rare for customers to make large-scale advance payments to memory suppliers. However, due to the rapidly increasing demand in the HBM market, Nvidia plans to ensure a stable HBM source through proactive investment. For memory suppliers that experienced significant losses in 2023, requesting similar advance payment schemes can help with finances and reduce investment risks associated with HBM. Despite the overall shortage in the HBM market, memory suppliers still face significant investment burdens. Improving the cost and yield of Through-Silicon Via (TSV) processes is the most challenging task. As HBM continues to evolve, process and equipment requirements change. Suppliers adopt different solutions to address issues such as heat dissipation. Therefore, massive investments in technology development are required, and Nvidia's support in the form of substantial advance payment is expected to drive HBM investments for memory suppliers. It is also reported that Samsung recently completed product testing for HBM3 and HBM3e and signed a supply contract with Nvidia. However, analysts point out that compared to SK Hynix, which uses 1b nanometer (fifth-generation 10-nanometer) DRAM in Nvidia product testing, Samsung uses 1a nanometer (fourth-generation 10-nanometer) to produce HBM3e. Additional processes may be necessary to enhance performance, leading to higher costs. Subscriber content preview Photos by James Ray Spahn [enlarge] The renovation includes a two-story glass and steel addition. Architect Cushing Terrell is celebrating its recent rehabilitation of the historic Alberta Bair Theater in Billings, Montana. . . . A British official expressed concern that Irish president Mary McAleese would be at a memorial service for the victims of the Omagh bombing when Queen Elizabeth II was not attending. Twenty-nine people, including a woman pregnant with twins, were killed when a car bomb exploded in the Co Tyrone town in 1998. It was the worst loss of life in a single incident in Northern Irelands troubled past, and came just months after the historic Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. A memorial service in honour of the victims was planned a week after the bombing. On August 21 1998, the day before the event, Irish Embassy official Philip McDonagh was called to the Foreign Office to discuss Irish premier Bertie Ahern and president Mary McAleeses attendance. A note sent from the London embassy to Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs suggested that George Fergusson, the head of the Ireland department within the UKs Foreign Office, had gently encouraged the country not to send such senior representatives to the ceremony. He suggested that a formal memorial service would be announced within less than 24 hours that would be attended by the British monarch and then-UK prime minister Tony Blair, which would allow the taoiseach and president to withdraw from the first event despite having confirmed their attendance. Mr Fergusson appeared to suggest that locals were against high level attendance at the memorial. Mr McDonagh replied that based on soundings they had taken, the contrary was the case, and said that Mr Aherns and Mrs McAleeses plans had already been announced, and substantive meetings were likely to take place around the visit. Mr Fergusson then said that Mr Blair and the Queen could face embarrassment by not attending, to which Mr McDonagh replied they had received nothing but praise for their gestures of sympathy. He added that he could not see British figures attracting criticism on grounds of protocol. Mr Fergusson then admitted he was more concerned about the Queens absence rather than the prime minister. He said it was not practical to send a senior royal to Omagh as it could detract from the ceremony itself, and said if a less prominent member were sent it could appear inadequate if President McAleese is present. He suggested a compromise, where Mr Ahern would attend but Mrs McAleese would not, to which Mr McDonagh said he was uncomfortable with the use of the word compromise in a matter of this kind, which Mr Fergusson accepted. In a comment on the correspondence sent to Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr McDonagh added that he felt Mr Fergusson implied that the taoiseachs attendance was in some sense in the gift of the British government. Mr McDonagh said that he was deliberately not taking this point. Mrs McAleese and Mr Ahern attended the memorial service the following day. [Based on files in 2022/45/423, 2022/45/424 and 2022/45/426] A status orange wind warning has been issued for five counties in Ireland, amid warnings of dangerous travelling conditions. The warning covering Clare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford came into effect at 5pm and will be in place throughout Wednesday, lifting at midnight. An earlier orange warning for Galway has been lifted. Met Eireann said the five counties would see strong and very gusty westerly winds. Status Orange Wind warning for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford Strong & very gusty westerly winds will reach storm or near storm force for a time this evening Valid until 00:00 28/12/2023 More information herehttps://t.co/BoUueCIxKa pic.twitter.com/JxUBpSMmjh Met Eireann (@MetEireann) December 27, 2023 The forecaster said power outages and severe disruption were likely. It warned of dangerous travelling conditions and the likelihood of coastal flooding. A status yellow warning for wind and rain is in operation for the rest of the country until midnight on Wednesday. Very strong and gusty south-westerly winds are forecast. A further narrow band of heavy rain is currently crossing N. Ireland. Surface water, spray and spot flooding of roads continue to make for difficult travel conditions. #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/Wkosa8Dbj3 Met Office Northern Ireland (@metofficeNI) December 27, 2023 Met Eireann said the strong winds combined with spring tides may lead to coastal flooding in places covered by the yellow warning. It said squally showers, with a chance of thunderstorms, could also see localised flooding elsewhere. In Northern Ireland, a Met Office yellow wind and rain warning covering the entire region came into effect at 2am on Wednesday and lifted at 10am. There were reports of localised floods in several areas in the region, with many roads closed as a consequence. First-year French language students from the School of Business and Humanities at DkIT along with their lecturer Vicky Leahy recently embarked on a weeklong intensive Business Project with the Institutes French partners at IUT (University of Technology) Lens in the north of France. It was a jam-packed week of activities and the DkIT students were more than delighted to hit the ground running as they integrated and engaged enthusiastically with their French student counterparts. This immersive cultural experience pushed the students out of their comfort zones. However, their lecturer Vicky Leahy remarked that they rose to the occasion gallantly. The students not only flexed their language muscle, but they also partook in a myriad of happenings that supported their cultural understandings of France. They participated in an visite culturelle to the Vimy memorial which commemorates the 66,000 Canadians who fought and died in France during WW1, this also incorporated a visit to a reconstituted trench. A trip to le marche de noel in Arras and then as session of bowling proved to be a very successful bonding exercise. Other trips included a visit to Louvre-lens museum, a well-deserved trip to la Grande Ville of Lille and another marche de noel rounded off the work week. DkIT said: "The difference in the ease of communication between the groups from France and Ireland was palpable within a few days. During the week the students were then put into equipes(teams) and worked together. "Each equipe (team) was allocated their respective roles for the evaluation interview which happened later in the week, each team had a 30-minute interview involving the recruitment process role-play followed by questions on the selection process." Friday included a last dejeuner and au revoir to the French students at the IUT before heading back to Lille and then back home to DkIT. 18 schools in Louth are set to benefit from a trebling of the budget for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) grants to schools, it was announced last week by Minister for Education Norma Foley TD. 4.7 is being provided in funding for STEM projects in schools across the State, which represents an increased allocation from the 1.5m originally announced. In total 12 primary and six post-primary schools in Louth are receiving funding amounts of between 1,000 and 10,000. The schools will receive eighty-five percent of the funding in 2023 with the remaining fifteen percent paid following a reporting and evaluation process in 2024. The successful projects include a focus on coding, robotics, growing plants without soil, modules on AI, interpreting weather patterns, film and animation, student STEM Clubs and Community-Based Science Fairs. The schools in Louth to receive the STEM grants are: Primary Schools: St Mary's N.S - 5,311.51 Scoil Naomh Fainche - 9,980.00 Bellurgan N.S - 10,000.00 St. Finains NS - 9,575.00 Muchgrange NS - 9,516.00 Scoil Mhuire ns Trocaire - 10,000.00 SN Muire - 10,000.00 St Nicholas NS C. of I. - 10,000.00 Scoil Naomh Buithe - 9,575.00 Redeemer Girls N.S - 6,095.00 St. Pauls Senior National School - 10,000.00 St Mary's Parish Primary School - 9,980.00 Post Primary Schools: St Marys Diocesan School - 10,000.00 Our Lady's College - 9,595.00 St Mary's College - 10,000.00 St Vincent's Secondary School - 10,000.00 O Fiaich College - 9,999.01 Ardee Community School - 7,644.00 Commenting on the fact that 446 primary and 85 post-primary schools across the country are to receive funding Minister Foley said: "We have had an overwhelming response to the grant scheme, with in excess of 2,700 applications. It is truly inspiring to see the dedication and passion exhibited by schools across the country in their pursuit of excellence in STEM education." The upsurge in applications for the STEM grants comes in the wake of the very positive eight point increase in science literacy scores by Irish students in the recently published OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 results. Irish students have moved from twenty-second place to twelfth place in science literacy amongst the 81 countries taking part in the PISA project. Minister Foley said: I recognise 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 aims to empower schools to provide the high-quality STEM education required for all their students." An Irish wildlife park is seeking name suggestions for a new baby monkey born last month. Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of a Francois' langur monkey (Trachypithecus francoisi) on the 22nd of November to mother Mei and dad Shinobi. Recent weeks have seen Mei, Shinobi and baby venturing outdoors, with the youngster often visible through the viewing window of their purpose-built house in the Asian Sanctuary. Lead ranger at Fota, Teresa Power, said, "We hope the birth of this baby will help raise awareness about the critical need for conservation efforts for the Francois langur. There is a wild population of 1,4001,650 in China and fewer than 500 left in Vietnam. "As a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) we will be participating in their 2024 'Vietnamizing' conservation campaign, drawing attention to threats to the countrys amazing biodiversity and animal species, such as the Francois langur, whose wild populations are currently under pressure from habitat loss, hunting, and poaching. "Since the trio of Mei, sister Kaili and adult male, Shinobi arrived from their respective zoos in late 2022 the animal care team here have been working with them to carefully integrate them into the breeding group. "We have been keeping a close eye on the group in the hope that they would successfully breed. The anticipation has been building as we monitored Meis behaviour over the months leading up to the birth and we are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of this endangered baby monkey at Fota Wildlife Park." She continued: "Kaili, the proud aunt, has taken on the role of babysitter, this is whats known as allomothering, where the females in the group will help to care for and raise the young. "The baby is already keeping the group on their toes, trying to copy the adult behaviours. The youngster is amusing the animal care team as it tries to copy its mother Mei, especially when it comes to grabbing snacks during mealtimes!" The new baby's coat is expected to change from orange to black during the next few months. Mother Mei, born in 2016, and her younger sister Kaili, who was born in 2018, made their journey to Fota Wildlife Park from Twycross Zoo in the UK in September 2022 as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme (EEP). Joining them shortly after was Shinobi, born in 2016, who arrived from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in the UK in December 2022. You can help name their new baby (and be in with a chance to win a Conservation Annual Pass) here. 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. MBABANE The Southern African Development Community (SADC) sugar industry is well-placed for modest growth of 7 per cent in the year ahead, owing to increasing demand of the commodity. This is contained in the Eswatini Sugar Associations annual integrated report. This, in turn, will place the country in the right position to grow its economy, since sugar is one of Eswatinis main export commodities, and sugarcane accounts for about 30.5 per cent of the countrys agricultural output. Eswatini is Africas fifth largest sugar producer and the largest net exporter. Globally, she is the 28th largest producer and the 8th largest net exporter. The sugar industry contributes significantly to employment of emaSwati and is a vital contributor in the countrys economy, generating over E6 billion in revenue a year, E1.6 billion of which is hard currency earnings. There is a significant potential to increase the existing regional trade through a number of trading blocs; specifically SADC, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the relatively newly established African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers potential growth in intra-African trade and investment, reads the statement in part. Markets The industry also aims to continue working with Government, to improve preferential access to Eswatini sugar to other parts of Africa through, the Tripatite Free Trade Area (TFTA), which aims to combine the SADC, COMESA and the East African Community (EAC) markets, as well as through the AfCFTA. The Southern Customs Union (SACU) currently offers good and sustainable value for Eswatini sugar, but challenges remain. There are threats of the market being susceptible to low priced imports, either due to special import regimes allowed for non-sugar producers in the region, or general market protection being eroded by a lower sugar import tariff. Also, the South African Sugarcane Value Chain Masterplan, contains a specific intent to reduce sugar imports in South Africa, and encourages domestic consumers to buy local. This continues to pose a threat to Eswatini sugar sales into the SA market. A further difficulty is posed by the SADC sugar-producing states, who are advocating for increased market access into the bloc. The Eswatini sugars advantage however, is that it continues to be competitively priced and thus, remains an attractive option for most sugar users in SACU. Ability Moreover, the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA) are Eswatinis primary export markets, outside of the African region. However, as these markets are mainly supplied with raw bulk sugar, they face increased exposure to volatile world market prices, thus threatening the countrys ability to attain premium prices for local sugar. Efforts to increase the volumes of direct consumption and specialty sugar sold into these markets are ongoing, as these attract premium prices. MBABANE Authors were rewarded for their writing skills during the Swazi Fest Writers Awards, which were held on December 22 at Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU). Among the esteemed winners were columnist Alex Nxumalo, award-winning Gospel musician Fakazi Samuel, musician Prince Cosmo and Gospel musician Scara Maziya, to name a few. In addition to receiving well-deserved awards, the authors were also inspired and empowered by Tshepo Tselayakgosi, a keynote speaker hailing from Botswana, who shared invaluable insight and advice on improving their craft. During the ceremony, the founder of the awards, Clement Dlamini, took a moment to address the attendees. He acknowledged the challenges he faced in organising the awards, particularly the financial constraints that almost led him to consider discontinuing the event. However, Dlamini reassured everyone that this edition would not be the last, and he would evaluate the situation to determine if future awards could be held. He also expressed the difficulty of securing sponsorships and providing incentives for winners in specific categories, as the funds relied heavily on voting. Challenges Despite the challenges, Dlamini emphasised the importance of the awards, highlighting that they serve as a means of recognising and empowering writers. He commended the initiative, stating that the gathering during the awards ceremony served as motivation for all writers to continue honing their skills, as writing is a vital and valuable talent. The awards ceremony was not solely focused on accolades and speeches, as it also featured captivating live performances by talented individuals. Gospel musician Scara Maziya, Diamond The Comedian, Prince Cosmo, Poet Siya Imbongi, Masta Mongi, Notik, Crispy Tee, Mysterious 2, Alec Fathers Hope and Criss Tino all took the stage, showcasing their exceptional abilities and adding a touch of entertainment to the event. THIS year saw an uptick in construction works at parks across the city, with more developments including the commencement of works on the second phase of the citys newest park set to get underway in 2024. Looking back to the start of 2023, Cork City Council announced in January that advance works for the next and final phase of Corks new Marina Park would soon be commencing ahead of the main construction works. A long-term ambition of the city council, the completed 70-acre park will be six times larger than Fitzgerald Park and equivalent in size to Dublin Zoo. Phase one, totalling 14 acres, was opened in May of 2022 by the then Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who described the park as a wonderful, valuable addition to the amenities of our city and wider region. A spokesperson for Cork City Council told The Echo that the tender assessment for phase two is now complete. It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded and works commenced in early new year, they added. Just 2.5km from the city centre, Marina Park has been touted as a key economic driver and catalyst for Cork Docklands. The next phase in the parks development will extend from the Atlantic Pond to Church Avenue. Cork City Council said it will deliver high-quality public space and landscaping while protecting and enhancing the natural heritage and biodiversity of the area. Works as part of the final phase will include the upgrading and creation of accessible, formal and informal paths and trails throughout the park; the restoration and preservation of heritage structures within the park and the creation of a heritage trail to highlight the history of the Marina in addition to improvements works to the Atlantic Pond area. Works will also include the provision of a nature playground as well as various play areas throughout the park; the ecological management of the meadows, woodlands and marsh areas to promote and increase the biodiversity of the area and the provision of sensitive public lighting and feature lighting. New Marina Promenade pics supplied by City Council November 2023. Study Plaza with Furniture. Other associated works will include the installation of park furniture and points of interest. Commenting on the plans for the park, the chief executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty, said the local authority is aiming to create an iconic eco-park with a strong identity and a connection to local nature and history which will bolster the quality of all our lives. Meanwhile, the city council also confirmed to The Echo that construction works have now begun on the Marina Promenade project. The council has appointed contractors Ward & Burke Ltd to complete the project with funding support provided by the National Transport Authority (NTA). When complete, the project will deliver a six-meter-wide pedestrian and cycle corridor with adjoining plazas, riverside balconies, new seating areas, and new lighting. The upgrade project also includes the provision of new pedestrian and cycle access points from the Marina Promenade to the adjacent Marina Park including the Atlantic Pond and the city to Passage West Greenway. Speaking recently, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, said the pedestrianisation of the Marina during the pandemic underscored what a haven for activity and leisure the historic amenity is, adding that the integration of the promenade with other amenities will be of further benefit to the communities of Blackrock, the Docklands and wider city. Adjacent to the Marina Promenade, phase one of the Cork city to Passage West Greenway was officially opened by Tanaiste Micheal Martin in April. The 3km greenway linking the South Docklands and Mahon traces the route of the 19th century Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway line. The revamped walk and cycleway includes new and improved access ramps, extensive planting of over 2,000 new trees and a range of other pollinator-friendly planting, new lighting, play and rest features as well as the restoration of historic railway structures. Speaking at the official opening, Mr Martin hailed the wonderful amenity as a very happy place for children. It is an exciting era in terms of active travel in Cork city, he added. Meanwhile, the councils chief executive said the 3km greenway provides improved access, additional opportunities for young and older to play whilst prioritising sustainability. Elsewhere on the southside of the city, the much-anticipated new pedestrian and cycle link to Tramore Valley Park opened in November. The Grange Road to Tramore Valley Park pedestrian and cycle link consists of a pedestrian and cycle path from the Grange Road down the valley and into the Tramore Valley Park via an overbridge over the N40. Earlier this year, Cork City Council commenced a public consultation, inviting nominations for the naming of the new bridge, funded by the NTA, and a total 598 nominations were received. A shortlist of six names came before councillors to vote on at a meeting in July, where the name Vernon Mount Bridge was chosen. Speaking at the time of the opening, the Lord Mayor said the new infrastructure would be a huge bonus to the community, while local Fine Gael councillor, Shane OCallaghan, hailed it as a fantastic new amenity. On the northside of the city, plans are progressing for the development of a new regional park. Earlier this year, Cork City Council said tender documents for the appointment of a multi-disciplinary design team to undertake the master planning and design of the proposed North West Regional Park would soon be issued. The update was provided following a question on the project submitted by Sinn Fein councillor Mick Nugent at a Local Area Committee (LAC) meeting in May. Commenting at the time, the councils director of infrastructure development, Gerry OBeirne, reaffirmed the councils commitment to developing the amenity, stating that it is a key objective for the council, as set out in the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028. In order to progress the matter, the City Development Plan envisages the preparation of an overall masterplan to guide the development of the proposed facility, he said. The council told The Echo in recent weeks that it is anticipated that the team will be appointed to commence design work in the first quarter of 2024. The related plans will be the subject of Part 8 planning process when complete, a spokesperson for the local authority added. Jamie Murphy Curtin, aged 4, was fascinated watching the construction of the new bridge and wrote to the Lord Mayor of Cork during the naming consultation process to suggest the name "Jamie's Bridge". He was a special guest if the Lord Mayor at the opening of Vernon Mount Bridge. The new Grange to Tramore Valley Way, Cork City's newest pedestrian and cycleway. 1.5 kilometres long and 4 metres wide, it provides safe and accessible connectivity between Grange/frankfield and Tramore Valley Park, and onwards to Douglas and the city centre, supporting residents, students and commuters in opting to cycle or walk as a means of transport. Picture Clare Keogh In the heart of the city centre, redevelopment works at Bishop Lucey Park are set to commence early in the new year. Based on an award-winning architectural design by Hall McKnight Architects, the redeveloped park will include improved access to the historic city wall, a new events pavilion and plaza, improved access and seating for all and a new tower to mark the eastern entrance. Commenting recently, the Lord Mayor said the revamped amenity will deliver a new park for the modern era while respecting the past. Independent councillor Mick Finn also welcomed the imminent commencement of construction works. Its fair to say that the redesign plans for the park have been controversial but I am hopeful that the new, more accessible space will trump any of the negativity, he said. Meanwhile, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle said: Opening the park will be good, but I have never liked the reduction of green space proposed. It has to be seen with wider development work there on South Main Street and on Grand Parade outside the City Library. We badly need to increase the amount of green space to be found in the city centre. The project is part of the wider regeneration of the Grand Parade Quarter, which will see a complete renewal of the area around the southern gateway to the medieval city, connecting Grand Parade and a series of historic lanes, streets and Bishop Lucey Park with the south channel of the River Lee and the city centre business core. Bishop Lucey Park closed to the public in early December to facilitate enabling works. Redevelopment works are expected to be completed in the early part of 2025. A spokesperson for Cork City Council confirmed that the park is expected to remain closed throughout the duration of the construction works. Speaking in relation to smaller projects at various parks in the city, the spokesperson said petanque will be available to play at Tramore Valley Park in early 2024. We will install outdoor table tennis tables in Tramore Valley Park and hope to provide one at Gerry OSullivan Park in Churchfield as well early in 2024. We have installed water drinking taps in a number of parks as part of a healthy living initiative and hope to install more next year, so that every adult and child visiting our parks are encouraged to bring their reusable bottle and get a refill whilst enjoying the amenity, they added. The spokesperson also said a Fitstick Walk has recently been installed at Tramore Valley Park. Fitstick trails are designed to cater to individuals with mobility challenges and support those on their journey to recovery from illness or injury. They incorporate rest areas and exercise stations at regular intervals. Sir, A few years ago some candidate attorneys had a whole week preparation for their bar exam, which is an exam that qualifies one to be admitted to practice law as an attorney of the High Court of Eswatini. Four subjects usually form part of this exam, and among them, is Accounting for Lawyers. The tutor of this accounting course in this particular year, was no doubt a brilliant man. He sought to demonstrate to these candidate attorneys (his students for the week) that nothing much goes on in the work of an attorney, but that they use some set precedent documents in which they just edit a few things, solve the case of the new client and then submit that document to court. This was quite an abridged disparaging shot to the noble profession as if this mans profession, Accounting, does not rely on precedent. Defending Well, instead of defending the profession of the learned friends, which I could easily do, since I know from firsthand experience how taxing and demanding their work is, and that it requires a lot of thinking, I will endeavor to show that any profession that you know out there, lives on precedent. No, professionals do not rely on those who have gone before them; they all study the works of others before practicing their own money making schemes. Critical Let us start with Bookkeeping and Accounts, the profession of this man who was critical of the profession of attorneys. This is one profession that was founded on precedent and without it, it would not survive. Everyone who gets to study accounting is taught the old and unchanging precedent namely; debit the receiver, credit the giver. That is the basic accounting principle; and anyone who would attempt to create his own principle and practice contrary to this one, would not succeed but would utterly fail. This is old stuff, older than most of those who practice it today. These are people bound by precedent and are undeviatingly enslaved and obedient to the ledger principle; and they have to do so, if they are to be relevant and successful in their field of study. The companies they do accounting for would only thrive on the basis of accountants keeping precedent. Therefore, not much goes on without precedent here. Brag Let us take a look at the professor of Math, Algebra and Calculus. This man has nothing to brag about. Year in, year out, he teaches one and the same stuff, and the saying there is nothing new under the sun holds true in this sense. Here the professor relies on precedent and old formulas to do the mathematical calculations. He can pride himself of no new thinking or new formulae. The precedent was set long time ago, even before he was born. Some of the formulas he uses are over 2000 years old. The thinking of the Pythagoras of Greeks antiquity, 600 years BC, binds him. What he teaches to his students is nothing of his own creativity or thinking. The same holds with the English teacher: (s)he is teaching nothing outside the set course of the nine Parts of Speech. Next, we look at the engineer and his work. In order for him to build a bridge, he must first understand the stresses involved and uses set standards and guidelines set long time ago, in order for him to successfully build a sustainable bridge. Guide As for the farmer, he too has precedent for his guide. He has been taught what type of soil he has to use for his seeds and seedlings, for their proper growth, so that they could give him a sound yield. He has also been told what chemicals and insecticides to use, at a given time, to protect his plants. For the doctor, he also has to study the medicine of his predecessors, before he could attempt to develop his own studies. Without precedent the medical expert has absolutely nothing to base his practice. He has to first learn the complex and esoteric medical terms, before he can do surgery, otherwise he would not be a practicing doctor. Therefore, all professionals and professions are precedent based. They each owe an awful lot, to their predecessors, who have set the path for them. CORK'S Fota Wildlife Park has announced the safe arrival of a baby monkey, who was born on November 22, and is asking the public to help choose its name. The birth of the baby Francois langur monkey, a breed which is classified as endangered by the IUCN, is a first for the popular park. The mother, Mei, born in 2016, and her younger sister Kaili, born 2018, made their journey to Fota Wildlife Park from Twycross Zoo in the UK in September 2022 as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme (EEP). They were joined by dad Shinobi, born 2016, who arrived from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in the UK in December 2022. Lead Ranger at Fota Wildlife Park, Teresa Power, said We hope the birth of this baby will help raise awareness about the critical need for conservation efforts for the Francois langur - there is a wild population of 1,4001,650 in China and fewer than 500 left in Vietnam, which are currently under pressure from habitat loss, hunting, and poaching. Since the trio arrived from their respective zoos, the animal care team here have been working with them to carefully integrate them into the breeding group. The anticipation has been building as we monitored Meis behaviour over the months leading up to the birth and we are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of this endangered baby monkey at Fota Wildlife Park. Ms Power said "proud aunt" Kaili has taken on the role of babysitter. This this is whats known as allomothering, where the females in the group will help to care for and raise the young. The baby is already keeping the group on their toes, and is amusing the animal care team as it tries to copy its mother Mei, especially when it comes to grabbing snacks during mealtimes! She added that the babys coat is expected to transition from orange to black over the next few months, which is the natural development of Francois langur monkeys. Fota Wildlife Park is calling on the public to help name the new baby via a form on the blog at www.fotawildlife.ie/news and be in with a chance to win a Conservation Annual Pass. By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA A British official expressed concern that Irish president Mary McAleese would be at a memorial service for the victims of the Omagh bombing when Queen Elizabeth II was not attending. Twenty-nine people, including a woman pregnant with twins, were killed when a car bomb exploded in the Co Tyrone town in 1998. It was the worst loss of life in a single incident in the Troubles, and came just months after the historic Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. A memorial service in honour of the victims was planned a week after the bombing. The aftermath of the bombing in Market Street, Omagh (PA) On August 21st, 1998, the day before the event, Irish Embassy official Philip McDonagh was called to the Foreign Office to discuss taoiseach Bertie Ahern and president Mary McAleeses attendance. A note sent from the London embassy to the Department of Foreign Affairs suggested that George Fergusson, the head of the Ireland department within the UKs Foreign Office, had gently encouraged the country not to send such senior representatives to the ceremony. He suggested that a formal memorial service would be announced within less than 24 hours that would be attended by the British monarch and then-UK prime minister Tony Blair, which would allow the taoiseach and president to withdraw from the first event despite having confirmed their attendance. Mr Fergusson appeared to suggest that locals were against high level attendance at the memorial. President Mary McAleese speaks in 2010 to Margo McCrory whose son was injured during the Omagh bombing (PA) Mr McDonagh replied that based on soundings they had taken, the contrary was the case, and said that Mr Aherns and Mrs McAleeses plans had already been announced, and substantive meetings were likely to take place around the visit. Mr Fergusson then said that Mr Blair and the Queen could face embarrassment by not attending, to which Mr McDonagh replied they had received nothing but praise for their gestures of sympathy. He added that he could not see British figures attracting criticism on grounds of protocol. Mr Fergusson then admitted he was more concerned about the Queens absence rather than the prime minister. He said it was not practical to send a senior royal to Omagh as it could detract from the ceremony itself, and said if a less prominent member were sent it could appear inadequate if President McAleese is present. Northern Ireland secretary John Reid shows Queen Elizabeth II the site of the Omagh bombing during a visit to the County Tyrone town in 2002 (PA) He suggested a compromise, where Mr Ahern would attend but Mrs McAleese would not, to which Mr McDonagh said he was uncomfortable with the use of the word compromise in a matter of this kind, which Mr Fergusson accepted. In a comment on the correspondence sent to Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr McDonagh added that he felt Mr Fergusson implied that the taoiseachs attendance was in some sense in the gift of the British government. Mr McDonagh said that he was deliberately not taking this point. Mrs McAleese and Mr Ahern attended the memorial service the following day. Michael Bolton Gardai say they are aware of footage which shows the moment a gunman was killed in a restaurant in Blanchardstown in Dublin. The video, which remains on the social media platform X as of Wednesday afternoon, shows a close up of 25-year-old Tristian Sherry, lying on the ground covered in blood moments before he died. Gardai suspect the graphic content was filmed by the attackers and are asking the public not to share it. The incident unfolded inside a restaurant filled with customers, including families out for Christmas Eve celebrations A man in his 40s continues to receive treatment for gunshot wounds sustained in the incident at Brownes Steakhouse. Gardai said he remained in a serious condition in hospital on Tuesday. No arrests have yet been made and gardai have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Gardai have also stepped up uniformed patrols in Dublin after the incident amid fears of reprisal attacks. (Photo: REUTERS / Joe Penney)A church is seen guarded by soldiers behind sandbags, in Maiduguri, Nigeria May 23, 2014. Christian houses of worship are guarded by military soldiers at all times in Maiduguri. Assailants went on a rampage on Christmas Eve in Nigeria's Plateau State, killing at least 96 people in 15 communities, police said and some media estimates put the number killed at 140, International Christian Concern said. Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Okoro Alawari, issued a statement on Dec. 26 that 96 people were killed in two of the 17 local government areas Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi and 221 houses were burned. "The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Okoro Alawari expresses grief over the deadly attacks that took place in some remote villages of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State," Alwari said in a statement. He said they were, "carried out by some yet-to-identified assailants on the December 24, 2023 at odd hours of the night, and sympathizes with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the gruesome attack." The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Dec. 26 condemned the Christmas Eve attack in Plateau State, saying "it is high time we moved from reactive to preventive measures." It described the attacks as "a devastating blow to national peace and unity." The organization said the burning down of houses, churches and the destruction of properties is criminal and also a direct assault on shared values of peace, unity, and mutual respect and have no place in the society and must not be allowed to prevail. Also on Christmas Day the Nigerian Baptist Convention urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to urgently put an end to the killings of Christians in the Northern part of the country. The convention also expressed sadness over the continued killing of Christians in Plateau State and other parts of the nation. The church further berated the high level of insecurity in the country for the past years without any meaningful solution from the security agencies. It called on all Christians to wake up and provide assistance to those who lost their relations and those who were wounded in the Plateau attack and are currently in the hospital. The church also urged security agencies to provide needed security to every Nigerian and put a stop to the senseless killings of Christians. According to the CIA World Factbook 53 percent of Nigeria's 231 million people are Muslims and most of the rest are Christians. Assistance drives marine production in Antique, Philippines Assistance provided by the Antique Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to fisherfolk in Antique, the Philippines, have increased marine production in the province. Alette Gayatin, senior aquaculturist at OPA, said in an interview last week that Antique has increased its fish production compared with last year's, owing to government interventions. "Through the OPA, there are Lambaklad projects in the six coastal municipalities of Antique that have reported 57.53 metric tonnes of fish production as of October 2023," she said. She enumerated the towns as Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Barbaza, Bugasong and Tibiao. The Lambaklad project employs the 'otoshi-ami' method using fishing gear and nets. Gayatin added that although she could not ascertain the amount of assistance the BFAR has extended to the fisherfolk, fishing gears, boats, nets and other equipment have contributed greatly to the fish production. "Based on our available data, the fish production in Antique for the first quarter of 2023 is already 6,623.82 metric tonnes," she said. Gayatin said the relevant authorities are still waiting for reports from the municipalities so they can update the data on the total fish production for the year. Antique has a total of 18 towns; 15 are coastal municipalities and three are inland or mountainside towns. "The fish consumption in Antique is 18-20 kilos per year per person," Gayatin noted. - PNA Vietnam's farmed shrimp output up by one million tonnes each year, industry official says Vietnam's farmed shrimp output increases one million tonnes every year but the export turn-over value has only ranged from US$3.5 billion to US$4 billion, said the vice chairman of the Vietnam Seafood Association, Duong Long Tri. He made the revelation during a conference hosted by Vietnam's Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on December 21. Tri added that the previous output only reached 700,000 tonnes, achieving the same value as the current period. Hence, there is a need to review processing solutions to increase the value of core products, thereby lifting export turnover. This year, Vietnam's seafood sector had achieved a total exploitation and farming output of 9.2 million tonnes, an increase of 2% over 2022. For next year, the sector aims to achieve a total seafood output of 9.22 million tonnes and an export turn-over of around US$9.5 billion. - SGGP MAKHEWU A majority of people go to church to worship, but a man of Tigodzini, near Maphungwane, had a different mission altogether on Chrismas Eve. Just before midnight on Monday, the man broke into the Good Shepherd Catholic Mission Church and vandalised the sanctuary, where the altar and cross of Jesus Christ are located. The suspect was arrested, while the property destroyed was estimated to be worth over E30 000. In the still of the night, security officers were drawn by a light in the church, where they had initially presumed that a congregant could be praying. They were baffled to find the young man, estimated to be aged 26, vandalising church property. Priest In an interview, the church priest said after noticing that something was amiss, the security officers then raised the alarm to the residents residing within the mission. According to the Parish Priest, Father NcamisoVilakati, the incident happened between midnight and 1am, while security officers conducted routine patrols. They noticed that the lights had been switched on inside the church. Vilakati said the security officers managed to calm down the man and tied him with ropes, before calling the Siteki police. The man of the cloth shared that the man could not give a clear answer on what prompted him to cause the damage to the churchs property. He said it was suspected that he was in a questionable state of sobriety, while others on the scene questioned his mental stability. He said police arrived promptly and recorded a statement and further took the suspect into custody. Adding, Vilakati shared that a door, sacred heart statue, altar table, window panes, flower pots, furniture and chairs were among the things that were vandalised. He said when the man was interrogated by the security officers, he shared that he was from Maphungwane, at an area called Tigodzini. When we responded to the alarm raised by the security, we found the man having been tied with a rope and he could not give a clear answer when asked who sent him to cause the damage. We suspect that he was not in a good state of mind when committing the crime and police recorded a statement and then took him away, he said. The man of the cloth further mentioned that elders of the church and senior management of the health facility and mission had been informed about the incident. He also could not rule out reinforcing security at the church, to ensure safety of the church property and buildings. It is unfortunate that important items that are sacred to the church were destroyed by the man, without any valid reason. We hope the police will take him for evaluation of his state of mind, so that they can determine if he was sane, Vilakati said. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that a man had been arrested in connection with the vandalism at the church property. Depending on the investigation by the police, the man is expected to appear at the Siteki Magistrates Court today, to face charges of housebreaking and malicious damage to property. Meanwhile, last year, over E700 000 worth of sound systems were stolen from different churches across the country. What Is the Gini Index?gry jackpot za darmo The Gini index, or Gini co-efficient, measures income distribution across a population. Developed by Italian statistician Corrado Gini in 1912, it often serves as a gauge of economic inequality, measuring income distribution or, less commonly, wealth distribution among a population. The co-efficient ranges from 0 (or 0%) to 1 (or 100%), with 0 representing perfect equality and 1 representing perfect inequality. Values greater than 1 are theoretically possible due to negative income or wealth. Key Takeaways The Gini index is a measure of the distribution of income across a population. A higher Gini index indicates greater inequality, with high-income individuals receiving much larger percentages of the populations total income. Global inequality, as measured by the Gini index, has steadily increased over the past few centuries and spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of data and other limitations, the Gini index may overstate income inequality and can obscure important information about income distribution. Watch Now: What Is the Gini Index? Understanding the Gini Index 1:54 A country in which every resident has the same income would have an income Gini co-efficient of 0. Conversely, a country in which one resident earned all the income, while everyone else earned nothing, would have an income Gini co-efficient of 1. The same analysis can apply to wealth distribution (the wealth Gini co-efficient), but because wealth is more difficult to measure than income, Gini co-efficients usually refer to income and appear simply as the Gini co-efficient or Gini index, without specifying that they refer to income. Wealth Gini co-efficients tend to be much higher than those for income. Even in affluent countries, the Gini index measures net income rather than net worth, so the majority of a nations wealth can still be concentrated in the hands of a small number of people even if income distribution is relatively equal. The Gini co-efficient is an important tool for analyzing income or wealth distribution within a country or region, but it should not be mistaken for an absolute measurement of income or wealth. A high-income country and a low-income country can have the same Gini co-efficient, as long as incomes are distributed similarly within each. For example, Turkey and the United States both have income Gini co-efficients of around 0.390.40, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), despite Turkeys vastly lower gross domestic product (GDP) per person. Graphical Representation of the Gini Index The Gini index is often represented graphically through the Lorenz curve, as depicted below, which shows income (or wealth) distribution by plotting the population percentile by income on the horizontal axis and cumulative income on the vertical axis. The Gini co-efficient is equal to the area below the line of perfect equality (0.5 by definition) minus the area below the Lorenz curve, divided by the area below the line of perfect equality. In other words, it is double the area between the Lorenz curve and the line of perfect equality. The Gini Index Around the World Global Gini The Gini co-efficient experienced sustained growth during the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1820, the global Gini co-efficient stood at 0.50, while in 1980 and 1992, the figure was 0.657. Source: The World Bank COVID-19 is likely to have a further negative impact on income equality. According to The World Bank, the Gini co-efficient has increased about 1.5 points in the five years following major epidemics, such as Ebola and Zika. Economists believe COVID-19 triggered an annual 1.2- to 1.9-percentage-point increase in the Gini co-efficient for 2020 and 2021. Gini within Countries Below are the income Gini co-efficients of every country for which the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Factbook provides data: Some of the worlds poorest countries have some of the worlds highest Gini co-efficients, while many of the lowest Gini co-efficients are found in wealthier European countries. However, the relationship between income inequality and GDP per capita is not one of perfect negative correlation, and the relationship has varied over time. Michail Moatsos of Utrecht University and Joery Baten of Tuebingen University show that from 1820 to 1929, inequality rose slightlythen tapered offas GDP per capita increased. From 1950 to 1970, inequality tended to fall off as GDP per capita rose above a certain threshold. From 1980 to 2000, inequality fell with higher GDP per capita, then curved back up sharply. Correlation between Gini co-efficients and GDP per capita in three time periods. Source: Michail Moatsos and Joery Baten. Limitations of the Gini Index Though useful for analyzing economic inequality, the Gini co-efficient has some shortcomings. The metrics accuracy is dependent on reliable GDP and income data. Shadow economies and informal economic activity are present in every country. Informal economic activity tends to represent a larger portion of true economic production in developing countries and at the lower end of the income distribution within countries. In both cases, this means that the Gini index of measured incomes will overstate true income inequality. Accurate wealth data is even more difficult to come by due to the popularity of tax havens. Another flaw is that very different income distributions can result in identical Gini co-efficients. Because the Gini attempts to distill a two-dimensional area (the gap between the Lorenz curve and the equality line) down to a single number, it obscures information about the shape of inequality. In everyday terms, this would be similar to describing the contents of a photo solely by its length along one edge, or the simple average brightness value of the pixels. Though using the Lorenz curve as a supplement can provide more information in this respect, it also does not show demographic variations among subgroups within the distribution, such as the distribution of incomes across age, race, or social groups. In that vein, understanding demographics can be important for understanding what a given Gini co-efficient represents. For example, a large retired population pushes the Gini higher. What country has the highest Gini index? South Africa, with a Gini co-efficient of 63.0, is currently recognized as the country with the highest income inequality. The World Population Review attributes this massive inequality to racial, gender, and geographic discrimination, with white males and urban workers in South Africa earning much better salaries than everyone else. What does a Gini index of 50 mean? The Gini index ranges from 0% to 100%, with 0 representing perfect equality and 100 representing perfect inequality. A Gini of 50 marks the halfway point and can generally be perceived as a place where income is not fairly distributed. Only 15 countries in the world have a Gini of 50 or more. Is the U.S. Gini co-efficient high or low? The United States has a Gini co-efficient of 41.1, which is a high reading for such a developed economy. Economists blame rising income inequality in the U.S. on factors such as technological change, globalization, the decline of unions, and the eroding value of the minimum wage. The Bottom Line If the gap between rich and poor continues to increase, the evaluation of the income gap can become more important. And the Gini index can provide a great starting point when it comes to measuring that income inequality. Knowing the Gini index numbers is no panacea, but this measure does provide a way to quantify and track the direction in which a society is moving, which may open the door for dialogue and potential solutions. But keep in mind that there are limitations associated with using this measure. The co-efficient is only as reliable as the data used to calculate it, and it only provides a single-digit reading, which doesnt take different groups in the sample into account. There are many words that sound the same or nearly the same, but have different meanings. In English, these words are called homophones. Counsel, council, and consul are three often misused near homophones. To make matters worse, their contexts are often related. For instance, the following example is grammatically correct, albeit somewhat confusing sentence. The consul went to the council for counsel. The three words are all used correctly. Of course, even if this visit is exactly the event you are trying to describe, you would want to rewrite that sentence. It is confusing to the point of distraction. If you arent sure whether you mean to use council or counsel, or even consul, continue reading for an exploration of these words. What is the Difference Between Council and Counsel? In this article, I will compare council vs. counsel. I will use each word in a sentence, illustrating its proper meaning and context. I will also explain a useful trick to help you decide whether council or counsel is correct, based on the context of your sentence. When to Use Council What does council mean? Councilis a noun. A councilis a group of people appointed to make decisions or give advice. Councilis never a verb. Thus, a councilmight give counsel, but a councilwould never give council. See the examples below. We have appointed a council to oversee important matters. The council hereby denies your request for additional funding. The NYC Food & Beverage Hospitality Council will be tasked with tackling such issues as regulations that can slow down restaurant openings and the shortage of skilled kitchen workers. The Wall Street Journal When to Use Counsel What does counsel mean? Counselcan be a noun or a verb. As a verb, counselmeans to give advice or guidance. As a noun, counselis a synonym of advice and guidance, especially that given formally from a lawyer, psychologist, etc. Thus, when you counsel someone, you are giving them counsel. The sentences below are examples of both uses. Seek counsel from those who are wiser than you. I counsel you to abandon this horseplay immediately. The counsel of elders is valuable; you would do well to heed it. Karl A. Roessner, who had been general counsel, takes over the role of chief executive and will join E-Trades board. The New York Times When to Use Consul What does consul mean? A third noun, consul, is a near homophone of counciland counsel. A consulis a diplomatic representative living in a foreign city. Consulis sometimes a synonym for ambassador. For example, The consul got in his car and drove to the embassy. Trick to Remember the Difference Here is a helpful trick to remember counselvs. council If the word you are using is a verb, use counsel. Counciland consulare never verbs. The picture is less clear if the word is a noun. If the noun refers to a single person, living in another place, choose consul. For a group of people, living anywhere, choose councilinstead. If youre not referring to any people at all, use counselas a synonym for advice or guidance. Consulrefers to a single person. Since consuland singular each contain a U, this usage should be easy to remember. Summary Is it council or counsel?Council, consuland counselare all nouns, but only counselcan also be used as a verb. A council is a group of people appointed to make decisions. A consul is an ambassador or representative in a foreign land. Counsel is another word for advice. As a verb, counselalso means to give advice. Since consuland singular are both spelled with a U, you can remember that a consulis a single person, whereas a councilis a group of people. If you are still confused, dont hesitate to check this article as often as you need for a quick refresher. The French group Accor, which already claims the leading hotel operator in Asia Pacific, has launched the expansion of brand Mei Jue (), the adapted Grand Mercure in China. A brand tailored to stick to the specifics of the Chinese market, Accor already operates for 27 years in China where it manages 121 hotels, the new upscale brand Mei Jue is a Chinese version of the Grand Mercure brand to be more easily recognizable to local customers. Mei Jue is an adaptation of Grand Mercure to the Chinese market, noted Champetier Gregory, marketing director of Accor. It has been tailored to meet the needs of Chinese customers. The hotels are also places of amusement to them, we can organize family events (like weddings), dinners for small groups in private dining rooms for them This is a place of social life. In hotels Mei Jue, the staff are welcoming in the Qipao (), a traditional garment. Every day, customers are entitled to taichi sessions, and head massages. The restoration has obviously favorites for Chinese, and extended an offer of tea. This launch is part of our new strategy for our brand portfolio, continues Gregory Champetier. Our customers expect brands which better capture the complexity and diversity of identities. We must have relevant products and friendly local cultures. Today, the brand Mei Jue already has ten hotels. Ten others will join the network soon. Our ambition is to have a network of 65 hotels by 2015, says Gregory Champetier. Accor sets expansion of hotel brand Mei Jue in Chinaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The Bashar al-Assad regime has become increasingly isolated. After the Arab League confirmed the suspension of Syria, Thursday the traditional allies of Damascus, Russia and China expressed concern about the ongoing crisis and called for the immediate opening of a dialogue between Syrian authorities and the opposition. All this is very much like a civil war, said Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, referring to an attack Wednesday by the Syrian army, made up of deserters from the army determined to bring down the regime. These deserters fired rockets at a military base near Damascus, operation showing that the crisis could turn into armed conflict. Stating that violence does not come as authorities, Sergei Lavrov urged the Syrian regime and the opposition to stop fighting and negotiate, suggesting talks in Cairo, the headquarters of the Arab League. Officials at the Syrian opposition, which met Lavrov Tuesday, however, assured that he would not talk with President Bashar al-Assad. More and more weapons are smuggled from foreign states, Lavrov also considered. Earlier this week, he suggested that Western countries aggravated the problems in Syria. When people hear the statements of inflexible Washington and Brussels saying that it should not be any dialogue (with Assad) and he should resign, it obviously does not move towards constructive discussions. In Paris, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday that it is not the democratic aspirations of the Syrian population that threaten the stability of Syria and the region, but the refusal of the regime in Damascus of any developments and any real dialogue and the brutal repression that leads into a headlong dead end. In October, Moscow and Beijing had vetoed a resolution of the Security Council of the UN that threatened new sanctions to Syria. But Thursday, the spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liu Weimin suggested the possibility that Beijing supports a resolution of its kind in the future. It depends on whether these actions will help ease tensions in Syria and facilitate the resolution of disputes through political dialogue, he said, calling on both warring parties to work together. Also Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London, and the local coordination committee said that five civilians, including a nine year old girl, were killed in raids by security forces in central, eastern and northern Syria. Russia and China call for dialogue to resolve the crisis in Syriaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Lying is,free coupons at springbok casino for better or worse, a behavior humans take part in at some point in their lives. On average, Americans tell one to two lies a day, multiple studies have suggested. But its wheresome people are fibbing that might come as a surprise. It turns out, one person often on the receiving end of a lie is someone people are supposed to open up to the most their therapist. Ive totally lied in therapy. Sometimes, Im even too ashamed or embarrassed to admit to the crazy outrageous things Ive done, says Laura, 28, who requested to only use her first name for fear of losing her job and therapist. I think everyone lies in therapy to some extent. Usually, the truth ends up coming out, though. Laura is far from alone. In a comprehensive 2015 study published by the American Psychological Association book Secrets and Lies in Psychotherapy,93% of respondents admitted they had lied during therapy at least once. It might seem counterproductive for clients to lie to a therapist whose main objective is to help them. Still, there are a few practical and psychological reasons people arent always entirely forthright. Here are the biggest motivators, according to experts. Theyre embarrassed The 2015 study found 61% of participants cited embarrassment as the main reason for dishonesty with their therapist. Most of the time, we want to present our best selves, Barry A. Farber, one of the authors of Secrets and Lies in Psychotherapy, tells TIME. So, even in this most confidential of all places psychotherapy we are still protecting our sense of self. Its natural for people not to want to put their most personal thoughts, feelings and behaviors under the microscope for another person to analyze and judge, he says, even if its a therapist. The shame that often accompanies having an affair, for example, can be the main reason for someones reluctance to discuss the subject openly. Its uncomfortable to admit such things, and lying can be a way to escape the discomfort, says Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do. They dont want to deal with the consequences In many instances, someones lie in therapy is an attempt to avoid consequences such as a therapist altering the course of treatment, researchers say. Morin acknowledges many clients are scared of getting in trouble for what they confess in therapy. They may worry that the therapist will terminate their sessions because they arent making progress or they may be concerned the therapist will somehow punish them, she says. Dishonesty motivated by anticipated consequences can also surround unhealthy and even perilous habits. Almost one-third of the therapy clients Farber, along with co-authors Matt Blanchard and Melanie Love, studied admitted they lied to their therapists about their use of drugs and alcohol, while 21% said they had lied about their eating habits. When it comes to addictions, eating disorders and other dangerous patterns, Farber says sometimes people refrain from opening up to their therapists because, quite simply, they dont want to stop. Improve your mood by signing up for TIMEs guide to managing stress and anxiety. Once I tell my therapist about these kinds of serious addictive behaviors, Ill be in a position where the therapist is going to continue to inquire and work with me or almost insist that I have a plan to give up these addictions, and I dont want to, Farber says of this type of mentality. Even people with less dire habits still feel the need to lie because they know their therapist will advise them to change, even if theyre not ready to. I lie because I dont want to stop certain behaviors that I enjoy doing but are probably red flags for a therapist, says Laura, the therapy client. Theyre in denial Denial can be another motivator for those who are less than frank in their therapy sessions. Sometimes people dont really mean to lie, but they minimize their problems because they cant quite accept them yet, Morin says. Someone with a substance abuse problem might insist she didnt drink much this week even though she drank heavily every day. Individuals often need help coming to terms with their problems before they can be honest with themselves. Denial can also be a common coping and defense mechanism for clients dealing with other stressful and overwhelming situations, research has found, ranging from what they cant change, like a diagnosis of an illness, to whats very difficult to change, like repeatedly failing at something. They dont want to relive trauma In addition to avoiding tangible consequences or being in denial, some people lie in therapy to limit the unseen negative effects of the truth, like emotional pain, the 2015 study also found. I dont want to talk about trauma because discussing it is going to overwhelm me, Farber says of this mindset. Its going to bring me back to an experience or experiences that have been so difficult [and] so overwhelming, and Im fearful that if I talk about it, it will re-traumatize me. In some cases of trauma, people may not even realize the extent to which the event or events impacted them and underestimate their significance on present situations. One of the effects of trauma is that the experience isnt coded, says Susan Kolod, a Manhattan-based psychoanalyst. You can sort of know that something happened to you but it can come in and out of your consciousness. For example, Kolod refers to a client who had trouble committing to relationships. After a while, what was uncovered was that his mother was an alcoholic and that she was, in fact, a very unreliable parent, she recalls. Now, he wasnt actually lying to me by leaving it out. Its more like it wasnt in his consciousness, so it wasnt available for discussion until we got to a certain point in the therapy. They want their therapist to like them People-pleasing can be a strong motivator to lie, even when it comes to therapy. Many clients have a strong need to be liked and they worry that if theyre honest about their feelings or their mistakes, the therapist wont like them anymore, says Morin. So, in an effort to stay in the therapists good graces, they feel compelled to paint themselves in a positive light, even if that means lying. Altering the truth in an attempt at kindness is still problematic, though, because it limits how effective treatment can be. If youre censoring your experience, then the therapist cant be helpful to you, Kolod says. Therapists are aware clients sometimes omit the truth or downplay the significance of certain life experiences, and there has been research on how mental health professionals can better spot dishonesty and adapt their treatment accordingly. While being embarrassed, dealing with shame and processing difficult life events can all be daunting for people, opening up in therapy is ultimately a healing process with the potential for long-term benefits. When the therapist gets feedback about what he or she isnt doing right or about what aspects of the therapy arent working then, of course, theres a possibility of working on it and making it better, Farber says. Developing an unfiltered and honest relationship with a therapist not only helps clients during their sessions, Kolod adds, but can actually improve their relationships outside the walls of a clinic. This is why the Supreme Court ruling on concealed carry matters closeVideo Concealed carry instructor tells 'The Ingraham Angle' that today was a great day for gun ownership and empowerment for people to be able to defend themselves. A federal appeals court on Tuesday temporarily reinstated parts of New York's new concealed carry law after a judge last week blocked some provisions that restrict the carrying of firearms in certain public spaces. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals issued the temporary injunction while a legal challenge filed by a Second Amendment-rights group makes its way through the courts. "Defendants-Appellants seek a stay pending appeal, and an emergency interim stay, of the preliminary injunction issued by the district court on November 7, 2022," Tuesday's ruling states. "IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that a temporary stay is granted pending the panels consideration of the motion." STRICT GUN BILL ON OREGON BALLOT WILL CAUSE 'GREATER RISK OF VIOLENCE,' HARMFUL TO PUBLIC SAFETY, CRITICS WARN New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul was "served a plate of humble pie" from a New York district court judge last week, Second Amendment group says. On Tuesday, a federal appeals court issued a temporary stay against the earlier ruling. (Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit) On Nov. 7, District Court Judge Glenn Suddaby said New York's conceal carry law invoked "unprecedented constitutional violations" and granted a partial preliminary injunction in favor of Gun Owners of America (GOA), forcing the state to cease enforcement of parts of the law, which was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in July. Suddaby ruled the state can still prevent people from carrying guns in Times Square, public playgrounds, libraries, nurseries and preschools. However, mental hospitals, places of worship, public parks, zoos, theaters, conference centers, protests and bars were no longer off limits for people with a concealed carry permit. A sign zip-tied to a utility pole at the intersection of East 47th St and Avenue of The Americas declares Times Square is a gun free zone. On Tuesday, a federal appeals court issued a temporary stay against the earlier ruling. (Karlo Pastrovic/Fox News Digital) Tuesday's ruling blocks Suddaby's order. "New York has once again defied the Constitution and the Supreme Courts Bruen decision," GOA Senior Vice President Erich Pratt said in response to Tuesday's ruling. "And this brings us just one step closer to standing before SCOTUS, where we know that Justice Clarence Thomas is waiting to slap down NY lawbreakers once again!" Video CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The GOA lawsuit came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that a state law requiring citizens to show "proper cause" for self-defense to obtain a concealed carry permit was unconstitutional. New York lawmakers made changes to the concealed carry law after the decision. Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected]. MBABANE Some parts of the country will experience flooding, due to the ongoing occasional rains that began on Christmas Day and are expected to subside on Friday. Forecaster Phephisa Sihlongonyane said this was due to a frontal system, coupled with an upper trough. Sihlongonyane said this then results in moisture. This, he said, would not only affect the country, but also South Africa (SA), Lesotho, Botswana and Zimbabwe. According to Sihlongonyane, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is mostly affected. Today, there will be rain and fog at places. It will be cloudy and cold but cool in the Lowveld. Tomorrow, there will be rain at places, otherwise cloudy with partly cloudy intervals and cool to warm in the Lowveld. On Friday, morning fog and rain at places is expected. Some cloudy intervals will be experienced with cool to warm weather in the Lowveld. Meanwhile, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati has issued a warning about three major rivers, which are Mndobandoba (Big Bend), Stilo (Hluti), and Phophonyane (Piggs Peak) that have become flooded due to recent heavy rains. Local authorities are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed. What Is Earmarking?king casino bonus Earmarking is the practice of setting particular money aside for a specific purpose. The term can be used in several contexts, such as in congressional appropriations of taxpayer funds to individual practices like mental accounting. Key Takeaways Earmarking is the process whereby people or organizations appropriate specific money for specific purposes. In organizations, earmarking relates to how companies or governments budget spending. For individuals, earmarking can imbue money with symbolic value based on who or what it is earmarked for, with mental accounting being a special case of self-earmarking one's funds. Understanding Earmarking The phrase has an agricultural origin. Farmers would cut recognizable notches in their livestock's ears to mark the animals as belonging to them. In its most basic sense, to earmark is to flag something for a specific purpose. In practice, it generally means to set funds aside for a particular project. A company might earmark a sum to spend on upgrading its IT system, or a city government might earmark the proceeds of a municipal bond issue to pay for a new road or bridge. In social science, the term earmarking has been associated with the economic sociologist Viviana Zelizer, who identifies the practice of earmarking as imbuing certain dollars with specific meaning related to the relational ties and cultural meaning for what that money is earmarked forclaiming the "not all dollars are equal." Therefore, money earmarked for a loved one will be treated more carefully than money for a friend. Likewise, people may be more willing to lend money to somebody they trust than a stranger. The behavioral economics concept of mental accounting is a case of personal earmarking whereby people allocate money to specific tasks or purposes, making those funds non-fungible. Earmarking Doctrine in Bankruptcy Law In bankruptcy law, the earmarking doctrine allows certain borrowed funds to be excluded from a bankrupt party's assets, as long as they were lent to the borrower 90 or fewer days before the bankruptcy filing and were lent with the express intention of paying a specific creditor. Earmarking ensures that the funds will go to the intended creditor, rather than being subject to claims by other creditors who have preference in the bankruptcy proceedings. The doctrine is based on the idea that, because there was no net decrease in the bankrupt party's asset base, the funds never really belonged to the bankrupt party; they "borrowed from Peter to pay Paul." Earmarks in Politics and Appropriations Earmarking is a longstanding and controversial practice in the U.S. Congress, where parties have historically won support for contentious votes by offering or threatening to revoke funds for projects in particular members' districts. Absent such earmarking, funds are apportioned to agencies of the executive branch, which decide what specific projects to spend federal money on. Say, for example, that a party wants to pass a law banning a particular toxic substance, a move that would be popular with its supporters nationwide. The party controls the minimum number of seats to pass the law, but one member is hesitant to vote for it because a factory in their district would have to cut jobs if the substance were banned. To win the member's vote, the party might amend the bill to include an earmark: a port in their district would receive federal funds for an upgrade, rather than a port a hundred miles up the coast. Such earmarks, also known as "pork-barrel spending" or "pork" for short, are controversial. They are seen as a form of corruption, allowing D.C. power brokers to trade in the fortunes of the people they represent and squander taxpayers' money on giveaways to particular districts. The "Bridge to Nowhere" The most famous recent example of an earmark is the "Bridge to Nowhere," a $398 million bridge that would have connected an island housing an airport and 50 permanent residents to a larger island containing the city of Ketchikan, Alaska. In 2005, members of Congress pushed to defund the bridge and divert the money to rebuild a bridge destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, but Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) threatened to quit Congress if the earmark was scrapped. The bridge was not built, but funds for a road leading to it continued to flow, so the state built a three-mile highway from the airport that dead-ends at the shore, passing nothing on the way. Earmarking Moratorium Outrage over pork led Congress to ban earmarks in 2011, with Republicans leading the effort. Citizens Against Government Waste, a fiscally conservative watchdog group, claims that this ban has failed in practice, writing in its 2017 Pig Book, "Pork-barrel spending is alive and well in Washington, D.C., despite claims to the contrary." The group counted 285 earmarks worth $16.8 billion in fiscal 2021, up from 274 worth $15.9 billion the previous year and a 74.8% increase from the 163 in 2017. In Favor of Political Earmarks Leaving aside the ban's effectiveness, some commentators have called for earmarking to be restored. In a 2014 New York Times op-ed, Columbia journalism professor Thomas Edsall argued, "The prohibition on earmarks has done nothing to restore respect for Congress. Just the opposite. It has contributed to legislative gridlock and increased the difficulty of winning enactment of tax and immigration reform." Edsall also wrote that earmarks' role in building majorities was "essential," and that banning them would have little effect on the perception of Congress as corrupt, due to the near simultaneous loosening of campaign finance laws (the Citizens United decision was handed down in 2010). Another argument in favor of the practice of earmarking is that members of Congress are more accountable than the bureaucrats who otherwise make decisions about how to allocate money apportioned to their agencies. These members of the executive branch are appointed by the White House and cannot directly be voted out of their positions. Finally, some consider the costs of earmarking to be negligible compared to the costs of the gridlock Edsall described. Notably, $398 million for a questionable bridge pales in comparison to the monetary and nonmonetary costs of a broken immigration system, tax code, or healthcare sector, the argument goes. Fox News Flash top headlines for November 11 closeVideo Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. The U.S. national public health agency said on Friday that Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 were estimated to account for about 44.2% of COVID-19 cases in the country for the week ending Nov. 12, compared with 32.6% in the previous week. The two variants, which are closely related to Omicron's BA.5 sub-variant that drove COVID-19 cases in United States earlier in the year, made up less than 10% of total cases in the country last month, but currently have surpassed Omicron's BA.5, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BQ.1.1 accounted for nearly 24.1% of circulating variants and BQ.1 was estimated to make up 20.1% of circulating cases for the week ending Nov. 12, the U.S. CDC said. COVID-19 REINFECTION COULD BE MORE DEADLY THAN FIRST CASE, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS, STUDY SAYS While there is no evidence linked to the increased severity of the new variants compared to BA.4 and BA.5, they have shown an increasing presence in Europe, Singapore, Canada, among other places. CHINA SEES SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES A healthcare worker prepares COVID tests in Paramus, N.J., 2020. 44% of recent infections in the U.S. are attributed to two Omicron subvariants. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo) The rising trend has lead regulators and vaccine manufacturers to monitor the new variants more closely in case they start to evade protection offered by current vaccines. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The BA.5 subvariant is estimated to make up about 29.7% of cases in the United States, compared with nearly 41.1% in the week ended Nov. 5, according to the CDC. Get your flu shot in 'sweet spot' season before mid-November: Dr. Anne Rimoin closeVideo University of California in Los Angeles Department of Epidemiology professor Dr. Anne Rimoin advises how to best prepare for cold and flu season. Several Southern California hospitals have begun using overflow tents outside emergency rooms to cope with a rising number of patients with flu and other respiratory illnesses. The San Diego-Union Tribune reported Friday that overflow tents were put up at Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas, Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health in La Jolla and Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa to handle an increase in respiratory illness. Scripps hospitals and doctor's offices reported 1,695 positive flu tests since Sept. 1, up from 471 during the same time period one year ago. A patient receives a dose of vaccine during a vaccination campaign against the flu. (Nicolas Maeterlinck/Belga/AFP via Getty Images) The move comes amid a rise in flu symptoms in emergency room patients in San Diego County. About 9% of these patients had flu symptoms last week, up from 7% two weeks ago, according to a county report. The San Diego-Union Tribune also flagged an increase in patients with COVID-19 symptoms, though not as quickly, according to the countys weekly respiratory illness report. EARLY, SURPRISING SURGE OF RSV IN KIDS HAS HOSPITALS, MEDICAL CENTERS CONCERNED "The fear is that everything is just sort of bouncing off everything else and once youve been through the flu you could still get hit by COVID or whatever other virus youre going to get," said Dr. Ghazala Sharieff, Scripps Health's chief medical officer of acute care operations and clinical excellence. "Im hopeful, but were still kind of planning that its going to be this way through February," Sharieff said. A pharmacist administers a free flu shot at a CVS Health Corp. Pharmacy in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 30, 2020. (Marco Bello/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Generally, the flu hits hardest from late December through February. The Southern Hemisphere also dealt with an earlier than usual influenza season. Chile's influenza positivity rates reached epidemic thresholds as early as January, several months sooner than usual. AMOXICILLIN PRESCRIBED FOR CHILDREN IS IN SHORT SUPPLY, FDA SAYS Health experts said it was not immediately clear whether flu cases would reach an earlier-than-usual peak in California, which typically sees the bulk of cases in December through February, or a prolonged flu season. Nurses prepare injections during a flu shot clinic at Dorchester House, a health care clinic, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Reuters/Brian Snyder) Much of the United States is seeing a fast start to the flu season. Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said more flu cases are being reported than is typically expected at this time. JUST 2 OMICRON SUBVARIANTS MAKE UP 44% OF ALL US COVID CASES On Friday, the CDC reported that the flu and similar viral illnesses are notably high in Georgia, New York City, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, D.C. "Early increases in seasonal influenza activity continue nationwide. The southeastern and south-central areas of the country are reporting the highest levels of activity followed by the Mid-Atlantic and the south-central West Coast regions." the CDC said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Most of those are influenza A, specifically a strain called H3N2. While any version of the flu can be dangerous in vulnerable populations, this strain has been known to cause more severe illness. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Sarah Rumpf is a Fox News Digital Production Assistant. You can reach her on Twitter at @rumpfsarahc Today I want to talk about two words that arent quite homophones but can still be confusing when you go to put them on paper. Those two words are averse vs. adverse, which are related in origin and also have similar meanings. On top of this, they are only one letter apart from each other, so its easy to see how writers can get them confused. After reading this post, you shouldnt have any trouble remembering the difference between these two words. Ill go over their definitions, their functions in a sentence, and give you a few tips to remember them in the future. When to Use Averse Averse is an adjective and is defined as having a feeling of opposition, distaste, or aversion; reluctant. For example, I prefer investors who are risk-averse. Your father is averse to asking for directions. I am not averse to a little controversy every now and then. The word averseis used to describe a persons attitude towards things but not people. For example, you might say you are averse to hunting, but you wouldnt say you are averse to hunters. In a similar vein, just as you can say you are averse tosomething, you can also say that you have an aversion tosomething but usually not aversion from. Averse to or Averse from? Averse to is a widespread phrase that is used to express dislike, opposition, or hostility. However, the phrase adverse fromwas originally prescribed by Samuel Johnson as the preferred way to use averse. Traditionalists still prefer to see it written this way, writing off adverse toas nonsensical because the original Latin meaning or averseis turn from. In both U.S. and British English, however, averse tois by far the more common variant and is widely accepted outside of a select few traditionalists. The Chicago Manual of Style, The AP Stylebook, Fowlers Modern English Usage, OED, American Heritage, and others all list averse toas acceptable. When to Use Adverse Adverse is also an adjective and is defined as to be acting in opposition. It can also mean unfortunate or harmful. For example, The United States has had adverse relations with Cuba for many years. Tomorrow there will be adverse weather conditions; be careful. The writer face adverse criticism for her column last week. Adverse is applied to situations, conditions, or events but never to humans. So, Whats the Difference? You still may not be exactly sure of the difference. These words can be kind of confusing. The best way to think about it is that aversedescribes an attitude or feeling, while adverse describes something that works against something else. Put differently, aversedescribes a gut reaction you have about something, whereas adverse describes something beyond you, such as an event. Tricks to Remember A good way to remember the difference between these two words is to look at their corresponding nouns. The corresponding noun of averse is aversion. Again, this deals with a persons feelings or attitude. The corresponding noun of adverseis adversity. Adversity refers to difficulties or misfortune that act against something. Summary These two words have similar senses, but adverse vs. averse should not be confused with each other. Aversedescribes a feeling a person has about something. Adverse describes something that is working against something else. It can never be applied to humans. The Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Monday that China supports the accession of Palestine to the UN and the efforts to find a two-state solution through political negotiations. Yang made the remarks during the general debate of the General Assembly of the UN. China has always supported the just cause of establishing an independent Palestinian state and the accession of Palestine to the UN, said Mr Yang. We support efforts to find a two-state solution through political negotiations to determine, based on 1967 borders, an independent state paelestinien enjoys full sovereignty and with East Jerusalem as its capital, said the head of Chinas diplomacy. The two-state solution, supported largely by the international community, means a Palestinian state living in peace with Israel in security, he added. We believe that progress should be made in parallel in the negotiations between Israel and Syria and the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East and peaceful coexistence between Arab countries and Israel, says Yang. We hope the international community and relevant parties will make unremitting efforts to this end and to advance the peace process in the Middle East, he said. Despite growing pressure, including threats from the United States to veto, the president of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on Friday filed to the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon the application for membership of the Palestine at the UN. The Security Council of the UN must begin to consider the request of Palestinian. China Supports the Accession of Palestine to the UNadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) A qualified institutional placement (QIP) is,kakadu casino no deposit bonus at its core, a way for listed companies to raise capital without having to submit legal paperwork to market regulators. It is common in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) created the rule to avoid the dependence of companies on foreign capital resources. Key Takeaways Qualified institutional placements (QIPS) are a way to issue shares to the public without going through standard regulatory compliance. QIPs instead follow a looser set of regulations but where allottees are more highly regulated. The practice is mostly used in India and other Southeast Asian countries. QIPs were created to avoid dependency on foreign resources for raising capital. Qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) are the only entities allowed to purchase QIPs. How a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) Works A qualified institutional placement (QIP) was initially a designation of a securities issue given by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The QIP allows an Indian-listed company to raise capital from domestic markets without the need to submit any pre-issue filings to market regulators. The SEBI limits companies to only raising money through issuing securities. The SEBI put forth the guidelines for this unique avenue of Indian financing on May 8, 2006. The primary reason for developing QIPs was to keep India from depending too much on foreign capital to fund its economic growth. Before the QIP, there was a growing concern from Indian regulators that its domestic companies were accessing international funding too readily via American depository receipts (ADRs), foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) and global depository receipts (GDR), rather than Indian-based capital sources. Authorities proposed the QIP guidelines to encourage Indian companies to raise funds domestically instead of tapping into overseas markets. QIPs are helpful for a few reasons. Their use saves time as the issuance of QIPs and the access to capital is far quicker than through a follow-on public offer (FPO). The speed is because QIPs have far fewer legal rules and regulations to follow, making them much more cost-efficient. Further, there are fewer legal fees and there is no cost of listing overseas. In India, 47 firms together raised Rs 551 billion ($8 billion) through QIPs in the fiscal year 2018. This figure is the highest ever in a financial year. However, as of early 2019, 30 of those 47 QIPs were trading below their original issue prices. Regulations for a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) To be allowed to raise capital through a QIP, a firm must be listed on a stock exchange along with the minimum shareholding requirements as specified in their listing agreement. Also, the company must issue at least 10% of its issued securities to mutual funds or allottees. Regulations also exist for the number of allottees on a QIP, depending on the specific factors within an issue. Additionally, no single allottee is allowed to own more than 50% of the total debt issue. Furthermore, allottees must not be related in any way to promoters of the issue. Several more regulations dictate who may or may not receive QIP securities issues. Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs) and Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) The only parties eligible to purchase QIPs are qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), which are accredited investors, as defined by whatever securities and exchange governing body preside over it. This limitation is due to the perception that QIBs are institutions with expertise and financial power that allows them to evaluate and participate in capital markets, at that level, without the legal assurances of a follow-on public offer (FPO). The Palestinians continue to get support for their push for an independent state. Russia has welcomed in the UN General Assembly before a Palestinian state with full membership of the United Nations. Previously, China had already announced full support for the Palestinians in pursuit of ones own state. The country supported by all means of just cause such as the creation of an independent Palestinian state and its admission into the United Nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Monday before the UN General Assembly in New York. Through negotiations a two-state solution in Middle East can be achieved, so one state for Israel and the Palestinians. The Chinese foreign minister also supported the intention of the Palestinians declare a state within the borders before the Six Day War of 1967 and with East Jerusalem as its capital. UN diplomats are hopeful show that an initiative of the Quartet to the peace process is going. There are some pillars were driven into the ground, which could make the conversations more effectively than before, UN Under Secretary General Lynn Pascoe told the UN Security Council. The plan was presented on Friday by the Quartet of UN, EU, U.S. and Russia, it provides a clear timetable. It is not easy, but now is the time to give diplomacy a chance, said Pascoe. He again criticized Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as illegal. The train of the Palestinians has finally left the station, to go after decades of injustice and oppression in a better future, Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati Nadschib said at the meeting. Palestine meets all internationally agreed conditions to be recognized as a state, Mikati said. But it is an occupied country! Mikati said the other 14 states on the Security Council to approve the application for the Palestinians. Russia support the initiative of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for an independent state, Moscows Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the UN General Assembly. We support the request of the Palestinians at the UN Security Council and welcomed the readiness of President Abbas to negotiate in international terms with Israel. Objective of the negotiations could only be peace and security, but just go with a two-state solution to a peaceful coexistence of Israel and a Palestinian state. The foundations for this were created long ago, the Russian said. Lavrovs support for the Palestinians was not unexpected. This gets the current situation in the Security Council clearer contours. UN is offset by the supporters of the Palestinians, for example Brazil, India, South Africa. The U.S. wants to block its recognition, until the Palestinians and Israel have concluded peace. The application submitted by Abbas to UN is to be transferred on Wednesday, first in an audit committee. The Palestinians Get More Supportadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Illustration: Chen Xia/GT Political chaos in the UK has become commonplace since Brexit in 2016. Liz Truss,the new British prime minister who has just served for 45 days, announced her resignation on Thursday. It is the shortest tenure of any UK prime minister. This is something that has not happened in modern British politics for a century. The Conservative Party seems to have realized that the new prime minister, who has vowed to be the modern "Iron Lady," is unable to take on the arduous task of revitalizing the British economy.But the question is: Can the resignation of Truss truly revive market confidence?It is a hasty judgment to blame the current economic problems in the UK simply on the unpopularity of Truss' tax-cut plan. Tax cuts are not without merit in stimulating economic growth. However, the real concern is: Is the market still interested in what constitutes an effective economic growth policy?Among the numerous comments, the following two standpoints have been repeatedly mentioned by experts from different political camps: First, even if an effective economic development strategy is proposed now, it will take time to implement it. Can the UK still wait? Second, what is exactly dragging down the UK economy? The government has not thoroughly analyzed what kind of political and social environment is needed for social and economic growth.Now the British government seems to be really thinking about the problem "seriously." Nevertheless, not long ago, the world economic community has predicted that the UK is currently "on the brink of recession" and that the UK economy has entered a "technical recession." When the market and the public have lost patience and economic recession has become the "general anticipation" of British society, any policy will be of no avail. Ineffective social governance has undermined the foundations of the British economy. "Small government, big society" was once the proud political label of British and American political culture. British parliamentary debates have also been portrayed as the standard of modern political life.However, after Brexit, social and livelihood issues have not been effectively addressed, and the plight of domestic and foreign affairs has not really been responded to. Politicians in the UK shuttle among meetings discussing various proposals, and staging political shows, which is the norm in British political life nowadays.Any capital would like to have a lasting and stable investment environment, a healthy and promising political system, and an optimistic and positive social mentality. These extremely important elements of the investment environment are scarce in the UK today.The ideologicalization of the British economy has greatly depleted the key elements of British development. The British economy is fundamentally based on commerce and free trade, which is the secret of its continued prosperity in recent history. However, the international community has witnessed the British government's economic policy sliding into an ideological abyss in recent years.In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the British government used extreme measures to deal with Russian assets in the UK on the grounds of sanctions against Russia, which is tantamount to burying the sacred rules and open principles of the British market with its own hands. In its relations with China, the UK has repeatedly weaponized the concept of "national security" and created artificial barriers in the fields of 5G application, commercial investment, and scientific and technological cooperation. How can a country that lacks basic commercial credibility and continuity of economic policies build an international business environment that is adapted to the country's economic development?If the UK wants to gain lasting momentum for future economic growth, it must rebuild its strategic awareness for the future world. We live in a world of violent turbulences and changes. The essential features of this change are not only the transfer of the world's economic center, but also the self-development and transformation of the cultural destiny of all countries in the world.The UK is a pivotal country with global historical significance. It has injected political ideology and economic development concepts with extensive influence into world modernization. However, world history cannot always proceed mechanically in the direction set by a few Western countries. Modern human civilization needs new concepts.Unfortunately, the mainstream ideology of British politics is based on zero-sum game and the law of the jungle during the Cold War, a cultural mentality that will probably lead to social unrest far more violent than economic recession.The author is director of the Center for British Studies at Shanghai International Studies University. [email protected] The negotiations of the UN Security Council on a resolution against the Syrian regime have not yielded any concrete result. The UN ambassadors of the 15 member countries deliberated into the night over a weakened text of the four Europeans, however, the veto power of Russia remained their first No. Even China, India, Brazil and South Africa, which together with Russia known as the Brics countries, the European initiative so far fail their consent. Moscow strictly opposes sanctions against Damascus and against the threat of sanctions in the text of the four EU countries. Germany, Great Britain, France and Portugal hope to bring the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, at least with the announcement of sanctions to stop the violent action against demonstrators. According to the UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay, the highest UN body should consider to investigate the actions of the Syrian leadership through the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The once-required travel bans and account lockouts for the heads of the Assad regime were already off the table. The Syrian government uses brutal violence against the opposition for months. According to human rights groups, about 2700 people have been killed. The UN had said of 1900 deaths a month ago. UN Security Council is Struggling to Syria Resolutionadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The porcelain work "jadeite cabbage" Photo: Xinhua The news that three pieces of precious cultural relics were shattered in Taipei Palace Museum cannot be concealed anymore and has caused public outrage across the Taiwan Straits. People on both sides of the Straits and all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation at home and abroad have not only greatly deplored the damage of the cultural relics, but also have doubts over the attitude, ability and motivation of the incumbent management of the Taipei Palace Museum regarding the protection of nearly 700,000 cultural relics housed there.The latest incident could be traced back to May of this year, but wasn't revealed until just a few days ago. The Taipei Palace Museum made a hasty and implausible explanation reluctantly. If the public hadn't exposed the incident, would it have been covered up by the Taipei Palace Museum forever? In places in the museum where the public has not paid attention to, are there more valuable artifacts that have been damaged but covered up?Signs indicate that it's no accident that such incidents have happened one after another in recent years. The root cause is that the DPP authorities' promotion of "de-Sinicization" in the Taiwan island has seriously affected the protection and management of cultural relics in the island. This deserves our high vigilance and firm opposition.It's known to all that the collections in the Taipei Palace Museum are extraordinary. They are cultural treasures belonging to the entire Chinese nation as well as testimony and inheritance of China's long history and splendid culture. They are of more special and richer historical, cultural and ethnic value as they went through China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the Chinese civil war and have become the cultural link and historical bonds that cannot be cut off between the Taiwan island and the Chinese mainland.However, the current management staff of the Taipei Palace Museum have spent more efforts in downplaying and avoiding these aspects than they have invested in the protection and management of the precious cultural relics. This has led to the repeated damage of the precious cultural relics. The batch of national treasures survived the gunfire of Japanese aggressors. They traveled thousands of miles but none was lost or damaged with the escort's protection. Why have they been damaged today? They have been in the Taiwan island for more than 70 years, and received no damages after three times of inventory inspection. How come the damage today? Although Wu Mi-cha, curator of the Taipei Palace Museum, made up various excuses, the outside world has enough reason to doubt that the root cause for the damage to the national treasures is the DPP authorities' "de-Sinicization" actions that go against the trend.The DPP authorities chose Wu to be the director of the Taipei Palace Museum not because of his professionalism or sense of responsibility, but because of his "pro-independence" color. Wu of course understood this. After having taken office, he greatly engaged in "de-Sinicization" in cooperation with the DPP authorities. In all those political manipulations, the valuable cultural relics of the Taipei Palace Museum have been taken as political resources, and the manipulations have consumed and undermined the professional ability and awe in the protection and management of cultural relics.The 1.4 billion people in the Chinese mainland as well as other Chinese around the world are in the position to demand an explanation and assurances from the Taipei Palace Museum and the DPP authorities. If they are unable to protect the priceless cultural relics, they should hand over the work to more professional, capable and responsible people. Previously, it was reported that the DPP authorities wanted to transfer 90,000 of the most priceless relics to the US and Japan. Although the DPP authorities denied this, it is an indisputable fact that the Taipei Palace Museum, which was manipulated by them, has marginalized Chinese culture on purpose.There were many cultural exchanges between museums from the two sides before the DPP authorities came to power. Directors of palace museums across the Straits carried out exchange visits and cultural exhibitions were jointly held. Visitors from the mainland frequently visit the Taipei Palace Museum. The highest record is that of visits of millions of mainland tourists a year. On June 11, 2011, under the joint promotion of insightful people from both sides of the Taiwan Straits, the "Remaining Mountain" and "the Master Wuyong Scroll," two part of the "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" that had been separated for hundreds of years, were combined and exhibited in Taipei, becoming a very symbolic scene of cross-Straits cultural exchanges.When the DPP authorities engaged in secessionist acts, precious cultural relics became sacrificial lambs. It used "jadeite cabbage," a rare piece in the Taipei Palace Museum collection, to campaign for DPP politicians. This time, three valuable cultural relics were damaged. There will be more serious consequences if this is allowed to go on. The only way to fundamentally get rid of the crisis of national treasures is to end the separation between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.Only under reunification can national treasures be better protected, and cultural relics can better play their role in passing on the bloodline of the Chinese civilization. MANZINI A senior government official, who holds the rank of under secretary (US), was last week arrested by the police under the Commercial Crimes and Fraud Department. The US, whose name is known to this publication, was arrested following an investigation by the police on allegations of playing a role in arranging an unauthorised trip to the United States of America. During this unauthorised arrangement, it was alleged that the US forged the signature of the under secretary in the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Office. The trip, which was scheduled for February 18, 2023, was to be undertaken by a social worker employed under the DPMs Office, which houses the countrys Social Welfare Department. This publication gathered that the arrest and subsequent appearance of the US was kept under wraps as she appeared in the chambers of a magistrate at the Mbabane Magistrates Court, where she was released on her own recognisance. Her next court appearance is on January 15, 2024. Appearance In verifying the appearance of the senior government official at the Mbabane Magistrates Court, the Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, was sought to confirm the arrest and she said: The matter is now with the Judiciary as the person you are referring to appeared before court. Meanwhile, on February 19, 2023, the Times SUNDAY reported that the US (name withheld) was alleged to have forged the signature of the US in the DPMs Office when writing a memo to the Ministry of Home Affairs, confirming that the social worker had been officially assigned to embark on the overseas trip. The memo was said to have accompanied an application by the social worker to be granted an international passport. A woman, from the United Sates, who is in Eswatini on a visitors visa, was also found to be involved in the planned travel. All three people, at the time, were planning to take an unidentified minor child to the United States, where they claimed the toddler was to undergo a skin grafting surgery. They reportedly claimed that a US-based entertainment industry non-profit organisation, known as The Stars Foundation, which advocates for underprivileged children and youth of the world, was going to fund the childs surgery. Illustration: Liu Rui/GT It iswidely anticipated that Japan and Australia will strengthen their bilateral defense and security partnership during Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to Perth, Australia, from Friday to Saturday. A new security agreement will be reached and it will be a revamp of the previous document signed in 2007, media reported.Unlike the 2007 version, which stipulates cooperation in such areas as counter-terrorism, the new security deal is aimed at realizing a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region, Reuters quoted Nikkei as reporting. The Japan Times put it more bluntly, "Concerns over China bringing Japan and Australia's relations ever closer." If it mirrors anything, it is that Tokyo and Canberra are blindly dancing to the US tune without their own diplomatic ideas, or even autonomy.Fifteen years ago, the US strategic focus was believed to be on anti-terrorism, so Japan and Australia's defense cooperation was about counter-terrorism. Fifteen years later, the US is promoting its "Indo-Pacific Strategy," so it is simply natural the two allies of Washington are following suit.Nevertheless, Japan and Australia have their own calculations in promoting their bilateral defense cooperation. The US has been fooling Australia with lies that it would help make the latter a world power. Australia, on the other hand, willingly takes the bait.Japan views China as its rival, hoping to contain China and make itself once again the No.1 power in Asia. But as Tokyo lacks strength to reach this goal, it is taking advantage of US support. In other words, Japan and the US are making use of each other.Japan also wants to sell weapons and equipment to Australia, as Australia is one of world's largest arms importers, thus is a prospective market for Japan.The US is the invisible hand behind the upgrade of Japan-Australia mutual defense ties. Japan and Australia are both Quad members. Boosting their ties in terms of military and defense could better promote the US-led multilateral military alliance to counter China.Many reports point out that the enhanced Japan-Australia cooperation includes sharing military intelligence assessments, which will not only help Japan cooperate with and even integrate into the "Five Eyes," but also promote the US global intelligence network. The US seeks to gang up with all of its allies to jointly contain China, and an essential component of military cooperation is intelligence sharing.The US has long portrayed China as a "threat" to the Indo-Pacific region and as a potential "threat" to Australia and Japan's interests. This "China threat" theory is accepted by Japan and Australia. From their perspective, China's rise will undermine US hegemony. The two countries have benefitted from US hegemonic rules, thus they are terrified of China's development and cannot view China's development in good faith.However, they are making the wrong decisions and are miscalculating. Peaceful coexistence with China is more in line with their own security and economic interests. China consistently pursues a path of peaceful development, and China's growth presents a significant opportunity for all countries, including Japan and Australia. Building a community with a shared future for mankind is in fact a responsible statement that China has made to the world. The constant hype of the US and the extreme lack of confidence of some countries like Japan and Australia are the fundamental reason for them to view China as their biggest "imaginary enemy."The US wants to make Japan and Australia its "unsinkable aircraft carriers." The selfish US is always calculating to make others sacrifice for itself. For this reason, it has constructed massive military bases in Australia and Japan. When Australia and Japan still seek to forge closer political, military, and economic links with the US, they failed to see the fact that the US is a self-centered and self-serving country. They will only fulfill the US wishes while destroying their own interests.The author is a Beijing-based military expert and TV commentator. [email protected] A total of 18 Taiwan firms will invest NT$55.4 billion (US$1.91 billion) in four local ports over the next five years,joker gaming slot 123gostream providing a shot in the arm for the islands economy, according to Taiwan International Ports Corp. The firms, which are expected to sign letters of intent with state-run TIPC Nov. 16 in Taipei city, will establish operations in the designated industry zones of Kaohsiung, Keelung, Hualien and Taichung ports. The new ventures cover a wide range of sectors, including logistics equipment and services, energy, food processing and petrochemicals, a TIPC official said. An NT$35.6 billion mega project by Taipei-based China Petrochemical Development Corp. accounts for the lions share of the petrochemicals investment. The firm plans to set up facilities for producing chemical fibers and industrial petrochemical materials, as well as two terminals for liquid chemicals. Kuokuang Petrochemical Technology Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of state-run refinery CPC Corp., will spend NT$10 billion on a methyl methacrylate (MMA) plant in Taichung. The company had planned to build a naphtha cracker in Malaysia, but decided to move part of the investment home after experiencing difficulty in land procurement. Industry experts describe MMA as a high-value petrochemical material with a wide range of applications. Kuokuangs move is a positive response to the government policy goal of promoting petrochemical production and balancing economic growth with environmental protection, they said. As part of preparations for these new projects, phase two of Kaohsiung Ports Intercontinental Container Terminal will commence construction in early 2013. The much-vaunted project includes 10 petrochemicals terminals, four bulk cargo terminals and 47.2 hectares of land for petrochemicals and oil product storage, the official said. Meg Chang Taiwans major ports secure new investmentsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The Chinese Government has announced that it opposes the use of force and forced change of regime in Syria and has argued that this option violates the basic norms guiding international relations. China strongly opposes the use of force to solve the Syrian problem and opposes resolution that has forced to change the regime in Syria, as this violates the UN Charter and basic norms guiding international relations practices, said Li Baodong, Chinese Ambassador to the UN. The text on the table is an endorsement of the Arab initiative for Syria, the secretary general of the Arab League, Nabil Elaraby, has chosen to defend himself. The head of the League has stressed the need to adopt a quick and decisive action. China and Russia have opposed attempts by other countries of the Security Council to pass a resolution condemning the repression of the Syrian revolts in the country. For its part, the Syrian ambassador to the UN, Bashar Jaafari, on Tuesday accused Western powers of colonialism postures with their constant criticism. Spiral of violence For her part, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has claimed that the forces of al-Assad have initiated most attacks in which civilians are killed. Now that more people pick up arms to resist the regimes brutality, violence is growing to spiral out of control, she lamented in a statement to the Security Council. The U.S. diplomat, who fears a possible civil war in Syria, has urged the 15 countries represented in the main decision making body of the UN to support the Arab League plan. China opposes the use of force to resolve the crisis in Syriaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China and Russia vetoed on Saturday a UN Security Council draft resolution condemning repression in Syria to avoid new disorders and victims. The Sino-Russian veto is intended to allow the continuation of the search for a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis, said Xinhua news agency. By vetoing, Russia and China argue that more time and patience should be made to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis, saving the Syrian people from new disorders. Until the last moment, negotiations had continued to try to persuade Russia not to block the draft resolution. After exchanges called alive between Clinton and Lavrov, Moscow announced that its foreign minister and intelligence chief to go to Damascus to meet Assad on Tuesday. The purpose of the visit has not been clarified. Moscow said on Sunday that the West has not done enough effort to reach a consensus on the resolution. This is the second time that Moscow and Beijing prevented the Security Council out of eleven months of silence on Syria, during which repression has left at least 6,000 deaths, according to activists. A veto of the two countries had blocked a previous resolution in October 2011. Hamadi Jebali, the Tunisian Prime Minister calls on Arab countries to expel Syrian ambassadors. The Syrian people expected acts. The least we can do is to cut all relations with the Syrian regime. We must expel the Syrian Arab ambassadors and all others, Jebali said at the security conference in Munich, the day after the expulsion of Syrian representative in Tunisia. Mr. Jebali denounced the excessive use of the veto. It is a right which has been abused, the international community must review such a mechanism, he said. The Yemeni Tawakkol Karman, public face of the Arab Spring and co-winner of 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, also called Sunday all countries to expel the Syrian ambassador. On behalf of the peaceful people of Syria, I urge you to expel Syrian ambassadors to your countries. said Ms. Karman, addressing the leaders attending the conference in Munich, including the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. This is the minimum you can do to punish the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan Sunday called for a boycott of the Russian and Chinese veto which blocked the draft resolution of the UN Security Council condemning repression in Syria. After the veto on Syria, Moscow and Beijing trying to justify their positionadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Jia Qinglin,red goniopora chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, arrived here Sunday afternoon to attend the royal cremation ceremony of the late Cambodian former King Norodom Sihanouk, which will be held on Monday. At the Phnom Penh International Airport, Jia was cordially greeted by Long Visalo, Secretary of State at Cambodias Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During his stay in Cambodia, he will meet with Sihanouks wife Queen Mother Norodom Monineath, King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen to convey the grief of the 1.3 billion Chinese people to them over the passing-away of the King Father Norodom Sihanouk. Prince Norodom Ranariddh, the eldest son of Sihanouk and former Prime Minister of Cambodia, told Xinhua Saturday that the visit of Jia Qinglin is a testament to prove excellent and strong relationship and cooperation between China and Cambodia. Prince Sisowath Thomico, the spokesman for the Royal Cabinet and former aide to the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, said Jia s visit is a big honor for Cambodia. It is the symbol of the friendship and the fraternity that links Cambodia to China; it is a big honor for Cambodia to have a respected leader of the People Republic of China attending the royal funeral, he told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Saturday. Both countries are linked together. I do not believe that anything could break that relationship, and we will further improve cooperation, friendship relations with the People Republic of China, the Prince said. Besides Jia, a number of foreign leaders including French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Laos Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Vice President of the Philippines Jejomar C. Binay, and Japans Prince Akishino will also take part in the cremation ceremony on Monday. Born on Oct. 31, 1922, Sihanouk ruled Cambodia from 1941 to 1955 and again from 1993 until his voluntary abdication on Oct. 7, 2004 in favor of his son, the current King Norodom Sihamoni. Sihanouk died naturally and peacefully at the age of 90 in Chinas capital of Beijing on October 15, last year. Xinhua Chinas top political advisor arrives in Cambodia for ex-King Sihanouks funeraladded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The decision of Russia and China to block a draft resolution on Syria in the UN Security Council was legitimate, said Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, the Iranian news agency IRNA reports. The UN Security Council has turned into an instrument by which the West is putting pressure on individual countries. At this time, Russia and China are opposed to this. Salehi said. Resolution on Syria would be interference in the internal affairs of Syria, he said, adding that such issues are not within the competence of the UN Security Council. According to him, a veto imposed on the draft resolution on Syria by Russia and China, should be a signal about the unacceptability of the West of using the UN Security Council as its instrument. The head of Irans Foreign Ministry said that the U.S. blocked the UN Security Council for more than 60 anti-Israeli diplomatic documents, which is clear evidence of bias and partiality. February 4, Russia and China have used the veto power when voting in the UN Security Council taken by the delegation of Morocco, a draft resolution on Syria. In support of the document, were co-sponsored by seven countries members of the Council. 13 states vote in favor, no abstentions, vetoed by Russia & China. To pass a decision, the resolution must get support from nine of the 15 Security Council members, provided that any of the five of its permanent members including the United Kingdom, China, Russia, USA and France, will not use the veto power. Iran considers veto power of Russia and China legitimateadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Review: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS closeVideo A special electric car Most car enthusiasts will tell you that the classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" is a work of art. One of them literally became one. In 1986, German art gallery owner Hans Meyer got the idea to do a series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the automobile. The Benz Patent-Motorwagen that is considered to be the first automobile received its official patent in 1886. HERE'S WHY MERCEDES-BENZ SOLD A CAR FOR A RECORD $143 MILLION Andy Warhol used this Mercedes-Bens 300 SL for a series of artworks. (RM Sotheby's) Meyer wanted to team up with Mercedes-Benz on the project, but needed to sell them the idea. So he met with his friend, Andy Warhol, at Harry Cipriani restaurant in New York to see if hed be interested. When Meyer showed Warhol a photo of a 1955 300 SL from an illustrated book, he agreed, then took the same photo and turned it into two of works of pop art. Art from the "Cars" series has been displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. (THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP via Getty Images) Mercedes-Benz ended up commissioning the full series, which ultimate encompassed 36 silkscreen prints and 13 drawings of various vehicles, but was still being worked on when Warhol died in 1987. The two original works are currently in the collections of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, and arent technically for sale. But the car featured in them is. Brabus put the 300 SL through a 4,500-hour restoration. (RM Sotheby's) The 1955 300 SL was purchased nearly three years ago from an estate by Brabus, a company that builds high performance versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and also does show quality restorations of its classic models. Brabus CEO Constantin Buschmann told Fox News Digital that the car had been in the possession of its owner for decades and had the same license plate as the one in the art, but that wasnt enough on its own to confirm its provenance. The car had been in its previous owner's possession for decades. (RM Sotheby's) The car was also in what Buschmann called "honest" condition and in need of a refresh, so the company began putting it through 4,500-hour restoration process as it explored its history. REVIEW: THE 2022 MERCEDES-BENZ EQS IS A VERY SPECIAL ELECTRIC CAR Using the license plate, it was able to work with Mercedes-Benz to match the vehicle identification number of the car in the magazine shoot, which was further confirmed by a few unique features on the vehicle, including its wheels. Brabus used the license plate to confirm the vehicle identification number matched the one used in the photos. (RM Sotheby's) The silver coupe has since been shown alongside the artwork in collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation and is now being offered for sale by RM Sothebys through a private sealed auction being held in New York. RM Sothebys has put a pre-auction estimate of $1.5 million to $3 million on the vehicle, which is roughly what versions with less interesting histories sell for, so theres really no telling how much the Warhol car will ultimately be worth. The 300 SL is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six-cylinder engine. (RM Sotheby's) And the world may never know. Since it is a sealed auction, it will be up to the buyer to both identify themselves and reveal the price paid when the winning bid is determined on Nov. 17. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Even if it outperforms the estimate, the price paid for the car is unlikely to match that of a piece of Warhol's art that is also up for auction by RM Sotheby's this week. "White Disaster" is a collage of photos from an automobile accident that is the sister piece to a work called "Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)" that was sold in 2013 for $105 million. Gary Gastelu is Fox News Digital's automotive editor. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui-chun on the sidelines of ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meetings here on Wednesday. Yang said that China-DPRK relations are in good shape and bilateral cooperation in various fields progressed smoothly. China highly values its traditional friendship with the DPRK and in the new era and under new circumstances,777 games will work with the DPRK to steadily advance their bilateral ties in the principles of carrying on tradition, looking to the future, developing good- neighborly friendship and enhancing cooperation. Yang said that easing the situation on Korean Peninsula serves the interests of all parties. China will strengthen communication and coordination with all parties and work together to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula and create conditions for the resumption of the six-party nuclear talks. Pak Ui-chun said that the DPRK highly values its friendly and cooperative relations with China and the DPRK-China friendship is unbreakable. The DPRK side thanked China for giving valuable support and assistance to the DPRK in its economic and social development over the years and expressed readiness to reinforce friendship and cooperation in all fields and step up communication and coordination with China in regional and international affairs. The DPRK side expressed its confidence about greater progress in the traditional friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and China driven by concerted efforts of both sides. Xinhua Yang Jiechi met with DPRK Foreign Ministeradded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline M.A., German as a Foreign Language, Technical University of Berlin M.A., Turkology Humanities, Freie Universitat of Berlin Like many countries, Germany contains numerous dialects or even languages within its different states and regions. And just as many Scandinavians claim, the Danes cant even understand their own language, many Germans have had similar experiences. When you are from Schleswig-Holstein and visit a small village in deep Bavaria, it is more than likely that you will not understand what the indigenous people are trying to tell you. The reason is that a lot of what we now call dialects actually derive from separate languages. And the circumstance that Germans have one fundamentally uniform written language is a big help in our communication. There actually is one man we have to thank for that circumstance: Martin Luther. One Bible for All Believers One Language for Everyone As you will know, Luther kicked off the Reformation in Germany, making him one of the central figures of the movement in the whole of Europe. One of the focal points of his clerical belief as opposed to the classic Catholic view was that every participant of a church service should be able to understand what the priest read or quoted from the Bible. Up to that point, Catholic services were usually held in Latin, a language most of the people (especially people who didn't belong to the upper class) did not understand. In protest against widespread corruption within the Catholic Church, Luther drafted ninety-five theses that named many of the wrongdoings Luther had identified. They were translated into understandable German and spread all over the German territories. This is usually seen as the trigger of the Reformation movement. Luther was declared an outlaw, and only the patchwork fabric of the German territories provided an environment in which he could hide and live relatively safely. He then began to translate the New Testament into German. To be more specific: He translated the Latin original into a mixture of East Central German (his own language) and Upper German dialects. His goal was to keep the text as comprehensible as possible. His choice put speakers of Northern German dialects at a disadvantage, but it seems that this was, language-wise, a general tendency at the time. The Lutherbibel wasnt the first German Bible. There had been others, none of which could create as much of a fuss, and all of which had been forbidden by the Catholic Church. The reach of Luthers Bible also benefited from the rapidly expatiating printing presses. Martin Luther had to mediate between translating the Word of God (a highly delicate task) and translating it into a language everyone could grasp. The key to his success was that he stuck to spoken language, which he changed where he deemed it necessary in order to maintain high readability. Luther himself said that he was trying to write living German. Luthers German But the importance of the translated bible for the German language rested more in the marketing aspects of the work. The immense reach of the book made it a standardizing factor. Just as we still use some of Shakespeares invented words when we speak English, German speakers still use some of Luthers creations. The fundamental secret of the success of Luthers language was the length of the clerical controversies his arguments and translations sparked. His opponents soon felt forced to argue in the language that he composed to counter his statements. Exactly because the disputes went so deep and took so long, Luthers German was dragged all over Germany, making it a common ground for everyone to communicate in. Luthers German became the single model for the tradition of Hochdeutsch (High German). Thebest personal loan companies reviewsre is an old, deeply rooted story about America that goes something like this: Columbus stumbles upon a strange continent and brings back stories of untold riches. The European empires rush over, eager to stake out as much of this astonishing New World as possible. Even as they clash, they ignite an era of colonial expansion that lasts roughly four centuries, from the conquest of Hispaniola in 1492 to the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. Between those two moments, European empires and the nascent American empire amass souls, slaves, and territory, dispossessing and destroying hundreds of Indigenous societies. The Indians fight back but cannot stop the onslaught. Resourceful and defiant though they might be, they are no match for the newcomers and their raw ambition, superior technology, and lethal microbes that penetrate Native bodies with shocking ease. Indians are doomed; Europeans are destined to take over the continent; history moved irreversibly toward Indigenous destruction. But there is another story we can tell, challenging the notion that colonial expansion was inevitable, and that colonialism defined the continent, as well as the experiences of those living on it. Rather than a colonial America, we should speak of an IndigenousAmerica that was only slowly and unevenly becoming colonial. By 1776, various European colonial powers together claimednearly all of the continent for themselves, but Indigenous peoples and powers controlled it. The maps in modern textbooks that paint much of early North America with neat, color-coded blocks confuse outlandish imperial claims for actual holdings. More from TIME From the beginning of colonialism in North America to the Lakotas final military triumphs, a multitude of Native nations fought fiercely to keep their territories intact and their cultures untainted, frustrating the imperial pretensions of France, Spain, Britain, the Netherlands, and eventually the United States. When American history is detached from mainstream historical narratives that privilege European ambitions for power, European perspectives, and European sources, the record shows insteadtime and time again, and across centuriesthat Indians blocked and demolished colonial projects, relying on sophisticated political systems of kinship that allowed for flexible diplomacy and war-making, continuously reshaping borders on the continent and thwarting colonial ambitions. Both Red Clouds War and the Battle of Little Bighornin which the Lakota Indians and their Cheyenne and Arapaho allies defeated the U.S.have entered the history books as flukes, blamed on poor leadership and on a canny enemy familiar with the terrain. Seen from the Native American perspective, however, Red Clouds War and Custers Last Stand appear not as historical anomalies, but as the logical culmination of a long history of Indigenous power in North America. They were more expected than extraordinary. There are many examples of similar inversions that occurred with other notable battles: the Pequot and Raritan massacres of 1637 and 1644, respectively, seemed to mark the sweeping collapse of Indigenous power in the Northeast. In truth, the massacres exposed a deep-rooted European anxiety over enduring Indigenous power: the attacks were so vicious because the colonists feared the Indians who refused to submit to their rule. The wars with the far more numerous and larger Native nations stretched the colonists near their breaking point. At midcentury, colonial settlements in North America consisted of some two dozen seaside towns and a handful of forts of little consequence on the coastal plains; curbed by Indigenous power, the English colonists had spread up and down along the Atlantic coast, latching onto its sheltering estuaries and managing only fleeting inroads into the continents interior. The Appalachians and the lands west of them remained largely unknown to white people. The violent clashes between Native Americans and colonists during the late 1670s, which came to be known as Metacoms War, or King Philips War to the English, were a shocking calamity to the colonists, even in apparent victory. New England had lost six hundred soldiers, roughly ten percent of its strength, and at least a thousand colonists had died. The colony suffered the loss of a staggering 150,000 in property at a time when 100 was a very comfortable yearly salary. More than a thousand colonial homes had been burned, and some two dozen towns had been either destroyed or severely damaged. The English would not reoccupy their prewar borders until 1700. Read More: You Cant Tell the Story of 1776 Without Talking About Race At the end of the seventeenth century, nearly simultaneous Indigenous rebellions against European imperial ambitions in all regions of North America almost thwarted English, French, and Spanish colonists. Although suffering defeats, Native Americans had rolled colonialism back in different corners of the continent, forcing colonists to retreat, recalibrate their ambitions, and reconsider their ingrained ideas about Native peoples. What made the Indigenous resistance so effective throughout the 18th and well into the 19th century were their systems of kinship and diplomacy which allowed them to recruit soldiers from several nations and forge strategic alliances that played colonial powers off of one another. When the Indian wars finally came to an end in 1877, the United States was both imperious and exhausted. Since its founding in 1776, there had been more than sixteen hundred official military engagements with Native Americans. Moreover, while fighting Indians, the U.S. had descended into a draining and demoralizing Civil War that had claimed as many as 750,000 American lives. When peace finally came, the U.S. committed to completing not one but two reconstructions, of the American South and of the Indigenous West. Compared to the reconstruction of the American South, which involved conciliatory elements, the Indigenous reconstruction was, on the whole, harsh and vindictive, featuring more civilization programs, boarding schools designed to kill the Indian to save the man, and land policies that labeled Indigenous territories surplus land. The four-hundred-year struggle to keep the continent Indigenous had stretched colonists from the European powers, and then the U.S., to the breaking point again and again. The enormous range of Native nations and the sheer depth and multiplicity of their resistance had frustrated the colonists, if it did not kill them. Some nations relied on naked force and numbers to corral and punish colonial powers, while others sought alliances with them. Some forged ties to other Native nations and reinvented themselves as confederacies, such as the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, who were the dominant imperial power in the heart of North America for generations, and in the early nineteenth century the Comanches and Lakotas built empires of their own, in part to survive colonialism. Instead of fighting these Indigenous powers, the colonists placated them. They desperately wanted to be allies and not enemies. They sided with power. Members of the Red Cloud delegation, left to right: Red Dog, Little Wound, John Bridgeman (interpreter), Red Cloud, American Horse, and Red Shirt. Oglala Sioux Photograph before 1876. Bettmann Archive Smaller nations relied on more nuanced and delicate tactics. Rather than confronting colonial powers directly in battle, they evaded them by making themselves small and inconspicuous, using the striking environmental variety of North America. The Catawbas, Shoshones, Utes, Nez Perces, Blackfoot, Seminoles, and others found refuge in deserts, mountains, and swamps, evading the settler empires that struggled with difficult and strange terrain, while the Shawnees, the greatest travellers in America, countered colonial displacement with a highly organized Indigenous diaspora. In the lower Mississippi Valley, the petites nations made themselves into forceful regional powers through strategic mobility, calculated violence, and expedient alliances, keeping just ahead of the imperial gaze of the surrounding colonial empires. Indigenous power in North America reached its apogee in the mid- to late nineteenth century, which, at first glance, appears counterintuitive. This was the period when the country emerged onto the world stage with its monstrous contiguous economic territories, inspiring awe and fear in Germany and fueling an impression as the greatest menace in Italy. Subduing independent Native nations and erasing their sovereignty seemed to the imperial U.S. a straightforward problem of plying its overwhelming military might and technological advances, including railroads. But the Indigenous nations, too, reinvented themselves, in part as a response to the rising American empire. The powerful Comanches reduced much of the Mexican Republic to an extractive hinterland, enabling them to reign over an oversized section of the hemisphere. The Lakotas, relying on their equestrian mobility, their broad alliance network, and their generations-long experience of blocking colonial ambitions, emerged as the leading guardians of the Indigenous continent. Over a period of seven decades, they foiled U.S. expansion again and again, protecting in the process scores of smaller and more vulnerable nations. Looking east from the North American West, the history of North America emerges as a single story of resolute resistance that kept much of the continent Indigenous for generations. Set against the deep history of the Indigenous continent, American history looks fundamentally different. So does the American present. Today, sovereign Indigenous America persists in the dynamism of modern Native communities, in the endurance of traditional ways of life, and in the continuation and evolution of the primary Indian response to colonialism: resistance. Adapted from Pekka Hamalainens Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America, published by Liveright/Norton MANZINI A senior military man, who was the treasurer of a stokvel at the army infantry school in Mbuluzi, took his own life after allegedly misappropriating the cooperatives money. The senior soldier was among seven deaths that were recorded over the Christmas weekend. These deaths are a 41.7 per cent decline from those recorded in December last year, where 12 people died. The deaths recorded by the police included a sudden death, suicide, motor vehicle accidents and stabbings. The decline in the deaths recorded in the past four days, which marked the Christmas weekend, also reflected a decrease in murders when compared to the same period last year. Increase However, there has been an increase in road traffic accidents by 50 per cent, as two fatalities due to automobile accidents were recorded. It is also worth noting that no fire and drowning incidents were recorded in the past weekend. Meanwhile, the senior soldier supposedly committed suicide at the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) shooting range, which is a stones throw from the armys infantry school. According to a source, the senior soldier, whose rank was Lance Corporal, allegedly took his own life by ingesting a poisonous substance. The source claimed that this happened after the military man failed to give satisfactory answers regarding the missing stokvel money, which was supposed to have accumulated to about E100 000. The source disclosed that since the year was about to end, the stokvel members expected to be called to an annual general meeting (AGM), to discuss the finances, so that they could share the dividends ahead of the festive holidays. However, he alleged that while some committee members were engaging him regarding calling the meeting, they learnt with shock that he was found dead at the UEDF shooting range area. His demise meant that some of the members of the stokvel and their families had a bleak Christmas as they did not get their savings of the year plus interest, the source said. The demise of the military man was confirmed by UEDF Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo. She said as the army, they sadly confirmed the death their serviceman. She said even though they were at a loss for words at this point, and painful as it was, the army invested immeasurable resources in training and educating its personnel. Therefore, she said, consequently, the passing on of one of their own would have immediate and long-term devastating ramifications to the State, UEDF and his family, regardless of the cause. Again, Khumalo said even though the training battalion had forwarded a not-so-detailed report on the nature of the death, the Public Affairs Office would not want to comment on the alleged cause for now, as it remained allegations whose veracity is still to be tested and verified by the pertinent structures. Family May I, on that note, kindly request that we afford the family and all those whose lives were touched by the deceased, the respect and time to mourn the demise of their loved one. May his soul rest well, Khumalo said. Also, among the recorded deaths was that of a man who reportedly shot himself dead as he tried to flee from a mob that was baying for his and accomplices blood. The man was said to have been armed with a 12 bore shotgun which, while aiming it at the crowd, he mistakenly shot himself. As this happened, his accomplice is said to have fled the scene. However, it is said his attempt to evade the mob, which comprised of residents of Madlangampisi, in northern Hhohho, led to exhaustion and dehydration. As such, it was said when the mob finally caught up with him in the presence of the police, he collapsed and was rushed to Dvokolwako Health Centre, where he died. These deaths were said to have been recorded on Christmas Day. According to sources, the pair was being attacked by the mob on suspicions of housebreaking. They were accused of breaking into a school and also one of the homesteads in the area. Another death recorded over the weekend emanated from an incident where a man reportedly drank whiskey and beer simultaneously at KaLomvovo, Hluthi in the Shiselweni Region. He is said to have then complained of chest pains before collapsing and dying. Also, at Makhwelela in the Shiselweni Region, on Saturday, a 31-year-old man of the area was found dead with multiple stab wounds on the body. On Friday, at about 6pm, a 22-year-old man of Fonteyn sustained serious head injuries after he boarded an unknown motor vehicle in the boot. This happened along Ngwenya/Lush Hair Care Company. Subsequent to his injuries, he was conveyed to Mbabane Government Hospital where he was admitted and later died while undergoing treatment. Knocked down Also, on Christmas Eve, at about 7:55pm, a 52-year-old man of Mzimnene was knocked down by a Hyundai Accent sedan, driven by a 39-year-old man of Hawane, while trying to cross the road. The accident happened near Mafutseni Ranch, along Luve/Mafutseni MR5 Public Road. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital, where he was confirmed dead upon arrival. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the deaths through press releases. Renmin Ribao, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, has accused Western countries of inciting civil war in Syria. In its editorial the newspaper writes that Western support for the Syrian opposition could lead to full-scale civil war. In this case, foreign intervention will be inevitable, adds the newspaper. Foreign Minister Zhai Jun met in Damascus with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and supported his plan for a referendum on a new constitution in Syria. Zhai Jun, also urged both sides to immediately end the violence. Opposition calls for a boycott of the referendum, as in its opinion, the vote can not take place when the countrys violence continues. On Sunday, British Foreign Secretary William Hague told the BBCthat the ability of the international community to help Syria and prevent the onset of civil war are limited because of the veto by Russia and China on the draft resolution of UN Security Council. Protests against the current government began in Syria almost a year ago. Human rights activists believe that during this time the government forces killed more than seven thousand people. The government in Damascus, says that the rebels were guilty of the death of at least two thousand members of the security force of the country. Meanwhile, one of the opposition activists called for the evacuation of women and children from the area of Bab Amr in the city of Homs, which has been exposed to artillery fire of the Syria army for several days. According to the opposition, the government forces intensify the siege of Homs, Hadi Abdullah told AFP that residents of this area are in deplorable conditions, and are awaiting death. China accuses the West of fomenting civil war in Syriaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Japan and South Korea agreed Wednesday to seek tougher sanctions against the Democratic People s Republic of Korea (DPRK),deposit game wind creek free spin which conducted a nuclear test Tuesday, in the UN Security Council. In a telephone conversation between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, both of them agreed the DPRKs nuclear test violated relevant resolutions approved by the UN Security Council and damaged regional and international peace and stability. Therefore, they agreed that the Security Council should impose tougher sanctions against the DPRK, and the two countries will work closely on approving such a UN resolution. The DPRK, despite strong opposition from the international community, conducted its third nuclear test Tuesday, drawing condemnations from a number of countries. Xinhua Japan, S. Korea to seek tougher UN sanctions against DPRKadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is a Notary?betting indian sites zoogame nft A notary is a publicly commissioned official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of a legal document. Document signings where the services of a notary are generally necessary are real estate deeds, affidavits, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, bills of sale, or other official transactional documents. The main reason a notary is used is to deter fraud. Key Takeaways A notary is an impartial witness to the signing or authentication of a legal document. Examples in which notaries are required include real estate deeds, affidavits, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Notaries must be at least 18 years old and reside in the state where they are licensed. Thereafter the steps to becoming a notary differ from state to state. The National Notary Association (NNA) is a good resource for education and information about notaries. Understanding the Role of a Notary A notaryalso referred to as a notary publiccan be used to create trusted documentation or that a transaction occured and was officially recorded. For a document to be notarized, it must contain a stated commitment. The document must also contain original signatures from the parties involved. Before signing a document, notaries ask for photo identification from the participating parties. A notary can refuse to authenticate a document if they are uncertain about the identity of the signing parties or if there is evidence of fraud. The document then receives a notarial certificate and the seal of the notary who witnessed the signings. Notaries cannot refuse to witness a document based on race, nationality, religion, or sex. Notary History According to the National Notary Association (NNA), notaries were used as far back as 2750 B.C.E. in Egypt and Sumeria. Called scribes by the Egyptians, these writers and witnesses documented much of the history of the ancient world. The Roman Empire used notariiand scribaeto witness and document everything from speeches to weather and to create official documents. The first recognized notary was Tiro, a Roman servant who developed a shorthand for recording speeches. The Chinese also used scribes to document events, teachings, log resource and labor data, and help the state function with detailed accounting. Notaries accompanied Christopher Columbus on his voyages to assure King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella that all discoveries were valid. Writer Mark Twain was a notary, while Salvador Dali, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, were the sons of notaries. Coolidge remains the only president sworn into office by a notary, his father. Women were not allowed to be notaries until the 1900s but now outnumber male notaries, according to the NNA. How to Become a Notary The steps to becoming a notary vary from state to state. Broadly, notaries must be at least 18 years old and reside in the state where they are licensed. Costs to become a notary include training, supplies, a bond, and the oath of office. Notaries cannot give legal advice and can be fined for doing so. They are also not to act in situations where they have a personal interest. Requirements vary, but in general, most states require you to: Meet all state requirements Register for an approved notary course and attend it Pass an exam Complete an application, get it notarized and submit it with any required documentation Upon approval, take your oath of office, pay a fee, and buy your notary seal Additionally, many states do not allow someone to become a notary if they have a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction. Where Can I Notarize a Document? Many notaries provide their services and create listings or web pages with contact information. Many packaging stores, postal centers, postal services, and copy centers have notaries employed also. Some places you can get a document notarized are: Post offices Banks and credit unions Real estate firms Tax and accounting Offices Libraries Colleges Shipping stores You can also look online for online notaries in your area. Some states began exploring electronic and remote notary options during the Covid-19 pandemic.Many states have enacted legislation authorizing Remote Online Notarization (RON) following the Covid-19 outbreak and pandemic. Using RON, you can access the services of a notary online from anywhere as long as your state's requirements are met. Most states place regulatory compliance on the office of the Secretary of Stateyou can check with your Secretary of State to see if RON is available. What Does a Notary Do? A notary is a public official trusted by a state government to witness signatures and verify that transactions occurred or that something documented actually happened. What Does It Take to Become a Notary? To become a notary, you need to meet your state's requirements, then go through a learning and application process. You also may be required to take an exam. Once you pass, you're sworn into office as a notary. How Much Does It Cost to Be a Notary? The fees to be a notary vary by state. In some states, notaries are required to recertify, adding to the costs. They also must buy their seal. The Bottom Line Notaries have served an essential function in government and society for thousands of years. From documenting crop yields in the past to verifying documents and signatures over the internet, notaries continue to ensure that information provided can be trusted. All states and counties have notaries. You can find a notary in many businessesyou might even find one living next door. If you live in a remote area or cannot otherwise find a notary, many states have enacted legislation to make it easier to have your documents notarized through remote technologies. dangerous offender New Word List Save This master 123 slot legal online pokerWord! 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Nestel|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST An additonal 30,000 made it to Europe by other routes including commercial flights and dangerous overland passages. Ghost Ships of the Mediterranean|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST Ghost Ships of the Mediterranean|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST The most dangerous attacks are those that undermine your perceived strength. Will Chris Christie Regret His Cowboy Hug?|Matt Lewis|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST There were also crashes not due to either mechanical or human error but to a lack of warning of dangerous conditions. Flight 8501 Poses Question: Are Modern Jets Too Automated to Fly?|Clive Irving|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST Flight 8501 Poses Question: Are Modern Jets Too Automated to Fly?|Clive Irving|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST The people here retained the same paganism and barbarity, only they were not so dangerous, being conquered by the Muscovites. The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe The major-general kept him well informed of every movement of the enemy, and pointed out the dangerous isolation of Davout. Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison Undesirable inhabitants of the country are being sent away, especially the Japanese, who are more dangerous than the Chinese. The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various As if unwilling to trust himself longer in dangerous companionship, he went up to town with Thomas Carr. Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood Why use dangerous cosmetics when Jones' soap retains youth and health for the complexion, and fosters the development of beauty? The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questiondanger angle, Danger Cave, danger man, danger money, dangerous, dangerous offender, dangle, dangleberry, dangling participle, Dani, DaniaCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Top legislator Wu Bangguo arrived in Macao on Wednesday for a three-day visit to mark the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Macao Basic Law. Wu,ibet app download dota epic league who is chairman of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech, attend celebration activities and meet with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administration Region. The Macao Basic Law was promulgated on March 31, 1993 and took effect on Dec. 20, 1999, when the government of the Peoples Republic of China resumed exercising sovereignty over Macao. It has acted as the cornerstone of the regions political and legal systems. Xinhua Top Chinese legislator visits Macaoadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline On February 8, 2012, Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Great Hall of the People. Wen spoke positively of the growth of China-Canada relations in recent years, citing frequent high-level exchanges, enhanced two-way trade and investment, and increasing exchanges in the areas of culture, education and technology. Both sides have also conducted effective coordination in international and regional organizations, he added. Under the new circumstances, the two countries should implement the consensus reached in the China-Canada joint statement, maintain mutual respect, equality and non-interference in each others internal affairs and beef up understanding through dialogue, Wen said. China and Canada have common interest in a wide range of areas including developing economy, maintaining peace, and addressing global issues. China is ready to work with Canada to plan the development of bilateral relations from the long-term and strategic perspective and push exchanges and cooperation in various fields to yield more results. Wen said the two economies are highly complementary and both sides should make full use of this advantage to cope with the increasingly fierce international competition. The negotiation on China-Canada investment protection agreement has concluded. We hope to sign the important document as soon as possible to facilitate two-way investment, Wen said. Wen proposed to draw up an all-round plan on boosting bilateral economic cooperation based on joint research on economic complementarities. He also urged discussions on the feasibility of signing a China-Canada free trade agreement. He urged the forging of a long-term, stable and diversified partnership with Canada in the energy and resource sector. China is ready to expand imports of energy and resource products from Canada and enhance cooperation in clean and renewable energy, energy-saving, environmental protection, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Wen said. The two countries should also explore cooperation in the areas of the judiciary, culture, technology, agriculture, finance and the polar ocean, he added. Harper told Wen that recent years have witnessed strong growth of Canada-China strategic partnership, fruitful cooperation in various fields, close personnel contact and strengthened bilateral friendly ties. Canada-China relations are long-lasting and strategic ties based on mutual respect and they enjoy broad prospect. Harper said Canada welcomes China to expand investment in his country and expects closer bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, resources, finance and culture. He vowed closer coordination with China in global and regional affairs and to boost bilateral ties to a new level. Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional hot issues. Following the talks, the two leaders attended the signing ceremony of several bilateral cooperation agreements. Prior to the talks, Wen hosted a welcome ceremony for Harper at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman of Central Committee of China Zhi Gong Party Yang Xiaopei, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission of China Zhang Ping, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, Chinese Ambassador to Canada Zhang Junsai and other officials attended the welcome ceremony. Wen Jiabao Holds Talks with Canadian Prime Minister Harperadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a congratulatory message to the 12th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation conference upon its opening on Wednesday in Cairo,rules to omaha poker Egypt. On the occasion of the opening of the 12th session of the Islamic Summit Conference, I wish to extend, on behalf of the government of the Peoples Republic of China and in my own name, warm congratulations to the session, Wen said in the message. Both the Chinese people and people of the Islamic countries love peace and long for development. China values its friendly relations with the Islamic countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the premier said. We are ready to work with the Islamic countries and the OIC, in a spirit of equality, mutual trust, inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutually beneficial cooperation, to deepen win-win cooperation, pursue common development and build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity, he added. I wish the session a full success, Wen said. The two-day Islamic summit starts Wednesday in Cairo with the attendance of 27 heads of states and 29 representatives of OIC members, including Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Turkish President Abdullah Gul. Xinhua Chinese premier sends congratulatory message to Islamic summitadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Strong trade relations between China and Iran seem to have a crack. In recent months, Beijing has reduced almost half of the purchases of Iranian oil, but its not because of a tightening of economic sanctions against Tehran from the international community. Analysts believe that Beijing is trying to get more favorable terms of the contract from the supplier. In recent weeks, China has reduced the imports of Iranian oil, placing its regional partner in a difficult position. Until recently, Beijing has imported about 20% of Irans oil, but since January the volume of purchases has greatly decreased right on 285,000 barrels per day, according to Reuters. Temporary alternative to the Iranian oil comes from Saudi Arabia, which since October last year increased its production 360,000 barrels daily. According to Reuters, everyday about 200 thousand barrels of the increased production go to China. According to many market participants, Chinese commodity broker Unipec (a subsidiary of Sinopec) was able to increase supplies from Saudi Arabia. The prices for Saudi oil continues to stay at a very comfortable level for the PRC. Moreover, Beijing has the capacity of getting supply from different sources. It has got a few alternatives of Iranian oil. In particular, in March China should get the supply of Russian crude from ESPO total of 3.65 million barrels., As well as the supply with crude oil from Urals. Among other alternative energy sources of Iranian oil was gas condensate from the north-west shelf of Australia and the Timor Sea. Experts believe that such actions of the PRC is trying to gain an advantage in discussing the new long-term contracts for the supply of oil. Realizing that the number of buyers of Iranian oil is reduced, Beijing began to pressure on Tehran to provide a long-term contracts in lower price. Of course, the discount is unlikely to be very large, but given the volume of trade, China can save a lot. said the analyst Samual Sizuk from IHS Energy. Nevertheless, Tehran understands very well that Beijing will not totally abandon the Iranian oil. In practice, further increase in production in Saudi Arabia in the event of a crisis can lead to unpredictable consequences on the global energy market. If Saudi Arabia is fully replace Iranian oil imports from the structure of China, there will be almost no free reserves, which can quickly enter the market in the event of war, natural disaster or other force majeure. This imbalance is very dangerous, Beijing is unlikely to take such risks, - said Mr. Sizuk. China is trying to force Iran to reduce oil priceadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is a Rights Offering (Issue)?daffa betting apps and features A rights offering (rights issue) is a group of rights offered to existing shareholders to purchase additional stock shares, known as subscription warrants, in proportion to their existing holdings. These are considered to be a type of option since it gives a company's stockholders the right, but not the obligation, to purchase additional shares in the company. In a rights offering, the subscription price at which each share may be purchased is generally discounted relative to the current market price. Rights are often transferable, allowing the holder to sell them in the open market. Rights Offering How a Rights Offering (Issue) Works 1:25 In a rights offering, each shareholder receives the right to purchase a pro-rata allocation of additional shares at a specific price and within a specific period (usually 16 to 30 days). Shareholders, notably, are not obligated to exercise this right. A rights offering is effectively an invitation to existing shareholders to purchase additional new shares in the company. More specifically, this type of issue gives existing shareholders securities called "rights," which, well, give the shareholders the right to purchase new shares at a discount to the market price on a stated future date. The company is giving shareholders a chance to increase their exposure to the stock at a discount price. (For more, watch the Stock Rights Issue video.) But until the date at which the new shares can be purchased, shareholders may trade the rights on the market the same way that they would trade ordinary shares. The rights issued to a shareholder have value, thus compensating current shareholders for the future dilution of their existing shares' value. Dilution occurs because a rights offering spreads a companys net profit over a wider number of shares. Thus, the companys earnings per share, or EPS, decreases as the allocated earnings result in share dilution. Key Takeaways A rights issue is an invitation to existing shareholders to purchase additional new shares in the company. In a rights offering, each shareholder receives the right to purchase a pro-rata allocation of additional shares at a specific price and within a specific period (usually 16 to 30 days). Shareholders are not obligated to exercise this right. Cash-strapped companies can turn to rights issues to raise money when they really need it. Types of Rights Offerings There are two general types of rights offerings: direct rights offerings and insured/standby rights offerings. In direct rights offerings, there are no standby/backstop purchasers (purchasers willing to purchase unexercised rights) as the issuer only sells the number of exercised shares. If not subscribed properly, the issuer may be undercapitalized. Insured/standby rights offerings, usually the more expensive type, allow third-parties/backstop purchasers (e.g. investment banks) to purchase unexercised rights. The backstop purchasers agree to the purchase prior to the rights offering. This type of agreement ensures the issuing company that their capital requirements will be met. In some cases, rights issued are not transferable. These are known as "non-renounceable rights." In other cases, the beneficiary of a rights issue may sell them to another party. Rights Offering Advantages Companies generally offer rights when they need to raise money. Examples include when there is a need to pay off debt, purchase equipment, or acquire another company. In some cases, a company may use a rights offering to raise money when there are no other viable financing alternatives. Other significant benefits of a rights offering are that the issuing company can bypass underwriting fees, there is no shareholder approval needed, and market interest in the issuer's common stock generally peaks. For existing shareholders, rights offerings present the opportunity to purchase additional shares at a discount. Rights Offering Disadvantages Sometimes, rights offerings present disadvantages to the issuing company and existing shareholders. Shareholders may disapprove because of their concern with dilution. The offering may result in more concentrated investor positions. The issuing company, in an attempt to raise capital, may find that additional required filings and procedures associated with the rights offering are too costly and time-consuming; the costs of the rights offering may outweigh the benefits (cost-benefit principle). de Beze / (French d bz) / New Word List Save This castle online casinoWord! / (French d bz) /Save ThisWord! nounTheodore (teodr).15191605, French Calvinist theologian and scholar, who lived in Switzerland. He succeeded Calvin as leader of the Swiss Protestants Words nearby de Beze How to use in a sentence In the last year, her fusion exercise class has attracted a cult following and become de rigueur among the celebrity set. How Taryn Toomeys The Class Became New Yorks Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST How Taryn Toomeys The Class Became New Yorks Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST They tried to continue their getaway but had to quickly abandon their vehicle on the Rue de Meaux in the 19th. Police Hunt for Paris Massacre Suspects|Tracy McNicoll, Christopher Dickey|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST Police Hunt for Paris Massacre Suspects|Tracy McNicoll, Christopher Dickey|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST Humans spent a long time domesticating cattle, and what they were trying to do, in essence, was de-domesticate them. Nazi Cows Tried to Kill British Farmer|Tom Sykes|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST Nazi Cows Tried to Kill British Farmer|Tom Sykes|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST The band was still on its way back as De Blasio and his wife departed. 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Vol. LV.|Various One evening, while he was thus engaged, he observed de Patinos and Duke Wharton enter together. The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter Without any known cause of offence, a tacit acknowledgement of mutual dislike was shewn by Louis and de Patinos. The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questiondebeak, de Beauvoir, de bene esse, debenture, debenture bond, de Beze, Debierne, debilitate, debilitating, debilitation, debilityCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Oman's Nama Water Services Company has signed an agreement with Target LLC, a leading contractor in the sultanate, to implement works related to water supply within the Sultan Haitham City, reported ONA. A mega development spread over a 15-million-sq-m area, the Sultan Haitham City will boast 20,000 residential units along with key modern lifestyle amenities as well as ample green space. The model of Sultan Haitham City features sustainable lifestyles embracing an architectural vision to accommodate all segments of society, giving them access to all social and recreational facilities and earning them a feeling of belonging. The city will focus on 12 global standards on quality of life and welfare. The criteria range between affordable cost, advanced integrated facilities and modern lifestyles. As per the contract awarded by Nama, Target will build concrete tanks with a capacity of 105,000 cu m in addition to a station for pumping water from Al Khoudh water tanks, water transmission pipes and connection systems for control and monitoring, as well as other civil and electromechanical works related to the operation of the project, reported ONA. The project aims to achieve the goals of activating basic services and service projects in an integrative manner, and to implement smart cities projects in order for Sultan Haitham City to reach sustainability, it added. HAIKOU Kay Feske,basic poker game rules a German architect, never imagined that one day he would be known as the "sausage guy" in South China's island province of Hainan. Feske's story dates back to 2003 when he met his then future wife Yang Aiwei, who was then studying landscape design in Germany and working as an intern in the same architecture company as Feske. They gradually fell in love but had to face being apart the following year as Yang moved to Hainan for a project. A few months later, Feske decided to take a few weeks off to visit her. It was originally planned to be a short trip. Upon his arrival, however, Feske found that the island province was similar to his hometown Rostock featuring agriculture and tourism, and he promptly fell in love with its unique charm. The couple decided to settle down in Hainan. They got married in 2005 and opened their own architectural design firm the next year. As architects with numerous projects across the island, Feske and Yang spent a great deal of time in hotels, where they discovered that most of the sausage products mainly come from big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. "As a German, I am familiar with sausages as they are part of our daily food," said Feske. "Why do they have to come from the far north?" he thought to himself. The couple also sensed potential in Hainan's agriculture market. Consequently, after running the architecture firm for 10 years, they forayed into their second venture of meat processing and started from scratch. They established their company in Ding'an county in 2015 with a 500-square-meter factory. They imported all the machines from Germany and also hired a professional butcher from the country. Their sausages, featuring a combination of German culinary techniques and local Chinese ingredients, were an instant success, gaining particular popularity in Hainan's hotels and restaurants. As a result, Feske earned the nickname the "sausage guy". Over the years, Feske's sausage business has flourished with his product market expanding from the island to other cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou. In order to meet the larger market demand, they began to build a new factory in 2019 with the help of the local government and it is slated to start production in December this year. The daily output is expected to increase from 1.5 metric tons to nearly 10 tons after the new factory is put into operation. Having lived in Hainan for 18 years, Feske said he has seen "unbelievable changes" all around the island. "I have seen a lot of development and the people have always been very nice to me. It's like my home." Since 2020, Hainan has been building a free trade port. Feske believes it will help his business immensely in the future, particularly in the import-export sector. The German architect-turned-entrepreneur said he is very confident in Hainan's future and that it has great potential. "I really hope the free trade port can attract more international companies to set up branches or their headquarters here and bring more expats to Hainan," he added. With the new factory, Feske aspires to make his sausage brand more well-known not only in Hainan but throughout China. He is even considering selling the sausages to other countries, especially in Southeast Asia. New Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Yang Xiuping () presented credentials to ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan here on Monday. During the talk following the presentation of the credentials, Surin extended welcome to Yang as the new Chinese ambassador and highly praised the positive growth in volume of trade between ASEAN and China and the steady development of bilateral relations. Yang, who is Chinas third and also the first resident ambassador to ASEAN, said Chinas deployment of a permanent mission to ASEAN reflects the importance of relations with the Southeast Asian group. Im honored to be the first resident Ambassador of China to ASEAN, said Ambassador Yang, adding that her Mission would like to serve as a bridge of communication, linkage of cooperation, and a messenger of friendship, to promote ASEAN-China strategic partnership to a new height. The two leaders updated each other on ASEAN-China cooperation, and pledged to work closely to further strengthen the strategic partnership. Both the Secretary-General and the Ambassador are optimistic that total two-way trade will surpass the 500 billion U. S. dollar mark by 2015. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced the plan to establish Chinese Mission to ASEAN on the 14th China-ASEAN Summit which commemorated the 20th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations in November last year. Yang arrived in Jakarta on July 27. Prior to this assignment, Yang severed as ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives. Xinhua Chinas new ambassador presents credentials to ASEAN Secretary-Generaladded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is a Mutual Insurance Company?best week 4 bets jumanji free slot A mutual insurance company is an insurance company that is owned by policyholders. The sole purpose of a mutual insurance company is to provide insurance coverage for its members and policyholders, and its members are given the right to select management. Mutual insurance companies make investments in portfolios like a regular mutual fund, with any profits returned to members as dividends or a reduction in premiums. Federal law, rather than state law, determines whether an insurer can be classified as a mutual insurance company. Key Takeaways An insurance company owned by its policyholders is a mutual insurance company. A mutual insurance company provides insurance coverage to its members and policyholders at or near cost. Any profits from premiums and investments are distributed to its members via dividends or a reduction in premiums. Mutual insurance companies are not listed on stock exchanges, but if they eventually decide to be, they are "demutualized." Federal law determines whether an insurer can be a mutual insurance company. Understanding a Mutual Insurance Company The goal of a mutual insurance company is to provide its members with insurance coverage at or near cost. When a mutual insurance company has profits, those profits are distributed to members via a dividend payment or a reduction in premiums. Mutual insurance companies are not traded on stock exchanges, therefore their investment strategy avoids the pressure of having to reach short-term profit targets and can operate as best suited to its members with the goal of long-term benefits. As a result, they invest in safer, low-yield assets. However, because they are not publicly traded, it can be more difficult for policyholders to determine how financially solvent a mutual insurance company is, or how it calculates dividends it sends back to its members. Large companies can form a mutual insurance company as a form of self-insurance, either by combining divisions with separate budgets or by teaming up with other similar companies. For example, a group of physicians may decide that they can get better insurance coverage and lower premiums by pooling funds to cover their similar risk types. When a mutual insurance company switches from member-owned to being traded on the stock market, it is called demutualization, and the mutual insurance company becomes a stock insurance company. This shift may result in policyholders gaining shares in the newly floated company. Most often this is done as a form of raising capital. Stock insurance companies can raise capital by distributing shares, whereas mutual insurance companies can only raise capital by borrowing money or increasing rates. History of Mutual Insurance Companies Mutual insurance as a concept began in England in the late 17th century to cover losses due to fire. It began in the United States in 1752 when Benjamin Franklin established the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses From Loss by Fire. Mutual insurance companies now exist nearly everywhere around the world. In the past 20 years, the insurance industry has gone through major changes, particularly after 1990s-era legislation removed some of the barriers between insurance companies and banks. As such, the rate of demutualization increased as many mutual companies wanted to diversify their operations beyond insurance, and to access more capital. Some companies converted completely to stock ownership, while others formed mutual holding companies that are owned by the policyholders of a converted mutual insurance firm. The decision of the United States to deploy 2500 marine in Australia to strengthen its alliances with its partners in Asia Pacific is double-edged and strongly irritates the authorities in Beijing. The agreement with Australia is the first of its kind since the end of the Vietnam War in the 70s. The agreement comes as the Pentagon budget cuts, but Chinese mainly concerned about this decision, worried of being encircled by U.S. warships in the vicinity of Chinese territorial waters. Following the announcement made jointly by Barack Obama and Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, the spokesman for the Chinese foreign minister, reacted strongly: It is not very appropriate to intensify and expand military alliances with countries in the region. Since the end of the second world war, the United States have large military bases in South Korea and Japan but has closed several bases in the 90s in the Philippines, Southeast Asia. Yesterday Barack Obama said about this deployment is a strategic decision. The United States wants to play a long-term in the region and we do not seek to isolate China. According to Obama, they are allies of the United States in al region, namely Japan and India have asked the U.S. deployment. Remains that a new Cold War with China may be advanced on the horizon, just as Chinese to endow a real navy. China also claims several small islands in the region, particularly in the east and south of the South China Sea that are rich in energy resources. Strengthening military ties with Australia: Obama angers China againadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Fox News Flash top headlines for November 14 closeVideo Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. A research team led by Oregon State University is planning to develop a new rechargeable battery that could reduce the need for environmentally destructive mining of rare minerals like nickel and lithium and accelerate the clean energy transition. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded OSU $3 million to explore the development of a new rechargeable battery technology that would accelerate the clean energy transition without relying on rare finite minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. OSU chemistry professor Xiulei "David" Ji, who will lead a battery research team, said it could be a game-changer. "Its a new paradigm," he told Oregon Public Broadcasting. "We are very excited and very grateful to have this opportunity to work on this project." CALIFORNIA PUSHES INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO PROMOTE MORE AT-HOME SOLAR SYSTEMS As the world transitions from fossil fuels to clean energy to reduce contributions to climate change, there is a growing need for batteries to store renewable energy and power electric vehicles. The resulting battery boom has generated environmental concerns because of the impacts of mining battery materials such as lithium, and it has driven up prices and demand for the minerals used to make batteries. According to the International Energy Agency, an organization that provides data analysis for global energy policies, the world could face lithium shortages by 2025. The price of lithium has soared, tripling in 2021. Nickel, a mineral used for lithium-ion batteries, has also grown in demand and seen price hikes. OSU received $3 million to research how to develop a rechargeable battery that's more environmentally sustainable. The Global Intelligence Files http://wikileaks.org/gifiles Twitter tag: #gifiles OFFICAL PRESS CONFERENCE 12 hours after EMBARGO ENDS: Monday 27 Feburary, noon, Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, Paddington, London, W2 1QJ. LONDONToday WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files more than five million emails from the Texas-headquartered global intelligence company Stratfor. The emails date from between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopals Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defense Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfors web of informers, pay-off structure, payment-laundering techniques and psychological methods, for example: [Y]ou have to take control of him. Control means financial, sexual or psychological control This is intended to start our conversation on your next phase CEO George Friedman to Stratfor analyst Reva Bhalla on 6 December 2011, on how to exploit an Israeli intelligence informant providing information on the medical condition of the President of Venezuala, Hugo Chavez. The material contains privileged information about the US governments attacks against Julian Assange and WikiLeaks and Stratfors own attempts to subvert WikiLeaks. There are more than 4,000 emails mentioning WikiLeaks or Julian Assange. The emails also expose the revolving door that operates in private intelligence companies in the United States. Government and diplomatic sources from around the world give Stratfor advance knowledge of global politics and events in exchange for money. The Global Intelligence Files exposes how Stratfor has recruited a global network of informants who are paid via Swiss banks accounts and pre-paid credit cards. Stratfor has a mix of covert and overt informants, which includes government employees, embassy staff and journalists around the world. The material shows how a private intelligence agency works, and how they target individuals for their corporate and government clients. For example, Stratfor monitored and analysed the online activities of Bhopal activists, including the Yes Men, for the US chemical giant Dow Chemical. The activists seek redress for the 1984 Dow Chemical/Union Carbide gas disaster in Bhopal, India. The disaster led to thousands of deaths, injuries in more than half a million people, and lasting environmental damage. Stratfor has realised that its routine use of secret cash bribes to get information from insiders is risky. In August 2011, Stratfor CEO George Friedman confidentially told his employees: We are retaining a law firm to create a policy for Stratfor on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. I dont plan to do the perp walk and I dont want anyone here doing it either. Stratfors use of insiders for intelligence soon turned into a money-making scheme of questionable legality. The emails show that in 2009 then-Goldman Sachs Managing Director Shea Morenz and Stratfor CEO George Friedman hatched an idea to utilise the intelligence it was pulling in from its insider network to start up a captive strategic investment fund. CEO George Friedman explained in a confidential August 2011 document, marked DO NOT SHARE OR DISCUSS: What StratCap will do is use our Stratfors intelligence and analysis to trade in a range of geopolitical instruments, particularly government bonds, currencies and the like. The emails show that in 2011 Goldman Sachs Morenz invested substantially more than $4million and joined Stratfors board of directors. Throughout 2011, a complex offshore share structure extending as far as South Africa was erected, designed to make StratCap appear to be legally independent. But, confidentially, Friedman told StratFor staff: Do not think of StratCap as an outside organisation. It will be integral It will be useful to you if, for the sake of convenience, you think of it as another aspect of Stratfor and Shea as another executive in Stratfor we are already working on mock portfolios and trades. StratCap is due to launch in 2012. The Stratfor emails reveal a company that cultivates close ties with US government agencies and employs former US government staff. It is preparing the 3-year Forecast for the Commandant of the US Marine Corps, and it trains US marines and other government intelligence agencies in becoming government Stratfors. Stratfors Vice-President for Intelligence, Fred Burton, was formerly a special agent with the US State Departments Diplomatic Security Service and was their Deputy Chief of the counterterrorism division. Despite the governmental ties, Stratfor and similar companies operate in complete secrecy with no political oversight or accountability. Stratfor claims that it operates without ideology, agenda or national bias, yet the emails reveal private intelligence staff who align themselves closely with US government policies and channel tips to the Mossad including through an information mule in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Yossi Melman, who conspired with Guardian journalist David Leigh to secretly, and in violation of WikiLeaks contract with the Guardian, move WikiLeaks US diplomatic cables to Israel. Ironically, considering the present circumstances, Stratfor was trying to get into what it called the leak-focused gravy train that sprung up after WikiLeaks Afghanistan disclosures: [Is it] possible for us to get some of that leak-focused gravy train? This is an obvious fear sale, so thats a good thing. And we have something to offer that the IT security companies dont, mainly our focus on counter-intelligence and surveillance that Fred and Stick know better than anyone on the planet Could we develop some ideas and procedures on the idea of leak-focused network security that focuses on preventing ones own employees from leaking sensitive information In fact, Im not so sure this is an IT problem that requires an IT solution. Like WikiLeaks diplomatic cables, much of the significance of the emails will be revealed over the coming weeks, as our coalition and the public search through them and discover connections. Readers will find that whereas large numbers of Stratfors subscribers and clients work in the US military and intelligence agencies, Stratfor gave a complimentary membership to the controversial Pakistan general Hamid Gul, former head of Pakistans ISI intelligence service, who, according to US diplomatic cables, planned an IED attack on international forces in Afghanistan in 2006. Readers will discover Stratfors internal email classification system that codes correspondence according to categories such as alpha, tactical and secure. The correspondence also contains code names for people of particular interest such as Izzies (members of Hezbollah), or Adogg (Mahmoud Ahmedinejad). Stratfor did secret deals with dozens of media organisations and journalists from Reuters to the Kiev Post. The list of Stratfors Confederation Partners, whom Stratfor internally referred to as its Confed Fuck House are included in the release. While it is acceptable for journalists to swap information or be paid by other media organisations, because Stratfor is a private intelligence organisation that services governments and private clients these relationships are corrupt or corrupting. WikiLeaks has also obtained Stratfors list of informants and, in many cases, records of its payoffs, including $1,200 a month paid to the informant Geronimo , handled by Stratfors Former State Department agent Fred Burton. WikiLeaks has built an investigative partnership with more than 25 media organisations and activists to inform the public about this huge body of documents. The organisations were provided access to a sophisticated investigative database developed by WikiLeaks and together with WikiLeaks are conducting journalistic evaluations of these emails. Important revelations discovered using this system will appear in the media in the coming weeks, together with the gradual release of the source documents. Public partners in the investigation: More than 25 media partners (others will be disclosed after their first publication): Al Akhbar Lebanon http://english.al-akhbar.com Al Masry Al Youm Egypt http://www.almasry-alyoum.com Bivol Bulgaria http://bivol.bg CIPER Chile http://ciperchile.cl Dawn Media Pakistan http://www.dawn.com LEspresso Italy http://espresso.repubblica.it La Repubblica Italy http://www.repubblica.it La Jornada Mexico http://www.jornada.unam.mx/ La Nacion Costa Rica http://www.nacion.com Malaysia Today Malaysia http://www.malaysia-today.net McClatchy United States http://www.mcclatchy.com Nawaat Tunisia http://nawaat.org NDR/ARD Germany http://www.ard.de Owni France http://owni.fr Pagina 12 Argentina http://www.pagina12.com.ar Plaza Publica Guatemala http://plazapublica.com.gt Publico.es Spain http://www.publico.es Rolling Stone United States http://www.rollingstone.com Russia Reporter Russia http://rusrep.ru Ta Nea Greece - http://www.tanea.gr Taraf Turkey http://www.taraf.com.tr The Hindu India http://www.thehindu.com The Yes Men Bhopal Activists Global http://theyesmen.org Nicky Hager for NZ Herald New Zealand http://www.nzherald.co.nz WikiLeaks begins publishing 5 million emails from STRATFORadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Dignified participation in the international community is where to find btc wallet addressa common goal for all of Taiwan society, the Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan said July 29. Only when Taiwan and mainland China face cross-strait realities, find agreement among their differences, and agree not to recognize each others sovereignty while not repudiating their respective jurisdictions can their relations proceed on a stable basis, MAC added. MACs comments came after the eighth Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum in mainland Chinas Harbin issued 17 joint suggestions the same day. As it is a consensus of the ruling and opposition parties, as well as the general public, that Taiwan take part honorably in the global community, the nation will continue to expand its participation in international organizations and activities, MAC said. It hopes that the two sides of the strait can operate with mutual respect and friendship, including in nongovernmental bodies, so that a virtuous cycle will result in greater contributions worldwide. The cross-strait forum, held primarily between Taiwans ruling Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party, said in one of its points that as cross-strait ties are not state-to-state relations, the two sides ought to avoid infighting and should instead negotiate on equal footing. MAC also reiterated the governments position of promoting the institutionalization of cross-strait relations under the framework of the ROC Constitution, the 1992 consensus and the principles of no unification, no independence and no use of force, while dealing with economics before politics and easily resolved issues before difficult ones. The 1992 consensus is an informal, oral agreement that there exists one China, inclusive of the mainland and Taiwan, with both sides agreeing to differ on its precise political definition. The Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum is a long-running exchange of views among political parties on both sides of the strait, MAC noted. The government is willing to learn from suggestions resulting from all types of interaction among civic organizations that can contribute to peaceful and stable cross-strait ties and are in accord with national interests, it added. Taiwan Today MAC stresses Taiwans global participationadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinas solar panel producers embattled by heavy duties from anti-dumping probes in both the United States and Europe are focusing on the domestic downstream power generation sector to offset their export losses. Thevip casino slots LDK Solar Co., one of the worlds largest manufacturers of solar wafers, has seen engines in its workshops in Xinyu, east Chinas Jiangxi Province, roar again. This month, the company has obtained a number of new deals of building photovoltaic power plants in China. The New York-listed companys stock dived to 0.71 U.S. dollars per share on Oct. 19 from an earlier high of 76.75 U.S. dollars dragged by the United States Commerce Department final approval to heavy punitive duties on billions of dollars of solar-energy products from China for the next five years. The duties range from 18 percent to 250 percent. Perhaps the toughest time is passing, as most of the customers and banks have been very supportive of us, said Sam Tong, president and chief operating officer of LDK Solar Co., on Tuesday. In order to tackle the tight cash flow, the company transferred some of its fixed assets to other medium-sized solar companies as a mortgage, suspend standing orders and seek new business partnerships with Chinese downstream power generating enterprises by building solar PV power stations. The company had seven more production lines resuming operations in November. LDK Solar chose to sell 19.9 percent of its shares to a state-backed company on Oct. 19, which generated an immediate 23 million U.S dollars, said Tong. The companys active response to overcome the export crisis has effectively boosted investors confidence on its stocks. LDK Solar saw a 25 percent share price jump the day after its new funding source. The company also gained 70.4 million U.S. dollars as compensation by suspending long-term agreements providing solar wafers for its European customers and Japanese customer Sumitomo. Tong said the price of solar PV products has bottomed out and Chinas domestic solar panel market will see at least a 30 percent surge in the future, with the momentum of building PV power stations. According to a report released by the National Energy Administration in August, China will have 21 million kilowatts of installed solar power generation capacity by 2015, which will be six times more than currently. The administration also asked local authorities to make plans for establishing distributed photovoltaic generation demonstration centers to boost the domestic solar industry. According to the requirement, each provincial-level region may apply to establish no more than three solar energy demonstration areas with a total installed capacity not exceeding 500,000 kilowatts. The building cost of Chinas distributed solar power stations now stands at 7 to 8 yuan per kilowatt-hour, which means these small-scale solar power stations can recover their costs within 3-4 years of operation in solar resource rich regions. Shanghai-headquartered JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd., one of the only two profitable enterprises among Chinas companies listed in the U.S., began to cut its market share in U.S. and European countries last year, and has been expanding in the domestic market. Domestic sales volume now accounts for 30 percent of the companys gross sales, said Chen Kangping, chief executive officer of the company. He added that the firm has set up a special team to prompt home marketing. China is transforming from a big solar panel producer to a big user with technology upgrading and policy support for the clean energy use, said Yao. Commerce Minister Chen Deming told reporters on the sidelines of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China earlier this month that the U.S. is losing out with its decision to approve steep duties on Chinese-made solar panels. The unilateral trade action against Chinas solar panel export will also impact the instigator. China is developing, urbanizing, China has a lot of construction under way and will need solar products, he said. President Hu Jintao noted in his report at the 18th CPC national congress that Chinas economic development should be driven more by domestic demand and strategic emerging industries, which will enable the country to sustain long-term development. China has carried out a spate of supportive measures aiming at shoring up the solar panel producers and promoting the use of solar energy. The State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), announced a plan in October to facilitate the connection of solar power stations to the main electronic grid, breaking the bottleneck that has stifled domestic demand for solar panels. It said that SGCC will allow solar generators with less than 6 megawatts of installed capacity to be connected to the grid, and also provide technological assistance and waive charges associated with connection. Analysts said the move will boost domestic demand and help the solar panel producers weather through its current hardship, which is too dependent on the overseas market. Xinhua Chinas solar panel producers seeking revival through domestic marketadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is the Dividends Received Deduction (DRD)?Scruffy Duck The dividends received deduction (DRD) is a federal tax deduction in the United States that is given to certain corporations that get dividends from related entities. The amount of the dividend that a company can deduct from its income tax is tied to how much ownership the company has in the dividend-paying company. However, there are criteria that corporations must meet in order to qualify for the dividends received deduction (DRD). Key Takeaways The dividends received deduction (DRD) applies to certain corporations that receive dividends from related entities and alleviates the potential consequences of triple taxation. There are different tiers of possible deductions, ranging from a 50% deduction of the dividend received up to a 100% deduction. There are several rules that corporate shareholders need to follow to be entitled to the DRD. For example, corporations cannot take a deduction for dividends received from a real estate investment trust (REIT) or capital gain dividends received from a regulated investment company. Dividends received from domestic corporations have different deduction rules than those received from foreign corporations. How the Dividends Received Deduction (DRD) Works The dividends received deduction allows a company that receives a dividend from another company to deduct that dividend from its income and reduce its income tax accordingly. However, several technical rules apply that must be followed for corporate shareholders to be entitled to the DRD. The amount of DRD that a company may claim depends on its percentage of ownership in the company paying the dividend. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made major changes to the taxation of corporations, including reducing the DRD percentages for dividends received from domestic corporations. In tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, if the corporation receiving the dividend owns less than 20% of the corporation distributing the dividend, the receiving corporation can deduct (within certain limits) 50% of the dividends received. Subject to certain limits, the receiving corporation can deduct 65% of the dividends received if it owns 20% or more of the distributing corporation's stock. However, the 50% or 65% deduction limit does not apply if a corporation has a net operating loss (NOL) for the given tax year. The deduction received seeks to alleviate the potential consequences of triple taxation. Triple taxation occurs when the same income is taxed in the hands of the company paying the dividend, then in the hands of the company receiving the dividend, and again when the ultimate shareholder is, in turn, paid a dividend. Small business investment companies are allowed to deduct 100% of the dividends they receive from taxable domestic corporations. Special Considerations Certain types of dividends are excluded from the DRD and corporations cannot claim a deduction for them. For example, corporations cannot take a deduction for dividends received from a real estate investment trust (REIT). If the company distributing the dividend is exempt from taxation under section 501 or 521 of the Internal Revenue Code for the tax year of the distribution or the preceding year, then the receiving company cannot take a deduction for the dividends received. A corporation cannot take a deduction on capital gain dividends received from a regulated investment company. Dividends from foreign corporations have different deduction rules than those for domestic corporations. In most cases, corporations can deduct 100% of the foreign-source portion of dividends from 10%-owned foreign corporations. Corporations must hold the foreign corporation stock for at least 365 days to qualify for the deduction. Example of a Dividends Received Deduction (DRD) Assume that ABC Inc. owns 60% of its affiliate, DEF Inc. ABC has a taxable income of $10,000 and a dividend of $9,000 from DEF. Thus, it would be entitled to a DRD of $5,850, or 65% of $9,000. Note that there are certain limitations on the total deduction for dividends a corporation may claim. In some cases, the corporation will need to determine if it has a net operating loss (NOL) by calculating the DRD without the 50% or 65% of the taxable income limit. For more information, see IRS Publication 542 or the instructions included in Form 1120, Schedule C (or the applicable schedule of your income tax return). Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday said China is mlb odds covers zombie farm cryptoready to work with Thailand to boost bilateral cooperation and relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Thailand is an important country in Southeast Asia and plays an active role in regional affairs, Li said as he met with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa in Yinchuan, capital of northwest Chinas Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. China regards Thailand as one of the regions most trusted partners, Li said, noting that the country is willing to work with Thailand to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen economic and trade cooperation and expand people-to-people communication to promote bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Sino-Thai relations can play a leading role in China-ASEAN relations through the strengthening of cooperation, according to Li. Li expounded the Chinese governments stance over the Diaoyu Islands, and Chumpol Silapa-archa said he understands Chinas stance. The vice premier also met with guests from the Arab countries. China-Arab relations have ushered in new opportunities and China is ready to push forward bilateral strategic cooperative relationship to benefit the peoples, he said. In recent years, China-Arab exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, culture, education and other fields have made progress as the two sides have a long history of friendship, according to Li. The guests were in Yinchuan to attend the China (Ningxia) International Investment and Trade Fair and the 3rd China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum. Xinhua Li Keqiang: China to promote cooperation with Southeast Asia, Arab countriesadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Washington, Dec 27 (UNI) The crisis in the Red Sea caused by Houthi rebels' attacks has impacted 185 container vessels, disrupting the global supply chains and causing the majority of ships to experience a 720 day transit time increase, analytic network project 44 said. "As of December 26th, 2023, Project 44 is estimating a total of 157 vessels are rerouting around Africa so far. Project 44's AI-powered ETAs have identified that the majority of rerouting vessels will be experiencing a 720 day increase in transit time. Some vessels that are rerouting have increased their speeds to help mitigate, which requires using more fuel, so prices for the ocean could increase. 28 other vessels are opting to drift, meaning to stay stationary and try to wait out the conflict," the watchdog said in an official statement updated on Tuesday. 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 container vessels in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, vowing to continue the attacks until Israel ends its military actions in the Gaza Strip. Last week, US Secretary of Defence 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 joined the US-led maritime coalition. UNI/ SPUTNIK XC SY ARN Darcy's law [ darsez ] New Word List Save This slots of vegas free moneyWord! [ darsez ]Save ThisWord! A law in geology describing the rate at which a fluid flows through a permeable medium. Darcy's law states that this rate is directly proportional to the drop in vertical elevation between two places in the medium and indirectly proportional to the distance between them. The law is used to describe the flow of water from one part of an aquifer to another and the flow of petroleum through sandstone and gravel. Words nearby Darcy's law How to use in a sentence Unless there is a court decision that changes our law, we are OK. Jeb Bushs Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Jeb Bushs Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Submission is set in a France seven years from now that is dominated by a Muslim president intent on imposing Islamic law. Houellebecqs Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Houellebecqs Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST A few days later, Bush replied, We will uphold the law in Florida. Jeb Bushs Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Jeb Bushs Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST To those who agreed with him, Bush pledged that the law against same-sex marriage would remain intact. Jeb Bushs Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST In Israel, however, a new law took effect January 1st that banned the use of underweight models. How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans Underweight Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans Underweight Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST We should have to admit that the new law does little or nothing to relieve such a situation. Readings in Money and Banking|Chester Arthur Phillips Readings in Money and Banking|Chester Arthur Phillips He that seeketh the law, shall be filled with it: and he that dealeth deceitfully, shall meet with a stumblingblock therein. The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various To Harrison and his wife there was no distinction between the executive and judicial branches of the law. The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden Now this setting up of an orderly law-abiding self seems to me to imply that there are impulses which make for order. Children's Ways|James Sully Children's Ways|James Sully These schools became affiliated Universities, but never equalled the Law University in importance. The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questiondarby, Darby and Joan, Darby and Joan settee, Darbyite, darcy, Darcy's law, Dard, Dardan, Dardanelles, Dardanus, DardicThe American Heritage Science Dictionary Copyright 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. What Is an Ombudsman?forebet results www doubleu casino An ombudsman is an official, usually appointed by the government, who investigates complaints (usually lodged by private citizens) against businesses, financial institutions, universities, government departments, or other public entities, and attempts to resolve the conflicts or concerns raised, either by mediation or by making recommendations. Ombudsmen may be called by different names in some countries, including titles such as a public advocate or national defender. Key Takeaways An ombudsman investigates complaints leveled against businesses and other organizations, including the government. Depending on the jurisdiction, an ombudsman's decision may or may not be legally binding. However, even if not binding, the decision typically carries considerable weight. In the U.S., members of Congress serve as ombudsmen. The processing time for a complaint can be between 90 days and nine months, depending on the type and complexity of the complaint. How an Ombudsman Works An ombudsman typically has a broad mandate that allows them to address overarching concerns in the public, and sometimes the private, sector. That said, sometimes an ombudsmans mandate extends over only a specific sector of societyfor example, a childrens ombudsman may be tasked with protecting the rights of the young people of a nation, while, in Belgium, the various linguistic and regional communities have their own ombudsmen. In the United States, members of the United States Congress serve as ombudsmen at the national level, representing the interests of their constituents and maintaining staff tasked with advocating for constituents faced with administrative difficulties, especially those caused by maladministration. An ombudsman is free for consumers to use and is typically paid via levies and case fees. Ombudsmen are in place across a wide variety of countries and organizations within those countries. They may be appointed at a national or local level, and are often found within large organizations, too. Ombudsmen may focus exclusively on and deal with complaints regarding a particular organization or public office, or they may have wider ranges. Depending on the jurisdiction, an ombudsman's decision may or may not be legally binding. However, even if not binding, the decision typically carries considerable weight. What Are the Types of Ombudsmen? While the general duty of the ombudsman is the same, the types of grievances they handle and resolution services they provide may differ according to their appointment. Ombudsmen can be found in organizations, governments, schools, and other institutions. Industry Ombudsman An industry ombudsman, such as a telecommunications or insurance ombudsman, may deal with consumer complaints about unfair treatment the consumer received from a company that operates within that industry. Oftenand especially at the government levelan ombudsman will seek to identify systemic issues that can lead to widespread rights violations or poor quality of service to the public by the government or institution in question. Organizational Ombudsman A large public entity or other organization may have its own ombudsmanan example being the California Department of Health Care Services. Depending on the appointment, an ombudsman may investigate specific complaints about the services or other interaction a consumer has had with the entity concerned. An ombudsman within an organization may also have a primary function of dealing with internal issues, such as complaints by employees, or, if an educational institution, complaints by its students. Classical Ombudsman Ombudsmen duties may be more wide-ranging nationally. For example, some countries have ombudsmen in place to deal with issues such as corruption or abuses of power by public officials. Furthermore, some countries have ombudsmen whose main function is to protect human rights within those countries. While an ombudsman is usually publicly appointed, they will typically have a large degree of independence and autonomy in fulfilling their function. This is to enable the official to act in a fair and impartial way to all parties involved in a complaint. Advocate Ombudsman An advocate ombudsman, just as the name suggests, advocates for people who have filed grievances or for those with whom the grievances concern. They can be found in the private or public sectors but are typically found championing for long-term care residents, the elderly, the underserved, and those who lack the capacity to advocate for themselves. Media Ombudsman A media or news ombudsman who receives complaints about news reporting. The media ombudsman promotes accurate and transparent news reporting in an environment that fosters trust with the general public. Having a media ombudsman can help media outlets avoid lengthy and costly litigation involving false reporting and claims of defamation. Media ombudsmen work with journalists, editors, and other media professionals to investigate and respond to complaints. Often, to promote transparency in operations, they publish their response to a broader audience. People may complain to a media ombudsmen if they feel that a broadcast is particularly lewd or offensive. Advantages and Disadvantages of an Ombudsman Ombudsmen provide a channel for people to submit complaints against institutions (e.g., governments, businesses, organizations, news outlets, and schools) without influence from the accused. They conduct fair and unbiased investigations at no cost to the complainant, providing resolutions or mediation services. Where corruption is present, ombudsmen can investigate, expose, and help correct illegal behaviors. Ombudsmen help prevent governments from abusing their power, such as imposing unfair laws and exerting controls over their citizens without constraints. They also help restore confidence in the system and its ability to fairly address issues. In addition to investigating and providing resolutions, ombudsmen serve as a source of information about policies and procedures. Serving as an unbiased party, they are able to promote communication between parties and clarify issues that stifle progress. On the other hand, an ombudsman offers no benefit when their work produces lackluster or no results. A lack of dedication and service erodes the trust of the complainant and the audience they are appointed to serve. If the claim is complex, receiving a quick resolution is unlikely. Investigations take time and may require additional resources. Despite the recommendation or resolution, the institution has the final say on how to resolve the issue. Unlike lawyers, ombudsmen are impartialexcept in cases where they advocate for the rights of others. Some are familiar with or have legal training; however, they cannot provide legal advice. If the complainant disapproves of the resolution, they may pursue other actions, such as suing the institution. An ombudsman cannot, however, investigate a case after it is submitted to a court. Pros and Cons of Ombudsmen Facilitates customer or public complaints Unbiased and objective Can restore and maintain confidence in organizations or institutions Poor performance can erode trust Cannot provide legal advice Complex issues can take a lot of time to resolve ProsCons If legal action is later pursued for the same complaint, the ombudsman's suggested remedy can influence judicial decisions. What Is the Role of an Ombudsman? An ombudsman is someone appointed to investigate complaints against an institution and seek resolutions to those complaints. Some have full authority to investigate and resolve issues, and some have limited capacity to only investigate and provide suggested resolutions to a governing authority or the institution subject to the complaint. Which Type of Ombudsman Do I Need? If seeking the services of an ombudsman, the type you need is dependent on the nature of your grievance and the institution which has aggrieved you. If the complainee is a member of an organization, seek an ombudsman dedicated to resolving issues for that organization and likewise for other entities. If in the UK, Ireland; or British Crown Dependencies or Overseas Territories, the Ombudsman Association is a great starting point for finding an ombudsman for your particular situation. In the U.S., the United States Ombudsman Association provides a list of websites for public ombudsmen in the United States and parts of Canada. How Long Does an Ombudsman Investigation Take? Investigations conducted by ombudsmen vary. The length is determined by the type and complexity of the complaint, available resources to resolve the complaint, as well as other factors. If simple, it could be six to eight weeks. What Powers Does an Ombudsman Have? An ombudsman has the power to investigate and file complaints against otherwise influential organizations or high-ranking officials. They often have the power to request key documents, interview individuals, and order a legal investigation if necessary. If agreed to, ombudsmen rulings are legally binding. Taiwans export orders surged 10.6 percent year on year in June to US$38.82 billion, buoyed by steadily warming global demand and a lower comparison base from last year, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs July 21. June marked the fifth consecutive month of growth and the largest percentage gain since December 2012, said Lin Lee-jen, director-general of the MOEA Department of Statistics. The figures were much better than expected. For the first six months of the year, exports gained 5.4 percent to US$220.46 billion, the highest on record for the period. According to the official, orders for seven of the countrys eight major export sectors registered growth, with electronics, chemicals and machinery leading the way at 17 percent, 16.4 percent and 15.2 percent, respectively. The increasing popularity of handheld devices continued to spur business for Taiwans foundries, integrated circuit makers and memory producers, Lin said. An improving business climate worldwide also boosted private investment and drove up demand for Taiwan machinery, especially from Europe, the U.S. and Taiwans six major partners from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, she added. Precision instruments, including display panels, was the only sector experiencing a contraction as competition from South Korea and mainland China stiffened. Mainland China, including Hong Kong, remained the top source of orders, up 14.5 percent to US$10.21 billion. The U.S. was No. 2 with an increase of 6.7 percent to US$9.41 billion, while Europe came in third at US$6.86 billion, up 15.2 percent from the year before. The outlook for the following months is even more positive, Lin said. With global heavyweights set to introduce more mobile devices in the near future, Taiwan exports are expected to continue picking up steam in the second half of the year. Taiwan Today Taiwan export orders up 10.6 percent in Juneadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, who is considered the future top leader in the Peoples Republic, has started his visit to the United States. Xi landed at Andrews Air Force Base near the capital city of Washington as a U.S. government official announced. On Tuesday, Xill meet with U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Further stages of the journey which lasted through Friday are the state of Iowa, where Xi had been in the 1980s as part of an exchange program, as well as the west coast city of Los Angeles. In a written interview with the Washington Post Xi said the Pacific Ocean provides enough space for both nations. The Central Committee of Communist Party of China is currently preparing the upcoming change in leadership until 2013. Next year, the second five year term of President Hu Jintao as party leader ends. It is generally expected to nominate Xi as the head of the Communist Party in the autumn. In March 2013 he will also succeed Hu to be the head of state. Between the old superpower US and the emerging giant China, there are some friction points. The U.S. and China are arguing over the yuans value. Moreover, while Washington eyeing Chinas skeptical Navy improvement, Beijing rejects the planned expansion of U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The Peoples Republic warned Washington, against the interference in disputes with Vietnam, Philippines over territories in the resource-rich South China Sea. Chinas future top leader started week-long visit to USadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Illustration: Chen Xia/GT Ulf Kristersson,the new Swedish prime minister, announced the composition of the new government following elections. Judging from Kristersson's remarks, it is almost certain that Sweden's future foreign policies will be more inclined to be in consistent with those of the US and other European countries, including policies toward Russia-Ukraine conflict and China. Any problems that arise in relations between China and the EU will also be likely reflected in the relations between China and Sweden in the future.A nation that insists on embarking on the "Third Way" now has begun to turn right. This is particularly notable when we observe the changes in Europe. In the 2022 Swedish general elections, the far-right Sweden Democrats surged to become the second-largest party. The party, founded in 1988 and with roots in neo-Nazism, has become a political force that can influence the future development of Sweden - this has reflected the changes in Swedish social thought.Although the Sweden Democrats party is not directly participating in the cabinet this time, they will have a say in drafting any and all new laws, amendments to regulations, and budget decisions. They will also be able to place their own political operatives into government ministries to check up on the work of the other parties.Anti-immigrant political forces in Denmark, Norway, and other Nordic countries have been on the rise in recent years, forming a trend of public opinion changes across Northern Europe. Against this backdrop, the Sweden Democrats party, which has an anti-immigrant stance, expanded and won more votes. In recent years, there has been a continuous wave of gang-related crimes in Sweden, many of which are related to the immigrant community. An increasing number of people are beginning to believe that "it's all the fault of immigrants."However, behind the anti-immigration rhetoric is the "Swedish culture first" nationalist ideology. The Sweden Democrats party is steadfastly opposed to cultural pluralism, especially bicultural identity, emphasizing the need to spare no effort to preserve the purity of Swedish culture. The Sweden Democrats leader Bjorn Soder once said that minorities were not Swedish, as ethnicity and citizenship were two different concepts.According to the Sweden Democrats, Swedes are either born in Sweden, or those immigrated to Sweden but actively identify with Swedish culture, choose to become part of Sweden, and are loyal to Swedish culture.This strong cultural conservatism will become an important reason for them to oppose the further promotion of European integration, to be anti-Russian, and to support a hard-line policy toward Russia.In the elections, many Swedish voters changed their long-standing support for the Sweden Social Democratic Party not because they support the far-right policy choice. They changed because they feel the stronger and stronger sense of crisis in ideology, or Swedish culture.During the long post-war period, in which the Sweden Social Democratic Party was in power for most of the time, the party's insistence on the Third Way has made the Sweden a country with the highest social development index in the world, with per capita GDP remaining within the top 10 for the most of the time. Sweden, home to about 10 million people, is playing a leading role in not only Europe but also around the globe in areas ranging from employment, environmental protection, education, science and technology to social welfare and social stability.But in recent years, as globalization has continued to expand and accelerate, Swedes have felt being impacted, especially in terms of economy and social welfare.This is in line with the overall state of development in Europe. Some European scholars have pointed out that the weakening of sovereign state functions by globalization is mainly manifested in the three aspects - security, currency and welfare.In face of the shock, the Swedes are not giving up the "Third Way," but will take a step back to see if they could hold on to the achievement of the "Third Way." They believe, if they are the best, why can't they just stick around? That's why they voted for the right-wing. It is also one of the reasons why this country, which has not participated in a war for more than 200 years, finally decided to join NATO.The rise of far-right parties in Sweden is by no means a positive signal for globalization. Taking political changes that have occurred in major European countries into consideration, such as the UK, Italy, and France in recent years, people are wondering where Europe is headed. This question will determine the future of Western civilization.The author is a senior editor with People's Daily, and currently a senior fellow with the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China. [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter @dinggangchina Illustration: Liu Xidan/GT Giancarlo Elia Valori Photo: Courtesy of Valori China had an epic decade since 2012. Particularly in the last five years,which are truly momentous, extraordinary, the country has successfully dealt with major challenges including turbulent developments in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the COVID-19 epidemic. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) will lay out plans for the strategic missions and major measures in the next five years, getting the efforts to build a modern socialist country in all respects off to a good start."The success of China's path is an inspiration to developing countries and shows them a bright future," Giancarlo Elia Valori (Valori), an Italian expert on international affairs, shared his views on the ongoing 20th National Congress of the CPC in an interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Yu Jincui.Valori: Observers from various Western countries have underestimated the enormous capabilities of the CPC, a century-old party. China has become the world's largest trading nation and has one of the world's largest economies. It is a major trading partner for all other countries in Asia, and so far, 149 countries have participated in China's Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013.Also, let us not forget a very significant aspect of the history and activities of the Communist Party: Marxism. The history of the CPC is a history of continuously promoting the Sinicization of Marxism, a history of continuous development and innovation of theory. The CPC is also committed to emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts, advancing with the times, and being realistic and pragmatic. It constantly broadens the new horizons of Marxism. The Chinese Communists have insisted on combining the basic principles of Marxism with China's reality and have integrated socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era into the Marxist ideological path, achieving the historical leap that led the development of China to today.Valori: In my opinion, in the past five years, China under the leadership of the CPC has led the people to overcome crises and achieve remarkable results, demonstrating the superiority of their system and entering a new era.As General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, the five years since the 19th National Congress of the CPC are momentous, extraordinary. The CPC Central Committee has united and led the entire Party and the Chinese people to effectively respond to the severe and complex international situation and a series of major risks and challenges. Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. The CPC is fully committed to completing the construction of a prosperous society, promoting high-quality development, and advancing reforms in a rapid and stable manner. China has given top priority to safeguarding and improving the quality of life of its people. It mobilizes all sectors of society to fight against poverty, and devotes a lot of energy to the construction of ecological civilization.Valori: The success of China's path is an inspiration to developing countries and shows them a bright future. From my perspective, the Chinese path is worth learning from the following points: putting improvement of people's lives at the top of governmental affairs; formulating a medium-term and long-term development strategy that suits the country's conditions; striving to maintain economic growth and solve the problem of poverty; improving the country's political and economic system; and insisting on opening-up to the outside world and connecting with the world while maintaining independence.China has gone through a long period of time to achieve independence and truly free itself from the control of the superpowers. China's refusal to join any offensive military bloc is significant. It is based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. These five principles are: mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty; mutual non-aggression; mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs; equality and co-operation for mutual benefit; and peaceful co-existence. It has been the foundation of Beijing's foreign policy.The general principles and goals of China's policies toward developing countries are firstly based on strategic partnership, political equality, and economic cooperation. It is based on respect for each other's interests and allows all parties to benefit from cooperation.Valori: China adopts a system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC, and it is a whole-process people's democracy, which is different from the periodic elections in the West. It not only has a complete set of institutions and procedures but also effectively guarantees the full participation of the Chinese people. A comprehensive, extensive and coordinated institutional system has been formed to ensure that the people are the masters of the country and that there are different channels that are open, smooth and orderly. This enables the Chinese people to participate in elections, consultations, decision-making, management, and supervision in accordance with the law and to manage national, economic, cultural, and social affairs in various ways and forms.Regarding the superiority of China's democratic system transcending the election circle, here are two points.First, it can ensure the stability of the policy, thereby bringing about the long-term stability of national development. The overall policy of China's reform and opening-up for more than 40 years has been continuous, coherent, and constantly improved. This is the key to China's success. It is completely different from the change of governments and the ensuing sharp policy turns in Western countries. Taking Italy as an example, there have been 63 governments in more than 70 years after World War II. The impact of frequent changes of government on the development of the country can be imagined. Without a fixed and lasting goal, no amount of effort can get you far. China can formulate and implement five-year plans, which is probably unimaginable in the West.Second, it can ensure that the government's decision-making is fast and its execution is strong. This point goes without saying. Whether it is dealing with the financial crisis in 2008 or the COVID-19 in the past two years, the superiority of the Chinese system has been fully demonstrated.Valori: China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, and respects the development path and social system independently chosen by each country. China has never engaged in systematic competition or ideological confrontation with other countries, and has never used violence to prove that its political system is the best in the world. China does not export its ideology and never seeks to change the internal systems of other countries.I say all this to emphasize that China's stability and certainty are vital to the well-being of the world and directly affect world peace and development. Only when China maintains stability and certainty can human beings be better able to cope with major changes unseen in a century, both politically and economically.Valori: The 20th National Congress of the CPC is a pivotal conference held at a critical moment when China enters a new journey of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way. The conference will scientifically plan the goals, tasks, and major policies for the development of the CPC and national undertakings in the next five years or even longer. It will not only concern China's future but also affect global development. I take this opportunity to wish the 20th National Congress of the CPC a complete success.Valori: I am optimistic about the future of China. I believe that under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people will achieve the CPC's second centenary goal on schedule and build a modern socialist country with prosperity, democracy, civility, and harmony. The prosperity of China will be a blessing to the world and will bring about a harmonious world of peace, diversity, and shared future. Lamin Janneh,what is spell cryptocurrency an international student from Gambia, is pursuing a postgraduate degree in neurosurgery at China Medical University. It has been three years since he arrived in Shenyang, Liaoning province. "After I finish my studies, I will go back to my home country to become the second neurosurgeon and earn a lot of money. This is my dream," Janneh said. With the help of his supervisor, Professor Wu Anhua, Janneh found a way to overcome cross-cultural challenges and discovered why so many CMU teachers have joined medical aid teams for Gambia and other countries in the recent decades. "Medical aid is a very important support for countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also an important means and method to get closer to the local people. In fact, we found that there was a lot of medical work to do when we came here," said Sun Jiaxing, leader of the fifth China (Liaoning) medical aid team. Sun is now working in Gambia. Janneh made up mind to join the China medical aid team and seek help from Chen Lei, dean of CMU's international college, who told him it was a lofty ideal, and in the future Janneh would definitely become a member of the medical aid team. But not now. As a team member, Janneh should connect the needs of the Gambian people with the resources provided by China's medical aid team and serve the health of the Gambian people and the global community, Chen told him. With the support of the university, Janneh started an online program with classmates from home and abroad to serve as a bridge between the China medical aid team and local patients. "I will not only bring advanced medical technology back home but also will contribute to the global community of health for all," Janneh said. What Is a Multilateral Development Bank (MDB)?saint denis poker location A multilateral development bank (MDB) is an international financial institution chartered by two or more countries for the purpose of encouraging economic development in poorer nations. Multilateral development banks consist of member nations from developed and developing countries. MDBs provide loans and grants to member nations to fund projects that support social and economic development, such as the building of new roads or providing clean water to communities. Key Takeaways Multilateral development banks (MDBs) originated in the aftermath of World War II to rebuild war-ravaged nations and stabilize the global financial system. Today, MDBs fund infrastructure, energy, education, and environmental sustainability in developing countries. While commercial banks seek to make profits on loans and other financial services, the goal of MDBs is to issue grants and low-cost loans to improve the economic conditions of impoverished or developing nations. MDBs now operate throughout the world and control trillions of dollars in assets. How a Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) Works Multilateral development banks are subject to international law. They and other international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), originated in the waning days of World War II when the United States and its allies established the Bretton Woods institutions to rebuild war-ravaged nations and stabilize the post-war international financial system. The World Bank, which has been semi-officially dominated by the U.S. since its founding, is one of these institutions. Unlike commercial banks, MDBs do not seek to maximize profits for their shareholders. Instead, they prioritize development goals, such as ending extreme poverty and reducing economic inequality. They often lend at low or no interest or provide grants to fund projects in infrastructure, energy, education, environmental sustainability, and other areas that promote development. "At a time when few institutions were lending during the global financial crisis, the MDBs provided $222 billion in financing, which was critical to global stabilization efforts," according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Along with financial assistance, multilateral development banks often provide member nations with advisers, auditors, and expert assistance in implementing and monitoring bank-funded projects. Types of Multilateral Development Banks There are two main forms of multilateral development banks. The first, which includes the largest and best-known institutions, makes loans and grants. These banks often distinguish between poorer, borrowing members and wealthier, non-borrowing members. Examples include the World Bank, founded in 1945, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), founded in 1959. The second type of multilateral development bank is formed by governments of low-income countries that can then borrow collectively via the MDB in order to secure more favorable rates. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), founded in 1969, is an example of this type. According to the World Bank's 2019 Annual Report, the organization disbursed $49.4 billion during the year to member countries in the form of grants and low-interest loans. Special Considerations Many countries have chafed at the U.S.'s influence over the World Bank and regional MDBs, such as the Asian Development Bank, founded in 1966 and based in the Philippines. In October 2013 Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as an alternative to these American-dominated institutions. The AAIB began operations in 2016, with headquarters in Beijing. The U.S. reportedly attempted to discourage allies from signing on to the project, putting pressure on South Korea and Australia in particular. Both ended up joining, along with 58 other members and 22 prospective members. As of 2019, the AIIB has grown to 70 members and 23 prospective members. Major Multilateral Development Banks The following is a list of the major multilateral development banks, ranked by total assets as of Dec. 31, 2018, except for the World Bank Group, which reflects Dec. 31, 2019 assets (exchange rates are as of April 15, 2020): M.A., History, University of Florida B.A., History, University of Florida Muckrakers were investigative reporters and writers during the Progressive Era (18901920) who wrote about corruption and injustices in order to bring about changes in society. Publishing books and articles in magazines such as McClure's and Cosmopolitan, journalists such as Upton Sinclair, Jacob Riis, Ida Wells, Ida Tarbell, Florence Kelley, Ray Stannard Baker, Lincoln Steffens, and John Spargo risked their lives and livelihoods to write stories about the terrible, hidden conditions of the poor and powerless, and to highlight the corruption of politicians and wealthy businessmen. Key Takeaways: Muckrakers Muckrakers were journalists and investigative reporters who wrote about corruption and injustice between 1890 and 1920. The term was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt, who thought they went too far. Muckrakers came from all levels of society and risked their livelihoods and lives by their work. In many cases, their work did bring improvements. Muckraker: Definition The term "muckraker" was coined by the progressive president Theodore Roosevelt in his 1906 speech "The Man With the Muck Rake." It referred to a passage in John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" which describes a man who raked muck (soil, dirt, manure, and vegetal matter) for a living rather than raising his eyes to heaven. Even though Roosevelt was known for helping usher in numerous Progressive reforms, he saw the most zealous members of the muckraking press as going too far, especially when writing about political and big business corruption. He wrote: "Now, it is very necessary that we should not flinch from seeing what is vile and debasing. There is filth on the floor, and it must be scraped up with the muck rake; and there are times and places where this service is the most needed of all the services that can be performed. But the man who never does anything else, who never thinks or speaks or writes, save of his feats with the muck rake, speedily becomes, not a help but one of the most potent forces for evil." Despite Roosevelt's efforts, many of the crusading journalists embraced the term "muckrakers" and indeed forced the country to make changes to ease the situations they reported. These famous muckrakers of their day helped expose issues and corruption in America between 1890 and the start of World War I. Jacob Riis Jacob A. Riis / Getty Images Jacob Riis (18491914) was an immigrant from Denmark who worked as a police reporter for the New York Tribune, New York Evening Post and New York Sun in the 1870s1890s. For those papers and magazines of the day, he published a series of exposes on slum conditions in the Lower East Side of Manhattan which led to the establishment of the Tenement House Commission. In his writing, Riis included photographs presenting a truly disturbing picture of the living conditions in the slums. His 1890 book "How the Other Half Lives: Studies Among the Tenements of New York," 1892's "The Children of the Poor," and other later books and lantern slide lectures to the public led to tenements being torn down. Improvements which are credited to Riis's muckraking efforts include sanitary sewer construction and the implementation of garbage collection. Ida B. Wells Chicago History Museum / Getty Images Ida B. Wells (18621931) was born into enslavement in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and grew up to become a teacher and then an investigative journalist and activist. She was skeptical of the reasons given for Black men being lynched and after one of her friends was lynched, she began researching white mob violence. In 1895, she published "A Red Record: Tabulated Statistics and Alleged Causes of Lynchings in the United States 189218931894," providing clear evidence that lynchings of Black men in the South were not the result of the rape of white women. Wells also wrote articles in the Memphis Free Speech and Chicago Conservator, criticizing the school system, demanding that women's suffrage include Black women, and vehemently condemning lynching. Although she never achieved her goal of Federal anti-lynching legislation, she was a founding member of the NAACP and other activist organizations. Florence Kelley Florence Kelley (18591932) was born to affluent North American 19th-century Black activists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and educated at Cornell College. She joined Jane Addams' Hull House in 1891, and through her work there was hired to investigate the labor industry in Chicago. As a result, she was selected to be the first female Chief Factory Inspector for the State of Illinois. She tried to force sweatshop owners to improve conditions but never won any of her filed lawsuits. In 1895, she turned to muckraking, publishing "Hull-House Maps and Papers," and in 1914, "Modern Industry in Relation to the Family, Health, Education, Morality." These books documented the grim reality of child-labor sweatshops and working conditions for children and women. Her work helped create the 10-hour workday and establish minimum wages, but her greatest accomplishment was perhaps the 1921 "Sheppard-Towner Maternity and Infancy Protection Act," which included health care funds to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Ida Tarbell Bettmann / Getty Images Ida Tarbell (18571944) was born in a log cabin in Hatch Hollow, Pennsylvania, and dreamed of being a scientist. As a woman, that was denied her and, instead, she became a teacher and one of the most powerful of the muckraking journalists. She began her journalism career in 1883 when she became the editor of The Chautauquan and wrote about inequality and injustice. After a four-year stint in Paris writing for Scribner's Magazine, Tarbell returned to the United States and accepted a job at McClure's. One of her first assignments was to investigate the business practices of John D. Rockefeller and Standard Oil. Her exposes documenting Rockefeller's aggressive and illegal business methods appeared first as a series of articles in McClure's, and then as a book, "The History of the Standard Oil Company" in 1904. The resulting furor led to a Supreme Court case finding that Standard Oil was in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, and that led to the breakup of Standard Oil in 1911. Ray Stannard Baker Ray Stannard Baker (18701946) was a Michigan man who enrolled in law school before turning to journalism and literature. He began as a reporter for the Chicago News-Record, covering strikes and joblessness during the Panic of 1893. In 1897, Baker began working as an investigative reporter for McClure's Magazine. Perhaps his most influential article was "The Right to Work" published in McClure'sin 1903, which detailed the plight of coal miners including both strikers and scabs. These non-striking workers were often untrained yet had to work in the dangerous conditions of the mines while fending off attacks from union workers. His 1907 book "Following the Color Line: An Account of Negro Citizenship in the American Democracy" was one of the first to examine the racial divide in America. Baker was also a leading member of the Progressive Party, which allowed him to seek out powerful political allies to help institute reforms, including then-president of Princeton and future U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. Upton Sinclair Hulton Archive / Getty Images Upton Sinclair (18781968) was born into relative poverty in New York, although his grandparents were wealthy. As a result, he was very well educated and began writing boys' stories at the age of 16, and later wrote several serious novels, none of which were successful. In 1903, however, he became a Socialist and traveled to Chicago to gather information about the meatpacking industry. His resulting novel, "The Jungle," gave a wholly unsavory look at abysmal working conditions and contaminated and rotting meat. His book became an instant bestseller and, although it did not have much impact on the plight of the workers, it led to the passage of the country's first food safety legislation, the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act. Lincoln Steffens Buyenlarge / Getty Images Lincoln Steffens (18661936) was born into wealth in California and was educated at Berkeley, then in Germany and France. When he returned to New York at 26, he discovered his parents had cut him off, requesting that he learn the "practical side of life." He landed a job working as a reporter for The New York Evening Post,where he learned of the immigrant slums of New York and met future president Teddy Roosevelt. He became a managing editor for McClure's, and in 1902 wrote a series of articles exposing political corruption in Minneapolis, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York. A book compiling his articles was published in 1904 as "The Shame of the Cities." Other Steffens targets including the Tammany boss Richard Croker and the newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst: Steffens' investigations into Wall Street led to the creation of the Federal Reserve System. John Spargo John Spargo (18761966) was a Cornish man who was trained as a stonecutter. He became a socialist in the 1880s, and wrote and lectured about working conditions in England as a member of the nascent Labour Party. He emigrated to the United States in 1901 and became active in the Socialist party, lecturing and writing articles; he published the first full-length biography of Karl Marx in 1910. Spargo's investigative report on the terrible conditions of child labor in the United States called "The Bitter Cry of Children" was published in 1906. While many were fighting against child labor in America, Spargo's book was the most widely read and most influential as it detailed the dangerous working condition of boys in coal mines. Illustration: Chen Xia/GT A recent study revealed that 79.83 percent of Chinese university students polled are willing to support domestically made products. In the past,foreign clothing, cosmetics, milk powder, and other goods were always prioritized in Chinese people's consumption lists. However, Chinese brands have quietly improved in recent years in terms of design, product quality, and technological innovation, which has led them to rise rapidly in markets, gaining increasing popularity in various shopping malls and on e-commerce platforms. The rise of Chinese brands is evidence of the transformation of "made in China." In addition to the fact that the quality of domestic products has made great progress, national pride also matters a lot for young people's growing interest in domestic brands. For many young people, the support of domestic products represents a kind of heartfelt recognition and appreciation for the nation. Fort Johnson, LA (71446) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible late. High 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 54F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. In the new manifesto,3888 free slots the classic casino the Swedish Gambling Authority have stated they will focus their actions on encouraging players toward using licensed operators. Their latest policy strategy also states that they will collaborate with other partners, which is seen as crucial to successfully fighting illegal gambling in Sweden. These partners include already licensed online casinos and bookmakers, as well as software providers. The elimination of illegal actors in an industry such as gambling is no easy feat. Many unlawful organisations base their operations outside of Sweden, making it hard to enforce the domestic legislation. At present it is not illegal for Swedish citizens to play with operators based outside of Sweden, which is a key factor behind why Spelinskeptionen are intent on finding a way to make it unattractive for unlicensed brands to operate on Swedish market. One such way of doing this is to display the operators that do not presently hold a Swedish licence on their website. Some betting sites and online casinos that are permitted to operate in Sweden are part of wider umbrella organisations that own additional brands not currently licensed in Sweden. In cases where one or more of the non-licensed brands might be found to purvey its services on the Swedish market, Spelinskeptioncan act against the parent company by imposing sanctions or removing licences altogether. Spelinskeptionenalso urges other licensed operators to provide information related to illegal online gambling and to ensure they only cooperate with trustworthy actors. This is a distinctive effort to ensure they do not partner with companies that are involved with unlicensed operators, for example payment providers and software providers. Affiliate companies can in turn contribute by solely working together with licensed gambling sites. One such Swedish casino affiliate that is committed to working exclusively with licensed operators are Casinodealen.se. Freddi Nilsson, Project Leader at Casinodealen.se qualified how the new legislation has been received in Sweden: Theres long been a level of confusion surrounding exactly what and what is not permitted. Ever since the new licensing system came into action in January 2019, it has been characterised by uncertainty. Perhaps that is the standard when there is a period of adjustment to new legislation, whereby you have to try different things and test the limits in order to better refine regulations. That Spelinskeptionen now is taking a tighter grip of the unlicensed market is a solid step in the right direction. We welcome this move as we only work together with fully licensed and trustworthy online casinos in Sweden, continues Nilsson If the Swedish authorities will be able to shut out the unlicensed operations with this current strategy remains to be seen, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. Category: Casino Blog Photo: Courtesy of Adisseo Photo: Courtesy of Adisseo As the Chinese saying goes,"food is the first necessity for the people." Ensuring adequate food for the Chinese people is always a top priority for China. As China has become a moderately prosperous society in all respects, having enough to eat is no longer a problem. The ever-growing needs of the people for a better life mean that they are concerned about whether their food is both good quality and nutritious.At the ongoing fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, exhibitors displaying food, nutrition and health products have garnered much attention, reflecting the huge potential of the Chinese market in these fields.Adisseo, a feed additive manufacturer from France, is participating in the CIIE for the fifth consecutive year. The company displayed its core products, including the liquid methionine product Rhodimet AT88, at the expo.China's strategic plans for the breeding industry and the livestock sector have created enormous market opportunities to the animal feed and additive industry, Hao Zhigang, Chairman of Adisseo, said in an inclusive interview during the expo. He added that the company stands ready to expand its operational scale and boost investment in China to meet the country's needs involving food security and green development.As an "old friend" of the CIIE, displayed multiple categories of animal nutrition products and solutions at the food and agricultural products exhibition area at the expo. Just like the other companies that have attended the expo on multiple occasions, Adisseo attaches great importance to the expo's role.Hao said the CIIE, which is the first import-themed state-level expo in the world, has become an important platform that helps China promote opening-up and "double circulation" of both domestic and international markets. The expo is a tremendous opportunity for companies like Adisseo to tap into the Chinese market.Methionine for ruminants, one of Adisseo's flagship products, is a feed additive mainly for livestock, and has many customers in Europe and the US. Thanks to the CIIE, Chinese dairy companies have gradually realized the value of methionine for ruminants, and Adisseo signed a contract with Chinese dairy giants such as Mengniu Dairy and Bright Food, Hao noted. "Through exchanges at the expo, our clients gained benefits from our products and we expanded the industrial chain in China through them," he said.Hao pointed out that Adisseo has strengthened its ties with leading enterprises in the industry, including Cargill, New Hope, Sunner, Mengniu and Bright Food, by participating in successive editions of the CIIE, which has continuously enhanced the company's influence in the industry and expanded its circle of friends.Adisseo's success story mirrors the charm of the CIIE. Statistics show that the four previous editions of the expo saw a cumulative intended turnover of more than $270 billion. The CIIE enables all countries and all parties to benefit from the opportunities of China's vast market as well as the country's institutional opening-up and deepened international cooperation.Prospects presented by the CIIE are illustrative of China's greater opportunities. By attending the expo each year, global companies can spot the latest market trends in the world's second-largest economy so that they can launch their products and services with a more targeted approach.Adisseo has more than 80 years of experience in the field of feed additives, which is a key element in the food value chain, especially in the animal protein supply chain.Take Adisseo's exhibits at the fifth CIIE as an example, Rovabio offers a range of enzyme solutions that helps improve the digestibility of feed stuff and contributes to a better breeding environment.SELISSEO enables animals to produce more antioxidant enzymes under stressful conditions, and helps them fight oxidative stress, and improves their health and productive performance. MetaSmart, a source of methionine for ruminants, provides essential nutrients for cows to increase milk yield and improve health and reproduction.Hao said Adisseo pays close attention to the goals for the breeding industry during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period set by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), including making the hog breeding industry and poultry breeding industry a 1 trillion yuan (about $137.9 billion) market each. China is also implementing an action plan to revitalize the dairy industry and is promoting green aquaculture."China has provided a broad market for the animal feed and additive industry, which including not only the development plan for the poultry industry, but also the livestock secto," Hao said. He added that Adisseo plans to introduce its overseas products and services to the Chinese market; and as the market continues to expand, it actively seeks investment plans in China to realize localization and grow with the Chinese market.In September 2022, the second phase of Adisseo Nanjing Plant's liquid methionine project with a production capacity of 180,000 tons per year was officially put into operation, doubling the overall annual production capacity of the plant while making it one of the world's largest, most technologically advanced and most competitive liquid methionine production platforms.Meanwhile, the world's first industrial-scale FeedKind facility in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality, which was developed by Calysseo Chongqing Co, Ltd, a joint venture between Adisseo and Calysta, is in the commissioning stage and will start production in 2022.Hao noted that a ban on antibiotics imposed by the MARA in 2020 is another key issue. From July 1, 2020, feed manufacturers stopped the production of commercial feed containing antibiotic growth-promoting additives (excluding traditional Chinese medicine).Over recent years, the negative impacts of excessive use of antibiotics on food safety and the natural environment have become more severe, and banning antibiotics has become a trend in the livestock sector across the world.Noting that antibiotics were used to promote growth and improve immunity, Hao said the ban on antibiotics means replacing antibiotics with probiotics, biotin and other feed additives serving the same purposes, which will, in turn, create a large market.While "green" is a buzzword at the fifth CIIE, Adisseo adheres to the changes brought about by China's "dual carbon" goal, which is to peak carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. What is perhaps not widely known is that the feed additive industry is closely linked with low-carbon development.With regard to helping reduce CO2 emissions, feed additive companies like Adisseo work to ensure a reasonable ratio of feed to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the process of animal farming.The livestock sector is a significant contributor to global human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).FAO data showed that livestock supply chains emitted an estimated total of 8.1 gigatonnes CO2-eq in 2010, accounting for 26 percent of the global total. Methane (CH4) accounts for about 50 percent of the total. Cattle are the main contributor to the sector's emissions with about 5.0 gigatonnes CO2-eq, which represents about 62 percent of the sector's emissions.For example, cows may produce methane due to incomplete digestion of feed stuffs, Hao explained, adding that Adisseo's products can optimize the efficiency of nitrogen utilization and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases such as methane and CO2 in the breeding industry.In addition, Adisseo is committed to a sustainable development approach in areas such as the research and development of products, innovation in the production process, and business operations and management. While continuously improving its existing production process, Adisseo has included green development and innovation in its future development plans. Adisseo announced its goal to cut CO2 emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. China has lifted its longstanding ban on exports of beef from the UK, in a landmark move for British producers estimated to be worth 250 million in the first 5 years alone. More than 20 years after the Chinese government first imposed a ban on British beef in the wake of the BSE outbreak, todays milestone is the culmination of several years of site inspections and negotiations between UK and Chinese government officials. China is currently the UKs eighth largest export market for agri-food, with over 560 million worth of food and drink bought by Chinese consumers last year. Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: This is fantastic news for our world-class food and farming industry and shows we can be a truly outward looking Britain outside the European Union. It is the result of painstaking and collaborative work by industry and the Defra team over many years. Todays milestone will help to unlock UK agricultures full potential and is a major step to forging new trading relationships around the globe. International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: Todays announcement is a huge coup for British businesses who want to access global trading opportunities as we leave the EU. My international economic department has worked hard to secure agreement from our Chinese counterparts to access one of the largest global markets. This is a crucial step on our role in becoming a truly Global Britain. The government, and its team of trade specialists, continues to encourage and support UK businesses as they consider launching into overseas markets or expanding their current global customer base. Food exports from the UK continue to soar with record exports of over 22 billion in 2017. Our food and drink businesses are now selling their products to 217 markets. Todays announcement will allow official market access negotiations to begin, a process which typically takes around three years. It follows the Prime Ministers trade mission to China earlier this year, where she agreed new measures to improve market access to China. It also follows a successful inspection visit in April 2018 hosted by Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland, DAERA, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the UK Export Certification Partnership. AHDB International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley said: We are delighted that China has lifted the ban on UK beef. This marks an important milestone in growing our meat exports to this all-important market. Todays news follows years of collaboration between AHDB, government and industry to make this a reality and we now look forward to seeing UK beef exported to the country for the first time in over 20 years. We will now begin the work on the export protocols and approvals to allow commercial shipments to begin. China lifts ban on exports of British beefadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline B.B.A., Finance and Economics, University of Oklahoma In The Slope of a Line, you learned that the slope, or m, of a line describes how rapidly or slowly change is occurring. Linear Functions have 4 types of slopes: positive, negative slope, zero slope, and undefined slope. Real World Example of Negative Slope Refer to the graph, Horizontal Line, m= 0. The x-axis represents time, in hours, and the y-axis represents distance, in miles, from Downtown Houston, Texas. Hurricane Prince, a Category 5 storm, threatens to flood (among other things) the Bayou City in 24 hours. You have the bright ideaalong with 2 million other Houstoniansto leave Houston now. Youre on Interstate 45 North, the road that snakes northward to flee anything blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico. Notice how time is moving. One hour passes, two hours pass, but youre still one mile away from downtown. Remember, slope is a rate of change. For every two hours that pass, you move zero miles. Because of this, your slope is 0. Calculating Zero Slope Refer to the PDF, Calculate_Zero_Slope to learn how to use a graph and the slope formula to calculate a zero slope. To download free software to view the PDF, visit https://get.adobe.com/reader/. What Is the Old Lady?borgata online login a fair bet The "Old Lady" is an eighteenth-century nickname for the Bank of England. It is a short version of the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street, a reference to the banks address in the middle of London. Key Takeaways The Old Lady, or the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street, is a colloquial nickname for the Bank of England. This nickname originates from a 1797 satirical cartoon regarding the suspension of gold redemption under the Restriction Act of 1797. The nickname has since appeared in cartoons, newspapers, books, and common usage to refer to the Bank. Understanding the Old Lady The Old Lady, as a nickname for the Bank of England, originates in a James Gillray political cartoon from 1797. The cartoon, Political Ravishment, or The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street in Danger! depicts a woman in a dress of one- and two-pound notes sitting on a chest marked Bank of England. A man, Prime Minister William Pitt, forcibly kisses the woman while reaching for the gold coins in her pocket. The woman yells, Murder! murder! Rape! murder! O you Villain! what have I kept my Honor untainted so long, to have it broke up by you at last? O Murder! Rape! Ravishment! Ruin! Ruin! Ruin!!! The cartoon comments on the then recent decision by the Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger that, under the Bank Restriction Act of 1797, the bank would suspend redemption of notes for gold and begin making payments to customers exclusively in paper money rather than coins. The Act was passed in response to an incipient run on the Bank following a period of heavy paper note issuance to finance the war with France and triggered by the landing of French forces near the town of Fishguard. The historical moment represented a test of the publics confidence in paper currency as well as of the political power of the prime minister to impose his prerogatives. This was the first time in the Banks history that its notes were no longer redeemable in gold. Leaders of the opposition Whig party in the Parliament characterized the Act as an outrageous abrogation of private contract and likened the Bank to an elderly woman seduced by a swindler (i.e. Pitt the Younger). This comparison then became the basis for Gillrays cartoon. This caricature of the Bank of England as an old woman stuck, and would repeatedly appear in political cartoons, newspaper headlines, and common financial vernacular. History of the Bank of England The Bank of England, now the central bank of the entire United Kingdom, began in 1694 and has provided the blueprint for most central banks now operating across the globe. Initially the Bank of England operated as a retail bank as well. The bank suffered its first crisis in 1720, when the South Sea Company financed some of Britains national debt and acquired trading rights in what is now South America. A price surge in South Sea Company stock ensued. The stock eventually crashed, and many lost their fortunes. The bank moved to Threadneedle Street in 1734 from its original location on Walbrook. Another crisis in 1825 spurred the Bank of England to open branches across the country to exert more control over the currency. In 1866, the Bank of England refused to bail out discount house Overend Gurney after it collapsed under the weight of bad loans. The crisis eventually expanded the role of the Old Lady as a lender to failing financial institutions. If you were a novelist or a playwright, what word would you use to describe a conversation between two or more characters in your work? Are you writing dialogue or dialog between them? Or is there any difference at all? What is the Difference Between Dialog and Dialogue? In this post, I want to outline the different uses of these two words. I will use real-world examples from newspapers and magazines to demonstrate their meanings, and I will advise you on how to use them in the future. After reading this post, you shouldnt have any more trouble with dialog vs. dialogue. When to Use Dialog What does dialog mean? Dialogis a variant of dialogue, used primarily in American English in computing contexts. It is most commonly used to refer to a window that appears on a screen, presenting information or requesting input. Such a window would be called a dialog box. Say Yes to the dialog box that appears and youre good to gothe application launches without any add-ins and without any customization youve added. Gizmodo In the resulting Add Search Provider dialog box, check Make this my default search providerand click Add. PCWorld These are the little popup windows that say things like Save As and Are you sure you want to delete this file? Dialogis rarely used in British English, whether the context be computing or conversation. The below graph charts dialogue vs. dialog over time in British English and you can see that dialogue is clearly the preferred spelling. The overall American English usage of dialogand dialoguetells a different story, however. If we take the same graph of dialogue vs. dialog and apply it only to American English, we see how much more dialogis used in America than Britain. This first thing I noticed looking at this graph was the obvious spike in use of dialog. Im not sure why it has declined so much since the year 2000, but the increase in use is unmistakable, even with its recent decline. Some people now say that the computing spelling (dialog) may be drifting over into the conversational meaning (dialogue). In other words, people are now using dialogto mean dialogue. This made me wonder, how much drift is really going on? Could it be that the increase in dialogis solely a function of its new, computing definition? After all, the use of dialogseems to spike in the early 1980s, right when personal computing first exploded. To measure the supposed drift, I added the two phrases dialog box and dialogue box to the graph to see what it would return. As I suspected, the increase in the use of dialogclosely matches the increase in use of dialogue box, which indicates, to me at least, that people are only using dialogin a computational sensenot in a conversational sense. In other words, there is no drift taking place. In order to test this further, I thought of a few words that are usually paired with the conversational meaning of dialogueto see what they would return. The first is the phrase dialogue with. Two different characters might engage in dialogue with each other. The use of dialog withis incredibly small, which shows it isnt being used much in this context. How about another example? Say you are writing of a dialogue between characters. This graph shows much of the same results. Dialog is not being used very frequently in a conversational context. And the British English versions of both are even more pronounced. In other words, you should only use dialogin computational contexts and/or the phrase dialog box. When to Use Dialogue What does dialogue mean? Dialogue functions as a noun and is defined as conversation between two or more people. If actors of a certain age need the devices to extend their glorious stage careers, fine. But they can too easily become crutches for Hollywood stars, who have to learn only a few pages of dialogue at a time for a film. New York Post Dialoguewas originally used in literary or theatrical contexts but has become something of a buzzword in politics since the 1960s. In this sense, it approximates the meaning of negotiations between diplomatic contacts of two nations. Kosovo remains committed to the dialogue with Serbia and the implementation of agreements reached in Brussels to normalize ties between the two countries, she added. USA Today While this use was initially met with objections, it has become well established in Modern English. When referring to conversation between two characters in a movie or two representatives in government, dialogueis the preferred spelling in both American and British English. The AP Stylebook and Garners Modern American Usagelist dialogueas the preferred spelling. Fowlerssays dialogue is much more common in the conversational context than dialog, and The Chicago Manual of Styledoesnt make any direct reference, although it uses dialogue throughout its pages. Can Dialogue be used as a Verb? Dialogue is sometimes used as a verb with the meaning to engage in an exchange of views. After dialoguing with the principal, the student was allowed to come back to class. At the panel discussion, participants dialogued about the conflict overseas. This use of dialogueis widely shunned. For example, 80 percent of the 2009 American Heritage Usage Panel rejected the use of dialogue as a verb. Similarly, The AP Stylebookrefers to dialogueonly as a noun, and Garnerscalls dialoguein this sense a particularly grating vogue word. Given this widespread sentiment, its best to avoid it in your writing. Trick to Remember the Difference Not sure you will be able to remember when to use dialog vs. dialogue? Heres a helpful trick to remember the difference. Dialogueis used to refer to speaking and conversation. Dialogue, speaking, and conversation all have the letter E in them. Dialogis only used in the phrase dialog box. If you can remember this trick, you will be all set. Summary Is it dialog or dialogue? Dialogueis the preferred spelling in American and British English for all contexts related to conversation and the exchange of ideas. Dialog, in American English, has a specific use in computational contexts and the phrase dialog boxis universal. A passenger plane from Chinas Taiwan made an emergency landing Sunday at an airport in central Japan. Theyoutube slots buffalo gold China Airlines plane from Taipei was scheduled to land at Toyama Airport around noon, but failed to do so due to unstable air currents, according to Japans Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. The pilot, after trying to land at Toyama Airport three times in vain, changed the direction and made an emergency landing at the Chubu Airport in Nagoya due to shortage of fuel, according to the ministry. A total of 155 passengers and crew members were on board the plane, and none was injured. Xinhua Passenger plane from Chinas Taiwan makes emergency landing in Japanadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Gothenburg Monday afternoon for a visit to Sweden, aimed at further promoting bilateral ties. Swedish senior government officials and Lan Lijun, Chinese Ambassador to Sweden were at the airport. This is Chinese Prime Ministers first visit to Sweden in 28 years. Wen Jiabao delivered a written speech at the airport. This is the third leg of Wen Jiabaos visit to the four European countries. He visited Iceland and Germany, and will also travel to Poland. Sweden is one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, it is Chinas eighth largest trading partner in the EU, the ninth largest source of foreign investment, and the third largest source of technology import. Wen Jiabao arrives in Sweden for visitadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Ph.D., Philosophy, Columbia University M.A., Philosophy, Columbia University B.A., Philosophy, University of Florence, Italy Lying is a complex activity, one that we often blame, despite the fact that several times it may be the best ethical option left to us. While lying can be been seen as a threat to civil society, there seem to be several instances in which lying seems the most intuitively moral option. Besides, if a sufficiently broad definition of "lying" is adopted, it seems utterly impossible to escape lies, either because of instances of self-deception or because of the social construction of our persona. In the sequel, I compiled some favorite quotes on lying: if you have any additional ones to suggest, please do get in touch! Baltasar Gracian: "Dont lie, but dont tell the whole truth." Cesare Pavese: "The art of living is the art of knowing how to believe lies. The fearful thing about it is that not knowing what truth may be, we can still recognize lies." William Shakespeare, from The Merchant of Venice: "The world is still deceiv'd with ornament, In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt, But, being season'd with a gracious voice, Obscures the show of evil? In religion, What damned error, but some sober brow Will bless it and approve it with a text, Hiding the grossness with fair ornament?" Criss Jami: "Just because something isn't a lie does not mean that it isn't deceptive. A liar knows that he is a liar, but one who speaks mere portions of truth in order to deceive is a craftsman of destruction..." Gregg Olsen, from Envy: "If only these walls could talkthe world would know just how hard it is to tell the truth in a story in which everyones a liar." Dianne Sylvan, from Queen of Shadows: "She was famous, and she was insane. Her voice soared out over the audience, holding them spellbound and enraptured, delivering their hopes and fears tangled in chords and rhythm. They called her an angel, her voice a gift. She was famous, and she was a liar." Plato: "We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." Ralph Moody: "There are only two kinds of men in this world: Honest men and dishonest men. ...Any man who says the world owes him a living is dishonest. The same God that made you and me made this earth. And He planned it so that it would yield every single thing that the people on it need. But He was careful to plan it so that it would only yield up its wealth in exchange for the labor of man. Any man who tries to share in that wealth without contributing the work of his brain or his hands is dishonest." Sigmund Freud, from The Future of an Illusion: "Where questions of religion are concerned, people are guilty of every possible sort of dishonesty and intellectual misdemeanor." Clarence Darrow, from The Story of My Life: "Some false representations contravene the law; some do not. The law does not pretend to punish everything that is dishonest. That would seriously interfere with business, and, besides, could not be done. The line between honesty and dishonesty is a narrow, shifting one and usually lets those get by that are the most subtle and already have more than they can use." Further Online Sources B.A., American Studies, Yale University Olivia Valdes was the Associate Editorial Director for ThoughtCo. She worked with Dotdash Meredith from 2017 to 2021. Studying abroad is one of the most exciting parts of the college experience. But with so many incredible destinations across the globe, how do you narrow down your options? Imagine your ideal study abroad experience. What kind of classes would you take? Do you picture yourself sipping coffee in a cafe, hiking in a rainforest, or snoozing at the beach? As you consider what kind of adventure you want, look for destinations that offer similar experiences, starting with this list of the best places to study abroad. Florence, Italy Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Getty Images All of Italy's "big three" cities Florence, Venice, and Rome are beloved study abroad destinations, brimming with history, culture, and heaping plates of pasta. Yet there's something about Florence that makes it particularly well-suited for the student traveler. Florence is a comparatively small town that can be explored almost entirely on foot. After learning your way around, you can quickly settle into a daily routine of morning coffee and afternoon gelato. What could be more dolce vita than that? Study: Art history. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and contemporary Florentines are masters of art conservation. In other words, there's a field trip opportunity on every corner. Instead of learning from PowerPoint slides, you'll spend your class time getting up close and personal with original works of art in iconic galleries like the Uffizi and the Accademia. Explore: Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo to take in the Florentine skyline at sunrise or sunset, when the terracotta rooftops blaze a brilliant red and locals gather to admire their city. Travel Tip: It's tempting to spend most of your time in the areas immediately surrounding Florence's most popular tourist attractions there's so much to see, after all but for a more authentic Italian experience and much better food, make sure to explore neighborhoods further afield, like Santo Spirito. Melbourne, Australia Enrique Diaz / 7cero / Getty Images For a study abroad experience that combines the 24/7 excitement of a major city with the thrill of outdoor adventure, choose Melbourne. With its artisanal coffee shops and eye-grabbing street art, Melbourne is a hip urban destination. Need a break from your studies? Take a surfing lesson on one of Australia's most picturesque beaches less than an hour away from the city. Melbourne is a hub for international students, so you're sure to make like-minded friends from all over the world. Study: Biology. Australia is home to some of the world's most diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Biology classes will get you out of the classroom for hands-on research and exploration in places like the Great Barrier Reef and the Gondwana Rainforest. Explore: For a close encounter with Australian wildlife, take a day trip to Prince Phillip Island to meet kangaroos, koalas, emus, and wombats at the conservation center. The highlight, however, takes place each day at sunset, when hundreds of penguins parade across the beach as they make their way home after a day at sea. Travel Tip: Its location in the southern hemisphere means that Australia's seasons are the opposite of those in the U.S. If you go to school in a cold climate, be strategic and plan your semester abroad during Australia's summer. Your sunny snaps will be the envy of all your frozen friends back home. London, England Julian Elliott Photography / Getty Images Part of what makes the United Kingdom such a popular study abroad destination is, of course, the English language, but London has much more going for it than its easy-to-read street signs. The endless stream of free (or heavily discounted) cultural attractions and events, the prim and proper parks perfect for picnicking, and the lively neighborhood pub culture make London one of the most student-friendly cities in the world. Plus, London is home to over 40 universities, so you're sure to find a program that suits you. Study: English literature. Sure, you can read a book anywhere in the world, but where else can you walk the exact route described by Virginia Woolf in Mrs. Dalloway or see Romeo and Juliet performed at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre? In London, your course readings will come alive like never before. Explore: Shop at London's iconic neighborhood markets. For delicious food and impressive vintage finds, drop by the bustling Portobello Road Market on a Saturday. On Sunday, check out Columbia Road Flower Market, where stall owners compete for your attention by calling out the latest deals. Travel Tip: Sign up for the public transportation student discount card and use the bus as much as possible. The double decker bus system is easy to use and much more scenic than the Tube. For the best views, try to snag a seat in the front row of the upper deck. Shanghai, China ZhangKun / Getty Images The ultra-modern city of Shanghai is ideal for students seeking a total change of pace from typical college life. With a population of over 24 million people, Shanghai is the textbook definition of hustle and bustle, but ancient history is never out of view. In fact, you'll spot plenty of historic buildings sandwiched between skyscrapers. Shanghai is the perfect starting place for exploring the rest of China thanks to the accessibility of its airport and bullet trains. It's surprisingly affordable, too you can buy a delicious lunch on your way to class for around $1. Study: Business. As an international business hub, Shanghai is the perfect place to study the global economy. In fact, many study abroad students score internships during their semester in Shanghai. Explore: When you arrive, ride the Maglev, the world's fastest train, from Pudong Airport to the center of Shanghai. The futuristic, magnetically-levitating train travels 270 miles per hour but feels almost motionless. Travel Tip: Not totally confident in your Chinese language skills? Not a problem. Download Pleco, a dictionary app that works offline and can translate handwritten Chinese characters. Use it to share addresses with taxi drivers and to make sure you know what you're ordering when you go out to eat. Definition of Enumeration Enumeration is zulubet btts slot machine websitea rhetorical device used for listing details, or a process of mentioning words or phrases step by step. In fact, it is a type of amplification or division in which a subject is further distributed into components or parts. Writers use enumeration to elucidate a topic, to make it understandable for the readers. It also helps avoid ambiguity in the minds of the readers. Examples of Enumeration in Literature Example #1:I Have a Dream(by Martin Luther King) [W]hen we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of Gods children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! In this example, if we remove commas, apostrophes, and quotation marks, it would be difficult to understand the text. Example #2: Hints Toward an Essay on Conversation(by Jonathan Swift) [A]mong such as deal in multitudes of words, none are comparable to the sober deliberate talker, who proceedeth with much thought and caution, maketh his preface, brancheth out into several digressions, findeth a hint that putteth him in mind of another story, which he promiseth to tell you when this is done; cometh back regularly to his subject, cannot readily call to mind some persons name, holding his head, complaineth of his memory; the whole company all this while in suspense; at length says, it is no matter, and so goes on. And, to crown the business, it perhaps proveth at last a story the company hath heard fifty times before; or, at best, some insipid adventure of the relater. In this example, by using enumeration, Swift describes a sober, deliberate talker, and then adds details of his qualities, making his message clear to understand. Example #3: Elegy for Jane(by Theodore Roethke) I remember the neckcurls, limp and damp as tendrils; And her quick look, a sidelong pickerel smile; And how, once startled into talk, the light syllables leaped for her, And she balanced in the delight of her thought In the above lines, the speaker recalls how Jane a dead student looked. He gives details by remembering her smile, her hair, and her beautiful spirit. Example #4: The Atlanta Compromise Address(by Booker T. Washington) Cast down your bucket among these people who have, without strikes and labour wars, tilled your fields, cleared your forests, builded your railroads and cities, and brought forth treasures from the bowels of the earth, and helped make possible this magnificent representation of the progress of the South. Casting down your bucket among my people, helping and encouraging them as you are doing on these grounds, and to education of head, hand, and heart, you will find that they will buy your surplus land, make blossom the waste places in your fields, and run your factories. Booker describes people by adding their qualities one by one, which helps the audience to gain a real understanding of the writers ideas. Example #5: Address to the Jury during the Anti-Conscription Trial in New York City, July 1917(by Emma Goldman) We say that if America has entered the war to make the world safe for democracy, she must first make democracy safe in America. How else is the world to take America seriously, when democracy at home is daily being outraged, free speech suppressed, peaceable assemblies broken up by overbearing and brutal gangsters in uniform; when free press is curtailed and every independent opinion gagged. Emma Goldman discusses how America can save democracy while waging war. She lists details about what might happen if America does not make it safe at home. Function By using enumeration, writers lay emphasis on certain ideas to elaborate them further. In fact, enumeration easily creates an impression on the minds of the readers. The details and listing make it easy for them to convey the real message they want to impart. However, if there is no use of enumeration in a text, it might become difficult for the reader to get the true meanings of ideas. Chinas first aircraft carrier,ygg crypto asian bet prediction the Liaoning, anchored for the first time in a military port in Qingdao, eastern Shandong province on Wednesday morning. The anchoring marks that the aircraft carrier bay in Qingdao, which was built following a four-year construction, has already had logistic capacities, according to a statement from the military. The Liaoning left the wharf of Dalian ship building company on Tuesday for Qingdao. It had conducted tests on its weapon system during the sail. After its delivery to the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Sept. 25, the Liaoning has undergone a series of sailing and technological tests, including the flight of the carrier-borne J-15. Xinhua Chinas aircraft carrier anchors in military portadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Moscow on Thursday for an official visit that will include meetings with Russias top leaders. Li was expected to meet Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister and president-elect Vladimir Putin, and Chairman of State Duma Sergei Naryshkin. Li will also have extensive contact with Russians from various walks of life, give an address at Moscow State University and attend a meeting on bilateral trade and investment. The vice premier will also visit the central Russian city of Kazan and meet with local leaders of the Volga Federal District. Russia is the first leg of Lis trip, which will also take him to Hungary, Belgium and the EU headquarters in Brussels. Xinhua Li Keqiang arrives in Russia for official visitadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Thebetfair sign up deals number of Chinese children adopted by Spanish families has declined by 80% in the last five years due to economic growth in China. This was stated by Chinas ambassador to Spain, Zhu Bang Zao, who attended the national meeting of the National Association for the Defense of the Child (Andeni), more than 250 people from over one hundred families attended the meeting in Madrid. Accompanied by the President of Andeni, Manuel Grandal, Chinas ambassador acknowledged that his country has experienced tremendous economic and social development. This has led to not giving as many children as possible. With Chinas economic development, life has improved and many people do not abandon their children. After wishing that Chinese children do not forget their country of origin, the ambassador expressed his belief that in the future, these children can be a bridge of friendship between China and Spain. According to his data, the U.S. is the first country with adopted children, and Spain is in second place. It shows that China has a lot of confidence to Spain, and China has great confidence in these organizations like Andeni. said Zhu Bang Zao. For his part, the president of the National Association for the Defense of the Child (Andeni), Manuel Grandal said that in recent years there are up to 15,000 adoptions of Chinese children, of which 4,000 have been processed through Andeni. The closing of the day took place with the performance of Round Segovia, a musical group that offered some folk songs. Events will continue on Sunday with cultural activities and sightseeing in the capital and the province. Adoptions of Chinese Children Fell by 80% in Spainadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline M.A., Geography, California State University - Northridge B.A., Geography, University of California - Davis The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that allows ships to travel from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean through Central America. Many believe that travel through this canal would be a straight shot from east to west, but this couldn't be farther from the truth. In reality, the Panama Canal zigs and zags its way across Panama at a sharp angle. Ships move in either a southeast or northwest direction through and each trip takes 8 to 10 hours. The Direction of the Panama Canal The Panama Canal lies within the Isthmus of Panama, the portion of land that bridges North and South America and contains Panama. The shape of the Isthmus of Panama and the angle at which the Canal dissects it make for a complicated and unexpected trip for ships hoping to take advantage of this shortcut. Transportation travels in the opposite direction of what you might assume. Ships traveling from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean go in a northwest direction. Ships traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean go in a southeast direction. On the Atlantic side, the entrance to the Panama Canal is near the city of Colon at about 9 18' N, 79 55' W. On the Pacific side, the entrance is near Panama City at about 8 56' N, 79 33' W. These coordinates prove that if the journey were traveled in a straight line, it would be a north-south route. Of course, this is not the case. The Trip Through the Panama Canal Almost any boat or ship can travel through the Panama Canal, but space is limited and strict regulations apply, so making the trip is easier said than done. The canal runs on a very tight schedule and ships cannot just enter as they please. The Panama Canal's Locks Three sets of locksMiraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun (from the Pacific to Atlantic)are located in the canal. These lift ships in increments, one lock at a time, until they go from sea level to 85 feet above sea level at Gatun Lake. On the other side of the canal, ships are lowered back to sea level. Locks make up only a very small portion of the Panama Canal. Most of the journey is spent navigating both natural and man-made waterways. Each lock chamber is 110 feet (33.5 meters) wide and 1000 feet (304.8 meters) long. Each lock chamber takes roughly eight minutes to fill with about 101,000 cubic meters of water. The Panama Canal Authority estimates that each transit through the canal uses 52 million gallons of water. Sailing From the Pacific Ocean Starting from the Pacific Ocean, here is a brief description of the journey ships take through the Panama Canal. Two years ago,euro 2020 betway rainbow riches uk a devastating fire destroyed the Doris Duke Theater, a hub of creativity and experimentation on the campus of Jacobs Pillow, a celebrated dance center in Becket, Mass. The site of the former theater has been mostly empty since then. But on Thursday, Jacobs Pillow announced that it had secured a $10 million gift to rebuild the theater and turn it into a space focused on dance and technology. The fire was a tragic moment for everyone associated with Jacobs Pillow, Pamela Tatge, the centers executive and artistic director, said in an interview. To be looking forward now to have this phoenix rise from the ashes and to create a place of possibility and creativity for the future is so exciting. The $10 million gift, from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, a longtime supporter of Jacobs Pillow, will help cover a third of the projects estimated $30 million cost. The remaining money will come from insurance claims as well as donations from foundations and individuals, Tatge said. The new theater, scheduled to open in 2025, will be equipped with livestreaming technology and upgraded audio systems. Tatge said the aim was to create a nimble, flexible space to incorporate the technologies of the future. She said the pandemic, which brought much live performance to a halt, had shown the center the importance of using technology to reach new audiences. It will also give dancers a space to create digital art. They need a maker space for those works, she said. Jacobs Pillows plan to reimagine the theater as a digitally connected space helped attract the interest of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. (In 1997, the foundation gave a $1 million gift that granted it naming rights to the old theater, which opened in 1990.) Theyre not just building a theater, Sam Gill, the foundations president and chief executive, said in an interview. They are building and demonstrating to the field of dance the kinds of tools and expertise and capabilities that will be required to ensure that the digital future is one that is even brighter and even more inclusive and even more exciting for dance. Mecanoo, an architecture firm based in the Netherlands, will serve as the lead architect. An early morning fire on Nov. 17, 2020, destroyed the Doris Duke Theater on the 220-acre campus of Jacobs Pillow. After investigations by state and local officials, the cause was not determined. The center has occasionally staged performances on the site of the former theater, including during its recent summer festival. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Foreign Minister of China, Yang Jiechi said that China will continue to develop friendly cooperation with South Sudan and to take its independence and the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations as a new beginning. Yang made the remarks during a meeting with President of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, during an official visit to South Sudan after concluding a two-day official visit to Khartoum. Yang said China attaches great importance to developing relations with Southern Sudan and will continue to support efforts to maintain its sovereignty and independence. The minister said China will also support Southern Sudan in relation to play its own role in the UN and other international and regional organizations and will continue providing aid to south Sudan within its means. Yang stressed that the two sides should enhance cooperation in the fields of oil, mining, agriculture, infrastructure and construction, China will continue to help South Sudan to improve peoples living conditions. Salva Kiir Mayardit welcomed Yang as the first Minister of a permanent member of the Security Council of UN visiting South Sudan. The president said there is great potential for cooperation between China and South Sudan as all areas are developing in this newly established country. The president said there are no problems between China and South Sudan and South Sudan has always regarded China as an important partner for cooperation. The president added that South Sudan will further develop its relationship with China and hoped that his country would continue to receive aid from China in the fields of oil, agriculture, health and education. China Will Develop Friendly Cooperation With South Sudanadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, has predicted that soon the U.S. will be a colony of China, advocating for the power of the Asian giant in world economy. The president was in China last week to close a series of trade agreements. Morales highlighted the agreements signed with representatives of public and private sectors of this country. There is a strong interest in government and private sector in China to work together with Bolivia in mutual projects, he asserted. These agreements relate to energy projects, mining, infrastructure and food security. In particular, highlights including Chinas investment for industrialization of the Salar de Coipasa, construction of the Tupac Katari satellite, which will be launched into orbit in 2013, and the sale of food to the Asian giant. On the other hand, he has stressed the importance of the program of 60 scholarships for Bolivian professionals specialized in various sectors and postgraduate courses funded by the Chinese government. He also announced that next September, a Chinese delegation will travel to Bolivia to define investment programs in the hydrocarbons, telecommunications, security, combating smuggling and transportation, which require a transfer of technology. Morales, who returned Monday after visiting the cities of Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai, has described his stay in China as unforgettable. I always carry in my heart a great memory. President of Bolivia: Soon the U.S. Will Be a Colony of Chinaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) is idn poker bonus bet mgm 10 for 200negotiating agreements with Cuba on one or more exploration blocks offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, said on Wednesday Guillermo Hernandez Perez, director of Cubas oil exploration CUPET. They need the data and see if what they want, and that depends on the company, said Hernandez Perez. U.S. officials have expressed concern about plans for oil drilling on the southern coast of Florida. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and CNPC President Jiang Jiemen signed agreements this month in Havana during a visit to the island, but the text of the treaties has not been revealed. China is the second largest trading partner of the government of Raul Castro, it also seeks to negotiate contracts for the expansion of a refinery in the Cuban city of Cienfuegos, and the construction of liquefied gas projects including a regasification plant at the refinery . Sources have said the project could cost $6,000 million dollars, most of which would be provided by China and backed by Venezuelas oil. The well drilled in the Gulf of Mexico belonging to Cuba is a hundred miles off the coast of Florida and its proximity has alerted Washington and Miami, in light of the BP oil spill off the Louisiana coast last year. U.S. oil companies can not work in Cuba because of the commercial and financial embargo the United States applies to the island for half a century. The participation of China in the areas of oil drilling in Cuba would add a new element to the debate in the United States on the difficult relations with the island. China Negotiating Oil Deals with Cuba in the Gulf of Mexicoadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda arrived in Beijing to attend the fifth meeting of leaders from China,parx casino roulette betchain Japan and the Republic of Korea. The trilateral meeting, scheduled for May 13 to 14, will be chaired by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and attended by Yoshihiko Noda and ROK President Lee Myung-bak. This year marks the 40th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, the China-Japan Year of Friendly Exchanges, the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the ROK, and the Year of China-ROK Friendly Exchanges. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday that cooperation among China, Japan and the ROK has developed rapidly with remarkable results, and he believes that the meeting will further boost trilateral cooperation through their joint efforts. The first meeting of leaders from China, Japan and the ROK outside the ASEAN plus China, Japan and the ROK framework was held in Fukuoka, Japan in 2008. Xinhua Japanese Prime Minister Noda arrived in Beijingadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Hannah Gal in Quillette: The sleek Leica gallery in Los Angeles is currently hosting a quintessentially English exhibition39 arresting stills captured by Sir Roger Deakins, one of the most esteemed cinematographers of our time. Spanning five decades, the monochrome photographs are taken from Deakinss 2021 book Bywaysa title inspired by the time he spent as a young man during the early 70s wandering the byways of north Devon in the southwest of England. The boy from Torquay would go on to win Oscars, BAFTAS, and numerous other film-industry accolades for his work on some of the most beautifully crafted and iconic films in modern cinema. More here. Placed in drinking water, fluoride can serve people who otherwise have poor access to dental care. The thing that is interesting about death care is that reform is so close and would be so easy. Cremation recently surpassed traditional burial as the most popular death care choice in the United States. But, she cautions, there is still little formal research comparing the environmental impacts of different death care choices. 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 He has wild swings between trying not to care about Lana and the baby, and being completely obsessed by it. Archer Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 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 I do not care very much how you censor or select the reading and talking and thinking of the schoolboy or schoolgirl. The Salvaging Of Civilisation|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells And this summer it seemed to her that she never would be able to take proper care of her nestful of children. The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey Dagestan [ dah-guh-stahn,the d las vegas rooms dag-uh-stan; Russian duh-gyi-stahn ]/ d gstn, dg stn; Russian d gystn / New Word List Save This Word! [ dah-guh-stahn,dag-uh-stan; Russian duh-gyi-stahn ]/ d gstn, dg stn; Russian d gystn /Save This Word! nounan autonomous republic in the SW Russian Federation on the W shore of the Caspian Sea. 19,421 sq. mi. (50,300 sq. km). Capital: Makhachkala.Formerly Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. a closely woven carpet of this region having a floral design and a zigzag border, usually in pastel shades. Words nearby Dagestan How to use in a sentence The Vilayat Dagestan issued a quasi-denial in the wake of the attack. One Year On: Mystery Still Shrouds Boston Bombers|Thomas Joscelyn|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST One Year On: Mystery Still Shrouds Boston Bombers|Thomas Joscelyn|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the elder brother, is known to have traveled to Dagestan for several months in 2012. One Year On: Mystery Still Shrouds Boston Bombers|Thomas Joscelyn|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST One Year On: Mystery Still Shrouds Boston Bombers|Thomas Joscelyn|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST Plotnikov was, presumably, a member of the Vilayat Dagestan or one of its associated groups. One Year On: Mystery Still Shrouds Boston Bombers|Thomas Joscelyn|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST One Year On: Mystery Still Shrouds Boston Bombers|Thomas Joscelyn|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST But in 1991, as the former Soviet Union broke apart, Chechnya and Dagestan declared their independence from Moscow. Up To Speed: 4 Things To Know About The Russia Bombings||December 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST Dagestan, the biggest and most populated republic of the North Caucasus, is a place where insurgents often strike. The Threat Against the Olympics|Anna Nemtsova|September 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST The Threat Against the Olympics|Anna Nemtsova|September 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST It was Peter the Great who, in 1722, invaded Dagestan and seized the greater part of this territory. The Story of Russia|R. Van Bergen, M.A. QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questiondag, da Gama, Dagan, Dagda, Dagenham, Dagestan, Dagestan Republic, dagga, dagger, daggerboard, daggers drawn, atDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 Lu Weiding (right),mobile roulette free f1 odds 2021 CEO of Wanxiang Group, and Ni Pin, president of Wanxiang America Corp stand by an engraving of Lu Guanqiu's signature at the Automotive Hall of Fame (AHF) in Detroit on Wednesday. Lu Guanqiu, late father of Lu Weiding, is the first Chinese person inducted into the AHF. His signature was placed on permanent display at the AHF. MINLU ZHANG / CHINA DAILY Few Chinese companies have been in the US as long as Wanxiang, more than 20 years. When Lu Guanqiu started with $600 to open a tractor-repair shop in East China's Zhejiang province, it was hard to imagine that this farmer's son would one day build a global company with more than 40 auto-manufacturing plants worldwide. When Lu died in 2017 at the age of 72, he was worth an estimated $7.4 billion, and Wanxiang Group Co, the auto-parts company Lu built, has become a global company with $25 billion in revenue. Lu also became the first Chinese to be inducted into the US Automotive Hall of Fame (AHF) the top award in the automotive industry on July 21. Previous honorees include Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Co;, Karl Benz, a German inventor and engineer; and Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of Porsche AG. With international customers including Ford and General Motors, Wanxiang provides parts for 1 in every 2 vehicles made in the US, the company says. It has operations in 26 US states and employs more than 13,500 people. Wanxiang's growth comes amid a wave of global expansion by Chinese companies. By the 1990s, Wanxiang America, based in Elgin, Illinois, was expanding rapidly by snapping up struggling auto firms in the American Rust Belt. "Wanxiang's main contribution to the US local community is that we have restored many factories and we have saved many workers' jobs. At our peak, we had over 19,000 workers," Lu Guanqiu's son Lu Weiding, the current CEO of Wanxiang Group, told China Daily. "Of course, there are also taxes and other contributions to the US government." In 2002, to prize Wanxiang's contributions in the local economy, the state of Illinois proclaimed Aug 12 "Wanxiang Day". From the farm to the boardroom, Lu's life journey is now being repeated for many other Chinese entrepreneurs. Like Wanxiang, many Chinese companies are expanding their business in the United States today. As of March 31, 2022, there were 261 Chinese companies listed on major US stock exchanges, with a total market capitalization of $1.3 trillion, according to data from US-China economic and security review commission. However, with the ongoing political tension between China and the US, Chinese companies in the US today are facing more challenges amid a complex and changing environment. China General Chamber of Commerce-USA(CGCC), a nonprofit chamber of commerce representing Chinese businesses in the US, in June released its annual business survey report shows that surveyed Chinese companies saw decreased optimism about their opportunities in the US. The "Annual Business Survey Report on Chinese Enterprises in the US" found that three-quarters of surveyed Chinese companies see "US-China bilateral relations at a stalemate" as the biggest challenges for them to conduct business in the US. Only 10 percent of respondents see bilateral relations improving in the upcoming year, the lowest since 2018. The survey, conducted through March and April 2022 of 111 Chinese corporations in the US, found that about half, or 49 percent of the companies, forecast an increase of revenue over the next two years. And 27 percent of respondents expect more business investments will be made in 2022. "Our business community have a lot of expectations for the cooperation between China and the United States. Because the better the relationship between the two countries, the better the development of the world and the enterprises of the two countries will be," Lu Weiding said. The survey also noticed that Chinese companies in the US are taking actions on societal issues to raise brand awareness and earn market trust, and more than half of the companies are addressing climate issues. Today, Wanxiang is also one of the companies taking action in tackling climate change and committing to sustainable and clean energy development. In 2013, Wanxiang acquired an ailing auto-battery maker, A123 Systems Inc. A year later, the company purchased a failed US electric-car startup, Fisker Automotive Inc, which later transformed into Karma Automotive, a luxury electricity vehicles producer. Lu Weiding sees the possibility of commercial cooperation between China and the US in terms of sustainable energy development. "In the field of automobiles, especially in the field of clean energy automobiles, I personally think clean energy is a very important connection point for China and the US. I feel it is lucky that the two countries have a lot in common in this regard," Lu Weiding said. "Both countries are advancing clean energy, and both countries are interacting with each other on this field," he added. Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng on Tuesday accused the Chinese authorities of abusing his joshua odds black jack dealer 17family member, in a telephone call to the U.S. Congress in Washington from his hospital bed in Beijing. The blind activist, who escaped from house arrest late April then followed by a one-week stay at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, telephoned for the second time to the U.S. Congress from the hospital in Beijing. Unlike the first hearing, Mr. Chen has not shown concern about his own situation, but he accused local authorities of seeking revenge by suing his nephew Chen Kegui. These accusations against my nephew are falsified. These officials in Yinan County do not care at all about the law in China, Chen said on the phone, while one of his most famous supporters, Bob Fu, translated his statements to the committee of foreign affairs. The 40 years activist was in prison for four years, then spent two years under house arrest in his village in Shandong because of his fight against abortions and involuntary sterilization in China. He is still in hospital in Beijing to treat wounds. And he still has not received the passport that would allow him to leave the country. Im not a hero, I just do what my conscience requires me to. Chen said. At the hearing in Congress, elected officials and U.S. activists have called for more pressure on China so that it allows Chen Guangcheng to leave for the United States. Chen Guangcheng accused China authorities of abusing his family memberadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier Photo:VCG Indian navy has recently commissioned one of its biggest ever warships, the INS Vikrant, a 42,800-tons vessel. This is the second aircraft carrier taking the name Vikrant, which means "stepping beyond" or "courageous."At 262-m long and 62-m wide, the Vikrant can carry nearly 26 fighter jets (MiG-29K), 4 airborne early warning helicopters (Ka-31) or 4 multirole helicopters (MH-60R). There are also reports indicating the Indian navy's interest in fielding Rafael-M and F-18 Hornets, however, this remains to be seen as the carrier has to complete a long cycle of sea trials.Taking almost 23 years and consuming $2.9 billion, the INS Vikrant showcases India's desire for strategic flexibility. Strategic flexibility, as Iskander Rehman at Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis, New Delhi, argues in 'India's future aircraft carrier force and the need for strategic flexibility' published in 2010, is that India had endeavoured for a 3-carrier fleet, one on each seaboard and the third as reserve.Dubbed as a path to "atmanirbharta" or self-reliance by Indian prime minister Modi, the INS Vikrant carries roughly 75 percent of indigenous components. Modi claimed that Vikrant represented a sign of India regaining its lost might; and that the new vessel signified India's parting with the "last spots of slavery." Its entry into active service on September 2, 2022, Vikrant has been labelled as a "game changer," enabling India to fulfil its self-assumed role of net-security provider in the region. The carrier is also being boasted as the outcome of a "growing maritime consciousness" in India.Does India really need an aircraft carrier and if it does, then what kind and for what purpose? These and similar questions have been raised, not just at the commissioning of the new aircraft carrier but long before India's strategic direction began to see such vessels as a premium to securing India's national interests. Stephen P. Cohen and Sunil Dasgupta in their seminal work "Arming without aiming: India's military modernization," published in 2010, explored the reasons of India's military build-up that according to them was going without a clear purpose or direction. Cohen and Dasgupta observe, "India's military modernization suffers from weak planning, individual service-centred doctrines, and disconnect between strategic objectives and the pursuit of new technology." India's acquisition of aircraft carriers, the duo opine, is out of sync with the ground realities and the modernization needed to combat new threats.Another aspect of the carrier's induction into a navy comes as an outcome of a long strategic debate of the nation's intent or aspirations to be a global player. But such aspirations then need carriers far bigger and far stronger than 42000-ton Vikrant. This would, at least, demand a carrier, as Ashley J. Tellis notes, in excess of 65000-ton with an air combat potential comparable to that of land-based fighters. Though India aims for an aircraft carrier of this tonnage, the IAC-3, but it is not easy saying it would have an operational fate radically different than Vikrant given the fighter selection and long process of carrier construction with sea acceptance vis a vis complex Indian bureaucratic processing.India's carrier deployment against Pakistan could manifest as a result of strategic coercion or compellence, which given the traditional Indo-Pak rivalry may not bear fruition. With the current capabilities of both Vikramaditya and Vikrant and the peculiar Arabian sea expanse, deploying carriers could be a significant vulnerability, which the Indian naval leadership may not be prepared to bear. Carriers with deficient carrier-borne AEW and land-based limited AWACS means the Pakistani navy and air force would await ceasing such an opportune moment to strike independently or jointly against the Indian carrier battle groups, in any future war at sea.The Indian navy sees an uncertain operational future for Vikrant, owing greatly to vulnerability on one side and insufficient task effectiveness on the other. Though newer in the service, the Vikrant is nonetheless an embodiment of an outdated design, which may be seen more as a symbol rather than a strength; its warfighting deployment more a conundrum than a capability. This is the dilemma, as the final lines of Crimson Tide underscore, that will occupy Indian navy and the Indian strategic community long after Vikrant takes it formal tour of duty in about 12-18 months from now.The author is a Pakistani independent researcher. [email protected] Sodium-ion batteries have lower density but are cheaper and perform better in cold weather. JAC Motors, a Volkswagen-backed Chinese automaker, is set to launch the first mass-produced electric vehicle (EV) with a sodium-ion battery through its new Yiwei brand. Although sodium-ion battery tech has a lower density (and is less mature) than lithium-ion, its lower costs, more abundant supplies and superior cold-weather performance could help accelerate mass EV adoption. CarNewsChina reports that the JAC Yiwei EV hatchback deliveries will begin in January. Yiwei is a new brand in 2023 for JAC. Volkswagen has a 75 percent stake in (and management control of) JAC and owns 50 percent of JACs parent company, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Holdings (JAG). The Chinese government owns the other half of JAG, making for one of the auto industrys stranger pairings. The Sehol E10X, which the new Yiwei EV appears to be a rebranded version of. (JAC via CarNewsChina) The Yiwei EV appears to be a rebranded version of the Sehol E10X hatchback (above), announced earlier this year. CarNewsChina describes the Sehol model as having a 252 km (157 miles) range with a 25 kWh capacity, 120 Wh / kg energy density, 3C to 4C charging, and a HiNa NaCR32140 cell. When JAC revealed the Yiwei brand in May, it said it would drop the Sehol label and rebrand all its vehicles to either JAC or Yiwei, leading us to this weeks EV reveal. JAC hasnt yet said whether the Yiwei-branded model will keep the E10X moniker. In April, JAC showcased a separate EV called the Yiwei 3 at the Shanghai Auto Show. That model launched in June with an LFP lithium battery, promising the sodium-ion variant would launch later. JAC via CarNewsChina The new Yiwei EV reportedly uses cylindrical sodium-ion cells from HiNA Battery. JAC assembles the batteries in the companys modular UE (Unitized Encapsulation) honeycomb structure, similar to CATLs CTP (cell-to-pack) and BYDs Blade. The layout can provide for greater stability and performance. Stuart Jeffries in The Guardian: In a study with chilling modern resonance, the history don contends that the age of reason was betrayed by the greed, corruption and barbarism of Britains ruling elite Britain, thought Thomas Paine, needed to be destroyed. Its monarchy must be toppled, its empire broken up and the mercantile system that propped up this debt-ridden, monstrous pariah state abolished. Only then could a better version call it Britain 2.0 arise. But how? In the 1790s, the revolutionary thinker and author of the bestselling Rights of Man was a member of the National Convention in Paris and advised republicans to invade. Later, Paine presented a plan to president Thomas Jefferson to send gunboats to make Britain a republic. Sadly for egalitarians, anti-imperialists, anti-monarchists and those who regard the rapacious East India Company and the transatlantic slave trade as Britains leading contributions to the oxymoron that is western civilisation, neither happened. Had either been successful, Britains history might have been very different and such recent exposes of our imperial disgrace as William Dalrymples The Anarchy and David Olusogas Black and British might not have made such harrowing reading. More here. Microsoft, a notoriously conservative and slow-moving giant, is bringing artificial intelligence right into the heart of Windows. But, after investing a total of $13 billion in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI (and acquiring a 49 percent stake in the process), will AI actually make its products better? Microsoft went to town. Bing Chat officially kicked off its year of AI, while Copilot, assisting with its AI smarts, subsequently launched on Edge, Microsoft 365 products like Word and Powerpoint and eventually Windows 11. While the AI interactions arent perfect, the one constant around AI is that everything is changing incredibly quickly. Microsoft has already announced Copilot will be upgraded with the more powerful GPT-4 Turbo and Dall-E 3 models. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed How the EU forced tech companies to change in 2023 The best Xbox Series X and Series S accessories in 2024 CBS and Paramounts parent company reports hack affecting over 80,000 people You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! You'll have to pay $3 a month on top of your subscription to get rid of commercials. Amazon is telling its Prime Video subscribers that they have to pay extra if they don't want their viewing experience interrupted by commercials. It will start showing "limited advertisements" with its service's movies and shows starting on January 29. If they want to keep it ad-free, theyll have to pay an extra fee of $3 a month on top of their Prime subscription or their standalone $9-a-month Prime Video membership. The company says its all for increasing investment in its shows and movies. Lord of the Rings doesnt pay for itself. Continue reading. It went into effect today, but the company says it's taking all measures to reverse course. Engadget Apple filed its appeal to the International Trade Commission (ITC), attempting to reverse a ban on US sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, according to court records. The company is also requesting an emergency stay on the ban until a decision is reached regarding proposed redesigns of both smartwatch models. The matter even went before President Biden, with Apple hoping in vain for a veto. The ban officially goes into effect today, though Apple started pulling smartwatches from its digital and physical storefronts last week. Continue reading. It has been described as a DLC-sized mod for Bethesdas Fallout 4.' Team Folon An impressive-looking Fallout: London mod has been on our radar for a couple of years, and now the fan-made adventure has an official release date of April 23. The team behind it claim its a DLC-sized mod for Bethesdas Fallout 4, built from the bones of the 2015 sequel. The trailer shows off a post-apocalyptic London, with iconic locations like Big Ben, Shakespeare's Globe and Trafalgar Square. Continue reading. The New York Times is suing OpenAI and Microsoft for using published news articles to train its artificial intelligence chatbots without an agreement that compensates it for its intellectual property. The lawsuit, which was filed in a Federal District Court in Manhattan, marks the first time a major news organization has pursued the ChatGPT developers for copyright infringement. The NYT did not specify how much it seeks in payout from the companies but that this action seeks to hold them responsible for the billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages. The NYT claims that OpenAI and Microsoft, the makers of Chat GPT and Copilot, seek to free-ride on The Timess massive investment in its journalism without having any licensing agreements. In one part of the complaint, the NYT highlights that its domain (www.nytimes.com) was the most used proprietary source mined for content to train GPT-3. It alleges more than 66 million records, ranging from breaking news articles to op-eds, published across the NYT websites and other affiliated brands were used to train the AI models. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants in the case have used almost a centurys worth of copyrighted content, causing significant harm to the Times bottom line. The NYT also says that OpenAI and Microsofts products can generate output that recites Times content verbatim, closely summarizes it, and mimics its expressive style. This mirrors other complaints from comedians and authors like Sarah Silverman and Julian Sancton who claim OpenAI has profited off their works. The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, a new front in the debate over the use of published work to train AI. https://t.co/u8qZ247dCl The New York Times (@nytimes) December 27, 2023 "We respect the rights of content creators and owners and are committed to working with them to ensure they benefit from AI technology and new revenue models," an OpenAI spokesperson told Engadget. In an email, the representative explained that the two parties were engaged in ongoing "productive conversations" and the company described the lawsuit as unexpected. "We are surprised and disappointed with this development," the OpenAI spokesperson told Engadget. Still, OpenAI is hopeful that the two will find a "mutually beneficial way to work together." If the lawsuit makes any headway, it could create opportunities for other publishers to pursue similar legal action and make training AI models for commercial purposes more costly. Competitors in the space, like CNN and BBC News have already tried limiting what data AI web crawlers can scrape for training and development purposes. While its unclear if the NYT is open to a licensing agreement after its earlier negotiations failed, leading to the lawsuit, OpenAI has reached a few deals recently. This month, it agreed to pay publisher Axel Springer for access to its content in a deal projected to be worth millions. And articles from Politico and Business Insider will be made available to train OpenAIs next gen AI tools as part of a three year deal. It also previously made a deal with the AP to use its archival content dating back to 1985. Microsoft did not respond to a request for comment. Update, December 27 2023, 8:36 PM ET: This story has been to include comments from an OpenAI spokesperson on the lawsuit. High temperature superconductivity remains one of the great mysteries in solid state physics and material science. The understanding of elementary interactions and entanglements between charge, orbital, and spin degrees of freedom may provide for keys to solve this longstanding puzzle. This motivation drives researchers to explore exotic quantum phases and phase transitions in strongly correlated electron materials. The quantum spin liquid phase is one example for such exotic quantum phases, characterized by a large number of quantum entangled fluctuating spins that exhibit no long range order. In contrast to the quantum spin liquid phase, a nematic spin phase is also described by a macroscopic wave function; however, in this case, the spins exhibit orientational order while escaping conventional magnetic order. This is analogous to the well known nematic liquid crystal phase, where molecules tend to align in a particular direction without long-range order and, therefore, can move like in a liquid. A team of researchers led by the Institute for Basic Sciences and the Pohang University of Science and Technology in Korea has now observed evidence for spin nematicity in the square-lattice iridate Sr 2 IrO 4 using ESRF synchrotron in Grenoble, France, and the Advanced Photon Source in the US. Alessandro Longo (left) and Christoph Sahle on ID20. Credits: S. Cande. At the ESRF, the team used the high-resolution IXS spectrometer at ID20 in order to measure Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) spectra at the L 3 -edge . The ESRF beamline ID20 is currently the only place in Europe where we could carry out these experiments, explains B. J. Kim, professor at Pohang University of Science and Technology and corresponding author of the paper. Christoph Sahle, scientist in charge of the beamline and co-author of the study adds: The capabilities of our beamline proved to be exactly what the team needed to confirm the groups results from resonant X-ray diffraction and optical Raman spectroscopy. Specifically, resonant elastic scattering experiments at APS and optical Raman data show the existence of spin quadrupolar order that persists even below the onset of anti-ferromagnetic order at T N =230 K . Concomitantly, resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectra taken with the high energy resolution spectrometer at ID20 of the ESRF show significant deviation from classical spin wave theory at the wave vector ( , 0), constituting evidence of many-body quantum entanglement in the anti-ferromagnetic state. These results open a new avenue to investigate the entanglement of quantum spins via resonant X-ray scattering. Reference: Kim, H., et al. Quantum spin nematic phase in a square-lattice iridate. Nature (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06829-4 A soft matter physicist, Jean Daillant has been Director General of the SOLEIL synchrotron since 2011. Under his guidance, SOLEIL has become a leading facility among the medium-energy synchrotron radiation sources. He is the current Chair of LEAPS, the League of European Accelerator-based Photon Sources, which aims to promote scientific excellence and strengthen the cooperation between synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser facilities to support an innovative and sustainable European Research Area. He also holds the role of Spokesperson of the Analytical Research Infrastructures in Europe (ARIE). Jean Daillant will take over on 1 September 2024 from Francesco Sette, who, during a close to sixteen-year mandate, has overseen the implementation of the entire Upgrade Programme of the ESRF to become the worlds first and leading fourth-generation high-energy synchrotron radiation source. "The Council extends a heartfelt welcome to Jean in his new role as Director General, and is looking forward to collaborating with him to steer the ESRF towards a bright future amidst challenging circumstances," states Prof. Helmut Dosch, Chair of the ESRF Council. Francesco Sette says: "I congratulate Jean on his appointment and welcome him on board on behalf of all of us at the ESRF. I wish him a lot of success in leading the ESRF in the years to come, keeping the facility at the forefront of X-ray science." Jean Daillant says: "I feel deeply honoured to be joining the ESRF to serve as Director General. Succeeding Francesco, who has so successfully lead the facility for many years, is a challenge I am taking on with humility. EBS provides extraordinary opportunities for scientific creativity that I will be most excited to develop further, together with the ESRF staff and the wider scientific community." Jean Daillant is a widely recognised expert on synchrotron radiation. His expertise focuses on soft matter physics and liquid interface dynamics, delving into their intermolecular interactions and surface phenomena. Utilising advanced techniques like synchrotron X-ray and atomic force microscopy, he has analysed these systems at the nanoscale. His interest also extends to practical applications, particularly in nanomaterials synthesis through self-assembly. He was a member of the ESRF Science Advisory Committee over the period 2003-2009 and headed SOLEILs Scientific Council between 2006 and 2010. After graduating in Physics at the Ecole Normale Superieure de St-Cloud, he joined the CEA in 1989, where he subsequently became Head of the Soft Matter and Interfaces Group before becoming joint director of LURE, the French national synchrotron light source in Orsay, from 1999 to 2003. In 2004, he became Head of the CEA-CNRS Laboratory LIONS for Interdisciplinary Research on Nanometric and Supramolecular Organisation, until 2011, at which time he took up his current role as SOLEIL Director General. ESSEX WESTFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT 2023 wasnt an anniversary or inaugural year for EWSD, but it's the efforts that happened as the days and weeks passed by that made the year what will now be reflected back on. From student passion projects to world-wide technology changes to reflection on school systems, this was 2023: How EWSD is working to improve low math and literacy scores ESSEX WESTFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT U.S. News recently published its 2023-2024 best high schools list, with Essex High School ranking 8th in Verm On U.S. News 2023-2024 best high schools list, Essex High School ranked 8th in Vermont and 2,293rd in the nation out of 17,680 schools ranked. At the same time, the district was reflecting on its math audit, which provided recommendations for improving its programs. During the 2022-2023 school year, EHS students were 36% proficient in math, 66% proficient in reading and 57% proficient in science, according to U.S. News reports. The district and school board discussed potential changes to middle school math curriculum and testing. More recommendations could be implemented in 2024. Its simultaneously fascinating and frightening: Vermont educators work to deal with student use of ChatGPT VERMONT Essex Westford School District became one of the first schools in Vermont to address the use of ChatGPT and other artificial intelli EWSD became one of the first schools in Vermont to address the use of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence programs for coursework when it updated its academic integrity policy Feb. 10. In early 2023, work produced by the AI language learning model such as homework assignments and essays began to appear in isolated incidents throughout Vermont schools. Educators whose students turned in the AI-generated work grappled with addressing the issue and trying to understand the new program. There isn't a decision to spend zero: EWSD grapples with costs of maintaining its aging buildings EWSD Were better than of the way through, as a district, in consuming the value of the original buildings that we have, said Brian Dona In 2023, the average school building age became 65 years-old, with the oldest being Flemming Elementary at 110 and the youngest Founders Memorial School at 44. The district estimates by July 2027 it will need to invest $88 million dollars in order to maintain the building integrity it has today. These estimations came from an inventory assessment the district had done by a national firm on its facilities, which flags what is necessary to keep the building functioning, not to make stylistic changes. The district plans to engage more with the community in 2024 on whether to pay to sustain the buildings that are beyond repair or invest in new buildings. Students with disabilities curate job skills through Essex High School program EWSD For more than 40 years, Essex High School has guided students with disabilities to work in the community through its Employment Program. For more than 40 years, Essex High School has guided students with disabilities to work in the community through its Employment Program. Since the program got its start in the 1980s, it has partnered with hundreds of local employers, which offer various responsibilities and duration of employment. In 2023, the Reporter spoke with two students about their jobs at Ace Hardware. EHS senior works to change ballet body image stigma by designing and creating a professional-grade adjustable costume EWSD Isabela Bazans introduction to costume design began with piecing together her pointe shoes, a process every ballet dancer is tasked with. As a dancer for 13 years, Isabela Bazan (EHS class of 2023) has seen the unrealistic expectations put on dancers for how their bodies should look in order to receive a part and be considered a good dancer. Her sewing process evolved in 2023 from attaching elastic or ribbons to completely redesigning the Dewdrop Fairy costume used in the Vermont Ballet Theater School Center for Dances Nutcracker performance. Bazan took her EHS senior capstone project one step further than most industry costume designers. Her costume is adjustable, so it can fit every body. I often find myself disagreeing with, disappointed in, and even demonstrating against President Biden's policies. He has been largely a failure at reversing his predecessor's detestable immigration policies--and in one notable executive order, even sacrificed 26 environmental laws to fast-track the useless border wall He has supported Israel's strategically idiotic and morally bankrupt wildly overreactive response in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of some 20,000 people (mostly civilians and including thousands of innocent children)and the homelessness of millions; the US even vetoed a ceasefire resolution at the UN He's moving too slowly on climate change and embraces, along with his endorsement of true clean energy (which I see as a strong positive) some technologies that will make the problem worse, such as nuclear power (about as NON-green a technology as it's possible to invent) And yet, assuming he's the candidate in November, he will get my vote. I admit he might not if the US had adopted ranked-choice voting. But until it does, a vote for any third-party candidate is a vote for the main opponent of your preferred candidate. More importantly, I believe that the bad things Biden has done have been part of his own effortsometimes accurate and sometimes off-baseto leave the world better than he found it. He is, fundamentally, a good person, And despite never having a majority in both houses of Congress, he's done quite a bit of good as president: Shepherding a phenomenal economic turnaround, the best post-COVID economy in the world, and creating or recovering hundreds of thousands more jobs Replacing skepticism with science on topics ranging from global climate change to the safety of COVID vaccines Restoring US leadership on the world stage after it was torn to shreds by his predecessor Supporting labor, the middle class, the poor, and the disenfranchisedand doing his best to hold big corporations and the super-rich accountable for dong their part Championing the right to voteand the right to have that vote properly counted As I write this BEFORE the first primaries and caucuses, that opponent is likely to be the orange-haired former president. Yeah, the guy who is facing more than 90 felony counts, who has bragged about a history of sexual abuse (and been accused of many others and found liable in one he didn't admit to). The serial liar who was caught in 30,000 false statements just during his four-year presidency. The narcissist who thinks rules and laws don't apply to him. The person who stacked the Supreme Court with people who have undermined the values shared by most US citizens, overturned longstanding legal precedents, and for the first time in modern history, stripped away the rights of whole classes of people. And, let's not forget, the man who has promised that if he is elected, he will focus not on governance, not on the economy, not on human rightsbut on revenge against his perceived enemies, active harassment of people who might be a different color, ethnicity, political philosophy or religion, and who repeatedly uses language straight out of Hitler. Yesterday, Christmas 2023, both men issued Christmas messages. Robert Hubbell devoted his daily newsletter to these messagesand their contrasts couldn't be more stark. Biden spoke of unity, teamwork, kindness, and hope. But DT used his bully pulpit to wish that those he perceives as "EVIL and SICKTHUGS" (which includes the military and those who favor electric cars) "ROT IN HELL" (capitalization is his). Please make sure you're registered to vote. That your friends know why you will vote for Biden. And that the records of these two men while in office leave no choice. Successful public health campaigns and medical advances have enabled the United States to conquer a range of disfiguring and damaging diseases. Polio, which paralyzed thousands of Americans annually, was wiped out by widespread vaccinations. In 1999 the nations last hospital for lepers closed its doors in Louisiana. A global campaign eradicated smallpox, while lethal tuberculosis, the consumption that stalked characters in decades of literature, seemed beaten by antibiotics. Measles outbreaks still occur from time to time, but they are small, local, and easily contained. Recently, however, some of these forgotten but still formidable infectious diseases have begun to reappear in the U.S. For two years running, polio has been detected in some New York water samples, and this fall, leprosy re-emerged in Florida, where cases of malaria have also been recorded. Health officials say they are not sure why these and other infectious diseases are resurfacing. One distinct possibility, which officials are loath to discuss, is that the millions of migrants who have crossed into the country in recent years could be bringing the scourges with them, since many are from countries where such rare diseases persist and vaccination programs are not robust. The recent polio and leprosy cases are almost certainly imports to the U.S., said Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a physician and scientist at Stanford University, one of the most outspoken critics of official COVID-19 narratives in the last pandemic that later proved flawed. And the Biden administration, an aggressive promoter of often mandatory vaccination last time, now is offering little public comment on the connection between disease and the porous borders with which its immigration policy has become widely identified. Neither the Centers for Disease Control nor the Department of Homeland Security would discuss the issue with RealClearInvestigations. Legal immigrants are required to receive vaccinations for a host of diseases, but the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged it does not have vaccination records for the millions who have entered the U.S. since the Biden administration relaxed border controls upon taking office in January 2021. Its not like there is some Typhoid Mary out there, but this is something people are seeing and thinking about, even if they dont want to discuss it publicly, said Art Arthur of the Center for Immigration Studies, which opposes the Biden administrations border policies. The reticence of federal agencies has not stopped some local officials, however, from raising public health alarms over massive immigration. New York City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan warned in April that at least half of the migrants who have poured into the city had not been vaccinated against polio. The potentially paralyzing and life-threatening virus remains endemic in two countries in the world, Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to the World Health Organization. Since President Biden ordered what proved to be a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, an estimated 90,000 Afghans have come to the U.S. under the terms of Operation Allies Welcome. It is not clear if those migrants met the polio vaccination requirement. DHS did not respond to a question about whether medical histories were reviewed in the fast-tracked entry of Afghans who got out of their country before the Taliban reimposed its control. Vasans warning pointed directly to the southern border, which has seen record-shattering arrivals on the Biden administrations watch. More than 50,000 people have come to New York City in the past year shortly after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, he wrote in an 11-page letter. I am writing now to underscore how critical it is that health care providers take a wide range of considerations into account when working with people who are seeking asylum. Citing outbreaks of chickenpox in shelters for illegal immigrants, Vasan also noted the arrival of newcomers who either began their journey in a country where tuberculosis is present or passed through such countries en route to the U.S. The New York City Health Department did not respond to questions from RealClearInvestigations or to a request to speak with Dr. Vasan, but the numbers have only grown since he sent his letter. Since spring 2022, more than 100,000 migrants had arrived in the city, and more than 67,200 were living in taxpayer-funded housing at the end of November, according to the New York Times. Last year, the first recorded polio case in the U.S. since 2013 was diagnosed in New York State, with the victim described only as an unvaccinated man. Also in 2022, poliovirus was found in the water supply of four New York counties, including Long Island, and New York City. Another positive test result was recorded in Rockland County this year, according to the state. In the U.S., polio vaccinations remain part of the routine childhood immunization process under which the CDC recommends four doses. Adults who grew up in the U.S. are vaccinated, the agency said. The last occurrence prior to the New York diagnosis had been in 1979. Since November 2022, the CDC has begun wastewater testing for the poliovirus, so long extinct in the U.S., in selected areas, but the agency did not respond to questions about those investigations. It does provide information on COVID and monkeypox, the latter a disease that primarily afflicts the gay population. A thorough investigation, exploring all avenues of transmission and trying to source a virus to its root, is common among virus hunters, and the idea that millions of people coming to the U.S. could inadvertently carry with them some infectious disease is but one possibility. For example, thus far researchers have been unable to pinpoint where the infamous Ebola virus originates in equatorial Africa. 'Historically Atypical Countries' The situation in the United States is further complicated by the fact that DHS officials dont know where all of the more than 7.5 million migrants whove arrived since Biden took office are living. Those whom Border Patrol agents have encountered and processed have immigration court dates, but those dates are years in advance. Many people with uncertain immigration status lack health insurance and stay off the grid as much as possible, meaning even if the U.S. launched some kind of vaccination program it would not know where to concentrate its efforts. In addition, the historic flood of illegal immigration during the Biden administration has also featured a much more global population. DHS uses the term historically atypical countries to describe the panoply of countries outside of Mexico and Central America from which illegal immigration has soared. Between 2011 and 2022, the number of annual encounters involving immigrants from historically atypical countries soared from fewer than 8,000 to almost 1 million. The first six months of 2023 saw more than half of official encounters these numbers do not include what Border Patrol calls gotaways for whom little information is available from historically atypical countries. But infectious diseases largely forgotten in the U.S. remain public health issues in both hemispheres, and many of those nations have much less robust vaccination programs than most modern Western nations. In 1988, when the World Health Organization launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, wild poliovirus was evident in 125 countries, but the zone where it remains endemic has shrunk to Afghanistan and Pakistan, with most recent cases occurring along the countries nearly 1,600-mile border, according to the CDC. Vaccination campaigns have proved problematic under the militant Islamic fundamentalist Taliban, according to the CDC. Oral vaccines in parts of the south and northeast regions are allowed only at health facilities, mosques, and polio vaccination sites. In March, Al Jazeera reported that the Taliban would allow a polio vaccination program for children, but precise figures on the countrys overall vaccination rate remain unclear. The World Health Organization estimates that 76% of Afghanistans children have received a polio vaccine. But some countries have even lower vaccination rates. On Nov. 30, for instance, some 700 people, including many from Senegal and Nigeria, walked into the U.S. at the Texas border. Only 63% of Senegals children have been vaccinated for polio, and various fevers, hepatitis, and malaria are endemic there. Measles, which the U.S. declared eliminated here in 2000, are an issue, too. The WHO estimates 22 million children missed their first measles vaccine last year and more than half of them live in just 10 countries, all of which fall in the historically atypical immigration list. Measles cases have risen in the U.S., from 13 individual cases in 2020 to 121 in 2022, according to the CDC. Recent outbreaks in Ohio and Illinois have all occurred among unvaccinated children, according to state health officials. The age and nationality of victims is not made public, but the measles vaccination rate is below 70% in many countries that have sent immigrants to the U.S. recently. While few are publicly pushing the panic button, some public health officials worry that a creeping mistrust of vaccines in the wake of the pandemic may make more Americans vulnerable to dangerous and even deadly scourges. Syphilis, for example, has been on the rise for many years but rose sharply during the pandemic. COVID-19 has drawn the lions share of attention from the public health bureaucracy since 2020, leading to shortfalls in other areas, some experts said. All of these diseases are more prevalent in part because of lockdown policies which diverted public health resources and attention worldwide away from its traditional priorities of controlling the spread of these deadly infectious conditions, Dr. Bhattacharya said, referring to measles and other maladies. And just as there is no cure for polio, there is no vaccine for some infectious diseases. Malaria, for example, the mosquito-borne fever that killed more workers than yellow fever did when the Panama Canal was built, remains endemic in tropical zones, and its path to rare outbreaks in the U.S. usually follows either a trip made abroad or someone moving here, according to health officials in Florida. Department spokesman Jae Williams told RCI the exact sources of many infectious disease outbreaks in the Sunshine State remain unknown, but the huge increase in illegal immigrants could be a clue. Its always a possibility, and our most recent malaria cases appeared to be a strain from Central America, he said. In other words, the malaria could have been brought by a newcomer or picked up by someone who traveled there and returned. Central Florida this summer saw leprosy return, although the exact source remains a mystery, Williams said. Information about the age, sex, and nationality of victims is not public, and most of those who contracted the infectious, skin-disfiguring disease were described only as landscapers. Various accounts have speculated armadillos are to blame, but armadillos are not newcomers to the region. The theory holds that somehow the leprosy bacteria, which generally requires prolonged contact and against which most humans have developed immunity over millennia, is in the dirt armadillos wallow in, and the cases that broke out among landscapers then would be linked to the animals they encounter. But leprosy is not endemic in Florida. It is most common in parts of southeast Asia, equatorial Africa, and Brazil. The influx of people, sure its a problem and its always a possibility, Williams said. But we dont really know. Nevertheless, the questions are being asked with more frequency. On Dec. 19, Ashley St. Clair, a conservative commentator, set off a firestorm on X, formerly Twitter, that her Delta flight from Phoenix to New York was filled with people who had recently been processed, released, and brought to the airport by Border Patrol. All the pilots, airline staff, and passengers want to know is: what medical screenings are being done? she wrote. Delta did not respond to questions from RCI about what knowledge it had been provided about its passengers. COLUMBUS Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 Certified Crop Adviser of the Year award. Coordinated by the Ohio CCA Program, the state award recognizes a highly motivated individual who delivers exceptional customer service for farmer clients in nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop production and has contributed substantially to the exchange of ideas and the transfer of agronomic knowledge within the agricultural industry in Ohio. The winner, who will be recognized at the 2024 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference March 12-13 in Ada, Ohio, will receive a plaque, recognition in industry publications and a $1,500 cash award, courtesy of the Ohio Association of Independent Crop Consultants, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Nutrien. Past award winners include Alex Lindsey, Ohio State University; Tina Lust, Lust Seed Sales & Service; Thomas Puch, Heritage Cooperative; Wesley Haun, Tiger-Sul Products, LLC and Don Boehm, Legacy Farmers Cooperative. To view the full list of past award winners, visit oaba.net/cca. Submit nominations by Jan. 15 to the Ohio CCA Board c/o Ohio AgriBusiness Association, 5151 Reed Road, Suite 126-C, Columbus, OH 43220-2598. To download the 2024 application, go to oaba.net/aws/OABA/asset_manager/get_file/871665?ver=0. For additional information, contact Janice Welsheimer at 614-326-7520 or jwelsheimer@oaba.net. I remember my first day in extension back in the 1980s when I started an internship with Hank Bartholomew, the Perry County Ag Agent, and he was very involved with ways to extend the grazing season and management intensive grazing. Bartholomew, Daryl Clark, Tom Noyes, Ed Vollborn, Bob Hendershot and Gary Wilson were the ones that got me interested and were pushing these concepts around Ohio and beyond. I consider them to be on the Mt. Rushmore of grazing here in Ohio, and I did my best to learn from them. Over the past 35 years, we have seen amazing improvements in the forage industry, especially with alfalfa. We were very fortunate to have our Ohio State University forage professor, Mark Sulc, with us for many years advancing improvements with alfalfa. I recall when potato leafhopper alfalfa was introduced, and it provided us with a pesticide-free way to control this destructive insect. Improvements continued with disease resistance extending the life of the stand, and then Round-Up ready alfalfa was introduced, reducing the weeds in the stands. Most recently, low-lignin alfalfa was introduced, improving digestibility. It certainly hasnt been all positive over the years, as wildlife and weeds have become more of a challenge. I actually quit raising alfalfa on our family farm back in the 80s when I counted 40 deer in a two-acre field that quickly killed off the stand. Coyotes rapidly expanded, causing issues, and while they never killed any of our newborn calves, cow behavior changed, making them more aggressive when I tried to work the baby calves. Then, black vultures have moved into our area causing even more problems. If that is not enough, I remember our biggest forage weed issue in the 80s being ironweed. While it is as prevalent now as it was then, I rarely hear farmers saying it is an issue. Hemp dogbane, spotted knapweed and cocklebur lead the list with the most frequent calls I get and what I deal with in my pastures. I didnt even mention multiflora rose and autumn olive. However, I have seen significant improvements in grazing. Most farmers now have multiple pasture fields and do some degree of rotational grazing. One practice I have noticed the most is how much longer the grazing season has become. When I was young, if we could make it to the middle of October, we were doing good. Now, in my neck of the woods, most are still grazing after Thanksgiving. Some of it may be warmer weather in October and November, but I would like to think it is better grazing management I am sure it is a combination. Most of my career, I have researched ways to extend the grazing season. After corn stalks, stockpiling grass, especially fescue, is the most economical and easiest method to do so. After many trials over the past 35 years, all I can say with statistical significance is adding nitrogen (100# of urea, 46-0-0) will increase yields. Of course, we have other forages like oats, cereal rye and brassicas (i.e. turnips) that can extend the grazing season. Several of the farmers in my area have consistently made it well into February without feeding hay. If we were to ask someone from the city what forages are, I bet they would not know. If we asked them what grass was, they might say it was just legalized in Ohio. Forages and grasslands are the most important ecosystem in the world. It covers more than 1/3 of the worlds land area and 70% of the worlds agricultural area. In the United States, it covers 38% of the land and 2/3 of all the ag land. For those of us interested in forages and grasslands, we need a voice to advance our cause, and fortunately, we have one. The American Forage and Grassland Council brings producers, educators and industry together to promote and advance forages. Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio all have state councils, and if you join one of them, you also become a member of the national organization. The Ohio Forage and Grassland Council will be having their annual meeting Feb. 9 at Deerassic Park, east of Cambridge. For more information and registration, go to ohioforage.com, and for more information on the national organization and other state-affiliated councils, go to afgc.org. I have been involved with forages my entire life and will likely do so as long as can. After over 35 years spanning five decades working for OSU Extension, it is time to hand it off to the next generation. I am very confident in the future of forages and the direction we are heading. OSU is in the process of hiring a new forage specialist. We have three state extension specialists working with small ruminant animals, beef and dairy producers, Brady Campbell, Garth Ruff and Jason Hartschuh, who have an interest in forages, and several of our newer extension educators are involved and making an impact. Forages have been a part of my life and career, and I have been blessed. May the grass be greener on your side of the fence. Welsh beef producers are at the heart of a new advertising campaign to celebrate their expertise and showcase what makes Welsh beef so special. The new Welsh Beef campaign features a series of advertising across digital, radio and TV, including sponsorship of S4Cs Christmas and new year programming. Using the naturally local strapline, the campaign, which airs until the new year, focuses on the generations of tradition that defines the industry. It also showcases the extensive nature of livestock farming that is the hallmark of the industry and how sourcing food locally should be the natural choice for consumers. One of the farmers taking part in Hybu Cig Cymru Meat Promotion Wales' (HCC) campaign and epitomising its naturally local ethos is Ben Williams of Garth Uchaf Farm, located in Pentyrch, near Cardiff. He is the fourth generation of his family to farm The Garth - a scheduled ancient monument on the outskirts of Cardiff - and its surrounding area. Welsh Beef is produced in a very natural environment. It's mostly extensively farmed on the hills of Wales," Mr Williams said. "I think it gives it that unique flavour, where it's slower growing by grazing ground that is rich in natural grasses and a variety of herbage. I think this gives it that unique flavour. Speaking on why Welsh farming is special, he said: I think the thing I enjoy most about farming is improving our production of food year on year and in a sustainable way. These two things should always go hand in hand. Our hopes for the future are to continue farming in the way that we do to sustainably produce food for the local population. "By buying Welsh Beef you're not only supporting a sustainable practice of farming, you're supporting a local community. I believe Welsh Beef and Welsh Lamb are the best you can get. "It's produced naturally off the grass that we can grow. What more can you ask for? HCC's campaign started airing just before Christmas and will continue into the new year. AHDB recently announced the launch of its new Let's Eat Balanced campaign, with three TV adverts showcasing British beef, lamb and dairy in the new year. The theme for the January campaign is 'THIS and THAT', encouraging the British public to adopt 'a sustainable, healthy and nutritiously balanced diet'. Labour has confirmed it has no plans to change inheritance tax, including agricultural property relief, if it wins the next election. Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed confirmed the stance, which has been welcomed by the industry, as APR is currently available on farmland whether used by the owner or a tenant. Farming groups had warned that if APR was removed, landowners may be deterred from letting their land when they could instead secure business property relief if it were farmed in hand or used for anther trading activity. NFU President Minette Batters welcomed the news: "Its good to see Labour has listened to our concerns and recognised the importance of keeping this policy," she said. This relief is essential to family farms, helping to keep small family businesses alive and continuing to produce high-quality food while also caring for our cherished countryside. Over a third of land is rented in by farmers and around two-thirds of farmers rent in at least some of their land. The impact of its removal would therefore also be felt across the industry, from tenant farmers and new entrants lacking the capital to buy land, to farms looking for the flexibility to expand. The NFU warned that any removal of APR would unlikely raise much in the way of tax, but could lead to a contraction in the amount of rental land for farmers. It said this would then have a wider impact on food security if landowners were to remove their land from tenancies and from food production. Responding to Labour's stance, NFU head of tax, Michael Parker said: The return on capital for farming can be very low and would be insufficient to pay a 40% inheritance tax charge. "This would effectively mean using up all of the profits and remove any ability to invest in the business." The news follows NFU lobbying earlier in the year on whether APR should be extended to cover all Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs) following a government consultation on the scope of APR from inheritance tax. The NFU said it would also be reiterating its ask of the government to remove the uncertainty over the tax treatment of agricultural land entered into environmental schemes ahead of next years spring budget. "China has developed hugely in the last few decades and Foshan is part of this fast, huge development." An Italian businessman who has been working in China for more than 20 years said he's impressed by China's rapid growth, and that he feels more at home than a guest in Foshan. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Bryan Tanaka has confirmed his "amicable" split from Mariah Carey. Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka have called time on their romance The 40-year-old dancer has taken to social media to announce that he's split from Mariah, 54, after "seven extraordinary years together". Bryan wrote on Instagram: "Dear friends and fans, with mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together. Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound respect and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the invaluable time we've shared. The memories we've created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever. "Mariah's dedication to her family and her commitment to her craft have inspired us during our shared journey. I want to express my love and appreciation for Mariah and her incredible children, whose warmth and kindness have enriched my life in ways words cannot capture." Bryan has also thanked his fans for their recent show of support. He added: "The outpouring of love and support from fans has been a beacon of strength, and I am extremely grateful for the encouragement that continues to uplift me. I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters. "With #MuchLove and gratitude, "Bryan Tanaka (sic)" The dancer confirmed their split shortly after Mariah - who has 12-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-husband Nick Cannon - revealed that she was particularly looking forward to Christmas this year. Speaking to PEOPLE, she explained: "I've been looking forward to this Christmas for, like, the whole year. Since last year - because last year wasn't the greatest. I'm thankful for them all, but it wasn't my most fun version of Christmas ever." Lee Sun-kyuns car in which he was found dead after an apparent suicide has been towed away as police begin an investigation into his death. Lee Sun-kyuns car in which he was found dead after an apparent suicide has been towed away as police begin an investigation into his death The Parasite actor, 48, was found unconscious in a car in a central Seoul park on Wednesday (27.12.23), South Koreas emergency office announced, with the countrys Yonhap news agency reporting his body was found after his wife Jeon Hye-jin altered police to what appeared to be a suicide note she had found from her husband. Dad-of-two Lee, famed for playing the Park family father in the 2019 Best Picture Oscar winner Parasite, had reportedly been under police investigation over his alleged use of marijuana and other psychoactive drugs and had been questioned three times by police over his alleged drug use, including a 19 hour interrogation by authorities over the weekend. Police have been seen investigating the car in which the actors body was found at a park in central Seoul, with reports saying authorities had found a charcoal briquette in the passenger seat of the car. Yonhap reported Lee claimed he had been tricked into taking drugs by a bar hostess who then tried to blackmail him. Those convicted of drug related offences in South Korea face tough punishments, with repeat offenders and dealers often facing up to 14 years in jail. Lee won a Screen Actors Guild Award along with his Parasite castmates in 2020, briefly spoke with reporters in late October before entering an Incheon police station, telling press: I sincerely apologise for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident. I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment. Lee married his girlfriend of seven years Jeon Hye-jin in May 2009, with the couple having two sons. 'Parasite' star Lee Sun-kyun has died aged 48. Lee Sun-kyun has died aged 48 The actor - who was best known for starring in the Oscar-winning film - was found dead in a car in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday (27.12.23). Earlier, his wife reported that the actor had left home and she found what appeared to be a suicide note, according to Yonhap, the South Korean news agency. The movie star has recently been under investigation for his alleged use of marijuana and other drugs. South Korea has tough drug laws in place. Drug crimes can, in fact, lead to up to 14 years in prison for repeat offenders and dealers. However, the actor - who had been questioned three times by police in recent months - denied the allegations, insisting that he was tricked into taking drugs by a waitress. Lee addressed the issue in October, when he was seen entering a police station in Incheon. He told reporters at the time: "I sincerely apologise for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident." The movie star - who made his acting debut in 2001 - also revealed that his family was suffering "pain" amid his legal troubles. He explained: "I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment." Over the weekend, Lee was questioned by police officers for 19 hours over his alleged drug use. The actor was best known for starring in 'Parasite', Bong Joon-hos 2019 Oscar-winning film. However, he played a variety of roles during his acting career and was a widely respected performer. Patrick Schwarzenegger is engaged to Abby Champion. Patrick Schwarzenegger got down on one knee and proposed to Abbey Champion The 30-year-old actor - whose parents are Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver - popped the question to his longtime girlfriend over the festive period. The 'Stowaway' actor proposed with a 'Toi et Moi' ring with two diamonds symbolising 'You and Me'. Alongside a series of professional photographs from the special moment posted on Instagram, Abby gushed in the caption: "FOREVER AND EVER." His mum commented: "Yippee bravo we are all so happy for you for your love for your now for your future your love is inspiring joy joy joy." Before Abby, 26, Patrick briefly dated pop star Miley Cyrus, 31. He and his fiancee were signed to the same modelling agency, Next Models in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, former bodybuilder Arnold, 76, recently opened up about his strict parenting style and how he would make his son have freezing cold showers. The former Mr Universe - who also has Katherine, 34, Christina, 32, and Christopher, 26, with ex-wife Maria, and Joseph, 26, from an affair with his housekeeper - also recalled how he hurled Patrick's mattress out of his window when his boy was aged nine after he refused to make his bed. He told People: I opened up the door to the balcony, picked up the mattress and threw it down with the bedsheets, the pillows, everything. I said, Dont ever make someone come in and clean your room, clean your shower or make your bed. I said, Because I taught you how to make the bed. He said he hated Patricks long, hot showers and told him when he was growing up: Its over, no more showers. Five minutes, one shower, and then thats it and were turning it off. Austrian-born Arnie even installed a shower with a timer that switched it to cold water after a few minutes. The disciplinarian said: In Munich, they have the showers that have those timers that people put money into and then after the money ran out, the cold water came out. I said, Im going to get one like that, and thats exactly what I got. "And so when he got the shower on and he was whistling and singing in there and thinking daddys not around, all the sudden the ice-cold shower came on. And all of a sudden, we heard downstairs, the scream. Vietnam has marked a significant uptick in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, amassing nearly $36.61 billion by December 20 this year, showcasing a robust increase of 32.1 per cent compared to the previous year, as per the Foreign Investment Agency, part of the ministry of planning and investment. Vietnam attracted investment from 111 countries and territories in 2023, with Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong (China) being the top investors. Vietnam has seen a 32.1 per cent year-on-year increase in foreign direct investment in 2023, amassing $36.61 billion. Attracting investments from 111 countries, with top investors from Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong, the country noted a significant rise in new projects and capital contributions, despite a drop in ongoing project funding. The nation has seen a surge in new projects, with over $20.19 billion channelled into 3,188 initiatives, reflecting a 62.2 per cent increase in capital and a 56.6 per cent rise in the number of projects year on year. Additional funding for ongoing projects fell by 22.1 per cent to $7.88 billion. Notably, investments through capital contributions and share purchases surged to over $8.5 billion, a significant leap of 65.7 per cent over the previous year, albeit with a slight decrease in transaction volume, said Vietnamese media reports quoting the agency. The year's investment has spanned across diverse regions, notably Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and several other economic hotspots, attracting substantial funds across 18 different sectors. The processing-manufacturing sector took the lead, securing $23.5 billion or 64.2 per cent of the total FDI, followed by real estate and power production sectors. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD) China recently raised by 5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) Australias import quota for zero-tariff wool products next year to 44,324 tonnes, while retaining the existing quota of the same products for New Zealand. The rise in Australias quota is in line with the terms of their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). The import quota for New Zealand wool next year will be 36,936 tonnes and that of wool tops from that country will be set at 665 tonnes, according to China's commerce ministry and the general administration of customs. China has raised Australia's 2024 import quota for zero-tariff wool products by 5 per cent YoY to 44,324 tonnes. The import quota for New Zealand wool next year was retained at 36,936 tonnes and that of the country's wool tops will be 665 tonnes. China accounted for 82 per cent of Australia's wool exports between July 1 and December 31, 2022. While China accounted for 82 per cent of Australia's wool exports between July 1 and December 31, 2022, India bought only 5 per cent, a Chinese state-controlled media outlet reported citing data from the Nanjing Wool Market. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his roles in Parasite, Coffee Prince and My Mister, was reportedly found dead inside his car by the paramedics in Waryong Park in the Jongno district of Seoul earlier this morning.According to the Korean media, Seoul's Seongbuk Police Station revealed that they found an unconscious man in a parked car at a Seoul Park. The police were contacted by a woman who stated that her husband had left their home after leaving behind a note that appeared to be a suicide note. Subsequently, the police verified that the man in question was Lee Sun-kyun. "His identity has been confirmed," stated the police. The report also mentioned that the police discovered evidence of burning charcoal briquettes in Lee Sun-kyun's car, indicating the possibility of his death by suicide.The news of his passing comes one day after Lee Sun-kyun refuted the claim of knowingly using hard drugs. In October, Lee Sun-kyun faced allegations of illegal drug consumption and was under investigation since then.Lee Sun-kyun started his career in acting in 2001, appearing in stage productions such as plays and musicals. He gained widespread fame after starring in the 2007 K-dramas White Tower and Coffee Prince. Particularly, he received extensive acclaim for his role in Bong Joon-ho's 2019 Academy Award-winning film, Parasite, which led to him winning the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. In a year that witnessed remarkable talent and gripping narratives, Nine Bollywood actors stood out for their exceptional portrayals of notorious characters on both the web series and silver screen. These actors, through their compelling performances, added a new dimension to storytelling in web series and films in 2023. 1. Gulshan Devaiah - Guns and Gulaabs: Gulshan Devaiah took on the role of Chat Cut Aatmaram in "Guns and Gulaabs," portraying one of the most eccentric and infamous characters of his career and in Hindi cinema. Despite embodying a villainous and brutal persona, he captivated audiences with witty one-liners, humorous dialogues, and a unique on-screen appearance. His performance garnered praise from both audiences and critics, leading to demands for a spinoff centered around his character. 2. Kritika Kamra - Bambai Meri Jaan: In "Bambai Meri Jaan," Kritika Kamra undertook the challenging role of Habiba, marking a significant departure from her usual on-screen innocence. Portraying a lady gangster loosely inspired by real-life figure Haseena Parkar, the talented actress delivered a flawless performance. Her portrayal of the female gangster was met with widespread acclaim, earning her positive praise from both audiences and critics alike. 3. Vijay Varma - Dahaad: In "Dahaad," Vijay Varma, known for his ability to embody characters with precision, added another feather to his cap. While delivering memorable performances over the years, his portrayal of a psychotic serial killer in the series earned him recognition as one of the onscreen notorious characters. Varma's impressive depiction showcased his ability to convincingly portray someone preying on targets, swiftly advancing towards his ultimate goals. 4. Emraan Hashmi - Tiger 3: Renowned as one of Bollywood's romantic heroes, Emraan Hashmi, often dubbed the "serial kisser" in Hindi cinema, showcased his versatility in the hit film "Tiger 3." Taking on the negative role of Aatish Rehman, a Pakistani intelligence character, Hashmi surprised his fans by portraying the antagonist with finesse. His ability to delve into any character offered to him demonstrated that he is not limited to a specific on-screen persona. 5. Jaideep Ahlawat - Jaane Jaan: Jaideep is acknowledged as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, once again demonstrating his exceptional acting skills. Renowned for consistently setting high standards with each of his roles, Ahlawat's portrayal of a Teacher in the film showcased his ability to embody complex characters flawlessly. Despite the grey shades in his on-screen persona, the character he portrayed was innocently notorious, making audiences desire such a presence in their own lives who could stand firmly with him in their difficult times. His performance garnered equal love and praise from both audiences and critics. 6. Tahir Raj Bhasin - Sultan of Delhi: Finally breaking the silence, Tahir Raj Bhasin takes the lead in Milan Luthria's gangster drama series, "Sultan of Delhi." Playing the character of Arjun Bhatia, an ambitious and sharp-witted individual, Tahir Raj Bhasin captivates the audience with his compelling performance. His portrayal of Arjun will evoke both love and disdain, showcasing the actor's versatility. Tahir's commanding screen presence becomes a standout element, and his portrayal of the character's ruthless side later in the series solidifies him as a scene-stealer. 7. Anil Kapoor - The Night Manager: Anil Kapoor's captivating portrayal steals the spotlight in the successful adaptation, The Night Manager. He remains the central figure, portraying a suave antagonist navigating the world of war and destruction with a unique blend of charm and subtle sophistication. Skillfully embodying the character's concealed malice, Kapoor opts for a nuanced approach that hints at the depths of the villain's wicked intentions. 8. Venkatesh Daggubati - Raina Nadu: Venkatesh Daggubati takes a departure from his usual feel-good and family-oriented roles in Telugu cinema with his portrayal of Naga Naidu in the action thriller family drama web series Rana Naidu. Unlike the wholesome characters he's known for, Venkatesh embraces the wild side, delivering a spirited performance as the father to his real-life nephew Rana Daggubati. In this role, he skillfully embodies a flamboyant, foul-mouthed, and reckless womanizer with a dubious past, fully embracing the unpredictable and expressive nature of the character on screen. 9. Ameya Wagh - Kaala Paani: Ameya Wagh excels in his role as Ketan Kamat in the survival drama Kaala Pani, portraying a cunning character determined to extricate himself from any challenging situation. Wagh delivers an entertaining and thoroughly villainous performance, with glimpses of Ketan's underlying goodness occasionally surfacing, only to be overshadowed by his commitment to his wicked disposition. Kaajal Pasupathi's Second Marriage Buzz: Popular actress Kaajal Pasupathi has set social media abuzz with a recent Instagram post hinting at her second marriage, leaving her fans both surprised and curious. Captain Miller Audio Launch Date, Time, And Live Streaming Details: Shiva Rajkumar Expected To Attend Event Known for her diverse roles in both films and television, Kaajal began her career as a video jockey at Sun Music before venturing into television serials. Her foray into films kicked off with a notable appearance in Sasi's "Dishyum" (2006), followed by various roles portraying vamps, police officers, and glamorous characters. Having worked in numerous films like "Vasool Raja MBBS," "Idhaya Thirudan," "Kalvanin Kadhali," "Subramaniapuram," "Perumal," "Singam," and "Vellore Maavattam," Kaajal's standout performances were in films such as "Ko" (2011), "Mouna Guru" (2011), "Katham Katham" (2015), and "Aayirathil Iruvar" (2017). Her intriguing stint on the reality show "Bigg Boss" in 2017, hosted by Kamal Haasan, further elevated her public presence. However, her personal life has garnered attention too. Previously married to choreographer Sandy, the duo separated and divorced, citing differences. Social Media Speculation: Kaajal's Enigmatic Second Marriage Post Despite a quieter film career, Kaajal remains active on social media, often engaging with hot topics online. Her recent Instagram post revealed a wedding photo with a cryptic caption: "Finally, second marriage. I hope you guys are happy. Sorry friends, I could not inform anyone because everything was decided in a hurry" has sparked intense speculation. "Finally.. second marriage hope you guys are happy. Bwn.. Sorry friends .. thideer nu mudivu panadhalana yaarukum Solla mudiyala..Take care guys. CIA soon.(sic)" The photo, where the groom's face is not shown, has ignited a wildfire of comments and questions among netizens. Doubts loom over the authenticity of the second marriage, with some suggesting the photo seems dated. Vishal Spotted With Mystery Woman In New York City: Netizens Speculate New Movie Promotion - Watch As this enigmatic revelation continues to circulate, social media is abuzz with curious speculations regarding Kaajal Pasupathi's latest revelation, keeping her fans and followers curious to know the truth. Sagileti Katha OTT Release: "Sagileti Katha," an action-packed rural drama, hit the screens on October 13, 2023. The film starred Ravi Teja Mahadasyam and Vishika Lakshman in the lead roles. Steering the audience through the tale, Navdeep took on the role of the film's presenter. Devara OTT Rights Bagged By Netflix In A High-Value Deal: Spotlighting Jr. N.T.R. Film's Digital Appeal Sagileti Katha Synopsis The story takes place in Sagileru, a parched village nestled in the heart of Rayalaseema. At its centre are two prominent personalities: Sagileru President Chowdappa (played by Raja Shekhar Aningi) and RMP Dorasami (portrayed by Ramesh), whose bond runs deep. Amidst a series of surprising turns, affection sparks between Kumar (played by Ravi Mahadasyam), Chowdappa's son, and Krishna Kumari (portrayed by Vishika Lakshman), Dorasami's daughter. Meanwhile, the villagers plan a Gangalamma fair within their community. This event becomes the backdrop for unfolding incidents, unexpected challenges in Kumar and Krishna Kumari's love story, and the intricate dynamics between their romance and the Gangalamma Fair, forming the essence of this narrative. Sagileti Katha OTT Release Date And Platform "Sagileti Katha" debuted its digital streaming journey on Friday, December 22, exclusively on ETV Win OTT. This rural drama unfolds the story of Sagileru village within Rayalaseema's arid landscapes. With its focus on the intertwined lives of Sagileru President Chowdappa and RMP Dorasami against the backdrop of a vibrant Gangalamma fair, the film brings forth a tale of relationships and conflicts. The film is now accessible for streaming on ETV Win OTT, offering viewers an immersive experience into the essence of village life. Venky Re-release Bucks Trends, Surpasses Expectations With 6,500+ Tickets Sold In First 24 Hours At Hyderabad Sagileti Katha Cast And Crew The film features a talented cast, including Ravi Teja Mahadasyam, Vishika Lakshman, Vijaya Krishna Veeravalli, Rajasekhar Aningi, and Narasimha Prasad. Rajasekhar Sudmoon took on multiple key roles as the director, writer, cinematographer, and editor. Ashok Mittapally and Deviprasad Balivada served as the film's producers, contributing to its production. The music for the film was composed by Jaswanth Pasupuleti, while MKS Manoj handled the publicity design. Heading the film's publicity efforts was Venkatesh Tirumalasetty. Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2023) - SCMDOJO expands supply chain training to five new companies. Within the last three months, SCMDOJO, a pioneering Dubai-based startup, has successfully implemented its cutting-edge online learning platform across five additional companies. This expansion directly responds to the growing demand for cost-effective and efficient supply chain training solutions. It underscores SCMDOJO's unwavering dedication to making top-tier supply chain education accessible and affordable. Dubai, a city renowned for its strategic geographical location, serves as a pivotal nexus connecting diverse markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. The city's thriving port infrastructure, particularly the Jebel Ali Port, ranks among the busiest globally. This highlights its role as a central hub in international trade and supply chains. Despite these advantages, the region faces a significant challenge: a shortage of supply chain talent and limited access to industry knowledge and best practices. According to Dr. Muddassir Ahmed, a staggering 72% of companies struggle to find affordable supply chain expertise. Marsel and Muddassir creative meeting at SCMDOJO headquarters To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/192418_2abb0b2d54bd2b1f_001full.jpg In response to this challenge, SCMDOJO has emerged from the heart of Dubai's innovative startup culture. Founded in 2022, SCMDOJO helps supply chain professionals grow by providing high-quality supply chain on-demand courses, guides, best practices, tools, and consulting from industry experts. It focuses on Supply Chain Competencies, People Skills, and Technology Know-How. These pillars are crucial for navigating the complex landscape of the modern supply chain industry. The inception of SCMDOJO is a story of entrepreneurial spirit and collaboration. Marsel Khanane, a young Procurement Prodigy, and Dr. Muddassir Ahmed, a seasoned expert in supply chain management, joined forces to create SCMDOJO Academy for Businesses. This platform addresses the limitations of traditional certification programs like CIPS and ASCM's CSCP, which are often prohibitively expensive. SCMDOJO's online platform offers a comprehensive learning experience with an extensive course library, interactive reward system, progress tracking, and performance analytics. The success of SCMDOJO in deploying its platform to five new companies within a short span demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency in supply chain management. SCMDOJO's journey epitomizes the essence of Dubai's startup culture, which thrives on innovation, collaboration, and addressing real-world business challenges. Through Marsel Khanane and Dr. Muddassir Ahmed's visionary approach, SCMDOJO has not only filled a significant gap in the market but also established a more accessible, cost-effective pathway for supply chain knowledge management. As global supply chains continue to evolve, platforms like SCMDOJO are instrumental in aligning talent development with industry best practices, ensuring companies of all sizes can benefit from advanced learning opportunities. About the Company: SCMDOJO is a Dubai-based startup revolutionizing supply chain knowledge management. It focuses on equipping businesses with essential competencies, people skills, and technology know-how. The company's innovative platform, SCMDOJO Academy for Businesses, offers practical, interactive online learning solutions in supply chain management, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional certification programs. By putting knowledge and best practices at companies' fingertips, SCMDOJO helps supply chains thrive. Media Contact: Full Name: Marsel Khanane Email: marselhanane@gmail.com City: Dubai To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192418 SOURCE: Ascend Agency The city of Turin, consolidating the bond with the territory, increasingly improves the representation of Langhe and the international involvement at the event. 300 wineries ready to showcase new vintages of Langhe DOCGs and DOCs also to Chinese trade operators, as part of the project "Top Tales: a piece of Europe on your table" MILAN, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Grandi Langhe 2024 is now in its 8th edition and is preparing to welcome wine professionals to Turin on Monday, January 29 and Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Solid presence of international operators, including, a group of 20 buyers from China and Hong Kong, rounding out the activities launched in September 2023 for China as part of the European campaign "Top Tales: A piece of Europe on your table" whose Barolo Barbaresco World Opening is part of. In addition to participating in Grandi Langhe activities, the buyers will take part in various educational events on the territory, guided vineyard tours, a cooking class, and a Wine Academy alongside buyers from other countries. Professionals from China will be joined by more than 90 buyers selected from over 30 countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and India. Buyers, wine retailers, restaurant owners and international importers will be allowed to register for the largest tasting dedicated to the appellations of Langhe and Roero. 300 wineries will present their labels in the charming venues of OGR Turin, a strategic location confirmed for the third year in a row to remark the national and international growth of the event and consolidate the relationship with the city of Turin. Thus, year after year, the representation at the event of Langhe and Roero wineries improves, reaching this year a round figure and covering almost all the companies associated with the group. After hosting Nebbiolo Alto Piemonte wines as guests, this year's new feature will be the participation through a large tasting counter of Alta Langa wines. The aim, in fact, is to reach out to other territories to better represent the entire Piedmont wine region. For further information visit: https://www.grandilanghe.com/ About Top Tales: Top Tales is a project supported by the European Union aimed at promoting Fontina DOP from Valle d'Aosta, Rice di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese DOP, as well as the DOCG's Barolo and Barbaresco. The European communication campaign Top Tales: A piece of Europe on your table, is designed to increase the awareness of the three DOP products in the Chinese market. Website https://toptales.cn/ Images link Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2306291/Barolo_Barbaresco_2024.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2204246/Barolo_Barbaresco_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/top-tales--chinese-wine-professionals-joining-grandi-langhe-2024-302021203.html Company's Game-changing Innovation Leverages the Latest AI, Autonomous Mobility Technology and Conversation Services for a Smarter Life at Home SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics (LG) is ready to unveil its innovative smart home Artificial Intelligence (AI) agent at CES 2024. LG's smart home AI agent boasts robotic, AI and multi-modal technologies that enable it to move, learn, comprehend and engage in complex conversations. An all-around home manager and companion rolled into one, LG's smart life solution enhances users' daily lives and showcases the company's commitment to realizing its "Zero Labor Home" vision. With its advanced 'two-legged' wheel design, LG's smart home AI agent is able to navigate the home independently. The intelligent device can verbally interact with users and express emotions through movements made possible by its articulated leg joints. Moreover, the use of multi-modal AI technology, which combines voice and image recognition along with natural language processing, enables the smart home AI agent to understand context and intentions as well as actively communicate with users. Functioning as a 'moving' smart home hub, this AI agent connects with and controls smart home appliances and household IoT devices. Through LG's latest collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., the AI agent is equipped with the Qualcomm Robotics RB5 Platform, enabling powerful on-device AI features such as face and user recognition. The AI agent utilizes its built-in camera, speaker and various sensors to gather real-time environmental data, including temperature, humidity and indoor air quality. LG's advanced AI technologies analyze this data, continuously learning and combining it with external information. The AI agent can even act as a pet monitor and security guard, providing users with the ability to see and care for their pets remotely and sending alerts if any unusual activity is detected. What's more, the LG smart home AI agent offers exceptional versatility and scalability. For example, it can autonomously patrol the home when no one is there, moving from one room to another and sending notifications to the user's smartphone if it finds an open window or any lights left on. Additionally, it can help conserve energy by connecting with a smart outlet and turning off unused devices throughout the house. When the user returns home, the AI agent greets them at the front door, discerns their emotions by analyzing their voice and facial expressions, and selects music or other content to suit their mood. It also assists users in their daily lives by providing transportation details, weather updates, personal schedules, or reminders to take medications. With the smart home AI agent and its active hub features, LG aims to liberate users from the burden of housework, and seeks to establish itself as a dominant player in the smart home market. "Our groundbreaking smart home AI agent combines cutting-edge autonomous mobility and AI technologies with advanced communication capabilities and services to help free customers from household chores," said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. "A smart life solution company, LG will continue to help customers experience a smarter, more enjoyable life at home." Visitors to CES 2024 from January 9-12 can see all of the LG's latest smart life solutions, including the smart home AI agent, at the company's booth (#16008, Las Vegas Convention Center). About LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company is a global leader in home appliances, smart home solutions, air solutions as well as visionary products featuring LG ThinQ AI. The company is creating various solutions with its industry leading core technologies and is committed to making life better and healthier for consumers by developing thoughtfully designed kitchen appliances, living appliances, HVAC and air purification solutions. Together, these products deliver enhanced convenience, superb performance, efficient operation and compelling health benefits. For more news on LG, visit www.LGnewsroom.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2307899/Smart_Home_AI_agent_Lifestyle_03.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2307900/Smart_Home_AI_agent_02.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lg-ushers-in-zero-labor-home-with-its-smart-home-ai-agent-at-ces-2024-302022665.html HORIZONTE SIGNS INTERIM US$20 MILLION FUNDING PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS: Horizonte agrees a US$20 million interim funding package provided by Orion, Glencore and La Mancha The funding package is expected to provide liquidity while a full funding solution is progressed Agreement with existing Senior Lenders to defer interest payments due 31 December 2023 The Company continues to review the outstanding Project capital expenditure and schedule re-estimate, necessary to implement a full funding solution LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company") the nickel development company, announces that it has agreed a US$20 million interim funding package (the "Funding Package") which comprises a US$15 million Senior Secured Loan Facility (the "Facility"), and the release of US$5 million by OMF Fund III (Cr) Ltd. previously secured at Vermelho, that will allow for critical construction streams to advance at its flagship Araguaia Nickel Project ("Araguaia" or "the Project") and for general working capital purposes. Interim CEO Karim Nasr commented, "We are pleased to see the continued support from our cornerstone shareholders through this US$20 million funding package. This funding package is a demonstration from the Company's largest shareholders on their commitment towards finding a solution to complete the Araguaia Nickel Project construction. We are actively engaging with our cornerstone shareholders and senior lenders with the goal of unlocking a funding solution in Q2 2024. We wish to thank our cornerstones, local stakeholders and employees for their continued commitment and support." The Facility has been provided by OMF Fund III (F) Ltd. ("Orion Mine Finance"), La Mancha Investments S.a r.l. ("La Mancha") and Glencore International AG ("Glencore") (together the "New Money Lenders"), who have each committed US$5 million to the Facility. The New Money Lenders will rank pari passu with the Senior Lenders and will benefit from the same security package. The Facility will have a maturity date falling 102 months from 7 December 2022 and will bear interest at 15.00% per annum. Furthermore, the existing Senior Lenders have agreed to waivers that include deferral of interest due at 31st December 2023 to the end of February 2024 in addition to any breaches or Events of Default under the Senior Debt Facilities. The Funding Package constitutes a related party transaction under Rule 13 of the AIM Rules for Companies. As such, the Company's independent directors (excluding those connected to La Mancha and their nominees) consider, having consulted with its nominated adviser Peel Hunt LLP, that the terms of the Funding Package are fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are concerned. Further to the above, OMF Fund III (Cr) Ltd. has demonstrated its further support to the Project through the release of an additional US$5 million currently secured at Vermelho, Horizonte's second 100% owned project in Brazil. Following the closing of the funding package, US$11 million will remain segregated for the development of Vermelho, where on-going studies continue to advance. The Funding Package provides the Company with liquidity to advance the required re-estimation work at Araguaia, necessary to implement a full funding solution. It will also allow two critical workstreams to be completed, the Water Storage Reservoir and the 230kV powerline, while maintaining a strong focus on safety. As previously announced, the Company's cornerstone shareholders and senior lenders are continuing to undertake their respective due diligence as part of a full funding solution, which includes working with the Company and consultants who are undertaking a review of the outstanding Project capital expenditure and schedule. It is expected that this due diligence process and review will be finalised in Q1 2024, with a full funding solution targeted for Q2 2024. While the Funding Package will allow near term work at Araguaia to progress, completion of construction activities at Araguaia will be subject to successful completion of a full financing solution in 2024. There can be no certainty at this stage that the full financing solution will be achieved. Figure 1 - An overview of the Araguaia processing site as at the beginning of December 2023. Figure 2 - A view from above the Homogenisation building looking towards the primary and secondary crushers, the ROM pad and stockpiles. Figure 3 - A view of the steel erection of the Electrostatic Precipitator, the Rotary Kiln, the Electric Arc Furnace and the Refinery. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014, as retained in the UK pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.com or contact: Horizonte Minerals plc Patrick Chambers (Head of IR) info@horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901 Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Ross Allister Richard Crichton David McKeown Bhavesh Patel +44 (0)20 7418 8900 BMO (Joint Broker) Thomas Rider Pascal Lussier Duquette Andrew Cameron +44 (0) 20 7236 1010 Barclays (Joint Broker) Philip Lindop Richard Bassingthwaighte +44 (0)20 7623 2323 Tavistock (Financial PR) Jos Simson Cath Drummond +44 (0) 20 7920 3150 ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALS Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM/TSX: HZM) is developing two 100%-owned, Tier 1 projects in Para state, Brazil - the Araguaia Nickel Project and the Vermelho Nickel-Cobalt Project. Both projects are high-grade, low-cost, with low carbon emission intensities and are scalable. Araguaia is under construction and when fully ramped up with both Line 1 and Line 2, is forecast to produce 29,000 tonnes of nickel per year. Vermelho is at feasibility study stage. Horizonte's combined production profile of over 60,000 tonnes of nickel per year positions the Company as a globally significant nickel producer. Horizonte's top three shareholders are La Mancha Investments S.a r.l., Glencore Plc and Orion Mine Finance. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company's current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on time, or at all, the success of exploration and mining activities; cost and timing of future exploration, production and development; the costs and timing for delivery of the equipment to be purchased, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the ability of the Company to achieve its goals in respect of growing its mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates and achieving production in accordance with the Company's potential production profile or at all. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks related to: the inability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment on time or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the implementation of a second RKEF line at Araguaia on the timeline contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on the timeline contemplated or at all, exploration and mining risks, competition from competitors with greater capital; the Company's lack of experience with respect to development-stage mining operations; fluctuations in metal prices; uninsured risks; environmental and other regulatory requirements; exploration, mining and other licences; the Company's future payment obligations; potential disputes with respect to the Company's title to, and the area of, its mining concessions; the Company's dependence on its ability to obtain sufficient financing in the future; the Company's dependence on its relationships with third parties; the Company's joint ventures; the potential of currency fluctuations and political or economic instability in countries in which the Company operates; currency exchange fluctuations; the Company's ability to manage its growth effectively; the trading market for the ordinary shares of the Company; uncertainty with respect to the Company's plans to continue to develop its operations and new projects; the Company's dependence on key personnel; possible conflicts of interest of directors and officers of the Company, and various risks associated with the legal and regulatory framework within which the Company operates, together with the risks identified and disclosed in the Company's disclosure record available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including without limitation, the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Araguaia and Vermelho Technical Reports available on the Company's website https://horizonteminerals.com/. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Horizonte Minerals PLC View the original press release on accesswire.com SANYA, China, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Between December 6 and 20, Yili Group and its Thai and Indonesian subsidiaries, respectively, brought together global partners for their Top Partners Conference 2024, themed "Grow with Innovation, Forward in Unity." Fueled by record-breaking sales, Yili Group has cemented its all-around leadership in the industry Supported by global partnerships, Yili's performance in the first three quarters of 2023 was a resounding success. Revenue soared to a record 97.404 billion yuan (approx. US$13.32 billion), accompanied by a notable 16.36% increase in net profit. Yili's international business has experienced sustained and rapid growth, driven by the expansion of its strategic global network. The company has now put into place a network comprising a global resource system, a global innovation system and a global market system, owning a total of 15 R&D and innovation centers and 81 production bases worldwide. This year, Yili's operation in New Zealand and Australia was recognized as the fastest growing in the region, with its products now gracing shelves in over 40 countries and revenue hitting an all-time high. Brands like Thailand's Cremo and Indonesia's Joyday have both achieved the industry's highest sales growth rate. In the face of fierce market competition, Yili's Thai subsidiary rolled out rich product portfolios like Atom, Pilot, and Choco-Crush to better meet the needs of local consumers. At the conference, Yili's Indonesian subsidiary shared its 2024 market expansion plan, which will focus on product innovation, channel expansion, brand promotion, and efforts to continue to improve consumer satisfaction. It also released five major initiatives focused on empowering partners with value-sharing. Over 100 new products launched at this year's conference Upholding the belief of "no innovation, no future," Yili always actively creates products in response to the full life-cycle, all-scenario needs among all types of consumers. It launched over 100 new products at this year's Top Partners Conference. At the conference, Yili's Liquid Milk Business Unit showcased impactful product innovations across various segments, with its flagship brands like AMBOPMIAL, SATINE and PLANT SELECTED launching new flavors to enrich the portfolio. Owning innovative formula patents developed for more than two decades, Yili's Jinlingguan launched a new immunity-enhancing formula. Made from organic A2 raw milk, the new Zhenhu series features a remarkable 20-fold increase in active probiotics, alongside organic breast milk oligosaccharides (HMO) and lactoferrin. The Adult Nutrition Business Unit Business also showcased its breakthrough in functional innovation, unveiling a new type of formula milk powder designed to enhance sleep quality. Yili's fast-growing Cheese Business Unit pays equal attention to nutrition, and deliciousness. Its new products include Yijiahao Rock Grilled Cheese Sauce, which is double-loaded with cheesy richness, and Cheese Torch, a crispy delight bursting with cheesy goodness. Yili's International Business Unit is accelerating the pace of innovation. Fueled by a robust collaborative innovation network and deep insights into the needs of overseas consumers, the Unit creates innovative products of exceptional quality, tied with a dynamic brand image that resonates with local consumers. Forward in Unity: Yili and its partners celebrated a journey of shared development At the Top Partners Conference, Yili showered global partners with accolades, unveiling over a thousand awards across diverse categories, including team management, channel development, and outlet retailing. From Thailand, Pracha Kittrongsiri, the recipient of the Outstanding Partner Award, expressed his readiness to continue to work with Yili to deliver better products and services. Recognizing the technological and financing challenges within the supply chain, Yili has built a mechanism to align interests with its partners. As of October 2023, Yili had helped over 12,000 partners secure over 140 billion yuan (approx. US$19.18 billion) in financing. This commitment to shared success has resulted in a robust global network of over 2,000 partners. Image Attachments Links: Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443867 Caption: Yili Group's Top Partners Conference 2024 in Sanya, Hainan, China Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443874 Caption: Top Partners Conference 2024 of Yili Group's Thai subsidiary in Pattaya, Thailand. Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443875 Caption: Top Partners Conference 2024 of Yili Group's Indonesian subsidiary in Jakarta, Indonesia Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2307967/1_Yili_Sanya.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2307966/2_Yili_Pattaya.jpg Photo - View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/yili-group-celebrates-dynamic-global-relationships-at-the-top-partners-conference-2024-302022722.html The "Fleet Management in Europe 18th Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Now in its seventeenth edition this strategy report covers the latest trends and developments in the dynamic commercial vehicle telematics industry. The report forecasts that the number of fleet management systems in active use in the region is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 12.4 percent from 14.8 million units at the end of 2022 to 26.5 million by 2027. Get up to date with the latest information about vendors, products and markets. Highlights from the report Insights from 50 new executive interviews with market leading companies. New data on vehicle populations and commercial fleets in Europe. Comprehensive overview of the fleet management value chain and key applications. In-depth analysis of market trends and key developments. Updated and new profiles of 120 aftermarket fleet management solution providers. Summary of OEM propositions from truck, trailer and construction equipment brands. Revised market forecasts lasting until 2027 The European fleet management market has entered a growth period that will last for several years to come. Individual markets may however suffer temporary setbacks, depending on the development of the general economy in the region and Ukraine crisis. The number of fleet management systems in active use is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.4 percent from 14.8 million units at the end of 2022 to 26.5 million by 2027. The penetration rate in the total population of non-privately owned commercial vehicles and cars is estimated to increase from 22.1 percent in 2022 to 37.7 percent in 2027. The top-38 vendors have today more than 100,000 active units in Europe. A group of international aftermarket solution providers have emerged as the leaders on the European fleet management market. Berg Insight ranks Targa Telematics as the largest vendor in Europe at the end of 2022 with 710,000 subscribers in the region, followed by Webfleet and Verizon Connect with 680,000 and 490,000 subscribers respectively. All major truck manufacturers on the European market offer OEM telematics solutions as part of their product portfolio. A major trend in the past years has been the announcements of standard line fitment of fleet management solutions. Since the end of 2011, Scania is rolling out the Scania Communicator as standard on all European markets and includes a ten-year basic service subscription. All medium and heavy duty trucks from Daimler Truck contains the Fleetboard vehicle computer as standard and the buses are equipped with OMNIplus ON. Volvo offers Dynafleet as standard in Europe. New MAN trucks are now equipped with RIO as standard replacing MAN TeleMatics. DAF launched its new optional DAF Connect that has been developed in-house in 2016. The leading OEMs in Europe are Scania, Daimler and Volvo with 379,000, 170,000 and 162,000 active FM subscribers respectively at the end of 2022. The consolidation trend continues and seven M&A activities have taken place in 2023 so far. Coyote became majority owner of Ubiwan (51 percent). Vimcar and Avrios were acquired by Battery Ventures and consequently merged, resulting in a new company called Shiftmove. Private equity firm Idico acquired a majority stake in Simpliciti. Targa Telematics acquired Viasat Group. Mapon acquired CarCops based in Estonia which will expand the business in the country considerably. Addsecure Smart Transport acquired the Clifford Group which includes Traxgo, a Belgium-based company offering systems for tracking of vehicles, machines and equipment. Finally, Powerfleet and MiX Telematics announced an agreement to form a combined business which will be branded as Powerfleet. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2024. The report answers the following questions: What are the key drivers behind the adoption of FMS in Europe? Who are the leading providers of aftermarket fleet management solutions in Europe? What offerings are available from truck, trailer and construction equipment OEMs? What are the FMS vendors' hardware strategies and thoughts on BYOD? How has the FMS market coped with the current economic situation in Europe? What impact will standard factory installed FM systems from the OEMs have on the market? Will the FM industry consolidate further during 2024? How will the commercial vehicle telematics industry evolve in the future? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details Forecast Period 2022 2027 Estimated Market Value in 2022 14.8 Million Units Forecasted Market Value by 2027 26.5 Million Units Compound Annual Growth Rate 12.4% Regions Covered Europe Key Topics Covered: 1 Commercial Vehicle Fleets in Europe 1.1 Light commercial vehicles 1.2 Medium and heavy trucks and buses 1.3 Trailers and semi-trailers 1.4 Off-road construction and agriculture equipment 1.5 Company owned passenger cars 1.6 Ownership structure 2 Fleet Management Solutions 2.1 Market analysis 2.2 Vehicle management 2.3 Driver management 2.4 Operations management 2.5 Regulatory compliance and reporting 2.6 Business models 3 Market Forecasts and Trends 3.1 Market analysis 3.2 Market drivers and barriers 3.3 Value chain analysis 3.4 Future industry trends 3.4.1 OEM fleet telematics market developments 3.4.2 New features are continuously added to fleet management solutions 3.4.3 FM providers support management of EVs and fleet electrification processes 3.4.4 LCV manufacturers collaborating with aftermarket players 3.4.5 Go-to-market strategy and pricing model evolution 3.4.6 The emergence of alliances among FM solution vendors 3.4.7 Insurance telematics for commercial fleets 3.4.8 Major tyre manufacturers invest in the commercial vehicle telematics market 3.4.9 Fleet management services based on mobile app platforms 3.4.10 Big Data and AI in the fleet management sector 3.4.11 More Pan-European players to enter the scene 3.4.12 FMS providers open up their platforms to third-party app developers 3.4.13 The Internet of Transportation Things expands the addressable market 3.4.14 Autonomous and electric vehicle fleets to influence the FMS market 3.4.15 Mergers and acquisitions to continue in 2024 3.4.16 The long-term evolution of the fleet management ecosystem 4 OEM Products and Strategies 5 International Aftermarket Solution Providers 6 Regional Aftermarket Solution Providers A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes Krone Kogel Wielton Group Actia Continental Aplicom ERM Advanced Telematics IAV John Deere Electronic Solutions Lantronix Micronet Munic Powerfleet Quake Global Squarell Technology CameraMatics Streamax SureCam Vision Techniques VisionTrack Inseego Samsara Targa Telematics Teletrac Navman Trackunit Coyote GeoDynamics Rietveld Simpliciti TEKSAT Truckonline Flotman i-Cell iData Idem Telematics Logifleet Mapon Mireo Shiftmove Spedion Gesinflot GMV Locatel Macnil Satdata ECIT Autogear GpsGate GSGroup GSMvalve Zeekit Crystal Ball GreenRoad Lightfoot Matrix iQ Microlise Quartix Radius Telematics RAM Tracking Satmo Trakm8 Transpoco For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9a6gr1 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227075884/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Canon is committed to supporting the ever-evolving world of vlogging The second edition of the campaign includes 9 influencers from across food, fashion and travel industries DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Canon Middle East, a global innovator in photography and imaging, has announced the second edition of the "Make Your Mark" campaign, an initiative that empowers content creators with the tools they need to unlock their full creative potential and stand out in the dynamic world of vlogging. The success and immense public interest of the inaugural 2022 edition have inspired even greater collaboration between Canon and the regional creative community, including adding more creators and a more comprehensive range of products this year. The launch event at SEVA Experience Dubai on June coincided with the introduction of the brand-new PowerShot V10, a game-changing addition to Canon's lineup of vlogging cameras. During the occasion, content creators from the region got firsthand experience with the Canon PowerShot V10, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III and the EOS R50, cameras explicitly designed to cater to the needs of vloggers and content creators. The PowerShot V10 is a vlogger's dream come true. Weighing just 211g, it's perfect for on-the-go content creation and boasts an impressive 4K UHD Video capability. Equipped with a Stereo Mic, built-in stand, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, this camera is poised to be the ultimate companion for vloggers. Users can record smooth, stable footage - even when walking - with Enhanced Image Stabilisation while allowing live streaming on YouTube and Facebook via the Canon Camera Connect smartphone app. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is ideal for vloggers, bloggers, live streaming, video conferences and anyone posting content online. Its superb 4K video, large 1.0-type sensor, and 20.1-megapixel photos is delivered via a portable design that users can take anywhere. The Canon EOS R50 mirrorless camera creates thumb-stopping content, from sharp stills to 4K films and live streams. Built for creators, the compact design, lightweight (375g) and natural grip make it easy to shoot, while the flexibility of the vari-angle touchscreen lets users work all the angles, from high, low or flipped to face the user. Bengu Topcu, B2C Regional Marketing Director Middle East and Turkey, said, "Canon remains committed to supporting the ever-evolving world of vlogging and content creation. With Make Your Mark, we invite content creators to explore the possibilities, express their unique creativity, and continue making their mark in the digital landscape. The launch of our second edition reaffirms our commitment to nurturing even more talent while exposing regional creators to Canon's cutting-edge photography technologies." Inspiring creatives to be more The Make Your Mark campaign challenges content creators to shoot videos across three genres. Artists will demonstrate their creative differences using the PowershotV10 creators kit, G7x Mark III vlogging kit and EOS R50 vlogging kit across three genres (food, travel and fashion) to showcase and express their ingenuity. Three food vloggers, including Chef Eddy Diab "@chef.eddy.diab", Suad "@ladyspatula", and Harry Heal "@1thehealchef", will demonstrate how to make lasagna using Canon kits in their distinctive content styles. Through a 30-second cooking video, the vloggers will take viewers through the process of making the perfect lasagna, with a final reveal showing the layered composition of this all-time favorite. Moreover, three travel vloggers, Zayed "@zayed_alhaddar", Bekzat Juman "@shisubekii" and Iman Naghavi "@faithguy", will trek through Deira, Dubai, armed with Canon cameras to capture the essence of old Dubai, including the spice market, abra ride, and the famous old souk. These travel vloggers will be challenged to create impactful content on a day trip to this historic neighborhood, each making a 30-second video in their unique signature style. Meanwhile, three fashion vloggers, Amar "@amarsibai", Sophia "@wiz_khalifeh" and Abanoub Ramsis "@abanoubramsis" will demonstrate three ways to wear the same denim jacket. With their distinctive content and art styles, these fashionistas will capture key moments as part of their films, from pairing them with other items to accessorizing and finalizing the fit. Canon recognizes that even the best camera in the world is secondary to a creator's unique style and voice. However, it's no secret that a high-quality camera can eliminate limitations and supercharge creativity, enabling content creators in the region to elevate their craft to new heights. About Canon Middle East Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the operational headquarters for Canon in the Middle East is based in Dubai, UAE. Founded in 1937, the desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 80-year history and has commitments to invest in the right areas and capture growth opportunities. From cameras to commercial printers, and business consultancy to healthcare technologies, Canon enriches lives and businesses through imaging innovation. Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei- 'living and working together for the common good'. In EMEA, Canon Europe pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers' creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realize their own passion for image. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at www.canon-me.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267778/4454203/Canon_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/canon-launches-make-your-mark-campaign-to-empower-middle-east-content-creators-302022771.html 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. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Cisco Systems Inc. by Francine Katsoudas We released our annual Purpose Report, which reflects and celebrates the past year's work towards Powering an Inclusive Future for All-the progress we've made against our goals, and the people and lives we've touched. The report explores the theme, The Power of Purpose, because we recognize that when we intersect our business, technology, and a network of partners together with our purpose, we create a powerful force for lasting change. And we have some incredible examples from this year, including the announcement that we achieved our goal of positively impacting 1 billion lives, and did so over a year early! For many years, the purpose of our Purpose Report has been to look back. But we must also look ahead. Any company looking to successfully execute their business strategy must consider the changing terrain, identify upcoming challenges and trends, and anticipate how to best meet evolving requirements. The same is true for purpose. This year's Purpose Report begins to explore the landscape, and where we see opportunities for Purpose to grow. Our biggest challenges are interconnected and interdependent The past several years brought us all unprecedented challenges, and a world more prone to polarization than before. But instead of binary questions and issues, a more multipolar world has emerged, requiring us to operate with more nuance and greater context than ever. In this context one thing is clear-we are more interconnected and interdependent than ever. Our lives and futures are linked by our shared dependence on our planet and its environments. We have a global responsibility to solve the climate crisis together. We see the growth of an increasingly digital and global economy, keeping us connected through ecosystems of financial interdependence. And as we learned in the recent pandemic, our collective health is also inextricably linked. Global crises also continue to grow increasingly interconnected--and the consequences disproportionately fall on vulnerable communities. Developing nations who often contribute the least to climate change bear the brunt of its impact. And due to a lack of infrastructure and technological advancement, they are often the least equipped to respond to natural disasters. While the digital economy continues to grow, 2.6 billion people remain unconnected, denying them access to the opportunities and resources available. The consequences of each crisis exacerbate others-access to education is disrupted, progress for women and girls is set back, and extreme poverty rates rise. Pursuing our Purpose can and must be the glue that brings us together to meet this moment and address these complex, interconnected issues. The question we must continue to ask as we look ahead is, how? This year's report reflects on how-how we achieved our goal of positively impacting 1 billion lives, how the private sector can work in new ways to address critical issues facing our societies, and how we can apply lessons from the past to build resilience in our communities for the future. Where do we go from here? There is no doubt that the path forward for business in a multipolar world isn't entirely clear. There is significant work ahead to address risks in supply chains and manufacturing, and complex questions on how to best navigate a shifting geopolitical terrain. But should these challenges and uncertainties also apply to Purpose? I don't think so. In fact, in this moment when many are shying away from a global mindset and approach, our Purpose work proceeds by pursuing what is most meaningful, regardless if that is at the local or global level. Purpose can flex. It operates in a lane that is valued around the world, giving all of us who do this work the space to create and iterate, to sway and pivot, and find our rhythm. And when we do, pursuing our Purpose holds the door open for economic initiatives. As we close the year in which we reached a goal of positively impacting one billion people, I'm looking ahead and considering the next goal we'll set for ourselves. We are stronger with our partners by our side-an ecosystem focused on driving impact. We'll continue to do this if we integrate the lessons of the past and take a new approach in the days and years ahead. I hope you'll join us on this journey and read about our impact this year, and my reflections on what's next, in our FY23 Purpose Report. Together, we can do good for our communities, good for our businesses, and good for all. Read the full Cisco FY23 Purpose Report View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Freshippo helps peach farmers cut losses from natural disasters and increase revenue by $168/mu The grocer is also reducing the impact on Asian elephants from farmers cutting rubber NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Alibaba Group By Alison Tudor Ackroyd Alibaba Group's high-tech grocer Freshippo showcased how technology can help farmers harness technology to combat climate change at COP28. Freshippo's Shen Li delivers a speech on the sidelines of COP28. Photo credit: Freshippo Technology can support farmers in addressing the effects of climate change by improving the choice of seed types, plant protection, harvesting and transport of food. "Agriculture will continue to be heavily impacted by climate change, making it the common mission of global agriculture practitioners to address climate resilience in agriculture," said Shen Li, co-founder and Freshippo's head of sustainable development. Shen spoke on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). Providing rapid response and maximum assistance to farmers to minimize their losses minimizes the impact of climate-related disasters. When a hailstorm hit several peach farms in Beijing in 2022, they faced losses of over RMB6 million. Freshippo graded visually damaged peaches as "hail-damaged peaches" and processed those peaches into freeze-dried peach crisps. This initiative helped farmers sell the hail-damaged peaches, reducing waste by 200 kilograms per mu and the peach farmers increased their income by RMB1,200 ($168) per mu. "We hope to work together with Freshippo to help agricultural practitioners worldwide explore agricultural climate adaptation," said Fu Xiaotian, the China Food and Natural Resources Program Director of the World Resources Institute. Protecting Elephants Selecting suitable species to cultivate based on the prevailing climate conditions helps agricultural enterprises build climate resilience into farming, said Freshippo. Freshippo showcased the zero-carbon honey it began to produce with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in March this year. The project aims to train villagers in the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan Province, China, to keep bees and collect and sell their honey, reducing the impact on Asian elephants caused by farmers cutting rubber in the mountains and minimizing conflict between human beings and the elephants. By using solar water heaters, installing photovoltaic systems, and planting eco-friendly economic crops, the carbon footprint of honey production is also fully offset. In addition, Freshippo will donate RMB10 from the sale of each bottle of honey to support the sustainable development of local communities. "As the first zero-carbon honey produced in China for the conservation of wild Asian elephants, Freshippo is helping to connect elephants, local community members, and the whole society to address climate change," said Dr. Jimmiel Mandima, IFAW's Vice President of Global Programs. Pumpkins in the Desert Helping hold back the encroaching desert, Freshippo opened up a 200-mu organic base in the Ulan Buh Desert in Inner Mongolia. Last year, it harvested 400,000 pumpkins. The pumpkin fields have expanded to 1,000 mu this year, and each pumpkin's growth can help prevent water and soil erosion, affecting about 43 square feet of surrounding soil. "The agriculture industry plays an important role in carbon reduction as it is the industry most affected by climate change. The cases shared by Freshippo have brought greater attention to the industry's adaptability to climate change issues," said Zhou Fei, WWF-China's Chief Programme Officer. Please refer to https://www.alizila.com/esg/ for additional information about Alibaba's sustainability efforts. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Alibaba Group on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Alibaba Group Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/alibaba-group Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Alibaba Group View the original press release on accesswire.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Pampa Metals Corp. ("PMC" or the "Company") (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIR)(OTCQB:PMMCF) announces the acceleration of the expiry dates of certain share purchase warrants issued on November 10, 2022 (the "2022 Warrants") and March 2, 2023 (the "2023 Warrants"), and amended to reduce the exercise price to $0.095 and $0.105 in September and October of 2023 respectively (see news releases dated September 22, 2023 and October 23, 2023). In accordance with the policies of the Canadian Stock Exchange ("CSE") the expiry date of the warrants is accelerated if the Company's common shares close at or above $0.125 in the case of the 2022 Warrants and $0.13 in the case of the 2023 Warrants, for a period of at least 10 consecutive trading days in each case. This condition was met on December 14, 2023. As a result, the expiry date of the 2022 Warrants and the 2023 Warrants outstanding (totaling 4,653,140) has been accelerated to January 23, 2024 . To date, an aggregate of 2,913,186 of the 2022 Warrants and 2023 Warrants have been exercised for gross proceeds of approximately $295,000. In order to exercise the warrants, holders of the 2022 Warrants and 2023 Warrants must complete and submit a Notice of Exercise in the form attached to your warrant certificate on or before 4pm Vancouver time on January 23, 2024. Unexercised 2022 Warrants and 2023 Warrants will expire after that time. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO INVESTORS CONTACT Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO Joseph@pampametals.com +1 604 347 8777 ABOUT PAMPA METALS Pampa Metals is listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE: FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges, and wholly owns a portfolio of projects highly prospective for copper, molybdenum, and gold along proven and highly productive mineral belts in Chile, the world's largest copper producer. In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option & JV Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Pampa Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com NEW DELHI (dpa-AFX) - In the wake of a suspected explosion outside the Israeli Embassy in Indian capital New Delhi, Israel issued a travel alert to its citizens suspecting that it was 'a possible terror attack.' In a travel advisory issued by the Israeli National Security Council, its citizens in India have been warned not to go to crowded places such as malls and markets, and places identified as serving Westerners/Jews and Israelis. They have also been urged to be on heightened alert in public places, including restaurants, hotels and pubs. Israeli citizens have been advised not to openly display their national symbols, avoid attending unsecured large-scale events, and publicising itineraries on social media as well as photographs and details of visits in real-time. Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir said there was a blast near the embassy in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave at around 5:48 pm Tuesday. 'Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation,' it added. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement that no one was injured in the explosion. 'The incident is under investigation by the local authorities in full cooperation with the Israeli security forces.' Meanwhile, Delhi police have reportedly identified two suspects after examining CCTV footage. Their involvement has not been confirmed. The Indian government had voiced strong support to Israel in its ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / The Chemours Company By Katie Tabeling Originally published by Delaware Business Times Two DuPont alumnae and current top STEM executives encouraged an audience of female professionals to lead not only with courage, but with understanding, and embrace the complexities that come with being a female leader. "It's not mutually exclusive. You can be courageous and afraid and you can be grateful and ambitious. Female leaders recognize that duality. I often joke with my female mentors that we can hold two thoughts in our head at the same time," Chemours Chief Sustainability Officer Amber Wellman said during the Inspiring Women in STEM 2023 Conference last Thursday. "Letting comfort trump meaningful change is the epitome of privilege, so I find I have to push myself outside my comfort zone. You have to be confident in what you know and what you don't know." Wellman and Provivi Chief Operating Officer Teri Quinn Gray were among the highest-profile speakers during a fireside chat at the Delaware BioScience Association's annual conference. The Inspiring Women in STEM 2023 Conference was in its 11th year, and drew 250 attendees to panels, mentoring and networking sessions at the University of Delaware's Clayton Hall. Attendees ranged from seasoned professionals to soon to be graduates looking to enter the field. STEM jobs are those in life sciences, physical and Earth sciences, engineering and architecture, computer and math occupations. In 2021, studies from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that women made up 28% of jobs in those fields, signaling a rise from 1970 when the number was around 8%. Continue reading here Provivi Chief Operating Officer Teri Quinn Gray, left, and Chemours Chief Sustainability Officer Amber Wellman talk about what it means to be a leader during the Inspiring Women in STEM 2023 Conference. | DBT PHOTO BY KATIE TABELING View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Chemours Company on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: The Chemours Company Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/chemours-company Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: The Chemours Company View the original press release on accesswire.com Acquisition Completes and Establishes Key Revenue Drivers COSTA MESA,? ?CA? / ACCESSWIRE / December 27,? ?2023? ?/ Rodedawg International Industries, Inc. (OTC PINK:RWGI) proudly announces the company has completed all terms and conditions of the Parabola Mgmt., LLC acquisition. Chris Swartz, CEO, states: "We are proud to announce to our shareholders the completion of the acquisition of Parabola Mgmt. LLC. The acquisition included ownership of the California licensed cannabis company in Costa Mesa with options to purchase additional licenses. Most importantly, the Costa Mesa facility is now open, operational, and is geographically located in Southern California which is the #1 market in the world for cannabis. The completion of all terms for this acquisition of Parabola Mgmt. LLC is "the" major step for Rodedawg shareholders. Rodedawg now has a central sales hub for upcoming sales and distribution efforts. This has been a step-by-step process and we have strategically executed this key milestone. In addition to this acquisition, our shareholders can expect in the coming weeks that we will complete the acquisition of additional licensed cannabis distribution hubs and distribution contracts that will have 2024 revenues meet our stated goals of 7 million annually." Chris Swartz, CEO, adds, "We want to remind our shareholders of the importance of these key milestones as we anticipate that these milestones completed during this 4th Quarter 2023 to be the catalyst of our company's revenue growth: We are finalizing the agreements for distribution, management, and manufacturing of new cannabis products that increase revenues by an estimated 7 million dollars annually. Our www.BrotherBuds.com team has finalized the product catalog and we will notify our shareholders of the launch of the cannabis delivery service. We expect to announce acceptance of an offer for our new Healthcare Division Director. Primary responsibilities include the continued launch of and our flagship product of www.Elixicure.com , our topical pain relief brand. We are currently in negotiation for an additional licensed cannabis distribution hub to be owned 100% by Rodedawg Intl. Ind. Inc. Mr. Swartz concludes: "This is an exciting time for our company, and our team thanks our loyal shareholders for their ongoing support. We also want our shareholders to know that no reverse split is planned for the company." About Rodedawg International Industries, Inc. Rodedawg International Industries, Inc. (OTC PINK:RWGI) is focused on providing management services, acquisitions and restructuring resources throughout the regulated California cannabis market. We are a trusted partner and asset to licensed cultivation, distributors, manufacturers, and retail dispensaries. Please note the company's Twitter address is https://twitter.com/RWGImerger for regular updates. About Budding Horizon, LLC Budding Horizon, LLC is California Limited Liability Company with offices in Orange County, California. The company is focused to providing management services for the licensed cannabis industry and seeks to leverage its expertise in the real estate acquisitions to acquire and develop a portfolio of assets. The company website is https://buddinghorizon.com/ About Brother Buds Brother Buds is a cannabis delivery service based in Costa Mesa, California. During the month of July 2023, the Rodedawg will operate Brother Buds under a non-storefront cannabis delivery license. The cannabis delivery service will focus on Los Angeles County, Orange County, and northern San Diego County in the demographic area of 23.86 million in 2019. The company is focused to providing management services for the licensed cannabis industry and seeks to leverage its expertise in the real estate acquisitions to acquire and develop a portfolio of assets. The company website is https://BrotherBuds.com Make sure to follow us at: https://twitter.com/BrotherBudsOC Contact Information: Rodedawg International Industries, Inc. 1-800-793-0355 ir@buddinghorizon.com Safe Harbor Statement: In addition to historical information, this press release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include the intent, belief, or expectations of the Company and members of its management team with respect to the Company's future business operations and the assumptions upon which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to, failure to complete anticipated sales under negotiations, lack of revenue growth, client discontinuances, failure to realize improvements in performance, efficiency and profitability, and adverse developments with respect to litigation or increased litigation costs, the operation or performance of the Company's business units or the market price of its common stock. Additional factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated within this press release can also be found on the Company's website. The Company disclaims any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Rodedawg International Industries, Inc. via PRISM Mediawire, LLC View the original press release on accesswire.com Led by leading Tech Entrepreneurs and backed by European family offices Focus on advancing generative AI, deep learning, and computer vision. Commitment to ethical AI development and societal benefits. Recent strategic agreements and active pursuits for additional acquisitions. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Global AI, Inc. (OTCQB:WSCO), committed to shaping the future of the artificial intelligence sector, unveiled its strategic plan today, emphasizing its team's pivotal role in driving industry innovation. Specializing in strategic investments, acquisitions, and advanced research and development, the company is redefining the industry's approach to the evolution, integration, and advancement of AI technologies. Global AI www.global.ai Abhinav "Abe" Somani, CEO of Global AI, details the company's approach: "Leading the AI evolution is our primary goal, and our team's extensive expertise is central to this mission. We focus on investing in and partnering with companies that are at the forefront of AI innovation, especially in generative AI, deep learning, and computer vision. Our strategy is designed to empower founders and entrepreneurs, offering an efficient alternative to traditional venture capital and a direct path to liquidity." Highlighting the Global AI team's capabilities, he adds, "Our investment in AI technology is underpinned by our team's unparalleled industry experience and dedication to the future. With a strong commitment to ethical AI development, we aim to make a significant societal impact. We're integrating AI into various sectors to enhance life and business, supported by a team that's deeply knowledgeable about both the AI industry and the financial landscape." The Global AI team has a track record of growing AI technology companies over the past decade and is led by Somani who has a background as a serial tech entrepreneur after spending many years in investment banking and private equity working for firms like Rothschild and ICV Partners. The team is backed by two European family offices and combines a wealth of pragmatic experience in the nascent AI sector along with strong financial acumen and a deep understanding of capital markets. The company has signed two letters of intent, with expected completion in Q1 2024, and is concurrently evaluating four additional acquisition opportunities. Global AI, Inc. was previously known as Wall Street Media Co. Inc. and currently trades with the ticker symbol WSCO and has applied for a ticker symbol change to GLAI following regulatory approval. For more information on Global AI, please visit www.global.ai. Contact Information Nazeem Ahmed CMO pr@global.ai SOURCE: Global AI, Inc. View the original press release on newswire.com. Originally published in Alkermes September 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Our employees are the foundation upon which our business is built. Their expertise, intelligence and creativity drive our innovation, and their passion and commitment to excellence are the cornerstone of our success. We strive to support our employees' well-being in a transparent, diverse, inclusive and collaborative culture. In addition, we provide employees with training, support and resources to help them succeed in their work environments while appropriately balancing their professional and personal lives. Beyond our employee initiatives, we are committed to broader social engagement through local community support and volunteer opportunities, grant programs, and engagement with caregivers, patients and their loved ones. We also support advocacy efforts to raise awareness of patient needs and the disease areas that our medicines are designed to treat, and to increase access to medicines and other forms of treatment in support of patient health and well-being. Our Employees Equal Opportunity and Respect; Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging At Alkermes, we strive to foster a culture of respect, inclusion and equality, supported by our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our other corporate policies and programs. All of our policies, practices and activities related to hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits and termination are administered by our human resources (HR) organization in accordance with the principle of equal employment opportunity and other legitimate criteria without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, any veteran status, any military status or application for military service, or membership in any other category protected under applicable laws. We are an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with our Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation, we are committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that reflects our Company's core values, and in which employees are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate harassment or discriminatory behavior. In addition, we strive to uphold human rights in all our business activities and support the principles in the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, including the prohibition of human trafficking, child labor and slavery of any kind. "What each of our employees bring to work - their diverse backgrounds, life experiences and unique perspectives - is one of our greatest strengths. Making sure that our people feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work is good for our business and the people we seek to serve." - Richard Pops, CEO Our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy Alkermes is committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging across our business. Our approach emphasizes interactive engagement between colleagues, and policies and programs that celebrate and reflect the diversity of our workforce and our belief that inclusive behaviors can help foster a feeling of community and belonging. Productively engaging in these areas is integral to our culture and the success of our business. Our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) strategy and initiatives are governed by our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Executive Committee (DIB Executive Committee), Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Steering Committee (DIB Steering Committee) and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), all of which play important roles in helping to maximize the impact of our efforts and ensuring they are reflective of our core values. We actively encourage Alkermes employees to proactively incorporate a focus on diversity, inclusion and belonging into their day-to-day work activities. In 2022, we continued to offer trainings and facilitate discussion for employees aimed at identifying and addressing unconscious bias in the workplace. Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Governance DIB Executive Committee Established in 2021, our DIB Executive Committee, which includes our Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders, is tasked with continuing to refine our DIB strategy and championing its implementation and impact across the business. DIB Steering Committee Established in 2019, our global cross-functional DIB Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from all of our locations, including field-based employees, is focused on creating connections, fostering conversations, helping ensure our efforts are aligned with the diverse range of perspectives within our organization and developing and advancing practices, tools and resources that can be used to strengthen the sense of belonging among our employees. DIB Sponsorships and Memberships Committee The DIB Sponsorships and Memberships Committee is comprised of a cross-functional group of employees who work together to identify, review and recommend organizations that align with our values for potential corporate partnership or membership. Employee Resource Groups Alkermes currently has five employee-led ERGs which are open to all employees. Our ERGs share a common purpose of supporting and enhancing the inclusiveness of our company culture and providing opportunities for professional development, networking and building deeper connections within Alkermes. Limitless works to create an accessible and inclusive community in which those impacted by disability or illness are empowered to be their authentic selves at Alkermes and beyond. This group aims to foster a supportive community based on a foundation of inclusion for all and seeks to create meaningful connections across the organization. Mosaic promotes the development of a vibrant workplace environment where multicultural employees feel welcomed, supported and included through education about, and celebration of, different cultures and beliefs. This group also aims to build a supportive and inclusive employee network and sponsor professional development activities for all members of the Alkermes community to create a sense of belonging. Operation Salute honors those at Alkermes who have served or are currently serving their country in the armed forces or whose lives are touched by family members and friends in the military. Operation Salute works to provide opportunities for veterans to network and engage with one another while also helping Alkermes honor the sacrifice made in their service. Pride@Work focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and allies who support equality and compassion in our workplaces by promoting practices, policies and benefits that are inclusive for all sexual orientations, gender expressions and characteristics, and provides an open forum where employees can collaborate, network and engage. Women Inspired Network (WIN) provides an open venue for women and all employees to collaborate, network, engage, learn from and inspire one another, and encourages a workplace that develops, supports and promotes all individuals, regardless of gender, with a specific aim to improve the representation of women at all levels within the organization. Spotlight on Health Equity in Psychiatry In February 2022, in celebration of Black History Month, our Mosaic ERG hosted a fireside chat with three leading healthcare providers in psychiatry: Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, Dr. Welton Washington and Hara Oyedeji, PNP. The discussion focused on representation in healthcare and the importance of health equity. Advancing Diversity Inclusion & Belonging In 2022, we made significant progress in our commitment to advancing our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy, including: Launched a diversity dashboard to assist in better understanding the composition of our employee population; Hosted nearly 20 DIB-related education, awareness and training programs with total aggregate attendance of approximately 2,800 employees across the organization; and Implemented an annual performance goal focused on DIB for all senior leaders (VP level and above), with an emphasis on talent management, development and engagement. Our Commitment to Supplier Diversity Our supplier diversity program aims to create opportunities for historically underrepresented businesses and promote economic growth in diverse communities. We strive to increase the representation of diverse suppliers within our procurement portfolio, including increased representation among minority-, women- and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. As part of this program, we engage with leading certifying authorities and non-governmental organizations that engage with diverse suppliers, including: National Minority Supplier Development Council Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council Women's Business Enterprise National Council Center for Women Enterprise National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Disability: IN Diversity Alliance for Science Gender Diversity and Seniority Ratio As of year-end 2022, our ratios of female to male employees were aligned with industry peers across all levels1: Total workforce: 48% female and 52% male; Director level and above: 45% female and 55% male; and VP level and above: 37% female and 63% male. As of year-end 2022, median compensation for males and females at Alkermes was substantially equal across metrics of base salary, total cash compensation and total compensation including equity. The average salary of our female employees as compared to that of our male employees was also aligned with industry averages. Minimizing gender pay disparities has been a priority for Alkermes, and we monitor our pay practices and make focused adjustments to maintain equitable pay across our employee population. Additionally, we continuously review and adapt our recruiting and employment offer processes to be compliant with U.S. federal and state and Irish laws. We make offers to candidates based on their experience and skills in comparison to our current employees, and without regard to their compensation from previous employers. 1 Based on recent data from our independent compensation consultant Recruitment and Leadership Development Resources Alkermes is committed to cultivating and supporting the advancement of a diverse workforce. As part of our efforts, we have leveraged the resources of established organizations that do important work in this area: Since 2019, we have been a proud corporate partner of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association, and we support its core purpose of furthering the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare. Over the last five years, more than 100 of our female leaders have participated in leadership development programs through Women Unlimited, Inc., an organization that runs programs for female leaders at various stages of their careers. In 2022, we sponsored employee memberships to Conexion, an organization dedicated to the development of Hispanic-Latino leaders, and sponsored The Partnership, an organization which aims to convene and develop multicultural leaders across New England. Read more View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Alkermes on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Alkermes Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/alkermes Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Alkermes View the original press release on accesswire.com CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar fell against its major counterparts in the New York session on Wednesday. The greenback dropped to 0.8431 against the franc, a level unseen since January 2015. The greenback touched 1.2795 against the pound, its lowest level since August 22. The greenback weakened to a 5-month low of 1.1117 against the euro and near a 5-month low of 1.3177 against the loonie, off its early highs of 1.1028 and 1.3212, respectively. The greenback moved down to a 5-1/2-month low of 0.6850 against the aussie and more than a 5-month low of 0.6344 against the kiwi, from its early highs of 0.6815 and 0.6316, respectively. The greenback eased to a 5-day low of 142.00 against the yen, after rising to a 6-day high of 142.84 in the Asian session. The currency may possibly face support around 0.84 against the franc, 1.31 against the pound, 1.12 against the euro, 1.29 against the loonie, 0.70 against the aussie, 0.65 against the kiwi and 134.00 against the yen. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - Tech giant Apple Inc. (AAPL) has appealed a decision to ban the U.S. sales of its newest models of Apple Watches, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, based on a complaint from medical monitoring technology company Masimo. The other day, President Joe Biden's administration declined to veto the ban on Apple Watches import, despite the Cupertino, California-based company's request. 'After careful consultations, Ambassador Tai decided not to reverse the ITC's determination and the ITC's decision became final on December 26, 2023,' a statement from the Office of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai reads. The U.S. International Trade Commission's order banning Apple from selling its wearables went into full effect on Tuesday, December 26. On October 26, 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission found that Apple infringed two patents owned by Masimo Corporation and Cercacor Laboratories, Inc, both based in the United States. The tech giant filed an emergency request on Tuesday, December 26, for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to halt the ban. It asked the Federal Circuit to pause the ban at least until U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides whether redesigned versions of its watches infringe Masimo's patents. The customs office is due to make its decision on January 12, Apple said. According to CNBC, citing an Apple spokesperson, the company has appealed the ban to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington. 'We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible,' Apple said, the report says. Previously, in a statement, Masimo said the ban 'demonstrates that even the world's most powerful company must abide by the law.' 'The ITC found that Apple stole Masimo's patented pulse oximetry technology, which measures blood oxygen,' the company said. 'The ITC undertook a thorough legal process and its expert judgment in this matter should be respected, protecting intellectual property rights and maintaining public trust in the United States' patent system.' Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Northern Trust Originally published in Northern Trust's 2022 Sustainability Report Since our founding in 1889, Northern Trust has actively advanced a culture of caring and a commitment to invest responsibly in the communities we serve worldwide. Global Philanthropic Strategy Since 2020, we have worked toward a philanthropic strategy that focuses our contributions on four key areas of fundamental impact proven to improve financial futures: educational excellence, food security, accessible healthcare and affordable housing. Our goal is to support those who have been marginalized with more opportunities to achieve long-term financial success. The support comes in a variety of ways, from providing shelter for children in India to ensuring internet access and laptops for low-income students in London to, through the Northern Trust Foundation, expanding access to resources that address mental and physical health needs in Chicago's South and West sides. In 2022, Northern Trust donated more than $19 million, bringing our total giving over the past decade to nearly $170 million globally. Please visit the 2022 Philanthropic Impact Report to learn more about our philanthropic efforts. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Community engagement opportunities and paid time off for volunteerism enhance our communities, put our values into action and help make us an employer of choice. Employee volunteerism options are a strong priority for college graduates considering future employers, and Northern Trust employees have volunteered more than 1 million hours of their time to charities over the past decade. Nonprofit and civic board involvement is integral to talent management, as it provides employees with a means of improving the world around them, leadership experience, skill development and networking opportunities beyond the scope of their roles. To enhance environmental efforts in our communities, our Asset Servicing business partnered with the Sustainability Network and our philanthropy team to curate "Earth Quarter 2022." 500 employees signed the carbon pledge and committed to making small changes in their daily routine to decrease their carbon emissions. signed the carbon pledge and committed to making small changes in their daily routine to decrease their carbon emissions. 388 volunteer hours were logged by employees worldwide were logged by employees worldwide Two employees who logged the most hours and will split the $10,000 donation to their selected charities. Community Development & Investment At Northern Trust, we believe creating long-term sustainable change in communities requires direct investment of capital using investments that prioritize social impacts rather than the maximization of financial return. Our Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) designation as a wholesale bank allows us to concentrate efforts and resources on investments that provide access to capital, helping to create and expand community wealth. The Corporate Governance Committee of the board of directors receives an annual CRA and fair lending report and approves our policies in these areas. Northern Trust has maintained an Outstanding CRA rating for 27 consecutive years, and as of Dec. 31, 2022, our community investments portfolio exceeded $3.9 billion and serves the following priorities: AFFORDABLE HOUSING ($3.5 BILLION PORTFOLIO) OBJECTIVE: Support the creation and retention of affordable home rentals and homeownership in partnership with mission-driven lenders and developers. Catholic Charities USA Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has been a voice for the vulnerable, and an advocate for at-risk communities across the United States. With an investment of $10 million, Northern Trust was able to help with the launch of their Affordable Housing Gap Loan Pilot Program. This program utilizes low-interest loans to provide gap financing to support the construction of affordable housing properties built by Catholic Charities affiliates. As one of the nation's leading affordable housing providers, Catholic Charities is an impactful innovator in their service to under-resourced communities. EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES ($201.3 MILLION PORTFOLIO) OBJECTIVE: Provide long-term capital and equity for the development of community and educational facilities and programs such as charter schools, health clinics and daycare centers. Public Education and Business Coalition As an early adopter of Social Impact Bonds/Pay-for-Success programs, Northern Trust was asked to participate in a transaction that supports the training and retention of approximately 350 new teachers in the city of Denver and its surrounding communities, using the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC) Teacher Residency Program. As the lead investor, Northern Trust is providing up to $1.2 million over a five-year period, along with the Gates Family Foundation, Denver Foundation and the Colorado Department of Education. PEBC has trained new teachers for nearly 30 years, and is the largest residency and alternative licensure pathway. The financing will provide for the expansion of the program, and allow school districts the ability to pay for a portion of the program through success fees based upon teacher retention. WEALTH ACCUMULATION ($76.6 MILLION PORTFOLIO) OBJECTIVE: Invest in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and community credit unions that provide capital to meet the needs of the unbanked, underbanked and underserved members of our communities. Latino Community Credit Union Latino Community Credit Union (LCCU) is a Community Development Financial Institution with the mission of supporting local communities through ethical financial tools, and the training to foster economic prosperity for generations to come. In addition to having their Minority Depository Institution (MDI) certification, LCCU is bilingual and federally insured so as to directly engage with and support low-income communities. Northern Trust committed a $5 million investment to provide capital support and education to both underserved Latinos and immigrants in North Carolina and throughout the Southeast. LCCU is one of the fastest growing credit unions, and it strives to create economic opportunities with fair and affordable financial products and accessible education. JOB CREATION ($173.3 MILLION PORTFOLIO) OBJECTIVE: Support mission-driven micro-loan origination programs and the expansion of businesses and job creation. IndieDwell With a Northern Trust equity investment of up to $5 million in New Market Tax Credits, IndieDwell in Brawley, is creating a new facility that will be used to manufacture affordable, sustainable modular housing to meet unmet housing needs in the southwest United States, with a commitment to carbon neutrality. While the construction of affordable housing is important, the creation of over 190 full-time jobs that provide easy entry pathways for those with employment barriers is the real differentiator of the IndieDwell social enterprise model. The jobs will provide a living wage, essential training in construction trades, comprehensive benefits, as well as profit sharing and retirement plan options. In addition, after three years of working within the new facility, the full-time employees may participate in a designated employee ownership program and be eligible for dividend distributions. Read the full report here View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Northern Trust on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Northern Trust Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/northern-trust Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Northern Trust View the original press release on accesswire.com NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX:SKE)(NYSE:SKE) ("Skeena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Placement"). Skeena issued a total of 1,258,709 flow-through common shares of the Company, issued at an average price of approximately C$8.53 per share (the "Offered Shares") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$10.7 million. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund exploration activities on Skeena's projects in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. The Placement is subject to the final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. No finder's fees will be paid in connection with this Placement. The Offered Shares have been offered, pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under National Instrument (the "NI") 45-106 in all Canadian provinces and territories, except Quebec and the Accredited Investor Exemption (the "AIE") under NI 45-106. Offered Shares pursuant to the AIE under NI 45-106 are subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document related to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption portion of this offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the company's website. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereunder. About Skeena Skeena Resources Limited is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on revitalizing the Eskay Creek and Snip Projects, two past-producing mines located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of Northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company released a Definitive Feasibility Study for Eskay Creek in November 2023 which highlights an after-tax NPV5% of C$2B, 43% IRR, and a 1.2-year payback at US$1,800/oz Au and US$23/oz Ag. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited, Walter Coles Randy Reichert Executive Chairman President & CEO Contact Information Investor Inquiries: info@skeenaresources.com Office Phone: +1 604 684 8725 Company Website: www.skeenaresources.com Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements Certain statements and information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. The use of words such as "anticipates", "believes", "proposes", "contemplates", "generates", "progressing towards", "in search of", "targets", "is projected", "plans to", "is planned", "considers", "estimates", "expects", "is expected", "often", "likely", "potential" and similar expressions, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "might", "will", "could", or "would" be taken, achieved, or occur, may identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the use of the net proceeds from the Offerings and the satisfaction of the conditions of closing of the Placement, including receipt of required approvals. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company's management expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made, and are necessarily based on several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date hereof, are not guarantees of future performance. Actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein, and are subject to significant operational, business, economic, and regulatory risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including permitting and other government approvals; changes in economic conditions, including changes in the price of gold and other key variables; changes in mine plans and other factors, including accidents, equipment breakdown, bad weather and other project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of the Company; environmental risks and unanticipated reclamation expenses; and other risk factors identified in the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, the AIF dated March 22, 2023, the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated January 31, 2023, and in the Company's other periodic filings with securities and regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and the Company does not undertake any obligations to update and/or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Skeena Resources Limited View the original press release on accesswire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Trojan Gold Inc. (CSE: TGII) (OTC Pink: TRJGF) (FSE: KC1) ("TGI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Jason Bagg as a Director to replace William Moore who has recently resigned as a Director to pursue other business. Jason Bagg is currently President, CEO and Director of Puranium Energy Ltd., a uranium exploration company, listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Mr. Bagg brings over 20 years of financial, technology and mining industry experience. He started his career with large firms in the capital markets space working with retail and institutional investors, later focusing on the mining industry. During his time with several exchange listed junior mining companies, he was involved at a high management level to develop corporate strategy and investor awareness. Charles Elbourne, President and CEO of the Company stated, "I am very pleased to welcome Jason to the Board. His appointment will be highly beneficial to Trojan as we look to build shareholder value and execute our current strategy. We look forward to Jason's insight and leadership as the Company works to capitalize on its strategically located properties in northwestern Ontario." The Company would also like to announce that it has granted Jason Bagg 200,000 incentive stock options under the Company's Stock Option Plan. Each option is exercisable at a price of $0.05 per common share, vests immediately and expires three years from the date of the grant. About Trojan Gold Inc. Trojan is an active Ontario-based prospect generator junior exploration company, led by a team of professionals having exploration, engineering, project financing and permitting experience. Trojan has accumulated land positions in the Hemlo Gold Camp and Shebandowan Greenstone Belt which in management's view represent mineral exploration potential. For further information on the Company, please visit www.trojangold.com. Trojan is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol (CSE: TGII) and the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") under the ticker symbol TRJGF. For further information, please contact: Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO Trojan Gold Inc. 82 Richmond St. East, Suite 401 Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1 Telephone: 416-315-6490 Email: elbourne007@gmail.com Website: www.trojangold.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions, and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. Forward-looking information contained in this press releases includes, but is not limited to the timing and amount of estimated future exploration potential and success of such exploration activities. Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. Such assumptions include, without limitation, that sufficient capital, personnel and other resources will be available to the Company that will allow it to undertake exploration activities on its properties. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected, or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the impact of the recovery post COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to its impact on precious metals and the mining industry generally; the Company not having access to the resources it needs in order to carry out its proposed exploration activities on the timeline described in this press release or at all; there being no assurance that the exploration program will result in expanded mineral resources; risks and uncertainties inherent to any mineral resource estimates; receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future gold and other metal prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental risks; and other risks relating to mining industry, including the risks set out in the Company's public disclosure documents that can be found on its profile page at www.SEDAR.com. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations, and opinions of management on such date. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements or any forward-looking statements contained in any other documents whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required under applicable securities law. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties, and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192455 SOURCE: Trojan Gold Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Vext Science, Inc. (CSE: VEXT) (OTCQX: VEXTF) ("Vext" or the "Company"), a U.S.-based cannabis operator with vertical operations in Arizona and Ohio, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements (the "Conversion Agreements") with the holders (the "Debentureholders") of the Company's existing 11.25% secured non-convertible debentures (the "Debentures"), pursuant to which the Debentureholders will convert all of the outstanding $4.6 million principal amount of Debentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest up to December 31, 2023 and a 2.5% conversion incentive fee (the "Conversion Fee"), for an aggregate of 27,700,625 common shares of the Company (the "Conversion Transaction"). Unless otherwise noted, all currency references used in this news release are in U.S. currency. Terms of Conversion Transaction Pursuant to the Conversion Agreements, the Company will issue to the Debentureholders and aggregate of 27,700,625 common shares in satisfaction of the outstanding $4.6 million principal amount of Debentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest up to December 31, 2023 and the Conversion Fee, at a deemed price of $0.175 per share. Closing of the Conversion Transaction remains subject to customary conditions precedent, including regulatory approval, and is expected to occur as soon as practicable. Upon closing of the Conversion Transaction, all existing security held by the Debentureholders will be release and discharged. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release in the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. persons" (as those terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Sopica Special Opportunities Fund Limited ("SSOFL"), an insider shareholder of the Company, is a Debentureholder and is expected to acquire common shares pursuant to the Conversion Transaction. Accordingly, SSOFL's participation constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Such transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of any securities issued to, nor the consideration paid by, SSOFL exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the expected closing of the Conversion Transaction as the structure of the transaction had not been confirmed at that time. About Vext Science, Inc. Vext Science, Inc. is a U.S.-based cannabis operator with vertical operations in Arizona and Ohio. Vext's expertise spans from cultivation through to retail operations in its key markets. Based out of Arizona, Vext owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, fully built-out manufacturing facilities as well as dispensaries in both Arizona and Ohio. The Company manufactures Vapen, one of the leading THC concentrates, edibles, and distillate cartridge brands in Arizona. Its selection of award-winning products are created with Vext's in-house, high-quality flower and distributed across Arizona and Ohio, as well as through Vext's partnerships in other states. Vext's leadership team brings a proven track record of building and operating profitable multi-state operations, with the Company having operated profitably since 2016. The Company's primary focus is to continue growing in its core states of Arizona and Ohio, bringing together cutting-edge science, manufacturing, and marketing to provide a reliable and valuable customer experience while generating shareholder value. Vext Science, Inc. is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol VEXT and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol VEXTF. Learn more at www.vextscience.com and connect with Vext on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. For more details on the Vapen brand: Vapen website: VapenBrands.com Instagram: @vapen Facebook: @vapenbrands Forward Looking Statements Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in Vext's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements related to the Conversion Transaction including the timing and completion thereof [and the ability to obtain regulatory approval therefor], and other statements regarding future developments and the business and operations of the Vext, all of which are subject to the risk factors contained in Vext's continuous disclosure filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Vext has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; being engaged in activities currently considered illegal under U.S. Federal laws; change in laws; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindered market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry and; regulatory or political change. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. Because of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. Vext disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and Vext does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. Eric Offenberger Chief Executive Officer 844-211-3725 For further information: Jonathan Ross, Vext Investor Relations jon.ross@loderockadvisors.com 416-244-9851 SOURCE: Vext Science, Inc NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO A U.S. PERSON, OR ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192531 SOURCE: VEXT Science, Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Sanatana Resources Inc. (TSXV: STA) ("Sanatana" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated December 15, 2023 and December 19, 2023, it has closed the first tranche of the previously announced private placement (the "Private Placement") of flow-through units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.10 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") designated as a flow-through share pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one non-flow through Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share at a price of $0.15 per Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. The first tranche closing of the Private Placement consisted of 2,000,000 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of $200,000. All securities issued in connection with the first tranche of the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The Company will use the proceeds from the sale of the Units for exploration purposes in British Columbia. In connection with the first tranche closing of the Private Placement, the Company paid aggregate finders' fees of $14,000 and issued an aggregate of 140,000 compensation warrants (each, a "Compensation Warrant"), pursuant to a finder's fee agreements entered between the Company and a finder. Each Compensation Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Warrant Share at a price of $0.10 per Warrant Share until December 22, 2026. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. All references to currency in this news release are to Canadian currency. The Company expects to close a second tranche before December 31, 2023. About the Company Sanatana Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced management team and board of directors. Sanatana is based in Vancouver and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: STA). Sanatana's principal project is the Oweegee Dome copper-gold porphyry property which the Company optioned from ArcWest Exploration Inc. (see the Company's news release dated July 21, 2021). The Oweegee Dome copper-gold porphyry property is situated 40 km east of the KSM - Brucejack -Treaty Creek cluster of base and precious metal deposits and is underlain by similar geologic conditions, Stuhini Group (Tiassic age) host rocks, intrusions of the right age, alteration and porphyry style copper - gold - silver - molybdenite mineralization. SANATANA RESOURCES INC. (signed) "Peter Miles" Peter Miles Chief Executive Officer For additional information on the Company, please contact: Mr. Peter Miles, Chief Executive Officer at (604) 408-6680 or email investor@sanatanaresources.com. To be added to the email distribution list, please email ir@sanatanaresources.com with "Sanatana" in the subject line. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements related to the Private Placement and the use of proceeds for the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "intends", "is expected", "potential", "suggests" or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond Sanatana's control. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192533 SOURCE: Sanatana Resources Inc. HONG KONG (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Thursday release November numbers for industrial production and retail sales, highlighting a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Industrial output is expected to slip 1.6 percent on month after rising 1.3 percent in October, while retail sales are seen higher by 5.0 percent on year after adding 4.2 percent a month earlier. South Korea will provide November figures for industrial production and retail sales. Production is tipped to gain 1.0 percent on month and 3.0 percent on year after slipping 3.5 percent on month and adding 1.1 percent on year in the previous month. Sales were down 0.8 percent on month in October. Hong Kong will see November fata for imports, exports and trade balance. In October, imports were up 2.6 percent on month and exports rose 1.4 percent for a trade deficit of HKD25.8 billion. Thailand will release November numbers for imports, exports, trade balance, current account and industrial production. In October, imports jumped 10.5 percent on year and exports rose 7.0 percent for a trade surplus of $1.30 billion. The current account showed a surplus of $0.700 billion, while industrial production sank an annual 4.29 percent. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Lee Sun-kyun, a South Korean actor of the Oscar-winning film Parasite, was found dead, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday, citing police. Lee had been under investigation over illegal drug use allegations amid an ongoing government crackdown on illegal drugs. Lee was found unconscious next to charcoal briquettes inside a car at a park in Seoul on Wednesday morning, after his wife reported to police that Lee had left home and she had found what appeared to be a suicide note, Yonhap said. Seouls Jongno police station did not immediately respond to phone calls. South Korea has tough drug laws, and drug crimes are typically punishable by at least six months in prison or up to 14 years for repeat offenders and dealers. Lee had been questioned three times by police, including for 19 hours over the weekend. The actor had said he was tricked into taking drugs by a bar hostess who then tried to blackmail him, Yonhap reported. Born in 1975, Lee starred as a rich familys father in Parasite, and also played leading roles in South Korean movies including the 2012 thriller Helpless and 2014s All About My Wife, among others. Lee had the lead role in Apple TV+s first Korean-language original series, which rolled out in 2021. Dr. Brain, a six-episode sci-fi thriller, was about a cold-hearted neurologist, Koh Se-won, who tries to find clues to a mysterious family accident through brain experiments. The Bombay High Court has granted temporary relief to actress Rhea Chakraborty by suspending the Look-Out Circular (LOC) issued by the Central Bureau of Investigation against her. She shall be traveling to Dubai for professional reasons this week. As the CBI raised objections, the court observed, She is not an industrialist. She is an actor who has her base here and is participating in a programme called Roadies. She is not a businessman, who has some ill-gotten gains. She has to come back and earn her bread and butter here. The bench of Justices Kamal Khata and Jitendra Jain criticised the CBI for opposing Chakrabortys travel request. Statement by CBIs lawyer Advocate Shreeram Shirsat argued, This is a solicited invite, and it has to be juxtaposed with the investigation that is going on. The email (about work in Dubai) that has been received is solicited as the company does not talk about a fresh contract and the last contract talks about deliverables in Mumbai. The CBI will be investigating at whose behest the email was sought. The court asked, So what, this is a contract between the company and the applicant (Chakraborty) and it is between them to see how they will satisfy the deliverables. Will CBI pay her if she is not able to go abroad? Chakraborty had filed a petition in HC challenging a lookout circular issued against her by the CBI in connection with its probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. According to the agency, actor Kiara Advani is now the brand ambassador. Shirsat sought some more time to verify this. Chakrabortys counsel Abhinav Chandrachud urged the court to post the matter for hearing on Friday (December 22). Actor Rajput was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14, 2020. While the Mumbai police registered an accidental death report case and started a probe, the actors father in July 2020 lodged a complaint with the Bihar police alleging Rajputs girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and her family members had abetted his suicide. The Dabangg Khan of Bollywood, aka Salman Khan, turns a year older this year. He celebrates his 58th birthday on Wednesday, 27 December. Following his annual tradition, Salman celebrated the special day with his family members and close friends, pictures and videos of which are now going viral on social media. In a video going viral on social media, Salman can be seen cutting the birthday cake with his niece Ayat, while family members gather around and cheer aloud. Notably, the actor shares his birthday with his niece on the same date and has been celebrating their birthdays together almost every year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by yogen shah (@yogenshah_s) Earlier, Salman was spotted at the Kalina airport in Mumbai late at night as he returned to his family on his birthday. He not only posed for the media but also greeted them with folded hands as they wished him on his birthday. Later, the actor directly went to his sister Arpita Khans residence, where the entire family came together to ring in his birthday. A video shows a three-tier cake being brought in for the birthday. Arpita Khan who accompanied the mamu-niece duo fed her daughter a piece of cake and later fed cake to her brother. View this post on Instagram A post shared by yogen shah (@yogenshah_s) Bobby Deol wishes mamu on 58th birthday In the meantime, actor Bobby Deol who also joined the celebrations last night shared a few pictures from the birthday party with a sweet note for the actor. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bobby Deol (@iambobbydeol) Giving a quick peck on Salmans cheek, Bobby shared a couple of selfies on Instagram and wrote, Mamu I love you. Notably, the birthday party which was organised at Aayush Sharma and Arpita Khans residence was attended by Salman Khans family members including Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Helen, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, followed by the actors rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur among others. Whats on the work front for Salman? On the work front, Salman Khan was recently seen in the YRFs spy action thriller film Tiger 3 alongside Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi. He managed to give a big hit after a prolonged period. While he is yet to announce his next project, rumours are rife that Salman will be next seen in Vishnu Varadhans The Bull. A ban restricting imports of Apples popular Apple Watches into the US has gone into effect on Tuesday. The International Trade Commission (ITC) of the United States had ruled in October to ban Apple Watch models due to a patented technique for monitoring blood-oxygen levels. Apple argues that the ITC decision was erroneous and should be reversed. However, it halted sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US last week. The iPhone maker also stated that it would file an appeal in a US federal court. The change went into effect on the Apple Stores online store on 21 December, with retail stores ending sales on 24 December. Here is a look at what the ban means for consumers and what is next for Apple. Why was the ban imposed? The US International Trade Commission in October ordered Apple to stop importing and selling Apple Watches based on a complaint from medical-monitoring technology company Masimo. The ITC, a federal agency that handles international trade disputes, determined that an Apple Watch feature for reading blood-oxygen levels infringes Masimos pulse oximetry patents. The administration of President Joe Biden had 60 days, until 25 December, to veto the order based on public policy concerns but chose not to do so. What are the accusations against Apple? Masimo, which released a watch last year that also reads blood-oxygen levels and tracks other health indicators, accused Apple of hiring away its employees and stealing its technology after discussing a potential collaboration. A jury trial on Masimos allegations in California federal court ended with a mistrial in May and has not yet been rescheduled. Apple has called Irvine, California-based Masimos legal actions a scheme to clear a path for its competing smartwatch, and has countersued Masimo for patent infringement in Delaware federal court. How are US Apple Watch sales affected? Cupertino, California-based Apple announced on 18 December it would pre-emptively pause US sales of its latest high-end Series 9 and Ultra 2 models ahead of the Christmas Day deadline. The ITCs order does not affect the lower-priced Apple Watch SE, which does not have pulse-oximetry capabilities and remains on sale at Apple. The ITC decision says it applies only to Apple Watches with the light-based pulse oximetry capability in question, but does not specify which models with that technology are affected. Apple first introduced pulse oximetry in its Series 6 watches, and Masimo has argued that all Apple Watches with the technology infringe its patents. Apple said it would also stop replacing out-of-warranty watches going back to Series 6 based on the ban. The ban specifically applies to Apple and its affiliated companies, parents, subsidiaries, or other related business entities, and may not affect other retailers selling Apple Watches. Series 9 Apple Watches were still available from sellers including Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart as of 26 December. What it means for the customers? In a memo, Apple notified its customer support teams that out-of-warranty units dating back to the Apple Watch Series 6 will no longer be replaced in the United States. Because of this change, issues like as a damaged screen on these models will no longer be addressed by Apples replacement service; however, assistance with software-related issues, such as reinstalling the operating system, will still be available. The verdict affects the majority of new Apple Watches sold since 2020, including the Series 6, 7, 8, and Ultra, as well as the current 9 and Ultra 2, all of which have the blood oxygen function covered by the disputed patents. Customers who purchased watches before to the ban and models that are still under warranty are unaffected by the replacement ban, with the standard warranty lasting one year and being extendable with AppleCare. Following the prohibition, Apple will not allow exchanges for watches purchased prior to the ban, such as changing the colour or size, within the normal return period. However, replacement accessories like as bands will be permitted, and watches can be returned for a refund. The US tribunals decision will have no effect on Apple Watch sales in India. What are Apples options now? Apple is expected to appeal the ban to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington. The ITC on 20 December rejected Apples bid to pause the ban during an appeal. Apple is also reportedly working on software changes to enable its watches to operate without infringing Masimos patents. It could resume importing and selling the watches if US Customs and Border Protection approves the workaround. Masimo has said that its patents cover hardware, and that a software fix would not work. Masimo CEO Joe Kiani has also indicated that he is willing to settle the dispute. With inputs from Reuters As a cold wave maintains its grip in northern India, a thick blanket of fog covers parts of the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). For more than a week, citizens of the National Capital have been waking up to hazy mornings as dense fog covered the city, leading to low visibility and traffic disruptions. Several trains and flights have also experienced delays in their operations because of the fog blankets. With temperatures dropping to almost seven degrees, the weather office has issued a warning of dense to very dense fog in Delhi and the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. What causes fog in Delhi? How bad is the current situation? Why is a cold wave a common occurrence in the Capital? Lets take a closer look. What causes thick fog in Delhi? Meteorologists attribute the current dense fog to the passing of a western disturbance, night moisture, clear skies and low wind speed. According to Indian Express which quoted India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Kuldeep Srivastava, moisture was brought in by a western disturbance that facilitated the creation of fog. In addition, the morning breeze was mild over the city. With faster winds, mixing takes place rapidly and fog will not form. There are a few factors that came together to contribute to the very dense fog cover on Monday. The presence of a significant amount of moisture and clear skies helped when the sky is clear, the temperature tends to rise during the daytime, and in the early hours, the earth radiates this energy back to the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of fog, he said. When temperatures drop at night and in the early morning, water vapour condenses and creates fog because colder air cannot store as much moisture as warmer air. In certain places, the amount of intense fog can also vary; for example, Palam may have denser fog than Safdarjung. RK Jenamani, also a scientist at IMD who spoke with the newspaper, explains this scenario: Sometimes, there are local features that contribute to denser fog formation in some areas. Palam usually sees more fog hours than Safdarjung. In city areas, temperatures tend to be higher and moisture supply may be restricted because of concrete areas and roads. Why is it a regular recurrence in the Capital? Along with low winds, low temperatures, and moisture availability, pollution particles present in the environment make the hazy conditions more noticeable, according to a 2022 report by Outlook India. Particulate matter, or aerosol particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, or PM2.5, has been highlighted in numerous studies as a key pollutant that causes haze and fog development across the Indo-Gangetic plains, including Delhi. Additionally, haze and fog creation in northern India is mostly caused by burning plastic garbage, according to the report which cited a 2021 study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M). The study says the primary cause of high PM2.5 chloride levels and the haze and fog formation that ensue over Delhi on cold winter nights is complex chemical reactions involving hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is directly released into the atmosphere from burning plastic waste and certain industrial processes. It should be mentioned that the inversion height, or the point at which pollutants cannot be forced higher into the sky, decreases in the winter. Consequently, this causes pollutants to gather close to the ground. As a result, water vapour attracts more particles that condense close to the ground. The processing of metal, e-waste, and plastics, as well as the burning of biomass and plastic-contained garbage, are among the small-scale enterprises that directly emit hydrochloric acid (HCl) into the atmosphere in Delhi. The excess ammonia in the environment is subsequently reacted with this HCl to create particulate ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). How bad is the current situation? The IMD has issued a warning of dense to very dense fog in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh from 27 to 29 December and over isolated pockets of north Rajasthan and north Madhya Pradesh today. As per the Met Department, visibility recorded at 5.30 am today was Amritsar-0, Patiala, Srinagar, Bareilly, Lucknow and Prayagraj-25 metres, Varanasi-50, Jhansi-200, Ganganagar-50, Kota-500, Delhi-Safdarjung-50, Delhi (Palam)-125. Morning visuals from Delhis Dhaula Kuan, India gate, Barapullah, and the Delhi-Noida border area showed them engulfed in dense fog. The citys air quality likewise saw a precipitous drop following weeks of good air. As measured by the Air Quality Index, the average air quality fell to 381, or very poor. Delhis minimum temperature fell to seven degrees Celsius, while the highest temperature of 24 degrees Celsius is predicted. The Capitals Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) air bulletin states that Anand Vihar had an AQI of 441 while Lodhi Road in central Delhi had an AQI of 327. The air quality at the IGI airport was 368. The AQI values for nearby Ghaziabad and Noida were 336 and 363, respectively. The forecast indicates that for the following week, the air quality will continue to decline. As per information sourced from the Delhi Airport FIDS (Flight Information Display System), the airport is facing delays affecting approximately 110 flights, both domestic and international arrivals and departures, due to dense fog. 28 international departure flights, 15 international arrival flights, 42 domestic departure flights and 25 domestic arrivals were affected as of 8.30 am on Wednesday. The Delhi Airport Authority has issued an advisory stating that while landing and takeoffs continue, flights not compliant with CAT III (category III) standards may face disruptions. Notably, CAT III refers to a type of instrument landing system that allows flights to land in low-visibility conditions such as fog, snow, and rain. More than 25 trains approaching Delhi or passing through Delhi stations are running late due to the dense fog. How is the number of accidents rising due to fog? Numerous collisions were reported on Uttar Pradeshs roadways while they were still covered in fog. On the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, several cars crashed, leaving one person dead and twelve injured. A speeding truck in Bareilly collided with a house close to the Bareilly-Sultanpur route. The number of road deaths caused by foggy conditions grew to 14,583 last year, an increase of over nine per cent from 2021, according to data released by the Ministry of Road Transport. 15,597 people had major injuries. Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of these fatalities (3,920), followed by Madhya Pradesh (1,177), Tamil Nadu (1,032), and Bihar (1,842). With a maximum of 135 road deaths, Chennai was the city with the highest number of deaths, followed by Delhi with 132. Driving too fast and changing lanes when its cloudy and foggy are riskier, according to road safety experts. The Times of India reported that staying in the designated lane is crucial since fog makes visibility poor, making passing impossible. Its Wednesday. And theres a big day of news ahead. Defence minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir days after a terror attack on an Indian Army convoy. Across the border, the Pakistan Peoples Party will launch it campaign for the looming general elections. The Nationalist Congress Party has called for four-day farmers protest in Pune. Lets take a closer look at todays big-ticket items Rajnath in J&K Rajnath Singh has said he will visit Jammu and Rajouri today. His visit comes on the heels of the ambush of an army convoy that left four soldiers dead in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch. Three more soldiers were injured in the encounter. Singh is likely to visit ground zero on Wednesday with top Army and civilian officials monitoring the situation in Poonch in view of the terrorist attack which was followed by the death of three civilians in the area, official sources said. According to the defence sources, more troops are being moved to the sector to strengthen the counter-terror grid. Over 30 suspects have been questioned during the past few days and several of them have been released, they said. The cordon and search operation is going on to track down the terrorists involved in the ambush on Army vehicles, a senior official told PTI. Rajnaths visit follows Chief of Army staff (CoAS) General Manoj Pandes visit to ground zero in Poonch on Monday where he reviewed the anti-terrorist operation under way in Surankote and nearby Rajouri districts Thanamandi forest belt. 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 on the matter has been initiated. The Army has ordered a thorough internal investigation into the civilian deaths and said it is committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of the investigation. PPP to launch election campaign The Pakistan Peoples Party is set to launch its campaign for the general elections scheduled to be held on 8 February. The party founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto las week announced that its chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari would be its prime ministerial candidate. His father, Asif Ali Zardari, will be its presidential nominee. PPP information secretary Faisal Karim Kundi had said that Bilawal will be the candidate for the prime minister and our wish will be that we replay 2008 and make Asif Zardari the president. Asif Zardari, 68, who had become the President of Pakistan after elections held in 2008, served in the post till 2013. Bilawal, 35, served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from April 2022 to August 2023. Kundi also said that the elections should not be delayed beyond 8 February and that the PPP is fully ready for the elections. NCP calls four-day protest The Nationalist Congress Party has called for a four-day protest against the Centre in Pune over farmers issues. The protest, announced by party MP Supriya Sule, will kick off from Punes Shivneri Fort in Pune and will conclude at the Collectorate. In a post on X accompanied by a video message, Sule said, Its time to unite against the dictatorial central government who is doing injustice to our farmers. Lets take to the streets with full force against the central government that is oppressing the country by declaring an undeclared emergency and killing the constitution. Lets participate in large numbers in the Shetkari Akrosh Morcha starting from Shivneri Fort in Pune district from December 27th to 30th!, she added. The protest call came hours after NCP MP Amol Kolhe met party supremo Sharad Pawar at his Pune residence. Pawar is set to address the protest on 30 December. The NCP says they will make six major demands including the roll-back of a ban on onion exports. On this day World Bank, IMF come into existence The World Bank and International Monetary Fund formally came into existence on 27 December, 1945. This came nearly a year-and-a-half months after delegations of 44 nations met in New Hampshires Bretton Woods which would go down in history as the Bretton Woods conference to agree upon the rules for the monetary system post-World War II. The World Bank would open for business on 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC and advance its first loan in 1947. Seventy-eight years later, both organisations remain a vital part of the post-World War II global order. Happy bday Salman Khan! Happy birthday bhai! Salman Khan turns 58 today. Like last year, hundreds of his fans are expected to turn up outside his home in Bandra to wish the Bollywood superstar well. Salman made his debut in 1988 in the film Biwi Ho To Aisi which starred Rekha and Farooq Sheikh. His turn in Sooraj Barjatyas Maine Pyar Kiya the next year launched him to superstardom and Salman has never looked back. With inputs from agencies French authorities, on Tuesday, allowed a charter jet carrying around 276 passengers, largely Indians, to fly to India, after detaining it at the Vatry airport near Paris over allegations of human trafficking for four days. The flight, originally destined for Nicaragua, landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai around 3.30 am with 15 crew members and 276 passengers, reports The Hindu quoting airport officials. The passengers were subjected to rigorous interrogation and verification by the authorities from the Immigration Department and the Central Bureau of Investigation. Reports reveal that some of them were from Punjab, some from Haryana and some from Gujarat. Though the reason for their travel remain unknown, the Gujarat Police has formed teams to unearth a suspected illegal immigration network involving agents and will coordinate with the passengers of a plane that has landed in Mumbai from France, a senior official said. How Gujarat police plans to probe agents behind illegal immigration? Among 276 on board, 21 passengers who have returned to India are from Gujarat, Sanjay Kharat, Superintendent of Police, CID crime, told ANI. The CID crime wants to take action against agents who had promised help to the victims to enter the US and other countries (illegally). We have formed four teams which will get information from the victims regarding promises made to them by these agents, Superintendent of Police, CID (Crime), Sanjay Kharat said, as per a PTI report. He said most of the passengers on the chartered plane that returned from France were from Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana and Anand districts in Gujarat. Police will coordinate with the passengers when they reach Gujarat from Mumbai to find out the agents and agencies involved and whether documents provided to them to migrate to the US and other countries were forged, he said. Also Read: What led to France grounding a plane with over 300 Indians? The official said they will also try to find out how many people have been flown abroad this way, and who all are seeking to travel in this manner. What do we know about the agents involved? The CID has so far received raw information regarding the agents involved in the incident and will be able to find out more only after questioning the passengers concerned, he said. Kharat said different agents involved in illegal immigration work in tandem. The agents working at the village and district levels are small players controlled by a kingpin who works at the international level, he added. Also Read: Who is the Hyderabad man, likely to be mastermind behind Nicaragua-bound flight? The Gujarat police will investigate and get a clear picture of how they operate, he said. Different agencies use different modus operandi based on the requirements of persons seeking to migrate like whether they require forged documents etc, and rates are fixed accordingly, the SP said, adding the victims will be questioned and police will reach the kingpin. Who are the passengers? As reported by PTI, the French authorities were notified that, of the 276 passengers on the charter jet heading for Mumbai, 25 two of them were minors had sought for asylum and wished to stay on French territory. A report from Hindustan Times stated that about 150 of the passengers were in their mid-20s and about 70 were in their 30s. Rest were spread across all age groups. Also Read: SRKs Dunki is about donkey flights: Whats this illegal immigration method? The majority of travellers arrived in Dubai over the last two months, either as tourists or on business, and then took a flight to Nicaragua. The two passengers who were initially detained on the allegations that they facilitated the alleged trafficking were released after they appeared before a judge. Some passengers did not want to return to India since they had paid for a tourism trip to Nicaragua, according to Liliana Bakayoko, the attorney for Legend Airlines, whose aircraft was grounded in France, according to the news agency AP. Legend Airlines, the airline that flew them from the United Arab Emirates on 22 December, acknowledged that some of the passengers had hotel reservations and return tickets, but otherwise denied any wrongdoing. The lawyer for Legend Airlines informed Indian Express that a non-European firm had made the reservation, without revealing that if it was an Indian company or not. The aircraft was refuelling at Vatry Airport in France on its way to Nicaragua when the authorities halted it on the basis of an anonymous tip that it might be transporting victims of human trafficking. As the airport was transformed into a temporary courtroom with judges and solicitors present to hear the case, the travellers were detained there. Monday was approved as the planes departure day. In Mumbai, immigration authorities enquired from some of the 276 passengers, an official said, adding no passenger was detained and they were allowed to leave the airport by 11.30 am on Tuesday. Why did the airline fly to India rather than the UAE or Nicaragua? Liliana Bakayoko told Indian Express that its likely that neither the UAE nor the Nicaguan authorities permitted the passengers. And the only country that expressed the willingness to help and to act quickly, to allow these people to go somewhere else and not to remain for a long time under these absolutely inappropriate conditions, was India, added the lawyer. The happening throws light on the growing trend of people attempting to enter the United States illegally, with Nicaragua emerging as a favourite destination for asylum seekers. According to US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) data, 96,917 Indians attempted to enter the US illegally in the year 2023, which is a 51.61 per cent increase over the previous year. Of these, 41,770 attempted to enter across the Mexican land border, reports ABP. With inputs from PTI New Year is just around the corner and people in India are all gearing up for the festivities. However, the rising COVID-19 cases, it seems, is ready to play party-pooper. On Tuesday, the country logged 412 COVID-19 infections, with the Union Health Ministry adding that there were 4,170 active cases in the country. The spike in cases, attributed to the JN.1 sub-variant that is also on the rise in the country, has led many to ask if its time for people to take an additional dose of the vaccine. However, the Centre has said theres no plan as to mandate booster doses, as evidence available so far does not support it. Karnataka, specifically, is seeing a huge surge in COVID cases, owing to which the state has imposed certain guidelines and protocols to arrest the spread. But will Karnataka have a good New Year? Karnataka COVID surge As of Tuesday, the southern state of Karnataka reported 74 fresh cases of coronavirus and two deaths. With this, the total number of active cases in the state has risen to 464 and recent COVID-19 deaths stand at nine. Medical officials of the state added that the positivity rate in the state was at 1.15 per cent while case fatality rate was at 2.70 per cent. The states health bulletin said that the two deceased were aged 51. One of them was admitted in Dakshina Kannada with symptoms of fever, cough and breathlessness on 22 December. He had severe acute respiratory infection and died a day later. The other patient, who was admitted in Mysuru on 20 December, had symptoms of cough and breathlessness and died on Christmas day. He too had a severe acute respiratory infection but was vaccinated. The state has also recorded a whopping 34 COVID cases of the JN.1 variant, with 20 being reported from Bengaluru alone. This is significant as the country has until now logged a total of 69 cases of the new sub-variant, since it was first detected in Kerala. Karnataka COVID guidelines In light of the rising cases in the state, health officials and government officials met on Tuesday under the leadership of Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to discuss the measures that can be taken to manage the COVID situation in the state. Following the meeting, Rao urged people to be more cautious and vigilant, adding that testing would be further ramped up in order to identify the infected persons. This comes after Karnataka had last week made it compulsory for those above 60 with comorbidities, and symptoms of cough, phlegm and fever, to compulsorily wear face masks. The state also announced that parents shouldnt send children with symptoms to schools and has asked all to adhere to COVID appropriate behaviour like social distancing and mask-wearing. Also read: Could JN.1 COVID variant affect your holiday travel? Where are cases rising in India, world? Home isolation was also reintroduced in the state. Officials have said that all COVID positive people must henceforth isolate at home for seven days while their symptomatic primary contacts should be tested. The state has also decided to administer precautionary vaccines for the aged and those with co-morbidities. For this, the state has ordered 30,000 doses of Corbevax vaccine from the Centre. Health workers in the state would be administered flu vaccines as a protective measure. Moreover, separate COVID wards are being set up at Victoria Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases in Bengaluru, all hospitals of medical colleges and all district hospitals. The state health minister also stressed that while the government was not imposing any restrictions on New Year celebrations, there was a general advisory to wear masks at crowded spots and observe COVID-approved behaviour such as social distancing and regular hand washing. Experts speak on COVID surge While most attribute the rise in COVID infections in the country to the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant, some experts note that other strains such as BA.2.86, commonly known as Pirola, could also be blamed. Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, epidemiologist, former Indian Council of Medical Research scientist and member of the governments COVID-19 task force, was quoted as saying, Based on whatever information we have, it appears that JN.1 can infect many at a time, more than other mutants. In India, the virus is present and with time it might pre-dominate. But having said that, other strains also tend to exist and can continue causing the infection. And JN.1 is prevalent in the country as well as the world; in the US, it accounts for 39-50 per cent of all COVID cases, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr Lalit Kant, a former ICMR scientist, concurred with Dr Gangakhedkars view. It is not necessary that all the cases that are being reported now are owing to JN.1 strain. The variants keep circulating and mutating. However, one variant will be dominant only, and going ahead, JN.1 might emerge as a dominant strain. But the problem is there is not enough data currently available in India, Kant told LiveMint. And despite the surge in COVID cases, experts maintain that theres no need to panic or worry. Using data and number, they say that while the JN.1 variant, which has been deemed as a variant of interest by the World Health Organization (WHO), theres no evidence that suggests it causes more severe illness. Dr Ujjwal Prakash of Delhis Ganga Ram Hospital told news agency ANI that JN.1 was a mild sub-variant which caused upper respiratory symptoms. The symptoms comprise fever, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, and, in certain instances, mild gastrointestinal symptoms. He added that the symptoms were improving within four to five days. With inputs from agencies Drones from Pakistan continue to be a major menace for India. The Border Security Force (BSF) said it has shot down or recovered 100 Pakistani drones attempting to smuggle arms, ammunition and narcotics into Indian territory in 2023. In a series of posts on X, the BSF Punjab Frontier stated, Till now, in 2023, BSF Punjab has successfully shot down or recovered 100 Pakistani drones being used by anti-national elements to smuggle narcotics, arms, and ammunition into Indian territory. Apart from recovering drones, narcotics, and arms, BSF has also successfully apprehended smugglers who were facilitating smuggling through drones, the BSF added in its post. BSF has implemented a three-pronged strategy, with the objectives of curtailing the drug supply, fostering awareness against drug abuse, and empowering the youth with skills to channelize their energy, thereby facilitating meaningful employment opportunities, it added. Lets take a closer look: Drones, drones, drones The Guardian quoted the BSF officials as saying drones have the the main modus operandi of trafficking drugs from Pakistan since the first UAV was spotted in 2019. There are weeks where five or six drones are intercepted. BSF officials say the influx of drones is aggravating the drug crisis in Punjab. Around 60 per cent of the drug smuggling in the state this year was done via drones, officials say. While many drones are loaded with opium and heroin likely from Afghanistan others carry pistols and Chinese-made assault rifles. These hexacopters, which have high-res cameras, can be up to eight feet wide. They have been found as much as 12 kilometres inside the border. The drugs are usually placed in sacks or bottles of Coca-Cola. As per The Wire, the delivery of drugs and weapons across the border via drones have spiked sharply. Smuggling via drone has increased four-fold since 2020. The data seems to back this up. As per Carnegie India, the India-Pakistan border witnessed 77 drone sightings in 2020, 104 in 2021 and 311 in 2022. A Chinese hand While most operations are carried out from Pakistan, the drones themselves come from China. The DJI Matrice 300 RTK, DJI Matrix 350 RTK or DJI Mavic are the most commonly used drones. The flight data of captured drones reveals that they had not only been operational within Pakistan but had also flown in China. The embedded chip in the drones contained coordinates that pointed to their airborne presence in Chinese territory and subsequently in Khanewal, in Punjab province of Pakistan, the piece in The Wire stated. The Guardian quoted BSF officials as saying the numbers were increasing every month. Anything which does not have a legitimate entry into India is a security challenge for us, Atul Fulzele, the inspector general of BSF in Punjab, said. Apart from use of drones for drugs, there are instances where drones have been found dropping weapons and it has potential to cause damage. We have to be really very watchful. We used just to be focused on land, but this aerial domination is a new domain for us and it is indeed a challenge, Fulzele told The Guardian. But I believe we will be able to contain this drone menace by next year. But countering the drones wont be easy. Eurasian Times noted that Pakistans drones fly at high altitudes and low speeds making spotting and seizing them an arduous task. Since these drones can carry payloads over great distances, they are practical tools for transporting weapons, explosives, drugs, and other supplies over the border. Drones can also be used for espionage against military installations, critical infrastructure, and other targets, the piece noted. India fights back A piece in The Wire noted that Drone Emergency Response System (DERS) has been implemented in parts along the border. However, it noted that this is not a silver bullet. more comprehensive, proactive and collaborative countermeasures are required, the article concluded. India is also getting in on the drone wars. Eurasian Times quoted reports as saying that the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully tested its Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator and indigenous high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka this month. The UAV, also known as the Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT), is a significant step in Indias bid to indigenize its armed forces and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers of weaponry, the piece stated. As per Scroll, the BSF on Tuesday said it confiscated 2.09 kilos of heroin stacked in a black bag with illuminating strips in Punjabs Fazilka district. The agency said this says it is likely that the package was likely from a Pakistani drone. The BSF on Monday foiled a smuggling attempt through a drone in Amritsar and seized 434 grams of heroin wrapped with adhesive tape. According to officials, BSF troopers launched a search operation after a Pakistani drone violated Indian airspace. In the ensuing search operation, the BSF troops seized 434 gms of heroin wrapped with adhesive tape from Amritsars Ranian village. On 25 December 2023, during morning hrs, on specific information of BSF regarding smuggling through drone on the outskirts of Vill Ranian & Rear Kakkar, District Amritsar, an Operation was planned, BSF stated in a post. The troops swiftly responded to the drone intrusion, which dropped the contraband before returning back to Pakistan. BSF party at about 0642 hrs, heard a buzzing sound of a suspected flying object and dropping sound of something, resultantly the BSF party recovered 01 Pkt (Gross wt 434 Gms) suspected to be Heroin, wrapped with transparent adhesive tape and a ring attached to it for hanging with the drone, it added. Another attempt of smugglers to push narcotics into Indian territory via drone was also foiled by vigilant BSF personnel, it added. With inputs from agencies The BJP government is finally realising its grand ambition. The consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is scheduled for 22 January. Preparations are in full swing, and invitations have been sent to esteemed saints and prominent individuals. The under-construction grand temple is said to be atmanirbhar in its own way. According to media reports, it has a pan-India appeal, with inspiration from north as well as south Indian temple architecture. Not only this, its construction materials have been sourced from various parts of India. Lets take a closer look. The pan-India architecture According to temple design and construction manager Girish Sahastrabhojini, Ram temple has a beautiful blend of Indian architecture. It has a semblance of Dravidian architecture assimilated within the Nagara style. While speaking to The Print, he revealed the main temple where the statue of Lord Ram will be kept is in the norths Nagara style, while the four temples at the corners are influenced by Dravidian architecture. It has elements from the renowned south Indian shrines located in Rameshwaram, Tirupati, and Kanchipuram. The lack of land initially prevented the architects from incorporating the well-known South Indian Gopuram style of entry carving. So they chose to incorporate some of that architectures features to give it a more comprehensive South Indian temple appearance, according to the report. Also read: Ram temple event: Who has been invited? Whos giving it a miss? Ram Temple in Ayodhya: What are the sacred shaligram stones from Nepal to be used to make the Ram idol? Ram Mandir inauguration: Did Nihang Sikhs start the temple movement over a century back? 9 Years of Modi Government: From a new Parliament to Statue of Unity, the architectural wonders of Narendra Modis India Construction materials from all over India According to NDTV, the main temple building is made of pink sandstone weighing 4.7 lakh cubic feet from the Bharatpur area of Rajasthan. The plinths are made of 17,000 granite stones, and the inlay work is made of coloured and white marbles, according to information received. The exquisite temples woodwork is made of premium teakwood that comes from the jungles of Maharashtra. The temple construction committee has focused on Chandrapur district, which is renowned for its nestled woods with premium teak, according to the Shri Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust, as reported in The Times of India. According to the report, the state administration, led by Eknath Shinde, gave the temple the wood at a steep discount. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Beautification work underway in Ayodhya, ahead of the consecration ceremony of Ram temple on 22 January 2024. (22.12) pic.twitter.com/UdZp0XDERs ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2023 Moreover, the granite used in the building came from Telangana and Karnataka, while flooring material was sourced from Madhya Pradesh, as per The Print. Complex sandstone carvings were made by skilled sculptors from Odisha using a variety of materials from around India. Girish Sahastrabhojini told The Print, Woodwork was assigned to an Andhra Pradesh-based company with workers from Tamil Nadu. Brassware was sourced from Uttar Pradesh, and the gold work from Maharashtra. The chief architect of the temple is a Gujarati. About 4,000 workers were employed by construction giant Larsen & Toubro, including artisans from Rajasthan and Mysuru and local stone carvers for chiselling stones. Currently, the first floor of the temple is fully established, along with the flooring and entrance. The sanctum where Lord Ram will be kept is also ready. The second and third floors are under construction, the report quoted Rai as saying. No steel, iron or modern materials used No steel, concrete, or modern materials like carbon fibre or glass rods have been used in the construction of the highly anticipated temple. When we talk about a temple lasting more than a millennium, naturally, we wont take a trial with something that doesnt have a proven track record. So, concrete and steel were ruled out. So what was left? We had to go back to rock, Sahastrabhojini said in an interview with The Print. To be precise, nothing which doesnt have a track record of a couple of centuries has been used in the construction of the temple. Currently, I can say with confidence that the temple has a longevity of more than a thousand years. Other features The grand temple will have 392 pillars, a 14 feet-wide percota periphery which will span 732 metre, Ram temple trust general secretary Champat Rai said, sharing the landscape plan with a group of journalists. He also said that a statue of Jatayu has been installed on Kuber Tila in Ayodhya. The under-construction Ram temple complex in Ayodhya will be atmanirbhar or self-reliant in its way with sewage and water treatment plants, and it will also have facilities to ease the movement of the elderly and the specially-abled, he said, as per PTI, adding that 70 per cent of the 70 acres of the upcoming temple complex will be green area. The complex will also feature a fire brigade post, which will be able to source water from an underground reservoir. The Ram temple complex will have a lift facility and two ramps at the entrance to facilitate elderly, specially-abled visitors. The calm Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave in New Delhi was shaken on Tuesday evening when a blast took place in the area, right near the Israeli embassy. Officials from the embassy stated that no one had been hurt in the blast, with embassy spokesman Guy Nir saying staff heard the explosion from within the building. Shortly after the explosion, the Israeli National Security Council issued a travel advisory for its citizens in India, suspecting that the explosion near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday was a possible terror attack. As investigations continue into the explosion, heres what we know so far. Low-intensity blast near embassy A low-intensity blast was heard near the Israel embassy in the high-security area on Tuesday evening, sending security personnel into a tizzy. Israels deputy chief of mission, Ohad Nakash Kaynar was quoted as saying after the blast, This evening, several minutes after 5 pm, an explosion occurred in close proximity to the embassy. All our workers are safe, all our diplomats are safe. Our security teams are working in full cooperation with the local Delhi security, and they will investigate the matter further. #WATCH | Deputy Ambassador of Israel to India, Ohad Nakash Kaynar says, This is evening several minutes after 5, an explosion occurred in close proximity of the Embassy. All our diplomats and workers are safe. Our security teams are working in full cooperation with local Delhi pic.twitter.com/jqQSTJMgKQ ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2023 An eyewitness later told LiveMint, This happened around 5 pm. I was on my duty and heard a loud sound, similar to that of a bursting tyre. When I came out, I saw smoke coming from the top of a tree. Thats all I saw. #WATCH | An eyewitness says, " This happened around 5 pm, I was on my duty and heard a huge sound. When I came out, I saw smoke coming from the top of a tree, that's all I saw...Police have taken my statement..." https://t.co/WB4jy1BmGK pic.twitter.com/2apOQMV47z ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2023 The blast prompted security officials to rush to the spot the dog squad, crime team and bomb disposal squad team of the Delhi Police arrived at the scene of the explosion and began its investigations. In fact, Delhi Police spokesperson Kumar Gyanesh said senior officers of the force rushed to the Israel Embassy after the police was alerted at 5.53 pm about a loud sound heard from the Prithviraj Road side of the embassy. He added that the investigation was still on and as procedure they had examined the spot, lifted exhibits that may have evidentiary relevance and the same have been sent for forensic examination. A police official, who did not want to be identified, has said that no shrapnel or lethal material was found in the area, suggesting it could have been a loud cracker used to draw attention and sound a warning. Also read: India sounds alert for Israelis amid war: How safe has the country been for Jews? Notably, during investigations at the site of the blast, authorities recovered a letter, which had been addressed to the Ambassador of the Israeli Embassy, wrapped in an Israeli flag. While the contents of the letter havent been fully revealed, the police said that the one-page English letter was of an abusive nature. An India Today report later quoting sources said that the letter talks about Israels actions in Gaza and mentions revenge. The blast comes at a time when the Israel-Hamas war has entered Day 82 and fierce bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues. The war has already claimed the lives of nearly 21,000 people and injured another 55,000. When asked if they suspected anyone for the attack, a Delhi Police source told The Print, We suspect involvement of one or two individuals. We are scanning footage from CCTV cameras and analysing [mobile phone] tower dump data from the area of the embassy. Not the first time This isnt the first time that the Israeli embassy has witnessed a blast. In January 2021, a low-intensity blast had rung out near the Israeli embassy. The explosion, fortunately, had caused no fatalities. However, the IED used in the blast had left a crater in the road and damaged three cars parked in the vicinity. Authorities at the time had said that the attack was carried out by the Quds Force branch of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Moreover, in February 2012, an unidentified motorcyclist had placed a sticky bomb on an Israeli embassy Toyota Innova car, injuring the official and driver who were in the vehicle. The police at the time had concluded that Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps was behind the bombing. Fallout of the blast Shortly after the explosion, Israel issued a travel advisory for its citizens in India. The advisory urges nationals to try and avoid going to crowded places (malls and markets) and places identified as serving Westerners/Jews and Israelis. They have also been urged to be on heightened alert in public places (including restaurants, hotels, pubs, etc). Furthermore, they have been asked to avoid openly displaying Israeli symbols and avoid attending unsecured large-scale events. After the incident, security has also been beefed up around the embassy and other Israeli establishments, according to officials. Security around Israeli embassies has been beefed up ever since 7 October. Earlier in November, a man was arrested for throwing red paint on the over the front gates of Israels embassy in London, England. Similarly, a fence in front of a property registered as the Consulate of Israel was sprayed with graffiti calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and also set on fire. The words Free Gaza, Save the kids, Ceasefire and Free Palestine were written on the fence of the property in the Auckland suburb of Epsom. Part of the fence was also doused in petrol and set alight. In Colombia too, a group of hooded individuals vandalised the Israeli Embassy covering it in n graffiti, torching an Israeli flag, and singing songs allegorising the attacks by Hamas. With inputs from agencies The Centre has banned a faction of Muslim League Jammu Kashmir led by separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat. The government has banned the outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while announcing the ban under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, emphasised that the Modi governments message is clear that those who act against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation will face the full wrath of the law and will not be spared. The ban comes as a response to the outfits involvement in anti-national and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, with the intent to create a reign of terror in the country, the Union Home Ministry said. The Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) is declared as an Unlawful Association under UAPA. This organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K, supporting terrorist activities, and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K, Shah said in a post on X. But who is Bhat? What do we know about him? Lets take a closer look: Bhat is known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. He became the chairman of the hardline faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in September 2021, as per Outlook. This followed the death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani. As per Outlook, Bhat was born into a wealthy trading family in 1971 in Zaindar Mohalla Srinagar. Bhats family owned garment shops, as per The Times of India. Bhat stood out for his new shoes, new clothes and generous pocket money, as per Tehelka. However, he lost both parents at a young age. Raised by his grandfather and two uncles, Bhat went to the prestigious Tyndale Biscoe missionary school in Srinagar. He was first arrested in 1990. He was, at the time, just 19 years old. As per India Today, Bhat was the local chief of Pakistan-backed terror group Hizbullah. Bhat later turned to separatism and became a protege of Geelani. Bhat has 27 FIRs registered against him and he has been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) 36 times, as per Hindustan Times. Until 2010, he was intermittently in and out of jail under the PSA. Until 2008 people didnt know him, Bhats uncle Farooq Ahmad Bhat told TRT World. Bhat was accused of playing a key role in organising violent protests in Kashmir in 2010, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 youths. As per TRT World, he spurred the youth of Kashmir to chant Rugdaa-Rugdaa which calls for India to be wiped away from Kashmir. He went on the run that year after the Centre announced a reward for his arrest, as per The Times of India. He has since spent time in jail for his alleged involvement in violent protests in the Kashmir Valley. The police mistakenly released Bhat in 2014 but then quickly rearrested him. It was during this release that Geelani asked Bhat to take over his position in the Hurriyat. Bhats release in 2015 became the first impediment in PDP-BJP alliance when the then chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed got him released immediately after taking oath. Under pressure from its ally BJP, the then state government had to rearrest him after he allegedly raised pro-Pakistan slogans at a rally. As per Outlook, the government accused Bhat of sedition and waging war against the state under the PSA. Bhat is currently incarcerated in Delhis Tihar Jail, as per Hindustan Times. As per The Times of India, Bhat has spoken in favour of LeT chief Hafeez Saeed and Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin. Bhat after the Kashmir floods created controversy by saying that the people of Kashmir dont need Indias armed forces to rescue them. He is known to use social media to spread his message and has distributed anti-India CDs in mosques. Bhat is the force behind protest calendars and the Quit Kashmir movement. He is called the new poster boy of the ISI in the Valley, as per the newspaper. In 2010, he told the newspaper, I am a stone thrower since childhood. India is an oppressor and has occupied this land since 1947. India should go People of J&K are mature enough to decide their future as a nation Theyve seen so many things The situation has educated them. But first, and most important, India should quit J&K, he told the newspaper in 2010. Bhat in 2015 defended himself in an interview. He told Hindustan Times, People were killed by armed forces; youth were showered with bullets. If they say I instigated people, let there be an international probe. Let the world know how the 120 youth were killed. I am not a terrorist, nor were the people who came out to protest. Ten lakh people gathered at Eidgah maidan (to protest against the killings). Did I instigate all of them? They were genuine freedom lovers who were demanding their right to be free. I am no Osama bin Laden. I am also a freedom lover who has spent 17 years in jail for that dream, and so have thousands of others like me. People in Kashmir dont want to be with India. Disrespect towards constitutional authority The Union Home Ministry, in a notification, stated that the objectives of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) are to attain freedom for Jammu and Kashmir from India, merge it with Pakistan, and establish Islamic rule. The organisations members have been involved in secessionist activities, raising funds through various sources, including Pakistan and its proxy organisations, to support terrorist activities and sustain stone-pelting on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. The home ministry emphasised that the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) and its members show disrespect towards the constitutional authority and setup of the country. Their unlawful activities undermine the integrity, sovereignty, security, and communal harmony of India. Additionally, there have been indications of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) having linkages with banned terrorist organisations. The outfit and its members have been supporting terrorist activities with the intent to create terror in the country, thereby endangering its security and public order. Their anti-national activities demonstrate disregard and disrespect for the constitutional authority and sovereignty of India, the ministry said. The Central government believes that immediate action is necessary against the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) to curb its unlawful activities, which pose a threat to the territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty of the country. The outfit is likely to continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India, promoting false narratives, and inciting anti-national sentiments among the people of the region, which could disrupt public safety. Therefore, exercising the powers conferred by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Central government has declared the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association with immediate effect, the ministry said. The ban will remain in effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the official gazette, unless otherwise ordered. With inputs from agencies The death of an IDF soldier from fungal infection in Gaza has alarmed many experts and thrown the spotlight on the increased risk of diseases spreading in war zones. The soldier, whose identity remains unknown, succumbed to the infection after being hospitalised. Meanwhile, several other Israeli soldiers are battling drug-resistant infections and the World Health Organisation has warned that the healthcare system in Gaza is on the verge of collapse amid Israels bombings. But what happened? And how bad could things get? Lets take a closer look: What happened? The soldier was brought to Assuta Ashdod Medical Center two weeks ago, according to Kan public broadcaster. The soldier, who suffered severe limb injuries, was given around-the-clock treatment. Israels Ynet news website, doctors attempted to cure the soldier with a variety of treatments including experimental ones. They also brought in specialists. However, the fungus spread through the soldiers body and ultimately killed him. As per Jerusalem Post, at least 10 other soldiers have been diagnosed with infections. As per The Messengers, doctors think the soldiers caught the infections from the soil in Gaza. Constant bombardment by Israeli forces has left the ground covered by sewage and other pollutants. Professor Eyal Leshem, an infectious diseases expert at Israels Sheba Medical Center told the website, Some of the wounded in Gaza are exhibiting complex infections which are the result of conditions on the ground. The Telegraph UK quoted the Association for Infectious Diseases (AID) in Israel as saying that drug-resistant pathogens have been found mostly in limb injuries of soldiers. These include highly resistant bacterial strains of Klebsiella and Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus fungi. AID chairman professor Galia Rahav told the newspaper, In all hospitals it is reported that soldiers have returned from the battlefield with resistant infections. It should be noted that a large part of the infections diagnosed among the wounded soldiers are also discovered from time to time in Israel, but they are found in people who were exposed to these bacteria, and not before. The contact with the soil and mud there causes exposure to such resistant bacteria, and also to mould. This isnt a new phenomenon either. As per the newspaper, the war in Iraq saw wounded US soldiers take the superbug Acinetobacter Baumannii back to US hospitals. Just to be clear the injured IDF soldiers are not being treated in Gaza hospitals. They are picking up these infections because these bacteria, fungi, or parasites are in the dirt or mud in Gaza where they are lying until they are evacuated. They have deep, open wounds that the microbes infect, professor Nadav Davidovitch, an epidemiologist who heads Ben-Gurion University of the Negevs School of Public Health, told Times of Israel. What happens next? Experts say Gaza is a perfect breeding ground for a possible epidemic. A lack of food, clean water and shelter have worn down hundreds of thousands of traumatised people and, with a health system on its knees, its inevitable epidemics will rip through the enclave, 10 doctors and aid workers told Reuters. The perfect storm for disease has begun. Now its about, How bad will it get?' James Elder, chief spokesperson for the UN childrens fund (UNICEF), said in an interview. The World Health Organisation in November had issued a dire warning to the world. Given the living conditions and lack of health care, more people could die from disease than bombings, WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X. From 29 November to 19 December, cases of diarrhoea in children under five jumped 66 per cent to 59,895 cases, and climbed 55 per cent for the rest of the population in the same period, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The UN agency said the numbers were inevitably incomplete due to the meltdown of all systems and services in Gaza because of the war. The head of the paediatric ward at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, told Reuters on Tuesday his ward was overrun with children suffering extreme dehydration, causing kidney failure in some cases, while severe diarrhoea was four times higher than normal. He said he was aware of 15 to 30 cases of Hepatitis A in Khan Younis in the past two weeks: The incubation period of the virus is three weeks to a month, so after a month there will be an explosion in the number of cases of Hepatitis A. Since the truce between Israel and Hamas collapsed on 1 December, hundreds of thousands of people have moved to makeshift shelters abandoned buildings, schools and tents. Many others are sleeping in the open with little access to toilets or water to bathe, aid workers said. At the same time, 21 of the Gaza Strips 36 hospitals are closed, 11 are partially functional and four are minimally functional, according to WHO figures from 10 December. Marie-Aure Perreaut, emergency medical coordinator for MSFs operations in Gaza, said the medical charity had left a health centre in Khan Younis 10 days ago because the area was within Israels evacuation orders where it had been treating respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea and skin infections, She said two things were now inevitable. The first is an epidemic of something like dysentery will spread across Gaza, if we continue at this pace of cases, and the other certainty is that neither the ministry of health nor the humanitarian organisations will be able to support the response to those epidemics, she said. Diseases dont have borders The Times of Israel quoted civilian experts as saying that such cases are less isolated than has been reported. Davidovitch said every Israeli hospital has reported a substantial percentage of wounded soldiers having serious antimicrobial-resistant infections. This, naturally, raises worries about infections spreading in Israel. Diseases dont have borders. We need to take this situation seriously, warned Davidovitch. If the war continues, there will be more and more interaction between soldiers and the local community in the coming weeks and months. I dont see any other way, because a situation of two million people in a humanitarian disaster will need to be managed, Davidovitch said. That will definitely lead to more opportunities for the infection of IDF troops and their bringing those infections home to Israel. We, as public health officials, are thinking and planning about this, and the IDF needs to, as well, he added. As per Jerusalem Post, the Israeli Society for Infectious Diseases will meet epidemiological experts from the IDF and the health ministry next week. The meeting will also see deliberations being held about whether Hamas tunnels are the origin of the infections. That is why we are extremely worried about the infected wounded of hostages who remain in captivity, added professor Hagai Levine, a noted Israeli epidemiologist and medical representative for the hostage families. Which emphasizes the understanding that it is necessary to release the hostages and bring them back to Israel for treatment as soon as possible. With inputs from agencies On Tuesday night, panic seized Ennore, Chennai, when locals discovered a strong odour and an ammonia gas leak in a Coromandel International Limited subsea pipe. Five people were uneasy and were sent to a medical institution. Ammonia gas leak detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore. This was noticed and stopped. The production head says the leak caused a strong smell and five people felt uneasy and were shifted to a health facility. They are fine now, the Tamil Nadu Environment and Forest Department said. Vijayakumar, DIG, Joint Commissioner Avadi, tweeted, No need to panic. The leak has been stabilised. No more gas (ammonia) leaks at Ennore. People are reassured and are back home. medical and police teams present. People also held a protest on Wednesday morning after the leak was detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore. According to the Tamil Nadu Environment and Forest Department, a communication was received from the unit at 12.45 a.m. about the ammonia gas leakage that occurred during the pipelines pre-cooling operation. Immediately the Joint Chief Environmental Engineer JCEE (M) Chennai along with District Environmental Engineer DEE (Ambattur) and AEE (Manali) reached the site by 2.15 am and inspected the unit and the pipeline locations. The Joint Director, Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) who is the authority for the safety of the industrial operation was also present at the site, Supriya Sahu Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change and Forests said. The unit observed a pressure drop in the pipeline at around 11.45 pm and simultaneously observed a pungent odour around the storage terminal and near the material gate. The unit also immediately visited the pipeline location across the road and observed gas bubbles coming out of the pipeline at about 2 from the shore. The unit immediately started depressurising the pipeline by diverting the ammonia vapour to the flare and completed the operation within 20 minutes, the Tamil Nadu Environment and Forest Department added. Police and the District Administration along with the unit arranged ambulances and public transport for managing any emergency. Some people also received first aid due to eye irritation and breathing difficulties. The government of India Wednesday declared Muslim League Jammu Kashmir-Masarat Alam faction (MLJK-MA) as an Unlawful Association under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Law, or UAPA. The announcement of declaring MLJK-MA as an Unlawful Association under UAPA was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K, Shah said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi governments message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law, Shah further said. The Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)/MLJK-MA is declared as an Unlawful Association under UAPA. This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 27, 2023 Who is Masarat Alam? Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (MLJK) is a separatist organisation led by late Syed Ali Shah Geelani's successor and incumbent Hurriyat Conference chairman Masarat Alam (who is currently in jail). The move to make him chairman of Hurriyat was seen more of symbolic than anything. He has been under detention for almost 13 years now. Alam issued calendars of protests in 2010 and was later detained under PSA (Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act) after a long chase. In 2015, when Mufti Sayeed became Chief Minister of J&K, Alam was briefly released as Sayeed had asked for release of political prisoners. He was, however, detained again after Pakistani flags were waved in his protests. Alam allegedly orchestrated protests from jail in 2016 after meeting some people. Alam was among the main organisers of pro-Azadi protests in the Valley in 2010. He was arrested along with several other leaders after those protests and was released in 2015. Implications of UAPA on MLJK-MA The Masarat Alam faction of MLJK will now be subject to the stipulations and penalties outlined in the UAPA. These sanctions can encompass a ban on its activities, confiscation of property, and criminal penalties for its members. The step taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), signifies a part of the Indian government's enduring efforts to uphold national security and tackle separatist movements as well as terrorism in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. With inputs from agencies In an effort to correct false information spreading on social media about the death of a person in police custody in Jourian, Jammu Police released a statement on Wednesday. In accordance with a warrant issued by the 2nd Additional District Judge Jammu on December 21, 23, a person named Sunil Kumar, also known as Sonu, son of Dewan Chand, a resident of Garhi Bishnah Jourian, was brought to the police post Jourian and was scheduled to be produced in the said court on December 22, 23, according to the police statement. On 22/12/23 he was shifted to CHC Jourian as he was not responding, where doctors declared him dead, said the statement. Meanwhile, a magisterial probe has already been ordered by Deputy Commissioner Jammu, they added. A Magisterial Probe has already been ordered by Deputy Commissioner Jammu. The postmortem of the deceased was conducted by a board of doctors in GMC Jammu in the presence of magistrate and videography has also been done, reads the statement. Pertinent to mention that the whole premises, including the lockup of Police post Jourian, is under CCTV surveillance, reads the statement further. The commencement of work for Indias first 7-km undersea rail passage, and completion of a mountain tunnel running up to 350 metres in just 10 months were among the milestones achieved for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project during 2023, officials said on Wednesday. According to the project implementing authority National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL), the undersea route at Thane creek is part of a 21-km-long tunnel between the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai and Shilphata in Thane district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe launched the project in Ahmedabad on September 14, 2017. Once operational, the bullet train cover the 508-km route in 3-3.5 hours. Completion of a mountain tunnel with a length of 350 metres and a diameter of 12.6 metres near Zaroli village of Valsad district in Gujarat was another highlight of the project in 2023, said NHSRCL in a release. The laying of the first reinforced concrete (RC) track bed for the bullet train corridor, as used in Japanese Shinkansen, has started in Surat and Anand, and this is the first time the J-slab ballastless track system is being used in India, the release said. Completion of work on six of 24 rivers and acquisition of nearly 99.95 per cent of total land for the project were among other achievements for the NHSRCL, it said. In 2023, NHSRCL said, it awarded all civil contracts for the project covering 508 km in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Work on the eight stations in Gujarat on the corridor Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Anand, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati are under various stages of construction, it said. The route will also have four stations in Maharashtra. The projects first steel bridge, spanning 70 metres and weighing 673 MT, was erected across NH 53 in Surat and 16 such bridges out of 28 (including 17 in Gujarat and 11 in Maharashtra) are under various stages of fabrication, it said. Civil works for the construction of the Mumbai high-speed rail station have started along with the works on Surat and Sabarmati high-speed rail depots. The Sabarmati multimodal transit hub is almost completed, said the NHSRCL release. Our Operations and Maintenance team is in Japan for training and recruitment of the first set of HSR pilots who will undergo their training in Japan, it said. The project covers a distance of 508 km, including 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and 156 km in Maharashtra. Apart from the 7-km-long undersea tunnel at Thane creek, the corridor will also have 24 river bridges, 28 steel bridges and seven mountain tunnels, it said. The high-speed rail line is being built between Mumbai and Ahmedabad using Japans Shinkansen technology, and the project aims to create a high-frequency mass transportation system. The project has been funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with a soft loan of Rs 88,000 crore from Japan. The Rs 1.1 lakh crore project was earlier expected to be completed by 2022 but faced hurdles in land acquisition. The government has set a target to run the first phase of the bullet train between Surat and Bilimora in south Gujarat by 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that each of our soldier is important to us and assured the country that required steps were being taken in the wake of recent terrorist ambush in the border district of Poonch that left four soldiers dead and a few injured. I would pray for the speedy recovery of the army personnel who sustained injuries. I would like to assure you that keeping in mind the severity of the incident, required steps are being taken. Each of our army personnel is important to us, said the Defence Minister. #WATCH | Rajouri: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, I would pray for the speedy recovery of the army personnel who sustained injuries. I would like to ensure you that keeping in mind the severity of the incident, required steps are being taken. Each of our army personnel is pic.twitter.com/x4S8ui15sf ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 Singh landed in Jammu earlier in the day and headed to Rajouri-Poonch sector to review ongoing counter-terrorist operations in Rajouri-Poonch sector. He said that every soldier is a family member to us and every Indian feels this way. It is not tolerable to us if anyone casts an evil eye on you. Security and intelligence agencies play a crucial role in stopping such attacks. Whatever support is needed to step up surveillance will be provided by the government. The doors to our treasury are fully open, he added. The Defence Minister said that such attacks should not be taken for granted and more alertness is required to stop such acts of terror. I know you all are alert, but I think more alertness is required. Your bravery makes us proud. Your sacrifice, your efforts have no parallel. And they are priceless. When a soldier dies a martyr, even if we pay some compensation, it cannot compensate for the loss. I want to assure you that the government is with you and your welfare and security are high on our priority list, he said. The Defence Ministers visit comes at a time when a Brigadier-level officer faces a probe for recurring lapses in Army operations that have led to several soldiers deaths. It also comes amid outrage in Jammu and Kashmir over the deaths of three civilians in Poonch sector after the Army detained them for questioning. Singh told soldiers that they should not make any mistake that hurts an Indian. You are the countrys protectors. But I want to request you that besides ensuring the countrys security, you also have the responsibility to win the hearts of the people. There should be no mistake that hurts an Indian, he said. Singh is likely to meet local residents and families of the dead civilians. Around 3 pm, he is expected to chair a high-level security meeting at Raj Bhavan in Jammu. With inputs from agencies In an attempt to get out of Delhi Police custody immediately, Neelam Azad, accused of parliament breach moved to the Delhi High Court Wednesday and filed a habeas corpus request. On December 13, she and other suspects were taken into custody in relation to the security breach case at Parliament. Attorney Suresh Kumar on behalf of Neelam Azad claimed that her arrest was unlawful and in violation of Article 22(1) of the Constitution. The plea also claimed that the family was notified in the evening even though she was taken into custody in the afternoon. There are guidelines by the Supreme Court regarding the arrest of any person. We feel that the guidelines set by the SC were not followed in this case. Secondly, there is the issue of remand now the date is for January 3 and we will try that this case is mentioned before the court as soon as possible, Advocate Suresh Kumar said while speaking to ANI. She also alleged that she was produced 29 hours contrary to the laws.The plea further challenged the legality of the remand order passed by the trial court dated December 21 on the ground that she wasnt allowed to consult the legal practitioner of her choice to defend her during the proceeding of the remand application moved by the Delhi Police. The Plea further stated that it is a settled principle of law that the rights enshrined under the provison (1) and (2) of Article 22 of the Constitution of India activate as soon as the arrest is made. The state was under obligation to enable the petitioner to consult a legal practitioner of her choice right after her arrest but the same wasnt complied with rather the state had been opposing the petitioners right to consult her advocate till December 21.The Delhi High Court last week has stayed the trial Court order directing Delhi Police to supply an FIR Copy to one of the accused Neelam Azad. Delhi Police had moved to the High Court challenging the trial court order in regards to supply a copy of the FIR to one of the accused Neelam Azad in connection with the Parliament security breach case. The Bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma, after noting the submissions of Delhi Police ordered that the trial courts directions will be stayed till January 4, 2024.Meanwhile, the court also issued notices to the accused Neelam Azad on Delhi Police plea. The Patiala House Court had earlier had allowed an application moved by one of the accused Neelam Azads family seeking a supply of a copy of FIR registration under various sections of IPC and UAPA. The court had also allowed plea seeking court direction to Delhi Police to allow Neelams Lawyer to meet for legal advice during the custodial remand period. The case involves a security breach that occurred on December 13, when two youths jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour, setting off smoke cans and raising slogans. The probe earlier revealed further that two pairs of shoes were made on a special order in Lucknow, as the accused learned that the shoes of visitors to the new Parliament were not checked and they could hide their smoke cans under their footwear, sources said. (With inputs from ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Wednesday landed in Jammu on a day-long tour of Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation in the wake of a recent terrorist ambush in the border district of Poonch that left four soldiers dead. #WATCH | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande arrive at Jammu. Defence Minister will visit Rajouri today to review the on-ground situation there. pic.twitter.com/KTGgVdpsDZ ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 The duo was received by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and General Officer Commanding-in-chief, northern command, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi at the technical airport. Soon after his arrival, the Defence Minister left for Rajouri-Poonch sector where he is scheduled to review the security situation and the counter-terrorist operation which is going on in the region following the 21 December ambush at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in Poonch. Three civilians, aged between 27 and 42, were found dead during the anti-terror operation in the area on December 22, sparking an outrage following allegations that they were picked up by the forces for questioning in the aftermath of the terrorist ambush. The officials said the defence minister is likely to meet the families of the deceased civilians during his visit to Rajouri. On his return from Rajouri, Singh is likely to review the security situation at a high level meeting at the Raj Bhawan in Jammu, officials said. Security has been further beefed up across the Jammu region in the wake of the defence ministers visit. With inputs from agencies In the wake of recent terrorist attack that killed four soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, the search operations launched by security forces to trach the terrorists have entered seventh straight day on Wednesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Army Chief Manoj Pande, visited ground zero in Rajouri on Wednesday to assess the security situation following the terrorist attack. Security forces are continuing the cordon and search operation to track down the terrorists involved in the ambush on Army vehicles, a senior official told PTI. The operation includes sniffer dogs, surveillance equipment and aerial mechanisms. Additional forces have been deployed to plug seven infiltration routes amid area domination operations in the area. Mobile internet services will remain suspended in Rajouri and Poonch for the fifth day in a row. Security forces and special operation groups have launched search operations at three places along the International Border (IB) in Samba district since this morning, officials said. They said that this has been done as a precautionary measure due to the intense fog along the borderline, they said. Security forces have also launched fresh search operations along the LoC in the Kirni sector in Poonch following reports of suspicious movement in the area, they said. The operations are going on, they said. Officials said the defence minister is likely to review the security situation at a high-level meeting at Raj Bhawan after his visit to Rajouri and Poonch to meet the families of three civilians who were found dead during the anti-terror operation in the area. Singh will also meet a delegation of selected people, they said. Three civilians picked up by the Army for questioning after the terrorist ambushed two Army vehicles on Thursday at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in Poonch were found dead on Friday sparking outrage. The defence ministers visit follows Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Manoj Pandes visit to ground zero in Poonch on Monday where he reviewed the anti-terrorist operation underway in Surankote and nearby Rajouri districts Thanamandi forest belt. General Pande asked security personnel to remain resolute and steadfast against all challenges. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced compensation and jobs to the families of the dead civilians. It said the medico-legal formalities were conducted and legal action on the matter has been initiated. The Army has ordered a thorough internal investigation into the civilian deaths and said it is committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of the investigation. With inputs from PTI. Conflicts over territory are commonplace in international politics. Mostly such conflicts happen on borders. However, issues related to the transboundary waters are increasingly influencing international relations, in wake of the climate change and increasing water demand worldwide. Though in general, cooperation appears to be an option to overcome any conflict over the usage of transboundary waters, in times of mistrust and misperception, to reach such a cooperative mechanism becomes unlikely. And when the threats of water scarcity turn into reality, the issues can be weaponised to put pressure on a particular country to do something that it would otherwise not like to do. The latest developments in the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan demonstrate it aptly. Pakistan weaponised the issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. This was done to arm-twist the Afghan Taliban to act and curb activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a terrorist group fighting against the Pakistan state. However, the Afghan Taliban seems to have played their cards well. Apart from displaying its incapability to control/act against the TTP members within Afghanistan, the Afghan Taliban seems to have invoked the issue of distribution of water resources between the two countries to coerce Pakistan to accept Afghanistans stand on their alleged inability to act against the TTP. This is also a counter-offensive to the reckless handling of the issue of Afghan refugees expulsion and use of Pakistani airspace by American drones against the Taliban. When the Afghan Taliban were in opposition and fighting to get control of Afghanistan, they needed Pakistan and its support to survive their struggle against the United States (US) led foreign troops. Once they took over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban took to realpolitik in no time. Since then, the relations between the two countries have been deteriorating. They seem to have gone worse than they were during the anti-Taliban forces ruling Kabul. Both Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have been trying to dominate each other on various matters ranging from the rise of terror attacks in Pakistan, fencing of the controversial Durand Line, the issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan to the latest issue of sharing of water of common rivers. In this dramatic turn of events, even the National Resistance Front (NRF) of Afghanistan led by Ahmad Massoud, according to some, has started to establish contact with Islamabad. This makes sense given Pakistans frustration about the Afghan Talibans refusal/incapability to act against the anti-Pakistan forces in the Afghan territory. Therefore, it is possible, given this background, that the Afghan Taliban deliberately might have invoked the water-sharing issue or the dam construction on the Kunar River in Kunar Province. It is a reality, however, that the Afghan Taliban have been trying to meet the water scarcity issue in the country by launching a policy of construction of various dams across Afghanistan for water management, mentions Nazir Shinwari in Ministry Vows to Improve Countrys Water Management(Tolo News, 04 April 2023). Given the transboundary nature of the various rivers in Afghanistan, the plan is bound to invoke reactions from its neighbouring countries. For example, the construction of the Qosh Tepa canal along the Amu Darya in the Balkh Province would divert 20 per cent of the Amu Darya towards the drought-stricken areas of Northern Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has raised an issue that the construction might impact the lower riparian areas in these countries, adds Shinwari. Pakistan exploring options After their removal from power in 2001, Islamabad was at the forefront of supporting the Afghan Taliban against foreign troops and the Afghan National Army (ANA) in Afghanistan. Many in Pakistan believed that the pro-Pakistan Afghan Taliban regime would be helpful for Pakistan to deal with security threats from the eastern border. Furthermore, some even may have thought that the Afghan Taliban might recognise the disputed Durand Line as a permanent border between the two countries. Neither of the wishes has come true: Not only have terror attacks in Pakistan increased after the Afghan Taliban took over Kabul but the Durand Line issue has flared up from time to time since the Afghan Talibans arrival in Kabul. In the case of the rise of terror attacks in Pakistan, the government of Pakistan has been alleging that the terrorists are coming from Afghanistan inside Pakistan to carry out terror attacks. Islamabad has demanded that the Afghan Taliban should act against the TTP terrorists that operate from Afghan soil. On the refusal/incapability of the Afghan Taliban to act against the TTP, Pakistan finally decided to put our house in order, as Interim Prime Minister Anwar-ul Haq Kakar mentioned recently. The decision was to expel what were labelled as illegal Afghan refugees staying in Pakistan, many of whom have been accused of being involved in terror attacks. One of the reasons for forcing the Afghan refugees in Pakistan to go back was to build pressure on the Afghan Taliban to behave according to the needs of Islamabad and act against the TTP and other terrorists within Afghanistan. In this background where mistrust between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban remains high their respective (mis)perceptions get enforced by any move made by one as if it is directed at the other. Thus, the move to expel Afghan refugees back inside Afghanistan at a time when the Afghan Taliban is dealing with food scarcity and economic crisis naturally would be a burden on the Afghan Taliban. The reaction from the Afghan Taliban was strong, saying that the decision was unacceptable. On the public level, voices were demanding a strong reaction; some even suggested using the commonly shared water as a weapon to punish Pakistan. The recent tirade by the interim Interior Minister of Balochistan, Jan Achakzai against the Afghan Talibans what he called unilateral decision to construct a dam on the Kunar River makes sense in the existing state of affairs between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. The minister said that the decision will be considered a hostile act against Pakistan. The harshness of the language implies that the relations between former friends have turned topsy-turvy. That, however, does not mean that Afghanistan does not have its requirements to deal with the water scarcity issue in the country. Afghan Talibans pushback Afghanistan, with or without the Afghan Taliban, anyway, needs better water management to deal with the issue of water scarcity in the country. The country has recorded severe droughts in the last few years, causing severe damage to the agriculture sector, the backbone of the Afghan economy that employs more than 40 per cent of the Afghan national workforce. The Taliban have been trying to deal with the water scarcity issue by continuing the projects launched by the Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani administrations and by launching new projects. In the prevailing situation, expectedly this has not gone well with Pakistan. The confrontation has intensified when both countries are dealing with the water scarcity issue in the absence of a water-sharing agreement. In 2013, the Karzai administration and Islamabad decided to manage the common nine rivers, including the Kabul River and the Kunar River. The first move towards that was the construction of a 1,500MW hydropower project on the Kunar River. This, however, did not achieve much as the issue of water sharing has remained unresolved. The decision by the Afghan Taliban to build the proposed Gambiri dam on the Kunar River to produce 45MW of electricity is seen with scepticism by Islamabad. Meanwhile, the Afghan Taliban needs funds for development projects. Any country that provides funds will be welcomed, including India. Islamabad, however, has already been raising issues with proposed dams on the common rivers. Indias involvement in the construction of dams will be cast in a harsher light, like in the case of the Shahtoot Dam. The existing situation, therefore, it has led to aggravating the existing tension in the bilateral relations. What next? In an environment of mistrust, Pakistan and Afghanistan are going to see each others policies antagonistically, especially those that directly or indirectly impact both. Both seem to have their reasons, if the existing state of affairs is taken into account. At the same time, both do not appear to be in a position to do much about it. Terrorism in Pakistan has indeed become a serious issue. Terrorists have been carrying out attacks on important points and causing heavy losses to Pakistans security forces, infrastructure and common people. On the other hand, the Afghan Taliban may not be able to act against the TTP members spread all over its vast territory and they have other priorities right now such as providing sufficient food and water to the Afghans. It is, therefore, highly likely that the bilateral relations will remain tense as they are shortly. They can nosedive further in case Pakistan decides to go across the border to hit TTP hideouts. If this happens, the Afghan Taliban could be using the transboundary waters to hit back at Pakistan. In addition, it would give TTP a free hand to attack Pakistan from within. This isnt an impossible scenario and could become reality much earlier than expected given the way Pakistans Afghan policy has crumbled and become a major embarrassment for its ruling elite as well as the deep state. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The last few days have witnessed a flurry of commentaries in the print and electronic media suggesting that Indias relations with the West, particularly the US, have entered a rocky phase. And the reason for that is the allegation of Indias involvement in a plot to assassinate an American citizen, a Khalistani separatist declared a terrorist in India, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. It has been suggested that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars visit to Moscow and St Petersburg from 25th to 29th December is somehow linked to this souring of relations between India and the US. Nothing could be further from the truth! Indias relations with the US continue to be robust. This is best illustrated by the comment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Interview with the Financial Times on 20 December wherein he said that relations with the US remain on an upward trajectory, and that the relationship is broader in engagement, deeper in understanding, warmer in friendship than ever before. He added that the relationship should not be held hostage to one incident or two. India-US relations Ties between India and the United States have been on an upward trajectory since the visit of president Bill Clinton to India in March 2000. There is bipartisan support for a stronger partnership between the two countries in the US as well as in India. Relations between the two countries have continued to grow irrespective of the political party that occupied the White House in the US or the Prime Ministers Office in India. Possibly the biggest push to the bilateral partnership was provided by Prime Minister Modis State visit to Washington DC on 22 June 2023, when he also addressed the Joint Session of the US Congress for the second time, becoming the only Indian leader and one of the very few world leaders to address the US Congress on more than one occasion. The sustained upward trajectory of the bilateral partnership does not mean that there were no differences of views, opinions, or interests between the two countries over the last 23 years since the upward flow of bilateral engagement commenced. Most recently, India and the West were on diametrically opposite sides regarding Indias position on the aggression by Russia against Ukraine. India did not criticise or condemn the Russian action although it firmly maintained that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, and principles and Charter of the United Nations should be fully respected. Prime Minister Modi told President Putin that this is not an era of war and that all differences should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. India also came under considerable pressure from the West about its import of crude from Russia. India was able to clearly and firmly explain to its Western partners that its an energy-deficient country and imports 85% of its crude oil requirements and that it has a historical relationship with Russia, particularly in the field of import of defense equipment to the tune of 50-60 per cent of its defence needs. Just before that, the sudden and chaotic withdrawal by US and NATO ISAF forces from Afghanistan and the capture of Kabul by the Taliban in August 2021 came as a huge shock to India. Moreover, the decision by the US in 2022 to provide a grant of $450 million to Pakistan for upgrade of its F-16 fleet was strongly criticised and opposed by India. The US argument that Pakistan would use these fighters for counter-terrorism purposes did not cut any ice with the Indian interlocutors. The above instances clearly demonstrate that there have been several instances of divergence between the two countries in the past. The two sides have sought to resolve them through discussions with maturity, understanding and mutual respect. In the Pannun case, it would appear that the US administration knew of the alleged plot at least since July and the Indian government knew that the US knew something at least since August. The US did not go to town with the information. On the contrary, it had discussions with its Indian counterparts behind closed doors. It went public only in end-November 2023 when the indictment against the accused Nikhil Gupta was unsealed. The Indian government set up a committee to investigate the matter as soon as some concrete information was provided to it by the US side. The two countries have behaved in a responsible and measured manner. The Pannun incident is being seen as a normal law and order issue which will take its own course but will not be allowed to have any adverse repercussions on the burgeoning bilateral ties. In response to a question by the Financial Times on this allegation, Prime Minister Modi stated that US-India bilateral ties are far stronger, resilient and broad-based to be derailed by a few incidents. Affirming his commitment to the rule of law, Prime Minister Modi promised to investigate if any evidence is put forward. He added that India was deeply concerned about the activities of certain extremist groups based overseas These elements, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence. This aspect also needs to be taken cognizance of by the Western countries and strict action taken against the anti-Indian elements. Relations with Canada The case of assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada is quite different from that of Pannun. In a totally unexpected move, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau soon after returning from India after attending the G20 Summit, announced in the Canadian Parliament on 18 September that there were credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen, a Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on 18 June 2023. Canada expelled a senior Indian official from the Indian High Commission in Ottawa without providing any evidence of his involvement. The Indian Foreign Office termed these charges as absurd and motivated. Indias External Affairs Minister categorically stated that it is not Indias policy to engage in extra-territorial killings. He added that no specific or relevant information had been shared by Canada with India and if any such information was provided, India would be prepared to look at it. India maintains that the real issue is the space provided by Canada to anti-Indian elements to carry out anti-Indian activities within Canada and India. Till date, Canada has not provided any evidence of Indias involvement in Nijjars killing. Prime Minister Trudeau has done tremendous dis-service to Canadas credibility and reputation and to relations with India by his unsubstantiated charges. It would be a fallacy to equate the US charges of a plot to kill Pannun with the allegations made by Canada. The US has provided some concrete information based on which a committee has been established by India to look into the allegations. Canada has failed to provide any specific information even after six and a half months of Nijjars killing. Relations with other Western countries Indias ties with other Western countries have continued to be dynamic and vigorous. Leaders of all the G7 countries visited India for the G20 Summit and extended full support for the success of Indias presidency. In addition, the Chancellor of Germany and prime ministers of Japan, Italy and Australia visited India during 2023. President Emmanuel Macron of France is expected to visit India in January 2024 as Chief Guest at Indias Republic Day. In addition to the above, Prime Minister Modi travelled on a State visit to the US, as Chief Guest to Frances National Day, and to Japan and Australia in 2023. The regular and frequent exchange of visits with Western countries in both directions is testimony to the sturdy and strong ties between India and the West. Relations with Russia India maintains a special, privileged and strategic partnership with Russia. Annual Summits between India and Russia did not take place in 2022 or 2023. The last Annual Summit was held in New Delhi in December 2021. Regular and frequent meetings between EAM Jaishankar and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov have however taken place through 2023 to keep the relations on an even keel. Both the Ministers met at least six times during 2023. In this period, Lavrov visited India for the G20 Summit, for meetings of FMs of G20 and SCO. Russia emerged as the largest supplier of crude oil to India in 2023. During the current visit from 25-29 December 2023, EAM will meet Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia Denis Manturov to discuss matters related to economic engagement. He will meet his counterpart Lavrov for discussion on bilateral, multilateral and international issues. Focusing on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between the two countries, EAMs programme will include engagements in Moscow and in St Petersburg. Conclusion It will be a fallacy to see the current visit of the external affairs minister through the prism of Indias relations with the US and other Western countries. Indias relations with the West and Russia stand on their own strengths and merits. Indias partnership with the US and the West, as well as with Russia seek to preserve and promote its national interest while at the same time giving an impetus to security, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. The writer is executive council member, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, president, Institute of Global Studies, Distinguished Fellow, Ananta Aspen Centre, and former Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The year 2023 will go down as a landmark year for India. There were singular achievements like the moon landing on the dark side and the brightness of an extremely successful G20 Summit. The effort to become a voice of the Global South was successful. Both the Global South Summits before and after the G20 summit revitalised Indian credentials. The success in bringing the African Union into the G20 through a hard-won consensus and ensuring that the interests of the developing countries were not lost sight of while countries grappled over the Ukraine crisis were indeed proud moments. The signing of the India-Middle East-European Connectivity Corridor (IMEC) was a significant development, opening up huge possibilities to the west of India. The decision that India would host the Quad summit in 2024 added heft to Indias stature. Between the conclusion of the G20 Summit and the end of 2023, however, a dynamic time for the international order ensued. Nothing is static, and things often happen suddenly. Four significant aspects during the last quarter of 2023 have a bearing on Indias policies as they head into 2024. First, the sudden attack by Hamas on Israel surprised many. It altered the dynamics of peace for economic development in the region. The focus on countering terror, humanitarian relief, and the re-emergence of deep-rooted animosities divided the world once again. A US area of dominance in which India was an important part now has China and Russia making inroads. Iran is an important player too. The power equations have altered, and question marks on the IMEC, US influence in the area, and the commitment of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to the peace process now cause anxiety. The Indian policy of countering terror and yet humanely supporting Palestine and seeking a two-state solution remains a conundrum. This is not Indias alone, since the US itself is similarly caught. Israel is unresponsive to US overtures. What is worse is that the Global South, which India stitched together developmentally, is now ruptured geopolitically. Not all South countries are on the same page regarding the Israel conflict, including the Arabs. As India salvages the development agenda from the Ukraine crisis at the G20, now, a renewed effort to rescue it from the depredations of the Palestine issue and Hamas in West Asia is required. Secondly, is the climate crisis. The impact of changing climate leading to floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, and the like is rising. While disaster management has improved, it has not curtailed the number of natural disasters. This impact of climate change requires greater capacity, both financial and human, to deal with resilience in the face of disaster and its risk mitigation. Indian efforts to nudge the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure ahead would now be tested. Secondly, the Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai revealed the fissures between oil-producing countries and green lobbies. The effort to nudge high coal consumers like India into phasing out continued. The dichotomy of holding a COP amidst oil-producing countries and then expecting to have restrictions on the use of fossil fuels was a foolhardy decision. It was not of Indias making, and India did well at COP28 in adopting a lower profile, protecting its interests in coal transition, rather than phasing out. India stuck to its hard-won gains at the G20 on renewable energy and had them included in the declaration. However, there is no new money flowing in this direction even with the creation of a loss and damage fund. India would need to look at its partnership with other developing countries and introduce financing elements that would support the climate transition and the achievement of the SDGs, both of which are lagging severely behind their targets. The third aspect is the Indo-Pacific. The Biden-Xi summit in San Francisco on the sidelines of the APEC in November tried to reduce the confrontation while keeping the competition and cooperation alive between the two. Cooperation was evident at COP28. China seems to have gotten the US to quieten down on Taiwan; Chinese aggression in the Philippines is becoming bolder, and the Philippines vessels are being interdicted from supplying their outposts on various shoals. This is no longer a cold conflict but a daily problem in the seas off the Philippines. The US is joining the Philippines in bold statements. Japan is offering the Philippines assistance under its new official security assistance. India is willing to provide more defence supplies to the Philippines and is not curtailing the visit of its warships on goodwill missions to the country. The heat expected around Taiwan is now actually testing resilience in the Philippines. ASEAN seems muted, and it remains to be seen what the Quad will do and what the tipping point would be if a Philippine vessel is sunk by Chinese action. Fourthly, India would like the Quad to continue its ASEAN engagement. The Quad summit in 2024 would find practical means to implement the various ideas agreed upon. The parallel Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which the US shepherded, is facing hiccups on the trade side in which India is not a partner. On other aspects, India, in particular, seeks a semiconductor supply chain with its Quad partners, as well as the critical minerals initiative. These would remain important aspects to pursue for India. The year 2024 is election time for India and the US. Japanese elections are scheduled for 2025 but given the falling popularity of Kishida and problems within his own party, could well see a 2024 election. In Australia, the lower house election is due. Quad partners will look internally, and the Quad Summit is pushed to later in 2024. Quad collaboration below the summit level must continue enthusiastically and robustly. The next step for Indias Global South credentials is to hold the long-delayed India Africa Forum Summit IV. It was due in 2020 and delayed by the pandemic. The African Union Commission was then busy with other delayed summits. India should work towards a functional IAFS IV summit rather than a big bang event. The agenda set at the G20 could be used to contemporise the India-Africa relationship, which is so well exemplified through the recent visits of the presidents of Tanzania and Kenya. The writer is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In the realm of global economic dynamics, its not uncommon for nations to be perceived as neighbours, sharing in each others successes and challenges. However, when a neighbour, particularly one as influential as China, starts exhibiting unwarranted behaviour, it raises eyebrows. Recently, China has taken an unusual interest in Indias economic growth, akin to a bad neighbour criticising the new car purchased by their next-door counterpart. Arrest of Chinese nationals and Chinas official response Last week, Indian authorities arrested two Chinese nationals employed by Vivo, a prominent Chinese mobile giant, accusing its Indian unit of money laundering. In response, Chinas official stance, as articulated by Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, emphasised the need for a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises in India. We urge the Indian side to fully understand the mutually beneficial and win-win nature of China-India economic and trade cooperation, and to provide a fair, just, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in India, said Mao. This is the expected diplomatic response, but its the unofficial narrative that reveals Chinas true sentiments. Chinas unofficial response and Global Times role The Global Times, a Chinese news website with close ties to the government, has been actively fuelling a campaign against Indias investment landscape. Labelling India as the graveyard for foreign firms, Global Times has published a series of hit pieces that not only criticise Indias economic policies but also indulge in baseless accusations. The articles lack substantiated claims and rely on unnamed sources, raising questions about their credibility. One of the most striking aspects of Chinas criticism is its audacity to accuse India of robbing achievements. This is particularly ironic given Chinas history of intellectual property theft, as highlighted by numerous instances of state-backed hackers stealing trillions of dollars worth of intellectual property from multinational companies worldwide. Chinas lack of evidence and its own questionable practices undermine the credibility of its accusations against India. Indias stance and Chinas insecurity Contrary to Chinas claims, Indias decisions, such as the ban on TikTok in 2020, were independent actions taken before Western countries contemplated similar measures. Furthermore, China has faced accusations of money laundering globally, as highlighted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This context reveals that the charges against Vivo are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern. The root of Chinas smear campaign against India lies in the contrasting economic fortunes of the two nations. While Chinas economy has stumbled due to internal factors and a stringent crackdown by President Xi Jinping, India has emerged as a star performer, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting a significant growth rate. Chinas attempt to disparage Indias economic success is a clear indication of its inability to accept a new player on the global economic stage. In the grand theatre of international relations, Chinas attempts to undermine Indias economic growth appear to be more rooted in insecurity than genuine concern. By scrutinising Chinas arguments, it becomes evident that their criticisms lack substance and serve as a smokescreen to divert attention from their own economic challenges. As India continues to surge ahead, its essential to recognise and counter such smear campaigns, urging nations to focus on cooperation rather than baseless accusations. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The year 2023 has been marked by disappointments in the job market, with reduced increments, fewer vacancies and rampant layoffs affecting thousands of individuals. As we stand on the brink of 2024, the trend of economic challenges and job market uncertainties seems set to continue. Paytm layoffs In a recent development, Paytm, an Indian fintech and payments giant, has made headlines by laying off 1,000 employees. The reason behind this strategic move is to boost efficiency by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools to handle repetitive and mundane tasks. According to Paytm, AI has proven to be more effective than human counterparts in certain job functions. This move by Paytm reflects a broader trend seen across industries, where companies are focusing on cutting expenses, maximising savings and doing more with less. The wave of austerity is evident in major global banks including UBS, Credit Suisse, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs, which collectively cut 60,000 jobs in 2023. Challenges in the banking sector The banking sector, facing difficult times, has witnessed a decline in earnings over the past two years. Investment bankers, in particular, have experienced reduced income due to a decrease in deal-making and public listings. With fewer companies going public and investors opting for safer bets, banks are resorting to laying off employees to protect their profit margins. A recent report highlights the challenges faced by major global banks, emphasizing a trend of plummeting fees and the need for cost-cutting measures to maintain profitability. This transformation is not limited to the banking sector; it extends across various industries and is characterised by a global effort to protect profit margins by reducing headcounts. Impact on different sectors The tech sector stands out as one of the hardest-hit industries, with over 4,00,000 employees worldwide losing their jobs. Non-essential goods sellers, such as car companies like Ford and furniture retailers like IKEA, have also faced significant layoffs. Even the healthcare sector has not been spared, with companies slashing over 20 per cent of their staff on average. In a surprising development, the Big Four accounting firms Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and Pricewaterhouse Coopers have collectively let go of over 3,00,000 employees in 2023. This mass exodus is attributed to a changing job market landscape with firms responding to economic slowdown and advancements in technology. The job market transformation is a result of two key events the economic slowdown and the rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence. These factors have led to significant changes and churn in the job market leaving fewer opportunities for human employment. Future of jobs A survey conducted by the World Economic Forum involving 800 companies across 27 industries and 45 economies reveals a complex picture. While these companies plan to create 69 million new jobs by 2027, they also anticipate eliminating 83 million positions, resulting in a net reduction of 14 million jobs. As we navigate through 2024, the job market is expected to become more competitive. Companies will prioritise versatile skillsets and individuals are urged to adapt, acquire new skills, and position themselves as valuable assets in the evolving workplace. Roles in artificial intelligence and machine learning, sustainability, business intelligence analysis, information security analysis and renewable energy engineering are expected to be in high demand. The job market is evolving and individuals with expertise in these areas will be sought after in the changing landscape. The job market of 2024 is characterised by challenges, transformations and a growing reliance on technology. While the wave of layoffs initiated in 2023 may persist, individuals can navigate these changes by embracing skill development and staying adaptable in the face of evolving job market dynamics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The UK royal familys Christmases have seen some really interesting moments. From Prince Philip going on a solo trip in 1956 to the Queens first-ever televised Christmas speech in 1957, each year has its own special story. Some Christmases were full of family surprises, while others had unexpected journeys or thoughtful reflections. In this article we explore 5 most bizarre moments that make the royal Christmas celebrations so memorable. 1. Philip Takes a Christmas Journey (1956) For the late Queen, Christmas 1956 was an especially painful time. Prince Philip jumped at the chance to take the Royal Yacht Britannia on an extended four-month tour of the southern hemisphere after four years of playing second fiddle to his wife. This meant he missed Charless eighth birthday, his wedding anniversary (though he did send her some white roses and a picture of two iguanas looking to embrace), and the holiday season. As rumors of a royal feud grew, the couples reunion in Portugal was announced to the world press. Philip was described as being terribly hurt and very angry about the situation and was wearing a tie with a heart pattern on it. 2. Margarets Christmas Surprises (1959) When the royal family gathered at Sandringham for the final Christmas of the 1950s, the Queen was heavily pregnant with Prince Andrew. There were two things that worried her. She first declared that their descendants would bear the surname Mountbatten Windsor in order to honor Philip. The Queen Mother and Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, as well as other traditionalists, were offended by this. Second, and even more shocking to the establishment, her sister Princess Margaret had informed her that she intended to wed society photographer Antony Armstrong Jones. Thank heavens youve come, Prime Minister, exclaimed the Queens red-faced uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, as the PM arrived in Norfolk to see her. The Queen is not doing well. Prince Philip is in the library wishing to change the family name to Mountbatten, and theres a man named Jones in the billiard room who says he wants to marry her sister. The princess was granted permission to wed, but she couldnt make her engagement public until after Andrew was born on February 19. 3. The Annus Horribilis Christmas (1992) 1992 saw the devastating fire at Windsor Castle, as well as the dissolution of the marriages of Andrew and Fergie and Charles and Diana. The entire nation eagerly anticipated the Queens remarks during her broadcast. They didnt have to wait long because The Sun published the entire transcript on its middle pages after obtaining a leaked copy of the pre-recorded speech. The Queen gave her lawyers, Farrer & Co., instructions to file a lawsuit threat against the newspaper. In the end, an out-of-court settlement of 200,000 was given to one of her charities. The year was referred to as the Queens annus horribilis. 4. William and Kates Non-Royal Christmas (2016) William and Kate defied royal custom by celebrating the holidays at their Bucklebury residence with the Middleton family. They had missed two Sandringham Christmases before. The last one happened in 2012, right after Kates severe morning sickness sent her to the hospital. They were prioritising their small children, according to one theory. Toddlers and infants are not allowed to attend church at Sandringham Royal and must eat separately from adults. This year, George, who is three and a half years old, and Charlotte, who is twenty months old, participated actively in the luncheon party at the Middleton home and attended the Christmas Day service at the nearby church. 5. The Queens Final Christmas (2021) In her last Christmas at Windsor castle, 95-year-old queen was getting weaker by the day and missed her 73-year husband, Prince Philip, who had died in April of the previous year. During the Queens final and most moving Christmas broadcast, she spoke about the death of my beloved Philip and how that mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him. Apple has announced its intention to appeal a recent US ban on the import and sale of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. This comes a day after the Biden Administration declined emergency action to lift restrictions over an ongoing patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. As per reports, Masimo has accused Apple of luring away its employees and using its technology, leading to the ban imposed by the US International Trade Commission (USITC). This prohibition prompted Apple to proactively remove the affected watches from its US site and domestic stores, with sales in other regions remaining unaffected. Despite Apples request for a stay on the ban, the US Trade Representatives office, led by Ambassador Katherine Tai, decided not to reverse the USITCs ruling after thorough consultations. Apple seeks a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decision on its redesigned watches, excluding the disputed technology, by January 12. In October, the USITC determined that Apple infringed on two patents held by Masimo Corporation and Cercacor Laboratories, Inc. Apple, based in California, was accused of poaching staff and stealing technology related to blood oxygen level measurement. The ban does not impact previously sold watches or the lower-cost SE model. Apple has taken additional steps by filing an emergency request with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to overturn the ban. The tech giant expressed strong disagreement with the USITC decision and is actively working to restore Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches to US customers, emphasizing its commitment to challenging the exclusion order. Masimo views the White Houses decision as a significant moment, considering it a victory for the integrity of the US patent system. A company spokesperson remarked that American consumers will benefit from an ecosystem that rewards genuine innovation. China has announced that it is outlawing a research firm based in the United States as well as two analysts who have written extensively about allegations of violations of human rights against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities who are indigenous to Xinjiang, the countrys far northwest. The director of investigations for the Los Angeles-based research and data analytics company Kharon, Edmund Xu, and Nicole Morgret, a human rights analyst connected to the Center for Advanced Defence Studies, would not be permitted to enter China, according to a statement made late on Tuesday night by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. Furthermore, all of their assets and property in China will be frozen, and Chinese individuals and organizations are not allowed to transact with them or work with them in any other way. In a statement on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Mao said the sanctions against the company, Xu and Morgret were retaliation for a yearly US government report on human rights in Xinjiang. Uyghurs and other natives of the region share religious, linguistic and cultural links with the scattered peoples of Central Asia and have long resented the Chinese Communist Partys heavy-handed control and attempts to assimilate them with the majority Han ethnic group. In a paper published in June 2022, Morgret wrote, The Chinese government is undertaking a concerted drive to industrialise the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), which has led an increasing number of corporations to establish manufacturing operations there. This centrally-controlled industrial policy is a key tool in the governments efforts to forcibly assimilate Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples through the institution of a coerced labour regime. Such reports draw from a wide range of sources, including independent media, non-governmental organizations and groups that may receive commercial and governmental grants or other outside funding. China has long denied such allegations, saying the large-scale network of prison-like facilities through which passed hundreds of thousands of Muslim citizens were intended only to rid them of violent, extremist tendencies and teach them job skills. Former inmates describe harsh conditions imposed without legal process and demands that they denounce their culture and sing the praises of President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party daily. China says the camps are all now closed, but many of their former inmates have reportedly been given lengthy prison sentences elsewhere. Access to the region by journalists, diplomats and others is tightly controlled, as is movement outside the region by Uyghurs, Kazaks and other Muslim minorities. By issuing the report, the United States once again spread false stories on Xinjiang and illegally sanctioned Chinese officials and companies citing so-called human rights issues, Mao was quoted as saying. If the United States refuses to change course, China will not flinch and will respond in kind, Mao was quoted as telling reporters at an earlier news briefing. The US has slapped visa bans and a wide range of other sanctions on dozens of officials from China and the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong, including the countrys former defence minister, who disappeared under circumstances China has yet to explain. Chinas foreign minister also was replaced this year with no word on his fate, fuelling speculation that party leader and head of state for life Xi is carrying out a purge of officials suspected of collaborating with foreign governments or simply showing insufficient loyalty to Chinas most authoritarian leader since Mao Zedong. Hong Kongs government has cracked down heavily on freedom of speech and democracy since China imposed a sweeping national security law in response to massive anti-government protests in 2019. Neither Xu or Morgret could immediately be reached for comment, and it wasnt clear what degree of connection, if any, they had with the US government. In China, a concerning surge in pets undergoing cosmetic surgery to emulate Disneys iconic mouse ears has raised alarms among leading animal experts. Advocates for animal welfare are urging an immediate halt to this trend, citing both physical pain and psychological distress inflicted on the animals. Reports say, an advertisement from a pet clinic in Chongqings Beibei district, offering a Mickey ear group purchase for 300 yuan (US$40), has garnered significant attention. The clinic promotes the procedures completion before the Chinese Spring Festival, contingent on the factorys production schedule. Liu Yundong, a dean at Loving Care International Pet Medical Centre in Beijing, explained the two-phase procedure involving surgical removal, requiring anesthesia and lasting half an hour, followed by a 20 to 60-day ear-shaping phase. While legal, this surgery is uncommon in reputable urban pet hospitals, with Liu emphasizing its moral implications. Veterinarians like Chen Yong from Shenzhen Lianhe Pet Hospital caution against the surgerys adverse effects, highlighting potential physical and psychological trauma for pets, including self-mutilation behaviors. The absence of legal restrictions in China places the onus on moral considerations. Online backlash from Chinese pet lovers is palpable, with many expressing outrage at what they perceive as animal abuse. One individual questioned the sanity of pet owners engaging in such practices, while another suggested those finding it cute should consider applying similar alterations to their own ears. A prevailing sentiment emerged that the trend reflects cruelty rather than affection towards animals. As this controversial trend gains attention, a growing chorus is calling for a reevaluation of ethical standards surrounding cosmetic procedures for pets in China. Russia has exported around 90 per cent of its crude oil to India and China in 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday. Almost all of Russias oil exports this year have been shipped to China and India, Novak said. Russia has been quickly rerouting supplies away from Europe to respond to Western economic sanctions imposed on it. Russia has successfully circumvented sanctions on its oil and diverted flows from Europe to China and India, which together accounted for around 90 per cent of its crude exports, Novak, who is in charge of the countrys energy sector, was quoted as saying by Rossiya-24 state TV. Novak further said Russia had already started to forge ties with Asia-Pacific countries before the West introduced sanctions against Moscow following the start of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022. As for those restrictions and embargoes on supplies to Europe and the U.S. that were introduced this only accelerated the process of reorienting our energy flows, Novak said. He said that Europes share of Russias crude exports has fallen to only about 4-5 per cent from about 40-45 per cent. The main partners in the current situation are China, whose share has grown to approximately 45-50 per cent, and, of course, IndiaEarlier, there basically were no supplies to India; in two years, the total share of supplies to India has come to 40 per cent, Novak said. Speaking about the OPEC+ group of leading oil producers, Novak said Russia was sticking to its obligations on supply cuts and it saw the Brent oil price at $80-$85 per barrel next year, broadly in line with current levels. The United States last month also declared sanctions against Arctic LNG 2, a liquefied natural gas project led by Russian company Novatek (NVTK.MM). Fearing a backlash from the sanctions, foreign shareholders suspended participation in the project, renouncing their responsibilities for financing and for offtake contracts for the plant, the daily Kommersant reported on Monday. Sanctions also resulted in Novatek declaring force majeure over LNG supplies from the project, industry sources told Reuters last week. Novak said the projects first train has effectively already started producing LNG with the first supplies expected in the first quarter of 2024. Industry sources said the train had produced the first drops of LNG, but it will be some time before it reaches its nameplate capacity of 6.6 million metric tons per year. With inputs from Reuters The Chinese government warned Taiwan on Wednesday with further trade restrictions if the governing party stubbornly supports independence, escalating the battle of words as Taiwanese elections near next month. Taiwans presidential and legislative elections are taking place on January 13 as China, which considers the island to be its own territory, attempts to force Taiwan to recognise Chinese sovereignty claims. Taiwan accused China this month of economic pressure and electoral meddling after Beijing announced the termination of tariff reduction on some chemical imports from the island, claiming Taipei breached a trade pact inked in 2010. That came after China said it had determined Taiwan had put up trade barriers in contravention of both World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and the 2010 trade deal. Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, said the root cause of resolving problems related to the 2010 deal was Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Partys (DPP) adherence to the islands formal independence. If the DPP authorities are determined to persevere, continue to stubbornly adhere to their Taiwan independence position, and refuse to repent, we support the relevant departments taking further measures in accordance with the regulations, Chen said. China detests both the DPP and its presidential candidate, current Vice President Lai Ching-te, who is leading in the polls, believing they are separatists. Lai says he has no plans to change the islands formal name, the Republic of China, but that only Taiwans people can decide their future. He has also repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed. The defeated republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedongs communists who founded the Peoples Republic of China. Chen said Taiwan was facing a crossroads about where to go, and that anything can be discussed on the basis of opposing Taiwans independence. He reiterated that Taiwan independence means war. However, Chen also extended his heartfelt thanks to Taiwanese companies which had donated money to help deal with the aftermath of an earthquake in a remote part of northwestern China this month which killed 1949 people. But he made no mention of condolences by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to China after the disaster and offers of help from her government. China aims to boost domestic demand to expedite economic recovery and foster stable growth, according to an interim report on Chinas 14th five-year plan published by parliament on Wednesday. During a meeting on Tuesday Zheng Shanjie, the head of Chinas state economic planning body, emphasised the priority on restoring and expanding consumption, stabilising bulk consumption, and promoting services consumption. The industrial profits in China for November recorded double-digit increases, driven by improvements in overall manufacturing. However, subdued demand continues to limit business growth expectations, prompting calls for additional macro policy support. The 29.5% profit rise came on top of a 2.7% increase in October and alongside a pickup in industrial output in November, although other sectors of the worlds second-largest economy still missed forecasts. In the first 11 months of 2023, industrial earnings shrank 4.4% from a year earlier, further narrowing from a 7.8% decline in January to October, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showed on Wednesday. China will also accelerate reforms aimed at expanding the countrys middle-income bracket, Zheng said. The government has in recent months unveiled a series of measures to shore up a feeble post-pandemic economic recovery, held back by a property slump, local government debt risks and slow global growth. China will deepen its market-oriented reforms and institutional opening up to boost development, according to Zheng. The country will also prevent and resolve risks in key areas co-ordinate the resolution of risks in real estate, local government debt, and small and medium-sized financial institutions. Zheng also said China needs to step up its development of high technology to overcome a blockade on technology exports imposed by some countries. (China) must accelerate breakthroughs in key core technologies, achieve a high level of scientific and technological self-reliance, and avoid technologies and industries being locked in the low-end and middle-end. With inputs from agencies. On Wednesday, riot police gathered in the middle of Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congos capital, to prevent the opposition from staging a rally demanding for a re-run of last weeks tumultuous national election. Five of President Felix Tshisekedis presidential opponents have called on followers to join a march against the election, which they claim was fraudulent and should be invalidated. They have pledged to continue even after the government banned the demonstration on Tuesday, claiming that it was designed to impede the work of the national electoral commission (CENI), which is compiling results that show Tshisekedi with a solid lead for the time being. The disputed election threatens to further destabilise poverty-stricken Congo, which is already grappling with an security crisis in its east that has hampered development in the country, the worlds top producer of cobalt and other industrial minerals and metals. Police surrounded the headquarters of one of the incumbents main challengers, Martin Fayulu, where protesters were meant to gather in the morning. Some were in riot gear while others held rifles, a Reuters reporter said. The march was scheduled to begin at 0900 GMT but there was no immediate sign of large crowds gathering amid the heavy security presence. Protests against the election also broke out in the eastern city of Butembo, where participants blocked roads and disrupted traffic with burning tires, another reporter said. After a sometimes violent campaign, the Dec. 20 vote itself was chaotic, with delayed election kit deliveries, malfunctioning equipment and disorganised voting lists. Violence also disrupted the poll in some places. The protest organisers have heavily criticised the CENIs decision to extend voting at polling stations that failed to open on election day, calling it unconstitutional and grounds for a full re-run. Some independent observers have also said the extension undermines the credibility of the poll. CENI has acknowledged there were delays but has denied that the legitimacy of the election was compromised by extending some voting. Its latest tally on Tuesday put Tshisekedi well ahead of his 18 challengers, with almost 79% of around 6.1 million votes counted so far. Around 44 million were registered to vote, although the number of ballots cast remains unknown. Israeli military chief predicted that the war against Hamas will rage for months as Israeli forces bombarded central Gaza on Wednesday by land, sea, and air. Palestinian officials reported scores of more casualties, including 20 in a single attack. Magic solutions or shortcuts are not available. Israels Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, stated that battle would endure many months and that his country is determined to eradicate Hamas despite increasing international pleas for a ceasefire amid a humanitarian crisis. An Israeli airstrike near the Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, killed 20 Palestinians on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military did not immediately provide a statement. Attempts to contact Palestinian casualties were hampered overnight by a telecommunications blackout that affected a large portion of the enclave, but by mid-morning, the service was slowly returning. Health officials reported that seven Palestinians slain overnight had their bodies arrive at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, while doctors in the Al-Maghazi region of central Gaza reported that five Palestinians were killed in a single airstrike. Along with the fighting in the adjoining town of Juhr Ad-Deek, where they claimed Israeli tanks are stationed, residents also reported severe combat east and north of the Al-Bureij district. Three more Israeli troops were reported killed in action in Gaza on Wednesday, raising the overall number of Israeli military casualties in the territory to 166 since ground operations started on October 20. In the northern area of Khan Younis, where there has been intense combat for several days, four Israeli bulldozers and a tank were assaulted, according to the Hamas armed wing. This week, Israel stepped up its operations, especially in the centre region immediately south of the waterway that splits the short coastal strip. Although many claimed there was nowhere safe for them to go, the Israeli army ordered the civilians to evacuate the area. Video footage primarily shot on Monday and Tuesday at many hospitals in Gaza was made public by the World Health Organisation. In it, WHO emergency medical team coordinator Sean Casey said Gazas health capacity was 20 percent of what it was 80 days ago. Following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, the worst day in Israels history, in which the terrorist group killed 1,200 people and took 240 prisoners, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched an offensive that has largely destroyed Hamas-ruled Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, since October 7, Israeli attacks in the coastal Palestinian enclave have resulted in 21,110 Palestinian deaths and 55,243 injuries. In the last 24 hours alone, 195 Palestinians have been murdered and 325 injured by Israeli forces. The 2.3 million residents of the enclave have all been forced from their homesmany of them many times. The Israeli military declared that it would keep hitting what it called terror targets in Gaza, at one point hitting suspects thought to represent a threat with its fleet. (With agency inputs) After being buried and having their remains documented by the authorities for future identification, Israel has turned over the bodies of eighty Palestinians who were killed in the battle in Gaza, the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday. Gaza authorities were trying to figure out when and where the men were killed and who they were. An instant request for comment was not answered by Israeli officials. Per the health ministry, Israel turned over the bodies via the border crossing at Kerem Shalom. As per the Islamic Waqf, which is the ministry responsible for religious affairs, the bodies were gathered from the northern region of Gaza Strip. Such a big number of bodies returned is unusual. Tuesday, they were laid to rest in a long trench at a cemetery in Rafah, which is located south of the enclave. Approximately 21,000 people have died as a result of Israeli strikes, according to Palestinian health authorities, and many more are thought to be buried under debris. The 2.3 million residents of the enclave have all been forced from their homesmany of them many times. Israel claims to be doing everything in its power to safeguard civilians and accuses Hamas of putting them in danger by coordinating with thema claim that Hamas refutes. Despite international appeals for an end to the 11-week conflict, the Gaza war has been going on since Hamas massacred 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 240 prisoners on October 7 in the deadliest day in Israels history. (With agency inputs) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus policies for Gaza to those of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, saying they were no different. Erdogan has previously likened Israel to Nazi Germany. During a conflict with Gaza in July 2014, the Turkish president charged Israel of keeping Hitlers spirit alive. According to the official Anadolu Agency, Erdogans criticism of Israel amid the present conflict has significantly increased. Additionally, he has declared that Hamas is not a terrorist group. After Erdogan charged Israel with war crimes in October, Israel withdrew its diplomats from Turkey. Later on, Israels ambassador was also called back by Turkey. After Erdogan charged Israel with war crimes in October, Israel withdrew its diplomats from Turkey. Later on, Israels ambassador was also called back by Turkey. Before Erdogan took office, Israel was a longstanding regional friend of Turkey. However, relations soured following an Israeli commando raid in 2010 on the Mavi Marmara, a ship that was headed for Gaza as part of a flotilla that was breaking up blockades, which resulted in the deaths of ten Turkish activists who had fought IDF soldiers on board. Since then, there have been ups and downs in the two countries relations. Erdogan and Netanyahu had their first in late September in New York, where they explored potential areas of collaboration between Turkey and Israel. Simultaneously, Turkey has close relations to Hamas, the terrorist organisation responsible for the horrific October 7 attack that claimed the lives of almost 1,200 people in southern Israel and kidnapped and held captive 240 more in Gaza. (With agency inputs) As Taiwan gears up for 13 January presidential and parliamentary elections, the Chinese government on Wednesday threatened to place further trade sanctions on the island nation if the ruling party stubbornly adheres to supporting independence. China, which views the island as its own territory, has sought to force Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty claims. Addressing a news briefing in Beijing, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, said the root cause of resolving problems related to the 2010 deal was Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Partys (DPP) adherence to the islands formal independence. If the DPP authorities are determined to persevere, continue to stubbornly adhere to their Taiwan independence position, and refuse to repent, we support the relevant departments taking further measures in accordance with the regulations, Reuters quoted Chen as saying. Taiwan has accused China of employing economic coercion and interfering in its elections. Beijings decision to terminate tariff reductions on certain chemical imports from Taiwan was cited as a violation of a 2010 trade agreement between the two nations. China asserted that Taiwan had erected trade barriers in defiance of both World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and the bilateral trade deal. China holds a strong aversion to Taiwans Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its presidential candidate, Vice President Lai Ching-te, who currently leads in the polls, viewing them as separatists. Lai has consistently stated that he has no intentions of changing Taiwans formal name, the Republic of China, emphasizing that the islands people should determine their own future. Despite extending multiple offers for dialogue, Lai has faced rejection from China. The historical context dates back to 1949 when the defeated republican government fled to Taiwan after losing a civil war to Mao Zedongs communists, who subsequently established the Peoples Republic of China. According to Chen, Taiwan is at a crucial juncture, and discussions are possible as long as they oppose Taiwans independence. He reiterated the stance that advocating for Taiwans independence implies the risk of war. Despite the tensions, Chen expressed gratitude to Taiwanese companies that donated funds to aid in the aftermath of a recent earthquake in a remote part of northwestern China, which claimed the lives of 1949 people. Notably, there was no mention of condolences or offers of assistance from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wens government to China after the disaster. With inputs from agencies Following the drone attack on a merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea on Saturday, the Indian Coast Guard has boosted the number of its offshore patrol vessels and the percentage of Dornier aircraft missions over the Arabian Sea along the Exclusive Economic Zone. First to arrive on the scene after the MV Chem Pluto was struck by a drone attack 217 miles off the coast of India, causing extensive damage to numerous components of the ship, was the Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram. We have increased the presence of our Offshore Patrol Vessels as four of them equipped with ALH Dhruv helicopters are sweeping our EEZ to check any suspicious activity against Indian or any other nationality merchant ship, Indian Coast Guard officials told ANI. In order to protect and instill trust in the commerce vessels operating in the area, the Indian Coast Guard has also increased the number of maritime surveillance aircraft sorties in the EEZ sweep. The crew of ICGS Vikram was the first to board the commercial ship MV Chem Pluto after the drone strike occurred in order to evaluate the damage and witness the devastation the attack had created. (With agency inputs) After more Rohingya refugees arrived by boat on Wednesday, students in the Indonesian province of Aceh staged a protest, calling on the government to expel them. The protest came as police named more suspects in human trafficking. Since November, more than 1,500 Rohingya have arrived in Aceh, on the tip of Sumatra, having fled violent attacks in Myanmar and now are leaving camps in neighboring Bangladesh in search of better lives. In Aceh, they have encountered some animosity from other Muslims. In Banda Aceh, the provincial capital of Aceh province, about 200 students staged a protest in front of the provincial parliament, urging lawmakers to reject the Rohingya refugees, claiming their presence would cause social and economic unrest in the area. The protesters chanted Get out Rohingya! and criticised the government and the UN refugee agency for failing to manage the refugee arrivals. Some protesters burned tires on the street. We urged the parliament speaker to immediately take a firm action to remove all Rohingya refugees from Aceh, said Teuku Wariza, a protest organiser. The protesters marched to a local community hall in Banda Aceh, where about 135 Rohingya were taking shelter. The demonstrators threw out clothes and household items belonging to the refugees, forcing authorities to relocate them to another shelter. Indonesia had once tolerated the refugees while Thailand and Malaysia pushed them away. But the growing hostility of some Indonesians toward the Rohingya has put pressure on President Joko Widodos government to take action. Widodo earlier this month said the government suspected a surge in human trafficking for the increase in Rohingya arrivals. Police in Banda Aceh on Wednesday named two more suspected human smugglers from Bangladesh and Myanmar following the arrival of one boat of refugees on Dec 10. One of them, the captain, himself a refugee, was charged with trafficking. This is not an easy issue, this is an issue with enormous challenges, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters. The UNHCR has reiterated his commitment to continue to assist the Indonesian government in addressing this situation. About 740,000 Rohingya were resettled in Bangladesh after fleeing their homes in Myanmar to escape a brutal counterinsurgency campaign carried out in 2017 by security forces. Accusations of mass rape, murder and the burning of entire villages are well documented, and international courts are considering whether Myanmar authorities committed genocide and other grave human rights abuses. Efforts to repatriate the Rohingya have failed because of doubts their safety can be assured. The Rohingya are largely denied citizenship rights in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and face widespread social discrimination. (with inputs from The Associated Press) Hundreds of Indonesian workers demonstrated Wednesday against working conditions at a Chinese-funded nickel-processing company where an explosion over the weekend killed at least 18 people and wounded scores more. The disaster happened on Sulawesi island on Saturday morning when workers were repairing a furnace at a company controlled by PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) in the Morowali Industrial Park. Sulawesi is a hub for the mineral-rich countrys nickel production, a basic metal needed in electric car batteries and stainless steel, and Chinas expanding involvement in the industry has fueled anger over wages and working conditions. Hundreds of workers were seen protesting outside the facility, according to images obtained by AFP. Demonstrators gave a list of 23 demands to management, according to a letter sent to police by unions representing the workers. The demands included that smelters be better maintained, health clinics be improved to deal with emergencies and Chinese workers be required to learn the Indonesian language. No production is worth a life! protesters shouted through loudspeakers, video footage of the demonstration showed. Among those killed in the blast was Muhammad Taufik, a 40-year-old welder who left behind a wife and two children. The family is grieving, he was the breadwinner, Taufiks cousin Parlin Hidayat told AFP, adding that ITSS had given the family compensation worth 600 million rupiah ($30,625) after the accident. They hope there will be no more incidents like this in the future, let him be the last victim. Thirty people are still being treated in hospital for their injuries after the blast, according to police. Dedy Kurniawan, a spokesperson for Morowali Industrial Park, told AFP that the company had done what they (the protesters) demanded two days ago, without specifying which demands had been met. We hope this demonstration will not continue after they hear our explanation, he said. Tsingshan Holding Group, the worlds biggest nickel producer and Chinas 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. In January, two workers, one of whom was 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. Tel Aviv has said that explosion near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi is possibly an attack and issued an advisory for Israelis living in India, particularly in the national capital. On December 26, a bomb exploded near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. It is possible that this is an attack, the Israel National Security Council said in a statement. The advisory urged the citizens to avoid participating in events with many participants that are not secure. Avoid posting trip details on social networks and posting photos and visit details before the trip and in real time, it added. Stressing the recommendations for the Israelis living in India, the council advised the people to try to avoid going to crowded places (malls, markets) and places identified as being used by Western/Jewish and Israeli elements. It also asks them to stay alert and avoid externalizing Israeli symbols. On Tuesday evening, Delhi Police received a call informing them that a blast had occurred near the Israel Embassy in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic area. After the blast, a letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador was also found near the Israel Embassy in the national capital. The Delhi Police have sent relevant evidence for forensic evidence. Israels Deputy Ambassador to India, Ohad Nakash Kaynar, said on Tuesday that the workers and the diplomats at the Israel embassy are safe and their security teams are investigating the matter further. Deputy Chief of Mission (Israel) Ohad Nakash Kaynar said, All our diplomats and workers are safe. Our security teams are working in full cooperation with local Delhi security and they will investigate the matter further. With inputs from agencies Israel launched extensive airstrikes throughout central and southern Gaza overnight and into Wednesday, expanding its offensive against Hamas to additional areas earlier designated as shelter zones for Palestinians. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released footage showcasing the operations of the Commando Brigades Maglan, Egoz, and Duvdevan units in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. The IDF said that these commando units engaged Hamas forces deep within Khan Younis, resulting in the elimination of numerous operatives and the destruction of the terrorist groups infrastructure, including tunnel shafts. According to the IDF, the three units executed multiple strikes using guided munitions during their operations in Khan Younis. Residents reported heavy bombing in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, in the southern city of Khan Younis and in the southern town of Rafah, areas where tens of thousands have sought refuge as much of northern Gaza was pounded to rubble. It was a night of hell. We havent seen such bombing since the start of the war, said Rami Abu Mosab, speaking from the Bureij camp, where he has been sheltering since fleeing his home in northern Gaza. He said warplanes flew overhead and gunfire and explosions echoed from the eastern edge of the camp which, like others in Gaza, houses refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants and now resembles other densely populated neighbourhoods. A home near Abu Mosabs shelter was hit, but no one was able to reach the area, he said. Mobile phone and internet service were down for several hours before being gradually restored on Wednesday, the latest of several such outages that have complicated rescue efforts. With much of northern Gaza levelled, Palestinians fear a similar fate awaits other areas, including Khan Younis, where Israeli forces launched ground operations in early December, and a cluster of built-up refugee camps in central Gaza where the focus has shifted this week. The militarys latest evacuation orders cover an area of central Gaza that was home to nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north, according to the U.N. humanitarian office. Israel has said the bombing campaign and ground offensive are necessary to dismantle Hamas and prevent a repeat of its Oct. 7 attack, in which terrorists broke through Israels formidable defences and killed some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducted around 240. An estimated 129 remain in captivity after dozens were freed. Achieving its goals, Israel has said, will take many months. DEATH, DISPLACEMENT AND STARVATION Its offensive is already one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than 21,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed, including nearly 200 people in the last 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The count doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants. Some 85% of Gazas population of 2.3 million Palestinians have fled their homes, crowding into smaller and smaller areas in recent weeks as the ground offensive has expanded. For many Palestinians, the exodus has echoes of the mass displacement in 1948 that they refer to as the Nakba, or catastrophe. U.N. officials say a quarter of the territorys population is starving under Israels siege, which allows in a trickle of food, water, fuel, medicine and other supplies. Last week, the U.N. Security Council called for immediately speeding up aid deliveries, but there has been little sign of change. U.S. calls for Israel to curb civilian casualties, and international pressure for a cease-fire, have also had little effect. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll in Gaza because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. The military says it has killed thousands of militants, without presenting evidence, and that 164 of its soldiers have been killed since the ground offensive began. STRIKES IN LEBANON, WEST BANK The war has ignited other fronts across the Middle East. Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group have repeatedly traded fire along the border. An Israeli strike on a family home overnight killed a Hezbollah fighter, his brother and his sister-in-law, local officials and state media said Wednesday. Another family member was wounded. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians during an overnight raid in the built-up refugee camp of Nur Shams, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. More than 300 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the war, mostly in confrontations with Israeli forces during raids and protests. As fears of a wider conflict mount, the U.S., Qatar and Egypt have been working on a new agreement to release more hostages. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with the ruling emir of Qatar on Tuesday. Hamas says no more hostages will be released until Israel ends the war, and that it will trade the remaining captives for large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants. Israel has rejected both demands. Egypt has floated a proposal to end the war that would include the release of all hostages held in Gaza and all Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, as well as the establishment of a government of Palestinian technocrats to administer Gaza and the occupied West Bank. It has received a cool reception from both sides, but neither rejected it outright. With inputs from agencies. After blasting the congested Palestinian homes and demanding people to flee, Israeli soldiers escalated their ground attack into urban refugee camps in central Gaza on Tuesday. The besieged territorys principal telecom operator claimed another complete interruption of services. The militarys declaration of the expanded assault zone promises further devastation in a conflict that Israel claims would last many months as it seeks to smash the governing Hamas terrorist organisation following their Oct. 7 strike. Israeli forces have been involved in intensive urban warfare in northern Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis, forcing Palestinians to seek sanctuary in ever-smaller places. According to the US, Israels strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, was meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss topics such as transitioning to a different phase of the war to maximise focus on high-value Hamas targets, improving the humanitarian situation, and planning for Gaza governance and security after the war. Despite pleas from the United States for Israel to reduce civilian losses and international pressure for a cease-fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military was intensifying the fighting. We say to the Hamas terrorists: We see you and we will get to you, Netanyahu said. Israels offensive is one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than 20,900 Palestinians, two-thirds women and children, have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, whose count doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants. The agency said 240 people were killed over the past 24 hours. The U.N. human rights office said the continued bombardment of middle Gaza had claimed more than 100 Palestinian lives since Christmas Eve. The office noted that Israel had ordered some residents to move there. Israel said it would no longer grant automatic visas to U.N. employees and accused the world body of being complicit partners in Hamas tactics. Government spokesman Eylon Levy said Israel would consider visa requests case by case. That could further limit aid efforts in Gaza. Residents of central Gaza described shelling and airstrikes shaking the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij camps. The built-up towns hold Palestinians driven from their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war, along with their descendants. The bombing was very intense, Radwan Abu Sheitta said by phone from Bureij. The Israeli military ordered residents to evacuate a belt of territory the width of central Gaza, urging them to move to nearby Deir al-Balah. The U.N. humanitarian office said the area ordered evacuated was home to nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north. The military later said it was operating in Bureij and asserted that it had located a Hamas training camp. The telecom outage announced by Paltel follows similar outages through much of the war. NetBlocks, a group that tracks internet outages, confirmed that network connectivity in Gaza was disrupted again and likely to leave most residents offline. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said several countries had sent proposals to resolve the conflict following news of an Egyptian proposal that would include a transitional Palestinian government in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He did not offer details of the proposals. Regional spillover Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel faces a multi-arena war on seven fronts Gaza and the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. We have responded and acted already on six of these, he told the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Iranian-backed militia groups around the region have stepped up attacks in support of Hamas. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq carried out a drone strike on a US base in Irbil on Monday, wounding three American service members, according to US officials. In response, US warplanes hit three locations in Iraq connected to a main militia, Kataib Hezbollah. Almost daily, Hezbollah and Israel exchange missiles, airstrikes and shelling across the Israeli-Lebanese border. On Tuesday, Israels military said Hezbollah struck a Greek Orthodox church in northern Israel with a missile, wounding two Israeli Christians, and fired again on arriving soldiers, wounding nine. Hezbollah is risking the stability of the region for the sake of Hamas, said Israels military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. In the Red Sea, attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen against commercial ships have disrupted trade and prompted a US-led multinational naval operation to protect shipping routes. The Israeli military said a fighter jet on Tuesday shot down a hostile aerial target above the Red Sea that the military asserted was on its way to Israeli territory. The USS Laboon, a Navy destroyer, and American fighter jets shot down 12 drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land-attack cruise missiles in the southern Red Sea that were fired by the Yemen-based Houthis over a 10-hour period Tuesday, according to the Pentagon. US Central Command said there was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries. A mass grave More than 85% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes. U.N. officials say a quarter of the territorys population is starving under Israels siege, which allows in a trickle of food, water, fuel, medicine and other supplies. Last week, the U.N. Security Council called for immediately speeding up aid deliveries, but there has been little sign of change. In an area Israel had declared a safe zone, a strike hit a home in Mawasi, a rural area in the southern province of Khan Younis. One woman was killed and at least eight were wounded, according to a cameraman working for The Associated Press at the nearby hospital. In response, Israels military said that it wouldnt refrain from operating in safe zones, if it identifies terrorist organization activity threatening the security of Israel. Hamas Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 240 others hostage. Israel aims to free the more than 100 hostages who remain in captivity. President Joe Biden and Qatars ruling emir, Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, spoke on Tuesday, discussing the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens. The leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to facilitate increased and sustained flows of life-saving access to humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll in Gaza, citing militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel says it has killed thousands of militants, without presenting evidence. At the Kerem Shalom border crossing, U.N. and Gazan medical workers unloaded a truck carrying about 80 unidentified bodies that had been held by Israeli forces in northern Gaza. They were buried in a mass grave. Medical workers called the odors unbearable. We cannot open this container in a neighborhood where people live, Dr. Marwan al-Hams, health emergency committee director in Rafah, told the AP. He said the health and justice ministries would investigate the bodies for possible war crimes. The Israeli military announced the deaths of two more soldiers, bringing the total killed since the ground offensive began to 161. The necessity of freeing hostages held in Gaza and initiatives to increase humanitarian supplies were discussed on Tuesday by U.S. President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to the White House. In the late November truce, Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas were mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Thus far, public progress towards a new truce has not been particularly successful in diplomatic efforts. The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens, the White House statement said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid. According to the Qatari State News Agency, Biden urged the emir of Qatar to go over the most recent events and the ongoing cooperative mediation efforts aimed at bringing about a long-term peace in the beleaguered enclave. (With agency inputs) On Tuesday, thousands of migrants and asylum seekers travelled steadily north across the southern Mexican state of Chiapas in a caravan aiming to reach the US border, just one day before senior US officials were scheduled to visit Mexico to discuss migration. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will go to Mexico on Wednesday to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The officials will discuss unprecedented irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere and identify ways Mexico and the United States will address border security challenges, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. The meeting comes a week after US President Joe Biden spoke with Lopez Obrador by telephone, during which the two leaders said that more enforcement was needed at their shared frontier. On Wednesday, migrants and asylum seekers, many carrying small children, walked along the highway near the southern Mexican city of Villa Comaltitlan. Some held a banner reading Exodus from poverty. Rosa, from El Salvador, said she hoped the officials would ease the suffering of migrants. We are looking for something better for our children and our families, she said as she walked. I hope this touches their hearts, she added. Migrants and asylum seekers transit through Mexico to the US to escape violence, economic distress and negative impacts of climate change, according the United Nations. The number crossing the perilous Darien Gap straddling Colombia and Central America has topped half a million this year, double last years record. Migrant rights activist Luis Garcia Villagran criticized the meeting, saying the officials main concerns are domestic electoral issues, and that more enforcement efforts aimed at stopping migrants from reaching the US border would only hurt the poorest of the poor. They want women and children to be bargaining chips, he said, speaking alongside the caravan on Tuesday. We are not bargaining chips for any politicians. According to authorities, a manufacturing building that was still under construction in Western Nepal on Wednesday collapsed, injuring ten Indian labourers. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Resham Bohara stated that the Indian labourers were injured when the building housing Kajaria Tiles Industry in Nawalparasi West fell. The structure was struck by a crane during construction, resulting in the accident. For treatment, each injured labourer has been admitted to a nearby community hospital. One of the Indian workmen, though, is reportedly in critical condition. (With agency inputs) On the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas, an exhibition was held here to honour the bravery and sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. In honour of Veer Baal Diwas on Tuesday, the Consulate General of India in New York presented the exhibition. According to a news statement from the mission, the exhibition was held to celebrate the extraordinary valour and unparalleled sacrifices made by Veer Sahibzade, the sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Honouring the exemplary courage and immortal sacrifice of Veer Sahibzaade, proud sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji, the Consulate said in a post on X, adding that it hosted an exhibition on the occasion of #VeerBaalDiwas, paying our tributes to the bravehearts with unparalleled courage. To honour and pay honour to the Veer Sahibzade, a sizable contingent of the Indian-American community attended the ceremony. The exhibition will be on display at the Consulate grounds through December 28 as a gesture of respect and at the request of a local Gurudwara priest, according to the Consulate. In addition, Gurudwaras in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York will host the exhibition. Earlier in the day, Dr. Varun Jeph, the Acting Consul General of India in New York, paid respects to the Veer Sahibzade at the Gurudwara Baba Makhan Shah Lubana in Queens. Members of the local Sangat and Executive Committee of the Gurudwara joined him in ardas and kirtan. He also went to the Gurudwara with the community people for langar. For the benefit of young kids attending winter camps at the Gurudwara, special Veer Baal Diwas movies are also being shown. Veer Baal Diwas, a day commemorating the valour and martyrdom of young heroes, Guru Govind Singh Jis Sahibzade, was also observed by the Indian Consulate General in Houston. An exhibition of photographs demonstrated their bravery and tenacity. Shaheedi Samagam was held at Brookfield Gurudwara, Wisconsin. Leading Sikh and Indian American leaders along with senior Embassy officials participated, the Indian Embassy in the US said in a post on X. A fitting tribute was given to the exemplary courage and sacrifice ofsahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh marking #VeerBaalDiwas, the Indian Embassy continued. (With agency inputs) In a major blow to Imran Khan, the Supreme Court of Pakistan Wednesday refused to conduct an immediate hearing of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in the Toshakhana case. PTI had filed a petition before the apex court seeking suspension of Imrans conviction in the Toshakhana case, making it possible for him to take part in Pakistan elections 2024 scheduled for 8 February. The court observed that the suspension of the trial court verdict against Imran in the Toshakhana case cannot end his disqualification. The PTI chief was disqualified for five years from holding any public office due to his conviction in the case. The court, however, refused to fix the petition for hearing as only two judges of the SC were available owing to winter vacation. A two-member bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC), on 21 December, had rejected Imrans request seeking suspension of the trial courts verdict in the Toshakhana case. Justice Minallah said the matter before the bench was that conviction should be overturned following suspension of sentence in the case. There is no judicial precedent in the countrys history that suspension of sentence led to the annulment of conviction, he remarked. Imran was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of Rs 100,000 was imposed on him by Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar on 5 August this year after the judge found him guilty of graft in the Toshakhana case. He has been convicted of misusing his position as prime minister to sell state gifts worth more than Rs 140 million ($490,000) that he received from foreign dignitaries during visits abroad. Following his conviction in the case, the ECP disqualified the former PM for five years. In a notification, the poll body said the PTI chief was disqualified after being found guilty of corrupt practices under Section 167 of the Elections Act, 2017 and his sentencing for three years. As a consequence, Mr Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi has become disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan read with Section 232 of the Elections Act,2017, the ECP had said in a notification released earlier this year. The IHC, however, on August 28, suspended the PTI chiefs sentence awarded to him in the Toshakhana case but his conviction and disqualification remain intact as the the high court rejected the petition to suspend the conviction. With inputs from agencies North Korea has begun a year-end governing party conference, which will be attended by leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media, with significant policy choices for 2024 anticipated to be announced. Instead of delivering a customary New Years Day address, Kim has utilised the Workers Party of Koreas plenary meeting in previous years to announce policy in sectors like as security, diplomacy, and the economy. This years summit comes at the end of a year in which Pyongyang successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite, entrenched its nuclear status in its constitution, and tested its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). At Tuesdays meeting, Kim defined 2023 as a year of great turn and great change as well as one of great importance, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency reported. Pyongyang saw eye-opening victories and events achieved in all fields for socialist construction and the strengthening of the national power, Kim said, according to KCNA. He also said that Pyongyangs new strategic weapons, including its spy satellite, had unswervingly put the North on the position of a military power. The meeting will involve six primary points of discussion, KCNA said, including a review of how North Koreas national policies were implemented during the year as well as a look ahead to the national budget and direction of struggle for 2024. Kim last week said Pyongyang would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if provoked with nukes. The North last week tested its solid-fuel Hwasong-18, its most advanced ICBM, for the third time in 2023. Pyongyangs launch last month of a military spy satellite, which it claimed quickly began providing images of US and South Korean military sites, further damaged ties with South Korea. The launch fractured a military agreement between the Koreas established to de-escalate tensions on the peninsula, with both sides then ramping up security along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates them. Best This week, North Korean officials gathered the nations elites for an ostentatious year-end meeting. The North Korean Workers Partys Central Committee convened in Pyongyang to discuss strategies for the upcoming year. According to South Korean news agency Yonhap News Agency, they drove up in opulent Mercedes S-class cars, even though the nation forbids the sale of luxury goods. Interestingly, the UN continues to impose sanctions on the supply of high-end automobiles to North Korea. North Koreas governing party met at the end of the year to assess state policies for the current year and talk about those for 2024, with Kim Jong Un serving as the meetings chairman. Despite the international sanctions, party officials were spotted at the meeting, emerging from the eighth-generation S-class limousine and other luxury vehicles. The news agency pointed out that Kim Jong Un has driven a limousine among other Mercedes-Maybach S-class automobiles when making public appearances. He was also seen driving an SUV in 2020 that was probably a Lexus LX 570. UN sanctions apply to these high-end cars, prohibiting the sale of luxury autos to North Korea. Notably, this occurs a few weeks after Japanese authorities stopped a plot to transport a $70,000 Lexus automobile into North Korea, as reported in the South China Morning Post (SCMP). According to the site, the automobile was stopped on the same day that North Korea called back its envoy to Switzerland in response to an inquiry into the trafficking of ivory. The vehicle was taken during a raid on a used automobile dealership in the prefecture of Chiba on December 7. Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese news source, revealed that the showroom had filed documents declaring that the high-end vehicle was being shipped to Singapore through Bangladesh. A UN resolution prohibits the export of high-end goods, including luxury cars, to North Korea, therefore the confiscation made headlines. Following nuclear tests conducted underground by Pyongyang in 2006, the embargo went into effect. (With agency inputs) Spain is against deploying the European Unions anti-piracy naval force to safeguard merchant ships in the Red Sea from the Yemeni Houthi militia but it is open to exploring the establishment of an alternative mission to address the issue, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday. The Houthi militia, backed by Iran and controlling significant portions of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, has targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea since October. Their attacks are claimed to be in solidarity with Palestinians facing Israeli forces aggression in Gaza or with vessels they believe have Israeli connections. We are willing and open to consider such an operation but not within the framework of Operation Atalanta, Sanchez said, referring to the existing EU mission. He said he had conveyed to Madrids allies in both NATO and the EU that Operation Atalanta had neither the characteristics nor the nature required for the Red Sea. The situation in the Red Sea was completely different from Atalantas area of operation, the Indian Ocean, where the EUs main mission was to combat piracy. Several shipping lines have suspended operations through the Red Sea in response to the attacks instead taking the longer journey around southern Africa. The Houthis say they will continue their attacks until Israel halts the conflict in Gaza and say they will attack U.S. warships if the militia group itself was targeted. With inputs from Reuters. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that India-Russia relationship has been very strong and very steady and he believes that both the countries have lived up to a special and privileged strategic partnership. In his opening remarks during the meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar said, Our relationship have been very strong, very steady. And I think we have lived up to a special and privileged strategic partnership. This year we have already met six times, and this is our seventh meet. Opening remarks at the meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. https://t.co/o7vfav0kCd Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023 The External Affairs Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have also been in frequent contact. Talking about the Vibrant Gujarat meeting in January, he said that India expects a strong Russian participation at the event. On the agenda for the day, Jaishankar said today we will focus on our bilateral cooperation in different spheres, adjusting it to changing circumstances and demands. We will discuss the international strategic situation, conflicts and tensions, added the External Affairs Minister. Jaishankar is on a five-day visit to Russia and on Tuesday he met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. India and Russia signed some very important agreements related to the construction of the future power generating units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. He made the announcement after his comprehensive and productive meeting with Manturov on the bilateral economic cooperation during which they witnessed signing of agreements on nuclear power and in areas of medicines, pharmaceutical substances and medical devices. Today, in my presence and that of Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, we signed some very important agreements pertaining to the future units of the Kudankulam nuclear project, he said while addressing the Indian diaspora. The Kudankulam nuclear power plant is being built in Tamil Nadu with the technical assistance of Russia. The construction began in March 2002. Since February 2016, the first power unit of the Kudankulam NPP has been steadily operating at its design capacity of 1,000 MW. The plant is expected to start operating at full capacity in 2027, according to Russian state media. During the meeting, Jaishankar noted the significant progress in trade, finance, connectivity, energy, civil aviation and nuclear domains. Appreciated the greater focus on exploring new opportunities. Discussed making our cooperation more balanced and sustainable in different dimensions, he said in a post on X. In his address to the Indian community, Jaishankar described Russia as a special partner in a few areas such as defence, nuclear power and space. Collaborations are done in areas of defence, space and nuclear [energy] with countries with which you have a high degree of trust, he added. Jaishankar also said that the two sides have agreed that their negotiating teams will meet by the end of January to start in-person negotiations on the free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Zone. Today, when I met the Prime Minister we agreed that early next year, our negotiating teams will meet. So I expect by the end of January, hopefully, that the in-person negotiations will start, he said while responding to questions at the community event. Finalised the program of cooperation on Russian Far East. Expect to hold early meeting of EaEU-India FTA negotiators. Will jointly organize connectivity events across land and maritime corridors, he later posted on X. If one looks at our economy, influence, and impact on the world today, it is very different from 10 years ago and will be different 10 years later. We went on from the 10th largest economy a decade ago, to be the 5th largest now and will hopefully be the 3rd largest and beyond that, later, Jaishankar said. Responding to a question on the payment problem between Russia and India, the minister said that in an unusual situation, we are trying to find ways by which banks deal with each other. People are unclear what is happeningIf you dont have a full picture or you dont have confidence people hold back. Those who have banking relationships, do business with Russia can educate people about good banks, safe routes, he said. With inputs from agencies On Wednesday, Pakistan carried out a successful test flight of the multi-launch rocket Fatah-II, which is outfitted with cutting-edge avionics, an advanced navigation system, and an exclusive flight path. With a range of 400 kilometres, the Fatah-II missile system can engage targets with extreme precision, according to a release from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the information wing of the Pakistani military. President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), and General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), commended the participating soldiers and scientists on a job well done on the flying test. Dedicated scientists and engineers as well as senior tri-service officers observed the test. On August 24, 2021, the locally developed Fatah-I guided multi-launch rocket system had a flight test, enabling Pakistan to deliver a conventional warhead. According to the ISPR, the Pakistan Army is now capable of hitting targets with precision deep within enemy territory thanks to the multi-launch rocket system. Following the courts decision to remove former President Donald Trump from the states presidential primary ballot, police said Tuesday they are examining incidents directed at Colorado Supreme Court justices and increasing patrols outside their residences in Denver. The Denver Police Department declined to release specifics about its investigations in an email, citing safety and privacy concerns as well as the fact that they are continuing. The department is currently investigating incidents directed at Colorado Supreme Court justices and will continue working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate any reports of threats or harassment, the email said. On Thursday evening, officers arrived to the house of one justice, but police claimed it seemed to be a hoax report. According to authorities, that matter is still under investigation. The FBI stated that it is collaborating with local law enforcement on the investigation. 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, a spokesperson for the Denvers FBI office, Vikki Migoya, said in a statement. In a 4-3 decision last week, Colorados highest court overturned a ruling from a district court judge who found that Trump incited an insurrection for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, but had said he could not be barred from the ballot because it was unclear that US Constitutions insurrection clause was intended to cover the presidency. The states highest court didnt agree, siding with attorneys for six Colorado Republican and unaffiliated voters who argued that it was nonsensical to imagine that the framers of the amendment, fearful of former confederates returning to power, would bar them from low-level offices but not the highest one in the land. The court stayed its decision until Jan. 4, or until the US Supreme Court rules on the case. Colorado officials say the issue must be settled by Jan. 5, the deadline for the state to print its presidential primary ballots. President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia next year as External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Wednesday met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. President Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia. We will be glad to see our friend, Mr Prime Minister Modi in Russia. We will be able to discuss all current issues and talk about the prospects for the development of Russian-Indian relations. We have a very large amount of work. I ask you to convey to him my best wishes and please pass on our invitation. We are waiting for him in Russia, he said. #WATCH | External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow pic.twitter.com/nn5su3wASA ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 Jaishankar, who is here on a five-day official visit to Russia, earlier met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. During a joint media appearance along with Lavrov after their talks, Jaishankar said he was confident that Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will meet for an annual summit next year. In his opening remarks earlier, Jaishankar said that the two leaders have been in frequent contact. The summit between the prime minister of India and the Russian president is the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between the two sides. So far, 21 annual summits have taken place alternatively in India and Russia. The last summit took place in New Delhi in December 2021. Putin also said that the trade turnover between Russia and India is growing, particularly on account of crude oil and high technology areas. Our trade turnover is growing, for the second year in a row at the same time and at a steady pace. The growth rate this year is even higher than in the last year, he said. On Tuesday, Jaishankar held a comprehensive and productive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on the bilateral economic cooperation during which they witnessed the signing of some very important agreements related to the construction of the future power-generating units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. The ties between India and Russia remained strong notwithstanding Moscows invasion of Ukraine. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. Indias import of Russian crude oil has gone up significantly despite increasing disquiet over it in many Western countries. With inputs from agencies. Russia will soon deploy its newest howitzers against Ukrainian soldiers as part of a special military operation, according to the director of the Rostec state defence corporation in statements published on Wednesday. The testing of the new Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery units has been finished, and mass manufacturing has already begun, according to Sergei Chemezov, the chairman of Rostec, in an interview with the state-run RIA news agency. According to him, the first pilot batch would be delivered by the end of 2023. I think they will appear there (in the Northern Military District) soon, since howitzers of this class are needed to provide an advantage over Western artillery models in terms of firing range, Chemezov said. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, reorganised the Russian Northern Fleet in 2021, transferring its primary jurisdiction from the Russian Arctic to the Northern Military District. This new organisation included the Murmansk area, which borders Finland and Norway. Moscow has accused the collective West of waging a proxy war against Russia since beginning a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It has also threatened to bolster its military along Finlands western borders if Finland joins the NATO alliance, which is led by the United States. One Coalition-SV howitzer has reportedly already been sent to the Ukrainian battle lines, according to a report published earlier in December by Russias official news agency TASS. The howitzers, with a range of up to 70 kilometres (44 miles), are equipped with a modern 2A88 cannon of 152 mm caliber with a firing rate of more than 10 rounds per minute, as well as a modern system for automating the processes of gun pointing, target selection and navigation, according to TASS. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan informed US colleague Antony Blinken over the phone on Wednesday that Turkey expected the US to uphold its commitment to the NATO alliance and act in accordance with the agreement over the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara. News agency Reuters quoted a Turkish diplomatic official as saying that the contact was made at the US sides request, one day after a Turkish parliamentary commission decided to support Swedens application to join NATO. For the bid to be ratified, the general assembly of the parliament must also approve it. Fidan stated that, regarding the sale of F-16s, we expect the US administration and US Congress to act in line with the spirit of alliance and keep the promises made, the Turkish diplomatic official added. (With agency inputs) In an expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with the people of Gaza, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has banned all New Years Eve fireworks displays and celebrations. A statement from Sharjah Police outlined the prohibition of fireworks celebrations and displays, emphasising that the decision is a gesture of genuine solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with the brothers in the Gaza Strip. The decision was announced in a Facebook post by Sharjah police, warning on Tuesday that legal measures would be taken against those found violating the ban. Sharjah is the UAEs third-largest emirate by size and population behind Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There are seven emirates. The UAE forged ties with Israel in 2020 in a move that paved the way for other nations to build relations with Israel. The Gulf regional power has repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the war in Gaza, however, condemning Israels bombardment and invasion of the enclave. It has also condemned Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack that started the war and called for the release of hostages taken captive that day into Gaza by the Palestinian Islamist group. Sharjahs decision on New Years Eve fireworks appeared to be limited to that one emirate, as public celebrations continue to be advertised in the countrys other emirates. The UAEs showpiece New Years Eve fireworks display are typically held in Dubai, the countrys most populous emirate and a regional tourism hub, centred around landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the palm tree-shaped artificial island, the Palm Jumeirah. With inputs from agencies. The general prosecutors office announced on Wednesday that Ukraine had launched a war crimes inquiry into the reported killing of three Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces. According to the authorities, the event happened this month in the southeast Zaporizhzhia district, close to the town of Robotyne. It was caught on camera and went viral on the internet. This is the second accusation that Ukrainian prosecutors have made against Russia this month, and Russia chose not to respond right away. This is another case of a gross violation by the aggressor country of international humanitarian law regarding the treatment of prisoners of war, the prosecutors office said in a statement. On December 3, following another video on social media that seemed to show multiple soldiers murdering two military personnel who were about to surrender at gunpoint as they emerged from a dugout, Ukraine accused Russia of committing a war crime. In March of last year, a video showed a captured Ukrainian soldier being shot dead after he boldly said, Glory to Ukraine, a welcome that has gained particular meaning as a regular public salutation since the beginning of the conflict. (With agency inputs) Following last weeks watered-down Security Council resolution calling for relief to be given to Gaza at scale, the UN designated an outgoing Dutch minister as its humanitarian coordinator for Gaza on Tuesday. The nomination of Sigrid Kaag comes as the people of Gaza confront a terrible humanitarian crisis, with supplies slowing to a trickle due to Israels continuous shelling of the densely populated coastal strip. The UN announced in a statement that she will begin work on January 8. Last weeks UN Security Council resolution called for the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance on a large scale but did not call for a quick stop to combat. The bloodiest ever Gaza war erupted when Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 and killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. They took 250 hostages of whom 129 remain inside Gaza. Israel launched an extensive aerial bombardment and a siege followed by a ground invasion. The campaign has killed 20,915 people, according to Hamas-run Gazas health ministry. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today announced the appointment of Ms Sigrid Kaag of the Netherlands as Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, the UN said in a statement. The United States welcomed the appointment and said it looks forward to coordination on efforts to accelerate and streamline the delivery of life-saving humanitarian relief to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. The Security Council adopted the resolution on Gaza on Friday after days of delays and diplomatic wrangling. A draft version of the resolution had said that the aid mechanism to accelerate the delivery of relief would be exclusively under UN control. But the final version, passed after Washington abstained, now states it would be managed in consultation with all relevant parties meaning Israel would retain operational oversight of aid deliveries. Kaag has been the Netherlands deputy prime minister and finance minister since January 2022. She has previously held a number of senior UN jobs including its special coordinator for Lebanon and the Joint Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations Mission in Syria. In an analysis of official figures covering England and Wales, the Liberal Democrats reveal a concerning trend with more than 200,000 shoplifting cases left unresolved in the past 12 months. The party asserts that the government is failing to effectively combat this escalating crime wave. The statistics indicate that, out of 362,809 cases examined, a staggering 205,676 shoplifting incidents concluded without identifying a suspect from August to July. A Home Office spokeswoman counters, stating that charging rates for shoplifting have risen by almost a third in the past year. Craig Beaumont, representing the Federation of Small Businesses, expresses dismay over the situation, highlighting the impact on local small and independent businesses. He emphasizes that the lack of police investigation and prosecution contributes to an increase in organised shoplifting and threats to staff. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman of the National Police Chiefs Council acknowledges the damaging impact of retail crime and underscores the commitment of law enforcement to address offenders and support retailers. However, Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael criticises the Conservative government, asserting that as unsolved shoplifting cases surge, criminal gangs go unchecked while shopkeepers are left vulnerable. Carmichael advocates for a practical approach, emphasising the necessity of putting police back on the streets and ensuring thorough investigations. In response, a Home Office spokeswoman reiterates the governments commitment to combat shoplifting, labeling it a blight on communities and emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach by the police. As shoplifting continues to plague communities, the debate intensifies over the effectiveness of current measures and the need for proactive strategies to curb this escalating crime epidemic. According to a White House official, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on Tuesday to discuss transitioning to a different phase of the Israel-Hamas conflict. According to the official, who did not want to be identified, the conference gave a chance to discuss methods to improve the humanitarian situation in war-torn Gaza and minimise harm to people. It was also intended as an opportunity to discuss the transition to a different phase of the war to maximize focus on high-value Hamas targets, according to the official, referring to the Palestinian terrorist group. The discussion comes after the UN Security Council agreed last week to a watered-down resolution calling for aid to be delivered to the Gaza Strip at scale. Gazas 2.4 million people are suffering dire shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine, with only limited aid entering. The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 and killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. They took 250 hostages of whom 129 remain inside Gaza. The effort to bring these home was also among the topics on the table at the Sullivan-Dermer meeting. After the Hamas attack, Israel launched an extensive aerial bombardment and a siege followed by a ground invasion. The campaign has killed 20,915 people, according to Hamas-run Gazas health ministry. The Tuesday meeting additionally provided a chance for Israel and the United States to talk about the eventual governance and security in Gaza, a political horizon for the Palestinian people, and continued work on normalization and integration, the White House official said. The US military reportedly shot down over a dozen drones and several missiles fired by Yemen-based Houthi rebels at ships in the Red Sea. There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries, the Pentagons Central Command said in a statement on social media. The Pentagon claimed that over a period of 10 hours, the Yemen-based Houthi rebels fired a barrage of 12 drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land-attack missiles at ships passing through the Red Sea. In support of Gaza, the Houthi rebels had already taken credit for a drone attack on Israel and a missile strike on a ship in the Red Sea. The rebels claimed to have launched several drones against military targets in southern Israel and to have carried out a targeting operation against a commercial ship, which they named as MSC UNITED, in a statement. Since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7, the rebels have launched many drone and missile strikes. These attacks are the most recent in a string of them. In an effort to put an end to Israels offensive against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis claim to be targeting Israel and vessels with ties to Israel. A transiting vessel and her crew were reported to be safe earlier on Tuesday by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which also reported that explosions (were) heard, missiles were sighted close to the port of Hodeida on Yemens west coast. Later on, the ship carried on with its journey, according to UKMTO, with no reports of significant damage or crew injuries. It came after two previous explosions that happened near a vessel off Hodeida earlier on Tuesday, as reported by the British maritime authority. Tuesday saw explosions off the coast of Egypts Sinai Peninsula as well, according to state-affiliated media in Egypt. The Israeli army subsequently claimed to have intercepted aerial objects in the Red Sea. An air force fighter jet successfully intercepted earlier today in the Red Sea area a hostile aerial target that was on its way to Israeli territory, the Israeli army said. The explosions, according to the state-affiliated news channel Al-Qahera News, happened roughly two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the Egyptian coastal town of Dahab. Approximately 125 kilometres (75 miles) south of Eilat on Israels southern point is Dahab, which is the rebels nearest objective in Yemen. There have been no recorded casualties. The Houthis have attacked 10 merchant vessels involving more than 35 different countries with more than 100 drone and missile launches, according to the Pentagon. The United States has established a multinational naval task force to safeguard Red Sea commerce in response to the attacks, which are putting a transit route that handles up to 12 percent of world trade in jeopardy. Israel has also been the subject of numerous strikes by the Houthis, most of which have fallen short of their intended targets. (With agency inputs) Going on a cruise to ring in the New Year that is the new in thing for many Chinese travelers; and international cruise operators plan to ride this trend in 2024 and continue increasing their investments in China to meet growing demand and realize the tremendous growth potential. For the New Year's holiday period, cruise bookings have been robust, market insiders said. Voyages that will depart from home ports such as Shanghai, Tianjin and Shenzhen in Guangdong province have doubled relative to the same period of 2020, according to Trip.com Group, China's leading online travel agency. "Next year, cruise trips that depart from the port of Shanghai are foreseen to rebound to pre-COVID levels of 2019, and the supply of related travel products in the domestic market will return to 70 percent of 2019 levels," said Liu Zinan, senior vice-president and chairman of Asia at Royal Caribbean Group, a cruise operator. Amid a rapid recovery, the Chinese cruise market is seeing some changes. Before 2020, international brands dominated the Chinese cruise travel market. Now, domestic cruise ship operators are taking a growing market share, Liu said. "The emergence of diversified industry players has been a good phenomenon. Fair and healthy industry competition will contribute to the further development of China's cruise industry," he said. Despite COVID-19's negative impact on the global cruise tourism market, the sector is on a steady recovery track. In 2024, the global cruise tourism market is expected to witness 35.7 million passenger trips, exceeding the level seen in 2019.The figure is higher than 31.5 million passenger trips recorded in 2023, the Cruise Lines International Association forecast. US cruise line operator Royal Caribbean plans to launch four- to seven-night trips from Shanghai to multiple Japanese destinations in April. Norwegian cruise line operator Viking Cruises said it plans to offer four river cruises to serve the Chinese market in 2024. By 2028, 12 vessels will serve the river cruise segment of the Chinese market, it said. Viking Cruises also plans to restart inbound cruises in China next year. It will provide inbound tourists options to go sight-seeing at beautiful spots in the country. It will thus help contribute to the high-quality development of the inbound tourism market in China, the company said. China's travel market has seen a strong recovery this year, market sources said. Booking volumes of domestic flight tickets hit a historic high, significantly exceeding the level seen in 2019, according to Qunar, a Beijing-based online travel agency. Booking volumes of hotels in some popular Chinese cities jumped 110 percent this year over the 2019 level. Travelers from all age groups are enthusiastic about going on trips, driving the growth of consumption in different cities, Qunar found. "China's tourism sector is expected to embrace a golden growth period of 10 to 20 years, and this year has served as a start," said Ren Fen, vice-president of Qunar. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Pakistan foreign minister and a close confidant of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Wednesday faced a controversial arrest outside a Rawalpindi jail, an action he and his party deemed illegal. Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was violently arrested by police upon his release on bail from Adiala Jail following the Supreme Court decision last week. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi withdrew the detention order issued under the Maintenance of Public Order pic.twitter.com/xvizAtmloP PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) December 27, 2023 Despite being granted bail in a cipher case by the Supreme Court just the previous week, Qureshi found himself in a tumultuous encounter with the police. In a video released by PTI, the 67-year-old former foreign minister is shown being forcibly apprehended at the entrance of the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, subsequently manhandled and transported away in an armored police vehicle. The widely circulated footage, broadcasted on various television and social media platforms, captures Qureshi, dressed in a cardigan and shalwar kameez, vehemently protesting the perceived illegality of the polices actions as he is pushed into the police vehicle by officials donning the Punjab police uniform. This treatment of an internationally respected senior politician with unparalleled service to Pakistan is a sign of the cowardice of the ruling elite. The law has been made a mockery and the basic constitutional rights of citizens are being blatantly violated, the partys post on X said, adding, Pakistani people will never forget this cruelty and injustice. Qureshi was released from jail on bail after the Rawalpindi DC withdrew an order for detaining the ex-former foreign minister for 15 days under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) and added that police had not yet provided an official comment on the incident. The PTI shared another video that showed Qureshi attempting to speak to police personnel gathered outside the jail while he remained inside its premises. Former FM and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was violently arrested by police upon his release on bail from Adiala Jail despite orders from the Supreme Court. He was dragged and manhandled by the police and unknown men in civilian clothes. The state has made a mockery of the pic.twitter.com/Kieb3Z6w6a PTI Canada Official (@PTIOfficialCA) December 27, 2023 However, an official wearing the Punjab police uniform refused to listen and proceeded to shove Qureshi out the gate and toward an armoured police vehicle, Dawn.com reported from the video footage. Look at this. What is this? Qureshi said as he was pushed the entire way to the van while the crowd yelled at officials to be careful. On Friday, the top court granted bail to Khan and Qureshi in the cipher case and demanded to submit surety bonds worth Rs 1 million each. Qureshis family on Tuesday had arrived at Adiala jail to pay his surety bond but before they could obtain the robkar (release order), Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassan Waqar Cheema issued the order for the former foreign ministers 15-day detention under MPO. Section 3 of MPO empowers the government to arrest and detain suspected persons to prevent them from acting in any manner prejudicial to public safety or the maintenance of public order. However, a subsequent notification issued by the DC said that the detention order had been withdrawn, Dawn.com said and claimed it had a copy of it. The detainee shall be released from the jail forthwith if he is not required to be detained in any other case, it said. Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said, If the Supreme Court granted bail to Qureshi on the basis that elections need to be free and fair and transparent, then the ECP needs to make sure he is released. Gohar Khan said that the party would approach the election commission and also the high court if necessary. I also told the ECP that it would have been very good if they personally went out today and surveyed what was happening in various locations, Gohar said, adding that he would nonetheless submit an application to them. Both Khan and Qureshi have been incarcerated in multiple cases. With inputs from agencies We did nothing new and are doing the same activities according to the rules, AFP quoted Irans atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami as saying. Iran on Wednesday dismissed the international nuclear watchdog report which said it had recently accelerated production of highly enriched uranium after months of slowdown. We were producing the same 60 per cent, we didnt change anything and we didnt create any new capacity, Eslami added. On Tuesday, the IAEA issued a report indicating that Iran has reversed its earlier reduction in the production of highly enriched uranium. The UN watchdog revealed that Iran has increased its monthly output of 60 per cent enriched uranium to approximately nine kilograms (20 pounds) since the end of November. This marks a significant rise from the three kilograms per month observed since June, returning to the production levels seen in the first half of 2023. Its important to note that further enrichment, beyond the current 60 , would be necessary for the development of nuclear weapons, requiring levels around 90 per cent. Iran has consistently denied any intentions to pursue nuclear weapons, asserting that its nuclear activities are purely peaceful. Initially, there appeared to be a slowdown in enrichment activities during informal talks on a restored nuclear agreement with the United States. However, tensions between the two nations have escalated recently, with mutual accusations related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Iran had previously suspended compliance with the 2015 nuclear deals limits on its nuclear activities a year after the US withdrawal from the agreement in 2018. This led to the reimposition of extensive sanctions. As reported in a confidential IAEA document last month, Irans stockpiles of enriched uranium now exceed the permitted levels by 22 times. Eslami, Irans nuclear chief, criticized what he termed a media frenzy surrounding the latest IAEA report, alleging that it aimed to divert public attention from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With inputs from agencies Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday expressed Russias commitment to supporting Indias efforts in manufacturing military products under the Made in India program. Lavrov highlighted the steps taken during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, emphasising the expansion of cooperation between the two countries. These steps include the initiation of the North-South International Transport Corridor and the establishment of the Chennai-Vladivostok route. Addressing a press conference post-meeting, Lavrov said We also delved into the potential for military and technical collaboration, particularly in jointly producing modern weaponry. Concrete measures have been identified in this regard. Our collaboration holds strategic significance, and its reinforcement aligns with the national interests of both countries and contributes to security in the Eurasian continent. As mentioned before, we are respectful of the aspiration of our Indian colleagues to diversify their military and technical links. We also understand and hence we are ready to support their initiative to produce military products as part of the Made in India program. We stand ready to cooperate in this area. We have reaffirmed our aspiration to strengthen energy cooperation, he added. Lavrov said he and Jaishankar agreed to expand legal framework of India-Russia relations, in particular to accelerate the adoption of the agreement on the mutual protection of investment. Today we have taken a number of steps that would allow us to expand cooperation including in the upcoming launch of the North-South International Transport Corridor as well as establishment of the Chennai Vladivostok route and the cooperation on the expansion of the Northern Sea Route which is a very promising area, Lavrov said. We have also agreed to expand the legal framework of our relationship in particular to accelerate the adoption of the agreement on the mutual protection of investment and another important document, namely the upcoming agreement on the free trade area between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, he added. Lavrov said specific agreements between India and Russia have been reached to deepen trade in economic and investment links as well as other areas of cooperation. He said talks between Jaishankar and Russian leaders have confirmed that the ties between India and Russia are based on confidential nature of mutual respect and not subject to any political frameworks. He said, Yesterday, the distinguished minister as the co-chair of the Intergovernmental Commission also held talks with the Russian co-chair of the Commission, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov. Today we have taken notice of the good outcomes of those talks. Specific agreements have been reached to deepen our trade in economic and investment links and other areas of cooperation that fall within the competence of the Intergovernmental Commission. Speaking about the ties between India and Russia, Lavrov said, Yesterday talks and our todays meeting confirm that the relations between Moscow and New Delhi are based on the confidential nature of mutual respect. They are not subject to any political fluctuations. They truly reflect the character of our partnership, a special priviliged strategic partnership as stated in a document signed by our leadership. We have spoken out in favour of continued political dialogue which is required to strengthen our relations on a sustainable basis. We have paid special attention to the matters of building up practical cooperation in addition to the agreements that had been reached yesterday as part of the session of the Intergovernmental Commission, he added. Lavrov made the remarks after he held a meeting with Jaishankar, who is in Russia for a five-day visit. The two leaders met at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reception House in Moscow. In his opening remarks at the meeting, EAM Jaishankar said, Our relationship have been very strong, very steady. And I think we have lived up to a special and privileged strategic partnership. This year we have already met 6 times, and this is our 7th meet. Our Prime Minister and President Putin have also been in frequent contact. We expect a strong Russian participation at the Vibrant Gujarat meeting in January. With inputs from agencies Iran and its cats paw Hamas seem to be on different pages of the anti-Israel book. While Irans elite Revolutionary Guard, in a statement, claimed that Hamas 7 October attack on Israel was a response to the 2020 assassination of their celebrated commander Qassem Soleimani, Hamas summarily junked the assertion. Soleimani, the head of the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps, was assassinated by the US in on 3 January, 2020, in an airstrike. Al Jazeera citied a statement by IRGC where it mentioned that the 7 October attack in southern Israel was a response to the 2020 assassination of Soleimani. In response, Hamas said IRGCs claims were wrong and that the terror organisations motives were to end the occupation and threat of Israel. We emphasized several times the motives, with the primary one being the threats posed to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Any response from the Palestinian resistance is a reaction to occupation and aggression against the Palestinian people and holy sites, Hamas said in a release on Wednesday. Earlier this month, a court in Tehran had ordered the US government to pay $49.7 billion in material, moral and punitive damages for assassinating Soleimani. Then-US president Donald Trump ordered a drone strike near Baghdad airport that killed Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in January 2020. Soleimani held the status of a national hero in Iran, often regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the country, second only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His influence extended beyond Iran, shaping diplomatic relations and bolstering Irans presence in Middle East. Soleimani led the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The US had designated the Quds Force and Soleimani as terrorist entities. He had spearheaded Irans Middle East operations and was seen as a hero of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. On Monday (26 December, 2023), another senior Iranian commander and an aide to Soleimani, Seyyed Razi Mousavi was killed in a suspected Israeli strike in Syria. Mousavi was an experienced military adviser to the IRGC, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said. It further said Mousavi was killed in an air strike on the Sayyida Zeinab area south-east of Damascus. Mousavi was a key advisor to Irans paramilitary force, the Revolutionary Guard. With inputs from agencies Chinese President Xi Jinping utilised a commemorative speech honoring the 130th anniversary of Mao Zedongs birth to advocate for a recently introduced framework aimed at countering the Western capitalist model. According to a Bloomberg report, while addressing an event in Beijing to mark Maos 130th birth anniversary, Xi said, The central task of the nation and its ruling Communist Party is to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernisation. He described Chinese modernisation a vague concept he has been promoting since 2021 as a cause passed down from veteran revolutionaries including Mao Zedong that is now the solemn historical responsibility of todays Chinese Communists, added the report. President Xi has consistently championed this idea at various events, presenting it as an alternative to the systems employed by the United States and its allies. According to the flagship Peoples Daily, Chinese modernisation is characterised by unique features such as benefiting a large population, achieving common prosperity, and developing peacefully. According to the Bloomberg report, by tying his own project to Maos legacy, President Xi creates an opportunity for state media to portray him as an extension of the revered figure who is remembered as the founder of a new China. This narrative tends to downplay Maos role in the famine-inducing Great Leap Forward of the 1950s and the tumultuous Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 70s. President Xi, whose government removed term limits in 2018, has spent over a decade consolidating power to levels not seen since Maos era. This consolidation has raised concerns among some investors about the absence of checks and balances on his ambitions. Additionally, the push to narrow the wealth gap has sparked fears of sweeping income redistribution. In recent years, some officials have bestowed the title of Xi lingxiu, or leader, a term of praise previously reserved for Mao. President Xi has also taken steps to fill key positions with supporters, potentially reducing the likelihood of dissenting policy voices being heard. Chinas propaganda apparatus has intensified efforts to draw parallels between Mao and President Xi. According to the report, a Communist Party research institute, in an article this month, argued that Mao should be remembered for his high achievements and strong morals. The article concluded by stating, It is a blessing for the party and the state, the people and the Chinese nation to have General Secretary Xi Jinping, another core of the party, leader of the people, and commander-in-chief of the army who enjoys popular support. During Tuesdays speech, President Xi also reiterated the partys stance on Taiwan, ahead of the upcoming presidential election on the island claimed by Beijing. He emphasised, The motherland must and is bound to be reunified, and called for deepening cross-strait integration and development in all areas to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. With inputs from agencies HUAWEI just announced its nova 12 series. The selfie-focused series comes in 3 different models the nova 12, nova 12 Pro, and nova 12 Ultra. The nova 12 features a 6.7 FHD+ 120Hz OLED screen, while the Pro and Ultra model has a 6.7 1-120 Hz LTPO OLED panel with 2160 Hz high-frequency PWM dimming support. To distinguish the Ultra model, HUAWEI has an integrated plain leather embossing design for its back, featuring the nova logo everywhere. Other models come with a glass back design with a cherry blossom pattern embedded in it. The smartphones feature the companys own da Vinci portrait engine that helps in shooting high-definition selfies in 3 distinct modes native, texture, and finish. Further, the Pro and Ultra models come with dual front-facing cameras housing a 60MP ultra-wide-angle camera with auto-focus and an 8MP portrait close-up camera. As with other recent HUAWEI phone launches, the company hasnt mentioned the SoC of the smartphones officially. But the nova 12, nova 12 Pro, and nova 12 Ultra models are reported to feature Snapdragon 778G 4G SoC, Kirin 8000, and Kirin 9000SL (down clocked Kirin 9000s) chipsets. Other highlights of the series include the use of a 50MP physical variable aperture camera (f/1.4~f/4.0 aperture) with an RYYB super-sensitive filter array as the main lens, Harmony OS 4.0, up to 1TB of storage, two-way satellite communication, and 100W wired fast charging support. HUAWEI nova 12 specifications 6.7-inch Full HD+ (2412 1084 pixels) OLED screen, up to 120 Hz refresh rate, 300 Hz touch sampling rate, 1.07 billion colors, P3 wide color gamut Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G; Adreno 642L GPU 256GB/512GB ROM Harmony OS 4.0 Dual SIM 50MP super-sensing camera (f/1.9 aperture, RYYB super-sensitive color filter array), 8MP ultra-wide-angle macro camera (f/2.2 aperture), 12MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, OIS, f/3.4 aperture, LED flash 60-megapixel ultra-wide camera (f/2.4 aperture) In-display fingerprint sensor USB Type-C Audio Dimensions: 161.54 75.36 6.98mm; Weight: 191g Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ax (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.2 LE, GPS (L1 + L5 Dual band), NFC, USB 2.0 4600mAh Li-ion battery with 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge support HUAWEI nova 12 Pro / nova 12 Ultra specifications 6.76-inch (2776 1224 pixels) FHD+ OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, LTPO (1-120Hz) technology, 300Hz touch sampling rate, P3 colour gamut, up to 1.07 billion colours Kunlun glass protection Ultra: Kirin 9000SL (Expected) / Pro: Kirin 8000 (Expected) 256GB/512GB/1TB ROM Harmony OS 4.0 Dual SIM 50-million-pixel physical variable aperture camera (f/1.4~f/4.0 aperture, RYYB super-sensitive filter array), 8MP ultra-wide-angle macro camera (f/2.2 aperture), LED flash, Laser focus sensor, Ten-channel color temperature sensor 60-megapixel ultra-wide-angle tracking camera (f/2.4 aperture, AF autofocus), 2x optical zoom; 8-megapixel portrait close-up camera (f/2.2 aperture, AF autofocus) In-display fingerprint sensor USB Type-C Audio, Stereo Speakers Dimensions: 163.14 74.96 7.68mm; Weight: 198g (Ultra) / 201g (Pro) 5G (?), Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ax (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.2 LE, GPS (L1 + L5 Dual band), NFC, USB 2.0 4600mAh Li-ion battery with 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge support Pricing and Availability: The HUAWEI nova 12 comes in Color 12, obsidian black, and cherry white colors; the nova 12 Pro comes in Color 12, Yao Gold Black, Sakura Pink, and Sakura White colors; the nova 12 Ultra comes in Color 12, smoky gray, and obsidian black. The prices for the HUAWEI nova 12 series are as follows: HUAWEI nova 12 / 256GB CNY 2999 (USD 419 / Rs. 34,917 approx.) HUAWEI nova 12 / 512GB CNY 3399 (USD 475 / Rs. 39,574 approx.) HUAWEI nova 12 Pro / 256GB CNY 3999 (USD 559 / Rs. 46,559 approx.) HUAWEI nova 12 Pro / 512GB CNY 4399 (USD 615 / Rs. 51,217 approx.) HUAWEI nova 12 Ultra / 512GB- CNY 4699 (USD 657/ Rs. 54,710 approx.) HUAWEI nova 12 Ultra / 1TB CNY 5499 (USD 769 / Rs. 64,024 approx.) These are available for pre-order starting today and will go on sale on January 5, 2024, while the Ultra model will go on sale on January 12. These can be purchased via HUAWEIs Vmall and other authorized stores in China. Source POCO has started teasing the launch of its POCO X6 series smartphones in India soon. This has the tag line The Ultimate Predator. There is also a new teaser video starring the companys brand ambassador Hardik Pandya which says the hunt begins soon without revealing any other details. POCO has also confirmed that the X6 series will be the first to be powered by MediaTek Dimensity-8300 Ultra, the same SoC that is used in the Redmi K70E, and it should be a rebranded version of the device and is expected to launch as POCO X6 Pro. The Dimensity-8300 Ultra is a huge upgrade compared to Snapdragon 778G used in the POCO X5 Pro, so we can expect a price increase. To remind you, the Redmi K70E packs a 6.67 1.5K OLED screen with up to 1800 nits peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate and 1920Hz PWM high-frequency dimming. It has 5000mm vapor chamber cooling, up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage, glass back, plastic frame, 64MP rear camera, 8MP ultra-wide and a 2MP macro camera. The phone packs a huge, 5500mAh battery with 90W fast charging. Earlier rumours revealed that POCO X6 5G will be the rebranded version of the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, which is all set to launch in India on January 4th, so POCO X6 and X6 Pro will likely launch on the same date. There are also rumours of POCO X6 Neo, which is said to be a rebranded version of Redmi Note 13R Pro. The POCO X6 series will be sold on Flipkart, similar to other POCO phones. We should know more details in the coming weeks, before the launch, which is expected sometime in January 2024. Some of the issues showed up because you installed the EFI EXH manifolds and doing so removed the heat to the bottom of the intake that keeps the air / fuel mixed when cold out and no way to heat the choke to make it open.As said the choke has 2 parts to it the electrical feed from the S lug on the ALT and the hot air from the factory log EXH manifold you no longer have in place.I am thinking the choke may not be coming off all the way and why the poor MPG and no heat to the bottom of the intake causing the fuel to drop out of the air making it run poor.Once they are fixed and we run a few tanks of fuel so we can get MPG numbers we can then make changes to get that up higher.This is going to be a long post with pictures so you and others know what we are talking about.So this is what you should have started with, manifolds and Y pipe. THe cat came with the Y pipe but I am not using it.As I said in my other post the mounting where the washers sit to pull the manifolds to the head are not even when placed on the a flat surface.I was testing how much they were off and using a belt sander on the EFI manifolds to make them even.If they dont pull up even you may get a vacuum leak at the head to intake or EXH leak they need to be even.Below you see the plate with nipples so you can run heater hose to it to heat the intake to keep the air / fuel mixed.Above you can see it installed in the factory log intake manifold. I used the metal gasket as a pattern to make a gasket to seal the plate to the manifold.Now the choke, factory log manifold has a tube that run thru the EXH manifold that get heated from the hot gasses. A tube from the carbs inlet with clean cool air flows to the top of the manifold out the bottom up to the carb choke housing. The EFI manifolds do not have this as there is no choke with EFI.You can also see the valve that sends hot gasses to the bottom of the intake to heat it. As the motor warms up that valve then moves so hot gasses dont hit the intake manifold.The screw driver is in the nipple that the cool fresh air comes from before it gets heated.You can also see the wire from the ALT S lug to the black choke cap that heats up to open the choke.I am pointing to the radiator pepcock that should not be there. This is how I bought the truck and had to fix a lot of things.This should have a compression fitting and the tube from the manifold after the air get heated goes into to heat the choke to make it open.This is what I used to make the choke work with the EFI EXH manifolds. Copper tubing from hardware store and a Dorman repair kit, I did not use everything from the kit.The copper goes from the carb clean fresh cool air like factory had it.I then run it down to 1 of the EFI manifolds and wrapped the copper around the manifold. You will want to make more wraps then I did to get more heat and get the loops as close as you can to the manifold. I dont have a picture but I used header wrap around the copper and manifold to trap more heat to get the choke to open sooner.It then goes up to the carb choke housing with heated air to open the choke. You can see the white insulated wrap from the Dorman kit to keep the air hot as it can be.Everything worked as it should even down to 20* F as I used the truck when it was that cold with out issues. I have since replaced the carb with one from Ebay trying to track down a miss, and now that it is getting colder I need to make adjustments to the choke on this new carb.It stays on a little longer then I like and the fast idle is also little higher than I like. Thing it is such a pain to get to the carb, got to remove the air filter and that is a project right there, to got to the carb and you may need to do this a few times till adjust right.I also have a AFR gauge (air fuel ratio) in the truck so I can see how rich or lean the carb is and it is also telling me how long the choke stays on and why I know I need to make adjustments to it.Dave ---- Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2023. Google Maps to Introduce Exact Locations of Speed Breakers in Pune Soon News oi -Kabir Jain The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has recently made a significant announcement aimed at enhancing road safety within the city. In a recent meeting focusing on road safety measures, the PMC decided to collaborate with Google Maps to provide users with information about the location of speed breakers across Pune. Addressing Road Safety Concerns With over 2500 speed breakers scattered throughout Pune, these road features, intended to control speeding in specific areas, often become a cause of accidents due to factors such as poor visibility. Recognizing the need to address this issue, the PMC has taken the initiative to share the precise location of each speed breaker with Google Maps. Integration with Navigation Apps The PMC's decision aligns with the widespread use of navigation apps, such as Google Maps, by ordinary citizens, cab drivers, and ride-sharing services. Additionally, many modern vehicles are equipped with built-in GPS or similar mapping systems. By leveraging this technology, the PMC aims to proactively prevent accidents and discomfort caused by speed breakers. The User Experience Once implemented, users of Google Maps can expect real-time warnings about upcoming speed breakers during their journeys. Similar to existing prompts for traffic congestion, toll plazas, and sharp turns, this feature is anticipated to enhance road safety and make driving in Pune a smoother experience. However, neither the PMC nor Google has provided a specific timeline for the implementation and release of this feature. PMC's Commitment to Road Safety In a parallel development, the PMC, along with the road department and traffic management department, discussed plans to map speed breakers on Google Maps during their recent meeting. This application is seen as a proactive step to assist residents and the government in creating safer roadways. Concerns About Speed Breaker Standards While speed breakers are essential for road safety, concerns have been raised about their installation without adhering to prescribed standards. The PMC acknowledges the importance of addressing this issue and plans to share information about all 2500 speed breakers with GPS companies. Commuter Benefits The sharing of speed breaker information with GPS companies is expected to benefit commuters by allowing them to pinpoint the exact placement of speed breakers on specific roads. This proactive approach aims to reduce accidents, maintain appropriate vehicle speeds, and provide a smoother driving experience. Commendations and Criticisms Residents have expressed positive views on the initiative, emphasizing the practicality of sharing speed breaker information through widely used navigation apps. However, some critics argue that the PMC should have implemented similar measures earlier, considering previous recommendations for a "traffic calming policy." As Pune takes a pioneering step in showing speed breaker locations on Google Maps, other metropolitan areas in India may follow suit to enhance road safety. Via Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Japan Could Make Apple Support Third-Party App Stores News -Kuldeep Singh The European Union (EU) recently took a significant step by passing the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to address concerns related to the lack of freedom in Apple's ecosystem. Now, Japan is reportedly considering similar regulatory measures targeting third-party app stores and billing systems on iOS. The Push for Change in Japan: Breaking Down Apple's Monopoly A recent report from Nikkei Asia suggests that Japan is actively working on legislation that would compel Apple to support third-party app stores on its iOS platform. This potential regulation aims to go beyond app distribution, extending to in-app purchases and billing solutions, challenging Apple's traditional App Store monopoly. The proposed change could impact major players, including Apple and Google, disrupting the established 30% commission model that Apple applies to transactions. Implications of the Proposed Legislation The anticipated legislation in Japan is expected to be comprehensive, concentrating on four key areas: app stores and payments, search, browsers, and operating systems. If enacted, the Japan Fair Trade Commission would gain the authority to impose fines for violations, with the potential penalty being around 6% of total revenue, as per existing antitrust laws. The legislation is rumored to reach the Japanese parliament in 2024, with more detailed information expected in the spring of that year. Sideloading of iOS Apps: A Potential Paradigm Shift One of the most significant changes this legislation could introduce is the requirement for Apple to support the sideloading of iOS applications. Apple has traditionally opposed sideloading, citing security and privacy concerns. The proposed shift aligns with the EU's stance, which has set a March 2024 deadline for Apple to offer some form of sideloading in the region. Contingent Pricing on the App Store In response to the evolving regulatory landscape, Apple has introduced Contingent Pricing on the App Store. This innovative approach allows developers to offer subscription discounts to users already subscribed to other services, whether from the same or different developers. This strategy aims to provide developers with more avenues to attract new customers to their subscription offerings. The Future Landscape of App Distribution and In-App Billing The potential regulatory changes in Japan signify a broader shift in the digital landscape, challenging the traditional norms of app distribution and in-app billing systems. With the EU leading the way, these developments could set a precedent for how technology giants like Apple manage their platforms. FAQ's What is Apple's app and device ecosystem commonly referred to as? Apple's app and device ecosystem is commonly referred to as a walled garden. Why is Japan considering passing its own regulation related to third-party app stores on iOS? Japan is considering passing its own regulation related to third-party app stores and billing systems on iOS to require Apple to support third-party app stores and offer alternative in-app purchase and billing solutions. What is the expected timeline for Japan to send the new legislation to the parliament? Japan could send the new legislation to the parliament sometime in 2024. What areas is the new legislation in Japan expected to focus on? The new legislation in Japan is said to focus primarily on four areas: app stores and payments, search, browsers, and operating systems. What is Contingent Pricing on the App Store? Contingent Pricing on the App Store is a feature that allows developers to offer discounts on subscription prices to users if they are already subscribed to some other service, with the goal of attracting new customers to their subscription offerings. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Microsoft Quietly Launches Copilot AI App for Android News -Rohit Agrawal Microsoft has taken a significant step in enhancing the user experience in artificial intelligence by launching a Copilot app exclusively for Android devices. This move, first reported by Neowin, indicates Microsoft's commitment to making its AI technologies more accessible to a broader audience. The launch of the Copilot app, now available on the Google Play Store, means users can enjoy the full benefits of Microsoft's AI without the prerequisite of having the Bing mobile app installed on their devices. What Does the New Copilot App Offer? The Copilot app on Android showcases an impressive array of features that are reminiscent of the capabilities of OpenAI's ChatGPT. With Copilot, users can engage with chatbot functionalities, utilize image generation via DALL-E 3, and even draft texts for emails and documents efficiently. Moreover, the app provides free access to the latest GPT-4 model by OpenAI, a feature for which users typically have to pay when using ChatGPT. This integration signifies Microsoft's aggressive strategy in incorporating cutting-edge AI into practical, everyday applications. The Evolution of Copilot in Microsoft's Ecosystem The inception of Copilot in Microsoft's ecosystem began with the integration of a ChatGPT-like interface into Bing's search results earlier this year. This was part of Microsoft's broader AI push, which has since evolved. Over a month ago, Microsoft rebranded Bing Chat to simply 'Copilot,' allowing the service to emerge as more of a standalone product. This strategy is further reflected in Copilot having its dedicated domain, copilot.microsoft.com, aligning it closer to the user experience provided by ChatGPT. Future Prospects: A Copilot App for iOS on the Horizon? While the Android community begins to explore the possibilities with the new Copilot app, iOS users are left to wonder when they will receive a version tailored for their devices. Although Microsoft has not officially released a Copilot app for iOS, it is speculated to be in the works and could be released soon. In the meantime, iOS users can still access Copilot features through the Bing app on their iPhone or iPad, ensuring that they are not entirely left out of the AI experience Microsoft is crafting. FAQ's What is the Copilot app and which platform is it exclusively available for? The Copilot app is a new application by Microsoft that enhances the user experience in artificial intelligence, and it is exclusively available for Android devices. What are the key features of the Copilot app on Android? The Copilot app on Android features chatbot functionalities, image generation via DALL-E 3, and tools to draft texts for emails and documents, as well as free access to the GPT-4 model by OpenAI. How did Microsoft integrate the Copilot service into its ecosystem? Microsoft integrated the Copilot service into its ecosystem by incorporating a ChatGPT-like interface into Bing's search results and then rebranding Bing Chat to 'Copilot,' making it a more standalone product. Can iOS users access Microsoft's Copilot features, and if so, how? Yes, iOS users can access Copilot features through the Bing app on their iPhone or iPad, even though a dedicated Copilot app for iOS has not been officially released yet. What does Microsoft's launch of the Copilot app for Android indicate about the company's strategy in AI? The launch of the Copilot app for Android indicates Microsoft's commitment to innovation in AI and its strategy to make AI technologies more accessible while recognizing the importance of standalone AI applications. Best Mobiles in India Apple's Latest Smartwatches Banned in the US After ITC Ruling News -Shonit Khanna Following a decision by President Joe Biden's administration, Apple is no longer allowed to sell its latest smartwatch models, the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, in the US. The company was forced to remove these products from both its website and physical stores, following a patent infringement ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC). This ruling has significant implications for Apple's operations and its customers in the US. Details of the Ban and Apple's Response The ban came into effect after the ITC found that Apple infringed on technology related to blood oxygen saturation, patented by Masimo, a medical technology company. Despite Apple's attempts to delay the ban during an appeal process, their request was denied by the ITC, and the final hope for a reversala veto from President Bidendid not materialize. Following the enforcement of the ban, Apple pulled the affected devices from its website on December 21st and from its store shelves after December 24th. The official statement from the Office of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai confirmed the decision to uphold the ITC's determination after "careful consideration." Apple's Legal Move and Future Strategies In the wake of the ban, Apple has confirmed through a statement released by Reuters that it strongly disagrees with the ITC's decision and is actively appealing it. Apple is exploring all possible measures to make the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 available to US customers again. Potential solutions could involve software changes to the blood oxygen sensor on the banned watches or disabling the sensor altogether on imported devices. However, such measures may still not satisfy the ITC's requirements, which raises the possibility of Apple considering a settlement with Masimo to resolve the dispute. Impact on Customers and Apple's Product Lineup The ban on sales solely affects Apple stores in the US, which means customers could still purchase the Watch Series 9 or Watch Ultra 2 from other retailers like Best Buy and Target while supplies last. However, the long-term availability of these products is uncertain. Meanwhile, Apple continues to sell the Watch SE model, which remains unaffected by the ban as it does not feature a blood oxygen sensor. Apple's strategy and response to this legal hurdle will be closely watched by both consumers and the tech industry. FAQ's Why has Apple been banned from selling its latest smartwatch models in the US? Apple has been banned from selling its latest smartwatch models, the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, in the US due to a patent infringement ruling by the International Trade Commission related to blood oxygen saturation technology patented by Masimo. When did Apple remove the affected smartwatch models from their website and stores? Apple removed the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 from its website on December 21st and from its store shelves after December 24th following the enforcement of the sales ban. What actions is Apple considering to make the banned smartwatches available again to US customers? Apple is considering software changes to the blood oxygen sensor on the banned watches or disabling the sensor altogether on imported devices, and may also consider a settlement with Masimo to resolve the dispute. Can US customers still purchase the Watch Series 9 or Watch Ultra 2 from other retailers? US customers could still purchase the Watch Series 9 or Watch Ultra 2 from other retailers like Best Buy and Target while supplies last, but the long-term availability is uncertain. Which Apple smartwatch model remains unaffected by the ban and is still available for sale? The Watch SE model remains unaffected by the ban and continues to be available for sale as it does not feature a blood oxygen sensor. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications HAMBURG, Pa., Dec. 27, 2023 -- In the spirt of holiday giving, Kelly Toyota has seized the opportunity by providing contributions to three much-needed community causes in December 2023. Kelly Toyota of Hamburg loves to share the spirit of giving locally and is happy to spread Holiday cheer among the community they proudly serve. Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. The army is battling Palestinian militants across Gaza in the war ignited by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into Israel. Ouray Hydroelectric Power Plant owner Eric Jacobson, right, talks to the crowd on Dec. 19 to celebrate his donation of 7 acres of property to the City of Ouray to preserve public access to the Uncompahgre Gorge. Thu Thursday 33 /14 Snow showers in the morning. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the mid teens. Israel's killing of Iranian military advisor to further complicate regional situation Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Dec 26, 2023 08:58 PM Israel's killing of a senior adviser in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is likely to further stimulate anti-Israel and anti-US sentiment in Iran and complicate regional conflicts, as well as the Red Sea situation, said Chinese experts. Sayyed Razi Mousavi, a senior IRGC commander was killed after Israel launched three missiles at his position in the suburbs of the Syrian capital of Damascus, Iran's official IRNA news agency quoted an Al Mayadeen correspondent as saying on Monday. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday extended condolences to the family of Mousavi. Raisi said the "malicious move by Israel was another indication of its desperation, weakness and helplessness" in the region, vowing that "Israel will definitely pay the price for its crime," according to a statement published on the website of his office. According to Reuters, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in response to a reporter's question at a nightly press conference that "I won't comment on foreign reports, these or others in the Middle East." "The Israeli military obviously has a job to protect the security interests of Israel." Mousavi commander was "responsible for backing up the resistance front in Syria," and was one of the comrades of the late Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in a drone strike near the Baghdad International Airport in January 2020, the IRGC's official news outlet Sepah News quoted an IRGC statement as saying. The statement stressed that Israel "will pay the price for this crime." Earlier this month, the IRGC said in a statement that two of its servicemen had been killed by Israeli forces "while conducting an advisory mission in Syria's Islamic resistance front." The incident came amid fears that Israel-Palestine conflict in Gaza could expand into a wider regional one. Iran is not very likely to take aggressive and direct actions in revenge, as it is not in line with Iran's interests right now. However, this move will further fuel the anti-Israel and anti-US sentiment in Iran, Zhu Yongbiao, executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Experts said the incident will surely fuel the already tense situation in the region as conflicts between Israel and Hamas, as well as Israel and Hezbollah continue. Moreover, in the Red Sea, attacks by Yemen's Houthi militia against ships connected to Israel have raised concerns over trade route. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani on Monday rejected the US accusation that an Iranian drone attacked a chemical tanker operating in the Indian Ocean. He made the remarks at a press conference in Tehran while reacting to a Saturday statement by the US Defense Department, in which the US claimed that "the motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck by a drone fired from Iran." "The US accusations are endless," Kanaani said. Iran is a key off-court player in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, said Li Shaoxian, director of the China-Arab Research Institute at Ningxia University, adding that Iran can exert influence on the Houthi militia. "Once Iran is further provoked and decides to get involved into the current conflict, it will be a regional war," Li warned. The US launched Operation Prosperity Guardian last week in respond to Houthi attacks. But some European countries, such as Spain refused to participate and the UK agreed only to send a destroyer. Only one Arab country, Bahrain, agreed to join. Different countries have varied interests in the Red Sea, making it difficult to form a unified action plan. Moreover, taking hasty actions would only lead to a confrontational situation, said Zhu, adding that countries such as Saudi Arabia are concerned that participation in the US-led patrol task force would risk its relations with Iran and provoke the Houthis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lavrov: Unconditional respect for Iran's territorial integrity is Moscow's unchanging position IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- In a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia sincerely and honestly and unconditionally respects Iran's territorial integrity, and this is Moscow's unchangeable position. During the telephone talk on Tuesday night, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian Lavrov discussed the developments in the South Caucasus, the latest state of cooperation and bilateral relations, and some regional and international issues. Referring to the current developments in the Caucasus region, Amirabdollahian welcomed the process of negotiations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia to reach a lasting peace agreement and emphasized the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran to stabilize peace and stability in the region. The Russian foreign minister congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran for signing the free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, calling it a very important step in the development of economic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia and the member countries of this union. Lavrov said that Russia sincerely and honestly and unconditionally respects the territorial integrity of Iran, and this position will not be changed by Moscow. He also pointed to the cooperation of the two countries in the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway, and considering that Moscow has completed all internal formalities for the implementation of this agreement, he emphasized his country's determination to speed up the implementation of this cooperation development plan between the two countries. In this telephone conversation, the parties emphasized on respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanese resistance targets six Zionist bases IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanese Islamic Resistance has said it has targeted six Zionist bases on Tuesday, according to Palestine's Sama News. The Lebanese resistance has also said that their forces have targeted a gathering of Zionist forces on Tuesday which has killed or injured a number of them. Zionist local media have admitted that eight Zionist forces were injured in missile attacks in northern Palestine, three of whom were transferred to hospital by helicopter. Hezbollah of Lebanon has said in a statement that it targeted six Zionist bases on Tuesday. The resistance attacks against Zionist bases occur in support for the Palestinian people who are under the most brutal invasion of the Zionist forces in Gaza Strip which has thus far killed nearly 21,000 civilians. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Don't trust them, they have no solution for Hamas tunnels: Israeli officer IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- A Zionist reserve officer has emphasized that the claims of analysts and the Israeli army about the Gaza war should not be believed. According to the Palestinian media, Ishaq Brik said that the claims made by the army and analysts should not be believed since there is no solution for Hamas tunnels. Contrary to the claims of the Israeli military spokesman and analysts, most of the clashes in Gaza are not face-to-face, Brik said. This is published while the Zionist regime has repeatedly stated unreal figures and claims about the war against Gaza, including news about military deaths and economic losses in the recent war. According to Zionist media, the Israeli regime's army has not been able to harm the Hamas movement, which has not lost control of the Gaza Strip. The Zionist regime waged its war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas launched an operation against the occupied territories on that day in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against the Palestinians. 9376**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen peace plan to be signed in Saudi Arabia in January: Report IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemen peace plan will be signed in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of next month, according to a report. Russia's Sputnik News, citing a Yemeni diplomatic source, reported that the signing of the Yemeni peace roadmap will take place in Mecca at the beginning of January. The United Nations, Saudi Arabia and Oman are making extensive preparations to sign this agreement in Mecca on the set date, which is early next January, the source said. The source also said that Saudi Arabia has agreed to pay one year's salary for all Yemeni government employees, and Yemeni oil and gas exports will be resumed in order to improve the country's economic situation. The UN special envoy for Yemen said on Saturday that the warring sides in Yemen have both committed to steps towards a ceasefire. Hans Grundberg, in a statement issued by his office, said he "welcomes the parties' commitment to a set of measures to implement a nationwide ceasefire, improve living conditions in Yemen, and engage in preparations for the resumption of an inclusive political process under UN auspices." 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Several injured in drone attack on US base in Erbil: Iraqi military IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- The spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces has said that several people were injured in a drone attack on a US military base near the Erbil Airport. According to the Iraqi News Agency, Major General Yahya Rasoul said on Monday night that a suicide drone hit near the Erbil Airport, injuring several people and suspending the activities of the airport. Earlier, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced that it had targeted the US occupation base in the Harir area in Erbil province in a drone strike. The movement confirmed that the drones hit their designated target. It also declared that it will continue to attack US occupation bases in Iraq and neighboring Syria. In support of the Palestinian nation and the people of Gaza, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has repeatedly targeted US interests in the region with rockets and drones since October 17. Fully supported by the United States, the Zionist regime waged a war on Gaza on October 7, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out a retaliatory operation against the occupying entity. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu at IDF Intelligence Unit #9900 Israel - Prime Minister's Office The 37th Government 26.12.2023 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at IDF Intelligence Unit #9900: "We say to the Hamas terrorists: We see you and we will reach you." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv, visited IDF Intelligence Unit #9900. At the start of the visit, the Prime Minister was briefed by Unit Commander Brig.-Gen. S on the main points of the visual intelligence efforts in the fighting in Gaza, the intelligence gathering technologies of the various strata, and the international cooperation in this field. Brig.-Gen. S also reviewed how the information gathered by soldiers in the field is used. Prime Minister Netanyahu also observed the system's artificial intelligence capabilities via augmented reality visors that present a three-dimensional view of the Gaza Strip. The Prime Minister then visited the "Space Center", which leads the intelligence gathering effort via satellites. Prime Minister Netanyahu at the conclusion of the visit: "We have soldiers on the ground, sometimes underground, and we have eyes in the sky. We say to the Hamas terrorists: We see you and we will reach you. We are continuing the war, and are intensifying the fighting in the southern Gaza Strip and other places. We will fight to the end, with the help of the most advanced technology." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran rejects U.S. accusation of attacking tanker in Indian Ocean People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:14, December 26, 2023 TEHRAN, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Monday rejected the U.S. accusation that an Iranian drone attacked a chemical tanker operating in the Indian Ocean. He made the remarks at a press conference in Tehran while reacting to a Saturday statement by the U.S. Defense Department, in which the U.S. claimed that "the motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck by a drone fired from Iran." "The U.S. accusations were endless," Kanaani said, rejecting them as "worthless" and saying they are aimed at diverting the global public opinion and covering up the U.S. government's full-fledged support for the Israeli attacks in Gaza and made with clear political objectives and motivations." Kanaani said Iran has always been part of the efforts to ensure the security and safety of maritime transportation and trade through international waters and acted responsibly to that end. According to the U.S. Defense Department's statement, the chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Saturday in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India. "There were no casualties, and a fire on board the tanker has been extinguished," the statement added. Over the past weeks, several commercial ships were reportedly targeted in the Red Sea by the Yemen-based Houthi group, who said its missile and drone strikes were launched as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The U.S. and British officials have accused Iran of "being behind the attacks," which was strongly rejected by Iran as "baseless." Iranian authorities have repeatedly stressed that the resistance groups in the region did not take orders from Iran and decided and acted based on their nations' own interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli PM inspects north Gaza, vows to continue fight People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:24, December 26, 2023 JERUSALEM, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toured the northern Gaza Strip on Monday and vowed to continue the fight, the prime minister's office said. Netanyahu visited the Palestinian enclave, where an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has raged, together with Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Amir Baram, the office said. "We don't stop. The war continues to the end until we finish them, nothing less," Netanyahu told Israeli soldiers. Meanwhile, at least two soldiers were killed on Monday in battles in Gaza, said the Israeli military, bringing the total death toll of Israeli soldiers since the outbreak of the conflict to 156. Since the army began its offensive in response to Hamas' surprise attack on Oct. 7, in which about 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 hostages were taken, large parts of Gaza have been devastated and most of its 2.3 million population have been displaced. At least 20,674 Palestinians were killed and 54,536 others wounded in the enclave, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey parliament's foreign affairs committee approves Sweden's NATO bid Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 7:15 PM The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee has approved Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), putting Stockholm one step closer to membership in the US-led Western military alliance. The parliamentary committee approved the bid on Tuesday after resuming the debate on approving Sweden's bid to join NATO. "The protocol [on Sweden's NATO accession] passed the committee," opposition CHP party lawmaker Utku Cakirozer, a member of the foreign affairs committee, told AFP after the vote. After Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine in 2022, Sweden and Finland decided to join the US-led intergovernmental military alliance. The two countries' requests were readily agreed to by 28 NATO member states. Turkey and Hungary had declined; however, Finland's request was later accepted and Helsinki became the North Atlantic Alliance's 31st member in April. Sweden's bid has yet to be ratified 19 months after Stockholm applied for NATO membership. NATO rules state that new members need all the 30 old members' consent to join, and this issue has remained a sticking point between Ankara and Stockholm that was further complicated after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan linked it to the Turks' request to purchase US-manufactured F-16 jetfighters. Erdogan then upped the ante by securing a pledge from the EU to resurrect the membership talks in exchange for removing its rejection of Sweden's bid to join NATO. After months of objections, Erdogan agreed at a NATO summit in July to forward Sweden's NATO membership to the Turkish parliament for approval. In July, Erdogan lifted his objections to Sweden's membership after Stockholm cracked down on Kurdish groups regarded as terrorist outfits by Ankara. "We see that there is a change in policy in Sweden. We see some decisions taken in courts, albeit few," Fuat Oktay, a lawmaker from Erdogan's ruling AKP party and head of the parliament's foreign affairs committee said in a televised interview on Monday. The committee's Tuesday approval passes the bid on to a vote by the full parliament floor, where Erdogan's ruling alliance holds the majority of seats. However, whether and when the full Turkish parliament will approve Sweden's NATO ascension bid remains unclear. "There is no strong consensus in the parliament on Sweden's NATO membership," Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, the Ankara office director of the US German Marshall Fund think tank, told AFP, adding, "Sweden's NATO membership and F-16 sales to Turkey will be handled in coordination to some extent." "But if [US President Joe] Biden and Erdogan show the necessary will, we can expect the process to be concluded soon," Unluhisarcikli concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestine asks UN to declare famine in Israeli-bombarded Gaza Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 7:01 PM The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has called on the United Nations to officially declare famine in the Gaza Strip, as the world body expresses grave concern about the continued Israeli strikes on the besieged Palestinian territory. "International reports show the spread of hunger among Palestinian families who spend entire days without food," the ministry said in a statement. More than a million people in the Gaza Strip are starving, it added. "Some 1.9 million displaced people are in shelter centers and are exposed to severe hunger and 50,000 pregnant women are in shelter centers without water, medicine, or health care," the ministry said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier said that four out of five of the hungriest people anywhere in the world are in Gaza. The Israeli onslaught has left Gaza in ruins, with half of the coastal territory's housing damaged or destroyed and nearly 2 million people displaced within the densely populated strip amid acute shortages of food and clean water. In the past day, some 250 Palestinians have been killed across Gaza. Some Israeli strikes targeted an area in the vicinity of Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis, claiming the lives of several people. Palestinians have no respite from the Israeli onslaught on Gaza as airstrikes and shelling have become a regular occurrence. They also have left the remaining shelters and minimally operational hospitals in critical overcrowding and resource shortages. In the southern strip, people woke up to another day of bloodshed, mourning the loss of their loved ones. Israeli warplanes also bombed a residential building in a refugee camp in the city of Rafah, located in the south. The bombardment left two people dead and several more injured. The attack was carried out while the area is hosting Palestinians displaced from the north and central Gaza. Those who witnessed the strikes say Israel has once again proved that no place is safe from the regime's bombing campaign on the Palestinian territory. Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed grave concern about Israel's continued bombardment of Central Gaza. In a statement, the UN Human Rights Office warned against the heightened attacks, amid what it described as a deepening and already catastrophic humanitarian situation. The statement further noted the latest attacks have obstructed relief aid from reaching those in desperate need. Israel's genocidal war is now in its 81 days. The total death toll since October 7 is nearing 21,000. Tens of thousands of others have been injured. Most of the casualties are women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel hits Red Crescent Society headquarters in Gaza Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 2:50 PM Israeli forces have attacked the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in the Gaza Strip, causing a great deal of damage to the entire facility, which is home to thousands of displaced people in the besieged territory. A Red Crescent spokesman said the headquarters, located in western Khan Younis, was targeted by the regime's air strikes on Tuesday. He said in a tweet that several people were injured in the attack. The spokesman said that there is no safe place in the besieged Gaza Strip, as Israel intensifies its relentless air and ground offensive on Palestinians. The Israeli military said its warplanes hit 100 targets in the south of the Gaza Strip in 24 hours. The attacks on the area have killed at least 241 people in the past 24 hours and injured 382 others, Gaza's Health Ministry said Tuesday. The casualties resulting from the regime's 11 weeks of constant bombing of the besieged strip nears 21, 000, more than 8000 of whom were children. Almost 55,000 people have also been wounded since the regime launched its onslaught on Gaza on Oct.7. Despite international calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the offensive will not stop, but he can encourage Palestinians to leave the enclave. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Human chessboard': UN says displaced Gazans have 'nowhere to go' as war intensifies Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 9:47 AM The United Nation says Israel's indiscriminate strikes on the Gaza Strip and incessant evacuation orders have left displaced Palestinians with "no safe place" to go. The world body's humanitarian team leader stationed in Gaza reported a lack of space for displaced Palestinians, likening the situation to a "human chessboard," as thousands of people have been displaced more than once. "People were heading south with mattresses and all of their belongings in vans and in trucks and in cars in order to try and find somewhere safe," Gemma Connell said during her visit to Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Connell noted that many are left without a clear refuge in Rafah due to the extreme congestion. "There's so little space left here in Rafah that people just don't know where they will go, and it really feels like people being moved around a human chessboard because there's an evacuation order somewhere." "People flee that area into another area. But they're not safe there," she said. The UN official added that Israeli strikes spared no areas in the besieged strip, with strikes hitting even those places which are not under "an evacuation order", referring to the tragic death of a nine-year-old boy named Ahmed in A-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, which was a supposed safe area. "He was not in an area under an evacuation order," Connell said, adding "He was in an area that was supposed to be safe. There is no safe place in Gaza." Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 20,674 Palestinians and injured more than 54,536 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dec. 25: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 9:12 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, which has claimed the lives of more than 20,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers. The operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on December 25, Monday, are as follows: Hezbollah's operations on Dec. 25: Eastern sector: At around 12:40 local time, the Beit Hilal military base, east of Kiryat Shmona, was targeted with appropriate weapons, resulting in casualties. At around 12:40 local time, the Miskav Am settlement was targeted with missiles. At around 15:30 local time, the Metulla settlement was targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 16:45 local time, Israeli regime soldiers holed up inside a building in the Al-Manara settlement were targeted with appropriate weapons, causing casualties. Western sector: At around 10:35 local time, Israeli regime soldiers in the vicinity of the Mitat Barracks were targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 13:00 local time, Israeli regime soldiers in the vicinity of the Birkat Risha site were targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 13:00 local time, Israeli regime soldiers in the vicinity of the Hanita site were targeted with appropriate weapons, resulting in many casualties. At around 15:30 local time, the Avivim settlement was targeted with appropriate weapons. Iraqi resistance's operations on Dec. 25: A drone pounded a US military base close to Erbil airport in Iraqi Kurdistan, causing extensive damage and casualties. Another drone targeted a US-led coalition military base, close to Harir, northeast of Erbil. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US military pounds three Iraqi resistance sites following retaliatory strikes Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 6:22 AM The US military has carried out air strikes against three sites used by anti-terror resistance forces in Iraq, after a military base in the country's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region where American occupation troops and trainers are stationed came under a drone attack. "US military forces conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by Kata'ib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq," the Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said in a statement. An Iraqi security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Arabic-language al-Sumaria television channel that 12 service members of the Ministry of Interior as well as seven fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Sha'abi, have sustained injuries in a US strike against a military facility in Hillah city, located 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of the capital Baghdad. Press TV sources said that one PMU member has also been killed in the strike. "These precision strikes are a response to a series of attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria, including an attack by Kata'ib Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Erbil Air Base earlier today," Austin said. That attack wounded three US military personnel, one critically, US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a separate statement. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, in a statement published on its Telegram channel, claimed responsibility for the strike, which was carried out with a one-way attack drone. Biden was briefed on the attack on Monday morning, and directed the strikes in a call with Austin and other national security officials after ordering the Pentagon to prepare a response, the White House National Security Council said. At President Joe Biden's direction, the US military carried out the strikes at 1:45 GMT on Tuesday, likely killing "a number of Kata'ib Hezbollah" members and destroying multiple facilities used by the group, General Michael Erik Kurilla, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), said in a statement. The strikes on the US-run military installation in Iraq and neighboring Syria come amid growing anti-US sentiments over Washington's firm support for Israel's war against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has killed at least 20,674 people, most of them women and children. Another 54,536 individuals have been wounded as well. The Israeli regime launched the war after Gaza's resistance groups conducted Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, their biggest operation against the occupying entity in years. Since the onset of the war on October 7, the United States has backed Israel's ferocious attacks on Palestinian territory as a means of "self-defense." The US House of Representatives on November 2 passed a standalone $14.3-billion military assistance package for Israel. The legislation, however, is yet to clear the Senate. Washington has also vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions that called for a ceasefire in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WHO decries Israel's 'harrowing' strike on Gaza's Maghazi refugee camp Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 2:22 AM The World Health Organization has denounced a recent airstrike by the Israeli regime on a refugee camp in the besieged Gaza Strip, which claimed the lives of at least 70 Palestinians. "WHO's team heard harrowing accounts shared by health workers and victims of the suffering caused by the explosions," the UN health agency's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a Monday post on X social media platform. "One child had lost their whole family in the strike on the camp. A nurse at the hospital suffered the same loss, with his entire family killed," he added. His remarks came a day after an Israeli airstrike targeted the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central part of Gaza, which has been the subject of a genocidal war by the regime since October 7. Following the attack, Gaza's Health Ministry said the strike had destroyed a "residential block," adding that the "toll is likely to rise" given the large number of families residing there and the fact that many people were still under the rubble. Describing the Israeli attack on Sunday, the ministry's spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said, "What is happening at the al-Maghazi camp is the annihilation of an entire residential square." "Palestinian health authorities reported that 70 people were killed, while Al-Aqsa Hospital staff reported receiving around 100 casualties," Tedros said, adding, "The hospital is taking in far more patients than its bed capacity and staff can handle." "Many will not survive the wait," the WHO's head warned, insisting that "this latest strike on a Gazan community shows just why we need a #CeasefireNOW." The senior UN official noted, "WHO is extremely concerned about the unbearable strain that escalating hostilities are putting on the few hospitals across Gaza that remain open - with most of the health system decimated and brought to its knees." The regime launched its onslaught on Gaza following an operation by the territory's resistance movements, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm. At least 20,674 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in the regime's aggression so far. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu's plan to displace Gazans reveals true goal of Israeli genocide: Palestinian Foreign Ministry Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 12:12 AM The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Israeli prime minister's plan to allegedly "facilitate" displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, which is currently under the regime's genocidal war. In a statement on Monday, the ministry said Benjamin Netanyahu's plan and his latest remarks in this regard reveal the true goal of Israel's bloody onslaught on Gaza. "The remarks and positions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a number of Likud Party leaders at a recent meeting regarding their plan to facilitate the displacement of [Palestinian] citizens from the Gaza Strip constitute a clear confession that reveals the true goal of the genocidal war led by Netanyahu against our people in the Strip," the ministry said. "Netanyahu's support for the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip calls for a courageous international stance to immediately stop the aggression against the Gaza Strip and stop the crime of ethnic cleansing and displacement [of Gazans] before it is too late," it noted. The regime launched its onslaught on Gaza on October 7 following an operation by the territory's resistance movements, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm. At least 20,674 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in the regime's aggression, which purportedly sees forced displacement of Gazans from the coastal territory as one of its goals. Earlier on Monday, Israeli media said Netanyahu was pushing for plans to implement "voluntary migration" of the Palestinians in Gaza to other countries. Addressing a closed-door parliamentary session for his ruling Likud Party, Netanyahu reportedly said, "Our problem is the countries that are willing to absorb [them], and we are working on it." Referring to support of the United States and its Western allies for Israel's war of genocide in Gaza, the Palestinian ministry said Netanyahu's comments were "a slap in the face to all countries that have supported Israel in its war against our people and still do so under the pretext of self-defense." Hamas: Netanyahu selling illusions The Gaza-based Hamas resistance movement also reacted to the Israeli premier's comments, calling his plan ridiculous and a pretext to prolong the onslaught on the blockaded territory. "The statement made by the war criminal Netanyahu about the plan for 'voluntary migration' of our Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip is a ridiculous scheme and an attempt to sell illusions to prolong the aggression after he and his Nazi army failed to achieve their goals," Hamas said. Palestinians, the movement added, "have affirmed their decisive stance by rejecting deportation, displacement and migration." "They have affirmed that there is no option but to remain firm on our land. We will not allow this foreign and intruding enemy ... to implement any plan that would obliterate our cause or displace our people from their land," the movement concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Squadron commanding officer on US aircraft carrier removed The commanding officer of an electronic attack squadron on the Carl Vinson was removed for 'loss of confidence.' By RFA Staff 2023.12.26 -- William Coulter, the commanding officer of an electronic attack squadron on the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, was removed last week "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command," the U.S. Navy has said. The carrier is in the South China Sea at the moment. Cmdr. Coulter served as the commanding officer of the Electronic Attack Squadron 136 (VAQ-136) since January 2023, according to the Navy's statement. The VAQ-136, nicknamed "Gauntlets" and deployed aboard the Carl Vinson since October, flies a number of EF-18G Growler aircraft. This type of aircraft is used to disrupt enemy radar and other electronics. "Navy commanding officers are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct," the statement said. "They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards." No further details were given and it is unclear how the removal would affect the carrier's operations. Radio Free Asia has contacted the U.S. Navy for more information. USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is a Nimitz-class, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and the flagship of the Navy's Carrier Strike Group 1. It's homeported in San Diego but currently on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The carrier and its escorts have just visited Singapore from Dec. 17-21 and are back in the South China Sea, according to USNI News published by the U.S. Naval Institute, an independent member association focusing on naval matters. The carrier strike group comprises the USS Carl Vinson, Carrier Air Wing 2, cruiser USS Princeton and two destroyers - USS Kidd and USS Sterett. It is one of the few extra-regional naval forces currently operating in South East Asia over the Christmas period, USNI News said, adding that Australian, Canadian and Russian navies all had wrapped up their Indo-Pacific deployments and returned home in the second half of December. In November, the Carl Vinson joined naval forces of Australia, Canada and Japan in the Japan-led Annualex exercise in the Pacific, in which the Philippines was also present as an observer. The exercise came as the U.S. and allies strengthen their cooperation in the region amid rising security challenges from China. Last week Japan formally handed over an air surveillance radar system to the Philippines. Manila in recent months has been embroiled in a series of confrontations with Beijing in the South China Sea. "For months, the Philippines has been making provocations on Ren'ai Jiao and other issues and drawing forces outside the region into those issues," Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Mao Ning told a press briefing on Monday, referring to the Second Thomas Shoal by its Chinese name. The Philippines has accused China of repeatedly attempting to block its resupply missions to the troops stationed on the shoal. "China is compelled under those circumstances to take necessary measures to firmly respond to it," Mao said, adding: "We hope the Philippines will stop pursuing the wrong course at once." Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Outspoken former Vietnam lawmaker facing additional criminal charge Luu Binh Nhuong was widely known for speaking out against law enforcement agencies in the National Assembly. By RFA Vietnamese 2023.12.26 -- A former lawmaker who was expelled from Vietnam's ruling Communist Party following his arrest last month is facing an additional criminal charge of "abusing power for personal benefit," police announced on Tuesday. Luu Binh Nhuong was widely known for speaking out against law enforcement agencies at the National Assembly during the 2016-2021 term. The Thai Binh Provincial Police's Investigation Agency issued its first arrest warrant for him - for extortion charges - on Nov. 14. The newest charge from Thai Binh police alleges that Nhuong made hundreds of thousands of dollars by using his position "to influence others for personal gains," police said. No further details were provided. During an Assembly session in 2018, he criticized the Ministry of Public Security and said police had made "terrible mistakes." As deputy head of the Assembly's People's Petitions Committee, Nhuong received public praise for investigating the cases of people seeking justice, including a Hoa Binh province man who was executed in September despite international criticism of the case. The arrest in November was related to the case of convicted criminal Pham Minh Cuong, who is a suspect in a property appropriation case. According to the Thai Binh police website, Nhuong helped Cuong carry out extortion activities by interfering in the work of government agencies. Nhuong was also a member of the Assembly's Social Affairs Committee during the 2016-2021 term. He was not recommended for re-election as a lawmaker because at age 60 he was deemed to be old. Under General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the Communist Party has continued an anti-corruption campaign that began in 2022 and has resulted in the discipline or dismissal of dozens of government officials. The party's Central Inspection Committee announced its decision to expel Nhuong on Dec. 20. Being expelled from the party is the ultimate disgrace for a member of Vietnam's elite class because they no longer have the privileges and protection that party membership confers, and they can be in more legal jeopardy if suspected of crimes. Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Opposition In Serbia Holds Ninth Day Of Protest Over Alleged Election Fraud By RFE/RL's Balkan Service December 26, 2023 Several hundred people gathered on December 26 in Belgrade for another protest organized by the opposition to demand the cancellation of elections held earlier this month. It was the ninth day of protests by the Serbia Against Violence coalition since parliamentary and local elections on December 17 in which the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of President Aleksandar Vucic declared victory at all levels. The Serbia Against Violence coalition accuses the SNS of election fraud, which the party and the state leadership deny. "We will not recognize the theft, and the electoral will of the citizens will be defended," Vladimir Obradovic, the Serbia Against Violence coalition's candidate for mayor of Belgrade, said during the protest on December 26. As Obradovic spoke the protest continued in front of the Palace of Justice, where the Belgrade courts and the Prosecutor-General's Office are located. The protesters demanded the release of all people arrested after a protest on December 24, saying they were being held unjustly. Almost 40 demonstrators were arrested after incidents following that protest, which was the first to turn violent. Police officers inside the assembly building prevented some people from entering, using tear gas and pepper spray after windows of the building were broken. The police said eight officers were injured. The Serbia Against Violence coalition said the incidents were carried out by "hooligans sent by the government." Separately, Marinika Tepic, a leading figure in Serbia's main opposition party, vowed to press on with a hunger strike to protest election fraud. Tepic, who went on hunger strike along with five colleagues following the vote, was placed on intravenous drips following a deterioration in her health on December 25. She told Reuters in an interview that she planned to reject further medical advice to end her protest. "They will probably ask me to stop the hunger strike and I will ask them to help this struggle to continue," Tepic said. "This is the struggle for our freedom." Tepic echoed the claims of the opposition accusing authorities of including dead people on voter lists and bringing in ethnic Serbs from Bosnia-Herzegovina and other former Yugoslav republics to vote in Belgrade, thus handing victory to the SNS. The electoral commission announced on December 24 that it determined following a check of voter lists that the claims were "not true." Vucic has denied allegations by domestic nongovernmental organizations, foreign observers, and opposition figures of electoral irregularities. He said the vote took place in a democratic atmosphere and was "the most peaceful ever in modern history." The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other international observers denounced what they called a series of "irregularities" in the voting. Domestic nongovernmental election-monitoring groups also alleged irregularities following the vote. The U.S. State Department has called on the authorities in Serbia to cooperate with the OSCE mission in investigating allegations of electoral irregularities. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-opposition-protests- elections-ninth-day/32748279.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian Groups Say Talks Underway Over Egyptian Proposal on Gaza Strip Sputnik News 20231226 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Palestinian groups said on Tuesday they were holding detailed discussions on an Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, the Asharq News broadcaster reported Egypt had presented Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas with its three-stage proposal to end the war in the Gaza Strip and a post-conflict settlement. "The Egyptian document is the result of important and major efforts and is being discussed thoroughly," the groups said in a joint statement to Saudi news channel Al-Hadath. The groups also said they were open to Egypt acting as a mediator in the conflict and appreciated its efforts to end the war. Later in the day, the Al Arabiya broadcaster reported the United States supported key points of Egypt's three-point plan for Gaza. 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 20,900 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Conducts 'Retaliatory' Strikes Against Kataib Hezbollah, Other Groups in Iraq Sputnik News 20231226 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States carried out strikes against three targets of Kataib Hezbollah and associated groups in Iraq in response to a drone attack on Erbil Air Base where coalition forces are stationed, the US Department of Defense said on Tuesday. On Monday, the Iraqi military said that a military base hosting the US-led international coalition forces near the airport of Erbil had been attacked by a drone. "Today, at President Biden's direction, US military forces conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin said in a statement. The statement added that three US servicemen were injured as a result of Monday's attack on the Erbil base, with one of them being in critical condition. The US Central Command said on X that these airstrikes reached their targets and destroyed facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah militants and affiliated groups. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: Senior Humanitarian Coordinator for Gaza, cholera spreading in Sudan, aid for eastern Ukraine 26 December 2023 - A veteran Dutch diplomat and politician who previously held top UN positions has been appointed Senior Humanitarian Coordinator for Gaza, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced on Tuesday. Holland's outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Sigrid Kaag will facilitate, coordinate, monitor and verify aid consignments to the embittered enclave, in line with a recent Security Council resolution. She will also establish a mechanism to accelerate humanitarian relief shipments through States that are not party to the conflict. She is expected to take up the assignment on 8 January. Wide-ranging experience Ms. Kaag has a wealth of experience in political, humanitarian and development affairs, as well as in diplomacy. Most recently, she served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and first woman Finance Minister in the Dutch government since January 2022. Prior to this, she was Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation from October 2017 to May 2021, and Minister for Foreign Affairs until that September. Her other achievements include being elected leader of the social liberal party D66 in September 2020, which she led to victory in elections held the following March. Ms. Kaag has held a wide range of senior positions in the UN system. She served as Special Coordinator for Lebanon from 2015 to 2017, and before this was the Special Coordinator of the Joint Mission of the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the UN in Syria. Her other posts have included Assistant SecretaryGeneral with the UN Development Programme from 2010 to 2013, and Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa with the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) from 2007 to 2010. Prior to that, Ms. Kaag served in several senior positions with UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA. On Friday, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 2070 which, among other points, demands immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to Palestinian civilians throughout the Gaza Strip. The resolution requested the Secretary-General to appoint a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator and called for the "expeditious" establishment of the UN mechanism to ramp up aid distribution. Fighting hampers cholera response in Sudan The conflict in Sudan continues to block efforts to respond to a deadly cholera outbreak that continues to spread across the country, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Tuesday. The number of suspected cases has increased by more than 100 per cent over the past month, with nearly 8,300 suspected cases and more than 200 deaths reported in nine states as of 23 December, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Sudan's Ministry of Health. This includes more than 1,800 suspected cholera cases in Al Jazirah state, where intense clashes this month between the Sudanese army and a rival military group known as the Rapid Support Forces have displaced at least 300,000 people. OCHA said humanitarians have been working to support the detection and treatment of cholera cases, as well as vaccination campaigns, but the ongoing fighting continues to hamper response efforts and disrupt access to basic public health services. Roughly two-thirds of Sudan's population lacks access to healthcare, with more than 70 per cent of hospitals in conflict-impacted areas no longer functional. Ukraine: Winter support for civilians in Kharkiv Region Meanwhile, the UN and humanitarian partners continue to support civilians in Ukraine who have been severely impacted by the Russian invasion, as the onset of winter heightens their suffering. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, led an aid convoy to the Kharkiv Region, located in the east, on Monday - Christmas Day. The trucks brought food, blankets, winter clothes, hygiene kits, and home repair supplies to nearly 1,500 civilians in Kivsharivka, a front-line town that has been devastated by the war. Whilst there, Ms. Brown reported hearing the constant sound of explosions and artillery fire. Residents and local authorities reported that ongoing shelling has disrupted their access to critical services and supplies, deepening their reliance on humanitarian assistance. Many of those remaining in Kivsharivka are older people, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. On Christmas Eve, Ms. Brown and a group of aid workers visited the rural village of Hroza, where an attack on 5 October killed 59 people, roughly 20 per cent of the population. Ms. Brown spoke with some of the survivors she first met while visiting Hroza the day after the attack. In the immediate aftermath, the UN and humanitarian partners delivered household items, hygiene supplies, and home repair materials, as well as cash assistance and psychological support to civilians. This year, the humanitarian community has provided life-saving assistance to more than 970,000 people in the Kharkiv Region and to more than 10.5 million overall across Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen's Houthis claim fresh attacks on cargo ship in Red Sea, Israeli city People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:14, December 27, 2023 SANAA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Tuesday claimed responsibility for fresh attacks on a commercial ship in the Red Sea and on the Israeli city of Eilat in the northern part of the Red Sea. "Our naval forces carried out a military operation against a commercial ship called MSC UNITED, with naval missiles," Houthi military spokesman Yehya Sarea said in a statement aired live by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "The attack came after the ship's crew refused to answer calls from our naval forces for three times, and ignored our repeated warning messages," he said. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a British maritime observer agency, reported two explosions early in the day near a commercial cargo ship in the southern end of the Red Sea, about 50 nautical miles west of Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, which is under the control of the Houthi fighters. In the meantime, the spokesman said the Houthi forces also launched another attack toward the Israeli city of Eilat, using "a number of suicide drones." But the Israeli military, which released the video footage of the interception, said in a statement on Tuesday that an Israeli aircraft "successfully intercepted a hostile aerial target that approached Israeli territory in the area of the Red Sea." Currently, there are no reports of casualties or damage from the two attacks. The Houthi attacks came after a series of missiles and suicide drone attacks claimed by the group against dozens of cargo ships navigating the Red Sea throughout the past few weeks since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on Oct. 7. The Houthis on Sunday made a clear threat to the United States and its allies, demanding them withdraw their battleships from the Red Sea, otherwise, the militant group would turn the sea into a "burning arena." Last week, the U.S. announced the formation of a 10-nation naval task force 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 Palestinian enclave. The Houthis control large swathes of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the strategic port city of Hodeidah on the coast of the Red Sea, where up to 12 percent of world trade passes through. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Philippines actions in South China Sea extremely dangerous, ignoring China's goodwill, restraint People's Daily Online By Zhong Sheng (People's Daily) 09:33, December 27, 2023 Recently, the Philippines has repeatedly stirred up trouble in the South China Sea, continuously infringing on China's sovereignty, making provocative moves in the waters of Ren'ai Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao, and spreading disinformation to smear China. As a country from outside the region, the United States not only encouraged and supported the Philippines' provocative moves, but also distorted facts and made irresponsible accusations against China, irresponsibly escalating tensions in the region. The Philippines, bolstered by the support of extraterritorial forces, has brushed aside China's goodwill and restraint, and has repeatedly challenged China's principles and red line. This is extremely dangerous and poses a serious threat to regional peace, stability, prosperity and development. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao, and their adjacent waters. This was established in the long course of history and is consistent with international law including the UN Charter. The Philippines promised to tow away a warship illegally "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao 24 years ago. But 24 years on, the warship is still there. Over the course of this year, the Philippines has gone back on its words and kept sending government and military vessels into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao to supply construction materials for the large-scale repair and reinforcement of the "grounded" warship and permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao. These moves gravely violated China's sovereignty and went against international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. It has been the Philippines who is breaching the common understandings with China and heightening tensions in the South China Sea. It is the Philippines who has attempted to change the current status of Ren'ai Jiao and make it a fait accompli, and it is the Philippines who has on every occasion courted external forces to put pressure on China. This is an undeniable fact that cannot be changed no matter how the Philippine side tries to manipulate it. In response to the Philippines' provocations, the China Coast Guard (CCG) responded in accordance with laws to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty. The CCG's operations were reasonable, legitimate, and professional. China firmly opposes the Philippines' attempt to occupy Ren'ai Jiao and has made clear its solemn position to the Philippine side at various levels and through multiple channels, putting forward proposals for properly managing the situation. It is against the principles of international law and legally untenable for the Philippines to cite the "award" of the South China Sea arbitration, which is illegal, null and void, to claim that Ren'ai Jiao falls within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and deny China's sovereignty over it. China will continue to do what is necessary in accordance with domestic and international laws to resolutely respond to provocative moves that infringe on China's sovereignty and defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. At the same time, China has been committed to enhancing communication with the Philippines with sincerity and goodwill to properly handle the tension. China hopes that the Philippines will make the right choice, and seriously honor its commitment to properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation. The Philippines relies on the United States as an extraterritorial force to cause trouble and provocation in the South China Sea. The United States has been inciting and supporting the Philippines' attempts to repair and reinforce its warship that was deliberately "grounded" on Ren'ai Jiao. The United States even sent over military aircraft and vessels to assist and support the Philippines, and repeatedly sought to threaten China by citing the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. Instead of honoring its commitment to not taking a position on the South China Sea, the United States blatantly emboldened the Philippines' violation of China's sovereignty, confounding right with wrong and deflecting blame. It has been acting as a scaremonger on security issues that stokes confrontation and antagonism. This seriously violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and gravely jeopardizes regional peace and stability, which is extremely irresponsible and dangerous. Rigoberto Tiglao, former spokesperson for former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said in a recent article that the irrationality of the Philippines is a testament to the power of U.S. propaganda. He noted that the United States demonizes China as a threat to countries in the region such as the Philippines, saying "It was so easy for the U.S. to brainwash us." The United States has repeatedly attempted to stir up trouble in the South China Sea through the Philippines, to undermine China's relationships with regional countries and enlist their support in its geopolitical strategy to contain China. The United States once pulled strings behind the scenes when the political drama of the so-called South China Sea arbitration was staged, and now it is actively drawing in the Philippine government, intensifying military deployments around the waters in the South China Sea, and conducting so-called joint patrols, exercises, and training with its allies in the region. Through these actions, the United States has again and again sent erroneous signals to the Philippines under the guise of so-called "security commitments." Thoughtful people in the Philippines can see through the U.S. ploy of binding and instigating the Philippines to serve as cannon fodder in order to maintain the U.S. hegemony. Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Manila-based think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, noted that the U.S. efforts to draw in the Philippines are escalating tensions, divisions, and conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region, which not only threatens regional peace and stability, but also exacerbates militarization in the Philippines and the entire region at large. The collusion between the Philippines and the United States has led to the escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, which goes against the trend of the times and does not serve the overall interests of regional countries. China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation with ASEAN countries, including the Philippines. However, China will never accept any threats, coercion, or groundless accusations and attacks. China unswervingly upholds its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. If the Philippines misjudges the situation, continues to act recklessly, and even collaborates with ill-intentioned external forces to continue causing troubles, China will respond firmly and resolutely defend its rights in accordance with the law. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Operation Iron Swords - Day 81 - 26 December 2023 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Netanyahu said Israel will retain overriding security responsibility over Gaza for foreseeable future. Destruction, demilitarization and deradicalization sum up the Israeli prime minister's formula for peace. These are the three prerequisites for peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors in Gaza, he wrote in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal. He warned that unjustly blaming Israel for civilian casualties will only encourage Hamas and other terror organizations around the world to use human shields. To render this cruel and cynical strategy ineffective, the international community must place the blame for these casualties squarely on Hamas. It must recognize that Israel is fighting the bigger battle of the civilized world against barbarism. The expectation that the Palestinian Authority will demilitarize Gaza is a pipe dream. It currently funds and glorifies terrorism in Judea and Samaria and educates Palestinian children to seek the destruction of Israel, he wrote. Not surprisingly it has shown neither the capability nor the will to demilitarize Gaza. It failed to do so before Hamas booted it out of the territory in 2007, and it has failed to do so in the territories under its control today. For the foreseeable future Israel will have to retain overriding security responsibility over Gaza. Third, Gaza will have to be deradicalized, he said, noting that the school system will have to be reformed so that children are taught to cherish life rather than death. Preaching death to Jews from mosques must cease and Palestinian civil society transformed, he continued. Successful deradicalization took place in Germany and Japan after the Allied victory in World War II. Today, both nations are great allies of the U.S. and promote peace, stability and prosperity in Europe and Asia, Netanyahu said. Once Hamas is destroyed, Gaza is demilitarized and Palestinian society begins a deradicalization process, Gaza can be rebuilt and the prospects of a broader peace in the Middle East will become a reality, he concluded. Operational Update On the 82nd day of the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip , the Israeli army continues its military operations on land, air and sea, while the Al- Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) - broadcast images that it said were targeting Israeli vehicles penetrating the Sheikh Zayed area in northern Gaza. Al Jazeera's camera also monitored a missile salvo launched from Gaza, as a result of which sirens sounded in Ashkelon on the Gaza Strip. The Al-Qassam Brigades published two video clips, one of them luring an Israeli special force through an elaborate ambush, and the other targeting a foot force in the northern Gaza Strip. In the first clip, Al-Qassam broadcast scenes of the process of luring an Israeli special force to a house in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip and destroying the house with 3 personnel bombs, a shock device, and a strobe device. According to the Brigades' statement, the operation led to "the killing of the entire force, and the seizure of a Hanegev machine gun." The other clip relates to the targeting of an Israeli foot force penetrating the Sheikh Zayed Mosque area in the northern Gaza Strip. Al-Qassam has been documenting its operations against the occupation army forces and vehicles - in various combat axes - since the start of the Israeli ground operation late last October, as the brigades use anti-personnel missiles, armor and fortifications, in addition to precise ambushes and precise sniper operations. The Al -Qassam Brigades said that its fighters blew up a tunnel opening in an Israeli force consisting of 8 soldiers east of the Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip, leaving them dead and wounded. Northeast of the Bureij camp, Al-Qassam confirmed that it had targeted a troop carrier, killing and wounding its members. It also announced that two Merkava tanks had been targeted with Al-Yassin 105 shells in the same area. In the southern Gaza Strip, the brigades targeted an occupation tank and a military bulldozer north of the city of Khan Yunis with Al-Yassin 105 shells. The military wing of Hamas published video clips documenting previous operations, which included booby-trapping a house in Beit Hanoun and killing 5 soldiers there after luring them to it, targeting two Israeli forces in the Jabalia and Sheikh Zayed areas, and bombing a military jeep in the Abraj al-Nada area in the northern Gaza Strip. For its part, the Al- Quds Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement - said that it and the Al-Qassam Brigades were able to target 5 Israeli military vehicles in the advance axes in Jabalia al-Balad, north of the Gaza Strip. The brigades also said that they bombed - in two batches - Ashkelon, Sderot, and settlements in the northern Gaza Strip with missile salvos. On Al Jazeera, experts and analysts said that Israel's talk about a third phase of the war on the Gaza Strip is an escape from military failure, while their opinions differed about Iran's response and its possible location to the assassination of its prominent military advisor in Syria. Israeli affairs expert Dr. Muhannad Mustafa believes that the occupations talk about a new phase in the Gaza war is an escape forward after failing to achieve the goals, and an attempt to reduce popular pressure on Benjamin Netanyahus government due to the losses of the occupation army. The expert adds that the rate of dead officers in the ranks of the Israeli army is the highest in the history of the Tel Aviv wars, noting that Israel hopes that the new phase of the war will reduce the burden of the economic repercussions and the cost of calling up reserve soldiers, and it also comes within the framework of Netanyahus tendency to prolong the duration of the war. He indicated that Netanyahu presented in an article his vision for a political solution through three points: These are: eliminating the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), turning Gaza into a demilitarized zone, and educating the Palestinians about the so-called love of life, which in practice means a long occupation of the Gaza Strip. Israeli media reported that the Israeli army is preparing to move to the third phase of the fighting in Gaza in the coming weeks, which includes ending the ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip, reducing forces, demobilizing reserve soldiers, resorting to concentrated air strikes, and establishing a buffer zone on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. In turn, Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Dr. Khalil Al-Anani, said that there is an Israeli-American disagreement over the form of the war, its duration, and the post-war phase, as Netanyahu rejects the return of the Palestinian Authority, contrary to Washingtons wishes. However, Al-Anani asserts that electoral calculations pushed US President Joe Biden to blindly follow Netanyahu and surrender to his tendencies, especially since the former is weak and shaky despite his desire to end the war as quickly as possible. For his part, the military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, explains that there are no real separations between the stages of the Gaza war, and these stages that are being talked about are not consistent with the standards taught in military institutes. Because certain goals have not been achieved to move on to others. He added that the fighting in the northern Gaza Strip is still continuing, and what actually happened separated the ground operation before the temporary truce and after it, by starting a ground phase in Khan Yunis in the south, believing that the perception revolves around the shape of the war in the next phase. Regarding the repercussions of the assassination of Radhi Mousavi, one of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards advisors in Syria, Dr. Muhannad said that there is a kind of Israeli reassurance given the history of the conflict with Iran, expecting the response to be via Irans arms, likely to intensify the confrontations on the northern front between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah. But Al-Anani believes that Tehran may use the Yemeni front as it is softer and more vital than the fronts of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, especially in light of the movements of the Ansar Allah Houthi group in the Red Sea, and the pursuit of ships heading to Israeli ports. In turn, military expert Fayez Al-Duwairi said that the killing of the Iranian advisor will not cast a large shadow on the current reality, recalling the liquidation operations that took place against Iranian generals and others inside Syria, and the Iranian responses were not up to the level of statements. Military expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi said that the house bombing operation carried out by the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) - against Israeli forces in Beit Hanoun and the Bureij camp, reflects the accuracy of information and good expectations on the part of the resistance. The Al-Qassam Brigades published two video clips one of them luring an Israeli special force through an elaborate ambush east of the Bureij refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, and the other targeting a foot force inside a house in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. The Al-Qassam Brigades said that the house bombing operation led to "the killing of the entire force, and the seizure of a Hanegev machine gun." Commenting on the operation, Al-Duwairi said that the house that was booby-trapped seemed distinct in terms of its location, which prompted Al-Qassam to booby-trap it in advance, adding, This means that the resistance expected the forces to enter the place. He explained that the operation was carried out using paste explosives whose strength is 3 or 4 times the explosive power of TNT. In the operation to lure the foot force carried out by Al-Qassam, east of the Bureij camp, Al-Duwairi also said that it reflects the accuracy of planning and information, pointing out that these operations are taking place in areas that Israel claims to have completely controlled. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy said that the war launched by Israel on the Gaza Strip will likely continue for several months. Halevy added to reporters on the border with Gaza that there are no quick ways to dismantle the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), stressing that the Israeli army will reach the leadership of Hamas whether that takes weeks or months, as he put it. He added that they are fighting in the most complex conditions ever, and that the army will do everything to return those detained by Hamas to their families. He also said that the army is close to completing the dismantling of the brigades affiliated with Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip, in reference to the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades , adding that they are currently focusing their efforts in the southern Gaza Strip, specifically the city of Khan Yunis and the central camps, as he put it. He explained that the Israeli leadership will conduct in-depth investigations that will not exclude any detail, regarding the circumstances of what happened last October 7, in reference to the Al- Aqsa Flood Operation launched by the Palestinian resistance, led by the Al-Qassam Brigades. Ofir Gendelman, Netanyahu's spokesman, said that Gaza must be disarmed, and a temporary security zone must be established along the Strip's border with southern Israel, in addition to inspection mechanisms on the border between Gaza and Egypt to prevent weapons smuggling. Regarding the future of Gaza after the war, Gendelman said that in the foreseeable future, Israel will retain security responsibility in the Gaza Strip, but the expectation that the Palestinian Authority will disarm Gaza is an imaginary expectation, according to him. The Israeli army is diving into the Gaza quagmire. With these words, Yossi Yehoshua, the military and security affairs correspondent for the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, described what the occupation forces penetrating into the Gaza Strip are experiencing. His description agrees with analyzes that the ground battles are tending to be a war of attrition, which reflects the steadfastness of the Hamas movement , which inflicts heavy losses on the Israeli army in terms of soldiers, equipment, and military vehicles. These words, which Yehoshua summarized by saying, The Israeli army is immersed in the Gaza quagmire, and the Gaza mud has become a reality, carry within them messages that refute the Israeli armys claims that it controls large areas in the northern Gaza Strip, and also express the challenges facing the invading forces, in light of the battles. Fierce and violent clashes with Palestinian resistance factions, which cause deaths and injuries among soldiers daily. The military analyst added that the stormy weather made matters worse and made incursions more difficult, while the complexities of ground battles worsened, represented by face-to-face clashes, zero distance, firing shells and anti-tank and anti-armor missiles, as well as setting up ambushes, planting explosive devices, throwing explosives, and the fear of friendly fire, all of which... Guerrilla warfare features, as he described it. Yehoshua explained that the Israeli army is facing pre-prepared scenarios by Hamas fighters who are hiding in tunnels, booby-trapping homes and firing anti-tank shells. He stressed that these scenarios turned into a reality on the ground during the course of the ground battles, saying, These circumstances and Hamas preparations lead us to pay and will pay heavy prices in the face of the mission of occupying the land, clearing it of militants, and eliminating Hamas, so that the residents of the Western Negev can return to their homes. The simple truth, says the military analyst, "is that air strikes and artillery alone will not achieve this result. Hamas has built an underground city that the Israeli army is working to dismantle, which is difficult, painful and expensive." Yehoshua quotes a military source in the Israeli army as saying that Hamas is less inclined to engage in clashes and direct confrontation or to launch organized incursions, and prefers to fire from behind, plant explosive devices and mines against military equipment and machinery, and blow up and demolish buildings over the Israeli army forces. The same reading was reviewed by the military analyst in the newspaper "Haaretz", Amos Harel, who confirmed that a few attacks are enough for Hamas to cause the Israeli army to incur daily losses of lives and equipment, even in areas controlled by the army, which are witnessing fierce battles and violent clashes. The military analyst explained that the continuation of the Israeli armys ground military operations in the Gaza Strip entails severe friction with the defensive formations of the Hamas movement, which continues to attempt to track down the forces penetrating the areas controlled by the Israeli army, while in places where control has not yet been achieved, the resistance is Very difficult. When huge forces attack the sector, no less than 4 teams, the military analyst says, This means a large and complex area of ??contact with the enemy, within densely built areas, large parts of which have been destroyed, while underground, the tunnel system is still active. Most attacks are carried out. "The counter-attack carried out by Hamas using guerrilla warfare methods." Fierce battles are facing the Israeli army, even in the areas it claims to control. Regular and reserve soldiers killed in the war, Harel says, went to war on October 7 with a strong feeling that there was no other choice, but to strike a strong blow at Hamas, including a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, to try to reduce some of the damage caused by the surprise attack. "And to improve the security situation in the south and to create conditions for the return of the abductees." After 80 days have passed, Harel says, As time passes, the Israeli public will find it difficult to ignore the high price, as well as doubt that the goals of the war are still far from being achieved, and that Hamas shows no signs of surrender in the near future. In light of the complexities of the military scene, and increasing estimates that the wars goals will not be achieved in the near term, and with the intensification of resistance and clashes on all axes of the incursion, the military affairs correspondent on the website of the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Yoav Zaytoun, believes that the ground battles are heading to turn into a war of attrition. The military correspondent notes that the fighting routine in Gaza has begun to settle into fixed, similar patterns, saying, "The pace has become slower for several reasons: repeated sweeps of armed cells in areas controlled by the army, and fear of friendly fire." Meanwhile, Hamas, Zeitoun says, also appears to be investigating the course of events and operations, learning lessons, and looking for weaknesses in the Israeli army forces after each incident, in preparation for another round of fighting the next day. However, in the never-ending battle of learning, the military correspondent says, Hamas is showing patience that may have been planned in advance, noting that the use of snipers against soldiers has increased, along with highlighting the armys weaknesses, at a time when Hamas is constantly searching for ways to overcome the obstacles imposed by it. The Israeli army has its weapons. In light of this reality and field developments on the battlefields, Zaitoun says, The Israeli army does not feel an hourglass to stop or pressure to end the maneuver, but the rate of progress of the forces is not fast, as the army would like to show that it has achieved some achievements when withdrawing to the border areas, and maintaining the status quo of During limited ground incursions and attacks from the air. Regarding the progress of the fighting and developments in the battles, Zaitoun says, Instructions are being passed to the militants via paper messages, amid the increased use of snipers and camouflaged explosive devices, as Hamas engages in a battle of learning and training against the Israeli army, which on the other hand uses deadly tricks, and there are those in the army who mention the security belt. In southern Lebanon, that is, transferring the Lebanese model to Gaza. Yossi Yehoshua, the military and security affairs correspondent for the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, wrote an article entitled They keep a side for the war in the north: This is how the arms economy works in the Israeli army. The military correspondent reviewed the meanings and implications of this policy, saying, The large number of casualties and injuries among the ranks of the Israeli army forces in the war on Gaza raises an extensive discussion about the scope and strength of the weapons used that are supposed to facilitate the ground incursion into crowded and dangerous areas. With the end of the third month of the war on the Gaza Strip approaching, the Israeli army may have resorted to a policy of saving and saving ammunition and not excessive use of weapons in order to preserve the reserve of military equipment in the warehouses, in anticipation of any emergency and for fear of a comprehensive confrontation with Hezbollah on the border with Lebanon. According to estimates by the Israeli Ministry of Security, the cost of the war on Gaza has so far reached 65 billion shekels ($18 billion), and this huge amount is equivalent to the entire annual Israeli defense budget, excluding American aid funds. This "economy" in weapons and ammunition comes amid the complexity of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip, and the heavy losses that the Palestinian resistance inflicts daily on the Israeli army in terms of equipment and manpower. It also comes at a time when military and political analyzes unanimously agree on the failure to achieve the declared goals of the war, and say that undermining the rule of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) and its military arsenal requires a long period of fighting. Military analyzes estimated that the resolution of the battle in Gaza depends on the size of the Israeli armys armament, which reduces and economizes in the use of weapons and ammunition in order to preserve emergency stocks in warehouses, while political analyzes believe that the course of the war was managed according to declared goals that are not consistent with the facts on the ground and in the field. The Israeli army's policy came despite unprecedented American military support. Since the " Al-Aqsa Flood " battle on October 7, and the aggression against Gaza, Washington has sent 230 cargo planes and 30 ships to Tel Aviv loaded with ammunition, weapons, artillery shells, armored vehicles, and basic combat equipment. For fighters, including ceramic jackets. In order to preserve the reserve of weapons and ammunition, the military industries affiliated with the Israeli Ministry of Security deliberately - in some cases - early activated long-term contracts for weapons and military equipment that were on the shelves, or found in American emergency stores. It is likely that the occupation army used large and unprecedented quantities of ammunition and weapons during the war that were in stock and warehouses, and therefore it spared with the use of either air or artillery in order to preserve the stock and fear the scenario of the escalation with Hezbollah developing into a comprehensive confrontation. The Israeli army says that there will be no saving in the use of ammunition in a way that exposes soldiers to danger, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claims that there is no pressure from the United States , which provides a large part of the weapons. However, the military correspondent says, "The truth is that the Israeli army is sparing in its use of ammunition, even though at the beginning of the war this was excessive." The military correspondent quoted a high-ranking Israeli security official as saying, The army has mobilized its weapons depots again, and even more than that, in order to remain fully prepared and prepared for the possibility of a comprehensive war with Hezbollah. According to the security official, the occupation army, during the war on Gaza, did not use the ammunition designated for attack and air defense if a war broke out on the northern front, pointing out that the armys excessive use of ammunition, aircraft, and artillery in the first month of the war is due to an incomplete estimate of the enemys capabilities to resist. On the other hand, the military analyst in the newspaper "Maariv", Tal Lev Ram, confirmed that the Israeli army has been adopting for several days the "economy" policy of using weapons and ammunition in the war on Gaza, pointing out that this policy will soon be discussed in the " war cabinet ." In recent days, allegations have been made from various parties at the political and even popular levels. The military analyst says, The Air Force is currently refraining from operating at full capacity in the Gaza Strip for political considerations, and that the intensive activity will only take place before the ground entry of army fighters into a new area in the Strip. These estimates were confirmed by Major General Eliezer Toledano, stressing that Israeli aircraft attack less frequently in Gaza, and explaining that the reasons for this are entirely operational, and that there is no limit to the use of force. Toledano told the ministers during the weekly government session, "There is no army in the world that is endless, but the consideration that guides us is operational. This is a war that will last for a long time, and we will have to manage the arms economy, but the goal is to eliminate Hamas in the end," as he put it. The dilemma facing Israel now, says military analyst Lev Ram, "is not whether the air force should be activated, but rather whether it is right to continue the incursion and reach virtually every home and every site in the Strip, in light of the difficult guerrilla war that is developing there." Ram adds, The Israeli Air Force dropped more than 30,000 shells and bombs on the Strip, which is a huge number by any standards. Managing the arms economy is an integral part of any war, and this may be especially true in a long war such as the one Israel is now fighting in Gaza. And perhaps in the north as well. He concluded by saying, "The security establishment is keen to emphasize that the operational considerations in the current situation of the war are very complex, and the Israeli army also draws conclusions from previous combat rounds in the Gaza Strip that the use of excessive air force will not achieve the desired results against Hamas tunnels." An Al Jazeera correspondent reported that Israeli occupation forces stormed two towns in the Tulkarm Governorate in the northern West Bank. The occupation forces also stormed the city of Tulkarm and the Tulkarm and Nur Shams camps for the third time in 3 days, in addition to storming several villages and towns in the Tulkarm, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Hebron governorates. Based on the information I received from soldiers and officers fighting in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war, I came to the following conclusion: The IDF spokesman and military analysts on TV channels present a false picture of the thousands of Hamas deaths and of our fighting with their forces face to face." With this preface, retired Israeli General Yitzhak Brik began an analysis in which he explained that the number of those killed among the forces of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) was much less than what was being promoted, and that most of the Israeli soldiers and officers killed fell as a result of Hamas bombs and anti-tank missiles. He expressed his belief that the Israeli army does not currently have an effective and quick way to eliminate Hamas members, most of whom hide in the tunnels and only emerge from their openings to plant bombs, set up explosive traps, and fire anti-tank missiles at our armored vehicles, and then disappear again into the tunnels, as he put it. It is clear, according to Brick, that the Israeli army spokesman and senior defense officials want to portray the war as a great victory before the dust of the battle settles and the true picture becomes clear. To this end, they are bringing correspondents from major television channels to Gaza to show pictures of victory, making this the most photographed war ever waged by Israel, and perhaps any war waged even in the entire world, according to the retired general. But such bragging by displaying images of victory, Brick says in his analysis in Haaretz newspaper, Even before we get close to achieving our goals, it may be very destructive... It would have been better for us to remain more humble. He adds that this reminds him of what Israeli officials, including retired generals and others, used to repeat before the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, that their army is the strongest in the Middle East and that Israels enemies have been deterred. Unfortunately, these same reporters, analysts, and retired generals continue to fabricate images of this kind, as if they have learned nothing, according to the author. Regarding the Hamas tunnels, Brik asserts that their destruction will take many years, and will cost Israel heavy losses, noting that the Israeli army itself now acknowledges the existence of hundreds of kilometers of tunnels deep in the ground that connect the length and breadth of Gaza, and even connect this sector to the Sinai Peninsula. The retired general stressed that the illusion of deterring Hamas was what made Israel neglect to direct its experts to study, plan and manufacture appropriate equipment for underground warfare, which is what made it today try to improvise solutions. In this regard, many officers fighting in Gaza were quoted as saying that it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to prevent Hamas from rebuilding itself, even after all the destruction that the Israeli army inflicted on its bases. For Brick, the solution lies in leaving dense urban areas and acting more precisely, through bombing and air strikes based on accurate intelligence information. At the end of his analysis, he poses the following question : Are politicians and senior defense officials capable of dealing with such a scenario? Or are they able to think of other creative solutions, in which we do not achieve everything we want, but in which we are also not the biggest losers? Maps All maps are lies. But it is impossible to comprehend the war in Gaza without reference to maps, otherwise the entire conflict is reduced to an endless series of meaningless acts of random violence and the suffering of civilians. The first characteristic of guerrilla warfare is the loss of a front line. Evidently, different mappers have different ideas of how to depict the war in Gaza, notably those that seek to depict Israeli progress in the ground campaign. Part of the problem is latency. The news that forms the basis of the maps takes time to filter out to mappers, and the cartographers take time in crafting their maps, and it takes time to curate them. Thes processes are uneven among mappers, so their maps may differ in detail. Probably there is some ideological bias, or at least thematic apperception, which is understandable in wartime. It may come as no surprise that al-Jazeera maps depict rather less Israeli territorial progress than other sources. Finally, there remains the epistemological question of just exactly what are the colored in areas depicting. Naively, this might be understood as areas of Israeli control, that are no longer contested by the HAMAS. Or possibly these are areas of Israeli presence, in many of which the possibility of an RPG-wielding HAMAS militant popping out of a tunnel unexpectedly remains a live possibility. With the "zero-range" combat characterized by small unit tactics on both sides, maps may be prey to a fallacy of misplaced concreteness. Bystanders Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced 3 conditions for the Palestinian Authority to assume responsibility in Gaza , which has been subjected to a devastating Israeli war since last October 7, considering at the same time that the Authority did not leave the Gaza Strip until it returned to it. Abbas spoke during an interview with the Egyptian channel On and broadcast on Palestine TV (government), on Tuesday evening, where he said, We want a comprehensive halt to the fighting, open the doors for humanitarian aid, and prevent the migration of Palestinians outside their homeland. He continued, "We requested these three points. After that, if there is an (Israeli) exit from Gaza, we are ready to bear our responsibilities that we bear now. We will continue to bear the responsibilities of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem as one Palestinian state." In response to a question about whether there were plans or cadres to rule Gaza the day after the war, he replied, We have everything, and the cadres are there ( ), we did not leave Gaza in order to return to it. The Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) won the Palestinian legislative elections in 2006, and following the collapse of a national unity government, the movement took control of Gaza the following year, in light of disputes that still exist with the Fatah movement led by Abbas. Abbas said, "We are present in Gaza, and we have our institutions, cadres, and youth. We pay Gaza, the people and institutions, 140 million dollars a month. We are present in Gaza. Today, among our ministers, 5 are from Gaza, and 3 are residents there." Axis of Resistance Iraj Masjedi , advisor to the commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, warned that Iran will level Tel Aviv to the ground if Israel encroaches on Iranian territory. Masjedi added - in an interview with the Iranian Tasnim Agency - that there is no need for Iran to intervene in the war on the Gaza Strip, because the Palestinian resistance is capable of confronting the aggression. He continued that Israel is powerless in the face of resistance and will not repair the defeat it suffered in the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, no matter what it does. On the other hand, Iranian Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib said that the assassination of Revolutionary Guard Advisor Radhi Mousavi is a crime that will have serious repercussions for Israel. The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, said that "the Israelis committed a strategic mistake" by assassinating Mousavi on Syrian territory. The HAMAS government media office in Gaza accused the Israeli occupation of stealing organs from the bodies of Palestinians from the northern Gaza Strip, and called for the formation of an independent international investigation committee. In coordination with the United Nations, according to a medical source, the bodies of about 80 Palestinians who were killed by the Israeli army and detained for a period during its ongoing ground operation in the northern Gaza Strip since October 27 arrived in Gaza. The government media office said in a statement, "After examining the bodies, it became clear that the features of the martyrs had changed significantly, in a clear indication that the occupation had stolen vital organs from the bodies of these martyrs." The statement indicated that the occupation handed over "unidentified bodies, refused to specify the names of these martyrs, and refused to specify the places from which they were stolen." The HAMAS office denounced the army's "disrespect for the dignity of the bodies of 80 Palestinian martyrs," noting that they were delivered through the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing (south). He stated that "the occupation repeated this crime (withholding bodies) more than once during the genocidal war. It had also previously exhumed graves in Jabalia (north of the Gaza Strip) and stolen some of the bodies of the martyrs from them." The HAMAS government media office called for "the formation of a completely independent international investigation committee into the occupation army's kidnapping of the bodies of martyrs and theft of their vital organs," pointing out that Israel is still detaining "the bodies of dozens of martyrs from Gaza." The office condemned what it described as "the silent positions of international organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, such as the Red Cross, regarding such terrible crimes committed by the occupation army." The director of Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital in the city of Rafah (south), Marwan Al-Hams, told Anadolu Agency, earlier Tuesday, that the United Nations informed them of the arrival of the bodies of about 80 martyrs to Gaza. Al-Hams explained, "The bodies arrived inside a container. Some of them were complete bodies, others were body parts, and some had parts of their bodies decomposed." In Islam, the body of the demised (jenazah) should be buried whole and unharmed, and no part of the body should be cut or harmed. Whenever a servant of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala takes leave from this world for the Hereafter, Islam has defined a special way for his departure; one which is imbued with full of honor, dignity and grace. Postmortems are only acceptable if required by law. Muslims are always buried, never cremated. It is a religious requirement that the body be ritually washed and draped before burial. No true God fearing Muslim would donate his body, which isnt His to begin with. The body has been lend to him, and Muslims are instructed to bury it. Organ donation is not haram so long as the donation will not lead to the death of the donor. For more, see the resolutions of the Islamic Fiqh Council of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on the different forms of organ transplants. The Islamic Fiqh Council which convened in the fourth conference in Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 18-23 Safar 1408 AH/6-11 February 1988 CE, determined the following "It is permissible to transplant an organ from a dead person to a living person whose life or basic essential functions depend on that organ, subject to the condition that permission be given by the deceased before his death, or by his heirs after his death, or by the authorities in charge of the Muslims if the identity of the deceased is unknown or he has no heirs." The Russian propaganda machine resurrected one of its longest running fakes: the alleged battlefield harvesting and international sale of organs from the bodies of deceased military personnel. The bodies of donors simply disappear from the battlefield and, in a matter of hours, the containers with their internal organs are far beyond the borders of Ukraine, Argumenty y Fakty posted in 2023. Black transplantologists appeared in Ukraine back in 2014, when hostilities began in the Donbas. Both the dead or wounded soldiers of the people's republics, and the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who strangely evaporated went under the scalpel of the surgeons, the propagandists further posted. The Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) condemned Israeli soldiers photographing Palestinian detainees from the Gaza Strip after stripping them of their clothes, after several photos spread of detainees in Gaza at the hands of occupation soldiers while they were almost naked. Hamas said - in a statement - that the occupation army soldiers photographing dozens of Palestinian civilians in Gaza after arresting them and stripping them of their clothes despite the cold weather is a war crime. The movement called on human rights institutions to document this crime that is contrary to the most basic human rights, asking them to follow up on the conditions of civilians detained by the occupation in undeclared places, especially since their fate and health conditions are unknown. Palestinian activists circulated on social media pictures of a group of citizens who were arrested by the army, wearing only their underwear, including children and the elderly, after they were gathered in one of the playgrounds in the Gaza Strip. Earlier this December, video clips published by Israeli and Palestinian websites showed that the occupation forces arrested displaced young men residing in a shelter center in Gaza, and stripped them of their clothes in front of the cameras. The clips showed occupation soldiers standing in front of young men, handcuffed and naked except for their shorts, after they had been gathered in the courtyard of a school before being taken to an unknown location. In a press conference in Beirut, Osama Hamdan , leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), warned all countries against dealing with the plans of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding what he called the voluntary migration of residents of the Gaza Strip. He stressed that Netanyahu is moving without a goal or vision, saying that he is "moving from one failure to another," and that the combat operations taking place in Gaza confirm this. He added that the leadership of the Hamas movement received proposals and initiatives from a number of countries regarding the war in Gaza, and stressed that they are open to everything that achieves the interests of the Palestinian people. Hamdan pointed out that the people of Gaza are not waiting for a temporary truce, but rather a comprehensive cessation of the Israeli aggression against the Strip. He explained that Israel is presenting to the mediators ideas for calm that do not live up to the sacrifices of the Palestinian people, and there is still no mature initiative on a ceasefire, adding that the occupation army is trying to change its tactics in order to start moving backwards. Hamdan also said that the American administration is stained with the blood of Gazas children, surprising Washingtons talk about saving the lives of civilians in Gaza and then supplying Israel with weapons. The Hamas leader considered that the management of the Israeli War Council is in a state of confusion because they have not achieved any of the declared goals of the war. Allied for Democracy Israeli Channel 12 said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the request of security service leaders on three occasions to discuss the post-war phase in Gaza. For his part, the Israeli military spokesman told Fox News that the army launched operations to rescue the hostages, but success was limited, indicating that this would not weaken their resolve, as he put it. Butcher's Bill / Oasis of Martyrs An Israeli soldier died after being infected by a dangerous type of fungus found in the soil of the Gaza Strip, Kan reported on December 26, 2023. The soldier was transported to Assuta Ashdod Medical Center two weeks ago, suffering from serious limb wounds infected by the fungus. The medical staff attempted every available treatment, including experimental treatments from abroad, and brought in experts, but the fungus proved resistant and eventually overtook his organs, resulting in his death. There are around 10 other soldiers who have been infected with the deadly strain in Gaza, according to professor Galia Rahab, chairperson of the Infectious Diseases Association. Israeli media spoke about the reasons for the increase in the number of deaths and injuries of the occupation army in the Gaza Strip after the recent humanitarian truce than before, and raised questions about the duration of the war, and shed light on the nature of its injuries. Israeli Channel 13 quoted former Mossad chief Danny Yatom as saying that the increase in death tolls is not due to the army entering into a truce, but rather due to the transition in the war from a populated area to another open area, which gave a wider range to anti-tank missiles. Yatom explained that the resistance elements are watching the army soldiers, and it is easy to distinguish them in open areas, and in houses consisting of one or two floors and no more, adding that as the war progresses, the enemy extracts from it what can overcome part of our great strength, as he put it. Yatom added, "Guerrilla warfare is difficult, and in general there is an advantage for the defender in it because he moves and changes clothes, and in the street he looks like a citizen and suddenly draws his weapon as he emerges from wells and tunnels, and there are much more tunnels than we estimated." The same channel also quoted the director of the surgery department at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba , Professor Gilbert Spaj, as saying that the injuries received by soldiers participating in the war in Gaza are complex and difficult, noting that their degrees of difficulty exceed what was reached during past wars. In turn, the former commander of the southern region, Yom Tov Samia, said that anyone who did not participate in the previous wars that occurred in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014 should not tell us that this war will be easier. He continued in his interview with Channel 11, "This war is a challenge for the entire country... I said on the day it started that it would take from 3 to 6 months, but now I ask to recalculate and correct what I said, because it will take more time than that." Channel 13's Arab affairs analyst, Zvi Yehezqili, spoke about the resistance elements' reliance on individual planning and their lack of need for significant intervention from the leadership, pointing out that the army's reliance in Khan Yunis on a plan based on starting entry with infiltrated forces increased the prices paid. Palestinian armed group Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and deployed its militants to infiltrate Jewish settlements near the countrys border with Gaza on 07 October 2023. The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". PM Netanyahu stated "On October 7th, Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis. Maybe more. This is in a country of fewer than 10 million people. This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy." It is the second largest loss inflicted on the Israeli forces after the 1973 war, as the Palestinian resistance killed more than 1,200, wounded more than 5,132 others, and captured more than 250, most of them military personnel, some of whom were high-ranking officers in the army. The HAMAS Ministry of Health in the besieged sector announced that the number of victims of the Israeli operation its beginning had risen to about 20,674 martyrs, and the killing of more than 7,700 Palestinian children. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The number wounded was 54,536. The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza had said many days earlier that the number of missing people had risen to more than 7,500 [double the 3,750 previously reported], including including 4,700 children and women. Palestinian Ministry of Health has announced that the total number of Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank by the Israeli occupation this year had reached 505 people, including 111 children. The Palestinian Ministry of Health earlier explained that the death toll in the West Bank since the beginning of this year has risen to 465, including 257 martyrs since last October 7. The Israeli bombing led to the killing of 126 Hezbollah members, a number of civilians, and 3 journalists. Lebanons Health Ministry released an official casualty numbers in fighting, saying 77 people were killed and 251 wounded since the start of the war on Gaza. Israel revised down the death toll from the October Hamas attacks in southern Israel from 1,400 to 1,200. IDF had said previously it was holding 1,500 bodies of terrorists, a total that now would increas to about 1,700. The Israeli army announced the killing ofthe killing of 5 officers and soldiers, including a company commander in the Nahal Brigade of the elite forces. This brings the officially announced number of deaths among the Israeli army since the start of the ground incursion on October 27th to 169, and 500 deaths since the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on the 7th of the same month. Since the start of the ground incursion, the number of wounded rose to 652, including 146 seriously injured. Israeli media reported that 27% of the Israeli military casualties in the war were officers. In detail, the media highlighted that three brigade commanders, four battalion commanders, and other senior officers have been killed in the war so far. At least 11,845 Israelis were injured, according to i24 TV. The IDF updated the number of soldiers injured in the war and attacks on October 7 to 1,683. Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper had reported that 5,000 soldiers had been wounded since the beginning of the war on October 7, and that the Ministry of Defense had recognized 2,000 soldiers as disabled so far. According to some reports statistics indicate that 20% of the Israeli losses were due to friendly fire. Because the nature of the battle has become completely different from what was expected, and it lacks a front line. Hostages The Israeli occupation army announced the recovery of the bodies of 5 Israeli prisoners who were killed in the Gaza Strip , 3 of them soldiers and 2 civilians, during its discovery of a network of tunnels in Jabalia, north of the Strip. This came in a press conference held by army spokesman Daniel Hagari, who explained that Israeli soldiers recovered five bodies of prisoners who were killed inside the tunnel network. Hagari did not explain the reason behind the killing of the prisoners whose bodies were recovered. Israel had previously estimated there were 116 living hostages in Palestinian custody. Israel declared 19 out of 135 people in Gaza captivity dead in absentia, after announcing its forces had recovered the bodies of two hostages. Israel considers those still held by Hamas to be hostages regardless of whether they are dead or alive. Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy earlier had told reporters that Hamas still held 137 captives. The resistance released 10 Israeli detainees, 4 Thais and 2 Russian women, who were released outside the agreement. Over the course of 6 days, Israel has received 102 detainees, women and children, including 78 Israelis, in exchange for the release of 234 Palestinian prisoners, women and children. Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, told reporters 01 December 2023: Hamas still held 137 hostages from the October attacks, in addition to four others who went missing before the war The hostages include two children aged four and 10 months, who, Hamas now claims, are dead 117 male hostages are still kept in Gaza, including the two children, as well as 20 females 126 hostages are Israelis, and 11 others are foreign nationals Foreign nationals are eight Thais, one Nepalese, one Tanzanian and one French Mexican citizen Ten of the remaining hostages are 75 and older. There are seven missing people since the October 7 attack Hamas had released 110 hostages so far 86 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals. Some of the rest are soldiers, seized when Hamas raided military bases in Israel. They may end up being held the longest. The Israeli military had not specified how many soldiers were captured, nor their ranks. According to some estimates, Hamas was initially holding nearly 210 of the 240 hostages, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad was holding the remaining 30. About 40 Israelis remained missing. More than 40 hostages taken from Israel into Gaza on October 7th are not currently in the custody of Hamas, the group responsible for the attack, according to a CNN report based on a diplomatic source briefed on the negotiations, CNN's prior reports had indicated that an estimated 40 to 50 hostages were held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad or other unidentified groups or individuals. Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said on Hamas telegram account that 23 bodies of the 60 missing Israel hostages were trapped under the rubble. It seems that we will never be able to reach them due to the continued brutal aggression of the occupation against Gaza, he said. The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) and the Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs Commission released a new tally of Palestinians detained by "Israel", revealing that the number of Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank has risen to 4,695. Some 150 women have been arrested thus far, both from the West Bank and the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948. Additionally, more than 255 children had been arrested. Israel had earliers said that, since the beginning of the war, about 2,100 wanted persons had been arrested throughout the IOS Division and the Bekaa and Emekim Brigade, about 1,100 of them are affiliated with Hamas. By late December 2023 a video was circulating in Israeli media which purported to show the surrender of some Hamas fighters. But critics say it is staged and cast doubt on its authenticity. The footage comes as Hamas continues to resist Israel's relentless assault, more than nine weeks into the conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 26 December 2023 - Day 670 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of December 26, there were 59x combat engagements. Russian forces launched 5x missile and 21x air strikes, carried out 38x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged. The operational situation in the east and the south of Ukraine remains difficult. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Varvarivka settlement (Kharkiv oblast). More than 20x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Arkhypivka, Bleshnya, Hirs'k (Chernihiv oblast), Volfyne, Ryasne, Volodymyrivka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Vovchans'k, Ambarne (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled x attacks in the vicinity of Syn'kivka and northeast of Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). The Russian occupiers launched an air strike near Sobolivka (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 11x attacks in the area of Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast) and Vesele (Donetsk oblast). In the area, the Russian occupiers, with air support, made unsuccessful attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces launched air strikes near the settlements of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast) and Dibrova (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Serebryanka, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 3 Russian attacks near Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, New York (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 10x Russian attacks east of Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, and 13x more attacks in the vicinities of Pervomais'ke and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Novokalynove, Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian forces in the vicinities of Novomykhailivka and Pobjeda (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces, with air support, conducted 5x failed attacks on Ukrainian positions. The Russian occupiers launched an air strike near Oleksandropil' (Donetsk oblast). The settlements of Heorhiivka, Mar'inka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka were under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces conducted no offensives. The adversary fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 4x Russian attacks west of Verbove and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). In that area, the Russian adversary made failed attempts to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions. Around 20x settlements, including Poltavka, Malynivka, Charivne, Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne, P'yatykhatky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: Russian forces fired artillery at the city of Kherson, the settlements of Tyahynka, Mykil's'ke, Sadove, Stanislav (Kherson oblast). Also, the Russian invaders launched an air strike in the vicinity of Krynky settlement (Kherson oblast). The Russian occupiers do not abandon their intention to drive Ukrainian units out of their footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro. Thus, during the day, Russian forces made 14x unsuccessful assaults. The attacks were repelled and Russian forces suffered significant losses. The Ukrainian troops are holding the line, continue to retain their positions and fire for effect on the Russian enemy. During the day of December 26, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 17x concentrations of Russian troops, weapons, and military equipment, 5x air defense systems. Air defense destroyed 2x Kh-59 guided missiles and 1x reconnaissance UAV. Moreover, tactical aviation of the Ukrainian Air Force launched a successful strike on Novocherkassk, a Ropucha-class landing ship of the Russian Black Sea fleet. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x concentration of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 1x command post, 1x artillery system and 3x other important targets of the Russian invaders. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by helicopters and artillery repelled three attacks of an assault detachment of the AFU 60th and 115th mechanised brigades close to Sinkovka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 25 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three motor vehicles, and one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces repelled one attack launched by the AFU 63rd Mechanised Brigade near Chervonaya Dibrova (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, air strikes and artillery fire struck the personnel and hardware of the 5th National Guard Briagde, 100th, and 125th territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Torskoye (Donestk People's Republic) and Serebryansky forestry. The enemy's losses amounted to up to 195 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three pickup trucks, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Maryinka (Donetsk People's Republic). Over the past day, Russian troops, in cooperation with aviation and artillery, repelled five attacks and defeated the manpower and hardware of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Seversk, Krasnoye, Dyleyevka, and Georgiyevka (Donetsk People's Republic). The total enemy losses in this direction amounted to 205 servicemen and five pick-up trucks. During the counter-battery warfare, the following artillery pieces were hit per day: one M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system manufactured in the United States, two Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, one Msta-B howitzer, one D-20 gun, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, as well as two D-30 howitzers. In South-Donetsk direction, units of the Group of Forces, in cooperation with helicopters and artillery, inflicted fire damage to manpower and hardware of the 72nd Mechanised, 79th Air Assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Vodyanoye and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy's losses amounted to 150 troops, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces repelled one attack by the AFU 117th Mechanised Brigade's assault group close to Verbovoye (Zaporozhye region). In addition, air strikes and artillery fire hit AFU personnel and hardware close to Belogorye and Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The enemy's losses amounted to 65 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, as well as one D-20 howitzer. In Kherson direction, as a result of actions of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery and aviation, the AFU lost up to 35 Ukrainian troops and three motor vehicles. In the course of counter-battery warfare, the Russian troops hit one U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. 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 107 areas during the day. Russian air defence means have shot down two Su-24 airplanes of Ukrainian Air Force near Zhovten (Nikolayev region) and Nikolayevka (Dnepropetrovsk region). Air defence units intercepted five HIMARS MLRS projectiles over the past 24 hours. Moreover, 24 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been downed close to Tokarevka (Kharkov region), Kremennaya, Svatovo, Lisichansk (Lugansk People's Republic), Gorlovka, Aleksandrovka, Staromikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Obryvka (Kherson region). In total, 560 airplanes and 261 helicopters, 10,104 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 14,334 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,189 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,509 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,738 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China adds two more satellites to mega BeiDou constellation Global Times By Deng Xiaoci in Xichang Published: Dec 26, 2023 03:29 PM The BeiDou Satellite Navigation System, also known as the BDS - China's largest space-borne infrastructure to date that provides quality services to worldwide users - added two more satellites to its mega constellation on Tuesday. Carrying the 57th and the 58th satellites of the BDS system, a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 upper stage attached to the carrier rocket thundered into the sky from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province at 11:26 am on Tuesday. After entering orbit and completing testing, the satellites will join in the BDS, according to the mission organizers. According to the official press release the mission organizers provided to the Global Times on Tuesday, compared to the previous MEO satellites of the BDS constellation, this new group of satellites has further upgraded its functional performance in global short message communication capacity, satellite-borne atomic clock technology and payload intelligence, among others. After being integrated into the BDS constellation, it will further enhance the reliability and service performance of the system. This is of great importance in supporting the stable operation and large-scale applications of the system, laying the foundation for the design of the next generation of Beidou satellites, read the press release. The Tuesday launch marked the first mission of sending two MEO satellites in one go to the BDS-3 since the system was completed and officially commissioned in 2020, and also the finale of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center for the year 2023, the BDS Deputy Chief Architect Xie Jun told the Global Times on Tuesday. Yin Xiangyuan, the top commander of the Tuesday mission from the Xichang center, told the Global Times that this year, they had successfully completed a total of 19 space launch missions, achieving a perfect record. "In recent years, our country's space industry has experienced rapid development, with a continuous increase in launch demand. Next year, the center will face even higher-density missions, presenting unprecedented challenges. However, this is also our mission and responsibility. We have the capability to meet these challenges and the confidence and determination to successfully complete next year's tasks," he vowed. The BDS is China's largest space-borne infrastructure to date in terms of scale, with the most extensive coverage and highest quality of service performance, and above all, is the country's mega space program that has the closest connection with people's lives, Xie Jun noted. As of 2022, the core industrial scale of China's BDS has topped 140 billion yuan ($19.62 billion). Every region around the globe can observe at least 6 to 8 BDS satellites. And official data indicates that the space signal availability of the BDS is 100 percent in 2023, with a space signal continuity of 99.996 percent. The global positioning accuracy is 5 meters, with the Asia-Pacific region performing even better, comprehensively surpassing design specifications, according to Xie. "Based on the high-precision positioning capability of the BDS, lane-level navigation functionality can be considered a focal point in the development of the next-generation BDS. Currently, we have conducted pilot projects in seven to eight cities domestically, and in the future, we plan to extend its use nationwide," said Xie Jun. Next year will mark 30 years since the BeiDou system's project establishment in 1994. The addition of two more MEO satellites to the system carries great significance in enhancing its reliability and improving its service quality, as well as tapping into greater potential of the industry as well as the scale of application, the BDS deputy chief architect said. With the successful launch of the two new MEO satellites on Tuesday, the BDS now has 15 BeiDou-2 satellites and 33 BDS-3 satellites. According to Xie, the application of BDS products has benefited tens of millions of users around the world. "The performance of our BDS products has proven to be great in many countries and regions around the globe such as east Europe, west Asia and Africa. Our BDS system has become a vivid example of better benefiting people worldwide through the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative," he said. According to Wang Ping, chief designer of the BDS-3 system, compared to the previous MEO satellites, there are also innovations and improvements in the 57th and 58th satellites of the system. The two MEO satellites launched on Tuesday have undergone miniaturization based on the original network satellites. The design team optimized the combination of batteries, making them lighter and more stable. They also successfully reduced the weight of the hydrogen atomic clocks used for precision timing, according to the chief designer. He believes that miniaturization is the development direction of the new-generation BDS system, that is, increasing the functionality of each satellite within limited volume and mass to enhance launch efficiency. The Tuesday launch was the 93rd launch of the Long March-3B rocket and the 16th launch of a Long March-3A rocket family member with the Yuanzheng-1 upper stage, and the 138th launch of the Long March-3A rocket series, according to Qin Yi, the rocket model deputy commander with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, on Tuesday. In 2024, the Long March-3A rocket series will continue its high frequency of missions, aiming to carry out more than 10 launches in the year, Qin said on Tuesday, while vowing that the rocket developers and mission participants will strive for full success in all missions with high efficiency and high quality. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Milestone Pending: Secretive X-37B Space Plane Preparing for Thursday Lift-Off Sputnik News 20231226 Originally scheduled for December 7, the launch faced delays due to weather conditions and technical issues. The spacecraft, set to lift off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, has a four-hour launch window beginning at 7 p.m. local time. The skies this week may showcase a spectacular sight: the US military's ever-mysterious X-37B space plane, which is set to embark on its latest mission - not to be mistaken for a celestial event or a missile. The high-tech, uncrewed plane, under the aegis of the US Space Force, is eagerly anticipated to launch on the evening of December 28, after finally overcoming a series of earlier delays. The "OTV-7" mission is particularly significant as it not only tests the space plane's capabilities but also serves as a platform for several scientific experiments, including a NASA project exploring the effects of long-duration spaceflight on plant seeds. A notable aspect of this launch is the use of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket, a departure from the usual Atlas V and, in one instance, the Falcon 9. While details about the X-37B's mission duration remain undisclosed, expectations are set for an extended orbital stay, potentially surpassing the previous mission's three-year span. The launch is not only a testament to technological advancement but also an opportunity for space enthusiasts to engage as SpaceX is livestreaming the event. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China takes countermeasures on US company, two individuals against Washington's Xinjiang-related sanctions Global Times By Global Times Published: Dec 26, 2023 11:17 PM China has announced countermeasures against a US company and two individuals that have long collected sensitive information to provide so-called evidence for illegal sanctions by the US, after the US newly added two Chinese officials and three Chinese companies onto a sanction list citing so-called human rights concerns. US intelligence data company Kharon and Edmund Xu, director of investigations of Kharon and Nicole Morgret, a former researcher from Center for Advanced Defense Studies, will be prohibited from entering China (including China's mainland, the Hong Kong SAR and the Macau SAR), said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday. China will freeze the property of Kharon and the two persons in China, including their movable and immovable property, and prohibit organizations and individuals in China from transactions and cooperation with them. In December, US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced to sanction two Chinese officials for alleged link to human rights abuse. Meanwhile, the US Department of Homeland Security added three more Chinese companies to the so-called "Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act" (UFLPA) blacklist. In response, Mao said that the US once again fabricated and spread false narratives about China's Xinjiang region, imposed illegal sanctions on Chinese officials and companies under the pretext of so-called human rights issues in the region, seriously interfering in China's internal affairs, seriously violating international law and basic norms of international relations, seriously tarnishing China's image, and seriously damaging the legitimate rights and interests of relevant Chinese officials and companies. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this and has made solemn representations to the US, Mao said, urging the US to stop slandering and smearing China, revoke the illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese officials and companies, and stop implementing erroneous bills such as the so-called UFLPA. If the US refuses to change course, China will not flinch and will respond in kind, the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on December 26, 2023 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China 2023-12-26 20:33 China News Service: Premier Li Qiang attended the fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders' Meeting on December 25. Do you have more information to share about the meeting and the outcomes of the meeting? Mao Ning: Yesterday, the fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders' Meeting was held via video link. The meeting was a success. Premier Li Qiang and the leaders of the five Mekong countries attended the meeting. Focusing on the theme "Join Hands on the Building of a Community of Shared Future and Modernization among Lancang-Mekong Countries", the leaders took stock of the progress of Lancang-Mekong cooperation and jointly planned for the future of the LMC. Premier Li pointed out that over the past seven years since the launch of the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and the leaders of the Mekong countries, the six countries have built a powerful engine to promote development, a solid backing for common security, and a strong bond of mutual understanding. In particular, China announced with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam respectively the bilateral decision to build a community with a shared future, which will further boost efforts to build a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future and provides a great example for building a community with a shared future for mankind. China put forward a four-point proposal on the future of the LMC. First, deepen integrated development and stick to openness and cooperation. China will launch a special loan for LMC common development to support the key projects in each country. Second, promote green cooperation. The six countries need to fully respect each other's legitimate right to develop and utilize water resources rationally and advance cooperation in energy transition and ecological conservation. Third, strengthen security governance, advance the Operation of "The Safety of the Lancang-Mekong Region" and effectively crack down on telecom fraud and online gambling. Fourth, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cultivate new bright spots such as think tanks and subnational cooperation. Parties spoke highly of the fruitful results from Lancang-Mekong cooperation, and stressed that the six countries will share opportunities, jointly respond to challenges, plan future LMC together, further deepen and substantiate it and develop the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Economic Development Belt and a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future. The meeting adopted the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration of the Fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders' Meeting, Five-Year Plan of Action on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (2023-2027), and Joint Initiatives on the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Innovation Corridor Development.a China Review News: On December 22 local time, US President Joe Biden signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which contains negative China-related content. What's China's comment? Mao Ning: Despite China's opposition, the US passed and signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 that contains negative China-related content. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has made serious dAmarches to the US side. The Act interferes in China's internal affairs, preaches US military support to Taiwan, and violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs. We urge the US to honor the commitment of its leader of not supporting "Taiwan independence", stop manipulating the Taiwan question and stop endangering peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Act pictures China as a threat, suppresses Chinese companies and limits normal economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges between China and the US, which serves no one's interest. The US needs to abandon the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice and create a favorable environment for China-US cooperation in trade and other sectors. We urge the US to work with China to deliver on the important outcome and common understandings of the San Francisco summit. Negative China-related content in the Act should not be implemented. If the US insists on going ahead with it, China will take resolute and strong measures to firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development rights and interests. Al Jazeera: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in his speech on Monday that he asked China to do more to free an Israeli hostage held by Hamas. Can you confirm that and provide more details? Does China plan to mediate for this? Mao Ning: Since the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out, China has repeatedly called for the release of all those held captive as soon as possible and has been making active efforts for this. We will work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role for realizing a ceasefire and the release of all those held captive. Al Jazeera: The Prime Minister also said that he asked China and Russia to make greater effort for releasing the Israeli hostage. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm this? Mao Ning: China is in communication with all parties on relevant issues and stands ready to work with all sides to facilitate the release of all those held captive as soon as possible and the realization of a ceasefire to bring lasting peace to the Middle East. AFP: Indonesian police said today that the death toll following the explosion of a Chinese-funded plant in Indonesia rose to 18 and dozens are being treated in the hospital. Can you give us more details? Mao Ning: In the wake of the accident, our Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia immediately contacted Indonesia and made every effort jointly to respond to the accident. The Embassy's task force together with Indonesian officials arrived at the scene in the industrial park yesterday to provide the company concerned with guidance on dealing with the accident.a We will continue to work with competent authorities and local government to assist the Embassy in staying in close communication with Indonesia and make sure that everything is properly handled. As to the details about injuries and deaths, we are still in the process of collecting and verifying the information.a Asahi TV: Today marks the 130th anniversary of the birth of Chairman Mao Zedong. Will the Foreign Ministry hold commemoration for the occasion? Mao Ning: Comrade Mao Zedong was at the core of the first generation of CPC central collective leadership and a great man deeply loved and respected by the whole Party and people of all ethnic groups in China. Across China, various forms of commemoration activities are held today. Reuters: Russian media Kommersant reported yesterday that foreign shareholders in a project controlled by Russia's Novatek, suspended the participation. This is the Arctic LNG 2 project and this is due to sanctions. Has Chinese participation through state oil majors like CNOOC and China National Petroleum Corp, in this project ended? And if so, how might this impact the ties between China and Russia? Mao Ning: China and Russia conduct normal economic and trade cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Such cooperation should not become the target of any intervention or restriction by a third party. What has happened shows that sanction and pressuring does not serve to achieve anything but can only cause negative spillover. We oppose unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that lack basis in international law and UN Security Council mandate. China and Russia will remain committed to normal economic and trade cooperation based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Xinhua News Agency: The US issued an annual human rights report related to Xinjiang and sanctioned China's two officials and three companies. China said it will take resolute countermeasures. What are these specific measures? Mao Ning: By issuing the report, the US once again spread false stories on Xinjiang and illegally sanctioned Chinese officials and companies citing so-called human rights issues. This move constitutes grave interference in China's internal affairs and violates the international law and the basic norms of international relations. The move is designed to vilify China and harmful to the lawful rights and interests of relevant Chinese officials and companies. We firmly oppose and strongly condemn the move and have made serious dAmarches to the US over this.a In accordance with China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, we will take countermeasures against American intelligence data company Kharon, which has long collected Xinjiang-related sensitive information and provided so-called evidence for America's illegal sanctions related to Xinjiang, Edmund Xu, director of investigations of Kharon, and Nicole Morgret, former researcher of the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. The two persons will be prohibited from entering China (including China's mainland, the Hong Kong SAR and the Macau SAR). China will freeze the property of Kharon and the two persons in China, including their movable and immovable property, and prohibit organizations and individuals in China from transactions and cooperation with them. We again urge the US to stop smearing China, cancel the illegal unilateral sanctions on Chinese officials and companies, and stop implementing wrongful acts such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. If the US refuses to change course, China will not flinch and will respond in kind. CCTV: President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Viet Nam not long ago. This is a capstone in head-of-state diplomacy this year and an important practice of China's principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy. How will China advocate this principle and consolidate friendship and cooperation with neighboring countries? Mao Ning: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy. Over the past decade, China has actively implemented this important principle and put neighborhood diplomacy front and center in foreign relations. President Xi Jinping has drawn up a blueprint for China's exchanges with neighboring countries, visited them, and guided the expanding landscape of good-neighborliness and friendship. China has established strategic cooperative partnership with extensive neighboring countries and reached common understandings with more than ten countries on building a community with a shared future.aa General Secretary and President Xi Jinping's successful state visit to Viet Nam is another vivid illustration of China's principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China will continue to advocate the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and deepen friendship, cooperation and intertwined interests with neighboring countries. We will carry forward Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration and provide new assistance for solidarity, openness and progress in the region. We are ready to deliver more benefits to neighboring countries through Chinese modernization, jointly advance the modernization drive in Asia, and build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious Asian home with other countries in the region. Reuters: The Philippines said today that the country is not provoking conflict in the South China Sea. This is in response to China's accusation that Manila is encroaching on Beijing's territory. Our question is if the Philippines' constant denials and rejection of China's warnings in South China Sea go on indefinitely, does China have any bottom line at all on this issue? And if so, what is China's bottom line to this? Mao Ning: The recent developments involving China and the Philippines in the South China Sea are caused by the Philippines' change of policy and position, refusing to honor its commitment, violation of the international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and deliberate infringement of China's sovereignty and provocations. The responsibility lies with the Philippines. China will resolutely protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We hope that the Philippines will make the wise choice, return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation, and work with China to properly handle and manage the situation at sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi: Advance cause pioneered by Mao People's Daily Online By Cao Desheng (China Daily) 08:30, December 27, 2023 Chinese modernization vital to building stronger country, promoting rejuvenation As the nation commemorates the 130th anniversary of the birth of Chairman Mao Zedong, the Communist Party of China Central Committee held a symposium on Tuesday in Beijing to pay respects to the great man who led the Chinese people to completely change their own destiny and the face of the country. Addressing the symposium, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for efforts to push forward the cause pioneered by Mao and advance Chinese modernization to build a stronger country and promote national rejuvenation. Mao was born on Dec 26, 1893, and passed away on Sept 9, 1976. Xi reviewed the great practice of Mao's leadership in the Chinese revolution and socialist construction and spoke highly of his outstanding achievements for the Chinese nation and the Chinese people. Mao Zedong Thought is an invaluable spiritual wealth for the Party and "will guide our action in the long term", Xi said. The best way to commemorate Mao is to continue to advance the cause pioneered by him, he added. Noting that the central task of the whole Party and the entire nation on the new journey in the new era is to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, Xi said it is a cause passed down from veteran revolutionaries, including Mao, and it is the solemn historical responsibility of today's Chinese Communists. Chinese modernization is a shared pursuit of all the Chinese people, Xi said, and the achievements of Chinese modernization should benefit all the people in a fairer manner. He stressed the need to improve systems and mechanisms that uphold social fairness and justice, and focus on safeguarding and enhancing the people's well-being. Noting that reform and opening-up are vital for contemporary China to catch up with the times and the crucial factor determining the success or failure of Chinese modernization, Xi called for further deepening reform and opening-up in an all-around way, continuously liberating and developing productive forces and unleashing and enhancing social vitality. With a firm determination to reform, the country will resolutely remove all institutional barriers that hinder the progress of Chinese modernization, and inject fresh impetus into all aspects of the modernization drive, he said. Saying that Chinese modernization is socialist modernization led by the CPC, Xi urged exercising rigorous governance over the Party to advance its self-reform, self-renewal and self-improvement. He pointed out that Chinese modernization requires the concerted efforts and cooperation of all the Chinese people, and said that the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions should be in synergy with the country's overall development, and integrated growth across the Taiwan Strait needs to be intensified. The complete reunification of the motherland is an unstoppable trend, a just cause and the aspiration of the Chinese people, Xi said, adding that "China must be, and will be reunified". He reiterated that Chinese modernization is a modernization that follows the path of peaceful development. China's development is adding to world peace, and no matter how far it develops, China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion, he said. The symposium was also attended by other Party and State leaders, as well as relatives of Mao, former staff who had worked with him and representatives of his hometown of Shaoshan, Hunan province. Prior to the symposium, Xi and other leaders of the Party and State visited the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall at Tian'anmen Square. They made three bows toward Mao's seated statue and paid respects to the remains of Mao. In commemoration of the 130th anniversary, the Central Party Literature Press published a revised edition of selected works of Mao Zedong after the founding of the People's Republic of China (Volumes 1-20) and a chronology of Mao Zedong (Volumes 1-9), which were compiled and revised by the Party History and Literature Research Institute of the CPC Central Committee. The books will be made available nationwide. China Post issued a series of commemorative stamps on Tuesday to mark the anniversary. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address N Korea set to hold meeting this week to outline policy goals for 2024 The focus would be on further boosting nuclear capabilities, aimed at pressuring the U.S., experts say. By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.12.25 -- North Korea is expected to determine its major policy direction for 2024 this week - with analysts predicting an increased focus on further boosting its nuclear capabilities aimed at exerting more pressure on the United States. Pyongyang stated in early December that it would convene the Central Committee Plenary Meeting of the Workers' Party Korea later the month, without specifying exact dates. Given North Korea's tradition of convening year-end meetings and announcing results on New Year's Day to set the next year's policies, the meeting is likely to take place this week. And analysts believe that Pyongyang is set to declare its continuation of the nuclear capability advancement plan, designed to justify its nuclear weapons acquisition. Wang Son-taek, director of the Global Policy Center at the Han Pyeong Peace Institute, said that the meeting is expected to boast North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's strategy for what appears to be a new-Cold-War-diplomacy. "Ultimately, Kim Jong Un's approach, particularly his emphasis on nuclear capabilities, which has allegedly positioned North Korea as a formidable military power on par with the United States, will likely be affirmed," said Wang. "This stance is anticipated to be further developed and showcased in the meeting." Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency has found that a new nuclear reactor is apparently operational at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex, suggesting the country's acquisition of additional means to obtain plutonium for nuclear weapons. The nuclear watchdog's discovery came as the North's official state media reported Kim Jong Un emphasizing the country's implementation of its "assertive response strategy," which includes the potential for a nuclear attack in retaliation against the allies. Meanwhile, the leader's sister Kim Yo Jong issued a fresh warning that the allies should consider how Pyongyang might respond to what it perceives as their hostile actions. "Furthermore, for 2024, it is anticipated that North Korea will maintain this approach while diplomatically working to build a tripartite alliance with China and Russia against the U.S., and also attempt to draw in more anti-U.S. nations into this coalition," Wang said. "Special efforts are expected to be made to involve China more actively in this anti-America coalition. Compared to Russia, China has been relatively passive, but the inclusion of China is crucial for elevating this alliance to a higher level. Continuous efforts to achieve this will likely be evident," the analyst added.. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of North Korea's normalization of relations with China. North Korea may use the occasion to further address North Korea-China relations extensively to maximize its strategic benefits. Cheon Seong-whun, former security strategy secretary at South Korea's presidential office, believes the message may primarily articulate North Korea's stance to the U.S. Since its 2017 declaration of nuclear capability, North Korea has aimed to confront Washington, using its nuclear power to undermine American political resolve and compel engagement with a nuclear-armed regime. "This has resulted in a policy standoff between U.S. sanctions and North Korea's nuclear armament, with North Korea seemingly gaining the upper hand, partly due to China and Russia creating loopholes in the sanctions. North Korea likely believes it is winning in this battle," he said. "In its 2024 policy declaration, North Korea may proclaim the success of its nuclear strategy so far and announce plans to accelerate its nuclear capabilities," Cheon noted, adding that this could include additional launching of reconnaissance satellites and ICBMs, while simultaneously pressuring for recognition of its status as a nuclear power. This may also be accompanied by a nuanced suggestion that the door to dialogue could be open, the pundit added. "Ultimately, North Korea aims to increase its bargaining strength ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Militarization is seen as a key strategy to draw the U.S. to the negotiating table," Cheon said. "The approach will likely be full speed towards armament enhancement, preparing for disarmament negotiations." Last week, North Korea fired its latest solid-fueled ICBM, the Hwasong-18, with the launch reaching a maximum altitude of about 6,500 kilometers (4,040 miles) and flying a distance of around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) before hitting its target off its eastern coast. Although the test was conducted at a high angle, it still represented a potential threat to the U.S. If launched at a lower trajectory, this missile may be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. The Central Committee Plenary Meeting is likely to cover Pyongyang's ongoing efforts to finish its military reconnaissance satellite system. Following the satellite launch in November, leader Kim Jong Un outlined his intention to complete the reconnaissance satellite launch agenda for the upcoming year. This detailed strategy might also be a key topic of discussion at the meeting. Edited by Elaine Chan and Taejun Kang. Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Proud moment for India as INS Imphal commissioned into Navy: PM India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Posted On: 26 DEC 2023 9:23PM by PIB Delhi The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, expressed pride as INS Imphal was commissioned into Indian Navy today. Hailing India's growing self-reliance in defence, the Prime Minister posted on X: "Proud moment for India as INS Imphal has been commissioned into our Navy, a testament to India's growing self-reliance in defence. It epitomises our naval excellence and engineering prowess. Compliments to everyone involved in this milestone for Aatmanirbharta. We shall keep securing our seas and strengthening our nation." DS/RT (Release ID: 1990618) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raksha Mantri commissions stealth guided missile destroyer INS Imphal in Mumbai; Terms it as a symbol of 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence With 75% indigenous content, enhanced stealth features & state-of-the-art equipment, the ship to further strengthen India's maritime power & safeguard national interests INS Imphal to bolster our principle of 'Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya' (One Who Controls the Sea is All Powerful) in Indo-Pacific region: Shri Rajnath Singh "India's growing power has filled some forces with jealousy & hatred; Perpetrators of attacks on Merchant Vessels 'Chem Pluto' & 'Sai Baba' will soon be brought to justice" "India plays the role of Net Security Provider in Indian Ocean Region; Together with friendly countries, we will keep the sea lanes secure to ensure that maritime trade touches greater heights" Posted On: 26 DEC 2023 2:40PM by PIB Delhi INS Imphal, a Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at an impressive ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on December 26, 2023. The event marks the formal induction of the third of four indigenous 'Visakhapatnam' class destroyers, being designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. Speaking on the occasion, the Raksha Mantri described INS Imphal as a shining example of 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence and a reflection of the commitment of Indian Navy, MDL & all other stakeholders towards national security. "INS Imphal is a symbol of India's growing maritime power and it will strengthen it further. It will bolster our principle of 'Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya' (One Who Controls the Sea is All Powerful) in the Indo-Pacific region," he said. The ship measures 163m in length, 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and is amongst the most potent warships built in India. It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas & Gas configuration, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. The Raksha Mantri defined INS IMPHAL as a conglomeration of different strengths of the nation. "Brahmos Aerospace installed Brahmos missile on the ship. Torpedo tube launchers are of Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Rapid Gun Mount has been installed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and Medium Range missiles by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). In addition, many start-ups and MSMEs are involved in its construction. Just like many elements have given a concrete form to INS IMPHAL, people from all walks of life should work together for us to become 'Viksit Bharat'. Every citizen is a carrier of India's security and progress. Whenever one works, the betterment of the nation must be kept in mind," he said. Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated the Government's resolve to lay equal emphasis on the modernisation of all the three Services to safeguard national interests, stating that earlier governments focussed only on protecting the country from land-based threats. He pointed out that with the Himalayas in the north and the hostile behavior of Pakistan in the west, most of India's goods trade comes through sea, which makes it an island country from 'trade' perspective. He stressed on the need to continuously develop the Navy's capabilities as global trade is of great importance to India to secure its national interests. The Raksha Mantri also referred to the recent suspected drone attack on Merchant Vessel (MV) Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea and the attack on 'MV Sai Baba' in the Red Sea. He stated that India's growing economic and strategic power has filled some forces with jealousy and hatred. He added that the Government of India has taken the attacks very seriously and the Navy has increased its surveillance. He assured that the perpetrators of these attacks will soon be brought to justice and strict action will be taken against them. "India plays the role of a Net Security Provider in the entire Indian Ocean Region. We will ensure that maritime trade in this region touches greater heights. For this, together with our friendly countries, we will keep the sea lanes secure. We have full confidence in the ability and strength of our Navy," said Shri Rajnath Singh. In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar stated that INS Imphal possesses the distinction of being a shining symbol of Indian Navy's unflinching commitment towards achieving the vision of self-reliance in defence. He also termed it a testament to 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' vision of the Government. He added that the ship will not only tackle physical threats that emanate from the seas, but will also demonstrate the strength of an integrated country. "INS Imphal will deter the various designs that try to harm national unity. It will breath fire upon the enemy and demonstrate unflinching resolve in the face of adversity," he said. The Chief of the Naval Staff exuded confidence that the fourth Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer 'Surat' will be commissioned in 2024. Prior to the commissioning of INS Imphal, two destroyers of the same class INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao were commissioned into the Navy in 2021 & 2022 respectively. Admiral R Hari Kumar pointed out that to counter piracy & drone attacks on merchant shipping, the Indian Navy has deployed four destroyers of Project 15B & 15A class deployed. He added that the P8I Aircraft, Dorniers, Sea Guardians, Helicopters & Coast Guard Ships have all been deployed jointly to counter these threats. The Chief of the Naval Staff added that the Navy aims to induct at least one Agniveer from each district, each block and each village of the country. "The strategy is to attract youth - both men and women - from every corner of the country, up-skill them when in Service, certify their abilities through education institutions, inculcate a spirit of nationalism and ensure that they re-join the civil sector as invaluable assets. The vision is to percolate such a nationalistic workforce across the length and breadth of the country," he said. INS Imphal has the unique distinction of being the first warship to be named after a city in the North-east, underscoring the importance and contribution of the region and Manipur to the Nation & the Indian Navy. Its keel was laid on May 19, 2017 and the ship was launched on April 20, 2019. The ship sailed for her maiden sea sortie on April 28, 2023, and underwent comprehensive trials in harbour & at sea, with its delivery on October 20, 2023 marking a record time frame of less than six months. The time taken to build INS Imphal and undergo trials has been the shortest for any indigenous destroyer. The ship successfully completed the first-ever test-firing of extended range Brahmos missile prior to its commissioning, making it 'weapon-ready'. Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Director (Finance) with Additional Charge of Chairman & Managing Director, MDL Shri Sanjeev Singhal were among those who attended the commissioning ceremony. The ship has a total complement of about 315 personnel, and is commanded by Captain KK Choudhury, a Gunnery and Missiles specialist. It will augment the Navy's mobility, reach and flexibility in safeguarding the nation's maritime security and interests. INS Imphal has enhanced stealth features resulting in a reduced Radar Cross Section, achieved through efficient shaping of hull, full beam superstructure design, plated masts and use of radar transparent material on exposed decks. It is armed with sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rocket launchers & Torpedo launchers, ASW helicopters, radars, sonar and Electronic Warfare systems. The ship is equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare conditions. A unique feature of this ship is the high level of indigenisation of about 75%, highlighting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government's efforts towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The indigenous equipment/systems include Combat Management System, Rocket Launcher, Torpedo Launcher, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System, Foldable Hangar Doors, Helo Traversing system, Close-in Weapon System, and the Bow-mounted SONAR. ***** ABB/VM/Savvy (Release ID: 1990408) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran warns Israeli regime of decisive response after martyrdom of Iran's senior military adviser IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2023 New York, IRNA -- Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani after the martyrdom of Seyed Razi Mousavi, Iran's senior military advisor in Syria condemned the "heinous and cowardly measures of the Israeli regime and declared that Iran has its legitimate and inherent rights based on international law and the United Nations Charter for a decisive response at the appropriate time. Iravani made the remarks in a letter addressed to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and UNSC President Jose de la Gasca Lopezdomingue on Tuesday. The full text of Iravani's letter is as follows: In the name of God, the most Compassionate, the most Merciful, Excellency, Upon instructions from my Government, I am writing to urgently bring to your attention the alarming and recurrent terrorist attacks carried out by the Israeli regime within the Syrian Arab Republic. Simultaneously with its persistent atrocious crimes and internationally wrongful acts, the Israeli regime actively engages in acts of terrorism and aggression within Syrian borders. These deliberate actions have specifically targeted Iranian military advisors who are legally present at the formal request of the Syrian Arab Republic, supporting and assisting in the fight against terrorism. At 4:20 p.m. on Monday 25 December 2023, Seyed Razi Mousavi, a senior military advisor who was on a mission supporting the Syrian Army in its anti-terrorism efforts near Damascus, was tragically martyred by three missiles fired from the Israeli regime's positions in the occupied Golan Heights. This heinous and terrorist act represents the second assault on Iranian advisors this month, following a strikingly similar attack perpetrated by the Israeli regime on 2 December 2023. Tragically, this earlier attack led to the martyrdom of two Iranian military advisors, Mohammad Ali Ataee Shoorche and Panah Taqizadeh. The Islamic Republic of Iran unequivocally condemns these heinous and cowardly acts of terrorism perpetrated by the Israeli regime. Iran reserves its legitimate and inherent right, under international law and the United Nations Charter, to respond decisively at an appropriate time deemed necessary. Iran also reaffirms the inherent right of the Syrian Arab Republic, under international law, to take all necessary measures in response to terrorist attacks and acts of aggression by the Israeli regime against its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Undeniably, the Israeli regime bears responsibility for the tragic loss of innocent lives of Iranian military advisors as well as for its atrocities against civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Syrian Arab Republic. Iran undoubtedly holds this regime accountable for such heinous crimes. The Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the UN Security Council to fulfil its charter obligation in the maintenance of international peace and security and strongly condemn the Israeli regime's malevolent activities and its acts of aggression and terrorism in the region, which pose a serious threat to global peace and security. This regime must be compelled to comply with international law and abandon its destabilizing activities in the region. I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Israel committed strategic mistake by killing IRGC commander' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2023 New York, IRNA -- Chief of Staff of Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri has said that the Monday Zionist assassination of an IRGC commander in Syria was a strategic mistake. The Iranian general said on Tuesday that any terrorist and insane measure will not help the Zionists and will rather intensify the resistance siege on them. Bagheri stressed that the assassination of Brigadier General Seyyed Razi Mousavi, which he said was a violation of the Syrian sovereignty and in contrary to international conventions, exposed the terrorist nature of the Tel Aviv regime. Three months past the Palestinian October 7 Al-Aqsa Operation against the Zionist regime, the Zionist have had no achievement, but brutal attacks on residential areas and hospitals in Gaza, General Bagheri said, adding that they will spare no crime to get out of this self-made quagmire and to divert world public opinion from their crimes. "Israel committed strategic mistake by killing IRGC commander," he added. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's officials vow harsh response to assassination of IRGC commander in Syria IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2023 New York, IRNA -- Different Iranian authorities have vehemently condemned the assassination of an Iranian military advisor in Syria by the Israeli regime and vowed a severe and wise reaction to the heinous crime. Speaker of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf expressed condolences on the martyrdom of Razi Mousavi, who was a senior advisor of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Syria, emphasizing that the brutal Israeli regime will undoubtedly pay a heavy price for the atrocity. Iranian Defense Ministry Spokesman Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik underlined that the assassination and the bombardment of Syria indicate the terrorist character of the Israeli regime and a flagrant violation of Syria's sovereignty and that Iran will wisely and powerfully respond to the assassination of Martyr Razi Mousavi. Also, special representative of the Iranian president in Afghanistan affairs Hassan Kazemi Qomi stated that the Israeli regime committed such a major crime because of its miscalculation; so, the Islamic Republic of Iran will choose due time and method of response to this terrorist act in accordance with international law. Mousavi was martyred in an Israeli airstrike on the suburbs of the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday. 4208**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China launches new satellites to enhance BDS-3 services Xinhua) 08:18, December 27, 2023 A Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket, carrying two new satellites for the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), blast off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 26, 2023. The two satellites, the 57th and 58th satellites of the BeiDou system, were launched at 11:26 a.m. (Beijing Time). (Photo by Qiu Lijun/Xinhua) XICHANG, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday sent two new satellites for the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) into space successfully from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The two satellites, the 57th and 58th satellites of the BeiDou system, were launched at 11:26 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket. They are the first medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites launched since BDS-3 was formally commissioned to provide satellite navigation services worldwide. After entering their orbit and completing in-orbit tests, they will be connected to the BeiDou system. Compared to previous MEO satellites of the BeiDou system, the newly launched satellites have upgraded functions and performance in various areas, including global short message communication capacity, onboard atomic clock technology, and intelligent payloads. They will upgrade the reliability and service capabilities of the BeiDou system. They will also lay the foundation for the development of next-generation BDS satellites. The launch was the 504th mission for the Long March series carrier rockets. The satellites and launch vehicle were respectively developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, both of which are affiliated with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The two satellites will play multiple roles by effectively expanding the communication capacity of BeiDou's global short messages, upgrading the performance monitoring of the integrity of its navigation signals globally, and more, said Xie Jun, deputy chief designer of the BDS. On July 31, 2020, China commissioned BDS officially, opening BDS-3 to global users, making China the third country around the world to have an independent global navigation satellite system. A Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket, carrying two new satellites for the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), blast off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 26, 2023. The two satellites, the 57th and 58th satellites of the BeiDou system, were launched at 11:26 a.m. (Beijing Time). (Photo by Qiu Lijun/Xinhua) A Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket, carrying two new satellites for the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), blast off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 26, 2023. The two satellites, the 57th and 58th satellites of the BeiDou system, were launched at 11:26 a.m. (Beijing Time). (Photo by Qiu Lijun/Xinhua) A Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket, carrying two new satellites for the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), blast off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 26, 2023. The two satellites, the 57th and 58th satellites of the BeiDou system, were launched at 11:26 a.m. (Beijing Time). (Photo by Qiu Lijun/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) On December 27th, at 9:16 am, the first G9236 train of the Hangzhou-Nanchang High-speed Railway Huangshan-Nanchang Section within Anhui Province departed from Yixiandong Station, heading to Hangzhou with 554 passengers on board. This marked the completion and opening of the Huangshan to Nanchang section of the Hangzhou-Nanchang High-speed Railway, enabling the full operation of the entire line. Qimen and Yixian in Anhui have entered the era of high-speed rail. Starting from Hefei, it takes less than two hours to reach Yixian and Qimen. The Hangzhou-Nanchang High-speed Railway is another major high-speed rail corridor connecting Hangzhou and Nanchang, following the Shanghai-Kunming High-speed Railway Hangzhou-Nanchang Section. It passes through numerous famous tourist attractions, creating a world-class golden tourism route. "Huangshan is not only a mountain but also a city. It is full of scenic spots and cultural heritage," said Wu Xiaosheng, Director of the Huangshan Cultural and Tourism Bureau. The opening of Yixianbei and Qimendong high-speed railway stations has fully opened up the rural areas of Huangshan, revealing the immense treasures and development potential of Huangshan, and allowing more people to discover and experience the unique beauty, cuisine, accommodations, villages, folk customs, and intangible cultural heritage of Huizhou lifestyle. Wu Xiaosheng further stated that to coordinate with the opening of the high-speed railway and further integrate into the Yangtze River Delta region, in the first quarter of next year, Huangshan City will implement the "three exemptions and two half-price" policy for 24 A-level fee-charging scenic spots (including Huangshan Mountain, Qiyun Mountain, Hongcun, Xidi, Chengkan, and Taiping Lake), providing an estimated direct subsidy of 100 million yuan to the market. Since Huangshan entered the era of high-speed rail in 2015, the number of tourists coming to Huangshan by high-speed train has significantly increased. In 2015, there were 2.6 million visitors, and it is estimated to reach 4.5 million in 2023, driving the expansion of the tourism market along the railway line and effectively promoting the development of the cultural and tourism industry. Furthermore, the Hangzhou-Nanchang High-speed Railway Huangshan-Nanchang Section passes through numerous famous tourist attractions, connecting Hangzhou, Huangshan, Hongcun, Xidi, Jingdezhen, and Nanchang, forming a world-class golden tourism route. It is expected that within the next two years, the number of tourists coming to Huangshan, Qimen, and Yixian by high-speed train will exceed 6 million. The Hangzhou-Nanchang High-speed Railway is an important connection of the national "Eight Verticals and Eight Horizontals" high-speed rail network, linking famous tourist attractions such as West Lake in Hangzhou, Qiandao Lake, Huangshan, Poyang Lake, Jingdezhen, and Tengwang Pavilion. Along the line, there are 9 national 5A-level and more than 70 national 4A-level tourist attractions, forming a world-class golden tourism route that connects many famous cities, towns, lakes, and mountains in the three provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangxi. After the full operation of the Hangzhou-Nanchang High-speed Railway, it will further improve the regional road network structure, facilitate the travel of local residents, promote the development of tourism resources and industries, and play a significant role in supporting the construction of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Source: anhuinews.com Tel Aviv should wait for tough countdown: FM Amirabdollahian IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2023 New York, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has expressed his condolences over the martyrdom of a senior Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) military in Syria and emphasized that Tel Aviv should wait for a tough countdown. Amirabdollahian made the remarks on his social media X (former Twitter) account on Monday evening to express condolences to Syrians, Iranians, and the family of the martyr, Brigadier Seyyed Razi Mousavi. Amirabdollahian added that Tel Aviv should wait for a tough countdown Brigadier General Mousavi fought bravely against terrorists for many years alongside the martyr General Qassem Soleimani to ensure the security of Iran and the region. Mousavi was martyred when the Zionist regime launched three missiles at his position in the suburbs of the Syrian capital of Damascus. 6125**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Islamic Jihad to Israel: Await our next response to IRGC advisor's assassination Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 11:22 AM The Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement has strongly condemned Israel's assassination of a senior Iranian military advisor in Syria, saying the occupying regime should await a decisive response to its cowardly act. In a statement released on Tuesday, Islamic Jihad said Brigadier General Seyyed Razi Mousavi, a commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), played a pivotal role in supporting regional resistance forces as well as the Palestinian nation, resistance and cause. "The occupying regime's dirty assassination operation proves once again that this criminal regime contaminates the entire region and its only job is to shed the blood [of people] and spread murder and crimes," it added. "We reiterate that the crimes of the occupying Zionist regime and its encroachment on regional stability and security will lead to its defeat at the hands of resistance forces." Mousavi was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in a Damascus neighborhood on Monday. He was a comrade of top Iranian anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in a US drone strike in Iraq in January 2020. US, West had 'direct' role in assassination In a separate statement, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) offered condolences to the Iranian nation and Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei over General Mousavi's martyrdom, saying the commander played an important role in supporting the resistance and developing its capabilities. Mousavi's assassination, which was carried out with "direct coordination and participation of the US and the West," shows that the criminal doctrine of the Zionist aggressor regime targets the whole world and region, the group noted. It further said, "This crime will have no result other than escalating attacks by the resistance against the Zionist regime and its mercenaries in the region." "We will never allow the occupying, criminal and cowardly enemy to feel safe and stable in the region. It must always live in terror and panic and await the next response." Mousavi was martyred while serving Iran's military advisory mission in Syria. Iranians are Syria in purely an advise-and-assist capacity. The mission was the first to rush to Syria's assistance in 2014, when the Arab country found itself in the grip of the Daesh Takfiri terror group. Led by General Soleimani, the mission played an instrumental role in Damascus' successful counterterrorism push that ultimately defeated Daesh in late 2017. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC advisor's assassination exposes Israel's 'frustration' against resistance: Iran Army chief Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 7:02 AM The chief commander of the Iranian Army has condemned Israel's assassination of a senior military advisor of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Syria as yet another sign of the occupying regime's "frustration" against the resistance. In a message issued late on Monday, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi extended his congratulations and condolences to the family of Seyyed Razi Mousavi, as well as resistance fighters and the IRGC, on the Iranian commander's martyrdom in an Israeli airstrike in a Damascus neighborhood. "Following the defeats of the usurping regime in the face of the people in Gaza and the resistance front, the impotence and frustration of the child-killing Zionist regime were exposed once again by another crime and the martyrdom of a sincere fighter," he wrote. The Army chief also described Mousavi as one of the senior IRGC military advisers in Syria and a comrade of top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani. General Soleimani was assassinated in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020. He was highly revered due to his key role in fighting the US-created and Israeli-supported Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria. Iran will give 'smart' response to Israel: Defense minister Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik called for the global condemnation and punishment of the Zionists' crime, adding that they will get a "decisive and smart response." "The perpetrators of this crime must await the penalty of their recent operation. Waiting for that [penalty] will torment the regime and its elements to death," he said. Israel will pay 'heavy price' for heinous terrorist act: MP Abolfazl Amouei, spokesman for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said that the committee will hold an extraordinary meeting next week on the IRGC commander's martyrdom. "Definitely, this action of the Zionist regime will not go unanswered. As military and government officials said, Israel will pay a heavy price for its heinous and barbaric act," he noted. Israel taking 'crazy measures' to make up for defeats: Envoy Speaking to the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), Iranian Ambassador to Damascus Hossein Akbari denounced Mousavi's murder as "a cowardly terrorist act by the Zionist regime" in violation of international conventions. The IRGC advisor was at the Iranian embassy at 2 p.m. local time (1100 GMT) and he was martyred at his house after returning from work at 4:10 p.m. (1310 GMT) by three missiles. The "heartless and passive" Israeli crime is actually "a reaction to the situation," he added. "Perhaps, it can be said that the Zionist regime is taking crazy measures today to make up for some of its failures regarding both domestic problems and conditions in Gaza, where it has practically achieved none of its objectives after 80 days [of war]." The envoy also emphasized that the victim country reserves the right to respond in kind and that the Zionist regime will naturally receive a response to its crime in due time and circumstances. Mousavi was martyred while serving Iran's military advisory mission in Syria. Iranians are Syria in purely an advise-and-assist capacity. The mission was the first to rush to Syria's assistance in 2014, when the Arab country found itself in the grip of the Daesh terror outfit. Led by General Soleimani, the mission played an instrumental role in Damascus' successful counterterrorism push that ultimately defeated Daesh in late 2017. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior Iraqi politician condemns US airstrikes, calls for withdrawal of American troops Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 4:23 PM A senior Iraqi politician has strongly condemned the United States' latest airstrikes against three sites used by anti-terror resistance forces in Iraq, saying the only solution to stop such illegal and aggressive attacks is the withdrawal of American occupation troops from the country. Hadi al-Ameri, the secretary general of Iraq's Badr Organization, made the remarks on Tuesday, calling on the Iraqi government to set a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops as soon as possible, while stressing that Iraq's full sovereignty should be realized. He also noted that there is no need for the presence of foreign forces in Iraq, warning that their presence will only destroy the country and shed the blood of Iraqi people. His comments came a day after the US military carried out airstrikes against three facilities used by Kata'ib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Hillah city, south of the capital Baghdad. An Iraqi security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Arabic-language al-Sumaria television channel that 18 people sustained injuries in the strike, adding that a member of Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Sha'abi, was killed. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said on Monday that these precision strikes were "a response to a series of attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria, including an attack by Kata'ib Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Erbil Air Base earlier today." The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, in a statement published on its Telegram channel, claimed responsibility for the strike, which was carried out with a one-way attack drone and wounded three US military personnel. Separately, Iraq's al-Nujaba movement also condemned US airstrikes in a statement, saying Washington has once again violated the sovereignty of Iraq. The movement went on to say that by committing this "heinous act" of targeting the headquarters of Iraq's security forces, including the federal police and Hashd al-Shaabi as well as civilian infrastructure, the US has proved that it neither respects the country's laws nor the will of its people. The statement further noted that this behavior of the Americans has once again showed that the US has a military presence in Iraq not an advisory one as it claims. There are roughly 2,500 American troops in Iraq and some 900 in Syria as part of, what Washington claims to be, a fighting force against Daesh. The US has maintained its presence, although, the Arab countries and their allies defeated the Takfiri terrorist group in late 2017. According to US officials, at least 103 attacks against American troops in Iraq and Syria have been reported since mid-October. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Baghdad condemns US strikes on resistance positions as 'violation of Iraqi sovereignty' Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 1:34 PM Baghdad has denounced as "unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty" the United States' latest airstrikes against three sites used by anti-terror resistance forces in the country that left one serviceman dead and 18 others wounded. The Iraqi government made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday, describing the US strikes as "clear hostile acts", warning that they would "harm bilateral relations." The latest development came a day after the US military carried out airstrikes against three facilities used by Kata'ib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Hillah city, south of the capital Baghdad. An Iraqi security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Arabic-language al-Sumaria television channel that 18 people sustained injuries in the strike, adding that a member of Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Sha'abi, was killed. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said on Monday that these precision strikes were "a response to a series of attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria, including an attack by Kata'ib Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Erbil Air Base earlier today." The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, in a statement published on its Telegram channel, claimed responsibility for the strike, which was carried out with a one-way attack drone and wounded three US military personnel. According to US officials, at least 103 attacks against American troops in Iraq and Syria have been reported since mid-October. There are roughly 2,500 American troops in Iraq and some 900 in Syria as part of, what Washington claims to be, a fighting force against Daesh. The US has maintained its presence, although, the Arab countries and their allies defeated the Takfiri terrorist group in late 2017. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Okinawa rejects court order over revised U.S. base transfer plan People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:21, December 26, 2023 TOKYO, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Okinawa prefectural government on Monday rejected a high court order to approve a revised plan for a key U.S. base relocation within the southernmost prefecture, local media reported. Okinawa will appeal the high court ruling to the Supreme Court, Kyodo news reported, citing a prefectural government official. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki issued a statement saying that the high court ruling, issued on Wednesday, has "various problems" and that it was "difficult" for him to approve the modified plan when many Okinawa residents are against the relocation of the Futenma base within the prefecture. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters in Tokyo that Tamaki's failure to comply with the judicial judgment was "regrettable," Kyodo News said. Following Tamaki's decision, the central government is expected to approve the design change by proxy as early as Thursday, in its first-ever proxy execution, the report said. The Defense Ministry's Okinawa Defense Bureau will then begin the ground improvement work in mid-January or later, it said. The Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court on Wednesday ordered Tamaki to approve the central government's design change for planned ground improvement work under the U.S. base relocation project. The controversial project aims to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma air base in Ginowan to the Henoko coastal area in Nago, which is also in Okinawa. Earlier in September, Tamaki told a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva that the concentration of U.S. military bases in Okinawa threatens peace, noting that the Japanese government is forcibly filling in precious sea areas to build a new U.S. military base, regardless of the opinions of local residents. The governor has also, on multiple occasions, expressed concerns over excessive levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances detected in the water around U.S. military bases in Japan. The island of Okinawa hosts 70 percent of all the U.S. military bases in Japan while accounting for only 0.6 percent of the country's total land area. More than 70 percent of local residents opposed the U.S. military base construction on the Henoko landfill, showed a 2019 Okinawa Prefecture voting results. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan to Finalize Relocation of US Base in Okinawa on Thursday - Reports Sputnik News 20231226 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Japanese Land Minister Saito Tetsuo will give his formal approval on December 28 to start ground works for the relocation of a US military base in Okinawa prefecture, despite opposition from local authorities, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday. The Japanese Defense Ministry is reportedly already making arrangements and signing contracts with construction companies to start building embankments in Oura Bay in mid-January, once materials and equipment are delivered. This will be the first time that Japan's central government overrules a decision by local authorities in one of the prefectures, the broadcaster said. The Japanese government has long sought to relocate the Futenma military base from near a densely populated area in Okinawa to an offshore site within the same prefecture. This would require landfill works, which the local government has refused to allow. The cause was taken to Japan's Supreme Court, which ruled in 2018 to start the ground works for the relocation. In 2020, after soft ground was discovered on the construction site, a design change was requested. Incumbent Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, who took office in 2018, declined the request. In October, the land minister went to the Fukuoka High Court, which gave its green light for the construction works required for the base's relocation. Tamaki vowed to appeal with the Supreme Court and in the meantime is reportedly trying to negotiate with the government in Tokyo. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Junta attack claims lives of 3 people in Myanmar's Rakhine State The attack also caused damage to an archaeological museum, famous for its ancient Buddhist pagodas and temples. By RFA Burmese 2023.12.26 -- The junta army's heavy artillery shelling in Myanmar's ancient capital of Mrauk-U in Rakhine State between Sunday and Monday resulted in the deaths of three civilians and the arrest of nine others, local residents told Radio Free Asia on Monday. The shelling also caused damage to an archaeological museum that is renowned for its ancient Buddhist pagodas and temples, they added. Locals said that the junta army has been continuously firing heavy weapons all over the Mrauk-U city after the battle between the junta army and the anti-junta force Arakan Army (AA) on Sunday. The roof and antiques inside of the Cultural Museum which displayed the ancient cultural heritages in the city's Nyaung Pin Zay neighborhood were damaged by a junta heavy weapon at around 5 a.m. on Sunday, according to locals. Three monasteries, Setdamma Sukarama, Gandamar, Mingalar Man Aung, and some houses in the city were also damaged during the attack, a monk in the city who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals told RFA Burmese on Monday. "They [junta troops] are shooting with heavy artillery continuously. We could not enter the city and there was no one in the city. The fighting broke out on Sunday [Dec. 24] morning. They are shooting with heavy weapons all day and night," said the monk. The AA launched attacks on the police station and junta camp on the hill near Ngwe Taung Pauk bridge on the way out of Mrauk-U city early Sunday morning, and the junta responded with heavy weapons, killing three residents and injuring at least five others in the city, the locals explained. Another anti-junta force Three Northern Alliances also confirmed in a Sunday statement that the junta army had targeted the city's residential areas of civilians and villages with heavy weapons. After the battle, about 70 soldiers from Mrauk-U-based junta Infantry Battalion (377) entered the city's Aung Mingalar and Bandula neighborhoods and arrested nine civilians, said local residents. The arrested include a 25-year-old man, Wai Lin Che, a 35-year-old man, Maung Hla Bu and a 50-year-old, Aung Tin Shwe. The names of the rest are still unknown. A Mrauk-U resident, who declined to be named for security reasons, told RFA Burmese that the junta troops arrested the civilians to use them as a human shield. "They were arrested on Sunday afternoon. The junta troop assumed that the AA troops were also in the city. The [junta] troops were afraid of being attacked when they patrol into the city, so they took the civilians as human shields. All the residents are fleeing and some of the names [of those arrested] still unknown," he told RFA Burmese. Anti-juta forces the Three Brotherhood Alliances also confirmed the arrest on Sunday night and said the nine civilians were arrested by the military council. Locals said that almost the entire city residents had to flee amid arrests, battles and casualties. As of 2014, the population of Mrauk-U stood at around 40,000. Junta's military council has not released any statement about the incidents. Both Hla Thein, the council's spokesman for Rakhine state and Attorney General, and Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a military council spokesman, did not answer RFA's inquiries. Meanwhile, the AA released a statement on Monday that it will "respond effectively" to the military council army that deliberately attacked and destroyed the ancient cultural heritage of the Rakhine people. Separately, the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) blamed the junta in a Monday statement calling its attack on the museum "inhumane" and "act of war crime," adding that it is bringing these cases to domestic and international courts. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S Korea issues unilateral sanctions on 8 N Korean individuals They bring the total to 83 individuals and 53 institutions under the current Yoon administration. By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.12.26 -- South Korea imposed unilateral sanctions on North Korean individuals involved in illicit financing of the country's high-stake nuclear programs that have posed threats to the United States and its regional allies. New sanctions target eight individuals, including the Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau Ri Chang-ho, and the CEO of a company called Beijing New Technology Park Yong-han, South Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday. The ministry asserted that the individuals were actively involved in generating income for supporting Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs through what it described as "illicit trading and cyber operations." The individuals were involved in "foreign currency acquisition, technology theft, and the trading of sanctioned materials, including weapons," the statement added. A former North Korean diplomat stationed in China, Yoon Chol, for instance, was allegedly involved in the trading of Lithium-6 - a mineral that falls under the United Nations sanctioned items list for North Korea, it claimed. Under South Korean regulations, South Korean nationals must obtain permission from the governor of the Bank of Korea or the Financial Services Commission if they wish to engage in financial transactions with sanctioned individuals. The U.S. ally's latest sanction marks the 14th time the current Yoon Suk Yeol administration has imposed sanctions on North Korea, bringing the total to 83 individuals and 53 institutions since October last year. "We have consistently made it clear that there will be consequences for North Korean provocations," the ministry statement said. "We will continue to closely coordinate with the international community, including the United States and Japan." South Korea's announcement comes as North Korea is expected to determine its major policy direction for 2024 this week, where it is likely to put an increased focus on further boosting its nuclear capabilities. Last week, North Korea fired its latest solid-fueled ICBM, the Hwasong-18, with the launch reaching a maximum altitude of about 6,500 kilometers (4,040 miles) and flying a distance of around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) before hitting its target off its eastern coast. Although the test was conducted at a high angle, it still represented a potential threat to the U.S. If launched at a lower trajectory, this missile may be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. The International Atomic Energy Agency announced on Dec. 22 that that a new nuclear reactor is apparently operational at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex, suggesting the country's acquisition of additional means to obtain plutonium for nuclear weapons. The nuclear watchdog's discovery came as the North's official state media reported Kim Jong Un emphasizing the country's implementation of its "assertive response strategy," which includes the potential for a nuclear attack in retaliation against the allies. Meanwhile, the leader's sister Kim Yo Jong issued a fresh warning that the allies should consider how Pyongyang might respond to what it perceives as their hostile actions. Edited by Elaine Chan and Taejun Kang. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin Critic Aleksei Navalny Confirms Arrival At Arctic Prison By RFE/RL December 26, 2023 Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny has published his first message from the Arctic prison he has been transferred to, telling his followers on X, formerly Twitter, not to worry about him after an absence of more than two weeks that raised concerns about his well-being. "I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it," Navalny said in a series of posts on December 26 from the prison in the village of Kharp in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. "Thanks again to everyone for your support. And happy holidays!" Navalny joked that he is "still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus." He said he now has a sheepskin coat and a fur hat with flaps to cover his ears and expects to receive winter footwear. He also said he grew a beard during his transfer, which he said lasted 20 days and was "quite tiring." "They brought me on Saturday evening (December 23). And they transported me with such precautions and on such a strange route...that I did not expect anyone to find me here before mid-January," he said. He also said he was "very surprised" on December 25 when his lawyer arrived to see him. He also described some of the conditions in the prison, saying he "went for a walk" to a neighboring cell that was a "bit bigger with snow on the ground." He added that from his cell window he can only see a fence that is very close. Navalny was transported to the Arctic prison from a prison in the Vladimir region about 240 kilometers east of Moscow. The Kremlin critic was sentenced to 19 years in prison in August on extremism charges, on top of previous sentences for fraud. He says the charges are politically motivated, and human rights organizations have recognized him as a political prisoner. Navalny's associates reported on December 25 that he was in penal colony No. 3 in Kharp and that his lawyer had visited him. The so-called Polar Wolf colony is one of the most remote, said Ivan Zhdanov on X, formerly Twitter, on December 25. "The conditions there are harsh, with a special regime in the permafrost zone. It is very difficult to get there, and there are no letter delivery systems," said Zhdanov. Kira Yarmysh, spokeswoman for Navalny said on CNN that Navalny and his team, including many who have fled the country amid pressure from Russian authorities, will continue their work because they believe it's something Russia needs. "Russia is repressed by a dictator," she said. Navalny "knows he needs to keep going." Navalny has posed one of the most serious threats to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently announced he is running for reelection in March. Putin is expected to comfortably win the election amid the continued sidelining of opponents and a clampdown on opposition and civil society that intensified after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Navalny survived a poisoning with a Novichok-type nerve agent in 2020 that he says was ordered by Putin. The Kremlin has denied any role in Navalny's poisoning. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny-confirms-arctic- prison-arrival/32747719.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister chairs special wrap-up teleconference 26.12.2023 At the extended board meeting, we reviewed the Armed Forces' activities in 2023. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief highly appreciated the work of leadership and personnel of the Ministry of Defence, thanked for the conscientious fulfilment of the tasks. During the year, efforts were focused on achieving the objectives of the special military operation. The most important of these is to disrupt the counter-offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces that has been loudly proclaimed by Ukraine and its NATO allies. This task was successfully completed. This was made possible by a number of decisive factors: the creation of an effective system of lines of defence, the high level of combat readiness of all units and formations, the reliability and effectiveness of Russian military hardware. And, above all, the skilful and determined actions of those who defend the Fatherland, selflessly ensuring that the country and its citizens remain safe. We commemorate every comrade who sacrificed his life fulfiling the Motherland's tasks. Comprehensive support for victims' relatives, as well as social protection for all participants of the special military operation and their families, has been and remains a priority. In order to ensure the continuous supply of the forces deployed in the zone of the special military operation, the enterprises of the military-industrial complex temporarily increased the production of the most popular types of weapons and armament, many of them were put into 24-hour production mode. In fact, those working in the defence industry challenged the vaunted Western military-technical potential. The support provided by civil society to the military personnel has been no less important. I would like to mention the unprecedented support of our people, who, through patriotism and unity, continue to provide reliable support to those fighting in the special military operation. I would like to emphasise that it was the combined efforts of the front and the rear that enabled our troops to seize the initiative on the line of contact today. The Russian troops are steadily gaining more and more advantageous positions and are expanding thier areas of control in all directions. We are making consistent progress towards the achievement of the stated objectives of the special military operation. In the current circumstances, the Ministry of Defence is continuing with its planned activities to build strong, reliable, well-equipped, and motivated Armed Forces. That is how we can ensure the peaceful social and economic development of Russia and create conditions for the stabilisation of the situation in certain conflict-ridden regions and worldwide. Esteemed colleagues! I would like to thank all of you for the work you have done in the outgoing year, for your honest and responsible approach to the work you have been assigned. Congratulations to all of you for a Happy New Year! My best wishes for good health, success in your endeavours and all the best. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief set the Ministry of Defence's priorities for 2024 at the extended board session. We are going to discuss it on the teleconference in January. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian State Defense Contracts Boomed in 2023 - United Aircraft Corporation Sputnik News 20231226 This year alone, the Russian defense industry has seen a major rise in both developing and producing new advanced equipment and refining and improving existing ones. The United Aircraft Corporation has spoken on the company's latest trends and federal contracts. Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has commented on the company's performance in the passing year, as well as its fulfillment of federal contracts signed with Russia's Ministry of Defense (MoD). Su-57 The number of orders for the 5th generation Su-57 aircraft placed by the Russian Aerospace Forces doubled in 2023. All of the contracts were implemented in full. "We have fulfilled defense procurement contracts. Under the terms of the contracts, things went as scheduled; everything was delivered on time, in some cases even earlier than planned... The number of orders went up across all the plants, for some of them - quite significantly. When it comes to the new Su-57 plane, the number actually doubled. It is a complex aircraft. Working on it was an honor," Yury Slyusar, UAC general director, told Rossiya 24. According to the top executive, this year Russia's MoD received all the commissioned aircraft, and there are "even more orders" coming in 2024. The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multipurpose fighter. It was created using low-visibility capabilities and advanced electronics. This combat vehicle is capable of carrying weapons in the fuselage. The aircraft also has supersonic cruising speed and is able to maneuver even with a high overload. Serial deliveries for these planes began in 2022. Under the current state program, Russian Aerospace Forces are to receive 76 Su-57s before 2027. IL-76 In 2023, the UAC also handed over six Il-76 to the MoD, all assembled at the Aviastar-SP aircraft factory based in Ulyanovsk. Additionally, the company plans to increase aircraft production to 18 vehicles annually, Slyusar added. "The MoD will require a large number of these aircraft in the coming years. The plan is to manufacture 18 of them a year in Ulyanovsk. This year we made six, that's worth something," he said. According to the company's official, IL-76 is essential when it comes to logistics and deliveries in special military op. Slyusar pointed out that the manufacturing process was previously held in Tashkent in Uzbekistan. The aircraft assembled in Ulyanovsk have received 70 new build systems, new engines and new onboard equipment. The general director praised the Ulyanovsk plant for managing to manufacture six Il-76s, since the facility successfully managed fully-fledged production of serial equipment, something it was not previously involved in. "The plant had to step up the production, get back in business, and join [the so-called] family of serial plants... Delivering six aircraft to the MoD is considerable work, and for that we are thankful," Slyusar highlighted. SJ-100 The first flight of the SJ-100 aircraft with a domestic PD-8 engine will take place in early 2024, Slyusar added. The UAC executive also shared a few details regarding the anticipated flight of Russia's SJ-100 domestic jet, equipped with the new PD-8 engine. "Our prototype aircraft already have the engines fully installed. We are launching ground tests as soon as we get the permit. I believe it could take place in the coming days [before the winter holidays]. We expect to carry out the first flight in early 2024," he noted. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army holds live-fire anti-landing drill on Taoyuan beach ROC Central News Agency 12/26/2023 11:06 PM Taipei, Dec. 26 (CNA) The Army conducted the first-ever live-fire drill on the Guanyin Coastal Recreation area in Taoyuan on Tuesday to prepare against a potential Chinese amphibious landing. The simulated defense of the recreational beach by soldiers from the 249th mechanized infantry brigade involved small arms firing drills using T65K2, T91 rifles and 45 handguns, the Army said. According to the Army, the coastline around Taoyuan is an important site for defense drills due to the presence of Taoyuan International Airport as well as its proximity to key government institutions in neighboring Taipei. While drills have been previously conducted in the area, this was the first time live-fire exercises were held on a recreational beach, the Army said. Col. Chiu Wen-kuang (ea), major of the 249th brigade, said the training integrated a series of field operation training for frontline troops. He said field training on the coast involved on-site environmental assessments, noting that wind and sand on the beach, for example, may cause guns to malfunction, sharpening soldiers' troubleshooting skills. The next field training of a similar nature will be held on Thursday at Sishu Beach in Tainan. Both Guanyin and Sishu are marked as "red beaches." The military has been conducting military simulations and field training activities on these beaches since March this year. The military has classified beaches as red, yellow and blue according to ease of military landing. Red beaches are considered likely candidates for large-scale landing operations while yellow beaches may be the site of unconventional landing operations and blue beaches are those thought to be unsuitable for any kind of amphibious landing, according to the military. (By Matt Yu and Wu Kuan-hsien) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan Navy confirms submarine incident likely due to unexpected waves ROC Central News Agency 12/26/2023 02:04 PM Taipei, Dec. 26 (CNA) Sudden waves are likely to blame for an incident on Dec. 21 that left three members of a Taiwan submarine crew missing, Taiwan's Navy confirmed Tuesday as it presented a timeline of what happened. The Navy initially suspected last week that rogue waves swept the missing crew members off their submarine's deck, but Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Wu Li-ping () provided more details at a press briefing Tuesday. The incident took place on board the Hai Hu (), or Sea Tiger, submarine, which departed from Kaohsiung on Dec. 18 for a training mission in waters off southeastern Taiwan that was set to conclude on Dec. 29, Wu said. At around noon on Dec. 21, while their submarine was operating under the sea, Hai Hu crew members heard "abnormal sounds" coming from the rear part of the vessel that they eventually identified as coming from a rescue buoy. The buoy was floating outside the submarine after the wooden cover of its compartment in the vessel fell off, for reasons the Navy has yet to determine. Fearing that the 300-meter steel cable the buoy was attached to and dragging to the surface could damage the submarine's propeller blades, the captain decided to bring the submarine to the surface and have crew members go to the ship's deck to recover the buoy, Wu said. Four crew members were sent out initially and were all wearing life jackets and were tethered to the deck by a safety harness, which was supposed to prevent them from going overboard. Three of them, however, were swept overboard by a sudden rogue wave, and one of them was saved because his harness was working. The two others went missing because the buckles connecting their harnesses to the line was deformed under the stress of the weather conditions and came loose, Wu said. After hearing that the crew members were overboard, the ship's weapons system chief went to the submarine deck himself to rescue them. He later fell into the sea but was quickly saved, Wu said. Later, the captain sent another six crew members, who were assigned to the sub's rescue team in case of an emergency, to the deck to rescue the crew members who had gone missing while trying to retrieve the buoy. One of the six was also later thrown overboard due to rogue wave and went missing, Wu said. A master chief petty officer surnamed Lin () and two petty officers surnamed Yen () and Chang () are still missing even though the military has dispatched 80 aircraft and 76 vessels involving 981 people on search and rescue missions since the incident took place, according to Wu. Preliminary indications are that the weather conditions, in particular winds measuring a five on the Beaufort Scale, were within safety standards on Dec. 21 and that an unexpected surge in the sea was likely the main reason for the accident, Wu said. He pledged that the military will not call off the search and mission until they find the missing crew members because "we won't leave our fellow comrades behind." The Navy previously said Sunday it would continue the search mission for at least another 72 hours following the elapsing of the first 72 hours -- also known as the "golden time" for search and rescue missions. The Hai Hu is one of two Chien Lung-class (Sword Dragon) submarines Taiwan purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s, the other being the Hai Lung, or Sea Dragon. Taiwan also possesses two World War II vintage submarines purchased from the United States in the 1970s, but they are now used exclusively for training purposes. The country is now building indigenous submarines to replace the aging fleet, and a prototype called the Hai Kun (), or "Narwhal," was unveiled in September. The construction of domestic submarines means Taiwan will have a total of three combat-ready submarines by 2025, and four by 2027, according to the Navy. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Presidential contenders bicker over how to deal with China economically ROC Central News Agency 12/26/2023 09:11 PM Taipei, Dec. 26 (CNA) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidates remained at odds over how best to manage Taiwan's trade and economic relationship with China during their second policy presentation forum on Tuesday. The televised event saw the KMT presidential candidate and current New Taipei mayor Hou Yu-ih () laying the blame for strained cross-Taiwan Strait relations as well as Beijing's suspension of the imports of Taiwanese agricultural products on the DPP government. It had been easy for Taiwanese farmers to sell their products in China after the signing of the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in 2010 between the then-KMT government in Taipei and Beijing, Hou said. Over the past seven years, however, cross-strait relations have deteriorated with the DPP in office, leading to exports of several Taiwanese products, such as pineapples, custard apples, and groupers being suspended, Hou said. He went on to say that the bans were caused by "a lack of communication [between the DPP government and Beijing] over quarantine issues." If elected president, Hou said, "[I] will negotiate [with China] over ECFA issues on the basis of equality, dignity, and amiability," without elaborating. China ceased importing Taiwanese pineapples in March 2021 and custard apples six months later, citing repeated discoveries of mealy bugs on the fruits as the main reason. In June 2022, China stopped importing Taiwan-grown groupers for allegedly containing illicit chemicals and excessive levels of oxytetracycline, making them the first product that enjoyed tariff reduction under the ECFA's "early harvest" list to be banned. So far, Beijing has partially lifted the ban on those products, saying it had noticed some improvements on the part of Taiwanese farmers and fishermen, without providing details. A Beijing official also said last Friday that China was willing to work towards resuming importing Taiwanese agricultural products that have been banned provided that the Taiwanese side "adheres to the '1992 nonsense' and opposes Taiwanese independence." Such moves have prompted the DPP government to denounce Beijing for using agricultural products as political bargaining chips and for repeated violations of international trade rules. DPP presidential nominee Lai Ching-te () said at Tuesday's forum that the KMT always blames the DPP government for "provoking China" when Beijing launches coercive measures against Taiwan. The DPP candidate and current vice president criticized the KMT as a "pro-communist" party and accused it of working in tandem with Beijing in an attempt to win the presidential election on Jan. 13, 2024. He went on to say that the KMT should explain why Beijing announced the suspension of ECFA's tariff relief on the imports of 12 Taiwanese petrochemical products starting in 2024 on Dec. 15, when KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia () was visiting China. The KMT said Hsia was there to meet with Taiwanese businessmen and denied reports that he had planned to meet with senior officials from China's Taiwan Affairs Office. The third contender in the presidential race, Ko Wen-je () of the Taiwan People's Party, spent most of his allotted time discussing his education policy and did not touch upon cross-strait economic tensions. He did, nevertheless, propose to work to join the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is open for accession by any country or separate customs territory. "[We] ought to courageously apply to join the RCEP" provided that "hedging mechanisms" are fully in place, Ko said, without elaborating. (By Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 2023 Yearender: Cross-Straits ties mixed with restored exchanges and provocations from DPP, US Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Dec 26, 2023 09:49 PM Updated: Dec 26, 2023 11:12 PM The year 2023 marks the first year of cross-Taiwan Straits exchanges fully resuming following the end of the pandemic, with people of vision on both sides of the Taiwan Straits continuing to promote communication and integration, and Taiwan secessionists who rely on the US for "independence" creating barriers for dialogue and elevating the atmosphere of hostility and tension. On December 8, the Chinese character "Rong" in Pinyin, which refers to the integrated development of the Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan, was chosen as the 2023 annual character across the Taiwan Straits by 15 million netizens from both sides of the straits. While just one day earlier, the Chinese character "Que," which means "lack" or "be short of," was selected as the annual word in a poll launched by the Taiwan-based UDN.com. "Que" reflects the embarrassment and gloomy prospects the island is now being confronted under the rule of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, as in 2023 Taiwan "lacked everything from water, electricity, eggs and labor to a sense of security," per media on the island. In their interviews with Global Times reporters, some Taiwan residents and mainland observers said that the collusion between Taiwan secessionists and the US remains the biggest obstacles to cross-Straits relations. However, they also believed that the majority of people in Taiwan look forward to peaceful development and do not want to be plunged into the quagmire of war. For the mainland, advancing integration and exchanges amid a struggle against Taiwan secessionists will be the new normal. Gradual warming After the mainland adjusted its COVID-19 prevention and control policies at the end of 2022, the DPP authorities were urged to comply with public wishes and promote the full resumption of the "mini three links," which refers to the direct trade, postal and ferry services between Kinmen and Matsu, two islands attached to Taiwan, and Fujian Province in the mainland. With the gradual resumption of "mini three links" and some cross-Straits direct flights, people-to-people exchanges started to resume in 2023. In March, Taiwan's industrial and commercial groups visited the mainland, expressing their expectations for closer exchange and cooperation. In April, Ma Ying-jeou, the former leader of the Taiwan region, made a historic visit to several mainland cities and universities and pay homage to ancestors at burial site of Ma family, emphasizing that Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should work together to avoid war and seek the revival of the country. As a return visit, a group of 37 students from five mainland schools visited Taiwan in July. As a traditional event on the calendar between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits to exchange, the 15th Straits Forum opened in Xiamen on June 16, marking the largest-scale cross-Straits event since 2020, with more than 5,000 Taiwan compatriots from all walks of life attending. The annual Shanghai-Taipei City Forum kicked off in Shanghai on August 30, with memorandums of exchange and cooperation signed in the fields of the exhibition industry, low-carbon initiatives and badminton. In September, China's State Council released a new document outlining supporting measures to develop Fujian Province into the first home for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises in the mainland, facilitating integrated development. On November 14, President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, sent a congratulatory letter to the 2023 annual conference of the summit for entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Straits. Xi said efforts will be continued to facilitate economic exchanges and cooperation and advance integrated development in all fields across the Straits. Peaceful development across the Taiwan Straits is the greatest consensus of Taiwan's public opinion, Xu Jin-ming, a PHD candidate from Taiwan currently studying at Peking University, told the Global Times. Xu said that he has deeply felt the momentum behind the growing number of young people from Taiwan coming to the mainland due to the wide-open space for personal development. "Encouraging Taiwan's young people to start their career in mainland is a gradual process, and the first step to enhance their sense of identity with the mainland," he said. "That's why the increasing cross-Straits exchanges are important." Integration or confrontation? In speaking with Xu and five other Taiwan residents, the Global Times found that four of them believe that the cross-Straits relations in 2023 have become more strained overall. Two people thought the cross-Straits relations in 2023 had tense moments, but on the whole, remained relatively stable. But they all believed that DPP's anti-China propaganda on the island, as well as the US' constant playing of the "Taiwan card," are the biggest problems facing cross-Straits relations. Despite US President Joe Biden's claim that the US did not support "Taiwan independence" when meeting with President Xi at the San Francisco summit in November, the Pentagon in December said that it had approved a $300 million military sale of equipment "to help maintain Taiwan's tactical information systems," according to a Reuters report. The US has announced five arms sales to Taiwan in 2023. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which was signed into effect on December 22, also vowed more resources to arm the island. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1303302.shtml Li Zhenguang, a professor and deputy director of the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Beijing Union University, told the Global Times that cross-Strait relations in 2023 were characterized by the mainland's constant promoting of integration and exchange, with the DPP and the US seeking to create tensions and cultivate a confrontational atmosphere. Earlier in April, regardless of China's warnings, then US house speaker Kevin McCarthy met with Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen in Los Angeles, as Tsai visited the US under the guise of "transiting" to a third country. In August, secessionist Lai Ching-te, the DPP's candidate for 2024 elections, paid another "stopover" to the US. As a result of the DPP authorities' unilateral, discriminatory restrictions and bans against mainland exports, the Ministry of Finance in the mainland announced on December 21 that preferential tariffs on a dozen chemical products from the island of Taiwan will be scrapped starting on January 1, 2024. The move is in line with rules under the WTO as well as the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between the mainland and the island, and serves as a warning to the DPP authorities against politicizing trade issues and undermining cross-Straits trade cooperation, analysts said. The mainland is focused on peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, and that issues between the two sides can be solved through dialogue and consultations on the basis of the 1992 Consensus, Li said. The mainland's struggle against Taiwan secessionists will also intensify in 2024, while at the same time steadily advancing cross-Straits integration and exchange at the nongovernmental level, Li said. Chang Yi-chieh, a young Taiwan compatriot who currently lives in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, told the Global Times that the DPP's strategy of "relying on the US for independence" goes against the trend of the times. The US emboldening Taiwan to confront the mainland while vowing opposition to "Taiwan independence" is obviously a strategy using Taiwan as a pawn against the mainland, he said. The overwhelming majority of the people on the island of Taiwan want to reduce conflict and achieve common development. Future leaders of Taiwan region must be fully aware of this, refrain from unrealistic delusions of secession, and strive to promote cross-Straits exchanges and advocate peaceful reunification at an early date, Chang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latest control of Maryinka 'hardly break stalemate' of Russia-Ukraine war Global Times US presidential election in 2024 gives more imagination room for resolving protracted Ukraine crisis: experts By Chen Qingqing Published: Dec 26, 2023 10:12 PM Although some Western media view Russia's latest control of Maryinka in eastern Ukraine, which is a small town in the Donetsk region, as Moscow's "most significant battlefield gains since May," some Chinese experts believe that this single progress will not provide the means to break the military stalemate between the two sides that has persisted for nearly two years. When the world is forecasting what could happen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2024, Chinese experts said there could be "more room for imagination" after the US presidential election in next November. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday that Russian forces have gained full control of Maryinka, Reuters reported on Monday. Putin said control of the town, which lies some five kilometers southwest of the city of Donetsk, will allow Russian forces to move enemy combat units away from Donetsk, according to the media report. While Reuters said that if Russia's claims about taking over the town prove true, it would be Moscow's most significant battlefield gains since May when Russian troops captured Bakhmut. However, Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun on Monday denied Russia's claim, saying that battles for Maryinka continue, the Xinhua News Agency reported. "It's difficult to break the military stalemate between Russia and Ukraine by taking control of one town. Also, based on the daily casualty numbers released by the Ukraine side, the Russian military's approaches in places like Bakhmut and Maryinka, where they launched offensives without considering casualties, is not sustainable," Zhang Hong, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday. Still, some experts believe that the tense and protracted battlefield situation has not changed, while Russia holds the initiative with the ability to control the pace of engagement based on its stable economy, military-industrial complex and efficient social operations. "Ukraine, on the other hand, can only respond reactively. However, if we consider the scenario where Russian forces enter a broader operational area, it may have more significant propaganda value," Cui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, told the Global Times on Monday. The counteroffensive in Avdiivka indicates that Russia also lacks the capability to break through fortified defenses without significant casualties, Cui said. Between November 22 and 24, Russia unleashed what Ukraine said was the third major attempt to capture Avdiivka in two months, sending about 50 assaults supported by armor, Al Jazeera reported on November 29. And on one day alone, Ukraine's military said it had "eliminated" 1,100 Russian soldiers and 30 tanks, the media report said. "Such protracted warfare between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has seen some changes up to the present. One major change is the decrease in Western assistance to Ukraine, which has shifted Ukraine from an offensive to a defensive stance, thereby increasing Russia's advantage," Zhao Huirong, an Eastern European studies expert from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday. This change has had a noticeable impact on the battlefield situation, with Russia appearing more confident and proactive while Ukraine has become relatively more passive due to ammunition shortages, but this does not necessarily signify a turning point or imminent peace negotiations, Zhao said. Despite reduced assistance, Ukraine has adjusted its strategy to prioritize defense and still possesses some reserves. Therefore, this attritional warfare is likely to continue for some time. And Russia is also adopting a strategy for prolonged conflict, she added. Also on Tuesday, Ukraine's air force said that it had destroyed a major Russia landing ship stationed in the Crimean waters, and Kiev's assault sparked a fire in the port of Feodosia, according to Reuters. Targeting key objectives during this attritional warfare may increase in the future, as Ukraine, in face of an ammunition shortage, must achieve some successes to continue receiving Western assistance. Therefore, their limited ammunition needs to be utilized in critical areas where it can have a greater impact, Zhao noted. "Some of these targets undoubtedly include Crimea, which is of significant importance. Also, Ukraine is increasingly relying on the production of drones due to limitations in its military-industrial capabilities," she said. While the world is anxiously observing how the Russia-Ukraine war that has lasted for 671 days by Tuesday will evolve in 2024, some US media such as CNBC said Ukraine's alliances with the US and Europe could be destabilized further in the next year, putting the future of military aid packages in doubt. "As for the possibility of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in 2024, it doesn't seem very hopeful," Zhang said, noting that the ultimate resolution of the conflict depends on whether Russia and the US can find common interests or compromises. Until the Biden administration makes significant policy changes, which seems unlikely before the US presidential election, and if the US does not shift its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, it implies that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia will not progress, he noted. Apart from factors related to the US elections, the situation on the battlefield is also a consideration for peace talks, Zhao noted. "If, on the Ukrainian side, assistance decreases, and the battlefield situation becomes extremely unfavorable, if there is a scenario where they retreat, and Russian forces advance, I believe that the Western countries might pressure Ukraine to halt the fighting and engage in cease-fire negotiations," she said. However, peace negotiations are unlikely because of the significant and sharp differences between the two sides regarding territorial issues, but the possibility of cease-fire negotiations may exist, the expert noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Defence Minister reported to the President on the Ukrainian Armed Forces' attack on Feodosia Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on the Ukrainian Armed Forces' attack on Feodosia and damage sustained by the large landing ship Novocherkassk. December 26, 2023 12:40 Earlier, the Defence Ministry reported that the large landing ship Novocherkassk, stationed in Feodosia, had been damaged last night, as Russian military units were repelling an attack by the Ukrainian armed forces involving air-launched guided missiles. While repelling the air strike, air defence units destroyed two enemy Su-24 tactical bombers (that had launched the guided air-to-surface missiles) near Zhovten, located 125 kilometres northeast of Nikolayev. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian warship destroyed in deadly Ukrainian strike on Crimea Iran Press TV Tuesday, 26 December 2023 11:19 AM A Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian navy ship at the Crimean port city of Feodosia has led to a blast and a fire, killing one and injuring several others, according to Russia's defense ministry. The ministry said that Feodosia was targeted on Tuesday by the Ukrainian army using air-launched missiles, resulting in damage to the "Novocherkassk", a large landing ship. Sergei Aksyonov, governor of Crimea, said on the Telegram messaging app that one was killed, two were injured and six people were evacuated from their homes. "There was an enemy attack in the Feodosia area. The territory of the port has been closed off," Aksyonov wrote on Telegram. He added that the explosion had ceased, and emergency personnel were currently trying to extinguish the flames. "The residents of several houses will be relocated," he wrote. Trains were canceled and street traffic was partially blocked in Feodosia, where Russia's Black Sea Fleet is stationed. Ukraine has repeatedly used naval drones laden with explosives to attack Russian naval fleets that dominate the Black Sea, prompting Moscow to block Ukrainian grain exports through its favored export route. Since Moscow initiated a military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, The Crimean Peninsula, which rejoined Russia after a referendum in 2014, has been subjected to numerous drone attacks carried out by Ukrainian forces on multiple occasions. Russia launched the campaign partly to counter NATO's further eastward expansion and to stop Kiev's persecution of the pro-Russian population in eastern Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin said the goals were "demilitarization and de-Nazification" of the East European country. Most of the Ukrainian attacks against Russia are reportedly carried out by Western-supplied ammunition. The West, the United States in particular, has supplied Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars worth of weapons and munitions to fight against the Russian nation. Moscow has now and then warned against flooding Kiev with weapons and munitions, saying it will only prolong the conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Air Force Claims Destruction Of Russian Ship In Crimea; Moscow Confirms Missile Strike By RFE/RL's Crimea.Realities December 26, 2023 FEODOSIA, Ukraine -- Ukraine's air force hit a major naval port on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula, and claimed a Russian naval landing ship docked there was destroyed. Ukraine's military said in a post to Telegram on December 26 that tactical aviation units fired cruise missiles at the port of Feodosia, on the eastern side of the Black Sea peninsula, around 3 a.m. local time, hitting the ship, the Novocherkassk. Explosions reverberated throughout the city, waking up residents, setting off car alarms, and breaking storefront and building windows some distance away from the port. The commander of Ukraine's air force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, said in a post on Telegram that "Russia's naval fleet is getting smaller," and suggested that Ukrainian jets were involved, but gave no other details. "We saw how powerful the explosion and detonation were," Colonel Yuriy Ihnat, an air force spokesman, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "It's extremely difficult for a ship to survive something like that." Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed that the Novocherkassk had been damaged by a Ukrainian missile, but gave no other information. The Kremlin said that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had briefed President Vladimir Putin on the strike, a possible indication of the seriousness of the attack. "An enemy attack was carried out in the Feodosia area. The port area is cordoned off. At this moment, explosions have stopped and the fire has been contained," Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-backed governor of the Crimea region, said in a post to Telegram. He said one person was killed, and two others wounded in the attack. He gave no further information. Unverified photos and videos showed fireballs climbing into the night sky, accompanied by an enormous shockwave. Photographs taken by a correspondent for Crimea Realities, a regional desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, showed broken windows on several buildings along the city's waterfront embankment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed "special thanks" to the Ukrainian Air Force for its "excellent work against the occupiers in Crimea" but did not say anything specific about the attack or the state of the Novocherkassk. RFE/RL's Crimea.Realities reported that two Russian vessels left the port of Feodosia in the afternoon of December 26. It was not possible to identify the ships by name, but judging by their size, the vessels were a military ship and a military boat belonging to Russia's Black Sea Fleet, Crimea.Realities reported. Elsewhere, Russia's military claimed the capture of the eastern town of Maryinka, which would potentially open up a new corridor for advancing in the Donetsk region. Shoigu was shown in a televised meeting on December 25 telling Putin about the town's purported capture. Kyiv initially disputed the claim, but on December 26 the Ukrainian military's commander in chief, General Valeriy Zaluzhniy, said Kyiv's forces had retreated from Maryinka and new defense lines had been prepared outside the town, which is largely destroyed and deserted but holds strategic importance. Maryinka is located just under 30 kilometers southwest of the city of Donetsk, which is controlled by Russian forces. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said late on December 26 that a Russian strike on a train station in the southern city of Kherson killed at least one person and wounded four others. The train station was filled with about 140 civilians waiting for an evacuation train at the time of the attack. Ukraine's national railway operator said the station and trains were damaged in the attack. "Currently, several injured workers are known. Passengers are in shelter," Ukrzaliznytsia added. The company planned to transfer the passengers to buses that would take them to Mykolayiv, where reserve railway cars were waiting. "The situation is under control, the railway workers are ready to continue moving," Ukrzaliznytsia said. The head of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, said Russian shelling of the region during the day on December 26 left three dead and several wounded. It was unclear whether this included the attack on the train station. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, AFP, Reuters, the BBC, and dpa NOTE: The lead image for this article has been changed. The earlier photo was of a Ukrainian attack on Crimea in March. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-crimea-russian-ship- destroyed-novocherkassk/32747629.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Investigation: CCTV System Could Give Moscow A Prying Eye On Ukraine By Kyrylo Ovsyaniy December 26, 2023 Thousands of Russian video-surveillance systems used by Ukrainian cities, infrastructure, private companies, and ordinary homes can relay footage to Moscow-based servers owned by big Russian companies that service the Russian government and military, Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, has learned. The State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection told Schemes it had warned the government that TRASSIR video-surveillance systems, which are sold by the Moscow-based firm DSSL, pose a security threat. Technical experts, including a TRASSIR specialist, and one former senior Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officer echoed that assessment. "If this camera was located on some critical infrastructure facility, there may be a question about what the employees on the other side and the owners of that server see, and how they use that information for military purposes," said Serhiy Denysenko, executive director of the Ukrainian information-security company CyberLab's Digital Forensics Laboratory. By "the other side," he meant Russia. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. To date, the Ukrainian government has issued no public warning against using the TRASSIR video-surveillance systems. However, after Schemes published a report on the results of its investigation, on December 7, Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko vowed that state authorities would conduct a "thorough check" of the journalists' findings. "Of course, it is unacceptable when any camera, even hypothetically, can be connected and transmit information, especially during wartime, to any [foreign] country," Klymenko said on national television the following day. The shuttered Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which was occupied by Russian forces for over a month at the start of the invasion, is among the sensitive government-run sites that have used TRASSIR video-surveillance systems, according to the import-export database ImportGenius and a letter from a Chernobyl representative to DSSL. Others include the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority and the Maritime Search and Rescue Service in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, according to the public procurement database Prozorro. Purchases were made both before and after Russia occupied the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and fomented war in the eastern Donbas region in 2014. The strategically important southern city of Kherson, which Russian forces occupied for months in 2022 before retreating that November, and which they continue to bombard frequently, bought TRASSIR for video surveillance of public spaces, the database shows. Other purchasers include the industrial cities of Nikopol, Poltava, and Slavutych, all of which have faced Russian attacks. Schemes found no evidence that the Russian military or security services are using TRASSIR-system footage to target these specific locations. Less than a week into the full-scale invasion, Kyiv blocked access to the Russia-based Internet servers that TRASSIR uses. Most of the Ukrainian companies or facilities that have used TRASSIR and responded to questions from Schemes said that they used the Russian software in a closed local network, to reduce the risk of data leakage, or that they had stopped using it. Yet Schemes and digital-security experts determined that the TRASSIR systems still can access these servers via virtual private networks (VPNs), which conceal a user's location and are widely used in Ukraine. The Kremlin's Camera Connection TRASSIR, owned by DSSL, is an established brand name for camera surveillance in Russia: The broadcast hub for Russian national TV channels, Moscow's Ostankino Tower, the Tomsk region's government headquarters, and a St. Petersburg bridge all use the TRASSIR CCTV system, according to the DSSL website. Altogether, the company claims 150 partners in Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Romania, and Russia. The system, which TRASSIR claims can be used at sites ranging from "a small store to an airport," mostly uses cameras from the Chinese company Hikvision, but the software that transmits the cameras' footage is TRASSIR's own. The import-export database ImportGenius shows that Ukrainian companies imported over 10,000 cameras and video recorders from the TRASSIR surveillance system from 2016 until Kyiv ended all Russian imports in February 2022. Those numbers do not take possible illegal imports into account. Digital security activists told Schemes that cameras equipped with the TRASSIR software can transmit video to Russian servers. Separately, a 2019 promotional article said that a number of government-run facilities and private companies were among the Ukrainian entities using TRASSIR's camera systems. To confirm the activists' findings, Schemes collaborated with the Digital Forensics Laboratory and the Digital Security Laboratory, a Kyiv-based nonprofit, to test the TRASSIR video-surveillance system. Schemes bought one of the cameras online; the activists, who requested anonymity, provided several cameras from the TRASSIR surveillance system and a video recorder. Using a VPN to skirt Ukraine's block on Russian servers, Digital Security Laboratory specialist Natalia Onishchenko determined that, aside from other destinations, such as Google in the United States, the camera sends data-transfer requests to a Russia-based subdomain of TRASSIR's website,, m30.ru.cloudtrassir.com. A domain-name tracer revealed that this subdomain's Internet Protocol (IP) address, the string of numbers that identifies it online, belongs to a Moscow company called Digital Network. Digital Network is an Internet service provider (ISP) that is part of a large Russian corporation and is known by the brand name msm.ru. Its clients include the Internet company Yandex, whose products include Russia's dominant search engine, and the Russian Defense Ministry's TV channel, Zvezda. Records from Russia's portal for government contracts, EIS Zakupki, show that Digital Network provided Internet access to "military unit 43753," otherwise known as the Center for Information Protection and Special Communication, between 2015 and 2017. The Center, part of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia's main intelligence agency, monitors and evaluates software and assists the FSB with decryption. The TRASSIR system's software also sent a data request to a server that belongs to the massive private Russian IT company VK, another of the Kremlin's corporate comrades, which, according to one German researcher, is "state-controlled and pursues ideological and intelligence goals" for the Kremlin. VK founded the popular social-media networks VK and Odnoklassniki, and owns the widely used email system Mail.ru. Under Russia's 2019 Sovereign Internet Law, Russian IT companies are obliged to install equipment that allows the federal communications agency Roskomnadzor to monitor their Internet traffic. An earlier regulation, part of the so-called Yarovaya amendments, stipulates that IT companies preserve data, including video footage, for six months and turn it over to Russian state structures upon demand. Such legislation means that "access to all resources stored in Russia is possible for the special services and law enforcement agencies even without court decisions," said Ukrainian counterintelligence specialist Viktor Yahun, a reserve SBU major general who formerly worked on counterintelligence operations against the FSB. "Everything related to information, the Internet, communication -- all this is united in this center," he said. A Blocked Purchase Yury Shyhol, a former director of Ukraine's State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection, which oversees cybersecurity, told Schemes in a written response that the agency had warned "security and defense sector ministries" in May 2022, some three months into Russia's full-scale invasion, that DSSL and TRASSIR cooperate with Russian security ministries and services. Shyhol did not elaborate about the Ukrainian ministries' response, but Schemes could find no indication that the government has issued a public warning about the TRASSIR video-surveillance systems or attempted to stop their sale within Ukraine. In response to Schemes' query about TRASSIR, the SBU said that it could not discuss counterintelligence activities. It mentioned a 2020 case, however, in which it blocked the 8-million-hryvnya ($280,000) purchase of TRASSIR video-surveillance systems by the administration of the Lviv region in western Ukraine. The systems could be used to "obtain information about the movement of military equipment by rail transportation and public highways," the SBU said in a publication explaining the decision to block the purchase. A 'Dangerous' Technology A technician at one of the former main Ukrainian vendors of the TRASSIR system, TRASSIR EU, conceded that the fact that the cameras' data travels first to Russian servers is "dangerous." "But that's the way the technology is," said TRASSIR EU technical specialist Vitaliy Fedorenko. "The whole world works like this." The systems can be redirected to send their data to Ukrainian servers, but it is "unrealistic" for owners to do that for each of the "hundreds of thousands" of TRASSIR cameras in Ukraine, Fedorenko said. Most reported TRASSIR clients who responded to Schemes' questions stressed that they use or have used the system within a local network inaccessible to outside entities. The acting general director of the Chernobyl plant, Serhiy Martinov, said that it had stopped using TRASSIR in 2023. A letter from the plant on the DSSL site states Chernobyl had used it since 2011. In the east-central city of Poltava, where TRASSIR is used as part of a municipal safety program, First Deputy Mayor Valeriy Parkhomenko said he had "had no official appeals or warnings that this system has any risks." The head of the city's Housing and Communal Services Department's emergency response team, Mykola Yosipenko, conceded, though, that he could not be "100-percent sure" that the camera's data-transfers are entirely safe. An engineer from the company that installed TRASSIR for Poltava, Yavir-2000, advised against using the system, saying that it can be hacked and that Russia could use it for monitoring. The engineer, who did not know he was speaking to a journalist, suggested that it would make sense to use the system "if you need to be monitored from Russia." Plans For The Future TRASSIR EU's founder, Oleh Kiyashko , a native of Ukraine who has Ukrainian and Russian citizenship and is listed on one business registry site as a co-owner of a sales-focused DSSL affiliate called DSSL-Pyervy (DSSL-First), could not be reached for comment about the surveillance systems' software. TRASSIR EU Director Larysa Osadcha claims that the company ended its contract and contacts with DSSL in April 2023. Ukraine's patent registry shows, however, that the firm still holds the copyright to the TRASSIR software in Ukraine. Osadcha said that the company is now working with new software for video-surveillance systems called AZIGUARD -- this time from Romania, which is a member of NATO and the European Union. However, the website of AziTrend, the company that owns AZIGUARD, still contains numerous references to TRASSIR software, which, according to the advertisement, is part of the system from the Romanian manufacturer. Later, after Schemes made inquiries and reported on TRASSIR, references to this Russian software began to disappear from the AziTrend website, but some of them have not been removed. Written by Elizabeth Owen based on reporting by Kyrylo Ovsyaniy of Schemes Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-cctv-moscow-spying- schemes-investigation/32747767.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Why Russian Liberation of Maryinka is So Significant Sputnik News 20231226 The Ukrainian army continues to suffer humiliation after humiliation, losing an important stronghold in the Donetsk People's Republic not long after Kiev's over-hyped "counteroffensive" ended in complete failure. Russia's Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu formally announced that the Russian Armed Forces liberated Maryinka, a heavily fortified town in the Donetsk People's Republic, which for years served as an important stronghold for the Ukrainian troops, on December 25. Maryinka's close proximity to the region's capital of Donetsk allowed Ukrainian forces to shell the bigger municipality with relative impunity, noted military analyst Anatoliy Matviychuk, a retired colonel of the Russian Armed Forces. "Most importantly, they (Ukrainian forces) turned that town into a fortification," Matviychuk said. "There were firing positions for long-range artillery and MLRS that shelled Donetsk. Now Maryinka is taken and thus the threat was moved away from Donetsk." He further noted that the liberation of Maryinka results in Russian forces taking control of "a hub of railways and highways," not to mention cutting off the supply lines for the Ukrainian forces in the sector. The Russian victory in Maryinka also means that Ukrainian forces suffered a huge blow to their morale and lost confidence in their ability to hold their positions, suggested Colonel General Georgy Shpak, ex-commander of the Russian Airborne Forces. "Already, as I've learned, the number of Ukrainian soldiers who want to end up in Russian captivity has drastically increased," Shpak said, adding that Kiev troops are becoming disaffected with their leaders and their ideals. Meanwhile, Ret. Col. Rustem Klupov, a military analyst and Russian military intelligence veteran, argued that the liberation of Maryinka was the beginning of a breakthrough in multilayered enemy defense in the sector, which may be followed by further breakthroughs in the Artemovsk and Avdeyevka sectors. "These three directions - Artemovsk, Maryinka and Avdeyevka - they may lead to a strategic advance towards Pavlograd and Dnepropetrovsk, that's about 200 kilometers, in order to encircle the enemy attack force that sought to punch through our frontlines in the south," Klupov said. According to him, such a move by Russian forces would put the entire Ukrainian southern army group at risk as Kiev would be forced to either pull these troops back or risk them being cut off. "The success of this big operation is being determined there, near Avdeyevka and Maryinka," Klupov claimed. While Kiev's "counteroffensive" that started early in June and ended without much fanfare by the year's end failed to produce any results apart from tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers killed, Russian forces scored a number of victories in 2023 which include the liberation of the cities of Artemovsk, Soledar and Maryinka. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Drone Dominance May Force Ukraine to Retreat Sputnik News 20231226 Russia's drone use in the Ukrainian conflict appears to be causing quite a lot of grief to the regime in Kiev if the recent complaints by Ukrainian officials are to be believed. Ukraine faces disastrous consequences if Russia continues to retain its advantage in the field of drone warfare, Ukrainian Center for Aerial Reconnaissance's head Maria Berlinskaya has told local media. During her recent interview with a Ukrainian media outlet, Berlinskaya lamented that the majority of Ukrainian military hardware destroyed by Russian forces has been taken out with drone strikes and that unless the powers that be in Ukraine start "thinking a few steps ahead," the Ukrainian troops will be forced into a retreat. She also complained that Ukraine's military and political leadership does not have a vision for the drone industry in Ukraine, with Berlinskaya pointing out that Russian President Vladimir Putin takes a keen interest in drone production and development in Russia. Berlinskaya made these remarks after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced an intent to produce a million drones in Ukraine in 2024. It remains unclear exactly how the Kiev regime is going to accomplish this goal, as Ukraine lacks a domestic defense industry and is critically dependent on military hardware shipments from its Western sponsors, though Berlinskaya suggested that Zelensky was referring to "simplest FPV drones." The Ukrainian conflict has, among other things, highlighted the fact that Russia commands a powerful arsenal of sophisticated weapons that are more than a match for anything NATO has to offer, including drones. The efficient use of this weaponry has translated into a staggering amount of losses for the Ukrainian forces who now have to resort to press-ganging to make up for the shortage of manpower. Drones such as Lancet loitering munitions, as well as hardware including the Ka-52 attack helicopters, T-90 main battle tanks, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and Tor-M2 air defense systems afford Russian troops a distinct advantage over the Kiev forces and help safeguard Russia's borders against any threats. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Strikes Russian Ship in Crimea By VOA News December 26, 2023 Ukrainian forces struck a Russian naval landing ship in Crimea on Tuesday, inflicting another blow to Russia's Black Sea fleet. The Ukrainian air force said it used cruise missiles and that the attack destroyed the Novocherkassk. Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson of Ukraine's Air Forces Command, told VOA the Ukrainian military had information about the ship's location and cargo, as well as Russian air defenses protecting the region. Ihnat called the attack "an extremely difficult operation because it is not easy to sink such a ship." Ukraine's military is getting better at delivering high-precision strikes, Ihnat said, adding that Russia "is losing, little by little, the Black Sea fleet and its influence in the Black Sea." Ihnat said he could not confirm whether the Novocherkassk was carrying Iranian-made drones, but said that could not be ruled out, nor whether the ship had ammunition Russia had received from its allies for use in Ukraine. The Russian defense ministry said the Ukrainian attack damaged the Novocherkassk at a base in Feodosia. Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-installed governor of Crimea, said on Telegram the attack killed one person and injured two others. Ukrainian Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, commander of the Ukrainian Navy, told VOA the Tuesday attack will have an effect on the presence of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea. "Now the ships of the Black Sea Fleet, which is located in Feodosia, understand that they are also the objects of attack by the armed forces of Ukraine, including at this base point," he said. Russian news agencies reported President Vladimir Putin was briefed about the attack. Ukraine's military also reported Tuesday downing 13 of 19 drones that Russia used in attacks overnight. It said the drones were destroyed in the Odesa, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Khmelnytskyi regions. Russia claimed Monday that its forces had captured the strategic town of Maryinka in eastern Ukraine, but Kyiv disputed the claim, reporting that its troops had repelled three "unsuccessful attacks" near the ruined and nearly deserted community. "It's not correct to talk about seizing Maryinka," Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksandr Shtupun told Ukrainian TV following claims made by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin. "The fighting for Maryinka continues," Shtupun said. "Currently, our servicemen are within the administrative borders of Maryinka, but the city has been completely destroyed," he added. Maryinka is a relatively small town a with a prewar population under 10,000 a but, according to British intelligence, the Russian military has been seeking to capture it in order to advance further west and better protect occupied Donetsk city. Ukraine also said Monday it had received $1.34 billion in financing, mostly through the World Bank a funds that will be partially used to compensate social programs for monies lost to security and defense financial needs. The Finance Ministry said the package consisted of a $1.086 billion loan from the World Bank, a $190 million grant from Norway, $50 million from the United States, and $20 million from Switzerland. "International financial assistance is a significant contribution to maintaining the financial and economic stability of Ukraine and allows us to ensure priority social expenditures during the war," Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said. "Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the governments of Japan, the United States, Norway, and Switzerland have repeatedly demonstrated their unwavering support and solidarity to Ukraine," he added. Late Monday, the text of a draft law posted on the website of Ukraine's parliament proposed lowering the age of those who can be mobilized for combat duty to 25 from 27. The draft text detailed which Ukrainian citizens would be subject to enrollment for military registration of conscripts and said it would apply to those "who have reached the age of 25." President Zelenskyy told his end-of-year news conference on Dec. 19 that the military had proposed mobilizing 450,000-500,000 more Ukrainians, but that it was a "highly sensitive" issue that the military and government would discuss before deciding whether to send the proposal to parliament. Zelenskyy, who has yet to back the proposal publicly, said on Dec. 19 that he wanted to hear more arguments for mobilizing additional people. "This is a very serious number," he said. VOA's Myroslava Gongadze, Ihar Tsikhanenka and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty contributed to this report. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP: Do you, or did you, own shares of Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: INSP)? Did you purchase your shares between May 3, 2023 and November 7, 2023, inclusive? Did you lose money in your investment in Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.? Do you want to discuss your rights? Bernstein Liebhard LLP announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the common stock of Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (Inspire Medical or the Company) (NYSE: INSP) between May 3, 2023 and November 7, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the Complaint). If you purchased or acquired Inspire Medical common stock, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact paralegal Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com. According to the Complaint, Inspire Medical is a medical technology company that develops and commercializes minimally invasive products for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Company offers the only OSA device that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of the root cause of sleep apnea by working inside the body with the patients natural breathing process. The Company calls the treatment, which includes an implantable device, Inspire therapy. On November 7, 2023, the Company announced disappointing earnings results for the third quarter of 2023 - its first reported revenue miss since becoming a public company in 2018. In a stunning admission, Inspire Medical stated it had started to track problems with its Acceleration Program in the second quarter of 2023, including a decrease in the number of prior authorization submissions for Inspire therapy, and recogniz[ed] this trend early in the third quarter - i.e., as early as July 1, 2023. On this news, the Companys share price fell $31.79, or over 19%, to close at $129.65 per share on November 8, 2023. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 20, 2024 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesnt require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member. If you purchased or acquired Inspire Medical common stock, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact paralegal Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com. Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journals Plaintiffs Hot List thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. Contact Information: Peter Allocco Paralegal Bernstein Liebhard LLP https://www.bernlieb.com (212) 951-2030 pallocco@bernlieb.com RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Future Minerals Forum (FMF), scheduled to take place 9-11 January in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today announced three new strategic partnerships to inform the global discourse on minerals and their critical role in sustainable global development and the need to transition to new energy sources. The new partnerships with CRU Group, Global AI and Wood Mackenzie will deliver business intelligence and insights in a series of studies to be published ahead of FMF. They complement existing partnerships with McKinsey & Company, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Clareo-DPI and Baker Institute. Wood Mackenzie is embarking on a pivotal study to define the super region's potential. The white paper will identify key drivers for the creation of sustainable value chains as well as highlight the current challenges facing the global minerals and how they affect the minerals industry across this resource-rich area. This report will serve as a crucial guide for stakeholders by establishing the foundations for what can be achieved from governmental and market collaboration as the region looks to unlock its resource potential to better enable the energy transition. Global AI is set to conduct a comprehensive global sentiment analysis using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, focusing on mining and mineral operations across the Super Region. This analysis aims to shed light on societal perceptions to inform dialogue on the roles governments, the private sector, and civil society must play in securing social license to operate, ensuring mining operations deliver tangible benefit local communities and minimize impact on the environment. Meanwhile, CRU's report will highlight the urgency of addressing critical mineral bottlenecks to meet climate goals, with a focus on the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia as key future suppliers. Together, these insights all align with FMF's mission to enable the development of sustainable mineral industries, place the Super Region at the forefront of the global minerals conversation, and shape responsible mining practices. FMF, as a government-led, multi-stakeholder platform, aims to catalyze dialogue among industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to drive progress toward a more sustainable and prosperous future in mineral development. LONDON, Dec. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WIN SOURCE Electronics, a global leader in electronic component distribution, today congratulated the winners of the 21st ELEKTRA AWARDS, an annual electronics industry awards event hosted by Electronics Weekly. WIN SOURCE is a sponsor of the awards, which cover multiple categories, including but not limited to electronic design, manufacturing, testing, innovation, and industry contribution. Each category recognizes a company, person or product that has achieved excellence in a specific field. ANALOG DEVICES is also a sponsor of the awards. WIN SOURCE invited presenter Lynae said, Congratulations to all the winners. It is an honor to showcase our expertise in electronic components distribution and supply chain solutions during the event sponsorship. As a sponsoring partner, we are privileged to work with industry-leading innovators together to celebrate their outstanding achievements in the field of electronic engineering. As a world-renowned distributor, WIN SOURCE provides a wide range of electronic component products. The company has long been committed to promoting innovation and development in the electronics industry. It not only adheres to an innovation-driven business philosophy, but also wins a high level of trust from customers with efficient supply chain services and value-added services. Our sponsorship of the 2023 Elektra Awards demonstrates WIN SOURCEs commitment to the electronics industry and is an excellent opportunity to promote innovation and collaboration, Lynae added. The ELEKTRA AWARDS are promoted by Electronics Weekly. It has 18 award categories and more than 300 participants from the automotive, aerospace, medical, avionics, and other industries. It is one of the largest industry events of the year. The awards provide a platform for like-minded key industry professionals to come together in one place to network, share ideas and celebrate industry achievements. According to Lynae, Here we network with key industry players and discuss the company's people, innovation, technology, business and best practices. For more information about ELEKTRA AWARDS, please visit https://www.elektraawards.co.uk/ For more information about Win Source, please visit https://www.win-source.net/. About Win Source As the world's leading distributor of electronic components, Win Source is committed to meeting the diverse needs of its customers. The website provides services to global manufacturers, engineers and other buyer groups. It not only includes 1 million+ products from 3000+ manufacturers, but also has sufficient inventory and 24-hour delivery speed to always be ready for customers. It also provides professional supply chain solutions and value-added services to help customers enhance their market competitiveness. Media Contact E-mail: service@win-source.net Phone: +86-755-83957316 Website: www.win-source.net Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8b79883-10c5-49b7-961d-4837f7350e52 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b52f11be-7a47-4952-bf66-800e04e54248 NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 29, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CHPT), if they purchased the Companys securities between June 1, 2023 and November 16, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. What You May Do If you purchased securities of ChargePoint and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-chpt/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 29, 2024 . About the Lawsuit ChargePoint and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On November 16, 2023, post-market, the Company announced its preliminary financial results for 3Q 2024, disclosing that revenue had fallen to $108 million to $113 million, as compared to $150 to $165 million as previously expected, and an additional non-cash inventory impairment charge in the amount of $42 million related to product transitions and to better align inventory with current demand, which was expected to result in GAAP gross margin of negative 23% to negative 21%, as well as the replacement of both its CEO and CFO, effective immediately. On this news, shares of ChargePoint fell $1.11, or 35%, to close at $2.02 per share on November 17, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume. The case is Khan v. ChargePoint Holdings, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-06172. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey. To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/. Contact: TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian companies trying to attract and retain employees need to take note that workers are prioritizing personal fulfillment and work/life balance, and are willing to make sacrifices to do so, according to new survey data released today from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. Most employed job seekers (54%) feel they are performing above and beyond at their company now, compared to a year ago, but only 41% of Canadian hiring decision-makers report the employees at their company are performing similarly. Half (50%) say their employees are doing just enough (nothing more, nothing less). Canadian hiring decision-makers believe the definition of professional success for employees is advancing in their careers (66%). And to achieve such success, around half (51%) report the only way to do so is to climb the corporate ladder. Most job seekers (68%) are aligned on this definition of professional success (i.e., advancing in their career), with nearly 3 in 5 (56%) agreeing it can only be done by climbing the corporate ladder. Canadian job seekers and hiring decision-makers also both believe the best way for employees to add value to a company is by advancing their careers (69% and 63%, respectively). Nevertheless, nearly two-thirds of Canadian job seekers (63%) say they are not interested in climbing the corporate ladder. Whats more, most job seekers say it is more important to them to have a meaningful job than a high-level job title (85%) and define success through work/life balance as opposed to climbing the corporate ladder (84%). Canadian hiring decision-makers also confirm this trend, as most agree it is more important for workers to have a meaningful job than a high-level job title (87%), and more employees are defining success by work/life balance (84%) now compared to three years ago. Interestingly, contrary to what many might assume, and older workers are more likely to agree that work/life balance is more important than climbing the corporate ladder, possibly because they are nearing retirement and have already advanced in their career. For example, 75% of boomers and 66% of Gen X say they are not interested in climbing the corporate ladder, but that number is only 57% for Gen Z. Similarly, while work/life balance is the priority for 90% of boomers, that number falls to 78% for Gen X and 73% for Gen Z. Workers may choose to remain in their current role rather than accept promotions that require more responsibility and time. However, half of Canadian hiring decision-makers (49%) feel employees who have no desire to advance are looked upon negatively at their company, and 63% of job seekers agree. When assessing employees not interested in climbing the corporate ladder, Canadian hiring decision-makers commonly describe such employees negatively (57%) including noting a lack of drive (31%), being unengaged (27%) and uncommitted (23%). And half (51%) report such employees as having less long-term potential in their company. While many companies seemingly desire employees with the drive to rise through the ranks, more than 4 in 5 Canadian hiring decision-makers (86%) agree that employees content with their current role still contribute to the success of a company. Such employees may even be thought of as more introspective and self-aware than most, as around a quarter of hiring decision-makers describe them as knowing their limit (24%) and what they want (20%). Whether it's an entry-level position or an executive role, every job contributes significantly to the overall functionality and success of a workforce, said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. Peoples ambitions vary, but one thing that all employees should have in common is to find continuing education opportunities to excel in their duties and always strive for improvement. Businesses would also be prudent to discover how team members individually define purpose to avoid mistaking contentment with complacency. Survey Methodology The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 8 and June 22, 2023, among 507 Canadian hiring decision-makers. The Job Seeker Survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 507 adults ages 18 and older who are employed or not employed but looking for work and looking for a new job. For full survey methodologies, please contact Ana Curic at Ana@mapleleafstrategies.com. If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Ana Curic at (613) 858-2622 or email Ana@MapleLeafStrategies.com. About Bill Stoller William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, were in the business of people. From jobseekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 579,000 people globally in 2022 and 10 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/CA. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d84108b6-4d32-4e56-a08f-3bf441bd60f2 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ranchero Gold Corp. (Ranchero or the Company) (TSX.V:RNCH) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary Minera y Metalurgia Paika, S.A. de C.V. (Paika) has entered into a letter of intent dated December 22, 2023 (the LOI) with Minas de Oro Nacional, S.A. de C.V. (Minas de Oro), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alamos Gold Inc. (TSX:AGI), for the proposed sale of Paikas interest in four mineral licenses (the Licenses) comprising an area of 5,390 hectares, which represents approximately 24% of the surface area of the Companys Santa Daniela mineral property located in Sonora, Mexico, in consideration for the cash payment of US$2,550,000 (the Cash Payment) and a conditional cash payment of US$2,500,000 (the Disposition). An initial tranche of the Cash Payment in the amount of US$658,000 was paid to Paika concurrently with the execution of the LOI to pay for outstanding fees and taxes on the Licenses. In the event that the Disposition is not completed, Paika will be required to repay this amount to Minas de Oro. The remaining US$1,892,000 of the Cash Payment will be paid once the Licenses have been transferred to Minas de Oro. In the event that Minas de Oro declares a Mineral Reserve of, or mines, greater than 500,000 ounces of gold within the Licenses, Minas de Oro will pay Paika an additional US$2,500,000. Closing of the proposed sale of the Licenses will be subject to a number of conditions precedent, including, without limitation: execution of a definitive agreement between the parties; receipt of all required regulatory, corporate and third-party approvals, including TSX Venture Exchange approval, and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and conditions necessary to complete the transaction; approval of the shareholders of Ranchero to the sale of the Licenses; and such other mutual conditions precedent customary for a transaction such as this. In connection with shareholder approval, the Company has solicited voting support agreements from shareholders holding a total 44,483,247 shares, or 67.67% of the outstanding shares of the Company, confirming their intention to vote in favour of the Disposition. The Company intends to relinquish its interest in the remaining portions of the Santa Daniela property in order to eliminate holding costs. Subject to the completion of the Disposition, the Companys principal property will be its option interest in the Pinchi Lake nickel project, as announced by the Company in its press release dated November 21, 2023. About Ranchero Gold Ranchero is a gold exploration and development company currently focused on its 100%-owned Santa Daniela project located in Sonora, Mexico. The Santa Daniela project consist of a large land package in excess of 22,200 hectares within Mexicos Sierra Madre Occidental a newly emerging gold belt. The Santa Daniela project is also near a number of major gold mining operations in the region. Maiz Azul is the Companys most advanced prospect where exploration efforts are underway. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company: Jesus Noriega Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information, please contact: Jesus Noriega Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director 52 1 (662) 437 8520 info@rancherogold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as expects or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate plans, estimates or intends or stating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved), or that are not statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential Disposition of the Licenses, including the completion of all conditions precedent to the sale of the Licenses and the potential relinquishment of the remaining portions of the Santa Daniela project. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to materially differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: risks related to regulatory approval and third-party approvals, inability to obtain shareholder approval, risks related to financial markets and mining companies generally, and risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statement will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipate in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Charleston, SC, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An exciting new memoir from Palmetto Publishing releases this month, telling the story of George Gipson, an ex-military man, rehabilitated convict, and now a decades-long leader in nonprofit and ministry. After a dark turn in his life led him into federal custody, Gipson says God reached out to him through a man on death row. This chance meeting sparked weeks and months filled with Bible study and prayer, eventually leading to a powerful, transformative spiritual vision. Experiencing a deeper understanding of what it meant to be a part of Gods family, Gipsons life began to gradually undergo a major shift. This ultimately led him to Kenya, where a giraffea key element of his visionwould confirm Gipsons commitment to share his experiences through a memoir. The Chase could be compared in some ways to the bestselling novel The Shack. There is an emphasis on the Christian Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit present in Gipsons work. It is through Gipsons renewed faith and his encounter with God that his life changed, and his audience, too, will benefit from a deeper understanding of who God is. The Chase features supernatural signs and symbols, and it will deeply convict readers of their viceswhile offering sincere hope through its core message of Gods faithfulness. Gods love for his people speaks from every page. For those who are questioning faith and for the devout alike, The Chase is a source of inspiration and revival that shouldnt be missed. The Chase is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. For more information about the author, please visit any of his social media platforms. Facebook Youtube Channel Founder: RefinersArmy.Com About the Author: George Gipson experienced an early calling to ministry as far back as his upbringing in rural Missouri. After unfortunate events led him into federal custody, a series of relationships and visions brought about a complete life transformation. The Chase depicts Gipsons journey from darkness to light in hopes that many will feel empowered to find freedom and joy. For decades, Gipson has contributed to the recovery and reentry fields as a nonprofit pioneer. Most of all, he cherishes time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, for whom he is immensely grateful. Attachment DALLAS, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Associa, the community management industrys largest company, recently held its annual Christmas toy drive in support of North Texas kids. Team members at the Associa Home Office collected and donated 130 toys to Community Partners of Dallas. They were then distributed to kids throughout Dallas County who would otherwise go without a gift this Christmas. This comes on the heels of the companys recent Big Bike Giveaway, where team members assembled 300 bikes that were also donated to North Texas charities. Thanks to the generosity of Associas team members, hundreds of kids in need will experience the joy of opening a Christmas present. About Associa With more than 275 branch offices across North America, Associa is building the future of community for more than 6.5 million residents worldwide. Our 14,000+ team members lead the industry with unrivaled education, expertise, and trailblazing innovation. For more than 44 years, Associa has brought positive impact and meaningful value to communities. To learn more, visit www.associaonline.com. Stay Connected Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/associa Subscribe to the Blog: https://hub.associaonline.com/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/associa Join us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/associa Attachment Trading Symbol: TSX: SVM NYSE AMERICAN: SVM Silvercorp offers to acquire all OreCorp Shares it does not already own for A$0.19 cash plus 0.0967 Silvercorp shares per OreCorp Share (the same consideration offered under the Scheme of Arrangement this offer is replacing) Off-market takeover offer subject only to a 50.1% minimum acceptance condition (and other customary conditions) Implied value of A$0.589 1 per OreCorp share represents a: 40% premium to OreCorp's 20-day VWAP ending August 4, 2023 22% premium to OreCorp's 20-day VWAP ending December 22, 2023 per OreCorp share represents a: The OreCorp Board is unanimously recommending OreCorp shareholders ACCEPT the Offer in the absence of a Superior Proposal VANCOUVER, Dec. 26, 2023 - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) and OreCorp Limited ("OreCorp") (ASX: ORR) have entered into a Bid Implementation Deed ("BID"), pursuant to which Silvercorp has agreed to acquire, by means of an off-market takeover offer, all of the OreCorp Shares not already owned by Silvercorp for consideration comprising 0.0967 common shares of Silvercorp ("Silvercorp Shares") and A$0.19 cash per OreCorp Share (the "Consideration"), currently equivalent to A$0.5891 per OreCorp Share (the "Offer", and overall the "Transaction"). Under the BID, Silvercorp and OreCorp have provided undertakings to each other to facilitate the Transaction. The Offer is subject to minimal conditions, including: Silvercorp having a relevant interest in at least 50.1% of the OreCorp Shares; no regulatory action which could reasonably be expected to restrain, impede or prohibit the Offer and completion of the Transaction; no OreCorp material adverse change or prescribed occurrence (both terms defined in a customary manner); and normal course listing approval for the new Silvercorp Shares to be issued The OreCorp Board is unanimously recommending that OreCorp shareholders ACCEPT the Offer subject to their Independent Expert's Report concluding, and continuing to conclude, that the Offer is reasonable to OreCorp shareholders and there being no Superior Proposal2. Subject to those same qualifications, the OreCorp Board, who collectively hold 3.94% of the OreCorp Shares, intend to accept the Offer in respect of all OreCorp Shares they own or control. ________________________________________ 1 Value attributed to Silvercorp share and implied value attributed to OreCorp Share calculated based on the 20-day volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of Silvercorp's common shares on all U.S. exchanges for the period ending December 22, 2023, converted to Australian dollars using a U.S. dollar to Australian dollar foreign exchange rate of 1.505. 2 As defined in the Bid Implementation Deed Silvercorp's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Rui Feng, said: "We are pleased to adjust our Transaction with OreCorp after it became clear that the previously proposed Scheme, due to outside interference, was at risk of not completing. Our Offer is subject to a very limited number of conditions. Silvercorp obtained the required approval of the Tanzania Fair Competition Commission ("FCC") approximately two months after the application was submitted. Even if an alternative proposal is made, there is uncertainty as to whether it would be successful in receiving similar FCC approval. Accordingly, our Offer provides OreCorp Shareholders with the opportunity to receive the Consideration in a timely manner. I encourage all OreCorp Shareholders to read the forthcoming Bidder's Statement for more details about the Offer and accept the Offer as soon as possible." This Transaction aims to create a globally diversified precious metals producer, and will provide enhanced trading liquidity, re-rating potential and the opportunity to participate in further upside from the Nyanzaga Project and Silvercorp's existing mining portfolio to shareholders of both companies. Silvercorp is well-positioned to fund and immediately move to advance Nyanzaga towards commercial production. The development of the Nyanzaga Project is also subject to regulatory and jurisdiction risks in Tanzania. For example, the Government of Tanzania (through the Treasury Registrar) currently holds a 16% non-dilutable free carried interest (the Free Carried Interest Shares) in the share capital of Sotta Mining Corporation Limited (SMCL). In addition, the Government of Tanzania has a right to acquire, in total, up to 50% of the share capital of SMCL, determined by the total value of the tax expenditures enjoyed by SMCL. However, relevant legislation also provides that the Government of Tanzania agrees and undertakes that any increase in ownership or economic participation rights by the Government of Tanzania in addition to the 16 percent Free Carried Interest Shares will be by agreement between the parties, and that the Government of Tanzania will not unilaterally seek to increase such ownership or economic participation rights. Silvercorp has designed, permitted and constructed multiple mining and processing facilities, requiring it to establish and maintain constructive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including communities, regulators, and various levels of government. Silvercorp looks forward to bringing its philosophy of openness, transparency and cooperation in its future dealings with the Government of Tanzania to facilitate the prompt development of Nyanzaga for the benefit of all involved. Additional Details The BID Deed includes market standard deal protection measures equivalent to those previously agreed under the Scheme, including "no talk" and "no due diligence" provisions (subject to a fiduciary out exception) and "no shop". It also includes notification and matching rights for Silvercorp in the event of a competing proposal. Pursuant to these deal protection measures, OreCorp has agreed, inter alia that it will not solicit, encourage or initiate any competing proposal and further, that it will not participate in any discussions or negotiations with a third party in relation to any competing proposal (unless certain conditions are satisfied, including where a failure to do so would constitute a breach of the OreCorp Board's fiduciary duties or statutory obligations). As with the Scheme, under certain circumstances a break fee of approximately A$2.8 million will be payable by OreCorp to Silvercorp if the BID is terminated. The Offer is not subject to the approval of the Silvercorp's shareholders and is not subject to any financing or due diligence conditions. As of the date of this announcement, Silvercorp holds 73,889,007 OreCorp Shares, representing 15.74% of the fully paid ordinary shares of OreCorp. Next Steps Further detail regarding the Offer will be provided in Silvercorp's Bidder's Statement and OreCorp's Target's Statement, which are expected to be despatched shortly. The Bidder's and Target's Statements will set out important information, including how to accept the Offer and the key reasons why OreCorp shareholders should accept the Offer. The Target's Statement will include an Independent Expert's Report prepared by BDO Corporate Finance (WA) Pty Ltd. Termination of the Scheme Implementation Deed In conjunction with the execution of the Bid Implementation Deed, Silvercorp and OreCorp have mutually agreed to terminate the Scheme Implementation Deed dated August 5, 2023 (as amended and restated on November 23, 2023) ("SID", or "Scheme"), with effect from today. Accordingly, OreCorp is seeking orders from the Federal Court of Australia that the Scheme meeting of OreCorp shareholders proposed for January 18, 2024 no longer be held. Advisors and Counsel Canaccord Genuity Corp. is acting as financial advisor to Silvercorp. King & Wood Mallesons, Australia is acting as Silvercorp's Australian legal advisor. OreCorp shareholders who have questions regarding the Offer should call the Silvercorp Information Line on 1300 290 691 (within Australia) of +61 2 9066 4081 (outside Australia) between 9:00am and 5:30pm (Sydney time) Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays in Sydney. About Silvercorp Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, and zinc with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company's strategy is to create shareholder value by 1) focusing on generating free cashflow from long life mines; 2) organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; 3) ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and 4) long term commitment to responsible mining and ESG. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorp.ca. For further information Silvercorp Metals Inc. Lon Shaver President Phone: (604) 669-9397 Toll Free 1(888) 224-1881 Email: investor@silvercorp.ca Website: www.silvercorp.ca No Offer or Solicitation Silvercorp has not yet commenced the offer noted above to OreCorp shareholders. Upon commencement of the Offer, Silvercorp will dispatch the Bidder's statement to OreCorp shareholders in accordance with applicable Australian securities laws and will lodge the Bidder's Statement with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The Bidder's Statement will contain important information about the Offer and should be read in its entirety by OreCorp shareholders. This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, any securities. The Offer is being made solely by, and subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Bid Implementation Deed, Bidder's Statement and related offer documents. The Silvercorp shares issuable pursuant to the takeover offer have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless the shares are registered under the 1933 Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act is available. CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER - FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain of the statements and information in this announcement may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (Cth) and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: organic growth; creating a globally diversified precious metals producer; providing enhanced trading liquidity; re-rating potential; future funding; statements regarding the actions of the Government of Tanzania; the opportunity to participate in further upside from mergers and acquisitions; and a potential break-up fee. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks relating to: social and economic impacts of COVID-19; completion and timing of the transactions described above; receiving the necessary approvals to satisfy the conditions to the transactions; the determination of capital gains tax; fluctuating commodity prices; calculation of resources, reserves and mineralization and precious and base metal recovery; interpretations and assumptions of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; exploration and development programs; feasibility and engineering reports; permits and licences; title to properties; property interests; joint venture partners; acquisition of commercially mineable mineral rights; non-controlling interest shareholders; financing; recent market events and conditions; economic factors; timing, estimated amount, capital and operating expenditures and economic returns of future production; integration of future acquisitions into existing operations; competition; operations and political conditions; regulatory environment in China, Canada, Australia and Tanzania; environmental risks; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing global climate change or other environmental concerns; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; insurance; risks and hazards of mining operations; key personnel; conflicts of interest; dependence on management; investments that are subject to risk; cybersecurity risks; internal control over financial reporting; issue of Silvercorp shares; less than 90% ownership in OreCorp; minority shareholders in OreCorp; transaction costs; due diligence; dilution; and bringing actions and enforcing judgments under U.S. and/or Australian securities laws. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Silvercorp or OreCorp's forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in Silvercorp's Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors". Although Silvercorp and OreCorp have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by either Silvercorp or OreCorp that any forward-looking statement will be achieved or proved to be correct. The forward-looking statements are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this announcement, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, neither Silvercorp nor OreCorp assumes any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information related to Silvercorp, including Silvercorp's Annual Information Form, can be obtained under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Silvercorp website at www.silvercorpmetals.com. Additional information related to OreCorp can be obtained under the Company's profile on ASX at www.asx.com.au and on OreCorp's website at www.orecorp.com.au. Cautionary Note to United States Investors Silvercorp's reserve and resource estimates have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by a Canadian company of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. OreCorp's resource estimates have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia. Australian standards and Canadian standards each differ significantly from the disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K, and mineral reserve and resource estimates disclosed by Silvercorp and OreCorp may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/silvercorp-announces-takeover-offer-for-orecorp-302022573.html SOURCE Silvercorp Metals Inc. Vancouver, December 27, 2023 - Xplore Resources Corp. (TSXV: XPLR) ("Xplore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the entering into of option agreements with arms' length parties to acquire a 100% interest in five additional prospective lithium properties in the Root project area in northwest Ontario (Figure 1). The new properties expand the Company's land position in Ontario by 11,000 ha, for a total of 18,800 ha. Acquisition Highlights The Root North and Root Falls Properties are comprised of 14 unpatented mineral claims and expand the land position at the Surge Project by 2,600 ha. The Cathy Creek Property is comprised of six unpatented mineral claims totaling 2,600 ha. The property is underlain by metasediments and is located 1.5 km from the boundary of the Rooth South Pluton, a peraluminous S-type fertile granite. The Raggy Creek and Aerial Lake Properties are each comprised of six unpatented mineral claims for a total of 5,800 ha. These properties are located in the English Rivier Subprovince and underlain by metasediments and peraluminus S-type granites. The Raggy Creek property is located 10 km from the terrain boundary between the Uchi Subprovince and the English River Subprovince. Figure 1. Xplore Resource Root area property map showing the Company's new acquisitions and nearby projects and deposits. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7519/192379_44bd9c7244705a18_001full.jpg Agreement Terms Under the terms of the option agreement to acquire the Cathy Creek, Raggy Creek and Aerial Lake properties, the Company must pay a total of $204,000 over three years and issue upon acceptance of agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange 900,000 common shares. The optionors will retain a net smelter returns royalty of 1.5%, 0.5% of which can be purchased by the Company for a cash payment of $500,000. Under the terms of the option agreement to acquire the Root North property, the Company must pay a total of $75,000 over three years and issue upon acceptance of agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange 300,000 common shares. The optionors will retain a net smelter returns royalty of 1.5%, 0.5% of which can be purchased by the Company for a cash payment of $500,000. Under the terms of the option agreement to acquire the Root Falls property, the Company must pay a total of $87,000 over three years and issue upon acceptance of agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange 600,000 common shares. The optionors will retain a net smelter returns royalty of 1.5%, 0.5% of which can be purchased by the Company for a cash payment of $600,000. Each of the above option agreements is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Karly Oliver, P.Geo., a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101. The qualified person has not yet visited the properties and therefore has not yet verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in the written disclosure. About Xplore Resources Xplore Resources is a mining exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under symbol XPLR and is focused on the acquisition and exploration of grass roots lithium properties in Canada and Brazil. The Company is led by a highly experienced management team comprised of industry experts with executive and senior management experience in geology, banking, private equity, investor relations and law. Lithium Properties The Company is earning a 100% interest in the Surge (~3400 ha) and Perrigo Lake (~3300 ha) lithium properties, both situated in northwestern ON, approximately 100 kms north of Sioux Lookout ON. The Surge property lies along the regional scale Pakwash-Lake St. Joseph Fault, approximately 2.0 kms east of the Root Bay lithium discovery. The Perrigo property is located west of the Allison Lake batholith considered to be "the largest fertile peraluminous granite mass in northwestern Ontario." The Company, through its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, holds a 100% interest in the Energia (~4500 ha) and Borborema (~9100 ha) lithium properties in Brazil. The Energia claims are situated in the state of Minas Gerais, the center of Brazil's rapidly evolving lithium production. The Borborema claims are situated in the state of Rio Grade de Norte in northeastern Brazil, in a Borborema pegmatite field, a historically significant producer of tantalum prior to 1980. For further information, please contact: ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Dominic Verdejo, Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Phone: 604-678-5308 Email: info@xploreresources.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "anticipate," "significant," "expect," "may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that all requisite approvals will be received and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays; general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes; timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192379 VANCOUVER, Dec. 27, 2023 - Standard Uranium Ltd. ("Standard Uranium" or the "Company") (TSX-V: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (Frankfurt: FWB:9SU) is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive option agreement (the "Option Agreement"), dated December 20, 2023, with Mamba Exploration Limited (the "Optionee"), an arms-length company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Optionee has been granted an option (the "Option") to earn a 75% interest over three years in the 7,302-hectare Canary Project located in the eastern Athabasca Basin. The Option Agreement gives effect to the term sheet previously signed with Allora Resources Pty. Ltd., dated October 30, 2023, which was assigned to the Optionee. The Option is exercisable by the Optionee in three stages, summarized in Table 1. During the first stage, the Optionee can earn a fifty percent interest in the Canary Project by completing cash payments totalling $200,000, arranging for the issuance of $200,000 worth of Optionee shares to the Company and incurring $3,000,000 of expenditures, all within the first two years of the Option. After earning a fifty percent interest in the Canary Project, the second stage will commence. During the second stage, the Optionee can increase its interest in the Canary Project to seventy-five percent by completing a further cash payment of $100,000, arranging for the issuance of a further $100,000 worth of Optionee shares to Standard Uranium and incurring an additional $3,000,000 of expenditures, all within the third year of the Option. Jon Bey, CEO and Chairman, commented "The Company is pleased to welcome the Mamba exploration team to the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. We are excited to confirm the Canary project will have three partner-funded years of exploration run by our technical team. The Canary project has exceptional potential for a high-grade1 unconformity-related uranium discovery, and we are looking forward to the inaugural drill program in H1 2024." Figure 1. Overview of the eastern Athabasca Basin, highlighting Standard Uranium's Canary project. Canary Project The Company's Canary project is situated in the Mudjatik geological domain where several recent discoveries have been made, including IsoEnergy's Hurricane deposit 11 km directly to the south, and is significantly underexplored relative to adjacent magnetic low/electromagnetic ('EM') conductor corridors. The Company completed a high-resolution ground DC/IP survey on the project in 2022, providing valuable structural and lithological information in the area to identify conductive bodies and potential fault systems. Significant resistivity-low anomalies are present along the northern conductor on the project, potentially representing substantial hydrothermal alteration zones in the sandstone and proximal to basement conductors. Additionally, legacy GeoTEM data defining the southeastern EM corridor on the project is directly comparable to the response and scale of the GeoTEM conductor which hosts the Roughrider/J-zone uranium deposits futher to the south. Highly anomalous geochemistry and favorable alteration was returned from historical drill hole CRK-137 along the southeastern conductor, providing an exceptional follow-up target. The project is drill-ready with multiple overlapping geophysical anomalies having been identified on the property, coinciding with previously identified conductive corridors and anomalous historical drill results. "Our exploration thesis and targeting strategy in this exciting district had been bolstered by the high-quality geophysical surveys and interpretations completed last year," said Sean Hillacre, President & VP Exploration for the Company. "Our technical team and new partners at Mamba are excited to begin drilling the significant anomalies identified on Canary for the first time, exploring for high-grade1 unconformity-related uranium mineralization." 1 The Company considers uranium mineralization with concentrations greater than 1.0 wt% U 3 O 8 to be "high-grade". Table 1. Summary of Option Agreement Terms Option Stage Cash Shares Exploration Expenditures Operator Fee (10%) Equity Earned Year 1 $100,000 $100,000 $1,000,000 $100,000 - Year 2 $100,000 $100,000 $2,000,000 $200,000 50% Year 3 $100,000 $100,000 $3,000,000 $300,000 25% TOTAL $300,000 $300,000 $6,000,000 $600,000 75% If within five years of completing the second stage, a bankable feasibility study on a defined mineral resource is completed, the Optionee has the option to acquire the remaining 25% interest in the Canary Project by making a payment to the Company equivalent to the value of the remaining 25% interest, with such value determined by an independent third party. Upon completion of the first two earn-in stages on the Canary Project, the parties intend to form a joint venture for the further development of the Project. During the first two stages of the Option, the Company will act as the operator of the Canary Project and will be entitled to charge a ten percent operator fee on exploration expenditures. Following exercise of the Option, the Company will retain a one-and-one-half percent net smelter returns (NSR) royalty on the Canary Project, of which one-half percent may be purchased back at any time for a one-time cash payment to the Company of $500,000. The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President and VP Exploration of the Company and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101. About Standard Uranium (TSX-V: STND) We find the fuel to power a clean energy future Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in the world's richest uranium district. The Company holds interest in over 199,095 acres (80,571 hectares) in the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development. Standard Uranium's Atlantic, Canary, Ascent, Corvo, and Rocas Projects, in the eastern Athabasca Basin, comprise twenty-three mineral claims over 29,520 hectares. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries. Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area. Standard Uranium's Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected. For further information contact: Jon Bey, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman 1030 West Georgia Street, Suite 907 Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Tel: 1 (306) 850-6699 E-mail: info@standarduranium.ca Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: execution of the definitive agreement; conditions to the exercise the Option; completion of the Optionee's go public transaction; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations; timing of the Company's exploration programs; and estimates of market conditions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, dated August 24, 2023. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: that the transaction with the Optionee will proceed as planned; the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; future sales of the Company's securities; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Company's mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b7ad4ad-d677-4902-9369-a5cde6902691 VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 27, 2023 /CNW/ - 1911 Gold Corp. ("1911 Gold" or the "Company") (TSXV: AUMB) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), raising gross proceeds of $3,900,000, with Eric Sprott investing $1,000,000 for a 12.4% ownership position in the Company. The Offering was comprised of a combination of: (i) 51,562,500 non-flowthrough units of the Company (the "Units") at $0.06 per Unit for total proceeds of $3,093,750, each Unit consisting of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one warrant (a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at $0.10 per Warrant Share for 24 months from the closing date of the Offering; (ii) 2,260,715 flowthrough units of the Company (the "FT Units") at $0.07 per FT Unit for total proceeds of $158,250, with each FT Unit comprised of one common share of the Company qualifying as a flow-through share ("FT Share") for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA") and one flow-through warrant (a "FT Warrant") exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company (a "FT Warrant Share") at $0.10 per FT Warrant Share for 24 months from the closing date of the Offering; and (iii) 6,666,667 units of the Company issuable to residents in Manitoba (the "Manitoba FT Units") at $0.097 per Manitoba FT Unit for total proceeds of $648,000, each Manitoba FT Unit comprised of one FT Share and one FT Warrant. The gross proceeds raised from the Offering will be used by the Company as follows: (i) the aggregate proceeds from the sale of the FT Units and the Manitoba FT Units is expected to be used to fund exploration programs qualifying as "Canadian Exploration Expenses" and "flow-through mining expenditures" (as those terms are defined in the ITA) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") at the Company's flagship Rice Lake property in Manitoba on or before December 31, 2024, and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Units and Manitoba FT Units with an effective date not later than December 31, 2023, focusing on near-mine target areas (such as the Central Manitoba project); and (ii) the proceeds from the sale of the Units is expected to be used primarily to fund the review and optimization of the National Instrument 43-101 resource report published in 2018 as well as for general corporate purposes. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period in Canada in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). Certain insiders of the Company (within the meaning of the rules and policies of the TSXV) (the "Insiders") have purchased an aggregate of 2,498,750 Units and 475,715 FT Units under the Offering. The Insider's participation in the Offering therefore constitutes a "related-party transaction" within the meaning of TSXV Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority security holder approval requirements of the related-party rules set out in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the subject matter of the Offering does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the closing of the Offering as the details of the Offering and the participation therein by each "related party" of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to the closing of the Offering, and the Company wished to close the Offering on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. Eric Sprott through 2176423 Ontario Ltd. ("2176423"), a corporation which is beneficially owned by him, acquired 16,666,667 Units under the Offering, accordingly, upon closing of the Offering, Mr. Sprott will beneficially own or control 16,666,667 Shares and 16,666,667 Warrants representing approximately 12.4% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company on a non-diluted basis and 22.1% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company on a partially diluted basis assuming the exercise of such warrants. Prior to the Offering, Mr. Sprott did not beneficially own or control any securities of the Company. Mr. Sprott has agreed not to exercise his warrants until such time as the Company can obtain disinterested shareholder approval of the creation of a new control person, which is required once Mr. Sprott passes the 20% ownership threshold. The Company has agreed to hold a shareholders' special meeting on or before June 30, 2024, at which time such approval will be sought. The Units acquired by Mr. Sprott are held for investment purposes. Mr. Sprott has a long-term view of the investment and may acquire additional securities including on the open market or through private acquisitions or sell the securities including on the open market or through private dispositions in the future depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors. A copy of the early warning report with respect to the foregoing will appear on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and may also be obtained by calling Mr. Sprott's office at (416) 945-3294 (2176423 Ontario Ltd., 7 King Street East, Suite 1106, Toronto, ON M5C 3C5). The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Debt Settlement The Company has amended the settlement of historical accounts payable related to exploration and legal services provided in 2022, as previously announced on December 5, 2023, from $97,716 to $91,991 due to adjustments on underlying invoices. The amended settlement will result in the issuance of 1,022,125 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.09 per common share. The common shares issued pursuant to the debt settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period which will expire four months and one day from the date of closing of the debt settlement. About 1911 Gold Corporation 1911 Gold is a junior explorer that holds a highly prospective, consolidated land package totalling more than 63,000 hectares within and adjacent to the Archean Rice Lake greenstone belt in Manitoba, and also owns the True North mine and mill complex at Bissett, Manitoba. 1911 Gold believes its land package is a prime exploration opportunity, with potential to develop a mining district centred on the True North complex. The Company also owns the Apex project near Snow Lake, Manitoba and the Denton-Keefer project near Timmins, Ontario, and intends to focus on organic growth and accretive acquisition opportunities in North America. 1911 Gold's True North complex and exploration land package are located within the traditional territory of the Hollow Water First Nation, signatory to Treaty No. 5 (1875-76). 1911 Gold looks forward to maintaining open, co-operative and respectful communication with the Hollow Water First Nation, and all local stakeholders, in order to build mutually beneficial working relationships. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shaun Heinrichs President and CEO CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. All forward-looking statements reflect the Company's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those predicted in these forward-looking statements. All of the Company's forward-looking statements are qualified by the assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking statements, including the assumptions listed below. Although the Company believes that these assumptions are reasonable, this list is not exhaustive of factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the terms of the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the timing and ability of the Company to close the Offering, the timing and ability of the Company to receive necessary regulatory approvals, the tax treatment of the securities issued under the Offering, the timing for the Qualifying Expenditures to be renounced in favour of the subscribers, and the plans, operations and prospects of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although 1911 Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are given as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE 1911 Gold Corp. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock was on "CBS This Morning" recently to discuss the city's Peak Performance program that he is credited with starting in 2011. The goal, Hancock said, is "to make government fun, innovative and empowering to citizens and employees," and the city's Peak Academy teaches public workers "how to eliminate waste, improve efficiency and ultimately create a higher standard of government." He cited savings to date of over $25 million from the employee efforts.Denver is solidly committed to metrics and process improvement, and its success with Peak Performance has garnered considerable attention among devotees of public-sector administrative efficiency. The Peak Performance website features departmental performance reports replete with colorful graphs and photos. The clear intent is to celebrate progress, and particularly its workers' contributions to continuous improvement.The Denver story is important for two reasons. First, it highlights the significant potential that every employer, public as well as private, has to tap their employees' knowledge and insight to improve performance. Research concluded years ago that there is a potential, when the work paradigm is radically changed, to increase productivity by at least 30 to 40 percent. Books have been written, including one I co-authored , on what goes into creating a high-performance organization.The second reason is possibly more important. Former Peak Academy director Brian Elms told me that city officials learned that their efforts would be successful only when they were invited by departmental leaders. He said he now is "traveling all over the country teaching governments how to create peak academies" -- by invitation, of course.That is solidly consistent with my consulting experience. The traditional management philosophy relied on close, top-down control. Management did all the thinking. Today successful organizations rely on a very different approach to management, empowering their workers to address work-related problems.Leaders like Denver's mayor are still rare in government. Many public leaders, elected and appointed, are interested primarily in public-policy issues and have minimal training or experience in management concerns. Leaders need to make initiatives like Peak Performance an organizational priority.That means employing and supporting a more sophisticated approach to metrics. Dave Ammons of the University of North Carolina School of Government has published frequently on performance management in the public sector. His research shows that performance data are now commonly reported but that too often the information is not used in decision-making to improve results.Measurement alone accomplishes nothing. The emphasis should be on management and improvement. Comparative data are essential -- the International City/County Management Association's Open Access Benchmarking initiative is great -- for assessing progress and addressing problems that impede efforts to improve results. But that is correctly understood as change management, and its poor track record is well documented.Two English academics, Alison Reynolds and David Lewis, recently reported research explaining why so many change initiatives are less than fully successful. Their research focused on top-down efforts that involved redefining organizational structures, realigning decision authorities (organizational "governance") and rethinking operational processes.The researchers asked corporate leaders in 20 countries and 25 industries what the biggest barriers to execution of change plans were, and 76 percent cited employee interaction. "In other words," Reynolds and Lewis wrote, "people failing to work together to make change happen."The core problem, according to the researchers, is that leaders focus narrowly on what they refer to as the "tangible" issues, such as organization structure, technology and decision-making authority, that are discussed in high-level meetings and in reports written for leaders. But those directives promise -- actually threaten -- to change the employee work experience. Employees are very much aware that mandated changes often prompt retirements, alter career plans, force them to establish new working relationships or require mastering new job skills. Those are the "intangibles" that can diminish employee job satisfaction and trigger resistance.The alternative to the top-down approach is to create a work environment where employees understand that they are expected routinely to address problems. If a task force is given the goals and understands the reasons and any constraints, it will tackle the problem and is likely to develop solid recommendations that balance all considerations. The record is consistent: Organizations benefit when their employees know they are empowered and expected to address job-related problems.However, that means leaders must give up control. The English researchers heard from the corporate leaders that they were reluctant to do that. They saw it as too risky. At a time when they would benefit from the best thinking from staff, they were hesitant to solicit their help. This is compounded in government by the mistrust so common between political appointees and career employees.That's all unfortunate but not insurmountable, as Denver has shown with Peak Performance's use of metrics, analytics and employee empowerment. It's essential that public leaders be aware of such success stories and the significant performance gains that are often realized. Everyone wins, including the public, when employees are engaged. Intrigue, Panic, Conspiracy and Chaos Rumors Outrun Truth The election of 1800 keeps coming back to inform, console and trouble us. John Adams was the incumbent. Thomas Jefferson was the challenger. After one of the most vituperative elections in American history, Jefferson emerged the winner. He had 73 electoral votes, Adams just 65. Thus, Adams became Americas first one-term president. There have been nine, depending a bit on how you count. Donald Trump is the latest. Before him, it was George H.W. Bush.The problem in 1800 was twofold . First, a structural weakness in the Constitution: There was no separate balloting for president and vice president. Second, by coincidence Jefferson tied in the Electoral College with his vice presidential running mate (no such term existed at the time) Aaron Burr. That meant that the Constitution could not differentiate between Jeffersons 73 electoral votes and Burrs 73. When this happens, the Constitution requires the election to be sorted out in the House of Representatives, with each state getting only one vote. This has only happened twice, once in 1801 and again in 1825 when the House elected John Quincy Adams even though he lost the popular vote to Andrew Jackson.Everyone knew that Jefferson had been elected president. John Adams was disappointed, even bitter, but he was too much a patriot and a gentleman to refuse to accept the voice of the American people. The problem was that the Federalists (the party of Alexander Hamilton and George Washington) could not reconcile themselves to the idea that Thomas Jefferson had defeated the establishment candidate John Adams. Die-hard Federalists determined to do whatever it took to deny Jefferson the presidency. Some partisans suggested that the outgoing Federalist Congress simply vote in an entirely new president. Others said that if they could delay the House vote until after March 4, the date the new president was to be installed, they could name a president pro temp of their choice. Sound familiar?It was a time of intrigue, panic, conspiracy and chaos. The raw new national capital was beset with small clusters of passionate men devising political strategy, demonizing their political adversaries, fretting in apocalyptic terms about the survival of the young republic. The Washington diarist Margaret Bayard Smith wrote that the conspiratorial Federalists hurried to their lodgings under strong apprehensions of suffering from the just indignation of their fellow citizens for attempting to overturn the election.Balloting in the House of Representatives began on Feb. 11, 1801. The House immediately determined not to adjourn until they had resolved the issue and chosen a president. Food was brought into the House chamber. The votes went on day and night, deep into the night, and exhausted representatives sacked out on the floor, sometimes on pallets. One representative, Joseph Nicholson of Maryland, was so sick that he had to be carried into the House chamber on a litter through a Washington snowstorm, but he declared that he would cast his vote for Jefferson even if it killed him. He was so frail that his wife had to guide his hand as he marked his ballots. One newspaper reported that it was ludicrous to see [Congressmen] running with anxiety from the committee rooms, with their nightcaps on.For six excruciating days and 35 separate ballots, the vote was invariably the same: eight states for Jefferson, six for Burr. Jefferson needed the endorsement of nine states to win. It was clear that Burr was never going to win, because that eight-vote Jefferson block would never yield to a junta but neither would Jefferson win unless one of the Federalist states gave up the fight and changed its vote to Jefferson.Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 14, a Delaware Federalist named John Bayard announced that he had decided to support Jefferson, thus giving him the nine state votes he needed. Someone in the Federalist caucus immediately shouted Deserter! As soon as Bayard announced that he intended to do the right thing, he was subjected by Federalist die-hards to unrelenting criticism. When the Federalist met in caucus after his announcement, the clamor was prodigious and the reproaches vehement. Several Federalists from New England announced that they meant to go without a constitution and take the risk of a Civil War.James Asheton Bayard (1738-1807) lived in Wilmington, Del., the home of former Delaware senator, vice president, and now president-elect Joe Biden. Bayard served three terms in the House of Representatives, beginning in 1797, ending in 1803.On the principle that no good deed goes unpunished, Bayard was targeted by the Jeffersonian Republicans in the election of 1804 for his opposition to several of the administrations initiatives. Accordingly, Bayard was defeated by Jeffersonian-Republican candidate Caesar Rodney. Fortunately for Bayard, he was soon selected by the legislature of Delaware to serve as a U.S. Senator, a position he held from 1814-1813. He was one of thirteen senators to vote against James Madisons declaration of war against Great Britain.Why did Bayard decide to switch his vote? Historical opinions vary. Some said he had found a way to negotiate with Jefferson through an intermediary and to wring a few concessions out of the president-elect in exchange for ending the impasse. Jefferson denied this all the way to his death on July 4, 1826, and the historical record appears to support his denial. Some historians say that Aaron Burr began to pull back from his earlier statement that he would accept the presidency if the Federalist-dominated Congress handed it to him. Bayards own explanation was that it was clear that Burr was never going to get to nine votes, and therefore it was absurd to prolong the crisis indefinitely, and that to exclude Jefferson, as he put it, would come at the expense of the Constitution.In other words, when the crisis moment of his life came, James Bayard gave his support to due process, fairness and the Constitution of the United States rather than to the party of men he resoundingly preferred to Jefferson and the Republicans. However much he disliked and distrusted Jefferson, Bayard was devoted to the survival and stability of the Constitution more. The step was not taken, Bayard later wrote, until it was admitted on all hands that we must risk the Constitution and a civil war or take Mr. Jefferson.Note, however, that at no time did Bayard simply acknowledge that Jefferson was clearly the presidential candidate (not Burr) and he had clearly defeated John Adams, therefore it was only fair to honor the peoples will and install him as president.When the final vote was cast on Feb. 17, 1801, six days into the fiasco in the House of Representatives, Bayard did not need to switch his vote after all. Bayard cast a blank vote, as did South Carolina, but Maryland now voted for Jefferson, giving him the ninth state vote he needed to be officially certified as the third president of the United States.Jefferson, who was fond of nautical metaphors in spite of the fact that he did not do well on ocean voyages, now wrote, The storm we have passed through proves our vessel indestructible. He called his election the Second American Revolution . He would serve two terms as president, then hand pick his successor James Madison. Archibald Stuart of Staunton, Va., wrote, The minds of men from extreme anxiety seemed to settle down into a firm resolution to resist every attempt to give us a President who had not been the choice of the people. I was pleased to discover this temper as it proves our liberties cannot be lost without a struggle.When push came to shove (and it nearly did), the Federalists, led by John Bayard, did the right thing and curtailed their attempt to prevent Jefferson from assuming the presidency. But what if they had persisted? Jefferson and many historians have argued that if the Federalists had succeeded in overturning the election, our fragile new republic might have collapsed just a dozen years after its founding. There might have been civil war of secession. The election of 1800 was the first transfer of power from one party of men to another, from one approach to American governance to another. In the end it turned out to be a peaceful transfer of power, though not without some real political chaos.Rumors always travel faster than truth. During the first five weeks of 1801, Virginias governor J ames Monroe was warned that the Federalists planned to remove arms and gunpowder from a depot in Virginia to store elsewhere in case the crisis devolved into armed conflict. He sent agents to make sure that did not happen. The Federalists thought they heard that Virginia and Pennsylvania militia troops were on their way to the national capitol to make sure Jefferson was seated in the presidency. Wild talk of secession by one or more sections of the country circulated through the capitol and in neighboring states. The Republicans circulated a rumor that if things fell apart, they would call for a new constitutional convention, a threat that terrified the Federalists, who feared that the United States would be refashioned into the loose association that characterized the discarded Articles of Confederation.Just how serious did this get? Jeffersons greatest biographer Dumas Malone asked, Were they [Jeffersons republicans] prepared to use force if need be and thus risk the disruption of the Union? Did they contemplate any other form of resistance? At the very least, the political rhetoric was incendiary. Pennsylvania Governor Thomas McKean (a Jefferson supporter) declared, if bad men will dare traitorously to destroy or embarrass our general government and the union of the states, I shall conceive it my duty to oppose them at every hazard of life and fortune; for I should deem it less inglorious to submit to foreign than domestic tyranny. McKean said he was ready to issue an order for the arresting and bringing to justice very member of congress, or other person found in Pennsylvania, who should have been concerned in the treason.McKean and James Monroe of Virginia both wrote rashly about the possible need to marshal state troops at the border of the District of Columbia to take back the presidency for Jefferson, if necessary, but both acknowledged in more sober moments that they would have sullenly acquiesced if the Federalists had been successful in handing the presidency to Burr. The Republican floor manager of the House of Representatives Albert Gallatin , later Jeffersons Secretary of the Treasury, said, No appeal whatever to physical force was contemplated, nor did it contain a single particle of revolutionary spirit.Just what impact all this violent rhetoric and brinksmanship had on the final outcome is difficult to determine. In the end, Jefferson took office right on schedule, put together one of the greatest cabinets in American history, cut taxes, reduced the size of the army and navy, balanced the budget, paid off a considerable percentage of the national debt, and doubled the size of the United States with a single stroke of his pen. In other words, he proved to be a sensible centrist president, sometimes even a little Federalist in his actions, and he was resoundingly re-elected to a second term in 1804. Civil war was averted, as was a coup detat by the bitter losing party. The guardrails held barely.Years later, a little weary from a lifetime of political struggle, but with his characteristic optimism, Jefferson put it all in perspective in a letter to his old friend and one-time rival John Adams: And so we have gone on, and so we shall go on, puzzled and prospering beyond example in the history of man.At 2021 begins, we seem to be particularly puzzled.Governing Sarkodie shed tears as he pays tribute to lawyer Cynthia at Rapperholic Rebirth. Kofi Duah Showbiz News Dec - 26 - 2023 , 09:32 In an emotional moment of gratitude to his deceased lawyer, Cynthia Quarcoo, Sarkodie couldnt hold back his tears when he paid a tribute to her at this years Rapperholic concert held at the Grand Arena of Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) yesterday. At the peak of his performance when the euphoria was high in the auditorium, Sarkodie paused and narrated the story of his relationship with the deceased and her impact on his successful career. In a very emotional state and not able to hold back tears, Sarkodie shed tears recounting the good moments with Cynthia Quarcoo. I am sad today because I know how this woman has helped my career. When no one believed in me, she did and she approved almost all the songs before it goes out there. She is more than a family, I am really going to miss her. This year has not been too good for me but life goes on. Once you are here to have fun, I just have to entertain you because you have also been a great impact in my career, he said with patrons cheering him up. The 11th edition of Rapperholic concert dubbed Rapperholic Rebirth was a blend of hard core rap, singing, choreography, acrobatics and that made this edition awesome. ( More articles: The people who love you are more than your haters -Yul Edochie supports Emeka Ike amidst divorce saga, Netizens descend on Zapp Mallet for asking sing-a-thon lady to stop since singing is for the strong) Sarkodie performed almost all his hit songs that his fans called for. Talk of Original, Baby, Pizza and Burga, Oran, Borga Borga, Megye wo Girl, Rollies and Cigars, among others put revelers in the right mood. The crowd energy was high and that was a good booster for the two time VGMA Artiste of the Year to engage them regularly, creating a beautiful bond when he performed back to back for more than two hours on stage. Apart from Sarkodie, a number of artistes such as Efya, Tulenkey, Mr Drew, Quamina MP, Olivetheboy, Kofi Moley, Maya Blue, Prince Bright of Buk Bak, Bongo Blay, Oseikrom Sikani, Papi Kojo equally dished out pleasurable fun with their performances. Just like it happened at previous Rapperholic concerts, the auditorium was over packed this year too, creating lots of discomfort for patrons. Fathers love, Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith! He held my hand like a Son! Dr. Kwame Boakye-Danquah Opinion Dec - 27 - 2023 , 08:05 As Ghana mourns the passing of Lieutenant-General Joseph Henry Smith, he will be doubtlessly remembered as a fine diplomat, having served as Ambassador of Ghana to the United States. And of course, he would be remembered for a distinguished military career that, among other things saw him serving as the Chief of Army Staff and subsequently Minister of Defence. But apart from celebrating Lieutenant-General Smith as a genuine and thoughtful man, I take this opportunity to eulogise him for his unsung role promoting the Ghanaian creative arts in the United States, a country that is home to a creative arts behemoth that dominates even the creative arts industries in other nations. I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with Lieutenant General Joseph Smith during his ambassadorial tenure to the United States, because of my involvement with Ghanaian artists. Despite an impossibly busy schedule representing Ghanas interests in the United States, he could be counted upon to be at hand if there was an initiative showcasing Ghanaian creativity, such as art exhibitions, music and dance performances, and film screenings. He also fostered collaborations between Ghanaian and American artists, leading to innovative and diverse creative projects. Additionally, he advocated for the inclusion of Ghanaian arts in American cultural institutions, enriching the cultural landscape. His efforts helped strengthen the bond between Ghana and the US through the universal language of art. Many remember Lieutenant-General Smith's speech at Miss Ghana Tourism USA 2015 as an inspiring and motivational address. He emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and promoting Ghanaian tourism, encouraging the contestants to embrace their roots and be ambassadors of Ghanaian culture. His speech left a lasting impression on the audience, inspiring them to embrace their Ghanaian heritage and contribute to its global promotion. And his efforts supporting the 2016 Ghana Music Week Festival would never be forgotten. Ambassador Smiths contributions played a significant role in paving the way for the Year of Return initiative. His efforts helped strengthen the bond between Ghana and the African diaspora, creating a sense of unity and shared heritage. It is no surprise that when we implemented the Year of Return in 2018 at the Press Club in Washington DC, Lieutenant-General Smith was at the forefront of many minds, although he was by then enjoying a wel-deserved retirement from public service. Today it is agreed that this initiative which aimed to encourage Africans in the diaspora to return to their ancestral homelands and invest in Ghana's future, was a success. His legacy continues to inspire and foster connections between Ghana and the global African community. For me, Ambassador Smith was a mentor extraordinaire: he praised me for my vision and dedication to promoting Ghanaian culture and tourism through the Miss Ghana Tourism USA pageant. He acknowledged my hard work and commended my efforts in providing a platform for Ghanaian women to showcase their talents, beauty, and heritage, and for fostering a sense of community and pride among Ghanaians in the diaspora. As a beautiful gesture, he held my hand like a son. Lieutenant-General Smith showed a deep level of affection, warmth, and respect towards me and Im honoured to say we shared a father-son relationship. He left no doubt that he valued my work and with the uncanny meticulousness of the Combat Engineer that he had been in the military, would contribute to strategy sessions no matter how small the initiative was, helping me check blind spots. I cannot end without placing on record that as Ghanas man in Washington DC, Lieutenant-General Smith was a father to all, irrespective of political affiliation. He was the heart and soul of Ghanaian community events and genuinely loved being a diplomat, being able to represent Ghana and Ghanaians. A highly respected diplomat with solid gravitas, his warmth and kindness were evident in his interactions and engagements. It is only fitting that he received the Unifier Award at the Miss Ghana Tourism USA 2016 event in Maryland. To me. he was not a Divider but a Unifier! May his soul rest in eternal happiness. The writer, Dr. Kwame Boakye-Danquah is a Forensic Psychologist/ Insurance Project Manager. Alexei Navalny: 'Don't worry about me!' Putin critic says from Arctic prison BBC International News Dec - 27 - 2023 , 06:03 Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has taken to social media to tell his supporters not to worry about him. Reappearing for the first time since 6 December, he confirmed his arrival at an Arctic prison and said he was in good spirits. His team had had no contact with him while he was being moved from another jail to the east of Moscow. Considered Vladimir Putin's most vocal opponent, Mr Navalny has been imprisoned since 2021. Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was "the new Santa", Mr Navalny confirmed on Tuesday that he had been moved to the IK-3 penal colony, nicknamed "Polar Wolf", in the northern town of Kharp, some 1,900km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow. IK-3, in the Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district, is seen as one of the toughest jails in Russia and most detainees held there have been convicted of serious crimes. Mr Navalny said he had been transported with "such precaution" and along "such a strange route" that he was surprised when he was told that his lawyer was there to see him, as he did not think he would be found before "mid-January". "He told me that you had lost me, and some of you were even worried. Thanks very much for your support!" he wrote. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine." But Mr Navalny's chief of staff, Leonid Volkov, told the BBC that concern for the opposition leader remained high: "We are worried. We don't forget for a second that he is in custody of the very people who tried to kill him three-and-a-half years ago and that he is Putin's very personal political prisoner," Mr Volkov said. "This forced journey is another proof," he added. Mr Navalny had previously been held in Melekhovo, 235 km (145 miles) east of Moscow. He is facing a 19-year jail term, for founding and funding an extremist organisation - accusations he has always rejected as politically motivated. He is only able to post on social media when he has access to his lawyers and last month three members of his legal team were themselves placed on a list of extremists. Mr Navalny suggested he had been moved first to the capital, then east to the Urals mountain region and again to the west, before being moved north of the Arctic Circle. "The 20 days of my transportation were pretty exhausting, but I'm still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus," he wrote. The Kremlin critic continued his tongue in cheek message: "Since I'm Santa Claus, you're probably wondering about the presents. But I am a special-regime Santa Claus, so only those who have behaved very badly get presents." The US said that while it welcomed reports that Mr Navalny had been located, it remained "deeply concerned" about his wellbeing and conditions of detention. Mr Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said Russian authorities were intent on isolating him and "trying to make his life as unbearable as possible". "This colony is very distant, it is very difficult to access it and for lawyers, it will be very difficult to go there and to see Alexei," she added. Mr Navalny's aide Ivan Zhadov said the change of prison demonstrated how "the system deals with political prisoners, trying to isolate and suppress them". His team had grown increasingly worried after he failed to appear at several court hearings. Mr Navalny made his name as a campaigner against corruption, gathering millions of views for his video investigations. A charismatic campaigner, he seemed to be the only Russian opposition leader capable of mobilising people in large numbers across Russia to take part in anti-government protests. But in 2020, he was poisoned in Siberia by what Western laboratories later confirmed to be a nerve agent. He was treated abroad. On returning to Russia in January 2021, he was immediately arrested. Action Chapel International's 2023 Kairos Experience opens on Dec 29 Graphic.com.gh Dec - 27 - 2023 , 06:17 Kairos Experience 2023, the annual end of year event of the Action Chapel International, opens on December 29 in Accra under the theme From Victory to Victory. The four-day event is held to thank the Lord for his provisions, grace and mercies through the year. This year's event will run from Friday December 29, 2023 to Monday January 1, 2024. There will be both morning and evening sessions at the churchs premises at Prayer Cathedral, Spintex Road. Since its inception, the event has not only grown tremendously in number but has greatly impacted the lives of people all over the world with thousands of worshippers gathering daily. The event will feature a blend of prayer, fellowship, word ministrations and unwavering faith. This years event will receive the ministry of Apostle Isi Igenegba, and event host and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams. Each speaker will bring a message of encouragement, direction and empowerment to attendees in-person as well as those who will join online across the nations of the world. The final day of Kairos Experience 2023 on Monday January 1, 2024 will be a communion service where participants will be charged to go through 2024 with unstoppable power and unwavering faith. Apostle Michael Ntumy, former Pentecost Church chairman passes on at age 65 Enoch Darfah Frimpong Dec - 27 - 2023 , 11:11 Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy, former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost (COP) has passed on. He was 65 years old. He died Wednesday, December 27, 2023 morning. Apostle Ntumy was the fourth Chairman of The Church of Pentecost from 1998 to 2008. He was a native of Dadieso and left behind his wife Martha Ntumy and six children. A message from The Church of Pentecost leadership to all members read: "Cherished Heads Home Call I have been directed to inform you of the Home Call of our father and former Chairman, Apostle Dr. Michael Ntumy. This sad event occurred early hours of today 27th December. 2023. Kindly bear the widow and the bereaved family up in prayer." Apostle Michael Ntumy was a teacher in Yendi in the 1980s before, becoming a Deacon and Elder, before marrying his wife Martha at age 24. He began full-time ministry at age 26 with The Church of Pentecost. He was called to the office of an Apostle at age 33 and six years after, was elected the fourth Chairman of The Church of Pentecost. After serving for two terms (10 years), he handed over to Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah. He is known to have survived many challenges which including being held hostage in rebel territory during the Liberian Civil War in the 1990's. He faced other attacks on his life ranging from physical assaults to poisoning and paralysis leading to his confinement to a wheelchair. He served The Church of Pentecost in Liberia and Ivory Coast. The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi in a press release appeal fo"r the utmost respect for the privacy of the family as they endure this great loss." Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep."- Acts 13:36a It is with deep sorrow that I announce the news of the passing of our beloved former Chairman, Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy (Rtd). Apostle Dr. tumy peacefully went to be with the Lord in the early hours of today, 27th December, 2023. Apostle Dr. Ntumy was not only a revered man of God but also an inspirational leader. His commitment to the things of God was unparalleled, and his contributions to our church and community were significant. He left an indelible mark on everyone who had the good fortune of crossing paths with him. We are deeply indebted to him for his selfless service, leadership, and tireless dedication to spreading God's Word. During this challenging time, I humbly request your prayers for the widow and the bereaved family as they navigate through their grief. In the spirit of compassion and empathy, I kindly appeal for the utmost respect for the privacy of the family as they endure this great loss. Signed: Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (General Secretary ,The Church of Pentecost) Writer's email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh Ghana's Emissions Levy Act: A triumph for climate action Graphic.com.gh Dec - 27 - 2023 , 06:17 On November 17, 2021, Ghana's Finance Minster, Ken Ofori-Atta, announced removal of all tollbooths from all public roads in Ghana. This move was praised by Ghanaian Scientist based in Canada, Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah, as a smart and decisive move to address vehicular emissions and hence climate change. The immediate outcome was a clear reduction in vehicular traffic with the long term benefit of improving human health across Ghana. In another historic move on December 24, 2023, Ghana's Parliament championed a historic stand and passed the emissions levy. Dr. Odame-Ankrah is celebrating this groundbreaking Emissions Levy Act, marking a pivotal stride in the nation's commitment to combat climate change sustainably. This idea was in part proposed by the world-renowned air quality scientist when he was interviewed by the media when he recently got his innovation patented by the United States Patent Office. According to Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah, this initiative is being hailed as historic and scientifically ingenious. Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah, has over the years expressed interest in air quality sciences, and had proposed this levy as a replacement for tollbooths and as a revolutionary alternative to raising critical revenue to tackle climate change locally. His visionary insight underscores the Act's potential to not only mitigate emissions but also drive Ghana toward a more sustainable future and create thousands of jobs through the establishment of air quality monitoring network. Caption Remove all speed ramps on Ghana's highways and replace them with speed cameras In response to this monumental step, Dr. Odame-Ankrah emphasized the need for further immediate action by urging the removal of all speed ramps across the country and replace these with speed cameras to check posted speed limits with hefty violation fines for vehicle owners through the use of the car numbers to connect to every vehicle owner. Such a move, he contends, would further enhance the strides made in reducing emissions since speed ramps, although designed for human safety, cause heavy pollution from vehicles which affects human health negatively. Dr. Odame-Ankrah is further calling upon the government to allocate a portion of the revenue generated from the emissions levy towards establishing a comprehensive air quality monitoring network across Ghana. This strategic measure, he asserts, is critical in the fight against climate change, as it empowers policymakers with verified data essential for making informed decisions in protecting the environment and human life. The passing of the Emissions Levy Act signals a profound commitment by Ghana's Parliament to combat climate change proactively. It not only represents a transformative shift in policy but also signifies Ghana's leadership in embracing innovative solutions endorsed by world-class experts like Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah. As Ghana takes bold strides toward a greener, more sustainable future, the implementation of a robust air quality monitoring network stands poised to fortify the nation's resolve in decisively combating climate change and creating good paying jobs. Judicial Service, OSP pledge to suppress corruption in all forms Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Dec - 27 - 2023 , 11:10 The Judicial Service of Ghana and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) have reiterated their commitment to fight against and repress corruption and corruption-related activities in all forms. In a joint statement, the two bodies recalled their pledged to do this through collaborative enforcement of the law and continuous engagement, while upholding the rule of law and the provision of fair hearing to all stakeholders in the criminal justice system. The statement said that the agencies commitment was out of concern about the seriousness of problems and threats posed by corruption and corruption-related activities to our development and democracy . It also noted that their affirmation to always fight corruption was born out of the important roles of the Judiciary and the Office of the Special Prosecutor in combating corruption and corruption-related activities. Below is a copy of the statement; Pastor Mensa Otabil to unveil God as the theme for 2024 at Crossover Graphic Online Dec - 27 - 2023 , 06:18 As the world eagerly anticipates the transition into the New Year, the annual Crossover Service, with Pastor Mensa Otabil, is set to be an extraordinary night of devotion, with the paramount theme for the upcoming year being simply "God." Scheduled to be held on December 31 at Christ Temple East in Teshie in Accra from 9pm to 1am, the divine convocation promises spiritual insight through a series of activities to amplify the essence of the theme. The essence of a 'God' year In an exclusive interview on the essence of the chosen theme, Pastor Otabil stressed that importance of 2024 as the 40th year of the International Central Gospel Church. It is a humbling realization for the whole church, especially for those who were there at the very beginning. It is incredible to contemplate how far God has brought His church from those inauspicious beginnings. It is that awareness that informs our choice of God as the theme for the church, the respected clergymen intimated. Pastor Otabil reaffirmed that after 40 years, it was important to reemphasize faith in God and an unwavering emphasis on knowing God and living for Him as the central focus of the church. He challenged young Christians to uphold their faith and to find answers to the big questions their generation is asking about the Christian faith and its continued relevance. Highlighting the continental relevance of the theme, Pastor Otabil stressed that the largest number of Christians, new converts and churches are now found in Africa. He therefore called on the African church to wake up to its responsibility as the centre or axis of Christianity. Significance of Crossover Service New Years Eve is a big night for churches all over the world, and Pastor Otabil explained why: 31st day of December may be just like any other day, but it is significant as an end as well as a new beginning of a year. It is therefore important to end the year with thanksgiving and reflection and to focus on the coming year. The main highlight of the Crossover Service will be the New Year Message where Pastor Mensa Otabil is expected to challenge the teeming crowds, both in-person and online across the world, to refocus hearts and minds on God. The service will also feature times of worship, impactful prayers, music ministration, a communion service and an anointing service for the new Year. The unique experience of the Crossover Service will be extended to worshippers across the world through online streaming as well as a live broadcast on Joy News TV and Joy FM. This will ensure that believers around the world can virtually converge in a global tapestry of spiritual unity. As we wrap up a year of global uncertainties, the Crossover Service with Pastor Mensa Otabil is poised to be an epic night of spiritual devotion, setting the tone for a year where the divine takes centre stage. Abu Jinapor going unopposed for NPP in Damango Graphic.com.gh Politics Dec - 27 - 2023 , 06:18 Samuel Abu Jinapor, the incumbent Member of Parliament for the Damongo is the only candidate contesting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary in the constituency. This the second time running Abu Jinapor is going unopposed as the parliamentary candidate for the NPP in Damongo. At the close of nominations on Monday, January, 2023, Mr. Jinapor, who is also the Minister of Land and Natural Resources, was the only person who had filed his nomination at the constituency. The Damongo constituency is one of the seven constituencies in the Savannah Region. It has, traditionally, been held by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) since 1993 but in 2020, Jinapor snatched it for the NPP for the first time from the then incumbent MP, Adam Mutawakilu of the NDC, who had been the MP for Damango since 2013. In a turn of events that shocked pundits, Abu Jinapor won the elections for the first time for the New Patriotic Party, with over 54 percent of the valid votes cast, becoming the first NPP Member of Parliament for Damango constituency since the inception of the 4th Republic. Following his election, President Akufo-Addo appointed him as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, a position he has held till date. After filing his nomination, Mr. Jinapor said he was humbled by the confidence reposed in him by the party in the constituency. He said the Damongo constituency was a very strategic seat and crucial to breaking the eight and pledged his commitment to work with the party and the constituents to ensure that the NPP retains the seat in Parliament, and deliver victory for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The NPP parliamentary primaries is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2023. 'I am not a violent person' - K.T. Hammond denies slapping Annoh-Dompreh and says he is a trusted friend Sampson Manu Politics Dec - 27 - 2023 , 10:01 The Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond has reacted to public concerns that he slapped and fended off the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, during a parliamentary proceeding on December 22, 2023. The incident has received mixed reactions following the sharing of the video of the incident online with some accusing Mr Hammond of reacting violently towards a colleague law maker. Speaking to press men at his residence at Adansi Asokwa in the Ashanti Region, Mr Hammond, who is also the Minister of Trade and Industry said he has been taken out of context. He wondered why his thoughts and comments are on many occasions misrepresented without looking out for the substance. This, he said has led to a lot of criticisms from a cross section of the public towards him. Narrating what transpired on the floor of Parliament, Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond said he was called into the chamber by Annoh-Dompreh to take part in the discussions and subsequent voting on the appointment of judges by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He said due to his relationship with one of the Judges, who was apparently his mate at the University of Ghana, he wanted to take part in the discussions on the floor and while making his submission, the Majority chief whip attempted to draw his attention ostensibly to time constraints. He said he wanted to make his point quickly enough amidst the interjections from the Nsawam- Adoagyiri MP. "I only made some gesticulations towards him to allow me to make my point regardless of the time constraints. Parliament had spent the whole day discussing other issues so why was I distracted from making my point to wind up the business of the day " He refuted claims that he is a violent person stressing that he has no history of violence and has not been involved in any violent situation. Mr K.T. Hammond said Annoh-Dompreh is one of his close confidants in politics and in Parliament so he will never react violently towards him. "I never slapped him. Why will I slap a colleague Member of Parliament. Have you seen me fighting anybody in Parliament as the others did during voting for the Speaker of Parliament and other violent scenes in the house? ", the Adansi Asokwa law maker quizzed. Meanwhile, K.T. Hammond has re-entered the NPP Parliamentary primary contest in the Adansi-Asokwa constituency Mr Hammond first entered Parliament in 2001 and currently serving his 6th term. He is facing competition from three other aspirants who have already filed their nominations in his attempt to go for a 7th term. They are Sammy Binfo Darkwa, Kwabena Asamoah and Dr. Boakye Acheampong. Sounding optimistic, K.T. Hammond said he is responding to calls from his constituents to seek another term judging by his good works. Read also: I'll go back to Parliament in 2025 to fill vacuum created by exit of experienced hands - K.T. Hammond Anticipated vacuum in Parliament Following the announcement by Joseph Osei Owusu, MP for Bekwai, Dan Botwe, MP for Okere, Samuel Atta Akyea, MP for Abuakwa South and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, MP for Suame that they will not be returning to Parliament, Mr K.T. Hammond has said that will create a vacuum in Parliament and affect quality of work in the House. This is one of the reasons he want to go back to Parliament with his experience as a legislator and make invaluable contributions to the House. "Replacing these experienced MPs will be a daunting task for the party," he said. The Supreme Court of Guam partially reversed the 2021 conviction of a man for the rape of a teen that was recorded with a phone and shared on social media. Vianney Nennis Hosei was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for being aided or abetted by others in raping a physically helpless person. That conviction was reversed by the court on appeal because of an erroneous jury instruction. However, Hosei was also convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct for digitally penetrating a physically helpless person, according to court documents. That conviction was affirmed by the Supreme Court. On Nov. 4, 2018, a 16-year-old girl was invited to drink with Hosei and others, and she later testified she had very little memory of the night. But almost two months later, she saw a graphic video on social media and learned she had been sexually assaulted and filmed by Hosei, Dwayne Piyelit and Burton Borja. Piyelit and Borja pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct and were sentenced to six years and three years in prison, respectively. They agreed to testify against Hosei, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison. In Hoseis trial, the jury was instructed that to prove the aiding and abetting aspect of the first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge, prosecutors had to show that before or during the alleged sexual act, the defendant was assisted by another person, who either did something or gave encouragement to assist the commission of the crime. In his appeal, Hosei objected to that instruction. Prosecutors argued that the definition was taken from Michigan criminal jury instructions, and Guams criminal sexual conduct laws are based on Michigans. But the Supreme Court ruled the instruction was neither a complete statement of Michigan law nor a correct statement of Guam law. Under the Michigan statute, prosecutors had to prove the intent of those aiding and abetting the defendant, and Guam also has this requirement, justices wrote in the Wednesday ruling. The instruction was a plain error, and the justices wrote that under plain error review we will not reverse unless the error affected the defendants substantial rights. The Supreme Court found that Hosei likely would have been acquitted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct if the jury had been properly instructed. Though there is no precise definition of what would amount to a miscarriage of justice, we find that the result in this case meets that standard, the justices wrote. The Mayors Council of Guam is continuing its search for a new executive director but has appointed its president to serve in acting capacity. Mayors met Wednesday to discuss the ongoing search for a new executive director after Angel Sablan, who served for more than 15 years, retired and his last day was on Dec. 1. Mayors Council President and Piti Mayor Jesse Alig was appointed to serve as acting executive director and was approved through a vote by the council Wednesday. Alig said the committee to look into candidates met several times after the council received applications and resumes from the public. The committee didnt move to recommend any of the applicants to the council for consideration for executive director, Alig said. He said there were various reasons for the decision, and it wasnt that no one was qualified. He said the issues and complexities and problems they have in the Mayors Council of Guam are vast and vary. The committee determined that the council could manage on its own in the interim, Alig said. Hagat Mayor Kevin Susuico who serves on the committee said they want to be fair to whoever will serve as the new executive director and give them a clean plate to start. While we regather and make the necessary corrections that we need to, to move our council forward, he said. The applicants have been notified that a selection was not made and if the selection process opens up again, they can reapply, Alig said. He said they hope to get a new executive director sooner rather than later and have a goal of one month. But because the Mayors Council needs an executive director to sign official documents an official appointment needed to be made by the members, he said. Alig told mayors that the committee doesnt make the decision on who the executive director will be, but rather takes a look at the applicants and sends the top three candidates to the council for its determination. He told mayors that they may not have to do another call out for applicants and the council could move to appoint a particular person if they choose to do so in the future. The goal is one month. Its a big goal. We want to push for that, Alig said. He said he has his own things he needs to worry about in his own village and serving as the councils president which he continues to serve. Council Vice President and Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann said they sought advice from the Department of Administrations human resources on how to proceed with having an interim acting executive director. The council president could serve in acting capacity, but the body needs to give that power to him, he said. Alig said the attorney general was also asked about how to move forward and agreed with DOAs recommendation. Hofmann said they wanted to ensure it was done properly so there arent any questions about the process. Heather Jingco, a Class of 2022 B.S. Integrative Biology alumna under the University of Guam College of Natural and Applied Sciences, is in the first group of scholars selected for RaMP-UP, a one-year paid fellowship offered by the Global Boulder and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. With an interest in behavioral research and tropical ecosystems, Jingco was placed under the Smithsonian Bat Lab with Dr. Rachel Page as her main mentor. Their goal is to find out if light pollution is affecting the feeding habits of the Carollia perspicillata, known as Sebas short-tailed bat, and if artificial light has any effect on their foraging. She said their findings could have implications on the flexibility and resiliency of these bats in their increasingly urbanized habitat. Jingco is a former president of the UOG Biology Club and a former Doris Duke Conservation Scholar. The fellowship aims to nurture scholars from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields to research careers focused on tropical biodiversity. Her cohort, which began in October, includes 12 scholars from around the United States and its territories. Being a part of a cohort of young scientists with diverse backgrounds yet on the same journey for the next year is impactful knowing that we share the same goals for the future of science, Jingco said. The fellowship is a steppingstone that Jingco said she hopes to eventually apply to the many needed conservation efforts in Guam and the Mariana Islands. Her plans include pursuing a graduate degree and working throughout the Marianas, staying close to her roots. My goal for the next year is to develop practical research skills and learn how research is structured within a tropical ecological context and to bring that knowledge back home with the goal of eventual application, she said. Jingco encourages UOG students interested in conservation and biodiversity to apply to next years RaMP-UP program where they are now accepting applications for its 2024 cohort until April 28, 2024, at https://www.gsscholar.org/rampup-fellows-program. I hope that this opportunity Ive been lucky to take part in will inspire other islanders to dream big, develop their skills, and pay it back to our community and our islands, she said. Bringing law enforcement officersarmed or otherwiseback into public schools as school resource officers was one of a number of solutions to on-campus violence proposed at a round table hosted by the Office of the Attorney General Wednesday. Other options discussed include getting violators to do community service, removal of phones, corporal punishment, community outreach, and the removal of adult students from the student population. The round table, hosted at the ITC Building in Tamuning, opened with a video compilation of fights that were caught on camera at each of the islands public high schools in recent years, including the recent riot between Simon Sanchez High School students attending double-session classes at the John F. Kennedy High School campus. Attorney General Douglas Moylan said his goal was to get leaders to find solutions to stop the fighting, the violence, schools are supposed to be places of learning. 400 fights a year Data shared during the roundtable shows that the Guam Department of Education has logged over 400 reports of fighting in each in-person school year since the summer of 2019. There were 145 reported in the current school year so far, though many students have spent less time on campus due to damage caused by Typhoon Mawar. School year 2020 to 2021 was not in person, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also reported were over 100 cases of assault or battery in schools in school year 2021 to 2022, over 200 in school year 2019 to 2020, and almost 300 in school year 2022 to 2023. The current school year has so far reported 84 cases. Over 40 instances of rioting were seen in each in-person school year since the summer of 2019and over 84 have already been recorded in the current school year, which is only halfway through. School resource officers A number of those involved in Wednesdays roundtable agreed that getting law enforcement back into the schools as SROs was a top priority to try and deter some of the violence and bad behavior. Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio committed to working with GDOE and local law enforcement to see what could be done to get the program back up and running. I think all of us want to see an SRO program back, Tenorio said. The Judiciary of Guam for over a decade provided probation officers to work as SROs at local high schools, part of a program meant to reduce disciplinary incidents and increase safety. But the courts stopped in 2019 over funding concerns, with the program costing $300,000 to $500,000 a year, Pacific Daily News files show. SROs were empowered to arrest, detain, or remove violators from campus, and could also help with school education and outreach. GDOE in the years since has taken to hiring its own SROs, but their job descriptions note that they mostly deal with truancy matters. They arent required to have a firearm license, complete a physical fitness test, or complete a certified law enforcement training course. There were eight SROs and an SRO supervisor on staff at GDOE at the close of September, staffing records show. Getting law enforcement back into schools could be a back to basics approach to prevent violence at schools, legislative education chairman Sen. Chris Barnett said. Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio agreed that law enforcement presence on campus could be a positive thing. Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes did note that parents did not like the idea of having someone with a firearm on campus before. Even (in) 2019, when this was really hot and heavy parents didnt want armed SROs and were talking about it again, she said. Community service, corporal punishment The AG floated the idea of having students do some sort of community service as a punishment, instead of expulsion or suspension. Cleaning the bathrooms, its something that nobody wants to do. But with that social media out there, or cleaning up school or law enforcement, police vehiclesdo it when the other kids are aroundyou get the positive reinforcement through a negative type of act. More serious offenders could get the option as an alternative to court hearings, Moylan said. The idea was referred to as the janitorial brigade or toilet brigade by members of the roundtable, and well received. Moylan also floated the idea of corporal punishment in schools. He said he was not an advocate of it but, we need to start discussing it. No more adults Guam Education Board Member Ron McNinch said he did not believe students should be required to stay in school until the age of 18. Guam used to allow students to drop out at 16, but raised the age cutoff in 2018. McNinch said it has not been to the benefit of good students. The really bad ones had been spotted and dealt with over and over and over again. And you cant do anything really significant with them, because theyre allowed to stay in school until theyre 18, he said. The lieutenant governor said he believed adult students, or super seniors should be directed towards other programs if they had to. If theyre over 18, and theyre disruptive, I dont think that they belong in an environment where predominantly there are minors, Tenorio said. Other disciplinary action According to GDOE data, the top five behavior problems at all schools are: Possession, use, or distribution of tobacco products Dress code violations Disruptive behavior Physical aggression Defiance, disrespect, or insubordination District wide, GDOE recorded an average of about 12 disciplinary actions per day in the months of August through October, data shows. Schools with the highest number of daily disciplinary actions across that time are: Ron McNinch is a longstanding member of the Guam community and frequently gives his opinion on a wide range of topics. Haiti - Insecurity : Two little girls killed on Christmas Day Monday, December 25, two little girls under the age of 10 and 2 adults were killed in Haiti on Christmas Day by armed men from the "400 Mawozo" gang who carried out a deadly attack on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, in the Croix-des-Bouquets district. Additionally, four family members were kidnapped. The week before Christmas, at least five people were killed, including a mother and her child, in the town of Ganthier... Bruno Maes, UNICEF Country Director, said the UN child protection agency "[...] is deeply shocked and outraged" by the latest attacks, which have left behind "a trail of unimaginable grief and despair [...] We express our deepest sympathy to the victims, families and communities affected by these barbaric attacks." UNICEF is sounding the alarm about the unprecedented escalation of violence in Haiti and its deadly impact on children. In areas controlled by gangs, places that children rely on for protection and support, including schools, health facilities and protective services, are increasingly under attack and resulting in child deaths, Maes lamented. "UNICEF urges all parties to stop attacks on children and their families and keep them out of harms way." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Medical sector, catastrophic 2023 results Dr. Jean Ardouin Louis-Charles, Secretary General of the Haitian Medical Association, draws up a catastrophic assessment of the insecurity in the medical sector for the year 2023. Several doctors have been kidnapped and/or murdered by armed bandits while many others were forced to flee the country... DINEPA threatens to disconnect institutions Guyto Edouard, the Director General of the National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA), informs that a period not exceeding 15 working days is granted to State institutions to pay their debts In the case otherwise, they will be disconnected from the hydraulic network. He points out that the National Airport Authority (AAN) alone has a debt of more than 11 million gourdes in unpaid invoices from DINEPA, which is facing great financial difficulties. Delmas Thanksgiving Day announced Wilson Jeudy, the Mayor of Delmas announced at a press conference that a day of thanksgiving will take place on January 1st, 2024, at the Municipal Palace of Delmas, around the theme "Si se pat pwoteksyon Seye a, nou tap peri deja." This initiative aims to express the Mayor's gratitude to God, particularly for his protection of the municipality. Insecurity : Heavy toll in 2023 in transport At least 23 drivers and 79 passengers were killed, 182 passengers injured and 9 drivers and 383 passengers were kidnapped : this is the heavy toll of acts of insecurity in public transport for the year 2023, presented by the Association of Owners and Drivers of Haiti (APCH). 146 vehicles were hijacked with their goods and 68 vehicles were set on fire by the bandits. Journalist Banatte Daniel released Tuesday, December 26, Regard FM journalist Banatte Daniel, kidnapped on Friday, December 15, was released by his captors after 11 days of confinement Taekwondo : The Federation offers a gift to its members The Haitian Taekwondo Federation offered a precious gift to its members, including current and future black belts: training structured around three essential modules. Dr. Lovelie Augustin shared his expertise during a module dedicated to sports administration while Grand Master Ostin Frenel led two modules : one focusing on the basics for our black belts, and the other dedicated to advanced training in refereeing. The enthusiasm of the participants was evident, making this training a precious Christmas present ! HL/ HaitiLIbre Now in year 6, KFF Health News-NPRs Bill of the Month identifies problems in medical billing KFF Health News In 2023, our nationwide reporting team has been hard at work on a holiday gift to you: a packet of advice for navigating the labyrinthine American medical system. In the sixth year of KFF Health News-NPRs Bill of the Month series, readers shared more than 750 tales of medical billing problems, contributing to our ongoing effort to investigate the financial consequences of becoming sick or injured in the United States and empower patients to advocate for themselves. Reporters analyzed more than $730,000 in charges, including more than $215,000 owed by 12 patients and their families. The investigations were cited by decision-makers on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Last summer, the Biden administration announced plans to lower health costs, such as by targeting a loophole that has allowed health providers to evade the federal surprise-billing law a loophole identified by Bill of the Month. More changes are on Washingtons agenda next year; federal regulators are expected to develop a Biden administration plan to bar medical debt from affecting credit scores. But as this important project has shown since its start in 2018, patients are often their own best advocates. If Im able to push back a little bit against this massive system, well, hey, maybe other people can, too, said Jered Gebel of Alaska, who fought back against disparities and outright errors in charges for his wifes chemotherapy. And who knows, maybe eventually health care prices can come down. Check out this years stories online at https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/surprise-bills-sixth-year-kff-health-news-npr-help-patients to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from a big, unexpected, or downright wrong bill. From all of us at Bill of the Month, happy holidays and, when in doubt, dont pay the bill. Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills. Do you have an interesting medical bill you want to share with us? Tell us about it at https://khn.org/send-us-your-medical-bills . SATURDAY, Oct. 14, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- While the hot, dry summer may have offered a break to people with some environmental allergies, that reprieve could be over. Ragweed and mold are in the air this fall. This summer was good news for people who are sensitive to mold and pollen as there were little of those allergens in the air, but now that were seeing more rain coming in after this drought, were experiencing a big ragweed and mold bloom in Houston, said Dr. David Corry, a professor in the section of immunology, allergy and rheumatology at Baylor College of Medicine. It's not always easy to distinguish fall allergies from seasonal viruses, Corry noted. Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. A sore throat and malaise are more typical of a virus, like the flu or a cold. While the body may have an extreme reaction to sudden exposure to large amounts of pollen or mold, including aches and pains, this is temporary, Corry said. Tests for flu and cold can help identify whats going on. Fall activities that may stir up allergies include hayrides at pumpkin patches, because the bales are made from grasses that many people are allergic to. Hayriders should also watch for signs of mold, such as black streaks or foul, damp odors. Mold spores can take hold in your upper airway, causing allergy symptoms, and an infection can cause something more severe like sinusitis. If mold spores get in your lower airway, it is possible to develop asthma, Corry said in a college news release. We see this in tropical, humid environments and see patients who begin to feel allergy symptoms to allergens they previously didnt. Corry recommends using a nasal allergy spray and over-the-counter antihistamines. Take them twice a day if symptoms persist. Using a distilled water saline sinus rinse with a neti pot, squeeze bottle or electronic machine may also help. Visit an allergist to get additional help for symptoms, he advised. Allergy shots can be helpful, but by seeing your allergist, we can check for things like nasal obstructions, nasal polyps or sleep apnea or begin immunotherapy, Corry said. More information The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has more on seasonal allergies. SOURCE: Baylor College of Medicine, news release, Oct. 10, 2023 MONDAY, Oct. 2, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Millions of people who live with the pain and stiffness of arthritis in their hands get steroid or hyaluronic acid injections directly into their finger joints in the hopes of feeling better. Now, a new review shows that even though these injections are widely recommended in treatment guidelines, they dont really work. Joint injections to relieve the symptoms of hand osteoarthritis were no better than dummy (placebo) injections, the study found. Thats not all current treatment recommendations for hand arthritis seem to get wrong, either. Most also call for topical pain relievers as the first-line therapy for hand osteoarthritis, but the evidence on those is iffy, said study author Dr. Anna Dssing, a rheumatology resident at the Parker Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. So, what does relieve the pain of hand arthritis? Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] and oral glucocorticoids effectively reduce pain in people with hand osteoarthritis, Dssing said. Of these, glucocorticoids (steroid) pills were most effective, the study showed. Oral NSAIDs also improved function and grip strength, and oral steroids improved function and peoples health-related quality of life, a measure that encompasses physical and mental health status. People who took either of these medications reported improvements in hand symptoms and their overall health. For the study, Dssing and her colleagues reviewed 65 studies of close to 5,250 people with hand osteoarthritis. The studies looked at 29 types of treatment for the condition. Injections were found to be ineffective, but most people in the study received injections for osteoarthritis in the base of their thumb. Hydroxychloroquine, an arthritis medication that affects the immune system, was also found to be ineffective for hand arthritis, and the effectiveness of topical creams and gels for pain wasnt clear, the study showed. The findings were published Sept. 28 in the journal RMD Open. The article reveals a surprising lack of effectiveness of intra-articular glucocorticoids, a widely employed and traditionally fundamental treatment for hand arthritis, specifically thumb-base arthritis, said Dr. Daniel Polatsch, co-director of The New York Hand and Wrist Center of Lenox Hill Hospital and an associate professor in the department of orthopedic surgery at Zucker School of Medicine/Northwell in New York City. This discovery stands in stark contrast to the prevailing beliefs and experiences of most hand surgeons, myself included, in our clinical practice," Polatsch said. He said that treatment for hand arthritis should be individualized. I consistently advocate for commencing treatment with the option that carries the lowest risk, he said. Short-term usage of oral NSAIDs or glucocorticoids is a reasonable approach. That said, long-term use of these medications can cause side effects. Prolonged use of NSAIDs has been linked to bleeding ulcers. Oral steroids, when taken for prolonged periods of time, can cause high blood pressure, weight gain, thinning skin and infections. My recommendation is to engage in a discussion about the different treatment options with your health care provider and formulate a plan together, Polatsch advised. Its also a good idea to see a hand surgery specialist if symptoms persist. A hand surgery specialist can thoroughly assess the full spectrum of alternatives, including medication, splinting, hand therapy, injections and, as a final resort, surgery, Polatsch said. More information HealthDay has more on arthritis symptoms. SOURCES: Anna Dssing, MD, rheumatology resident, Parker Institute, Copenhagen; Daniel Polatsch, MD, co-director, The New York Hand and Wrist Center of Lenox Hill Hospital, and associate professor, department, orthopedic surgery, Zucker School of Medicine/Northwell, New York City; RMD Open, Sept. 28, 2023 It's a question many women ask themselves once they find out they are pregnant: Does drinking alcohol harm their developing fetus, especially if they were drinking before they knew they had conceived? In this article, an obstetrician-gynecologist shares what you need to know about the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy. Can drinking alcohol affect a pregnancy? According to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental delays in the United States. Dr. Sudheer Jayaprabhu, an ob-gyn who practices in Texas, explained further: "Drinking alcohol in pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, miscarriages, stillbirths and preterm labor," he said. When a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol crosses easily from the mothers bloodstream to the fetuss blood, tissue and organs, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Because the fetus is unable to break down alcohol as quickly as the mother, its blood alcohol level stays high longer, and this can damage developing organs and systems. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the characteristics and behaviors that children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASDs) might have: Abnormal facial features, such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip Small head size Shorter-than-average height Low body weight Poor coordination Hyperactive behavior Difficulty with attention Poor memory Difficulty in school (especially with math) Learning disabilities Speech and language delays Intellectual disability or low IQ Poor reasoning and judgment skills Sleep and sucking problems as a baby Vision or hearing problems Problems with the heart, kidney or bones But how much alcohol is too much? Will one glass of wine hurt your baby? The fact is, experts say there is no known safe amount of alcohol for a woman to drink when she is pregnant. Most medical professionals recommend against even one glass of wine, because there are a lot of other variables involved than just the volume of alcohol consumed, said Jayaprabhu. They include: Renal function (one persons kidney function could be different from another) The fetus's sensitivity to alcohol Genetic susceptibility of patients (some people are more sensitive to alcohol than others) Drinking patterns (one glass of wine for five days versus five glasses of wine in one sitting) Possibility of use of other substances (tobacco, marijuana, etc.) The CDC reported in an analysis of previous studies that any binge drinking during pregnancy was associated with the child having problems with thinking skills. (Binge drinking was identified for this study as four drinks on one occasion.) In another study, the authors found that moderate drinking (up to six drinks per week) during pregnancy was associated with the child having behavior problems. But what if Ive been drinking in early pregnancy without knowing I was pregnant? Drinking in very early pregnancy can cause miscarriage. Once you know you are pregnant, you should stop drinking. "It is best to stop drinking if you are trying to get pregnant," Jayaprabhu said. It is also important to let your doctor know so that they can monitor the baby." What's the worst time to drink during pregnancy? While there is no safe amount or safe time to drink during pregnancy, "the first trimester of pregnancy [from six to 13 weeks] is the worst time. This is when most of the crucial development takes place, so damage during this time period will generally lead to the most severe outcomes," Jayaprabhu explained. Later on, as most structures are developed and growing, we tend to see more behavior defects. Bottom line The only way to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome is to not drink alcohol during pregnancy. The safest plan is to stop drinking when trying to get pregnant, and if you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant, stop immediately. This will give your baby the best chance for a healthy life, free of the effects of alcohol on their developing body. Resources: Sudheer Jayaprabhu, MD, ob-gyn, Christus Health, Irving, Texas U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Fetal Alcohol Exposure Medline Plus: Alcohol and Pregnancy U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Alcohol Use During Pregnancy U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Key Findings: The effects of alcohol use during pregnancy and later developmental outcomes: An analysis of previous studies. WEDNESDAY, March 1, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- When former President Jimmy Carter recently entered home hospice care after many years of cancer treatment, it was an invitation for families across America to consider how they would like to spend their final days. For experts in end-of-life care, the 98-year-old's announcement was one last act of public service. Hospice is often an incredible resource for patients at the end of life, as well as the best way to support families, through care within their own home or nursing facility but it does not necessarily mean that someone is actively dying, said Dr. Maria Silveira, a palliative care physician at Michigan Medicine and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. We also find that palliative care is often confused with hospice. What's the difference? But the two aren't the same: While palliative care aims to keep someone comfortable and support their quality of life and mental health, treatment for their life-threatening illness can continue. Most large health systems offer it while patients are hospitalized. Hospice focuses on comfort only, after a patient has decided to stop aggressive treatment or treatment is no longer working. The patient may continue to receive some treatment-related care. Sometimes health systems have dedicated palliative care clinics. Hospice care, meanwhile, can be provided at home, or in a nursing home or a dedicated hospice residence. It provides support for the patient and family alike. Hospice is appropriate when someone with serious illness finds that going back and forth between the hospital, the emergency room and the doctors office over and over is too burdensome and no longer useful, Silveira said. Medicare, the government health insurance program for seniors, covers hospice care for patients who are at high risk of dying in the next six months. Although some patients wind up living even longer than that, the average Medicare recipient who entered hospice care lived about three weeks. When and how to get care Dr. Phillip Rodgers is a family physician and a palliative care specialist at Michigan Medicine who is active with organizations promoting better access to high-quality palliative care, including hospice care. The problem is, as a profession we really struggle to predict how long people are going to live in terms of months, but its easier to do when it comes to days or weeks, Rodgers said. Meanwhile, people with dementia have caregiving needs for years before they might have a six-month prognosis, so theyre badly served by the Medicare hospice benefit as its written today. Medicare requires two doctors to certify a patients six-months prognosis. People with Medicare Advantage plans must get their hospice coverage through regular Medicare, Michigan Medicine noted. Silveira said it can be difficult for patients who have dementia, frailty and multiple chronic illnesses to qualify for hospice care. These patients need to be nearing death to receive hospice, but their families may become overwhelmed with caregiving long before their loved one qualifies. People today live with a higher burden of serious illness, with many more treatment options available, than 40 years ago. But they and their families often need help earlier in the course of that illness than current hospice coverage provides, Rodgers said. There are really important policy discussions under way, aimed at improving hospice access earlier in the course of illness. Hospice care at home The experience of hospice care may be different depending on where people choose to spend their last days. Care at home doesnt come with round-the-clock staff. But caregivers can call providers at all times of the day or night for advice. Hospice agencies can arrange for pain medications, hospital beds, oxygen tanks and other supplies to be brought to the home, which can be a wonderful benefit especially given the difficulties people now encounter in getting some of these medications from their local pharmacy in a timely way, Silveira said. Hospice can also provide some respite care and bath assistance. Even still, caring for a seriously ill loved one at home represents a giant responsibility for the family. Nurse practitioners associated with at-home hospice agencies can prescribe and manage medications. They can send respite staffers to help reposition or bathe a person and give caregivers a breather. Even with that aid, experts recommend two people remain in the home at all times with a patient who is bed-bound. It can take two people to move a patient and provide essential personal care. This means a lot of caregiving responsibility remains with family, friends, neighbors or members of a persons faith community. Getting outside help Hiring additional aides can cost $30 per hour or more through an agency. Even if families have long-term care insurance that will defray the cost, workforce shortages may make it difficult to find qualified personnel. If someone you know has entered at-home hospice care, Michigan Medicine suggested offering the family your help or support. For patients already living in nursing homes or who are hospitalized, going home for hospice care may not be possible. Some people also don't want to die at home. Hospice agencies offer services within many nursing homes. These typically require payment, be it from long-term care insurance or a patients or familys personal resources. For patients with little money saved or lower incomes, Medicaid may cover the cost of hospice care in a Medicaid-certified long-term care facility. Rodgers suggested reaching out to a hospital or clinic social worker to find out if your loved one may qualify. The experience of hospice care is also changing. A recent ProPublica/New Yorker investigation found a rise in for-profit hospice agencies over the past decade. As a result, instead of dedicated staff serving a few patients, a patient may have many different people providing care at different times. It's a good idea to shop around for the right hospice agency, the experts suggest. Ask around and look at ratings online. Use a Medicare tool that lets anyone compare quality between agencies, but doesnt include patient ratings. Plan ahead and get records in order Get key documents and financial advice in order well before you need them, Michigan Medicine suggests. Ensure that you have signed paperwork specifying whom you authorize to make medical decisions for you if you can no longer do so. This is important even if youre married. Admission to nursing homes for hospice care can hinge on being able to prove that someone has the patients permission to make that decision on their behalf. Look into getting long-term care insurance through your employer or insurance agent. This can help pay for nursing home care, hospice residence or home health aides when other coverage isnt available. If you think you might become a loved ones caregiver, take time now to learn how to use any paid or unpaid leave time you're entitled to under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Talk to a financial planner or attorney about possible options if you have assets that could prevent you from qualifying for Medicaid benefits. Take care of other matters, such as securing a power of attorney for financial decisions, and designating a loved one as a joint owner of bank accounts, property, or as a designated beneficiary of retirement accounts. Without this, there may be delays in paying bills and for expenses once your loved one loses the ability to do this. Reforms on the way? Key changes in end-of-life care may be on the horizon, but how fast they come about could hinge on the voices of patients or caregivers, Rodgers said. One potential change: The requirement that admission to hospice be based on life expectancy and not a persons condition and needs. The requirement to stop all treatment and hospitalization for the underlying condition may also change. This could apply, for example, when doctors continue to remove fluid built up in congestive heart failure patients, which can greatly improve someones quality of life. There has been real interest among some in Congress and in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reimagine the hospice benefit and modernize it to be based on need not a six-month prognosis, and to improve quality while reducing waste, fraud and abuse, Rodgers said. As the benefit is structured today, there are important inequities based on income, availability of family members to step out of the workforce and become home caregivers, and other factors such as whether someones cultural or spiritual background means they prefer not to die at home, Rodgers said. Hospice is a $20 billion part of our health care system that needs to be modernized to improve access and accountability. Policymakers do pay attention to what theyre hearing from their constituents. More information The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more on palliative care and hospice care. SOURCE: Michigan Medicine, news release, Feb. 22, 2023 The complete digitalisation of payments is not without its risks, however, reminds an expert at the Bank of Finland. PURSES AND WALLETS have become a bit of a rarity due to the popularity of electronic payments in Finland, reports Helsingin Sanomat. The latest statistics indicate that no more than six per cent of the public use cash in their day-to-day lives. Itd be good if people had some cash at home at least enough to buy the most important food items, medications and fuel for a couple of days, Paivi Heikkinen, the director of payment systems at the Bank of Finland, said to Helsingin Sanomat on Friday. A disruption in card payment systems could complicate the lives of not only people who rely exclusively on cards but also people who rely on mobile payment services, given their card-based nature. The central bank drew attention to the need for a co-called home economic kit around 18 months ago, when Finland was joining Nato. Heikkinen explained that it became apparent at the time that the country could be subjected to various types of hybrid influence and cyberattacks. Theres no acute threat, she added. Heikkinen said consumers should also consider having cards from two different banks to make sure a disruption in the payment system of one does not prevent them from making payments altogether. Yet another vulnerability stems from the widespread use of online bank credentials to log in to many services that are critical for daily life. Also their functioning depends on the banks systems. Thats why itd be good to have a mobile identity tool especially if you need verification also at work, she noted. Heikkinen added that banks and retailers are primarily well prepared to fend off various cyberattacks, as evidenced by the fact that consumers have been largely unaffected despite the relatively high frequency of attacks. In Finland, payments are extremely reliant on card payment systems such as Visa and Mastercard, said Heikkinen. The two American payment systems are fundamentally responsible also for processing payments made with the most popular mobile payment systems, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and, often, Mobilepay. It would be preferable if mobile payment services that directly utilise bank accounts are launched alongside card-based services, according to her. In Sweden and Norway, the most popular mobile payment systems use accounts directly. The Payments Council, a national co-operation body set up under the Bank of Finland, is presently drafting rules that would enable the launch of instant account-based payments also in the country. Nordea and OP Financial Group in December revealed that they are jointly developing a new payment platform. Aleksi Teivainen HT LIGHTNING PHOTOS: Bounty of Bethlehem Jonah Jakubielski checks progress of turkeys roasting in a smoker. [PHOTO BY PATRICK SULLIVAN] The Bounty of Bethlehem Community Christmas Day Dinner celebrated its 40th year by serving hundreds of people in a gym converted into a dining hall and by delivering to homes, fire and EMS stations. In 2022, Bounty of Bethlehem served 2,189 meals, including deliveries to shut-ins, law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, to-go meals and guests who dined at the beautifully decorated Salvation Army location on Third Avenue East. Figures for 2023 were not immediately available. OXFORDSHIRE County Council has been criticised by one of its own members over delays in repairs to a footbridge in Henley. David Bartholomew, a Conservative, accused the Liberal Democrat-Green alliance which runs the council of favouring Oxford city over rural areas. The council has allocated 1.5million to repair about 1.5km of the river bank and towpath in the city. But it is still in dispute with the Environment Agency and Wokingham Borough Council over who should pay for the repairs to the footbridge at Marsh Lock. The Marsh Head Horsebridge was closed by the agency for safety reasons in May last year. Councillor Bartholomew, who represents Sonning Common ward, said he was frustrated that the lions share of attention was going to Oxford while rural areas received second-class treatment. He claimed the diversion provided for walkers at Marsh Lock by the Culden Faw Estate was taking the presure off the two councils and the agency to reach an agreement so the work could begin. At a council meeting, Cllr Bartholomew asked Councillor Dan Levy, cabinet member for finance, why the path repairs in Oxford had been approved while the path at Henley had been closed for nearly two years. Cllr Levy replied: The Oxford city Thames Path works are essential works to maintain not just a towpath but also a strategic off-road route into Oxford city and is the county councils responsibility to lead. Marsh Lock in Henley is an Environment Agency-owned asset that the Thames Path runs over and is partly in Oxfordshire and partly in Berkshire. The agency has yet to confirm its decision on the future of the bridge. The county council does want to see it open for public access again as soon as it has been made safe to do so. After the meeting, Cllr Bartholomew said: It is frustrating to see the city of Oxford continually get the lions share of attention while some of our local problems linger on and on. It doesnt matter whether its buses, traffic, roads, potholes, bridges, or whatever, the administration always seems to put Oxford first. This is a classic example. A problem is identified on the Thames Path in Oxford and 1.5million is swiftly found to resolve the issue, yet the closure of the footbridge at Marsh Lock seems to have been put on the back burner while the councils and the Environment Agency indulge themselves in a squabble about how to share the repair costs. Its only thanks to the generosity of a local landowner, who has provided a temporary diversion, that public anger has been subdued. Nevertheless, the landowner could run out of patience at any time and walkers would be left high and dry with nowhere to go and no solution in sight. I have pressed the cabinet member and council officers about the matter but they state that they are currently awaiting the Environment Agencys next move and that whatever the decision, its unlikely the bridge will reopen in the near future. A council spokesman said: We are working with the Environment Agency and Wokingham Borough Council to resolve this issue. We had a productive meeting on site a couple of weeks ago and are looking at all options to reopen the structure for public access as soon as possible, while funding is secured for permanent repairs. However, this will not happen in the short term. We are taking legal guidance on the matter as there is disagreement about which party should accept liability for the maintenance of this considerable structure. While we are happy to contribute financially to the work, we believe it is primarily the responsibility of the agency to carry out these repairs. They are seeking their own legal advice. We are grateful for the generosity of the neighbouring landowner who has permitted a temporary diversion for local people and Thames Path users to make the vital link between Shiplake and Henley. The shares of Bank of Baroda on Wednesday hit an all-time high of 233.75, this after they were locked in an over three per cent upper circuit. The hike in share price comes after the lender invited buyers to sell stake in its New Zealand arm. In a newspaper ad, the bank said it was seeking proposal for the selection of investment banker for sale/disinvestment of Bank of Barodas entire 100 per cent stake in Bank of Baroda (New Zealand'. The lender has set 2 pm on January 24 as the deadline for the submission of proposal, Livemint reported. On November 4, Bank of Baroda said it reported 28 per cent rise in net profit to 4,253 crore in the second quarter(Reuters file photo) The statement issued by Bank of Baroda said that all liabilities of BoB (New Zealand) are guaranteed by the parent bank, adding that any private firm/public limited company/limited liability partnership/firm across the world can participate in the tender process. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Bank of Baroda (NZ) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda. The parent bank owns 94 overseas branches or offices in 17 countries. There are 8,200 domestic branches, out of which 4,942 are in rural and semi-urban areas, the report added. ALSO READ: Canara Bank announces IPO for mutual fund subsidiary: In due course Bank of Baroda to raise 2,500 crore On December 15, Bank of Baroda had announced it will generate fund worth 2,500 crore through Basel III bonds, PTI reported. The lender's Capital Raising Committee had approved a proposal to raise the first tranche of Basel III-compliant Tier II bonds having a base issue size of 1,000 crore with a green-shoe option to retain the over-subscription to the tune of 1,500 crore, the report added. According to the Basel III capital norms, the banks must improve and strengthen their capital planning processes. On November 4, Bank of Baroda said it reported 28 per cent rise in net profit to 4,253 crore in the second quarter. Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited, the mutual fund subsidiary of Canara Bank, will have an initial public offering (IPO) in due course, the Bengaluru-based lender said on Wednesday. Canara Robeco Mutual Fund was established in 1993 as Canbank Mutual Fund, getting its current name in 2007 (File Photo) We wish to inform you that Canara Bank has in principle approved to initiate the process of listing its Mutual Fund Subsidiary in the stock exchanges by way of an IPO, subject to following the due diligence, laid down procedures, opportune time, regulatory approvals etc., the bank stated in an exchange filing, according to Moneycontrol. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here In this regard, further announcements of all material developments will be made as and when required, as per applicable regulations, the bank added. Additionally, the proposed IPO will see the Canara Bank subsidiary become the fifth mutual fund company to get listed on the stock exchanges BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) and NSE (National Stock Exchange). The first four are HDFC AMC, Nippon Life India AMC, UTI Asset Management Company, and Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC. What is Canara Robeco Asset Management Company? It was set up in 1993 as Canbak Mutual Fund, and received its current name in 2007, as a result of Canara Bank entering into a partnership with Robeco Group, a Dutch asset manager. The total assets managed by Canara Robeco as of November 2023 are worth 78,398.51 crore, as per Moneycontrol. The Indian stock market majorly pleased investors this year, hitting record highs nearly every month. In 2023, the biggest investment bull of the country - Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India - has raked in a profit of 2.3 lakh crore through strategic stock investments. LIC has gained a profit of 2.3 lakh crore in 2023 through multibagger stocks.(REUTERS) Through its intricate portfolio, LIC gained a profit of 2.28 lakh crore. The life insurance giant is currently invested in 260 listed companies on the stock market, and saw its own market value increase from 9.61 lakh crore to 11.89 lakh crore, showed data from Ace Equity. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The record high of Nifty and Sensex contributed majorly towards the year-end profits of LIC, with Nifty 50 giving 18 percent returns on year to date basis. On December 27, Nifty crossed the 21,600 points mark through various multibagger stocks. For LIC, 40 out of the total Nifty 50 stocks has given the firm nearly 86 percent returns, reported The Economic Times. These returns have pushed up the profits of LIC in the year of 2023 massively. Life Insurance Corporation of India had five major company stocks to thank for its 2.3 lakh crore profits - Coal India, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, and NTPC. LIC's multibagger portfolio The top company which contributed towards the massive gain if LIC's profit this year was Larson & Toubro (L&T), with the market valuation of the company going from 36,165 crore to 52,786 crore in just one year. Meanwhile Coal India and NTPC both saw as estimated growth of 9000 crore and 2000 crore in market value, respectively. The valuation of Tata Motors nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, touching 13,519 crore in December this year. The fifth, sixth and sevent spot in LIC mutlibaggers was Adani Ports, Suzlon Energy and Bharat Heavy Electricals. The top stock that contributed towards the wealth of LIC was NTPC, with the holdings of the insurance firm in the company seeing an increase of 2,400 crore in 2023. The second stock to fill crores of profits into LIC's banks was Coal India, with Larson and Toubro securing the third spot. Moscow: Russia's deputy prime minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday his country has redirected most its oil supplies towards India and China after the West enforced economic sanctions against it over the Ukraine war. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak at the Kremlin in Moscow. (Reuters file photo) Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The America-led West imposed crippling economic sanctions on the Vladimir Putin-led country. The European Union had also embargoed Russia's seaborne oil supplies to its members. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Novak said Russia used to supply close to 45 percent of oil and oil products to Europe. The supply has come down to four-five percent this year. However, he said in a televised address, Russia has pivoted towards other buyers, including India and China. "China -- whose share (of oil exports) has grown to 45-50 percent -- and India have become our main partners in the current situation," Novak was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. He said India has become a major buyer of Russian oil since the Ukraine war. He claimed over the past two years, "the total share of supplies to India has increased to about 40 percent." There had been concerns in the West about India undermining the sanctions. Earlier this year, union external affairs minister S Jaishankar defended India's Russian imports saying India's trade with Russia was lower than that of the European countries. "I don't think people should read more into it other than the legitimate expectations of any trading country to increase its trade," the minister had said. India has been buying Russian crude oil and selling the refined product to European countries. Earlier this year, Jaishankar had defended this decision. "Look at EU Council regulations, Russian crude is substantially transformed in the third country and not treated as Russian anymore. I would urge you to look at Council's Regulation 833/2014," he had said. Novak today said Russia's oil and gas revenue would likely remain $98 billion this year -- a level similar to before the offensive in 2021. With inputs from AFP More than 20 shops were vandalised in Bengaluru as pro-Kannada groups protested in the city on Wednesday. They were demanding that local businesses follow the government's rule mandating 60 percent of signboards be written in the vernacular language. A Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) member vandalizes a signboard of a business establishment during a protest to minimalise the usage of English and promote the native language in banners and signboards.(ANI) The pro-Kannada protesters vandalised several shops like House of Masaba, Starbucks, Third Wave Coffee, Forest Essentials and Theobroma, reported Money Control. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada body, on Wednesday held a massive protest in Bengaluru demanding that all businesses in Karnataka should have signboards and nameplates written in the native language. Its state president TA Narayan Gowda said those doing business in Bengaluru must adopt the local language. The protesters broke several sign boards and signage written in English. "People from various states are doing business in Bangalore. But they don't put Kannada nameplates on their shops. They are only putting up the nameplates of their shops in English. If they want to stay back in Bangalore then they have to put nameplates on their shops in Kannada or else they have to move from Karnataka to other states," Gowda said. "No one is following it properly, so today we are doing a massive awareness protest rally. If the police stop us today, our struggle will not stop. We will continue the rally every day till our demands are met," he added. Meanwhile, due to the protests, two Karnataka malls had to be shut down. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has said all commercial stores will have to change 60 percent of their signage from English to Kannada by February 28. Those who violate this norm will face action. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had supported the rule. Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 27 (ANI): Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has said that there are 34 cases of JN.1 variant of COVID-19 in the state but the government is well prepared and nothing is "alarming." HT Image "430 cases are active out of which 400 are in home isolation and the remaining are in hospital. 7-8 patients are in ICU. As of now, things are okay. We have done genome sequencing. There are 34 cases of JN.1 variant of COVID. We are well prepared. Nothing is alarming. the majority of the cases are in Bengaluru," he told ANI. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Further, he also advised people to maintain social distancing. "Old people will be getting the booster vaccine. If they want can take it. About 30,000 vaccines, we are procuring. We will give the anti-flu vaccine to our health workers. New year is coming; we are advising people to maintain physical distancing," he added. Meanwhile, a cabinet sub-committee meeting to address the COVID-19 precautionary measures was chaired by Minister Gundu Rao in Bengaluru and various decisions were taken. "An adequate number of samples for WGS will be sent ( as per GoI guidelines ) to the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru & National Institute of Virology, Pune. PSA plants and LMO plants shall be kept ready. PESO licences shall be obtained early. Mobile Oxygen generation and filling units will be procured on priority (at least one per division), to further bolster the oxygen-filling capacity of the State. Mock drills at hospitals shall be held to ensure preparedness. Hospital beds and ventilators are to be kept ready. Persons working in Govt. and Non Govt. establishments shall avail Home Isolation leave for 7 days when tested Covid 19 positive," a release said. Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged the public to not panic while assuring that everything is fine so far. "No need to panic about Covid. Everything is fine now. Our health minister will update," Shivakumar said. A total of 69 cases of JN.1 subvariant of COVID have been reported in the country till December 25, Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. The total number of active covid cases in the country was recorded at 4,170. Karnataka reported 436 cases, Kerala 3096, Maharashtra 168, Gujarat 56, and Tamil Nadu 139 cases, according to Union Health Ministry data. 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) The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department on Tuesday said it is proposing to enhance the infrastructure of government health centres by utilising CSR funds from private companies. Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. (HT) A grant of three crore from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund has been earmarked to upgrade the infrastructure of 10 government health centres in Raichur district through CSR Box, they said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here READ | Covid: 34 cases of JN.1 variant in Karnataka; government well prepared, says Health Minister These centres include those at Gunjahalli, Gabburu, Udmagala, Masarkal, Gillasugur, Koppara, Balaganuru, Galaga, Ballatagi and Ramadurga, officials said. "Through CSRBOX, the CSR funds of various private companies will be utilised to develop infrastructure in approximately 200 government health centres across the state. The estimated cost for this initiative is 100 crore. The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka is signing a Letter of Intent with CSRBOX today for the upgradation, marking a significant step towards enhancing healthcare facilities," the Health department said in a statement. READ | Prime Minister could not keep up his words: CM Siddaramaiah targets PM Modi over 2 crore jobs promise Additionally, the 'Community Healthcare Clinic' (Wellness on Wheels), a pioneering CSR Project by the Volvo Group and Narayana Health in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare has earmarked two crore CSR fund for providing free healthcare facilities to rural communities. For the first time, the Department of Health and Family Welfare has appointed a Deputy Director as the State Level Nodal Officer, it said. "This strategic move aims to strengthen relationships with private companies, facilitating the improvement of infrastructure in government health centres through the CSR fund of private companies," the officials stated. The collaborative effort between the Health Department and private organizations seeks to provide high-quality and well-equipped medical facilities in government health centres. This initiative will contribute significantly to offering quality treatment and promoting the overall health and well-being of the public, the statement added. Two of Bengaluru's biggest malls -- Phoenix Mall of Asia in Hebbal and Phoenix Marketcity in Whitefield -- had to be shut down on Wednesday evening, as pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) protested demanding Kannada signboards, The News Minute reported. KRV State President T N Narayan Gowda alleged that Mall of Asia (Bengaluru) has not put a Kannada nameplate. (File)(X/@DrBhaskarRaj) KRV State President T N Narayan Gowda alleged that Mall of Asia (Bengaluru) had not put a Kannada nameplate. We told them to put a Kannada nameplate but Mall of Asia (Bangalore) did not bother and has not put a Kannada nameplate so we will fight against this. Today police are providing full protection to the Mall of Asia (Bengaluru), but tomorrow who will provide protection? Tomorrow again our activists will protest, till our demand is fulfilled, he said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) led a massive awareness march on December 27 in Bengaluru, demanding that all businesses and enterprises in Karnataka display nameplates predominantly in Kannada, aligning with the state government's mandate that 60 percent of the nameplate content should be in Kannada. This public awareness demonstration was orchestrated under the leadership of T A Narayan Gowda, the State President of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike. Protests over Kannada name boards Protesters marched through various sections of the city, particularly in its business hotspots like MG Road, Brigade Road, Lavelle Road, UB City, Chamarajapet, Chickpet, Kempe Gowda Road, Gandhi Nagar, St Marks Road, Cunningham Road, Residency Road, and Sadahalli Gate near Devanahalli. They alleged undermining the official language of Karnataka, which is Kannada. Activists from the KRV targeted malls, stores, office buildings, corporations, and factories particularly multinational firms vandalising and altering non-Kannada signboards and nameplates. KRV activists damaged shop boards displaying English nameplates. They also smashed flower pots outside Bangalore's Mall of Asia, vandalised English signboards, and sprayed them with black ink. KRV State President T N Narayan Gowda said, "People from various states are doing business in Bangalore. But they don't put Kannada nameplates on their shops. They are only putting up the nameplates of their shops in English. If they want to stay back in Bangalore then they have to put nameplates on their shops in Kannada or else they have to move from Karnataka to other states." He said that there is a Karnataka government law that 60 per cent of the nameplate should be in Kannada. "No one is following it properly, so today we are doing a massive awareness protest rally. If the police stop us today, our struggle will not stop. We will continue the rally every day till our demands are met," he added. The rally was held from NadaPrabhu Kempegowda International Airport Toll (Sadarahalli Gate) to Cubbon Park. Earlier, Tushar Giri Nath, chief commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), emphasised the requirement for commercial stores under the administrative body to have 60 per cent Kannada language nameplates installed by February 28. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences. During a meeting at Malleswaram IPP hall with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike about enforcing the use of Kannada in the nameplates of various commercial shops within the corporation's jurisdiction, he mentioned plans for a meeting with all zonal commissioners. The aim is to discuss and issue directives regarding the mandatory inclusion of Kannada on these nameplates. (With inputs from agencies) Vandals from a fringe language group on Wednesday attacked business establishments across the city, damaging signboards and billboards that were not in Kannada, as protests demanding that 60% of all such store signage bear the local language took a violent turn. The Bengaluru police detained the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike members along with state chief TN Narayana Gowda (ANI) People associated with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Narayana Gowda faction), a fringe group that has vocally advocated for wider Kannada usage in the state, attacked stores in the citys key markets and business hubs, including MG Road, Brigade Road, Lavelle Road, UB City, Chamarajpet, Chickpet, Kempe Gowda Road, Gandhi Nagar, St Marks Road, Cunningham Road, Residency Road and Sadahalli Gate near Devanahalli. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The Bengaluru police detained the outfit members along with state chief TN Narayana Gowda. KRV activists set off on a march through the city from Sadahalli Gate in north Bengaluru early on Wednesdayand headed to Cubbon Park, demanding that businesses in the city comply with a 2018 municipality law mandating that 60% of an establishments signboards be in Kannada. The group had set a December 27 deadline to adhere to this law. Earlier this, a video of a KRV supporter threatening shopkeepers went viral. The video showed a campaign vehicle in a narrow alley with shops on both sides. On top of it, a woman holding a microphone could be seen threatening shopkeepers. This is Karnataka. The Kannadigas are this states pride. You go and show your pride in your state. Marwaris, next time you say you do not know Kannada, you will be a target, she could be heard saying. People from various states are doing business in Bengaluru. But they dont put Kannada nameplates on their shops... If they want to stay back in Bengaluru, then they have to put nameplates on their shops in Kannada or else they have to move to other states, said the outfits state president TN Narayana Gowda as the march began. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said action would be taken against those involved in vandalism. Whoever takes law into their own hands will be punished, he told reporters. The police detained Gowda and members of the group responded violently. The mobs split up, with the first stores and commercial units being targeted in theneighbourhood. Reports soon emerged that the mob had ripped out or defaced signboards of major shops, showrooms, hotels and eateries across the city. Protesters also targeted the Mall of Asia in Hebbal, smashing flower pots and vandalised English signboards in the complex. Today police are providing full protection to the Mall of Asia, but tomorrow who will provide protection? Our activists will protest again tomorrow, until our demand is fulfilled, Gowda said before he was detained. Phoenix Marketcity in Whitefield, another major mall in the city, also downed its shutters early. Staff across establishments in the city too followed suit as news spread, closing their shops as the violence spread. Scared shoppers, meanwhile, fled to safety as mobs made their way through the city, armed with sticks. Meanwhile, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry requested that the state government to not initiate any action under the above rule until February 28, the deadline set by the civic body. Earlier on Tuesday, Tushar Giri Nath, chief commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), said that establishments that did not meet the rule by February 28 next year would be penalised. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], December 27 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari has alleged that the BJP has misused government money in the state polls, and the district party leaders have given a detailed report on it. HT Image "In the meeting, we spoke about the reasons for defeat (in the state election), it is clear how much BJP has misused government money, and district admins of Congress gave a detailed report on this," he told ANI, after holding a meeting with the party leaders in Bhopal. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here On how to move forward for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, he said the party received a lot of positive opinions. "Workers are enthusiastic even after the loss. The biggest thing is that the basic mantra given by all the district in-charges is that now the Congress will not run on 'Main' (me) but on 'Hum' (us)," Patwari said. He further said that the party has taken a resolution of five points to take its ideas to every home. "I believe that with a collective narrative, the Congress Party has taken a resolution of 5 points to take its ideas to every home. 'Sangharsh, Sanvad, Samanvey'. Together, we will spread the party's ideology in the Lok Sabha elections by touring from place to place and once again, we will all move ahead with the project of protecting the country's identity and democracy," he added. Party MLAs, district president, district in-charge, AICC in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Jitendra Singh, State Congress President Jitu Patwari, former CM Digvijaya Singh, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar and other leaders were present in the meeting. Meanwhile, Jitendra Singh, who visited the city for the first time after becoming the AICC state in-charge, said even after the loss in state polls, there is still a lot of enthusiasm among all the party workers. "I have talked to many party workers and I am very happy that the Congress Party may not have given a good performance in the last assembly elections but there is still a lot of enthusiasm among all the workers. Today we have organised a meeting to discuss the preparations and process for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections," Singh said. (ANI) Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday accused the BJP-led Centre of deliberately excluding Aam Aadmi Party-ruled Punjabs tableau from the Republic Day celebrations with an intention to wipe out opposition-ruled states from displaying their culture. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday accused the BJP-led Centre of deliberately excluding Aam Aadmi Party-ruled Punjabs tableau from the Republic Day celebrations. (HT file photo) This is for the second consecutive year that Punjabs tableau has been deliberately kept out of the cultural parade. We have done all formalities in advance as required by any state. However, we got a letter today from the Centre informing us that Punjabs tableau wont be part of the Republic Day parade, Mann said at a press conference in Chandigarh. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The chief minister accused the Centre of favouring BJP-ruled states at the Republic Day parade. Of the 20 states whose tableaux have been approved for the cultural showcase, most are BJP-ruled states, he said. The chief minister claimed that even AAP-ruled Delhis tableau has not been approved. Showing pictures of the three tableaux prepared by the Punjab public relations department as sought by the Centre, Mann said: It is disheartening to see how the (Narendra) Modi-led BJP government at the Centre is out to finish Punjab from the cultural scenario of India. Of the 276 passengers sent back from France to India, nearly 70% hail from Punjab and most of them are in their early 30s and mid-20s, shows the passenger list. Passengers of a charter plane, which was grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking, arrive in Mumbai, on Tuesday. (PTI) According to the list, accessed by HT, most of the passengers have Punjabi surnames. The remaining passengers are believed to be from Gujarat and neighbouring Nepal and other countries, reveals the list. The aircraft, an Airbus A340, had taken off from Vatry airport near Paris around 2.30 pm local time. It landed in Mumbai shortly after 4 am, officials said, adding that Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here there were also 15 crew members on board. Immigration authorities questioned some of the 276 passengers, an official said, adding no passenger was detained and they were allowed to leave the airport by 11.30 am. According to French authorities, the charter plane had 276 passengers when it took off for Mumbai, as 25 persons, including two minors, had expressed desire to apply for asylum and were still on French soil. Two others were held, produced before a judge and placed on assisted witness status, a French news channel said. Even as Punjab Police is yet to get any official information on names from the ministry of external affairs (MEA), information gathered from various sources has revealed that most of the people deported had gone to Dubai on tourist or work permits within the past two months. Till now, we havent got any official list or any information from the MEA or any other central agency about Punjab residents who were sent back from France. We will initiate action once we get thelist, said a senior Punjab Police official, who did not want to be named. A Jalandhar-based immigration consultant is also under scanner for facilitating travel of some Punjab youth whose names are on the list. AIt is learnt that these youth were to travel to the United States through Nicaragua and Mexico via road. The Nicaragua route is now a common illegal route taken to reach the United States. It is easy to move to Mexico from Nicaragua. People then try to sneak into the US from Mexico. Few illegal consultants even charge 50 lakh per person with a promise of entry into the US, said an immigration consultant, who didnt wish to be named. In Punjab, nearly 30 FIRs of human trafficking have been registered since May this year. However, none of these cases relates to the illegal routes taken by Punjabis to the US or other countries. As many as 96,917 Indians attempted to enter the US illegally in the financial year 2023, signaling a 51% jump from the previous year, according to data made available by the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). At least 41,770 of those Indians attempted to enter the US via the Mexican land border, CBP data shows. Haryana Police arrested two foreign nationals a woman from Kenya and a man from Nigeria in a cyber fraud case from Delhi. Two foreigners held for cyber fraud in Haryana. (ht) A spokesman of Palwal police said, The complainant Ajit Kundu, resident of Kakrali village, lodged a complaint that a purported Facebook friend had approached him with a job offer. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The complainant said his purported Facebook friend asked him to transfer 69,000 at the pretext that his friend was detained by custom officials at the airport. After the transaction, the Facebook account was deleted. Thepolice arrested the Nigerian national from Delhi and later apprehended his accomplice, a Kenyan woman. Mobile phones were also seized from their possession. On Tuesday, both the accused were produced before the court which granted one-day police remand to the Kenyan woman and five-day remand to the Nigerian national, the spokesman added. Nine arrested for duping 17 crore In another case, the Gurugram Police have arrested nine individuals involved in a fraud amounting to approximately 17.50 crore. These individuals are believed to have defrauded nearly 4,997 people nationwide. Investigations revealed their modus operandi involved sending deceptive links for credit card bill payments, electricity bills, and bank KYC updates. Several devices and cash amounting to 5 lakh were seized during the arrests. Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 27 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh left Delhi to visit Rajouri and Jammu today to review security after the Poonch attack on army vehicles, in which four jawans were martyred. HT Image Four Army personnel were killed while three others were injured after heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles near Thanandi in the Rajouri sector on Thursday last week. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Security has been beefed up in Jammu ahead of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit. Amid the recent increase in attacks on its troops, the Indian Army is planning to increase the number of troops in the Poonch-Rajouri sector to curb the activities of the Pakistani terrorists there, sources said on Monday. "An additional brigade-size formation had been moved into the area a few months ago. It is planned that another brigade will come there along with a few other units to support counter-terrorist operations," sources in the Army informed ANI. The move is expected to strengthen the counter-terrorist grid in the area and increase the confidence of the local population. The local police have also strengthened their intelligence network and are expected to beef it up further. The Army is also conducting a Staff Court of Inquiry against the 13-Sector Rashtriya Rifles Commander, who is a Brigadier, for the recurring lapses in operations in which the Army has lost many troops. The Staff Court of Inquiry is being headed by a Major General-rank officer who would also be taking responsibility for the deaths of three civilians who were taken into custody by 48 RR troops right after the Dera ki Gali terror attack, in which four troops were killed and their bodies were also mutilated. Indian Army chief Gen. Manoj Pande also visited the Poonch-Rajouri sector today and is expected to visit again along with senior defence ministry functionaries this week. During the visit, he was briefed by the top commanders about the current operations and the steps to be taken to target terrorists effectively in the coming days. Sources said the Pakistan Army and its intelligence agencies want to revive terrorism in the Poonch Rajouri sector to pressurise the Indian Army to cut down troops on the northern border with China. The Indian Army has been in a military standoff with China for the last three years and has held multiple rounds to de-escalate the situation there. The Indian Army has been focusing more on the northern and eastern fronts since the Chinese aggression in 2020. The security forces have also managed to cut down on terrorist activities in the Kashmir valley. (ANI) Delhi on Wednesday reported the first case of Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1, health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj told ANI. Out of the 3 samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1 & two are Omicron, Bharadwaj told news agency ANI. JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron and is a mild infection. This is the one spreading in south India. There is no need to panic. It causes mild sickness, the minister added. A total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases have been reported in the country as of December 26.(Representational image/Sunil Ghosh/Hindustan Times) A Delhi government official told PTI that a 28-year-old patient, who had co-morbidities, died, with Covid not being the primary reason. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "The man was not from Delhi and was referred to a private hospital recently. He had multiple co-morbidities and the Covid finding was incidental. The sample of the man has been sent for genome sequencing and a report is awaited," the official added. The official said multiple samples were sent for genome sequencing, and one of them tested positive for the JN.1 variant. India reported 40 new cases of the JN.1 sub variant, with the tally rising to 109 as of December 26, health ministry sources told PTI. Out of these, 36 cases were detected from Gujarat, 34 from Karnataka, 14 from Goa, nine from Maharashtra, six from Kerala, four each from Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, and two from Telangana. Most of the patients are currently in home isolation. The JN.1 (BA.2.86.1.1), emerged in August 2023 in Luxembourg and is said to be the descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage (Pirola) of SARS COV2. ALSO READ: Covid JN.1 variant spreading more rapidly, but': Ex-AIIMS director Last week, Union health secretary Sudhansh Pant in a letter to the states and Union territories had called for necessary public health measures to be put in place and also underlined the critical COVID-19 control and management strategies considering the ongoing festive season. ALSO READ: No need to panic, need to remain alert: AIIMS on new Covid-19 subvariant JN.1 The states have been urged to ensure effective compliance of operational guidelines for revised surveillance strategy for COVID-19 shared by the ministry. They have asked to monitor and report district-wise cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in all health facilities regularly for early detection of rising trend of cases. Delhi has reported the first case of the JN.1 sub-variant of Covid-19, senior officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday, but asked people to not panic, noting that the new variant is relatively mild. Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya at a Covid-19 review meeting in New Delhi on December 20. (ANI) Read here: Delhi reports first case of Covid sub-variant JN.1 Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A senior Delhi government official, on condition of anonymity, said, One patient has tested positive for the JN.1 sub-variant. The report has been sent to the union health ministry. Delhi health minister Saurabh Bhardwaj asked people to not panic as the variant is known to cause mild symptoms with low death rate. People must continue to take precautions but there is no need to panic. We are conducting regular mock drills in hospitals to ensure preparedness. People who are vulnerable should avoid going to crowded places, he said. The Centre has directed states to send samples of all positive Covid-19 test swabs for whole genome sequencing. The directive comes in a week when cases of JN.1 a sub-variant of the Omicron variant in some states triggered concern that it could spark wider outbreaks, but officials have not yet seen any increase in reports of severe disease or in the rate of hospital admissions. To be sure, since the pandemic entered into an endemic stage following the global sweep of the Omicron variant in early 2022, there have not been any mutations yet that can lead to severe disease or death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US identified the JN.1 variant as a closely related offshoot of the BA.2.86 variant, which was initially reported from Denmark and Israel. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), BA.2.86 was classified as variant under monitoring (VUM) on August 17 and based on updated information, BA.2.86 and its sub-lineages including JN.1 are now being classified as a variant of interest (VOI). Read here: AllMS Delhi issues guidelines for Covid-19 suspected and positive patients Meanwhile, the Gurugram district administration on Wednesday asked health institutions in the city to be alert and take steps and create facilities to treat Covid-19 patients. To prevent infection from patients with Covid symptoms, a separate OPD should be created in every hospital for screening, testing and consultation, said deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav. NEW DELHI: Three to four people have been spotted moving suspiciously in CCTV footage near the Israel embassy moments before a low-intensity blast was heard in the high-security Lutyens zone on Tuesday, a senior police officer said on Wednesday as explosive experts of the National Security Guard (NSG) joined the probe. A forensic team inspects the area after a low-intensity blast at the Israel Embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday (HT Photo) Police teams have been scouring footage of CCTV cameras in the area around the embassy. There was no camera focused on the spot where the blast is believed to have taken place. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Our team members are examining footage of cameras installed in the nearby areas. We have found some people of interest. But at this point, we cannot confirm their role in the incident, said the police officer, requesting not to be named. Also Read: Blast near Israel embassy in Delhi, letter to envoy spark panic Everyone seen in the cameras around the time the mysterious blast took place will be identified and verified, he added. For now, the Delhi police are yet to register a first information report (FIR) for the incident. A loud sound was heard by some people present at the embassy, a security guard deployed at a nearby building, and an on-duty police official who informed his seniors in the force and the Delhi Fire Services (DFS). A decision (on the provisions under which the FIR will be registered) will be taken as and when our enquiry is complete and we have evidence, said a senior police officer asking not to be named. There is no clarity on the nature of the explosive used that a senior police suggested, could be a high-intensity cracker blast. But a typed letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador, which was found at the spot, referred to Israels stand against Palestine. The letter is being sent to the forensic experts, a third officer said, asking not to be named. Also Read: Israel Embassy blast: Palestine, Gaza found written on suspicious letter, says report The incident comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in which nearly 21,000 people have been killed, and around 55,000 have been injured. The war started on October 7 following an attack on Israel by the militant group and has led to a severe counter by Israel in the contentious Gaza Strip where Hamas is headquartered. Israels embassy confirmed the explosion on Tuesday evening, triggering concern among the Indian security and intelligence agencies and prompting them to carry out an extensive search operation in the area. On Wednesday, Israels National Security Council, in the advisory issued in Hebrew, said the blast in New Delhi might have been an attack and urged Israelis living in India to avoid going to crowded places such as malls and markets and places identified as being frequented by Western or Jewish and Israeli elements. It further cautioned Israeli nationals to avoid participating in events with many participants that are not secure, and to avoid posting details of their trips on social media, both before the journey and in real time. Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday announced that his government will provide cooking gas cylinders at 450 from January 1, 2024. Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma (ANI) Gas cylinder at 450 was one of the promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Sankalp Patr (manifesto) released before the assembly elections held last month. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The CM said the subsidy amount under the Rasoi Gas Cylinder Subsidy Scheme will be transferred to the accounts of the beneficiary women. The people of the state expressed confidence on the guarantees of Prime Minister Narendra Modi related to welfare of women, youth, farmers and the poor. The state government is determined to realise Pandit Deendayal Upadhyays concept of Antyodaya by fulfilling all the promises made to the public in the manifesto - this process has started, he said, addressing a Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme at Lamba Harisinghpura in Tonk. He said, Our government is working with the determination to make Rajasthan a leading state in the country. Every decision in the state is being taken keeping the progress of the state and its people at the centre. The state government will leave no stone unturned in realising the dream of a developed India. According to the announcement of the chief minister, beneficiaries will be able to take a total of 12 cylinders in a year. With this, the poor women of the state will get relief by reducing the burden of kitchen expenses and will also get relief from smoke. For this, the beneficiary will have to register in Vikas Bharat Yatra Camps, the CM said. Sharma said that 39 types of public welfare schemes are being delivered to the common people through Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra camps. No eligible person should be deprived of the benefits of the schemes, this is the thinking of the Prime Minister. We are at the first position in the country by providing benefits of more than 68,000 Kisan Credit Cards to the farmers through camps. He further said that Rajasthan stands second in the country with health check-ups of about 11 lakh people and TB tests of more than 5.76 lakh people in the health camps being organised in these camps. With a total of 28 lakh people of the state participating in these camps, we are at third place in the country, he said. On corruption, Sharma said, Our government will work by adopting a policy of zero tolerance against corruption. The accountability will be fixed and those who embezzled the money of the people of the state will have to account for every penny. Not a single culprit who is playing with the future of the youth of the state by leaking papers will be spared. Strict legal action will be taken against them. LUCKNOW: Nine persons, including two students, died and about 30 others were injured in separate fog-induced road accidents across Uttar Pradesh that occurred from the wee hours until morning on Wednesday, police said. A vehicle carrying chickens met with an accident due to low visibility caused by dense fog near the Jharna Nala area on the Agra-Firozabad highway. (ANI) Two students who were going for examinations, two women pilgrims from Punjab, a local functionary of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) were among the dead in these mishaps caused by low visibility. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The women pilgrims were returning to their homes from Vrindavan in a minibus which collided with a truck near Khekra on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway in the wee hours in Baghpat district of western Uttar Pradesh. Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred due to low visibility caused by dense fog. The victims were identified as Seema, 44 and Mandeep, 38 while more than a dozen pilgrims sustained injuries. The accident was due to low visibility, said Manisha, who hails from Balachaur in Punjab and was travelling by the ill-fated bus. In a separate incident, a local BJP functionary Rajkumar Sonkar died after an unknown vehicle hit the scooter on which he was travelling near the Circuit House of the Civil Lines police station area. He died on the spot. This road mishap was also attributed to fog-induced low visibility. In Prayagraj, two youngsters who were going to give their examinations died after their bike got crushed between a dumper and a truck near Handia Toll plaza, another fog-induced casualty. On the Agra-Firozabad highway, a vehicle carrying chickens met with an accident near the Jharna Nala area. A truck driver identified as Umesh Yadav died in the mishap while around half a dozen people were injured, station house officer, trans Yamuna police station, Sunmesh Kumar told HT. A video of people looting chickens from the ill-fated truck went viral on social media. In Unnao, three passenger buses rammed into each other leaving several injured. Police said the total number of people injured in road mishaps on Wednesday would be around 30. On the Yamuna Express Way, vehicles crawled at slow speed on Wednesday as dense fog covered the 165-km-long road connecting Agra and NOIDA. To avoid any pile up of vehicles, slow moving vehicles including auto rickshaws, tractor trolleys were not allowed at entry points of the expressway. Speed limit has been already bought down to 75 km for light vehicles since December 15 and the restriction is to continue till February 15 subject to weather condition and if fog continues, the limit for speed of light vehicles will continue to be 75 km/hour and 60 km/hour for heavy vehicles on Agra NOIDA Yamuna Express Way. The routine speed is 100 km/hour, said Lokendra Singh Chaudhary, control room officer at Khandoli Toll Plaza in Agra. He said that a 15-day campaign on road safety has started from December 15. Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) head office in Fort received a threatening email on Tuesday morning, outlining bomb placements at various locations in the city. The email demanded the immediate resignation of RBI governor Shaktikanta Das and union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. A case has been registered in this matter at Mata Ramabai Ambedkar (MRA) Marg Police Station. A security official walks past an emblem of the Reserve Bank of India at the RBI headquarters in Mumbai (PTI) The threatening message, sent from the email address khilafat.india@gmail.com, alleged a massive financial scam involving top banking officials and ministers. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here READ | For 'biggest scam in India's history', RBI, two private sector banks get threat mails The email specified bomb locations at the RBI building in Fort, HDFC House in Churchgate, and ICICI Bank Towers in Bandra-Kurla Complex. It warned of explosions at these sites by 1:30pm if the resignations were not submitted. The sender claimed to possess concrete evidence of the alleged scam and insisted on full disclosure. Mumbai Police, responding to the threat, conducted searches with bomb squads at the mentioned locations, finding no suspicious items. The police have registered a case under sections 505A and 506(2) of the Indian Penal Code, dealing with statements causing fear or alarm and criminal intimidation. Sources revealed that the threatening email was sent from a server located in Gujarat. Mumbai Police has faced around 60 threat phone calls this year, resulting in over 30 arrests. Mental health issues and minors have been identified among the individuals making threatening calls. PANVEL BJP MLA from Panvel Prashant Thakur addressing the meeting on December 24. (HT PHOTO) CIDCO has planned infrastructure projects worth 14,321 cr in the new year in NAINA region where the projects have been delayed for years. Meanwhile, the BJP has come out support of the project while assuring the villagers that they shall take up their concerns with the government and protect their interests. It has lambasted the opposition for attempting to derail the project for vested interests. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The CIDCO assurance on the projects came at a public meeting organized by BJP in Panvel on Sunday, to create awareness on NAINA project. The meeting was addressed by Panvel BJP MLA Prashant Thakur and Uran independent MLA Mahesh Baldi who supports the BJP apart from CIDCO officials. Speaking at the meeting NAINA chief planner Ravindra Mankar stated, We have prepared packages for integrated road network that includes roads, storm water, water supply, sewer, electrical ducts etc. and also for connecting these networks with each other with road widths of 20 m to 30m. There are also major structures with 45 m and 60 m roads with the electrical works. These will be done in the areas where Town Planning Scheme have been approved. Informed Mankar, The plan is such that every land allotted will get a road next to it. CIDCO has taken the responsibility of aggregating land and developing all infrastructure. We will ensure that the villagers benefit the most from the development. Stated NAINA public relations officer Mohan Ninawe, The total cost of the projects planned is estimated at 14,321 cr. This includes 4,297 cr for immediate implementation with 10,024 cr for subsequent implementation. He added, The tendering process for the projects to be implemented immediately will be done in January 2024 with the work being awarded in February. The actual work will start in March. BJP MLA from Uran Mahesh Baldi (HT PHOTO) BJP MLA from Uran Mahesh Baldi (HT PHOTO) BJP MLA from Uran Mahesh Baldi (HT PHOTO) Addressing the meeting Prashant Thakur said, One has to understand that of the 60% land that CIDCO will get, it will develop infrastructure on the 45% area and only the remaining 15% will be used for financing the projects. He added, We will raise issues of villagers getting prime area plots along bigger roads. We will also ensure that no villager loses his house due to the project. There may be a few instances of some houses outside villages that may be required for main roads. In such cases we will ask for market price to be paid to the owner and we should ensure that the development work doesnt stop. Stated Thakur, We will also ensure that the villagers get contracts of the works that are taken up by NAINA. Castigating the opposition leaders he said, I have seen social media posts of the final rites being conducted of both MLAs claiming we are enemies of villagers. I have been an MLA for 14 years now because the villagers have repeatedly ensured my win and their interest is my priority. He added, People who are responsible for duping people, in banks scams are making allegations while we are the ones who managed to get people their money back. Said Baldi, It is not that we have to trust CIDCO blindly. We will act as a bridge between the villagers and CIDCO. We will try to get a 50:50 ratio in the scheme. CIDCO is ours, government is ours and hence we shall ensure that issues like development charges are sorted out. He added, The opposition is misleading the villagers and resorting to agitations only for publicity purpose. They are scaring tribals and villagers into believing that they will lose their houses. We are the ones who are holding regular meetings with chief minister and the officials concerned. We will not let one house be demolished. BJP MLAs assure villagers of support, lambast opposition , NAINA awareness meet at Panvel in Navi Mumbai, India, on Sunday, December 24, 2023. (Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) Box NAINA project and objections The state governments Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) project comprises 174 villages located within 25 km radius of the Navi Mumbai airport and is spread over 371 sq km. The scheme proposes land pooling by villagers wherein CIDCO, the Special Planning Authority for the project, gets to keep 60% of the land for infrastructure development and the PAPs get the remaining 40% with 2.5 FSI. CIDCO does not have to pay any monetary compensation to the villagers. Planned 10 years back, NAINA has faced opposition from a section of villagers over the years who have opposed land pooling sans any compensation. Farmers body NAINA Prakalp Badhit Shetkari Utkarsh Samiti, which includes several MVA leaders, has staged several protests demanding cancellation of NAINA scheme and inclusion of the region under the new UDCPR.. An indefinite fast protest was initiated by villagers in Turmale village of Panvel with slogans of `Shetkari Bachao NAINA hatao earlier this month. The BJP meeting was held to counter the protests. Kulgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 27 (ANI): National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has once again warned that the situation in Kashmir could become like that of Gaza if a solution is not found through dialogue between India and Pakistan. HT Image Speaking to reporters here the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said that if a war takes place between India and Pakistan or China, the Kashmir region will be affected. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "There can be a situation in Kashmir (like that in Gaza) if India and Pakistan do not go for dialogue... On one side we have Pakistan and on the other there's China. If a war breaks out, the people of Kashmir will be affected I believe what (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee said: 'you can change your friends but not your neighbours'. Even our PM says this is not the time to fight. So, I hope the time of talks begins now," the NC chief said while responding to a media query about India's relations with its neighbouring countries. Notably, the relations between India and Pakistan have often been strained over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. However, their ties nose-dived after India abrogated Article 370 as Pakistan expelled the Indian envoy and downgraded the trade ties. In 1999, former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Pakistan just a few months before the Kargil War began. In the year 2015, PM Narendra Modi held a meeting with Nawaz in Pakistan during a surprise visit to the country. Pakistan's continuous attempts to infiltrate Indian territory with terrorists have been the reason for unfriendly relations. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks left an unending outrage and pain among Indians. India-Pakistan ties nosedived after the abrogation of Article 370 in the year 2019. However, the leader said that his party will be part of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Nyay Yatra beginning January 14. "He is trying to remove the mistrust and hatred between communities. We were part of this effort earlier and we will be part of it again. We were a part of Bharat Jodo Yatra and will be a part of Bharat Nyay Yatra......" he added. Abdullah also said that he had no expectations from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's Jammu and Kashmir visit but hoped that incidents like the civilian deaths in Poonch will not be repeated. "I have no expectations from his visit. Can he bring back the dead? Does he have that power? But he can do this much that such injustice is not repeated," Abdullah told reporters in Kulgam, 80 kilometres from Srinagar. Three civilians were found dead after they were picked up by the Army for questioning following a terrorist ambush on two Army vehicles in Poonch last Thursday that killed four soldiers. (ANI) Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 27 (ANI): Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Numal Momin on Wednesday took a dig at Congress following its announcement of party leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Nyay Yatra and said that the Wayanad MP should first deliver 'nyay' (justice) to the people of the northeast who suffered during the regime of his party. HT Image "I want to ask Rahul Gandhi that, what Nyay he has delivered to the people of the northeast region including 855 youths who were killed during the Assam Movement, in the 1992 riots in Manipur how many people died, the people died in a bomb blast in Mizoram in 1996. How many innocent people died in the insurgency period in the northeast region," Dr Numal Momin said while speaking to ANI. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here However, Momin said that he 'welcomes' the Congress leader in the region for his yatra. "We welcome Rahul Gandhi in the Northeast region for Bharat Nyay Yatra. But at the same time, I want to ask Rahul Gandhi that what Nyay he has delivered to the people of the northeast region. If Rahul Gandhi can deliver Nyay to them, then it is a very welcome step from his side," he added. Calling Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Nyay Yatra just a 'drama', Dr Numal Momin said that the Congress leader himself is not getting justice from the INDIA bloc as the leaders of the Opposition reportedly proposed the name of Mallikarjun Kharge instead of the Wayanad MP. "In the previous meeting of INDI Alliance, TMC and AAP proposed Mallikarjun Kharge as their PM face. Rahul Gandhi is not getting nyay from his own alliance, then what the Nyay he can deliver to the people of Northeast region and the country," the Deputy Speaker of Assam Assembly and senior BJP leader said. The Congress on Wednesday announced it will hold a 'Bharat Nyay Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi from Manipur to Mumbai, covering 14 states and 85 districts, beginning January 14. The yatra will conclude on March 20, just around the time when the schedule for the next Lok Sabha polls is likely to be announced. Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, Momin said that the former should embark on his yatra only after giving justice to the people of the northeast region. "This is a holy place for us, we don't want him to make it dirty. First, he started the Bharat Jodo Yatra, but the people understood that Congress was the main culprit who kept India separate ways like Article 370 and that is a clear indication that they didn't want Bharat Jodo. Just to fool the innocent people of India, he did Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Bharat Jodo Yatra was a super flop. The people had totally rejected his party. Now he is trying to make Bharat Nyay Yatra," Dr Numal Momin said. "Now under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 80 crore people are now getting free ration. If the Congress had earlier charged from the poor people, then how can we believe that Congress will give Nyay to the people of the country, it is a big question," Dr Momin added. On queried about the impact of Rahul Gandhi's yatra for his party ahead of Lok Sabha Polls, Numal Momin said that Congress will lose all its remaining seats in the upcoming elections. "Whether Bharat Jodo, Bharat Nyay Yatra, that will not be effective in our region, because of the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi is developing the region, he has considered the region as Ashta Lakshmi and he has given equal importance to progress this region like as railway connectivity, road infrastructure development, education, medical set up, agro-based industries. Everywhere Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given stress and he is showing how the Northeast can develop. Now people will not jump from this development, peaceful initiation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's steps to Congress regime where terrorism, riot, violence, murder, poor development, hatred, neglecting the tribal people of the Northeast region including tea tribes also. The poor people really suffered during the Congress regime. Now the people want to get rid of the Congress culture.. got 3-4 seats in North-eastern region and they are now going to lose all the seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections," Dr Momin added. He also said that the Northeastern region is witnessing progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The people will reject any proposal from the Congress. In the 2024 Lok Saba polls, in the Northeastern Region Congress may hardly win one or two seats out of 25 seats in this region. They are going to lose very badly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections," the Deputy Speaker of Assam Assembly said. (ANI) The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Gujarat Police on Wednesday arrested three persons associated with an immigration consultancy firm for allegedly fabricating bank account statements and education mark sheets for visa applicants, said an official. The accused were arrested from Gadhinagar. (Representative Photo) According to an official statement by the state CID (Crime and Railways), the trio used to prepare counterfeit bank statements for their clients and submitted these forged documents with visa applications to expedite approval processes. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Embassy officials routinely scrutinize bank statements to verify that visa applicants meet the financial prerequisites for their intended stay in the destination country. The fraudulent scheme involved creating misleading financial documents to give the impression that applicants possessed sufficient funds in their accounts to support their visit, said the official mentioned above. The CID received inputs from the intelligence that individuals were securing student visas and work permits, particularly for countries like the US and Canada, by submitting falsified bank documents and counterfeit certificates. Acting on this information, the CID conducted raids at 17 locations across Gujarat on December 15, uncovering suspicious materials at the premises of Future Planning Visa Consultancy in Gandhinagars Kudasan area. Also Read: Punjab VB nabs Amritsar SI for accepting 50,000 bribe During the raid, authorities seized a laptop, mobile phone, pen drive, and a computer hard disk. These items were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar for analysis. The FSLs examination revealed forged account statements from various banks stored on a mobile phone belonging to one of the accused, as per the release. Subsequently, based on the FSL report, the CID registered a case and arrested the trio on Wednesday. Based on the report from the FSL. the CID arrested Avkash Chaudhary, Sahil Patel, and Krunal Varia on Wednesday and registered a case against the accused trio for criminal conspiracy and forgery under sections 120-b, 467, and 468 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These arrests follow closely on the heels of a recent incident where a chartered Airbus A340, carrying 276 passengers, landed in Mumbai after being grounded in France for suspected human trafficking. Notably, many of the passengers on the plane were from Gujarat. In light of these developments, local police plan to collaborate with arriving passengers in Gujarat from Mumbai to identify involved agents and agencies, as well as to ascertain whether the documents provided for migration to the US and other countries were forged, CID said. Police detained a madrasa student in Deoband on Tuesday for a threatening post on X that read Bahut Jald Inshallah doosra Pulwama bhi hoga(very soon there will be a second Pulwama). Police detain madrasa student for objectionable post on X (Pic for representation) SP(Rural) of Saharanpur Sagar Jain said that a case had been registered against the accused student and he was allowed to go after an interrogation. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here We found no links of him with anti-social elements, therefore, he was allowed to go after a notice was served to him, said Jain adding that chargesheet will be submitted in the case after investigation. The accused student has been identified as Talha Mazhar,21, who belongs to Sarai Kalekhan locality of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and presently lives in Khankah Chowki area of Deoband. He has been pursuing a course in religious education from a madrasa in Deoband for the last four years. The local unit of ATS and the police together are now investigating all the connections of this student. They are trying to find answers to questions like whom he often talks to? Which WhatsApp groups are there in his phone? What does he watch on YouTube and what does he search on Google? Along with this, what literature and books he reads. SP said that nothing objectionable was found in his WhatsApp and other social media groups and he also immediately deleted the post. PATNA: The Bihar Raj Bhavan has written to the state government to take corrective measures in the education department after a delegation of 25 members of the Legislative Council, cutting across party lines, told Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar that the department through its actions seems to be bent upon destroying the academic environment in the state. The Raj Bhavan in Patna. (File) The MLCs have unanimously condemned and expressed protest against the orders of the education department, as they perceive them to be unconstitutional, autocratic and violation of the privileges granted to them under Arricle 194 of the Constirurion. They have appealed to the Governor for cancellation of the letters and action against the officials concerned, said the Raj Bhavans letter on Tuesday signed by Robert L Chongthu, principal secretary to the Governor, and addressed to Bihar chief secretary Aamir Subhani. It also enclosed the joint memorandum of the MLCs. The chief secretary promptly forwarded the letter to the education department on Wednesday. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Twenty-five MLCs from different political parties, including the ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) had met the Governor and raised objections to education departments orders stopping salary and pension of teachers, gagging associations and asking outsourcing of teachers in colleges and universities and purchase of specific equipment form specific companies, appointing specific companies for housekeeping etc. They said that deliberate attempts for confrontation was being made ever since additional chief secretary KK Pathak joined the department.The said even education minister Chandrashekhar was helpless and a mute spectator of the goings on despite himself being a teacher. This is, however, not the first time the education department has been in the eye of a storm. Earlier, the department was involved in a direct confrontation with the Raj Bhavan when it issued separate advertisements for the appointment of vice chancellors while the process under the one issued by the chancellors secretariat was already on. Chief minister Nitish Kumar had to intervene to get the advertisements of the department withdrawn. There was another flare up after education department secretary Baidyanath Yadav directly wrote to all vice chancellors, laying down a set of dos and donts to ensure quality education, including their attendance in office every day and prior information to the department in case of leave or need to leave headquarters. This happened in the wake of Raj Bhavan directing the VCs on August 30 that the Chancellors authority is supreme in the matter of running the academic and administrative affairs of the universities and no outside influence should be entertained. Arlekar also expressed his anguish before the CM at a Patna University function later on. How could a secretary of the education department have the audacity to question the authority of the chancellor and autonomy of the universities. If an officer can act like this with the chancellor, one can well imagine the treatment meted out to VCs and teachers. Such things are unheard of, he had said. The showdown was similar to the one witnessed in 2009 when late Devanand Konwar was the governor and the present ACS (education) was the then secretary (Human Resource development), and the government had withdrawn most orders later on. Arlekars office had also circulated Konwars 2009 order to all the VCs. The education department also witnessed a letter war a few months ago between the education ministers office and the office of the officer. The ministers personal secretary had written that the minister is angry over a lot of negative news related to the department and attempt to shake the Robinhood image of an individual officer. The officer reacted by banning entry of the ministers PA to the officer, branding him an outsider. The matter escalated so much that the minister had to meet the CM, who tried to bring truce in the key department. Later, the minister stopped going to his office for nearly a month. He has maintained silence over the last few months on the issue despite his department being consistently in the news. No one was injured in the incident that occurred in the citys Viman Nagar area between 2.45 pm and 3 pm, he said. HT Image Officials did not immediately elaborate on what triggered the explosion of cylinders. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here About 100 cylinders had been kept in an open space under a tin shed near hutments of construction workers, the official said. Three fire tenders and water tankers were sent to the spot to douse the fire, which erupted after the explosion of the liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, the official said. Fire officials also removed the remaining cylinders from the scene and sprayed water on them to contain further damage, said Devendra Potphode, the chief fire officer of Pune Municipal Corporation. He said that no one was injured in the incident and a probe is on to ascertain the reason behind it. At least 10 cooking gas cylinders exploded and ripped apart a temporary iron and tin shed godown in Vimannagar on Wednesday afternoon. More than 100 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders were illegally stored at the structure, officials said. No one was injured in the incident, fire brigade officials said. There were more than 100 cylinders illegally stocked inside the godown, police said. (HT PHOTO) According to the police, the illegal act of refilling small cylinders from larger ones caused the blast. The police have booked the plot owner, operator and another person under IPC 308, 295 and Essential Commodities Act Sections 3 and 7. No one was injured in the incident that occurred in the afternoon, fire brigade officials said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Ranjan Kumar Sharma, additional commissioner (east), said, We have identified the godown operators and will take them into custody soon. Anandrao Khobare, senior inspector and incharge, Vimantal Police Station, said, We have booked three persons, including the land owner, in connection with the incident. The landowner has been booked as he did not verify the tenant credentials as the latter were engaged in illegal activity. According to the police officials, the cylinder explosion led to panic amongst the residents. Fire officer Sopan Pawar that the fire took place around 2.52 pm inside the godown located at a labour camp near a construction site behind a housing society. There were more than 100 cylinders illegally stocked inside the godown. Investigation is underway to find out details of those who ran the godown and who owns the land, said Pawar. Three fire tenders and water tankers were sent to the spot to douse the fire. Khobare said, The open land where cylinders were kept belongs to Deepak Deokar. A makeshift tin shed was constructed to store LPG cylinders. No one was injured in the incident. Following the incident, fire officials removed the remaining cylinders from the scene and sprayed water on them to contain further damage, said Devendra Potphode, the chief fire officer of Pune Municipal Corporation. Past incidents Blast of 20 LPG cylinders stockpiled at an illegal godown at Survey Number 45 near Sudha Mata Mandir in Anjalinagar, Katraj. Two persons were injured during the incident that took place in March 2022. In December 2021, two persons sustained 60% burn injuries while trying to illegally refill small cylinders from a large one at Navi Sangvi area. The Sangvi police lodged an FIR under the Indian Penal Code Sections 338 (causing grievous hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others) and 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) against the duo. The Hadapsar police in October 2023 arrested four persons, including godown owner, in Manjari on charges of negligence after six LPG cylinders blasted inside a storage facility leaving two workers with serious burn injuries. Assam State Level Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB) has released the admit card for the posts of Inspector (B), sub-inspector (B), Head Constable (B) and Constable. Candidates who will appear for the examination can download the admit card from the official website at slprbassam.in. Assam SLPRB releases admit card for Inspector, SI, Head Constable, and Constable posts DOWNLOAD ADMIT FOR THE POST OF HEAD CONSTABLE (B) & CONSTABLE (B) Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here DOWNLOAD ADMIT FOR THE POST OF INSPECTOR (B) & SUB INSPECTOR (B) The written test is scheduled to take place in Guwahati on January 7. Exams for Head Constable and Constable posts will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM, and exams for Inspector and Sub Inspector positions will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM. Assam Police Admit Card 2023: How to download Visit the official website slprbassam.in On the homepage, click on the admit card link Key in your login details and submit Check and download the admit card Take a printout for future reference. The recruitment drive aims to fill 332 positions, comprising two vacancies for Inspector (B), 60 for Sub-Inspector (B), 70 for Head Constable (B), and 200 for Constable (B). The Assam government has put out a notification for vacancies in over 10,000 posts in the education department. Assam government releases vacancies for over 10,000 teaching posts "We will not only deliver, but exceed our promise of creating more than 1 lakh government jobs in the most transparent manner in Assam's history," Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a post on X. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Prior to the Assembly polls in the state in 2021, the BJP party, which is ruling the state for the second time, had promised over 1 lakh government jobs once they return to power. The state government under Sarma is on the verge of keeping its promise. In his posts on X Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said "Directorate of Secondary Education has released an advertisement for recruitment of 1424 Post Graduate Teachers and 7249 (1) Graduate Teachers (Arts), (2) Graduate Teacher (Science), (3) Graduate Teachers (Hindi) and (4) Graduate Teacher (Sanskrit) of the different Provincialised Secondary Schools." "Directorate of Elementary Education has released advertisement for recruitment of 3800 Assistant Teacher of LP Schools and 1750 Assistant Teacher, Science Teacher and Hindi Teacher of UP Schools" the Minister said. Senior Minister Pijush Hazarika also acknowledged the recruitment drive in his post on X "Good news for the teaching community The Govt of Assam has released vacancies over 10,000 teaching posts. The dream of HCM Dr @himantabiswa will be fulfilled and our Govt will create a history of job recruitment in a fair manner." It's a big day for Salman Khan as he turned a year older on Wednesday. The actor made sure celebrated his 58th birthday with family and was snapped at the Mumbai airport with his body guards. Also read: Inside Arbaaz Khan's wedding Salman Khan on his birthday, seen at Mumbai airport. (Yogen Shah)(Yogen Shah) Salman Khan reaches Mumbai to celebrate birthday Members of the paparazzi clicked Salman outside the airport terminal on Tuesday night. The Tiger actor looked handsome in a black t-shirt, paired with a black jacket and blue denim pants. His bodyguard Shera was seen walking beside him. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Salman Khan to paparazzi Upon seeing the photographers, Salman quickly greeted them with folded hands and even did a salaam. He briefly posed for them and showed them his hands, as a gesture to acknowledge the media's presence before getting into his vehicle. Salman continued to pose by flashing the thumbs-up sign from his car as well. Where was Salman before? On Tuesday, Salman was seen at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The purpose of his visit was not known. Prior to this, Salman attended the nikaah ceremony of his brother Arbaaz Khan. Arbaaz tied the knot for the second time with makeup artist Sshura Khan. The private wedding took place in Mumbai, in the presence of family members and close friends only. Besides Salman, the entire Khan-dhan was present to bless the couple on their union. From Salim Khan and Salma Khan to Helen and Sohail Khan, the whole family came together for the wedding. Salman's sister Alvira Agnihotri and Atul Agnihotri were also seen in family photos. Other Bollywood celebrities who share a close relationship with Arbaaz and Sshura, were also a part of the celebrations. This included Raveena Tandon with whom Sshura has been working for years, Riteish Deshmukh, and his wife Genelia D'Souza. Meanwhile, social media is filled with warm wishes for Salman from his fans. Salman was last seen in Tiger 3. Helmed by Maneesh Sharma, it reunited Salman with co-star Katrina Kaif on screen after years. Emraan Hashmi was the new addition to the franchise as he appeared as the antagonist. Salman has not yet announced his next project. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow ourWhatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Zack Snyder is currently basking in the success of his show Rebel Moon: Part One A Child of Fire, which released on Netflix. Now, he has got support in the form of filmmaker Christopher Nolan, who had served as a producer on Snyders Man of Steel (2013). In a profile with the Atlantic, Nolan said that in recent times he is yet to see a 'superhero science-fiction film' which has not been influenced by Zack Snyder. (Also read: Christopher Nolan addresses criticism that Oppenheimer didn't show devastation the bomb caused in Japan) Christopher Nolan has given a shout out to Zack Snyder. What Christopher Nolan said In the interview he said, Theres no superhero science-fiction film coming out these days where I dont see some influence of Zack. When you watch a Zack Snyder film, you see and feel his love for the potential of cinema. The potential of it to be fantastical, to be heightened in its reality, but to move you and to excite you. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Christopher Nolan has remained friends with Zack Snyder over the years. He had earlier praised Watchmen and commented that the show was definitely ahead of its time. More on Zack Snyder Meanwhile, Rebel Moon has opened largely to divisive reviews, although it continues to rule the Netflix charts. Rebel Moon: Part Two The Scargiver is already slated to release on Netflix on April 19 next year. A few days ago, Zack Snyder talked exclusively with Hindustan Times about his new original franchise Rebel Moon for Netflix. He said, "To be honest, I love working with Batman and Superman, but they're very particular. There are a lot of limitations on what you can and cannot do. You can't do your own thing." Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer Christopher Nolan's latest release was Oppenheimer, which opened to thunderous critical acclaim and went on to become the highest grossing film of his entire career. Set during World War II, the film follows physicist J Robert Oppenheimer, known as the Father of the Atomic Bomb. It is set during a period in history when he feared that testing the atomic bomb would ignite the atmosphere and destroy the world, yet he pushed the button anyway. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Warning: Possible suicide mentioning Lee Sun Kyun is best known for Parasite. South Koreas top star Lee Sun Kyun, known for his roles in the Oscar-winning film Parasite was found dead on December 27 KST. Police officials confirmed the news after responding to a woman's distress call around 10 PM on December 26. She reported that her husband had left home, leaving a note suggesting suicidal intentions. The authorities later revealed the identity of the deceased as none other than the prominent actor Lee Sun Kyun, who had been entangled in a drug case since October of this year. After the news broke, fans, especially on the internet, expressed outrage, suggesting that the actor's death resulted from intense scrutiny and asserting that he didn't deserve any of it. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Also read: Parasite actor Lee Sun Kyun found dead at 48 amid drug case Lee Sun Kyuns death sparks fans' outrage The Coffee Prince actor, known for winning awards, had been enduring a relentless trial in the South Korean media for several months. A source close to the actor earlier remarked that he was under constant surveillance and faced daily targeting. His sudden death reportedly suicide was a shocking incident to witness as the actor after an overnight investigation, submitted a written statement through his lawyer to the Incheon Police Agency's drug crime investigation unit on December 26 KST. In the statement, he expressed a willingness to undergo a lie detector test. He even came out negative three times during the investigation. Police suspect a suicide case Upon arrival, the police found additional evidence, including burning charcoal briquettes in his car, suggesting suicide. Lee Sun Kyun had been under police investigation for suspected drug use since October. Also read: G-Dragons powerful comeback after legal clearance, launches anti-drug foundation A fan wrote Whats crazy as is that man tested negative for drugs in like 3 rounds of investigation and they still were not letting up. And it was only marijuana and sleeping pills and he swore he didnt know what he was taking. But all that aside none of that shit was worth his life. Fans even said that the actor was constantly on the radar of the locals and was being harassed and blackmailed often. pray for the SK media & online netzen culture that harasses and shame people endlessly for minor transgressions. Netizens called out the extreme bullying culture of the country this pissed me off so bad, sk needs to do something about its harassment and bullying culture this is absolutely ridiculous may he rest in peace he was so talented man a user wrote, while others commented this man was bullied, blackmailed and humiliated until he reached his limits while convicted rapists and sexual offenders are only given at least a year of imprisonment in south korea, They harassed him over drug allegations for months..treated him like a damn criminal and this is the result...I'm devastated..he was a brilliant actor. Fans mourn the loss Lee Sun Kyuns drug case In October, it was revealed that several top-tier South Korean actors were implicated in a drug case. Lee was subjected to three rounds of police questioning in connection with a posh bar in Seoul's Gangnam neighborhood for alleged marijuana and illegal drug use. The most recent round took place last Saturday. The actor claimed he took the narcotics without realizing it since the hostess tricked him. The Color Purple 2023 remake, directed by Blitz Bazawule, was released theatrically on December 25. The coming-of-age musical period drama film first premiered in London on November 20. Its star-studded cast includes Taraji P. Henson and Halle Bailey, among several other A-listers. Whoopi Goldberg, who portrayed Celie in the original 1985 film, made a surprise cameo. However, she was absent during the film's premiere, giving rise to speculation about a possible feud between The View host and Oprah Winfrey, who produced the 2023 remake. Whoopi Goldberg attends the 2017 Governors Awards in Hollywood,(AFP) Whoopi Goldberg's absence at The Color Purple premiere explained The 68-year-old American comedian skipped the promotional events for The Color Purple despite her crucial role in the original film helmed by Steven Spielberg in 1985. Although many speculated the reason behind her absence was a feud between Oprah and Whoopi. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A source revealed to Page Six, The View is pissed that Oprah avoided The View, referring to the TV host's decision to skip the long-running show in promoting her latest adaptation of Alice Walkers The Color Purple. However, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the film's director revealed why Whoopi refused to attend the premiere. We had talked about it in her trailer a little bit, and she (Whoopi) said, 'I'm just here to pass the baton,' Blitz said. I really appreciated that, because not everybody is as benevolent when it comes to knowing that 'The Color Purple' is really the star here, he continued, adding, It was incredibly special to know that we had her blessing to move forward with this version. Blitz also recalled filming Whoopi's cameo and said, We had to stop and laugh because of everything she did, and you forget that she comes from stand up [comedy]. But more than anything, I just remember how caring and loving she was to Phylicia. It was symbolic not only because of what Whoopi represents in the canon of 'The Color Purple', but what Whoopi represents, period - the juggernaut that she is, and the doors she kicked open, he concluded. South Korean actor Actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has recently requested a lie detector test as part of an ongoing drug investigation, asserting his innocence, according to Korean news outlet Yonhap News Agency. This picture taken on December 23, 2023 shows South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun arriving at a police station in Incheon for his police questioning over his alleged use of marijuana and other psychoactive drugs. (Photo by Yonhap / YONHAP / AFP) / - South Korea OUT / NO ARCHIVES - RESTRICTED TO SUBSCRIPTION USE(AFP) Represented by his legal counsel, Lee formally submitted a polygraph test request to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, located approximately 30 kilometres west of Seoul, as reported by the outlet. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Following three rounds of police questioning regarding allegations of marijuana and other illegal drug use at the residence of a hostess employed at an upscale bar in Seoul's Gangnam district, Lee reiterated that he was deceived by the hostess and was unaware of the nature of the substances he consumed. ALSO READ| Lee Sun Kyun was harassed and blackmailed, claim fans: Share movie clips to mourn the loss This recent round includes the most recent police inquiry conducted last Saturday. Lee feels burdened by the public exposure The South Korean actor was cleared of drug use by two tests: a quick reagent test by the police and a lab-based test by the National Forensic Service. However, the hostess who accused him of taking drugs at her place several times still maintains her claim. Lees lawyer argued that a polygraph test is necessary to find out the truth between the two parties. He told Yonhap News Agency, The National Forensic Services drug test should have been positive if she was telling the truth, but it was negative. He added, Lee is in a very unjust situation, so a lie detector test should be done on both of them to scientifically confirm who is lying and who is not. He also hoped that the police would respect Lees privacy and conduct any further interrogation in private, as Lee feels burdened by the public exposure of his police visits. The police said they will soon make a decision on whether to use a polygraph test after reviewing Lees request. Danish Sait expressed his excitement for being on the same poster as Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in his Mollywood debut. Lijo Jose Pellisery's upcoming period drama Malaikottai Vaaliban will see Danish in a historical role, far removed from his comfort zone of comedy. (Also Read: Neru X reactions: Fans hail Mohanlal and Anaswara Rajans performances) Poster of Malaikottai Vaaliban Danish shares film's poster The Kannada actor and stand-up comedian took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday to write, (Crying emoji) Im on a movie poster with Mr. @Mohanlal (red heart emoji). Thanks @mrinvicible (Lijo) for getting me to explore a side of myself far far away from comedy. We started 2023 with filming #MalaikottaiVaaliban (bicep emoji) and in 4 weeks, it will be all yours! Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Mohanlal also took to X and shared a new poster of the film, in which he can be seen in a rustic avatar, holding sand firmly in his fist. In the poster shared by Danish Sait, he can be seen in the centre, wearing a golden vest and lots of jewellery, staring intensely into the camera. About Malaikottai Vaaliban Earlier this month, Mohanlal unveiled the teaser of his period action film. The teaser opens with the voiceover saying, What your have seen is the truth, what you have seen is a lie. Mohanlal might be playing a magician or an illusionist in Malaikottai Vaaliban. Malaikottai Vaaliban is also Yoodlee Films first-ever project with Mohanlal. Excited about the project, Siddharth Anand Kumar, Sr. Vice President of Films & Events at Saregama India Ltd., said, Lijo Jose Pellissery has not only created a vast canvas but assembled a sterling ensemble cast headlined by the legendary Mohanlal. This is one of our most significant ventures in Malayalam cinema as its theme, grandeur and emotional resonance have undeniable universality. This is why the film will be dubbed and released simultaneously in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. Lijo also expressed his happiness for the project. "For me, the process of finalising a theme doesnt originate from the pressure to create the next big hit; its a natural progression. The basic idea of Malaikottai Vaaliban began germinating within me a couple of years ago and then metamorphosed into a comprehensive plot. A writer like Rafeeq expanded that world, and it was only then that we realised Lalettan (Mohanlal) was the perfect fit for that role, he said. Malaikottai Vaaliban is scripted by PS Rafeeque, who has earlier worked with Lijo in movies like Nayakan and Amen. The film is slated to release in cinemas on January 25. - With inputs from ANI Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place. Transgender actor Tommy Dorfman recently opened up on social media about being misgendered by a Delta Air Lines employee. The Delta ticket agent went viral after a TikTok video revealed what happened. The voice in the video is that of 13 Reasons Whyactor Tommy Dorfman. Tommy Dorfman (L) recently opened up on social media about being misgendered by a Delta Air Lines employee (R) (Photo by Dia Dipasupil / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP, TikTok screenshot) Dorfman posted the video to his TikTok, accusing the ticket agent of not using female pronouns. "And what about when a Delta employee misgenders you intentionally," says Dorfman's voice from behind the camera. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The gate agent is seen talking to a passenger he was already helping, saying "while you're talking she's, he's talking too." "You just misgendered me again, multiple times, both of you have," Dorfman says. The female passenger who was being helped says, Sorry. "It wasn't intentional," the gate agent tells Dorfman, "but if you want to take it personal, that's also" "You said he and then you said she," Dorfman replies. "You're being condescending," the gate agent tells Dorfman, "and if you want to continue, I'll have Port Authority escort you out the building right this moment if you want to play that game with me. Which if you'd like to continue three days before Christmas, I really don't mind." "I'm good, I'll just put this on," Dorfman says. It is unclear what the transgender activist is referring to. Dorfman wrote on TikTok, ""When you try to advocate for yourself at @delta and are met with even more transphobia and threats of being arrested at LaGuardia. Tristan, the employee, said he was fine with me posting this. Didn't realize it was condescending to flag a human rights violation after another employee misgendered me incessantly." Can I send this Delta guy a Christmas gift? Social media users praised the employee for standing up for himself. In the comment section of the above video, a user wrote, Can I send this Delta guy a Christmas gift? Delta Airlines should be proud of the way their employees handled the situation. Amazing job! one user said, while another said of the agent, I love this! Give this man a raise! @DeltaCustBroma amazing job by this employee to handle disrespectful entitlement. Give him a raise and service award for his professionalism. We need people like this. All of social media supports this staff member and @Delta for not putting up with nonsense, wrote on user. Youre being condescending amazing comeback, one user said, while another wrote, Yo give this man a raise. Slamming Dorfman, one user wrote, I swear this is just so ridiculous. I really feel these ppl look for situations just so they can go viral. Devil: The British Secret Agent is hitting screens this Friday. The film, which stars Nandamuri Kalyanram and Samyuktha in the lead roles, has been marred in controversy for a while now. The film was announced in 2021, but it took the makers two years to wrap up filming. Producer Abhishek Nama even took over as the director of the film, replacing Naveen Medaram. The director, who stayed silent throughout, penned an open letter on Wednesday, ahead of the films release. (Also Read: Devil actor Mark Bennington alleges makers havent paid him yet, producer denies claims) Kalyanram in a still from Devil I dedicated three years of my life to Devil Naveen began the note by talking about how he spent three years of his life on the film, which went into penning the script and screenplay, selecting the fabrics for costumes, choosing locations and more. I shot the entire film for 105 days in various locations like Karaikudi, Vizag and Hyderabad, he wrote. Adding that except for patchwork, he had completed the project, he wrote, To me, it's just not a project; its my baby and no matter who says what; its a film by Naveen Medaram. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here My silence has been misconstrued for wrongdoing When news broke of Abhishek taking over from Naveen, the director maintained a stoic silence. Many believed that he was replaced because he had dropped the ball while making the film. However, Naveen wrote, My silence seems to be misconstrued as a mistake by few, I want to clarify that I have not committed any wrongdoing in the making of this film. He even alleged that ego and greed played spoilsport and brought the film to this position. The controversy we face today is a result of a few careless decisions driven by pure ego and greed. Contrary to recent reports, I have not taken any legal action against any individual or the film. I am deeply disheartened Naveen ended the note by stating how he was disheartened that his direction credit was taken away from him. He was, however, all praise for Kalyanram, stating that the actor gave his heart and soul for the film. He also revealed that he has signed on a new project, details of which will be revealed soon. Cinema Bandi director Praveen Kandregula commented under the post, We are all with you. Fans also came to his support, with one of them writing, Youll bounce much higher and stronger bro, while another questioned, But why are you allowing someone to take away your three years of hard work? Team Devil is yet to address his note publicly. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place. In a sea of testosterone that dominates Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire, theres a feminine energy that holds her own, commands respect and even out-maneuvers the men. Were talking about Sriya Reddy who plays the villainous Radha Rama Mannar, daughter of Raja Mannar (Jagapathi Babu), who temporarily even rules Khansaar. Since the film was released, her stellar performance has been the talk of the town. In a candid chat with Hindustan Times, Sriya opens up about everything from coming back to Telugu cinema after 2006s Amma Cheppindi to why she fell in love with her role in Salaar and more. (Also Read: Shruti Haasan talks about her Salaar co-star Prabhas: He is powerful and magnetic) Sriya Reddy plays Radha Rama Mannar in Salaar On Radha Rama coming to life Sriya reveals that she told Prashanth Neel she wouldnt come back to Telugu cinema unless her role was substantial. He promised me my role would stand out and hes a man of his word. There were a lot of phone calls, meetings, look testsBy the end of it all we knew what Radha Rama Mannar was all about, she says. However, while the actor expected her role to be noticed, she didnt expect the love coming her way. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here I knew shed get a good response, but to this extent? NoI never expected that. I cant wait to play her again in Salaar Part 2: Shouryaanga Parvam. On her regal look in the film Apart from Sriyas performance, one striking thing about Radha is how shes always dressed in beautiful sarees and decked out in silver jewellery, apart from the nose ring thats a marker for her tribe. Prashanth knew what kind of colour palette she needed to carry and the jewellery she would wear from the get-go, she says, adding, Costume designer Poornima Ramaswamy did a fabulous job. Prints, stripes, anything complicated that took away focus from her personality were avoided. Sriya Reddy's regal look in Salaar We opted for real silver jewellery because she cant be someone who wears artificial silver, it just doesnt look good on-screen. On Indian filmmakers writing better roles for women Citing the example of Salaar, Sriya says things have come a long way when it comes to the kind of roles female actors are offered today. You have these well-built men taking centre stage in the film, but theres also a woman who holds her ground and has a voice among them, she explains, adding, Filmmakers are evolving. When I acted in Thimiru (Pogaru in Telugu) 16 years ago, I was told I wouldnt get leading roles if I played such headstrong characters. I said, hell with thatI will create new ground rules and do my thing. Sriya Reddy with Prashanth Neel on the sets of Salaar Cinema evolves when we write better and complex roles for women with good character arcs because that's where it's lacking. In fact, she even told Prabhas on sets how shed be cutting into his screen time and he didn't seem to mind. He is one of the nicest human beings. When I told him that, Im sure he wondered - where is this mad woman from? But he said - sure, take whatever you want. He is a secure actor like that. Prithviraj is a wonderful person to talk to, I was lucky I got to work with these wonderful men. On returning to Telugu cinema Being a Reddy girl, as she puts it, Sriya says it fills her with pride to act in Telugu again. I have also signed a film called OG with Sujeeth in Telugu. I am in love with the script, what he has penned is a total winner, she says. Shes also pumped to work with Pawan Kalyan, Prakash Raj and the rest of the team, she adds. PK sir is a wonderful human being. Hes such an intelligent person, hes also quite witty off-screen. Much like Prabhas, he is also the kind of actor who lets his co-stars take center stage and flourish in their roles, she says, adding, I worked with Prakash Raj earlier so working with him again felt like coming home. The cinematographer, Ravi K Chandran, is my childhood friend and hes brilliant. If people loved me in Salaar, my role in OG will be the cherry on top. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place New Delhi A thick sheet of fog engulfed the northern plains yet again on Wednesday, severely truncating visibility, wrecking transport schedules and resulting in a spate of accidents and deaths across the region. A thick sheet f fog engulfed the northern plains yet again on Wednesday. (HT Photo) According to state officials, 11 people were killed and 32 injured in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan in accidents wrought by the fog, a day after 14 people died. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Officials of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said visibility at the Amritsar airport dropped to zero metres at 5.30am, to 25m at Patiala, Srinagar, Bareilly, Lucknow and Prayagraj, and to 50m at Varanasi, Delhi and Sri Ganganagar. The visibility is unlikely to be better over at least the next three or four mornings, added IMD officials, predicting dense to very dense fog in the northern plains over this time. A red alert has been issued for all of the northern plains, same for Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, with dense fog expected to stretch till Bihars eastern corner. The fog cover dissipated by noon, said IMD officials, but not before catching millions of residents by surprise. In Uttar Pradesh, nine people, including two students were killed and about 30 others were injured in separate road accidents on Wednesday morning, police said. Two students who were going for examinations, two women pilgrims from Punjab and a local functionary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were among the dead. On the Agra-Firozabad highway, a truck carrying poultry met with an accident, killing its driver, Umesh Yadav, and injuring around half a dozen people, said trans-Yamuna station house officer, Sunmesh Kumar. Onlookers, meanwhile, ran to steal chicken from the truck amid the melee. In Unnao, three passenger buses rammed into each other, leaving several injured. In Rajasthans Bharatpur, two people died in an accident between a Rajasthan Roadways bus and an autorickshaw that was carrying four passengers. The chaos extended to neighbouring Haryana. In Karnal, at least seven vehicles crashed into each other due to severe fog on the Karnal-Indri road. Railway operations, meanwhile, were also affected yet again, with the dense fog forcing trains to run late, be diverted or be cancelled entirely. For instance, hundreds of passengers were stranded at the Ludhiana station as 33 trains ran late. According to a statement by Ferozepur railway division, the railways have cancelled the Amritsar-Banmankhi Jan Sewa Express till February 29 and the Jammu Tawi-Rishikesh train till February 25. Rail services between Chandigarh and Amritsar have also been suspended till March 1. The Amritsar-Lalkuan train stands cancelled till February 24, while the Amritsar-Jaynagar train will resume after February 27, the statement said. It added that the Ajmer-Amritsar train will not run till February 29 and the Tatanagar-Amritsar till February 28. Rail services between Chandigarh and Ferozepur Cantt are cancelled till February 29. The Kalka-Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra train is cancelled till February 27, while the Amritsar-Nangal dam train stands terminated till February 29, the release said. New Delhi At least seven Chinese nationals associated with Vivo India fled the country after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches and issued summons to executives of the Chinese phone maker, which was allegedly involved in flouting foreign direct investment norms, visa conditions and hiding its beneficial ownership to create proceeds of crime worth over 20,000 crore, according to a charge sheet filed by the federal agency. 7 Chinese nationals fled India after ED started Vivo probe: Charge sheet The charge sheet against Vivo China, Vivo India and 46 other entities and individuals was filed in the first week of December. A Delhi court took cognisance of the charge sheet last week. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Vivo China and other entities have resorted to violation of multiple laws of India to give effect to their mala fide intentions. Ultimately by way of violation of FDI policy, visa violations, cheating and forgery etc., Vivo group companies acquired Proceeds of Crime (PoC), which were subsequently used for expansion of Vivo footprints in the country and siphoning off the same to foreign companies which were also owned/controlled by Vivo China, said the charge sheet. HT has seen a copy. The agency has estimated that since its inception in India in 2014 till March 2021, Vivo India remitted funds worth 70,837 crore out of 71,625 crore accumulated from the sale of phones and accessories. Vivo China, to conceal its ownership of Vivo India, created an entity called Multi Accord in Hong Kong in February 2014, according to the charge sheet. The shares of Multi Accord were acquired by Ye Liao (first CEO and shareholder of Vivo India) in May 2014. All the technology and manpower were provided by Vivo China to Vivo India and its state distributor agencies. Thus, it is clear that Multi Accord Limited, which is located in Hong Kong, was incorporated only to conceal beneficial ownership and layer control of Vivo China in Vivo India, the charge sheet said, adding that various employees of Vivo China were controlling the day-to-day business of Vivo India. Even the servers containing data of Vivo India and its SDCs were controlled and maintained by Vivo China. Asserting that Vivo China devised a complex scheme to establish Vivo group companies in India, ED has said that 24 companies were incorporated in India, including Vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd, GPICPL in Himachal Pradesh (operating in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh) and others, which were operating under a corporate veil by hiding their true beneficial ownership. The charge sheet claims that office bearers of Vivo China and its related entities submitted false information before the Indian embassy in China for getting visa for their travel to India, which is a matter of grave national security concern. To circumvent the verification and scrutiny from Indian authorities, these Chinese nationals used Lava International Ltd (whose managing director Hari Om Rai has been arrested) to get invitation letters to avoid any suspicion. In addition, Vivo India arranged false declaration and documents in violation of the Foreigners Act for the Chinese nationals. On how Chinese nationals worked here, ED said they used to come initially on a business visa, which is comparatively easy to get than an employment visa. However, in violation of visa conditions, they would work as employees in the company during their stay. The foreign ministry has shared a list of 193 visas issued to foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, associated with Vivo India and its distributors, who came to India on business or employment visas since 2014. About 30 Chinese nationals out of these 193 came on business visas but worked in violation of norms, ED said. There are instances of Chinese nationals fleeing the country after the searches and issuance of summons in July 2022, which indicates their intention to derail the investigation and conceal their wrongdoings, including money laundering, the agency added. Those who have fled have been identified as He Chengshuai, Shang Yu, Xiaoyang Ye, who were employees of Vivo India; Zhang Haoran, Tu Chengchao, Ding Zhijie and Lijie Ye, who were directors in associate companies. Indias foreign direct investment policy in 2014-15 laid down that 100% FDI in single-brand retail trading was not allowed without permission. However, Vivo India and its state distributors received 100% FDI under the automatic route, which meant that the distributors would not be able to carry out retail business activities in India, ED said. To circumvent this and avoid attracting the notice of the authorities, Vivo India and the Chinese employees of Vivo China were aided and assisted by Hari Om Rai of Lava International and Rajan Malik, statutory auditor of Lava, who arranged an entity, Labquest Engineering Pvt Ltd, as a special purpose vehicle to control the business of retail sales related to Vivo mobile phones, according to the charge sheet. The address of Multi Accord, which had majority shares in Vivo India, at Room number 901, Yip Fung Building, 2-12 DAguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, as well as its four distribution firms, Aohua Mobile Pvt Ltd, Chhattisgarh; Regenvo Mobile Pvt Ltd, Uttar Pradesh; Joinmay Electronics Pvt Ltd, Maharashtra; and Fangs Technology Pvt Ltd, Tamil Nadu and two overseas trading companies, Lucky Crest Ltd, Hong Kong, and Honour Luck Ltd, Hong Kong is also linked to Panama Papers - Offshore Leaks database, the EDs charge sheet alleged. Vivo denied all charges. We are deeply alarmed by the current action of the authorities, a Vivo spokesperson said. 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. At least 52 people were hospitalised after an ammonia gas leak late on Tuesday night in a fertilizer plant in Chennais Ennore area, an area that was already devastated by an oil spill earlier this month. Police personnel stand guard outside a plant of Coromandel International Ltd, a fertilizer manufacturing company, after an incident of ammonia gas leakage at the factory, at Ennore in Chennai district (PTI) Read here: Ammonia gas leak in Chennai's Ennore, several hospitalised Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Officials said the gas leak took place from a pipeline that runs from the sea to the factory of a private fertiliser company. The Tamil Nadu pollution control board said the level of ammonia in the air was 2,090 microgram (mm in cubic meter) as opposed to the accepted levels of 400 microgram. In the sea, it was 49 milligrams per litre (mg/l) as against the standard of 5 mg/l, the board said in a statement. The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal took suo motu (on its own accord) cognisance of the leak on Wednesday and directed the TNPCB to file a report to be heard on January 2. The gas leak happened at 11.45 pm on December 26 from the fertiliser manufacturing facility of Coromandel International Limited (part of the Murugappa Group) in Ennore, said state government in a statement. Government officials said that they were alerted at 12.45 am when gas bubbles were seen coming out of the pipeline near the shore. Simultaneously, local residents from villages including Periakuppam and Chinnakuppam, reported a pungent odour and complained to the city police. The unit immediately started depressurising the pipeline and completed the operation within 20 minutes, the statement said. Some people received first aid due to eye irritation and breathing difficulties, officials said. Several families left their homes to escape the harmful effects of the gas leak. Tamil Nadu health minister M Subramnaian said that more than 100 people from Ennore were affected and more than 50 hospitalised. All of them are stable now, he told reporters after meeting the patients. On Wednesday, locals protested demanding that the factory be closed. Nobody warned us about the gas leak. Suddenly last night, my children and I were all feeling equally breathless, said a 28-year-old mother of two young children. People complained of burning in their eyes, throat, nose and chest. Some fainted and complained of breathlessness. We saw several dead fish from late last night, said the president of the Kattukuppam Fishermen Cooperative, R L Srinivasan. When the oil spill happened and fish died, it was a problem of livelihood for us. But, with this gas leak, our lives are also in danger. What is the guarantee that this will not happen again? The factory manufactures 400,000 tonnes of Ammonium Phosphate Potash Sulphate annually; ammonia -- one of the raw materials used for manufacturing -- is received from the minor port in Ennore through ships. It is transferred from there through a 2.5 km pipeline laid underneath the sea bed, which is cooled for 36 hours prior to the transfer in liquid form. Coromandel International in a statement said that as part of their routine operation, they noticed abnormality in the ammonia unloading pipeline subsea near the shoreside and outside the plant premises. Our standard operating procedure activated immediately, and we have isolated the ammonia system facility and brought the situation to normalcy in the shortest time, Amir Alvi, president and head, manufacturing (fertiliser) and supply chain of the company said. Read here: 50 hospitalised after ammonia gas leak in Chennais Ennore, says health minister During the process, few members in the local community expressed discomfort and were given medical attention immediately. All are safe and normalcy is restored. We have informed relevant authorities about the incident. Coromandel has always adhered to the highest safety standards and emergency response system.For the people of north Chennai, the ammonia gas leak came as a second blow after they were affected by a recent oil spill. Approximately 60 people including children, who were residents of areas close to the fertiliser plant experienced unease, shortness of breath, nausea, faintness and irritation in the eyes and were treated in hospitals. NEW DELHI: India and Russia on Wednesday agreed to explore ways to expand the export of Russian energy, including oil and coal, to Indian markets as external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his counterpart Sergey Lavrov charted a course for future cooperation between the two countries. Jaishankar said Russian supplies of energy, coking coal and fertilisers were very big components of bilateral trade Jaishankar, who is on a five-day visit to Russia, met Lavrov for a sweeping review of bilateral relations, including cooperation in energy and military-technical matters, following his talks on Tuesday with deputy prime minister Denis Manturov that largely focused on trade and investment. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Despite pressure from the US and its European partners following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India ramped up purchases of Russian energy and other commodities such as fertilisers. The Indian side has consistently called for the end of hostilities in Ukraine but has refrained from publicly criticising Russias actions. Following his talks with Jaishankar, Lavrov described energy cooperation as a strategic area of the overall relationship that Russia intends to strengthen. He told a joint news conference: We agreed on the expansion of the exports of Russian hydrocarbons to the Indian market as well as the cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Jaishankar described Russian supplies of energy, coking coal and fertilisers as very big components of bilateral trade and said the two sides had talked about long-term arrangements for these commodities. How do we reach long-term arrangements in that regard was a big part of our discussion, he said. India has a very substantial energy relationship with Russia in terms of investments in Russian oil and gas, which we are seeking to expand, Jaishankar said. The two sides are also looking to expand cooperation in nuclear energy. Yesterday [Tuesday], we signed two important amendments which will take the Kudankulam nuclear power project forward, he added. On Tuesday, India and Russia signed agreements to move forward with future units of the Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu, which will have six reactors with a capacity of 1,000 MW each. The first two reactors became operational in 2014 and 2016 and work is underway on two more. Both sides havent offered details of the agreements though people familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity that they are related to the fifth and sixth reactors, construction of which began in 2021. Despite Indias agreements with the US and France on civil nuclear cooperation, Russia is currently the only country building atomic reactors in India. Lavrov described Russias involvement in this sphere as our practical contribution to Indias activities and work to satisfy its national needs for clean and safe energy. The two sides also discussed prospects for cooperation in piloted space programmes, rocket engines, satellite navigation systems and military hardware. Lavrov said Russia is respectful of Indias aspiration to diversify its military and technical links and is ready to support efforts to produce military equipment under the Make in India initiative. More than 60% of the equipment and weapons systems used by Indias armed forces continue to be of Russian origin, though New Delhi has stepped up efforts in recent years to acquire more Western platforms such as submarines, long-range transport aircraft and helicopters. The Ukraine conflict and the situation in Gaza, Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific also figured in the meeting between Jaishankar and Lavrov. Indias position on the issue of Ukraine reflects its responsible approach towards regional and global issues based primarily on national interests and the interests of fair international cooperation, Lavrov said. India and Russia have a shared interest in Eurasia and surrounding waters to seek solutions that would not provoke any confrontational approaches which are sometimes brought to the region from the outside, Lavrov said. The two sides further discussed ways to bolster trade and connectivity, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), establishing the Chennai-Vladivostok sea route and cooperation in exploring the northern polar sea route. They also talked about cooperation in Russias Far East and at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (Brics) grouping. The Russian side reiterated its support for Indias permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council. Responding to a question on the Western perception that Indias relationship with Russia is a handicap, Jaishankar said Moscow is a very valued and time-tested partner for New Delhi. Its a relationship from which both India and Russia have benefited enormously. My presence here today and...all the developments I have pointed out, including our growing trade, investments, military-technical cooperation and connectivity projects, I think all of this will give you a good sense of really the importance and the value that we attach to the relationship, he said. Lavrov, in his opening remarks, said: Our cooperation is of a strategic nature, strengthening it corresponds to the national interests of our states [and] the interests of maintaining security in the Eurasian continent. Jaishankars visit assumed greater significance as India and Russia could not hold their annual leaders summit for the second consecutive year. Responding to a question on this issue, Jaishankar said this years annual meetings could not be held because of Indias G20 presidency and certain preoccupations. He added, But Im very confident that we will see an annual summit next year. The external affairs minister also reiterated Indias concerns about the imbalance in trade with Russia, which rose to $50 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow further this year because New Delhi purchases Russian energy. Today, we appreciate the fact that our trade is at an all-time high. We crossed $50 billion turnover last year. We expect to exceed that this year and what is important is that this trade is more balanced, sustainable and provides for fair market access, he said. The Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport in Ayodhya, which is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, is equipped to handle 600 domestic passengers during peak hours and over four million flyers annually, officials familiar with the details said on Tuesday. The officials also said that the airport, which has been built by government-owned Airports Authority of India at a cost of 350 crore, currently has a runway suitable for the operation of Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 type of aircraft (PTI) The officials also said that the airport, which has been built by government-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) at a cost of 350 crore, currently has a runway suitable for the operation of Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 type of aircraft. The runway may be expanded in subsequent phases to allow wider aircraft to operate, the officials said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The Prime Ministers visit to the temple town comes weeks ahead of the much-awaited consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22. During his visit, he will also inaugurate the redeveloped railway station in Ayodhya. On Thursday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued the aerodrome license, for the airport, in the public use category for all weather conditions. A government official said the airport comprises nine check-in counters, three conveyor belts, 75 slots for car parking and two slots for buses. The airport is equipped to handle 500 passengers during peak hours and over four million passengers annually. It is suitable for the operation of A321 and B737 type of aircraft. Initially, it will have A321 and or B737 aircraft operating at the airport, the official said, seeking anonymity. The airport is designed in a way that it is convenient for passengers and ensures reduced mobility, the official added. Peak rush hours at airports are usually witnessed at around 5pm-9am and 4pm-8pm. Several domestic airlines have already announced non-stop flights to major cities from the temple town. While Air India Express announced an inaugural return journey between Ayodhya and Delhi on December 30 itself, the airline said it will begin full commercial operations on a daily basis from January 16. Likewise, IndiGo said its inaugural flight from Delhi will take off for Ayodhya on December 30 but commercial operations between the two cities will begin on a daily basis from January 6. The low-cost carrier also announced tri-weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya from January 11 and daily flights between Mumbai and Ayodhya from January 15. In the subsequent phases, international flights may also operate from the airport, officials said. The construction of a new terminal of 50,000sqm has been planned under Phase-2, which will be able to handle 3,000 passengers during peak hours, and 6 million passengers annually. It will also include a runway extension of up to 3750m, suitable for operation of Code E B-777 type of aircraft. The roof of the terminal is adorned with shikharas in varying heights to add to the grandeur of the structure. In both Indian and western philosophy, the pyramid form is said to harbour positive energy. Along with the varying shikharas, the terminal has decorative columns detailing important events from the story of Ramayana. The colonnade will serve as an immersive experience for visitors by retelling pictorially the story of Lord Rama. Setting aside the recent debacle in the Telangana assembly elections, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leadership began preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state to rejuvenate the party leaders and cadre. BRS working president KT Rama Rao during a poll campaign in Telangana. (X) While BRS president and former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao is recuperating from the hip replacement surgery he had undergone in the first week of December, his son and party working president KT Rama Rao has started holding a series of meetings with party leaders to gear them up for the challenge in the Lok Sabha elections, a senior BRS leader familiar with the development said on Tuesday. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here On Monday, KTR held a meeting of all the party leaders, including sitting MLAs and defeated MLAs in the recent assembly elections at Telangana Bhavan and asked them to take up the responsibility of rejuvenating the party cadre in their respective constituencies and conducting a comprehensive review of the party position. The exercise will begin on January 3 and conclude by January 26. Since there is a possibility of announcing the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections in the last week of February or first week of March, we should be ready with the list of candidates and strategy for facing the elections, the party leader, quoting KTR, said. KTR told the meeting that all the party candidates who lost the elections would continue as in-charges of their respective constituencies. They should do micro-analyse of the reasons for their loss in the assembly elections and work out action plans to secure the majority of the party in the Lok Sabha elections, he said. To begin with, KTR conducted a review of the party performance in the assembly segments falling under Chevella parliamentary constituency. While the party had won in four assembly segments, the Congress won three assembly seats. While announcing that sitting MP G Ranjith Reddy would be the BRS candidate from Chevella in the next Lok Sabha elections as well, KTR told the party leaders to ensure that the party retained the seat with a thumping margin. What we have received in the recent assembly elections is a temporary setback. There is nobody in the opposition who can match up to the stature of KCR in any state. We shall put this narrative strongly into the people, while exposing the hollow promises of the Congress, the BRS working president told the party leaders. The party leader quoted above said that there was a talk in the party on whether KCR would contest the Lok Sabha elections. Though there was no such indication from KTR or any other top leader, there is a possibility that the BRS president might contest from Medak parliamentary constituency in 2024, which he had represented in 2004. But the proposal is still in its initial stage, he said. At present, the BRS has nine seats in Lok Sabha, out of 17 from Telangana. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has four MPs, the Congress three and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has the remaining one seat. The Centre on Wednesday declared Muslim League Jammu Kashmir-Masarat Alam faction (MLJK-MA) as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Law (UAPA), Union home minister Amit Shah said. Kashmiri separatist leader Masarat Alam(HT File Photo) This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K. The PM @narendramodi government's message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law, Shah posted on social media platform X. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Who is Masarat Alam? Masarat Alam Bhat, who has been in Delhi's Tihar Jail since 2019, is the chairperson of Kashmiri hardline separatist group All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), having taken over the post in 2021. Alam, 50, has been in Tihar jail after being booked by the National Investigation Agency in a terror funding case. He was arrested in 2010 over his alleged role in the mass public protest in the Kashmir valley that year. He continued to remain under prison as he was booked in cases under Public Safety Act. According to local media reports, Alam has 27 FIRs registered against him and he has been booked under the PSA 36 times. In March 2015, Masarat Alam was released, triggering backlash against the People's Democratic Party, which was then in the ruling alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The then Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government arrested him again the next month on charges of sedition and waging war against the state after he allegedly raised pro-Pakistan slogans at a rally to welcome then Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Srinagar. Alam had played a key role in organising mass protests in Kashmir valley in 2010 when over 120 youth were killed in security forces action. Raipur, Dec 27 (PTI) The BJPs triumph in the assembly polls, considered by many a foregone conclusion in favour of Congress, series of ED actions, including in the Mahadev betting app case, a deadly Naxal attack, and nude men protesting over jobs dominated the events in Chhattisgarh in 2023. HT Image Though elections were held at the end of the year, poll mood prevailed in Chhattisgarh throughout with top leaders of BJP, Congress and AAP making frequent visits to the state for rallies and meetings, and chalking out their strategies. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The BJP wrested power from the Congress in a decisive mandate after a high-octane campaign led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the state with a large tribal population. Vishnu Deo Sai, a prominent tribal face of the saffron party, became the new chief minister in December, while first-time BJP MLAs Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma were appointed as deputy CMs. Amid increased focus on politics in an election year, Naxals killed ten policemen and a civilian driver on April 26 by blowing up an MUV in Dantewada district, their biggest strike on security forces in Chhattisgarh in two-and-a-half years. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) stepped up the heat on the Congress with raids on the premises of many of its leaders, businessmen and bureaucrats in the then Bhupesh Baghel government over alleged coal levy, liquor, and Mahadev online betting app scams. In the two-phased polls in November, whose results were declared on December 3, the BJP won in 54 constituencies, marking its highest seat tally ever in the 90-member assembly and leaving the Congress in a considerably weaker position with only 35 seats. The BJP crafted its narrative by weaving together corruption plank, Hindutva, a string of populist promises and PM Modis charisma to beat pollsters predictions and make a dramatic comeback. BJPs tally had plunged to 15 in 2018 despite being in power in Chhattisgarh for three consecutive terms since 2003. The Congress showcased the then Bhupesh Baghel-led governments welfare schemes on which it claimed around 1.75 lakh crore was spent, Chhattisgarhiyawad (regional card) and Baghels popularity as a son-of-the-soil leader to woo voters. The Congress held its 85th plenary session in Raipur in February which saw the presence of top leaders like party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. It also reshuffled the party organisation and cabinet to stem infighting in its state unit. Minister in the previous government TS Singh Deo, who was locked in a turf war with Baghel, was appointed as deputy CM in June. In July, Congress appointed party MP Deepak Baij as its state chief replacing Mohan Markam, who was later inducted into the cabinet. Singh Deo, Baij and Markam lost in the elections. During campaigning, the Congress and then CM Baghel also came under heavy attacks from the BJP top brass, including Modi, Shah and party president JP Nadda, over the Mahadev betting app case and alleged irregularities in the selection and evaluation processes of the state public service commission. Ahead of the polls, the ED cited a forensic analysis and a statement by a cash courier to claim that Mahadev betting app promoters paid about 508 crore to CM Baghel so far and that these are subject matter of investigation. The ED also raided his political advisor Vinod Vermas premises in the Mahadev app case. The ED also arrested IAS officer Ranu Sahu, liquor businessman and Congress leader Aijaz Dhebars brother Anwar Dhebar, and excise department special secretary Arunpati Tripathi in separate cases. As part of its campaign, the BJP also extensively highlighted the communal violence in Biranpur village in Bemetara district in April. It also fielded Ishwar Sahu, whose son was killed in the violence, from Saja seat. Sahu defeated minister and influential Congress leader Ravindra Choubey. This election also saw the decline of the influence of former CM late Ajit Jogi-founded Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the state as both the parties failed to open their account. In 2018, the JCC (J)-BSP combine had won seven seats. This time BSP contested the polls in alliance with the Gondwana Gantantra Party (GPP), which won just one seat. While late Ajit Jogis wife and MLA in the previous assembly Renu Jogi lost from Kota, his son lost from Patan. Ajit Jogis daughter-in-law Richa Jogi faced defeat in Akaltara. The Aam Aadmi Party once again drew a blank in the state like in the 2018 polls. Despite boycott calls by Naxals, the first phase of elections in 20 constituencies in Maoist-hit Bastar division and four other districts recorded a turnout of 78 per cent. According to police, 25 security personnel and 41 civilians were killed in Naxal violence in the state till November of 2023. The figure was 10 and 36 respectively in 2022. Similarly, 19 Naxalites were killed in encounters with security forces till November, which was 30 in 2022. In January, the state was in the news when tribals protesting alleged religious conversion vandalised a church in Narayanpur district and injured its superintendent of police after he and other police personnel tried to stop them. In July, a group of naked men staged a protest in the capital Raipur, demanding action against those who allegedly got government jobs using fake caste certificates. Rajesh Vishwas, a food inspector from the state, hit national headlines in May after he drained over 40 lakh litres of water from the cistern of a reservoirs waste weir in Kanker district to retrieve his phone that he had accidentally dropped into. Vishwas and a water resources department official were suspended over the colossal waste of water, and a case was registered against them. New DelhiThe Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has completed a security survey of the Parliament complex and submitted a report calling for measures that will put the level of preparedness in the House in line with that at key oil refineries and power plants, officials aware of the matter said. On December 13, two men entered the Lok Sabha and set off smoke canisters. Six people have been arrested so far. (PTI) The survey of the complex, the officials added, was held from Thursday to Saturday on the directions of the Union home ministry, following a breach of security when two men entered the Lok Sabha and set off smoke canisters on December 13, the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here According to officials aware of the matter, CISF has asked for the implementation of the Comprehensive Security Setup in the complex. The same security apparatus is at place in the oil refineries, power plants and defence instalments which the central force guards, and involves the stationing of CISFs own firefighting unit and setting up of barracks for its personnel, the officials added. In the comprehensive security pattern, CISF has its own fire unit and also barracks for its personnel. This is the set up at refineries and power plants. The personnel stay within the complex. This is different from the security structure at airports and metros, where personnel travel from outside to report for duty, the first official said. CISF is the only paramilitary force with its own firefighting unit and currently provides fire safety coverage at least 104 installations across the country. Fire safety at airports is not under CISF. To be sure, the government is yet to issue orders for CISF to take over the security of Parliament. The detailed report contains the integrated finance report, which is about the number of people needed at each post within the complex and its financial cost. Once the headquarters approves it, it will be sent to the home ministry for clearance. This is part of the pre-induction formality (PIF) report, submitted as part of the survey. The home ministry will approve the number of personnel, communication and transport needed for securing the complex after which an order will be issued for CISFs induction, the official said, seeking anonymity. At present, the security of the Parliament complex is handled by the in-house Parliamentary Security Service (PSS), the Delhi Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The three have specific duties, with the first agency guarding the innermost layer. CISF is likely to seek new x-ray machines and metal detectors, among other equipment, as they have done in the past before taking over security of any premises, the official quoted above said. The breach triggered a political row and led the Lok Sabha Secretariat to suspend eight security personnel. Six people have been held in connection with the breach. The breach, during the winter session of Parliament, triggered a political firestorm and led the Lok Sabha Secretariat to suspend eight security personnel for lapses and request the home ministry to conduct a detailed security review of the complex, the second such exercise in 22 years. Police in Punjab and Gujarat have started probing whether there was an agency or an organised syndicate behind sending hundreds of people to Dubai and then to Nicaragua and whether it was a case of trafficking as alleged by the French police. A total of 276 Indians returned from France four days after their chartered plane was grounded in Frace on suspicion of trafficking. About two-thirds of the passengers were from Punjab and about 25% were from Gujarat. Most of them had valid Nicaraguan visas. The lawyer of the airline said many passengers had return tickets too and hence there is no evidence that the passengers were planning to go somewhere else from Nicaragua. A flight grounded in France with 300 Indians onboard over suspected human trafficking reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai on Tuesday morning with 276 passengers, (Photo by Raju Shinde) What Gujarat Police said The Gujarat police formed teams to unearth the network that operated behind the foiled trafficking bid. The passengers from Gujarat belonged to Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana and Anand districts. Superintendent of Police, CID (Crime), Sanjay Kharat said once the passengers reach Gujarat from Mumbai, they will be interrogated to find out about the agents involved in this. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The focus of the investigation will be to find out who are facilitating this kind of trafficking, who were opting for it and how many people have been flown abroad this way. The CID has so far received "raw information" regarding the agents. The agents working at the village and district levels are small players controlled by a kingpin who works at the international level, the SP said. What Punjab Police said A Punjab Police official aware of the details of the passengers said, Most of those who were deported back are in their mid-20s or early 30s and had a valid Nicaragua visa." The word Donkey route is derived from the Punjabi word dunki, which means to hop from place to place. It refers to an illegal method in which people cross a countrys borders through a back-door route with multiple stops in other countries. The passengers on the chartered plane reached Dubai a few months back -- all on tourist visas or work visas. From the UAE, they boarded the flight to Nicaragua. But French authorities grounded the plane and alleged that the passengers were probably headed to sneak to the US via Mexico. Negotiations between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov are set to take place in Moscow on Wednesday, the Russian Embassy in India said in a statement. EAM Jaishankar with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov "The Ministers will focus on the current and future areas of bilateral cooperation as well as discussion of the schedule of upcoming contacts," the statement said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The main emphasis will be made on "promoting the further building of sustainable transport, logistics and banking and financial chains, expanding the use of national currencies in mutual settlements," it also said. It is planned to touch upon issues of "cooperation in high-tech areas, including space and nuclear ones, as well as the implementation of joint projects for the development of hydrocarbons on the Arctic shelf and in the Russian Far East," the statement added. READ | India-Russia ties the only constant in world politics, says EAM Jaishankar The ministers will compare notes on current international matters. "The topic of interaction within the United Nations (UN), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and G20 will be discussed separately, as also the priorities of Russia's BRICS chairmanship in the coming year," the statement further read. An in-depth exchange of views is expected on the issues of forming a "fair security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan, as well as the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation," it added. "Moscow and New Delhi are committed to multipolarity as an integral factor in ensuring the balance of the world order that has emerged over the recent decades. Russia supports countries of the Global South in upholding political and economic sovereignty amid the spread of neocolonial practices. The priority is to promote a positive agenda and build constructive interstate dialogue," the statement concluded. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Jaishankar and Russia's Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, discussed the "development of trade and economic cooperation between Russia and India." READ | Jaishankar to visit Russia from December 25 to 29 "Russia's Deputy Prime Minister -- Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov and Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation between & at the exhibition forum "Russia" at the #VDNH," posted Russian Embassy in India on X. "The parties touched upon topical issues of interaction in trade, investment, financial and banking, transport and logistics spheres, in the areas of energy and food security. Particular attention was paid to promoting priority industrial cooperation projects," the post added. "Following the negotiations, in the presence of the co-chairs of the Russia-India Intergovernmental Commission, an MoU was signed between the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare (Roszdravnadzor) of Russia and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation of India," it also said. "The parties touched upon topical issues of interaction in trade, investment, financial and banking, transport and logistics spheres, in the areas of energy and food security. Particular attention was paid to promoting priority industrial cooperation projects," the Russian Embassy in India also stated. Earlier on Monday, Jaishankar held a meeting with leading representatives of the Russian strategic community and discussed connectivity, multilateralism, big power competition and regional conflicts. They spoke about the importance of rebalancing and the emergence of multipolarity. Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Sunday for a four-day visit to Russia from December 25-29. After he arrived in Moscow, Jaishankar said he looked forward to his engagements in Russia. External affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov are set to meet in Moscow on Wednesday to review the strategic partnership between the two countries and to chart out plans for future cooperation. External affairs minister S Jaishankar with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow in November 2022. (AP File Photo) Jaishankar, who is on a five-day visit to Russia, met deputy prime minister Denis Manturov on Tuesday for discussions aimed at bolstering trade and investment between the two sides. Several agreements were signed following the talks, including one on future units of the Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Lavrov and Jaishankar will focus on current and future areas of bilateral cooperation and discuss the schedule of upcoming contacts between the leaders of the two sides, a readout from the Russian government said. The main emphasis will be on promoting the further building of sustainable transport, logistics and banking and financial chains [and] expanding the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, the readout said. The two foreign ministers will also discuss cooperation in hi-tech areas, including space and nuclear energy, and the implementation of joint projects for the development of hydrocarbons on the Arctic shelf and in Russias Far East, the readout said. Jaishankar and Lavrov are also expected to compare notes on international issues and cooperation at the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and G20. Russias priorities for its chairmanship of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (Brics) grouping will be part of the talks. An in-depth exchange of views is expected on the issues of forming a fair security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan, as well as the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation, the readout said. The readout said Russia and India are committed to multipolarity as an integral factor in ensuring the balance of the world order that has emerged in recent decades. Russia supports countries of the Global South in upholding political and economic sovereignty amid the spread of neocolonial practices, and its priority is to promote a positive agenda, the readout added. Jaishankars meeting with Manturov, who is also Russias industry and trade minister, largely focused on financial and economic issues. India-Russia trade has ballooned to $50 billion this year, up from about $14 billion two years ago, largely on the back of New Delhis purchases of Russian crude since the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine last year. However, trade is skewed in Russias favour and India is keen to expand its exports. New Delhi Former Congress president Sonia Gandhis son-in-law Robert Vadra and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra bought land in Haryana through a Delhi-based real estate agent who also sold land to NRI businessman CC Thampi, the Enforcement Directorate has claimed, while adding that Vadra and Thampi have a long and thick relationship that extends to common and business interests. To be sure, Robert Vadra and Priyanka Gandhi have not been named as accused, and the land transactions have been mentioned to draw a link between Thampi and Vadra (PTI) Read here: BJP's Amit Malviya says Priyanka Gandhi promoted, as unaccountable as other Gandhis Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The larger case involves fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, who is under investigation by multiple agencies for money-laundering, violation of foreign exchange and black money laws, and the Official Secrets Act. He fled India for the UK in 2016. Thampi has been accused of facilitating Bhandari to hide proceeds of crime, along with Sumit Chadha, a British national. Though ED has named Robert Vadra in earlier charge sheets related to the case as a close aide of Thampi, this is the first time that Priyanka Gandhi has been mentioned in an official document submitted to court. In the latest charge sheet, filed in November and reviewed by HT on Wednesday, the federal agency has alleged that estate agent HL Pahwa, who sold properties to both Vadra and Thampi, received cash out of the books for the land purchase in Haryana, and that Vadra did not pay the full amount for the sale. Pahwa also sold agricultural land to Priyanka Gandhi in 2006 and bought it back from her in 2010, the agency said. To be sure, Robert Vadra and Priyanka Gandhi have not been named as accused, and the land transactions have been mentioned to draw a link between Thampi and Vadra. A press release by the agency on Tuesday, which HT reported, also mentioned Vadra in connection with the purchase of a property in London that is part of the probe.Detailing the association between Vadra and Thampi, the charge sheet states, During the course of investigation in this case, it is found that a long and thick relationship exists between CC Thampi and Robert Vadra. Not only a personal/cordial bond but common and similar business interests are also found between them. Thampi, arrested in January 2020, ostensibly told ED that he knew Vadra for over 10 years and that they met several times during Vadras visits to the UAE as well as in Delhi. ED has said that Thampi used the services of Pahwa to buy 486 acres of land from 2005 to 2008 in village Amipur in Faridabad, Haryana. It is imperative to mention that Robert Vadra also purchased three pieces of land measuring 334 kanals (40.08 acres) in Amipur from [the same] HL Pahwa from 2005-2006 and sold the same land to Pahwa in December 2010. Further, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, wife of Robert Vadra, also purchased agricultural land measuring 40 kanal (5 acres) in village Amipur from Pahwa in April 2006 and sold the same land to Pahwa in February 2010, the charge sheet said Pahwa, according to ED, was receiving cash out of the books for the acquisition of land. It was also noticed that Robert Vadra did not pay the entire sale consideration to Pahwa, agency has said, while adding that investigation in this regard is still ongoing. ED has also provided details of other financial transactions between Vadra and Thampi. For instance, it has claimed, that Thampi purchased a Land Cruiser car from Vadra for which payments were made through cheques from his NRE (non-resident external) account. About the London property under probe, ED has claimed that Bhandari acquired it in December 2009 and it was renovated using Robert Vadras funds. Vadra also stayed in the property -- 12, Bryanston Square -- three-four times, ED said. The common thread with regard to the said (London) property starting from the date of acquisition to its use was CC Thampi, Sumit Chadha and Robert Vadra, it added. Read here: Avinash Pande replaces Priyanka Gandhi as Congress' UP in-charge ED has claimed since 2020 that the property in question, worth 1.9 million pounds at the time, belongs to Vadra, and that Thampi played a crucial role in its purchase. HT reached out to Robert Vadra and Priyanka Gandhi for comments but did not get a response till the time of going to print, however, earlier inJanuary 2020 he had said:Its a free for all in this countrytruth has no place. Witch-hunt continues for almost a decade. Another decade more and we will be referring to what happened in 2010, 2011, 2012 and on and on. Bengaluru: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada body, on Wednesday held a massive protest in Bengaluru demanding that all businesses in Karnataka should have signboards and nameplates written in the native language. It launched a protest today demanding that all businesses fulfil the government's 60 percent Kannada nameplates obligation. The "public awareness protest", organised under the leadership of KRV state president TA Narayan Gowda, reportedly turned violent as some activists vandalised signboards written in English. A signboard of a business establishment being vandalised by a Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Narayana Gowda faction) activist, in Bengaluru.(PTI) Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike broke flower pots outside the Mall of Asia in Bengaluru. They also broke signboards written in English and sprayed black ink on some of them. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Gowda today said people from other states who want to run their business in Karnataka will have to remove English signboards. "People from various states are doing business in Bangalore. But they don't put Kannada nameplates on their shops. They are only putting up the nameplates of their shops in English. If they want to stay back in Bangalore then they have to put nameplates on their shops in Kannada or else they have to move from Karnataka to other states," Gowda said. He said per the Karnataka government's law, 60 percent of the nameplates should have Kannada text on them. "No one is following it properly, so today we are doing a massive awareness protest rally. If the police stop us today, our struggle will not stop. We will continue the rally every day till our demands are met," he added. He said the Mall of Asia in Bengaluru will have to put up Kannada signboards. "We told them to put a Kannada nameplate but Mall of Asia (Bangalore) did not bother and has not put a Kannada nameplate so we will fight against this. Today police are providing full protection to the Mall of Asia (Bengaluru), but tomorrow who will provide protection? Tomorrow again our activists will protest, till our demand is fulfilled," he added. Recently, Tushar Giri Nath, chief commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), said all commercial stores will have to install 60 percent of nameplates and signboards in Kannada. Those failing to do so will attract legal action starting February 28. "There are 1400 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads in the city, and all the commercial shops on these roads will be surveyed zone-wise. After the survey, a notice will be given to the shops that do not use 60% Kannada language. After issuing the notice, they will be given time till February 28 to implement Kannada language nameplates and submit compliance to the respective zone commissioners," Tushar Giri Nath said. With inputs from ANI HYDERABAD: Six people including five of an Andhra Pradesh family died in a head-on crash between a pickup truck and a minivan on U.S. Highway 67 in Texas state of the United States on Wednesday, people familiar with the matter said. The MLA said his relatives were on their way home after attending a Christmas party (Photo courtesy: Texas Sky Ranger) YSR Congress Party lawmaker Ponnada Venkata Satish Kumar, who represents Mummidivaram in the Andhra Pradesh assembly told reporters that the victims were his close relatives and residents of Amalapuram in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Satishkumar identified the victims as his uncle, P Nageshwara Rao, Nageswar Raos wife Seetha Mahalakshmi, daughter Naveena, grandson Kruthik and granddaughter Nishita. He could not identify the sixth person who died in the accident. My uncle and his family lived in Atlanta. They were returning home after taking part in Christmas celebrations at the house of other relatives in Texas when the accident took place, Satish told reporters at Amalapuram. Fox4 said the crash happened on US Highway 67 and County Road 1119 in the Nemo area. Citing information received from the authorities, the MLA said two youngsters were in the pickup truck at the time of the crash and that it was driving on the wrong side. The two survived the crash and were airlifted to Fort Worth Hospital. Nageshwar Raos son-in-law Lokesh, the only one in the minivan to survive the crash, has sustained serious injuries. His condition is said to be critical. Telugu Association of North America (TANA) treasurer Kolla Ashok Babu and Telugu foundation treasurer Polavarapu Srikanth are extending necessary assistance to bring the bodies to India, the family said When Indravadan Patel first heard of a plane full of Indians being detained at an airport in France over human trafficking fears, he called a travel agency he had been in touch with to take his son to the US. The travel agents had charted a similar plan for his sons entry into the country Dubai first, then a brief stop in Europe, before the US and they had taken 25 lakh as advance. Now, the phone went unanswered, and the Ahmedabad office Patel had visited was shut. Patel is one of hundreds of people who transacted with a syndicate that helped Indians enter US and Canada illegally. (HT File) Patel is one of hundreds of people who transacted with a syndicate that helped Indians enter the US and Canada illegally and on forged documentation, Gujarat police officers told HT, confirming at least 17 FIRs had been filed across the state since the December 22 grounding of an Airbus A340 in Vatry, France blew the lid off such operations. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The ring charged each person between 70 lakh and 80 lakh, investigators said, sharing the first details of what is yet another donkey route immigration racket. Two people, who were among a web of at least 50 travel agents and touts based in India, were arrested by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the state police. The two men arrested on Wednesday were part of a vast operation involving people across multiple cities, towns and villages, a CID official said on condition of anonymity, identifying the suspects as Kunal Vriya and Sahil. They used to forge bank statements and other documents to help people secure visas and obtain passports, this person added. Last week, the Airbus jet operated by Legend Airways was allowed to return with the Indian passengers after French authorities questioned them for four days. Among the 303 originally on board, 276 returned, with the rest having sought asylum in France and a handful of others being detained over what French police say is a human trafficking investigation. While Patels son was not on the plane, he was in the batch that was due to leave by the end of the month, he told police in his complaint, which is the basis of one of 17 FIRs filed across Ahmedabad, Anand, Mehsana, Gandhinagar, and Patan. When Patel heard about the illegal immigration network and the planes grounding in France, he tried to contact his agent but his number was switched off. He went to the travel agents office and found them absconding, this person added. Patel told police he paid 5 lakh through bank transfer and the rest in cash. To be sure, the FIRs did not directly reference the Nicaragua-bound flight that was stopped in France but officials aware of the matter said they pertained to the same syndicate. One of the 17 FIRs names 47-year-old Dineshbhai Baldaniya, owner of Lakshmi Overseas Consultancy in Ahmedabad, accusing him of forging documents like SSC marksheets, appointment letter, promotion letter and work experience certificate in the name of Gordhara Infotech to get visas. The FIR is based on a complaint by an officer of the CID, who stated that the department received information about the illegal operations and raided Baldaniyas offices, from where it found a file titled Recent Canada Visa 2023, seven laptops, three mobile phones, five hard drives, two computers and essential documents, including the passports of eight people. The police showed the documents to Gordhara Infotech, which said it did not know of the people referred to in them, the complaint added. The FIR also states the accused has a network, naming the others as Bindesh Rameshbhai Sharma, Ganeshkumar Pravinbhai, Leena Ramanbhai Arya, and Manojbhai Karangiri Goswami. HT has seen a copy of the FIR. Patel did not respond to requests by HT to share more details about his interaction. A web spread over many cities During police questioning, the two suspects shared details of how the network worked it penetrated deep into villages, where touts would seek out people interested in sending family members to the US and Canada. The touts would convince these people to take loans from banks or private agents. Once the people were convinced and had the money, the touts put them in touch with sub-agents in Ahmedabad, who would in turn be connected to the scams four kingpins, said the official, citing the disclosures by Vriya and Sahil. The official said the touts made up the first level, followed by the second with what they described as sub-agents in Ahmedabad, who are estimated to be 10 in number. The third level are the kingpins who are located in US and Canada themselves. They also have agents in Dubai, who arrange the flights from Ahmedabad to one of the European cities, from where they hop onto at least one more location. The modus operandi after departure is not novel, having been deployed for long in what is known as the donkey route. The term is devised from the Punjabi word dunki, which means to hop from place to place. It refers to an illegal method in which people cross a countrys borders through a back-door route with multiple stops in other countries with the last leg often being a treacherous land or sea crossing. The official said the syndicate charges each person between 70 and 80 lakh to reach US including air tickets, their stay in between, and cash. Of that amount, the local agents get between 1.5 lakh and 2 lakh, sub agents get between 5 and 6 lakh, and 3 lakhs is spent on documentation, tickets and other expenses. What remains, which is a large chunk, all goes to the four at the top of the syndicate. They have all been identified, added this person. One of these men is from Punjab and the police have found social media accounts linked to him explaining the process and the route to illegal immigration. The state police have appointed five investigating officials from CID who are questioning the suspects, families and victims who have paid the touts and the agents. Sophisticated operations CID officials probing the case said the suspects used SIM boxes for their communications, making tracking difficult. A SIM box diverts international calls to a mobile device through the internet and back, helping treat cross-country calls as local calls and making traceability difficult. The syndicates bosses also used a virtual private network (VPN) to further keep their tracks covered when they logged into their social media accounts. A few families HT spoke to in Gujarat said the agents had convinced them that if their son or daughter is caught, they have lawyers on their team to fight their cases. Till the investigation is carried out, they also help them work for hourly basis and are paid $6 after guarantee by their sponsors. Police said this is a complete network starting from India to US. Some of the victims are not even ready to complain and many often turn hostile in court after settlement with agents, said another senior official, asking not to be named. Also Read: Immigration bottlenecks pushing US behind China, Security experts write to Congress to expedite green card reforms The touts and private travel agents are absconding and teams have been formed for their arrests, said police. A total of 96,917 Indians attempted to enter the US illegally in 2022-23, signalling a 51.6% jump from the previous year, according to data made available by the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). At least 41,770 of those Indians attempted to enter the US via the Mexican land border, CBP data shows. New Delhi: The government has permitted Indian banks to import gold from the United Arab Emirates at concessional duty within a specified annual quantity under the free trade agreement between the two countries, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. India imports most of its gold requirement. The government has significantly liberalised norms for gold imports from the UAE under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to include both qualified jewellers and banks authorised by the Reserve Bank of India, they said, requesting anonymity. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Indian importers can take 1% duty advantage to import up to 140 tonnes of gold from the UAE in 2023-24. A recent notification issued by the revenue department on Friday specified eligibility criteria to avail the tariff rate quota, a government official said. Qualified jewellers were notified by the International Financial Services Centres Authority through the India International Bullion Exchange. READ | Centre imposes import restrictions on certain gold jewellery, articles Under the trade pact, the UAE offered India immediate zero duty market access for export of gold jewellery (the import duty was 5%) in exchange for tariff rate quota for gold, which was fixed at 110 tonnes in 2022-23 and 140 tonnes in 2023-24. It would be gradually raised to 200 tonnes over five years. Effectively, Indian importers can import UAE gold by paying 14% duty, instead of prevalent rate of 15%, said the second person, a trade expert. The development was tune with the governments focus to boost domestic jewellery manufacturing, said Ajay Sahai, director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, a lobby group. A 1% concessional duty import of gold made precious metal cheaper for value addition, he said. This is one of the major benefits of the free trade agreement, which helped Indias competitiveness in the sector, said Ashok Seth, regional chairman of the northern region at the Gem Jewellery Export Promotion Council, an industry body. India and the UAE signed the agreement on February 18, 2022, which came into force on May 1, 2022. After the deal, bilateral goods trade in 2022-23 stood at $84.84 billion. Indias exports to the UAE saw about 13% year-on-year jump at $31.6 billion, while imports increased by about 19% to $53.23 billion, which included about $27 billion worth of petroleum and petroleum products. The pace of trade growth in terms of value, however, slowed in the current financial year up to October for two main reasons, higher base effect and significant decline in rates of key commodities, Sahai said. While Indias exports to the UAE fell by 0.78% at $18.08 billion in April-October, imports from the country contracted over 21.34% at $24.9 billion. The UAE is the second-biggest source of gold for India with $3.9 billion of imports in April-October, after Switzerland (about $12 billion in the same period), official data show. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said he has not received an invitation for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya to be held on January 22. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar (HT FILE) I have not been invited to the inauguration of Ram Temple...BJP is doing politics in the name of Ram temple...The ruling party does not have any concrete program to garner people's support, so it seems they are trying to create a different opinion, Pawar was quoted by ANI as saying. Dont know if it (BJP) is using the issue for political or commercial purposes. We are happy that the temple is coming up for which many have contributed," he was quoted by PTI as saying. Pawar-led NCP's ally Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has said it does not need an invitation to party president Uddhav Thackeray to visit Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here We are in Ayodhya before BJP There is no need for Uddhav Thackeray to be invited to Ayodhya. We are in Ayodhya before you (the BJP), Sena MP Sanjay Raut was quoted by PTI as saying. Earlier in the day, a Trinamool Congress leader had said that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will not attend the grand ceremony in Ayodhya. There is no question of Mamata Banerjee or any other representative of the TMC attending the Ram Mandir inauguration at Ayodhya next month. We don't believe in mixing politics with religion, a senior TMC leader said. TMC's rival Communist Party of India (Marxist) has already turned down the invitation for the ceremony. However, there is a division within the opposition INDIA bloc on whether to attend the ceremony or not. The Congress thanked the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust but has not revealed its stand on attending the consecration ceremony that will witness the participation of nearly 6,000 people including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. They have invited us, we are very much thankful to them for inviting us, let us (see)," said Congress general secretary KC Venugopal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which was in the news over issuing a red alert after heavy rains started in Tamil Nadu this month, plans to deploy high-performance computing to improve extreme weather forecast ahead of the completion of the agencys 150 years in 2025. The computing to improve extreme weather forecast will be deployed ahead of the completion of the IMDs 150 years in 2025. (ANI) Union earth sciences ministry secretary M Ravichandran cited the need for more understanding of changes in weather patterns and said they will install advanced computing systems to do that. These can provide very high-resolution observations...improving from 12 km to 6 km resolution. We have some of the worlds highest-resolution models...at par with any other country. We are not inferior to anybody, said Ravichandran in response to a question on plans to improve the forecast of extreme weather events such as the Tamil Nadu rainfall. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Ravichandran, who was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of IMDs new logo on Tuesday ahead of its foundation day on January 15, cited the proximity to the tropics and said the sudden weather patterns are more dynamic than in other places. We need to put more effort compared to extra-tropics or polar regions. He said there was a forecast for very high rainfall for Tamil Nadu but IMD could not say five days in advance how extreme rain would be. ...90 cm rainfall event [parts of Thoothukudi recorded 95 cm rainfall in 24 hours on December 17] nobody expected and no model predicted. We looked at a suite of models from Europe, the US, Japan, India, etc but no models managed to capture this kind of extreme rain. This is because of the coastal influence and sudden development of convection. We are putting effort to see how this barrier can be overcome. IMD has faced flak for failing to forecast extreme weather. Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin blamed the weather office for failing to forecast heavy rains in the state on December 17 and 18 and issuing the red alert after the downpour started. Union earth sciences minister Kiren Rijiju, who launched the new logo, said cyclones and severe weather conditions would cause disasters and kill thousands. Our forecasting system improved and we have adequate time for preparation. He added there have not been many casualties due to cyclones. There are still damages to property and other resources. He cited the glacial lake burst in Sikkim and cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh and the loss of lives they caused and said IMD was striving to predict them. ...there is no technology to predict cloudbursts because they happen in very small regions with a sudden accumulation of the water particles that bring downpours. We are looking to install a lot of observatories. Rijiju said IMD is considering weather management through geoengineering processes such as cloud seeding to deal with extreme weather. We can manage the weather. The technology is there...It is very interesting and has to be considered carefully. Weather management may sound unnatural but for the safety of humanity if required it can be used. It has moral and environmental implications. It is a very sensitive matter. Ravichandran said rain can also be suppressed with cloud seeding. The opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh has left the opposition INDIA bloc parties divided over whether to attend the inauguration on January 22. The Ram Temple inauguration will take place on January 22. (HT) Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav on Tuesday announced she will attend the inauguration if invited, while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) declined the invitation, saying that religion was being used as an instrument for political gain. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Another INDIA ally, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), said it will take a call only after being invited, underlining that Thackarey had been to Ayodhya earlier. The Trinamool Congress hasnt taken any decision and two Congress functionaries maintained that the party may decide at a later stage as to who might attend the event. The issue has to be handled cautiously, a Congress functionary said. We had respected the split verdict of the Supreme Court on the Ayodhya land dispute and said we favour the construction of a Ram temple. In this context, our stand has to be calibrated, he said, declining being named. If we boycott the inauguration ceremony, it might send a contradicting signal. READ | BJP's focus on Ram Temple message to its leaders, workers ahead Lok Sabha polls Any decision of who will attend or if the Congress president will attend or not will be taken at a later stage, an aide of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, requesting anonymity. Nearly a month is left for the event. The Ram Temple issue came up during discussions at the fourth meeting of the INDIA parties on December 19. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin had cautioned the allies that the Bharatiya Janata Party will try to set a narrative to its advantage and the opposition should be able to counter it. Yadav was the first INDIA ally to announce that she was ready to attend the inauguration. If I get an invitation, I will definitely go. If I dont get an invitation, I will go later, she told the media. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) leaders said that Thackeray has not yet got an invitation. As of now, Shiv Sena (UBT) party president Uddhav Thackeray has not received any invitation for the inauguration of Ram Temple at Ayodhya. If Thackeray gets the formal invitation in coming days, he will take the decision on it. Besides that, in past Uddhav Thackeray have visited the Ayodhya on his own and we can go Ayodhya on our own in the future, spokesperson Sachin Ahir said. READ | 'Name Sitaram but...': VHP slams Yechury for turning down Ram Temple invite Sena leader Sanjay Raut pointed to the link between Shiv Sainiks and the movement for building the temple. Those who are asking what is the contribution of Uddhav Thackeray, say what is your contribution? When the Ayodhya movement was going on, those who consider themselves warriors today ran away from there and at that time Balasaheb Thackeray came forward and said I am proud of Shiv Sainiks who have done this work for the Ram Temple, he told news agency ANI. The CPI(M), another important constituent of the INDIA allies, however, clarified that it will not attend the event. The CPI(M) general secretary, comrade Sitaram Yechury, has received an invitation to attend the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The CPI(M) policy has been to respect religious beliefs and safeguarding the right of every individual to pursue their belief, its Politburo said in a statement. It believes that religion is a personal choice not to be converted into an instrument for political gain. Therefore, we will not be attending the ceremony. Our party will not attend the pran pratishtha (consecration of the deity) ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, party leader Brinda Karat said. We respect religious beliefs but they are connecting a religious programme with politics. This is politicisation of a religious programme. This is not right. The Trinamool Congress is yet to take a call if West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee or party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee would attend the event or not. As of now, there is no such plan, a leader said, seeking anonymity. India and Russia on Wednesday agreed to explore ways to expand the export of Russian energy, including oil and coal, to Indian markets as external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his counterpart Sergey Lavrov charted a course for future cooperation between the two countries. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attend a meeting with in Moscow(via REUTERS) Jaishankar, who is on a five-day visit to Russia, met Lavrov for a sweeping review of bilateral relations, including cooperation in energy and military-tech, following his talks on Tuesday with deputy prime minister Denis Manturov that largely focused on trade and investment. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Read here: At Jaishankar, Sergey Lavrov meeting, a push to expand export of Russian energy Despite pressure from the US and its European partners following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India ramped up purchases of Russian energy and other commodities such as fertilisers. The Indian side has consistently called for the end of hostilities in Ukraine but has refrained from publicly criticising Russias actions. Following his talks with Jaishankar, Lavrov described energy cooperation as a strategic area of the overall relationship that Russia intends to strengthen. He told a joint news conference: We agreed on the expansion of the exports of Russian hydrocarbons to the Indian market as well as the cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Jaishankar described Russian supplies of energy, coking coal and fertilisers as very big components of bilateral trade and said the two sides talked about long-term arrangements for these commodities. How do we reach long-term arrangements in that regard was a big part of our discussion, he said. India has a very substantial energy relationship with Russia in terms of investments in Russian oil and gas, which we are seeking to expand, Jaishankar said. The two sides are also looking to expand cooperation in nuclear energy. Yesterday [Tuesday], we signed two important amendments which will take the Kudankulam nuclear power project forward, he added. On Tuesday, India and Russia signed agreements to move forward with future units of the Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu, which will have six reactors with a capacity of 1,000 MW each. The first two reactors became operational in 2014 and 2016 and work is underway on two more. Both sides havent offered details of the agreements though people familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity that they are related to the fifth and sixth reactors, construction of which began in 2021. Despite Indias agreements with the US and France on civil nuclear cooperation, Russia is currently the only country building atomic reactors in India. Lavrov described Russias involvement in this sphere as our practical contribution to Indias activities and work to satisfy its national needs for clean and safe energy. The two sides also discussed prospects for cooperation in piloted space programmes, rocket engines, satellite navigation systems and military hardware. Lavrov said Russia is respectful of Indias aspiration to diversify its military and technical links and is ready to support efforts to produce military equipment under the Make in India initiative. More than 60% of the equipment and weapons systems used by Indias armed forces continue to be of Russian origin, though New Delhi has stepped up efforts in recent years to acquire more Western platforms such as submarines, long-range transport aircraft, and helicopters. The Ukraine conflict and the situation in Gaza, Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific also figured in the meeting between Jaishankar and Lavrov. Indias position on the issue of Ukraine reflects its responsible approach towards regional and global issues based primarily on national interests and the interests of fair international cooperation, Lavrov said. India and Russia have a shared interest in Eurasia and surrounding waters to seek solutions that would not provoke any confrontational approaches which are sometimes brought to the region from the outside, Lavrov said. The two sides further discussed ways to bolster trade and connectivity, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), establishing the Chennai-Vladivostok sea route, and cooperation in exploring the northern polar sea route. They also talked about cooperation in Russias Far East and at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (Brics) grouping. The Russian side reiterated its support for Indias permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council. Responding to a question on the Western perception that Indias relationship with Russia is a handicap, Jaishankar said Moscow is a very valued and time-tested partner for New Delhi. Its a relationship from which both India and Russia have benefited enormously. My presence here today and...all the developments I have pointed out, including our growing trade, investments, military-technical cooperation and connectivity projects, I think all of this will give you a good sense of really the importance and the value that we attach to the relationship, he said. Lavrov, in his opening remarks, said: Our cooperation is of a strategic nature, strengthening it corresponds to the national interests of our states [and] the interests of maintaining security in the Eurasian continent. Jaishankars visit assumed greater significance as India and Russia could not hold their annual leaders summit for the second consecutive year. Responding to a question on this issue, Jaishankar said this years annual meetings could not be held because of Indias G20 presidency and certain preoccupations. He added, But Im very confident that we will see an annual summit next year. Read here: Vladimir Putin invites PM Modi to visit Russia next year The external affairs minister also reiterated Indias concerns about the imbalance in trade with Russia, which rose to $50 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow further this year because of New Delhis purchases of Russian energy. Today, we appreciated the fact that our trade is at an all-time high. We crossed $50 billion turnover last year. We expect to exceed that this year and what is important is that this trade is more balanced, sustainable and provides for fair market access, he said. An initial probe into the debris recovered from the Merchant Vessel (MV) Chem Pluto, which was struck by a missile while sailing in the Arabian Sea on its way to New Mangalore Port, points to the use of Iranian Shahed 136 loitering ammunition in the attack, according to people aware of the matter. The missile debris is being examined by Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Pune (HT) The missile debris is being examined by Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Pune, which is likely to give a full report in a week, the people added, asking not to be named. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Based on the Russian Geran-2 expendable drone, the Shahed 136, with delta wings, has a range of 2,500km and a warhead of 50kg. The Indian Navy has recovered what appears to be the burnt out wings of the loitering ammunition, the person cited above said. Possible burnt-out wings of the loitering ammunition. READ | Ship docks in Mumbai safely after drone strike While initially it was thought that two Iranian vessels MV Saviz (general cargo and 100 nautical miles off the attacked ship) and MV Artenos (Bulk carrier 280 nautical miles of MV Chem Pluto) -- could be involved in firing the missile, nothing was found on these two vessels when the Indian Navy boarded them after the incident, a second person said. The MV Chem Pluto was heading from Saudi Arabias Al Jubail port to New Mangalore when it was struck 217 nautical miles off Indias Gujarat coast. The MV Chem Pluto, a chemical tanker carrying a 22-member crew of which 21 were Indians, flies under the Liberian flag. It was heading from Saudi Arabias Al Jubail port to New Mangalore when it was struck 217 nautical miles off Indias Gujarat coast. The ship was escorted to Mumbai by coast guard patrol vessel Vikram on Monday. A group of naval explosive experts carried out an initial assessment that confirmed a drone attack. Though Iran has dismissed US allegations that Tehran was involved in targeting the MV Chem Pluto, the first person cited above said that the initial assessment of the debris by experts points the needle towards Iran, and not towards the Houthi militia in South Yemen or other Iran-backed Shia groups in Iraq such as the Kaitab Hezbollah. READ | Why Iran-backed Houthi attack on MV Chem Pluto is a threat to global maritime security As war rages in West Asia between Israel and the Hamas leadership in Gaza, the situation in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea has become unstable with the targeting through drones and ballistic missiles of commercial vessels with even a tenuous connection to Israel. These events have made the commercial shipping mega-companies jittery, and some are exploring the possibility of using the northern sea route off the coast of Russia for trade to Japan and China. The other option to reach Europe is via the Cape of Good Hope, but it is much longer and more expensive, adding to the cost of transported goods. The Indian Navy is playing its part in securing the shipping lanes from missile while keeping Somali pirates at bay off the Gulf of Aden. At present, an Indian Navy guided missile destroyer is near the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint in Red Sea, another is south of the Yemeni island of Socotra, a third one off the Gulf of Oman, and the fourth one in central Arabian Sea. As HT first reported on Tuesday, these ships INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Chennai and INS Mormugao have been deployed to protect commercial ships from missile-drone attacks in West Asia. As Indias latest stealth destroyer INS Imphal prepares for its operational deployment on the high seas to further boost the Indian Navys readiness in a challenging and vast strategic expanse, the warships commanding officer Captain Kamal Kumar Choudhury said it will be a globally deployable versatile platform, and its forward presence will help secure the countrys growing economic and military interests. In an interview to Rahul Singh on board the destroyer, Choudhury spelt out his top priorities, the challenges faced by the commissioning crew of a warship, the multi-mission capabilities of INS Imphal, how it will enhance Indias sea power, and the historic firsts associated with the destroyer. Edited excerpts: Stealth destroyer INS Imphal, which has multi-mission capabilities, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Tuesday. What will be your top priorities in the coming months? The immediate focus will be on conducting trials of the Barak-8 medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) system. It will provide air defence against all kinds of aerial threats. Completing the aviation trials is equally critical for helicopter operations by day and night. All other weapons and systems were fully tested before the commissioning, including the extended-range BrahMos supersonic missile, Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets. Once INS Imphal is integrated with the navys Western Fleet, we will be ready for deployment anywhere. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here What does it feel like to be the commissioning captain of a frontline destroyer? To commission a new warship, and that too a destroyer, as a captain is the opportunity of a lifetime. I have been in service for almost 26 years, and I am telling you that it is the best job you can ever get in the Indian Navy. This happens to be my third commissioning. The first one was guided missile frigate INS Talwar in 2003 at St Petersburg in Russia. At the time, I was a gunnery officer and in charge of the forward-mounted 100 mm gun. I was also the executive officer (second-in-command) when guided missile destroyer INS Kochi was commissioned in 2015. Can you talk about the challenges faced by the commissioning crew of a warship? The biggest challenge is that you are starting from scratch. You have to set up the warships organisation from scratch. In an operational ship, only a part of the crew is new and amalgamates with the rest of the ship. In the navy, a third of the crew moves in and out of a ship every year. There is some continuity. In commissioning, everyone comes from a different background. Some may be familiar with that class of ship, and others not. But all of them must fit together and put the platform through its paces. They must do many things for the first time. There is no previous experience to draw from. Starting a new organisation without any past references is the biggest challenge. But therein lies a great opportunity too. Whatever you thought should happen in the navy through your service, you have an opportunity to make that happen on the ship. Can you elaborate on the capabilities of the destroyer? INS Imphals multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities will allow it to tackle the full spectrum of maritime threats. The modern platform clearly demonstrates the maturity of indigenous technological and shipbuilding prowess. It is the first Indian warship to have fired the BrahMos missile before its commissioning. It shows we are able to commission ships that are combat ready. The missile arms INS Imphal with the capability to strike enemy ships and shore installations with precision at extended ranges. INS Imphal can accommodate two multi-role helicopters including the US-origin MH-60R and the indigenous advanced light helicopter. It is capable of blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions --- air, surface, underwater and electronic. In anti-air warfare, the MRSAM weapon complex including the MFSTAR (multi-functional surveillance and threat alert radar) can take down take down any kind of aerial threat. In anti-surface warfare, we have the capability to carry out long-range surveillance and engagement of surface and land targets. In the anti-submarine domain, the weapon fit consists of torpedoes and rockets. The warships sensor suite is advanced and tailored for multi-dimensional surveillance. It consists of the MFSTAR active phased array radar, RAWL 02 MK-IIA air search radar, surface surveillance radar, bow-mounted HUMSA-NG sonar, and the Shakti and Nayan electronic surveillance systems that provide a continuous, all-round and multi-dimensional surveillance bubble around the warship. The warship is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems that can detect and track all types of threats. We can launch countermeasures against them. INS Imphal has been commissioned at a time when Chinas influence is rising in the Indian Ocean region. It also faces other challenges. Your thoughts? The multi-mission destroyer will add to Indias already formidable maritime might. It is a major combatant. From the smallest peace-time challenge to fighting under NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) warfare conditions, this destroyer is a potent platform. It is equipped with cutting-edge capabilities, the best that the Indian Navy has today. She has long legs and can operate wherever Indias maritime interests lie, be it the Indian Ocean region or beyond. INS Imphal can operate independently or as part of a carrier battle group. It can and will accomplish any assigned mission. The warship has many historic firsts... Like I said, it is the first warship to have fired the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile before its commissioning. It is also the first warship with separate accommodation for women officers and sailors. We can currently accommodate eight women officers and 12 sailors. Right now, there is only one woman officer on board. She is the deputy logistics officer and the first woman to be part of a warships commissioning crew in the Indian Navys history. It is also the first warship to be named after a city in the countrys North-East. Authorities in Israel have cautioned the countrys citizens in India to avoid public places and not to participate in crowded events following a low-intensity blast near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi that resulted in a high alert in the Indian capital. Security personnel and FSL team scan the area behind the Israeli embassy in the national capital after a low-intensity blast on Tuesday. (Vipin Kumar/ HT Photo) An advisory issued by Israels National Security Council said a bomb exploded near the embassy on Tuesday and that Israeli citizens in India, particularly those in New Delhi, should avoid crowded locations such as malls and markets. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Nobody was injured and no damage to property was reported from the site of the blast on Tuesday evening, police officers said. A letter addressed to the Israeli envoy was found at the site during an extensive search by security agencies. Israels deputy chief of mission, Ohad Nakash Kaynar, said after the blast that all diplomats were safe and Israeli security teams were cooperating with Indian authorities to investigate the matters. Israels National Security Council, in the advisory issued in Hebrew, said it was possible that the blast was an attack. It urged Israelis living in India to avoid going to crowded places such as malls and markets, and places identified as being frequented by Western or Jewish and Israeli elements. Israeli citizens should maintain increased vigilance in public places, including restaurants, hotels and bars, and avoid displaying Israeli symbols, the advisory said. It further cautioned Israeli nationals to avoid participating in events with many participants that are not secure, and to avoid posting details of their trips on social media, both before the journey and in real time. A police officer, who asked not to be identified, said a preliminary investigation suggested there was a high-intensity cracker blast in a wooded area on Prithviraj Road behind the Israeli embassy. A loud sound was heard by a few people at the embassy, a security guard at a nearby building, and a police official, the officer added. The typed letter wrapped in a flag that was found at the site mentioned Israels actions in Palestine, people aware of the matter said. The incident occurred amid the Israel-Hamas conflict triggered by the October 7 terror attacks by the militant group. While 1,200 people died in the terror attacks, Israels bombardment of Gaza has killed nearly 21,000 people and injured around 55,000. In January 2021, a low-intensity blast outside the Israeli embassy in New Delhi left a crater and damaged three cars, though nobody was killed or injured. Earlier, in February 2012, an unidentified motorcyclist placed a sticky bomb on an Israeli embassy car, injuring an official and the driver of the vehicle. Latha Rajinikanth, wife of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, has spoken out against the cheating case filed against her in connection with the Tamil film Kochadaiiyaan after she was granted bail by a Bengaluru court on Tuesday. Latha denied the allegations claiming it is the price we pay for being celebrities. Latha Rajinikanth speaks on the cheating case filed against her. For me, it's a case of humiliation and harassment and exploitation of a popular person. This is the price we pay for being celebrities. So there may not be a big case, but the news becomes very big. There is no fraudulence, Latha Rajinikanth told ANI. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Chennai-based Ad Bureau Advertising Pvt Ltd has filed a case of cheating against her concerning the rights of the 2014 movie. The complainant claimed to have lent 10 crore to Media One, one of the producers of the film, and has alleged that Latha Rajinikanth signed as a guarantor. I have nothing to do with the money that is being reported. That is between Media One and the concerned people. They have already settled and the topic is between them. I made sure as a guarantor that they have been paid. On Tuesday, an additional chief metropolitan magistrate court granted her bail upon furnishing a 1 lakh personal bond and 25,000 in cash, reported Deccan Herald. In October, the Supreme Court restored the charges against Latha Rajinikanth in the matter. "Accordingly, the SLP(Crl) No. 9818/2022 and SLP(Crl.) No. 8327/2022 is disposed of by restoring the final report filed. However, liberty is granted to the petitioner(s) in SLP(Crl.) No.8327/2022 to file an appropriate application, if so advised, seeking discharge," the court said. "We make it clear that if such application is filed on behalf of the petitioner(s), the findings rendered under the impugned order will not stand in the way, and the Trial Court is directed," the court said. "Taking into consideration the further submissions made, the physical presence of the petitioner-accused shall stand dispensed with until and unless the same is required by the Trial Court," the court said. "We further make it clear that we have not expressed any opinions on the merits of the case and it is well open to the parties to resolve the issue, also through mediation," the court said. Law enforcement authorities in Dubai have placed Sourabh Chandrakar, the 28-year-old co-owner of Mahadev Online Book (MOB) betting platform, under round-the-clock surveillance to prevent him from fleeing the United Arab Emirates (UAE), an officer close to the development told HT. Sourabh Chandrakar, co-owner of Mahadev Online Book betting platform.(HT File) MOB co-promoter Ravi Uppal, 43, was detained by Dubai authorities last fortnight and is awaiting extradition to India. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and several police units in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and other states in India are investigating MOB platform which runs approximately 60 sites and has 2000 panels or branches for illegal betting and money laundering. According to the ED, the two MOB promoters were making a profit of 30- 40 lakh per panel or branch every month until the crackdown. While Chandrakar ran a small juice shop in the town until 2017, Uppal too ran a small business pertaining to tyres. After the two men pooled resources, they began building an online betting empire through ersatz call centres that operate closed WhatsApp and Telegram groups and used benami bank accounts to receive and launder money, as per the ED investigation so far. READ | Mahadev app row: Inside the dark mirror world of gambling apps The Mahadev Book was incorporated as Mahadevbook Markets Limited at Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean on June 21, 2021 and soon after which Uppal and Chandrakar moved to Dubai. In February this year Chandrakar got married at a lavish ceremony Ras Al-Khaimah in the UAE for which, ED claims, he spent over 200 crore. That money too is under investigation as proceeds of crime. The Interpol had issued a Red Corner Notice against Chandrakar this October, and now that his Dubai residence and his presence there has been ascertained, its a matter of weeks before he is extradited to India, after the requisite permission from a Dubai court, said the officer speaking on the condition of anonymity. The MOB franchisee model that started in 2019 across India, ran on a 30:70 profit sharing ratio with the Dubai-based head office (HO) controlled by Chandrakar and Uppal, with the larger sum going to the two men. READ | Mahadev betting case: App owner Ravi Uppal detained in Dubai Its the EDs case that Uppal and Chandrakar bought assets in the UAE, London, Sri Lanka and Australia and routed money through the Cayman Islands. The ED has identified MOB assets worth 100 crore in Dubai which mostly consists offices and villas used to lodge their employees. So far, the ED has seized or frozen assets worth 567.02 crore. Chandrakar and Uppal are among the 14 accused named in EDs first charge sheet submitted before a special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court in Raipur in October. The ED had earlier approached the Interpol for a Red Corner Notice against the duo via the Central Bureau of Investigation. After Chandrakar and Uppal failed to honour the summons issued on September 1 and September 2 under a provision of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, ED filed an application before the special court in Raipur requesting for open-ended non-bailable warrants against the two, officials said. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is unlikely to attend the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 next year, a senior Trinamool Congress leader told news agency PTI on Wednesday. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Sources in the TMC told the agency that neither the chief minister nor any representative of the West Bengal government or the party will be present at the event. "There is no question of Mamata Banerjee or any other representative of the TMC attending the Ram Mandir inauguration at Ayodhya next month. We don't believe in mixing politics with religion," a senior TMC leader told PTI. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The TMC's stand on the Ayodhya event comes a day after Communist Party of India (Marxist) turned down the invitation, with its boss Sitaram Yechury saying religion is a personal choice. Our policy is to respect religious beliefs and the right of each individual to pursue their belief. Religion is a personal choice not to be converted into an instrument for political gain. Comrade Sitaram Yechury will not attend the ceremony despite receiving an invitation to do so, he had said in a post on X. INDIA' divided over Ram temple ceremony However, the Ram temple consecration event in Ayodhya has left the opposition bloc INDIA divided. Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav had said she will attend the event if invited. Shiv Sena (UBT) faction leader Sanjay Raut said there was no need for an invitation to party chief Uddhav Thackeray to visit Ayodhya as his party has an old association with the UP town. "There is no need for Uddhav Thackeray to be invited to Ayodhya. We are in Ayodhya before you (the BJP)," Raut was quoted by PTI as saying. The Congress has thanked the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the invitation but has not revealed its stand on whether top leaders will attend it. They have invited us, we are very much thankful to them for inviting us, let us (see), Congress general secretary KC Venugopal had said. Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who carried out a security review of the situation along the Line of Control on Wednesday, underlined the need for professional conduct and due diligence while carrying out counterterror operations, and said it was a soldiers duty not only to safeguard national interests but also win the hearts of people. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with the Army troops during his visit to the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir(Rajnath Singh twitter) Read here: There will be justice, Rajnath Singh tells kin of 3 dead civilians in Rajouri Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Interacting with soldiers in Rajouri, Singh asked them to stay extra vigilant so that no untoward incident occurs in future, reiterating that there should be zero-tolerance towards terrorism. At the same time, he also urged commanders on the ground to have zero-tolerance for violations of well-established standard operating procedures. His visit to the sensitive sector came days after four soldiers were killed in an ambush on December 21, and the custodial death of three civilians in an army camp the following day. The Indian Army is not an ordinary army. The soldiers are our protectors. It is their duty to not only safeguard national interests, but also to win the hearts of the people, he said. You all are the saviours of this nation, but I would also like to especially urge you that winning hearts of countrymen is also a big responsibility on your shoulders just like winning battles and winning the fight against terrorism. I know you keep striving for it. But it is possible that there may be a mistake, but such a mistake should not hurt any Indian citizen. The visit is significant as the area has been tense following the December 21 ambush at Dhatyar Morh in Surankote, and the custodial killings in a 48 Rashtriya Rifles camp. The army is facing a backlash against the custodial deaths. A graphic video that surfaced on social media after the incident suggested that the civilians were allegedly tortured. The 30-second clip, whose authenticity could not be verified by HT, showed a group of men in combat fatigues assaulting three half-naked men lying on the floor. The latter appeared to be civilians. Singh met the families of the deceased civilians, residents of Topa Peer village in Poonch district, and assured them of a speedy investigation into the incident and deliverance of justice, the defence ministry said in a statement. The country you are serving, it becomes imperative for you to actively stay connected with its people and gain their trust. You can play an important role in it, Singh said while addressing the soldiers. He paid tribute to the four soldiers killed in action and wished the three injured a speedy recovery. He said the government had viewed the incident seriously and steps were being taken to strengthen the security grid as every soldier was important to the country. Each soldier is member of our family and this is the feeling among the countrymen. If someone casts an evil eye on you, it will not be tolerated, he said. Singh said the welfare of the armed forces was the governments top priority and additional steps were being taken to bolster the security and intelligence framework in the region. On December 21, army vehicles were navigating a blind curve at a spot known as Dhatyar Morh between Dera ki Gali (DKG) area and Bulfiaz when they came under heavy fire from terrorists who are still on the run. The vehicles were carrying personnel to an active operation to nab terrorists in the DKG area, a few kilometres away. Terrorism in the region has returned to the spotlight after a series of attacks that have claimed the lives of several soldiers during the last one year. The attack was the sixth one since October 2021 in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, south of Pir Panjal mountains. As many as 29 army personnel, including two captains and two junior commissioned officers. were killed in those attacks. Singh made an assessment of the prevailing security situation as well as the counterterror operations in the area, the statement said. He was accompanied by army chief General Manoj Pande, who reached the area on December 25, and Northern Army commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi. He was given a detailed briefing on the security situation, counter-infiltration grid and the armys operational preparedness. He also discussed operating challenges with the commanders on the ground and emphasised necessary measures were being taken in view of the prevailing situation. He assured the soldiers that the government stood with the armed forces and the country would be forever indebted to them. He described the recent incidents in the sector as unfortunate and asked all ranks to undertake operations based on hard intelligence, in accordance with established procedures aided by niche technology. Read here: I have full faith: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on J&K visit after Poonch ambush Earlier, Pande asked soldiers to conduct operations in the most professional manner while remaining resolute and steadfast against all challenges, the statement said. He also underscored the armys commitment to respecting human rights and zero tolerance for violations. The army has already moved out three officers, including a brigadier, from Poonch pending a probe into the custodial deaths. The three civilians were among the nine people picked up by the army on December 22 from Topa Peer village for questioning. CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu police on Tuesday arrested Salem-based Periyar University vice-chancellor R Jagannathan for allegedly starting a private firm inside the university campus and for misappropriating public funds, an officer familiar with the matter said. Salem-based Periyar University vice-chancellor Prof R Jagannathan was arrested on Monday (Facebook/PeriyarUniversitySalem) The arrest was made following a complaint filed by the legal advisor of the Periyar University Employees Union, I Elangovan. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here In his complaint, filed before Salem City police commissioner B Vijayakumari, Elangovan has accused Jagannathan of direct interest in the private firm, PUTER (Periyar University Technology Entrepreneurship and Research) Foundation, allegedly located within the campus at Periyar University, police said. The company has four directors, including Jagannathan, and Registrar K Thangavel, the complainant has alleged. On November 6, the Periyar University administration placed a table agenda in the syndicate meeting to undertake educational programmes in collaboration with PUTER Foundation, following which the Association of University Teachers raised concerns alleging financial irregularities in the university. Their specific complaint is that the company was set up using the universitys resources and infrastructure for personal gain, the police said. The state government, too, has formed a committee to look into these complaints. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he aims to turn 20 million women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) into lakhpatis over the next three years, adding that his government was working to make cooperatives a strong part of rural life and scaling them up in sectors such as agriculture and fisheries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually interacts with the beneficiaries of various government programmes in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh as part of the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. (PTI) The comments came during a virtual interaction with the beneficiaries of various government programmes in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh as part of the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. The two-month yatra, which was kicked off by Modi on November 15, is a nationwide programme to reach out to citizens with the Centres welfare programmes. The campaign comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year, for which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre is pulling out all stops to ensure the saturation of its welfare schemes and a concerted awareness campaign about its achievements. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Modi said that in the past year, about 100 million sisters and daughters in the country joined SHGs. These sisters and daughters have been provided assistance of more than 7.5 lakh crore by the banks. To further expand this campaign, I have set a target of creating two crore lakhpati didis in the next three years, he said. He then called out to an individual named Rubina Khan and asked whether she would help him in his efforts. When specifically asked how many women from her group she wanted to turn into a lakhpati, she replied: I wish to make every woman in the country a lakhpati. As everyone present for the interaction burst into laughter, the PM quipped, It (Rubinas response) is a political reply. During his address, Modi also said that his government is working to make cooperatives a strong part of rural life. He asserted that cooperatives are being scaled up massively in sectors like agriculture and fisheries after making a mark in fields such as dairy and sugar production. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has reached hundreds of thousands of villages, Modi said. It has not been even 50 days since the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched, but till now, this yatra has reached 2.25 lakh villages. This is a record in itself the aim of the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra is to reach that person who, due to some reason, has been deprived of the schemes of the Government of India, he said. Through its proactive outreach, the government wants to ensure that the welfare schemes are available to everyone and without any discrimination, he said. I am searching for people who have been left out. Modi said it was a great source of satisfaction for him to see the self-confidence of people when he interacted with them. Every beneficiary across the country has a story about the changes in their lives in the last 10 years. It is a story full of courage, he said. Today, millions are using the government schemes as a medium to move ahead, he added. He also said that wherever Modi ki Guarantee ki Gaadi [car] is going, it is increasing confidence and fulfilling the hopes of the people. During the yatra, as many as 450,000 new applications have been filed for Ujjwala gas connection, 10 million Ayushman cards have been issued, 12.5 million health check-ups have been conducted, seven million people have been screened for tuberculosis, and 1.5 million sickle cell anaemia tests have been conducted, Modi said. He said that simultaneous issuing of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA Card) will create medical records of the beneficiaries. This will spread new awareness regarding health in the entire country, he said. Modi also interacted with other beneficiaries of government schemes. He greeted Harikrishan, a farmer from Thiruvallur in Tamil Nadu, who has successfully embraced modern agricultural practices. The event saw thousands of participants from various corners of the country, including Union ministers, MPs, MLAs, and local representatives. A 25-year-old police constable, who was shot by family members of a criminal during a raid late on Monday, has succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, police said. Three people have been arrested in the case, an officer said. Constable Sachin Rathi, a resident of Muzaffarnagar, was posted at Bishungarh police station in Kannauj and was to get married in February next year (HT Photo) Constable Sachin Rathi, a resident of Muzaffarnagar, was posted at Bishungarh police station in Kannauj and was to get married in February next year. He joined the police force in 2019. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here According to the police, Rathi was part of the police team that had gone to arrest a 50-year-old criminal, Ashok alias Munna Yadav, against whom a non-bailable warrant (NBW) was issued by a local court after he jumped bail. The accused has 20 cases, including those of murder, loot, attempt to murder, drug peddling, filed against him, an officer familiar with the matter said. The criminals wife is the former pradhan of the village, which is around 55 km from the district headquarters. On Monday night, police received information that Yadav was at home following which a team of Chhibramau and Vishnugarh police stations jointly laid siege to his house. Yadavs family members, however, opened fire at the personnel, injuring Rathi in the thigh and abdomen. He was rushed to Kanpur for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries, superintendent of police (Kannauj) Anand Kumar Anand said. Yadav, his son Tinku and his wife Shyama were later arrested in the case. Shyama is suspected to have provided arms and ammunition to her husband and son during the raid, he added. The police later recovered a double-barrel gun, two countrymade pistols and some crude bombs from Yadavs residence. Further investigations are underway, an officer said. Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met the families of the three civilians, who were allegedly tortured to death after they were picked up for interrogation in connection with last weeks terror attack on an army convoy in Jammu & Kashmirs Poonch district, and assured justice and an expeditious investigation into the matter. Defence minister Rajnath Singh meets families of the three men who were allegedly tortured in custody, in Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir on Wednesday. (Defence spokesperson) Read here: There will be justice, Rajnath Singh tells kin of 3 dead civilians in Rajouri Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here In a statement, the defence ministry said that Singh, who arrived in Rajouri-Poonch sector for a day-long visit to review the security situation, also met with the families of the deceased persons, residents of village Topa Peer of Bufliaz in Poonch district. The minister assured an expeditious investigation into the incident culminating into deliverance of justice, the statement added. On December 21, four soldiers were killed and three were injured in an ambush at Dhatyar Morh in Poonchs Surankote. Nine men were picked up for interrogation the next morning, and three of them Safeer Hussain (44), Showkat Ali (22) and Shabir Hussain (32) were found dead later in the day. The families of the deceased alleged they were tortured to death inside a 48 Rashtriya Rifles unit camp at Bafliaz. The recovery of the bodies triggered protests, prompting the army to commit to an investigation and move out three officers, including a brigadier. On Tuesday, a senior army officer apologised to the families of the three men and gave a cash compensation of 10 lakh each, according to a family member of one of the deceased. The civil administration also handed over cheques of 20 lakh each to the next of kin of the men on Saturday. Alis kin said Singh held a closed-door meeting of the three families on Wednesday and assured a thorough probe within a month into the civilian killings. We were taken to Rajouri this morning where we met defence minister Rajnath Singh. There were a total of six members from the three families. The defence minister told us that all our demands will be expeditiously fulfilled by the administration. He also assured to deliver justice and promised to complete the investigation within a month, Mohammad Sadeeq, Alis uncle and panch of Topa Peer village, said. On our demand for lands to the three families, the defence minister directed the administration to identify the land at Surankote or Potah since there is some sort of a fear (of army) among the families, he added. Sadeeq said that Singh also directed the civil administration to expedite the files and process to ensure a government job for one member of each family. Alis family said they reiterated their demand for stringent action against officers and soldiers of 48 RR found guilty in the civilian killings. We need justice. Why were the three innocent men tortured to death? We want to live peacefully as Indian citizens but the army here is terrorising the people, Sadeeq said. Those who lost their family members, will they ever be able to live in peace? Therefore, we want strict action against officers and soldiers involved in the torture, he added. Safeer Hussains elder brother Noor Ahmed, a BSF jawan who met Singh, said: The defence minister expressed his grief and apologised for the deaths. He assured us that the guilty wont be spared. Sadeeq alleged that five of the nine men who were picked up for interrogation and are undergoing treatment in Rajouri government medical college and hospital are yet to be provided compensation. The five injured have not received any compensation so far. They will never be able to work like normal human beings again. We demand that the salaries of the army men, who were behind this, be deducted for life and given to the victims, he said. According to people aware of the details, the ninth person was let off sometime after he was picked up for interrogation. Meanwhile, one of the injured persons recalled how they were thrashed with lathis and iron rods at the RR camp. They herded us into the camp and started raining lathis and iron rods on us. It looked as if they wanted to kill us. There were several soldiers who were beating us mercilessly, 36-year-old Mohammad Farooq, a labourer from Upper Pangai village in Thannamandi tehsil of Rajouri district, said. I have broken bones and limbs. My body is filled with injuries. Who will feed my family now and who will provide for the education of my only daughter, he added. Sadeeq earlier said the three men were tortured with acid and chilli powder and were also electrocuted. They were given third degree torture at the army post, he alleged. Read here: 'Must win hearts, not just battles: Rajnath Singh to army Jammu & Kashmir Police have registered an open first information report (FIR) under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code against unknown persons at Surankote police station. On Monday, army chief General Manoj Pande exhorted commanders on the ground to conduct operations in the most professional manner. Speculation about the future of Bihars ruling Janata Dal (United) was rife on Tuesday, as the day began with rumors of party president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh resigning from the post and ended with various sections of the outfit rejecting the rumors. HT Image Early on Tuesday, there were reports that Singh had tendered his resignation as JD(U) chief to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. Denying such reports, Singh told reporters in Delhi : I have not resigned from my post. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The developments came amid rumors of differences between the CM and the party president over the latter reportedly failing to convey Kumars national ambitions to other constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc formed to take on the BJP in the 2024 elections. Top JD(U) leaders said that Kumar was upset with some senior party leaders, including Lalan Singh, for not properly coordinating with INDIA bloc leaders about his national ambitions. The disquiet became more apparent after the fourth meeting of the opposition bloc in Delhi on December 19, when contrary to JD(U)s expectations, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharges name was pitched for the role of INDIA convener, instead of Kumars, by TMC supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Soon after the meeting, Kumar announced that the JD(U)s national council will meet on December 29, giving rise to speculation that the CM will again take charge of the party after relinquishing the post in 2020. Rushing to reject reports of disquiet in the party, state minister and party leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said, You speak of fissures in the JD(U). I say there is not even a scratch. We, in the party, have heard nothing of that sort, but you people give things whatever spin you wish and then drop it when it suits your news cycle, Chaudhary said, a day after the CM, while emphasizing he was not unhappy with Kharges name being pitched as convenor, said Our party is united. We will fight unitedly. But, a party functionary said that change in the leadership was inevitable and will take place in normal manner during national executive. The revenue clocked at the Sabarimala hill shrine during the ongoing Mandala-Makaravilakku annual pilgrimage season till December 25 was 204.3 crore, a senior official of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which administers the temple, said on Tuesday. The footfall of pilgrims at the Sabarimala temple crosses 3.1 million. (PTI) Exactly 204,30,76,704 was received through different ways including the sale of temple offerings like aravana and appam and donations. The figure is expected to go up once the coins in the donation boxes are fully counted, said PS Prasanth, president of the TDB. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Of the 204.3 crore, devotees gave 63.89 crore as kanikka (offering), 96.32 crore was generated through sale of aravana (a kind of pudding using red rice and jaggery) and 12.38 crore through sale of appam (a round sweet snack). The coins donated by the devotees as part of kanikka are still being counted and the figure is expected to go up, Prasanth said. The first phase of the pilgrimage season will culminate following the mandala pooja on December 27 with the temple doors closing at night. The hill shrine located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala will reopen its doors on December 30 for the Makaravilakku rituals. The main day of the Makaravilakku festival is January 15 and pilgrims would be able to offer prayers till January 20. The TDB president said that over 3.1 million pilgrims offered prayers at the temple between Nov 17 and December 25 during the pilgrimage season, indicating high footfall, especially from the neighbouring states. Over 725,000 pilgrims were given free food as part of annadanam of the TDB till December 25, he said. In recent days, there were widespread complaints of mismanagement of crowds at the temple, lack of basic facilities and abrupt control over vehicles heading to the shrine, leading to protests at several places. On Tuesday too, the second-last day of the Mandalam pilgrimage season, thousands thronged the areas around the hill shrine as the sacred jewellery to be adorned on the deity was carried into the sanctum sanctorum in the evening before the special deeparadhana puja. State temple affairs minister K Radhakrishnan and top officials of the TDB were in attendance at the temple for the festivities. Liliana Bakayoko, the lawyer of Legend Airlines whose plane was grounded in France over an allegation of probable human trafficking, said some passengers did not want to return to India because they had paid for a tourism trip to Nicaragua, news agency AP reported. The chartered plane carrying mostly Indians was stopped and 276 passengers were sent back to India. On Tuesday, they reached Mumbai. The Legen Airlines which carried them from the UAE on December 22 denied involvement in any wrongdoing and said some of the passengers had return tickets and hotel reservations. Passengers covered their faces as they landed in Mumbai on Tuesday after being grounded in France over allegations of trafficking. 303 people on board, 25 sought asylum in France 25 including two minors among the passengers sought asylum in France and the French authorities held two for allegedly being the facilitators of the supposed illegal immigration. The 25 were transferred to a special zone in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport for processing. Out of the 276 who returned to India, about two-thirds were from Punjab, 25% from Gujarat and the rest from several different states. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here What was the age group of the passengers? According to an HT report, around 150 passengers were in their mid-20s, and around 70 in their 30s. Rest were spread across all age groups. Who organised the alleged donkey flight? Legend Airlines lawyer told Indian Express that a non-European company booked the flight but they won't disclose the whether it is Indian or not. Most of the passengers reached Dubai in the last two months on work or tourist visas and from there they boarded the flight to Nicaragua. The two passengers who were initially detained on the allegations that they facilitated the alleged trafficking were released after they appeared before a judge. En route to Nicaragua, the plane stopped in France's Vatry Airport for refuelling when the police grounded te plane based on anonymous tp that it could be carrying human trafficking victims. The passengers were kept in the airport as it became a makeshift courtroom accommodating judges and lawyers to hear the case. The plane was authorised to leave on Monday. Why did the plane come to India, not UAE or Nicaragua? Liliana Bakayoko told Indian Express that most probably the Nicaguan authorities did not allow the passengers and neither did the UAE. "And the only country that expressed the willingness to help and to act quickly, to allow these people to go somewhere else and not to remain for a long time under these absolutely inappropriate conditions, was India," the lawyer said. The Telangana government on Tuesday issued a notice allowing citizens to pay pending challans at only a percentage of the original value. The government has launched a scheme under which it is offering 60 to 90 per cent discounts to the people on their traffic challan orders. Under the scheme, the government will be offering an 80 per cent discount on two and three-wheeler vehicles. Whereas, a 90 per cent discount will be offered to Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) buses. (File) The order said, Telangana State, Hyderabad has stated that in recent years, e-Challan pendency is in huge numbers and due to Covid-19 pandemic many of the vehicle owners have not paid e-Challans. Same time contact and non-contact enforcement was done, and large number of Traffic Challans were imposed. The huge pendency clearance is very difficult. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The scheme opened on Tuesday, December 26, and will continue till January 10, 2024. The order said, Many of vehicles like two-wheelers, three-wheelers are not able to pay above pending fines as these amounts are more than the cost of the vehicle. Hence, it is proposed to clear the huge pendency of traffic e-Challans by adopting specific criteria to clear the pending challans. He has requested to give discount on pending fine, wheeler wise. Under the scheme, the government will be offering an 80 per cent discount on two and three-wheeler vehicles. Whereas, a 90 per cent discount will be offered to Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) buses. However, the discount offered on challans issued for light motor vehicles like cars and heavy motor vehicles like trucks will be 60 per cent. The order read, In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 200 of the Motor Vehicle Act. 1988, Government hereby waive off fine amount of 80% for 2 wheeler vehicles and 3 wheeler vehicles, 90% for Telangana State Road Transport Corporation Buses and 60% for light motor vehicles/Heavy motor vehicles imposed under Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 through e-Challans which are not yet paid by owners with immediate effect. in relaxation of the orders issued in GO MS No.108, TR & B (Tr-I) Dept dt: 18-08-2011 as a one-time measure. The implementation of the discount on traffic challans is in line with the promises made in the election manifesto of the Congress party, which recently came to power in the state. As per the order, vehicle owners are required to visit the Telangana traffic e-challan website to review any pending challans against their vehicles and make the discounted payment online. According to media reports, it is estimated that approximately two crore traffic challans are currently pending throughout the state. Earlier this year, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari told the Parliament that over 4.73 crore challans worth 7,563.60 crore were issued in 2022 across India. He added that while 2,874.41 crore was collected, 4,654.26 crore stood pending. JAMMU: On a visit to Poonch-Rajouri in Jammu, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reached out to the families of the three civilians who died after being picked up for questioning after the December 21 ambush in which four Indian Army soldiers were killed and assured them that they would get justice. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha met families of the three civilians killed near the site of an anti-terrorist operation in Poonch (A. Bharat Bhushan Babu-X/ANI) Singh, who arrived in the Rajouri-Poonch sector on a day-long visit to review the security situation, also met with the families of the deceased persons, residents of village Topa Peer of Bufliaz in Poonch district. The minister assured an expeditious investigation into the incident culminating into deliverance of justice, the statement added. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Whatever has happened...there will be justice, the minister told reporters at the Government Medical College to meet the four men being treated for injuries, allegedly sustained during their torture by security forces. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande upon his arrival in Jammu and Kashmir (PTI) We were taken to Rajouri this morning where we met the defence minister. There were six members from the three families. The defence minister told us that the administration will address our demands. He also assured that we will get justice and promised completion of the investigations within a month, said Mohammad Sadeeq, panch of Topa Peer village and uncle of 22-year-old Showkat Ali, one of the three dead men. Singh, who also paid tributes to the soldiers killed in action, said the country would remain indebted to the soldiers for their sacrifice and underlined that it was their duty not to only safeguard the nations interests but also to win the hearts of the people. On December 21, four soldiers were killed and three were injured in an ambush at Dhatyar Morh in Poonchs Surankote. Nine men were picked up for interrogation the next morning, and three of them Safeer Hussain (44), Showket Ali (22) and Shabir Hussain (32) were found dead later in the day. The families of the deceased alleged they were tortured to death inside a 48 RR camp at Bafliaz. The Indian Army has moved out three officers, including a brigadier, and instituted a court of inquiry. Ahead of Wednesdays visit by the defence minister, a senior army officer also met the families of the three men on Tuesday and handed over an ex-gratia payment of 10 lakh to the next of kin of the three men on behalf of the army. On Saturday, the state administration handed over cheques of 20 lakh each to the families of the three deceased men. Mohammad Farooq, one of the five persons being treated for his injuries at the hospital before the ministers visit, said they were summoned to the camp on Friday, a day after the terrorist attack killed four soldiers. Farooq alleged that they were mercilessly beaten with sticks and iron rods, and chilli powder smeared on their wounds. Farooq said he was packed into an army vehicle on Friday and dumped by a roadside in Shahdara Sharief. I am the only bread earner of my family. I have been reduced to a pile of broken bones and limbs, he said. A tigress strayed into a quiet village in Pilbihit district of Uttar Pradesh, leapt onto a fragile wall, paced for a bit and then put herself to sleep, all while startled residents made a beeline for the spectacle and stood perilously, metres away from the feline, capturing the unfolding drama on their cellphones. The tigress rests on a wall of a house in Pilibhit on Tuesday. (PTI) As videos of the two-year-old tigress, which strayed out of the Pilibhit tiger reserve forest, went viral on social media, foresters rushed to the spot and cordoned her off from residents of Atkona village using feeble nets. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The onlookers, however, seemed blissfully unaware of the dangers of such proximity to a big cat. Hours later, the tigress was tranquilised and transported to the Mala forest range headquarters, said officials. Naveen Khandelwal, deputy director of the Pilibhit tiger reserve, said, A thorough physical examination of the tigress is being carried out by wildlife and veterinary experts to decide the further course of action regarding the big cats release. Experts, however, said the tigress seemed to be unwell and displaying symptoms of canine distemper, a viral illness that is often fatal for felines. Atkona village, despite being framed by the tiger reserve, is largely unused to such surprises, said residents. So, when the sound of barking dogs rang through the sky early on Monday, even before the sun began to streak the sky, Sindhu Singh and his family were caught by surprise. The rudely awoken family rushed out of their house to placate the dogs, only to run into a tiger, resting calmly near the wall of their house. The stunned family raised an alarm that roused the entire village, but did little to faze the two-year-old cat, which scaled the wall and made it home for the next few hours. Around her gathered a bemused village, with residents gauging that it was the opportune moment for photographs and videos. More discerning residents alerted forest authorities. The big cat remained calm and kept pacing the wall. It eventually sat first on its haunches and looked around at her audience, before licking her thick fur. She then eventually lay down on all fours, which is when forest guards struck her with a tranquiliser dart on her left thigh. Hours later, when the tranquiliser kicked in, the tiger tried to walk away, but was overpowered by forest guards, who shifted her into a cage. Wildlife experts, however, pointed out that the tigress made no attempt to escape for several hours, behaviour they called unusual. Ramesh Pandey, former field director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and currently inspector general of forests in the Union environment and forest ministry, said: It is quite strange that a big cat stayed at the same place for a prolonged period amid human presence and displayed no aggression or irritation. The Uttarakhand government is likely to implement stringent land laws, making it challenging for non-natives to buy land and own houses in the rural areas of the state's hills, according to multiple reports. The proposed law, influenced by the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act of 1972, aims to safeguard the interests of the state by limiting land acquisition in rural hill areas. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. (File Photo) The special committee, formed by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, submitted a report over a year ago, suggesting strict restrictions on land purchases in non-municipal hill regions. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A committee member said that the new law closely follows the Himachal Pradesh model, with a focus on preventing non-Uttarakhand natives from acquiring land in rural hill areas, reported The Statesman. The report also recommends capping land purchases in urban areas, addressing concerns about outside investors exploiting the state's resources. The background to this development lies in the historical oscillation of land policies in Uttarakhand. In 2003, then chief minister ND Tiwari allowed outsiders to purchase land in hill areas, albeit with a cap of 500 sqm. Subsequent governments, including the BJP-led administration under BC Khanduri, reduced this limit to 250 sqm to prevent large-scale land transactions. However, in 2017, then chief minister Trivendra Rawat lifted these restrictions to attract investments in hilly regions. Following protests in various districts, the state government formed a five-member committee to study a draft report submitted by a panel headed by ex-chief secretary Subhash Kumar in 2022. The recommendations may lead to a reinstatement of the 12.5-acre limit for land transactions in the hills, reported Times of India. Local residents, however, are advocating for stricter measures, including reducing the limit for municipal areas to 250 sqm and imposing a complete ban on rural land sales, according to the report. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday claimed that former Congress president Sonia Gandhis son-in-law Robert Vadra not only renovated a prime property in London, which is under investigation in the agencys probe against fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, but also stayed in it. Robert Vadra. (HT file) The agency also said Vadra and his alleged aide CC Thampi, a UAE-based businessman who was arrested in January 2020, purchased huge chunks of land in Faridabad and had financial transactions with each other. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The agency made the claims after filing a charge sheet against Thampi, an NRI businessman, and a British citizen, Sumit Chadha, who is said to be the brother-in-law of Bhandari, last week. A Delhi court took cognisance of the charge sheet on Tuesday and issued non-bailable warrants against Chadha. To be sure, Vadra has not been named as an accused in the charge sheet. ED has repeatedly claimed since 2020 that the property in question, 12 Ellorton House, Bryanston Square in London worth 1.9 million pounds belongs to Vadra whereas Thampi, Dubai-based controller of Sky Lite Investments FZE and owner of Holiday Group, played a crucial role in its purchase. READ | Robert Vadra back at ED office for questioning, says it is round 12 ...Investigation revealed that Sanjay Bhandari held various undisclosed foreign income and assets including following properties at no. 12 Bryanston Square, London and 6 Grosvenor Hill Court, London. These assets are proceeds of crime as per the provisions of PMLA, 2002. CC Thampi and Sumit Chadha have been found to be involved in the concealment and use of these proceeds of crime, ED said in a statement on Tuesday. On Vadra, the agency said, Investigation further revealed that Thampi is a close associate of Robert Vadra. Vadra not only renovated the aforesaid property at 12 Bryanston Square, London through Sumit Chadha but also stayed in the same. Further, Vadra as well as Thampi purchased huge chunk of land at Faridabad and had financial transactions with each other, the ED statement added. Bhandari, according to ED, had created a web of entities by engaging various individuals based in the UAE and the UK for the purpose of acquiring several properties outside India. READ | Sanjay Bhandari case: ED adds two fresh accused in supplementary chargesheet, Court reserves order on cognizance One such entity was Sky Lite Investment FZE, floated in Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah, UAE. The name of this company was later changed to Mayfair Investment FZE, with accused Thampi as its sole shareholder, ED has said. Property described as 12 Bryanston Square, London, was transferred to Sky Lite Investment FZE after extensive renovation and without any additional cost, the ED has said in its court documents. It is suspected that this property at Bryanston Sqaure was acquired through pay-offs in a petroleum deal during the UPA government in 2009. ED has said that Bhandari, who fled to the UK via Nepal in December 2016 after the NDA government booked him under the Officials Secrets Act, along with Thampi and Vadra had devised a scheme of money-laundering by way of transferring the proceeds of crime multiple times from one individual to another. HT reached out to Robert Vadra for a comment on the ED claims but there was no response till the time of going to press. In January 2020, he told HT: Its a free for all in this countrytruth has no place. Witch-hunt continues for almost a decade. Another decade more and we will be referring to what happened in 2010, 2011, 2012 and on and on. Bhandari, 61, is under investigation by multiple agencies, including ED, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Income Tax department and the Delhi Police, for money-laundering, violation of foreign exchange as well as black money laws, and the Official Secrets Act for having access to sensitive defence documents. The Indian government sent two extradition requests against the fugitive businessman which were certified by the then UK home secretary Priti Patel in June 2020, after which British authorities arrested him on July 15, 2020. The court, however, released him on bail pending extradition proceedings. A Westminster Court ordered his extradition to India in November 2022, but he has challenged it in the high court there. The arms dealer is also under investigation since 2019 by the CBI on charges of corruption in a 2,985-crore deal in 2009 to procure 75 PC-7 trainer aircraft from Swiss plane maker Pilatus Aircraft. President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia next year as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Russian leader at the Kremlin. So far, 21 annual summits have taken place alternatively in India and Russia.(File) "We will be glad to see our friend, Mr. Prime Minister Modi in Russia," Putin told Jaishankar. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Jaishankar, who is here on a five-day official visit to Russia, earlier met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. During a joint media appearance along with Lavrov after their talks, Jaishankar said he was confident that Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will meet for an annual summit next year. In his opening remarks earlier, Jaishankar said that the two leaders have been in frequent contact. The summit between the prime minister of India and the Russian president is the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between the two sides. "Honoured to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message. Apprised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of our ties," Jaishankar said in his post on X. So far, 21 annual summits have taken place alternatively in India and Russia. The last summit took place in New Delhi in December 2021. Putin also said that the trade turnover between Russia and India is growing, particularly on account of crude oil and high technology areas. "Our trade turnover is growing, for the second year in a row at the same time and at a steady pace. The growth rate this year is even higher than in the last year," he said. On Tuesday, Jaishankar held a "comprehensive and productive" meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on the bilateral economic cooperation during which they witnessed the signing of some "very important" agreements related to the construction of the future power-generating units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. The ties between India and Russia remained strong notwithstanding Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. India's import of Russian crude oil has gone up significantly despite increasing disquiet over it in many Western countries. Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday warned those behind the recent attacks on two India-bound merchant vessels in the Arabian sea and the Red Sea, saying the perpetrators would be brought to justice soon even as he highlighted the need to continuously develop the Indian Navys capabilities to secure maritime trade and the countrys interests. Union defence minister Rajnath Singh, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde along with officers on INS Imphal, during its commissioning ceremony into the Indian Navy at Mumbai naval base (Bhushan Koyande/ HT) The navy has stepped up surveillance in the region. We will hunt down the attackers even from the depths of the ocean. Strict action will be taken against them, he said, referring to last weeks attacks on MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea and MV Saibaba in the Red Sea. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Both vessels were carrying Indian crews. Speaking at the commissioning of Indias latest stealth destroyer INS Imphal at the Naval Dockyard, Singh said, The turbulence sea at sea has increased a bit. Indias growing economic and strategic power has led to jealousy and hatred in some quarters. The government has taken the recent drone attacks very seriously. READ | Navy to carry out 'forensic analysis' of drone attack in Arabian sea, deploys destroyers The Liberian-flagged MV Chem Pluto and Gabon-flagged MV Saibaba were attacked on December 23. Tensions in the Red Sea have escalated following a wave of drone and missile attacks against merchant vessels by Iran-backed Houthi rebels and trouble seems to be spilling over into the Arabian Sea. The attack on MV Chem Pluto carrying a crew of 22, including 21 Indians and a Vietnamese national, took place 217 nautical miles off Indias west coast. India plays the role of a net security provider in the entire Indian Ocean region. We will ensure that maritime trade in this region reaches greater heights. For this, together with our friendly countries, we will keep the sea lanes secure. We have full confidence in the ability and strength of our navy, he said. The Liberian-flagged MV Chem Pluto was escorted to Mumbai on Monday by coast guard patrol vessel Vikram, and a preliminary assessment by the navys explosive ordnance disposal specialists confirmed a drone attack. Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea after the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7. The Houthi rebels declared their support for Hamas. READ | 4 Indian Navy warships on high seas after strike Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said the navy had deployed four destroyers in the region to counter drone attacks on merchant shipping as well as piracy. He said P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, Dornier aircraft, Sea Guardian drones, helicopters and coast guard ships were also a part of the effort to secure the area. INS Imphal will not only tackle physical threats that emanate at or from the seas, but more importantly, through a demonstrated strength of an integrated Bharat, she will deter nefarious designs trying to subvert our national unity. She will breathe fire upon the enemy and demonstrate unflinching resolve in the face of adversity, Kumar said. A drone fired from Iran struck MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea, the US Department of Defense said on December 24. But Iran denied the US claim the following day. MV Chem Pluto was struck on a day when MV Saibaba carrying a crew of 25 Indians came under a drone attack in the southern Red Sea, but the crew suffered no injuries. The US Central Command said MV Saibaba was one of the two merchant vessels targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on December 23. The vessels last known position was in the Red Sea. While the US Navy responded to the distress call made by MV Saibaba, the Indian Navy and coast guard deployed their assets to render help to MV Chem Pluto, which was carrying chemicals from Saudi Arabias Jubail port to New Mangalore. The navy diverted stealth destroyer INS Mormugao and the coast guard its patrol vessel Vikram to MV Chem Plutos location where it was disabled after its power generation system was hit. The navy and the coast guard also scrambled their maritime surveillance planes, a P-8I and a Dornier, to respond to the emergency within minutes of receiving information about the emergency flagged by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels and liaison with military forces in the region. Resurgence of piracy in the area is also a worrying development. INS Kochi had intercepted Maltese-flagged MV Ruen that was seized by unknown attackers in the Arabian Sea on December 14. The Indian warship tailed the hijacked vessel until it entered the territorial waters of Somalia. One of the 18 sailors on board MV Ruen was on December 18 transferred to the Indian stealth destroyer for medical assistance after he was injured. New Year 2024: The year is about to get over and another year is about to begin. This is that time of the year when we reminisce about the good memories, the not-so-great times and the lessons we have learnt from the year that we lived. It is also the time to take the negative emotions from the passing year and replace them with hope, happiness and promises of a better tomorrow as we step into a fresh new year. The new year brings with it a lot of hope and enthusiasm to start afresh. Resolutions are made, promises are made, and goals are set for the new year as we start it all over again with the lessons of the passing year and hope for the upcoming days. New Year 2024: Which countries will welcome New Year first and last?(Unsplash) New Year is celebrated with a whole lot of pomp and grandeur all over the world. From the ball drop in New York City to the burning effigy of an old man in India to eating twelve grapes in Spain that signifies the twelve strikes of the clock at midnight, certain traditions are also followed to welcome the new year. The festive season started with Christmas Eve and will go on till the New Year. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here ALSO READ: Happy New Year 2024: 8 unique ways to welcome the New Year We're now on WhatsApp. Click to join The countdown for the passing year has already begun and we have a handful of days left before we make the jump to another year. We are currently busy planning the celebrations for the New Years Eve and New Year. As we gear up for the celebrations, here are the countries that will welcome New Year first and last in the world. Take a look. Which country will welcome New Year first? The Pacific Islands of Tonga, Samoa and Kiribati are the countries that will welcome New Year first. January 1 will begin at 3:30 OM Indian Standard time in these countries. Which country will welcome New Year last? In the uninhabited Howland and Baker Islands, January 1 will begin at 5:30 pm IST. They will be welcoming the New Year last in the world. An emirate in the United Arab Emirates, one of few Arab states that has official ties with Israel, has banned New Year's Eve fireworks this year as an expression of solidarity with the people of Gaza. UAE: Sharjah bans 2024 New Year's eve fireworks celebration in solidarity with Gaza (Photo by Abid Bin Nazar on Pexels) The decision was announced in a Facebook post by Sharjah police, warning on Tuesday that legal measures would be taken against those found violating the ban. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The ban is "a sincere expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with our siblings in the Gaza Strip," Sharjah police said in the post. Sharjah is the UAE's third-largest emirate by size and population behind Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There are seven emirates. The UAE forged ties with Israel in 2020 in a move that paved the way for other nations to build relations with Israel. The Gulf regional power has repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the war in Gaza, however, condemning Israel's bombardment and invasion of the enclave. It has also condemned Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack that started the war and called for the release of hostages taken captive that day into Gaza by the Palestinian Islamist group. Sharjah's decision on New Year's Eve fireworks appeared to be limited to that one emirate, as public celebrations continue to be advertised in the country's other emirates. The UAE's showpiece New Years Eve fireworks display are typically held in Dubai, the country's most populous emirate and a regional tourism hub, centred around landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the palm tree-shaped artificial island, the Palm Jumeirah. Oil-rich and landlocked, Azerbaijan is a hidden gem at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Once part of the Silk Road, this country boasts a blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. Known for its variegated and often beautiful terrain, the country has historical cities, picturesque landscapes, and the unique intersection of Eastern and Western cultures. Year-end travel: Have 1 lakh? Check out Azerbaijan (Photo by Sevil Yeva on Pexels) If you have seen The World is Not Enough (1999) in which James Bonds high-tech BMW Z8 creates a stir, well, that city is Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Here is a quick guide to must-see/eat/do in Azerbaijan. Important Cities: Baku, Ganja, Sheki, Guba, Gabala Must-See/Do: Gobustan National Park (Azerbaijan's ancient rock carvings) Old City (Icherisheher) in Baku Heydar Aliyev Center (architectural masterpiece) Goygol Lake Khinalug Village (Europe's highest mountain village) Quba Mosque Mud Volcanoes in Gobustan Flame Towers in Baku Lahic, a small metalwork artisan town resting high up in the mountains Chakur Gabala ruins. Sheki is a small town near the border of Georgia that served as a prime trading post on the Silk Road. Do not miss Sheki fortress and palace. Albanian Church ruins in Qax. Shirvan and Agh-Gol National Parks known for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Must-Eat: Plov: Azerbaijani rice pilaf with meat and vegetables Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice Kebabs: Grilled meat skewers, a popular street food Qutab: Thin flatbreads filled with meat, herbs, or pumpkin Piti: Lamb soup cooked in a clay pot Baklava: Sweet pastry with layers of nuts and honey Wine: Azerbaijan has historical wine regions. What to Buy: Azerbaijani Carpets (famous for intricate designs) Gaval Dash (traditional musical instrument) Copperware and souvenirs from Old City Baku Azerbaijani silk scarves and textile Local honey and preserves Traditional Azerbaijani spices. Where to Buy: Yashil Bazaar (Baku), Nizami Street (Baku), Taza Bazaar (Baku), Park Bulvar Mall (Baku), Ganja Mall (Ganja), Sheki Bazaar (Sheki), Gabala Bazaar (Gabala). Packages: Magnificent Azerbaijan (5 nights/6 days). Cost: 30,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in Explore Azerbaijan (4 nights/5 days). Cost: 32,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in Amazing Azerbaijan (6 nights/7 days). Cost: 48,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in Honeymoon Special (6 nights/7 days). Cost: 54,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: sotc.in 3-night Baku package (including flights). Cost 65,000+. Book on makemytrip.com Return flight (economy): Delhi-Baku-Delhi return flight starts at 41,000+. Kolkata-Baku-Kolkata return flight starts at 36,000+, Chennai-Baku-Chennai return flight starts at 39,000+. Visa: Indian passport holders can obtain an E-visa for a stay of up to 30 days Good to Know: Currency: 1 Azerbaijani Manat = 0.18 INR Language: Azerbaijani is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas Local Transport: Baku has a metro system, and buses are available for short trips. Taxis and shared minivans are common. Buses and trains are a convenient and affordable way to travel around the country. There are direct rail links to Sheki, Ganja, Gabala, Lankaran, Shamkir and other cities. There are daily direct flights to Nakhchivan from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, and buses from the Baku International Bus Station. BakiKart: BakiKart is a single Smart Card for payment on Baku Metro and BakuBus. Wi-Fi: Hotels, restaurants, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. Security and Safety Tips: Avoid travelling to Nagorno-Karabakh, Zengilan, Jabrayil, Qubadli, Lachin and Kelbajar, the Western areas of Khojavand, Fuzuli and Aghdam rayons and within 5km of the border with Armenia. Crime levels in Baku are generally low, but muggings do occur after dark. Remember, entering Nagorno-Karabakh without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities constitutes a criminal offence. Right hand drive cars are not permitted in Azerbaijan. If youre planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel. Take extra care when paying with credit cards or withdrawing money from ATMs. Possession or use of illegal drugs of any kind carries stiff penalties. You should carry your passport at all times - local cops run random id checks. You need an export certificate to take antiques or art like carpets, samovars, copperware or paintings out of Azerbaijan. Do not enter or photograph military bases, equipment and installations. Pay heed to advisory about earthquakes and heavy snowfall. Historically, ports have played a crucial role in trade, development, food, transportation of armies, and blocking supplies. Today, they not only facilitate trade but are also key instruments in the geo-strategic security architecture and supply-chain resilience. Chinas investments in strategic overseas ports, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road are revealing. There are at present 92 port projects outside China with Chinese investments, 13 with majority Chinese ownership, and 10 with majority Chinese ownership with physical potential for naval use. China has also signed 70 bilateral and regional shipping agreements with 66 countries and regions. Its designs in taking over those projects on non-payment of loans are also well-known. A United States (US) department of defence report of 2023 to Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China notes that China probably has also considered adding military logistics facilities in 19 countries. Infrastructure plays an important role in shaping future trade flows. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative was dubbed as being for infrastructure investment. On the other hand, Japans infrastructure support programmes such as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific combining Two Continents (Asia and Africa) and Two Oceans (Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean), seek to facilitate trade from India and Southeast Asia to efficiently flow west and east, to and from Japan. As part of its efforts through the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure, the US also focuses on transportation corridors involving ports. The planned corridor connecting India to Europe through West Asia was hailed as a major achievement at the recent G20 meeting. This will comprise the east corridor connecting India to West Asia and the northern corridor connecting West Asia to Europe. Foreign ownership of ports by rival nations and having military bases raise obvious security worries, but also concerns about submarine communications cables that are vital to maintaining commerce the last mile of the cable and its landing station (the most vulnerable parts) are often located near seaports. A recent analysis in the Washington Post highlighted the risk of China controlling ports on both ends of the Panama Canal. A research paper by the Wilson Center, a US-based think tank, highlighted that strategic competition demands America should up its game in maritime commerce. A 2023 strategy paper of the Council on Foreign Relations on tracking Chinas control of overseas ports elaborated on these concerns. The Wilson Center paper argued that there was a need for not only to secure domestic critical infrastructure essential to any required mobilisation but also those of allied and partner nations. To consider these risks, the state departments bureau of economic and business affairs established a strategic ports initiative to safeguard seaports from opaque economic activity. They seek to help regimes of key partners to protect partners from malign actors. One important partner is the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Created in 2018 by the US Congress, DFC is mandated to reduce poverty and also to address areas that are critical to our national security, and compete with Chinese influence in the developing world. Earlier that year, China had leveraged Sri Lankas inability to repay its loan to gain a 99-year lease on a port that was a strategic foothold along a critical commercial and military waterway. Five years later, DFC delivered on its promise to support critical ports, including in Sri Lanka, with financial investments. Significantly, DFCs partner in Sri Lanka was not an American company, but Indias Adani Ports. None of the worlds top 10 shippers or top 10 seaport operators are American. Given the strategic nature of such investments, it is important that DFC can partner with companies from allied and partner nations. Last week, the US administration directed the department of homeland security to launch a new Supply Chain Resilience Center with the priority of addressing supply chain risks resulting from threats and vulnerabilities inside US ports. Hopefully, its review will also include international ports on which the resilience of supply chains depends. Multiple efforts are needed to address the risks inherent in the ownership of international ports by rival nations. It is also needed to identify the ports that are strategically important to keep in neutral or friendly hands and take timely action about them. Dhanendra Kumar is a former executive director at the World Bank for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan, and the first chairman, Competition Commission of India. He is currently chairman of Competition Advisory Services LLP. The views expressed are personal Apple Inc., seeking to defend a business that generates roughly $17 billion a year, is appealing a US sales ban of its smartwatches after the White House refused to overturn the measure. An Apple Watch Series 9 carbon neutral device is displayed for sale at The Grove Apple retail store on release day in Los Angeles, California, on September 22.(AFP) Apple will challenge the ban imposed by the US International Trade Commission over a patent dispute at the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On Tuesday, the company also filed an emergency motion seeking to lift the prohibition on watch sales while the court considers its appeal. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A patent dispute with medical technology maker Masimo Corp. has put Apple in the rare position of fighting to get one of its signature products back on store shelves. The ITC determined in October that Apple violated two Masimo health-technology patents with a blood-oxygen sensor in its watches. The White House had 60 days to review the import ban, with the decision resting with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. The time on that review just ran out. After careful consultations, Ambassador Tai decided not to reverse the ITCs determination and the ITCs decision became final on December 26, 2023, the Office of the US Trade Representative said Tuesday in a statement. READ | US trade tribunal's ban on Apple Watch imports to continue, no breather from Biden government Apple had already stopped selling its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in its online store and US retail outlets. Online sales were halted Dec. 21, and the last day to buy a new watch at an Apple retail store was on Christmas Eve. We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible, an Apple spokeswoman said. Apple has developed a software update for the Apple Watch that it believes will mitigate the issue. It has submitted the design of that update to the US customs agency and, in a filing Tuesday, said the government is scheduled to decide Jan. 12 whether to approve or reject the changes. A ruling in its favor may help Apple resume selling the watch models. The order against Apple includes a sales ban at its own retail channels as well as a prohibition on importing the devices into the US. Other retailers, such as Buy Buy Co., Target Inc. and Walmart Inc., can continue to to sell the products at least until supplies run out. The Series 9 and Ultra 2 models account for most of Apples watch sales. The lower-end Apple Watch SE, which doesnt include the blood-oxygen feature, remains on sale. Apple told staff last week that due to the legal battle, theyre not allowed to tell customers the Ultra 2 and Series 9 remain on sale through non-official Apple retail channels. In a potential headache for owners of the Apple Watch Series 6, 7 and 8 all of which include the blood-oxygen feature out-of-warranty watches wont be eligible for hardware repairs until the ban is lifted. The timing of the ban means the measure probably wont have a major impact on the companys holiday season results. Its likely that most people completed their shopping prior to Christmas, and some may have rushed to buy watches after Apple began warning in recent days that the ban was coming. READ | Biden administration upholds ban on Apple Watch. How it impacts you? Explained Investors have largely taken the episode in stride. Apple shares were little changed Tuesday, closing at $193.05 in New York. The stock has gained 49% this year and reached a record high earlier this month. Masimo shares increased 2.2% Tuesday to close at $120.62. The stock has jumped 25% in December and is on pace for its best month since 2007. Apple, based in Cupertino, California, added the blood-oxygen sensor to its watches in 2020 with the Series 6. Masimo sued Apple that same year, alleging that the iPhone maker violated several of its health technology patents and that stole its trade secrets. After meeting with Masimo in 2013, Apple hired more than 20 of its engineers, including its chief medical officer. In 2021, after the Series 6 went on sale, Masimo complained to the ITC and sought the injunction. The iPhone maker countersued Masimo in 2022, alleging that the medical device company stole the design of the Apple Watch for its own W1 device. The Masimo product, like Apples, has a square front and uses a round, puck-shaped inductive charger. The White House didnt heavily publicize the dispute ahead of Tuesdays statement, but has made antitrust enforcement one of its central policies with President Joe Biden saying regularly that competition is a pillar of healthy economies. The US president has authority to intervene and stop import bans, though such actions are rare. In 2013, President Barack Obama vetoed an import ban on some iPhone and iPad models. But that dispute was with South Korea-based Samsung Electronics Co., while Masimo is a US corporation. Joe Kiani, Masimos chief executive officer, said hed be willing to settle with Apple to end their dispute, but that the company hasnt been interested. It takes two tango, he said on Bloomberg Television last week. A prolonged ban would hit one of Apples biggest moneymakers at a difficult time. Already, the company has been struggling to pull out of a sales slump. Heading into the holiday season, Apple revenue had dropped for four straight quarters, the longest such streak in two decades. A brain teaser shared on Reddit has left people scratching their heads. The teaser asks puzzle enthusiasts to track the movements of a criminal who travelled from Miami to Seattle. The teaser also outlines that the criminal opted for the most economical air route. Can you deduce the sequence of cities the criminal visited in order to reach Seattle? Brain Teaser: Find the route the criminal took to travel from Miami to Seattle. (Reddit/@Ro5-3448) How do I solve this puzzle? reads the caption written alongside the brain teaser shared on Reddit. The brain teaser features the map of the United States with the question, You are tracing the route of a criminal. You know he flew from Miami to Seattle, visiting each city once. You also know he chose the cheapest route for the trip. Can you trace the criminals steps? Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Take a look at the brain teaser here: The brain teaser was shared two days ago on Reddit. It has since accumulated over 200 upvotes. A few even dropped comments on the post. Heres how Reddit users reacted to this brain teaser: Determine the cheapest route leaving each city, mark the others as potential, but the cheapest as most desirable. Of the most desirable routes, determine which, if you started the trip, would end up causing you to visit a city twice and compare each of those double-dippers to select the cheaper route. Finally, follow the path of least monetary resistance, posted an individual. Another joked, Can I get in touch with his travel agent? These prices really are a steal! I got Miami to Chicago, and then Chicago to Seattle in two flights, coming in at $64. I dont think that is the right answer since, according to the puzzle, I got fewer flights, wrote a third. A fourth commented, Heres what I have so far: Miami > Chicago $33 > New York $45 > Dallas $45 > Atlanta $25 > Denver $63 > Los Angeles $58 > Phoenix $87 > Seattle $32 > Total - $388. Were you able to track the route the criminal took to travel from Miami to Seattle? A shocking incident of a surgeon allegedly hitting an 82-year-old patient in the head repeatedly during treatment is being probed by Chinese authorities. The incident took place in 2019 at a hospital in the southern Chinese city of Guigang, reports BBC. A video of the incident recently went viral on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The doctor was suspended after the video of the incident went viral. (Unsplash) The incident reportedly took place at a hospital run by the company Aier China. The hospital told the BBC that the patient was under local anesthesia for the surgery but was unable to withstand it. During the surgery, she kept moving her head and eyeballs. She also couldn't understand the instructions given by the doctor in Mandarin since she spoke a local dialect. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Local authorities say the patient sustained bruises on her forehead. According to the patient's son, the hospital's management apologised after the surgery and paid 500 yuan (approximately 5,800) in compensation. He also stated that his mother has lost vision in her left eye, though it's uncertain if the incident caused this. What action did Aier China take? Following the widespread circulation of the video of the incident, Aier China removed the CEO of Guiyang Hospital, reports the BBC. They also announced the suspension of the surgeon, who was the dean of the hospital, over "serious violations of the group's regulations". Residents of Lower Hutt, a city in the Wellington region of New Zealand, have been struggling with foul odour from a sewage plant for a few weeks now. The odour is so strong that locals are forced to close their windows. When the matter was highlighted in a council meeting, an official advised the residents to stop pooing to reduce the smell. The word spread like wildfire, and the mayor of New Zealand was forced to issue a clarification on the same, The Guardian reported. The odour is so strong that locals are forced to close their windows. (Representational Image/Unsplash) Mayor Campbell Barry clarified that the comments were made in jest, assuring no such advice was issued. He also dismissed that the upcoming music festival, Juicy Fest, would exacerbate the odour issue. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Wellington Water, which is responsible for managing the Seaview wastewater treatment plant, has acknowledged the severity of the odour issue. We acknowledge the odour levels have been unpleasant, inconvenient, and distressful for the community, Wellington Water said in a statement. It said further that it is replacing the plant's biofilters with deodorising chemical dispersing machines to improve the air in the interim. The company also said that NZ $13m will be invested in longer-term improvements over the next three years. According to The Guardian, both Wellington Water and the contractor Veolia New Zealand have been slapped with NZ $22,750 in fines for discharging offensive and objectionable odours beyond the permissible limit. Local councils have also been fined in connection with the issue. A man from Madhya Pradesh detailed a terrifying encounter in which his Tata Nexonskidded off the road after a tyre separated due to a broken wheel hub. X user Tanmay Raju stated that the incident occurred on December 23, as his two friends were driving from Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi to Prayagraj airport in Uttar Pradesh to pick him up. Thankfully, everyone inside the car was safe after the incident. Snapshot of the broken tyre on Tata Nexon. (Twitter/@Tanmay Raju) Later, when the three tried to contact Tata Motors for help, they only faced more issues. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "We faced challenges seeking assistance from Tata Motors, who sent two unhelpful individuals with a towing truck. After a prolonged delay of over six hours, they stated that we needed to arrange a hydra to lift the car back onto the road before they would tow it," wrote Raju in one of his tweets. He further added, "Left stranded, we endured a harrowing 28 hours in the field, facing cold temperatures without adequate food or water. Disappointingly, Tata Motors later demanded payment for the tow truck despite their lack of assistance." (Also Read: Bengaluru man receives defective Tata Nexon from showroom, company responds) The next day, Raju found a private tow truck service, which towed the car to Rewa Tata Motors workshop. He also shared pictures of the damaged car in his tweets. Take a look at the entire post here: Since Raju shared this post it has garnered significant attention and numerous likes. Many took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts on the incident. The official X handle of Tata Motors Cars also replied to the post. They wrote, "Hi Tanmay, we'd really like to look into the concern you've raised. Please share your primary & alternate contact number, email ID & dealer information via DM, so that we can connect with you for further help." Here's how others reacted to it: An individual wrote, "The same happened with me in 2020, in Ahmednagar - Kalyan Highway, in Maharashtra. The project team sent by Tata Motors covered up the whole incident. My vehicle was lost totally, and I received only the insurance amount. I and my friend got minor injuries." A second commented, "You can never get a perfect car from Tata." "That's sad," posted a third. A cruise charter flight from Barbados to Manchester diverted to Bermuda owing to extreme turbulence. Of the 225 passengers on board who had been on a Caribbean cruise and were travelling back to the UK for Christmas, 11 were left injured while 13 crew members were unharmed, it was reported. The passengers were forces to spend three days in Bermuda after the emergency diversion. Maleth Aero Flight 1975 had taken off from Barbados and was expected to arrive at Manchester on December 24.(Representational) What we know of the flight? Maleth Aero Flight 1975 had taken off from Barbados and was expected to arrive at Manchester on December 24. As the flight was cruising at 38,000 feet, the Airbus A300-200 experienced severe clear-air turbulence. The pilots diverted to the nearest airport- Bermudas LF Wade. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here What authorities said about the flight? Bermudas acting minister of national security Owen Darrell said, We are aware of the situation and are diligently working to ensure the well-being of all involved. We are extremely grateful for the quick response of all our emergency services personnel who ensured the safety of the passengers and crew. Spokesperson for P&O Cruises said, A flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda earlier yesterday morning following freak (unexpected) turbulence. Having explored all flying options and due to airport operating times, guests are in hotels today [25 December]. We are very sorry for this disruption to their journey following their holiday and we are working with the airline and hotels to take care of them and ensure they get home as soon as possible tomorrow. What a passsenger said about her experience? A woman who was on the plane told Manchester Evening News that the experience was very scary. "We were about two hours into the flight and everything was fine - some people were sitting down, but some were in the toilets and staff were serving drinks. Then all of a sudden the plane literally just dropped," she said, adding, I had my belt on very loose, so I was okay but I did feel myself lift off the chair. It felt like you could have been pulled off the seat. I just assumed it would keep on going. Western experts have kept a tab on China's military by analyzing photos of new Peoples Liberation Army equipment posted online by some enthusiasts. As China rapidly modernises its forces, it is very common for users on social media sites like Weibo to post photos of military ships or aircraft captured from outside PLA installations or from commercial flights near sensitive areas. But these military fans cannot do this anymore, a report claimed. Chinese president Xi Jinping(AP) In a WeChat post titled, This is a cool hobby, but you must be very careful, the China ministry of state security said, Some individual military enthusiasts severely endanger national military security by illegally obtaining information regarding national defense and disseminating them on the internet. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here With a focus on military airports, ports, national defense and military industrial units, they drove to or took ferries or planes that pass by designated routes, and clandestinely photographed with telephoto lenses or drones, it said as per a report in CNN. Repeat violators could be imprisoned for up to seven years but first-time or occasional offenders may only receive a warning, it added. According to the spy agencys post, images which were posted online show the progress of construction on warships or aircraft. They also disclose operational and technical details of Chinese military hardware- one area where security could be compromised. What other information can be seen in social media posts about China's military Chinas newest aircraft carrier- Fujian- has been a frequently shared by amateur spotters as it is fitted out at a Shanghai shipyard where the work is being done close to flight paths of Pudong Shanghai International Airport. In November, it was reported that the Fujian had begun testing its advanced electromagnetic catapult system. The Eiffel Tower, one of the world's prime tourist attractions, was closed Wednesday after staff went on strike, the tower's operator said. A digital billboard displaying a message reading "Due to a strike, Eiffel Tower closed, Esplanade is open, we apologise" at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.(AFP) The strike on the 100th anniversary of the death of engineer Gustave Eiffel, who built the tower, was to protest "the current way it is managed", the hard-left CGT union said in a statement. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The tower's operator SETE was "headed for disaster", it said. SETE apologised to visitors, advising anyone with electronic tickets for Wednesday "to check their email". The Eiffel Tower, Paris's most famous landmark, attracts nearly seven million visitors a year, around three-quarters of them foreigners. Eiffel died on December 27, 1923, at the age of 91. The party of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday officially declared that he would be their consensus candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Nawaz Sharif, who has previously held the position of prime minister on three occasions, made a high-profile return to Pakistan in October after spending four years in self-imposed exile in London to evade serving prison sentences related to corruption charges. Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, center in brown coat, waves to his supporters as he leaves after a court hearing in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.(AP) Following his return, Sharif's convictions and sentences were overturned on appeal, clearing the way for him to participate in the parliamentary elections. The new prime minister will be elected by the parliament after the vote scheduled for Feb. 8. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Rana Sanaullah Khan, a senior leader in Sharif's party, affirmed Sharif's candidacy, stating, There is no doubt about it. Nawaz Sharif is our candidate for the office of the prime minister. On Tuesday, the returning officer (RO) of National Assembly (NA)-130 Lahore accepted the nomination papers of Nawaz Sharif for the upcoming general elections. Following a thorough scrutiny of the nomination papers, RO Asghar Joya found no objections and approved Nawaz Sharif's candidacy for the constituency in the general elections scheduled for February 8, as reported by The Express Tribune. Nawaz Sharif is set to face competition in NA-130 from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwart Dr Yasmin Rashid and 22 other candidates. In addition to NA-130, the PML-N supremo has submitted nomination papers for NA-15 Mansehra. However, as of now, acceptance by the local RO is pending. Sharif voluntarily stepped down as prime minister in 2017 amid corruption allegations. In July 2018, he received a 10-year prison sentence for his involvement in purchasing luxury apartments in London. Subsequently, in December of the same year, he was handed an additional seven-year sentence for failure to disclose information about the establishment of family-owned steel mills in 1999. A dormant North Korean port near the border with Russia has sprung back to life, fueling what experts say is a burgeoning trade in arms destined for the frontlines in Ukraine that is simultaneously bolstering the anemic economy managed by Kim Jong Un. The activity appears to have picked up since early October, when the US accused North Korea of sending munitions to Russia.(Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images) Satellite imagery of the Najin port taken from October to December shows a steady stream of ships at the facility, hundreds of shipping containers being loaded and unloaded, and rail cars ready to transport goods. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The activity appears to have picked up since early October, when the US accused North Korea of sending munitions to Russia. The White House provided imagery it said showed weapons later being delivered thousands of miles away to a depot in the Russian town of Tikhoretsk for use in Ukraine. The flow of munitions that the US and South Korea say have included hundreds of thousands of artillery shells could grow far greater in importance as divisions in the US Congress and European Union over military aid threaten Kyivs ability to repel Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion. Pyongyangs decision to deliver munitions at scale once again underscores the grave threat that North Korea poses to international security, this time feeding a conflagration on European soil that has already cost the lives of tens of thousands of Ukrainians and consumed tens of billions of dollars in Western military support, according to a report by the Royal United Services Institute, a UK security think tank. Pyongyang, which has been banned from arms sales for about 15 years, has repeatedly rejected accusations it is supplying Russia. Analysis of the satellite data suggests otherwise. In a recent example, an image from Dec. 9 seems to show the Russian container ship Angara, sanctioned by the US, in Najins port unloading cargo while containers from North Korea await loading at an adjacent pier. Satellite imagery shows that round trips of cargo vessels between Najin, North Korea, and Dunay, Russia, have continued unabatedly despite additional US sanctions and widespread reporting on this activity in the past few months, said Jaewoo Shin, an analyst at the Open Nuclear Network in Vienna. Shin said that while the nature of the cargo cant be confirmed with available imagery, the number of round trips and transferred containers suggest a significant and ongoing exchange, possibly including weapons and other military supplies. As the North Korea-Russia trade picks up, the flow of US military aid to Kyiv has been increasingly under threat, with the Pentagon saying it will run out of money to replace weapons sent to Ukraine by Dec. 30 unless Congress approves additional funding. Thats unlikely now, with most lawmakers out of Washington for the year-end holidays. With an effective stalemate on the battlefield, the Kremlin is increasingly confident Russia can consolidate its control over occupied regions of eastern and southern Ukraine and wait for international support for Ukraine to erode. Putin said this month that therell be peace when we achieve our goals. For many US partners, the flagging support for Ukraine is tied in part to a much-vaunted counteroffensive during the spring and summer that failed to deliver on the high expectations of allies. While satellite imagery shows steady activity at Najin, the vessels docking there appear to have turned off international maritime transponders that give their location, effectively turning them into ghost ships as they make the relatively short trip between Najin and Dunay also written as Dunai about 180 kilometers (110 miles) away. The Central Intelligence Agency identified the port as a Soviet submarine base during the Cold War, according to a document obtained by RUSI, the UK think tank. RUSIs October report analyzed dozens of high-resolution images that it concluded showed a few cargo vessels repeatedly making the trip between Najin and Dunay, likely packed with North Korean arms that are then sent across Russia. That trade appears to have continued in the time since the report was published, according to Joseph Byrne, a research fellow at RUSI and co-author of the report. There has been a continuation of deliveries by these vessels, he said, adding there is a continuation of the unloading of boxes loaded in Russia and delivered to North Korea and then the loading of containers that have seemingly comes down from rail cars from other places in North Korea to apparently be shipped back to Russian military facilities. South Koreas National Intelligence Service told lawmakers in November there had been about 10 shipments of weapons from North Korea to Russia since August, likely encompassing more than 1 million rounds of artillery. North Korea holds some of the worlds largest stores of munitions, much of it interoperable with weapons Russia has on the front lines. About six weeks later, Ive seen no signs of the transfer rate slowing down so for all we know thats another half million shells, said weapons expert Joost Oliemans, who co-authored the book The Armed Forces of North Korea. Oliemans said hes identified four types of munitions that have been a part of recent deliveries: 120 millimeter mortars, 122mm and 152 mm artillery shells and 122 mm rockets based on an analysis of what is making its way to the front lines. The situation on the battlefield is impacted by those deliveries, he said. Rather than seeing a notable change in tactics or swaths of land suddenly changing hands, it will allow Russia to keep up much higher pressure for longer on Ukrainian forces. An extra one million shells means about 2,700 rounds more per day Russia could fire at Ukraine, which is already having trouble procuring artillery and may face more difficulty if aid from the US isnt secured. How much exactly North Korea will be able to deliver is anyones guess, Oliemans said, adding that deliveries will likely slow down once inventories become depleted, with North Koreas manufacturing capabilities insufficient to keep up with the pace of demand. Russias importance to North Korea had waned after the end of the Cold War, with China becoming Pyongyangs biggest benefactor. Trade between Russia and North Korea slowed to a trickle when Kim shut the borders at the start of the pandemic. But as Covid protections eased, and international sanctions hung over Moscow and Pyongyang, the two rekindled ties, finding they each had something the other wanted and could trade without real repercussions from the outside world. Kim heralded the glorious course of development his country has been taking over the past year as his ruling party opened a policy-setting meeting, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Wednesday. The assistance Kim receives from Russia is easing the pressure of years of sanctions over his increasing nuclear arsenal and potentially making the already-tense situation on the Korean Peninsula worse. With both Kim and Putin recognizing the utility and benefits of partnership, cooperation is likely to continue between North Korea and Russia into next year, said Soo Kim, a former Korea analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency, who now works at US-based management consulting firm LMI. The give-and-take between the two countries is unlikely to be stopped so long as the international consequences sanctions, reputational shaming remain symbolic and largely insufficient to deter bad behavior, she said. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) showed Hamas' tunnel that was recently discovered. Hamas has always had a reputation for the best underground tunnels of any militia but this tunnel was different as it was heavily fortified and one of the largest that Israel has found amid Gaza war. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli soldiers visit a tunnel that Hamas reportedly used to attack Israel through the Erez border crossing on October 7.(AFP) The entrance was inside Gaza, only a few hundred metres from the Erez border crossing with Israel, where there was a gaping hole in the sand. Inside the tunnel, there was plenty of room for the reinforced concrete structure-a steel pipe ran along the top of it as well as electricity cables dangled inside, Sky News reported. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The IDF said the tunnel ran for more than 300 kilometres into central Gaza City. Hamas has been building its underground infrastructure for years and uses them to transport fighters from Hamas and other militant groups, Israel has claimed. Tunnels are also used to move and store weapons, launch attacks against Israel and, in this war, to hold hostages, the report claimed. These tunnels are destroyed and rebuilt again and again after wars with Israel but the extend of these tunnels is difficult to fathom. There were no lights inside. The IDF had placed a metal grid on the floor to cover holes in the ground that dropped by up to 15 metres, down to other parts of the subterranean complex. One IDF spokesman said that the degree of sophistication and engineering used to build and maintain these tunnels was impressive. the report claimed. Hamas has also promoted its network of tunnels on its official television news station, it added. Hamas has been perfecting its tunnel-building over the last 20 years. Members of the group and smuggling barons constructed them under the southern Egyptian border after Israel imposed its siege on Gaza in 2006, it was reported. This comes as IDF continues to identify the tunnels and destroy the network without killing hostages in the process. Gaza's civilian infrastructure above ground has been destroyed as well amid Israel's bombardment. The United Nations said that 45% of the territory's housing stock has been decimated while Gaza's health ministry said that more than 21,000 Palestinians have been killed so far. Israel has asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to help secure the release of Israeli hostage Noa Argamani. Noas cancer-ridden mother, Liora, is a former Chinese national. Israel has asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to help secure the release of Israeli hostage Noa Argamani (Nhac Nguyen/Pool Photo via AP, AP Photo) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Knesset that he called Chinese ambassador Cai Run to request Xi to intervene in the matter. I told the ambassador: I would like you to tell Xi Jinping that, beyond the protocols and rules, there is a girl here with a Chinese mother, and I personally ask that you personally involve yourself in her case, because her mother is not only pleading for Noas life, but also for her own, Netanyahu said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here While it was initially believed that 26-year-old Noa was abducted by Hamas terrorists, a new report claimed she may have actually been kidnapped by Palestinian civilians. These civilians are believed to have followed Hamas terrorists into Israel, the Daily Mail reported. Noa was abducted from the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7. A horrifying video shows a group of men snatching her, taking her away on the back of a motorcycle as she screamed for help. The men were seen restraining her boyfriend, Avinatan Or. NBC News reported that analysis of text messages, phone records, satellite images and interviews suggests Noa was taken by Palestinian men, who followed the Hamas terrorists into Israel. In fact, this could be a reason why Noa was not one of the many female and child hostages who were released by Hamas during the ceasefire last month. Hamas may not know where the civilians are holding her. Noa and Avinatan were among hundreds of young people attending the music festival when Hamas launched its surprise attack. Noa messaged her friend at 8:10 am, saying she was in a parking lot and can't get out. Hide. Let me know that everything is ok, her friend replied. Noa again messaged after more than two hours, telling her friend, We don't have a car. This was the last time anyone heard from Noa. Her shocking video later surfaced online. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the latter's comments on likening the Israeli leader to Adolf Hitler. Erdogan commits genocide against Kurds and imprisons journalists, Benjamin Netanyahu said, adding that he should be the last person who should preach morality to others. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.(Reuters) What Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sharpening his rhetoric against Israel's Hamas war, Erdogan said that Turkey would welcome academics and scientists facing persecution for their views on the conflict in Gaza. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Western countries supporting Israel were complicit in what he called war crimes, the Turkish president said, adding, They used to speak ill of Hitler. What difference do you have from Hitler? They are going to make us miss Hitler. Is what this Netanyahu is doing any less than what Hitler did? It is not. He is richer than Hitler, he gets the support from the West. All sorts of support comes from the United States. And what did they do with all this support? They killed more than 20,000 Gazans. What Benjamin Netanyahu responded Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying, "Erdogan, who commits genocide against the Kurds, who holds a world record for imprisoning journalists who oppose his rule. He is the last person who can preach morality to us." What is Turkey's stand on Gaza war Turkey- a member of NATO- has supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Earlier as well, Erdogan has criticised Israel's air and ground assault on Gaza and called Tel Aviv a "terror state" saying that its leaders must be tried in international courts. What's happening in Gaza Over 20,900 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since Israel retaliated with ground and air strikes in Gaza following Hamas' rampage on October 7 which killed almost 1,200 people. Around 240 people were taken hostage but 100 remain in captivity in Gaza as per Israel. Others were released under a truce between Israel and Hamas which was brokered by Qatar and Egypt acting as mediators. South Korean military, police and emergency personnel joined rare defence drills in Seoul as fears rise that the city is in striking distance of North Korea's weapons and covert attack. The exercise comes amid heightened tension after Pyongyang tested an intercontinental ballistic missile and launched its first military spy satellite. South Korean soldiers take part in an anti-terror drill against North Korea's possible provocations in Seoul, South Korea.(Reuters) North Korea also introduced a constitutional revision in September which enshrined use of nuclear weapons as a national defence policy. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Oh Se-hoon, Seoul's mayor said as per news agency Reuters, There was a big lesson for us when Israel's world-class advanced defence system helplessly buckled under a surprise attack by Hamas armed with conventional artillery and primitive means. Read more: Chinese chess champion Yan Chenglong stripped of title after defecating in hotel bathtub Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7 which killed more than 1,200 people at the time, mostly civilians showed that superior military capabilities did not mean much if the enemy mounted a successful surprise attack, he said. What happened in the drills in Seoul? The drills simulated attacks on a major water supply facility, telephone network stations, an underground communications and power cable corridor. The drills came after South Korea imposed new sanctions on eight North Koreans linked to nuclear and missile programmes. Why is Seoul at risk? Seoul is just 38 km (24 miles) from the military border with North Korea which makes it particularly susceptible to an attack at any time, the city's mayor said. The city is also the centre of government, business and finance and is home to 9.4 million people. An additional 1.4 million work and go to school in Seoul each day. The mayor also pushed for a more hardline position against North Korea, arguing that the South must possess its own nuclear weapons. This has been ruled out by South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol who has instead focussed on bolstering a military alliance with the United States and restoring security ties with Japan. The population of Gaza is in "grave peril", the head of the World Health Organization warned Wednesday, citing acute hunger and desperation throughout the war-torn Palestinian territory. People stand over the shrouded bodies of loved ones killed during Israeli bombardment at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis on the southern Gaza Strip(AFP) The WHO said it delivered supplies to two hospitals on Tuesday -- one in the north and one in the south -- with 21 out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip no longer functioning at all. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on the international community to take "urgent steps to alleviate the grave peril facing the population of Gaza and jeopardising the ability of humanitarian workers to help people with terrible injuries, acute hunger, and at severe risk of disease". In a statement, the WHO said its staff reported Tuesday that the need for food "continues to be acute" across the Gaza Strip, while "hungry people again stopped our convoys today in the hope of finding food". "WHO's ability to supply medicines, medical supplies, and fuel to hospitals is being increasingly constrained by the hunger and desperation of people en route to, and within, hospitals we reach." The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 and killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. They took 250 hostages, of whom 129 remain inside Gaza, according to Israeli officials, in the worst attack in the country's history. Israel launched extensive aerial bombardment and a siege followed by a ground invasion. The campaign has killed at least 21,110 people, mostly women and children, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry. "The safety of our staff and continuity of operations depends on more food arriving in all of Gaza, immediately," Tedros said. Last week's United Nations Security Council resolution called for the "safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale" -- but did not call for an immediate end to fighting. Tedros said the resolution "appeared to provide hope of an improvement in humanitarian aid distribution within Gaza. "However, based on WHO eyewitness accounts on the ground, the resolution is tragically yet to have an impact. What we urgently need, right now, is a ceasefire to spare civilians from further violence and begin the long road towards reconstruction and peace. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said the war in Gaza is "greater than a war of extermination". The territory's president claimed that the impact of the conflict between Israel and Hamas on Palestinian people is greater than a disaster as he went on to compare the war to the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Israel Hamas War: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends a meeting.(Reuters) What happened in 1948, emigration and destruction, and what is happening now is far uglier than what happened (then), he said, adding, "What is happening now is the ugliest thing happening to the Palestinian people, not only in Gaza but in the West Bank and Jerusalem in the last 79 days to today." Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The comments come as Israeli strikes killed 250 Palestinians and wounded 500 in the past 24 hours - with 106 of those said to have died in a Christmas Eve airstrike on the Maghazi refugee camp, news agency Reuters reported. The Palestinian president criticised the US for its continued support for Israel claiming that the deaths of civilians is happening "in front of the eyes of the world" and America is in the lead. If US accepts a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, rather than vetoing it, the war may have a chance of coming to an end, he asserted. Last week, the Palestinian president also met US national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The latter reiterated US' stance that the Palestinian Authority should be responsible for governing Gaza at the end of the war. Mahmoud Abbas acknowledged significant changes and "a lot of work" would be needed to revamp and revitalise the authority as he said that a Palestinian state must be established in the aftermath of the war. The Palestinian president said that "there isn't a day without killing" in all the cities and refugee camps in Gaza. The Israeli military's defence about "protecting itself" is without logic. Despite international pressure, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the war isn't close to finished while Mark Regev, senior adviser to Benjamin Netanyahu, told Sky News that Hamas "must be destroyed". Israeli reserve soldiers from the 282nd Artillery Regiment discovered a well-preserved, 1,500-year-old Byzantine-era oil lamp near the Gaza border during their recent call-up for the war on Hamas. A small, well-preserved Byzantine oil lamp found near Gaza border.(Israel Antiquities Authority / Sarah Tal) Netanel Melchior and Alon Segev stumbled upon the artifact in a staging area inside Israeli territory, according to local media reports. Intrigued by its round shape and mud-covered exterior, Melchior cleaned it and, realizing its significance, shared an image on social media. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Recognizing the unique find, the soldiers decided to turn it over to experts, handing it to Sarah Tal, an Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) archaeologist. "During one of our wanderings in the field, I came across pottery lying upside down, and its round shape attracted me," Melchior said. "It was covered in mud, I cleaned it and after I realised what it was about, I called the Antiquities Authority." The IAA confirmed the artifact as a "sandal candle" from the Byzantine period, likely dating back to the 5th or 6th century CE. Under Israeli law, any man-made object predating 1700 must be surrendered to the IAA within 15 days. The IAA and IDF cooperate to preserve historical and archaeological findings, with IAA Director-General Eli Escusido expressing gratitude for the soldiers' vigilance and civic responsibility. "The war often exposes us to extraordinary situations, even on the archaeological front. The land of Israel, particularly this surrounding region, holds a rich history and ancient treasures," said Eli Eskosido, director of the Antiquities Authority. "In the event of finding an ancient relic, it is crucial to notify the inspectors so that researchers can gather as much information as possible about the site and its historical significance," he emphasised. (With inputs from agencies) Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed anger after Japan's move to help Ukraine and South Korea's sanctions against Moscow. Japan is set to hand over Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine which resulted in a response from the Russian foreign ministry that said that such a step will have "grave consequences. This comes as relations between Moscow and Tokyo which were already difficult, deteriorated sharply since Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Russia-Ukraine War: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting with the top military brass in Moscow.(AP) Japan joined its Western allies in imposing sweeping economic sanctions on Russia as did South Korea which faced the wrath of Russia owing to a new move. Moscow told Seoul not to be surprised if Russia retaliates against South Korea for expanding the list of goods which cannot be exported from the country to Russia without special permission. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The warning comes after South Korea said, earlier this week, that it would add over 600 types of goods which could potentially be used for military purposes to its export control list for Russia amid Ukraine war. The list includes heavy construction equipment, rechargeable batteries, aeronautical components, and some cars, news agency Reuters reported. Russian foreign ministry said, "This is an unfriendly move taken at Washington's behest. It will damage South Korea's own economy and industry. We reserve the right to take measures in response, and not necessarily symmetrical ones. They (the South Koreans) should not be surprised (if and when we do)." What's happening on the battlefield? Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said. At least five people were killed and power was knocked out in most of the southern city of Kherson after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship in the Black Sea off Crimea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised his country's achievements and victories in 2023 as he opened a key political meeting to set new policy goals for 2024. In his opening-day speech at the meeting, Kim Jong Un defined 2023 as a year of great turn and great change both in name and reality, in which (North Korea) left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending the 9th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).(AFP) Following this, KCNA reported that North Korea achieved a rapid advancement in its defense capabilities this year- first military spy satellite in November and other sophisticated weapons. As per KCNA, North Korea reported a rare good harvest this year owing to new irrigation systems. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here South Korea earlier reported that this year, North Korea's grain production was estimated at 4.8 million tons, a 6.9% increase from last years 4.5 million tons. What expert said on Kim Jong Un's year-end meeting? Hong Min, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification, said that North Korea avoided publicly detailing this year's economic projects at the meeting. Attention outside North Korea will focus on what Kim Jong Un will say about relations with the United States, China and Russia. This meeting is also crucial as South Koreas National Intelligence Service claimed that North Koreas economy shrank each year from 2020 to 2022. Its gross domestic product last year was 12% less than in 2016. North Korea's defence achievements this year Last week, North Korea test-fired its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, the solid-fueled Hwasong-18- third of its kind this year. On November 21, North Korea put its first military spy satellite into orbit. South Korean defense minister Shin Wonsik said that North Korea appeared to be speeding up its weapons testing activities to highlight its achievements in defense sectors. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is running for the country's top post as he unveiled his partys 10-point agenda for general election 2024. The manifesto includes- youth card for unemployed youth, doubled salaries in five-year tenure, three million houses for flood-affected, free health facilities, Benazir Card for laborers, education for all and expanding Benazir Income Support Program. Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (C) speaks to media.(AFP) Announcing this on his mother Benazir Bhutto's death anniversary, Bilawal posted on X (formerly Twitter), My mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, was a champion of the people. She consistently fought for the lives and dignity of the poor, the oppressed, the marginalised. She stood resolute in the face of the brutality of dictators and the barbaric violence of the terrorists they nurtured. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here He continued, Her legacy of love, compassion, and bravery were the guiding light for all I aspired to. 16 years on and that light has not dimmed. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has challenged Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif in their stronghold of Lahore in the February 8 polls as he filed nomination papers from the NA-128 constituency which has traditionally been the stronghold of the PML-N. Who was Benazir Bhutto? Benazir Bhutto was Pakistan's first woman prime minister, She was assassinated in a suicide bomb blast followed by a gun shooting attack outside the Liaquat Bagh as she was about to depart after addressing an election rally on December 27, 2007. She was aged 54. Her party remained in power from 2008 till 2013. Her death was investigated by a team from Scotland Yard of the United Kingdom which submitted its report on January 8, 2008. It was rejected by Benazir Bhutto's husband Asif Ali Zardari who declared it inept and full of doubts. In 2009, a UN Fact-Finding mission arrived in Islamabad in July 2009 and released its report on her death which was also rejected by Zardari. The Michigan supreme court rejected an attempt to remove former US president Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot in contrast with the recent ruling from the Colorado top court that removed Donald Trump off its primary owing to his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. This means that the expected appeals to the US Supreme Court will become even more crucial as the country moves towards the start of 2024 primaries. Donald Trump (AP) What was the case put forward in Michigan? The voters sought to disqualify Donald Trump under a provision in the US Constitution which bars people who have engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" from holding office. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here How is the ruling different from Colorado? The Michigan lawsuit never reached a trial and was dismissed early on in the process although the Colorado ruling was on trial. The judge said that the state law doesnt give election officials any pass to police the eligibility of presidential primary candidates and the case raised a political question which shouldnt be decided in the courts. What did the court say on Donald Trump? The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled, At the moment, the only event about to occur is the presidential primary election. But as explained, whether Trump is disqualified is irrelevant to his placement on that particular ballot. The Michigan courts rejected the case on procedural grounds and never reached the question of whether January 6 was an insurrection or not. Justice Elizabeth Welch wrote, comparing Michigan law to Colorados election code that the anti-Donald Trump challengers have identified no analogous provision in the Michigan Election Law that requires someone seeking the office of President of the United States to attest to their legal qualification to hold the office." The Michigan lawsuit was filed in September this year by an advocacy organization, Free Speech For People. Top North Korean officials attended Kim Jong Un's year-end meeting with swag-in luxurious Mercedes S-class vehicles despite a ban on luxury goods in the country under the United Nations maintains sanctions. Yonhap reported that Kim Jong Un presided over the meeting of the ruling party to review state policies for this year. Party officials were seen coming out of eighth-generation S-class limousine and other luxury cars despite the international sanctions as per the report. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un(AFP) Kim Jong Un's love for luxury cars Kim Jong Un has also been seen in different Mercedes-Maybach S-class vehicles, including a limousine, previously. In 2020, he was spotted in an SUV presumed to be a Lexus LX 570 which means that he owns luxury vehicles subject to UN sanctions. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here As per a report in South China Morning Post, Japan police foiled an attempt to smuggle a $70,000 Lexus sedan as the car was intercepted when North Korea recalled its ambassador to Switzerland amid an investigation into ivory trafficking. The car was seized during a raid on a used car showroom on December 7 in Chiba prefecture, it was reported. What Kim Jong Un said at the meeting In his speech, Kim Jong Un defined 2023 as a year of great turn and great change both in name and reality, in which (North Korea) left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The comments were in reference to North Korea test-firing its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-18- third of its kind this year and Pyongyang's first military spy satellite which was put into orbit. Students in Indonesia's Aceh province rallied on Wednesday demanding the government drive away Rohingya refugees arriving by boat in growing numbers as police named more suspects of human trafficking. Rohingya refugees enter the compounds of a government building after demonstrating university students forced them to relocate from a previous government facility, in Banda Aceh.(AFP) Over 1,500 Rohingya, who fled violent attacks in Myanmar and now are leaving camps in neighbouring Bangladesh in search of better lives, have arrived in Aceh off the tip of Sumatra since November. They have faced some hostility from fellow Muslims in Aceh. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here About 200 students protested in front of the provincial parliament in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, to call on lawmakers to reject Rohingya refugees, saying their presence would bring social and economic upheaval in the community. The protesters chanted Get out Rohingya! and criticised the government and the UN refugee agency for failing to manage the refugee arrivals. Some protesters burned tires on the street. We urged the parliament speaker to immediately take a firm action to remove all Rohingya refugees from Aceh, said Teuku Wariza, a protest organiser. The protesters marched to a local community hall in Banda Aceh, where about 135 Rohingya were taking shelter. The demonstrators threw out clothes and household items belonging to the refugees, forcing authorities to relocate them to another shelter. Indonesia had once tolerated the refugees while Thailand and Malaysia pushed them away. But the growing hostility of some Indonesians toward the Rohingya has put pressure on President Joko Widodo's government to take action. Widodo earlier this month said the government suspected a surge in human trafficking for the increase in Rohingya arrivals. Police in Banda Aceh on Wednesday named two more suspected human smugglers from Bangladesh and Myanmar following the arrival of one boat of refugees on Dec 10. One of them, the captain, himself a refugee, was charged with trafficking. This is not an easy issue, this is an issue with enormous challenges, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters. The UNHCR has reiterated his commitment to continue to assist the Indonesian government in addressing this situation. About 740,000 Rohingya were resettled in Bangladesh after fleeing their homes in Myanmar to escape a brutal counterinsurgency campaign carried out in 2017 by security forces. Accusations of mass rape, murder and the burning of entire villages are well documented, and international courts are considering whether Myanmar authorities committed genocide and other grave human rights abuses. Efforts to repatriate the Rohingya have failed because of doubts their safety can be assured. The Rohingya are largely denied citizenship rights in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and face widespread social discrimination. The Kremlin said on Wednesday that any fresh European Union aid to Ukraine would not affect the outcome of the conflict there and that such spending would only hurt Europe's economy. Russia-Ukraine War: Firemen examine the site of the Russian rocket attack in the Odesa region, Ukraine.(AP) The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that the EU was preparing a back-up plan of funding worth up to 20 billion euros ($22.10 billion) for Kyiv. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The debt-funded scheme would sidestep Hungary, which opposes such aid to Ukraine, allowing the EU to release the funds to Kyiv quickly, the article said. Asked about the report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested, without citing specific examples, that EU taxpayers were starting to understand that their money was being misspent by authorities in Ukraine. "Both Europeans and Americans are already well aware of the level of corruption (in Ukraine) and they understand that a fair portion of this money is stolen," Peskov told a regular news briefing. "This money will not be able to change the course of events (in the Ukraine conflict)... This money is allocated to the detriment of EU economies which are already going through difficult times..," he said. Peskov reiterated that Moscow would press on with what it calls its special military operation in Ukraine until it had achieved "the goals that stand before us". Moscow has previously said its military operations in Ukraine are aimed at the demilitarisation and "denazification" of the country. Kyiv and its Western allies say Moscow is bent on an imperial-style land grab in Ukraine. The EU agreed on Dec. 14 to open membership talks with Ukraine despite the ongoing military conflict, but they could not agree on a 50 billion euro package of financial aid for Kyiv due to opposition from Hungary. EU leaders, who would prefer a deal backed by all members but also have a plan B that would circumvent Hungary, are expected to revisit the issue at an emergency summit on Feb. 1. Kyiv says it is doing its best to crack down on any corruption. Ukraine's SBU security service and the Defence Ministry said earlier this month that they had uncovered a scheme for the fraudulent purchase of artillery shells that involved embezzlement of the equivalent of nearly $40 million. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was no different from Adolf Hitler as he likened Israel's attacks on Gaza to the treatment of Jewish people by the Nazis. Repeating his criticism of Western support for Israel, Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey is ready to welcome academics and scientists who faced persecution due to their views on the conflict in Gaza amid Israel's war. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers statements.(Reuters) What Erdogan said about Israel's Gaza war before? Earlier, the Turkish president rejected plans to establish a post-war buffer zone in Gaza as it would be disrespectful to Palestinians. Tayyip Erdogan said Gaza's governance and future after the war would be decided by Palestinians alone and not by anyone else, reiterating, "I consider even the debating of this (buffer-zone) plan as disrespectful to my Palestinian siblings. For us, this is not a plan that can be debated, considered, or discussed. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Israel must remove the terrorists - which it markets to the world as settlers - from those houses and those lands, and think about how it can build a peaceful future with Palestinians, he then said. What's happening in Gaza amid Israel's Hamas war Israeli forces raided a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank killing at least six Palestinians as the Israeli military expanded its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip to the densely populated urban refugee camps. These are located in the central part of the territory as residents reported shelling and airstrikes in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, Khan Younis and Rafah, where tens of thousands have sought refuge while much of northern Gaza was pounded to rubble weeks ago by Israel. Over 20,900 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the start of the war, Associated Press reported. About 1,200 people were killed after Hamas raided southern Israel on October 7, and around 240 people were taken hostage. More than 100 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza as per Israel. The U.S. military's air strikes on Monday in Iraq aimed to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting attacks on United States personnel and facilities, President Joe Biden said on Wednesday. President Joe Biden (AP) WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The U.S. military carried out retaliatory air strikes on Monday in Iraq after a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants that left one U.S. service member in critical condition and wounded two other U.S. personnel. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The back-and-forth clash was the latest demonstration of how the war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas risks rippling across the Middle East. KEY QUOTES "The strikes were intended to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners, and to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities," Biden said in a letter on Wednesday to the top leaders of the U.S. Congress. "The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks." CONTEXT Iran-aligned groups in Iraq and Syria oppose Israel's campaign in Gaza and hold the United States responsible due to its support for Israel. The U.S. strikes in Iraq likely killed "a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants" and destroyed facilities used by the group, the U.S. military said. Washington has also said Iran was "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Iran denies involvement in the attacks by the Houthis, who control much of Yemen including the capital and have since October attacked commercial vessels that they say have Israeli links, in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say over 21,000 people have died in Israel's offensive after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people. US military forces shot down more than a dozen attack drones and several missiles fired by Yemen-based Huthi rebels at shipping in the Red Sea, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. An Israeli navy missile boat patrols in the Red Sea off the coast of Israel's southern port city of Eliat.(AFP) "There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries," the Pentagon's Central Command said in a social media post, describing a barrage of 12 drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land-attack missiles over a period of 10 hours. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Earlier, Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile strike on a vessel in the Red Sea and a drone attack toward Israel in solidarity with Gaza. In a statement, the rebels said they "carried out a targeting operation against a commercial ship" they identified as MSC UNITED, and launched a number of "drones against military targets" in southern Israel. READ | Yemen rebels say they launched drones at Israel, attacked ship in Red Sea The attacks are the latest in a flurry of drone and missile strikes launched by the rebels since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. The Huthis say they are targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels to push for a stop to the offensive in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is battling Hamas militants. Also earlier on Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said "explosions (were) heard, missiles were sighted" near the port of Hodeida on Yemen's west coast, adding that a transitting vessel and its crew were safe. The ship later continued its voyage, without reporting any major damage or crew injuries, UKMTO said. It followed two other explosions earlier Tuesday that struck near a vessel also off Hodeida, according to the British maritime authority. Explosions were likewise heard off the coast of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Tuesday, Egyptian state-linked media said, with the Israeli army later saying it had intercepted aerial objects in the Red Sea. "An air force fighter jet successfully intercepted earlier today in the Red Sea area a hostile aerial target that was on its way to Israeli territory," the army said. READ | Explained: Who are Houthis of Yemen and why are they attacking ships in Red Sea? Al-Qahera News television channel, which has links to state intelligence, had said the blasts occurred about two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the Egyptian seaside town of Dahab. Dahab lies around 125 kilometres (75 miles) south of Eilat on the southern tip of Israel, the closest target for Yemen's rebels. "We heard a loud explosion coming from the direction of the sea, and then we saw a strange object falling into the water," an eyewitness told AFP. No casualties have been reported. According to the Pentagon, the Huthis have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels involving more than 35 different countries. The attacks are endangering 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 Huthis have also launched a series of attacks towards Israel, but most have failed to hit their targets. The president of Harvard University, Claudine Gay, is under increasing scrutiny over her academic credentials, after a data expert questioned the validity of the research that helped her secure tenure at Stanford University. FILE PHOTO: President of Harvard University and current Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Claudine Gay listens during Harvard Universitys 372nd Commencement Exercises in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., May 25, 2023. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo(REUTERS) Gay, who became president in July, has faced criticism for her handling of the Hamas attacks on October 7. She was accused of being slow to denounce the students who defended the terrorist acts, and slow to condemn antisemitism on campus. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Her academic record has also come under fire, with allegations of plagiarism - and on Tuesday, a data analyst challenged her statistical methods. It was revealed that she had declined to share her data with other researchers, which is considered a breach of academic norms. The data analyst, Jonatan Pallesen, who works for the Confederation of Danish Industry in Copenhagen, tweeted that he had reviewed her data use in her doctoral dissertation, and a 2001 paper published in the American Political Science Review (APSR). ALSO READ| Exclusive: Ex-Harvard student, Holocaust survivor's daughter urges university to be moral The 2001 paper - The Effect of Black Congressional Representation on Political Participation - was one of four peer-reviewed political science articles that helped her get tenure at Stanford in 2005. Gay had obtained a bachelors degree in economics from Stanford and a doctorate in government from Harvard, before going back to Stanford as a faculty member. In 2006, she moved to Harvard as a professor of government and of African and African American studies. She was appointed as dean of Harvards Faculty of Arts and Sciences in 2018. Pallesen found that the 2001 paper was flawed and incomplete. I am not a political scientist, but I am pondering about the whole approach of her study, he said. Christopher Brunet, a contributing editor at The American Conservative, followed up on Pallesens findings in The Dossier, and discovered that Gay had refused to share the data that supported her claims. Gay's behaviour was shameful Two professors - Michael C. Herron, a quantitative social science professor at Dartmouth, and Kenneth W. Shotts, a professor of political economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business - had asked her for her data and code at a 2002 conference of The Society for Political Methodology, but she turned them down. We were, however, unable to scrutinize Gays results because she would not release her dataset to us (personal communication with Claudine Gay, 2002), they wrote. The professors said the statistical technique Gay used in her research often leads to logical inconsistencies. But, Brunet reported, their critique of Gay was deleted from the website. Brunet said that Gays refusal to share her data was shameful. Herron, the professor who criticized her in 2002, told The New York Post that Gay was not the only person they examined when discussing data analysis. ALSO READ| Bill Ackman demands Harvard to cut ties with plagiarism-plagued president Claudine Gay: They need to act now On Tuesday, it was also reported that two Harvard board members and four faculty members had a private dinner where they allegedly talked about a culture of self-censorship on campus, amid growing anger over the schools reaction to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The four professors who attended the dinner on Tuesday said they did not discuss the looming issue for the Ivy League institution - Gays precarious position as president - despite reports suggesting otherwise. The professors were Jeannie Suk Gersen from Harvard Law School, Steven A. Pinker from Psychology, Flynn J. Cratty from History, and Jeffrey S. Flier, a former dean of Harvard Medical School. The board members were Tracy Palandjian and Paul J Finnegan. A Hawaii influencer was shot dead by her husband, who later died by suicide, it has been revealed. Theresa Cachuela, 33, was murdered in front of her 11-year-old daughter by her estranged husband Jason Calchuela, 44, late last week. Jason later killed himself, and his body was found behind a residence, according to KHON2. Theresa Cachuela, 33, was murdered in front of her 11-year-old daughter by her estranged (_bontiti_/Instagram) Court records revealed that Theresa filed for a temporary restraining order against Jason just weeks before her murder. The restraining order was reportedly granted. The shooting took place in a parking lot near Pearlridge Center in Waimalu, near Honolulu, according to NBC News. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here PEOPLE reviewed the petition, which claimed that Theresa accused Jason of threatening to kill himself in her childrens present. He allegedly held a knife to his own neck. There was a wellness check following the incident, after which Jason allegedly came to Theresas home again and hid in the garage. As per court records, the couple had agreed to a one-year protection order, and Jason had surrendered his guns as part of the order. Theresas mother, Lucita, has set up a GoFundMe for her daughter. As you all may know, my daughter who we call Tita, was shot and murdered on Dec. 22, 2023 at the Bank of Hawaii parking lot. She was coming to have breakfast with me that morning because I wanted to give her and my grandkids their Christmas gifts. My daughter did not deserve this. She was trying so hard to get help, but the Justice system failed her. We are so devastated with the loss of our beloved Tita, the page reads, asking for donations to help cover funeral expenses for Theresa. Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you are a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. Hollywood finds itself in the spotlight as a security alert unfolds due to a suspicious device thrown at a residence, igniting a small fire. The incident occurred on Firmount Crescent just past midnight on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from local authorities. TOPSHOT - The Hollywood Sign is pictured during a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the first time it was lit, in Los Angeles, California, on December 8, 2023. (Photo by DAVID SWANSON / AFP)(AFP) Police report details: Authorities were alerted to the situation after receiving a report of the incident. The police, diligent in their duty, arrived promptly to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the community. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Both police officers and firefighters rushed to the scene, demonstrating their commitment to public safety. They successfully extinguished the small fire, averting potential damages and injuries. No harm done: Thankfully, there were no reported injuries or significant damage resulting from the incident. Quick and efficient response from emergency services played a crucial role in mitigating the potential risks. Three individuals were spotted leaving the vicinity on foot along Old Holywood Road after the incident. Authorities are likely delving into the mystery, seeking information that might shed light on the motive behind the suspicious act. Road closure: To facilitate ongoing investigations and ensure public safety, the road remains closed between Clarehill Lane and Knocknagoney Road. The closure affects the flow of traffic in the area, prompting authorities to advise people to steer clear of the impacted zone. A man stabbed two teenage tourists having a Christmas morning meal with their parents at a Grand Central Terminal restaurant around 11:25 am on Monday, December 25. Before carrying out the attack, the suspect, later identified as 36-year-old Steven Hutcherson, yelled that he wanted all white people dead. A man stabbed two teenage tourists having a Christmas morning meal with their parents at a Grand Central Terminal restaurant around 11:25 am on Monday, December 25 (Getty Images/iStockphoto - representational image)(HT_PRINT) The girls, 14 and 16, were visiting from South America. They were attacked at Tartinery in the Grand Central Dining Concourse in New York City. Both suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds, police said, according to New York Post. I want to sit next to the crackers, Hutcherson shouted before the attack. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Hutcherson stabbed the 16-year-old in the back and the other girl in the thigh. Police said he had a history of past arrests and mental health issues. He allegedly carried out the attack after arriving at the restaurant and saying he wanted a table even though he would not order anything. When the restaurant refused, he pointed out that the victims family was not eating anything at the time. He then grabbed the knife and stabbed the girls. Transit police officers reportedly arrived in less than a minute. Seeing them, Hutcherson dropped the knife. Everyone was just running, a veteran MTA employee who was witness to the incident claimed, describing the scene as chaotic. The victims, who were staying at a Midtown hotel nearby, were rushed to Bellevue Hospital. They were released a day later and are OK, according to a hotel worker. Hutcherson has been booked on felony counts of attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon and misdemeanour endangering the welfare of a child, according to the MTA. On Tuesday, December 26, he was waiting to be arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court. Hutcherson has a long rap sheet with 14 prior arrests, and has been classified as an emotionally disturbed person, law enforcement sources said. Before this incident, he was last arrested on November 7 for allegedly threatening to shoot a stranger in the Bronx. The New York Times is facing backlash from Republican lawmakers, presidential hopefuls and even House Speaker for publishing an op-ed by the mayor of Gaza City. They claim it was orchestrated by the terrorist group Hamas. Republican lawmakers and presidential hopefuls condemn New York Times for giving platform to Hamas official(Reuters/AFP) The oped, which appeared on the papers website on Christmas Eve, denounced Israels actions in the Gaza Strip and blamed it for the deaths and destruction caused by the recent conflict. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here House Speaker Mike Johnson was among the first to condemn the paper for giving a voice to a Hamas official. The New York Times provided a platform to a politician appointed by Hamas the group designated by America as a foreign terrorist organization and responsible for the heinous October 7th massacre. Does the NYT have no shame? He wrote in an X post. The op-ed, titled I Am Gaza Citys Mayor. Our Lives and Culture Are in Rubble, was written by Yahya R. Sarraj, who was chosen by Hamas in 2019 to lead the Palestinian city. Sarraj accused Israel of caus[ing] the deaths of more than 20,000 people and of destroying or damaging about half the buildings in the Gaza Strip. He also claimed that Israel had violated international law and human rights. ALSO READ| Vivek Ramaswamy shuts down TV ads ahead of big Iowa causcuses, here's his reason Israel launched a military operation in Gaza after a terrorist attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, which killed about 1,200 Israeli soldiers and civilians. Hamas also abducted more than 200 people and has refused to free about 130 of them, according to the Israeli government. Nikki Haley also voices against NYT Another Republican who criticized the New York Times for running Sarrajs op-ed was Nikki Haley, who is running for president in 2024. She tweeted, Remember when New York Times staff threw a tantrum over a Republican senators op-ed? She was referring to a 2020 column by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) that advocated for a strong military intervention to quell the violent protests by Black Lives Matter and Antifa activists following the police killing of George Floyd. The column sparked outrage among the papers staff and led to the resignation of James Bennet, the former op-ed page editor. ALSO READ| US Northern Plains brace for worst blizzard in years, warnings stretch across 5 states We heard no complaints from NYT staff about publishing an op-ed by a Hamas-appointed mayor over Christmas. That tells you everything you need to know about the state of our media, Haley continued. A campaign official said on Tuesday that Vivek Ramaswamy, the Indian-American entrepreneur who is running for the Republican Partys presidential nomination, has cut off his spending on cable TV ads. Republican presidential candidate businessman Vivek Ramaswamy speaks to guests during a campaign stop at the AmericInn. (Photo by SCOTT OLSON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) The Iowa caucuses, which will start the voting process for the nomination, are only a few weeks away. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the campaign, said that Mr. Ramaswamys campaign is not reducing its overall advertising budget, but is switching from conventional TV to other ways of reaching out to voters that have a higher return on investment. She said this after NBC News reported that the campaign had stopped its TV ad spending. Ms. McLaughlin said in a statement that we are focused on bringing out the voters weve identified best way to reach them is using addressable advertising, mail, text, live calls and doors to communicate with our voters. She added that were just following the data. ALSO READ| 42 events in a week but Vivek Ramaswamy not tired. His secret is coffee? Nah She also mentioned the enormous amounts of money that have been spent on the presidential campaign so far, saying that $190 million in traditional advertising has been spent in this race nationally. Polls have barely changed. Can data save Ramaswamy's fading presidential bid? This is a sudden change of plan for Ramaswamys campaign, which has invested millions in ads. The campaign had booked about $1 million worth of TV ads in Iowa last month, which was almost twice as much as what the campaign and a supportive super PAC had spent in the previous month. Ramaswamy has not been able to gain much traction in Iowa, even with the heavy spending and the frequent campaign events. He told reporters last month that he had spent about $20 million on his campaign until then. The presidential candidate is still far behind in the state polls, with less than 10 per cent support. His popularity among Republicans nationwide has also been dropping steadily since September, and his unpopularity among all Americans has reached a new high in national polls. ALSO READ| Your religion isn't', Vivek Ramaswamy asked how can US accept Hindu president, he replies He has also been promoting right-wing conspiracy theories in his campaign speeches. He has said that the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol was an inside job, alleged that the 2020 election was rigged by big tech and implied that the great replacement theory was a Democratic agenda. Ms. McLaughlin said that the Ramaswamy campaign would still run some ads through online TV services, such as YouTube TV. The U.S. will provide up to $250 million in arms and equipment to Ukraine in the final package of aid this year to help Kyiv in its war with Russia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday. Local residents stand at a site of a yesterday's Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kherson.(REUTERS) President Joe Biden has asked Congress to provide another $61 billion in aid to Ukraine, but Republicans are refusing to approve the assistance without an agreement with Democrats to tighten security along the U.S.-Mexico border. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The White House has warned that without the additional appropriation U.S. aid will run out by the end of the year for Ukraine's fight to retake territory occupied by Russian forces since it invaded in February 2022. Blinken said the latest aid package included air defense munitions, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, artillery ammunition, anti-armor munitions and over 15 million rounds of ammunition. Congress has approved more than $110 billion for Ukraine since Russia's invasion, but it has not approved any funds since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives from Democrats in January 2023. Prince Harry's wife Meghan Markle joined the royal family Christmas gathering at the Sandringham Estate in England in 2017. Meghan Markle was then Duke of Sussex' fiancee. It was the first time the public saw her standing shoulder to shoulder with future in-laws, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Meghan Markle was the first fiancee to receive a Christmas invite from Queen Elizabeth as Princess Diana, Sarah "Fergie" Ferguson, Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh and Kate Middleton could not join the celebrations until they were married to make their first festive royal appearance. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrives at Variety's Power of Women at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles.(Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Meghan Markle has rarely spoken about her royal Christmas experiences even though she has attended the Sandringham events twice in 2017 and 2018. She opened about spending Christmas with the royal family in the third episode of her Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries which was released in December 2022. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Describing her first festive period spent, she recalled the "constant movement and energy and fun" at Sandringham and said that at dinner she had been seated next to Prince Harry's grandfather, Prince Philip, who "chatted" throughout the evening. What Meghan Markle said about royal family Christmas I remember so vividly the first Christmas at Sandringham. Calling my mom, and she's like, 'How's it going?' And I said, 'Oh my gosh, it's amazing.' It's just like a big family like I always wanted. And there was just this constant movement and energy and fun. At dinner, I was sat next to H's grandfather [Prince Philip] and I just thought it was so wonderful. And I was like, 'Oh, we chatted and it was so great. And I talked about this, and talked about this.' He was like, 'You had his bad ear. He couldn't hear anything you were saying.' I was like, 'Oh. Well, I thought it went really well.' What Prince Harry said about Meghan Markle's first royal Christmas Prince Harry said, "She really enjoyed it. The family loved having her there and you know, there's always that family part of Christmas, there's always that work element as well. And I think together we had an amazing time. We had great fun staying with my brother and sister-in-law, running around with the kids and Christmas was fantastic, and as I say, we're really looking forward to the New Year." Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in May 2018 and welcomed their first child, son Archie Harrison, in 2019. At the time, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were still members of the royal family and stepped down in January 2020 to move to United States. Prince Harry seen with his son Archie. Archie is entitled to the "courtesy title" of Earl of Dumbarton but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose not to give him a courtesy title at that time. Meghan Markle even said that she would have accepted a title for Archie at birth if it had offered him security and "meant he was going to be safe." Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here And it's not our decision to make. Even though I have a lot of clarity of what comes with the titles, good and bad ... that is their birthright to then make a choice about, she said. Following King Charles' accession to the throne, Archie got the title of Prince. On his children, Prince Harry said, "I've said before that I've wanted a family, not an institution so of course, I would love nothing more than for our children to have relationships with members of my family, and they do with some, which brings me great joy." All you need to know about Prince Archie- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son Wolfgang Schaeuble, who served as a member of the German parliament for over half a century, has died aged 81, ending one of Germany's longest political careers in which he helped secure his country's place at the heart of Europe. Former German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble.(AFP) Schaeuble, who spent much of his career devoted to re-unifying his country and later served as former chancellor Angela Merkel's finance minister during the eurozone debt crisis, died peacefully late Tuesday, said a spokesperson for the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) on Wednesday. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Schaeuble had been a member of the CDU since 1965 and a member of parliament since 1972. Chancellor Olaf Scholz mourned Schaeuble's death in a social media post on X: "Germany has lost a sharp thinker, passionate politician and pugnacious democrat." CDU leader Friedrich Merz expressed his deep grief at Schaeuble's death on X. "In Wolfgang Schaeuble, I lose the dearest friend and adviser I've ever had in politics," Merz said. Tributes also came in from France, where Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire expressed his "profound sadness" on X. "He was a friend, a loyal and reliable partner, and a tireless craftsman of the friendship between Germany and France," Le Maire wrote. Once Merkel's boss before their roles were reversed, Schaeuble pulled the strings of Germany's policy response to the euro zone crisis, securing support on the right of their conservative bloc for three Greek bailouts. In November 2015, soon after Merkel opened Germany's borders to hundreds of thousands of migrants, he said the country risked "an avalanche" of refugees triggered by "careless" actions. He subsequently defended Merkel's open-door migrant policy, however, when the Alternative for Germany (AfD) waded into the debate, accusing the far-right party of fuelling xenophobia. Over the final years of his career, the AfD grew into a more formidable opponent of the CDU, with critics accusing the centre-right party of adopting its rhetoric on migration under Merz. Schaeuble used a wheelchair since 1990 after being shot three times at an election campaign event a few days after German reunification. Thibault Catala is a French entrepreneur and business executive. He founded Catala Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specializing in strategy, distribution, and revenue management for asset management firms, family offices, and boutique hotels. Additionally, he is the Co-Founder and COO of Vertell Asset Management, an independent asset management firm based in Zurich, where their focus is on providing customized investment solutions to institutional and private clients. As an entrepreneur, he is particularly passionate about creating value in the hospitality industry through the utilization of technology and innovation. His career began in hotel revenue management, concentrating on pricing, distribution, and technology. He has gained valuable experience working for esteemed companies in these sectors, such as Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels Group. As a consultant, he has collaborated with various asset management firms, family offices, and renowned hotels, including The Sacher, Auberge Resorts Collection, Cedar Capital Partners, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs. His role has been to assist them in optimizing their revenue, business models, and operations. Furthermore, he has taken on mentoring and advisory roles for multiple fintech startups. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Glion Institute of Higher Education. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events, and has also been quoted in various hotel management publications. Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360. If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email. remaining of Thank you for using HudsonValley360! On your next view you will be asked to log in or create an account to continue reading. Lenox middle school students use the Lego SPIKE Prime kits purchased with grant funds courtesy of General Dynamics and the United States Navy. (Photo Courtesy Lenox Public Schools). Lenox Robotics Program Awarded Grant from GD, Navy LENOX Lenox Memorial High School Principal Jeremiah Ames shared that the Lenox Memorial Middle High School Robotics program recently received an $8,000 grant from General Dynamics and the United States Navy to purchase new equipment. The $8,000 in funding was used to purchase 20 new Lego SPIKE Prime kits, which are now being utilized by Lenox students. Two of the kits were donated by Robotics Teacher Matthew Cote to the newly reestablished Middle School Robotics Club. The last time LMMHS had a middle school robotics team was in 2012. Cote has been using Lego Robotics since 2006 in his Grade 8 curriculum. Recently, Lego decided to phase out its old line and replace it with its new line, Lego SPIKE Prime. Cote decided to apply for grant funding to obtain this new equipment through a grant program courtesy of General Dynamics and the United States Navy. The District was notified that it had received a $8,000 grant in early December. The new Lego SPIKE Prime kits will be used in Berkshire Robotics Challenge in March. The Middle School Robotics Club will practice for the annual competition using the donated kits. Cote is acting as co-advisor to the club along with SPED Paraprofessional Amanda Terzigni, and is also the lead mentor for the High School Robotics Club. "I cannot thank General Dynamics and the Navy enough for this grant funding," said Cote. Mount Greylock Takes Step to Secure Funding for School Roof Replacements WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Mount Greylock School Committee on Thursday took a step to address a major capital need of the district and, potentially, a utility question that has vexed other entities in one of its member towns. Assistant Superintendent Joe Bergeron detailed for the committee the district's effort to participate in the commonwealth's new Green School Works initiative, under which the state will pay for roof replacements on school buildings if the project includes installation of significant rooftop solar arrays. "The first time this program will be funded will probably be though there is no guarantee from the state the upcoming fiscal year, fiscal year 2025," Bergeron said. "We have tried to work with [solar developer] Solect, with the two town halls, with legal counsel to try to get to the point where we have all things ready to go when the project is funded. Any lease we sign [with Solect] would have a contingency saying: Only if we are accepted into the program and the state puts a new roof on the building." Town halls in Lanesborough and Williamstown are involved because the two towns own their elementary school buildings and lease them to the regional school district, which was formed after the buildings were constructed. Both Lanesborough Elementary School and Williamstown Elementary School were built around the same time, and both are coming up on the time when officials will need to think about roof replacements. For context, Bergeron explained that the roofs of the district's two elementary schools are approaching the time when the state normally helps school districts borrow money to address replacement. "The [Massachusetts School Building Authority] operates what it calls an Accelerated Repair Program," he said. "Schools are eligible to participate in that program when the roof is 25 years old. Ours are 21 or 22 years old, so we're a little shy of eligibility. Both our elementary school rooves are showing their wear, and we'd like to address them before we have routine leaking issues. It's an area to be proactive if at all possible." As it stands right now, though, the district has a clearer path to state funding for a project at Lanesborough Elementary because a solar project at WES or any large-scale solar project in the North County town is complicated. As the Williamstown Fire District's Building Committee learned in June , large-scale solar projects in Williamstown are hampered by low capacity on National Grid's feeder lines, which have to accept power generated by photovoltaic arrays. The capacity issue also has been reported to be a stumbling block for Williams College, which already has several large-scale solar projects, including the one it developed with the town at the capped landfill at the town transfer station. National Grid has informed the school district that it cannot move forward with any request to approve new large solar projects in Williamstown until it studies the issue; the study would cost $12,000. That led to the action Bergeron asked the School Committee to take at its monthly meeting last Thursday. "Solect has said, if your School Committee says it's likely to sign the lease and [power purchase agreements], then we can foot the bill to cover the cost of the study," Bergeron said."National Grid let us know [in early December] that, We are requiring a study and, we need you to let us know by Dec. 21 whether you want to go forward with it or you'll go to the back of the line in some queue, somewhere and maybe you'll hear from us in the future.' " Bergeron asked the School Committee for, essentially, a non-binding commitment to go forward with the roof replacement/solar array project if the National Grid issue is resolved and the roof is funded through the Green School Works program. Carolyn Greene asked Bergeron how a new PPA would impact the district's existing electricity deals with the town of Williamstown for service at WES and the middle-high school. "Currently in Williamstown we receive net metering credits as a result of that solar array," Bergeron said. "That means our electricity bills across the many meters we have are significantly lower as a result of that installation. If we were to do [the roof replacement/solar array deal] the plan would be that WES would no longer receive those solar credits because it would be producing, during peak periods, well in excess of its usage. "We would transfer more credits to Mount Greylock and the town would be able to allocate other credits to other meters within town so it would realize additional savings on those accounts." In the meantime, the town and district would receive a new roof at the elementary school, which normally would be a seven-figure expense. Jose Constantine asked Bergeron about whether the district could fund the roof replacement at WES on its own from proceeds of a capital gift Williams College gave to the then town department at the time of construction. "It's my opinion that the state programs that can fund rooves and windows, we should use for those purposes if at all possible," Bergeron said, referring to the Green School Works and MSBA programs. "We have flooring. We have the playground project. Also, we have some areas where we'd like to get ahead of security, fire and video camera systems for WES. A bunch of areas that do exist need renewal in the near term. "We have lots of use [for the Williams capital gift]." In the end, the School Committee voted 6-0, with Ursula Maloy absent, to give the preliminary commitment Bergeron sought in order to give Solect assurance that the district was interested enough for the developer to fund the National Grid study. In other business on Thursday, the School Committee: Heard an update on the district's use of technology from Director of Academic Technology Elea Kaatz. OK'd Chair Christina Conry's reappointment of Greene, Maloy and Steven Miller to the standing Finance Subcommittee and Constantine, Julia Bowen and Curtis Elfenbein to the Policy and Governance Committee. Approved an updated policy for library materials at the district's three schools, incorporating Approved an updated policy for library materials at the district's three schools, incorporating language that Miller suggested at the November meeting where the policy received a first read. Learned that the contractor building a new multisport field and track at Mount Greylock was optimistic that earth work could continue into the beginning of January if the long range weather forecast holds up. Discussed the FY25 budget process. Bergeron said the Finance Subcommittee would begin its review in early January and that he hoped to have staff budgets available for a first look by the full School Committee at its Jan. 11 session. "The state has indicated that before this month is out, we should get a look at the governor's Chapter 70 and 71 numbers," Bergeron said. "The last couple of years, first because of COVID and then with the change in administration, they came out later." Acknowledged the passing of district custodian Greg Hoard, who died at age 60 in early December. "Greg, if you ever met him, you would not be likely to forget him," Superintendent Jason McCandless said. "He had a good spirit and a massive sense of humor and was a very hard worker." Received a report from Bergeron and McCandless on the district's efforts to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at the three schools. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Kanye West has apologised to the Jewish community for a series of antisemitic remarks he made in 2022. In a statement written in Hebrew and posted on his Instagram account on 26 December, he said (as translated by Google): I sincerely apologise to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions. It was not my intention to hurt or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused. I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity, he added. The rapper, also known as Ye, faced significant backlash in 2022 after making crude remarks on Twitter/X as well as sharing antisemitic conspiracy theories and claiming that hed been blocked by the Jewish media. In October 2022, he wrote on X that he was going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda. He posted a screenshot of a conversation with the rapper Diddy, in which West wrote: Ima use you as an example to show the Jewish people that told you to call me that no one can threat en or influence me. The comments led Adidas to sever ties with West and end its lucrative Yeezy footwear partnership, calling the comments unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous. Clothing brand Gap, which had also collaborated with the rapper on a clothing line, stopped stocking products affiliated with West. Wests comments intensified in December 2022, when he said there were good things about Hitler in an interview with right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Following the interview, West also posted an image of a swastika blended with a Star of David. Kanye Wests Instagram post in Hebrew (@kanyewest / Instagram) In The Trouble with KanYe, a documentary about the rappers downfall, Wests former business partner and friend, the entrepreneur Alex Klein, recalled the fallout that followed Wests outbursts and allegedly used offensive turns of phrase directly against him. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up We turned down $10m. Kanye was very angry, you know, he was saying I feel like I wanna smack you and Youre exactly like the other Jews almost relishing and revelling in how offensive he could be, using these phrases hoping to hurt me, Klein said. Kanye West in 2022 (Getty Images For Balenciaga) West is preparing to release his latest album, Vultures, which is expected on 12 January. The collaboration with vocalist Ty Dolla $ign, which was recorded in Saudi Arabia and also features appearances from Young Thug, Kid Kudi, Wests 10-year-old daughter North and others, was originally due for release on 15 December but was pushed back. West addresses his earlier remarks in an unreleased song, which was heard at an album playback in Miami earlier this month, as he raps I aint antisemitic in a sexually explicit line. Wests appearance at the listening party sparked fury after he was pictured wearing a black pointed robe similar to those worn by the Ku Klux Klan. The Independent contacted Wests representatives for comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A plane carrying hundreds of Indian nationals has landed in Mumbai, four days after it was detained in France over suspected human trafficking. The chartered Airbus A340 with 303 passengers, mostly Indians, was detained inside the rural Valtry airport in Champagne on Thursday. The flight from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was en route to Nicaragua, a Central American country. French authorities grounded the plane due to suspicions of human trafficking during a refuelling stop. The flight landed at Mumbai airport with 276 passengers. Twenty-five, including some minors, requested asylum in France, and two others were briefly detained. The flight left from east of Paris on Monday and landed after nearly 29 hours, just after 4am local time on Tuesday, aviation tracking website Flightradar24 showed. Pictures and videos showed passengers, mostly young men, coming out of the flight wearing masks, carrying luggage, and sitting in a waiting lounge before being allowed to leave. The passengers avoided speaking to the media when approached at the airport upon their return. Officials at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport said that some passengers were allowed to leave, while others were held back for interrogation. Parisian prosecutors said the passengers were held at Chalons-Vatry Airport after authorities received an anonymous tip-off that some passengers might be victims of human trafficking, according to Le Monde newspaper. Several of the passengers were believed to be Indian citizens working in the UAE, with a third of them reported to be from Indias western state of Gujarat. French authorities reportedly suspected that the passengers final destination would have been the US or Canada after travelling to Nicaragua. More than 200 passengers arrived in India on Tuesday (REUTERS) Judicial sources told the French newspaper that authorities are investigating the case for violation of immigration laws but have ruled out suspicion of human trafficking. Two passengers who were held back for investigation were brought before the court but were released after it was established that they had boarded the plane of their own free will. Among the 25 people who sought asylum in France, several are minors. French authorities are also working to determine the purpose of the original flight and have opened a judicial inquiry into activities by an organised criminal group that assists foreigners in entering or staying in a country illegally, as stated by the prosecutors office. The Indian embassy in Paris, which was providing support to the passengers, thanked French authorities for working through the Christmas holiday weekend. French customs officers stand next to a customs car with an Airbus A340 in the background which was grounded on the tarmac since 21 December over suspected human trafficking (AFP via Getty Images) Thank French Gov and Vatry Airport for quick resolution of the situation enabling Indian passengers to return home & hospitality. Also for working closely with embassy team, present throughout at the site to ensure welfare and smooth & safe return. Thank agencies in India, too, the Indian embassy in Paris wrote in a post on X/Twitter. The incident sparked chaotic scenes at the airport on Thursday, with police requisitioning Vatry Airport for the day and the terminal filling up with media and local officials. Several volunteers installed cots and ensured regular meals and showers for those held inside for days. It turned into a makeshift courtroom on Sunday as judges, lawyers and interpreters carried out emergency hearings to determine the next steps. During Sundays hearings, some lawyers expressed objections to the authorities management of the situation and the passengers rights, suggesting that the police and prosecutors may have overreacted in response to the anonymous tip. Legend Airlines lawyer Liliana Bakayoko said some passengers did not want to return to India because they had paid for a tourism trip to Nicaragua. Indian passengers who travelled in an unmarked Legend Airlines A340 from Vatry Airport in France (AP) The airline denied any role in possible human trafficking suspicions. Amid a surge in Indians crossing the Mexico-US border this year, the US government has designated Nicaragua as one of the countries that have failed to meet minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking. Nicaragua has served as a migration launchpad for individuals escaping poverty or conflict, facilitated by lenient or visa-free entry requirements in certain countries. It comes as India has extended an invitation to French president Emmanuel Macron to be the chief guest at the countrys national day celebrations on 26 January. Mr Macron, who had invited Indian prime minister Narendra Modi as a guest of honour for Frances annual Bastille Day parade in Paris this year, called the invitation an extremely strong gesture. 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 }} Passengers on a flight that was grounded in France for four days over suspicions of human trafficking had valid documents and visas, a lawyer for Romania-based charter carrier Legend Airlines said. The airlines Airbus A340 arrived in Mumbai, India on Tuesday carrying 276 passengers after its original flight to Nicaragua from the UAE was grounded in rural Vatry, in the Champagne region, where it had stopped to refuel. The Nicaragua-bound passengers, most of whom were from India, were held after authorities received an anonymous tip-off that some passengers might be victims of human trafficking. French authorities were investigating allegations that it could be a donkey flight, a term used when migrants attempt to reach countries such as the US, UK and Canada by first landing in other nearby countries with less strict entry requirements. A lawyer acting for Legend Airlines, Liliana Bakayoko, told the Indian Express newspaper that a non-European company had chartered the aircraft, but refused to disclose any further details. The flight was chartered by a company whose name I wont disclose at this stage because Legend Airlines wants to protect its clients, she said. The flight was operated as a charter flight. The client hired the plane, hired the crew, and chose the starting point and the arrival point. The lawyer said that some very high authority had provided an anonymous signal about [the possibility of] human trafficking. Indian passengers who travelled to France on a Legend Airlines Airbus A340 arrive at an airport in Mumbai after their flight was grounded in France for four days (AP) Men, women and children, including a baby, were among the passengers, she said. So, families, entire families are also there. Many were in possession of valid ID documents, valid tickets, and valid visas. And some of them even had return tickets and hotel reservations, she added. So, for now, we have absolutely no proof that any of the passengers intended to go beyond Nicaragua to the United States or Canada, or to any other country. The plane was grounded for four days in rural France (AP) Indian nationals are required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to Nicaragua. Of the 303 passengers who took off from the UAE on the original flight, 25 requested asylum in France, including some minors. Two passengers were initially detained as part of a human trafficking investigation, but were released after appearing before a judge, the Paris prosecutors office said. The lawyer said India was the only country that expressed the willingness to help and to act quickly to take the passengers after the UAE refused to take them back. There were chaotic scenes at Vatry airport last week as police took over the facility and the terminal filled up with media and local officials. Volunteers installed cots and ensured that regular meals and showers were provided for those being held there. The airport turned into a makeshift courtroom on Sunday as judges, lawyers and interpreters carried out emergency hearings to determine the next steps. 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 ammonia gas leak from a fertiliser plant in Indias southern state of Tamil Nadu sent at least 46 people to the hospital with several others complaining of breathing difficulties and eye irritation. The state government on Wednesday ordered the private facility Coromandel International Limited in Ennore near the coastal city Chennai to remain shut for a week after ammonia gas leaked from its sub-sea pipeline. Residents living near the manufacturing plant complained of breathing difficulties, nausea and dizziness late on Tuesday night. As people rushed out of their houses in panic, an inspection team recorded the ammonia level in the ambient air to be 3ppm (2090 microgram/m3, exceeding the permitted 400 microgram/m3 on a 24-hour average) at 3.30am (local time) on Wednesday near the units material gate. The leak reportedly took place during the pre-cooling process in the pipeline intended to pump liquid ammonia. Coromandel International Limited uses ammonia to manufacture ammonium phosphate potash sulphate [APPS], which is used for the growth of plants. The locals, including children who complained of feeling sick, were rushed to a hospital while the police requested the rest to return to their houses. The state pollution control board said the leak was swiftly detected and contained. No need to panic. The leak has been stabilised (sic), police commissioner Vijayakumar said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. No more gas (ammonia) leaks at Ennore. People are reassured and are back home. Medical and police teams present, he added. State health minister, Ma Subramanian told reporters that a medical camp had been set up at a public school in Periyakuppam with lung specialists for people seeking medical attention. The company said in a statement that an abnormality was observed at 11.30pm (local time) in the ammonia unloading sub-sea pipeline near the shore and that the situation was brought to normalcy in the shortest time. State authorities said the ammonia level in the seawater sample was found to be 49 mg/L as against the marine discharge standard of 5 mg/L. The company said it has halted operations at the Ennore port and cancelled the next shipment. It will be brought into operation after rectification of abnormalities to the satisfaction and certification of concerned authorities, it said, according to The Hindu. The federal National Green Tribunal on Wednesday said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the gas leak and would open an investigation into the case. The gas leak triggered a protest, with livid residents demanding a complete shutdown of the fertiliser plant. 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 }} Hundreds of workers in Indonesias nickel industry held a peaceful rally demanding improved work safety standards, just three days after a fire resulted in 18 deaths. The workers, representing the worlds largest nickel producer, gathered at the Morowali industrial park on Wednesday. However, the rally did not impact operations, and company officials are reportedly in talks with worker representatives. The workers, numbering around 300, demanded compliance with occupational health and safety laws, threatening to strike if their demands werent met within three days. Protesters submitted a list of 23 requests to the management, as outlined in a letter forwarded to the police by unions representing the workforce. The requests included improvements in nickel smelter maintenance, enhancements to health clinics to handle emergencies, and a mandate for Chinese workers to acquire proficiency in the Indonesian language. The Morwali industrial park, spanning 3,000 hectares, focuses on nickel processing and employs about 70,000 workers. The recent fire occurred at a nickel smelter furnace owned by Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel, leading to the suspension of its operations for a police investigation. Indonesia has banned unprocessed nickel ore exports to promote domestic smelting, but the industry has faced safety challenges in recent years. Dedy Kurniawan, a spokesperson for Morowali industrial park, said that the company had done what they [the protesters] demanded two days ago, without mentioning which demands had been met. We hope this demonstration will not continue after they hear our explanation, he said. The fire that occurred on Sunday at a nickel smelter furnace, owned by Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel a unit of Chinas Tsingshan Holding Group - resulted in the loss of 10 Indonesian and eight Chinese workers. The accident happened during repair work on a furnace when a flammable liquid ignited and caused nearby oxygen tanks to explode, according to the initial investigation. Indonesian president Joko Widodo also called for improved safety and enhanced monitoring of environmental standards in the wake of the accident. 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. 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 New York City man has been charged with hate crimes following the Christmas Day stabbing of two teenage tourists from Paraguay at an eatery inside Grand Central Terminal, authorities said. Witnesses said Esteban Esono-Asue, 36, also known as Steven Hutcherson, made derogatory comments about white people shortly before the unprovoked attack on the 14- and 16-year-old girls inside the Manhattan transit hub Monday morning, according to a criminal complaint. The girls were visiting He was being held without bail Wednesday after pleading not guilty Tuesday to attempted murder and assault as hate crimes, and child endangerment. According to the complaint, Esono-Asue initially was asked to leave the Tartinery dining area by an employee, who said Esono-Asue responded by saying: I'll leave, I don't want the white man to get at you, or something similar. A second employee said he made another anti-white comment after he approached her and asked for a table to place an order. I don't want to sit with Black people. I want to sit with the crackers, he told the second employee, according to the complaint. Shortly after he was seated and given water, Esono-Asue walked over to a table of individuals, who appeared to be white, pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed one of the girls in the back, the second employee told authorities. As the family scrambled to get away, the man stabbed the younger girl in the thigh, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said. Both girls were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Officers quickly arrested Esono-Asue without further incident, an MTA spokesperson said. The Paraguayan consulate general's office in New York was assisting the family, who were visiting New York City from the South American country, consulate Luis Dominguez said Wednesday. At his arraignment, Esono-Asue was ordered held without bail pending his next court appearance, scheduled for Friday. A Legal Aid Society attorney representing him declined to comment. Earlier this month, Esono-Asue pleaded guilty to an assault charge and was given a conditional discharge after being arrested for threatening a man on Nov. 7, according to court records. 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 television news anchor in Turkey has been fired after appearing on camera with a Starbucks cup on her desk. Award-winning anchor Meltem Gunay,45, from TGRT Haber and the director of the programme were sacked immediately after a broadcast on Sunday (24 December). The Istanbul-based media company put out a statement over the weekend on X, formerly known as Twitter, condemning the actions taken by the anchor. The statement said: In the news broadcast of TGRT Haber TV dated 24.12.2023, Meltem Gunay, who was an announcer, was seen presenting the news with a Starbucks cup in front of her. In accordance with the principles of our institution, it is strictly forbidden for the announcer to present on TGRT News TV in a way that will covertly advertise any company. The news anchor and director who acted contrary to this principle were terminated for just cause. Our institution has an understanding that knows the sensitivities of the Turkish people regarding Gaza and defends them to the end. News anchor sacked for Starbucks coffee cup (TGRT Haber) The outlet continued: It is absolutely impossible to approve any action or publication contrary to this. We do not approve of this action of the presenter and director, whose employment contracts were terminated, and we strongly condemn it. For this reason, their employment contracts were terminated. TGRT Haber also said the institution will continue to stand by the Gaza and Turkish people as well as protect their sensitivities until the end. In recent weeks there has been a nationwide boycott of Starbucks in Turkey as people claim the company holds a bias toward Israel. In November a group of pro-boycott activists installed a Bluetooth speaker at a Starbucks branch in Istanbul. The speaker broadcasted a message in both Turkish and English languages, telling customers the money they spend at Starbucks goes to Gazas babies as bombs, blood, and death. Hello dear guest, the message started off, we have a small reminder message for you. The money you are currently paying for this organisation, is going to Gazas babies as bombs, blood and death. Thank you for your sensitivity, the broadcast ended. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also a long-standing supporter of Gaza and its people. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Last month, Erdogan labelled Israel a terror state and called for Israeli leaders to be tried for war crimes at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. 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 }} More than 200,000 shoplifting cases went unsolved over the space of a year, according to analysis of official figures. The figures suggested 205,676 shoplifting cases were closed without a suspect being identified in the year to July. Only around 15 per cent of 362,809 cases were said to have resulted in a suspect being charged or summonsed. Craig Beaumont, from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: Its disheartening to see our under-pressure local small and independent businesses lose their hard-earned money because crimes are overlooked by the authorities. The lack of police investigation and prosecution of those perpetrating these crimes is one factor behind the increasing number of our members saying theyve been hit by organised shoplifting and threatening behaviour to their staff. The Liberal Democrats, who studied the statistics for England and Wales, accused the government of totally failing to tackle a growing crime epidemic. Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman, said: As unsolved shoplifting soars across the country, organised criminal gangs are being let off the hook while shopkeepers are left vulnerable. Yet again, this Conservative government is totally failing to tackle a growing crime epidemic. We already know what works to stop crime its not taskforces and gimmicks, its putting police back on the beat and ensuring that crimes are properly investigated. Figures suggest 205,676 shoplifting cases were closed without a suspect being identified in the year to July (PA Archive) Chief constable Amanda Blakeman, from the National Police Chiefs Council, said: Retail crime has a damaging impact and we are committed to tackling offenders and supporting retailers in reducing shoplifting and attacks on retail staff, which are completely unacceptable. Organised crime is of course only part of the problem and we continue to target those prolific and habitual offenders whose behaviour causes misery and takes profit from our communities and retailers. A Home Office spokeswoman said: In the last year, charging rates for shoplifting offences are up by almost a third. Shoplifting is a blight on our communities and the policing minister has made clear that police should be taking a zero-tolerance approach to this crime. 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 }} Self-driving cars could be on the UKs roads by 2026, the transport secretary has said. Mark Harper said the technology will boost road safety and make life easier for disabled drivers. Vehicles that take care of themselves and the driver are the future, according to the government, which in the Kings Speech said that self-driving vehicles will make transport safer, more convenient and more accessible, improving the lives of millions. Future fit? Government graphic in a publication to promote self-driving vehicles (Department for Transport) Mr Harper told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The legislation is going through Parliament at the moment so hopefully well get that through Parliament by the end of 2024. Probably by as early as 2026, people will start seeing some elements of these cars that have full self-driving capabilities being rolled out. We already know the technology works. You can see the technology being rolled out with a safety driver in place. Ive seen the technology being used in California for example, without a safety driver, so in full, autonomous mode. This technology exists, it works and what were doing is putting in place the proper legislation so that people can have full confidence in the safety of this technology, which I think is one of the important things weve got to do. Asked if people will be able to travel in self-driving vehicles with your hands off the wheel, doing your emails in 2026, Mr Harper replied: Yes, and I think thats when companies are expecting in 2026, during that year that well start seeing this technology rolled out. Transport Secretary Mark Harper having a ride in a self-driving car (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire) Responding to a question by former Top Gear presenter James May who was Todays guest editor on Wednesday about why the Government is supporting the development of autonomous driving, Mr Harper claimed there are a few reasons. He said: I think it will actually improve road safety. We already have a very good road safety record in Britain but there are still several thousand people a year killed on our roads. That could be improved. Its a big economic opportunity for Britain to get what will be a big global share of market. The final thing is, there are a lot of people who currently dont have the opportunity to get the freedom that many of us drivers take for granted. For example, there are people who have disabilities, people with learning disabilities, who dont have the same freedom that driving brings the rest of us. This potentially opens up a whole new world for personal freedom, getting to work, having the ability to not have to rely on other people. The Automated Vehicles Bill to create a set of laws for using autonomous vehicles was introduced into Parliament last month. At present self-driving vehicles in the UK are largely limited to a bus shuttle across the Forth Road Bridge in Scotland and the Heathrow Pod, which connects Terminal 5 with a car park along a dedicated track. In April 2023 the government gave permission for Ford to activate its BlueCruise self-driving system on 2,300 miles of UK motorway though the technology is currently only available on the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, a pure electric vehicle costing upwards of 50,000. 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 }} A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a blaze at the atrium of the London Oratory School in west London. A 16-year-old boy is in custody after he was arrested at 11.15am on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said. Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters were called to the prestigious Catholic school in Seagrave Road in Fulham at 10am. The fire is now under control and no injuries have been reported, the London Fire Brigade said. Images from the scene show smoke billowing down the street and a row of fire engines and ambulances leading up to the school gate. Fire engines and police officers on Seagrave Road in Fulham, west London, as firefighters tackle a blaze at London Oratory Schoo (James Manning/PA Wire) The London Fire Brigade [LFB] said part of an atrium was damaged by fire in the four-storey building. Before adding no injuries were reported. Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blairs sons are among the alumni of the prestigious catholic school, which has nearly 1,400 pupils between the ages of seven and 18. Other alumni include Mission: Impossible star Hayley Atwell and members of post-punk outfit Television Personalities. The schools choir was also selected to contribute to the double-platinum award-winning soundtrack to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Local MP for Fulham Greg Hands, posted on X: Am concerned about this situation and am in touch with police. Lots of helicopter noise overhead this part of Fulham too. Have you been affected by this incident? Email barney.davis@independent.co.uk Firefighters tackle a blaze at London Oratory School (James Manning/PA Wire) Police have said they evacuated a nearby shopping centre as a precaution alongside several homes. The school lies in the shadow of Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC who have a home match against Crystal Palace later this evening. Smoke seen in the west London street (LFB) A Scotland Yard spokesman said: Police dont know at this stage whether there are any injured persons inside the school. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and will be investigated. A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to a fire at a school on Seagrave Road in Fulham. An atrium is alight in a four storey building with basement. Fire crews from Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Wansdworth, Hammersmith, Clapham, Lambeth and Soho fire stations are in attendance. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage. The London Ambulance Service, which is on the scene, urged residents to close their windows and confirmed it did not need to treat any patients at the scene. A spokesperson said: We sent a number of resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an incident response officer, a medic in a fast response car and members of our hazardous area response team (HART). Our first medics arrived at the scene in less than three minutes. We did not treat any patients at the scene. 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 }} Sarah Ferguson has reportedly been granted a royal funeral and a burial spot alongside members of royalty at Frogmore, near Windsor Castle. It came as the Duchess of York returned to Sandringham for the Royal Familys Christmas celebrations for the first time in 32 years. The Queen is said to have permitted a St Georges Chapel Windsor funeral for the duchess followed by internment at the royal burial ground at Frogmore - adjacent to the mausoleum built as the final resting place for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Frogmore is a mile from the royal vault at St Georges Chapel, where Prince Philip - who had a tumultuous relationship with the Duchess - rests. The only monarch at the royal burial ground is the Duke of Windsor, briefly known as Edward VIII, who is buried there alongside his wife, Wallis Simpson. Their graves are set back from the other family members under a plane tree. News of the agreement, reported by The Daily Mail, came as Ferguson was invited back to the royal estate for Christmas for the first time since an infamous series of photographs were captured of her alongside Texan millionaire John Bryan in 1992. Frogmore Cottage (Alamy Stock Photo) On Christmas Day, the 64-year-old duchess, who has recently recovered from breast cancer, was reunited with her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, and former in-laws, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, as they walked from the royal estate to the St Mary Magdalene church as part of a long-standing Christmas tradition. The last time Ferguson and Andrew who was stripped of his royal title amid scrutiny over his friendship with disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein made the walk with the royal family was on Christmas Day in 1991. At the time, the former couple, who continue to live together in the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, were seen walking behind Diana, the Princess of Wales, and a young Prince Harry. This year, they were also accompanied by their daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and sons-in-law, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank respectively. The Christmas invite was symbolic of Fergusons place within the royal family being restored. Frogmore House is usually open to the public on six days each year, during which the royal burial ground may also be viewed from its perimeter. Frogmore earns its name from the wet, marshy location the estate is built on. Frogmore Cottage was the home of Prince Harry and Meghan before they left the royal family and moved to the US. 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 }} Festive travel plans were plunged into chaos for tens of thousands on Wednesday, as Storm Gerrit brought flooding and huge disruption to rail services and left drivers trapped for hours in their cars on snow-covered roads. A rescue operation was launched to help motorists stranded in freezing conditions on the A9 near Inverness. Elsewhere, wind gusts of up to 87mph pulled huge trees from their roots onto roads, rail lines and at least one home, with boats used to rescue residents stranded in houses that were flooded. Outages cut power to 8,600 homes at lunchtime, the Energy Networks Association told The Independent. The railway line at Bowling station, West Dunbartonshire, was completely submerged (Getty) While power had been restored to 8,500 of the 27,000 properties across Scotland which suffered power cuts, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the company warned that some of the 18,500 properties still cut off at 4.30pm could face two days without power. And thousands saw their travel plans cast into disarray, as the storm knocked out ferry services and major rail and road arteries, with huge crowds left stranded at London Kings Cross after the East Coast main line to Edinburgh was flooded, blocking travel beyond Newcastle. The western rail artery into Scotland was also blocked by flooding hitting services between Edinburgh and Birmingham, and Glasgow and Manchester Airport. Avanti West Coast told all passengers not to travel north of Preston. Those with pre-booked tickets for travel between Preston and either Edinburgh or Glasgow can board trains on Thursday or Friday, the operator said; while LNER passengers stranded by the disruption on the east coast line were told to book hotels and claim back the cost. The tracks at Bowling train station were completely submerged by floodwaters (Getty) At 4pm, with cross-border rail travel already halted, ScotRail announced it was suspending all services north of Perth and Dundee, with trains already on the move ordered to return to stations suspending rail travel across most of the country. Images shared on social media earlier on Wednesday showed a tree on a train in Dumbarton, while a train driver was injured when a tree smashed through his cab at Broughty Ferry, near Dundee. Further south, the main line between St Pancras and Luton was closed due to a signalling fault, with all East Midlands Railway trains cancelled. Air travel was also hit, with at least 18 British Airways flights cancelled at London Heathrow due to the storm, to both domestic and European destinations. By 3.30pm, nearly 80mm of rainfall had already fallen in the Cumbrian valley of Mickleden, Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst told The Independent, while strong gale-force gusts of 86mph were recorded on Scotlands northeast coast, and of 83mph in north Wales. The forecaster said at least 5cm to 10cm of snow appeared to have fallen in the Highlands, where hundreds of unlucky motorists were trapped for hours in their cars on a remote stretch of the A9 at Drumochter. Cars were stuck on the A9 at Drumochter after heavy snowfall (Traffic Scotland) A major incident was declared to help miles of vehicles stuck in the snow between Drumochter and Dalwhinnie, Highland Council said. Drivers are asked to remain in their vehicles meantime, keep warm, and tune in to local radio or social media where further updates will be provided as soon as possible, Police Scotland said. The trunk road was closed further south at Ballinluig due to flooding, with a host of other roads across the country blocked by flooding, and downed trees and power lines. In central Aberdeen, large trees uprooted onto a main street had to be cut up with chainsaws and removed, while a tree was pictured having landed on a house in Inverlochy, near Fort William. Further south, in the Fife town of Cupar, residents were filmed being escorted from flooded homes by emergency service workers, with dogs also seen being carried across deep floodwaters. Planning to drive to Edinburgh but am stranded in Cupar, wrote James Matheson, who took the footage. Both roads from my parents are flooded at the river. Some houses flooded. Grim. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: We were alerted at 11.36am on Wednesday, 27 December to reports of flooding in Cupar. Throughout the day, crews have rescued a number of residents who became trapped due to rising floodwaters, via boat or other means. Dogs were carried to safety in Cupar as floodwaters submerged parts of the Fife town (James Matheson) While residents in 25 locations across Scotland, England and Wales were told to expect flooding on Wednesday, lesser flood alerts were also issued in a further 186 areas. In the frequently flood-hit Shropshire village of Ironbridge, flood barriers were erected as the River Severn rose ominously, but the town remained unscathed on Wednesday evening. The River Severn has risen, causing flood defences to be put in place along the wharf at Ironbridge (PA) The high winds also disrupted ferry travel to the Hebrides and Orkney and Shetland Isles, where 15 flights were also cancelled from Kirkwall and Sumburgh airports. And on the south coast, ferry operator Red Funnel which provides services between Southampton and Cowes on the Isle of Wight cancelled its Red Jet passenger services due to strong winds. Hovercraft services between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight were also suspended. Storm Gerrit comes less than a week after Storm Pia lashed parts of the UK in the countdown to the festive season, when winds of 80mph battered parts of the country and brought travel misery for thousands attempting to return home for Christmas. 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 41-year-old passenger is missing after falling into the Atlantic Ocean from a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas. The Coast Guard says that the incident took place on 23 December about 100 miles off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. The agency dispatched a rescue plane to carry out an aerial search for the unnamed passenger. The search was suspended after rescuers searched more than 1,625 square miles for eight hours. A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group confirmed that a guest on its Vision of the Seas cruise ship had been lost overboard. The ship and crew immediately reported the incident to local authorities and launched a search and rescue mission, the spokesperson told The Post and Courier newspaper. #FinalUpdate: The @USCG has suspended the search efforts for the missing cruise ship passenger 127 mi east of #Charleston. Coast Guard crews searched more than 1,625 square miles and 8 hours. Anyone with new information is asked to call @USCG Sector Charleston: 843-740-7050 USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) December 25, 2023 Out of privacy for the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share. The companys 8 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Holiday Cruise departed from Baltimore, Maryland, on 21 December. Fellow passenger Jake Utzinger, a 21-year-old from New Jersey, told the newspaper he was in his cabin at around 7.45pm when the captain announced that someone had fallen overboard. I instantly felt sick to my stomach knowing that one of our fellow travellers had been lost at sea, he told the newspaper. He said that passengers rushed to the pool deck to help try to spot the missing man and that the liner stopped for six hours as they desperately and unsuccessfully searched. The liner is due to stop in Port Canaveral, Florida, before continuing to the Bahamas and returning to Baltimore on 30 December. It has a total capacity of 2,000 passengers and 700 crew members, according to Royal Caribbean. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two teenage boys have been arrested in Florida after their older sister was fatally shot following an alleged row over who had received more Christmas presents. Abrielle Baldwin, 23, was allegedly shot in the chest by her 14-year-old brother after telling him to stop arguing because it was Christmas, according to the Pinellas County Sheriffs office. The other brother, aged 15, then allegedly produced a second weapon and shot his brother in the stomach before fleeing the scene. Baldwin, who was carrying her 11-month child in a baby carrier at the time of the shooting, was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead. Baldwin had suffered internal bleeding and was unable to breathe but the baby in the carrier was not harmed. The 14-year-old was also taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and being delinquent in possession of a firearm. Pinellas County sheriff Bob Gualtieri at a press conference on Tuesday (Pinellas County Sheriffs Office) The 15-year-old boy was also arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. He was taken to a mental health facility due to self-harm statements and will be transferred to the custody of the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center once he is released, according to the department. The Independent is not identifying the teenage boys as they are minors. On Tuesday, Pinellas County sheriff Bob Gualtieri told a press conference that the three siblings had gone shopping with their mother and Baldwins 11-month-old and six-year-old sons on Christmas Eve. They then went to their grandmothers home where the three were involved in a verbal altercation over Christmas gifts. They had this family spat about who was getting what and what money was being spent on who and theyre having this big thing going on in the store and theyre all arguing with each other, he said. So you got the 14-year-old whos mad at the 15-year-old because moms not buying equal amounts of gifts. The younger teenager had threatened to shoot his brother in the head, he said. The gun allegedly used in the incident (Pinellas County Sheriffs Office) The incident occurred after Baldwin told her younger brother to stop arguing because it was Christmas, the sheriff said. Baldwin had said: You all need to leave that stuff alone. Why are you trying to start it? Its Christmas, according to Mr Gaultieri. Local prosecutors will review the case and decide whether to charge the 14-year-old as an adult for the killing of his sister. The sheriff said young people are getting guns by buying cheap stolen firearms on the street, or finding them while breaking into cars. In the last 30 days, weve taken reports where 17 guns have been stolen from unlocked cars, he said. This proliferation of guns on the streets and guns in this area and guns in the hands of these kids is the worst Ive ever seen. I dont think weve ever seen it this bad. Help us because we have a problem. The investigation into the fatal shooting is ongoing. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The ex-manager of a popular Venezuelan rapper whose 2015 death was ruled a suicide has sensationally confessed to his murder eight years later, according to authorities. Canserbero, real name Tirone Gonzalez, was named the best Spanish language rapper by Rolling Stone and drew comparisons with Tupac Shakur. His death at the age of 26 stunned fans when it was ruled he had killed his producer Carlos Molnar in a knife fight before throwing himself from a 10th floor window. On Tuesday, Venezuelan Attorney-General Tarek William Saab released video statements from Canserberos former manager Natalia Amestica in which she admitted carrying out both murders and staging the suicide with the help of her brother Guillermo Amestica. Venezuelan rapper Canserberos 2015 death was ruled a suicide, before his former manager Natalia Amestica confessed to his murder this week (Canserbero/YouTube) She told authorities she was angered after learning Canserbero planned to cheat her out of payment for a tour to Chile she had organised, and intended to fire her. This hurt me a lot and left me with a lot of internal pain, she said in the confessional video. Ms Amestica said a chance arose when the artists visited her home in the city of Maracay on 19 January 2015. She said she laced their tea with a powerful tranquilizer before stabbing both Canserbero, and Molnar, who she had been in a longterm relationship with, repeatedly. Canserberos former manager Natalia Amestica confessed to drugging the rapper before stabbing him and throwing him out of a window (Venezuelan Attorney Generals office) Ms Amestica said she then contacted her brother to help her clean up the murder scene. She said he showed up at her home with three officers from the Venezuelan intelligence agency Sebin, and they stabbed both men several more times and beat Canserberos face to make it appear as thought they had been in a fight. Then we were told how to throw him out of the window to complete the murder-suicide scene, she said in the video. Mr Amestica also appeared in a video released by the Venezuelan Prosecutors Office in which he confirmed his sisters account. #VEA aqui las #escalofriantes#confesiones sobre el doble asesinato de#Canserbero y Carlos Molnar que Natalia Amestica y Guillermo Amestica, nos #revelaran a traves de un largo interrogatorio que les hice a ambos -en presencia de #Directores y de #Fiscales del @MinpublicoVEN en pic.twitter.com/7lewWWCSYA Tarek William Saab (@TarekWiliamSaab) December 26, 2023 Mr Amestica said that forensic investigators who arrived at the home told him it appeared as though the crime scene had been staged, and asked for US$10,000 to go along with the ruse. Attorney-General Saab told a press conference that arrest warrants had been issued for the intelligence officers who helped manipulate the crime scene, along with a forensic pathologist and several investigators. Six people have been arrested, and more individuals are being sought, he said. Family and fans had long had doubts about the circumstances of his death, and the case was reopened in November and the rappers body was exhumed, Mr Saab said. Canserbero is a martyr of the Venezuelan youth and a hero of the national culture, Mr Saab wrote on X. Canserbero can rest in peace. Claudia Amestica, the daughter of Guillermo Amestico, released a statement through Impacto Venezuela to say that their confessions were false and had been coerced. She said in a video statement that the Attorney-General was deliberately lying about the case. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The parent company of Pornhub has agreed to pay a $1.8m fine to avoid criminal prosecution for profiting from sex trafficking videos. US officials announced last week that they had reached a final deal with the Canadian online porn giant Aylo Holdings, which owns a slew of adult sites including RedTube, YouPorn, and Brazzers. In exchange for avoiding prosecution, Aylo admitted that it made money from sex trafficking and will pay compensation to some of the victims, as well as submitting to independent monitoring for the next three years. Prosecutors said that the company had repeatedly failed to act on information that certain videos were posted on its service without the performers' consent, all the while continuing to make money from them. "Motivated by profit, Aylo Holdings knowingly enriched itself by turning a blind eye to the concerns of victims who communicated to the company that they were deceived and coerced into participating in illicit sexual activity," said James Smith, head of the FBI's New York field office. "Make no mistake, any entity that engages in sexual exploitation will be held to account for the mental anguish and terror imposed on victims. "I hope todays proceedings bring a sense of justice to the victims in this case as they move forward in their lives." In a statement last month announcing the beginnings of agreement, Aylo said that it "deeply regretted" hosting the videos but insisted it was "unaware" that they had been produced by criminal means. The case stems from a sprawling US criminal investigation and a parallel civil lawsuit against GirlsDoPorn (GDP), a San-Diego-based adult film studio which often posted videos on Pornhub before its closure in 2020. Prosecutors say the studio used a battery of tricks and threats to manipulate women into appearing in porn videos that they believed would never be posted online. The studio allegedly plied victims with alcohol and cannabis, made them sign false legal documents, and coerced those who tried to back out by blocking doors, threatening to sue them, or threatening to post their videos on the internet. Multiple people involved with the studio have since pled guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, while the studio's owner Michael Pratt is reportedly awaiting extradition from Spain to stand trial in the US. According to prosecutors, Aylo was first notified about these concerns in 2016 and was repeatedly asked to remove GDP's videos by victims who said they had never given their consent. Despite this, Aylo allegedly took GDP's word against the victims' and continued to make money from the videos, even after a GDP videographer testified in court that nonconsensual videos had been posted on PornHub. Although GDP was finally banned from PornHub in October 2019, prosecutors say that Aylo did not take steps to remove unofficial GDP videos and also failed to act on a sister channel that was run by the same people and featured many of the same performers. In its statement, Aylo said it had received what appeared to be consent forms from GDP signed by the victims, only later realising that these were obtained through fraud and coercion. "The government did not find that Aylo or its affiliates violated any federal criminal laws prohibiting sex trafficking or the sexual exploitation of minors, including child pornography," the company added. 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 major breakthrough has been made in murders of a heavily pregnant Texas teenager and her boyfriend - while heartbroken loved ones await more answers. The bodies of Savanah Soto, 18, and Matthew Guerra, 23, were found shot dead on 26 December inside a Kia Optima in San Antonio. Their unborn baby was also dead in the car. A search had been launched for the couple after their families became alarmed when Soto didnt turn up on 23 December for an appointment to have her labour induced. After the murders were discovered, police released chilling footage showing the couples Kia Optima and a dark-coloured pickup truck with a bed cover. Police said that one person of interest was driving the Kia Optima and the other the pickup truck. A week later, San Antonio police arrested and charged two people in connection with the deaths. Many questions remain about the circumstances leading to the couples disappearance and deaths. Heres what we know so far. When did the pair go missing? Soto was last seen on 22 December at the Valencia Lofts apartment complex in Leon Valley, a city in Bexar County, Texas. The teen lived there with Guerra, the father of her child, according to family members. She was described by police as a 5-foot-1-inch pregnant female with brown hair and brown eyes. Her family became concerned when she didnt show up for a hospital appointment the following days. She was a week past her due date, and scheduled to have an induced labour, the family told local station KENS-TV. Her mother, Gloria Cordova, said that she last heard from her daughter on Friday afternoon and got no answer when she knocked on her apartment door on the afternoon of 23 December. Ms Cordova added that she also hadnt been able to contact Guerra since her daughters disappearance. Savanah Nicole Soto (left) (KTRK screengrab) Leon Valley police issued a CLEAR Alert for Savanah on 25 December and later said that her boyfriend was missing too. Savanahs family organised a search of the area near her apartment on Christmas night. Savanah was so, so happy because she was going to be a mommy. It breaks my heart, her mother told KENS-TV. Where were they found? The pair were found dead on 26 December in a parked car in San Antonio, Texas. Someone spotted the car in the parking lot of an apartment complex in San Antonio and alerted the family, KENS-TV reported. Relatives then called the police. Two bodies were found in the Kia Optima. Police Chief William McManus told a press conference that the bodies may have been there for three or four days. Who are the suspects? Police arrested two people in connection with the deaths on 3 January. Christopher Preciado, 19, was arrested and charged with capital murder, while his father, 53-year-old Ramon Preciado was charged with abuse of a corpse for helping his son move the bodies, police said. Police Sgt Washington Moscoso added that Ramon did not participate in the murders. Christopher Preciado, 19, and Ramon Preciado, 53, who were arrested and charged in connection with the murders of Savanah Soto and her boyfriend (San Antonio Police Department) He said more charges are possible with respect to the unborn baby. The suspects were tracked down after a key piece of evidence was recovered from Sotos cellphone, which pointed authorities to the possible location of the pickup truck, and ultimately to the two suspects home. What was the motive? While an exact motive for the killings has not yet been established, Sgt Moscoso previously said a botched drug deal was apparently involved. In a press conference on 28 December, police released a video that captured two persons of interest wanted in connection to the murders. In the video, a dark-coloured pickup truck with a bed cover is seen driving into a parking lot in San Antonio. The couples Kia Optima is seen driving and coming to a stop side-by-side with the truck. Police said that one person of interest was driving the Kia Optima and the other the pickup truck. Footage captures vehicle and persons of interest being sought in Savanah Soto killing (San Antonio Police) One of the persons of interest is seen emerging from the pickup truck and approaching the drivers side of the victims car, appearing to speak to the individual inside. The second person of interest is then seen getting out of the drivers side of the Kia Optima. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters that none of the victims are visible in the footage. The police chief would not confirm whether or not the video was believed to have been captured before or after the murders took place. It is unclear if the suspects were previously known to the victims. Pregnant teen vanishes a day before she was set to give birth Family members of the couple have also offered conflicting theories about what might have happened. Sotos sister-in-law alleged that she was being abused. i wont allow you to be one of those statistics of what happens when u have an abusive boyfriend, she wrote on social media, in a post viewed by The New York Post. Her mother also posted on Facebook: Im worried about her safety she is [with] her boyfriend who is no good. But according to the NY Post, Guerras mother wrote on social media: If anyone knows my son Matthew Guerra he and his pregnant girlfriend are missing. I know my son and he wouldnt do anything to hurt her. A grieving family It is not the first time that tragedy has struck the Soto family. In 2022, Savanah Sotos 15-year-old brother Ethan Soto was shot and killed. Its hard, its like one after another, Gloria Cordova told KENS. It still hurts because what I tell my kids, Im not complete, Im not complete, and now I dont have my daughter, she said. Savanah Soto (Mariana Delgado/ Facebook) In October, the man accused of Ethans murder was beaten in the courtroom. According to The Daily Mail, footage allegedly showed members of the Soto family launching themselves towards him as he took the stand. The footage showed several individuals jumping over a partition and throwing punches at the man - who allegedly made a gesture at the group. After Soto and her boyfriend were found dead, her sister-in-law Mariana Delgado wrote on Facebook: It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year but it's not it's the WORST. Trying our best to give my daughter's a good Christmas but it's so hard to want to feel happy instead we are just heartbroken.. Savanah & baby Fabian ARE supposed to be celebrating with us , this isn't fair. In a separate post, Ms Delgado later requested the family to be allowed to grieve. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The bodies of a pregnant Texas teen and her boyfriend, who have been missing since late last week, were found in a parked car in San Antonio, according to a family member. The family of Matthew Guerra, who went missing Friday alongside the pregnant Savanah Nicole Soto, 18, told local news station KHOU that the bodies were found in the Medical Center area of San Antonio. A family member told News 4 San Antonio that Sotos body was found on Tuesday afternoon at the Colinas at Medical Apartments on the citys northwest side. The car belonged to Soto, KSAT reports. Investigators were seen working at the scene, partially covering the vehicle with tarps. If confirmed, the discovery would end a multi-day search for the couple, whose families became alarmed when Soto didnt turn up Saturday for an appointment to have her labour induced. The Independent has contacted the Leon Valley Police Department, which has been leading the search for Soto, for comment. Missing pregnant teen Savanah Soto and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra were found dead on Tuesday, 26 December, 2023, a family member said (Leon Valley Police Department) The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a CLEAR alert on Monday, describing Soto as a white, 18-year-old woman with brown eyes. Authorities said she may be tied to a grey, 2013 Kia Optima with temporary Texas tags numbered 4289D57, according to the alert, which is issued when an individual is in imminent danger or the police suspect their disappearance is involuntary. She was last seen on Friday afternoon at the Valencia Lofts apartment complex, where she lived with her boyfriend, the father of the child, according to her family. Soto was a week past her due date, her family told KENS. I pray to God every day, every minute, every second of the day we pray to God to bring her home, to bring her home safely because we need her home, to complete our family again, her grandmother, Rachel Soto, told the station. The family member added that she hadnt been able to get a hold of Guerra either since the disappearance. Its not normal, somethings not adding up here, she said. I want answers, we all want answers. Various family members of the couple offered conflicting theories about what mightve happened. Sotos sister-in-law claimed her family member was being abused. i wont allow you to be one of those statistics of what happens when u have an abusive boyfriend, she wrote on social media, in a post viewed by The New York Post. If anyone knows my son Matthew Guerra he and his pregnant girlfriend are missing, Guerras mother wrote on social media, according to the Post. I know my son and he wouldnt do anything to hurt her. Gloria Cordova told KHOU her daughter was excited to be a new mother. Savanah was so, so happy because she was going to be a mommy. It breaks my heart, she said. Those with information about the disappearance are encouraged to contact the Leon Valley Police Department at (210) 684-1391. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two fishermen in Indiana alerted authorities after discovering a man in a car wreck who may have been there for days. The man, believed to be in his 20s, was cut from the wreckage by firefighters and taken to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. According to police, it was a miracle he survived. Mario Garcia and son-in-law Nivardo De La Torre reported finding the man, whom they initially believed to be dead, in a shallow creek beneath a bridge on Interstate-94 in Portage on Tuesday. Mr Garcia reached inside the vehicle and touched the man, who turned and started speaking to him. The man said that he had been unable to reach his phone to call for help and did not know exactly how long he had been trapped. He had been there since last Wednesday, so hes been there for a while, Mr Garcia told NBC. He says he tried yelling and screaming but nobody would hear him, it was just quiet just the sound of the water and there was nobody around. Fisherman Mario Garcia (L) and his son-in-law Nivardo De La Torre (R), discovered a man trapped in a wrecked car days after it crashed (NBC News) I dont see any way for somebody to have seen him. It was just very fortunate that we saw through the cracks of the woods, the shine of the wreck [It was] curiosity that took us over there because then it could have been a different outcome, if we either didnt go out or didnt see him, but Im just glad we did. Mr Garcia added that he and Mr De La Torre might have skipped the scouting on Tuesday if it werent for his wife being at work and his daughter being out, leaving the pair searching for something to do on a "lazy day." After they checked out other locations, Salt Creek was their last stop of the day, Mr Garcia told NBC. According to Sergeant Glen Fifield, a regional spokesperson for the Indiana State Police, firefighters spent quite a bit of time extricating the man from the vehicle, and he had multiple injuries including a broken hand. The man had told Mr Garcia that he could not feel his hand. Sergeant Glen Fifield said it was a miracle the man survived the ordeal (NBC News) He was flown to South Bend Memorial Hospital by Lutheran air and thats where hes receiving treatment at this moment. I dont have his identity. Thats part of the investigation, Mr Fifield. Obviously our first main concern is getting him help getting him to a hospital for treatment due to the nature of his injuries. Authorities believe the man was traveling westbound on I-94 near mile marker 19 when the vehicle went off the road for reasons not yet known. "His vehicle missed that guardrail, so hes driving on the grass shoulder before he goes airborne," Mr Fifield said. "His vehicle goes down into the creek, where he rolls several times. It rolled underneath the bridge." He added: Quite frankly, its a miracle that hes alive in this weather. Weve been lucky enough here this Christmas season that our temperatures have been above normal, so that was working in this individuals favor. You know, last year we had freezing cold and we could have had very different circumstances. 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 vast caravan of thousands of migrants is travelling to the US southern border, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Mexico to lead a high-level delegation for critical talks on the immigration crisis. An estimated 8,000-strong group of migrants largely from Venezuela, Cuba and Central America, including many families with young children, crossed the Guatemalan border just before Christmas, according to the Associated Press. The caravan is believed the largest to set out from Central America in over a year, and comes as a record 10,000 migrants were arrested this month alone at the southwestern border. The US briefly closed two railway crossings in Texas last week that are crucial to the Mexican economy as border patrol agents were reassigned to cope with the unprecedented surge. The Aguilar Bastida family, from Venezuela, sit outside the Church of Santa Cruz y La Soledad where migrants camp out i (Associated Press) Mr Blinken, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall will meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in Mexico City on Wednesday to discuss ways to address border security challenges, according to a State Department statement. 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, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said last week. Around 8,000 migrants are making their way towards the southern US border (AP) Mr Lopez Obrador has said he is willing to help enforce immigration rules at the shared border, but wants to see US remove or reduce sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela, and for the US to contribute more development aid to the region. We are going to help, as we always do, the Mexican president said this week. Mexico has reportedly offered to negotiate directly with Venezuela and has pushed for increased US spending on youth scholarship and apprentice programmes in Central America. The migrants mainly come from Venezuela, Cuba and Central America (AP) The migrants faces a 1,000 mile (1,600km) trek to reach the US border, a feat no previous caravan has managed. On Christmas Day, entire families spent the night sleeping on scraps of cardboard and plastic in a park, and were fed sandwiches, bananas and water by church groups, according to the Associated Press. I was used to my Christmas dinner with the family, not spending it in the street as we did yesterday, Eduviges Arias, a migrant from Venezuela, told the AP. Migrant activist and caravan organiser Luis Garcia Villagran told the AP that Wednesdays summit would be a meeting between fools and fools, who want to use women and children as trading pieces. We are not trading pieces for any politician. Immigration reform has been deadlocked in Washington DC as Republicans in Congress have sought to tie aid to Ukraine and Israel to tougher border security. 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 South Carolina court clerk has been accused of plagiarising passages from her book about disgraced lawyer Alex Murdaughs murder trial. Rebecca Hill, the elected Clerk of Court for Colleton County, co-authored Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Trial with journalist Neil Gordon. Now, Gordon says she took passages from a draft of a BBC article. As a result, the book will be removed from publication and sales will be halted, according to a statement from the Georgia journalist. When I confronted Becky about this, she admitted she plagiarized the passage due to deadline pressures, he said in the statement. As a veteran journalist myself, I cannot excuse her behavior, nor can I condone it. This has blindsided me, he added. Because the book was self-published in July, it was the authors decision to halt sales, Gordon told The Independent. Ms Hill did not respond to The Independents request for comment. Attorneys Justin Bamberg and Will Lewis said in a statement that their client, Ms Hill, accepts full responsibility for this unfortunate lapse in judgement and has reached out to the BBC reporter to apologise. Rebecca Hill has been accused of plagiarising parts of her book on the Alex Murdaugh murder trial. (Colleton County) Gordon made the allegations of plagiarism after Ms Hills emails from January to December 2023 were released to reporters following a Freedom of Information Act request. The emails revealed exchanges between Ms Hill and a BBC News reporter, he says. Gordon alleges Ms Hill stole passages from the reporters draft of a story about the Murdaugh Trial and submitted it as her own work as part of the books preface. Gordon says attorneys for the BBC are investigating his claims. The BBC declined to comment when contacted by The Independent. This is not the first time Ms Hill has come under fire. Earlier this year, Mr Murdaughs legal team accused Ms Hill of tampering with the jury after their client was convicted of murder. 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 }} The United States will transfer $250m in arms and munitions to Ukraine as part of what could be the final package of American defence assistance to Kyiv amid a refusal to authorise more funds by Republicans in Congress. In a statement, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the weapons and equipment package provides up to $250m of arms and equipment under previously directed drawdowns for Ukraine in the form of air defense munitions, other air defense system components, additional ammunition for high mobility artillery rocket systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, anti-armor munitions, and over 15 million rounds of ammunition. A coalition of more than 50 countries continues to provide critical support for Ukraines forces. It is imperative that Congress act swiftly, as soon as possible, to advance our national security interests by helping Ukraine defend itself and secure its future, Mr Blinken added. The arms package announced by the Biden administration could be the last bit of US assistance provided for Kyivs fight against Russia, as many Republicans continue to oppose further support to Ukraine because it would be counted as a win for Mr Biden in an election year. Earlier this month, Mr Biden slammed House and Senate Republicans for appearing to do the bidding of the Russian government by blocking the supplemental appropriations bill he called for in October to allocate billions of dollars towards Ukraines defence against Russias invading forces. Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a 12 October press conference at the White House, Mr Biden said the US was rapidly coming to an end of our ability to help Ukraine without passage of the supplemental spending bill, and he warned that Russian president Vladimir Putin was banking on US legislators not being able to agree to advance the funding bill. Moscow celebrated when Republicans voted to block Ukraine aid last week a host of a Kremlin run shows literally said and I quote: Well done Republicans, thats good for us, Mr Biden recalled, apparently referring to a recent Daily Beast report detailing the gleeful reaction to the GOPs intransigence on Russian state television. The president added: If youre being celebrated by Russian propagandists, it might be time to rethink what youre doing. House and Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats have been at an impasse over the GOPs demand that Mr Biden agree to draconian changes to US immigration policies meant to make it more difficult if not impossible for largely non-white immigrants from South and Central America and other countries to claim asylum at the US-Mexico border or receive protection from removal from the country. The GOP hostage-taking, which is reminiscent of other Republican-induced crises over funding for the US government and the federal debt ceiling, has held up funding for multiple US defence priorities in recent weeks. Additionally, some Republicans in both chambers remain intractably opposed to appropriating further defence aid to Kyiv because it would be seen by their political base as a win for Mr Biden, and because many GOP voters believe conspiracy theories espoused by former president Donald Trump and his allies, who claim that Mr Bidens steadfast support for Ukraine stems from alleged bribes paid to him through his son, Hunter Biden. There is no evidence to support any such claims of corruption, but some GOP members have cited the outlandish theories to justify their lack of support for further aid to Kyiv. 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 Trump has shared a graphic naming "revenge" and "dictatorship" as among his biggest goals if he wins the presidency in 2024. In a poll published on Tuesday, The Daily Mail asked 1,000 American voters to sum up in one word what they thought Mr Trump and Joe Biden wanted from a second term in office. The top entry in Mr Biden's word cloud was "nothing", followed by "economy" and "peace". But for Mr Trump, it was "revenge" alongside "power", "dictatorship", "America", and "economy" again. Mr Trump quickly shared the graphic on his Truth Social page without any further comment, raising the question of whether he endorses such terms. "It distils the essence of this campaign pretty accurately," conservative commentator Matt Lewis told the outlet. "In the case of Donald Trump, the brand that has emerged is one that he has intentionally cultivated, and he has sought to become the candidate of vengeance." Indeed, Mr Trump has not been shy about wishing to visit fire and brimstone upon his enemies. At a conference last year he vowed to get "retribution", and on Christmas Day he posted that he hoped his opponents would "ROT IN HELL". He has promised to "go after" Joe Biden and his family for their supposed "corruption", repeatedly describing the numerous criminal investigations against him as politically-motivated "witch hunts" and pledging to respond in kind. When he declared earlier this month that he would not abuse his power to exact retribution "except on day one", many of his allies leaped to his defence. Several polls, including the Mails, have put Donald Trump in the lead against Joe Biden, who remains dogged by low approval ratings and opposition to his handling of the Israel-Hamas war among younger voters. 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 }} George Santos lashed out at Mayor Eric Adams and blamed him for running an unsafe New York City after the disgraced former lawmakers car was broken into. In a video shared to X on early Wednesday morning, Mr Santos showed his vehicles passenger side backseat window smashed and claimed his car, as well as five others, had been broken into while parked on the street. Mr Santos irately vented to the camera, calling for Mr Adams to resign and claiming he was running a dangerous city. Look at that Mayor Adams, this is the city youre running. Youre a cop, right? You piece of s***. Is that what you do? Is that how youre keeping the city safe you f***ing animal? Mr Santos said. The former congressman claimed the city was back to New York City in the 70s and encouraged people not to move to New York. Dont move to New York people, Mr Santos said. This city only cares to f** over Americans and take our taxpayers dollars and shove up in the a**es of these migrants while the city is dangerous. We cant even street park our car. Mr Santos did not specify what part of the city his car was in when it was broken into, or if he notified police about the incident. A spokesperson for Mr Adams office responded to Mr Santos on X, accusing him of breaking into the car himself. Later, the spokesperson confirmed with NYPD that the car Mr Santos was speaking about was from 2018 and not new as Mr Santos has claimed. Mr Santos replied that the car was new to him as he recently purchased it. In 2022, burglary rates were up approximately 23 per cent compared to 2021, according to New York City felony offense data. Car-related thefts and burglaries specifically have seen a rise in occurrence throughout the city. Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a plan to target car thefts this past year after the city saw more than 1,499 motor vehicle thefts in July 2023 alone. In August of this year, car thefts in New York City went up 25 per cent compared to the previous years. This plan included giving more money to law enforcement technology to help prevent, reduce, and solve crime and increasing communication between law enforcement throughout New York State and the city to track down stolen vehicles. The plan also included targeting teenagers or young adults who are considered at risk of stealing cars or burglarising vehicles due to their involvement in crews or after seeing social media videos encouraging car thefts. Mayor Adams unveiled a similar plan in September of this year. Mr Santos was born and raised in Queens and up until recently, represented New Yorks 3rd congressional district. He was ousted from Congress at the beginning of December after he was federally indicted and accused of participating in a campaign finance fraud scheme as well as wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and more. 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 }} Prosecutors with the office of Special Counsel Jack Smith have asked the judge overseeing the 2020 election subversion case against Donald Trump to prohibit the ex-president from raising politicised claims and irrelevant issues when the case goes to trial before a Washington, DC jury next year. In the 20-page filing submitted before US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Wednesday, Senior Assistant Special Counsels Molly Gaston and Thomas Windom say that Mr Trump has made clear his intent to introduce evidence and make arguments that are improper whether because they have no bearing on his guilt or innocence, are otherwise irrelevant, or are substantially more prejudicial than probative and ask that such evidence or arguments be excluded from presentation to a jury. Although the 5 March 2024 start date for Mr Trumps trial has been stayed while the DC Circuit Court of Appeals considers the ex-presidents appeal of Judge Chutkans rejection of his claims of presidential immunity, the prosecutors under Mr Smith have continued filing documents with the court to enable a speedy trial should the stay be lifted. They note that Mr Trump has made unsupported and politicized claims of selective and vindictive prosecution, indicated that he intends to explore irrelevant issues related to the Governments investigation, and complained that the grand jurys indictment and the Courts trial date will interfere with his political activities and argue that none of those issues have any bearing on whether Mr Trump is guilty or not guilty of the charges against him. Continuing, the prosecutors identify multiple categories of improper claims or irrelevant evidence that should barred from being presented to a jury, including any evidence ... arguments or framing questions meant to advance a theory of selective or vindictive prosecution, or to otherwise improperly inject politics into the trial. Noting that the ex-president has already made what they describe as a baseless claim of selective and vindictive prosecution in a previous motion to dismiss filed with the court, Ms Gaston and Mr Windom point out that the charges against Mr Trump were levied by a grand jury drawn from citizens of the District of Columbia, contrary to his claims that they were directed by the current president as a form of election interference. They also point to another district court ruling against ex-Trump aide Peter Navarro, who was barred from making arguments to a jury that repackaged his failed selective prosecution claim when he was tried on Contempt of Congress charges earlier this year. Ms Gaston and Mr Windom have also asked Judge Chutkan to prohibit Mr Trump from any attempt to suggest or argue to the jury that it should acquit based on principles of immunity or the First Amendment, citing her earlier ruling denying motions to dismiss the case on those grounds, and to bar Mr Trump from raising various conspiracy theories regarding the January 6 attack on the Capitol by a mob of his supporters, including criticism of security preparations at the Capitol that day, blaming agents provocateurs, or alleging foreign interference. They note that Mr Trump appears poised to blame undercover agents, government informants, or confidential human sources ... for the violence at the Capitol that day, and called those claims irrelevant to any charge or valid defence. 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 Trump will remain on the 2024 presidential primary ballot in Michigan after the states Supreme Court rejected to rule on the challenge to Mr Trumps eligibility. The high court said it was not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court and upheld a lower court ruling allowing the former president to remain on the ballot. It is the latest in a string of attempts to prevent the former president from appearing on primary ballots in several states by invoking Section Three of the 14th Amendment otherwise known as the insurrection clause. Several individuals and left-leaning organisations have claimed Mr Trumps actions leading up to the January 6 attack on the Capitol were efforts to aid an insurrection violating the clause of the 14th Amendment that bars those from seeking an official position. Four registered voters in Michigan initially brought the lawsuit forward in September. But in November, a Michigan district judge ruled that Mr Trump was allowed to remain on the states ballot, arguing that neither the Michigan Secretary of State nor the courts had the authority to determine when a person is eligible to run for office or remove candidates. The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the lower courts ruling earlier this month. The decision now makes the Michigan Supreme Court the second state supreme court to reject ruling in the case. In November, the Minnesota Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit in its state, arguing no statute prohibited a political party from placing an ineligible candidate on its primary ballot. Mr Trump is facing challenges to his eligibility in at least 10 other states and has already been removed from the presidential primary ballot in one state Colorado. The former president is expected to appeal the results in Colorado to the US Supreme Court. The Independent has reached out to Mr Trumps campaign for comment. 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. 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 }} When you look at Vivek Ramaswamys early career, his entrance into the chaos that is Republican presidential politics makes at least some sense. He worked at a hedge fund, QVT Financial, between 2007 and 2014, where he managed its biotech portfolio, which included investments in the firm then run by Martin Shkreli, the man who went to prison after he hiked up the price of a life-saving drug to eye-watering levels. Mr Ramaswamy wrote in Woke Inc that he initially found Shkreli to be brilliant but also that he was pathologically incapable of telling the truth a trait many now apply to Mr Ramaswamy. Going from the cutthroat arena of biotech startups to the slugfest that is US politics in the Trump era, Mr Ramaswamy seemed to become one of the favourites of the terminally online young male conservatives who also formed the base for the campaign of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis some of whom may or may not be fans of podcaster and comedian Joe Rogan and former kickboxer Andrew Tate, the so-called king of toxic masculinity who has now been charged in Romania with rape, human trafficking, and forming a criminal gang. On the stage at CPAC in March of this year, Mr Ramaswamy railed against wokeness, called the administrative state unconstitutional and argued for the shutting down of the Department of Education. For good measure, he said that the FBI has gotten so cancerous that we need to shut it down. He was extreme, energetic and attention-grabbing. But at that point, only the most dedicated of conservatives had seen him in action. It now appears that the sustained attention he has received may not be doing him any favours. At his peak in late August in FiveThirtyEights national GOP primary polling average, Mr Ramaswamy clocked in at 11.6 per cent. At that time, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley was at 3.3 per cent. Several debates and many campaign events later, the roles have been reversed. Ms Haley is almost at 11 per cent, while Mr Ramaswmay is just over 4 per cent as of 22 December. How did Mr Ramaswamy go from besting political veterans to consistently sinking in the polls? When speaking to The Independent back in July, Rich Lowry, editor of the conservative magazine National Review, said of Mr Ramaswamy, hes good at this, right? Theres no substitute to being good at this. He likes being at the centre of attention, has a knack for getting attention, is clearly enjoying himself he enjoys the jousting in the media and interviews, hes a good communicator, he added at the time. All of those attributes got him past step one of an upstart presidential campaign getting attention. Best moments from the 2023 GOP presidential debates The more you see of him, the less you like him Almost six months and four debates later, David Niven, a political science professor at the University of Cincinnati in Mr Ramaswamys home state of Ohio, is blunt about what kind of a brick wall the biotech entrepreneur and anti-woke author has smashed into. Ramaswamy is somebody who the more you see of him, the less you like him. Hes somebody who really shines in small doses but who really couldnt sustain that attention because what hes best at is simply being outlandish and self-important and you say, Well, thats exactly what Trump is but hes outlandish, self-important, and entertaining, which is a very different combination, he says. While former President Donald Trump is running on a platform of authoritarianism with a wink, Mr Ramaswamy is copying him but without a glint in the eye. So much of what Trump has benefited from has been just the development of the television character that hes been playing for a very long time, Dr Niven says. Ramaswamy, for most Republican voters, was a totally brand new entity. And he failed to build out the character because theres nothing to him other than hes the kid in the classroom who did his homework and asks the teacher to make sure she collects it. And theres just a limit to how impressed people are going to be by that. Vivek Ramaswamy raps on Fox News Part of the problem may be his reason for running. I would presume that hes running because he would like to be very famous. And he saw this as a relatively easy way to vastly expand awareness of Vivek Ramaswamy. And in that respect, he was he was spectacularly correct, Dr Niven says. Another issue for Mr Ramaswamy a good communicator may be what hes actually communicating. Former Republican consultant Stuart Stevens, a top adviser on the 2012 Mitt Romney campaign and now at the Lincoln Project, tells The Independent that Mr Ramaswamy is a ridiculous human being who has terrible opinions I mean its a joke. I think that there is a phenomenon of a Peter Thiel, Elon Musk-element of American politics of people who know nothing about politics, know nothing about foreign policy, that think because they made money, they should run the world, Mr Stevens adds. The strategist says he thinks Mr Ramaswamy is very much that sort of tech bro. Continuously bothering somebody Lets be clear getting through step one is a real accomplishment, Dr Niven tells The Independent. There were folks like Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina, who a lot of pundits believed was kind of the hidden talent in this race ... who couldnt get to mass awareness. So whats the Ramaswamy problem? I think its twofold. One is that theres no point at which he says to himself, I could say something outlandish right now, but people wouldnt like it. He has absolutely no filter whatsoever. So by virtue of continuously talking, hes continuously bothering somebody, he adds. Chaos breaks out as candidates jump on Ramaswamy The second problem with the premise of his candidacy is hes substantially a Trump cheerleader in a race in which hes theoretically running against Trump. And thats a thats a tough thing to pull off, Dr Niven notes. Mr Ramaswamy has aggressively pushed a litany of baseless rightwing conspiracy theories, such as the climate crisis being a hoax, the white supremacist great replacement theory of political elites bringing in immigrants to replace the white population being Democratic policy, and claiming that the January 6 insurrection was an inside job. Ramaswamy challenged over January 6 conspiracy claims The guy is just a kook Hes an intensely unlikable human being I mean, you wouldnt sit next to this guy on a plane, Mr Stevens says. Trump rallies used to be seen as a lot of fun. I dont think anybodys ever had fun at a Ramaswamy event the guy is just a kook, he adds, noting that people run for president for lots of reasons Newt Gingrich ran for president in 2012 as a book tour. I think the problem with all of these candidates except for Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson is that theyre not offering anything that you dont get more of with Donald Trump, and that includes Nikki Haley, Mr Stevens says. He has the Putin position that America shouldnt aid Ukraine. Hes called the Jewish president of Ukraine a Nazi. I mean, what more do you need to say? he asks. Ramaswamy appears to call Ukraine's Zelensky a 'Nazi' Mr Stevens went on to add that theres a strand of the Republican Party that likes Putin because they look at Russia and they see it as a world that they would like ... Its run by white men. There are no women in power. Culturally, as Putin has famously said, there are no gay people in Russia. The elections are performative, not determinative. They like all that ... and Putin helped elect Trump. You couldnt watch the debate and not see him The reason Mr Ramaswamy broke through in the first place may now be part of the reason why his momentum has ebbed away. Those initial debate moments where there were a lot of people on the stage, and where theres a lot of uncertainty among voters who are open to a non-Trump candidate you couldnt watch the debate and not see him, Dr Niven says. An awful lot of those candidates could have just as easily not shown up to the debate for all of the effect they had on the conversation. Im talking about Tim Scott, Hutchinson, Burgum they were cardboard cutouts out there, and he was a living, breathing person. But he adds that once you demand all cameras be on you, you have to be able to do something with it. Not too extreme, but too strident I think ultimately, you cant be too extreme for Republican primary voters, but I think you can be too strident, and this is a thing I think that a lot of Trump imitators miss Trump is as extreme as you can get, but theres a certain joy in what he saying and doing and DeSantis misses that entirely, Dr Niven says, adding that Mr Ramaswamy has fallen into the same trap. Dr Niven notes that Mr Ramaswamy didnt even push back on Mr Trump after the former president echoed the rhetoric of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, saying that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country. If there was ever a moment when you could say maybe thats a little much this was that time, Dr Niven says. But Mr Ramaswamy instead nods politely and says, yep, thats what I think too, he adds. Its important how little of substance has come out of this entire race. Ramaswamy is a part of that, hell say anything at any time and hell deny he said it an hour later, and say it again the next day, Dr Niven says. Ramaswamys political future Trump praises Vivek Ramaswamy's debate performance, hinting at potential VP choice If a Republican is elected, I can certainly see him in the conversation for Cabinet posts. Somebody like Pete Buttigieg on the Democratic side, who rose to national prominence as a presidential candidate, and now is transportation secretary I could see a path like that, Dr Niven says. There could be cable news shows and radio hosting opportunities if he wants to do that. Congress may be difficult for folks who are used to being centre of attention individuals as one of 435 House members or one out of 100 senators, he notes. It takes a willingness to degrade yourself that might even challenge him, to be a [Colorado Rep Lauren] Boebert or a [Georgia Rep Marjorie Taylor] Greene, he adds. There are opportunities in Ohio, its a Republican state. He certainly would have to fight off the vast infrastructure of Republican electeds here he wouldnt be able to waltz to it, but he would certainly enter any race in Ohio as a significant candidate. American politics has entered this strange phase where you almost cant lose in running for president, as long as somebody noticed you ran, the political scientist says. And I think thats his storyline here. The Independent has reached out to the Ramaswamy campaign for comment. 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 }} Melania Trump is so rarely sighted at Mar-a-Lago that members of the Palm Beach private club are openly speculating about her whereabouts, according to a local author. Nobody knows where she is, Laurence Leamer, author of Mar-A-Lago: Inside the Gates of Power at Donald Trump's Presidential Palace, told the Telegraph. Its like a mystery. Its certainly talked about. Ms Trump has scarcely been seen in public over the past year as her husband has campaigned for the Republican presidential nomination, been charged in four separate criminal cases, and appeared frequently in court for a civil fraud trial in New York. In November, she made a rare public appearance when she joined the other living former first ladies at Rosalynn Carters memorial in Atlanta. A few weeks later Ms Trump delivered a speech at a naturalisation ceremony at the National Archives in Washington DC, a move that garnered attention as her husband has been charged with the illegal retention of Archives documents. Melania Trump speaks at a naturalisation ceremony at the National Archives in mid-December (AFP via Getty Images) Speculation about Ms Trumps whereabouts intensified over Christmas when Mr Trump was spotted dining at Mar-a-Lago seemingly without any members of his family present in footage posted to social media. Mr Leamer lives in Palm Beach and was a Mar-a-Lago member before being permanently banned after the publication of his 2021 expose about the club. He told the Telegraph that Ms Trump hardly ever leaves Mar-a-Lago, and leads a strange, isolated life. Mr Leamer says she is fiercely protective of her 17-year-old son Barrons privacy and is concerned about the level of attention he would attract should Mr Trump win back the presidency. A Trumpworld source told Page Six this week that Ms Trump had been feeling more confident in public after her recent outings and would take on a more visible role for her husbands campaign in the new year. Trump and his family are so secure that he will become president again that insiders at Mar-a-Lago say hes reached an agreement with Melania to step up top-tier diplomatic appearances in 2024, the source told Page Six. In September, reports emerged that Ms Trump had quietly renegotiated her pre-nuptial agreement. The new agreement was focused on maintaining and increasing Barrons substantial trust, and was prompted by Mr Trumps 2024 presidential run and swirling criminal exposure, a source told Page Six. Mar-a-Lago has been the Trumps primary home since leaving the White House, as Joe Biden took office in the wake of the attack on the US Capitol and Mr Trumps second impeachment. Mr Trump, 77, and Ms Trump, 53, have been married since 2005. 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 }} Scientists have warned a zombie deer disease could spread to humans after hundreds of animals were infected with the illness in the US over the last year. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), which leaves animals drooling, lethargic, stumbling and with a blank stare, has been found in 800 samples of deer, elk and moose across Wyoming. But experts warned the disease was a slow-moving disaster and urged governments to prepare for the possibility of it spreading to humans. The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get crazy when a spillover event happens from, say, livestock to people, CWD researcher Dr Cory Anderson told The Guardian. Were talking about the potential of something similar occurring. No one is saying that its definitely going to happen, but its important for people to be prepared. File photo of a Mule deer in Colorado, USA. Up to 800 samples of chronic wasting disease were found in deer, elk and moose (Getty Images) In the UK, 4.4m cattle were slaughtered after mad cow disease spread in the 1980s and 1990s due to bovine being fed infected meat and bonemeal. The disease, which is usually fatal for cattle, infects the central nervous system and leaves the animals with aggressive symptoms and a lack of coordination. Since 1995, 178 human deaths have been attributed to the human variant. In 2017, 7,000 to 15,000 CWD-infected animals a year were being consumed by humans, according to the Alliance for Public Wildlife. The figure was expected to rise by 20 per cent annually. In Wisconsin, thousands of people have probably eaten meat from infected deer, Dr Anderson said. CWD is extremely hard to eradicate once an environment is infected. It can persist for years in dirt or on surfaces, and scientists report it is resistant to disinfectants, formaldehyde, radiation and incineration at 600C (1,100F). It comes after US biotech company Ginkgo Bioworks warned illnesses transmitted from animals to humans could kill 12 times as many people in 2050 than they did in 2020. The company said epidemics caused by zoonotic diseases - known as spillovers - could be more frequent in future due to climate change and deforestation. Between 1963 and 2019, epidemics increased by almost 5 per cent every year, with deaths up by 9 per cent, according to the groups research. If these annual rates of increase continue, we would expect the analysed pathogens to cause four times the number of spillover events and 12 times the number of deaths in 2050 than in 2020, it warned. 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 }} Jacques Delors, the former president of the European Commission, who pushed for the creation of the euro, has died at the age of 98, his daughter said on Wednesday. He was a leading figure on the French left and a major architect of a more unified and integrated European project a role that put him at odds with the UKs then prime minister Margaret Thatcher. Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Mr Delors as a statesman who served as an inexhaustible architect of our Europe and a fighter for human justice. Michel Barnier, a European commissioner who oversaw Brexit, said Mr Delors was a source of inspiration in French and European politics, while former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt said: A truly great European has left us. Mr Delors was head of the Commission from 1985 to 1995, overseeing the Schengen border agreements, the launch of the Erasmus student exchange program, and the Economic and Monetary Union that ultimately led to the adoption of the euro. Jacques Delors was a leading figure on the French left (PA) The era was marked by forthright clashes of vision between federalists such as Mr Delors, who believed passionately in an ever-closer union, and Mrs Thatcher, who firmly resisted any shift of power to Brussels. So antagonistic did relations between London and Brussels become towards the end of Mrs Thatchers time in office, especially over the plans for monetary union, that The Sun famously ran a front-page headline reading: Up Yours Delors. He was once a finance minister under Francois Mitterrand and there was speculation he would run in the 1995 French presidential election but he declined. He founded a European think tank in 1996; Enrico Letta, president of the Institut Jacques Delors, said on Wednesday: Modern Europe is today losing its founding father. Peter Sutherland, a former commissioner from Ireland, once described Mr Delors as extremely tense, like a coiled spring. He said: I liked Delors above all for his intellect. He had the most formidable brain I ever encountered. Guy Verhofstadt, MEP and leader of the European Movement International organisation, said Mr Delors had been the most inspirational president of the European Commission, and his vision was needed more than ever. Mr Delors with then prime minister John Major and US president George HW Bush in 1992 (Getty) Mr Delors was an outspoken force at the heart of the Brussels bureaucracy. He oversaw a period of rapid enlargement, with the 10-member European Community, as it was then called, growing to 12 with the accession in 1986 of Spain and Portugal, before adding Sweden, Austria and Finland in 1995. Mr Delors commitment to a united Germany led to a close bond with then German chancellor Helmut Kohl and helped to cement the Franco-German relationship that remains critical to the EU. He spoke often during Europes 2010-2013 debt crisis about his belief in the single currency, the euro, while acknowledging its faults as a project launched with strong political will but insufficient economic underpinning. Mr Delors was born in 1925 into a devoutly Catholic family; he earned a degree in economics from the Sorbonne and followed his father into a career at the Bank of France, his countrys central bank. A union member from a young age, he joined the Socialist Party in the 1970s. His death was confirmed to AFP by his daughter, Martine Aubry, the socialist mayor of Lille. 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 }} Russian forces shelled the railway station in the Ukrainian city of Kherson as over hundred civilians waited there for evaciuation, the Ukrainian president said. Volodymyr Zelensky said it was a difficult day on Tuesday and he just heard about the Russian strike on the railway station. At least one police officer was killed and four others were injured in Tuesdays attack, Ihor Klymenko, the interior minister, said. About 140 civilians were at the railway station waiting to be evacuated in the early evening when the Russian forces targeted it but several casualties were avoided due to quick action. "Thanks to the clear actions of the police, everyone was successfully taken to safe places," Mr Klymenko said on Telegram. "Unfortunately, a police lieutenant from the Kirovohrad region lost his life due to the shelling. Two more police officers are in the hospital with shrapnel wounds." A video posted on social media showed a blackout at the railway station as power was snapped and debris and shattered building materials were strewn across the station. Since Ukrainian forces liberated Kherson and swathes of territories on the western bank of the Dnipro River in November 2022, Russia continues to heavily strike the city with artillery, tanks, drones, and air bombs. Captured by Russian forces on the second day of the invasion in 2021, the southern city of Kherson was liberated on 11 November. Since then it has been under relentless attack from Russian forces with artillery, tanks, drones, and air bombs. The residents have been evacuating the towns near the frontlines where fighting has become intense in recent days. Since the takeover by Ukrainian forces, more than 400 civilians have been killed and over 1,700 wounded in and around Kherson, local authorities said, according to the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian railway monopoly Ukrzaliznytsia said the civilians were waiting for the situation to get better before they resumed their journey to Mykolaiv in the neighbouring Mykolaiv Oblast. "The situation is under control, and the railroad is ready to continue running," Ukrzaliznytsia said in a statement. It comes as Russian defence ministry claimed success in gaining control of Maryinka town in eastern Ukraine as Ukrainian forces said they have been pushed to outskirts. Ukraines commander in chief Valery Zaluzhnyi said Ukrainian soldiers were still holding positions in the northern flank of the town outside Donetsk, a Russian-held regional capital. Russia seizing control of Maryinka would amount to the Kremlins most significant battlefield gain since May when it captured Bakhmut following months of intense fighting. 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 }} Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskys forces denied that Russia made a key battlefield breakthrough by gaining full control of Maryinka town in eastern Ukraine. Ukraines commander in chief Valery Zaluzhnyi said Ukrainian soldiers were still holding positions in the northern flank of the town outside Donetsk, a Russian-held regional capital, despite assertions by Russias defence minister that Moscow was in control of the settlement. "At this time today, our troops are still in northern areas," Gen Zaluzhnyi said. "Our troops had readied a defensive line outside this locality, but I can say that this locality no longer exists." Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu declared in a televised address with president Vladimir Putin that his forces have completely liberated the settlement of Maryinka. Mr Putin hailed the development as a success as the Russian troops would have "opportunity to move into a wider operational area" in the Donetsk region. Russia seizing control of Maryinka would amount to the Kremlins most significant battlefield gain since May when it captured Bakhmut following months of intense fighting. The town has been under attack from Russian forces for the last two years, since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Some 10,000 residents of the town were evacuated as the area suffered extensive damage under the bombardment. Russias President Vladimir Putin listens to Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a meeting after a flag-raising ceremony for the Admiral Golovko frigate joining the Russian Navy Fleet at a shipyard in Saint Petersburg, (via REUTERS) Gen Zaluzhnyi agreed that the town has been reduced to ruins and it no longer exits. "We protect every piece of our land. Every piece. But when, on this narrow piece, enemy shells start to dig this place together with stones, with earth, with our soldiers, the lives of our soldiers are more important to us," Gen Zaluzhnyi said. "There are mountains of bodies, and no one is even trying to take them away. More and more of them are appearing there every day. Unfortunately, this is Russias attitude towards its own people," he said. The towns potential fall would be the first major military success for Russia since it captured Bakhmut in May following months of intense fighting. Mr Shoigu said that the town was heavily fortified but it has now been broken. For nine years, the armed forces of Ukraine have made a powerful fortified area, which is connected by underground passages, the Russian defence minister said. A drone view shows the remains of Maryinka city that was destroyed by the Russians (via REUTERS) Each street has its own well-fortified and fairly well-protected structures from all attacks, both from the air and artillery, long-term firing points, and complex underground communication systems. Russia has intensified their offtensive in several areas in Ukraine. They have encricled Avdiivka, another key town near Donetsk. After Mr Zelensky last week said the military were planning to add upto 500,000 extra people, Gen Zaluzhnyi denied it on Tuesday. He said the military had not submitted a formal request for the mobilisation. 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 }} Years of repeated incarceration in increasingly harsh prison conditions have failed to break Alexei Navalny. He has kept up an unceasing campaign against Vladimir Putins autocratic rule from behind bars, remaining the presidents most prominent opponent inside Russia. For three weeks this month, there was silence from him. He could not be found by his legal team, family and friends despite an exhaustive search through the penal system. Officials across the country, from Mr Putins spokesman to prison authorities in both Moscow and far-flung provinces, claimed they did not know his whereabouts. But as his supporters grew increasingly worried, the 47-year-old made a sudden reappearance from the brutal IK-3 penal colony in the Arctic Circle, known as Polar Wolf, 1,200 miles northeast of Moscow. In a series of deeply ironic messages from his X account, Mr Navalny insisted he was fine, compared himself to Santa Claus and described the beautiful fluffy sheepdogs watching guard. No pictures of him have been seen in his new place of imprisonment. Over 20 days, he said he had been taken on a highly circuitous journey from Moscow to the penal colony in Kharp, a journey that should take around 40 hours by train. Describing conditions inside the camp, a former inmate gave an interview in 2018 to the daily newspaper Novie Izvestiya where he described how he was beaten from all sides with a truncheon on arrival. Navalny has kept up an unceasing campaign against Vladimir Putins autocratic rule from behind bars (DPA) Mr Navalnys disappearance was not altogether an unusual event for those challenging the brutally powerful. Adversaries of Latin American military juntas, of organised crime gangs, of terrorist groups and of violent dictators around the world are among the disappeared. Some stay missing for ever; others turn up dead. People like Boris Nemtsov, who was killed with four bullets to his back in Moscow in 2014, when he was organising protests against financial corruption and Russian intervention in Ukraine. Or, more recently, Yevgeny Prigozhin and his senior commanders, whose plane was blown out of the sky following the failed coup by their Wagner mercenaries. But the fact that Mr Navalny went missing for so long became a matter of grave concern both at home and abroad. Mariana Katzarova, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights in the Russian Federation, expressed her fears: Persistent ill-treatment in detention and lack of access to adequate medical care will cause further harm to his health and lead to great risks to his life. Kira Yarmysh, a member of Mr Navalnys team, added: No prisoner had ever simply disappeared for so long, especially not such an important prisoner. Russians outside the country went to their embassies to protest, holding up posters asking Where is Navalny? Ms Yarmysh said she believes the decision to move him to such a remote and inhospitable location was designed to isolate him, make his life harder, and render it more difficult for his lawyers and allies to access him. But the calls for his release grow only louder. Navalny called Russian president Vladimir Putin a madman and his ruling party crooks and thieves (AFP/Getty) Alexei Navalny came to fame and became a target for the Kremlin after accusing Mr Putin and the hierarchy around him of corruption and abuse. The president, he said, is a madman and his ruling party crooks and thieves. Mr Navalny urged people not to simply complain about the malaise in Russia but to take action: Everyone says corruption is everywhere but for me, it seems strange to say that and then not try to put the people guilty of corruption away. As support grew, he did not hesitate to aim at the top, accusing Mr Putin of running a system of feudal patronage with fabulous rewards. A documentary he presented Putins Palace: The Story of the Worlds Biggest Bribe investigated the building of a 1.35bn luxury mansion, allegedly for the president, in the Krasnodar region. The Kremlin denied the claim but the video racked up more than 110 million views internationally. Mr Navalny also pointed to the activities of the security apparatus and the plight of Russians pushing back against the state. We have grown accustomed to injustice in Russia, people are constantly being arrested unlawfully, he said. He also foresaw the inevitable retribution he would face: I am in the very blackest part of the black list. The IK-6 penal colony where jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was last being held (AFP/Getty) Over the years, Mr Navalny has faced physical attacks, repeated arrests, investigations, and criminal proceedings. He faced one assassination attempt, via Novichok nerve agent poisoning in Russia three years ago, which resulted in him being evacuated to Germany in a coma for life-saving treatment. His family and lawyers say he has been suffering from an acute, undiagnosed, stomach illness while in prison. That, and general deprivation, has led to alarming weight loss and fainting spells. Mr Navalnys current jail term began when he returned from medical treatment in Germany to Russia in 2021, despite warnings from allies and friends that it would be highly dangerous. He was arrested at the airport, put before a court, and sentenced to two and half years of a former suspended jail term for alleged fraud. This was just a holding move by the government prosecutors. In August 2022 he was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of spending public donations to his Anti-Corruption Foundation on extremism and personal needs. In August this year, he was sentenced to a further 19 years of a raft of extremism charges. There were further charges, this time of vandalism, due earlier this month before he went missing. If the authorities thought that prison would keep Mr Navalny quiet, they were mistaken. A lawyer himself, with a dedicated legal team backing him, he has filed suits to get adequate medical care, an end to the bugging of rooms where he met visitors, and no more broadcasts of Mr Putins speeches into his cell. Protesters outside the Russian embassy in London in support of Alexei Navalny on his 47th birthday earlier this year (AFP/Getty) Mr Navalny has published, with the help of his legal team and political allies, articles and manifestos about current affairs and kept up regular postings on social media. Russias most prominent inmate has also given interviews in prison laying out the conditions he has faced. Describing the violence and repression of a penal colony, he told The New York Times: You might imagine tattooed musclemen with steel teeth carrying on with knife fights to take the best cot by the window. You need to imagine something like a Chinese labour camp, where everybody marches in a line and where video cameras are hung everywhere. There is constant control and a culture of snitching. On other occasions, Mr Navalny has spoken about the mistreatment he has suffered: I now understand why sleep deprivation is one of the favourite tortures of the special services. No traces remain, and its impossible to tolerate. He had to cope with the lingering effect of the Novichok poisoning with barely any medical help in prison. It [has] got to the point where its hard to get up from the bed, and it hurts a lot. The prison doctor saw me and started dispensing two ibuprofen pills but did not tell me what my diagnosis is If I place my weight on my right leg, I fall right down. Ive got used to my right leg lately, and Id hate to lose it. Despite many obstacles, Mr Navalnys foundation has also remained active. It recently put up billboards in Moscow, St Petersburg and several other cities wishing everyone a happy new year. The boards displayed a QR code which, when scanned, opened a website titled Russia Without Putin, which urged citizens to vote for anyone but Mr Putin in the coming presidential election next March. Navalny is seen on a TV screen, as he appears in a video link provided by the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service in a courtroom in Moscow last year (AP) The notice of further charges against Mr Navalny, and then his three-week disappearance, came as Mr Putin launched his campaign for a fifth term in office, with the foregone conclusion of an election victory meaning that he would be emulating Joseph Stalin with 30 years in power. Ivan Zhadnove, the head of Mr Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, is convinced there is a link between what happened to Mr Navalny and the coming election. I dont believe in such coincidences: that Alexei goes missing just as we are about to announce our electoral campaign, a day before Vladimir Putin announcing he would run for president for an infinite new term. Its not a coincidence, its the Kremlin strategy, he said. The Russian presidents spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, denied that the Kremlin had anything to do with Mr Navalnys ongoing persecution, adding that the central government has neither the intention nor the ability to track the fate of convicts. Following Mr Navalnys conviction in August, extending his sentence by 19 years, the court ordered that he be moved to a special regime penal colony. The 25 prisons with this form of particularly punitive treatment are scattered across the country, from the European part of Russia to the Arctic Circle and the Far East. But no such move seemed to have taken place by December. Mr Navalny suggested in social media posts that the reason for this was that investigators were unwilling to travel to remote locations to pursue further cases against him. The IK-6 penal colony (AFP/Getty) Mr Navalny was due to meet his defence team on 6 December in Kovrov, 162 miles northeast of Moscow. His lawyers waited for hours but were denied access. The same scenario played out over the next two days. Mr Navalny was also due to appear at several court hearings around that time to answer the fresh tranche of charges. The prison authorities failed to produce him. The judge in one of the courts due to hear the case, Oktyabrsky in Vladimir region, suspended the hearings until the defendants location is established. Vyacheslav Gimadi, a lawyer for Mr Navalny, pointed out that there are no such grounds in the law to act in that fashion. Instead of asking the Federal Penitentiary Service to ensure the plaintiffs turnout, the court just wrote off the hearings for an indefinite period, he said. The Federal Penitentiary Service produced a certificate to Mr Navalnys lawyers saying that their client was not in the penal colony IK-6, where he was last recorded to have been held. Mr Navalnys lawyers sent requests for help to no fewer than 200 pre-trial detention centres in the search for him, without any joy. It wasnt until Monday that his spokesperson revealed he had been tracked to Polar Wolf, where temperatures plunge as low as -28C. It was founded in the Sixties, as part of the Soviet Gulag forced labour camps. A spokesperson for the government told The Independent: We have been clear that the continued imprisonment of Alexei Navalny on politically-motivated grounds further demonstrates the Russian states contempt for freedom of speech and international human rights obligations. Russia should immediately release him. David Lammy MP, Labours Shadow Foreign Secretary, said: Alexei Navalnys continued imprisonment is completely unjustified and an attack on the rights of the Russian people. He should be released immediately. His detention is a cruel emblem of Putins fear of criticism and dissent amid his illegal and barbaric war in Ukraine. 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 }} Israel has begun the third stage of its ground offensive in Gaza, launching an attack in areas densely populated with refugee camps, as aid agencies warned Palestinian civilians are running out of safe spaces. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said they have expanded their operations into the centre of Gaza having spent months fighting against Hamas in the north, before moving into the main southern city of Khan Younis in November. Its forces are now active throughout the Strip. Residents of the Bureij, Maghazi and Nuseirat refugee camps, all located in central Gaza, reported heavy bombing into the early hours of Wednesday morning. Displaced Palestinians from the Nuseirat, Bureij and parts of the Khan Younis refugee camps make their way to the city of Rafah (EPA) It was a night of hell. We havent seen such bombing since the start of the war, said Rami Abu Mosab, speaking from the Bureij camp, where he has been sheltering since fleeing his home in northern Gaza. Israel has been issuing evacuation orders for central Gaza since last Friday but it covers an area that was home to 90,000 people before the war, which began on 7 October, and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, according to the United Nations humanitarian office. A video posted by the Palestine Red Crescent Society showed medical workers recovering at least one body from the rubble of several destroyed buildings in the Bureij camp on Wednesday. More than 21,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in nearly three months of fighting, including nearly 200 people in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (AP) Israels retaliatory attacks began after Hamass deadly assault on Israeli soil on 7 October killed 1,140 people and led to 240 more being taken hostage, more than a hundred of which remain there. The consequent aerial bombardment of Gaza has razed swathes of territory to the ground, destroying thousands of buildings and shutting down more than a dozen hospitals. Nearly 2 million Palestinians, roughly 85 per cent of the total population, have been displaced from their homes, most of whom have headed towards Rafah, on the southern Gaza border with Egypt, or Deir Balah in the centre. Ahmed Bayram, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council, a humanitarian group operating mainly in southern Gaza, said there is no space left for those fleeing. Speaking about central Gaza, he told The Independent: These are overcrowded residential areas and refugee camps that house tens of thousands. Concerning the orders for evacuation, he added: This unlawful strategy of forcible transfers has repeated itself five or six times already in just under three months. There is no space to accommodate those fleeing to Deir Balah or southern Gaza. US secretary of state Antony Blinken is due to visit Israel next week to discuss the future of its war with Hamas (AP) He said that medication, food and water are becoming ever more scarce while diseases are becoming more prevalent. It comes as US secretary of state Antony Blinken is planning to travel to Israel next week for his fifth visit since 7 October, according to the publication Axios. The top US diplomat is expected to discuss the next stages of the war before visiting the West Bank, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Mr Blinken held a meeting with the Israeli minister of strategic affairs Ron Dermer in Washington DC on Tuesday. A White House official said the discussions centred around planning for a transition from high-intensity fighting in Gaza to a more localised approach targeting high-value Hamas targets. Mr Blinken has previously admitted that far too many Palestinian civilians have been killed during Israels aerial bombardment of Gaza and its subsequent ground incursion. Israel maintains that Hamas is using civilians as human shields. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The next wave of AI models, Apples move into the augmented reality space, and online security are expected to be among the biggest talking points of 2024 in the tech sector. With elections expected in a number of countries, the focus is also expected to be on cybersecurity and the ability of social media platforms to combat misinformation. Here is a closer look at what are likely to be the key tech issues of 2024. The next wave of generative AI models While 2023 saw generative AI models behind apps such as ChatGPT and Google Bard become ever-increasing parts of daily life, next year is likely to see further expansion of their use as the next generation of models begin to appear. Many experts are already predicting that these will be substantially more powerful than those currently in use, meaning AI apps will be able to take on even more complex tasks. This will likely mean an increase in usefulness in assisting in tasks, but concerns around the impact of such models on education and the job market will also likely increase as a result. In response, greater scrutiny of how and where AI is used in professionals settings is likely around the world, with many governments already debating how to begin regulating the rapidly expanding and evolving sector. Apples Vision Pro and mixed reality going mainstream Virtual and mixed reality technology have been around for some time, with varying degrees of success from the PlayStation VR to Metas Quest headsets. But in 2024, the technology will arguably enter the mainstream for the first time when Apple is expected to begin rolling out the first of its Vision Pro headsets. With the device on, users are able to see applications floating in front of them, overlaid on the real world, and interact with them using hand gestures. While some aspects of this approach are not new, many experts predict that the familiarity of Apples tech and its habit of grabbing the publics attention on a technology even if it is not the first one into that space, could be a key moment for virtual and mixed reality. The rollout of Vision Pro is expected to be slow and steady, with only a launch in the US confirmed so far, but that could ramp up should the Vision Pro be an early hit with consumers. Ongoing cybersecurity concerns The UK and other countries have been warned they face an ongoing and ever-evolving threat from state-backed bad actors in cyberspace, particularly with continued global instability because of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned of the rising threat of ransomware in its annual review of 2023, while it also raised concerns about the impact AI could have on cybersecurity in particular its potential to help criminals create more convincing scams or social engineering techniques. A joint committee of Parliament claimed the UK was unprepared for a large-scale ransomware attack and warned the country could be brought to a standstill if major changes to planning were not made. And with major elections taking place in a number of countries in 2024, including the US and likely the UK, robust cybersecurity will be a key focus for many. Elections and misinformation The large number of elections in 2024 are likely to be a key topic for the tech sector beyond cybersecurity issues. The previously noted impact of social media platforms to influence voters will be in sharp focus again, particularly given Elon Musks ownership of X, formerly Twitter, and his push towards allowing more unfiltered free speech on the platform. The rise of AI will play a part in this area too, with deepfakes of a number of prominent politicians having already circulated online, the need to combat the spread of AI-generated misinformation is already being discussed in the UK. Earlier this month, Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan told MPs there would be robust mechanisms in place by the time of the general election, expected during 2024, to fight deepfakes appearing and spreading on social media. Fact-checking charity Full Fact has warned that AI-generated content is reducing the publics trust in everything they see online, and has called on the Government to put more funding into media literacy to help people better spot fake content. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The New York Times has sued ChatGPT maker OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged copyright infringement. The newspaper accuses the companies in a new lawsuit of using its intellectual property to train the large language models used by ChatGPT. In the lawsuit filed on Wednesday in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, the Times says it is owed billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages for the unlawful copying and use of The Timess uniquely valuable works. Chat GPT is a large language model that lets users enter prompts to receive human-like text, images or videos created by AI. The lawsuit claims millions of New York Times articles were used to train ChatGPT and that it now competes with the newspaper as an information source. The OpenAI logo is seen displayed on a cell phone with an image on a computer screen generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model (AP) The newspaper said in a statement that it recognizes the power and potential of GenAI for the public and for journalism but stated that its material should not be used for commercial gain by other companies. Settled copyright law protects our journalism and content, the Times added. If Microsoft and OpenAI want to use our work for commercial purposes, the law requires that they first obtain our permission. They have not done so. An OpenAI spokesperson said they were surprised and disappointed at the lawsuit. We respect the rights of content creators and owners and are committed to working with them to ensure they benefit from AI technology and new revenue models, a company spokesperson told The Independent. Our ongoing conversations with the New York Times have been productive and moving forward constructively, so we are surprised and disappointed with this development. Were hopeful that we will find a mutually beneficial way to work together, as we are doing with many other publishers. The Independent has reached out to Microsoft for comment The lawsuit accuses Microsoft and OpenAI of mass copyright infringement saying their their AI systems were used to create multiple reproductions of The Timess intellectual property for the purpose of creating the GPT models that exploit and, in many cases, retain large portions of the copyrightable expression contained in those works. Microsoft has invested more than $10bn in OpenAI. The lawsuit states that the newspaper unsuccessfully tried to reach an amicable resolution to the issue with the companies in April. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A woman in Florida caught a brawl between a Burmese python and an alligator on camera during a recent trip to Everglades National Park. Alison Joslyn came across the scene while riding her bike in the parks Shark Valley and posted the footage on Facebook. As an amateur wildlife photographer, I knew immediately I was seeing something very special, Alison Joslyn told Storyful. I thought both might be dead until the gator opened an eye to look at me! The Florida park is visited by around 1 million people annually, according to the National Park Service. and is the only place in the world where alligators co-exist with crocodiles. Its also the only place in the US where visitors can see crocodiles, due to a mix of fresh water from Lake Okeechobee and seawater. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Burmese python is a large, nonvenomous constrictor and an invasive species in the state. They are primarily found in and around the Everglades ecosystem. The species is considered to be one of the largest snakes in the world and officials consider it a threat to the states native wildlife. The biggest Burmese python to be captured in the state was 18ft long. As a result, members of the public can capture and kill the pythons without a permit and year-round on private property. In Florida, Burmese pythons have been found to prey upon a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and alligators, according to the conservation commission. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A man has been praised for refusing to swap seats with a pregnant woman on his flight. In a recent post shared to the popular Am I The A**hole? Reddit forum, one traveller, who goes by the username u/michaeldonelly, asked if he was in the wrong for not giving his seat on a plane to a pregnant woman. He went on to recall how travelling alone on a flight that was over five hours to see his family for the holidays. The Reddit user then described some of the planning he did when booking his flight. I specifically booked and paid extra for an aisle seat in the second-to-last row because I have medical issues that sometimes require quick access to the bathroom, he explained. However, according to the traveller, right before he started boarding the plane, a woman asked him to give up [her] seat so she could sit closer to the bathroom. He went on to describe that while he felt empathetic towards the pregnant woman, after claiming that she did not seem distressed, he didnt think it was fair for him to change his seat. While I felt for her situation, as someone with a medical condition, I did not feel it was fair to demand I move from the seat I planned for and paid for, especially since she apparently had not booked an aisle seat herself in advance, he wrote. The man went on to claim that the flight attendants refused to help mediate the situation, as the pregnant woman was still insisting that he should have to move. He continued to note that while there werent any other seats near the bathroom, he still expressed to her that he wasnt going to move. There were also no other aisle or close seats available on the full flight that I or flight crew could facilitate swapping, he wrote, before adding that his family told him that he should have inconvenienced [himself] and given up [his] seat. I disagree though, he concluded, referring to his familys recommendation. I think [the pregnant woman] and the flight crew were unfairly targeting me instead of handling it through proper channels. The Reddit post has quickly gone viral, as it has more than 15,00 upvotes. In the comments, many Reddit users have praised the traveller for keeping his seat, since hed made specific seat accommodations before the flight. They also shared how theyd react to the pregnant woman, if they were the plane passenger who had the medical condition. She should have booked another seat she wanted herself or not gone on the flight, one wrote. Seems she just assumed she wouldnt have to pay for it, since some sucker was going to move. The flight attendants are at fault for not mediating. At some point they should have told her to go back to her seat. I say this as someone who has been pregnant and has flown solo with a toddler every passenger has equal opportunity to pre-book seats based on their needs and preferences, another agreed. Its no one business why you booked that seat. Was the passenger or airline going to reimburse you for the cost of prebooking the seat? Zero obligation for you to move. This is when you throw back, I actually have incontinence so I have to be near the restroomor another bladder related medical condition, a third wrote. Realistically I would just tell her that I paid extra for the seat no thank you. This isnt the first time that a traveller has been applauded for refusing to swap plane seats. In a post shared to Reddit earlier this month, a business-class passenger recalled how a woman asked them to switch seats with her husband, so she could be next to her partner. According to the Reddit user, when they found out the womans husbands seat was in the economy section, they declined the request to swap. The business-class passenger explained in their since-deleted Reddit post that the woman was visibly upset after not being given the seat and couldnt believe she wouldnt be allowed to sit next to her husband on the plane. In the comments of that post, many people defended the passenger for not giving up their seat. I cant believe she thought this would work. What a moron, one comment read about the woman who asked to swap seats. Another wrote: First-class seats long haul cost thousands. No way am I giving up what I paid for so some entitled arse can take it. Tears or no tears Im not moving. 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 }} Hundreds of trains, flights and ferries have been cancelled as Storm Gerrit disrupts travel across Britain. As rail services resume across the UK, hundreds of thousands of passengers are facing delays and cancellations due to Storm Gerrit and other incidents. The worst problem has seen the main line close between London St Pancras International and Luton due to a signalling fault with all East Midlands Railway intercity trains likely to be cancelled for the rest of the day and Thameslink passengers urged not to attempt to travel until further notice. The West Coast main line is currently blocked between Carlisle and Lockerbie due to flooding. British Airways has grounded 18 flights to and from Heathrow. A large number of ferry services in UK waters have also been cancelled. The Met Office has warned of strong winds, heavy snow and rain in Scotland, particularly in the east; heavy rain in much of northern England and most of Wales; and strong winds along the entire south coast of England. Gusts of up to 60mph are forecast, with widespread impact for travellers. Trains The line between London St Pancras International and Luton is partially closed due to a signalling fault, causing major problems for passengers trying to travel between the capital and Luton airport on one of the busiest days of the festive season. The Independent understands that the problem stems from engineering work at West Hampstead over the Christmas break. Gary Walsh, route director for Network Rail, said: I am very sorry that our engineering work is affecting passengers today. There is a fault with part of the signalling control system which means we need to reduce the number of trains which are able to run. Siemens signalling engineers are working to restore a reliable system as soon as possible. Thameslink, which runs between Bedford, Luton, central London, Surrey and Sussex, is telling passengers: Please do not attempt travel between Bedford and London Bridge until further notice. The earlier disruption caused by multiple signal failures has now reoccurred. Due to the level of disruption, passengers are advised to delay travelling until later. If you do decide to travel, you will need to use alternative means on some or all of your journey, and you will need to allow an additional 60 minutes to travel. East Midlands Railway passengers were already facing disruption due to engineering work. Elsewhere Storm Gerrit is combining with Network Rail projects to cause widespread disruption. The West Coast main line is currently blocked between Carlisle and Lockerbie due to flooding. Avanti West Coast posted on X (formerly Twitter): Due to flooding between Carlisle and Lockerbie, all lines are blocked. Delays are expected on our Scotland route and services will be subject to late starts. Trains between Edinburgh and Birmingham, and between Glasgow and Manchester airport, have been cancelled. Many other trains are delayed. South Western Railway has been warning of major disruption on its network after a signalling fault outside London Waterloo plus an electrical fault at Havant in Hampshire led to cancelled rush-hour trains. On the main line between London and Southampton, near Brookwood in Surrey, repair work on an earlier landslip is leading to a severely reduced service between Basingstoke and Woking. The work will close two of the four lines between Wednesday and Friday. During this spell, the train firm is urging travellers: Please only travel if absolutely necessary. In Scotland, Links from Glasgow to Aberdeen and Inverness are affected by engineering work, with buses running between Glasgow and Stirling. Elsewhere in Scotland, speed restrictions are in place along many lines, including the far north line from Inverness to Wick, the West Highland line from Glasgow to Fort William and Oban and the West Coast main line from Glasgow to Carlisle. All trains have been cancelled between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh due to flood damage in the Garve area sustained just before Christmas. Disruption is expected to last for a week. Replacement buses are being arranged. In Wales, the line between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog is closed, with replacement buses in place. Across the border in England, flooding between Hereford and Leominster means trains may be cancelled or delayed. Flights Ten UK domestic flights plus eight European services have been cancelled by British Airways due to the effects of Storm Gerrit. Return trips to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey and Manchester have been axed, together with links to and from Barcelona, Berlin, Madrid and Paris CDG. A spokesperson for British Airways said: As a result of air-traffic control restrictions put in place because of Storm Gerrit, we have had to make some adjustments to our schedule today. We have apologised to our customers for any disruption to their travel plans and our teams are working hard to get them on their way as quickly as possible. Passengers are entitled to be rebooked on the closest available alternative service. A planeload of P&O Cruises passengers finally arrived at Manchester airport 70 hours late after their charter flight from Barbados was diverted to Bermuda in the early hours of Christmas Eve. The Maleth Aero Airbus A330 hit severe turbulence over the Atlantic, injuring 11 of the 225 passengers on board. Ferries At Dover, long queues have built up for the EU frontier operated by French border police. Under the post-Brexit deal, the UK asked for all British passports to be stamped upon entry to the European Union which, at the Port of Dover, means a juxtaposed border between the white cliffs and the Channel. Port authorities are warning of two-hour delays, saying: The current wait time upon arrival at the Port is around 120 minutes. We are working hard to get you on your way as quickly as possible. Passengers who miss their booked sailing are being accommodated on the next available vessel without extra charge. In Scotland, many Caledonian MacBrayne ferries are disrupted, with widespread delays and cancellations. No vessels will sail today from Mallaig to Skye or the Small Isles. Meet the group of Mexican weed nuns pushing for the drugs legalisation to take it away from the countrys narco groups. Footage from 2 September shows members of the group Sisters of the Valley dressed as nuns on their Mexican farm, of which the exact location cant be disclosed for the groups safety. The California branch has a small business selling CBD products in the US, while the Mexican group, consisting of five sisters, grow cannabis crops and push for the drugs legalisation in Mexico. What I have always wanted and what I am betting on is to take it (cannabis) back from the narco to make it legal, said Sister Bernadet, who uses the moniker for fear of reprisal. Argos has shuttered its stores after operating in Ireland for 27 years The Irish arm of Argos has been hit with a 43.4m cost arising from the decision earlier this year to shut its store network here. Last June, Argos shut down its Republic of Ireland operation after concluding the investment required to make its operation here profitable was too large to be viable. This led to the loss of 580 jobs. New accounts filed by Argos Distributors (Ireland) Ltd show that the retailer recorded closure costs of 43.4m, including redundancy costs of 23.2m. Eligible workers were offered an enhanced redundancy package where employees received an additional four weeks pay per year of service on top of statutory redundancy requirements. This brought the total redundancy package offered to six weeks pay per year of service. The small proportion of staff not eligible for redundancy under Irish law were offered a one-off goodwill payment. The costs to Argo also included closure provisions of 7.03m and write-down of leased assets of 9.8m, as well as 1.6m in write-downs of property, plant and equipment and 1.73m in consultancy costs. The firm, which is owned by the UK based J Sainsbury plc, recorded a pre-tax loss of 24.1m for the 12 months to March 4, almost double the 13.06m pre-tax loss recorded in the prior year. However, the company reported a 29.96m gain on the 227m sale of its investment in the Home Retail Group (Finance) LLP to Argos Ltd during the year. Home Retail Group (Finance) LLP acts principally as a financing and investment holding business. During the retailers financial year, revenues at the Irish unit declined by 12.8m to 120.95m, while the number of stores operating reduced from 35 to 34. The number of stores in operation in June this year totalled 30 and directors stated that all stores were shut by June 24. They added that lease exits are in the process of being negotiated and will run till the end of their term. The directors said that it is currently addressing outstanding legal and regulatory obligations as part of the winding down process. Staff costs in the period declined from 16.2m to 14.48m as numbers employed reduced from 754 to 612. This included 450 part-time and 162 full-time staff. The loss also takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of 3.22m. Shareholder funds on March 4 totalled 215.77m, while the businesss cash funds decreased from 3.3m to 2.57m. Daniel Day-Lewis dived on the actor playing his interrogator... Nobody knew what do to Jim Sheridan on In the Name of the Father at 30 On the 30th anniversary of the films release, its director recalls its stars intensity, why the film doesnt always stick closely to the facts and how it led to a personal moment of paternal closeness In the Name of the Father Official Trailer Paul Whitington Wed 27 Dec 2023 at 03:30 On December 27, 1993, in a decidedly unfestive move, Universal released Jim Sheridans In the Name of the Father across Ireland. Based on Gerry Conlons memoir, the film starred Daniel Day-Lewis as Conlon, a spectacularly unlucky Belfast man who spent 15 years in a British jail after being falsely convicted of a horrific crime. Mrs Browns Boys Christmas Special: A rusty, half-arsed venture, this sitcom doesnt just tell bad jokes it is one There isnt a single punchline that isnt sign-posted from across the street; not one gag that doesnt spoil itself with a laborious, long-winded lead-in Winnie (Eilish OCarroll) and Agnes (Brendan OCarroll) in another unfunny Christmas special. Photo: BBC Studios/Elaine Livinstone Chris Wasser Wed 27 Dec 2023 at 02:30 You know how this goes. Like, say, the Royal Christmas message or a rotten case of heartburn, the Mrs Browns Boys Christmas Special (RTE One/BBC One) has become something of an irksome festive tradition. Cork farm makes up to 44,400/ac in strong finish to auction season Kinsale property sells in lots for bumper prices as strong sales continue across the country A 9ac portion of this 22ac residential farm at Tisaxon, Kinsale made 400,000 or over 44,400/ac Jim O'Brien Wed 27 Dec 2023 at 10:24 There was a strong finish to the year, with quite a few auctions in December and prices reflected the strength of the market throughout 2023 as prices as high as 44,400/ac were paid for land. Queen Elizabeth II and President Mary McAleese at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin, in May 2011. Photo: Damien Eagers British government officials were worried that Queen Elizabeth II might be left embarrassed if President Mary McAleese personally attended a memorial service for the victims of the Real IRAs Omagh bombing when the monarch and British prime minister Tony Blair would not be present. Confidential files released as part of the State Archives revealed British officials were so acutely concerned about the potential for senior British leaders to be left red-faced that an Irish diplomat was summoned to a London meeting to see if a compromise could be privately hammered out between the two governments. British officials proposed that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern might attend the memorial but that Ms McAleese would not be present for the ceremony. The Omagh bombing on August 15, 1998, in which 29 people died, was the single deadliest incident of the Troubles. It was carried out by dissident republican group, the Real IRA, just 16 weeks after the Good Friday Agreement signalled the end of the Provisional IRAs military campaign. The Vauxhall Cavalier car involved was packed with explosives and parked in the middle of the market town and it exploded when the streets were crowded with people. A warning was given but it was worded in an unclear manner and led police to clear the wrong area of Omagh town centre. A total of 29 people died from their injuries while a further 220 were hurt, some left with life-changing injuries. The victims included a woman pregnant with twins, 12 children and teenagers, as well as two Spanish tourists. Both Protestants and Catholics died in the explosion. When a memorial service for the victims was announced for the week after the bombing, both Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and President Mary McAleese indicated they would attend. But the day before the service, a senior diplomat from the Irish embassy in London was summoned to Britains Foreign Office to discuss their attendance. Philip McDonagh was told by George Fergusson, director of the Republic of Ireland department of the Foreign Office, that Mr Blair, and Queen Elizabeth, could face possible embarrassment... if it were to be suggested in the media that they had been less concerned at the sufferings in Omagh than their Irish counterparts. Mr Fergusson said it would not be practical to organise a visit by the queen or a senior member of the royal family. Mr Fergusson also claimed that senior figures such as heads of state and prime ministers might find themselves out of place at the memorial, that their presence would be unwelcome, and that the families needed to be given space. Mr McDonagh rejected the suggestion the president and taoiseach would not be welcome, saying the Irish government had taken soundings in Omagh and the opposite seemed to be the case. In any event, he told Mr Fergusson, the presidents plans had already been announced and could not be changed. And he dismissed the implication that high-level visits to the North required British agreement. In the event, both the president and the taoiseach attended the memorial service. Det Gda Jerry McCabe was killed during a robbery in Adare, Co Limerick, in 1996 The insistence by the Irish authorities that the IRA killers of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe would not qualify for early release under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) left British officials worried and confused. Documents from the Department of Foreign Affairs revealed high-level contacts between Dublin and London over the issue amid concerns by British officials that the Irish stance was hinting at a two-tier approach to the delicate issue of prison releases under the GFA. In one query, a British civil servant warned the Irish governments stance that the killers of the Limerick-based detective would not qualify for release under the terms of the GFA might hint that the life of a garda was valued differently from that of a British policeman or a member of the RUC. Early release for paramilitary prisoners was one of the key provisions of the Good Friday Agreement. It was viewed as key to bringing republican and loyalist terror groups along with the peace process. But the Irish government made clear, both before and after the agreement was signed, that it would not apply to the killers of Det Gda McCabe. Dublin maintained that as the Adare armed robbery was not sanctioned by the IRA, it fell outside the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Det Gda McCabe was shot and killed, and his colleague Detective Garda Ben OSullivan was seriously injured, during the robbery of a post office van in Adare, Co Limerick, in June 1996. The issue was raised at a meeting of senior officials in May 1998, with Bill Jeffrey of the Northern Ireland Office pointing out London did not understand the Irish position. He told his Irish counterparts that they were perplexed at Dublins position. The British side stressed the need for legislation on prisoner release to be clearly based on uniform principles. Pointed questions would undoubtedly be asked if there seemed to be contradictions between the British and Irish situations. The issue was also raised with the Irish Embassy in London by British MP Helen Jackson, an aide to then northern secretary Mo Mowlam. Dr Mowlam expressed concern that if individuals are convicted of the murder of Det Gda McCabe, and a stand of principle is maintained on our side regarding their non-release, it could make future dealings with the RUC and the Northern Ireland Prison Service potentially problematic. Gerry Adams, then Sinn Fein president, wrote to the taoiseach in July 2000 demanding action on the Adare gang. As you know, these prisoners come under the Good Friday Agreement and while I am mindful of the sensitivity involved in this case, it too is an issue which must be resolved, he wrote. Mr Adams stated the obligations of the Good Friday Agreement applied to Dublin and London. The Irish government declined to alter its position. Four men Pearse McAuley, Jeremiah Sheehy, Michael ONeill and Kevin Walsh were convicted by the Special Criminal Court in February 1999 after pleading guilty to manslaughter. ONeill was released from prison in May 2007, Sheehy in February 2008, and McAuley and Walsh in August 2009, after serving their full sentences. Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) chiefs admitted as early as 2001 that there was a high-placed British agent within the IRA codenamed Stakeknife. Secret papers released as part of the State Archives revealed the relatives of murder victims Tom Oliver and Francisco Notarantonio feared there had been collusion in the case of both killings. Freddie Scappaticci, a former IRA volunteer who died last April aged 77, was named by the media two decades ago as the double agent codenamed Stakeknife, though he vehemently denied ever having worked for British intelligence. He died from a series of strokes after fleeing Northern Ireland in 2003 and living in a witness protection programme for many years, firstly in the Manchester area and latterly in London. Mr Oliver, a Louth farmer and a father of seven, was tortured and killed by the IRA in 1991 after they claimed he had been passing information to the gardai, an allegation his family flatly denied. The farmer had no connections to any paramilitary group or the gardai and speculation has mounted over the years that he was tortured and killed by Scappaticci to conceal his identity as a double agent from the IRA. Mr Notarantonio, who was a former republican internee, was shot dead by the UDA in his west Belfast home in 1987. The murder of the pensioner has also been linked to Scappaticci, with claims he was sacrificed to a UDA gang to save the life of the agent. Confidential files revealed that then Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams wrote to then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on January 18, 2001, asking him to meet with the Notarantonio family. On January 29, Mr Ahern agreed to a meeting and later met with Mr Notarantonios children, Charlotte, Josephine, Christopher and Margaret, at Iveagh House. Charlotte later said that her family were not interested in Mr Adams intervention and that the meeting had been set up thanks to the SDLP. A briefing note dated April 3, 2001, stated: We discussed the allegations that Francisco Notarantonio was killed on the basis of false information given to Brian Nelson (then the UDAs intelligence officer) by members of the British Armys Force Research Unit (FRU) to divert the UDA from a planned assassination of the FRUs top agent in the IRA, Stakeknife. Mr Notarantinios daughter confirmed she had also met with senior RUC officials about the precise circumstances of her fathers killing. Charlotte said that in December 2000 she had met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hugh Orde with the familys lawyer, Barra McGrory, it noted. At that meeting, Orde confirmed that Stakeknife existed and that there was collusion in her fathers murder but that there was nothing in black and white. He had also said that the investigation team had not completed their examination of material recovered from Thiepval Barracks but would not confirm if there was relevant evidence within the remaining unexamined material. However, Charlotte contended that the black and white evidence does exist, contained in files on Stakeknife. It has been claimed that Scappaticci first became involved with British intelligence in 1978 and because he headed up the IRAs feared internal security unit, his position made him critical to the RUC and latterly the FRU. FRU whistleblower, identified only by the pseudonym Martin Ingram, said that Scappaticci was central to identifying the IRA kidnappers of multi-millionaire supermarket owner, Ben Dunne; had provided information which helped avoid the kidnapping of department store tycoon Galen Weston; and had also provided critical intelligence about the IRA kidnapping of supermarket director Don Tidey. The Irish divorce: Why the arrangement of celebrity couples like Jada Pinkett and Will Smith is not unusual to us Latest | Steakhouse gunman fatally stabbed in botched hit tried to flee through back door of restaurant but found it locked Tristan Sherry fired sub-machine gun on Christmas Eve at 47-year-old diner in gangland feudGardai urge public not to share social media video of gunmans final momentsGoFundMe page set up to help family pay funeral costs of would-be assassin Gardai braced for revenge attacks after gunman overpowered and killed in Christmas Eve shooting Robin Schiller and Ken Foy Wed 27 Dec 2023 at 03:30 A gunman desperately tried to flee a restaurant through a back door following a botched gangland shooting, but was unable to escape before he was overpowered and stabbed to death. Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson warned that David Trimble was hanging onto the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party by a knife edge. The revelation came in confidential files released as part of the State Archive. One document revealed the intense pressure that the UUP leader was under in 2000 as the peace process entered a critical phase. A British civil servant noted to an Irish colleague that Mr Trimble was despairing and hysterical over key issues as his party leadership came under intense pressure. Mr Trimble was under attack from elements within the UUP which opposed the Good Friday Agreement. Mr Mandelson, in one assessment, admitted that the Trimble leadership was hanging by a knife edge and that, in fighting off one leadership heave, his margin of victory was down to single digits. Civil servants raised concerns that a Dutch government offer to make a IR5,000 contribution to the Garda Benevolent Fund in thanks for the successful resolution of the 1975 kidnapping of industrialist Tiede Herrema was far too large. Worried government officials were carefully monitoring both diplomatic and media coverage of the October 1975 kidnapping by the IRA amid concerns it would impact foreign direct investment in Ireland at a time when the domestic economy was struggling badly. Confidential files released as part of the State Archives revealed that Department of Foreign Affairs officials were closely liaising with the Taoiseachs office over the fallout to the 36-day kidnapping in Castletroy, Co Limerick. Dr Herrema, who was managing the Ferenka plant in Limerick, was kidnapped by an IRA gang including Eddie Gallagher and Marion Coyle, on the morning of October 3 as he left his Castletroy home to travel to the plant. Later, the gang warned that the Dutch industrialist would be released only if named IRA supporters, including Rose Dugdale, were released from custody. The kidnapping prompted a massive garda operation. Eventually, gardai received intelligence which led them to a property in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, on October 21. The property was surrounded by armed gardai, supported by Defence Forces personnel, and Dr Herrema was finally released after a siege and painstaking negotiations with the kidnappers, which lasted for almost two weeks. While deeply shaken by his ordeal, Dr Herrema was physically unharmed. In a Department of Foreign Affairs memo dated December 31, 1975, a civil servant raised the issue of the Dutch donation to the Garda Benevolent Fund (GBF). [Dutch ambassador] Mr Kwint telephoned me today to say that the embassy had been requested by the Netherlands authorities to make a contribution of IR5,000 to the GBF, the civil servant wrote. I have advised the Department of Justice accordingly and will keep in touch with them regarding arrangements for presentation. You might wish to advise [the] secretary? However, in a handwritten note on the same day, a senior civil servant queried the amount being offered by the Dutch. Minister to see above ref it seems to me that a contribution of IR5,000 was far too large. You may want to discuss this with [Justice] Minister [Patrick] Cooney, it read. Another civil servant noted on February 16, 1976: I know the minister and secretary spoke about this matter but I am not aware of what reverted. Fota Wildlife Park celebrated an early New Year's present with the birth of an endangered Francois Langur Monkey. The baby was born to mother, Mei, and father, Shinobi, and will now form a vital addition to the Cork park's efforts to save the highly threatened species of monkey from extinction. Scientifically known as Trarachypithecus Francoisi, the infant monkey has striking orange colouring and stands out against the contrasting black fur of the adults in the group. Mei was born in 2016 and her younger sister Kaili, who was born in 2018, made their journey to Fota Wildlife Park from Twycross Zoo in the UK in September 2022 as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme (EEP). Joining them shortly after was Shinobi, born in 2016, who arrived from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in the UK in December 2022. Lead Ranger, Teresa Power said it was a great day for the east Cork park. We hope the birth of this baby will help raise awareness about the critical need for conservation efforts for the Francois langur," she said. "There is a wild population of 1,4001,650 in China and fewer than 500 now left in Vietnam. As a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) we will be participating in their 2024 Vietnamizing conservation campaign, drawing attention to threats to the countrys amazing biodiversity and animal species, such as the Francois langur, whose wild populations are currently under pressure from habitat loss, hunting, and poaching." Since the trio of Mei, sister Kaili and adult male, Shinobi arrived from their respective zoos in late 2022 the animal care team here have been working with them to carefully integrate them into the breeding group." We have been keeping a close eye on the group in the hope that they would successfully breed. The anticipation has been building as we monitored Meis behaviour over the months leading up to the birth and we are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of this endangered baby monkey at Fota Wildlife Park." Kaili, the proud aunt, has taken on the role of babysitter, this is whats known as allomothering, where the females in the group will help to care for and raise the young. The baby is already keeping the group on their toes, trying to copy the adult behaviours. The youngster is amusing the animal care team as it tries to copy its mother Mei, especially when it comes to grabbing snacks during mealtimes." As the baby grows, its coast will lose its distinctive orange hue and gradually become black to match the colouring of the adults. The species range extends from southwestern China to northeastern Vietnam. Fota ranks as one of the world's leading breeding centres for rare and endangered species. The facility opened in 1983 on the old Smith-Barry estate in east Cork with under 50 species and it is now the top visitor attraction in the south. Fota today boasts 109 species (1,096 animals), many critically endangered in the wild Having started with cheetahs, Fota now includes all the 'big cats' such as the lion and tiger in its animal attractions. Spanning more than 100 acres, Fota is a not-for-profit charity and critically depends on its gate receipts which deliver around 95pc of the annual park income. Fota has an annual turnover of around 6m with more than 150 staff at peak summer operations. Some 50pc of Fota's visitors are tourists and the park delivers a 200m boost to the local economy each season. Director Sean McKeown and his team said the true definition of a successful year is the birth record for their critically endangered species. "That's what we are here for - to ensure that these magnificent animals are around for generations to come." Over 500,000 people visit the park each year. While tigers and lions are hugely popular and act as a major visitor draw, the park's favourite animals have remained consistent since its opening 40 years ago - giraffes, cheetahs, spider monkeys and lemurs. Fota's ranking as one of the world's premier breeding sites for endangered species is best illustrated by the Black and White Lemur. The east Cork park has a healthy and successful breeding population of 12 - precisely the same number as is left in an entire 1,000 square mile reserve in their native Madagascar. Fota also played a key role in helping to save the European bison which once faced extinction. Fota has bred the bison successfully for 40 years - and its numbers are now so healthy that populations have been reintroduced all over Eastern Europe and other parts of the continent. Having done its job, Fota will wind down its breeding operations with the bison just to maintain a small population in east Cork. The US first lady called DC embassy just hours after US presidents assassination, newly released file states Jackie Kennedy had personally rang the Irish embassy in Washington DC just hours after her husbands assassination, according to a newly released file. Photo: Getty President John F Kennedys wife Jackie phoned the Irish embassy in Washington DC from the White House just hours after the assassination of her husband in Dallas to personally ask if the Defence Forces cadets could play a role in his state funeral procession. Secret papers released as part of the State Archive revealed that Irish officials acutely aware of the enormous historical significance of the events at hand immediately went to lengths to determine the precise nature of the phone call, after initially believing the first approach for the cadets to be involved in the funeral came from the US ambassador in Dublin via the US State Department. Departments of the Taoiseach, Defence and External Affairs (now Foreign Affairs) were determined to ensure that the precise nature of Mrs Kennedys personal phone call be noted for posterity. The large file on President Kennedys assassination, funeral and state tributes has been released for the first time. A Department of Foreign Affairs file includes moving tributes to the former Massachusetts senator who had made the first presidential visit to Ireland just a few months before his death and left Ireland vowing to return again. President Kennedy was shot and killed as he toured Dallas in an open car on November 22, 1963. The circumstances of his death remain the focus of one of the greatest conspiracy theories in history. Vice-president Lyndon Johnson was sworn in on Air Force One as it transported President Kennedys coffin back to Washington. Just a few hours after the shocked US first lady who arrived back in Washington still wearing clothing spattered with her husbands blood was escorted back to the White House, she began to prepare for her husbands state funeral. It has now emerged that one of the first calls she made was to ensure Irish representation in the ceremonies. In a letter to Aidan Mulloy of the Department of External Affairs on June 29, 1965, an Irish Embassy official in Washington queried a memo regarding how the Defence Forces cadets came to be involved in the Washington funeral programme. We were interested in the copy of your minute to the Department of Defence regarding the participation of the Cadets from the Military College in the funeral ceremonies of the late president Kennedy, it read. In the course of a letter to the ambassador of January 14, 1965, Dr TJ Kiernan wrote that: Mrs Kennedy telephoned him in the early hours asking if they [the cadets] could be sent out for the funeral. It is doubtless correct that the formal approach requesting the participation of the Cadets was made by the US Ambassador in Dublin. The Department should, however, be aware of Mrs Kennedys direct telephone call to Dr Kiernan. If this is not already recorded on the file at headquarters, perhaps you would consider suggesting to Mr Gallagher that it would be well to ask Dr Kiernan for a note on the point. It is, after all, of considerable historic interest. Dr Kiernan ranked at the time as one of Irelands most senior and respected diplomats. He was chosen as Irelands first ambassador to Australia in 1950 and had the key posting of ambassador to the Holy See during World War II. Dr Kiernan was appointed ambassador to the US in 1960 and served in Washington throughout President Kennedys term. The Dublin-born diplomat was credited with playing a major role in the success of the presidential visit in June 1963 and the key role played by the Kennedys ancestral home of New Ross in the programme. Both President Kennedy and his wife Jackie were on very friendly terms with Dr Kiernan and trusted him implicitly. Having stood down from the Irish embassy in 1964, Dr Kiernan was based for several years in New York. Irish officials were intrigued by the precise sequence of events surrounding the cadets involvement in President Kennedys funeral. One memo noted that Irish officials were aware the cadets travelled to Washington at the specific request of Mrs Kennedy but believed her request was passed from the US State Department to the US Embassy in Dublin and then to the government. The revelation that Mrs Kennedy had personally rang the Irish embassy just hours after her husbands assassination fascinated officials. Having received a request from a US military historian for information about the presidential funeral for a magazine article, a Department of External Affairs official wrote to Dr Kiernan for clarification on the events of November 23, 1963. The letter was dated October 1965. While it is undoubted that the formal approach requesting the participation of the Irish Cadets in the funeral ceremonies was made by the US Ambassador in Dublin, some doubt has arisen about the nature of the telephone call from Mrs Kennedy to the Embassy at Washington in the early morning hours of November 23, 1963, the day following the presidents assassination, it stated. In view of the considerable historic interest which this message may arouse in the future, perhaps you would be so good as to place your recollections of the event on record? However, no further documentation about Mrs Kennedys phone call is in the file. The close connection between Ireland and the Kennedy family ensured that when the Warren Commission published its report after investigating the assassination, a copy was immediately sent, via the US embassy in Dublin, to External Affairs Minister Frank Aiken on September 29, 1964. It found that Lee Harvey Oswald, a former US Marine with a history of emotional instability who had defected to the Soviet Union after becoming a communist, had acted alone in fatally shooting President Kennedy from a room in the Texas School Book Depository which overlooked the motorcade route. Oswald was shot and killed by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby as he was being transported from a police station to a county jail on November 24, just two days after the presidents assassination. Just hours before his death, Oswald had said: Im just a patsy. Paul Hughes dressed as the Grinch studies the form prior to racing on day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Racegoers during the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle on day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Audrey Herron from Dublin on day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Paul Hughes dressed as the Grinch studies the form on day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival in Dublin. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Alianna Buisman from Leixlip, Kildare on day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival in Dublin. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Racegoers during the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle on day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Racegoer Audrey Herron from Dublin on day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile A festive tradition for many, the four-day festival is a key part of the Irish horseracing calendar as friends reunited, glamorous racegoers sang in the stands and live music kept up the buzzing atmosphere yesterday. Some 16,954 attendees visited the racecourse on day one, up from 15,797 on the same day last year. Colourful coats, suave suits and even one man in a fluffy green Grinch costume came through the turnstiles of the iconic Dublin grounds. Paul Hughes dressed as the Grinch studies the form on day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival in Dublin. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile The Leopardstown Christmas Festival runs from St Stephens Day until Friday and expects to welcome thousands of racegoers across the four days. The in-person event returned for the first time since 2019 last year following the pandemic and punters have warmly welcomed the return of the Christmas festival. It has become a tradition for many families to meet up on St Stephens Day at the races, said Leopardstown Racecourse CEO Tim Husbands, who said the huge interest in Irish horse racing is evident in the crowds who came through the gates yesterday. Racegoers during the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle on day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Young people, seasoned supporters, tourists and families were among those who braved the crisp, cold weather to visit the racecourse yesterday and while the coming days look to bring more unsettled conditions, including heavy showers overnight, wet weather is unlikely to dampen punters spirits or the sporting events on offer. A windy, wet start to the day looks likely to clear into bright spells and more widespread showers just in time for the first race at 12.05pm today as the event programme continues for the second day of the festival, attended by over 17,000 people last year. Mr Husbands said the potential rainfall is not a bad thing for the track as Leopardstown prepares to host some of the highlights of the horseracing calendar. He named tomorrows Savills Chase as one highly anticipated moment in the festival programme, featuring some of the best horses of its type in a competition that makes it tough to bet on any one winner. Despite some cracking finishes on the first day of the festival, it is all still to play for according to bookmaker Ladbrokes head of public relations Nicola McGeady. Day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival has swung in the bookies favour thanks to some cracking results, she said. Favourites were hard to come by for punters with Kala Contis victory the icing on the cake. However, with three more days to go, it is all to play for. Gordon Elliott took home wins in three races yesterday, including two of the big events with Kala Conti winning the Mercedes-Benz South Dublin Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) and Found a Fifty coming in first in the Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1) ridden by Jack Kennedy. Tipperary jockey Rachael Blackmore on Captain Guinness is among the favourites tipped to win this afternoon. Ireland decriminalised homosexuality in 1993 five years after Senator David Norris secured landmark ruling that Irelands laws were in breach of European Convention on Human Rights Independent Senator David Norris in 1985 during his fight to decriminalise homosexuality in Ireland. Photo: Independent News and Media/Getty Images In early 1993 the then justice minister Maire Geoghegan-Quinn vowed that Ireland would urgently legislate to decriminalise homosexuality amid a threat of European sanction. Confidential documents released as part of the State Archive indicated that, had Ireland failed to act to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights and European Court commitments, it could potentially have faced a maximum possible sanction of being suspended from the Council of Europe over the issue. Ireland decriminalised homosexuality in 1993 five years after Independent Senator David Norris had secured a landmark ruling that Irelands laws were in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Irish regulations dated back to 1861 and 1885, a time when Ireland was governed by UK-enacted legislation. However, England had repealed the same legislation in 1967, more than 25 years earlier. The year that was 1993 Mr Norris action dated back to 1983, when he took his first challenge over the rights of gay people to the Supreme Court. Documents exchanged between the Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs in May 1993 revealed the minister had decided that resolving the legal issues involved would be a matter of priority for the new coalition government. In a letter dated May 13, law division principal P Murray wrote to Angela Farrell, of the Department of Foreign Affairs political division, to confirm the law would be changed. I am directed by the Minister for Justice, Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, to refer to your letter of April 15 requesting a statement in relation to the review of the Norris case by the Committee of Ministers Deputies on May 18, she wrote. Since the last review of November 10, 1992, the present Government has taken office and has included in its Programme for a Partnership Government a commitment to introduce legislation in 1993 to bring out law into conformity with the European Convention on Human Rights. The minister has prepared draft legislation proposals which have been submitted to the Government for approval. It is hoped to publish a bill during the present parliamentary term. Officials were drafting the legislation as gay and lesbian rights activists from other European countries visited Ireland to urge that the revised legislation avoid the pitfalls other administrations had fallen victim to. On February 22, two Swedish activists visited the Irish embassy in Stockholm to make submissions. Mr [Tobias] Wikstrom and Mrs [Anna] Mohre referred to the fact that when the ban on homosexuality was removed in Britain, unequal ages of consent were prescribed for homosexual and heterosexual relations i.e, 21 years in the case of the former and 16 years in the case of the latter, a note read. There was no justification for this discrimination. A subsequent briefing memo said the government faced three options in respect of changing the legislation. It advised that the first option could be to make the minimum changes required to satisfy the European Court. A second option would be to base Irelands legislative changes on those adopted by Britain. The third choice would be to repeal all of the older legal provisions which covered the area in favour of a detailed new bill. Patient Wi-Fi is fully available in 31 out of the 49 voluntary and statutory hospitals. Photo: Stock image Patients in several hospitals still cannot log on to websites or communicate with family through laptops or iPads because there is no wifi available. Patient wifi is fully available in 31 out of the countrys 49 voluntary and statutory hospitals, with a partial service such as in the emergency department available in three of them. Among the hospitals with no wifi are Dublins Rotunda maternity hospital and Portlaoise Hospital. Full patient wifi will be provided in the remaining hospitals as part of the National Enterprise Programme, according to Fran Thompson, the HSEs chief information officer. The estimated cost per hospital, depending on location, is between 200,000 and 300,000. The costs are subject to final outcomes following vendor engagement with each site. Each site is different and to provide the wifi, a site survey has to be completed this informs the final cost estimate, the HSE said. The hospitals with partial wifi include Temple St Childrens Hospital, Naas Hospital, Kildare and Connolly Hospital in Dublin. Hospitals without any wifi connection include Croom Hospital Limerick, Ennis Hospital, Limerick Maternity Hospital and Roscommon Hospital, information provided by Fine Gael TD Colm Burke in a parliamentary response showed. Meanwhile, Ireland continues to lag behind when it comes to the wider area of digital health use in areas like patient records and moving away from over-reliance on paper-based systems. Department of Health officials said recently that the level of digitisation across the health service is less mature than many of our EU partners and we rank poorly in our ability to join-up systems and provide healthcare professionals and patients with a singular view of patient digital health records. Digital and data sharing capabilities are needed to provide integrated care. Investment in our healthcare technology systems must address both legacy infrastructure and a reliance on paper-based records and ensure a greater level of integration between health providers and the community, the department said in a statement. Work is under way by the Department to develop a new national Digital Health Strategic Framework. This framework aims to inform, guide and enable the HSE to develop a corresponding Digital Health Strategic Implementation plan. President Patrick Hillery put in difficult situation by invitation to Charles and Dianas wedding in 1981 Former president Patrick Hillery, pictured at Aras an Uachtarain, in the end declined the invitation to attend the royal wedding in 1981 Diana, Princess of Wales, was mentioned in a note from the Irish ambassador in 1993 (PA) Diana, Princess of Wales showed obvious ignorance of, or disregard for, constitutional niceties in relation to Northern Ireland, according to a note from the Irish ambassador in 1993. The late princess had referred to Northern Ireland as part of Ireland in an interaction which was noted ahead of a historic visit by then-Irish president Mary Robinson to Buckingham Palace. The meeting in May 1993 would mark the first time a serving president of Ireland visited the United Kingdom, and visited Queen Elizabeth II. A folder with briefing material for the Irish president ahead of the visit includes a note by the Irish ambassador in London, Joseph Small, where he stated that the Princess Royal had visited Ireland in a private capacity for equestrian functions. Early last year she said to me, with obvious ignorance of or disregard for constitutional niceties: 'I was in your country yesterday!' Whenever we meet Prince Charles, he invariably says that he would love to visit Ireland, Mr Smalls briefing note dated May 21 1993 said. He is, of course, a regular visit to Northern Ireland (sic). Princess Diana has also been there. Early last year she said to me, with obvious ignorance of or disregard for constitutional niceties: I was in your country yesterday!' Meanwhile, the government was worried that a decision by President Patrick Hillery to decline an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer could be misinterpreted both domestically and internationally at a time of strained Anglo-Irish relations. Confidential documents released as part of the State Archive revealed detailed protocol notes on how to handle the decision by Mr Hillery to decline the invitation to the July 29, 1981, wedding in Westminster Abbey. The invitation which is included in the Department of Foreign Affairs file was issued to Mr Hillery on behalf of the queen by the queens lord chamberlain, Charles Maclean. A department protocol note revealed Mr Hillery had decided, shortly after receiving the invite, that he would not attend. A number of questions arise, it warned. The first was over the timing of reply and the second revolved around its wording. The form of reply is very important. If the reply is in the negative, it would seem desirable to offer a diplomatic excuse. To simply convey regrets at being unable to attend without a plausible reason would be difficult and could well be misinterpreted both domestically and internationally. The press will certainly ask the reason for the non-attendance. From a protocol point of view, an invitation from the Head of State of a friendly country to attend an occasion such as this should be accepted unless there are compelling arguments against this course of action. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs civil servant also noted the state of Anglo-Irish relations were also relevant. Prince Charles married Diana as Anglo-Irish relations were convulsed by the H-Block campaign and hunger strikes by republican prisoners. Indeed, the wedding invitations were issued just one month after Bobby Sands died following a hunger strike that lasted 66 days. The present state of Anglo-Irish relations , and specifically the very general feeling of dissatisfaction in both the North and the south with the British governments policy on prison conditions in Northern Ireland would ensure that there would be much unfavourable comment if the President were to attend the royal wedding, the department document noted. In a subsequent note of June 26, 1981, Irelands ambassador to the UK thanked the royal family for the wedding invitation to the president and Mrs Hillery but expressed their regret that, because of prior commitments, they will be unable to attend. They have instructed that the ambassador should represent them on this occasion. Both the department and embassy were concerned when The Daily Telegraph carried a front-page story claiming that Buckingham Palace were not aware that Mr Hillery had turned down the wedding invitation. The Irish embassy, in a telex to the Department of Foreign Affairs chief of protocol, warned they find this difficult to believe given the promptness of the Irish response and the confirmation that the ambassador would represent the Republic given Mr Hillerys inability to attend. Additional reporting by Belfast Telegraph A war of words erupted between a senior civil servant and Trinity College Dublin (TCD) over angry complaints from academics that a senior member of their university had been snubbed from the inauguration ceremony of President Mary Robinson. TCD sought a formal apology from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of the Taoiseach after university academics were left incensed that their senior official was not invited. Confidential documents released as part of the State Archives revealed TCD academics were livid their chancellor did not receive a formal invite to the inauguration ceremony of Ms Robinson, who was not only a former law lecturer at the college but had also represented TCD in the Seanad. Ms Robinson was the youngest professor of law in Irish history when she was appointed to TCD in 1969, aged just 25 years. TCD provost William A Watts wrote to the chief of protocol in the Department of Foreign Affairs four days after the historic ceremony to complain that TCD chancellor Frank OReilly had not been invited. Prof Watts expressed his disappointment at the perceived snub and demanded an apology in the letter sent on December 7, 1990. I believe that a rather serious error of protocol occurred and one which is particularly undeserved by this university, Prof Watts wrote. I dont think anything short of an apology from a high level will be sufficient. Prof Watts said Dr OReilly had written to him privately to express his distress at not being invited to the ceremony and claimed he was greatly insulted. State papers revealed that a reply was issued to the TCD provost five days later by the chief of protocol, Thelma Doran, although its contents were not included. In a reply on December 14, 1990, Prof Watts said he looked forward to hearing from the then assistant secretary general at the Department of the Taoiseach, Frank Murray, about the issue. I must insist that something has gone wrong that cannot be brushed aside, he said. Files revealed Prof Watts did not appear to have had any contact which led him to write again to Mr Murray on January 29, 1991. Mr Murray wrote a terse reply in which he stated that he had nothing further to add to Ms Dorans letter to the TCD provost back in December 1990. It prompted another letter from Prof Watts on February 7, 1991, in which he said that he would simply repeat the facts. Mr Murray replied the following day and remarked he was fully aware of the facts but merely restated what he had said in his previous response. Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams privately warned Irish officials during a 2001 visit to Washington that the Northern Ireland peace process could take three decades. He added that the potential for a split within the republican movement over policing could be as big as the Treaty. The revelation came in secret documents released as part of the State Archive, with Mr Adams stressing that the overriding goal remained the peaceful retirement of the IRA. He had paid a courtesy call to the Irish Embassy in Washington during a visit to the US in June 2001. The Sinn Fein leader attended the embassy with Rita OHare and Richard McAuley. They were greeted by ambassador Sean O Huiginn. In a confidential briefing memo sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the diplomat noted that he felt: Sinn Fein do not challenge the notion that (UUP leader David) Trimbles resignation will materialise and seem to think that Trimbles record suggests that he is not, in any case, ever going to prove a viable partner. Irish officials warned that Sinn Feins move to become the largest nationalist party in Northern Ireland meant it had a new responsibility or opportunity to move on arms (decommissioning). I said we now assumed that, barring a significant move on the arms issue, Trimble would resign. Ardoyne reminded us all of the dangers of the marching season. Failure to elect a new First Minister would leave the British with the Hobsons choice of suspension or new elections and elections were likely to be angry and polarising, it said. The memo noted that Mr Adams commented on Trimbles exasperating failures to sell the agreement. He repeated the arguments he had made to Senator (Ted) Kennedy on the need to see this as a 30-year project. There could be a split in the republican movement on policing as big as the Treaty. Mr Adams stressed to the Irish diplomat that Sinn Fein would continue to focus on the peace process as a long-term consideration rather than an ad hoc salvage operation for a unionist leader who might well be unsalvageable. Mr O Huiginn argued to the Sinn Fein delegation that they should still negotiate with the British. Sinn Fein were told that leading figures in the US Congress had taken comfort from Mr Adams remarks that clever minds existed in the republican movement to negotiate around such issues. He accepted the need to move Sinn Fein away from any association of violence, not least because they wanted to attract young people with a constructive social agenda and not headbangers attracted to violence. From shiny disco balls to bar carts, get inspired by 1970s and 1980s party pieces The lights are dimmed but for the sparkle from the giant disco ball, Tainted Love is playing on the stereo as you mix up a few martinis and a cheese plate and settle into your corduroy sofa awaiting your guests to kick off New Years Eve. Oh, yes, among the avant-garde, retro interiors trends are still making waves, especially in party season when the fun, sexy and sophisticated side of retro design resonates more. Instead of being lampooned for their questionable aesthetics, designers are once again championing the 1970s and 1980s in traffic-cone orange hues, rich browns, shag carpets, trippy patterns and heavy corduroy think Austin Powers meets Scandi chic. The 1970s and 1980s, with their warm colour schemes, sit-and-sink-into furniture and vibrant bent, have been the aesthetics we want to take cues from. People feel the need for a relaxed environment so nothing hard on the eyes, and a place that has an immediate comfortable feel, says Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at 1stDibs, and an open floor plan makes so much sense for entertaining and human connection, something we all crave right now since the pandemic. So bring on the disco balls and the psychedelic 1970s canape plates for a big, splashy, blowout bash this New Years Eve. Disco balls Disco ball, 32, Smallable; smallable.com Who doesnt love a room decorated with flecks of confetti light? Not to mention the fact that you simply cannot resist dancing when you see a giant disco ball. Once designed for public spaces, the disco ball has become a bit of a shiny obsession with homeowners eager for a hit of the good vibes associated with these glittering balls that are guaranteed to deliver some Studio 54 vibes when golden hour hits. Their foray back into the limelight may, in part, be attributed to designer Kelly Wearstlers collaboration with Studio Rotganzen to create the Quelle Fete, a melting disco ball that has inspired numerous copycats. Rotganzens Erik Schilp refers to the disco ball as a nostalgic icon with a visual metaphor of times gone by and the loss of imagined innocence in other words, a retro classic. Opt for a silver mirror ball (Rocket Saint George, Amazon) or an orange and pink version from Smallable and dance the night away. Textiles Is any retro party complete without a brush of corduroy, velvet or an 1980s fringe? Lampshades with frisky hems reminiscent of the Victorian era are back with aplomb in vibrant shades and shapes (Shady and the Lamp, Oliver Bonas, M&S), while corduroy in those classic retro colours of brown, wine, orange and green is popping up on poufs, cushions, chairs and sofas (Kave Home, Woo Design, S Alternative Furniture). 1970s tableware One lasting memory of my childhood is my mum rolling out the dessert trolley at parties, weighed down by baked Alaska, cheesecake and cubes of cheese with fruit cocktail accompaniments on her much-loved brown pottery plates. In the last few years, theres been a resurgence of retro food and the appropriate tableware to serve it on. Some retailers have dipped their toe in, but HK Living is fully immersed in the retro aesthetic with its 1970s ceramic collection that includes plates, mugs, cake stands and bowls with swirling patterns and dripping glazes in orange, brown and yellow hues. Vases, tumblers, cocktail glasses and candlestick holders in tinted tones have been adorning our homes for a while now in classic retro fashion, and the pool is deep, with practically every retailer trying their hand at a coloured glass accessory. Danish brand &Klevering is known for its colourful splashes but also its quirky design, which comes together perfectly for retro party decor. Youll also find lots of vibrant colours and vintage designs at Oliver Bonas. Bar carts Theres nothing quite like being served an ice-cold martini freshly whizzed up from someones living room bar cart, especially a vintage one with all manner of vintage barware accessories. Theres an occasion to it, not to mention the glamour, which harks back to the golden era of hosting when drinks were rolled in on those 1950s-style carts with removable trays or from an oh-so 1970s rosewood-veneer drinks cabinet, cigarette in hand. Take a scroll through Pamonos wonderful collection of vintage trolleys or pop into Oriana b and Gaff Interiors, which often stock one-of-a-kind vintage and retro barware and trolleys. Theres no better gift than a few precious moments of our time. Photo: Getty At this time of year, all is supposed to be sugar-dusted and tinsel-tinted. But US media this Christmas featured reports of a special service at Clevelands Old Stone Church, where the Reverend Stephen Blonder Adams held a Blue Christmas Day for any in his Presbyterian congregation whom the tidings of comfort and joy had passed by. Washingtons National Cathedral also held a similar service. The Rev Canon Jan Naylor Cope kept in mind those who may have suffered a broken relationship, lost a loved one, their job, or other mishaps. The message was: You are not forgotten. There seems to be some incongruity in the fact that while we have never been closer to each other, thanks to the internet and other advances, so many feel isolated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared loneliness a pressing global health threat. The US surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, even went so far last summer as to suggest that its mortality effects are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. [Loneliness] transcends borders and is becoming a global public health concern affecting every facet of health, wellbeing and development, Dr Murthy said. Amid the frenetic festive foot-rush, its easier still to pass by those already feeling overlooked. After the feast has been finished, it wont be the highs and lows of the fare at the table that stay with us. Rather, its the friends and family we will recall. We are used to hearing about the need to be there for each other, but the evidence from WHO research backs it up. In older adults, loneliness is associated with a 50pc increased risk of developing dementia and a 30pc increased risk of incident coronary artery disease or stroke. Theres no better gift than a few precious moments of our time. Late comedian Robin Williams once said: I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. Its not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone. He was right. We all have the ability to keep an eye out for each other, or to look the other way. The pain of loneliness is very deep and very prevalent and yet its within all our powers to prevent. According to the charity Alone, 100,000 older people are living in poverty here. Dr Maureen Gaffney, who launched the organisations Christmas campaign to encourage people to take a few minutes out of their day to interact with their older neighbours, said loneliness is contagious. We know what the remedy is. Strengthening that web of friendship and belonging that is at the very core of what it means to be a good society, Dr Gaffney said. The individual threads we weave through the concern we have for each other can be the only thing that truly hold a community together. We may recognise they are precious and long-standing, but its easy to disregard the fact they also need to be maintained. People bury Palestinians, who were killed by Israeli strikes and fire, after their bodies were released by Israel, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, yesterday. Photo: Reuters Now that Christmas Day has come and gone, its time to put our best foot forward and step into the new year. Let us hope for some peace in our broken and selfish world. Bombs will keep falling, no doubt. Greed is a terrible thirst. Divide and conquer is the cry. However, no matter how cruel some nations are, we must not lose hope, and instead try to convince the aggressors by a quote from Irish playwright Oliver Goldsmith: Man wants but little here below, nor wants that little long. Leo Gormley Dundalk, Co Louth Are we humans doomed by our nature to forever make same errors of instinct? Is there ever a safe place, a secure space to nurture harmony of peoples? A modulated music of empathy, and tolerance to cultivate the higher echelons of a collective spirit? Can we not afford affirmation of cultural variety across the vast fields of our global family? Can we never refuse to revert to base instincts of greed, power and filthy lucre? Jim Cosgrove, Lismore, Co Waterford Leos Eurovision comment is ridiculous and shows an ignorance of history Leo Varadkar has opposed Ireland boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest because of Israels participation on the grounds that it would be unhelpful to liberals within Israel. He said that we should be aware of the possibility that by ostracising their country or by demonising their country or excluding their country from international life that we might actually make it harder for them to make the case for peace. The point shows a lack of historical awareness. Apartheid South Africa fell partly because of such a campaign of ostracism, which included sporting and cultural boycotts. Those who fought for democracy and equality within South Africa valued the international isolation of their racist state. Likewise, Palestinian civil society organisations have long called for a similar campaign against Israel. Fintan Lane, Malaga, Spain Sinn Fein and its leaders hypocrisy in condemning Israel is breathtaking The sheer hypocrisy coming from Sinn Fein is breathtaking. While its leader Mary Lou McDonald and others condemn Israel for its bombing of Gaza they should be reminded of their support for 30-plus years of bombing and killing that we endured on the islands of Ireland, Britain and other European countries, no thanks to their armed wing and its offshoots. To dictate to others what their obligations are under international law while purporting to support the Palestinian cause, they should know better than to advise others given the partys past history. Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Upended Nativity scene is right on the nose given the current world situation Over the years, and especially at this time of year, I visit an old soldier long since retired. Even though he now lives alone, he continues to tastefully decorate his house for Christmas as when his wife was alive. The centre-piece of his Christmas home has always been an impactful crib created from figures, motifs and ideas he brought home, both physically and emotionally, from many United Nations overseas tours in the Middle East with the Defence Forces. This week I noticed that his crib was a shambles of building; rubble splinters and shards of bullet and grenade shrapnel. The core crib figures were protruding in upended profiles from the heap. The impact left me disturbed and before I could utter a word, he said as for the wise men, they seem to have got lost in the attic. Michael Gannon, Saint Thomas Square, Kilkenny City Spectre of Donald Trumps return has arms manufacturers making strange alliances The prospect of Donald Trumps return to the White House has resulted in quite a bizarre coalition of groups. The military-industrial complex has been united with a range of the weird and not so wonderful, from the liberal/feminist/left. The former are in dread that a Trump presidency will lead to the US ceasing to poke its military nose into battles that dont really concern it, resulting in a massive downturn in demand for military and related weaponry. The latter are worried that their ideological grip on large swathes of social policy might be further undermined by Mr Trumps appointment of more conservative judges to prominent positions. In reality, apart from the violent protests unleashed in Democrat-controlled cities, the previous Trump presidency was quite peaceful and successful. Eric Conway, Navan, Co Meath No need to lower the speed limits just enforcing the ones we have would do Im baffled by the time, trouble and expense being put into lowering speed limits. What a joke. They will have no effect if not enforced. An occasional speed van will continue to have no impact. Surely it would make more sense to enforce the current speed limits? Simply copy Australia, speed cameras everywhere including traffic lights. This does work. Jimmy Chawke, Address with the Editor Cruel USA and UK create asylum-seekers then turn their backs on them Looking at the Tory party in England and Republicans in the USA, both are equal in their unfair treatment of asylum-seekers. Missing in both countries rhetoric and spite is that those asylum-seekers come unarmed, penniless and impoverished. However, the USA and UK have spent, in the latter case, centuries empire-building and waging war. David Cameron, current UK foreign secretary, interfered in Libya, resulting in regime change and mayhem less than a decade ago. People flee the western nation-destroyers, across Africa and the Middle East as the old superpowers meddling have made their lives hell. Having militarily invaded their countries, the UK, France and USA take umbrage when the dispossessed arrive on the shores of their liberators. The backwash then sends them on to countries like ours who invaded no one. We do what we can. Maybe its time to speak truth to the instigators of those energy and asset wars. John Cuffe, Co Meath What can Big Tech learn from the demise of the Blackberry smartphone? Blackberry, once the number one smartphone in the world, disappeared overnight. Should Apple and Android be taking notes? Blackberrys story begins humbly over a bagel shop in southern Ontario before exploding onto the world stage and holding a dominant position with 90 million subscribers to its service. The Canadian company failed to see the threat that was Steve Jobs Apple, leading to a disintegration of the company. Reporter with the Globe and Mail and co-author of Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of Blackberry, Sean Silcoff joins Adrian Weckler to discuss the cautionary tale of Blackberry. Silcoff explains the personalities and events that saw BlackBerry rise to become the worlds default smartphone before crashing down to earth. He also gives his view on whether the same thing might happen to Android or the iPhone. Silcoff gives his take on the movie Blackberry and how todays tech companies need to be watching for the young startups looking to disrupt the space. This episode was first publish on October 19, 2023. Fianna Fail councillor William OLeary has criticised the Irish Government for not listening to the views of the general public on immigration and has called for a proper debate on the issue. Cllr OLeary accused the government of not listening to people on the topical issue of immigration which is currently causing huge issues on the ground in many towns and villages nationwide. The Government are far removed from the reality on the ground. They are not acknowledging the unrest that is there. It is very easy to blame the likes of myself and a couple of councillors in Galway for stirring it. However, if they looked at what the real issue is and see how they could tackle it, it would be more within their interests to do that, he said. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details A proper debate on immigration is needed, said Cllr OLeary. The Dail is the mechanism for doing that. It seems to have been stifled there and not properly debated. I can assure people in Dublin this is the issue on the ground. Governments are there to serve the people. They are elected to listen to the people and on this issue they are not doing that. There comes a time when they will have to acknowledge this is creating issues within communities and rural towns like Fermoy. Locally the Abbeyville House issue is a huge issue. My phone is hopping 24 hours a day nearly at this stage. We are not even at the doorsteps yet and the issue is coming to me in huge volume, he added. Cllr OLeary said the current levels of immigration into Ireland are not sustainable and rejected claims from the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that Irish people emigrated in similar huge numbers. We will always be a welcoming country, but there comes a point as well where you have to look at sustainability. What is happening isnt sustainable. I acknowledge that the Irish emigrated in huge numbers in very different times, but you can only look at the issue at hand. It is too simplistic whenever the issue is raised to say the Irish travelled everywhere. The Fianna Fail councillor admits his public stance on the immigration debate is far from an ideal situation with regards to his standing within the party but he remains adamant the issue needs to be addressed. It is far from an ideal situation. What concerns me most is why it took three county councillors to say there is an issue. It is the overall issue that needs to be looked at. Several bags of rubbish were openly discarded on Main Street in Buttevant in the run up to the festive season. Fine Gael councillor Liam Madden said he notified Cork County Council about the illegal dumping that occurred in the North Cork town. I was contacted about the fly tipping of rubbish on Main Street in Buttevant. I logged it with Cork County Council so that the bags of rubbish could be taken away. How someone could do it in the middle of Buttevant town I dont know. There are bound to be some cameras around there which will hopefully help identify the culprits, he said. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Cllr Madden said the fly tipping incident is awful for residents, businesses and community groups in the town. I would hope this incident is an isolated incident. It was a very daring and strange move. Hopefully somebody has footage and the culprits will be caught. Thankfully it is not a regular occurrence in the town of Buttevant. Unfortunately fly tipping is common in places throughout the county. You often see mattresses discarded on the M20 and you would think how they are able to unload them without someone seeing them. Residents, business owners and community groups are doing great work in Buttevant and to think somebody could come along and leave a number of rubbish bags on the street is awful. It is not a nice thing, he added. The issue of illegal dumping has been regularly raised by councillors at numerous MD and full council meetings in recent years. Cllr Madden has called for an increase in the fine to try and combat the number of fly tipping incidents in Cork County. There are people being caught and receiving fines, but unfortunately the fine isnt a major deterrent. The fine should be a lot more. The fine is currently 150. Cork County is a huge area and each municipal district probably needs more enforcement people following up on complaints and issuing fines. CCTV footage of the Donegal woman found murdered in her flat in Scotland shows her walking her dog days before her death. 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. New CCTV footage released by the Scottish Sun shows Ms Coll dressed in a long cream coat, black trousers and white trainers walking her collie dog to the shop. The footage also captured her entering the shop and and buying cigarettes three days before her body was found. A murder investigation has been launched by Scottish Police. Ann Coll was found with serious injuries in a property at around 12.45am on Friday (Police Scotland) Her death has been confirmed as suspicious following a postmortem and a murder investigation is ongoing, led by detectives from Police Scotlands Major Investigation Team. Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters said, Our thoughts are with Anns 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. 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, said Detective Chief Inspector Watters. Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 0110 of 22 December, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. An online portal has been set up to allow members of the public to send information directly to the police. This can be accessed here: mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S45-PO1 One hundred years after the ending of the Irish Civil War in 1923, author and documentary-maker Tom Hurley has published a book recalling the recollections of civilians and combatants left from across Ireland who had experienced the years 1919 to 1923, their prelude and their aftermath. He wondered what memories had they, what were their stories and how did they reflect on those turbulent times and was conscious that time was running out if he was to record their first hand experiences of the birth of the nation. This is Louth Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Louth newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details 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. Although none of the interviewees were natives of Co. Louth, some of them did have connections to the county which they discuss in the book. Among those interviewed for the book was Dubliner Jack Duff, aged 10, who had joined the Free State Army in 1922 and was later posted to Dundalk. He remembered that after the civil war soldiers had to do an exam in Dundalk so as to remain on in the army. There was a man named Washington, who was a sergeant from the transport division, sitting next to him during the exam. As this man was just sitting there looking at his paper, the officer came down and asked him whether he going to commence his examination. Washington replied No because he couldnt write Patsy Holmes from Cork, aged 101, had been interned for a year in Ballykinar Interment Camp in Co. Down during the Anglo-Irish War. On being released in December 1921 he spoke about the great reception he and his comrades got when their train arrived in Dundalk on route to Dublin. There was a huge crowd turned out to great them with many of them waving tricolours. Another interview is Dan Keating, born in 1902, who hailed from Co. Kerry. Having taken the anti-treaty side during the civil war, he was arrested in 1922 and jailed in Portlaoise (Maryborough) Gaol. He discusses some of the men he met in the gaol: You had a grand crowd from Dundalk and Drogheda. The Lawlesses now, they were a law onto themselves, Johnny Greene, Cooney, Pat Fitzsimons and oh, some others from Dundalk. They were great. 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. 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 blanket bombing of civilian populations in Gaza cannot be justified and must end, Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran has said. It seems to me that present war in Gaza calls for a very clear response from Christians. Without denying to the State of Israel the right to actively defend its people and its territory, I think it has to be said very clearly that the blanket bombing of civilian populations and the destruction of everything that is necessary to sustain life simply cannot be justified. It must end and it must end immediately. This is a message which we can all communicate respectfully to those who need to hear it, said the Bishop in his Homily for the Mass of the Nativity. 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 He said the present violence in the Holy Land is the result of decades of sectarianism, racial intolerance, and greed. Against that background, it seems almost impossible to build trusting relationships. "We are blessed to live in a society where we can come and go in peace, and where we do not have to see our sons and daughters going off to war. But peace cannot be taken for granted in any society. We know that from own history. It needs to be constantly worked and, and we do that by building up the common good, which is the good of each and of all. That includes basis essentials like equal access to healthcare and to adequate housing, he said. He went on to speak about the need to promote respect for every person in society. In recent times, unfortunately, we have seen signs of racism, sectarianism and greed in our own communities, which undermine trust. We cannot afford to ignore that. We need to actively promote respect for every person in our society and make sure that nothing we say or do would in any way contribute to undermining it. In that way, we allow Jesus Christ to enter again into our human history, to bring the healing of God to a fractured world, and to bring the lasting peace of which Isaiah spoke." Members and supporters of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign will hold a vigil at Hyde Bridge, Sligo, on New Years Eve, Sunday 31st December at 2.00.p.m. This is Sligo Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Sligo newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details The Solidarity event, which takes place on New Years Eve every year, is expected to attract a larger number of participants this year. Speaking to The Sligo Champion campaign spokesperson Aine Daly said: Palestinians in Gaza are suffering dire deprivation and living hell with over 20 thousand Palestinians now killed and thousands more missing, presumed dead, under the rubble of their own homes. More than two million people, with nowhere safe to go, are being denied the essentials for life - food, water, shelter and medical care - while being subjected to relentless bombardment. Meanwhile, the numbers of compassionate people protesting in Ireland and worldwide continues to grow We are raising our voices for humanity, for peace and justice and to amplify the appeals coming from the besieged population of Gaza. she said. A new school warden has finally been appointed to Loreto Bunscoil and is set to start work when the school reopens after the Christmas break. Third round interviews for the part-time position of Adult School Warden (ADS) at Loreto Bunscoil on St Michaels Road in Gorey were held last week and the person that came first on the panel has indicated that they will be accepting the position. Depending on the candidates successful Garda Vetting, their training is scheduled to commence on Friday, January 5 and following that the candidate will begin work at the schools crossing on Monday, January 8. "While I cautiously welcome this progress, and thank Wexford County Council Roads Safety Officer David Codd for all his efforts within this very broken system and hope it works out this time. It once again highlights a fundamental flaw in the system, said Cllr Fionntain O Suilleabhain. "Its not attracting huge interest and I'm told that there is just one person in the entire state who is qualified, assigned and insured to give this basic traffic warden training. I know parents and members of the public will find this jaw-dropping and almost unbelievable. However, it highlights yet again the almost dysfunctional system that we have to work within, said Cllr O Suilleabhain. This has been an ongoing issue at the school since their last warden retired over the summer. A candidate was chosen from a group of six applicants on September 21, however after undergoing the necessary training and obtaining Garda Vetting approval, they decided not to accept the position. A second round of interviews took place on Tuesday, November 28 and although a panel of candidates was formed, all candidates that were offered the position subsequently turned it down. Since then, Wexford County Council's Road Safety Officer David Codd has been searching for a new recruit for the part-time position. The chosen candidate had to meet numerous criteria in order to fill the position. Each candidate must be reasonably active and alert, have good character, good health and have good eyesight. They must also have a good standard of education to carry out the role, satisfactory knowledge of health and safety matters, excellent communication skills, good punctuality and good ability to use judgement. Garda Vetting was also required. Parents and teachers of the of Bunscoil Loreto on St Michaels Road were concerned for the safety of their children since this issue arose as St Michaels road is very busy with passing traffic. Little Daisies Nursery, the Gorey Youth Needs building, the Gorey School of Art as well as the largest secondary school in Ireland are also located in the area. In an attempt to resolve this issue, Gardai had been assisting with crossing at the school since September. Former cold case detective and author on life changing work The former cold case detective and author of books which are currently the subject of a TV series in America and referenced on Netflix, Bailey has seen a lot in those five decades. On Christmas Eve, as many of us were preoccupied with Christmas shopping lists, he was helping to hand out 3,000 Christmas hampers to families queuing up since as early as 5 a.m. at the Capuchin Day Centre on Bow Street in inner city Dublin. It was the early Seventies when Alan, a young garda based in Dublin having graduated from Templemore garda training barracks, first volunteered at the Capuchin Day Centre. He went on to become a director of the body in the Eighties and later manager. To this day he works five days a week at the centre, running it with a 4m budget. There was no exit strategy, he jokes, saying it has been an eye opening and humbling experience. Ireland remains a place where people struggle to make ends meet, despite the constant radio chatter about how wealthy a country we have become. This is Wexford Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wexford newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details When you look at people queuing at 2 a.m. for a 50 food voucher you are saying to yourself there is something very wrong here. We had it during the height of the Celtic Tiger. We would still have 250 people here for dinner. There is always that strata in society who never quite make it. That is how this place started off. He said when he first got involved a lot of men, especially, were staying in hostels in Dublin City Centre. Theyd be put out at 7 a.m. and not let back in until 7 p.m. They were hanging around drinking and the next thing they were in trouble with the police. A former detective sergeant who worked on numerous high profile murders about which he has written in his books Missing Presumed and the Grangegorman Murders, Alan, from Charlton Hill, moved to work at Bridewell Garda Station in 1969 and began volunteering at the Capuchin Day Centre, which was little more than a prefab at the time, a few years later. He said many of the men he was dealing with as a young Garda were homeless men who were addicted to alcohol. The centre gave these people somewhere to go. It was very rough at the time, but in the 1980s we started taking in women and we now have a designated family area. He said Br Kevin set up the centre in the late Sixties to give these people somewhere to go. They could go into a corner and play cards and sleep. In 1972 it was men only. We had the heroin epidemic and we saw the need for a place for females and now we welcome families too. The new family unit can seat around 50 family members. Youd be moved by what you see. No matter how hardened you think you might have become there are still sights that would bring tears to your eyes. You are looking at families leaving here to go sleep in cars. Despite seeing such shocking poverty, Alan says he doesnt get angry at the Government or about how Irish society distributes its wealth. The only message we like to send out from here is one of hope and that were here to help, no matter how down you are on your uppers. We will give you something. He said after the rioting in Dublin on Thursday, November 23, many foreign nationals didnt attend the centre for a week or two for fear of being attacked. They were afraid to sleep in the doorways also. Thats absolutely shocking that they were hungry, some of them in hotel bedrooms and afraid to come into us. He says more and more people come to the centre for breakfast and/or dinner daily than ever before. Wed had 3,500 people gone from here by 10.30 a.m. and around 700 for dinner. Weve more staff and wed like to acknowledge the generosity of people towards us. We are totally dependent on donations. It costs around 4.1m a year to run the centre, with only 400,000 coming from the Government. Even today weve had young students bringing in baby food and nappies for the children who come here. In early December, Alan was visited by a Dublin man who the centre assisted a few years ago, who has turned his life around. He had huge addiction issues before. He was telling me he has moved out of the city and hes made a life for himself up the country. He showed me where he used to sit. On the other end, wed have people who came in here to make donations a few years ago and now are here for help. Sometimes we get people who have their own house, but run out of money when a bill lands and are short for that one day, short for food, so they come here. He said the mental stress people are under is very apparent. You can see the pressure some people are under. At this time of year, as a parent you want to do your best for your child and your family. The children have their expectations so we give vouchers for Smyths knowing the different that will make for the care giver in the family. With almost 300 families on the Capuchin Day Centres books, the costs add up. Wed have around 200 families queuing for nappies and supplies every day. If a parent or someone needs counselling or medical treatment we can help with that but were not here to provide financial advice on budgets etc. Were not here to judge people. The centre is closed Christmas Day, with people attending the RDS for food instead on that day. Alan still works five days a week, having retired from the police force 12 years ago. I have two series on the telly, The Vanishing Triangle on Netflix. It was done by Sky. Its a two-parter and I feature in that and a six-part fiction series on American TV called Missing Presumed, which was filmed in Ireland by Park Films. I just hope the families will get some closure. I have to admire the work the families do to keep the stories in the news, especially around anniversary time. They are working behind the scenes. I know a good few of Fiona Sinnotts cousins who are involved and they are fantastic people. Todays outreach is just tomorrows statistic; its very easy to go on to the next crime and these are secondary victims keeping the fight going for her. They are putting themselves out there time and time again. As for his day job these day, Alan said: As long as God spares me I hope to have some role here at the centre. Programme is designed to remove the barriers of shame and stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help A groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing critical support to individuals dealing with cocaine and crack addiction in Co Wexford is due to be launched shortly in the south east region. Coordinator of the Cornmarket Project Paul Delaney and Lisa Robson, Clinical Lead for HSE Substance Misuse Services in the south east, made the announcement at a meeting held in Wexford in the run up to Christmas. The new service will also be delivered in collaboration with the South East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force. Mr Delaney expressed his enthusiasm for this innovative and vital service, stating that it will significantly ease the burden on those affected by cocaine dependency issues. The service will offer free and confidential addiction counselling through a secure online portal, where individuals can participate in video meetings to receive the help and support they need. "Cocaine dependency is a serious and growing problem across the HSE CH05 region, encompassing Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, and South Tipperary," noted Mr Delaney. "Our new service aims to address this issue comprehensively and we are pleased to be partnering with our colleagues in the HSE for its implementation across these counties." The service will be staffed by two dedicated addiction counsellors and is funded by the Department of Health through the HSE in the region. It is set to commence operations in January 2024, marking a significant step forward in tackling the challenges associated with cocaine and crack addiction. Mr Delaney emphasised the user-friendly approach of the new service, designed to remove the barriers of shame and stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help from addiction services located in their own areas. Those in need of support can access the service by visiting the website www.cocainesupport.ie, where they can easily schedule their own addiction counselling session at a time that suits their needs. Mr Delaney went on to say that this initiative represents a critical milestone in the fight against cocaine and crack addiction in the region. By offering accessible and confidential online counselling services, the partnership between the Cornmarket Project, HSE Substance Misuse Services, and the South East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force aims to provide a lifeline for individuals and families affected by substance misuse. Meanwhile a new Circle Peer to Peer programme is to begin for a six-month pilot phase in 16 locations including Co Wexford from January, which will see drug users and people who are often with drug users trained to prevent and treat overdoses with naloxone, a drug used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids. Thirty staff members have been trained across 16 hubs countrywide and up to 128 peers are now being actively recruited, with many anticipating to start the programme next month. Potent and deadly synthetic opioids called nitazenes have been linked to a spate of overdoses in Dublin and Cork in recent weeks, making the programmes launch particularly timely. To date there have been 17 suspected overdoses associated with nitazene drugs in Cork and 57 in Dublin. The HSE said it could not comment on any deaths until confirmed by toxicology results. Nitazenes are up to 30 times more potent than fentanyl, the much-feared synthetic opioid which has caused death and destruction in North America. Fentanyl has not yet appeared in the Irish drugs market but nitazene drugs have, HSE clinical lead in addiction services Professor Eamon Keenan said. Prof Keenan said peers were in a unique position to be able to intervene in overdoses. They are trusted by other drug users, who share similar lived experiences. It's not just responding to the overdose. It's talking to people about risks, about the identification of harms, about prevention. Promoting self-esteem among drug users is another function of the programme, with peers empowered to respond to overdoses and to work with other users. Research suggests four lives are saved for every 100 naloxone administrations, Prof Keenan said. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose. It does save lives. But with the new synthetic opioids that are appearing on the market, you may need to administer more naloxone to get a response because it can wear off." Nitozenes are actually in the Irish market and are causing overdoses. We need to be vigilant over the Christmas period now that these new drugs are circulating in the Irish drug market," Prof Keenan said. People need to be aware of that, services need to be informed about it and people who use drugs need to be supported through this period. Although we're not seeing a big tranche of overdoses at the minute, it hasn't necessarily gone away." The Circle Programme is to be launched by the HSE National Social Inclusion Office in collaboration with partner support services. Many of the 16 programmes should be operational in January, she said. Two staff will facilitate each programme, with six to eight peers recruited for each of the 16 hubs. There is at least one programme operating in every HSE community Healthcare Organisation, with operations in Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Wexford, Dublin, the Midlands, Galway, Sligo and Donegal. As the winners of its 2022 New Voices competition were celebrated in a special movie premiere night at the Arts Centre, Screen Wexford has already begun its search for the next generation of local up-and-coming filmmakers. The works of Leah OToole, Joseph Orr, and Andrew and Shane Kenny, were screened at the Arts Centre after each received a bursary to make their selected films from Screen Wexford and the arts department of Wexford County Council (WCC). Leah, who has also worked on The Banshees of Inisherin, created a short drama entitled Woman of the Rebellion which a is based on a true story and focuses on an important moment for two women during The Irish War of Independence. The Haunting of Loftus Hall by Joseph Orr is a short animation which recounts the most famous appearances of the devil in Irish history. A Search for an Ancient Relic by Andrew and Shane Kenny is a short documentary investigating the mystery, history, folklore and traditions surrounding the wooden statue of Saint Maelruan. The three teams received production finance, equipment, and support from professional mentors throughout the filmmaking process, and their 2024 successors will receive similar support as part of the upcoming New Voices bursary. Applications for the New Voices Short Film Fund 2024 are now open and will remain so until January 29. This Short Film Fund initiative supports new short dramas, documentaries or animation films to be shot in Co Wexford with the aim to provide funding and support to emerging filmmakers based in the region. "We are looking for unique and original ideas from talented new filmmakers with authentic voices telling diverse stories reflecting Wexford, said Suzanne McKenzie Young of Screen Wexford. A fund of 10,000 will be shared between a selection of a maximum of three successful applicants. This will cover genres of drama, documentary and animation. We welcome and actively encourage applications of all backgrounds and experience. At least one of the creative team must be based in Wexford. Email your completed application to applications@screenwexford.com. In the subject line write your name and the title of your application/ project. If you require support with the application, please contact coordinator@screenwexford.com Caroline Kenny and her mum spent Christmas away from home in Germany as she underwent treatment Over 57,000 has been raised for a Waterford teenager (14) who is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumour in Germany. Caroline Kenny, alongside her mum Breda, were forced to spend Christmas away from home, as Caroline received treatment for a brain tumour in Essen, Germany. Caroline, who is in her second year of school at Blackwater Community School in Lismore in county Waterford, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2014 when she was almost five years old. The young child was rushed to Temple Street Childrens Hospital where she underwent several operations to have shunts inserted in her head, to drain the fluid build-up caused by the tumour. It was at this stage that that it was discovered that Caroline also had no vision in her right eye. Carolines mum and dad, Breda and Pat Kenny said that since the discovery of the tumour in 2014, Caroline has faced countless treatments with a smile always on her face. Since 2015, Caroline has undergone several types of chemotherapy and has had to deal with the various side effects these caused. She has had numerous Freddies (central lines) inserted and removed, countless MRIs, CT scans, blood tests and hospital stays. "In addition to this, Caroline has had to have her shunts replaced several times. She has received treatment in Temple Street, Crumlin and The Mercy in Cork. Unfortunately, the chemotherapy has only held Carolines tumour at bay and once any treatment is stopped, it starts to grow again. As her last two MRIs have shown that the tumour is growing once again, her team in Crumlin advised us that proton therapy, which is a more targeted form of radiotherapy, was the next treatment option for Caroline, explained Pat and Breda. We always knew that this might be an option, but it was a daunting proposition as this type of treatment is only available in either Essen in Germany or Manchester. Once Pat and Breda found out that Caroline would have to travel to Germany for her treatment, they reached out to the Wicklow-based Gavin Glynn Foundation. The Gavin Glynn Foundation was set up by John and Jayne Glynn after they lost their four and a half-year-old son Gavin to a rare form of cancer known as Rhabdomyosarcoma. This type of cancer takes the form of a cancerous (malignant) tumour of the muscles that are attached to the bones. John and Jayne now assist families of children battling cancer to travel overseas for treatment not available in Ireland. When they heard about Carolines story, they helped the Kenny's with the logistics and financial aspects of travelling to Germany for Carolines specialist treatment. "We cannot praise John, his wife Jayne and the charity they set up in memory of their son Gavin highly enough. John has organised everything for us from start to finish. He booked flights, hotels and transfers for our initial trip to Essen back in November. He also has a team set up in Aer Lingus who meet you at the door of Dublin Airport and accompany you the whole way through the airport to your seat on the plane. "They are doing this on a voluntary basis and during their time off. Thanks to Niamh, Karen, Tina and Rhys for looking after us so well, you made what is a very stressful situation a whole lot easier, said Breda. No matter the time of day or night John is always at the end of the phone to deal with any query or request you have, and nothing is too much trouble. Caroline and I travelled to Essen again on December 6 to start Caroline's 30 sessions of treatment. Again, John booked flights, transfers and a beautiful apartment for us in Essen close to the hospital. We will be here for approximately six weeks while Caroline is receiving the treatment. We will forever be indebted to the Gavin Glynn Foundation. The money raised by Caroline's family through iDonate and the Christmas swim will all go to the Gavin Glynn Foundation, to help them carry on the important work they are doing for young people in Ireland like Caroline. As part of the Kenny familys fundraising efforts, a fundraising swim took place at Clonea Strand in Waterford on December 26. This swim and the iDonate page set up by Carolines family has raised over 57,000 for Caroline, with all the funds being donated to the Gavin Glynn Foundation. Carolines mum Breda is grateful for all the money raised so far, and thanked the Gavin Glynn Foundation for all they have done for Caroline. Our daughter Caroline is a wonderful child. She has battled her brain tumour since she was five-years-old, she is 14 now. She always has a smile on her face and no matter what treatment or procedure she has to face she gets on with it and is always thankful to those who help her along the way. She lives for her grannies and grandads, her uncles, aunts, lots of cousins and her school friends. She has five wonderful sisters and her Daddy Pat, who she is mad about. We are both looking forward to returning home to Ireland towards the end of January and seeing everyone again. If anybody has the opportunity to support the Gavin Glynn Foundation at any stage please do so, they are a wonderful organisation, and we cant thank them enough. Donations can be made on the #swim4caroline iDonate page until January 31, 2024. The Legend of Luke Kelly Dubliner comes to the Parkview Hotel in Newtownmountkennedy early next year in what promises to be a mesmerising night of soulful tunes. The sell-out show has been performed all over Ireland and Europe and celebrates the music of a true Irish musical legend. The authentic show by Chris Kavanagh has been approved by the family of Luke himself. Multi-instrumentalist Chris has been playing and performing music since the age of three. This is Wicklow Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wicklow newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details His grandmother instilled a love of music and folk in him since a tender age and bands such as The Dubliners were played regularly in his childhood home. The show is not a tribute but a journey through Lukes music that has been receiving glowing reviews. The concert at the Parkview Hotel takes place on Friday, February 9, starting at 7.30 p.m. Tickets for the in-person show and dinner cost 55 and are available through eventbrite.ie. Irish DJ and singer-songwriter Yasmine Byrne, also known as Jazzy, is celebrating her engagement to her boyfriend Ross Mooney in Japan. She shared their special moment on Instagram after they got engaged last Monday, December 18. Been in a little bubble the last few days..., she wrote on social media. I said yes to my best friend. She described her new fiance as the most amazing, charming, kind-hearted person. The one who showed me real love I always have and will count my blessings everyday & i cant wait to spend forever with you [sic], she wrote in an emotional post. 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 Many fans and Irish stars, including Jedward or Rozanna Purcell, congratulated the couple on their engagement in the comments. Absolutely delighted for yous love yous. Congratulations, one user wrote. Another one said: Congratulations beautiful, delighted for you, heres to a lifetime of happiness for you both. It has been a very good year for the artist from Crumlin, Dublin, as she has been named a 2023 Breakthrough Artist on TikTok. She claimed the title at the End of Year TikTok Awards as her song Giving Me went viral on the popular social media platform this year. It comes as her Giving Me has recently hit 100m streams, and her debut EP Constellation was only released in October. Since then, shes become the first Irish woman to reach number one on Spotify and the first to reach number one on Irish Singles Charts in more than 14 years. Earlier this month, she told the Irish Independent she feels honoured to represent her place of home on a global platform. Jazzy also recently performed at the Capital Jingle Bell Ball in Dublin. Ukrainian servicemen carry the coffin of their comrade Vasyl Boichuk, who was killed in Mykolayiv in March 2022, during his funeral ceremony on Tuesday December 26 2023 (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a railway station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said. The Novocherkassk had been used recently to transport weapons and soldiers to the Zaporizhzhia region. Photo: Reuters Ukraine has said it has destroyed a Russian warship in occupied Crimea as top Kremlin officials sat down for an end-of-year review of its full-scale invasion. Jack Grealish, Michael McIntyre and Ryan Reynolds are some of the celebrities who donated generously to various causes this year. People affected by storms in the UK, those suffering due to the conflict in Ukraine and others harmed by the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey were among those to whom celebrities donated money, GoFundMe has said. US military forces carried out necessary and proportionate strikes against Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah, on Christmas Day, according to US defence secretary Lloyd Austin. The attacks were in response to a one-way attack drone strike on Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq that injured at least three US service members. Commenting on the new collaboration, Deepika Padukone, said TECNO's lifestyle-tailored approach seamlessly blends innovation, style, design, and accessibility, resonating with the spirit of the new generation. I look forward to this partnership and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Speaking about the recently formed partnership, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile, said, "Deepika's charisma, coupled with TECNO's innovation focus, creates a powerful synergy that will strengthen our brand perception and resonate with younger audiences." He said: "Beyond being a smartphone brand, TECNO aspires to be a lifestyle companion. We anticipate the association will enhance our brand image and engage a diverse audience, fostering our pursuit of excellence and 'Stop at Nothing' brand philosophy. With Deepika, we look forward to a year of ground-breaking launches, captivating campaigns, and a partnership reflecting the essence of TECNO where technology meets style to redefine the smartphone experience. Earlier this month, Arijeet Talapatra had said the company expects to launch 15 to 20 models next year. "Our complete focus next year will be on serving the consumers," he told IBNS during an event held at The Prime Mobile and Gadget Store in Kolkata. "We are planning to launch 15 to 20 models next year and the focus will mostly remain on 5G as it is witnessing a rapid adoption," he said. He said the company does not have any plan to open dedicated stores at present but will continue to remain associated with top stores across the country. "In India, 5G adoption is moving fast. We expect that from 2024 the above 12K segment will remain mostly focussed on 5G but the below 10K market will concentrate on 4G," Talapatra said. Richi Sakhuja, a PR professional from Kolkata, says capsule wardrobes and sustainable fashion were always part of Indian culture. (Photo/Avishek Mitra) When University of Georgia student Kyndal Coleman moved into her college apartment, she discovered shed have to make do with a small closet. So she pared down her wardrobe to keep just a few versatile essentials. Aarati Bhandare, who lives 9,000 miles away in Karnataka, India, has always kept a small wardrobe. Whenever she gets a new piece of clothing, she gives away two old ones. It's one of many ways she lives out her commitment to a sustainable environment. The two women are participating in a global fashion trend thats taking off in the East and West: the capsule wardrobe, a minimal collection of interchangeable clothes that can create many outfits. It's a newly popular form of sustainable fashion that relies not just on environmentally friendly fabrics or production methods but on buying less. Fashion experts acknowledge capsule wardrobes can limit personal expression for consumers and potentially reduce profits for clothing retailers. But they point to many groups that could benefit: People with small closets -- or budgets. Frequent travelers who don't want to check a lot of luggage. Or business professionals now working remotely who no longer need so many office clothes. "Two or three T-shirts, one pair of jeans, one skirt, one dress that can set you up for success because you can easily mix and match those items to create at least four outfits for the week," said Atlanta-based stylist Melissa Young. A rack sustainably sourced denim trousers in Community, a retailer in downtown Athens that helps other local businesses by selling their items in store. (Photo/Asya McDonald) Stylists and those who use capsule wardrobes say one of the biggest advantages is that dressing this way helps care for the environment during a climate crisis in which every action matters. According to the United Nations, the $2.5 trillion dollar apparel industry is the second-highest user of water globally, producing 20% of global water waste. And 85% of textiles are sent to landfills, equal to 21 billion tons a year. This often happens with fast fashion which is mass produced at low cost, allowing people to buy lots of things they end up throwing away. Combatting fashion waste, with sustainable wardrobes and other solutions, was a big focus at Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week in October, which brought together vendors and officials from Canada, Italy and the Netherlands. This is a global movement, event founder Tanjuria Willis said. It's not just specific to Atlanta, it's global. And we can't make change unless we all make changes together. CURATING A CAPSULE Shamira Covington, assistant professor in fashion at the University of Georgia, said she first saw the term capsule wardrobe in the early 2010s in a book about minimalist fashions and closets. But among the general public, the idea has taken off much more recently. While anyone can shift their closet into a capsule wardrobe, Young said the lifestyle is particularly well suited for business professionals looking for interchangeable work clothes on a budget or, really, anyone who wears a consistent style. Some make the choice at least in part to save space. Erika Messerschmidt, a curator at Rent the Runway in Manhattan, keeps a capsule wardrobe of work clothes and basic jeans and shirts in her small New York City apartment. She rents designer clothing for special occasions. Others are trying to save money. Bhandare who directs the Amulya Boondh Foundation, a nonprofit organization emphasizing sustainable living said her first capsule wardrobe came as a necessity and not a choice. She grew up in a lower middle-class family and said her parents chose to spend (their) money on eating healthy, teaching us various kinds of sports, maintaining physical health, learning languages, rather than buying new clothes every day. Sonika Bhasin, a sustainable lifestyle and parenting blogger, proudly wears hand-me-down pants to avoid buying new clothes. Sonika and her son only wear sustainable brands. (Photo/Khushi Malhotra) But capsule wardrobes arent always budget-friendly. While they can be built with thrift store finds and other inexpensive items, they can also include more expensive clothing thats hand woven or made of high-quality, sustainable material, said Sonika Bhasin, a sustainable lifestyle and parenting blogger in India with over 60,000 Instagram followers. Still, she said, if consumers buy a small number of long-lasting clothing items, they can avoid spending too much. Kolkata-based textile designer Matrika Bhandari after completing her graduation from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Delhi pursued post-grad at the Royal College of Arts London before she co-founded Inkriti. (Photo/Avishek Mitra) Whatever pieces they contain, the idea of squeezing maximum utilization out of a clothing collection is common in India, so the capsule notion fits right in, said Matrika Bhandari, co-founder of Inkriti, a sustainable, gender-neutral fashion brand working with both garments and handicrafts to make Indian textile crafts accessible. She said the ideal pieces for a capsule are versatile, like a black T-shirt, or evergreen, like a favorite sweater or saree. Other clothes can be donated or recycled. You can mix-and-match again something that Indians are brilliant at doing. Tula Organic Clothing, a brand by a non-profit based in Indias Chennai, produces hand-spun clothes by rain-fed smallholder farmers. (Photo/Khushi Malhotra) And a pared-down wardrobe doesnt have to cramp personal style. Vidhi Adhikari, a sustainability influencer with 24,000 Instagram followers, for example, has a capsule made up of denim items, timeless black dresses and versatile shirts for a more Western versus traditional Eastern look. Janhavi Poola of Tula Organic Clothing, a nonprofit social enterprise in Chennai producing handloom-spun, naturally-dyed garments, said whatever their style, people should buy clothes only if they need them because producing even eco-friendly garments consumes a lot of energy. Tulas team member Jahnavi encourages people to go Kora (unbleached off-white) and embrace the natural color of cotton. (Photo/Khushi Malhotra) "If you ask me then 3-4 pairs of clothes would be good enough for your capsule wardrobe and the best thing to buy is chemical free products," Poola said. "Less is more, less is enough. MAKING IT WORK Still, for some, limited wardrobes have a few downsides although people have found ways around them. When Atlanta-based fashion designer Alea Riley launched her sustainable fashion brand ALEIMAN, she said she quickly realized that women want options and sticking to a specific thing is difficult. Some clients missed the variety of mixing and matching more apparel pieces. Quality over quantity: Tula Organic Clothing, based in Indias Chennai, urges people to buy clothes that stand the test of time and provide fair compensation for farmers. (Photo/Khushi Malhotra) So she came up with a unique solution: I started to look at being able to wear things backwards, being able to wear things inside out, so that you truly have a different look, Riley said. That kind of extends the life of your wardrobe. Other people solve the problem of repetitive outfits by expressing themselves through accessories like jewelry, scarves, or ties, or accent pieces. A photo inside Community, a retailer in downtown Athens that helps other local businesses by selling their items in store. (Photo/Asya McDonald) Patrizia Casubolo, CEO of Canadian clothing accessory company COCHIC, said some millennials wear her companys colorful collar extenders like a red one, just to spice up the look. You have just one simple dress shirt, right, Casubolo said. But you can spice up very, very well with an accessory. Sewing material from the sewing workshop in Community where they host sewing classes. (Photo/Asya McDonald) This way, one outfit can have many lives. Coleman, the University of Georgia student, recently pulled her favorite little black dress out of her closet and held it against her body, smiling as she looked down at the backless, halter plunge neckline mini-length dress. Accessories being sold in Community.(Photo/Asya McDonald) This is my favorite thing to wear because you can just put anything on top of it, said the fourth-year environmental economics management major. Ive worn it to class, Ive worn it downtown. I wore it with my Halloween costume when I dressed up as a pirate. I wear that dress for anything and everything. GOOD FOR BUSINESS? The idea of buying less might seem appealing to customers looking to save space, time, money and the planet. But some clothing merchants hear buy less as sell less. A close up picture of the left side of Kydnal Coleman's closet (Photo/Asya McDonald) Community, a sustainable boutique in Athens, sells clothing and artisan products from over 50 Georgia-based makers. Its slogan is: Supplies are limited. While the store mends and alters old clothing, it hasnt necessarily been marketing the concept of a capsule wardrobe, said Communitys manager J Hoover. Part of that might be that we are a retailer, so we do want people to come in and shop and shop often, Hoover said. J Hoover helps a customer in Community as they look for sustainable clothing for a present to give to a family member. (Photo/Asya McDonald) With fast fashion, meanwhile, consumers often wind up buying a lot simply because the clothing doesnt hold up, with retailers reaping the profits. But some industry observers sense an equally strong move away from rampant consumerism by many people and expect the capsule wardrobe concept to keep gaining ground on both sides of the world. Richi Sakhuja, a public relations professional for 14 years, said sustainable clothing and pared-down wardrobes have always been part of Indian culture even before the concepts had names. As she walked through an open-air shopping mall in Kolkata sporting a blue sleeveless top and beige cotton pants, she said whats changed recently is sustainability has become the it word. And that means supporting ideas like capsule wardrobes can potentially improve a companys image and sales, she said, since its part of a larger emphasis on environmental and social issues. Nathan Stuck, who teaches in the University of Georgias MBA program, said the same is true in the U.S. He helps companies get certified as B Corps a designation that a business is meeting high ethical standards, including environmentalism. Students like Tyra Robinson from Charles R. Drew Charter School in Atlanta, worked with the National Black Arts Festival to learn about sustainable fashion and showcase their designs at Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Weeks opening night on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. (Photo/Cassidy Hettesheimer) I like to say good business is good for business, he said.That (designation) is what Gen Z wants. It's what millennials want. Experts say they only expect environmental awareness to grow. And that along with the ever-present desire to save space, time and money will likely push more people to try capsule wardrobes or stick with them. Coleman, for one, remains committed to the concept. If she were to transition her closet from home to college all over again, she said shed bring less. If I had to bring something, Id probably just bring my favorite jeans and a few tank tops and see what I can do from there. (As part of a new program at the University of Georgia, students in the Cox Institute's Journalism Writing Lab worked with students from India on joint story projects that link their two countries. The project is overseen by Laura Ungar, a senior journalist with The Associated Press, and Sujoy Dhar, founder of the Indian news agency India Blooms News Service, as well as writing lab Director Lori Johnston.) Photo Courtesy:S Jaishankar X page Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has interacted with the Indian community members in Russia and appreciated their contributions to building a 'strong' relationship between the two nations. "Interacted with the Indian community in Moscow. Appreciated their contribution to building a strong and steady collaboration between India and Russia," Jaishankar posted on X. Interacted with the Indian community in Moscow. Appreciated their contribution to building a strong and steady collaboration between India and Russia. The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership reflects experiences and sentiments of last 75 years. Urged the community to pic.twitter.com/rl06FPhbeh Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 26, 2023 He said: "The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership reflects experiences and sentiments of last 75 years. Urged the community to contribute to the deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation. Their role in promoting close ties between our civil societies is invaluable." During his ongoing visit, he also met Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Jaishankar said he had a 'comprehensive and productive meeting' with Manturov. "Noted the significant progress in trade, finance, connectivity, energy, civil aviation and nuclear domains," he wrote on X. A comprehensive and productive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov of Russia on our bilateral economic cooperation. Noted the significant progress in trade, finance, connectivity, energy, civil aviation and nuclear domains. Appreciated the greater focus on pic.twitter.com/fPUyDqHL5X Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 26, 2023 He said: "Appreciated the greater focus on exploring new opportunities. Discussed making our cooperation more balanced and sustainable in different dimensions." He said: "Finalized the program of cooperation on Russian Far East. Expect to hold early meeting of EaEU-India FTA negotiators. Will jointly organize connectivity events across land and maritime corridors." S. Jaishankar will visit Russia on December 25-29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides. Visual from outside Israel embassy in Delhi | Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video New Delhi/IBNS: Israel on Wednesday said the last evening blast near its embassy in India's national capital Delhi could be "an attack", media reports said. Tel Aviv has also issued advisory for its citizens living in India and more so Delhi. As per the advisory, Israel has asked its citizens to avoid "participating in events with many participants" and "avoid posting trip details" on social media. #WATCH | Visuals from outside the Israel Embassy in Delhi. As per the Israel Embassy, there was a blast near the embassy at around 5:10 pm yesterday pic.twitter.com/jIPRWNMgP3 ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 The Delhi Police received a call about an alleged "blast" near the Israeli embassy on Tuesday evening, media reported. The blast was reported on a call by an unidentified caller to the Delhi Fire Service at around 6 pm. A special cell team of the police along with the bomb squad reached the spot for inspection, the report said. Upon reaching the location, the police team conducted a thorough search of the area but did not find anything suspicious. The fire services also quickly arrived at the scene to promptly extinguish any potential flames resulting from the explosion. A letter wrapped in a flag was discovered by police at an empty land a few metres away from the embassy. The police have confiscated the letter for further investigation. Israel's deputy envoy Ohad Nakash Kaynar, in a video statement, said, "This evening, several minutes after 5 pm, an explosion occurred in close proximity with the embassy. "All our workers are safe. Our diplomats are safe. Our security teams are working in full cooperation with the local Delhi security." Image Credit: IBNS File A truck driver died and half a dozen others were injured when 16 vehicles piled up due to low visibility and dense fog in Etmadpur area of Agra district here in Uttar Pradesh, police sources said here on Wednesday. Police sources told UNI that the incident took place on Agra-Kanpur national highway late on Tuesday night around 3 am when 16 vehicles, including four trucks, two buses and auto-rickshaw, collided with each other leading to pile up. "The incident took place between Shahadara flyover and Jharana drain due to poor visibility and dense fog," they said. Police sources said that one truck driver identified as Umesh Chandra Yadav, a resident of Ghatampur in Kanpur district, was killed in the incident. "Six persons were injured in the incident. Prima facie it seems that the incident took place as several vehicles were parked along the highway due to dense fog," they said. Police sources said that the traffic on the national highway was disrupted due to the incident. "Police reached the spot and sent the injured to a nearby hospital and resumed traffic by removing the damaged vehicles from the national highway," they said. (With UNI Inputs) Photo Courtesy: ShareAlike 4.0 International/Wikimedia Commons South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, who is known for his performance in the Oscar-winning movie 'Parasite', was found dead in Seoul city on Wednesday. He was 48. Amid the country's ongoing crackdown on illegal drugs, the actor was under investigation over alleged illegal drug use. A man in his 40s was found unconscious in a car at a park in central Seoul at 10:30 a.m., and the police later identified him as Lee. In the passenger seat was a charcoal briquette, reported South Korea's Yonhap news agency. Suicide note found According to reports, he had left home after writing a memo akin to a suicide note. "As he was pronounced dead, he wasn't taken to hospital," a fire official told Yonhap. Lee faced investigation for alleged drug use Lee has gone through three rounds of police questioning on suspicions 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, the news agency reported. The actor, however, said he was tricked by the hostess into taking the drugs. Lee tested negative in both the brief reagent test conducted during police investigations and the lab-based drug test by the National Forensic Service last month, reported Yonhap. Lee and his movie career He was best known for his roles in the thriller Helpless (2012), romantic comedy All About My Wife (2012), and crime/black comedy A Hard Day (2014). He was also known for his role in the Bong Joon-ho's Academy Awardwinning black comedy film Parasite, for which he won a Screen Actors Guild Award along with his castmates. He received several other awards, including a nomination for an International Emmy Award. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Iraqi security forces on Tuesday found two bodies of Kuwaiti and Saudi tourists who were killed in a roadside bomb explosion in a desert in western Iraq, the Iraqi military said. One Saudi citizen and one Kuwaiti citizen, who entered Iraq with a tourist visa, went missing in the vast desert that extends across the three provinces of Anbar, Salahudin, and Nineveh, according to a statement issued by the Security Media Cell, a media outlet affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command. Iraqi security forces conducted a large-scale search in the Anbar desert looking for the missing tourists, and found their burned bodies, the statement said. It was suspected that they were killed after their vehicle was hit by an old roadside bomb left behind by the terrorist group Islamic State (IS), the statement added. Meanwhile, a security source from Anbar province told Xinhua that the Kuwaiti and Saudi citizens were on a hunting trip in the desert, which is not completely safe due to IS militants' activities. The security situation in Iraq has improved since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, IS remnants have melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. (With UNI inputs) Photo courtesy: UNI Gaza/IBNS/UNI: An Israeli bombardment near a hospital in southern Gaza killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens more on Wednesday, the Health Ministry said. The ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qedra said in a statement that the death toll could rise as rescuers searched for survivors under the rubble of a residential building near Al Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, a densely-populated city in southern Gaza. Local sources told Xinhua that there were many displaced Palestinians inside the building when the attack happened, while rescuers at the site said most of the victims were retrieved in "dismembered parts." Before the attack, the casualties from the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip rose to 21,110 deaths and 55,243 injuries, according to the Health Ministry. During the past 24 hours, 195 people were killed while 325 were injured and transported to hospitals due to Israeli attacks, said the ministry. The ministry's spokesman warned against the deliberate targeting by the Israeli army of the vicinity surrounding the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, urging international institutions to take effective and immediate steps to ensure the protection of the complex, its staff, the wounded, and the thousands of displaced people within it. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Experts recently said Pakistan's Bajaur region witnessed a poor literacy rate due to regressive local customs and a lack of proper facilities. They asked to remove the hurdles to promote education in the region. The conference titled importance of female education in socioeconomic development of the region, identifying the causes and finding solutions, was arranged by Salamti Fellowship, a non-government organization, in collaboration with district administration and youth affairs department, reports Dawn News. The event was hosted by youth, social and political activists, elders, poets, writers, educationists and students. They said girls education was equally imperative for the socioeconomic development of a backward region like Bajaur, reported Dawn News. They were of the view that people wanted their girls to be well-educated but lack of facilities and local customs marred their dream. Regarding Canadas asylum policies, many are expressing concerns that the nation may be treading a perilous path toward becoming the Pakistan of the West. Drawing parallels to Pakistans history of providing refuge to notorious terrorists such as Osama bin Laden, Canada faces scrutiny amid reports suggesting a troubling trend. The comparison to Pakistan, a country known for harboring extremists, gains weight with recent allegations of notorious figures like Dawood Ibrahim finding sanctuary within its borders. The specter of these parallels raises questions about the unintended consequences of Canadas open-door policy, emphasizing the need for a careful examination of the nations asylum practices to prevent the inadvertent sheltering of individuals who may pose threats to global security. Dr. Abdul Basit Syed Frsa, a renowned British philanthropist and advocate for global peace, sounded the alarm on Canadas lenient asylum rules, alleging that they have inadvertently transformed the nation into a refuge for Punjab separatists and potential threats to global security. Dr. Syeds concerns echo louder in the aftermath of the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India sparked by controversial remarks made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. From the hallowed halls of the United Nations in New York, Dr. Syed declared, Canada has opened the gates to hell by providing a safe haven for Khalistan terrorists. His apprehensions extend beyond the immediate diplomatic tensions, suggesting that the sanctuary granted to these militants in Canada poses a broader threat to the global economy. A critical aspect of Dr. Syeds apprehension lies in Canadas apparent reluctance to address the issue of Khalistan terrorism. Despite India submitting substantial evidence to Interpol regarding the challenges it faces from Khalistan terrorist organizations, Canada seems, in Dr. Syeds eyes, to be turning a blind eye. This stance raises concerns about Canada inadvertently harboring criminals, gangsters, and terrorists who might eventually turn against their benefactors. The philanthropists warning sheds light on the uncompromising ideology of radical groups like Khalistan terrorists, whose mission is to spread terror indiscriminately, even among those who offer them refuge. Driven by a ruthless agenda, these groups operate devoid of reason, compassion, or justice. While Canada remains a beacon of hope for many seeking asylum, Dr. Syeds warning calls attention to the need for a nuanced approach to asylum policies. Balancing compassion with national security concerns is a delicate task, and the allegations made by Dr. Syed prompt a closer examination of Canadas policies to ensure that they do not inadvertently become a haven for extremists. As the world watches, the spotlight is now on Canada to address these concerns and strike the right balance between humanitarianism and security. (Image and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com) You're losing out on a number of things if you're not watching Korean dramas, or K-dramas. Korean dramas are well-known for their captivating narratives and dramatic plot twists that can range from hilarious to sorrowful. Many K-dramas were released this year, and the public loved them. Take a look at those here: 1. King The Land A charming heir and his diligent staff, who he finds unbearable because of her attractive smile, collide during a heated argument over inheritance. Netflix Where To Watch: Netflix 2. My Demon As they set off on their adventure, sparks fly between them. Heiress Do Do Hee is a formidable opponent to many, and Jung Koo Won is a strong force. When Jung Koo Won loses his powers, he must work with Do Do Hee to reclaim them. Netflix Where To Watch: Netflix 3. Business Proposal Ha-ri shows up on a blind date dressed as her buddy in order to frighten off her friend's potential suitor. But when he turns out to be Ha-ri's CEO and makes a suggestion, things go wrong. imdb Where To Watch: Netflix 4. The Matchmakers The show centers on the collaboration of two young widows, Jung Soon-deok (Cho Yi-hyun) and Shim Jung-woo (Rowoon), to marry off three single ladies who symbolize the issue of "old maids" in Joseon. imdb Where To Watch: Rakuten Viki 5. Queenmaker Following a moral awakening, a formidable manipulator leverages her abilities to support a civil rights attorney running for mayor and unseat her previous employer. netflix Where To Watch: Netflix 6. The Glory Season 1 Part 2 Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo), who was bullied mercilessly in high school, returns after almost twenty years to carry out a convoluted scheme of retaliation in the hopes of bringing her former bullieswho are now corrupt and unrepentant adultsto ruin. Netflix Where To Watch: Netflix 7. Crash Course In Romance When her daughter seeks to enroll in a class taught by a well-known math teacher, a mom with a golden heart must navigate the competitive world of private education. netflix Where To Watch: Netflix 8. Celebrity Seo A-ri becomes famous on social media quickly, but in this glittering world of influencers, there are grave consequences. Netflix Where To Watch: Netflix According to the Independent, researchers in the United States have cautioned that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which is increasing among wildlife across North America, could also spread to humans. When was this condition discovered? Canva The condition, sometimes known as 'zombie deer disease,' which causes animals to become confused and slobber, was first discovered in Yellowstone National Park in November. The disease has been discovered in 800 deer, elk, and moose samples from Wyoming. Why is it called a "slow-moving tragedy"? Canva Experts describe CWD as a ''slow-moving tragedy'' and strongly advise governments to prepare for the possibility of human transmission. The condition has been recorded in 31 states in the United States, according to the Centers for condition Control and Prevention. ''The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain shown how quickly things can spiral out of control when a spillover incident occurs from cattle to people. We're talking about the possibility of something similar happening. No one is predicting it, but people should be prepared,'' CWD researcher Dr. Cory Anderson told The Guardian. What is Zombie Deer Disease? Chronic wasting disease (CWD), commonly known as 'Zombie Deer Disease,' is an infectious and deadly sickness that affects cervids, which include deer, elk, caribou, reindeer, and moose. How is it caused and spread? It is caused by a prion, which is a misfolded protein that accumulates in the brain and other tissues, causing physiological and behavioral abnormalities, emaciation, and eventually death. Canva It is spread directly from animal to animal or indirectly by contact with infected particles in the environment, such as excrement, soil, or vegetation. Animals can become affected if their feed or pasture is polluted with prions. What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Australian police said Wednesday they were scouring beaches after mysterious packages believed to contain more than 120 kilograms (260 pounds) of cocaine washed up over the Christmas period. sydney What happened? A first batch of 39 barnacle-encrusted, one-kilogram bricks of suspected cocaine was discovered on Friday near Magenta Beach, north of Sydney, police said. Since then, another 85 packages of the same size had been spotted along about 80 kilometres (50 miles) of the New South Wales coastline, state police said. Police urged people to report any suspicious packages, Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein said in a statement. Probe underway Detectives and specialist police are currently combing beaches and coastlines for any outstanding packages and working behind the scenes to make sure we find and hold accountable those responsible, said Weinstein, who is director of the states crime command. shutterstock Recent cocaine case Earlier on Tuesday, two men have appeared in court after an estimated 300kg of cocaine was seized from a cargo ship in the Republic of Ireland. The boat was docked at Foynes Port in County Limerick on Tuesday. Kamen Petkov, 35, and Nikola Penchev, 32, were both charged with possession of a quantity of cocaine for sale and supply. Gardai (Irish police) said the cocaine had an estimated street value of about 21m (17.3m). The drugs were discovered on a large grain carrier which docked in the port. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. The New York Times has reportedly filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, seeking to end the practice of using its stories to train chatbots. The publication has hinted that copyright infringements at the paper alone could be worth billions. With this move, the newspaper has joined forces with the individuals and publishers trying to stop OpenAI from using copyrighted material. iStock An AP report cited Times statement saying that OpenAI and Microsoft are advancing their technology through the unlawful use of The Timess work to create artificial intelligence products that compete with it" and "threatens The Timess ability to provide that service. OpenAI and Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Artificial intelligence companies have been accused of scraping information available online, including articles published by media organisations, to train generative AI chatbots. This practice has helped the companies attract billions in investments very rapidly. Microsoft has a partnership with OpenAI that allows it to capitalize on the AI technology made by the artificial intelligence company. The number of lawsuits filed against OpenAI for copyright infringement is reportedly growing. There were earlier reports about the company being sued by a number of writers - including comedian Sarah Silverman - who say their books were ingested to train OpenAI's AI models without their permission. In June, more than 4,000 writers signed a letter to the CEOs of OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Meta and other AI developers accusing them of exploitative practices in building chatbots that mimic and regurgitate their language, style and ideas. With Inputs from AP NASA is giving citizens the chance to have their names sent billions of kilometres into space on its upcoming trip to Jupiter. When can you submit your name? Pexels Names submitted by the end of 2023 will be considered for inclusion on the Europa Clipper mission, which is scheduled to enter Jupiter's orbit in 2030. What is this project? The Europa Clipper spacecraft will be engraved with people's names as part of the "Message in a Bottle" project. The general public is urged to submit their names for free. "Message in a Bottle" builds on NASA's long history of sending inspirational messages to spacecraft exploring our solar system and beyond. Where did NASA ask people to send their names? NASA asked people to send in their names on Instagram, writing, "Need a last-minute gift? Send their name into outer space! We're taking names for our Europa Clipper spacecraft, which will travel 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion km) to research Jupiter's ocean moon, but you must sign up by December 31, 2023." A poem titled 'In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa' by US Poet Laureate Ada Limon will also be etched aboard the airplane. When Nasa's campaign was first announced earlier this year, the poem was delivered at the Library of Congress. "Writing this poem was one of the greatest honours of my life, but also one of the most difficult tasks I've ever been assigned," she remarked. How is this mission important? The primary scientific purpose of the Europa Clipper is to investigate whether there are areas beneath Jupiter's frozen moon, Europa, that could support life. The three primary scientific objectives of the mission are to estimate the thickness of the moon's icy shell and its surface interactions with the ocean underneath, to examine its composition, and to characterise its geology. According to NASA, the extensive examination of Europa by the mission will help scientists better comprehend the astrobiological potential for habitable worlds beyond our globe. Check out the post here. What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Justice Olusegun Odusola, Chief Judge of Ondo State, has sworn in Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the State Governor. Aiyedatiwa was sworn in at the Governors office in Akure, the States capital at exactly 5:14 pm His swearing-in followed the demise of his principal, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday. According to the State Government, Akeredolu died at the age of 67 after battling prostate cancer. The States Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju said, With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts. Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer. READ ALSO: Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu Reportedly Dead Akeredolu had embarked on two separate medical vacations, the first on April 3, 2023, and the second on July 10, 2023. On September 7, he made his way back to the country and promptly notified the state House of Assembly. Aiyedatiwa was the deputy governor until Wednesday, December 13 when power was formally transferred to him after Akeredolu went on another medical vacation. He had survived an impeachment plot by Akeredolus allies in the Ondo State House of Assembly and stark opposition by his late principals foot soldiers. Controversy enveloped the politics of the state in the last few months with activists and constitutional lawyers calling on Akeredolu to transmit power to Aiyedatiwa in line with the 1999 Constitution. Moreso, present at the ceremony include the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; members of the Assembly; Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu and the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress , Ade Adetimehin. Betty-Anyanwu, the wife of ailing Governor of Ondo State, has asked residents of the state, particularly people, criticising some of her husbands policies affecting the people, to hug an electric transformer. The comment came after the Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, removed part of the barricades on Oba Adesida road, a subject of public discontent. She wrote on her social media page on Monday, Im an activist. Truth must be told. If e dey pain you, go hug transformer. Wall of Jericho, was it for a run? No! For public safety to prevent reckless driving and accidents. Get some sense, people. Cheap popularity. READ MORE: Im Sorry For The Embarrassment Ondo Deputy Gov. Begs Akeredolu However, one of the aides of the acting Governor who spoke under the condition of anonymity, in his reaction said that the acting governor would rather speak his silence than dignify the office of the First Lady of the state with a response. The aide said: We dont want to dignify the office of the First Lady with any response. Although Im not authorised to speak but I know the people of the state can judge and pass comments on the decision made by the acting governor. More importantly, is how the barricades had been affecting them a few days to Christmas and to ease both vehicular and human movements en route to Oba Oja, that decision had to be taken. Whoever thinks its for politics cant also know nor understand better than those plying the routes at this festive period. Actor Doyin Hassan, has opened up on the birth of his first child, which he welcomed few days ago. Information Nigeria reported earlier this week that the actor had welcomed his first child with his wife after 24 years of waiting. Sharing photos of him, his wife, and their newborn child in Church for Thanksgiving and dedication, he asserted that God is faithful. Many thought the couple had waited that long before being blessed with the fruit of the womb but Hassan clarified it in a post on his Instagram page, stating that he is the one who waited for 24 years and not his wife. He revealed that he married his wife, who is his third wife, in December 2020 after the death of his two wives. He made it clear that his wife was not barren, rather he was the one sharing testimony of his tears and toils. READ MORE: Rosy Meurer Offers Heartfelt Prayer To God As She Celebrates Husband, Olakunle Churchills Birthday I WAITED FOR 24 YEARS AND NOT MY WIFE OLADUNNI: MY TESTIMONY ABOUT 24 YEARS OF WAITING HAS BEEN MISUNDERSTOOD IN CERTAIN QUARTERS. THE TESTIMONY WAS ABOUT ME AND NOT THE WOMAN I MARRIED. I FIRST GOT MARRIED ON THE 5TH OF JUNE 1999 AND LOST 2 PRECIOUS WOMEN TO THE COLD HANDS OF DEATH OVER TIME. I MARRIED ADEOLA DOYIN-HASSAN IN JUNE 1999 AND LOST HER 8.5 YEARS AFTER (FEBRUARY 20 2008 ON HER BIRTHDAY) I WAITED FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE I REMARRIED BOLANLE DOYIN-HASSAN IN APRIL 2010. BOLANLE PASSED IN DECEMBER 2020 AND I WAITED 1 YEAR 7 MONTHS BEFORE I REMARRIED IN OCTOBER 2022. MY NEW WIFE WAS NOT BARREN FOR 24 YEARS. I WAS THE ONE WHO SHARED A TESTIMONY OF MY TEARS AND TOILS FOR 24 YEARS. MEETING OLADUNNI WAS GODS REDIRECTION OF MY DIVINE JOURNEY. I HOPE THIS IS CLEAR ENOUGHGODS BLESSINGS. The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has reportedly died from the complications of blood cancer. According to a family source who spoke to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, Governor Akeredolu died in Lagos at the age of 67. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that Akeredolu was managed by State House doctors up to his death because they could not fly him abroad. The source said: Akeredolu is dead; he died in Lagos. READ MORE: Akeredolu To Embark On Medical Leave, Hands Over To Deputy They were looking for dialysis machines to be sent to his secret location in Lagos last week. Recall that the ailing governor returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany. Recently, he went on another medical leave after being directed by President Bola Tinubu to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Aiyedatiwa has been standing in as the acting Governor and peace has since returned to the South West state following President Tinubus intervention in the political impasse. Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, on Wednesday, visited the State Police Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, the States capital. His visit to the Police stems from accusations made against him by the ruling All Progressives Congress, of vote buying and money laundering. The APC had in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Olusola Blessed, made the accusation while welcoming him back to the country, after spending about seven months in the United Kingdom. However, Adebutu went to the Police after his return to refute the accusations. Adebutu, who was accompanied by chieftains of the Party, arrived at the Police headquarters around 11:10am, moved straight to the Commissioners office after which he visited the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department,CIID. Speaking with journalists shortly before leaving the Command, Adebutu told newsmen that he had visited the Police on his own volition. READ ALSO: Turn Yourself In To Authorities, Police And Defend Money Laundering Allegation Ogun APC To Adebutu I have come and Im happy that this institution has done well, they have listened, they have taken records and Im sure that this is the way to a better Nigeria. The frivolous allegations that Ladi Adebutu has been laundering his money, I dont know how you can launder your personal wealth, that is the allegation against me by the APC; that I have laundered my money, that I have used my money to create empowerment for people that I feel compassionate about Nigerians that are in need, that I have helped but they should note, I will continue to help. It was a dictate by my late mother to be of help to women and children. We have done empowerment programmes and we will continue to do them. By January 19th, 2024 which marks one year of her passing away, we will be having special programmes again to continue these empowerment programmes as we have done over years. But because these people (APC) lack empathy, they lack compassion for society, they trivilise and politicise everything, he said. The Christian Association of Nigeria, on Wednesday, condemned terrorists attack on communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkod and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State which claimed at least 160 lives. The Northern CAN Secretary, Sunday Oibe, in a statement in Kaduna, today, belived that the renewed attack wouldnt be swept under the carpet like previous ones. Oibe urged President President Bola Tinubu to work towards ensuring that the country do not become ungovernable under his watch. The statement read: The association is saddened over yet another barbaric attack by terrorists on communities in Barakin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, which left over 160 people dead while 221 houses were said to have been set ablaze. READ MORE: Assailants Attack, Kill 14 Villagers On Christmas Eve In Plateau This is one attack too many on the Plateau. Since this democratic dispensation, Plateau has consistently suffered so much in the hands of terrorists and bandits. This kind of barbarism cannot happen even in the animal kingdom. It is very unfortunate that in Nigeria, this kind of wickedness appeared to have become an acceptable norm as people get killed and little or no effort is made by the authorities to bring the culprits to justice. President Tinubu must ensure that the security agencies abide by his directive. No society makes progress when criminals go about with sophisticated weapons, killing, maiming and destroying property without being apprehended and punished. President Bola Tinubu must not allow Plateau or any part of Nigeria to become ungovernable because of the activities of this gang of criminals who are bent on making life unpleasant to innocent Nigerians. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security operatives to arrest perpetrators of the recent Christmas kllings in Plateau State. Recall that over 115 persons were killed on Sunday night in attacks by gunmen on communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau. Reacting to the incident, Tinubu, in a statement via Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, directed immediate mobilisation of relief materials for victims of the attacks. President Bola Tinubu strongly condemns the heinous and brutal attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, which resulted in the tragic loss of many lives. READ ALSO: Over 115 Killed As Plateau Villages Suffer Christmas Eve Attacks President Tinubu directs security agencies to immediately move in, scour every stretch of the zone, and apprehend the culprits. The President also directs immediate mobilization of relief resources for surviving victims of the primitive and cruel attacks as well as medical treatment for the wounded. He further assured residents of the State that the envoys of death, pain, and sorrow will not escape justice. Famous media personality and author, Solomon Buchi voiced his concerns about the situation of Christianity in Nigeria in a thought-provoking Twitter discussion. Expressing his frustration, Solomon spoke on the alarming situation where over 100 christians lost their lives on Christmas Day in Plateau State. He exposed the lack of visible action or condemnation. He revealed that if 10 Muslims were killed by Christians on Eid-al-Fitr, it would likely have led to civil unrest and widespread national repercussions. The major point of Solomons argument centered on what he perceived as a selective outcry among Nigerian Muslims, he expressed their vocal response to the Palestinian genocide while remaining silent about the recent tragedy in Plateau. READ MORE: Abortion Is Murder Odumodublvck Solomon Buchi noted that violence seems to be condemned only when Muslims are the victims. He concluded, those who disagree with his statement contribute to the danger. If just 10 Muslims were killed in Nigeria on an Eid Al Fitr day by Christians, there would be civil unrest and massive national killings. Now imagine over 100 people killed in a Christian-dominated state on Christmas Day, and nothing has been done. Nigeria is rigged against Christians. If you disagree, youre part of the problem. SEE POST: Media personality, Solomon Buchi has emphasised the value of communication since it brings clarity to relationships. In a post on X, Buchi said that single people who dont want to communicate should avoid relationships. He further explained that effective communication between partners is the only way to deliver the clarity that relationships need. Communicate your feelings, intentions, thoughts and disagreements. A serious relationship, in his opinion, is two people talking everything out and acknowledging that they need time to themselves even when one of them doesnt feel like talking. READ MORE: Ive Invited Burna Boy For My Show Twice And He Charged Me Less Alibaba Spills In his words: Stay single if you dont like communication. Relationships require clarity, and clarity is provided by communication. Communicate your intentions; communicate your feelings, thoughts, your disagreements. And even when you dont feel like communicating, communicate that you need some time. A serious relationship is two people talking everything out. Stop saying Im not the talking type. You need to talk to make it work! SEE POST: No fewer than three inmates of the Ijebu Ode Correctional Home in Ogun State have escaped from the facility. It was gathered that the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service, in the state, Victor Oyeleke, confirmed the jailbreak in a statement on Tuesday. Oyeleke disclosed that the incident happened early Saturday morning, around 3 am, stressing that the command would liaise with other sister agencies to find the inmates. He said: Yes, it is confirmed, it happened in the early hours of Saturday morning around 3 am. A search party to bring the three of them back has been raised. We have their biometrics and we have contacts of their families. READ MORE: Niger Police Parade Bandit Leader Dattijo, Repel Jail Break We are working together with other sister agencies, and in good time, they will be brought back. Meanwhile, another statement from Ijebu Imushin Area Command of So-Safe Corps, which had since gone viral, also confirmed the jailbreak. The statement reads: The report reaching us now is that three prisoners escaped from the Ijebu-Ode Correctional Center whose names are, Hammed Adeboyejo who was convicted of Murder/Armed Robbery; Fatai Taiwo Akande from Ijebu-Igbo was sentenced on Murder Casez while the third man, Oguntona Aliu was convicted of Sexual Offence, should in case you see any of them, quickly contact the office of So-Safe Corps Command closer to you, The Nigerian Police and any other Security Agency. The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Oladipupo Adebutu, to turn himself in to the authorities and defend the vote-buying and money laundering charges levelled against him by the Federal Government. The APC made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Olusola Blessed, in Abeokuta, the State capital while welcoming him back to the country, after spending about seven months in the United Kingdom. The ruling party said the PDP candidate had left the country in suspicious circumstances after the Criminal Investigation Department of the police in Abeokuta, in a letter dated April 16, 2023, and signed by Muhammed Babakura, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, invited him to respond to a case of conspiracy, electoral offences and money laundering received from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution of the Federation. The party, therefore, called on Adebutu to toe the honourable path by reporting to the police. If it is indeed true that Adebutu has returned to the country after being away from the long arm of the law since April this year on the pretext of medical vacation, we welcome him back to his fatherland. We also urge him to turn himself in to the authorities and defend the allegations of vote-buying and money laundering leveled against him during the 18th March 2023 governorship and House of Assembly elections for which some members/agents of his party have already been charged to court, the APC said. READ ALSO: Ogun: Your Rejoicing Is Temporary Adebutu To Gov. Abiodun After Appeal Court Victory The statement recalled that on December 9, 2023, the Ogun state PDP gave the names of its members who were charged for vote-buying by the Federal Government as Ogunbona Hammed, Tiramisu Waliu, Egunsola Owolabi, Moliki Badmus and Sanni Adejoke. The suspects, according to PDP, ncy various locations around the state during 18 2023 g s, following which ATM cards allegedly meant for vote buying were found on them, adding that Adebutus name featured prominently in the police investigation and the subsequent charges by the Federal Government against the suspects. The statement read, he should be honourable enough to fulfill the promise of his lawyers to the police in the letter dated May 2, 2023, by turning himself in to the police. He should also allow himself to be served the court papers on the vote-buying and money laundering charges by the Federal Government and keep his date in the court of law. Hopefully, Adebutu would have made himself available to be served the court papers and tried along with others at the next hearing. The trial of the already arraigned members of PDP in the vote-buying and money laundering charges resumes in February 2024 before the Honourable Justice Abiodun Akinyemi of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta. Philly playwright James Ijames attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023 in New York City. His play "Fat Ham" had five nominations, including best play. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions) Read more This year, Philly playwright James Ijames graced the red carpet at the Tony Awards, saw his Pulitzer-winning play Fat Ham soar on Broadway, kept up a rigorous playwriting schedule, and still made time for his favorite restaurants in Philadelphia. (Fat Ham, a loose adaptation of Hamlet through a Black queer perspective, is currently running at the Wilma Theater through Dec. 30.) Though his busy schedule often takes him out of town, Ijames is a mainstay in South Philly, where he lives with his husband, Joel Witter. Fellow Philadelphians might catch the couple in Passyunk Square at Rival Bros Coffee Bar or dining nearby at River Twice. Ijames also enjoys Flannel, where he likes to take lunch meetings. Though he isnt a vegetarian, the playwright misses the veggie dishes from the now-closed V Street. While the Wilmas Fat Ham production uses actual barbecue from West Phillys Dibbs BBQ the play is set at a backyard cookout somewhere in the South Ijames often orders his own from Fishtowns Fette Sau. Suraya is another Fishtown favorite. Earlier this year, Ijames also joined his friend (and Fat Ham coproducer) West Philly native Colman Domingo for dinner at Bookers in Cedar Park for the Rustin actors travel-memoir show, You Are Here. In Rittenhouse Square, Ijames and Witter like Spice Finch, but if family is in town, theyll head to Barclay Prime. I love Barclay Prime. I took my mom and my aunt and uncle there and I could do no wrong, said Ijames in a recent interview. They were like, This is the best steak Ive ever had. Joseph Geromini, former COO of Group K Diagnostics, pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud, federal court filings show. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Read more A former executive at a Philly medical device firm has pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge after federal officials accused him of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Joseph Geromini, 56, of Linwood, N.J., reached a plea agreement last week with federal prosecutors who had charged the former executive in 2021 with looting funds from his former employer, Group K Diagnostics which recently rebranded as HueDx. The Philadelphia-based start-up, which was identified in court filings as Pennsylvania Corporate Victim, was founded by a University of Pennsylvania bioengineering grad and raised millions to develop next-generation medical diagnostic tools. Starting in 2018, Geromini had served as both a consultant and chief operating officer for the company, which is headquartered in Center City, assisting with fundraising and financial management. But less than one year later, he was dismissed and then sued by his onetime employer. Advertisement That initial suit, filed in 2019 after an internal investigation, alleged Geromini had fraudulently transferred more than $150,000 to a consulting company he controlled, Xanitos Marketing, which was based at his personal residence. The former executive, who had controlled Group Ks financial accounts as COO, had falsely claimed the expenses were paid to a hospital for clinical trial work. Instead, the civil filing alleged, he spent thousands on box seats at a Sixers game, hotel rooms, and other personal expenses. Geromini was later charged by the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey with 10 counts of wire fraud and two counts of securities fraud, in a criminal case that mirrored many of the allegations from the civil suit. Last week, Geromini accepted a plea deal that dropped the majority of those charges, pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, court filings show. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Geromini had previously been found guilty of check fraud and theft in prior criminal cases. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Jersey did not respond to a request for comment, nor did an attorney for Geromini. The former executive will stand for a sentencing hearing on April 24. (left to right) Dylan Jackson, Rebecca Crosby, Gayle Burstein, Jordan Teitelbaum and Sharone Bilenkin toast during Spaghetti Western night at Couch Cafe at Liz Grothes apartment in Philadelphia, Pa. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Couch Cafe is a supper club that Grothe, a sous-chef at Fiorella, hosts at her apartment. Read more As we near the end of 2023, one things pretty clear: Resilient service workers, innovative chefs, invested diners, and award-winning restaurateurs are at the heart of Phillys food scene. This year, we witnessed unions fight for fair contracts, a love for buttercream-decorated cakes and halal hot chicken, and our favorite restaurateurs receive national recognition. Chefs brought us fun dining experiences for a single night, while others hosted exciting monthly food pop-ups throughout the city. Food fads come and go, but they reveal the best of our local food scene and the people shaping it. So, were taking a look back at the year, rounding up the moments that defined Phillys culinary community in 2023. The year of labor rights Unions, long a force in Philadelphia, showed up in the restaurant community this year. Service workers at coffee giants like Starbucks and food establishments from Kensington to Center City took things into their own hands, calling for strikes, walking out, and advocating for fair contracts. Now-closed Eeva in Kensington was Phillys first independent restaurant with dinner service to unionize in January, and food service workers at two restaurants in the Philadelphia International Airport voted to authorize a strike in September, after five years without an active union contract. Over at Vibrant Coffee Roasters in Rittenhouse Square, employees took steps to unionize in October, filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election to join the Philadelphia Joint Board, Workers United, also known as Local 80. Advertisement Elixr Coffees union settled on a tentative first contract with the shops owner in December, hours after the union announced a plan to strike after over a year of negotiating. And ReAnimator avoided a strike this month, settling on a tentative contract with a $3 across-the-board increase to minimum hourly rates, an expanded health-care stipend for full-timers, 4% yearly pay increases, increased paid time off, and a payout policy for unused paid time off, The Inquirer reported. Halal hot chicken The Nashville style of fiery, crispy chicken is a cultural touchstone for Muslims in the U.S., with many establishments now offering halal options, including in Philly, which is seeing its number of halal restaurants grow. Folks will wait in long lines for a this hot fried chicken packed onto a bun with slaw and tangy sauce. The buttercream revival In Philly, fondant is out theres a buttercream revival with local bakers keeping cakes, just cake. Inquirer reporter Zoe Greenberg chatted with some of Phillys most creative bakers decorating old-fashioned layer cakes with elaborate buttercream piping, for customers who want a cake to taste like a cake and things to just look the way that they actually look, as Noelle Wheatley Blizzard of New June Bakery put it. Forget hyperrealistic fondant creations frilly, floral, and lacy buttercream cakes are what Philadelphians really want now. Underground supper clubs Imagine enjoying pasta from scratch and lemon souffles as the chef whips around an apartment to dish out an imaginative menu. Enter the world of underground supper clubs, where Phillys rising chefs design and cook informal meals in the comfort of their homes. Liz Grothe, former sous chef at Fiorella in the Italian Market, transforms her living room into the Couch Cafe several times a month; Daniel Solway is a sommelier who runs the supper club Sante out of his Italian Market apartment; and data analyst Aaron Davis hosts Boy Supper Club, 12-person event featuring food from the northern coast of Peru roughly every other month at his apartment. They all advertise on social media so youll want to know the players to get a seat at the table. Pop-ups galore Philly had an exciting year of food pop-ups. From Pan Asian-Mexican fusion dishes to Filipino classics, cafes, breweries, and other venues offered spaces for chefs, whove dealt with pandemic shifts in the restaurant industry, to share their concepts even leading some to open brick-and-mortars.Partnering with other local businesses and generating online buzz have been a way forward for Philly chefs taking a nontraditional restaurant route. National recognition of the restaurant scene Philadelphia, along with South Jersey, netted 18 James Beard semifinal nominations with three major wins: Friday Saturday Sunday for Outstanding Restaurant, Ellen Yin (High Street Hospitality, Fork) for Outstanding Restaurateur, and Chutatip Nok Suntaranon of Kalaya for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. But praise for Phillys dining scene didnt stop there national food and travel publications weighed in, too. The New York Times noted Ambra in Queen Village, Illata in Grays Ferry, and Fiorella in the Italian Market, among others in its list of favorite Philadelphia restaurants, plus El Chingon, Kalaya, and My Loup in the publications Best Restaurants 2023 list. Food & Wine magazine named Amanda Shulman (Her Place Supper Club) as best new chef, and Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park one of the best food markets in the nation. And four Phillies players shared what they love to eat in Philly. Nurses at Lower Bucks Hospital and Suburban Community Hospital protest on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, during a strike rally outside the Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, Pa. Read more Nurses at Lower Bucks Hospital and Suburban Community Hospital returned to work Wednesday after a five-day strike, and without a new contract. Nearly 240 nurses at the two Prime Healthcare-owned hospitals went on strike Friday after contract negotiations with their employer reached an impasse. They are asking for higher staffing levels, higher wages, and better health-care benefits. The strike showed management that the nurses are unified in their demands, even though it did not lead to a breakthrough in negotiations, said Shannan Giambrone, an ICU nurse who has worked at Suburban Community for 23 years. We are a strong union, Giambrone said. We are together. Advertisement Michelle Aliprantis, a spokesperson for Prime, said that the hospitals are continuing to bargain in good faith. We look forward to reaching an agreement that rewards our staff while also promoting the delivery of safe, high-quality care to our patients, Aliprantis wrote in an email. READ MORE: Prime Healthcare nurses begin five-day strike with Christmas-themed picket There are no scheduled bargaining sessions between Prime and the nurses, who are represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals. Based in Southern California, Prime Healthcare is one of the largest for-profit hospital systems in the United States, with more than 40 hospitals in 16 states. In addition to Lower Bucks, in Bristol, and Suburban Community, in East Norriton, Prime also owns Philadelphias Roxborough Memorial Hospital. Prime appears to have put the three area hospitals up for sale, according to an email notice from a Los Angeles investment bank just days before the strike. The notice did not identify the owner, but the description of the three hospitals fits the local Prime locations. On the picket line Nurses said they planned a five-day strike because they wanted to make a statement and inflict financial pain on their employer, but did not want to abandon their patients. This is not where we want to be, Terena Stinson, an ER nurse who has worked at Suburban Community for 32 years, said during a picket in Bristol on Friday. All hospital services remained open during the strike, Prime said. READ MORE: Pennsylvania House approves bill to require nurse staffing minimums in hospitals Elected officials from both parties joined the picketing nurses to express their support. Im proud to stand with you here today! state Rep. Kathleen Tomlinson, a Republican from Bucks County, told the nurses during a Christmas-themed picket on Friday. Tomlinson is among the primary sponsors of the Patient Safety Act, a bill that would mandate nurse staffing minimums in hospitals. The legislation passed the state House over the summer and has since been stalled in the Senate. A line of Spirit Airlines jets sit on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport in May 2020. Read more Its a Christmas nightmare, or at least a scene straight out of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Spirit Airlines placed Casper, an unaccompanied 6-year-old, on the wrong flight last week when he was supposed to fly out of Philadelphia International Airport to visit his grandmother in Fort Myers, Fla. He instead landed more than 160 miles away, in Orlando. It was Caspers first flight, his grandmother Maria Ramos told local news station WINK TV. Ramos said she ran inside the plane to confront the flight attendants when Casper didnt land at the Southwest Florida International Airport. Advertisement Ramos said one of the flight attendants told her Casper missed his flight. I asked her, Wheres my grandson? He was handed over to you at Philadelphia? She said, No, I had no kids with me, Ramos said to WINK TV. Ramos drove four hours to pick up Casper in Orlando after he called her and told her where he was. Spirit has offered to reimburse Ramos for the trip, as well as cover Caspers flight back to Orlando alongside round-trip airfare for Ramos so she could accompany him. Ramos has been dissatisfied with the response from the budget airline, which allows children ages 5 to 14 to travel as unaccompanied minors on direct domestic flights. Under the policy, children flying solo are supposed to be taken on board and given a snack and a drink. I want them to call me. Let me know how my grandson ended up in Orlando, Ramos said. Did they get him off the plane? Did [the flight attendant] let him go by himself? Casper was incorrectly boarded on the flight to Orlando, but was always under the care and supervision of a Spirit Team Member, the airline said in a statement. We take the safety and responsibility of transporting all of our Guests seriously and are conducting an internal investigation, Spirit Airlines said. We apologize to the family for this experience. Ramos is now considering legal action against Spirit after she claims the airline failed to properly contact her or provide meaningful answers. Ramos told WINK-TV the first time she heard directly from Spirit was Wednesday, five days after the incident. You have cameras in your plane. You have cameras all over. Youre telling me you dont know what happened to Casper? she said. Spirit Airlines disputes this. As soon as we discovered the error, we took immediate steps to communicate with the family and reconnect them, they said. A spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration told the Washington Post that the agency wouldnt get involved in the incident. Its uncommon for unaccompanied minors to be lost or placed on the wrong flight, but these mishaps have happened in the past. In 2016, JetBlue Airways settled a lawsuit with Maribel Martinez, who claimed the airline mixed up her then 5-year-old son with another boy traveling solo. When Martinez went to pick up her son at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the suit said, she found a random boy. Her child, meanwhile, was given to a stranger at Boston Logan International Airport. And in 2019, United Airlines placed a 14-year-old boy traveling alone from North Carolina to Sweden on a flight to Germany during his layover in Newark International Airport. That time, the plane returned to the gate before takeoff so the child could leave. The Pomroy home in Fishtown is the target of a conservatorship petition by the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District. Read more The Pomroys never had a lot of money and their rowhouse, on Frankford Avenue, was never anywhere near pristine condition. But for their granddaughter, Linsey Franklin, it was a safe place during Fishtowns rough years, even if the wooden siding on a rear addition was rotting and a tree was growing through a rusted car in the yard. The house stayed that way as the neighborhood around it underwent dramatic gentrification, bringing luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, cocktail bars, boutiques, and, in 2019, a new Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District (BID). Now, the Fishtown BID, a community development nonprofit, has lost patience with what it deems an eyesore. It is seeking to use a state law, known as Act 135, that enables nonprofits to take control of abandoned, blighted properties and sell them off. In a June court filing, set for a hearing in January, it said the action was necessary to remove a significant blighting influence on the neighborhood and an attractive nuisance to children. To Franklin, it feels more like class warfare and a misapplication of the law. Advertisement Weve never abandoned this property, she said. Im 40, almost, and the house looks exactly like it did when I was younger. Franklins grandparents died years ago. But her aunt, Denise Pomroy, was still living in their home up until December 2019, when she collapsed on the front steps and had to be rushed to the hospital. Pomroy had diabetes and had lost the use of her legs, according to her family. She remained in a skilled nursing facility for the next four years. How do you put a time limit on your family trying to get better? Franklin asked. Franklin said her aunt seemed resigned in their last conversation, telling her she no longer believed shed get to come home. Pomroy never got the opportunity. She died on Saturday, at age 65. Marc Collazzo, the president of the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, described Franklins account as disinformation. He referred questions to his lawyer, Michael McIlhinney, who did not respond to requests for comment. READ MORE: A law meant to bust blight puts Black and Asian American property owners at risk, report warns A recent report from the University of Pennsylvanias law school warned that Act 135 was being disproportionately used in areas that were already at high risk of displacement due to rising real estate prices. Though only nonprofits and nearby neighbors may seek conservatorship, the report from Penns Advocacy for Racial and Civil Justice Clinic warned that the laws fee structure creates a huge financial incentives in high-value markets. Conservators are entitled to recoup their rehab costs and legal fees, and take a 20% cut of any sale. Collazzo was a longtime staffer for retired State Rep. John Taylor, a Northeast Philadelphia Republican who championed efforts to expand the use of Act 135. Under Collazzos leadership, the Fishtown BID has filed at least three conservatorship actions. It took control of the Brotherhood Rescue Mission, a former soup kitchen on Girard Avenue, and sold it to a buyer who is converting it into a mixed-use development. According to minutes from its November meeting, the BIDs leaders hoped to use $90,000 from that sale to pay for street-cleaning contracts. In September, it began proceedings against another Girard Avenue property owner. When Franklin posted her story to a Fishtown Facebook group with more than 27,000 members, the response was widespread outrage. Some participants vowed to begin circulating petitions to disband the BID entirely. Its very upsetting, said Jack McMaster, a neighborhood resident who said that, after he spoke out on Facebook, more than a dozen businesses contacted him saying they supported dissolving the BID. He sees the lawsuit as a money grab rather than a civic good. Franklin said her family members paid the taxes and did their best to tend to the house in her aunts absence cutting the grass, paying the taxes, and trying to comply with violation notices from the city Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I). Contrary to the court filing, she noted, recent visits to the house showed no sign that children, or anyone else, had gained access. But some of the violation notices are not resolved, including one from L&I labeling the building as unsafe. Franklin said the family hired a contractor to make repairs. But when he advised that the rotten siding L&I had flagged was a cosmetic issue and not structural, she said, We thought that we had time. Because we dont have a lot of money, weve been doing a little at a time. The make-safe permit for the property has since expired, an indication the city considers the work abandoned prior to completion. Complicating the situation, earlier this year, Denise Pomroys son Chris began talking with a developer, JSC Real Estate, about selling the property for $825,000. But that deal fell apart because he didnt have clear title to the property, which is still in Franklins grandparents names. The conservatorship petition was filed shortly afterward. JSC then filed its own action against the estate. JSCs Jordan Claffey did not return phone calls. Franklin said her family wants to sell the home. But they wanted to put it on the market themselves. Until Pomroys death, they had hoped to use the money to buy a wheelchair accessible trailer for her to live in. If its sold through conservatorship, she fears there will be nothing left. Theyre taking the only asset we have, she said. Police sketches and mugshots of Elias Diaz, the man who police have said is the so-called Fairmount Park rapist. Read more Philadelphia police say the man they believe is the so-called Fairmount Park rapist is expected to be charged Wednesday with the three other previously unsolved attacks that had long been attributed to him the latest development in the notorious crime spree that police had been working to solve for two decades. Last week, Elias Diaz, 46, was charged with the rape and murder of Rebecca Park, a 30-year-old medical student who was assaulted and strangled while on a jog in Fairmount Park in 2003. Police have long said that forensic evidence showed that whoever killed Park also attacked three other women around Fairmount and Pennypack Parks between 2003 and 2007. Police said Wednesday that Diaz would face new charges for those remaining crimes, including two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and related offenses. Police had been looking for Diaz for months before his arrest earlier in December. Using the DNA found on the victims two decades ago, investigators had recently started using forensics analyses and genealogy experts to narrow down a family tree from which the assailant likely hailed. In April, police said, they identified Diaz as a key person of interest, but they couldnt find him. His family in the mainland U.S. and Puerto Rico said they had no idea where he was. They had long been estranged, and some thought he was dead. Advertisement READ MORE: How DNA technology helped police identify the alleged Fairmount Park rapist Then, in a sudden twist of fate, Diaz was arrested earlier this month in connection with a separate, unrelated spate of crimes. Police said that, on three separate occasions in late November, hed been riding through Pennypack Park on a bike when he slashed people with a machete. Diaz had apparently been living in the park in a makeshift homestead for an unknown length of time. After officials took Diaz into custody, detectives realized he was the man theyd been looking for all along in connection with the older sexual assaults. Police had long said that assailant had committed four crimes, including three within six months of each other in 2003. In the first attack, in April of that year, police said, he raped a 21-year-old woman at knifepoint while she was on a run near Kelly Drive and Fountain Green Road. Three months later, police said, he raped and strangled Park, who was also out on a jog on a wooded trail near her home. Then, in October 2003, he tried to sexually assault a third woman at knifepoint on Martin Luther King Drive near Falls Bridge. But the 37-year-old woman fought him off. Four years later, police said, Diaz grabbed a 29-year-old woman who was walking in Pennypack Park, dragged her into the bushes, then raped and robbed her. The crimes remained unsolved for years, even though investigators said DNA from the victims showed the assaults were committed by the same man. After his arrest for the Pennypack slashings earlier this month, police said, a forensics test confirmed that Diazs DNA matched the DNA recovered from one of the 2003 rape victims. Police have said that they are reevaluating other unsolved cases for potential links to Diaz, but that they are not aware of any other crimes with a DNA link to him since his last alleged rape in 2007. Diaz was already being held without bail on the pending murder charge. As of Wednesday evening, he had not been arraigned, but prosecutors said they would ask a judge to deny him bail on his new charges, as well. File photo of a plane at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on Aug. 4, 2022. Read more A plane carrying migrants from Texas heading to New York City was diverted Tuesday night because of weather to Philadelphia International Airport, officials said. At this time, we can confirm that an Eastern Airlines flight headed to JFK from Texas was diverted to Philadelphia due to weather, Laila Sadat, a spokesperson for Mayor Jim Kenney, said in an email. We believe that some or all passengers are migrants and are working to assist them in reaching their final destination. More information will be released as it becomes available. We are unable to answer additional questions at this time, Sadat said. Heather Redfern, spokesperson for Philadelphia International Airport, also confirmed that an Eastern Airlines flight from Texas heading to New York instead landed in Philadelphia because of weather. Advertisement No further information was immediately available about the flight or the people on board. Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has sent more than 80,000 migrants on buses to Democratic-led cities across the country since last year. Starting in November 2022, around 1,000 migrants have been shipped from Texas to Philadelphia. Texas sent a plane with more than 120 migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to Chicago last week, the Associated Press reported. The flight to Chicago took off a day after Abbott signed a new law allowing police in Texas to arrest migrants who illegally cross the southern U.S. border. Remo Saraceni (left) created the Big Piano in 1982. He claims FAO Schwarz's owners are selling a "confusingly similar imitation" of his toy. He is shown on Dec. 7, 2023 with his assistant Benjamin Medaugh. Read more The FAO Schwarz flagship store in Manhattan brought longtime Philly-based artist and inventor Remo Saraceni one of his biggest breaks. The store sold several of Saracenis toys in the 1980s, including a musical daisy cushion that played different notes depending on where someone sat and a giant piano several feet in length that responded to pressure. News dispatches of the time said Anne Spielberg, screenwriter for the movie Big, saw the giant piano in the FAO Schwarz showroom and it inspired the iconic sequence of Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia toe-tapping Heart and Soul and Chopsticks on the piano for the big screen. The piano was instant success immediately, all over, said Saraceni. The piano became like an icon all over the world. It is some sort of peoples energy gathering to celebrate life and love through music and light. The relationship between the Saraceni and FAO Schwarz would go on amicably for decades, but that partnership soured after the brand was acquired by equity-backed ThreeSixty Group in 2016. The toy inventor and the brands new owners, MerchSource LLC, and affiliates, have been locked in a yearslong trademark infringement battle. Saraceni has accused the company of selling a version of the piano without his buy-in. Advertisement Saraceni asked people to boycott the iconic store this holiday season, accusing FAOs parent company of leaving him destitute. He is living in his assistants home at age 88 with tens of thousands in legal fees and credit card debt. Right now the FAO in FAO Schwarz stands for fraud, abuse, obscene, said the inventor in his boycott plea made as part of a GoFundMe campaign. Attorneys representing the FAO Schwarz owners declined to comment. Saraceni said his relationship with the toy company existed long before the Tom Hanks film hit the big screen. FAO Schwarz displayed a model of the Big Piano between 1982 and 2015, which Saraceni maintained. After Bigs release in 1988, media outlets reported an explosion in demand for the toy. In a 2021 filing against FAO Schwarz in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Saraceni claimed the piano was similarly a boon for the toy store, becoming a major draw for its customers over the years, resulting in millions in revenue. But FAO Schwarz would crumble under rising rents and competition from discount retailers, closing its Fifth Avenue toy store in 2015 its last in the country. ThreeSixty Group purchased the brand in late 2016, with a grand return of the iconic store planned for Rockefeller Center two years later. According to court filings, Saraceni was in negotiations with FAOs new owners about the use of the Big Piano brand before the reopening. Saraceni alleges he provided the business a Big Piano for their temporary retail and trade shows with the understanding FAO Schwarz would not use the trademark in connection with pianos, toy pianos, piano playmats, electronic keyboards, or any other item that would infringe Remo Saracenis trademark rights without a prior written agreement. By the November 2018 grand reopening of the Rockefeller Center FAO Schwarz store, negotiations had come to an end, said Saraceni. His 2021 suit alleges the flagship store had a confusingly similar imitation of the Big Piano prominently displayed in the store and selling knock-off version piano mats, benefiting FAO Schwarz at Saracenis expense. The suit accuses FAO Schwarz and its owners of referring to the replicas as Big Pianos, creating a false association with Saracenis creation without his permission. In court filings, attorneys representing FAO Schwarz countered that Saraceni only started using the Big Piano in branding around 2008. They said the invention was called the Walking Piano before that and argued the switch was an effort to leverage the goodwill and notoriety generated by FAO Schwarz and the movie Big. And because the piano was displayed in the FAO Schwarz showroom for so long, the brand developed some rights as well, according to attorneys. Benjamin Medaugh, Saracenis assistant, right-hand man, and caretaker, said Saraceni has been living with him in Swarthmore since 2021 but hes on a limited income, and the legal fight with FAO Schwarz has left him $26,000 in debt for legal fees alone. Saraceni, who was born in the coastal city of Fossacesia, Italy, in 1935, had a humble upbringing. He made all his toys and thinks he became inventive out of necessity. He made it to the United States by the mid-1960s, seeing it as a promised land after growing up under Benito Mussolinis fascist rule. He applied for a visa as an industrialist because he could manufacture radios. In Philly, Saraceni said he worked the night shift helping the U.S. Navy advance its space efforts. During the day, hed work on his art inventions, focusing on how the mind and body reacted to music and light. Its innate in us to harmonize with the environment, especially for love and peace, said Saraceni. Saraceni wants to retire in Italy, where his two sons live. He sees the outcome of the FAO Schwarz battle as his last hope to return home, as well as determining his legacy. Medaugh said Saraceni and the toy brands owners had been in settlement talks but no reasonable offers had been made. He wants to go finish out his days on the coast in Italy where he was born but that requires more than the $800, $900 a month he gets from Social Security, said Medaugh. 1500 Frankford Ave, the home of Linsey Franklins Aunt, the house is facing conservatorship, in Philadelphia, Monday, November 27, 2023. Read more Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Happy Wednesday. Expect patchy fog to start your morning and then rain throughout the day. Temperatures should reach a high of 53 degrees. Our lead story explores why a Fishtown community development nonprofit is trying to seize a family home. Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) Advertisement If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. The Pomroys never had a lot of money and their rowhouse on Frankford Avenue was never in pristine condition. But for granddaughter, Linsey Franklin, it was a safe place during Fishtowns rough years, even if the wooden siding on a rear addition was rotting and there was a tree growing through a rusted car in the yard. As Fishtown underwent dramatic gentrification over the years, the house stayed the same. Now, the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, a community development nonprofit, has deemed it an eyesore and is trying to use a state law that enables nonprofits to take control of abandoned, blighted properties and sell them off. To Franklin, this feels more like class warfare. In her own words: Weve never abandoned this property, Franklin said. Im 40, almost, and the house looks exactly like it did when I was younger. Read on to learn more about the ongoing fight and other times the nonprofit has filed conservatorships in the neighborhood. When Cherelle Parker, now Philadelphias mayor-elect, stood outside her Mount Airy polling place on Election Day, she emotionally spoke about the village that got her there. She mentioned her mother, her political godmothers, and her high school English teacher, Jeanette Jimenez. Notable quote: She was the one who told me that my life was a real live textbook case study on how you turn pain into power, and she told me to write about it, Parker said. That encouragement from her teacher helped Parker who endured poverty and trauma during her childhood in West Oak Lane win a citywide oratorical competition and start down a path that would culminate in her being elected the citys first female mayor. Continue reading to meet the high school English teacher who made a difference in Parkers life. What you should know today Trivia time Which television show did Philly residents Google search the most in 2023? A) The Last Of Us B) Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia C) Abbott Elementary D) None of the above Think you know? Check your answer. What were... Anticipating: More than 75 new restaurants are looking to open in the Philly region in 2024. Watching: Philadelphia lit its first official Kwanzaa kinara at City Hall. Unscramble the anagram Hint: Notable Germantown Academy alum BROODY REPLACE Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Rich Camuso, who correctly guessed Sundays answer: Frosty the Snowman. Photo of the day And thats all I have for you today. Thanks for starting your morning with The Inquirer. James Bennet was forced out as opinion editor of the New York Times in 2020 after publishing an op-ed calling for the use of the military against violent protesters. Read more Earlier this month, I read the single sharpest criticism of the American university Ive encountered in many years. And it wasnt even about the American university. Its an essay that appeared in the Economist by former New York Times opinion editor James Bennet, who was forced out in 2020 after he published an op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) calling for the use of the military against violent protesters. Bennet ran the op-ed not because he agreed with it (he didnt) but because he believed the newspaper had a duty to provoke debate, and most of all because he thought his readers could come to reasoned conclusions about it. Thats the foundation of the small-l liberal creed: Since none of us has a monopoly on truth, we need to let everyone determine it on their own. But in the era of Donald Trump, who thinks hes right about everything, journalists started to imitate him. They knew the truth, especially about Trump, and their job was to make sure other people knew it, as well. Ive seen the same trend play out in higher education, ever since Trumps surprise presidential victory in 2016. Faced with an existential threat to our democracy, we can no longer indulge the liberal ideal of debate across our differences. Whats to debate, really? Trump is wrong ... and we are right. Get with the program. Full disclosure: I detest Donald Trump. Like the vast majority of college professors, Im a Democrat. I disagree with Trump about immigration, abortion, and almost every other major political issue. And I remain outraged by his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. But I dont try to impose my views of Trump or of anything else upon my students. My job is to help them arrive at their own reasoned view of the world, which might not accord with mine. And like Bennet, I thought my institution had the same goal. Advertisement We were wrong. The small-l liberal principle is no longer dominant at our universities, any more than it is at our newspapers. I realized that something important had changed a few years ago, during a chat with a fellow education professor about the term Latinx. He argued that schools should teach students to use that word instead of Latino or Latina which are gendered or Hispanic, which connotes Spanish colonization. I told him that I understood why he favored the new term, as do many other academics. And surely, I added, everyone should have the right to describe their backgrounds with whatever words they choose. But most Americans who descend from Latin America dont endorse or even recognize the term Latinx, as a 2020 Pew survey confirmed. I asked my colleague if that made him doubt whether we should tell students to use it. In the era of Donald Trump, who thinks hes right about everything, journalists started to imitate him. Not at all, he replied. It just shows how much work we have to do. That might seem like a small matter, but it speaks volumes about our moment. If we know whats good and bad why pretend otherwise? We should tell it like it is, so our students get on board. We have so much work to do. Affirmative action? Good. Gender-affirming medical care? Also good. The border wall is bad. And so is anything else associated with You Know Who. And if you demur, you are a bigot. Ditto for anyone who provides a platform that is, airtime to the haters, which places their targets in danger. Thats what Bennet was told when he ran the op-ed by Cotton. The next day, the Times writers union declared that Cottons op-ed was a clear threat to the health and safety of the journalists we represent. In the heat of the moment, Bennet apologized for the pain he had caused them. But now he regrets that statement, as he wrote in the Economist. Opinion journalism that never causes pain is not journalism, Bennet explained. It cant hope to move society forward. His comment reflects another founding premise of small-l liberalism: The best route to progress is a full and free dialogue even when it hurts. In a democracy, we cant make anything better unless we can talk to each other. We need to trust that messy and difficult discussions will yield a more just, fair, and informed outcome than anything that you or I can imagine on our own. And when journalists stop trusting the public, the public stops trusting them. The same goes for our universities, which have lost much of the popular admiration they used to enjoy. Thats not because we harbor legions of hateful antisemites, as Republican lawmakers told three university presidents at a congressional hearing earlier this month. Its because we have framed the world as a contest between love and hate, with good people on one side and bad on the other. The essential purpose of universities and of newspapers is to question everything. We cant do that well if were also giving the answers. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill greet the crowd gathered at Franklin Field for University of Pennsylvania graduation in May. The couple will return to the Philly area on Jan. 6. Read more The Bidens are bringing their obsession with Philadelphia into the new year. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden plan to return to the Philly area on Jan. 6, a White House spokesperson said Wednesday. The visit is scheduled for the anniversary of the 2021 insurrection that sought to overturn Bidens defeat of Donald Trump in the 2020 election, but the White House was mum on what the couple will do while in the region. The couples frequent visits to the area are hard to miss. The president visited Philadelphia nine times in 2023, and at least 16 times since taking office in 2021. Advertisement The couple have personal ties to the region. Jill Biden grew up in Montgomery County and their grandkids attended the University of Pennsylvania. The president spent his early years north of Philly in Scranton. It doesnt hurt that it just happens to be located in a key swing state for the 2024 election. In June, the president held his first big reelection rally in Philly, and at a December fundraiser, he called Philadelphian donors the backbone of his campaign. READ MORE: President Bidens latest trip to Philly illustrates his 2024 campaign strategy and challenges The presidents first visit of 2023 was with Vice President Kamala Harris and saw them unveil $500 million in funding for lead pipe replacement in Philadelphia, and the president and first lady returned throughout the year for a variety of reasons, including a plug for Bidenomics, an announcement of funding for hydrogen energy projects, and an appearance with Nickelodeon this time without actress and singer Miranda Cosgrove. President Biden even chose to unveil his federal budget proposal in Philadelphia. They have also visited for personal matters, drawing attention at their granddaughter Maisys graduation the month after seeing her art show, which was followed by an eventful pancake stop at brunch spot Parc. Students rushed to the scene like paparazzi chasing Taylor Swift, and the president even gave an executive order to an excited fan: Dont jump! Only time will tell what brings the couple to the region on the anniversary of the riot that sought to delay Bidens presidency as he gears up for another potential battle against Trump. In 1991, Philadelphia had been losing residents for decades. Few new homes were being built in the city and Center Citys streets were largely vacant after 5 p.m. That year, Paul Levy, an enthusiast for the kind of walkable dense urban areas rarely found in the United States, became the head of a newly founded business improvement district known as Center City District. Since then, CCD has grown to be one of Americas most influential business improvement districts. But while Levy has sway with many influential people, including Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker, earlier this year he announced he would step down as president of the organization at the end of 2023. Prema Katari Gupta, who has worked at the organization since 2020, and previously worked at the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp.s Navy Yard operation and for the University City District, will take over as president and CEO. Gupta takes over at a pivotal time in Philadelphia, with a new mayor and a young City Council taking control of a city that in some ways is in a very different place than it was in 2019. Although Center City itself has seen substantial improvements, CCDs latest study shows only 83% of pedestrian volume has returned when comparing November 2019 and November 2023. Advertisement Gupta sat down with The Inquirer just before Christmas for an interview about how she sees the state of downtown, how remote work has challenged CCD, and why she wants to emphasize Center Citys role in fighting climate change. How do you feel about the state of Center City? Were doing better than most U.S. downtowns, but if youd told me four years ago wed have 17% fewer people walking around I would have been very concerned! I wonder if its time to stop talking about recovery [from the pandemic]. We may have a differently formulated ecosystem now. We havent seen any evidence that the return to office has plateaued, but its clearly lagging. Its not where we thought it might be. But at the same time, we have more people living downtown. One of the things thats kept our downtown really strong is that over the various disruptions of the last four years, we have had a strong and growing residential population. We had 2,800 new units built in 2022 in greater Center City. People want to live here. We are the envy of a lot of other downtowns, because we do have that walkable, granular mixed-use downtown, with a lot of different populations using it at different times. That isnt to say we dont have a lot of challenges. But I think our downtown is very strong. What do you hope to prioritize as you take over the organization? Ill be focusing on continuity, and [keeping Center City] clean and safe, because that is what were hearing from folks. Downtown needs to be clean and safe and comfortable and inviting to a really broad range of users. Theres no doubt we have some quality-of-life challenges, but I do think a lot about actual safety, and serious crimes are down in Center City. We dont talk enough about that. And I think that there continues to be a gulf between perception and reality. I think this organization is in charge of telling the story of the great stuff thats happening too. Ive heard some Navy Yard developers pitch their sites as safer, cleaner, more controlled alternatives to Center City. Do you see the Navy Yard as competition in relation to attracting tenants to offices? One of our greatest attributes in Center City is this walkable grid we have. Not every land use fits in a walkable grid. What the Navy Yard does really well is create a home for production facilities that dont fit in a grid. A lot of the development that I worked on when I was at the Navy Yard was really big buildings that wouldnt fit here. So its not competition. I dont see it that way at all. Theres a case to be made that theres almost a life cycle of companies. They start researching at a university in the city, get incubated in University City, and when they get their larger rounds of funding, traditionally, theyd go out in the suburbs somewhere. Now theres a place [the Navy Yard] to keep the talent, the employment, the taxes, the vitality within the city. And I think its really exciting that residential is coming to the Navy Yard. Could remote work have an effect on the finances of BIDs like CCD, which rely on fees paid by property owners for funding? Many commercial office owners may challenge their assessments. Its definitely something weve thought about. The situation were in, that we werent in in the 90s, is that our assessments come from more diversified sources. So it comes from the rental apartment buildings, too. I think were still waiting and seeing. We havent seen any evidence that the return to work has plateaued. And we do know that the Class A product [the highest-end office buildings] in downtown is performing well. We are seeing more and more companies continue to come back to work. Where it hasnt happened, whether its on the company level or the individual level, I think we need to interrogate that a bit. Is it because of some logistical inefficiency, like a commute? Is it because of caregiving responsibilities? Is it about perceptions of safety? We can deal with that. We can manage that. We can support companies with information and information fairs, which weve done a good amount of and will continue to do. I do think that theres systemic things, like around caregiving, that the last couple of years has daylighted in a really obvious way. So I think that its something to continue to look at, but I dont think theres a looming crisis. I dont think that its resolved yet. Paul Levy lobbied to replace city wage tax with increased taxes on commercial properties to attract more high-end jobs. Given the current realities of hybrid work, that doesnt seem as palatable today as it sounded pre-pandemic. That is something that we need to explore further. But Ive always felt that the value proposition of both living and working downtown is quality of life. Where we can very immediately put our thumb on the scale is improving quality of life in Center City. Theres also an undeveloped equity argument for downtown. We talk a lot about how two-thirds of jobs downtown dont require a college degree. I think people have the perception that its a white-collar attorney working downtown. Its not. So Im thinking a lot about framing downtown as the best place, the most convenient place, for opportunity. Im also really interested in framing downtown in terms of climate change. We need to double down on dense land uses and public transportation. Theres no other place in the region, and Im including University City in this, too, where you dont need a car. We are accessible to most of the region without a car, and thats a very strong both equity and climate consideration. A tractor-trailer loaded with what authorities believe were gas containers slammed into the bottom of an overhead railroad bridge in upstate New York and exploded last Thursday night as a freight train was traveling on the tracks above. The crash seriously injured the truck driver and briefly knocked out power to local homes and businesses. At about 6:30 p.m, the truck hit the bridge in Glenville, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Albany. Police said the driver apparently failed to heed signs warning that the height clearance was 10 feet (3 meters). Video and news photos from the scene showed flames shooting into the sky as the wrecked truck was stuck under the bridge and nearly tipped over. Officials believe it was carrying containers of compressed natural gas. Authorities said there was no major damage reported to the train, which did not stop. The first thought was god forbid if there is a fatality here,' Christopher Koetzle, the Glenville town supervisor, told reporters at the scene. This is something we feared for years. This is obviously the most significant hit weve had to our bridges. It should invoke more discussion on this absolutely, he continued. The same bridge was struck by vehicles five times earlier this year, The Daily Gazette reported. Police said multiple homes near the crash site were evacuated as a precaution, and most homes and businesses on the east side of town lost power for about two hours. Crews were still trying to remove the truck from under the bridge Friday. After that, engineers were expected to inspect it to determine the damage, officials said. The driver was identified as a 60-year-old man from Texas. Authorities said he was flown to Westchester Medical Center to be treated for third-degree burns. Police also said a local fire chief who was responding to the truck crash got into an accident on the way there. Thomas Corners Chief Dan Vlainich had his lights and siren on when a vehicle he was trying to pass made a left turn. Three people were brought to a hospital with unknown injuries, police said. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto New York`s 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. Business Groups 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 John`s 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 state`s longtime ban on noncompete agreements. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York ELKHART, Ind. (AP) A mentally disabled man who was wrongfully convicted in the slaying of a 94-year-old woman has reached an $11.7 million settlement with a northern Indiana city and former police officers, his attorneys said Friday. The settlement for Andrew Royer, who spent 16 years in prison after confessing to Helen Sailor`s killing, is the largest known Indiana settlement reached in a wrongful conviction case, said Elliot Slosar, one of Royer`s attorneys. It is no coincidence that Andy received the largest wrongful conviction settlement in Indiana history, Slosar said in a statement. Andy was among the most vulnerable in our society when he was coerced into a false confession and framed for a crime he did not commit. A jury convicted Royer of murder in 2005 and he was sentenced to 55 years in prison for the November 2002 slaying of Sailor, who was found strangled in her Elkhart apartment. Royer`s attorneys argued on appeal that his confession to Sailor`s killing was coerced during an interrogation that stretched over two days and that an Elkhart police detective exploited their client`s mental disability. Royer was released from prison in 2020 after a special judge granted his request for a new trial. The judge found that Royer`s confession was unreliable and involuntary and said investigators fabricated evidence, forced a witness to give false testimony and withheld exculpatory evidence from his attorneys. After prosecutors sought to reverse the judges decision, the Indiana Court of Appeals found that Royers rights were violated and that the detective committed perjury when he testified during the trial that Royer knew details that only the killer would have known. In 2021, prosecutors decided not to try Royer again, and the case against him was dismissed. Royer`s attorneys sued the city of Elkhart, its police department and others in 2022. The settlement announced Friday resolves allegations against the city and the police department. Royers claims against Elkhart County officials, including the county prosecutor, are still pending. Messages seeking comment on the settlement were left Friday with the Elkhart mayor`s office and the city`s legal department by The Associated Press. Royer, who lives in Goshen, told The Indianapolis Star that the settlement money will change my life. I am now financially set for the rest of my life. I hope to help my family as much as I can, he said. The settlement with Royer is the latest instance in which the city of Elkhart has agreed to pay a large sum to settle allegations of troubling police misconduct. Last year, the city agreed to pay a Chicago man $7.5 million to settle his wrongful conviction lawsuit. Keith Cooper was pardoned after he spent more than seven years in prison for an armed robbery he did not commit. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Indiana ST. LOUIS (AP) One of the largest urgent care chains in Missouri will pay $9.1 million to settle allegations that the company submitted false claims for medical services, including COVID-19 testing. The U.S. Attorney`s office in St. Louis on Thursday announced the settlement with Total Access Urgent Care, which operates more than two dozen clinics in the St. Louis area. This settlement will fully repay three federal health care programs for TAUC`s overbilling for COVID tests and office visits, U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming said in a news release. Federal prosecutors said Total Access Urgent Care submitted false insurance claims for COVID-19 testing between April 2021 and December 2021, using improper billing codes that resulted in the company getting reimbursements at a rate that was too high. From 2017 to 2021, TAUC was accused of falsely claiming that doctors participated in some office visits that were actually overseen by non-physician practitioners. The reimbursement rate is higher for visits involving physicians. Total Access Urgent Care said in a statement that it cooperated fully with the investigation, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The company said it has improved a compliance program. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Claims COVID-19 Missouri In late November, an Iranian-backed hacking group attacked Israeli-made digital controls commonly used in the water and wastewater industries in the US, affecting multiple organizations across several states. That same month, the North Texas Municipal Water District, which supplies water to more than 2 million customers, was the victim of a ransomware attack. And earlier this year, hackers linked to Chinas Peoples Liberation Army attacked a water utility in Hawaii, according to the Washington Post. While none of the intrusions affected water quality or supply or disabled any critical function, theyve all taken place while the US government has been haggling with municipal water associations and policymakers over how best to protect one of the nations most critical resources from cyberattacks. Breaches by Iran-Affiliated Hackers Spanned Multiple States The Iranian-linked hacks were a wake-up call that has jolted officials to redouble efforts to agree on at least minimum standards of security. But little actual progress has been made so far. The recent events highlight that our national cybersecurity isnt where it needs to be, said Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser, speaking to reporters earlier this month. The White House is now working closely with Congress to beef up the EPAs authority to ensure minimum cybersecurity practices across the water sector, she said. The next time could be much worse. The water system is an especially vulnerable part of US infrastructure, fraught with weak controls, insufficient funding, staffing shortages and a lack of trust between the industry and government agencies. In October, the Environmental Protection Agency was forced to rescind plans introduced earlier this year that required states to evaluate the adequacy of cybersecurity protections at water facilities in order to help bolster defenses and mitigate exposure. Republican lawmakers in three states called the oversight illegal, accusing the EPA of overreach. Less than two months later, a group that goes by the name CyberAv3ngers, and that the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency said is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, targeted digital control devices used in the water and wastewater industries made by Israeli company Unitronics. The hackers, who sought out devices connected to the internet with default passwords, disabled the digital display screens used to adjust water pressure and left a message: You have been hacked, down with Israel. The US government has pushed to help secure all public utility infrastructure from the rising threat of digital incursions, and earlier this year rolled out a cybersecurity plan to bolster protections on critical sectors and make software companies legally liable when their products dont meet basic standards. But the water sector has been more problematic than others because it comprises about 150,000 active public water systems across the country. Of those, 97% serve communities of 10,000 people or fewer and have minimal staffing. Many of them depend on tiny snippets of state or local government funding, leaving little to invest in technical expertise. The Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, which serves about 15,000 people around Pittsburgh, was at the center of the Iranian-linked group hack. Cybersecurity experts had expected an uptick in activity by state-backed Iranian and pro-Palestinian hackers since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. The cyberattacks extended beyond the small Western Pennsylvanian water authority and left vulnerable other industries that use the same equipment, which can be found in energy, food and beverage manufacturing, and healthcare, according to CISA.At least 10 water-related operations were affected by the CyberAv3ngers attack, a person familiar with the matter said. Thats how a small craft brewery in New Jersey found itself an unlikely victim of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps global hacking operations. The family-run Frye Brewing Company said it was forced to stop brewing ales and lagers for a few days as a result of the CyberAv3ngers hack, highlighting the broader risks facing the fragmented US water system. We are a small mom-and-pop operation (literally) that was inconvenienced by a war being fought a world away, Mike Frye, who runs the brewery with his wife Colleen, said in an email. We were lax in our security and it cost us a few days of headache, Frye said. White House officials, led by Neuberger, and EPA staffers met earlier this month with water association representatives to discuss how best to shore up defenses for the future, according to two people familiar with the meeting who asked not to be identified discussing private conversations. The water associations agreed to spread the message to the utility operators on how to meet basic cybersecurity standards, the people said. But conversations about requiring mandatory cybersecurity checks in routine inspections or other technical details, including potentially any federal or state aid, were more cursory and didnt result in any action, according to one of the people. The thing weve worried about the most since 9/11 was someone putting a pathogen or some kind of chemical biological agent in a water supply, said Mark Montgomery, a retired Rear Admiral and senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Montgomery and others have written recommendations for legislation that would include providing technical assistance to rural water operators and a risk-and-resilience program for larger systems. But those measures, set to be included in a Department of Agriculture bill, have idled as lawmakers spar over other issues.Meanwhile,the Biden administration hopes states can use existing resources to improve the cybersecurity of vulnerable water systems by tapping funds in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to a National Security Council spokesperson. The discussions between the EPA and the water associations have been steeped in acrimony for years, with the agency pushing forward a proposal in March that the water industry repeatedly said was unworkable and had no legal basis, according to people familiar with the discussions. Meetings were described by people familiar with the discussions as tense, and association members said they felt talked at rather than heard in some sessions. The EPA said it had engaged extensively with stakeholders to build a shared awareness, understand the issues, and address concerns. Since the EPA pulled its proposed plan in October, there had been little communication between the water associations and the federal agency, said Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. The EPA said in a statement that it meets monthly with relevant members of the water sector which regularly includes representatives from various national water associations. Its most recent call was in early November. Weve got to make more progress, Neuberger said last week on the sidelines of a security conference in Washington. I think all avenues are on the table. Photograph: A water tower stands over homes along the banks of the Mississippi River on Oct. 12, 2023 in Port Sulphur, La. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Related: Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics USA Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) Chief of Staff Denise Gardner was recently presented with the Robert Dineen Award for her outstanding service and contributions to the state system of insurance regulation at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Fall Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Gardner has held numerous leadership roles during her 32-year career and helped guide the LDI during many of Louisianas biggest challenges. She also served as chairwoman of the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the states insurer of last resort. Denise has been an incredible asset to the LDI over the past 30 years and is certainly one of the most consequential leaders to have ever been involved in the regulation of Louisianas insurance industry, Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said. She demonstrated strong leadership in the most trying times, in particular during the recovery of the property market following hurricanes Katrina and Rita and again following the devastation of hurricanes Laura and Ida. The Robert Dineen Award was established in 1989 is the highest honor for a staff member of an insurance department. Source: LDI Topics Louisiana (Bloomberg) The state of Tennessee sued BlackRock Inc. for allegedly breaching consumer protection laws by making misleading statements about its ESG investment strategy. State Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said BlackRock funds that dont take into account ESG factors are being unfairly impacted by the asset managers membership in climate groups, its shareholder-voting record and the pressure it puts on companies to meet environmental goals, according to a complaint filed Monday in state court. This shows a pattern of deception that has hurt investors, the complaint says. BlackRock holds ownership stakes in a number of U.S. property/casualty insurance companies and manages assets for more than two dozen insurers, according to S&P Global. BlackRock has engaged in a series of unlawful ESG-related misrepresentations and omissions in connection with the marketing or sale of its investment products and services to Tennessee consumers, Skrmetti said in the complaint. The lawsuit is the first by a GOP official against an investment firm for its ESG strategy. Republican politicians have criticized BlackRock and its chief executive officer, Larry Fink, for championing environmental, social and governance principles, an approach that takes into account topics like global warming. Florida and other GOP-led states have collectively pulled billions of dollars from the worlds biggest money manager. In response, Fink has said he no longer uses the ESG label because its become too politicized. BlackRock said in a statement that it rejects Tennessees claims and plans to contest the accusations. BlackRock has invested about $40 billion in the state, and we are proud of our contribution and committed to the future in Tennessee. The New York-based firm managed $9.1 trillion in total at the end of September. In the lawsuit, Skrmetti cited instances between 2021 and 2022 where BlackRock changed its statements about the financial impact of ESG. He pointed to examples of how the firm voted against corporate boards such Exxon Mobil Corp. because they failed to set targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Skrmetti also cited BlackRocks membership in the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative and Climate Action 100+, industry groups that aim to use their financial muscle to help lower corporate greenhouse gas gases. The suit calls NZAM and CA100+ activist organizations focused on achieving a political and environmental goal. Examples like these show how BlackRock has downplayed the extent to which ESG considerations drive its investment strategies across all holdings, even in non-ESG funds, according to the complaint. Tennessee said its seeking injunctive relief, civil penalties, disgorgement, restitution for consumers and recoupment of the states costs. BlackRock said in a letter to Climate Action 100+ in 2020 that it would make investment and shareholder-voting decisions independent of the views of the organization. Skrmetti is part of a group of attorneys general who sent letters earlier this year to money managers questioning their ESG-related efforts. AGs in Kentucky, Montana and Indiana have sent subpoenas and civil investigative demands to investment firms asking them about their climate work. The Tennessee complaint covers the waterfront of the anti-ESG movement, said Lance Dial, a Boston-based partner at law firm K&L Gates LLP. Its a full synthesis of whats being argued by those against ESG. Separately, BlackRock, State Street Corp. and other firms have been subpoenaed by House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan for documents regarding whether their efforts to address global warming violate US antitrust law, a person familiar with the matter said last week. The backlash against ESG includes a case against New York Citys pension funds for allegedly breaching their fiduciary duties by selling billions of dollars of fossil-fuel investments in a misguided and ineffectual gesture to address climate change. The New York funds have filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The case is Tennessee v. BlackRock Inc., Circuit Court of Williamson County, Tennessee, 21st Judicial District. (NZAM is part of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, whichis co-chaired by Mark Carney, who is chair of Bloomberg Inc. and a former Bank of England governor, and Michael R. Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP.) Photo: BlackRock headquarters in New York. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg) Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits New York Tennessee There are 173,000 family businesses in Ireland, employing nearly a million people more than the State and foreign businesses combined. Approximately seven out of ten Irish Businesses are family-owned, and contribute almost 19bn to the Exchequer. Irish family businesses report higher levels of sales growth compared to their global peers, and have greater growth ambitions for 2024 and beyond, according to PwCs 2023 Family Business survey. PwCs Transform to Build Trust report, which polled over 2,000 Irish and global family businesses across 82 countries, revealed double-digit sales growth of 55% for Irish family businesses in the last financial year, up from 22% in 2021. Irish family businesses also report higher levels of sales growth in the last financial year compared to global peers Ireland 84% v Global 71%. However, like their global counterparts, the survey does point to Irish family businesses needing to be more proactive in building trust with certain stakeholder groups they need to mind the trust gap. For example, 89% of Irish family businesses believe that it is essential to be trusted by customers, but only 68% report to be fully trusted by this stakeholder group. Some 76% believe that it is essential to be trusted by their employees, but only 57% report to be fully trusted by them. And while trust levels between family members is quite high, still around a fifth of Irish respondents admit that trust is low between certain types of family members; i.e. between Next Gen family members and the current generation, between family owners and non-family management. John Dillon, leader, PwC Private, said: "Irish family businesses are confident about the future and have proven that they are resilient, having the ability to deal with change in a challenging landscape." To continue this trajectory, firms will need to focus on continuing to build trust across all levels and amongst all stakeholders in the business. "There is also clear evidence from the survey that being advanced in having an agreed and well-communicated ESG strategy correlates strongly with success and other positive attributes such as improved financial performance. Irish family businesses have a great opportunity in this area. Businesses that are advanced in ESG strategies have an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage in the face of continued disruption." Read More Soaring global demand for project managers, engineers Digital capabilities are critical to supporting governance structures and managing real-time information that feeds into decision-making processes. However, only four out of ten Irish respondents stated that they have strong digital capabilities. Irish family firms likely to have more women on their Boards than global peers, with the research highlighting that having a more diverse Board is strongly associated with stronger financial performance. Mairead Harbron, partner, PwC Private, concluded: "While market pressures and rising costs mean survival is a key priority for Irish family businesses, our latest data shows that those family businesses which are focused on digital transformation and diversity are reaping the rewards. Irish family businesses have more to do on digital transformation and diversity. "Now more than ever, building competence and achieving strong financial performance are linked to corporate responsibility. The message is clear, for family businesses to survive, they must transform. And that transformation needs to be now." Now that Santy has been and gone for another year, I can now reveal some of the list I had for him this year. 2023 was a tough year for agriculture in Ireland, and we are all hoping that 2024 can be a lot easier on us. Our farmgate prices struggled all year while inputs started off at a very high level and were much slower to drop meaning margins were eroded for all sectors. When you add in the weather woes, making planting, grazing, silage production and crop harvesting very challenging, resulting in a stress filled year. Further to this we have had the Nitrates regulations beginning to kick in along with all the other outside influences kicking farmers at every opportunity. My wishes for 2024: Better silage Silage production really needs to be reassessed in Ireland and everybody needs to have a good look at how we achieve this. We are currently cutting too late and not often enough. Applying too much N and not enough K. Rakes and mowers are too tight to the ground and this is bringing in clay and causing Mycotoxin issues. Pits, in many cases, are not being filled and consolidated to an acceptable standard. And too many old swards are being ensiled. Let's get together Cooperation between tillage and livestock producers must be developed more around the country. The livestock producer needs maps and an outlet for their slurry, while the tillage producer could produce winter forage and feed for the cows and cattle. In particular, the production of maize silage needs to be looked at through this model. Producing twice the UFL per unit of Nitrogen in maize vs. two cuts of grass silage. Those growing more maize will need significantly less Nitrogen to grow their winter forage, meaning more Nitrogen is available for the grazing platform. And we all know the new fertiliser register isnt there to encourage us to up our Nitrogen use. Better contract-rearing Contract heifer rearing standards are far below acceptable standards in many cases. It's a controversial statement, I know, but I have seen some very poor heifers being returned to their owners. Who is responsible for the purchase of the extra meal if poor quality silage is made and fed to these heifers? From what I have seen, the owner gets caught for this, and there is no penalty for the rearers when they make bad-quality silage. Is there an agreed parasite control protocol? Is there an agreement regarding grazing rotation and the quality of grass required? Who is responsible for any losses? Answers in the stars My next wish is for an explanation as to how the average Dexter bull used on a suckler herd will result in progeny that leave a significantly higher margin than the average Charolais or Limousin bull. The cynic in me would almost think that the suckler cow is being driven out of Ireland and soon she will only be viewed in the zoo. Part of this wish is to see farm organisations actually ask the serious questions. These people are on the board of ICBF but obviously left the new indices run with no regard for the consequences for the country's suckler producers. If these indices remain in place and the top-quality continentals are public enemy number one, then thats just another nail in the coffin for rural Ireland. Nitrates The last item on my list has been a cause for great confusion in 2023. Driven around the 'band' The nitrates banding in dairy herds has brought about many a discussion and loads of strategies to navigate these new rules. One such strategy is to underfeed a herd so that they end up dropping back to a lower band. This is a strange and crazy strategy, which will not end well in most herds. If you dont supply sufficient nutrients to a herd to help it fulfil its genetic potential for production, then you will certainly compromise that herd's yield, milk quality, fertility, health and longevity. What happens if, in 2024 or beyond, we get a fantastic growing season and cows consume significantly higher volumes of grass dry matter, resulting in milk yields holding far better than in 2023? Will these herds have to dry everything off in September or October to stay in a lower band? Utter madness, in my view! Furthermore, if as is possible, 220 becomes 200, or 190 or 170, will the advice be that in order to maintain numbers, you must significantly reduce feeding to curtail performance? Think before you make these decisions! Producing your milk with fewer cows fed well will be better for man/woman and beast. Oh, Tipp for Liam was also on my list!! Can't forget that one! As this is my last article of 2023, I would like to wish all of the readers a very happy and prosperous 2024. It has been great to read the email and WhatsApp correspondence regarding some of my articles during the year and the banter regarding them was great fun at meetings and shows throughout the year. Looking forward to doing all again in 2024. The next wave of AI models, Apples move into the augmented reality space, and online security are expected to be among the biggest talking points of 2024 in the tech sector. With elections expected in a number of countries, the focus is also expected to be on cybersecurity and the ability of social media platforms to combat misinformation. Here is a closer look at what are likely to be the key tech issues of 2024. The next wave of generative AI models While 2023 saw generative AI models behind apps such as ChatGPT and Google Bard become ever-increasing parts of daily life, next year is likely to see further expansion of their use as the next generation of models begin to appear. Many experts are already predicting that these will be substantially more powerful than those currently in use, meaning AI apps will be able to take on even more complex tasks. This will likely mean an increase in usefulness in assisting in tasks, but concerns around the impact of such models on education and the job market will also likely increase as a result. In response, greater scrutiny of how and where AI is used in professionals settings is likely around the world, with many governments already debating how to begin regulating the rapidly expanding and evolving sector. Apples Vision Pro and mixed reality going mainstream Virtual and mixed reality technology have been around for some time, with varying degrees of success from the PlayStation VR to Metas Quest headsets. But in 2024, the technology will arguably enter the mainstream for the first time when Apple is expected to begin rolling out the first of its Vision Pro headsets. With the device on, users are able to see applications floating in front of them, overlaid on the real world, and interact with them using hand gestures. While some aspects of this approach are not new, many experts predict that the familiarity of Apples tech and its habit of grabbing the publics attention on a technology even if it is not the first one into that space, could be a key moment for virtual and mixed reality. The rollout of Vision Pro is expected to be slow and steady, with only a launch in the US confirmed so far, but that could ramp up should the Vision Pro be an early hit with consumers. Ongoing cybersecurity concerns We face an ongoing and ever-evolving threat from state-backed bad actors in cyberspace, particularly with continued global instability because of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned of the rising threat of ransomware in its annual review of 2023, while it also raised concerns about the impact AI could have on cybersecurity in particular its potential to help criminals create more convincing scams or social engineering techniques. A joint committee of Parliament claimed Britain is unprepared for a large-scale ransomware attack and warned the country could be brought to a standstill if major changes to planning are not made. And with major elections taking place in a number of countries in 2024, including the US and likely Britain, robust cybersecurity will be a key focus for many. Elections and misinformation The large number of elections in 2024 are likely to be a key topic for the tech sector beyond cybersecurity issues. The previously noted impact of social media platforms to influence voters will be in sharp focus again, particularly given Elon Musks ownership of X, formerly Twitter, and his push towards allowing more unfiltered free speech on the platform. The rise of AI will play a part in this area too, with deepfakes of a number of prominent politicians having already circulated online, the need to combat the spread of AI-generated misinformation is already being discussed in the UK. Earlier this month, Britain's Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan told MPs there would be robust mechanisms in place by the time of the general election, expected during 2024, to fight deepfakes appearing and spreading on social media. Fact-checking charity Full Fact has warned that AI-generated content is reducing the publics trust in everything they see online, and has called on the Government to put more funding into media literacy to help people better spot fake content. Academics at Trinity College Dublin were furious at the perceived insult from the Charles Haughey-led government over its failure to invite the head of the university to the inauguration of Mary Robinson as President of Ireland in 1990. The provost of Trinity, Willam A Watts, wrote to the chief of protocol in the Department of Foreign Affairs four days after the historic ceremony marking the election of Irelands first female president to complain that the colleges chancellor, Frank OReilly, had not been invited to the event. Professor Watts expressed his disappointment at the perceived snub and demanded an apology in the letter sent on December 7, 1990. Prof Watts said his secretary had spoken to a number of officials in both the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of the Taoiseach about the matter. He said Trinity had been reassured that chancellors of universities were not being invited to the ceremony in Dublin Castle as a result of a decision that had been taken at the highest level in the Department of the Taoiseach. HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading Prof Watts said he had attended the ceremony along with the heads of other universities but noted that it was also attended by the chancellor of the National University of Ireland, T K Whitaker. 'Very strange' While Prof Watts said he had no objection to Dr Whitakers presence at the inauguration, he said it was very strange that he should be there when Dr OReilly, who was chancellor of the university where Ms Robinson studied and which she had also represented in the Seanad for many years, was not invited. Prof William A Watts said Dr Frank OReilly, above left, had written to him privately to express his distress at not being invited to the ceremony and claimed he was 'greatly insulted'. She had also become Irelands youngest professor of law on her appointment to Trinity in 1969 at the age of 25 where she worked on a part-time basis until just before contesting the presidential election. I believe that a rather serious error of protocol occurred and one which is particularly undeserved by this university, said Prof Watts. He added: I dont think anything short of an apology from a high level will be sufficient. Prof Watts said Dr OReilly had written to him privately to express his distress at not being invited to the ceremony and claimed he was greatly insulted". I believe that a prompt apology is now required to repair the situation, he concluded. State papers reveal that a reply was issued to the provost of Trinity five days later by the chief of protocol, Thelma Doran, although its content is unknown. In a reply on December 14, 1990, Prof Watts said he looked forward to hearing from the then assistant secretary general at the Department of the Taoiseach, Frank Murray, about the issue. However, Prof Watts added: I must insist that something has gone wrong that cannot be brushed aside. He expressed hope that on reflection the Government would realise that a serious hurt was caused to our chancellor. Files reveal that Prof Watts did not appear to have had any contact from the Department of the Taoiseach which led him to write to Mr Murray on January 29, 1991, when he asked the senior civil servant for a response to his original complaint. However, Mr Murray wrote a terse reply in which he stated that he had nothing further to add to Ms Dorans letter to the Trinity provost back in December 1990. It prompted another letter from Prof Watts on February 7, 1991, in which he said that he would simply repeat the facts and outlined how the chancellor of the university was not invited to the inauguration of President Robinson despite her being a graduate of Trinity and maintaining a very active interest in it. Prof Watts said Dr OReilly was greatly offended by the lack of an invitation as his absence from the ceremony had been noted and commented on by many of his friends who had questioned if he had been ill. It would have been generous to recognise that error with the briefest of apologies, especially as this university has for a long period of time paid a great deal of attention to visitors to the country brought to our attention by the Department of Foreign Affairs, he wrote. Prof Watts concluded: I find it very regrettable in the circumstances that you have found it so impossible to show a very modest degree of courtesy as the situation required. Mr Murray replied the following day and remarked that he was fully aware of the facts but merely restated what he had said in his previous response. He signed off by commenting that he did not propose to enter into any further correspondence in the matter. The then taoiseach, Charles Haughey, who was a graduate of University College Dublin, was known to have a chequered history with its rival university in Dublin. Haughey was widely linked with stories of a group of students from UCD who staged a counter demonstration after students from Trinity celebrated V-E Day in May 1945 by hanging Union Jacks from buildings in the college. It has been alleged that the future Fianna Fail leader at the time set a Union Jack flag alight after a Trinity student had set fire to an Irish tricolour. Ms Robinson had also defeated Mr Haughey's party colleague and the candidate who was the original favourite to win the presidential election, Brian Lenihan. Confusion abounds in the disability community about when new specialist nurses for neurological conditions can start work amid the ongoing HSE recruitment freeze. More than 20 new roles were announced by Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte in October last year. These were welcomed by advocates particularly the news of the first ever nurses for some rare conditions. It had been expected recruitment would take time but there is uncertainty now as to when they can start work. The HSE said: Recruitment is at various stages. A number of posts have been appointed, some are at interview stage and some are being re-advertised. The funding covers 21 neurology nursing posts at Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advanced Nurse Practitioner grades, a spokesman said. Another 13 dedicated nursing roles are also being recruited through different funding streams, he said. These will work on multidisciplinary teams for conditions such as epilepsy, rare progressive diseases and headache. A spokeswoman for Anne Rabbitte said she was keen to see the posts filled as quickly as possible. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/ RollingNews.ie However while some jobs in the disability sector are exempt from the freeze, there is concern these hospital-based roles may face delays. A spokeswoman for Ms Rabbitte said she was keen to see the posts filled as quickly as possible. The minister has engaged with the HSE regarding the recruitment of these nurses on a number of occasions, she said. Following the introduction of the recruitment pause, the minister has been awaiting an update from the HSE regarding the number of posts in situ. The Neurological Alliance of Ireland led a countrywide campaign on the need for these nurses, and celebrated the announcement with great relief. Executive director Magdalen Rogers said: We look forward to these posts being filled in 2024. We assume they will be filled when the recruitment freeze lifts. She stressed the enormous benefits for patients, saying they are aware of recruitment for multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease, spinal and neuromuscular conditions. In some cases like Huntingtons, this will be the first specialist post that has been put in place, she said. And for the other conditions, it will tackle really serious shortages in the number of nurse specialists, shortages compared to what is available in other countries. She is hopeful the new year will bring clarity. This was a huge investment and commitment from Government and Minister Anne Rabbitte, she said. It was a personal commitment from the minister recognising the need, and putting the funding towards the posts. Huntingtons Disease Association of Ireland spokeswoman Patricia Towey said these nurses were vital. [We] welcome the news that a Huntingtons disease specialist nurse has been recruited for Beaumont Hospital and eagerly await the commencement of this role, she said. The nurses provide quality care and access to appropriate multi-disciplinary services, she said. However, she said: Families in the West of Ireland are extremely frustrated that the funded Huntingtons disease nurse specialist post in University Hospital Galway faces further delay due to the HSE embargo. A British government official tried to stop President Mary McAleese attending a memorial service for the victims of the Omagh bombing in 1998 as Queen Elizabeth II was not attending. Twenty-nine people, including a woman pregnant with twins, were killed when a car bomb exploded in the Co Tyrone town in 1998. It was the worst loss of life in a single incident in Northern Irelands troubled past, and came just months after the historic Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. A memorial service in honour of the victims was planned a week after the bombing. On August 21 1998, the day before the event, Irish Embassy official Philip McDonagh was called to the British foreign office to discuss the attendance of then taoiseach Bertie Ahern and then president Mary McAleese. A note sent from the London embassy to the Department of Foreign Affairs suggested that George Fergusson, the head of the Ireland department within the UKs foreign office, had gently encouraged the country not to send such senior representatives to the ceremony. He suggested that a formal memorial service would be announced within less than 24 hours that would be attended by the British monarch and then-UK prime minister Tony Blair, which would allow the taoiseach and president to withdraw from the first event despite having confirmed their attendance. Mr Fergusson appeared to suggest that locals were against high level attendance at the memorial. Mr McDonagh replied that based on soundings they had taken, the contrary was the case, and said that Mr Aherns and Mrs McAleeses plans had already been announced, and substantive meetings were likely to take place around the visit. Mr Fergusson then said that Mr Blair and Queen Elizabeth could face embarrassment by not attending, to which Mr McDonagh replied they had received nothing but praise for their gestures of sympathy. He added that he could not see British figures attracting criticism on grounds of protocol. Mr Fergusson then admitted he was more concerned about Queen Elizabeth's absence rather than Mr Blair's. He said it was not practical to send a senior royal to Omagh as it could detract from the ceremony itself, and said if a less prominent member were sent it could appear inadequate if President McAleese is present. He suggested a compromise, where Mr Ahern would attend but Mrs McAleese would not, to which Mr McDonagh said he was uncomfortable with the use of the word compromise in a matter of this kind, which Mr Fergusson accepted. In a comment on the correspondence sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr McDonagh added that he felt Mr Fergusson implied that the taoiseachs attendance was in some sense in the gift of the British government. Mr McDonagh said that he was deliberately not taking this point. Mrs McAleese and Mr Ahern attended the memorial service the following day. Revenue has seized more than three tonnes of cocaine and heroin in 2023 a record amount. The tally was dominated by the colossal haul of 2.23 tonnes of cocaine off the Cork coast in September. That seizure was followed by two particularly large hauls this month: 60kgs of heroin at a private airport in Dublin and 300kgs of cocaine in a Limerick port. Separate figures supplied to the Irish Examiner show that almost 40,000 weapons were seized at ports, airports, and postal centres. These include knives, swords, and firearms ammunition. Revenue figures for seizures of illegal drugs, up to the end of November, show: Cannabis herb and resin 2.921tonnes, with an estimated street value of 55.96m; Cocaine and heroin 2.788tonnes (195.18m); Amphetamines, ecstasy and other 2.242tonnes (8.12m); In addition, this month, 60kgs of heroin was seized at Dublin's Weston Airport on December 1 and 300kgs of cocaine was seized in Foynes port, Co Limerick. This brings the total cocaine and heroin tally to 3.15tonnes for 2023, the highest on record by some distance and with an estimated street value of around 280m. Apart from the 2.23tonne haul on board the MV Matthew in Cork in September, the 300kg seizure on board the MV Verila in Foynes port is the largest cocaine seizure since August 2021, when 500kgs were seized in Dublin Port. The 60kg heroin seizure is also the largest since August 2021, when 88kgs were seized in Rosslare Port. Security sources have told the Irish Examiner that Europe is being bombarded with cocaine, an assault that they say shows no signs of letting up. Gardai and deck hands on the MV Matthew berthed at Marino Point, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan While the 60kg heroin seizure shows the drug is still available, security experts predict a dramatic shift in the market if the Taliban continue with their opium eradication campaign in Afghanistan. Sources have said that the stocks of heroin are being rapidly used up and fear a potential large-scale shift to the production of synthetic opiates, which are far more powerful than heroin. Irish authorities have been preparing for the arrival of synthetic opiates for a while now and warnings were issued this month about overdoses in Dublin and Cork associated with nitazine, one such synthetic opiate. As the Irish Examiner revealed last July, major Irish heroin traffickers have travelled to South America, along with other European importers, to hold discussions with Mexican cartels about the logistics of shipping huge quantities of fentanyl, another synthetic opiate, which has played a major role in the opiate epidemic in the US. Revenues seizure of cannabis herb and resin also increased this year, with over 2.9tonnes confiscated. This compares to 1.68tonnes in 2022, 1.75tonnes in 2021, 1.4tonnes in 2020 and 515kg in 2019. Elsewhere, Revenue made 541 seizures involving weapons up to the end of November 2023, totaling 39,698 weapons. While there is no breakdown of the type of weapons, Revenue said they included firearms ammunition, swords, and knives". Transport Minister Eamon Ryan will be prioritising the Castlemartyr bypass ahead of the final phase of the Midleton northern bypass. Cork County Council recently asked for priority approval for funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to upgrade the Midleton to Carrigtwohill (N25) road. However, construction is still unlikely to get under way until at least 2027. Mr Ryan said there isn't "that much through traffic" in Midleton as the town has already been bypassed to the south. "Castlemartyr, its main street has all that that traffic coming from Waterford to Cork so I think that probably would come ahead of Midleton," the Green Party leader said. He added: "I think we've got loads of these incredible 19th-century market towns. Each of them would benefit from becoming this really attractive place to live and work and shop and so on and by taking the through traffic out you really enhance that, so yeah, I'm unashamedly saying we should really push." The Irish Examiner reported earlier this month that Cork County Council had sought priority funding to upgrade the N25 section between Midleton and Carrigtwohill, which TII has previously approved. However, it was later denied by Mr Ryan, much to the anger of councillors representing the East Cork region. Niall Healy, the councils director of roads, said it has again applied for funding for that upgrade, but that engineers are working on a plan for more minor safety works on it. Mr Healy admitted he had "no idea if the council would get funding for the major upgrade. As we try to figure out what the next year holds in store for the world, one milestone looms menacingly on the horizon for 2024: The US presidential election on November 5. The US president, Joe Biden, having restored respect for professional politicians through his experience and acumen, will seek a mandate to govern into his mid-80s. Some, even members of his own generation, wonder whether this is wise. Meanwhile, Bidens likely opponent, former president Donald Trump, is just three years younger. Despite his age, numerous criminal indictments, and refusal to accept the certified results of the 2020 election, Trumps grip on the Republican Partys base has enabled him to evade disqualification. No US presidential election in living memory has felt so consequential, and none has offered such uninspiring choices. In the run-up to the vote, politicians, pundits, and corporate leaders will have to hedge their bets, because the uncertainty extends beyond the result to the question of whether the loser will accept defeat. A constitutional crisis is possible. The fates of some world leaders hang in the balance: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, struggling to lead his country after nearly two years of war, will be praying for Bidens victory, while Russian president Vladimir Putin will be hoping just as fervently for Trump. Remarkably, Putins best hope for victory in his war on Ukraine might be a Republican US president. Whoever wins in 2024 will become the steward of a world in flames, from Gaza to Crimea. The global significance of this US election suggests that predictions of the United States decline might have been premature. It is still a colossus dominating the global stage, outspending rivals on defence and leading a vast system of alliances. As home to the worlds most advanced universities and research centers, the US holds an effective monopoly on many cutting-edge technologies, especially artificial intelligence. Its new industrial strategy, which adapts mercantilist economics to the twenty-first century, shows the lengths it will go to maintain its competitive edge. Confronted with the challenge of a rising China, America has shown it can foster alliances between erstwhile rivals like Japan and South Korea and implement a small yard, high fence policy to keep China from stealing key technologies and high-value knowledge. Lax Americana The USs allies have good reason to doubt its stability and staying power. As a hegemony, it tends to waver: A former president, Barack Obama, failed to stop the Syrian regime from gassing its own people, and Biden abruptly abandoned the Afghans to the Taliban early in his tenure. Even in regions where the US remains engaged, like the Middle East, its grand designs have been met with frustration. Just recently, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran demonstrated their disruptive capabilities when they sabotaged, or at least delayed, success for the USs effort to secure a historic rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The USs domestic politics have long perplexed its allies, but its polarised dysfunction can no longer be borne lightly, as partisan feuding hobbles its power overseas. The pathologies of the USs political system, frozen in time by an unamendable constitution and riven by regional, class, and racial cleavages, make it impossible for its allies to predict how these domestic political conflicts will affect US foreign policy. These internal divisions may even leave the US as fatally distracted as Israel was before the October 7 Hamas attack. When a handful of Republican hardliners in the House of Representatives can put military funding for Ukraine at risk, no ally can be sure of the USs long-term commitment to the war with Russia. As the Stanford University historian Stephen Kotkin has warned, all Russia needs to do to upend the 2024 US election is to launch a surprise attack, as the North Vietnamese did with the 1968 Tet Offensive. Amid the chaos of an election year, congressional support for Ukraine might increase, but, then again, it might crumble, much like US resolve in Vietnam did in 1968. This would jeopardize the more than $1bn (1.13bn) a month in financial and military aid that Ukraine needs to maintain its current position on the battlefield. If Congress buckles, US support dries up, and Ukraine is forced to seek peace, the next US president would face a Chinese-Russian alliance that has managed to redraw European land borders by force. Transatlantic tremors The Europeans, on their own, cannot step into the breach if the US fails them. They are nowhere close to achieving the strategic autonomy that French president Emmanuel Macron believes Europe needs to defend itself. Should US support for Ukraine falter, either because Biden fails to secure aid through Congress or because a re-elected Trump abandons Ukraine and forces Zelenskyy to accept defeat, Natos survival might be called into question. A Carthaginian peace that turns Ukraine into a rump state and leaves it at the perpetual mercy of renewed Russian aggression would represent more than just a defeat for Ukraine, America, and Nato. It would herald a grim future for the entire European continent, which for the first time might find itself subordinate to a triumphant Russo-Chinese sphere of influence in Eurasia. This would be the worst possible outcome of the 2024 election. But its a scenario that can still be averted if Americans on both sides of the political divide remember why European security remains a vital national interest. At the same time, Europeans must stop free-riding on American security guarantees and invest in building their own military capabilities. The fact that Ukraines fate could determine the future of Europe as a whole should keep allies on both sides of the Atlantic focused and united. But even if Ukraine survives and prevails, the next US president will inherit an international order in ruins. While the West views Russia as a rogue state, the fact that 35 countries abstained and five voted against the October 2022 United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning its invasion of Ukraine suggests that a cornerstone of the international order the UN Charters prohibition on using force to alter borders is giving way. No world order Historically, newly independent countries have been ardent champions of national sovereignty. But now, emerging powers like Brazil, South Africa, and India have maintained a self-interested and cynical neutrality as Russia, Europes last empire, tries to destroy a sovereign state. This shift represents something less hopeful than the mere maturation of the so-called Global South and its desire to break free of US hegemonic control. We are living through the unravelling of the international system that was created in the aftermath of the Second World War. In this emerging world, Anne Applebaum notes, There are no rules. The pillars of the post-Second World War international system the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Geneva Conventions have been ignored more than they have been upheld. Nonetheless, they established standards that acted as a brake on states conduct and they created norms that encouraged most countries to value their moral standing, because a decent reputation was understood to be a critical lever of soft power. The haunting sight of the bodies of dead civilians on the streets of Bucha after Russias withdrawal has underscored the wanton cruelty of a permanent member of the UN Security Council that no longer cares what the world thinks. Similarly, the harrowing images of Israelis massacred in kibbutzim and at a music festival near the Gaza border have given us a glimpse of a world where no rules restrain combatants, where state deterrence fails, where desperation fuels terror, and where countries like Iran and Qatar lack the ability or the will to restrain their proxies. The foundations of the international order cannot be rebuilt in a year or even a decade. The world may need to live through anarchy to rediscover the virtues of the order that has been abandoned. Positive change hinges on major powers realising that their interests lie in maintaining stability and not in undermining their adversaries. A shattered global system rewards bad behaviour. Without significant incentives to co-operate or curb their worst instincts, large and small countries alike jostle for leverage and influence. A generations last gasp The 2024 US election is shaping up to be a contest between a man who understands the value of the international order that was established in 1945 and who aims to rebuild it, and one who does not care whether or not it burns to the ground. While the US has long been torn between internationalism and non-interference, never before has US isolationism had such a dangerous tribune as Trump. This alone underscores the elections existential importance for the rest of the world. It will also likely be the last US presidential election to feature two candidates who came of age post-Second World War, a generation that prospered during the Cold War and which revelled in the post-1989 euphoria, only to be jolted by the 9/11 attacks and the 20 years of war, economic dislocation, and rising inequality that followed. Beyond the collapse of the international order, they leave the next generation with a mountain of problems: Climate change, unchecked AI, global pandemics, and deep democratic dysfunction. The geriatric options on the ballot in November are a crushing indictment of a generation that has clung to power for too long and which has failed the crucial leadership test of preparing for its successors. Any thoughtful person is bound to be worried. But worry need not lead to despair. Hope depends, as it always does, on human virtues like wisdom, restraint, humility, and patience. To restore optimism in the coming year, several conditions must be met: the US must stay the course in Ukraine, which must repel the Russian invaders; Israel must crush Hamas without falling into the trap of reoccupying Gaza; Europe must commit to self-defence; China must edge away from its flailing Russian client state; and rising powers like India, Brazil, and South Africa must abandon moral equivocation. The rest of us observant and engaged citizens must reaffirm our faith in human agency. Individuals do matter. We are not pawns in some great historical chess match. The leadership choices we make can shape the lives of millions for better or worse. As US citizens head to the polls next November, their votes could alter the course of history. We can only hope they choose wisely. Michael Ignatieff, Professor of History and Rector Emeritus of Central European University in Vienna, is a former Canadian politician and author of On Consolation: Finding Solace in Dark Times (Metropolitan Books, 2021) and Isaiah Berlin: A Life (Pushkin Press, 2023). Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2023. www.project-syndicate.org Israel launched heavy strikes across central and southern Gaza overnight and into Wednesday after broadening its offensive against Hamas to more areas where the military had told Palestinians to seek shelter earlier in the war. Residents reported heavy bombing in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, in the southern city of Khan Younis and in the southern town of Rafah, areas where tens of thousands have sought refuge as much of northern Gaza was pounded to rubble. It was a night of hell. We havent seen such bombing since the start of the war, said Rami Abu Mosab, speaking from the Bureij camp, where he has been sheltering since fleeing his home in northern Gaza. He said warplanes flew overhead and gunfire and explosions echoed from the eastern edge of the camp which, like others in Gaza, houses refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants and now resembles other densely populated neighbourhoods. A home near Mr Abu Mosabs shelter was hit, but no-one was able to reach the area, he said. Mobile phone and internet service was down for several hours before being gradually restored on Wednesday, the latest of several such outages that have complicated rescue efforts. With much of northern Gaza levelled, Palestinians fear a similar fate awaits other areas, including Khan Younis, where Israeli forces launched ground operations in early December, and a cluster of built-up refugee camps in central Gaza where the focus has shifted this week. The militarys latest evacuation orders cover an area of central Gaza that was home to nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north, according to the UN humanitarian office. Israel has said the bombing campaign and ground offensive are necessary to dismantle Hamas and prevent a repeat of its October 7 attack, in which militants broke through Israels formidable defences and killed some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducted around 240. An estimated 129 remain in captivity after dozens were freed. Achieving its goals, Israel has said, will take many months. Its offensive is already one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) More than 21,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed, including nearly 200 people in the last 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Some 85% of Gazas population of 2.3 million Palestinians have fled their homes, crowding into smaller and smaller areas in recent weeks as the ground offensive has expanded. For many Palestinians, the exodus has echoes of the mass displacement in 1948 that they refer to as the Nakba, or catastrophe. UN officials say a quarter of the territorys population is starving under Israels siege, which allows in a trickle of food, water, fuel, medicine and other supplies. Last week, the UN Security Council called for immediately speeding up aid deliveries, but there has been little sign of change. US calls for Israel to curb civilian casualties, and international pressure for a ceasefire, have also had little effect. A Palestinian boy walks through the aftermath of the Israeli military raid on Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank (Majdi Mohammed/AP) Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll in Gaza because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. The military says it has killed thousands of militants, without presenting evidence, and that 164 of its soldiers have been killed since the ground offensive began. The war has ignited other fronts across the Middle East. Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group have repeatedly traded fire along the border. An Israeli strike on a family home overnight killed a Hezbollah fighter, his brother and his sister-in-law, local officials and state media said on Wednesday. Another family member was wounded. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians during an overnight raid in the built-up refugee camp of Nur Shams, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Palestinians walk through the aftermath of the Israeli military raid on Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank (Majdi Mohammed/AP) More than 300 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the war, mostly in confrontations with Israeli forces during raids and protests. As fears of a wider conflict mount, the US, Qatar and Egypt have been working on a new agreement to release more hostages. US President Joe Biden spoke to the ruling emir of Qatar on Tuesday. Hamas says no more hostages will be released until Israel ends the war, and that it will trade the remaining captives for large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants. Smoke rises after an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Israel has rejected both demands. Egypt has floated a proposal to end the war that would include the release of all hostages held in Gaza and all Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, as well as the establishment of a government of Palestinian technocrats to administer Gaza and the occupied West Bank. It has received a cool reception from both sides, but neither rejected it outright. Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a railway station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said. The barrages killed at least five people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of Kherson. The aerial barrage came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea as both sides soldiers struggle to make much progress along the front line of the 22-month war. Overnight, the Kremlins forces launched an artillery and drone bombardment of the Kherson region just as some 140 civilians were waiting for a train at the regions capital city of the same name, according to Ukrainian interior minister Ihor Klymenko. In 2023 across the British countryside, Ukrainian recruits have been training hard. Over 30,000 have now been trained on Op Interflex. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/UJRaxMdMmB Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) December 27, 2023 The shelling killed a police officer and injured two others, as well as two civilians. More than 100 people who were waiting for the train at the time of the attack arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning, national rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said. The attack on the Kherson region and its capital hit residential areas and a shopping centre as well as striking the power grid, leaving around 70% of households in Kherson city without electricity during the winter cold, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. It was not immediately possible to estimate when power might be restored, he said. Targeting energy infrastructure was also a Russian tactic last winter, when it tried to break Ukrainians spirit by denying them heating and running water. In Odesa, another major city in southern Ukraine, the drone assault killed two people and wounded three, including a 17-year-old man, regional governor Oleh Kiper said. Hanna Boichuk cries during the funeral of her son Vasyl Boichuk, a Ukrainian serviceman killed in Mykolayiv in March 2022, in Verkhovyna, Ukraine, on Tuesday December 26 2023 (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Ukraines air force said it intercepted 32 out of the 46 drones that Russia fired overnight. A western military assessment, meanwhile, reckoned that Russias capture this week of a city in eastern Ukraine would not provide it with a springboard for major battlefield gains. Ukrainian commander-in-chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi said on Tuesday that his troops had retreated to the northern outskirts of the city of Marinka, which sits about 12 miles west of Donetsk, the largest city in Russian-held territory. General Zaluzhnyi said his troops had held Marinka for almost two years but Russians were destroying it street by street, house by house. The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank, said: Russian forces are highly unlikely to make rapid operational advances from Marinka. But it noted that localised Russian offensive operations are still placing pressure on Ukrainian forces in many places along the front in eastern Ukraine. A Ukrainian MSLR BM-21 Grad rocket launcher fires towards Russian positions at the frontline near Kreminna, Ukraine (File image/Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Amid concerns that weapons supplies from abroad could diminish as allies become fatigued with the war, Ukraines minister of strategic industries told a briefing on Wednesday that the defence sector aims to increase production significantly next year and that production was three times higher in 2023 than in the previous year. Oleksandr Kamyshin said Ukraine is now producing six Bohdana self-propelled artillery units per month. Bohdanas are a strategically important weapon for the Ukrainian defence industry as they are the only Ukrainian-produced self-propelled gun using Nato-standard 155mm rounds instead of the 152mm rounds used by artillery based on Soviet technology. Mr Kamyshin also said the country next year aims to produce up to 1,000 long-range strike drones which have a range of about 620 miles an increase from only a few dozen a month currently. It is also targeting production of 10,000 middle-range and 1,000 long-range strike drones. The Myanmar military regime has imposed a blockade on Kawlin Township in Sagaing Region, according to local residents and resistance forces in control of the township. All vehiclesincluding those driven by people whose citizenship IDs show they are residents of the townshipheading to Kawlin via Kachin State have been turned back at a junta checkpoint in neighboring Indaw town since Sunday. People trying to leave Kawlin are also being turned back at the Indaw checkpoint. A junta checkpoint in Koepin Village in Mandalay Region is also barring vehicles from heading to Kawlin, leaving the township completely cut off. A member of Indaw Township Peoples Defense Force (PDF) said: Kawlin has been seized [by resistance forces] and is now under the control of the National Unity Government. So, the regime [has imposed a blockade] to create trouble for the population in Kawlin. It is paddy harvest time now, when Kawlin usually buys rice from Indaw. My assessment is the regime is imposing the four cuts strategy on Kawlin. It is attempting to cut off the flow of food and commodities. The four cuts strategy was introduced under Myanmars first military dictator, Ne Win, and is designed to sever insurgents access to funding, food, intelligence and recruits. Kawlin last month became the first town to be occupied by resistance forces in Sagaing Region. The seat of district-level administration, it was seized by combined forces of the Kachin Independence Army, Arakan Army, All Burma Students Democratic Front, PDF and local resistance groups on Nov. 6. Civilian administration has been restored in Kawlin, run by the NUG. The NUGs digital bank, Spring Development Bank, is planning to open its first physical branch in Kawlin town. The checkpoint in Indaw town is manned by troops from the 77th Light Infantry Division. A Kawlin resident who is now in Mandalay town said: We have been in Mandalay for a long time. My parents and relatives are still in Kawlin. I can barely make phone calls to them. Recently, those attempting to return to Kawlin have been turned back at Indaw. I have concerns for my family and relatives in Kawlin, as I cant contact them. The Irrawaddy was also unable to make phone calls to residents and local resistance groups in Kawlin. Kawlin Township is made up of eight wards and 202 villages, while Indaw Township comprises 10 wards and 148 villages. Both townships are ordinarily accessible by road and rail. Four children were among five civilians killed by junta airstrikes as resistance forces seized Bago Regions Nat Than Kwin Town from regime troops on Tuesday, residents of the town said. The airstrikes followed early morning raids on junta bases in the town, which was seized later that day by resistance troops. Four children and one adult were killed when a junta aircraft bombed the town on Tuesday. U Tin Oo, deputy head of the National Unity Governments Second Military Regional Command, said civilians were killed by junta airstrikes and shelling. A village monk was killed by artillery shelling this morning, he told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. A combined force of Karen National Liberation Army, All Burma Students Democratic Front and Peoples Defense Forces troops began attacking the town at 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday. They also attacked Taungoo air base and military camps in Lae Pat Village simultaneously, according to the All Burma Students Democratic Front. The town was seized by resistance forces later that day, despite junta airstrikes, resistance forces said. We are currently conducting clearance operations to fully control [the town], U Tin Oo said. Nat Than Kwin Town is situated 12 kilometers from the Yangon-Mandalay Highway on the Sittaung River. It is strategically located between Pae Nwe Kone Town and Kyaukkyi Township in eastern Bago Region. The Karen National Union (KNU) said resistance forces continued their offensive to military camps in Nat Than Kwin after they seized three junta camps in the area its Brigade 3 is responsible for. The three camps Lae Pat, Ohn Nae Pin and Na Rwal Pin are in Mone Township. The Karen National Liberation Army is the armed wing of the KNU. The KNU said large caches of weapons and ammunition were seized from the three camps. It said that 20 regime soldiers in the camps were killed and that the resistance also suffered casualties. On June 6, the resistance groups seized two military outposts in Kyaukkyi Township and destroyed the Bon Tha Taw Bridge over the Sittaung River to prevent the junta from reinforcing its bases in the area. Myanmar regime air and artillery strikes have killed at least three civilians in Namtu town, northern Shan State, amid intensifying clashes with the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), according to residents. The battle for Namtu escalated on Friday (Dec. 22) as the TNLA seized the neighboring town of Mantong, completing its takeover of the Palaung Self-Administered Zone. Namtu Township, famed for its historic Bawdwin mine, is located just 59 kilometers southeast of Mantong town. The escalating clashes over Mantong have seen most of Namtus residents flee to Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Mansan, and Lashio. However, some have opted to stay behind, either to guard homes and property or because they are not able to flee. A nine-year-old boy was killed and five residents severely injured when junta artillery shelled two areas of the town on Saturday, locals said. Two men in their 30s and 40s were then killed by a junta bombardment on Monday at 5 pm while commuting on Bogoke Road in Namtus No. 3 Ward, residents reported. They [junta troops] are targeting civilians, so residents no longer dare stay. The town is now empty except for a few people. The military is not shooting at the TNLA but at us, the civilians, said Sai Khon, 64, who has opted to stay alone at home in Namtu. Escalating tensions between the TNLA and regime troops have prompted fears that close urban warfare could break out at any time. The TNLA said regime Y12 aircraft dropped 28 bombs on Namtu town and nearby Kho Hpeik village on Monday. Light Infantry Battalion 324 also fired 19 shells into civilian areas of the town and nearby villages on the same day, it added. Hundreds of civilians have fled the town each day since the clashes erupted. However, the road connecting Namtu with Kyaukme and Lashio was blocked by regime forces on Monday, leaving some 700 Namtu residents stranded in Mansan village and around 130 in Hsipaw Township, according to local rescue teams. The TNLA attacked the townships Light Infantry Battalion 324 base at 7 am on Tuesday. A regime fighter jet responded by dropping four bombs on Namtu in the afternoon while a helicopter gunship strafed the town and surrounding areas, said residents. The airstrikes continued on Tuesday evening, with the few remaining residents unable to gauge the bomb damage as they hunker down in homes and makeshift bunkers. The TNLA is a member of the ethnic armed Brotherhood Alliance, which has taken 10 towns and hundreds of junta outposts since launching its Operation 1027 offensive in northern Shan State on Oct. 27. The Myanmar junta continues to commit war crimes, escalating bombing and shelling of civilian targets amid ongoing fighting with an alliance of three ethnic armies across northern Shan and Rakhine states, the ethnic rebel groups said. The Brotherhood Alliance of the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Arakan Army (AA), which are conducting the large-scale coordinated offensive dubbed Operation 1027, said the junta is intentionally bombarding civilian areas in villages and towns, as well as the countrys historic sites, while struggling to defend its bases. The military government has committed a record number of war crimes in 2023, the ethnic alliance said in a statement on Wednesday. After being attacked by TNLA troops on Tuesday, three junta bases in Kutkai, Namtu and Kyaukme townships shelled civilian targets, killing a civilian and injuring another, according to the TNLA and local media reports. Also, a junta unit based in northern Shan States capital Lashio used a multiple launch rocket system to bombard Hman Pain Village in the township and a junta fighter jet bombed two more villages in Lashio Township. A fighter jet and a Y12 airplane were also used to bomb areas near Kho Phate Village in Namtu Township on the same day, said the ethnic alliance. Intense clashes continued in Namtu town as TNLA troops attempted to seize the junta base there, which the junta defended using fighter jets and helicopter gunships. On Monday, two residents were killed in Namtu town as the junta used a Harbin Y12 airplane to bomb the town. Due to the ongoing fighting, nearly 800 Namtu residents are sheltering at a school and a monastery in the town, according to local rescue groups. The junta has also blocked internet and phone access in Namtu since Tuesday. Eight civilians were killed and 25 injured in Laukkai town, the capital of Kokang Self-Administrative Region in northern Shan, on Monday when two junta heavy explosives struck near a hotel in the residential ward of Ton Chain, said the Brotherhood Alliance. So far 148 civilians including 24 children have been killed and 265 injured in junta artillery and air strikes targeting civilian areas across northern Shan during the two months since the launch of Operation 1027, said local media outlet Shwe Phee Myay News Agency, which tracks civilian deaths. As of mid-December, since Oct. 27, 120,000 civilians have been displaced by the escalation of fighting in northern Shan State, said the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. As part of Operation 1027, the AA managed to seize the Mrauk-U District Police Station in the historic city of Mrauk-U in Rakhine State on Tuesday, the ethnic alliance said. On Tuesday, the junta conducted artillery and air strikes as well as drone strikes on civilian targets in Mrauk-U, killing around five people including child refugees. That followed the killing of nine other civilians in a period of three days in junta bombardments of residential areas in Mrauk-U. AA troops were also attempting to seize a strategic hilltop base from the junta in Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State. Clashes between junta troops and the AA were also reported in Kyauktaw and Pauktaw townships on the same day, prompting the regime to attack and bombard civilian targets and residential areas. The AA has widened Operation 1027 into Rakhine State since Nov. 13, attacking and seizing over 140 junta bases, police stations and border guard outposts. Since then, 37 civilians have been killed and more than 120 injured, and more than 111,000 people have been newly displaced across the state as of Dec. 15, according to the UN aid group. The Myanmar junta also faces relentless attacks from Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) under the command of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) and many ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) elsewhere across the country. The Myanmar junta continues to commit war crimes, escalating bombardments of civilian targets after suffering heavy defeats nationwide in the face of expanding coordinated attacks by Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). The junta lost over two dozen troops in the past four days in resistance attacks across the country. Incidents were reported in Shan, Rakhine and Chin states and Mandalay, Sagaing and Magwe regions. The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and EAOs. Some military casualties could not be independently verified. Fierce clashes continue across northern Shan Clashes were reported across northern Shan State on Tuesday, as the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) of the Brotherhood Alliance continued their Operation 1027 by attacking military bases in Namtu, Kutkai and Kyaukme townships, the ethnic alliance said. After being attacked, the junta bases shelled nearby villages. Also, a junta unit based in northern Shan States capital Lashio used a multiple launch rocket system to bombard Hman Pain Village in the township and a junta fighter jet bombed two more villages in Lashio Township. A fighter jet and a Y12 airplane were also used to bomb areas near Kho Phate Village in Namtu Township on the same day, said the ethnic alliance. Junta district police station seized in historic Rakhine city of Mrauk-U As part of Operation 1027, the Arakan Army (AA) of the Brotherhood Alliance managed to seize the Mrauk-U District Police Station in the historic city of Mrauk-U in Rakhine State on Tuesday, the ethnic alliance said. On Tuesday, the junta conducted artillery and air strikes as well as drone strikes on civilian targets in Mrauk-U, killing around five people including child refugees. That followed the killing of nine other civilians in a period of three days in junta bombardments of residential areas in Mrauk-U. AA troops were also attempting to seize a strategic hilltop base from the junta in Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State. Clashes between junta troops and the AA were also reported in Kyauktaw and Pauktaw townships on the same day, prompting the regime to attack and bombard civilian targets and residential areas. Junta soldiers killed in resistance attack in Chin Two regime forces were killed in mountaintop Mindat Town, Chin State on Saturday when resistance fighters of Chin Defense Force (Mindat) attacked regime forces stationed at the junta-run township administrative office, a high school and a pagoda, said the ethnic Chin resistance group. Military vehicles ambushed in minefields in Magwe Magwe District PDF Battalion 2 claimed to have killed 15 junta solders and injured seven others in Sinbaungwe Township, Magwe Region last Friday as it and four other PDF groups triggered mines in four minefields to ambush 80 regime forces in three military trucks from the junta base at Danone Myaung Village. They ambushed the military vehicles on the Koepin-Thagaya road while the junta forces were returning to their base after raiding villages and advancing into forests on the west side of the Bago Yoma mountain range in Aunglan Township. After the mine ambushes, only one military truck managed to reach the base, the PDF group said. Regime forces bombed in Mandalay Natogyi Regional Defense Force (NRDF) said it and other local resistance groups used a makeshift remote-controlled airplane to bombard regime forces stationed at a monastery outside Thetkalkyin Village in Mahlaing Township, Mandalay Region on Monday. After being attacked, regime forces on eight motorbikes raided nearby Suu Yit Kone Village in neighboring Natogyi Township. The joint resistance groups triggered land mines to ambush the regime forces on the motorbikes as they returned to their base that night, killing four soldiers. Five regime forces killed in Sagaing Five regime forces were killed in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region on Monday when seven PDF groups clashed with regime forces from Tharsi Police Station while traveling in an ambulance, said Golden Eagle Force (Monywa), which was involved in the incident. After requisitioning an ambulance and two rescue workers from a philanthropic organization, four soldiers and policemen in civilian clothes attempted to clandestinely send an injured policeman to a hospital. A shootout occurred on a road when the ambulance refused to stop at a resistance checkpoint, said the resistance groups. During the shootout, resistance forces evacuated the two rescue workers from the vehicle. Three weapons were seized from the killed regime forces. The junta and Chinese state-owned firm CITIC signed an addendum to the concession agreement for the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and deep-sea port on Tuesday in Naypyitaw as the two sides seek to expedite construction of the stalled SEZ in western Myanmars Rakhine State. The signing ceremony drew top junta officials and diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, including junta Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Mya Tun Oo and junta Government Office Minister Aung Naing Oo who chairs the Myanmar SEZ Central Working Committee. CITIC executives, including its group chair, also attended the ceremony. The project is being developed by the Kyaukphyu SEZ Deep Seaport Co. Ltd, a joint venture between the CITIC Myanmar Port Investment Limited and the Myanmar government-backed Kyaukphyu SEZ Management Committee. The addendum was signed by Kyaukphyu SEZ Deep Seaport Co. Ltd director Liang Chuanxin and Kyaukphyu SEZ management committee chair Kyaw Shwe Tun. Details about the addendum were not made public. The regime likely made numerous concessions in the addendum to entice the Chinese side to move forward, business analysts said. The projects shareholding remains unchanged. CITIC holds a 70 percent stake and the Myanmar side 30 percent, as agreed by the two sides in 2018 after several rounds of negotiations The Kyaukphyu port and SEZ are key to the 1,700-kilometer China-Myanmar Economic Corridor connecting Kunming in Yunnan province to the Indian Ocean. The budget for the Kyaukphyu SEZ is US$1.3 billion, while the budget for the port is $7.3 billion. They will span 150 hectares on Maday Island and 96 hectares on Ramree Island in Rakhines Kyaukphyu Township. At a meeting of the Central Committee for Myanmar SEZs in October last year, deputy junta chief Soe Win, who chairs the committee, called for the swiftest possible resumption of the SEZ and port project. At the meeting, he stressed the need to more clearly define the provisions in the concession agreement. The addendum was signed for clearer and more accurate understanding of the concession agreement regarding the powers and responsibilities of both sides, a statement from the juntas Commerce Ministry said without elaborating. The signing of the addendum comes as the junta is suffering major losses from an offensive launched by the Brotherhood Alliance along the border with China in northern Shan State. It desperately needs help from China, which has considerable influence over ethnic armed groups near its border. Border trade with China and investment in BRI projects in Myanmar have been halted by fighting along the border with China in northern Shan State. Although China has twice mediated talks between the regime and the Brotherhood Alliance, fighting continues and the regime has rapidly lost large swaths of territory in northern Shan State in just two months. The SEZ and deep-sea port are part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, which was designed to provide China with direct access to the Indian Ocean, allowing its oil imports to bypass the Strait of Malacca and spur development in Chinas landlocked Yunnan Province. In 2015 CITC won the tender to build the Kyaukphyu SEZ and a framework agreement was signed in 2018 under the now ousted National League for Democracy government. Shareholders and concession agreements were signed in 2020, but the project was delayed by the pandemic, Mya Tun Oo said. Aung Naing Oo and Liang Chuanxin held a press briefing following the signing of addendum. They said the two sides are working together to start the project promptly. When complete, it will become the trade hub connecting the markets of Asia, Africa and Europe, and spur the socio-economic development of Myanmar and the region, providing a new gateway to the world, they said. Despite Aung Naing Oos claim, local residents were still protesting the project late last year, saying it had damaged their fisheries. Ongoing fighting in Ramree, which borders Kyaukphyu, makes it difficult for the massive project to proceed, business analysts say. 2023 proved to be another difficult year for the people of Myanmar, as the military regime of Min Aung Hlaing continued its remorseless bombing and torching of villages across the country, the economy continued to deteriorate, the number of war-displaced soared and the ranks of political prisoners swelled towards 20,000. While some Western nations stepped up sanctions against the regime, the juntas economic, military and political enablers at home and abroad found ways to keep it supplied. But the year also brought some hope, as the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) and its Peoples Defense Forces stepped up their cooperation with key ethnic armies, which inflicted a series of stunning military defeats on the regimes forces, starting in areas near the Chinese border and soon spreading across the country in all directions. The resistance offensives have seen the military regime lose hundreds of bases and ousted its forces from a number of key towns and trade routes, presenting the junta with the most serious challenge to its rule since it seized power in 2021. As the year draws to a close, the most important foreign player in Myanmars crisisChinaappears more than ever to be hedging its bets, and the NUG and a number of high-profile rights groups are finding their voice on the international stage, refusing to let Myanmars people suffer in silence. Below, The Irrawaddy looks at 10 of the key people, groups, countries and forces that shaped events in Myanmar during the year. The unbowed righteous ones in jail The righteous ones in jail; the criminals in government. This phrase perfectly sums up Myanmar whenever the country is under a military dictatorship. It has become even truer since the latest coup in 2021. Dont be startled by this updated number of the countrys political prisoners languishing inside the countrys notorious prisons: As of Dec. 22, there were 19,803 in total including 3,708 women. Even under previous regimes, the figure never exceeded three or four thousand. The Myanmar regime may be the biggest jailer, even among dictatorships, in the world. Elected leaders, young students and members of various professions who have worked or fought for justice, freedom and rights are thrown into jail, while criminals in military uniforms who have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide take government positions as prime minister and so on. How wrong it is! Today, nearly three years after the coup, there is almost no place in the country that has not been scarred by the war between the criminal junta and Myanmars defiant peoplefrom battlefields where armed resistance forces wage military offensives against junta troops, to the streets of Yangon and other cities where anti-regime protesters stage guerilla-style protests. However, of all the front lines, perhaps the ones where the fighters are the most vulnerable are in the juntas jails, because there we find the countrys most defenseless fightersthe political prisoners. We know from horrific experience how vulnerable and defenseless they are behind bars. Last year, prominent democracy activists Ko Jimmy (aka Kyaw Min Yu), Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw and two other activists were pulled out of their cells and hanged, their families given no prior notification. Moreover, as of Dec. 18, at least 69 political prisoners have died due to harsh conditions, insufficient medical assistance and torture since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Burma. Unlike their comrades at large or on the battlefields, the political prisoners have no weapons except their inner strength, courage, determination and political conviction. Nothing else. But while their numbers have fluctuated, they have always been a force, haunting rulers and undermining their illegitimate systems. Thats why they are kept in jailsand are, perhaps, the force the brutal generals fear most. They include elected leaders; young student protesters; CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) workers such as physicians and teachers; journalists and members of other targeted professions. Among them are U Thaung Win, who was arrested last year and sentenced to five years imprisonment for being the former publisher of The Irrawaddy. Of the nearly 20,000 political prisoners, among the oldest are the countrys 78-year-old elected leader State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and 72-year-old President U Win Myint. The youngest prisoners are young enough to be their grandchildren. They may be teenagers, but they are among the countrys bravest freedom fighters. As long as Myanmar remains under this military regime, this bitter situation wont change: The righteous ones in jail; the criminals in government. By Kyaw Zwa Moe - Resistance Armies: Inflicting stunning military defeats on the junta Successful offensives by an ethnic alliance comprising the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and allied resistance groups in northern Shan State, and a similar one in Karenni (Kayah) State led by the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and its allies, saw Myanmars popular armed revolt against the regime make a dramatic breakthrough in the closing months of the year. The armed revolt saw a sharp escalation in northern Shan State in late October when the alliance launched a series of coordinated and highly successful attacks against regime troops, under the name Operation 1027. The offensive spread like wildfire from northern Shan, reaching as far as areas surrounding the Myanmar militarys garrison town of Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Region. Dozens of junta camps and tactical bases, as well as gates on the Chinese border, fell to the resistance within a few weeks, inflicting significant losses on the military and leaving the junta facing the gravest threat to its existence since its 2021 coup. The operation has won widespread popular support for its declared aim of rooting out the military dictatorship and helping to bring about a federal democratic union with authentically self-administrative regions. Following in the footsteps of Operation 1027, several dozen resistance organizations including Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) under the command of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) and other ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) have escalated coordinated attacks on regime targets in Mandalay, Sagaing and Magwe regions, Rakhine and Chin states, and elsewhere. In Karenni State, local anti-regime resistance groups the KNDF, the Karenni Army (KA), the Karenni National Peoples Liberation Front (KNPLF) and several PDF groups have jointly launched Operation 11.11 aiming to seize the state capital Loikaw as well as townships in neighboring southern Shan State. So far, they have managed to seize over half of the Karenni capital. Hailed as the biggest and most coordinated offensives against the Myanmar military in decades, the two operations and other campaigns inspired by them have so far seized over 400 military bases and over 20 towns. Stung by the severity of its losses, the Myanmar junta has resorted to heavy aerial bombardments and artillery shelling but has still failed to retake any of the bases and towns it lost. As the operations have progressed, the militarys desperation and inability to mount an organized defense against the coordinated attacks have become clear. So far, over 600 junta soldiers have surrendered to resistance groups, and hundreds more have simply fled, abandoning their bases. Witnessing the resistances unprecedented successes and the regimes weakness, some international observers believe Myanmar has reached a tipping point in terms of overthrowing the military dictatorship, with Operation 1027 and the campaigns launched in its wake posing a genuine challenge to the juntas existence. By Nayt Thit - Spokespersons: Building trust in the revolution and lying for the regime As resistance offensives against the Myanmar military regime multiply in the wake of Operation 1027, spokespersons for some of the countrys ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) have become well-known names, keeping the public informed about the fighting through various media channels. Their opposite number is junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun, who is notorious for his blatant attempts to deceive the Myanmar people with fake news and disinformation. Operation 1027, an offensive launched against the regime on Oct. 27 in northern Shan State, has turned a spotlight on the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), an ethnic Kokang armed group and one of the three members of the Brotherhood Alliance. Its spokesman Li Jiawen has captured the publics attention with his accountsdelivered in a Kokang accentof the Brotherhood Alliances defeats of junta troops, as well as his updates on how many towns and outposts it has seized from the regime, and how many junta soldiers have surrendered. Eagerly anticipated by the majority of Myanmar people, Lis descriptions of the defeats inflicted on the junta have met with an enthusiastic reception. Operation 1027 has seen the ethnic alliance seize control of seven towns, including frontier towns crucial for border trade with China. The fall of hundreds of junta positions in northern Shan State in less than a month has set an inspiring example for armed revolts elsewhere in Myanmar. Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) chairman Khun Bedu has become the face of the resistance movement in Karenni (Kayah) State. Karenni revolutionary organizations have won applause from the public for their humane treatment of prisoners of war. They say they will punish prisoners of war, including Khaing Thant Moe, the first junta pilot to be captured alive, in line with the law and according to the severity of their crimes against the civilian population. KNDF deputy commander Marwi looks a tough man with a muscular physique and bearded face. He became famous when video emerged of him coaxing junta soldiers to surrender during a clash in Karenni States capital Loikaw. He is also popular on social media for his articulate messages about the revolution, such as We are fighting for the people and democracynot to mention his tattoos tallying the number of his comrades killed in action. In Chin State, Chin National Front spokesman Salai Htet Ni is doing his job by reporting on how Chin revolutionary groups are fighting the regime and restoring the civilian administration there. Another well-known figure is Padoh Saw Taw Nee, the spokesman of Myanmars oldest ethnic armed organization, the Karen National Union (KNU). He frequently reports on fighting in the KNU-controlled territories and has warned revolutionary groups not to succumb to the regimes efforts to drive a wedge between them. Arakan Army spokesman Khaing Thukha also briefs the media on the military situation in Rakhine State and neighboring Paletwa Township in Chin State, while keeping them updated on the juntas grave human rights violations including arbitrary arrests and unprovoked air and artillery strikes. Meanwhile, never one to let the facts get in his way, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun soldiers on, spouting his flagrant lies, presumably believing they will somehow distract the public from the regimes mounting losses. When the strategic town of Kunlong in northern Shan State fell to the resistance, Zaw Min Tun described the regime forces ousting as a temporary tactical withdrawal. On another occasion when junta troops fled their bases fearing for their lives, he described it as a regrouping of troops for tactical purposes. Even when entire junta battalions surrender en masse, Zaw Min Tun insists no soldiers would participate in a such a cowardly act. So, while the spokesmen from revolutionary organizations demonstrate their commitment to the publics right to information, their respect for rules of engagement and human rights, and their humanity, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun keeps on telling barefaced lies for the regime he serves. By Maung Kavi - Drones: Nowhere to hide for junta forces In the nearly three-year-old nationwide armed revolution against the military regime, drones have become the most powerful, destructive weapons available to Myanmars main resistance groupsthe Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) and their allied ethnic armed organizations (EAOs)intimidating and having a major psychological impact on junta troops, including regime leaders. Even the resistance forces improvised, remotely operated fixed-wing aircraftwhich are small and relatively inexpensive, costing around US$1,000 to $2,000 to produceare now challenging and threatening junta ground forces despite the latters superior firepower, including artillery. Late this year, amid the deployment of anti-drone jammers by regime forces, two small, makeshift fixed-wing airplanes launched by resistance groups successfully circled over and dropped bombs on aircraft hangers at two junta airbasesone in Taungoo Township, Bago Region and the other, significantly, in Naypyitaw, the juntas administrative capital. The drone strikes prompted regime leaders to seek regional help on anti-drone measures. In late 2021, when the armed revolt against the regime was still largely confined to using homemade firearms, makeshift explosive devices and a few automatic weapons, resistance groups in Sagaing Region were the first to start converting commercial drones for combat use, suspending improvised bombs from them and dropping the explosives on regime targets. Later, with donations from Myanmar people at home and abroad, anti-regime resistance groups widely and successfully used agricultural drones, which can carry several 60- to 80-mm mortar bombs, for their aerial operations against junta outposts, military headquarters and junta-run government offices. Furthermore, PDFs across the country have managed to devise makeshift fixed-wing drones, which, while cheaper to produce, contain sophisticated equipment for use in long-range missions for the purposes of surveillance as well as combat. This year, to support an escalation of raids on regime targets, bases and headquarters by resistance ground forces, anti-regime groups increased their aerial operations, launching relentless drone strikes on junta targets and bases nationwide. In some cases, resistance groups have used improvised fixed-wing drones in Kamikaze operations to bomb military bases and headquarters. Military personnel and defecting soldiers have admitted to being terrified of resistance drones. In the ongoing, highly successful resistance offensive Operation 1027, which has seized around 300 junta positions including tactical bases and military command headquarters in a short period of time across northern Shan State, a large number of agricultural drones have been used to rain hundreds of destructive bombs on military bases before they are raided by resistance ground forces. The operation prompted the military regime to hold an urgent National Defense and Security Council meeting, at which junta boss Min Aung Hlaing admitted drones played a major role in the capture of junta bases in northern Shan. So fearful has the military regime become in the wake of the nationwide resistance drone attacks, it recently prohibited all shops including stores in shopping malls from selling drones, including toy drones for children. By Nayt Thit - Min Aung Hlaing: Blood-soaked and beyond redemption With his brutal rule over Myanmars people now nearly three years old, the amount of blood on Min Aung Hlaings hands only grew over the past year as he continued to engage in the most serious of crimes against his own people: genocide, war crimes and crime against humanity. Like a wild beast, he got his first taste of blood in the lethal crackdowns he ordered on peaceful anti-coup protesters in early 2021. Since then, he has unleashed ever more frequent and deadly attacks on anyone who opposes his rule. The results have been tragic, given that those who reject his rule account for a majority of the countrys nearly 56 million people. In shedding blood and killing people, the 67-year-old spares no means. He orders his ground troops to spray residential neighborhoods with bullets while hunting for protesters, and committing massacres is perfectly acceptable. He turns a blind eye to his subordinates arbitrary killings of political prisoners during interrogations. He permits his soldiers to shell villages if they are suspected of sheltering resistance forces. He lets his air force chief Htun Aung bomb any target as long as the mission is to eliminate terroristshis regimes euphemism for anyone who fights against his rule. It doesnt matter if the target is a school or a hospital or a shelter for internally displaced people. He has horrified the world with his troops merciless killings of civilians. As of August this year, his air force had carried out 902 air strikes across Myanmar, killing at least 687 civilians, including children, and the attacks are still going on. The deadliest came in April when a military jet fighter dropped two bombs on a house in Sagaing Regions Pazi Gyi Village where a housewarming ceremony was being held. The attack killed more than 170 civilians including 42 children. Nor does he seem bothered by his soldiers slaughtering of more than 500 people in 22 massacres across the country since the coup. Of course, there may be more cases that have yet to be documented. When UN investigators and Myanmars parallel National Unity Government accuse him of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity for his forces murderous rampages, no one is surprised. You may wonder if Min Aung Hlaing has accomplished anything else apart from the crimes he has committed during his three-year rule. Yeshe has racked up an impressive list of failures! Since his takeover in 2021, he hasnt been able to fully bring the country under his control amid an armed uprising. The situation for his military is getting dire with mounting defeats in the face of ongoing offensives by ethnic armed groups and their allied resistance forces in most parts of the country. Internationally, he is still an outcast, his regime buried in seemingly endless sanctions. The countrys economy is in a downward spiral and its foreign reserves are being depleted due to his mismanagement. In other words, he is now cornered, retreating on every front. Such are the crimes he has committed, he will never be able to atone for his sins; there is simply too much blood on his hands for it to be washed away. He will surely be made to pay for it. By Hpone Myat - China: From staunch ally to thorn in the regimes side If 2023 has been the most turbulent year for the Myanmar junta since the 2021 coup, they surely blame their friends to the northChina. Internationally, Beijing has been seen as one of the regimes two staunchest supporters, along with Moscow. It has never condemned the military takeover that toppled the countrys democratically elected government and led the Southeast Asian nation to become a war-ravaged, failed state. Instead, looking to protect its US$35 billion worth of investments in the country, China sells arms to the junta, vetoes resolutions against it at the UN and engages with it, despite the fact that it has killed at least 4,200 people for opposing military rule. The relationship soured somewhat, however, in late 2023 when an alliance of three ethnic armed groups, over whom China is believed to have influence, launched a series of coordinated offensives known as Operation 1027 against the regime in northern Shan State. In less than two months, the fighting spread across most parts of the country and the junta has humiliatingly lost around 300 junta bases (including tactical ones), nine towns and vital trade routes with China. Some observers claim such unprecedented victories would be impossible without Chinas encouragement. They say China switched sides for its own interests after the regime failed to crack down on online scam operations in the Kokang region near the Chinese border, as the junta is believed to have been paid off by the scammers. Worse, the syndicates use trafficked Chinese nationals as forced labor, making the issue a Chinese foreign-policy priority. Furthermore, much to Beijings delight, one of the stated aims of the alliances offensive, along with defeating the military dictatorship, is to eliminate the scam syndicates. Despite its anger at China, the junta hasnt dared to officially denounce Beijing, apart from sponsoring some anti-China protests demanding Beijing stop supporting the alliance. Instead, it has pleaded with China to broker a ceasefire with the three ethnic armed groups, assuming they are just straightforward proxies of China. To please the junta, China arranged talks but no tangible results followed; there has been more fighting, leading to more junta bases being seized. At nearly the same time it was organizing the talks, China issued arrest warrants for 10 scam syndicate leaders in Kokang to put more pressure on the regime. The warrants include one for junta boss Min Aung Hlaings close ally Bai Suocheng, a defector from ethnic alliance member the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). He partnered with Min Aung Hlaing in 2009 to depose the MNDAA and establish Myanmar army control over the Kokang region. Previously, the junta also issued warrants for those wanted by China. But this time the regime has been silent as it cannot control Kokang without people like Bai, who lead the regime-allied local Border Guard Force (BGF). Worse, handing them over to China means surrendering Kokang to the MNDAA and its allies. The situation will surely be costing Min Aung Hlaing some sleep in Naypyitaw as he struggles with mounting troop losses elsewhere. Being put in a tight corner by his ally China is the last thing he needed. But it has happened. The regime may now be trying hard to figure out the best offer it can make to keep China on its side, as it knows China always puts its own interests first. By Hpone Myat - East Timor: Lonely voice of support for Myanmar people Of the 11 Southeast Asian countries, East Timor (Timor-Leste) deserves to be singled out for praise for daring to openly support Myanmars anti-regime movement and publicly shame the military junta, much to the latters annoyance. At half the size of the US state of Maryland and with just 1.35 million people, the former Portuguese colony, later occupied by Indonesia for a quarter of a century, is the smallest state in the region and not economically strong. But, like no other in the region, its government has had the guts to vocally protest against the junta for its brutality against its own people and to openly engage with Myanmars parallel National Unity Government (NUG). The NUG commands the loyalty of the vast majority of Myanmar people for its leading role in the countrys ongoing popular war against the regime. Unsurprisingly, the island nation in the Malay Archipelago has become a thorn in the juntas side. While other regional countries have been struggling to decide whether to engage, even unofficially, with the parallel government lest they attract the juntas fury, in July this year Dili officially invited the NUG to the swearing-in of the new East Timor government. The invitation made East Timor the first country to invite the NUG to a national-level event as the legitimate government of Myanmar. Angered by the move, the junta expelled the charge daffaires at East Timors embassy in Yangon, saying the country was encouraging the terrorist group to further committing their violations in Myanmar. The junta has denounced the NUG as a terrorist organization. The juntas diplomatic hardball failed to silence East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta, who asked world leaders at last years United Nations General Assembly why they were not helping Myanmar the way they are helping Ukraine. But the 74-year-old recently went furtherand sparked fury in Naypyitawby calling for junta soldiers to defect and stand by the Myanmar people amid expanding resistance offensives across the country. Coming amid a series of anti-regime offensives that have seen large numbers of regime soldiers surrender to ethnic and resistance armed groups, Ramos-Hortas call prompted the junta to publish remarks and editorials that not only slammed the leadership of East Timor, but also described it as a small, backward country with no history. The junta also organized public rallies against Ramos-Horta. Yes, East Timor may be small, but it has stood tall and shown that its strong enough to annoy the junta by openly speaking out on behalf of the people of Myanmar while others in the region hold their tongues. By Maung Kavi - Civil Support Volunteers: A lifeline for millions displaced by war Whenever fighting between regime troops and resistance forces increases in Myanmar, so does the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs). It is estimated that at least 2.6 million people have been forced from their homes since the 2021 coup. As the majority cannot access support from international aid agencies, local support groups have become a lifeline for them. Commonly known as civil support groups, they are run by local volunteers and rely heavily on donations from Myanmar well-wishers at home and abroad. They can be found in many parts of the country, especially in resistance strongholds like Sagaing Region and Kachin and Karenni (Kayah) states, and in other places where large numbers of people have had to flee the juntas frequent air strikes, as well as its ground troops continual raids and arson attacks. The groups provide IDPs with food, shelter and medicines. As they are locally run and rely on donors, they are unable to cover all of the displaced peoples needs. Nonetheless, they continue their work with whatever they have. For Myanmars IDPs, a handful of volunteers with limited resources is better than nothing. In Sagaing, one of Myanmars hardest-hit regions, the civil support group Anyar Pyitinehatung has been feeding 1,000 refugees daily in Salingyi, Yinmabin, Kani and Pale townships for six months, while providing basic necessities like blankets and kitchen utensils to those who can return to their homes. With the support of Myanmar well-wishersboth locals and those based overseasDepayin Refugee Support Group is helping people who have lost their homes to the regimes arson attacks. Among other assistance it has provided cash support to 5,000 households with the help of some international non-governmental organizations. In war-torn Karenni State, the group Clean Yangon has been on a different mission since 2021. Originally from Yangon, where it was formed to make the former capital clean and green, the philanthropic organization is now operating in Karenni, where it not only provides three meals a day to people fleeing regime troops, but also builds shelters for them. It also assists them with healthcare while building schools for children. Similarly, in war-ravaged northern Shan State, local volunteer groups are busy helping people fleeing fighting from as far away as the Chinese border. Despite their best efforts, Myanmars volunteers are finding it increasingly difficult to cope, as more than 660,000 people were displaced from October to November in six states and five regions after fighting spread to many areas following the launch by ethnic armed groups and allied resistance forces of a major offensive in northern Shan State. As the fighting rages on, the number of IDPs will surely rise and the aid groups will struggle to keep their mission alive. In Myanmar, those who have been forced from their homes continue to suffer the most as a result of the fighting. By Yuzana - Justice for Myanmar: Exposing the juntas enablers Justice for Myanmar (JFM) has become a powerful voice shedding light on the militarys murky business ties both locally and internationally, and exposing the military leaderships corruption and other abuses of power. Since it was founded by a group of covert human rights activists from Myanmar in April 2020, JFM has worked tirelessly to expose the activities of the military cartel with the aims of dismantling it and achieving justice and public accountability. The groups mission became even more urgent after the military coup in February 2021. JFM has worked to support the anti-regime revolution by tracing the sources of the militarys funds, and the arms, equipment and jet fuel it uses in its brutal killings of Myanmar people. With this information it pressures international governments, companies and investors to cut ties, and disrupts the militarys attempts to gain international legitimacy. JFM has exposed hundreds of the Myanmar militarys murky businesses and financial resources at home and abroad, as well as the business networks of military leaders, their families and croniesall of which enable the militarys international crimes including war crimes and crimes against humanity. The groups deeply researched investigations and reports have aided public boycotts of military-linked businesses, and led foreign companies and multinational corporations working with the military to divest hundreds of millions of dollars from such businesses and to suspend or even withdraw investments since the coup. Among them are oil majors Total Energies of France, Chevron of the US and Woodside of Australia, as well as Japanese beer giant Kirin Holdings, Indian port services company Adani, a Singaporean shareholder in the Myanmar militarys tobacco firm, and South Koreas POSCO C&C. JFM has also gone after the militarys sources of arms, equipment and jet fuel, publishing a list of more than a hundred local and international arms brokers and jet fuel suppliers that keep the military supplied and are complicit in its atrocities. The team has also spotlighted the failures of the international community, including regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to act to stop the militarys international crimes and end the total impunity that emboldens the junta to wage its campaign of terror against the people. JFM also collaborates with journalists and civil society actors in fighting for justice and the safety of all people in Myanmar and to hold the military to account. As a result of JFM and its allies outstanding work, international governments have been forced to pay closer attention to what is happening in Myanmar. Their targeted sanctions imposed on conglomerates and businesses run by the military, junta members and institutions, as well as some key arms brokers and jet fuel suppliers, are beginning to disrupt the cartels global network. In the coming year, we will continue to target the terrorist juntas main sources of funds, arms and jet fuel, including in relation to the exploitation and trade of natural resources. We will also continue to use strategic litigation against the junta to try to hold people and companies complicit in the juntas crimes to account and to deter others from seeking profits from the juntas slaughter of Myanmar people, JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung told The Irrawaddy. In a report marking its third anniversary, JFM stated, Fighting this cartel isnt easy, but we can do it together. Whoever and wherever you are, you can join the fight. By Khin Nadi - Junta Cronies: Fueling the regimes war crimes Facing nationwide resistance and international condemnation of its atrocities, the Myanmar military junta has relied heavily on the support of cronies to hold onto power, and these business associates have remained loyal to the generals. These partners in crimeboth new faces and long-established croniesaid and abet the military juntas relentless atrocities against the people of Myanmar, in which hundreds of children have been killed and tens of thousands of houses torched. They help finance the murderous junta, keeping it supplied with arms, equipment, jet fuel, dual-use goods and other technologies, while enabling it to continue to commit atrocities and war crimes, and to evade sanctions by creating new entities. Among them, some of the largest contributors and key arms brokers have been hit with sanctions from the UK, US, EU and Canada. A few of the well-known suppliers of the junta targeted by sanctions are Star Sapphire Group of Companies and its founder Tun Min Latt, who has deep ties with the family of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing; Aung Hlaing Oo and his Myanmar Chemical & Machinery Co. (MCM); Naing Htut Aung and the International Gateway group of companies; Aung Moe Myint of the Dynasty Group of Companies; Kyaw Min Oo of Sky Aviator Co; Yang Ho of Mottama Holdings; Kyauk Kyar Shwe of Shoon Energy Pte Ltd; arms broker Royal Shune Lei Company Limited; and Miya Win International. Some assets of Min Aung Hlaings children were seized in a Thai drug raid against Tun Min Latt, who is currently in custody in Thailand on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Star Sapphire Group of Companies brokered imports of Israeli reconnaissance drones and aircraft parts for the juntas notorious Myanmar Air Force, which has waged a bloody campaign of air strikes against civilians and resistance forces across the country since the coup in 2021. Aung Hlaing Oo, a businessman who runs MCM, serves as an arms dealer helping Myanmars military to procure the machinery, equipment and technology needed to manufacture sophisticated weapons. He has also accompanied Myanmar military leaders including Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on numerous trips to Russia. Naing Htut Aung, founder and managing director of International Gateways, is a major procurer of weapons, spare parts and upgrades for the Navy and Air Force and is an agent for major state-owned Chinese arms producers. He was also a key weapons dealer for the previous regime led by dictator Senior General Than Shwe. The veteran arms dealer has had strong ties with successive military leaders, including the current junta boss, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing Aung Moe Myint, the founder of the Dynasty Group of Companies, which earned significant profits for the Belarus regimenegotiates deals for the arms the Myanmar military uses to slaughter civilians. Kyaw Min Oo of Sky Aviator Co., who previously worked for crony tycoon Tay Za, supplies spare parts for jet fighters and helicopters purchased by Myanmars military from Russia and Ukraine and has amassed a fortune over the past decade. Yang Ho of Mottama Holdings is a key supplier for the Myanmar juntas arms production. The ethnic Chinese Kokang has been a long-time partner of the Myanmar military dating back to the time of the previous junta. Kyauk Kyar Shwe [also known as Khin Phyu Win] of Shoon Energy Pte Ltd, which was formerly known as Asia Sun Aviation and is a part of Asia Sun Group, and its directors were sanctioned for their roles in supplying jet fuel to the junta. The younger generation of junta associates including deceased notorious junta minister Aung Thaungs son Nay Aung; Pyae Phyo Tay Za and Htoo Htet Tay Za of Htoo Group, two brothers who are instrumental in the business dealings that their father, infamous junta crony and arms broker Tay Za, has with the military; and Sit Taing Aung, the director of Yatanarpon Aviation Services and the son of Aung Phone, the forestry minister under Myanmars previous junta, are also among those targeted by sanctions for their roles in supporting the current military junta. Aung Myo Min Din, founder of the Amazing Hotels & Resorts Group and chairman of the Myanmar Hotelier Association, and Zeya Thura Mon, CEO of RGK+Z&A Group of companies, are also among the new faces who rose to prominence due to their close links with the military leadership following the coup. Junta cronies, both long established and new faces, also havent hesitated to shower the regime with huge donations whenever they get the chance to show their support. This has included billions of kyats for the junta chiefs Marble Colossus in Naypyitaw, the juntas celebration of Armed Forces Day and for embattled junta troops in Shan State, where the junta has suffered heavy losses amid a resistance offensive. Right groups have called on governments to step up and better coordinate further sanctions. Justice for Myanmar said the pace of sanctions has so far been too slow given the unprecedented crisis on the ground and far more needs to be doneand urgentlyto cut the juntas sources of arms and funds. The group published a Dirty Over 30 list featuring nine tycoons whose businesses in Singapore are linked to war crimes to increase pressure on Singapore to cut the militarys supply line. Although some steps were eventually taken by Singapore, more needs to be done. By Khin Nadi Wednesday, Dec 27th, 2023 (1:44 pm) - Score 3,640 The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched a new consultation to investigate the possibility of launching a free city-wide public WiFi broadband network that would be open-access for everybody to use. The suggestion being that users wouldnt need to go through the usual sign-up / login processes and could simply connect. The new service could, its hoped, benefit not only visitors navigating the city and regular Londoners, but also aid business transactions and help the increasing number of remote workers making the most of flexible working conditions. The project, if approved, would form part of the Mayors Digital Access for All mission. The mayor has already allocated 20,000 to create a plan for City Hall and his business growth and destination agency London & Partners, to improve internet connectivity for visitors and Londoners. This involves consulting with key stakeholders such as the Wireless Broadband Alliance, Wi-Fi and mobile network operators, Londons key borough authorities and international cities with experience in delivering open access internet. Some of the possible technology solutions currently being investigated for this include an OpenRoaming network, which could allow users to seamlessly connect to Wi-Fi networks that have adopted the technology without the need for passwords or inputting additional credentials all the time (though this does still require a limited sign-up process, even if only occurring once). OpenRoaming has already been trialled over smaller areas in London, including the London Stadium and Canary Wharf. For example, broadband ISP Virgin Media and Cisco joined forces during 2020 to setup the first European commercial deployment of OpenRoaming technology for residents on the Canary Wharf estate (here). The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: Our capital is roaring back from the pandemic, with tourists from around the world joining Londoners in enjoying all of the fantastic attractions on offer. I want every Londoner and visitor to have the very best experience possible and in our connected world that means having access to fast, reliable, seamless internet access. This consultation will be the first step towards delivering better digital services for all, building a better and more prosperous city for everyone. The consultation, carried out by telecoms and digital infrastructure specialists, is expected to report its recommendations early in the new year. Shelton, CT December 27, 2023 As the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW (one of the largest and longest-running business technology events) fast approaches, we are pleased to announce the addition of Cox Business to the already impressive lineup of exhibitors and sponsors. ITEXPO, celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2024, once again projects total attendance of more than 7,000 business and technology professionals. Cox Business will showcase their innovations and contribute to the dynamic discussions shaping the future of business technology. Details: Event Name: ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW Dates: February 13-15, 2024 Location: Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Event Website: https://www.itexpo.com Exhibitor Company: Cox Business Exhibitor Booth Number: #642 Exhibitor Website: www.cox.com/business/internet Media Opportunities at the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW: Explore innovations and new releases from more than 400 exhibitors. Conduct interviews with company representatives. Gain insights into the latest business technology trends, including AI, automation and new contact center technologies. For Media Inquiries or Press Passes: Michelle Connolly Senior Marketing Manager [email protected] Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [ Free eNews Subscription Share this Page Tweet Share Edited by Alex Passett 1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241 A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Reddit Email 88 Shares Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The Houthi movement that rules northern Yemen announced Tuesday that it had again targeted a commercial vessel, the MSC United VIII, with a drone in the Red Sea. Sarea said that the vessel had refused to answer warnings by the Houthi navy three times. MSC Mediterranean said, according to Aljazeera, that no crew members were killed and the ship was continuing its voyage, carrying goods from King Abdullah Port in Saudi Arabia to Karachi in Pakistan. About 10% of world trade goes through the Suez Canal on some 17,000 ships per year, which is more like 30% of world seaborne trade. About 12% of world energy supplies also traverse the Red Sea. Houthi attacks on shipping appear to be indiscriminate, since a cargo traveling from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan is a little unlikely to include Israeli goods. The Houthi spokesman, Yahya Sarea, said that the Houthis had also launched drones at Eilat and other areas of what he called occupied Palestine. He said that the actions were in defense of the Palestinian people. The Israeli air force has killed over 20,000 Palestinians with indiscriminate aerial bombardment and destroyed much of the housing stock and other civilian infrastructure of the Gaza Strip in revenge for the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel that left over a thousand people dead. Aljazeera said that yet another vessel was struck off the Yemeni port of Hodeida earlier on Tuesday but provided no details. Al-Jazeera: The Houthi fighters launch a missile : Attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea Aljazeera reports that dozens of cargo ships have been stranded at the port of Djibouti for days and want to find a way to get word to the Houthis that they are not carrying Israeli goods. The longer the Israeli assault on Gaza goes on, the more likely it is that the US will get pulled into a war on Sanaa. President Biden just hit an Iraqi Shiite militia in reprisal for attacks on US troops, angering Baghdad. Inasmuch as Iran is supplying and encouraging the Iraqi Shiite militias and the Houthis, another question is how long this proxy tit-for-tat can be contained and whether it will spiral into a larger US-Iran confrontation. One way to avoid this scenario is for President Biden to read the riot act to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and stop the madness. As noted, the United States had announced a multi-nation effort to patrol the Red Sea and deter such Houthi drone attacks. No regional country but Bahrain agreed to join it publicly, however, likely because Arab governments do not want to be seen to be defending Israeli interests at a time when Israel is inflicting a genocide on the Palestinians. Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd named as members Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain. In fact, however, France said only that it would operate as usual in the Red Sea and would remain under French command. Spain declined to join the ad hoc mission, saying it would only participate in full NATO initiatives. The center-left government of Pedro Sanchez has been scathing about Israels destruction of Gaza. Italy said it would send one frigate. So actually there is no multi-national coalition, it is smoke and mirrors, and it is just the US and maybe Britain shooting down drones as far as I can tell. MSC Mediterranean said it had reported the attack to the coalition naval protection force (i.e. to the US). Brad Lendon at CNN reports that the Houthis had let 17 drones and missiles fly on Tuesday that were intercepted by weapons fired by guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon and by F/A-18 fighter jets flying off the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower. The anti-missile weapons used by the US, however, are $2 million a pop, and the US doesnt have all that many of them in the arsenal, so if the Houthis go on firing drones, the US Navy could run out of deterrents, Lendon says. It appears that the drones that hit the MSC United VIII evaded US anti-missile efforts. Denmarks Maersk, a major container ship corp., had been going around Africa but says it will gradually resume using the Red Sea. But will it? It isnt clear whether its officials are just trying to talk down spiking insurance and other costs. Yemen is divided into three political regions at the moment, with the Houthis in the north, the internationally recognized government in the middle, and the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden littoral. Although it is internationally recognized, the government of President Rashad al-Alimi doesnt actually control much of the country. Alimis Information Minister, Muammar al-Eryani, warned that the Houthi tactics could backfire on Yemen (h/t BBC Monitoring). He pointed out that North Yemen depends on the Hodeida Port on the Red Sea for the importation of 80% of the countrys food, so you dont actually want ships avoiding that route or charging more for carriage. Although, lets face it, it isnt the big international container ships that call at Hodeida. Al-Eryani also questioned the value of idling Eilat Port in Israel, as the Houthis claim to have done. He pointed out that only 5% of goods imported by sea into Israel come in via Eilat. It also isnt very likely that the Houthi drones are actually hitting Eilat, despite what Sarea said. Reddit Email 42 Shares By Nahid Widaatalla, University of Toronto | (The Conversation) The ongoing conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel is playing out on screens like never before. Through social media, millions are witnessing the violence that has killed thousands since Oct. 7. People have turned to social media to learn about the history and politics of the region. And increasingly, many are using it to learn about Islam after witnessing the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, giving rise to a movement around exploration of the religion. In particular, TikTok has seen a spike in posts, livestreams and discussions about the Quran, with many citing the displays of Islamic faith theyve seen in Gazans as their inspiration. TikTok analytics show the hashtag #Islam has rapidly gained popularity since early October. In that time, videos using the hashtag have garnered more than 35 billion views globally, one billion views in the United States and 360 million in Canada, with the majority of viewers aged 18-24. TikTok challenging narratives In November, I spoke with six North American TikTokers who have taken part in the online movement by posting content about their faith journey. They shared insights about what theyve learned, reactions from their audiences and their thoughts on the crisis in Gaza. You see women running out of rubbled buildings holding their lifeless child, and the first thing they do is thank Allah (God), said TikToker Hunter Graves (@graves.hunter) when I had a conversation with him. Graves is a 21-year-old college senior in Nashville. In the past two months, he has posted several videos discussing Islam. In some, he showcases books hes purchased; in others, he lightheartedly muses about the religion and that he is lowkey thinking bout becoming a Muslim. One video expressing his excitement over terms like alhamdullilah (praise be to Allah) gained almost two million views. TikTok @maysamaleek On Oct. 27, Graves posted a video taking his shahada the formal declaration of faith whereby one becomes Muslim at a mosque and officially reverting, the term used by some converts to Islam. With faith, suffering has meaning, he told me. Muhammad Kolila, an imam at the Downtown Denver Islamic Center, told me people are using social media to spread knowledge, challenge biases and express solidarity. You can do a lot with social media, he said, adding that some are linking the struggle of Palestinians to those of Indigenous people in North America and South African apartheid. Many TikTokers say the movement has deconstructed negative beliefs about Islam that they grew up with. Whats happening online contrasts with the anti-Muslim sentiment that has been growing in the West since the early 21st century. The Canadian Senate Committee on Human Rights recently released a report outlining the frequency and harms of discrimination, violence and online hate against Canadian Muslims. Madison (@6toedcats), a 24-year-old from Tampa, Fla., posted a teary-eyed video in mid-October, seeking local Muslim women to support her journey to becoming a Muslim. She had previously researched Islam online but said that Palestine was the tipping factor. It clicked in my head I am thinking of myself as Muslim, why am I not Muslim already? she expressed to me in an interview. Charlie Bowling (@gingerbeard.prog), who considers himself agnostic, posts videos listening to and reading the Quran. I see the Palestinian faith that has kept them so willing and strong, he told me, when I started reading the Quran, I wanted to document my journey. History repeats itself Following the 9/11 attacks, a similar phenomenon of people exploring Islam occurred, particularly among women. Current interest mirrors that, but it is now happening through social media and before a much wider audience. Camela Widad (@camelawidad) began learning about Islam in the months prior to 9/11 and officially converted in 2003. We started to see people go What? Is it really a religion that promotes terrorism? And thats when I saw it gain momentum, she told me. In her eyes, access to social media today has humanized Muslims. Islam has kept individuals in Gaza steadfast in the face of adversity, appealing to audiences on social media. Religion comforts individuals by providing answers to existential questions about life, death and suffering. The Quran encourages connection between lessons from its stories and the present day, contributing to its value in times of hardship. The surge in online content is also inspiring some to re-explore their faith. Fatima Abdi (@bbyfatz), a fashion influencer with over 83,000 followers, became distanced from Islam as a teen, but has started to find her way back. Seeing others videos inspired her to put more action into her belief shes started sharing parts of her faith and modest fashion journey with her audience. Cornell Jones (@consciouscorn) reverted to Islam three years ago. When I spoke to him in November, he said the current crisis in Gaza feels like a loss in humanity, but TikTok has allowed him to make room for faith in Allah. Jones said hes received many messages asking about his reversion experience. The dangers of social media While social media can be great, Kolila warns against rushing into Islam or comparing ones journey to others online. Walk to the faith, not the people, he said. Seeking reputable sources is key. Just because we have a platform, it doesnt mean we have the authority, said Jones. Abdi and Graves added that being open about faith online can come with harsh scrutiny. Connection between Muslims and non-Muslims on TikTok has created a rare space for empathy to flourish. At its core, the movement has allowed people to come together, learn and unlearn. In a time of stark inhumanity and collective grief, doing this might just be what helps us cope. Nahid Widaatalla, Dalla Lana Fellow in Journalism and Health Impact, University of Toronto This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Reddit Email 104 Shares ( Middle East Monitor ) Two op-eds published on Christmas Day, one by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Wall Street Journal, and the other in the Jerusalem Post by Joel Roskin, geologist and geographer at Bar-Ilan University, both point towards the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza. Only Netanyahus rhetoric, not his orders, so do slightly more indiscreetly, so as to appeal to the West, whose approval he requires to destroy Gaza completely. Netanyahu listed three prerequisites for peace and no mention of the Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza and under the threat of being killed by the IDFs bombing. Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarised, and Palestinian society must be deradicalized. Of course, Netanyahu requires international complicity and insisted that the international community should blame Hamas for the massive civilian casualties of the current war. No, it shouldnt. Israel is bombing Gaza on the pretext of eliminating Hamas, to sustain a thorough ethnic cleansing campaign against the Palestinian people. However, the international community has done nothing but haggle over humanitarian pauses and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, behind closed doors, Netanyahus plan for Palestinians in Gaza is voluntary migration Israels euphemism for forced transfer, which is prohibited by international law, and which the international community normalised for Israel in the 1948 Nakba. The news is not surprising, given that Israels Intelligence Ministry deems forced transfer the preferred option, and Israeli Likud MK Danny Danon promoted the international law violation last November as a moral imperative for Western countries. While the West will likely raise little to no objection to Israels forced transfer plans, there is no moral imperative in complying with ethnic cleansing. The problem lies in the international community not having the moral imperative to permanently halt Israels colonial violence because its complicity can barely be distinguished from Israels actions now. Gaza Guernica 20: Refugees, by Juan Cole. Digital. Dream/ Dreamland v.3/ IbisPaint/ PSexpress, 2023. Roskins op-ed reeks of hatred, patronisation and blackmail which completely ignores the political realities of Gaza, including the international communitys refusal to accept the 2006 electoral results and engage in dialogue with Hamas. Egypt, Roskin writes, would be hailed by the international community as the saviour of the dire plight of Gazans if it accepts to be complicit in Israels ethnic cleansing plans. Roskin hails the Sinai Peninsula as an ideal place for the resettlement of Palestinians forcibly displaced from Gaza by Israels bombing campaign. Calling forced transfer genuine rehabilitation programs, Roskin states, The ongoing obliteration of Hamas, which terrorizes Palestinian Authority officials and many Gaza residents, may pave the way to the emergence of the proposed Sinai solution, if presented in a wise and discrete manner that conforms to the Middle East mentality. So many antagonising words revealing nothing but colonial contempt for the indigenous Palestinian population. Are Palestinians not wise enough to form their own political trajectories, had they been given the space to do so, instead of rendering them perpetual refugees in the humanitarian paradigm, all for Israels benefit? If Palestinians in Gaza cannot return to their land, and are forcibly transferred with full blessings of the international community, Gaza may be lost, but there will be no end in sight for the Palestinian anti-colonial struggle. A people that remembers cannot be lost, not with the knowledge that colonialism is reversible. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment. Middle East Monitor Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) (OTCQB: NKORF) (FSE: 7N11) (the "Company" or "Palladium One") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Cameron Bell, M.Sc., P.Geo to its board of directors effective immediately. Mr. Bell spent most of his career with Inco and Vale, engaged in both greenfield and brownfield exploration and was a Regional Manager of North America and Australasia/Oceania. Additionally, he held senior technical and management roles at Voisey's Bay and the Sudbury Basin. Cameron brings a deep nickel copper PGE exploration background including extensive experience in the Kluane district in the Yukon where the Company's Canalask Ni-Cu project is located. Mr. Bell completed his MSc at the University of British Columbia and has been working as an exploration consultant focusing on nickel, copper and lithium projects globally. "We are thrilled to have Cameron join Palladium One as a board member and look forward to his technical contribution to our magmatic sulphide nickel copper exploration focus," stated Derrick Weyrauch, President and CEO. The Company also announces the retirement of Mr. Peter Lightfoot from its board of directors. "We wish to thank Peter for his valuable insight and support during his term with the Company and wish him all the best for the future," stated Derrick Weyrauch, President and CEO. About Palladium One Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) is focused on discovering environmentally and socially conscious Critical Green Transportation Metals. A Canadian mineral exploration and development company, Palladium One is targeting district scale, nickel copper sulphide and platinum-group-element (PGE) deposits in Canada and Finland. The Lantinen Koillismaa (LK) Project in north-central Finland, is a PGE-copper-nickel project that has existing NI43-101 Mineral Resources, while both the Tyko and Canalask high-grade nickel-copper projects are located in Ontario and the Yukon, Canada, respectively. Follow Palladium One on LinkedIn, Twitter, and at www.palladiumoneinc.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Derrick Weyrauch" President & CEO, Director For further information contact: Derrick Weyrauch, President & CEO Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The common shares of Palladium One Mining Inc. have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. Information set forth in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address a company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in mineral and commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume; and the impact of governmental entities. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQX: APAAF) (FSE: A0I0) (MUN: A0I0) (BER: A0I0) (the "Company" or "Appia") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $1,462,100 (the "Offering"). In connection with the Offering, the Company issued 4,873,667 flow-through shares (the "FT Shares") at $0.30 per FT Share. The FT Shares issued under the Offering have a hold period expiring on April 28, 2024. The gross proceeds from the sale of FT Shares will be used for Canadian Exploration Expenses (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")) which qualify as a "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditure" for purposes of the Tax Act related to the exploration program of the Company to be conducted on the Company's properties located in Saskatchewan. The Company will renounce such Canadian Exploration Expenses with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2023. The Canadian Exploration Expenses to be renounced by the Company will qualify for the critical mineral exploration tax credit under the Tax Act. Cash finder's fees of $87,726 were paid to eligible finders pursuant to this Offering. The securities described herein were not registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (Appia) Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, as well as exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 113,837.15 hectares (281,297.72 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143acres), with rare earth elements and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario. Lastly, the Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Project which is 17,551.07 ha. in size and located within the Goias State of Brazil. (See June 9th, 2023 Press Release - Click HERE) Appia has 136.3 million common shares outstanding, 144.2 million shares fully diluted. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information, visit www.appiareu.com. As part of our ongoing effort to keep investors, interested parties and stakeholders updated, we have several communication portals. If you have any questions online (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) please feel free to send direct messages. To book a one-on-one 30-minute Zoom video call, please click here. Contact: Tom Drivas, CEO and Director (c) (416) 876-3957 (f) (416) 218-9772 (e) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Stephen Burega, President (c) (647) 515-3734 (e) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Highlights: 4,000 metre drill program on Awale's Odienne now underway Awale secured an additional USD 750,000 in joint venture funding from Newmont Corporation Final Drill results from Odienne's Summer Drill Program expected in early January Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Awale Resources (TSXV: ARIC), is pleased to announce the commencement of a 4000-meter diamond drilling program at the Odienne joint venture project with Newmont. This is a continuation of the Awale's strategy of exploring and developing high-grade gold and copper-gold deposits in the fertile Odienne region of Cote d'Ivoire. Additional Funding from Newmont Awale Resources has secured an additional USD 750,000 in joint venture funding from Newmont Corporation, elevating the 2023 exploration budget to USD 3.75 million. This increase in budget reflects Newmont's confidence in the potential of the Odienne project and Awale's successful exploration approach. This new funding is in addition to the recently closed Private Placement with Newmont into Awale. New Diamond Drill Program Underway The drill program, which will continue throughout the holiday period, will explore and develop Awale's Odienne project in West Africa. Awale views Odienne as highly prospective for large-scale Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) and intrusive related mineral systems. Awale's exploration approach has already led to significant regional discoveries, including the Empire, Charger, and Sceptre East discoveries, highlighting the potential for district-scale developments. Final Drill Results from Odienne's Summer Program expected in January Awale looks forward to publishing final drill results from the last drill program subsequent to passing through the companies quality control and re-analysis protocols and will be ready for release in January. These results will include initial scout holes at the BBM and Lando prospects as well as additional holes at the Charger target. Andrew Chubb, CEO of Awale Resources, stated, "This marks a pivotal moment in our exploration efforts. The increased investment and ongoing support from Newmont underscore our project's potential and our team's capability to deliver significant results." Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to follow Awale Resources' progress through updates on the company's website. For further information, please contact: Andrew Chubb, CEO Awale Resources +356 99 139 117 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The Awale-Newmont JV - 'Odienne Project JV' The Odienne Project JV covers one permit and one application within the greater Odienne Copper-Gold Project in the Northwest of Cote d'Ivoire, and is subject to an earn-in agreement with Newmont Ventures Limited ("Newmont"); (see Company News Release dated May 31, 2022) through which Newmont retains the option to earn-in to a minimum of 65% interest, from Awale, in the Odienne Project JV in return for USD 15 million of exploration expenditures. Newmont is funding the exploration program and Awale is managing the Odienne Project JV in the initial three-year phase. About Awale Resources Awale is a diligent and systematic mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of large high-grade gold and copper-gold deposits. The Company currently undertakes exploration activities in the underexplored parts of Cote d'Ivoire. Awale's exploration success to date has culminated in a fully funded earn-in Joint Venture with Newmont covering one permit and one application (the "Odienne Project JV") within the greater Odienne Copper-Gold Project in the Northwest of Cote d'Ivoire, where three significant gold and gold-copper-silver-molybdenum discoveries have been made. The Sceptre East and Charger discoveries have significant scope for growth with future discovery and resource development drilling. The project has multiple pipeline prospects that have similar geochemical fingerprints to Iron Oxide Copper Gold ("IOCG") and intrusive related mineral systems. The 400km2 of granted tenure and 400km2 under application remains underexplored and offers significant upside potential. The Odienne Project JV forms a solid foundation for the Company to continue exploring in a pro-mining jurisdiction that offers significant potential for district scale discoveries. Qualified Person The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved for release by Andrew Chubb, the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr Chubb is the Company's Chief Executive Officer and holds an Economic Geology degree, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) and is a Member of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG). Mr Chubb has over 18 years of experience in international mineral exploration and mining project evaluation. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD AWALE RESOURCES LIMITED "Andrew Chubb" Andrew Chubb, CEO For additional information you are invited to visit the Awale Resources Limited website at www.awaleresources.com, or contact Andrew Chubb CEO (+356) 99139117, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to statements regarding, the Company's presence in Cote d'Ivoire and ability to achieve results, creation of value for Company shareholders, achievements under the Newmont JV, works on other properties, planned drilling, commencement of operations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 27, 2023 /CNW/ - Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals" or the "Company"; (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) announces that it has completed all infrastructure geotechnical field data collection in support of the preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") for its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element ("REE") Project located near Prince George, B.C., Canada. Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, commented: "We are very excited to have completed our 2023 Phase 3 geotechnical program. I would like to congratulate the APEX and SRK teams for their safe and professional execution of this work. These multi-phase programs started in early summer and we now have all field geotechnical data in hand necessary for the completion of our PFS study which we expect to be finished in Q2 2024." Highlights of the 2023 Wicheeda REE Project infrastructure geotechnical programs include: 16 helicopter and track sonic overburden geotechnical drill holes totalling 225.5 metres ( Image 1and Image 2 ); ); 20 excavated overburden geotechnical test pits totalling 76.8 metres ( Image 3 ); ); 6 diamond drill holes totalling 1,182 metres within the Wicheeda REE deposit pit shell; inclusive of 4 open pit geochemical drill holes totalling 920 metres, and in pit exploration holes totalling 262 metres; Shipment of a 2,700 kg metallurgical sample, collected from drill core, to SGS Lakefield, Ontario for continued flotation and hydrometallurgical optimization test-work; for continued flotation and hydrometallurgical optimization test-work; Initiation of humidity cell testwork on 17 samples, and 250 kg sample selection for on-site kinetic leach (barrel) testing of samples representative of anticipated mine waste rock to assess metal leaching and acid rock drainage potential in support of environmental assessment. The geotechnical work was completed by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. ("SRK") with the support of APEX Geoscience Ltd. ("APEX"). Image 1: Heli-Sonic Overburden Drilling in PFS Tailings Option Study Area Image 2: Temporary Bridge Installation to Access Tailings Study Area Image 3: Excavated Overburden Test Pits Underway in Tailings Study Area Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Project has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (B.C.), Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101. About the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project Defense Metals' 100% owned, 8,301-hectare (~20,534-acre) Wicheeda REE Project is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia; population 77,000. Wicheeda is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydro power transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia. About Defense Metals Corp. Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Deposit located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "DEFN", in the United States, trading symbol "DFMTF" on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under "35D". Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/ For further information, please visit www.defensemetals.com or contact: Todd Hanas, Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd. Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: (778) 994 8072 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, the expected completion of the PFS and the expected timeline, the receipt of assays from drilling, continued optimization test-work, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, accuracy of assay results, performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, interpretation of geological, engineering and metallurgical data, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration, engineering and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration, metallurgy and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 and other viruses and diseases on the business of the Company, the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, increase in costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. M+I mineral resources of 6.1 Mt grading 98 g/t silver, containing 19.0 million silver ounces, including mineral resources of 6.1 Mt grading 98 g/t silver, containing 19.0 million silver ounces, including 2P mineral reserves of 5.1 Mt at 93 g/t silver, with 11.95 million recoverable silver ounces (All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Andean Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV: APM) (OTCQX: ANPMF)("Andean" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an updated mineral reserve and resource estimate for the Company's San Bartolome mine and mill operations, the largest commercial oxide processing facility in Bolivia. The 2023 mineral resource and reserve estimates herein ("2023 MR&RE") were prepared by SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. ("SRK") and will be supported by a technical report prepared in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") that is expected to be filed by Andean within 45 days of this press release. "The results reported today reflect the work undertaken to extend the life of our San Bartolome processing facility and create value for our stakeholders. Our new mineral reserve and resource estimate excludes our low-grade and high cost "pallacos" for the areas of Antuco, Huacajchi and Santa Rita, and includes material from our fines deposit facility1, as well as other higher grade third-party contracted ore," stated Alberto Morales, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Andean. While Andean has been processing ore from both its internal pallacos and third-party contracted material, the percentage of the contracted material has steadily increased. As of the end of the third quarter, on a year-to-date basis, third-party material represented more than 60% of tonnes processed and nearly 70% of ounces produced. During the first nine months of 2023, only 30% of ounces produced came from the Company's low-grade and high cost pallacos. "To feed our mill during this next phase of operations, we will completely transition away from pallacos and focus on processing higher margin third-party sourced ore and on our FDF material," added Mr. Morales. "During the course of 2023, we have successfully negotiated agreements for a significant amount of tonnage of higher-grade material to feed San Bartolome, and we will continue to negotiate with COMIBOL and look for other third-party sources during the course of 2024." 2023 MR&RE Highlights 2023 MR&RE for San Bartolome reports: a contained M&I silver (" Ag ") resource of 19.0 Moz at 98 grams per tonne (" g/t ") Ag; and a recoverable 2P reserve of 11.95 Moz with an average grade of 93 g/t Ag. New sources of mill feed acquired - including high-grade silver oxides from Paca, Alta Vista and three deposits in the Tollojchi area - will augment FDF production. Life of operations from 2P mineral reserves stands at 4.6 years. Given the reprocessing of FDF tailings and an expanded portfolio of feed sources, operations at San Bartolome are expected to extend into 2028, more than 8 years beyond the original 12-year life of mine, which was expected to end in 2020 2 . Potential opportunities remain to further expand the life of operations by upgrading portions of the high-grade inferred, which stands at 965 kt grading 167 g/t Ag. The Company has an active program to identify and acquire new oxidized materials that would otherwise not be suitable for processing with typical flotation plants in the country. Mineral Resource Estimate Methodology - FDF The estimates of mineral resources are effective as of December 1, 2023, and are presented in the Appendix - Table 1. San Bartolome mine processed the pallacos oxidized deposits formed from erosion of the world-class Cerro Rico hydrothermal deposit (high sulphidation-type) since its commissioning in 2008. The San Bartolome processing plant screened out fine-grained material of less than 2.5 mm in size (-8 mesh), effectively upgrading the silver content of material. This untreated material contained silver and was stockpiled in the FDF at San Bartolome. The tails material was sampled for silver content before being stockpiled and based on that historical sampling data, the Company previously estimated the silver grade to be between 35 and 40 g/t. The FDF has been drilled extensively utilizing Sonic core drilling methods from a barge-mounted platform. Personnel from Empresa Minera Manquiri SA ("Manquiri"), the wholly owned, Bolivian subsidiary of Andean, logged and sampled the drill core and submitted the samples to ALS Global's ("ALS") sample preparation and analytical facilities in Oruro, Bolivia and Lima, Peru, respectively. ALS is a certified commercial analytical services company. SRK completed an analysis of the raw exploration data, analysis of outliers and defined capping levels where necessary and composited the samples to a 2 meter (m), consistent vertical length. Variogram analysis was completed to define the block size, search strategy used in the estimation. Silver grade estimates were made from the composited data into the block model, with a dimension of 20 m x 20 m x 5 m using ordinary kriging, inverse distance, and nearest neighbor methods, as appropriate. A bulk density of 1.52 g/cm3 was assigned to the block material. FDF mineral resources were categorized by SRK in a manner consistent with CIM Guidelines and considered spacing of drilling, numbers of composites, and geostatistical indicators of estimation quality as well as other factors. Mineral Resource Estimate Methodology - Contracted Material Since 2015, Manquiri supplemented its pallacos plant feed with material purchased from Corporacion Minera de Bolivia ("COMIBOL"), the Bolivian state mining company, and from other non-governmental sources. Manquiri has performed drilling and rock sampling in the areas that are sources of contracted material. Manquiri and SRK completed the geological model and the resource estimation for the oxidized material in the three areas of Tollojchi (Platera, Manto and Rosario), Alta Vista and Paca, and included the partially oxidized (transition) material in Paca. SRK completed an analysis of the raw exploration data for each project, including the analysis of outliers in each zone of the projects, defining capping levels where necessary and composited the samples to a 2.5 m in Paca and no compositing was applied to samples in Tollojchi and Alta Vista. Variogram analysis was completed to define the block size, search strategy used in the estimation. Silver grade estimates were made from the composited data into the block model for each domain where necessary. Parent block dimensions used are: 20 m x 20 m x 10 m in Paca, 10 m x 10 m x 10 m in Manto, 5 m x 5 m x 5 m x 5 m in Rosario and Platera, and 10 m x 10 m x 10 m in Alta Vista. The estimation methods included ordinary kriging, inverse distance, and nearest neighbor methods, as appropriate. The bulk density was assigned according to the geological domains in each area. Mineral Reserves Estimate Methodology - All Material and Mining Methods The estimates of mineral reserves are effective as of December 1, 2023, and are presented in the Appendix - Table 2. The prefeasibility study ("PFS") models an open pit mine with a proven and probable mineral reserve containing 15.19 Moz of contained silver. Measured and indicated resources were used for conversion to proven and probable reserves within the optimized PFS pit designs. The mineral reserve (in-pit) cut-off grades used were 70 g/t Ag for Antuco, Santa Rita, Huacajchi, Manto, Platera, Rosario; 50 g/t Ag for FDF material; 180 g/t Ag for Paca; and 250 g/t Ag for Alta Vista. The mineral reserves were calculated using a silver price of $23/oz. The reserves have 12.2 Mt of waste, and the life of mine stripping ratio is 1.26 (waste to in situ RoM ore). The following process and modifying factors were followed to calculate the mineral reserves: Selection of metal selling prices based on historical and projected prices. Review of all modifying factors including metal prices, costs, dilution, mining recovery, processing recovery, sustaining capital, royalties, and mining methods. Convert geological block models to mine models (addition of dilution to mine models). Dilution studies. Pit optimization using all modifying factors. Selection of economical pit using Rev Factor 1. Pit design following geotechnical recommendations. Monthly mine schedules for the life of the project. Cost model verification based on new mine schedule and inventory. Generation of post-tax cash flow. Mining activities at the Manquiri operations will include removal of any growth medium (topsoil), free-digging, drilling, blasting, loading, hauling and mining support activities. Material within the pits will be generally blasted on a 2.5 m high bench. Saprolite material can be loaded directly with hydraulic excavators without the need for blasting. Lower-grade economic material will be placed in stockpiles, near to the primary crusher location. Higher-grade economic material will be sent directly to the primary crusher. A conventional truck-shovel method was considered for the open pit portion of all the deposits except the FDF (tailings recovery) and Alta Vista (underground) deposit. The open pit analysis results in several distinct open pits coalescing into over 14 pits. Most pits are shallow due to the nature of mining only the oxide portion of the resources. For the underground portion of the PFS analysis the block model created in Datamine using 5 m x 5 m x 5 m parent cell and variable sub-celling was evaluated. The planned mining inventory provided the contents of the underground design including estimated mining dilution and mining recovery. The dilution and mining recovery was built in during the reblock (subblock) exercise applied to the original model. The planned mining from Alta Vista underground consists of evaluated tonnes and grade within Mineable Stope Optimizer (MSO) software shapes that met the cut-off grade. The planned mining from underground is near the surface and multiple access will be minimal. The FDF tailings will be reprocessed using submersible pumps on a barge and slurried for classification and thickening with the undersized material going directly into the dry stack facility ("DSF") with the coarse material pumped into the ball mill. The barge loops systematically over cells at depth of 2.5 m to hydraulically mine horizontal layers considering the original topography of the FDF. The grades of the blocks were modelled from barge-supported sonic drilling. Low grade material is also passed into the DSF. The block model was created in Datamine and reblocked using 20 m x 20 m x 5 m with a dilution of approximately 5%. A monthly production schedule and cash flow were prepared to verify the economic feasibility of the estimated mineral reserves. Production is based on a maximum mine movement of roughly 38,000 tonnes per day, ore and waste, and the processing rate of about 4,500 tonnes per day. Cost estimates were prepared based on site-specific recent historic data and covered the mining, processing, and G&A operating costs. Cost estimates related to the sustaining capital of the operation include the installation of a hydraulic mining operation for the reclaim of the FDF and a pre-concentration circuit, maintenance capital to sustain the fixed assets and an estimate of closure costs. Revenue projections by the cash flow are based on reviewed contracts in place for the sale of dore bars containing silver and the related costs include shipping, assaying, and refining associated with a refining recovery. Private and governmental royalties were included in the cash flow, the former being 4% and the latter 6% of sales revenue net of all selling costs. Qualified Persons The scientific and technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by: Giovanny Ortiz, BSc, FAusIMM, SEG, Principal Resource Geologist of SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. Mr. Ortiz has sufficient experience which is relevant to the type of material under consideration including mineral resources and to the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The most recent site visit occurred in May 2022 and included: review and verification of the exploration procedures, sampling, analytical analysis, and the geological interpretations of all the deposit areas. Fernando Rodrigues, BS Mining, MBA, MAusIMM, MMSAQP, Practice Leader/Principal Consultant (Mining) of SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. Mr. Rodrigues has sufficient experience which is relevant to the type of material under consideration including Mineral Reserves and to the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Rodrigues visited the site in July 2023 and reviewed active pallacos mining areas, the FDF tailings area, and the contracted material stockpiles. Donald J. Birak, Independent Consulting Geologist to the Company, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, Registered Member, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and Fellow, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM). During his periodic site visits, he inspected the geology and mineralization of all the deposit areas referenced herein. Mr. Birak also verified Sonic sample quality and assay data and QAQC used to prepare the FDF mineral resource estimates. About Andean Precious Metals Andean is a growth-focused precious metals producer that owns and operates the San Bartolome project located in the department of Potosi, Bolivia. San Bartolome has been operating continuously since 2008, producing an average of 5 million oz of silver equivalent per year. The Company is seeking accretive growth opportunities in Bolivia and the Americas. Andean is committed to fostering safe, sustainable and responsible operations. For more information, please contact: Trish Moran VP Investor Relations This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. T: +1 416 564 4290 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and information in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which we refer to collectively as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements and information regarding timing to file the technical report supporting the 2023 MR&RE, the expected sources of the Company's mill feed in the upcoming year, the ability of the Company to extend San Bartolome life of mine, and the Company's plans for growth through exploration activities, acquisitions or otherwise. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the Company's ability to secure and to meet obligations under property and option agreements and other material agreements; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; that there is no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that contracted parties provide goods or services in a timely manner; that no unusual geological or technical problems occur; that plant and equipment function as anticipated and that there is no material adverse change in the price of silver, costs associated with production or recovery. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this release include, but are not limited to: risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits and conclusions of economic evaluations; results of initial feasibility, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks relating to possible variations in reserves, resources, grade, planned mining dilution and ore loss, or recovery rates and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; mining and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes (including work stoppages and strikes) or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; risks related to commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; the uncertainty of profitability based upon the cyclical nature of the industry in which the Company operates; risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms or delays in obtaining governmental or local community approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the uncertain global economic environment; and other factors contained in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the MD&A and the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis dated November 29, 2023. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. APPENDIX Table 1: Updated Mineral Resources - San Bartolome Operation as of December 1, 2023 Material Source Area Category Tonnes(1) (000s) Ave. Silver Grade (g/t) Contained Silver (Moz) San Bartolome Tailings FDF (2) Measured - - - Indicated 3,813 56 6.90 M+I 3,813 56 6.90 Inferred 92 52 0.15 Tollojchi Area - Contracted Manto (3) Measured - - - Indicated 773 127 3.15 M+I 773 127 3.15 Inferred 35 131 0.15 Platera (3) Measured - - - Indicated 636 160 3.28 M+I 636 160 3.28 Inferred 445 145 2.07 Rosario (3) Measured - - - Indicated 183 148 0.87 M+I 183 148 0.87 Inferred 115 136 0.50 Other Areas - Contracted Alta Vista (4) Measured - - - Indicated 34 354 0.39 M+I 34 354 0.39 Inferred 55 371 0.66 Paca (5) Measured - - - Indicated 666 223 4.78 M+I 666 223 4.78 Inferred 223 230 1.65 Owner + Contracted Totals Measured 0 0 0 Indicated 6,105 98 19 M+I 6,105 98 19 Inferred 965 167 5 Notes to Table 1 1. Mineral resources are effective as of December 1, 2023, and inclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of those mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves estimate. Mineral resource tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, any apparent errors are insignificant. Silver assays were capped where appropriate. Given the historical production and knowledge of the projects, it is the Company's opinion that all the silver grades included in the calculations have a reasonable potential to be recovered and sold. 2. The following assumptions are considered for the FDF mineral resources: a) Assumed silver price of $25/oz and metallurgical recovery of 78%. b) Mineral resources are reported at an in-situ cut-off of 47 g/t Ag, grade of material above mesh #14. This cut-off considers, on a per tonne basis: mining cost: $1.42/t; processing costs: $17.89/t; general & administrative and indirect costs: $6.1/t; capital: $0.63/t; refining, shipping, and laboratory costs: $0.65/t. Other costs considered are the COMIBOL royalty of 4% and the silver Bolivian royalty of 6%. c) 100% mining recovery. 3. The following assumptions are considered for the mineral resources deriving Manto, Platera and Rosario: a) The mineral resources are reported at an in-situ cut-off of 64.3 g/t Ag. b) Mineral resources are reported within a constraining pit shell. Assumed silver price of $25/oz; assumed metallurgical silver recovery: 80%; mining and transport: $6.49/t; process costs: $22.98/t; G&A and other indirect costs: $3.67/t; administrative costs: $2.74/t; capital expenditures: $2.65/t. Other costs are the COMIBOL royalty of 4%, the silver Bolivian royalty of 6%, and refining and shipping and laboratory costs of $0.66/t. c) Material from Manto, Platera and Rosario transportation costs of $18.50/t has been applied to the economic analysis. SRK is using an incremental cutoff to define if the material is considered as mineral resources. d) 100% mining recovery. 4. The following assumptions are considered for the mineral resources deriving from Alta Vista: a) The mineral resources are reported at an in-situ cut-off of 247 g/t Ag, considering underground mining methods. b) Assumed silver price of $25/oz; Assumed metallurgical silver recovery: 70%; transport: $29.58/t; mining: $63,8/t; process costs: $24.69/t; G&A and other indirect costs: $3.8/t; administrative costs: $4.57/t; capital expenditures: $0.41/t. Other costs are the silver Bolivian royalty of 6%, and refining and shipping and laboratory costs of $0.66/t. c) 100% mining recovery. 5. The following assumptions are considered for the mineral resources deriving from Paca: a) The mineral resources are reported at an in-situ cut-off of 172 g/t Ag. b) Oxidized and transitional (partially oxidized) materials are reported. c) The mineral resources are reported within a constraining pit shell. Assumed silver price of $25/oz; assumed metallurgical silver recovery: 80%; mining and haulage costs: $30.86/t; transport: $18.0/t; process costs: $20.29/t; ore purchase costs: $11.90/t. refining, shipping, and laboratory costs: $0.45/oz Ag. Other costs are the COMIBOL royalty of 4%, the silver Bolivian royalty of 6%. d) 100% mining recovery. Table 2: Updated Mineral Reserves - San Bartolome Mine as of December 1, 2023 Material Source Area Ag Cutoff (g/t) Category Ore (Mt) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Recovered Ag (Moz) San Bartolome Tails FDF (2) 50 Proven - - - - Probable 3.27 58 6.09 4.75 P+P 3.27 58 6.09 4.75 Tollojchi Area Contracted Manto (3) 70 Proven - - - - Probable 0.76 126 3.07 2.46 P+P 0.76 126 3.07 2.46 Platera (3) 70 Proven - - - - Probable 0.58 157 2.92 2.34 P+P 0.58 157 2.92 2.34 Rosario (3) 70 Proven - - - - Probable 0.18 143 0.81 0.65 P+P 0.18 143 0.81 0.65 Other Areas Contracted Alta Vista (4) 250 Proven - - - - Probable 0.03 357 0.39 0.27 P+P 0.03 357 0.39 0.27 Paca (5) 180 Proven - - - - Probable 0.26 228 1.91 1.53 P+P 0.26 228 1.91 1.53 Owner + Contracted Totals Variable Proven - - - - Probable 5.08 93 15.19 11.95 P+P 5.08 93 15.19 11.95 Notes to Table 2 * The costs used in the cash flow have minor differences when compared to costs used in the cut-off grade calculation, however, these are not considered material. * Waste tonnes within pit is 12.2 Mt at a strip ratio of 1.26:1 (waste to in situ RoM ore). * Open pit reserves are diluted (further to dilution inherent in the resource model and assumes selective mining unit of 2.5 m x 2.5 m x 2.5 m). * Open pit reserves assume complete mine recovery. * Metallurgical recoveries are 80% except for FDF at 78% and Alta Vista at 70%. * Mining type is all open pit except for FDF tailings reprocessing and Alta Vista underground. 1. Mineral reserves are effective as of December 1, 2023, and inclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral reserves tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate. Any apparent errors are insignificant. Given the historical production and knowledge of the projects, it is the company's opinion that all the silver grades included in the calculations have a reasonable potential to be recovered and sold. 2. The following assumptions are considered for the FDF mineral reserves: a) Assumed silver price of $23/oz. Metallurgical recovery is estimated to be in the range of 76% to 78%. Assume metallurgical recovery of 78%. b) Mineral reserves are reported at an in-situ cut-off of 50 g/t Ag, grade of material above mesh #14, has been used for reporting the mineral reserves at the FDF. This cut-off considers, on a per tonne basis, $1.42 mining cost, $17.89 processing costs, $6.1 G&A and indirect costs, $0.63 capital, $0.65 refining, shipping, and laboratory costs. Other costs considered are the COMIBOL royalty of 4% and the silver Bolivian royalty of 6%. c) 100% mining recovery and dilution of approximately 5%. 3. The following assumptions are considered for the mineral reserves deriving Manto, Platera, and Rosario: a) The mineral reserves are reported at an in-situ cut-off of 70 g/t Ag. b) The mineral reserves are reported within a constraining pit shell. Assumed silver price of $23/oz; assumed metallurgical silver recovery: 80%; mining and transport: $6.49/t; process costs: $22.98/t; G&A and other indirect costs: $3.67/t. Other costs considered included smelting; administrative costs: $2.74; capital expenditures: $2.65/t. Other costs are the COMIBOL royalty of 4%, the silver Bolivian royalty of 6%, and refining and shipping and laboratory costs of $0.66/t. c) 100% mining recovery and dilution of approximately 5%. 4. The following assumptions are considered for the mineral reserves deriving from Alta Vista: a) The mineral reserves are reported at an in-situ cut-off of 250 g/t Ag, considering underground mining methods. b) Oxidized and transitional (partially oxidized) materials are reported. c) Assumed silver price of $23/oz; assumed metallurgical silver recovery: 70%; transport: $29.58/t; mining: $63,8/t; process costs: $24.69/t; G&A and other indirect costs: $3.8/t; administrative costs: $4.57/t; capital expenditures: $0.41/t. Other costs are the silver Bolivian royalty of 6%, and refining and shipping and laboratory costs of $0.66/t. d) 100% mining recovery and dilution of approximately 20%. 5. The following assumptions are considered for the mineral reserves deriving from Paca: a) The mineral reserves are reported at an in-situ cut-off of 180 g/t Ag. b) Oxidized and transitional (partially oxidized) materials are reported. c) Mineral reserves are reported within a constrained pit shell. Assumed silver price of $23/oz; assumed metallurgical silver recovery: 80%; ore purchase, mining and haulage costs: $60.80/t; process costs: $20.29/t; refining, shipping, and laboratory costs: $0.45/oz Ag. Other costs are the COMIBOL royalty of 4%, the silver Bolivian royalty of 6%. d) 100% mining recovery and dilution of approximately 5%. Mining plan assumes use of Paca instead of other contracted material. * The mineral reserve estimate for the project was calculated by Fernando P. Rodrigues, BSc, MBA MMSAQP #01405QP of SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators NI 43-101 and generally accepted CIM Guidelines. 1 The estimate includes the resources in our Fines Deposit Facility ("FDF") which contains untreated fine-grained plant feed from the oxide reserves previously mined as well as third party contracted high-grade oxide material. 2 *Coeur d'Alene Mine, San Bartolome Technical Report, January 1, 2009, p.111. The San Bartolome operation started up in 2008 with an estimated end of mine of 2020. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Xplore Resources Corp. (TSXV: XPLR) ("Xplore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the entering into of option agreements with arms' length parties to acquire a 100% interest in five additional prospective lithium properties in the Root project area in northwest Ontario (Figure 1). The new properties expand the Company's land position in Ontario by 11,000 ha, for a total of 18,800 ha. Acquisition Highlights The Root North and Root Falls Properties are comprised of 14 unpatented mineral claims and expand the land position at the Surge Project by 2,600 ha. The Cathy Creek Property is comprised of six unpatented mineral claims totaling 2,600 ha. The property is underlain by metasediments and is located 1.5 km from the boundary of the Rooth South Pluton, a peraluminous S-type fertile granite. The Raggy Creek and Aerial Lake Properties are each comprised of six unpatented mineral claims for a total of 5,800 ha. These properties are located in the English Rivier Subprovince and underlain by metasediments and peraluminus S-type granites. The Raggy Creek property is located 10 km from the terrain boundary between the Uchi Subprovince and the English River Subprovince. Figure 1. Xplore Resource Root area property map showing the Company's new acquisitions and nearby projects and deposits. Agreement Terms Under the terms of the option agreement to acquire the Cathy Creek, Raggy Creek and Aerial Lake properties, the Company must pay a total of $204,000 over three years and issue upon acceptance of agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange 900,000 common shares. The optionors will retain a net smelter returns royalty of 1.5%, 0.5% of which can be purchased by the Company for a cash payment of $500,000. Under the terms of the option agreement to acquire the Root North property, the Company must pay a total of $75,000 over three years and issue upon acceptance of agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange 300,000 common shares. The optionors will retain a net smelter returns royalty of 1.5%, 0.5% of which can be purchased by the Company for a cash payment of $500,000. Under the terms of the option agreement to acquire the Root Falls property, the Company must pay a total of $87,000 over three years and issue upon acceptance of agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange 600,000 common shares. The optionors will retain a net smelter returns royalty of 1.5%, 0.5% of which can be purchased by the Company for a cash payment of $600,000. Each of the above option agreements is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Karly Oliver, P.Geo., a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101. The qualified person has not yet visited the properties and therefore has not yet verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in the written disclosure. About Xplore Resources Xplore Resources is a mining exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under symbol XPLR and is focused on the acquisition and exploration of grass roots lithium properties in Canada and Brazil. The Company is led by a highly experienced management team comprised of industry experts with executive and senior management experience in geology, banking, private equity, investor relations and law. Lithium Properties The Company is earning a 100% interest in the Surge (~3400 ha) and Perrigo Lake (~3300 ha) lithium properties, both situated in northwestern ON, approximately 100 kms north of Sioux Lookout ON. The Surge property lies along the regional scale Pakwash-Lake St. Joseph Fault, approximately 2.0 kms east of the Root Bay lithium discovery. The Perrigo property is located west of the Allison Lake batholith considered to be "the largest fertile peraluminous granite mass in northwestern Ontario." The Company, through its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, holds a 100% interest in the Energia (~4500 ha) and Borborema (~9100 ha) lithium properties in Brazil. The Energia claims are situated in the state of Minas Gerais, the center of Brazil's rapidly evolving lithium production. The Borborema claims are situated in the state of Rio Grade de Norte in northeastern Brazil, in a Borborema pegmatite field, a historically significant producer of tantalum prior to 1980. For further information, please contact: ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Dominic Verdejo, Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Phone: 604-678-5308 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "anticipate," "significant," "expect," "may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that all requisite approvals will be received and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays; general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes; timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX:SKE) (NYSE:SKE) ("Skeena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Placement"). Skeena issued a total of 1,258,709 flow-through common shares of the Company, issued at an average price of approximately C$8.53 per share (the "Offered Shares") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$10.7 million. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund exploration activities on Skeena's projects in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. The Placement is subject to the final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. No finder's fees will be paid in connection with this Placement. The Offered Shares have been offered, pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under National Instrument (the "NI") 45-106 in all Canadian provinces and territories, except Quebec and the Accredited Investor Exemption (the "AIE") under NI 45-106. Offered Shares pursuant to the AIE under NI 45-106 are subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document related to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption portion of this offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the company's website. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereunder. About Skeena Skeena Resources Limited is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on revitalizing the Eskay Creek and Snip Projects, two past-producing mines located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of Northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company released a Definitive Feasibility Study for Eskay Creek in November 2023 which highlights an after-tax NPV5% of C$2B, 43% IRR, and a 1.2-year payback at US$1,800/oz Au and US$23/oz Ag. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited, Walter Coles Randy Reichert Executive Chairman President & CEO Contact Information Investor Inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Office Phone: +1 604 684 8725 Company Website: www.skeenaresources.com Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements Certain statements and information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. The use of words such as "anticipates", "believes", "proposes", "contemplates", "generates", "progressing towards", "in search of", "targets", "is projected", "plans to", "is planned", "considers", "estimates", "expects", "is expected", "often", "likely", "potential" and similar expressions, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "might", "will", "could", or "would" be taken, achieved, or occur, may identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the use of the net proceeds from the Offerings and the satisfaction of the conditions of closing of the Placement, including receipt of required approvals. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company's management expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made, and are necessarily based on several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date hereof, are not guarantees of future performance. Actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein, and are subject to significant operational, business, economic, and regulatory risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including permitting and other government approvals; changes in economic conditions, including changes in the price of gold and other key variables; changes in mine plans and other factors, including accidents, equipment breakdown, bad weather and other project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of the Company; environmental risks and unanticipated reclamation expenses; and other risk factors identified in the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, the AIF dated March 22, 2023, the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated January 31, 2023, and in the Company's other periodic filings with securities and regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and the Company does not undertake any obligations to update and/or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER , Nov. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Goldgroup Mining Inc. ("Goldgroup" or the "Company") (TSX:GGA, OTC:GGAZF, BMV SIX:GGAN.MX) announces that, further to its news release of September 29, 2015 , it has agreed with Oroco Resource Corp. ("Oroco") to extend until January 16, 2016 the deadline for the... Read More In the news release, NORTHCLIFF SETTLES LOAN , issued 24-Oct-2023 by Northcliff Resources Ltd. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the first paragraph, first and last sentences, should read ""first tranche, and the second and third tranches [of the Loan]"" rather than "...first... Read More In a world of 24/7 news coverage often highlighting high-verdict medical malpractice cases, few physicians know about thousands of complaints that undergo review by state medical boards each year. Most complaints are filed by patients and/or family members, malpractice payment reports by insurance companies, and actions by other state medical boards. In North Carolina, where I practice, nearly 3,000 complaints were filed in 2021, 1,835 of which were filed by patients or other members of the public. The number one reason for complaints from 2002-2012 was an alleged communication issue, followed by quality of care concern. Medical board case review who and how? Many complaints are initially reviewed by staff members, but in North Carolina, about 150 cases per year are also referred to licensed physicians for review. Physicians with a license in good standing, no pending or past complaints, and training, qualifications, and expertise within a similar field of clinical practice as the physician named in the complaint can generally serve as expert reviewers. Case review comes with monetary compensation for the time needed to carefully and objectively review medical records pertinent to the case; North Carolina compensates at a rate of $175 per hour for review, and up to $300 per hour for deposition or trial testimony. Fewer than 5% of complaints proceed to court proceedings, and legal immunity is assured by state law. Outcomes of medical board case reviews Cases may be resolved with no action taken, private action taken, and/or public action taken. Transparency can help patients and their families feel more confident in medicines dedication to self-regulation through this process; medical licensure information is typically publicly available, accessible via web search. Most cases are resolved with no action taken. For example, in 2021 in North Carolina, only three complaints resulted in license revocation and only two in license denial. An unexpected benefit of medical board case review is the opportunity to shine a bright light on physician health. In 2021, the North Carolina Medical Board saw a more than threefold increase in public actions related to alcohol and substance use. This suggests a dramatic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of physicians who personally bore a disproportionate burden caring for others during the height of the pandemic. Physician, heal thyself Medical board case review is a valuable opportunity to use critical thinking skills to learn from other cases and ultimately improve patient care. For physicians also looking to make additional income from home on a flexible schedule, this is an opportunity to get paid AND give back to the medical community. Many physicians considering expert witness work voice concerns over the ethics of testifying against another physician. The medical board case review process illustrates how vitally important objective case review is to the quality-control role of state medical boards, and no one knows standard of care like physicians working in the trenches, seeing patients firsthand and on the clinical frontlines. I have been retained as an expert witness in nearly 200 medical malpractice cases and have found the work to be extremely intellectually rewarding. I love teaching other physicians how to put their skills to work reviewing cases, and also working with both plaintiff and defense attorneys to help them understand the clinical issues at hand in a variety of malpractice cases. I have also reviewed cases for the North Carolina Medical Board and have seen firsthand how the process serves physicians and patients. Case review has made me a better physician and helped me serve as a valuable resource to my medical colleagues and patients. Conclusion Public engagement in quality of care helps everyone. Physicians are uniquely suited to review medical board complaints, and it is appropriate to value the time spent providing this service with additional compensation. Our patients benefit from physicians willing to review cases, and so do our medical colleagues who can learn from reviews whether supportive of their actions, or illustrative of areas needing improvement. Learning doesnt stop after medical school and residency, and medical board case review is one way physicians can earn additional income that pays off in many ways for everyone. Gretchen E. Green is a radiologist. Following a Congressional hearing into antisemitic harassment on the campuses of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania, there were several changes in leadership at Penn. Jonathan A. Epstein, MD, was named interim dean at Penns Perelman School of Medicine, replacing J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, who became interim university president. Epstein, 62, is a cardiologist and researcher who trained at Harvard and has been at Penn since 1996, most recently serving as the executive vice dean and chief scientific officer of the medical school. In his new role as interim dean, Epstein will oversee 3,000 full-time faculty at Penn and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, with responsibilities including research, medical education, and the treatment of patients. The Philadelphia Inquirer asked Epstein whether Penns medical school and health system were impacted by the recent controversy over antisemitism and free speech. His response was: The main mission of the school of medicine is focused on caring for patients and finding cures and science. But we are not immune from the controversies that affect the entire campus, the city, and the country. To that extent, it is disruptive and upsetting to see conflict and pain in the world. That affects our students and our faculty and our staff. But as I walk around the hospital and the campus, I dont see disruptions or other activities. I read more about it in the newspaper. Epsteins response to the grave problem of mounting antisemitism on college campuses seems incredibly naive and parochial. His comments do not appear to have the substance one would expect from a world-class leader charged with solving hate speech on college campuses and determining what role, if any, should donors play in deciding school policy. Epstein may turn out to be an excellent dean, but if it is true that all physicians are leaders, then someone in his position must inspire others, engage them in action, and have a blueprint and buy-in for change on and off campus. I believe the problem with many physicians is that they do not view themselves as leaders. They may think, for example, that because the questions raised at the Congressional hearing ultimately reverberate beyond academia, the problem of antisemitism is not their responsibility. But physicians are often looked upon as leaders, and they must have answers to wide-ranging issues far afield from medicine. Shying away from them only perpetuates the myth that physicians cannot lead on the global stage. This begs the question: What skills are required for physicians to leverage their training and experience to become world leaders outside the field of medicine? Transferable skills. Medical leaders possess skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, team leadership, and communication which are transferable to other sectors. These skills can be used to lead teams, organizations, or even countries. Public health policy. With their in-depth knowledge of public health, physicians can effectively contribute to the development of public health policies. They can work with governments or international organizations to improve health care systems globally. Education and research. Doctors can contribute to the field of education as professors, researchers, or administrators. They can use their expertise to train the next generation of leaders or to conduct research that influences policy and practice. Philanthropy. Many medical leaders are involved in philanthropy, contributing their wealth and influence to causes they care about. This can lead to leadership roles in non-profit organizations or foundations. Health advocacy. Physicians can become advocates for health, working to raise awareness about health issues and to influence policy. This can lead to leadership roles in advocacy organizations or in government. Entrepreneurship. Doctors can also become entrepreneurs, using their knowledge of the health care sector to start their own businesses. This can lead to leadership roles in the business world. Consulting. With their knowledge and experience, medical leaders can become consultants, advising governments, organizations, or businesses on health-related issues. This can lead to leadership roles in the consulting sector. Politics. Medical leaders can enter politics, using their knowledge and experience to influence policy and legislation. This can lead to leadership roles at the local, national, or international level. There are 19 physicians in the 118th Congress (2023 present), of whom 15 serve in the House and 4 serve in the Senate. Global health perspective. Physician leaders often engage in global health initiatives beyond clinical practice. This could involve participating in international health organizations, contributing to global health policy, or leading initiatives that address health disparities on a global scale. This list is not all-inclusive. There are many other skills, knowledge, and leadership qualities physicians can leverage to become influential world leaders outside the field of medicine. Whats most important is staying informed about global issues, developing a broad perspective, and actively seeking opportunities to contribute to positive change beyond the boundaries of health care. Physicians have transitioned from successful medical careers to become world-class leaders in diverse fields. Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland is the former prime minister of Norway. She served as the director-general of WHO from 1998 to 2003. Dr. Brundtland played a key role in climate control and sustainable development. She chaired the Brundtland Commission, which introduced the concept of sustainable development in the report Our Common Future. Dr. Paul Farmer (deceased 2022) co-founded Partners In Health, an organization that provides health care to impoverished communities worldwide. He was a leader in global health and social justice, advocating for equitable access to health care. Dr. Jim Yong Kim was the 12th president of the World Bank Group from 2012 to 2019. He co-founded Partners In Health with Dr. Paul Farmer and served as the president of Dartmouth College from 2009 to 2012. Dr. Bernard Lown (deceased 2021) was a renowned cardiologist and inventor of the direct current defibrillator, Dr. Lown co-founded the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. His advocacy work focused on nuclear disarmament and peace. Dr. Ernesto Che Guevera (deceased 1967) has the dubious distinction of having his occupation listed in Wikipedia as guerilla as well as physician, diplomat, and author. Guevera is best remembered for his role in Cubas revolution, where he was both revered and reviled. Time named Guevera one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. These are just a few examples of physicians who have demonstrated that doctors can leverage their medical expertise and leadership skills to address broader global issues, ranging from public health and sustainable development to diplomacy, peace, and activism. Their diverse contributions showcase the potential for physicians to become influential leaders on the world stage. Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is the author of Every Story Counts: Exploring Contemporary Practice Through Narrative Medicine. The Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, the Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna has strongly criticized the governments decision to distribute 30 million condoms during the festive season in various high-risk areas across the country. Speaking at the wedding ceremony of George William Kanagizi, the Presidential Advisor on Kigezi Affairs, and Flavia Kanagizi, the Kabale District Speaker, held at St. Matthew Church of Uganda Kumbura in Bugarama Sub County of Kabale District yesterday, Bishop Akanjuna expressed his disapproval. The announcement of the condom distribution was made by Dr. Daniel Byamukama, Head of HIV Prevention at the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC), on Thursday of the same week. Dr. Byamukama highlighted the alarming statistic of 52,000 new HIV infections recorded last year, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the high incidence in order to achieve the countrys goal of ending AIDS by 2030. Bishop Akanjuna, however, took a different stance, asserting that the church would persist in offering prayers for those behind the decision to distribute condoms, expressing hope that they would repent. A middle-aged man has been convicted of two counts of sexual assault following an incident with two 14 year-old girls, in the centre of Kilkenny in the middle of the afternoon. The man, who can not be identified for legal reasons, was convicted on both counts after a jury trial at Kilkenny Circuit Court. Sergeant Dave Cosgrove told the court that he became aware of reports of a male harassing two 14 year-olds on May 27, 2022. The girls were in the company of a boy the same age and had met to hang out after school. They were in the Peace Park area of the city. They were sitting in the green area when a male approached them and started to talk to them. The man, aged in his 50s, started making inappropriate sexual comments. This went on for some time and the youths were uncomfortable. He instigated the topics with a sexual context. The boy asked how old the man was and he told them he was 52. The boy then asked the man if he thought it was ok to suggest he would have sex with a 14-year-old girl and the man said it wasnt his fault and that he was talking with his d*ck. The man fell off his bike, onto the two girls and as he was getting up he groped their legs and bottoms. One of the girls said the man fell onto them on purpose. The youths then walked across the river to the other side of the city. They encountered the man again at Canal Square and then decided to contact the gardai. A garda was sent to the scene and Sgt Cosgrove said he saw the man on city CCTV. When gardai spoke to the man he appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant. He matched the description given by the three youths. One of the girls had taken a photo of the man on her phone at the first meeting and forwarded that to gardai. It showed the same man. He was arrested at his home and interviewed. He initially told gardai the incident had never happened but later accepted he shouldnt have spoken to the youths like that. He said the nature of the conversation was that they were probably joking. The man has now been remanded in custody since last May, the court heard, after it took two bench warrants for him to appear in court. Judge Martin was told the man had 22 previous convictions including one under Section 45 of the Sexual Offences Act (exposure, offensive conduct of a sexual nature) and a large number of public order matters dating back 24 years. Sean Rafter BL, defending, said his client has a problem with alcohol and a lot of the previous convictions were in this context. His client accepted the decision of the jury, the barrister added, and had asked Mr Rafter to apologise on his behalf to the victims. Drink was a major issue on that day. Mr Rafter said his client could not really remember what he said or what happened and put himself at the mercy of the court. His client is a separated man with one daughter in the UK. Judge Martin said that in considering the appropriate sentence he had listened to the barrister and sergeant, and that the sentence must be proportionate to the crime. He said the teenagers had been groped by the man on an ordinary, pleasant, afternoon in town, and they contacted the gardai. Sexual assault is a serious offence, the judge said and he in no way intended to belittle these offences by placing them at the lower end of what the court can encounter from time to time. Aggravating factors in the case included the age of the two girls, who were on their way home from school, sitting in a grassy area with their friend. Also aggravating was the number of previous convictions the man had. Including one the judge described as for grabbing his genital area and making lewd comments in public. OLD WAYS This offence was also committed while the man was on a suspended sentence, the judge commenting the man was back at your old ways again. Judge Martin noted that the man had given instructions to his defence to question the girls if they had been drinking on the day. That could only have been designed to cast doubt over their testimony to the jury, and belittle them. The suggestion that the boy started the conversation had absolutely no basis, the judge said, other than to belittle him in the eyes of the jury. The man said he had little memory of the event, however he had a clear memory of it during the garda interview, the judge pointed out, and he made no suggestions about the youths then, as his defence had in court. Mitigation included the fact the man accepted the jury decision. He had been entitled to contest the case, the judge added. Also mitigating was the mans apology, which the judge said he hoped would be of some solace to the girls. In accepting he shouldnt have engaged with the girls showed the man had insight into the offence. On both charges of sexual assault the man was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison, to run consecutively. The last six months is suspended, for 12 months, on condition the man remain alcohol free, keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The sentence was backdated to begin when the man entered custody in May 2023. Hewick a horse who cost just 850 at a horse sale in Goresbridge came from last to first to win a remarkable Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton for Kilkenny trainer Shark Hanlon. Hewick was ridden by man of the moment Gavin Sheehan, and looked to have no chance at all for most of the race. Shishkin had taken up the running from Frodon with over a mile to run and injected pace which had seemed too much for Hewick (12-1). Turning into the straight Shishkin was going the best, with Bravemansgame and Allaho being ridden to keep in touch. Over the second-last Shishkin was still seemingly in control, but having jumped the fence perfectly well he lost his footing a stride or two after, unseating Nico de Boinville. That left Allaho in front and he was being challenged again by Bravemansgame, but coming into contention and just hitting full stride was Hewick. Sheehan got a great jump out of him at the last and he swept on by to win by a length and a half from last years winner Bravemansgame. The rider even admitted he might have considered calling an early halt with his charge in other circumstances. He told ITV Racing: If it wasnt the King George, I probably would have pulled up! I knew that he stays and stays and I just wasnt able to get going. Theres only a certain amount of questions you can ask them and if theyre not responding, you cant ask. Shark said hes probably the smallest horse here but hes got the biggest heart and that perfectly sums him up. I was absolutely delighted to get the call from Shark (to ride), it was a no-brainer. To come here and do it like that was amazing. Hanlon said: Its unreal. I said to Gavin listen, he will stay all day but they went very hard and he just couldnt lay up with them. On a tougher track it will be a better job for him, but we are here today and he won which is amazing. Coming out of the back I thought wed definitely be in the first three because he was just getting into a rhythm and just getting going. They were going plenty hard in front. We knew coming here there were three or four front-runners and if we were able to lay up with them wed be happy. He cost 850 and I was watching a programme in the week and Ruby (Walsh) knocked him and I said were flying now because every time Ruby knocks him we win! Straight to Cheltenham now. Its probably the wrong race as he should go for the English National but there is only one Gold Cup. He added: He definitely needs better ground. He is a better horse on good ground. The ground today was lovely. I feel very sorry for Jordan Gainford (out injured) as he made this horse. He minded him when he had to be minded. Jordan will be back for Cheltenham, but if he is not we have a good man to take his place. Everywhere last season where I went was too soft, bar America where the ground was perfect for him. There were six runners today and I never thought he should be 12-1. It doesnt usually happen like this when you buy an 850 horse, but we made it work with Skyace and we have made it work with him. He is as tough a horse in England or Ireland you will find. The people of Ireland and England love him as well. If you are not in you cant win and he has shown that anything is possible. IRELAND is currently in the grip of Storm Gerrit, a powerful weather system that has brought relentless rain to the country. Over the past few days, Storm Gerrit has unleashed a deluge of rain across various regions of Ireland, causing rivers to swell and waterfalls to overflow. The east and west of the island have experienced some of the most significant impacts, with several iconic waterfalls showcasing the power and beauty of Ireland's natural landscapes. Among the notable sites affected is Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow, which has seen its cascading waters intensify into a magnificent torrent. Tourists and locals who braved the storm to witness the spectacle have been treated to a rare and awe-inspiring sight as the waterfall roars. On the downside, the heavy rainfall has led to localised flooding in some regions, prompting emergency services to be on high alert. Met Eireann predicts that Storm Gerrit will gradually move away from Ireland in the coming days, but the aftermath of heavy rainfall will linger. With a yellow warning in place across the countery, an orange warning bringing strong to gale force westerly winds, is in place for Kerry, Clare, Galway and Cork. Coastal flooding is also likely in these areas. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and heed any warnings from local authorities. David Trimble was said to have been extraordinarily rude during a meeting with Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern in June 1999. The then UK prime minister and the then taoiseach held meetings in Castle Buildings on June 25 1999 with all the Northern Ireland parties, outlining actions to be taken as part of the peace process. An Irish civil servants briefing note of the encounter, released in this years State Papers files, outlined a tense exchange where Mr Trimble accused Mr Blair of laying a crude trap. The meeting was held at a time when there was enormous political pressure on Mr Trimble to ensure paramilitary decommissioning after signing his Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) up to the Good Friday Agreement peace deal. At each of the meetings with the various pro-agreement parties, the two premiers sought support for three principles on decommissioning. Although there was said to be no difficulty with the first two principles, the third which stated decommissioning was to be carried out in a manner determined by the Independent Commission on Decommissioning posed issues for the UUP. Concerns were raised about whether manner meant the commission could decide the timing of decommissioning, or the way in which paramilitary arsenals were disposed of. A briefing note compiled by senior civil servant Dermot Gallagher said that Mr Trimbles arrival at the meeting with a delegation of 10 was a clear reflection of the lack of trust within the party and of Trimbles limited room for manoeuvre. Those at the meeting included Jeffrey Donaldson, who said manner was vague and imprecise and clarity on it was needed. Mr Trimble was noted as arguing that the third principle related to modalities and methodology and not timing, while Mr Blair said the party was reading far too much into the issue. He said that they could agree to the principles on the basis of an inclusive executive, and that the word manner related to methods and modalities. While leaving the meeting, Mr Trimble was said to have had a very difficult discussion with two British officials in which he disagreed with the preamble to the three principles. This stated although there is acknowledged disagreement about their implementation, all parties to the Good Friday Agreement are committed to the following principles. Mr Trimble expressed concern that this did not safeguard his concerns about timing; Mr Blair invited Mr Trimble and his delegation to discuss the issue further. The tone and approach of Trimble at this session was extraordinarily rude, Mr Gallagher wrote. Mr Trimble stated his concern on being bound by the timing of decommissioning set by the commission and accused it of being a crude trap that he had no intention of walking into. The note stated that Mr Blair resented the accusation, and said that the decommissioning body could not unilaterally decide on timing. The note then stated: Trimble responded by saying that this was not consistent with whats there in black and white, adding that weve had crude tricks like this played on us before. When the Prime Minister responded with not by me, Trimble added not yet, to which Mr Blair replied in exasperation that he was trying to help. The meeting concluded with an agreement to change the preamble to state disagreement about timing and implementation. The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) raised concerns with the second principle that set a deadline of May 2000 for decommissioning, and due to delays in setting up the executive, said a new deadline should be set. Leader of the Ulster Democratic Party Gary McMichael said it accepted working towards a decommissioning deadline of May 2000, and said that loyalist paramilitaries were very much watching what the IRA would do, and as a result they were not able to say that the UDA would decommission. PUP leader Hugh Smyth said that if the executive was working well once set up, some slippage might be accepted and the May 2000 deadline extended. PUP MLA David Ervine said that the focus should not be on decommissioning, but on ending the war, and said relations would never be the same if the Good Friday Agreement went down. Sinn Fein, the SDLP, Alliance and the Womens Coalition agreed to the three principles. The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file 2023/154/4 Speaking at Ulster University back in April, U.S. President Joe Biden made passing reference to the architect from Kilkenny who designed the White House, James Hoban. He told those gathered: "As a matter of fact as you walk into my office, the Oval Office, in the US capital, guess what? You know who founded and designed and built the White House? An Irishman. Thats not a joke. Not a joke. Passing it down generation after generation. "Your history is our history. But even more importantly your future is Americas future." James Hoban left County Kilkenny for Philadelphia in the 1780s as a promising young architect. In 1792, Hoban was named winner of the design competition for the White House. Following the 1814 burning of the White House, Hoban is said to have rebuilt the Southern Portico for President James Monroe (1824) and the Northern Portico for President Andrew Jackson (1829). Hoban also is believed to have designed Rossenarra House near Kilmoganny in Ireland in 1824. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Cloudy skies with a few snow showers this afternoon. High 24F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 30%.. Tonight Watching a potential winter storm. Snow. Winds will be gusty at times this evening. Low 11F. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 5 to 8 inches. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. North American Income Trust (LON:NAIT Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Tuesday, December 19th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, December 28th will be paid a dividend of GBX 2.60 ($0.03) per share on Friday, January 19th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.92%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. The official announcement can be viewed at this link. North American Income Trust Stock Performance Shares of NAIT traded up GBX 3 ($0.04) on Wednesday, reaching GBX 286 ($3.63). 43,179 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 165,558. The company has a current ratio of 1.99, a quick ratio of 7.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.72. The stock has a market cap of 397.20 million, a PE ratio of 14,408.80 and a beta of 0.72. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is GBX 268.60 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 273.54. North American Income Trust has a 52-week low of GBX 254 ($3.23) and a 52-week high of GBX 315.75 ($4.01). Get North American Income Trust alerts: North American Income Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More The North American Income Trust plc is an exchange traded fund launched and managed by Aberdeen Fund Managers Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in the stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund invests in the stocks of large-cap companies, within the market capitalization range of S&P 500 Index. Receive News & Ratings for North American Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North American Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By John J. Metzler There they go again! North Koreas reclusive communist regime ended the year with a provocative intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch, flying near Japan and splashing down in the Pacific. The ominous firing of a powerful Hwasong-18 rocket came a month after Pyongyang put a spy satellite into orbit. The latest ICBM launch, the fifth this year, along with over 25 other ballistic missiles, plus three satellite firings using ballistic missile technology, places the quaintly titled Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) in a league of its own for missile proliferation. These launches send the undeniably menacing message that the DPRK intends to hide in the shadows of the Ukraine and Gaza wars and develop its offensive military capacity, to bully nearby South Korea and Japan, and to set the political template that North Korea remains a nuclear power. Pyongyang thumbs its nose at the international community despite multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting these actions. During a Security Council meeting following the latest launches, a joint statement on North Koreas proliferation warned, We condemn, in the strongest terms, the DPRKs Dec. 17 ICBM launch and those before it. Because we cannot become inured to this behavior. We cannot turn a blind eye to the DPRKs continued pursuit of nuclear weapons, or for that matter, its malicious cyber activity and flagrant human rights violations and abuses. The statement added sternly, Council silence sends the wrong message to Pyongyang and all proliferators. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the launch and urged the DPRK to fully comply with its international obligations under Security Council resolutions. Thus while nine Council members including the United States, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom called for restraint, the glaring political reality remains that China and Russia, two UNSC members holding the powerful veto, remain committed to their comrade the DPRK as a disrupter of East Asias status quo. Significantly, South Koreas Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook voiced his deep concern that the UNSC is locked in a stalemate and being ridiculed by the DPRK. The councils statement added, While we urge the DPRK to abandon its unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs, and instead invest in feeding the people in North Korea, we also urge the Security Council, every member of the Security Council, to exercise its responsibility and overcome its prolonged silence. Diplomats added hopefully, We encourage the DPRK to engage in diplomacyand help the North Korean people suffering from food insecurity and a lack of basic humanitarian goods. Thats wishful thinking. As this column has long asserted, the Pyongyang leadership has long favored neutrons for the regime over nutrition for its own people as a state policy. DPRK proliferation is sadly nothing new; in fact its been expanding dangerously in the past three years. While the Security Council now almost ritualistically condemns the launches, its time to ask a few obvious questions. First, Pyongyang communists want a deterrent to guarantee regime survival. Speaking at the UNSC briefing, DPRK Delegate Kim Song said that the latest ICBM launch by Pyongyang is a warning countermeasure. In a rash and reckless statement, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the firing of the ICBM demonstrated his commitment not to hesitate to launch a nuclear attack in the event of nuclear provocations from the enemy. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood stressed before the Security Council, Meanwhile, the DPRK itself announced it is undertaking not defensive countermeasures, but offensive ones. No claim by the DPRK can repudiate that fact. Second, as U.N. Assistant Secretary General Khaled Khiari stated, The launch of yet another ICBM is of serious concernregrettably the DPRK did once again not issue any airspace or maritime safety notifications. The unannounced launches represent a serious risk to international civil aviation and maritime traffic. Air traffic corridors around Japan and South Korea are densely packed with civilian flights. Its just a matter of time and bad luck before a missile returning to the sea near the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido accidentally hits a passenger aircraft causing civilian carnage. Third, the firings of these ICBMs pose a clear and present danger to East Asia and equally to the continental United States. And this is OK? Though the missiles are not carrying warheads, what if they were? Lets get real, what is the ultimate purpose of these rockets? Clearly they are offensive military weapons of mass destruction, not Pyongyangs pyrotechnic displays to woo the world with the power of the Kim Dynasty. John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism The Diplomacy of Separated Nations; Germany, Korea, China." Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Watching a potential winter storm. Cloudy skies. Low 26F. SSW winds shifting to ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Generally cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Watching a potential winter storm. Overcast. Low 27F. SSW winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph. At the 2022 SBS Gayo Daejeon, ITZY's Yuna left an indelible mark on viewers as she graced the stage with a mesmerizing cover of Lee Hyori's "U-Go-Girl." The rendition not only showcased Yuna's versatility but also captured the hearts of many, establishing her as a rising star in the K-pop scene. Anticipation Surrounding Yuna's 2023 Performance Given the resounding success of her performance the previous year, expectations were high for Yuna's appearance at the 2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon. Fans eagerly awaited what musical magic she would weave on stage this time around, anticipating another show-stopping moment that would further solidify her status as a performer to watch. Yuna's 2023 Cover: "You & Me" by Jennie This year, Yuna took on the challenge of covering Jennie's solo track, "You & Me." The song choice itself sparked intrigue, as fans speculated on how Yuna would reinterpret this popular piece from the BLACKPINK member's solo repertoire. itzy yuna performing you & me omg pic.twitter.com/c9e7Scahgc December 25, 2023 As the curtain lifted on her performance, it became evident that Yuna was venturing into different musical territory, aiming to showcase her adaptability and range. YOU MIGHT ALSO INTERESTED IN: ITZY Yuna Relationship Status 2023: Why Is Idol Being Linked to Actor Jo Byung Gyu Mixed Reactions from Fans Despite Yuna's unwavering fanbase, her rendition of "You & Me" elicited mixed reactions from viewers. NETIZENS REACTIONS I don't really have any ill feelings towards Yuna, but the song doesn't seem sincere.. It's not a good tone to listen to, and the tone really can't be changed. She ate but no one did it like Jennie. Don't compare them, Yuna is a fangirl of Jennie and she ate that performance, does hating and comparing make you feel you good? I love Itzy, especially Yuna, but "You & Me" only shines on Jennie, as "Drama" only shines on aespa (I didn't say it's bad but it's better on Nini) Don't judge it's just my opinion but I think her voice is too thin for this song but honestly, she sang it well Jennie's voice gives baddie vibes. Yuna's voice gives off cute. which y'all thing match the song?? WHY ARE Y'ALL MAD AT YUNA IT'S LITERALLY A COVER. Y'ALL ARE DEF BLIND AND DEAF Not only the voice but also the dance is very greasy and cringe-inducing. Can't you make it a little simpler? have no talent and can't even sing. On one hand, loyal fans praised her song choice, acknowledging the sentimental value it held as a testament to her dedication to BLACKPINK, considering Yuna's status as a devoted blink. On the other hand, some listeners expressed reservations, noting that the song might not have been the perfect match for Yuna's inherently cute voice and performance style. Balancing Loyalty and Artistic Expression Yuna's journey at SBS Gayo Daejeon this year brings forth an interesting dynamic the delicate balance between loyalty to her favorite artists and the pursuit of artistic expression that resonates authentically with her style. The mixed reactions underline the challenges faced by idols when navigating diverse genres, as they seek to honor their influences while staying true to their individual artistic identities. As the discussions surrounding Yuna's performance continue to unfold, it highlights the nuanced nature of fan expectations and the evolving artistic journey of K-pop idols on the grand stage of events like SBS Gayo Daejeon. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 5 Female Idols Who Fans Think Were Prettier When They Debuted vs Now: IVE Liz, ITZY Yuna, More! Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news. KpopStarz own this article. Cassidy Jones wrote this. Morigaon (Assam) [India], December 27 (ANI): Ahead of the New Year, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon district has been witnessing a surge in tourist footfall. Both domestic and foreign tourists have visited the wildlife sanctuary, which is also known for having the highest density of Indian one-horned rhinos in the world. Also Read | Delhi Reports First COVID-19 Variant JN.1 Case, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj Says No Need to Panic. Migratory birds have also started arriving in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, attracting Indian as well as foreign tourists. According to the authorities of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, this is the peak time of arrival for both domestic and foreign tourists and visitors to the wildlife sanctuary. Also Read | Jaipur Hit and Run Case: Man Who Mowed Down Woman With Car Arrested. The Jeep Safari Association of Pobitora said that they are expecting more tourists to come to the wildlife sanctuary in the coming days of this season. Ajit Narayan Choudhury, forester of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, told ANI that both foreign and Indian tourists are coming here. "This is peak time and we are expecting that more tourists will come here in the coming days in January and February. We have made all arrangements for the tourists here," Ajit Narayan Choudhury said. According to the authorities of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, in the 2022-23 tourist season, a total of 31,029 Indian tourists and 403 foreign tourists visited the wildlife sanctuary and the revenue collection was Rs 55.26 lakh. In this tourist season (2023-24), from October 20 to December 26, nearly 9,500 Indian tourists and 183 foreign tourists visited the wildlife sanctuary and the revenue collection is Rs 18 lakh. Nripen Nath, President of the Jeep Safari Owners' Association of Pobitora, said that recently more than 100 delegates of the International Ranger Forum and the Sri Lankan Parliamentary Team visited this wildlife sanctuary and both Indian and foreign tourists are coming here. "This year, many migratory birds also come here and people are showing their interest in seeing this as well. We expect that more tourists will come here. This year, foreign tourists from France, Indonesia, Poland, the Netherlands, the USA, Korea and other countries have visited the wildlife sanctuary. Many local youths are engaged in the tourism sector here and it has also generated a lot of employment opportunities here," Nripen Nath said. Upen Nath, a resident of Pobitora, said, "We are very hopeful that more tourists, both Indian and foreign, will be here this year compared to the previous year." On the other hand, Arun Srivastava, a tourist from New Delhi, said that he loved to see the wild animals and birds in the wildlife sanctuary. "This is my first visit to Pobitora. This is an unplanned visit to Pobitora, but this is amazing. I am amazed to see the migratory birds, one-horned rhinos, and wild buffalo. It is an amazing experience. This is one of the best places for tourists to come. We are very happy to be here," Arun Srivastava said. Another tourist, Sipra Srivastava, said, "Earlier, I had never seen such animals. This is the place where I can see one-horned rhinos, other animals, and birds." On the other hand, Sutapa Goswami, a tourist from Guwahati, said that the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is so beautiful. "I come here with my family. This is my first visit to Pobitora. This wildlife sanctuary has the highest density of one-horned rhinos. We have also seen beautiful migratory birds here. I am really excited and looking forward to going to see the wild animals," Sutapa Goswami said. Dipankar Sarma, another tourist from Guwahati, said that this is his first visit to Pobitora. "It is a very lovely place with peace and quiet. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is very close to Guwahati and is the home of one-horned rhinos, wild buffaloes, wild boar, and birds. Foreign tourists have also come here," Dipankar Sarma said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru, Dec 27 (PTI) A trial run of Vande Bharat Express from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu to Bengaluru Cantonment and back was conducted on Wednesday, the South Western Railway said. The train between Bengaluru and Coimbatore is likely to be flagged off on December 30 along with another Vande Bharat train from Mangaluru in coastal Karnataka to Madgaon in Goa, railway officials said. Also Read | Maharashtra Road Accident: Four Karnataka Pilgrims Killed, 6 Hurt in SUV-Truck Crash en Route to Shirdi. The train left Coimbatore at 5 am and reached Bengaluru Cantonment at 10.38 am. Bengaluru Divisional Railway Manager Yogesh Mohan and other officers visited Bengaluru Cantonment and inspected the train. Also Read | Hardeep Singh Puri Takes Delhi Metro Ride Before Attending DDA Foundation Day Event in Dwarka (Watch Video). The SWR said the timetable for regular service and the fare structure are under review and will be notified soon. "After flagging of the two Vande Bharat trains, the details of their regular services will be announced. This way, Karnataka will get five Vande Bharat trains," a top railway official told PTI. The other three Vande Bharat trains are Bengaluru-Dharwad, Mysuru-Chennai and Bengaluru-Kacheguda. (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 27 (PTI) A former Member of Parliament was allegedly duped of Rs 35.10 lakh by his caretakers, the Delhi Police said on Wednesday. According to a complaint filed by the former MP, he had a bypass surgery in the past and has three attendants -- Aditya Dubey, his father Sunil Dubey and Manoj Shah -- for his assistance. Also Read | SBI Clerk Prelims 2023: Exam Schedule Released For Recruitment of 8283 Posts at sbi.co.in, Check Details. Aditya primarily manages his banking affairs and handles other responsibilities in Patna. Manoj used to do manual banking work and other errands, including leasing the farmland for the cultivation of crops while Sunil took care of the complainant, the former MP said in the FIR. The complainant told police that he served as a former MP and also a former MLA from Sikta assembly constituency in Bihar's west Champaran. Also Read | Allahabad High Court Recruitment 2023: Vacancies Notified for 83 Advocate Posts, Apply Online at allahabadhighcourt.in From January 15. The former MP further stated that on February 18, he received an SMS regarding a transaction of Rs 18,396. He told police that his mobile was with his security guard who informed him about the transaction. The same message was shown to Aditya but he refused that any such transaction happened. I never used any online payment method, thus it created suspicion. I visited Delhi with my grandnephew Rohit Verma, to visit a bank in Parliament Street to meet the branch manager," he said in the FIR. I asked my grandnephew to register an FIR when he got a call from Aditya Dubey who confessed his crime of making a withdrawal of Rs 1.25 lakh and requested not to pursue an FIR. But he later deleted all the chats," the FIR read. He further told police that Manoj was also involved in the case. A total amount of Rs 35,10,717 lakh was embezzled by Aditya and Manoj. On December 22, Parliament Street cyber police registered the FIR under sections 408 (criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant), 420 (cheating or fraud), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, police said. "Further investigation is underway. Our teams are checking all the documents related to the fraud and the accused will be arrested soon," a senior police officer said. (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 27 (PTI) State-owned HUDCO on Wednesday said it has entered into a pact with the Gujarat government to invest up to Rs 14,500 crore for financing of housing and urban infrastructure projects. The state government intends for overall development of Gujarat by implementing various housing and infrastructure projects, according to a regulatory filing. Also Read | SBI Clerk Prelims 2023: Exam Schedule Released For Recruitment of 8283 Posts at sbi.co.in, Check Details. Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) has "executed a memorandum of understanding with the State Government of Gujarat for an investment up to Rs 14,500 crore for financing the housing and urban infrastructure projects in the state of Gujarat," the filing said. Being a techno-financial institution, HUDCO is in the business of providing financial assistance for housing and urban development projects in the country. Also Read | Allahabad High Court Recruitment 2023: Vacancies Notified for 83 Advocate Posts, Apply Online at allahabadhighcourt.in From January 15. (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 27 (PTI) Kansai Nerolac Paints has agreed to sell its land parcel, along with building, at Lower Parel in Mumbai for Rs 726 crore to Runwal Developers. Kansai Nerolac Paints has said that its board has approved a proposal for "entering into an Agreement for Sale with Aethon Developers Pvt Ltd, subsidiary of Runwal Developers Pvt Ltd, for the sale of the company's land parcel at Lower Parel together with building thereon, for a consideration of Rs 726 crore." Also Read | SBI Clerk Prelims 2023: Exam Schedule Released For Recruitment of 8283 Posts at sbi.co.in, Check Details. Accordingly, the company has entered into an Agreement for Sale with the buyer. The sale is subject to completion of procedures and approvals as may be necessary in this regard, the company said on Tuesday. Also Read | Allahabad High Court Recruitment 2023: Vacancies Notified for 83 Advocate Posts, Apply Online at allahabadhighcourt.in From January 15. Real estate developers are buying land parcels outright and also entering into joint development agreements (JDAs) with landowners to expand their business amid a rise in housing demand. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agra (UP), Dec 27 (PTI) A 35-year-old man died and six people suffered injuries in a multi-vehicle pre-dawn pileup on a national highway amid reduced visibility due to fog in this Uttar Pradesh district on Wednesday, police said. Following the accident, several passersby fled with chickens from a pick-up truck that was among the vehicles involved in the pileup. Also Read | SBI Clerk Prelims 2023: Exam Schedule Released For Recruitment of 8283 Posts at sbi.co.in, Check Details. Videos purporting to show men taking the chickens out from their coops before fleeing on two-wheelers and on foot also surfaced on social media. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Agra City) Suraj Kumar Rai said the accident occurred around 3 am on the Shahdara Bridge in the Trans-Yamuna area due to fog. Also Read | Allahabad High Court Recruitment 2023: Vacancies Notified for 83 Advocate Posts, Apply Online at allahabadhighcourt.in From January 15. "Of the seven victims, one died and four are still undergoing treatment. All the damaged vehicles have been removed from the road except for one whose axle broke down and needs repairs. Normal traffic has resumed on the stretch," he said. Asked about the chickens being stolen, Rai said the local police station is awaiting a formal complaint. Once that is received, an investigation will be launched. An official of the local Trans-Yamuna police station told PTI that the person who died in the accident was identified as Kanpur native Umesh Chandra, who was driving one of the vehicles involved in the pileup. On the incident involving the chickens, the official said the pick-up truck was headed to the nearby Aliganj area and then towards Kanpur. "Some of the chickens on the pick-up also died in the accident. The owner of the poultry reached the spot and witnessed the episode," the official added. Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday recorded multiple vehicle pile-ups on expressways and highways in different parts of the state amid reduced visibility due to fog, leading to at least four deaths and injuries to more than a dozen people. (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 27 (PTI) Anti-trust regulator CCI has approved speciality chemicals major PCBL Ltd's proposed acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in Aquapharm Chemicals, according to a notice. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted its approval to the deal under the green channel route. Also Read | SBI Clerk Prelims 2023: Exam Schedule Released For Recruitment of 8283 Posts at sbi.co.in, Check Details. Under the green channel route, a transaction that does not raise any risk of an appreciable adverse effect on competition is deemed to be approved on being intimated to the fair-trade regulator. PCBL Ltd is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of carbon black, and green power generation. Also Read | Allahabad High Court Recruitment 2023: Vacancies Notified for 83 Advocate Posts, Apply Online at allahabadhighcourt.in From January 15. The transaction relates to PCBL's proposal to acquire 100 per cent equity share capital of Aquapharm Chemicals from the existing shareholders of the company i.e., (members of Desai Group and Mangwani Group), CCI said. After the completion of the transaction, Aquapharm Chemicals will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of PCBL Ltd. Aquapharm Chemicals Pvt Ltd (ACPL) is a Pune-based speciality chemicals company engaged in manufacturing and water treatment chemicals. "The parties' activities do not exhibit any horizontal, vertical, or complementary overlaps in any of the plausible relevant markets in India, the proposed combination is being notified under the green channel route," the regulator said in a notice on Tuesday. Last month, PCBL Ltd, formerly Phillips Carbon Black Ltd, announced that it plans to acquire the entire stake in Aquapharm Chemicals Pvt Ltd (ACPL) for an aggregate consideration of Rs 3,800 crore. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Dec 27 (PTI) As Pakistan on Wednesday marked the 16th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the mystery surrounding her assassination remains unsolved, according to a media report. Bhutto, Pakistan's first woman prime minister, was assassinated in a suicide bomb blast-cum-gun shooting attack outside the famous Liaquat Bagh as she was about to depart after addressing an election rally on December 27, 2007. She was aged 54. Pakistan was under the rule of military dictator General Pervez Musharraf at that time. Also Read | Cipher Case: PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi Arrested After Being Released from Adiala Jail. According to a report in Geo News, Bhutto's party -- Pakistan People's Party (PPP) -- remained in power from 2008 till 2013 but was unable to take any meaningful steps to find the people and forces behind her assassination. "With each passing day, the mystery surrounding the assassination of Benazir Bhutto continued to grow. First with the change of the route of her return after addressing the rally, a hurried washing of the crime scene by the administration, washing away critical evidence, and a shake-up in top local bureaucracy," the report said. Also Read | Elon Musk Prefers Diet Coke and Not Impressed by Coffee's Stimulating Effects, Shares Candid Thoughts With Followers With a Post on X. The administration at that time had declared the incident "a terror strike" and even released intercepts of alleged terrorists' telephonic conversations and sketches of two persons purported as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members. Musharraf had called an investigation team from Scotland Yard of the United Kingdom to investigate the killing of Bhutto. The probe team submitted a report on January 8, 2008. However, both PPP and former president and Bhutto's husband Asif Ali Zardari rejected the Scotland Yard report, declaring it inept and full of doubts, and accused Musharraf of being behind the assassination. There were repeated demands for an independent inquiry by the UN into the incident by the PPP government and eventually, Bank Ki-Moon, the then Secretary-General of the United Nations announced in February 2009 for sending a high-level UN Fact Finding Mission to look into the incident. The UN Fact-Finding Mission arrived in Islamabad in July 2009 and released its report but that was vague and without any conclusive remarks regarding identifying the culprits behind the tragic incident. The UN Fact-Finding Mission report was rejected by Zardari and the PPP, citing reasons that it contains no substance and no efforts were made by the UN Mission to point out the people and the elements behind the gruesome suicide attack on the two-time prime minister. "Over the last 16 years, there have been multiple theories behind the elimination of Benazir Bhutto but there is hardly any solid evidence available to corroborate those theories," the Geo News report said. "But there were enough events that followed BB's assassination which strongly indicated that all out efforts were made to hide the facts to confuse things and mislead the investigators who tried to solve the mystery'," it said. As Pakistan marked the 16th anniversary of Bhotto's "violent death the mystery is still unsolved", the report said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Paris, Dec 27 (PTI) Twenty-five Indian passengers who had stayed behind seeking asylum in France after their flight from the UAE was grounded last week over suspicion of human trafficking before being allowed to take off for India have now been freed, according to local French media reports on Wednesday. These 25 passengers were not on the flight carrying 276 mostly Indian passengers which took off for Mumbai on Monday afternoon after four days of being held at Chalons-Vatry airport near Paris. Also Read | Heart Problems After COVID-19: Coronavirus Could Trigger Major Heart Failure Pandemic, Say Experts. The 'Le Monde' newspaper quoted prosecutors to say that the local judge had ordered their release on formal grounds, considering that the head of the border police at France's main Charles De Gaulle airport "had not referred the case to him" within the timeframe stipulated by law. "They are therefore free to do as they please, even if they are in an irregular situation on French territory," the Bobigny public prosecutor's office told the French newspaper. Also Read | Russia Ready To Launch Production of Modern Weapons Under 'Make in India' Initiative, Says Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The 25 passengers, who had applied for political asylum in France, were reportedly freed on Tuesday and five of them were taken into care of child welfare services being minors. The 25 people were among 303 passengers who boarded a plane operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines in Dubai last week. They were bound for Nicaragua but a refueling stopover at Vatry airport in northeastern France on December 21 resulted in the plane being grounded for four days after an anonymous tipoff. Among those staying behind in France were two people questioned by police over suspected people trafficking. According to local media reports, the charge of human trafficking was dropped against two arrested people after it was established the passengers had boarded the plane of their own free will. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], December 27 (ANI): The crackdown on Baloch long march protesters has brought a lot of criticism to the federal government for not being able to ensure the safety of people, after unidentified armed men took away the sound system used by the demonstrators, according to Dawn. The Baloch protesters remained in their camps outside Islamabad's National Press Club, pressing authorities to accept their demands. Also Read | Brazil Shocker: Woman Cuts Off Husband's Penis, Flushes It Down the Toilet for Sleeping With 15-Year-Old Niece; Arrested. However, on Monday night, unidentified armed men stormed the camp and stole the demonstrators' sound system. Soon after the incident took place, social media was swamped with footage of unclothed people fleeing the camp in a white double-cabin van equipped with a sound system, according to Dawn. Also Read | Indian Navy Heightens Air Surveillance and Warship Presence in Arabian Sea Following Recent Incidents. In a post on 'X', renowned Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir expressed sympathy with the protesters. "We condemn terror acts in Balochistan but there is a need to condemn those who violated the Constitution, derailed democracy and the judiciary provided relief to them, there is no relief to the helpless mother sitting here seeking the return of her son," he said. Notably, Mir visited the camp outside the National Press Club on Tuesday morning. https://x.com/HamidMirPAK/status/1739863714634121333?s=20 Meanwhile, after the harrowing incident took place, political activist Mahrang Baloch told media that, while the women and children were sleeping, some masked men arrived at the camp in a white van, loaded with firearms. In addition, Mahrang also confronted Magistrate Zeeshan Babar regarding the camp incident as soon as he arrived at the press club in the morning. "You were here to protect us but now you say that nobody knows who raided the place and took our equipment," the activist asked. The Baloch protestors alleged on Tuesday that three men entered their camp at midnight on Monday and harassed the women who were sleeping there, besides other girls. One of the activists, Sammi Deen Baloch, stated that last night, cameras were installed in the camp. However, these men closed the cameras and showed pistols to the marchees and entered the camp. "Closing the cameras that were installed last night, then getting off 3 people from 2 vehicles in the presence of the police, showing pistols to the comrades, entering our camp and harassing the women, taking the sound speakers from where all of us women and girls were sleeping, and escaping with them added to your low standard," she wrote in a post on X. The leader of the Baloch Solidarity Committee, Mahrang Baloch, noted that instead of ending the genocide and human rights violations, they attacked our camp at midnight. "We travelled 100s of KM & came to the capital of this state to protest against the #BalochGenocide, but you see the seriousness of this state. Instead of ending our genocide & HR violations, they attacked our camp at 3:15 AM, & stole our sound system," she posted on X. Earlier, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee complained that the Islamabad Police was using different tools to harass the Baloch protestors and have now installed surveillance cameras to threaten them and the families of Baloch's missing people. The march from Turbat to Islamabad faced numerous challenges, with the state imposing 'barriers and arrests', yet the "march united Baloch and revealed the government's oppressive actions", the Baloch Yakjahti Committee added. The committee said the movement began with a peaceful sit-in in Turbat, lasting 13 days, before transitioning into a peaceful long march covering hundreds of kilometres to reach the capital. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], December 27 (ANI): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who was granted bail in the cypher case by the Pakistan Apex court last week, has been rearrested outside the Adiala Jail on Wednesday, reported Dawn. However, police have not disclosed the reason for which the PTI leader has been taken into custody. Also Read | Cipher Case: PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi Arrested After Being Released from Adiala Jail. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf shared a post on X, stating that Qureshi was again arrested from outside the Adiala Jail after being released on bail in the cipher case. "Earlier, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner had withdrawn the detention order issued under the MPO," the post said. Moreover, the PTI also shared the footage showing Qureshi being manhandled outside the jail, from within its premises, according to Dawn. Also Read | Elon Musk Prefers Diet Coke and Not Impressed by Coffee's Stimulating Effects, Shares Candid Thoughts With Followers With a Post on X. An official wearing the Punjab police uniform refused to listen and then proceeded to shove Qureshi towards an armoured police vehicle. "Look at this. What is this?" Qureshi said as he was pushed the entire way to the van and as the crowd yelled at officials to be careful. Qureshi further said that the police were making a mockery of the Supreme Court's orders. "They are arresting me again in a false case," he added. "I represented the nation; I am innocent and I am being targeted for political revenge without any reason," he said. https://x.com/PTIofficial/status/1739902079076897080?s=20 Earlier on Friday, the top court granted bail to former prime minister Imran Khan and his close aide Qureshi in the cypher case and asked them to submit surety bonds worth Rs 1 million each, Dawn reported. Qureshi's daughter said that she expected her father to be released, as his arrest was not required in any other case. Yesterday, Qureshi's family arrived at Adiala Jail to pay his surety bond but before they could obtain the robkar (release order), it emerged that Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassan Waqar Cheema had issued an order for the former foreign minister's 15-day detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), Dawn reported. However, the PTI on social media, X, strongly condemned the violent manner in which Qureshi was arrested. "The disgraceful arrest of Shah Mahmood Qureshi after the Supreme Court granted him bail is a slap in the face of the judiciary and justice system," the party said. The party said the state was crossing all limits of brutality and cruelty over its failure to break the bond between Imran Khan and the nation. "After the announcement of the election schedule, there has been an increase in oppression and fascism against the leadership, candidates and workers of PTI," it said. The party further emphasised that Qureshi was one of the party's main candidates in the forthcoming February 8 general elections, adding that attempts were being made to keep him out of the polls, as per Dawn. It termed the deputy commissioner's detention order a clear violation of the Supreme Court's decision regarding a level playing field for all political parties. Moreover, the party held the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) responsible for the atrocities being carried out against PTI by the "unconstitutional, illegal and undemocratic caretaker governments." The PTI urged the chief justice of Pakistan to take notice of the abuse of power and issue orders for the recovery and release of Qureshi. https://x.com/PTIofficial/status/1739912835868610905?s=20 Emphasising that he is a senior politician, the party further said, "Supreme Court should take notice of the re-arrest of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Shah Mahmood Qureshi is a senior politician, he has to participate in the elections, the judiciary is requested to ensure the safety of the people, Barrister Gohar." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], December 27 (ANI): Pakistan security authorities detained four Sindhi teenagers in Mirpur Khas for their participation in a demonstration in support of Baloch women and children participating in a sit-in protest in Islamabad, according to The Balochistan Post that cited the media reports. The event was part of the "Long March Against Baloch Genocide," which began in Turbat and ended in Islamabad. Also Read | Elon Musk Prefers Diet Coke and Not Impressed by Coffee's Stimulating Effects, Shares Candid Thoughts With Followers With a Post on X. However, the marchers were first denied admittance, resulting in their detention. Supporters in Islamabad, especially Baloch students assembled at the National Press Club to welcome the march, were attacked and arrested in large numbers, according to The Balochistan Post. Moreover, a similar demonstration was also held in Mirpur Khas, Sindh, in support of the Baloch protesters. Also Read | 'Want All White People Dead': Man Attacks Girls Enjoying Christmas Meal in US Cafe, Arrested. In addition, more than 50 political activists were arrested for opposing the security forces and the state. Several allegations came to light from Karachi and other parts of Sindh, claiming that workers and protestors affiliated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee have been jailed and charged with sedition for showing solidarity with those arrested in Islamabad, according to The Balochistan Post. Sindhi nationalists have issued statements stating that until the workers and activists are released, they intend to escalate large-scale protests across the state. Several Sindhi organisations, including the Sindh Sujagi Forum, Voice for Missing Persons of Sindh, Sindh Sabha, Sindh United Party, and others, have been actively protesting in Islamabad in solidarity with the Baloch protestors. The Baloch protest march was started in Turbat on December 6 after the alleged extrajudicial killing of a Baloch youth by Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel and reached the federal capital last week. However, following their protest, they were met with brutal force and over 200 protestors were taken into custody by the Islamabad police. Later, to raise their voice against the crackdown, the march led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee converted into a sit-in outside the National Press Club. Earlier on Saturday, the BYC gave a three-day ultimatum to the government to quash the cases registered against students and activists and release all of the protesters. The same day, the Islamabad police announced they were releasing all the detained protesters after their bail was approved. Moreover, the police had also set up a "special help centre" for the release of incarcerated individuals. The interior ministry stated on Monday, confirming the release of 290 detained protesters. "Peaceful protests are the right of every citizen but no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands," it said. It added that the security of the Red Zone had been ensured in every way, as it houses the Diplomatic Enclave and other constitutional bodies. The special help centre set up by the police has completed its job, the ministry said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) The top Congress leadership held a meeting with leaders of the party's Andhra Pradesh unit on Wednesday to discuss the strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the southern state. Gaza's Health Ministry Spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra has said that 21,110 Palestinians were killed and 55,243 injured in the Israeli attacks since October 7. The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday, December 27, issued a directive to all the universities in India to discontinue the MPhil course for the 2023-24 academic year, as it is no longer a valid degree. UGC Secretary Manish Joshi also warned students not to enrol in any MPhil programme offered by any Indian university. Fake University List 2023: UGC Issues State-Wise List of Fake Universities in India, Delhi Has Maximum. 'MPhil Not Recognised Degree' MPhil not recognised degree, take immediate steps to stop admissions for 2023-24 session: UGC to universities Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 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.) Ontario, December 27: A wheelchaired passenger with spastic cerebral palsy had to drag himself off an Air Canada plane in Las Vegas after the airline failed to provide him with assistance. The incident, which happened on August 30, 2023, resulted in a $97,500 (Rs 81,20,867) fine for Air Canada from the Canadian Transportation Agency. As per the report published by the Independent, the passenger, Rodney Hodgins, a 49-year-old hardware salesman from British Columbia, was travelling with his wife, Deanna Hodgins, to celebrate their anniversary. He was shocked when the flight attendant told him that they could not arrange a wheelchair for him and asked him to get to the front of the plane and disembark. I said, of course, I cant. Im in a wheelchair. I cant walk, he told Canadian media outlets. Air Vistara Fined Rs 70 Lakh By DGCA for Not Operating Mandated UDAN Flights in Northeast. Hodgins had no choice but to use his upper body strength and crawl past 12 rows of seats while his wife held his legs. He (flight attendant) said it to me a second time, so thats when I got up, and I told my wife, Move my legs, and I dragged myself to the front of the plane, he said. The couple was devastated by the ordeal and felt humiliated in front of other passengers. Deanna Hodgins wrote on Facebook that the incident hurt them physically and emotionally and violated her husbands human rights. She also said that Air Canada did not respond to them or reach out as they promised. Canada Plane Crash: Two Indians Among Three Killed After Aircraft Crashes in British Columbia. Air Canada apologised to the couple and admitted that it breached Canadian disability regulations. In a statement on Friday, Air Canada said it is constantly working to improve its processes, introduce new measures to facilitate travel and act quickly to fix any identified shortfalls. We fully appreciate the importance of making sure our customers with disabilities travel without encountering barriers and receive consistently reliable service, the statement said. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 27, 2023 11:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Atibaia, December 27: In a shocking and disturbing incident, a woman in Brazil has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly cutting off her husband's penis. The incident occurred after the woman discovered that her husband had sex with her 15-year-old niece, leading to a violent and drastic act of revenge. According to multiple reports, the woman, aged 34, whose identity has been withheld, lured her husband to the bedroom, tempting him with sex. After tying him to the bed, she used a razor and proceeded to cut off his penis. As per the New York Post report, the act was allegedly pre-planned, as she had taken a photo of the severed organ before flushing it down the toilet. After committing the act, the woman, along with her brother, went to the police station on December 22, where she confessed to the crime stating, "Good evening, officer, I came to introduce myself, because I just cut off my husbands penis." Brazil Horror: Doctor Climbs Onto Pregnant Woman's Stomach To Pull Baby Out, Ends Up Ripping Off Child's Head in Botched-Up Delivery. When questioned about the penis, she told the police that she had heard it was possible to reattach it, hence she flushed it. Upon hearing her confession, police reached their house, where they found the man, aged 39, lying on the bed, prompting immediate transfer to the hospital. Her husband is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries, however, his condition has not been disclosed. Brazil Shocker: Woman Dies After Eating Chocolate Given by Palm Reader in Maceio Who Said She Had 'Few Days To Live'; Toxicology Report Finds Presence of Pesticides in Body. The police are currently investigating the relationship between the underage niece and the man to verify the woman's claims while she is under arrest for her crime. According to multiple reports, the age of consent in Brazil is 14 years, and police are investigating whether the relationship was consensual between the two. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 27, 2023 12:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). I discovered Kwanzaa while attending Pomona College. Separated for the first time from my family and the black Pentecostal church I had attended at least three times a week, I craved black culture. There were fewer than 10 African American students in my cohort and I felt culturally isolated. Soul food lunches offered through the Office of Black Student Affairs were a weekly source of comfort. Then I was introduced to the year-end celebration that had been created for black people by a black man. Maulana Karenga unveiled Kwanzaa in 1966 to fill the gaps where the U.S. had failed African Americans. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the seven-day celebration urged the African American community to define and uplift itself. Karenga designed seven principles, or Nguzo Saba: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Each principle correlated to a specific day and symbol, to be celebrated Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Advertisement Kwanzaa beckons us to the heights of our humanity, petitioning us to imagine ourselves and our communities in ways white American culture cannot and will not. As the candles were lit each evening, we students were reminded to care for the collective. Celebrating Kwanzaa with my classmates assured me that I belonged. Kwanzaa was attractive partly because it was FUBU For Us, By Us, a cultural celebration that was distinctly ours, untainted by white supremacy. It was an annual reminder that #BlackLivesMatter before the hashtag emerged. It felt pristine, until it suddenly was sullied for me. Two years ago, more than a decade after college, I was commissioned to write about the history of Kwanzaa. Thats when I learned that Karenga had been convicted of heinous felonies. Though he denied the allegations, in 1970 he and three other members of the US Organization, a black nationalist group based in Los Angeles, imprisoned and assaulted two female members. Trial testimony revealed that the women had been whipped with cords, beaten with batons, and seared with irons while naked in an effort to elicit confessions that they were conspiring against him. Those confessions never materialized. Karenga served a few years in prison and later went on to get his doctorate and teach. My stomach lurched as I read about the trial and his conviction. Karenga was found guilty of violence against black women. How could Kwanzaas inventor be that person? What did it mean about the celebration I had embraced? Why did no one talk about his history? And I couldnt help but wonder if Karengas history was elided because Kwanzaas viability was deemed more important than black womens safety. The discovery felt like a personal loss and a loss for black culture. And it left me with a dilemma to embrace Kwanzaa or not. In ways, its similar to the dilemma faced by those who admire the work of artists who have been accused of sexual assault or harassment in the #MeToo era: Should we continue to admire the work of a person who has done unconscionable things? Advertisement Last year, I didnt celebrate Kwanzaa. But this year, I will again light the candles every night starting Dec. 26. Kwanzaas originator may have a dark side, but the holiday itself is a beacon. My yearning for it is a sign that it fulfills its goals; it reminds African Americans of their crucial connections to each other. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Recent events call for that reminder. In the two years since I discovered Karengas history, the United States has been subjected to Charlottesville; the unjust killing of Botham Shem Jean, the black man in Dallas shot to death simply because he had opened his apartment door to an off-duty police officer, and so many other crimes against African Americans. There is unending evidence that black lives dont matter enough to the larger society. That makes Kwanzaas message of connection and support within the black community more urgent. I decided that hating Karengas crimes didnt mean abandoning the good he accomplished. The US Organizations 1960s petition for Black Studies courses in U.S. colleges and universities is one reason those classes existed for me to take in college. His emphasis on Ujamaa, cooperative economics (the fourth principle of Kwanzaa), is why I buy black whenever possible. Kwanzaa calls on African Americans to see one another and uplift one another, something we particularly need right now. It beckons us to the heights of our humanity, petitioning us to imagine ourselves and our communities in ways white American culture cannot and will not. We need to acknowledge Karengas full story, but it shouldnt tarnish the value and beauty of the holiday that promotes collective action for the collective good. Chante Griffin is a Los Angeles-based writer. Twitter: @yougochante Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook. Texas is following the example of Florida and banning plenty of books, including some notable classics. However, there are rumors that they are also banning Encyclopedia Britannica there. As it turns out though, this one is a myth and a myth that was just recently busted. The claim is that "The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home." It received mainstream attention when local Austin, Texas ABC affiliate, KVUE, reported on this myth as fact in March 2023. However, despite the rumors of the Encyclopedia Britannica being banned in Texas strengthening as the state book bans increased due to the state's "culture war" initiative to stop "woke," the rumors actually may have started in 2006 from the Straight Dope Message Board. A rumor started with this post; "I was just listening to Kojo Nnamdi on the radio and he stated that the entire Encyclopedia Britannica was banned in Texas because it contained a recipe for beer. Snopes was no help, and when I googled, I found a site where people claimed it was a crock, but no definitive cites." However, a representative from the Britannica Group, which produces these books, wrote to Snopes that this is false, with Tom Panelas, a communication specialist for the Britannica Group, telling the outlet, "No, it's not true, and it never has been. It's just one of those urban myths that lives forever on the Internet." It was determined that the claim may have originated in a 1996 issue of the satirical magazine Spy, which had an article that had a humorous survey of what the magazine's writers deemed the "most annoying states" in the country. This included the claim that "Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home." READ MORE: Texas Governor Greg Abbott Signs Bill That Allows Police To Arrest Migrants Who Entered US Illegally Analysts Found Texas Banned More Books Than Any Other State, Even Florida Despite the fact that the Encyclopedia being banned in Texas is a myth, the state is indeed notorious for book bannings. An analysis conducted by PEN America, a nonprofit organization that promotes free expression and human rights, found that the state banned the most books out of any state in the US. According to Truthout, 22 districts across the Lone Star State have banned a total of 801 books between July 2021 and June 2022. The most banned books often deal with LGBTQ+ issues, women's rights issues, and even civil rights issues. Which Books Are Actually Banned in Texas? Texas' list of actually banned books raises eyebrows as it includes a lot of classics. PEN America compiled a list, which not just include titles tied to LGBTQ+ or racial issues or women's rights issues. A graphic novel adaptation of Gules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" has been banned in libraries at the Frisco Independent School District, which also banned the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin, the novel series "Game of Thrones" is based on. Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" and "Anansi Boys" have also been banned by the same school district, both are works celebrated around the world. Even a biography of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was banned, as are books by notable authors like Christopher Paolini and John Grisham. Texas also banned a lot of Japanese manga and Western comics. READ MORE: Mexico Finds Another Dead Body Near Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's Floating Barriers This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: The Books Getting Banned From Schools - VICE News With the current US migrant crisis, the country is witnessing the largest caravan in over a year, with over 730,000 asylum seekers encountered at the southern border since October, per the NY Post. The massive group, consisting mainly of individuals from Cuba, Haiti, and Honduras, embarked on their journey on Sunday, covering over nine miles from Tapachula to Alvaro Obregon, a Mexican southern border city. Approximately 8,000 asylum seekers are currently en route, making it the largest caravan to approach the US-Mexico border since June 2022. Accompanying the group, migrant rights activist Luis Garcia Villagran has cautioned that the caravan's numbers could surge to 15,000, carrying signs that read "Exodus from poverty" by the time they reach the US-Mexico border. "We won't stop - we'll keep walking,'' he affirmed. READ NEXT: Mexico President Willing To Help With Migrant Crisis But US Must Hold Talks With Cuba Diplomatic Meeting To Address US Migrant Crisis On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Chief Alejandro Mayorkas are set to visit Mexico to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Reuters reports. The meeting aims to discuss the US migrant crisis in the Western Hemisphere and identify ways Mexico and the United States will address this US-Mexico border problem, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. This diplomatic engagement follows a recent telephone conversation between US President Joe Biden and President Lopez Obrador, during which both leaders acknowledged the need for enhanced enforcement at their shared frontier. As US migrants and asylum seekers, some with small children, continue their journey near the southern Mexican city of Villa Comaltitlan, Rosa from El Salvador expressed hope that officials would alleviate the suffering of migrants. She emphasized the collective pursuit of a better life for families amid challenges like violence, economic distress, and climate change. Villagran criticized the meeting, suggesting that officials' primary concerns are domestic electoral issues. He argued that increased enforcement efforts to prevent migrants from reaching the US-Mexico border would disproportionately impact the most vulnerable. US Migrant Caravan's Origin and Motivations Originating from Tapachula on Christmas Eve, the US migrant caravan comprises individuals from various countries, predominantly Cuba, Haiti, and Honduras, with some traveling from as far as Bangladesh and India. Many joined the caravan after waiting for months for transit permits, viewing the mass trek north as a last resort, BBC noted. Villagran highlighted the urgency for these US migrants, citing the daily influx of 800 to 1,000 people crossing the southern border with Guatemala. Fearing the collapse of Tapachula, he emphasized that taking the coastal highway and walking became the only viable option. Jose Santos, a Honduran migrant, shared his motive for leaving his home country, citing threats from a criminal gang. "I was scared, so I decided to come to Mexico, hoping I'd be allowed to go to the US," he revealed. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, expressing a willingness to collaborate with the US, is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Blinken. The US migrant crisis remains a pressing political topic in the US, prompting calls for President Biden to address the challenges at the southern border. READ MORE: Texas Border Crossings Suspension Blocked Over Half a Billion Dollars' Worth of Trade This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Mexico: Massive Migrant Caravan In Mexico Heads To U.S. Border | 'Poverty Exodus' | US News | IN18V - From CNBC-TV18 The assassination of Haiti President Jovenel Moise plunged the Caribbean country into chaos and one of the people responsible for it, former Colombian soldier and mercenary Mario Palacios, has just pleaded guilty over the killing. Palacios, who was already a mercenary at the time of the assassination, pleaded guilty in a US court on Friday over his alleged role during the 2021 assassination that plunged the country into a political and economic crisis. He originally pleaded not guilty but has now changed his plea. According to DW, the now 45-year-old former Colombian soldier was part of a group of Colombian mercenaries who broke into then-Haiti President Jovenel Moise's private residence before killing him. Around 20 other people were involved in the group that attacked the assassinated president's home, and even more were acting in the background. However, US prosecutors stated that Palacios only played a minor role in the Haiti president assassination conspiracy and actually had no decision-making power within the group. He is now only the fifth of 11 defendants to plead guilty in the case that has shaken an entire country at its core. Colombian Mercenary Struck a Plea Deal Over Haiti President Assassination Plot He pleaded guilty to three charges in the US and is cooperating with the investigation. His charges include conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States and struck a plea deal with the US Department of Justice. He may receive life in prison when he's sentenced on March 1, but that may be unlikely due to him striking the plea deal. READ NEXT: Haiti Gang Leader Who Kidnapped Americans Extradited to US "He didn't know what he was going to get into. He wasn't part of the plan," his attorney told reporters outside a Miami courthouse. "He didn't recruit anybody. He didn't make any decision-making authority in regard to the conspiracy. I think the government understands." As prosecutors have revealed, the people who are truly behind the plot only initially planned to kidnap the Haitian president. However, according to the Associated Press, they later decided to kill him, with some of the plotters hoping to win contracts under Moise's successor. Over 40 suspects have also been arrested in Haiti, including 18 former Colombian soldiers accused of taking part in the plot. Several high-ranking Haitian police officers who are also allegedly part of the assassination plot have also been arrested. However, some of the cases have been transferred to the US as four of the five Haitian judges assigned to the case have stepped down for various reasons, including fear of being killed. Colombian Mercenary Pleading Guilty Came Weeks After Haiti Senator Was Sentenced to Life in Prison Unlike judges in Haiti, the US has not been afraid to dole out harsh punishments for the people behind the Haiti president's assassination plot. This included former Haiti Senator John Joel Joseph, who was the third person to be sentenced in connection to the plot. According to VOA News, he is a well-known politician and opponent of the slain president's Tet Kale party. After the assassination, he fled to Jamaica where he was arrested and then extradited to the US. He was responsible for providing material support to the Colombian mercenaries in the assassination. READ MORE: Haiti Crisis Explained: How Did It Get This Bad? This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Wife of assassinated president describes brutal attack - CNN Kanye West, now called Ye, has apologized to the Jewish community over his antisemitic tirades. He posted the apology on Instagram and even said it in Hebrew. "I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions," the Grammy-winning rapper wrote. "It was not my intention to offend or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused." "I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future," he added. "Your forgiveness is important to me and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity." However, as the US Sun pointed out, this Kanye West apology came after the rapper slammed the Jewish community when he launched his controversial new album, "Vultures," on December 14. He collaborated with Ty Dolla $ign to host a rave for their upcoming album, but that was later shut down by police. This led him to storm out of the event where he was filmed giving what was described as an antisemitic speech to the crowd, yelling, "Jesus Christ, Hitler, Ye! Sponsor that!" He also ranted about other rap legends like Drake and Jay-Z, as well as his former business partners, Adidas, which infamously canceled their deal with his Yeezy brand because of his antisemitic comments. Kanye West Apology Gets Mixed Reactions From the Jewish Community One of Ye's biggest critics after he first started his antisemitic comments was the Jewish anti-hate group, the Anti-Defamation League. Soon after the rapper issued his apology in Hebrew, the group released a statement that praised Kanye West. READ MORE: Kanye West Canceled: Most Controversial Moments That Led to Ye's 2022 Downfall "After causing untold damage by using his vast influence and platform to poison countless minds with vicious antisemitism and hate, an apology in Hebrew may be the first step on a long journey towards making amends to the Jewish community and all those who he has hurt," the group told the Associated Press in a statement. "Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words but this initial act of contrition is welcome." However, not everybody was happy as the American Jewish Committee criticized Kanye West's use of Hebrew in his apology. "Beyond being bizarre and possibly a ploy to gain more attention, the Hebrew apology - posted without translation - is inaccessible to most American Jews who do not speak the language," the group told the Associated Press. "To be sure, using Hebrew to communicate with the Jewish community intentionally denies most American Jews-and, consequently, non-Jews-the ability to directly see Kanye's apology." Kanye West's History of Antisemitism When X was still known as Twitter, Kanye West got his account locked after he said that he was "going death con 3 [sic] on JEWISH PEOPLE." Meanwhile, his antisemitic comments also got him restricted on Instagram. According to CNN, while Ye received a ton of backlash for his racist comments, he doubled down on the issue and repeated antisemitic conspiracy theories and other racist claims. It got so bad that Adidas canceled its lucrative multimillion-dollar deal with the rapper, with several other brands like Balenciaga also dropping him. READ MORE: Kanye West Allegedly Bullied, Used Porn, Played 'Mind Games' to Control Yeezy Staff; Adidas Launches Investigation Into Claims This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Kanye West apologizes to Jewish community in Hebrew - ABC7 The FBI is investigating reports that members of the Colorado State Supreme Court are receiving death threats after they ruled that Donald Trump must be disqualified from the state ballot as was ruled by the 14th Amendment that disqualifies him for instigating the January 6 Capitol Insurrection. "The FBI is aware of the situation and working with local law enforcement," FBI Public Affairs Officer Vikki Migoya told CNN in a statement on Monday. "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." Meanwhile, the Colorado Judicial Branch would not comment on the reports of death threats against the state justices while Master Trooper Gary Cutler, a spokesman for the Colorado State Patrol noted that any threats against judges would be handled by local Colorado state authorities. On Thursday evening, the Denver Police Department t responded to a state justice's home on Thursday evening. However, it may just have been a "hoax report" as the DPD stated, "Everything checked clear and we are continuing to investigate this report. Due to security and privacy considerations, and the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time." Threats against the Colorado justices have been posted all over the internet, mainly on sites frequented by pro-Trump right-wing extremists. Federal, State, and local law enforcement, as well as non-government research groups, are also monitoring g rhetoric on extremist online forums to find possible threats against the justices. This came after the names of the four Colorado Supreme Court justices who ruled to disqualify Trump from the ballot were mentioned in "incendiary" posts on such forums. These posts threatened to expose the judges' personal data and open them up to threats to their lives. While no specific threats to the judges have been found yet, an analysis has shown that there remains a risk of lone actor or small group violence or other illegal activities in response to the ruling." Donald Trump May Start a Crisis of Legitimacy in the US Supreme Court While Donald Trump is dealing with a disqualification from the Colorado Supreme Court, he may soon face the Supreme Court himself. However, there is one problem with that as he packed the highest court in the land with his own appointees, appointing three justices during his 4-year term. READ MORE: Donald Trump Tried To Spread Fake News About New York Judge Overseeing Fraud Trial But Gets Exposed The now conservative majority in the Supreme Court may rule on issues regarding Trump's various criminal and civil cases and The Guardian noted that should Trump win a second term, it might pose an existential threat to the conservative majority. This is because conservative judges, the Supreme Court justices included, tend to follow the doctrine of originalism and textualism, which means that they usually tend to go as what the original writers of the law intended. However, with the question of his immunity, the justices must abandon that doctrine if they are to save him as the framers of the 14th Amendment, while not placing it directly in the law, have stated in arguments recorded in the US Senate, that any officer, including the president, would be disqualified should he commit insurrection. Donald Trump Continues His Angry Christmas Rant As the Colorado Supreme Court faces possible death threats and the US Supreme Court wrestles with questions about Donald Trump's disqualification due to the 14th Amendment, Donald Trump himself has continued his Christmas Day rant. "THEY SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN, LIED TO CONGRESS, CHEATED ON FISA, RIGGED A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, ALLOWED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE, MANY FROM PRISONS & MENTAL INSTITUTIONS, TO INVADE OUR COUNTRY, SCREWED UP IN AFGHANISTAN, & JOE BIDEN'S MISFITS & THUGS, LIKE DERANGED JACK SMITH, ARE COMING AFTER ME, AT LEVELS OF PERSECUTION NEVER SEEN BEFORE IN OUR COUNTRY??? IT'S CALLED ELECTION INTERFERENCE. MERRY CHRISTMAS!" he wrote on Christmas Eve. However, CNN pointed out that most of Trump's claims are false since many of his claims were already debunked, as well as questionable, as many of his claims in this rant were presented with little to no evidence to back them up. READ MORE: Donald Trump is Confused Why Co-Defendants Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro Pleaded Guilty This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Colorado Supreme Court facing threats after Trump's ballot removal - Scripps News A fight over Christmas presents has led to the death of a young mother as the argument between Florida teens over one getting more presents for Christmas suddenly took a deadly turn. The two Florida teens who were arguing are aged 14 and 15. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri told reporters they started arguing over who got more Christmas presents on Christmas Eve during a family shopping trip in Largo. According to The Miami Herald, because they are still minors, the names of the two teens were not revealed, but it was confirmed that the victim was their sister who was just dropping off her own kids so they could be watched by their grandparents. The victim was identified as Abrielle Baldwin, their 23-year-old sister. The argument between the two teen brothers continued into their grandparents' home, and this was when their older sister arrived to drop off her children. The fight between the two Florida teens ten escalated when the younger teen pulled out a gun and pointed it at his brother's head, threatening to shoot, the sheriff told reporters on Tuesday. Their uncle broke the fight before any shots were fired. This was when their older sister followed the younger brother outside to ask him to calm down. She did this while still carrying her 11-month-old baby in her arms. The teen was still armed. Florida Teen Kills Elder Sister While She Was Trying To Calm Him Down As she tried to make her younger brother calm down, Baldwin reportedly told the 14-year-old,"'You all need to leave that stuff alone,'" and added, "'Why are you trying to start it? It's Christmas.'" However, instead of calming the Florida teen down, she only agitated him, and this led to him going on a tirade against her and calling her derogatory names. He then threatened to shoot his older sister and her baby before going through with those threats, shooting Baldwin in the chest and killing her with her child still in her arms. READ MORE: Ron DeSantis Spread False Information While Pushing Florida Trans Healthcare Ban Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri confirmed that the baby was in the carrier and was not injured. However, the shooting led the other brother, the 15-year-old, to come outside with his own gun and allegedly shot the younger teen in the stomach. He then threw the gun into a yard and fled before being taken into custody at a relative's house, according to CBS News. Both Florida Teens Charged After Death of Older Sister Soon after she was shot, Baldwin was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. She was shot in the chest and had her lungs popped, causing her to suffer internal bleeding. This led the sheriff to lament about kids getting access to guns in Florida. "These young kids - 14, 15 years old - routinely carry firearms and this is what happens when you got young delinquents that carry guns," Gualtieri said. "They get upset, they don't know how to handle stuff, and they end up shooting each other." "Now you got an 11-month-old and a 6-year-old boy," he added. "Their mom's dead." Channel News 8 reported that the 14-year-old underwent surgery after his older brother shot him and is expected to survive. However, he is charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and being a delinquent in possession of a firearm. Meanwhile, his older brother has also been charged with attempted first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. READ MORE: Florida: Ron DeSantis' Anti-Immigration Law Starts Hurting Businesse This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Two brothers arrested in connection to older sister's Christmas Eve death - 10 Tampa Bay Seven people are homeless after a swift-moving blaze tore through the apartments above a main level business Tuesday evening along South Main Street in Phillipsburg, a fire official said. Town Fire Chief Richard Hay told lehighvalleylive.com flames shortly after 6:30 p.m. ignited at the two-story building, 342-344 S. Main St. The building contains two upper apartments and Coe Insurance agency on the lower level. The property is owned by Jeffrey and Robin Donaldson of Stewartsville, Warren County. A witness at the scene reported flames roaring out of the second-floor windows and rear porch. An estimated 90 firefighters from all six Phillipsburg fire companies and neighboring areas responded and battled for several hours. The building was safely evacuated. An initial report of someone trapped on the upper level turned out to be unfounded, with those tenants not being home when the fire began, Hay said. An aggressive fire suppression effort had to be enacted immediately, Hay said. Hay noted the fire had advanced upon arrival of crews mainly due to the age of the building. Older structures typically have undergone multiple renovations and alternations throughout the years. As a result, flames were entering a concealed space between the second floor ceiling and roof and began spreading throughout the entire upper level, he said. It took crews about 3 1/2 hours to bring the flames under control. Work included knocking down all walls and ceilings to extinguish the blaze, Hay said. Crews were able to prevent flames from further spreading to an attached dwelling at 338 S. Main St. In the end, that structure only sustained minor smoke damage, Hay said. Utility service to 342-344 S. Main St. has since been disconnected. The seven displaced residents at 342-344 S. Main St. are being assisted by the American Red Cross, Hay said. Crews were at the scene for a total of more than seven hours. One firefighter suffered a minor injury, Hay said, noting there were no other reported injuries. Alpha firefighters also assisted at the scene. Harmony, Lopatcong and Pohatcong had crews stationed in Phillipsburg to provide coverage in the event of additional incidents. Easton firefighters additionally were placed on standby. An investigation is ongoing into specifically where the fire began and its cause by Warren County Fire Marshal Joseph Lake. Hay said there is no damage estimate available at this time, however, the Donaldsons did have the building insured. Flames roar out of the second floor of Coe Insurance agency, 344 S. Main St. in Phillipsburg on Dec. 26, 2023.Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. The alleged copper wire thief rescued on Christmas Eve from a PPL substation hung upside down for three hours during the lengthy ordeal in Allen Township, court records state. Jason Michael Wadusky, 45, of the 3100 block of North Second Street in Whitehall, is facing felony burglary, felony criminal trespass, felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor possessing an instrument of crime in the incident. 2023 was a monumental year for the Easton Farmers Market. The market saw its highest attendance 70,000 customers in 271 years; and vendors saw a 20% increase in sales this year, organizers reported on Wednesday. Its a tribute to the growth of Easton, said Megan McBride, manager of the Easton Farmers Market, which is operated by the not-for-profit Greater Easton Development Partnership. Easton Farmers Market continues to hold the title of Americas oldest, continuously operating outdoor market, having first opened in 1872. When youve been doing something for 271 years, having a record year is a truly remarkable achievement, McBride added. The market reported that Sept. 2 saw the largest single-day attendance with more than 3,000 visitors turning up to partake in the Funky Ferments Fest; and a survey by the market showed 21.8% of the markets visitors were first-time attendees in 2023. It wasnt uncommon to meet people at the markets visiting from New York City and Philadelphia on long weekends, Mcbride said. A survey by Buy Fresh Buy Local Greater Lehigh Valley, reported the Easton Farmers Market average customer spent well above regional and national averages with 43.5% of shoppers spending more than $31 per week, the farmers market said. Our sales have jumped tremendously, in the past year, reaching record sales days, even as the pandemic fears are fading, said Jesse Tobin, owner of Primorida Mushroom Farm, located in Lenhartsville. " We are grateful that EFM management made the decision to move to the riverfront so that more products and vendors could be accommodated. Following up on the record-breaking summer season, the Easton Farmers Market Winter Market is scheduled to open on Jan. 6, with at least 22 vendors already lined up to participate. The winter market will operate from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday in the 300 block of Northampton Street in front of the Easton Public Market. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on Twitter. 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. 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. Prosecutors also are asking a judge to schedule a hearing to schedule deadlines for filings to meet their proposed summer trial date start. Even before Virginia lawmakers passed a tough new law against organized retail crime earlier this year, Bradley Haywood, a public defender in Arlington, Virginia, challenged the rationale. The idea that retailers in the state had lost billions to organized theft was a myth manufactured by retailers themselves, Haywood argued. Now the outspoken lawyer has fresh ammunition for his effort to repeal the law: The National Retail Federation earlier this month retracted its April assertion that nearly half of the $94.5 billion in merchandise that went missing in 2021 was stolen by retail rings. The true percentage was only a small fraction of that amount, about 5%. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Virginia is one of at least 15 states that enacted retail theft laws over the past two years in response to reports of highly organized theft rings invading stores across the country and fleeing, collectively, with billions of dollars in merchandise. Social media posts showing thieves storming retail outlets helped fuel the crackdown. Ten states passed new laws this year, either toughening punishment or creating task forces to study the potential threats posed by organized theft rings. At least one state Texas enacted two laws, one creating a task force and the other allowing potential thieves to avoid prosecution if they agree to an education course designed to steer them away from breaking the law. In addition to Texas and Virginia, Alabama, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania enacted retail theft laws this year. California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana and North Carolina did so last year. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation this month that reduces by half the value of stolen merchandise prosecutors must prove to support a felony retail theft conviction and creates a new first-degree felony. Senate Bill 596 also establishes a division of the attorney generals office with prosecutors across the state to investigate and pursue retail theft rings. Over the past several years, retailers, prosecutors and police have pushed state and federal lawmakers to crack down on thieves who, they say, have become increasingly sophisticated and violent. Some large retailers have shuttered stores with the largest losses. And shoppers at many stores have had to get used to asking clerks to open locked displays of merchandise vulnerable to theft. Some retailers have directed employees not to pursue shoplifters, out of fear for their safety. Despite emerging questions over the extent of the losses, law enforcement officers and prosecutors insist the threat is greater than ever, citing a recent series of busts against sometimes violent shoplifting rings amid the Christmas shopping season. Philadelphia police reported they investigated more than 14,000 incidents of retail theft in 2022, an increase of more than 52%. Meanwhile, District Attorney Larry Krasner has come under fire for progressive criminal justice policies that include grading retail theft of less than $500 worth of goods as summary offenses. Prosecutors must also get approval from a supervisor to file misdemeanor or felony retail theft charges. The prime sponsor of Pennsylvanias organized retail theft law, Sen. David Argall (R-Schuylkill), cited looting in Philadelphia as justification for cracking down on retail theft. Several stores were burglarized during protests after a judge dismissed all charges against a police officer charged with murder in the shooting of Eddie Irizarry, an unarmed motorist. As we saw in Philadelphia when mobs of people ransacked dozens of stores, our retailers are under siege, Argall said in October after his bill was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The increase in retail theft weve seen in recent years is a slap in the face of every hardworking Pennsylvanian trying to provide for themselves and their families. In a memo seeking co-sponsors for his bill, Argall cited a report by the Retail Industry Leaders Association and Buy Safe America Coalition asserting that retail theft causes the loss of billions in economic activity, wages and state tax revenue. The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania opposed the bill, saying that it relies on failed tough on crime policies in response to exaggerated claims by the retail industry of an organized shoplifting crisis. By lowering the felony threshold, Argalls bill would have a disparate impact on marginalized communities including people of color, juveniles and people experiencing poverty, unemployment or addiction. If enacted, SB 596 would exacerbate these existing racial and economic disparities, putting more people behind bars for longer, the organization said in a position statement. Longer prison terms offer a poor return on public safety investments, and by siphoning off taxpayer dollars to create more bureaucracy to prosecute these cases, SB 596 would only compound the loss to public safety from such an investment. Argalls legislation reduced the threshold for third degree felony retail theft charges to $2,500, second degree charges to $10,000, and $50,000 for first degree charges. It also establishes an Office of the Deputy Attorney General for Organized Retail Crime Theft that will have five special prosecutors assigned five geographic districts. It passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly. In a memo seeking co-sponsors for his bill, Argall also cited a report by the National Retail Industry Leaders Association and the Buy Safe Coalition asserting that retail theft causes the loss of billions in economic activity, wages and state tax revenue. A look at the numbers The National Retail Federation, which describes itself as the worlds largest trade association, has been at the forefront of the lobbying campaign for tougher laws. In October, representatives from more than 30 retailers traveled to Washington, D.C., on a trip organized by the group to lobby for a major anti-theft bill in Congress. But the organizations campaign took a hit after it was forced to walk back its claim that nearly half of so-called inventory shrink in 2021 was attributable to organized retail crime. Shrink is an industry term to describe all inventory losses from multiple causes, including theft. The true number was closer to 5%, or $4.7 billion. The trade publication Retail Dive first reported the error. Obviously, their account that they put out erroneous data hurts their credibility, said Texas Democratic state Rep. Chris Turner, who authored the Lone Star States new law creating a 10-member task force headed by the state comptroller to examine the threat posed by organized retail theft. From my vantage point, if someone brought me data from that organization in the future, Id want to double- and triple-check it. Mary McGinty, vice president of communications and public affairs for the National Retail Federation, said in statements to news outlets, including Stateline, that the organization was adjusting its figures after discovering the error, which she said was made by an analyst for K2 Integrity, an advisory group that assisted with the report. According to the federations revised 2023 national retail security survey, McGinty said, overall shrink accounted for $112.1 billion in losses in 2022, up from $93.9 billion in 2021. Internal and external theft of all kinds, on par with previous years, accounted for about two-thirds or $73 billion of retailers shrinkage, which she said can vary significantly from sector to sector. Despite having to retract its initial estimate, retail federation officials said the industry hasnt changed its position that organized retail theft is more than just shoplifting. We stand behind the widely understood fact that organized retail crime is a serious problem impacting retailers of all sizes and communities across our nation, said McGinty. Other experts, however, say the extent of retail theft is yet to be determined. At this point, we just dont have a strong grasp on the extent and changing nature of the shoplifting problem, said Ernesto Lopez, research specialist for the Council on Criminal Justice, which advocates for safety and equality in the U.S. criminal justice system. One reason for this is that we dont know how many retailers are reporting theft incidents to police, and how often they are reporting them. We also dont know how anti-theft measures taken by retailers may be affecting theft levels. Without all of that information, any portrait of shoplifting will be incomplete. Although videos of smash-and-grab rings storming department stores have ratcheted up concern about theft, a recent report by Lopezs organization found that such incidents are rare and account for a very small percentage of overall shoplifting, said the analyst. More than 95% of shoplifting incidents are carried out by one to two people, he said. Public officials respond But many law enforcement officials, now armed with tougher state laws, continue to assert that retail theft rings are often large and well-organized, made up of boosters (shoplifters) and fences who peddle the stolen merchandise online or to other stores. Fences also provide hotels and rent cars for boosters, who often hit several cities a day to procure stolen goods, according to investigators. Boosters often are given an online shopping list to illegally procure items such as power tools, over-the-counter medical items, cosmetics and toiletries. In Florida, Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody and Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, a Democrat, recently announced the results of monthslong investigations that resulted in charges against 14 defendants in what Moody called a massive organized theft ring that caused at least $20 million in losses to more than 20 different retailers, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot and Lowes. Prosecutors and authorities also describe a menacing picture in Alabama, which this year enacted a law that allows law enforcement and prosecutors to cross jurisdictional lines to pursue bands of thieves who hit retailers in multiple cities. The main thing is it allows us to go and get the higher-ups the real people who are profiting off this crime, said Barry Matson, executive director of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, which pushed for the law. Weve had major national retailers close their doors in Alabama because theft was so high. Matson disparaged what he called pro-criminal advocates, including critics in the media and liberal-leaning social policy groups, who are pushing back against law enforcements portrayal of a national retail theft problem. I think theres these groups that are more sympathetic to criminal defendants than they are [to] victims, he told Stateline. We know it in the numbers. We see the images of the thieves, people going in and cleaning out stores. And its been at the expense of victims of crime, and Im sick of it. But in Virginia, Haywood remains skeptical. He says he will fight to repeal his states law next year, though he acknowledges that its a long shot. The notion that, like, the mafia is going to get rich selling air freshener and deodorant that just seems pretty ridiculous to me, he said. Whenever theres a natural disaster and the government steps in with financial relief, con artists come out to play. We saw it with billions of dollars of stolen COVID-era stimulus payments. We saw it with unemployment fraud and rental assistance scams. A decade earlier, when nearly 350,000 homes in New Jersey were damaged or completely destroyed by Superstorm Sandy, the feds once again stepped in with billions of dollars of relief. And the scammers stepped in to take what they could through lies and trickery. New Jersey has recovered less than 2% of federal relief funds for Superstorm Sandy rebuilding that were stolen by fraudulent contractors, said the state Department of Community Affairs, which managed the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program. The agency said it paid out $1.3 billion in RREM funds for Sandy rebuilding efforts. Approximately $8.3 million in RREM grant funding was disbursed to homeowners in the program and subsequently affected by contractor-related issues, the agency said. Those issues included fraud, poor contractor work and other issues, it said. Of the $8.3 million that was paid out for allegedly fraudulent and otherwise problematic work, the agency said it has received restitution of $146,804. While the numbers represent staggering losses for taxpayers, individual homeowners who were eligible for relief have gotten caught up in red tape, bureaucracy and unexplained delays while trying to restore what was lost to fraud. A CASE STUDY In one example, three dozen homeowners filed lawsuits against a New Jersey home elevation company and its owners over work the company allegedly didnt do, or messed up, after Superstorm Sandy. Other homeowners put their cases against the company in the hands of the state Attorney Generals office and the Division of Consumer Affairs, which was pursuing 51 complaints. The state came to a settlement with the company, Shore House Lifters, and one of its owners, Paul Zaidinski Jr., more than four years ago, court documents show. But to date, even though Consumer Affairs confirmed it has received some of the settlement cash, none of the 51 consumers has received a penny. Thats because the state hasnt yet decided how it will split up the money, and there is no law governing who gets dibs. We received a phone call telling us that they reached a settlement and if we would we would accept a lesser amount. Of course we said yes, said homeowner Diane Graham of the September 2019 notification. Graham and her husband Dirk Graham said they hired Shore House Lifters to raise their Manahawkin home the home where they planned to retire after it was destroyed when Sandy barreled into New Jersey in late October 2012. We lost everything on the first floor furniture, appliances, floors, walls, ceilings, doors everything, including outside decks, Dirk Graham said. It was devastating. Heart wrenching. This collage of photos shows the Sandy-damaged home owned by Dirk and Diane Graham in various states of repair. Courtesy The Grahams They hired a contractor to fix the damage, and that work was done in October 2013, they said. To protect their investment from future storms, they decided to raise the house. The Grahams, who didnt qualify for RREM funds because it was a second home, said they didnt want to hire the wrong company after hearing lots of horror stories from homeowners who ended up duped by scammers and con artists, and from others who hired contractors whose substandard work caused more headaches. So they took their time. By the summer of 2015, they said, theyd spoken to several homeowners who hired Shore House Lifters, and while some complained about a lack of communication, they said the jobs were done to their satisfaction. The Grahams signed a contract with the company on Aug. 15, 2015, for $65,630, documents show. After several delays, the house was finally lifted on Jan. 14, 2016, they said. By spring of that year, when the home had to be lowered and anchored to its new foundation, only $568 was left to pay on the contract, documents show. When the home was lowered in May, the real trouble began. They were supposed to bring it straight down, but the house started to come down at a 5- or 6-degree angle or more, and when it hit the foundation, it slid so it wasnt lined up, Dirk Graham said. Then, all contact with the company stopped, they said. They lost confidence that the job would be done, and that it would be done right. They estimated that $44,000 of the work Shore House Lifters was paid for remained incomplete. In late July 2016, they filed their formal complaint with Consumer Affairs about Shore House Lifters, and they hired another contractor who completed the job for nearly $57,000. THE RESOLUTION? The state filed a lawsuit against Shore House Lifters, also known as Shore HL, and its father-and-son owners, Paul Zaidinski Sr. and Paul Zaidinski Jr., in January 2017. Efforts to reach the companys owners and their attorney were unsuccessful. The case, filed in Ocean County Superior Court, Chancery Division, alleged violations of the Consumer Fraud Act and the rules that govern home elevations and home improvement contractor registrations, plus the states advertising rules, court documents show. The case was filed on behalf of 51 consumers, 45 of whom had losses from federal relief funds paid by the RREM program. A year after that, Paul Zaidinski Jr. filed bankruptcy, records show. In September 2019, Zaidinski Jr. and the company signed a final consent judgment with the state, which also dismissed the charges against Zaidinski Sr. Zaidinski Jr. was ordered to pay $945,901.10, made up of $165,000 in civil penalties, $120,640 in investigative costs, $55,675 in consumer restitution and a repayment of $613,586.10 to the RREM program, according to the order. But most of the amount would be suspended and permanently erased in five years as long as Zaidinski pays a total of $50,000, set forth in a monthly payment schedule that lasts until 2025, the order said. The Grahams want to know where the money is and why they havent received any updates from the state since September 2019. They have paid $26,492 to date, a Consumer Affairs spokesperson said of Zaidinski Jr. and his company in early December. The Division is working to resolve legal issues to ensure consumers receive the maximum amount of the restitution to which they are entitled. While six of the consumers, including the Grahams, lost money out of their own pockets, the RREM funds lost by the 45 others were not technically their money. Its relief that was funded by taxpayer dollars. Asked if there is a debate about whether the federal program or consumers who lost money out-of-pocket should get paid back first, Community Affairs would only say it is in communication with the Division of Consumer Affairs as necessary. And it referred further questions to Consumer Affairs. Consumer Affairs said the receipt of funds is part of an ongoing settlement process that can require additional steps before consumer restitution can be made, as is the case here. Since restitution to all consumers will be paid from a single pool of money provided under the settlement, all legal issues concerning restitution must be addressed prior to the disbursement of any settlement funds, Consumer Affairs said. There is no statutory designation regarding the order of payment in a civil settlement, it said. Even if the payouts were clear, and even if the state would forgo collecting its civil penalties and investigative costs, and even if a federal program wasnt involved, were talking 51 consumers splitting $50,000. Were screwed. Maybe we will get 10 cents or something, Dirk Graham said. Why couldnt the state just tell us? Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. NJ Advance Media Research Editor Vinessa Erminio contributed to this report. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on X at @KPMueller. New affordable houses are on sale in Portlaoise through a partnership involving Laois County Council and builders the Woodfort Group. With the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the council has launched a Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme at An Lochan, Summerhill off the Stradbally Road. A total of 11 three-bedroom homes are available for purchase. The Council says An Lochan is a new development of A-rated homes. These meticulously designed homes are within walking distance of Portlaoise town with plenty of local amenities, such as shopping, restaurants, theatre, cinema, health and fitness, swimming and sports, there are also four local primary schools situated within a few minutes walk of the site. Summerhill is an ideal location; the development is located with fantastic transport links from Dublin city centre with the M7 Motorway a 5-minute drive of the site the town also has a train that goes to Heuston Station, Dublin in approximately 48 minutes and is also accessible by bus, said the statement. The houses are located close to several primary schools and not far from the location of the site for the new home of Dunamase College secondary school. The homes on offer are a mix of six terraced and five semi-detached homes. They vary in price from 257,500 to 267,500. Gross income limits apply to applicants. Other four-bed houses are being sold privately in the same estate on the former Cecil Lewis lands where many other houses have or are being built in the Laois county town. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Launched nationally in 2021, the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme helps people on moderate incomes to buy new homes at reduced prices. Such houses are located in areas with the greatest housing need and where affordability is an issue. The local authority takes a percentage stake in your home that covers the price reduction. If you buy the home at a 20% discount, the local authority will have a 20% stake in your home. You must buy back the local authoritys stake after 40 years or if you sell your home, but you can repay it any time before this. This scheme is aimed at first-time buyers, but there are some exceptions. Laois County Council, which is also selling affordable homes in Kilminchy, says such schemes help bridge the gap for first-time buyers between their purchasing power and the market prices of new homes. MORE BELOW PICTURE. The price you pay for your new home under the scheme and the equity share the local authority takes in it are calculated by the local authority. This calculation takes into account your maximum mortgage capacity and the minimum price set for the home by the local authority. These calculations are done under regulations. The maximum equity share the local authority will take in your home is 40% and the minimum is 5%. You can get a mortgage from a bank or financial institution for your stake in the home. The Local Authority Home Loan and the Help to Buy Scheme may also be available. Before registering and applying, the Council says there are eligibility rules. Applicant is a First Time Buyer or meet the exceptions under the Fresh Start Principle. Applicant owns a dwelling which, because of its size, is not suited to the current accommodation needs of the applicants household. The affordable home must be the applicants normal place of residence. All applicants must have the right to reside indefinitely in the State. All applicants are over 18. Applicant's purchasing power does not exceed 95% of the market value of the property. Laois County Council has a section on its website where you will find more information on the Local Authority Affordable Purchase. If have questions the council says you can contact the Affordable Housing Team via e-mail at affordablepurchase@laoiscoco.ie The Official Auctioneer for sales are Knight Frank. The Woodfort Group says it is one of Irelands most successful property development teams with over 40 years of experience in creating new residential communities. The demolition of a vacant factory in North Kildare has been proposed, in order to make room for a residential development. Blackrock Contractors Limited is seeking planning permission from Kildare County Council in relation to the proposed changes for the former Retronix Semiconductor Factory located on the Dublin Road in Celbridge (W23 TR58). Infrastructure works are also proposed on the Dublin Road and on lands to the southeast of the main development site, and the total area of the development site and the infrastructure works measures circa 1.26 hectares. The principal development will consist of the demolition of the vacant factory (c. 1,720 sqm) and the construction of a 44-unit residential development. According to the application, this development will comprise of 28 two-storey houses (10 two-bed units and 18 three-bed units, ranging in size from c. 83 sqm to c. 116 sqm) and a three-storey building comprising 16 apartment and duplex apartment units (six one-bed units and 10 two-bed units ranging in size from c. 53 sqm to c. 113 sqm). The proposed development would also include: the extinguishment of the existing site entrance and the provision of a new site entrance onto the Dublin Road; works to link in to the adjoining Ballyoulster Strategic Housing Development site under consideration (An Bord Pleanala Case Reference TA09.313825) including the continuation of the footpath and cycle lane proposed along the boundary of the subject site on the Dublin Road and the provision of pedestrian and cyclist connections; internal roads and footpaths; 50 car parking spaces; bicycle parking; bicycle and bin store; hard and soft landscaping; boundary treatments; lighting; drainage works including the upgrading and reuse of the exiting foul water connection into the existing outfall manhole, and the relaying (in its current alignment) of the existing surface water pipe to its existing outfall. Lastly, planning permission is sought for all other associated site and development works above and below ground. The date received is listed as December 21 last, while the submission-by and due dates are listed as February 2 and February 23 respectively. According to the business information website vision-net.ie, Blackrock Contractors Ltd was established in 2015. The company has an address registered as Unit 1 Riverside, Tallaght Business Park, Whitestown Road, Dublin 24, County Dublin. It was with deep regret that we learned of the death on Saturday morning, December 23rd of our company director and assistant treasurer, Sean Nolan. Chairperson of Drumshanbo Community Council, Enda McGloin paid tribute to their fellow company director. Sean was a founder member of Drumshanbo Community Council serving as company director and officer since the early 1990s, his business background as production manager in Lairds for many years was invaluable. In many of our community endeavours Sean was to the forefront in negotiations on behalf of DCC which included projects like Laird House, New Link Road alongside the Mart and of course the Food Hub to name but a few. Throughout his time serving as a board member he diligently attended meetings where his wise consul was sought ensuring strong leadership and prudence during tight financial challenges faced by our group especially in the early years. Sean was a community man all his life giving of his spare time so generously, he was proud of our achievements on so many projects especially in the last few years where current employment levels at the Food Hub reached the numbers achieved during the Laird Foods era. He can take his share in this success as director of this project alongside the many other community successes that has seen Drumshanbo prosper in recent years. We will miss him and his generous input and work on our board however his wife Mary and his children and grand children will miss him much more, but we thank them for the work and support that Sean gave us as a community group. I as Chairman, alongside my fellow directors, Paschal Mooney, Bea Cullen, Joseph McManus, Noel McPartland and our management and administration team of Fergal McPartland and Geraldine Heeran extend our heartfelt sympathy to Mary and all the Nolan family at this sad time. Sean was predeceased by his mother Mai and his father James, his wife Bernadette, children Deirdre and Fintan, sister Barbara Reynolds and brother Paddy (Tralee), son-in-law Jerome. Sadly missed by his devoted wife Mary (Kellegher) and dear father to Paula (Padraig), Fiona (Bernie), John (Mary), Neil (Olivia), Kevin (Cabrini), Thomas (Jane), his sister Mary (Flynn), brother Seamus (USA), grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends. Sean reposed at his residence on Sunday, 24th December. Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday, 26th December, in St Patrick's Church, Drumshanbo followed by burial afterwards in the New Cemetery. May he Rest In Peace. A Donegal woman found murdered in Scotland was last seen three days before her body was discovered. The body of grandmother Ann Coll, who was originally from Gweedore, was found on December 22 in a first floor flat in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire. The 61-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Police Scotland launched a murder probe after a postmortem examination confirmed her death as being suspicious. 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. Detectives from the Major Investigations Team are leading the investigation. Ms Coll hailed from Arduns in Gweedore and has relatives living in west Donegal. CCTV footage obtained by media in Scotland shows Ms Coll visiting her local shop to buy cigarettes on December 19 at 8.46am. Accompanied by her believed border collie, Ann - who was said to visit the shop multiple times each day - then makes the short walk to her home. The footage, stills from which have been released by the Scottish Sun, is among the last known sightings of Ms Coll. Officers are scouring through CCTV footage from local businesses and homes in a bid to piece together the mysterious death. A large police presence remained in the area in the days after the body was located. 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." Tourism authorities of Japan & Republic of Korea discuss attraction of tourists to regional areas & sustainable tourism at ?37? ????????? ?????? ????. A symposium on tourism designed to discuss ways of vitalizing tourism exchanges between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) was held in Japan on December 20. There were 50 participants from ROK, including government officials led by ??? ??????? ??????, as well as tourism industry representatives. From Japan, about 60 people took part, including ??? ???? ??? ?????? at the Japan Tourism Agency. ?37? ????????? ?????? ???? was held in Toyama Prefecture. At the symposium, tourism authorities from both countries welcomed the rapid recovery of tourism exchanges between the two countries after the global spread of COVID-19 subsided. Furthermore, both parties shared the understanding that efforts should be made to attract inbound tourists to regional areas and advance sustainable tourism, among other things, with a view to further enhancing bilateral tourism exchanges. They exchanged opinions on various measures to achieve these goals and signed a confirmation document. Below is the confirmation document of ?37? ?????????: https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/page03_000117.html After the symposium, the participants from ROK divided into two groups and each group attended an inspection tour to different parts of Toyama Prefecture. One course visited a village of traditional "gassho-zukuri" farmhouses and some sake breweries, while the other course introduced the participants to architecture designated as national treasure and "suiboku" ink-and-wash painting art. The participants visited the Ainokura village in Nanto City and the national treasure temple of Zuiryuji in Takaoka City, diligently inspecting historical architectural structures and natural landscapes. 26 december 2023 at 20:05 News published onand distributed by: United for Good: American Volunteers Positively Impact Israel and Themselves Hundreds of Americans are signing up for volunteer missions to Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA as the organization continues its support for the communities devastated by the October 7 terrorist attacks. NEW YORK, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, Jewish National Fund-USA launched Volunteer Missions to Israel. The week-long trips support critical relief efforts aimed at shoring up Israel's food security, assisting with community rehabilitation efforts, and supporting civilian logistical needs on army bases. The trips leave every other week through May 2024, and due to high demand, January's missions are already sold out. Volunteer mission highlights include: Spending time with evacuees and the people providing lifesaving efforts to support them. Taking part in community service initiatives that help with everything from cooking to assisting in daycares, or cleaning homes and public spaces. Working with outdoor youth organizations on farms, picking vegetables and other crops to prevent food shortages and ensuring no farmer is left behind. Volunteering at an army base and supporting civilian logistical roles necessary to fill the void of the over 350,000 Israelis serving in the Israel Defense Forces and reserves. For Chicago-based philanthropist Deb Lust Zaluda, taking part in Jewish National Fund-USA's inaugural volunteer mission in mid-December impacted her in unexpected ways. "I wanted to have an impact, make a difference, do something, and feel useful; however, what I didn't expect was how the mission would impact me," said Lust Zaluda, who is also the organization's Assistant VP of Missions. "Yes, we pulled weeds so that the fields of green onions didn't suffocate and could be harvested when it was time. We picked citrus, which would have gone rotten on the trees if not for us. But more importantly, we listened. We listened to the story of the lone soldier from Texas, Noah, who went back into the army after being released so he could join his unit in Gaza. We heard from Erez, a citrus farmer in the south of Israel whose family was evicted from Tunisia in the early 1950s with just the clothes on their backs. Erez's family knew nothing of farming when they arrived in Israel, but they helped make the desert bloom in the Negev through their grit and determination." She added, "Erez, after looking at our group of volunteers, was truly shocked by how much we did ? as his level of trust in the future had been shattered. Now, he was given cause for hope." The volunteer missions include accommodation, airport transfers, armed security, daily transportation to sites, 4-6 hours of daily volunteering, and all meals. Trips will run every other week and are currently scheduled through May 2024. Weekly volunteer day trips are also available, departing every Wednesday from the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem. For more information on mission prices and eligibility criteria, visit jnf.org/travel or call 877.563.8687. To support Jewish National Fund-USA's Israel Resilience Campaign, visit jnf.org/supportisrael. About Jewish National Fund-USA Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel's north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org. MEDIA CONTACT Stefan Oberman 212-879-9305 x222 [email protected] SOURCE Jewish National Fund-USA 27 december 2023 at 08:08 News published onand distributed by: Oil & gas employee pays $400,000 to ASC and agrees to 10-year trading ban for insider trading CALGARY, AB, Dec. 27, 2023 /CNW/ - The Alberta Securities Commission announces that Behjat Haghshenas of Calgary admitted to illegal insider trading in the securities of Leucrotta Exploration Inc. before the March 28, 2022 public announcement that Vermillion Energy Inc. and Leucrotta had entered into an agreement pursuant to which Vermillion would acquire Leucrotta for $500 million. Haghshenas paid $400,000 to the Alberta Securities Commission and has undertaken to cease trading in or purchasing securities or derivatives for 10 years, per the terms of a settlement agreement. Haghshenas was a Senior Reservoir Specialist for Vermillion Energy Inc. In early 2022, Vermillion was in discussions with Leucrotta about potentially acquiring the company. Through her employment, Haghshenas became aware of material facts about the potential acquisition that were not generally disclosed and she purchased Leucrotta shares while in possession of those facts. Almost immediately after Vermillion and Leucrotta made the public announcement about the acquisition, Haghshenas sold her Leucrotta shares, for a profit of $146,400. A copy of the Settlement Agreement and Undertaking is available on the ASC website at asc.ca. The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. It is entrusted with fostering a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and with protecting investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets. SOURCE Alberta Securities Commission 27 december 2023 at 12:21 News published onand distributed by: Algernon Pharmaceuticals Announces Closing of Private Placement VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW0) (OTCQB: AGNPF) (the "Company" or "Algernon") a Canadian clinical stage pharmaceutical development company announces the close of its non-brokered private placement, previously announced on December 12, 2023 and updated on December 27, 2023, for gross proceeds of $280,000 (the "Offering") of units (the "Units") at an issue price of $0.075 per Unit. Certain insiders of the Company participated in the Offering in the amount of $173,505. The participation by insiders in the Offering constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the Common Shares purchased by insiders, nor the consideration for the Units paid by such insiders, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances as the details of the participation by insiders of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to closing the Offering and the Company wished to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner. The Company paid cash finder's fees totaling $9,000 and issued 120,000 finders warrants to eligible finders for investors introduced to the Company by the eligible finder. The Company will use the proceeds of the private placement for working capital purposes. About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. Algernon Pharmaceuticals is a Canadian clinical stage drug development company investigating multiple drugs for unmet global medical needs. Algernon Pharmaceuticals has active research programs for chronic cough, and chronic kidney disease, and is the parent company of Algernon NeuroScience Inc., that is advancing a psychedelic program investigating a proprietary form of DMT for stroke and traumatic brain injury. CONTACT INFORMATION Christopher J. Moreau CEO Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. 604.398.4175 ext 701 [email protected] [email protected] www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com . Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: No Securities Exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the completion of the Offering, use of proceeds from the Offering, engagement of Maxim, the completion of future transactions and the spin-off of the Ifenprodil research program and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. 27 december 2023 at 16:05 News published onand distributed by: Then German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble attends the European Banking Congress in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on November 18, 2016. DANIEL ROLAND / AFP Wolfgang Schauble, one of the most important figures in German political life over the last 30 years, has died aged 81, a source from the conservative CDU-CSU alliance told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Wednesday, December 27. Schauble, who was a minister under chancellors Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel and played a key role in German reunification in 1990, died peacefully in the night, the Bild daily reported. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Schauble had "shaped our country for more than half a century." "Germany has lost a sharp thinker, passionate politician and pugnacious democrat," Scholz wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Born in Freiburg in 1942, Schauble was the longest-serving member of Germany's Bundestag lower house of parliament, where he had sat since 1972. It was under former conservative leader Kohl that the pro-European Schauble forged his career, rising through the ranks to eventually become Kohl's chief of staff, and was long seen as the chancellor's heir apparent. Together they oversaw Germany's national reunification before personal tragedy struck Schauble an assassination attempt by a deranged man in 1990 badly injured him and forced him to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. As finance minister for several years under Merkel, Schauble carved out a reputation as the guardian of German budgetary rigor, particularly during the Greek debt crisis. "There is hardly another politician who has shaped recent German history and our democratic culture as much as Wolfgang Schauble," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on X, praising his "outstanding services to German and European unification." A NEW bus route for Limerick has been confirmed and it's aimed to have it up and running for 2025. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has published a finalised new bus network for Limerick, which aims to transform the citys system. The new and improved network will have a 24-hour bus service, an increase of services by 70%, an enhanced Sunday timetable and new routes added. The revised network that weve finalised and published will provide the people of Limerick with enhanced frequency, greater connectivity and longer operating hours, said Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA. As we roll out the key pillars of BusConnects Limerick, were confident that this network will encourage more people to take public transport and support the sustainable growth of the city in the decades to come. A new 24-hour bus service will operate between University Hospital Limerick (UHL), the city centre and the University of Limerick (UL). As well as this, previously unserved areas such as Ennis Road, Dock Road, University of Limerick north campus and Ardnacrusha will now be included as bus routes. Stephen Kent, CEO of Bus Eireann, welcomed the new bus network for Limerick, saying that it will significantly increase frequency and expand bus services across the city and its suburbs. The new network will be delivered on a phased approach from 2025. Last year, the NTA carried out an extensive review of the bus network in Limerick, in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Bus Eireann. As well as this, they received specialised expertise of transport designers Jarrett Walker and Associates. In February, a draft new network was published. However, following concerns raised during the public consultation process, the draft was reconsidered until a final map was issued. Toyota Motor 's global production jumped 11 per cent in November to a record level, bouncing back from last year's supply chain disruptions and benefiting from robust demand both in Japan and overseas. Output for November climbed to 926,573 vehicles, while worldwide sales increased 14 per cent from a year earlier when shortages of semiconductors plagued automakers globally. Both figures include Toyota's Lexus luxury brand. Domestic sales for the month shot 27 per cent higher; sales in both the United States and China increased by 17 per cent, while those in Europe climbed 15 per cent. The result puts the world's largest automaker on track for global sales of more than 10 million Toyota and Lexus-branded vehicles in 2023 - also a record. Around a third of the vehicles sold far this year have been gasoline-electric hybrids. Toyota Motor earlier this year announced that it is providing significant price reductions on the Hilux lifestyle vehicle, which is among its priciest cars in the Indian market, just three months after its release. The renowned Japanese automobile manufacturer is offering discounts and advantages valued at up to 8 lakh for potential buyers. Earlier this year, Toyota Motor Corp said that it could make up to about 10.6 million vehicles in 2023, a figure that, if achieved, would easily beat its 2019 production record of 9.1 million units, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile Toyota Kirloskar Motor announced plans to invest 3,300 crore to set up its third plant at Bidadi in Karnataka. The new unit, which will commence production by 2026, will have an annual capacity of 1 lakh units in two shifts. In another development, Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, announced the suspension of shipments for all car models currently being produced, both domestically in Japan and internationally, reported AFP. This decision comes in response to recent disclosures regarding its manipulation of safety tests. Reportedly, established earlier this year to examine a safety scandal initially revealed in April, the committee has identified additional irregularities. The investigation discovered new issues in 174 aspects across 25 test categories, supplementing the previously uncovered misconduct in April and May related to door components and side-collision tests, as stated by Toyota. (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! SEO is not a DIY project but a complex, challenging, and dynamic process that requires professional expertise and guidance. Hence, it is always advisable to hire a reliable and reputable SEO content writing service that knows what works and what doesnt. However, finding the best content writing services is a task. There are many factors to consider, such as experience, reputation, portfolio, pricing, and more. But first, let us understand what exactly is content writing that is optimised for SEO. What is SEO Content Writing? SEO content writing is a specialised form of writing that plays a crucial role in enhancing a website's visibility and ranking in search engine results. This technique involves creating content that is not only informative and engaging for readers but also optimised for search engines. A key component of SEO content writing is the strategic use of keywords. These are words or phrases that potential customers commonly use in search engines when looking for information, products, or services. In SEO content writing, these keywords are incorporated naturally into the content to help search engines understand and rank the material appropriately. However, it's more than just stuffing articles with keywords. Effective SEO content strikes a balance between readability and keyword usage, ensuring that the material is user-friendly and informative while also being optimised for search rankings. Another crucial aspect of SEO content writing is creating content that aligns with user search intent. This means understanding why people are searching for a particular topic and tailoring the content to meet their needs, whether they're looking for information, a specific product, or a service. This alignment increases the relevance of the content, making it more likely to rank higher in search results. SEO content writing also involves optimising various elements of the content beyond the text itself. This includes optimising meta titles and descriptions, using headers effectively, and ensuring that the content is structured in a way that search engines can easily crawl and index. Additionally, the content must be regularly updated and refreshed to stay relevant and maintain or improve its ranking over time. Crafting effective SEO content is a complex challenge for brands. It requires a deep understanding of search engine algorithms, keyword optimisation, and the ability to create engaging content that resonates with the target audience. Many brands struggle to balance these elements, leading to content that either doesn't rank well or fails to engage readers. This is where the expertise of a specialised SEO content writing agency becomes invaluable. Agencies have the skills, tools, and experience to navigate the nuances of SEO, ensuring content not only reaches the intended audience but also drives meaningful engagement and conversions. For brands looking to make a significant impact in the digital space, partnering with an SEO agency is a strategic move towards achieving their content goals efficiently and effectively. To help you find the best SEO service provider in 2024, we have compiled a list of the top 10 SEO content writing services in the market based on their quality, performance, and customer satisfaction. Here they are: 1. Content Whale Content Whale has established itself as a prominent player in the SEO content writing industry. Renowned for their expertise in providing high-quality SEO content writing services, they cater to a vast range of industries through their extensive service offerings. Their approach involves a deep understanding of SEO principles, ensuring that their content not only engages the target audience but also performs exceptionally well in search engine rankings. This dedication to quality and performance has made Content Whale a preferred choice for businesses seeking effective and impactful online content. Content Whale Services Offered Content Whale's range of services encompasses more than just traditional content writing. They delve into in-depth keyword research, ensuring their content is finely tuned to current search trends and audience interests. Their content creation is both dynamic and client-specific, tailored to suit the unique needs and goals of each business. Furthermore, their expertise in content optimisation guarantees that every piece of content is not only reader-friendly but also primed for optimal search engine performance. This comprehensive approach allows Content Whale to effectively serve a diverse clientele, providing solutions that are both innovative and effective in the realm of SEO. Content Whale Trustpilot Ratings 3.7 stars - 29 reviews Content Whale boasts strong customer satisfaction, as reflected in their Trustpilot ratings. Clients frequently commend them for their thorough research, effective SEO practices, and adherence to deadlines. Content Whale Pros Meticulous research and SEO-effective content. Wide-ranging expertise across various niches. Timely delivery and high-quality output. Content Whale Cons Premium pricing for specialised content. Occasional delays during peak periods. Content Whale Pricing Structure Content Whale offers competitive pricing, starting at 2/word, but also varies based on content complexity and volume. They provide customised quotes, ensuring value for specific content requirements. 2. Estorytellers Estorytellers stands out in the digital marketing landscape as a premium agency that masterfully combines the art of storytelling with the science of SEO. Recognised for their innovative approach, they cater to clients who seek to make an impactful online presence through content that resonates and ranks. Estorytellers Services Offered Their service portfolio is diverse, covering essential SEO aspects like in-depth keyword research, crafting content that aligns with search trends, optimising existing content for better search engine performance, robust link-building strategies, and addressing technical SEO needs. This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive coverage of clients' SEO content needs. Estorytellers Trustpilot Ratings While Estorytellers arent on Trustpilot, Estorytellers has garnered impressive ratings on their website, reflecting their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. These ratings are a testament to their ability to consistently deliver content that not only engages audiences but also meets the high standards of SEO efficacy. Estorytellers Pros Combines creative writing skills with SEO acumen. Offers a broad spectrum of SEO services. Team of experienced writers and SEO experts. Estorytellers Cons Premium pricing for specialised or complex projects. Project delivery times can vary, especially for tailor-made content. Pricing Structure Estorytellers adopt a flexible pricing model that is tailored to the unique requirements of each project. Their pricing is structured to provide value, accommodating a range of budgets while maintaining high-quality service delivery. 3. Taletel Taletel emerges as a vibrant and dynamic SEO content writing agency known for its innovative approach and commitment to delivering content that not only engages but also ranks. Taletel Services Offered They specialise in a range of SEO services, including thorough keyword research, crafting engaging SEO-rich content, optimising web pages, and implementing effective link-building strategies to enhance online presence. Taletel Trustpilot Ratings 3.8 stars - 2 reviews Client feedback for Taletel suggests a high level of satisfaction with their SEO content services, reflecting their quality and effectiveness. Taletel Pros Innovative and engaging content creation. A comprehensive range of SEO services. Responsive customer service. Taletel Cons Limited information on Trustpilot ratings. Pricing may be higher for complex projects. Pricing Structure While Taletels pricing starts at around 2/word, they offer a flexible pricing model that varies according to the complexity and scope of the project, ensuring tailored solutions for diverse client needs. 4. The Content Ideators The Content Ideators excel in the realm of digital marketing with their creative flair in content writing. They stand out by providing comprehensive SEO services that not only enhance the online visibility of businesses but also ensure that content is engaging and informative for the audience. Their approach combines creativity with technical expertise, making them a sought-after choice for those in need of specialised SEO solutions. The Content Ideators Services Offered This agency covers a wide array of SEO services, starting from in-depth keyword research that targets audience-specific terms to creating content that is both original and SEO-optimized. Their services extend to meticulous content optimisation, ensuring that every piece of content is fine-tuned for maximum search engine performance. Additionally, their link-building and technical SEO capabilities are designed to strengthen a websites overall SEO framework, further boosting its online prominence. The Content Ideators Trustpilot Ratings While The Content Ideators have a commendable track record of customer satisfaction, we were not able to find any Trustpilot reviews. The Content Ideators Pros Offers a comprehensive range of SEO services. A skilled team in producing creative and informative content. Reasonable pricing for a broad client base. The Content Ideators Cons Absence of detailed Trustpilot ratings for external validation. Information on their unique service approach may be less accessible. The Content Ideators Pricing Structure The Content Ideators believe in fostering long-lasting relationships with their clients and hence want their customers to get in touch with them and properly understand their requirements to give the best service possible. They are known for their cost-effective pricing model. This makes their high-quality SEO services accessible to a diverse range of clients, from small startups to larger corporations, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can benefit from their expertise without straining their budgets. 5. Bloggism Bloggism positions itself as a premium content writing agency specialising in SEO blog writing. Renowned for their expertise in blog content, they have become a go-to choice for businesses seeking to enhance their online presence through high-quality blogs. Bloggism Services Offered They offer specialised SEO blog writing services. Their team, in collaboration with Content Whales SME (Subject Matter Expert) writers, can handle a wide range of content requirements, ensuring versatility and expertise in various topics. Bloggism Trustpilot Ratings We werent able to find specific Trustpilot ratings for Bloggism, but their reputation for delivering rank-worthy blogs suggests a high level of customer satisfaction. Bloggism Pros Expertise in SEO blog writing. Collaboration with skilled SME writers for diverse content needs. Bloggism Cons Limited visibility on external rating platforms like Trustpilot. Specific service details could be more extensive. Bloggism Pricing Structure Bloggism encourages you to get a personalised quote tailored to your requirements. Bloggism's pricing structure is designed to cater to premium content writing services, suggesting a balance between quality and cost-efficiency for their specialised blog writing services. 6. Kalam Kagaz Kalam Kagaz, a leading name in SEO content writing in India, is dedicated to delivering a broad range of specialised services. They focus on enhancing online visibility and credibility for various industries through SEO-optimized content. Kalam Kagaz Services Offered They offer an extensive array of services, including content marketing, press releases, case studies, ebooks, articles, blogs, product descriptions, and reviews. Their experienced team ensures that the content is engaging, informative, and optimised for both keywords and search engine algorithms. Kalam Kagaz Trustpilot Ratings While specific Trustpilot ratings for Kalam Kagaz were not mentioned, their diverse portfolio of satisfied clients across sectors like education, healthcare, and e-commerce hints at a strong record of customer satisfaction. Kalam Kagaz Pros Wide range of SEO content services. Experienced in various industry sectors. Kalam Kagaz Cons Lack of detailed Trustpilot ratings for broader assessment. Limited information on content differentiation strategies. Kalam Kagaz Pricing Structure Kalam Kagazs pricing starts at 875 for a 500-word article and scales up if you want longer form content. Kalam Kagaz is known for offering reliable and affordable SEO content writing services, making them an accessible choice for businesses in India seeking quality SEO solutions. 7. Write Right Write Right distinguishes itself as a versatile content writing and digital marketing agency. They specialise in crafting Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for students, which are crucial for academic applications, and deliver expert SEO content writing services tailored to meet the unique needs of B2B clients. Their approach combines a deep understanding of both academic and business realms, ensuring content that resonates with the intended audience. Write Right Services Offered At Write Right, services go beyond basic content creation. Their keyword research is conducted using advanced tools and techniques to identify optimal keywords, which ensures that the content not only appeals to the target audience but also aligns with search engine algorithms. The team of writers is adept at creating SEO-optimized content that effectively balances readability with SEO strategies, resulting in content that not only reads well but also performs well in search rankings. Write Right Trustpilot Ratings 4.0 stars - 113 reviews Their reputation for high customer satisfaction is well-noted in client testimonials and feedback. This suggests a strong alignment of their services with client expectations and consistent delivery of quality in their specialised content writing and digital marketing services. WriteRight Pros Wide range of services including SOP and SEO content writing. Expertise in keyword research and SEO optimisation. High customer satisfaction. WriteRight Cons Limited information on Trustpilot ratings. Specific service details could be more extensive. Write Right Pricing Structure Write Right doesnt offer direct pricing plans on its website, but it will give you a free quote if you reach out to it. They are known for their competitive pricing, offering cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. 8. Verblio Verblio positions itself as a top-tier SEO writing service, boasting a vast pool of US-based writers with diverse industry expertise. It stands out for its flexibility in content formats, offering not just written content like blog posts, articles, and eBooks but also engaging video content. Verblio Services Offered Verblio's services encompass a wide range, including blog posts, articles, eBooks, product descriptions, and video script creation, catering to various content needs. Verblio Trustpilot Ratings Verblio Pros Diverse writer pool for varied writing styles. Offers video script creation, adding to the content variety. Unlimited revisions across all membership levels. Verblio Cons Reviewing multiple submissions can be time-consuming. Challenges in maintaining consistent writing styles. Does not offer services for social media or email campaigns. Verblio Pricing Structure Verblio's pricing includes a self-service option at $0.06 per word and an enterprise option with custom pricing, ensuring flexibility for different business sizes and needs. 9. Contently Contently is celebrated for linking businesses with a network of elite freelancers, including writers, photographers, and designers. They stand out with a robust content management system designed to streamline the content lifecycle, from inception to analytics. Contently Services Contently offers a variety of services centred around content creation and management. Their services include providing access to a network of skilled freelance professionals like writers, photographers, designers, and videographers. Additionally, Contently is known for its comprehensive content management platform, which assists in streamlining the entire content creation process, including planning, creation, approval, publishing, and analysis. This platform is designed to facilitate effective content strategy and production, catering to various content needs of businesses. Contently Pros Offers access to a wide range of skilled content professionals. Features a platform that simplifies the entire content marketing process. Renowned for consistently producing engaging and effective content. Contently Cons Services may be beyond the budget of smaller businesses or startups. Some users may need time to adapt to the platform's features. Could benefit from improved search and filtering capabilities for easier writer selection. Absence of transparent pricing information online. Contently Pricing Structure Contently doesnt offer a fixed pricing plan, but they customise their offers based on your requirements. Their AI+human content rates start at $0.06/word and their pure human content starts at $0.16/word. If you have a large content requirement, theirs also an option to directly request a quote from them. 10. Draft Draft, known previously as ContentFly, provides a comprehensive range of writing services, including SEO blog posts, landing pages, social media posts, newsletters, and email marketing copy. Draft Services Offered They specialise in a variety of content needs, catering to businesses looking for diverse and SEO-focused writing solutions. Draft Trustpilot Ratings 3.6 stars - 22 reviews Draft doesnt have an updated profile on Trustpilot since they recently had a brand redesign, but their old website ContentFly has great reviews on the platform praising their customer service and the quality of the content they deliver. Draft Pros Quick turnaround and diverse writing services. High-quality content production. Personalised customer support. Draft Cons Occasional mismatch in content delivery versus requirements. Potential issues with rushed content creation. Minimum word count requirement for content requests. Draft Pricing Structure Draft's pricing is set at $0.10 per word, with a 1000-word blog post costing $100, offering competitive rates in the content service industry. Conclusion We've delved into a realm where expertise, creativity, and technical acumen converge to redefine digital marketing strategies. These agencies, with their distinct capabilities and innovative approaches, have demonstrated their pivotal role in elevating online visibility and engagement. Our journey through this landscape has not only enlightened us about the diversity in SEO content writing services but also underscored the importance of choosing a partner aligned with our specific marketing objectives. As we venture forward, these insights will be invaluable in steering our digital content strategies toward success in an increasingly competitive online world. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. 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! Shareholders of Dish TV India Ltd rejected the candidature of its remaining four independent directors, a rare instance at a listed company that found itself without a functional board for a brief while. Over 71% of shareholders voted against appointing Rajesh Sahni, Virender Tagra, Aanchal David and Shankar Aggarwal at Fridays extraordinary general meeting (EGM), the countrys third-largest satellite television provider said in a stock exchange disclosure. Subsequently, Dish TV appointed Sanjay Khanna as non-executive independent director and Ravi Bhushan Puri as executive director. Both were named by the board on 18 December, likely in anticipation of an upset at the upcoming EGM. Khanna and Puri were inducted before approval from the ministry of information and broadcasting, which is mandatory for directors of all television broadcasters. However, Dish TV managed to induct the two as its board strength fell below the statutory minimum requirement of three members. With Fridays action, a total of 13 directors have been booted out from Dish TV by shareholders since September 2021, when Yes Bank, the then-largest investor, raised the banner of revolt. The list of ousted directors includes Dish TV managing director Jawahar Goel, younger brother of Subhash Chandra, whose candidature was rejected in September last year. Goel, who owns 4.04% of Dish TV, is facing displeasure from shareholders unhappy with what they believe is poor corporate governance. Shareholders have raised concerns around the companys investments in its OTT (over-the-top) platform Watcho and the composition of the board, besides other issues. Dish TV has denied any wrongdoing. Unless shareholders and the promoters sit across a table and come to an agreement on directors, this churn will continue," a senior advisor at a proxy advisory firm said on the condition of anonymity. The tussle traces its roots to September 2021 when Yes Bank, then its biggest shareholder, sought to reconstitute Dish TVs board. Essel Group founder Chandra had borrowed more than 5,000 crore from the private lender, but his inability to repay the loans prompted the bank to invoke the shares of Dish TV that were pledged as collateral. In December 2022, Yes Bank transferred its shares to JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction Co., which became the largest shareholder with a 24.19% stake in the company. Proxy advisory firm Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) had recommended voting against the appointments, while noting that these appointments were in line with statutory requirements. It had recommended voting against them on the grounds that the company has in the past failed to address concerns raised by its shareholders, including their request to call an EGM. Queries sent to Dish TV on the development remained unanswered. Over the last 30 months, at least two requests by the shareholders to convene an EGM to remove some directors and appoint a fresh set of independent directors were rejected by the company on various technical grounds. The company, meanwhile, had failed to induct shareholder-nominated directors despite receiving necessary government approvals, Mint reported in March. The fresh surge in covid-19 cases is not worrying India Inc. While companies are still taking precautionary steps, work from home (WFH) is definitely not making a comeback, said companies across sectors. Recruiters, too, do not see any impact of the covid spike on hiring. Some companies have resurrected internal covid management teams and asked them to monitor cases of employees who are unwell. Others have advised employees to use masks and follow sanitation protocol. We are observing the situation closely and our internal reporting method was started 20 days ago," said Santanu Banerjee, chief human resources officer (CHRO), Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance. The reporting method activated in the company requires teams to inform the CHRO about the number of employees infected or possibly infected, and their recovery status. Banerjee said the company wont roll out the WFH mandate. India has seen a sudden spike in covid cases in the past few weeks and the active caseload touched 4,093 on Wednesday, according to the Union health ministry. The concern is higher around a new variant called JN.1, although that has a small share of the overall cases. With the gradual increase in cases of JN.1 variant, we continue to be extremely careful of the safety guidelines for our employees and have taken precautionary measures to enhance safety at our offices," said Adarsh Mishra, CHRO, Panasonic Life Solutions India. Panasonic has released an advisory for employees to practise extreme caution, use masks, maintain social distancing, sanitize and follow all mandatory steps for better well-being. In case of any symptoms related to JN.1 variant such as flu, breathlessness, etc., employees have been advised to consult a doctor or HR team immediately," Mishra added. For us health, safety and environment are always of paramount importance," said Praveen Purohit, deputy CHRO, Vedanta Group. Our respective businesses are continuing to build on health awareness alongside communicating with employees in town halls as we see upward numbers of covid cases. Adhering to basic precautions like mask must, and sanitisation are key." During the nearly two years of the pandemic, companies had applied the WFH protocol, but over the past year, they are making it essential for employees to return to office. So far, corporates are clear that they will continue with their hybrid policies. The surge is still (too) small for us to make changes in our hybrid work culture. Employees are coming to office 2-3 days a week, and this will continue," said S. Venkatesh, group president of HR at RPG Enterprises. Those who show any signs of an infection will have to work from home." Meanwhile, recruiters say it is unlikely that hiring sentiments will be affected. Staffing firm Teamlease Services does not foresee a slowdown in hiring activities", said Kartik Narayan, CEO, staffing. The hiring market is on an ebb now and is expected to pick up over the next couple of quarters. The IT sector has been struggling the most with getting employees back to office as they were also battling high attrition. During the covid lockdowns, many tech workers left to work from locations closer to their homes, reducing rental demand. Managers are now mandated to get most employees back to office for three days a week. Since November, fully vaccinated employees have been returning to work three days a week. We continue to adhere strictly to local directives and take necessary precautions to make sure all safeguard measures are in place," said Wipro in a statement. Most companies are now better equipped to implement WFH strategies if necessary. However, this outlook is contingent on the situation not escalating to a point where it significantly reduces demand," Teamleases Narayan said. Homegrown automaker Mahindra & Mahindra is expediting its plans to launch its ground-up electric vehicles, with four brand-new electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) expected to be launched by the first quarter of calendar year 2025, persons in the know told Mint on condition of anonymity. The company is looking to advance its EV launch plans as it is eager to kick-off its new electric vehicle portfolio in the market, given the XUV400, an electrified version of its internal combustion-engine (ICE) product XUV300 is the only electric SUV from the automaker on offer at present and gives it limited access to the market for EVs in India, dominated by rivals like Tata Motors and MG Motor India. Mahindra had previously stated that the XUV.e8 will be the first EV it will launch in the market in December 2024, followed by the e9 in April 2025 and BE.05 in October 2025. However, according to the companys new plans, the XUV.e9 (codenamed the M310), the more coupe-like, premium counterpart of the XUV.e8 will make it to the market first, with a reveal expected on Independence Day (15 August) next year, with bookings likely to open around September-October shortly after, and deliveries slated from January 2025. The Rall-E, the e9 and Mahindras new EV brand, BE.05, are all expected to debut in the months between January and April 2025, in a departure from the companys earlier plans to stagger its launches. The company will leverage the fact that all of its Born EVs will be built on a new, common platform INGLO to bring them to market at speed, although deliveries of some are only likely to begin after Q1 of 2025 due to supply chain delays. Mahindra is positioning its electric SUVs as premium, luxury offerings in the market, with focus on segment-first features, like a 36-inch immersive-display, panoramic sunroof, immersive sound and light experiences to market to upwardly-mobile customers who seek feature-rich offerings at competitive prices. Mahindra & Mahindra declined to comment on Mints query. The company is testing the M310 at its SUV proving track in Chennai, involving suppliers early in the testing and feedback process. The company has hired management consulting firm McKinsey to implement feedback from top executives of the companys top suppliers, who are being actively called to drive the products and give feedback on drivability, comfort, features and performance, into the design process, a first-of-its kind undertaking by an automotive OEM in the country, the people quoted earlier said. The first of the products (the XUV. e9) is at a very advanced level of readiness and testing. Theyre not positioning the vehicles as BEVs, but are instead looking to market them as a luxury line of vehicles. The good thing is theyre involving suppliers early to improve the vehicle and identify early fails to a point that before it goes to the customers hands, there should be few complaints as this is a new proposition for them to sell and for the customers to accept," a supplier said on condition of anonymity. In an earlier interaction, Shailesh Chandra, CEO and MD of Tata Motors passenger vehicle business, said while customers of the first-generation of EVs were early adopters and were accommodating of less-than-perfect new technologies, the second wave of customer adoption will not accept any compromises". Mahindra by now has the pulse of its customers and will price the product competitively. Its XUV700 is a case in point - none of the companys recent launches have been perceived as over-priced", a second industry stakeholder told Mint. Mahindras timelines, however, are very bullish and it can take the company some time to kick things off - but their target is stringent and they want to play aggressively in EVs now without much delay as they cannot afford to remain dependent on diesel for long", he added. Over the next five years, Mahindra expects up to 30% of all the SUVs it sells in India to be EVs. It also knows many of these are unlikely to be existing Mahindra customers. Enter, BE. This brand new EV-only identity, coexisting alongside XUV brands that the companys tech-savvy customers are already familiar with, is the dual strategy M&M will follow till 2027. Born EVs are vehicles manufactured on a pure EV platform. While rival Tata Motors has an early lead in the electric vehicle market, M&M will be the first automaker in India to carve out multiple models and brands on a single EV platform. Mahindra says its line-up of five EVs, developed on the born electric INGLO platform, will be its most powerful vehicles yet. Tata Motors, so far the nearly unrivalled leader in EVs, commands nearly 70% of the market and has plans to launch its own pure electric EV Avinya about the same time, as well as EV SUVs such as the Harrier, Curvv and Sierra, which will give Mahindra a tough fight. In August, Singapores Temasek said it will invest 1,200 crore in Mahindras electric vehicle subsidiary Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd (MEAL), joining British International Investments (BII) as an investor in MEAL. The investment values the automakers EV subsidiary at 80,580 crore. IT major Wipro has initiated legal proceedings against its former CFO, Jatin Dalal, in a civil court in Bengaluru. In response, Dalal has filed an application requesting the court to refer the matter to arbitration. While the specific grounds for the lawsuit remain unclear, arguments from both parties have been presented, and the next hearing is scheduled for January 3, according to a report by Times of India. At that time, the court will decide whether the matter should proceed to arbitration. Arbitration, an alternative dispute resolution method using an arbitrator instead of a judicial court, may be employed if the employment contract stipulates it, the report added. Cognizant Technology Solutions named the former Wipro chief financial officer as its CFO in September, a week after his resignation from the Indian information technology (IT) major, as reported by Mint earlier. He joined Wipro in 2002 and took over as the companys CFO in 2015. His last day is 30 November. Wipro appointed Aparna Iyer as his successor. In early December, Dalal filed an application under Section 8 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996, granting the judicial authority the power to direct parties to arbitration, the TOI report added. Also read | Cognizant appoints former Wipro finance chief Jatin Dalal as CFO Dalal is the second high profile hire by Cognizant in the past twelve months, after it named former Infosys President Ravi Kumar S as its CEO in January. Wipro has also lodged a complaint against its former senior vice-president (SVP) and head of healthcare and medical devices for the Americas, Mohd Haque. The complaint alleges that Haque violated non-compete covenants by joining Cognizant as the SVP and business unit head for life sciences. Wipro further accuses Haque of sharing confidential files from his personal Gmail account, breaching his employment contract, the report further added. WIPRO 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! Mumbai: Santrupt Misra, director, group human resources (HR) at the Aditya Birla Group, has decided to move on after nearly three decades at the Kumar Mangalam Birla-led aluminium-to-cement conglomerate. Misra was one of the rare HR heads in India Inc. who led some of the business units as well, and was group director for Birla Carbon and director, chemicals at the Birla group. According to a person aware of the matter, Misras decision to move on was notified in an internal email on Wednesday. After 28 years of service with the group, Dr Santrupt Misra has decided to take early retirement, to pursue his interests outside of the corporate realm. Consequently, Mr Ashok Ramchandran, group executive president, Aditya Birla Group, has been elevated as director, HR. Ashok has been with the group since 2015 and is a seasoned HR professional with over 34 years of rich and varied experience in HR. These changes will be with effect from 15 January," an Aditya Birla Group spokesperson said in response to a query. Misra has been instrumental in shaping employee policies in the Aditya Birla Group and had also taken the responsibility of mentoring the next generation of Birla scionsAryaman Vikram Birla and Ananya Birla. He is a director in several publicly traded Birla group companies including Aditya Birla Capital Ltd, Grasim and Birla Carbon Thailand. Misra was among the earliest appointees to Kumar Mangalam Birla's top team at Aditya Birla Group. In 1995, at age 28, Kumar Birla was forced to take over the reins of the business after the sudden death of his father, Aditya Vikram Birla. Back then, the group's HR norms allowed senior septuagenarian executives to continue working even after their superannuation. It is said that Kumar Birla relied on Santrupt Misra, who joined the Aditya Birla Group in 1996 from Hindustan Unilever, then known as Hindustan Lever. Talent scouts had noticed the young training manager at the FMCG multinational company. Misra, during an interview with Mint about a year ago, reminisced about the old days and mentioned that he and Kumar Birla took a bet on each other. Both were relatively young and willing to take risks. Misras successful tenure as the groups talent scout and HR head led to Misra being given additional responsibilities, including that of the CEOs post in the groups chemicals business. ADITYA BIRLA CAPITAL 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! Dish TV India, a direct-to-home (DTH) operator, has given its approval for the appointment of Sunil Khanna as an independent director and Ravi Bhushan Puri as an executive director. The company stated that shareholder approval will be sought in accordance with relevant regulatory provisions, and these appointments will be effective until September 30, 2024. The effectiveness of the appointments is contingent on receiving approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) or the occurrence of the board's director count falling below the statutory minimum of three directors, whichever happens earlier. Dish TV clarified that Ravi Bhushan Puri will not receive any additional remuneration for the aforementioned appointment. He will continue to be compensated in his existing role as 'Corporate Head of Broadcasting' within the company. Also Read | Entire Dish TV board ousted in shareholder coup It is noteworthy that Dish TV India had previously faced fines exceeding 10 lakh from both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) due to violations related to board composition. Also read | Dish TV board rejects demand for EGM meet to remove directors Since March 3, Dish TV has faced a board strength shortfall, falling below the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated six directors. This was primarily due to the non-approval of four independent director appointments at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on March 3 and the subsequent resignation of independent director Zohra Chatterji, effective June 2, according to a Mint report. The company has asserted that it has taken necessary measures to comply with Regulations 17(1) and 19 of the Listing Regulations. The reduction in the number of directors, resulting in non-compliance, is stated to be beyond the company's control. In response to this situation, Dish TV made several appointments to its board. Aanchal David was appointed as an Independent Director, effective September 26, 2023, pending shareholders approval. Additionally, in a meeting on September 29, 2023, the company appointed Rajesh Sahni and Virender Kumar Tagra as non-executive, non-independent directors, with their appointments subject to shareholders approval. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! New Delhi: Germanys development bank KfW plans to share its expertise in offshore wind energy with Indian companies, including NTPC. Wolf Muth, KfWs India director, said the bank will provide technical expertise and conduct feasibility studies to support India's offshore wind initiatives. We came up with providing technical expertise and feasibility studies. Weve had sessions here with technical experts from Germany promoting offshore wind. These are the kinds of things where we can bring in our expertise," Muth told Mint. The bank is keen to help develop the green hydrogen ecosystem in India and has been approached to help support Indias national green hydrogen mission, said Muth. We are in close discussions with partners here on the Indian side. NTPC, for example, is a partner where we have had discussions on green hydrogen and offshore wind," he added. Renewable energy collaboration has become a key aspect of the bilateral relationship between India and Germany. The two sides announced a new Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2022. Germany committed to providing at least 10 billion in assistance to India for its green and sustainable development ambitions. Under the partnership, the two countries created an Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force. Under the agreement which was signed today both countries will establish an Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force to strengthen mutual cooperation in production, utilization, storage and distribution of Green Hydrogen through building enabling frameworks for projects, regulations and standards, trade and joint research and development (R&D) projects," the two countries said after the Modi-Scholz summit in May 2022. The task force held its first meeting in September 2022 and brought together top officials from Indias new and renewable energy ministry and Germanys economic affairs and climate action ministry. KfW, which aims to significantly increase its funding for India to well over 1 billion a year, has put significant resources into Indias renewable sector. Through KfW, Germany is promoting the construction of solar farms, the installation of solar panels on roofs of companies and private households, and the expansion of hydropower. At the same time, over one billion euros is being provided to support green energy corridors, which connect solar, wind and hydropower plants to the Indian electricity grid," the bank said. KfW has also worked closely with India's financial institutions like SBI to provide lines of credit for the development of solar power. Power firms like REC Ltd have signed several agreements with KfW for loans to develop new renewable technologies. REC 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! After a slump in 2022, the global steel industry is set to close 2023 with marginal growth. But this would not have been possible without Indiathe worlds second largest steel producer, which has grown above everybody else. What is causing this boom? Mint explains: Whats the growth in global steel industry? After making a smart recovery from the pandemic in 2021 when production grew 3.6% at 1,912 million tonnes, the global steel industry slumped by 4.3% at 1,831.5 mt last year. This year it is likely to show marginal growth. The reasons for the decline last year were a fragile world economy grappling with the Russia-Ukraine crisis and a weak demand cycle in Chinathe largest steel producer. India overtook Japan in 2018 and is second but grew by a robust 12.1% this year (Jan-Nov). It is the only top 10 nation to register double-digit growth. Without that, steel production would have seen a second straight year of decline. Has India outdone China? There is no country in the world that can even remotely stand up to China in the steel industry. Even when compared to India, the next in line, China still produces 7 times as much steel. With the usual caveat of the base effect, India outshone China in recent years in growth terms. This year, China has grown by only 1.5%. Last year, it declined by 2.1% while India grew by 5.5%. In 2021 when the global economy was recovering from the pandemic, China declined by 3% while India grew by a record 17.8%. While China continues to dominate the industry, its been upstaged by India as far as growth is concerned. What are the reasons for the growth in India? Demand for steel in India is tipped to grow by 8.6% in 2023 and 7.7% in 2024, according to Worldsteel.org, a global steel industry association. The growth is led by the construction sector which is driven by government infrastructure spending and private investment recovery. Investment in infra supports capital goods sector growth and demand is strong in automotive space. Have imports gone up in the country as well? Just like production, Indias consumption of steel has also outpaced others for well over a decade now and the forecast is it will be so for at least the next decade. India has been subjected to dumping. The government has taken a number of steps like enforcing anti-dumping and safeguard duties and implementing other non-tariff barriers. This year so far, imports have been around 5% of overall domestic demand, like the past, though there has been some uptick from China and Vietnam. Could steel prices rise in the near future? Domestic steel prices in India have gone up significantly on the back of strong growth in demand. While demand is expected to remain strong in 2024, the threat of imports and uncertain global demand may not let domestic makers hike prices. Prices went up by 23% in US and 6% in Europe in November but Indias steel mills reduced prices by 1,500 per tonne from October to December, Crisil says. Unless global economy recovers well and prices go up in 2024, it may be a recurring theme for much of the year. The national retail trade policy, currently at a draft stage, is nearing finalization with a view to improve ease of doing business for retailers, and enable greater participation of women workers in the sector, among other favourable regulations designed for the countrys small and large retailers, according to executives familiar with the development. They (the government) are ready, its a national policy which is more of a guideline of sorts. They are wondering whether they should really do it now from a timing perspective or maybe theyll wait till the general elections next year," said an executive at a retail industry association. Additionally, a national portal is also in the works that will function as a platform for retailers to apply and track multiple licenses required to open and operate retail stores. To be sure, the policy will work as a model policy providing a framework for states to create a uniform and favourable environment for the retail ecosystem. India has a large and unorganized retail trade. In fact, the Indian retail industry contributes 10% to the countrys GDP and generates employment for 8% of the population. Several industry bodies have been batting for a comprehensive retail policy that looks at streamlining approvals and compliance for retailer traders, encouraging skill development and creating more employment opportunities for all sections of society involved in retail trade, identifying and addressing existing infrastructure gaps affecting the retail trade industry and also accelerating investments in the sector. They are getting various elements to come together. For example, there are new guidelines getting created on the labour front, you need to enable women to come in and work till late hours till the stores are open. Some women also need a lot more flexibility in working. So part-time working has to be enabled in the market. Similarly, there needs to be a single view of licenses if there is something happening there from the Centre itself, then that will get enabled at the state level also. So that at some point of time, retailers can go to one website and get licenses across the country from one place. Also, it gives you the status of your license i.e. at what level your application is," he said. In 2021, the government had said a draft National Retail Trade Policy has been prepared for streamlining retail trade and development of all formats of the sector in a harmonious manner aiming at improvement in ease of doing business ensuring easy and quick access to affordable credit, facilitating modernization and digitization of retail trade by promoting modern technology and superior infrastructural support, development of physical infrastructure across the distribution chain of retail trade, promotion of skill development and to improve labour productivity, creation of large scale employment opportunities, providing an effective consultative and grievance redressal mechanism for the retail sector, for welfare of traders and their employees. Others said the policy could be announced early next year. Today retailers need 20-30 licenses to operate. These are issued by the central government, state government and local authorities. Since trade is a state subject, several retailer associations had requested a national portal to carry out the issuance of a single license that can be given to all traders. Thats still under consideration," said another person privy to the plans. Indias offline retail market is estimated at $860 billion in 2022; it is expected to nearly double to $1605 billion by the end of the current decade. Online retail is a $70 billion market, according to a 2023 report by consulting firm Deloitte. Digital agencies were once the hottest segment of the advertising agency business, serving as key vendors for chief marketing officers looking to bring their work into the online future and essential acquisition targets for giant ad-agency holding companies. As their skills gradually became table stakes in marketingand waves of new disruptive technologies washed over the businesssuch digital shops have been evolving into new types of companies. Now the arrival of generative artificial intelligence threatens to put a period on the generalist digital agencies the industry has known, according to one prediction for the year ahead from Forrester Research. The firm defines that brand of agency as those that help companies design, build, manage and activate digital experiences and digital marketing. Some digital specialists are specializing even further. Merkle, an agency owned by Japanese ad giant Dentsu that has long provided a wide range of digital, customer-relationship management and data services, in August announced it was simplifying to focus more on customer experience, for example. Some other capabilities previously provided by Merkle were absorbed by sibling companies in the Dentsu portfolio. Other agencies, including digital shops DEPT and PMG, have grown their services to go beyond the traditional remit of digital agencies, said Jay Pattisall, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester. Agencies are expanding offerings to include technology consulting or creative services, for example. Sometimes this expansion has happened through mergers, as when ad holding company WPP combined digital agency VML with creative shop Young & Rubicam in 2018, then merged the resulting entity with another creative agency in 2023. Digital agency is less meaningful when all touch points and nearly all channels are digital," said Pattisall. We think it will go away as a descriptor." What marketers are looking for Astha Malik, chief business officer at software company Braze, said the agencies she works with are already moving away from branding themselves as digital." Anecdotally, we see less of our partners using the word digital at their company level," and in job titles, Malik said. Even within the big [advertising] holding companies, we see this almost blurring or integration between what might have been previously separate technology shops and traditional, more creative shops." Those same holding companies are simultaneously creating hyper-specialized offerings that target specific business needs or industries such as retail, or giving brands more tailored solutions for practices such as customer engagement. That proliferation means brands will need to streamline the number of agencies they work with to create campaigns effectively, Malik said. The number of partners and agencies [CMOs] need to know and integrate together has increased," she said. Sustainable online grocery company Hive Brands has moved away from large digital-focused agencies to work with more specialized freelancers, an arrangement it finds quicker and more cost-effective for doing various marketing and digital tasks, according to Katie Tyson, its co-founder and president. The company still works with a small-to-midsize external performance marketing agency, but also has a performance marketer in-house. I really believe you cant have one without the other," Tyson said. We need the agency for big-platform, big-picture stuff." External agencies are skillful at navigating Google or Meta Platforms, which rapidly change the way their platforms work and often prioritize their relationships with bigger spenders, she said. Digital estate-planning company and settlement platform Trust & Will looks to supplement the marketing functions it handles in-house with agencies that specialize in areas such as social media. What works on TikTok doesnt really work on Facebook, and so a lot of times when you have an in-house team, youre creating one asset and then youre just cutting it in sizes for different platforms," said Trust & Will Chief Marketing Officer Dale Sperling. Its not the best strategy to get that authentic connection and growth on those different social channels. So I do see a use case for having a specialized creator or agency that knows that platform and is really good at that style." Sperling said she believes smaller marketers are more quickly shifting their strategy away from relying on classic digital agencies than larger companies. I think its going to be a slower pace with some of those bigger corporations. They tend to always lean on those agencies of record to fill the gaps," she said, since those companies are less tapped into the newest trends and technologies than their agencies might be. Over time, maybe, but thats a big ship to turn." How agencies are preparing for the new reality Forresters Pattisall said that for digital agencies, this moment is particularly acute because of the rise of AI. The highly specialized skills once occupied by data analysts, data scientists, search professionals, engineers, etc., are readily accessible to all in the form of simple chat interfaces," using large language models and other AI technology, Pattisall said. Some digital agencies created in recent years say they have sought to future-proof their business models, some of which involves preparing for the changes AI will bring. January Digital is in the process of changing its slogan to The Marketing Leadership Company" from The Digital Leadership Company." Chief executive and founder Vic Drabicky said when he started the company in 2011, he believed digital media executionthe planning and buying of media on online channels, a service that it provideswould eventually reach a point in which it was automated. He set up a company designed to work as a business partner with clients, rather than as a vendor solely hired to deploy media campaigns. That meant providing a wider set of functions, including new market and business development, auditing marketing technology partners and evaluating talent, he said. As major players such as Google and Meta continue to automate much of what strategic media buyers once did, certain types of agencies will see their value lessen dramatically, Drabicky said. The premise of agencies being these outside organizations that just sort of twist knobs in the background, from the beginning weve said its a dying piece," he said. DEPT, a digital agency founded in 2015, has sought to work across both technology and marketing in an integrated way, said CEO Dimi Albers. But it doesnt matter how agencies have referred to themselves or whether they began as consultancies, traditional agencies, digital agencies or IT services companies, Albers said. In the end, those are all semantics," he said. Whats more important is their ability to help marketers deliver work that connects businesses with their customers in smarter ways." Write to Megan Graham at megan.graham@wsj.com RBZ Jewellers' share price today made a weak debut on the bourses today. On NSE as well as BSE, it was listed at 100 per share, the same as its issue price. The 100 crore IPO was open for subscription between December 19-21 for a price band of 95-100 per share. Ahead of the launch, the company has raised 21 crore from anchor investors. The company allocated 21 lakh shares at 100 per share to three anchor investors The IPO was subscribed 6.86 times. The segment allocated for retail investors saw a subscription rate of 24.74 times, while the portion reserved for non-institutional investors (NIIs) was subscribed to 9.27 times. The qualified institutional buyers (QIB) segment also witnessed a healthy demand, with a subscription rate of 13.43 times. RBZ Jewellers IPO details The IPO is completely a fresh issue of 1 crore shares worth 100 crore. There is no offer for sale (OFS) segment in the public offer. The net proceeds worth 80.75 crore from the IPO will be allocated to meeting working capital requirements. Additionally, up to 25 percent of the gross proceeds will be allocated for general corporate purposes. RBZ Jewellers IPO had reserved not more than 50% of the shares in the public issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), not less than 15% for non-institutional Institutional Investors (NII), and not less than 35% of the offer was reserved for retail investors. Arihant Capital Markets will lead the book-running management of the IPO, and Bigshare Services will act as the registrar of the offer. Established in April 2008, RBZ Jewellers specializes in crafting antique gold jewelry. It is a well-known company in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and runs its retail store under the "Harit Zaveri" brand. The company is strategically looking to establish a strong presence in Southern India, which accounts for 41 percent of the total jewellery demand in the country. It occupies 10,417 square feet of the showroom, while the remaining 1,250 square feet are leased. RBZ Jewellers IPO GMP today The company's shares in the grey market continued trading at 0, indicating no premium versus the IPO price at listing. It has been the same since December 21. It was at 5 on December 21 and 30 on December 19. 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. One must note that grey market premium is only an indicator of how the company's shares are performing in the unlisted market and can change quickly. 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! Shares of SJVN surged 4.42% to 95.60 apiece in early trade on Wednesday following the company's acquisition of a significant solar project. In a filing to the exchange on Tuesday, the company announced that it had secured a 100 MW solar power project through an e-reverse auction conducted by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL"). SJVN successfully bagged the quoted capacity of the 100 MW solar project at 2.63/unit on a build-own-operate basis through the tariff-based competitive bidding process of GUVNL. The company specified that the ground-mounted solar project would be developed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL"), at an estimated cost of 550 crore. Also Read: Indias long green strides: Sustainable hydrogen push to biofuels pact The company will develop this project anywhere in India and the company expects it to be commissioned within 18 months from the date of signing of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA"). The PPA shall be signed between SGEL & GUVNL for 25 years. According to the company, the project is expected to generate about 252 million units in its first year of commissioning, and the cumulative energy generation over a period of 25 years would be about 5,866 million units. Further, the commissioning of this solar project is anticipated to reduce 2,87,434 tonnes of carbon emissions. "With the addition of this project, the companys solar & wind portfolio stands at 5,090.5 MW, out of which 179.5 MW is under operation, 1,860 MW is under construction, and 3,051 MW is under various stages of implementation. The company is marching forward with vigour to achieve its mission of 12,000 MW by 2026 and its shared vision of 25,000 MW by 2030 & 50,000 MW installed capacity by 2040," the company said. Also Read: Nine BSE SmallCap stocks priced under 100 gained between 135% and 605% in a year SJVN is a Mini Ratna, Category-I, and Schedule-A CPSE under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India. It was incorporated on May 24, 1988, as a joint venture of the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh (GOHP). As of September 30, 2023, the Government of India owned a 59.92% stake in the company, while 26.85% was held by the Government of Himachal Pradesh and the rest (13.23%) by the public. Also Read: Multibagger stocks: Up 980% in 2023 so far, this stock turns 10,000 into 1.08 lakh in less than a year Meanwhile, the shares have been riding high on Dalal Street, buoyed by a series of significant order wins and strategic partnerships. From its March 2023 low of 30.40 apiece, the stock has zoomed to the current level of 93.60, generating a return of 208%. At 11:15 AM, the stock was trading with a gain of 2.29% at 93.65 apiece. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. 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! Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government after the latter rejected the tableau of Punjab for the Republic Day. CM Mann claimed that the decision of the centre shows how much "poison" it has in its heart against the people of Punjab. Taking to 'X', CM Mann wrote, Today, the value of the martyrdom of Punjabis by the BJP government at the centre has been presented to 3 crores Punjabis through the media. This time again the tableau of Punjab was not included in the 26th January parade...we sent 3 subjects... 1. History of Martyrs of Punjabis 2. History of Mai Bhago Ji 3. Priceless heritage of Punjab." "This decision of the BJP government at the centre shows how much poison is in their hearts against Punjabis," he added. Meanwhile, BJP leader Harjeet Grewal said that the tableau that doesn't meet the set parameters is rejected. "There is a committee to select the tableaus and there are some set parameters which have to be met. If a tableau doesn't meet the set parameters, it is rejected. I think that the Aam Aadmi Party tries to mislead people and make false accusations against the centre. They should come up with the details on why it was rejected". The centre has rejected the tableaus of Punjab, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh for the upcoming Republic Day. 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 low-intensity blast that occurred near the Israeli embassy in Delhi on Wednesday was well orchestrated, knowing that no CCTV camera was installed on Prithviraj Road, police sources said on Wednesday. The blast occurred in the area between the boundary walls of the house on plot number 4 -- Nanda's House -- and the Central Hindi Training Institute on plot number 2A on Prithviraj Road on Tuesday evening. The area has bushes, plants, and trees and no CCTV camera, the sources said. The Delhi Police sources added that the area around the blast site had no CCTV camera unlike Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, where numerous cameras are strategically placed both outside and in proximity to the embassy. "Nanda's House and the Hindi training institute have CCTVs inside their gates," the sources said while explaining the dynamics of the area. The police are scanning all the available CCTV cameras which show some people, including two youngsters roaming around the area. The sources said that the two people are not on the list of suspects yet. Delhi Police recovers abusive" letter After the blast on Tuesday, the Delhi Police officials recovered a letter near the spot of the blast. According to the sources, the letter purportedly written by "Sir Allah Resistance" was "abusive" in nature and included several threats. The content of the letter included words like "Zionists", "Palestine" and "Gaza," the sources added. The low-intensity blast comes as Israel launched a war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The war has killed more than 20,000 people including civilians. In the aftermath of the blast, the Israeli National Security Council issued an advisory for its citizens in India and suspected that the blast near the Embassy was a possible terror attack". The low-intensity blast is not the first near Israel's embassy in New Delhi as a similar explosion occurred in the area in 2021. Back then too, the police recovered a letter that mentioned the killings of an Iranian military officer and Iranian nuclear scientists. 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! Days after terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Poonch, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri on Wednesday. While meeting troops, the defence minister reiterated his full faith in the Army and its ability to wipe out terrorism from Kashmir. Applauding the Indian Army and military forces for their work, Rajnath Singh said, I believe in your bravery and steadfastness. Terrorism should be finished from Jammu and Kashmir and you need to move forward with this commitment. I have full faith that you will achieve victory." Also Read: After Poonch attack, Khalistani separatist Pannun ties up with Kashmiri terror groups: Report His visit to Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri came just days after the attack on Indian Army personnel in Poonch. Speaking about the incident, Rajnath Singh asked security forces not to take such incidents for granted". We need to be more alert. I know you all remain alert," he told Army troops on Wednesday. The defence minister reached J&K on a day-long tour to review the security situation in the wake of the ambush in the border district of Poonch that left four soldiers dead. Also Read: 'Chilli powder on wounds, beaten with iron rods': Civilians recount horror of torture during Poonch attack investigation "I wish for the speedy recovery of our soldiers who have been injured. I want to assure you that, considering the seriousness of all the soldiers who have been injured, every effort is being made to take all necessary steps and no stone is being left unturned to take all necessary steps for their well-being. Every soldier is very important to us. I believe that each of our soldiers is like a member of the family; this feeling resides within all of us. This feeling resides within every countryman; we cannot tolerate anyone looking down on our soldiers and countrymen," Rajnath Singh said. Underlining the supreme sacrifice made by soldiers to protect their motherland, Rajnath Singh said, Whatever your sacrifice is in the service of the motherland, your duties and efforts cannot be compared with anything under any circumstances. Even if some compensation is given, it will not compensate for the sacrifice of soldiers." The security forces intensified their investigation and efforts to track the terrorists behind the Poonch attack. However, the army had to face a huge backlash from the locals after three civilians succumbed to their injuries post-interrogation by army officials. A Staff Court of Inquiry headed by a Major General-ranked officer is investigating the deaths of the three civilians who were taken into custody by 48 RR troops right after the attack. "I believe that we aim to win the war. While we aim to eliminate the terrorists, our aim should be bigger; we have to win the hearts of our countrymen. We will win the war, we will win any kind of war, and we will eliminate the terrorists but at the same time, we have to win the hearts of the countrymen and a huge responsibility rests on the shoulders of all of you and I know very well that you will fulfil it completely. We try our best to fulfil it with dedication. May you continue to serve with courage, honour, and unwavering adherence to your values," Rajnath Singh stated. 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! INS Imphal was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Mumbai on Tuesday, December 26. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the commissioning of INS Imphal will boost India's maritime power. He said the induction of INS Imphal into the Indian Navy shows India's self-reliance in the defence sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was "proud moment for India as INS Imphal" was commissioned into the India Navy. "It epitomises our naval excellence and engineering prowess. Compliments to everyone involved in this milestone for Aatmanirbharta. We shall keep securing our seas and strengthening our nation," the Prime Minister said in a post on X. Here's all you need to know about INS Imphal INS Imphal is the third of the four 'Project 15 Bravo Visakhapatnam class' guided missile destroyers. The fourth will be named INS Surat. INS Imphal is among "the most technologically advanced guided missile destroyers in the world". It was launched and "christened" as 'Imphal" on April 20, 2019. It was delivered to the Indian Navy on October 20, 2023. The Indian Navy said INS Imphal is a "torch bearer of India's vision for Amrit Kaal". It has advanced indigenous design and modular construction. "The ship measures 163m in length, and 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and is amongst the most potent warships built in India. It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas configuration, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots," the government said in a press release. Also Read: MV Chem Pluto drone attack: Indian Navy enhances warships' presence, air surveillance in Indian Ocean region Before its induction into the Indian Navy, the INS Imphal warship underwent "comprehensive" and "fine machinery" trials. It is capable of launching the BrahMos cruise missile, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile. View Full Image A navy personnel clicks a photo of a woman in front of the Indian Navys latest Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer INS Imphal during its Commissioning Ceremony, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Tuesday. (ANI) At the event on Tuesday, Rajnath Singh said one of the specialties of INS Imphal is that it is made in India from conceptualisation of design to construction. With 75 per cent indigenous content, enhanced stealth features and state-of-the-art equipment, the INS Imphal will further strengthen India's maritime power and safeguard national interests," the government said. Also Read: Indian Navy aircraft establishes connection with Israel-linked ship hit by drone strike near Indian coast | 10 Points Rajnath Singh said a BrahMos Missile has been installed in INS Imphal by the BrahMos Aerospace. The ship is also equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare conditions. "It is armed with sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rocket launchers and Torpedo launchers, ASW helicopters, radars, sonar and Electronic Warfare systems," the government said. View Full Image Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the Commissioning Ceremony of Indian Navys latest Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer INS Imphal, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Tuesday. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde also seen. (ANI) "The ship successfully completed the first-ever test-firing of extended range Brahmos missile prior to its commissioning, making it weapon-ready," Rajnath Singh said. "Many startups have been part of its manufacturing...inputs were also received from MSMEs," Singh added. According to the defence ministry, INS Imphal has a total complement of about 315 personnel and is commanded by Captain KK Choudhury, a Gunnery and Missiles specialist. View Full Image In this photograph taken on December 22, 2023, sailors inspect the Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers of the INS IMPHAL (Yard 12706), the third stealth guided missile destroyer of Project 15B, ahead of its commissioning into the Indian Navy, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. (AFP) Importance of INS Imphal Rajnath Singh said INS Imphal reflects upon India's growing maritime power. "I am confident that in the Indo-Pacific region, INS Imphal will further strengthen our principle of Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya (One who controls the sea is all powerful)". ALSO READ: IAF successfully test fires BrahMos air launched missile: Watch Singh emphasised "human geography" and said, "If you look at it from the perspective of international goods trade...because of the Himalayas in the north, and because of the hostile behaviour of Pakistan in the west, our trade is not much possible from there. Most of our goods trade comes through the sea." View Full Image Indian Navys latest Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer INS Imphal during its Commissioning Ceremony, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Tuesday. (ANI) India plays the role of a Net Security Provider in the entire Indian Ocean Region. We will ensure that maritime trade in this region touches greater heights. For this, together with our friendly countries, we will keep the sea lanes secure. We have full confidence in the ability and strength of our Navy," said Rajnath Singh. What's in the name? INS Imphal is the first warship named after a city from the northeast. Rajnath Singh stressed the significance of the name of INS Imphal. "It can be said that the glory of North-South, East-West, everywhere is included in INS Imphal," he said. He even explained how. "The name of this INS has been kept on the name of the city Imphal, which reflects the glory of the northeast. Its sanction was done in Delhi, which is in north India. The project under which INS Imphal comes, 15B project involves India's four big cities Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat," Singh said. He added, "INS Imphal comes under the Visakhapatnam class which represents south India. It was built by Mazagon Dock shipbuilders which is located in Mumbai in East India. It can be said that INS Imphal has the "majesty" of the North, South, East West of India, which reflects upon the unity and integrity of the country." MAZAGON DOCK SHIPBUILDERS 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! A charter plane with 276 Indian passengers, grounded in France for four days due to suspected human smuggling, returned to Mumbai on Tuesday. The incident underlines the risks of illegal migration, also highlighted in the film Dunki. Mint explains the nuances: What does the term dunki mean? The Punjabi word dunki, meaning to move, or hop from one place to another, has inspired the term donkey route". The term denotes illegal border crossings via indirect routes with many stops in different countries. The final destination of many illegal migrants is the US, but they typically exploit loopholes to make it happen. They may first go to countries that allow visa on arrival from India, or use trafficking agents who get them direct visas. A popular route is to travel to Latin America or central American countries like Nicaragua first to evade tight scrutiny, and then traverse a dangerous route to the US, crossing rivers and forests. What makes people migrate illegally? Undocumented immigrants usually choose to travel for various reasons. Some flee poverty; some flee violence. Some might even be displaced by development measures such as the building of a large dam. Refugees are usually lured to the border by agents promising easy passage to the US or EU. These agents charge high fees for bogus documents and transport people via sea or flight. However, many end up as pawns in the booming trafficking business. Human rights groups have documented instances where migrant workers access to their passports is manipulated to push them into bonded labour. What is the link between smuggling and trafficking? Migrant smuggling is today a transnational crime and a booming business. It is the business of unlawfully crossing borders but it is voluntary in nature. In contrast to smuggling, human trafficking is defined by its involuntary status. Traffickers coerce or lie to get people to sell sex or work under abusive conditions. More often than not, smuggling and trafficking are related. What do the numbers tell us? Between October 2022 and September 2023, 96,917 Indians illegally entering the US were arrested, according to data from US Customs and Border Protection. The 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, prepared by US State Department, shows that the trend of trafficking and smuggling is rising, partly due to increase in international conflicts. According to June 2023 data, the number of victims of trafficking increased from 68,453 in 2016 to 115,324. For the same period, convictions fell from 9,072 to 5,577. What has been reported from India? In short, the numbers dont paint a pretty picture. The National Crime Records Bureau data for 2022, the latest available, stated that 2,250 cases of human trafficking were reported across states and Union territoriesit rose from 2,189 in 2021. The highest cases were in Telangana (391), Maharashtra (295) and Bihar (260). Most were of migrant workers forced into bonded labour and prostitution. Experts, however, caution that this data might just be the tip of the iceberg, since historically such crimes are underreported. Chinas government hit back at U.S. criticism of its human-rights record on Tuesday by imposing sanctions on a Los Angeles firm and two analysts involved in scouring the countrys supply chain for abuses. Beijing said the actions under its Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law will be applied to Kharon, a research and data analytics firm, in response to its work monitoring Xinjiang, a far western region of China where the U.S. government, Western media and independent researchers have documented human-rights abuses against ethnic minorities, including primarily Muslim Uyghurs. Chinas government linked the sanctions with U.S. policy moves. We again urge the U.S. side to stop smearing China, cancel the illegal unilateral sanctions on Chinese officials and companies, and stop implementing wrongful acts such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a Beijing news briefing, in announcing the action. Beijing denies mistreatment of minorities in its population. Mao said Beijings actions were countermeasures" in response to a recent State Department annual report on human-rights conditions in Xinjiang, which prompted new U.S. sanctions on two Chinese officials and three companies. In an early December report to Congress, the State Department referred to a range of ongoing human-rights abuses," including torture, in Xinjiang against ethnic and religious minorities. The State Department didnt respond to a request for comment. The government in China has reacted angrily to U.S. penalties against its officials and companies in response to human-rights conditions in Xinjiang, as well as Hong Kong and Tibet. Unlike American sanctions that can make it difficult for a target to travel internationally or retain banking services, Chinas countermeasures have a limited impact because they have often hit individuals, companies and think tanks with little to no activity in China. Some of those sanctioned in the past by China include American military contractors Lockheed Martin and an arm of RTX plus former U.S. officials and think-tank researchers. The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Kharon has long collected sensitive information related to Xinjiang and provided so-called evidence for Americas illegal sanctions." Under the sanctions, Kharon and the researchers will have any assets in China frozen. The researchers will be banned from entering China and the measures prohibit organizations and individuals in China from transactions and cooperation with them." Kharons website displays logos of a range of U.S. and multinational corporations as organizations that trust its work. The targeted researchers included Edmund Xu, who leads Kharons Asia research program, and Nicole Morgret, a longtime Xinjiang specialist now at the U.S.-China Economic And Security Review Commission, which advises Congress, and formerly with the Center for Advanced Defense Studies and Uyghur Human Rights Project. Kharon has published a number of reports that link Xinjiang production, a red flag for possible forced labor, to Chinese supply chains in the seafood, polysilicon and beer businesses. In a statement, Kharon noted that other U.S. businesses, organizations and people have faced similar sanctions by China and said it would continue to serve its clients. Kharon also said it disputes how Chinas Foreign Ministry characterized its work, which the firm says is based on open-source information. The firm said Xu is unavailable. Morgret couldnt be reached. Washington-based Uyghur Human Rights Project, which noted that one of its co-founders is among those already sanctioned by China, said Beijings latest move is part of a longer pattern of attempts to deter investigations and silence critical voices and activists working to uncover human rights abuses in China." Write to James T. Areddy at James.Areddy@wsj.com Former US president Donald Trump Wednesday scored a victory in his fight against challenges to his eligibility to run for the White House again when Michigan's Supreme Court rejected an attempt to disqualify him from the state's 2024 presidential primary ballot. The Court said it would not hear an appeal seeking to disqualify the former president from the February 27 Republican primary for his role in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot. The petitioner argued that the former president, a frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination, could not serve as president under a provision in the US Constitution that bars people from holding office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after swearing an oath to the United States. "We are not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court," the justices said in a brief order. The Michigan Court said state law doesnt give election officials any leeway to police the eligibility of presidential primary candidates. The court also said the case raised a political question that shouldnt be decided in the courts. The Michigan Court decision was upheld by the Michigan Court of Appeals, which said: At the moment, the only event about to occur is the presidential primary election. But as explained, whether Trump is disqualified is irrelevant to his placement on that particular ballot." In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump said the Michigan Supreme Court "strongly and rightfully denied" what he called a "desperate Democrat attempt" to take him off the ballot in Michigan. It is important to note that Michigan Supreme Courts decision contrasts with the recent ruling from the Colorado Supreme Court, which kicked the former president off its primary ballot because of his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. That decision has been paused pending an appeal. Trump has vowed to appeal the Colorado ruling to the US Supreme Court. Trump has been indicted in both a federal case and in Georgia for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 election but he has not been charged with insurrection related to the January 6, US Capitol riot. A ruling by the US Supreme Court could resolve the issue of Trump's eligibility nationwide to run in the 2024 presidential race. (With input 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! In June, Kamilla Murashova was fined 30,000 rubles, equivalent to about $330, after a stranger traveling on the same train reported her to police for the badges displayed on her everyday red backpack. One emblem depicted the peace sign. Another said No to War." A third pictured a blue sky and a yellow field of wheatthe colors of the Ukrainian flag. Her offense? Discrediting the Russian military. The informer had photographed Murashova sitting in the train car, her backpack perched upon her knees with the badges in full display, according to evidence included in documents from the Ostankino District Court of Moscow. He then told the authorities, the documents said. I was surprised. I know I did nothing wrong," Murashova, a 40-year-old nurse, said in an interview. I didnt imagine someone would go to such lengths to be patriotic." Murashova is one of what researchers and experts in social behavior say are possibly thousands of people who have fallen victim to the proliferating trend of Russians informing on colleagues, acquaintances or people with whom they have only fleeting contact. The practice was commonplace during Soviet times, particularly under the reign of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, when people were encouraged to denounce those accused of being enemies of the state." Now donos," as it is called in Russian, is gaining traction since the Kremlin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Less than a month after the war began, President Vladimir Putin urged people to report anyone who wasnt fully behind the effort, telling a televised meeting that although the West was trying to split Russian society, the Russian people would always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitors and will simply spit them out, like a bug that accidentally flew into their mouth." Such a natural and necessary self-purification of society," he continued, will only strengthen our country, our solidarity, cohesion and readiness to respond to any challenges." Since then, many Russians have responded enthusiastically, reporting anyone deemed to have discredited the Russian military, criticized what the Kremlin calls its special military operation in Ukraine or showed signs of support for Ukraine. If the president tells you there are enemies, then you should try to find one," said Alexandra Arkhipova, a social anthropologist, who has been studying the practice of informing, and now lives in Europe. She said she had been informed on at least seven times. For some, denunciation is an expression of true patriotism. They view themselves as legitimate whistleblowers, Arkhipova said. Others have been using it to settle grudges by reporting their enemies to the authorities, whether or not they actually are against the war. Alexei Makarov, a historian for the Russian Nobel Peace Prize-winning human-rights group Memorial, said having citizens inform on each other also helps intelligence agencies track public figures, members of the media or nonprofit organizations. If they want to put pressure on an honest activist or organization. How to do it? They find a person who writes a denunciation, and then they say Well, we have received a denunciation, we must look into it," Makarov said. Reports across social media tell of informants who have gone to extremes. A grandmother was reported for planting blue and yellow flowers, a girl denounced for wearing blue and yellow ribbons in her hair, and a man fined after neighbors informed authorities that he was listening to the Ukrainian anthem through his apartments open window. It couldnt be determined how many people have been informed on since the start of the Ukraine war. But Arkhipova estimates cases could run into the several thousands based on research she and a colleague in the legal field have conducted to track punishments meted out for undermining the Russian military. Data from Roskomnadzor, the states censor, shows the agency received 283,789 reports from citizens in 2022 mostly concerned with the posting of illegal information on the internet," including false information about Russias military campaign in Ukraine, and requesting its removal, according to information published on the agencys website. That was more than 25% than the previous year, with the largest jump coming in the month following the beginning of the invasion, though it couldnt be determined how many complaints came from informants. Most often, citizens turned to Roskomnadzor with a request to remove links to resources with pro-Ukrainian propaganda," the agency said in a report on its website. Most likely, we can say that the war in Ukraine and the expansion of the practice of denunciations are interconnected things, because many of these denunciations are related to reaction of Russian citizens to what is happening" [in the war], said Makarov of Memorial, which Russian authorities dissolved in 2021. Denunciations are very common now. There are entire groups on the Internet that do this," Ekaterina Selezneva, a lawyer who represented graphic designer Nina Zolotukhina in a snitching case last year, said in an interview. Zolotukhina, 24, was detained for two days shortly after the beginning of the war when a man accused her of making antiwar statements in a conversation she was having with an acquaintance at a Moscow nightclub, according to documents from the Basmanny District Court of Moscow. According to the court the man heard Zolotukhina shout Ukraine will be free! Kill Russian soldiers!" Zolotukhina denied the charge. In a Telegram message to The Wall Street Journal, she said the man who informed on her was drunk, behaved aggressively and got upset when she wouldnt pay attention to him. In January [2023] the court found her guilty of discrediting Russias military and fined her 30,000 rubles. Selezneva, the lawyer, said she had wanted the informer to testify, but the court refused to call him, as usually happens in political cases," she said. Murashovas lawyer, Anton Aptekar, hit the same obstacle. In an interview, he said he filed a motion to have the man who informed on his client be summoned to the court for questioning, but the judge denied his request. Murashova admitted that she had the badges described pinned to her bag, but she didnt plead guilty of the crime for which she was charged because she didnt believe that she had done anything illegal," Aptekar said. The fact that informers arent always required to testify in court allows people to simply make up allegations, according to lawyers who have represented defendants tried on their accusations. Pensioner Olga Slegina was denounced in December 2022 for complimenting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his looks, according to a report by OVD-Info, a human-rights group that monitors police detentions and helps protesters find lawyers, and which provided Sleginas defense. OVD said she had called Zelensky a handsome young man" during banter with another dinner guest. She was fined 40,000 rubles, according to OVD-Info. Slegina couldnt be reached for comment. In March, 40-year-old Yuri Samoilov, a procurement manager, was detained in the Moscow metro after a passenger saw pictures on his phone deemed to discredit the Russian army and called the police. According to documents from the Cheryomushki District Court in Moscow, the screen saver of Samoilovs mobile phone depicted an emblem of Ukraines Azov Regiment. A fellow passenger snapped pictures of it and of Samoilov, who the court ruled to be held in custody for 14 days. Samoilov couldnt be reached for comment. Informants have become so widespread that earlier this year State Duma deputy Alexey Nechaev, leader of the liberal New People party described the practice as an epidemic" and called for legislation that would make serial informers" liable for punishment. The Kremlin didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the growing number of cases based on informants and whether Russian authorities were encouraging the practice as a way to stop people from criticizing the war in Ukraine or urging an end to the military campaign. In April, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov decried the practice, calling it disgusting." Still, the phenomenon appears to be achieving what analysts said is its intended purpose: keeping Russians in line. People believe that denunciation can be everywhere, and from everybody," Arkhipova, the anthropologist, said. Kate Vtorygina contributed to this article. Write to Ann M. Simmons at ann.simmons@wsj.com View Full Image In Putins Russia, Snitching Enforces a United Frontand an Outlet for Revenge View Full Image In Putins Russia, Snitching Enforces a United Frontand an Outlet for Revenge Red Sea Crisis: US Military forces on December 27 announced that they had shot down over 12 drone missiles launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels at shipping in the Red Sea, according to Pentagon. "There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries," the Pentagon's Central Command said in a social media post, describing a barrage of 12 drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land-attack missiles over a period of 10 hours. Also Read | Rise of pirates in Red Sea to take toll on Indias exim business. Here are items that will turn costlier Earlier, Houthi rebels announced that they were behind the missile strike on a vessel in the Red Sea and a drone attack toward Israel in solidarity with Gaza. In a statement, the Houthi rebels said they "carried out a targeting operation against a commercial ship" they identified as MSC UNITED, and launched a number of "drones against military targets" in southern Israel. The attacks are the latest development of drone and missile strikes launched by the rebels since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. The Houthis claimed that they are targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels to push for a stop to the offensive in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is battling Hamas militants. Also earlier on December 26, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said "explosions (were) heard, missiles were sighted" near the port of Hodeida on Yemen's west coast, adding that a transiting vessel and its crew were safe, according to a report by AFP. The vessel proceeded with its journey after the incident, as reported by UKMTO, without indicating any significant damage or injuries to the crew. Earlier on Tuesday, two additional explosions happened in the vicinity of a vessel off Hodeida, as confirmed by the British maritime authority. Simultaneously, explosions were audible off the coast of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Tuesday, as reported by Egyptian state-linked media. Subsequently, the Israeli army disclosed that it had intercepted airborne objects in the Red Sea. "An air force fighter jet successfully intercepted earlier today in the Red Sea area a hostile aerial target that was on its way to Israeli territory," the army said, as per the report. Al-Qahera News television channel, which has links to state intelligence, had said the blasts occurred about two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the Egyptian seaside town of Dahab, the report further added. Dahab lies around 125 kilometres (75 miles) south of Eilat on the southern tip of Israel, the closest target for Yemen's rebels. "We heard a loud explosion coming from the direction of the sea, and then we saw a strange object falling into the water," an eyewitness told AFP. As per the Pentagon, the Houthis have executed over 100 drone and missile strikes, aiming at 10 merchant vessels from more than 35 diverse nations. These attacks pose a threat to a crucial transit route responsible for up to 12 per cent of worldwide trade. As a precautionary measure, the United States had established a multinational naval task force to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea. Additionally, the Houthis have initiated a series of assaults towards Israel, with the majority falling short of hitting their intended targets. 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 European Commission recently approved regulations making it tougher for unintended immigrants to settle down in the European Union. Collectively known as the new EU Pact on Migration, the rules are aimed at restricting the number of new immigrants into the EU, even as member states recognize the need for new workers given the number of ageing individuals. The net result, perversely, might well be an increase in the legal flow of skilled immigrants, such as medical or information technology professionals. The EU, in fact, wants to encourage such professionals to move into its member states. This would make it easier for many skilled Indians to emigrate. However, a few leaders of EU nations, such as Hungarys Viktor Orban, are sceptical of the new rules, insisting on a hardline approach of severe restrictions on immigration. This is at odds with a warning issued by Amnesty International, which holds that the new rules would increase human suffering among would-be immigrants. The Human Rights Watch worries that the new rules would strip asylum seekers of legal aid, fingerprint children as young as six years, and incentivise frontline states such as Greece, Italy and Spain to ignore migrant-bearing boats in distress at sea, or ever push those making successful sea crossings to Europe back into the sea. The new rules propose a solidarity mechanism to distribute the burden of processing asylum applications across EU member states, instead of being concentrated in the frontline states. Human rights activists worry that instead of accepting the transfer of batches of asylum applicants, non-frontline states would utilise the option to fund the processing in extant centres. The proposals include measures to house applicants for asylum and those caught entering illegally in countries outside the EU, so long as these are certified safe, in the sense of not being intent on refoulementi.e., sending an asylum applicant back to the home country, to a possibly unsavoury reception. The politics of migration There is politics at work in the EU, which favours tougher EU-wide restrictions on immigrants. Ever since a million refugees took shelter in the EU in 2015, fleeing war and worse in West Asia and North Africa, xenophobia has been on the rise in Europe. Parties that campaign that immigrants bring with them Islamic radicalism and criminality have been gaining ground, aided by a subliminal message that Christendoms cultural integrity is under attack. Recent electoral success in the Netherlands, of far-right, anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders, the rise in the popularity of Frances right-wing populist Marine Le Pen, and the election of a representative of the hitherto untouchable Alternative for Germany (AfD) to mayoral office in Germany, all point to hardening popular sentiment in Europe against immigrants. The liberal leaders of the EU would like to insulate themselves from the charge of illiberalism from a sizeable constituency of younger voters, by enacting EU-wide restrictive laws that they are obliged to follow. The economics, though, says something very different. Fertility is low in the EU, fluctuating at around 1.5, far below the replacement level of 2.1. The population growth rate has been falling steadily, from 1% in the 1960s to below zero now. Eurostat projects that the share of the working age population would shrink from 63.9% in 2022 to 57.4% in 2050, and that the number of elderly persons who have to be cared for would rise as a proportion of the population, from 21.1% to 29%. Europes vaunted welfare state depends on working age people contributing the funds with which to pay for those no longer in a position to work. The only way the welfare state can sustain is for the working age population to be kept buoyantvia immigration, as local births are too few for that purpose. The rational case for easier immigration is clear enough. However, there have been failures in the assimilation of past migrants and their subsequent generational cohorts, leading to the anticipation of greater degrees of societal failure and chaos if more and more immigrants keep entering Europe. A well-assimilating immigrant group has been that of Indians, who invest in education, invariably exhibit intergenerational upward mobility, and are thus considered the least objectionable kind of immigrants. It will take time for European nations to recalibrate their policies to adopt and assimilate migrants on a scale large enough to avert economic dysfunction via adverse demographic shifts. During that period, legal entry of skilled migrants would be the goal of EU policy, and that would benefit Indians aspiring for a life in the West. Nearly two months into Israels ground campaign, all eyes are on the Gaza Strip. Yet divisions over Gaza point to a disconnect between U.S. policy and strategic reality. The Middle East is headed toward a major war, for which the U.S. needs a strategy well beyond Gaza. Since late November, the Biden administrations approach to the Gaza war has been to issue generic statements of discontent for domestic audiences absent policy action. Washington and Jerusalem disagree on their visions of postwar Gaza. The administration sees the Palestinian Authority as the most viable partner for governance there. Israel cant accept this, given the authoritys corruption, incompetence and unpopularity in Gaza and the West Bank. A Palestinian Authority-governed Gaza would relapse into Hamas-style radicalism, if not direct Hamas rule. Oct. 7 was the first step in a new phase of Irans campaign against Israel and America. Iran is a revolutionary regime akin to Napoleonic France or the Soviet Union. Tehrans goal since 1979 has been to export the Islamic revolution throughout the Middle East. Israels military power and the U.S.-Israel relationship are the main impediments, as they are the only two actors that can seriously damage Iran. Tehrans strategy, shaped by now-dead Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani, is a broad campaign of state capture. In Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, Iran has sponsored proxies with the goal of co-opting the security services and building an alliance called the Axis of Resistance. Axis members have diverse goals but are united in their hatred of Israel and the U.S. The axis cant defeat Israel conventionally. It has to grind Israel down in a war of attrition, imposing overwhelming political, economic and societal costs. Winning requires disrupting the U.S.-Israel alliance, since as long as Washington backs Jerusalems survival, Israel will be too strong to undermine. Irans actions since Oct. 7 have accelerated its attrition war. Israels mobilization and deployment of armored assets to the north deterred immediate Iranian intervention. Yet Iran has deployed and now maintains some 100,000 Iraqi fighters in Syria. It has mobilized Hezbollah and placed the Syrian Arab Armys most cooperative elements on a war footing. Whatever happens in Gaza, this threat remains. Hamass role in the plan is clear. Its control of Gaza was a useful pressure point against Israel, raising the potential for encirclement. But the real prize is the West Bank, home to three million Palestinians and bordering Jordans two million Palestinians. The desiccated Palestinian Authority has lost control of many urban areas in the West Bank. During Novembers hostage-prisoner swap, Hamas organized parades throughout the West Bank, including in the authoritys Ramallah stronghold. Irans expanding presence in Syria poses a continuous threat to the West Bank, given back-channels that can move weapons and ammunition from Damascus through Jordan. A Hezbollah rocket bombardment and ground incursion are possible. The Iranian presence in Syria and Lebanon also menaces Jordan. Any threat to Jordan is a threat to Israel, since a hostile Amman would mean Israel is encircled. Hence the threat in the West Bank and the threat to Israels north have merged. Irans stronghold in Syria is this strategys linchpin. Without Damascus as a supply hub, Iran would struggle to maintain forces in Lebanon and pressure on the West Bank. Israel has manifest cause to conduct a lightning strike to the north, employing an air-power-heavy campaign and ground war to achieve a swift victory. Iran understands that only the U.S. can restrain Israel, forcing it to fight the slower war of attrition that favors Iran. Already, Tehran has sowed divisions between Washington and Jerusalem. The Biden administration refused to name Iran as directly responsible for any events leading up to or following Oct. 7 or the 100-plus attacks on U.S. Mideast bases since that day. Over the weekend, the U.S. finally accused Iran of an attack. The Chem Pluto, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker" bound for India, was hit 200 nautical miles from the Indian coast, according to the Pentagon. Given the location, a drone launched from Iranian territory likely conducted the attack. Washingtons fixation on Gaza is deliberate myopia. The U.S. still views the current situation as a crisis to be managed, not a strategic competition to be won. Prudent policy could prevail if the U.S. frames the competition properly. The struggle for the Mideast, which is likely to escalate, is part of the broader struggle for Eurasian control that pits the U.S. and its allies against revisionist China, Russia and Iran. Just as the U.S. has a strategic stake in Ukrainian victory, it has an equal stake in deterring Chinese intervention in Taiwan and defeating Irans bid for dominance. Geopolitics requires a horizon beyond crisis management. The sooner Washington adopts this perspective, the better the odds of coherent strategy. The U.S. can isolate Irans proxies in Syria and Lebanon. It could conduct an air campaign in Syria in response to Iranian attacks on U.S. bases, employing its two regional carrier strike groups and other assets in the Arabian Peninsula. The goal is eroding Irans combat capacity. Washington can also can resurrect sanctions against Iran. The U.S. has let several financial sanctions lapse in pursuit of a chimerical detente that Tehran views with contempt. Refreezing Iranian assets and pressuring third-party clearinghouses such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to isolate Iranian money would hamper Tehrans ability to project power in the short term. A few months of such pressure crippled Iranian exports in the late 2010s and ate into the regimes resources. Working with Europe on a comprehensive technological monitoring program to disrupt Iranian and Russian cooperation also would help Ukraine. Most critically, the administration should publicly accept the need for Israeli military action in Syria and Lebanon in the next year. By shifting rhetoric from support for Israels anti-Hamas campaign to support for Israels anti-Iran campaign, the U.S. can signal its enduring commitment to a peaceful Mideast. This will position the U.S. as the only viable partner for the Gulf Arabs. It will open other opportunities with Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. that the administration has sought without success since the Ukraine war began. America must move the Arab world toward Washington, not leave it on the sidelines. Mr. Cropsey is the president of the Yorktown Institute. He served as a naval officer and as deputy undersecretary of the Navy and is author of Mayday" and Seablindness." In June, Kamilla Murashova was fined 30,000 rubles, equivalent to about $330, after a stranger traveling on the same train reported her to police for the badges displayed on her everyday red backpack. One emblem depicted the peace sign. Another said No to War." A third pictured a blue sky and a yellow field of wheatthe colors of the Ukrainian flag. Her offense? Discrediting the Russian military. The informer had photographed Murashova sitting in the train car, her backpack perched upon her knees with the badges in full display, according to evidence included in documents from the Ostankino District Court of Moscow. He then told the authorities, the documents said. I was surprised. I know I did nothing wrong," Murashova, a 40-year-old nurse, said in an interview. I didnt imagine someone would go to such lengths to be patriotic." Murashova is one of what researchers and experts in social behavior say are possibly thousands of people who have fallen victim to the proliferating trend of Russians informing on colleagues, acquaintances or people with whom they have only fleeting contact. The practice was commonplace during Soviet times, particularly under the reign of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, when people were encouraged to denounce those accused of being enemies of the state." Now donos," as it is called in Russian, is gaining traction since the Kremlin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Less than a month after the war began, President Vladimir Putin urged people to report anyone who wasnt fully behind the effort, telling a televised meeting that although the West was trying to split Russian society, the Russian people would always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitors and will simply spit them out, like a bug that accidentally flew into their mouth." Such a natural and necessary self-purification of society," he continued, will only strengthen our country, our solidarity, cohesion and readiness to respond to any challenges." Since then, many Russians have responded enthusiastically, reporting anyone deemed to have discredited the Russian military, criticized what the Kremlin calls its special military operation in Ukraine or showed signs of support for Ukraine. If the president tells you there are enemies, then you should try to find one," said Alexandra Arkhipova, a social anthropologist, who has been studying the practice of informing, and now lives in Europe. She said she had been informed on at least seven times. View Full Image A photo of Kamilla Murashova with antiwar badges on her bag, as taken by her informer before he reported her to the police. The photo was used in court as evidence in a case against her on charges of discrediting the Russian army. For some, denunciation is an expression of true patriotism. They view themselves as legitimate whistleblowers, Arkhipova said. Others have been using it to settle grudges by reporting their enemies to the authorities, whether or not they actually are against the war. Alexei Makarov, a historian for the Russian Nobel Peace Prize-winning human-rights group Memorial, said having citizens inform on each other also helps intelligence agencies track public figures, members of the media or nonprofit organizations. If they want to put pressure on an honest activist or organization. How to do it? They find a person who writes a denunciation, and then they say Well, we have received a denunciation, we must look into it," Makarov said. Reports across social media tell of informants who have gone to extremes. A grandmother was reported for planting blue and yellow flowers, a girl denounced for wearing blue and yellow ribbons in her hair, and a man fined after neighbors informed authorities that he was listening to the Ukrainian anthem through his apartments open window. It couldnt be determined how many people have been informed on since the start of the Ukraine war. But Arkhipova estimates cases could run into the several thousands based on research she and a colleague in the legal field have conducted to track punishments meted out for undermining the Russian military. View Full Image Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting in March 2022. PHOTO: ANDREY GORSHKOV/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES Data from Roskomnadzor, the states censor, shows the agency received 283,789 reports from citizens in 2022 mostly concerned with the posting of illegal information on the internet," including false information about Russias military campaign in Ukraine, and requesting its removal, according to information published on the agencys website. That was more than 25% than the previous year, with the largest jump coming in the month following the beginning of the invasion, though it couldnt be determined how many complaints came from informants. Most often, citizens turned to Roskomnadzor with a request to remove links to resources with pro-Ukrainian propaganda," the agency said in a report on its website. Most likely, we can say that the war in Ukraine and the expansion of the practice of denunciations are interconnected things, because many of these denunciations are related to reaction of Russian citizens to what is happening" [in the war], said Makarov of Memorial, which Russian authorities dissolved in 2021. Denunciations are very common now. There are entire groups on the Internet that do this," Ekaterina Selezneva, a lawyer who represented graphic designer Nina Zolotukhina in a snitching case last year, said in an interview. Zolotukhina, 24, was detained for two days shortly after the beginning of the war when a man accused her of making antiwar statements in a conversation she was having with an acquaintance at a Moscow nightclub, according to documents from the Basmanny District Court of Moscow. According to the court the man heard Zolotukhina shout Ukraine will be free! Kill Russian soldiers!" Zolotukhina denied the charge. In a Telegram message to The Wall Street Journal, she said the man who informed on her was drunk, behaved aggressively and got upset when she wouldnt pay attention to him. In January [2023] the court found her guilty of discrediting Russias military and fined her 30,000 rubles. Selezneva, the lawyer, said she had wanted the informer to testify, but the court refused to call him, as usually happens in political cases," she said. Murashovas lawyer, Anton Aptekar, hit the same obstacle. In an interview, he said he filed a motion to have the man who informed on his client be summoned to the court for questioning, but the judge denied his request. Murashova admitted that she had the badges described pinned to her bag, but she didnt plead guilty of the crime for which she was charged because she didnt believe that she had done anything illegal," Aptekar said. The fact that informers arent always required to testify in court allows people to simply make up allegations, according to lawyers who have represented defendants tried on their accusations. Pensioner Olga Slegina was denounced in December 2022 for complimenting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his looks, according to a report by OVD-Info, a human-rights group that monitors police detentions and helps protesters find lawyers, and which provided Sleginas defense. OVD said she had called Zelensky a handsome young man" during banter with another dinner guest. She was fined 40,000 rubles, according to OVD-Info. Slegina couldnt be reached for comment. View Full Image Data from Roskomnadzor, the states censor, shows the agency received 283,789 reports from citizens in 2022. PHOTO: MAXIM SHEMETOV/REUTERS In March, 40-year-old Yuri Samoilov, a procurement manager, was detained in the Moscow metro after a passenger saw pictures on his phone deemed to discredit the Russian army and called the police. According to documents from the Cheryomushki District Court in Moscow, the screen saver of Samoilovs mobile phone depicted an emblem of Ukraines Azov Regiment. A fellow passenger snapped pictures of it and of Samoilov, who the court ruled to be held in custody for 14 days. Samoilov couldnt be reached for comment. Informants have become so widespread that earlier this year State Duma deputy Alexey Nechaev, leader of the liberal New People party described the practice as an epidemic" and called for legislation that would make serial informers" liable for punishment. The Kremlin didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the growing number of cases based on informants and whether Russian authorities were encouraging the practice as a way to stop people from criticizing the war in Ukraine or urging an end to the military campaign. In April, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov decried the practice, calling it disgusting." Still, the phenomenon appears to be achieving what analysts said is its intended purpose: keeping Russians in line. People believe that denunciation can be everywhere, and from everybody," Arkhipova, the anthropologist, said. Kate Vtorygina contributed to this article. Write to Ann M. Simmons at ann.simmons@wsj.com Disgruntled Vijayapura BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal yet again lashed out at former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and accused him of a massive 40,000 crore corruption in the COVID-19 management in the state. "Do you know how many thousands of crores of rupees was looted in this (Covid)? There is 40,000 crore irregularities during Covid-19 outbreak," Yatnal claimed, PTI reported. As many BJP leaders have been demanding action against him, Yatnal said, "They (the BJP government in Karnataka) have done everything (huge corruption during Covid). Let them serve me a notice and try to expel me from the party, I will expose them." "A mask that costs 45 each, Mr Yediyurappa how much did your government spend on each of them during Covid? They had put a price of 485 for each mask...," the agitated BJP MLA said in Vijayapura. "They (BJP government) said they arranged 10,000 beds in Bengaluru. The rent for these beds...remember that it was taken only on rentif they had purchased then two beds could have been bought (for the same price). They paid 20,000 as rent per day. Two cots with saline stands could have been purchased with 20,000. Do you know how much they spent a day during corona?" Yatnal further said. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Yatnal's statement was proof of large-scale corruption during Covid time. He said the Congress when in the opposition had called a press conference and alleged with documents that the Yediyurappa government had committed corruption to the tune of around 4,000 crore in the name of coronavirus treatment and control. Covid: 34 cases of JN.1 variant in Karnataka Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has said that there are 34 cases of JN.1 variant of COVID-19 in the state but the government is well prepared and nothing is "alarming." "430 cases are active out of which 400 are in home isolation and the remaining are in hospital. 7-8 patients are in ICU. As of now, things are okay. We have done genome sequencing. There are 34 cases of JN.1 variant of COVID. We are well prepared. Nothing is alarming. the majority of the cases are in Bengaluru," he told ANI. WHO classifies JN.1 as a variant of interest 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. -With agency inputs 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! COVID-19 is turning heads again in India as several states are urging people to follow coronavirus protocols. Here are 10 latest updates. Kerala leads in active Covid cases As of December 25, there have been 69 cases of the JN.1 COVID subvariant in India, the Union Health Ministry reported. There are currently 4,170 active COVID cases in the country. Karnataka has 436 cases, Kerala 3,096, Maharashtra 168, Gujarat 56, and Tamil Nadu 139 cases. Himachal issues advisory After finding the COVID-19 variant JN.1 in Himachal Pradesh, health officials told chief medical officers to test people with coronavirus symptoms and be careful. They advised anyone with cold, fever or cough symptoms to get tested. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar from Una also recommended wearing masks. Doctors said people with flu, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache or fever should get an RT-PCR test right away. 34 cases of JN.1 variant in Karnataka Karnataka's Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reported 34 cases of the JN.1 COVID-19 variant in the state. He said the situation is under control and not worrying. He recommended social distancing. Out of 430 active cases, most are in home isolation, with a few in hospitals and 7-8 in ICU. Most cases are in Bengaluru. No need to panic Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has asked people not to worry. "No need to panic about Covid. Everything is fine now. Our health minister will update," he said. 40,000-crore Covid scam Basanagouda Patil Yatnal will reveal details about a Covid scam" worth 40,000 crore if the party expels him, the BJP MLA has threatened. According to him, the Karnataka BJP government - led by B S Yediyurappa - looted" thousands of crores during the COVID-19 peak. Delhis Covid rate 1% Delhi's Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has said that Delhi's Covid positivity rate is about 1%. He advised people not to panic but to be cautious during the winter festivals. He also mentioned that more genome sequencing of coronavirus-positive samples is being done. COVID-19 case in Odisha A new COVID-19 case was found in Khurda district, Odisha, as reported by a health official. This increased the state's total to three cases The first two cases were in Cuttack district. All three people have mild symptoms and are being treated at home. They are in stable condition. Wear masks, says Karnataka govt The Karnataka government's sub-committee on coronavirus has decided on several measures due to rising COVID cases and JN.1 infections. These include wearing masks, not sending symptomatic children to schools, following social distancing, and seven-day home isolation and leave for those infected. Surveillance for diseases Dr. Shekhar C Mande, former Director-General of CSIR, has emphasised the importance of monitoring not only COVID-19 but also other diseases in India. Speaking to ANI, he explained that surveillance helps track the spread of various infections, including antimicrobial resistance. He mentioned that surveillance, like analyzing wastewater, has been useful in detecting variants like JN.1 across the country. JN.1 variant of interest: WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled JN.1 as a variant of interest. It's different from its related strain, BA.2.86. But they say the risk from JN.1 is still low right now. (With agency inputs) 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! Amid rising COVID-19 cases across India, Delhi on Wednesday reported its first case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, officials were quoted as saying to PTI. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said out of the three samples sent for genome sequencing, one is COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 and the other two cases are of Omicron. The national capital reported nine fresh infections today, taking the total active cases to 35, a health official said, adding that a 28-year-old man, who had comorbidities, died, with COVID-19 not being the primary reason. "The man was not from Delhi and was referred to a private hospital recently. He had multiple comorbidities and the Covid finding was incidental. The sample of the man has been sent for genome sequencing and a report is awaited," PTI quoted the official as saying. Yesterday, the Delhi health minister said nearly 400 tests are being conducted every day and the positivity rate is around 1%. He reiterated that the new JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron strain is not life-threatening. "The new variants are not dangerous but people should not become lax and (they must) follow precautions. People should not panic and think that the virus is spreading and people are dying. But people should be cautious during this time of the festival season," he added. Meanwhile, India today recorded 529 fresh cases of COVID-19 in a single day. The total active infection count stood at 4,093, across the country, the health ministry said. Maharashtra today reported 87 new COVID-19 cases, besides two deaths. The state recorded 46 cases between December 14 and 20, whereas between December 21 and 27, as many as 267 new cases came to light. The state has so far recorded 10 cases of the new JN.1 variant of Omicron -- five in Thane city, two in Pune city and one each in Akola city and Pune and Sindhudurg districts. The country recorded five new fatalities from the deadly disease in the past 24 hourstwo each from Karnataka and Maharashtra and one from Gujarat, according to the ministry's COVID update. The number of daily cases had dropped to double-digits till December 5, but infections have again gone up after the emergence of a new variant JN.1 and cold weather conditions. 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! Its getting harderboth technically and financiallyto make semiconductor chips smaller. The fight for chip tech supremacy has begun to migrate into a new area: how to package chips together to achieve better performance. The rise of artificial intelligence will further boost demand for advanced packaging technologiesand create openings for challengers such as China to compensate for weaknesses in other parts of the supply chain. Ever since Intel co-founder Gordon Moore predicted that the number of transistors on integrated circuits would double roughly every two yearsa prognostication known as Moores Lawchipmaking has progressed by leaps and bounds. But to keep shrinking chips has become much more challenging and expensive. One way around the problem: instead of making every part of a chip using the most advanced processes, chipmakers can package together different types of components in a more efficient way. That improves performance while keeping costs down. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, is already the global leader in fabricating advanced logic chips themselves. But it is also investing heavily in packaging technology, which shows how crucial that step has become. TSMC aims to double the capacity of its advanced packaging technology called CoWoS, which stands for chip on wafer on substrate, in 2024. The technology bundles logic and memory chips and improves data transmission speeds between them. Lack of such capacity has become a bottleneck in meeting demand for artificial intelligence chipsin addition to production of the chips themselves. TSMC is well placed to take advantage of this development, given its cutting-edge CoWoS technology. Makers of equipment for packaging processes, such as Japans Disco Corporation, which makes wafer grinders, are also potential beneficiaries. But more traditional chip-assembly and testing companies wont necessarily be left behind. Even though their technology may lag the likes of TSMC, they are investing heavily to try to catch up. American firm Amkor Technology, for example, plans to build a $2 billion advanced packaging plant in Arizona: partly funded by subsidies from the CHIPS Act. Packaging is also an area where China might be able to make strides more quickly. The country already has the biggest slice of the global chip-packaging and testing market. The worlds leading packaging companies have set up factories there. Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Tech, or JCET, is the worlds third-largest chip-packaging and testing company, behind only Taiwans ASE and Amkor. And packaging technologies arent currently subject to U.S. sanctions. Given worsening China-U.S. relations, there is a significant risk of that changingalthough any U.S. measures would be complicated by the fact that Chinas market share in this area is already so large. The rise of artificial intelligenceat a time when Sino-U.S. arm wrestling over chips was already intenseis forcing that competition into every corner of the chip supply chain. Few companies will emerge completely unscathed. Write to Jacky Wong at jacky.wong@wsj.com The information contained on this website shall not be construed as (i) an offer to purchase or sell, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, any securities or services, (ii) investment, legal, business or tax advice or an offer to provide such advice, or (iii) a basis for making any investment decision. An offering may only be made upon a qualified investors receipt not via this website of formal materials from the Knightsbridge an offering memorandum and subscription documentation (offering materials). In the case of any inconsistency between the information on this website and any such offering materials, the offering materials shall control. 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In recent decades, the international community has observed with growing concern as the United States has engaged in numerous military actions across the Middle East. While these interventions have been justified on various groundsranging from counterterrorism efforts to regional stabilitythe outcomes have often been characterized by prolonged conflicts, significant civilian casualties, and widespread destabilization. As the world reflects on the enduring consequences of these military endeavors, a palpable sense of weariness and skepticism has emerged, questioning the efficacy and morality of Americas approach to foreign policy in the region. A Legacy of Chaos and Instability The aftermath of Americas military interventions in the Middle East reveals a sobering reality: despite considerable human and financial costs, the outcomes have frequently resulted in protracted conflicts, societal upheaval, and the loss of countless lives. From Iraq and Afghanistan to Syria and Yemen, the region has become a theater of unending turmoil, with millions bearing the brunt of displacement, trauma, and despair. Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns One of the most distressing aspects of Americas military actions has been the staggering number of civilian casualties. Despite advances in precision-guided weaponry and intelligence capabilities, unintended deaths and injuries have been tragically commonplace. Moreover, the destruction of infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and essential services has exacerbated humanitarian crises, leaving vulnerable populations in dire straits and dependent on international aid. Global Skepticism and Diplomatic Repercussions The international communitys patience with Americas military interventions is wearing thin, as evidenced by evolving diplomatic dynamics and shifting alliances. Traditional allies have expressed reservations about the efficacy and long-term viability of continued military engagement, advocating for diplomatic solutions and multilateral initiatives. Moreover, emerging powers and regional actors have seized upon Americas perceived overreach as a rallying cry for alternative geopolitical alignments, further complicating global stability and cooperation. Reevaluating Americas Foreign Policy Paradigm As the world grapples with the enduring consequences of Americas military interventions in the Middle East, a critical reevaluation of foreign policy objectives, strategies, and ethical considerations is imperative. The principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and human rights must guide future engagements, prioritizing diplomatic dialogue, conflict resolution, and sustainable development over militarized solutions. Toward a Collaborative and Constructive Future To address the complex challenges facing the Middle East and restore global confidence in Americas leadership, a multifaceted approach encompassing diplomatic engagement, regional cooperation, and international solidarity is essential. By prioritizing inclusive dialogue, respecting sovereign boundaries, and fostering equitable development, the United States can begin to repair fractured relationships, mitigate humanitarian crises, and contribute positively to regional stability and prosperity. Conclusion The global weariness surrounding Americas constant military actions in the Middle East underscores a pressing need for introspection, accountability, and transformative change. By acknowledging past failures, reassessing strategic priorities, and embracing collaborative solutions, the United States can chart a more ethical, effective, and sustainable course in its foreign policy endeavors. Only through concerted efforts to address root causes, prioritize human dignity, and uphold international law can the cycle of chaos and instability be decisively broken, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all. Shayne Heffernan The pet food division of ABP Food Group, C&D Foods, has announced an investment of 48 million for its flagship facility at Edgeworthstown. The investment, which includes the creation of one hundred (100) new roles in engineering, operations, supply chain and quality assurance will increase the sites production capacity by 25%. This is in addition to the employment of approximately one hundred, during the construction phase which is underway. The investment, which is supported by Enterprise Ireland, will result in an extension of the building along with the creation of additional state of the art automated multi-packing and pouch filling lines using the most sustainable innovations available. Commenting on the announcement, Colm Dore, Managing Director, C&D Foods, said: This is an exciting and significant step forward for our business. We are seeing a trend across Europe where consumers are favouring pouched pet food for smaller companion animals, and we are in prime position to continue to capitalise on the growing demand for these types of products. Mr Dore added, This investment will enable the company to maintain its position at the forefront of the pet food market while also leading to the creation of new high skilled jobs and positive economic development in our local community. Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary TD announced the news last Wednesday (December 22). Minister Calleary said, I am delighted to join the C&D Foods team to celebrate the announcement of the expansion of their facilities and the creation of jobs here in Longford. A key priority for this Government is to foster regional enterprise development and create jobs across all the regions of Ireland. Minister Calleary continued, C&D Foods is an Irish company that has experienced impressive growth, producing premium pet food and todays expansion announcement is a great boost for Longford as well as the wider Midlands region, paving the way for this home-grown company to significantly scale its business. The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, looks forward to continued engagement with C&D Foods to support the growth of the business into the future. Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said, A key goal for Enterprise Ireland is to support companies to make the transition to the low-carbon, resource-efficient economy of the future by increasing their level of innovation and all the while improving their competitiveness. We have worked closely with C&D foods to support them with their sustainability strategy, reducing carbon by investing in carbon abatement technologies and driving productivity through investing in digitalisation technologies. This large investment into the new showcase plant in Edgeworthstown reflects highly on the entire Irish food sector - pooling together innovation with best-in-class facilities to drive sustainable practices. We look forward to working closely with C&D Foods to optimise their full international growth potential, creating and sustaining jobs here in Longford. Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Defence, Peter Burke TD warmly welcomed the great news on the continued growth and expansion of C&D Foods. Minister Burke commented, 100 new jobs and an investment of 48m will have a hugely positive impact on the local and regional economy. Balanced regional development is a key Government strategy and this is one good example of projects coming on stream and positively impacting locally." C&D Foods is the pet foods division of ABP Food Group. C&D Foods is one of the largest own label pet food manufacturers in Europe with production facilities in eleven locations across the continent. C&D Foods employs 500 staff in Ireland and a further 1,400 across Europe. In 2021 C&D announced a 60 million contract with Donegal based packaging company ProAmpac in Gweedore. ProAmpac is now a strategic supplier of pet food pouches for C&D operations across Europe. Both parties are currently working on the development of more sustainable pet food pouch packaging including recyclable options. Some normality - thats all we want for Christmas, and spending time at home, says the mother of four-year-old, Madison Maddie Baxter. Jacinta Baxter is mother of Maddie, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) when she was two years of age. For two full years since 2021, Maddie has been receiving treatment for her illness in Crumlin Children's Hospital, which she has now provisionally put behind her. Maddie is an Honorary Garda with Little Blue Heroes, meaning she is part of a charitable organisation which nominates a member of An Garda Siochana to be her best friend within the community. She is like the whole villages child - we are from Ardagh in Longford, and the whole community is behind her. At the beginning when she was two, Maddie just had a limp and doctors brushed it off by telling me to give her Calpol. We did all of the pain relief, but she was still limping and I wasnt happy about it - I knew something was up. Within four hours it came back that she had leukaemia. Since her diagnosis, Maddie has had over 35 surgeries, including a Hickman line for cancer treatment, and went straight into chemotherapy the day that she was diagnosed. Caption: Honorary Garda Madison 'Maddie' Baxter and her mam Jacinta take a closer look at Madison's garda patrol car as her siblings Joshua, Bella and Noah together with their father, Niall watch on She has had over 200 chemotherapy sessions, her mother says. Jacinta says that Maddie is only now getting to experience normality, because when she had been diagnosed in 2021, it was the height of Covid-19. Its only now Maddie is experiencing normal things other kids get to do - she went to a playground for the first time this year. The world is opening up to her now. She rang the bell in July which marks the end of her cancer treatment for now. Her immune system is so low, she picks up everything, but that doesnt stop her singing and dancing! She is with Claddagh Irish Dance Academy and she adores Disneys Frozen, and that is covered in the Operation Blue Light Heroes book. Maddie is due to start school in September and is currently in creche. She was nominated last year for the Little Blue Heroes Foundation by a cousin of her mother Jacinta, who is an ambulance driver. It came about when my cousin nominated Maddie when she was really sick, and then we met local Garda Emma Kiernan, who came up with the idea for the Christmas books. Emma is great. Maddie and her siblings Bella (8), Noah (10) and Josh (12) love her. Last Christmas, the local gardai involved with Little Blue Heroes came to our house and gifted Maddie with her own little Garda uniform and police jeep. Jacinta concluded by saying that Maddie loves that she was a main character in the latest Operation Blue Light Heroes book, and that they are very grateful going into Christmas. MAIN PHOTO CAPTION: Honorary Garda Madison Baxter was awarded Longford's Little Blue Hero for her bravery fighting leukaemia back in December 2022 but she wasn't well enough to attend the event. Last March she had an amazing surprise when the Ballymahon gardai showed up at her house with her own uniform and her very own Garda patrol car which came complete with her name on the licence plate, kids music radio station, lights, sirens, the absolute works! Weighing just 540g when she was born, Zoe Cryan is a cerebral palsy warrior who spent her first 12 months in hospital and is one of just 408 Honorary Gardai across the country. She earned the title through the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, which is a not-for-profit charity helping support families of children with serious illnesses. Children named Honorary Gardai are issued their own Garda uniform and are welcomed into the force by their local Gardai, helping to empower them and involve them in the community. To date, the charity has assisted 760 families with over 1,000,000 in aid bestowed since its inception in 2017. Zoe, whose mum Siobhan describes her as "a strong, clever little girl" has been involved with the charity almost since day one and loves it. "It's about acceptance and seeing others like her, seeing little girls and other wheelchair users. It really does help and helps her see 'It's not just me'," Siobhan says. "We're really lucky Zoe's in a mainstream school here in Roscommon outside Castlerea. She's the only one in a wheelchair but she's very confident and happy out and a really content little lady. It's really important that they do see there are other kids out there just like them and that it's no big deal." She continues: "When we lived in Dublin, Zoe went to Scoil Mochua, it's part of the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC). Her old boyfriend, as she calls him, was in Little Blue Heroes too so at events she always sees him again and it just makes her day. "It's just gorgeous seeing them back together and to see that friendship still there. They mind each other, it's brilliant." The Little Blue Heroes community is also important for Siobhan and her husband, David. Siobhan says, "You meet other parents and even though everyone is on a different road and there are loads of different diagnoses and different challenges, you're all kind of the same. Even though the diagnoses are different, it's lovely to meet people that get it." Zoe, who used to be PEG fed, received life-changing treatment in the United States to improve her daily life, with terrific results. Siobhan says, "We were so blessed to discover it. She's eating and drinking and chatting non-stop now." Zoe and her older brother Dylan are now looking forward to Christmas, and Zoe hopes to get a robot dog from Santa despite having two real dogs at home. "She's very excited," Siobhan says, "I keep saying 'Why are we getting a robot one?' and she says 'I can train this one!' She loves that." Caption: Zoe Cryan with her mum Siobhan, dad Dave and brother Dylan Irish President Patrick Hillerys decision to decline an invitation to the wedding of Charles and Diana prompted concerns from Irish government officials. The invitation was sent to Mr Hillery and his wife for the wedding on July 29 1981 in St Pauls Cathedral, and requested a reply by June 26. A briefing note on how to respond to the invite is among the State documents released by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the National Archives this year. It asked whether the reply should be issued after the Irish general election, or would it be discourteous to do so, while also noting that sending a reply too soon after the invite could also be discourteous. The note also ponders that since it is a negative reply, it would seem desirable to offer a diplomatic excuse, as no decent reason being given could be misinterpreted both domestically and internationally. The press will certainly ask the reason for the non-attendance. The document also weighed up the pros and cons of attending the wedding, noting that an invite from a friendly country to an occasion such as this should be accepted, but adding that the Irish President would attract unfavourable comment if he did attend. The wedding invitations were issued a month after IRA prisoner Bobby Sands died after a 66-day-long hunger strike, as part of a campaign to be treated as a political prisoner. The present state of Anglo-Irish relations, and specifically the very general feeling of dissatisfaction in both the north and the south with the British Governments policy on prison conditions in Northern Ireland would ensure that there would be much unfavourable comment if the President were to attend the royal wedding, the document said. It added that with the appropriate diplomatic excuse, a refusal of the Irish Presidents attendance would not impair the political dialogue with London. On June 26 1981, the final date by which the RSVP was to be given, Irelands Ambassador to the UK conveyed the Irish Presidents thanks for the wedding invite but expressed their regret that, because of prior commitments, they will be unable to attend. They have instructed that the ambassador should represent them on this occasion, it added. The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file 2023/47/2319 The family of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane were appalled by Blairs ignorance of case details during a meeting in 2000 where they pushed for a public inquiry. The high-profile defence solicitor was gunned down by loyalist paramilitaries inside the family home in north Belfast in 1989. The meeting between his family and UK prime minister Tony Blair was set up after a pledge from taoiseach Bertie Ahern earlier in 2000. In February 1999, based on the findings of a report by Jane Winter of the British-Irish Rights Watch (BIRW), it was conveyed to the Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam that the Irish government believed a public inquiry was necessary. Though minister of state Liz ODonnell had said in a letter to Ms Mowlam that the case for a public inquiry was compelling, the Irish government had not made a public statement calling for such a probe. Documents released to the National Archives show the Irish government made more than one prompt to ensure the family met Mr Blair. The meeting at No 10 Downing Street was attended by Pats widow Geraldine and their children Michael, John and Katherine, and had been scheduled for 30 minutes but instead lasted 50. Solicitors Paul Mageean and Peter Madden as well as Ms Winter attended the meeting with Mr Blair, who was accompanied by Jonathan Powell. In a confidential document dated September 5 2000, Fergal Mythen, of the Irish governments security section, said he spoke to Ms Winter after the meeting. It was at the start a very disappointing meeting from the familys perspective, with Blair sticking rigidly to the line that an independent inquiry was not possible while the Stevens investigation was ongoing. John Stevens conducted three probes into allegations of security force collusion with loyalist paramilitaries. She said that Mr Blair said Northern Ireland secretary Ms Mowlam had called in Mr Stevens in February 1999; the family understood that RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan had made the decision unilaterally to block a public inquiry. When pressed on this, Blair backtracked somewhat, saying dont quote me on that' and Powell also intervened to muddy the waters on this point. Ms Winter said she thought Mr Blair was initially very dismissive of their case and had initially tried to distance his Government from it. He was also badly briefed and they were appalled by his ignorance of the details of the case, the note stated. Geraldine Finucane, who had been injured in the attack, told him that though the Labour government had not created the problem, if it was not dealt with now they too would be culpable. Mr Blair was told that the handling of the case could negatively impact the peace process and that it was about winning the confidence of nationalists in the system of law. The note states that about halfway through the meeting, Mr Blair went off-brief and began to engage seriously with the arguments being put to him. Blair said he wanted to know the truth and that, if he found that members of the security forces had targeted individuals for murder, then they would be out of a job. The Finucanes were encouraged by his evident strength of feeling on this point. During Mr Aherns meeting with the family in February, to coincide with the 11th anniversary of Pat Finucanes killing, Geraldine Finucane had asked him to arrange the meeting with Mr Blair to push him on a public inquiry. Minister for foreign affairs Brian Cowen and minister of state Liz ODonnell also attended the February meeting. The notes of the meeting said the report by Ms Winter was the most shocking report they had ever written and alleged there was machinery within the British system which targeted people for murder. Mr Ahern said he had sent a letter to Mr Blair eight months previously, in June 1999, when he said the case for a public inquiry was compelling and asked him to proceed urgently in this regard. He said this would have given enough time to establish an inquiry. He added he had also raised the Finucane case during St Patricks Day meetings in Washington the previous year and would do so again in March 2000. The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file 2023/154/20 A popular Irish weather channel is warning the public of a potential storm this coming weekend. Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather made the prediction early this morning (December 27), however he suggested it "might peak" before hitting Ireland. It comes as Ireland is wracked with Status Yellow and Orange warnings due to the ongoing Storm Gerrit. Currently a Status Yellow wind and rain warning is in place for the whole country (valid until midnight on Thursday December 28), with a Status Orange wind alert for Clare and Galway, and rainfall warning for Kerry and West Cork. According to Met Eireann, heavy showers nationwide may lead to localised flooding across counties today. Risk of another storm Saturday but might peak before hitting us. pic.twitter.com/t4AjfkEufu Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) December 27, 2023 Carlow Weather earlier reported gusts of 77km/h this morning and 27mm of rain in 24 hours. In a post published on X (formerly Twitter), the channel stated, "A very rough morning but winds easing a little before picking up again this evening and also once again Thursday morning! More heavy showers today with risk of thunder." Severe Weather Europe also reports news of a "bomb cyclone" set to hit Ireland and the UK this weekend, with the channel predicting a move across western Europe on Saturday morning. The new storm will be called Henk as per the list of storm names previously released by Met Eireann, along with the national weather services of the UK (Met Office) and the Netherlands (KNMI). A new name for a Northern Ireland police force that would supersede the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) needed to be face saving for David Trimble, according to newly released files. State Papers records released this year show various discussions between the British and Irish governments on issues relating to paramilitary decommissioning, prisoner releases and establishing a trusted police force in Northern Ireland. There are also several references to pressure that Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble was under after signing his party up to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. At a meeting between Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern at No 10 Downing Street in the summer of 2000, dissidents, demilitarisation and House of Commons facilities for Sinn Fein were discussed. The meeting took place on July 31 2000, after the initial decommissioning deadline of May 2000 was missed. The Independent Commission on Policing in Northern Ireland, chaired by Lord Patten, made recommendations that would lead to the RUC transitioning into the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in 2001. During the hour-and-a-half-long meeting, according to notes sent by the Irish ambassador to the UK, Edward Barrington, Mr Blair said that it was important to leave the unionists with something. It needed to be clear that the RUC was not the name that was used, but also that it was not being erased from history. He said that the Chief Constable agreed that there could not be a dual name, but the unionists did not want their faces rubbed in it, adding that the British and Irish Governments approach needed to be smarter. If David Trimble could not have a face-saving formula on the name we were in real trouble. We needed to help him through the by-election and his party conference and to ensure that he was strong enough to face a general election. Mr Trimble said he would not be rolled over on the Police Bill. Mr Ahern said that he had no sense that the leaders of nationalism and republicanism were triumphalist, and said Gerry Adams wanted the police reform to work and genuinely wanted a police service that young nationalists could join. Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon also wanted reforms to work, but could not commend a force seen as inadequate and that would make him look like a Gerry Fitt figure. Mr Blair agreed with Mr Aherns proposal to have officials focus on essential points such as the name, flag, emblem, reserve and Special Branch, and to include explanatory paragraphs which would explain what the legislation actually meant instead of resolving things through clever legislative drafting. The meeting also came after a difficult meeting between Irelands then-Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen and UK secretary of state for Northern Ireland Peter Mandelson, on May 26. In that meeting, Mr Cowen raised concern about aspects of the Policing Bill that had been introduced in the House of Commons, before an opportunity to discuss it. Mr Mandelson claimed that Irish officials had signed off on the Bill and on the implementation plan; the word wrong was handwritten next to this paragraph on the archive document. The note written by the Irish official stated that the Police Bill was discussed initially in the secretariat on May 8 when we signalled we had problems. In spite of request for a copy of the Bill for consultations it was only given to us on the 15 May when it was introduced in Parliament. The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file 2023/154/4 Local News By Chris Boyle Published: December 27 2023 It has been especially meaningful to witness the growth of Juneteenth grow in Nassau County and across the United States in recent years, Legislator Solages said. Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages (D - Lawrence) thanked his colleagues in the Legislature for voting unanimously to approve a $6,757 Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax Fund grant for the Elmont Cultural Center. The funds will be applied toward supporting the Centers annual Juneteenth celebration, which is held in the Argo neighborhood on Elmont Road and Village Avenue. The event includes attractions for all ages, including performances by local artists; a showcase of high school artists; musical performances; dance and drum performances; celebrity DJs; local vendors; food trucks; businesses and more. It has been especially meaningful to witness the growth of Juneteenth grow in Nassau County and across the United States in recent years, and the Elmont Cultural Center has been instrumental in heightening that awareness on the local level, Legislator Solages said. I applaud Mimi Pierre Johnson and her team at the Elmont Cultural Center for their continued leadership and thank my colleagues for unanimously supporting this important grant. SCPD: Man Arrested for Driving Drunk with 5-Year-Old in Vehicle Following Following Yaphank Crash Crime By Chris Boyle Published: December 27 2023 Daniel Kissoon, 34, is charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger 15 Years Old or Younger (Leandras Law) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Suffolk County Police on Monday, December 25 arrested a man for Leandras Law for driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle crash in Yaphank with a 5-year-old child in the vehicle. Highway Patrol officers responded to a motor vehicle crash during which a 2019 Toyota Sienna crashed into the center median on the eastbound Long Island Expressway, east of Exit 66, at approximately 8 p.m. It was determined that the driver of the Toyota, Daniel Kissoon, was intoxicated. Kissoons 5-year-old son was a passenger in the vehicle. The child was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for evaluation. Kissoon was not injured. Kissoon, 34, of 51 Overlook Drive, Mastic Beach, was charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger 15 Years Old or Younger (Leandras Law) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He will be held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on December 26. The Toyota was impounded for a safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: December 27 2023 Arrests include one Felony DWI and two Aggravated DWI. The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office DWI Enforcement Team made seven DWI arrests over the past weekend, including one for aggravated DWI due to the high BAC and one for felony DWI due to three prior DWI convictions. On 12/22/23, Deputies working at a DWI Checkpoint in the Town of Southampton where every vehicle was directed into the checkpoint. Juan Ochoa, 34, entered the checkpoint and demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating he was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Bureau where he submitted to a chemical breath test resulting in a .11 BAC. Mr. Ochoa had three previous DWI convictions in 2011, 2020, and 2022. He was also driving without an ignition interlock device physically installed or present in the vehicle as per the restriction set forth on his drivers license. He was arrested for Felony Driving While Intoxicated due to his three prior DWI convictions, circumventing a court ordered interlock device, driving with a suspended license, and other vehicle and traffic law violations. On 12/22/23, Deputies working the DWI Enforcement Team observed Oscar Flores-Fuentes, 28, swerving over the roadway lines on the Long Island Expressway near exit 57 while traveling at approximately 105 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. He demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating he was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Bureau in Riverhead, New York where he submitted to a chemical breath test resulting in a .18% BAC. Flores-Fuentes was charged with Aggravated DWI due to the high BAC and other violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws. On 12/24/23, Deputies working the DWI Enforcement Team observed Melissa Ann Essig, 34, fail to signal a right turn out of the King Kullen parking lot onto Waverly Ave in Patchogue. She demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating she was intoxicated. Ms. Essig was arrested and transported to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Bureau in Riverhead, New York where she submitted to a chemical breath test resulting in a .21% BAC. She was charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated due to the high blood alcohol content. Also arrested over the weekend were: Raymond Wilhelm, 57 Driving While Intoxicated BAC .17% Segundo Quinteros, 52 Driving While Intoxicated BAC .17% Lydell Funn, 47 Driving While Intoxicated BAC .08% Enoc Villegas, 33 Driving While Intoxicated Refused to give a breath sample Kyron Henry, 23 Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Third Degree and 1st District Court Warrant Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his deputies for their hard work and dedication to keeping Suffolk County safe. The Suffolk County Sheriffs Office DWI Enforcement Team is patrolling Suffolks roadways looking for impaired drivers. These impaired individuals were a danger to themselves and others, and I thank my Deputies for removing them from the drivers seat before they caused a holiday tragedy. Deputies will continue to be on the lookout for impaired drivers through the New Years Eve weekend, so plan ahead before you spend the New Year in the Suffolk County Jail. For more information on the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office, please visit www.SuffolkSheriff.com IDF Chief of Staff Herzi HaLevi visits Israels Northern Command on December 27. (IDF) Israel is facing threats on multiple fronts, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on December 26. The multi-front war is one that Iran has been seeking to bring to Israels borders for several years. Gallant said, we are in a multi-front war. We are being attacked from seven different arenas: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, [the West Bank], Iraq, Yemen, and Iran. He said Israel had responded in six of these arenas. The statement comes as Israel is facing increasing attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon and also focusing on potential strategy shifts in Gaza. In northern Israel on December 27, the IDF Chief of Staff Herzi HaLevi told IDF troops that Israel is in a state of high readiness. He was conducting a situational assessment and visiting Israels Northern Command. He met with Northern Command head Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin. Our first task is to safely return the residents, and this will take time. Today, we approved plans for a variety of contingencies, and we need to be prepared to strike if required, Halevi said according to a statement distributed by the IDF. He reiterated claims that Israeli officials have made: We will not return the residents without both security and a sense of security. This means that as long as Hezbollah continues its attacks, some 80,000 Israelis cannot return to 40 northern communities near the border. Incidents in the north received attention in Israeli media on December 27, including one in which a home in the northern city of Kiryat Shmona was struck by one of the rockets fired by Hezbollah at northern Israel. The IDF said it responded. Israels reactions in the north are generally to respond to attacks proportionately. This means that Israel waits for Hezbollah to attack and then responds, typically without striking first. For instance on December 27, three drones were launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon toward Mount Dov. Mount Dov is an area controlled by Israel and often attacked by Hezbollah in an attempt to assert Lebanese ownership of the disputed area. Hezbollah also launched rockets toward Rosh HaNikra, an area in Israel overlooking the Mediterranean. The IDF struck the sources of fire, it said. On December 26, the IDF said Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at a Greek Orthodox Church in northern Israel, wounding a two civilians and nine soldiers. In Gaza, after more than eighty days since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, there is now an increased focus on the next phase of the war, including whether Israel will transition to a low intensity conflict. However, Israels leaders continue to vow to defeat Hamas and bring back the hostages held in Gaza. In addition, Halevi said on December 26 that the the war will continue for many more months, and we will operate in various ways so that the achievement will be preserved over time. Israel continues to operate in several key areas in Gaza. In the north, portions of several IDF divisions are focused on the built-up area of Jabalya. In Shujaiya, another IDF division continues to fight Hamas. The IDF also highlighted operations in Daraj Tuffah, also in northern Gaza. The IDF is also fighting Hamas in southern Gaza, particularly in Khan Yunis where the IDFs 98th division is backed by tanks and other forces. Between December 25 and 26, there were more than 100 strikes in Gaza. This is a reduced number compared to earlier in the war, when the IDF would sometimes report between 200 and 300 strikes in one night. The IDF also expanded operations to target several areas in central Gaza, including al-Bureij, Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat and Al-Khuzaa. Khuza is on the border with Israel near Nir Oz and Kisufim. I was on the Gaza border in Kisufim on December 27, and there were sirens warning of rocket or mortar launches from Gaza. Artillery fire could be heard in the distance. Procurement of spare parts and munitions for the ongoing war is essential for Israel. The war is now longer than any campaign since Defensive Shield in the early 2000s. Israels Ministry of Defense said on December 27 that it is increasing its procurement for Israels Namer Armored Personnel Carriers. The Namer is used by key battalions, such as Golani, for fighting in Gaza. The Ministry has now ordered a variety of parts as well as protection for the APCs. It did not specify if the protection includes armor or the Trophy system which is installed on the vehicles. There have been very few reports of APCs being badly damaged in Gaza and the protection systems appear to be working as expected. The IDF currently has not specified any numbers for interceptions with the system in this operation. In total, 498 IDF soldiers have been killed since October 7. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the acting news editor and senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Iraqs Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani condemned the three U.S. airstrikes that targeted Iranian-backed Hezbollah Brigades facilities on Dec. 26 and described the U.S. actions as a clear hostile act. Sudani also denounced militia attacks on U.S. forces, and even though he technically controls those militias, he is powerless to stop them. Sudani issued a rebuke of U.S. military action on Iraqi soil and claimed that the attacks hit Iraqi military sites, killing one Iraqi soldier. [T]he Iraqi government condemns what transpired early this morning, Tuesday, December 26, 2023, during which Iraqi military sites were targeted by the American side justifying the act as a response, the Office of Prime Minister statement said. This resulted in the martyrdom of one service member and the injury of 18 others, including civilians. This constitutes a clear hostile act, the statement continued. It runs counter to the pursuit of enduring mutual interests in establishing security and stability, and it opposes the declared intention of the American side to enhance relations with Iraq. Sudanis claims that an Iraqi soldier was killed and Iraqi military facilities were struck do not contradict Hezbollah Brigades claim that one of its fighters was killed and U.S. claims that Hezbollah Brigades facilities were targeted in the U.S. airstrikes. Hezbollah Brigades, one of the most effective Iranian proxy Shia militias in Iraq, is also part of the Popular Mobilization Forces which is an official branch of the Iraqi security forces that reports directly to the Iraqi Prime Minister. All of the influential and powerful Iranian-backed Shia militias, such as Asaib Ahl al Haq, Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba, the Badr Organization, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, and the Imam Ali Brigades are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces and their facilities and fighters are technically part of the Iraqi military. Iraqs Prime Minister did describe the militia attacks on U.S. forces as hostile acts that infringe upon Iraqs sovereignty and are deemed unacceptable under any circumstances or justification. Sudanis denouncement of both the militias and the U.S. response to attacks on its bases highlights the dilemma he faces. As Prime Minister, the militias technically report to him, and he theoretically should be able to order a halt to their attacks. If his orders are disobeyed, he can disarm and disband the militias, and imprison key commanders. However, the Iranian proxy militias are powerful political and military entities within Iraq, and have proven that they are far more loyal to Iran and its Supreme Leader than to their own Prime Minister. Akram Abbas al Kaabi, the leader of Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba and a U.S. listed Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, openly stated in 2015 that he would and could overthrow the Iraqi government if ordered to do so by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader. Kaabi also said that he and his group take political and religious guidance from Khamenei. Iranian military leaders have admitted to their role in fostering and nurturing the militias as part of its plan to elevate them to power within Iraq. In 2016, a senior adviser to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force admitted that the Popular Mobilization Forces as part of its efforts to extend its influence in the country and create an Iraqi version of the IRGC. [Also see FDDs Long War Journal reports, Iraqs prime minister establishes Popular Mobilization Forces as a permanent independent military formation and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces in Irans game plan.] Sudanis inability to curb the militia attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq also puts the U.S. government and military in a precarious position. An estimated 2,500 U.S. troops remain at multiple bases training and advising Iraqi troops. U.S. troops are spread thin and rely on local Iraqi security forces for protection. The militias, whose troops numbering in the hundreds of thousands and possess military equipment that includes armored vehicles, tanks, and artillery, could organize to overrun a base. U.S. attempts at deterrence have failed thus far, and at some point, Iran and its proxies may decide it is time to do so. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Photo of Musa Kamusi, the reported leader of the ISCAP unit inside western Uganda On Christmas day, at least three people were burned alive in western Uganda by militants from the local Islamic State affiliate. The assault marks just the latest attack from jihadis in western Uganda. Men from the Islamic States Central Africa Province (ISCAP), which is known locally in Uganda and neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), have terrorized western Uganda and plotted bomb attacks elsewhere in the country since June. On Dec. 25, local Ugandan officials reported that at least three people were killed by suspected Islamic State gunmen in Nyabitusi I, a village just east of the Kibale National Park in Ugandas western Kamwenge District. This marks the fourth attack by ISCAP in or near the Kibale National Park so far this month. For instance, on Dec. 19, at least 10 people were killed in Kyitehurizi, another village near the park. This massacre followed a clash between the militants and the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) within the park just a week prior. The UPDF attempted to flush the militants out of the park after they killed a woman and abducted her son from Nkoko village, which sits just outside of the park, in early December. The son was later also found executed within the park. Interestingly, the Islamic State has so far not claimed any of these assaults in western Uganda this month. This is either due to the Islamic State, or ISCAP itself, prioritizing operational security of its unit, and/or the overall decline of the Islamic States propaganda. These series of attacks followed two previous raids in western Uganda in October. Those assaults, which took place closer to the border with the Congo and in Ugandas Queen Elizabeth Park, left at least five people dead, including two foreign tourists. Those attacks followed an alleged thwarted raid on Mpondwe, a town right on the border of Congo and Uganda, in early October. All raids in western Uganda since October have been perpetrated by the same small ISCAP unit that initially infiltrated Uganda from its Congolese bases that month. The UPDF has killed or captured several of the militants, including the units deputy commander, in a series of clashes with the unit since then. Ugandan troops continue to pursue the small terror unit as it utilizes Ugandas national park systems in the countrys west to hide. The UPDF had identified a known ISCAP commander, Musa Kamusi, as the leader of the attacking squad. Kamusi is a known deputy of one of ISCAPs most prominent commanders, Abuwakas, a Tanzanian Arab who was instrumental in helping the ADF join the Islamic State in 2017. Abuwakas, whose real name is Ahmed Mahamud Hassan Aliyani, was recently sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. And to note, the attacks since October follow a large-scale massacre in Mpondwe in June. That raid, which targeted school-children, left at least 42 people dead. The U.S. government has pinned this massacre on Abuwakas. Kamusis current status remains unconfirmed, though the UPDF reported that he was killed in a clash in the Kibale National Park earlier today. If confirmed, his death would deal a major blow to the remaining militants of his group inside Uganda. In total, this means that at least 62 people have been killed in western Uganda by the Islamic State so far this year. At the same time, other Islamic State cells across Uganda have attempted several bomb plots, particularly in the Ugandan capital of Kampala. For instance, in early December, two IEDs were detonated inside Kampalas districts of Kabalagala and Nabweru, wounding just one person. The bombing in Kabalagala was quickly claimed by the Islamic State as its handiwork. In early November, Ugandan police announced that ISCAP attempted to target a popular music festival in the eastern city of Jinja. This followed warnings by both the U.S. and the U.K. about an attempted bombing at the festival. Just a month prior, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni announced that police thwarted further attempts to bomb at least two churches in Ugandas Butambala District, just west of Kampala. And finally in September, at least six improvised explosive devices (IED) were recovered by police as part of a wider bomb plot after one bomber was stopped as he attempted to place explosives inside a church. As previously written at FDDs Long War Journal following ISCAPs October raids into western Uganda, the group is attempting to foment a small-scale insurgency inside Uganda. This attempt is in response to Ugandas joint operations with Congo against the group and its bases within the Congolese jungle. As the group continues to get pushed out of some of its long-time strongholds, and is kept continuously on the move which disrupts its communication, leadership, and attack planning, it is lashing out against Uganda. And to be clear, it has also perpetrated a series of massacres inside Congo in response to the operations as well. The attacks in Ugandas west are thus likely being used to try to force Uganda to redeploy troops away from Congo to alleviate the pressure against ISCAP there. The increased bombing attempts are also likely in this vein, though Uganda has been a target for ISCAPs bombings since it restarted its external operations in 2021. At the same time, these events are also meant to provide ample propaganda opportunities against Uganda should either ISCAP or the Islamic States central leadership wish to utilize it as this small unit continues to wreak havoc and other cells around the country continue to plot. Edit: Updated with information related to the possible death of Musa Kamusi. Caleb Weiss is an editor of FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. (Alliance News) - Horizonte Minerals PLC on Wednesday celebrated securing a USD20 million package to provide liquidity, while it works towards a full funding solution. Shares in Horizonte were trading 29% higher at 10.09 pence each in London on Wednesday morning. The London-based nickel development company said the interim funding package will be provided by Orion Mine Finance Fund III (F) Ltd, Glencore International AG and La Mancha Investments Sarl. Horizonte added that the funding comprises a USD15 million senior secured loan facility, and the release of USD5 million by OMF Fund III (Cr) Ltd. The latter "will allow for critical construction streams to advance" at Horizonte's flagship Araguaia nickel project, and be used for general working capital purposes. Horizonte said the loan facility's maturity date will fall 102 months from December 7, 2022, and will bear interest at 15.00% per annum. The extra USD5 million is currently secured at Horizonte's second wholly-owned project in Brazil, Vermelho. Once the funding package closes, USD11 million will remain segregated for development there. Horizonte said it has agreed with its existing senior lenders to defer interest payments, originally due on December 31, to the end of February. Furthermore, Horizonte said it continues to review the Araguaia project's outstanding schedule and capital expenditure, necessary to implement a full funding solution. It expects to complete the review in the first quarter of 2024, with a funding solution anticipated in the second quarter. "We are pleased to see the continued support from our cornerstone shareholders through this USD20 million funding package," commented Interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Nasr. "This funding package is a demonstration from the company's largest shareholders on their commitment towards finding a solution to complete the Araguaia nickel project construction. "We are actively engaging with our cornerstone shareholders and senior lenders with the goal of unlocking a funding solution in Q2 2024." By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Editors note: The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ul;tra 2 are now available for purchase at the online Apple Store. (When this article was originally posted on Dec. 27, Apple had not activated online watch sales.) Apple on Wednesday was granted an appeal of the Apple Watch sales ban that recently went into effect, reports Reuters. Apple can now sell the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. in its online and retail stores while the court considers the motion for a stay pending appeal, according to the order issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Apple is in the midst of a patent dispute with Masimo. Masimo filed a suit with the U.S. International Trade Commission, which found that Apple had infringed on Masimos patents that relate to the blood-oxygen sensor in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Because of the USITCs ruling, a ban on sales of those two watches went into effect on December 21 at Apple.com and on December 25 for all Apple stores. President Biden declined to overturn the ban last week. As of 2:30 p.m. ET on December 27, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 were still listed as Currently Unavailable on Apple.com and the company did not release a statement. Apple online sales stopped late in the day on December 21, and Apple Store retail sales halted on December 24. Third-party retailers were allowed to continue selling the watches until inventory ran out, but retailers stopped receiving new shipments on December 24. Apple filed a motion on December 26 that stated that it will suffer irreparable harm if the Orders are left in place. In a statement to Reuters, Apple said, We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible. The lifting of the ban is temporary, but the Court of Appeals is considering Apples motion for a longer pause on the ban. The USITC has until January 10 to respond to Apples motion. Apple told the Court of Appeals that it has redesigned how the blood sensor works and that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency is checking to see if the redesign infringes on Masimos patents. The agency set a date of January 12 to announce its findings. The order by the US Court of Appeals can be seen below. (2 pages) Manchester, VT (05254) Today Cloudy. Snow showers developing this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low near 30F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%. A restaurant chain that specializes in all-you-can-eat Korean hot pot is bringing at least four locations to Massachusetts for the first time. According to its website, KPOT is planning to open locations in Dedham, Malden, Methuen and West Springfield. The restaurant chain, which first started in the Flushing section of Queens in New York City in 2018, boasts an all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian Hot Pot with Korean BBQ flavors. The address for the Dedham location is 300 Providence Highway, which is the same address for the Dedham Mall. The address for the Methuen location is 90 Pleasant Valley St. while the Malden location is said to be opening at the former John Brewers Tavern location on Highland Avenue, according to Boston Restaurant Talk. The address for the West Springfield location is 935 Riverdale St., according to KPOTs website, which is next to Panera in the Riverdale Shops. There are currently more than 50 KPOT locations nationally. More information about KPOT can be found online. The Rhode Island farmhouse that inspired the 2013 paranormal movie The Conjuring will host a spooky New Years Eve event this year where attendees can carry out their own paranormal investigation. The event at the Harrisville home will be hosted by drag queen and paranormal investigator Monique Toosoon and author and clairvoyant Sam Baltrusis. The hosts will have ghost hunting equipment so attendees can investigate paranormal activity in the house, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of Bathsheba Herman, who lived there in the 1800s, MassLive previously reported. The house was purchased in 2022 for $1.5 million by a Boston developer with an interest in the paranormal, and has hosted tours and events like ghamping, or ghost camping, since then. The New Years Eve event will also include a midnight champagne toast. Food, snacks, soda and water will be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring sleeping bags, air mattresses or cots if they plan to sleep over. Tickets are $250 and only 18 are available. You can purchase tickets here. The Conjuring house experienced a fire earlier this month in its barn, but the structure is still standing and the fire was not caused by ghosts, according to the owner. In television interviews with multiple outlets, family members identified 21-year-old Diomaris Mejia as a woman found dead in her Lawrence basement apartment on Tuesday. The Essex County District Attorneys office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday morning. Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the District Attorneys Office and the Lawrence Police Department are investigating the death as an apparent homicide, according to a press release Tuesday. Lawrence Police were called to a basement apartment at 243 Salem St. for a well-being check at about 7:48 a.m. Dec. 26. Officers found an unresponsive person who was pronounced dead at the scene, the press release said. In interviews with both WCVB and NBC10, family member Nelly Perez identified Mejia as the person found dead. Perez told the outlets that Mejia is from the Dominican Republic and has two children. A four-legged, 4-year-old potbelly pig named Nala is ready to start the new year with a new home. Shes also coming with a New Years resolution weight loss. Nala came to the Animal Rescue League of Boston overweight with weight-related mobility and emotional issues in October, but has made tremendous strides in the past two months, according to the Animal Rescue League. Now she is at the Rescue Leagues Dedham care and adoption center at 55 Annas Place. Nalas owner could no longer care for her, so she was surrendered to the Rescue League. She originally came from a cruelty case in Ohio as a piglet, and was an indoor/outdoor pig in her previous home, according to the Rescue League. Her weight gain had caused her to be uncomfortable when she first came to the Rescue League, and she had limited mobility, which led her to avoid contact initially, the Rescue League said. But as she lost weight and her mobility improved, her behavior did, too. A slimmed down Nala can now be seen moving freely throughout her paddock and she has also begun welcoming interaction, allowing pets and showing off her sweet and tender side, the Rescue League wrote. Nalas new owner will need to help her on her weight-loss journey, but shes emotionally ready for a new home, the Rescue League said. A person whose body was found in a basement apartment in Lawrence Tuesday appears to have been killed, according to authorities. Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Lawrence Acting Chief of Police William Castro announced in a press release Tuesday evening they are investigating an apparent homicide but assure people there is no ongoing threat to the public. Lawrence Police were called to a basement apartment at 243 Salem St. for a well-being check at about 7:48 a.m. Dec. 26. Officers found an unresponsive person who was pronounced dead at the scene, the press release said. Officials did not name the person or indicate the gender, although NBC10 Boston has reported sources told the media outlet the body was that of a woman. Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the District Attorneys Office and the Lawrence Police Department are investigating the death as an apparent homicide. Officials did not anticipate releasing any other information Tuesday night. With Bostons First Night celebrations moving from Copley Square Park to City Hall Plaza this year, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has urged revelers Wednesday to have fun but to stay safe. We are excited to ring in the new year full of joy and community and peace, Wu, flanked by city officials and event organizers, said during a news conference at City Hall. The city has some 13 hours of programming planned for New Years Eve, starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, and running until 2024 dawns at 12:01 a.m. on Monday. That includes two fireworks displays, one at 7 p.m. on Boston Common and another at 12 a.m. at Boston Harbor, officials said. City officials moved the main stage celebrations after Copley Square started a round of renovations in July that are expected to take about 16 months to complete. Dusty Rhodes, the president of Coventures Inc., which runs the First Night festivities, promised something for everyone, in this years celebrations, including musical performances throughout the day, the Frog Pond Skating Spectacular on the Common, and a First Night Parade. You can find a full schedule of this years events on the First Night Boston website. Both Boston City and MBTA Transit police will be out in force to keep revelers safe on Sunday, city Police Commissioner Michael Cox and MBTA Chief Kenneth Green said. Because of the family friendly nature of the event, city police have asked people not consume alcohol or smoke cannabis in public, Cox said, adding that there will be a a strong presence throughout all our Boston neighborhoods to make sure they are safe as well. If you see parties that seem to be getting loud and boisterous. If you see something, say something, it takes all of us to make sure we are safe, Cox said. Rides on the MBTA subways and buses will be free after 8 p.m. on Sunday, and riders can expect a strong uniformed and plainclothes presence across the system, Green said, adding that riders are being asked to act responsibly and .. respectfully to each other. In all instances, if people see something suspicious in the streets or on the T, they should contact law enforcement, Cox and Green said. Officials from the citys Fire Marshals office will have extra staff deployed to inspect city bars and nightclubs to make sure those venues arent exceeding their capacity, Fire Marshal Patrick Ellis said. These are for-profit venues, sometimes go a little too far in packing people in, Ellis said, adding that city residents tempted to set off their own celebratory fireworks should think otherwise. Let the professionals do the fireworks. Enjoy the night, enjoy the show, Ellis said. Bostons First Night celebration is the largest such event in New England. Admission to all city-backed events is free, NBC Boston reported. Four children were injured after a van crashed into the YMCA in Foxborough on Tuesday, according to Foxborough police. The crash happened at the YMCA at 67 Mechanic St. at around 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 26, police said on Facebook. Four children were brought to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries as a result. The driver of the van stayed on scene and is cooperating with investigators, police added. This crash is being investigated by the Foxborough Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section. The Foxborough Building Commissioner was also said to be checking the safety and integrity of the building. A Tesla crashed and burst into flames in Alabama on Christmas night, requiring more than 36,000 gallons of water to put out the fire, according to authorities. This was a first for Autauga County, the Pine Level Fire Department posted on Facebook. Electric vehicle fires are unusual and present unique challenges and dangers to firefighters. These vehicles can reignite hours or days after they are first extinguished. Firefighters across the country, according to The Wall Street Journal, have been learning to contend with the unique challenges presented by electric vehicle fires. For instance, firefighters in Franklin, Tenn., recently reported using 45,000 gallons of water over several hours when battling a burning Nissan Leaf. Authorities said a Tesla burns at temperatures exceeding 2,500 degrees C. The smoke from burning electric cars produces hydrogen fluoride, and hydrogen chloride gases - both of which are toxic to breath and requires firefighters to wear breathing apparatus. In Autauga County, northwest of Montgomery, Pine Level firefighters were dispatched at 11:14 p.m. Monday to a traffic crash with a reported vehicle fire. Firefighters arrived to find a Tesla Model Y on fire, and troopers shut down that portion of Interstate 65. It took more than an hour to get the fire under control with two hose lines. A total of three engines, two rescue trucks, one ambulance, four water tankers, one squad, one brush truck and three command vehicles responded to the fire. Six fire departments responded, along the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Haynes Ambulance, Autauga County EMA, the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Autauga County Sheriffs Office. The driver, authorities said, escaped the blaze unharmed and was taken into custody by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. ALEA didnt respond to AL.coms request for comment. A Springfield officer had a so-called ghost gun pointed at them during an investigation early Wednesday morning and arrested the man who held it. Joseph Morales-Dejesus, 30, of Springfield was charged with 10 different charges, including firearm-armed assault in dwelling, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of a high-capacity magazine/feeding device and witness intimidation. Springfield police encountered Morales-Dejesus inside an apartment on Harriet Street close to 1 a.m. while doing a follow-up investigation to a domestic assault involving a gun, according to a statement by police. As officers went in the apartment, Morales-Dejesus walked into the room with a gun in his hand, police said. Morales-Dejesus briefly lifted the Ghost Gun directly at an officer before complying with officers commands. He tossed the firearm on a bench. Officers then placed Morales-Dejesus under arrest, police said. Police described the weapon as a large-capacity ghost gun, and said it was loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. Police also found an extended magazine that was loaded and capable of holding 31 rounds of ammunition. A ghost gun is a gun with no serial number that cannot be traced. Often they are built components of guns that can be purchased or produced without serial numbers. A New York City man arrested in connection with a suspected drunk-driving, head-on crash that killed a 15-year-old boy and his grandfather late Christmas night in Somerset was held on a cash bail after his arraignment from the hospital Tuesday afternoon, the Bristol County District Attorneys office announced. Adam Gauthier, 41, formerly of Somerset and of New York City, has been accused by the district attorneys office of driving while drunk in the wrong direction on the Veterans Memorial Bridge, or Route 6, and colliding with the Seekonk familys car. He also hit another sedan and injured two young women inside, state police said. Lee Sun-kyun, a popular South Korean actor best known for his role in the Oscar-winning movie Parasite, was found dead in a car in Seoul on Wednesday, authorities said, after weeks of an intense police investigation into his alleged drug use. Police and emergency officers initially found Lee in what they believed was an unconscious state in the car parked on a street in northern Seoul on Dec. 27. Emergency officers later confirmed he was dead, according to Seouls Seongbuk police station. Police had been searching for Lee, 48, after receiving a report that he was missing. They refused to provide further details including whether they had determined Lee killed himself. But South Korean media outlets including Yonhap news agency said that Lees family earlier Wednesday reported to police that he left home after leaving a message similar to a suicide note. Lee appeared in Parasite, which won Oscars for best picture and three other categories in 2020. The class satire was the first non-English-language film to win best picture in the then-92-year history of the Academy Awards, and was the first South Korean movie to win an Oscar. In the film, Lee played the head of a wealthy family. The films cast, including Lee, also won a Screen Actors Guild award for the best motion picture ensemble cast in 2020. He was nominated for best actor at the International Emmy Awards for his performance in the sci-fi thriller Dr. Brain last year, as well. Even before Parasite, Lee had been a popular actor in South Korea for a long time. He rose to stardom for his role in a hit TV drama series, Coffee Prince (2007), and gained mainstream popularity with a series of hit TV dramas such as Behind The White Tower (2007), Pasta (2010) and My Mister (2018). Lee had been under a police investigation into allegations that he used illegal drugs at the residence of a bar hostess. Lee insisted he was tricked into taking the drugs and that he did not know what he was taking, according to Yonhap. But the investigation prompted extensive tabloid coverage and unconfirmed online rumors about not only his alleged drug use but also his private life. Lee filed a suit against two people including the hostess, alleging they blackmailed him. When he was first summoned for questioning at a police station in Incheon, a city near Seoul, in late October, he deeply bowed several times and apologized to his fans and family. I feel sorry to my family members who are enduring too difficult pains at this moment. I again sincerely apologize to everyone, he said. Read More: Connecticut woman dies from car crash into East Longmeadow brook Incheon police said Wednesday they would end their investigation of Lees drug use allegations but would continue to investigate the two people Lee had sued. South Korea has strict anti-drug laws but has seen soaring drug-related offenses in recent years. Last week, the National Police Agency said it had detained about 17,150 people over alleged illegal drug manufacturing, smuggling, sales and uses this year a record number for a single year. South Korea has long had the highest suicide rate among developed countries. It has also experienced a string of celebrity suicides involving K-pop stars, prominent politicians and business executives. Experts say malicious and abusive online comments and severe cyberbullying were blamed for many of the celebrity suicides. Lee faced some allegations but they havent been formally verified. But the media has been assertively reporting about Lees private life and I think thats something wrong, said Kang Youn-gon, a media communication professor at Seouls Chung-Ang University. Lee is survived by his actress wife Jeon Hye-jin and two sons. Its the perfect post-pandemic storm: an increase of children needing behavioral health care and a decrease in available clinicians. A survey conducted by the Association for Behavioral Healthcare found that children in the state are waiting longer for behavioral health services. For instance, there is an average wait of 20.5 weeks for families seeking in-home therapy with MassHealth (the states Medicaid program), and those with private health insurance must wait even longer with an average of 26.5 weeks for those types of services. The survey said clinician shortages are hampering childrens ability to receive behavioral health help. Massachusetts has an impressive system of home- and community-based mental health services for families with public and commercial health coverage, but that system is on paper only, said the report released in December describing the survey results. Children are suffering because we are failing to invest in services and in the workforce. Association for Behavioral Healthcare is an organization that represents over 80 community-based mental health and addiction treatment organizations. Its survey, which it conducted in July, was answered by 30 organizations that run 208 sites across Massachusetts and found that as many as 3,300 families were waiting to receive services at the end of Fiscal Year 2022. Lydia Conley, president and CEO of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare, explained that if children are not given the resources when they initially need them, the childrens needs can become acute while waiting for care. In response to the federal litigation Rosie D. v. Romney, the state created the Childrens Behavioral Health Initiative for children with MassHealth to provide services such as in-home therapy and behavioral health services. In 2019, a similar standard of services was required for those with private insurance, called Behavioral Health for Children and Adolescents. The Association for Behavioral Healthcare survey notes that due to unclear guidelines from private insurance companies, There is less incentive to accept families with commercial insurance, creating a two-tier system as to who accesses and receives CBHI services within the Commonwealth. Meanwhile, the number of children the system is treating has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, the survey found. To date, utilization of these services has not rebounded, due to diminished provider capacity. ... By the end of May 2023, respondents reported approximately 32% fewer children and families than pre-pandemic levels received these same services, the report says. Wages for clinicians are a factor, the survey noted. Many of the services provided by Childrens Behavioral Health Initiative are based in an in-home setting to involve family members and caretakers. These appointments are often conducted on nights and weekends and present more complexities than in-office appointments, yet the wages paid are significantly lower than those for in-office or remote clinicians. As of August 2023, state officials have invested $70 million into the initiative, but Conley said, it is not sufficient to elevate salaries to attract and keep staff. As a result, about 756 staff positions are sitting vacant, and difficulties finding financing and staff have caused program closures. Between the 2019 to the 2023 fiscal years, the report said, six in-home behavioral services programs, 15 therapeutic mentoring programs and 17 in-home therapy programs have closed. In addition to the states Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, the Association for Behavioral Healthcare provided specific recommendations in order to meet the needs of families in the communities. It suggested providing sustainable rates for clinicians, paying a rate differential for non-English services, eliminating provider referrals, investing in outpatient services, implementing loan repayment awards and scholarships to attract and retain clinicians and reducing unnecessary administrative work for clinicians. Katherine Mague, senior vice president of Behavioral Health Network, confirmed that as one of the organizations that reported to the Association for Behavioral Healthcares survey and provides services to youths in both Hampden and Hampshire counties, the findings are spot on. There was an exodus of staff during the pandemic and hiring back has been hard, Mague said. Kids come in with much more acute conditions now than before. This is a real mental health crisis and its now harder to do the work with many more needing it. If you or someone you know is looking for help, call or text the Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445. Three people were seriously injured following a shooting associated with a Pizza Hut in Lynn on Tuesday night, according to the Lynn Police Department. The shooting happened near the restaurant located in a shopping plaza on State Street around 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 26, according to Lt. Rick Connick. Read More: Four children injured after van crashes into Foxborough YMCA Tuesday According to WBZ-TV, the glass in one of the restaurants doors was shattered and bullet holes were visible in the other door. Police were unclear whether the shooting happened inside or outside the restaurant. Three people were found and brought to the hospital with serious injuries, Connick said. At this time, authorities believe the incident was targeted. So far no arrests have been made and police are looking to identify the suspect or suspects. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to contact Lynn police at 781-595-2000. Massachusetts blogger Aidan Kearney, who goes by the moniker Turtleboy, faces charges in connection with a domestic dispute last weekend with a former girlfriend. His arrest on Tuesday follows only days after an indictment on 16 criminal charges related to alleged intimidation of witnesses in a murder case that has fueled rampant speculation and conspiracy theories. A 56-year-old lieutenant with the Winthrop Police Department was ordered held on $200,000 bail after he was charged with child rape and other charges, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. James Feeley was arraigned in the East Boston Division of Boston Municipal Court Wednesday on one count of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Hui said the assaults happened over the past year, the district attorneys office said. Feeley was placed on leave after he was arrested Tuesday night. James Feeley has been placed on administrative leave from the Winthrop Police Department pending the outcome of a criminal investigation headed by State Police Detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office, Winthrop Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty said in a statement Wednesday morning. Feeley was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant in 2020 after holding the rank for three years. Before that, Feeley served as Patrolman for six years and Reserve Police Officer for eight years. According to his LinkedIn, Feeley has been with the department for 22 years. Feeley is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on Jan. 29. Winthrop Police Lieutenant James Feeley has been placed on leave pending the outcome of a criminal investigation, Winthrop Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty said in a statement Wednesday. Feeley is facing charges of child rape and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office said in an email to MassLive. He will be arraigned in East Boston Division of Boston Municipal Court on Wednesday, the Clerks Office told MassLive. Feeley was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant in 2020 after holding the rank for three years. Before that, Feeley served as Patrolman for six years and Reserve Police Officer for eight years. According to his LinkedIn, Feeley has been with the department for 22 years. The investigation is being conducted by State Police Detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. During his two decades in the mayors office in Haverhill, James J. Fiorentini oversaw a community in flux. When he took office in 2003, the Essex County community, pop. 67,631, faced what he described as the largest debt in the history of Massachusetts, brought on by the shuttering of a municipal hospital. Empty shoe factories lined the edges of downtown. Twenty years later, those factories have been turned into housing, retail and restaurant spaces. And the citys once apocalyptic finances have bounced back, boasting budget surpluses and a burnished bond rating. And yet, as he looked back over his time in office, and with warmer temperatures in Florida beckoning, what should be a time of celebration also carries with it some bittersweet notes, Fiorentini said in a farewell address posted to his YouTube channel earlier this week. People ask me all the time, am I looking forward to retirement? The answer is Yes with trepidation, he said. I look forward to going to Florida something [wife] Martha I have not been able to do for more than a few days at a time. But there were so many things about this job and working here that Ill miss and will never forget. First elected to Haverhill City Council in 1995, Fiorentini, 76, announced earlier this year that he would not run for re-election, even though he believed I would win thanks to all of you, he said, according to WHAV, a local public media outlet. Many people are saying thing mayors a thankless job, but those people are wrong, he said during his farewell address. Everywhere I go in person and online people come up to me and thanked me for serving for 20 years. But the thanks need to go the other way. The thanks need to go from Martha and me, to all of you, for giving me the honor of serving you, and giving the privilege to me of having the greatest job in the world for the past two decades, Fiorentini said. Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini, who is retiring at year's end, campaigns for re-election in 2009 (Photo courtesy Noah Bombard).Noah Bombard Fiorentini took 55% of the vote in his first mayoral campaign in 2003, according to a biography posted to the citys official website. Hell be succeeded in 2024 by Mayor-elect Melinda E. Barrett, a 10-year City Council veteran. Barrett defeated challenger Guy E. Cooper 7,038-3,024, according to WHAV. In his farewell address, Fiorentini said theres plenty that hell miss about the job from such big-ticket items as getting roads repaved and sidewalks repaired to the more personal meetings with residents and City Hall employees. He also pointed to taxpayer approval in June of an exception to the states tax-limiting law that will allow for the construction of a new school building, as well as a renovated city high school. And we started and ended with a wonderful group of residents who even in the toughest of times, stuck with us, who volunteered to be on board to lend a hand cleaning our city, [and] keeping our city warm, inviting and friendly, he said. The great turnaround in our city in the past 20 years was a team effort, not an individual one; so many employees, volunteers businesses, elected officials at all level chipped in to help and to build what weve called the Haverhill Renaissance, he continued. by Fern Siegel , December 27, 2023 Quigley-Simpson, noted for its "Brand Led. Demand Driven. Impact Obsessed" mission, has added to its senior ranks. Jeff Ratner has been named president of media, analytics and data. Mark Piazza was appointed Chief Operating Officer. Ratner and Piazza will continue to promote tech and AI solutions, as well as integrate creative and media to up returns for Quigley-Simpsons clients. Renee Hill Young, co-founder, Quigley-Simpson, said the new hires round out and fortify our senior leadership team, as they bring a deep wealth of both client and agency experience. Previously, Ratner, who said he was pleased to join a "forward-thinking culture, held senior agency posts at GroupMs Mindshare, Publicis Medias Zenith and Hearsts iCrossing. Ratner has also worked in marketing positions at Sony Corporation of America and Kaplan North America. Prior to Quigley-Simpson, Piazza was Chief Operating Officer-Chief Financial Officer at audio media agency Oxford Road. He also worked at MediaCom, Digitas, The Engine Group and the 4As. advertisement advertisement Based in Los Angeles, the independent agency also has offices in New York. Client work includes Marriott Bonvoy, United Explorer Card, The Art of Shaving and the Los Angeles Fire Department. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, December 27, 2023 Google has agreed to settle claims that it wrongly collected data about users who attempt to keep their web activity private by using Chrome's incognito mode, according to papers filed Tuesday with U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California. The company has so far agreed to a binding terrm sheet, which it expects to finalize within 30 days and then present to Rogers within 60 days. Terms haven't yet been disclosed. If approved by Rogers, the deal will resolve a battle dating to June 2020, when California residents Chasom Brown and Maria Nguyen and Florida resident William Byatt alleged in a class-action complaint that they were tracked by Google even though they used the Chrome browser's incognito mode to navigate the web. They specifically alleged that even in incognito mode, visiting a site that uses Google Analytics or Google Ad Manager results in Google's collection of IP addresses, browser and device information, and web pages' content. advertisement advertisement Their complaint includes claims that Google violated wiretap laws and that it engaged in intrusion upon seclusion -- a broad California concept that allows people to sue for highly offensive privacy violations. Google unsuccessfully urged Rogers to dismiss the claims without a trial, arguing that users expressly consented to the relevant data collection and its use for advertising, by accepting Google's privacy policy and other terms of service. The Privacy Policy and Account Holder Agreements disclose that Google collects the at-issue data when users visit websites choosing to use Google services and that Google may use the data for advertising, the company wrote in its bid for summary judgment. Rogers rejected that argument in August, writing that Google's privacy policies failed to unambiguously disclose that it would collect data from people who browsed in incognito mode. Googles motion hinges on the idea that plaintiffs consented to Google collecting their data while they were browsing in private mode, Rogers wrote at the time. Because Google never explicitly told users that it does so, the Court cannot find as a matter of law that users explicitly consented to the at-issue data collection. Rogers previously ruled that if the users prevailed after a trial, they would be able to seek an injunction against the company, but not monetary damages. by Les Luchter , December 27, 2023 Feeling tired? Youre not alone, as 37% of U.S. adults slept worse in 2023 than in previous years, according to a recent survey by content provider Sleep Foundation, which has affiliate relationships with most of the companies in the sleep product industry. The worst sleepers? Gen Z, says the publisher. Sleep Foundation also cited Google Trends as showing that searches for the word sleep hit an all-time high during the year. How are people trying to improve their sleep? The number one way, the poll found, is showering before bed (chosen by 45%), followed by exercising more and waking up earlier, (tied at 27%), then using a weighted blanket and keeping a bedroom window open (tied at 26%). Then theres limiting or avoiding caffeine (25%), and finally, turning off my phone at bedtime (19%). advertisement advertisement Dr. Abhinav Singh, medical director of the Indiana Sleep Center and a member of the Sleep Foundations medical review panel, agreed with that last tactic, but said in a statement that sufferers from poor sleep should generally avoid most tips and hacks found on the Internet. The Sleep Foundation highlighted some popular (but seemingly useless) TikTok better-sleep hacks of 2023, including bed rotting (lounging in bed all day by choice) and Sleepy Girl Mocktails (mixing up tart cherry juice-based concoctions). The Sleep Foundation also quoted Dr. Sarah Silverman, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist not to be confused with the comedian of the same name. Millions of people are living in a chronic stress state, which leads to numbing behaviors such as watching Netflix for hours or mindlessly scrolling social media to avoid daily stressors, she said. Just as we do not value tips or hacks for cancer, heart disease, and neurological diseases, said Dr. Singh, we should start focusing on techniques, steps, and healthy sleep routines. To help people do that, the Sleep Foundation has launched a sleep hotline that provides tips, meditations, and bedtime stories to calm your mind for a good nights sleep. Meanwhile, Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Harmony Biosciences have provided sponsorship funding for the launch of a separate sleep hotline run by nonprofit Project Sleep. This one is only open weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm ET, but offers one-to-one personalized support for Americans with chronic sleep disorders. That group numbers between 50 to 70 million people, Project Sleep said. The Sleep Foundation, by the way, is not to be confused with the pharma/medtech-backed nonprofit National Sleep Foundation, whose own annual poll, released in March focused on the strong link between poor sleep and mental health. The Sleep Foundations survey was conducted via Pollfish in November of 1,000 U.S. adults 18+. A similar poll from 2022 is of special significance this week. While mental health improves during the holidays because you get community, the research found, sleep health suffers due to bad sleep hygiene and/or holiday-related stress. The worst night for sleep? New Years Eve. People who celebrate that night get 51.5 minutes less sleep than normal, the research found. For party hosts, its even worse: 53 to 83 minutes less sleep. Over half of respondents (52.1%) said they sleep less on New Years Eve, with parties and events being the primary reason (53%). In all, people lost an average of 39 minutes, 23 seconds sleep daily over the December holidays, the survey found. But the results varied widely depending on which holiday was being celebrated. Respondents who observed Christmas slept an average of 32 minutes, 35 seconds less (waiting up for Santa?) and those who observed Hanukkah slept 37 minutes, 40 seconds less (eight days, not one?). But those who observed Kwanzaa slept 45 minutes more each night. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, December 27, 2023 From M&C Saatchi AB's 'Sex Is For Everybody' Campaign M&C Saatchi is selling several agency subsidiaries in its global network to local managers. The London-based firm said the moves were in line with its strategy to simplify its operating structure and improve efficiency across the group. advertisement advertisement The firm has struck deals with the managers of both its Swedish operation, M&C Saatchi AB (located in Stockholm), and its unit in Hong Kong, M&C Saatchi Spencer Hong Kong Ltd. It will retain a 30% stake in the Swedish firm while shedding all of the Hong Kong operation. Both operations are expected to post pre-tax operating losses for 2023. Work from M&C Saatchi AB includes a recent campaign titled Sex Is For Everybody, on behalf of sex education non-profit RFSU and the Swedish Disability Rights Federation. COVID-19JN.1 Key Insights on JN.1 Subvariant Mutations & Its Virulence Level Trusted Source Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants Go to source Trusted Source JN.1 variant is a descendent lineage of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.86 with an extra L455S mutation in the spike protein. #covid19 #jn1variant #immunity #virulence #respiratoryhealth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants - (https://www.who.int/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants) The new strain ofsubvariant has several mutations that have never been observed in previous variants. Hence, the disease pattern from this variant's immune evasiveness and spread capability need careful attention, say experts. Immune invasiveness of a variant is the ability of the virus to overcome the existing immune response within an individual.First detected in Luxembourg in August, JN.1 is currently present in about 41 countries, including India. Due to its rapid spread, the) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sub-lineages.Till date, India reportedly has 69 cases of JN.1 variant -- from Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. In comparison with BA.2.86, JN.1 has the additional L455S mutation in the spike protein -- which has immune-evasion properties."JN.1 is an all-new variant with numerous changes that had never been seen in any commonly circulating lineage before. This is unlike other recent variants, which were merely a few mutations from their predecessor," Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association COVID Task Force, told IANS.The WHO, in its latest epidemiological update, said that the global number of new COVID-19 cases has increased by 52 percent during the last one month. The UN health body also reported an increase in hospital, and ICU admissions as well as deaths globally.in many countries, it said."With the limited information available, we are aware that JN.1 has suddenly increased in numbers around the world, and is rapidly displacing the earlier circulating sub-lineage XBB. This means that JN.1 has the ability to overcome immunity generated by prior infection, vaccination, booster, or any combinations of the above," Dr. Jayadevan said.Scientists Vinod Scaria and Bani Jolly in a post on X.com stated that JN.1s "capability for immune escape from antibodies is elicited due to prior infections or vaccines. The immune escape would mean reinfections would pick up significantly". However, "there is no evidence to suggest that JN.1 could pose a significantly more threat to public health compared to other variants in circulation", the scientist duo said, adding "the high immune escape property would mean JN.1 could out-compete other variants"."What remains to be seen is an analysis of deaths that occurred during this wave with a critical evaluation of the reasons that led to the death. At this time it appears that death was primarily caused by aggravation of existing health conditions, in otherwise frail individuals. A better picture will emerge in the coming weeks," Dr. Jayadevan said. Dr. Ishwar Gilada, Consultant in Infectious Diseases Unison Medicare and Research Centre, Mumbai called on to increase wastewater surveillance and genome sequencing in the country."With wastewater, we can predict what can happen in the next 10 to 20 days in that particular town or municipal corporation area or a big city. "Whole genome sequencing can help you know whether any new subvariant of COVID is coming," he told IANS.Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday reported the number of active COVID cases has gone up to 4,170. Three new fatalities were also reported from Karnataka.Source-IANS In the digital age, where the audience becomes the critic, the premiere of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on Netflix has triggered a wave of enthusiasm and reactions on social media. As viewers embark on the cinematic journey of three friends portrayed by Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Adarsh Gourav, the film, directed by Arjun Varain Singh has become the talk of the town. Released on December 26, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan sparked discussions and reflections among audiences who related with the films plot and issues. Netflix The film, a coming-of-age drama, explores the nuanced impact of social media on the lives of its characters, navigating the challenges that define the contemporary experiences of the younger generation. The trailer and a vibrant music album, featuring the infectious track "I Wanna See You Dance," set the stage for the movie's reception, with fans anticipating an immersive and authentic storytelling experience. As reviews poured in on Twitter, fans praised the film for its relatability and authenticity, recognizing it as a breath of fresh air in the cinematic landscape. Among the standout elements, the performances of Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Adarsh Gourav garnered special commendation. 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' is a must watch for every youngster !!! What a beautiful film ! Tum se behtar tumhara aane wala kal hain.. pic.twitter.com/ntNOEPknT8 Akshit (@CaptainGzb) December 26, 2023 kho gaye hum kahan hit so hard im questioning everything i do in my life Dhairya Kakkar (@dhairya_kakkar) December 26, 2023 Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on @NetflixIndia Forget the reviews. I dunno if they are good or bad. But, just watch. There's something so meaningful in there for everyone. Also, great music, editing, directing and cinematography and solid performances from all three main characters. /A (@ThatRedDeviL) December 26, 2023 Kho gaye hum kahan was actually so relatable and easily one of my favourite films this year. Also the friendship bw the three characters was Adarsh Sid Annie ATE. A (@mukkumishraa) December 26, 2023 Watching Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and actually really enjoying it so farstarted it with zero expectation and Im pleasantly surprised #KhoGayeHumKahan pic.twitter.com/4KUL1fNsqT Jal_Lijiye (@thakgayibhaisab) December 26, 2023 Fans, in particular, lauded Ananya Panday, expressing that "she has improved a lot," and some even went as far as calling it her "career-best performance." In fact, many were surprised by the depth of her performance. despite having a long day today i made sure to watch kho gaye hum kahan on Netflix. Definitely worth the time So realistic, raw and relatable. All three of them were so so good. Ananya has improved a lot#KhoGayeHumKahan riyaa (@RiyaaaS1210) December 26, 2023 I feel Ananya's performance definitely hits the peak with Siddhant Chaturvedi. From the newcomers roundtable to Kho gaye hum Kahan, they truly hit the spot. Heeya Sharma (@hiashawarma) December 26, 2023 Coming out of kho Gaye hum Kahan liking Ananya panday francis (@I_love_rooster) December 26, 2023 The trio of actors, Ananya, Adarsh, and Siddhant, known for their versatility and impactful roles, once again demonstrated their acting prowess in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. This was the second collaboration between Siddhant Chturvedi and Ananya Panday after Gehraiyaan. The film not only resonated with the audience for its exploration of contemporary challenges but also for its intense climax and captivating musical score. As social media users shared their opinions and reactions, it became evident that Kho Gaye Hum Kahan had struck a chord, not just as a cinematic venture but as a narrative that mirrored the experiences of many. Though the film wasnt promoted much, it seems to have left a deep imprint on the audience. The conversation online reflected the power of storytelling to evoke emotions, provoke discussions, and leave a lasting impression on the hearts of the audience. The Army has ended a major program that allowed soldiers to store their home goods and vehicles at no cost while they are away from home for extended periods of time. Army Sustainment Command, which oversees logistics for the force, discontinued the use of funds across the service to store vehicles and other goods owned by soldiers while they are deployed, Sgt. Pablo Saez, a service spokesperson, told Military.com on Wednesday. The move happened in October, but the new policy has not previously been reported in the press, with the order not widely distributed to the force. Read Next: The Top 10 Military.com News Stories of 2023 Army planners are drafting a policy that would enable storage at no cost to soldiers, though that reversal was noted only after Military.com initially inquired on the matter in early December. The service did not mention the development of the future cost-saving policy to the publication when initially contacted after the move elicited widespread scorn online. It was not immediately clear whether the funding was discontinued for all types of deployments or only for soldiers on temporary duty, or TDY. "We understand the burden this could potentially place on soldiers, and HQDA G-1 is drafting policy that would enable such storage," Saez said in a statement to Military.com. In the meantime, soldiers are authorized to store their vehicles in motor pools, which are often occupied by tactical vehicles and frequently are not covered or climate controlled. The service has long offered vouchers for soldiers to store their belongings. During deployments, some troops have historically ended their apartment leases and rented a storage locker, subsidized by the Army, to save money on rent. But in October, the Army G-1, which oversees personnel policy and is commanded by Lt. Gen. Douglas Stitt, decided current travel policies note only that a soldier's belongings "may" be stored, meaning the Army didn't have to do so, according to an internal memo from Col. Heather Carlisle, director for support operations at Army Sustainment Command. "HQDA G1, the proponent for [storage] entitlements, recently determined that the Army would no longer support [storage] entitlements because there is no Army policy explicitly authorizing storage in support of soldiers deployed for contingency operations," Carlisle said in an Oct. 23 memo. She did not return multiple requests for comment. This is one of two sudden moves from the Army's G-1 that caused ire among the rank and file and some leadership in the service. In October, sudden orders for hundreds of noncommissioned officers to immediately attend recruiting school after the Army failed to properly track how many recruiters it had and how many new ones were entering the pipeline through the school at Fort Knox, Kentucky, led to soldiers potentially being shipped out weeks before the holidays. Related: The Army Suddenly, and Chaotically, Told Hundreds of Soldiers They Have to Be Recruiters Immediately Oscoda, Michigan, has the distinction as the first community where forever chemicals were found seeping from a military installation into the surrounding community. Beginning in 2010, state officials and later residents who lived near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base were horrified to learn that the chemicals, collectively called PFAS, had leached into their rivers, lakes, and drinking water. Thirteen years later, the community is still waiting on whatever it will take to clean its water. As a result of dogged activism and pressure from government officials, the Air Force has finally taken initial steps simply to contain the chemicals. Wurtsmith is just one of hundreds of contaminated U.S. military sites. Under congressional pressure, the Defense Department has acknowledged it has a big mess to clean up. It has spent years trying to grasp the scale of the contamination and assess the costs U.S. taxpayers will shoulder to clean it all up. Further, theres no clear scientific agreement on how to destroy the chemicals, even as companies pitch their scientists best solutions in a bid for a share of billions of dollars in looming government contracts. Were really at the forefront, said Tony Spaniola, a lawyer turned activist whose family owns a home across Van Etten Lake from the former base. There has been gross mismanagement of this entire program a lot of stonewalling, a lot of foot-dragging. He added: In the meantime, this stuff is continuing to spew into groundwater continuously, into lakes, rivers. PFAS chemicals have been linked to increased cholesterol levels, preeclampsia in pregnant women, decreased birth weights, and decreased immune response to vaccines, as well as certain types of cancer. A federal study of U.S. military personnel published in July was the first to show a direct connection between PFAS and testicular cancer, and the chemicals have been linked to increased risk of kidney cancer. Pentagon Has Lacked Urgency Despite rising concerns over the potential effects of these substances, Pentagon officials have defended their use as a matter of national security, asserting in a report to Congress in August that banning them would undermine military readiness. As many as 600 active or former military installations and adjacent communities are or may be contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The chemicals are found in a bevy of products used by the U.S. military for decades, including industrial solvents, stain retardants, waterproofing compounds, and firefighting foam. While the Pentagon was aware of the potential health effects of PFAS as early as the 1970s, the individual military services didnt begin responding to PFAS pollution at bases until 2014. More than nine years into the Defense Departments work to analyze its contamination problem and plan for cleanup, frustrated advocates and community residents continue to worry about the safety of their drinking water. There hasnt been an urgency from the DOD that weve seen to actually clean up their mess, said Jared Hayes, a senior policy analyst with the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization that focuses on pollution issues nationwide. The Defense Department did not respond to questions about the pace of the cleanup or provide updated cost estimates. A spokesperson said the Pentagon is committed to addressing its PFAS contamination. The Department recognizes the importance of this issue and is committed to addressing PFAS in a deliberative, holistic, and transparent manner, Jeff Jurgensen wrote in an email to KFF Health News. Water is sampled from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, on Aug. 1, 2017. (Breanne Humphreys/U.S. Air Force) Cleanup Costs Balloon By June 30, the Defense Department had determined that 359 of 714 active and former bases and National Guard facilities were polluted with PFAS and 107 didnt meet a threshold for action. Investigations are underway at the remaining 248 sites, with nearly all results expected by years end, according to Defense Department records. Cleanup cost assessments have ballooned as the list of contaminated installations grows and researchers work to develop technologies to remove or destroy the toxic compounds. The Defense Department estimated in 2016 that the total cleanup liability only a portion of which applies to PFAS cleanup was $27.3 billion. But according to a Sept. 21 letter from 52 members of Congress, that estimate climbed to $38.7 billion by 2022. The House version of the Pentagons fiscal year 2024 funding bill includes more than $1.1 billion for cleanup of PFAS and contaminants such as PCBs, dioxins, and radiation at active and former installations, while the Senates version would boost the militarys PFAS-specific $250 million funding request by more than $67 million to address water contamination. The legislation has yet to pass, mired in congressional debate over the fiscal 2024 appropriations process. DOD has a massive backlog of cleanup at their sites and the funding just wasnt adding up. The amount of funding that they are putting toward cleaning up the problem isnt matching the need of the problem, Hayes said, referring to an analysis conducted by EWG. A November analysis of Pentagon data found that the extent of the contamination may even be broader, with tests showing thousands of samples from private wells near military installations contained levels of PFAS that the Environmental Protection Agency considers unsafe. The EPA has proposed stringent limits on multiple types of PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, in drinking water. The new standard, expected to take effect by the end of the year, would set a cap of 4 parts per trillion for those two compounds. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been evaluating its sites using a 2016 EPA health advisory of 70 parts per trillion. If the EPA limit becomes the standard, the Defense Department will need to incorporate it into the review, planning, and cleanup process, Jurgensen said. But activists, including Spaniola, are pushing the Biden administration to start the cleanup process even while investigations are ongoing. In a July memorandum, Brendan Owens, assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations, and environment, directed the Defense Department to find locations near current and former bases where PFAS can be extracted from groundwater and soil while a cleanup plan is developed. At Wurtsmith the first military site where contamination was discovered officials started by installing two groundwater treatment systems, adding to a handful of other pumps installed over the years. The two systems wont destroy the chemicals, but they will stop some of the flow of contaminated groundwater into Van Etten Lake from a landfill and a repository that once held discarded or unused equipment, according to Air Force officials. As for completely ridding the environment of PFAS chemicals, a long, bumpy road remains. Multiple Decades of Cleanup For years, the Defense Department had disposed of the chemicals by burning them in incinerators. In 2018, the Defense Department paid contractors to begin work to incinerate more than 2 million gallons of stockpiled firefighting foam. In 2021, Congress ordered the Pentagon to stop the practice in anticipation of new EPA guidelines for PFAS disposal and destruction, which the agency says it expects to update this winter, but the Pentagon lifted its moratorium on incineration on July 11. Studies have shown burning the chemicals can release toxic gases into the air. In suspending the moratorium, the Defense Department said it had found four commercially available options for effectively burning PFAS. EPA spokesperson Tim Carroll said in a statement the agency understands the Pentagon needed to provide guidance to its personnel regarding destruction and disposal of PFAS. But communities already affected by PFAS contamination should be protected when making decisions about how to dispose of the chemicals, according to the statement. EPA understands that DoD considers high temperature incinerators to be an effective destruction option, Carroll said. EPA notes that, at this time, it is difficult to determine whether high temperature incinerators are an effective PFAS destruction option because data on PFAS releases from incinerators are generally lacking. Besides incinerating waste, injecting it deep into the earth, and putting it in landfills, a number of companies are testing technologies they hope will work to destroy PFAS. Among those methods is supercritical water oxidation, known as SCWO, which oxidizes organic compounds at high temperatures. Conventional incineration plants are nowhere close to being able to destroy PFAS, said Zhuoyan Cai, director of Denmark-based Aquarden Technologies, which he said is currently in talks with U.S. companies about its SCWO technology. The PFAS is used in firefighting foam, so its highly thermally resistant, so its very difficult to just burn it away in a traditional plant. Supercritical water is essentially a fourth state of water under extremely high pressure and temperature different from ice, liquid water, and steam with special characteristics that dissolve oil and other organic compounds, including PFAS and pesticides. When wastewater is under those conditions, the salts fall away and the oils and pesticides blend into the supercritical water. Mix in oxygen and it reacts aggressively and rips the PFAS carbon bonds apart, with greater than 99.999% destruction, Cai said. A study from EPA scientists said the method could be a permanent solution for PFAS-laden wastewaters. A handful of companies are working with the Pentagon to bring mobile SCWO technology to widespread use, including Revive Environmental, a spinoff of the Ohio-based nonprofit Battelle, and 374Water, which originated from research at Duke University in North Carolina. Unfortunately, we as a society are still manufacturing and selling [PFAS] into the market. So I think the first thing we need to do is stop putting it in our ecosystem, 374Waters board chairman, Kobe Nagar, said. Its multiple decades of cleanup. Other companies are developing and testing their own approaches, using everything from ultraviolet light to plasma. Dallas-based AECOM, a consulting firm that handles PFAS response work for the U.S. military, uses electrodes to break down the chemicals by removing electrons. But Rosa Gwinn, global PFAS technical lead at AECOM, cautioned that none of these emerging technologies is a perfect response to the cleanup predicament. There is not going to be a single solution, no matter what somebody says, she said. But as industry chases billions of dollars in government contracts, towns like Oscoda linger under a cloud of health concerns with little action. Well over a decade after the discovery of the chemicals surrounding Wurtsmith, a bounty of public health warnings about PFAS exposure remain, including for drinking water, fish and wildlife, and the chemical-laced foam that still washes ashore. One site now finally being targeted is a beach with a YMCA camp for children, Spaniola said. Am I concerned for my health? Yes, he said. Am I concerned for my familys health? Yes. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. Subscribe to KFF Health News' free Morning Briefing. SEOUL, South Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised what he called achievements and victories that strengthened national power and boosted the country's prestige this year, as he opened a key political meeting to set new policy goals for 2024, state media reported Wednesday. Experts said that during this weeks year-end plenary meeting of the ruling Workers Party, North Korea would likely hype its progress in arms development because the country lacks economic achievements amid persistent international sanctions and pandemic-related economic hardships. In his opening-day speech at the meeting that began Tuesday, Kim defined 2023 as a year of great turn and great change both in name and reality, in which (North Korea) left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA said North Korea achieved a rapid advancement in its defense capabilities this year in the wake of the launch of its first military spy satellite in November and the introduction of other sophisticated weapons. KCNA said North Korea also reported a rare good harvest this year as the country finished building new irrigation systems ahead of schedule and met major agricultural state objectives. It said that modern streets, new houses and other buildings were built in Pyongyang and elsewhere across the country. According to a recent assessment by South Koreas state-run Rural Development Administration, North Koreas grain production this year was estimated at 4.8 million tons, a 6.9% increase from last years 4.5 million tons, thanks to favorable weather conditions. But the 4.8 million tons are still short by about 0.7 million tons of sufficient annual levels, as experts say North Korea needs about 5.5 million tons of grain to feed its 25 million people each year. Hong Min, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification, said that during the first day of the Workers' Party meeting, North Korea avoided publicly detailing this year's economic projects but used rhetoric to boast of its advancing military programs. The party meeting, expected to last several days, will review state projects from this year and establish new objectives for next year. In recent years, North Korea has published the results of its meeting, including Kim's closing speech, in state media on Jan. 1, allowing him to skip his New Year's Day address. Hong said that attention outside North Korea will focus what it will say about relations with the United States, China and Russia, and steps it would take to solidify Kims leadership as he turns 40 next month. Last week, North Korea test-fired its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, the solid-fueled Hwasong-18, which is designed to strike the mainland U.S. North Korea said the Hwasong-18 launch, the third of its kind this year, was meant to warn the U.S. and South Korea over their confrontational moves against North Korea. On Nov. 21, North Korea put its first military spy satellite into orbit, though outside experts question whether it can send militarily useful high-resolution imagery. The launches of the Hwasong-18 missile and the spy satellite were part of an ongoing run of weapons tests by North Korea since last year. Kim has maintained he was forced to expand his nuclear arsenal to cope with increasing hostilities from the U.S. and its allies toward the North, but foreign experts say he eventually hopes to use an enlarged arsenal to win greater outside concessions when diplomacy resumes. Last Thursday, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik told lawmakers that North Korea appeared to be speeding up its weapons testing activities to highlight its achievements in defense sectors because it lacked major progress in the economy and public livelihoods. In recent years, North Koreas fragile economy was severely battered by pandemic-related curbs, U.S.-led sanctions and the North's own mismanagement. But monitoring groups say there are no signs of a humanitarian crisis or social chaos that could threaten Kim's absolute rule at home. In August, South Koreas National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that North Koreas economy shrank each year from 2020 to 2022 and that its gross domestic product last year was 12% less than in 2016. __ Associated Press writer Jiwon Song contributed to this report. 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 For the past four years, the state of Michigan has used a collection of measures to rate its secondary schools and communicate to parents and administrators the results through an A-F grading spectrum. Its similar to what some students find on their report card, though not on the same measurement scale. Earlier this year, state lawmakers, led by Democrats for the first time in decades, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer eliminated the system, decried from the beginning by education advocates as too simple, and the recent release of the previous years school grade data marks the last time it will ever be used again. The state will instead rely entirely on the federally required Michigan School Index System. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is proposing nearly $1.4 million in fines for a Wisconsin sawmill accused of violating federal child labor laws. The agency announced the penalty against Florence Hardwoods, LLC, on Dec. 19 following an investigation into the June 29 incident at its facility that led to the death of a 16-year-old. The company, which is located across the Brule River from Michigans Upper Peninsula, produces hardwood lumber for wood finishing and molding companies. Federal officials also want to place the company in the agencys Severe Violator Enforcement Program. The DOL said the teen worker, later identified as Michael Schuls, became trapped in a stick stacker machine as he tried to unjam it. He remained trapped until he was found and freed, and then was transported to Milwaukee Childrens Hospital where he died on July 1. Federal investigators say the company was fined because management allowed several minor workers to be exposed to dangerous hazards, and to perform maintenance on equipment without training or following required safety procedures. Investigators say Florence Hardwoods employed nine children, ages 14 to 17, to illegally operate machinery, such as a chop saw, rip saw and other automated machines used to process lumber, which federal law considers hazardous occupations for workers under 18. The DOL also says three children, ages 15 to 16, suffered injuries in November 2021, July 2022 and in March with one child suffering injuries on two separate occasions. The company also employed seven children, ages 14 and 15, to work outside legally permitted hours, the DOL said. There is no excuse for allowing underage workers to operate this type of machinery, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su said in the press release. Federal child labor and safety regulations exist to prevent employers from putting children at risk. They also exist to hold employers like Florence Hardwoods accountable for endangering these young workers. But Florence Hardwoods said in a statement provided to WLUC-TV in the Upper Peninsula that the federal agencys statements are misleading and mischaracterized the situation at the sawmill. The company said that teens working on site were there as part of what we believed were formal apprenticeship programs provided through the state and local high schools, as well as internships and school to work programs set up with the local high school and Florence County Sherri's Department. The company also said that Schuls, and other youth employees worked in the planning-mill in compliance with state and federal regulations while also noting its in a separate building from the sawmill. The DOL treated the entirety of Florence Hardwoods operations as a sawmill, the statement said. Florence Hardwoods also claims its youth workers and adult workers did receive safety and lockout/tagout training contrary to the DOLs assertions. But the DOL, which has poured extensive resources into child labor investigations in 2023, has cited the company for eight willful, six repeat, 29 serious and four other-than-serious violations of federal safety and health regulations. OSHA categorized five of the willful citations as egregious the most serious violations the agency issues. Investigators also found fall, machine guarding and electrical hazard violations at the Florence sawmill, similar to infractions they were cited for in 2020, the DOL said. The company said it is now moving forward with the process, noting that the loss of Michael Schuls will remain with us forever, but his death is not due to reckless and illegal behavior. Florence Hardwoods may have made mistakes, but we did not willfully nor deliberately violate any rules or regulations, the companys statement concludes. We will move forward with the OSHA abatement process and address any deficiencies in our safety program, but we will not accept what we consider to be unfair and politically motivated actions on the part of the DOL. The day after the teens death, Florence Hardwoods removed all employees under age 18 at its facility, according to the DOL. The company has already paid $190,696 for child labor violations. ANN ARBOR, MI -- While Ann Arbor had a long list of new businesses in 2023, there were a few that closed. There were a variety of reasons behind the closures, whether businesses were feeling the brunt from the COVID-19 pandemic or struggling to hire employees. Here are a handful of businesses that closed their doors permanently this year. Related: These businesses opened in Ann Arbor in 2023 Outside Jim Brady's Ann Arbor, 205 S. Main St. on Thursday, March 25, 2021. Jim Bradys Jim Bradys ended its time in downtown Ann Arbor at the beginning of the year. Owner Tom Brady announced the closure of the restaurant at 209 S. Main St. on Jan. 4. The business was known for its seafood options as well as its downtown-Detroit feel. The restaurant got its start in downtown Ann Arbor in December 2018. Despite the Ann Arbor closure, Jim Bradys still operates its Royal Oak location. Jim Bradys Ann Arbor to permanently close, owner says MLive file photo of Verbena in Ann Arbor. Katie McLean | The Ann Arbor News ANN ARBOR NEWSANN ARBOR NEWS Verbena Ann Arbor lost a retail spot this year with Verbenas exit from the city. Verbena, 309 S. State St., was a clothing store focused on junior womens clothing that opened in 2014 with the help of father-daughter duo Kate Ryan and Bob Duerksen. The owners announced in January their plans to close Verbena by the end of February. They attributed reduced traffic from sidewalk construction and the COVID-19 pandemic as reasons for their decision. Ann Arbor clothing store announces upcoming closure The exterior at Angelo's, 1100 E. Catherine St. in Ann Arbor, on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. The diner has been an Ann Arbor institution since 1956.J. Scott Park | MLive.com Angelos Restaurant Angelos has become a pillar in Ann Arbor after spending nearly seven decades in the city. Despite 67 years, the restaurant at 1100 Catherine St. is closing in December after owner Stephen Vangelatos decision to sell it for $4.5 million to the University of Michigan. Closing after almost 70 years, Angelos Restaurant stirs up a mix of emotions in Ann Arbor Angelos Restaurant to close as University of Michigan plans $4.5M purchase The front of Ray's Red Hots at 629 E. University Ave. on Thursday, June 9. Rays Red Hots Ann Arborites have one less spot to get a hot dogs following the closure of Rays Red Hots. Owner Ray Johnston shared in June that the restaurant at 629 E. University Ave. had been closed for months. The reason, he said, was because he was struggling to hire and retain employees. Despite the closure, Johnston at the time said he was in talks with potential buyers interested in taking over the business that opened in 2009. Rays Red Hots in Ann Arbor has closed, but it may be sold to new owners The location at 332 S. Main St. in downtown Ann Arbor on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.Makayla Coffee KouZina Greek Street Food Downtown Ann Arbor also lost a place to get quick Greek food in 2023. The business at 332 S. Main St. closed in downtown Ann Arbor while owing around $39,000 to its landlord, according to district court records. However, Owner Bobby Laskaris said the business left its location following the end of its lease. He stated the high rent for the property, lack of support during the COVID-19 pandemic and road closures were to blame. Laskaris is still doing catering in the meantime and continues to operate his location in Royal Oak. KouZina Greek Street Food shutters while facing eviction in Ann Arbor 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. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Washtenaw County had its most violent year in the past decade, according to medical examiner records. The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner performed autopsies on 22 people whose deaths were ruled a homicide in 2023, according to Kristin La Maire, an administrative assistant in the medical examiners office. This year had the highest number of homicides since 2013, according to previous medical examiner reports. For comparison, Washtenaw County had 13 homicides in 2022 and 21 in 2021. A homicide is defined as the death of a person that can be directly attributed to the actions of another person. Many of the homicides occurred during the summer, with 12 people being killed in a nine-week span. At one point, someone in the county had been killed by another person for four consecutive Thursdays. Read more: 11 people have been killed in Washtenaw County since June 1. Whats behind the rise in homicides? Although the medical examiners office reported 22 homicides, MLive/The Ann Arbor News reported on just 19. It is unclear when and where the other three homicides occurred. Police have not released information on these homicides. Read more: I dont feel safe. Washtenaw County shaken by violent year Here are where the majority of cases from 2023 happened and where they are in the court process: 6 1 / 6 Fatal shooting in parking lot off Airport Boulevard near Ann Arbor Andrea Grant Andrea Grant, 50, was found fatally shot outside The Den physical training center in the 3700 block of Plaza Drive on Thursday, Jan. 19, according to the Pittsfield Township Police Department. Grant was a mother of two and ran track during her time at Madonna University, according to her obituary. The man wanted in connection with Grants death, 59-year-old Michael Anthony Elinski, was found dead in his car in Clare on Jan. 20. Elinksi was Grants former boyfriend. Records obtained by the MLive/The Ann Arbor News from the Pittsfield Township Police Department through a Freedom of Information Act request reveal a waterproofing business, a breakup and mental health struggles were factors in the fatal shooting. Woman fatally shot outside Ann Arbor was beloved mother, mentor Man wanted in Ann Arbor-area homicide found dead Waterproofing business, breakup at heart of homicide outside Ann Arbor-area gym 16-year-old boy A 16-year-old boy was found dead of alleged medical neglect on Jan. 31, in his bedroom at his home in the 8200 block of Eaton Drive in Salem Township. He reportedly died of complications of ulcerative colitis caused by weeks to months of medical neglect. Cheryl DAngola, 50, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse before 14-A1 District Court Magistrate Elisha Fink on Oct. 27. DAngola died Nov. 21, with an early investigation revealing her death was caused by medical complications. Woman charged with homicide in sons death dies at Washtenaw County Jail 41-year-old man A 41-year-old Ypsilanti man died while restrained by a family member around 11 a.m. Feb. 13, according to an autopsy report from the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner. The man was restrained for roughly five seconds after a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation, according to the report. He died of a cardiac event while being restrained. It is unclear where in Washtenaw County the death took place, although the report notes the presence of a Pittsfield Township Police detective during the autopsy. Police did not respond to a request for comment on the death. It is unclear if there are pending charges for the incident. 11 1 / 11 Candlelight vigil honors the death of Ann Arbor community leader Jude Walton Jude Walton Jude Walton, 51, was found dead in her home in the 200 block of Chapin Street on Thursday, April 13, by Ann Arbor police who were called to do a well-being check at her home. The home had evidence of a break-in, according to police. Surveillance footage showed Ricky McCain, 54, entering Waltons home shortly after midnight on Thursday, April 13, according to police. McCain is set to head to trial on charges of felony murder, first-degree home invasion and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. He is next set to appear in court on Jan. 23, before Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Carol Kuhnke and is currently being held in the Washtenaw County Jail without bond. Records detail slaying of Ann Arbor woman Jude Walton Man heading to trial on felony murder charge for death of Ann Arbor community leader Jude Walton, slain Ann Arbor community leader, remembered for welcoming spirit The rock at Jackson High School is painted in memory of English teacher Alyson Doulos as seen on Monday, March 20, 2023. Doulos, 48, was found dead in an Ypsilanti Township apartment on Monday, March 13, by officers from the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office. The incident is being investigated as a homicide, police said.J. Scott Park | jpark4@mlive.com Alyson Doulos Alyson Doulos, 48, was found dead in an apartment on March 13 by Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office deputies. Officers had been called for a welfare check to Schooner Cove Apartments in the 5000 block of Bosuns Way in Ypsilanti Township. After attempting to locate Doulos, deputies then forced entry into the apartment, where they found her dead. Charles Gamez, 41, was bound over to the Washtenaw County Trial Court on charges of open murder and unlawfully driving away at a hearing on Oct. 2 before 14-A1 District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson. Detectives said they believe Doulos died the evening of March 11, the last time phone records show Doulos and Gamez together, according to transcripts of the swear-to hearing obtained by MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Records detail brutal slaying of Jackson High teacher Woman found dead in Ypsilanti Township apartment identified as Jackson High teacher Man charged with killing Jackson High School teacher heads to trial Donrell Canda, father of 3-year-old Tristan Canda, was killed in a shooting around 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, near his home in the 2500 block of Sandalwood Circle in Ann Arbor. Canda was 24 years old.Provided by Fawn Martin Donrell Canda Donrell Canda, 24, was killed around 10 p.m. Sunday, June 4, as he was walking up to his home in the 2500 block of Sandalwood Circle in Ann Arbor. Sekou Conde, 22, allegedly confronted and shot Canda, then followed him into his home and fired more shots, according to Ann Arbor police. A 23-year-old woman and Candas 3-year-old son were inside the home at the time. The pair knew each other, although the motive is unclear, police said. Conde, also from Ann Arbor, was arraigned June 6 in the 15th District Court on charges of open murder, first-degree home invasion, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and two counts of felony firearm. Ann Arbor 24-year-old killed in shooting had a big heart, family says Man fatally shot in Ann Arbor remembered as light in this world Man, 22, charged with murder in fatal shooting of Ann Arbor man Jermaine Denzmore Jermaine Denzmore, 39, was fatally shot around 1:40 a.m. Sunday, June 18, in the 100 block of Stevens Drive in Ypsilanti Township. Police said they believe the incident stemmed from an argument that escalated as officers were responding. Denzmore, of Ecorse, had been shot by the time officers arrived, police said. Martez Robinson, 35, was arraigned in the 14B District Court on June 20 on one count each of open murder, fleeing a police officer and carrying a concealed weapon. He was bound over to the Washtenaw County Trial court on all three counts in October. Robinson is next set to appear in court on Jan. 3. Man fatally shot in Ypsilanti Township as police responded to late-night argument Man accused in Washtenaw County homicide claims he acted in self defense Jason Gregory, 18, was found on the side of westbound I-94 with a gunshot wound to the head, according to police. Gregory had recently moved to Michigan from Alabama.Provided by Morgan Gregory Jason Gregory Jason Gregory, 18, was fatally shot in the early hours of June 21 on westbound I-94 near Parker Road in Lima Township. Michigan State Police troopers were originally called to the area around 3:30 a.m. for a report of a single-vehicle crash. When they arrived, troopers found the driver was bleeding from his head and that the blood inside the vehicle was consistent with a car crash, Michigan State Police Det. Sgt. Jeff Frasier told Magistrate Elisha Fink at a swear-to hearing on June 27. Gregory had recently moved to Michigan from Alabama. Kendall Lloyd Newbern, 16, was charged as an adult with open murder, armed robbery, assault with intent to rob while armed and larceny from a person. He was arraigned in the 14A District Court on June 27. Newbern is from Ann Arbor, according to Michigan State Police. Newbern was denied bond. Teen accused in fatal I-94 shooting found competent to stand trial 18-year-old victim in I-94 death was shot in the head, court records reveal Officials identify 16-year-old charged with murder in I-94 death 18-year-old fatally shot on freeway moved to Michigan to become an electrician 5 1 / 5 Homicide at Arbordale Apartments Jason Strickland Jason Strickland, 56, was killed around 4 a.m. Thursday, June 22, in his home in the 1000 block of Arbordale Street in Ann Arbor. Strickland was found by police with multiple gunshot wounds. Police are investigating the death as a homicide, but have not made any arrests as of Dec. 15. They said they do not believe the incident was random. No other information has been released about the investigation or a suspect. Ann Arbor police identify man killed in Ann Arbor Neighbors of homicide victim concerned about violence, drug use at Ann Arbor complex Terence Burks, left, Lakeeda Abdullah, center, and Tyrese Burks, right, pose for a family photo. Tyrese Burks, 20, was killed in June 2023.Provided by Shade Abdullah Tyrese Burks and Dallas Williams Tyrese Burks, 20, and Dallas Williams, 16, were killed in a quadruple shooting around 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 27, in the 800 block of George Place in Ypsilanti Township. The shooting also injured a 14-year-old and 19-year-old. Burks was from the Ypsilanti area. It is unclear where Williams was from. Tamar Young, 19, was arraigned in 14B District Court June 30 on two charges of open murder, two charges of assault with intent to murder, four counts of the use of a firearm in a felony and four charges in relation to discharging a weapon in or at a building causing death or injury. Young, of Ypsilanti, is set to next appear in court on Jan. 25. Man charged with two counts of murder in Ypsilanti Township slaying 16-year-old and 20-year-old die from injuries in Ypsilanti-area shooting 4 people, including 3 teen brothers, injured in shooting Fugitive team arrests man wanted for shooting 4, killing 2 in Ypsilanti Quadruple shooting has made neighborhood a stronger community, residents say Darian Taylor Darian Taylor, 30, of Ypsilanti, was killed in a shooting around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, in the 9000 block of MacArthur Boulevard in Superior Township. Washtenaw County Sheriff Offices deputies were originally called to the area for reports of shots fired with a man down, police said. When police arrived, they found Taylor and began to render aid. Taylor died of his injuries, police said. Angelo Weems, 34, was arraigned July 2 in the 14-A1 District Court before Magistrate Elisha Fink on charges of open murder, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of ammunition by a felon and felony firearm in relation to the shooting. Weems waived his preliminary examination during a hearing before 14-A1 District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson on Thursday, Dec. 7. Man charged in fatal Washtenaw County shooting heads to trial Police identify 30-year-old man killed in Washtenaw County shooting Woman charged as codefendant in Washtenaw County homicide to appear in court Woman charged as codefendant in fatal shooting headed to trial Ari Clarke, pictured here with his niece, was fatally stabbed on July 4, 2023.Provided by Katlin Nichols Ari Clarke Ari Clarke, 22, was killed in a stabbing that occurred at 11:58 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, in the 800 block of Green Road in Ypsilanti. Clarkes name was not released by police but was confirmed by court records. Clarke was born in Tampa, Florida, but graduated from Howell High School in 2018, according to an obituary published by Sharp Funeral Homes. He enjoyed creating music, especially rap, according to family members. James Lee Trussell, 19, was arraigned in connection with the incident on Friday, July 7, on the charge of open murder before Magistrate James Cameron in the 14A District Court. He was bound over to circuit court on one charge of open murder by Washtenaw County 14-A1 District Court Judge Karl Barr on Nov. 7. The incident was spurred by an argument between Trussell and Clarke, according to testimony at the arraignment hearing. Trussell, of Ann Arbor, is next set to appear in court on Jan. 31, before Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Patrick Conlin. There was blood everywhere. Girlfriend of man fatally stabbed in Ypsilanti testifies Victim of fatal Fourth of July stabbing identified as 22-year-old from Howell 19-year-old charged with murder in fatal Ypsilanti stabbing Amira ONeill, 44, was fatally stabbed early Thursday, July 6, in the 2000 block of International Drive in Ypsilanti Township.Provided by Alexis O'Neill Amira Oneill Amira Oneill, 44, was killed in fatal stabbing that turned into a barricaded suspect situation early on Thursday, July 6, in the 2000 block of International Drive in Ypsilanti Township. Oneill, of Ann Arbor, a transgender woman, was originally identified by police as a man. Ronnie Magbray, 27, was arraigned on one charge of open murder and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon on July 10 before Magistrate James Cameron in the 14B District Court. Magbray, of Ann Arbor, allegedly stabbed Oneill and then barricaded himself in a male friends apartment. The friend, who left the apartment building during the standoff, has been charged with accessory after the fact to a felony. Police have said he was not involved with the stabbing. Magbray was referred to a competency exam on Tuesday, Nov. 14, during a hearing before 14B District Court Judge Erane Washington. He is next set to appear in court Jan. 23. She loved people: Victim of Washtenaw County stabbing remembered for generosity Hiding behind my refrigerator: Barricaded man puts Ypsilanti-area residents on guard Man accused of killing woman to undergo competency examination Clifford Williams Clifford Williams, 60, was reportedly fatally stabbed by his son during a family dispute around 10:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 13. Police were called to the 1700 block of Devon Street in Superior Township that evening for a report of an unconscious man outside with multiple wounds, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office. Deputies provided medical aid, but Williams died from his injuries, police said. Williams worked as a sewing machine operator at Commercial Group Lifting Products and attended Calvary Bible Church, 8318 Carpenter Road in Ypsilanti, according to an obituary on Stark Funeral Professionals. Shaquille Williams, 27, was ordered to undergo a competency exam during a July 27 hearing before Judge J. Cedric Simpson in the 14A District Court. The hearing for the results of the exam are set for Jan. 10. Man accused of fatally stabbing father to undergo competency exam Man accused of stabbing father 22 times charged with murder Devaughn Morgan Devaughn Morgan, 28, was reportedly fatally shot in the area of westbound M-14 and Earhart Road around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18. When Michigan State Police troopers were called to the area, they found a Detroit man in a vehicle with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Jlon Alantae Johnson, 23, was arraigned on one charge each of open murder, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearm on Nov. 22 before 14-A1 District Court Magistrate Elisha Fink. Johnson allegedly shot the victim 16 times in the face and head, Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor Ashley Londy said during the arraignment. He is next set to appear in court on Jan. 11. Man accused of shooting victim 16 times near M-14 charged with murder Police investigate fatal shooting of 28-year-old man near Ann Arbor 9 1 / 9 Police respond to report of active shooter in Saline Amber Jo Thomas Amber Jo Thomas, 40, of Lenawee County was fatally shot around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3, near the Linden Square Assisted Living Center, 650 Woodland Drive East, in Saline. Thomas and a male acquaintance had been walking to her car in the parking lot of the UAW Local 892 next to the assisted living center when the womans ex-boyfriend opened fire, said Saline Chief of Police Marlene Radzik. Barry Garza, 58, was charged in her death in early August. He waived his preliminary examination on Dec. 21 in a hearing before 14-A1 District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson, sending his case to the Washtenaw County Trial Court. Garza is next set to appear in court Jan. 9, before Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Carol Kuhnke. Man charged with fatally shooting ex-girlfriend in Saline heads to trial Woman shot by ex-boyfriend in Saline has died, police say Woman in critical condition after being shot by ex-boyfriend in Saline, police say Dennis Craig McDougal Dennis Craig McDougal, 76, died at Trinity Health St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital on June 20. His death was ruled a homicide on Sept. 27 after a report from the medical examiner, according to Ann Arbor Police Det. Bonnie Theil. Conditions that contributed to McDougals death included sepsis, pneumonia, medical neglect, malnutrition and long bone fractures, according to the report. Charges have been submitted to the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office, but have not been authorized, Theil said. Death of 76-year-old Ann Arbor man ruled homicide caused by neglect, malnutrition Matthew Allgood, left, standing with his mother Cindy Gochis, right.Provided by Collin Preston Cindy Gochis Cindy Gochis, 49, was found dead of a gunshot wound around 2:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, in her home in the 100 block of Elmwood Court, Saline. Saline police originally were called to the home for a welfare check. Jeffery Ray Long, 55, was charged with one count each of open murder and felony firearm on Oct. 23 before 14-A1 District Court Magistrate Elisha Fink. Long had previously been in a relationship with Gochis, according to police. Long shot Gochis in the back and the head before taking her car to Indiana, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Blanch said during the arraignment hearing. He was extradited from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Long was ordered to undergo the exam on Dec. 21 in a hearing before 14-A1 District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson. Man charged in fatal shooting of Saline woman to undergo competency exam Woman found fatally shot in Saline home remembered as shining light Woman found dead in Saline basement was fatally shot, police say Woman found dead in Saline basement was killed in domestic-related homicide, police say Man arraigned on open murder in death of Saline woman found in her home Jermaine Javon Wright Jermaine Javon Wright, 43, was fatally stabbed at the Days Inn by Wyndham Ann Arbor, 2380 Carpenter Road in Pittsfield Township, around 4:30 a.m. on Nov. 16. Wright is from Inkster, police said. When Pittsfield Township police officers arrived, they found Wright unconscious with an apparent stab wound to the chest. He was taken to the hospital, but later died of his injuries, police said. Litara Sheila Jones, 40, of Ypsilanti Township, was arraigned on one charge of open murder before 14-A1 District Court Magistrate Tamara Garwood on Nov. 18. Jones is next set to appear in court Jan. 4. Woman charged with murder in fatal Ann Arbor-area hotel stabbing 1 killed in Ann Arbor-area hotel stabbing GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A Grand Rapids-area couple face felony charges in Florida after a teen fell to his death from a fourth-floor condominium balcony in April, Jeremiah and Susan Benedict were charged with the offense, child neglect with great bodily harm, in early September. Their next court date is a Feb. 12 pretrial conference. The teen who died was 17-year-old Anthony Holman, a Forest Hills Eastern student, according to a WZZM-TV report. A police report obtained by MLive/The Grand Rapids Press from the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Department showed that the Benedicts in April had rented a fourth-floor room at a condominium building in Destin, Florida. Holman was there with the Benedicts and others and did not have family with him. Sheriffs investigators said he was under the care of the Benedicts. Police think he fell from the balcony between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on April 4. Jeremiah Benedict, 44, allegedly told police the he and his wife were away from the fourth-floor condo room until about 11:30 p.m. or midnight April 3. He said they were aware that teens were on the balcony. Susan Benedict, 43, told investigators there was beer in the refrigerator and she knew that teens in the room were taking a couple a couple here and there. She told police she was trying to discourage them. An 18-year-old nephew of the Benedicts was on the trip and told investigators that he and Holman were drinking that night and had a lot of beer. He described himself to police as being pretty drunk. The nephew told police that Holman, at one point, was out cold when he tried to wake him to deactivate a Bluetooth speaker. Investigators asked the nephew if he thought Holman was drunk enough to have fallen from the balcony. I dont know, probably, the nephew replied, according to the police report. Investigators, in the police report, said they found photos on a cell phone that showed Holman sitting on a couch on the balcony with a liquor bottle and shot glasses on a table in front of him. The photos were taken about midnight. An autopsy later showed that Holmans blood-alcohol level was 0.206, which is more than twice the legal driving limit in Michigan. Police claimed the Benedicts were negligent. The defendant and co-defendant failed in their responsibility as the victims caregivers to provide supervision and care to maintain the victims physical health, an investigator wrote. Efforts to reach Jeremiah Benedict or the couples attorney were not successful Tuesday. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Police arrested a man in an overnight stabbing in the 1000 block of College Avenue NE near Cedar Street. The victim was in stable condition. Grand Rapids police responded around 3 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, to a report of a man with a head injury. Once officers were on scene, they determined that the victim had been stabbed. Police soon arrested a suspect. The circumstances surrounding the stabbing remain under investigation, Grand Rapids police said. VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI -- A Southwest Michigan man faces a charge of open murder in the death of his ex-girlfriend, according to court records and a family member of the woman killed last week. Gregory Jose Campos II, 33, faces charges including open murder in Brittany Lynn Howards death on Saturday, Dec. 23, at a residence in the 46000 block of County Road 665 in Waverly Township, about 16 miles west of Kalamazoo. Our snowy days have been few and far between so far this year, and its become a huge topic of conversation: Will we be seeing any snow in the near future? The current forecast says we have a few chances within the next couple of weeks. The first chance for snow is going to be at the end of this week, but its not anything major. Some scattered snow showers may be around on New Years Eve throughout the day, but it wont be enough for any substantial accumulation. Snow showers are going to be most likely to occur in the Upper Peninsula, though the chances extend down into Lower Michigan. Northern Lower and Central Lower Michigan look to be the most likely areas to see snow farther south. The next chance for snow is going to come after the new year. A low pressure system is going to move by Michigan from the north, bringing the possibility for light snow mainly to Northern Michigan on the Wednesday after New Years. The Upper Peninsula will see the greatest chance for snowfall with this system, though northern Lower Michigan may also get a chance at snow. Another low pressure system on the Thursday following New Years will bring us the next chance for a snowy day. The system will move into the Great Lakes region from the south, this time bringing the greatest chance for snowfall to the Lower Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula may still see some snowfall, but it will be more on the scattered side. Changes in the lows track as we get closer to the day will determine who sees the most snow, or just rain - depending on the temperature at the time. Snow chances continue into that Friday as well, with another system following Thursdays. This next system will bring snowfall to the entire state as the day progresses, with precipitation moving from north to south across Michigan. Similar to the system on Thursday, changes to the lows track will change who ends up seeing snow in the end. Snow showers will linger into the Saturday after New Years as the system moves out of the area. Scattered snow will be around across the entire state, though the greatest chances for snow will be in Lower Michigan. Snow showers will wind down by the end of the day on Saturday. Once we get past the New Year, our shots at snowfall are going to be on the rise. Hopefully it will finally start to look like winter for folks who want to get out and enjoy some snow this season. Gina Idan 26.12.2023 LISTEN A Ghanaian gospel artiste based in the US, Gina Idan has advised musicians not to focus only on producing songs in their local dialect but to equally pay attention to English songs in order to gain global acceptance. Her comments come at the back of a recent suggestion by celebrated Nigerian gospel artiste, Nathaniel Bassey to Ghanaians. Nathaniel Bassey in a concert held in Ghana recently urged Ghanaian gospel musicians to write songs in English. 'I know you love your local dialect, Twi, but there is an anointing on you and the world needs to hear your songs, Nathaniel Bassey urged. Gina Idan who recently released her single in an interview with the DAILY GUIDE said I think those who have issues with our brother's advice have failed to situate the advice in its proper context. Nathaniel is a big artiste whose music continues to gain global attention partly due to the use of English or a blend of English and his local dialect. The gospel artiste said Statista shows that English is the most-spoken language with over 1.4 billion speakers across the globe. This statistics she explained gives English songs wider market and audience compared to songs produced in local dialects. She added that though there were a number of songs from Africa in the local dialects that have gained international recognition, musicians cannot discount how English language transcends cultures and geographical boundaries. 'We can all observe that a lot of musicians in recent times have made attempts to translate their songs in local dialect to English in most music videos. Translating the song into English has far reaching consequences that will not only attract and impact more people but will also go a long way to influence people beyond the local setting, she added. She however stressed that singing in English alone has little or no effect in the global music stage if it lacks elements of quality music and good promotion. Gina Idan who is promoting her single titled 'Wo So' is the host of Thanksgiving Worship, an annual gospel concert organised as part of activities to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday in the US state of Georgia. 'Wo So' translated You're Great, produced by the multi-talented Ghanaian sound engineer, Morris Babyface has a reggae upbeat that eulogizes God's supremacy and sovereignty. The song is available on all popular digital music platforms. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the "Beyond the Return" Secretariat and the Ghana Enterprise Agency, meticulously held round table discussion, fostering an empowering dialogue for women entrepreneurs in trade and tourism. This breakfast and the subsequent round table discourse unfolded under the resounding theme, "Nurturing Strength in Diversity - Building the Capacity of Women Entrepreneurs in Trade and Tourism." Stepping onto the platform, Mr.Akwasi Agyeman the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority articulated the collaborative decision, reached in conjunction with influential women in tourism and the Ghana Enterprise Agency, to celebrate December in Ghana with a purposeful breakfast gathering. The goal was to convene women, both local and from the diaspora, for an enriching round table session, strategically aimed at empowering women. In recognizing the impactful partnership, the CEO acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Ghana Enterprise Agency and extended gratitude to CEO Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing women in tourism and trade. The CEO further highlighted the significance of the round table, seeking to explore avenues for collaboration and empowerment. Noteworthy dignitaries gracing the platform included the distinguished Regina Martins, Vice Mayor of North Lauderdale, Miami-Florida, USA, and the esteemed Ambassador Nancy Sam, Tourism Ambassador of Miami Dade County, USA. Additionally, Vice President of ECOWAS Tourism Private Sector, Confederation Copitur, Cederao, HE Dean Roberts Jr. appointed by President Biden as Commissioner for Continental International Governance and Peace, DR. Arko Elizabeth UN Diplomat on special matters, Hon.Dr Ann Marie Sorrell Chair of the Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District enriched the gathering with their invaluable presence. Acknowledging the Queen Mothers Foundation, their integral role in the grassroots initiatives and their unifying efforts within the realm of tourism, was emphasized. Their contribution to the broader vision of the authority in fostering unity among women was duly recognized and celebrated. This inclusive gathering saw the participation of dignitaries who brought a global perspective, further fortifying the commitment to empowering women in trade and tourism on both national and international fronts. A US-based Ghanaian Lucy Dompreh who is also a native of Akrofuom in the Akrofuom district of the Ashanti Region has donated educational items to some 100 kids in the district. She also seized the opportunity to fete the kids as part of the Christmas festivities. The educational items which included mathematical sets, books, pencils, pens, etc were given to the students who had excelled in their respective classes at the end of the term. The beneficiaries were drawn from schools like the Akrofuom Methodist, Akrofuom RC, Akrofuom D/A, Okyerekrom D/A, Nkoransah D/ A and Mensenso D/A. Presenting the items in the presence of an enthusiastic crowd which included the District Chief Executive for the area Dr. Maurice Jonas Woode, the Member of Parliament for the Akrofuom constituency Hon. Alex Blankson, teachers and the beneficiary students, Miss Lucy Dompreh said she has been doing such programs for the past 19years drawing inspiration from her resolve to promote education in the area. In an interview with the media, she said she started by supporting the girl child to realize the importance of pursuing education to the highest level. This she said paid off hence decided to extend it to include boys and also expand the number of beneficiaries. She lauded the District Chief Executive and the Member of Parliament for supporting the program in the past few years. "The DCE and Mp have also supported the program knowing its significance in motivating the kids to strive for academic excellence," she stated. Brilliant WASSCE graduates Awarded Two former students of the Akrofuom Senior High Technical School were awarded for their excellent results in the 2023 WASSCE. The students, Agyini Sadia and Wilfred Grant scored an aggregate 9 and 8 respectively. Edward Sarpong, a citizen of Akrofuom domiciled in the US donated GHS1000 each to the two students. This was to recognize them for the successes chalked and motivate them to achieve more laurels in education. The Chief Executive for the Akrofuom district Dr. Maurice Jonas Woode applauded the students for the feat. He said their excellent results lend credence to the fact that the school has what it takes to compete with other big schools. "Gone are the days when students and teachers refuse admission and postings to the Akrofuom Senior High Technical School. This feat by the two students is to cure all the misconceptions some people have about the school," he stated. He said he is working tirelessly with the Member of Parliament for the area to secure scholarships for the students to encourage them and relieve their parents of any financial stress. He also lauded Madam Lucy Dompreh for her annual donation and party for the kids in the area. He added that it will further boost education in the district and increase competition among school kids. On his part Hon. Alex Blankson, the Member of Parliament for the Akrofuom constituency commended Lucy Dompreh for her benevolence and love for kids. He said the gesture forms part of other incentives lined up by other stakeholders in the area to improve education at Akrofuom. He admonished the school kids to take their education seriously. He said he has rolled out a program to distribute mathematical sets to BECE candidates and has been supporting first year Senior High School boarding students from the constituency with mattresses, chop boxes and tranks. " I want you to learn hard and climb the academic ladder to benefit from these initiatives that have been running for the past 3 years," he ended. Reaction from teachers motivated me to excel Agyini Sadia, who scored an aggregate 9 in the 2023 WASSCE shared her story with the media. She said she was motivated to do more in her studies due to a sad situation she witnessed where her teachers felt disappointed in the results of her predecessors. She said she resolved to learn hard and pass her exams to bring smiles back on the faces of her teachers. On her next move, Sadia who said she aspires to be a Lawyer said, she hopes to get admission into the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to pursue a law course. "This will be a dream come true," she stated. The people and chiefs of Manyoro in the Kassena-Nankana East Municipality of the Upper East Region held their annual Fao Kuri Festival Health Walk over the weekend. The health walk, the third in the series, saw participants walk from the palace of the overlord of Manyoro through Natugnia to the palace of the paramount chief of Sirigu in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Senior citizens who defied the chilly weather conditions and participated in the health walk were Azakem Wembi, from Yiakolo community, Kwowujei Kadunga from Dambisi community, Nyaba Adata from Gware community; and Robert Awolugutu, a retired prison officer from the Wura community. Spinners mounted on a truck with loudspeakers provided music for the participants, who took advantage of it to dance and socialise. The songs mostly praise the overlord of the Manyoro traditional area, His Royal Highness, Pe Dr. Pakweaa Atudiwe Atudipaare Manchi III, for his exemplary and progressive leadership. Asked about the significance of the health walk, the overlord of the Manyoro traditional area, who is also a law lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, said, The health walk is important because a healthy mind lies in a healthy body. Its also meant to engender some kind of exercise or fitness culture among the youth, the elderly, women, and children to ensure that the people stay mentally and physically great to do their work. He further explained that Modern medicine supports the view that exercise promotes health and longevity. Mr. Denis Kwopia Yawulga, secretary to the overlord of Manyoro was impressed with the larger number of people who turned out for the health walk and urged the people to close their ranks and forge a united front for the accelerated development of the area. All hands must be on deck, he said. The fitness walk to the Sirigu paramountcy took two hours. At the forecourt of the palace of the Sirigu paramount chief, there was a short display of some of the cultural and traditional practices of the Manyoro people by the female participants, which drew admiration, laughter, and cheers from curious onlookers. The palace authorities in Sirigu welcomed the Health Walk group and provided water for participants to quench their thirst after covering a distance of about six kilometres. Pe Jantiti Wasajei, chief of Wura who was mandated to speak on behalf of the group, said the visit to the Sirigu paramount chiefs palace was to strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation between their people and also to honour the paramount chief, His Royal Highness Naa Atogumdeya Rowland Akwara III for being the first to initiate such a health walk in that part of the Kassena Nankana Municipality. We are in no way competing with the Sirigu paramountcy. We embraced and replicated his health walk idea because of its benefits, he said. The palace authorities in Sirigu lamented that they could not give a better treatment as they would have wished because they were not privy to the visit by the health walk group from Manyoro. They prayed for a safe return to Manyoro. The health walk exercise precedes the Fao Kuri festival, which will be commemorated on the 27th of December, 2023 to honour our ancestors for their sacrifices and blessings as well as thank the gods of the land for a bountiful harvest. The CEO of Masloc, Hajia Abibata Shani Mahama Zakaria has filed nomination forms to contest the NPP primaries in the Yendi constituency. She filed her nomination forms on 25th December 2023, amid pomp and pageantry. She will be coming face to face with the incumbent Member of Parliament for the constituency and son of former Vice President Umar Farouk Aliu Mahama. There was a huge crowd accompanying her filing, with many sympathisers wearing T-shirts, embossed with her photos. The milling crowd was charged and showcased traditional dancing prowess. This will be the second time Hajia Abibata will be contesting against the incumbent. In the last primaries, which was hotly contested, she lost to the incumbent by a slim margin of 34 votes. It has been rumoured that she is in pole position to unseat Mr. Farouk Mahama, due to what some community members describe as his failure to touch base with the constituents. "We will vote for Hajia.. she is kind and very affable", a charged sympathiser announced. According to another delegate, "Hajia responds to our calls even though we didn't vote for her the last time... I am a delegate, and my vote is for Hajia". Hon. Augustine Collins Ntim 27.12.2023 LISTEN Some NPP activists from the Offinso North Constituency in the Ashanti Region have admonished the incumbent Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Local Government Decentralization and Rural Development, Hon. Augustine Collins Ntim to step aside and allow a new face to represent the constituency in the 2024 general elections. Delegates of the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP) in the Constituency have also been cautioned against re-electing Hon. Ntim as parliamentary candidate or risk losing the seat to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 parliamentary elections The warning comes after a 'thorough research' was conducted by some stalwarts in the governing party at the Constituency level regarding the electoral fortunes of the party, the outcome of which reveals doom in the future with the Hon. Ntim leading as PC. In a statement released to the media, Lead Researcher and a die-hard party Loyalist in Offinso North Mr Reindolf Appiah Boateng explained that the discovery obtained from the exercise directly links to their near defeat during the 2020 elections. He said the NPP won by a poor record 48.70%, marking its lowest ever in the history of elections for the Offinso North Constituency with the Deputy local government minister as their candidate. Mr. Reindolf Appiah Boateng also implored the deputy minister to emulate his predecessor, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku by voluntarily pulling out of the contest this year to allow a new face if he wants the NPP to retain the seat "Mr Hon AC Ntim for the betterment of the Offinso North NPP and the parliamentary voting history for NPP kindly step back as Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku did for you and let's new face take over to save the parliamentary voting history for NPP in the Offinso North constituency", the statement read in part. There have been series of public protests and agitations from a cross-section of members of the NPP within the constituency over the years, expressing their disappointment over the MP's inability to help fix infrastructural and local economic challenges after 16 years as MP for the area. This according to Mr Reindolf has translated into the outcome of previous elections with a consistent decline in results from 61% in 2000 by Dr Kofi Apraku to as low as 48% by Hon A.C Ntim in 2020, signaling a looming defeat in 2024. The internal researcher further revealed that about 25% of the NPP support base decided not to participate or engage in a skirt and blouse voting in the last election. He added that "last minute monetary inducement by the MP and his team" where 10% reversed their decision to save the party from defeat. "Spending 16 good years in parliament is good enough for him to achieve whatever he wants to achieve for the Offinso North constituency, even the father of NPP in Offinso North constituency Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku spent 12 years in parliament and he brought him (Hon. AC Ntim) during the 2008 election to take over, that was when Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku noticed that he going to lose the 2008 election if he should contests again", Mr. Reindolf intimated. According to him, records available indicate that Hon A.C Ntim in all his four terms as MP has always gone unopposed at the party level with unflinching support. However, many believe his stewardship has been nothing much with countless and ceaseless calls, particularly from the Afrancho community which has been identified as the party's 'world bank' to give up contesting again as MP. Meanwhile, two famous individuals within the constituency who are also identified with the ruling NPP, Nana Kwaku Bonsam and Hon. Charles Sumaila Boateng (fine boy) are reportedly lacing their boots to contest again as Independent candidates if Hon Ntim is maintained by delegates as they did in 2020. Again and for the first time in the history of the NPP in Offinso North, he noted that two government appointees, Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, Director General for CTVET and a Presidential staffer, Mr. Adu Boahen have submitted their nomination forms to challenge the incumbent MP at the impending primaries. Governs Kwame Agboza, Minority Chief Whip 26.12.2023 LISTEN The Minority Chief Whip in Parliament, Kwame Governs Agboza, has accused the government of accumulating huge debts that will overburden future generations. In a social media post in the early hours of Tuesday, December 26, Mr Agboza listed 11 loans and bonds under Vice President Dr. Bawumias watch which are not being serviced. He alleged: "Ghana owes China $1.9billion we are not paying. Ghana owes Paris Club $2billion we are not paying. Ghana owes Non-Paris Club $3.8billion we are not paying." Mr Agboza further claimed the government under Bawumia and President Akufo-Addo issued 15 out of Ghana's total 17 Eurobonds, including some with repayment periods of up to 41 years. "In 2020 Bawumia championed another Eurobond for 41 years that's 2020-2061. Dr Bawumia and Prez Akufo-Addo will not be alive to pay these loans. Why do this to children unborn?" the Minority Chief Whip lamented. The opposition MP accused the Akufo-Addo administration of being a "wicked criminal team" for accumulating huge debts that will affect future generations. Renowned pastor and head of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Mensa Otabil, is facing criticism from some sections of the public over his recent remarks. In a message, he encourages Ghanaians to take responsibility for solving their problems rather than relying solely on government. Preaching to his congregation on Christmas Eve, Pastor Otabil highlighted the perception of Ghanaians that the government is the sole problem solver. He called for a shift in mindset, saying individuals and organizations should play a more active role in social interventions and community development through their own initiatives. One of the challenges we have as Ghanaians or as a nation is that we always think that the government must solve our problems. We don't have enough private effort to solve our problems; we lack private enterprises, companies actively addressing community issues because we perceive the government as the sole problem solver, Otabil stated. While acknowledging government's responsibilities, he stressed the importance of citizen-driven solutions and holding leaders accountable when they fail. Pastor Mensa Otabil urged his followers to financially support the church's social outreach program, Central Aid, which works to improve education and livelihoods. However, the pastor's remarks have caused stir on social media, particularly X, with some accusing him of hypocrisy. Netizens point out that Otabil was quick to condemn the previous Mahama administration but is now telling citizens not to expect their problems to be fully addressed by government. A user said, "Mensa Otabil is executing his jail clause smoothly as given by Akufo Addo in respect to his role in the capital bank case." Another added, "Mensa Otabil when Mahama was president. Today he says government shouldn't be blamed. He's nothing but a C00N with an insatiable urge to please these criminals in government." Today, Pastor Mensah Otabil says Ghanaians should not expect Gov't to solve all our problems. Then why do we pay taxes to Gov't, if we have to rely on citizen-driven solutions? This is the man who was criticizing Mahama's Gov't. Double Standards!!! stressed another netizen. 27.12.2023 LISTEN Most reverend John Kobina Louis, the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra Archdiocese has said Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex ( LGBTQI+ ) practices are an abomination to Ghanaian culture. He noted that such practices must not be encouraged in Ghana. His comment comes after Pope Francis formally permitted Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples in a significant shift in Vatican doctrine. The blessings may be carried out provided they are not part of regular church rituals or liturgies, nor at the same time as a civil union, according to a Vatican document approved by the Pope. Speaking in an interview with the media on the sidelines of a visit to St John of God Catholic Church at Amrahia in the Greater Accra Region on Sunday (24 December), Louis said Gods commandment is against such practices. God is the creator of the world, He also created man in his own image, so the Bible makes us understand that in the beginning, God created man and woman in his own image and created marriage so that we can procreate, he said. So, marriage is between man and woman, it is not something that man instituted after he was created. It is God who instituted marriage. So, in recent times this issue about gay marriage and LGBT, Gods commandment is against it. It is an abomination that a man should marry a man or a woman should marry a woman as a couple. Even our culture frowns upon it, so Ghanaians, or African or the world must not encourage such practice, Louis said. Confirmation The Auxiliary Bishop of Accra Archdiocese confirmed some candidates who had prepared to receive the sacrament of confirmation from St John of God and two outstations namely St John Paull II and St Cyril. Mission House He also used the opportunity to cut the sod for the construction of a mission house for the St John of God Catholic Church. The mission house is one of the requirements necessary for the church to attain the status of a parish. The mass was attended by some dignitaries including the Member of Parliament for the Adentan Constituency, Mohammed Adamu Ramadan, municipal chief executive of Adentan, Daniel Alexander Nii Noi Adumuah and a representative of the chief of Amrahia. Azerbaijan's foreign ministry said Tuesday that two French diplomats had been ordered to leave over actions "incompatible with their diplomatic status." The ministry said in a statement it had summoned French ambassador Anne Boillon to express a "strong protest for the actions of two employees of the French Embassy that were incompatible with their diplomatic status and which contradicted the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. "It was brought to the attention of the French Ambassador that they were declared "personae-non-gratae" (undesirable persons) by the Government of Azerbaijan," according to the statement, which was published in English at the website of Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry. Without providing further details, it said the two had been declared personae non gratae and ordered to leave the country within 48 hours. The move came amid tense relations between the countries as Baku has accused France of being biased towards Armenia during European-mediated peace talks with its arch-foe. In November, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused France of inciting conflicts in the Caucasus by arming Armenia. Azerbaijan and Armenia have fought two wars over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Baku reclaimed the enclave in September after a lightning offensive against Armenian separatists who had controlled it for three decades. Armenia and Azerbaijan had said a comprehensive peace agreement could be signed by the end of the year, but internationally mediated negotiations between the ex-Soviet republics have made little progress. Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have met on several occasions for talks under the mediation of the European Union. But in October, Aliyev refused to attend negotiations with Pashinyan in Spain, over what he said was France's "biased position." French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had been set to mediate the talks along with European Council President Charles Michel. Home to a large Armenian diaspora, France has been routinely accused by Azerbaijan of pro-Armenian bias over the Caucasus countries' territorial conflict. (With newswires) 27.12.2023 LISTEN Chairman of the Automobile Dealers Union of Ghana, Kwaku Boateng, has declared his intention to unseat the incumbent Member of Parliament, Mavis Hawa Koomson in the upcoming race for the New Patriotic Partys parliamentary candidacy in Awutu Senya East constituency. Boateng confidently asserts that he will secure a 90% victory in the parliamentary primaries. Although this is Boatengs first time contesting for the position, he remains determined to secure the NPPs ticket for the 2024 general elections. He believes that incumbent MP Hawa Koomson, who is running for the fourth time, risks losing the seat to the opposition National Democratic Congress due to her dwindling popularity. Boateng, who submitted his nomination forms earlier this week, has outlined a focus on talent and youth development as part of his campaign strategy to tap into the potential of the youth in the constituency. He firmly believes that a new leader is needed to reshape the course of the constituency for the collective benefit of its residents. On the other hand, Mavis Hawa Koomson, the incumbent MP, has also filed her nominations and appealed to delegates to endorse her overwhelmingly on January 27, 2024. She emphasizes her potential to break the eight-year cycle and asserts herself as the best candidate to represent the NPP in the constituency. Following a visit to the Odukpong Ofaakor Palace to seek permission and blessings from traditional authorities to campaign on their land, Boateng expressed his optimism for victory. The traditional authorities urged all candidates to maintain a respectful campaign without resorting to insults. The NPP party leadership has also assured all candidates of an equal playing field during the contest. citinewsroom Tema Community One Market traders express their discontent over low Christmas sales this year and some attributing it to the economic challenges as a result of foreign factors including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and depreciation of the cedi. Others point to the widespread disruptions in the global supply chain, impacting the availability and pricing of goods. Madam Grace Addo, a vendor specializing in kids' clothing, in an interview with newsmen in Tema, voiced her disappointment despite offering items at moderate prices ranging from GHC150.00 to GHC250.00. She lamented the lack of buyers despite her products being affordable. Similarly, Madam Comfort Doku, a seasoned trader in festive decorations and Christmas hats, revealed, that, a seven-year decline in Christmas sales. The high prices of items have led to losses, especially when unable to sell the entire stock," she said. Paa Kwesi Acquah, a tailor catering to both men and women, also spoke and pointed out the challenges faced by a decreased demand for custom-made outfits. He said the decline is due to the economic hardships in the country, noting a significant reduction in orders this year. He also said economic pressures have reduced customers' purchasing items. Madam Edith Amenuda, a pastry seller at Tema Market, reported a decline in Christmas sales over the past three years. She said while customers remain cautious in their spending, focusing on more essential items. She further stated that the increase in the cost of living and financial limitations are likely contributing factors. Madam Elizabeth Mensah, a customer at the market, noted in previous years people used to purchase shoes and clothes for their kids, but this time it was difficult. -CDA Consult II Contributor 27.12.2023 LISTEN An interesting debate has ensued following the Presidents indication of his refusal to assent to the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (no. 2) Bill, 2023, and the Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (the Bills). The President gave his indication in a letter to the Speaker dated 28th November, 2023 and followed it up with a memorandum to the Speaker, pursuant to article 106(8) on 12th December, 2023. The President cites article 108 as his basis for refusing to assent to the Bills. Specifically, the President states that because the Bills impact, or has financial implications for, the Consolidated or other Public Funds, it must be introduced by the President or on his behalf. Conversely, the Bills may not be introduced by a private members bill. The Bills in question were each introduced by Francis Sosu, the Honorable Member of Parliament for Madina, in 2021 as a private members bill and were published in the gazette, referred to Committee, subject to public hearings, subject to parliamentary consideration, and were subsequently passed in August 2023. They abolish the statutory death penalty, substituting with life imprisonment, and criminalize the activities of individuals claiming to be witch doctors or witch-finders, imposing custodial sentences for such offences. It is on record that the President gave his assent to the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in August 2023. Thus, it is already law, the Presidents communication notwithstanding. Thus, the balance of the debate deals with the other 2 Bills. The Presidents case is that the Bills carry significant financial consequences for the Consolidated Fund due to the associated costs of incarceration, sustenance, and healthcare for those who will be convicted under these bills to serve sentences when they become law. Incidentally, the death penalty has not been carried out in Ghana for close to four decades. Thus, the death penalty bill merely acknowledges that reality. Article 108 merely says only the President, or someone acting on his behalf, can introduce a bill, which in the opinion of the person presiding, makes provision for (i) the imposition or alteration taxation or (ii) the imposition of a charge on the Consolidated or other Public Funds; or (iii) the payment, issue or withdrawal from the Consolidated or other Public Funds of any moneys not charged on the Consolidated Fund or any increase in the amount of that payment, issue or withdrawal; or (iv) the composition or remission of any debt due to the Government of Ghana. In spite of the clarity of the article, some have misconstrued it to mean only the President, or someone acting on his behalf, can introduce a bill that has financial implications. Therefore, they argue that a private member bill cannot impose a financial cost directly or indirectly. This construction dates to the Speakers of the earlier parliaments who even applied it to private member motions. As a result, Lee Ocrans motion for the removal of algae in the marine waters in the Jomoro District went nowhere. A similar fate befell Nitiwuls motion requesting Parliament to investigate the offer and acquisition of Merchant Bank by Fortiz Equity Fund Limited and other matters. There are at least three problems with this interpretation. First, it offends the plain meaning of article 108. The article says nothing about financial implications. It says something about the actual imposition of tax, charges, etc. The bill must specifically impose a tax or a charge. It must not be left to speculation. Second, the interpretation leads to absurd effects. It effectively says only the President can introduce any bills, since all bills indirectly have a financial implication (even my typing this message has financial implication since I could be earning $$ from frying and selling eggs). The effect of this interpretation is to emasculate parliament, the arm of government that is vested with the legislative power. The interpretation dispenses with private member bills and motions. This myth has been perpetrated and perpetuated largely because the partisan parliament is often happy to witness the silencing of the minority, since private member bills often come from that side of the house. Rather, than stand for Parliaments power to make law, the majority have historically sided with the Speaker to silence the minority and to weaken the institution. Third, article 108 can be traced to earlier constitutions and statutes. For instance, section 16 of Act 300 provides that Except with the recommendation or consent of the President signified thereto, the Assembly shall not proceed upon any Bill, motion or petition which, in the opinion of the person presiding, would dispose of or charge the Consolidated Fund or other public thereon, or impose, alter or repeal any rate, tax or duty. Language identical to article 108 can be found in articles 85 & 90 of the 1969 & 1979 Constitutions respectively. In turn, these provisions are borrowed from UK, where the matters discussed in article 108 collectively give rise to the term money bills. Thus, article 108 is saying that only the President can introduce a money bill. Further, the person presiding, not the President, has the final word on whether a bill is a money bill. It matters very little whether the President agrees with that opinion. What then is a money Bill? A money bill is a public bill which in the opinion of the Speaker of the House of Commons contains ONLY provisions dealing with all or any of the following: the imposition, repeal, remission, alteration, or regulation of taxation; the imposition for the payment of debt or other financial purposes of charges on the Consolidated Fund or the National Loans Fund, or on money provided by Parliament or the variation or repeal of any such charges; Supply; the appropriation, receipt, custody, issue or audit of accounts of public money; the raising or guarantee of any loan or the repayment thereof; subordinate matters incidental to those subjects or any of them.(See section 1(2) of Parliament Act of UK). Erskine May explains that For a bill to be certified by the Speaker as a Money Bill, it must have the SOLE purpose of creating or extending the scope of a charge on public expenditure. May explains further that even if the main object of a bill is to create a new charge on the Consolidated Fund or on money provided by Parliament, the bill will not be certified if it is apparent that the primary purpose of the new charge is not purely financial. The effect of the sole purpose is evident from May who notes that the Tax Credits Bill in the 2001-02 session was not certified on the basis that, although it established two new tax credits, it also made changes to the administration of child benefit and guardians allowance. That is, the tax was not the sole purpose of the bill. Thus, this notion that article 108 bars private members from initiating bills because they can only introduce bills that have no direct or indirect financial implications is just the Ghanaian instrument for emasculating parliament so they can turn around to blame the Constitution for making the president too powerful. The ordinary, purposive, and pragmatic meaning of article 108 is that a private member cannot introduce a bill whose sole purpose is to impose a tax, a charge, or to raise or remit a loan. This article does not in any way give the President supervisory jurisdiction over Parliaments legislative functions and power. Nor does it even remotely suggest that only the President can introduce a bill that has financial implications. The financial implication angle is indeed shocking since every conceivable bill will have some financial implications, if only because bills must be printed, committees must meet, the AG and civil society must be engaged, etc. If it must be said, a bill to bar death penalty or to bar the persecution of witches does not impose a tax, or a charge on the consolidated funds. Nor does it compose or remit a loan. Such a bill is not a money bill and must not be decorated as such! There are other grounds that I have previously raised that will question the refusal of assent in the case at bar. I need not to repeat them. However, I must comment briefly on article 106. Unlike article 108, which deals with a specific type of bill, article 106 deals with the mode of exercising legislative power. It applies to all bills (private or public bills, private member or government bills, urgent or normal bills, etc.) considered by parliament but does not extend to bills to amend the Constitution (see articles 290 & 291). Article 106 indicates that chieftaincy bills must be referred to the national house of chiefs before introduction into parliament; bills, other than money bills, must have an explanatory memorandum and be published in the gazette for at least 14 days; bills must be referred to the appropriate committees, etc. It also gives the President the power to refuse assent to certain bills but such assent must be given within some very strict timelines. For instance, he must signify assent within 7 days. If he signifies that he wont assent, he has only 14 days to state in a memorandum to the Speaker any specific provisions of the bill which in his opinion should be reconsidered by Parliament, including his recommendations for amendments if any. The essence of these timelines is that bills ripen into acts if the President does not conform to them. For instance, in USA, if the president declines to either sign or veto a bill that is, he does not act on it in any way then it becomes law without his signature (except when Congress has adjourned under certain circumstances). This interpretation will, of course, shock some Ghanaians who culturally believe that timelines, including those in the Constitution, are mere suggestions. But strict adherence to the timelines and the automatic ripening into law are devices that are necessary to prevent a President from needlessly delaying a bill from becoming law. Otherwise, a president who cannot override a veto (see below) will simply fail to assent to a bill, thereby imprisoning the bill. The delay will then have the effect of a de facto veto-proof device. It is because of this that a bill automatically ripens into law after the assent window. Of course, even where the President timely and lawfully exercises a veto (i.e., an effective refusal to assent), parliament, under article 106(10) can set it aside with a resolution of 2/3 of its members in a reminder that it is parliament, not the president, that is seized with legislative power. Article 106 also tells us that the President cant veto his own money bill (article 106(12)). This is just stating the obvious! #SALL is the cardinal sin of the 8th Parliament. Da Yie! 27.12.2023 LISTEN The Red Apples (part 50) Queen Monica congratulated King Carl I for his most remarkable speech; a speech which had moved her to the brink of tears. She was not a person to be impressed easily. As a trained lawyer who had years of experience in various courts rational thinking about issues of importance was her style. This particular speech though triggered inspirational thoughts in her. She was motivated to work even harder for her country Zimbra not in competition with Ghana or any other African country but rather to ensure that the full potential of her people works for the common good of the New African Union and African solitary. She sat by King Hossein III and asked King Christian of Togoland to join them. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and fruit juice freshly squeezed were served. The waiters and waitresses were excellently trained. Some of them used to work abroad and educate others to be butler and housemade highly paid. Their monthly payment in the olden days matched the salary of butlers serving Lords and Arab dignities like Princess and Sheiks even working in five or six-star hotels. Yes, it is true, confirmed Queen Monica of Zimbra and thanked King Hossein III for passing on to her the cream to use and whiten her coffee. She was a true coffee addict getting it from the high mountains of Ethiopia. The harvest this year was not at all to our satisfaction. The weather was bad for the wheat not to grow as it used to. We therefore have put new measurements into place for the next year. After allwe are the bread basket for the rest of Africa and want to contribute our part to our common goals. King Hossein III of Tunisia intervened wanting the Queen to consider: My officials will give you a precise update of our forecast for the next five years so you can work around it and match our future needs with your production outlet. He greeted the grandgrandson of Helene Zille. The grand-grandmother of William Zille was herself the granddaughter of Heinrich Zille the famous genre painter of Berlin in Germany having had observed working families around the turn of the century at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Germany. A very skilled artist and a close friend of Kaete Kollwitz a lady in the same metier. William Zille had just arrived from Johannesburg once labeled under the reign of the African National Congress as the Murder City, a city with disappointed hopeless youth in a country in which sixty percent of the under twenty-five were unemployed and forty-five percent across a population in those olden days of sixty million people. Helene Zille was a fighter. When I hear your name I think of your ancestor Helene Zille always, whispered King Hossein III not to disturb the discussion about the feeding of the Africans in the coming years. Climate change still had not been stopped only the effects slowed down and methods developed to control the worst effects. When she stood up for her people as Mayor of Cape Town to criticize the African National Congress the party Nelson Mandela once had created to set his people free from Apartheid Helene Zille with the might of a great fighter said the water system and streets under the colonial masters of the British were better than under the reign of their own black rulersshe got back her words in anger. The ANC never called her a liar but said that under colonial rule the situation would have been much better than what Mbeki late president of South Africa in those days provided for his people. Corrupt Jacob Zuma, corrupt Cyril Ramaphosathey all crafted with their mastermind a nation that over one lost generation after the end of Apartheid was down on its kneeshope gone. A nation that has no hopeis a nation with no future. And with no vision a I trust that you all including King Hossein III from Tunisia, was King Carl I not at all pleased to see the private conversation between the King from Tunis and William Zille. I can see in all facesthere is no objection. No objection, was King Hossein III quick to say even knowing that he did not know to what he had agreed. He had full trust in King Carl I and his leadership. and with no vision, a people can survivefor surebut it can not progress and survive. The Israelites as slaves survived but only Moses had set them free and brought them progress, turned King Hossein III again to William Zille smiling and laughing quietly like a student in class not caught for misbehavior by the teacher. Politicians are never a Moses as they are elected not blessed and chosen by God. A King is blessed by a Man of Godand when wise leads his people into the promised land. King Carl I saw King Hossein III and William Zille still chatting whispering for others not to hear the exact words but the fact they stocked their heads together was annoying. As a former teacher, he knew these two persons to discipline with words would have been useless and a potential insult to a King, and by that to the nation Tunisia, he took to another strategy he had in his classrooms successfully often practiced. He said: You guys seem to have an interesting conversation. I am pretty sure it is about a life-changing moment at least of significant importance. So please let us be part of your conversation and ideas. King Hossein III blushed and got slightly red on his face. William Zille was luckier. His dark black skin did not reveal how much he felt embarrassed or if at all ashamed for not following the group discussion. Both bowed down their heads before lifting them up again to look at King Carl I with no movement in their faces. The situation reminded King Carl I of Amelie and Maxima two young ladies who sitting in the back row not only constantly played games on their smartphones but chatted undisturbed with each other or the girls around them while he had been busy lecturing French Revolution and the downfall of the Soviet Union to the class. For him a sign of disrespect for them a sign of not having had an interest in taking in all the information needed for the next examination. William Zille said unmoved pretending not to feel any shame for not following the main conversation: When the ANC took over power in my country of South Africa they promised not only equal rights for us blacks but economic growth and social progress. Neither promises did they fulfill. Legal equality we can not eat and without economic development and social justice is meaningless. Both go hand in hand. Words we couldnt eat. Words are the promise of a better future the hope that tomorrow will be better than today. But as my ancestors never experienced that the words of our black leaders had any positive effect on us indeed the opposite hope was gone and lost. Out of desperation some of us took to criminal activities. They even entered churches like the church of Pentecost and stole the offerings from the worshipers at gunpoint. Can you imagine that? So desperate these people were so hungry so empty of hope for a better future. I mean when you steal from God you steal your future and more shame will be poured over your head. No wonder that our political and economic development ended in tears and mud of our slums. And no wonder what the drastic consequences eventually were. The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its ban on prophets announcing doom prophecies as revellers gear up for 31st December watch night services. In a statement on Wednesday, December 27, the police reminded churches that while they have freedom of worship and speech, such rights are subject to respecting the rights and freedoms of others. "We urge the general public, especially faith-based groups and individuals, to continue to be patriotic and abide by the law, to ensure that the prevailing state of law, order and security in our beloved country is maintained," said ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs. The ban on prophecies that is described by the police as causing fear in targeted persons was introduced in 2021. "While this has protected the rights and freedoms of those who are normally affected by these prophecies, it has also fostered a society free of needless panic, fear and alarm," part of the statement said. The statement signed by Ansah-Akrofi reminded religious leaders that Ghana's constitution guarantees rights such as freedom of worship and speech. However, it added that "the enjoyment of these rights are subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and the public interest." As usual, Christians and churches are set to usher in the New Year with overnight services. In view of this, the police said it considers 27th December as "Prophecy Communication Compliance Day", stressing that faith should be practised within the legal framework. Architectural conservationists are up in arms over plans to take out stained glass windows undamaged during the fire at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris nearly five years ago and replace them with new designs. They say that Emmanuel Macron's proposal to have Eugene Viollet-le-Duc's windows removed from six of the seven chapels on the south aisle and for fresh pieces to be inserted would be nonsensical. Macron's suggestion that Viollet-le-Ducvollet's windows from the mid 19th century could be placed in the new Musee de l'uvre Notre Dame near the cathedral was denounced as a scandal. An online petition has harvested nearly 130,000 signatures since Macron's visit to Notre-Dame on 8 December when he announced the plans for a competition to choose new designs for stained glass windows. Didier Zykner, editor of La Tribune de l'Art magazine, who set up the petition, wrote: "Viollet-le-Duc's stained glass windows were created as a coherent whole. It is a genuine creation that the architect wanted to be faithful to the cathedral's Gothic origins. "The president of the republic has decided on his own, without any regard for the heritage law or Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris." Viollet-le-Duc is one of the renowned giants in French art and literature. His restoration projects included the Basilica of Saint Denis just outside Paris and Mont Saint Michel in Normandy. His theories on decoration and on the link between form and function in architecture influenced a plethora of designers from Anton Gaudi, Hector Guimard to Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier. Chance "Contemporary stained glass windows have their place in old architecture when the original ones have disappeared," added Zykner. "They are not intended to replace works that already exist. "After all, these stained glass windows, which are deliberately purely decorative compositions with geometric decorations, are only of interest in situ, as an integral part of the architecture. "They would have no meaning outside the architecture, and would take up a very large space in the rooms of the Hotel Dieu, preventing other works from being displayed there, without any benefit to the public. "If these windows were to be replaced, they would certainly end up in storage crates, because exhibiting them in the museum would actually double the scandal of their removal." Soon after the fire on 15 April 2019, Macron vowed that the 860-year-old cathedral would be rebuilt. Millions were pledged in donations as the restoration work got underway. The cathedral is scheduled to reopen on 8 December 2024. Sense Zykner added: "What sense does it make to restore the cathedral to its last known historical state only to deprive the building of an essential element that Viollet-le-Duc wanted? "How can it be justified to restore stained glass windows that survived the disaster and then immediately remove them? Who gave the head of state a mandate to alter a cathedral that does not belong to him, but to everyone?" The petition calls for Macron's plan to be scrapped. And the campaign has gained backing from the influential Academie des Beaux-Arts one of France's most august cultural institutions. "The academicians feel that the work of today's artists should not be at the expense of removing existing decorations," it said in a statement. "The Academie des Beaux-Arts hopes that other locations, starting with the North Tower, will be considered for this commission for contemporary stained glass. "In this way, the project will further embellish this heritage and symbolically mark the cathedral's new lease of life." The Judicial Service of Ghana and the Office of the Special Prosecutor has issued a joint press release announcing a joint effort to tackle corruption in the country. In the release dated Wednesday, December 27, the two organisations said they are concerned about the seriousness of problems and threats posed by corruption and corruption-related activities to the countrys development and democracy. The Judicial Service of Ghana and the Office of the Special Prosecutor indicated that they recognise they have an important role in combating corruption and corruption-related activities. The two assured that they Affirm a joint commitment to suppress and repress corruption and corruption related activities in all forms through collaborative enforcement of the law and continuous engagement, while upholding the rule of law and the provision of fair hearing to all stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng was sworn into office by the president of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo on Thursday, August 5, 2021. He has since been working to deal with corruption and corruption-related offences in the country. Although there have been challenges, Kissi Agyebeng says he will do his best until his time is up. The indigenous Ada Salt Farmers in the Greater Accra Region are in big trouble as the Ada East District Assembly has issued an eviction notice to all of them to vacate their lands, with 31st December 2023, as the deadline. Nestled along the shores of the Songor Lagoon, more than 20 communities with over 10,000 indigenous salt farmers per the eviction notice by the District Assembly are going to lose their ancestral lands, which have sustained them for generations, with the threat coming from the Mcdan Electrochem Ghana, a multinational corporation seeking to develop the salt flats for industrial expansion. President Akufo-Addo commissioned the Electrochem Ghana Limited salt mining company in Ada on August 30 amid opposition from the residents of Ada and the surrounding communities, who indicated that the companys operation in the area would deny them their livelihoods. Electrochem Gh, a subsidiary of the McDan Group of Companies, in October 2020 secured a leasehold by the Government of Ghana, a 41,000 acreage within the Songhor Salt Mining Lagoon. The company, which was granted a (15) fifteen-year mining lease to explore the salt resource in the Ada Songor, launched its operations in November 2020 with a target to produce one million (1,000,000) metric tons of salt per annum to supply to both the local and export markets. However, the large acquisition by the Company was met with stiff opposition from the indigenous communities who for centuries have lived in harmony on the land, practicing sustainable salt production methods passed down to them for decades. To the indigenous people of Ada, the salt pans have been the source of livelihood and cultural identity, and have defined the rhythm of their lives and that of their communities. But, the threat of eviction now looms large as Mcdan Electrochem Ghana eyes the vast expanse of the salt flats for a lucrative industrial venture. A letter dated 14th December 2023, and signed by the Ada East District Coordinator, Peter Kwesi Wilson on behalf of the District Chief Executive to all indigenous salt farmers said, As you are in no doubt aware, the Ada East Portion of the Songor Lagoon concession was released by the Minerals Commission on 29th October 2020 for a Restricted Mining Lease of Salt for 15 years which was subsequently ratified by the parliament of Ghana. The letter further said The Ada East District Assembly based on the above held many stakeholder engagements to educate, sensitize and deliberate on how to ensure a smooth operation of the Company. In view of the above, the District Assembly has received official notice from the company of its intentions to start operations in the District on the 3rd of January 2023. To this end, you are hereby informed to vacate from the land with all your machines to allow the company to start its operations. You are on this note given up to 31st December 2023 to finally leave the concession, the letter sounded the final warning. According to the District Assembly, it is ready to engage with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure peaceful co-existence with the Company in the District and urged the Salt Farmers to contact the Assembly on any issue on the subject matter. You dont need the whole Ada to harvest salt Ghenvironment.com went on a Mission Visit to the Songor Lagoon area on Sunday, December 24, through to Monday, December 25, 2023, and witnessed the sun rising over the tranquil waters in most of the communities with people gathering to harvest salt in the festive season, using traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries. But, the salt flats, once a symbol of resilience and self-sufficiency, are now at the center of a David-and-Goliath struggle, pitting the indigenous salt farmers against the corporate behemoth. Speaking in an interview with Ghenvironment.com, Abraham Ahumah Karimu, one of the indigenous Salt Farmers who doubles as the Organiser and Spokesperson of the Ada Songor Lagoon Association (ASLA) expressed both defiance and sorrow. "This land has been our home and our sustenance for generations. We cannot simply stand by as it is taken away from us," he declared. He described the action to evict them as an abomination and shameful, saying they are not only fighting for their lands but also the recognition of their rights as custodians of a unique cultural heritage. He explained All you need is the sunshine, the seawater, and land and you dont need the whole Ada to harvest salt. You need just a portion and whatever amount, quality and quantity of salt that you are looking for, you will get it. So when they give a license to one person, 41,000 acres to mine salt and there is no salt within the soil, then what is the use?" Now the person is claiming that all our villages and towns are for him and they have given us an eviction notice because Electrochem Ghana Ltd and Mac Dan are coming to take over. After all, the government, Parliament, and Minerals Commission have given the permit. So where should the indigenous go, he asked. Destruction already started As part of our Mission Visit, it was discovered that some of the equipment used by the indigenous Salt Farmers is being destroyed by the security operatives even before the 31st December deadline. For instance, communities such as Bornikope and Toflokpo are witnessing the destruction of their salt pans and tarpaulins. The Songor Lagoon of that section has also been demarcated into smaller ones depriving the communities of their charge waters, all in the name of being operating illegally. It is unfortunate for anyone to assume that we are operating illegally. "How can an activity which we and our ancestors have been engaged in for the past 500 years, an activity which supplies about 90 percent of the salt consumed in Ghana, an activity which for so many years has been the main source of salt exports to Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali suddenly becomes an illegal activity?" he wondered. Attacks and Parliamentary probe There has been a series of violent incidents since the year 2020 when the permit was granted and the latest one was a feud between Electrochem Ghana Limited and residents of Ada on Monday, November 6, which resulted in a shooting incident at Toflokpo near Sege, leaving one person dead and several others injured. As a result, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu, directed the Committee on Lands and Forestry and Mines and Energy to conduct a probe into the leasehold agreement that authorized Electrochem Ghana to embark on salt mining in Ada. Reacting to a statement on the floor of Parliament by the MP for Sege, Christian Otuteye, the First Deputy Speaker said the investigation would help ascertain the need to amend the ratification for part of the concession to be ceded to indigenes of Ada. He said I will direct the Minister of Interior to brief the house about the incident, how violence came to be perpetrated and who shot into the crowd; whether it is the police or the security of the private company, and the Minister of Interior should brief the House on that one. After that brief, if there is the need for the Committee on Defence and Interior to look further, we will give the appropriate directions. But I suggest that the Committee on Lands and Natural Resources should look at the lease document again and visit the site and advise the House on whether it is possible to renegotiate the contract. In a surprise move however, Samuel Atta Akyea, Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa South Constituency and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, who led the fact-finding mission on Friday, November 17, 2023, as directed by Parliament, was quoted by the media describing the indigenes of Ada fighting for their land as saboteurs. He therefore issued a final warning to all feuding saboteurs who according to him have sought to fuel unnecessary hatred, acrimony and incite the Ada community against salt mining firm Electrochem Ghana Limited. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy also issued a stern warning to such groups to take their war away from Ada if they do not wish that Ada and Ghana for that matter, will see development and progress. He assured the management of Electrochem Ghana Limited of the full support of the government in ensuring that Ghana reaps the full benefit of the Ada Songor Salt Mining Factory initiative. Premature judgment Abraham Ahumah Karimu, one of the indigenous Salt Farmers who doubles as the Organiser and Spokesperson of ASLA expressed shock to the comments made by Atta Akyea in an interview with ghenvironment.com. He noted that As a leader of a fact-finding mission sent by parliament and by his position as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, Mr Atta Akyea has demonstrated that he is not going to be fair in his mission and it is therefore imperative that, he rescues himself from the issue for a neutral person to take over. Karimu indicated that Parliament has written to them on the matter and they have already responded, waiting for a date to appear personally before the Members of the House or the Committee to present their side of the story which he hoped would be made public for every Ghanaian to know the truth. But Mr Atta Kyea cannot be part of this sitting because, even though he never visited us during his mission visit, he declared his unflinching support to Mc Dan and Electrochem describing us as saboteurs and we are disappointed by his comments, he said. On the eviction notice, Karimu indicated that the indigenous people of Ada would resist any attempt to force them out of their lands. Environmentalists and human rights advocates have also argued that the consequences of evicting the indigenous people could be devastating, leading to the destruction of fragile ecosystems and the displacement of communities deeply connected to the land. Attempts to get the District Chief Executive of the Ada East to comment on the issue proved futile. Stay tuned for more on this. -ghenvironment.com In a remarkable display of philanthropy, the Save Nations Foundation (SNF), a non-governmental Organization exemplified compassion and kindness by donating some items to Chosen Childrens Center in Accra. The items donated include bags of rice, Cooking oil, boxes of soft drinks, milk, packs of water, and some cooked rice. Presenting the items to the management, Co-Executive Founder /Country Director of Save Nations Foundation Mr. Isaac Kofi Dzokpo stated that the visit was not merely a donation drive but also an opportunity for interaction and engagement, as SNF members spent quality time engaging with the children, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement. The donation was being supported by three philanthropists in Canada and the UK; namely Christian Oduro, Andrews Agyekum, and Andy Darko Agyemang. They decided to partner with Save Nations Foundation to help put a smile on the faces of these lovely children as celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, he explained. Save Nations Foundation found it necessary to put a smile on the faces of deprived children in the manner Christ would have done. He added, We chose the Chosen Childrens Center to support the efforts of the Management and other existing NGOs who are committed to championing the cause. Mr. Samuel Osei, Co-Executive Founder, reiterated the foundation's unwavering commitment to collaborating with governmental bodies and relevant stakeholders globally, aiming to address the challenges faced by children. Save Nations Foundation's gesture echoes the essence of Christmas, resonating with the values of empathy and generosity, aiming to bring warmth and cheer to children in need," he stressed. Receiving the items, on behalf of the Orphanage Home, Madam Felicity Ali, lauded Save Nations Foundations benevolence, acknowledging the significant impact such contributions have on the welfare and development of the children in their care. This act of kindness stands as a testament to the ethos of the Save Nations Foundation, inspiring others to follow suit and contribute to the betterment of society. However, she appealed to philanthropists, NGOs, and other corporate bodies to extend their support towards completing an ongoing building project that will serve as classrooms and dormitories for the children. Save Nations Foundation is a non-governmental organization committed to creating positive and lasting change in impoverished communities around the world to make the world a better place for all and sundry. With a commitment to sustainable development, we strive to create lasting change that empowers those in need. Aspiring Member of Parliament for Achiase Constituency, Mrs. Adom Biamah Benedicta (Obaa No) stormed the NPP Eastern regional office at Koforidua with Citizen Eye Ghana. The purpose of the visit was to submit her nomination forms as the only female candidate. She spoke to the media as she outlined her plans for Achiase constituency saying, The youth need to see development, and they are my main motivation for filing for nominations. As a mother, I feel the pain and frustration of the youth who do not have jobs and are always fighting to make ends meet, she said. She entreated delegates to vote massively for her. Also, present was the Managing Director of Citizen Eye Ghana, Mr. Alex Kwaku Tetteh, and he had this to say. Our main aim as a party is to retain the Achiase seat, and the best way to do that is to rally behind Obaa No as her male predecessors have disappointed us. Speaking to CITEG Agric TV, he outlined their plan to unseat the incumbent by setting a record in the upcoming delegate election at the constituency. The president has asked us to push female aspirants as women are the backbone of the nation. We at Citizen Eye Ghana support her because we believe in her vision, Mr. Alex Tetteh said. The Managing Director admonished all aspirants for the parliamentary elections to reach out to Citizen Eye Ghana on 0208252347 if they need any support for the upcoming elections, irrespective of their political affiliation. Benedicta Biamah is the daughter of the current organizer for NPP in the constituency and comes from a family that has served in various capacities in the party. Obaa No is a banker who undertakes a lot of philanthropic work to support her community. As a mother of three, she believes her loving and caring nature will help propel the party to victory in 2024 both in the general and constituency elections. Source: Citizen Eye Ghana 27.12.2023 LISTEN On 26th July, a coup took place in Niger, after which the new government announced the denunciation of military agreements with France and demanded the withdrawal of its troops. At first Paris refused to comply with these conditions, referring to the fact that it recognizes only the requirements of the legitimate authorities, but in early October the military contingent of the Fifth Republic began to leave the country. Was the decision to get rid of neocolonialism and follow its own path of development the right one, or was the so-called Francafrique the best option for Niger? Let's get to the bottom of this. When the coup just took place and a wave of anti-Western demonstrations swept through the country, European and American leaders immediately threatened the arebelsa with sanctions and called on them to submit to the alegitimate authoritya represented by the pro-French Mohamed Bazoum. Members of the Economic Community of West African States even declared the need for military intervention. However, the government of Niger remained inexorable as it has chosen its own trajectory and has relied on diversifying foreign policy ties. And now after almost six months, it seems that they were right as many countries strive to cooperate with Niger. In particular, the United States, which harshly condemned the change of power at first and classified it as a military coup, most recently actually recognized the transitional government, handing credentials to Foreign Minister Bakary Yau Sangara. This is a clear indicator that Washington understood the need to recognize the current political realities in the African republic in order to save is influence and now seeks to normalize relations while it still has such an opportunity. Russia, which, unlike the United States, initially advocated the independence of Niger, on 4th December signed a memorandum of understanding with Niger to strengthen military cooperation. The two countries also discussed the arrival of Russian military advisers and contingents, as well as the mutual cooperation in other spheres. It is noteworthy that on the same day, the Niger Foreign Ministry said that the government decided to awithdraw the privileges and immunities granteda under the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger, and consequently ahas no legal obligationa to that partnership. In addition to the already mentioned countries, China is also fighting for the attention of the region. It, like Russia, is one of the largest investors in Niger, as well as the largest contractor. Therefore, it is quite natural that the Chinese PetroChina helped Niger in the construction of a new pipeline, which was launched in November. And already in 2024, the regional authorities plan to export oil through it to neighboring Benin. The increased popularity of Niger after the coup d'etat indicates that the choice of an independent path and the refusal of France's patronage was the right decision, which brought the country only advantages in the form of new opportunities and partners. Salif Kobena Cote d'Ivoire, Bouake +225 05 31635894 [email protected] 27.12.2023 LISTEN The Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa constituency, Hon. K.T. Hammond has responded to a viral video which saw him fend off the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, during a parliamentary proceeding on December 22, 2023. The video has received mixed reactions from the general public with some accusing Hon. Hammond who is also the Minister of Trade of reacting violently towards his colleague lawmaker. Reacting to the video in a press conference at his residence in Adansi Asokwa, the MP bemoaned the rate at which his comments are always taken out of context by people, especially the media. He chided the media for consistently misrepresenting his thoughts and comments without looking out for the substance. This he said has caused public disaffection towards him. Narrating what transpired on the floor of Parliament, Hon. K. T Hammond said he was called into the chamber by Hon. Annoh-Dompreh to take part in the discussions and subsequent voting on the appointment of judges by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who were being vetted on the day. He said due to his relationship with one of the Judges, who was his schoolmate at the University of Ghana, he wanted to take part in the discussions on the floor. He said while making his submissions on the floor, the Majority Chief Whip attempted to draw his attention ostensibly to time constraints. He said he wanted to make his point quickly enough amidst the interjections from the Nsawam-Adoagyir MP. "I only made some gesticulations towards him to allow me to make my point regardless of the time constraints. Parliament had spent the whole day discussing other issues so why was I distracted from making my point to wind up the business of the day," he stated. He refuted claims that he is a violent person stressing that he has no history of violence and has not been involved in any violent act. Hon. K.T Hammond stressed that Annoh-Dompreh is one of his close confidants in politics and Parliament and sees no reason to act violently towards him. "I never slapped him. Why will I slap a colleague Member of Parliament? Have you seen me fighting anybody in Parliament as the others did during voting for the Speaker of Parliament and other violent scenes in the house?" the Adansi Asokwa Law maker quizzes. Picking of Nomination forms Meanwhile, Hon. Kobina Tahir Hammond has picked nomination forms to contest the upcoming Parliamentary primaries in his constituency on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party. When successful, the MP who first entered Parliament in 2001 will be serving his 7th term in the house. He is expected to face stiff competition from three other aspirants who already filed their nominations. Sounding optimistic, the Legislator said he is responding to calls from his constituents to seek another term judging by his good works. He said he was confident of getting the nod from the party delegates. An anticipated vaccum in Parliament Some experienced Members of Parliament including Joseph Osei Wusu, MP for Bekwai, Dan Botwe, MP for Okyere, Samuel Atta Akyea, MP for Akyem Abuakwa South and Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu have announced their decisions not to contest the upcoming Parliamentary primaries in January. This according to Hon. K.T Hammond will create a void in Parliament and affect the quality of works in Parliament. He said the legislators have made invaluable contributions to the house hence losing them will create a vaccum in the house. "Replacing these experienced MPs will be a daunting task for the party," he stressed. Broken bridge to be fixed Some aggrieved residents of Nsokote, a farming community in the Adansi Asokwa constituency recently demonstrated against the Member of Parliament over a broken bridge linking the community to other neighboring communities. According to the residents, the poor nature of the road and the broken bridge had resulted in the avoidable deaths of 20 people. They called on the MP to help fix the bridge. Reacting to the demonstration, Hon. K.T Hammond said he has had fruitful discussions with the Roads Minister, Hon. Amoako Atta and the contractor of the road project. He added that very soon the contractor will move back to site to complete the road he had already started. He called for calm among the people stressing that government has shown commitment to fix the deplorable roads in the area. 27.12.2023 LISTEN Dear critical-reader, should boarding schools nationwide be transformed into world-class community day schools - to permanently cut off the breeding grounds of homosexuality in Ghana? As it happens, it is an open secret in Ghana that boarding schools are the breeding grounds of homosexuality in our beloved country - a known fact that many school children in their early teens are aware of, across the entire landmass of our Republic, if truth be told. In that light, as wise and aspirational Africans, the question to ponder over is: Instead of focusing solely on rushing to get Parliament to pass anti-LGBTQI+ laws, why did the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, not first suggest to their super-wealthy foreign backers, that to successfully uproot homosexuality in Ghana, it would be essential for them to fund the transformation of all public boarding schools into world-class day community second cycle institutions? Ditto asked their super-wealthy foreign bankrollers for additional funding, to enable yet more new world-class day second cycle schools to be constructed nationwide, to ensure that children in their formative years, can stay at home to imbibe Ghanaian family values, and have access to nearby world-class community day second cycle schools, at the same time? Haaba. Would that not have been an acceptable quid pro quo outcome, beneficial to Ghanaian society, generally, and a suitable slap in the face for the foreign powers blackmailing African nations to force them from passing laws outlawing sexual intercourse between individuals of the same gender? Foreign diplomats accredited to Ghana, need to understand clearly, and accept the fact that no truly patriotic Ghanaian approves of such publicly issued arrogant-defunding-threats from the representatives of foreign powers in our homeland Ghana, to our nation's hard-of-hearing ruling elites, oooo, lol. Yoooooooo... However, one also needs to make the point that as compassionate beings, who are mere mortals who aren't without sin ourselves, we must also aspire to work hard to ensure that our beautiful and bountiful country, continues to remain a peaceful and tolerant society, in which the citizenry are free to live the lifestyles they choose for themselves, within the law, as long as it doesn't harm others. Yooooooo... Surely, dear critical-reader, that aspiration aligns perfectly with Article 12[2] of the 1992 Constitution, which states that: Every person in Ghana, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, religion, creed or gender shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual contained in this Chapter but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.? Finally, dear critical-reader, we must let the word go forth, henceforth, that we are not barbarians in this country, oooo, Ghanafuor: Instead of encouraging the stigmatisation of our nation's LGBTQI+ demographics, and tolerating physical attacks on them, let's show them compassion and understanding - and rather focus on the task of transforming all boarding schools into day schools nationwide: and in so doing, cut off the known breeding grounds of homosexuality in Ghana, permanently. That's a more creative approach in one's humble view, lol. No? Yes? Hmmm, 3y3nsem piiiii, oooo, Ghanafuor. Yoooooooo... 27.12.2023 LISTEN The Special Prosecutor, William Kissi Agyebeng, is so desperate to protect the mismanagement, the culture of corruption, massive staff recruitment malpractices, and public procurement malpractices which have become pervasive and endemic within the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on the blind side of President Nana Akufo-Addo. The Special Prosecutor has, therefore, resorted first to, blackmailing the government, and secondly courting leading members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) together with other disgruntled members of civil society and a rented media to create the impression that it is his appointing authority that is impeding his so-called fight against corruption. The unfortunate facts gathered from information and intelligence are that Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor cannot extricate himself from the pervasive suspected corruption and corruption-related offences taking place within the OSP itself in connection with recruitment corruption, and public procurement malpractices the OSP is mandated to prevent, investigate, and prosecute. This is the reason for the inability of the Special Prosecutor to answer my previous challenges to him to summon his rented media and press as he has serially done against suspects under investigation to deny or affirm to the court of public opinion his role in the corruption and massive public procurement malpractices in the OSP. The OSPs suspected corruption pot should never be allowed to call the citizen suspected of corruptions kettle black in the fight against corruption and public procurement malpractices in Ghana. The foregoing, notwithstanding, on 13 December 2023 the OSP was audaciously reported to have outlined four cases involving a total of six former NPP government appointees being tried for corruption and corruption-related offences. One wonders the reasons Kissi Agyebeng has for selectively causing a social media post on only former NPP Government appointees being tried for corruption and corruption-related offences as though corruption offences have political colourations. The OSPs half-yearly report dated 30 June 2023 published as required by law listed those cases amongst other cases without the emphasis he now places on the appointing government for the six suspects. This appears to be the case of an incompetent, unprofessional, and entrepreneurial minded drowning Kissi Agyebeng who has been gallivanting around the globe on the public purse, and recently scurrilously abusing the courts and administration of justice on 29 November 2023 dragging down his appointing authority with him, should it fail to rescue him from his infractions of the law. Kissi Agyebeng naively seeks to curry public sympathy and empathy to create the fake impression that it is the Nana Akufo-Addo Government that is against him for fighting corruption affecting former NPP Government appointees. THE TIMING AND CONTEXT OF KISSI AGYEBENGS BLACKMAIL The timing of William Kissi Agyebengs decision to publicize and issue communiques highlighting the six (6) former NPP government appointees as though only former government officials have the propensity to be suspected of the commission of specified corruption offences is important in understanding the political nature and expediency of blackmailing the government into not exposing existing corruption, massive unlawful staff recruitment malpractices, and public procurement malpractices within the OSP. William Kissi Agyebengs 29 November 2023 rented media and press conference to scurrilously abuse and scandalize the courts and the administration of justice ended in a fiasco. The Ghana Bar Association, the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), experienced and distinguished lawyers, reasonable members of civil society, the media, and professional groups roundly deserted him in their condemnation of his affront to the judicial system for unfavourable decisions against the OSP in the High Court ruling in a judicial review application by Col. Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd.) and Joseph Adu-Kyei. The Special Prosecutors ego had been bruised by the unfavourable ruling which his friends in the media and he tried unsuccessfully to justify his stated misbehaviour and unconstitutional conduct warranting a major penalty of dismissal from office but for Section 15 of Act 959 making impeachment the only process for removing him from office. As if by coincidence, Kissi Agyebengs first partner in his original partnership of Cromwell Gray LLP made up of Anas Anas as first partner and himself as the second partner jumped into the affray on or around 10 December 2023. In the disguise of an interview published in video form online by Graphic Online of the Graphic Communications Group Limited to create the ambiguous impression that the government or its appointee(s) might have committed abominable crimes to be shown globally in a documentary in January 2024. Kissi Agyebeng who ought to have been removed from his public office for supervising corruption within the OSP then immediately follows Anas Aremeyaw Anas interview with his social media publication listing and naming only cases of former NPP government appointees he is prosecuting as so-called achievements since his assumption of office on 9 August 2021. The perspective of holism in interdisciplinary studies, research, and analysis requires the public to take in account the inextricable and interwoven relationship between Cromwell Gray LLP and Tiger Eye PI as beneficiaries of a massive commercial anti-corruption enterprise for personal profit. The transition of Kissi Agyebeng to the OSP only provided the opportunity to use the resources of the OSP to abuse the OSP staff recruitment processes, commit public procurement malpractices under the Public Procurement Act, and to turn the OSP into a rogue public anti-corruption entrepreneurial agency after the associated Tiger Eye PI modus operandi. Anas Aremeyaw Anas blames the exposure of his entrepreneurial and journalist terrorist investigative activities determined by the courts on the Government just as Kissi Agyebeng now blames his appointing government for unfavourable court outcomes simply because the successful applicants once held government appointments. Kissi Agyebeng has forgotten as most suspected criminals easily do, that as a lawyer for Anas Aremeyaw Anas he is on record in the OSP during my tenure as the founding Special Prosecutor to have sought assurances under his signature for Anas Aremeyaw Anas to give evidence in the Charles Bissue investigation wearing a mask, unbeknown to him that the OSP was investigating Anas Aremeyaw Anas for suspected bribery and corruption in the registration of ORR Resources Enterprise which was used to entrap the suspects in the case. The public interest in ensuring that the OSP remains an independent anti-corruption agency as agreed between President Akufo-Addo and me on 9 January 2018 before I accepted to be nominated as the founding Special Prosecutor compels me to ask the President whether he is privy to the information and intelligence making the rounds that the OSP has recruited about a total of twenty-five former operatives of Cromwell Gray LLP/Tiger Eye PI as employees of the OSP with enhanced positions and ranks at the cost of the public purse? Over twenty of these Cromwell Gray LLP/Tiger Eye PI recruits embedded in the over eighty recruits placed under the Strategy, Research, and Communications Division under Samuel Appiah Darko, until recently of Cromwell Gray LLP and lawyer with Kissi Agyebeng for Anas Aremeyaw Anas of the same law firm. Mr. President, being in our seventies, I know that many things may happen on our blind side and I will urge you to commission an urgent forensic audit of all the about 249 employees recruited by the OSP under Kissi Agyebeng so that you do not leave behind an OSP programmed to be politically partisan after the end of your tenure of office. Mr. President, leave no room for regrets, and Had I known!. Kissi Agyebeng on assumption of office as the Special Prosecutor suppressed that investigation and the evidence gathered of suspected bribery and corruption against his client and law partner, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. The Special Prosecutor upon assuming office also suppressed the almost completed investigations into three distinct corruption and public procurement malpractices investigations involving his client, Tekstart Africa Limited (Tekstart) and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA). The Ashanti Region Lotto Marketing Companies Retailers Association and other complainants are still to come to terms with the suppression of their complaints and information provided to the OSP during my tenure against Tekstart Africa Limited and the NLA. It is within the context of Kissi Agyebeng, the pot calling the kettle black that one should understand the self-serving tantrums being thrown by Kissi Agyebeng against former NPP government appointees and the touting of his deranged achievements since 9 August 2021. THE CRIME CALLED SIX (6) FORMER GOVERNMENT APPOINTEES UNDER PROSECUTION Every professional investigator and prosecutor knows as part of elementary training that crime is a crime without gender, politics, religion, regional, ethnic, or cultural affiliation. The politicization of criminal investigation and prosecution is a clear indication of incompetence and abject failure of law enforcement to impartially and independently deal with crime no matter the status or standing of the suspected criminal in society. I have not in my forty-five years as a lawyer found in the definition of corruption and corruption-related offences under the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) or any other law including Act 959 an ingredient referrable to the suspected criminals political party or affiliation except in Kissi Agyebengs novel classification of six suspected cases allegedly under prosecution as crimes of former NPP Government appointees. The political underpinning of the blackmail underlining Kissi Agyebengs classification of the so-called former government appointees crimes will be examined and analyzed hereunder. The Republic vs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah Kissi Agyebeng purposefully and deliberately listed the case of the Republic vs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah for allegedly refusing to declare property and income demanded by the OSP which does not fall within any of the corruption and corruption-related offences cognizable under Section 79 of Act 959 to take advantage of the misimpression created by the Presidents acceptance letter to Cecilia Dapaahs resignation letter as a Minister of State. At the time the crime was allegedly committed, the suspect was a private citizen and not a member of any government. William Kissi Agyebeng, however, dishonestly for any Special Prosecutor, deliberately omitted to state the fact that Cecilia Abena Dapaah could not be arraigned before the High Court on 12 October 2023 because he made it impossible for the court to take her plea and to hear the application to strike out the charge against her for want of mandate in the OSP under Act 959 with a spurious petition from the OSP to the Chief Justice against the Judge trying the case. Kissi Agyebengs abuse of power against a citizen presumed innocent was followed with another spurious and needless application for certiorari to the Supreme Court against a ruling of the same judge for abridging the time within which to hear the OSPs own application for confirmation of unlawfully frozen assets and bank accounts of Cecilia Dapaah. The Chief Justice rightly dismissed the spurious petition of Kissi Agyebeng for lack of any merit on 25 October 2023. Then on 29 November 2023 whilst Kissi Agyebeng was busy basking in the ignominy of scurrilously abusing the courts and scandalizing the administration of justice before a rented media and press, the OSP had to shamefully withdraw its spurious application for certiorari to avoid it being struck out by the Supreme Court for lack of merit and abuse of process. The Cecilia Abena Dapaahs complaint against her house helps and the euphoria and hysteria the OSP deliberately generated to discredit her and the government she served is the most misunderstood corruption and corruption-related investigation that violates both Act 959 and the fundamental human rights of the suspect under the 1992 Constitution. William Kissi Agyebeng knows the power of the public hysteria he had created against Cecilia Dapaah and the government she served in the court of public opinion. He continues to rob salt into the wound of Cecilia Dapaah to maintain a leverage over the government from dealing with the accumulating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences Kissi Agyebeng supervises with impunity at the OSP. Blackmail, pure and simply from an OSP gone rogue under Kissi Agyebeng against the Government, and the people of Ghana. The NDC is, unfortunately for political expediency, willing for the mean time to play along the Kissi Agyebeng game of politicizing the fight against corruption as it serves as a leverage to power at the next elections and puts the government in bad light, for now. The whole idea of Kissi Agyebengs encounters with the American FBI and the resultant publications on the Cecilia Dapaah cases were intended to blackmail his own appointing authority. The older and more experienced other law enforcement agencies have met the FBI to cooperate in investigations without the publicity and funfair in the court of public opinion the OSP brought to bear on the Cecilia Dapaah witch-hunting expedition. Kissi Agyebeng knows that should the criminal charge of failure to disclose property and income against Cecilia Dapaah come to trial his mandate to charge her for the offence might not stand the test of lawfulness. But he also knows that for reasons of blackmail against the government, holding on to the charge for as long he can maneuver to prolong the trial enables him to tout it as an achievement, where none in fact exists. The Republic vs. Adjenim Boateng Adjei The on-going case involving Adjenim Boateng Adjei, the former Chief Executive of Public Procurement Authority and his brother-in-law, Francis Kwaku Arhin, for allegedly using public office for profit and directly and indirectly influencing the procurement process to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of public contracts is reported by the OSP to have been adjourned to March 4, 2024, for continuation of cross-examination of the first Prosecution witness. What William Kissi Agyebeng does not tell the public, whose emotions he is whipping up against the suspects presumed innocent and the NPP Government, is the impact of the ruling of the High Court delivered on 13 July 2023 granting an application for certiorari by the suspects to quash the findings of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for breaches of the rules of natural justice on the evidence the OSP intends to tender from the CHRAJ investigations as part of the OSPs case in the A. B. Adjei criminal trial in court. The suppression of these facts and case law while highlighting the fact that Adjenim Boateng Adjei was a former government appointee is pernicious and unprofessional in any investigator and prosecutor intent on blackmailing the Government to perpetuate his stay in office. Kissi Agyebeng deliberately put this matter in the public domain knowing that he is putting temptation in the path of impartial observer to commit contempt of court by commenting on his dishonest and corrupt conduct in publishing skewed narratives on the matter. I refuse to take the temptation. But how can the Special Prosecutor who supervised the importation and took delivery of an assortment of over fifty vehicles including armoured plated ones from the Tema Port between July and September 2022 without any application to the Public Procurement Authority for the approval of the procurement contracts have the moral right and integrity to investigate and prosecute Adjenim Boateng Adjei or any other citizen for corruption and public procurement malpractices crimes? The case of Kissi Agyebeng the pot calling the kettle black in Ghanas fight against corruption negates the fight against corruption. The Republic vs. Alexander Kwame Sarfo Kantanka The third on-going trial tagged that of a former Government appointee which Kissi Agyebeng is deliberately highlighting is the case of Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka, a former MCE nominee for Juaben in the Ashanti Region for corruption in respect of a public election in which a submission of no case has been made pending a decision by the court on 23 January 2024. This is a typical low hanging fruit Kissi Agyebeng is using for political effect and needs no comment as it is also a matter pending in court. Every reasonable citizen, however, knows how pervasive the monetization of the electoral process during elections has become on both sides of the political divide in the past few years to wonder the reason for making a martyr out of the suspect even if he is convicted or acquitted. Kissi Agyebeng cannot be oblivious of the several videos on online in which persons from the various political parties in Ghana have confessed either to giving or receiving consideration for purposes of voting or securing votes. An investigator or a prosecutor who chooses the people he wishes to investigate and to prosecute, instead of the cases that need to be investigated and prosecuted is unfit for the position of an anti-corruption Special Prosecutor in Ghana. The Republic vs. Sumaila Abdul Rahman and 3 others The fourth case is the on-going trial in which the suspects have been classified by the OSP as a former NPP Government appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority and his two deputies in the Republic vs. Sumaila Abdul Rahman and 3 others. Crime is crime, so why does Kissi Agyebeng as a neutral and impartial Special Prosecutor prefer to refer to such simple crimes as those of former NPP Government appointees? One cannot surmise a more naive plan of blackmailing the Government so that if the OSP is investigated for his supervision of the various suspected corruption, staff recruitment malpractices, and massive public procurement malpractices going on there, the public may be instigated to form the erroneous believe that the Government is going after him for past prosecution of government appointees. KISSI AGYEBENGS COMMUNIQUE OF ACHIEVEMENTS Just two days after Kissi Agyebeng published on social media his list of six former government appointees he is prosecuting, as though the President ordered them to commit the offences while in office, he decided on 15 December 2023 to publish what he considered to be his achievements in a communique to counter the genuine criticisms by the Ghana Bar Association, the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), and other experts of his unprofessional conduct and incompetence arising from his 29 November 2023 rented media and press conference at which he scurrilously abused the courts and the administration of justice. It is strange that the Special Prosecutor, a public officer paid and maintained out of the public purse, can think that he is entitled to boast of personal achievements in office after undermining the political system of his country despite swearing the Official Oath to uphold, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana as by law established as an aftermath of scurrilously abusing the courts and judges appointed to administer justice, and to further scandalize the administration of justice as a whole in Ghana. This is the context within which readers should view the social media posts of the vanity of self-glorification by Kissi Agyebeng as the Special Prosecutor in the discourse below. Disruption of Counterfeit Foreign Currency Manufacturing Network The OSP claimed to have disrupted a syndicate involved in the production of a substantial amount of counterfeited foreign currency and made seizures in two warehouses in Accra and Tema where an amount of $40 million was discovered in concealed steel trunks. The Special Prosecutor, however, omits in his social media post to inform the public of the offences the suspects committed under Section 79 of Act 959 or of the fact that the OSP had handed over the case to an appropriate law enforcement agency with the mandate to investigate and to prosecute counterfeit offences by law. Kissi Agyebeng has consistently engaged in unlawful and unconstitutional conduct that merely disrupting a syndicate as alleged without the ability to investigate and prosecute members of the syndicate for specified corruption or corruption- related offences or handing them over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and prosecution smacks of trading with the suspects for considerations for private profit while at the same time just crying for sympathy for going on a frolic of his own. It is important for the public to remember that Kissi Agyebengs referral of his counterfeit manufacturing case to the appropriate law enforcement agency for action is critical to the credibility of the publication of the OSP on social media. The counterfeit manufacturing network must also be examined and analyzed within the context of the fact that the Special Prosecutor whilst in private practice as a lawyer used the technicalities of the law to prevent the Ghana Police Service from investigating the alleged confiscation of solid gold which was allegedly substituted at the East Legon Police Station with fake gold by a police commander and his subordinate police accomplices of the station. The first act of Kissi Agyebeng upon assuming office as the Special Prosecutor was to invite this police officer who was a serving Superintendent of the Police Service as a prosecutor in the Western Region to the OSP in Accra to supervise the investigation of the Labianca Case. The Special Prosecutor then caused the serving Superintendent of Police to resign from the Ghana Police Service, recruited him as an employee of the OSP, and immediately gave him the equivalent rank, salary, and retirement benefits of a Commissioner of Police when there was no Governing Board in existence at the OSP. Kissi Agyebeng in tandem with his new Director of Investigations recruited two of the former suspected accomplices of the police commander at the East Legon Police station who were still serving police sergeants of the Police Service into the OSP with the enhanced ranks of Deputy Staff Officers (DSO), an equivalent of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) in the Ghana Police Service. The willful and intentional financial losses caused to the public purse by the criminal conduct of Kissi Agyebeng are inestimable as he could simply have asked for the secondment or approved transfer of these police officers from the Ghana Police Service under Section 21 (3) of Act 959. Kissi Agyebengs conduct constitutes the suspected corruption offence of abuse of public office for profit contrary to Section 179C of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) which is a ground for his removal from office under Section 15 of Act 959. Ghana cannot claim to be fighting corruption when its Special Prosecutor cooks up schemes to steal from the public purse for profit by corruptly recruiting his friends and cronies on the blind side of the taxpayer. I am not, therefore, surprised that Kissi Agyebeng is now also involved and specializing in disrupting counterfeit currency manufacturing networks without indicating to the public how those activities fall within the mandate of corruption and corruption-related offences under Section 79 of Act 959. Suspension of TOR-Torentco Deal Kissi Agyebeng is touting an uncompleted alleged risk of corruption assessment as an achievement without telling the public how far he has gone with the corruption risk assessment examination and analysis. A corruption risk assessment on a $22 million lease agreement between TOR and Tema Energy and Processing Limited should not take eternity to complete to determine whether any offence is disclosed by the risk assessment to warrant a corruption investigation and prosecution. I conducted the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Agreement Corruption Risk Analysis within two months and there is no reason for the undue delay in the TOR-Torentco deal unless there is an ulterior corruption motive on the part of the OSP for the delay. Kissi Agyebengs penchant for holding on to investigations just to claim them as achievements is unprofessional, dishonourable, an exhibition of criminal tendencies, and lack of integrity for the position of the Special Prosecutor who must be of a high moral character and proven integrity under Act 959. Kissi Agyebengs conduct encourages corruption within the OSP in the investigation and prosecution of cases for those who do not play ball. Closed pathways for corrupt practices and tax avoidance. The ruling of the High Court in the Republic v the Special Prosecutor and Another, Ex Parte Col. Kwadwo Damoah and Another, 27 November 2023 (unreported) rendered this claim premised upon the Labianca Report dated 3 August 2022 nugatory. This was the case that gave rise to Kissi Agyebengs ill-fated media and press conference scandalizing the administration of justice after the High Court granted an application for certiorari to quash the decisions and adverse findings made in the report against the then Commissioner of Customs, Colonel Kwadwo Damoah, and the Deputy Commissioner of Customs (Operations), Joseph Adu-Kyei of the GRA. The Court also prohibited the OSP from further investigating the matter after unlawfully conducting the trial of the applicants in the court of public opinion. Whatever decisions the OSP made in respect of the misuse of Customs Advance rulings and benchmark values were unlawful under Act 959 and Kissi Agyebeng cannot take credit for his abuse of power under Act 959 and the 1992 Constitution by acting without mandate as found and decided by the High Court. In any case, all law enforcement agencies, including the OSP before the appointment of Kissi Agyebeng, saved this nation several millions of cedis annually without self-seeking glorification from the public for recognition. These are routine byproducts of law enforcement for which no professional person claims as personal achievements. KISSI AGYEBENGS DISEASE AS AN INCOMPETENT SPECIAL PROSECUTOR Kissi Agyebeng is seeking self-glorification in touting his non-existing personal achievements as the Special Prosecutor in the prevention of corruption due to the fact that he has no understanding of the genesis of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Regulations, 2018 (L. I. 2373) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374). The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo needs acknowledgment, which acknowledgment I hereby give him, for his commitment in ensuring that the OSP had proper and fitting Regulations to actualize its mandate. At moments of disagreement between the Attorney-General (AG) and Civil Society Organizations on the one hand, and the OSP on the other, the President, a former Attorney-General himself, quickly saw where the founding Special Prosecutor intended to move the OSP in efficiently and effectively fighting against corruption. The President also intervened severally in ensuring that the infrastructure for the establishment of a viable OSP in the ten-story building at No. 6 Haile Selassie Avenue, South Ridge as the Special Prosecutor demanded were acceded to by GET Fund. Truth be told, nobody can take that commitment away from the President despite subsequent disagreements between the President and me on the way forward after the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Agreements Anti-corruption Risk Assessment Report. The Attorney-General had in anticipation of the appointment of a founding Special Prosecutor sought assistance from the so-called anti-corruption Civil Society Organizations, foreign and domestic, to put together a draft OSP (Operations) Regulations which turned out as a complete mess. The Attorney-Generals draft that was submitted to the one-man OSP for review in May 2018 was dated 24 April 2018. The OSP was proposed in the first draft to be established to investigate and prosecute corruption as though it was a Commission of Enquiry without the powers of such a commission. Conspicuously absent, for example, was any provision on the prevention of corruption stated in the parent law as an objective of the OSP. Without any staff except a seconded private secretary from the Civil Service and a seconded records officer from the Public Records and Archives Administration Department, and without a budget, the OSP worked on the draft by virtue of the founding Special Prosecutors previous experience as the longest serving Deputy Attorney-General in Ghana and later as an Attorney-General. The OSP submitted a redraft to the Attorney-General accompanied by a memorandum explaining critical provisions in the Operations Regulations. This is how come the Attorney-General resubmitted another draft dated 13 July 2018 to the OSP which included the OSPs proposed Regulation 33 on the Prevention of Corruption, researched, and proposed entirely gratis by the OSP. The OSP further fine-tuned the AGs draft of 13 July 2018 leading to the Director of Legislative Drafting fine-tuning the final draft proposed OSP (Operations) Regulations dated 31 August 2018 the Attorney-General submitted to the OSP again, with the provision of prevention of corruption now moved to Regulation 32. The OSP agreed with the 31 August 2018 draft which was eventually submitted to Parliament and defended before the subsidiary legislation committee. The Presidents conflict resolution efforts in accomplishing this task was immeasurable. The submission of the first draft of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Regulations, 2018 was thereafter left to the OSP to propose. The first draft of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Regulations, 2018 which eventually became L.I. 2373 was entirely the creation of the OSP and adopted mostly provisions from the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 1996 (Act 526) (which was the brainchild of Captain Kojo Tsikata, Mr. Shaw and me as the then Deputy Attorney-General) and the Management Regulations of the Bureau of National Investigation Regulations, 2015 (L. I. 2227), which was a work in progress when the founding Special Prosecutor was the Minister for the Interior, with additional Ministerial responsibility for Security and Intelligence. The last redraft (of the Administration Regulations) from the Attorney-General to the OSP was dated 9 November 2018 before it was submitted to Parliament and defended to become L.I. 2323. The paper trail of correspondence from the first draft submitted to the OSP from the AGs Office and the subsequent redrafts containing the OSPs substantial inputs which was eventually submitted to parliament were part of the handing over notes of the resigned Special Prosecutor to the Acting Special Prosecutor on 16 November 2020. The paper trail and correspondence on the acquisition of the ten-story building at 6 Haile Selassie Avenue, South Ridge, Accra, were also part of the handing over notes to the Acting Special Prosecutor for the records of the OSP. I wish Kissi Agyebeng had professional experience as an investigator and a prosecutor when he assumed office to have been capable of studying and understanding that even the jurisdictions from which the provisions on prevention of corruption were borrowed and incorporated into L. I. 2374 do not personalize the prevention of corruption endeavour as personal achievements in a manner demonstrating lack of high moral character and proven integrity for Ghanas Special Prosecutor. Kissi Agyebeng as a result of inexperience and incompetence did not insist on taking handing over notes from the Acting Special Prosecutor. Instead, he reported to the office at Yantrabi Road, Labone, on 9 August 2021, moved straight to inspect the empty ten-story accommodation at No. 6 Haile Selassie Avenue, South Ridge, Accra, returned for a meeting with the staff on 10 August 2021 and disappeared for two months working from an undisclosed location. Kissi Agyebeng does not have any handing over notes from his immediate predecessor as an official record indicating his assumption of office as though he had assumed office upon a coup detat. He was power drunk from day one. This is how come Kissi Agyebeng does not even know that GET Fund had wanted to rent part of its ten-story office accommodation to the OSP. Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) was already renting a part. The records in the OSP which were handed over to the Acting Special Prosecutor show how the OSP convinced President Nana Akufo-Addo to direct the Chief of Staff to arrange the buying off of the whole property for the offices of the OSP. And when the property was inspected gratis by the OSP and found to be in a serious state of disrepair, the President got the Minister for Finance to assist the Special Prosecutor to get Consar Limited the original contractors to remedy the defects at their own cost including getting the subcontractors to rectify the faults in the electrical system. The video recording of the defects in the ten-story OSP accommodation before and after the renovations were part of the records in the Special Prosecutors safe handed over to the Acting Special Prosecutor on 16 November 2020. The President and the Minister of Finance had agreed to give the OSP seed money from the 2018 approved budget for the 2019 budget year for the conversion of the empty ten-story building into workable office accommodation befitting the OSP. A cumulative amount of Sixty-Five Million Ghana Cedis (GHS65,000,000.00) was given to the OSP (the bulk of it at the tail end of the 2019 budget year and at the beginning of 2020) with the understanding that when the OSP gets an approved procurement entity status from the Public Procurement Authority the sum of Sixty Million Ghana Cedis (GHS60,000,000.00) of the amount will be available to sole source for Consar Limited to begin the conversion of the ten-story office accommodation into offices for the various divisions to be commissioned by the President before its use by the OSP. That was the amount of money found on the balance of the OSP books when the Special Prosecutor resigned on 16 November 2020 which he was perniciously accused of refusing to spend. I have been compelled to make the foregoing clarifications and to acknowledge the role of President Akufo-Addo in getting the OSP to the unblemished stage at which the founding Special Prosecutor resigned from office on account of the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Report to depoliticize the attempts by certain elements within the political elite, particularly by some young persons turned leading members of the NDC over night to create the impression that the President was of no assistance to the actualization of the objectives of the OSP. It is dishonourable and immoral for such young persons to seek to score cheap political points in anticipation of future political appointments and to support the roguish operations of Kissi Agyebeng as the Special Prosecutor who has involved the OSP in public procurement malpractices, supervising pervasive corruption including recruitment corruption into the OSP, and scandalizing the administration of justice to undermine the political system established under the 1992 Constitution. I always exempted the President from the complaints the OSP made about the operationalization of the OSP anytime the media approached the Special Prosecutor for comments during my tenure, and the statements made are available online for those making unfounded comparisons to revisit to clear any doubts. The challenges the OSP faced during the tenure of the founding Special Prosecutor were not directly from the President except for the fateful events brought about by the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Agreements, the manner the Presidency managed it, and my reaction thereto for which I have no regrets. The obstructions to the operationalization of the OSP came from other public institutions that saw the OSP as a threat. The President intervened as much as he could through directions from his office but the system worked in such a way that there were limits to which even the President could impose his will. Unfortunately, Victor Newman, the wise counselor to President Akufo-Addo is no more alive to throw light on those obstructions. CONCLUSIONS The foregoing discourse has demonstrated from the facts, information and intelligence, and the available evidence that the Special Prosecutor, William Kissi Agyebeng, is so desperate to protect the mismanagement, the culture of corruption, massive staff recruitment malpractices, and public procurement malpractices which have become pervasive and endemic within the OSP on the blind side of President Nana Akufo-Addo by resorting to blackmailing the government that appointed him with publications of former government appointees he is prosecuting to court public support should any attempts be made to remove him from office for his suspected misconduct under Act 959. The connection between Anas Aremeyaw Anas interview on an impending January 2024 documentary that will shock the Ghanaian public and the OSPs social media publication on six former government appointees the OSP is prosecuting, it has been shown, provides a context within which to evaluate the OSPs blackmail in singling out only government appointees as being prosecuted by the OSP. The necessity for President Nana Akufo-Addo to commission an urgent forensic audit of all the about 249 employees recruited by the OSP under Kissi Agyebeng so that the President does not leave behind an OSP programmed to be politically partisan after the end of his tenure of office has been demonstrated. This will put to rest the intelligence on the over twenty of Cromwell Gray LLP/Tiger Eye PI employees recruited as staff of the OSP and forming part of the over eighty recruits placed under the Strategy, Research, and Communications Division under Samuel Appiah Darko, who until recently was with Cromwell Gray LLP and lawyer with Kissi Agyebeng for Anas Aremeyaw Anas of the same law firm. This discourse has also clarified and acknowledged the role of President Akufo-Addo in getting the OSP to the unblemished stage at which the founding Special Prosecutor resigned from office on account of the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Report to depoliticize the attempts by certain elements within the political elite, particularly by some young persons turned leading members of the NDC over night to create the impression that the President was of no assistance to the actualization of the objectives of the OSP. I have contended that it is dishonourable and immoral for such young persons to seek to score cheap political points in anticipation of future political appointments and to support the roguish operations of Kissi Agyebeng as the Special Prosecutor who has involved the OSP in public procurement malpractices, supervising pervasive corruption including staff recruitment corruption into the OSP, and scandalizing the administration of justice to undermine the political system established under the 1992 Constitution. The discourse has explained how the President and I discussed the future of the OSP and agreed on 9 January 2018 when he invited me to the Jubilee House to persuade me for nomination and appointment as the founding Special Prosecutor that the OSP will at all times remain an independent and impartial anti-corruption agency above partisan politics which was the reason I accepted to be nominated as the Special Prosecutor for the OSP. The fight against corruption will be lost entirely should Kissi Agyebengs supervision of the OSP into a rogue anti-corruption agency in which any sitting government is capable of being blackmailed to overlook corruption within the OSP itself is allowed to fester. The 1992 Constitution and the public interest demands that all patriots rally against the looming eventuality of the private capture of the OSP for continued unlawful purposes. Martin A. B. K. Amidu 22 December 2023 POSTSCRITUM I had completed writing this discourse before Ghana Web reported on the evening of Friday, 22 December 2023 with its source as starrfm.com.gh that the High Court (Financial and Economic Crimes Division), Accra, presided over by Mr. Justice Nana Brew, had granted the Special Prosecutor one last adjournment upon a plea by the OSP for an adjournment to put his house in order due to certain developments which when resolved could affect the outcome of the case before the Court in the application it is seeking for an order or orders for the confirmation of the administrative seizure and freezing of the assets and bank accounts of Cecilia Abena Dapaah. This is the case in which the OSPs petition to the Chief Justice to remove Mr. Justice Twum from hearing the application was refused on grounds of lack of merit on 25 October 2023, and the Supreme Court also dismissed as withdrawn by the OSP its the pending application for certiorari which was unmeritorious on 29 November 2023. The undue delay since 10 October 2023 has entirely been orchestrated by the OSP to frustrate the hearing while touting the pendency of this case also as an achievement. Hopefully the OSP will not at the next adjourned date of 11 January 2024 throw in the towel after frustrating the hearing of his own application since 10 October 2023 or come up with a new trick to delay the hearing of its own application. Time will tell! Martin A. B. K. Amidu 26 December 2023 At least 13 people were injured in Kinshasa on Wednesday after riot police fired tear gas in clashes with demonstrators protesting against last week's presidential elections in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite a government ban, supporters from several opposition groups gathered in the city to press their claims for a rerun of the presidential and legislative polls. They say the election was fraudulent and should be annulled. President Felix Tshisekedi's administration has dismissed the demands. The disputed vote threatens to further destabilise the DRC, which is grappling with a security crisis in the east that has hampered development in the world's top producer of cobalt and other industrial minerals and metals. Police surrounded the headquarters of Martin Fayulu, one of five presidential challengers who had called on their supporters to march in Kinshasa. "He did not win the election, his victory is fraudulent," said one protester, who gave his name as Jean-Pierre. Short protests The opposition vowed to proceed even after the government banned the protest on Tuesday, saying it was intended to undermine the work of the national election commission (CENI) as it compiles results that show Tshisekedi with a strong lead. Police fired tear gas and threw rocks at people outside and inside the headquarters, who were also throwing rocks, a witness said. Fayulu, who's the leader of the Engagement for Citizenship and Development party, accused the security forces of heavy-handedness and said 11 people had been injured. "You see how the police attacked us. Our program was simple: gather little by little and head to CENI headquarters," he told journalists. Members of Fayulu's team carried injured protesters from the scene to hospital. Nearby, young protesters also set tyres alight. Kinshasa police chief Blaise Kilimba Limba said two police officers had been injured by stones as well as a number of civilians. Attempts to gather elsewhere in the city were rapidly thwarted amid the heavy security presence. Some protesters tried to block roads with burning tires before police intervened. In a sign of tension elsewhere, supporters of one local candidate, briefly blocked roads and disrupted traffic with burning tires in the eastern city of Butembo, before dispersing. Credibility concerns The unrest follows the 20 December vote, which was marred by delays delivering election kits, malfunctioning equipment and disorganised voting lists. Violence also disrupted the poll in some places. The protest organisers have criticised the CENI's decision to extend voting at polling stations that failed to open on election day, calling it unconstitutional and grounds for a full re-run. Some independent observers have also said the extension undermines the credibility of the poll. CENI has acknowledged there were delays but denied that the legitimacy of the election was compromised by extending some voting. Its latest tally on Tuesday put Tshisekedi well ahead of his 18 challengers, with almost 79 percent of around 6.1 million votes counted so far. Around 44 million were registered to vote, although the number of ballots cast remains unknown. (with Reuters) Yet to be commissioned Ho Central Market stores have become scenes of filth, obscenity and stench. Some deranged individuals have been dumping refuse inside some of the buildings and in non-designated areas, creating a sanitary situation that threatens the health of thousands that throng the market. A GNA tour of the commercial centre of Volta Region's capital city, saw unoccupied spaces becoming dumping centres, including the stair areas of some Storey buildings, and the eerie corridors of the upper floors. The GNA was told that mentally ill persons contracted to collect refuse in the market were responsible for the unusual siting. Traders talked about how the developing situation affected their work, which showed a lack of authority and security at the multi-million market centre. When you come here in the afternoon, the heat is unbearable, one whose shop is right adjacent the sceptic tank for one of the buildings, and which had been turned into an incinerator, lamented. Storm drains are fast becoming open urinals, and the refuse dumps; are sites for open defecation. Sumaiya, a dealer in exotic fabrics who recently set up shop at the market, narrated her ordeal in the unsanitary environment. There are urinals over there, but people are using the drains here to pee. The stench is very disturbing. Other unusual refuse spots found in and around the market, are said to be created by these mad men, whose services are patronised by some traders. The prevalence of criminals and miscreants who loft in the unused upper floors is already a long-standing challenge to the market modernisation project, which was made possible through a secondary cities initiative of the Government of France. A long line of urine that is bleaching the disability access ramp to the largest building, shows constant urination and is producing an unbearable stench. Comfort, a dressmaker who was the only one working among the long, forlorn corridor of stores, told of how owners of the various units abandoned them to trade on the ground floor. All these stores have become warehouses, and it is affecting patronage of business here. And because nobody comes here, people come here to pee and do other stuff. The dressmaker would call for more access ways to the infinity corridors of the upper floors, to make them more attractive to the public. A few mentally ill persons could be seen loitering around the market, mostly near the refuse they had accumulated. A member of the market management committee who spoke to the GNA admitted the situation was an eyesore and that efforts were being made to address the issue. Yet a food vendor at the entrance to the polluted stair area, said authorities showed neglect. We have been complaining to the Council but there has been no response. The mad guy is taking GHC 1 and heaping the refuse there. Every day the authorities see him, but they don't do anything about it. Every morning he goes to sweep and then dump the refuse there. The said madman, reportedly notorious who limps on a stick, is said to abuse anyone who dares question his waste management methods. He tried setting fire to the refuse inside the building, and we had to stop him. Mr. Lawrence Senya, Municipal Environmental Health Officer, told the GNA, This is a situation we are grappling with. Because these people are not sane, we are having difficulty controlling them, he said, adding that the market was not totally enclosed. We are yet to get full enclosure of the market, and it should have been done by November, but the metal gates are not fully installed. We are sure by January ending we should get around it. He noted how some officers of the Environmental Health Department and cleaners from the Municipal Assembly had been supporting sanitation at the market. Mr Senya said there were some considerations to engaging the various market associations to take up the cleaning. The Ghana Journalists Association, Volta Chapter, with its allies some years ago undertook a clean-up exercise at the Central market, which was gasping under filth. GNA Partial results from DR Congo's election released Wednesday indicated a strong lead for incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, but came as the opposition rejected the poll and staged a protest that turned violent. In the morning, dozens of riot police in the capital Kinshasa prevented a banned opposition-organised demonstration against the electoral process from taking place. Some protesters turned up anyway -- but the demonstration quickly devolved into violence as protesters hurled stones at officers. Leading opposition politicians in impoverished but mineral-rich Democratic Republic of Congo called for the protest after rejecting last week's vote, which was marred by severe delays and bureaucratic disarray. Congolese interior minister Peter Kazadi said Tuesday that the protest would be banned because it "aims to harm the electoral process". But the opposition nevertheless urged supporters to gather near the national assembly and march to the headquarters of the country's electoral commission. Riot police deployed to the area and fired tear gas at supporters of opposition politician Martin Fayulu, who gathered at his party's headquarters. The supporters hurled rocks at the police, who responded in kind with rocks in addition to tear gas. Fayulu later said that at least 11 people had been injured. Kinshasa's chief of police, General Blaise Kilimbalimba, said two officers had been injured. He added that there had been minors among the protesters -- and that the protest organisers would be summoned for questioning. Some 44 million people were registered to vote on December 20 in elections to choose a president, national and regional lawmakers and municipal councillors. But the electoral commission struggled to get voting materials to polling booths on time in the huge and fragile country -- roughly the size of continental western Europe -- leaving some people unable to cast ballots. 'Gigantic organised mess' Police officers during clashes with opposition supporters in Kinshasa after a protest march was banned. By JOHN WESSELS (AFP) Voting was officially extended by a day and even lasted until Christmas Day in some remote areas. The opposition claimed there was "total chaos" and denounced irregularities. The archbishop of Kinshasa likewise described the election as a "gigantic organised mess". Election-related tensions are common in the DRC, which has a long history of authoritarian rule and violent government overthrow. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said on social media that the opposition must await the publication of provisional results and address complaints about the electoral process to the Constitutional Court. Partial results released by the electoral commission on Wednesday evening showed incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi well ahead, with about 79 percent of the some 8.8 million ballots counted so far. The 60-year-old, who came to office in January 2019 after the country's first peaceful transfer of power, is running for a second five-year term. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu arrives at his party HQ. By JOHN WESSELS (AFP) Moise Katumbi, a former governor of the south-east Katanga region, has about 15 percent of the votes counted so far. He is followed Fayulu, a former oil executive who claims he was the rightful winner of the 2018 election, with about 3 percent. Former Attorney General, Martin Amidu has argued that Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng is part of the reason why Ghana is not winning the fight against corruption. In his latest epistle, the first Special Prosecutor of Ghana alleged that Kissi Agyebeng is corrupt and does not fit to remain in office. The unfortunate facts gathered from information and intelligence are that Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor cannot extricate himself from the pervasive suspected corruption and corruption-related offences taking place within the OSP itself in connection with recruitment corruption, and public procurement malpractices the OSP is mandated to prevent, investigate, and prosecute, Martin Amidu said in his release. He continued, This is the reason for the inability of the Special Prosecutor to answer my previous challenges to him to summon his rented media and press as he has serially done against suspects under investigation to deny or affirm to the court of public opinion his role in the corruption and massive public procurement malpractices in the OSP. The OSPs suspected corruption pot should never be allowed to call the citizen suspected of corruptions kettle black in the fight against corruption and public procurement malpractices in Ghana. According to Martin Amidu, the fight against corruption will be lost entirely should Kissi Agyebengs supervision of the OSP into a rogue anti-corruption agency in which any sitting government is capable of being blackmailed to overlook corruption within the OSP itself is allowed to fester. He stressed that the 1992 Constitution and the public interest demand that all patriots rally against the looming eventuality of the private capture of the OSP for continued unlawful purposes. Read the full release from Martin Amidu below: THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR BLACKMAILS THE GOVERNMENT BY TOUTING PROSECUTIONS OF FORMER GOVERNMENT APPOINTEES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: BY MARTIN A. B. K. AMIDU The Special Prosecutor, William Kissi Agyebeng, is so desperate to protect the mismanagement, the culture of corruption, massive staff recruitment malpractices, and public procurement malpractices which have become pervasive and endemic within the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on the blind side of President Nana Akufo-Addo. The Special Prosecutor has, therefore, resorted first to, blackmailing the government, and secondly courting leading members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) together with other disgruntled members of civil society and a rented media to create the impression that it is his appointing authority that is impeding his so-called fight against corruption. The unfortunate facts gathered from information and intelligence are that Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor cannot extricate himself from the pervasive suspected corruption and corruption-related offences taking place within the OSP itself in connection with recruitment corruption, and public procurement malpractices the OSP is mandated to prevent, investigate, and prosecute. This is the reason for the inability of the Special Prosecutor to answer my previous challenges to him to summon his rented media and press as he has serially done against suspects under investigation to deny or affirm to the court of public opinion his role in the corruption and massive public procurement malpractices in the OSP. The OSPs suspected corruption pot should never be allowed to call the citizen suspected of corruptions kettle black in the fight against corruption and public procurement malpractices in Ghana. The foregoing, notwithstanding, on 13 December 2023 the OSP was audaciously reported to have outlined four cases involving a total of six former NPP government appointees being tried for corruption and corruption-related offences. One wonders the reasons Kissi Agyebeng has for selectively causing a social media post on only former NPP Government appointees being tried for corruption and corruption-related offences as though corruption offences have political colourations. The OSPs half-yearly report dated 30 June 2023 published as required by law listed those cases amongst other cases without the emphasis he now places on the appointing government for the six suspects. This appears to be the case of an incompetent, unprofessional, and entrepreneurial minded drowning Kissi Agyebeng who has been gallivanting around the globe on the public purse, and recently scurrilously abusing the courts and administration of justice on 29 November 2023 dragging down his appointing authority with him, should it fail to rescue him from his infractions of the law. Kissi Agyebeng naively seeks to curry public sympathy and empathy to create the fake impression that it is the Nana Akufo-Addo Government that is against him for fighting corruption affecting former NPP Government appointees. THE TIMING AND CONTEXT OF KISSI AGYEBENGS BLACKMAIL The timing of William Kissi Agyebengs decision to publicize and issue communiques highlighting the six (6) former NPP government appointees as though only former government officials have the propensity to be suspected of the commission of specified corruption offences is important in understanding the political nature and expediency of blackmailing the government into not exposing existing corruption, massive unlawful staff recruitment malpractices, and public procurement malpractices within the OSP. William Kissi Agyebengs 29 November 2023 rented media and press conference to scurrilously abuse and scandalize the courts and the administration of justice ended in a fiasco. The Ghana Bar Association, the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), experienced and distinguished lawyers, reasonable members of civil society, the media, and professional groups roundly deserted him in their condemnation of his affront to the judicial system for unfavourable decisions against the OSP in the High Court ruling in a judicial review application by Col. Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd.) and Joseph Adu-Kyei. The Special Prosecutors ego had been bruised by the unfavourable ruling which his friends in the media and he tried unsuccessfully to justify his stated misbehaviour and unconstitutional conduct warranting a major penalty of dismissal from office but for Section 15 of Act 959 making impeachment the only process for removing him from office. As if by coincidence, Kissi Agyebengs first partner in his original partnership of Cromwell Gray LLP made up of Anas Anas as first partner and himself as the second partner jumped into the affray on or around 10 December 2023. In the disguise of an interview published in video form online by Graphic Online of the Graphic Communications Group Limited to create the ambiguous impression that the government or its appointee(s) might have committed abominable crimes to be shown globally in a documentary in January 2024. Kissi Agyebeng who ought to have been removed from his public office for supervising corruption within the OSP then immediately follows Anas Aremeyaw Anas interview with his social media publication listing and naming only cases of former NPP government appointees he is prosecuting as so-called achievements since his assumption of office on 9 August 2021. The perspective of holism in interdisciplinary studies, research, and analysis requires the public to take in account the inextricable and interwoven relationship between Cromwell Gray LLP and Tiger Eye PI as beneficiaries of a massive commercial anti-corruption enterprise for personal profit. The transition of Kissi Agyebeng to the OSP only provided the opportunity to use the resources of the OSP to abuse the OSP staff recruitment processes, commit public procurement malpractices under the Public Procurement Act, and to turn the OSP into a rogue public anti-corruption entrepreneurial agency after the associated Tiger Eye PI modus operandi. Anas Aremeyaw Anas blames the exposure of his entrepreneurial and journalist terrorist investigative activities determined by the courts on the Government just as Kissi Agyebeng now blames his appointing government for unfavourable court outcomes simply because the successful applicants once held government appointments. Kissi Agyebeng has forgotten as most suspected criminals easily do, that as a lawyer for Anas Aremeyaw Anas he is on record in the OSP during my tenure as the founding Special Prosecutor to have sought assurances under his signature for Anas Aremeyaw Anas to give evidence in the Charles Bissue investigation wearing a mask, unbeknown to him that the OSP was investigating Anas Aremeyaw Anas for suspected bribery and corruption in the registration of ORR Resources Enterprise which was used to entrap the suspects in the case. The public interest in ensuring that the OSP remains an independent anti-corruption agency as agreed between President Akufo-Addo and me on 9 January 2018 before I accepted to be nominated as the founding Special Prosecutor compels me to ask the President whether he is privy to the information and intelligence making the rounds that the OSP has recruited about a total of twenty-five former operatives of Cromwell Gray LLP/Tiger Eye PI as employees of the OSP with enhanced positions and ranks at the cost of the public purse? Over twenty of these Cromwell Gray LLP/Tiger Eye PI recruits embedded in the over eighty recruits placed under the Strategy, Research, and Communications Division under Samuel Appiah Darko, until recently of Cromwell Gray LLP and lawyer with Kissi Agyebeng for Anas Aremeyaw Anas of the same law firm. Mr. President, being in our seventies, I know that many things may happen on our blind side and I will urge you to commission an urgent forensic audit of all the about 249 employees recruited by the OSP under Kissi Agyebeng so that you do not leave behind an OSP programmed to be politically partisan after the end of your tenure of office. Mr. President, leave no room for regrets, and Had I known!. Kissi Agyebeng on assumption of office as the Special Prosecutor suppressed that investigation and the evidence gathered of suspected bribery and corruption against his client and law partner, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. The Special Prosecutor upon assuming office also suppressed the almost completed investigations into three distinct corruption and public procurement malpractices investigations involving his client, Tekstart Africa Limited (Tekstart) and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA). The Ashanti Region Lotto Marketing Companies Retailers Association and other complainants are still to come to terms with the suppression of their complaints and information provided to the OSP during my tenure against Tekstart Africa Limited and the NLA. It is within the context of Kissi Agyebeng, the pot calling the kettle black that one should understand the self-serving tantrums being thrown by Kissi Agyebeng against former NPP government appointees and the touting of his deranged achievements since 9 August 2021. THE CRIME CALLED SIX (6) FORMER GOVERNMENT APPOINTEES UNDER PROSECUTION Every professional investigator and prosecutor knows as part of elementary training that crime is a crime without gender, politics, religion, regional, ethnic, or cultural affiliation. The politicization of criminal investigation and prosecution is a clear indication of incompetence and abject failure of law enforcement to impartially and independently deal with crime no matter the status or standing of the suspected criminal in society. I have not in my forty-five years as a lawyer found in the definition of corruption and corruption-related offences under the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) or any other law including Act 959 an ingredient referrable to the suspected criminals political party or affiliation except in Kissi Agyebengs novel classification of six suspected cases allegedly under prosecution as crimes of former NPP Government appointees. The political underpinning of the blackmail underlining Kissi Agyebengs classification of the so-called former government appointees crimes will be examined and analyzed hereunder. The Republic vs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah Kissi Agyebeng purposefully and deliberately listed the case of the Republic vs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah for allegedly refusing to declare property and income demanded by the OSP which does not fall within any of the corruption and corruption-related offences cognizable under Section 79 of Act 959 to take advantage of the misimpression created by the Presidents acceptance letter to Cecilia Dapaahs resignation letter as a Minister of State. At the time the crime was allegedly committed, the suspect was a private citizen and not a member of any government. William Kissi Agyebeng, however, dishonestly for any Special Prosecutor, deliberately omitted to state the fact that Cecilia Abena Dapaah could not be arraigned before the High Court on 12 October 2023 because he made it impossible for the court to take her plea and to hear the application to strike out the charge against her for want of mandate in the OSP under Act 959 with a spurious petition from the OSP to the Chief Justice against the Judge trying the case. Kissi Agyebengs abuse of power against a citizen presumed innocent was followed with another spurious and needless application for certiorari to the Supreme Court against a ruling of the same judge for abridging the time within which to hear the OSPs own application for confirmation of unlawfully frozen assets and bank accounts of Cecilia Dapaah. The Chief Justice rightly dismissed the spurious petition of Kissi Agyebeng for lack of any merit on 25 October 2023. Then on 29 November 2023 whilst Kissi Agyebeng was busy basking in the ignominy of scurrilously abusing the courts and scandalizing the administration of justice before a rented media and press, the OSP had to shamefully withdraw its spurious application for certiorari to avoid it being struck out by the Supreme Court for lack of merit and abuse of process. The Cecilia Abena Dapaahs complaint against her house helps and the euphoria and hysteria the OSP deliberately generated to discredit her and the government she served is the most misunderstood corruption and corruption-related investigation that violates both Act 959 and the fundamental human rights of the suspect under the 1992 Constitution. William Kissi Agyebeng knows the power of the public hysteria he had created against Cecilia Dapaah and the government she served in the court of public opinion. He continues to rob salt into the wound of Cecilia Dapaah to maintain a leverage over the government from dealing with the accumulating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences Kissi Agyebeng supervises with impunity at the OSP. Blackmail, pure and simply from an OSP gone rogue under Kissi Agyebeng against the Government, and the people of Ghana. The NDC is, unfortunately for political expediency, willing for the mean time to play along the Kissi Agyebeng game of politicizing the fight against corruption as it serves as a leverage to power at the next elections and puts the government in bad light, for now. The whole idea of Kissi Agyebengs encounters with the American FBI and the resultant publications on the Cecilia Dapaah cases were intended to blackmail his own appointing authority. The older and more experienced other law enforcement agencies have met the FBI to cooperate in investigations without the publicity and funfair in the court of public opinion the OSP brought to bear on the Cecilia Dapaah witch-hunting expedition. Kissi Agyebeng knows that should the criminal charge of failure to disclose property and income against Cecilia Dapaah come to trial his mandate to charge her for the offence might not stand the test of lawfulness. But he also knows that for reasons of blackmail against the government, holding on to the charge for as long he can maneuver to prolong the trial enables him to tout it as an achievement, where none in fact exists. The Republic vs. Adjenim Boateng Adjei The on-going case involving Adjenim Boateng Adjei, the former Chief Executive of Public Procurement Authority and his brother-in-law, Francis Kwaku Arhin, for allegedly using public office for profit and directly and indirectly influencing the procurement process to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of public contracts is reported by the OSP to have been adjourned to March 4, 2024, for continuation of cross-examination of the first Prosecution witness. What William Kissi Agyebeng does not tell the public, whose emotions he is whipping up against the suspects presumed innocent and the NPP Government, is the impact of the ruling of the High Court delivered on 13 July 2023 granting an application for certiorari by the suspects to quash the findings of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for breaches of the rules of natural justice on the evidence the OSP intends to tender from the CHRAJ investigations as part of the OSPs case in the A. B. Adjei criminal trial in court. The suppression of these facts and case law while highlighting the fact that Adjenim Boateng Adjei was a former government appointee is pernicious and unprofessional in any investigator and prosecutor intent on blackmailing the Government to perpetuate his stay in office. Kissi Agyebeng deliberately put this matter in the public domain knowing that he is putting temptation in the path of impartial observer to commit contempt of court by commenting on his dishonest and corrupt conduct in publishing skewed narratives on the matter. I refuse to take the temptation. But how can the Special Prosecutor who supervised the importation and took delivery of an assortment of over fifty vehicles including armoured plated ones from the Tema Port between July and September 2022 without any application to the Public Procurement Authority for the approval of the procurement contracts have the moral right and integrity to investigate and prosecute Adjenim Boateng Adjei or any other citizen for corruption and public procurement malpractices crimes? The case of Kissi Agyebeng the pot calling the kettle black in Ghanas fight against corruption negates the fight against corruption. The Republic vs. Alexander Kwame Sarfo Kantanka The third on-going trial tagged that of a former Government appointee which Kissi Agyebeng is deliberately highlighting is the case of Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka, a former MCE nominee for Juaben in the Ashanti Region for corruption in respect of a public election in which a submission of no case has been made pending a decision by the court on 23 January 2024. This is a typical low hanging fruit Kissi Agyebeng is using for political effect and needs no comment as it is also a matter pending in court. Every reasonable citizen, however, knows how pervasive the monetization of the electoral process during elections has become on both sides of the political divide in the past few years to wonder the reason for making a martyr out of the suspect even if he is convicted or acquitted. Kissi Agyebeng cannot be oblivious of the several videos on online in which persons from the various political parties in Ghana have confessed either to giving or receiving consideration for purposes of voting or securing votes. An investigator or a prosecutor who chooses the people he wishes to investigate and to prosecute, instead of the cases that need to be investigated and prosecuted is unfit for the position of an anti-corruption Special Prosecutor in Ghana. The Republic vs. Sumaila Abdul Rahman and 3 others The fourth case is the on-going trial in which the suspects have been classified by the OSP as a former NPP Government appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority and his two deputies in the Republic vs. Sumaila Abdul Rahman and 3 others. Crime is crime, so why does Kissi Agyebeng as a neutral and impartial Special Prosecutor prefer to refer to such simple crimes as those of former NPP Government appointees? One cannot surmise a more naive plan of blackmailing the Government so that if the OSP is investigated for his supervision of the various suspected corruption, staff recruitment malpractices, and massive public procurement malpractices going on there, the public may be instigated to form the erroneous believe that the Government is going after him for past prosecution of government appointees. KISSI AGYEBENGS COMMUNIQUE OF ACHIEVEMENTS Just two days after Kissi Agyebeng published on social media his list of six former government appointees he is prosecuting, as though the President ordered them to commit the offences while in office, he decided on 15 December 2023 to publish what he considered to be his achievements in a communique to counter the genuine criticisms by the Ghana Bar Association, the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), and other experts of his unprofessional conduct and incompetence arising from his 29 November 2023 rented media and press conference at which he scurrilously abused the courts and the administration of justice. It is strange that the Special Prosecutor, a public officer paid and maintained out of the public purse, can think that he is entitled to boast of personal achievements in office after undermining the political system of his country despite swearing the Official Oath to uphold, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana as by law established as an aftermath of scurrilously abusing the courts and judges appointed to administer justice, and to further scandalize the administration of justice as a whole in Ghana. This is the context within which readers should view the social media posts of the vanity of self-glorification by Kissi Agyebeng as the Special Prosecutor in the discourse below. Disruption of Counterfeit Foreign Currency Manufacturing Network The OSP claimed to have disrupted a syndicate involved in the production of a substantial amount of counterfeited foreign currency and made seizures in two warehouses in Accra and Tema where an amount of $40 million was discovered in concealed steel trunks. The Special Prosecutor, however, omits in his social media post to inform the public of the offences the suspects committed under Section 79 of Act 959 or of the fact that the OSP had handed over the case to an appropriate law enforcement agency with the mandate to investigate and to prosecute counterfeit offences by law. Kissi Agyebeng has consistently engaged in unlawful and unconstitutional conduct that merely disrupting a syndicate as alleged without the ability to investigate and prosecute members of the syndicate for specified corruption or corruptionrelated offences or handing them over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and prosecution smacks of trading with the suspects for considerations for private profit while at the same time just crying for sympathy for going on a frolic of his own. It is important for the public to remember that Kissi Agyebengs referral of his counterfeit manufacturing case to the appropriate law enforcement agency for action is critical to the credibility of the publication of the OSP on social media. The counterfeit manufacturing network must also be examined and analyzed within the context of the fact that the Special Prosecutor whilst in private practice as a lawyer used the technicalities of the law to prevent the Ghana Police Service from investigating the alleged confiscation of solid gold which was allegedly substituted at the East Legon Police Station with fake gold by a police commander and his subordinate police accomplices of the station. The first act of Kissi Agyebeng upon assuming office as the Special Prosecutor was to invite this police officer who was a serving Superintendent of the Police Service as a prosecutor in the Western Region to the OSP in Accra to supervise the investigation of the Labianca Case. The Special Prosecutor then caused the serving Superintendent of Police to resign from the Ghana Police Service, recruited him as an employee of the OSP, and immediately gave him the equivalent rank, salary, and retirement benefits of a Commissioner of Police when there was no Governing Board in existence at the OSP. Kissi Agyebeng in tandem with his new Director of Investigations recruited two of the former suspected accomplices of the police commander at the East Legon Police station who were still serving police sergeants of the Police Service into the OSP with the enhanced ranks of Deputy Staff Officers (DSO), an equivalent of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) in the Ghana Police Service. The willful and intentional financial losses caused to the public purse by the criminal conduct of Kissi Agyebeng are inestimable as he could simply have asked for the secondment or approved transfer of these police officers from the Ghana Police Service under Section 21 (3) of Act 959. Kissi Agyebengs conduct constitutes the suspected corruption offence of abuse of public office for profit contrary to Section 179C of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) which is a ground for his removal from office under Section 15 of Act 959. Ghana cannot claim to be fighting corruption when its Special Prosecutor cooks up schemes to steal from the public purse for profit by corruptly recruiting his friends and cronies on the blind side of the taxpayer. I am not, therefore, surprised that Kissi Agyebeng is now also involved and specializing in disrupting counterfeit currency manufacturing networks without indicating to the public how those activities fall within the mandate of corruption and corruption-related offences under Section 79 of Act 959. Suspension of TOR-Torentco Deal Kissi Agyebeng is touting an uncompleted alleged risk of corruption assessment as an achievement without telling the public how far he has gone with the corruption risk assessment examination and analysis. A corruption risk assessment on a $22 million lease agreement between TOR and Tema Energy and Processing Limited should not take eternity to complete to determine whether any offence is disclosed by the risk assessment to warrant a corruption investigation and prosecution. I conducted the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Agreement Corruption Risk Analysis within two months and there is no reason for the undue delay in the TOR-Torentco deal unless there is an ulterior corruption motive on the part of the OSP for the delay. Kissi Agyebengs penchant for holding on to investigations just to claim them as achievements is unprofessional, dishonourable, an exhibition of criminal tendencies, and lack of integrity for the position of the Special Prosecutor who must be of a high moral character and proven integrity under Act 959. Kissi Agyebengs conduct encourages corruption within the OSP in the investigation and prosecution of cases for those who do not play ball. Closed pathways for corrupt practices and tax avoidance. The ruling of the High Court in the Republic v the Special Prosecutor and Another, Ex Parte Col. Kwadwo Damoah and Another, 27 November 2023 (unreported) rendered this claim premised upon the Labianca Report dated 3 August 2022 nugatory. This was the case that gave rise to Kissi Agyebengs ill-fated media and press conference scandalizing the administration of justice after the High Court granted an application for certiorari to quash the decisions and adverse findings made in the report against the then Commissioner of Customs, Colonel Kwadwo Damoah, and the Deputy Commissioner of Customs (Operations), Joseph Adu-Kyei of the GRA. The Court also prohibited the OSP from further investigating the matter after unlawfully conducting the trial of the applicants in the court of public opinion. Whatever decisions the OSP made in respect of the misuse of Customs Advance rulings and benchmark values were unlawful under Act 959 and Kissi Agyebeng cannot take credit for his abuse of power under Act 959 and the 1992 Constitution by acting without mandate as found and decided by the High Court. In any case, all law enforcement agencies, including the OSP before the appointment of Kissi Agyebeng, saved this nation several millions of cedis annually without self-seeking glorification from the public for recognition. These are routine byproducts of law enforcement for which no professional person claims as personal achievements. KISSI AGYEBENGS DISEASE AS AN INCOMPETENT SPECIAL PROSECUTOR Kissi Agyebeng is seeking self-glorification in touting his non-existing personal achievements as the Special Prosecutor in the prevention of corruption due to the fact that he has no understanding of the genesis of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Regulations, 2018 (L. I. 2373) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374). The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo needs acknowledgment, which acknowledgment I hereby give him, for his commitment in ensuring that the OSP had proper and fitting Regulations to actualize its mandate. At moments of disagreement between the Attorney-General (AG) and Civil Society Organizations on the one hand, and the OSP on the other, the President, a former Attorney-General himself, quickly saw where the founding Special Prosecutor intended to move the OSP in efficiently and effectively fighting against corruption. The President also intervened severally in ensuring that the infrastructure for the establishment of a viable OSP in the ten-story building at No. 6 Haile Selassie Avenue, South Ridge as the Special Prosecutor demanded were acceded to by GET Fund. Truth be told, nobody can take that commitment away from the President despite subsequent disagreements between the President and me on the way forward after the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Agreements Anti-corruption Risk Assessment Report. The Attorney-General had in anticipation of the appointment of a founding Special Prosecutor sought assistance from the so-called anti-corruption Civil Society Organizations, foreign and domestic, to put together a draft OSP (Operations) Regulations which turned out as a complete mess. The Attorney-Generals draft that was submitted to the one-man OSP for review in May 2018 was dated 24 April 2018. The OSP was proposed in the first draft to be established to investigate and prosecute corruption as though it was a Commission of Enquiry without the powers of such a commission. Conspicuously absent, for example, was any provision on the prevention of corruption stated in the parent law as an objective of the OSP. Without any staff except a seconded private secretary from the Civil Service and a seconded records officer from the Public Records and Archives Administration Department, and without a budget, the OSP worked on the draft by virtue of the founding Special Prosecutors previous experience as the longest serving Deputy Attorney-General in Ghana and later as an Attorney-General. The OSP submitted a redraft to the Attorney-General accompanied by a memorandum explaining critical provisions in the Operations Regulations. This is how come the Attorney-General resubmitted another draft dated 13 July 2018 to the OSP which included the OSPs proposed Regulation 33 on the Prevention of Corruption, researched, and proposed entirely gratis by the OSP. The OSP further fine-tuned the AGs draft of 13 July 2018 leading to the Director of Legislative Drafting fine-tuning the final draft proposed OSP (Operations) Regulations dated 31 August 2018 the Attorney-General submitted to the OSP again, with the provision of prevention of corruption now moved to Regulation 32. The OSP agreed with the 31 August 2018 draft which was eventually submitted to Parliament and defended before the subsidiary legislation committee. The Presidents conflict resolution efforts in accomplishing this task was immeasurable. The submission of the first draft of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Regulations, 2018 was thereafter left to the OSP to propose. The first draft of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Regulations, 2018 which eventually became L.I. 2373 was entirely the creation of the OSP and adopted mostly provisions from the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 1996 (Act 526) (which was the brainchild of Captain Kojo Tsikata, Mr. Shaw and me as the then Deputy Attorney-General) and the Management Regulations of the Bureau of National Investigation Regulations, 2015 (L. I. 2227), which was a work in progress when the founding Special Prosecutor was the Minister for the Interior, with additional Ministerial responsibility for Security and Intelligence. The last redraft (of the Administration Regulations) from the Attorney-General to the OSP was dated 9 November 2018 before it was submitted to Parliament and defended to become L.I. 2323. The paper trail of correspondence from the first draft submitted to the OSP from the AGs Office and the subsequent redrafts containing the OSPs substantial inputs which was eventually submitted to parliament were part of the handing over notes of the resigned Special Prosecutor to the Acting Special Prosecutor on 16 November 2020. The paper trail and correspondence on the acquisition of the ten-story building at 6 Haile Selassie Avenue, South Ridge, Accra, were also part of the handing over notes to the Acting Special Prosecutor for the records of the OSP. I wish Kissi Agyebeng had professional experience as an investigator and a prosecutor when he assumed office to have been capable of studying and understanding that even the jurisdictions from which the provisions on prevention of corruption were borrowed and incorporated into L. I. 2374 do not personalize the prevention of corruption endeavour as personal achievements in a manner demonstrating lack of high moral character and proven integrity for Ghanas Special Prosecutor. Kissi Agyebeng as a result of inexperience and incompetence did not insist on taking handing over notes from the Acting Special Prosecutor. Instead, he reported to the office at Yantrabi Road, Labone, on 9 August 2021, moved straight to inspect the empty ten-story accommodation at No. 6 Haile Selassie Avenue, South Ridge, Accra, returned for a meeting with the staff on 10 August 2021 and disappeared for two months working from an undisclosed location. Kissi Agyebeng does not have any handing over notes from his immediate predecessor as an official record indicating his assumption of office as though he had assumed office upon a coup detat. He was power drunk from day one. This is how come Kissi Agyebeng does not even know that GET Fund had wanted to rent part of its ten-story office accommodation to the OSP. Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) was already renting a part. The records in the OSP which were handed over to the Acting Special Prosecutor show how the OSP convinced President Nana Akufo-Addo to direct the Chief of Staff to arrange the buying off of the whole property for the offices of the OSP. And when the property was inspected gratis by the OSP and found to be in a serious state of disrepair, the President got the Minister for Finance to assist the Special Prosecutor to get Consar Limited the original contractors to remedy the defects at their own cost including getting the subcontractors to rectify the faults in the electrical system. The video recording of the defects in the ten-story OSP accommodation before and after the renovations were part of the records in the Special Prosecutors safe handed over to the Acting Special Prosecutor on 16 November 2020. The President and the Minister of Finance had agreed to give the OSP seed money from the 2018 approved budget for the 2019 budget year for the conversion of the empty ten-story building into workable office accommodation befitting the OSP. A cumulative amount of Sixty-Five Million Ghana Cedis (GHS65,000,000.00) was given to the OSP (the bulk of it at the tail end of the 2019 budget year and at the beginning of 2020) with the understanding that when the OSP gets an approved procurement entity status from the Public Procurement Authority the sum of Sixty Million Ghana Cedis (GHS60,000,000.00) of the amount will be available to sole source for Consar Limited to begin the conversion of the ten-story office accommodation into offices for the various divisions to be commissioned by the President before its use by the OSP. That was the amount of money found on the balance of the OSP books when the Special Prosecutor resigned on 16 November 2020 which he was perniciously accused of refusing to spend. I have been compelled to make the foregoing clarifications and to acknowledge the role of President Akufo-Addo in getting the OSP to the unblemished stage at which the founding Special Prosecutor resigned from office on account of the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Report to depoliticize the attempts by certain elements within the political elite, particularly by some young persons turned leading members of the NDC over night to create the impression that the President was of no assistance to the actualization of the objectives of the OSP. It is dishonourable and immoral for such young persons to seek to score cheap political points in anticipation of future political appointments and to support the roguish operations of Kissi Agyebeng as the Special Prosecutor who has involved the OSP in public procurement malpractices, supervising pervasive corruption including recruitment corruption into the OSP, and scandalizing the administration of justice to undermine the political system established under the 1992 Constitution. I always exempted the President from the complaints the OSP made about the operationalization of the OSP anytime the media approached the Special Prosecutor for comments during my tenure, and the statements made are available online for those making unfounded comparisons to revisit to clear any doubts. The challenges the OSP faced during the tenure of the founding Special Prosecutor were not directly from the President except for the fateful events brought about by the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Agreements, the manner the Presidency managed it, and my reaction thereto for which I have no regrets. The obstructions to the operationalization of the OSP came from other public institutions that saw the OSP as a threat. The President intervened as much as he could through directions from his office but the system worked in such a way that there were limits to which even the President could impose his will. Unfortunately, Victor Newman, the wise counselor to President Akufo-Addo is no more alive to throw light on those obstructions. CONCLUSIONS The foregoing discourse has demonstrated from the facts, information and intelligence, and the available evidence that the Special Prosecutor, William Kissi Agyebeng, is so desperate to protect the mismanagement, the culture of corruption, massive staff recruitment malpractices, and public procurement malpractices which have become pervasive and endemic within the OSP on the blind side of President Nana Akufo-Addo by resorting to blackmailing the government that appointed him with publications of former government appointees he is prosecuting to court public support should any attempts be made to remove him from office for his suspected misconduct under Act 959. The connection between Anas Aremeyaw Anas interview on an impending January 2024 documentary that will shock the Ghanaian public and the OSPs social media publication on six former government appointees the OSP is prosecuting, it has been shown, provides a context within which to evaluate the OSPs blackmail in singling out only government appointees as being prosecuted by the OSP. The necessity for President Nana Akufo-Addo to commission an urgent forensic audit of all the about 249 employees recruited by the OSP under Kissi Agyebeng so that the President does not leave behind an OSP programmed to be politically partisan after the end of his tenure of office has been demonstrated. This will put to rest the intelligence on the over twenty of Cromwell Gray LLP/Tiger Eye PI employees recruited as staff of the OSP and forming part of the over eighty recruits placed under the Strategy, Research, and Communications Division under Samuel Appiah Darko, who until recently was with Cromwell Gray LLP and lawyer with Kissi Agyebeng for Anas Aremeyaw Anas of the same law firm. This discourse has also clarified and acknowledged the role of President Akufo-Addo in getting the OSP to the unblemished stage at which the founding Special Prosecutor resigned from office on account of the Agyapa Royalties Transactions Report to depoliticize the attempts by certain elements within the political elite, particularly by some young persons turned leading members of the NDC over night to create the impression that the President was of no assistance to the actualization of the objectives of the OSP. I have contended that it is dishonourable and immoral for such young persons to seek to score cheap political points in anticipation of future political appointments and to support the roguish operations of Kissi Agyebeng as the Special Prosecutor who has involved the OSP in public procurement malpractices, supervising pervasive corruption including staff recruitment corruption into the OSP, and scandalizing the administration of justice to undermine the political system established under the 1992 Constitution. The discourse has explained how the President and I discussed the future of the OSP and agreed on 9 January 2018 when he invited me to the Jubilee House to persuade me for nomination and appointment as the founding Special Prosecutor that the OSP will at all times remain an independent and impartial anti-corruption agency above partisan politics which was the reason I accepted to be nominated as the Special Prosecutor for the OSP. The fight against corruption will be lost entirely should Kissi Agyebengs supervision of the OSP into a rogue anti-corruption agency in which any sitting government is capable of being blackmailed to overlook corruption within the OSP itself is allowed to fester. The 1992 Constitution and the public interest demands that all patriots rally against the looming eventuality of the private capture of the OSP for continued unlawful purposes. Martin A. B. K. Amidu 22 December 2023 POSTSCRITUM I had completed writing this discourse before Ghana Web reported on the evening of Friday, 22 December 2023 with its source as starrfm.com.gh that the High Court (Financial and Economic Crimes Division), Accra, presided over by Mr. Justice Nana Brew, had granted the Special Prosecutor one last adjournment upon a plea by the OSP for an adjournment to put his house in order due to certain developments which when resolved could affect the outcome of the case before the Court in the application it is seeking for an order or orders for the confirmation of the administrative seizure and freezing of the assets and bank accounts of Cecilia Abena Dapaah. This is the case in which the OSPs petition to the Chief Justice to remove Mr. Justice Twum from hearing the application was refused on grounds of lack of merit on 25 October 2023, and the Supreme Court also dismissed as withdrawn by the OSP its the pending application for certiorari which was unmeritorious on 29 November 2023. The undue delay since 10 October 2023 has entirely been orchestrated by the OSP to frustrate the hearing while touting the pendency of this case also as an achievement. Hopefully the OSP will not at the next adjourned date of 11 January 2024 throw in the towel after frustrating the hearing of his own application since 10 October 2023 or come up with a new trick to delay the hearing of its own application. Time will tell! Martin A. B. K. Amidu 26 December 2023 Benedict Financial Advisors Inc. lowered its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report) by 1.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 15,844 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 201 shares during the period. Becton, Dickinson and Company accounts for 1.2% of Benedict Financial Advisors Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 29th biggest position. Benedict Financial Advisors Inc.s holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $4,096,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in BDX. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 98,105.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 6,929,375 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $1,829,424,000 after purchasing an additional 6,922,319 shares in the last quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 25,185.5% in the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,492,216 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $18,147,000 after acquiring an additional 4,474,450 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 95,813.8% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,045,643 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,028,807,000 after acquiring an additional 4,041,425 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 4th quarter valued at $697,398,000. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 1,353.9% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 1,680,292 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $31,207,000 after acquiring an additional 1,564,723 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.72% of the companys stock. Get Becton Dickinson and Company alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets BDX has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Raymond James dropped their price target on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $304.00 to $269.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $305.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Citigroup dropped their price target on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $282.00 to $260.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Becton, Dickinson and Company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, TheStreet lowered Becton, Dickinson and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $279.57. Becton, Dickinson and Company Stock Performance NYSE BDX traded down $1.26 on Wednesday, reaching $242.04. The stock had a trading volume of 607,425 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,253,245. The company has a market cap of $70.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 48.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 0.49. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a 1-year low of $228.62 and a 1-year high of $287.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 1.31 and a quick ratio of 0.81. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $242.99 and a two-hundred day moving average of $258.40. Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The medical instruments supplier reported $3.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $3.42. The company had revenue of $5.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.02 billion. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a return on equity of 13.91% and a net margin of 7.66%. Becton, Dickinson and Companys quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.75 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 12.83 EPS for the current year. Becton, Dickinson and Company Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. This is a positive change from Becton, Dickinson and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.57%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. Becton, Dickinson and Companys dividend payout ratio is 76.61%. Insider Transactions at Becton, Dickinson and Company In other news, EVP Richard Byrd sold 2,156 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.47, for a total transaction of $514,141.32. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,120 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $982,496.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Becton, Dickinson and Company Profile (Free Report) Becton, Dickinson and Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, and the general public worldwide. The company operates in three segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delhi Bank Corp. (OTCMKTS:DWNX Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, December 20th, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Sunday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.0958 per share on Friday, January 12th. This represents a $0.38 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This is a positive change from Delhi Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. Delhi Bank Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:DWNX remained flat at $20.40 on Wednesday. Delhi Bank has a fifty-two week low of $19.50 and a fifty-two week high of $20.50. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $20.37 and its 200 day moving average price is $20.37. Get Delhi Bank alerts: Delhi Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) See Also Delhi Bank Corp. operates as a bank holding company for The Delaware National Bank of Delhi that provides commercial banking products and services to individual and small business customers. The company accepts demand, interest bearing time and savings, personal and business checking, NOW, health savings, money market, club, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts. Receive News & Ratings for Delhi Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delhi Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kunlun Energy Company Limited (OTCMKTS:KLYCY Get Free Report) shares fell 1.1% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $8.50 and last traded at $8.50. 714 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 46% from the average session volume of 1,327 shares. The stock had previously closed at $8.59. Kunlun Energy Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 1.57 and a quick ratio of 1.54. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $8.79 and its 200-day moving average price is $8.18. Kunlun Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kunlun Energy Company Limited, an investment holding company, engages in the exploration, development, production, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. It operates through four segments: Natural Gas Sales; Sales of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG); Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Processing and Terminal; and Exploration and Production. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kunlun Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kunlun Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Luxottica Group SpA (OTCMKTS:LUXTY Get Free Report)s share price rose 0.4% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $55.90 and last traded at $55.80. Approximately 2,900 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 80% from the average daily volume of 14,259 shares. The stock had previously closed at $55.60. Luxottica Group Trading Up 0.4 % The company has a 50 day moving average of $55.80 and a 200 day moving average of $55.80. The firm has a market cap of $27.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.37 and a beta of 0.27. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Luxottica Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Luxottica Group S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides fashion, luxury, sports, and performance eyewear worldwide. It operates through two segments, Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution, and Retail Distribution. The Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution segment engages in the design, manufacture, distribution, and marketing of proprietary and designer lines of prescription frames and sunglasses. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Luxottica Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Luxottica Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Czech National Bank lifted its position in shares of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report) by 44.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 222,995 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 68,782 shares during the period. Czech National Banks holdings in Morgan Stanley were worth $18,212,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in MS. Aureus Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Morgan Stanley by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Aureus Asset Management LLC now owns 57,717 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,068,000 after purchasing an additional 2,651 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its position in Morgan Stanley by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 42,813 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,656,000 after buying an additional 395 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group boosted its position in Morgan Stanley by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 3,363,735 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $287,263,000 after buying an additional 208,026 shares during the period. Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC boosted its position in Morgan Stanley by 19.2% in the 2nd quarter. Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC now owns 3,120 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $266,000 after buying an additional 503 shares during the period. Finally, Veritable L.P. boosted its position in Morgan Stanley by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Veritable L.P. now owns 41,301 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,527,000 after buying an additional 476 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.09% of the companys stock. Get Morgan Stanley alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have commented on MS. UBS Group cut shares of Morgan Stanley from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the company from $110.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $102.00 to $101.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. BNP Paribas lowered shares of Morgan Stanley from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $85.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Monday, November 20th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $89.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $93.51. Insider Activity In other news, major shareholder Stanley Morgan sold 135 shares of Morgan Stanley stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $50,000.00, for a total value of $6,750,000.00. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. Morgan Stanley Stock Performance NYSE MS traded up $0.43 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $93.27. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,112,923 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,716,109. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.70, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.76. The firm has a market cap of $153.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.73, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.40. Morgan Stanley has a twelve month low of $69.42 and a twelve month high of $100.99. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $79.59 and its 200-day moving average price is $83.56. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.38 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $13.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.22 billion. Morgan Stanley had a net margin of 10.86% and a return on equity of 10.70%. Morgan Stanleys quarterly revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.53 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Morgan Stanley will post 5.51 EPS for the current fiscal year. Morgan Stanley Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 31st were issued a $0.85 dividend. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.65%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 30th. Morgan Stanleys payout ratio is 60.93%. Morgan Stanley Profile (Free Report) Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morguard North American (TSE:MRG Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Friday, December 15th, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a dividend of 0.062 per share on Monday, January 15th. This represents a $0.74 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of . The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. Morguard North American Price Performance Morguard North American has a 1 year low of C$13.17 and a 1 year high of C$16.21. Get Morguard North American alerts: Morguard North American (TSE:MRG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported C$0.70 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$83.65 million during the quarter. About Morguard North American Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (the Trust) is a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Trusts investment objectives are to generate stable and growing cash distributions on a tax-efficient basis; enhance the value of the REITs assets and maximize long-term Unit value through active asset and property management, and expand the asset base of the REIT and increase adjusted funds from operations per Unit primarily through acquisitions and improvement of its properties through targeted deployed capital expenditures. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Morguard North American Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morguard North American and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NIPPON STL & SU/S (OTCMKTS:NSSMY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $7.32 and last traded at $7.39, with a volume of 17366 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $7.58. NIPPON STL & SU/S Stock Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $7.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.67, a PEG ratio of 3.94 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.22 and a quick ratio of 0.51. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $7.47 and a 200-day moving average price of $7.50. About NIPPON STL & SU/S (Get Free Report) Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation engages in steelmaking and steel fabrication businesses worldwide. It operates in five segments: Steelmaking and Steel Fabrication, Engineering and Construction, Chemicals, New materials, and System Solutions. The company offers steel plates; hot- and cold-rolled steel sheets and coils, coated steel sheets, color coated steel sheets, electrolytic tin plates, and electrical steel sheets; bar and rod materials; and structural steel products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for NIPPON STL & SU/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NIPPON STL & SU/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Czech National Bank boosted its holdings in shares of Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Free Report) by 47.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 161,473 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 52,154 shares during the quarter. Czech National Banks holdings in Prologis were worth $18,119,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. RB Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 14.7% in the 1st quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 3,004 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $485,000 after purchasing an additional 385 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 5.3% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 21,612 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,490,000 after purchasing an additional 1,092 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 87.7% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,382 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $546,000 after purchasing an additional 1,580 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 41.8% in the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 241,219 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $38,952,000 after purchasing an additional 71,112 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 38.8% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 2,078 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $336,000 after purchasing an additional 581 shares in the last quarter. 90.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Prologis alerts: Prologis Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:PLD traded up $0.04 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $133.50. The stock had a trading volume of 1,163,169 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,084,939. The company has a market capitalization of $123.35 billion, a PE ratio of 41.27, a P/E/G ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 1.04. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $113.59 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $118.03. The company has a current ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Prologis, Inc. has a 1 year low of $96.64 and a 1 year high of $137.52. Prologis Dividend Announcement Prologis ( NYSE:PLD Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.26 by $0.04. Prologis had a net margin of 38.24% and a return on equity of 5.21%. The business had revenue of $1.78 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.72 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.73 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 53.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.6 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 Monday, December 18th will be paid a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.61%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 15th. Prologiss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 107.41%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on PLD. TheStreet lowered shares of Prologis from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Friday, October 20th. Mizuho downgraded shares of Prologis from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the company from $140.00 to $125.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Prologis from $159.00 to $153.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Raymond James dropped their target price on shares of Prologis from $145.00 to $130.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Scotiabank increased their target price on shares of Prologis from $134.00 to $143.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 15th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $139.27. Read Our Latest Research Report on PLD Insider Activity at Prologis In related news, Director James B. Connor sold 103,331 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.20, for a total value of $13,763,689.20. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 21,419 shares in the company, valued at $2,853,010.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.70% of the companys stock. Prologis Profile (Free Report) Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At September 30, 2023, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (114 million square meters) in 19 countries. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (CVE:RDS Get Free Report) fell 2.4% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.20 and last traded at C$0.21. 114,000 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 0% from the average session volume of 113,651 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.21. Radisson Mining Resources Stock Down 2.4 % The company has a market cap of C$65.51 million, a P/E ratio of -20.50 and a beta of 1.55. The business has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.20 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$0.17. Radisson Mining Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Radisson Mining Resources Inc, a gold exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mining properties in Canada. Its flagship project is the 100% owned O'Brien gold project that comprise 120 claims covering a total area of 5,875 hectares located in the Abitibi Temiscamingue region of Quebec; and the Douay property, which comprising 30 claims covering an area of approximately 1,606 hectares located in the James Bay territory. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Radisson Mining Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Radisson Mining Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 100.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 790 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 395 shares during the period. Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $72,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Stone House Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 55.3% in the second quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC now owns 177 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the second quarter worth $29,000. Lee Financial Co bought a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 165.3% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 124 shares during the period. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 1st quarter worth $32,000. Institutional investors own 6.41% of the companys stock. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Up 0.9 % Novo Nordisk A/S stock traded up $0.90 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $103.58. 1,516,263 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,456,416. Novo Nordisk A/S has a one year low of $65.05 and a one year high of $105.69. The firms 50-day moving average price is $99.73 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $69.75. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The company has a market cap of $464.82 billion, a PE ratio of 42.61, a PEG ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 0.40. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $8.58 billion for the quarter. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 86.53% and a net margin of 35.20%. On average, research analysts forecast that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 2.62 EPS for the current year. NVO has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Argus assumed coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. They issued a buy rating and a $110.00 price objective on the stock. TD Cowen boosted their target price on Novo Nordisk A/S from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday, December 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $115.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S, a healthcare company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products worldwide. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity care, and Rare Disease. The Diabetes and Obesity care segment provides products in the areas of insulins, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products, obesity, glucagon, needles, and other chronic diseases. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 (NYSE:TVE Get Free Report)s share price was up 0.4% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $22.15 and last traded at $21.98. Approximately 13,340 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 28% from the average daily volume of 18,524 shares. The stock had previously closed at $21.90. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 from $5.00 to $5.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Get Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 alerts: View Our Latest Report on Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Stock Up 0.4 % Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Announces Dividend The business has a 50 day moving average of $21.44 and a 200-day moving average of $21.35. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 31st will be given a $0.1385 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 30th. This represents a $0.55 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.52%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 stock. Iat Reinsurance Co. LTD. bought a new position in shares of Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 (NYSE:TVE Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 30,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $633,000. Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Company Profile (Get Free Report) for more than eight decades, the tennessee valley authority has provided affordable electricity, environmental stewardship and economic development opportunities to the tennessee valley. tva was established by congress in 1933 to address a wide range of environmental, economic and technological issues, including the need for low-cost electricity, and navigation and flood control along the tennessee river system. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Check Free Credit Score on Moneycontrol: Easily track your loans, get insights, and enjoy a 100 cashback on your first check! Rachita Prasad heads Moneycontrols coverage of conventional and new energy, and infrastructure sectors. Rachita is passionate about energy transition and the global efforts against climate change, with special focus on India. Before joining Moneycontrol, she was an Assistant Editor at The Economic Times, where she wrote for the paper for over a decade and was a host on their podcast. Contact: rachita.prasad@nw18.com Harsh Kumar is Correspondent at Moneycontrol based in Delhi. Harsh covers BFSI sector. You can reach him at Harsh.kumar@nw18.com Meghna Mittal MEGHNA MITTAL is Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com 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 Lovisha Darad Lovisha is passionate about domestic and global equity market development. She writes stories exclusively on equities from a fundamental perspective, gathering insights from niche market gurus. Manisha Lakhe is a poet, film critic, traveller, founder of Caferati an online writers forum, hosts Mumbais oldest open mic, and teaches advertising, films and communication. Check Free Credit Score on Moneycontrol: Easily track your loans, get insights, and enjoy a 100 cashback on your first check! Pallavi Singhal is a Correspondent at Moneycontrol.com covering commerce and agriculture. With a total experience of five years, she has reported on varied subjects covering crime, courts, civic affairs, health & politics. Human interest and feature stories have always piqued her interest. The Centre on Wednesday said that it has directed social media subsidiaries and online platforms to actively prohibit and remove illegal loan and betting apps under the existing IT Rules. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory to all digital intermediaries to actively comply with the existing IT rules, particularly in the context of misinformation and deepfakes. Within this advisory, the IT Ministry further underscored the obligation of intermediaries to ban illegal loan and betting apps. Intermediaries/platforms should take additional measures to not permit any advertisements of illegal loan and betting apps having potential to scam and mislead the users, the consequences of which will be the sole responsibility of the intermediaries/platforms, according to the advisory. This advisory came at the backdrop of the government's decisive efforts to combat threats such as deepfakes, misinformation, and the proliferation of illegal loan and betting apps, reflecting a commitment of creating a safe and trusted internet for all digital citizens. In a meeting convened in October, MeitY and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) discussed the necessary actions against illegal betting apps. During the meeting, the IT Ministry had urged the RBI to devise a more comprehensive Know Your Customer (KYC) process for banks. This proposed KYC process, termed 'Know Your Digital Finance App' (KYDFA), is envisioned to enhance the ability to trace and address rogue loan apps effectively. This recommendation was officially communicated to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and RBI on October 13. Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Wednesday that one of the areas we are now cracking down on is advertising of fraudulent loan apps that many platforms are carrying. We have, through yesterday's advisory, made it clear that no intermediary can carry advertisements of fraudulent loan apps because it will be misleading and exploit people who are using the internet, said the minister. The advisory also stressed the importance of robust grievance redressal mechanisms employed by intermediaries. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. As 2023 draws to a close, the finance ministry informed Parliament of a surprising 28% increase in unclaimed deposits to Rs42,270 crore on 31 March 2023 (against Rs32,934 crore during FY21-22). Get ready for an even more staggering truth: this figure of unclaimed deposits represents a mere quarter of the money that is locked away in inoperative bank accounts. A stupendous sum of nearly Rs1 lakh crore, by conservative estimates, representing the earnings of ordinary people is lying with banks under the head inoperative accounts; while some of these may become operative, it represents money that is on the way to being classified as unclaimed funds. Allow me to explain. Information provided to Parliament shows that of the unclaimed deposits of Rs42,270 crore, only Rs6,087 crore were with private banks; public sector banks (PSBs) accounted for the bulk, at Rs36,185 crore. Moreover, only PSBs are subject to the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Bank accounts are classified as unclaimed when they have remained inoperative for at least 10 years; these are then transferred to the depositor education and awareness fund (DEAF) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). On the other hand, a bank account that is not operated for two years is termed inoperative and there is a rather cumbersome process to get it activated again. Also, data about inoperative accounts is not publicly available. Bank accounts are classified as unclaimed when they have remained inoperative for at least 10 years; these are then transferred to the depositor education and awareness fund (DEAF) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). On the other hand, a bank account that is not operated for two years is termed inoperative and there is a rather cumbersome process to get it activated again. Also, data about inoperative accounts is not publicly available. So Aakash Goel, an engineer, management graduate and chartered financial analyst, filed an RTI application with department of financial services (DFS) of the Union finance ministry in August 2023, hoping to obtain comprehensive information on such accounts. DFS promptly transferred the application to RBI, which, in turn, forwarded it to 11 PSBs. All of them ignored the RTI query until Mr Goel filed a first appeal at the end of September 2023. Then, too, the results were partial. Only 10 out of 12 banks responded. Indian Overseas Bank has yet to respond. State Bank of India (SBI), shockingly, claimed that it does not even collate this basic information an answer that ought to receive special attention from the banking regulator. The questions Mr Goel asked were: a. Number of bank accounts which are inoperative as of 31 March 2022. b. Out of the above, the number of bank accounts which are classified as dormant/unclaimed deposits as of 31 March 2022. c. Total balance of bank accounts which are inoperative as of 31 March 2022. d. Out of above, the total balance of bank accounts which are classified as dormant/unclaimed deposits as of 31 March 2022. e. Number of bank accounts which are inoperative as of 31 March 2023. f. Out of above, number of bank accounts which are classified as dormant / unclaimed deposit as of 31 March 2023. g. Total balance of bank accounts which are inoperative as of 31 March 2023. h. Out of above, total balance of bank accounts which are classified as dormant / unclaimed deposits as of 31 March 2023. The replies are astonishing: 1. Canara Bank seems to have the highest unclaimed accounts at 1.40 crore and its inoperative accounts are 2.64 crore. It had Rs12,451 crore in these accounts at the end of March 2023, which is the lowest multiplier of 2.1. 2. P&S Bank has the lowest unclaimed accounts at 12.86 lakh and inoperative accounts are at 48.15 lakh. The amount in inoperative accounts is Rs1,823 crore at the end of March 2023, which is 2.6 times. 3. BoB had 75.86 lakh unclaimed accounts, while the inoperative ones are 5.64 crore accounts. The amount blocked at end of March 2023 is Rs18,055 crore which is 4.3 times. 4. Central Bank admitted to 27.75 lakh unclaimed accounts, while inoperative ones were 1.59 crore accounts. The amount blocked in inoperative accounts was at a surprising low at Rs7,247 crore at end of March 2023. 5. UCO Bank said it had 15.12 lakh unclaimed accounts, but inoperative accounts were 1.52 crore, the money in those accounts was even lower at Rs5,433 crore at the end of March 2023. 6. Indian Bank has provided some surprising numbers. It claims 10.81 lakh unclaimed accounts, while inoperative ones are a shocking 2.63 crore. The money blocked is Rs9,698 crore in such inoperative accounts at the end of March 2023, which is 32.1 times. 6.Indian Bank has provided some surprising numbers. It claims 10.81 lakh unclaimed accounts, while inoperative ones are a shocking 2.63 crore. The money blocked is Rs9,698 crore in such inoperative accounts at the end of March 2023, which is 32.1 times. 7. Bank of Maharashtra is another major outlier. It has 4.29 lakh unclaimed accounts and 56.44 lakh inoperative accounts at the end of 31 March 2023. The money blocked in inoperative accounts, however, is Rs2,811 crore which is 57.4 time multiple. 8. Punjab National Bank admits to 1.24 crore unclaimed accounts and 4.37 crore inoperative accounts at end of FY22-23. The money blocked in such inoperative accounts is Rs14,606 crore a 2.2 time multiple despite such large numbers. 9. Bank of India has 92.01 lakh unclaimed accounts and 5.43 crore inoperative accounts at end of FY22-23. The money in inoperative accounts is Rs12,261 crore, a multiple of 4 times. 10. Union Bank of India had 7.25 crore inoperative accounts, which had Rs18,842 crore in them at the end of FY22-23. A multiple of 4.9. It strangely did not provide information on unclaimed accounts, claiming it was unavailable, although UDGAM ought to have this and even more granular details. 11. SBI, by far the biggest PSB in India, provided a typically arrogant response. It claimed that it does not bother to compile centralised information on the number of inoperative accounts and, even if it had them, that would be confidential information. The table below provides a quick compilation and analysis of the data by Mr Goel. As per these facts, the amount in inoperative accounts alone is Rs1,03,230 crore. This does not include Indian Overseas Bank and the behemoth SBIs figures, which would add another 50% to this amount. The government has admitted that the total unclaimed funds in the banking system were Rs42,272 crore at the end of March 2023, of which PSBs account for Rs36,185 crore. Assuming that private banks with unclaimed deposits of Rs6,087 crore have only twice the number of inoperative accounts, the number would be Rs12,174 crore. This means that at a conservative estimate at least Rs1 lakh crore. Mr Goel, who devotes a great deal of time and effort to helping people, points out that, although RBI set up UDGAM (unclaimed deposits gateway to access information), a new portal to centralise streamline recovery of unclaimed deposits, this provides no information on inoperative accounts. (Read: RBI Launches UDGAM - Centralised Web Portal for Searching Unclaimed Deposits Across Banks ). UDAGM itself was only created after senior counsel Prashant Bhushan helped me file a petition in the Supreme Court (SC) on unclaimed money rightfully belonging to depositors lying unclaimed ( Unclaimed Deposits: SC Allows Prashant Bhushan To File a Rejoinder on PIL Seeking Steps To Inform Legal Heirs ). In response, RBI informed SC that it was setting up a centralised portal that has recently become operational. At an annual death rate of 0.7%, we have 90 lakh people passing away every year. RBIs own data shows that 2.5 crore bank accounts become inoperative every year in PSBs alone. It would appear that most of the money lying in unclaimed accounts belongs to people who are dead or those who are denied their rights due to litigation that goes on for decades. The fact is that there has been no effort to provide access to this information, even to academics and data science experts, to find ways to return gigantic sums of money to the rightful owners. It is pertinent to mention that the late Arun Jaitley, as finance minister, was the first to draw attention to dormant funds lying with banks in his Budget speech of 2014. He had approved the setting up of a committee under the chairmanship of the deputy governor, RBI, to examine unclaimed amount remaining in PPF (public provident fund), post-office savings schemes, etc., and recommend how this amount can be used to protect and further the financial interest of the senior citizens. (Read: https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=109290 ). It is strange that nothing further has happened in this regard, and we have had to move the SC with a public interest litigation (PIL) to draw attention to these dormant funds. Small efforts such as the 100 days 100 pays campaign to refund money have fetched only a small success, with just Rs 5,729 crore being returned (Read: Banks Transferred Unclaimed Deposits Worth Rs1.44 Lakh Crore to DEA Fund in 5 Years; Received Rs5,729 Crore for Refunding to Claimant-depositors: Govt ). A lot more needs to be done, and it cannot stop with bank funds alone. With Mr Jaitleys protege Nirmala Sitharaman, as the finance minister, it would be only fitting that this government takes on the challenge of accounting for peoples privately earned income and returning it to their rightful owners before we head into the general elections. This article has been extensively revised since data from 5 banks came in after the initial article was published. Vivo China through Vivo India created an elaborate network of companies under a corporate veil and acquired proceeds of crime (PoC) to the tune of over Rs 20,000 crore, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe has revealed. The details were revealed in the charge sheet filed by the ED before a court here on December 7. The charge sheet, which has been viewed by IANS, claimed, Vivo China, through Vivo India, created an elaborate network of companies under a corporate veil and on piercing the corporate veil, the real beneficial ownership and control of all these entities is revealed. In other words, all the SDCs are controlled by Vivo India which in turn are controlled by Vivo China. By creating the said meshed and pan-India structure, Vivo India has acquired PoC to the tune of Rs 2,02,41,17,72,292.89. The ED alleged that the PoC acquired were then siphoned off by Vivo India to overseas trading companies many of which are in control of Vivo China. Those named in the charge sheet, filed before a special court on December 7, include Rai, Guangwen Kyang alias Andrew Kuang (a Chinese national who allegedly played a key role in Vivos money laundering activities), Garg and Malik (statutory auditor of Lava). Vivo as a company has also been named as an accused in the charge sheet. They have been charged under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED probe that began in 2022 has revealed that the Chinese phone manufacturer had incorporated 19 more companies in various cities after its entry into India in 2014. These companies had Chinese nationals as their directors and/or shareholders and controlled the complete supply chain of Vivo Mobiles in India. A Delhi court recently sent three arrested top executives of the company to three-day ED custody. On December 23, the ED arrested the three accused -- Vivo India interim CEO Hong Xuquan, chief financial officer (CFO) Harinder Dahiya and consultant Hemant Munjal -- in connection with its probe. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. El ministro @AlexContreras_M informo que la actual gestion de gobierno ha destinado mas recursos que en otras ocasiones para adoptar las medidas necesarias y acciones de prevencion frente a la ocurrencia del Fenomeno de El Nino en nuestro pais. ???Mas info: https://t.co/QlJoax0dWZ pic.twitter.com/FXEn1yH2V2 Jeff Fortenberry, (R-NE) speaks during testimony by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at a hearing on the State Department's budget request for 2020 in Washington, U.S. March 27, 2019. ? Durante la clausura de la IV sesion descentralizada del Consejo Nacional de Seguridad Ciudadana, en Pucallpa, la presidenta Dina Boluarte anuncio que se acordo redoblar esfuerzos y desplegar capacidades humanas y materiales para hacer frente al flagelo del hampa y el crimen pic.twitter.com/GkSxZUV8vA "Living in a safe country, where our families can walk without fear or worry, is a right of every citizen and is the reason why my Government is working tirelessly," she expressed. The top official explained that "this task is not easy," but that her administration is undertaking efforts to ensure this right for all. Mrs. Boluarte said that on the first day of her administration last year she "assumed the task of defending public order and strengthening our population's security." "Because only then will we boost economic growth and move our country forward on such important issues in which we have to engage," she stated. The Head of State also said progress on this task can be made supported by "the broadest unity and in a concerted manner," so that multisectoral actions "can be sustainable over time." Moreover, Mrs. Boluarte affirmed the Conasec should have a more executive approach next year, so that it "will be more effective and able to execute citizen security task actions in a more decentralized manner." "The sustained actions have enabled us to take important steps in the fight against crime, but we must implement them; the agreements are important, but there must be a team in charge so that you can execute them, and the articulated work is important here," she added. ? Durante la clausura de la IV sesion descentralizada del Consejo Nacional de Seguridad Ciudadana, en Pucallpa, la presidenta Dina Boluarte anuncio que se acordo redoblar esfuerzos y desplegar capacidades humanas y materiales para hacer frente al flagelo del hampa y el crimen pic.twitter.com/GkSxZUV8vA The Eiffel Tower is closed while workers strike on the 100th anniversary of its founders death The Eiffel Tower is closed while workers strike on the 100th anniversary of its founders death View Photo PARIS (AP) The Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors Wednesday because of a strike over contract negotiations timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the death of its creator, Gustave Eiffel. One of the worlds most-visited sites, the Eiffel Tower is typically open 365 days a year though it is occasionally affected by strikes and is expected to play a central role in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Some tourists were visibly dismayed upon seeing a big sign beneath its iron facade announcing the closure in multiple languages, and apologizing for the inconvenience. Others took photos anyway, or rearranged their Paris plans. Visitors could still access the glass-enclosed esplanade beneath the tower Wednesday but could not enter the 300-meter (984-foot) landmark itself. Stephane Dieu of the CGT union said it was slated to reopen Thursday. The strike was declared ahead of contract negotiations expected next month with the city of Paris, which owns the 134-year-old monument, said a spokesperson for the company that manages the tower, SETE. Unions said the towers 400 workers are worried about long-term prospects for the monument. We had COVID. We lost a year of revenue. We have huge debts, Dieu told the Associated Press. The tower is more than 130 years and is starting to get tired. Theres a lot of renovation work that needs to be done in the coming years and decades. The management company needs the means to face this. He said the strike was a symbolic action on a symbolic day, to commemorate the anniversary of Eiffels death and to conserve his work. Standing beneath the tower, Dutch tourist Istvan Harman was pragmatic about the closure, saying simply, you have to go somewhere else. But it was a blow for the Fontaine family. Its the first time weve been to Paris with the children and it was the first activity on the program. And so we were really disappointed to see that the Eiffel Tower was closed today, mother Emma Fontaine said. The attraction normally sees about 20,000 visitors per day this time of year, said the spokesperson, who was not authorized to be publicly named according to tower management policy. A special music show marking the death of Gustave Eiffel on Dec. 27, 1923, was still scheduled to air on social networks and French television Wednesday night because it was prerecorded, the spokesperson said. By NICOLAS GARRIGA and ANGELA CHARLTON Associated Press A top Brazilian criminal leader is isolated in prison after he negotiated his own arrest A top Brazilian criminal leader is isolated in prison after he negotiated his own arrest View Photo RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) One of Brazils top criminal leaders was locked up in a 6-square-meter (65-square-foot) isolation cell at a maximum security prison to avoid being killed by rivals, authorities said Tuesday. Luiz Antonio da Silva Braga, the boss of the largest militia group in the state of Rio de Janeiro, surrendered to federal police on Sunday. The criminal leader better known as Zinho was sent to the Bangu 1 prison, where drug traffickers and militia men are also held, Rio states public security secretary Victor Santos said. Today, Zinhos custody is a responsibility of the state, he told TV channel GloboNews. He is now in an isolated cell for us to secure his physical integrity. Zinhos lawyer did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press following his arrest. Militias emerged in the 1990s when they originally were made up mainly of former police officers, firefighters and soldiers who wanted to combat lawlessness in their neighborhoods. They charged residents for protection and other services, but more recently moved into drug trafficking themselves. Zinho, whose militia group dominates Rios west region, had 12 arrest warrants issued against him until he surrendered after a negotiation. He had been on the run since 2018, and rose to the top position of the group after his brother Wellington da Silva Braga, known as Ecko, was killed in 2021. The militias are believed to control about 10% of Rios metropolitan area, according to a study last year by the non-profit Fogo Cruzado and a security-focused research group at the Fluminense Federal University. The militias are distinct from drug trafficking gangs that control important areas of Rio. A Brazilian federal police source who had access to the investigation told The Associated Press that Zinho feared he could be executed if he turned himself in to Rio state police. The source, who spoke under condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, also said the criminal leader will not join other inmates at Bangu for sunbathing and meals due to security reasons. Rio Gov. Claudio Castro said in a statement Monday that Zinho is Rios number one enemy and celebrated his police forces for the arrest. This is another victory of our police and security plan, Castro said. The disarticulation of these criminal groups with arrests, raids, financial blocking and the arrest of that mobster show we are on the right path, the governor said. Authorities also said they would protect Zinho in the expectation he could sign a plea deal that could implicate members of police forces, politicians and businessmen. That will depend a lot on where the lawyers take him, what he can offer as information and, obviously, what benefits he can obtain from such a plea bargain, Santos, the Rio state public security secretary said. Ricardo Capelli, executive-secretary at Brazils Justice Ministry, said the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva needs to work to get to the spine of the connections of the organized crime and its financial moves. No one brings terror to one third of the city of Rio without having powerful connections, he said in his social media channels. The area dominated by Zinhos group made news in October when gang members set fire to at least 35 buses in apparent retaliation for police killing one of the criminal leaders main allies. The attack caused no casualties, but it underlined the ability of the militias to cause chaos and inflict damage. Zinho will stand trial on charges of forming a criminal organization, money laundering, extortion, bribing public officials and co-participating in August 2022 in the killing of former Rio councilor Jeronimo Guimaraes Filho, better known as Jerominho. Police investigators said Jerominho was shot dead under orders from Zinho, in an attempt to keep control of his criminal organization. Zinhos lawyers have long denied he had any connection with that case. He is also under investigation in several other killings of militia members. By MAURICIO SAVARESE Associated Press #Importante Poder Judicial ordena el embargo en forma de inscripcion, hasta por la suma de S/. 7,245.00 que representa el 100% de las participaciones, que la ex primera dama Nadine Heredia Heredia Alarcon posee en la Persona Juridica BAKERY 180 E.I.R.L Leer ?? pic.twitter.com/BuwBGQImCH California State Capitol Building View Photo Sacramento, CA Californias Republican Senate leader along with the Vice Chair of the Budget Committee have co-authored a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom about the states projected $68-billion shortfall. The letter from Brian Jones and Roger Niello argues that failing to act quickly will create additional long-term budget issues. The new legislative session starts on January 3. Jones states, This budget deficit will impact every California resident and doesnt matter whether youre a Republican or Democrat. Niello adds, I cautioned during the budget process last year that we need to show more fiscal restraint. The majority party ignored those warnings and passed an unsustainable budget based on unrealistic revenue assumptions. Now in the face of a massive deficit, a realistic and prudent spending plan is the only solution. A revised budget proposal must be submitted to the legislature by Governor Newsom by January 10 which will detail how he hopes to close the fiscal shortfall. Prosecutors oppose Sen. Bob Menendezs effort to delay May bribery trial until July View Photo NEW YORK (AP) Federal prosecutors on Tuesday urged a judge to reject U.S. Sen. Bob Menendezs request to delay his bribery trial scheduled for next spring by two months, until July. Prosecutors argued against the postponement a week after defense lawyers offered multiple reasons why they say a trial of the Democrat and codefendants, including his wife, should be delayed. The senator gave up his position as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after his September arrest. Prosecutors said the original May 6 trial date was appropriate and drew no objections when it was announced even though circumstances were the same. The schedule was and remains reasonable, and in accord with the strong public interest in a speedy trial, prosecutors wrote. Defense lawyers cited over 6.7 million documents to be reviewed, an unprecedented foreign-agent charge and complex legal questions to be addressed as they asked for a delay of a trial now scheduled for May 6. They said a two-month adjournment would still bring defendants to trial within 10 months of their arrests. Four defendants, including Menendez, have pleaded not guilty to a bribery conspiracy charge that alleges that Menendez and his wife accepted bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen who wanted the senators help and influence over foreign affairs. The senator, his wife and a third defendant have also pleaded not guilty to a charge that they conspired to utilize the senator as an agent of the Egyptian government even though he was prohibited from doing so as a member of Congress. In asking for a delay, defense lawyers wrote, Given the complexity of this case and the seriousness of the charges at issue, the speed with which this case is proceeding is extraordinary. They said they plan to ask Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan to dismiss the indictment on multiple grounds, including for constitutional and sufficiency reasons and because New York federal court is the wrong venue. Prosecutors said in their letter to the judge that the voluminous amount of evidence turned over to the defense should not delay the trial because it was consistent with what the government promised at the first conference in October. In short, if there were a right to have multiple months to digest discovery prior to filing motions, as the defendants appear to suggest, practice in this district would look quite different. The current schedule set by the Court is expedited, but reasonable, prosecutors said. By LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have discussed the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House has said. The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens, the White House said in a readout. It added that the leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to "facilitate increased and sustained flows of life-saving access to humanitarian aid into Gaza." Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and Hamas in the late November truce. Military Commanders in SADC have congratulated Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga, on their wedding. Acting President Chiwenga is a retired Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who worked with regional counterparts from days of the liberation struggle and as an army general, including on several missions such as fighting insurgency in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Acting President Chiwengas former colleagues in the military attended the wedding including, former Chief of Defence Forces of Namibia Lieutenant-General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, former Chief of the South African National Defence Force General Solly Zacharia Shoke, former Chief of the Tanzania Peoples Defence Force General Davis Adolf Mwamunyange and former Mozambique Chief of Defence Forces General Paulino Jose Macaringue. Gen Ndaitwah, who was the best man said the former commanders in the region formed a bond when they were all serving as top soldiers of their respective countries which was the basis of the unity the armed forces enjoy to this date. He said they used to refer to Gen Chiwenga as Dean of Generals since he was the most senior and they would listen whenever he spoke. Our brother here (Acting President Chiwenga), his brotherhood has gone beyond Zimbabwe. We served together as Chief of the Defence Forces. It was from that time when we formed a bond, said Gen Ndaitwah. We have all retired from the uniform. But before we retired this bond did wonders. In terms of who came in first, he came in before us. So, I looked at other generals and I said we must know him as our Dean of Generals or Dean of Chiefs, that is how we worked. When he spoke, we would try to understand what this Dean of Generals wanted to say. We would always caucus, what do you think so that one of us will intervene or come in support of what Zimbabwe said. The General has been joined with our sister (Colonel Chiwenga) here. Congratulations. That is a short history of who we are. Our Dean of Generals, our Dean of Chiefs, said Gen Ndaitwah. VP Chiwengas former colleagues in the Defence Forces and liberation war comrades, among them Senate Deputy President Lt-Gen (Rtd) Mike Nyambuya, Commander Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, Air Marshal (Rtd) Shebba Shumbayawonda accompanied the Acting President as part of his bridal team at the ceremony. Breaking News via Email Controversy Surrounds Proposal for Borderless Travel between Zimbabwe and Botswana A proposal put forth by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Botswana counterpart Mokgweetsi Masisi to allow citizens to cross borders using national identity cards instead of passports has sparked heated debate and criticism in Botswana. The announcement, made by President Mnangagwa during a festival in Gaborone, indicated that laws were being changed to facilitate this new arrangement. However, the proposal has faced strong opposition in Botswana, leading the labour minister to clarify in parliament that no agreement has been finalized, and procedures are still underway. Legislators expressed their discontent, accusing President Masisi of failing to consult the citizens of Botswana who disagree with the proposed change. The concept of a borderless Africa has been a long-standing aspiration, with international relations researcher Rodreck Matsveru highlighting the arbitrary nature of colonial borders that were drawn to divide and rule. He described the idea of using national identity cards for cross-border travel as a noble proposal. Despite ongoing concerns about human rights abuses and electoral fraud in Zimbabwe, relations between President Mnangagwa and President Masisi have been improving. Matsveru noted that some people in Botswana believe that Zimbabwe still needs to work on implementing democratic values. Meanwhile, doubts persist among lawmakers about President Masisis sympathy towards the proposal. While some East African states have already removed visa requirements, lawmakers and citizens in Botswana expressed concerns that eliminating passports at the Zimbabwe border could lead to an increase in illegal migration and job losses, potentially fueling xenophobic sentiments similar to those experienced in South Africa. Botswana is home to the second-largest Zimbabwean emigrant population after South Africa, and analysts predict a potential rise in the number of refugees seeking shelter if the borders were to open, which could also result in an upsurge in criminal activities. Trade between Zimbabwe and Botswana has experienced a decline in recent decades. According to 2021 data, Botswana exported US$46.8 million worth of goods to Zimbabwe, while imports from Zimbabwe only reached US$31.8 million. As Zimbabwes domestic systems continue to falter, some Zimbabweans already travel to Botswana in search of affordable goods and healthcare. The proposal for borderless travel between Zimbabwe and Botswana remains a topic of intense debate, with supporters highlighting the potential for regional integration, while opponents express concerns about its impact on migration and job markets. The final decision will undoubtedly require careful consideration of the interests and concerns of both nations involved. Breaking News via Email CCC leader Nelson Chamisa faces deepening rift within party amidst leadership struggles Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), appears to have left the party in a state of disarray as divisions among senior members continue to widen. This comes as ordinary members grow increasingly disillusioned with Chamisas leadership style, creating a rift within the party. The fractures within the CCC became evident during the recent election of Harare mayor Jacob Mafume. Despite Chamisas directive to vote for Elvis Ruzani, councillors defied his orders, highlighting a lack of trust and cohesion within the party. Confirming the internal divisions, CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba acknowledged that Ruzani had been selected as the next Harare mayor through the partys internal process. However, the councillors expressed their dissatisfaction with Chamisas attempt to impose Ruzani as the choice. In response, CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi released a statement claiming that the election was not free and fair. He alleged that councillors were coerced into voting for Mafume in the presence of the police. However, Mafume countered the claims, releasing a video showing the councillors celebrating after the election without any police presence. Chamisa has also faced criticism for allegedly neglecting the partys candidates in the recently held and upcoming February 3, 2024 by-elections. The candidates have been left to campaign on their own without the support of their leader and are relying on personal resources due to their recalls from the party. Sengezo Tshabangu, self-proclaimed CCC interim secretary-general, triggered the recalls of the partys legislators and councillors, stating that they had ceased to be members. However, Chamisa has not shown solidarity with his former colleagues by going to court or filing supporting documents for their cause to be included on the ballot. In recent weeks, Chamisas absence from scheduled events and rallies has further fueled speculation about internal disagreements within the party leadership. Supporters were disappointed when a rally in Chitungwiza was called off at the last minute due to Chamisas non-attendance. He also boycotted rallies held in Bulawayo the previous month. While party officials downplayed the situation, attributing Chamisas absence to scheduling conflicts and a voluntary attendance policy, some CCC members expressed frustration and suspicion. The lack of a clear explanation for Chamisas actions has led to speculation about internal strife within the party. Political analyst Romeo Chasara emphasized the need for Chamisa to address the concerns of disgruntled members who are growing increasingly disillusioned with his leadership style. Failure to tackle these issues head-on may lead to further divisions within the CCC, potentially jeopardizing Zimbabwes fragile democracy. Chamisa is currently embroiled in a power struggle with his former vice-presidents, Tendai Biti and Welshman Ncube. Biti has accused Chamisa of creating fake social media accounts to attack him, while Ncube stated on social media that Chamisa sidelined them during the conception of the CCC last year. Furthermore, social media trolls have accused Biti, Ncube, and Chalton Hwende of collaborating with Tshabangu to effect recalls, although they vehemently deny these allegations. Hwende has called on Chamisa to engage in dialogue with Biti and Ncube, but insiders suggest that Chamisa is resisting negotiations with his former allies, believing he can dictate the partys direction singlehandedly. Chamisa has also faced criticism for reportedly abandoning incarcerated former Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala. Sikhala had to rely on teachers union leader Obert Masaraure to form a solidarity task force as he felt the CCC was not doing enough to support him. Debates within the CCC have emerged regarding whether to withdraw from Parliament and local government in protest of the recalls. However, some legislators and councillors are opposed to this move after having invested their own resources into their campaigns. In December of last year, CCC legislators defied Chamisas directive by accepting housing loans offered by the government, further underscoring the divisions within the party. The future of the CCC hangs in the balance as Nelson Chamisa grapples with internal strife and mounting discontent among party members. The resolution of these issues will be crucial in determining the partys unity and effectiveness in Zimbabwes political landscape. Breaking News via Email Man arrested for stealing zinwa motorbike batteries in Epworth A man from Domboramwari in Epworth, located outside Harare, has appeared before magistrate Nyaradzo Manokore on charges of stealing motorbike batteries belonging to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa). The accused, Calton Drau (27), pleaded guilty and has been remanded in custody until December 28 for sentencing. According to the prosecution, on December 20, a Zinwa security detail on night duty discovered that several motorbikes were missing their batteries. In response, the complainant assigned Kevin Gwaze, one of their subordinates, to safeguard the property. During the early hours of December 24, 2023, around 2 am, Gwaze caught Drau red-handed while in the act of stealing the batteries. Subsequently, Drau admitted to having been involved in battery theft for some time. Following police investigations, some of the stolen batteries was recovered from Draus residence in Epworth. The case against Calton Drau highlights the alleged theft of Zinwa motorbike batteries and his subsequent confession. Drau will await his sentencing as the legal proceedings continue. Breaking News via Email Yves here. It is hard to underestimate the preening, self-destructive arrogance of Collective West leaders. Yanis Varoufakis gives a Europe case study below. By Yanis Varoufakis. Originally published at Project Syndicate; cross posted from his website Against the backdrop of the new cold war between the United States and China, the European Unions top brass seems to be adding to the pressure on China by issuing credible threats in response to four grievances. Alas, the Chinese authorities are probably more amused than alarmed. On the December 7, the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, respectively, attended the 24th European Union-China Summit to convey a stern message to Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the eyes of European and American public opinion, and against the backdrop of the new cold war between the United States and China, the EUs top brass seemed to be adding to the pressure on China by issuing credible threats in response to four grievances. Alas, the Chinese authorities were probably more amused than alarmed by what they heard. The EUs first grievance concerns unbalanced trade. Von der Leyen put it colorfully claiming that for every three containers that go from China to Europe, two containers return empty. There is, of course, no doubt that sustained trade imbalances may well reflect a mercantilist strategy for permanent surpluses. But the EU accusing China of mercantilism is a bit rich. Over the past decade, Chinas current-account surplus averaged 1.65%, while that of the eurozone averaged 2.24%. In the same period, the main engine of Europes economy, Germany, recorded an eye-watering 7.44% surplus The EUs second grievance is that Chinas state aid amounts to dumping Chinese exports into Europes markets. Undoubtedly, such a grievance made considerable sense in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when, far from complaining about Chinese dumping, the EU along with the US were waxing lyrical about Chinas induction into the Wests circuits of trade and capital. But why raise this grievance now that the charge of mercantilism has lost its basis in reality? After all, Chinese batteries or electric vehicles (EVs) are competitive in Europe not because of subsidies but because of massive Chinese investment in their development. Today, Chinese solar panels have achieved a quality that Europe simply cannot match with or without state aid. Volkswagen, one of Chinas >largest domestic automakers, used to import German parts as well as industrial robots. Today, Volkswagen sources all the parts and capital goods it needs to produce cars in China from China, adding to Europes trade woes. And it is not just the trade surplus that has been reversed. After relying for decades on German engineers to design its cars, Volkswagen is in the process of hiring up to 3,000 Chinese engineers for the next generation of all-electric cars that it plans to sell in China and in Europe. More broadly, since 2008, while the EU was imposing severe austerity across Europe, crushing investment in its industries in the process, China was boosting its investments to a world record ratio of almost 50% of its national income. Blaming Chinese mercantilism only raises eyebrows, especially among German industrialists who spent the past 50 years arguing that Germany persistent trade surplus with the rest of the world reflected global demand for high-quality German products. Whatever von der Leyen says to Chinas leaders, these same industrialists know that their Chinese counterparts making solar panels, batteries, and EVs have earned the right to make a similar claim. Michel and von der Leyens third grievance is that European firms find it hard to secure Chinese government contracts. Together with the previous two grievances, these are the grounds on which EU officials have built their case for punitive measures against Chinas exporters in particular, high tariffs on EVs (and green tech more generally). But, while officials cite the formal investigation of Chinese EVs that is already underway in Brussels, it all seems unconvincing. European industrial leaders to whom I have spoken privately admit that they view these threats as evidence of EU leaders panic at the realization that Europe has lost competitiveness in crucial fields. One rhetorically asked: Does von der Leyen truly believe that the threat of tariffs on BYDs EVs will boost [European] exports to China? To be sure, European firms complain about a skewed playing field in China, especially when it comes to government procurement. But they cannot see how this will change if, as a result of enormous US pressure, EU governments increasingly bar Chinese companies from their own procurement. Not to mention, one of them confided to me, the fact that, ever since the pandemic, EU governments have themselves embraced state aid as if there is no tomorrow. The fourth grievance that Michel and von der Leyen laid at Xis door is that China was threat of tariffs of the EUs sanctions on Russia as part of a common front to end the Russian armys brutality in Ukraine. Setting aside the question of the efficacy of sanctions, this charge merely exposes hypocrisy: Lambasting Putins bombardment of hospitals and targeting of Ukraines water, electricity, and food supply (as we all should) while staying silent as Israel does the same, and arguably much worse, in Gaza. Of course, it is not hypocrisy that is causing Europe to hemorrhage capital and lose its current-account surplus. The EUs inane handling of the inevitable euro crisis a decade ago saw to that. Record-breaking levels of austerity, coupled with massive money printing and a chronic failure to establish a banking and capital-markets union, ensured that for the next 13 years, Europe would have an unprecedented amount of money in its financial circuits and unprecedentedly low investment in the technologies of the future. This is why Europe is falling behind both the US and China. Responding with subordination to America and empty threats aimed at China is both sad and futile. White Wine in the Sun Thomas Neuburger Zombie disease in deer, not humans: Chronic wasting questions answered USA Today (furzy) Who was Duns Scotus? aeon #COVID-19 Even if Covid had only two effects on children endothelial dysfunction and cognitive dysfunction there would be strong grounds to question the ethics of allowing all children to be exposed to this virus. In fact, the list is far longer, and growing. Where is the advocacy? 1/3 https://t.co/iSNC3Pkk5h Amanda Kvalsvig (@AmandaKvalsvig) December 27, 2023 A reader is in despair that her multi-vaxxed MD daughter got boosted during her pregnancy and then got Covid @ 7 months. Lets hope 7 months is late enough to escape serious damage: 10% of children whose mothers had COVID during pregnancy had an abnormality on ultrasound of the head. 10%#CovidIsNotOver #Covid_19 #childhealth https://t.co/P0bEG6QvKF AMA President (@amapresident) December 27, 2023 Climate/Environment China? India European Disunion Old Blighty Gaza New Not-So-Cold War Syraqistan Biden orders strikes on an Iranian-aligned group after 3 US troops wounded in drone attack in Iraq Associated Press Big Brother is Watching You Watch Google Stops Collecting Location Data from Maps Bruce Schneier. Must read comment from JonKnowsNothing, starting with: The small print: Google no longer needs to collect and store the data from maps on their servers because they have been working with the NSA for a few years now on how to ID any location on the planet without a geolocation reference attached to the image. Imperial Collapse Watch Reading the DaoDeJing (Tao Te Ching) with liberal democracy in mind is actually quite a scary proposition: "The truth is not beautiful. Fine words are not trustworthy. The good do not argue. The argumentative are not good. The wise do not try to know everything. Know-alls are https://t.co/PNA33e1UWn Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) December 26, 2023 Shrinking Cost of War Threatens Western Militaries National Interest (fk) Trump Rot in hell Biden Trump Christmas greeting RT. After many years of living rent-free in many heads in the pundit, press, and political operative classes, they look by dint of application to have finally infected Trumps brain. Trump Calls for Eye-to-Eye Tariffs, Huge Trade War No Matter Who Wins Michael Shedlock New Jack Smith conspiracy theory emerges on far-right fringe sites Alternet Health Care Our No Longer Free Press As social media guardrails fade and AI deepfakes go mainstream, experts warn of impact on elections Associated Press (David L). We pointed out that the Obama Administration saw better propaganda as the solution to every problem. So why are they surprised that we are reaching end game of one mans disinformation is anothers PR. Apple Watch Ban Stands After White House Fails to Offer Reprieve Bloomberg Why more women are picking up power tools Economist (Dr. Kevin). I did not read the entire piece, but I dont see acknowledged that at least some power tools, particularly chain saws, are now being made in smaller sizes (so easier and safer for comparatively low upper body strength people to use). Also word may have gotten out about big improvements in the safety of table saws. Alabama saw a surge in mass layoffs in 2023, especially in manufacturing AL.com AI What kind of bubble is AI? Cory Doctorow (David L) The Bezzle Guillotine Watch Class Warfare How McKinsey Destroyed the Middle Class Atlantic (David L). FWIW, when I was at McKinsey and neoliberalism was only starting to take hold in policy circles and society at large, cost-cutting studies, which largely amounted to firing people since salaries are the biggest component of costs plus many costs key off headcount, were unpopular with staff and not well thought of by a considerable majority of partners either. From the worker-bee standpoint, the studies were cookie cutter (so you didnt get career points for being a good problem solver) and dispiriting to execute. Partners similarly looked down on the mechanical nature of this work and pragmatically also believed that McKinsey firing employees would create McKinsey opponents wherever the defenestrated workers eventually landed. So the firm then only took them with some reluctance, when the economy was crappy, clients wanted them done and McKinsey needed the work. Needless to say, how times have changed. It is key to remember that McKinseys business models had long been to take emerging new practices, such as going from functionally-focused organizations to product-focused one, or internationalization, finding their so-called best practices and using that to accelerate their uptake. So its not hard to see how McKinsey came to operate as a force multiplier for neoliberalism. Where is the Party of the Working Class? Les Leopold Antidote du jour. Tracie H: Princess at Christmas. And a bonus (Chuck L): what would you do if you found bald eagles on your front porch? pic.twitter.com/ss0GtrFt8q Nature is Amazing (@AMAZlNGNATURE) December 20, 2023 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Russia sees political will in Armenia and Azerbaijan to achieve a peace treaty and supports the process, TASS reported citing Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. What matters is that we see the presence of political will both in Yerevan and Baku. We support this. We think that the signing of such a treaty would be beneficial for stability and peace both in the two countries, as well as the entire region, he said. Peskov said that the contacts between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the informal CIS summit in Saint Petersburg were brief conversations and not negotiations. They did not hold negotiations yesterday, however this kind of events, such as the informal summit of the CIS, are always a good opportunity for brief conversations, Peskov said. The Armenian Prime Ministers Office said on December 26 that PM Pashinyan and President Aliyev discussed issues related to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agenda on the sidelines of the CIS summit. White House: Biden welcomes Vaticans endorsement to bless same-sex unions President Joe Biden has agreed with Pope Francis' decision to allow blessings for same-sex unions , which to most Catholics, is a clear defiance of Church teachings. "The president, along with many Catholics around the world, welcomed the declaration from the Vatican done with the approval of Pope Francis that allows for the blessing of same-sex couples," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. She added that while anything specific would have to be referred to the Church, "we welcome the step in the Church ministry to the LGBTQ people." On Dec. 18, the Catholic Church's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) published "Fiducia supplicans" (Supplicating trust), a declaration on Catholic doctrine approved by the pontiff that allows priests to bless homosexual couples and certain other types of relationships. Details of the report published on Vatican News said such blessings would be permitted, albeit with caveats. "It will be possible to bless same-sex couples, but without any type of ritualization or offering the impression of a marriage," the report said. Furthermore, "the doctrine regarding marriage does not change, and the blessing does not signify approval of the union." It also said priests should decide on a case-by-case basis and "should not prevent or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek Gods help through a simple blessing." While DDF Prefect Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez makes clear in the document that such blessings must not be construed as blessings "proper to the sacrament of marriage," he admits that the text's "theological reflection, based on the pastoral vision of Pope Francis, implies a real development from what has been said about blessings in the Magisterium and the official texts of the Church." (Related: Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples as long as it doesn't resemble an actual marriage ceremony.) Christopher White of the National Catholic Reporter said: "While the Vatican's declaration is very narrow in scope, it represents a tremendous development in both the Church's teaching and practice, likely the most concrete pastoral shift on the Church's stance toward gay couples in its 2,000-year history. Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has used an entirely different tone in talking about gay people than past popes. But this is the first time the letter of the law has been changed to signify that the Church is opening up on the matter. In an interview for a documentary film in 2020, Francis for the first time publicly endorsed giving gay people rights within same-sex unions. However, his comments at the time pertained to the civil domain and not within the Catholic Church. Meanwhile, Biden has defied Catholic teaching by presiding over the most pro-abortion administration in U.S. history. He is an ardent supporter of homosexual unions and has even presided over the marriage of two men when he was a vice president. "Proud to marry Brian and Joe at my house. Couldn't be happier, two longtime White House staffers, two great guys," he tweeted back in August 2016. Woke pope decries inflexible ideological positions condemning blessing of gay couples Pope Francis, who recently celebrated his 87th birthday, warned against inflexible ideological positions that can hinder the Church from seeing reality and moving forward during his traditional Christmas greetings to members of the Curia, the Vatican's central administration on Thursday. He also mentioned the continuing debate between progressives and conservatives 60 years after the Second Vatican Council, which ushered the Church into the modern world. "Let us remain vigilant against rigid ideological positions that often, under the guise of good intentions, separate us from reality and prevent us from moving forward," he said. "We are called, instead, to set out and journey, like the Magi, following the light that always desires to lead us on, at times along unexplored paths and new roads." The pope added that Christians should always be restless and open to change. "The Christian faith, let us remember, is not meant to confirm our sense of security, to let us settle into comfortable religious certitudes, and to offer us quick answers to lifes complex problems," he stated because according to him, when God calls, "He sends us on a journey, draws us out of our comfort zones, our complacency about what we have already done, and in this way he sets us free." Since fellow cardinals elected him 10 years ago, the pope claimed to make the Church more "welcoming to people who feel excluded," such as members of the LGBT community. He insisted that he does these without changing any part of Church teachings on moral issues. Visit LeftCult.com to read more stories on how woke liberals are pushing leftist ideologies on the public. Watch the video below that tackles the Vatican's approval of the same-sex union blessing and how it is actually the obliteration of matrimony as a sacrament. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Corporate media hypes Pope Francis' support of SAME-SEX MARRIAGE. Pope Francis parties with transgender prostitutes in the Vatican to commemorate 'World Day of the Poor.' WOKE POPE says transgender people may be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents. Sources include: LifesiteNews.com VaticanNews.va TheGuardian.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com China launches worlds FASTEST INTERNET approximately two years ahead of schedule China has officially beaten the global deadline as it launched the world's first next-generation internet service ahead of schedule. The service is more than 10 times faster than existing major routes. The backbone network, named for its principal data route between cities, is able to transmit data at 1.2 terabits per second (Tbps) equivalent to 1,200 gigabits per second (Gbps) between Beijing in the north, Wuhan in central China's Hubei province and Guangzhou in the southern province of Guangdong. Network officially launched in November The line spans over 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) of optical fiber cabling and was successfully activated this past July. The network was officially launched in November following reliable performance testing and passing all operational tests. The achievement was made possible thanks to cooperation between Tsinghua University, Cernet Corporation, China Mobile and Huawei Technologies. The emergence of one Tbps ultra-high-speed network was not expected until at least 2025. Many of the world's internet backbone networks operate at only 100 Gbps. The U.S. only completed the transition to its fifth-generation Internet2 at 400 Gbps per second last 2022. The Beijing-Wuhan-Guangzhou connection is part of China's Future Internet Technology Infrastructure (FITI), a project that was 10 years in the making. FITI is the latest version of the national China Education and Research Network (CERNET). The project began in 2013 and is supported by the Chinese government, managed by the Ministry of Education and developed with the help of Tsinghua and 40 other universities. Wu Jianping, FITIs project leader from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, explained that the superfast line was "a successful operation" and that it gives China the "advanced technology to build an even faster internet." Wang Le, Huawei Technologies vice-president, told reporters during the same press conference at Tsinghua that the network can transfer "the data equivalent of 150 high-definition films in just one second." Xu Mingwei, a professor at Tsinghua's Department of Computer Science and Technology, compared China's new internet backbone to a "super-fast train track" that replaced the 10 regular tracks that used to carry the same amount of data. He added that this made it "cheaper and easier to manage." At a work meeting, Xu said that the FITI project is "unprecedented across the world." He noted that the project "is open to society" and can support "experimental trials of innovative network structures." Xu also estimated that FITI would be ready by the end of 2023. (Related: India using INTERNET SHUTDOWNS for political control.) The new backbone network heralds another advance for China, which has been concerned about its dependence on the U.S. and Japan for routers and other elements of internet technology. In a bid to be more independent, all of the systems software and hardware was domestically produced, with the technical research team making advancements in various aspects of the project, such as routers, switches and optical fiber connections. Wu and his team developed their own super-fast router that can handle more data than ever before. The team also proposed technology to aggregate several optical paths to increase the upper limits of data transmission. China's internet may be fast, but access is still restricted In China, all internet users deal with a strict regime of censorship which tends to limit access to Western news outlets. The discussion of sensitive topics is also limited in the country. China's "Great Firewall" does not allow Chinese internet users to access sites like Facebook, Google, Instagram, or Wikipedia. A report by Citizen Lab has revealed that the search engines that operate in China have 66,000 rules to control access to content that might be deemed politically sensitive. Additionally, ChatGPT has now been banned in China for producing responses that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would otherwise censor. Watch this clip about how globalists are creating the new internet. This video is from the Diane Sosen channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: FCC votes to seize American internet infrastructure to promote equity. Report: Bad bots TAKING OVER the internet with spam, cybercrime. TYRANNY through CENSORSHIP: Web browsers could soon be required by law to block traffic to what the government labels fraudulent websites. Sources include: SCMP.com Internet2.edu DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com Chinas spaceplane releases 6 MYSTERY OBJECTS into orbit China's shady small spaceplane appears to have deployed at least six objects into orbit while performing its latest mission. The unmanned Shenlong (Divine Dragon) spaceplane placed six objects in Earth's orbit after launching from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China's Gansu province on Dec. 14. Amateur space trackers have verified the existence of the said objects, among them Scott Tilley. During an interview with Space magazine's Brett Tingley, he said that some of the objects which are being referred to as Objects A, B, C, D, E and F appear to be transmitting signals. The amateur astronomer has described these objects as "mysterious wingmen," a nod to the "loyal wingman" terminology employed for the drones that operate cooperatively with a piloted aircraft. Tilley also presented details of the variations in transmissions between the objects. According to him, Object A appears to be sending small amounts of data. Meanwhile, Objects D and E appear to be only emitting "placeholder" signals without supporting data. "It should be noted that unlike emissions early in the Chinese spaceplane missions, these emissions are very intermittent and do not stay on long," Tilley said. "It's taken days of observations tracking pass after pass with dish antennas to come up with this data." While people cannot be completely sure that these cryptic signals are coming from objects released by the Shenlong, the evidence is convincing. Comprehensive signal analysis by different satellite trackers suggests that the transmissions come either from the objects or from something else very near to them. The transmissions also connect with the anticipated paths of the various objects and also comply with the types of signals earlier emitted by Chinese spaceplane missions, with the identical unique frequency. There are also signs that there could be more interesting transmissions to come. Shenlong spaceplane launched atop a traditional space rocket The reusable Shenlong spacecraft is launched above a traditional space launch rocket, and is powered into orbit using a secondary booster. It makes its return to Earth in an unpowered mode. According to the Drive, the Shenlong is believed to be widely similar to the U.S. Space Force's (USSF) X-37B spacecraft. While the precise nature of the Chinese craft's payloads remains a mystery, it certainly has military applications. But Beijing has insisted that the Shenlong is only for commercial use. It is no secret that the Chinese spaceplane can deploy payloads into space. During Shenlong's second mission in late 2022, SpaceNews surmised that those objects could be small satellites for monitoring the spaceplane or some type of test payload, possibly to acquire more experience in launching items from the spaceplane. (Related: China has put hundreds of satellites in orbit to target U.S., as Space Force commander reveals Beijings horrific plan for America.) Spaceplanes such as the Shenlong and the X-37B have very clear military applications, especially as a convenient and probably efficient way to get into orbit and remain there for lengthy periods. A spaceplane provides many advantages when it comes to placing payloads into space. For instance, it is faster, more flexible, and less predictable than a conventional rocket launch. Over at Washington, the X-37B is now being equipped with a service module, an extra payload package that boosts the number of missions that the vehicle can tackle. Nevertheless, details about the contents of the service module remain classified and little is known about its precise operations or capabilities. The USSF is presently set to launch the X-37B aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy Rocket on Dec. 28 following numerous delays. Follow Space.news for more stories about China's secretive spaceplane. Watch Gene Ho explain what the USSF is and whether it will save America in the video below. This video is from the AMPNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: China may try to claim the moon as prize if it beats US in space race. Daniel Natal: Whoever controls space will be the 21st centurys dominant power. Space Force to launch network of SPY SATELLITES to counter growing Chinese and Russian space capabilities. Sources include: TheDrive.com Space.com 1 SpaceNews.com Space.com 2 Brighteon.com Many who get COVID injected suffer at least one post-jab cardiovascular symptom, i.e., chest pain, heart palpitations Even in cases where no subclinical myocarditis is detected, many people who get "vaccinated" for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) ends up suffering from at least one post-jab cardiovascular symptom such as chest pain or heart palpitations, a new study suggests. Dr. Ming-Yen Ng and other researchers from Hong Kong recruited a pool of participants to undergo tests and imaging scans before getting jabbed for COVID, as well as after receiving at least two shots. Their goal was to identify any cases of subclinical heart inflammation or myocarditis, including in cases without symptoms. While the team identified no cases of subclinical heart inflammation in the group, what they did identify was an almost universal symptom subset indicative of something bad going on inside these people's hearts. Most of the participants reported feeling chest pain or other heart problems such as palpitations, these being symptoms that often manifest in patients diagnosed with myocarditis. "In that subset, however, there was no statistically significant increase in any markers," one media report about the study explains. "That meant the patients did not have myocarditis under the Lake Louise criteria, which requires certain findings on CMRs." (Related: Did you know that most COVID jab deaths occur within the first 10 days after injection and most of those within the first three days?) COVID jabs destroy the heart One of the markers scientists look for in myocarditis patients that did not show up in any of the patients evaluated is elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) tests also produced no visible abnormalities. "COVID-19 vaccination did not induce any CMR imaging, blood marker, or ECG evidence of myocardial inflammation in individuals with no significant cardiac history," the researchers said. Still, the researchers reported high levels of heart-related symptoms among the tested patients, who also showed statistically significant decreases in their white blood cell count coupled with a statistically significant increase in C-reactive protein. Published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, the paper tries to claim that, despite the reported symptoms, none of the participants showed concrete proof of myocarditis. Their research, they say, "provid[es] some reassurance that COVID-19 vaccinations do not typically cause subclinical myocarditis" but is this true? It turns out that there is very little research period on subclinical myocarditis, especially in relation to COVID jabs. Of the few papers that have been published, only one found evidence of subclinical myocarditis. "These findings can hopefully contribute constructively to the discussion of vaccine hesitancy," the authors said. As usual, the study's findings bear strong bias in favor of vaccines. American cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough told The Epoch Times that he does not find the study's findings reassuring in favor of continued COVID vaccination. According to Dr. McCullough, of the nine recruits who did not return for a follow-up scan, some of them, at least, had to have suffered some vaccine side effects beyond just chest pain and heart palpitations. "These symptoms occur independently from COVID-19 vaccine myocarditis, which is a severe form of heart damage with large areas detectable by cardiac MRI," Dr. McCullough said. In the comments, one woman told a story about her previously healthy 87-year-old husband who got jabbed in accordance with his doctor's wishes, only to develop heart problems. "He took the advice of a doctor and took one shot after having had COVID already," she wrote. "When our kids found out, they prevented him from taking more and rightly so." "Here was a man with a strong and very healthy heart, he gets this poison shot and irregular heartbeats of A-fib set in. I am furious because we can no longer trust that particular medical organization for a military veteran!" The latest news about the injury and death toll from COVID jabs can be found at ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NaturalNews.com BiomedCentral.com Truly EVIL: U.K. high court BANS PRAYERS near abortion clinics A high court in the United Kingdom has upheld a ban on prayers near abortion clinics , ruling against a pro-life group. On Dec. 15, the High Court of Justice ruled that the ban "lawfully followed the democratic and consultative procedures." In their decision, Justices Mark Warby and Justin Thornton argued that any infringements on freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the right to protest were "justified by the legitimate aim of protecting the rights of women attending the clinic." The ruling stemmed from a complaint filed by two pro-life groups 40 Days for Life Bournemouth and Christian Concern against the "buffer zone" order that was in place near the Robert Clinic in Bournemouth. Livia Tossici-Bolt, head of 40 Days for Life Bournemouth, said the edict "criminalized prayer and reading from the Bible" prompting them to sue. According to the Independent, the buffer zone around the clinic which is operated by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) came to be as a result of a public spaces protection order (PSPO) made a year ago. The order and the resulting buffer zone were issued at the behest of the Bournemouth Council. BPAS Chief of Staff Rachael Clarke lauded the ruling, adding that the organization is "delighted to see common sense prevail in court." "Our staff and the women we care for spent years in Bournemouth being hounded and harassed by people as they sought to access our clinic," said Clarke. "We have hundreds of first-hand accounts of the negative impact of this activity." Despite this, Christian Concern said it would appeal the decision. "The measures brought in by [the] Bournemouth Council are disturbing, in that they prevent women from being given access to alternatives to abortion," said Christian Concern CEO Andrea Williams. "Peaceful witnesses near abortion centers are helpful to many women in crisis pregnancies, offering genuine choice by providing support. [There is] no evidence whatsoever to show that anyone is being harassed outside abortion clinics." Authorities in the U.K. protect abortionists "British police are exceptionally rigid in enforcing 'buffer zones' protecting abortionists," the National Pulse pointed out. "Lone Christians have, in some cases, been arrested or fined for praying silently near clinics." The outlet cited one instance from October, where a Christian woman was slapped a fine by law enforcement officers for merely praying in silence within the proximity of an abortion clinic in the city of Birmingham. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, the woman in question, was previously fined twice for praying in silence outside other abortion clinics in the United Kingdom. Vaughan-Spruce shared footage of her being accosted by two police officers. One of them informed her that she would be issued with a fixed penalty notice as she was praying "for the lives of unborn children." Moreover, the two police officers notified her that her actions violated the "Anti-Social Behavior Order" even though she was merely praying and not staging a protest outside the facility. (Related: While Democrats let actual criminals roam free, these two elderly women were CONVICTED and face 11 years in prison for peacefully blocking an abortion clinic.) The officer also claimed that she was within the Birmingham clinic's 150-meter buffer zone. Vaughan-Spruce later confirmed that she was not within this buffer zone as an act of protest. "This is the third time I have been treated like a criminal for peacefully, silently and imperceptibly praying for women who are likely facing one of the worst days of their lives," she lamented. "The U.K. government urgently needs to clarify that silent thoughts can never be illegal even if those thoughts are in disagreement with the views of the state." Head over to Abortions.news for similar stories. Watch this video about a twisted abortion clinic worker encouraging a mother to simply "flush her baby down the toilet." This video is from the War Room channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Big Abortion wants baby murder clinics on every street corner. Op-ed: Abortion activists reveal their EVIL nature through threats and vandalism. Doctor proposes opening ocean-borne abortion clinic in Gulf of Mexico to keep baby killing afloat. Over 20 pregnancy resource centers have been ATTACKED by pro-abortion extremists since May. First it was abortion tents in national parks, now it's "floating baby-killing clinics:" The Left is OBSESSED with abortion. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com 1 Independent.co.uk TheNationalPulse.com 2 Brighteon.com WanaBana, Schnucks & Weis childrens applesauce pouches were INTENTIONALLY contaminated with lead, FDA says Children who ate cinnamon apple puree and applesauce from pouches manufactured by three American brands were reportedly sickened by the contents. And the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes the contamination was intentional Back in October, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported the first adverse events from the affected pouches in children as young as one year old. Since that time, the federal agency has launched an inspection at a plant in Ecuador where the cinnamon-flavored applesauce is produced. The three companies in question include WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis, all of which produce apple fruit puree products for children. The three brands' products are sold nationwide at popular grocery chains, including at Dollar Tree, as well as online through Amazon. "We're still in the midst of our investigation," commented Jim Jones, the FDA's deputy commissioner for human foods. "But so far, all of the signals we're getting lead to an intentional act on the part of someone in the supply chain and we're trying to ... figure that out." According to Jones, the ongoing investigation has already led investigators to conclude that adulteration of the apple puree products with what appears to be lead may have been "an intentional act." "My instinct is they didn't think this product was going to end up in a country with a robust regulatory process. They thought it was going to end up in places that did not have the ability to detect something like this." (Related: HMC Farms recalled peaches and plums last month that were believed to be contaminated with listeria.) Was the children's applesauce lead contamination intentional? The latest update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes a total of 125 cases from 22 states that involve children who consumed the contaminated products in question and got sick from them. The FDA says it believes the intentional contamination with lead was "economically motivated," meaning the companies involved allowed or even added lead on purpose to boost profits in some way, or perhaps to salvage otherwise contaminated product that should have been tossed. "The FDA can confirm that one of the theories the agency is exploring is the potential that the cinnamon contamination occurred as a possible result of economically motivated adulteration," an FDA spokesperson told Consumer Reports. When asked why the FDA allows contaminated products like this to enter the United States in the first place, Jones explained that intentional adulteration cases such as this are "always going to be tricky to absolutely stop." "We have limited authority over foreign ingredient suppliers that do not directly ship product to the U.S. because their food undergoes further manufacturing / processing prior to export," the other FDA spokesperson is quoted as saying. According to the CDC, there is "no safe blood lead level" for young children. The agency uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) as an identifying threshold for children deemed to have elevated blood lead levels. On Nov. 13, the CDC revealed the results of an investigation it conducted which found that 22 children who consumed lead-contaminated applesauce had blood lead levels as high as 29 mcg/dL, which is substantially higher than the CDC's marker of 3.5 mcg/dL. "Lead is toxic to humans, and exposure at any age or health status can lead to serious symptoms," reported The Epoch Times. "In adults, high blood lead levels can increase their risk for high blood pressure, other cardiovascular effects, kidney problems, adverse reproductive outcomes and gout." "Short-term exposure to lead could result in headaches, abdominal pain / colic, vomiting and anemia, while longer-term exposure could result in irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches or muscle prickling / burning, constipation, difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness, tremor and weight loss." More related news can be found at Toxins.news. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NaturalNews.com Fox News shills John Fetterman over his support for Israel: Gives me hope for this country Fox News hosts are now actively shilling Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) to their audience due to his diehard support for Israel's brutal war on Gaza. (Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com) Fox News shills John Fetterman to their audience due to his gung ho support for Israel. "Two people have given me hope for this country, Bill Maher ... and Senator Fetterman," Brian Kilmeade says. ? pic.twitter.com/jSTpIjb7qp Chris Menahan ?? (@infolibnews) December 22, 2023 "I think [Sen. Fetterman's] sounding ... like a good American," Tomi Lahren says. "A good American who believes we should support really our only ally in the Middle East ... and condemn those who say 'From the river to the sea.' " pic.twitter.com/0X6mqReFs3 Chris Menahan ?? (@infolibnews) December 22, 2023 From Mediaite, "Fox & Friends Hosts Hail John Fetterman: 'Gives Me Hope For This Country' ": In an interview with the New York Times this week, Fetterman condemned "purity tests" he said progressives impose on Democrats, pointing specifically to his support for Israel and push to secure the southern border. "It's just a place where I'm not. I don't feel like I've left the label; it's just more that it's left me," Fetterman told the Times. "I'm not critical if someone is a progressive. I believe different things." "Two people have given me hope for this country," Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade said Friday morning, citing Bill Maher -- pointing to his strong support for Israel and cracking down on immigration and crime in the United States -- and Fetterman, for similar reasons. "It's weird to see this transition because I find myself every single week retweeting something that Fetterman has said," Lawrence Jones said. "He has been very supportive of Israel." The way Sen. Fetterman lied to his voters to get elected and then sold them out to a foreign power is so heckin' based! "Conservative" in Fox News world simply means support for Israel. The new heroes of the controlled opposition right are Jonathan Greenblatt, Bill Ackman, John Fetterman and Bill Maher. Bill Ackman is a large donor to the Democratic Party, was urging a full economic shutdown for COVID, and is driven by the goal of barring Israel critics on campuses. So he cynically invokes anti-woke and anti-DEI language to lure the American Right to support that cause: https://t.co/KNFrwUpKEs Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) December 16, 2023 Ben Shapiro was the last big conservative influencer to come out against the ADL during #BanTheADL, and he only criticised them for being too left-wing. Now that Greenblatt is chastising everyone for not supporting Israel enough, Ben is back supporting him! Israel first. pic.twitter.com/pBL4IqTtVB Keith Woods (@KeithWoodsYT) October 9, 2023 They're even now shilling Abe Foxman as heckin' based for opposing DEI! Its happening: Abe Foxman and David Harris call for an end to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Their stance contrasts with ADL and AJCs current positions urging universities to better incorporate Jews into the DEI infrastructure. https://t.co/dJsMJTrTy7 Yoram Hazony (@yhazony) December 22, 2023 It's Habbening!@!@!! Israel's war on Gaza has led to the biggest "mask off" moment in history. Read more at: InformationLiberation.com Hillary Clinton absurdly says pregnant women are targets of misogynistic climate change Two-time failed presidential wannabe Hillary Clinton is still at it spewing nonsensical, nobody-cares-to-hear-them opinions about world affairs whenever she gets the chance. Most recently, Clinton made her opinions known about climate change, which she described as being misogynistic against women and girls, "and particularly pregnant women." "We know, and estimate, that we probably could measure about 500,000 deaths [from climate change last year], and the majority of those are women and girls," Clinton complained at a recent climate change summit, which she attended via a private jet. At the COP28 global warming meeting in Dubai, Clinton also complained about the lack of women around the negotiating table, which she described as a major concern because, in her view, the "tide has been turned" against the voices of women in recent years. "In many of the governments that are represented here at COP, there are no women," Clinton whined with a scowl. "How do we get the concerns of women to be heard? That's what events like these are about." Clinton would go on in one of her quintessential rants to complain about feeling like she and the rest of the world's women are now "swimming against the tide" because "the tide has been turned against women in many parts of the world." NOW - Hillary Clinton: "We're seeing and beginning to pay attention and to count and record the deaths that are related to climate." pic.twitter.com/6hVv4qFB1T Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) December 4, 2023 (Related: Check out our earlier coverage about Clinton Foundation donors being a who's who list of the world's most evil corporations.) Hillary Clinton hates motherhood, being a wife The point of Clinton's preachy monologue at COP28 was to make women seem like victims of the alleged climate crisis, and to urge the men in attendance at the event to listen to women more when crafting climate legislation and restrictions. The former Democratic presidential candidate talked about the "visible pushback" she feels is taking place against women's rights and opportunities. Clinton is also concerned about the effects of extreme heat stemming from climate change on the bodies of women and girls. Clinton took particular issue with statements made by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who called on the world's women to "actively cultivate a new culture of marriage and childbearing." This upset Clinton, who wants women to supplant men and basically take on traditional male roles in society. "Imagine being so high on your own neoliberal identity politics supply that, at a conference ostensibly designed to fend off a literal extinction event, you instead pivot to gender equity talking points," wrote Ben Bartee about Clinton's far-left theatrics at COP28. "At any rate, transhumanist technocrats should love Climate Change, in such a case that it targets pregnant women, because they hate legacy front hole women getting pregnant anyway. Human reproduction the old-fashioned way as in, not in a lab viscerally repulses them." Bartee is referring, of course, to a new pro-transgender scheme that involves installing female wombs into the bodies of "trans women," also known as males with gender dysphoria and mental illness. "As the person would have been born as a man, the risky and highly expensive procedure will help biological men become pregnant," one report explains about the new procedure, which was reportedly developed by an Indian surgeon. "In the procedure, the reproductive organs of a dead donor or a woman going in for sex change will be used. It would entail the use of IVF and a C-section as no fully functional vagina is present in the case." The Indian doctor who came up with the idea says a uterine transplant should be looked at "the same as a kidney or any other transplant." "This is the future," he added. "We cannot predict exactly when this will happen, but it will happen very soon." The latest news about far-left climate hysteria can be found at Climate.news. Sources for this article include: TheDailyBell.com NaturalNews.com Head of Israeli town suggests flattening Gaza Strip like Auschwitz concentration camp David Azoulai, council head for the town of Metula in Israel, wants to send all Gazans to refugee camps in Lebanon to empty and flatten the whole Gaza Strip so it becomes an empty museum like Auschwitz a complex of concentration and extermination camps operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II and the Holocaust. In an interview with Ben Caspit and Yinon Magal of the Israeli talk radio station 103FM, the mayor of Israel's northernmost Jewish village suggested that instead of urging people to go south, "we should direct them to the beaches. The [Israeli] Navy can transport them to the shores of Lebanon, where there are already sufficient refugee camps. Then, a security strip should be established from the sea to the Gaza border fence, completely empty, as a reminder of what was once there." "Let it become a museum, showcasing the capabilities of the State of Israel and dissuading anyone from living in the Gaza Strip. This is what must be done to give them a visual representation. We should leave Gaza desolate and destroyed to serve as a museum, demonstrating the madness of the people who lived there." The local leader reasoned that what happened on the initial Hamas attack on Oct. 7 was already a second Holocaust. The Jerusalem Post reported that later, Azoulai clarified his stance about the situation up North, saying that Hezbollah is observing the situation in the South. That is why the issue should be addressed properly, otherwise, they will see it as a weakness. "No matter how strong terrorism may be, we cannot live in fear or uproot people from their homes. We must act decisively," he explained. "The displaced residents of the North deserve to know when and how they will return home. We don't want war or casualties. However, I don't believe Hezbollah will surrender peacefully." Similarly, Israeli journalist Shimon Riklin posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying he does not care if he is criticized but he is for the war crimes. He called for ethnic cleansing and genocide on Israeli TV recently: "I am unable to sleep if I do not see houses being destroyed in Gaza. I want there to be nothing for them to return to," Riklin said. "The Torah says they used to spread the earth with salt, and they must complain." Israeli journalist Shimon Riklin has stirred controversy and condemnation after supporting war crimes, stating his inability to sleep unless he sees homes in Gaza destroyed. Riklin referenced the Torah, saying that ancient practices involved spreading salt on the earth. pic.twitter.com/Df8603L4By Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) December 18, 2023 According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 19,667 people have been killed in Gaza and 52,586 wounded since the war began. Nearly two million people have been displaced from their homes with little access to food, clean water or sanitation. (Related: WAR CRIME? Nearly 50% of bombs dropped by Israel on Gaza were unguided, "area effect" weapons.) Israel now uses "Gospel" AI system to attack targets The Israeli military claimed that it is already using artificial intelligence (AI) to select targets in real-time. They have struck more than 22,000 targets inside Gaza and since the temporary truce broke down on Dec. 1, Israel's Air Force has hit more than 3,500 sites. The team reportedly utilized an AI system named "the Gospel," which has helped it to rapidly identify enemy combatants and equipment. However, critics warn the system is unproven and just provides a technological justification for the killing of thousands of Palestinian civilians. "It appears to be an attack aimed at maximum devastation of the Gaza Strip," says Lucy Suchman, an anthropologist and professor emeritus at Lancaster University in England. Other experts also question whether any AI can take on a job as consequential as targeting humans on the battlefield. "AI algorithms are notoriously flawed with high error rates observed across applications that require precision, accuracy and safety," warns Heidy Khlaaf, Engineering Director of AI Assurance at Trail of Bits, a technology security firm. According to posts on the Israeli military's website, the "Gospel" was developed by Israel's signals intelligence branch, known as Unit 8200. The system is relatively new; one of the earliest mentions was a top innovation award that it won in 2020. According to Hebrew University of Jerusalem lecturer Tal Mimran, "Gospel" is actually one of several AI programs being used by Israeli intelligence. Other AI systems aggregate vast quantities of intelligence data and classify it, with "Gospel" being the final AI system that makes a targeting recommendation to a human analyst. Those targets could be anything from individual fighters, equipment like rocket launchers or facilities such as Hamas command posts Genocide.news has more stories related to Israel's continued attacks on Palestinian civilians and even its own people. Sources for this article include: InformationLiberation.com JPost.com TheGuardian.com NPR.org IDF.il YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has met with the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. PM Pashinyan welcomed the Iranian FMs visit to Armenia. I am happy to see the high-level contacts and mutual visits between the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is important not only for the further development of our bilateral relations, but also in terms of being more understandable to each other in foreign relations and generally in our policies. Of course, we constantly discuss bilateral agenda issues and I am glad that there is a working and sincere atmosphere in these discussions. I am also aware that you have had a productive discussion with the Armenian foreign minister, and that you have active and intensive working contacts, for which I am also glad. Id also like to hear from you the agenda of your visit and expected results, the Prime Minister said. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian conveyed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisis greetings. The President asked me to cordially congratulate you and the friendly people of the Republic of Armenia on New Year and Christmas. Your Excellency, I am very happy to meet you. Ive had a very good, constructive and useful discussion with my colleague, Foreign Minister of Armenia Mr. Mirzoyan. We are here in the Republic of Armenia today to once again emphasize how much attention we pay to bilateral relations and its importance. Our assessment is that the two countries are on the right track. We are witnessing the development of relations in the political, economic, cultural, educational and humanitarian areas, and at the same time we pay special attention to the deepening of relations, the Iranian FM said. A number of issues related to the Armenia-Iran partnership agenda were discussed. They discussed the enhancement of bilateral trade-economic ties, as well as ongoing and upcoming projects in infrastructure and other sectors. Issues of regional significance were also discussed, including on the processes around the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty, the unblocking of regional transport connections on the basis of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and reciprocity, and the Armenian governments Crossroads of Peace project. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that Iran supports the unblocking process based on the abovementioned principles, particularly the Crossroads of Peace project. Monsanto ordered to pay $857 million to 7 people exposed to toxic forever chemicals Agrochemical giant Monsanto has been ordered to pay a staggering $857 million fine to five former students and two parent volunteers of Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe, Washington, for exposing them to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs, banned from production in 1979 due to their toxicity, were commonly used in construction materials such as caulking and light fixtures from the 1950s to the 1970s. The slow breakdown of PCBs, often referred to as "forever chemicals," has resulted in lingering environmental exposure, particularly in schools, of which approximately 55,000 were constructed during the peak decades of PCB production. In other words, PCBs are still present in the environment even after being banned for decades. According to the complainants, their exposure to Monsanto's PCBs coming from fluorescent light fixtures at the Sky Valley Education Center, located north of Seattle, caused a range of health problems, including brain damage and autoimmune disorders. Keri C. Hornbuckle, a professor and environmental engineer at the University of Iowa and an expert witness for the complainants, backed their claims. He emphasized the lasting impact of PCBs on schools, given that "schools were built to last and they're not regularly modeled; those materials still reside in the caulking around the windows and between the masonry and structural joints of the building." As a result, the jury awarded a total of $73 million in compensation and $784 million in punitive damages to the complainants. Henry Jones, an attorney for the plaintiffs, told CBS News: "No one who heard this evidence would ever change places with any of these people in exchange for all the money the jury awarded." However, Monsanto strongly disagreed with the verdict and announced their plans to appeal. "We disagree with the verdict and will pursue post-trial motions and appeals to get this verdict overturned and to reduce the constitutionally excessive damages awarded," said a Monsanto spokesperson. "The objective evidence in this case, including blood, air and other tests, demonstrates that plaintiffs were not exposed to unsafe levels of PCBs, and PCBs could not have caused their alleged injuries." Monsanto faces mounting legal battles while losing billions of dollars due to toxic products Monsanto grapples with an increasing number of lawsuits over its products across the United States. Last month, Monsanto was ordered to pay $332 million to an individual who claimed that the company's weed-killing chemical, Roundup, was responsible for his cancer. This marked another blow in a series of lawsuits against Monsanto, with thousands of individuals asserting that Roundup exposure caused severe health issues. In Missouri, a jury directed Monsanto's parent company Bayer to pay $1.56 billion to four people who got cancer from using Roundup. The jury found the company responsible for design defects, failure to warn about the chemical's dangers and negligence. All four victims were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup on their property. Moreover, about 165,000 claims have been filed against Monsanto for personal injuries related to Roundup, which contains glyphosate. Bayer settled most of these cases for around $11 billion. However, regulatory filings indicate that about 50,000 claims are still awaiting resolution. Similarly, in June, the state of Vermont also filed a lawsuit against agrochemical giant Monsanto over its production and sale of toxic chemicals, despite knowing that they were damaging to human health and the environment. (Related: Vermont sues Monsanto over toxic PCB contamination in schools.) According to the lawsuit, Monsanto was aware that the formulations were very harmful, could easily seep into the environment and would cause widespread contamination and health issues, which have now become a reality. "Monsanto manufactured, marketed, sold, and distributed PCBs while knowing that its products would cause significant, long-term damage in Vermont," said Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark. Furthermore, the Green Mountain State has been spending millions of dollars to check all its schools for PCB contamination since high levels of the toxin were found at Burlington High School and other schools. As a result, the Burlington School District also sued Monsanto in a separate case last year, with more schools intending to follow suit. Visit Chemicals.news for more articles like this. Watch the video below to learn more about 3M's $10 million fine to settle a lawsuit over water contamination due to PFAS. This video is from The Talking Hedge channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Switchgrass naturally removes toxic PCB pollution from soil. Forever chemicals: Study shows exposure to PFAS linked to post-diet weight gain. USGS: At least 45% of TAP WATER across the U.S. is contaminated with FOREVER CHEMICALS. Study: Forever chemicals in popular cooking products increase risk of liver cancer. Forever chemicals pose greater cancer risk to women than men, study finds. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com CBSNews.com Reuters.com ChildrensHealthDefense.org VermontPublic.org Brighteon.com U.S.-based rights group calls on ICC to investigate Israeli commanders WAR CRIMES A rights group based in the U.S. has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute 40 senior commanders of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over war crimes in Gaza. Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), which was founded by the late Jamal Khashoggi, submitted the list of commanders on Dec. 20 at the ICC's headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. It called on the tribunal to investigate the 40 "prime suspects" it named in the filing." "These 40 IDF commanders who have been responsible for planning, ordering and executing Israel's indiscriminate bombardment, wanton destruction and mass killing of civilians in Gaza should be prime suspects in any ICC investigation," DAWN Executive Director Sarah Leah Whitson said in a statement. "While Israel has done its best to conceal the identities of many of its officers, they should be put on notice that they face individual criminal liability for the crimes underway in Gaza." DAWN initially released three names from its list of 40 suspects: Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister Ghassan Alian, the IDF's coordinator of government activities in the Palestinian territories Ehud Bibi, commander of the IDF's 215th Artillery Brigade DAWN said it would continue to publicly release the names of the other commanders on its list in the coming month. Meanwhile, the Middle East Eye (MEE) reached out to the Israeli Ministry of Defense for comment but did not receive a response as of writing. Hamas' attack on Oct. 7 caused the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 240, who were taken back to the Gaza Strip. While some of the hostages have been released, more than 100 are still under Hamas' custody. In retaliation, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. The offensive has killed more than 20,000 Palestinians mostly women and children according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry. South Africa wants ICC to prosecute Israel "DAWN's submission to the ICC is one of several the court has received from both international non-government groups, as well as countries who are calling on the court to investigate whether Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza," the MEE said. Groups such as Reporters Without Borders and the Al Jazeera news network have requested the tribunal to investigate the killing of journalists in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. While both Israel and the U.S. are not parties to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, the tribunal's mandate includes the Palestinian territories the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The sovereign nations of Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti have asked the ICC to investigate Israel for its war crimes. Another nation recently joined the countries calling for an investigation South Africa. Russia Today reported that South Africa has already sent all relevant paperwork to the ICC. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also urged the tribunal to begin its probe into Tel Aviv's alleged war crimes at the soonest. "In South Africa, we have an accord with many other countries in the world. So we see it fit to refer this whole Israeli government action to the ICC. We have put through a referral because we believe that war crimes have been committed there," he said. "Once a case has been referred to them, they need to take it up seriously. So South Africa, as well as a number of other countries, are presenting their full documentation to the ICC." Visit IsraelCollapse.com for more stories about Israel's war crimes in the Gaza Strip. Watch Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounces the ICC as "antisemitic" for its intent to investigate Israel's war crimes. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: BRICS nations may call for Israel to officially be labeled a "terrorist" state. Human rights group wants Israeli attacks on Gaza hospitals "investigated as war crimes." Colombia threatening to cut diplomatic ties with Israel over "neo-Nazi" GENOCIDE in Gaza. Turkey files lawsuit against Netanyahu, accusing him and Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza. ALONE IN THE DESERT: South Africa, Chad join DIPLOMATIC BOYCOTT of Israel, adding to the growing list of countries protesting against Israels genocide in Gaza. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net RT.com Brighteon.com Trump petitions Supreme Court to pause in considering presidential immunity claim Former President Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to reject a request from special counsel Jack Smith to fast-track issuing a ruling in a dispute about Trump's presidential immunity claims. Trump wants SCOTUS to take its time in determining whether or not he should be afforded presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for his alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election, while Smith wants SCOTUS to make a decision at warp speed. Trump's attorneys wrote in a filing with the high court that its ordinary review procedures will allow the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to address Trump's appeal first, with the benefit of the "historic topics" that were considered by the lower court. SCOTUS is currently weighing a request from Smith to bypass the D.C. Circuit entirely, and to instead hastily decide on its own whether Trump should be shielded from criminal prosecution for 2020 election interference, to which Trump has already pleaded not guilty. "In 234 years of American history, no president ever faced criminal prosecution for his official acts," Trump's legal team wrote in the filing. "Until 19 days ago, no court had ever addressed whether immunity from such prosecution exists." "To this day, no appellate court has addressed it. The question stands among the most complex, intricate and momentous issues that this Court will be called on to decide." (Related: A former FBI counterintelligence official who helped lead the Trump-Russia collusion investigation was just sentenced to four years in prison for, you guessed it: colluding with Russia.) Take your time, SCOTUS In Trump's view, taking the matter slowly and procedurally will allow for a more thorough review as opposed to Smith's request that the high court "rush to decide the issues with reckless abandon." Trump's lawyers argue that Smith's request lacks legal standing in that the government cannot appeal a ruling that is already in its favor. They also say the indictment returned by a federal grand jury in August charges Trump with acts of political speech and advocacy that occurred while he was still occupying the White House. "An erroneous denial of a claim of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts warrants this Court's review in due course," wrote lawyers John Sauer, John Lauro and Todd Blanche. "Yet importance does not automatically necessitate speed." In order for Trump's March 4 trial to proceed on schedule, Smith says it is prudent for SCOTUS to issue a ruling on the immunity matter as quickly as possible. Trump's attorneys claim the request has created the "compelling appearance of partisan motivation: To ensure that President Trump the leading Republican candidate for President, and the greatest electoral threat to President Biden will face a months-long criminal trial at the height of his presidential campaign." The March 4 trial is currently scheduled to begin just one day before Super Tuesday when more than a dozen states hold their presidential primary contests. Trump's lawyers say that Smith knows this full well and is pursuing it in this manner because of a partisan interest in supporting Joe Biden. The issue at hand includes Trump's claim that the four-count indictment against him should be dismissed because the alleged conduct stems from official acts that Trump committed while still president. Trump tried, but failed, to have a federal district court just toss the case earlier this month. "Whatever immunities a sitting president may enjoy, the United States has only one chief executive at a time, and that position does not confer a lifelong 'get-out-of-jail-free' pass," wrote U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in her Dec. 1 opinion to allow the case against Trump to proceed. Do you think Trump stands a chance at winning the election in 2024? Find out more at Trump.news. Sources for this article include: Politico.com SupremeCourt.gov NaturalNews.com WHO describes scene at Gaza hospitals as UNBEARABLE The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a distressing report on Thursday, Dec. 21, revealing a dire healthcare crisis in northern Gaza, where a functional hospital no longer exists due to critical shortages of fuel, staff and essential supplies. The WHO described scenes at the hospitals as "unbearable," with largely abandoned patients pleading for food and water. (Related: Jordan airdrops urgent medical supplies to field hospital in Gaza Strip.) Out of the 36 health facilities in Gaza, only nine are partially operational, and these are concentrated in the southern part of the enclave. Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in Gaza, painted a grim picture of the situation during a video link from Jerusalem. "There are actually no functional hospitals left in the north," he said. Al-Ahli Hospital, which was the last operational facility, is now minimally operational, attending to existing patients while refusing new admissions. Peeperkorn depicted it as a mere "shell of a hospital," akin to a hospice, providing extremely limited care with scant resources. Only about 10 staff, all junior doctors and nurses, continue to provide basic first aid, pain management and wound care with scant resources, he said. "Until two days ago, it was the only hospital where injured people could get surgery in northern Gaza and that was overwhelmed with patients needing emergency care," Peeperkorn said. "There are no operating theaters anymore due to the lack of fuel, power, medical supplies and health workers, including surgeons and other specialists." Al-Ahli Hospital, once a lifeline for surgeries in northern Gaza, is now overwhelmed. Its courtyard serves as a somber scene, lined with the bodies of victims from recent Israeli attacks, awaiting dignified burials. In addition to Al-Ahli Hospital, only three other health facilities in northern Gaza Al-Shifa, Al Awda and Al Sahaba hospitals are minimally functional, offering shelter to thousands of displaced people. Patients at risk due to shortage of antibiotics and essential drugs Patients at Al-Ahli Hospital are facing prolonged waits for surgeries, exposing them to the risk of post-operation infections due to the shortage of antibiotics and essential drugs. Peeperkorn emphasized the urgency of transferring these immobile patients to other facilities for a chance at survival. "All these patients cannot move and need to be transferred urgently to have a chance to survive," he said reiterating the WHO's call for a humanitarian ceasefire. "This 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." The WHO reiterated its call for a humanitarian ceasefire, stressing the immediate need to reinforce and restock the remaining health facilities; deliver medical services to the injured; and, most importantly, halt the ongoing bloodshed and loss of life in this beleaguered region. The situation calls for swift international intervention to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These alarming developments come amid diplomatic efforts to secure a pause in the war that has already claimed more than 20,000 Palestinian lives, with 70 percent of the casualties being women and children. The UN Security Council, facing a potential U.S. veto, postponed a crucial vote on a draft resolution to enhance humanitarian aid for Gaza. The council is expected to vote on a ceasefire and aid delivery to the Gaza Strip, reflecting the urgency of the humanitarian crisis. Watch Israeli artillery claim one life and hurt several people at Mubarak Hospital. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth on Brighteon.com. More related stories: UNRWA warns of growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid continued Israeli bombings. Israel's GENOCIDE in Gaza leads to rising global pro-Palestine sentiment. Israel bombs another school in Gaza, killing and injuring dozens. Sources include: Reuters.com Aljazeera.com Brighteon.com Climate change is one of the most significant issues of our time. It is a phenomenon known for causing long-term alterations in weather patterns and temperatures. While these alterations or shifts have been occurring even before humans emerged, the ongoing climate crisis has strongly been linked to human activities, mainly the emission of greenhouse gases and burning of fossil fuels. Despite our understanding of these long-term shifts to Earth's climate, researchers continue to study, analyze, and even predict the environmental impacts of this event. Recently, American scientists embarked on an expedition to search the oldest ice in Antarctica and to further understand climate change. Oldest Ice in Antarctica Antarctica could be hiding the oldest ice on Earth, as the scientists made the icy continent a subject of a new search expedition, to better comprehend what the history and future of our planet's climate tells us. However, to find the oldest ice in Antarctica is to surpass the 2004 discovery of the oldest existing ice core on record dates back 800,000 years ago. Available evidence shows that there is plausibly older ice hiding beneath the Earth. Yet, certain challenges such as the constant burying and flowing out of ice deposited on Antarctica's surface. This stored ice eventually melts into the ocean or gets lost in the process. Also Read: Climate Change May be Responsible for Rapid Growth of Antarctica's Two Flowering Plants COLDEX The expedition is led by the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX), a federal government-funded collaboration among American universities and science organizations. Under this initiative, scientists aim to search for the Earth's oldest ice, which they believe to be in Antarctica, and use its trapped air to measure greenhouse gas levels going back millions of years. The COLDEX expedition involved dealing with the driest, coldest, and windiest conditions on the planet, according to a media release of the Pulitzer Center earlier this year. Top US paleoclimatologists established COLDEX backed by an award of $25 million USD from the National Science Foundation. Ed Brook, a director of COLDEX and paleoclimatologist at Oregon State University, stated that the "oldest is always rare" due to the process of burying and melting of surface ice, as mentioned earlier. Under the project, the goal of the collaboration is to extend the oldest ice core record of 800,0000 years to 3 million years. Climate Change Threat Climate change may be as old as life on the planet but it is a subject that has persisted even until now. Since the Industrial Revolution, anthropogenic or human-induced activities has been described as the new contaminant of nature or a major contributor of the natural process of climate change. Also, earlier this year, the global race to drill and excavate the oldest known layers of Antarctica started, which will potentially allow researchers to gaze in a time when warmer climate and the planet's hotter future determine the future. Related Article: Impact of Climate Change in Antarctica Are 'Sporadic and Unpredictable', Study Says Residents in Wyoming and Colorado can expect slower commutes and power outages due to blowing snow and damaging winds as December comes to an end. The weather in Colorado and Wyoming unleashed colder conditions and snow in early December. People traveling for New Year should stay updated with the weather to avoid travel headaches. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned of a major winter storm in the Upper Midwest, Central and Northern Plains in the early week. Homeowners should stay alert for heavy snow and strong winds reaching up to 55 mph. The blizzard conditions can impact parts of Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota and Nebraska. The combination of snow and heavy rain can bring travel concerns in the affected areas. Colorado, Wyoming Weather Forecast In Colorado and Wyoming, the main concerns are blowing snow and cold-related health concerns. People traveling should stay updated with the winter travel road trip safety tips by checking the road conditions or forecasts. On Christmas Day, many Americans celebrated the Holiday with colder conditions and heavy snow in the Upper Midwest, Northern Plains and Central Plains. In the Southeast US and Midwest, the forecast warned of moderate to heavy rainfall. In the Pacific Northwest, residents have to deal with the wintry mix conditions and strong winds. NWS Hazardous Weather warned of accumulating snow in Western and Central Wyoming, especially in Natrona County and Casper Mountain. Meanwhile, Eastern Utah and Western Colorado can expect light snow showers in the Central Divide and Northern Divide. About 1 to 2 inches of snow is possible. In late December, residents can expect unseasonably cool weather, including in the mountain areas. Increasing clouds and snow can be likely in the workweek. In East and Central Wyoming, significant winter storms can unload snowfall and blizzard conditions in the region. In the Western Nebraska Panhandle, heavy snow is also likely. Wind gusts can reach about 65 mph, especially in portions of Laramie, Sidney and Interstate 80. In the Northeast and North Central, a snowy outlook is likely in the Palmer Divide and the Kansas Border. On Wednesday, dangerous travel conditions can unfold due to strong winds and heavy snow. About 3 to 6 inches of snow are likely. Blowing dust can cause foggy conditions and reduced visibility. Also Read: Light Rain, Area of High Pressure To Hit Mid-Atlantic US in Late Week, NWS Forecasts Blizzard Conditions: How Can People Stay Safe? The forecast warned of blizzard threats in parts of Colorado and Wyoming due to strong winds and blowing snow. The worst travel outlook is very likely, especially for motorists traveling this week. Homeowners should also keep emergency kits this week in Colorado if they become stranded due to slower commutes and power outages. Related Article: East US Weather Forecast: Potential Travel Delays Likely on Christmas Day For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News The European Commission has proposed downgrading the wolves' level of protection, which may open the door for localized culls and hunting. Protected Status of Wolves The European Commission recently announced its intention to change the international status of wolves from "strictly protected" to "protected" based on the new data as regards the increased populations and impacts. According to the EU Habitats Directive and the Bern Convention, wolves are highly considered as a strictly protected species, which means that unless the animals endanger humans or livestock, it is an illegal action to capture and worse, kill them. The EU executive also estimated that there are currently 20,300 wolves living in all but three EU member states, based on the latest report of authorities. This number is nearly double when compared to the data in 2012. The report also implied that, of the six million sheep in Europe, about one in 1,500 are lost annually due to wolf attacks, while the total for all livestock, including goats, cattle, and smaller numbers of horses and donkeys, is estimated to be "at least" 65,500. "The comeback of wolves is good news for biodiversity in Europe. But the concentration of wolf packs in some European regions has become a real danger especially for livestock," said EU President Ursulavon der Leyen. Brussels, Belgium is also being called on to alter the protective status of wolves so that hunting and farming clubs might take more animals down. Authorities there claimed that farmers are "under enormous pressure" to safeguard their cattle. Read Also: Wolves Attacking Livestock On The Rise In EU; Officials Reviewing Their Conservation Status No Scientific Backing Environmental activists wrote to the Commission to express their displeasure that "a policy decision on such a crucial issue is being prepared in an untransparent manner" and to emphasize that "any decision to change the protection status of wolves must be based on reliable scientific data." The decision to alter the wolves' status under the 1979 pact has "no scientific backing," according to Lea Badoz of the NGO Eurogroup for Animals. "The proposal reflects a strategic, opportunistic and political move which raises concerns about its motivations and alignment with genuine policy objectives," she pointed out. Von der Leyen is well-known for having lost a family pony to a wolf attack last year. When she said in September that the wolf groups constituted a serious danger "potentially also for humans," she has been accused of being an alarmist. A year ago, the European Parliament passed a motion which advocates for the EU Habitats Directive to reclassify wolves as needing less protection. However, a prospective modification is still some way off. Based on present regulations, the Commission's present proposal needs to be approved by the majority of member states and the 50 parties to the Bern Convention before it can even table an amendment bill. The Commission ended its most recent annual committee meeting earlier this month. Related Article: California Endangered Animals: New Pack of Gray Wolves Found in Sierra Nevada A recent study stated that the San Andreas Fault would likely shake 65% less than what has current hazard models say. Experts recently disclosed that the Mojave section of this fault is expected to unleash a massive earthquake to rival any other shakes in Los Angeles' previous years or those dubbed as the "Big One." San Andreas Fault Not as Destructive as Previously Thought They said that up to at least a 7.8 magnitude, this earthquake could wreak havoc on much of the areas situated in Southern California. This could later topple buildings or trigger widespread evacuations. However, they said that this event may not be as destructive as previously thought, particularly the area near Los Angeles. They explained that precariously balanced rocks (PBRs) at Lovejoy Buttes have survived the ground motions of the past tens of thousands of years of earthquakes on the Mojave section of the San Andreas Fault. Therefore, PBRs provide crucial ground-motion constraints over the timescales of rare, large San Andreas Fault earthquakes. Researchers calculated the vector fragility (PGA and PGV/PGA) of each studied PBR, and model the age of each rock using cosmogenic 10Be exposure dating. They used this independent observational data of PBR survival at Lovejoy Buttes to rigorously validate and update an earthquake hazard model (UCERF3 and SWUS) for the Mojave section of the San Andreas Fault. They noted that importantly, this site-specific validation considers the joint probability of survival of a population of five PBRs and the uncertainty in the fragility and fragility age characterization of each rock. The validation had tested the entire distribution of hazard estimates to update the logic tree end-branch weights using Bayesian updating to deliver an improved, PBR-informed earthquake hazard estimate. They said that at an annual frequency of exceedance of 1x10-4 yr-1, equivalent to an earthquake mean return period of 10,000 years, the PBR survival data significantly reduces the mean hazard ground-motion estimate by 65% and the 5th-95th fractile uncertainty range by 72%. ''The magnitude of inconsistency between the ground-motion estimates and the PBR data is clear evidence for the need to reevaluate our earthquake hazard model for the southern San Andreas fault,'' the experts said. At present, earthquake risk models are mainly based on extrapolations from limited historical timescale and ground motion recordings from past quakes. But fortunately, a different group of sentinels have witnessed and captured data from these temblors for much longer than humans, which are the rocks. Read Also: What Will Happen If San Andreas Fault Ruptures? San Andreas Fault Authorities said that the 1,200-kilometer-long San Andreas Fault zone is part of the boundary between the Pacific and North American plates, and thus is known as a transform fault. It usually connects the East Pacific Rise in the Gulf of California with the junction of the Mendocino fracture zone and the Cascade subduction zone to the north. The Pacific plate has moved about 300 kilometers northward relative to the North American plate since the fault began, some 30 million years ago. Moving at 5 to 7 centimeters a year, the San Andreas is one of the most active fault zones in the world. Related Article: Seismic Activity on the San Andreas Fault Are Linked to Changes in the Earth's Magnetic Field African penguins are the only nesting penguins that live in the continent of Africa, ranging from Namibia's Hollamsbird Island to South Africa's Algoa Bay. These penguins thrive and breed in the region, where they are spotted with locals and tourists. However, both anthropogenic and natural factors have endangered threatened, and almost decimated African penguin populations over the past century, a period of drastic industrial and environmental changes. Reports earlier this week estimate that the population decline reduced 1 million breeding pairs in the early 1900s to 10,000 in 2023. The reported culprits behind this phenomenon are overfishing and climate change, which worsens the surrounding environmental conditions for both young and adult African penguins. African Penguin Populations African penguin populations in southern Africa are threatened by increased fishing pressure and climate crisis-driven severe weather events like floods and heat waves, according to a non-profit organization. These external threats force penguin parents to abandon their eggs to seek refuge. Due to this ecological threat, researchers are attempting to restore the once-abundant numbers of the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). One of these measures includes an established sanctuary for the penguins 146 miles east of Cape Town, South Africa. Based on a 2021 and 2019 breeding census, South Africa has approximately 10,400 remaining African penguin pairs while Namibia has around 4,300 pairs, making the total global population of the species to 14,700 pairs, according to the non-profit organization SANCCOB. SANCCOB cited a study that over the last 30 years, the number of breeding African penguins in South Africa declined by 73% from 42,500 breeding pairs in 1991 to 10,400 pairs in 2021. This shows that there is a significant decline in African penguin populations in the past three generations. Also Read: Three Endangered African Penguin at Arizona Aquarium Give Hope for Conservation Efforts Against Species Population Decline Threats to African Penguin Evidence shows that not only overfishing and climate change are the main reasons behind the decline of African penguin populations. This is because other reported factors can kill and wreak havoc on penguin colonies across South Africa such as bird flu (avian influenza), oil spills, and extreme weather events. However, the two threats mentioned earlier are the most evident cause of injuries or deaths among African penguins but the other human-induced and natural threats are not ruled out by scientists and conservation authorities. According to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), threats to African penguins involves several challenges caused by human activities, including over-exploitation of penguin eggs and destruction of their terrestrial habitat due to guano collection. In addition, excessive fishing of the African penguin's prey, fishing gear entanglement, and oil pollution are also threats that the animals have been facing for several decades. CMS also reported that the ecosystem off the west coast of South Africa and Namibia is experiencing an oceanographic phenomenon, called upwelling, which pertains to the rise of seawater, magma, or other liquid. Related Article: World's Oldest African Penguin 'ET' Dies from 'Natural Causes' at Richmond Zoo YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The three principles put forward by Armenia regarding the peace process are in line with the norms of international law and even they are principles popularized as a result of the discussion with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan. Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan expressed such an opinion during Wednesdays joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart. "The three principles pertain to the sovereignty of countries, mutual recognition of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders. When talking about transport and communication infrastructures, we once again address the jurisdiction within the context of these three principles. They are principles accepted by the international community and their legitimacy is recognized worldwide. President of the European Council Charles Michel has also announced about this after the regular meeting," said FM Mirzoyan. According to Mirzoyan, one should be guided by public announcements and established agreements. The Foreign Minister said that there is a real possibility of reaching lasting peace, but it depends on a number of factors, including Azerbaijan's constructive approach. Regarding the maps to be used in the demarcation and delimitation process, the Armenian Foreign Minister emphasized the importance for the Armenian side that the process is highly predictable, and its principles and foundations are documented in the peace treaty. At this stage, the inclusion of maps is being discussed as a manifestation of fixing the principle of demarcation, providing predictability for demarcation. Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in turn, noted that Armenia is committed to achieving peace and is taking concrete steps in that direction. "The day before yesterday, I had a telephone conversation with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and noted that official Baku also welcomes the possibility of achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We are optimistic; positive sentiments can help solve the existing problems without external interventions, through the '3+3' format," said the Iranian Foreign Minister. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, Sargis Khandanyan in response to Armenpress question about how he would assess the informal contact between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in St. Petersburg and how close Armenia and Azerbaijan are to signing a peace treaty, answered that Armenias goal and strategy is to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan as soon as possible, emphasizing the need for the document to reflect the principles outlined by the Armenian side. "Our goal and strategy are to sign the peace agreement as soon as possible. However, the agreement should reflect the fundamental issues that Armenia has consistently raised. It should be a document that will truly bring peace to the region and to Armenia, said Khandanyan. "As for yesterday's meeting, I am not familiar with the details of the informal conversation. However, it is important that contacts continue at all levels. If negotiations do not take place, it means that the process is not moving forward. Armenia aims for the process to proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible," emphasized the Committee Chair. According to Khandanyan, the recognition of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia, agreement on the principles of border delimitation, and acknowledgment by Azerbaijan of the fundamental principles of opening communications and economic channels remain as priorities for the Armenian side. Recently, official Yerevan has received Baku's proposals regarding the peace treaty. When asked whether there is an indication that the principles outlined by the Armenian side are acceptable to Azerbaijan, Khandanyan answered: It is difficult to talk about these indications at the document level, given that the government is negotiating on this issue and access is limited. However, it is very important that the principles that Armenia outlines are accepted by Azerbaijan, including publicly, which will allow us to move forward. By Express News Service CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has temporarily suspended the operation of the Coromandel International plant at Ennore near Chennai after an ammonia leak at its facility late at night on Tuesday. All manufacturing activities of the fertilizer manufacturing plant have been suspended after the incident, except the Sulphuric acid unit which couldn't be immediately shut down, according to state environment minister SV Meyyanathan. The gas leak happened in the subsea pipeline outside the plant premises, which is used to carry ammonia from the ship. It happened during the pre-cooling process in the pipeline, done to pump ammonia in liquid form. Coromandel International's stock price dropped 34 rupees (-2.71%) from Rs 1262.05 to Rs 1227.80 as of 12.50 pm. It opened at Rs 1270 and fell to Rs 1217.35 on intraday trade. "As part of routine operation, we noticed an abnormality on 26th December at 11.30 pm in the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline near shoreside," Coromandel International said in a statement on Wednesday. "Our Standard Operating Procedure activated immediately, and we isolated the ammonia system facility and brought the situation to normalcy in the shortest time," it added. ALSO READ | Ammonia gas leak from private factory triggers panic in Ennore According to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the ammonia level in the ambient air was 3ppm at 3:30 am. Residents have complained about breathing difficulties and irritation in the eyes and throat. The company said, "During the process, few members in the local community expressed discomfort and were given medical attention immediately. All are safe and normalcy is restored. We have informed relevant authorities about the incident. Coromandel has always adhered to the highest safety standards and emergency response system." TNIE has sent a detailed query to the company regarding closure and safety audits. The material will be updated once get a response. #Ennoregasleak People and fishermen from more than eight affected villages around the coromandel fertiliser company in Ennore, where the gas leak took place are staging a road roko protest outside the plant. People demand permanent closure of the plant @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/NACXeb50Sa Mohan (@Mohan_Journo) December 27, 2023 Meanwhile, locals in the Ennore neighbourhood are staging a protest for the permanent closure of the plant. It is important to note, the oil spill from Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation and other industries happened in the same area on December 5th. ALSO READ | Ennore spill takes its toll, 50 birds found soaked in oil Minister SV Meyyanathan said the government would do a thorough inspection of infrastructure with experts, review safety audits and disaster mitigation plans of the Red category industry in Ennore. ALSO WATCH: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has temporarily suspended the operation of the Coromandel International plant at Ennore near Chennai after an ammonia leak at its facility late at night on Tuesday. All manufacturing activities of the fertilizer manufacturing plant have been suspended after the incident, except the Sulphuric acid unit which couldn't be immediately shut down, according to state environment minister SV Meyyanathan. The gas leak happened in the subsea pipeline outside the plant premises, which is used to carry ammonia from the ship. It happened during the pre-cooling process in the pipeline, done to pump ammonia in liquid form. Coromandel International's stock price dropped 34 rupees (-2.71%) from Rs 1262.05 to Rs 1227.80 as of 12.50 pm. It opened at Rs 1270 and fell to Rs 1217.35 on intraday trade.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "As part of routine operation, we noticed an abnormality on 26th December at 11.30 pm in the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline near shoreside," Coromandel International said in a statement on Wednesday. "Our Standard Operating Procedure activated immediately, and we isolated the ammonia system facility and brought the situation to normalcy in the shortest time," it added. ALSO READ | Ammonia gas leak from private factory triggers panic in Ennore According to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the ammonia level in the ambient air was 3ppm at 3:30 am. Residents have complained about breathing difficulties and irritation in the eyes and throat. The company said, "During the process, few members in the local community expressed discomfort and were given medical attention immediately. All are safe and normalcy is restored. We have informed relevant authorities about the incident. Coromandel has always adhered to the highest safety standards and emergency response system." TNIE has sent a detailed query to the company regarding closure and safety audits. The material will be updated once get a response. #Ennoregasleak People and fishermen from more than eight affected villages around the coromandel fertiliser company in Ennore, where the gas leak took place are staging a road roko protest outside the plant. People demand permanent closure of the plant @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/NACXeb50Sa Mohan (@Mohan_Journo) December 27, 2023 Meanwhile, locals in the Ennore neighbourhood are staging a protest for the permanent closure of the plant. It is important to note, the oil spill from Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation and other industries happened in the same area on December 5th. ALSO READ | Ennore spill takes its toll, 50 birds found soaked in oil Minister SV Meyyanathan said the government would do a thorough inspection of infrastructure with experts, review safety audits and disaster mitigation plans of the Red category industry in Ennore. ALSO WATCH: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: The Delhi BJP on Wednesday held a protest near the AAP headquarters here over the supply of drugs that failed quality standard tests in government hospitals. Addressing the protesters, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said that another sample failed the test on Wednesday. "Today, another sample report has arrived and that was also found to be fake. The tender for the medicines whose samples were found to be fake had ended," Sachdeva said. The protesters also raised slogans against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. They were also carrying placards. Sachdeva, leader of opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, MPs Harsh Vardhan, Manoj Tiwari and Ramesh Bidhuri were also present there. The police had made adequate security arrangements and put up barricades. The AAP alleged that BJP is spreading blatant lies by calling the drug sample as spurious. "Basically the test report being shared by BJP itself says that it has got all the genuine ingredients (salt formulation). The only thing which is not of standard is the dissolution of this drug. This in layman's terms basically means that a standard drug may dissolve in 30 seconds in the body while this sample may take 40 seconds to dissolve in the body," the party said in a statement. Lt Governor V K Saxena had last week recommended a CBI inquiry into the alleged supply of drugs that "failed quality standard tests" and have the "potential of endangering lives." According to officials, another drug sample taken from Delhi government hospitals failed in the quality test by the Regional Drug Testing Laboratory in Chandigarh. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The Delhi BJP on Wednesday held a protest near the AAP headquarters here over the supply of drugs that failed quality standard tests in government hospitals. Addressing the protesters, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said that another sample failed the test on Wednesday. "Today, another sample report has arrived and that was also found to be fake. The tender for the medicines whose samples were found to be fake had ended," Sachdeva said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The protesters also raised slogans against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. They were also carrying placards. Sachdeva, leader of opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, MPs Harsh Vardhan, Manoj Tiwari and Ramesh Bidhuri were also present there. The police had made adequate security arrangements and put up barricades. The AAP alleged that BJP is spreading blatant lies by calling the drug sample as spurious. "Basically the test report being shared by BJP itself says that it has got all the genuine ingredients (salt formulation). The only thing which is not of standard is the dissolution of this drug. This in layman's terms basically means that a standard drug may dissolve in 30 seconds in the body while this sample may take 40 seconds to dissolve in the body," the party said in a statement. Lt Governor V K Saxena had last week recommended a CBI inquiry into the alleged supply of drugs that "failed quality standard tests" and have the "potential of endangering lives." According to officials, another drug sample taken from Delhi government hospitals failed in the quality test by the Regional Drug Testing Laboratory in Chandigarh. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Pranab Mondal By Express News Service KOLKATA: Eyeing the Lok Sabha elections slated to be held next year, the BJP on Tuesday constituted a 15-member election management committee for West Bengal. The committee was formed during a core committee meeting of the BJPs Bengal unit in Kolkata, which was chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah and the partys national president JP Nadda, according to party sources. The two BJP heavyweights came to Kolkata on their two-day visit on Monday. Four members of the election management committee are the BJPs central observers for Bengal. They are Sunil Bansal, Amit Malviya, Asha Lakra and Mangal Pandey. The other members in the committee include former national president Dilip Ghosh, West Bengal chapter head Sukanta Majumdar, former state president Rahul Sinha, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, among others. The election management committee will be responsible for all election related activities in West Bengal, including finalising the schedule of campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the sources said. Shah and Nadda held a meeting with those who look after partys social media cell. It is clear that the party will launch aggressive campaign using the digital platforms in this election, said a BJP leader, pleading anonymity, in Kolkata. The sources said the committee has been tasked to prepare the initial list of probable candidates who can be fielded in the 2024 Lok Sabha poll fray. Based on the list provided by the committee, the partys central leadership will prepare the final list of candidates, said the leader. Insiders in the saffron camp said that the leadership has asked the committee to rope in both celebrity and political faces in the list of probable candidates. Both Shah and Nadda stressed that the party needed to secure more than 35 Lok Sabha seats from Bengal, according to a leader present at the meeting. Amit Shah ji and Nadda ji asked us to start preparedness for the elections in full swing, said another BJP leader. Shah and Nadda went to the gurdwara at Jorasanko in north Kolkata and Kalighat temple located near Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees residence. Trinamool Congress on Monday night workers covered the roadside light posts and others structures with their party flags towards the temple, while the BJP tied party flags on them on Tuesday morning. Shah waved hands when party supporters welcomed him with slogans. There was no event to address supporters by Shah and Nadda. The visit by our partys two heavyweights and meeting with our party functionaries are our internal issues. We have discussed poll preparedness and strategy focusing on the next years Lok Sabha elections, said Adhikari. Partys 4 central observers in panel Four members of the election management committee are the BJPs central observers Sunil Bansal, Amit Malviya, Asha Lakra and Mangal Pandey while others in the panel include former national president Dilip Ghosh, West Bengal unit head Sukanta Majumdar, former state president Rahul Sinha, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOLKATA: Eyeing the Lok Sabha elections slated to be held next year, the BJP on Tuesday constituted a 15-member election management committee for West Bengal. The committee was formed during a core committee meeting of the BJPs Bengal unit in Kolkata, which was chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah and the partys national president JP Nadda, according to party sources. The two BJP heavyweights came to Kolkata on their two-day visit on Monday. Four members of the election management committee are the BJPs central observers for Bengal. They are Sunil Bansal, Amit Malviya, Asha Lakra and Mangal Pandey. The other members in the committee include former national president Dilip Ghosh, West Bengal chapter head Sukanta Majumdar, former state president Rahul Sinha, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, among others.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The election management committee will be responsible for all election related activities in West Bengal, including finalising the schedule of campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the sources said. Shah and Nadda held a meeting with those who look after partys social media cell. It is clear that the party will launch aggressive campaign using the digital platforms in this election, said a BJP leader, pleading anonymity, in Kolkata. The sources said the committee has been tasked to prepare the initial list of probable candidates who can be fielded in the 2024 Lok Sabha poll fray. Based on the list provided by the committee, the partys central leadership will prepare the final list of candidates, said the leader. Insiders in the saffron camp said that the leadership has asked the committee to rope in both celebrity and political faces in the list of probable candidates. Both Shah and Nadda stressed that the party needed to secure more than 35 Lok Sabha seats from Bengal, according to a leader present at the meeting. Amit Shah ji and Nadda ji asked us to start preparedness for the elections in full swing, said another BJP leader. Shah and Nadda went to the gurdwara at Jorasanko in north Kolkata and Kalighat temple located near Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees residence. Trinamool Congress on Monday night workers covered the roadside light posts and others structures with their party flags towards the temple, while the BJP tied party flags on them on Tuesday morning. Shah waved hands when party supporters welcomed him with slogans. There was no event to address supporters by Shah and Nadda. The visit by our partys two heavyweights and meeting with our party functionaries are our internal issues. We have discussed poll preparedness and strategy focusing on the next years Lok Sabha elections, said Adhikari. Partys 4 central observers in panel Four members of the election management committee are the BJPs central observers Sunil Bansal, Amit Malviya, Asha Lakra and Mangal Pandey while others in the panel include former national president Dilip Ghosh, West Bengal unit head Sukanta Majumdar, former state president Rahul Sinha, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service CHENNAI: In a double whammy to the residents of Ennore who are still struggling with the ill-effects of the recent oil spill from Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), 57 people were hospitalised on Wednesday after ammonia gas leaked from a fertiliser manufacturer company in the area. Hospital sources said all those being treated, including those in the ICU, are stable. The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and the state government has ordered a temporary shutdown of the company. "All of the affected people are fine and are continuously being treated. People admitted to the ICU are not severely affected. All are expected to be discharged in a day and the government would take care of their medical expenses," Health Minister Ma. Subramaniyan told the press. Medical camps are set up in the affected villages and people are complaining of eye irritation, sore throat and breathing difficulties. A woman tries to put a mask on her child during the protest | P Ravikumar The leakage occurred at Coromandel International in Ennore around 11.30 pm on Tuesday during the pre-cooling process to pump ammonia in liquid form. The pungent odour could be smelt till Nethaji Nagar, located five kilometres south of the plant, and hundreds of families woke up experiencing suffocation and feeling difficulty to breathe. During our routine operation, an abnormality was noticed in the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline at 11.30 pm on Tuesday, the company said in a statement. Residents, however, alleged that the company had failed to alert them about the leakage. Subashini, a resident of Kattukuppam told TNIE, "Few workers who were returning from noticed abnormality and panickingly alerted the villagers. People were transported through ambulance and government bus." Poongodi, a resident, said, There was frantic announcement at my doorstep asking us to leave as there was a gas leak. My daughter and I walked for more than two km and took refuge in a temple. The situation stabilised at 5am. Aggrieved residents and fishermen staged a protest outside two gates of the facility demanding its immediate closure. Subashini, a resident of Kattukuppam, told TNIE, People were transported in ambulances and a government bus. The company neither alerted us nor did they coordinate the rescue operation. The Coromandel International Limited in a press release said that the situation would be restored to normalcy in the shortest time. "During the process, few members in the community expressed discomfort and were given medical attention immediately," the release read. Ammonia levels breach permissible limit in area, firms operations shut An official release from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) said the team recorded the ammonia level in the ambient air to be 3 ppm (2090 microgram/ m3 as against 400 microgram/m3 on a 24- hour average) at 3.30am near the units material gate. The ammonia level in seawater was found to be 49 mg/l as against the marine discharge standard of 5 mg/l. A message was received from the unit at 12.45 am regarding the leak and TNPCB officials reached the site by 2.15 am, the press release said. While seven people, including two children, were admitted to Government Stanley Hospital, 50 people are being treated at Aakash Hospital in Thiruvottiyur. People and fishermen from more than eight affected villages around the coromandel fertiliser company in Ennore, protests blocking the road where the gas leak took place and staged a road roko outside the plant in Chennai. (Photo | P. Ravikumar, EPS) According to Akash hospital, around 35 people needed oxygen support and 11 were admitted to ICU. Health Minister Ma Subramanian, who visited them in the hospital, said, All the patients are expected to be discharged in a day and the government would take care of their medical expenses. Writer and researcher Nityanand Jayaraman said the levels of ammonia ought to have been measured 2km to 3km southwest of the plant depending on wind speed. The human nose can detect ammonia at five parts per million or more. Beyond 52 ppm, the human nose cannot sense it. If people had been able to sense it with symptoms such as burning eyes, levels would have been anywhere between 5 and 50 ppm. The US occupational health standards prescribed a safe level of 35 ppm which is not to be exceeded during any 15 minutes in the workplace. There is no reason to be complacent, he said. ALSO READ | Ammonia gas leak from private factory triggers panic in Ennore In a letter to the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, the Coromandel group has requested suspension of operation at the Ennore Minor port following the alleged gas leak. "It will be brought into operation after rectification of abnormalities to the satisfaction and certification of concerned authorities," the letter read. #Ennoregasleak People and fishermen from more than eight affected villages around the coromandel fertiliser company in Ennore, where the gas leak took place are staging a road roko protest outside the plant. People demand permanent closure of the plant @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/NACXeb50Sa Mohan (@Mohan_Journo) December 27, 2023 The government has directed to temporarily shut the operations of the plant for a week. Locals, however, are demanding a permanent closure of the facility. The government has formed an expert committee to assess the situation within 24 hours and file a report within three days. Environment Minister SV Meyyanathan said the government would do a thorough inspection and review the safety audits and disaster mitigation plans of the red category industry in Ennore. (With inputs from T Muruganandham, Sinduja Jane, Vaitheeswaran B and Lokeshwaran E @ Chennai) Watch video Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp CHENNAI: In a double whammy to the residents of Ennore who are still struggling with the ill-effects of the recent oil spill from Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), 57 people were hospitalised on Wednesday after ammonia gas leaked from a fertiliser manufacturer company in the area. Hospital sources said all those being treated, including those in the ICU, are stable. The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and the state government has ordered a temporary shutdown of the company. "All of the affected people are fine and are continuously being treated. People admitted to the ICU are not severely affected. All are expected to be discharged in a day and the government would take care of their medical expenses," Health Minister Ma. Subramaniyan told the press.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Medical camps are set up in the affected villages and people are complaining of eye irritation, sore throat and breathing difficulties. A woman tries to put a mask on her child during the protest | P RavikumarThe leakage occurred at Coromandel International in Ennore around 11.30 pm on Tuesday during the pre-cooling process to pump ammonia in liquid form. The pungent odour could be smelt till Nethaji Nagar, located five kilometres south of the plant, and hundreds of families woke up experiencing suffocation and feeling difficulty to breathe. During our routine operation, an abnormality was noticed in the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline at 11.30 pm on Tuesday, the company said in a statement. Residents, however, alleged that the company had failed to alert them about the leakage. Subashini, a resident of Kattukuppam told TNIE, "Few workers who were returning from noticed abnormality and panickingly alerted the villagers. People were transported through ambulance and government bus." Poongodi, a resident, said, There was frantic announcement at my doorstep asking us to leave as there was a gas leak. My daughter and I walked for more than two km and took refuge in a temple. The situation stabilised at 5am. Aggrieved residents and fishermen staged a protest outside two gates of the facility demanding its immediate closure. Subashini, a resident of Kattukuppam, told TNIE, People were transported in ambulances and a government bus. The company neither alerted us nor did they coordinate the rescue operation. The Coromandel International Limited in a press release said that the situation would be restored to normalcy in the shortest time. "During the process, few members in the community expressed discomfort and were given medical attention immediately," the release read. Ammonia levels breach permissible limit in area, firms operations shut An official release from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) said the team recorded the ammonia level in the ambient air to be 3 ppm (2090 microgram/ m3 as against 400 microgram/m3 on a 24- hour average) at 3.30am near the units material gate. The ammonia level in seawater was found to be 49 mg/l as against the marine discharge standard of 5 mg/l. A message was received from the unit at 12.45 am regarding the leak and TNPCB officials reached the site by 2.15 am, the press release said. While seven people, including two children, were admitted to Government Stanley Hospital, 50 people are being treated at Aakash Hospital in Thiruvottiyur. People and fishermen from more than eight affected villages around the coromandel fertiliser company in Ennore, protests blocking the road where the gas leak took place and staged a road roko outside the plant in Chennai. (Photo | P. Ravikumar, EPS) According to Akash hospital, around 35 people needed oxygen support and 11 were admitted to ICU. Health Minister Ma Subramanian, who visited them in the hospital, said, All the patients are expected to be discharged in a day and the government would take care of their medical expenses. Writer and researcher Nityanand Jayaraman said the levels of ammonia ought to have been measured 2km to 3km southwest of the plant depending on wind speed. The human nose can detect ammonia at five parts per million or more. Beyond 52 ppm, the human nose cannot sense it. If people had been able to sense it with symptoms such as burning eyes, levels would have been anywhere between 5 and 50 ppm. The US occupational health standards prescribed a safe level of 35 ppm which is not to be exceeded during any 15 minutes in the workplace. There is no reason to be complacent, he said. ALSO READ | Ammonia gas leak from private factory triggers panic in Ennore In a letter to the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, the Coromandel group has requested suspension of operation at the Ennore Minor port following the alleged gas leak. "It will be brought into operation after rectification of abnormalities to the satisfaction and certification of concerned authorities," the letter read. #Ennoregasleak People and fishermen from more than eight affected villages around the coromandel fertiliser company in Ennore, where the gas leak took place are staging a road roko protest outside the plant. People demand permanent closure of the plant @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/NACXeb50Sa Mohan (@Mohan_Journo) December 27, 2023 The government has directed to temporarily shut the operations of the plant for a week. Locals, however, are demanding a permanent closure of the facility. The government has formed an expert committee to assess the situation within 24 hours and file a report within three days. Environment Minister SV Meyyanathan said the government would do a thorough inspection and review the safety audits and disaster mitigation plans of the red category industry in Ennore. (With inputs from T Muruganandham, Sinduja Jane, Vaitheeswaran B and Lokeshwaran E @ Chennai) Watch video Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Eight governors from Russia will participate in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit, scheduled from January 10 to 12 in Gandhinagar. Russia is one of the 25 nations that have agreed to be partner countries for the summit. The Russian governors will arrive in Delhi on January 8 and then head to Gandhinagar to attend the summit. India and Russia are strategic partners, and bilateral relations between the two nations have been on the rise despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stated a source. Rushikesh Patel, minister of health and family welfare of Gujarat, said, There are 25 countries that have consented to participate as partners in the upcoming summit, with 21 providing written consent and four, including Russia, granting verbal acceptance. He added that the Vibrant Gujarat Summit will offer participants the opportunity to explore investment possibilities in various sectors, with the state aiming to attract investments worth Rs 3.37 lakh crore. With robust bilateral trade reaching $49.36 billion in 2022-23 and 161.22 per cent increase in trade in the first six months of the current fiscal, the two nations have set a bilateral investment target of $50 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, on December 4, Russian ambassador Denis Alipov had met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar to discuss strengthening cooperation with the state. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Eight governors from Russia will participate in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit, scheduled from January 10 to 12 in Gandhinagar. Russia is one of the 25 nations that have agreed to be partner countries for the summit. The Russian governors will arrive in Delhi on January 8 and then head to Gandhinagar to attend the summit. India and Russia are strategic partners, and bilateral relations between the two nations have been on the rise despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stated a source. Rushikesh Patel, minister of health and family welfare of Gujarat, said, There are 25 countries that have consented to participate as partners in the upcoming summit, with 21 providing written consent and four, including Russia, granting verbal acceptance. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He added that the Vibrant Gujarat Summit will offer participants the opportunity to explore investment possibilities in various sectors, with the state aiming to attract investments worth Rs 3.37 lakh crore. With robust bilateral trade reaching $49.36 billion in 2022-23 and 161.22 per cent increase in trade in the first six months of the current fiscal, the two nations have set a bilateral investment target of $50 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, on December 4, Russian ambassador Denis Alipov had met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar to discuss strengthening cooperation with the state. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI KOLKATA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that no one can stop the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as it is the law of the land and accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of misleading people on the issue. Addressing a closed-door meeting of the state BJP's social media and IT wing members at the National Library here, Shah said it is the commitment of the party to implement the CAA. Shah expressed confidence that the party will secure more than 35 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. In the 2019 polls, the saffron camp had secured 18 seats. The Bengal BJP media cell shared a list of pointers of Shah's speech at the closed-door programme. Later in the evening, it also shared a few video clips of Shah's speech. "We have to work to form a BJP government in West Bengal after the next assembly polls. A BJP government will mean the end of infiltration, cow smuggling and providing citizenship to religiously persecuted people through CAA," he said at the party programme, the video clip of which was shared by the BJP's media wing. The people of the country were expecting a change in West Bengal when Didi defeated the Communists here. However, now some even say that Didi's rule pales in comparison to the Communists' days. There is widespread corruption, and Rs 50 crore cash was found from a minister in pic.twitter.com/3pbWy0cEl5 BJP (@BJP4India) December 26, 2023 Shah launched a scathing attack on Banerjee for misleading people on the issue of CAA. "At times, she tries to mislead the people, the refugees, whether CAA will be at all implemented in the country or not. I want to say this clearly that CAA is the law of the land and no one can stop its implementation. This is the commitment of our party," he said. The TMC led by Mamata Banerjee has been opposing the CAA, which was passed by Parliament in 2019. The promise of implementing the controversial CAA had been a major poll plank of the BJP in the last Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. The saffron party's leaders consider it a plausible factor that led to the rise of the BJP in Bengal. The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities like Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who had entered India on or before December 31, 2014. READ MORE | The CAA through a legal lens Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOLKATA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that no one can stop the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as it is the law of the land and accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of misleading people on the issue. Addressing a closed-door meeting of the state BJP's social media and IT wing members at the National Library here, Shah said it is the commitment of the party to implement the CAA. Shah expressed confidence that the party will secure more than 35 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. In the 2019 polls, the saffron camp had secured 18 seats.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Bengal BJP media cell shared a list of pointers of Shah's speech at the closed-door programme. Later in the evening, it also shared a few video clips of Shah's speech. "We have to work to form a BJP government in West Bengal after the next assembly polls. A BJP government will mean the end of infiltration, cow smuggling and providing citizenship to religiously persecuted people through CAA," he said at the party programme, the video clip of which was shared by the BJP's media wing. The people of the country were expecting a change in West Bengal when Didi defeated the Communists here. However, now some even say that Didi's rule pales in comparison to the Communists' days. There is widespread corruption, and Rs 50 crore cash was found from a minister in pic.twitter.com/3pbWy0cEl5 BJP (@BJP4India) December 26, 2023 Shah launched a scathing attack on Banerjee for misleading people on the issue of CAA. "At times, she tries to mislead the people, the refugees, whether CAA will be at all implemented in the country or not. I want to say this clearly that CAA is the law of the land and no one can stop its implementation. This is the commitment of our party," he said. The TMC led by Mamata Banerjee has been opposing the CAA, which was passed by Parliament in 2019. The promise of implementing the controversial CAA had been a major poll plank of the BJP in the last Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. The saffron party's leaders consider it a plausible factor that led to the rise of the BJP in Bengal. The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities like Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who had entered India on or before December 31, 2014. READ MORE | The CAA through a legal lens Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of a new 4. 56 km long, 6-lane bridge on the river Ganga, connecting Digha and Sonepur in Bihar, according to an official statement. The total cost for the project is estimated at Rs 3,064. 45 crore, including Rs 2,233. 81 crore for civil construction, it added. "The bridge will make traffic faster and easier, resulting in the overall development of the state, especially north Bihar," the statement noted. "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for the construction of the new 4,556 m long, 6-lane high level/ extra dosed cable-stayed bridge across River Ganga (Parallel to Western Side of existing Digha-Sonepur Rail-Cum Road Bridge) and its approaches on both sides in the districts of Patna and Saran (NH-139W) in Bihar on EPC mode," it said. Digha (situated at Patna and South Bank of Ganga River) and Sonepur (North Bank of Ganga River in Saran District) are presently connected by a rail cum road bridge for the movement of light vehicles only. Therefore, the statement said, the present road cannot be used for the transport of goods and commodities, which is a major economic blockade. The constraint will be removed by providing the bridge between Digha and Sonepur, and goods and commodities can be transported once the bridge is constructed, unleashing the economic potential of the region, as per the statement. The work is to be implemented on an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) model with the use of the latest technology like 5D-building information modelling (BIM), bridge health monitoring system (BHMS) and monthly drone mapping to ensure the quality of construction and operations. The work is targeted to be completed in 42 months from the appointed date. "This bridge will provide direct connectivity from Patna to Golden quadrilateral corridor via NH-139 at Aurangabad and Sonepur (NH-31), Chhapra, Motihari (East-West corridor oldNH-27), Bettiah (NH-727) in the Northern side of Bihar," the statement said. It also pointed out that this project is a part of the Buddha circuit. According to the statement, the economic analysis results of the project have shown an economic internal rate of return (EIRR) of 17. 6 per cent in the base case and 13.1 per cent in the worst-case scenario which may be attributed to the savings in distance and time travelled. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of a new 4. 56 km long, 6-lane bridge on the river Ganga, connecting Digha and Sonepur in Bihar, according to an official statement. The total cost for the project is estimated at Rs 3,064. 45 crore, including Rs 2,233. 81 crore for civil construction, it added. "The bridge will make traffic faster and easier, resulting in the overall development of the state, especially north Bihar," the statement noted.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for the construction of the new 4,556 m long, 6-lane high level/ extra dosed cable-stayed bridge across River Ganga (Parallel to Western Side of existing Digha-Sonepur Rail-Cum Road Bridge) and its approaches on both sides in the districts of Patna and Saran (NH-139W) in Bihar on EPC mode," it said. Digha (situated at Patna and South Bank of Ganga River) and Sonepur (North Bank of Ganga River in Saran District) are presently connected by a rail cum road bridge for the movement of light vehicles only. Therefore, the statement said, the present road cannot be used for the transport of goods and commodities, which is a major economic blockade. The constraint will be removed by providing the bridge between Digha and Sonepur, and goods and commodities can be transported once the bridge is constructed, unleashing the economic potential of the region, as per the statement. The work is to be implemented on an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) model with the use of the latest technology like 5D-building information modelling (BIM), bridge health monitoring system (BHMS) and monthly drone mapping to ensure the quality of construction and operations. The work is targeted to be completed in 42 months from the appointed date. "This bridge will provide direct connectivity from Patna to Golden quadrilateral corridor via NH-139 at Aurangabad and Sonepur (NH-31), Chhapra, Motihari (East-West corridor oldNH-27), Bettiah (NH-727) in the Northern side of Bihar," the statement said. It also pointed out that this project is a part of the Buddha circuit. According to the statement, the economic analysis results of the project have shown an economic internal rate of return (EIRR) of 17. 6 per cent in the base case and 13.1 per cent in the worst-case scenario which may be attributed to the savings in distance and time travelled. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its approval for widening of the 135-km stretch of Khowai-Harina road in Tripura, according to an official statement. The project involves an investment of Rs 2,486. 78 crore which includes a loan component of Rs 1,511. 70 crore (JPY 23,129 million), the statement said. The loan assistance will be from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme, it added. The project is envisaged to facilitate better road connectivity between various parts of Tripura and to provide alternative access to Assam and Meghalaya from Tripura apart from the existing NH-8. "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for improvement and widening to two lane with paved shoulder of road from km 101. 300 (Khowai) to km 236. 213 (Harina) of NH-208, covering a total length of 134. 913 kms in Tripura," the statement said. The statement noted that the development of the project stretch of NH-208 would not only improve Interstate connectivity between Assam and Tripura via NH-208A but also reduce the transit time and provide safer connectivity for travellers. "The project stretch also passes very close to the Bangladesh border and it would improve connectivity to Bangladesh through Kailashahar, Kamalpur and Khowai Border Check Post," it said. The statement said land border trade would also potentially grow with the improvement in road Networks in the region through the development of the project road. The construction period for the project will be 2 years which includes the maintenance of these National Highways stretches for 5 years (in the case of flexible pavement)/ 10 years (in the case of rigid pavement) after completion of construction. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its approval for widening of the 135-km stretch of Khowai-Harina road in Tripura, according to an official statement. The project involves an investment of Rs 2,486. 78 crore which includes a loan component of Rs 1,511. 70 crore (JPY 23,129 million), the statement said. The loan assistance will be from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme, it added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The project is envisaged to facilitate better road connectivity between various parts of Tripura and to provide alternative access to Assam and Meghalaya from Tripura apart from the existing NH-8. "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for improvement and widening to two lane with paved shoulder of road from km 101. 300 (Khowai) to km 236. 213 (Harina) of NH-208, covering a total length of 134. 913 kms in Tripura," the statement said. The statement noted that the development of the project stretch of NH-208 would not only improve Interstate connectivity between Assam and Tripura via NH-208A but also reduce the transit time and provide safer connectivity for travellers. "The project stretch also passes very close to the Bangladesh border and it would improve connectivity to Bangladesh through Kailashahar, Kamalpur and Khowai Border Check Post," it said. The statement said land border trade would also potentially grow with the improvement in road Networks in the region through the development of the project road. The construction period for the project will be 2 years which includes the maintenance of these National Highways stretches for 5 years (in the case of flexible pavement)/ 10 years (in the case of rigid pavement) after completion of construction. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp U.S. President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have discussed the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House has said. December 27, 2023, 13:33 Biden, Qatar's Emir discuss Gaza hostages STEPANAKERT, DECEMBER 27, ARTSAKHPRESS: The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens, the White House said in a readout. It added that the leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to "facilitate increased and sustained flows of life-saving access to humanitarian aid into Gaza." Ejaz Kaiser By Express News Service RAIPUR: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hinted that the schemes launched during the earlier BJP government led by Raman Singh will start again in the near future. Sai, however, didnt elaborate on the number of schemes that will be relaunched and what will be the fate of the welfare programmes of the Bhupesh Baghel government. The programmes scrapped by the previous Congress regime included Charan-Paduka scheme, Ayushman Yojana among others of the earlier Raman Singh government. Under the Charan Paduka scheme, the tendu leaves pluckers who are mostly tribals were provided foot-wears free of cost but it was phased-out. Similarly, the Baghel government decided to withdraw the universal healthcare scheme of the Centre Ayushman Bharat or Modi-care programme and replaced it with Khoobchand Baghel Health Assistance Yojana in 2020. Similarly, the BJPs earlier ambitious scheme multi-crore Sanchar Kranti Yojana was also brought to an end by the Congress regime with an allegation that the smartphones given away under the scheme were pre-loaded with the Modi and the Raman apps while the government revenue were used to campaign for the party. We are contemplating to restart the popular welfare schemes of the Raman Singh government. And our government is committed to fulfil the Modi Ki Guarantee as promised in our poll manifesto, said the CM. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp RAIPUR: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hinted that the schemes launched during the earlier BJP government led by Raman Singh will start again in the near future. Sai, however, didnt elaborate on the number of schemes that will be relaunched and what will be the fate of the welfare programmes of the Bhupesh Baghel government. The programmes scrapped by the previous Congress regime included Charan-Paduka scheme, Ayushman Yojana among others of the earlier Raman Singh government. Under the Charan Paduka scheme, the tendu leaves pluckers who are mostly tribals were provided foot-wears free of cost but it was phased-out. Similarly, the Baghel government decided to withdraw the universal healthcare scheme of the Centre Ayushman Bharat or Modi-care programme and replaced it with Khoobchand Baghel Health Assistance Yojana in 2020.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Similarly, the BJPs earlier ambitious scheme multi-crore Sanchar Kranti Yojana was also brought to an end by the Congress regime with an allegation that the smartphones given away under the scheme were pre-loaded with the Modi and the Raman apps while the government revenue were used to campaign for the party. We are contemplating to restart the popular welfare schemes of the Raman Singh government. And our government is committed to fulfil the Modi Ki Guarantee as promised in our poll manifesto, said the CM. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ujwal Jalali By Express News Service NEW DELHI: An emergency call regarding an explosion near the Embassy of Israel here on Tuesday evening sent the security agencies into a tizzy. After hours of search operations to find traces of the explosive, sources claimed they did not find anything suspicious except for a typed letter that was addressed to the Israeli ambassador. While officials declined comment on the contents of the letter, reports suggested its language was abusive. A security guard who witnessed the incident claimed he heard a loud sound and saw smoke coming up from the top of a tree. This happened around 5 pm. I was on my duty and heard a loud sound. When I came out, I saw smoke coming from the top of a tree, thats all I saw...Police have taken my statement..., the security guard told reporters. As per the eyewitness, the explosion took place on a vacant land in front of Central training Hindi Institute and behind the Israeli embassy. A Delhi Fire Service official, while speaking to this newspaper, said they received a call regarding a blast near the Israel mission around 5.45 pm. As the incident took place at a very high security zone that houses embassies of multiple countries, several teams of Delhi Police and Bomb Disposal Squad were quick to reach the spot. The anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police Special Cell was also deployed. Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israel embassy, Ohad Nakash Kaynar, put out a video message saying an explosion had occurred in close proximity to the embassy. All workers are safe, all diplomats are safe, our security teams are working in full cooperation with local Delhi security, he said. Past incidents In January 2021, a low-intensity blast occurred near the Israel embassy, damaging a few cars. It left a crater on the road. In February 2012, a bomb was planted under an Israeli embassy car in which a diplomats wife was injured Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: An emergency call regarding an explosion near the Embassy of Israel here on Tuesday evening sent the security agencies into a tizzy. After hours of search operations to find traces of the explosive, sources claimed they did not find anything suspicious except for a typed letter that was addressed to the Israeli ambassador. While officials declined comment on the contents of the letter, reports suggested its language was abusive. A security guard who witnessed the incident claimed he heard a loud sound and saw smoke coming up from the top of a tree. This happened around 5 pm. I was on my duty and heard a loud sound. When I came out, I saw smoke coming from the top of a tree, thats all I saw...Police have taken my statement..., the security guard told reporters. As per the eyewitness, the explosion took place on a vacant land in front of Central training Hindi Institute and behind the Israeli embassy. A Delhi Fire Service official, while speaking to this newspaper, said they received a call regarding a blast near the Israel mission around 5.45 pm. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As the incident took place at a very high security zone that houses embassies of multiple countries, several teams of Delhi Police and Bomb Disposal Squad were quick to reach the spot. The anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police Special Cell was also deployed. Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israel embassy, Ohad Nakash Kaynar, put out a video message saying an explosion had occurred in close proximity to the embassy. All workers are safe, all diplomats are safe, our security teams are working in full cooperation with local Delhi security, he said. Past incidents In January 2021, a low-intensity blast occurred near the Israel embassy, damaging a few cars. It left a crater on the road. In February 2012, a bomb was planted under an Israeli embassy car in which a diplomats wife was injured Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: India and Russia are likely to resume leadership level talks in 2024, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Moscow on Wednesday. It may be recalled that for the last two years, the India-Russia leadership summit has not been held, due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 and due to PM Modis diplomatic engagements and Indias G20 Presidency this year. "India-Russia relations reflect geopolitical realities, strategic convergence and mutual benefit. We signed a Protocol on Consultations for 2024-28," said Jaishankar. Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met for the seventh time this year. "I learned this is our seventh meeting, part of it is of course the G20, the SCO, the ASEAN, BRICS formats have today allowed many more and many regular contacts. And our leaders, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, have also been in frequent contact," Jaishankar added. As strategic partners, Jaishankar in his interaction with Lavrov discussed the international situation and exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict, Gaza, Afghanistan, Central Asia, G20, BRICS and SCO. "Russia supports Indian aspirations of becoming a permanent member of UNSC along with representatives from Latin America and Africa. Russia and India ties are based on mutual respect, not subject to political fluctuations," said Lavrov. "What has clearly come out after our talks is that India-Russia relations remain very steady, very strong. They are based on our strategic convergence, on our geopolitical interests, and because they are mutually beneficial. We spent a lot of time discussing political cooperation with regard to various international issues, including international organisations, BRICS, of which Russia will be the President," said Jaishankar. India and Russia also discussed cooperation over the Russian Far East. India is expecting a delegation from the Far East to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. The two ministers also agreed that the negotiations between India and the Eurasian Economic Union for a free trade agreement will be resumed in the second half of January this year. "We also spoke about connectivity from western India through the International North-South Transport Corridor. Also, connectivity from eastern India, from Chennai to Vladivostok and the polar route. We discussed various related areas where India's polar capabilities could be enhanced in collaboration with Russia," Jaishankar added. India is also hopeful of receiving more tourists from Russia. Flights between the two nations have increased from 52 to 64 and could increase further. ALSO READ | Jaishankar, Russian Deputy PM sign agreement on Kudankulam nuclear power project Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: India and Russia are likely to resume leadership level talks in 2024, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Moscow on Wednesday. It may be recalled that for the last two years, the India-Russia leadership summit has not been held, due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 and due to PM Modis diplomatic engagements and Indias G20 Presidency this year. "India-Russia relations reflect geopolitical realities, strategic convergence and mutual benefit. We signed a Protocol on Consultations for 2024-28," said Jaishankar.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met for the seventh time this year. "I learned this is our seventh meeting, part of it is of course the G20, the SCO, the ASEAN, BRICS formats have today allowed many more and many regular contacts. And our leaders, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, have also been in frequent contact," Jaishankar added. As strategic partners, Jaishankar in his interaction with Lavrov discussed the international situation and exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict, Gaza, Afghanistan, Central Asia, G20, BRICS and SCO. "Russia supports Indian aspirations of becoming a permanent member of UNSC along with representatives from Latin America and Africa. Russia and India ties are based on mutual respect, not subject to political fluctuations," said Lavrov. "What has clearly come out after our talks is that India-Russia relations remain very steady, very strong. They are based on our strategic convergence, on our geopolitical interests, and because they are mutually beneficial. We spent a lot of time discussing political cooperation with regard to various international issues, including international organisations, BRICS, of which Russia will be the President," said Jaishankar. India and Russia also discussed cooperation over the Russian Far East. India is expecting a delegation from the Far East to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. The two ministers also agreed that the negotiations between India and the Eurasian Economic Union for a free trade agreement will be resumed in the second half of January this year. "We also spoke about connectivity from western India through the International North-South Transport Corridor. Also, connectivity from eastern India, from Chennai to Vladivostok and the polar route. We discussed various related areas where India's polar capabilities could be enhanced in collaboration with Russia," Jaishankar added. India is also hopeful of receiving more tourists from Russia. Flights between the two nations have increased from 52 to 64 and could increase further. ALSO READ | Jaishankar, Russian Deputy PM sign agreement on Kudankulam nuclear power project Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: In a major relief to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday dismissed a PIL filed against him and his family members for the alleged allocation of a mining lease in their names, saying that the petition is a repetition of an earlier one filed by petitioner Shiv Shankar Sharma which has already been rejected by the Supreme Court. In his petition, RTI activist and advocate Sunil Mahto informed the court that while being the Minister of Mines Department, Soren allotted a mining lease to himself on 88 decimal land in Angada. At the same time, 11 acres of land were allotted in the name of Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren and her sister Sarla Murmu's company Sohrai Livestock Private Limited in the Barhe industrial area of Chanho at Barhe industrial area in Chanho area of Ranchi, he added. CM's press advisor Abhishek Prasad Pintu and CM's MLA representative Pankaj Mishra have also been allotted mining leases. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra and Justice Ananda Sen delivered the judgment through virtual mode. The Chief Justice is set to retire on Thursday. Notably, the hearing in the case was completed in November itself and the bench had kept its order reserved. Advocate Piyush Chitresh, who appeared on behalf of the State Government, said that the court dismissed the PIL because the Supreme Court had earlier rejected a similar PIL filed by one Shiv Shankar Sharma. Petitioners advocate and former advocate General Ajit Kumar, however, was of the view that his petition was distinctly different from the one filed by Shiv Shankar Sharma, who had raised only the mining lease issue. He had also submitted a detailed affidavit as to how this PIL was different. According to Mahto, Soren having a mine leased in his favour is a direct violation of the mandate of not holding of an office of profit rule for public representatives. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp RANCHI: In a major relief to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday dismissed a PIL filed against him and his family members for the alleged allocation of a mining lease in their names, saying that the petition is a repetition of an earlier one filed by petitioner Shiv Shankar Sharma which has already been rejected by the Supreme Court. In his petition, RTI activist and advocate Sunil Mahto informed the court that while being the Minister of Mines Department, Soren allotted a mining lease to himself on 88 decimal land in Angada. At the same time, 11 acres of land were allotted in the name of Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren and her sister Sarla Murmu's company Sohrai Livestock Private Limited in the Barhe industrial area of Chanho at Barhe industrial area in Chanho area of Ranchi, he added. CM's press advisor Abhishek Prasad Pintu and CM's MLA representative Pankaj Mishra have also been allotted mining leases. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra and Justice Ananda Sen delivered the judgment through virtual mode. The Chief Justice is set to retire on Thursday.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Notably, the hearing in the case was completed in November itself and the bench had kept its order reserved. Advocate Piyush Chitresh, who appeared on behalf of the State Government, said that the court dismissed the PIL because the Supreme Court had earlier rejected a similar PIL filed by one Shiv Shankar Sharma. Petitioners advocate and former advocate General Ajit Kumar, however, was of the view that his petition was distinctly different from the one filed by Shiv Shankar Sharma, who had raised only the mining lease issue. He had also submitted a detailed affidavit as to how this PIL was different. According to Mahto, Soren having a mine leased in his favour is a direct violation of the mandate of not holding of an office of profit rule for public representatives. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI MUMBAI/RAIPUR: Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the promoters of the Mahadev online betting app, has been put under "house detention" in Dubai while Indian probe agencies, including ED, have been "alerted" and are working through diplomatic channels to get him deported, official sources said on Wednesday. The Enforcement Directorate may also file a fresh charge sheet in this multi-crore money laundering case soon, they said. The development comes weeks after Ravi Uppal, another promoter of the betting and gaming app, was detained by local authorities in Dubai on a red notice (RN) issued by Interpol at the behest of the ED. The sources said Chandrakar's location in Dubai has been intimated to the federal agency and he has been put under "house detention". Indian agencies are working, through diplomatic channels, to secure the deportation or extradition of the two who are vital to the money laundering and police investigation into the alleged illegal activities of the 'Mahadev Book Online' app that also have political links in Chhattisgarh and elsewhere, the sources said. The ED is also expected to file a fresh (supplementary) charge sheet in this case against two people arrested by it in November from Chhattisgarh - alleged cash courier Asim Das and police constable Bheem Yadav. ALSO READ | Mahadev betting app case: Mumbai crime branch summons actor Sahil Khan, three others The agency, in its first charge sheet filed before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur, had named Chandrakar and Uppal along with some others. In this charge sheet, it had quoted the statement of Dilip Chandrakar, the uncle of Sourabh Chandrakar, that before Sourabh went to Dubai in 2019 he ran a juice shop named 'juice factory' along with his brother in Bhillai town of Chhattisgarh. The ED claimed Sourabh Chandrakar got married at Ras Al Khaimah, UAE in February 2023 and about Rs 200 crore "in cash" were spent for this event in which private jets were hired to ferry his relatives from India to the UAE and celebrities were paid to perform. Uppal, 43, was detained last week in Dubai. Both businessmen are being probed by the ED in the money laundering case linked to alleged illegal betting through online apps, apart from investigations by the Chhattisgarh and Mumbai Police Crime Branch. A red notice was issued against the two by Interpol on the basis of the ED's request that was based on a court-issued non-bailable warrant. The projected proceeds of crime in this case are about Rs 6,000 crore, according to the ED. The agency had claimed in November, just before the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls, that forensic analysis and statement made by a 'cash courier' Asim Das have led to "startling allegations" that Mahadev betting app promoters have paid about Rs 508 crore to former Chhattisgarh chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, adding that these allegations were "subject matter of investigation". Das had later submitted before the special court in Raipur that he had been framed as part of a conspiracy and he had never delivered cash to politicians. The ED investigation has shown that the Mahadev Online Book App is run from a central head office in the UAE, officials said. It operates by franchising "Panel/Branches" to their known associates on a 70-30 per cent profit ratio, it had said. Large-scale hawala operations are done to siphon off the proceeds of betting to off-shore accounts, it had said. Large expenditure in cash is also being done in India for advertising betting websites to attract new users and franchise (panel) seekers, the ED had said. The company promoters hail from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh and the Mahadev online book betting application is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites, it is alleged. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp MUMBAI/RAIPUR: Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the promoters of the Mahadev online betting app, has been put under "house detention" in Dubai while Indian probe agencies, including ED, have been "alerted" and are working through diplomatic channels to get him deported, official sources said on Wednesday. The Enforcement Directorate may also file a fresh charge sheet in this multi-crore money laundering case soon, they said. The development comes weeks after Ravi Uppal, another promoter of the betting and gaming app, was detained by local authorities in Dubai on a red notice (RN) issued by Interpol at the behest of the ED.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The sources said Chandrakar's location in Dubai has been intimated to the federal agency and he has been put under "house detention". Indian agencies are working, through diplomatic channels, to secure the deportation or extradition of the two who are vital to the money laundering and police investigation into the alleged illegal activities of the 'Mahadev Book Online' app that also have political links in Chhattisgarh and elsewhere, the sources said. The ED is also expected to file a fresh (supplementary) charge sheet in this case against two people arrested by it in November from Chhattisgarh - alleged cash courier Asim Das and police constable Bheem Yadav. ALSO READ | Mahadev betting app case: Mumbai crime branch summons actor Sahil Khan, three others The agency, in its first charge sheet filed before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur, had named Chandrakar and Uppal along with some others. In this charge sheet, it had quoted the statement of Dilip Chandrakar, the uncle of Sourabh Chandrakar, that before Sourabh went to Dubai in 2019 he ran a juice shop named 'juice factory' along with his brother in Bhillai town of Chhattisgarh. The ED claimed Sourabh Chandrakar got married at Ras Al Khaimah, UAE in February 2023 and about Rs 200 crore "in cash" were spent for this event in which private jets were hired to ferry his relatives from India to the UAE and celebrities were paid to perform. Uppal, 43, was detained last week in Dubai. Both businessmen are being probed by the ED in the money laundering case linked to alleged illegal betting through online apps, apart from investigations by the Chhattisgarh and Mumbai Police Crime Branch. A red notice was issued against the two by Interpol on the basis of the ED's request that was based on a court-issued non-bailable warrant. The projected proceeds of crime in this case are about Rs 6,000 crore, according to the ED. The agency had claimed in November, just before the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls, that forensic analysis and statement made by a 'cash courier' Asim Das have led to "startling allegations" that Mahadev betting app promoters have paid about Rs 508 crore to former Chhattisgarh chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, adding that these allegations were "subject matter of investigation". Das had later submitted before the special court in Raipur that he had been framed as part of a conspiracy and he had never delivered cash to politicians. The ED investigation has shown that the Mahadev Online Book App is run from a central head office in the UAE, officials said. It operates by franchising "Panel/Branches" to their known associates on a 70-30 per cent profit ratio, it had said. Large-scale hawala operations are done to siphon off the proceeds of betting to off-shore accounts, it had said. Large expenditure in cash is also being done in India for advertising betting websites to attract new users and franchise (panel) seekers, the ED had said. The company promoters hail from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh and the Mahadev online book betting application is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites, it is alleged. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Three days after an unmanned drone attacked a merchant ship off the coast of Veraval and another Indian merchant ship being attacked in Red Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, expressing concerns on the situation in West Asia. I held a good conversation with my brother Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the future of strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. We exchanged views on West Asia situation and shared concerns regarding terrorism, violence and the loss of civilian lives. We agreed to work together for peace, security and stability in the region, said Modi. It may be recalled that three days ago, an unmanned drone hit a merchant ship (MV Chem Pluto) off the coast of Veraval in Gujarat. The vessel had 21 Indian sailors on board. While nobody was hurt fortunately, the ship, which carried oil from Saudi Arabia and was heading to Mangaluru, suffered damages. A day later, another Indian ship, MV Sai Baba, was attacked in Red Sea. This is an obvious spillover of the conflict in Red Sea. Many merchant ships have paused their commute after Houthi attacks. The Houthis, who rule a major part of Yemen, have pledged to carry out attacks until Israel halts assault on Gaza. About 40 per cent of international trade passes through the narrow strait between Yemen and northeast Africa, which leads northwards to the Red Sea, Israels southern port facilities and the Suez Canal. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Three days after an unmanned drone attacked a merchant ship off the coast of Veraval and another Indian merchant ship being attacked in Red Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, expressing concerns on the situation in West Asia. I held a good conversation with my brother Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the future of strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. We exchanged views on West Asia situation and shared concerns regarding terrorism, violence and the loss of civilian lives. We agreed to work together for peace, security and stability in the region, said Modi. It may be recalled that three days ago, an unmanned drone hit a merchant ship (MV Chem Pluto) off the coast of Veraval in Gujarat. The vessel had 21 Indian sailors on board. While nobody was hurt fortunately, the ship, which carried oil from Saudi Arabia and was heading to Mangaluru, suffered damages. A day later, another Indian ship, MV Sai Baba, was attacked in Red Sea.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); This is an obvious spillover of the conflict in Red Sea. Many merchant ships have paused their commute after Houthi attacks. The Houthis, who rule a major part of Yemen, have pledged to carry out attacks until Israel halts assault on Gaza. About 40 per cent of international trade passes through the narrow strait between Yemen and northeast Africa, which leads northwards to the Red Sea, Israels southern port facilities and the Suez Canal. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In perhaps the first such move to add to the growing popularity of Prime Minister Modi, railway stations across the country will have 3D selfie booths to provide an opportunity for passengers to have selfies with PM Modis cutouts. Opposition leader and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge called the move a huge waste of public money. Self-obsessed promotion by Modi govt knows no bounds! Absolutely brazen waste of taxpayers money, Kharge said on X. Earlier, the blood and sacrifice of our brave soldiers was used by ordering the armed forces to install 822 such selfie points with a prominent cutout of Modi ji. This is at a time when the govt has not provided drought and flood relief to states. National rural employment scheme funds for opposition-ruled states are also pending, said Kharge, calling the move a cheap election stunt. Kharge also shared a copy of a reply obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which listed the stations under the Central Railway where temporary and permanent selfie booths have been installed. According to the RTI reply, the approved cost for the temporary selfie booths for category A station is Rs 1.25 lakh each, whereas the permanent selfie booth for category C stations will cost Rs 6.25 lakh. There were reports that the railway board in Delhi had told general managers of 19 zonal railways to install selfie booths at stations. These were supposed to be designed with durable 3D fibre sculptures, acrylic boards, glass and integrated lighting to showcase 3D sculptures crafted from materials like fibre, clay or Plaster of Paris. The installations highlight Central initiatives such as Skill India, Ujjwala Yojana and Chandrayaan Mission. In October, the defence ministry had issued guidelines to all its departments to set up 822 selfie points to highlight the work done by the department and said this may contain photos of the PM. The suggested locations for the selfie points included war memorials, museums, public transit stations, airports, markets, schools and colleges and tourist spots. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: In perhaps the first such move to add to the growing popularity of Prime Minister Modi, railway stations across the country will have 3D selfie booths to provide an opportunity for passengers to have selfies with PM Modis cutouts. Opposition leader and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge called the move a huge waste of public money. Self-obsessed promotion by Modi govt knows no bounds! Absolutely brazen waste of taxpayers money, Kharge said on X. Earlier, the blood and sacrifice of our brave soldiers was used by ordering the armed forces to install 822 such selfie points with a prominent cutout of Modi ji. This is at a time when the govt has not provided drought and flood relief to states. National rural employment scheme funds for opposition-ruled states are also pending, said Kharge, calling the move a cheap election stunt.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Kharge also shared a copy of a reply obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which listed the stations under the Central Railway where temporary and permanent selfie booths have been installed. According to the RTI reply, the approved cost for the temporary selfie booths for category A station is Rs 1.25 lakh each, whereas the permanent selfie booth for category C stations will cost Rs 6.25 lakh. There were reports that the railway board in Delhi had told general managers of 19 zonal railways to install selfie booths at stations. These were supposed to be designed with durable 3D fibre sculptures, acrylic boards, glass and integrated lighting to showcase 3D sculptures crafted from materials like fibre, clay or Plaster of Paris. The installations highlight Central initiatives such as Skill India, Ujjwala Yojana and Chandrayaan Mission. In October, the defence ministry had issued guidelines to all its departments to set up 822 selfie points to highlight the work done by the department and said this may contain photos of the PM. The suggested locations for the selfie points included war memorials, museums, public transit stations, airports, markets, schools and colleges and tourist spots. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: INS Imphal, a Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at an impressive ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. It is the third of four indigenous Visakhapatnam class destroyers, being designed by the Indian Navys Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister described INS Imphal as a shining example of Aatmanirbharta in defence and a reflection of the commitment of Indian Navy, MDL & all other stakeholders towards national security. INS Imphal is a symbol of Indias growing maritime power and it will strengthen it further. It will bolster our principle of Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya (One Who Controls the Sea is All Powerful) in the Indo-Pacific region, he said. The ship measures 163m in length, 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and is amongst the most potent warships built in India. It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas & Gas configuration, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. The ship has a total complement of about 315 personnel, and is commanded by Captain KK Choudhury, a Gunnery and Missiles specialist. It will augment the Navys mobility, reach and flexibility in safeguarding the nations maritime security and interests. As reported earlier by this newspaper the contract for the construction of four ships under Project-15B was signed in January 2011 at a project cost of about 29,643.74 crore. The final cost of the project is Rs 35,000 crore. The four ships are christened after major cities from all four corners of the country Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat. The remaining ships would be commissioned one per year from 2022 to 2024. Prior to the commissioning of INS Imphal, two destroyers of the same class INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao were commissioned into the Navy in 2021 & 2022 respectively. INS Imphal has the unique distinction of being the first warship to be named after a city in the North-east. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: INS Imphal, a Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at an impressive ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. It is the third of four indigenous Visakhapatnam class destroyers, being designed by the Indian Navys Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister described INS Imphal as a shining example of Aatmanirbharta in defence and a reflection of the commitment of Indian Navy, MDL & all other stakeholders towards national security. INS Imphal is a symbol of Indias growing maritime power and it will strengthen it further. It will bolster our principle of Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya (One Who Controls the Sea is All Powerful) in the Indo-Pacific region, he said. The ship measures 163m in length, 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and is amongst the most potent warships built in India. It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas & Gas configuration, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The ship has a total complement of about 315 personnel, and is commanded by Captain KK Choudhury, a Gunnery and Missiles specialist. It will augment the Navys mobility, reach and flexibility in safeguarding the nations maritime security and interests. As reported earlier by this newspaper the contract for the construction of four ships under Project-15B was signed in January 2011 at a project cost of about 29,643.74 crore. The final cost of the project is Rs 35,000 crore. The four ships are christened after major cities from all four corners of the country Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat. The remaining ships would be commissioned one per year from 2022 to 2024. Prior to the commissioning of INS Imphal, two destroyers of the same class INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao were commissioned into the Navy in 2021 & 2022 respectively. INS Imphal has the unique distinction of being the first warship to be named after a city in the North-east. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: The new BJP government in Rajasthan has terminated the Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitra Internship Programme, a flagship initiative of the former Gehlot government. Under this program, 5,000 young individuals were engaged in internships, receiving a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000. The initiative, launched in 2021, aimed to extend its reach by recruiting an additional 5,000 youngsters, as evident from ongoing advertisements. However, the newly established Bhajan Lal Government has abruptly issued an order, ending their services effective December 31. Reacting strongly to this decision, the Congress party has characterised it as an assault on the future of the youth. Former CM Ashok Gehlot expressed deep displeasure over the governments decision, stating, If the government has issues with the name Rajiv Gandhi, they could rename the program. Gehlot further emphasised, About 5 thousand youths included in the programme were working to take government schemes to every home. Now, their services are being terminated, which is not fair. If the new government had an issue with the name, they could have changed it to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He criticised the decision as unjust to the youngster who were benefiting from the internship, suggesting that the government could have allowed them to earn a stipend at least. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp JAIPUR: The new BJP government in Rajasthan has terminated the Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitra Internship Programme, a flagship initiative of the former Gehlot government. Under this program, 5,000 young individuals were engaged in internships, receiving a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000. The initiative, launched in 2021, aimed to extend its reach by recruiting an additional 5,000 youngsters, as evident from ongoing advertisements. However, the newly established Bhajan Lal Government has abruptly issued an order, ending their services effective December 31. Reacting strongly to this decision, the Congress party has characterised it as an assault on the future of the youth. Former CM Ashok Gehlot expressed deep displeasure over the governments decision, stating, If the government has issues with the name Rajiv Gandhi, they could rename the program.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Gehlot further emphasised, About 5 thousand youths included in the programme were working to take government schemes to every home. Now, their services are being terminated, which is not fair. If the new government had an issue with the name, they could have changed it to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He criticised the decision as unjust to the youngster who were benefiting from the internship, suggesting that the government could have allowed them to earn a stipend at least. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, days after a deadly terror ambush in Poonch district left four Army personnel dead. Army Chief General Manoj Pande is already in Jammu. Sources said that Singh is likely to take stock of the security situation in the region post terror strike. Meanwhile, the Army has been conducting extensive operations to track down terrorists behind the ambush that left four soldiers dead in Poonch last week. The Chief of Army Staff also asked them to remain resolute and steadfast against all challenges. After an interaction with officers on the ground, General Pande urged the commanders to conduct all operations in the most professional manner. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, days after a deadly terror ambush in Poonch district left four Army personnel dead. Army Chief General Manoj Pande is already in Jammu. Sources said that Singh is likely to take stock of the security situation in the region post terror strike. Meanwhile, the Army has been conducting extensive operations to track down terrorists behind the ambush that left four soldiers dead in Poonch last week. The Chief of Army Staff also asked them to remain resolute and steadfast against all challenges. After an interaction with officers on the ground, General Pande urged the commanders to conduct all operations in the most professional manner.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp The driver of a 4WD has been heavily criticised over a Christmas Day stunt on a "cherished" stretch of Aussie beach. In video of the incident on Queensland's Bribie Island, the motorist is seen driving at speed across soft sand, with the 4WD swerving at times and appearing to briefly lose full control. The clip triggered a wave of anger from fellow visitors to the island, with some fearing such actions would lead to a permanent ban on vehicles on the sand. "Thats how idiots like this ruin it for everyone else. Totally ludicrous. No care for anyone on the beach and our precious turtles," one person said in response. "Lack of education or just plain ignorance?" another asked. The ute swerves several times in the soft sand as it hurtles down the beach. Source: Facebook It comes as state governments continue to voice their concerns over the conduct of drivers on Australian beaches. The South Australian government introduced reduced speed limits this month to protect "vulnerable" beachgoers from 4WD vehicles. While the exact speed of the 4WD is unknown, it is believed to be in excess of the 50km beach limit for Bribie Island's beaches. That speed limit is reduced to 30km/h in strips of beach near camp sites. Authorities say soft sand must be tackled steadily and slowly. The Department of Environment and Science (DES) says driving on the soft sand on Bribie Island is "difficult" and drivers are instead told to drive as close to the tide as possible on the harder, wet sand. Motorists are also warned to avoid the soft sand during turtle breeding season between November and April to avoid disrupting hatchlings access to the ocean. Yahoo News Australia has contacted the DES regarding the video. The DES has previously stressed the island's beaches are a "cherished destination for locals and tourists". Major crackdown on 'irresponsible' drivers on Bribie Island and other beaches The video of the 4WD prompted some to fear for the driver's safety, with such conditions making it easier to flip vehicles. Earlier this year Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) cracked down on 'irresponsible' drivers on Queensland beaches by ramping up fines for a host of offences. Story continues It comes after five fatal crashes on beaches controlled by QPWS since 2013, one of which was on Bribie Island. While most drivers and riders do the right thing while visiting these places, sadly we have seen the tragic consequences of irresponsible motorists including fatalities and significant injuries," Manager of QPWS Compliance Optimisation Michael Devery said. The increased fines might hurt if you get one, but theyre a lot less painful than a vehicle rollover or worse. Its up to drivers to do the right thing." Another major issue for authorities is vehicles being driven over sand dunes which is strictly prohibited to protect protected plants and "crucial" animal habitats. In September, a motorist was hit with a $1,000 fine for ignoring signage to not drive on Bribie's dunes following a court hearing. "The outcome of this court matter serves as a strong reminder to all Bribie Island Recreation Area visitors to adhere to regulatory signs, directions, and the well-established guidelines for the area," the DES said. Driving without due care and attention imposes a $575 fine and a loss of three demerit points. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. By PTI JAMMU: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday visited the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir and reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC), officials said. Singh also carried out a firsthand assessment of the ongoing counter-terror operations in the two districts, they said. The defence minister's visit comes nearly a week after four soldiers were killed when their vehicles were ambushed by terrorists in the Surankote area of Poonch on December 21. Accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, the defence minister flew to Rajouri district this afternoon immediately after his arrival here. On his return from Rajouri, Singh visited Raj Bhawan and held a closed-door security review meeting, the officials said. They said the defence minister was briefed on the prevalent security situation, counter-infiltration grid and operational preparedness. The aspects associated with the operating challenges were discussed by Singh with the commanders on the ground, the officials said, adding he called for professional conduct and due diligence while carrying out operations. Singh expressed satisfaction with the high level of synergy between the security forces, civil administration, J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in projecting a clear message of resoluteness towards improving the security environment that is conducive to fostering a new era of development in the Union territory. He also complimented the local people for their steadfastness and contribution towards joining the mainstream efforts undertaken by the government of India. In the meeting, it was emphasised that the unity in thought process, alignment and collective resolve for the good of the nation is the most important foundation for the achievement of shared aspirations of peace and development in the UT. On December 25, Army chief Gen Pande had visited the Rajouri-Poonch sector and exhorted all ranks of the Army to conduct operations most professionally while remaining resolute and steadfast against all challenges. He also underscored the commitment of the Indian Army to respecting human rights and zero tolerance for violations in any form. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp JAMMU: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday visited the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir and reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC), officials said. Singh also carried out a firsthand assessment of the ongoing counter-terror operations in the two districts, they said. The defence minister's visit comes nearly a week after four soldiers were killed when their vehicles were ambushed by terrorists in the Surankote area of Poonch on December 21.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, the defence minister flew to Rajouri district this afternoon immediately after his arrival here. On his return from Rajouri, Singh visited Raj Bhawan and held a closed-door security review meeting, the officials said. They said the defence minister was briefed on the prevalent security situation, counter-infiltration grid and operational preparedness. The aspects associated with the operating challenges were discussed by Singh with the commanders on the ground, the officials said, adding he called for professional conduct and due diligence while carrying out operations. Singh expressed satisfaction with the high level of synergy between the security forces, civil administration, J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in projecting a clear message of resoluteness towards improving the security environment that is conducive to fostering a new era of development in the Union territory. He also complimented the local people for their steadfastness and contribution towards joining the mainstream efforts undertaken by the government of India. In the meeting, it was emphasised that the unity in thought process, alignment and collective resolve for the good of the nation is the most important foundation for the achievement of shared aspirations of peace and development in the UT. On December 25, Army chief Gen Pande had visited the Rajouri-Poonch sector and exhorted all ranks of the Army to conduct operations most professionally while remaining resolute and steadfast against all challenges. He also underscored the commitment of the Indian Army to respecting human rights and zero tolerance for violations in any form. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: Teachers' outfit, Democratic Teachers' Front has demanded the withdrawal of the mandatory registration and attendance for a certificate-cum-refresher course on Srimad Bhagavad Gita being offered by Delhi University's Ramanujan College. In a statement on Wednesday, the body said that teaching and non-teaching staff of the college are being coerced into registering for the certificate course on Bhagavad Gita and called the move an "autocratic trait" on the college administration's part. It alleged that the college is forcing the teaching and non-teaching staff to attend the course beyond their office hours. Calls and texts to Ramanujan principal SP Agarwal did not elicit any response. "Ramanujan principal SP Agarwal has abused the powers vested in him to dictate to all teachers and non-teaching staff to compulsorily register for and attend a refresher/certificate course on Srimad Bhagavad Gita," the DTF said in a statement. "Illegally coercing teachers and non-teaching staff to remain engaged till 6. 30 pm beyond official duties and the added burden of conducting the ongoing semester examinations of students is unacceptable," it added. The refresher course, being organised by the Teaching Learning Centre, is being offered till January 9 by the college from 4. 30 pm to 6. 30 pm for all teaching and non-teaching staff in online as well as offline mode. In an email to the teaching staff, the college principal said that the course is being offered in line with the Indian Knowledge System Centre proposed to be set up at the college. "This course is in line with the setting up of the Indian Knowledge System Centre at the college. In view of this it is our responsibility to first sensitize ourselves through such programmes," the email read. It further said that the college will hold such programmes not only for Bhagavad Gita but also for vedas which are part of the Indian Knowledge System. A Ramanujan official on condition of anonymity said that the administration will not take any coercive action against teachers who don't attend the course. "The mandatory attendance is kept to ensure that teachers and other staff participate in the course." According to the email, all newly recruited teaching staff in the last year have to compulsorily register and attend the programme in offline mode along with non-teaching staff. Other senior teaching staff are given a choice to attend the course in offline or online mode. The teachers' body alleged that offering such a course through the Teaching Learning Centre defeats the objective of the centre, which is to promote "independent, critical and creative thinking" and gives way to the propagation of "sectarian beliefs." Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Teachers' outfit, Democratic Teachers' Front has demanded the withdrawal of the mandatory registration and attendance for a certificate-cum-refresher course on Srimad Bhagavad Gita being offered by Delhi University's Ramanujan College. In a statement on Wednesday, the body said that teaching and non-teaching staff of the college are being coerced into registering for the certificate course on Bhagavad Gita and called the move an "autocratic trait" on the college administration's part. It alleged that the college is forcing the teaching and non-teaching staff to attend the course beyond their office hours. Calls and texts to Ramanujan principal SP Agarwal did not elicit any response.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Ramanujan principal SP Agarwal has abused the powers vested in him to dictate to all teachers and non-teaching staff to compulsorily register for and attend a refresher/certificate course on Srimad Bhagavad Gita," the DTF said in a statement. "Illegally coercing teachers and non-teaching staff to remain engaged till 6. 30 pm beyond official duties and the added burden of conducting the ongoing semester examinations of students is unacceptable," it added. The refresher course, being organised by the Teaching Learning Centre, is being offered till January 9 by the college from 4. 30 pm to 6. 30 pm for all teaching and non-teaching staff in online as well as offline mode. In an email to the teaching staff, the college principal said that the course is being offered in line with the Indian Knowledge System Centre proposed to be set up at the college. "This course is in line with the setting up of the Indian Knowledge System Centre at the college. In view of this it is our responsibility to first sensitize ourselves through such programmes," the email read. It further said that the college will hold such programmes not only for Bhagavad Gita but also for vedas which are part of the Indian Knowledge System. A Ramanujan official on condition of anonymity said that the administration will not take any coercive action against teachers who don't attend the course. "The mandatory attendance is kept to ensure that teachers and other staff participate in the course." According to the email, all newly recruited teaching staff in the last year have to compulsorily register and attend the programme in offline mode along with non-teaching staff. Other senior teaching staff are given a choice to attend the course in offline or online mode. The teachers' body alleged that offering such a course through the Teaching Learning Centre defeats the objective of the centre, which is to promote "independent, critical and creative thinking" and gives way to the propagation of "sectarian beliefs." Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received a threatening email, claiming that 11 bombs had been planted at various locations in Mumbai. This threat coincided with the upcoming New Year celebrations in Indias financial capital. The email also demanded the resignations of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alleging their involvement in the biggest scam in Indias history. According to the email, the bombs were placed at different locations in Mumbai, including RBI offices, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. The Mumbai Police received this bomb threat email at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, with a claim that the explosions would occur at 1:30 pm. Following the bomb threat, the Mumbai Police registered an FIR based on the complaint of Sanjay Harishchandra Pawar, the head guard at RBI, at Mumbais MRA Marg police station. The FIR was filed under IPC sections 505(1)(b), 505(2), and 506(2). The police also issued a statement: RBI received a threatening email, stating that bombs would be planted in the RBI office, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank, and demanding the resignation of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Although 11 bomb threats were reported at various places in Mumbai, extensive police investigations found no evidence of explosives. A case has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing. The email claimed, We have planted 11 different bombs in various locations in Mumbai. The RBI, along with private sector banks, has executed the biggest scam in the history of India. The scam involves RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, top finance officials, and renowned Indian ministers. We have sufficient evidence to support our claims. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp MUMBAI: On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received a threatening email, claiming that 11 bombs had been planted at various locations in Mumbai. This threat coincided with the upcoming New Year celebrations in Indias financial capital. The email also demanded the resignations of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alleging their involvement in the biggest scam in Indias history. According to the email, the bombs were placed at different locations in Mumbai, including RBI offices, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. The Mumbai Police received this bomb threat email at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, with a claim that the explosions would occur at 1:30 pm. Following the bomb threat, the Mumbai Police registered an FIR based on the complaint of Sanjay Harishchandra Pawar, the head guard at RBI, at Mumbais MRA Marg police station. The FIR was filed under IPC sections 505(1)(b), 505(2), and 506(2). The police also issued a statement: RBI received a threatening email, stating that bombs would be planted in the RBI office, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank, and demanding the resignation of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Although 11 bomb threats were reported at various places in Mumbai, extensive police investigations found no evidence of explosives. A case has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The email claimed, We have planted 11 different bombs in various locations in Mumbai. The RBI, along with private sector banks, has executed the biggest scam in the history of India. The scam involves RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, top finance officials, and renowned Indian ministers. We have sufficient evidence to support our claims. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Preetha Nair By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The CPI(M) on Tuesday confirmed that its general secretary Sitaram Yechury will not attend the inaugural ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, as it believes that religion is a personal choice, and is not to be converted into an instrument for political gain. This newspaper has reported earlier that though Yechury received the invitation from Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ayodhya Ram temple Construction Committee, he would not be attending it. In a statement, the CPI(M) politburo said that it is most unfortunate that the BJP and RSS have converted a religious ceremony into a State-sponsored event directly involving the Prime Minister, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and other government functionaries. A fundamental principle of governance in India as reiterated by the Supreme Court is that the State of India, under the constitution, should have no religious affiliation. This is being violated by the ruling regime in the organisation of the event, it said. The CPI(M) policy has been to respect religious beliefs and safeguard the right of every individual to pursue their belief, it said. It believes that religion is a personal choice not to be converted into an instrument for political gain. Therefore, we will not be attending the ceremony, said the statement. Echoing the view, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said, As far as the CPI(M) policy is concerned, we respect religious beliefs, but as a political party, we keep our distance from religious events. The CPI(M)s boycott of the inauguration sparked a political war of words with Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi responding that though invitations were sent to all, only those called by Lord Ram will come. Responding to the CPI(M) statement, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal wrote on X, There are reports that the one whose name is Sitaram will not go to Ayodhya Dham. Political opposition is understandable, but if someone has so much hatred for his own name, he can only be a communist, Bansal added. Religion a choice The CPI(M) said its policy has been to respect religious beliefs and safeguard the right of every individual to pursue their belief. Religion is not to be converted into an instrument for political gain, it said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The CPI(M) on Tuesday confirmed that its general secretary Sitaram Yechury will not attend the inaugural ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, as it believes that religion is a personal choice, and is not to be converted into an instrument for political gain. This newspaper has reported earlier that though Yechury received the invitation from Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ayodhya Ram temple Construction Committee, he would not be attending it. In a statement, the CPI(M) politburo said that it is most unfortunate that the BJP and RSS have converted a religious ceremony into a State-sponsored event directly involving the Prime Minister, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and other government functionaries. A fundamental principle of governance in India as reiterated by the Supreme Court is that the State of India, under the constitution, should have no religious affiliation. This is being violated by the ruling regime in the organisation of the event, it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The CPI(M) policy has been to respect religious beliefs and safeguard the right of every individual to pursue their belief, it said. It believes that religion is a personal choice not to be converted into an instrument for political gain. Therefore, we will not be attending the ceremony, said the statement. Echoing the view, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said, As far as the CPI(M) policy is concerned, we respect religious beliefs, but as a political party, we keep our distance from religious events. The CPI(M)s boycott of the inauguration sparked a political war of words with Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi responding that though invitations were sent to all, only those called by Lord Ram will come. Responding to the CPI(M) statement, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal wrote on X, There are reports that the one whose name is Sitaram will not go to Ayodhya Dham. Political opposition is understandable, but if someone has so much hatred for his own name, he can only be a communist, Bansal added. Religion a choice The CPI(M) said its policy has been to respect religious beliefs and safeguard the right of every individual to pursue their belief. Religion is not to be converted into an instrument for political gain, it said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: In an interesting revelation by Giridih Police, they arrested a youth from Bihar who first learned about ATM fraud from videos available on YouTube. While trying to steal money from the ATM, he was caught in Jharkhand. The youth, identified as Sanjeev Kumar of Gaya, admitted that to get easy and quick money, he and his friend learned about ATM fraud from the videos available on YouTube ATM fraud Delhi Shots. Sanjeev Kumar belongs to Bihar, who came in contact with another youth Sanjay Kumar Singh, and started working out on the ways to find out how to get quick and easy money. They decided to do some fraud to get quick money and contacted some of their friends who informed them about a video --ATM fraud Delhi Shots, which was available on YouTube describing in detail about fraud, said Giridih SP Deepak Kumar Sharma. "They somehow managed to get the equipment and tools as described in the video and started executing the process learned from YouTube in Jharkhand assuming that they will not be identified in CCTV footage and won't be caught," he added. According to the SP, Sanjeev confessed that he had already done one ATM fraud in Koderma and was making an attempt for the second time in Giridh on Monday, but was caught by the people. Interestingly, a clip-like tool has also been recovered from them through which they can also pull cash from inside the ATM without swiping any card in the machine, said the SP. According to the complaints filed by one of the victims, he had gone to withdraw money from the Bank of India ATM at Dandidih. He tried to withdraw Rs 10,000 from his account but the money did not come out when he received a message saying that the money had been debited from his account, it said. He left his companion at the ATM and went to another ATM to withdraw the money assuming that the ATM was out of order. In between, the man he left behind on the ATM, informed that two people were trying to tamper with the cash slot of the ATM. They raised an alarm following which, the two youths started running away but they caught one of them with the help of people present there, while another person succeeded in escaping from there, states the FIR. Meanwhile, SP Deepak Kumar Sharma has written to Jharkhand CID, YouTube, and Google as well, to remove such videos from the internet as they are providing open platforms to promote crime among the youths. If YouTube fails to remove those videos, they will be forced to take legal action against them, he said. It is a cause of concern that social sites are offering methods of committing crime and fraud, which needs to be stopped immediately. We are making all efforts that those videos or documents, which are promoting crime, are removed from the social sites so that no other youth gets astray in future, said the SP. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp RANCHI: In an interesting revelation by Giridih Police, they arrested a youth from Bihar who first learned about ATM fraud from videos available on YouTube. While trying to steal money from the ATM, he was caught in Jharkhand. The youth, identified as Sanjeev Kumar of Gaya, admitted that to get easy and quick money, he and his friend learned about ATM fraud from the videos available on YouTube ATM fraud Delhi Shots. Sanjeev Kumar belongs to Bihar, who came in contact with another youth Sanjay Kumar Singh, and started working out on the ways to find out how to get quick and easy money. They decided to do some fraud to get quick money and contacted some of their friends who informed them about a video --ATM fraud Delhi Shots, which was available on YouTube describing in detail about fraud, said Giridih SP Deepak Kumar Sharma.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "They somehow managed to get the equipment and tools as described in the video and started executing the process learned from YouTube in Jharkhand assuming that they will not be identified in CCTV footage and won't be caught," he added. According to the SP, Sanjeev confessed that he had already done one ATM fraud in Koderma and was making an attempt for the second time in Giridh on Monday, but was caught by the people. Interestingly, a clip-like tool has also been recovered from them through which they can also pull cash from inside the ATM without swiping any card in the machine, said the SP. According to the complaints filed by one of the victims, he had gone to withdraw money from the Bank of India ATM at Dandidih. He tried to withdraw Rs 10,000 from his account but the money did not come out when he received a message saying that the money had been debited from his account, it said. He left his companion at the ATM and went to another ATM to withdraw the money assuming that the ATM was out of order. In between, the man he left behind on the ATM, informed that two people were trying to tamper with the cash slot of the ATM. They raised an alarm following which, the two youths started running away but they caught one of them with the help of people present there, while another person succeeded in escaping from there, states the FIR. Meanwhile, SP Deepak Kumar Sharma has written to Jharkhand CID, YouTube, and Google as well, to remove such videos from the internet as they are providing open platforms to promote crime among the youths. If YouTube fails to remove those videos, they will be forced to take legal action against them, he said. It is a cause of concern that social sites are offering methods of committing crime and fraud, which needs to be stopped immediately. We are making all efforts that those videos or documents, which are promoting crime, are removed from the social sites so that no other youth gets astray in future, said the SP. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service CHENNAI: The ammonia gas leak from Coromandel International Ltd Ennore, a fertiliser manufacturing facility has left many with breathing difficulties and eye irritation. The incident happened at 11.45 pm on Tuesday when the staff at the factory operating in Periyakuppam sensed the gas leakage. At least 25 people in the neighbourhood of the manufacturing facility experienced unease and were taken to nearby hospitals, as per PTI. Avadi Joint Commissioner of Police P Vijayakumar said that the issue has been brought under control. A police team on the factorys premises is aiding operations to control the issue, the police official added. While Ennore residents are still reeling with the #OilSpill and its impacts, there is a suspected ammonia #gas #Leak from Coromandel Fertilizer Factory in Periakuppam, #Ennore. A number of people have been impacted and people are trying to leave the village to escape the leak. https://t.co/ehXqD0OfYf pic.twitter.com/BCzKQfelKB CCAG (@CCAGofficial) December 26, 2023 The seawater sample at the point of pipeline leakage, taken at 3:49 am, showed the ammonia level to be 49 mg/L as against the marine discharge standard of 5 mg/L. The team recorded 0ppm of ammonia levels in ambient air in Thalankuppam, Periakuppam, Chinnakuppam, Ernavur kuppam, Kathivakkam railway bridge and Ennore bus depot, among others, at around 4 am. The leak is said to have happened during the pre-cooling process in the pipeline which is done to pump ammonia in liquid form. "A message was received from the unit at 12:45 am regarding the ammonia leak during the pre-cooling operation of the pipeline. A team headed by the Joint Chief Environment Engineer reached the site by 2:15 am and inspected the unit and pipeline locations," the press release said. Writer and researcher Nityanand Jayaraman said that the levels of ammonia reported in the press release were taken three hours after the incident and do not offer insight into the incident itself. The winds were blowing from Northeast to Southwest carrying the contaminant plume from the coast towards Burma Nagar and Ernavur. Levels ought to have been measured 2 to 3 km southwest depending on wind speed, he said. He added that it was safe to conclude that people have suffered unacceptable levels of exposure, considering they continued to experience an intense odour at Ernavur and Burma Nagar at 1 am. The human nose can detect ammonia at 5 parts per million or more. Beyond 52 ppm, the human nose cannot sense it. If people had been able to sense it with symptoms such as burning eyes and throat, levels would have been anywhere between 5 and 50 ppm. The US occupational health standards prescribed a safe level of 35 ppm which is not to be exceeded during any 15 minutes in the workplace. There is no reason to be complacent, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp CHENNAI: The ammonia gas leak from Coromandel International Ltd Ennore, a fertiliser manufacturing facility has left many with breathing difficulties and eye irritation. The incident happened at 11.45 pm on Tuesday when the staff at the factory operating in Periyakuppam sensed the gas leakage. At least 25 people in the neighbourhood of the manufacturing facility experienced unease and were taken to nearby hospitals, as per PTI. Avadi Joint Commissioner of Police P Vijayakumar said that the issue has been brought under control. A police team on the factorys premises is aiding operations to control the issue, the police official added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); While Ennore residents are still reeling with the #OilSpill and its impacts, there is a suspected ammonia #gas #Leak from Coromandel Fertilizer Factory in Periakuppam, #Ennore. A number of people have been impacted and people are trying to leave the village to escape the leak. https://t.co/ehXqD0OfYf pic.twitter.com/BCzKQfelKB CCAG (@CCAGofficial) December 26, 2023 The seawater sample at the point of pipeline leakage, taken at 3:49 am, showed the ammonia level to be 49 mg/L as against the marine discharge standard of 5 mg/L. The team recorded 0ppm of ammonia levels in ambient air in Thalankuppam, Periakuppam, Chinnakuppam, Ernavur kuppam, Kathivakkam railway bridge and Ennore bus depot, among others, at around 4 am. The leak is said to have happened during the pre-cooling process in the pipeline which is done to pump ammonia in liquid form. "A message was received from the unit at 12:45 am regarding the ammonia leak during the pre-cooling operation of the pipeline. A team headed by the Joint Chief Environment Engineer reached the site by 2:15 am and inspected the unit and pipeline locations," the press release said. Writer and researcher Nityanand Jayaraman said that the levels of ammonia reported in the press release were taken three hours after the incident and do not offer insight into the incident itself. The winds were blowing from Northeast to Southwest carrying the contaminant plume from the coast towards Burma Nagar and Ernavur. Levels ought to have been measured 2 to 3 km southwest depending on wind speed, he said. He added that it was safe to conclude that people have suffered unacceptable levels of exposure, considering they continued to experience an intense odour at Ernavur and Burma Nagar at 1 am. The human nose can detect ammonia at 5 parts per million or more. Beyond 52 ppm, the human nose cannot sense it. If people had been able to sense it with symptoms such as burning eyes and throat, levels would have been anywhere between 5 and 50 ppm. The US occupational health standards prescribed a safe level of 35 ppm which is not to be exceeded during any 15 minutes in the workplace. There is no reason to be complacent, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service PUDUCHERRY: Kuppusamy Govindu (55) from Govindsalai in Orleanpet constituency in Puducherry has become the first person from the Union Territory to die of Covid-19 in the new wave at the Covid-19 ward at the Government Hospital for Chest Diseases(GHCD) on Wednesday. Kuppusamy had been undergoing treatment for a left femur fracture at the Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Post Graduate Institute (IGGGHPGI) since December 19. The patient, a known alcoholic, was also receiving treatment for low sodium levels and mild breathlessness, according to the Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr G Sriramulu. On December 26, Kuppusamy tested positive for Covid-19, prompting his urgent transfer to GHCD, where he succumbed to Covid pneumonia at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, said the Director. After his passing away, the hospital declined to release the deceased's body to the family citing Covid-19 protocols. ALSO READ | 2023: A dance of multiple flu viruses The patient's family then requested that they be allowed to pay their last respects by wearing Covid kits at the crematorium as has been the practice in the Union Territory. But the administrative machinery was caught unawares since the death had happened after a long time. The relatives waited for long to know when the body will be taken to the crematorium. The confusion and delay that ensued led to a protest organized by relatives under their constituency member G Nehru's leadership in front of the District Collector's office. "The Government Hospital for Chest Disease told us the body has been sent to the Medical College (IGMC) to prepare the body for cremation. On contacting IGMC, they said it will be handed over to the municipality. On contacting the municipality, they said it was for the IGMC to send the body," said Nehru while highlighting the all-round confusion. ALSO READ | Mask-up, follow COVID appropriate behaviour: Karnataka govt With no information reaching him or the relatives till 2 pm, Nehru, along with the victim's relatives, blocked the car of District Collector E Vallavan in front of the Collectorate on Vazhuvadur road. Traffic was affected for half an hour on the Puducherry-Vazhudavur road due to this. In the midst of this, the District Collector confirmed the death with the Director of the health department Dr Sriramalu and then made several phone calls following which the body was sent to the crematorium. The relatives followed the vehicle to the Karuvadikuppam crematorium, where they offered their last respects in the Covid kits provided by the District Administration. The last rites were performed after this in accordance with Covid-19 regulations at the electric crematotium. A swab sample has also been forwarded for genome sequencing to determine the specific strain of the Covid-19 virus. Presently, six Covid-19 patients remain in home isolation in Puducherry, with none admitted to the hospital, said Dr Sriramulu. The testing is being ramped up from 200 samples to around 600 samples per day, said Dr Sriramulu. ALSO READ | Understanding the JN.1 variant Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp PUDUCHERRY: Kuppusamy Govindu (55) from Govindsalai in Orleanpet constituency in Puducherry has become the first person from the Union Territory to die of Covid-19 in the new wave at the Covid-19 ward at the Government Hospital for Chest Diseases(GHCD) on Wednesday. Kuppusamy had been undergoing treatment for a left femur fracture at the Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Post Graduate Institute (IGGGHPGI) since December 19. The patient, a known alcoholic, was also receiving treatment for low sodium levels and mild breathlessness, according to the Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr G Sriramulu. On December 26, Kuppusamy tested positive for Covid-19, prompting his urgent transfer to GHCD, where he succumbed to Covid pneumonia at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, said the Director. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); After his passing away, the hospital declined to release the deceased's body to the family citing Covid-19 protocols. ALSO READ | 2023: A dance of multiple flu viruses The patient's family then requested that they be allowed to pay their last respects by wearing Covid kits at the crematorium as has been the practice in the Union Territory. But the administrative machinery was caught unawares since the death had happened after a long time. The relatives waited for long to know when the body will be taken to the crematorium. The confusion and delay that ensued led to a protest organized by relatives under their constituency member G Nehru's leadership in front of the District Collector's office. "The Government Hospital for Chest Disease told us the body has been sent to the Medical College (IGMC) to prepare the body for cremation. On contacting IGMC, they said it will be handed over to the municipality. On contacting the municipality, they said it was for the IGMC to send the body," said Nehru while highlighting the all-round confusion. ALSO READ | Mask-up, follow COVID appropriate behaviour: Karnataka govt With no information reaching him or the relatives till 2 pm, Nehru, along with the victim's relatives, blocked the car of District Collector E Vallavan in front of the Collectorate on Vazhuvadur road. Traffic was affected for half an hour on the Puducherry-Vazhudavur road due to this. In the midst of this, the District Collector confirmed the death with the Director of the health department Dr Sriramalu and then made several phone calls following which the body was sent to the crematorium. The relatives followed the vehicle to the Karuvadikuppam crematorium, where they offered their last respects in the Covid kits provided by the District Administration. The last rites were performed after this in accordance with Covid-19 regulations at the electric crematotium. A swab sample has also been forwarded for genome sequencing to determine the specific strain of the Covid-19 virus. Presently, six Covid-19 patients remain in home isolation in Puducherry, with none admitted to the hospital, said Dr Sriramulu. The testing is being ramped up from 200 samples to around 600 samples per day, said Dr Sriramulu. ALSO READ | Understanding the JN.1 variant Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Heartbreaking footage has captured the bleak reality facing homeless people living rough in Australian parks as the country's rental and cost-of-living crisis continues to force struggling Aussies into tents. As brutal storms swept across the eastern states on Monday destroying power lines and bringing down trees, those living rough in a Brisbane park were without sufficient shelter and completely exposed to the wild weather. Paul Slater, who runs the Northwest Community Group said he arrived at Musgrave Park in Brisbane's south on Monday afternoon, a makeshift community he visits most days and provides food and clothing to those in need. But on arrival, it started raining "really heavily, a lot heavier than normal". People living in tents in Musgrave Park, Brisbane were washed out due to wild weather in Queensland due to homelessness. Source: Supplied/Paul Slater The rain "definitely damaged people's stuff inside their tents" Slater told Yahoo News Australia. "One person there said they felt like they were on a waterbed because the water was flowing underneath their tent, pushing it up." Heavy rain and storms pose risk to homeless people A video shared with Yahoo shows much of the parklands flooded, with numerous tents surrounded by murky puddles of rainwater. "The real problem is that everything they own is in those tents and they can't just go and do a quick load of washing," he said. "They've got nothing to wear if they do that and then they've got the risk of mould too". Slater said the country is in "a housing emergency" adding that "these people aren't here by choice". Extortionate rental prices and a lack of suitable housing have been blamed for Australia's rise in homelessness but the wild weather poses several safety concerns too, Slater said. "When it rains like this, [they] need to get out of [their] tents and walk across the road and get undercover because [they're] in danger with the trees over the top," he explained. "Because there's a lot of large trees in Musgrave Park, I've seen huge branches fall just centimetres from tents. And so if a branch was to come off during one of these storms and land on them, it could cause some serious damage to them, if not death." Story continues Musgrave Park was at its peak two weeks ago with 35 tents. Source: Supplied/ Paul Slater Alarming rise in tent cities across Australia Slater, who started his charity about six months ago, said the growing number of people living rough is a serious problem. "They're often praying for anything to help them get out of the situation that they're in," he said. Another challenge rough sleepers face is rampant drug use throughout the camps. "Not necessarily the people that live there but people coming in at nighttime to party," he said. "They also get stuff stolen, their tents get damaged and they can't sleep because of the noise." Tent cities are popping up rapidly across the state as the country's crippling housing crisis continues. Norm McGillivray, Founder of Beddown, previously told Yahoo it's "growing to disastrous levels". In Musgrove Park, Slater said it was "at its peak" with about 35 tents two weeks ago, but at the moment there are about 20 or 25. Earlier this month a cyclist filmed at least 20 tents lining a river in the citys West End. Meanwhile, a teenage boy described his struggle with finding a rental with his dad, resorting to rough living in another Brisbane park. "Every week I'm meeting new people that are moving into the area because they have exhausted all their other options," Slater said. Paul Slater founded Northwest Community Group which helps people experiencing homelessness across Brisbane. Source: Supplied/ Paul Slater There are an estimated 122,000 people across the country experiencing homelessness, according to the 2021 Census. Earlier this year, a report by Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) and The Town of Nowhere campaign revealed the number of homeless people in Queensland has jumped 22 per cent in the past five years almost triple the national increase. Slater is hoping to raise money that could help go towards purchasing essential items for Australia's rising homeless population. You can donate here and can check out the work he does on Facebook. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Hyderabad, Dec 26 T elangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday assured Taiwanese contract manufacturing giant Foxconn all the support for its manufacturing centre at Kongara Kalan near Hyderabad and also upcoming projects in the state. A delegation led by Foxconn's Hon Hai Precision Industry Company Limited representative, V. Lee, met the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat here. This was the first meeting by the representatives of the iPhone maker with Revanth Reddy after he assumed office as the Chief Minister early this month following a change of guard in the state. While Apple AirPods facility at Kongar Kalan is expected to begin operation in May 2024, the Telangana government is pursuing with Foxconn Group companies various proposals including Display Fab manufacturing facility, Semiconductor OSAT facility, Semiconductor Fab, Electric Vehicle manufacturing, notebook manufacturing and components manufacturing. In March, Foxconn chairman Young Liu visited Hyderabad. The company had signed an MoU with the state government assuring to create one lakh jobs by setting up electronics manufacturing unit. In the first phase, the company will provide 25,000 jobs in the next two years. Sidney Lu, CEO, Foxconn Interconnect Technology, a Foxconn Group Company, visited Telangana on May 15 for groundbreaking for Apple AirPods manufacturing facility. The facility is in advanced stage of construction at Kongar Kalan Park in Rangareddy district. In November, an 18-member delegation visited Hyderabad for evaluation for setting up of the Display Fab Project. Discussions are on for the Display Fab manufacturing facility. For Display Fab, clear titled land is available close to city and international airport at a subsidised cost. There is excellent road access and connectivity for the shortlisted land. There is also availability of power, water at discounted rates. Basic infrastructure will also be provided. Fifty per cent incentives from the Centre and 25 to 30 per cent incentives from Telangana government have been offered. Similar incentives are being offered by competing states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The state will take 10 per cent equity. For proposed projects of Foxconn, Telangana is offering quick facilitation and support for all approvals. The state government is offering best in class incentive package. Required amount of land parcel to be provided close to the city. Industry ready workforce will be trained by Telangana Academy of Skill and Knowledge (TASK) to be ready on day one of plant operations. Power and water will be provided at competitive rates while basic infrastructure will be provided for the allotted land. The state is offering handholding by Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) and Electronics Wing, ITE&C Department through a single point of contact for all requirements. Foxconn is evaluating partners such as HCL for Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) and Telangana is actively pursuing the proposed project. The state hosted HCL team and discussion are on. Discussions are also on for semiconductor fab and electric vehicle manufacturing. Foxconn is currently evaluating partners from India such as MEIL, JSW etc. Telangana is also in discussion with Foxconn for a notebook manufacturing facility. The state is keen to host the facility. The state is also keen to host components manufacturing (ecosystem partners of Foxconn for which the company will support the state government). Telangana CM assures all support to Foxconn for proposed projects Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, Dec 26 A ctress Neha Joshi has shared her plans for the New Year celebrations, saying she is eagerly anticipating to relish delightful cuisines and enriching conversations with friends. Neha, who essays Krishna Devi Vajpayee in the show 'Atal', shared: "I'm not particularly fond of the bustling ambience of clubs and bars, especially considering that most places adopt that atmosphere on such occasions. I generally opt for a more serene gathering at home during these times." "A friend is hosting a social gathering this New Year's eve at their residence. I eagerly anticipate relishing delightful cuisines and enriching conversations with friends. Our plans also include partaking in games, and I've taken upon myself the task of brainstorming ideas, a responsibility I've already commenced preparing for," added the 'Drishyam 2' fame actress. Produced by Euphoria Productions, Atal deep dives into the formative years of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Set against the backdrop of British colonial rule in India, the show delves into the intricacies of Vajpayees childhood, shedding light on the incidents, beliefs, and challenges that moulded him into the leader that he was. The storyline highlights his relationship with his mother, who deeply influenced his beliefs, values and thinking. The show airs on &TV. Neha Joshi's New Year plans include delightful cuisines, conversations with friends Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High 38F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low 33F. Winds E at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 26, FAW Group's Hongqi brand and PhoenixTV formalized a strategic cooperation framework aimed at bolstering the global prominence of Chinas auto brands and amplifying the narrative of "Hongqi" worldwide. Signing ceremony; photo credit: Hongqi In recent years, Hongqi has been diligently focusing on brand construction, relentlessly striving toward the goal of being "China's foremost, globally renowned" automotive brand, embodying a user-centric philosophy and autonomously mastering crucial core technologies, propelling the rapid ascent of China's national brands. Quality brand development is intricately linked to the power of communication. PhoenixTV, as a multimedia Chinese cultural media conglomerate, is committed to disseminating Chinese culture, fostering cross-cultural exchanges, and holds a reputable position in the international Chinese media landscape. Aligned in their beliefs, Hongqi and PhoenixTV's strategic partnership shoulder the responsibility of broadcasting Chinese culture and values, enhancing the global influence of Chinese brands, infusing new vigor into the progression of the Hongqi brand domestically and internationally. During this collaborative signing ceremony, both entities pledged to significantly augment the strength of the Hongqi brand. PhoenixTV will integrate and optimize key resources from its Chinese channels, news channel, PhoenixNet, and Phoenix Shows to provide platform support for "Hongqi." Meanwhile, "Hongqi" will leverage PhoenixTV's comprehensive media platforms to narrate its stories and spirit more efficiently and innovatively. Additionally, leveraging PhoenixNets reach, the duo will focus on target user groups and event marketing, co-creating long-term, in-depth projects to reach high-end users, enhancing brand influence among key target groups. HDFC Bank on Wednesday, December 27, said its board of directors has recommended to re-appoint Atanu Chakraborty as the lenders part-time non-executive chairman and independent director. It will be Chakrabortys second term for three years between May 5, 2024, to May 4, 2027. We wish to inform you that pursuant to the recommendation of the nomination and remuneration committee, the board of directors of the bank at its meeting held today, has recommended the re-appointment of Atanu Chakraborty as the part-time non-executive chairman and independent director of the bank to the Reserve Bank of India, for a second term of three years w.e.f. May 5, 2024, to May 4, 2027, HDFC Bank said in a BSE filing. About Atanu Chakraborty Chakraborty graduated as a Bachelor in Engineering (Electronics & Communication) from NIT Kurukshetra. He holds a Diploma in Business Finance (ICFAI, Hyderabad) and a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Hull, UK. Atanu Chakraborty, who is currently the part-time non-executive chairman and independent director, has served the Government of India, for 35 years, as a member of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in Gujarat cadre. He has mainly worked in areas of Finance & Economic Policy, Infrastructure, Petroleum & Natural Gas. In the Union Government, he held various posts such as Secretary to Government of India in the Ministry of Finance- Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) during FY 2019-20. As Secretary (DEA), he co-ordinated economic policy making for all ministries/ departments and managed entire process of formulation of budget making for Union of India, including its passage in Parliament. He was responsible for fiscal management policies, policies for public debt management and development & management of financial markets. Mr. Chakraborty also handled financial stability and currency, domestic & foreign related issues as well. He managed flow of funds with multilateral and bilateral financial institutions and had multiple interfaces with them. He also headed a multi-disciplinary task force that produced the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). He has also served as Secretary to the Union Government for Disinvestment (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management) wherein he was responsible for both policy as well as execution of the process of disinvestment of Government of Indias stake in state-owned enterprises. During the period 2002-07, Chakraborty served as Director and subsequently as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure). During this period, he appraised projects in the Infrastructure sector as well as looked after subsidies of the Government of India. He had also updated and modernized the Governments Financial & Procurement rules. Chakraborty has also discharged varied roles in the Gujarat State Government including heading the Finance Department as its Secretary. He had been responsible for piloting the private sector investment legislation in the State. In the state government, he has worked on the ground in both public governance and development areas. Chakraborty has also served on the Board of World Bank as alternate Governor as well as on the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India. He was also the Chairman of the National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) as also on the Board of many listed companies. Chakraborty was the CEO/MD of the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Limited group of companies as well as Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited. Chakraborty had published articles in reputed journals in the areas of public finance, risk sharing in Infrastructure projects and gas infrastructure. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its approval for the reverse merger of IDFC Ltd with its banking subsidiary IDFC First Bank, according to a regulatory filing. The boards of IDFC First Bank and IDFC have approved the reverse merger in July. .IDFC Limited and IDFC Financial Holding Company (IDFC FHCL) have received letters dated December 26, 2023 from RBI whereby RBI has conveyed its No Objection to the composite scheme of amalgamation, subject to compliance with the terms specified therein, IDFC Ltd said in the regulatory filing. As part of the composite scheme of amalgamation, IDFC FHCL would first merge with IDFC and then IDFC into IDFC First Bank Ltd. The scheme remains subject to other statutory and regulatory approvals, including from the National Company Law Tribunal and the respective shareholders and creditors of the companies involved under the applicable laws, it said. Under the proposed reverse merger scheme, an IDFC shareholder will get 155 shares for every 100 shares she/he holds in the bank. Both stocks have a face value of Rs 10 each. According to the amalgamation scheme, 264.64 crore shares of IDFC FIRST Bank held by IDFC Ltd will get extinguished, and based on the share exchange ratio mentioned above, 248 crore new shares of IDFC FIRST Bank would be issued to the shareholders of IDFC Ltd based on their respective holdings. After the merger, the standalone book value per share of the bank will increase by 4.9 per cent, as calculated on the audited financials as of March 2023, it said, adding that as of June 2023, IDFC through its non-financial holding company, owned 39.93 per cent in IDFC First Bank. IDFC was an infra lender in the private sector space, and following its bigger peers like ICICI and IDBI, it also launched a banking subsidiary in 2015 IDFC Bank but could not make a mark as the other two could do. Like HDFC Bank, the merged IDFC First Bank will also have no promoter entity, but fully owned by institutional and public shareholders. IDFC began as an infra lender in 1997. It got in-principle approval from the RBI to set up a bank in April 2014, and in October 2015, it launched IDFC Bank when on-tap licensing began, following which loans and liabilities of IDFC were transferred to the bank. In December 2018, it took over Capital First, a consumer and MSME-focused non-bank since 2012, and was renamed as IDFC First Bank and became a full-service universal bank. (With Inputs from Agencies) Wipro, Indias third-biggest software services exporter, has initiated legal action against its former chief financial officer (CFO) Jatin Dalal in the Bengaluru civil court. In response, Dalal has filed an application requesting the court to refer the matter to arbitration. While the specific grounds for the lawsuit remain unclear, arguments from both parties have been presented, and the next hearing is scheduled for January 3, according to a report by Times of India. Both the Bengaluru-based IT major and its former CFO have presented their arguments in the legal matter, and the next hearing is scheduled for January 3. During the forthcoming hearing, the court will make a decision on whether the dispute should proceed to arbitration, which provides an alternative avenue for resolving conflicts, offering a more streamlined and private process compared to traditional court proceedings. News18.com couldnt independently verify the report. Cognizant Technology Solutions named the former Wipro chief financial officer as its CFO in September, a week after his resignation from the Indian information technology (IT) major. He joined Wipro in 2002 and took over as the companys CFO in 2015. His last day is 30 November. Wipro appointed Aparna Iyer as his successor. In early December, Dalal filed an application under Section 8 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996, granting the judicial authority the power to direct parties to arbitration, the TOI report added. Dalal is the second high profile hire by Cognizant in the past twelve months, after it named former Infosys President Ravi Kumar S as its CEO in January. Wipro has also lodged a complaint against its former senior vice-president (SVP) and head of healthcare and medical devices for the Americas, Mohd Haque. The complaint alleges that Haque violated non-compete covenants by joining Cognizant as the SVP and business unit head for life sciences. Wipro further accuses Haque of sharing confidential files from his personal Gmail account, breaching his employment contract, the report further added. Education is frequently seen as the key to getting ahead in life, and for parents who want the best for their kids, international schools are now synonymous with quality and excellence. With access to top-notch facilities and an internationally recognised curriculum, parents in the busy metropolises of Delhi and Mumbai are ready to make substantial financial investments in their childrens education. For parents looking for the finest educational options for their children, selecting a suitable international school is critical. Lets take a look at the top ten most expensive international schools in both Delhi and Mumbai. Although the cost of education at these schools may be extremely high, many parents see it as an intelligent investment in the future of their childrens success. 10 most expensive international schools in Delhi NCR 1. The British School, Chanakyapuri Known for its world-class infrastructure and international curriculum, The British School in Chanakyapuri tops the list of the most expensive international schools in Delhi. 2. The American Embassy School, Chanakyapuri Catering to the expatriate community, The American Embassy School is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and diverse extracurricular activities. The school follows the American curriculum and is one of the costliest in the city. 3. The French School (Lycee Francais de Delhi), Chanakyapuri Reflecting the French commitment to quality education, this international school follows the French curriculum. With a focus on bilingualism and cultural exchange, it is known for its high fees and excellent academic standards. 4. Excelsior American IB School By incorporating international pedagogy and UKs Cambridge-based curricula, Excelsior American School, a residential and day-boarding school located in the heart of Gurugram encourages students to become skilled, confident and future-ready with a global perspective. It offers an elaborate international curriculum as well as an IB diploma programme. 5. The Shri Ram School, Vasant Vihar A prominent name in Delhis education landscape, The Shri Ram School in Vasant Vihar is known for its progressive teaching methods and emphasis on overall development. Its fees reflect the commitment to providing top-notch education. 6. The International School of Choueifat, Gurgaon Located in the satellite city of Gurgaon, this school follows the SABIS educational system and is recognized for its rigorous academic approach. The international curriculum and modern facilities contribute to its high tuition fees. 7. Pathways World School, Aravali Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills, Pathways World School is known for its picturesque campus and emphasis on international-mindedness. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, making it one of the most expensive choices in Delhi. 8. DPS International, Saket A part of the well-known Delhi Public School (DPS) group, DPS International in Saket offers an international curriculum with a focus on holistic development. Its fees are among the highest in the city, reflecting the quality of education provided. 9. The Heritage School, Rohini With a commitment to providing a global learning experience, The Heritage School in Rohini offers the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum. Its extensive facilities and international teaching staff contribute to its premium fees. 10. Pathways School, Noida Another branch of the Pathways School, the Noida campus follows the IB curriculum. Known for its world-class infrastructure and innovative teaching methods, it is one of the costliest international schools in the National Capital Region (NCR). 10 most expensive international schools in Mumbai 1. Dhirubhai Ambani International School, BKC Founded by the Reliance Group, this school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It is renowned for its academic rigor, global exposure, and top-notch facilities, making it one of the most expensive international schools in Mumbai. 2. Ecole Mondiale World School, Juhu Ecole Mondiale World School is a Co-Ed day school run by the International Knowledge Park that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) course for students aged between 3 years and 19 years. 3. Aditya Birla World Academy, Tardeo The Aditya Birla World Academy, established in 2010, is a co-ed day school that provides students with a coherent learning atmosphere. Along with academic distinction, the IB-affiliated school strives for the comprehensive development of its students. 4. The Cathedral & John Connon School, Fort The Cathedral & John Connon School which is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the city of Mumbai follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) for its Classes 11 and 12. 5. Singapore International School, Dahisar Singapore International School, Mumbai is a co-ed school that offers the IB PYP (International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme), IGCSE and International Baccalaureate Diploma Plan) that caters to Indian and international students. 6. Ascend International School, BKC Ascend International School, run by the Kasegaon Education Society and located in BKC, is a Co-Ed school affiliated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) that was founded in 2015. There are three IB programmes for students in Pre-Primary through 12th grade. 7. Bombay International School, South Mumbai Bombay International School, known for its child-centred liberal education, is associated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Geneva and the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) in the United Kingdom. 8. Hill Spring International School, Tardeo Hill Spring International School, managed by the Nagrik Siksha Sanstha Trust, was founded in 2004 as a top international school in South Mumbai, following the IB Diploma curriculum. 9. Mount Litera School International, BKC Mount Litera School International, based in BKC, is a member of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and is authorised to provide the Primary Years Programme. Programme for the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. 10. B.D. Somani International School, Cuffe Parade The IGCSE Programme is followed by B.D. Somani International School in Cuffe Parade for its high school students (Grades 9 10) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for higher secondary students (Grades 11 12). In a recent development, the education department has issued a stern warning to private schools, emphasising on the imperative of updating and submitting comprehensive details of all students admitted under the Right to Education Act of 2009 (RTE Act). This directive states that only those private educational institutions furnishing the requisite information will be eligible for fee reimbursement during the upcoming second term. Despite recurrent reminders from the education department, a significant number of private schools within Ahmedabad have reportedly failed to furnish the necessary particulars concerning students enrolled under the RTE Act, reported Times of India. It has come to light that while the first-term fees for approximately 75,000 students in Classes 1-8 have been reimbursed, fees for 15,000 students remain pending. The latter group has not yet received reimbursement due to inadequate attendance, falling below the stipulated 80 per cent threshold for the term. The Ahmedabad City District Education Officer has explicitly instructed private schools to refrain from directing students and their parents to the District Education Officers (DEO) office for inquiries regarding withheld fees. Instead, schools are mandated to display a printout of the data uploaded on the official website concerning RTE students on their notice boards. This measure is aimed at informing parents that, owing to their childrens insufficient attendance, fee reimbursement has not been processed. Furthermore, in cases where discrepancies in bank details are identified, schools are urged to facilitate corrections promptly. This proactive approach ensures that any hindrance in the fee reimbursement process is promptly addressed. The RTE Act mandates all private schools to reserve 25 per cent of their total seats for students belonging to the economically weaker section (EWS) category. As per the rule, the schools are to provide the economically weaker students with all required study materials, which would be later reimbursed by the government. This initiative aims to promote inclusivity and equal educational opportunities for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Private schools are instructed to adhere to these guidelines to ensure the smooth functioning of the RTE Act and uphold its fundamental principles. The RTE Act, enacted in 2009, stipulates specific documentation requirements for student admissions under its purview. These include proof of residential address, an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate, an Aadhaar card, an income certificate, age verification, passport-size photographs, contact details, a ration card, and a caste certificate if applicable. Students of a government high school in Moi Majri village, Sonipat district have been taking their classes sitting outside in the cold weather. Why? The state education department is yet to construct a building, reported the Times of India. The department has been unable to construct a building in the last two years thus forcing students of classes 5 to 10 to learn their lessons sitting on the floor in corridors of the school. The students have been without a roof over their heads since 2021. As per reports, authorities had razed the school building two years back declaring it unsafe. Since then, the school authorities and students have been waiting for the construction to start. The school, with 300 students, has only three rooms and lacks basic amenities. The Haryana education department said there has been some progress in the infrastructure work, however, the poor condition of the school says otherwise. The construction work of the schools, which will cost around Rs 4.15 crore, is yet to commence. The local MLA has urged the government to provide another building for the school, however, there has been no response. ALSO READ | Haryana Govt Schools Embrace Tab-Based Exams via Nipun Teachers App for Classes 1-3 Meanwhile, the Haryana government has declared winter vacation across all government and private schools in the state, from January 1 to January 15, 2024. The schools will reopen on January 16. The district education officers, district fundamental officers, and block education officials of every district in the state have received directives from the Haryana Education Department in this regard. Every year in winter, 15 days of holidays are given by the Haryana government. Last year also, the Haryana Directorate of School Education issued the same notification and declared winter vacation from January 1 to January 15, 2023, in all government and private schools in the state. Schools were reopened in the state on January 16. The students in 10th and 12th grades, however, had to attend classes. The classes were continued given the preparation of board exams for the students in classes 10 and 12. The Olathe Northwest High School in Kansas Citys suburbs is embroiled in a controversial dispute after authorising the establishment of a Satan Club, causing fury and concern among parents. Despite criticism in the form of an online petition with about 7,800 signatures, the school, as reported by Fox 4 Kansas City, has officially accepted the newly founded club, known for its links to Satan worship and the Satanic Temple. The student-initiated clubs application was approved following the fulfilment of particular requirements specified by the school administration. According to an Olathe Public Schools official, the application needed to be supported by a minimum of 10 students who were interested in founding the club. Additional signatures were required from a student representative and a faculty supervisor. Club leaders were also required to give authorities a presentation outlining the ways in which their group would contribute to the high school community at large. There has been a fair share of criticism of the establishment of this club. An online petition named Stop The Satan Worship Club at Olathe Northwest was started in the beginning of December by a concerned student in opposition to the schools decision. Schools should be places of education and growth, not platforms for satanic indoctrination or controversial practices, stated the petitions leader, Drew McDonald, expressing his profound worries, as reported by Fox 4 Kansas City. The online petition, however, went short of preventing the school from approving the contentious Satan Club. A federal statute known as the Equal Access Act was a major factor in this decision to approve the Satan Club. It forbids discrimination against student-initiated groups in public schools on the grounds of their religious or philosophical beliefs. The district stressed that once one club has been recognised, all clubs must be permitted as long as the application procedure is completed and the recognition standards are met. Olathe Northwest High School has now joined a long list of schools dealing with the setting up of similar clubs. According to Times Now, plans to launch the first After School Satan Club (ASSC) at Chimneyrock Elementary School in Cordova, Tennessee, were recently revealed by the Satanic Temple. In 2022, elementary schools in Virginia, California, and Massachusetts were chastised for allowing children to organise Satan Clubs, prompting a national discussion about the appearance of such groups in educational institutions. The administration of a school in the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh got embroiled in legal trouble for allegedly punishing students over chanting Jai Shri Ram. The incident has been reported from the Bharat Mata Convent School located in Ganjbasoda town of Vidisha. As per the complaint filed with the police, students were reportedly thrashed for chanting Jai Shri Ram during the Childrens Day celebration at the school. The case came to light when Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leader Vivek Vishwakarma lodged a complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on November 10, according to a report by Hindustan Times. NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanoongo visited Bharat Mata Convent School after receiving the complaint. Following an inquiry, the statements of the affected students were recorded, confirming the allegations of mistreatment. Subsequently, an FIR was registered under section 75 (punishment for cruelty to a child) of the Juvenile Justice Act. According to the report, Kanoongo expressed dissatisfaction with the initial response from the state government. He said, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leader Vivek Vishwakarma made a complaint to the commission on November 10 regarding the thrashing of children in the school for chanting Jai Shri Ram during the Childrens Day function. We forwarded it to the state government, but no action was taken in the matter. The NCPCR along with the Child Welfare Committee conducted the investigation. Two children have recorded written statements confirming the incident. They informed us that they were thrashed by the school principal, Child Welfare Committee Chairman Prem Singh Dhakad revealed. In response to the accusations, the schools principal, Sister Reena, defended the disciplinary action, stating, The students had acted against the discipline of the school and a minor punishment was given to them. According to Vidisha police, the FIR has been registered after the instructions form the NCPCR team and further investigation is underway. The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) has begun the registration process for 60,244 constable positions starting today, December 27. Interested and eligible candidates can apply through the official website at uppbpb.gov.in. The last date to apply is January 18. UP police aim to fill the vacancies across various positions such as constable, SI, jail warder, radio operator, clerical cadre, computer operator, and computer programmer. To apply for the position of Sub Inspector, candidates must hold a graduate degree, while constable positions require a minimum educational qualification of 12th pass. UP Police Recruitment 2023: How to Apply Step 1 Go to the official website at uppbpb.gov.in Step 2 Click on the recruitment link on the homepage. Step 3 Register yourself. Step 4 Fill in the form. Step 5 Pay the application fees. Candidates are required to pay an application fee of Rs 400. Step 6 Submit the form and download the acknowledgment page for further use. UP Police Recruitment 2023: Selection Process Selection for the UP police constable posts will be based on physical tests and written examinations, with the first stage being a written exam. The written exam will carry a total of 300 marks and last for one hour. The exam will cover four subjects including General Knowledge, General Hindi, Numerical Aptitude, and Mental Aptitude, with 150 questions in total. Each question carries two marks and 0.5 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. In terms of physical tests, male candidates from the General/OBC and SC categories should have a minimum height of 168 cm, while male candidates from the ST category will have a height relaxation of 8 cm, with a minimum height requirement of 160 cm. Chest measurements for General, OBC, and SC male candidates should be a minimum of 79 cm without expansion and at least 84 cm after expansion. SC category candidates receive chest size relaxation, with a minimum requirement of 77 cm without expansion and at least 82 cm after expansion. For female applicants in the General, OBC, and SC categories, the minimum height requirement is 152 cm, while ST category applicants should have a minimum height of 147 cm. The weight of female candidates should be at least 40 kg. In the physical efficiency test, male candidates are required to complete a 4.8 km race in 25 minutes, while female candidates must complete a 2.4 km race in 14 minutes. With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. Tesla said to launch revamped Model Y in China Tesla Inc. is preparing to roll out a revamped version of its smash hit Model Y from its Shanghai plant, according to Bloomberg, who cited people familiar with the matter. The US electric carmaker is currently conducting preparation work in China for its refreshed Model Y SUV and mass production may start as soon as mid-2024, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information isn't public. Existing Model Y sold in China; photo credit: Tesla China BYD showcases four NEV models at International MotorXpo Hong Kong 2023 At the International MotorXpo Hong Kong 2023 that kicked off earlier this month, BYD showcased four of its new energy vehicle models, including the BYD ATTO 3 (named Yuan PLUS in Chinese Mainland), the BYD SEAL, the BYD DOLPHIN, and the DENZA D9 MPV. RoboSense initiates IPO procedure On December 27, RoboSense, a world-leading provider of LiDAR and Perception Systems, announced the commencement of its initial public offering (IPO) progress, with the subscription period set to conclude on January 2, 2024. It is set to go public on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on January 5 next year. Geely to launch 11 satellites in early 2024 Geely is set to launch 11 satellites in early 2024, according to a post on "Geely Galaxy New Energy", one of Geely's official Sina Weibo accounts issued on December 27. AVATR Technology appoints Chen Zhuo as president On December 26, AVATR Technology, the premium new energy vehicle company jointly supported by Changan Automobile, Huawei, and CATL, announced Chen Zhuo has been promoted to its President, assuming comprehensive responsibilities for operational management. BYD receives conditional L3 autonomous driving vehicle testing license in July 2023 On December 27, BYD announced via its official Weibo account that it had obtained the conditional L3 autonomous driving vehicle testing license in Shenzhen on July 21, becoming the first automotive company in China to receive this permit. Xiaomi's SU7 sedan model to feature relatively high price: Lei Jun Ever since Xiaomi's SU7 vehicle model received regulatory approval from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the industry and enthusiasts have been speculating about its price. JAC Group's Yiwei brand rolls off first sodium battery-powered mass-produced vehicle On December 27, JAC Group's Yiwei new energy vehicle brand, debuted the world's first mass-produced sodium battery-powered vehicle, set for large-scale deliveries post New Year's Day. Hongqi partners with PhoenixTV to enhance global brand presence On December 26, FAW Group's Hongqi brand and PhoenixTV formalized a strategic cooperation framework aimed at bolstering the global prominence of China's auto brands and amplifying the narrative of "Hongqi" worldwide. Hesai Technology achieves cumulative LiDAR delivery milestone of over 300,000 units On December 26, the LiDAR supplier Hesai Technology announced that its cumulative LiDAR deliveries have surpassed 300,000 units since its inception, establishing itself as the world's first automotive LiDAR company to reach this feat. China's Cubic Sensor and Instrument to build gas sensor production base in Hungary Cubic Sensor and Instrument Co., Ltd. ("Cubic"), a Chinese company specializing in smart gas sensors and superior gas analyzers, announced on December 25 that it intends to set up a new company in Hungary, named Cubic Sensor and Instrument (Hungary) Limited ("Hungary Cubic"), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cubic Sensor and Instrument (Hong Kong) Limited ("Hong Kong Cubic"). The newly registered company will be responsible for establishing a production base in Hungary to supply locally produced gas sensors to the company's European clientele. All-new BYD Tang EV hits Paraguayan market In recent days, BYD announced the official opening of its new showroom in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, according to a post on BYD's WeChat account. In a dynamic turn of events for the academic sector, several groundbreaking announcements have reshaped the educational landscape in India. From international collaborations with Australian universities and the expansion of prestigious Indian institutes to transformative policies such as the implementation of the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), these developments signify a significant stride towards globalizing education and enhancing academic excellence. Additionally, prominent global rankings shed light on the noteworthy achievements of Indian universities, emphasising their growing influence on the international stage. Here is some of the top news in the higher education sector: Australias Deakin University and Wollongong University to Set Up Campuses in India Union Minister for Education and Skill Development, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Australias Minister for Education, Jason Clare, have announced the opening of Deakin University and the University of Wollongong campuses in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The minister highlighted the move as bringing world-class learning opportunities to India and expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for the vision to transform education through the National Education Policy (NEP). NCERT Granted Deemed To Be University Status The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been granted deemed to be university status, according to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He announced during the NCERTs 63rd Foundation Day celebrations, stating that the institutions existing engagement in research and innovation led to the recognition of its national importance. The regional and state education councils throughout the country will function as off-campus of NCERT. The minister also mentioned that the nomenclature issue will be addressed with the introduction and passage of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill. IIT Madras Inaugurates Campus in Zanzibar IIT Madras launched its campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania this year. At present, a campus is located in Bweleo district, which is approximately 15 km south of Zanzibar Town. A permanent campus will be built soon jointly by the government of Zanzibar and the government of India. The IIT will offer BS and MTech programmes in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. In the first batch at IITM Zanzibar, students from Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania, Nepal, and India have been admitted with 40 per cent of the students being women. Over 100 Universities Across India To Join FYUP Starting from the upcoming academic session in August, 101 universities across India will implement the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), according to the University Grants Commission (UGC). This multidisciplinary four-year degree program will be adopted by central universities, deemed to be universities, state universities, and state-private universities, with some offering it for all courses and others for select programmes. IISc Bangalore Best Indian Institute in World University Rankings 2024 The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 includes 91 Indian institutes, with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore leading among Indian universities in the 201-250 rank range. Notably, several Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) continue to boycott the rankings. The US has the highest representation, while India is now the fourth most-represented nation, surpassing China. Oxford University tops the list, followed by Stanford and MIT, with Harvard and Cambridge rounding out the top five. QS World University Rankings: DU best sustainable institution in India Delhi University (DU) has been recognized as the leading sustainable institution in India, securing the 220th spot globally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024. While no Indian higher education institution made it to the top 200 globally, other notable placements include IIT-Bombay at 303, IIT-Madras at 344, IIT-Roorkee at 387, and IIT-Delhi at 426. The rankings evaluate universities based on social impact, environmental impact, and governance in addressing global challenges. The University of Toronto tops the list globally. The 2024 edition features 1,397 institutions across 95 countries and territories. NIRF 2023: IIT Madras Secures Top Spot As Best University IIT Madras has secured the top position in the NIRF Ranking 2023, as announced by the Minister of State for Education and External Affairs. The rankings consider factors such as teaching, research, graduation outcomes, outreach, and perception, covering various categories including overall, engineering, pharmacy, college, medical, law, architecture, and dental. QS World University Rankings 2024: IIT-Bombay Best Among Indian Universities IIT Bombay has achieved its highest-ever ranking, securing the 149th position in the QS World University Rankings 2024. This marks the first time in eight years that an Indian institution has entered the top 150 list. However, overall, 13 Indian universities have experienced a decline in rankings, with IIT Delhi slipping to 197th position and other reputed institutions facing similar setbacks. India remains the seventh most-represented country globally, with 45 universities in the rankings. The top Congress leadership held a meeting with leaders of the partys Andhra Pradesh unit on Wednesday to discuss the strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the southern state. The meeting that was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and other top leaders of the party, comes amid a series of such deliberations being held by the Congress high command with its state leaders. Taking to X, Kharge said it was an important strategy meeting where the leaders shared their thoughts on strengthening the party for the general election. Everyone believes that ground situation has drastically changed after government formation in Karnataka and Telangana. Every leader and worker is going to work hard and re-establish the bond which the people of Andhra Pradesh once shared with the Congress party, Kharge said on the microblogging platform. Talking to reporters, Andhra Pradesh Congress incharge Manickam Tagore said the meeting went on for more than two hours and the partys plans for the Lok Sabha election as well as the state Assembly polls were discussed. We invite all voices who believe in the Congresss ideology to join the party to rebuild Andhra Pradesh, a dream which got lost because of the (Narendra) Modi governments discrimination. Unkept promises of the Centre in the last 10 years have destroyed Andhra Pradeshs development. The Congress is ready to fight the battle of 2024, Tagore said. Asked if the party will go for an alliance in the southern state for the assembly and Lok Sabha polls, he said a decision in this regard will be taken by the top leadership. Tagore also said seat sharing was not discussed at the meeting. Andhra Pradesh has 25 Lok Sabha seats, of which 22 are with the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), while the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) holds the remaining three. The YSRCP is also in power in the state and has 147 of the 175 MLAs in the assembly. The attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Yemens Houthi rebels have rerouted a majority of global trade away from the crucial maritime route for consumer goods and energy supplies. Several leading companies and business groups have said that they would avoid travelling through Red Sea to avoid possible attacks, leading to delays and price hike. Meanwhile, another major shipping route Panama Canal facing droughts leading to a reduced number of daily transits from 29 to 25 ships. The Panama Canal Authority is starting new cuts in vessel traffic which will reach over a 40% reduction of vessels by February due to an ongoing drought. About six percent of global maritime trade passes through the Panama Canal while 30 percent of global container traffic pass through the Suez canal, which leads into the Red Sea each year. Here is a detailed look at how the disruptions at the two major routes across the globe has impacted trade: Red Sea Disruptions Why Are Houthis Attacking Ships in Red Sea? The Houthis, Iranian-backed rebels who seized Yemens capital Sanaa, in 2014, have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks have increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The Huthis say their strikes on passing container ships are in support of Palestinians in the Gaza war raging between Israel and militant group Hamas since October 7. They have used drones and anti-ship missiles to attack vessels and in one case used a helicopter to board and seize an Israeli-owned ship and its crew. They have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. Thats now escalated to apparently any vessel, with container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries like Norway and Liberia being attacked or drawing missile fire. Why is Red Sea Important? The Red Sea has the Suez Canal at its northern end and the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end leading into the Gulf of Aden. Its a busy waterway with ships traversing the Suez Canal to bring goods between Asia and Europe and beyond. Around 20,000 ships pass through the Suez Canal every year. 40% of Asia-Europe trade normally goes through the area, including a huge amount of energy supplies like oil and diesel fuel for import-dependent Europe. In all, about 30% of global container traffic and more than 1 million barrels of crude oil per day typically head through the Suez Canal. How Houthi Attacks are Affecting Trade? Huge shipping container companies MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM Group and Hapag-Lloyd, among others, are avoiding the Red Sea and sending their ships around Africa and the Cape of Good Hope. Shippers amounting to 62% of global capacity are opting for the longer route. Thats lead the number of vessels moving through the Red Sea to drop by more than 40% in a week. London-based BP also that it has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea, including shipments of oil, liquid natural gas and other energy supplies. Drought in Panama Canal Why is there Drought in Panama Canal? The lack of water in Panama has hampered canal operations in recent years and some experts have warned that ships may soon have to avoid the canal altogether if the problem gets worse. Though Panama with its equatorial climate it one of the wettest countries, rainfall there has been 30 percent below average this year, causing water levels to plunge in the lakes that feed the canal and its mighty locks. Fewer passages could deprive Panamas government of tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue, push up the cost of shipping and increase greenhouse gas emissions when ships travel longer routes. Is the Trade Hit Through Panama? In 2023, 510 million tons of cargo passed through the Panamanian waterway, eight million less than in the previous year. The number of transits also fell from 13,003 vessels to 12,638. According to Panama Canal authorities, the drought has reduced the number of daily transits from 29 to 25 ships and in the proceeding weeks, it will further reduce vessels to 18 ships a day in February, according to CNBC. This decrease is due to measures that the Canal Authority has taken to restrict vessel traffic due to water shortages resulting from climate change and the El Nino phenomenon. The canal operates entirely from water collected through rainfall. According to authorities, 2023 is the second-driest year in the Canal watersheds recorded history, AFP reported. However, the Panama government said that the Canal delivered $2.5 billion to the national treasury for last years operations despite record-low water levels. (With inputs from agencies) The Central government is likely to sign the historic peace agreement with the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). A tripartite accord is likely to be signed on December 29 between the pro-talks faction of ULFA, and the central and Assam governments, aiming to bring a lasting peace in the northeastern state. The peace pact will be signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma on December 29 at around 5 pm. What is ULFA and Why it Was Formed? The ULFA was formed on April 7, 1979, to seek the restoration of Assams sovereignty, a topic that now remains only on the agenda of the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA(I). The outfit has been involved in subversive activities that led to the central government declaring it a banned outfit in 1990. Beginning in 1990, the government attempted to wean away members of the ULFA. This happened after the death of ULFAs deputy commander-in-chief Heerak Jyoti Mahanta on December 31, 1991. He had opposed surrenders, but they began after his death. In 1992, a large section of second-rung leaders and members surrendered to the government. The total number of ULFA militants to have laid down arms has gone up to 8,718 this year. The original ULFA split after the top leadership, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, was arrested in Bangladesh and handed over to India in 2008. Three years later, Rajkhowa and his group decided to join the peace talks. When Did the Peace Talks Begin? In April 2010, an umbrella group of Assams civil society organisations that called itself Sanmilita Jatiya Abhivartan (SJA) held its first convention in the Machkhowa area of Guwahati to facilitate talks between the outfit and the Centre to resolve the conflict. The SJA put together a charter of demands for the ULFA to take up with the Centre. The Rajkhowa-led ULFA faction had begun unconditional talks with the central government in 2011, despite strong opposition from the hardline wing led by Paresh Baruah, who is believed to be along the China-Myanmar border. Paresh Barua has expressed his decision to stay away from it and thereafter formed ULFA (Independent). Among other issues, ULFAs charter of demands includes recognition of six communities in Assam Moran, Muttock, Tai-Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi, Sootea and Tea Tribes as Scheduled Tribes (ST). If the tribal status is granted to these six communities, it will lead to 50 per cent population of Assam becoming tribal or Assam turning into a tribal-dominated state. The fear of indigenous communities that the illegal immigrants from Bangladesh would soon usurp the political power would diminish if assembly seats were reserved for STs accordingly. Peace Talks This Year Two top leaders of the Rajkhowa group Anup Chetia and Sashdhar Choudhary were in New Delhi last week and closeted with the government interlocutors to give the final touches to the peace agreement, the sources said. Those who have been talking to the ULFA faction from the government side include the Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka and the governments advisor on Northeast affairs AK Mishra. The ULFA leaders have put forward their demands before Delhi, which include: Constitutional and political arrangements. Identity protection for the local indigenous population. Financial and economic packages. Settlement of royalties on mines/minerals. Establishment of rights for independent use to foster sustainable economic development. Addressing the issue of illegal migration. Other demands included measures such as tough border control, river patrolling and the formation of a native force to secure the borders. What the Final Deal Could Look Like? As per government sources, the final deal may encompass a financial package, scrutiny of the citizenship list regarding illegal immigrants, new land reservation measures and rights for the indigenous communities of Assam. The deal would also have provisions for political, economic, and cultural safeguards for the indigenous communities in Assam. The peace pact with the ULFA(I) will be a major breakthrough for the Narendra Modi-led government in addressing the longstanding insurgency issue in the Northeast. Will the pact end ULFA in Assam? While the historic pact will be signed between pro-talks ULFA leaders and the government, the Paresh Baruah faction is insistent on a sovereign Assam. It is expected that attention will now turn towards engaging the anti-talks faction, the ULFA (Independent), led by Paresh Baruah. Political Reactions On the peace pact, Congress leader Debabrta Saikia said: During Congress regime, too, there were trials for a successful peace pact with ULFA. Thats what gave rise to SULFA. But now that peace pact is going to be signed, we have not been told with whom it will be signed. Because there is still another faction under Paresh Baruah that is claiming sovereignty for Assam. Has the Centre spoken to them? If not, then I dont think we can consider it a peace pact. On the other hand, Ratna Singh, Assam BJP spokesperson, said the pact will not only generate opportunities for the indigenous youths of Assam, but will also build trust in the Narendra Modi government. Sweden edged closer toward joining NATO on Tuesday after the Turkish parliaments foreign affairs committee cleared another hurdle in the Nordic countrys membership in the military alliance. Swedens NATO bid had been stalled for months amid opposition from Turkey and Hungary and it was further complicated after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan linked it to Ankaras request for F-16 fighter jets from its ally the United States. But Erdogan dropped his objection to Swedens membership during a NATO summit in July, but it took him several months to send the bill to parliament for ratification and weeks for the parliamentary committee to give its consent. The long-delayed protocol now needs to be approved by the full general assembly and it remains to be seen how quickly the issue will be taken up by the floor. Why Sweden Wants to Join NATO? European countries including Sweden and Finland abandoned their decades-long neutrality and sought membership in NATO amid heightened security concerns following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Finland became NATOs 31st member earlier this year, after Turkeys parliament ratified its bid. Hungary, the only other NATO holdout on Sweden, has not announced when the countrys ratification may occur. Why Has Turkey Delayed Approving Swedens NATO Bid? Turkeys opposition to Swedish membership in NATO stemmed from its belief that the Nordic country has been too soft toward supporters of Kurdish militants and other groups in Sweden that Ankara views as security threats. These include people associated with the Kurdistan Workers Party or PKK, which has waged a 4-decade long insurgency in Turkey, and people with alleged links to a coup attempt in 2016 against President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government. Turkey, Sweden and Finland reached an agreement last year to tackle Ankaras security concerns and Sweden subsequently took steps to tighten its anti-terrorism laws, making support for extremist organizations punishable by up to eight years in prison. Recently, a series of anti-Turkey and anti-Islam protests held in Stockholm, some of which involved the burning of the Quran, has also angered Erdogans government and the Turkish public. Although these demonstrations were condemned by the Swedish government, the Turkish government criticized Sweden for allowing displays of anti-Muslim sentiment. What Made Turkey Lift Its Objections? While Sweden strengthened its antiterrorism laws to address Ankaras security concerns, NATO agreed to establish a special coordinator for counterterrorism and appointed Assistant Secretary General Tom Goffus to the position. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the alliances summit meeting in July that Sweden had agreed to support actively the efforts to reinvigorate Turkeys EU accession process. Sweden announced it would seek improved customs arrangements and take steps to implement visa-free European travel for Turkish citizens. Turkeys EU membership talks came to a standstill in 2018 because of the countrys democratic backsliding and poor record on human rights. Earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly linked Swedens NATO membership to Ankaras efforts to purchase US-made F-16 fighter jets and also called on Canada and other NATO allies to lift arms embargoes on Turkey. During Tuesdays debate at the parliamentary committee, opposition legislator Oguz Kaan Salici questioned whether the government had received assurances from the United States concerning the F-16s sale. US President Joe Bidens administration backs Turkeys F-16 request but within the US Congress there is strong opposition to selling arms to Turkey. Turkey wants to buy 40 new F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits for its existing fleet. What Happens Now? The approval by the parliamentary committee paves the way for Swedens accession protocol to be debated and ratified by the general assembly. It would then have to be signed off by Erdogan to come into effect. It was not clear when the full assembly would debate the bill. Erdogans ruling party and its allies command a majority in the 600-seat parliament. However, Erdogan has said the decision rests with lawmakers. His ruling partys nationalist allies remain uneasy with Swedens membership and accuse NATO members of indifference toward the PKK threat to Turkey. This week, Kurdish militants attempted to infiltrate a Turkish base in northern Iraq, killing 12 soldiers in two days of clashes. Islamist parties, frustrated by what they perceive to be Western nations silence toward Israels military actions in Gaza, may vote against the bill. What About Hungary? Hungarys governing Fidesz party led by populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is widely considered one of Russian President Vladimir Putins only allies in the EU has stalled Swedens NATO bid since July 2022, alleging that Swedish politicians have told blatant lies about the condition of Hungarys democracy. Yet neither Orban nor his senior officials have indicated what kind of redress they require from Stockholm to allay their reservations over Sweden joining the military alliance. Some critics have alleged that Hungary is using its potential veto power over Swedens accession as a tool to leverage concessions from the European Union, which has frozen billions in funds to Budapest over concerns over minority rights and the rule of law. Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the army alongside protecting the country must also win the hearts of Indian citizens. He urged troops to not make any such mistakes that may hurt the citizens of the country. The Indian Army is not considered an ordinary force in the world. The people accept that the army is much more powerful than ever and also well-equipped compared to the past. You are the guardians of the nation but alongside protecting the country, you need to win the hearts of the citizens. It is a big responsibility on your shoulders, he told troops at a military garrison in Rajouri as he arrived in Jammu and Kashmir earlier in the day to review the security situation following a terrorist ambush in Poonch that had left four soldiers dead on December 21. Singh said he has full faith in the Indian Army that it will wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir, but it is the responsibility of the troops to win the hearts of the people while performing their duty towards the security of the nation. His statement comes amid the outrage that sparked in the wake of three civilians being found dead in Poonch district on December 22. Safeer Hussain (43), Mohd Showket (27) and Shabir Ahmad (32) were allegedly picked up by the army for questioning following the ambush. Video clips purportedly showing torture of the detained civilians went viral on social media. Four others Mohd Zulfkar, his brother Mohd Betab, Fazal Hussain and Mohd Farooq were admitted at the GMC hospital in Rajouri last Friday after they were allegedly beaten up by the troops in Thanamandi area during the anti-terrorist operation. The defence minister was accompanied by army chief General Manoj Pande and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. He flew to Rajouri district soon after his arrival in Jammu to review the security situation, especially in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch where terror attacks and infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control (LoC) have witnessed a spike this year. While the minister lauded the troops for their bravery, he said: I believe in your bravery and steadfastness; terrorism should be finished from Jammu and Kashmir and you need to move forward with this commitment. I have full faith that you will achieve victory. Rajnath assures justice to families of 3 slain civilians Such incidents (ambush) cannot be taken for granted. I know you are alert to the situation but feel more alertness is required. I want to assure you that the government stands with you and your welfare is our top priority, Singh told the troops. He added: There is a need to do it with more seriousness and it can be achieved by meeting the people, listening to their problems and raising those issues at appropriate level for redressal. The minister also met the families of the three civilians found dead last week. He assured justice to their families and also visited the Government Medical College to inquire about the health of four other torture victims. Please have faith in us. Nobody can bring back to life of those who have died. But there will be justice, Singh told five members of three families of the deceased. He further said they are all pained at the loss of lives in Poonch. We all I, LG Sahib and Prime Minister Ji are pained, he told the kin in presence of divisional commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and IGP Anand Jain. Whatever has happenedthere will be justice, he said. (With PTI inputs) Ahead of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Indian Railways renamed the railway station in the holy city Ayodhya Junction to Ayodhya Dham Junction. The temple will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22. The name of Ayodhya Junction has been changed to Ayodhya Dham Junction: Indian Railway https://t.co/5SPgTPuD87 pic.twitter.com/geXhuP0pPV ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 PM Modi will inaugurate Ayodhya Dham Junction on December 30. While the stations development is planned to occur in three phases, the first phase has been fully completed ahead of its inauguration. Indian Railways accepted the proposal shared by the Uttar Pradesh government to rename the station. However, the station code will remain the same. AYODHYA JUNCTION FACELIFT: USED SAME STONE AS RAM TEMPLE The stones for the construction of the junction, too, were brought from the Bansi Paharpur area of the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, the same place from where the stones for the construction of Ram temple were supplied, said a source. VIDEO | Ayodhya Railway Junction, which has now been renamed to #AyodhyaDham Junction, is illuminated with colorful lights.(Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/wibqBGLuRG Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2023 What distinguishes this station is its meticulously planned development, which outperforms even airport facilities in terms of quality and convenience. Infant care, a sick room, a tourist information centre, a fire exit, and the countrys largest concourse are all available at the railway station. In the event of an injury or illness during the journey, a dedicated sick room at the station is available for first aid and medical assistance. The station also features a Passenger Facilities Desk and Tourist Information Centre, providing passengers with comprehensive information about spiritual and tourist destinations in the area, including the Shri Ram Temple, along with convenient means of access. In addition to these amenities, Ayodhya Dham provides standard facilities found in newly developed stations, such as cloakrooms, a food plaza, waiting halls, staircases, escalators, lifts, and toilets. All floors are connected to fire exits, ensuring a safe evacuation route in the event of any unforeseen situations. The first floor will also feature additional facilities such as a food plaza, waiting hall, toilets, drinking water stations, escalators, lifts, staff rooms, shops, waiting rooms, and an entry footbridge. Furthermore, the station has taken into consideration the needs of individuals with disabilities by incorporating specially designed toilets. The West Bengal government on Wednesday appointed former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar as the new director general and inspector general of police. The 1989-batch IPS officer, who was questioned by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam, will take charge from Thursday (December 28) as Manoj Malviya retired on the day. According to officials, Kumar will hold additional charge as DG since he is the secretary of information and technology department. An IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, he has earlier served as the additional DGP of the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID). As the Kolkata police commissioner, Kumar made headlines when chief minister Mamata Banerjee took to the streets in February 2019 as a CBI team reached his residence to question him as part of the investigation into the infamous Saradha scam. While the Kolkata Police did not allow the central agency to question the then top cop, there was a massive showdown between the two forces over this. As the city police got into a tussle with CBI officials, the chief minister sat on a dharna in Dharmatala calling the agencys action political vendetta. Sources said Kumar was later interrogated by the CBI in Shillong as he was heading the special investigation team (SIT) looking into the alleged scam. Sources told News18 that the DG is appointed when the state government sends names of DG-rank IPS officers to the UPSC with their annual confidential report. The UPSC then sends back three names, out of which one is selected. But, they added, in this case no name has been sent to the UPSC and, hence, the state can appoint any senior IPS officer of DG rank in that post for the time being. The BJP hit out at Kumars appointment and requested the CBI to take it up with the Supreme Court. Leader of opposition Suvendhu Adhikary said the new DGP had helped Mamata Banerjee stay outside. Rajeev Kumar has destroyed evidence and has helped Mamata Banerjee to stay outside, thats why he has been made DG. I would request CBI to follow up matter in Supreme Court, he added. Pro-Kannada outfits on Wednesday entered Bengaluru city from Sadahalli toll plaza, holding a massive rally in support of sixty per cent signboards and logos in Kannada. Visuals from the spot showed men and women pulling apart individual English letter signages of a popular chain of hotels at Sadahalli toll plaza while shouting slogans. Police security has been tightened near the toll plaza with barricades being set up to prevent the rally from entering the main city area. A report in Times of India stated that several traders associations in Chickpet have asked owners of shops and business establishments to put up nameboards with 60% of signage in Kannada before the deadline of February 28. The urgent request has been made to avoid unwanted legal action by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike as well as interruption by pro-Kannada activists. Chickpet sub-division police officials also held a meeting with traders in their jurisdiction to seek their cooperation. According to the report, police said the traders can run their business without any hurdle if they put up nameboards with 60% signage in Kannada. A trader who participated in the meeting was quoted as saying that the officials from BBMP and the police department assured the stakeholders that nobody will disturb them till February 28. As a result, the traders community is spreading awareness among businessmen and requesting them to change the boards. We are spreading awareness by sending messages through WhatsApp and other social media. We are ready to abide by the directive, a trader was quoted. At a meeting with senior officials on Tuesday, BBMP chief commissioner Tushar Giri Nath asked them to issue notices to those shops dilly-dallying on the issue, suspend their trade licence initially if they are not willing and later cancel it. A report in Deccan Herald stated that the 60 per cent Kannada on name boards rule has created confusion among traders. Many traders are reportedly unaware of the notification. We got to know that there was such a rule only through the media reports in the last two days, Kailash Balar, Secretary, Karnataka Hosiery and Garment Association, was quoted as saying. A senior police officer in charge of the Chickpet subdivision was quoted: They had a misconception that the rule was being imposed by certain organisations and hence had many confusions. Noting this confusion among the traders, we voluntarily took the initiative and conducted an awareness meeting. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday convicted two highly radicalised members of al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and sentenced them to seven years imprisonment each. Akthar Hussain Laskar (alias Md Hussain) of Assam and Abdul Aleem Mondal (alias Md Juba) of West Bengal have also been fined Rs 41,000 and Rs 51,000 respectively by the court in the case (RC-40/2022/NIA/DLI). The NIA had registered a case against them on August 30, 2022, under sections 153A, 153B, 120B, 121, 121A, 114, 511 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 10, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The conviction of the two AQIS members marks a major success in the NIAs sustained efforts to identify the banned outfits handlers and prosecute them, said officials. As per NIA investigations, the two convicts had been radicalised and recruited by foreign-based online handlers of AQIS and were actively engaged in furthering the activities of the terrorist group. Following their recruitment by AQIS, the men had joined various Telegram groups. The NIA probe has also revealed that the men had conspired to undertake hijrah (holy migration) to the Khorasan Province of Afghanistan, where they also intended to undergo training. Further, the two men had planned to carry out jihad against members of a particular community in India after undertaking training in Khorasan, as part of the AQIS conspiracy to promote its anti-India agenda through acts of terror and violence. They were also in the process of radicalising and recruiting other youth into the AQIS, besides motivating them to commit hijraj to Khorasan, Afghanistan. Pushing forward the cause pioneered by Mao best way to pay tribute: Xi 08:36, December 27, 2023 By Cui Fandi and Yang Sheng ( Global Times People gather at the Mao Zedong Square in Shaoshan, the late leader's hometown in Central China's Hunan Province, laying flowers in front of a giant Mao statue and singing the revolutionary song "The East Is Red" on December 26, 2023 to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Mao's birth. Similar events are also held in other places across China. Photo: Cui Fandi/GT Commemorations to mark the 130th anniversary of the birth of People's Republic of China's founding leader Chairman Mao Zedong were held by the Communist Party of China, the Chinese local governments and Chinese people across the country on Tuesday. From major cities like Beijing and Shanghai to Mao's hometown of Shaoshan in Central China's Hunan Province, as well as sacred revolutionary sites like Jingganshan in East China's Jiangxi Province and Yan'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, high-profile official and voluntary commemorations nationwide highlight the significance of Mao's thoughts, spirit and legacies on all fronts to not only China, but also to a world in turbulence, as experts remarked. High-profile commemoration The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Tuesday morning held a symposium to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the symposium held in the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing. Xi stressed the importance of pushing forward the cause pioneered by Comrade Mao Zedong and called for efforts to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization. Mao Zedong Thought is an invaluable spiritual wealth for our Party and will guide our action in the long term, Xi said, underscoring that the best way to commemorate Comrade Mao Zedong is to continue to advance the cause pioneered by him. Before the symposium, Xi and other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Vice President Han Zheng, as well as other senior leaders of the Party and the state gathered at the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Xi and the leaders bowed three times to the seated statue of Comrade Mao and then went to pay homage to Comrade Mao's body in the hall where his remains lie. Xin Ming, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, told the Global Times on Tuesday that "when it comes to round numbers like the 110th, 120th and 130th anniversaries, China will surely organize a high-profile commemoration to pay tribute to Mao, and Chinese people will voluntarily pay tribute to him because Mao had made tremendous contributions to the happiness that we have today and to the rejuvenation process of the Chinese nation." From 6 am on Monday to 5 pm on Tuesday, Mao's birthplace of Shaoshan welcomed 111,570 tourists, the Global Times learned from local tourism authorities, an increase of 712.93 percent from 2022 and 13.92 percent from 2019. The city's tourism income on Monday and Tuesday reached 94.39 million yuan ($13.2 million), a 708.15 percent increase from 2022 and a 12.72 percent increase from 2019, as people from all over China flocked to Mao's birthplace to commemorate the 130th anniversary of his birth on Tuesday. The Global Times learned from authorities in Shaoshan that people from all over the country spontaneously flocked to Shaoshan to commemorate the birthday of the late Chinese leader. "It is out of pure affection and respect that the people hold for the chairman, and it just cannot be stopped," said a local official who didn't give his name. In former revolutionary strongholds like Jinggangshan and Yan'an, commemorative events were held by local governments and ordinary people. And on social media networks, a huge number of netizens made comments to commemorate Mao in their own words. On Sina Weibo, China's X-like social media platform, the hashtags about the 130th anniversary of Mao's birth reached more than 300 million views and millions of comments as of press time. A key reason why Mao is cherished greatly at present is that, at a time when China is shouldering rising pressures and hostility from the US and some of its allies, the people admire his courage, wisdom and determination to withstand and fight hegemony and imperialism, Xin noted. The outside world needs to correctly understand the strength and emotion behind the Chinese people's commemoration of Chairman Mao. When answering why Mao and his works are popular among the youth in China today, Kang Tian, a student from Tsinghua University in Beijing, told the Global Times that "we young people find that Chairman Mao is not far from us, as we can talk to him by reading his works, and find solutions and energy when we encounter difficulties and challenges. In the Chairman's mind, we, the youth, are warriors, creators and masters of the future." Priceless legacies In his speech on Tuesday, Xi said that the life of Comrade Mao Zedong was one devoted to national prosperity, rejuvenation and people's happiness. Mao led the people in blazing a trail for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, forging the great, glorious and correct CPC and founding the New China with the people being masters of the country, Xi said. Xi said Mao is "a great man of the generation who led the Chinese people to completely change their own destiny and the appearance of the country," and "is a great internationalist who made significant contributions to the liberation of the oppressed nations of the world and the cause of human progress." "Xi's remarks have comprehensively and precisely summed up the significance of Mao to both China and the world," Shen Yi, a professor at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Mao proved that Marxism could be adapted by the Chinese context. By innovating and reforming the ideological system of Marxism based on China's national conditions and practices of the CPC, China was able to ensure the Chinese revolution's success and find the correct path for the country's development. Jin Canrong, associate dean of the School of International Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Tuesday that "if we can add one more title for Mao in the future, it could be 'the father of China's industrialization.' Mao's era accomplished the industrialization of China in only about 30 years, while the West spent about 300 years to do this." "After Mao's era ended, China became a nuclear-armed power with a complete industrial system and capability to explore space. This is a remarkable contribution and it was the foundation for China's successful reform and opening-up, as well as Chinese modernization today," Jin noted. Mao also led the people in establishing an advanced socialist system and founded a new model of people's army that is invincible, Xi said. Mao made indelible historic contributions to the Chinese nation and the Chinese people, which will go down in history, Xi said. Comrade Mao Zedong devoted his life to the Party and the people, and his noble spirit will be forever remembered by posterity. Noting that the central task of the whole Party and the entire nation on the new journey of the new era is to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, Xi said it is a cause passed down from veteran revolutionaries including Mao Zedong, and is the solemn historical responsibility of today's Chinese Communists. Zhang Yiwu, a professor from Peking University, told the Global Times that "Mao is the pioneer of Chinese modernization. He opened the way for China to step on the path of its own modernization." Mao will always be a symbol of China's spirit and Chinese culture, Zhang said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 27, JAC Group's Yiwei new energy vehicle brand, debuted the world's first mass-produced sodium battery-powered vehicle, set for large-scale deliveries post New Years Day. Photo credit: JAC Group This pioneering model houses the sodium-ion cylindrical cells supplied by HiNa Battery, showcasing exceptional low-temperature and rate capabilities. It uniquely adopts Yiweis honeycomb battery structure, boasting a non-combustible safety profile. This unveiling signifies the global industrialization debut of sodium-ion batteries in the automotive sector, cementing JAC Group's leadership in power battery R&D and industrialization. Yiwei stands as the first domestic company researching and applying 18650, 21700 cylindrical cells, and 46-series large cylindrical cells. In February this year, the company unveiled the world's initial batch of sodium-ion battery test cars, and exhibiting the debut model, the EV 3 (Yiwei 3), in a sodium battery version at the Auto Shanghai 2023 in April. After half year of comprehensive testing, the test vehicle model smoothly entered the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's vehicle announcement catalog in October. Xia Shunli, Chairman of Yiwei Technology, remarked in a recent interview, "Sodium batteries are poised to complement the industry alongside lithium iron phosphate batteries, providing a cost-effective solution to propel the mass adoption of electric vehicles." Dense fog engulfed the national capital on Wednesday, leaving the people to face nearly zero visibility. Several trains and flights have also hit a delay in their operations because of the fog blankets. #WATCH | Delhi: A blanket of fog covers the national capital as temperature dips further.(Visuals from Barapullah, shot at 7:00 am) pic.twitter.com/clNXOv9H5T ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 Operations of over 110 flights have been delayed due to fog at Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport. Meanwhile four flights, including three of SpiceJet and one of Air India were diverted to Jaipur between 9 am and 12 pm. While, more than 25 trains approaching Delhi or passing through Delhi stations are running late due to the dense fog. Delayed Trains: Jat-NDLS Rajdhani: 2 hrs 43 mins late Purushottam Express: 4 hrs 54 mins late GT Express: 3 hrs 53 mins late Uttar SAMPARKKranti: 2 hrs 13 mins late Mahabodhi Express: 5 hours late Gorakhdham Express: 3 hrs 49 mins late Delhi (Palam) airport continued to report reduced visibility, which was reported at just 50 metres at 7 am on Wednesday. Delhi (Palam) Airport continue to show reducing tendency of visibility and currently reporting 50 m at 0700 hrs IST. @ndmaindia @DDNewslive @moesgoi @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/49KGwewiPf India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 27, 2023 An orange alert was issued by the Met department across the city at 8 am as visibility in many parts remained around 50 metres. According to IMD colour codes, yellow alert calls for authorities to be aware, an orange alert calls for them to remain prepared, while red alert calls for most vigil and action. In view of the foggy conditions over northwest and adjoining central India, authorities have suggested necessary actions to be taken by particular departments to ensure smooth operations. Transport And Aviation 1. Be careful while driving or travelling through any transport. 2. Use fog lights during driving. 3. Be in touch with airlines, railways and state transportation for schedule of your journey. Power Sector 1. Keep maintenance teams ready Health Sector 1. Avoid outings unless emergency. 2. Cover your face while going out. In a post on X, the Delhi airport also put out a fog alert for all the flyers and said, While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted. Satellite imagery shows dense fog over parts of northwest and adjoining central India, capping the lowest visibility level at 0 metres. Lets take a look: Amritsar (Airport): 0 metres Patiala: 25 metres Srinagar, J&K: 25 metres Uttar Pradesh (including Bareilly, Lucknow, Prayagraj): 25 metres Rajasthan (Ganganagar, Kota): 50 metres Safdarjung, Delhi: 50 metres Gwalior, MP: 200 metres Bihar (Patna, Gaya): 500 metres Jamshedpur, Jharkhand: 500 metres Odisha (Jharsugudam, Paradip): 500 metres Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh: 500 metres The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that aligning with its prediction, the dense fog cover has been extensive and intensified across north India. The weather department said that the thick layers of fog would have further developed at night and early in the morning for longer durations. Meanwhile, at least six persons were killed and several others were injured in separate road accidents in various parts of Uttar Pradesh. These accidents are the result of the havoc unleashed by the foggy condition. A horrific accident on the Unnao-Agra Lucknow Expressway left one person dead 12 others injured. Low visibility due to fog led to the collision of six vehicles, including three buses, one truck and two cars. The incident took place on the intervening night of December 26 and 27. The vehicles moving towards Agra from Lucknow hit each from behind one after the other. A double decker bus had first lost control and hit the divider in the incident which took place near Nasirapur village in Bangarmau area. Police forces reached the spot and Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) personnel were sent to the community health centre (CHC). Six of 12 injured persons are in a critical condition and they have been referred to the Trauma Centre in Lucknow. In another incident in Baghpat district, two women were killed and 11 others injured when the van they were travelling in hit a truck in an area under the Khekra Police Station. SHO Rajiv Singh said that the passenger van collided with a truck on the Eastern Peripheral Expressing in the early hours of Wednesday. In Bareillys Hafizganj district, two women were killed and a man was injured when the motorcycle there were travelling on was hit by a tractor. In Agra, around a dozen vehicles piled up on the national highway, killing one person and injuring six others. The injured persons were admitted to the SN Medical College for treatment. On Tuesday, about 30 flights, including those with international destinations, were delayed at the Delhi airport due to the fog and low visibility, airport authorities said. Other than this, the arrival of 14 trains was also delayed due to foggy conditions, officials said. According to an IMD official, the IGI Airport in Delhi reported visibility at just 50 metres at 10 am on Tuesday. The weather department, for Wednesday, had predicted dense to very dense fog in the morning. (With PTI inputs) A drug being supplied at Delhi government hospitals has failed the quality test. Sodium valproate, an antiepileptic medication that controls seizures or fits, has reportedly not met the standard quality. The report was issued by the Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory (RDTL) in Chandigarh on December 22. This comes after 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. 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. 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. Amlodepin, an antihypertensive medicine. A report in The New Indian Express quoted officials as saying 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, the report stated. Arvind Kejriwal governments flagship Mohalla clinics in Delhi is often in news. In August, Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited the government-run primary health centres in the national capital, and called them overhyped, not a game-changer. He compared the initiative with those in the southern states and said Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also have such models. It (clinics) is not like the way it is made out to be. Almost an hour after the visit, Gundu Rao wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that he returned feeling disappointed. He claimed that there were hardly any people in the clinic and said clinics in Karnataka have more facilities. Visited a Mohalla Clinic in Delhi with hardly any people there. Our Clinics in Karnataka have more facilities including a laboratory to do immediate tests for patients. I guess it is overhyped and I came back feeling disappointed, he wrote. Visited a Mohalla Clinic in Delhi with hardly any people there.Our Clinics in Karnataka have more facilities including a laboratory to do immediate tests for patients. I guess it is overhyped and I came back feeling disappointed. pic.twitter.com/z9VywnmB3z Dinesh Gundu Rao/ (@dineshgrao) August 4, 2023 The way its being projected, there are so many other states, including Karnataka, where we have a better systemwe have namma clinicsand we are doing things in a much better manner, the state health minister was quoted by news agency PTI. Two days after a flight carrying at least 276 passengers, mostly Indians, was grounded in France over suspicion of human trafficking, six men were brought back to India from Russia as they attempted to reach different destinations in Europe. Five are from Punjab and one from Haryana, two states where immigration via donkey routes an illegal way to enter countries like the US, UK and Canada as well as those in the EU has been rampant. The youth of these two states, especially Punjab, often end up victims to criminals facilitating such journeys. And all in a desperate search for job opportunities and a better way of life abroad. According to a report published by Times of India, the six men returned home from Russia where they survived nine days in a jungle, were thrashed by security forces in different countries twice, and spent time in a Russian jail. They said there were many others with them as well from Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat other than Pakistanis and Afghans. In fact, two men from Punjab an 18-year-old and 35-year-old man died inside the jungle after they were left there when they were no longer able to walk. The report stated that they were brought back with the help of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, who was approached by their families. Two others from Punjab died inside jungle We, a group of three, were flown to Oman on October 12. Thirteen days later, we were flown to Moscow, where we stayed for 5-6 days. There, another youth was added to our group. Through taxis, we were taken to Belarus, where a group of 22 men were kept in two rooms. This group included a few Pakistanis and Afghans while those from India were from Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat, Lakhbir Singh, a Dalit Christian from Mehmuwal Mahlan village in Jalandhar district, told ToI. Lakhbir said they were taken to a jungle from Belarus and were told that they would have to sneak into Latvia. He said they all were accompanied by three local men but their attempt to cross over failed as security personnel at the border caught them and beat them up. Lakhbir further said the security personnel left them deep inside the jungle, from where they somehow found a way to move towards Lithuania but failed to enter the country. They even made an attempt to cross into Poland but were in poor health by that time as they did not have anything to eat and were surviving by eating leaves, he added. An 18-year-old and a 35-year-old man, both from Punjab, were left behind as they were unable to walk, Lakhbir told ToI. After we returned to Belarus, we were kept in rooms and were informed by the local traffickers that the two had died in the jungle, he was quoted as saying. Arrested in Russia as visa had expired The men were then told that they will be made to enter Finland and taken to France or Italy from there, the report stated. They were stopped by Russian forces, who found out that the visas of the six youths had expired. We were arrested and put in jail. Our families then contacted Baba Seechewal and, with the efforts of Indian officials in Moscow, we were released and flown back to Delhi early on December 24. We dont know the fate of the others, Lakhbir was quoted as saying. Another man in the group, 21-year-old Balwinder Singh said his destination was Spain. He and Lakhbir had paid Rs 13 lakh to their agents and had taken Rs 2 lakh with them, hoping to make it all the way to Europe. Their families had taken loans for this and were now in debt, he added. What is the donkey route? The donkey route or donkey flight is mostly used by residents of Punjab and Haryana. It is an illegal process to enter a foreign country and is fraught with hardships and, in most cases, pathetic travelling conditions: miles of walking on treacherous routes be it desert, forest or grassland or hordes loaded onto vehicles as people go without food and water for days before reaching their destinations as depicted in a BBC documentary. Many die on the way and when they do manage to cross over, struggle to return home if caught. According to a 2014 report titled Donkey Flights: Illegal Immigration from the Punjab to the United Kingdom, published under a project by the Migration Policy Institute, donkey flights based on a Punjabi idiom meaning to hop from place to place describes a common ploy that would-be immigrants use to enter the country of their choice through an illegal route. For example, when it comes to the UK, an Indian immigrant would apply for a tourist visa for an EU Schengen country, which allows them to roam freely in the border-free zone, with the intention of leapfrogging over into the UK. Hence, a person uses the back door to enter the UK via other European countries. How does it work and why do people opt for the illegal way out? The so-called donkey flight is one of the methods used to cheat the system despite legal pathways for immigration. But little is known about the scale or organisation of this highly clandestine business, which is flourishing in India. A report by the Migration Policy Institute highlights how travel agents help individuals, especially from the Punjab region, in reaching desired countries abroad. According to the report, there are thousands of visa agencies operating in this region with varying degrees of legality. Some agencies, while breaking no rules, charge disproportionate fees for visas that could be obtained directly from the relevant embassy. Some operate in legally grey areas, such as by advising migrants on how to bend the rules. More underground operations have links to criminal smuggling networks across Europe, the report states. These agencies have links to a network of consultants spanning from Delhi through Russia, continental Europe, and the UK. Agents charge fees going up to lakhs of rupees to arrange a passage to the desired country. While there are visa agencies that go by the book or operate in legally gray areas, the more criminal part of illegal immigration is underground or based out of smaller offices. These agencies work in the realm of fraudulent documents, bribes and human smuggling. Low wages and high unemployment in Punjab are two of the main reasons why large sections of people from the state go abroad on an annual basis. The most popular country to migrate to is Canada, which is currently locked in a diplomatic tussle with India due to the alleged rise of pro-Khalistan sentiment there. But, the UK has a considerable number of Indian migrants coming in, legally or illegally, making it a massive challenge for the government. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Wednesday met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. EAM Jaishankar is on a five-day visit to Russia. President Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia. We will be glad to see our friend, Mr Prime Minister Modi in Russia. We will be able to discuss all current issues and talk about the prospects for the development of Russian-Indian relations. We have a very large amount of work. I ask you to convey to him my best wishes and please pass on our invitation. We are waiting for him in Russia, he said. #WATCH | External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow pic.twitter.com/nn5su3wASA ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 Doing His Utmost Best for Peace The Russian President lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for doing his utmost to resolve the Russia-Ukraine issue peacefully. Putin said he discussed the developments related to Ukraine on several occasions with PM Modi and said he will delve deeper into the issue when both of them meet for further discussions. Many times, I advised him of how things have been going there and I know that he (PM Modi) is willing to do his utmost so that the issue is resolved by peaceful means. So, we probably will delve into that deeper now, and we will give additional information to you on that time, Putin was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Russia and Ukraine have been embroiled in a war since February 2022. Russia has said that it has launched a special military operation in Ukraine to remove those who adhere to Nazi ideology. No ceasefire has been declared in the ongoing 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war as both Russia and Ukraine try to gain control of key areas in eastern and southern Ukraine. Honoured to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message.Apprised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of pic.twitter.com/iuC944fYHq Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023 True Friend in Asia The union external affairs minister and the Russian President also discussed bilateral ties and growth in trade and commerce between New Delhi and Moscow. We have outpaced the growth rates over the past year. We have surpassed all the growth that we had last year over 9 months only, Putin told the external affairs minister Jaishankar. Putin was referring to the rising trade between India and Russia in sectors like oil, refined products, coal, and transfer of high-end tech. Definitely, this is due to the trade in oil and refined products in coal. Not only energy, we also operate in high-tech spheres, Putin added. Its always good to be in Moscow. So, I agree with you that our relationship has been very strong, and very steady, and I think we have lived up to the responsibilities of a special and privileged strategic partnership. This year we have already met six times, and this is our 7th meeting, he said, noting that forums like G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, ASEAN, and BRICS allowed many more and many regular contacts., Jaishankar said in response. Agreements Signed On Tuesday, the external affairs minister also held a comprehensive and productive meeting with Russias Deputy Prime Minister Manturov on the bilateral economic cooperation. During the meeting, the two global leaders witnessed the signing of some important agreements related to the construction of the future power-generating units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. Russia on Wednesday stated that it supports Indias aspirations to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and also praised New Delhis handling of the contentious issues at the G20 Summit as a true triumph of its foreign policy. Businessmen in Canada with Indian roots are being targeted by Khalistani terrorists, who are opening fire at their homes and workplaces, and sending voice notes and letters for extortion, according to Indian intelligence sources. CNN-News18 has also accessed visuals of the firing that took place recently at the premises of Nawab Motors in Brampton. The showroom is owned by an Indo-Canadian businessman. Around 10 people of Indian origin have been targeted by these Khalistani operatives in recent weeks for extortion with threatening voice notes and letters being sent to them, said sources. Local police have also arrested an individual for attacking a business in Torontos Brampton locality, they said. In White Rock, British Columbia, firing took place outside a businessmans house. Andy Dhugga, owner of the New Millennium Tire Centre in Brampton, was attacked and some arrests have also been made, sources said. Some criminals allegedly from gangster Vicky Gounders group attacked Nawab Motors. Gounder was killed in an encounter a few years ago. According to the local police, victims are contacted through various social media platforms and demands for money are made under threats of violence, which has occurred in some cases. Most of these businessmen are originally from Punjab, they said. Multiple businesses have received the same letter, asking them to pay up in exchange for protection from future violence. The letter cites recent reported events in Abbotsford, British Columbia, but no connection has been established, officials said. According to the police, these letters are being sent in large numbers to scare business houses. These areas have several vehicle showrooms owned by Indo-Canadian businessmen with roots in Punjab because of the huge popularity of flashy cars among the Punjabi-origin youths. In the firing incidents that have taken place, the bullets went into the showrooms but due to the cases happening in the evening hours, there was no one inside. According to government sources, these incidents are happening due to a lack of coordination between Indian and Canadian agencies. The Canadians are not taking any threats seriously, they said. All gangsters coming to Canada are getting asylum and this is spoiling the atmosphere there in the Indian community, said the sources. These criminals are also supported by Pakistans spy agency ISI, they added. This is the first time that these gangs are not only shooting videos but also circulating them on social media in such cases, said the sources. These groups are operating from Pakistan, as well as Spain, Portugal, and other European countries which is very alarming, they added. A mysterious explosion reportedly took place behind the Israel embassy in central Delhi, swinging the intelligence agencies and Delhi police into action. While there were no casualties, a letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador was seized from the spot threatening retaliation and revenge. It had phrases like resistance to Zionists and references to Palestine and Gaza, a senior police officer was quoted as saying by Times of India. The report further quoted an embassy spokesperson as confirming that there was a blast at close proximity to the embassy on Tuesday evening. The Delhi police and the security team are investigating, the spokesperson said. The forensic experts have examined the spot, lifted exhibits that may have evidentiary relevance and they have been sent for examination, a Delhi Police statement read. News agency ANI quoted its sources as saying that police have found two suspects after examining the CCTV footage. Officers are now scanning CCTV visuals and trying to find out how the two suspects reached there and which route they took, the sources were quoted. #WATCH | Visuals from outside the Israel Embassy in Delhi.As per the Israel Embassy, there was a blast near the embassy at around 5:10 pm yesterday pic.twitter.com/jIPRWNMgP3 ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 By Wednesday morning, forensic and NIA teams along with dog squad of the NSG arrived at the spot to carry out investigation. #WATCH | Forensic teams and Dog squad of NSG carry out an investigation near the Israel Embassy. As per the Israel Embassy, there was a blast near the embassy at around 5:10 pm yesterday pic.twitter.com/X4lMPD2FR8 ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 VIDEO | NIA carries out investigation outside Israel Embassy in Delhi, day after explosion and recovery of an "abusive" letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador. pic.twitter.com/YgBh4UaWaS Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2023 TOI stated that the low-intensity blast came a day after the assassination of Brigadier General Sayyed Razi Mousavi, a senior functionary of Irans Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) in Damascus but police here didnt draw a correlation between the two. Mousavi was a close aide of Qassem Soleimani, the head of the guards elite Quds Force, who was killed in a US drone attack in Iraq in 2020. Though an explosive device or IED has not been seized, it is being probed if it could be a chemically triggered low-intensity explosion. In 2012, an Iranian bomber had used a magnetic stick device on a Israeli diplomats vehicle to cause an explosion, the report further mentioned. TOI quoted a police spokesperson as saying, On Tuesday, at 1753 hrs, a PCR call was re ceived conveying the information that a loud noise was heard behind the Israel embassy/Jindal house. Considering the sensitivity of the location and mention of explosion type sound, senior officers rushed to the location. In close follow-up, dog squad, crime team and bomb detection team of Delhi Police reached the spot where the alleged sound of the explosion was reported to have been heard. The area was cordoned off and subjected to thorough search. Further enquiry is in progress, the spokesperson had said. On Tuesday, the Israeli National Security Council had issued a travel advisory for its citizens in India, suspecting that an explosion near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi was a possible terror attack. The recommendations of the Israeli National Security Council (NSC), which come amid concerns of a recurrence of events, apply especially to New Delhi. Israeli nationals have been warned to try to avoid going to crowded places (malls and markets) and places identified as serving Westerners/Jews and Israelis. They have also been urged to be on heightened alert in public places (including restaurants, hotels, pubs, etc). The recommendations also suggest avoiding openly displaying Israeli symbols, refraining from attending unsecured large-scale events, and avoiding publicising itineraries on social media as well as photographs and details of visits in real-time. In the aftermath of the ambush on army vehicles in Poonch last week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Jammu to review the security situation in the area. Singhs visit comes at a time when the situation in the border area of Jammu and Kashmir, especially Poonch, is tense following a terrorist attack there last week. The Defence Minister will also visit Rajouri to review the security situation in the valley. Speaking to the media in Jammu on the Poonch terrorist attack, Singh said, Seeing the seriousness of the incident, we are taking necessary steps. Every single soldier is important to us. Security and intelligence agencies are working together to stop such incidents. We can take such situations for granted. Government is standing with our soldiers. Four Army soldiers were killed, and several others were injured after the terrorist ambushed two Army vehicles on Thursday at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in Poonch. Following this, three civilians, who were picked up by the Army for questioning, were found dead on Friday. VIDEO | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Jammu on a day-long visit to review the security situation. pic.twitter.com/VeLTygXglb Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2023 While in J&K, the Minister is slated to spend some time with the Army officials during his visit and may also interact with some civilians in those areas. He is also likely to visit the area and hold meetings with top commanders on the measures being taken to deal with the situation. He may also meet families of dead civilians. The family members of the victims will be brought to Rajouri from the adjoining Poonch districts Topa Pir village near Buffliaz for the meeting, Indian Express reported quoting sources. Singhs visit follows Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Manoj Pandes visit to ground zero in Poonch on Monday where he reviewed the anti-terrorist operation underway in Surankote and nearby Rajouri districts Thanamandi forest belt. General Pande asked security personnel to remain resolute and steadfast against all challenges. The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday also announced compensation and jobs to the families of the dead civilians and said the medico-legal formalities were conducted and legal action on the matter has been initiated. The Army has ordered a thorough internal investigation into the civilian deaths and said it is committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of the investigation. India recorded 529 fresh COVID-19 cases in a single day, while the countrys active infection count stood at 4,093, the health ministry said on Wednesday. Three new fatalities two from Karnataka and one from Gujarat were reported in a span of 24 hours, according to the ministrys data updated at 8 am. The number of daily cases had dropped to double-digits till December 5, but infections have again gone up after emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions. The daily numbers were in lakhs at the peak of the pandemic, which began in early 2020 and has seen more than 4.5 crore people getting infected and over 5.3 lakh deaths in about four years since then across the country. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease stands at more than 4.4 crore with a national recovery rate of 98.81 per cent, according to the ministrys website. he case fatality rate stands at 1.19 per cent. The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of city police has registered a case against six persons including two women for alleged abduction and sexual exploitation of a young woman, her four-year-old daughter and two teenage girls. The accused took the victims to Gujarat where one of them was forcibly married to a man, police said in a release here on Wednesday. As per the complaint, city residents Nanda Paunikar and Mangala Warkade induced a 26-year-old woman and two 17-year-old girls to travel to Gujarat, promising them jobs. On July 26, the woman, her daughter and the two girls landed in Rajkot. The woman was then `married to one Santosh (30), a sanitation worker, and then all four victims were sent with him to Jamnagar. Between July 26 and September 7, Santosh, his brothers Golu (21) and Prateek (19) allegedly raped and sexually assaulted the woman. Her daughter also fell victim to sexual assault and the two teenage girls accompanying them also faced similar exploitation, the police said. After managing to escape and returning to Nagpur, the woman approached Yashodhara Nagar police station where a First Information Report under Indian Penal Code sections 363 (kidnapping), 370 (human trafficking), 376 (rape) and other relevant provisions besides the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was registered. No arrest has been made in the case and further probe was on, police said. In a year of crucial Assembly elections, billed as the semi-final to the big 2024 finale, its natural for politicians from both sides of the aisle to be identified as newsmakers. But here is a central organisation that inarguably makes the cut for the biggest newsmaker in Indian politics the Enforcement Directorate. The ED is a quasi-judicial body that comes under the Union Finance Ministry and has sweeping powers under the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act). With high-profile cases involving politicians, actors and celebrities, raids, seizures, attachments, summons and interrogation, the ED has turned into Indias most debated, discussed, opposed and feared agency. For the BJP, the Enforcement Directorate is Prime Minister Narendra Modis answer to corruption, dynasty politics and entitled politicians. For the Opposition, the central agency is a political tool to intimidate Modis rivals and leaders who do not fall in line. The Wide Net In the past five years, the Enforcement Directorate has arrested at least 15 senior politicians, including former finance and home minister P Chidambaram, then deputy chief minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia, ex-chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah, influential Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji, senior Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, and over a dozen IAS officers. The ED currently has around 22 important cases allegedly involving chief ministers, ex-Union ministers and senior politicians, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Chidambaram, Arvind Kejriwal, Hemant Soren, Ashok Ghelot and his son, Bhupesh Baghel, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and Abhishek Banerjee, among others. Many of them have already been summoned, raided and interrogated by the directorate. Apart from politicians, the ED is investigating cases allegedly involving celebrities and senior IAS and IPS officers. It has already summoned a host of celebrities in connection with the Mahadev online betting app case and several bureaucrats for their alleged association with coal and cattle smuggling, land scam and other cases. Cases in the Spotlight The ED is currently investigating some of the most high-profile cases, including the National Herald case, Delhi excise policy case, Mahadev loan app scam, coal-cattle smuggling and recruitment scams in Bengal, Chinese loan app rackets and several bank fraud cases. The directorate has simultaneously fought or has been fighting legal battles, including one that dealt with its former director Sanjay Mishras extension. A case related to the unflinching power the ED has and its authority under PMLA is back in the Supreme Court after the petitioners appealed for a reconsideration. In July 2022, the top court, however, upheld the constitutional validity of several provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, pertaining to arrest, seizure, presumption of innocence, and stringent bail conditions. Attachments and Extraditions Between 2019 and 2023, the ED attached proceeds of crime and related assets worth around Rs 1 lakh crore in total under the PMLA and Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. In response to a question in Parliament, Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office, said that in the last four years, the ED has provisionally attached proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 69,045.89 crore. He added that four persons have been extradited to India by the ED and extradition orders for three more persons have been passed by the competent courts. In addition, the ED has also attached assets amounting to Rs 16,740.15 crore under Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 and assets amounting to Rs 15,038.35 crore have been confiscated thereafter. The case of Nicaragua-bound flight, which landed in Mumbai on Tuesday, carrying 303 Indian passengers, is part of a conspiracy where tourists leave India and never return and seek asylum in a foreign country based on religious persecution, according to intelligence sources. Out of the 303 passengers, mostly from Punjab and Gujarat, 276 were sent to India, and 25 have sought asylum in France based on religious persecution. The Airbus A340 flight, operated by Romanias Legend Airlines, was grounded at Frances Chalons-Vatry airport, which is also a refuelling station for aircraft. At the halt at Vatry airport, an email was received by the French authorities that it was a case of human trafficking. The French authorities took a special permission from court to offload passengers and detained two people who were not carrying the passport. They were presented before the local judge who concluded that the passengers were victims, and should be sent back to their country, the intelligence sources said. It is learnt that the Indian passengers were not forced but chose to travel to Nicaragua as tourists. Travellers need a visa to visit Nicaragua from India for business or tourism purposes. The Indian passengers were told that the person whom they paid money to would help them cross Nicaragua (a country in North America) to the US, the intelligence sources stressed. The Legend Airlines, which carried the Indian passengers from the UAE on December 22, denied involvement in any wrongdoing, and said some of the passengers had return tickets and hotel reservations. Indias intelligence agencies are looking at a larger conspiracy where people from Punjab and Gujarat travel as tourists but never return to the country, and seek asylum citing religious persecution. Intelligence agencies point to a racket where Indians are told to leave the country as tourists and not return. The Indian travellers then abuse the government, and seek asylum in a foreign country. Indian authorities are also investigating the role of NGOs who could possibly be part of the racket. According to intelligence sources, in similar cases, three-four flights with Indians on board have already reached Nicaragua. Most passengers are in their 30s. The Mumbai Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested three men from Gujarats Vadodara over their alleged involvement in sending a threat mail to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). A preliminary probe revealed that the accused men sent the mail to play mischief. The crime branch is currently interrogating the accused over the motive behind the threat. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday received a threat mail saying 11 bombs have been planted at 11 locations in Mumbai. The threat comes before the New Year Celebrations in Indias financial capital. The mailer demanded the resignations of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman alleging that they were involved in the biggest scam in Indias history. An FIR was registered in South Mumbai against an unidentified person, in connection with the case and the crime branch of the Mumbai police was roped in to conduct a probe, an official was quoted by PTI as saying. Acting on technical inputs, the crime branch team apprehended 27-year-old Mohammed Arshil Mohammed Iqbal Topala from Vadodara, the official added. The accused, Topala holds a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and works in share market trading. He had created the email ID to send the threat mail to the central bank, the official said. The crime branch officials also apprehended 23-year-old Adil Bhai Rafiq Bhai Malik, who works at an egg shop, and 35-year-old Wasimraja Abdulrazzak Memon both from Vadodara. The other two accused were taken into custody for their suspected role in the case and they are being handed over to the MRA Marg police station for further action. According to the police, the threat mail was sent from the ID khilafat.india@gmail.com on the RBI governors email ID at around 10.50 am on Tuesday. The mail, as seen by CNN-News18, read, We have planted 11 different bombs in different locations of Mumbai. The RBI along with private sector banks have executed the biggest scam in the history of India. The scam involves RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, some of the top finance officials and some renowned ministers of India. We have sufficient proof for the same. As per the threat email, the three locations, where the bomb had been planted were: RBI New Central Office building, Fort; HDFC House, Churchgate; ICICI Bank Towers, BKC. Following the mail, Mumbai Police went to all these locations and conducted investigations, however, they did not find anything. The police had also filed an FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 505 (1), 505 (2), and 506 (2) in connection with the case at the MRA Marg police station. (With PTI inputs) A revenue officers wife alleged that he was forcibly converted to Islam and made to marry a Muslim woman, following which police lodged an FIR in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. Arti Gupta went to the police when she learnt about the wedding through social media as her husband Ashish Kumar Gupta a naib tehsildar posted in Maudaha tehsil of Hamirpur had not come home for almost four months. According to police, Ashish Kumar Gupta has so far not been traced. In her complaint lodged at the City Kotwali Police Station, Arti Gupta, a resident of Kanpur city, said her husband was forcibly converted to Islam and made to marry a Muslim woman named Rukhsaar, police said. A case was registered against five people, including the revenue officer, and around six unidentified people. Two of them, including a maulvi at a local mosque in Maudaha, have been detained, police said. Arti Gupta told police that her husband was having an affair with Rukhsaar. Rukhsaars father, one Munna, Maulvi Babu Aadhati of a local mosque in Maudaha and four to five others forcibly converted Ashish Gupta on December 24 and got him married to the woman, she alleged in the complaint. Police said a case has been registered against Ashish Gupta, Rukhsaar, her father, Munna, Aadhati and five to six unidentified people under section 494 (marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife) of the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. After registering the case, the accused maulvi and Munna have been taken into custody and are being interrogated, they said. According to some locals, Ashish Gupta would also offer namaz in a mosque in Maudaha. The caretaker of the mosque, Muhammad Mushtaq, said Ashish Gupta identified himself as Mohammad Yusuf. Later, when he revealed that he was the naib tehsildar of Maudaha and a resident of Kanpur, the caretaker informed the authorities. Maudaha Tehsildar Balram Gupta, however, said the reports of the naib tehsildar offering namaz could not be verified. The statements of local people in Maudaha were recorded as part of the investigation. The claims of Ashish Gupta offering namaz in a mosque could not be verified, Balram Gupta said. It has been a great year in the world of styling, and Bollywood divas and their stylists have had their fair share of fun under the stylish sun. One of Indias most celebrated fashion stylists, Priyanka Kapadia, is the driving force behind the iconic stylish looks adorned by A-list Bollywood stars today. Be it Anushka Sharmas Cannes debut ensembles or Alia Bhatts iconic fashionable moments while promoting her debut Hollywood film, Heart of Stone, Priyanka was behind the scenes making it all happen. In the world of cinema, a stylists job may sound glamorous and perfect from the outside, but it takes years of experience, dedication and a lot of patience. Strong, powerful and fierce with a touch of glamour describe Priyankas styling in a nutshell. A breath of fresh air amidst the fashion chaos, Priyankas styling has always enhanced the individuals personality. Celebrating the woman behind these iconic looks, heres a look back at celebrity moments styled by celebrity stylist Priyanka Kapadia in 2023. Alia Bhatt It has been Alias year. Be it her films or her fashion moments, Alia has never failed to impress in 2023. Marking her Hollywood debut with Heart of Stone this year, Alia adorned a series of ensembles during Netflixs Tudum event in Brazil. Priyankas series of looks for Alia exuded power, vibrancy and love, which perfectly define Alias personality. Every ensemble styled on Alia, be it western or Indian silhouettes, has celebrated her and has not even once taken away from her individuality. Anushka Sharma She made her Cannes red carpet debut in 2023. While all eyes were on her, we couldnt help but notice her impeccable style statement. Priyanka put Anushka in a stunning Richard Quinn-embellished off-shoulder ivory gown. Priyankas moodboard for Anushka has always included flattering silhouettes that accentuate her dainty curves. Clean and sophisticated patterns and glam take centre stage in Anushkas styling. We love how Priyanka plays with the strengths of the star she is styling and makes it a showstopper look. Janhvi Kapoor This year, Janhvi Kapoors style quotient has been glamorous and full of oomph. Every gown or dress adorned by Janhvi has upped her style game. And Priyanka has made sure every dazzling silhouette styled on Janhvi celebrates the diva that she is. Making a statement one glamorous outfit at a time. Ananya Panday When you have a history with editorial styling, styling celebrities for brands becomes your superpower. Priyanka Kapadias creativity was evident in Ananya Pandays styling for Jimmy Choo. Every image looked straight out of a magazine, and we loved how Ananya looked in those classy and contemporary ensembles. Khushi Kapoor This has to be a personal favourite because it was all heart. Priyanka Kapadia styled Khushi Kapoor in late actor Sridevis gown. Khushi recently revealed that she wanted her mom to be a part of her debut films premiere, so she adorned the gorgeous shimmery gown. When vintage takes on an extra special meaning is what Priyanka described Khushs statement look. While these are some of Priyankas best styling moments of 2023, we look forward to what she has in store for 2024. Zack Snyders latest Netflix film, Rebel Moon: Part One: A Child of Fire topped the charts and sparked a lot of buzz among viewers. The filmmaker is known for DC blockbusters such as Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, among others. He is famed for making notable superhero films, and fans cant stop appreciating him for his work. Among others, Zack Synder has now received praise from another renowned director, Christopher Nolan. The latter went on to say that Zack has been a major influence in modern-day storytelling. In his latest interview with The Atlantic, Christopher Nolan said, Theres no superhero science-fiction film coming out these days where I dont see some influence of Zack. When you watch a Zack Snyder film, you see and feel his love for the potential of cinema. The potential of it to be fantastical, to be heightened in its reality, but to move you and to excite you. This is not the first time Christopher Nolan has openly appreciated Zack Synders work. Earlier, he told The Hollywood Reporter that he always believed Watchmen was ahead of its time. He stated that the concept of a superhero squad, which it expertly subverts, did not yet exist in film. It would have been fascinating had it released after Avengers. Recently, speaking about his stint with the superhero genre, Midday quoted Zack Synder as saying, If my foray into superheroes starts with Watchmen and ends with Justice League, it marks pretty cleanly that era for me. You could use those two movies as the bookends of what I would consider its commercial freakshow peak. Meanwhile, the teaser of the sequel to Zack Synders Rebel Moon was released recently and it takes the story forward from where it ended in the first part. Rebel Moon: Part Two The Scargiver is expected to release on Netflix on April 19 next year. The plot of the film, co-written by Zack Snyder, Shay Hatten, and Kurt Johnstad, revolves around a young woman, Sofia Boutella. She is tasked with recruiting troops to defend against an approaching invasion led by the despotic ruler Regent Balisarius, played by Fra Fee. Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver teaser continues his epic narrative, with Kora and the surviving warriors preparing to sacrifice everything in order to combat alongside the people of Veldt. Amitabh Bachchans grandson Agastya Nanda and Shah Rukh Khans daughter Suhana Khans movie debut The Archies received mixed response on the internet upon its release on December 7. Now, actor Manoj Bajpayee has recalled his experience of sitting down with his 11-year-old daughter, Ava, to watch The Archies. My daughter was watching The Archies. Most kids speak in English these days, so I was scolding her that tum Hindi bola karo. I asked her, how you liking it? She was like, Okay, and by then, I had watched it for 50 minutes. Archies is not a part of my growing-up years. My growing-up years included Motu Patlu and Ram Balram. I might have read maybe just one book of Archies, but I remember Veronica and Betty, Manoj told Zoom in an interview. Manoj also shared that while he was watching The Archies, he told his daughter how she must learn to talk in Hindi like the characters shown in the film. This did not go down well with Ava. What is your problem, dad? Please let me watch the film, Ava responded. She also told her father that he was not spending enough family time. Manoj added, She said, You are not giving family time, papa. Every time I start scolding her, she scolds me in return. Meanwhile, Farah Khan recently liked a post on social media which was not in the favour of the Archies cast, according to multiple media reports. The post was a film review mocking their acting ability in the film. Interestingly, Farah also did not attend the star-studded premiere of the film, despite her close friendships in the industry, especially with Shah Rukh Khan. This comes days after Raveena Tandon accidentally liked an Instagram post trolling Khushi and Agastya. Her social media activity came to everyones notice, and soon the news of her liking a post criticising the star kids went viral. Raveena later issued an apology to The Archies team. Paramvah Studios, led by Rakshit Shetty, is gearing up for a vibrant start to 2024 with a series of promising films in the pipeline. Among them is Abhijit Maheshs Bachelor Party, which, according to the latest social media post from Paramvah Studios, could hit theatres on January 26, 2024. The production house has set the stage with an exciting lineup of releases. Paramvah Studios has recently shared a post about the film. The caption of the post reads, January 26th Long Weekend! Whats your plan? If you dont have a plan, can we plan something for you?. Bachelor Party stars Diganth Manchale in the lead role, supported by a cast including Achyuth Kumar, Siri Ravikumar, Yogesh, and Balaji Manohar. Initially, Rishab Shetty was set to be part of the project, but due to other commitments, he opted out of the film. In a recent development, the makers disclosed that Yogesh is set to join the cast. YouTuber and actress Achara Kirk, along with former Bigg Boss Kannada winner Shine Shetty and JP Thumminad, have also joined the cast of Bachelor Party. The team has recently revealed the first look or motion poster for the film Bachelor Party. The poster suggests that the story unfolds in both India (specifically Karnataka) and Thailand. Significantly, it hints at an entertaining film, with the narrative centred around the adventures of the three protagonists. Sharing the poster actor Abhijit Mahesh wrote, A journey so joyful and a party so eventful. Do take a look and please do share if you find this product worthy. We are all set to get the party rolling again. Indebted to everyone who has wished us good. Please keep supporting us. Several social media users have commented on the post. One user wrote, Rock it guys!! Love loads. Another user added, Congratulations and all the best. One user also wrote, All the best May this be a blockbuster. The film is written and directed by Abhijit Mahesh. With this film, he is all set to make his debut. Meanwhile, Aravind Kashyap, recognised for his work on 777 Charlie, Kantara, and Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare, will be handling the cinematography. With music composed by Arjun Ramu, the editing is credited to Abhishek M. Rakshit Shetty shot to fame with films such as Kirik Party, 777 Charlie, Ulidavaru Kandanthe, and Avane Srimannarayana. He will also be seen in films like Richard Anthony and Thugs of Malgudi. Salman Khan celebrates his 58th birthday today, December 27, 2023. The actor marked the special occasion in the company of close friends, including his niece Ayat, with whom he cut the birthday cake. On arriving in Mumbai, Salman went directly to Aayush and Arpitas residence, where the entire family gathered to celebrate his birthday. A three-tier cake was cut not only for Salman but also for Ayat, and everyone enjoyed in the dual celebrations. Meanwhile, birthday wishes poured in from various corners of Bollywood, including heartfelt greetings , including Katrina Kaif. Katrina took to social media to extend warm birthday wishes to her Tiger co-star. Posting on her Instagram stories, Katrina shared a picture and captioned it, Tiger Tiger Tiger, may you always be just as you are a true original (white heart emoticon). Happy birthday. Salman and Katrina, known for their on-screen chemistry, have worked together in quite a few films including Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, Bharat, Yuvvraaj, Partner, Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, and the recently released action thriller Tiger 3. Post Tiger 3, during an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Salman Khan, who played the titular character of Tiger in the popular action franchise, had said that he is excited by the idea of a Zoya spin-off. He told us, Why not? But Zoya would be really incompletely without Tiger. So, Tiger will have to be there and save the day and the climax even if hes not there throughout the entire length of the film. As for their upcoming projects, Salman has not yet announced his next film. On the other hand, Katrina is set to star in the thriller film Merry Christmas alongside Vijay Sethupathi, Radhika Apte, and Sanjay Kapoor. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for his previous big hits like Badlapur and Andhadhun, Merry Christmas is eagerly anticipated. Shah Rukh Khan conducted an Ask SRK session on his X handle on Wednesday when he answered if nonsense written about him leaves him bothered. During the session, one of the users asked King Khan, How do you not react when you see nonsense written about you? Before it was magazines and news but now everyone has an opinion? Does it affect u or u are unbothered? To this, the Dunki actor replied, Ha ha u have heard the saying opinions are like ______s, everyone has one! I work on belief not on opinions my friend. #Dunki. When another user asked SRK if he feels exhausted due to his hectic work schedule, the actor replied, Fit is a state of mind. I am always happy with my loved ones. Happy times lead to happy fitness. Positive thoughts and indulgence in small pleasures keep me fit. Ha ha u have heard the saying opinions are like ______s, everyone has one! I work on belief not on opinions my friend. #Dunki https://t.co/D7fx29EUwz Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 27, 2023 Fit is a state of mind. I am always happy with my loved ones. Happy times lead to happy fitness. Positive thoughts and indulgence in small pleasures keep me fit. #Dunki https://t.co/kIvkooByNq Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 27, 2023 Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is currently enjoying the success of Dunki. Released on December 21, the film follows the emotional journey of a group of friends who want to move abroad. The plot follows the exciting journey of those who choose an unconventional route known as the Donkey Flight, showing the difficulties they face on their way. The film has earned over Rs 150 crore at the Indian office ever since its release. It was recently reported that a special screening of Dunki will be held in Mumbai on December 28 for representatives of several countries, including the US, the UK, France, South Korea and Australia. The representatives of Belgium, Germany, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands are also expected to attend the event. Shah Rukh Khan loves engaging with his fans every now and then. On Wednesday, too, the superstar conducted an Ask SRK session on his X handle and talked to fans about Dunki and a lot of other questions. The reason? He lost to his lil one AbRam in a Virtual Reality game and wanted to recharge before a rematch! During the session, a fan posted a photo of his brother doing the signature Shah Rukh Khan arms outstretched pose in front of a huge cutout of the Dunki star and wrote, sirrrrr my brother is your kattar fan ! few words for him. The cutout of SRK was adorned with marigold garlands around the neck, a common tradition observed on release days, where fans place garlands on cutouts, photos, and posters of their favourite stars. To this, SRK, known for his wit, replied, Bhai peeche ki phool mala fresh kar do please! Bhai peeche ki phool mala fresh kar do please! #Dunki https://t.co/0Da63CTUOQ Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 27, 2023 Another fan wrote, Sir 2024 ke liye bhi koi movie lao ,comedy romance wali le aao , January se shotting chalu kro or movie next xmas per release kr do ,plz sir. To this, the superstar replied, Aap mera kaam hi manage karlo na aa kar!! Ha ha. Aap mera kaam hi manage karlo na aa kar!! Ha ha #Dunki https://t.co/F3ZtNkBbq8 Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 27, 2023 Meanwhile, it was reported that a special screening of Dunki will be held in Mumbai on December 28 for representatives of several countries, including the US, the UK, France, South Korea and Australia. The representatives of Belgium, Germany, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands are also expected to attend the event. The film released on December 21 and follows the emotional journey of a group of friends who want to move abroad. When Sriram Raghavan announced the cast of Merry Christmas with Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, it piqued the audiences interest owing to the uncommon casting. In a recent interview, Sriram shared his enthusiasm about the cast. Before choosing Vijay Sethupathi, Saif Ali Khan had shown interest in the role, but Sriram had to turn him down because he wanted to bring in someone new for the part. During a chat with Pinkvilla, Sriram revealed that he wanted a very unique kind of pairing because thats the story requirement. He said, One should not get any baggage from either of them that what are these people about and so on. After he locked Katrina in the lead role, he met Saif for the role of the male lead but later decided that he wouldnt be right for the part. Sriram said that Saif was actually a little upset later when he told him no. At that time, I had not cast Vijay. I was just saying I want something fresh. I dont know what Im looking for. Sriram and Saif have worked together in films like Ek Hasina Thi and Agent Vinod. I had met another actor who had liked the role also. Then I told him sorry I want to because he had worked with her before, the director added. Sriram was en route to Melbourne when he watched Vijay Sethupathis 2018 film 96. Both of them happened to be at the same event in Melbourne, providing an opportunity for them to meet. He recalled, I asked him Do you speak Hindi? He said, I have worked in Dubai for three years. I said, Okay, great,. Opening up on casting Katrina and Vijay together, he said, I said this is a very interesting and oddball combination that will make people curious. And I myself was curious because with any regular pairing, I could sort of imagine the movie. Here, I didnt know myself so that excitement was there. The last few days have witnessed a flurry of commentaries in the print and electronic media suggesting that Indias relations with the West, particularly the US, have entered a rocky phase. And the reason for that is the allegation of Indias involvement in a plot to assassinate an American citizen, a Khalistani separatist declared a terrorist in India, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. It has been suggested that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankars visit to Moscow and St Petersburg from 25th to 29th December is somehow linked to this souring of relations between India and the US. Nothing could be further from the truth! Indias relations with the US continue to be strong and robust. This is best illustrated by the comment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his interview to the Financial Times on 20 December wherein he said that relations with the US remain on an upward trajectory, and that the relationship is broader in engagement, deeper in understanding, warmer in friendship than ever before. He added that the relationship should not be held hostage to one incident or two. India-US Relations Ties between India and the United States have been on an upward trajectory since the visit of President Bill Clinton to India in March 2000. There is bipartisan support for a stronger partnership between the two countries in the US as well as in India. Relations between the two countries have continued to grow irrespective of the political party that occupied the White House in the US or the Prime Ministers Office in India. Possibly the biggest push to the bilateral partnership was provided by PM Modis State visit to Washington DC on 22 June 2023, when he also addressed the Joint Session of the US Congress for the second time, becoming the only Indian leader and one of the very few world leaders to address the US Congress on more than one occasion. The sustained upward trajectory of the bilateral partnership does not mean that there were no differences of views, opinions, or interests between the two countries over the last 23 years since the upward flow of bilateral engagement commenced. Most recently, India and the West were on diametrically opposite sides regarding Indias position on the aggression by Russia against Ukraine. India did not criticise or condemn the Russian action although it firmly maintained that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, and principles and Charter of the United Nations should be fully respected. PM Modi told President Putin that this is not an era of war and that all differences should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. India also came under considerable pressure from the West about its import of crude from Russia. India was able to clearly and firmly explain to its Western partners that its an energy-deficient country and imports 85% of its crude oil requirements, and that it has a historical relationship with Russia, particularly in the field of import of defence equipment to the tune of 50-60% of its defence needs. Just before that, the sudden and chaotic withdrawal by US and NATO ISAF forces from Afghanistan and the capture of Kabul by the Taliban in August 2021 came as a huge shock to India. Moreover, the decision by the US in 2022 to provide a grant of $450 million to Pakistan for the upgrade of its F-16 fleet was strongly criticised and opposed by India. The US argument that Pakistan would use these fighters for counter-terrorism purposes did not cut any ice with the Indian interlocutors. The above instances clearly demonstrate that there have been several instances of divergence between the two countries in the past. The two sides have sought to resolve them through discussions with maturity, understanding and mutual respect. In the Pannun case, it would appear that the US administration knew of the alleged plot at least since July and the Indian government knew that the US knew something at least since August. The US did not go to town with the information. On the contrary, it had discussions with its Indian counterparts behind closed doors. It went public only in end-November 2023 when the indictment against the accused Nikhil Gupta was unsealed. The Indian government set up a committee to investigate the matter as soon as some concrete information was provided to it by the US side. The two countries have behaved in a responsible and measured manner. The Pannun incident is being seen as a normal law and order issue which will take its own course but will not be allowed to have any adverse repercussions on the burgeoning bilateral ties. In response to a question by the Financial Times on this allegation, PM Modi stated that US-India bilateral ties are far stronger, resilient and broad-based to be derailed by a few incidents. Affirming his commitment to the rule of law, PM Modi promised to investigate if any evidence is put forward. He added that India was deeply concerned about the activities of certain extremist groups based overseas These elements, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence. This aspect also needs to be taken cognizance of by the Western countries and strict action taken against the anti-Indian elements. Relations with Canada The case of the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada is quite different from that of Pannun. In a totally unexpected move, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau soon after returning from India after attending the G20 Summit, announced in the Canadian Parliament on 18 September that there were credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen, a Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on 18 June 2023. Canada expelled a senior Indian official from the Indian High Commission in Ottawa without providing any evidence of his involvement. The Indian Foreign Office termed these charges as absurd and motivated. Indias External Affairs Minister categorically stated that it is not Indias policy to engage in extra-territorial killings. He added that no specific or relevant information had been shared by Canada with India and if any such information was provided, India would be prepared to look at it. India maintains that the real issue is the space provided by Canada to anti-Indian elements to carry out anti-Indian activities within Canada and India. Till date, Canada has not provided any evidence of Indias involvement in Nijjars killing. PM Trudeau has done a tremendous disservice to Canadas credibility and reputation and to relations with India by his unsubstantiated charges. It would be a fallacy to equate the US charges on a plot to kill Pannun with the allegations made by Canada. The US has provided some concrete information on the basis of which a committee has been established by India to look into the allegations. Canada has failed to provide any specific information even after six and a half months of Nijjars killing. Relations with other Western Countries Indias ties with other Western countries have continued to be dynamic and vigorous. Leaders of all the G7 countries visited India for the G20 Summit and extended full support for the success of Indias Presidency. In addition, the Chancellor of Germany and PMs of Japan, Italy and Australia visited India in 2023. President Macron of France is expected to visit India in January 2024 as Chief Guest at Indias Republic Day. In addition to the above, PM Modi travelled on a State visit to the US, as Chief Guest to Frances National Day, and to Japan and Australia in 2023. The regular and frequent exchange of visits with Western countries in both directions is testimony to the sturdy and strong ties between India and the West. Relations with Russia India maintains a Special, Privileged and Strategic Partnership with Russia. Annual Summits between India and Russia did not take place in 2022 or 2023. The last Annual Summit was held in New Delhi in December 2021. Regular and frequent meetings between EAM Dr S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have however taken place through 2023 to keep the relations on an even keel. Both the Ministers met at least six times during 2023. In this period, Lavrov visited India for the G20 Summit, for meetings of FMs of G20 and SCO. Russia emerged as the largest supplier of crude oil to India in 2023. During the current visit from 25-29 December 2023, EAM will meet Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia Denis Manturov to discuss matters related to economic engagement. He will meet his counterpart Lavrov for discussion on bilateral, multilateral and international issues. Focusing on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between the two countries, EAMs program will include engagements in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Conclusion It will be a fallacy to see the current visit of EAM through the prism of Indias relations with the US and other Western countries. Indias relations with the West and Russia stand on their own strengths and merits. Indias partnership with the US and the West, as well as with Russia seeks to preserve and promote its national interest while at the same time giving an impetus to security, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. The writer is executive council member, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, president, Institute of Global Studies, Distinguished Fellow, Ananta Aspen Centre, and former Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. The year 2023 saw significant bilateral or multilateral summit meetings involving India. This gave opportunities to strengthen Indias ties with major countries, as also play a constructive role in multilateral forums with its strong advocacy of dialogue and diplomacy to address differences at the international level. Indias voice was heard with attention and respect as it is now backed by strong leadership, economic growth, and an ambition to play a greater role in international governance. Its attachment to strategic autonomy has widened its diplomatic options, as it can balance its interests better. India as a bridge between the North and the South, and between democracies and so-called autocracies is seen as a valued partner, even when there is disagreement over some aspects of its foreign policy. The success of Indias summit season was highlighted the most by the success of its G20 presidency. The G20 summit was held in very challenging circumstances. The Ukraine conflict, although an issue of European security in essence, was impacting the rest of the world, especially the Global South, with disruptions in food, fertiliser and energy supplies as a result of draconian sanctions imposed on Russia by the US and its allies, who since the start of the conflict had shown a determination to push for a condemnation of Russia in all forums, including in the UN. The risk was, therefore, real that the G20 summit could fail to issue a Summit Declaration, much to the discomfiture of India which had put in tremendous national effort to leverage the summit to showcase a new and dynamically rising India, if the G7 insisted on condemning Russia and the hardened position of Russia and China after the Bali summit led to an inevitable impasse. The absence of both Presidents Putin and Xi from the summit complicated the scope for diplomacy in bridging differences at the highest level. In the event, India through hyperactive diplomacy, succeeded in forging a declaration with full consensus, without any footnotes. Undoubtedly, the US and the G7 for larger geopolitical reasons to preserve the G20 as a multilateral forum of G7 and the Global South, and keeping also in view the need to not break the momentum of expanding India-US partnership which would have been an inevitable consequence if a summit held with such fanfare by India failed at the end, chose to settle for a text that does not even mention Russia by name. Russia, too, keeping its relations with India in mind, also showed flexibility in agreeing to generalised formulations that the G7 could sell as directed at Russias military intervention in Ukraine. President Putin praised India for depoliticising the G20. India strengthened its diplomatic weight in advance of the G20 summit by organising the Voice of the Global South Summit, attended by 125 countries. The clear aim was to durably shape the G 20 agenda in favour of the concerns and expectations of the developing countries on a range of issues, be it those of managing global debt vulnerabilities, food and energy security, eliminating hunger, climate change financing, affordable, just and sustainable green development, focus on SDGs, reforming international financial institutions, and so on. India pushed successfully for the inclusion of the African Union as a G20 member so that the voice of the Global South in G20 became stronger. This initiative also helped to balance the EUs separate membership of the G20. In 2023, India under Prime Minister Modi continued to influence the international discourse with many of its civilisation values, political priorities and ideas, as well as economic achievements. The G20 motto of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a striking example of internationalising a core idea of Indian humanism. Calling for a human centric global system, propagating the idea of LiFE for sustainable development, research on climate resilient grains, Global Initiative for Global Health, our success in developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), One Future Alliance to implement DPI, are some other instances of India introducing its ideas into the international system hitherto dominated by G7 priorities. Prime Minister Modis State visit to the US in June 2023 was remarkably successful. The invitation to Modi showed that the US chose to adopt a more pragmatic position on our relations with Russia. The massive spurt in our oil purchases from Russia at discounted prices has been an irritant but India has emphatically stood its ground in its national interest. In the US geopolitical calculus, with the challenge from China in mind, Indias value as a partner has grown. The US and China are re-engaging each other as demonstrated by the Biden-XI meeting in San Francisco, but the rivalry between the two countries for global leadership has intensified, especially in the technology domain, even if the US wants to put guard rails to avoid a direct military conflict over Taiwan. The US has now become Indias biggest technology partner. During the visit the US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan jointly chaired a meeting with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval to launch the ICET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) in Washington DC was unprecedented. The ICET would open doors to India-US cooperation in areas that would be key to Indias own technological progress. During the year it was decided to start negotiations on Security of Supply Arrangement (SSA) and Reciprocal Defence Procurement Agreement (RDPA) as part of efforts to fast track technology cooperation and co-production in air combat and land mobility systems, intelligence sharing, surveillance and reconnaissance, especially in the underwater domain, as well as industry to industry cooperation. In May 2023 India and the US held the Inaugural India-US Advanced Domains Defence Dialogue to strengthen partnership in new defence domains, with emphasis on space and artificial intelligence. A new initiative has been launched the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to advance cutting edge technology cooperation. That US has given clearance to General Electric Company to develop in cooperation with India the GE F414-INS6 jet engine for Indias Tejas Mk II Light Combat Aircraft and AMCA Mk I, which is vital for Indias aatmanirbhar ambitions to develop indigenous defence manufacturing. President Macron invited Prime Minister Modi to be chief guest at Bastille Day on July 14 this year and decorated him with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest French honour. Modis visit was an occasion to lay the foundations of a longer-term strategic relationship spanning the next 25 years, for which the two countries adopted the Horizon 2047 Roadmap on the 25th Anniversary of the Indo-French Strategic Partnership: Towards a Century of French-Indian Relations. Modi and Macron noted that the partnership had already become one of regional responsibilities and global importance, with a common quest for a stable multipolar world, and with the defence and security partnership extending from seabed to space, with digital, innovation and startup partnership as new areas of growth. India-France defence partnership took a major step forward with Indias decision to purchase 26 Rafales (naval version) for its new aircraft carrier and to construct three additional Scorpene submarines in India. The joint statement issued on the occasion recognised that France is one of Indias key partners in the development of a self-reliant defence industrial and technological base. India and France adopted a new Indo-Pacific Roadmap during Modis visit, which includes extending their cooperation to the Pacific. To mark the closeness of India-France ties, President Macron will be the Chief Guest at Indias R-Day in 2024. In July 2023 India successfully chaired the SCO summit despite many diplomatic challenges as relations between SCO member states have their quota of bilateral difficulties and tensions. To what extent these can be set aside or bridging formulations found so that broad understandings are reached on regional and international issues in common interest is a challenge that India as Chair of the SCO had to address. The New Delhi Declaration rightly acknowledged that the world was undergoing unprecedented transformations which required an increase in the effectiveness of global institutions, stronger multi-polarity, increased interconnectedness, interdependence, and an accelerated pace of digitisation. It expressly confirmed the commitment of member states to building a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order based on international law, multilateralism, equal, joint, indivisible, comprehensive and sustainable security, cultural and civilisational diversity, with a central coordinating role of the UN. The Declaration rightly stressed that unilateral application of economic sanctions other than those approved by the UN Security Council were incompatible with the principles of international law and had a negative impact on the third countries and international economic relations. Much of this is a critique of the West dominated global system. In May 2023, Prime Minister Modi, invited to the G7 summit, also attended the Quad summit in Japan. Indias commitment to Quad has become more explicit, despite criticism by both China and Russia that the US was pursuing bloc politics in Asia. With Chinas openly aggressive behaviour towards New Delhi, the security content of the Quad for India has become increasingly significant. India has, nevertheless, pursued with success its key objective of anchoring Quad into a broader and durable cooperative framework that it could also leverage for promoting its own economic interests. At the Quad summit at Hiroshima both these elements- economic and security- were reflected in PM Modis opening statement in which he talks of the Quad establishing itself as an important platform for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, recognising that the security and success of the Indo-Pacific is important also to the world, and that the region is the engine of global trade, innovation and growth. He noted the growing cooperation in areas like climate action, disaster management, strategic technologies, reliable supply chains, health security, maritime security and counter-terrorism. India now sees Quad as a global good, as reiterated by PM Modi in his remarks. At Hiroshima, India joined the vigorous criticism of Chinas policies in the western Pacific that adversely affected Indias interests too. At the bilateral level, while talks at the military and diplomatic levels have continued, no breakthrough has occurred which could have helped to open the doors to a Modi-Xi summit talks in 2023. Apart from a cursory exchange at Bali during the G 20 summit between the two leaders, the relationship at the political level remains frozen, with India reiterating several times in 2023 that for the relations to be normal, the situation on the border has to become normal. President Xi did not attend the G 20 summit in New Delhi. The meeting of Indias Foreign Minister with his Chinese counterpart in New Delhi during the SCO Foreign Ministers meet produced no change in positions. In August 2023, India participated in the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in South Africa. The expansion of BRICS was a major outcome of the summit. The number of countries from the Global South that formally applied for BRICS membership or showed interest in joining the grouping reflected a growing discontent with the West-dominated global order that continues to be shaped in accordance with the policy priorities and interests of the major Western powers. The expansion of BRICS seems to have been based less on any well-defined criteria that India preferred and more on reaching a quick consensus on which countries from the 23 which had applied for membership would be acceptable to all the five existing members. Four of the six new members are from the same broad region: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran and Egypt, which shows the lopsided nature of the expansion. India eventually supported the BRICS expansion. India has friendly ties with all the new members. With five of the new six members India has a strategic partnership. The leaders of five of the six countries have been chief guests at our Republic Day celebrations. With Ethiopia our relations have been traditionally strong. In Africa, Ethiopia is the largest recipient of long-term concessional credit from India. A missing summit at the bilateral level in 2023 was with Russia. The last summit, the 21st, was held in December 2021. India has, however, ensured that its ties with Russia are not disrupted by the conflict in Ukraine and the G7 attempt to punish and isolate Russia. President Putin has publicly saluted India and Prime Minister Modi for unflinchingly pursuing the countrys national interest despite pressures. Kanwal Sibal is a former Indian Foreign Secretary. He was Indias Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. The fifth and final promise by the Congress during the assembly elections in May, which brought them to power in Karnataka, Yuva Nidhi scheme, is now open for registrations. But the launch of this scheme was not devoid of political grandstanding as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning whether he is an economist. Under the Yuva Nidhi scheme, money will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. You (PM Modi) failed to keep up your word. Have you created two crore jobs a year as promised to the people of this country? the Karnataka CM questioned. PM Modi, while campaigning in the states that went to election recently, had criticised the Congress new formula of guarantees. Are they fulfilling their guarantees? Their guarantees will leave the country bankrupt, Modi had said. Siddaramaiah took on the PM while speaking at the inaugural programme to open registrations for Yuva Nidhi, wondering whether the PM was an economist at all. The chief minister stated that PM Modi had said Karnataka will go bankrupt if the five guarantees are implemented. The reality is that the state has grown financially stronger now with the implementation of five guarantees, said Siddaramaiah. Yuva Nidhi, Congress last poll guarantee, includes providing monetary assistance of Rs 3,000 on monthly basis to unemployed graduates and Rs 1,500 to the diploma holders of the state who passed in the 2022-23 academic year. The official disbursal of the amount to the beneficiaries is to be launched on January 12, which is also celebrated as National Youth Day marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. An allotment of Rs 250 crore has been set aside by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government for this scheme for this year. According to Karnataka Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, an expenditure of Rs 1,250 crore is anticipated in the next year, and the state may incur a spending of approximately Rs 2,500 crore in the following years based on the registrations. The youth beneficiary will get the promised amount directly into their accounts, and money would also be given to those who do not get a job even after the completion of 180 days from the date of passing of the degree/diploma, explained an official from the skill development ministry in Karnataka. The government plans to give free training to the unemployed youth and also tap the database to fill in the vacant jobs existing in the state government, added Siddaramaiah. A senior minister working closely on the scheme told News18 that the magnitude of beneficiaries will be huge and the government wanted to ensure that those who are eligible are able to get the benefit seamlessly while ensuring there was no leakage of funds in case of ineligible or false claimants. We have been given to understand that around 6 lakh youth have passed out of their graduation courses between the academic year 2022-2023. We had to wait for a few months to find out which of those graduates were unable to get a job, explained the minister. The minister denied speculations about the delay in launching the Yuva Nidhi scheme due to financial constraints. There is absolutely no delay. We had to wait to get the numbers and details of those youth who graduated in June this year but have not been able to get a job until December. Once we had enough data, we launched the registrations. The youth will be the ones who will be eligible for the scheme. They will get financial assistance for a period of two years within which we expect them to find employment, explained the leader. On a question whether those who have graduated before 2022 will be eligible to apply for the scheme, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar had earlier clarified to News18 that since the Congress government came to power this May, the scheme will be applicable from this year. It is the promise made by the Congress government for the people. We assumed power a few months ago, so any graduate belonging to the academic year 2022-23 and who has passed their graduation/diploma in 2023 will be eligible, explained Shivakumar. According to the governments eligibility criteria for Yuva Nidhi, the candidates should have a domicile in Karnataka during graduation and diploma for a minimum of six years. It is learnt that 5.3 lakh youth, who have passed out during the academic year 2022-2023 (that means those who graduated in June and have not found jobs until December), have been identified as eligible beneficiaries under this scheme. The financial assistance will be given for a period of two years only. By that time we expect the youth to find a job and allow another worthy candidate to take benefit of this scheme. Those who are pursuing higher education are not eligible, said Karnataka Youth Congress president Mohammed Haris Nalapad. Nalapad said the financial assistance that is being given is a stopgap and should not be considered as an end goal by the youth. The youth should attempt to get a job within six months to a years time, he added. A young persons family supports their children till they get the degree, but once they pass that stage or any other higher qualification, it is the duty of the youth to support their parents, the minister stressed. Not finding a job despite being a graduate makes the youth feel like a burden on their parents. This also affects the morale, self-efficiency of the youth. So, the Congress wants to make sure that they do not lose hope nor are financially fine till they get a fitting job, the youth president said. How does one apply? Eligible candidates can freely enrol by logging on to the Sevasindhu portal (http://sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in). They can also use Karnataka One, Bengaluru One, Grama One, and Bapuji Seva Kendra to upload their documents. Political analyst SA Hemanth questions the timing of the announcement of Yuva Nidhi. This seems to be a clever way of attracting votes in their favour just before the Lok Sabha elections using government money. The Congress used to find itself in an embarrassing position each time the BJP asked about the delay in implementing the youth scheme promise, Hemanth said. He further said the Congress hopes to project that the unemployment rate under the Modi government has gone up and the promises made by him, including special schemes for women and minorities, have not been fulfilled, but the Siddaramaiah government is able to do so effectively. Siddaramaiah is trying to portray that his government is pro-youth, pro-women, and pro-farmers, while Modi is everything anti. This move by the Congress is nothing but political posturing and a total eyewash, Hemanth adds. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Wednesday said K Chandrasekhar Raos government bought 22 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles without anybodys knowledge before the state assembly polls, hoping that his party would return to power and KCR could use them. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday after launching the Praja Palana public outreach programme through which applications can be filled out by people seeking to benefit from the six poll guarantees, Reddy said the people of Telangana are facing a lot of problems due to the failure of the previous government. After I assumed charge as Chief Minister, I told officials not to buy new vehicles for me but the previous government bought 22 Land Cruisers and kept them in Vijayawada. Even I did not know about it until 10 days after I became chief minister, he said. I had asked officials to repair old vehicles so that I can use them. The officials then informed me that last time we (the state government) bought 22 Land Cruiser vehicles. They were all in Vijayawada and the then government wanted to bring them after the new Chief Minister (KCR) was sworn in, he said. Reddy said he was surprised when officials informed him about the vehicles. Each vehicle costs Rs 3 crore because they are bulletproof vehicles. This is how KCR has created wealth for the state, Reddy said sarcastically. Congress emerged victorious in the Assembly elections held recently and formed the government for the first time in Telangana. PRAJAVANI PROGRAMME The CM said a Prajavani programme, a centralised public grievance redress and monitoring system, which is conducted twice a week, has received over 24,000 applications, mostly related to land and housing issues and also seeking help through the Rajiv Aarogyasri health insurance scheme. Alleging that the leaders of the previous BRS government had looted Rs one lakh crore, the CM said the government would unearth the amount. TSPSC BOARD FORMATION He further said the resignation letters of the Telangana State Public Service Commission chairman and members are pending with the Governor and once they are accepted, a new board will be created and recruitment will be completed by December 2024 as per the job calendar. The CM said a Praja Palana programme will be held from December 28 to January 6 to accept further applications from the people. (with PTI inputs) The Congress top brass held a meeting with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and other party leaders from the state on Wednesday to discuss the strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and other top leaders were present at the meeting. The Congress high-command has been holding deliberations with leaders from different states as the INDIA opposition bloc focuses on finalising the seat-sharing agreements with months to go for the general election. There are four (Lok Sabha) seats in Himachal Pradesh and the Congress is strong on all four, Sukhu told reporters after the meeting. Three of the four seats are currently held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while the Congress has one seat. After the Left parties, Trinamool Congress may also skip the inaugural ceremony of Ram Temple in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya on January 22. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee is likely to give the Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav for Lord Ram a miss, and may also not send any representative to the ceremony, according to sources. The exact reason for her decision is still not clear. If she has received an invitation is also not clear, but she might skip the event. According to her, the event will be a showcase of politics in religion, and thats why she might skip it, sources said. They said Banerjee is wary of being associated with BJPs political narrative, with the saffron party looking to leverage the event as a springboard for its 2024 Lok Sabha campaign. While the TMC is yet to officially announce its decision, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India have made it clear that they will not attend the event, stating that BJP and RSS have converted a religious ceremony into a state-sponsored event directly involving the Prime Minister. These developments came against the backdrop of the Ram Temple trust extending invitations to all chief ministers and leading opposition figures for the ceremony. The inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is scheduled to take place on January 22, 2024. The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and many other prominent people from all walks of life. Masarat Alam Bhat, the leader of a faction of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir banned under the UAPA on Wednesday, is known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. At present incarcerated, he became the chairman of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference after the death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The union home ministry said the ban on Bhats outfit comes as a response to anti-national and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, with the intent to create a reign of terror in the country. Home minister Amit Shah, while announcing the ban under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, stressed that the Narendra Modi-led governments message is clear that those who act against the unity, sovereignty and integrity of the nation will face the full wrath of the law and will not be spared. According to the ministry of home affairs, the objectives of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) are to attain freedom for Jammu and Kashmir from India, merge it with Pakistan, and establish Islamic rule. A ministry notification stated that the organisations members have been involved in secessionist activities, raising funds through various sources, including Pakistan and its proxy organisations, to support terrorist activities and sustain stone-pelting on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Who is Masarat Alam? Masarat Alam Bhat has been in jail since 2010 for his alleged involvement in violent protests in the Kashmir valley, which were mostly stone-pelting rallies against security forces. His release in 2015 became the first impediment in the PDP-BJP alliance the then chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed got him released immediately after taking oath. Under pressure from its ally BJP, the then state government had to re-arrest him on charges of sedition and waging war against the state after allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans at a rally. Bhat was accused of playing a key role in organising violent protests in Kashmir in 2010, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 youths. He was appointed the chairman of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference after the death of Geelani in September 2021. Lodged in Delhis Tihar jail since 2019, Bhat has constantly been in the news for his anti-India rhetoric. He has been running his Muslim League faction for the past decade, but the outfits activities have been monitored by the intelligence agencies since long before. The Centre has booked him in 27 criminal cases but he has either been exonerated or bailed out in most. Bhat is known to have spoken out in support of 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and LeT chief Hafiz Sayeed. He has also been criticised for being the new poster boy for Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence. (With PTI inputs) Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to lead the Bharat Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai, starting on January 14. The Yatra will cover a distance of 6,200 kms and will conclude on March 20, 2024. The Yatra will pass through Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat before finally arriving in Maharashtra. Addressing a press conference, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said that this will be Bus Yatra with maximum access to the people on the way, adding that few stretches of walking will also be a part of the journey. Venugopal said that this Yatra comes after Gandhis great experience from the first Bharat Jodo Yatra. The yatra is going to interact with youth, women and marginalised people, the Congress general secretary added. Addressing the media along with Venugopal, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also noted that December 28 is the foundation day of the grand old party. On this occasion, he said, Hain Tayyar Hum rally has been organised in Nagpur. Party leaders and workers from across the country will be present there, Ramesh said, adding that, preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are underway. The party is set to kick off its campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Maharashtras Nagpur on its foundation day. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia, Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other top leaders will be present at the event. The partys Maharashtra unit has organised a rally at the Dighori Naka area near Nagpur city, where more than one lakh workers are expected to come. It is also worth noting that the party has named the venue as Bharat Jodo Maidan, where workers and leaders will be seen sloganeering Hain Taiyaar Hum. Last year, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had started the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari on September 7. He concluded the Yatra in Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar on January 29, 2023. The Yatra came to end of its nearly 5-month long course as Rahul Gandhi unfurled the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. ALSO READ | Bharat Jodo Yatra: 5 Months & 4,000 km Later, Rahul Ends March With Flag Hoisting at Lal Chowk The cross-country foot march stayed in the news almost right through, mostly for the barbs between the BJP and the Congress and occasionally for other reasons, including infighting in the opposition party. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday said that the governance caged in the fortresses was freed and reached the folk in the state after the Congress came into power. CM Revanth along with his deputy Bhatti Vikramarka released the logo to six gurantees, Praja Palana and Abhaya Hastam and the application form at a programme held in the Secretariat in Hyderabad earlier in the day. We except pots with treasure but we found empty pots. From December 28 onwards we will receive application forms from the people for the five guarantees (Mahalakshmi, Rythu Bharosa, Gruhajyothi, Indiramma Illu and Cheyutha) in villages, towns and municipal wards. The forms will be received through Grama Sabhas within eight working days. We are trying to collect the details of the beneficiaries on or before January 7. We decided to extend the guarantees to the eligible. The government itself will reach the people and try to deliver justice to them. Tahsildar is responsible to the concerned mandal. Every official will visit two villages a day. The government has been treating the Praja Palana programme as a prestigious programme, Revanth said while addressing a gathering. Speaking on the issue of new ration cards to the eligible, the Telangana CM further said, Issuance of ration cards is a continuous process. We will fill as many as two lakh vacant posts within a year. We came to know that a woman met former minister KT Rama Rao after her problem was not solved in the Praja Vani programme. He gave Rs. 1 lakh to her from the crores of rupees he looted. He further stated his government would hand over the looted money to the people. The previous rulers purchased as many as 22 new cars and kept them secretly to use them if they came to power for the third time, the Telangana CM added. He further said that the state government is committed to delivering the fruits of the welfare schemes to each eligible. In an attempt to clear the clouds on the functioning of the TSPSC, Reddy said, The competitive exams will not held without the TSPSC chairman and the members have already submitted their resignations and we will form the new TSPSC, appoint chairman and members after the governor decides in this regard. Later we will take up filling up vacant posts in various government departments. We will decide on the conduct of the Group-2 exams after discussing the issue with the officials concerned. Speaking on the Medigadda project, CM Reddy also said, Judicial enquiry has been going on the project. The role of the L&T and the officials concerned will come to light after the completion of the enquiry. We released white papers on the corruption of the previous government. They bankrupted the state by taking loans to the tune of Rs.6.71 lakh crores. We are trying our best to move forward in the worst situation. We will collect Central funds. We havent fixed any limits to the Rythu Bandhu scheme so far. The free bus travel scheme for women in the state turned grand success. We foresighted the situation of the auto drivers due to the free bus travel scheme and we will provide financial assistance to the auto drivers. After Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal pitched for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as the prime ministerial face of the INDIA front, there has been much controversy and heartburn amongst the leaders of the alliance. Sharad Pawar was the first to reject the proposal, noting that the PM face should be decided only after Lok Sabha results. In a first, the Congress has broken its silence on the issue, with media department head and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh agreeing with Pawar. I agree with him. Congress has always believed that the PM face should not be announced immediately. We are not a presidential system. We dont decide the face first. We will wait to see what the results are, he said. Ramesh, however, refused to be dragged into the debate on whether the Congress was uncomfortable with Kharge as the PM face and if Rahul Gandhi should be the candidate in case Congress comes to power. On Priyanka Vadra, the party is mum so far even as indications go that she may finally take the electoral plunge in 2024. She is not just a star campaigner but a superstar campaigner. She has been relentless and indefatigable. We would want her to fulfil the role in Lok Sabha elections as well. Whether she wants to contest or not is up to her. Ramesh also said the alliance parties did not believe in muzzling one another. On the controversial issue of Udhayanidhi Stalins Sanatan Dharma comment and CPI(M)s decision to skip the Ram Mandir inauguration on January 22, the veteran Congress leader said: Its the CPI(M)s point of view. We are not here to muzzle anyone. They are entitled to it. There are issues which unite us, there are issues we have different points of view on. We discuss this internally and then decide. Asked if this would help BJP build an anti-Hindu perception of the alliance, he said: This is what BJPs media managers do. As an alliance, we have difference of opinion over many issues but there is unanimity on political solution. The leader also made it clear that the large number of suspensions of MPs would not be forgotten soon. On V-P Jagdeep Dhankhars statement that he suffering after being mocked, Ramesh said: We all are suffering. Look, I dont want to say anything about the chairperson or Speaker. We respect the post. But the fact is that they have to be neutral. The suspension of MPs and the fact that the INDIA front doesnt feel the government has done enough on the Lok Sabha security breach will be the fulcrum of the alliances 2024 poll manifesto. Google is busy working on its AI model but it seems the company is planning for life with AI for its own business as well. According to a new report, the search giant could lay off as many as 30,000 employees as it gets ready to build use cases for AI to take over from humans. The report comes via The Information, which says that Google is going to restructure its ad sales department which seems to be seeing the benefits of using AI for its operations. In fact, bringing AI on board could lead to a massive churn at Google, the report suggests. AI is expected to play a big part in the changing revenue stream of digital advertising from the platform, which has a major effect on people being employed to do these tasks. Google is also testing AI in its customer support service these days which has a direct impact on the human-side of operations at the company. Google has been in the news for handing out pink slips earlier this year as well. The headlines never make for a rosy reading but Google CEO, Sundar Pichai decided to address the need to realign the business and that unfortunately ends up costing people jobs. At Google, around 12,000 people were already laid off as highlighted in multiple reports. The Google CEO said, It would have been a major overhang on the company. I think it would have made it very difficult in a year like this with such a big shift in the world to create the capacity to invest in areas. There is no doubt that businesses will have to make these decisions, but the need to churn staff to integrate AI will probably face more scrutiny from a company that makes billions across different businesses. A 70-year-old Ugandan woman named Safina Namukwaya has given birth to twins via caesarean section at a fertility centre in Kampala. The groundbreaking event, reported by BBC, marks Namukwaya as one of the oldest women in Africa to undergo successful in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment and deliver healthy infants. Namukwaya welcomed a baby boy and girl, describing the experience as nothing short of a miracle," as conveyed by Ugandan media. The Womens Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC), where the historic birth took place, celebrated the accomplishment on its Facebook page, stating, Weve achieved the extraordinary delivering twins to Africas oldest mother aged 70!" The hospital highlighted that this achievement represents the resilience and strength of the human spirit, surpassing a mere medical triumph. Dr Edward Tamale Sali, a fertility specialist at WHI&FC, provided insight into the IVF procedure, revealing that Namukwaya utilised a donor egg and her partners sperm. Despite the twins being born prematurely at 31 weeks, Dr Sali assured them that they are currently in stable condition, receiving care in incubators. Namukwaya shared with Ugandas Daily Monitor newspaper the challenges she faced during her pregnancy, highlighting the emotional distress caused by her partners abandonment upon learning about the impending arrival of twins. Men dont like to be told that you are carrying more than one child. Ever since I was admitted here, my man has never shown up," she expressed. This marks Namukwayas second delivery in three years, having given birth to a baby girl in 2020. The motivation for her late-in-life motherhood journey stems from societal pressure and mockery for being childless. I looked after peoples children and saw them grow up and leave me alone. I wondered who would take care of me when I grow old," she explained. Typically, women undergo menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, signalling the end of their reproductive years. However, advancements in medical science, particularly in fertility treatments like IVF, have provided opportunities for women to extend their childbearing years. IVF, one of several techniques, involves removing an egg from a womans ovaries and fertilising it with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting fertilised egg, called an embryo, is then implanted in the womans womb to grow and develop. Time and again, passengers complain about broken seats on public transport to raise concerns over railway services and especially the quality of meals served. While the authorities are on their toes to address such complaints, a share of responsibility lies on the citizens as well to take care of public property. Recently, a railway official resorted to social media to express his displeasure with a passengers misuse of railway property. Ananth Rupanagudi took to his X handle to respond to a photo of a passenger sleeping with his feet put up to the snack tray on the Vande Bharat Express. An X user with the username Namma Kovai shared a picture of a passenger sleeping with his bare feet on the tray that is generally used for keeping the refreshments served on the train and questioned the absence of fundamental travel etiquette among people. He wrote, Chennai Vande Bharat. Such actions are not only disrespectful but also set a negative example for the wider community. Placing ones feet on surfaces designated for dining is unsanitary and exhibits a lack of basic etiquette. The viral picture seems to be a screenshot taken from the link to a YouTube video. #CBE Chennai Vande BharatSuch actions are not only disrespectful but also set a negative example for wider community. Placing one's feet on surfaces designated for dining is unsanitary and exhibits a lack of basic etiquette.https://t.co/pN2vv3gmfy@Ananth_IRAS @SalemDRM pic.twitter.com/08e1uLm3dk Namma Kovai (@NammaCoimbatore) December 25, 2023 Soon after the picture was posted, the railway official, Ananth Rupanagudi took notice of the same and urged people to travel more responsibly. He expressed, Please use the fittings for the purpose they are meant for. They have been created for you with your money and hence you have a responsibility towards those fittings. And these trains are built at a considerable cost. Please travel responsibly. Please use the fittings for the purpose they are meant for. They have been created for you with your money and hence you have a responsibility towards those fittings. And these trains are built at a considerable cost. Please travel responsibly. #VandeBharat https://t.co/Cal0VpmAXM Ananth Rupanagudi (@Ananth_IRAS) December 25, 2023 Many online users also expressed their frustration over such behavior. One user said, Cant agree more. We will be placed lowest if civic behaviour is ranked worldwide, while another asserted, Civic sense is absent from the brains of our society. Pointing out such incidents makes us villains. A social media user pointed out, It will get damaged sooner handling that much weight. People like these must be fined. Cant agree more. We will be placed lowest if civic behaviour is ranked worldwide. EqualLives (@R2023WW) December 25, 2023 Civic sense is absent from the brains of our society. Pointing out such incidents makes us villains (@Shankarraman) December 25, 2023 It will get damage sooner handling that much weight. People like these must be fined. Anniyan (@jbspeedster) December 25, 2023 This is not the first time, the railway official pointed out how passengers misuse services inside the train. One of the main reasons for breaking of snack trays or defective snack trays in #VandeBharat and other trains! Even with photographic evidence, whiners would say that I pass on the blame only to passengers! #IndianRailways #Responsibility #passengers pic.twitter.com/ykv0VNED9a Ananth Rupanagudi (@Ananth_IRAS) November 22, 2023 He shared a picture of two kids sitting on a snack tray in the Vande Bharat Express train while their parents could be seen sitting in front of them on the seats. He stated that this was one of the reasons why the tray breaks easily. US President Joe Biden and Qatars ruling emir, Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani spoke on Tuesday (local time) to discuss how to secure the release of the remaining Hamas-held hostages in Gaza. Over 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza. They were captured by Hamas when they launched an unprecedented terrorist attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,100 people and taking over 250 hostages, of which they have released 110. The kin of these hostages are concerned that their lives are in danger because of Hamas as well as Israels incessant airstrikes and the ongoing Gaza siege which Israeli government warned could last for months. The number of dead in the coastal blockaded enclave has crossed the 20,000-mark, according to Hamas-run health ministry, which does not differentiate between Hamas terrorists and civilians, but most of the dead are women and children. Here are the top updates from the Israel-Hamas war: Irans Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday the October attacks on Israel by Tehran-backed Hamas militants were in part a retaliation of the US killing in 2020 of a top Iranian commander. The Palestinian armed group rejected earlier remarks by a Guards spokesman appearing to suggest that a key motivation for the October 7 attacks was to avenge Qasem Soleimanis death on Irans behalf. Hamass unprecedented attack on Israel resulted in the death of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, as per an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel responded with a withering offensive that has killed more than 21,100 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, as per the Hamas-run territorys health ministry. Iran, which supports Hamas financially and militarily, has hailed the deadly attacks as a success but denied any direct involvement. Undoubtedly, part of the great historic victory is due to the efforts of General Qasem Soleimani, Ramezan Sharif, spokesman for Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said of the Hamas attacks. Soleimani, the former commander of the Quds Force, the IRGCs foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad on January 3, 2020. One can consider the (Hamas) operations success as part of the resistances revenge against his cowardly assassination, Sharif was quoted by as saying Fars news agency. He said the 70-year oppression, the occupation, insults to the Al-Aqsa mosque, and the seige and massacre of the defenceless Palestinians were also among the motives for the Hamas attack. Sharif earlier told a news conference in Tehran that the Hamas attacks on October 7 were among acts of revenge for Soleimanis killing carried out by the Americans and with the support of the Zionists (Israel). Those remarks, which Sharif later said were misunderstood, drew a rare rebuke from Hamas that said there is no truth in them. We have announced on several occasions the motivations and reasons behind Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, namely the dangers facing Al-Aqsa mosque, said Hamas in a statement. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem is a site holy to both Muslims and Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. The compound, also home to the Dome of the Rock, is Islams holiest site after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. It lies directly above the Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews are allowed to pray. In recent years nationalist Jews have made multiple visits to the compound, sparking anger among Palestinians who see this as a provocation. Israeli forces on Tuesday expanded their ground offensive into urban refugee camps in central Gaza after bombarding the crowded Palestinian communities and ordering residents to evacuate. Gazas main telecom provider announced another complete interruption of services in the besieged territory. The militarys announcement of the new battle zone threatens further destruction in a war that Israel says will last for many months as it vows to crush the ruling Hamas militant group after its Oct. 7 attack. Israeli forces have been engaged in heavy urban fighting in northern Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis, driving Palestinians into ever-smaller areas in search of refuge. The US said Israels minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, was meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Despite US calls for Israel to curb civilian casualties and international pressure for a cease-fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military was deepening the fighting. We say to the Hamas terrorists: We see you and we will get to you, Netanyahu said. Israels offensive is one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than 20,900 Palestinians, two-thirds women and children, have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, whose count doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants. The agency said 240 people were killed over the past 24 hours. The UN human rights office said the continued bombardment of middle Gaza had claimed more than 100 Palestinian lives since Christmas Eve. The office noted that Israel had ordered some residents to move there. Israel said it would no longer grant automatic visas to UN employees and accused the world body of being complicit partners in Hamas tactics. Government spokesman Eylon Levy said Israel would consider visa requests case by case. That could further limit aid efforts in Gaza. Residents of central Gaza described shelling and airstrikes shaking the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij camps. The built-up towns hold Palestinians driven from their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war, along with their descendants. The bombing was very intense, Radwan Abu Sheitta said by phone from Bureij. The Israeli military ordered residents to evacuate a belt of territory the width of central Gaza, urging them to move to nearby Deir al-Balah. The UN humanitarian office said the area ordered evacuated was home to nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north. The military later said it was operating in Bureij and asserted that it had located a Hamas training camp. The telecom outage announced by Paltel follows similar outages through much of the war. NetBlocks, a group that tracks internet outages, confirmed that network connectivity in Gaza was disrupted again and likely to leave most residents offline. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said several countries had sent proposals to resolve the conflict following news of an Egyptian proposal that would include a transitional Palestinian government in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He did not offer details of the proposals. REGIONAL SPILLOVER Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel faces a multi-arena war on seven fronts Gaza and the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. We have responded and acted already on six of these, he told the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Iranian-backed militia groups around the region have stepped up attacks in support of Hamas. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq carried out a drone strike on a US base in Irbil on Monday, wounding three American service members, according to US officials. In response, US warplanes hit three locations in Iraq connected to a main militia, Kataib Hezbollah. Almost daily, Hezbollah and Israel exchange missiles, airstrikes and shelling across the Israeli-Lebanese border. On Tuesday, Israels military said Hezbollah struck a Greek Orthodox church in northern Israel with a missile, wounding two Israeli Christians, and fired again on arriving soldiers, wounding nine. Hezbollah is risking the stability of the region for the sake of Hamas, said Israels military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. In the Red Sea, attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen against commercial ships have disrupted trade and prompted a US-led multinational naval operation to protect shipping routes. The Israeli military said a fighter jet on Tuesday shot down a hostile aerial target above the Red Sea that the military asserted was on its way to Israeli territory. The USS Laboon, a Navy destroyer, and American fighter jets shot down 12 drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land-attack cruise missiles in the southern Red Sea that were fired by the Yemen-based Houthis over a 10-hour period Tuesday, according to the Pentagon. US Central Command said there was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries. A MASS GRAVE More than 85% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes. UN officials say a quarter of the territorys population is starving under Israels siege, which allows in a trickle of food, water, fuel, medicine and other supplies. Last week, the UN Security Council called for immediately speeding up aid deliveries, but there has been little sign of change. In an area Israel had declared a safe zone, a strike hit a home in Mawasi, a rural area in the southern province of Khan Younis. One woman was killed and at least eight were wounded, according to a cameraman working for The Associated Press at the nearby hospital. In response, Israels military said that it wouldnt refrain from operating in safe zones, if it identifies terrorist organization activity threatening the security of Israel. Hamas Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 240 others hostage. Israel aims to free the more than 100 hostages who remain in captivity. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll in Gaza, citing militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel says it has killed thousands of militants, without presenting evidence. At the Kerem Shalom border crossing, UN and Gazan medical workers unloaded a truck carrying about 80 unidentified bodies that had been held by Israeli forces in northern Gaza. They were buried in a mass grave. Medical workers called the odors unbearable. We cannot open this container in a neighborhood where people live, Dr. Marwan al-Hams, health emergency committee director in Rafah, told the AP. He said the health and justice ministries would investigate the bodies for possible war crimes. The Israeli military announced the deaths of two more soldiers, bringing the total killed since the ground offensive began to 161. The Israeli national security council issued an advisory urging Israelis in India, especially those living in New Delhi, to exercise caution following an explosion earlier on Tuesday near the Israeli embassy. The advisory urges Israelis in India to avoid crowded areas such as malls and markets as well as sites associated with Jews and Israelis. It urged its citizens to remain extra vigilant in public places. It told Israelis in India to refrain from displaying Israeli symbols, avoid crowded events that arent secured and not share photos on social media that could reveal their location. A report by News18 said the Delhi Police on Tuesday received a call about a blast near the Israel Embassy in the national capital but highlighted that the authorities did not find anything. The Delhi Polices crime units and forensics teams reached the Israel Embassy to conduct a probe. They said they received a call around 5:47pm (local time) which was transferred from Delhi Polices PCR (police control room). So far nothing has been found at the location, Delhi Fire Services director, Atul Garg said. A PCR call was received conveying the information that a loud sound was heard from the back side of the Israel Embassy. Considering the sensitivity of the location and the mention of explosion-type sound, senior officers rushed to the location. In close follow-up, the dog squad, crime team and BDS team of Delhi Police reached the spot where the alleged sound of the explosion was reported to have been heard. The area was cordoned off and subjected to a thorough search, the police said in a statement. Ohad Nakash Kaynar, Israels deputy envoy to India, on Tuesday said that all diplomats were safe and no one was hurt in the blast. This evening several minutes after 5, an explosion occurred in close proximity to the Embassy. All our diplomats and workers are safe. Our security teams are working in full cooperation with local Delhi security and they will investigate the matter further, Kaynar said. A separate report by the Indian Express said that a typed letter containing abusive language addressed to the Israeli ambassador was found. Earlier in 2021, a crude bomb went off near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. (with inputs from Times of Israel) A Vietnamese restaurant which was killing up to 300 cats a month for making a cat soup recipe was shut down after its 37-year-old owner, Pham Quoc Doanh, voiced his moral concerns with the practice. The Humane Society International (HSI) announced that Pham Quoc Doanh tore down the advertisement for the cat soup recipe known as thit meo (cat meat) outside his Gia Bao restaurant in the Thinh an ward of Thai Nguyen in early December. Once he tore down the sign, at least 20 cats and kittens which were supposed to be drowned to meet the eaterys demand were freed and placed for adoption. Doanh told news agencies that he was pushed into the cat meat market because he wanted to make ends meet and he never wanted to sell cat meat. Reports by the Metro said cat meat is a relatively popular dish in Vietnam. Before selling cat meat at this restaurant I served other normal food and drinks. However, the income was not enough to cover the living cost of my family. It was then I tried selling cat meat since there was no other available restaurant serving this in the area, Doanh was quoted as saying by the Metro. The HSI said that about 1 million cats mostly stolen pets and strays are killed for meat per year in Vietnam. The Metro report also said that polls in Vietnam showed that 87% of people in the Asian nation have had their pet mysteriously stolen, or know someone whose pet was taken. HSI also helped Doanh by affiliating him to their Models for Change program and gave him a one-time grant to close his restaurant and set up a grocery store. Doanh reached out to them because he could not bear the suffering of these voiceless animals. Doanh told the news outlet that he drowned the cats by holding them down with a stick in a bucket of water. I felt sorry for them when I saw them suffering during slaughtering. It was all about money since I had to make money for my whole family, he said. The cats taken from Doanhs custody were taken to the Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry to be vaccinated against rabies before being adopted. Vietnams cat meat industry cannot be regulated because the animals are not considered livestock and thus farmers do not have to register their data. Now that Ive closed my cat slaughter business, I feel more peaceful in my mind and feel confident and happy about my future, Doanh said. At least 15 people have been killed in landslides in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The landslides occurred overnight Tuesday in Bukavu, a city of an estimated two million people in South Kivu province, officials said. A staff member at Bukavu provincial hospital, who requested anonymity, told AFP that 15 bodies had come in from across the city after the downpour. Town hall spokesman Joseph Mugisho Zihalirwa gave a higher toll, saying at least 19 people had been killed and five injured in one district alone including 11 members of the same family swept away by a river that burst its banks. Albert Migabo Nyagaza, a local official and a pastor, said a wall collapsed on worshippers during a church service, killing five people. He added that three other people were swept away in flooding. Mao Ishikitilo, a territorial administrator south of Bukavu, said about 20 people had died in his area, without giving further details. AFP was unable to independently confirm the death toll from the landslides. The DRC is one of the worlds poorest nations, despite its immense mineral wealth. It is regularly hit by disasters such as floods and landslides, in part due to urban overcrowding, dilapidated infrastructure and shoddy house construction. On Tuesday, torrential rains triggered landslides in the city of Kananga in the centre of the country, killing at least 22 people. Pierce Brosnan, the Irish actor who starred in four James Bond films, has been cited for allegedly skirting travel regulations in Yellowstone National Park. The 70-year-old Brosnan was charged on Dec. 26 in U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming with traveling off a trail in one of the parks thermal areas and not adhering to the parks closure and limited use notices. The more than 2 million-acre park contains thousands of hydrothermal features, including geysers, hot springs and fumaroles. Park officials constantly warn visitors to keep to the boardwalks that snake around these areas, as some of the hot springs can reach temperatures of nearly 200 degrees while steam vents can be as a hot as 245 degrees. More than 20 people have died by falling into Yellowstone National Parks hydrothermal features. The organic soil around thermal features can also be fragile and take decades to be restored. The federal government is tasked with law enforcement in Yellowstone National Park, specifically through U.S. District Court and National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers. Brosnan, who lives in Beverly Hills, California, was in Montana earlier this year to star in a Western being filmed at the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Paradise Valley, the Livingston Enterprise reported. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court Jan. 23. U.S. Sen. Steve Daines again called for a Congressional briefing on the Chinese spy balloon following a news report that confirmed the Biden administration intended to keep it a secret from Congress and the public. Daines, a Montana Republican, said this weekend the effort to cover up this incident is unacceptable, citing an NBC News story. It is imperative that Congress get to the bottom of what happened, so it doesnt happen again, and the administration needs to fulfill my request for a report on U.S. technology used aboard the spy balloon and present the findings to Congress and the American people, Daines said. In February 2023, Department of Defense officials confirmed a balloon from China was flying over the United States after a couple of photojournalists in Montana captured an image of a suspicious object in the sky over Billings. The NBC story last week said the U.S. Air Force general in charge of defending the countrys airspace from invasion warned that Chinas balloon program remains active, and the U.S. has failed to develop systems to quickly detect the devices and share information about them. It exposed significant gaps, long-range gaps, for us to be able to see potential threats to the homeland, Gen. Glen VanHerck, also head of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, told NBC News. I think that opened the eyes of a lot of people. The Biden administration shot down the balloon over the South Carolina coast so the debris wouldnt harm people. Before being destroyed, it floated over the continental U.S. for about seven days, including over nuclear warhead sites in Montana. The incident damaged the relationship between the U.S. and China, and Biden administration officials told NBC the political fallout was worse than the threat posed by the balloon. U.S. officials initially declined to discuss whether the balloon could collect sensitive data, but the Wall Street Journal later reported a mashup of gear it contained could gather information. However, U.S. officials said data didnt appear to have been transmitted back to China. Daines and U.S. Sen Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, both have demanded more information from the Biden administration about the balloon, the reasons it was carrying American technology, and the Department of Defenses response. In February, Tester, chairperson of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, led a hearing where senators grilled Defense officials about the reason they had let the balloon fly over the U.S. for so long and its purpose and capabilities. Daines gave a nod to one of the Billings photojournalists in his most recent criticisms of the Biden administrations approach to national security and the balloon. Im not sure which is worse: letting a spy balloon fly across the country or thinking the American people may not notice, Daines said. Thanks to our own Montana media, especially Larry Mayer who took the initial photographs, the American people became aware China was spying on us in plain sight. In November, in advance of President Joe Bidens meeting with President Xi Jinping of China, Daines sent the FBI a letter with demands. In it, he called on the agency to brief Congress on its investigation into how China obtained and illegally deployed U.S. technology, evading both the law and spirit of U.S. military end-use export restrictions. Tuesday, the FBI confirmed it received the letter but did not answer questions from the Daily Montanan, including the status of any public briefing. Ahead of that same meeting, Tester also expressed concern about aggression from China and urged the president to be firm with the Chinese leader. The United States must be clear that our nation will not tolerate surveillance efforts like the Chinese spy balloon incident, online misinformation campaigns through TikTok, or any other conduct that is designed to undermine our democracy, Tester said in his November letter to Biden. There is no doubt that China is seeking to replace the United States as the leading world power and will use any tactic to achieve this end goal. An expert on China and senior fellow with the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana earlier told the Daily Montanan the U.S. and China are likely each others No. 1 espionage targets. Last week, Reuters projected the political strife between China and the U.S. will spill into 2024, including with presidential elections in both Taiwan and the U.S. In his reaction this weekend to the NBC story, Daines reiterated his request for answers to questions he sent to the FBI last month. The spy balloon incident was a national embarrassment, and the United States must repair its image around the world starting with projecting strength, not weakness, Daines wrote. Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders is plugged as a way to get inside the Alex Murdaugh trial "through the eyes" of someone who was on its sidelines. But maybe not entirely through that person's pen. NBC News reports the book by Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill allegedly lifted heavily from a lengthy BBC News article on the trial. Co-author and journalist Neil Gordon said in a Tuesday statement that he was "blindsided" by the development and that the bookwhich was published in Julywould be unpublished and sales would cease. Hill has been accused of jury-tampering, and WCIV reports more than 2,100 of her emails were released last week under the Freedom of Information Act. Gordon writes that while reviewing those released emails, he came across an email between Hill and a BBC reporter who shared a version of a then-unpublished article. NBC News quotes these lines of the BBC draft, sent in a Feb 20 email: "To know South Carolina's Lowcountry is to know the Murdaugh family name. For 86 unbroken years, 1920 to 2006, a Murdaugh presided as the chief prosecutor for South Carolina's Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. It was the longest such stretch of family control in United States history." Hill's book contains these lines in its preface: "To know South Carolina's Lowcountry is to know the Murdaugh family name. For eighty-six unbroken years, from 1920 to 2006, a Murdaugh presided as the chief prosecutor for South Carolina's Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. It was the longest such stretch of family control in United States history." Gordon says that when he confronted Hill, she admitted to the plagiarism and blamed deadline pressures. Hill had this to say in a statement released by her lawyers: "The pressures of developing additional content under tight time deadlines resulted in Ms. Hill taking material written by BBC reporter Holly Honderich and submitting it to her co-author Neil Gordon as if it were her own words. Ms. Hill accepts full responsibility for this unfortunate lapse in judgment and has personally reached out to Ms. Honderich to express her sincere apologies." (Murdaugh's legal team is seeking a new trial based on allegations that Hill improperly advised jurors.) Israeli forces on Tuesday expanded their ground offensive into urban refugee camps in central Gaza after bombarding the crowded Palestinian communities and ordering residents to evacuate. Gaza's main telecom provider announced another "complete interruption" of service in the besieged territory, the AP reports. The military's announcement of the new battle zone threatens further destruction in a war that Israel says will last for "many months" as it vows to crush the ruling Hamas militant group after its Oct. 7 attack. Israeli forces have been engaged in heavy urban fighting in northern Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis, driving Palestinians into ever-smaller areas in search of refuge. The US said Israel's minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, was meeting Tuesday with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Despite US calls for Israel to curb civilian casualties and international pressure for a cease-fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military was deepening the fighting. The Health Ministry in Gaza said Tuesday that 240 people were killed in the past 24 hours. "We say to the Hamas terrorists: We see you and we will get to you," Netanyahu said. The UN human rights office said the continued bombardment of middle Gaza had claimed more than 100 Palestinian lives since Christmas Eve. The office noted that Israel had ordered some residents to move there. Residents of central Gaza described shelling and airstrikes shaking the Nuseirat, Maghazi, and Bureij camps. The built-up towns hold Palestinians driven from their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war, along with their descendants. "The bombing was very intense," Radwan Abu Sheitta said by phone from Bureij. The Israeli military ordered residents to evacuate a belt of territory the width of central Gaza, urging them to move to nearby Deir al-Balah, per the AP. The UN humanitarian office said the area to be evacuated had nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north. (Read more Israel-Hamas war stories.) UPDATE Dec 30, 2023 5:00 AM CST Local Republican Party leaders of a North Dakota lawmaker's own district joined calls on Friday for him to step down after his vulgar comments to police earlier this month during his traffic stop and arrest on a charge of drunken driving, the AP reports. In a Facebook statement, the North Dakota District 23 GOP Executive Committee said it has "lost confidence" in Republican state Rep. Nico Rios' ability to represent voters' best interests. The committee requested his resignation. "The language and slurs that Rep. Rios chose to use disrespected and belittled officers during his violation and are not consistent with our beliefs and party platform," the committee said. In a statement on Wednesday, Rios said he is "seriously mulling all aspects" of his future, and plans to seek help for issues with alcoholism, but he made no immediate plans to resign. Dec 26, 2023 5:30 PM CST Republican leaders have called on a North Dakota lawmaker to resign after he lashed out at police with homophobic and anti-migrant remarks during a traffic stop in which he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Republican House Majority Leader Mike Lefor said Tuesday he called on GOP state Rep. Nico Rios of Williston to resign over the weekend. His statement cited a police officer's report of Rios being "verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive and discriminatory" toward him "for the entire duration of the incident following road side testing." Lefor also said Rios attempted to use his position as a lawmaker to intimidate police and avoid an arrest, the AP reports. A pregnant Texas 18-year-old was a week past her due date and scheduled to be induced on December 23but the day before, she disappeared. Savanah Soto was reported missing, as was her boyfriend Matthew Guerra. On Tuesday, Soto's family confirmed the couple had been found dead inside what police described as Guerra's car, CBS News reports. Police, however, have not yet officially confirmed the two people found dead inside the car are Soto and Guerra. The San Antonio police chief said it was a "complex" and "very, very perplexing crime scene" and that authorities are not yet sure how either of the victims died, but that they are investigating the possibility of murder, Fox News reports. An appellate court on Tuesday reversed a 2022 federal conviction against former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska, ruling that he should not have been tried in Los Angeles, the AP reports. Fortenberry was convicted in March 2022 on charges that he lied to federal authorities about an illegal $30,000 contribution to his campaign from a foreign billionaire at a 2016 Los Angeles fundraiser. He resigned his seat days later following pressure from congressional leaders and Nebraska's GOP governor. In its Tuesday ruling, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit wrote that the trial venue of Los Angeles was improper because Fortenberry made the false statements during interviews with federal agents at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska, and in his lawyer's office in Washington. "Fortenberry's convictions are reversed so that he may be retried, if at all, in a proper venue," the decision said. A federal jury in Los Angeles found the nine-term Republican guilty of concealing information and two counts of making false statements to authorities. He vowed to appeal from the courthouse steps. Fortenberry and his wife, Celeste Fortenberry, praised the court's decision. "We are gratified by the Ninth Circuit's decision," Jeff Fortenberry said in a statement. "Celeste and I would like to thank everyone who has stood by us and supported us with their kindness and friendship." Fortenberry's was the first trial of a sitting congressman since Rep. Jim Traficant, D-Ohio, was convicted of bribery and other felony charges in 2002. Thom Mrozek, a spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office in Los Angeles, noted that the appellate court left a path open for future proceedings against Fortenberry. "The ruling does not preclude a retrial on the charges that then-Congressman Fortenberry made multiple false statements to federal agents," Mrozek said in a statement. "We are evaluating potential next steps before deciding how best to move forward." Fortenberry was charged after denying to the FBI that he was aware he had received illicit funds from Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian billionaire of Lebanese descent. At trial, prosecutors presented recorded phone conversations in which Fortenberry was repeatedly warned that the contributions came from Chagoury. The donations were funneled through three strawmen at the 2016 fundraiser in Los Angeles. (Read more appeals court stories.) South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, who starred in 2020's Oscar-winning Parasite, was found dead in a car in a central Seoul park Wednesday morning. Police had been alerted earlier after Lee, 48, wrote a note that appeared to be a suicide note and then left home, Yonhap News reports. At the time of his death, Lee was under investigation for allegedly using illegal drugs including pot at the home of a hostess who works at a high-end bar in Seoul. Lee had claimed he was tricked by the hostess into taking drugs, and did not know what he was taking. Lee starred as Park Dong-ik, the patriarch of a wealthy family that is infiltrated by members of a poor family, in Parasite, the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, the BBC reports. He'd long been well-known in South Korea, where he starred in a number of TV series and films including the drama series Coffee Prince and the medical drama Behind the White Tower, CBS News reports. He won a Screen Actors Guild Award for his role in Parasite, and last year he was nominated for best actor at the International Emmy Awards for his role in Dr. Brain. (Read more South Korea stories.) Social justice activist Shaun King says he was banned from Instagram, where he counted millions of followers, for expressing support for Palestinians. A Meta rep said King's account was disabled on Christmas Eve "due to multiple instances of praise for designated entities in violation of our policies," per NBC News . King said he was banned for "speaking up for the human rights and dignity of Palestinians." "I refuse to betray my values and principles by staying silent about this genocide and the war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank," he wrote Monday on Facebook. "You can NEVER mince words about genocide. You can never mince words about war crimes. You MUST speak truth to power every way you know how." Though Meta was vague about the reasons for King's removal, the company has lately faced criticism for its "Dangerous Organizations and Individuals" policy, which forbids "praise, substantive support, and representation of various dangerous organizations and individuals," per NBC. Human Rights Watch claims "flaws" in Meta's enforcement have led to "heightened censorship" of users supporting Palestinians. Per the New York Post, King "shared Hamas propaganda videos" that suggested the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7 "were being treated well." The Jerusalum Post reports that King's Instagram page included "a video of a shooting attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians in Jerusalem with a caption claiming that the video instead showed Israelis shooting Palestinians in the West Bank." The US activist was also accused of lying about helping to secure the release of two American hostages, Natalie Raanan and Judith Tai Raanan, in late October, per the NY Post. The family said it had nothing to do with him. Some also criticized King for stating he was "safe" on Monday. "It is unclear why King's safety would be compromised by the loss of his Instagram account," notes the Jerusalem Post. The 44-year-old activist claimed sources told him Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, was "tracking my IP address and will delete anything I say anywhere I say it," though his Facebook account remained active Wednesday. King told NBC on Tuesday that he'd appealed the Instagram ban and "retained attorneys to proceed with the civil rights division of the legal team at Meta." (Read more Shaun King stories.) A high-ranking Iranian general was killed in an airstrike in Syria on Monday, and Iran has pointed a finger at Israel in response. Iran accused the country of being behind the death of Brig. Gen. Sayyed Razi Mousavi on a farm near Damascus. Mousavi, who advised Iran's Revolutionary Guards, is thought to have had a role in outfitting Hezbollah with weapons, including missiles, and was said to be one of most senior Revolutionary Guards members in Syria. Reuters reports Iran's ambassador in Syria told reporters that Mousavi was stationed at the embassy as a diplomat and died in an Israeli missile strike after returning home from work. The BBC reports Israel has gone after what it describes as Iran-associated targets in Syria for years, and even more so since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. The AP reports Mousavi's death "comes amid ongoing fears of the Israel-Hamas war sparking a regional spillover." The New York Times reports Israel "adopt[ed] its customary stance" in not directly responding to Iran's allegation. But it quotes Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as saying Tuesday that the country is waging "a multifront war" and "coming under attack from seven theaters": Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran. "We have already responded and taken action in six of these theaters," he said. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said in a statement that Mousavi was "martyred while serving as an adviser for the resistance front, defending holy shrines in Syria as well as safeguarding Islamic ideals." He promised that the "Israeli regime will definitely pay for this crime." Mousavi was said to have worked closely with Gen. Qassim Soleimani, the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force who was killed in a US drone strike in 2020. (Read more Iran stories.) Wednesday marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the famous Paris landmark that bears his name. Anyone who wants to visit the Eiffel Tower on the centennial, however, is out of luck: Staff are currently on strike, to protest what their union says is "the current way [the tower] is managed" by operator SETE, per the Local. A tower spokesperson tells the AP that visitors will still be able to access the glass-shielded esplanade underneath the structure, but they won't be able to ascend the 984-foot tower itself. A Forsyth man died at a Billings hospital over the weekend after crashing in a pickup truck just outside his hometown. Michael Cahill, 77, was pronounced dead Sunday, Rosebud County Coroner Joshua Jonas said. Although the Billings doctor treating Cahill will determine Cahill's official cause of death, Jonas said blunt force injuries were a factor. Late on the night of Dec. 22, Cahill was traveling alone in a pickup truck east on U.S. Highway 12, according to Montana Highway Patrol. He crossed the bridge over Interstate 94 just west of Forsyth, but continued onto private property. His truck ran head-on into cobblestone building at the entrance to the property. Cahill was allegedly speeding prior to the wreck, according to preliminary details gather by MHP, and was not wearing a seatbelt. Emergency crews first took Cahill to Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth before bringing him to a Billings hospital, Jonas said. He was pronounced dead Sunday evening. Two other people were killed in crashes during the weekend leading up to Christmas, per MHP data. Also on Dec. 22, a Great Falls woman died on Montana Highway 200 when icy conditions caused a Subaru to slide into the lane she was traveling in. One woman was killed and another hospitalized Dec. 23 after a rollover crash in rural Roosevelt County. At the close of 2023, Montana is on track for a decline in deadly crashes compared to last year. Intoxicated driving is suspected in about half of the roughly 185 fatalities tracked by MHP this year, while not wearing seat belts contributed to about a third of deaths on Montanas roads. In its October 2023 ranking of the top 50 greatest rappers in Spanish of all time, Rolling Stone gave the top slot to Canserbero, a Venezuelan rapper who died at age 26 in 2015. His name is back in the headlines, this time because his former manager has admitted killing him and his producer. The BBC reports that Venezuela's attorney general on Tuesday released a video statement given by Natalia Amestica in which she says she drugged then stabbed the men and, assisted by her brother and advised by intelligence agents, pushed Canserbero's body out a 10th-story window. The death of Canserbero, born Tyrone Gonzalez, was initially ruled a suicide, with authorities believing he killed producer Carlos Molnarwith whom Amestica was in a relationshipin a knife fight then leapt to his death. The case was reopened last month at his family's pleading. In the video, Amestica says her anger was born during the rapper's Chilean tour, during which Molnar allegedly told her she wouldn't get a cut of the profits or be paid back for the plane tickets she bought; she also reportedly learned Canserbero wanted a new manager. "This hurt me a lot and left me with a lot of internal pain," she says in the video. Amestica says that on Jan. 19, 2015, the men came to her apartment and she made them a tranquilizer-spiked tea. She says she first stabbed Molnar, and that a worried but sleepy Canserbero witnessed the scene. "I explained that it was an attack of rage, that I hadn't been able to control myself. He collapsed on the sofa asleep and I stabbed him twice in the side." Then she phoned her brother, Guillermo Amestica. story continues below She says Guillermo Amestica showed up with three members of Venezuela's Bolivarian National Intelligence Service; Billboard reports the officers advised them on how to stage the scene so it would look like a murder-suicide in exchange for $1,000 each. That meant stabbing Molnar additional times and pummeling Canserbero's face with a pipe. The BBC reports Guillermo Amestica corroborated her story in his own video statement and alleged they also paid forensic detectives who found the scene suspicious $10,000 to back up their story. (Read more murder stories.) The day after Christmas was a "lazy day" for Mario Garcia and son-in-law Nivardo De La Torre. Garcia's wife was working and his daughter was out, so the pair decided to scout a few Indiana fishing holes, ending at Salt Creek. CNN reports that as the men finished up, they saw something shiny under an I-94 bridge. As they got closer, they realized it was a mangled truckwith someone in the driver's seat. Garcia thought the man was dead and touched his shoulder. "He swung around," Garcia said. "He woke up." The man inside, Matthew Reum, 27, told the men he'd been stuck there since a Wednesday crash. Unable to reach his phone, he tried shouting for help, to no avail. "The will to survive this crash was nothing short of extraordinary," said state police, who noted that temps got as low as 29 degrees and said Reum drank rainwater to survive. He "had almost lost all hope because nobody was there," said Garcia. Reum was eventually freed and taken to a hospital with "severe, potentially life-threatening injuries," per police. As for how Reum ended up there, police believe his truck ran off the interstate for an unknown reason. A rep for the Indiana State Police says, per NBC News: "His vehicle missed that guardrail, so he's driving on the grass shoulder before he goes airborne. His vehicle goes down into the creek, where he rolls several times. It rolled underneath the bridge." There were no reports of a crash, and the rep says the vehicle was hidden from view, per CNN: "I looked over that bridge, and you can't see it. I walked down on the east side of the terrain, and I am looking and I still couldn't see it." (Read more uplifting news stories.) You can find avocado toast on the menus of many, if not most, breakfast joints these days. That was not the case in 1993, when self-taught cook Bill Granger opened his first restaurant, bills. At 21, the Aussie had just dropped out of art school and was keen to share his fresh take on breakfast and brunch with the worldor at least with the diners of Sydney, who gathered around communal tables. It's now thought bills may have been the first restaurant to offer avocado toast, or "smashed avo," on its menu, the Washington Post reports. The "Bill" of bills would come to be called the "King of Breakfast." He died on Christmas Day at age 54, Granger's family announced Tuesday. His death followed "a long battle with cancer," per the Sydney Morning Herald . Granger, credited with spurring "the growth of Australian informal and communal eating around the world," passed away surrounded by his wife and three daughters at a hospital in London, the family's "adopted home," according to a statement. It said Granger made "unpretentious food into something special." Yet he didn't claim credit for the craze that is avocado toast. The Melbourne-born chef gave all the credit to his patrons. He simply offered avocado as a side dish to be served with toast, and his customers requested, and came to love, the combination, per the Post. In 2008, Granger's bills went international with a location in Tokyo. Today there are 19 locations around the world, including in Seoul and London. Dubbed the "godfather of avocado toast," Granger "exported a new generation of Australian food culture to the wider world," per the Evening Standard. He wrote more than a dozen cookbooks, beginning with 2000's Sydney Food, which holds recipes for toasted coconut waffles with fresh mango and banana maple porridge with buttered apples. He also hosted five TV cooking shows. His death came less than a year after he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to tourism and hospitality. In the wake of his death, he was honored by celebrities from Hugh Jackman to Gwyneth Paltrow to Jamie Oliver. Oliver said "he was such a wonderful man, warm, charming, and had an extraordinary ease and style in cooking that could only come from Australia," per the Standard. (Read more chef stories.) It has a memorable nameand a devastating impact. CNN takes a deep dive into the rise of a "pig butchering" scam involving cryptocurrency, modern-day slaves, and duped Americans. It spent six months speaking with victims, investigators, and, yes, some scammers to pull the veil back on a scheme that raked in $2.9 billion in reported losses between January and November 2023, a sharp increase from the $907 million registered in 2020. It places the heart of the scam at Myanmar's border with Thailand. Tens of thousands of trafficking victims are thought to be held in compounds there, people wooed to Thailand by a fake job offer and then seized by Chinese organized crime syndicates and forced to scam victims across the world. CNN profiles one such trafficking victim, a 33-year-old Indian chemical engineer named Rakesh who was unemployed and traveled to Thailand after being offered a job there. Instead, he says he was taken to the Gate 25 compound in Myanmar and forced to pretend to be "Klara Semonov," a Utah-based investor. For 16 hours a day, he would chat with Americans, Brits, Brazilians, and Mexicans online, establish a relationship, and convince them to invest in cryptocurrency on a fake platform. "Victims are shown startling returns and coaxed to keep pumping in more moneylike a pig slowly fattened for the slaughteruntil one day their scammer disappears along with the money." (Read the full story for more, including details on how Rakesh got out after 11 months.) Apple has scored a major victory in the dispute over its two most advanced Apple Watches. An appeals court has paused the import ban on the company's Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, which it stopped selling last week, CNBC reports. The company filed an emergency motion to halt the ban on Tuesday, hours after the Biden administration declined to veto it, reports Reuters. Apple is appealing an International Trade Commission ruling that the blood oxygen measurement feature on the watches infringes on a patent held by American medical tech company Masimo, the AP reports. The Oct. 26 order became final on Dec. 26. The sites tested hundreds of samples each day and about 25 volunteers were on hand to offer advice on staying safe, he said. "It's not cheap. It's partially publicly funded and it's also partially funded by the events themselves. So everyone is making a contribution here to look after people at festivals. If one person avoids a helicopter flight to hospital then actually we've paid for ourselves several times over." The demand for drug testing had boomed in the two years since the practice was made legal, Weston said. "The level of drug use in New Zealand, compared to the amount of drug checking that we're doing, we're only addressing a very small portion of the harm that is potentially out there. But New Zealand has got the world's first fully legal and publicly funded drug checking service, so I think we can be pretty proud of what we've achieved so far. But we do have further to go." New Zealand Drug Foundation deputy executive director Ben Birks Ang said the event testing sites and pop-up clinics were sharing the use of just over a dozen spectrometers at a cost of $50,000 each. The testing had proved its worth uncovering, in addition to the recent discovery of Alpha PVP, examples of heroin being sold as Ketamine and LSD tabs which actually contained a far more dangerous stimulant called N-Bombs (NBOMe), Birks Ang said. Six people were hospitalised after taking N-Bombs in Christchurch in 2015. Birks Ang said the drug testing clinics and festival checking allowed a different conversation than what he had typically experienced in over 20 years of work in addiction services. "What I love about drug checking is that this provides an opportunity for anybody to have a conversation about substances, regardless as to whether they are struggling with their use, whether they're addicted to it or not, or whether they are just exploring first-time use," he said. "For me, this is a really crucial part of the health system. It helps us to have good insight as to what's out there much, much earlier than we would. Because, otherwise, we'd only see about some of the more riskier things from when somebody ends up getting medical attention for it." Birks Ang said a four-hour clinic in central Auckland in the week before Christmas was the busiest the foundation had ever held, with hundreds of people turning up to have substances tested. RNZ The Supreme Court has become the ultimate force in the 2024 US presidential election as the justices face several disputes over the fate of GOP frontrunner Donald Trump. It has been at the centre of several election controversies this century, from deciding the winner itself in 2000 in a controversial decision that gave the presidency to George W Bush to having a vacancy on the bench be a top vote draw for Trump in 2016 and rejecting last-gasp GOP attempts to help Trump cling to power in 2020. But now the justices will have to determine - quickly - if the former President is even eligible to be on the ballot and whether he's immune to prosecution from special counsel Jack Smith, both controversies stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election leading up to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack. "These are cases that the Supreme Court typically has the ability to duck but that are really presenting themselves as national controversies before the court rather than the court reaching out to grab controversial issues," Justin Levitt, an election law specialist at Loyola Law School, told CNN. "There are very few places to duck," he said. This is on top of the already blockbuster term where the court will rule on if a safe and popular abortion drug will be readily available in states where abortion is legal, the scope of the Second Amendment and the future of environmental regulations. All those policy issues will also impact the ballot box. All this comes at a time where the public's opinion of the Supreme Court remains at historic lows and ethics concerns continue to dog the justices. Chief Justice John Roberts' attempt to head off criticism on ethics last month was quickly derided as toothless. In Colorado, the 4-3 majority on the state Supreme Court ruled on December 19 Trump was constitutionally ineligible to run in 2024 because the 14th Amendment's ban on insurrectionists holding public office covers his conduct on January 6. "President Trump incited and encouraged the use of violence and lawless action to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power," the justices wrote in the 134-page majority opinion. Anticipating Trump's appeal, the Colorado justices paused their ruling until January 4. Once Trump inevitably asks the justices to review the ruling, the Colorado court's pause will be extended until the nation's highest court announces whether it will take the case - and, if it does, until it hands down its final decision. That means the US Supreme Court could be determining what happens more for the general election, not the primary ballot. "We have full confidence that the US Supreme Court will quickly rule in our favour and finally put an end to these un-American lawsuits," Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. When Trump appeals, the justices will have the question of the 14th Amendment's so-called insurrectionist clause squarely on its desk. "What's remarkable about this decision is they've addressed every single issue that's been raised against it, knowing that this was going to go before the US Supreme Court," Nick Akerman, a former Watergate prosecutor, said on CNN's News Central of the Colorado ruling. "They're also going to take this issue very seriously because it doesn't just impact Colorado. It impacts all 50 states. "So this is going to have to be decided by the Supreme Court," he added. 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. A Lame Deer man is accused of threatening and trying to carjack South Side residents while armed with a BB gun. Cody Kent Elkshoulder pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Yellowstone County District Court to multiple charges of assault with a weapon, attempted robbery and obstructing police. The 26-year-old allegedly wielded a BB gun resembling a handgun against six people earlier this month, four of whom he threatened while they were driving on the South Side. All of them were terrified, said Deputy County Attorney Kelsey Hendricks during Elkshoulders arraignment Wednesday. Elkshoulder appeared for the hearing via teleconference. Late on the night of Dec. 22, officers with the Billings Police Department met with a woman living near the intersection of Fourth Avenue South and South 33rd Street, just a few blocks from South Park. She told officers she saw a man, later identified as Elkshoulder, outside her home standing near her vehicle, court documents said. She saw he was holding what looked like a handgun. When she asked Elkshoulder what he was doing, he allegedly told her to go away. Police spoke with a second victim, who said she was walking in the South Side when Elkshoulder allegedly shoved her to the ground and pointed a gun at her. Another alleged victim said he was driving in the area when Elkshoulder stepped in front of his vehicle and pointed a handgun at him, according to charging documents. A family of three also spoke with police. They too were driving in the South Side when Elkshoulder allegedly approached their vehicle. He tried to open one of the doors while shouting at the driver to get out of the vehicle, court documents said. Elkshoulder pointed a firearm at them, and used it to strike a window of the vehicle as they drove away, according to charging documents. Later that same night, police found and arrested Elkshoulder on South 31st Street. During the arrest, Elkshoulder was psychically and verbally uncooperative court documents said. Officers allegedly found him carrying a firearm, which they determined was a BB gun. Prior to his arrest Dec. 22, Elkshoulder was sentenced in federal court to prison after pleading no contest to child sex abuse. In 2019, He was sentenced to 18 months in custody for raping a 13-year-old girl on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. He was 19 years old when the abuse occurred. At the time of his most recent arrest, Elkshoulder was non-compliant with the Montana Violent or Sexual Offender Registry by failing to keep his address up-to-date. At Elkshoulders arraignment Wednesday, Standing Master Laurie Grygiel set his bond at $50,000. She agreed with Hendricks, who said the allegations against him were egregious. If convicted of assault with a weapon, Elkshoulder could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison. In Montana, an attempted robbery conviction comes the possibility of up to 40 years in prison. Last year, a BPD officer shot and killed a man in the West End who was brandishing a pellet gun built to resemble a Glock handgun. A Yellowstone County jury later ruled the shooting to be justified. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Reported by Mahir Haneef Mosquito-infested swamps, unpaved roads, and absent sewage - these are the harsh realities facing residents of Bahrain's Northern Governorate, as laid bare by a fiery MP in Parliament yesterday. Demanding decisive government intervention, MP Hanan Mohammed Fardan, representative of the Twelfth constituency of the Northern Governorate, painted a grim picture of neglect and hardship, urging immediate action to address the "thorny issue" plaguing the region. She presented a slideshow in Parliament highlighting the issues. Living in a Sewerage Nightmare The MP's scathing expose began with a malfunctioning wastewater system that forces untreated sewage onto palm groves and neighbouring fields, posing a serious health hazard. She further drew attention to a cluster of houses surrounded by stagnant swamps, creating a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Roads to Nowhere The deplorable state of roads was another major concern. The MP described camp roads resembling dirt tracks, leaving entire neighbourhoods cut off from proper access and basic infrastructure. She pointed to a street in Karzakan, a public thoroughfare for over a decade, that remains unpaved and prone to flooding during rains. Safety Concerns Mount The lack of safety measures near the sea was another alarming issue raised. With houses bordering the water, the MP emphasized the urgent need for barriers to protect residents, particularly children. She also highlighted the plight of the complex 1027, where unpaved roads become treacherous mudslides during rainfall. Living in the Dark Compounding the woes, the complex 1044 suffers from a complete lack of street light[1]ing, plunging entire areas into darkness. This issue extends to Karzakan itself, where the main road leading to the area remains unlit, adding to the general sense of neglect. Sewage Woes Persist While acknowledging the Ministry's efforts, the MP emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive solution to the region's sewage woes. She pointed out that unlike other countries that prioritize replacing aging networks, the Northern Governorate still struggles to connect houses to basic sanitation facilities. With almost 2,500 houses still awaiting connection due to delays and bureaucratic hurdles, the MP pleaded for a "firm and decisive government decision" to end this unacceptable suffering. A Call for a Better Reality The MP concluded her address with a plea for the government to recognize the gravity of the situation and take immediate steps to improve the living conditions in the Northern Governorate. She expressed confidence in the Minister's seriousness but stressed the need for greater government attention to ensure a "better reality, a better health reality" for the people of the region. Minister Pledges Action Addressing infrastructure woes in the constituency, the Minister of Works presented a comprehensive plan to tackle the issues raised by MP Hanan. The Minister's response, while acknowledging the challenges, painted a picture of proactive measures underway to improve the lives of residents. Action Plan Unveiled The Minister detailed a multi-pronged approach spanning implemented, ongoing, and planned projects. This roadmap covers various areas, as outlined during the official visit to the region, and reflects close collaboration with local representatives, including municipal councils and MP Hanan. Numbers Speak Louder To quantify the impact, the Minister highlighted the significant number of properties set to benefit from these initiatives. Road projects alone will serve 1,800 properties, while sanitation efforts target over 1,400. These figures offer a tangible sense of the planned improvements. Collaboration is Key The Minister commended the vital role played by municipal councils in identifying priorities and needs in partnership with the Ministry. This collaborative approach ensures citizen concerns are heard and addressed effectively, he said. A Beacon of Hope While acknowledging the existing challenges, the Minister's response injected a dose of optimism into the discussion. The Northern Governorate's twelfth constituency may still face difficulties, but the Minister's words provide a foundation for hope. Continued dialogue, transparency, and the combined efforts of all stakeholders will be crucial in turning promises into reality and ensuring a brighter future for the region. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Reported by Zainab Zaman Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to precision! The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) of Bahrain, in collaboration with the National Real Estate Data Bank and Information & eGovernment Authority, has launched a revolutionary platform named Aqari that takes the guesswork out of real estate investment. This first-of-its-kind data bank empowers investors, developers, and government entities with a wealth of detailed information, graphics, and data to make informed decisions about the thriving Bahraini real estate market. Designed to be a reliable and centralised national repository for real estate information, the Aqari app integrates seamlessly with 12 government agencies, employing Artificial Intelligence to streamline real estate projects documentation and execution. Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa declared the launch a national trustworthy source of real estate information, emphasizing its role in boosting investor confidence and attracting both local and foreign capital. This, he noted, aligns perfectly with Bahrains commitment to harnessing digital development for a sustainable and thriving real estate sector. But Aqari isnt just about numbers and figures. Its about empowering investors with the knowledge they need to navigate the market with confidence. Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, RERA Chief Executive Officer, aptly describes it as a unique real estate experience that reflects the sectors advanced level. Unprecedented Transparency Forget scouring through fragmented sources. This comprehensive platform offers specifications on area, prices, property types, and sale transactions, painting a crystal-clear picture of market trends and performance. Imagine drilling down to specific locations, visualizing trends through interactive graphs, and accessing essential details like building permits and zoning regulations all at your fingertips. A Vision Realised This groundbreaking initiative stems from the forward-thinking vision of His Majesty the King and the meticulous guidelines set by His Royal Highness the Prime Minister. Their focus on tech-driven governance shines through, catering to investors, buyers, and policymakers alike. The launch ceremony at Arcapita Investment Bank in Manama marked a turning point, with RERA CEO His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa unveiling the platforms potential to transform the sector. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Hotels and Restaurants sector demonstrated robust growth, recording a remarkable 9.4% year-on-year increase during the third quarter, according to preliminary data of the Information and eGovernment Authority. This surge was propelled by a notable rise in hotel occupancy rates for 4- and 5-star establishments, increasing by two percentage points to 49%. Additionally, total tourism overnights soared by 17.9%, reaching 4.8 million nights. Financial Corporations The Financial Corporations sector maintained its momentum, posting an 8.4% year-onyear growth. For the fourth consecutive quarter, this sector claimed the highest contribution to total real GDP among all non-oil sectors, accounting for 18.1%. Positive performances were observed in various financial indicators, including the Electronic Funds Transfer System (Fawri+, Fawri, and Fawateer), which saw a substantial 15.6% year-on-year growth, reaching BHD 7.2 billion. Trade sector The Trade sector experienced a solid 5.9% year-on-year growth, driven by a 5.6% increase in mall footfall and a 5.1% rise in the value of Point of Sale and e-commerce transactions. The Real Estate and Business Activities sector showed resilience with a 2.8% year-on-year growth, fueled by a robust 5.4% increase in real estate activities. The value of real estate trading climbed by 7.1% year-on-year, reaching BHD 272 million. FDI surges The report also highlighted the Kingdom's outstanding performance in foreign direct investment (FDI), with total FDI flows exceeding BHD 1.2 billion in Q3 2023. The FDI stock reached BHD 15.9 billion, marking a noteworthy year-on-year growth of 19.4%. The Financial and Insurance Services sector led the surge with FDI flows of BHD 1,092.1 million, while the Manufacturing sector attracted flows of BHD 53.2 million during the quarter. Additionally, the report underscored Bahrain's global competitiveness, noting its improved ranking of 44th globally out of 134 countries in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023 by INSEAD. Bahrain also ascended 10 spots in the Basel AML Index 2023 by the Basel Institute on Governance, maintaining its 1st rank in the GCC. Globally, Bahrain secured the 4th position in the Islamic Finance Development Report 2023. Furthermore, in the ICT Development Index 2023 published by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Bahrain scored 96.5 out of 100 points, solidifying its position among the top ten countries globally. AFP | Gaza The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Israel on Tuesday kept up its strikes against Gaza targets despite grave concern expressed by the United Nations, which named a coordinator for desperately needed humanitarian aid. The Israeli army said it struck military sites and tunnel shafts in Jabalia, northern Gaza, and Khan Yunis in the south, as heavy ground combat continued. Incidents linked to Iran-backed groups in the Red Sea, on the Lebanese border and in Iraq added to regional tensions surrounding the war. Black smoke clouded the sky over central Gaza on Tuesday afternoon and, in the south, horse-drawn carts carried some victims to hospital in Khan Yunis, AFP images showed. The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted when Hamas gunmen attacked Israel on October 7 and killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. During the attack -- the deadliest in Israel's history -- Hamas took around 250 hostages of whom 129 remain inside Gaza, Israel says. Israel retaliated with a relentless bombardment and a siege followed by a ground invasion. The campaign has killed at least 20,915 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll issued Tuesday by Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. Gaza's 2.4 million people are suffering dire shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine, with only limited aid entering. The UN Security Council last week, in a resolution that did not call for an immediate end to fighting, sought "safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale". It requested the appointment of a UN humanitarian coordinator to oversee and verify third-country aid to Gaza. On Tuesday the UN named Sigrid Kaag, the outgoing Dutch finance minister, to the post and said she would start work on January 8. After days of wrangling, the resolution passed after Washington abstained. It effectively leaves Israel with operational oversight of aid deliveries. An estimated 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced, according to the UN, many having fled south. Internet and telephone services were again cut across the Palestinian territory, "due to the ongoing offensive," announced Gaza's main telecoms firm, Paltel. "We are gravely concerned about the continued bombardment of Middle Gaza by Israeli forces," particularly after the military ordered residents to move to the central Gaza and Rafah regions, said Seif Magango, spokesman for the UN Human Rights Office. France, a staunch Israeli ally, also said it was "gravely concerned" by Israel's vow to intensify and prolong fighting. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed published late Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that peace can only come with three prerequisites: "Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarised and Palestinian society must be deradicalised." On Tuesday Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi told a news conference that the war "will continue for many more months", a point made earlier in December by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The army is concentrating its efforts in Gaza's south, Halevi said. - Watching a child die - On Tuesday three more Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza fighting, bringing the total to 161 since the ground invasion began on October 27, the military said. AFPTV images from Beit Lahia, in Gaza's far north, showed dirt and rubble piled up in front of the Indonesian hospital. An ambulance lay abandoned and destroyed, crumpled like a piece of paper. Some residents of Al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza returned to the ruins of their homes after strikes that Gaza's health ministry said killed at least 70 people. AFP was unable to independently verify that toll. Sean Casey, a World Health Organization Emergency Medical Teams coordinator, was part of a WHO mission to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah city after the refugee camp strikes. In a video shot inside the hospital, Casey appeared to be fighting back tears as he described a nine-year-old boy, Ahmed, "being treated basically with sedation to ease his suffering as he dies", after receiving a head wound when a building was struck. Only a minority of Gaza's hospitals are even partly functioning, says the WHO, whose Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus repeated his "call for an immediate ceasefire". He said relief efforts "are not coming close" to meeting Gazans' needs. The Israeli army said it was "reviewing the incident" at Al-Maghazi and "committed to international law, including taking feasible steps to minimise harm to civilians". Israel has been under increasing pressure from its allies to protect non-combatants. - US-Israeli consultations - Netanyahu told members of his conservative Likud party on Monday that he was ready to support the voluntary migration of civilians out of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported. In a statement, Hamas rejected as "absurd" any such discussion, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the idea of pushing Palestinians into Egypt "is a non-starter". Blinken was meeting on Tuesday with Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan for consultations on "matters related to the conflict in Gaza and the return of hostages held by Hamas", National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said. Israel returned the bodies of 80 Palestinians killed in Gaza after taking them from morgues and graves to check there were no hostages among them, sources in the territory's health ministry said. There was no immediate army comment. - Regional sparks - The impact of the war has rippled throughout the region, with armed groups backed by Israel's arch-foe Iran escalating activity. US military forces shot down more than a dozen attack drones and several missiles fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels at shipping in the Red Sea, the Pentagon said, reporting no damage or injuries. The Huthis had claimed a missile strike on a vessel in the Red Sea and a drone attack towards Israel, their latest such actions in solidarity with Gaza. Israel's military said one of its fighter jets had intercepted "in the Red Sea area a hostile aerial target that was on its way to Israeli territory". In Iraq, the US military launched strikes on pro-Iran groups it has blamed for numerous attacks on US and allied forces during the Israel-Hamas war. The strike claimed at least one life, Iraqi authorities said. An anti-tank missile fired by Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement wounded nine soldiers, Israel's military said, while Hezbollah announced the death of two of its fighters. Agencies | New Delhi The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The ongoing visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman to India is poised to elevate the existing strategic partnership between the two nations, emphasising the promotion of trade, investment, and cooperation across diverse sectors, according to the Oman News Agency. The discussions between Sultan Haitham and the Indian leadership in New Delhi aim to foster integration and cooperation, paving the way for enhanced collaboration. As of the end of the third quarter of 2023, the commercial exchange between Oman and India amounted to RO 1.447 billion. Omexports to India, valued at RO 699.218 million, encompassed products such as oil, minerals, LNG, polyethene, propylate, aluminium, and urea. Conversely, Omani imports from India reached RO 747.883 million, involving items like rice, motor fuel, natural gasoline, wheat, ignition control of vehicles, and iron ore. Indian investments in Oman have witnessed substantial growth, reaching RO 378.4 million by the end of June 2023. The presence of 1,744 Indian companies in Oman, with a cumulative investment of RO 281 million by the close of 2022, underscores the diverse sectors these investments are distributed across. These sectors include industry, construction, trade, transportation, communications, oil and gas, mining, quarrying, education, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and health. The Sultans visit signifies a commitment to further strengthening these economic ties and fostering mutual growth. The Oman News Agency also said that Indias invitation to Oman to be a guest of honour in the G20 Summit, which it hosted, represents an affirmation of the advanced and sincere relations between the two friendly countries. These relations were confirmed by Muscat and New Delhi during the eighth Omani-Indian strategic dialogue session held in January 2023, which highlighted the top priority that the two leaders attach to strengthening bilateral strategic relations based on mutual trust and respect. Omans Ambassador to India, Issa bin Saleh Al Shaibani, said that what unites Oman and India is their ancient civilisations and their deep-rooted historic relations, which are embodied through a combination of historic, cultural and economic interdependence. These relations, the ambassador noted, flourished during the current era, strengthened by the wise leaderships of both countries and a common outlook towards a growing political position and a developed and prosperous economy. On the other hand, Indian Ambassador to Oman Amit Narang affirmed that India, its government and its people look forward to welcoming Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on his first visit to India. He expressed his confidence that this visit will be a new milestone in the framework of bilateral relations between the two countries, according to the Oman News Agency. 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 UNITED NATIONS (AP) Sigrid Kaag, the Netherlands former deputy prime minister and a Mideast expert, was appointed the U.N. coordinator for humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza, the United Nations chief announced Tuesday. The announcement by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres follows the Security Councils adoption of a resolution on Friday requesting him to expeditiously appoint a senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, where more than 2 million civilians are in desperate need of food, water and medicine, Guterres said Kaag, who speaks fluent Arabic and five other languages, brings a wealth of experience in political, humanitarian and development affairs as well as in diplomacy to her new post. She is expected to start on Jan. 8. She will facilitate, coordinate, monitor, and verify humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza, he said, adding that Kaag will also establish a U.N. mechanism to accelerate aid deliveries "through states which are not party to the conflict. Gazas entire 2.3 million population is in food crisis, with 576,000 people at catastrophic or starvation levels and the risk of famine is increasing each day, according to a report released last Thursday by 23 U.N. and nongovernmental organizations. It blamed the widespread hunger on insufficient aid entering Gaza. Israel stopped all deliveries of food, water, medicine and fuel into Gaza after the militant Hamas group's Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people. The Israel-Hamas war has so far killed more than 20,900 people in Gaza, two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants among the dead. After U.S. pressure, Israel allowed a trickle of aid in through Egypt, but U.N. agencies say that for weeks, only 10% of food needs has been entering Gaza. Last week, Israel opened the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza and truck traffic increased but an Israeli strike on Thursday morning on the Palestinian side of the crossing stopped aid pickups, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, said. Kaag has for years worked in the Middle East, including in the Palestinian territories. She started working for the United Nations in 1994 in Sudan and has worked for UNRWA and as regional director for the Mideast for the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF. She also served as assistant director of the U.N. Development Program, headed the U.N. mission to destroy Syrias chemical weapons, and was U.N. special envoy for Lebanon until October 2017. Kaag then became minister for trade and development in the Dutch government, and in 2018 she became the countrys first female foreign minister. Most recently, she served as deputy prime minister and the first female minister of finance from January 2022. In July, she announced she was leaving Dutch politics because of hate, intimidation and threats that put a heavy burden on my family. She told the website Euronews that after becoming finance minister and deputy prime minister she received many death threats, but the most frightening was when a man showed up at her home shouting and waving a burning torch. You dont know whats going to happen, and the safety of your family is obviously of the highest priority, Kaag, a mother of four, told Euronews in October. For me it was difficult, but bearable. It was different for my family. I always listen to them, and their opinion counts more than anything else in the world. Walter Isaacson explains how in the early stages of Russias war with Ukraine, Russia knocked out a lot of communications and internet access. Elon and SpaceX have provided 20,000 Starlink terminals which were vital for sustaining Ukraines economy and critical communication in the company. Lauren Dreyer, SpaceXs director of Starlink operations, began sending Musk updates twice a day. Starlink kits are already allowing Ukraine Armed Forces to continue operating theater command centers, she wrote on March 1. These kits can be life or death, as the opponent is now focusing heavily on comms infrastructure. They are asking for more. In February and March of 2022 there were about 2500 Starlink units sent to Ukraine. Unlike every other satellite service, they were able to find ways to defeat Russian jamming. By March 6, the company was providing voice connections for a Ukrainian special operations brigade. Starlink kits were also used to connect the Ukrainian military to the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command and to get Ukrainian television broadcasts back up. Within days, 6,000 more terminals and dishes were shipped, and by July there were 15,000 Starlink terminals operating in Ukraine. Elon indicated that Ukraine had an emergency request to activate Starlink in Sevastopol. Sevastopol is the largest city in Crimea and a major port on the Black Sea. Due to its strategic location and the navigability of the citys harbors, Sevastopol has been an important port and naval base throughout its history. Since the citys founding in 1783 it has been a major base for Russias Black Sea Fleet. Ukraine wanted to use weapons that would destroy Russias Black Sea fleet while it was in still anchored in the port. Elon chose not to activate the Starlink service in Sevastopol because of concerns that such attacks could trigger a Russian nuclear response or World War 3. Nextbigfuture notes that the US military has global satellite communications and there are many other providers of global satellite communications. If this was a priority for the US military to support Ukraine, then there were other means to provide unjammed satellite communications for weapons or for an attack. Starlink was not the only option for some communication. The fact that SpaceX could avoid jamming is something that the US military could have helped Iridium or other satellite communication providers. According to CNN, the phone used by the two Ukrainian leaders in 2022 to evade Russian tracking and cyber attacks could be an Iridium 9575 A, which is commonly used in the White House and whose network consists of 66 satellites located some 780 kilometers above the earths surface. This is the inside story of how Musk used Starlink to help Ukraine, then pulled back one tense Friday night, and how he finally resolved his role including the secret encrypted messages with Ukrainian minister Federov and the deal he made with the US. https://t.co/gufgWtRUfH Walter Isaacson (@WalterIsaacson) September 7, 2023 In September, the Ukrainian military was attempting a sneak attack on the Russian naval fleet based at Sevastopol in Crimea by sending six small drone submarines packed with explosives, and it was using Starlink to guide them to the target. There are several points: The US and UK militaries have the means to provide guidance to drone submarines. Also, there is no guarantee that the drone submarine attack with Starlink enabled would have succeeded. It is insane to have the logic that because Elon and SpaceX had provide tens and possibly hundreds of millions of support that they were obligated to give more. This is like saying that Boeing, Lockheed or Grumman were part of supplying F16s and so now they have to provide F-35s. It is just that the CEOs of those military contractors would not take a direct phone call from Ukraine to get an emergency request. They would have the requests go through military and spy agency and political channels. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) was successfully inserted into lunar orbit at 16:51 (Japan Standard Time, JST) on December 25, 2023. The lunar orbit of SLIM will be inserted into an elliptical lunar orbit connecting the Moons north and south poles with a period of approximately 6.4 hours, and altitude of about 600km at the closest point to the Moon (perilune), and 4,000km at the furthest point from the Moon (apolune). The orbit change proceeded as planned, and the spacecraft is currently in a normal condition. From now until mid-January 2024, the apolune point will be lowered, and the orbit adjusted to a circular orbit at an altitude of approximately 600km. The perilune point will then lower and preparations for landing will begin. On January 19, the perilune point will be lowered to an altitude of 15km, and the descent towards the Moon will start at around 0:00am (JST) on January 20. Landing on the lunar surface is scheduled for around 0:20am (JST) on January 20. SLIM is Japans first lunar surface mission, and aims to demonstrate precise, pinpoint lunar landing. During its descent to the Moon, the lander will recognize lunar craters by applying technology from facial recognition systems, and determine its current location from utilizing observation data collected by the SELENE (Kaguya) lunar orbiter mission. SLIM aims to soft land with an accuracy range of 100 m (330 ft). In comparison, the accuracy of the 1969 Apollo 11 Eagle lunar module was an elliptic which was 20 km (12 mi) long in downrange and 5 km (3.1 mi) wide in crossrange. According to Yoshifumi Inatani, deputy director general of the JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), succeeding in this extremely precise landing will lead to enhanced quality of space exploration. The expected cost for developing this project is 18 billion yen (about $150 million). The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), which was launched on September 7, 2023, is currently operating smoothly. This is a lunar lander that aims to achieve a lightweight probe system on a small scale and use the pinpoint landing technology necessary for future lunar probes. The project will aim to cut weight for higher function observational equipment and to land on resource scarce planets with an eye towards future solar system research probes. The SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon) project is a mission for researching the pinpoint landing technology necessary for future lunar probes and verifying this on the surface of the moon with a small scale probe. By creating the SLIM lander humans will make a qualitative shift towards being able to land where we want and not just where it is easy to land, as had been the case before. By achieving this, it will become possible to land on planets even more resource scarce than the moon. Six national space agencies (Interkosmos, NASA, CNSA, ISRO, JAXA and the European Space Agency) have reached the moon with uncrewed missions that achieved varying degrees of success, as well as two private/commercial missions from Israel and Japan. The Soviet Union (Interkosmos), the United States (NASA), China (CNSA) and India (ISRO) are the only four nations to have successfully achieved soft landings. Two organizations have attempted but failed to achieve soft landings: Israeli private space agency SpaceIL with their Beresheet spacecraft, and Japanese company ispaces Hakuto-R Mission 1. Hiten (Japan) launched on 24 January 1990, 11:46 UTC. At the end of its mission, the Japanese lunar orbiter Hiten was commanded to crash into the lunar surface and did so on 10 April 1993 at 18:03:25.7. The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission is a robotic space mission concept by ISRO and Japans space agency JAXA that would send a lunar rover and lander to explore south pole region of the Moon in 2025. JAXA is likely to provide launch service using the future H3 rocket, along with responsibility for the rover. ISRO would be responsible for the lander. ISRO, following the succes of Chandrayaan 3 also has plans to launch Chandrayaan 4, a lunar sample return mission, which would possibly be the first to return soil from the water rich south polar basin, in a landing clase to Shiv Shakthi point. The mission is planned by late 2028. Both nations are also active participants in the Artemis program SELENE (Japan) or Kaguya after successfully orbiting the Moon for a year and eight months, the main orbiter was instructed to impact on the lunar surface near the crater Gill at 18:25 UTC on 10 June 2009. SELENE or Kaguya was launched on 14 September 2007. Yemens Iran-backed Houthi militia claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Tuesday on a container ship in the Red Sea, and for an attempt to attack Israel with drones. MSC (Maersk) Mediterranean Shipping said there were no injuries to its crew from the attack on its ship, the United VIII, en route from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. It said the ship had informed a nearby coalition naval warship that it had come under attack and had taken evasive maneuvers. The reported incidents come a week after the United States announced a multinational maritime security initiative in the Red Sea in response to attacks on vessels by Yemens Houthis. Several shipping lines have suspended operations through the Red Sea waterway in response to the attacks, instead taking the longer journey around Africa. The Maersk shipping company must have been trying to follow through on its earlier announcement to resume operations through the Red Sea. The ship attacked on Tuesday would not have been in the Red Sea if they were not trying to use the Red Sea route. It takes 26 days to ship from Europe to Singapore via the Red Sea versus 36 days to go via Africa. Using the Africa route puts ten days of delays in one third of global trade and adds costs. This increases global supply chain problems which are still recovering from Pandemic related supply chain issues. There would also be about 10% more oil and energy used overall total global shipping trade using the Africa route. The U.S. militarys X-37B space plane is set to launch Thursday, Dec. 28 in the evening on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. The spacecraft has a four-hour window starting at 7 p.m. to take off from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SpaceX Falcon heavy is at pad 39A to prepare for tomorrows launch. Falcon Heavy is rolling out to 39A ahead of Thursday's launch from 39A.https://t.co/tANS0dX6yf (Also, Starship tower in the clouds!) pic.twitter.com/KscWCaus5q Chris Bergin NSF (@NASASpaceflight) December 27, 2023 The December launch dates, even with delays, put the X-37Bs next mission launch roughly around the same time as Chinas space plane launch. China launched into orbit earlier this month. China for its part is even more secretive about the project, describing it only as a reusable test spacecraft, but the craft is apparently similar to the American one. Just four days after being launched on its third mission, Chinas reusable space plane, Shenlong, aka Divine Dragon, released six unidentified objects in Earths orbit. They found mystery objects designated OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F emitting emissions. We have confirmation of S-band signals from the 3rd Chinese 'spaceplane' mission. However, this time the 'mysterious wingman' emitter is only sending signals intermittently but it is fading deeply like earlier missions. pic.twitter.com/lD2YtQYaFw Scott Tilley (@coastal8049) December 17, 2023 on page 490: in: In another German dictionary: [French fondue, really = melted fondre] a. It is a Swiss dish. A small piece of bread dips into melting and floating mixture of hard cheese, white wine and seasoning and serves as a dish. b. It is a short form of meat fondue. c. Chinese fondue (google traslate translated as , use soup instead of oil. on page 525 in: in In an English dictionary on page 457: in In another English dictionary, fondue is said to be derived from a French verb fondre's past participle: on page 683 and 684: in: In another dictionary on page 883 in: In another dictionary on page 1043: in: On page 433 of French-English part: in: On page 773 In a French dictionary: fondre: I. As a transitive verb: 1. Liquify by heating solid or pasty material into liquid 2. Make something with molten material 3. Combing somethings together by melting to form something; to amalgamate II. As an intransitive verb: 1. Heating to liquify 2. Dissolve in a liquid 3. Decrease quickly III. As an intrasitive verb: melt on IV. se fondre, as a reflective verb (acting on the subject itself in French) 1. Liquify itself 2. Wait itself 3. Combine together itself in In google translate, fondue is translated as In a Chinese-English dictionary: is hot pot in: In a Chinese-English dictionary, is chafing dish: in: In google search: Conclusions 1. Fondue's origin is a French verb, fondre, meaning melt, dissolve, blend, merge, combine. 2. French verb's past participle is fondu. With an "e", fondue becomes a noun feminine noun in French). 3. Fondue means a. A dish in which cubes of meat in hot oil cookd and served; b. A dish in which Cheese, bread, white wine and seasoning in hot oil cooked and served; c. A Chinese dish (Chinese fondue or )The ingredients are not in oil but in soup. 4. I feel, fondue, you could also translated as in Chinese, or as a verb. In English, probably similar to slow cook or something like that. 5. You need more than one dictionary for finding the meaning of a word or in your translation work. A defamation lawsuit filed against Kari Lake, the right-wing Republican who lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs in Arizona, can proceed. The judge's finding means that Lake, who repeatedly accused election official Stephen Richer of rigging the vote against her, now faces a similar legal mess to other conspiracy-mongers such as Rudy Giuliani, Alex Jones and Fox Newsall of whom either owe or have paid massive settlements or damages to those they lied about. "The court is satisfied that the disputed statements if indeed they are 'provable' as false or defamatory would be undeserving of the protections associated with our First Amendment principles," [Judge] Adleman wrote. The lawsuit, filed in June by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, accuses Lake and her affiliates of spreading false information about Richer following the November 2022 election. He alleges that Lake knew, or should have known, the statements were false. Lake and Richer are both Republicans. No-one disputes that technical problems with voting machines resulted in long lines in Arizona. Lake claims, without evidence, that Republican Party election officials rigged the vote against her. With the court finding that this was a statement of fact, not hyperbolic trash talk, Lake's best defense now is proving that what she said was true. She is therefore in "deep, deep trouble." Lake has opened her big mouth to accuse Richer of committing crimes. Repeatedly. Now she'll have to prove it. Prove that he personally sabotaged the 2022 election by adding 300,000 phony ballots to the vote tally. Never mind that the judge in Lake's election challenge rejected that claim a year ago. Prove that he intentionally set printers to shrink Election Day ballots so they couldn't be counted. Never mind that Richer has nothing to do with Election Day voting. Or that the votes ultimately were tabulated. Or that a retired Supreme Court chief justice, hired to investigate the county's Election Day failures, concluded the problem was primarily due to equipment failure, not an intentional act. Lake's doubled down on her claims in her statements since the ruling, so she's all in. Ondo State acting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will be sworn in as the substantive governor of the state today. This development followed the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in Germany. Vanguard gathered in Akure, that Aiyedatiwa would be sworn in by 4 p.m. today. A reliable source at the state House of Assembly said that its true that the acting governor would be sworn in today by 4 p.m. He is presently out of the state. As soon as hes back, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, will swear him in as the governor. Akeredolu Recall that the state Information and Orientation Commissioner, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, announced the death of the governor via a statement in Akure. Ademola-Olateju, in the statement, described Akeredolu, as an extraordinary leader. The statement read: With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN). Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts. Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer. A letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu to officially inform him of this devastating news. The Family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness. The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements. Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled. He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation. Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable. However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty. The Ondo State Government has provided additional details about the passage of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who succumbed to prolonged illness Wednesday morning. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, shed more light on the politicians death in a statement she issued to formally announce the passing of the governor. In the statement, Mrs Ademola-Olateju also disclosed that the state government had written to the President Bola Tinubu to inform him of the tragedy. She said, Mr. Governor (Mr Akeredolu) peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023, she said in the statement. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts. Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer. A letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to officially inform His Excellency of this devastating news. The family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness. The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements. Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled. He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation. Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable. However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty. Meanwhile, the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has commiserated with Ondo State on the death of Mr Akeredolu. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, Mr Bello described Mr Akeredolu as a preeminent and forward-thinking progressive leader. Governor Bello reflected on Mr Akeredolus transformative impact as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association in 2008. Akeredolus unwavering commitment and dedication in steering the ship of democracy and good governance during his seven-year tenure as the Governor of Ondo are acknowledged with deep admiration, Mr Bello said. He said the loss was not only to the Akeredolu family and Ondo State alone but a loss to the entire nation. I received the sad news of the death of my elder brother and senior colleague, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, with a deep sense of grief. Akeredolu was not just a senior governor-colleague but also a statesman whose wisdom and kind guidance have profoundly impacted my leadership, in addition to his invaluable contributions specifically in the Governors Forum and the democratic institution in Nigeria over the years, Bello said. This is a great loss to all of us, the people of Ondo State, and Nigeria in general. God gives life and takes at His will. May the heavens receive the soul of my brother with the generosity and kindness he showered on humanity over the years. Governor Bello described Mr Akeredolu as one of the eminent figures in Africas legal profession, acknowledging his relentless efforts in advancing justice, upholding the rule of law, and fortifying democratic institutions in Nigeria. Governor Bello urged the family, friends, and colleagues of the late legal luminary to find solace in his exemplary leadership and dedication to the service of humanity. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned the passing of his Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, describing his death as a colossal loss to the country and Ondo State in particular. Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said Akeredolu would be greatly missed for his positive impacts in Ondo State, South-West and Nigeria as a whole. He also commiserated with the Ondo State Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolus widow, Dr. Betty Akeredolu, and the entire family and friends of the deceased. The Governor also sympathised with the entire people of Ondo State, especially the indigenes of Owo, on the demise of their illustrious son, praying that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Sanwo-Olu, in the statement, described the death of Akeredolu as a colossal loss to the country, adding that, while alive, the deceased made lots of positive contributions to the growth and development of Ondo State and Nigeria, especially in the judiciary and governance. He said: On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over the death of the Ondo State Governor. I also commiserate with all my brother governors over the death of one of us. I sympathise with the entire people of Ondo State, particularly Owo sons and daughters at home and abroad. The death of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is a colossal loss to the country, particularly the people of Ondo State. He made lots of impactful contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Nigeria, first as a lawyer and later as a two-term governor. Arakunrin Akeredolu was a courageous leader. He served the people of Ondo State passionately during his tenure as Governor of the State. I pray that God will grant Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu eternal rest and give his immediate family, friends, associates, and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Following the news of the death of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, which filtered into the state in the early hours of Wednesday, the atmosphere around the Governors Office in Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital, can be best described as pensive. Although no official statement has been made by the government regarding the demise of the governor, multiple sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the demise of Akeredolu. The late governor had for long been battling leukemia, a blood cancer disease which finally led to his passing. The bustling seat of power in Alagbaka has now become deserted, despite it being the first working day after the Christmas holidays. During a visit by newsmen to the state secretariat, only security agents were seen stationed at the entrance of the governors office, adding to the sombre atmosphere. Most of the offices in the secretariat were locked in the absence of the revealing loss and grief that have enveloped the state. Also, the mood at Oja Oba market, a popular market in the state, was tense as the news reached traders in the Akure metropolis. At the markets, confusion and disbelief were evident on the faces of the people, who expressed shock and sadness over the sudden demise of the governor. The situation was the same at Isinkan and Nepa neighbourhood markets and within the Akure metropolis generally, as people gathered in groups to discuss the development. The wife of President Bola Tinubu, Oluremi, on Wednesday assured Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State of the support of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume. The Presidents wife spoke during Akumes 70th birthday celebration in the Wannuni area of Benue State. Mrs Tinubu described Akume as a big brother to Alia. Addressing Alia, she said, God bless Benue State and to you Father Hyacinth Alia, I believe your big brother is watching your back to keep the state safe. There has been rumoured rift between Akume and Alia recently. A group, the Benue Patriots, had called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the face-off between Alia and Akume. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State is dead. According to reports, Akeredolu died in Lagos on Wednesday. The Ondo governor died at the age of 67. It was learnt that he was managed by State House doctors up to his death because they could not fly him abroad. Akeredolu is dead; he died in Lagos, a reliable source disclosed. They were looking for dialysis machines to be sent to his secret location in Lagos last week. Recall that the ailing governor returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany. Recently, he went on another medical leave after being directed by President Bola Tinubu to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. His deputy, Aiyedatiwa, has been standing in as acting governor. Following his return to Nigeria in September, Akeredolu stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and tried to govern his state from there, leading to public outrage. Akeredolus wife, Betty announced the suspension of activities lined up to celebrate her 70th birthday. The Ondo first lady announced the suspension of the activities in Twitter posts after questions were raised over plans to have a fanfare despite her husbands ill health. Betty, in a statement via her X handle, said, Hello Family and Friends. This is to inform you that all activities lined up to mark my 70th birthday are hereby suspended till further notice due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this development. Nevertheless, be assured that I will be celebrated in style upon my return. Thank you for your understanding. I remain Arabinrin a.k.a Ada Owere I, she added. A coalition of peace groups under the aegis of Africans Against Conflict for Peace has criticised Senator Ali Ndumes position calling for an end to the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. Recall that ECOWAS, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, had placed economic sanctions and travel bans on Niger following the coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, against the democratically elected government of Mohammed Bazoum. The sanctions have been variously condemned by Senator Ali Ndume, a Nigerian senator who is also in the ECOWAS Parliament. Ndume had called for the ending of the sanctions, insisting that it was illegal and against the interest of generalities of people in the troubled Niger Republic, even as he claimed that the sanctions have equally adversely affected people of neighbouring towns to Niger whose businesses, he said, have been put on hold. In a reaction to Ndumes criticism, a coalition led by Dr Jibrilla Gwadabe, the convener, asserted in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja that Senator Ndume was ill-informed, going by his position in the media, against the sanction imposed on the Nigerien military junta by ECOWAS. Gwadabe said: Distinguished Senator Ali Ndume does not understand the concept of coercive diplomacy. His constituency is the greatest beneficiary of the misfortune of terrorism that has led to the loss of thousands of lives and property more than anywhere else in the North East of Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin. The military in Niger have now turned their attention to governance, which is not their forte and have left their flanks open. Which is detrimental to the people that Ndume represents. Ndume should note that continued military rule in Niger will continue to increase challenges of insecurity and instability in the region that has already been engendered by terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, as well as recent attempts at unconstitutional changes of government. Gwadabe added: ECOWAS is not at fault here; Niger Republic is also a signatory to the protocol that allows for the protection of civil constitutional rule. The truth Ndume has refused to mention is that ECOWAS Heads of State and Government are concerned over the dire humanitarian situation in the region and have noted its impact on the education, livelihood, and wellbeing of Nigeriens, especially children and women. He explained further that: The ECOWAS Commission has already approved the provision of resources and support to the population to address the serious humanitarian situations in the region. It will be recalled too, that the worsening humanitarian situation was exacerbated by the juntas blockade of much-needed humanitarian assistance from United Nations agencies. He advised Ndume to assert more efforts in calling for the release of Bazoum and an expedited transition to constitutional rule rather than laying blame at the wrong place. He said the ECOWAS Commission and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserve much praise and support, not condemnation The former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has said the only solution to banditry in the State is divine intervention. Yari, currently a Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial Zone, made the disclosure at his Talata Mafara residence. According to him, most of the residents have diverted from the divine and holy messages contained in the Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad which emphasize absolute need for brotherhood and selflessness. Imagine how most of the people are living ungodly lives in the society, they lack human feelings, they stopped being good even to their families and neighbours, to the employers and both the governments, religious and traditional leaders, he lamented. Should we all drop wickedness and other religiously prohibited attitudes, I am certain that Almighty Allah will seize over his punishments we are currently suffering in our dear state and nation at large. The Senator lamented that every effort to end banditry either by the use force or dialogue by the governments has failed. He said the situation is fast deteriorating to the extent that people could not run their legitimate businesses, no farming, no trading and other sources of living. He also stated that the harsh situation people are living in was a result of lack of focus on agriculture. The remains of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali NaAbba, has been laid to rest in Kano on Wednesday. NaAbbas corpse was flown into the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport from Abuja. The late speakers corpse was received by family members, friends, and top government functionaries around 3 p.m. The corpse was then conveyed to the Emirs palace for a funeral prayer, which was held at about 5:30 p.m. The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahradeen. NaAbbas corpse was buried at Dandolo Cemetery, Goron-Dutse, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State. NaAbba died in the early hours of Wednesday in Abuja after a protracted illness. Some of the prominent personalities that attended the funeral prayer included the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Deputy Governor of Kano state, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam; and Senator representing Kano South senatorial district, Abdulrahman Kawu-Sumaila. Others were former governors of the state, Ibrahim Shekarau, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, as well as some members of state and National Assembly. The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has revealed that there will be an attempt to force the removal of Femi Gbajabiamila as President Bola Tinubus Chief of Staff. Primate Ayodele said there are plans to implicate Gbajabiamila, stressing that his seat is seriously shaking. In a statement by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Primate Ayodele also disclosed that some of Tinubus aides will be indicted of corrupt practices. He warned Gbajabiamila to be careful of people around him in the new year to avoid a crisis that will disgrace him out of his position. Ayodele said: In 2024, Femi Gbajabiamila will be implicated and there will be attempts to remove him as the Presidents Chief of Staff. His seat is seriously shaking and he needs to be careful of people around him if not, they will create crisis that will disgrace him out of office. While speaking on the indictment of some aides of the president, Primate Ayodele disclosed that he foresees the arrest of some of them in the coming year. He said: Some of President Tinubus aides will be arrested in 2024. They will be indicted if corrupt practices, they must be careful. Primate Ayodele revealed that there will be confusion in the senate as senators will openly oppose Godswill Akpabios decision. I see confusion in the Senate. Some senators will openly oppose Godswill Akpabios decision in the house. There will be rowdy sessions in the senate. Some senators will also be exposed of wrongdoings in the year, he added. Trump stays on the ballot in Michigan's primary. The Michigan Supreme Court affirmed a lower court decision that the State has no right to block a political party's proposed candidate from being on the ballot, insurrectionist or not. The dissent noted that "political parties might have an obligation to ensure that proposed presidential primary candidates are eligible," but it is not the State's job to enforce it. Detriot Free Press: In a Wednesday order, Michigan's highest state court said it is "not persuaded that the present questions should be reviewed by this court." It refused to reconsider a mid-December decision by a three-judge state Court of Appeals panel. That ruling affirmed a lower court ruling that neither the courts nor Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson can bar former Trump from being a candidate in Michigan's Feb. 27 Republican primary. Mark Brewer, the lawyer for Michigan voters seeking to exclude Trump from the ballot and a former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, called the decision "very disappointing but extremely narrow." If Trump becomes the Republican nominee, his clients will again challenge his eligibility for the general election ballot in November, he said. This shouldn't serve as any natural relief to Trump. It seems a vital bit of this ruling is "primary," as it is the Party that picks those candidates. The Court doesn't find an obligation to check primary candidate credentials. The coming lawsuit over eligibility for the general election will be more interesting. President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State over what he described as the governors statesmanship in resolving the political impasse between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike. He noted that the federal and sub-national governments have a mutual responsibility to ensure the countrys peace and stability. Speaking during a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, at his residence in Lagos, the President reiterated his condemnation of the latest killings in Plateau State. Addressing the governors, the President issued a stern directive to security agencies to halt the carnage in Plateau State and intensify the pursuit of those responsible for the recent tragic events in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of the state. Condoling with the victims, President Tinubu emphasized the sanctity of human life and called for a paradigm shift among those with contrary beliefs, cautioning them about the inevitable consequences of their actions. A statement by the Presidential spokesman quoted Tinubu as saying, Nigeria needs peace and stability to move forward. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we have to take care of it. President Tinubu acknowledged the presence of Governor Fubara of Rivers State at the meeting, commending him for his efforts to peacefully resolve the political challenges in the state. I thank you for your statesmanship. I listened to your broadcast and your emphasis on peace. It is only with peace that effective governance can thrive, and governance has commenced in earnest under my watch, he said. 2023 budget On the 2024 Budget proposals before the National Assembly, the President informed the governors that he had a review meeting earlier in the day on certain elements in the Appropriation Bill, with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu. He emphasized the need for joint responsibility and closer collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments to foster rapid infrastructural development in every part of the nation. I want us to discard federal, state, or rural road classifications. We must regard development as a joint responsibility. Let us prioritise our children. The school feeding programme must return quickly, beginning from the local government to the state and federal governments. We must be ready to protect our children and prepare them for the future, he added. Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq expressed solidarity with the government and the people of Plateau State. May God be with the souls of the departed and bring peace to Plateau State. The governor of Plateau State, we are with you; stay strong, the NGF Chairman said. Governor Abdulrazaq reaffirmed state governments support for the bold decisions and reforms initiated by President Tinubus administration. These are challenging times. It is not a walk in the park. Removing fuel subsidies had a great structural effect on the economy of the states. But we are confident that we will overcome these challenges and bounce back better, he said. Those were the good old days. Im talking about the days when the United States had a tough-talking vice president who was serious about enforcing immigration law. Bridgeton police are searching for a man who assaulted and robbed a woman of her purse while she was loading groceries into her car. The woman was robbed outside of her car parked in the 100 block of East Commerce Street on Dec. 20 around 6:41 p.m., police said. The Pittsgrove woman told police she was approached by a tall, thin man wearing a hooded sweatshirt. He pushed her to the ground, stealing her purse containing money and other items, police said. The woman declined medical attention. Police did not say if the car was parked near a grocery store at the time of the attack. Witnesses of the assault or anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Bridgeton police at 856-451-0033. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. A man was forced at gunpoint to withdraw cash from an ATM in Jersey City in a Christmas Eve robbery, police said in radio transmissions. The incident occurred just after 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, on Newark Avenue between Kennedy Boulevard and Summit Avenue, the victim told police, according to police radio transmissions. It could not be determined how much cash was stolen. A New York man who helped mastermind a home invasion in Bergen County last month pleaded guilty to the armed robbery in which assailants posed as law enforcement officers to get into the home, authorities said. Dominick Memoli, 57, of the Bronx pleaded guilty on Dec. 18 to first-degree armed robbery of a Fair Lawn home on Nov. 17, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said in a statement. An investigation by Fair Lawn police and prosecutors office detectives revealed Memoli acted as a lookout and helped plan the robbery, where two individuals posed as law enforcement to gain access to the home on 28th Street, Musella said. Those two brandished weapons and zip-tied the wrists of three victims, one who sustained minor injuries during the morning robbery, officials said. Memoli is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 9, 2024. Five other co-defendants have been indicted, and have been released pending resolution of the charges, under current state bail laws. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry A home in South Jersey was destroyed by a fire that broke out on Christmas Eve, police said. The house in the 400 block of Great Creek Road in Galloway Township in Atlantic County caught fire around midnight Sunday, police said. First responders arrived at the home fully engulfed in flames, police said. Everyone inside, including pets, escaped the flames by the time first responders arrived. No injuries were reported, and investigators are working to determine what caused the fire. Multiple fire departments from across the township, as well as firefighters from nearby Absecon, responded to the blaze, police said. Great Creek Road was closed for about three hours between Sylvan Avenue and Pitney Road. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. In the latest holiday movie filmed in Buffalo, there is a prince, as to be expected. And a romance. But there is also beef on weck and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, making this a holiday film with a decidedly Buffalo flair. Those are just two of the local favorites that shine in A Royal Christmas Holiday, which premiered Dec. 23 on Great American Family. It repeats at 8 p.m. Dec. 27 and noon Dec. 28 on Great American Family and can be seen on the Great American Pure Flix streaming service, and on the Frndly TV app. It is the sixth holiday movie made locally by writer, director and producer Fred Olen Ray. Jonathan Stoddard stars as Prince Jonathan, who has arrived stateside from his kingdom of Visaria to dedicate a U.S. Naval Museum exhibit in honor of his late grandfather, a war hero who saved many lives at Christmastime 1943. Brittany Underwood is Katie, the aspiring TV reporter who is promised her big break by her boss (played by William Baldwin) if she can get an interview with the elusive prince. While that sounds like the fairy tale standard for these holiday films, I like that the script written by Ray, who also is the director and producer, doesnt rely on some of the tired holiday movie tropes. There is an initial and undeniable spark between the two that they never even try to deny nor is there a threat of keeping them apart because he is a prince. Theres no hiding his royal lineage so that there can be a big reveal at the end of the film. And while both Prince Jonathan and Katie will have a misunderstanding that is a prerequisite of holiday films she overhears talk of his fiancee, he thinks she broke his confidence with a news story each acts like a real adult by realizing that they know better than to jump to conclusions, so they talk to each other. For their first meeting, Jonathan asks her to meet him at DiPaolos Italiano do you know it? Everyone knows DiPaolos. Its an excellent choice, very elegant, she tells him. They are indeed discussing Ilio DiPaolos Restaurant in Blasdell, and photogenic owner Dennis DiPaolo appears in multiple scenes serving the prince and his guests. One of the customers at a nearby table is director Ray, who is dining with the anchor from the TV station, Carol (Meredith Thomas). On the topic of food, back to that beef on weck. Katie takes the hungry prince out for a quick lunch and introduces him to the Buffalo favorite, which he mistakenly calls beefy wrecked. Dont analyze it, it just put some horseradish on it, she tells the bemused prince, who cant get over the size of the sandwich. Interior and exterior scenes are shot at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park and at its museum. In a touching scene, three veterans are honored inside the museum. They are portrayed by local veterans Tom Miller, Mark Lewandowski and Mike McCullor. Buffalo comes off well, right from the opening shots of the skyline showing the waterfront and downtown Buffalo. The multiple scenes set at a TV studio were filmed at WNED Channel 17 studios. The film opens with a TV segment featuring Buffalos own Mary Kate OConnell in a colorful turn as Jane, a pumpkin lady who is discussing the joy of pumpkins, including how they can be used as an organic vessel for your green bean casserole. East Aurora stands in for the small town where Katies family lives. The day of filming, it was a beautiful, blustery day and, in my favorite moment, the prince looks around and calls East Aurora a wonderful snow globe town like something out of an old movie. (That could be a new motto for the village.) It wouldnt be a Christmas movie in East Aurora without a visit to Vidlers 5 & 10, where they stop to get cookies and tea for Katies ailing father and are helped by Shopkeeper Don (joyfully played by Buffalo actor Peter Johnson). Buffalo native Charlene Amoia has a big role playing Katies friend and co-worker Marcy. Multiple exterior scenes were shot in the downtown Theatre District with the Metro Rail in the background. Both Baldwin and Stoddard were previously in Buffalo in 2022 making A Royal Christmas on Ice for director Ray, who will be returning in early 2024 to film another holiday movie here. Rays previous locally made holiday films were A Prince for Christmas (2015), A Christmas in Vermont (2016), A Christmas Princess (2019) and A Royal Christmas Engagement (2020). Watertown, NY (13601) Today Periods of snow. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.. Tonight Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the evening. Low 24F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. Already done and staying stress free Almost there. Just a few more rhinestones to place It's going to be a photo finish to Fat Tuesday It won't be pretty, but I'll figure something out Vote View Results The on-again, off-again saga of the Richardson Hotels porte-cochere ended Tuesday with the Common Council unanimously reversing the Preservation Boards objections. The vote, taken without debate, came after the Buffalo Preservation Board denied the porte-cochere in April 2022 and again last month on the grounds that the size and scale of the steel structure was too large for the Richardson Olmsted Campus, a National Historic Landmark. Among their concerns was that the structure blocked the view of the iconic twin towers when looking up near the hotels entrance, located on the back side of the complex. Preservation is an attractive attribute for visitors to Buffalo, but should not be the holy grail that can hinder any development, University Council Member Rasheed Wyatt told The News after the vote. Theres a balance to this. I do understand that when people come to Buffalo even my family, who live in Virginia they want to see the architecture. Thats important, but you cant take it to the extreme, he said. Wyatt experienced a sense of awe as he walked around the hotel on a recent visit while observing people with their mouths wide open as they looked about. He wondered why there was so much fuss about a structure in the back of the building. I was like, what are we talking about here? he said. At a legislative hearing two weeks earlier, a half dozen critics called for reducing the size of the porte-cochere, three of them from the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture. A few speakers, including Paul Hojnacki, chairman of the Richardson Olmsted Campus, spoke in favor of the covering. After a nationwide request for a new operator, the only person willing to take a shot and reopen the hotel and restaurant was Doug Jemal, said Delaware Council Member Joel Feroleto, whose district includes the hotel. He believes the porte-cochere, which can be removed, will give the hotel and restaurant a better chance of success. This is a challenging time for the service industry, with 55 restaurants closing in the area last year, he said. It would be a shame to have this building stay vacant after New York State invested over $100 million in the property. Jemal opened the hotel earlier this year, following the closure of Hotel Henry in 2021. He said a porte-cochere was necessary for what he considered an undefined hotel entrance, and wanted the roof deck to be used for weddings, parties and other social and dining events held at the hotel. Jemal began construction before receiving all required governmental approvals, leading to a rebuke from the Buffalo Preservation Board in April. That caused work on the structure, which stands 30 feet above the driveway, to be halted. The National Park Service approved the porte-cochere, which will be wrapped in cladding when its finished, in September. Rep. Brian Higgins, in a March letter to the director, urged a field meeting at the site between the National Park Service and the development team which happened while sharing his view that the porte-cochere was appropriate and proportional in size for the building. The agency added stipulations on the overhead decks use for social and dining events, while continuing to work with Jemal on the overall redevelopment of the campus for use as apartments, for which he is seeking state and federal historic tax credits. The hotel occupies three of the 13 buildings designed by H.H. Richardson that opened in 1880, with the sprawling landscape by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Fabian Blache III, executive director of the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners, stands outside Hanks Supermarket with Rep. Candace Newell, from Louisiana District 99, before issuing a $20,000 fine to the store, in New Orleans, Saturday, June 19, 2021. Armed members of the New Black Panther Party has been protesting every day on the sidewalk in front of HankOs Seafood & Supermarket, demanding security-camera footage from October 30, the day that a store employee shot 24-year-old Corey Garrison five times in the parking lot. The New Orleans Police Department ruled the shooting Ojustifiable homicideO the next day, saying that Garrison had pulled a gun first. His family disputes that, saying that he did have a gun in his waistband but never removed it. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate) We all know that limiting the effects of climate change and protecting our natural environment requires work at the local, national and international level. Recently the eyes of the world have been on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they hosted COP28. There were a number of significant announcements as nations came together to keep the path to 1.5 degrees alive. The most important agreement came at the end of COP28 with nations securing a deal to transition away from fossil fuels for the very first time and an acknowledgement that clean energy is required to replace fossil fuels if net zero is to be reached. Given that it was being hosted by the oil producing UAE, this is a significant win for the international community and marks a shift in our journey away from the use of fossil fuels. I, like many, would have liked to see stronger wording but we must recognise that not all nations will travel at the same pace and that one of the strongest things the UK can do is to transition to net zero in a sustainable way that is economically beneficial for communities like North Devon. The UK has consistently been a leader in these negotiations, being the first industrialised nation to set a net zero target in law, and since we took over the COP Presidency to now, net zero targets have gone from covering 30 per cent of global GDP to 90 per cent. I welcome the UK being one of 123 nations to have pledged to triple renewable energy by 2030 and am keen that we support the development of these technologies, such as floating offshore wind, in the UK, so we can then export them overseas and develop new industries and career opportunities here at home. Whilst limiting our carbon emissions is important, so is protecting our natural environment both at home and abroad. I have been supporting calls to ensure our commitments on deforestation are met and it was fantastic to see that the Government is introducing measures so that you be can sure that the products on your supermarket shelves are not contributing to deforestation. This will help to ensure the protection of some of our worlds most endangered species such as including tigers, leopards and orang-utans. As a coastal MP I also welcome the increased commitments to protecting 30 per cent of our seas by 2030. The Government has announced increased support for our marine environment, whilst ensuring that sustainable fishing can still take place. There will be 72.5 million of new funding for the Blue Planet Fund to support the blue economy and sustainable ocean usage. Importantly for the development of the Celtic Sea the government will also ensure the development of infrastructure does not come at the cost of the marine environment and any development ensures its area is left in a better state than it was found in. For many of us protecting the environment starts at home and no one is closer to our local landscape than our farmers. I was proud to host the National Farming Unions (NFU) manifesto launch in parliament last week. Farmers have faced challenges over the last few years, but have continued to produce high quality British produce through the pandemic and the effects of Putins illegal war in Ukraine. Which is why I will continue to support the NFU and schemes such as that led by Conservative MP, Dr Luke Evans, for a Buy British Button on supermarkets websites. It is great to see that Morrisons have already adopted it and Im sure other supermarkets will soon follow suit. BY CHARLIE SPECHT Dec. 27, 2023 The poetry of politics, 2023 edition It's a tradition that dates to the ghosts of political writers past: the annual Buffalo News Christmas Politics Poem. With serious apologies to the original author, Clement Clark Moore, here's our humble attempt at summing up the year in Western New York politics, set to the tune of the classic, "The Night Before Christmas." 'Twas Christmas last year When the snow really came; So many folks died Politicians were blamed. From Makowski to Brown The first rule, it goes To succeed in our politics, You must plow the snow. Poloncarz went first And the mayor he blamed; "Where the heck were your plows When the white stuff came?" But Brown played it cool If you strain to remember; "That's just Mark being Mark He has quite a temper!" On storm plans! Task forces! We can't look like slobs! "I know how we'll solve it Add more government jobs!" Then we turned our attention To the top job in Erie Who would challenge the boss? Republicans seemed weary. No one stepped to the plate Who would carry their water? Then finally they chose Pat Casilio's daughter. But then Chrissy Kaboomed Kracker wasn't so cheery When they stumbled upon Her conspiracy theories. Mark must have figured The race was a breeze; But problems in August Brought him to his knees. First the migrants they came From the south U.S. border; In Cheektowaga they made For quite a disorder. Then his name showed up In a police report, wow; The GOP scoffed: "Who's the repugnant one now?" And later we learned Girlfriends, there were two Embarrassing it was What's a county exec to do? To the war chest he went Money opened it wide. The result was the same: He won in a landslide. And then in a twinkling We heard quite a shout It had finally happened Higgins was getting out. Speculation it swirled And it lasted for days. Who would carry the torch With Brian at Shea's? With Kennedy and Byron All snug in their beds Visions of Congress Now dance in their heads The political beat It sure is quite a job I've been trying to honor The legacy of Bob. But we really should end this Before we make people snooze. Merry Christmas to all From The Buffalo News! Everybody knows Chicago dogs, Italian beef, deep dish pizza, Maxwell Street Polish, breaded steak sandwiches and other classic Chicago street food. There are also lesser known specialties like Chicago-style burgers and mother-in-laws in which tamales are stuffed in hot dog buns and topped with chili. The Gym Shoe on the South Side is one of the most obscure and underappreciated entries in the annals of Chicago street cuisine. It combines gyros, Italian beef and corned beef in one sloppy, overstuffed and delicious sandwich. The food writer Nick Kindelsperger described it as "genuine fun and worth tracking down" and "a mess of a sandwich that can be mystifyingly delicious, if done properly." Zantes Restaurant at 3619 169th St. in Hammond's Hessville neighborhood offers its own version of the Gym Shoe. The fast-food eatery with a drive-through specializes in Chicago street food, subs, Green dinners, fish, chicken, pasta and all-day breakfast. Its Gym Shoe blends gyros meat, corned beef and roast beef. You can order it hot or cold. It comes with lettuce, tomatoes, onion and cheese. It's a heaping pile of meat that hits the spot, even if you're famished. All of the flavors remain distinct with none overwhelming the sandwich. It's a great compromise if you can't make up your mind about what you want. And though substantial, it's not too heavy. For more information, visit eatatzantes.com or call 219-844-0222. Niagara County Community College has a launched a national search for its eighth president, who will succeed President William Murabito upon his retirement June 30. The colleges board of trustees has appointed its chair, Kevin Clark, to lead the search. The 20-member search committee includes several faculty and community members and represents the diversity found in the NCCC community, NCCC said in its announcement. The committee will work in conjunction with search firm RH Perry & Associates and will adhere to SUNY presidential search policy guidelines, the college said. The college expects to complete its presidential search in April. Murabito will be available to facilitate the transition, introduce the new president to the campus and support the new leader through their first months in office. Murabito became the institutions seventh president in 2019 after serving as interim president for two years. Under his leadership, NCCC has seen substantial upgrades to campus facilities, including completion of the $25 million Learning Commons, a focal point of academic and social activity. Recently the college broke ground on an $8.3 million building to house the Niagara County Law Enforcement Agencys programs. Information and timeline information regarding the search will be periodically updated at niagaracc.suny.edu. Janet Gramza CROWN POINT A Lake County Criminal magistrate has set bail at $100,000 for a man who was charged in August for allegedly breaking into the Hammond home of his 18-year-old ex-girlfriend Alyssa Flores and killing her in 2021. Magistrate Kathleen Sullivan granted bail Tuesday to Hector Delgado, 22, of Chicago after three hearings were held on Delgado's petition to let bail. Defendants charged with murder in Indiana are not typically afforded bail unless evidence is presented that shows their presumption of guilt is not strong. Records show he has not posted bail. During the hearings, Hammond police Detective Shawn Ford testified he responded to the scene on Oct. 18, 2021 on the 4000 block of Towle Avenue and saw Flores's face covered in blood with a gunshot wound to her head. He said he found broken glass on the floor and blood on the door frame of her bedroom. Police recovered one shell casing and several plastic pieces that were consistent with material that made up the frame and trigger guard of a handgun, suggesting she may have been beaten with a firearm. There was no indication anything had been stolen from the residence, although Delgado does face a burglary charge, which could be due to the alleged break-in. Flores' injuries indicated she had been beaten and strangled, he said, based on a report from the Lake County coroner's office. She was supposedly sleeping before the incident occurred because of the lack of defensive wounds on Delgado. Ford also said video footage from a nearby street shows a car similar to Delgado's turn south onto Towle Avenue toward Flores residence around 7:24 a.m. on the day she died. Footage from Delgados workplace in Glenwood shows him arriving for his shift around 8:06 a.m. The trip between the two locations takes approximately 20 minutes, which leaves 20 additional minutes for Delgado to break into Flores bedroom and kill her, detectives allege. Defense attorney Mark Gruenhagen said Ford's theory was "wild" and prosecutors failed to provide any witnesses who saw Delgado enter Flores' home on the morning she was killed. He said the only forensic evidence on scene that linked Delgado to Flores was his DNA found on the sweatshirt she was wearing when she was found dead. Deputy Prosecutor Michelle Jatkiewicz said that swabs of DNA taken from Delgado's fingernails in the days after the homicide tested positive for Flores' DNA. Detectives swabbed his vehicle for DNA and found blood on the top of the driver's seat, but it was not substantial enough for analysis, according to court documents. Jatkiewicz argued that the evidence shows a history of volatility in the relationship between the two, who dated on and off throughout high school until the months before her death. Cell phone records indicated Delgado called Flores 48 times the day before her death and texted her once. She picked up one of the 48 calls, court documents show. One instance of violence was documented in a May 2021 police report in which he pulled Flores by her hair from inside a vehicle and struck her multiple times, documents show. Delgado spoke to police multiple times after the killing and acknowledged that they were toxic and argued a lot in their relationship, according to court documents. He initially told police he hadnt seen Flores in months, but then later requested to speak with Ford alone and told him he had sex with Flores earlier that week while her father was out of town, which Gruenhagen cited as a possible reason for the DNA on her sweatshirt. A necklace worn by Flores when she died tested negative for Delgado's DNA, Ford said. During an interview with police, Delgado made a comment about how he believed women often have more power over men and used men to gain material possessions, documents show. He is set to appear in court Jan. 19 in Lake Criminal Court Judge Gina Jones' courtroom. PORTAGE Mishawaka resident Matthew Reum survived for nearly a week on rainwater while trapped inside his pickup truck after driving off Interstate 94 and overturning into a creek underneath a highway bridge, according to an update provided by Indiana State Police. "The will to survive this crash was nothing short of extraordinary," said ISP Sgt. Glen Fifield. Reum, 27, who was left exposed to the elements during the ordeal, was discovered late Tuesday afternoon by two fishermen scouting Salt Creek for fishing holes, Fifield said. UPDATE: Mugs released of couple accused in area Target thefts, chase As officers approached and saw several Target bags in the rear seat of the vehicle, the male driver and female passenger took off, according to the chief. "Out of curiosity, they made their way to the vehicle and observed what they thought was a lifeless person," according to Fifield. "However, when one of the fishermen touched the occupant, he turned his head and began to speak to them." One of those fishermen, Hobart resident Mario Garcia, said during a press conference Tuesday night that he looked inside the vehicle, moved the white airbag and noticed a body. Garcia went to touch the body and the driver turned around. "It almost killed me there because it was so shocking," Garcia said. "He was alive and very happy to see us." Reum said he had been stuck in the creek since last Wednesday, according to Garcia. He tried yelling and screaming but only heard the "quiet sound of water." Porter judge says prosecutors can't pursue OWI case 4 years later Nicolas Hernandez, 28, was visiting his sister at a local hospital Oct. 10 when police arrived and took him into custody on the four-year-old case, according to a court document. The man was tightly pinned and his phone fell to the side of the vehicle, prohibiting him from calling for help, Garcia said. The fishermen called 911 around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday and firefighters from Portage and Burns Harbor carried out a lengthy extrication process. "During their extrication efforts, it was determined that the crash had more than likely occurred sometime around December 20th," Fifield said. "The driver was subsequently flown by Lutheran Air to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for treatment of severe, life-threatening injuries." Police determined Reum was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram truck westbound on I-94 when he left the highway for an unknown reason and drove into the north ditch, missing a protective guardrail, Fifield said. "The truck then overturned into the creek, coming to a rest under the I-94 bridge," he said. "The driver was pinned inside of the vehicle and was unable to call for help." Woman busted on drug charges after man found overdosing at local hotel, cops say Police said they spotted a fresh needle puncture on the inside of one of the man's arms and administered a dose of the opiate-neutralizing drug Narcan. The vehicle likely rolled several times before landing across the creek, Fifield said. Salt Creek is probably 30-feet wide and several feet deep, he said. Fifield said the vehicle wasn't noticeable from the top of the bridge. "Had it not been for the two individuals that were walking the creek this afternoon, this incident more than likely would have had a different outcome," Fifield said Tuesday. "There had not been any prior reports of a crash in this area prior to the fishermen finding the vehicle." "This crash is a reminder of the importance of always letting someone know if you are traveling, the route you are taking, and the need to always have emergency items in your vehicle," he said. Times Staff Writer Grace Opinker contributed to this report. PORTAGE A GoFundMe was created Wednesday morning to help cover Matthew Reum's medical expenses after he was trapped inside of his truck for nearly a week surviving on rainwater. The 27-year-old Mishawaka resident was traveling westbound on Interstate 94 sometime around Dec. 20 when he left the highway for an unknown reason and drove into a ditch, missing a protective guardrail, Indiana State Police said. ISP Sgt. Glen Fifield said the vehicle likely rolled several times before landing in Salt Creek in Portage. Reum was discovered by two fishermen at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday. He was flown by Lutheran Air to Memorial Hospital in South Bend on Tuesday evening for treatment of severe, life-threatening injuries, Fifield said. A close friend of Reum, Haley Traxler, created a GoFundMe Wednesday morning to raise money to cover his medical expenses. The GoFundMe is titled "Matt Reums medical bills and recovery," and has raised over $30,000 as of 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The link can be found online at gofundme.com. "His legs were stuck and he was unable to move, due to that he is looking at an amputation more than likely," Traxler said in the GoFundMe post. "He has several broken bones throughout his body." "He is alive and that's what we care about most, through this hard time he needs all the love and support he can get," she said. "He is the most kind-hearted human I've ever met, would do anything for you even if he barely knew you, or at all." Traxler noted Reum works for Boilermakers Local 374 in Hobart. He is thankful for anyone who can contribute, she said. Times Staff Writer Bob Kasarda contributed to this report. Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail Shawna Wixon Tommie Scales Rudolph Johnson Jr. Michael Marianetti Irene Janowiak Erik Abraham Morgan Mann Daniel Gooden Andrew Kats Matthew Michalak Mercedez Page Michael Smallwood II Takoda Armwood Michael Gould Dusan Matic Luis Torres Aparicio Desmen Ireland Shakira Lee Christopher Martin Gabriel Ibarra Candice Casanova Nicholas Drakulich Nicole Galasso Garland Henderson Jr. Robert Barthel Jr. Carlos Torres Kristian Vranjes Lorenzo Wells Brian Howell Jr. Daniel Kearns Danielle Stanford-Clark John Green Albert Reyes Jose Cabrera Cabrera PORTAGE At approximately 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, two men searching for a fishing location along Salt Creek in Portage discovered a wrecked vehicle beneath a bridge along Interstate 94 at the 19 mile marker, Indiana State Police said during a press conference. Mario Garcia, of Hobart, said he looked inside of the vehicle and moved the white airbag noticing a body. Garcia went to touch the body and a man turned around. "It almost killed me there because it was so shocking," Garcia said on Tuesday evening during a press conference in Portage. "He was alive and very happy to see us." The man, who is in his late 20s, informed the two fishermen he had been stuck in the creek since last Wednesday. He tried yelling and screaming, but only heard the "quiet sound of water," Garcia said. The man was tightly pinned, and his phone fell to the side of the vehicle, prohibiting him from calling for help, Garcia said. Nivardo Delatorre, of Portage, called police to inform them of the crash, ISP Sgt. Glen Fifield said. Portage and Burns Harbor fire departments responded to the scene. Fifield said the vehicle was traveling westbound when it left the interstate and missed the beginning of the guardrail. The man was driving on the grassy shoulder for a length of time before going airborne into the creek, Fifield said. The vehicle likely rolled several times before landing across the creek. Salt Creek is probably 30-feet wide and several feet deep, Fifield said during the press conference. Fifield said the vehicle wasn't noticeable from the top of the bridge. The man, who is from the South Bend area, has severe and potentially life-threatening injuries, police said. As of 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Fifield said his name isn't being released at this time until his family is notified. Fifield said he was not aware of any missing persons reports that were filed. The investigation is ongoing. The man was flown to South Bend Hospital by Lutheran Air. "Our thoughts are with him, and wishing him all the best on his recovery," Fifield said. Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail Shawna Wixon Tommie Scales Rudolph Johnson Jr. Michael Marianetti Irene Janowiak Erik Abraham Morgan Mann Daniel Gooden Andrew Kats Matthew Michalak Mercedez Page Michael Smallwood II Takoda Armwood Michael Gould Dusan Matic Luis Torres Aparicio Desmen Ireland Shakira Lee Christopher Martin Gabriel Ibarra Candice Casanova Nicholas Drakulich Nicole Galasso Garland Henderson Jr. Robert Barthel Jr. Carlos Torres Kristian Vranjes Lorenzo Wells Brian Howell Jr. Daniel Kearns Danielle Stanford-Clark John Green Albert Reyes Jose Cabrera Cabrera CROWN POINT Recently unsealed murder charges revealed details of an alleged robbery that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man in late January on Gary's southeast side. Video surveillance footage shows victim Alexander Hudson standing at a counter inside the One Stop Convenience Shop and chatting with one of his alleged killers, Melvion Delphie, 21, on the evening of Jan. 28 just before Hudson was shot, the charges say. Delphie was charged in February along with Larry Saunders, 18, in connection with the crime. Charges against Delphie were unsealed last week after he was extradited from Chicago to Indiana following his arrest in late November. Police said the footage shows an outline of a gun in Hudson's front pocket while the two men talked, according to information in a probable-cause affidavit. Without any prompting, Delphie suddenly reaches for the gun and a struggle ensues. "Hudson appears to react and struggle at Melvion Delphie's apparent sudden attempt to disarm him," court documents state. Video footage shows Saunders reach for a gun in his pocket and aim it at Hudson, according to court records. After a few seconds, Hudson collapses. The duo then ran toward the 4500 block of Harrison Street toward Saunders' home, documents state. Detectives are unsure where exactly the fatal shot came from. Delphie and Hudson had engaged in a drug transaction shortly before the killing. The two can be seen exchanging fist-bumps in the video before Delphie leaves the store. Delphie was captured conversing with Saunders outside the store after the drug exchange. The two men re-enter the store and talk with Hudson, then leave again and converse outside. Right before entering for the final time, Saunders "briefly hesitates and reaches into his jacket pocket," which detectives believe was him preparing to pull out a firearm, records state. During a search of Saunders' residence, they found a clothing consistent with what Saunders wore on camera and a photo ID for Delphie that matched the description of the individual who appeared in the video footage. Delphie appeared in court Wednesday and is set to appear next on Jan. 3, online court records show. Saunders is set to make his next court appearance on Jan. 25. ST. JOHN A couple Illinois residents believed responsible for a series of thefts at local Target stores were taken into custody after leading police on a chase that involved ignoring red lights and other traffic violations, St. John Police Chief Steven Flores said. Police said they were called out shortly before 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve to the Target store located at 9885 Wicker Ave. in reference to suspects switching UPC bar codes on merchandise. Woman busted on drug charges after man found overdosing at local hotel, cops say Police said they spotted a fresh needle puncture on the inside of one of the man's arms and administered a dose of the opiate-neutralizing drug Narcan. The pair fled in a Honda Civic north on Wicker Avenue when confronted by store security and were later stopped near the intersection with 77th Avenue in Schererville, Flores said. As officers approached and saw several Target bags in the rear seat of the vehicle, the male driver and female passenger took off, according to the chief. Porter judge says prosecutors can't pursue OWI case 4 years later Nicolas Hernandez, 28, was visiting his sister at a local hospital Oct. 10 when police arrived and took him into custody on the four-year-old case, according to a court document. The couple led a chase north on Wicker Avenue and after ignoring several red lights, police from Highland and Munster were able to stop the vehicle in the 8100 block of U.S. 41 in Highland. Both occupants were taken into custody and police said they recovered several stolen items. UPDATE: Region baby dead after being shaken; parents waited days to seek help, police say It was not until the child's condition was "perilous" that they opted not to call 911 and walked with the child to the hospital to avoid drawing attention, police said. "It is believed the suspects were involved in multiple thefts at area Target stores throughout Lake County," Flores said. Trevor Reed, 20, of Chicago, faces felony charges of theft and resisting law enforcement, police said. Also arrested was Tytineeka Davis, 28, of Alsip, on a felony theft count. Ukraine had a win and suffered a defeat Ukraine said today it had destroyed the Russian warship Novocherkassk in Crimea, one of the most significant attacks against Moscows Black Sea Fleet in months. But in a setback, Ukraine acknowledged that it had largely retreated from the eastern city of Marinka after a monthslong battle. Russia said that the ship had been damaged overnight by aircraft-guided missiles, but did not specify whether it had been permanently disabled. The developments underscore the diverging fortunes of the two combatants in a war that has largely settled into a deadlock: Ukraine racking up naval successes in the Black Sea and Crimea, and Russia pressing its attack on battlefields in the east. During a news conference today, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraines top military commander, compared the failed fight to defend Marinka to the battle for Bakhmut, which fell to Russia last May. Every inch of Ukrainian land is vital, he said, but the lives of our fighters are more important to us. Jump to: Todays Theme | Tricky Clues WEDNESDAY PUZZLE I neednt list all of the reasons solvers flock faithfully to The New York Timess daily crossword, but one of them is the reliability of its difficulty levels. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the easiest puzzles to crack; Thursdays rebus crosswords are designed to confound; the themeless grids on Fridays and Saturdays take time and effort but are more straightforward; and the Sunday behemoths are a wild card. I, too, love this routine. But I love it even more when a puzzle subverts expectations and takes me entirely outside my regularly scheduled programming. Todays crossword, which was constructed by Kareem Ayas, felt as if it belonged on a day of the week we havent categorized yet. Mr. Ayas, in his New York Times debut, managed to craft beguilingly simple clues that nevertheless inspired labyrinthine misdirection. I was also very nearly Naticked at the crossing of three separate entries. By the time I solved the puzzle, I was panting but like a child after riding a roller coaster, I found myself clapping my hands and yelling, Again! Again! A Bronx man faces charges of attempted murder and assault as hate crimes after using an anti-white slur before stabbing two teenage sisters at a restaurant in Grand Central Terminal on Christmas Day, according to officials and court records. The girls, 16 and 14, were visiting New York from Paraguay and were with their parents at the restaurant in the terminals dining concourse at around 11:30 a.m. when the attack occurred, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said. The authority officials identified the attacker as Steven Hutcherson, 36. In a criminal complaint charging him, prosecutors identified the suspect as Esteban Esono-Asue, another name he uses. After Mr. Esono-Asue entered the dining area of the restaurant, Tartinery, an employee asked him to leave, according to the complaint. INTERNATIONAL An article on Sunday about the rise of net migration to Britain since its exit from the European Union incorrectly described the role of the Conservative Party in the Brexit campaign. It was the partys Brexit-supporting lawmakers, including the current prime minister, who played on fears of a foreign influx, not the entire Conservative Party. ARTS A review on Monday of the movie The Boys in the Boat, about the United States 1936 eight-man Olympic rowing team, misspelled the surname of the lead character, played by Callum Turner. He is Joe Rantz, not Rance. Errors are corrected during the press run whenever possible, so some errors noted here may not have appeared in all editions. To contact the newsroom regarding correction requests, please email nytnews@nytimes.com. To share feedback, please visit nytimes.com/readerfeedback. Comments on opinion articles may be emailed to letters@nytimes.com. For newspaper delivery questions: 1-800-NYTIMES (1-800-698-4637) or email customercare@nytimes.com. For most Western New Yorkers, the 2023 holiday season which featured one of the warmest Christmas days in history included a reminder of the difference a year can make. The Blizzard of 2022 that pummeled the region for days left tens of thousands without power and heat and disrupted virtually every planned get-together. The holidays this year brought joy back for most. But for others, the holidays were a reminder of a much more devastating reality: that they would always bring to mind the death of a loved one in the storm. *** Early this year, Edie Syta got into her car and headed onto Route 33. She drove past the Best Street exit and pulled onto the shoulder of the expressway. There, she broke into tears as she considered the final moments of her mother, Stasia Syta, a victim of the Buffalo blizzard. You know your last breath is coming. Like, what is racing through your mind? Edie Syta said in an hourlong interview. Are you thinking of your children? Are you thinking of the Lord? Are you thinking of heaven? Are you thinking about the snow? Are you thinking, like, (Shoot), I shouldnt have come out here? Two family friends found Stasia Sytas body in her car on Christmas afternoon one year ago, near where Edie parked several months later. The 73-year-old West Side resident had gone out on Dec. 23 to pick up fish from the Broadway Market for her traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner. Stasia Syta was on the phone intermittently with Edie and her twin brother, Peter, but she died before they could get help to her. She was one of at least 47 victims of this evil storm, her daughter said, but Buffalonians moved on too quickly from the blizzard and its terrible toll. These people have been forgotten, Edie said. Edie, an art teacher in Buffalo public schools, took time off following her mothers death, a period when she felt like she was in a coma. I needed to go through all those feelings of anger, hurt, depression, sadness, anxiety, panic, she said. Stasia Syta and the others felt safe going out because they had lived through powerful storms before, her daughter said. She questions why the city and Erie County didnt shut down roads, or businesses, sooner or do a better job of alerting the public to the storms severity. How many people had to die for Buffalo to kind of wake up? she asked. Surviving relatives are silently suffering 12 months later, she said. The start of this school year was challenging, Edie said. Stasia Syta would listen as her daughter recounted her classroom experiences and would regularly leave food tied to the sideview mirror of Edies car before she went off to school. You just know that your mothers love is so unconditional, Edie said. Stasia Syta, a Polish immigrant, was a neighborhood presence, known for her vibrantly colored hair, eclectic outfits and homemade pierogi. Edie has kept her mothers ashes in an urn decorated with cardinals on a table where she also displays candles and photos of Stasia Syta. At Thanksgiving, they kept an open chair for Stasia Syta and shared their favorite memories of her. She knew the holiday to come would be even worse for her. Christmas is going to be gut-wrenching, said Edie, who planned to prepare the traditional wigilia feast in her mothers memory. Were gonna have the meatless meal with the fish. And the pierogi and the kapusta, she said in an interview before the holiday, referring to a Polish cabbage dish. But you know what? The heart of the family is not going to be there. ... Its a hard time of the year for Phyllis Jackson. Lederise Curry, her daughter, died Dec. 26 from an asthma attack after emergency responders were slowed in reaching her East Side home due to post-blizzard travel conditions. Curry was 46, and left behind a son, Christian Elijah Curry, now 14, who called for an ambulance in the wee hours that morning while she struggled to breathe. She said I take care of everybody else but she would take care of me, and she did, said Jackson, who lived next door to her daughter. I miss her a lot. To this day I cant go into her house. Jackson said she and her daughter planned to take the grandkids to Disneyland this past year, one of the many things they wont get to do together. Lederise Curry Nikki to her friends was a beautiful person and had a very giving heart, her mom said last year shortly after her death. If she saw a person in need, she wanted to help. She was more giving than I am, and she was the child. I loved her so much. Curry was born in Niagara Falls and grew up in Buffalo, graduating from Lafayette High School and receiving a bachelors degree in social work from SUNY Buffalo State University. She worked as a claims adjuster for 17 years at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and before that in customer service at KeyBank. She was devoted to her son, Jackson said. Her priority was his education. Elijah now goes to St. Josephs Collegiate Institute on a partial scholarship, one of the schools her daughter hoped he might attend. He lives during the week with his uncle, Christopher Curry of Niagara Falls, and is with his grandmother on weekends. Christopher Curry described his big sister last year as nice, gentle, kind, intelligent and very prideful. She always pushed us to be the best we could be, Curry said. Other survivors include a brother, Prince Jackson of Buffalo, and an aunt, Lora Richmond. Richmond, who lives in Georgia, has been my rock, Jackson said in helping her get through the loss of her daughter, who she had when she was 17. She was like my conscience. I might go to the left, and shed say, Ma, you know ... Jackson said. Sometimes she was like the mother and I was like the daughter. I see pictures of her when they pop up on my phone and I still cry. ... Angelina Gaines can still picture Jimmy Skip Batchelor ambling down Jefferson Avenue on his way to Dexters Pharmacy at the corner of East Ferry Street. Batchelor had a distinctive walk, what Gaines called a weeble-wobble that she could recognize from a distance. It was his daily routine to sit in the store and drink a Pepsi, usually paid for by Gaines, who said Batchelor was a regular visitor even before she began working at the pharmacy more than 20 years ago. Its really weird not seeing him, hearing his voice, said Gaines. Its completely different without Skip. When you see somebody every day, its hard to let them go. Batchelor, 73, who was mentally challenged and lived in a group home, died in the 2022 Christmas weekend blizzard. A motorist and passenger found him in the snow at East Ferry Street and Jefferson Avenue and loaded him into a car on Christmas Eve during the height of the blizzard. Its unclear how long Batchelor had been outside, but he wasnt dressed for the frigid conditions, and he died in the car before the driver, Fantasia Edwards, could get him medical help. Batchelor was not big on celebrating Christmas, said Gaines, but she and her co-workers sometimes chipped in around the holidays to buy him gifts of clothes or gloves or other items he could use. It still gnaws at Gaines that she didnt see her friend one more time. Batchelor had a reputation for being stubborn and resistant to authority. But Gaines said she believes she would have been able to convince him to get back to the group home or take shelter at Gaines residence with her and her husband. Batchelors immediate family died years ago. Extended family memorialized him at a graveside service in Forest Lawn in September. Theyre also still wrestling with questions about what they could have done to protect their vulnerable loved one. Tonnalee Batchelor, Skips first cousin, said shes not feeling very festive this holiday season. I just cant seem to get myself together, she said. And snow its really got me on edge. This winter coming its like something Ive never felt before. Several family members have died over the past few years in the runup to Christmas, she said. Losing Skip last year was the crescendo, she said. Its also that guilt of not looking after him the way I wish I could have. Tonnalee Batchelor said she and other family members over the years tried to get Skip to attend reunions, family dinners and other events and he wouldnt come. Shes heard so many stories in the community of people who suffered during the blizzard, and shes grateful her immediate family was spared from that. Among them is a 9-year-old grandson, Isaiah. His wonderment over the Christmas season is still in high gear, and hes helped lighten her spirits, she said. At least five board members who oversee the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame have resigned from the organization after Michael T. Flynn, the former national security adviser under Donald J. Trump, was chosen to be inducted in 2024. In resignation letters seen by The New York Times and in interviews, the board members said that Mr. Flynn, who has embraced conspiracy theories and is a prominent election denier, should not be recognized by the organization. The hall of fame was founded in 1965 and recognizes people from Rhode Island who made significant contributions or who came to prominence for work they did while they lived in the state. Inductees in 2023 included Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson, the first Black person and the second woman confirmed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and J.L. Lynn Singleton, the president and chief executive of the Providence Performing Arts Center. Mr. Flynn, who is from Rhode Island, was among those chosen to be inducted into the 2024 Hall of Fame class in a Dec. 13 vote by 19 board members. A cascade of board resignations followed, The Providence Journal and The Boston Globe first reported. Israel insisted on Tuesday that its war in Gaza would not end soon and pledged to complete its mission of dismantling Hamas no matter how long it took, despite widespread international calls for a cease-fire. Israeli forces were striking continuously in the Gaza Strip, said Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the militarys chief of staff. The fighting, he added, would continue whether it takes a week or months. We are very, very determined, General Halevi said in a televised statement filmed along the Gaza border. Everywhere our forces operate, they are accompanied by heavy fire from the air, sea and land. His comments came after a defiant statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, who visited the front line on Monday, and they preceded a meeting on Tuesday in Washington between a close adviser of the prime minister and members of the Biden administration. A lot happened in the early 1990s: In about four years, the world saw the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, a bombing of the World Trade Center, the beating of Rodney King and the riots that roiled Los Angeles, a peak in the AIDS crisis, a market crash, and the withdrawal of funding of controversial artists by the National Endowment of the Arts as part of a larger culture war. In the wake of these events just a partial list two exhibitions on opposite coasts seemed to metabolize the tumultuous moment. One was the controversial, even infamous, 1993 Whitney Biennial, curated by Elisabeth Sussman along with Thelma Golden, John G. Hanhardt and Lisa Phillips. Often labeled the multicultural or identity politics biennial, it was excoriated by critics for seeming to privilege diversity over artistic merit. The other exhibition was The Theater of Refusal: Black Art and Mainstream Criticism at the Fine Arts Gallery (now the University Art Gallery) of the University of California, Irvine. Organized by the artist Charles Gaines and the artist and writer Catherine Lord, it looked at the way art world structures including art criticism relegated artists of color to the margins. At the Crab Museum in the seaside town of Margate, England, Tereza Hynkova, 24, stopped in front of a display case, and started to giggle. Inside was a diorama featuring models of nine crustaceans, including a coconut crab, usually found on tropical islands; a decorator crab, which covers its body with algae for camouflage; and the knobbly horrid elbow crab. The models were anatomically accurate, but the realism ended there. One of the crabs held a pint of beer between its claws. Another clutched a cricket bat. A third was dressed as a suffragist with a Votes for Women sash draped across its shell. A sign above the diorama explained: The species live in different parts of the world so it would be misleading to depict them in a realistic natural setting. Instead, the museums staff had put the models into a diorama resembling a 1920s English town. At a time when museums around the world are grappling with how to attract new audiences, with visitor numbers still flagging since the coronavirus pandemic began, the two-year-old Crab Museums use of silly humor in its exhibits and wall texts is proving to be a success. It now attracts around 80,000 visitors a year and recently won an award for its social media presence, which it uses to sell jokey merchandise including T-shirts and tote bags. To splurge on fireworks-watching, take a champagne-tasting cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers aboard the yacht Northern Lights. The three-and-a-half hour, formal-wear cruise includes an array of bubbly along with hors doeuvres and a live jazz band. Views include the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. Take Over the Dancefloor Joyface, a 70s-inspired East Village nightspot, is putting on a New Years Eve Disco Ball with bellbottom-era classics from DJ Harkness Granger, an open bar and bagels and schmear at the end of the night. The dress code sounds like its gonna be a party: we want camp, we want colors. the weirder and wilder the better. Bring Your Mom. Nostalgia is driving other dance parties around town. The music of Nine Inch Nails and other industrial and darkwave bands are on the playlist at the Nevermore Goth Rave at Drom in the East Village. Italo disco and 80s synth are the vibe at San Junipero: A New Years Eve Retrowave Party at Saint Vitus Bar in Greenpoint, where Tron gear is encouraged. Neon headbands and snap bracelets will be the accessories du jour at the Back to the 90s New Years Eve Party at Houston Hall, a bar in the West Village, where refreshments include a spiked Kool-Aid cocktail and chicken tenders. Billed by organizers as a big queer N.Y.E. for the whole community, Hot Rabbits Glitter Ball goes until 5 a.m. at the Brooklyn Monarch, an indoor-outdoor club venue. There will be sets by the DJs Meduusa, highgnx and Illexxandra, vogueing by the houses of Oricci and Babylon and suave and sexy go-go magic by the L.G.B.T.Q. womens troupe Honey Burlesque. Take in a Show Music lovers have a full calendar of options, including, as ever, Phish at Madison Square Garden. The jam band Govt Mule is at the Beacon Theater, the punk band Gogol Bordello at Brooklyn Bowl, and the pop-rock band Dogpark at the Bowery Electric. And theres Billy Joel at UBS Arena. The robots of literature and movies usually present either an existential danger or an erotic frisson. Those who dont follow in the melancholy footsteps of Frankensteins misunderstood monster march in line with the murderous HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey, unless they echo the siren songs of sexualized androids like the ones played by Sean Young in Blade Runner and Alicia Vikander in Ex Machina. We fantasize that A.I. programs will seduce us or wipe us out, enslave us or make us feel unsure of our own humanity. Trained by such narratives, whether we find them in Terminator movies or in novels by Nobel laureates, we brace ourselves for a future populated by all kinds of smart, possibly sentient machines that will disrupt our most cherished notions of what it means to be human. Right now, though, the most talked-about actual bots among us are neither lovers nor predators. Theyre writers. The large language A.I. models that have dominated the news for the past 18 months or so represent impressive advances in syntactic agility and semantic range, and the main proof of concept for ChatGPT and other similar programs has been a flood of words. In a matter of seconds or minutes, untroubled by writers block or other neuroses, these spectral prodigies can cough up a cover letter, a detective novel, a sonnet or even a think piece on the literary implications of artificial intelligence. Is this a gimmick or a mortal threat to literature as we know it? Possibly both. Last spring, the novelist and critic Stephen Marche published, under the pseudonym Aidan Marchine, a mostly chatbot-generated novella piquantly titled Death of an Author. My colleague Dwight Garner described it, perhaps generously, as arguably the first halfway readable A.I. novel. Gaston Glock, the Austrian engineer who invented the boxy Glock handgun, which has become a weapon of choice for national security forces, law enforcement officials, violent criminals and gun enthusiasts in America and around the world, died on Wednesday. He was 94. The Glock company announced his death on its website. Their statement did not provide further details. The Glock is almost everywhere: fired in massacres and shootouts, glamorized in Hollywood movies, featured in television dramas, jammed into the belts of killers and thugs, worn by two-thirds of Americas police officers and the security forces of at least 48 countries. Its praises are sung by gangsta rappers, its silhouette is posted at airports, and it is a focus of gun-control debates. Its creator was almost nowhere: a reclusive billionaire who owned his company and lived on a lakefront estate in Austria shielded by guards, lawyers, financiers and servants. He was in the news rarely in 1999, when a business associate tried to have him killed (Mr. Glock knocked his assailant unconscious); in 2011, when at 82 he divorced his wife and married a 31-year-old woman; and in 2012, when Glock: The Rise of Americas Gun, by Paul M. Barrett, was published. The shipping giant Maersk indicated on Wednesday that after avoiding the Red Sea and the Suez Canal for about a week because of attacks on shipping it was again directing its vessels through the canal. The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen has been attacking ships in the Red Sea, saying they are retaliating against Israels military actions against Hamas in Gaza. A U.S.-led naval force has been assembled to defend vessels in the Red Sea and warships already there have prevented attacks on ships. A shipping advisory that Maersk released on Wednesday showed several of its vessels were headed for the Suez Canal, which handles about 12 percent of world trade. We continue to prepare our vessels for passage through the Red Sea, and any deviation from this decision will be looked at on a case-by-case basis, Maersk said in a statement. The attacks near the Suez Canal have been disrupting global shipping at a time when fewer vessels can pass through the Panama Canal because of a drought. After the Houthi attacks, shipping rates jumped, and maritime companies, seeking to avoid the Red Sea, routed their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding costs and creating delays. Hapag-Lloyd, a large German shipping company, was still avoiding the Red Sea, its spokesman said on Wednesday. MSC, a Switzerland-based shipping company, said that one of its vessels had been attacked on Tuesday but that no injuries had been reported. Our first priority remains protecting the lives and safety of our seafarers, and until their safety can be ensured MSC will continue to reroute vessels booked for Suez transit via the Cape of Good Hope, the company said in a news release. Many carriers, including Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC and Maersk, had rerouted ships around Africa, imposing container surcharges for some shipments to cover the extra cost. Shipping tracking websites show many ships now traveling through the Red Sea, including oil tankers. More than 400 cargo ships have been sent on the 6,000-nautical-mile detour, which effectively reduces the capacity of Asia-to-Europe trade by 25 percent, said analysts at UBS. Brooks Barnes contributed reporting. True crime is among the most popular genres in podcasting. One of the biggest stories in the coming months is the wave of criminal charges facing former President Donald J. Trump. The result: a boomlet of podcasts dedicated to the criminal cases against him. MSNBC, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, NPR, Vox Media and The First TV, an upstart conservative media company, have all introduced or are about to start new shows examining Mr. Trumps courtroom travails as he campaigns to win back the White House. On MSNBCs Prosecuting Donald Trump, the legal commentators Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord offer analysis gleaned from their years serving as prosecutors. A recent episode of Breakdown, from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, includes a newsy interview with Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney. Recently on Trumps Trials, the NPR host Scott Detrow discussed whether Mr. Trump could claim presidential immunity. The criminal charges against Mr. Trump brought by state prosecutors in New York and Georgia, as well as in two federal indictments involve allegations of election interference, his role in the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol, his handling of sensitive documents and payments to cover up a sex scandal. Mr. Trump denies any wrongdoing. The Tesla technicians who walked off their jobs in Sweden say they still support the mission of the American company and its headline-grabbing chief executive. But they also want Tesla to accept the Swedish way of doing business. They call it the Swedish Model, a way of life that has defined the countrys economy for decades. At its heart is cooperation between employers and employees to ensure that both sides benefit from a companys profit. Instead, four technicians who walked off their jobs on Oct. 27 said, they have been subjected to what they described as a typical U.S. model: six-day workweeks, unavoidable overtime and an unclear evaluation system for promotion. Just work, work, work, said Janis Kuzma, one of the technicians on strike. The union representing the Tesla workers, IF Metall, wont say how many of the companys 130 technicians have walked out it may be only a few dozen. The companys 10 service centers remain open. As they ring in 2024, New Yorks concealed-carry pistol permit holders will have a little something to celebrate besides the start of the New Year. A panel of federal judges recently struck down key parts of the states misnamed Concealed Carry Improvement Act, thus giving these law-abiding gun owners some of their constitutional rights back. Unfortunately, though, in upholding other sections of the draconian law, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals split a baby that never should have been birthed in the first place. Still, if youre a gun owner in New York, where Democrats control all three branches of executive and legislative power, you take your victories where you can get them. This one comes in the 2nd Circuits ruling striking down part of the law prohibiting concealed-carry in so-called restricted places open to the public. That catch-all provision would have banned permit holders from carrying their weapons anywhere in the state without the expressed consent of property owners, turning on its head the idea of a constitutional right actually guaranteeing the right to do something. The three-judge panel also knocked down a ban on bringing guns into houses of worship. On the other hand, the court upheld prohibitions on carrying in so-called sensitive locations such as government buildings, schools, theaters, parks and other places in a list too long to enumerate here but which includes practically anywhere people might congregate. The law, and the 2nd Circuits concurrence, means that only criminals will be able to carry guns in such places. This split-the-baby approach could also be seen in other aspects of the ruling. For instance, it struck down a requirement that people applying for a permit give licensing officers access to their social media posts, including pseudonyms. The judges said such overreach violates Second Amendment rights while also presenting serious First Amendment concerns because it is uncontroversial that the First Amendment protects the right to speak anonymously. Yet the judges upheld the laws requirement that applicants be of good moral character. While a lower court judge had struck down that provision as unconstitutionally vague, the appeals court judges deemed it a proxy for dangerousness. In fact, a district court judge had excoriated practically the entire law, but let it stand on purely technical grounds pending appeals. The 2nd Circuit judges agreed in part and disagreed on other parts all of which underscores the ideological fragility of what are supposed to be fundamental American rights. The cases stem from last years U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down New Yorks prior law that required law-abiding citizens to show proper cause before being allowed to carry a concealed weapon for protection outside the home. That decision in the so-called Bruen case, named for one of the government defendants, prompted Hochul and the Legislature to ram through the draconian CCIA in response, stripping New Yorkers of practically any ability to carry a concealed weapon. They took such steps despite clear warnings from the justices against using the latitude granted in Bruen to go to such extremes. Now the 2nd Circuit panel has knocked down at least of some those unconstitutional restrictions on law-abiding gun owners who just want a chance to protect themselves against criminals who, by definition, will ignore any such law. With the appeals court doing only half the job, it will be up to the Supreme Court to strike down the rest of Hochuls prohibitions, once the case reaches its docket again. Mike Hammond, legislative counsel for Gun Owners of America, said that in restoring the rights of law-abiding gun owners to carry their weapons in some public places such as gas stations and grocery stores it seems the 2nd Circuit judges were sensitive to events like the massacre at the Tops supermarket here. Even though the stores armed security guard was thwarted by the fact that the killer had scouted the site and had on body armor, most such murderers will not be so well-prepared. GOA, which has been out front helping plaintiffs oppose laws like the CCIA, will back an appeal, but is still deciding whether to ask the full 2nd Circuit to take up the case or to take it directly to the Supreme Court. The Hochul administration did not respond to a request for comment. But Hammond said that if gun rights advocates appeal the parts of the ruling they dont like, the administration would probably file a cross-appeal opposing the restoration of some Second Amendment rights which New York Democrats obviously dont believe in. That means the Supreme Court could end up revisiting the whole issue all over again. In fact, it already is considering another case resulting from its Bruen framework, which determined that current gun laws have to be consistent with the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. That has led to some obviously misguided lower court rulings, such as ones allowing domestic abusers to own guns because there were no domestic violence laws when the Constitution was written. But New York officials should take little confidence from that limited reconsideration, given that the CCIAs overreach is so clearly at odds with the entirety of what the justices laid out in restoring meaning to the Second Amendment. It would be nice if the governor and state legislators would just make a New Years resolution to respect the Constitution and the rights of law-abiding gun owners not to mention respect taxpayers by not making them pay state lawyers to defend the indefensible. But dont hold your breath waiting on that. Instead, wait for a more thorough judicial restoration of the right to defend yourself once New Yorks misguided law again reaches the high court. In the meantime, when confronted by a mugger in one of New Yorks so-called sensitive places, you can just call the police. They will do a very thorough job of collecting evidence, after drawing a chalk outline around your body. Or you can hire security, like the governor does, if you think your life is as valuable as hers. The only difference is, you wont be able to charge the taxpayers for having someone else defend what you should be able to defend yourself. President Biden left the drizzly skies of Washington behind on Wednesday and flew to tropical St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he and Jill Biden, the first lady, intend to ring in the new year. The Bidens, along with their 19-year-old granddaughter, Natalie, stepped off Air Force One and headed to a waiting S.U.V. to start their weeklong vacation. The temperature hovered around 84 degrees. The first family is staying at Two Palms Villa, a beachfront home owned by friends and Democratic donors, Bill and Connie Neville. The Bidens have stayed there in the past as guests, but the White House declined to say whether they will pay their own way this time. The listing for the three-bedroom home name-drops the president, saying the villa has a history of hosting esteemed guests, including the President of the United States. It rents for about $700 per night, and has an infinity pool, private beach access and unobstructed views of Buck Island Reef National Monument. The man who stabbed two teenage sisters in Grand Central Terminal on Christmas Day had encountered the police at least 15 times this year, frightened his ex-girlfriends family into seeking a restraining order and recently was taken to a Bronx hospital for psychological evaluation, Police Department records show. Manhattan prosecutors charged the man, Steven Hutcherson, 36, with attempted murder and assault as hate crimes on Tuesday. They said Mr. Hutcherson identified in the criminal complaint as Esteban Esono-Asue, another name he uses used an anti-white slur before attacking the 14- and 16-year-old girls, who had been sitting with their parents in a cafe. He was ordered held detained in an arraignment on Tuesday night. Interviews and police records obtained by The New York Times showed that in the months leading up to the attack, there had been numerous reports that Mr. Hutcherson had committed violent acts or reported that he had been the victim of violence. On Nov. 7, Mr. Hutcherson was charged in the Bronx with assault and harassment for threatening a mans life. In another incident that month, he was standing on a Bronx fire escape, shouting, according to the police records. On Dec. 5, the police received a call reporting that Mr. Hutcherson was irate and acting erratically. More than two dozen pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested Wednesday morning after they blocked traffic heading to Kennedy International Airport in New York City during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, according to the Port Authority Police Department. In total, 26 people were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic, according to a statement from the police. The police first responded to reports of protest activity outside the airport, along the Van Wyck Expressway, around 11:30 a.m., according to the authorities, and the roadway was cleared 20 minutes later. The Port Authority sent two airport buses to offer rides to travelers affected by the backup, according to the police. During the demonstration, the protesters held hands, forming a line that stretched across the highway, and they carried banners with messages including Divest From Genocide, Let Gaza Live and Right to Return. Behind them, bumper-to-bumper traffic stretched as far as the eye could see across all three lanes. The Insurrection Act is a dangerous, centuries-old federal statute that authorizes the president, with few restraints, to deploy the U.S. military inside the United States to suppress threats the president perceives to the constitutional order. Commentators have recently proposed tightening the law following reports that former President Donald Trump and his advisers are planning to use it aggressively for law enforcement and to quell domestic disturbances if Mr. Trump is once more elected. This focus on Mr. Trump is understandable but inadequate in capturing the compelling case for reform. It has been clear for decades that the poorly drafted and antiquated law needs revision. There is an opportunity in 2024 to make targeted changes to the statutes main flaws and, critically, in a way that both parties would have good reason to support. The Insurrection Act empowers the president to order the armed forces and state militias into action within the United States and against American citizens in numerous ill-defined circumstances. The president can, for example, deploy military force where states call for federal assistance in quelling an insurrection or as the president considers necessary to enforce federal law against obstructions, combinations or assemblages or to quell any domestic violence or conspiracy that impedes the enforcement of constitutional rights or even the course of justice under federal law. The Insurrection Act has been invoked more than two dozen times in American history. Presidents have relied on it, for example, to respond to riots (as President George H.W. Bush did in 1992 in response to violent protests following the failed prosecution of the police officers who beat Rodney King) and to meet defiance of federal law (as Presidents John F. Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower did to enforce court-ordered desegregation of public schools in Southern states). The staff members of the National Association of Realtors, the largest professional organization in the United States, were in a panic. Two days before the groups national convention, they had set up 400 exhibition booths and were expecting nearly 12,000 people to arrive for three days of speakers, training sessions and networking. But now they were scrambling to find extra security and private bodyguards for members of their team because the former president, who had resigned under the weight of sexual harassment allegations, wrote an open letter that they interpreted as a plan to crash the convention. The theme of the yearly gathering for 2023 was Own the Moment. For generations, Western space missions have largely occurred out in the open. We knew where they were going, why they were going there and what they planned to do. But the world is on the verge of a new era in which private interests override such openness, with big money potentially on the line. Sometime in the coming year, a spacecraft from AstroForge, an American asteroid-mining firm, may be launched on a mission to a rocky object near Earths orbit. If successful, it will be the first wholly commercial deep-space mission beyond the moon. AstroForge, however, is keeping its target asteroid secret. The secret space-rock mission is the latest in an emerging trend that astronomers and other experts do not welcome: commercial space missions conducted covertly. Such missions highlight gaps in the regulation of spaceflight as well as concerns about whether exploring the cosmos will continue to benefit all humankind. Im very much not in favor of having stuff swirling around the inner solar system without anyone knowing where it is, said Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Massachusetts. It seems like a bad precedent to set. On and off social media, watermelons are being used as a symbol to communicate solidarity with Palestinians in the deadly war between Israel and Hamas. The fruit is painted on semicircles of cardboard at protests in support of Palestinians. The watermelon emoji appears next to the Palestinian flag in display names on TikTok and X, and thousands of Instagram users have liked an illustration of a watermelon wedge whose seeds spell ceasefire now. The fruit is grown in Gaza and the West Bank, and it is the same four colors red, green, black and white as the Palestinian flag. Palestinians have used it for decades as a symbol of identity and resistance, said Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, 30, the founder of the digital publication Muslim Girl. Its taken on a much more widespread understanding since the beginning of the war, Ms. Al-Khatahtbeh said. There are people that have absolutely no connection whatsoever to Palestine and Israel, but theyre still using the emoji because of what its come to represent on social media. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in . Want all of The Times? Subscribe . When Judy Pellarin had her daughters three decades ago, she and her husband gave them her last name instead of his. A generation later, her daughters also broke tradition one gave her daughter her surname, and the other created a new name, a blending of her and her husbands middle names. Though some families have deviated from the patrilineal tradition for decades, they remain part of a small minority. Even as many gender norms have changed over the generation since Ms. Pellarin named her children, the tradition of giving babies their fathers surnames remains so strong as to be almost unquestioned. Yet in other ways, the American family looks very different. Fifty years ago, most adults under 50 were married and raising children as a couple; that is no longer the norm for U.S. adults. Parents are increasingly likely to be never married or divorced, or same-sex or interethnic couples. These changes complicate the patrilineal tradition, say parents who have taken a different approach. Many hyphenate their last names. Some make less common choices, like giving children the mothers surname or coming up with new names altogether. For some, it is a rejection of patriarchal norms. Others say its about maintaining ties to their heritage or ethnicity, or because fathers werent involved in raising the children. Background The law, House Bill 71, specifically bans gender transition surgeries, puberty blockers and hormone therapy for those under 18 with gender dysphoria. It also makes it a felony for medical professionals to provide the care, with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Idahos Republican-controlled Legislature passed the bill, also known as the Vulnerable Child Protective Act, in February, and Gov. Brad Little, also a Republican, signed it into law in April. The ban was set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Mr. Little said the ban sought to protect children. But major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have come out in support of gender transition care, saying bans pose serious mental health risks to young people. In May, two Idaho families, along with the American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations, filed a lawsuit to block the ban from taking effect, claiming that it was unconstitutional and harmful to the well-being of transgender minors. Where the adolescent patient, their parents and their doctor all agree that gender-affirming medical care is medically necessary, the law strips families of the ability to access such care, the complaint said. Being able to live my life as my true self has been a long journey, and my medical care has been an important part of that journey, one plaintiff, a 16-year-old transgender girl listed as Jane Doe in the case, said in a statement. On Dec. 26, Judge B. Lynn Winmill, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1995, issued a preliminary injunction, saying in the ruling that the plaintiffs had shown a strong likelihood of success on the merits of their claims. Buffalo Police are investigating a shooting incident early Wednesday in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood that left two men wounded. The shooting took place just before 1 a.m. in the first block of Person Street, police spokesman Michael J. DeGeorge reported. The two men were outside when they were struck by gunfire, detectives said. A 25-year-old Buffalo man was transported by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center, where he is listed in stable condition, DeGeorge reported. The other victim, a 38-year-old man from Orlando, Fla., was treated and released from Buffalo General Medical Center. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call or text the Buffalo Police confidential tip line at 716-847-2255. - Debadrita Sur The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday gave Donald J. Trump an important victory in the legal battle over his eligibility to return to the White House by allowing the former president to appear on the states primary ballot in February. But in a narrow ruling, the court left the door open for a new challenge to bar Mr. Trump from the general election ballot in the key battleground state over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. The decision was the latest in the high-stakes efforts to block Mr. Trump from returning to power. It follows the bombshell ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court, which on Dec. 19 determined in a 4-to-3 opinion that Mr. Trump should be removed from the states 2024 Republican primary ballot for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The Colorado Republican Party said it had asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to hear an appeal of the decision. Lawyers across the country are venturing into largely unexplored legal terrain that could have far-reaching implications for future elections as they argue over a constitutional amendment passed after the Civil War. One of the Republicans in Michigan who acted as a fake elector for Donald J. Trump expressed deep regret about his participation, according to a recording of his interview with the state attorney generals office that was obtained by The New York Times. The elector, James Renner, is thus far the only Trump elector who has reached an agreement with the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, which brought criminal charges in July against all 16 of the states fake Trump electors. In October, Ms. Nessels office dropped all charges against Mr. Renner after he agreed to cooperate. Mr. Renner, 77, was a late substitution to the roster of electors in December 2020 after two others dropped out. He told the attorney generals office that he later realized, after reviewing testimony from the House investigation of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, that he and other electors had acted improperly. I cant overemphasize how once I read the information in the J6 transcripts how upset I was that the legitimate process had not been followed, he said in the interview. I felt that I had been walked into a situation that I shouldnt have ever been involved in. On a crisp fall day at Birmingham-Southern College, the students were making their way to class, stealing a few cold minutes under the golden ginkgo trees. Inside the red brick buildings that dot the 192-acre campus, professors were preparing exams for finals week, while administrators readied the first round of acceptance letters for the next school year. Yet looming over those quintessential scenes of college life was an unsettling question: Would the school even make it to another fall semester? The private liberal arts school in Birmingham, Ala., has been plagued by financial instability for years, with the 2009 recession and the coronavirus pandemic exacerbating the consequences of overly ambitious investments and hulking debts. Closure seemed imminent earlier this year, until Alabama lawmakers appeared to offer a lifeline: a law tailored toward saving the 167-year-old school with a program that could loan millions of dollars. But in October, the state treasurer denied the schools loan application, sending administrators scrambling once again to save the school. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and other top American officials discussed the root causes of migration with Mexicos president on Wednesday in hopes of figuring out a strategy to slow the surge in illegal crossings at the southern U.S. border. President Biden dispatched the officials to Mexico City at a pivotal moment, as border crossings have hit record numbers and there is growing pressure on Mr. Biden to solve or at least contain a crisis that has proved to be a consistent political vulnerability. The situation at the border is at the center of some of Mr. Bidens biggest priorities going into 2024, particularly as Republicans in Congress demand a new crackdown on immigration in exchange for wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel. As we made clear in Mexico City today, we are committed to partnering with Mexico to address our shared challenges, including managing unprecedented irregular migration in the region, reopening key ports of entry and combating illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, Mr. Blinken said in a post on X. The Chinese spies wanted more. In meetings during the pandemic with Chinese technology contractors, they complained that surveillance cameras tracking foreign diplomats, military officers and intelligence operatives in Beijings embassy district fell short of their needs. The spies asked for an artificial intelligence program that would create instant dossiers on every person of interest in the area and analyze their behavior patterns. They proposed feeding the A.I. program information from databases and scores of cameras that would include car license plates, cellphone data, contacts and more. The A.I.-generated profiles would allow the Chinese spies to select targets and pinpoint their networks and vulnerabilities, according to internal meeting memos obtained by The New York Times. The spies interest in the technology, disclosed here for the first time, reveals some of the vast ambitions of the Ministry of State Security, Chinas main intelligence agency. In recent years, it has built itself up through wider recruitment, including of American citizens. The agency has also sharpened itself through better training, a bigger budget and the use of advanced technologies to try to fulfill the goal of Xi Jinping, Chinas leader, for the nation to rival the United States as the worlds pre-eminent economic and military power. House Republicans said Wednesday they were investigating whether President Biden was involved in his son Hunter Bidens decision to defy a congressional subpoena in their latest attempt to link the White House to accusations against the presidents son. The chairmen of the Oversight and Judiciary Committees wrote a letter to Ed Siskel, the White House counsel, demanding all documents and communications between the presidents office and Hunter Biden, his legal team and Kevin Morris, a wealthy Hollywood lawyer who is friends with the presidents son. At issue are the events of Dec. 13 when Hunter Biden appeared on Capitol Hill, but not to sit for a closed-door deposition as Republicans demanded. Instead, he held a news conference to denounce the Republicans investigation into him and his father, and insisted on testifying only in public, suggesting Republicans would twist his words with selective leaks. The younger Mr. Biden is under federal indictment and facing accusations of tax crimes related to his overseas business interests, including with companies and partners in Ukraine and China. At the news conference, he acknowledged his personal failings, described in scandalous detail in the indictment, but said they had nothing to do with his father. At a remote spot in the Arizona desert, near a hole in the border wall, dozens of migrants huddled over wood fires. After fleeing war in Sudan, violent gangs in Central America or Mexican cartels, the men had all crossed into the United States illegally, walked on foot over rugged terrain for hours, and arrived at this outpost exhausted, hungry and cold. They wanted to turn themselves into the authorities to ask for asylum, but were stranded here, miles away from the closest town, Sasabe. Then, as temperatures dropped on Tuesday night, a convoy of Border Patrol agents rolled in, loaded the men into a van to be processed and sped away off to search for more people in need of rescue. President Vladimir V. Putin on Wednesday met with the Indian foreign minister at the Kremlin, highlighting Russias attempts to break through its isolation from the West by pivoting to an increasingly powerful Asian nation. From the start of Russias war with Ukraine, India has taken a neutral stance, citing its longtime ties with Moscow and insisting on its right to navigate a multipolar world its own way. Russia has long been the most important military supplier for India, and as international sanctions in response to the war began constricting Russian oil sales, India rapidly expanded its purchases to become one of the chief buyers of discounted Russian petroleum. In doing so, India has frustrated American efforts to isolate Russia since the Ukraine war began in 2022, providing a much-needed financial boost to Moscows coffers. Everything is in your hands, Mr. Putin said, and I can say that we are successful because of your direct support. The government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which has been criticized for its rollout of the policy, has defended its actions by pointing to a 2019 court decision in Quebec that officials say mandates the expansion. Members of the Conservative Party have accused the government of promoting a culture of death. There has also been opposition from politicians on the left who would like the government to focus its health policy on expanding mental health care. Jason French is among those building a case for why a doctor should help him die. With copies of a document describing his troubled mental health history tucked in his backpack, he attended an event in Toronto to lobby for making assisted dying available to people like him. He has severe depression and has tried twice to end his own life, he said. My goal from the start was to get better, said Mr. French, of Toronto, who agreed to share his name, but not his age because so many in his life dont know about his illness. Unfortunately, Im resistant to all these treatments and the bottom line is, I cant keep suffering. I cant keep living my life like this. Childhood hunger is a statewide crisis in New York; one in six of our states children experience food insecurity. Yet despite national momentum to establish free school meals for all policies, New York falls behind other states. With more than 345,000 students still without access to free school meals, New York must step up and close the gap. Healthy School Meals for All where all students can eat school meals at no cost is a proven strategy to alleviate hunger. Its also a win for New York farmers. A fully-funded universal school meals program would broaden the scope of existing Farm to School investments, bringing more nutritious, locally-produced food to cafeterias across the state. Over 40% of New York school districts have already embraced Farm to School, with many participating in the states incentive program, which provides schools additional reimbursement if they spend at least 30% of their food budget on local products. Still, inadequate funding remains a key barrier for many schools seeking to start or expand Farm to School. Healthy School Meals for All would generate stable revenue and increase buying power for local food purchasing. It also streamlines administration, allowing school nutrition departments to prioritize building relationships with producers, developing high-quality recipes, and training staff on preparation. 63% of schools already participating in the states Farm to School incentive program do so with the benefit of universal school meals. Since 2012, New York has lost about 2,100 farms the largest decline in over two decades. For New Yorks nearly 32,000 family farms, school meal programs are a well-established market with exciting potential. Nationally, school districts spend a collective $1.26 billion on local foods annually. By fully funding a universal school meals program, New York can foster Farm to School relationships with farmers who are grappling with rising operational costs, labor shortages, and unpredictable weather patterns exacerbated by climate change. Nationwide, lawmakers have embraced the alignment between these policies: all eight states with permanent universal school meals policies have also passed Farm to School incentives, and 79% of states with local food purchasing policies have also introduced universal meals legislation, including New York. The synergy between Healthy School Meals for All and Farm to School programs is clear: school meals for all expands access to local food for children, while providing school nutrition departments stable revenue and streamlined administration needed to build connections with local producers. We at New York Farm Bureau urge Gov. Hochul to fully fund Healthy School Meals for All in the upcoming state budget. By ensuring every student in New York has access to healthy, locally-sourced meals, we can deliver a win for New York families and farmers. History lovers visiting Paris might have made a plan to check out the Eiffel Tower on Wednesday. After all, it was the 100th anniversary of the death of Gustave Eiffel, the eponymous civil engineer whose company designed and built it. But the sign they discovered by the landmark bore grim tidings: La Tour Eiffel est actuellement fermee. The tower was closed. The reason will be familiar to anyone who has spent significant time in France: a labor action. Tourists could mill about on the Esplanade, the ground-level area around the base of the tower. But they could not spend the 28.3 euros it costs to take an elevator to the top, nor pay the discounted rate of 21.5 for those hardy souls willing to climb the stairs roughly half of the way. Topping out at 1,083 feet, or about three-quarters of the height of the Empire State Building including its spire, the tower attracts six million to seven million tourists a year. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel exchanged sharp words on Wednesday after Mr. Erdogan compared the Israeli leader to Adolf Hitler while discussing Israels war in Gaza. Is what Netanyahu is doing any less than Hitler? It is not, Mr. Erdogan said in televised remarks in Ankara, Turkey, at a science awards ceremony. The Turkish leader has frequently criticized Israel for its conduct in Gaza. They were talking ill of Hitler. What difference do you have from Hitler? They will make us miss Hitler, Mr. Erdogan said. Mr. Netanyahu fired back, slamming Mr. Erdogans treatment of Turkeys large Kurdish minority, saying the Turkish leader is the last person who can preach morality to us and condemning his support for Hamas, the group that Israel is battling in Gaza after it led attacks on Oct. 7 that killed about 1,200 people in Israel. The Israeli military, Mr. Netanyahu said, is fighting to eliminate the most abhorrent and brutal terrorist organization in the world. The Anti-Defamation League, which has been defining and monitoring antisemitism since 1913, condemned Mr. Erdogans statement. Once again, Turkish President Erdogan uses false Nazi analogies to criticize the Israeli government as he did in 2014, 2018 and 2019, while again failing to condemn Hamas and the Oct. 7 attack, the organization said in a post on the social media platform X. Not only are such analogies incendiary, but they are deeply disrespectful to the memory of the millions who the Nazis murdered. Mr. Erdogan has lashed out at Israel previously during the war and said that Hamas is not a terrorist organization, a position contrary to that held by Western countries. Mr. Netanyahu was not the only Israeli leader to criticize the Turkish president for his remarks on Wednesday. Benny Gantz, a member of Israels war cabinet, said Mr. Erdogans statements were blatant distortions of reality and a desecration of the Holocausts memory. Israels president, Isaac Herzog, also condemned Mr. Erdogans invocation of the Holocaust in his remarks, saying the Holocaust stands alone in its horror and enormity, and his words are deeply offensive to every Jew around the world, and to the memory of the millions of Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis. Turkey was once Israels closest friend in the Muslim world and a significant trading partner, but it cut diplomatic ties with Israel after a deadly confrontation in 2010 between Israeli commandos and Turkish activists on a passenger vessel that tried to breach Israels naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The countries restored full diplomatic ties in April 2022, after Mr. Herzog made a state visit to Turkey, the highest-level meeting of an Israeli leader in the country in 14 years. Isabel Kershner contributed reporting. The semiconductor giant Intel confirmed on Wednesday that it would invest $25 billion to expand a chip factory in southern Israel after a $3.2 billion grant from the government there, moving ahead with a major investment in a country currently at war. Expanded operations at the existing manufacturing site in Kiryat Gat, northeast of Gaza, are set to begin by 2028 and last through at least 2035, and are expected to create thousands of jobs. The expansion plan for the Kiryat Gat site is an important part of Intels efforts to foster a more resilient global supply chain, Intel said in a statement. Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced a preliminary version of the deal during a cabinet meeting in June, calling the Intel investment the largest ever in Israel. This is an expression of great confidence in the Israeli economy and exactly reflects the strength of the free economy that we have built here, and the technological economy that we are developing here, Mr. Netanyahu said at the time. Intel, which currently employs 11,700 people in Israel, is the countrys largest private employer. Over the last 50 years, it has built four development centers in Israel and invested more than $50 billion in the country, according to the company. The investment is the latest sign that chipmakers are seeking to diversify their manufacturing globally amid a chip arms race. In August, Intel and Tower Semiconductor, an Israeli chip manufacturer, terminated a planned merger after Chinas antitrust regulators failed to rule on the transaction. Israeli news outlets had previously quoted survivors of the massacre saying that an Israeli tank had fired on a house where Hamas fighters were holding hostages during the lengthy battle to retake Beeri. In an article published on Friday by The New York Times, the Israeli commander who led the fight detailed how he had authorized tank fire to end what was already an hourslong standoff even at the cost of civilian casualties. Those remarks have been picked up by the Israeli news media and prompted some public debate about the conduct of the commander, Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram. Only two out of the 14 hostages in the house survived that day; it was not clear how many died by tank fire. Some people have defended General Hiram, saying he had run into the line of fire to fight terrorists. Critics have said that the commander had recklessly endangered the lives of hostages who might otherwise have been saved. As Israel wages a war in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamass military capacity, the armed group and its affiliates have continued to fire rockets at Israel nearly every day, aiming deep inside its borders and striking some of the countrys biggest cities. Since Hamas led a terrorist attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, Hamas and other armed groups have fired about 12,000 rockets from Gaza into Israel, a quarter of them on Oct. 7, the Israeli government has said. Most rockets fired from Gaza were shot down by Israeli air defenses before they were able to make impact. But the ongoing salvos, although less frequent than at the start of the war, are an indication of the size of Hamass arsenal and its continued ability to menace cities far from Gaza. In nearly three months of war, 15 people in Israel have been killed in strikes and about 700 others injured, according to Israels emergency service. In southern Israel, along the Gaza border, rocket attacks have long been a fact of life. But since the start of the war, Israelis across the country have become accustomed to the scream of air raid sirens. In recent weeks, sirens have sounded in central Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. Residents in Jerusalem were sent running to safe rooms and shelters in December for the first time in over a month. Its really sad seeing mothers with babies running to the shelters, said Hannah Reback, 24, who was in Tel Aviv last week when the sirens were activated. The death toll from the rockets in Israel is far smaller than the toll of Israels military campaign in Gaza, where more than 20,000 people have been killed, according to Gazan health officials. In November, the Israeli military said it had struck 15,000 targets in Gaza, but did not specify the means by which they were attacked. Israeli officials have said the rocket attacks show that Hamas and its allies in Gaza continue to terrorize Israeli civilians. If we dont diminish Hamas rocket-firing capabilities, Hamas will continue firing rockets at Israelis, the Israeli militarys chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said on Wednesday. Many of the roughly 3,000 rockets that Hamas fired during the first few hours of its Oct. 7 attacks were intercepted by Israels Iron Dome air defense system, but they nevertheless sent Israelis at a music festival into roadside bunkers, where militants massacred them. They were among some 1,200 people killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks. The Israeli military has spent much of the war in Gaza targeting Hamass strike capabilities. Many rocket launches early in the war were from northern Gaza, where the Israelis say they now have operational control. In recent weeks, the frequency of the barrages from Gaza has decreased, according to Zohar Palti, a defense expert and a former director of intelligence for Mossad, the Israeli spy service. The military recently publicized video that it says shows rockets and launching infrastructure that soldiers found in Gaza near a mosque, in a compound used for youth activities, in playgrounds and near childrens swimming pools. Israel has accused Hamas of using civilian centers like hospitals and crowded neighborhoods as cover for their military operations. In a phone interview on Wednesday, Zaher Jabareen, a member of the Hamas political leadership, dismissed accusations that Hamas fighters use civilian areas to hide and fire rockets as lies and slander by Israel. Israel began using its Iron Dome defense system to intercept short-range rockets in 2011. The system has significantly reduced fatalities from rocket strikes, but shrapnel from interceptions can be deadly, and the system does not intercept all rockets. Hamass arsenal consists mostly of locally made short-range rockets, which are smaller and less precise than the missiles and large bombs used by Israels military and other armies. Between 10 and 20 percent of Hamass rockets fail and fall into Gaza, Human Rights Watch said in a recent report, citing Israeli military data. Sometimes those misfires fall into Gaza, killing Palestinians. In Ashkelon, one of the most frequently targeted parts of Israel, the Barzilai hospital has been hit twice by rocket fire since Oct. 7. The child development institute and gynecology department were damaged, along with a bridge that connects separate hospital wings, officials said. The facilities had largely been cleared out when the war began, and no one was injured. The last 20 years, we had one round of war after another, said Dr. Ron Lobel, the director of emergency and disaster medicine at the hospital, adding: This round was something very exceptional. Reporting was contributed by Ben Hubbard in Istanbul, Johnatan Reiss in Tel Aviv, Myra Noveck in Jerusalem and Andrew Fischer in New York. Standing before a gray backdrop decorated with Hamas logos and emblems of a gunman that commemorate the bloody Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Osama Hamdan, the organizations representative in Lebanon, professed no concern about his Palestinian faction being dislodged from Gaza. We are not worried about the future of the Gaza Strip, he recently told a crowded news conference in his offices in Beiruts southern suburbs. The decision maker is the Palestinian people alone. Mr. Hamdan thus dismissed one of Israels key objectives since the beginning of its assault on Gaza: to dismantle the Islamist political and military organization that was behind the massacre of about 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials, and which still holds more than 100 hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has repeatedly emphasized that objective even while facing mounting international pressure to scale back military operations. The Biden administration has dispatched senior envoys to Israel to push for a new phase of the war focused on more targeted operations rather than sweeping destruction. An Israeli raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank has left six Palestinians dead, the Palestinian Authoritys Ministry of Health said on Wednesday. They were the latest casualties in a surge of violence in the territory since the war in Gaza began on Oct. 7. The Israeli military said that its forces had carried out counterterrorism activity in the Nur Shams refugee camp overnight. The military said that its aircraft had struck terrorists who hurled explosive devices at the forces. It was not possible to independently verify the militarys account. Israeli forces have conducted near-daily raids in the occupied West Bank since Hamas launched the Oct. 7 terrorist attack from Gaza that Israeli officials say killed about 1,200 people. In response, the Israeli authorities have severely restricted movement within the West Bank and revoked work permits for Palestinian residents of the territory who hold jobs in Israel. Israel has described its West Bank raids as an extension of the war against Hamas in Gaza, saying that pockets of the West Bank have been strongholds for terrorist activity. The operations have also led to a surge in arrests, with many of the detainees being held without charge or trial. More than 280 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7, mostly by Israeli forces, but also in clashes with armed Israeli settlers, who Palestinians say have become increasingly emboldened and violent since the Hamas attacks. From the start of the invasion, the Russian authorities purposefully removed children from Ukraine, aiming to turn them against their homeland. Some have returned to tell their stories. Thousands of others have not been as lucky. Ukraines Stolen Children Wounded in the eye from an explosion, Oleksandr Radchuk, an 11-year-old Ukrainian boy from the destroyed city of Mariupol, waited calmly in a tent while Russian soldiers interrogated his mother. The two had been taken prisoner after their port city came under prolonged attack by Russian forces in the spring of 2022. His mother, Snizhana Kozlova, was gone for 90 minutes. When the Russian guards brought her back, she hugged him wordlessly. Then social services officials arrived and took charge of him. We were crying, I couldnt believe they were taking me away, the boy, now 13, who goes by Sasha, recounted in an interview in the presence of his grandmother, Lyudmyla Siryk. His mother was detained and he has not seen or heard from her in the 20 months since. Sasha is one of thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly separated from their parents by the Russian authorities in the early stages of the war in Ukraine, now nearly two years old. They are among the most forlorn victims of Russias invasion. Some were wounded or orphaned in bombardments on Ukrainian towns and villages. Some were left homeless and alone after parents were detained. Others were separated from families believing they were sending their children to summer camp. They threatened us with an orphanage to make our parents collect us. Yevheniia Kondratieva, 15, with her mother, Maryna. They threatened us with an orphanage to make our parents collect us. Yevheniia Kondratieva, 15, with her mother, Maryna. A portrait of Yevheniia Kondratieva and her mother, Maryna. A portrait of Yevheniia Kondratieva and her mother, Maryna. I think all the children who were taken away will remember this date for the rest of their lives. Denys Berezhnyi, 18. I think all the children who were taken away will remember this date for the rest of their lives. Denys Berezhnyi, 18. A portrait of Denys Berezhnyi. A portrait of Denys Berezhnyi. They said they would give us an apartment, register us as refugees, pay us money, but we refused. Kseniia Honcharova, 12, left, with her sister, Anastasiia, 13. They said they would give us an apartment, register us as refugees, pay us money, but we refused. Kseniia Honcharova, 12, left, with her sister, Anastasiia, 13. A portrait of Kseniia and Anastasiia Honcharova, A portrait of Kseniia and Anastasiia Honcharova, I missed my home and my parents. Serhii Orlov, 12. I missed my home and my parents. Serhii Orlov, 12. A portrait of Serhii Orlov. A portrait of Serhii Orlov. They cant manage to win this with physical force, so they try to lure us to their side psychologically. Anastasiia Motychak, 16. They cant manage to win this with physical force, so they try to lure us to their side psychologically. Anastasiia Motychak, 16. A portrait of Anastasiia Motychak, A portrait of Anastasiia Motychak, My aunts family decided to go to Russian territory, and my mother only learned about it when we were at Customs. Veronika Vlasova, 14. My aunts family decided to go to Russian territory, and my mother only learned about it when we were at Customs. Veronika Vlasova, 14. A portrait of Veronika Vlasova. A portrait of Veronika Vlasova. Ukraine says it has verified the names of more than 19,000 children who have been transferred to Russia or Russian-controlled territory. Over recent months, 387 children like Sasha have been tracked down by relatives and brought back home, with the help of the charity Save Ukraine and SOS Childrens Villages Ukraine, among others. Their accounts have helped officials and investigators build a picture of a Russian effort to remove children from Ukraine often under the pretext of rescuing them from the war zone to turn them against their homeland and into loyal Russian subjects. Some described a feeling that the Russian authorities used them to lure their Ukrainian families to the Russian side. The Russian strategy was deliberate, premeditated and systematic, according to the accounts of dozens of children and their families, as well as evidence collected by Ukrainian and international human rights and war crimes organizations. The Russian authorities relocated children from Ukrainian orphanages and certain schools en masse, according to Russian documents gathered by Lyudmyla Denisova, formerly Ukraines top human rights official, which she shared with The New York Times. Russian soldiers and police officers escorted the children on buses. Regional authorities housed the Ukrainian children and placed them with Russian foster families. A decree by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia opened the way for Russian families to adopt Ukrainian children. The exceptional scale and duration of the effort has little comparison in modern warfare, and the forcible transfer of children, war crimes investigators point out, can be an act of genocide under the Geneva Convention. Yet Mr. Putin and his commissioner for childrens rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, announced the transfer of children from Ukraine publicly, showing it off as Russian humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian families. Their own public statements now lie at the heart of a still-sealed arrest warrant against them for war crimes, issued in March by the International Criminal Court. Ms. Lvova-Belova wrote about the children and posted photographs of them on social media in June. These guys, who until recently were hiding from shelling in the basements of Mariupol, are now on real summer vacation, she said. The New York Times traveled across Ukraine this year to photograph and interview more than 30 children who made it back from Russia, speaking with them in the presence of adult family members and guardians, or with their permission. Many of the children were still traumatized by the events. Yevhen Mezhevyi with his son, Matvii, 14, and his daughters, Sviatoslava, 10, in turquoise glasses; and Oleksandra, 8, in pink glasses. Ripped Apart From the first weeks of the war, Ukrainian officials warned that Russia was purposefully removing children. As millions fled fighting, the Russian authorities set up so-called filtration camps, where they screened Ukrainians coming out of the battle zone into Russian-controlled territory. Those suspected of being combatants were detained. Civilians, including children, were swept up in a resettlement program that placed them in towns and cities in Russian-occupied Ukraine or across Russia, as far as Siberia. It was at one such camp that Sasha and his mother were separated. They had sheltered for two weeks in a Ukrainian military field hospital in the basement of the Ilyich steel works in Mariupol after Sasha was wounded in an explosion and were captured along with the Ukrainian troops when the plant was surrounded by Russian forces. Sashas grandmother managed to locate him in a hospital in a Russian-controlled part of Ukraine only because sympathetic doctors publicized his case on social media. When she called, he begged her, Grandma, take me away from here. It took his grandmother more than two months to gather the right papers and journey through Russia to collect him. Other families, too, scrambled for safety as Russian troops seized Mariupol in one of the most brutal episodes of the war. Among them was Yevhen Mezhevyi, 40, a crane operator and single father of three. He and his children Matvii, then 12; Sviatoslava, 8 at the time; and Oleksandra, who was 6 took shelter with hundreds of others in a deep World War II-era bunker at a hospital. Soon it was surrounded by Russian forces, and on April 7, 2022, they decided to join an evacuation of civilians organized by the Russian military and boarded a bus. At a checkpoint, Mr. Mezhevyi, who had done military service several years earlier, was detained. He said that the Russian soldiers gave him two minutes to say goodbye to the children. They told me, You come with us, put the kids on the bus. For seven weeks, he passed through a wringer of Russian detention camps, undergoing beatings, torture and interrogations. By the time he was released, on May 26, his children had been flown to a sanitarium called Poliany, a strictly guarded institution near Moscow. They were now pawns in a Russian propaganda campaign. I wanted to see my mom. Nikita Stetsenko, 12, with his mother, Oksana. I wanted to see my mom. Nikita Stetsenko, 12, with his mother, Oksana. A portrait of Nikita Stetsenko with his mother, Oksana. A portrait of Nikita Stetsenko with his mother, Oksana. I havent talked to her since. Sasha Radchuk, 13, who was separated from his mother. I havent talked to her since. Sasha Radchuk, 13, who was separated from his mother. A portrait of Sasha Radchuk. A portrait of Sasha Radchuk. Ms. Lvova-Belova publicized her rescue of young Ukrainians, flying with a group from Crimea, visiting others at the sanitarium and settling children with Russian foster families. She herself even adopted a Ukrainian teenager, Filip Holovnya, from among the children taken to the sanitarium. Mr. Mezhevyis son, Matvii, remembered seeing Filip and her there, according to the Reckoning Project, a U.S.-based nonprofit group researching war crimes. Penniless and homeless, Mr. Mezhevyi was at first relieved that the children were at least being cared for. Then, my son called me and said, Dad, you have five days to pick us up. Otherwise, we will be adopted. I was hysterical and panicked, he recalled. Quickly, he discovered a network of volunteers in Russia and Ukraine who were helping to retrieve missing children. They offered him transportation and lodging, while lawyers drafted letters and provided documents. He made it to the sanitarium in time. Relief, relief, Oleksandra said, describing the day her father arrived when the children briefly joined a video interview alongside their father. I wanted to cry for joy, Matvii said. It's scary to imagine what is happening to them now, Danylo Yatsentiuk, 14, with his mother, Alla, said of three classmates who were sent to an orphanage. The Vacation By May 2022, Russian troops had occupied about 20 percent of Ukraine. In war zones, they relocated children and sent them to foster homes and technical colleges in Russia or to camps and childrens homes in occupied territory away from the fighting. That effort accelerated sharply after August. First in Kharkiv, a province in the northeast, and then in Kherson, in the south, the Russians began sending away children and pulling out the civilians who worked for them, before withdrawing their own troops ahead of advancing Ukrainian forces. On Oct. 6, schools in Kherson suddenly announced trips for all schoolchildren to camps in Crimea, which was annexed from Ukraine by Russia in 2014. Some were told it was obligatory, but many wanted to go. Groups of children had been making two-week trips to the camps all summer. In the wartime conditions of the Russian occupation, few in Kherson knew that children were already being blocked from returning to the Kharkiv region. In Kherson, Alla Yatsentiuk said that her sons, Ivan, then 9; and Danylo, who was 13, had wanted to go. Over several days in October, throngs of children gathered at the river port of Kherson to take a barge to the eastern bank, where buses awaited to carry them to Crimea. Kids just want peace and to have fun. Sofia Momot, 15. Kids just want peace and to have fun. Sofia Momot, 15. A portrait of Sofia Momot. A portrait of Sofia Momot. Despite all the circumstances, I liked this year. Dayana Aripova, 15, center, with (from left) her mother, Olha Zaporozhchenko, and her siblings, Yana, 11; Matvii, 6; and Nikita, 10. Despite all the circumstances, I liked this year. Dayana Aripova, 15, center, with (from left) her mother, Olha Zaporozhchenko, and her siblings, Yana, 11; Matvii, 6; and Nikita, 10. A portrait of Dayana Aripova with her mother and siblings. A portrait of Dayana Aripova with her mother and siblings. Never again will I go to a camp. Maksym Marchenko, 13, with his mother, Yulia Radzevilova. Never again will I go to a camp. Maksym Marchenko, 13, with his mother, Yulia Radzevilova. A portrait of Maksym Marchenko with his mother. A portrait of Maksym Marchenko with his mother. They didnt want to bring us back here. They said it would be safer there. Anastasiia Bondarenko, 14. They didnt want to bring us back here. They said it would be safer there. Anastasiia Bondarenko, 14. A portrait of Anastasiia Bondarenko. A portrait of Anastasiia Bondarenko. They are doing everything possible to prevent children from being taken home. Dmytro Klymenko, 14, with his mother, Yana, and his brother, Volodymyr, 8. They are doing everything possible to prevent children from being taken home. Dmytro Klymenko, 14, with his mother, Yana, and his brother, Volodymyr, 8. A portrait of Dmytro Klymenko with his mother, Yana, and his brother, Volodymyr. A portrait of Dmytro Klymenko with his mother, Yana, and his brother, Volodymyr. Almost the entire river port was full of children, Yurii Verbovytskyi recalled in an interview when he was back home in Kherson in September. Yurii, 16 at the time, joined because his friends were going, he said. Denys Berezhnyi, then 17, was told by his school principal that he had to go and agreed, he said, to avoid bringing trouble on his parents. On Oct. 7, 2022, hundreds departed. For the children who were taken illegally, this date will be remembered very well, he said. That morning, Ms. Yatsentiuk woke with a feeling of foreboding. Ivan decided not to go. But Danylo was receiving text messages from his friends already in Crimea and was excited. They went down to the river port the next day and found crowds of children in groups with supervisors. There were maybe 500 to 600 children at 10 a.m., Ms. Yatsentiuk recalled. Danylo left, and a week later Ms. Yatsentiuk received a call from one of his Ukrainian supervisors warning her without explanation to bring him home as soon as possible. That same day, Russian troops began a general evacuation of troops and civilians from Kherson. They deceived the parents saying that it was a vacation, Ms. Yatsentiuk said of the Russian authorities. It was a lie. It was a deportation under the pretext of childrens recreation. Things unraveled quickly. The school principal left his post. The teachers were sent back to Kherson, forced to abandon their charges in Crimea, while the children were told they could not go home because of the war. In Kherson, families were told to collect the children themselves. Many did and became refugees in Russia. The next time I saw Danya was half a year later, short of two days, said Ms. Yatsentiuk, using Danylos nickname. She had to apply for a passport and travel through Poland, Belarus and Russia to reach Crimea and bring him home. She found him, finally, in a sanitarium on April 6. By then, most of his classmates had dispersed, taken into Russia by their parents or back home to occupied areas of Ukraine. I was scared when they said in April we would be sent to foster homes if our parents did not come, said Taisiia Volynska, 15, sitting with her mother, Anna. The Indoctrination From the start of its annexation of Crimea, Russia enforced a campaign of Russification and indoctrination of Ukrainian children in occupied areas, according to Ukrainian and independent research organizations. The deported children underwent the same treatment. Lessons were in Russian. Children had to sing the Russian national anthem at assembly. They were shown Russian films, taught Russian history and told to forget their Ukrainian nationality. Children and their families were offered passports, money and apartments to stay in Russia or Russian-controlled Crimea. The indoctrination included a constant repetition of the Russian line and a mixture of promises and scare tactics. The children were told that they would face reprisals back in Ukraine for going to the Russian side, that everything was bombed and destroyed anyway and even that their parents did not want them. Serhii Koldin and Kseniia Koldina, a brother and sister, were among the most fragile of cases, children whose parents in Ukraine had lost custody of them two years earlier. Serhii and Kseniia had been living with a Ukrainian foster family. During the Russian occupation of their town, Vovchansk, in northeastern Ukraine, their foster parents sent them to Russia. Serhii, 11 at the time, was sent to a childrens summer camp in southern Russia, and Kseniia, then 17, went to a college in the Belgorod region. We are hobos. No home, no nothing. Serhii Koldin, 12. We are hobos. No home, no nothing. Serhii Koldin, 12. A portrait of Serhii Koldin. A portrait of Serhii Koldin. They said that the Ukrainian language was invented, that it did not exist. Anastasiia Chvylova, 16, right, with Yelyzaveta Batsura, 16. They said that the Ukrainian language was invented, that it did not exist. Anastasiia Chvylova, 16, right, with Yelyzaveta Batsura, 16. A portrait of Anastasiia Chvylova and Yelyzaveta Batsura. A portrait of Anastasiia Chvylova and Yelyzaveta Batsura. Forget your Ukrainian if you want to continue studying. Roman Tarasov, 16. Forget your Ukrainian if you want to continue studying. Roman Tarasov, 16. A portrait of Roman Tarasov. A portrait of Roman Tarasov. We were told that everything is bombed here, there is no grain, no food. Kostiantyn Ten, 15. We were told that everything is bombed here, there is no grain, no food. Kostiantyn Ten, 15. A portrait of Kostiantyn Ten. A portrait of Kostiantyn Ten. When they visited from Moscow, we were told to tidy our rooms and wear pigtails and bows in colors of the Russian flag. Alyona Rakk, 14, left, with her twin sister, Dariia. When they visited from Moscow, we were told to tidy our rooms and wear pigtails and bows in colors of the Russian flag. Alyona Rakk, 14, left, with her twin sister, Dariia. A portrait of Alyona and Dariia Rakk. A portrait of Alyona and Dariia Rakk. For nine months, they did not see each other. When Kseniia turned 18, she decided to go back to Ukraine and take her brother with her, but she encountered not only bureaucratic obstacles but also a lack of cooperation from his new foster family and from Serhii himself. He stopped taking her calls. She went to collect him anyway. When she arrived, he acted like she was a stranger. He was confused, anxious, as if he was threatened and told not to talk to me, she said in an interview in Kyiv with Serhii. When I reached out to hug him, as I hadnt seen him for nine months, he backed away. He started saying, Its better for me in Russia. I want to stay. I have friends, I have a school here, Kseniia added. But I realized that opinion was imposed on him. Serhii interrupted her. Nothing was imposed on me, he said. The two were staying in the home of the chief executive of Save Ukraine, a charity that had helped with their return, until a more permanent solution could be worked out. Serhii repeated Russian tropes that he had evidently heard during his nine months in Russia, correcting a mention of the war, to use the propaganda phrasing enforced in Russia. But its not a war, its a special operation, he said. I found out that he was told it was bad in Ukraine, that everyone there are Nazis, khokhols, Kseniia said, using a derogatory term Russians use to describe Ukrainians. But we are khokhols, Serhii replied. They were Russian, in camouflage, with Kalashnikovs, said Artem Hutorov, 16, who was taken by soldiers to a military school. We Were Taught to Shoot The indoctrination and patriotism of Russian education has long included an element of military training, including children in Soviet pioneer camps being taught how to disassemble and reassemble an assault rifle. But recently, military camps in Russia and occupied eastern Ukraine have proliferated as part of what analysts say is a creeping militarization of Russian society under Mr. Putin. In the camps, Ukrainian children wear uniforms and undergo semi-military training, raising concerns that Russia was planning to use them as foot soldiers in Ukraine. Artem Hutorov, then 15, and a dozen classmates were taken from their school in Kupiansk by Russian soldiers as Ukrainian troops closed in on the eastern city last year. The soldiers moved them from the frontline to a school in Perevalsk, farther into Russian-occupied Ukraine. At that school, they wore military gear, either green camouflage or white naval cadet uniforms. Artem appeared in a photograph on the schools website, the Z symbol of the Russian occupation force in Ukraine, emblazoned on his sleeve. Back home, he shrugged it off. They were in uniform all the time, he said. He was standing outside his village home, tanned and smiling, back from cutting wood in the forest with his stepfather. Nina Nastasiuk, from Kherson, was sent twice a week to military training during her months at a camp in Crimea. She was 15. There was not much choice, she said. We were taught to shoot, disassemble assault rifles and climb ropes. Nina Nastasiuk, 16. We were taught to shoot, disassemble assault rifles and climb ropes. Nina Nastasiuk, 16. A portrait of Nina Nastasiuk. A portrait of Nina Nastasiuk. They came often. Tried to persuade you. The whole group of us. Serhii Cherednychenko, 17. They came often. Tried to persuade you. The whole group of us. Serhii Cherednychenko, 17. A portrait of Serhii Cherednychenko. A portrait of Serhii Cherednychenko. They said that Ukraine would come in, see my documents, they could kill me. Vladyslav Rudenko, 17. They said that Ukraine would come in, see my documents, they could kill me. Vladyslav Rudenko, 17. A portrait of Vladyslav Rudenko. A portrait of Vladyslav Rudenko. During the occupation of his village in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, Serhii Cherednychenko, then 16, was befriended by Ukrainian soldiers serving with the Russian occupying force. They encouraged him to go to Russia with them in August 2022, where he was enrolled in a technical college. He lived in Russia for 10 months and was told that he and a group of Ukrainians at the college would attend a military camp. Soldiers come from the frontline, let you hold a rifle, say, Guys, its so cool. We are carrying out a great feat. And it sticks in your head, he said. Living there without family, he decided to return to Ukraine. The day he left, the other Ukrainian children were taken to the military camp. Other aspects of the Russian military indoctrination are more formal and more structured, aimed at taking over Ukraines military capabilities and its future personnel, Ukrainian officials say. A prime example was Russias relocation of the Kherson Naval Academy in October 2022. Under occupation, Vladyslav Rudenko, then 16, was enrolled by local officials at a naval college for children under 18 that was part of the academy. Ten days later, he was ordered to evacuate along with 300 staff and students from both institutions. More than 30 Ukrainian cadets, who were over 18, were sent to a navy base at the Russian port of Novorossiysk for training. Vladyslav was sent to a summer camp in Crimea and then resumed his studies at the college, which was re-established in Lazurne, a Ukrainian town under Russian control on the Black Sea. There he came under persistent pressure to drop his pro-Ukrainian stance, he said. His mother, Tetiana, was detained and interrogated aggressively by the Russian secret service, the F.S.B., when she arrived at the college to take him home in May 2023. Four Ukrainian children from his class remained behind at the college, he said. Marharyta Matiunina, 9, sitting between her sister, Kseniia, 7, and her mother, Veronika Tsymbolar, who is holding their brother, Bohdan, 2. Lasting Trauma Once reunited with their families, some children have shown signs of lasting trauma after being separated, sometimes for up to a year, from their homes. Those signs include depression and self harm, according to a psychologist with Save Ukraine. The trauma was often too much for them to verbalize. Several declined to be interviewed, agreeing only to photographs. Marharyta Matiunina was 8 when she was sent to a Russian camp by local officials around the time of the mass transfer to Crimea while staying with her father. Her mother, Veronika Tsymbolar, did not know where she was for four months. Marharyta played happily with her sister and brother in their one-room apartment in the Mykolaiv region as her mother spoke, but she buried her head in the sofa when asked how her time in the camp had been. She wants to forget it, like a bad dream, her mother said. Kyrylo Sakalo crossed and uncrossed his legs uncomfortably during an interview alongside his mother and grandmother and barely looked up from his cellphone. He said he had plotted to run away from the summer camp in Crimea when he was told he could not go home. Tell them about the water, his mother prompted. Dont remind me! he exclaimed in alarm. Staff at the camp had thrown water on Kyrylo, then 11, to wake him up in the morning, his mother explained later. We were yelled at as soon as we got off the bus. I immediately wanted to go back. Kyrylo Sakalo, 12. We were yelled at as soon as we got off the bus. I immediately wanted to go back. Kyrylo Sakalo, 12. A portrait of Kyrylo Sakalo. A portrait of Kyrylo Sakalo. It was harder than captivity. Kateryna Skopina with her daughter, Anna Maria, 6. It was harder than captivity. Kateryna Skopina with her daughter, Anna Maria, 6. A portrait of Kateryna Skopina and her daughter, Anna Maria. A portrait of Kateryna Skopina and her daughter, Anna Maria. A week before the war, we went to this McDonalds with friends and watched a film in this mall. Now only memories are left. Anastasiia Bazhakivska, 14. A week before the war, we went to this McDonalds with friends and watched a film in this mall. Now only memories are left. Anastasiia Bazhakivska, 14. A portrait of Anastasiia Bazhakivska. A portrait of Anastasiia Bazhakivska. Anastasiia and Kseniia Honcharova, sisters, spent more than seven months at several camps in southern Russia. Anastasiia barely spoke, her eyes locked in a distant stare, while Kseniia described their time there. Anastasiia was 11 and Kseniia 10. Tell them, her mother encouraged Anastasiia. You were the one who cried the most on the phone. But it was too much for Anastasiia. She left the room without a word and came back cuddling one of the familys pet dogs. Sasha, the boy wounded in the eye, has been cared for by his grandmother since she managed to retrieve him from the hospital, in Donetsk, in Russian-controlled Ukraine. He pines for his mother. His grades have plunged. Ukrainian prisoners, released in exchanges with Russia, have said that they saw his mother in a prison in Taganrog, in southern Russia, where many Ukrainian prisoners of war, including women, are being held. They told me that she would come to me in two to four days, he said of the Russian officials who took her away. They did not even let me say goodbye. Joffre Wells Mohegan hires Joffre Wells as VP of capital markets, investor relations and corporate treasurer. Prior to joining Mohegan, Joffre was a global macro trader for Brandywine Global in Philadelphia, PA. He has also served as a VP at BlackRock. At Mohegan, he is tasked with steering the companys capital planning as well as strengthening its investor and banking relationships and supporting strategic projects in accounting, financial planning and analysis and team member development. His leadership and financial expertise are a perfect fit for our organization," said Mohegan president & CEO Ray Pineault. The company has also promoted senior VP of Asian and Far East marketing Kelly Leung to SVP, international marketing. Jeremy Sponder Warner Music Groups global catalog team names Jeremy Sponder VP of US marketing for international repertoire. Before joining WMG as VP, catalog in 2021, Sponder was senior director of marketing at Universal Music Group. He has also served as director, marketing & content development at music distribution company The Orchard. Based in New York, Sponder will now be responsible for managing US marketing activations for catalog originating from the UK and other international markets. Jeremy is an incredible music marketer with an impressive track record, creating countless successful campaigns, said WMG global catalog team VP of communications Lauren Papapietro. Jacqueline Barrett Patrick Ta Beauty brings on Jacqueline Barrett as SVP, marketing. Barrett was most recently VP of consumer strategic marketing for Fenty Beauty, the company founded by Rihanna. She previously led cosmetics marketing for Beautycounter, and has held product marketing positions with the Walt Disney Company and Mattel. In her new role, Barrett will be responsible for overseeing the brand's strategic marketing and communications efforts, furthering the brand's rapid growth. Her wealth of experience aligns perfectly with the ways in which we hope to drive the brand forward," said Kimberly Villatoro, CEO of Patrick Ta Beauty. News / Local by Staff reporter Former president Jacob Zuma has told politicians who "think they know politics" and are insulting the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party to "zip it" before he reveals their true colours.Zuma was speaking during the newly formed party's meeting which was held in Verulam, north of Durban, on Tuesday.Despite heavy rainfall, approximately 300 individuals attended the meeting at Mzo Lifestyle, where Duduzile Zuma and Comrade Khumalo were scheduled to speak."Some individuals speak ill of Umkhonto [spear] without understanding its origins. When in leadership positions, arrogance shouldn't prevail. Instead of insults, focus on politics. If they persist, a time will come when we'll reveal uncomfortable truths about them. There are individuals known to us, and their true nature will be exposed for all to see. Hence they should remain silent," said Zuma.Last week in Soweto, Zuma declared his intention not to vote for the ANC in the upcoming election. He also stated his decision not to campaign for the party.After 64 years as an ANC member, Zuma cited a moral stance against supporting the "current ANC" and pledged his vote to the MK Party."While many of us fought for freedom, it's disheartening that some forget our ongoing oppression. We're under a ruling party led by individuals behaving like thugs. I refrain from elaborating now, but during our campaign, we won't resort to insults. Instead, we'll aim to recruit members for the revolution."Our freedom remains incomplete, and unfortunately, some of our own people obstruct it. With five months until the elections, there's time to present facts and engage in dialogue," he remarked.Khumalo said the party has been registered with Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and there is a certificate which proves it is a political party and not an association.He said there was a difference between the MK party, MK Lite and the MKVA."People say we took a trademark of MK Lite. MK Lite is an association and MKVA is also an association, but they are all our comrades and within Umkhonto we Sizwe. Those who claim we are fake are the ones that don't understand and can't differentiate"MK Party will go to the polls. Those who say they are taking us to court must do us as they wish," said Khumalo.He assured the crowd that the MK Party will be on the ballot paper next year and urged them to recruit as many members as they could.Khumalo also warned members to be careful of opportunists who have come in and created fake branches and provincial leadership."We are yet to point anyone and our current leadership is temporal until we go to the conference. We have an interim leadership in provinces and nationally. For now, we are creating structures."I have also been advised about fake letters speaking about a party's conference in Orlando Stadium. I want to tell you that it's all lies. If the letter is not signed by me or our secretary, it's fake. Some opportunists are trying to overtake us thinking there is no leadership well, there is leadership."The party is not a KZN party or for Zulus' only but is a national player, he said.Khumalo also distanced the party from "tribalistic" remarks directed at EFF leader Julius Malema by former Ukhozi FM radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu, who is reported to have said the EFF should have their manifesto launch in Polokwane rather than KZN. In Peak Bengaluru Moment, Rapido Driver's Side Hustle Surprises Commuter Bengaluru oi-Madhuri Adnal In a peak Bengaluru moment, a woman named Shruti found herself sharing a Rapido ride not with your average driver, but with a corporate manager from a major city company. This unexpected encounter, shared on social media, has become the latest in a string of intriguing anecdotes that capture the city's unique blend of tech hustle and unexpected twists. "In my peak Bangalore moment today, the Rapido guy turned out to be a corporate manager in one of the big companies, who likes to help people reach their destination in reasonable amounts," shared Shruti, a user on the microblogging platform. She emphasized, "I repeat anything is possible in Bangalore." Following the surge in attention garnered by Shruti's tweet, Rapido chimed in. The company expressed gratitude, saying, "Hi Shruti, we are thankful for your kind words towards our captain. After reading your post, we are genuinely pleased and hope your future rides with us will be delightful. Keep riding with Rapido." I Couldn't Even Ask What He Is Doing: Bengaluru Woman Alleges Sexual Harassment By Rapido Driver Responses flooded in from others: "You don't need LinkedIn anymore," quipped one individual. "Interesting!" added another. "LinkedIn delivered at the doorstep," joked a third. What do you think about this? Have you ever encountered someone juggling two jobs? For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, 14:41 [IST] Kannada Rakshana Vedhike Leads Protest For 60% Kannada Nameplates In Bengaluru Shops Bengaluru oi-Madhuri Adnal Kannada Rakshana Vedhike held a protest in Bengaluru demanding all businesses and enterprises in Karnataka to put nameplates in Kannada. The activists took out rallies in various parts of the city, especially in the business hubs such as MG Road, Brigade Road, Lavelle Road, UB City, Chamarajapet, Chickpet, Kempe Gowda Road, Gandhi Nagar, St Marks Road, Cunningham Road, Residency Road and Sadahalli Gate near Devanahalli. The activists said the business establishments were "undermining the official language of Karnataka, which is Kannada." Many malls, shops, commercial buildings, companies and factories, especially multinational companies, faced the ire of KRV activists. They destroyed and defaced signboards and name plates which were not in Kannada. Later, the agitating members including the KRV convener T A Narayana Gowda, were taken under preventive custody by police. Speaking to reporters, Gowda said the name plates and signboards in Karnataka should be in Kannada. "As per rule 60 per cent of the signboards and name plates should be in Kannada. We are not against your business but if you are doing business in Karnataka then you have to respect our language. If you ignore Kannada or put Kannada letters in small, we will not let you operate here," Gowda said. It must be noted that Tushar Giri Nath, chief commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), had earlier said that by February 28, commercial stores under the administrative body need to install 60 percent Kannada language nameplates, which, if failing to do so or it will attract legal action. "After the survey, shops not meeting the 60% Kannada language requirement will be notified," stated Nath. "They will then have until February 28 to comply, prominently display Kannada on their nameplates, and provide proof of compliance to their respective zone commissioners." Bengaluru's Quirky Chronicles: 2023's Unforgettable 'Peak Bengaluru' Moments Nath also met with representatives from Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a group advocating Kannada usage. TA Narayana Gowda, the state president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, mentioned their concerns raised with municipal authorities in Bengaluru after a shopping mall in Hebbal area violated state regulations for storefront signage. While it's mandatory for commercial stores to showcase Kannada text, enforcement of this rule has been relaxed, prompting protests from groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike. Karnataka Covid Rules: Mandatory 7-Day Home Isolation For Covid-Positive Individuals, Contact Testing Bengaluru oi-Madhuri Adnal All individuals testing positive for Covid are now required to undergo a seven-day home isolation period, while their symptomatic primary contacts must undergo testing. This directive was decided upon by a cabinet sub-committee meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, in response to the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant. Guidelines regarding this will soon be released by the government. Out of the 74 new cases reported on Tuesday, 57 have been identified in Bengaluru. Additionally, the state confirmed two Covid-related deaths. Employees from both government and private sectors under home isolation will be granted a seven-day leave. Medical professionals from UPHCs and Namma clinics will visit those in home isolation and general ward Covid admissions. The aim is to conduct around 5,000 Covid tests daily. Is New Year Celebration Allowed In Bengaluru? What Are The NYE Guidelines 2023? Presently, there are no restrictions imposed on New Year celebrations or inter-state travel. However, senior citizens and individuals with underlying health conditions are mandated to wear masks. Parents are advised against sending their children with fever, cold, or cough to school until symptoms alleviate. Sources indicate that Karnataka is set to receive 30,000 doses of Covid vaccines from the central government, to be distributed among taluk and district hospitals. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, 10:26 [IST] Which Is The Best City For Women In India In 2023? The Answer Is... Police Encounter In Kanchipuram: Notorious Criminals Shot Dead In Tamil Nadu Chennai oi-Madhuri Adnal Two notorious individuals with criminal records were shot dead in a police encounter close to Kancheepuram's new railway station on Wednesday. The police had been actively pursuing them regarding the murder of another notorious individual named Prabha. The sequence of events began with the tragic killing of Prabha in a revenge-fueled assault on Tuesday. As authorities delved into the investigation, focusing on the accused, Raghu alias Raguvaran and Aseen emerged as primary suspects. Upon police confrontation, the suspects fiercely retaliated, resulting in their deaths. Both bodies have been transferred to Kancheepuram Government Hospital, as confirmed by Kancheepuram Police Officials. The encounter unfolded in self-defense as the history sheeters wielded machetes and launched an assault on law enforcement officials. Special Sub Inspector Ramalingam and Constable Sasikumar sustained injuries from the attackers' sickles and are currently receiving medical treatment. Prabha, alias Saravanan, aged 35 and a resident of Pallavar Medu in the district, had a lengthy criminal record encompassing 40 pending cases, ranging from murder and robbery to drug trafficking and theft. As a habitual offender, Prabha frequently found himself incarcerated, obtaining bail intermittently. 4 Army Personnel Killed In Encounter With Terrorists In J-K's Rajouri Last week, while en route from Pallavar Medu to attend a kancheepuram court hearing for a robbery case, Prabha encountered a mysterious group in a white car. Despite attempting to flee, Prabha, hindered by recent leg surgery, was unable to escape the assault. The helmeted trio swiftly murdered him in broad daylight before fleeing the scene. Following the heinous crime, the kancheepuram district police launched a comprehensive search for the perpetrators. Late on Tuesday evening, a tip-off revealed the whereabouts of the two suspects near the new railway station. A specialised police team intervened, but as the suspects aggressively attacked the officers, the police resorted to firing in defense, leading to the suspects' demise, as reported by the authorities. Which Is The Best City For Women In India In 2023? The Answer Is... Poisonous Ammonia Gas Leak Near Ennore Harbour In North Chennai Port: 34 Hospitalised Chennai oi-Madhuri Adnal A pipeline carrying Ammonia gas from the sea to a private fertilizer company in Ennore experienced a leak on Tuesday night, stirring panic among residents of Periyakuppam and Chinnakuppam. The strong odor of the chemical disrupted their sleep, prompting concern. Although the gas leak was contained, by 3 AM on Wednesday, the levels of ammonia in the air and the sea surged to alarming heights. According to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), the ambient air's ammonia level reached 3 ppm (2090 micrograms/m, well above the 400 micrograms/m 24-hour average). Additionally, the ammonia content in the seawater spiked to 49 mg/L at 3.49 AM, far beyond the marine discharge standard of 5 mg/L. Nearby areas experienced a mild ammonia odor, causing worry among residents. This incident follows closely after an oil spill caused by the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) refinery wreaked havoc on the lives of Ernavur residents and fishermen, causing damage and health issues. Silent Superstars: Why Are Rajinikanth & Kamal Haasan Missing From Tamil Nadu Flood Relief? Recommended Video Tamil Nadu: 12 Hospitalized in Ammonia Gas Leak Chaos | Heres What Happened | Oneindia News On Tuesday night, villagers woke up by the strong ammonia smell around 11:30 PM, resulting in breathing difficulties for many. Around 30 individuals were rushed to hospitals due to respiratory problems. The gas leak occurred in the subsea pipeline of Coromandel International Ltd, known for manufacturing Ammonium Phosphate Potash Sulphate (APPS) and possessing a 12,500 T capacity double-insulated ammonium storage tank. The ammonia, generally imported from Iran or Saudi Arabia in liquid form at -330 C, is received via Ennore minor port and transported through an 8-inch flexible HDPE pipeline spanning 2.5 km beneath the sea bed. TNPCB's preliminary observation noted a pressure drop in the pipeline around 11:45 PM, coinciding with the detection of a pungent odor near the storage terminal and the material gate. Gas bubbles were observed emanating from the pipeline, prompting immediate depressurization within 20 minutes by redirecting ammonia vapor to the flare. Tamil Nadu Floods: PM Modi Calls CM MK Stalin To Take Account Of Rescue And Relief Work During the incident, the ambient air near the material gate recorded an ammonia level of 28 ppm, leading TNPCB to instruct the unit to swiftly identify and address the pipeline damage before resuming ammonia transfer. Approval from the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board is mandated before reinitiating pipeline operations. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, 9:36 [IST] No Permission To Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Yet, Here's Why Congress To Hold 'Bharat Nyay Yatra' From Jan 14, To Cover Over 6K km From Manipur-Mumbai India oi-PTI The Congress on Wednesday announced it will hold a 'Bharat Nyay Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi from Manipur in the east to Mumbai in western India, covering 14 states and 85 districts, beginning January 14. The yatra will conclude on March 20, covering around 6,200 km, traversing Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. ''After the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress will take out a Bharat Nyay Yatra under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi ji,'' Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said at a press conference. The yatra will be flagged off by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge from Imphal on January 14. Ramesh also said the Congress will hold a mega rally will in Nagpur on December 28 on the occasion of the party's foundation day. Rahul Gandhi Visits 'Akhara' In Haryana's Jhajjar, Meets Wrestlers The rally, named 'Hain Tayyar Hum'' (we are ready), will sound the bugle for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections for the Congress. The Bharat Nyay Yatra will focus on securing economic, social and political justice for the people of the country, Ramesh said. ''The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has decided to hold a 'Bharat Nyay Yatra' from January 14 to March 20 from Manipur to Mumbai,'' Congress general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal said. He said interactions will be held with women, youths and the marginalised communities during the yatra. The Bharat Nyay Yatra will be mostly covered by bus along with short stretches of walking, he said. The yatra was announced following a unanimous resolution of the Congress Working Committee on December 21 that Gandhi should undertake the second phase of the yatra from the east to west. Asked about the rationale behind choosing Manipur as the starting point of the yatra, Venugopal said it is an important part of the country and also the party wanted to begin the process of ''healing the wounds'' of the people of the northeastern state. Manipur witnessed one of the worst ethnic conflicts between the Kuki and Meitei communities, resulting in more than 200 deaths and leaving nearly 60,000 people homeless since the violence broke out on May 3. Congress Announces Major Reshuffle, Avinash Pandey Replaces Priyanka Gandhi As UP In-charge Ramesh said while Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra raised the issues of economic disparities, polarization and dictatorship, the Nyay Yatra will focus on social, economic and political justice for the people of the country. ''After spreading the message of unity, love and harmony through Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi will seek justice for the people of the country,'' he said. In a post on X, Ramesh said while the Bharat Jodo Yatra was anchored in the Constitution's Preamble's pillars of ''liberty, equality and fraternity'', the Bharat Nyay Yatra is anchored in the Preamble's very first pillar of justice - social, economic and political. ''The repeated assaults on the Constitution will not be allowed to succeed!'' he said. To a question whether the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties will also participate in the yatra, Venugopal said the final details were being worked out. Ramesh pointed out that leaders of various political parties had also participated in the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Former Congress president Gandhi had undertaken the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir from September 7, 2022 to January 30 this year. The 136-day march covered 4,081 kilometres, traversing 75 districts and 76 Lok Sabha constituencies across 12 states and two Union territories. During the course of the yatra, Gandhi addressed 12 public meetings, more than 100 street-corner meetings and 13 press conferences. He held more than 275 planned walking interactions and over 100 sitting interactions. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, 14:35 [IST] News / Local by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe government has reneged on its commitment to offer free education, citing the need for resources and robust mobilization strategies.In an interview with local media, Torerai Moyo, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, acknowledged that the government, led by Emmerson Mnangagwa, remains dedicated to providing free education despite facing challenges.Moyo clarified, "It is true; the government intends to provide free education from Early Childhood Development (ECD) up to Grade 7. This is the President's objective. It is not a new initiative, and we are seriously considering it, with implementation expected to take less than three years."According to Moyo, there are different forms of free education, and the government needs to mobilize resources for the benefit of the people. He mentioned the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), which covers tuition fees for underprivileged children and orphans, allowing them to attend school from ECD A to Grade 7 for free."In underdeveloped areas like Muzarabani, Guruve, and Kariba, children do not pay school fees. They attend school for free, thanks to a grant that covers their fees. Some schools may charge fees if there's an agreement to fund accommodation for teachers, and the ministry approves such proposals," Moyo explained.The Education Amendment Act, signed into law by President Mnangagwa in 2020, mandates the State to provide free basic education in line with the constitutional provisions in section 27. Despite numerous assurances, the government has faced challenges in delivering on its promise of free education. Fatal Bus Fire in Guna: 12 Killed, 14 Injured in Collision with Dumper A devastating bus accident occurred in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals and severe burn injuries to 14 others. The incident unfolded when a private bus collided head-on with a dumper on the Guna-Aaron road, leading to a fiery inferno that engulfed the bus. The injured victims were rushed to the Guna district hospital for immediate medical attention. The authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, and the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister has announced financial assistance to the affected families. India -Krishna Kripa In a heart-wrenching incident, a bus caught fire after colliding with a dumper in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday night, resulting in the loss of 12 lives and severe burn injuries to 14 others. The private bus met with a head-on collision with the dumper on the Guna-Aaron road, leading to a devastating inferno that engulfed the vehicle. Immediate Response and Medical Attention Swift action was taken by the authorities as the injured were promptly rushed to the Guna district hospital for immediate medical attention. The Superintendent of Police for Guna district confirmed the tragic news, reporting that twelve bus passengers lost their lives in the fire, while fourteen others sustained critical injuries. Details of the Incident The ill-fated bus was en route to Aaron when it encountered the dumper traveling towards Guna. The collision occurred at approximately 9 pm, causing the bus to catch fire. According to police reports, there were around 30 passengers on board at the time of the incident. Remarkably, four passengers managed to escape the burning bus and return home. Official Response and Assistance The Guna collector, Tarun Rathi, assured that a thorough investigation into the incident is underway. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured individuals. Additionally, the chief minister ordered a comprehensive probe into the accident to ascertain the exact cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Condolences and Support Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia took to Twitter to express his grief and offer support. He described the incident as "painful" and revealed that he had spoken to the collector and SP, directing them to initiate immediate relief and rescue operations. Minister Scindia also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased passengers. This tragic bus fire in Guna serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety measures. As investigations unfold, it is crucial to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly examined to prevent future loss of lives and bring solace to the bereaved families. Is there a Bharat Bandh tomorrow: Here is what we know Is It Bharat Bandh On December 30? India oi-Madhuri Adnal Tribal organisation Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan (ASA) on Wednesday announced a ''symbolic'' Bharat bandh on December 30 in advocating for the recognition of the Sarna religion, a longstanding demand of the tribal organization. ASA president Salkhan Murmu emphasized that the Sarna religion represents the identity of 15 crore tribals in the country. He labeled the denial of recognition to the tribal community's religion as a ''constitutional crime,'' stating that coercing the community to adopt other faiths equates to ''enslavement through religion.'' Murmu accused both the Congress and BJP of undermining tribal freedom of religion. He highlighted that the 1951 census initially had a distinct code for the Sarna religion, which was subsequently removed by the Congress. He also accused the BJP of attempting to categorize tribals as Vanvasis and Hindus. Congress To Hold 'Bharat Nyay Yatra' From Jan 14, To Cover Over 6K km From Manipur-Mumbai ASA stands firm in safeguarding the interests of the tribal community and expressed willingness to support any political party that acknowledges the Sarna religion. Sarnaism, the indigenous religious belief of tribal communities, primarily venerates natural elements like mountains, forests, and wildlife. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) proposed that Sarna religion should have an independent category in the census religion code. Multiple tribal groups and Christian missionaries are advocating for a separate census code for Sarnaism. Murmu highlighted that in the 2011 census, around 50 lakh adivasis identified their faith as 'Sarna,' surpassing the 44 lakh count for Jainism. Despite this, while Jainism obtained separate religious status, Sarnaism continues to be denied recognition. He pointed out the absence of acknowledgment for Sarna religion in speeches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Ulihatu, the birthplace of tribal leader Birsa Munda, and President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Baripada in Odisha. Article 370 Ruling Boosts 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' Vision, Says PM Modi ''With no other option, ASA has decided to observe a symbolic Bharat bandh on December 30, supported by similar organizations,'' Murmu stated, detailing plans for protests involving street demonstrations and blockades of road and rail movements to reinforce their demands. He urged political parties that backed the Sarna Religion Code Bill in the Jharkhand assembly to support ASA's plea. The Jharkhand Assembly had previously passed a resolution advocating Sarna's recognition as a distinct religion in the census back in November 2020. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, 15:54 [IST] Mistakes That Hurt Countrymen Should Not Happen: Rajnath Singh To Troops India oi-PTI In an apparent reference to three civilians being found dead after being detained for questioning by army, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said troops keep the country safe, but sometimes such mistakes do take place, which should not happen. It is the responsibility of the troops to win the hearts of the people while performing their duty towards the security of the nation, said Singh, who arrived in Jammu and Kashmir earlier in the day to review the security situation. ''You are the guardians of the country. Apart from the responsibility toward security of the country, winning the hearts of the citizens is also a big responsibility on your shoulders. You are making efforts in this direction as well, but sometimes there does happen a mistake (chook). Such mistakes, that may hurt any citizen of the country, should not happen,'' Singh told troops during an interaction with them in Rajouri. Will Find Attackers Of Merchant Navy Ships Even From Depths Of Seas And Take Strict Action: Rajnath Singh Singh is on a day-long visit to Rajouri and Jammu comes following a terrorist ambush in Poonch. The minister's statement comes amid an outrage over the killing of three civilians in Poonch district on December 22 allegedly after they were picked up by the security forces for questioning in connection with an ambush on two army vehicles that had left four soldiers dead a day earlier. 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 on the matter has been initiated. The army has ordered a ''thorough internal investigation'' into the civilian deaths and said it is committed to extending full support and cooperation to investigators. Singh said that to win a war and finish terrorism, you need to win the hearts of the people. ''We will win any type of war and we will finish off terrorism as well, but at the same time we have to win the hearts of the people - and it is a big responsibility on your shoulders.'' He said that the Indian army is not considered to be an ordinary army in the world now. India Fastest Growing Major Economy; Now Capable Of Creating Positive Impact On Growth Of Others: Rajnath ''The people believe that the Indian army has become more powerful than it was in the past. It has become well-equipped compared to the past. The security of the country is in your hands,'' the minister told the troops. Supriya Sule Chooses Struggle Over Power, Says I Had to Choose Between Power and Struggle Modi Govt Tags Muslim League Jammu Kashmir As Anti-National, Unlawful Under UAPA India oi-Gaurav Sharma On Wednesday, the Modi government officially labeled the 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)' (MLJK-MA) as an 'Unlawful Association' under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act). Home Minister Amit Shah communicated this declaration via a social media platform (referred to as "X" instead of explicitly mentioning Twitter), stating, "The 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)'/MLJK-MA is declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA. This organization and its members are engaged in activities deemed anti-national and secessionist in J&K, supporting terrorist acts, and inciting individuals to establish Islamic rule in the region." The PM Narendra Modi government's message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law," Shah said. The Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)/MLJK-MA is declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA. This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 27, 2023 The Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction), also known as MLJK-MA, is a separatist political organization based in the Jammu and Kashmir region. It is a faction of the Muslim League, which has various factions and ideologies. Masarat Alam is a prominent separatist leader associated with this faction. He has been known for his involvement in separatist activities and has faced multiple detentions due to his alleged role in anti-India protests and inciting unrest in the region. The organization has been accused by Indian authorities of engaging in activities deemed secessionist, anti-national, and supportive of terrorist acts in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government has declared this faction as an 'Unlawful Association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) due to its alleged involvement in anti-India activities and inciting support for establishing Islamic rule in the region. Sourabh Chandrakar, Mahadev Betting App Owner, Held In Dubai India oi-Gaurav Sharma Sourabh Chandrakar, the proprietor of the Mahadev app and a key figure in promoting the online betting platform, has been held in Dubai on Tuesday, according to the news agency PTI. The reports added that Chandrakar has been 'house arrested' for now, and Indian authorities are actively engaging diplomatic channels in efforts to facilitate his deportation. Meanwhile, officials informed the news agency that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to imminently submit a new charge sheet in this multi-crore money laundering case. Sources revealed that Chandrakar's whereabouts in Dubai have been communicated to the federal agency. Earlier, authorities in Dubai had "restricted the movements" of Saurabh Chandrakar, and now he has been house arrested. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had included Chandrakar and co-accused Ravi Uppal, among others, in its initial charge sheet submitted before a specialized Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur. In the aforementioned charge sheet, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cited Dilip Chandrakar, Sourabh Chandrakar's uncle, who stated that prior to Sourabh's departure to Dubai in 2019, he managed a juice shop called 'Juice Factory' alongside his brother in Bhilai, a town in Chhattisgarh. According to the ED, Sourabh Chandrakar reportedly wedded in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in February 2023, with expenditures amounting to around 200 crore, primarily in cash. The lavish event allegedly involved the hiring of private jets to transport his relatives from India to the UAE and payments to celebrities for performances. Additionally, the ED is anticipated to submit a supplementary charge sheet in this case involving two individuals apprehended by the agency in November from Chhattisgarh - Asim Das, an alleged cash courier, and police constable Bheem Yadav. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, 21:22 [IST] Embassy blast: Role of Jaish-ul-Hind under scanner, but it could be a false flag Suspects Spotted On CCTV After Blast Near Israel Embassy, Revenge Letter Found India oi-Madhuri Adnal An explosion near the Israel Embassy in New Delhi prompted increased security in the vicinity. The Embassy confirmed the incident, noting no casualties or injuries. According to sources speaking to India Today TV, a typed letter, enclosed in an Israeli flag and addressed to the Ambassador of the Israeli Embassy, was discovered near the blast location. Furthermore, it is learnt that a group identifying itself as "Sir Allah Resistance" claimed responsibility for the blast. Reports further said that two individuals were captured on CCTV in the vicinity of the blast, prompting ongoing efforts to trace their movements and apprehend them. The Delhi Police is meticulously examining footage from nearby cameras, aiming to reconstruct the suspects' path to the embassy and identify any potential accomplices. Here are the top developments Shortly after the explosion, the area was temporarily sealed off but was later reopened. The Delhi Police initiated an investigation into the blast. In the latest updates on the blast near the Israel Embassy in New Delhi, a loud explosion was reported in Chanakyapuri around 5 pm on Tuesday. The Delhi Police received a call from an unidentified individual asserting the explosion occurred in an empty area behind the Embassy. Rapid response units, including bomb squads and specialized police teams, swiftly arrived at the scene, conducting a thorough search. However, no suspicious items were discovered. Confirming the incident, the Israel Embassy acknowledged the blast occurred approximately at 5:08 pm near the embassy premises. The Embassy's spokesperson, Guy Nir, stated on Tuesday evening that the Delhi police, along with the security team, continue their investigation. Fortunately, no embassy staff sustained injuries during the incident. Extensive searches were carried out by the police in the vicinity, leading to the discovery of a letter adorned with an Israeli flag near the blast site. Described as a one-page typed letter, its contents were deemed "abusive" in nature, strongly criticised Israel's actions in Gaza and also mentioned revenge, according to India Today TV reports. The police have not revealed further details about the letter. "Experts have examined the spot and lifted exhibits that may have evidentiary relevance. The same are being sent for forensic examination," Delhi Police said in a statement. No traces of burnt explosives were discovered at the scene, prompting experts to consider the possibility of a "chemical explosion," as per the PTI news agency. Additionally, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), an anti-terror probe agency, conducted its examination of the site. The Israeli foreign ministry has confirmed cooperation between Israeli authorities and their Indian counterparts in investigating the cause of the explosion. Israeli missions around the world have been on high alert since Israel declared war against the Palestinian terror group Hamas, following the latter's surprise attack on Israel on October 7. In response to the incident, security measures around the Embassy and other Israeli facilities in India were reinforced. Chanakyapuri, where the blast occurred, is a diplomatic hub hosting missions from various countries in the national capital. Notably, in 2021, an explosion near the Embassy caused damage to multiple cars. Furthermore, in February 2012, a bomb planted beneath an Israeli Embassy vehicle injured a diplomat's wife. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, 8:46 [IST] Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma To Take Oath On Friday, PM Modi, Amit Shah To Attend Ceremony Woman Killed After Man Runs Over Her And Friend In Jaipur | Video Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Cuts LPG Cylinder Prices To Rs 450 Jaipur oi-Gaurav Sharma Fulfilling the promises made while campaigning for the recently concluded assembly elections, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday announced to cut LPG cylinder prices to Rs 450. According to reports, the new cylinder prices in Rajasthan will be implemented from January 1, 2024. The Rajasthan Chief Minister made the big announcement in Tonk today, stating the new LPG cylinders under the PM Ujjawala Yojana will now be available for Rs 450 only. Earlier, the LPG cylinder was priced at Rs 500. Earlier on December 20, during an election rally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged women of the state to elect the saffron front and the party will provide the LPG cylinder for a cheaper price. Amit Shah promised LPG cylinder at 450 Rs. Now Narendra Modi Govt is saying they have no plans to reduce price of Cylinder. pic.twitter.com/5AbvzqCMlq Anshuman Sail Nehru (@AnshumanSail) December 20, 2023 (This is a developing story, details awaited...) Dry Day In Maharashtra On Jan 22? BJP MLA's Proposal For One-Day Ban On Alcohol & Meat FIR Against NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad Over His Remarks On Lord Ram Vadodara Man Tracked Down For Hoax Bomb Threats In 11 Mumbai Locations Mumbai oi-Madhuri Adnal The Mumbai Crime Branch nabbed a Vadodara resident suspected of sending a threatening email to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Authorities are presently interrogating the individual to ascertain the motive behind the threat. Mumbai was thrown into panic on Tuesday following bomb threats aimed at three major financial institutions: the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. This led to a comprehensive city-wide security operation. The sender demanded the resignations of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accusing them of being part of what was referred to as the "biggest scam in India's history". Bomb Threatens Mumbai: 11 Locations Including Three Banks Targeted Responding swiftly, authorities mobilized Mumbai police to secure these identified locations. Thorough searches were conducted, thankfully revealing no signs of explosives or suspicious activities. Despite the absence of immediate threats, the incident highlights the crucial need for sustained vigilance and robust security measures. A case has been lodged at the MRA Marg Police Station, and investigations are actively ongoing to trace the origin of the threats, ensuring the safety of both Mumbai's residents and its financial institutions. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, 14:52 [IST] Russia's deputy prime minister says almost all the country's oil exports this year have been shipped to India or China. India is the far bigger growth market as western countries sanction Moscow. Police say judges who ruled that Donald Trump can't run for president in Colorado are facing death threats. News / Local by Staff reporter Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has seemingly left the party on autopilot amid widening divisions with senior members.This comes as ordinary members are increasingly disillusioned with Chamisa's leadership style.The fissures within the CCC were on full display during the election of Harare mayor Jacob Mafume last week as Councillors defied Chamisa's directive to vote for Elvis Ruzani for Harare mayor indicating a lack of trust and cohesion within the partyCCC deputy spokesperson Gift "Ostallos" Siziba confirmed that an internal meeting had selected Ruzani as the next Harare mayor. As Israel's campaign to defeat Hamas intensifies in central Gaza, the UN makes a new aid appointment. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden discusses the release of remaining hostages with Qatar's emir. DW has more. Visitors were unable to enter the world-famous Paris landmark on Wednesday as its workers strike over their contracts. The staff scheduled the closure to start exactly 100 years after the death of Gustave Eiffel. euronews (in English) 27 Dec 2023 The former statesman and finance minister during the euro debt crisis was also known for his role in the reunification of Germany. Germany's conservative opposition party wants to send asylum-seekers to third countries for processing, following models adopted by the UK and Australia. But experts are divided over the legal and logistical workability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the W Asia situation & maritime security in the Red Sea in a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. They shared concerns over terrorism, violence, & civilian lives. PM reiterated India's position on the Israel-Palestine issue & called for continued humanitarian aid. They agreed to work together for peace, security, & stability in the region. The leaders also reviewed progress in bilateral strategic partnership. Israeli nationals have been warned to try to avoid going to crowded places (malls and markets) and places identified as serving Westerners/Jews and Israelis. ViewA major political figure who died this year was former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter. She passed away on Nov. 19. Carter was.. Newsy 29 Dec 2023 Count Valentine Potocki, a young Polish nobleman went to Paris to finish his education, There he became close friends with another Polish nobel, Zarembo, Both of them met a Jewish teacher and asked him to teach them Hebrew. After some time each independently decided to become Jewish. Potocki went to Amsterdam where it was safe... Colorado authorities are investigating possible threats against state Supreme Court justices, Denver police have said, one week after the court barred former Donald Trump from the state's presidential primary ballot. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met Tuesday to discuss shifting "to a different phase" of the Israel-Hamas war with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a White House official said. News / Local by Staff reporter In the third quarter of the year, Zimbabwe's export landscape continued to be dominated by raw minerals and tobacco, as outlined in the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's (RBZ) third-quarter report.According to the central bank's report, gold emerged as the primary export earner during this period, injecting US$502.5 million, constituting 26% of the total exports. The Platinum Group of Minerals (PGM) followed closely, generating US$403.8 million.Other notable contributions to exports included industrial diamonds at US$136.8 million (7.1% of total exports), Ferro-Chromium at US$85 million (4.4% of total exports), Coal at US$34 million, Chromium Ores and Concentrates at US$20 million, and Granite at US$8.9 million. Cash crops, such as Tobacco and Cotton, contributed US$272.8 million and US$14.9 million, respectively.The geographical distribution of exports revealed that 48.3% of the country's export products were directed to Asia, followed by Africa at 32.9%, Europe at 5.1%, and the Americas at 1.1%. Notably, the United Arab Emirates absorbed 26.6% of the country's exports, with South Africa at 25.9% and China at 16.2%.In total, Zimbabwe's exports for the third quarter of 2023 amounted to US$1,931.0 million, marking a 21.1% increase from the US$1,594.2 million recorded in the same quarter of 2022. The third quarter of 2023 outturn was also 4.3% higher than the US$1,851.3 million realized in the preceding quarter. The boost in export earnings during this period was attributed to improvements in industrial diamonds and tobacco exports, which increased by 24.4% and 2.4%, respectively.This data underscores the pressing need for the authorities to implement value addition and beneficiation initiatives in the mining and agricultural sectors. Observers in the market suggest that investing in value addition and beneficiation could potentially triple current earnings from minerals and cash crops while simultaneously creating thousands of jobs. The updated plan, crafted by Egypt and obtained by NPR, is the most recent draft in a flurry of diplomatic activity in recent days aimed at ending Israel's devastating air-and-ground campaign in Gaza. Rumble 05 Jan 2024 The ACLJ and President Donald Trump have filed their appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court now the 14th Amendment.. Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer ended a visit with the White House and State Department. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Aaron David Miller about what it means for U.S.-Israel relations. BF Games, an innovative games development studio, has joined forces with Swiss4Win, Casino Lugano's online brand, to bring its acclaimed slot games collection to the Swiss online gaming community. BF Games, known for its dynamic and creative approach to game development, has made a significant move by launching its popular slots portfolio with Swiss4Win, the digital arm of Switzerland's renowned Casino Lugano. Following its successful entry last year, this collaboration marks an important step in BF Games' expansion within the Swiss market. Diverse Portfolio for Swiss Players: The partnership with Swiss4Win introduces Swiss players to 20 BF Games' most captivating titles. Among these are fan favorites such as Stunning Hot Remastered, Cave of Fortune, and Book of Gods, each known for their unique themes and engaging gameplay. 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Leveraging Casino Lugano's extensive experience and strong historical background, Swiss4Win aims to deliver a comprehensive and engaging online gaming experience to Swiss players. In conclusion, the partnership between BF Games and Swiss4Win signifies a strategic expansion for both entities. It strengthens BF Games' position in the European market and enhances Swiss4Win's game portfolio, promising an enriched gaming experience for Swiss players. In the United States, if you donate money to World BEYOND War, you can deduct that donation from the amount of money on which you pay taxes to fund the U.S. government, which uses over half of the income taxes it brings in to fund the U.S. military. World BEYOND War will then take that funding and use it to educate people about the need to abolish militaries. So it's a double whammy for peace. In Canada, we in the United States like to think, peace must be more acceptable. Canada's military spending is 3% of that in the U.S. in absolute dollars, and 27% per capita. Yet in Canada, if you make a donation to World BEYOND War, the money will go to the same good cause, but the money will not be tax deductible. You'll have to pay into the Canadian government just as before. More of your taxes will go to non-military projects simply because that's what the Canadian government does with its money. But one of the things it does is fund a bureaucracy that has made it impossible to get charitable status in Canada for any nonprofit organization seeking to change the way people think for the better, or for the worse, or in some neutral manner. To be a charity, you have to be engaged in the work of making sure nothing changes in the way people think. Like a good corporate media outlet promoting the views of it's owners 24/7, you must avoid having any point of view whatsoever (other than the point of view of those in power, which doesn't count). World BEYOND War applied for charitable status with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), but we were told (it took about two years to tell us) that we were unacceptably biased against war. If we did educational events promoting both peace and war, that might demonstrate our lack of bias. Favoring only peace is a problem. The CRA told us that due to our biased viewpoint, our work did not meet the statutory requirements of eligibility to become a registered charitable organization in Canada. In determining eligibility for charitable registration under the Income Tax Act and Policy CG-030, the CRA's Charities Directorate has declared "peace" to be a biased viewpoint which violates this section of the policy: The second link above takes you to text that, at first glance, seems to provide a waiver particularly for peace. For a moment, it appears that peace is so indisputably good that a charitable organization can educate in support of it without being accused of "having a point of view." Here's what it says: "Simply promoting a particular point of view, or attempting to persuade, does not advance education under charity law. Concerns arise when the subject matter contains information and opinion that is mostly biased or one-sided. This often occurs when a subject is controversial. The subject matter should reflect a genuine attempt to provide knowledge or develop abilities. "Although an organization may educate from a particular perspective, in that it may have a point of view on a subject, there needs to be a clear attempt to encourage awareness of different views. This allows recipients to make up their own minds. For example, an educator may share an opinion or view while teaching a course, but the course material should be reasonably objective. It should reflect a genuine attempt to further students' knowledge or abilities. "However, a purpose to educate about a subject that presents a point of view which is generally accepted to be for the public benefit can advance education. For example, to educate that peace is preferable to war, or that smoking is harmful, is clearly for the public benefit, and can therefore be charitable. The benefit of peace is not controversial. But if the public benefit of the subject is not obvious, or it is not possible to determine it is for the public benefit, the purpose does not advance education, and is therefore not charitable. Footnote 33" Fantastic! But the devil is in the details. Clicking the link to Footnote 33 brings you to this explanation: "See Southwood v A.G., [2000] WL 877698 (CA), at para 6: "The relevant question is whether the 'advancement of the education of the public in the subject of militarism and disarmament and related fields' promotes public benefit. If it does, the trust can be recognised as charitable. If it does not - or if, after investigation of the evidence, the court is satisfied that there is no means of determining whether it does or not - the trust cannot be recognised as charitable." And at para 29: "I would have no difficulty in accepting the proposition that it promotes public benefit for the public to be educated in the differing means of securing a state of peace and avoiding a state of war. The difficulty comes at the next stage. There are differing views as to how best to secure peace and avoid war. To give two obvious examples: on the one hand it can be contended that war is best avoided by 'bargaining through strength'; on the other hand it can be argued, with equal passion, that peace is best secured by disarmament, if necessary by unilateral disarmament. The court is in no position to determine that promotion of the one view rather than the other is for the public benefit. Not only does the court have no material on which to make that choice; to attempt to do so would usurp the role of government. So the court cannot recognize as charitable a trust to educate the public to an acceptance that peace is best secured by 'demilitarisation' 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 Board may need to develop more specific employment guidelines and evaluation rubrics for the position of Superintendent; and may need to engage teachers, school administrators and parents in the process." - BD3 Candidate Janie Dam Andreas Farmakalidis and Janie Dam (Image by Carl J. Petersen) Details DMCA Janie Dam's candidacy for LAUSD's Board District 3 has suffered a setback with the Los Angeles City Clerk's office ruling that the signatures she submitted to appear on the ballot were insufficient. However, Dr. Dam is appealing this decision as she indicated in the following statement: Some time next week the window will open for me to get an appointment with City Clerk staff to review all the rules applied in validating or challenging each of the nearly 1000 signatures that I submitted. I am also conducting an investigation based on reports from supporters that someone might have been organizing a scam or prank against my campaign in certain neighborhoods during the signature collection window. I can of course also decide to run as a write-in candidate. My team is also prepared with a strategy for this option. As she awaits the results of her appeal, I will allow her to continue to publish her answers in the Candidate Forum series. She has already provided answers to questions about PROP-39 Co-Locations. This month the five questions centered around how the District is governed. For the introduction to this subject along with answers from other candidates, please see the article LAUSD Candidate Forum: Governance. The following are the candidate's responses, printed exactly how she provided them with the exception of some minor formatting edits: Would you agree with the statement: "The elected LAUSD Board is responsible for setting policy. The job of the Superintendent is to ensure that the bureaucracy follows this policy."? YES It is the responsibility of the Board to hire the right person for the job of Superintendent and to ensure that there is a cost-effective way to terminate the district's contract with a failing Superintendent. One of the Board's main goals should be to avoid the disruption of student learning by workers union walkouts triggered by the action or inaction of a Superintendent. Board members as a team should remain hands-on, and should purposely keep themselves and each other consistently apprised of happenings around the district. They should remain visibly responsive when there is a crisis, especially one involving the Superintendent that they hired. The Mayor should not need to step in to resolve conflicts. Do you agree with the statement: "The bureaucracy of the LAUSD is too big to be managed effectively."? NO If I thought the district weren't manageable, I wouldn't be running. I would say that the district chronically lacks the bureaucratic leadership necessary to efficiently deliver the desired student outcomes. Do you think that the evaluation of the Superintendent's job performance is something that the school board should do in full view of the public? YES The executive assessment should be transparent. The Board may need to develop more specific employment guidelines and evaluation rubrics for the position of Superintendent; and may need to engage teachers, school administrators and parents in the process. Should the number of Board Districts be increased beyond the existing seven? NO Based on my experience with governing boards, 7 is a good tie-breaking odd number that's not too small or too large. However, I would suggest more support for improved joint management among the 7 members. I would even suggest the idea of bi-partisan or multi-party 7-member slates running in School Board elections. If elected would you introduce the proposed "Board Meeting Accessibility to the Public" resolution? YES I would further recommend that a Board-sponsored Web3 platform be developed to unite all educational stakeholders and partners in an asynchronous, interactive, democratic governance model. This platform can empower everyone in the LAUSD community to safely speak up, collaborate, make policy proposals and vote on policy proposals. To provide you with a concrete example of a blockchain-powered Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), my students and I successfully piloted and field tested The School DAO platform last school year. On this journey I had the wonderful opportunity to introduce to kids in grades 9-12 a re-purposing of the advanced technologies behind cryptocurrencies to positively transform public education and school governance. In addition, the experience fostered deep discussions around the role of feasibility studies in prudent policy-making. It was both cathartic and eye-opening for my students as they drafted and debated on proposals regarding cell phone use, campus bathrooms and the school dress code. 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. Vladimir Putin's involvement in Libya reflects Russia's broader strategy to expand its influence in various regions. By engaging with key Libyan figures like Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), and Abdelhamid Dabaiba, the prime minister of Libya under the Government of National Unity in Tripoli, Putin is positioning Russia as a significant player in Libya's ongoing political landscape. Putin's desire to maintain a presence in Africa can be understood through several strategic, economic, and geopolitical lenses. Russia's interest in Libya is likely not just political but also strategic. Libya's location and resources make it a valuable ally. Establishing military ties and bases in Africa provides Russia with strategic locations for its military operations. This includes access to ports, airfields, and training facilities, which can be crucial for projecting military power and securing Russian interests in the region and beyond. Africa is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, diamonds, and minerals. Russian companies, particularly in the energy and mining sectors, can benefit significantly from access to these resources. Economic engagements in Africa also offer opportunities for arms sales, a major Russian export. Maintaining a presence in Africa allows Russia to project its power and influence on a global scale. In the context of international politics, having a foothold in Africa enhances Russia's status as a global player and counterbalances the influence of Western countries and China. By strengthening ties with Libyan leaders, Russia could be aiming to counterbalance Western influence in the region. This move might be part of a larger strategy to challenge NATO and EU policies in North Africa and the Middle East. Russia's involvement could significantly impact the internal dynamics of Libya. Aligning with Russia may provide certain Libyan factions with more leverage against their rivals, potentially altering the balance of power within the country. The international community, particularly Western nations, views Russia's deepening involvement in Libya with concern as it is likely to lead to increased diplomatic tensions and impact international efforts to stabilize Libya. On August 22, a delegation from Russia, led by Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov, arrived in Benghazi at the behest of Haftar. Their discussions centered on the involvement of the Wagner Private Military Company in Libya and its broader role across the African continent. The preceding day, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner group, declared from a location in the Sahel that his company was fully operational, aiming to enhance Africa's freedom. However, on August 23, Prigozhin and several of his close associates were killed in a plane crash near Moscow. The cause of the crash is a subject of speculation, with some analysts suggesting an advanced anti-aircraft strike and others suspecting an internal explosion that led to the aircraft's catastrophic failure - both options at Putin's behest of course. The Wagner group holds both strategic and economic importance for Moscow. Following a thwarted rebellion by Prigozhin and his followers in June, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov initiated steps to integrate the Wagner group more closely into the Russian military structure. Lavrov confirmed the group's continued operations in the Central African Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Libya, signaling the Kremlin's resolve to sustain its African presence. By developing relationships with African governments, Russia aims to gain political allies and influence in international forums such as the United Nations. This can be particularly valuable in countering Western sanctions or policies that are unfavorable to Russia. Russia also seeks to spread its cultural and ideological influence in Africa, to promote a worldview that counters Western liberalism. This includes media influence, educational programs, and cultural exchanges. Africa has been a focus for both Western countries and China in terms of investment and diplomatic engagement. Russia's presence in Africa can be seen as an attempt to challenge this influence and to position itself as an alternative partner for African countries. Historically, Africa has been a key region for Russia, especially during the Cold War. In the wake of decolonization, the newly independent African states were of significant ideological and economic interest to the Soviet Union. These governments, emerging from European colonial rule, sought ideological support, and Moscow endeavored to disseminate its communist ideology and anti-American sentiment widely across the continent. Putin's interest in maintaining a presence in Africa is driven by a combination of strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors, reflecting Russia's broader ambitions to assert itself as a major player on the world stage. His actions in Libya are part of Russia's broader geopolitical strategy to extend its influence and challenge Western dominance in key regions. The long-term implications of these moves depend on how other international players respond and how the situation within Libya evolves. The ad:tech New Delhi 2023 experience for AndBeyond.Media https://www.andbeyond.media/ was nothing short of exceptional. This dynamic marketplace brought together the marketing and media communities, providing a unique opportunity to share insights, discuss emerging trends, and explore groundbreaking technologies shaping the digital economy. Our team at AndBeyond.Media was thrilled to actively participate in this visionary event, utilizing the platform to establish valuable in-person connections, network with industry leaders, and engage in Dear Annie: I wanted to make a comment on your recent response to the article, My husband wants to limit how much we spend on sick pets. Although I wholeheartedly agree with your response to consult with the writers partner prior to getting an animal, what goes into this consideration is so. much. more. I am a veterinarian, and I frequently am involved in these decision-making conversations. It can be extremely frustrating, to downright heartbreaking, to see when pet parents have not put any forethought into the costs of owning a pet. It starts with pet species and breed selection. A bigger dog equals larger doses of medication needed equals higher costs. When purchasing a breed such as a French bulldog, although cute, one must consider the many known genetic health issues. French bulldog owners should plan accordingly for the higher costs of frequent veterinary visits. A high-energy breed pet needs a home where they can have the appropriate amount of exercise. An inactive family in a small apartment should choose a smaller pet that requires less exercise. Then comes another consideration -- how much work is an owner willing to do once they adopt a pet? In the time I have been in practice, Ive observed a trend of more owners putting less energy into training and socializing their pets, resulting in very anxious and often aggressive situations. One example I can readily think of is the routine pet maintenance of nail trimming. And then there is the owners financial preparation: With the increasing cost of living, veterinary care is also increasing. Yet, I rarely see people being proactive with saving for the cost of veterinary care. With pet insurance becoming widely available, owners should pause to consider how they will cover costs of their pet. In veterinary medicine, we try to place so much emphasis on preventive care to catch things early while they can be treated, rather than waiting until pets are very sick and then need a lot of expensive testing, extensive treatment and sometimes euthanasia. However, many owners dont plan for any preventive care besides the occasional vaccine. One example of this is with dental care. It is so rare that I see owners putting in the effort to brush their pets teeth. So I see a lot of pets with periodontal disease requiring tooth cleaning and treatment under anesthesia. Some owners will follow my recommendations to manage their pets dental care annually. Some owners allow their pets to suffer until their pets dental disease is so severe that they require numerous teeth extractions. Not only is it much more expensive when I am having to pull numerous teeth, but it is also less than ideal for their pets health! This should be a thoughtful and thorough conversation about how families will choose a pet that is appropriate for their lifestyle, budget and how much energy they can realistically commit to caring for their pet. If the reality is that a family cant fulfill the commitment of caring for a pet (and there is no shame in that acknowledgement), then there are numerous ways to still experience the joy of the human/animal bond. One solution would be to volunteer with the local animal shelter, as they are quite often looking for volunteers to foster pets so that the animals can have experience in a home environment while they are receiving care in preparation to be adopted. -- DVM Dear DVM: Thank you for using your professional experience to help others decide how to make decisions about which pets to adopt and how to care for them. You have a wealth of knowledge -- and commonsense -- that all animal lovers will appreciate. Your patients are very lucky! Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM C&S Wholesale Grocers, one of the largest grocery wholesalers in the U.S. and the owner of the Piggly Wiggly brand of grocery stores in the South and Midwest, is poised to buy at least 49 Oregon stores as part of a proposed $24.6 billion merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons. In September, the New Hampshire-based company agreed to spend $1.9 billion to purchase at least 413 U.S. stores and other assets from Kroger, the parent company of Fred Meyer and QFC, and Albertsons, which owns Safeway, if the Federal Trade Commission approves the merger proposal. In addition to the grocery stores, the wholesale supplier would also acquire gas stations and pharmacies associated with the stores sold, as well as eight distribution centers and two corporate offices. The companies have not yet revealed which stores and other properties will be sold off to C&S as part of the plan. Heres a little about C&S and what else is still unknown about the deal. C&S hasnt said how it might brand its Northwest stores. Lauren La Bruno, vice president of communications and community relations at C&S, said the company is excited to have entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the stores and properties that would become available if the pending merger were approved. C&S will also get the QFC, Marianos and Carrs brand names as part of the divestiture package. In addition, the company will also receive exclusive licensing rights to use the Albertsons banner in Arizona, California, Colorado and Wyoming. La Bruno, however, declined to answer questions on whether C&S would use the banners in the Oregon stores that would become available. In addition to Piggly Wiggly, C&S also owns the Grand Union supermarkets brand centered in the Northeast. The agreement is set to close in early 2024, subject to regulatory clearance and customary closing conditions, she said. At this time, more information will be available. She said the company plans to operate the acquired stores from Kroger and Albertsons under an affiliate company dubbed 1918 Winter Street Partners, named after the year and place of the wholesale suppliers founding. C&S Wholesale Grocers is one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S. Founded in 1918, C&S is a grocery wholesaler and distributor to more than 7,900 independent supermarkets, retail chain stores and military bases from Maine to Texas and Hawaii. Rick Cohen is the executive chairman of C&S and the third generation of his family to lead the company. The family-owned business runs more than 160 grocery stores. The companys stability is a key issue in winning merger approval. Federal regulators are evaluating whether it will substantially reduce competition in the grocery industry. A plan to sell to a financially weak company that might not survive the sudden expansion could undermine that goal. (It wasnt long ago that the Northwest grocery chain Haggen flopped after buying up stores during the merger that brought Safeway and Albertsons together.) C&S already operates a distribution warehouse in Troutdale. The company operates more than 50 distribution centers across 16 states. According to C&S website, the company added a 350,000-square-foot state-of-the-art warehouse in Troutdale in summer 2020. C&S touts its automation technology in its warehouses, including the Troutdale location at 2503 N.W. Sundial Road. The automated system, WSJ reported, was created by Symbiotic LLC, a robotics company also owned by Rick Cohen. Customers of C&S include nationally known retailers. C&S made its mark in the grocery industry as a third-party distributor to large chains, including Safeway, Target Corp. and Winn-Dixie. The company drew some heat in 2015, after Albertsons acquisition of the Safeway supermarket chain led to planned closures of warehouses that C&S had been contracted to operate in the Maryland suburbs of Washington D.C. C&S, which was contracted to run the Safeway distribution centers, had plans to relocate roughly 700 jobs, most of which were represented by the Teamsters Union, to non-unionized warehouses in Pennsylvania, according to a Teamster letter. The Baltimore Sun reported that Safeway ultimately ended its contract with C&S Wholesale and hired the 700 workers that would have been laid off. C&S has sought to build up its retail business as its lost wholesale customers. La Bruno, the C&S spokesperson, said the company had been looking to expand its retail business. Our retail footprint expansion aligns with our ongoing efforts to always look for ways to continue delivering a strong customer service experience as our industry evolves, La Bruno said. According to a Reuters report on Krogers announcement of the divestiture plan, C&S was looking to operate more of its own stores because the wholesale business and grown increasingly competitive. An industry news site reported in 2019 that C&S had lost one of its largest wholesale customers, the Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize USA the owner of the Giant Food, Food Lion, Hannaford and Stop & Shop chains after the company decided to switch to self-distribution. The company suffered another major setback in 2020, when the company lost another major customer, Key Food Stores, which signed a $10 billion deal with C&S competitor United Natural Foods, Inc. over the course of 10 years. C&S has experience in retail and mergers. Although C&S has primarily served the grocery industry as a wholesaler and distributor, the company moved into the retail sector in 2001 when it acquired the Grand Union supermarket chain, according to a 2001 memorandum about the transaction. As a wholesale distributor and Grand Unions largest unsecured creditor, C&S was concerned about retaining a market for its goods, the memorandum states, further adding that Grand Union and C&S entered into an asset purchase agreement that served as the Stalking Horse bid for a Bankruptcy Court supervised auction. According to a Vermont business journal, C&S sold the Grand Union chain, which included 21 supermarkets in Vermont and New York, to Tops Market in 2012. In 2021, the FTC approved C&S as a divestiture buyer in connection with the merger between Tops Friendly Market and Price Chopper/Market 32. As a result, C&S acquired a dozen Top Market stores in New York and Vermont. According to Price Choppers website, an affiliate of C&S dubbed GU Markets would operate the stores and that C&S would continue to recognize the union workforce at the acquired locations. (It made a similar commitment for any Kroger and Albertsons stores it acquires, those companies have said.) --Kristine de Leon; kdeleon@oregonian.com News / National by Staff reporter Former Zipra chief of logistics Thomas Ngwenya has challenged claims that Zanla forces bombed the Salisbury fuel tanks in 1978, insisting that it was Zipra that was behind the sabotage that proved to be a turning point in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.Zanla was Zanu's military wing while Zipra was PF Zapu's armed wing during the war.Several reports have been made claiming that Zanla was responsible for the bombing of the fuel tanks.On April 2, 2015, state media said December 11, 1978 was a historic day for Zimbabwe when Zanla forces carried out the operation with Josiah Tongogara and Air Marshal Perence Shiri, both late, taking the credit for masterminding the bombings.Ngwenya said the claims were false."The truth is that the fuel tanks were hit by Zipra," he said."The lie is too much. That is a blue lie."I was involved in deployment during Zimbabwe People's Army (ZIPA) in Mozambique. I do not remember seeing them (Zanla) with the weapons we used for hitting the tanks."The team that bombed the tanks was deployed from the Zambian side and that area fell under the hands of chief of operations Charles Gray."It has been very common with them (Zanla) to claim credit for other areas or operations they did not conduct," Ngwenya said."If our records were still there, we would be looking at the records of the areas we operated."All the information during our liberation struggle, where they have been kept, is just like the reports of the commissions about Gukurahundi (Chihambakwe and Dumbuchena commissions)."The two commissions of Gukurahundi have never been published for the public to know what really took place."This is why I am saying our history is being distorted."Government seized properties and records belonging to Zipra after accusing the opposition party and its ex-combatants of plotting to unseat it.Among the seized records and materials are cassettes with original recordings of Zapu war songs and records.Ngwenya said Shiri's claims that he was part of the people that planned the attack on the Salisbury tanks were a mere fabrication."Firstly, some heroes were created by Zanu-PF, who have been in control of the state media since 1980. This led to the twisting of facts and the creation of fiction since they controlled the means of communication and churned out propaganda to the people of Zimbabwe," he said."Since 1980 Zanu had no facts underpinning the way the operation to destroy the fuel tanks in the then Salisbury was carried out."They picked an operation they did not execute on the basis that it was in Salisbury (Harare) by assuming that Zpra was only operational in Matabeleland yet that was far from the truth as Zipra had long been in Lomangandi now Mashonaland West from 1976."Zipra and Zapu have always been critical of the country's liberation war narrative, arguing it only extols Zanla contributions while belittling theirs.A number of late Zapu veterans such as late vice-president Joseph Msika used to question the way Zipra's history was documented.He died in 2009 without leaving any written account despite promises to correct the distorted history. Theres a new COVID-19 variant spreading, and public health agencies and many doctors say the new vaccine, which rolled out in November, can help keep people healthy during this holiday stretch of traveling and gathering. Pharmacies and the drug companies are aggressively pushing the new vaccines in ads and texts. Heres what to know about the new COVID vaccine: Who can get the new COVID vaccine? The Food and Drug Administration approved the new shots for people 12 and older and granted emergency use authorization for kids as young as 6 months. The agency expects the new vaccines will be updated annually like flu shots. CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen recommended the shots for everyone 6 months and older to better protect against circulating variants in the country, following the advice of an independent advisory committee. The FDA, CDC and scores of public health experts say the vaccines are safe, having undergone rigorous testing and monitoring throughout the pandemic and the benefits far outweigh their risks. If you decide to get vaccinated, how many shots you need will depend on your age and the timing of your previous dosages. Does it work against dominant strains? The new COVID vaccines were formulated to target Omicron variant XBB.1.5, which was the dominant strain in the U.S. earlier this year, in preparation for the 2023-2024 fall and winter season. Federal health officials say the updated shots will provide good protection against the circulating variants in the country. The current dominant strain in the country is HV.1, which is a descendant of the omicron variant, CDC data show. Health officials are also closely monitoring JN.1, which is the fastest-growing COVID-19 variant in the country, with the variant estimated to make up between 15% and 29% of COVID-19 infections, USA Today reports. The latest COVID vaccines and treatments are expected to work against the circulating variants. Where can you get the COVID vaccine? Is it free? COVID-19 vaccines are available at retail pharmacies across the country, including CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. You can schedule an appointment online or some allow walkins. Some stores might offer you a deal for getting vaccinated, too. CVS, for example, is offering a $5 off $20 coupon for anyone who gets immunized, including against COVID, flu and RSV, at its stores. Unlike other COVID vaccines and boosters, the federal government is not paying for the shots, although most insurance companies are expected to cover the vaccine cost. Keep in mind some insurance companies might require you to get vaccinated at an in-network provider. For people who dont have health insurance, or whose health plans dont cover the costs, free boosters will be available through community health centers, state health departments and pharmacies participating in the CDCs Bridge Access Program. The program will give free COVID-19 vaccines to adults without insurance or whose insurance wont cover all of the vaccine cost through 2024. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can also get the vaccine from enrolled providers. 2023 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Abner Castro Gomez and Floridalma Marroquin were petrified last year when their neighbor pointed a pistol at them and their two children, ages 5 and 9, in the parking lot of their shared Beaverton apartment complex. The couple, whod moved to Oregon from Guatemala three years earlier, dont speak much English. But they said they could clearly discern the mans message Go back to your country! and the racist slurs that accompanied it. The family made a beeline for their apartment, which Castro Gomez and Marroquin said their children then refused to leave for the better part of a week missing three days of school out of fear the man would track them down and kill them. The apartment complex forced the neighbor to move, but in interviews more than a year later, the couple told The Oregonian/OregonLive that they still scanned the faces of strangers out of fear that they might chance across their former neighbor again. Feeding those fears was the 55-year-old Jeffrey Cobles sentence: Probation and no jail time. Even though Coble ultimately escaped a hate-crime conviction as part of a plea deal, Oregons hate crime sentencing laws were still to blame. If he isnt in jail, he might do something similar to other immigrants like us, and it might be worse, like using a weapon against them, Castro Gomez said, through a Spanish interpreter. Castro Gomez and his family have had a stunning firsthand introduction to Oregons hate crime sentencing laws, which require nothing more than probation for most offenders who havent seriously injured their victims and dont have a history of violent criminal convictions. Jail sentences that might range from a few days to months are an option, but they hinge largely on the willingness of Oregon prosecutors to fight for them and on judges to approve them. Frequently, these offenders are sentenced to no time behind bars. Oregon is among a handful of states leading the nation in supporting hate crime victims, including by creating statewide reporting hotlines and guaranteeing paid leave from work. But what constitutes a hate crime in Oregon is narrower than in many other states, meaning many victims see their attackers go unpunished. Oregon fails victims in a second way by declining to significantly punish or attempt to rehabilitate many offenders. Victims and their advocates say the one-two punch a limited definition and lax sentencing leaves many feeling let down. There was no justice for us, Castro Gomez said. FEW OPTIONS EXIST The Oregonian/OregonLive reviewed hundreds of hate crime cases from over the past decade, and in many cases defendants didnt receive any jail time even in some extreme encounters where defendants beat victims, chased them with knives, metal pipes, crowbars and sticks or threatened to shoot them with guns. In some of these cases, the only reason victims werent more seriously injured is because they ran faster than their attackers or were able to fend them off. Thats true in the 2021 case of a guest at a Lincoln City hotel who disparaged the Asian American managers race and was captured on hotel surveillance video punching the manager 15 times, kneeing him in the groin and then running after him with a knife. Thats also true in the 2022 case of a Latino family in The Dalles, whose members say they were able to wrestle away a machete from a drunken neighbor who launched into a racist and xenophobic rant as she charged at them with the weapon. Though the neighbor disputes the events that led to her conviction, according to police reports and the family, the attack left them with bruises, bite marks and, for one of them, a head injury so debilitating she was unable to work for 10 days. Victim Erika Alaniz said she was astonished that her attacker, 21-year-old Chasidy Brumfield, didnt spend even one night in jail for The Dalles incident. Its OK under the law, but no, its not OK, said Alaniz. This should have been more than probation. You attack someone? You try to kill them? The law needs to be changed. Others nationally are saying the same, as hate crimes have been climbing in Oregon and across the country nationwide in recent years. Victims ask why Oregon law doesnt require every hate-crime offender from those who spit on others to those who vandalize property to spend at least a few nights in jail. And what about offenders who throw punches or wield weapons, victims ask, shouldnt Oregon sentencing guidelines send them to prison? Experts who study hate crimes say incarcerating these offenders may reinforce their bigoted views because white supremacist prison gangs will likely welcome them with open arms. But those concerns also must be balanced with arguments that hate crimes are sometimes so violent and egregious that their perpetrators must be locked away for a long time. Thats the age-old argument: How best to punish? said Randall Blazak, chair of the Oregon Coalition Against Hate Crimes. The discourse goes far beyond punishment. Experts wonder: Is a justice system already overburdened by so many other crimes, including car thefts, fentanyl dealing and shootings, capable of more than just punishment for hate-crime offenders? Should it try to change their bigoted thinking through some sort of anti-bias education? As it stands now, few options are available. It just becomes very frustrating for victims, Blazak said. DUII A MODEL? Gilliam County District Attorney Kara Davis said shes worked with victims who are baffled that perpetrators of other crimes, such as drug dealing, might get 18 months in prison, but armed people who threatened to seriously injure or kill others because of their race or country of origin get probation, Davis said. Over the years, she has seen Oregon direct its efforts into beefing up its definition of a hate crime, but said the state has yet to focus on sentencing requirements. We say Weve created a separate group of crimes because we care so much about you, but we really cant do much for you, Davis said. As part of her job in neighboring Wasco County, Davis prosecuted The Dalles neighbor who threatened the family with the machete. She said because there werent anger management or anti-bias education courses anywhere nearby, she ended up requiring that the neighbor take online courses as part of the plea agreement. She laments the lack of local, in-person options. Davis also acted entirely on her own initiative and not because of any requirements under Oregon law. Experts who study hate crimes say future victims are less likely to report when they see defendants receive what they perceive as weak or ineffective sentences. Perhaps most of all, experts say, victims want their attackers to change. If youre getting only probation as your punishment, is there incentive to change or are you going to do it again because all youre going to get is a slap on the wrist? asked Patrick Riccards, executive director of the nonprofit Life After Hate. The Wisconsin-based group one of a very few in the nation that seeks to rewire the thinking of hate-crime offenders spends 16 to 18 months with some, counseling them on how to work through their extreme views as part of a court-ordered sentence. Adding to the complexities, many victims especially those who arent white or middle class may be unwilling to report hate crimes in the first place because they dont feel safe calling police, said Joseph DeFilippis, an associate professor at Seattle University who studies hate-crime legislation. He supports the concept of restorative justice programs, where perpetrators meet with representatives from targeted communities, victims or even their own family, friends and communities to learn about the harm they caused. The goal is to try to make amends through face-to-face conversations, apology letters, community service or monetary compensation. What we have found in multiple communities is that perpetrators do have a conscience, often, DeFilippis said. And when you bring in their family, their friends and their community, they dont want to be ashamed like that. If your grandmother is sitting in the group saying Tom, you spit on this woman and you need to make this right. Im embarrassed to be your grandmother. Thats very potent. Thats a better deterrent than prison. In rare cases over the past decade, prosecutors have sought restorative justice sentences or judges have assigned offenders to read anti-racism books and write essays as part of their probation. But sometimes probation requires little more than staying out of trouble with the law and refraining from contacting victims again. Oregons approach to drunk driving could offer a model. BJ Park, an Oregon deputy district attorney who has prosecuted scores of hate-crime offenders and more than anyone in the state, said he believes Oregons hate-crime sentencing laws could have much greater impact if they incorporated both punitive and rehabilitative requirements, much like the law has done extensively with DUIIs. State law requires drivers who are convicted of DUII for the first time to be sentenced to a minimum of two days in jail or 80 hours of community service, a $1,000 fine, substance abuse evaluations, substance abuse treatment if deemed necessary, a one-year drivers license suspension and the installation of an ignition interlock device after the suspension is up. Many intoxicated drivers are allowed to avoid a conviction upon their first arrest, but they still need to fulfill some of those requirements. State statute also grants judges the option of sentencing intoxicated drivers to an educational component known as victim impact panels which involve sitting through face-to-face sessions with victims of impaired drivers, including people whose loved ones have been killed, and listening to how DUII drivers shattered their lives. Why can we not have that for bias crimes? said Park, who now prosecutes hate crimes as a Marion County deputy district attorney. Some states already have taken steps toward that goal. Connecticut fines hate-crime offenders a minimum of $1,000 and has written anti-bias education options into state law. New York state became one of the first in the nation in 2022 to require hate crime prevention education for all hate-crime offenders. Oregon Department of Justice officials say theyve had internal discussions about trying to replicate the success of Oregons DUII sentencing laws with hate crimes. But it may be 2025 before they present any proposals to state legislators. Officials in Washington and Multnomah counties, too, say theyre in early discussions about creating county-level sentencing packages for hate-crime offenders. HURT US Victims, meanwhile, are waiting. Castro Gomez and Marroquin, the Beaverton couple, said they were sure the neighbor who pointed the gun at them and their children as he yelled for them to return to their home country would go to prison because of the appalling nature of the crime. But prison was never on the table. The prosecution agreed to drop its pursuit of the hate-crime charge and allow the neighbor to be sentenced on other charges. Thats partially because a hate-crime conviction wouldnt affect the length of his sentence: Oregons hate-crime sentencing laws only require probation. Castro Gomez and Marroquin felt terrified about what might happen if they came across their former neighbor, whom they worried had no court interventions that might have helped him change his ways. Marroquins concerns persisted when she said Castro Gomez was deported back to Guatemala this fall and she continued to live in their Beaverton apartment with their children. Marroquin said she has been allowed to stay in the U.S. because she has an asylum case pending. The Oregonian/OregonLive sifted through the court file and learned that their former neighbor, Coble, moved out of state to Colorado more than 1,000 miles away over a year ago. But Marroquin, through a Spanish interpreter, said no one in the court system ever told her or her husband that. This new information and not anything Oregons sentencing law did offered some comfort. Now, she said, were not worried hes going to hurt us. Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com; @o_aimee In October, the Siletz Valley School Board launched an investigation of the charter schools principal and superintendent, Casey Jackson, following seven formal complaints. At a meeting on Dec. 14, the board announced its decision to fire Jackson. After a lot of tough conversations, the decision was made by the board to terminate Mrs. Jacksons employment from the Siletz Valley Schools, Board Chair Willie Worman wrote in an email obtained by Underscore News. This was not an easy decision. However, the board came to the conclusion that this is what would be best for our school, teachers, community and students going forward. The investigation of Jackson, who was named principal in summer 2022, began after her reaction to a student protest on Indigenous Peoples Day, Oct. 9. Students at Siletz Valley School, a majority Indigenous school located just outside the Siletz Indian Reservation, balked at a school policy requiring students to attend classes on a federal holiday celebrating Indigenous people. More than a quarter of the students walked out in protest. I want people to understand what Indigenous Peoples Day is and why we felt so strong about it, Zoey Howard, Siletz, a 16-year-old student who participated in the walkout told Underscore at the time. It is a day of trauma. Its meant to celebrate Indigenous people for what weve been through. And I want people to know thats why we walked out. The following day, Jackson, who is not Indigenous, called students over the loudspeaker to a meeting, where she berated them for walking out. Students captured the interaction on a recording. The school, chartered by the Lincoln County School District, is run by a five-member board chosen by qualified people -- anyone who is a parent or guardian of a Siletz Valley student, any employees of the school any residents of the zip code in which the school is located or the zip code immediately east of that -- who vote in person at the school. At an Oct. 24 board meeting, students addressed the school board. The board made three major decisions. First, to honor Indigenous Peoples Day moving forward. Second, to observe Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance for survivors of boarding schools and their families, as a holiday with no classes. And lastly to place Jackson on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. Whats next More than three months into the school year, the board is searching for an interim principal to finish out the year. In the email obtained by Underscore, Worman said the board decided to immediately reach out to the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators to start that process. Until that time, vice principal Kent Rilatos, Siletz, will continue to fill in as principal, as he has since Jackson went on administrative leave. The board is currently preparing for the possibility that Jackson could sue allegedly over claims of discrimination. We more than half expect litigation, Worman said. I can confirm that we investigated the issues and decided to terminate Caseys employment based on the fact that we determined the school cant successfully move forward under her leadership. -- Nike Bartoo-Smith, Underscore News; nbartoosmith@underscore.news Monique Claiborne Claiborne is president and chief executive officer of Greater Portland Inc. She lives in Portland. Earlier this month, a task force led by Gov. Tina Kotek unveiled a set of promising recommendations aimed at enhancing prosperity in downtown Portland. Unfortunately, one specific recommendation to criminalize public drug use seemed to draw an outsized amount of attention with national coverage in a New York Times story. This continued portrayal of Portland as a troubled city poses a threat to our regions recovery by dissuading potential talent from moving here, deterring investments and slowing tourism. Portlanders can see the signs of our rebound all around us, but we need to showcase our strengths for a wider audience to recognize. Currently, amid a sea of negative stories, the impact of our initiatives is getting lost. Having witnessed the enduring struggles of my hometown, Detroit, I understand the importance of actively shaping Portlands narrative. Detroit faced prolonged economic challenges and a years-long narrative that, even today to a certain extent, overshadows its revitalization and growth. While we cannot control negative headlines, our leaders can concurrently implement solutions and promote Portlands many assets. This dual approach ensures that, as we address immediate challenges, we also strategically position ourselves to avoid falling further behind. Here are three key recommendations for our political leaders in the new year: Develop a strategic marketing plan: We need the regions leaders to focus on a marketing strategy aimed at restoring Portlands reputation and attracting businesses and jobs. This comprehensive campaign should involve an advertising and media blitz that provides the facts of our economic advantages, from our skilled workforce to our entrepreneurial culture and world-class recreational opportunities. Beyond our strategic West Coast location and proximity to Asia, our real estate is competitively priced, offering affordability compared to other West Coast metros. Greater Portland houses the largest concentration of apparel and outdoor companies in the U.S., fostering innovation in product design, prototyping, manufacturing, and more. We have abundant talent, a highly-educated workforce and a wealth of creativity evident in our 1,000 pieces of public art. This is the story we need to share more broadly. Economic development agency Invest Puerto Rico dedicated $10 million to repair the islands post-Hurricane Maria reputation and rebuild business leaders confidence, which lagged even as the physical restoration took shape. The multifaceted campaign attracted nearly 5,000-plus jobs and over $350 million in capital investment in 2022. In the 2023 legislative session, Greater Portland Inc, the economic development entity for the Portland metro area, proposed funding for such a marketing plan, but it failed to pass. Recognizing the ongoing need for investment, Greater Portland Inc is approaching the Legislature again in 2024. A growth mindset is crucial. The investment in reshaping Portlands image will pay dividends in attracting talent and investment. Recognize the damage that negative billboards cause and build support for a shared vision: In our ongoing efforts to revitalize and showcase the vibrant spirit of our beloved city, it is imperative that we address the multiple massive billboards paid for by the People for Portland organization that take aim at the city and our leaders. These towering billboards are increasingly shaping Portlands identity, impacting a fragile ecosystem that is desperately trying to reinvent itself. As someone involved in showing around prospective companies, I find myself actively avoiding the intersections adorned with these billboards. In our quest for a positive and inviting city atmosphere, it is essential to create an environment that fosters growth and innovation. A compelling example of the power of strategic messaging and billboard placement comes from October 2023 when Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled the You Can in Michigan $20 million campaign. This initiative includes strategically placed billboards at Michigan colleges, showcasing the states appeal and aiming to retain local talent. Portland can actively reshape its image, fostering a more positive perception and attracting the attention of those essential for the citys continued revitalization. Put Portland first: Often, in our eagerness to attract attention, we inadvertently overlook the significance of connecting with our local community first. Our residents and local businesses are the heartbeat of Portland and we need to ensure people who live here are aware of our assets and enthusiastically promoting them. Businesses including Hoka and Allbirds have chosen Portland as their homes for satellite operations. The issuance of state grants to 15 Oregon chip companies is contributing to the creation of 6,000 jobs. By doing so, we build a strong foundation of community support, turning our residents and businesses into effective representatives of Portlands unique identity. Reshaping Portlands image is not just a call for change; it is an imperative for the Portland metro areas sustained prosperity and resilience. Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Update: The Oregon Court of Appeals put the ban on hold. Multnomah Countys ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products is set to go into effect on Jan. 1. Earlier this month, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede denied a request by the tobacco industry to halt enforcement of the county ordinance. The decision likely paves the way for Oregons largest county to become the first in the state to ban flavored tobacco. County officials banned the products to deter young people from smoking and vaping: They often start with flavored products and then get addicted to nicotine. That can lead to a lifelong habit and heart and lung problems. In pushing for the ordinance, public health officials pointed to the prevalence of tobacco flavors such as chocolate, candy, fruit, honey, menthol and other products, which they say are designed to lure the next generation of tobacco users into the habit. Nearly 8,000 Oregonians die every year from tobacco-related illnesses, according to the Oregon Health Authority. Earlier this year in Salem, state lawmakers considered House Bill 3090, which would have enacted a similar ban statewide. It had the support of one Republican lawmaker, Sen. Bill Hansell of Athena, and two Portland physicians, Rep. Lisa Reynolds and Sen. Elizabeth Steiner. It passed out of the House health care committee on a party line vote, with Democrats in favor and Republicans against, but died in the Joint Ways and Means Committee. In December 2022, Multnomah County commissioners unanimously passed the ordinance with the ban. The next month, the industry sued to overturn the ordinance, alleging it was unconstitutional and unenforceable. The plaintiffs are 21+ Tobacco and Vapor Retail Association of Oregon, No Moke Daddy, LLC, and Paul Bates, a vaping shop owner. In September, Souede ruled in favor of Multnomah County, finding that the state law allows local health officials to pass ordinances like this one. I am really grateful to Multnomah County commissioners for leading the state in so many tobacco-related policies from raising the legal sales age to 21, implementing tobacco retail licensing, and now the restricted sale of flavored tobacco products, Kari McFarlan, the countys tobacco control and prevention program supervisor, said in a statement. This ordinance is another step toward protecting young people from the harms of tobacco and nicotine. Health advocates praised the ruling. The tobacco industry has targeted youth with candy flavored tobacco products, said Brittany Grant, director of the western region for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a national nonprofit organization. Oregon Capital Chronicle, based in Salem, is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Suzano Enters Agreement to Acquire 70,000 Hectares of Land in Mato Grosso do Sul Dec. 27, 2023 - Suzano on December 23 agreed to purchase 70,000 hectares of land in Brazil from two special-purpose firms managed by BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group. The land is located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in the coverage region of Suzano's operations with 50,000 hectares of productive area, in which part of it has eucalyptus plantation with different ages, Suzano said. According to Suzano, terms and conditions of the transaction were established based primarily on the following conditions: (i) acquisition price of 1.826 billion reais ($375.7 million), to be paid in cash on the transaction closing date, expected to occur in 2024, with the price to be converted into US Dollar if the closing occurs after March 31, 2024; (ii) the acquisition price may be adjusted to reflect the position of the Target Companies on the closing date, with regard to usual economical and operational aspects in this type of transaction; (iii) the transaction is subject to the approval of the Brazilian antitrust authorities (CADE) and other usual conditions precedent for this type of deal. Suzano noted that the acquisition is aligned with its strategy to create optionality to its business and to expand its wood supply self-sufficiency. Suzano is the world's largest producer of hardwood pulp and the global leader in the innovation and production of renewable, bio-based materials for consumer and industrial use. SOURCE: Suzano St. John Henry Cardinal Newmans approach to this topic was vastly different from many (and the most fashionable, chic opinions) today: I have said that, like St. Peter, he is the Vicar of his Lord. He can judge, and he can acquit; he can pardon, and he can condemn; he can command and he can permit; he can forbid, and he can punish. He has a Supreme jurisdiction over the people of God. He can stop the ordinary course of sacramental mercies; he can excommunicate from the ordinary grace of redemption; and he can remove again the ban which he has inflicted. It is the rule of Christs providence, that what His Vicar does in severity or in mercy upon earth, He Himself confirms in heaven. And in saying all this I have said enough for my purpose, because that purpose is to define our obligations to him. That is the point on which our Bishop has fixed our attention; our obligations to the Holy See; and what need I say more to measure our own duty to it and to him who sits in it, than to say that in his administration of Christs kingdom, in his religious acts, we must never oppose his will, or dispute his word, or criticise his policy, or shrink from his side? There are kings of the earth who have despotic authority, which their subjects obey indeed but disown in their hearts; but we must never murmur at that absolute rule which the Sovereign Pontiff has over us, because it is given to him by Christ, and, in obeying him, we are obeying his Lord. We must never suffer ourselves to doubt, that, in his government of the Church, he is guided by an intelligence more than human. His yoke is the yoke of Christ, he has the responsibility of his own acts, not we; and to his Lord must he render account, not to us. Even in secular matters it is ever safe to be on his side, dangerous to be on the side of his enemies. Our duty is not indeed to mix up Christs Vicar with this or that party of men, because he in his high station is above all parties but to look at his formal deeds, and to follow him whither he goeth, and never to desert him, however we may be tried, but to defend him at all hazards, and against all comers, as a son would a father, and as a wife a husband, knowing that his cause is the cause of God. And so, as regards his successors, if we live to see them; it is our duty to give them in like manner our dutiful allegiance and our unfeigned service, and to follow them also whithersoever they go, having that same confidence that each in his turn and in his own day will do Gods work and will, which we have felt in their predecessors, now taken away to their eternal reward. (Sermon 15: The Pope and the Revolution, preached in 1866 at the Birmingham Oratory. From: Sermons Preached on Various Occasions) What are we to make of this? Is Cardinal Newman an ultramontanist, naive, overly idealistic, head-in-the-sand simpleton? I can hear many grumbling already: you dont seriously believe that you can never criticize a pope, including Pope Francis, do you?! My position, which has been utterly consistent throughout my 27 years as a Catholic, is not exactly like Newmans (though I accept his general thrust and tenor). I do acknowledge that there are legitimate times to criticize popes, but under very specific and rare circumstances. My view was perhaps best summarized in this statement of mine from a paper on the topic in 2000: My point is not that a pope can never be rebuked, nor that they could never be bad (a ludicrous opinion), but that an instance of rebuking them ought to be quite rare, exercised with the greatest prudence, and preferably by one who has some significant credentials, which is why I mentioned saints. Many make their excoriating judgments of popes as if they had no more importance or gravity than reeling off a laundry or grocery list. I reiterated on 1-29-15: My position is that popes should be accorded the proper respect of their office and criticized rarely, by the right people, in the right spirit, preferably in private Catholic venues, and for the right (and super-important) reasons. Virtually none of those characteristics hold for most of the people moaning about the pope day and night these days. Ive lived to see an age where an orthodox Catholic apologist defending the pope (for the right reasons) is regarded as some sort of novelty or alien from another galaxy. Truth is stranger than fiction! Venerable Pope Pius XII wrote in his encyclical Humani Generis (1950): 20. Nor must it be thought that what is expounded in Encyclical Letters does not of itself demand consent, since in writing such Letters the Popes do not exercise the supreme power of their Teaching Authority. For these matters are taught with the ordinary teaching authority, of which it is true to say: He who heareth you, heareth me; and generally what is expounded and inculcated in Encyclical Letters already for other reasons appertains to Catholic doctrine. But if the Supreme Pontiffs in their official documents purposely pass judgment on a matter up to that time under dispute, it is obvious that that matter, according to the mind and will of the same Pontiffs, cannot be any longer considered a question open to discussion among theologians. Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), from Vatican II (1964) also reiterates the same notion: 25. . . . This religious submission of mind and will must be shown in a special way to the authentic magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, even when he is not speaking ex cathedra; that is, it must be shown in such a way that his supreme magisterium is acknowledged with reverence, the judgments made by him are sincerely adhered to, according to his manifest mind and will. His mind and will in the matter may be known either from the character of the documents, from his frequent repetition of the same doctrine, or from his manner of speaking. For much more along these lines, see my papers: On Rebuking Popes & Catholic Obedience to Popes (+ Part 2) [12-28-17]. Now onto Gods inspired revelation: Bible on Profound Reverence for and Obedience to Popes Matthew 16:15-19 (RSV, as throughout) He said to them, But who do you say that I am? [16] Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Jesus answered him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Luke 22:31-32 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, [32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren. John 21:15-17 [Jesus to Peter] . . . Feed my lambs. [16] . . . Tend my sheep. [17] . . . Feed my sheep. Acts 15:1-2, 6-15 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brethren, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. [2] And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. . . . [6] The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. [7] And after there had been much debate, Peter rose and said to them, Brethren, you know that in the early days God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. [8] And God who knows the heart bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us; [9] and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. [10] Now therefore why do you make trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? [11] But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will. [12] And all the assembly kept silence; and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. [13] After they finished speaking, James replied, Brethren, listen to me. [14] Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. [15] And with this the words of the prophets agree, . . . Acts 16:4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions which had been reached by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. The council at Jerusalem was dominated by and influenced the most by the leader of the early Church, St. Peter, who put an end to much debate(15:7), by authoritatively rebuking the Judaizers (God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe . . . why do you make trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples . . .?: 15:7, 10). This produced the dramatic effect of silence in the assembly after he spoke (15:7-12). Peter (having been informed already of the issue by God in a vision: Acts ch. 10-11) provided the principles by which the council made its decision. If Peter dominated the council and influenced it the most, in effect this was the developmental kernel of papal supremacy. * The local bishop, St. James, also played a prominent but secondary role. When he spoke, he deferentially referred back to Peters key and decisive address (Simeon has related . . .: 15:14), which is how one defers to superiors and authority figures; then he noted that the prophets agree with what Peter said (15:15) and cited them (15:16-18). When he proclaimed, Therefore my judgment . . . (15:19), he was simply agreeing with what Peter had already made clear, which he noted was in harmony with the prophets (i.e., the Bible). * Hence, the great Protestant Bible scholar F. F. Bruce described James address at the Jerusalem council as expressing approval of Peters exhortation . . . James went on to say that the language of prophecy spoke to the same effect (Peter, Stephen, James & John, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans Pub. co., 1979, p. 93). Peter spoke with authority and singlehandedly resolved the issue. James was in the final analysis merely like a commentator: repeating Peters authoritative and definitive advice and agreeing with it. Pope-Bashers Exodus 16:2 And the whole congregation of the people of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, (cf. Num 14:2) Exodus 17:2-3 Therefore the people found fault with Moses, and said, Give us water to drink. And Moses said to them, Why do you find fault with me? Why do you put the LORD to the proof? [3] But the people thirsted there for water, and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? Numbers 12:1-10 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman; [2] and they said, Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also? And the LORD heard it. [3] Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all men that were on the face of the earth. [4] And suddenly the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting. And the three of them came out. [5] And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward. [6] And he said, Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision, I speak with him in a dream. [7] Not so with my servant Moses; he is entrusted with all my house. [8] With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in dark speech; and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? [9] And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed; [10] and when the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. And Aaron turned towards Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. Number 16:1-3, 11, 31-33 Now Korah the son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, [2] took men; and they rose up before Moses, with a number of the people of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men; [3] and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, You have gone too far! For all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them; why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD? . . . [11] . . . [Moses] it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together . . . [31] . . . the ground under them split asunder; [32] and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men that belonged to Korah and all their goods. [33] So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. Mark 7:22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. Acts 23:2-5 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. [3] Then Paul said to him, God shall strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck? [4] Those who stood by said, Would you revile Gods high priest? [5] And Paul said, I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, `You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people. Romans 1:29-31 They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity, they are gossips, [30] slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, [31] foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 1 Corinthians 5:11 But rather I wrote to you not to associate with any one who . . . is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber not even to eat with such a one. 1 Corinthians 6:10 . . . revilers. . . will [not] inherit the kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I fear that perhaps I may come and find you not what I wish, and that you may find me not what you wish; that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, Colossians 3:8 But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. 1 Timothy 5:13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, gadding about from house to house, and not only idlers but gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 1 Timothy 6:4-5 . . . he has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, [5] and wrangling among men who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth (cf. 2 Tim 3:3) Titus 3:2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men. James 1:26 If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this mans religion is vain. James 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness. James 3:4-12 Look at the ships also; though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. [5] So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! [6] And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell. [7] For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by humankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be so. [11] Does a spring pour forth from the same opening fresh water and brackish? [12] Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh. Submission to and Obedience to Ecclesiastical Authority Matthew 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 23:1-3 Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, [2] The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat; [3] so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. Romans 6:17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 1 Corinthians 11:2 I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you. 2 Corinthians 2:9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. (cf. Phil 2:12) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 But we beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. . . . 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter. 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching; Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. . . . 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submission and Obedience to Secular Authority (as an Analogy to Church Authority) Exodus 22:28 You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people. [cited by St. Paul in Acts 23:5 above] Ecclesiastes 10:20 Even in your thought, do not curse the king, . . . Romans 13:1-7 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. [2] Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, [4] for he is Gods servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid Gods wrath but also for the sake of conscience. [6] For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. [7] Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Titus 3:1-2 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work, 1 Peter 2:17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the [pagan, anti-Christian, persecuting] emperor. King David respected Saul when the latter was king, even though he was persecuting him. This is how even political leaders are accorded respect in the Bible. King Saul never repented and was running around trying to kill David, when David was honoring him as king, and refusing to kill him when he had the chance. David refused to attack or kill Saul, even though he was trying to kill him, because he was the LORDs anointed (1 Sam 24:1-10; esp. 24:6, 10; cf. 26:9, 11, 16, 23; 2 Sam 1:14, 16). All of this for a king who had fallen into apostasy and who rejected God. Popes and kings of Judah are similar insofar as they share a trait of being a leader (of a Church or a nation of Gods chosen people: the ancient Church so to speak), which the Bible talks about and provides models for. King Solomon also fell into serious sin, and seems to have died that way, unrepentant: (1 Ki 11:1-14). Despite this, we dont see anywhere (as far as I know) that he should not have been honored as king by the people. Now, to be clear: Im not saying that no one can ever say or do anything about a wicked ruler. The Bible also contains Revelation 13 as well as Romans 13. I have taken the same view of popes: one can criticize under rare circumstances, with the right attitude and spirit (and the right people doing it). What one cannot do, and pretend to be honoring the pope is lambast, bash, condemn, slander, speak evil against, gossip about, spread mere rumors about a pope day in and day out. That is not honoring a pope or ruler, as we are commanded to do, in any way, shape, form, or matter. The Church as the Indefectible Foundation of Theological Truth 1 Timothy 3:15 . . . the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. 2 Timothy 1:13-14 Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; [14] guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. 2 Timothy 3:7-8 who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. [8] As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith; 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. 1 Peter 1:22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart. (cf. 2 Pet 1:12) 1 John 3:19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth, and reassure our hearts before him (cf. 1:6; 2:21; 4:6) 2 John 1:4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children following the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. (cf. 3 John 1:1-4, 8, 12) Rebellion Against and Disobeying Proper Spiritual Authority Matthew 12:25 . . . Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand John 10:16 . . . So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. John 17:20-23 I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. Acts 4:32 Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, . . . (cf. Eph 4:1-5; Phil 1:27; 2:2) Romans 2:8 but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. Romans 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to Gods law, indeed it cannot; Romans 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 16:17 I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. (cf. 13:13) 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloes people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, I belong to Paul, or I belong to Apollos, or I belong to Cephas, or I belong to Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 11:16-19 If any one is disposed to be contentious, we recognize no other practice, nor do the churches of God. But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you assemble as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. Galatians 5:19-20 Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, 2 Thessalonians 3:14 If any one refuses to obey what we say in this letter, note that man, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. (cf. 1:8) 1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any one teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching which accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit, he knows nothing; he has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling among men who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. (cf. 2 Tim 2:23) Titus 3:9-11 But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned. (cf. Jas 3:16) 1 Peter 4:17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 2 Peter 2:1-2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their licentiousness, and because of them the way of truth will be reviled. Revelation 21:27 But nothing unclean shall enter it [heaven], nor any one who practices abomination or falsehood, . . . *** * Practical Matters: Perhaps some of my 4,500+ free online articles (the most comprehensive one-stop Catholic apologetics site) or fifty-five books have helped you (by Gods grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. Or you may believe my work is worthy to support for the purpose of apologetics and evangelism in general. If so, please seriously consider a much-needed financial contribution. Im always in need of more funds: especially monthly support. The laborer is worthy of his wages (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV). 1 December 2021 was my 20th anniversary as a full-time Catholic apologist, and February 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of my blog. PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: apologistdave@gmail.com. Heres also a second page to get to PayPal. Youll see the term Catholic Used Book Service, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information. Thanks a million from the bottom of my heart! * *** Photo credit: Agencia Brasil (7-27-13) [Wikipedia / Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Brazil license] Summary: I compile many passages from the Bible about deference to and reverence of popes, submission, pope-bashing, civic leaders as analogies to spiritual ones, etc. Francois Turretin (1623-1687) was a Genevan-Italian Reformed scholastic theologian and renowned defender of the Calvinistic (Reformed) orthodoxy represented by the Synod of Dort, and was one of the authors of the Helvetic Consensus (1675). He is generally considered to be the best Calvinist apologist besides John Calvin himself. His Institutes of Elenctic Theology (three volumes, Geneva, 16791685) used the scholastic method. Elenctic means refuting an argument by proving the falsehood of its conclusion. Turretin contended against the conflicting Christian perspectives of Catholicism and Arminianism. It was a popular textbook; notably at Princeton Theological Seminary, until it was replaced by Charles Hodges Systematic Theology in the late 19th century. Turretin also greatly influenced the Puritans. This is a reply to a portion of Institutes of Elenctic Theology (Vol. 2, Eleventh Topic: The Law of God, Seventh Question: The First Commandment), in which he addresses the communion of saints, including the invocation and veneration of saints. I utilize the edition translated by George Musgrave Giger and edited by James T. Dennison, Jr. (Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, Phillipsburg, New Jersey: 1992 / 1994 / 1997; 2320 pages). It uses the KJV for Bible verses. I will use RSV unless otherwise indicated. All installments of this series of replies can be found on my Calvinism & General Protestantism web page, under the category, Replies to Francois Turretin (1632-1687). Turretins words will be in blue. ***** Gregory Nazianzus calls idolatry the transference of adoration from the Creator to creatures (metathesis tes proskyneseos apo tou pepoiekotos epi ta ktismata, Oration 38, On the Theophany, 13 [NPNF2, 7:349; PG 36.325]), and Thomas Aquinas defines idolatry as the giving of divine honor to a creature (ST, IIII, Q. 94, Art. 3, p. 1598). Exactly. Catholics agree 100% and this is what we teach, too. After all, both of these saints above were Catholics. Nor can the idle distinctions and incrustations obtruded by the papists remove so great a crime. . . . The worship which the adherents of Rome pay to creatures does not differ from divine worship, neither as to the internal worship of confidence and hope, which they place in them, nor as to the external worship of adoration and invocation, which they offer them, . . . Hence if they make a distinction in words to deceive the more simple, nevertheless it remains really the same in practice. The more simple person here is Turretin, who cant being himself to accurately understand Catholic doctrine. Hes certainly capable of it. Once again, having correctly stated Catholic doctrine (citing two Catholics), he immediately pretends that we believe something differently from what he just described. This is sheer foolishness (and thats a mild description). Fifth, the invocation of the saints rests upon a doubly false foundation. The first is that they are our mediators and intercessors with God, who can obtain temporal and spiritual benefits for us not only by their prayers but also by their merits. Since this is most false and most dishonoring to Christ (as we will show in the proper place), whatever is built upon it must necessarily be false and fictitious. Ive already disproven this in past installments. We need only note Moses, Elijah, and St. Paul, among many others. Turretin contradicts or rejects, we should say plain and repeated biblical teachings. . . . sacrilegiously to constitute himself the distributor of heavenly blessings, is a pure imitation of impure Gentilism and Jewish superstition, having no foundation either in Scripture, or in pious antiquity . . . I have previously shown how this is untrue as well, with dozens of biblical examples. Does Turretin not even read Holy Scripture? If so, how is it that he misses so much of it? XVII. Sixth, the invocation of saints was unknown to the apostolic church and to the first ages of Christianity. It is evident from the testimonies of the most ancient fathers. . . . And that the saints were . . . [not] invoked by them at that time can be proved by various arguments. . . . they did not (like the Romanists) make equal mention of religious prayers to the departed . . . He cites eight fathers or ancient Christian sources (most of whom were not the most ancient) asserting things with which Catholics are in perfect agreement: we dont adore or worship creatures, etc. Not a single one of his eight sources mentions the words invoke or invocation. All eight statements are non sequiturs. Must anti-Catholic apologetics always battle straw men? I get so incredibly tired of this. But then, it immediately shows that they have no case, if they have to pretend that Catholics believe certain things, and then go on to absurdly oppose those. Its a joke. Invocation of saints is one particular thing. Its not worship. And it was massively taught in the fathers. I have fourteen pages documenting this in my book, Catholic Church Fathers: Patristic and Scholarly Proofs (Nov. 2007 / rev. Aug. 2013), and more proofs in my books, The Quotable Eastern Church Fathers: Distinctively Catholic Elements in Their Theology (July 2013) and The Quotable Augustine: Distinctively Catholic Elements in His Theology (Sep. 2012). I shall now quote several of the abundant proofs, and opinions of renowned Protestant patristic scholars. Protestant historians J. N. D. Kelly and Philip Schaff provide an overview of what the early Church believed about the saints: A phenomenon of great significance in the patristic period was the rise and gradual development of veneration for the saints, more particularly for the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . . Earliest in the field was the cult of martyrs . . . At first it took the form of the reverent preservation of their relics and the annual celebration of their birthday. From this it was a short step, since they were now with Christ in glory, to seeking their help and prayers, and in the third century evidence for the belief in their intercessory power accumulates. . . . By the middle of the same [4th] century, according to Cyril of Jerusalem, the patriarchs, prophets, apostles and martyrs were commemorated in the liturgy so that by their prayers and intercessions God may receive our supplications. (Kelly, Early Christian Doctrines, San Francisco: Harper & Row, fifth revised edition, 1978, 490) In the numerous memorial discourses of the fathers, the martyrs are loaded with eulogies, addressed as present, and besought for their protection. The universal tone of those productions is offensive to the Protestant taste, and can hardly be reconciled with evangelical ideas of the exclusive and all-sufficient mediation of Christ and of justification by pure grace without the merit of works. . . . The best church fathers, too, never separated the merits of the saints from the merits of Christ, but considered the former as flowing out of the latter. (Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. 3, fifth revised edition, 1910, chapter VII, section 84, 438) [Appealing to the three companions of Daniel] Think of me, I beseech you, so that I may achieve with you the same fate of martyrdom. (Hippolytus, On Daniel, 11:30) Remember me, ye heirs of God, ye brethren of Christ, pray to the Saviour for me, that I through Christ may be delivered from him who assaults me from day to day; and the mother of a martyr: O holy, true, and blessed mother, plead for me with the saints, and pray: Ye triumphant martyrs of Christ, pray for Ephraim, the least, the miserable, that I may find grace, and through the grace of Christ may be saved. (Ephraim, in Schaff, ibid., 438) Basil the Great calls the forty soldiers who are said to have suffered martyrdom under Licinius in Sebaste about 320, not only a holy choir, an invincible phalanx, but also common patrons of the human family, helpers of our prayers and most mighty intercessors with God. (M. Hom. 19, in XL Martyres; Schaff, ibid., 438) Gregory Nazianzen is convinced that the departed Cyprian guides and protects his church in Carthage more powerfully by his intercessions than he formerly did by his teachings, because he now stands so much nearer the Deity; he addresses him as present, and implores his favor and protection. [Orat. In laud. Cypr.] In his eulogy on Athanasius, who was but a little while dead, he prays: Look graciously down upon us, and dispose this people to be perfect worshippers of the perfect Trinity; and when the times are quiet, preserve uswhen they are troubled, remove us, and take us to thee in thy fellowship. (in Schaff, ibid., 439) Gregory of Nyssa asks of St. Theodore, whom he thinks invisibly present at his memorial feast, intercessions for his country, for peace, for the preservation of orthodoxy, and begs him to arouse the apostles Peter and Paul and John to prayer for the church planted by them (as if they needed such an admonition!). . . . In his Life of St. Ephraim, he tells of a pilgrim who lost himself among the barbarian posterity of Ishmael, but by the prayer, St. Ephraim, help me! and the protection of the saint, happily found his way home. He himself thus addresses him at the close: Thou who standest at the holy altar, and with angels servest the life-giving and most holy Trinity, remember us all, and implore for us the forgiveness of sins and the enjoyment of the eternal kingdom. (in Schaff, ibid., 438-439) May Peter, who so successfully weeps for himself, weep also for us, and turn upon us the friendly look of Christ. The angels, who are appointed to guard us, must be invoked for us; the martyrs, to whose intercession we have claim by the pledge of their bodies, must be invoked. They who have washed away their sins by their own blood, may pray for our sins. For they are martyrs of God, our high priests, spectators of our life and our acts. We need not blush to use them as intercessors for our weakness; for they also knew the infirmity of the body when they gained the victory over it. (Ambrose, in Schaff, ibid., 440) At the close of his memorial discourse on Sts. Bernice and Prosdoce . . . he exhorts his hearers not only on their memorial days but also on other days to implore these saints to be our protectors: For they have great boldness not merely during their life but also after death, yea, much greater after death. For they now bear the stigmata of Christ [the marks of martyrdom], and when they show these, they can persuade the King to anything. He relates that once, when the harvest was endangered by excessive rain, the whole population of Constantinople flocked to the church of the Apostles, and there elected the apostles Peter and Andrew, Paul and Timothy, patrons and intercessors before the throne of grace. (John Chrysostom, in Schaff, ibid., 439-440) You say, in your pamphlet, that so long as we are alive we can pray for one another; but once we die, the prayer of no person for another can be heard, and all the more because the martyrs, though they cry for the avenging of their blood, have never been able to obtain their request. If Apostles and martyrs while still in the body can pray for others, when they ought still to be anxious for themselves, how much more must they do so when once they have won their crowns, overcome, and triumphed? A single man, Moses, oft wins pardon from God for six hundred thousand armed men; and Stephen, the follower of his Lord and the first Christian martyr, entreats pardon for his persecutors; and when once they have entered on their life with Christ, shall they have less power than before? The Apostle Paul says that two hundred and seventy-six souls were given to him in the ship; and when, after his dissolution, he has begun to be with Christ, must he shut his mouth, and be unable to say a word for those who throughout the whole world have believed in his Gospel? (Jerome, Against Vigilantius, 6; NPNF 2, Vol. VI, 419-420) Jerome disputes the opinion of Vigilantius, that we should pray for one another in this life only, and that the dead do not hear our prayers, . . . He thinks that their prayers are much more effectual in heaven than they were upon earth. If Moses implored the forgiveness of God for six hundred thousand men, and Stephen, the first martyr, prayed for his murderers after the example of Christ, should they cease to pray, and to be heard, when they are with Christ? (Schaff, ibid., 440-441) Augustine infers from the interest which the rich man in hell still had in the fate of his five surviving brothers (Luke xvi. 27), that the pious dead in heaven must have even far more interest in the kindred and friends whom they have left behind. He also calls the saints our intercessors, yet under Christ, the proper and highest Intercessor, as Peter and the other apostles are shepherds under the great chief Shepherd. In a memorial discourse on Stephen, he imagines that martyr, and St. Paul who stoned him, to be present, and begs them for their intercessions with the Lord with whom they reign. He attributes miraculous effects, even the raising of the dead, to the intercessions of Stephen. (Schaff, ibid., 441) Nor if deceased saints now possess greater love, do they on that account wish to be invoked by us . . . since they now know more perfectly that such honor is due to God alone. I have already shown earlier in this series that Abraham (Luke 16) and Samuel (1 Sam 28:15-16) did not rebuke their petitioners (the rich man and King Saul) for requesting things of them; they simply refused the particular petitions (as God sometimes does with our prayers). A refusal (just as in cases of petitioning God, where he denies a request) is not the same as saying that the petition should and could have never been made to them. An angel was also petitioned by Lot, with no rebuke seen; and in that case, Lots two petitions were granted (Gen 19:15-21). If these things were in fact impermissible and immoral, as Turretin asserts, then in all three cases, the ones invoked would certainly have rebuked that practice. But they dont. There is no hint in any of the three passages that the practice was impermissible, let alone idolatry and sacrilege et al. Catholics are following the biblical models in this; Turretin and Protestants reject the biblical teachings, which is no small thing. Turretins false accusations towards us are also mortally sinful: a violation of one of the Ten Commandments. We also have a biblical example of an angel talking from heaven to Hagar (Gen 21:17-18). If an angel can communicate with a human being from heaven, the implication or plausible analogy is that we can do the reverse and communicate to an angel in heaven. We just saw how Lot petitioned (in effect prayed to) an angel on earth and received his wishes. Seeing that the angel in Genesis 21 talked to a human being from heaven, then we can logically talk back to the same angel, or angels in general, by extension, and we can ask for angelic intercession, per the example of Lot in Genesis 19. Systematic theology flows from cross-examination and harmonization of relevant passages. And if they could be addressed by us either by the voice or by letter (because they were with us sojourners in an earthly country), they ought not to be invoked in their heavenly country, which is far distant from us. Why? There is no reason for this reluctance, and as just seen, the Bible teaches otherwise. Turretin gives us unsubstantiated, arbitrary traditions of men only. If there is the same reason for the invocation of the saints and the salutations of the living, why did Paul (who so often orders some to pray for others) never command us to invoke the saints? I dont know. I would ask that he never taught faith alone or sola Scriptura, either; nor did he or anyone else in the Bible list the biblical books (the canon). Protestant scholars Alister McGrath and Norman Geisler wrote about the lac of an historical basis of sola fide (faith alone and extrinsic, imputed justification), one of the pillars of the Protestant Reformation: Whereas Augustine taught that the sinner is made righteous in justification, Melanchthon taught that he is counted as righteous or pronounced to be righteous. For Augustine, justifying righteousness is imparted; for Melanchthon, it is imputed in the sense of being declared or pronounced to be righteous. Melanchthon drew a sharp distinction between the event of being declared righteous and the process of being made righteous, designating the former justification and the latter sanctification or regeneration. For Augustine, these were simply different aspects of the same thing . . . The importance of this development lies in the fact that it marks a complete break with the teaching of the church up to that point. From the time of Augustine onwards, justification had always been understood to refer to both the event of being declared righteous and the process of being made righteous. . . . (McGrath, Reformation Thought: An Introduction, 2nd edition, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1993, 108-109, 115; emphasis in original) For Augustine, justification included both the beginnings of ones righteousness before God and its subsequent perfection the event and the process. What later became the Reformation concept of sanctification then is effectively subsumed under the aegis of justification. Although he believed that God initiated the salvation process, it is incorrect to say that Augustine held to the concept of forensic justification. This understanding of justification is a later development of the Reformation . . . Before Luther, the standard Augustinian position on justification stressed intrinsic justification. Intrinsic justification argues that the believer is made righteous by Gods grace, as compared to extrinsic justification, by which a sinner is forensically declared righteous (at best, a subterranean strain in pre-Reformation Christendom). With Luther the situation changed dramatically . . . . . . one can be saved without believing that imputed righteousness (or forensic justification) is an essential part of the true gospel. Otherwise, few people were saved between the time of the apostle Paul and the Reformation, since scarcely anyone taught imputed righteousness (or forensic justification) during that period! . . . . . (Geisler, Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, with Ralph E. MacKenzie, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1995, 502, 85, 222; emphasis in original) Yet Protestants believe all those things, anyway. It may be that Paul knew that this was already taught by Jesus in Luke 16, and so didnt need to necessarily be reaffirmed in his writings. But he prayed for a dead person, Onesiphorus. If he can pray for a person who is dead and have an effect, then I think it follows by analogy and plausibility that he likely also believed that we could ask the departed to pray for us. Moses does not address Abraham, nor fly to his protection (Ex. 32:13), . . . He may have, and it was simply not recorded, or he may not have known of this theology at that earlier stage of the history of salvation. But the rich man did fly to Abraham, according to the words of Jesus. So we know that it is both possible and permissible. It is evident that no father can be found in the first three centuries as a patron of this invocation. This is untrue. Anglican patrologist J. N. D. Kelly states (see above) that in the third century evidence for the belief in their intercessory power accumulates . . . That is referring to the years 200-300, whereas Turretin claim that it cant be documented till after 300. I also noted Hippolytus above, invoking saints. He died around 236 AD. I suspect that inscriptions in the catacombs offer more very early proofs, too. The Bible wasnt formally and finally canonized until the late 4th century. Do Protestants not believe in a canon, as a result: because it was such a late development? No. But when it comes to Catholic beliefs that they object to, they inconsistently play this game. And as I just showed, even Turretins factual claims as to the dates of the first documentation of invoking saints, is false. I agree that the doctrine developed (i.e., human understanding of it continually grew), like every other doctrine believed by Protestants or Catholics or Orthodox. What is unacceptable is to argue that it ought to be rejected because it had a relatively late development (greatly expanding in the 4th century), even though many things that Protestants have no difficulty whatsoever accepting have very little historical pedigree at all (sola fide and sola Scriptura, or are dated in the late 4th century (the biblical canon). * ***** * Practical Matters: Perhaps some of my 4,500+ free online articles (the most comprehensive one-stop Catholic apologetics site) or fifty-five books have helped you (by Gods grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. * Or you may believe my work is worthy to support for the purpose of apologetics and evangelism in general. If so, please seriously consider a much-needed financial contribution. Im always in need of more funds: especially monthly support. The laborer is worthy of his wages (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV). 1 December 2021 was my 20th anniversary as a full-time Catholic apologist, and February 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of my blog. * PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: apologistdave@gmail.com. Heres also a second page to get to PayPal. Youll see the term Catholic Used Book Service, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information. Thanks a million from the bottom of my heart! * *** Photo credit: sciencefreak (12-27-14) [Pixabay / Pixabay Content License] Summary: As part of my series of replies to Calvinist expositor Francois Turretin, I address the communion of saints, particularly the invocation of both saints & angels. News / National by Staff reporter BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) is moving towards reducing the city's housing backlog through public-private partnerships (PPPs), among other interventions.Bulawayo's housing backlog stands at over 100 000, and has been increasing over the years due to the city's growing population.Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary Paul Nyoni, however, told Southern Eye that there has been noticeable progress towards reducing the backlog."Housing delivery picked up in 2023 as the local authority, BCC, engaged in a number of PPPs for various serviced residential stands in Bulawayo. In addition, the King City project behind Sunninghill is poised to deliver 10 000 stands to residents of Bulawayo," Nyoni said in an interview."Some beneficiaries have started construction work on their fully serviced stands."There are also private sector-driven projects in the Emganwini and Richmond areas covering both high and medium density."They also provide opportunities for various suppliers throughout construction and operations."Reports show that less than 30 000 housing stands have been availed in the past decade despite that a growing number of people are need of houses.Council once sought a partnership deal with the Local Government ministry for the construction of residential flats in the sprawling Cowdray Park and Emganwini high-density suburbs to ease the city's housing backlog.BCC has lifted the suspension on the sale of housing stands on pre-sale to prevent desperate home-seekers setting up illegal settlements.Under the pre-sale model, beneficiaries provide funds for servicing of their stands after entering into a payment plan with the council in which an initial deposit of 25% to 35% is paid.The balance is paid on completion of servicing of the stands.Nyoni said government was supporting the council to address water and sanitation challenges."Through devolution funds and a government facilitated loan from the African Development Bank, the pumping and purification side has largely been addressed," he said."Measures have been put in place to alleviate this problem. In addition, the government has an ongoing borehole drilling project mostly at schools, clinics and churches to assist communities around Bulawayo." The immediate past Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Professor J.O.Y. Mante has explained that there is nothing wrong in writing or pronouncing "Christmas" as "Xmas." He said using 'Xmas' over 'Christmas' was not blasphemous as being touted by some people. There is a misinformation in the public domain, gaining a recent attention especially on social media that, "X" is related to evil or was blasphemous and therefore Christians should not refer to Christmas in that way. Delivering a Christmas Day sermon at the Trinity United Church at Mempeasem in Accra on Monday morning [Dec 25, 2023], Very Rev Professor Mante said there was nothing wrong with that and there was no truth that it has any relation to evil or blasphemy. "Today we have come to celebrate as I have said, the birth of Jesus Christ, he is not born today oo!, we are celebrating his birthday. Nobody knows when he was born. We have created this day for him for a long time and we celebrate it." "Recently somebody sent me a WhatsApp message that he has gotten a message that we should never say 'Xmas' because the 'X' is something evil and that we should say 'Christmas'. It was a school [WhatsApp] page so I had to immediately go unto the page to correct the notion," Prof Mante said. "Please I beg you, there is nothing wrong with it. It is just that when we say 'Christmas', the 'Ch' in the Greek, it is 'X' that is all. And that is why Christians all along will use the letter 'X' to represent 'Christ'. Prof Mante said contrary to the notion and in Christian belief, the symbol 'X' does not technically take 'Christ' out of 'Christmas'. There is a long tradition of the letter 'X' being an abbreviation for Jesus name, he added and said it evolved from the Greek language and the historical churchs frequent use of symbols. He said there is a long and sacred history of the use of 'X' to symbolize the name of Christ, and from its origin it has meant no disrespect. "Jesus was not born into an English world, he was born into a world where they spoke Greek and Latin. If we understand that it will be helpful for us," he added. 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 Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, founder and senior pastor at the Perez Chapel International, has asked Christians to live noble and honest lives, a duty that the celebration of Christmas places on all. He said the festive season must re-waken society on the qualities Joseph, the father of Jesus Christ exhibited where he resolved to be noble and not disgrace the Virgin Mary even after knowing that she was pregnant. Delivering a Sunday service sermon on the eve of Christmas at the Perez Dome in Accra, the Archbishop, who raised concerns about having people wanting to do what was right and just, said: These days we dont have too many noble men. His sermon, which dwelt largely on family creation and togetherness, urged married men and potential husbands to desist from the disgrace they put their wives and wives-to-be through when the women cheated. Unfortunately, there are guys telling others the number of women they have slept with. They think it is pride, they are rather cheap. Joseph didnt say anything about Mary to people. He was a nobleman, he said. I am not saying the women must be indulging in promiscuity, however, if you are a man and your wife did that and you dont love her anymore, dont beat her, let her go in peace, the Archbishop added. He urged young women to overlook their wealth, social and economic status and accept young hardworking men who had dreams and vision. The Archbishop said: This Christmas, if the young men come with marriage proposals, accept them, help them with the processes. It is not wrong to support the guy to marry you. Narrating his experience when he met his wife, the Archbishop said he bought six pieces of clothes, had two from his wife and another two from his sisters for his marriage. He said his wife also gave him her jewelries to be used as part of the marriage items. He said it was unfortunate that several young men and women looked down on their partners because of their financial background. When I met my wife, I could only take her from Akyem Oda to Asamankese, but today, I have taken her to Japan, Hawaii, Singapore among others, the Archbishop said. Source: GNA 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 Ashaiman Municipal Private Transport Operation Coordinating Council, (AMPTOCC), the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, and the Ghana Police Service have joined forces to create a task force to help solve the problem of road congestion in the municipality. Speaking at a days media engagement, Samuel Amoah, the secretary for AMPTOCC, stated that the task force was to help reduce hectic traffic and road accidents in the municipality and ensure that drivers loaded passengers at appropriate terminals in the municipality. He noted that the hectic traffic in the municipality was a result of drivers picking passengers along the roads and on the main road while other drivers were driving directly behind. He added that the drivers who were found loading at an unauthorised places would be arrested by the task force at the assembly and would be made to pay a fine to serve as a deterrent to others. Mr. Amoah also encouraged the drivers to join the Drivers Union so that they would be able to park their cars at the various bus terminals and load passengers. We plead with the drivers to join a driving union so that they will be allowed to park their vehicles at the bus terminals and load their passages, because even the road traffic law demands every driver to belong to a union, so the task force would not take any excuse when youre being arrested, he shared. He added that often, passengers come to the bus terminals complaining of missing items, and upon asking questions, you will realise the station master doesnt even know the driver because hes not a member of any union or does not load their passengers at the bus terminal. He advised passengers to come to the bus terminals in the municipality and pick up their vehicles so that such incidents would be reduced. Also, he asked passengers to question their drivers when they are driving recklessly on roads or disobeying road signs and stop the habit of pressuring drivers to drive speedily because they want to reach their destinations on time. He lamented that most of the road accidents in the municipality are recorded mostly during the festive season; he therefore advised the drivers to obey all the road safety signs and maintain a good relationship with their passengers. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office, Madam Vivian Ayerh, the transport officer for Ashaiman Municipality Assembly, stated that the assembly is working hard with the AMPTOCC and the police to arrest all drivers and their mates who park vehicles by the main road and use the assemblys names to misbehave. She added that the assembly had not issued any licence to drivers to load passengers along the road, and she assured the public that they would do their best to end the situation. Source: GNA 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 Before taking office as the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong was seen to be mild as he was always not the talking type. After surprisingly uprooting incumbent John Boadu as General Secretary with his submarine campaign tactics, Justin Kodua Frimpong has been measured in his political discourses and was yet to be faulted when it comes to pugilist politicking. One thing that defines him is his ability to stamp his authority to ensure that there was greater discipline in the NPP. Outside the NPP, other political parties are struggling to come to terms with how Mr. Kodua does his politics because he speaks less yet he gets things done. At the Thanksgiving Service of the NPP last Friday, December 22, 2023 at the NPP headquarters in Accra, the General Secretary exhibited what some have described as an unprecedented courage. Mr. Kodua Frimpong spoke the minds of NPP members, supporters and Ghanaians in general, with the call on government appointees who are tired of quietly leaving office and allowing others to take over. Mentioning various positions such as ministers, CEOs, deputy ministers, metro, municipal and district chief executives, he asked those who were tired and had been waiting for a reshuffle, which was not forthcoming, to quietly resign from their positions so the party can look for stronger hands to take over. He was empathetic that reshuffling of the current crop of government appointees would inspire confidence in the government and boost the NPP's chances of breaking the eight. In what was seen as audacious, Mr. Kodua Frimpong directed a message to the appointing authority and asked that the Presidency to consider a reshuffle of appointees saying it was time to introduce new faces to take over from those who are not helping the government. In his spirit of boldness, he revealed that there had been series of talks and meetings and that it was time for action. Although the platform was for Thanksgiving, Mr. Frimpong's position has been acknowledged as telling it as it was. Mr. Kodua Frimpong per his message has set the tone with his bold position. 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 Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond has reacted to public concerns that he slapped and fended off the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, during a parliamentary proceeding on December 22, 2023. The incident has received mixed reactions following the sharing of the video of the incident online with some accusing Mr Hammond of reacting violently towards a colleague lawmaker. Speaking to pressmen at his residence at Adansi Asokwa in the Ashanti Region, Mr Hammond, who is also the Minister of Trade and Industry said he has been taken out of context. He wondered why his thoughts and comments are on many occasions misrepresented without looking out for the substance. This, he said has led to a lot of criticisms from a cross-section of the public towards him. Narrating what transpired on the floor of Parliament, Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond said he was called into the chamber by Annoh-Dompreh to take part in the discussions and subsequent voting on the appointment of judges by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He said due to his relationship with one of the Judges, who was apparently his mate at the University of Ghana, he wanted to take part in the discussions on the floor and while making his submission, the Majority chief whip attempted to draw his attention ostensibly to time constraints. He said he wanted to make his point quickly enough amidst the interjections from the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP. "I only made some gesticulations towards him to allow me to make my point regardless of the time constraints. Parliament had spent the whole day discussing other issues so why was I distracted from making my point to wind up the business of the day " He refuted claims that he is a violent person stressing that he has no history of violence and has not been involved in any violent situation. Mr K.T. Hammond said Annoh-Dompreh is one of his close confidants in politics and in Parliament so he will never react violently towards him. "I never slapped him. Why will I slap a colleague Member of Parliament. Have you seen me fighting anybody in Parliament as the others did during voting for the Speaker of Parliament and other violent scenes in the house? ", the Adansi Asokwa lawmaker quizzed. Meanwhile, K.T. Hammond has re-entered the NPP Parliamentary primary contest in the Adansi-Asokwa constituency Mr Hammond first entered Parliament in 2001 and currently serving his 6th term. He is facing competition from three other aspirants who have already filed their nominations in his attempt to go for a 7th term. Sounding optimistic, K.T. Hammond said he is responding to calls from his constituents to seek another term judging by his good works. Anticipated vacuum in Parliament Following the announcement by Joseph Osei Owusu, MP for Bekwai, Dan Botwe, MP for Okere, Samuel Atta Akyea, MP for Abuakwa South and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, MP for Suame that they will not be returning to Parliament, Mr K.T. Hammond has said that will create a vacuum in Parliament and affect quality of work in the House. This is one of the reasons he want to go back to Parliament with his experience as a legislator and make invaluable contributions to the House. "Replacing these experienced MPs will be a daunting task for the party," he 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 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. Members of the New Patriotic Party at Hemang Lower Denkyira constituency have pledged their full support for Lawrence Agyinsam, an aspiring candidate for the parliamentary seat in the area. They declared Lawrence Agyinsam as their "preferred candidate" while on a health walk dubbed the "Afehyiapa Health Walk", marching with the parliamentary aspirant to file his nomination forms on Monday, December 25, 2023. Over 3000 party faithfuls including polling station officers, electoral area officers and constituency officers joined Mr. Agyinsam, the Chief Executive Officer of Exim Bank Ghana, to officially enter the parliamentary race. "Mr. Agyinsam is the grass roots' preferred candidate because he has shown total faith in the youth in the constituency, helping many secure permanent jobs. Numerous young individuals have gained opportunities for recruitment into the Police Service, Military, Fire Department, Customs, GES, banks, Cocobod, local government. He has substantial businesses in the constituency, employing many and catalyzing development in the district. "He is deeply committed to the development of the people, having constructed and repaired numerous boreholes in the constituency since 2004. Currently, he is overseeing the construction of 23 mechanized boreholes. He is seen as the key figure to help the NPP break the eight-year cycle in the constituency", the supporters extolled him. Addressing the crowd, Mr. Agyinsam expressed gratitude for the love and support they have shown him and emphasized "a vote for him is a vote for jobs, development, victory, and opportunities". He urged the party delegates to vote for him massively in January 2024 when the NPP holds its parliamentary elections, stressing he is the "people's choice". Mr. Agyinsam also pledged to serve the constituents better when elected to represent the Hemang Lower Denkyira in Parliament in January 2025. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Below are some facts about her as shared by her colleagues on social media. 1. She is a wife and mother of three who multitasks to achieve as though it is her hobby. 2. She attempted GMB twice and was a finalist in all attempts. 3. She is an Ex-Beauty Queen with the best project. (Miss Tourism) 4. She is the brain behind Ghana Outstanding Women Awards which is known for hosting influential people in the country. 5. She is the brain behind Africa Outstanding Women Awards which is known for hosting influential people in Africa on first attempt. 6. She is the brain behind MISS KIDI GHANA, Miss Kidi Africa which is the only consistent kids pageant in West Africa. 7. She is the brain behind Teen Queen Ghana. 8. She is the brain behind Pose for Africa reality show which has changed the narrative in Ghanas modeling industry. 9. She is a master planner who can actually dedicate months on her feet to build and execute her own concepts and those of others. 10. She personally grooms talents behind closed doors. Source: Ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video By Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, Alaska (TNS) Search efforts continue for a woman who disappeared after jumping into the North Fork of Eagle River to try to save her familys dog after it fell through the ice. Family of 45-year-old Eagle River resident Amanda Richmond Rogers, who also went by Mandy, described her as an animal lover and as a devoted mother. She was walking with her husband, Brian Rogers, and two of their dogs along the North Fork Eagle River trail on Saturday afternoon when one of the dogs fell through the ice while trying to drink water from a small opening, Brian Rogers wrote in a statement. He went into the water first to try to save the dog but couldnt find it, he said. As he got out of the water, Rogers said, he saw his wife getting in. I knew from the look on her face she was going in to save our dog, Rogers wrote. She is an emergency room nurse, trained to help and save people. In this situation, she was going to save our dog. I yelled but doubt she even heard me as she was completely concentrating on saving the dog. Before I could get back to the opening to try and grab her I could see her SWIMMING downstream under the ice and then out of sight. I waited and waited and am still waiting. Rogers said they went in after the dog because their instincts kicked in Richmond Rogers loved her dogs fiercely and considered them to be part of her family. She did not jump in to save just a dog, it was a family member, Rogers wrote. To me and our four boys she died a hero. Anchorage police and firefighters responded on Saturday, and the Department of Public Safety used a helicopter to search by air, troopers said. A wildlife trooper also helped with the ground search. Search efforts paused as daylight faded. The Alaska Dive Search, Rescue, and Recovery Team began searching under the ice on Sunday morning. Responders did not locate Richmond. Tuesdays search continued during daylight hours, troopers said. Groups involved include the dive search team, Alaska Solstice Search Dogs, and troopers. Richmond Rogers family has been devastated by her disappearance, her sister Jennifer Richmond said. Richmond Rogers was celebrating her 18th wedding anniversary with her husband on Saturday when she went missing, Brian Rogers said. Theyd planned a special day together to celebrate and were looking forward to celebrating Christmas with their four boys and visiting family members, he said. The couple met while working in the medical field in Texas and moved to Alaska for Rogers work in the Air Force, Jennifer Richmond said. They fell in love with Alaska and made it their forever home, Richmond said. By Najib Jobain, Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, The Associated Press RAFAH, Gaza Strip Israeli forces on Tuesday expanded their ground offensive into urban refugee camps in central Gaza after bombarding the crowded Palestinian communities and ordering residents to evacuate. Gazas main telecom provider announced another complete interruption of services in the besieged territory. The militarys announcement of the new battle zone threatens further destruction in a war that Israel says will last for many months as it vows to crush the ruling Hamas militant group after its Oct. 7 attack. Israeli forces have been engaged in heavy urban fighting in northern Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis, driving Palestinians into ever-smaller areas in search of refuge. The U.S. said Israels minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, was meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss topics including transitioning to a different phase of the war to maximize focus on high-value Hamas targets, improving the humanitarian situation, and planning for governance and security in Gaza after the war. Despite U.S. calls for Israel to curb civilian casualties and international pressure for a cease-fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military was deepening the fighting. We say to the Hamas terrorists: We see you and we will get to you, Netanyahu said. Israels offensive is one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than 20,900 Palestinians, two-thirds women and children, have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, whose count doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants. The agency said 240 people were killed over the past 24 hours. The U.N. human rights office said the continued bombardment of middle Gaza had claimed more than 100 Palestinian lives since Christmas Eve. The office noted that Israel had ordered some residents to move there. Israel said it would no longer grant automatic visas to U.N. employees and accused the world body of being complicit partners in Hamas tactics. Government spokesman Eylon Levy said Israel would consider visa requests case by case. That could further limit aid efforts in Gaza. Residents of central Gaza described shelling and airstrikes shaking the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij camps. The built-up towns hold Palestinians driven from their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war, along with their descendants. The bombing was very intense, Radwan Abu Sheitta said by phone from Bureij. The Israeli military ordered residents to evacuate a belt of territory the width of central Gaza, urging them to move to nearby Deir al-Balah. The U.N. humanitarian office said the area ordered evacuated was home to nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north. The military later said it was operating in Bureij and asserted that it had located a Hamas training camp. The telecom outage announced by Paltel follows similar outages through much of the war. NetBlocks, a group that tracks internet outages, confirmed that network connectivity in Gaza was disrupted again and likely to leave most residents offline. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said several countries had sent proposals to resolve the conflict following news of an Egyptian proposal that would include a transitional Palestinian government in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He did not offer details of the proposals. Palestinians mourn relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Khan Younis, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)AP REGIONAL SPILLOVER Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel faces a multi-arena war on seven fronts Gaza and the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. We have responded and acted already on six of these, he told the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Iranian-backed militia groups around the region have stepped up attacks in support of Hamas. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq carried out a drone strike on a U.S. base in Irbil on Monday, wounding three American service members, according to U.S. officials. In response, U.S. warplanes hit three locations in Iraq connected to a main militia, Kataib Hezbollah. Almost daily, Hezbollah and Israel exchange missiles, airstrikes and shelling across the Israeli-Lebanese border. On Tuesday, Israels military said Hezbollah struck a Greek Orthodox church in northern Israel with a missile, wounding two Israeli Christians, and fired again on arriving soldiers, wounding nine. Hezbollah is risking the stability of the region for the sake of Hamas, said Israels military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. In the Red Sea, attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen against commercial ships have disrupted trade and prompted a U.S.-led multinational naval operation to protect shipping routes. The Israeli military said a fighter jet on Tuesday shot down a hostile aerial target above the Red Sea that the military asserted was on its way to Israeli territory. The USS Laboon, a Navy destroyer, and American fighter jets shot down 12 drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land-attack cruise missiles in the southern Red Sea that were fired by the Yemen-based Houthis over a 10-hour period Tuesday, according to the Pentagon. U.S. Central Command said there was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries. Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. The army is battling Palestinian militants across Gaza in the war ignited by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into Israel. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)AP A MASS GRAVE More than 85% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes. U.N. officials say a quarter of the territorys population is starving under Israels siege, which allows in a trickle of food, water, fuel, medicine and other supplies. Last week, the U.N. Security Council called for immediately speeding up aid deliveries, but there has been little sign of change. In an area Israel had declared a safe zone, a strike hit a home in Mawasi, a rural area in the southern province of Khan Younis. One woman was killed and at least eight were wounded, according to a cameraman working for The Associated Press at the nearby hospital. In response, Israels military said that it wouldnt refrain from operating in safe zones, if it identifies terrorist organization activity threatening the security of Israel. Hamas Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 240 others hostage. Israel aims to free the more than 100 hostages who remain in captivity. President Joe Biden and Qatars ruling emir, Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, spoke on Tuesday, discussing the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens. The leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to facilitate increased and sustained flows of life-saving access to humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll in Gaza, citing militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel says it has killed thousands of militants, without presenting evidence. At the Kerem Shalom border crossing, U.N. and Gazan medical workers unloaded a truck carrying about 80 unidentified bodies that had been held by Israeli forces in northern Gaza. They were buried in a mass grave. Medical workers called the odors unbearable. We cannot open this container in a neighborhood where people live, Dr. Marwan al-Hams, health emergency committee director in Rafah, told the AP. He said the health and justice ministries would investigate the bodies for possible war crimes. The Israeli military announced the deaths of two more soldiers, bringing the total killed since the ground offensive began to 161. Wafaa Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Samy Magdy from Cairo. Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed to this report. Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war News / National by Simbarashe Sithole A Botswana man Nhliziyo Butho is up for murder after he teamed up with his colleagues and assaulted a Zimbabwean man to death while accusing him of stealing in the neighbouring Botswana.Butho was arrested and dragged to Plumtree magistrates courts yesterday.The state alleged on December 23 the accused who was in the company of several others who are still at large,, armed himself with a knobkerrie and an axe.The gang pursued the now-deceased from Botswana to Zimbabwe.They entered through an illegal crossing point and caught up with the now-deceased while accusing him of breaking into their homes and stealing property.They axed him and assaulted him with a knobkerie on his head and he sustained some cuts.The deceased died upon arrival at the hospital.Butho was arrested at the scene and the weapons he used were recovered from him at the scene. A woman who was killed when her car struck a tractor-trailer on Route 15 Friday afternoon was a Gettysburg College administrator, according to the schools student newspaper. The Adams County coroner on Tuesday also provided additional details about the collision in Latimore Township, which killed Sara Gifford, 35. The crash occurred just before 4 p.m. on Dec. 22 at the intersection of Route 15 and Bonners Hill Road. Adams County Chief Deputy Coroner Frances Dutrow said Tuesday a tractor-trailer was pulling out from the side road across Route 15, making a left turn to head southbound on the highway. How far the truck made it across the lanes of Route 15 at the time of the collision was unclear. Giffords vehicle was heading north on Route 15 and struck the trailer, according to the coroners office. Gifford was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force injuries, according to Dutrow. A campus-wide email from the Gettysburg College president informed the college community of Giffords death, according to The Gettysburgian, the college newspaper. Gifford was the schools assistant director of International Student Services. Giffords death leaves a hole in the fabric of our community, college president Bob Iuliano wrote, according to the newspaper. You may have seen Sara on campus with her family as they attended many College events together, Iuliano continued, according to The Gettysburgian. She helped countless Gettysburg students to feel at home on campus, and she was always there to offer support and a listening ear when you needed her most. Sara was a trusted mentor, colleague, and friend. An 11-year-old girl died Christmas Eve after a driver veered out of their traffic lane and struck the vehicle in which she was traveling in Lancaster County. The 8:50 a.m. crash Sunday on Old Pennsylvania Pike in Salisbury Township also seriously injured two others in the girls car. The coroner confirmed the girls death Tuesday but did not release her name because she was a minor. The crash occurred about 13 miles north of where the girl lived in Cochranville. Police said an eastbound driver left their lane of travel over the double-yellow centerline and struck a westbound vehicle, pushing it 10 yards toward a roadside tree line. The eastbound vehicle ended up blocking the westbound lanes. The eastbound driver sustained minor injuries. The girl was riding in the backseat of the westbound vehicle. She died at a hospital from her injuries, while the driver and front seat passenger were taken to hospitals with serious injuries. Police did not provide additional ages or names, genders or hometowns of the occupants. By NICHOLAS RICCARDI and LINLEY SANDERS, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) With the GOP presidential primaries just about to start, many Republicans arent certain that votes will be counted correctly in their contest, as pessimism spreads about the future of both the Democratic and Republican parties, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About one-third of Republicans say they have a great deal or quite a bit of confidence that votes in the Republican primary elections and caucuses will be counted correctly. About three in 10 Republicans report a moderate amount of confidence, and 32% say they have only a little or none at all. In contrast, 72% of Democrats have high confidence their party will count votes accurately in its primary contests. Democrats are also slightly more likely than Republicans to have a high level of confidence in the Republican Partys vote count being accurate. Republicans continue to be broadly doubtful about votes being counted accurately in the early contests or beyond them. About one-quarter of Republicans say they have at least quite a bit of confidence that the votes in the 2024 presidential election will be counted accurately, significantly lower than Democrats. Slightly fewer than half of U.S. adults overall (46%) believe the same, which is in line with an AP-NORC poll conducted in June. The skepticism among Republicans comes after years of former President Donald Trump falsely blaming his 2020 loss on election fraud. Federal and state election officials and Trumps own attorney general have said there is no credible evidence the election was tainted. The former presidents allegations of fraud were also roundly rejected by courts, including by judges Trump appointed. Nothing will be fair because the last election was rigged, said Julie Duggan, 32, of Chicago, a Trump voter, referring to 2020. I dont trust any of them at this point. The AP-NORC poll found a widespread lack of trust in both major political parties among U.S. adults overall. About one-quarter of U.S. adults say they have only a little confidence or none at all that both the Democratic Party and Republican Party have a fair process for selecting a presidential nominee. About half of independents have that low level of confidence in both partys processes, compared with one-quarter of Republicans and 19% of Democrats. Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, third from left, speaks as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, left, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, right watch during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by NewsNation on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at the Moody Music Hall at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, file)AP Almost half of U.S. adults 46% say they are pessimistic about the way the countrys leaders are chosen. About half of U.S. adults are pessimistic about the future of the Republican Party, including one-third of Republicans and 45% of independents. The poll found 45% of U.S. adults are pessimistic about the future of the Democratic Party, including about one-quarter of Democrats and 41% of independents. The way theyre spending our money, sending it all over the world and not protecting our people here in the United States of America, said Gary Jackson, a 65-year-old retired trucker and Republican in Boise, Idaho. Right now, Im not impressed with either party. Christine Allen, a political independent in Gambrills, Maryland, sees her states last governor, Larry Hogan, a moderate Republican, as a model for the country. But Hogan refused to run in the GOP presidential primary, which she sees as emblematic of how the two-party system prevents talented leaders from holding office. Everybody right now is a bunch of children, stomping their feet until they get their way, Allen, 44, said. Everybodys at fault here. Theres no winners. The poll of 1,074 adults was conducted Nov. 30Dec. 4, 2023, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, designed to represent the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points. Airline travelers I forgot excuse when they are caught attempting to bring a firearm, loaded or unloaded, through an airport baggage checkpoint isnt cutting it for a state lawmaker. Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny County, wants that act to cost a gun owner his license to carry. Frankels proposed legislation to crack down on this potential safety risk at airports comes just days after a Florida man was stopped from boarding a plane at Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) with a loaded gun in his carry-on bag. On Dec. 22, an X-ray unit alerted the Transportation Security Administration officer to take a closer look inside the mans carry-on bag, which was opened by police for a closer inspection. The traveler, who was not identified, told the officers when they detected a .380 caliber hand gun loaded with seven bullets that he forgot he had the loaded firearm with him. On Christmas Day, the TSA reports a Washington County man was caught with the same type of handgun loaded with six bullets among his carry-on items at Pittsburgh International Airport. Each year, thousands of air travelers, airport workers and TSA officers face unnecessary danger because of gun owners who attempt to bring firearms through carry-on luggage checkpoints, Frankel said in a statement. The statistics are alarming last year, TSA seized about 6,500 guns, and nearly 90% of them were loaded. The owners response in 100% of the cases was I forgot. This year, the TSA says it is on track to set a record for the most guns stopped at checkpoints in a single year. The current record set last year was 6,542. At Harrisburg International Airport, TSA has found eight guns as of Christmas Day, just two shy of the highest number stopped since at least 2017. TSA agents at PIttsburgh International Airport caught 44 guns at the airports checkpoint as of Christmas Day, nine more than the previous record of 35 firearms caught in 2019. Philadelphia International Airport also is seeing a record high number of firearms in carry-on baggage with 45 incidents as of mid-December, according to a report on 6ABC. Its kind of like an epidemic of stupidity at best and who knows, at worst, Frankel told PennLive. If we revoke license to carry permits for people because they are shoplifting or because of a marijuana possession or something like that, this certainly raises to a more dangerous violation than those kinds of incidents. Taking away someones permit relates directly to the infraction. It makes a lot of sense. According to TSA, firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport or in the passenger cabin of an aircraft even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. A passenger bringing a firearm to a checkpoint can be subject to arrest or cited depending on the local law. Further, the TSA may impose a civil penalty up to almost $15,000 and the passenger with TSA PreCheck clearance, will lose that eligibility for five years. Scott Miller, HIA spokesman, said the Florida man will be fined by TSA, but no state law was broken. Loaded weapons at baggage checkpoints not only create obvious safety risks, but they cause major airport delays, drain TSA resources and distract security officers from other dangers that could compromise flight safety, Frankel said. He said his proposed legislation is not aimed at responsible gun owners who abide by the rules when transporting firearms on an airplane but rather to crack down on the irresponsible ones whose actions put fellow travelers at risk. The TSA requires firearms to be unloaded in a locked hard-sided container and declared when checking bags at the ticket counter. For more information on transporting firearms and ammunition, visit the TSA website at www.tsa.gov/trave/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition. Frankel said TSA has increased fines and added more signage at airports to try to deter travelers from bringing their firearms with them at checkpoints and still, thousands of travelers are caught with them in their carry-on baggage. This is something that I think should be embraced by both parities. I dont see it being a Second Amendment issue. Its not trying to deprive anybody of their firearms or an ability to transport them in a legal manner so I dont know why anybody would object to adding this penalty for people who flagrantly violate regulation, Frankel said. Its time to send the minority of bad actors a message they will hear loud and clear transport your firearm safely or risk losing your permit to carry. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy. People living in tents along a sprawling homeless encampment in downtown Kelowna will soon be given the option of moving into tiny homes like these. Migrant workers like those toiling in B.C.s agriculture sector sometimes face conditions akin to forced slavery, making it difficult for them to report abuse, according to a United Nations report. Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 45-year-old man from Morocco after bomb threats were called in to locations around the province. (CBC - image credit) Provincial police have charged a Moroccan man after a series of bomb threats were made across the province and linked to similar incidents in Europe. The charges stem from threatening electronic messages made on Nov. 1, 2023, to schools and other public facilities, said Brooklyn Harker, a spokesperson for the Ontario Provincial Police. The caller "indicated that a bomb had been placed at these locations and the threat also included a demand for money in exchange for details about the alleged explosives," Harker said. No explosives were found, and police here linked the threats to similar ones made in Belgium, where police arrested a 45-year-old Moroccan man. "We're still in the process of working with the Belgian police to determine the next steps for this person who was arrested," Harker said. "The OPP is consulting with the federal department of justice to determine how this person will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice." The man, from Casablanca, is charged by OPP with two counts of uttering threats, two counts of mischief and two counts of extortion. Farewell Canyon Turning the page on a huge part of my life. Thank you Roman for believing in me as a 19-year-old kid. 2024 has been challenging for sure. But also eye-opening on what is my future. This is definitely one of toughest decision I had to make so far. 11 years later, its time to move on. Sending love to my Canyon family. At the end of the day, mtb is our passion and we meet at the trails Thomas Genon Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print It was announced on Wednesday that Tommy Smothers, one of half of the famed Smothers Brothers comedy team, passed away at age 86. Here are three classic Smothers Brothers clips to honor Tommy. 1). Yo-Yo Man CBS canceled the Smothers Brothers for their anti-Vietnam war message before I was born, but one of the first Smothers Brothers bits, I got to know as a kid was Yo-Yo Man. Watch Tommy Smothers show off his yo-yo tricks: 2). Classic Smothers Brothers In case you are unfamiliar with their work, Dick Smothers was the straight man, and family was a key part of their act. The clip below is a bit of classic Smothers Brothers interaction. Tom Smothers once said, We were against the war in Vietnam and for voter registration and social issues. Everybody has their choices, and the obligation of a comedian is first to entertain. And if youre so inclined, and you have some bigger thought, make sure you express it, because thats a gift. The Smothers Brothers used their gift and their constant conflicts with CBS executives got them yanked off the schedule in 1969, with pressure from the Nixon administration on the network as an added factor. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was a highly rated and popular show that featured a whos who of 1960s rock from Simon and Garfunkel to The Doors and The Who, the program was an anti-war voice that spoke out and spoke to youth culture. 3). The Smothers Brothers As Musicians The Smothers Brothers were also talented musicians. Here they are performing with the Boston Pops: Tom Smothers will always be remembered for his stance for peace. Smothers said, Its hard for me to stay silent when I keep hearing that peace is only attainable through war. Theres nothing more scary than watching ignorance in action. Tommy Smothers was an artist who wasnt worried about brand appeal or being apolitical. Tom Smothers was political, and he and his brother were powerful anti-war voices. Tom Smothers leaves an enduring legacy that those who pursue peace would be wise to follow. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Reps. James Comer (R-KY) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) have launched a new investigation of President Biden because Hunter Biden embarrassed them. Comer tweeted above a new House Judiciary Committee letter: We are compelled to examine as part of our impeachment inquiry whether President Joe Biden engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress. Such conduct could constitute an impeachable offense. https://t.co/tWyZUv0dG5 Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) December 27, 2023 It has already been widely reported that the press statement and demand for a public hearing while appearing at the Capitol were done without the prior knowledge of President Biden. Comer and Jordan attempted to claim that President Biden conspired with his son to obstruct an official proceeding. Not coincidentally, Donald Trump was charged with the same offense by Special Counsel Jack Smith. Smith also charged Trump with conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. As usual with Comer and Jordan, that cant say that Biden did anything wrong. They fill their comments with lots of ifs and coulds. If Biden conspired, it could be an impeachable offense. All of the currently publicly known information is that President Biden did not conspire and did not obstruct an official proceeding. Hunter Biden also did not obstruct an official proceeding. Hunter Biden showed up to testify, but Comer would not let him testify in public. James Comer and Jim Jordan have made it obvious that they are trying to impeach President Biden for his sons actions. The sham Biden impeachment is embarrassing for Comer, Jordan, the Republican Party, and the nation, and it must stop. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. How did it all happen so fast? Are Timothee Chalamet and Luca Guadagnino really making a film about cannibals? Is cannibalism actually a kink, is shaming it kink-shaming, and what does it all mean? These are the questions we have about the Armie Hammer story , which continues to grow more upsetting and sordid (or surreal and hilarious, depending on who you are). The debacle started earlier this year in the wilderness of a chaotic January, when alleged screenshots of Armie Hammer's sexts still managed to be shocking enough to cut through the noise of a Kardashian-West divorce and a Capitol insurrection. The screenshots initially looked like the work of skilled trolls. They featured uncomfortably graphic sexts none of which have actually been verified where he expresses a desire to drink blood, to barbecue and eat his lovers' ribs, and other ah...flesh-related desires. "I am 100% a cannibal," one reads . Another one : "You just live to obey me and be my slave... I will own you. That's my soul. My brain. My spirit. My body. Would you come and be my property till you die?" It really seemed like someone was just really bored and trying to troll Armie Hammer. But Hammer did not find it funny at all. Soon after the messages surfaced, Hammer stepped away from his role in the J-Lo-helmed Shotgun Wedding and dropped a sort of incriminating statement of denial. "I'm not responding to these bullsh*t claims," the actor said to TMZ , "but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for four months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic... Lionsgate is supporting me in this and I'm grateful to them for that." A Downward Spiral Things have not gotten much better for Hammer in the weeks since that initial flurry of messages. Hammer has also left the project The Offer, a Paramount Pictures film about the making of The Godfather, and Variety reports that he was asked to leave both that and the JLo project. It's unclear as to whether Armie Hammer's career will suffer permanently from these accusations. He has a variety of high-profile projects lined up, including a stint on Anna Asante's Cold War film Billion Dollar Spy which also happens to star Mads Mikkelsen, who originally played cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter on the show Hannibal. Hammer is also slated to eventually star in the sequel to Call Me by Your Name, the dreamy Italian queer film that launched Timothee Chalamet into stardom as a teen when he played Hammer's young lover. Coincidentally, the film's director, Luca Guadagnino, and Chalamet are apparently working on another movie about...a cannibal love story. Since the initial messages, more of Hammer's exes have come out to speak about his proclivity for kinky, sometimes-too-far sexual preferences. Hammer has periodically dropped hints about his love for BDSM in his interviews and online, but apparently he sometimes went beyond the consensual into the realm of the truly bizarre. Hammer's ex, 22-year-old Paige Lorenze, told the Daily Mail that Hammer used a knife to cut the initial "A" into her skin during a sex game. Apparently the roughness was just too rough: "Any man who is fantasizing about crushing bones, eating them, having sex with female limp bodies is a danger to all women," she said. Two other women he previously dated also spoke out about Hammer's bizarre sexual preferences. Hammer's representation continues to deny these allegations. "These assertions about Mr. Hammer are patently untrue. Any interactions with this person, or any partner of his, were completely consensual in that they were fully discussed, agreed upon, and mutually participatory," wrote Hammer's lawyer in a statement to Daily Mail. Meanwhile, Hammer's ex-wife, Elizabeth Chambers, finally spoke out on February 4th about the shocking revelations. "For weeks, I've been trying to process everything that has transpired. I am shocked, heartbroken, and devastated. Heartbreak aside, I am listening and will continue to listen and educate myself on these delicate matters. I didn't realize how much I didn't know," she said. "I support any victim of assault or abuse and urge anyone who has experienced this pain to seek the help she or he needs to heal," Elizabeth posted on the social media platform. At this time, I will not be commenting further on this matter. My sole focus and attention will continue to be on our children, on my work and on healing during this incredibly difficult time." That isn't the only time Chambers has commented on it all, though; when news of the Chamalet cannibal love story film broke, she commented, "No. Words." Kink-Shaming or Cannibal-Hunting? Subsection title about kink-shaming (i find this to be the most interesting angle -- lolz, "Are We Kink-Shaming Armie Hammer or Spotting a Cannibal?!" Is this all an example of kink-shaming and a violation of the trust and privacy inherent in an adult sexual relationship? Is it a necessary expose.of an abusive man, one that will prevent him from becoming a true Marilyn Manson-level sadist ? The truth seems to lie somewhere down the middle here. It appears that Hammer took strange preferences which he is allowed to have a little too far and became abusive at times. BDSM, of course, isn't abuse when it's done right but a hallmark of BDSM is that there is consent and clear boundaries. Unfortunately, Hammer's actions seem to go far outside the realm of consent, an important distinction to make. Will Hammer's career recover, as so many others' have post-allegations ? It could. Most likely, pre-#MeToo and Twitter, Armie Hammer would have been allowed to go on forever, riding on the strength of his good looks and power, doing whatever he wanted, as many powerful men have. Has he truly been canceled, once and for all? Will he bounce back, sue his exes for defamation, and become an action hero? Or will this send him on an even darker, more insidious path? Will he found a cannibal cult or fully lean into his impulses? It's 2021; we're beyond the pale and anything is possible. It seems that Elizabeth Chambers has the best approach. Earlier this week she shared an image of her desk with a candle and a pile of sage and used the caption, " also how much sage is too much sage? asking for a friend [obviously] ." Sage being an endangered and sacred plant, it should not be used lightly but if you find out that your husband is maybe a cannibal, it does seem like a good time to ward off whatever you can. Contains Spoilers for I Care A Lot I thought I knew how I Care A Lot would end just because it stars Rosamund Pike of Gone Girl fame. Like Gone Girl, I expected Pike to come out on top, for her to go through the ringer in pursuit of her convoluted goals but end up with some version of the future she wants. In I Care A Lot, Pike's character Marla Grayson expects this too. I Care a Lot | Official Trailer | Netflix www.youtube.com The film follows a court-appointed guardian who games the system by taking advantage of the elderly people in her care, selling their assets, and manipulating the courts into trusting her over her clients' families. When Marla targets a woman with supposedly no family, no ties, and a sizable nest egg, she and her partner Fran (played by Eiza Gonzalez) think they've found a perfect, easy target until it turns out her secret son has ties to the Russian mafia. But despite facing constant threats from slick lawyers, disgruntled family members, and eventually the mafia, Grayson refuses to lose especially not to a man. "What a bad*ss," the movie begs us to say. Immoral as she is, Marla is supposed to be an admirable anti-hero for her refusal to give in to the expectations, demands, or desires of men. She's the token girlboss, and comes out on top despite everything ending the movie with an international corporation and media attention. Until, in the final scene, she gets shot and dies. This fatal ending is complex because parts of it ring too true. Grayson's rapid ascent to success is based on insidious exploitation, making her death feel earned, but her rise worryingly resembles so many #Girlboss feminists and the mega-corporations that are largely praised today. And while real female-led corporations may not have such sinister roots, the hollowness of girlboss feminism's "empowering" branding rings fatally true. Girlboss Feminism Validates Oppressive Systems In the movie's opening monologue, Grayson expresses that "playing fair" is just rhetoric that rich people use to keep everyone else poor, and that to get ahead in this system means working it to your advantage. In many ways, she is not wrong. Her logic propels her to exploit the unprotected in service of her own financial gain. Despite her disdain for rich male power figures, the film ends with Marla entering into a business partnership with the ex-Russian mafia man who attempted to murder her. Her unlikely alliance embodies the reality of corporate feminism: it's not about leveling the playing field or making the system more fair, it's about reaching the status of the elite, no matter the cost. Grayson's contempt for the system was, as with many rich white women, shallow and based only on her own exclusion. If this sounds familiar, it's because we've watched it play out in the success stories of so many businesswomen. Whitney Wolfe Herd, CEO of Bumble, began her career at Tinder, before suing them and starting her own company in what has been called "the greatest tale of corporate revenge." Just this February, Wolfe Herd became the youngest woman to take a company public, making her a billionaire. Yet her success comes in the middle of a global pandemic in which women, especially women of color, have lost the majority of all jobs. And Bumble's brand of empowerment and not-Tinder has been long tarnished, especially after the 2019 discovery of "sex, drugs, misogyny and sleaze" at the company's HQ, committed by the then-majority share owner, Andrey Andreev a Russian billionaire. Again, sound familiar? The Fall of The #GirlBoss Icons Too Little, Too Late? Though Bumble's CEO may have just gotten richer, some girlboss icons from earlier in the 2010s have fallen from grace to make way for an era more insistent on intersectional feminism, and results rather than enticing branding. In The Cut's post mortem of The Wing, the short lived start-up that was ostensibly an Instagrammable We-Work for women, the success of the company was attributed to clever branding by its founder. Audrey Gelman began her career in politics and used her skills as a political consultant to go from rebranding boring politicians, to rebranding the most boring concept of all: going to work. Gelman's focus on women, which led to her branding the space a feminist utopia, was the real genius. Launched on the day of the Trump 2016 election at a party that was supposed to be a Hillary celebration, the company was defined by the values of female empowerment a marketing strategy which led to its rapid growth and cult status among career-driven millennial women. But those outside those elite lines were less impressed. The Wing suffered first under the pandemic, then under the weight of the revelation that it wasn't the utopia it claimed to be especially for its employees. This is a tale as old as June, when many female-founded empires crumbled as the curtains were pulled back and the truth that these women were, in truth, just businesspeople rather than the harbinger of empowerment and equality they claimed to be. For example, Leandra Medine Cohen of Man Repeller experienced the same fate when the company's work environment was revealed to be similarly problematic. Its founder, too, was the subject of scrutiny along with the brand's mission. What was once hailed as the pinnacle of girl-power a brand dedicated to repelling men felt outdated and hollow, and its ability to empower had faded in lieu of self-congratulatory branding. The fall of major girl-boss/girl-power icons is a sign of the times. Mainstream feminism is moving away from a definition of female empowerment that lusts after the status and structures of corporations and capitalism. The world of Lena Dunham's Girls or founder of Nasty Gal, Sophia Amoruso's story, Girlboss, seem so distant now, and I Care A Lot is an elegy to its pitfalls. The story buries a distant dream that corporate feminism will save us and reveals the truth: that it's based on the impulse to save one's self, often at the expense of anyone and everyone else. Peter Dinklage and Rosamund Pike in I Care A Lot The Revolution Will Not Be A Thriller Movie Corporations are used to using pithy girl-power slogans as branding techniques, and even those without an iconic cult-of-personality to spearhead their brand image have bought in. And it's no surprise that many of these companies and corporations are owned by men. I Care A Lot itself was directed by a man, which feels obvious to anyone watching, as the most nuanced discussions about gender are overwritten monologues, overwritten misogyny, and an exchange featuring the phrase "she-doctor." It seems, to its writer/director J. Blakeson, that sexism is a series of pointed events and verbal abuse by easily recognizable "bad men," when the reality is much less obvious. While the writing misses potential intricacies, Pike's performance plays them anyway the tenacity, the importance of perception, and mostly, the exhaustion that comes from being underestimated. So there is a moment where you want Marla to make it, that split second before you see the gun but you know it's coming. Not because you're rooting for her, but because you know that she is merely a figurehead for a much more evil operation, and behind her is yet another man. Whether intentional or not, I Care A Lot proves that it's almost impossible to change the system from within, especially for people from marginalized groups And that playing into the system you're cynical about is doomed to fail. And while I don't need every movie to end in revolution (I'd prefer that be the fate of real life), it was only half satisfying to watch the hyper-capitalist girlboss character fail, since there was nothing in the film to root for. Marla Grayson's pitfall was seeing "money as a weapon." The film's pitfall was killing the anti-hero in service to what, the system? The very "play fair as the rich get richer" ethos that began the film? So while J. Blakeson might have imagined his ending as the fall of an anti-hero that rights Grayson's wrongs, there is no comeuppance for the system that Grayson began the movie critiquing. The film, then, serves as a cheap thrill that ultimately moralizes capitalism by holding her success as the pinnacle of achievement, and only faulting her for getting there the wrong way. It's ironic that the movie is titled I Care A Lot. In part, as the director seemingly intended, because Martha is gaming the care-work system and she herself does not, in fact care. But beyond that, beyond Blakeson's scope, principles of care have long been the core of anticapitalist work. From transforming carceral systems into communities based on prevention and care, to supporting the vulnerable, the work of activism tells a different version of the story where someone with Marla's disdain for the rigged system causes her to want to change it, not be embraced by it. So while so many people can agree with Marla, some go a route similar to hers, fed by cynicism, and others go the route she purported to go one defined by community and care. As much as I hate to say it, here's an undeniable truth: January is coming. Soon, we'll have to wake ourselves up from our food comas and face the new year, followed by the same old BS. Just thinking about it makes me need another vacation, stat. January is a slow, painful crawl. The post-holiday blues, the pressure to rise and grind, the dregs of winter. It all adds up to 31 insufferable days of stress and sadness or perhaps thats just my seasonal depression talking. If youre feeling sluggish, its not your fault. With fewer hours of light, your body produces less serotonin. This is probably why you spend hours daydreaming about your next vacation. Europe (Copenhagen, maybe? Or Paris?)? Bali? Dubai (the Tarte influencer TikToks did not help your FOMO)? But if your next trip is nowhere in sight, its easy to feel discouraged and jealous of all the people on your feed who are always jet-setting somewhere new. Do they even have jobs? And who the hell is paying for these trips? But one form of escapism that doesnt fill me with intense bitterness: watching movies. After going through the full spectrum of human emotion while watching Saltburn, my fire for escapist vacation fodder was fully stoked. Turns out my favorite movie genre is... vacation. It doesnt matter what Im watching, as long as its set somewhere beautiful. So here are the films on my list of all-time favorite comforting vacation movies that make you feel like youre not just wasting away under a weighted blanket: Best Nostalgic Vacation Films The Parent Trap This film has all the vacation inspo you need: camp, camping, London, Napa Valley, and two Lindsay Lohans. Its a hall-of-fame nostalgic film that takes you across the world in one summer what could be better? Passport to Paris Though the top spot in the Mary Kate & Ashley film roster has to go to New York Minute the plot literally revolves around a band singing a song titled Vacation the freezing New York winter temperatures are not on my current wishlist. Enter: Passport to Paris, which walked so Emily could run. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants These pants do more traveling than I do. Tragic. Thats all there is to say about that. Monte Carlo Selena Gomezs filmography is admittedly iconic. From her Disney Channel days to her current starring role in Only Murders in the Building. Go back in her career to watch this adventure through Europe filled with old money glamor and classic life-swap doppelganger plotline. Best Beach Vacation Films Blue Crush The blueprint. The Blue Crush girlies had what the coconut girlies and VSCO girlies wish they were. Oh, to be surfing day and night and living with my besties in a beach shack in Hawaii. Lowkey, if they did a remake of this, I wouldnt even be mad. As long as Evan Mock was somehow in it. How Stella Got Her Groove Back Ms. Angela Basset gets her flowers for her dramatic roles, but this iconic rom-com is one of her best works. The white sand beaches, the blue skies, and the blue water all combine to create the perfect backdrop for my fantasies. Taye Diggs, too. Point Break Point Break is a vacation movie in the way that Die Hard is a Christmas movie. But Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze playing surfers on a California beach rivals any Top Gun beach scene. Mamma Mia The sun, the sand, the beachy hair. And not to mention the music and the Meryl Streep of it all. This is the perfect cure to your late-winter blues. And suddenly Im googling which Grecian Island to visit. Best Romantic Vacation Films Crazy Rich Asians There are aspirational on-screen vacations. And then theres the unrestrained opulence of Crazy Rich Asians. Theres no part of this movie that I dont love. Its pure, campy drama complimented by pure, campy costumes. Its a combination of two of the best over-the-top film genres: vacation films and wedding films. Call Me By Your Name Id watch Timothee Chalamet in anything. I especially love watching Timothee Chalamet biking through Northern Italy in breezy linen shirts. The Armie Hammer of it all did not age well. But the Timmy of it all definitely did. Under the Tuscan Sun All my home decor inspo I get from this film. Though this is about a woman finding herself outside of romance, it ends romantically so it counts. I, too, dream of abandoning everything and moving into a Tuscan Villa so shes just like me for real. Ibiza: Love Drunk This slept-on Netflix film stars Richard Madden as the romantic love interest so its worth it based on that alone. Its the least realistic premise ever: a woman finds love in Ibiza at a rave with an emotionally intelligent DJ. Yeah, right. But the girls-trip to Barcelona is on my bucket list. How the Other Half Vacations The Talented Mr. Ripley What do you get when you combine Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Matt Damon? The fodder of #OldMoney TikTok dreams. Set in the fictional town of Mongibello, it makes me want to book my own Italian summer filled with gelato and jazz and absolutely nothing else from the movie. Death on the Nile Everyone in this movie was lowkey canceled Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Letitia Wright but it wasnt actually bad. An opulent and extravagant tour of Egypt mostly set on a yacht and between fabulous parties. Glass Onion The Knives Out sequel is a satire on the lives of the rich and famous. I dont know why all the movies about the rich vacationing end with murder, but Im along for the ride and the scenery. 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 Editor's note: The Aiken Standard is counting down its top 10 local stories for 2023 from Dec. 19-30. This year started with a big announcement in the city of Aiken. Then Aiken Mayor Pro Tempore Ed Woltz announced initial plans that implied the Savannah River National Laboratory would construct, using $20 million of the state's plutonium settlement, and occupy a building in downtown Aiken. The city would issue a document within 45-60 days to find a buyer willing to keep the Hotel Aiken and transform it into a usable hotel or find another use for the building, then-Mayor Rick Osbon added. The city's former Municipal Building, 214 Park Ave., was to be sold to Aiken County for use as Second Circuit Solicitor's offices. In the 11 months and four days since those plans were announced at the Jan. 23 state of the city, the public has learned more about those plans, and they've changed. The biggest piece of information is that the national lab would have nothing to do with the construction of the building. In fact, the South Carolina General Assembly allocated $20 million to an unspecified governmental entity to construct a building in which the Savannah River National Laboratory could lease space for a workforce development center. And the leadership at the national lab decided they would like to lease space in a building in downtown Aiken. Another piece of information that the public learned is that the city will likely work with the Aiken Corporation on the project. The role of the Aiken Corporation was not announced in the state of the city address, even though the Aiken Corporation contacted McMillan Pazdan Smith for a feasibility study before the annual meeting. At a meeting to gather public input, the feasibility study was presented as an examination of the possibility of building on the site of the Holley House, Warneke Cleaners and "possibly" the Taj Aiken building. The feasibility study was later expanded without a vote from the Aiken City Council or Aiken Corporation board to include four other sites: A north Texas transportation company that bought one of the Lowcountrys oldest trucking businesses in 2015 is itself being sold. TFI International Inc. of Canada announced late last week a definitive agreement to acquire Daseke Inc. in a deal valued at $1.1 billion, including more than $650 million in debt the buyer will assume. The all-cash sale is expected to close by June 30. It will deliver to TFI about 4,900 truck cabs, 11,000 trailers and 1 million square feet of industrial warehouse space. The company said Friday it will pay Daseke stockholders a nearly 70 percent premium from the prior closing price for their shares in the publicly traded company, which has been struggling to recover from a broad-based downturn in freight revenue. This attractive acquisition is highly complementary to our existing operations and scales our truckload segment into a leading North American transportation and logistics business, TFI Chief Executive Officer Alain Bedard said in a written statement last week. Dasekes deep expertise in servicing a broad portfolio of specialized and industrial end markets such as high-security cargo, agriculture, manufacturing and construction, is critical given the relative strength of specialized market dynamics today." The immediate focus will be on improving Dasekes financial results, he added, while down the road TFI plans to look at creating two distinct public companies, one that specializes in conventional long-haul trucking and another providing logistical and niche transportation services. North Addison, Texas-based Daseke was started in 2008 by Don Daseke and grew through a series of buyouts around the country. In most cases, it retained the acquired companys name One of them was Bulldog Hiway Express. The North Charleston-based business named for The Citadel's mascot was founded in 1959 by late R.D. Moseley with a single truck and $50 in working capital, according to its website. The family-owned business was acquired by Daseke about eight years ago. CEO Phil Byrd could not be reached Tuesday. Around Columbia, some restaurant owners travel for the sake of bringing back ingredients and traditions from other regions to the capital city all with the intent of diversifying how and what their patrons consume. Read moreHow Columbia restaurateurs find 'more of a story' behind their international offerings ESTILL Those who study water issues often say, "We all live downstream." It's a truism warning that actions upstream can have negative consequences downstream, and people exist simultaneously on both sides of that equation. Instead of negative consequences, a conservation project in Hampton County is expected to deliver downstream benefits for many, including residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties. The project focuses on drinking water and the Savannah River. Stretching for more than 300 miles, the Savannah River marks the border between Georgia and South Carolina as it travels from the mountains to the ocean. Beyond its role delineating the Palmetto State from the Peach State, the river is a source of drinking water for about 500,000 residents on both its banks. It's a primary source of drinking water in Beaufort and Jasper counties, and protecting the quality of water flowing into the southern reaches of the Lowcountry requires efforts that extend well upstream. To that end, multiple agencies including the The Nature Conservancy, International Paper, the Savannah River Clean Water Fund and the South Carolina Conservation Bank cooperated to obtain a conservation easement that will protect water quality in 1,218 acres of the Savannah River watershed in perpetuity. "We were able to do this deal for about one-tenth of the cost to buy it. This is an efficient way to protect the landscape without having to spend as much money," said David Bishop, coastal and Midlands conservation director with The Nature Conservancy, of the easement deal. NOTE: Some of these events may have been canceled or postponed. Please check with the organizers. Call 843-873-9424 ext. 220 or email broberts@journalscene.com to add an event to this free calendar. Read moreCommunity calendar COLUMBIA, S.C. - As part of an ongoing investigation related to a nationwide recall of cinnamon applesauce pouches mostly eaten by children, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has had products that contained high levels of lead removed from store shelves Read moreDHEC investigating cases of lead exposure from cinnamon applesauce pouch products On the surface it seemed relatively calm. Elsewhere in the United States, school integration had grabbed headlines in states such as Arkansas and Mississippi, energizing White resistance. In Charleston, the process finally got underway in the fall of 1963. It was not marred by much physical violence, which pleased local officials and the media. This was no embarrassment like Little Rock. But beneath the surface, emotions swirled. The 11 Black children whose families sued and won the right to attend Charlestons White schools felt coerced. The strategists mostly Black leaders and their lawyers were laser-focused on their goal, sometimes to the detriment of their children. Some African American families preferred to keep their kids in Black schools where they had supportive teachers and good friends. And many White families were ambivalent at best, hostile at worst, some fleeing to the suburbs or to private schools to avoid this mixing of the races. The nuances, personal trauma and adjustments, and the lasting psychological impacts of that experience, rarely are examined. History prefers to document the outward struggle: the legal arguments and the social gains. Famous photographs offer a glimpse of that moment, but they do not reveal the circuitry of the mind, the troubled thoughts and hurt feelings experienced by children on the front lines of a battle whose aftermath would inform what sort of society we live in. Neither does the 2024 South Carolina African American History Calendar recently unveiled by the state Department of Education. It features the 1963 case Millicent F. Brown, et al v. School District No. 20, Charleston, South Carolina, but not the people involved. It summarizes the outcome but omits the costs. That has angered the five surviving plaintiffs in that case, who gathered for the first time in years to talk with The Post and Courier about their remarkable effort 60 years ago and how it informed their lives. The former Charleston police officer who drove his patrol vehicle under the influence and crashed into three other cars had been suspended before for violating policies off duty. Read moreCharleston cop fired after DUI charge had previous suspensions for his off-duty conduct Parenting these days is hard. Kids have phones and tablets in their hands at an early age, a fact that leaves parents like me worrying about whether our children are getting too much screen time and what they're stumbling onto online. Of course, technology comes with plenty of benefits, but Read moreCommentary: Parents want to protect kids online, but SC device filter bill won't help The Stratford High School wrestling team let one get away two days earlier, falling to top-ranked Summerville High School by a single point in a heartbreaker, and didnt exactly race out to a great start in the Region 6-5A opener. Read moreKnights pull away in Region 6-5A opener FLORENCE Sightseeing in a new place can take a lot of planning. That planning can spill from a Google search to a notebook, a GPS, a text message and get lost somewhere in between. Francis Marion University students took the pain out of planning with a new touring app for the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. Software engineering students teamed up with history and professional writing students to create Florence Navigator, a driving tour app that guides visitors or residents around must-see spots in the city. After a year of work, the app went live on Apple and Android devices. It started with a vacation. Padmaja Rao, an assistant computer science professor at Francis Marion, went to Hawaii with her family in 2022 when they used a GPS touring app. Then, it clicked. About a couple of hours into listening to it, I was like, Oh my gosh, we can do something like this for Florence, Rao said. There's so much history here and I feel like I've been living here for quite a while, I still didn't get an idea of the history of this town. Rao approached her students Austin Freeman and Roland Vu with the idea as they were brainstorming a capstone project. The projects are geared toward senior software engineering students and give them an opportunity to start a project similar to one in a professional environment. Freeman and Vus project turned into just that a challenge a professional would take on. The pair worked together to build the bones of the app. Freeman spent a bulk of his time during the school-yearlong project doing initial prototyping and developing. He also helped squash bugs and integrate mapping. FLORENCE Florence County is considering creating a fire marshal position tasked with inspecting buildings and training fire chiefs around the county in fire safety protocols. Its one step toward the countys goal of a county-run fire department aimed at addressing a volunteer shortage and meeting the needs of a growing population and industry. Florence County residents get their fire services from seven fire departments and more than 30 stations spread across the county that are a part of the Unified Fire District, a separate entity created by the county. The individual fire chiefs at the departments are in charge of training, operations and attending planning meetings with the county to ensure proposed building designs are safe in the event of a fire. Florence County Fire and Rescue Services Coordinator Sam Brockington Jr. said out of the seven chiefs, three might show up once a month to county planning meetings. Florence County Planning Commission meetings are held once a month. He also said these chiefs may not be adequately trained to inspect existing or planned buildings. He called general code enforcement spotty and haphazard. We want to have the ability to give fair and equitable coverage to everyone, Brockington said. The fire marshal position would be a part of the Unified Fire District and be created alongside three fire inspector positions in the countys planning department. The fire marshal would focus on inspecting existing buildings, while the inspectors would focus on plans for proposed buildings. The marshal would train the chiefs of the departments around the county on how to better inspect buildings for fire safety. Now, one fire marshal for the whole county, that's not sufficient, Florence County Administrator Kevin Yokim said. The idea for the district was first brought up at a County Council retreat in 2012 by County Councilman Roger Poston. It wasnt on the agenda, but Poston felt the need to bring it up. He mentioned how everyone got the same quality EMS and sheriff services, but not fire service. ROCK HILL If you have some time off during the holiday break, you have the opportunity to watch a Winthrop University professor accomplish what the Conquistadors couldn't: finding the lost Mayan Empire city of the White Jaguar. Or you can sit in the same room with said instructor in January and watch how it played out. Archaeology professor Brent Woodfill teamed up with the exploration unit from Discovery Channel's "Expedition Unknown" last spring for a search of the lost Mayan city Sak B'alam in southern Mexico. The hourlong episode "Lost City of the White Jaguar" premiered Nov. 29, 2023, and is also available on streaming services Max and Paramount+. Winthrop is preparing for a public showing of the "Expedition Unknown" episode on campus in January, Woodfill said, though no firm date has been set. Woodfill will be part of a question-and-answer session afterward. Host and archeologist Josh Gates has been traveling worldwide for 12 seasons of the show, exploring legends and ancient civilizations. "Josh and his whole crew take this seriously," Woodfill said. "They're trying to do good science and make something accessible to the public. They're more interested in getting it right than presenting easy answers." The subject of the episode itself hadn't been an easy one for anyone to answer. Sak B'alam has two stints of eluding people who searched for it. In the 16th century, it was a Mayan refuge created after the Spanish invasion. It was secluded enough to prevent the Conquistadors from finding it for 120 years. From there, the city was abandoned, and few to no records of it were available. In 1862, Dakota Indians went on a mass murder spree, butchering more than 600 innocent whites, mostly women and children. The Indians murdered babies, beating their brains out and nailing them to trees. They tortured children. They engaged in gang rape on a mass scale. Their rampage was enabled by the fact that many Minnesota men were away, fighting in the Civil War. That slaughter was the worst massacre by either whites or Indians from 1492 to the present. On a per capita basis, it was five times the carnage of September 11. If that narrative sounds familiar, it should. What the Dakota did in 1862 was remarkably similar to what Gazans did on October 7. And the reaction, too, was similar. Surviving whites were righteously infuriated, just like todays Israelis. A militia was quickly organized and sent to the Minnesota River valley, where the assault took place. The federal government, which was losing the Civil War at the time, sent such troops as it could spare. A brief war followedthe Indians did not fare as well against armed civilians and soldiers as they did against unsuspecting women and childrenand the uprising was put down. Several thousand Indians were captured and many were tried by a military court. Initially, several hundred were sentenced to death. If the local whites had their way, they all would have been hanged. But President Lincoln intervened. He ordered that the trial transcripts should be carefully reviewed, and only those against whom there was clear evidence of either murder (not killing in battle) or rape could be executed. The others must be let free. When the local military commander objected that if he freed the Indians the settlers would kill them, Lincoln replied that it was his job to keep the Indians safe. In the end, there was clear enough evidence of murder or rape to convict 38 Dakota. No doubt many more deserved to hang. But there were no survivors left alive to testify after some attacks, while in other cases, the survivors were unable to identify individual perpetrators. Also, some of those who deserved to hang must have been killed in battle. But no doubt many murderers and rapists got off scot-free. Scott and I reviewed the transcripts of the Dakota trials at the Minnesota Historical Society years ago, and wrote an op-ed in the Star Tribune debunking the pro-Indian myths that had developed over the years. But that didnt stop liberals from continuing to rewrite history. Our op-ed preceded the Internet, but you can read John Phelans balanced account of the 1862 uprising and its sequels here. Katherine Kersten adds more details and puts the events into the larger context of the Lefts seizing control of historical narratives here. But when did facts ever matter to liberals? They continue to lionize the Dakota who murdered and raped white children and women. Like, for example, Minnesotas far-left Governor Tim Walz: 161 years ago, 38 Dakota men were hung. Today, the Dakota 38+2 runners ran 71-miles overnight from Fort Snelling to Mankato in remembrance of the largest mass execution in U.S. history. Their sacrifice reminds us all to continue our commitment to accountability and healing. Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) December 26, 2023 I replied to that dungheap of ignorance: It is no coincidence that the same people who sugar coat the murderers and rapists of 1862 also justify the Gazan atrocities of October 7although, to be fair, in both cases they dont so much sugar coat or justify those atrocities, as ignore them completely. Because liberals are OK with mass murder and gang rape when it suits their political agenda. Jill and I wish a very Happy Kwanzaa to all those celebrating across America and around the world. May your homes be filled with hope, peace, and light. And in 2024, may we carry with us the wisdom of the seven principles of Kwanzaa especially those of unity and faith. That was a December 26 post from White House resident Joe Biden. The Delaware Democrat failed to mention anything about the holidays founder Ron Karenga, also known as Maulana Karenga and Ronald McKinley Everett, born in Parsonburg, Maryland, on July 14, 1941. As Hollie I. West of the Washington Post noted, Karenga was a political activist in the late 1960s and came to prominence as a theoretician of the black nationalist movement. In The Quotable Karenga handbook, the Kwanzaa inventor told followers: When its burn, lets see how much you burn. When its kill, lets see how much you kill. When its blow up, lets see how much you blow up. Karenga also established Kuzaliwa, a tribute honoring Malcolm Xs birthday on May 19, and Uhuru Day on August 11, to commemorate the 1965 civil disturbance in Watts. Between 1971 and 1975, Karenga dropped out of sight while serving a prison term for ordering the beating of a woman. In 1971, a court convicted Karenga of kidnapping and torturing two women in his organization. According to Karenga Tortured Women Followers, Wife Tells Court, from the May 3, 1971 Los Angeles Times, Karenga stripped naked Deborah Jones and Gail Davis, whipped them with an electrical cord, and beat the women with a karate baton. The Kwanzaa founder also stuck a hot soldering iron into Davis mouth, and used a vise to clamp down on one of her toes. Before that torture session, Karenga created a black nationalist organization known as US. The rival Black Panthers, who made common cause with white radicals, mocked Karengas group as United Slaves. On January 17, 1969, the Black Panthers and United Slaves shot it out at UCLA over control of the black studies program. Panthers John Huggins and Alprentice Bunchy Carter perished in the gun battle. Ron Karenga was also an inspiration to the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) headed by Cinque Mtume, also known as Donald DeFreeze, sentenced to five years for robbery and a shootout with police. Mtume escaped Soledad prison and hooked up with radical activist Patricia Mizmoon Soltysik. The SLAs seven-headed cobra symbolized Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani, the principles of Kwanzaa. The SLA assassinated Oakland school superintendent Marcus Foster and kidnapped heiress Patricia Hearst. She became a collaborator with the SLA, blasting a storefront with a submachinegun. In similar style, the 1976 film Network showcases the Ecumenical Liberation Army, headed by the Great Ahmed Kahn, which kidnaps wealthy heiress Mary Ann Gifford. Maulana Karenga is now professor of Africana Studies at Cal State Long Beach. With principles such as collective work and responsibility and cooperative economics Karengas holiday is basically socialism in disguise, of interest mainly to sixties re-enactors and woke politicians. Joe Biden hails those celebrating Kwanzaa around the world, but in many countries, even in Africa, a ballpark figure could be zero. The Delaware Democrat, people should remember, claims to choose truth over facts. PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 14:30:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 597 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Freshippo helps peach farmers cut losses from natural disasters and increase revenue by $168/mu The grocer is also reducing the impact on Asian elephants from farmers cutting rubber NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Alibaba GroupBy Alison Tudor AckroydAlibaba Group's high-tech grocer Freshippo showcased how technology can help farmers harness technology to combat climate change at COP28.Freshippo's Shen Li delivers a speech on the sidelines of COP28. Photo credit: FreshippoTechnology can support farmers in addressing the effects of climate change by improving the choice of seed types, plant protection, harvesting and transport of food."Agriculture will continue to be heavily impacted by climate change, making it the common mission of global agriculture practitioners to address climate resilience in agriculture," said Shen Li, co-founder and Freshippo's head of sustainable development.Shen spoke on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).Providing rapid response and maximum assistance to farmers to minimize their losses minimizes the impact of climate-related disasters.When a hailstorm hit several peach farms in Beijing in 2022, they faced losses of over RMB6 million. Freshippo graded visually damaged peaches as "hail-damaged peaches" and processed those peaches into freeze-dried peach crisps.This initiative helped farmers sell the hail-damaged peaches, reducing waste by 200 kilograms per mu and the peach farmers increased their income by RMB1,200 ($168) per mu."We hope to work together with Freshippo to help agricultural practitioners worldwide explore agricultural climate adaptation," said Fu Xiaotian, the China Food and Natural Resources Program Director of the World Resources Institute.Protecting ElephantsSelecting suitable species to cultivate based on the prevailing climate conditions helps agricultural enterprises build climate resilience into farming, said Freshippo.Freshippo showcased the zero-carbon honey it began to produce with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in March this year. The project aims to train villagers in the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan Province, China, to keep bees and collect and sell their honey, reducing the impact on Asian elephants caused by farmers cutting rubber in the mountains and minimizing conflict between human beings and the elephants.By using solar water heaters, installing photovoltaic systems, and planting eco-friendly economic crops, the carbon footprint of honey production is also fully offset. In addition, Freshippo will donate RMB10 from the sale of each bottle of honey to support the sustainable development of local communities."As the first zero-carbon honey produced in China for the conservation of wild Asian elephants, Freshippo is helping to connect elephants, local community members, and the whole society to address climate change," said Dr. Jimmiel Mandima, IFAW's Vice President of Global Programs.Pumpkins in the DesertHelping hold back the encroaching desert, Freshippo opened up a 200-mu organic base in the Ulan Buh Desert in Inner Mongolia. Last year, it harvested 400,000 pumpkins.The pumpkin fields have expanded to 1,000 mu this year, and each pumpkin's growth can help prevent water and soil erosion, affecting about 43 square feet of surrounding soil."The agriculture industry plays an important role in carbon reduction as it is the industry most affected by climate change. The cases shared by Freshippo have brought greater attention to the industry's adaptability to climate change issues," said Zhou Fei, WWF-China's Chief Programme Officer.Please refer to https://www.alizila.com/esg/ for additional information about Alibaba's sustainability efforts.View original content here.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Alibaba Group on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Alibaba GroupWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/alibaba-group Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Alibaba Group PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 19:30:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 582 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: July 22, 2019 - Oct. 12, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 2, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/BCS Contact An Attorney Now: BCS@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS) Securities Fraud Class Action:The complaint alleges that Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that:(1) contrary to his false public statements and assertions to Britain's Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), Barclays' ex-CEO Jes Staley had a very close relationship with Epstein;(2) Staley was reportedly aware of Epstein's criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein;(3) Staley's close, personal relationship with Epstein, and potential criminal activity, if discovered could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Barclays;(4) as a result, Barclays' response to the FCA inquiry regarding Staley's relationship with Epstein was materially false; and(5) Barclays, having become aware of information contradicting its response to the FCA's inquiry, then failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action.Investors began to learn the truth on Nov. 1, 2021, when Barclays announced Staley's departure after becoming aware of the FCA's preliminary conclusions regarding the company's and Staley's characterization of the Epstein relationship.Subsequently, the Financial Times reported that Staley and Epstein exchanged 1,200 emails over a four-year period and, just before joining Barclays in 2015, Staley sailed his yacht to Epstein's island in the Caribbean.Finally, on Oct. 12, 2023, the FCA announced that "Staley recklessly approved a letter sent by Barclays to the FCA, which contained two misleading statements, about the nature of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the point of their last contact." The FCA fined Staley, barred him from the financial services industry and observed that Staley's emails described Epstein as one of his "deepest" and "most cherished" friends.Each of these events drove the price of Barclays American Depositary Shares lower."We're focused on investors' losses and are investigating whether Barclays may have intentionally misled investors about the nature of the Staley-Epstein relationship," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Barclays and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Barclays case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Barclays should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email BCS@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 14:00:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 542 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Dollar General Corporation ("Dollar General" or "the Company") (NYSE:DG) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Dollar General securities between May 28, 2020 and August 30, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/dg Case Details:The Complaint alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Dollar General stores were chronically understaffed and suffering from logistical and inventory management problems which left stores with tens of millions of dollars' worth of outdated and unwanted inventory, mispriced goods, and lost and damaged items; (ii) large backlogs of unsellable merchandise had built up at Dollar General's stores, which inventory had not been timely written down due to understaffing and Dollar General's failure to manage its inventory; (iii) the allotment of employee hours per store per week imposed by Dollar General management placed employees in virtually impossible situations where assigned tasks, including those necessary to effective store operations, could not be completed within the allotted time; (iv) Dollar General was systematically overcharging customers for items upon checkout above the listed price in violation of state laws, including state law violations identified by state regulators in Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio; (v) Dollar General's reported revenue and earnings during the Class Period were artificially inflated by defendants' over-pricing scheme; (vi) Dollar General's failure to manage store inventories and accurately price items upon checkout risked the loss of customers, lower sales, adverse regulatory actions, and reputational fallout; and (vii) Dollar General was not on track to achieve its guidance during the Class Period and such guidance lacked a reasonable factual basis.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/dg or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Dollar General you have until January 26, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 20:00:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 719 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Hagens Berman, National Trial Attorneys, Encourages FSR Investors with Substantial Losses to Contact Firm's AttorneysSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Fisker Inc. (NYSE:FSR) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Aug. 4, 2023 - Nov. 20, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 26, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/FSR Contact An Attorney Now: FSR@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Fisker Inc. (NYSE:FSR) Securities Fraud Class Action:Fisker's recent decision to dial back its full-year production target has caused news outlets to question whether the company will survive the next year.On Dec. 7, 2023, MotleyFool observed, in response to the production cut, that the company "prioritized liquidity[,]" "[p]ut another way, Fisker requires cash for working capital needs and is therefore scaling back production[,]" and "[t]hat's a pretty dire situation to be in for any company." Then, on Dec. 19, The Wall Street Journal noted the "cash crunch" several EV makers are facing, including Fisker. According to WSJ, Fisker recently reported as having only 187 days of cash on hand, meaning it could run out of cash before the middle of next year.The recent reports questioning Fisker's solvency come in the wake of the filing of a securities class action suit, alleging that earlier this year Fisker tried to obscure its costs to make it appear more viable."The litigation challenges Fisker's cost accounting and internal controls over financial reporting," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Defendants misrepresented and concealed: (1) that Fisker had a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting; (2) that Fisker had incorrectly accounted for certain costs; (3) that as a result the Company was likely to delay filing its quarterly report; and (4) that Fisker's infrastructure was limiting its ability to deliver its production.Investors began to learn the truth on Nov. 8, 2023, when Fisker announced that it was delaying its Q3 2023 earnings release until after markets close on Nov. 13, 2023. Fisker blamed the delay on the unexplained departure of its, now former, Chief Accounting Officer John Finnucan on Oct. 27, 2023 and the appointment of a replacement effective Nov. 6, 2023.Then, on Nov. 13, 2023, Fisker released dismal Q3 2023 results. It further revealed that material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting prevented it from timely filing its quarterly report with the SEC.On Nov. 20, 2023, WSJ reported that Fisker has lost another Chief Accounting Officer. According to the WSJ, Florus Belting, who was named to the post in early Nov., resigned from the company the day after Fisker reported Q3 results.Finally, on Nov. 22, 2023, the Company filed its Q3 2023 quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which disclosed that the Company had "identified approximately $20 million of expenses" which were "incorrectly recorded primarily as selling, general and administrative expenses in our preliminary earnings results, but were later determined to be associated with production set-up activities" and that "other inventory adjustments were recorded resulting in a $4.0 million increase in net loss subsequent to the preliminary earnings results." If you invested in Fisker and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Fisker case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Fisker should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email FSR@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 22:05:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 583 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Reverse Split is a Key Element of Company's Strategic Initiatives as It Prepares for Next Generation of Its Acquisition FinancingsNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / 1847 Holdings LLC ("1847" or the "Company") (NYSE American:EFSH), a unique holding company that combines the attractive attributes of owning private, lower-middle market businesses with the liquidity and transparency of a publicly traded company, today announced that it will effect a 1-for-4 reverse split ("reverse split") of its common shares that will become effective on January 8, 2024. 1847's common shares will continue to trade on NYSE American under the symbol "EFSH" and will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis when the market opens on January 8, 2024. The new CUSIP number for the common shares following the reverse split will be 28252B879. The reverse split will reduce the number of outstanding shares of the Company's common shares from approximately 3.43 million shares to approximately 0.86 million shares and also reduce the Company's float from approximately 3.40 million shares to approximately 0.85 million shares."We continue to execute on our strategy of acquiring undervalued, cash flow positive, lower-middle market businesses at attractive valuations," stated Ellery W. Roberts, CEO of 1847. "Nevertheless, the overall capital markets remain challenging, and we believe this reverse split will tighten the public float in our stock, enabling us to attract a broader universe of institutional and other investors given the traction in our business. This strategic restructuring as part of the Company's capitalization acknowledges that reality and better positions the Company for our serial accretive acquisitions going forward." About 1847 Holdings LLC1847 Holdings LLC (NYSE American:EFSH), a publicly traded diversified acquisition holding company, was founded by Ellery W. Roberts, a former partner of Parallel Investment Partners, Saunders Karp & Megrue, and Principal of Lazard Freres Strategic Realty Investors. 1847 Holdings' investment thesis is that capital market inefficiencies have left the founders and/or stakeholders of many small business enterprises or lower-middle market businesses with limited exit options despite the intrinsic value of their business. Given this dynamic, 1847 Holdings can consistently acquire businesses it views as "solid" for reasonable multiples of cash flow and then deploy resources to strengthen the infrastructure and systems of those businesses in order to improve operations. These improvements may lead to a sale or IPO of an operating subsidiary at higher valuations than the purchase price and/or alternatively, an operating subsidiary may be held in perpetuity and contribute to 1847 Holdings' ability to pay regular and special dividends to shareholders. For more information, visit www.1847holdings.com For the latest insights, follow 1847 on Twitter.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain information about 1847 Holdings' view of its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on our management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future economic performance, taking into account the information currently available to it. These statements are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties, some of which are not currently known to us, that may cause our actual results, performance or financial condition to be materially different from the expectations of future results, performance or financial position. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include but are not limited to the risks set forth in "Risk Factors" included in our SEC filings.Contact:Crescendo Communications, LLCTel: +1 (212) 671-1020Email: EFSH@ crescendo-ir.com SOURCE: 1847 Holdings LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 08:05:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 991 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HORIZONTE SIGNS INTERIM US$20 MILLION FUNDING PACKAGEHIGHLIGHTS:Horizonte agrees a US$20 million interim funding package provided by Orion, Glencore and La Mancha The funding package is expected to provide liquidity while a full funding solution is progressed Agreement with existing Senior Lenders to defer interest payments due 31 December 2023 The Company continues to review the outstanding Project capital expenditure and schedule re-estimate, necessary to implement a full funding solution LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company") the nickel development company, announces that it has agreed a US$20 million interim funding package (the "Funding Package") which comprises a US$15 million Senior Secured Loan Facility (the "Facility"), and the release of US$5 million by OMF Fund III (Cr) Ltd. previously secured at Vermelho, that will allow for critical construction streams to advance at its flagship Araguaia Nickel Project ("Araguaia" or "the Project") and for general working capital purposes.Interim CEO Karim Nasr commented, "We are pleased to see the continued support from our cornerstone shareholders through this US$20 million funding package. This funding package is a demonstration from the Company's largest shareholders on their commitment towards finding a solution to complete the Araguaia Nickel Project construction. We are actively engaging with our cornerstone shareholders and senior lenders with the goal of unlocking a funding solution in Q2 2024. We wish to thank our cornerstones, local stakeholders and employees for their continued commitment and support." The Facility has been provided by OMF Fund III (F) Ltd. ("Orion Mine Finance"), La Mancha Investments S.a r.l. ("La Mancha") and Glencore International AG ("Glencore") (together the "New Money Lenders"), who have each committed US$5 million to the Facility. The New Money Lenders will rank pari passu with the Senior Lenders and will benefit from the same security package. The Facility will have a maturity date falling 102 months from 7 December 2022 and will bear interest at 15.00% per annum.Furthermore, the existing Senior Lenders have agreed to waivers that include deferral of interest due at 31st December 2023 to the end of February 2024 in addition to any breaches or Events of Default under the Senior Debt Facilities.The Funding Package constitutes a related party transaction under Rule 13 of the AIM Rules for Companies. As such, the Company's independent directors (excluding those connected to La Mancha and their nominees) consider, having consulted with its nominated adviser Peel Hunt LLP, that the terms of the Funding Package are fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are concerned.Further to the above, OMF Fund III (Cr) Ltd. has demonstrated its further support to the Project through the release of an additional US$5 million currently secured at Vermelho, Horizonte's second 100% owned project in Brazil. Following the closing of the funding package, US$11 million will remain segregated for the development of Vermelho, where on-going studies continue to advance.The Funding Package provides the Company with liquidity to advance the required re-estimation work at Araguaia, necessary to implement a full funding solution. It will also allow two critical workstreams to be completed, the Water Storage Reservoir and the 230kV powerline, while maintaining a strong focus on safety.As previously announced, the Company's cornerstone shareholders and senior lenders are continuing to undertake their respective due diligence as part of a full funding solution, which includes working with the Company and consultants who are undertaking a review of the outstanding Project capital expenditure and schedule. It is expected that this due diligence process and review will be finalised in Q1 2024, with a full funding solution targeted for Q2 2024.While the Funding Package will allow near term work at Araguaia to progress, completion of construction activities at Araguaia will be subject to successful completion of a full financing solution in 2024. There can be no certainty at this stage that the full financing solution will be achieved.Figure 1 - An overview of the Araguaia processing site as at the beginning of December 2023.Figure 2 - A view from above the Homogenisation building looking towards the primary and secondary crushers, the ROM pad and stockpiles.Figure 3 - A view of the steel erection of the Electrostatic Precipitator, the Rotary Kiln, the Electric Arc Furnace and the Refinery.This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014, as retained in the UK pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.com or contact:Horizonte Minerals plc Patrick Chambers (Head of IR)info@ horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Ross AllisterRichard CrichtonDavid McKeownBhavesh Patel+44 (0)20 7418 8900BMO (Joint Broker) Thomas RiderPascal Lussier DuquetteAndrew Cameron+44 (0) 20 7236 1010Barclays (Joint Broker) Philip LindopRichard Bassingthwaighte+44 (0)20 7623 2323Tavistock (Financial PR)Jos SimsonCath Drummond+44 (0) 20 7920 3150ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALSHorizonte Minerals Plc (AIM/TSX: HZM) is developing two 100%-owned, Tier 1 projects in Para state, Brazil - the Araguaia Nickel Project and the Vermelho Nickel-Cobalt Project. Both projects are high-grade, low-cost, with low carbon emission intensities and are scalable. Araguaia is under construction and when fully ramped up with both Line 1 and Line 2, is forecast to produce 29,000 tonnes of nickel per year. Vermelho is at feasibility study stage. Horizonte's combined production profile of over 60,000 tonnes of nickel per year positions the Company as a globally significant nickel producer. Horizonte's top three shareholders are La Mancha Investments S.a r.l., Glencore Plc and Orion Mine Finance.CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATIONExcept for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company's current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 19:30:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 898 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Regions Community Development Corporation collaborated with internal partners to create technology enhancements and process improvements to better support mission-driven clients.NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Regions BankBy Candace HigginbothamThe Regions Community Development Corporation, or RCDC, launched with great success three years ago and quickly began fulfilling their mission to create inclusive prosperity in the communities that Regions Bank serves.A few years into their journey, the new organization began to experience some growing pains.The RCDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regions Bank that supports underserved communities with limited access to traditional sources of capital by providing debt and equity financing for projects and entities with a community development purpose."The need is great, and the opportunities are infinite." David Christian, Regions Community Development Corporation chief operating officer"The need is great, and the opportunities are infinite," said David Christian, Regions Community Development Corporation chief operating officer. "We became aware pretty early on that we needed some process enhancements to streamline our lending efforts so we could scale our loan production." Innovation is a key priority at Regions Bank, especially around enhancing digital and data across all channels. Also important are personalizing the customer experience and enhancing the associate experience.The company even has an informal bank-wide program for such initiatives: Innovating Today With an Eye on Tomorrow.Here's how the RCDC team utilized cross-functional collaboration and technology enhancements to make it faster and easier to support their clients.The ProblemRegions has a passionate team dedicated to providing lending products to organizations with a mission-driven purpose in underserved communities. Bankers who knew about the RCDC were ready and willing to utilize this important service throughout our markets. Because these banking products and the needs of the clients don't always fit the standard lending model, it can sometimes take longer to complete the process. That bottleneck was frustrating for everyone involved. The SolutionThe RCDC collaborated with internal Regions specialists to create and enhance existing technology solutions to streamline processes and improve communication so they can offer financial assistance to more community partners. All stakeholders benefitted from this improvement effort: the team, Regions bankers and clients. How They Did ItFirst, the RCDC team consulted with in-house specialists in Risk Management and Wealth Management to create new reporting dashboards. The Power BI tool improved the quality and timeliness of information, which in turn enabled quicker and better decision making.Next, the RCDC engaged consultants from the Change Management and Strategic Execution team in the Regions Corporate Banking Group to evaluate their loan application and fulfillment processes. They also helped RCDC develop a more effective internal technical communication strategy.As a result, the team was equipped with job aids and FAQs to distribute to local relationship managers and market managers to ensure lending teams throughout the Regions footprint are aware of the RCDC capabilities and processes. In addition, they streamlined the loan fulfillment process and helped eliminate bottlenecks."We are seeing tangible benefits from this already, in the way of faster throughput times on loans and cleaner, smoother output," Christian said.Recent SuccessesThe improvements were put to work immediately. Because of market conditions and industry activity in the past year, some clients began approaching RCDC with deposit requests to increase their liquidity positions.One example is Carver State Bank, a community development financial institution (CDFI) and minority depository institution (MDI) in Savannah, Georgia.We appreciate the quick work the RCDC team did to execute this deposit for us.Robert James II, president of Carver Financial Corporation and executive vice president of Carver State BankThe RCDC already had a $1 million preferred stock investment with Carver Financial Corporation, parent company of Carver State Bank. Thanks in part to their recent efforts to be more nimble, the RCDC was able to respond quickly to Carver's request and allowed the institution to secure an additional $4 million in the form of a certificate of deposit (CD)."Technology played a role in the ability to move fast on that deal," said Ben Brady, relationship manager for the RCDC. "By utilizing the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) program administered by the IntraFi Network, RCDC was able to make a significantly larger-than-usual deposit while maintaining FDIC insurance on the entire deposit." CDARS allows a business to invest in CDs held by FDIC-insured banking institutions, so it can achieve full FDIC coverage for the total sum."We appreciate the quick work the RCDC team did to execute this deposit for us," said Robert James II, president of Carver Financial Corporation and executive vice president of Carver State Bank. "The transaction helped Carver to enhance our balance sheet at a critical time and make more deep-impact loans in our community. We're grateful for the continued alliance." Christian reinforced the importance of the relationship, saying, "Carver is an important client for us. They provide critical banking services to low- and moderate-income areas in Savannah. They also recently acquired a majority stake in Alamerica Bank, located in Regions' headquarters city of Birmingham, Alabama. We are excited about future opportunities to collaborate and serve these two important communities." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regions Bank on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Regions BankWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/regions-bankEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Regions Bank PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 18:31:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 619 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Do you, or did you, own shares of Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: INSP)? Did you purchase your shares between May 3, 2023 and November 7, 2023, inclusive? Did you lose money in your investment in Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.? Do you want to discuss your rights? NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the common stock of Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. ("Inspire Medical" or the "Company") (NYSE:INSP) between May 3, 2023 and November 7, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the "Complaint").If you purchased or acquired Inspire Medical common stock, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact paralegal Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later thanFebruary 20, 2024 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.According to the Complaint, Inspire Medical is a medical technology company that develops and commercializes minimally invasive products for patients with obstructive sleep apnea ("OSA"). The Company offers the only OSA device that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for treatment of the root cause of sleep apnea by working inside the body with the patient's natural breathing process. The Company calls the treatment, which includes an implantable device, "Inspire therapy." On November 7, 2023, the Company announced disappointing earnings results for the third quarter of 2023 - its first reported revenue miss since becoming a public company in 2018. In a stunning admission, Inspire Medical stated it had started to "track" problems with its Acceleration Program in the second quarter of 2023, including a decrease in the number of prior authorization submissions for Inspire therapy, and "recogniz[ed] this trend early in the third quarter" - i.e., as early as July 1, 2023.On this news, the Company's share price fell $31.79, or over 19%, to close at $129.65 per share on November 8, 2023.If you purchased or acquired Inspire Medical common stock, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact paralegal Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter Allocco ParalegalBernstein Liebhard LLP https://www.bernlieb.com (212) 951-2030 pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 05:15:59 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 331 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 26, 2023 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. ("Arbor" or "the Company") (NYSE:ABR) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Arbor is the subject of a report issued by Viceroy Research November 17, 2023, titled, ""Arbor Realty Trust - Slumlord Millionaires." According to the report, "Arbor's high-risk multifamily bridge loans, which comprise substantially all of its asset book, are going bad fast The end is near." Viceroy Research then issued a follow up report on December 5, 2023, titled "Arbor - Jacksonville Case Study." In the second report, Viceroy Research claims that the Company's "entire loan book is distressed and underlying collateral is vastly overstated." Based on this news, shares of Arbor fell by more than 5% over the next two trading sessions.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The class in this case has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq.310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.comwww.schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-27 15:45:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 839 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Adams Terrace and Jordan Downs, located in historical neighborhoods, are closing the wealth gap and creating homes for hundreds of residentsNORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / U.S. Bank Originally published on U.S. Bank company bllow-to-moderate-incomeogTo continue addressing California's affordable housing crisis and close the wealth gap, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance is leaning in to provide debt and equity toward affordable housing developments across the state, including two projects located within historical Los Angeles neighborhoods.Photo: Jordan Downs Phase 3B will offer 107 apartments to low-to-moderate income families. Property amenities will include a leasing office, community room and ample outdoor areas.Abode Communities'Adams Terraceopened earlier this year in the historic West Adams neighborhood in South LA and serves seniors, including those chronically homeless. Impact Finance provided a more than $33.7 million construction loan to construct 84 units of affordable housing to seniors ages 55+. A U.S. Bank team recently visited Adams Terrace to meet with the Abode staff and learn more about how the development is changing lives and influencing the neighborhood."It was energizing to visit Adams Terrace and see our financing come to life through the residents who live there and the employees who work hard every day to make it a great place to live," said U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance Chairman & CEO Zack Boyers. "We've been working with Abode for many years and it's a privilege to enable them through our financing to meet community needs like affordable housing in a historical neighborhood." Within the last 20 years in the Los Angeles metro area, Impact Finance has provided nearly $2 billion in affordable housing debt and financed approximately $1.4 billion in affordable housing equity."Our commitment in Los Angeles and across the state is of significant importance to us." - U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance Chairman & CEO Zack BoyersRecently honored with Abode's People Impact Equity Award at its 55th anniversary celebration, Impact Finance has been lending and investing with Abode since 2008. Additionally, Abode received a Community Possible grant through the U.S. Bank Foundation in 2022, which was used in part to support the construction of Adams Terrace. Adams Terrace consists of two fourstory buildings and includes parking as well as community rooms, onsite laundry, outdoor courtyards, onsite resident and supportive services as well as onsite property management."Adams Terrace is another shining example of our partnership with U.S. Bank," said President & CEO of Abode Communities, Holly Benson. "They are a reliable, trustworthy partner, and share Abode Communities' desire to create equitable housing opportunity for all." For pop culture enthusiasts, there is a tie to West Adams and the recently released "Lessons in Chemistry," a 2023 AppleTV+ series adapted from the book written by Bonnie Garmus. The series highlights character Harriet Sloane, a neighbor to main character Elizabeth Zott. As explained in thisLA Timesstory which highlights the differences between the book and the series, Sloane actively pursues stopping the construction of the Santa Monica Freeway through their predominately Black neighborhood. The storyline is inspired by historical 1960 events and the decline of the Sugar Hill district within West Adams because of freeway construction through what was once a thriving community.Just 11 miles south of West Adams in Los Angeles' Watts community, Impact Finance made a $40 million equity investment and provided a $54.5 million construction loan to BRIDGE Housing's Jordan Downs, a 1950s-era public housing development that also experienced civil unrest in 1965 and 1992. First opened in May 1944, the complex was initially developed as semi-permanent housing during World War II for war workers.Jordan Downs Phase 3Bwill offer 107 apartments to low-to-moderate-income families. Property amenities will include a leasing office, community room and ample outdoor areas. The property is adjacent to a new transit stop at the Jordan Downs Plaza retail center and is near a medical clinic, pharmacy, schools, library, and more. Additionally, residents will have access to a broad array of services, such as rental assistance, food distribution, and wellness activities. It is anticipated to complete construction in the Summer of 2025.Watch this brief videoto learn more about this redevelopment project."BRIDGE deeply values our longstanding partnership with U.S. Bank and their commitment to the people and communities we serve," said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard. "In keeping with our mission, Jordan Downs Phase 3B goes beyond housing to provide the retail, transit, educational opportunities and jobs that lift neighborhoods. We're proud to team up on this innovative development that will benefit future generations." The U.S. Bank Foundation has also supported BRIDGE through Community Possible grants to expand and preserve affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income residents in California."Our commitment in Los Angeles and across the state is of significant importance to us," said Boyers. "We look forward to more great things to come." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from U.S. Bank on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: U.S. BankWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/us-bank Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: U.S. Bank In 2023, while some Nigerian celebrities found love, others werent so lucky. The love in the air seemed to turn stale as some of our favorite celebrity couples announced their separations. Here, we highlight 10 Nigerian celebrity breakups that shocked us in 2023. Bolanle Ninalowo On 1 September, Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo announced his separation from his wife of 16 years, Bunmi. The couple met in 2004, married in 2007, and have two children, a boy and a girl. Before this development, the actor and his wife separated over infidelity claims in 2019 but reconciled in 2021. He cited his children, Aliyah and Morakinyo, and his mental health as reasons for the separation. Adebayo Adeleke, aka BRed In January, Nigerian artiste Adebayo Adeleke, known as BRed, ended his marriage with his wife, Faith Johnson. Allegations of abuse and infidelity trailed BReds marriage, which produced a child. Bukola Awoyemi (Arugba) and Damola Olatunji Famous actress Bukola Awoyemi, also known as Arugba, separated from her husband, actor Damola Olatunji, on 30 May. The actress moved out of the actors house because of alleged infidelity, a rumour denied by Mr Olatunji. The actress claimed they were not married but had a set of twins together. Ms Awoyemi, in a statement from her lawyer, Samuel Abimbola, posted on her Instagram page, said they mutually agreed to separate while ensuring the welfare of their children. In response to the separation in June, Mr Olatunji mentioned that his decision to remain silent was influenced by his love and respect for his children. Farida Sobowale In August, Demola Odulaja, a London-based entrepreneur, and Farida Abdulkabir, also known as Farida Sobowale, the Chief Executive Officer of House of Phreedah Body Care, parted ways. The marriage ended just two months after they exchanged vows. Following the failed marriage, Ms Sobowale attempted suicide. She tried to jump into the lagoon at the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos but was stopped by passers-by. Reacting to the failed marriage in an interview with Yoruba social commentator ArewaTopeFamous on 28 August, Mr Odulaja accused his ex-wife of promiscuity, lies, covetousness, and other vices. Israel Afeare (Israel DMW) After a grand wedding in October 2022, Davidos Logistics Manager, Israel Afeare, known as Israel DMW, parted ways with his wife, Ms Sheila, on 25 November. Israel DMW shared the news on his Instagram page. He revealed that Ms Sheila left their home on 8 August despite his support since their marriage. He accused his ex-wife of setting expectations for him, thinking she had gained celebrity status on Instagram, despite his generosity towards her and her family. In response to her ex-husbands allegations, Sheila stated that Israel DMW utilised their wedding to enrich himself. She said Israel DMW, on many occasions, restricted her from going out. Yomi Gold In January, Yoruba actor and producer Yomi Alore, known as Yomi Gold, announced his separation from his wife, Ameenat Abisola, also known as Meenah. Yomi, on his Instagram page, said the decision was mutual. He acknowledged his imperfections saying that his ex-wife deserves a better man. The couple wedded privately in January 2022 and welcomed a child in April. He said that their separation doesnt warrant any form of judgment, stating that When love dies, no one should force it. In 2019, Yomi ended his first marriage with Victoria Ige after 15 years. They have two children together. Wunmi Toriola Similarly, Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola in January announced a divorce from her husband. She acknowledged the end of her marriage on her Instagram page and addressed false allegations of violence. She clarified that the relationship ended in 2022 because they were incompatible. Ireti Doyle In January, Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle announced her divorce from veteran broadcaster Patrick Doyle. Ms Doyle, in an interview with Chude, said she was no longer married to her husband Patrick, with whom she shares six children. Patrick last made headlines on 11 December when he legally married Funmilayo. Gumsu Abacha and Mai Mala Buni In December, Gumsu Abacha, the second daughter of the late Nigerian Head of State, Sani Abacha, revealed her two-year marriage to the Governor of Yobe State, Mala Buni. Ms Gumsu, on her X page (formerly Twitter), disclosed that she had left her marriage with Governor Buni. She married him as his fourth wife in March 2021. Ms Gumsu was previously married to Cameroonian multi-billionaire Bayero Fadil Mohamadou. They separated in 2019 after nearly 20 years of marriage, during which they had five children. The reason for the divorce is unknown, but there are speculations that she refused to relocate from Abuja to Yobe. Stella Damasus In August, Nollywood actress Stella Damasus announced her third marriage to Daniel Ademinokan was over. Having tied the knot in 2011 after two previous marriages, Stella, in a podcast interview with Teju Babyface said she has been single and divorced for three years. Before officially acknowledging her divorce, the 45-year-old actresss marriage was quite controversial. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print As we bid farewell to 2023, the healthcare journey has been one of highs and lows. From unexpected outbreaks like diphtheria to the impact of already existing brain drain in the sector, the year was peppered with moments that tested Nigerias health systems. In 2023, the battle against diseases like cholera, and Lassa fever continued, emphasising the ongoing challenges faced by certain regions in Africas most populous nation. Yet, amidst these struggles, the launch of operational guidelines for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act brings hope for positive change, pointing towards a more inclusive healthcare system. In this report, PREMIUM TIMES analyses a year in healthcare acknowledging the difficulties faced, highlighting successes achieved, and pointing out the path ahead for a healthier future. Diphtheria outbreak The resurgence of diphtheria in 2023 emerged as an unexpected and formidable foe, challenging health systems across the country. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, an individuals skin. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) noted that people most at risk of contracting diphtheria are children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine, people who live in a crowded environment, in areas with poor sanitation and healthcare workers who are exposed to suspected or confirmed cases of diphtheria. More than 500 people, mostly children, have died of diphtheria in Nigeria since the current outbreak began in 2022. Data published by the NCDC spanning Epi-Week 19 2022 to Epi-Week 48 2023 indicates that 20,684 suspected cases have so far been reported from 33 states across 280 LGAs. Kano State, the epicentre of the disease with 13,461, followed by Yobe with 2,234, Katsina 1,509, Bauchi 1,139, Borno 968, Kaduna 486 and Jigawa 256 accounted for 96.9 of suspected cases reported. Of the 20,684 suspected cases, 12,086 (58.4 per cent) were confirmed cases distributed across 148 LGAs in 20 states. The data shows that 8,393 (69.4 per cent) of the confirmed cases were among children aged 1 14 years. Health experts say the resurgence of the bacterial infection is mainly due to low immunisation among children, who are considered most vulnerable to the disease. Alarmingly, only 3,202 (26.5 per cent) out of the 12086 confirmed cases were fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine. Introduction of HPV vaccine A significant breakthrough in the health sector in 2023 is the integration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the routine immunisation system. This strategic move is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding teenage girls against cervical cancer, a prevalent form of cancer that develops in a womans cervix and ranks as the fourth most common cancer cases among women globally. The Nigerian government said it aims to reach 7.7 million girls with the life-saving vaccine, the largest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in Africa. The inclusion of the HPV vaccine is a significant victory for Nigeria, where cervical cancer stands as the third most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15 to 44. In the latest available data from 2020, the country reported 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths attributed to cervical cancer. While the exact causes of cancer remain unknown, research has identified 14 out of 100 HPV strains as responsible for at least 99 per cent of cervical cancer cases. Notably, the WHO highlights that HPV types 16 and 18 contribute to at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cervical lesions. Additionally, there is evidence linking HPV to cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and oropharynx. But with the existence of vaccines, WHO estimates that cervical cancer could be the first cancer to be eliminated if 90 per cent of girls are vaccinated against HPV. Doctors strike The recurring issue of healthcare professionals strikes persisted in Nigeria throughout 2023. Various unions within the sector expressed their discontent, highlighting systemic challenges afflicting the healthcare system. For instance, doctors under the umbrella of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on strike at various periods in 2023. The doctors demanded among other issues, the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), tangible steps on the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and payment of all salary arrears owed its members since 2015. The doctors also want massive recruitment of clinical staff in the hospitals and abolishment of the bureaucratic limitations to the immediate replacement of doctors and nurses who leave the system. They also want the immediate review of hazard allowance by all the state governments as well as private tertiary health institutions where any form of residency training is done. The impact of these strikes was particularly pronounced as resident doctors constitute a significant portion of medical personnel in Nigerias tertiary hospitals. Consequently, the healthcare delivery system faced substantial disruptions during their periods of industrial action. During one of their strikes, the federal government had threatened to enforce the no work, no pay policy against the striking resident doctors, who remained adamant on their decision. Recently, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) also threatened to withdraw their services across health institutions in the country should the federal government fail to implement the upward review of CONMESS. In the upcoming year, governments at all levels must prioritise the demands of health workers and create conducive working environments to maximise their contributions and prevent more industrial actions. Mental health bill The enactment of the Mental Health Bill 2021 stands as a momentous milestone in the health sector for the year 2023. Former President Muhammadu Buhari officially signed the bill into law, marking a significant achievement after two previous unsuccessful attempts in 2003 and 2013. The bill, harmonised by both the upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly in 2021, represents the inaugural legislative reform in the mental health field since the nation gained independence. Notably, it will supersede the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958. As mental health takes centre stage in global conversations, this legislative stride positions Nigeria at the forefront of proactive mental health policies. The enactment of the Mental Health Bill 2021 not only addresses the gaps in the existing legal framework but also sets the stage for enhanced mental health services, destigmatisation, and a more inclusive and supportive approach to mental well-being for all citizens. New leadership In 2023, a change in leadership marked a significant development in Nigerias health sector. On 21 August, Muhammad Pate, a professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, assumed the role of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Assisting him in this crucial position is Tunji Alausa, who takes on the role of Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. They succeeded Osagie Ehanire, who served as the minister from 2019 to 2023, and Olorunnimbe Mamora, the former Minister of State for Health. Mr Pate, with his extensive background, has a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on the nations healthcare system for the second time. The professor stepped into his position with a second opportunity to significantly impact the nations healthcare system. When he served earlier as Nigerias minister of state for health, he made a notable impression during his brief tenure. He initiated a global coalition aimed at bolstering healthcare systems, even as he saw to the implementation of innovative programmes dedicated to addressing pressing concerns, notably the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Additionally, Mr Pate spearheaded a flagship initiative to rejuvenate routine vaccinations and primary healthcare. He also chaired a presidential task force focused on eradicating polio while introducing new vaccines into the nations healthcare regimen. The optimism surrounding the new leadership stems from the wealth of experience that Mr Pate brings to the position. Expectations are high that his strategic approach and past experience will contribute to reshaping and revitalising Nigerias health sector, addressing critical issues and ensuring a positive trajectory for the nations healthcare. Launch of operational guidelines for the NHIA Act The unveiling of the operational guidelines for the 2022 National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) stands out as a significant milestone that resonated throughout the health sector in 2023. This initiative is a crucial component of the governments commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to cost-effective healthcare services. At the launch, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mr Pate, emphasised the crucial role of providing affordable and high-quality healthcare to all Nigerians in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He noted that the NHIA Act of 2022 has put these guidelines into operation, offering a clear direction. This operationalisation aims to facilitate a collective effort by the government to enhance the affordability of healthcare for everyone, with a particular focus on the poorest and most vulnerable members of the Nigerian population. He said the operational guidelines were developed through extensive engagement with diverse stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to shaping the future of healthcare accessibility in the country. Brain drain The ongoing trend of healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, nurses, and other personnel, migrating to developed nations represents a significant and disheartening development in the health sector for the year 2023. Numerous statistics highlight the mass exodus of Nigerian doctors in pursuit of better opportunities abroad. This mass departure has resulted in a significant void in Nigerias healthcare system, leaving few healthcare workers to address the needs of the countrys population exceeding 200 million. While the reasons behind this migration are multifaceted, including the pursuit of better remuneration, improved working conditions, and professional development opportunities, the collective impact on the nations health system is undeniably severe. For the new year 2024, health experts said it is important to recognise the intrinsic value of healthcare professionals and to create an environment that fosters their growth, job satisfaction, and dedication to serving the population. Dengue fever outbreak The unexpected emergence of Dengue fever towards the close of 2023 posed a significant challenge to the health sector. As of 16 December, the NCDC reported 13 confirmed cases of Dengue fever in three LGAs in Sokoto State. The World Health Organisation (WHO) linked the surge in Dengue fever to global warming, characterised by elevated average temperatures, increased precipitation, and an extended period of drought. Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the Dengue virus (DENV) and is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Although human-to-human transmission has not been established, individuals infected for the second time face a higher risk of severe Dengue. The virus is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical climates, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas worldwide. While most people with Dengue experience mild or no symptoms and recover within one to two weeks, severe cases can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include high fever, intense headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rashes. Increased Lassa Fever cases Lassa fever continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, driven by factors such as inadequate environmental sanitation, low awareness, and delayed case presentations. The impact of this deadly disease persisted throughout 2023, maintaining its grip on the country. As of 10 December, over 200 Nigerians had died from Lassa fever; a disease that is preventable with good hygiene and treatable if presented early at hospitals. The latest epidemiological report published by NCDC for week 49 of 2023, spanning 4 to 10 December, indicated a rise in the number of suspected cases, reaching 8,707, compared to the same period in 2022, which recorded 7,907 cases. The report revealed that from week 1 to week 49 of 2023, 206 deaths were reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.3 per cent, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 of 18.3 per cent. The country also documented 1,191 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2023, surpassing the 1,028 cases reported within the equivalent timeframe in 2022. According to the report for 2023, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 116 LGAs. While 76 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from three states namely; Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, 23 per cent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. The natural reservoir for the virus is the Mastomys natalensis rodent (commonly known as the multimammate rat or the African rat). Other rodents can also be carriers of the virus. The virus spreads through direct contact with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rats; contact with objects, household items, and surfaces contaminated with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rats, and consuming food or water contaminated with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rats. Person-to-person transmission can also occur through direct contact with blood, urine, faeces, vomitus, and other body fluids of an infected person. Cholera persists While there has been a decrease in cholera cases in 2023 compared to the previous year, the persistent presence of this acute diarrheal infection, caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera, remains a concern in the country. According to the NCDC epidemiological report for weeks 1-39, as of 1 October, a total of 3,276 suspected cases, including 102 deaths, have been reported from 27 states. Comparatively, suspected cases of cholera in the current year decreased by 79 per cent and cumulative deaths decreased by 77 per cent compared to what was reported at Epi-week 39 in 2022. Notably, age groups below five years are predominantly affected followed by the 5-14 years age group, encompassing both males and females. Zamfara State, reporting 907 cases, accounts for 28 per cent of all suspected cases among the 27 states that have reported cholera cases. Obubra Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State, with 515 cases, contributes to 16 per cent of all suspected cases reported nationwide. Other states, including Cross River (718 cases), Bayelsa (341 cases), Katsina (302 cases), Ebonyi (227 cases), Niger (161 cases), and Abia (149 cases), collectively account for 58 per cent of the suspected cases recorded this year. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ondo State Government has formally announced the death of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who had battled leukaemia and prostate cancer in the past few months. The state government has also written to inform President Bola Tinubu of the development. The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. Ms Ademola-Olateju said the family and the state government would release further details regarding the funeral arrangements. The state government described the late Mr Akeredolu as an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled. He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation. Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable, the commissioner wrote. The governor died around 2 a.m. in the early hours of today at a German hospital where he was being treated. Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts. Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer, the statement said. The governors death has paved the way for his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to be sworn in as substantive governor. Mr Aiyedatiwa has been the acting governor since Mr Akeredolu took a second medical leave earlier this month. Governors, Lawmakers mourn Meanwhile, the governors of Kwara and Ogun states have mourned the death of Mr Akeredolu. While the Kwara Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the deceased as an exceptional statesman, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the death as tragic. Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, expressed grief even as he described the deceased as a champion of the rule of law, democracy and true federalism. Meanwhile, former senate presidents Ahmad Lawan and David Mark, mourned the late governors death in separate statements. Mr Lawan said Mr Akeredolus death has left a void in the political and governance landscape of the nation. On his part, Mr Mark described the late Mr Akeredolu as the peoples governor, who made policies and programmes that have a direct positive impact on the people. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted moderate dust haze from Wednesday to Friday across the country. NiMets weather outlook, released on Tuesday, predicts horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km and localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000 metres over the northern region. Moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is expected over the North Central region and the inland cities of the South during the forecast period, while a Hazy atmosphere is envisaged over the coastal cities throughout the forecast period, it said. According to it, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is also expected over the North, the North-central and the inland cities of the South during the forecast period on Thursday. The agency anticipated a hazy atmosphere over the coastal belt of the country throughout the forecast period. Also, NiMET said there would be moderate dust haze on Friday with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over the North, the North-central and the inland areas of the South throughout the forecast period. A hazy atmosphere is expected over the coastal cities during the forecast period, and the public should take necessary precautions as dust particles will be in the air. People with Asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations. Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations, it said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has condoled with the people and government of Kano State over the death of former Speaker of the House of Representatives Ghali NaAbba. The condolence message is contained in a statement issued by Mr Gandujes Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, on Wednesday in Abuja. Mr NaAbba died in Abuja on Wednesday morning at the age of 65. He represented Kano Municipal Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 1999 to 2003. He became the speaker after Salisu Buhari was forced to resign over certificate and age issues. Mr Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, described the late speaker as a thoroughbred politician and legislator who meant well for the country. He recalled the pivotal role he played when he served as speaker to entrench the independence of the legislative arm of government. His rich experiences and doggedness even when faced with the risk of impeachment were contributory to whatever achievements we recorded at the National Assembly today. He diligently served Nigeria. His wit, intellect, diligence and warm personality were legendary, he said. Mr Ganduje prayed to Allah to grant Mr NaAbba Aljannat Firdaus, and his entire family members and the people of Kano State and Nigeria.at large, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. The Deputu Senate President , Barau Jibrin, has also condoled with the family of Mr NaAbba. This is contained his in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir. He prayed to Allah to grant Mr NaAbbas soul Al Jannatul Firdausi. He also prayed to Allah to grant those he left behind the strength to bear the irreparable loss. Mr Barau, who hailed from Kano State, extolled Mr NaAbbas qualities, saying the deceased was a parliamentarian par excellence, noting that he promoted and defended legislative independence during his tenure as the Speaker of the House of Representatives between July 1999 and June 2003. The deputy senate president chaired the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation during Mr NaAbbas tenure as speaker. He said that the deceased was committed to the concept of separation of powers, protection of the rule of law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during his tenure. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of our late brother, Alhaji Ghali Umar NaAbba. May Allah SWT grant him Jannatul Firdausi and give all of us that he left behind the strength to bear this irreparable loss. He was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence who lived and worked for the development of our beloved country. Throughout his tenure as speaker of the House of Representatives and even after, he promoted and defended the countrys Constitution. This was what endeared the late Speaker to all, Mr Barau said. (NAN). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Visitors trooping to Cross River State for the 2023 annual Calabar carnival are battling to find hotel accommodation in the city. NAN reports that the 20th edition of the annual carnival which began on 1 December, has lived up to its billing despite the security challenges in Calabar. Several activities have been lined up for each of the 31 days of the carnival with 28 December slated for the grand finale of the carnival Some of the visitors who came into the city on Monday described their experience in scouting for hotel accommodation as terrible. The visitors who spoke with NAN said they were almost giving up in search of accommodation when they were finally able to secure one on the outskirts of the city. They said they had to make do with what they got, even though it was expensive. One of the visitors, Adams Adah said, We thought it would be easy when we came in but we were made to understand that bookings were made earlier by several of those who planned to come for the carnival. We moved about for hours before we could secure the one we eventually got last night. Mama Obi, who said she is from the state, but resides in Lagos, attributed the scarcity of hotel accommodation to the influx of visitors for the carnival. She noted that because of the overwhelming demand for accommodation, many of the hotels have increased their room rates. As I speak with you, there is no longer any hotel space in the heart of Calabar Municipality. If you are lucky, you can get one around Atimbo, Ikorishi, and 8th Mile or in Calabar South, she explained. Similarly, another visitor who identified himself simply as Dan, said he came in on Tuesday morning from Port Harcourt with friends but settled for an apartment he had secured over two weeks ago. According to him, he came with some friends for the carnival but could not get another space for them in the same apartment as it was fully booked. We all had to manage the one I had secured. We were told we would not find any, even normal hotel space except in the outskirts. NAN reports that no fewer than 15 states of the federation and Cameroon participated in the cultural event of the annual carnival on Tuesday. The states that were on the ground to perform at the cultural parade included Enugu, Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Yobe, Ondo, Ekiti, and Akwa Ibom. The Chairperson, Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, said that 15 million viewers across the globe are expected to watch the main event live on television on 28 December. NAN reports that the state had declared 14 days of public holiday for its civil servants for them to participate in the carnival. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali NaAbba, has died in Abuja at the age of 65 years. Ahmed Lawal, an aide to the deceased, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) in a telephone interview on Wednesday in Kano. He said the former speaker died in the early hours of Wednesday at the National Hospital, Abuja. Mr NaAbba emerged as the Peoples Democratic Partys candidate in the April 1999 National Assembly election in Kano Municipal Federal Constituency of Kano state. He left behind one wife, 10 children and three grandchildren. We are currently making arrangements to transport the corpse to Kano for burial today, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Police in Cross River State on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of two members of a four-man kidnap gang. Police spokesperson in the state, Irene Ugbo, a superintendent of police, who confirmed the arrest, stated that the gang was responsible for the abduction of the wife of a popular vehicles dealer in Calabar, the state capital. They released their kidnap victim after collecting ransom, Ms Ugbo stated. She added that the suspects already made confessional statements to the police and would be arraigned upon conclusion of investigation. Luck ran out on the duo as the police tracked the owner of the bank account into which they received the ransom money. The suspects never knew that they were been trailed. We are happy that two out of four of them have been apprehended, she stated. Ms Ugbo added that locally-made pistols, ammunition, phones and other valuable items were recovered from the duo. She warned members of the public against sharing of their bank details with others as such details could be used for fraud or for other illicit dealings. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Gunmen, who kidnapped a retired reverend, Filibus Bamai of ECWA Church, Matuak Rimi, in Moroa Chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have demanded N1 million ransom for his release. A source close to the church gave this indication in Manchok on Tuesday. The source said that Bamai, who retired from service on 17 December after clocking 65 years of retirement age, was kidnapped on Sunday at 12:50 a.m. in his house. The source said that the cleric was whisked away with only boxers on him while his wife was severely beaten with a stick and left her with a cut on her head and bruises on her back. According to the source, the kidnappers first demanded N5 million for his release, adding that as of Monday, they had reduced the ransom to N1 million. A cleric said that so far, about N300,000 have been mobilised and called on security agencies to beef up security in the area to protect lives and properties. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the spate of kidnappings is on the increase in rural communities where kidnappers take advantage of the porous security situation to pick victims at will. Sunday Bage, a prominent farmer in Pari village in the Chawai chiefdom of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was kidnapped barely a week ago along with his wife, Listu. When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, an assistant suprintendent of police, said he was going to call the District Police Officer in the area but had not returned the call. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print When the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled last week that most of the states Republican-drawn legislative districts violated the state Constitution because they contained territory that was not contiguous, it didnt stop there. Instead of simply ordering new maps that keep districts in one piece, the courts liberal majority dropped in another requirement: That any new maps also not favor one party over another. That segment of the ruling was welcome news for Democrats, who experts say are currently at the losing end of perhaps the most gerrymandered legislative maps nationwide. But it appeared gratuitous to many conservatives, who noted that the court declined to decide whether the current maps had been unconstitutionally manipulated to help one party or another something a previous court found was a political question, not a constitutional one yet mandated neutrality in any new maps, something that is likely to boost Democrats standing in the Legislature. Riding a Trojan horse named Contiguity, the majority breaches the lines of demarcation separating the judiciary from the political branches in order to transfer power from one political party to another, conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley said in her dissent. In explaining the majoritys reasoning, liberal Justice Jill Karofsky noted the Legislature and executive branch are political by nature but said its the job of the judiciary to make sure no party benefits more than the other from maps it enacts. Our political neutrality must be maintained regardless of whether a case involves an extreme partisan gerrymandering challenge, she said. But with the GOP having nearly two-thirds of legislative seats despite losing most recent statewide elections, its likely that replacing the current maps with ones that are explicitly politically neutral will help Democrats a lot more than Republicans. That is a big win for Democrats, John Johnson, a research fellow in the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at Marquette Law School, said about the decision to consider partisan fairness of new maps. Had the Wisconsin Supreme Court found only a couple of districts with noncontiguous territory in violation of the Constitution, it could have called for a tailored approach to fix just those boundaries, UW-Madison Law School associate professor Robert Yablon said. But after finding that at least 50 Assembly districts and at least 20 Senate districts had portions detached from the rest of the districts, the majority not only ordered new maps but laid down criteria those maps would need to meet. At that point, Yablon said, the second stage of the analysis is: What do you consider when youre doing that remapping? The majority opinion calls for new districts to be equally populated; be bounded by county, precinct, ward or town lines; include only contiguous territory; be as compact as possible; and comply with federal law. It also calls for the consideration of preserving communities of interest, reducing municipal splits and the partisan impact of new boundaries. In the last redistricting lawsuit, which was decided early last year, the courts conservative majority called for the new maps to take a least-change approach to the previous maps, a principle the liberal majority said on Friday they would disregard. In redistricting lawsuits nationwide, courts more often call for new maps to either consider partisan fairness or disregard partisanship entirely than to use a least-change approach when the existing maps are gerrymandered, Yablon said. Courts often say, Look, whether or not there is a justiciable partisan gerrymandering claim, we as courts have a distinctive institutional role. We are supposed to be neutral, impartial arbiters. And that means that we ought to produce politically even-handed maps, Yablon said. Next steps Its not clear yet how exactly the Wisconsin Supreme Courts newfound consideration of partisan fairness will affect the upcoming set of legislative maps, Johnson said. But maps following the principles set forth by the justices on Friday would likely reduce Democrats legislative minority and give them a fighting chance of obtaining a majority, he added. Under the current maps Republicans hold a 64-35 majority in the Assembly and a 22-11 supermajority in the Senate. The opinion handed down Friday called on parties to propose new remedial maps by Jan. 12, with briefs in support of those proposed maps due by Jan. 22. It will then have two court-hired redistricting consultants, University of California, Irvine political science professor Bernard Grofman and Carnegie Mellon University postdoctoral fellow Jonathan Cervas, evaluate the maps by Feb. 1. The court would then choose maps unless the Legislature first proposes new maps that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signs into law. Peoples Maps No party has yet submitted new maps to the Legislature. But one set of maps submitted in the last Wisconsin redistricting lawsuit could paint a picture of the Democrats likeliest outcomes from the current case. In 2021, Gov. Tony Evers created the Peoples Maps Commission to provide an alternative to Republican-authored maps. Those maps, which sought to prioritize contiguity, were created under similar principles put forth by the Wisconsin Supreme Court last week, Johnson said. Had the Peoples Maps Commissions maps been enacted into law, Democratic Assembly candidates would have won 43 of the Assemblys 99 seats given their performance in last Novembers election, Johnson showed in an analysis. Thats eight seats more than they won under the current maps, but still not enough for an Assembly majority. But had those maps been selected and every Assembly district had a Democratic candidate who performed as well as Evers did last November, Democrats would have obtained a 53-seat majority in the Assembly, the analysis shows. The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, is dead. Mr Akeredolu died at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday at a German hospital where he was receiving treatment, a senior government official in Ondo State told PREMIUM TIMES. He died of leukaemia and prostate cancer, two ailments that had made him incapacitated for several months. After a formal announcement of the governors death, the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will be sworn in as substantive governor by the states Chief Judge. Mr Akeredolu went on his first medical leave to treat what was then an undisclosed ailment in June and returned in September. When he returned, the governors health was still being managed in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State where he intended to continue governing Ondo State, a situation that drew public outrage. The governor did not transfer power to his deputy at the time. His critics accused him of holding on to power even when he was clearly incapacitated. In December, he commenced another medical leave that was said to be a follow-up to his initial medical treatment. This time, he wrote the state assembly, formally transferring power to the Deputy Governor in acting capacity. Mr Akeredolus long absence created political manoeuvring that pitched Mr Aiyedatiwa against his principal, Mr Akeredolu. The situation snowballed into the state assembly attempting to launch an impeachment process against the deputy governor, leading to a legal battle between both parties. The chaos recently subsided when President Bola Tinubu stepped in and asked that status quo be maintained with certain conditions. Some of the conditions include that Mr Aiyedatiwa would not be declared acting governor, in an apparent move to save Mr Akeredolus seat. The deputy governor was also directed to submit an undated letter of resignation to President Tinubu, to guarantee that he would not disrupt the political configuration in the state while he runs the government until the full recovery of his principal, Mr Akeredolu. Mr Akeredolus death on Wednesday paves the way for Mr Aiyedatiwa to be sworn in as the substantive governor of the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed sadness on the death of Ondo State Governor, Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN). Mr AbdulRazaq, who doubles as the chairperson, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye, on Wednesday in Ilorin, described Mr Akeredolu as an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service. My heartfelt condolences go to the Progressives Governors Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of my dear brother and colleague, His Excellency Olurotimi Akeredolu SAN. A frontline lawyer and conscientious politician of progressive bent, His Excellency would be remembered for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and sociopolitical development of Nigeria. As painful as his exit is to all of us, we take solace in his fine legacies as a gentleman and statesman. We ask God to repose his soul and look after his family, the statement read in part. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Akeredolu died early Wednesday morning at the age of 67, after protracted illness. He returned to the country on 7 September after a medical vacation in Germany. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed sadness over the demise of former Speaker of House of Representatives, Ghali NaAbba. Two of Mr Akpabios predecessors, David Mark and Ahmad Lawan, also expressed sadness over the deaths of Mr NaAbba and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State Mr Akeredolu, aged 67, died in a German hospital after a prolonged battle with leukemia and prostrate cancer. Mr NaAbba passed on in the early hours of Wednesday at the National Hospital in Abuja at the age of 65. Mr Akpabio expressed his condolence in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh. On behalf of my family and the entire National Assembly, it is with intense sadness that I received the news of the shocking death of the second speaker of the House of Representatives of the 4th Republic, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar NaAbba, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, Dec. 27 in Abuja, he said. Mr Akpabio described the former speaker as a patriot, selfless politician, and true democrat who sacrificed his ambition by repelling dictatorship and instituting the independence of the legislature. I am indeed saddened at the news of the death of Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar NaAbba, a patriot, a true democrat, a courageous and selfless politician, who staked his exalted position in the fight against dictatorship to preserve the independence of the Legislature and foster national development. I must say the mutual respect and understanding that exists between the Legislature and the Executive today is a direct product of the laudable antecedents of great leaders such as NaAbba who sacrificed to institute genuine representative democracy in the country. As the second speaker of the 4th House of Representatives, I recall with nostalgia how Rt. Hon. NaAbba stood like the great wall of gilbratar against the excesses of the Executive to give the Nigerian electorates value for their votes by ensuring that the right things were done to keep our democracy afloat, he said. Mr Akpabio added: We at the National Assembly and in fact, all Nigerians of goodwill and advocates of true democratic ethos hold you in high esteem and will always remember that you were one politician who practiced what you preached. As you transit to the next world, I pray that Allah will have mercy on your soul and grant you Aljannah Firdaus. Rest on Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar NaAbba. Former Senate President, Mr Mark, also expressed shock over the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo Sate and Mr NaAbba. Mr Mark, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, in Kano on Wednesday, described the death of the two leaders as exit of two political giants, saying that their demise had created huge vacuum in Nigerias political class. He specifically noted the exploits of Mr Akeredolu in legal profession before going into politics to contribute to the development of his home state, Ondo State, and Nigeria in general. He said that the nation had lost a forthright, sincere, and an unrepentant defender of the rule of law and protection of human rights. As a lawyer and President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), he stood for the ordinary man and never compromised his professional standards. As a governor, he made policies and programmes that had direct positive impact on the people. Akeredolu was peoples governor, he said. Speaking on Mr NaAbba, Mr Mark said that the former speaker was in the forefront in the struggle for democracy and helped laid the foundation for the present democratic dispensation. He said that Mr NaAbba would be remembered as the speaker who fought for the independence of the legislature in Nigeria. NaAbba stood to be counted when it mattered, he said. Another former President of the Senate, Mr Lawan, also mourned Messrs Akeredolu and NaAbba. Mr Lawan said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Ezrel Tabiow, that the untimely death of both leaders had left a vacuum in the political and governance landscape of the nation. He described Mr Akeredolu as a visionary leader, whose commitment to the prosperity of Ondo State was evident in his numerous achievements. Mr Lawan said that Mr NaAbba was a strong advocate for democracy who played a pivotal role in shaping the nations democratic governance during the time he held sway as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003. It is with great sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I mourn the passing of two distinguished leaders, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar NaAbba. Their untimely deaths have left an irreparable void in the political and governance landscape of our nation. Akeredolu, a true son of Ondo State, was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the service of his people. His unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ondo State was evident in his numerous achievements, including the infrastructural development projects, economic initiatives, and agricultural reforms he implemented during his tenure. His leadership and legacy will continue to inspire future generations, he said. Mr Lawan added: Former Speaker NaAbba, a respected statesman and a strong advocate for democracy, served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the nations democratic governance. His principled stand against corruption and his dedication to the rule of law earned him widespread admiration. His contributions to our democracy will always be remembered. The passing of these two great leaders is a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and associates of Governor Akeredolu and former Speaker NaAbba. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has described the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, as a man of courage, ideas and action. Mr Akeredolu, 67, passed away in a German Hospital on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with leukaemia and prostate cancer. The state government has released an official statement announcing his death. In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, President Tinubu said he could not fairly capture in words the deceased Governors towering figure and his human essence. Mr Tinubu recalled his personal journey with Governor Akeredolu which he said started when they were joint members of the progressive family. We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching, the President said The president said Mr Akeredolus death is a blow to the governing APC and the progressive family as they are diminished by it. I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader, he said. Read the full statement below: MOURN MY FEARLESS BROTHER, ROTIMI AKEREDOLU It is a difficult task to have to pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It is a more difficult job in our African culture when one is compelled to do so for a younger person. Here I am with the difficult job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate and governor of Ondo State. I cannot fairly capture in words Rotimis towering figure and his human essence. Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country through the instrumentality of the law as a senior advocate, attorney general of his beloved state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State. In a challenging moment of our statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles across our country, Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West. Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State where he had the honour to serve as the Governor in the last 6 years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication and forthrightness. His footprints dot the entire landscape in the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many school he built and healthcare facilities that he provided. During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness visited the state and killed defenceless citizens where 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimis leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated brightly to the world. He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I MOURN a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses. My personal journey with Rotimi started as joint members of the progressive family. We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching. He showed uncommon courage as member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Osun States. A gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he didnt make it in first attempt his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished. He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in his second attempt in the 2016 election, Since he was sworn-in in February 2017, he had served the people with devotion. Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimis memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten. In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy. Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend, ally and associate, he was a brother and soulmate. His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it. I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader. SIGNED: His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has sympathised with the NaAbba family, the government, and the people of Kano State over the passing of Ghali Umar NaAbba, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr NaAbba was speaker of the House Representatives following the return of democracy in Nigeria from 1999 to 2003. He succeeded Salisu Buhari, who resigned over age falsification. President Tinubu expressed profound grief at the loss, recalling the contributions of the late ex-lawmaker to nation-building through legislation, advocacy, and policy. The president recalled Speaker NaAbbas determined struggle to defend the functionality and role of the legislature in governance, describing him as a disciplined and resolute politician. President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn this painful loss. Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) December 27, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A new year means a new slang, and in 2023 alone, Nigerian pop stars, comedians, and politicians, including the President, were behind some of the viral ones. While some slang that dominated this years collection was entirely new, others which trended in 2022 appear to have a longer lifespan and found their way into 2023. In this article, PREMIUM TIMES highlights the viral Nigerian catchphrases in 2023. Bala Blue President Bola Tinubu originated this slang during the electioneering period. Mr Tinubu was believed to be gibbering during a campaign in Owerri, Imo State, when he uttered, It is a town hall, different from Bala Blue Bulaba. These words, which had no connotative meaning, would not be forgotten in a hurry. And so, these days, you would hear Nigerians say, In this Bala Blue administration, some of us eat once daily. Osim Osim is more than a mere translation of He said or Hes telling me in English. Like most slang, its meaning transcends a literal interpretation, relying heavily on the context and delivery. Used predominantly to convey disbelief or scepticism towards someones statement or assertion, Osim is a linguistic tool with nuances. Its a way to call out inconsistencies without being confrontational. Its relatable because weve all been in situations where weve doubted someones story or claims. Examples: Evil forest adventure osim picnic, Bad character osim mood swing, Insufficient fund osim network. Idan Idan is a Yoruba word with several meanings depending on the context. It could refer to someone held in high esteem and regarded as having power, wealth, influence, and more attributes. It could also affirm that a person is street-smart. But in 2023, Nigerians used Idan to show their respect and admiration for people they hold in high regard. Examples: Idans withdraw money without joining ATM queues; Lagos Idan no dey fail Exam. Na Question needs to be corrected if. If IDAN is 25, the parents will move out of their house; IDAN does not require votes to win the election; IDAN still wins. Just Dey Play The phrase Just Dey play contends strongly for the title of the most frequently uttered expression in the country in 2023. It is a way of telling someone to stop deceiving themself and be more realistic. Nigerian comedian Mr Funny, also known as Oga Sabinus, popularised the term in his skits. Examples: You Dey pin your babe chat, Pablo dey pin your babe for a wall today, Just dey play. You are in a serious relationship, and youre having a bestie, just dey Play. Let the Poor Breathe This expression originated during President Tinubus interview during the electioneering period, where he said, Let the Poor Breathe; do not suffocate them. In August, Senate President Godswill Akpabio used the term during a preliminary legislative session. The slang is a reminder not to oppress people with low incomes. Over time, various derivatives, like Let the single breath, have come to be. Example: You dey use your babe as a screen saver; let the singles breathe. Rich Man Pikin Go think Say This slang, which has trended since October, illustrates the realities between the rich and poor. The slang is often accompanied by pictures of something peculiar to the poor masses that the few rich cannot relate to or vice versa. Example: I dey go farm, rich man pikin go think say na adventure. On Colos The word Colos was derived from Colorado, a hard drug derived from the synthetic mixture of various drugs, including Cannabis. It is used to ask if someone is in their right senses. For example, Are you on colos?. So, when a person behaves abnormally, it is simply asked, Are you on Colos? You Go Explain Tire; No Evidence You go explain tire; no evidence, a catchphrase by Burna Boy, appeared in question five of an exam written by 400-level students of the Department of History and International Studies in August, It simply means your explanation will only be valid if you have proof. Groceries and Floating Berries This is an elevated name for the popular Garri and groundnut combination. It trended on social media when a Garri advert went viral. The slang elevated the classic sapa experience with Garri and groundnut by describing it as groceries and floating berries. Why settle for regular suffering when you can make it sound tush? E don Cast E don cast is a Nigerian slang term for someone exposed, let down, or deceived. E don cast was a line in a chorus in Shallipopi and Zerry DLs song, Puff and Pass. Also, Burna Boy used the slang in his 2022 hit song Last Last. Example: E don cast, Madam don catch husband and housemaid for bed. Sope Otilo Sope Otilo is a popular Yoruba Nigerian slang used when someone has been cheated, mocked, swindled or ridiculed for any reason. Dancer Poco Lee popularised this slang because his song about it has been used in different and weird scenarios. Breakfast The slang breakfast isnt new to many Nigerians, especially those on Twitter. Breakfast is ordinarily the first meal of the day, but this definition doesnt apply in the context of a romantic relationship, at least in Nigeria. Breakfast is often described as a sad and emotional moment in a relationship when a man or woman suddenly breaks up with their partner. It has been trending since last year when Burna Boy released his song Last Last in 2022. Understanding Girlfriend Understanding girlfriend describes women who accept the bare minimum from their partners, often settling for less than they deserve. Over time, however, this definition has shifted dramatically. Honorary mentions Interestingly, 2023 witnessed the rise of various phrases and slang that gained prominence in Nigerian pop culture. For instance, the term Purr gained widespread popularity following Ilebayis victory in BBNaija. Additionally, songs such as Billionaire, Happy Mumu, Ashawo no be Work, Fine Mama, and Iyeme from Stanley Okories Nollywood soundtracks have become notable trends on TikTok, contributing significantly to the 2023 pop culture. Lets not overlook the now-famous assertion, What God Cannot do does not exist, originating from the renowned Nigerian Pastor Jerry Ezes New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD) on YouTube, has become a mantra for many Nigerian Christians. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Lilian Onoh, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Namibia, has filed a libel suit at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas against Geoffrey Onyeama and Gabriel Aduda. Mr Onyeama is Nigerias former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr Aduda was a Permanent Secretary at the ministry who now serves as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja. The suit filed by Ms Onohs lawyer, Steven Thornton, on 22 December, also listed Sahara Reporters and its publisher Omoyele Sowore as defendants. The case has been assigned to Judge Jane J. Boyle for adjudication but no date has been fixed for hearing. https://dockets.justia.com/docket/texas/txndce/3:2023cv02838/384566 In court filings seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the plaintiff accused Messrs Onyeama and Aduda of using Sahara Reporters, a New York-based online newspaper, to defame her. Similarly, Ms Onoh and Mr Onyeama are locked in a fierce legal battle in Nigerias capital city, Abuja, where the former minister sumilarly sued her for making libellous remarks in the press. In a fallout of the legal battle, Ms Onoh, a sister to Mr Onyeamas former wife, sent a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), asking the body to discipline the Nigerian judge handling the case for alleged bias. Genesis of suit In the suit before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Ms Onohs lawyer, Steven Thornton, said Sahara Reporters in April, published an article saying Ms Onoh was sacked by the Nigerian government on account of misappropriation of N50 million. Mr Thornton noted that the media outlet published Ms Onohs photograph in the story, to ensure the object of the story was not mistaken. In court papers, the claimants lawyer decried Sahara Reporters portrayal of his client as being corrupt having informed its global audience of diversion of funds meant for the running of Nigerias High Commission in Namibia. The article then claims that the Nigerian Federal Civil Service Commission fired Ms Onoh in 2021. Sahara Reporters next claimed that a report by a seven-man committee indicted the controversial former Nigerian High Commissioner to Namibia over her alleged financial misappropriation while serving in the Southern African country, the court document reads in part. According to the alleged defamatory story, Sahara Reporters claimed Messrs Aduda and Onyeama were members of the investigative committee that indicted Ms Onoh for fraud. Sahara Reporters noted that defendant Aduda and defendant Onyeama were members of this committee. Sahara Reporters also referenced two alleged letters regarding Ms Onohs dismissal that this Commission sent to Ms Onoh detailing the reasons for her termination. The article further stated that this Commission ordered Ms Onoh to refund to the Nigerian mission all the money that she had improperly used, the court papers also read. In his submissions, Mr Thornton said the basis of Sahara Reporters article was statements and claims credited to Messrs Aduda and Onyeama about Ms Onoh. The reason for their making false statements about Ms Onoh was to discredit her following her reporting of corruption by those defendants, Mr Thornton added. Ms Onoh had in a series of memos to then Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, accused Mr Onyeama of condoning corrupt practices at the foreign ministry which he supervised. Specifically, as an Ambassador, Ms Onoh had reported multiple incidents of embezzlement of millions of U.S. Dollars and billions of Naira of Nigerian Government funds by various Nigerian officials. Further, she reported the embezzlement of $2.8 million in Red Cross Funds meant for Haiti earthquake victims as well as the egregious acts of visa racketeering against the USA and other countries in which her successor in Jamaica had engaged. The claimants lawyer contended that Sahara Reporters claims in the alleged offending story were false. Ms. Onoh was never terminated from any posting with the Nigerian government for misappropriation of funds. He further argued that Mr Onyeama did not create a seven-person committee to investigate Ms Onoh, nor did Mr Aduda head any such committee. In fact, such a committee was never empaneled to investigate Ms Onoh by anyone. Reputational and mental injuries Referencing relevant U.S laws, Mr Thornton said pursuant to 28 U.S.C. & 1332, the court has a subject-matter jurisdiction over the case. This court has personal jurisdiction over the defendants given that the complain of conduct occurred in the State of Texas. Venue is proper in this District and Division pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)(2) as a substantial part of the events giving rise to the claim occurred in this District and Division. In the court documents, Ms Onoh who served as Nigerias ambassador to Namibia, and the Head of Mission in Jamaica, said Mr Sowore and Sahara Reporters knew Messrs Aduda and Onyeamas statements were false at the time they made them to these third parties. The lawyer informed the court that Sahara Reporters publication brought immense suffering to Ms Onoh whom he argued suffered severe reputational damage, mental anguish, and economic injuries. By publishing the Article on its website on April 21, 2023, Defendant Sahara Reporters and Defendant Sowore published false statements about Ms Onoh to literally the entire world. Mr Thornton further said Messrs Onyeama and Aduda intentionally or recklessly made the statements against Ms Onoh. As a result of Defendant Onyeama and Adudas conduct, Ms Onoh suffered severe emotional and reputational damages. He said the media outlet knew about the falsity of the offending statements but went ahead to publish the same. In the claimants prayers before the judge, Mr Thornton demanded costs of litigation, all such other and further relief at law and in equity to which Ms. Onoh may show herself to be justly entitled. Mr Sowore is currently based in Nigeria. He is confined to Nigeria by a court order that bars him from travelling abroad because of a criminal suit filed by the government. But Mr Sowore argues that the charges were politically motivated due to his activism in rallying Nigerians to resist bad governance under then President Buharis regime. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Wednesday said the British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATN) and affiliated companies will pay a $110 million penalty over multiple infractions. The FCCPC announced this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the affiliated companies are British American Tobacco Marketing (Nigeria) Limited (BATMN), British American Tobacco Plc, and British American Tobacco (Holdings) Limited. For the company and other affiliated entities to complete their duties under an agreed consent order, the commission withdrew outstanding criminal charges against BATN and at least one employee. According to a statement by the FCCPC on Wednesday, an investigation was initiated on 28 August 2020, after the commission obtained a court-issued order and warrant of search and seizure. Substantial evidence, including forensic analysis and testimonies, revealed several violations and BAT parties cooperated under the commissions Cooperation/Assistance Rules & Procedure, 2021. The Commission gathered, received, and procured substantial evidence from forensic analysis of electronic communications and other information/data obtained during the search, as well as other evidence procured during, and after the search from other legitimate sources. Additional investigation, including proffers, hearings, transcripts of sworn testimonies, and continuing analysis of evidence established and supported multiple violations of the FCCPA and other enactments. During the investigation and in furtherance of mutual engagements between the Commission and BAT Parties, BAT Parties in writing sought, and the Commission accepted BAT Parties into cooperation under the Commissions Cooperation/Assistance Rules & Procedure, 2021 (CARP). The Cooperation/Assistance Framework (CAF) provides for benefits such as possible reduced monetary penalties (Rule 4.1); waiver of the application of the Commissions Administrative Penalties Regulations 2020 (Rule 4.2); as well as prosecutorial discretion, particularly Rules 5.1 and 5.3 (subject to compliance with Rules 3 and 5.4), it said. After reviewing evidence and cooperation, the FCCPC and BAT Parties closed the investigation through a consent order, the statement said, adding that the settlement involves BAT Parties agreeing to a $110 million penalty, subjected to 24-month compliance monitoring. That BAT Parties shall pay a penalty of $110,000,000 (One hundred and Ten Million Dollars) under and pursuant to Sections 155 of the FCCPA, Clause 11 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commissions Administrative Penalties Regulations, 2020 and Clause 4.2 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commissions Investigative Cooperation/Assistance Rules and Procedures, 2021, it said. Additionally, the companies committed to mandatory public health and tobacco control advocacy, the FCCPC said. The Commission said it withdrew pending criminal charges related to obstructing the investigation, in line with its dedication to fair markets, consumer protection, and law enforcement. The statement said the investigations outcome reflects the commissions commitment to holding businesses accountable, even through complex investigations, as a distorted market harms consumers and undermines economic stability and growth. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has expressed sadness over the death of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State. Mr Akeredolu, aged 67, died in a German hospital in the early hours of Wednesday after a long battle with postrate cancer. In a condolence message signed by its chairperson and Governor of Kawara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, the NGF remembered Mr Akeredolu for his humility and non-partisan stance for national interest to always prevail endeared him to many. We are indeed saddened by this irreplaceable loss and pray for the family and the entire people of Ondo State in this difficult time, the message read in part. Read the NGFs full statement below: CONDOLENCE MESSAGE It is with a heavy heart that I, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), on behalf of my colleagues and the entire staff of the Forum, commiserate with the family of our dear brother, friend and colleague, H.E. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu CON (SAN) on his demise on 27th December 2023. Aketi was loved by many, a true believer in justice and fairness a course he towed dearly to the very end. Amongst many, he was a voice of reason, one whose counsel resonated well and often brought succor. He was an accomplished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a true democrat, and a believer in the new Nigeria project. His humility and non-partisan stance for national interest to always prevail endeared him to many. His valuable contributions and interventions as a member of the Forum, helped us forge ahead of our political and ideological differences for the greater good of the nation. He was a statesman and an embodiment of intellectual acuity. We are indeed saddened by this irreplaceable loss and pray for the family and the entire people of Ondo State in this difficult time. May God in his infinite mercy ease your pain. We hope to find solace in our memory of his achievements and that his good deeds will live on. Aketi lived a good life, fought a good fight, and will forever be remembered as a hero. H.E AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq Governor of Kwara State, & Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum 27th December 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) is seeking the support of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to incorporate cancer prevention and control into Primary Health Care (PHC) services. According to a statement obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, the director general of the institute, Usman Aliyu, made the call during a recent visit to the office of the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Muyi Aina. Mr Aliyu said integrating cancer into PHC services would represent a significant advancement for the nation, particularly considering the high burden of cancer it bears. He said both agencies can identify and work out modalities for collaborative research in the area of behavioural and implementation service at the PHC level on the programmes and activities leading to cancer prevention and control. We want you to support the inclusion of cancers as part of the integrated disease surveillance system of the country. We can see the possibility of integrating cancer as disease surveillance in the system that is already existing, he said. Proposed survey Mr Aliyu said there is an urgent need for accurate data on cancer burden in Africas most populous nation. He mentioned that the current data on cancer in the country are only rough estimates and do not accurately reflect the situation, which is a cause for concern for the nation. He, therefore, called on the NPHCDA to partner with the institute in carrying out a National Indicator and Impact Survey. He said the survey would describe precisely and accurately cancer prevalence, economic impact and resource gaps of cancer in the country. We want to partner with you because you have the existing structure and expertise to push this survey, he said. We are also requesting that we form a technical committee with members from the two agencies. The committee will determine the partnership and collaboration between the two sister agencies in the area of health promotion, lifestyle modification, and cancer awareness campaign. He said the institute has an already existing team that will fashion out the partnership between the two agencies in the launching and implementation of a national cervical cancer screening programme. He said this will serve as a follow-up to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme that is being rolled out. In his response, the NPHCDA boss, Muyi Aina, commended the institute for the initiative, noting that there are a lot of opportunities for collaboration between the two agencies. Mr Aina said cancer screening and testing at the PHC level are at the top of his agenda. We cannot ignore cancer treatment because I have a special and personal interest in cancer care, he said. There is a lot of opportunity for collaboration between the NPHCDA and NICRAT. I like the idea of a technical committee and we will work around it. Cancer Burden Cancer, the second leading cause of death globally, is the uncontrolled growth of a group of cells in the body. It can occur at any age and if not detected at the right time and untreated, it can increase the risk of death. While there is a lack of current data on cancer cases in Nigeria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported an estimated 116,000 new cases of cancer and 41,000 cancer-related deaths in the country in 2018. It also said if the current trends are maintained, the cancer burden in Africa is projected to double from 1,055,172 new cancer cases in 2018 to 2,123,245 by 2040. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Businesses are sprinting into what some might call an ever-expanding future. The problem is IT teams need to keep pace, and that is easier said than done. Keeping pace means ditching clunky, incompatible tech and embracing agile solutions that stretch seamlessly from the edge of the network to the heart of the data center. Think cloud-ready, pre-configured tools that integrate with existing setups without a hitch. These plug-and-play powerhouses should handle complex tasks without endless tweaking, so the IT team can focus on growth, not tech headaches. Deployment-ready solutions key here. They let teams adapt to new challenges, whether it's crunching piles data or keeping up with a growing customer base. This edge-to-data center, cloud-powered approach isn't just about keeping up; it's about getting ahead. It allows IT teams to be the growth engine, building the tech foundation that lets businesses conquer the complexities of the modern world. As I have previously said in this article, and many of my previous articles, taking on this approach is easier said than done. Or so I thought, anyways. Lenovo unveiled an expansion to its hybrid cloud platform for AI, which aims to fuel businesses' AI endeavors with greater agility, connectivity and performance. The company introduced new ThinkAgile hyperconverged solutions and ThinkSystem servers powered by the latest Intel (News - Alert) Xeon Scalable Processors, marking a step toward democratizing AI across public, private and edge environments. The core of the expansion lies in the new ThinkAgile HX7800 and HX3820 hyperconverged systems. These pre-configured, all-in-one solutions combine compute, storage, networking and virtualization into a single platform, simplifying AI deployment and management. Powered by the next-generation Intel Xeon CPUs, these systems deliver performance boosts, which enable faster training and inference for even the most demanding AI workloads. Beyond raw power, the platform shines in its enhanced hybrid capabilities. Lenovo (News - Alert)'s TruScale Infrastructure-as-a-Service offering allows customers to scale their AI resources across on-premises and public cloud environments, optimizing costs and maximizing flexibility. Additionally, the company's ThinkSystem SR670 and SR870 servers provide a foundation for deploying AI at the edge. This will bring intelligence closer to data sources for real-time insights and faster decision-making. Lenovo hybrid cloud solutions for AI workloads are propelling innovation and creating a faster, more flexible path to AI, said Kamran Amini, Vice President and General Manager of Server, Storage and Software of Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group. With up to 21% better performance, customers can leverage the new Lenovo solutions to reduce their IT footprint, achieve greater ROI and deliver business outcomes. The new portfolio is designed to support todays AI, virtualization and multi-cloud workloads. With its focus on flexibility, scalability and comprehensive support, Lenovo's expanded hybrid cloud platform for AI positions the company as a key player in democratizing this transformative technology. Echoing what Amini stated, this push toward "AI for All" promises to allow businesses of all sizes to unlock the potential of AI, driving innovation and growth across industries. Edited by Alex Passett The Ondo State Government has provided additional details about the passage of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who succumbed to prolonged illness Wednesday morning. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, shed more light on the politicians death in a statement she issued to formally announce the passing of the governor. In the statement, Mrs Ademola-Olateju also disclosed that the state government had written to the President Bola Tinubu to inform him of the tragedy. She said, Mr. Governor (Mr Akeredolu) peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023, she said in the statement. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts. Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer. A letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to officially inform His Excellency of this devastating news. The family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness. The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements. Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled. He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation. Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable. However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty. Meanwhile, the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has commiserated with Ondo State on the death of Mr Akeredolu. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, Mr Bello described Mr Akeredolu as a preeminent and forward-thinking progressive leader. Governor Bello reflected on Mr Akeredolus transformative impact as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association in 2008. Akeredolus unwavering commitment and dedication in steering the ship of democracy and good governance during his seven-year tenure as the Governor of Ondo are acknowledged with deep admiration, Mr Bello said. He said the loss was not only to the Akeredolu family and Ondo State alone but a loss to the entire nation. I received the sad news of the death of my elder brother and senior colleague, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, with a deep sense of grief. Akeredolu was not just a senior governor-colleague but also a statesman whose wisdom and kind guidance have profoundly impacted my leadership, in addition to his invaluable contributions specifically in the Governors Forum and the democratic institution in Nigeria over the years, Bello said. This is a great loss to all of us, the people of Ondo State, and Nigeria in general. God gives life and takes at His will. May the heavens receive the soul of my brother with the generosity and kindness he showered on humanity over the years. Governor Bello described Mr Akeredolu as one of the eminent figures in Africas legal profession, acknowledging his relentless efforts in advancing justice, upholding the rule of law, and fortifying democratic institutions in Nigeria. Governor Bello urged the family, friends, and colleagues of the late legal luminary to find solace in his exemplary leadership and dedication to the service of humanity. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Aritzia Inc. (TSX: ATZ) will release its third quarter fiscal 2024 financial results after market close on January 10, 2024. A conference call to discuss the earnings results will follow. Conference Call Details Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Time: 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET To participate in the conference call: Please dial 1-800-319-4610 or 1-416-915-3239. The call is also accessible via webcast at http://investors.aritzia.com/events-and-presentations/ . A recording will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call: Please dial 1-855-669-9658 and the replay access code 0600. An archive of the webcast will be accessible on Aritzia's website. About Aritzia Aritzia is a design house with an innovative global platform. We are creators and purveyors of Everyday Luxury, home to an extensive portfolio of exclusive brands for every function and individual aesthetic. We're about good design, quality materials and timeless style all with the wellbeing of our People and Planet in mind. Founded in 1984 in Vancouver, Canada, we pride ourselves on creating immersive, highly personalized shopping experiences at aritzia.com and in our 115+ boutiques throughout North America for everyone, everywhere. Our Approach Aritzia means style, not trend, and quality over everything. We treat each in-house label as its own atelier, united by premium fabrics, meticulous construction and an of-the-moment point of view. We handpick fabrics from the world's best mills for their feel, function and ability to last. We obsess over proportion, fit and that just-right silhouette. From hand-painted prints to the art of pocket placement, our innovative design studio considers and reconsiders each detail to create essentials you'll reach for again, and again, and again. If it isn't just right, it isn't Aritzia. Everyday Luxury. To Elevate Your World. SOURCE Aritzia Inc.(Communications) Good ideas can come from anywhere, and in the case of Genoa's Samantha Weeder and Petersburg's Seth Wright, they came from their own experiences. Weeder and Wright, along with Rising City's Alexa Carter and 33 other UNL students, won the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's 3-2-1 Quick Pitch competition on Nov. 9, where competitors have three minutes to present a business or product idea to judges. Weeder and Wright said they're used to pitch competitions thanks to their participation in the Engler Entrepreneurship program. "(The Engler program) is more of an agribusiness entrepreneurship program, started by Paul Engler, he left a big endowment to the university to start and entrepreneurship program about 11 years ago now," Wright said. A member for three years, Wright said the program has grown exponentially over time. Weeder, an agribusiness major, joined when she started college after seeing her sister's involvement. "Through this program you give pitches periodically, sign up for competitions and it helps you grow experience. After doing it for the last couple years, I finally had a business idea and wanted to take it to the next level," Weeder said. Weeder's idea, a subscription-based activity box for nursing homes and senior living facilities, came from personal experience with her own grandparents, she said. "I put a couple grandparents in nursing homes in the last couple years and realized there's not a lot of activities for them to do. I also noticed activity director turnover is high and thought this would be the perfect step for them," Weeder said. "They can buy my subscription-based kit and have all these activities ready for them. They follow all the regulations, they can use them for games and don't have to worry about it." Weeder said her idea was very thoroughly researched, which went over well with the judges in her room. "My room really seemed to focus on how well-researched it is and 'is it doable?' I've been researching for probably six months, I've been going to nursing homes all over Nebraska, calling nursing homes and seeing if this was doable," Weeder said. Wright's idea, a business called Scrappy Woodworks, rescues scrap wood from being wasted and gives it a new life. His idea, he said, came from tinkering with scraps at a maker space in Lincoln. "When I first started coming over and using the space I found pieces of scrap wood and decided 'well, this doesn't need to be thrown away,' and made a couple things," Wright said. "What makes me unique is I try not to go out and purchase material, I try to give new life to things that others would throw away." He eventually made a few things he could sell and has even had people bring him materials for custom pieces. Things have gone pretty well since he started in March, Wright said, which went over well with judges. "This is my eighth or ninth pitch competition I've done. The judges appreciate when a business is actually gaining traction," Wright said. "Plenty of people pitch searching for the prize money or investment to start their business, one thing they said set me apart was that I'm actually doing it, created a product, worked with customers." There were 12 judging groups with $1,000 in prize money for each, to be awarded to three entrepreneurs in each category, as well as contact information for further resources for their projects. Weeder said that, for now, she wants to continue with her degree and keep the business as a project. One of the judges, she said, is a nursing home contractor and she was given his contact information. At another competition, she was put in contact with a judge's wife, who was involved with nursing homes as well. It might be fate, she said. "I would like to follow this through, I'm working to make it a business within the next couple months and still doing research, still contacting nursing homes," Weeder said. "As of now, I want to stick with it as a side gig." Wright said he also plans to stick with his project and the money he receives from contests like this goes into investing in his work space. He won't be at the maker space forever, he said, so he wants to get a solid shop set up before he goes. "I do love what I do, I have a passion for woodworking, working with my hands and creating things that give me something for show for my effort," Wright said. "Right now it's more of a side hustle, helping me raise money for schooling. I'm not sure if it's sustainable for me to continue doing it out of college but that's the hope. I wouldn't do it if I didn't think I had a future in it." NEWARK, Del., Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bess Power Corporation ("BESS Power" or "Corporation") has been honored as top company of 2023 in the utility-scale energy storage space in the U.S., for being at the forefront of tackling customer challenges. The award is given by the influential U.S. industry magazine "Energy Business Review," which dedicated its November Special Edition cover story to BESS Power, delving into the reality of the Corporation with an in-depth interview with the management team. View PDF Top Company In The Utility-Scale Energy Storage Space 2023 View PDF Top company in the Utility-scale Energy Storage space that is at the forefront of tackling customer challenges The interview, in which CEO Pandelis Vassilakakis, Managing Director Matteo Bellisomi, COO Philip Herman, Head of Development and Strategy Daven Mehta, and Vice President Radhika Mehta Kirpalani spoke, goes into detail on development strategies and future goals. It highlights the diverse expertise within the Corporation and the strong motivation that drives "BESS Power to be one of the most successful developers in the BESS field in the U.S.," as quoted by CEO Pandelis Vassilakakis. BESS Power plans to finalize a 2.4 GW pipeline of stand-alone BESS projects in early 2024, and is already half-way there with projects in New Mexico, Tennessee, Utah amongst others, including one of the largest Battery Energy Storage System project in the state of Texas. Daven Mehta, Head of Development and Strategy at BESS Power, reflecting on the Corporation's One-Year Anniversary, said: "We are not claiming to be the largest company in the world, but we are one of the best that brings value to all the stakeholders. We create a legacy for them to thrive." This accolade caps off an impressive year for BESS Power, which was founded in November 2022, with the mission to foster a green-energy economy through smarter and efficient energy storage solutions. The full article is available and can be accessed digitally at this link: https://www.energybusinessreview.com/bess-power-corporation Or via this link for the digital magazine: https://www.energybusinessreview.com/magazines/November2023/Utility_Scale_Energy_Storage/?digitalmagazine For more information, please visit www.besspowercorp.com. For media and corporate inquiries, please contact Radhika Mehta at [email protected]. About BESS Power Corporation BESS Power Corporation is a leading greenfield utility-scale energy storage center developer with a primary focus on BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) projects across the United States. Established with Redelfi Group, Altea Green Power and Elio Energy Group LLC, BESS Power Corporation is manufacturer independent, providing best-in-class energy storage solutions that are catered to achieve project-specific objectives. The combination of these key market players brings a wealth of financial capabilities and technical expertise in the bourgeoning energy market. About Energy Business Review Energy Business Review is a print and online magazine that provides readers with a 360-degree view of the energy ecosystem. The magazine covers the energy community, including utilities, power, electricity and renewable energy, from the upstream, midstream and downstream perspectives. PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2307744/Award_Logo_BESS_Power_Corporation.pdf PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2307745/Certificate_BESS_Power_Corporation.pdf Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2145608/BESS_Power_Logo.jpg SOURCE BESS Power Corporation Experts in the provision of cybersecurity GRC automation software, Cypago launches its new User Access Review (UAR) product, an automated employee account security capability that solves numerous issues associated with employees and their user accounts TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cypago , leader in GRC automation, with its revolutionary SaaS-based cyber GRC automation platform, has introduced a standout product within its inventory of security capabilities. The UAR is built to scan employees' user records across the entire tech stack and identify gaps or inconsistencies in user accounts, subsequently enabling swift remediations. Operating in the context of an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape, and complex regulatory expectations, Cypago's technology empowers companies to curate a robust security posture, streamline access management, and proactively address evolving cybersecurity threats. The challenge with security gaps such as inactive employee accounts, inadequate segregation of duties, and excessive permissions, is that it leaves an organization exposed to criminal actors looking for an easy way in. Considering the average cost of a data breach according to an IBM report has been $4.45 million in 2023, a 15% increase over three years, there is a corporate imperative to double down on cyber protection. In the same IBM report , automation was found to have had a huge impact on the speed of breach identification and containment; with a data breach lifecycle shown to be 108 days shorter compared to organizations which did not deploy these technologies. Released on the heels of The White House's National Cybersecurity Strategy launched earlier this year that advocates for, among other areas, the privacy and security of personal data, Cypago's latest automated security solution is opportune, aligning with national policy priorities and the direction of travel for cyber more broadly. "There is a very real and yet so often overlooked risk of user accounts, forgotten and ownerless. Besides being a compliance gap, these accounts leave it wide open for criminal actors to take advantage," commented Arik Solomon, CEO at Cypago. "For companies with a large workforce or high turnover of staff, it is paramount that account security is properly handled. Cypago specializes in SaaS-based cyber GRC automation, and our new User Access Review feature complements our suite of security solutions for monitoring and mitigating risk within an organization." added Arik Solomon, CEO at Cypago. Cypago's UAR feature introduces advanced capabilities to analyze and monitor employee termination, leave, and inactivity, addressing critical industry challenges such as orphan and dormant users. By automating this procedure, those working in risk and security save time and are given peace of mind. Cypago helps CISOs and security teams to be proactive in threat management and those working in compliance to ensure both regulatory frameworks as well as internal standards are adhered to. The UAR feature also empowers users to effortlessly perform Segregation of Duties (SoD) and Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) analyses, while providing streamlined tasks and ticketing remediation flow for adjusting permissions. This innovation is crucial for resilience in overall security - reducing the level of risk in advance, and by extension preventing insider threats and data breaches, while assuring alignment with compliant regulations are simultaneously in check. For more information, see the User Access Review page on the Cypago website. About Cypago Cypago's revolutionary SaaS-based Cyber GRC Automation (CGA) platform redefines the three lines model by eliminating friction and bridging the gap between management, security, and operations. It transforms GRC initiatives into automated processes, enabling in-depth visibility, streamlining enforcement, and significantly reducing overall costs. The platform leverages innovative technologies, including advanced analysis and correlation engines, GenAI, and NLP models, designed to support any security framework in any IT environment, both in the cloud and on-premises. Cypago was founded in 2020 by tech leaders and cybersecurity veterans with decades of combined experience in the development, operations, and commercialization of cybersecurity solutions. For more information, visit https://cypago.com/ Press Contact: Gavin Horwich, Campaign PR [email protected] SOURCE Cypago Introducing "Oh! Seoul! IPA" Made with Namsan Pine Tree Yeast SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Daily Beer Co. Ltd, a promising small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) certified as a "Hi-Seoul Enterprise" by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is participating as the main beverage partner in the "2023 Seoul Con," the world's first global influencer expo organized by the Seoul Business Agency (SBA). Panorama of Daily Beer, the representative craft beer franchise in South Korea. Scheduled to take place for three days from December 30 to January 1 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the "2023 Seoul Con" is the world's premier influencer expo focusing on content, beauty, fashion, and showcasing Seoul's charm globally, creating economic value. The influencers involved in the event have a combined subscriber count of 3 billion, with at least 500 million expected to tune in to witness the special New Year celebration in Seoul. Daily Beer, representing South Korea's leading beer platform, is participating as the main beverage partner in the "2023 Seoul Con." A highlight of the event is the limited-edition craft beer "Oh! Seoul! IPA," specially brewed for this occasion. The "Oh! Seoul! IPA" is a craft beer brewed using wild yeast harvested last summer from the iconic pine trees of Mt. Namsan in Seoul, by the enzyme-specialized research firm Biocraft. This IPA boasts of a refreshing pine needle aroma and subtle floral notes, with an alcohol content of 5.5%. Despite its robust strength, the invigorating fragrance and smooth finish are set to elevate the atmosphere of the 2023 Seoul Con. The "Oh! Seoul IPA" is specially brewed and can be found at the Daily Beer pop-up booth at the 2023 Seoul Con. There is also an event where, upon purchasing beer at the Daily Beer pop-up booth, attendees can enjoy a free four-cut photo session with friends. An official from Daily Beer expressed delight in participating in this event that promotes the charm of Seoul to the world. He also said that his brand aims to showcase high-quality craft beer produced with yeast directly harvested from Mt. Namsan and strives to lead Korea's beer culture. Daily Beer Co. Ltd, No. 1 Craft Beer and Chicken Chain in South Korea, operates over 250 stores nationwide, including 45 directly managed locations, collaborating with more than 50 local breweries to offer unique and high-quality craft beers. On December 20, Daily Beer received the "Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Award" for contributing to the development of the franchise industry and the domestic craft beer industry. SOURCE Daily Beer Co. Ltd NEW YORK, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global leading online gift card trading platform, Tbay, hosted its first VIP gathering event on December 15th in Africa. Tbay chose Nigeria, a country with the largest economy scale in Africa, as its first destination, creating a unique Christmas celebration for the VIP users who have supported the platform for years. Tbay Christmas VIP Event in Nigeria The event took place at Ox Restaurant & Lounge,Victoria island, Lagos, with a full house and all guests immersed in the festive atmosphere of Christmas. Tbay stated that this event was a special gift to each VIP user, appreciating them for their continuous support, making the platform become a palace for gift card transactions in Africa. Tbay's Unique Advantage: Safe and Fast "Quick Sell Mode" With roughly 700,000 registered users, over 150,000 monthly active users, and more than 400,000 monthly transaction volume, Tbay is a global digital trading platform committed to providing users with a secure, professional, and efficient service and trading experience. The security of gift card transactions is a pain point for the industry, and Tbay prioritizes safety, promoting the slogan "You are in safe hands" to establish a secure link between sellers and buyers. To ensure transaction safety, Tbay has implemented a series of innovative measures. Firstly, Tbay's gift card vendors must have over three years of work experience, a good credit record, and a clean criminal record. The companies must employ staff and meet Tbay's capital and annual income standards. Secondly, vendors must pay a transaction deposit for user compensation in case of transaction disputes, and sign an exclusive cooperation agreement with Tbay, otherwise will face punishment for violations. Finally, Tbay monitors vendors' workspace 360 to ensure every transaction can be traced back through video. Tbay is dedicated to providing users with a fast transaction experience, with most transactions completed within 90 seconds. Recently, Tbay launched the even faster transaction mode -"Quick Sell Mode" , aiming to reduce gift card transaction time by at least 20% in the future. A product investigation about Tbay was also conducted at the event, and guests enthusiastically participated, trying out Tbay's new features. Over 90% expressed that the "Quick Sell Mode" is unique, convenient, and efficient, allowing them to complete the entire transaction process more quickly and gain more profits in a short period. They were also impressed by Tbay's vendors, giving them high ratings. Users hope for more new and interesting online campaigns as well as user-friendly and practical features in the future. Event Speech - Tbay Charity Journey Valerie Azaglo, one of Tbay's on-site guests, delivered the opening speech, sharing her experience of being invited by Tbay to be the charity leader in Ghana. She vividly described the collaboration with Tbay, especially the story of donating to eight schools. She expressed great honor in joining Tbay's charity project, giving her the opportunity to help over 1,000 students. Through donations and care, she has not only approached students' real life but also had a profound impact on the entire community. Valerie Azaglo emphasized her future plans with Tbay charity, including vivid interactions with children, organizing reading clubs and excursions, and introducing internet and e-learning to better prepare students for future competition. She stated that these plans would expand the impact of Tbay's charity project, focusing not only on material assistance but also on students' education and skill development. Finally, Valerie Azaglo mentioned that the first charity event was in April 2020, until now Tbay's "Donating 1,000 Schools" charity project has covered 7 African countries, benefiting over 10,000 students in more than 60 schools. She deeply cherishes the opportunity given by Tbay, allowing her to be a partner of improving the community in Ghana. Every guest at the event was touched by her enthusiasm and dedication, looking forward to witness more achievements made by Tbay's charity in the future. Tbay Facilitates African Business Development In addition to providing a secure and convenient transaction experience, Tbay has been working hard to offer more business opportunities for customers and partners. Tbay's gift card business uses internet technology as a medium, providing a wide bridge of communication in Africa and offering business opportunities for Africans in the global market. Through the online gift card trading platform, they can engage in international market transactions with gift card holders worldwide, earning additional income. Final Thoughts The Christmas event ended with singing, dancing, and joyous laughter. Tbay concluded by stating its commitment to being technology-driven, promoting African development through the internet and the digital economy, and connecting with global technological forces. Tbay aims to provide a convenient and efficient online gift card trading platform for Africans, creating broader markets and opportunities for entrepreneurs and merchants, meeting demands, and driving economic growth in Africa. Tbay's mission is to create more opportunities through internet and digital economy, continuing to promote African development, helping realize dreams, bringing new hope for Africa's future, Tbay emphasized that they would actively implement charity event, making contributions to African education. Tbay website: https://tbay.store/ SOURCE Tbay Company's latest-generation IntelliKit features Rightware's Kanzi One human-machine interface toolchain CHICAGO, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intellias will unveil a new digital cockpit with Rightware's Kanzi One technology to accelerate the development of dynamic, consumer-friendly automotive instrument panels at CES 2024 on January 9-12 in Las Vegas. IntelliKit, a digital cockpit designed by Intellias, will showcase for CES attendees how the company's engineers seamlessly integrate hardware and software from partnerships in the automotive sector to speed the development of cockpit systems. Rightware's Kanzi One HMI (Human Machine Interface) kit and Qualcomm's fourth-generation Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platform are among the systems featured in the Intellias portable but fully functional digital cockpit. Intellias experts, including Vice President of Delivery and Mobility Oleksandr Odukha, Technology Director Adam Konopa and Delivery Director Sergii Shcherbakov, will be available to discuss IntelliKit features along with a variety of other mobility-related topics at the company's exhibit in the West Hall (Booth 7075) of the Las Vegas Convention Center CES 2024 - Intellias. Konopa explained that Intellikit with Rightware Kanzi One enables faster, easier prototyping of digital screens. It also speeds up user-interface development processes by linking and creating new interaction logic between different components. "Harnessing the power of Rightware's Kanzi One HMI tools not only showcases our proficiency in orchestrating a diverse ecosystem of software and hardware partners, but also allows us to revolutionize the way we develop and integrate software," Konopa said. "With Intellikit empowered by Kanzi One we're able to simplify and accelerate the prototyping of digital screens, forging a path to the development of more intelligent and dynamic digital instrument panels." Rightware's Head of Partnerships Derek Sellin noted that the company's partnership with Intellias was established in 2022, adding that Rightware's Kanzi One provides a virtually limitless toolchain for the creation of visually stunning digital automotive cockpits with optimized performance. "Proven by more than a decade in mass production, Kanzi One is the dedicated automotive HMI creation tool that automotive manufacturers trust to deliver the best brand experience in their vehicles," Sellin said. "Development of a unique signature UI with Kanzi One can be expedited in partnership with experts from Intellias and its advanced IntelliKit solution." Intellias also recently announced a partnership with Rightware to assist in training students as part of its IntelliDrive program at Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv. IntelliDrive students are studying embedded-software development under the mentorship of Intellias experts. The establishment of a new Kanzi Learning Lab with Rightware will provide students with an opportunity to become more familiar with leading-edge cockpit design. "The Kanzi Learning Lab will give students experience in automotive HMI design using Kanzi One while our partnership with Intellias will expose them to leading software experts as part of their studies," Sellin added. "We look forward to continued collaboration with Intellias and Ukrainian Catholic University to develop these students as industry leaders of tomorrow." About Intellias Intellias is a global technology partner with more than 20 years of experience delivering product engineering and consulting services to Fortune 500 companies. Leading automotive OEMs, Tier One suppliers, transportation and mobility service providers, including HERE Technologies, Elmos, JOYNEXT, TomTom, DKV, and Rand McNally, rely on Intellias to co-create custom solutions and digitally transform their businesses. Intellias answers mobility challenges with deep expertise in connectivity, infotainment systems, autonomous driving, eMobility, and intelligent transportation. More information on Intellias can be found at www.intellias.com. About Rightware Rightware is the pioneering provider of automotive graphics software tools and services headquartered in Finland with a presence in China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and the USA. Its Kanzi One, an all-in-one HMI toolchain, enables automotive OEMs to deliver the best user experience for their customers while transforming the traditional HMI into a real signature UI. SOURCE Intellias New Survey From Express Employment Professionals Latest Results from The Harris Poll OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- While U.S. hiring managers and job seekers feel career advancement is valuable, many job seekers are more focused on achieving personal fulfillment and work/life balance. This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. Climbing the Corporate Ladder More than half of employed job seekers (56%) feel they are performing above and beyond at their company now compared to a year ago and hiring managers are seeing similar effort (53%). From the perspective of hiring managers, the definition of professional success for employees is advancing in their careers (73%). And 58% report that the only way for employees to achieve professional success at their company is to "climb the corporate ladder." Around 7 in 10 job seekers (71%) are similarly aligned on the definition of professional success (i.e., advancing in their career) and believe climbing the corporate ladder is the only way employees can achieve this (57%). Most hiring managers also feel the best way for employees to add value to a company is advancing their careers (70%) a similar proportion of job seekers concur (71%). Meaningful Work vs. Advancement Despite a strong majority of job seekers (86%) and hiring managers (83%) saying most employees want to advance in their careers, 57% of job seekers say they are not interested in "climbing the corporate ladder." Workers appear more focused on personal fulfillment and balancing their personal and professional lives. Most job seekers say it is more important to them to have a meaningful job than a high-level job title (83%) and define success more by work/life balance than climbing the corporate ladder (80%). More than 4 in 5 hiring managers report similar perspectives; 85% say it is more important for workers to have a meaningful job than a high-level job title, and 84% report more employees define success by work/life balance than climbing the corporate ladder now compared to three years ago. As a result, workers may choose to remain in their current role. However, more than half of hiring managers (55%) feel employees who have no desire to advance are looked upon negatively at their company; 64% of job seekers agree. When thinking of employees who don't wish to advance their careers, more than half of hiring managers (55%) describe employees negatively most commonly linking these employees with a lack of drive (34%), being uncommitted (22%) and unengaged (22%). And more than half of hiring managers (56%) report employees who are not interested in "climbing the corporate ladder" have less long-term potential in their company. While some companies seemingly desire employees with the drive to rise through the ranks, nearly 9 in 10 hiring managers (89%) agree that employees who are content in remaining in their current role still contribute to the success of a company. In addition, these employees may be thought of as more self-aware, as around a quarter of hiring managers describe them as knowing their limit (25%) and knowing what they want (24%). "Whether it's an entry-level position or an executive role, every job contributes significantly to the overall functionality and success of the workforce," said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. "People's ambitions vary, but one thing that all employees should have in common is to find continuing education opportunities to excel in their duties and always strive for improvement. "Businesses would also be prudent to discover how team members individually define purpose to avoid mistaking contentment with complacency." Survey Methodology The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,010 U.S. hiring decision-makers. The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,006 adults ages 18 and older. For full survey methodologies, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR. If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bill Stoller to discuss this topic, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR. About Bill Stoller William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 579,000 people globally in 2022 and more than 10 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com. SOURCE Express Employment Professionals Celebrating its 50th year, the LP Foundation supported over 80 nonprofits and public schools NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LP Building Solutions (LP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, proudly announces more than $875,000 in monetary and product donations in 2023 through the LP Foundation and other corporate giving initiatives. Celebrating its 50th year, the LP Foundation supported over 80 nonprofit organizations and public schools. LP Foundation President Breeanna Straessle said, "The LP Foundation embodies LP's purpose of Building a Better World by enriching communities. This year, nearly a million dollars in monetary and in-kind product donations as well as countless volunteer hours were dedicated to initiatives supporting the communities that LP calls home." LP prioritizes giving in four areas aligned with its mission and values: Building high-quality, affordable homes, with a focus on supporting wounded veterans. Protecting the environment and promoting healthy forests. Enhancing public STEM education to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. Working with organizations to build diverse talent and promote inclusivity. The LP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, runs five philanthropic programs: Community Grants, Disaster Relief, Team Member Nonprofit Board Sponsorships, Team Member Giving Matches, and its Gary Sinise Foundation partnership. This year, the LP Foundation awarded a community grant to the Urban League of Middle Tennessee's Real Estate Developers Academy, which supports persons of color in the housing industry. The grant will aid the design and implementation of a think tank for open conversations on the affordable housing shortage in the Nashville, Tennessee area. "A leader in the construction and building solutions industry, LP is recognized for its commitment to and support of our local community," said the Urban League of Middle Tennessee (ULMT) President and CEO Clifton Harris. "LP's generous investment in support of ULMT's Real Estate Developers Academy is making a significant impact as we work collaboratively in seeking solutions to our community's affordable housing needs. LP's purpose of 'Building a Better World' closely aligns with our goal of 'Building Better Lives by Empowering Communities and Changing Lives,' and we are excited to have this opportunity to work with the LP team now and well into the future." In the second year of partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, LP and the LP Foundation helped welcome four severely wounded heroes and their families to specially adapted, mortgage-free smart technology homes. For Veterans Day, LP and the Gary Sinise Foundation arranged an on-field salute to retired U.S. Army Sergeant Josh Hargis, honored as Hero of the Day at the Tennessee Titans Salute to Service game. The Hargis family's future home will be completed in 2024 with support from LP and LP Foundation. "On behalf of our founder Gary Sinise, we are so grateful for our partnership with the LP Foundation and for their commitment to honor our nation's veterans, first responders, heroes, and defenders," said Gary Sinise Foundation Senior Vice President of Programs Jim Ravella. "Their generous support allows us to reach even more of our nation's most severely wounded heroes and their families who have sacrificed so much by building specially adapted smart homes that help our remarkable heroes regain their freedom and independence." The LP Foundation also continued its long-standing partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, and the Hard Bargain Association (HBA) in 2023. The LP Foundation's donation to the HBA will go toward Bousquet Place, a nearly 40-home community providing affordable housing for those in financial need, focusing on city civil servants. Many LP team members are active in their local communities, volunteering to support community needs. The LP Foundation supported this work through its Nonprofit Board Sponsorships and Giving Match Programs. Since 2013, LP team members have contributed more than half a million dollars, matched dollar for dollar by the LP Foundation. In 2023, LP and the LP Foundation provided support for disaster relief following wildfires in British Columbia (near LP Dawson Creek), tornadoes in Nashville, Tennessee (near LP Nashville) and Selma, Alabama (near LP Clarke County), as well as the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. "We are extraordinarily grateful for the support of LP Building Solutions," said American Red Cross Tennessee Region CEO Joel Sullivan. "It is through the generosity of our donors like LP that the Red Cross can provide both immediate and long-term relief to families impacted by disasters." Additional grants went to nonprofits and public schools, including Harpeth Conservancy, Tennessee Environmental Council, the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Alabama, and more. Since it was established in 1973, the LP Foundation has donated over $22 million to nonprofits and K12 public schools in communities where LP operates. About LP Building Solutions As a leader in high-performance building solutions, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP Building Solutions, NYSE: LPX) manufactures engineered wood products that meet the demands of builders, remodelers and homeowners worldwide. LP's extensive portfolio of innovative and dependable products includes Siding Solutions (LP SmartSide Trim & Siding, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish Trim & Siding, LP BuilderSeries Lap Siding and LP Outdoor Building Solutions), LP Structural Solutions (LP TechShield Radiant Barrier, LP WeatherLogic Air & Water Barrier, LP Legacy Premium Sub-Flooring, LP FlameBlock Fire-Rated Sheathing, LP NovaCore Thermal Insulated Sheathing and LP TopNotch 350 Durable Sub-Flooring) and oriented strand board (OSB). In addition to product solutions, LP provides industry-leading customer service and warranties. Since its founding in 1972, LP has been Building a Better World by helping customers construct beautiful, durable homes while shareholders build lasting value. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, LP operates 23 plants across the U.S., Canada, Chile and Brazil. For more information, visit LPCorp.com. SOURCE LP Building Solutions For the seventh straight year, Mallinckrodt earns perfect 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's assessment of LGBTQ+ workplace equality DUBLIN, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Mallinckrodt joins the ranks of 545 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year. Henriette Nielsen, Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer said, "Mallinckrodt is pleased to have been recognized for the seventh year in a row as an Equality100 Business in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Quality Index. This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace for all. Thank you to the Human Rights Campaign for this incredible honor." "For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion," said RaShawn "Shawnie" Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Sr Director of Workplace Equality. "Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies, providing educational resources and leading benchmarking, and collaborating on ways for businesses to support the LGBTQ+ community at a time when we face unprecedented legislative attacks, heightened anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and physical violence. The CEI is an ever-evolving tool a blueprint that companies can use to show up more effectively in supporting their LGBTQ+ employees and their families." The results of the 2023-2024 CEI showcase how U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad. The first year of the CEI included 319 participants, and the 2023-2024 CEI now includes 1,384 participants; further demonstrating the tremendous trajectory of the CEI, a record-breaking 1,340 businesses have non-discrimination protections specific to gender identity, up from just 17 in 2002. These critical non-discrimination protections cover 21 million employees in the U.S. and around the globe. Mallinckrodt's efforts in satisfying all the CEI's criteria earned a score of 100 and the designation as recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion. The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 20 million U.S. workers and an additional 18 million outside of the U.S. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine's 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine's top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses. The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: Non-discrimination policies across business entities; Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families; Supporting an inclusive culture; and, Corporate social responsibility. The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei. About Mallinckrodt Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The Company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, hepatology, nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology and oncology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics; cultured skin substitutes and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com. Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the Company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website. About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public's understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work. CONTACTS Media Inquiries Alyssa Bartlone Hill & Knowlton [email protected] M: +1 706-148-9740 Ariel Selzer White Hill & Knowlton [email protected] M: +1 713-492-5627 Investor Relations Daniel J. Speciale Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Specialty Generics M: +1 314-654-3638 [email protected] Derek Belz Vice President, Investor Relations M: +1 314-654-3950 [email protected] SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc Local Entrepreneurs to Expand Nation's First Anti-Aging Franchise throughout Northwest Arkansas BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Serotonin Centers, the nation's first and only anti-aging/longevity franchise, announced a new multi-unit development deal that will bring three locations to the Northwest region of Arkansas. Entrepreneurs and married couple Travis and Rhonda Little have identified locations stretching from Benton County down to Sebastian County and plan to have the first location open by the Fall of 2024. Front lobby of Serotonin Centers This isn't the first franchise expansion deal for the Littles with Serotonin Centers this year, either. They signed a 5-unit deal to expand throughout Southwest Missouri in May, with their first location set to open this spring in Springfield, MO. The Missouri natives have rich backgrounds in both the dairy and construction industries, but are now dedicated on providing sustainable and reliable access to health solutions on a wider scale in Arkansas. "Expanding Serotonin into Arkansas will give accessible and elite anti-aging services to even more people looking for guidance on their path toward a better life," said Travis Little. "The real science behind anti-aging is there and people are becoming more interested and willing to being healthier for longer, because what Serotonin is doing is working. This region is a unique area and we feel it's more than ready for this step for a healthier future." The economic growth in Arkansas has been on an upward trend since 2019, with strong employment numbers and a diverse background in a multitude of industries. With three Serotonin Centers coming to a few of the state's most populous counties, Northwest Arkansas will reap the health benefits and the economic benefits of the alternative health industry that's projected to grow to $98.6 Billion by 2028. "We are excited for Travis and Rhonda to continue expanding their portfolio of Serotonin Centers in the Missouri and Arkansas markets," said Eric Casaburi, Founder and CEO of Serotonin Centers. "Bringing Serotonin's incredible products and services will allow residents of these communities to radically improve their healthspan, as well as how they look and feel." With 91 franchises open and under development, Serotonin is positioned to lead the MedSpa and anti-aging industries as they continue to grow in popularity. The rise in popularity is due to their expertise in franchising as well as attention to industry specific operational detail. To learn more about Serotonin Centers and its franchising opportunities, visit www.serotonincenters.com/franchising/. ABOUT SEROTONIN Aptly named after the hormone that's function is to stabilize human's feelings of well-being and overall happiness, Serotonin's longevity and anti-aging concept provides members the road map for maximizing wellness and healthspan. The anti-aging brand intersects the expertise of both medical practitioners and health coaches in a concierge eco-system under one roof to slow down the human biological clock and extend the prime years of looking and feeling your best. Those interested in investing in a Serotonin Center can visit serotonincenters.com/franchising/ for more information. SOURCE Serotonin Centers CHICAGO, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Skin of Color Society (SOCS), the global leader in skin of color dermatology, reports that 2023 was a year of exceptional progress in support of its mission to change the landscape for people of color through research, education, mentorship and advocacy. Several signature SOCS programs and newer initiatives that took place this year made uniquely important contributions to the field, as follows. SOCS Presidents united, pictured from left: Drs. Andrew F. Alexis (current SOCS President) with Past Presidents through the years: Drs. Rebat Halder, Valerie M. Harvey, Valerie D. Callender, Founder Susan C. Taylor, Amy McMichael, Lynn McKinley-Grant, Seemal R. Desai and President-Elect Victoria Barbosa. 2023 Highlights December 2023: The SOCS Meeting the Challenge Summit: Population Descriptors in Dermatology Research StudiesContinuing in its commitment to increase diversity in dermatology research studies and clinical trials, SOCS presented its second Meeting the Challenge Summit in December 2023, this time focusing on population descriptors that best describe various populations under study. As the second in a series, the Summit convened an esteemed, diverse group of 116 stakeholders, including skin of color dermatology leaders, researchers, clinicians, regulators, dermatologists-in-training, industry representatives, geneticists, dermatology journal editors, and an anthropologist. Co-chaired by Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD and Valerie D. Callender, MD, FAAD , the 2023 Summit further advanced the broader work of the SOCS Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials Task Force, which introduced the inaugural Meeting the Challenge Summit in 2022 a groundbreaking gathering that led to the development of the nation's first Diversity in Clinical Trials Mentorship Program , presented in 2023 in collaboration with the National Medical Association. In addition, this SOCS Task Force is in the process of developing a comprehensive, evidence-based review of the use and misuse of the current scales used to measure skin tones. The 2023 Meeting the Challenge Summit was made possible with thanks to the support of the following sponsors: Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc. and L'Oreal Research & Innovation (Champion Level); Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Inc., and Incyte Corporation (Ally Level), and AbbVie, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Google Health, and Sanofi-Regeneron (Partner Level). The 3rd SOCS Meeting the Challenge Summit will take place in 2025. October 2023: My Best Winter Skin Campaign On October 24, 2023, SOCS launched a new national health awareness day known as My Best Winter Skin Day, (MBWS), kicking off an annual seasonal campaign built around public education, volunteerism and giving. While raising awareness about winter skin a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, skin types and tones in the colder months of the year funds raised through this public educational campaign go to the SOCS Foundation to help support innovative research and mentorship in skin of color dermatology. The world's first MBWS Day rolled out with two successful community outreach events held in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C., led by teams of SOCS members, dermatology residents and medical students from Northwestern University and Howard University respectively. Participating SOCS volunteers shared educational tips for managing winter skin that were developed by members of the SOCS Patient Education Committee, and distributed free moisturizers generously donated by MBWS campaign sponsors, La Roche-Posay and CeraVe. Campaign support was also provided by Restore Hair. Since the MBWS Day events, a total of 36 SOCS members in 18 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. have volunteered to conduct additional outreach events in their communities and on local college campuses, resulting in the distribution of 5,000 educational tips and donated moisturizers to the public. Hundreds of medical school students, Resident and Fellow members have participated in this inaugural outreach to date. Plans are underway for an expanded MBWS campaign in 2024. August 2023: Dermatology Foundation and SOCS Partner to Deliver Impactful Opportunity to Advance Health Equity in DermatologyFor the first time, the Dermatology Foundation (DF) and SOCS have partnered to deliver new DEI research support for 2024, with a one-million-dollar grant generously provided by Sanofi-Regeneron. The Sanofi-Regeneron Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mid-Career Award was developed especially for the exceptional mid-career investigator with an established trajectory of excellence in basic, clinical or translational science and will expand the understanding of dermatological issues impacting underrepresented or underserved groups in medicine. This substantial award adds a critical piece to the pathways of investigators working to address healthcare disparities. Supported research projects are expected to yield novel results that will provide urgently needed preliminary data and will serve as a springboard for obtaining larger research grants. Administered and promoted by the DF/SOCS Collaborative, this unique award leverages the DF's experience and infrastructure in award development and management, along with the SOCS's expertise in DEI and deep reach into the community of DEI investigators. Applications are closed for the 2024 Award cycle. Recipients will be announced in March 2024. July 2023: The first-ever SOCS Scientific Session at the World Congress of Dermatology (WCD)SOCS was pleased to present its first WCD Scientific Session at the 25th World Congress of Dermatology in Singapore . Organized by the International League of Dermatological Societies, of which SOCS is a proud member, the WCD is one of the largest dermatology meetings in the world. Featuring expert presentations on inflammatory disorders, cultural beauty around the world, lichen planopilaris in South Africa, facial pigmentation and less-known facets of cutaneous tuberculosis, the SOCS Scientific Session was co-chaired by Drs. Victoria Barbosa and Ginette A. Okoye, under the leadership of SOCS President Dr. Andrew Alexis . This well-attended program was made possible by an educational grant from Pfizer. June 2023: The SOCS Educational Video SeriesIn its continuing dedication to physician, patient and public education, SOCS released an innovative educational video series in June 2023, consisting of the "MelanatED" series of eight short-form videos and ten longer-form SOCS Identity videos. Covering pertinent, high-interest topics ranging from cultural competency, inflammatory diseases, hair loss, and sunscreen in skin of color to patient safety, dermatologic differences in darker skin, the importance of early detection, how to find "Dr. Right" and much more, this enlightening collection addresses many issues of importance to patients of color and the physicians who care for them. Drawn from the 6th Annual SOCS Media Day initiative, held in March 2023, these insightful videos feature nationally and globally recognized SOCS leaders, including: Drs. Susan C. Taylor, Andrew F. Alexis, Valerie M. Harvey, Candrice R. Heath, Janiene Luke, Corey L. Hartman, Shawn Kwatra, and Nkem Ugonabo. This initiative was made possible thanks to the support of: Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc., Procter & Gamble, Sente, Bristol Myers Squibb, Arcutis Biotherapeutics and Dove. The 7th Annual SOCS Media Day , "Changes, Challenges and Choices in Skin of Color: What SOCS Experts Say in an Era of Opportunity and Promise," will lead to a new series of educational videos, featuring SOCS leaders who will share their insights on a range of timely and relevant topics of importance to patients of color. March 2023: The 19th Annual SOCS Scientific SymposiumHeld in March 2023, the 19th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium , "Where Science, Innovation and Inclusion Meet," showcased the latest skin of color dermatology research and insights from emerging researchers and leading experts from around the US and the world. A record 179 scientific abstracts were submitted, with 128 poster abstracts and five oral abstract presentations accepted for inclusion in the program. Experienced by an international audience of 511 attendees, the Symposium featured 16 invited speakers, including a keynote address, who shared their insights through presentations, moderated panels and oral abstracts, along with an expansive range of iPosters on display for viewing. This informative program was co-chaired by Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAD and Ginette A. Okoye, MD, FAAD. The 19th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium was supported by AbbVie, Arcutis, AVITA Medical, Beiersdorf, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermavant Sciences, Eli Lilly, Evolus, Incyte Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc., OrthoDermotologics, Sanofi-Regeneron, Sente, Strata Skin Sciences, UCB, and Unilever/Dove/Vaseline. The 20th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium , "Pathways to Equity: Advancing Advocacy, Research, and Clinical Excellence," will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego. The upcoming Symposium is co-chaired by Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, FAAD and Chere Lucas Anthony, MD, FAAD . 2023 By the Numbers: SOCS Signature Programs and Activities "As we usher in our 20th Anniversary milestone in 2024, we're deeply grateful to so many SOCS leaders, members, supporters and collaborators who have helped make 2023 an extraordinary year of remarkable progress," comments SOCS President Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD. About the Skin of Color Society The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is an international professional dermatologic organization dedicated to achieving health equity and excellence in patient care through research, education, mentorship and advocacy. SOCS is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in dermatology to advance patient care. Established in 2004 by Susan C. Taylor, MD, SOCS includes members from more than 30 countries around the world. Learn more: www.skinofcolorsociety.org. SOURCE Skin of Color Society South Koreas Leading Crypto Venture Made 29 Investments in 2023, Allocating $28.44 Million in Total Disclosure: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. By using this website, you agree to our terms and conditions. We may utilise affiliate links within our content, and receive commission. Hashed, South Koreas largest crypto venture, has invested 36.8 billion won ($28.44 million) in blockchain projects this year. Despite the challenges faced during the prolonged crypto winter, Hashed successfully forged numerous new investments in blockchain infrastructure and gaming projects throughout the year, according to a recent report from Econovill. The focus was primarily on early-stage ventures with the potential to attract more users by enhancing blockchain infrastructure and integrating content and intellectual property rights (IP). In total, Hashed made 29 investments, with a relatively equal distribution across sectors. Blockchain infrastructure, games, and finance each accounted for 21% of the investments, while IP and content-related startups received 15% of the allocations. Additionally, Hashed invested in a diverse range of early-stage startups capable of leveraging blockchain infrastructure in various fields such as O2O platforms, sharing economy initiatives, and artificial intelligence startups. Geographically, Korea held the largest share at 38%, followed by North America at 21%, Europe at 7%, and other Asian regions including Singapore at 34%. Hashed Invests in 20 New Crypto Companies Among the investments were 20 new companies, mostly early-stage startups ranging from seed to Series A stages. These included Radius, a shared sequencing layer developer, Decentralized Gaming Ventures (DGV), a web 3.0 game venture studio, Another Ball, the operator of the Virtuber platform Izumo, and DeLabs, a Web3 gaming studio. Furthermore, there were nine follow-up investments in companies such as Archway, a Cosmos-based DApp developer compensation layer-1 project, Payhere, a mobile-based POS platform, and DFNS, a decentralized API solution for digital asset custody. Hashed currently manages two funds, which include the first fund worth 120 billion won and the second fund worth 240 billion won through Hashed Ventures. Through these funds, Hashed invests in numerous domestic and foreign startups, actively engaging in resource activities to foster the development of a Web 3 ecosystem. The total portfolio of companies invested in through funds 1 and 2 amounts to 86. As of Fund 2, the proportion invested in domestic companies stands at 55%, and several portfolio companies have demonstrated notable performance throughout the year. Aptos, a layer 1 blockchain, has consistently achieved over 20,000 transactions per second (TPS) with 7.3 million active wallets. Story Protocol, which attracted follow-up investments from leading global investors like a16z, successfully hosted its first hackathon and launched the alpha version of its product. Dune, an on-chain data analysis platform, maintains its leading position in the market, while decentralized exchange dYdX recorded the highest trading volume among decentralized exchanges and effectively transitioned to its own app chain, enabling decentralized governance. Hashed Supports Web3 Through More Initiatives In addition to investments, Hashed actively contributes to the Web3 ecosystem through various initiatives. The company has supported approximately 80 meetings, including hackathons for college students, and provided assistance for blockchain conferences. Co-hosted with FactBlock, Korea Blockchain Week has solidified its position as one of the largest blockchain events in Asia, attracting over 10,000 participants. Hasheds Protocol Camp, a Web3 builder boot camp, has successfully completed five batches with a total of 59 graduates. Hashed Open Research (HOR), a policy think tank, engages in research and policy proposal activities, publishing regular reports and organizing seminars. Lake Norman Plumber on Call Offers Water Heater Repair and Many Other Plumbing Services to the Greater Mooresville and Lake Norman Areas MOORESVILLE, N.C., Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Owner of Lake Norman Plumber on Call in Mooresville, North Carolina, Matthew McCafferty is proud of his company's well-deserved reputation as water heater repair experts. To help homeowners throughout the Mooresville and Lake Norman regions keep their water heaters in good shape, and also know when repairs are necessary, McCafferty just released a guide filled with helpful tips. To read the new guide, which is titled "Water Heater Maintenance Tips Recommended by Lake Norman Plumber on Call" in its entirety, please check out https://lakenormanplumberoncall.com/water-heater-maintenance-tips-recommended-by-the-lake-norman-plumber-on-call/. As the guide noted,, a water heater is a crucial and hardworking, appliance in every home. It is responsible for heating the water used for bathing, cleaning dishes and a number of other household tasks that call for hot water. To keep water heaters working well, regular maintenance is very important. "Regular maintenance not only ensures that it will continue to operate efficiently but also helps in detecting any potential issues early on, which can prevent costly repairs down the line," the new guide noted, adding that proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of a water heater, ultimately saving on replacement costs. Regular maintenance and repair tasks include: Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup Checking for leaks in the tank and connections Inspecting the pressure relief valve for proper function Testing the heating element or burner for consistent heat output Despite regular maintenance, there will be times when a water heater needs repair. Signs that homeowners should schedule an appointment with the water heater repair experts from Lake Norman Plumber on Call include: Hot water running out very quickly when showering Discolored water Strange noises coming from the water heater Pools of water around the water heater "Lake Norman Plumber on Call will inspect and repair any issues found with water heaters," the guide said. "One of our professional plumbers will be able to identify the root cause of the problem and ensure that your water heater is functioning properly to provide a consistent and sufficient hot water supply in your home." About Lake Norman Plumber on Call: Lake Norman Plumber on Call is a licensed plumber in the Mooresville, NC area, with decades of experience as a plumbing contractor. They specialize in plumbing repairs, including 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services, as well as installation of new plumbing fixtures and appliances. From hot water heaters to leaky pipes, they can handle all of their customers' plumbing needs. For more information, please visit https://lakenormanplumberoncall.com/ . Lake Norman Plumber on Call 1249 River Hwy Unit A Mooresville, NC 28117 704-657-7711 SOURCE Lake Norman Plumber On Call Inc. While researching his latest book, Jonathan Myerson Katz dove into a chapter of American history remembered by just about every country other than America. The Charlottesville resident is the author of Gangsters of Capitalism: Smedley Butler, the Marines, and the Making and Breaking of Americas Empire. The book, published by Macmillans St. Martins Press imprint, won the Peoples Choice Award for Nonfiction at the Library of Virginias Virginia Literary Awards on Oct. 14. To learn more about the lasting impact of Americas dreams of empire at home and abroad, Katz explored the pre- and early 20th-century experiences of Butler, a heavily decorated Marine general who fought in the Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, Boxer Rebellion and Mexican Revolution the wars we completely left out of most school history curricula, Katz said and World War I. Theres a giant black hole in time and in the history curriculum that we dont like to talk about, the author told The Daily Progress. It has been an intentional process of forgetting. Butler picked up many nicknames throughout his career, including the Maverick Marine, The Fighting Quaker and The Fighting Hell-Devil, and five of his most significant medals were for heroism. In 1933, Butler made headlines of a different sort after telling a congressional committee that well-heeled industrialists had been plotting a military coup to overthrow President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Had he not refused, Butler was to have led a march of fascist-leaning veterans to Washington and been installed as dictator of the United States as part of what became known as the Business Plot. Katz said that to most Americans today, Butler is barely an answer to a Trivial Pursuit question. But when you write a book about someone, its as if he lives in your house. Hes like a roommate. He was funny at times, and he was an absolute monster at other times. He was someone who had an enormous capacity for self-reflection. Hes tortured by the things he has done. So why arent Americans more familiar with this time period and its consequences? There are no easy answers. And yet, when one starts to research the origins of wealth disparities, structural racism and other contemporary ills, all of these things are rooted in our imperial past, Katz said. Its uncomfortable. Looking at these things is an unpleasant sensation, Katz said. It is more that in the stories we choose to tell, the narratives we center, these stories dont have a place. Although some people see Butler as an irredeemable monster, he is everything you want in a literary figure. He is complex and contradictory and weighed down by his own reflection, Katz said. Hes a war hero, but hes a hero of wars that people dont know happened and are scandalized to find out that happened. Smedley Butler is a complicated figure. He kind of serves a lot of peoples needs, but he doesnt serve anyones needs. His era is bookended by the two big events we like to talk about: the Civil War and World War II. The bad guys of World War II were really bad guys and they werent us. Katz is a world traveler himself. The native of Louisville, Kentucky, started his journalism career with the Associated Press in 2003 in Jerusalem at the time of the Second Intifada, which was triggered in part by the failure of the 2000 Camp David Summit. His first book, 2013s The Big Truck That Went By: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster, was based on his experiences in Haiti after surviving the massive earthquake there in 2010 while representing the Associated Press. He won the 2011 James Foley Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism before leaving the Associated Press to write The Big Truck That Went By, which was shortlisted for the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction. The book won the Overseas Press Club of Americas Cornelius Ryan Award for the years best book on international affairs, and it picked up the J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Award and the WOLA-Duke Book Award for Human Rights in Latin America. Butler wrote a book of his own in 1935: War is a Racket. These days, Katz is focusing on his newsletter, itself named the Racket, and continues his examination of many of the topics raised in Gangsters of Capitalism. My main thing these days is the Racket, he said. 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 Jerusalem, Dec 27 : The Israel Air Force intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle over the Red Sea while it was approaching Israel, the Israeli military has said. The military, which released the video footage of the interception, said in a statement on Tuesday that an Israeli aircraft "successfully intercepted a hostile aerial target that approached the Israeli territory in the area of the Red Sea", Xinhua news agency reported. The Air Force's Control Unit "monitored the target throughout the incident", it added. The Israeli military issued the statement after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed a fresh attack on the Israeli Red Sea resort city of Eilat, using "a number of suicide drones." Houthi forces have launched several missiles and drones toward Eilat since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, saying the attacks were carried out "to support Hamas". Jerusalem, Dec 27 : Israel has declared the expansion of its ground offensive in the central Gaza Strip, as the United Nations warned that the escalation of attacks is exacerbating a "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave. Israel previously urged the residents of Gaza to move from the northern region to the central and southern regions, which it claimed as "safe zones". However, the Israeli forces later expanded their strikes across the strip, including the central and southern parts, Xinhua news agency reported. In a statement on Tuesday, UN Human Rights Office's spokesperson Seif Magango reported that more than 50 strikes occurred in central Gaza on December 24-25, targeting the refugee camps of Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi, where two strikes hit seven residential buildings, killing at least 86 people. "An unknown number of people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble," Magango said. The escalated Israeli bombardment, said Magango, is "deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian situation," with all roads connecting the three camps destroyed, hindering the delivery of relief aid. Shelters and hospitals, operating at a minimal capacity, are grappling with critical overcrowding and limited resources. Palestinian health authorities have reported that approximately 21,000 people, predominantly children, women, and the elderly, were killed during the 81-day conflict, with thousands more missing and presumed to be buried under the rubble. A majority of the 2.3 million population has been displaced, and the UN reports widespread hunger. Meanwhile, an Israeli military spokesperson told reporters that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) believes that "thousands" of Hamas militants are located in the refugee camps of central Gaza. IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said in an address to soldiers that the attacks will now concentrate on central and southern Gaza. According to Halevi, the military "is close to completing the dismantling of Hamas' battalions in the northern Gaza Strip." He said that the military killed "many" militants and Hamas commanders, some surrendered to the Israeli forces and "hundreds" were taken prisoner. However, "it cannot be said that we killed them all. It seems likely that we will still encounter fighters in this area." He acknowledged that the ongoing attack has exacted a "heavy and painful toll" on soldiers' lives, with official figures indicating that the number of Israeli troops killed has reached 161 since the beginning of Israel's ground invasion. The Israeli objectives -- eliminating Hamas and bringing back home about 129 hostages who are still held in Gaza -- "are not simple to achieve," Halevi noted, saying that the fight would continue "for many more months." Addressing the parliament Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also emphasized that Israel faces "a long fight". He said that since Hamas launched its surprise attack on October 7, Israel has been "in a multi-front war. We are being attacked from seven different arenas: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), Iraq, Yemen, and Iran". "Israel has retaliated in six of these arenas," Gallant said. "Anyone who acts against us is a potential target, there is no immunity." Baghdad, Dec 27 : An Iraqi Shiite militia has claimed responsibility for a rocket barrage on a US military base in Syria's northeastern province of al-Hasakah. The militia, named Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed in an online statement on Tuesday that its fighters fired rockets on the al-Shaddadi military base and hit their targets, without giving further details, Xinhua news agency reported. The attack by the Iraqi armed group is part of a series of retaliatory measures against the US forces amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the group's statement added. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, confirmed that explosions were heard in the al-Shaddadi base. There are no reports of casualties so far. The incident marked the 61st recorded attack on the US bases in Syria since October 19, the war monitor added. Earlier in the day, the White House said that US President Joe Biden ordered the military to launch airstrikes against three locations utilized by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq. The order came after a drone attack on Monday on a US base near Erbil Airport in northern Iraq wounded three US service members, one critically. Later in the day, the Iraqi government condemned the US airstrikes on Iraqi security sites, which killed a security member and injured 18 people, including civilians, according to a statement by the media office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. Prayagraj, Dec 27 : The Allahabad High Court has directed the authorities of Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) not to compel farmers of tehsil Jewar to execute sale deeds of their land in state's favour unless they agree for the same on their free will. Prayagraj, Dec 27 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court has directed the authorities of Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) not to compel farmers of tehsil Jewar to execute sale deeds of their land in stateas favour unless they agree for the same on their free will. The court, however, made it clear that the state authorities could acquire the land by following procedures prescribed by the law. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Manish Kumar Nigam on Tuesday disposed of a mandamus writ petition filed by Mahendar Singh and 98 other farmers, seeking to restrain the respondents -- the state government authorities -- from compelling the petitioners to execute sale deed with regard to their bhumidhari land situated at Tirthali, Tirthali Kheda, Rabupura, Karauli Banger, Akalpur, Kuraib, Chakbeerampur and Beerampur, Pargana villages and Jewar Tehsil of Gautam Buddha Nagar district. According to petitioners, they were being compelled and coerced by the state respondents to execute sale deeds in respect of the aforesaid land in their favour and that the petitioners were not ready to sell their land but compelled by the respondents. The counsel for Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority of India (YEIDA) responded that the authority had only made a proposal to the land owners to sell their land in favour of the authority for public welfare, but they would not compel land owners to execute sale deed in favour of the authority, nor take possession of their land until the parties arrived at a mutual settlement in respect of compensation, followed by execution of title documents. Tel Aviv , Dec 27 : An official of the United Nations has stated that Israel is using its army to deport Palestinians out of the Gaza strip. Paula Gaviria Betancur, the UN special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, in a statement issued on Tuesday claimed that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) was attempting to deport Palestinians from Gaza "en masse." The statement read: "As evacuation orders and military operations continue to expand and civilians are subjected to relentless attacks on a daily basis, the only logical conclusion is that Israel's military operation in Gaza aims to deport the majority of the civilian population en masse." It may be noted that Israel has been denying reports that its military was pushing out Gazans into Egypt for the duration of the war, and has vowed it is not seeking any permanent population displacement. Israel is engaged in a bitter war with Hamas terror group in Gaza strip after Hamas had swarmed into southern Israel and slaughtered 1,200 people, injuring more than 3,000 and kidnapping 240 people including foreign nationals on October 7. Immediately Israel retaliated with air strikes in Gaza and subsequently, on October 27, IDF invaded into the Gaza strip. The Health Ministry of Gaza has claimed that more than 20,000 Palestinians including women and children were killed in Israeli military attack since October 7. IDF has also stated that it has lost 161 of its troops in the war with Hamas since it commenced ground operations in the strip. New York, Dec 27 : Three Indian-Americans in the US state of New Jersey have been arrested for allegedly deceiving a business owner by charging him two hundred thousand dollars for a contract work that never got done. Viral Patel and Priyanka Patel from Jersey City, and Pratik Patel from Ramsey were each charged last week with theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft, the Jersey City Times website reported. According to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, the three defendants, between the age groups of 33 to 38, were operating under the name Janvi Hotel Supply LLC, located at 23 Thorne Street in Jersey City. The business has been described as a "scam" by three people on google reviews. They were hired to perform contract work at a business owneras three properties in March this year for which the latter was billed two hundred thousand dollars. However, the work was never performed even though the business owner paid full amount to the Patels, Suarez said. She did not identify the business owner or the nature of the work, according to the news report. Viral and Priyanka, who are married according to public records, were arrested on December 20 at the Hudson County Prosecutoras Office in Secaucus and at a residence in Jersey City, respectively. Pratik was arrested a day after at the County Prosecutoras Office. The three were then taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending their first court appearances. The brother of Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith was taken into custody Tuesday after stealing his brothers truck and leading police on a chase that ended with his arrest at Clymore Elementary School in Fort Defiance. Ronald William Smith, a 41-year-old Churchville resident, was taken to Augusta Health after he initially refused to exit the vehicle and shouldered a hay spear like a long rifle when deputies approached. Ronald Smith is charged with seven offenses and is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail in Verona. He is charged with obstruction of justice, attempted aggravated murder, felony destruction of property, driving under the influence of drugs, misdemeanor destruction of property, felony eluding and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Sheriff Smith alluded to substance abuse problems his brother suffers from in a statement. As your sheriff, I am not exempt from family issues and addiction problems, the sheriff said. Im extremely grateful that no one was seriously hurt by my brothers actions, and commend my deputies and the Virginia State Police for ending the situation safely. Sheriff Smith called his office at 4 p.m. Tuesday to ask for assistance stopping a stolen vehicle. The stolen vehicle a red, 2000 International, single-axle semi-tractor with a gooseneck trailer attached was his vehicle. Sheriff Smith said he unsuccessfully attempted to stop the vehicle on Churchville Avenue near Eagle Rock Lane. Deputies tried to stop the vehicle at Route 262 and Commerce Road. A pursuit ensued through the intersection and continued to Woodrow Wilson Parkway. The vehicle turned onto Balsey Road, then made an abrupt U-turn in a driveway back onto Balsey Road. Deputies used tire deflation devices to stop the vehicle without success. The pursuit continued through Verona to Fort Defiance Road and the parking lot of Stewart Middle School. The vehicle then drove into the parking lot of Clymore Elementary, where Smith intentionally rammed a deputys vehicle and attempted to pin a second deputys vehicle between the stolen truck and trailer. Tire deflation devices were again used to disable the truck in the parking lot. The Sheriffs K-9 unit attempted to take Ronald Smith into custody but could not, authorities said. Deputies told Smith to exit the truck, but he did not. Smith proceeded to shoulder a hay spear like a long rifle, authorities said. Deputies learned he was holding a piece of metal and not a firearm. Deputies then opened the driver-side door and ordered Smith out of the vehicle, and he was taken into custody. Ronald Smith was treated at Augusta Health for an arm injury before being taken to Middle River Regional Jail. Shimla, Dec 27 : The Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) Forestry Project will revive 'bhojpatra' in Himachal Pradesh in collaboration with the Himalayan Forest Research Institute to empower forest-fringe communities, particularly women, through sustainable livelihoods, government officials said on Wednesday. A decision in this regard was taken at the 18th executive committee meeting of the JICA Forestry Project chaired by Chief Project Director Nagesh Guleria here. He said it was decided to start an e-commerce portal of 'bhojpatra'. Found at a height of 3,000m or above, bhojpatra (Himalayan birch) is a tree whose bark acts as paper on which text can be written. This portal will be ready by next month and the products manufactured by self-help groups will also be sold through it. Guleria said JICA's herbal cell will start production of rhododendron, wild marigold and 'satuva' (Paris polyphylla smith). "Self-help groups will be able to earn their livelihood by producing rhododendron, wild marigold and 'satuva'." At the meeting, it was also decided to open outlets in all forest divisions. Guleria said the project would also organise fairs to exhibit and sell products prepared by the self-help groups. Also the JICA Forestry Project will work in coordination with the Chief Minister Forest Extension Scheme. New Delhi, Dec 27 : In a historic and visionary message addressed to Dr Tony Nader, esteemed Chairman of the Global Union of Scientists for Peace, Dr Yukio Hatoyama, former Prime Minister of Japan (2009-2010), enthusiastically commended the upcoming 10,000 for World Peace Assembly at the serene Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad. This unprecedented assembly, drawing participation from world leaders, dignitaries, and esteemed guests, is dedicated to advancing global harmony through the transformative practices of transcendental meditation and TM-Sidhi programmes. Hatoyama, known for his advocacy of 'fraternity' - fostering friendship and love among nations for the greater good - expressed profound admiration for the accomplishments of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. He specifically highlighted the verifiable impact of transcendental meditation and TM-Sidhi programmes as substantiated by robust scientific research. In his address, Hatoyama emphasised the pivotal role of a global community comprising a minimum of 9,000 individuals actively engaging in these transformative practices. Under the dynamic leadership of Tony Nader, this assembly will be turning this vision into reality, offering a beacon of hope for a more peaceful world. Drawing from his extensive experience as Japan's former Prime Minister, Hatoyama passionately proposed that governments across the globe thoroughly examine the compelling scientific data presented at this assembly. He underscored the urgent need for collective support in establishing permanent groups worldwide dedicated to the ideals of fraternity, peace and prosperity. In a heartfelt conclusion, Hatoyama extended warm congratulations to all assembly participants, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to a noble goal that humanity has aspired to achieve for countless generations. The 10,000 for World Peace Assembly is an unprecedented convergence of global leaders committed to cultivating harmony and peace through the profound practices of meditation and scientifically proven methodologies. Hyderabad, Dec 27 : Hyderabad Police have issued a lookout notice for a former Telangana MLA's son in a car accident case after he allegedly fled to Dubai. A Look-Out Circular (LOC) has been issued against Raheel, son of former Bodhan MLA, Mohammed Shakil Aamir of BRS. He was allegedly driving the BMW which rammed into the barricade outside Praja Bhavan, the official residence of Telangana Deputy Chief Minister, in the wee hours on December 24. Raheel, however, escaped from the accident site along with three others. Later, a person came to the spot to take the car and claimed that he was driving it at the time of the accident. He was identified as Abdul Asif, said to be a driver of the former MLA. The police investigations, however, later revealed Raheel was behind the wheels at the time of the accident. Deputy Commissioner of Police S.M. Vijay Kumar said Raheel falsely presented an unrelated individual as the person driving the car at the time of the accident. Police also found that a few hours after the accident, Raheel left for Mumbai and from there he took a flight to Dubai. Commissioner K. Sreenivasa Reddy late on Tuesday suspended Station House Officer of Panjagutta Police Station for allegedly shielding Raheel. SHO B. Durga Rao was suspended for falsely implicating another person instead of former MLA Shakill Aamiras son for his involvement in a road accident in Panjagutta, said a statement from the Police Commissioneras office. Previously, Raheel was allegedly present in a SUV which hit street vendors crossing the road, resulting in the death of a two-month-old child and injuries to four others. The incident had occurred in posh Jubilee Hills in March last year. Shakil Aamir, a two-time MLA from Bodhan constituency in Nizamabad district, suffered defeat in the recent Assembly elections. Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during the first day of the Winter session of MP Assembly. Image Source: IANS News Bhopal, Dec 27 : It's been almost half-a-month since Chief Minister Mohan Yadav along with his two Cabinet colleagues and deputies - Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda took oath after the BJP registered a landslide victory in Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections held on November 17. Bhopal, Dec 27 (IANS) Itas been almost half-a-month since Chief Minister Mohan Yadav along with his two Cabinet colleagues and deputies a" Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda took oath after the BJP registered a landslide victory in Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections held on November 17. Having been promoted as the head of the Council of Ministers from among several of his senior party colleagues, Mohan Yadav apparently took forward his regime, testing everything that came his way. As of now, he is totally reliant on the party's central leadership and is just following directions received from New Delhi. After taking oath as Chief Minister, Yadav made frequent visits to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and the BJPas National President JP Nadda. With the Cabinet expansion being done on December 25, governance of the state will resume gradually once the portfolios are allocated to the Ministers. Until then, Yadav is making all efforts to get everything streamlined for the smooth running of the administration. Some top bureaucrats have been reshuffled and Yadav has met every senior politician of his party, even those who lost the election. Well-aware of the fact that his governance would be compared with that of his predecessor Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who headed the state for over 16 years, Yadav is trying to win the confidence of his party colleagues. However, not much is happening in state politics right now and all key decisions are being taking by the BJPas central leadership. The bustle in Madhya Pradeshas politics is likely to begin after the portfolio allocation. The race for acquiring top ministries like home and urban development has already begun among the heavyweight leaders in the state. Madhya Pradeshas new Cabinet is a combination of young and senior leaders. Of them 17 are first-timers, including stalwarts like the BJPas National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, ex-Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel and former state President Rakesh Singh. Significantly, out of 31, only nine Ministers from former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhanas Cabinet have been retained, including the Chief Minister and his two deputies Shukla and Devda. Apart from the combination of new and old leaders, the BJP has tried to balance castes and regions in its Cabinet selection. Notably, to make it easier for Yadav to gain control, the BJPas top leadership has clipped Chouhanas wings and very few of his loyalists have been inducted into the Cabinet. Some former Ministers who had strong influence in the stateas politics, like Gopal Bhargava, Bhupendra Singh, Jayant Malaiya and some others, have been dropped. The new CM, whose political journey began with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has the backing of Modi and Shah. However, it remains to be seen if he can dominate his Cabinet colleagues, especially the senior-most and influential leaders and how governance takes place in the future. Kochi, Dec 27 : A court in Kerala's Kochi on Wednesday found Sanu Mohan, an interior design businessman, guilty of murdering his 11-year-old daughter. The court will hand out the punishment for the crime, later in the day. The incident had created shock when the body of a girl, Vaiga, was found in a river side near here in 2021 March. Though the police started their probe immediately, Mohan remained untraced. The police got crucial CCTV visuals of him crossing the Kerala border on his vehicle. Later after around five weeks of Mohan being on the run by hiding in a few southern India states and in Goa, in April he was nabbed from Karnataka. He admitted that he did the crime as he did not want his daughter to live after he went completely broke. His business in Mumbai had failed and he had ended up with a huge liability. For enacting the crime he first dropped his wife at her house in Alappuzha and then came to his apartment here. He carried food and laced her juice with liquor and after she felt unconscious she was strangled to death. Then he carried her body and threw it at a river side and drove away out of the state. Patna, Dec 27 : A man was gunned down near Rambagh Chowk in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Afrosh Khatri, an owner of a Mutton shop in Rambagh Chowk. Eyewitnesses said that he was on the way to his shop when two bikers approached him and shot at him twice. The victim died on the spot. Following the incident, local residents forced traders to shut the market. They blocked the road and burnt tyres. "We have received information about the murder of a person in Rambagh Chowk and our team visited there. We are trying to control the situation as well as making efforts to identify the accused," said Rakesh Kumar, SHO of Mithanpura police station. "The actual reason for his murder is not ascertained yet. We are taking statements of the family members to find some clues about the attackers and the conspirators. The victim is a resident of Ramraji locality," Kumar said. Tel Aviv, Dec 27 : The local people of Gaza have complained that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have prevented ambulances of Palestinian Red Cross and Red Crescent from getting near the injured in Tulkarem where an alleged Israeli drone attack killed six people and injured several others. Majid Hassan, a local trader in Tulkarem, told IANS via telephone that the Israeli military vehicles stopped the Palestinian Red Cross/Red Crescent from getting anywhere near the injured. He said, "It's frightening that the Israel army was not allowing the injured to be taken to hospitals and the army didn't allow either the Red Cross or the Red Crescent any access near the injured. It was after sometime that they eventually allowed the vehicles to pick the injured and transport to a medical facility nearby." Two of the 10 injured are reportedly in critical condition. He also said that the Israel army was conducting raids at several homes in Tulkarem area. Several local people, including women, are protesting on the streets of Tulkarem area against the raids being carried out at their homes. New Delhi, Dec 27 : In a major embarrassment for the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Government, yet another drug being used in a government hospital was found to be substandard. The medicine that failed the test is critical for the treatment of epilepsy and seizures and according to officials, a series of drugs are not meeting prescribed standards. A few days after Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena referred the matter of non-standard drugs being procured and supplied in Delhi Government Hospitals and Mohalla clinics to the CBI, one more drug sample was failed by the Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (RDTL), Chandigarh. According to officials, this time it was found that the anti-epilepsy drug called Sodium Valproate being supplied in Delhi Government Hospitals was anot of standard quality." This report was issued by the Government analyst i.e. RDTL on December 22 after the L-G recommended a CBI enquiry in the matter of substandard drugs in Delhi Government hospitals. According to officials, Saxena in his note to the Chief Secretary mentioned that it is concerning that these medicines are being given to lakhs of patients. The L-G raised his concern over the hefty budgetary allocation in procurement as well. Bengaluru, Dec 27 : After Lingayat convention, the oppressed classes and minorities have decided to hold a massive rally in Chitradurga city in Karnataka to counter the influential castes 'pressurising' the government not to accept the caste census report. Sources confirmed that Ahinda group of Alpsankhyak, Hindulida (backwards) and Dalit communities have decided to hold a massive rally on January 28 urging the Congress government to implement the caste census report in toto. It has been decided to invite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the convention and also to ensure participation of all top leaders from minority communities, Scheduled Caste and Tribes and others. The convention will demand implementation of the caste census in toto and conducting of caste survey on social, educational and economic parameters by the central government. The convention will also demand cancellation of 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS); immediate implementation of the Womenas Reservation Bill; internal reservation in politics; increasing of reservation as per the proportion of the population and extension of reservation to the private sector. The development comes following the showing of strength by Lingayat community at Davanagere convention in which it was appealed that caste census report should not be accepted. Vokkaligas have also warned the Congress government in Karnataka not to accept the caste census report. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday stated that the Karnataka government does not have any authority to conduct caste census. BJP MLA and former minister V. Sunil Kumar said that if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is genuinely committed to ensuring social justice, he should hand over the caste census report to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a probe. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar stated that he stands by the party's line on caste census but the demand of various communities for a scientific approach to it must be considered. The statement had assumed importance against the backdrop of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah preparing to accept the controversial caste report. The socio-economic survey, popularly known as the caste census, was conducted in Karnataka in 2015 by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission headed by H. Kantharaju. Though Siddaramaiah ordered the caste census, he had to bend before the leaders of the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities of his party who insisted on not accepting the report. Sources said the report stated that the SC and ST groups form the majority in the state, followed by Muslims. The Lingayats, considered to be the majority population, were shown as the third largest group, while the Vokkaligas, believed to be in second position, were shown in the fourth position, sources said. This triggered a huge controversy in the state as the Muslim community was shown as having the second-highest population in Karnataka. Vijayawada, Dec 27 : Christmas holiday turned tragic for a family from Andhra Pradesh as six members were killed in a road accident in Texas in the US. The deceased were all relatives of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLA from Mummidivaram, P. Venkata Satish Kumar. According to information reaching the family in Amalapuram in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, they were killed in a truck-car collision on a highway in Johnson County on Tuesday. The victims were identified as P. Nageswara Rao, uncle of the MLA, Nageswara Raoas wife Seetha Mahalakshmi, daughter Naveena, grandson Kruthik and granddaughter Nishitha. Another also lost life in the accident. Lone survivor, Lokesh, son-in-law of Nageswara Rao, was injured and airlifted to a hospital, where his condition is stated to be critical. According to the MLA, his uncle and his family were residing in Atlanta. They were returning home after visiting some relatives in Texas on Christmas holiday. The accident occurred around 4 p.m. on December 26 when a truck rammed into their car. The MLA said the truck with two youths was driving in the wrong direction which led to the accident. The MLA said local police officials confirmed that the truck was at fault. Both the occupants of the truck were also injured and airlifted to a hospital. The former chairman of the Spotsylvania School Board completed a deal Dec. 20 that calls for him to repay the school system more than $10,000 while avoiding any criminal convictions. Kirk E. Twigg, the 66-year-old Livingston District representative on the board, started the day facing a felony charge of forging a public record and a misdemeanor charge of tampering with a county record. The charges stem from an incident last year in which Twigg, the board chairman at the time, altered a contract for then-acting Superintendent Kelly Guempel that the full board had agreed on. As part of a deal worked out by special prosecutor Jim Hingeley, the commonwealths attorney in Albemarle County, and defense attorney Jeffrey Mangeno, the felony charge was dismissed. Twigg did not enter a plea to the misdemeanor charge, but that charge will also be dismissed in a year as long as Twigg complies with certain conditions and pays restitution totaling $10,164 by Dec. 20 of next year. Judge Ricardo Rigual accepted the plea in Spotsylvania Circuit Court. The school board agreed to pay Guempel a monthly stipend of $4,500. Twigg changed that amount to $8,500 on his own, Hingeley said. Hingeley said Guempel received the stipend for two months. Other expenses associated with the altered contract brought the cost to taxpayers to more than $10,000, he said. This is the amount the taxpayers of Spotsylvania had to pay because of the wrongdoing of Kirk Twigg, Hingeley said following the brief hearing. In addition to paying restitution, the deal calls for Twigg to be of good behavior for the next year. If he does that, the misdemeanor would also be dismissed and both charges would be eligible for expungement, meaning they would no longer show up on public records searches. In the unlikely event that Twigg does not comply with the conditions, the agreement stipulates that any jail time he receives would be entirely suspended, meaning he would not serve any time whether or not he complies. Twiggs term on the school board expires at the end of the year. Twigg, who has been on the board since 2015, was defeated by Megan Jackson in the November election. He had been scheduled for a four-day trial that would have begun Jan. 29 in circuit court. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Dish TV announced last week that on the basis of the votes cast by the shareholders of the company at their Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on December 22, four directors of the company have vacated their offices. These include Shankar Aggarwal, Independent Director, Aanchal David, Independent Director; Rajesh Sahni, Non-Executive Director and Virender Kumar Tagra, Non-Executive Director. "Further, the company vide its disclosure dated December 18, had informed that the Board of Directors of the company, at their meeting held on December 18, had inter-alia, considered and approved the appointment of Sunil Khanna, as an Independent Director of the company and Ravi Bhushan Puri, as an Executive Director of the company, and these appointments were to be effective from the date of receipt of the approval of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as stipulated under 'Policy Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels' ('Up-linking Guidelines') or the date on which the number of Directors on the Board falls below the statutory minimum number of three directors, whichever is earlier," Dish TV said in a filing. Dish TV said the re-appointment of Shankar Agarwal as an Independent Director of the company for his second term has not been approved by the shareholders. The appointment of Aanchal David as an Independent Director of the company has not been approved by the shareholders. The appointment of Rajesh Sahni as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of the company has not been approved by the shareholders. The appointment of Virender Kumar Tagra as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of the company has not been approved by the shareholders. Kolkata, Dec 27 : The West Bengal education department on Wednesday announced special concession in the registration fee for the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board (WBJEEB) for girls and transgender aspirants. For female aspirants, concessions in the registration fees will be applicable in the reserved as well as unreserved categories, State Education Minister Bratya Basu announced. "The online registration for the WBJEEB will commence from December 28. Keeping in mind Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's aim to encourage female students to opt for higher education, we have decided to reduce the registration fees for female aspirants in both reserved and unreserved categories as well as for transgender students. I wish them all the best," Basu said. Welcoming the development, transgender rights activist Debika Barua said this was a right step with the bigger aim to bring the people of the transgender community into the mainstream. "I have always emphasised that educating the people from the community and encouraging them to go for higher education is always necessary to bring them into the mainstream. I also heard that this is for the first time that the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board is introducing the 'third gender' category in the gender column. I wholeheartedly welcome the move," Barua said. Under the new structure, the online registration fee for general category male candidates will be Rs 500 and that for reserved category of male candidates will be Rs.400. In case of general category female candidates the online registration will be Rs 400 and the same for reserved category female candidates will be Rs 300. The registration fee for the transgender category candidates will be Rs 300. This will be applicable for both transwomen (male to female) and transmen (female to male). If wrestlers leave akhara to fight for justice on streets, then who will choose this path: Rahul. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Dec 27 : Amid the ongoing controversy over Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday visited the Virender Arya Akhara in Haryana's Jhajjar and also interacted with the wrestlers there, and said if the players have to leave akhara to fight for their rights then who will encourage their children to come into wrestling. Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Akhara in the morning in Jhajjar's Chhara village. There he interacted with the wrestlers on their issues and the problems they face, sources said. He also participated in wrestling. After visiting the akhara, Rahul Gandhi, who is a Lok Sabha MP from Kerala's Wayanad said, "After years of hard work, patience and unmatched discipline the players irrigate the soil with their blood and sweat to bring a medal for his country." "Today, I reached Virendra Arya's akhara in Chhara village of Jhajjar and discussed with Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia and other wrestler brothers.There is only one question - if these players, the daughters of India, have to leave the fight in their akhara and fight for their rights and justice on the streets, then who will encourage their children to choose this path?" Gandhi asked. "These are innocent, straightforward and simple people from farmer families, let them serve the tricolor. Let them make India proud with full honor and respect," he added. Speaking to the media, wrestler Bajrang Punia said, "He (Rahul Gandhi) came to see our wrestling routine. He also did wrestling." Poonia also said that he came to see the day-to-day activities of a wrestler. Earlier, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had met Sakshi Malik and Poonia in Delhi, and said that she will support them in their fight against injustice. After his Bharat Jodo Yatra completed on January 30 this year, Rahul Gandhi had been interacting with people by making surprise visits. On September 28, he visited Kirti Nagar furniture market, on September 21 he visited coolies at Anand Vihar Railway station in the national capital to understand their issues. Gandhi had visited Bengali Market, Jama Masjid area to have food and then visited Mukherjee Nagar area to interact with the UPSC aspirants. He had also visited Delhi University's PG Men's hostel and had lunch with the students and then took a truck ride from Haryana's Murthal to Ambala to understand their pain. He had also visited the farm lands during the paddy sowing season and interacted with farmers in Haryana's Sonepat, visited bike mechanic shops in Delhi's Karol Bagh area, visited Azadpur Mandi amid skyrocketing prices of vegetables. He had also invited the farmers of Sonepat and a vegetable vendor Rameshwar separately over lunch at his residence here. In August, he also undertook motorcycle rides in Ladakh, Leh and Kargil region to interact with the people. Tel Aviv, Dec 27 : Several rockets were fired into northern Israel on Wednesday morning with the Iran-backed terror outfit Hezbollah claiming responsibility. According to sources in Israel Defence Ministry, the Iron Dome Air Defence system had thwarted the missiles directed into Israel and that no casualties or injuries were reported in the air strikes. According to Arab media outlets, Hezbollah has claimed of targeting Israeli military position near a Navy base in the area. Even though Hezbollah is firing rockets and missiles into Israel on regular intervals and being counter-attacked, the possibility of a war in the northern Israel is bleak. The US and the Israel government had warned Iran and Hezbollah that if a war front is opened in northern area of Israel, it could get out of hand. With Israel already engaged in a bitter war with Hamas in Gaza Strip, the possibility of opening a northern front is almost ruled out. The Israel Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, has said that Israel was facing a multi-front war and that the war with Hamas could be extended for a few more months. --IANS aal/khz New Delhi, Dec 27 : Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Wednesday took a swipe at the government over the suspension of 146 MPs from Parliament's Winter Session over their demand for a detailed discussion on December 13 security breach, and alleged that they have turned Parliament into a deep, dark chamber. In a post on X, O'Brien who too was suspended for remainder of winter session said: "2001 Parliament attack: In three working days, a full discussion in Parliament. Prime Minister gave statement in Rajya Sabha, Home Minister in Lok Sabha. 2023 breach: Government silent. 146 MPs suspended for demanding discussion and statement from Home Minister. Parliament turned into a deep, dark chamber." At least 146 opposition MPs were suspended from the recently concluded Winter Session over their demand of a statement by Home MInister Amit Shah over Parliament Security breach on December 13. Two people had jumped from the visitors gallery of Parliament during the Zero Hours proceedings and also sprayed yellow color smoke on December 13, coinciding with 22nd anniversary of 2001 Parliament terror attack. Telangana to receive applications for six guarantees from Dec 28. Image Source: IANS News Hyderabad, Dec 27 : The Telangana government will receive from Thursday application forms for implementation of six guarantees promised by Congress during the election campaign. The applications will be received by government officials in all villages and towns across the state from December 28 till January 6 under Praja Palana, the public outreach programme of the new government. At a programme held in the state Secretariat on Wednesday, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy released logo, poster and application forms of six guarantees. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers and top officials were present. The Chief Minister announced that applications will be received from December 28 for implementation of six guarantees -- Mahalakshmi, Rythu Bharosa, Gruha Jyothi, Indiramma Illu, Cheyutha and Yuva Vikasam. The applications will be received during eight working days at gram sabhas in villages and also in towns and municipal wards. Revanth Reddy said the government would ensure that benefits of six guarantees reach all eligible beneficiaries. He said that the government is reaching out to people to do justice to them. Praja Palana (Peopleas governance) logo carries names of six guarantees under title aAbhayahastama with a picture of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Chief Minister also released an open letter to the people on the occasion. He thanked the people for electing peopleas government. He claimed that the government created history by fulfilling two guarantees within 48 hours after assuming office. Women were provided with the facility of free travel in TSRTC buses while the coverage limit of Rajiv Arogyasri scheme was enhanced to Rs 10 lakh. Revanth Reddy said that the government was initiating the process to implement the remaining guarantees with the same spirit. He appealed to people to make use of the facility. He assured that those unable to submit their applications in these eight days can submit later to the officials concerned. On the precondition that only those holding white ration cards are eligible for six guarantees, he said the applicants can mention in the applications that they donat have ration cards and can also apply for ration cards. The applicants need to fill in details such as the head of the familyas name, details of other family members, date of birth, Aadhaar card number, ration card number, profession and mobile number. Tehsildar will be in-charge for Praja Palana programme in every mandal. Every official will visit at least two villages daily. Pune : , Dec 27 (IANS) The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) launched its 4-day, 100-km long 'Kisan Aakrosh Morcha' to press for the demands of farmers, from Shivneri Fort -- the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj -- to the Pune Collectorate, here on Wednesday. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Dr. Amol Kolhe started the march along with legislators and leaders of the MVA allies -- Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) -- by offering respects at Shivneri Fort, accompanied by thousands of tillers, including many women and youth, carrying banners and placards. The long-march from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. daily will be punctuated with public meetings at various locations en route and culminate in a massive public rally to be addressed by NCP President Sharad Pawar on December 30 in Pune. Interacting with the media, Dr. Kolhe and others listed the farmers' major demands for taking out the protest procession. "The ban on onion export must be lifted immediately and a long term policy should be formulated for onion exports. Farmers should get uninterrupted daytime power supply for agriculture especially in pest-prone areas. The arbitrariness of crop insurance companies must be reined in and the cultivators should get compensation for losses immediately," said Dr. Kolhe. He questioned why the farmers are not entitled to full crop loans waiver in view of the huge losses they suffered during the Kharif (monsoon) and Rabi (winter) crop seasons this year, when the government has written off dues worth Rs 25 lakh crore of big corporate houses. Dr. Kolhe sought a formal education loan policy for farmers' children and equal subsidy for all milk-producing farmers, and urged implementation of all promises made by the ruling alliance in Maharashtra which claims to be a 'government of farmers'. Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party, Dr. Kolhe said that the farmers are in great distress owing to the faulty policies of the Centre and the state governments which are only concerned about staying in power. "We are inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who had given full protection to the tillers but the BJP government which invoked his name to come to power had spelt ruin for the cultivators," said Dr. Kolhe. Addressing groups of farmers en route, he said that this fight is for all the brothers, mothers, sisters of the agriculturists who are being oppressed by an unjust system, and the struggle will not fall on deaf ears. Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 27 : With the Congress party last week thanking the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the invitation to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, pressure has started to mount on the grand old party from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Kerala not to fall for the agenda set by the BJP. In Kerala, IUML is the second-biggest ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and on Wednesday its General Secretary, PMA Salam, warned the Congress not to take the BJP's bait. "Ahead of all elections, the BJP comes out with one or the other gimmicks and this is one which is an agenda to turn our country into a Hindu country. The BJP is trying to create unnecessary tension and the Congress party should not fall into the trap," said Salam. The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a Sunni organisation based here also came down strongly on the Congress party and this was made clear in its Wednesday's editorial which said the soft Hindutva stand taken by the Congress party has dealt a telling blow. "This was seen in the recent Assembly polls which saw the Congress taking a heavy beating. The CPI(M) and the CPI sensing that this is a litmus test to turn India into a Hindu country, decided not to attend the function. Likewise the Congress party also should take such a stand," read the editorial. On Wednesday, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal ducked the question put to him on the possibility of the Congress party attending the consecration. Massive rally to ensure prominence to Kannada in sign boards; security beefed up in Bluru. Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru, Dec 27 : Karnataka Police has beefed up security in Bengaluru on Wednesday in the wake of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a Kannada organisation, demanding prominence to local language in sign boards of commercial buildings and malls in the city. The organisation is taking out a massive rally as part of its Maha Abhiyaan taken up following the Karnataka Government issuing directions making Kannada compulsory in 60 per cent of the sign boards put up on commercial buildings. The rally started from the Bengaluru International Airport Road and will pass through Yelahanka, Shivajinagar, Commercial Street, SP Road, Brigade Road, MG Road, Chikkapet, City Market, Avenue Road and reach Cubbon Park. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike president Narayana Gowda had issued a warning to the owners of commercial buildings to give prominence to Kannada language in sign boards. He had also stated that if the sign boards were found to be only using Hindi and English languages, they will be taken down. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner Tushar Girinath has directed that all sign boards should be in Kannada by February 28 in the state capital. However, Vedike had given time till December 27 to change the sign boards, which was challenged by the owners of malls and commercial buildings. The police have beefed up security for the Mall of Asia, pegged as the biggest in Asia as the management and Vedike are at loggerheads over the display of the name of the mall in Kannada. The activists have torn down advertisements displayed in English and blackened the Hindi and English sign boards. The police had to resort to baton charge to control the situation. DCP North East BM Laxmi Prasad had stated that about 500 policemen have been deputed in his zone and 10 BMTC buses have been kept ready to detain Kannada activists if they cause a disturbance. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Justice Chandra Dhari Singh of the Delhi High Court has deemed the policy of mandatorily marking attendance for paramedical staff of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) through the 'MCD SMART Mobile Application' as fair and not arbitrary. New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) Justice Chandra Dhari Singh of the Delhi High Court has deemed the policy of mandatorily marking attendance for paramedical staff of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) through the aMCD SMART Mobile Applicationa as fair and not arbitrary. The court said that the obligation to purchase or possess a smartphone does not apply universally, as employees have alternative methods to mark attendance. They can choose to do so through a supervisor or another employee's phone, eliminating the necessity for personal smartphone ownership. Addressing concerns about privacy and security, the court said that the MCD SMART App was developed by a recognised entity under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It highlighted the entity's due diligence in assessing potential security threats, dismissing worries about the app's legitimacy. Justice Singh was hearing a petition filed by Paramedical Technical Staff of the MCD challenging a communication from August 18, 2022, which directed para-medical staff salaries to be released only upon marking attendance through the MCD SMART App on smartphones. The court underscored the importance of an efficient healthcare system, saying that the absence of essential staff could disrupt the system's effective functioning. It viewed the introduction of the attendance marking system as a means to enhance transparency, efficiency, and timely service delivery in the public sector. The order stated that the court does not find the introduction of a similar system in the MCD as illegal, stressing its alignment with the objective of ensuring transparency and efficiency in state departments. Noting the disciplinary aspect, the court recognised the need for instilling discipline among employees, particularly in patient-centric roles. It noted that employees were offered multiple methods for attendance marking, dismissing claims of forcing them to purchase smartphones. The court concluded by acknowledging the role of technological advancements in public sectors, expressing disapproval for resistance to such progress. It said that embracing technological changes aligns with compliance with the MCD's directives. Hidden beneath the foliage at East End Cemetery are gravestones split in half, sunken into the earth and grave markers divorced from the bodies they honor. The Richmond cemetery is littered with fallen trees and debris. East End is not the only cemetery to find this fate. Historically, Black cemeteries across Virginia have been neglected for years. The tide is just now starting to turn. Brian Palmer is the founder of Friends of East End, an all-volunteer nonprofit group established in 2017 that works to restore and maintain East End Cemetery. Manual labor, such as pulling up vines and removing trash, is only half of the work. The group also documents found headstones and researches those buried there. Students from University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Union University have been the main source of labor and interest, Palmer said. Through their collaboration, they have created a digital database that has mapped more than 3,000 graves. We want people to be able to find their loved ones, even if they cant be physically present, he said. Jim Crow comes down in full force East End was founded in 1897, and Evergreen, another historically Black cemetery in the Richmond area, was founded in 1891. Civic leader and banker Maggie L. Walker is buried at Evergreen. An estimated 15,000 people are buried at East End. There are an estimated 10,000 plots at Evergreen. Churches, mutual aid societies and families once cared for the cemeteries but they fell into disrepair. They were, you know, really quite lovely places for decades, Palmer said. And then the power of Jim Crow came down on Black people full force. Jim Crow laws caused Black Richmonders to leave the city and others to move up from the Deep South. Palmer said this caused a disconnect between the cemetery and the community, as those who had been there since birth were replaced with outsiders. Palmer points to the well-funded preservation of Confederate grave markers. They have been literally invested in money and time and labor, but theres also a kind of popular significance assigned to them, and that is less so with the sites that we care about, Palmer said. Virginia lawmakers spent roughly $9 million in todays money for the care of Confederate graves since 1902, according to Smithsonian Magazine. The United Daughters of the Confederacy, a Confederate hereditary association, received state funds that were distributed to local UDC chapters and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. This funding recently stopped, according to Stephanie Williams, deputy director of the Department of Historic Resources. The last budget to include $83,570 to the UDC was fiscal year 2022. Democratic Del. Delores McQuinn of Richmond passed a bill in 2017 that dedicated state dollars to help maintain Black cemeteries. This bill provided $5 per grave marker for Blacks buried in the East End and Evergreen cemeteries who lived between 1800 and 1900. The scope of McQuinns bill was expanded over a few years to include historical Black cemeteries throughout the commonwealth that were established before 1948. Virginias current budget allocates $250,000 toward the preservation of the cemeteries at $5 a grave, or the average actual routine maintenance, whichever is greater. Currently, there are 34 cemeteries receiving state money for preservation and care. How to rebuild from the Enrichmond fiasco? Enrichmond Foundation, a nonprofit group that supported the city of Richmonds Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, acquired Evergreen Cemetery in 2017. Enrichmond received a $400,000 grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation a year prior to help restore Evergreen and East End cemeteries. But the foundation would ultimately prove to be unqualified to take care of these historic sites. Friends of East End sounded the alarm before Enrichmond suddenly folded with hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding. Attorney General Jason Miyares said his office is investigating, and Mayor Levar Stoney has indicated federal authorities could also be involved. There has been no update on the investigation. Enrichmond did not have the capacity or the knowledge to do the work it committed to do, Palmer said. This is a criticism that several community organizations had from the beginning. Looking forward, Palmer said he hopes there can be better collaboration, something that was missing under Enrichmond. All they had were political friends, Palmer said. And for some reason the political friends wanted to put these cemeteries in their hands. History professor Ryan Smith has taught classes on Richmonds historic cemeteries at Virginia Commonwealth University for about a decade. Why Enrichmond was selected for the funding, how they acquired the cemeteries and their internal strategy was very opaque, he said. Smith said he does not think the city has the resources to properly restore these sites. The best thing that they could do would be to create a framework that allows the kind of successful volunteer operations that were working so well before Enrichmond got involved, Smith said. The cemeteries still are under the ownership of Parity LLC, the legal entity that represented Enrichmond through its ownership of East End and Evergreen, according to Smith. The dissolution of Parity and Enrichmond makes it difficult for the city to make a legal real estate transaction, Smith said. Smith published a book two years ago called Death and Rebirth in a Southern City: Richmonds Historic Cemeteries. The main argument of that book was, No. 1, that the color line and the lines of race shaped every element of death and burial in the city from its founding through the 20th century, he said. But Smith said he believes things are on the mend. We may within the past generation or so be finding ourselves in a moment where some of those older boundaries are starting to break down and people are starting to care about historical sites in ways that they had not in the past and some opportunities for preservation have opened up, he said. Richmonds 7th District Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille has hosted community meetings about the future of the cemeteries. This was the first time in the better part of a decade where people felt that they were genuinely being heard, according to Peighton Young, co-chair of the Descendants Council. The Richmond-based group advocates on behalf of descendants of historic Black cemeteries in the area. Right now, its more of a group effort to try to rectify the consequences of Enrichmonds behavior, as well as to address the issues that actually allowed Enrichmond to, you know, mistreat those cemeteries for as long as they did, Young said. Preservers of the Daughters of Zion Cemetery As a little girl, Bernadette Whitsett-Hammond visited her ancestors buried at Daughters of Zion Cemetery in Charlottesville every Memorial Day. The cemetery was built in 1873. Prominent Black figures in Charlottesville were interred there, and family and community members maintained the plots. Like many other cemeteries of its kind, the Daughters of Zion Cemetery fell into disrepair when families moved away and died out. The city did not take over maintenance of the cemetery, because it was owned privately by the namesake organization that disbanded in the 1930s, according to Whitsett-Hammond, a retired school psychologist and Charlottesville native. Charlottesville declared the cemetery abandoned in the early 1970s and assumed responsibility for its upkeep. The Preservers of the Daughters of Zion Cemetery formed in 2015. Whitsett-Hammond is a member. They repaired a number of grave markers and deployed ground-penetrating radar to unearth burials sunken over time. I think it was around 300 initially, and now were well past that, said Edwina St. Rose, a retired administrative judge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Rose is a descendant of those interred at the cemetery. Their improvements have sparked curiosity in the community, St. Rose said. The preservers of the cemetery feel supported but recognize the need for more resources to overcome years of mismanagement. By the time people get involved and want to make that effort, the needs are so great for these cemeteries because theyve been neglected so long, Whitsett-Hammond said. A lot of times what funds are available really are a drop in the bucket for what really needs to be done. African-American Historical Society of Portsmouth Mount Calvary Cemetery Complex in Portsmouth opened in 1879 and was closed in 1964. The 13-acre complex includes Mount Calvary and Mount Olive cemeteries, in addition to Fishers Hill and a potters field where the poor were buried without headstones. We had grass probably as tall as we are, said Dinah Walters, co-chair and member of the African-American Historical Society of Portsmouth. The historical society got involved with the cemetery in the 1980s and has handled research and restoration. Usually if they did set aside some land for African-American cemeteries, its probably going to be the worst land that somebody didnt want, Walters said. The city of Portsmouth took over maintenance in 2019. The citys responsibilities include cutting down trees, picking up trash and taking care of the cemetery plots. Charles Johnson, president of the society, called this basic maintenance. When it comes to the actual markers, the grave [sites] and so forth, there is no direct city involvement, Johnson said. The cemetery did get help when the state expanded funding for Black cemeteries. They get $5 for each of the 266 graves. That funding is not enough to alleviate the problems, according to Johnson. The area is flooding, its eroding, the graves are sinking, Johnson said. The markers are just going to go farther into the ground. Mount Calvary also received help to repair the stone markers of deceased military personnel at a discounted price. Portsmouth deemed Mount Calvary a city cemetery in June 2023. This means it will receive a portion of the $50,000 allocated to the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund. That $50,000 applies to the maintenance, and thats been an ongoing issue, Johnson said. Mount Calvarys history has been plagued with racism, like many other historically Black cemeteries. The cemetery experienced vandalism in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement as it was in a predominantly White neighborhood during that time. They just toppled stones, they broke stones, they did so much damage to the area, and thats when the cemetery really started to go down, Johnson said. The wrought iron that surrounded family plots and entrances to the cemetery, as well as urns and shells honoring the deceased, were taken. Currently, the cemetery is dealing with flooding issues because of its low altitude, a common issue with many historical Black cemeteries, according to Johnson. The group is waiting for a grant from the city to help alleviate the issue. Mismanagement will only continue unless community members see saving their local, historic cemeteries as a reason to contact their representatives and demand collective action, Johnson said. My grandfather told me, if you put your ear to the shell you can hear the sea, Walters said. When you die, the seashell will take you back home. That was an old tradition. Conch shells used to be scattered around the cemetery, Walters said. There are only two left. New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Centre on Wednesday said that it has directed social media subsidiaries and online platforms to actively prohibit and remove illegal loan and betting apps under the existing IT Rules. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory to all digital intermediaries to actively comply with the existing IT rules, particularly in the context of misinformation and deepfakes. Within this advisory, the IT Ministry further underscored the obligation of intermediaries to ban illegal loan and betting apps. "Intermediaries/platforms should take additional measures to not permit any advertisements of illegal loan and betting apps having potential to scam and mislead the users, the consequences of which will be the sole responsibility of the intermediaries/platforms," according to the advisory. This advisory came at the backdrop of the government's decisive efforts to combat threats such as deepfakes, misinformation, and the proliferation of illegal loan and betting apps, reflecting a commitment of creating a safe and trusted internet for all digital citizens. In a meeting convened in October, MeitY and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) discussed the necessary actions against illegal betting apps. During the meeting, the IT Ministry had urged the RBI to devise a more comprehensive Know Your Customer (KYC) process for banks. This proposed KYC process, termed 'Know Your Digital Finance App' (KYDFA), is envisioned to enhance the ability to trace and address rogue loan apps effectively. This recommendation was officially communicated to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and RBI on October 13. Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Wednesday that one of the areas "we are now cracking down on is advertising of fraudulent loan apps that many platforms are carrying." "We have, through yesterday's advisory, made it clear that no intermediary can carry advertisements of fraudulent loan apps because it will be misleading and exploit people who are using the internet," said the minister. The advisory also stressed the importance of robust grievance redressal mechanisms employed by intermediaries. US warship shoots down drones fired from Yemen in Red Sea. Image Source: IANS News Cairo, Dec 27 : Global shipping firms, including Denmark-based Maersk and Switzerland-based MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co, are looking to resume operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) enhanced safety around the Suez Canal. "There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries," the Pentagon's Central Command said on Wednesday in a social media post. There were also three anti-ship ballistic missile and two land-attack missile attacks over 10 hours. On December 27, US military forces announced they had shot down more than 12 drone missiles launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. While Maersk, on December 25, said that it was preparing to resume shipping operations in the Red Sea, MSC Mediterranean is expected to hold a high-level meeting on December 27 to decide whether to restart operations around the Suez Canal or not. The OPG, a US-led military coalition of predominantly Western nations, was formed a few days ago to respond to the attacks by Houthi militants, backed by Iran, on shipping in the Red Sea. Other major shipping lines like CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have still not announced resumption of services. However, industry experts expect that with the deployment of the OPG, global shipping majors are likely to resume services soon. Similarly, a senior official from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways said that following the deployment of United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and the OPG in the Red Sea, shipping lines are likely to restore operations through the Suez Canal soon. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said that India is closely observing the ongoing developments in the region and actively participating in international initiatives aimed at ensuring the freedom of shipping, and addressing concerns such as piracy. Over the past month, Houthis have mounted more than 100 attacks on around 20 ships. The Houthis have also hijacked a Japanese-operated ship, which they continue to hold off the coast of Yemen. Following the December 15 attack, shipping majors AP Moller-Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd temporarily suspended their Red Sea operations. The four companies cumulatively account for 53 percent of global maritime trade, according to industry estimates. According to estimates, around 12 percent of global trade passes through the 193-km long canal, which is the shortest sea link between Asia and Europe. India's exports, via the Suez Canal, include food products, apparel, and electronics, among others to Europe, but its imports include the vital shipments of crude, analysts pointed out. India's shipments, like low-end engineering products, steel, and commodities such as rice and garments, stand to be affected. Kalaburagi : , Dec 27 (IANS) Two police head constables including a woman officer were suspended in Karnataka on Wednesday for leaking the Call Detail Record (CDR) of a policewoman in Kalaburagi city. Police Commissioner Chetan Kumar has issued an order suspending Tukaram, a head constable attached to Kalaburagi Womenas Police Station and Veda Ratna, also a head constable attached to the Station Bazar police station. The accused head constables had taken out the CDR and sold it to a private person. The CDR was given to the fiance of the woman police officer and following the development, the marriage was called off. The person who obtained the CDR had claimed that he was in love with the victim officer and that's why he sent it to her fiance, sources stated. The incident of the woman police officer's CDR leakage by her fellow officers had come to light on December 22 in Kalaburagi city, Karnataka. The miscreant who obtained her call details is allegedly involved in harassing the woman cop, as per the sources. The victim officer, a police constable, filed a complaint with Police Commissioner of Kalaburagi city, R. Chetan Kumar, demanding action against the culprits for 'mentally torturing' and 'violating' her privacy. Sources explained that the accused cops colluded in obtaining the CDR of the victim officer and handed them over to a private person. Following the acquisition of the call details, the woman officer is reportedly facing harassment. CDR details are typically obtained from the mobile numbers of accused persons in crimes and other important cases. However, in this case, the accused policemen allegedly added the mobile number of the woman cop to the list of other accused persons' contact numbers and obtained approval from a senior officer. The case was investigated by DCP Kanika Sikriwal, whlo was directed to handle the case with the utmost seriousness and submit the report on a priority basis. This development had raised concerns as it involved the violation of privacy of an individual. Bhopal, Dec 27 : Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday vacated bunglow B-6 located in Shyamla Hills in the city - designated as the CM House. He has shifted into B-8, 74 Bunglow located in Arera Hills in Bhopal. Arera Hills is residential address for several other ministers and top bureucrats. Chouhan has been residing in bunglow - B-6 Shyamla Hills, designated as CM House- since he became Chief Minister first time in 2005. He had then replaced his senior colleague Babulal Gaur. Chouhan was shifted from CM House after the party had lost the assembly election to the Congress in 2018. However, the BJP returned to power after the Kamal Nath-led Congress government was toppled in March 2020. After taking oath of Chief Minister for the fourth term in March 2020, Chouhan had returned to the bungalow B-6 again. Now, after registering a landslide victory in MP, the BJP has replaced Chouhan with Mohan Yadav as Chief Minister, forcing him to vacate the bunglow for his successor. Importantly, the new residence of ex-CM Chouhan has been reconstructed before he shifted into it. The bunglow, which was alloted to former state BJP president (late) Nandkumar Chouhan, has been merged into B-8, which is now the new address of ex-CM Chouhan. Before leaving the CM House on Wednesday, Chouhan offered his daily prayer and met all employees associated with the CM House. After vacating his bungalow, Chouhan said, "I had taken a lot of decisions here for the welfare of my people and state. I wish Mohan Yadav and his team all the luck to take the state's development and progress to new heights. I am going back happy, with tons of memories and love of those who helped me throughout my journey as CM." CM Mohan Yadav had made a courtesy visit to Chouhan on Tuesday after 28 MLAs took oath as ministers on Monday. Yadav, who was higher education minister in Chouhan's cabinet, was residing in a government bunglow known as Vindhya Kothi near MLA gues house. CANNES, May 15, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Director Steven Spielberg poses on the red carpet as he arrives for the screening of the film "The BFG" at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Jin Yu/IANS). Image Source: IANS News Los Angeles, Dec 27 : The original copy of Liam Neeson and Ben Kingsley-starrer 'Schindler's list', which bagged seven Oscar honours, is on sale again for $1.8 million (Rs. 14,99,98,500). Los Angeles, Dec 27 (IANS) The original copy of Liam Neeson and Ben Kingsley-starrer aSchindleras lista, which bagged seven Oscar honours, is on sale again for $1.8 million (Rs. 14,99,98,500). The copy is hitting the market again following a price cut.The rare historical relic is currently on sale for $1.8 million through memorabilia company Moments in Time via a collector who obtained the list from the family of Itzhak Stern, Schindler's accountant and right-hand man. Over the years, the list has been up for sale a few times with its asking price always over $2M the highest being $2.5M though it's never had any takers, reports tmz.com. The collector hopes the lowered price is more affordable with the site gushing over the opportunity to "acquire an item of truly incredible magnitude." This list, dated April 18, 1945, is the penultimate list of a total of 7 coming in at 14 pages long and listing 801 names. It's also one of the only 4 lists in existence, one is homed at the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C , the other two are in Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Center Yad Vashem, in Jerusalem. The sale of this item is especially relevant today given the rapidly emerging anti-Semitism amid the Israel-Palestine conflict. The docments were used by German industrialist Oskar Schindler, who saved more than 1,200 Jews' lives during the Holocaust by employing them in his enamelware and ammunition factories. Tagged as one of the best films ever made, aSchindler's Lista is a 1993 epic historical drama based on the 1982 novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved more than a thousand mostly Polisha"Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II. It was nominated for twelve awards at the 66th Academy Awards, and won seven, including Best Picture, Best Director (for Spielberg), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gave its approval for the construction of a 4,556-metre long, six-lane high-level cable stayed bridge across River Ganga and its approaches on both sides in Patna and Saran districts in Bihar. The total cost for the project is Rs 3,064.45 crore, which includes civil construction cost of Rs 2,233.81 crore, according to an official statement. The bridge will enable traffic to move faster and smoother, resulting in the overall development of the state. The bridge will be parallel to the western side of the existing Digha-Sonepur rail-cum-road bridge on the Ganga, which is used only for the movement of light vehicles and cannot be used for transporting goods and commodities which is blocking economic development in the region. The constraint will be removed with the construction of the new bridge between Digha and Sonepur which will facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles for the transportation of goods. This bridge will provide direct connectivity from Patna to the golden quadrilateral corridor via NH-139 at Aurangabad and Sonepur (NH-31), Chhapra, Motihari (East-West corridor old NH-27), and Bettiah (NH-727) in the northern side of Bihar. The project is a part of Buddha Circuit. It provides better connectivity to the Buddha Stupa at Vaishali and Keshariya. Also, NH-139W provides connectivity to the famous Areraj Someshwar Nath Temple and proposed Viraat Ramayan Mandir (largest religious monument in the world) at Kesariya in East Champaran district. The project is falling in Patna and will provide better connectivity to North Bihar and Southern part of Bihar through the state capital. The bridge will make the movement of vehicles faster and easier, resulting in overall development of the region. The work will be implemented on EPC (engineering procurement and construction) mode with the use latest technology like 5D-building. The work is targeted to be completed in 42 months from the appointed date, the statement added. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday visited the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir to take stock of the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in wake of the killing of four soldiers in an encounter with terrorists in Poonch district on December 21. Rajnath Singh, who was accompanied by Army chief, General Manoj Pande, carried out a first-hand assessment of the prevailing situation as well as the counter-terror operations in the area, a Defence Ministry official said. He was given a detailed brief on the prevalent security situation, counter-infiltration grid, and operational preparedness. Various aspects of operational challenges were discussed with the commanders on ground as he called for professional conduct and due diligence while carrying out operations. The Defence Minister also paid tributes to the soldiers killed in action and conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the bravehearts. He assured the troops that the government stands with the armed forces and the nation will forever be indebted to the unparalleled valour and sacrifice of the soldiers. He termed the welfare of the armed forces as the governmentas top priority, stressing that additional efforts are being made to bolster the security and intelligence framework, the official added. Rajnath Singh said: "Indian Army is not an ordinary army. The soldiers are our protectors. It is their duty to not only safeguard national interests, but also to win the hearts of the people." He exhorted the troops to remain extra vigilant, so that no untoward incident occurs in future, reiterating that there should be zero tolerance to terrorism. He also met families of the deceased persons, residents of village Topa Peer of Bufliaz in Poonch, and assured an expeditious investigation into the incident culminating into deliverance of justice. Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction for the high level of synergy between the security forces, civil administration, J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in projecting a clear message of resoluteness towards improving of the security environment, that is conducive to fostering a new era of development in the Union Territory. He also complimented the local people for their steadfastness and contribution towards joining the mainstream efforts undertaken by the government while emphasising that unity in thought process, alignment and collective resolve for the good of the nation is the most important foundation for achievement of shared aspirations of peace and development in the UT. Preceding the visit of the Defence Minister, the Army chief had visited the area on Monday and exhorted all ranks of the army to conduct operations in the most professional manner, the Defence Ministry official added. --IANS gcb/vd New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for a Rs 2,486.78 crore project to widen and improve to two-lane the 135 km road from Khowai to to Harina on NH-208 in Tripura, an official said on Wednesday. The project involves a loan component of Rs 1,511.70 crore from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme. The project is envisaged to facilitate better road connectivity between various parts of Tripura and to provide alternative access to Assam and Meghalaya from Tripura apart from existing NH-8. The project stretch also passes very close to Bangladesh border and it would improve connectivity to Bangladesh through Kailashahar, Kamalpur and Khowai Border Check Post. The land border trade would also potentially grow with the improvement in road network in the region through development of the project road. The selected stretch will provide improved connectivity to agricultural belt, tourist places, religious places and tribal districts of the state, which are backward in terms of growth and income. After completion of the project, the connectivity will be improved which help to generate more revenue to the State as well as income for local public. The construction period for the project stretches will be 2 years which includes the maintenance of these National Highways stretches for 5 years (in the case of flexible pavement)/ 10 years (in the case of rigid pavement) after the completion of construction, the statement added. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Indians travelled 64 million kms in Uber EVs through the year, spending a total of 3.9 million hours and helping build a greener future, the ride-hailing platform said on Wednesday. Uber trips during the year covered a record 6.8 billion kms, enough to traverse the entire 6.37-million km road network in India more than a thousand times over, or nearly thrice daily. The cities with the highest number of Uber trips in 2023 were Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata, the company said in a statement. Most Uber trips were booked between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the most popular day of the week for booking an Uber was Saturday. "The wee hours of the morning, between 4 am and 5 am, saw the highest number of Uber reserve trips being booked to airports, with riders across the country not wanting to risk missing their first alarm," the company said in its annual report. In terms of preferences for Uber Rentals rides with multiple stops, most riders opted for the 2 hour, 20-km package, helping them get done with business meetings, doctor visits, and other chores. Uber Bus saw 74,000 first-time users experience the ease of booking a seat on a mass transit product through an app. The hill station of Lonavala was the most frequented tourist destination in 2023 using the popular Uber Intercity, the report mentioned. While Delhi-NCR did have the overall highest number of trips, Mumbai beat the national capital in terms of the most late-night trips booked, while Kolkata indulged in weekend travel the most. Residents of Delhi NCR used Uber for their work commute the most among all cities, and had the highest number of office-hour trips booked, according to the company. Seoul, Dec 27 : The Israeli Embassy in South Korea on Wednesday deleted a self-produced controversial video featuring an imaginary case of Seoul being attacked by the Hamas group, after the South Korean government expressed concern over the matter. On its social media channels, the embassy on Tuesday uploaded the video featuring a potential terror attack in Seoul on the Christmas day, Yonhap news agency reported. In the footage, a young mother looks at her cellphone as it suddenly issues an air raid warning while she is watching her daughter sing carols at a school talent show. Soon the sounds of gunfire and explosions run through the city. The mother, covered in blood, is kidnapped by armed men, and despite her efforts to search for her daughter, she only sees the red gloves given to her as a present left on the ground. The footage then shows subtitles reading, "Imagine if it happened to you. What would you do?" and lists the fatalities and other facts about Hamas' attacks on Israel. The Israeli Embassy said the footage was made to help South Koreans better understand the feelings of its own people. But it removed the post from its social media accounts on Wednesday as public criticism grew. "Hamas' killing and kidnapping of Israeli civilians cannot be justified, but it is not considered appropriate for the Israeli Embassy in Korea to produce and distribute a video comparing this to the security situation of another country," Seoul's Foreign Ministry said. "We conveyed our position to the Israeli Embassy in Korea, and the Israeli side deleted the video," the Ministry added. Seoul, Dec 27 : South Korea's arms procurement agency said on Wednesday that it signed a contract with the US government earlier this month to buy 20 additional F-35A stealth fighter jets amid efforts to bolster response capabilities against North Korean military threats. The Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed the letter of acceptance for the purchase of the fighter jets built by US aerospace company Lockheed Martin on December 8, following Washington's approval of the sale in September. Currently, the South Korean Air Force has 39 F-35A fighters after purchasing 40 F-35As from 2019 to 2022. The Air Force decided to retire an F-35A stealth jet earlier this month as it was seriously damaged by a bird strike last year, Yonhap news agency reported. The 20 F-35A stealth fighter jets, to be delivered to South Korea starting in 2027, will have enhanced arms operational capabilities and security features compared with the existing F-35As, according to DAPA. The F-35A is a key asset for the South Korean military due to its high-performance radar and stealth capabilities, enabling it to carry out long-range strategic strikes without being noticed by the enemy. DAPA said it expects the latest purchase to enhance the military's "three-axis" defence system, which consists of the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, an operational plan to incapacitate the North Korean leadership in a major conflict; the Kill Chain pre-emptive strike platform; and the Korea Air and Missile Defence system. South Korea currently operates some 410 fighter jets, including F-35As, KF-16s and F-15Ks, while North Korea has around 810 fighters, according to the 2022 Defence White Paper released earlier this year. "Although North Korea has more fighter jets, their operation rate is known to be extremely low due to poor maintenance from a lack of parts," Shin Jong-woo, a senior analyst at the Korea Defence & Security Forum, said, citing UN sanctions imposed due to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes. Shin said the F-35A is incomparable to the North's aging fleet of fighter jets in terms of capabilities, noting that North Korea's most advanced aircraft is an early version of Russia's MiG-29, developed in the 1970s. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Several Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and IIT-Delhi professors were duped to the tune of Rs 11 crore on the pretext of providing affordable housing under the land pooling policy of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), an official said on Wednesday, adding that they have arrested the varsity's senior technical assistant in connection with the fraud. The scam came to light after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed based on complaints from professors at JNU and IIT-Delhi by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The complainants alleged that in 2015, the accused identified as PD Gaikwad, a Scientific Officer at JNU, formed the Noble Socio-Scientific Welfare Organisation (NSSWO) for affordable housing. Gaikwad, as the president of NSSWO, lured them into becoming members, presenting details of a proposed housing project under the DDA's land pooling policy in the L-Zone. The complainants joined NSSWO, booking units in the project and making payments. Gaikwad, in his role, provided false updates on the project's progress. In 2015, he showed them a piece of land in L-Zone without supporting documents, and over time, they realised he had deceived them. In 2019, Gaikwad informed them of a new society, Siddhartha Officers Housing & Social Welfare Society, suggesting a switch from NSSWO. Requests to return their money went unanswered and Gaikwad collected over Rs. 11 crore, misappropriating the funds. "During the investigation, complainants provided material, brochures, and receipts from Gaikwad. Scrutiny revealed deceptive pictures and representations of the housing project, along with inducements in emails depicting the DDA's land pooling policy," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (EOW) Surendra Choudhary. The DCP further said that the DDA confirmed that there was no approval for any project under the land pooling policy. RERA (Delhi) stated that the alleged society was unregistered and Gaikwad received over Rs. 11 crore in the society's account, but funds were misused. "Gaikwad, when served notices, was initially unreachable. However, after sincere efforts, he was arrested on December 14 in connection with the case," said the DCP. Tel Aviv, Dec 27 : Gaza's Health Ministry Spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra has said that 21,110 Palestinians were killed and 55,243 injured in the Israeli attacks since October 7. The spokesman in a statement on Wednesday added that 195 people had been killed in the past 24 hours and 325 were injured in Israel military attacks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is engaged in a bitter war with Hamas militant group after the latter invaded into southern Israel and slaughtering 1,200 people and injuring more than 3,000 people. As many as 240 Israeli citizens were kidnapped and taken as hostages. Of this 105 were released by the Hamas during a one-week ceasefire from November 24 to December 1. Four hostages were released earlier on Wednesday and one woman soldier was rescued by the IDF. Three of the hostages were killed in an accidental firing by the IDF in north Gaza. According to the Israeli intelligence agencies, 22 of the hostages are dead. The IDF has on Wednesday announced that a total of 164 of its soldiers have lost their lives during the fighting in Gaza. The Israel army is claiming that it has almost taken control of the northern Gaza Strip and that the fight is now advanced to central and southern Gaza. Solapur : Dec 27 (IANS) In a tragic incident, at least four pilgrims from Karnataka were killed and another 6, including a toddler, injured when their SUV rammed into container truck on the Karmala-Ahmednagar Road on Wednesday, police said. The tragedy occurred near Pande village around 6 am when the vehicle from Karnataka was speeding from Gulbarga via Solapur towards the famed Shri Saibaba Temple of Shirdi in Ahmednagar district, as its occupants slept inside. As per initial information, the SUV crashed into an oncoming container truck with full force and so powerful was the impact that it was thrown into a ditch beside the road and overturned, trapping many of the occupants. Hearing the screams of the survivors, local villagers rushed to the spot and helped them out, even as a team of Karmala police led by Jyotiram Ganjwate reached the tragedy site, and saw the SUV was virtually reduced to a heap of metal. While at least four pilgrims had succumbed on the spot, another six injured have been admitted to the Karmala Sub-District Hospital, where the condition of two is described as critical. The victims have been identified as: Sharda Hiremath, 67 of Hubli, Jemi Deepak Hiremath, 38 of Gulbarga, Srishal Chandaga Kumbhar, 55, and his wife Sashikala, 50. The injured include an eight-month-old Nakshatra V. Kumbhar, Kaveri V. Kumbhar, Soumya S. Kumbhar, 26, Sridhar Srishal Kumbhar, 24, Sasikumar T. Kumbhar, 36, and Shrikant R. Chavan, 27. The cause of the road disaster is not clear and the Karmala police have registered an accident case with further investigations underway. The families of the deceased victims, all in Gulbarga district of Karnataka have been informed of the tragedy, while the bodies have been sent for an autopsy. Seoul, Dec 27 : Scientists have used machine learning to reveal how different characteristics of microplastics can significantly alter soil properties. Plastic waste and its buildup in nature has become a major environmental concern in recent times. While plastic pollution in the oceans is undoubtedly a concern, the presence of plastics in soils around the world is also known to cause severe environmental and health issues. As plastics fragment into smaller pieces known as microplastics in the soil through natural and anthropogenic processes, they drastically alter soil properties. Moreover, they are also absorbed by plants, potentially entering the human food chain and causing health complications. A team of scientists at Korea University programmed machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict the influence of microplastics on soil properties and found that different microplastics factors, such as type, size, shape, and dosage significantly altered soil properties. Specifically, microplastics size was identified as a major factor that affects soil properties. Besides this, the shape, type, and dosage of microplastics was also found to distinctly influence the soilsa chemical properties. "This pioneering study contributes essential data to support informed decision-making on plastic waste management, aligning with the global focus on sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles. It underscores the importance of innovative research in guiding corporate sustainability efforts, where plastic-related issues are a growing concern. The application of ML techniques to this problem demonstrates the potential for advanced technology to drive sustainable practices and create a greener, more eco-conscious future," said Prof. Yong Sik Ok of the varsity. These quantitative insights into the influence of microplastics on soil characteristics, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, represents a breakthrough in comprehending and mitigating the plastic waste dilemma. The study's utilisation of machine learning algorithms marks a groundbreaking shift from traditionally complex and resource-intensive methods for predicting and interpreting the impact of microplastics on soil properties. Integrating machine learning insights to study the impact of microplastics in the context of ESG aligns with social responsibility, fostering sustainable practices with positive community effects. Corporations tackling microplastics pollution can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also build community trust by applying machine learning solutions. These efforts could, in turn, influence industry standards, potentially creating jobs and driving economic growth in related fields, the team said. --IANS rvt/vd New Delhi, Dec 27 : The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notification warning that students should not enrol in MPhil Degree courses being offered by universities as they are no longer recognised. The notification comes as the UGC had earlier directed all higher educational institutions not to offer MPhil programmes and some universities are continuing with it, despite the instructions issued by the commission. UGC Chairman Professor M Jagadish Kumar said, "The UGC has asked universities to take immediate steps to stop admissions for the 2024-25 session. However, this will not affect students already doing MPhil." On questions being raised on validity of MPhil Degree for existing students, the UGC Chairman said that higher education institutions can award only the degrees specified by the commission. The UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations were notified on November 7, 2022. Professor Kumar said that Rule 14 of the above notification states that the MPhil programme started before the notification of PhD rules will not be affected. As per the rule, the students who took admission before the notification was issued, will be allowed to complete the programme and would be given the MPhil Degree. But it also clearly states that after the notification of the above rules, no higher educational institution across the country can offer MPhil programmes. New Delhi, Dec 27 : In a heartwarming incident, a Sikh taxi driver in Australia returned around AUD 8,000 (Rs 4.53 lakh) to a passenger who left the cash in the back seat of his cab. Charanjit Singh Atwal, who has been working as a taxi driver in Melbourne for over three decades, said in an Instagram post by @bramalea.rd that he took the money to the police as soon as he found it. The Good Samaritan said that the thought of keeping the cash never crossed his mind, and that he keeps finding things left behind by passengers in his car. When he was asked if he got a reward from the owner, he replied, "No, I don't need a reward". As the story went viral on social media, netizens applauded Atwal, saying "Singh is king." "He is blessed, and his honesty and good deed will be returned to him tenfold," an Instagram user said. "It's always the good deeds, social services and sharing food etc that comes to mind when I hear about Punjabis, I hope and wish it remains like that," another user commented. Earlier this year, an Indian trolley pusher from Brisbane was hailed for his honesty as he returned a lost handbag containing a wallet, mobile phone and cash. Beant Singh was offered a cash reward for his act, but he said, "I can't take any money for just doing the right thing". Islamabad, Dec 27 : Senior PTI leader and former Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was on Wednesday arrested from Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail in connection with a case of the May 9 violence, reports said. The development came after Qureshi, who had secured bail in the cipher case last week, was detained on Tuesday under the maintenance of public order law, Geo News reported. "I am innocent and being politically victimised. "Oppression, injustice. This is a mockery of the Supreme Courtas order. I am being subjected to political victimisation without any reason," Qureshi told media persons outside the prison. Violence had broken out on May 9 following the arrest of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a corruption case from the premises of Islamabad High Court, and Qureshi, according to sources. was arrested in the GHQ attack case and will be produced before an anti-terrorism court. Qureshi was arrested by after the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema revoked the detention order under maintenance of order law and was taken to a police station in Rawalpindi in an armoured vehicle. His detention came before a special court judge issued his release orders in the cipher case as the Supreme Court approved his bail. In a statement, the Rawalpindi police said they were asked to interrogate Qureshi in connection with May 9 cases, adding that the PTI leader was booked in cases related to the violent protests, Geo News reported. The police said Qureshi was granted bail in the cipher case but a 15-day detention order issued on the grounds that he was "a member of a political party involved in anti-state activities and causing damage to public and private property" and could resume such activities after his release from jail. Qureshi has been arrested several times since the alleged PTI protesters and supporters ransacked state properties including military installations in many parts of the country earlier this year in May. New Delhi: BJP supporters with party flags celebrate party's lead during the counting of votes for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Polls, in New Delhi on Thursday, March 10, 2022. (Photo: Qamar Sibtain/IANS). Image Source: IANS News Bhopal, Dec 27 : After securing a resounding victory in the Assembly election earlier this month, the Madhya Pradesh BJP leadership has sped up its preparations for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. The state leadership has started holding meetings with different segments of the BJPas organisation pertaining to the youth, women, and different morchas like a" OBCs, STs and SCs. The cadres are being prepared for the crucial 2024 poll battle for the Lok Sabha to ensure that the party retains power at the Centre. The MP BJP unit was already in poll-mode for the last one year and won 163 out of 230 Assembly seats, even as preparations for Lok Sabha elections were also running parallel to it, claimed state BJP President VD Sharma. Sharma, along with state incharge Sunil Bansal, held a series of meetings of district heads of the party, during which they were conveyed messages from the central leadership and assigned specific tasks. Sources said the state BJP leadership has prepared Assembly constituency-wise plans. Special attention would be paid to those constituencies where the party lost and close contests were witnessed in the Assembly election. Sharma said the BJP cadres are getting ready to ensure the partyas victory in all 29 Lok Sabha seats and to secure a 51 per cent vote share. The BJP has received nearly 48 per cent votes share in the 2023 Assembly election held on November 17. The development came days after the BJP's central leadership held a two-day meeting of its office-bearers from across the country. The BJP has laid out a detailed road map for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and for the party, the Assembly polls that just ended were a trial run that went as per its plans. The party is scaling up the strategy it employed successfully in the three states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where tough contests were predicted but the verdicts were one-sided in favour of the BJP. Bengaluru, Dec 27 : The 'Maha Abhiyan' campaign organised by a group Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV) demanding prominence for Kannada language on signboards turned violent on Wednesday with the activists smashing the English signboards and vandalising property, advertisement boards and hoardings. The activists have targeted Starbucks, Third Wave, Toyota, House of Masaba, Forest Essentials, Theobroma and others. The KRV claimed that thousands of English signboards were "destroyed and plucked out" across the city. "We will wait till February 28 to install sign boards giving prominence to Kannada language. If not, a stronger protest would be organised to get rid of those sign boards," KRV President, T.A. Narayana Gowda, warned. "We apologise for the inconvenience faced by the people of Bengaluru. I assume that they will understand the organisation of large-scale protests to ensure usage of Kannada language on sign boards," he said. "If false cases are lodged against Kannada activists, we will organise protest against the government," he added. The development has evoked a huge backlash from the people and activists. Many have expressed shock over the turn of events in the state capital and police becoming mute spectators to vandalism and destruction by Kannada activists. Karnataka Police had earlier beefed up security in Bengaluru on Wednesday in the wake of the KRV demanding prominence to local language on signboards of commercial buildings and malls in the city. It organised a massive rally as part of its Maha Abhiyaan taken up following the Karnataka government issuing directions making Kannada compulsory in 60 per cent of the sign boards put up on commercial buildings. The rally started from Bengaluru International Airport Road and will pass through Yelahanka, Shivajinagar, Commercial Street, S.P. Road, Brigade Road, M.G. Road, Chikkapet, City Market, Avenue Road and reached Cubbon Park. KRV President Narayana Gowda had issued a warning to the owners of commercial buildings to give prominence to Kannada language on sign boards. He had also stated that if the sign boards were found to be only using Hindi and English languages, they would be taken down. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner Tushar Girinath has directed that all sign boards should be in Kannada by February 28 in the state capital. However, KRV has given time till December 27 to change the sign boards, which were challenged by the owners of malls and commercial buildings. The police have beefed up security for the Mall of Asia, pegged as the biggest in Asia, as the management and Vedike are at loggerheads over the display of the name of the mall in Kannada. The activists tore down advertisements displayed in English and blackened the Hindi and English sign boards. The police had to resort to baton charge to control the situation. Mumbai, Dec 27 : Actor Ashutosh Kulkarni will ring in New Year at his parents' place in Pune with his wife. Ashutosh, who essays Krishan Bihari Vajpayee in the show 'Atal', said: "New Year fills me with sheer excitement! The essence of celebration lies in the cherished company of loved ones and beloved family. This year, my wife and I have charted our journey to Pune, the abode of my dear parents. Our plans are nothing short of delightful; we will enjoy a luxurious dinner at a splendid restaurant on New Year's eve." "I eagerly look forward to New Year. As the clock strikes 12, surrounded by laughter and love of my family, I anticipate a moment of pure joy and gratitude. We also visit a nearby temple at the dawn of the New Year," Ashutosh said. The actor also said that seeking blessings for the year ahead has become a heartwarming tradition, signifying hope, gratitude, and a sense of renewal. "In these moments, I cherish the union of family, the warmth of togetherness, and the spiritual reassurance gained from seeking blessings for the future. Here's to a New Year brimming with love, prosperity, and abundant blessings for all," he said. 'Atal' airs on &TV. Kolkata, Dec 27 : The West Bengal government will adopt technology used by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for maintaining surveillance at the Gangasagar Mela to be held in the Sagar Islands in South 24 Parganas district next month, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee informed on Wednesday. "The safety and security of people is our top priority. That is why surveillance will be maintained on all the vessels approaching the Sagar Islands using the technology adopted by ISRO. There will be satellite tracking. At the same time, a total of 1,150 CCTVs will be installed in and around the fairground," the Chief Minister said after chairing a review meeting for the Gangasagar Mela on Wednesday. She also said that the VVIPs have been advised not to take pilot cars along with them as long as it is not absolutely necessary. The Gangasagar Mela will begin on January 8 and continue till January 17. The holy dip on the occasion of Makar Sankranti will start from January 15 and continue till January 17. "The state government has decided to make special transport arrangements for the people. A total of 2.250 buses have been dedicated to take the pilgrims to Sagar Islands and bring them back from there. In addition, the railways will run special trains during those days. The preparatory work is expected to be completed by January 2," Banerjee said. The Chief Minister also said that around 40 lakh pilgrims are expected to visit the Sagar Islands for the Gangasagar Mela this year. Centurion, Dec 27 : In his final Test on his home ground, veteran opener Dean Elgar slammed a strong century to take South Africa into a commanding position on day two of first Test against India at SuperSport Park on Wednesday. At tea, South Africa are 194/3 in 49 overs, trailing India by 51 runs. Despite a double-strike from Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian bowling attack, especially their back-up bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur being expensive, they were unable to build any pressure and couldnat stop the run flow. It meant that Elgar brought out gorgeous shots to reach his 14th Test century, the first at his home ground, to be unbeaten on 115 at tea break. Heas also given company by a confident debutant David Bedingham, who is 32 not out off 47 balls, as South Africa racked up 145 runs in second session. India opened the second session with Shardul and Prasidh, who produced a few plays and misses. But Elgar feasted on hit-me deliveries from the duo to drive gorgeously with full face of the bat and raised his fifty off 79 balls with a short-arm jab going wide of mid-wicket for four off Thakur. After Thakur and Prasidh conceded 42 runs combined in their eight overs, India brought on new-ball bowlers and it worked. Jasprit Bumrah had Tony de Zorzi edging to third slip and had Keegan Peterson chopping on to his stumps, as South Africa went from 104/1 to 113/3. Bedingham, making his Test debut after 86 first-class appearances, showed no debutant nerves with his fine pull over backward square leg for six off Prasidh and played shot of the session through a picture-perfect leaning cover drive for four more. Elgar continued to march forward, on-driving off Ravichandran Ashwin twice, getting an edge running for four and then got his hundred with a fierce pull off Thakur going for a boundary. Elgar celebrated with a joyful jump, punching and roaring in delight, with the crowd quick to applaud a fine knock in his farewell Test series. He and Bedingham took three more boundaries off Thakur to end a session firmly in South Africaas favour. Brief Scores: India 245 in 67.4 overs (KL Rahul 101; Kagiso Rabada 5-44) lead South Africa 194/3 in 49 overs (Dean Elgar 115 not out, David Bedingham 32 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 2-35, Mohammed Siraj 1-39) by 51 runs Kolkata, Dec 27 : The West Bengal Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a proposal to appoint Rajeev Kumar as the acting Director General of Police (DGP). Kumar, currently the Principal Secretary in the Information Technology Department, had earlier served as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police. A 1989-batch IPS officer, Kumar will be replacing the current DGP, Manoj Malviya, who is scheduled to retire on Thursday. "Kumar, like Malviya, has been initially appointed as the acting DGP. Later, like his predecessor, Kumar will also be absorbed as the permanent DGP subject to the final clearance from the Union government," said a member of the state Cabinet. Incidentally, Kumar's name had been dragged into controversy a number of times in the past. He came under the scanner of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over the central agency's investigation into the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam. He was replaced as the Commissioner twice by the Election Commission of India before the 2016 Assembly elections. However, after the elections, he was reinstated by the state government. Meanwhile, the person quoted above said that the state Cabinet has principally agreed on appointing the current Additional Chief Secretary to the Home Department, B.P. Gopalika, as the next Chief Secretary. Gopalika will replace the current Chief Secretary, H.K. Dwivedi, who is already under extension and is scheduled to retire on December 31. Two names are currently under consideration for the post of Home Secretary -- Manoj Panth (currently the Finance Secretary) and Vivek Kumar (currently the Forest Secretary). The current Land & Reforms Secretary, Smaraki Mahapatra, is the front-runner for the post of Finance Secretary. Parliament security breach: Neelam was previously detained in wrestlers protest, two more detained in Gurugram. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Dec 27 : Parliament security breach case accused Neelam Azad on Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court for immediate release from the custody of Delhi Police. Claiming that her arrest was illegal, she has said that it was in contravention of Article 22 (1) of the Constitution. Azad, with three other accused persons, was arrested on December 13, and on December 21, a Delhi court extended their police custody till January 5, 2024. Azad has challenged the legality of the remand order dated December 21 on the ground that she wasnat allowed to consult the legal practitioner of her choice to defend her during the proceeding of the remand application dated December 21 moved by the state. She has further alleged that she was produced after 29 hours contrary to the laws. The plea reads: "The petitioner has placed reliance on the words 'choice' and 'defended' in Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India to emphasise that it is an admitted fact that the state prevented her from having a legal representation of her choice and when she was produced before the court, although an advocate was indeed appointed by the Ld. Court, she wasnat given the opportunity to choose the most suitable advocate from DLSA." It says that the court made a fatal error by adjudicating the remand application first and then asking the petitioner if she wanted to be defended by a legal practitioner of her choice. "Thus, the right guaranteed under Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India was grossly violated making the remand order dated 21.12.2023 unlawful," the plea reads. The Delhi Police has told a court that the accused in the case were "hardened criminals", consistently altering their statements. It has registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against the accused and are investigating the security lapse issue, too. The police had informed the court that they have included Sections 16 (terrorism) and 18 (conspiracy for terrorism) of the UAPA in the charges against the accused. The case revolves around a major security breach on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, where two of the accused jumped onto the floor of the Lok Sabha, released yellow gas, and shouted slogans before being subdued by MPs. The high court on December 22 stayed a trial court's order directing Delhi Police to supply Azad a copy of the FIR till the next date of hearing, which is January 4, 2024. New Delhi, Dec 27 : There is no real need for booster vaccination, said experts even as JN.1, from the lineage of Omicron variant of Covid, is rapidly spreading in the country. First detected in Luxembourg in August, JN.1 is currently present in about 41 countries, including India. It is currently classified as a variant of interest (VOI) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to its rapid spread. India reportedly has a total of 109 JN.1 variant cases, till December 26, majorly from Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Dr. Pramod V. Satya, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital Millers Road, told IANS that the current vaccines may not totally prevent the JN.1 virus infection, but since the viral infection is very less severe, "I think we can get away without booster vaccines". "Also because, the JN.1 is only a sub variant of the Omicron variants, the vaccination that we had taken two years back had protected against severe Omicron variants. "There is no renewed risk of this new JN.1 variant causing severe illness. Since the disease is causing illness like any other common upper respiratory infection. I don't think there should be a panic or there's a real need for booster vaccination as of now," Dr Satya said. Despite the surge in Covid cases as well as an increase in JN.1 infections, the Health Ministry has also ruled out the need for any additional booster or precautionary doses to be administered to the general public. According to data released by the Health Ministry on Wednesday, a total of 220.67 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered across the country as on December 21 this year. However, only 22.88 crore precautionary or booster doses have been administered across the country among the eligible adult population. Over 97 per cent of eligible citizens have received the first dose of the vaccine, while over 90 per cent received a second dose, the data showed. "The JN.1 strain of Covid is spreading rapidly. But this is not to be worried about. Covid vaccination has given immunity against Covid and most likely it is going to help fight JN.1 strain of Covid, as well. No need to have an additional booster dose for JN.1, per se," Dr Ravindra Gupta, Head of Department (Internal Medicine), C K Birla Hospital told IANS, noting there is no need to panic. "JN.1 has a few mutations compared to the Delta and other Covid variants. But JN.1 has an additional mutation in a spike protein which can evade the normal immune responses and so it transmits very fast," Dr. Satya said. "This means the infection number will be higher, but it will be very, very mild, even milder than the routine flu. However, no current data shows that it has new or severe symptoms or the public needs to panic about," he added. India also recorded 529 fresh Covid-19 cases in a single day, while the active infection count stood at 4,093, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Three new fatalities - two from Karnataka and one from Gujarat - were reported in a span of 24 hours, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 a.m. The ministry has issued a recent alert to states asking them to step up testing and surveillance in preparation for any further surge in cases. "Infants, toddlers and elderly above 60, as also those who have diabetes, chronic kidney disease and chronic lung disease must take extra care by using masks in public places and improve immunity by adequate nutrition and control of diabetes," Dr Gupta said. He also recommended the use of sanitisers, and masks to help prevent the exposure of disease. --IANS rvt/vd Washington, Dec 27 : Escalating attacks on US troops and commercial shipping and incidents often involving Iran and its proxies are causing new concerns that Israel's war in Gaza could widen into a regional conflagration with grave political and economic consequences, a media report said. With American service personnel increasingly in a dangerous firing line and with the US and allied naval assets on high alert after multiple drone attacks, the deteriorating situation is leading to a tense holiday period for the White House, CNN reported. The rising possibility of US combat deaths and the worsening security situation from the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and stretching through Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Israel represents an unwelcome new foreign crisis as President Joe Biden's reelection year dawns, CNN reported. A broadened conflict could have painful economic consequences given the Red Sea's critical importance to global supply chain routes for energy and goods. Given the threat to their vessels and crews from drones and missiles, several shipping firms have ordered their captains to take the more expensive and time-consuming route around Africa. The potential economic disruption has prompted the US to frame an international coalition to protect merchant ships from Houthi attacks. The US said before Christmas that nations, including the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and the Seychelles, had signed up, CNN reported. Houthis have launched at least 100 attacks against 12 different commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea over the last month, in a "very significant breadth of attacks" not seen in at least "two generations", a senior US military official had said last week. Chandigarh, Dec 27 : Intensifying the war against drugs, Punjab Police has set a new benchmark by seizing highest-ever 1,161 kg heroin in this year, Inspector General of Police Sukhchain Singh Gill said here on Wednesday. "This is for the first time that 65 drug consumers, caught with little quantity of drugs, availed provision of section 64-A of the NDPS by pledging to undergo the rehabilitation treatment," he said. Gill, who was addressing a yearender media briefing, said from January 1 to December 26, the police have arrested 14,951 drug smugglers and suppliers, including 2,424 big fish, after registering 10,786 FIRs. Apart from big haul of 1,161 kg heroin, the police have recovered 795 kg opium, 403 quintals poppy husk, and 83.17 lakh tablets, capsules, injections and vials of pharma opioids from across the state, he said, adding the drug money of Rs 13.67 crore was seized. "Punjab Police have also seized 294 properties of Rs 127 crore (Rs 110.64 crore immovable and Rs 16.45 crore movable property) of big smugglers this year, while 90 more proposals for forfeiture of properties of Rs 26 crore are pending with the competent authority," the IGP said. He said as part of the ongoing special drive to arrest proclaimed offenders and absconders in NDPS cases, the police have arrested 673 offenders and absconders since January 1. Further tightening the noose around the repeated offenders under the NDPS act, Gill said that the police had sent a list of 55 such drug smugglers to the STF to invoke the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against them. Section 3 of the PIT-NDPS Act empowers the government to take such drug smugglers into preventive custody to prevent them from engaging in illicit traffic of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. On achievements against the gangsters, the IGP said the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) along with field units has busted 188 gangsters and criminals modules after arresting 482 gangsters and recovered 519 weapons. Hyderabad, Dec 27 : Senior Indian Police Service officer Naveen Kumar Bhatt on Telanagana was arrested on Wednesday in a case relating to a dispute over the property owned by retired IPS officer Bhanwar Lal's wife. Hyderabad, Dec 27 (IANS) Senior Indian Police Service officer Naveen Kumar Bhatt on Telanagana was arrested on Wednesday in a case relating to a dispute over the property owned by retired IPS officer Bhanwar Lalas wife. Central Crime Station (CCS) police arrested Bhatt, Deputy Director of the Telangana State Police Academy. He was booked along with his brother-in-law Orsu Sambasiva Rao and the latteras wife O. Roopa Dimple last month on a complaint by Mani Lal, wife of Bhanwar Lal. The case was registered against them on November 17 under Indian Penal Code's Sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will etc), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record) r/w 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). While Sambasiva Rao and his wife, accused number one and three respectively, were arrested on December 22, Bhatt, named as accused number two, was absconding. Sambasiva Rao, a businessman, had taken the house of Bhanwar Lal in posh Jubilee Hills on rent. Though the five-year rental agreement ended in 2019, he refused to vacate the house. Bhatt was staying in that house on rent in violation of the rental agreement. The complainant alleged that the accused had prepared fake documents and forged the signature to grab her house. Meanwhile, Bhattas family members alleged that it is a conspiracy against him. His son termed the case a conspiracy against his father when he was due for promotion. "If this can happen to an IPS officer, how can normal people survive in this city," he asked. He said it was a civil matter pending in the High Court for the last three years. He called the arrest pre-planned and demanded a CB-CID inquiry. Bengaluru, Dec 27 : Bengaluru-based tech giant Infosys has accused major rival tech company Cognizant of unethical poaching tactics and also sent an official letter in this regard, sources said on Wednesday. There is a standoff between the two tech giants over senior management staff. Infosys had sent a written communication to Cognizant a few weeks ago, sources said. Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar, who was formerly with Infosys, had pulled out more than 20 executive vice presidents and four senior vice presidents from Infosys and Wipro. Sources state that few more top employees of Infosys are all set to join Cognizant as head of delivery and head of consulting. However, the objections to the poaching of Infosys employees is believed to delay the plans of these employees to join Cognizant. Senior management attrition has become a headache for the companies battling depression in the IT sector. Infosys had seen about 7 to 8 top staffers departing in a year and as many as 10 top performers had exited Wipro in the same period and joined rival companies to the much chagrin of the firms where they had worked for a long time. The companies are yet to give official reaction about the development. Tel Aviv, Dec 27 : Israeli national Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was severely wounded and kidnapped by Hamas militants during the October 7 mayhem, was supposed to leave the country for a trekking tour to India on this day (December 27). While he cant be on the flight, Hersh's family members and friends, along Israeli flag carrier EL AL, will launch a campaign for him at the Ben Gurion airport. A group of about 100 of his friends will be there to sing, hold pictures of Hersh and wave banners in his honour, Hersh's parents, Rachel and Jon, will speak and the group will symbolically recite the Jewish prayer for travellers. The pilots, as well as the control tower, will be making a special announcement in Hebrew and English about Hersh. The flight attendants will be passing out flyers with information about Hersh and people on the flight will receive special stickers they can take with them and put them up in the cities Hersh was supposed to be travelling to. Jammu, Dec 27 : The J&K Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved a proposal of the finance department to grant amnesty for settlement of tax arrears pertaining to the pre-GST regime, an official statement said on Wednesday. "This step is going to provide relief to the tax payers in the form of waiver of interest and penalty, besides recovery of the blocked revenue by the government," the statement said. Earlier, all dealers could not take the benefits of the erstwhile amnesty scheme due to various reasons, including the Covid-19 pandemic. As such, large number of representations were received from the trade/industry sector for granting a onetime opportunity to the dealers for settlement of the outstanding arrears under the pre-GST tax legislations. The amnesty scheme provides relief to the dealers on the following terms: 100 per cent waiver of penalty and interest under J&K General Sales Tax Act, 1962, and Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, for assessment/re-assessment up to 2017-18 (07/07/2017 for all and 31/08/2017 for liquor dealers). 100 per cent waiver of penalty and interest under J&K Value Added Tax Act, 2005, and Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, for assessments up to 2017-18 (07/07 /2017). Waiver of interest and penalty in (i) and (ii) subject to 100 per cent payment of principal tax in the manner and within the prescribed time as per the scheme to be notified by the government. Settlement of demands for industrial units under repealed J&K Value Added Tax Act, 2005 (up to 2017-18), J&K General Sales Tax Act, 1962 (up to 07/07/2017 and 31/08/2017 for liquor-dealing units), and Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, in respect of assessed/re-assessed demands, including yet to be assessed cases with certain conditions to be notified in the scheme. The statement added that this decision on the part of the government will result in minimising tax dispute cases and winding up pre-GST cases. "The time limit for receiving the applications for this amnesty scheme will not be more than six months from the date an order is issued in this regard," the statement said. Mumbai, Dec 27 : Sparking fresh concerns, Maharashtra on Wednesday reported two Covid-19 deaths and 87 new cases, while 10 persons were diagnosed with the new variant, JN.1, health officials said. The state has JN.1 patients in Thane (5), Pune (3), Akola and Sindhdurg (1 each), comprising 8 males, 1 female and one minor boy aged 9 years. One patient from Pune had a recent travel history to the USA. From January 1, 2023, till date, Maharashtra has recorded 136 Covid deaths, including over 71 per cent aged above 60, a majority (84 per cent) with comorbidities and the rest without any other health problems. Among the two fatalities reported on Wednesday, one patient was from Pune and the other from Sangli, with a death rate of 1.81 per cent. Of the new cases, the highest 39 were reported from Pune circle, followed by Mumbai circle (36), Nagpur and Kolhapur circle (4 each), and Latur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar circle (2 each), said the health department. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Maharashtra has recorded a total of 81,72,287 cases and a staggering 148,566 deaths a" both highest in the country. Pune, Dec 27 : The Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM), an apex body of mountaineers, in Maharashtra on Wednesday expressed concerns over the large-scale plans for New Year 2024 celebrations at various historical forts in the state. AMGM President Umesh Zirpe, Chairman Hrishikesh Yadav and Secretary Rahul Warange have issued an appeal to prevent picnickers, campers, revellers and party animals from holding New Year celebrations at the forts in the Sahyadri range. "In recent years, we have noticed a large number of people going camping at these old forts and many times the visitors defile or abuse these historical sites. We are appealing to all such people to maintain the sanctity of these monuments and preserve our rich legacy," said Zirpe. The AMGM has urged tourists to refrain from trooping to these forts or other historical buildings during the December 31-January 1 night, avoid consuming alcohol, cooking or eating meat, singing and dancing loudly on these monuments which represent the glory of Maharashtra. It also warned that going to such places in large numbers can cause avoidable accidents or fatalities and revellers must not pitch tents or live there on New Year Eve. Zirpe said that it has been observed that upto 10,000 people throng some of the forts like Sinhagad, Rajgad, Lohagad, Rajmachi, all in Pune, plus Harihar Fort and Harishchandra Fort, both in Nashik, besides many other forts and monuments in the hills and coastal regions of the state. He said that presently, there is no requirement of permission from any authorities though in some historical sites, the local villagers have taken the lead and banned all revellers on New Year as well as certain other festivals. Activist from the Konkan region, S. B. Uke said that on New Year Eve, thousands of people throng the sea-forts and its surroundings from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur and even from adjoining Goa or Karnataka, creating a huge nuisance for the local population. "Many of the monuments are ill-lit, have little or no facilities for water and toilets, there are a lot of jungle creatures around which get disturbed by the cacophony of wild parties with loud music, singing, dancing, playing games, food and drinksa" said Uke. Occasionally, the overburdened local police patrols attempt to control the revellers, especially when there are drunken brawls, and drive them out of these places, he said. Centurion, Dec 27 : In his final Test on his home ground, veteran opener Dean Elgar kickstarted his farewell series by slamming an incredible century to put South Africa into the lead on day two of the first Test against India at the SuperSport Park on Wednesday. When bad light stopped play and eventually go into early stumps, South Africa ended the day at a commanding 256/5 in 66 overs, taking a lead of 11 runs over India, who made 245, thanks to KL Rahul converting his overnight score of 70 into 101, his eighth Test ton and second successive one at this venue. The overcast day belonged to local boy Elgar, who wowed the spectators with a flurry of gorgeous drives, fierce pulls and his famous gritty attitude to be unbeaten on 140 off 211 balls, his 14th century in the format, laced with 23 fours. He also stitched a vital 131-run stand with debutant David Bedingham, who looked rock-solid in his 56, and place South Africa in the driversa seat. The final session began with Elgar and Bedingham taking 41 runs in the first nine overs, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur proving to be ineffective in stopping the duo from taking boundaries. Bedingham, who looked solid on backfoot play, reached his maiden Test fifty in 80 balls, before being castled by Siraj and depart for 56. With some variable bounce on offer, Prasidh Krishna made use of it to get his maiden Test wicket in the form of Kyle Verreynne. The right-handed batter tried to punch a rising short ball, but the ball took the glove edge behind to keeper KL Rahul. Elgar would be whacked on the glove off Krishna, following which a break in the play happened, giving time to umpires to assess the light situation at the stadium. With the light not being good enough to continue, the players walked off. 30 minutes before the stipulated stumps time, play was called off for the day, which well and truly belonged to South Africa and Elgar. Brief Scores: India 245 in 67.4 overs (KL Rahul 101; Kagiso Rabada 5-44) trail South Africa 256/5 in 66 overs (Dean Elgar 140 not out, David Bedingham 56; Jasprit Bumrah 2-48, Mohammed Siraj 2-61) by 11 runs Patna, Dec 27 : Teachers' recruitment in Bihar is not for candidates who are over 37 years of age despite the Bihar Public Service Commission claiming (BPSC) age relaxation of up to 10 years for women. As per the results of the second phase of teachers' recruitment, the selection of new candidates in almost all the subjects shows a similar pattern, thanks to the age cut-off applied in the process. If one analyses the results of social science for Class 6 to 8 in the unreserved category, candidates having maximum age limit up to April 17, 1986 in the male category were selected. Similarly, for ST and EBC candidates who were selected had a cut-off of up to June 29, 1986 and October 16, 1986, respectively. Only the female SC candidates had an age cut-off of up to January 11, 1981. The other categories like unreserved female have cut-off of 1990, EWS 1992, EWS female 1991, ST female 1993, EBC female 1993, BC 1997, BE female 1996, BCL 1994 while grandchildren of freedom fighters had a age cut-off of not beyond 1992. This is one example where the age cut-off has hampered the chances of candidates having higher age. When the notification for teachers' recruitment second phase was issued, the maximum age was 37 years in the unreserved category while it was 40 for OBC and EBC candidates. Later, the BPSC announced an age relaxation of 10 more years for female candidates following which a large number of candidates applied for the posts. But when the selection process begun, 37 was taken as the cut-off age. One of the theories is that a large number of male candidates from other states applied for the posts who fall under general category, hence the BPSC has not reduced the age cut-off, said Ruchi Kumari, a candidate who was not selected in the second phase. "In reserved category, which can be applied for only by candidates having domicile of Bihar, the selection was done in EBC female, ST female categories under 30 years. Candidates coming under BC and BC female section had maximum age of 26 and 27 years, respectively," said another candidate, Sunita Kumari, who did not feature in the merit list as her age was higher than the cut-off age. "A majority of the candidates did not feature in the merit list as their age was higher. If we are fulfilling the eligibility of up to 47 years, why were we thrown out from the selection race? This is not fair. BPSC has smartly denied marks to individual candidates. "It has just posted the names, roll numbers and date of birth of the candidates. Suppose, my age is higher and I also obtained higher marks than the cut-off, I cannot claim the same as I am not aware of my actual numbers. Candidates like me were thrown out of the race just because of our age," said Kavita Sharma, another candidate. "We appeal to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to intervene in the matter and provide a fair chance to all the candidates. I also want the Chairman of the BPSC to look at every candidate through a single lens. Age is not on our side, so we will not get much chance in the future," she rued. New Delhi, Dec 27 : An on duty Delhi Police constable shot himself dead with his service rifle on Wednesday, an official said. The deceased was identified as Ajay Kumar Chaudhary, 35, a native of Jaipur district. According to police, a police control room (PCR) call was received at 4:31 p.m. at Chanakyapuri police station that a constable had shot himself in the police lines. A police team reached the spot where Chaudhary was found dead in a sitting position on a cot in barrack No.2 with a gun shot on his forehead and holding an Insas rifle. "He was posted at TML since June 12, 22. He was issued an Insas rifle and on Wednesday was on duty from 2 p.m," said a senior police official. Eyewitnesses present inside the barrack also confirmed that they heard the sound of fire and saw that Chaudhary was injured. "The scene of crime is being inspected by the Crime team including forensic experts. The statements of the witnesses are being recorded. The weapon has been seized and the dead body has been shifted to RML hospital. The inquest proceeding is in progress," the official added. Ahmedabad, Dec 27 : The police in Gujarat on Wednesday launched an investigation into a suspected illegal immigration network following the grounding of a Nicaragua-bound Airbus A340 in France over human trafficking suspicions. The aircraft carrying passengers, predominantly of Indian origin, touched down in Mumbai in the early hours of December 26. According to a senior official from the state's Crime Investigation Department (CID), at least 21 passengers on the aircraft hailed from Gujarat. Superintendent of Police, CID (Crime), Sanjay Kharat, said that some passengers have returned to their hometowns in the state. He said a probe was underway to unravel the web of this suspected illegal immigration operation. The primary focus was to determine how these passengers were targeted for possible illegal immigration into the US, and the involvement of any agents in this illicit network. Meanwhile, authorities in Mehsana have sprung into action following reports suggesting that many passengers on the flight were district residents. Officials in Mehsana said that a police team has been tasked to verify claims involving an agent named Kiran Patel's alleged involvement in the immigration network. Kiran Patel was not found at his previous residence in Mehsana, having relocated to an undisclosed location several years ago. Tel Aviv, Dec 27 : The Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Wednesday that 20 people have been killed in an Israel army attack near a hospital at Khan Younis in Southern Gaza. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said that the incident occurred near the El Amal City Hospital in the Khan Younis area. The ministry also said that 195 people were killed while 322 others were injured in the last 24 hours in attacks by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Since the October 7 Hamas attack in Southern Israel and the subsequent retaliation by the Israel army, 21,110 people, including women and children, have been killed in IDF attacks. According to the IDF, over 160 of its soldiers have also been killed since the ground invasion in Gaza Strip commenced on October 27. Hyderabad, Dec 27 : Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Naveen Kumar Bhatt was questioned by Hyderabad police on Wednesday in a case relating to a dispute over the property owned by retired Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) officer Bhanwar Lal's wife. Hyderabad, Dec 27 (IANS) Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Naveen Kumar Bhatt was questioned by Hyderabad police on Wednesday in a case relating to a dispute over the property owned by retired Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) officer Bhanwar Lalas wife. Bhatt, the Deputy Director of Telangana State Police Academy, left the Central Crime Station (CCS) on Wednesday night after questioning. The police denied that he was arrested. The IPS official told media persons that he came to give his version. He said a case was registered on a complaint though the matter is sub-judice. He denied the allegations made in the complaint and claimed that he has done nothing wrong. He said facts would soon come out. Bhatt was booked along with his brother-in-law Orsu Sambasiva Rao and the latteras wife O. Roopa Dimple last month on a complaint by Mani Lal, wife of Bhanwar Lal. The case was registered against them on November 17 under Indian Penal Code's Sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will etc), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record) r/w 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) While Sambasiva Rao and his wife, accused number one and three respectively, were arrested on December 22, Bhatt, named as accused number two, was shown absconding. Sambasiva Rao, a businessman, had taken the house of Bhanwar Lal in posh Jubilee Hills on rent. Though the five-year rental agreement ended in 2019, he allegedly refused to vacate the house. Bhatt was staying in that house on rent allegedly in violation of the rental agreement. The complainant alleged that the accused had prepared fake documents and forged the signature to grab her house. Meanwhile, Bhattas family members alleged that it is a conspiracy against him. His son Sahit termed the case a conspiracy against his father when he was due for promotion. "If this can happen to an IPS officer how can normal people survive in this city," he asked. Satish, leader of a Backward Class organisation, has also voiced concern over the arrest of Naveen Kumar. He said it was a civil matter pending in the High Court for the last three years. He called the arrest pre-planned and demanded a CB-CID inquiry. --IANS ms/vd Patna, Dec 27 : Students of a government senior secondary school in Bihar's Bhagalpur on Wednesday held their teachers hostage after they did not get admit cards for the Class 10 board examination. The incident occurred at Gandhi Inter School located at Goradih block in the district. The agitated students assaulted the teachers and locked them in a classroom. The principal incharge managed to flee from the spot. The agitating students claimed that around 300 students who are expected to give the board examination next year but they did not receive admit cards so far. They claimed that around 150 students failed to give the examination last year due to the unavailability of admit cards and they do not want the same thing to happen this year too. The teachers were rescued after a team of local police reached the spot. One of the teachers claimed that they have been given the job of teaching which they are doing and admit cards are released by the Bihar School Examination Board so they have nothing to do with it. The teachers also said that they have conveyed this message to the higher authorities. (COST OF LIVING) BRS to zero in on 'world's most expensive' LPG, steep fuel prices. Image Source: IANS News Jaipur, Dec 27 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday announced to provide LPG cylinders to the women of the state for Rs 450 from January 1. Sharma said the subsidy amount will be transferred to the accounts of the beneficiary women from BPL category and Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries. Addressing a Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme at Lamba Harisinghpura in Tonk, the Chief Minister said, "Our government is working with determination to make Rajasthan a leading state in the country. Every decision is being taken keeping the progress of the state and its people in mind. The state government will leave no stone unturned in realising the dream of a developed India." Under the 'Rasai Gas Cylinder Subsidy Scheme', from January 1, the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and selected BPL families will get gas cylinders for Rs 450. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries will be entitled to a total of 12 cylinders in a year. To avail the scheme, the beneficiary will have to get registered in the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra camps. Sharma said that 39 types of public welfare schemes are being delivered to the common people through the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra camps. The Chief Minister said that women's safety and their economic upliftment is the priority of the government. aDue to the weak law and order situation in the last few years, the morale of criminals in the state was high. Proper security will be provided to women in the state and strict action will be taken against the criminals. Any kind of negligence will not be tolerated," he added. Sharma also said that the government will work by adopting a policy of zero tolerance against corruption. He said that accountability will be fixed for corruption that happened at every level in the state in the last few years. Bhopal, Dec 27 : Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla on Wednesday criticised the Congress, saying the people of the state have rejected the fake promises of the grand old party. Referring to the Assembly poll results announced on December 3, Shukla said: "They (Congress) were claiming to form the government but when the results were announced, they saw them getting reduced to half of the seats it won in 2018." The BJP leader said that the people of Madhya Pradesh have given a befitting reply to the Congress. "The Congress has lost its ground in Madhya Pradesh. It means that the people do not have trust in Congress," Shukla told the mediapersons here during a programme. He was in Jabalpur to participate in the inaugural session of the 38th Indian Engineering Congress in Jabalpur. Shukla, who completed graduation from Government Engineering College Rewa, began his political journey from the same college. Washington, Dec 27 : The Israeli state comptroller will probe the 'multi-system failures' in the government's security system which failed to detect the October 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 240 as hostages. "No stone will be left unturned in determining personal responsibility for the failures at all levels -- policy, military and civilian," Matanyahu Englman, the state comptroller, said on Wednesday. Matanyahu will investigate the conduct of the government's security cabinet, that of policymakers and the military, intelligence preparedness prior to October 7, the defence posture on the Gaza border, the preparedness of the civilian security squads in the Gaza border region before the war, the funding of Hamas, and the lack of equipment for IDF soldiers, according to the Times of Israel. "The nature of the massacre, its repercussions, and the failures emerging in connection with it to this day, as well as our moral and ethical duty to the fallen, the wounded, the kidnapped, and the soldiers who put their lives on the line to defend their homeland require the state comptroller's scrutiny of the personal responsibility of all ranks -- civilian, military and governmental," he said on Wednesday. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declined to take responsibility for his alleged failure to detect the attack. "I've already addressed that many times, and I said this whole question will be addressed after the war," he had told CNN in mid-November. "Well, I said that I'm going to answer all the questions that are required, including the question of responsibility. There'll be enough time for that after the war. Let's focus on victory. That's my responsibility now," he had said. A number of other Israeli officials have claimed responsibility for their failure in detecting the attack. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, military intelligence chief Aharon Haliva, Ronen Bar, Director of the Shin Bet intelligence agency, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, his predecessor Benny Gantz, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have all done so. Netanyahu had also posted on X in October that he was told "several times" by the intelligence community that "Hamas is deterred", though he later deleted the post and apologised. New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said that it carried out searches at premises of Surat-based Sharanam Jewels LLP in connection with "suspicious" outward remittances matter. The searches were conducted at its promoter Avadh Harshad Yagnik and its associates, Vansh Marketing, a proprietorship concern of Ashik Patel and others at various locations including Ahmedabad, Surat and Dhubri, for allegedly making ''suspicious'' outward remittances worth Rs 2,284 crore. The ED said that the search operations under the provisions of FEMA, 1999 at the premises of Sharanam Jewels LLP, its promoter and its associates were carried out after the financial probe agency initiated a probe on the basis of credible information which revealed that the said entities are involved in sending foreign exchange outside India on a large scale and made suspicious outward remittances amounting to Rs 2,284 crore on account of payment towards import settlement of invoice. The ED said: "During the search it has been found that Sharanam Jewels LLP is running a unit at SEZ, Surat and doing import-export of gems and jewellery. In last two years the entity did import-export to the tune of Rs 3,700 crore. The entity in its books of account has shown closing stock to the tune of Rs 520 crore, however on physical verification meagre stock worth Rs 19.70 lakh has been found." "ED investigation further revealed that Sharanam Jewels LLP and its associate Vansh Marketing with the help of other shell entities have provided accommodation entries over Rs 5,000 crore to various persons or entities through web of complex transactions in the garb of imports-exports," it alleged. The ED said that during searches, various incriminating documents and digital devices have been found and seized. "Bank accounts of the involved entities having balances to the tune of Rs 1.14 crore have been frozen," it added. Patna, Dec 27 : A sensational murder was reported from Bihar's Muzaffarpur on Wednesday where a woman strangled her new-born grand-daughter and buried her body, police said. The incident occurred at Amma Sohijan village under Hathaudi police station in the district and the accused grandmother, Saroj Devi, and grandfather, Ashok Ojha, have been arrested. Police also recovered body of the two-month old baby, 24 hours after the burial. As per an official, the accusedas daughter in-law Komal Devi delivered a baby girl two months ago but the grandparents were not happy as they were expecting a baby boy. On Monday, Saroj Devi held the infant in her hands and came out from the house. When Komal did not find her daughter inside the home, she searched everywhere and eventually contacted the Hathaudi police station. Police reached the spot and questioned every family member of the house, and the grandparents were not giving satisfactory answers. "They were also looking nervous. When we strongly asked them, they revealed the incident," Hathaudi police station SHO Alok Kumar said. "As per the confession, Saroj Devi said that she picked the infant and came out of the house. She strangled her and buried the dead body 500 metres away from home. Her husband was also involved in the commission of crime. We have arrested them and produced them in the local court on Tuesday which sent them to judicial custody. "We have also recovered the dead body 24 hours after the burial and sent it for autopsy to the SKMCH, Muzaffarpur," he added. New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said that it has arrested one of the key accused Viraj Suhas Patil from Mumbai in a case related to illegal forex trading by "TP Global FX". The ED in a statement said that Patil was arrested on December 25 under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). It said that Patil has a Resident Identity Card of UAE and is staying there permanently since 2021. He was presented at a court in Kolkata which sent him to ED custody till January 2. The ED registered a case on the basis of FIR registered by Kolkata Police under various sections of IPC against TM Traders and KK Traders. As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI), TP Global FX is neither registered with it nor has any authorisation from the RBI for legal forex trading. The RBI has also issued an "Alert List" including the name of TPGlobalFX on September 7 last year, to caution the general public against unauthorised trading platforms. ED probe revealed that Prasenjit Das, Shailesh Kumar Pandey, Tushar Patel and other persons used various dummy companies or firms or entities to defraud the public under the guise of making investments in forex trading by using the platform or website of TP Global FX. Earlier, ED had arrested Pandey and Das in this case and currently bother are in judicial custody in the Alipore Jail in Kolkata. The ED also froze Rs 121.16 crore balance in various bank accounts and properties worth Rs 121.23 crore in the nature of cash, gold, flat, hotel and resorts and vehicles, were attached in this case. The ED had also filed a chargesheet against Pandey and Das and cognisance of the offence of money laundering has been taken by the court. Hyderabad, Dec 27 : The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), affiliated to the Congress, was ahead in the trade union elections in state-run Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) as the counting of votes was underway on Wednesday night. The INTUC took early lead by winning four divisions while All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), affiliated to the Communist Party of India (CPI), was a close second with three divisions. Counting of votes was on in four other divisions. The INTUC emerged victorious in Yellandu, Kothagudem, Manugur and Ramagundam-3 divisions, while the AITUC bagged Bellampally, Ramagundam-1, and Ramagundam-2. The Telangana Boggu Gani Karmika Sangham (TBGKS), affiliated to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which had won the elections in 2012 and 2017, was yet to open its account. Earlier in the day, polling was held in all 11 divisions from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Officials said 94.15 per cent voters cast their votes. A total of 39,773 workers working in 23 underground, 19 opencast mines, GM offices, and Departments in Peddapalli, Kothagudem, Jayashankar-Bhupalpally, Khammam, Mulugu, Mancherial and Asifabad districts besides Hyderabad (corporate office) are eligible to cast their votes. A total of 13 trade unions were in the fray. Ballot papers were used for the polling held at 84 polling booths in all 11 divisions. The SCCL coal mines are spread over 11 Assembly constituencies in erstwhile Adilabad, Khammam, Warangal and Karimnagar districts. In the recent Assembly elections, the Congress had won nine seats while its ally CPI had bagged Kothagudem. The BRS, which lost power to the Congress, secured only one seat (Asifabad). The Singareni trade union elections were originally scheduled on October 28 but postponed to December 27 after the then BRS government moved the High Court seeking postponement in view of Assembly elections. Though Congress too wanted the trade union elections to be postponed till the Lok Sabha polls next year, the High Court last week declined to postpone the elections. The Singareni trade union elections were last held in 2017. The TBGKS, headed by BRS President and then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Raoas daughter Kavitha won the polls by bagging nine out of 11 coal mine divisions. --IANS ms/vd TEHRAN, Jan. 13, 2020 (Xinhua) -- A protestor holds a picture of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani during a protest outside the British embassy in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 12, 2020. Iran's Foreign Ministry on Sunday summoned Robert Macaire, the British amb. Image Source: IANS News Washington, Dec 28 : Iran has virtually retracted its earlier comment that the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel was an act of revenge for the assassination of an Iranian General Qasem Soleimani four years ago claiming the comments were "misunderstood and incompletely conveyed". An Iranian General on Wednesday walked back his claim that the deadly October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel was "revenge" for the assassination of an Iranian General four years ago, telling Al-Araby his comments earlier in the day were "incompletely conveyed" and "misunderstood", media reports said . Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman Ramazan Sharif had earlier sought to link the Hamas attacks, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, to a US drone strike in Iraq on January 2, 2020, that killed Gen. Soleimani. Sharif also said the killing of a top Iranian military advisor by Israel this week would draw a military response from Iran "directly or indirectly". USA Today reported that the US Justice Department, in a heavily redacted 2020 memorandum, said Soleimani had commanded the guard's elite Quds Force since the late 1990s and was a "key architect of Iran's campaign of terrorism, assassinations and violence throughout the Middle East". The Iranian government, known to fund Hamas, has repeatedly denied any involvement in the October attack that killed 1,200 Israelis in communities along the Gaza border. Hamas issued a statement Wednesday rejecting Sharif's claim linking the attack to Iran, saying the attack was primarily a response to "dangers that threaten al-Aqsa Mosque" in Jerusalem, which had seen clashes between Israeli settlers and Muslim worshippers, reports said . Sharif, however, was firm in his pledge of an Iranian military response to the killing of Iranian Brig. Gen. Razi Mousavi, targeted Monday in an Israeli airstrike on his Damascus home. Israel had accused Mousavi of being a key player in Tehranas efforts to supply weapons to Hamas and Lebanonas militant Hezbollah. "Iran will take harsh and strong revenge," Sharif said, accusing Israel of killing Mousavi as a way of "escaping from its defeat in Gaza and its failures there, and to divert the worldas attention from a war crime". Meanwhile Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashed over 'Hitler' remark. Turkish and Israeli leaders engaged in a war of words on Wednesday over Israeli actions against Hamas militants in Gaza described by Erdogan as "no different" from those of Adolf Hitler. Netanyahu struck back, accusing Erdogan of carrying out genocide against Kurds and holding a "world record number" of opposition journalists in jails. "Erdogan... is the last person who can preach morality to us," Netanyahu said, adding that Israel has "the most moral army in the world." War cabinet minister Benny Gantz, a political foe of Netanyahu, dismissed Erdogan's remarks as blatant distortions of reality and a desecration of the Holocaustas memory". The New York Times this week filed suit against Open AI and Microsoft over the unauthorized use of its intellectual property in the training of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The suit, which the Times said is the first by a "major American media organization," was filed in the Southern District of New York and alleges that the AI services from both multi-billion dollar tech companies are built on mass copyright infringement, with potentially massive implications for the future of journalism. Defendants unlawful use of The Times work to create artificial intelligence products that compete with it threatens The Timess ability to provide that service, the complaint alleges. Through Microsofts Bing Chat (recently rebranded as Copilot) and OpenAIs ChatGPT, Defendants seek to free-ride on The Timess massive investment in its journalism by using it to build substitutive products without permission or payment. Notably, the complaint states that until recently the Times was in talks with both companies but that negotiations broke down. For months, The Times has attempted to reach a negotiated agreement with Defendants," the complaint states. Publicly, Defendants insist that their conduct is protected as fair use because their unlicensed use of copyrighted content to train GenAI models serves a new transformative purpose. But there is nothing transformative about using The Timess content without payment to create products that substitute for The Times and steal audiences away from it. Because the outputs of Defendants GenAI models compete with and closely mimic the inputs used to train them, copying Times works for that purpose is not fair use. The suit seeks injunctive relief and an undisclosed damages award for the billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages that they owe for the unlawful copying and use of The Times uniquely valuable works. In its own article announcing the suit, the Times acknowledges the host of suits already filed by creators against the companies over their inclusion in AI training, and notes that some media companies have already struck licensing agreements, including the Associated Press and Axel Springer. The suit also drives home the threat these new AI services pose for the journalistic enterprise. Making great journalism is harder than ever, the complaint states. "Over the past two decades, the traditional business models that supported quality journalism have collapsed, forcing the shuttering of newspapers all over the country. It has become more difficult for the public to sort fact from fiction in todays information ecosystem, as misinformation floods the internet, television, and other media. If The Times and other news organizations cannot produce and protect their independent journalism, there will be a vacuum that no computer or artificial intelligence can fill. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The Annies Project for women in agriculture will return to the region with a six-week course from Jan. 13 through Feb. 17 at the Tucumcari Convention Center. Agricultural women of all backgrounds and experience are encouraged to participate. Registration is $100 for all six classes, and seating is limited. The classes will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday. Scholarships are available upon request and proven need. All registration includes lunch for each session. Visit the NMSU Quay County Cooperative Extension Web site at quayextension.nmsu.edu/annies-project.html or call (575) 461-0562. Annies alumna later can participate in deeper-dive, topic-specific educational programming, networking opportunities and sharing of additional resources. Annies Program is more than just a series of workshops; its a supportive community and an enriched culture, helping women secure successful futures in agriculture, said Susann Mikkelson, NMSU Guadalupe County Cooperative extension agent and certified Annies Project facilitator. Mikkelson previously was an extension agent in Quay County. The events sponsors are Farmers Electric Cooperative (matched by CoBank), Farm Credit of NM, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the City of Tucumcari, American Heritage Bank, Citizens Bank, New Mexico Bank & Trust and Box Family Farms. Annies Project is a course that incorporates evidence-based training with interactive discussion and hands-on exercises, tailored to agriculture in eastern New Mexico. It brings together women from various sectors of agriculture to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing and legal matters. Theres also time for peer-to-peer learning and sharing. Its a relaxed and fun way to learn, grow and meet other farm and ranch women. More farm and ranch women have become decision-makers and are assuming key roles on farms and ranches. Annies Project courses provide women in ag with training and information that empower them as partners and decision-makers on the farm and ranch. One eastern New Mexico Annies Project alum said, This program was profoundly impactful. For start-ups, it emphasized the importance of estate planning from the very beginning of the business. Another 2022 alum said, What I learned in Annies Project literally changed my and my husbands future! I gained the tools, contacts, and information we needed to buy a farm and begin our own farming operation! Annies Project courses have helped advance knowledge and experience of more than 19,000 farm and ranch women in 33 states over the last 20 years. A Tucumcari construction company has filed a money judgment complaint and foreclosure lien against the Glenrio Smoke Stop, accusing owners of the marijuana dispensary of not paying for more than $104,000 in construction work. Pacheco Construction & Trucking of Tucumcari filed the complaint on Dec. 18 in Tucumcari district court against Glenrio Properties LLC, dba Glenrio Smoke Stop. Pacheco stated in the three-page complaint it had performed construction at the Glenrio Properties site in February. The company stated Glenrio Properties owes $104,375.27, plus 15% interest since Nov. 4, the costs of recording the claim of lien and attorneys costs. Despite demand, Defendant has failed and refused to pay Plaintiff the monies which are due and owing, the complaint states. Pacheco Construction filed a claim on lien on Dec. 11. The complaint seeks a judgment of the money and interest owed, court costs and that the property be foreclosed and sold, with proceeds applied to the debt. Randy Knudson of the Doerr & Knudson law firm in Portales filed the complaint on Pacheco Constructions behalf. No attorney for Glenrio Properties was listed on court documents. Glenrio Smoke Stop principal Gabi Tuschak stated in an email the complaint stems from a dispute between Pacheco and our contractor over questionable charges that have yet to be resolved. Its been communicated that the amount is not correct and that the contractor is holding money to correct their poor workmanship, she wrote. I have faith in the integrity of our contractor and that a fair and ethical outcome will be reached. Glenrio Smoke Stop in Glenrio opened in September, just yards west of the Texas border, where recreational marijuana remains illegal. It was the first new business in the far eastern Quay County community in at least 40 years. Glenrio once was a busy Route 66 village, but it quickly became a ghost town after it was bypassed by Interstate 40. By Ron Warnick The Staff of The News After struggling to find an alternate site to the doomed Mountain View School, an official with the Early Head Start program said she wants to use classrooms at Tucumcari Elementary School before a modular facility would be installed nearby. Pagie Evans, education specialist of the program, gave a presentation in front of the Tucumcari Public Schools board during its Dec. 18 meeting. She said the program serves 32 children. Evans said shes been told that Early Head Start would have vacate Mountain View School by March. The program leases the building from the school district for $1 a year. The building has been essentially condemned by the districts insurer because of its deteriorating condition. Assistant superintendent Dave Johnson said the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority has offered to cover all costs of the buildings demolition if its empty by March. Evans said its been a struggle to find another site for the program in Tucumcari. She said other possible sites are being used for other purposes or are in bad condition. Evans said demolishing half of Mountain View School and leaving the other half for Early Head Start was not an option. She said the programs best option would be to use three empty classrooms at TES once a licensing entity signs off on them, which is not a certainty. Those classrooms, however, are not suitable for toddlers. Those children will be moved to the Eastern Plains Community Action Agency building near downtown. In the meantime, Early Head Start likely would set up a modular building on vacant land near the elementary school. However, Evans said the process to obtain federal funding for that takes up to a year or more. Evans rebutted resident Matt Bednorzs comment at a recent Tucumcari City Commission meeting where he claimed Eastern Plains, which runs Early Head Start, receives more than $5 million in federal funds. She said it spreads $4.5 million among six counties, and much of that is devoted strictly to staff development. Early Head Start doesnt have the funds right now for a new building, she said. If it were that easy, wed already have it built, she said. Board member Jerry Lopez labeled Early Head Start as crucial for the community, noting his granddaughter is in the program. He expressed doubts, however, the program would have to leave Mountain View School as soon as March. Johnson said he would work with Early Head Start and offered to provide a proposal or update by the boards next meeting on Jan. 15. Board Vice President Matthew Pacheco said the board might have to act fast because the short time frame for demolition and Early Head Start still in limbo regarding its future site. I dont want to hold things up, he said. Thats what Im worried about. Mountain View Elementary School opened in the 1950s and was closed about 40 years later. On this date ... 1973: A fire destroyed the Leslie Fish ranch home three miles south of Quay. The blaze destroyed the home and all belongings inside. The home was owned by Josephine Bradley, but Fish had been living there for five or six years. Fish was not home when the fire began. A passer-by initially noticed the smoke, thinking it was a trash fire, until he saw the entire east wing of the home in flames. Firefighters from Tucumcari, House and Forrest fought the blaze. Among the prime-time television shows listed for that day were Flip Wilson, The Waltons, Ironside, Kung Fu and Streets of San Francisco. The Odeon Theatre was showing the Oscar-winning musical Oliver! with all seats costing 75 cents. Gibsons Discount Center in Tucumcari was selling Angela ladies bras for $2.89, Calm 2 antiperspirant for $1.27, Nice n Easy hair color for $1.19 and a family-size box of Tide powder detergent for $2.49. By Ron Warnick The Staff of The News The Tucumcari Public Schools board declined to approve or even take a vote on final readings of policy reviews regarding gender identity and reproductive or gender-affirming health care. Both items were on the agenda for the boards Dec. 18 meeting. But when Vice President Matthew Pacheco presiding over the meeting in place of absent President Heather Gonzales asked for a motion on both measures, none was offered, much less a second. After the boards inaction, audience member Slik Knapp said: Id like to thank the board for being resilient and doing the right thing. The board tabled final readings of both items during its October meeting after hearing opposition from seven residents. Board member Jerry Lopez said at the time hed hoped lawyers or legislators would provide more clarity on what they should do with those issues. The advisories were written by lawyers with the New Mexico School Boards Association. Both were one-sentence statements in response to laws passed earlier this year by the state legislature. Advisory 233 reads: Neither a public body nor a person or entity acting on behalf of or within the scope of authority of a public body shall discriminate against or interfere with a persons rights or ability to access or provide reproductive or gender-affirming health care within the recognized medical standard of care. Advisory 234 reads: The New Mexico Human Rights Act provides that a government entity (which includes local school boards) may not refuse or otherwise limit or place conditions on services provided to a person because of gender or gender identity (among other listed conditions). It wasnt clear what consequences, if any, the TPS district might face by not affirming the policy advisories. After the October meeting, assistant superintendent Dave Johnson said just one TPS student in the past five years changed his or her name and gender identity. That student no longer was enrolled. Resident Ann Hall during the Dec. 18 meeting repeated constituents earlier complaints, including that the new laws take away parental rights. She said school officials and board members should be more vigilant about reading legislators bills. Think about your responsibilities as a school board member and superintendent, she said. Phillip Box asked whether board members had talked to lawyers to fight those issues. During its November meeting, the San Jon school board approved final readings of those policy advisories on the recommendation of superintendent Alan Umholtz. If you dont approve, the state will make you do it, he said. In October, the board of Logan Municipal Schools approved the advisories. The board took into consideration that these policies dont require school staff to provide or arrange for such care, merely that school staff cannot discriminate against individuals who have received or wish to receive such care, Logan superintendent Dennis Roch stated last week in an email. Mary B. Mayfield, who became Tucumcari's first female mayor nearly 20 years ago, died on Dec. 1 at her home in Tucumcari. She was 85. Mayfield, a District 4 commissioner, was elected mayor by her fellow commissioners in 2004, stating that the biggest challenge facing the city at that time was economic development. Mayfield succeeded Antonio Apodaca, who declined to run for mayor again after a new commission was seated. She resigned as mayor and city commissioner in 2007 after being advised by doctors to step down, according to her resignation letter. Mayfield stated that serving in city government was a "highlight of my life." Known for her wit, Mayfield joked she would miss the orange construction barrels as a major First Street project was nearing completion. Robert Lumpkin succeeded Mayfield on the commission. In addition to being mayor, she also worked as a school bus driver, cafeteria worker, social worker and city commissioner. At one point in her life, she returned to college to earn her degree. Veteran city commissioner Ralph Moya said Mayfield and her friend regularly attended city commission meetings before she decided to run for office. "Mary Mayfield was a very kind person," Moya recalled. "She did her job. She cared for a lot of her (social work) clients and the constituents in her community. She was a very dedicated person, always trying to be a positive influence on the community. She always wanted to do the right thing." Christopher Maestas, who served on the commission the same time as Mayfield, said he had heard Mayfield had been ill. "She was fair. She was one of us," he said of her time on the commission and as mayor. "We had our differences, like everybody. But she was a good person." The daughter of Barnard and Alta Austa Graham Bonds in Tucumcari, she married Clifton C. Mayfield in Tucumcari in 1956. They were married for 60 years until his death in 2016. Ann Street, Mayfield's sister, said Mary was the ninth of 11 children in her family. Street also said that Bettie Ditto, a longtime businesswoman known as "Mrs. Tucumcari," served on the city commission the same time as her sister. Mayfield was a member of the First Baptist Church in Tucumcari. Survivors include two children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, siblings, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. Mayfield was cremated, and services in her memory will be scheduled at a later date. Muffley Funeral Home in Clovis was in charge of arrangements. One of the fundamental principles of our representative republic is the concept of checks and balances to ensure one branch of government does not dominate the other branches. While this concept has been an accepted component of governing throughout our countrys history, sadly, the concept is often forgotten among the halls of the Roundhouse. In far too many cases over the past five years, the Democrat-controlled Legislature has refused to take action to preserve the constitutional authority of the legislative branch and has allowed the governor to set policy that is clearly in the purview of the Legislature. New Mexicans most certainly remember the unilateral decisions made by the governor during the pandemic that shut down small businesses, places of worship, and our schools. Yet Democrats in the Legislature uttered barely a word of dissent and chose to let the governor make public health decisions, which should have been made in consultation with state legislators. Another example was the claim by the governor that she alone had the power to spend federal dollars provided to the state for pandemic assistance. Again, Democrat legislative leaders refused to challenge this disrespect of the Legislatures power of the purse. Or the more recent case where the governor used a public health order to impose an unconstitutional ban on firearms in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, while progressive Democrats in the Legislature said not a word when families could no longer protect themselves. While these events are bad enough, the governor is now willing to use the administrative rule process to push the Legislature aside once again and create new mandates that have never been considered by elected legislators. In mid-November, the governor instructed the Environmental Improvement Board to adopt a regulation that would greatly restrict the ability of New Mexico families to buy gasoline and diesel-powered cars and trucks starting in 2027. Another example, the Public Education Department, with the governors approval, recently proposed a new rule that would force 38 rural school districts across the state to eliminate popular four-day school weeks and further weaken local control of public schools. For those unfamiliar with New Mexicos administrative rule process, unelected appointees of the governor are delegated authority by the Legislature to adopt regulations for laws where additional details are needed to ensure proper implementation. The administrative rule process, however, was never intended to be deployed as a tool to enact new mandates that were never debated when the law was passed. To address these abuses, House Republicans will be introducing legislation during the 2024 session to create the first legislative review process of administrative rules. New Mexico is one of nine states that has no legislative review of administrative rules. Its time the Legislature protects its constitutional authority by holding the governor accountable whenever her appointees attempt to improperly seize law-making authority. Creating legislative review of administrative rules should be a nonpartisan issue that both political parties should agree upon. Its a necessary step to help ensure our current and future governors respect the Legislatures sole authority to make laws. Randy Pettigrew and Jim Townsend, state representatives Stadler's EURO9000 locomotive has received type approval for operation in the Netherlands and Belgium. The loco, which was presented at InnoTrans 2022, already has approval to run in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and Stadler expects it to be authorised to run in Italy next year. The EURO9000 is a six-axle, interoperable locomotive designed to operate on international routes along the main European railway routes. It meets the technical specifications for interoperability (TSI), and is equipped with packages for each country it operates in, including conventional automatic train protection systems and European Train Control System (ETCS), which ensure smooth cross-border operations. The basic configuration covers Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium, with two prototypes having been successfully tested in the last two years. Stadler developed the EURO9000 with a powerful and versatile design to meet the challenges of transporting rail freight across borders. It has been available for operation in Germany and Austria since March 2023, and received type approval for operation in Switzerland on 2 November. The EURO9000 has a power output of nine MegaWatts, making it the most powerful locomotive on the European market and allowing it to operate on electrified routes with alternating current and direct current. it has a modular design, which enables electric, diesel and/or battery drive to be installed together, so that each train can run on both electrified and non-electrified sections of track. The diesel motors provide extra power when the locomotive is travelling under a 3-kiloVolt DC overhead contact line. The EURO9000 can travel at high speed on the main European corridors with mixed traffic, and can enable longer, heavier trains to be pulled by a single locomotive. Leasing company European Loc Pool (ELP) placed the first order for EURO9000 locomotives, and has so far acquired thirty, seven of which are in operation. Alpha Trains ordered twelve EURO9000 locomotives in October this year, which Stadler will deliver in 2025. Inigo Parra, Executive Vice President of Stadler Division Spain, says: The challenges associated with the interoperability of European rail networks and the European Union's requirements to shift more freight transport to rail motivated us at Stadler to develop one of our most innovative products the EURO9000. This underlines our commitment and our pioneering role in shaping the future of rail freight transport. Successful public health campaigns and medical advances have enabled the United States to conquer a range of disfiguring and damaging diseases. Polio, which paralyzed thousands of Americans annually, was wiped out by widespread vaccinations. In 1999 the nations last hospital for lepers closed its doors in Louisiana. A global campaign eradicated smallpox, while lethal tuberculosis, the consumption that stalked characters in decades of literature, seemed beaten by antibiotics. Measles outbreaks still occur from time to time, but they are small, local, and easily contained. Vaccination in Pakistan, one of two countries where polio is still endemic. The other is Afghanistan, source of an estimated 90,000 taken into the U.S. since America's chaotic 2021 withdrawal. Recently, however, some of these forgotten but still formidable infectious diseases have begun to reappear in the U.S. For two years running, polio has been detected in some New York water samples, and this fall, leprosy re-emerged in Florida, where cases of malaria have also been recorded. Health officials say they are not sure why these and other infectious diseases are resurfacing. One distinct possibility, which officials are loath to discuss, is that the millions of migrants who have crossed into the country in recent years could be bringing the scourges with them, since many are from countries where such rare diseases persist and vaccination programs are not robust. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya: The recent polio and leprosy cases are almost certainly imports to the U.S. The recent polio and leprosy cases are almost certainly imports to the U.S., said Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a physician and scientist at Stanford University, one of the most outspoken critics of official COVID-19 narratives in the last pandemic that later proved flawed. And the Biden administration, an aggressive promoter of often mandatory vaccination last time, now is offering little public comment on the connection between disease and the porous borders with which its immigration policy has become widely identified. Neither the Centers for Disease Control nor the Department of Homeland Security would discuss the issue with RealClearInvestigations. Legal immigrants are required to receive vaccinations for a host of diseases, but the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged it does not have vaccination records for the millions who have entered the U.S. since the Biden administration relaxed border controls upon taking office in January 2021. Its not like there is some Typhoid Mary out there, but this is something people are seeing and thinking about, even if they dont want to discuss it publicly, said Art Arthur of the Center for Immigration Studies, which opposes the Biden administrations border policies. "Operation Allies Welcome" in Idaho: some of the 90,000 Afghan arrivals from a polio-afflicted land. The reticence of federal agencies has not stopped some local officials, however, from raising public health alarms over massive immigration. New York City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan warned in April that at least half of the migrants who have poured into the city had not been vaccinated against polio. The potentially paralyzing and life-threatening virus remains endemic in two countries in the world, Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to the World Health Organization. Since President Biden ordered what proved to be a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, an estimated 90,000 Afghans have come to the U.S. under the terms of Operation Allies Welcome. Ashwin Vasan, New York City Health Commissioner: Half of migrants are not vaccinated against polio. It is not clear if those migrants met the polio vaccination requirement. DHS did not respond to a question about whether medical histories were reviewed in the fast-tracked entry of Afghans who got out of their country before the Taliban reimposed its control. Vasans warning pointed directly to the southern border, which has seen record-shattering arrivals on the Biden administrations watch. More than 50,000 people have come to New York City in the past year shortly after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, he wrote in an 11-page letter. I am writing now to underscore how critical it is that health care providers take a wide range of considerations into account when working with people who are seeking asylum. Citing outbreaks of chickenpox in shelters for illegal immigrants, Vasan also noted the arrival of newcomers who either began their journey in a country where tuberculosis is present or passed through such countries en route to the U.S. The New York City Health Department did not respond to questions from RealClearInvestigations or to a request to speak with Dr. Vasan, but the numbers have only grown since he sent his letter. Since spring 2022, more than 100,000 migrants had arrived in the city, and more than 67,200 were living in taxpayer-funded housing at the end of November, according to the New York Times. Poster girl, 1957: The poliovirus, long extinct in the U.S, is again being monitored by federal health authorities, via wastewater testing. Last year, the first recorded polio case in the U.S. since 2013 was diagnosed in New York State, with the victim described only as an unvaccinated man. Also in 2022, poliovirus was found in the water supply of four New York counties, including Long Island, and New York City. Another positive test result was recorded in Rockland County this year, according to the state. In the U.S., polio vaccinations remain part of the routine childhood immunization process under which the CDC recommends four doses. Adults who grew up in the U.S. are vaccinated, the agency said. The last occurrence prior to the New York diagnosis had been in 1979. Since November 2022, the CDC has begun wastewater testing for the poliovirus, so long extinct in the U.S., in selected areas, but the agency did not respond to questions about those investigations. It does provide information on COVID and monkeypox, the latter a disease that primarily afflicts the gay population. A thorough investigation, exploring all avenues of transmission and trying to source a virus to its root, is common among virus hunters, and the idea that millions of people coming to the U.S. could inadvertently carry with them some infectious disease is but one possibility. For example, thus far researchers have been unable to pinpoint where the infamous Ebola virus originates in equatorial Africa. 'Historically Atypical Countries' The situation in the United States is further complicated by the fact that DHS officials dont know where all of the more than 7.5 million migrants whove arrived since Biden took office are living. Those whom Border Patrol agents have encountered and processed have immigration court dates, but those dates are years in advance. Many people with uncertain immigration status lack health insurance and stay off the grid as much as possible, meaning even if the U.S. launched some kind of vaccination program it would not know where to concentrate its efforts. In addition, the historic flood of illegal immigration during the Biden administration has also featured a much more global population. DHS uses the term historically atypical countries to describe the panoply of countries outside of Mexico and Central America from which illegal immigration has soared. Between 2011 and 2022, the number of annual encounters involving immigrants from historically atypical countries soared from fewer than 8,000 to almost 1 million. The first six months of 2023 saw more than half of official encounters these numbers do not include what Border Patrol calls gotaways for whom little information is available from historically atypical countries. But infectious diseases largely forgotten in the U.S. remain public health issues in both hemispheres, and many of those nations have much less robust vaccination programs than most modern Western nations. Ancient scourge: Leprosy victim, 24, in a medical monograph, circa 1886. In 1988, when the World Health Organization launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, wild poliovirus was evident in 125 countries, but the zone where it remains endemic has shrunk to Afghanistan and Pakistan, with most recent cases occurring along the countries nearly 1,600-mile border, according to the CDC. Vaccination campaigns have proved problematic under the militant Islamic fundamentalist Taliban, according to the CDC. Oral vaccines in parts of the south and northeast regions are allowed only at health facilities, mosques, and polio vaccination sites. In March, Al Jazeera reported that the Taliban would allow a polio vaccination program for children, but precise figures on the countrys overall vaccination rate remain unclear. The World Health Organization estimates that 76% of Afghanistans children have received a polio vaccine. But some countries have even lower vaccination rates. On Nov. 30, for instance, some 700 people, including many from Senegal and Nigeria, walked into the U.S. at the Texas border. Only 63% of Senegals children have been vaccinated for polio, and various fevers, hepatitis, and malaria are endemic there. Measles, which the U.S. declared eliminated here in 2000, are an issue, too. The WHO estimates 22 million children missed their first measles vaccine last year and more than half of them live in just 10 countries, all of which fall in the historically atypical immigration list. Ashley St. Clair, conservative commentator: All the pilots, airline staff, and passengers want to know is: what medical screenings are being done? Measles cases have risen in the U.S., from 13 individual cases in 2020 to 121 in 2022, according to the CDC. Recent outbreaks in Ohio and Illinois have all occurred among unvaccinated children, according to state health officials. The age and nationality of victims is not made public, but the measles vaccination rate is below 70% in many countries that have sent immigrants to the U.S. recently. While few are publicly pushing the panic button, some public health officials worry that a creeping mistrust of vaccines in the wake of the pandemic may make more Americans vulnerable to dangerous and even deadly scourges. Syphilis, for example, has been on the rise for many years but rose sharply during the pandemic. COVID-19 has drawn the lions share of attention from the public health bureaucracy since 2020, leading to shortfalls in other areas, some experts said. All of these diseases are more prevalent in part because of lockdown policies which diverted public health resources and attention worldwide away from its traditional priorities of controlling the spread of these deadly infectious conditions, Dr. Bhattacharya said, referring to measles and other maladies. And just as there is no cure for polio, there is no vaccine for some infectious diseases. Malaria, for example, the mosquito-borne fever that killed more workers than yellow fever did when the Panama Canal was built, remains endemic in tropical zones, and its path to rare outbreaks in the U.S. usually follows either a trip made abroad or someone moving here, according to health officials in Florida. Department spokesman Jae Williams told RCI the exact sources of many infectious disease outbreaks in the Sunshine State remain unknown, but the huge increase in illegal immigrants could be a clue. Its always a possibility, and our most recent malaria cases appeared to be a strain from Central America, he said. In other words, the malaria could have been brought by a newcomer or picked up by someone who traveled there and returned. Central Florida this summer saw leprosy return, although the exact source remains a mystery, Williams said. Information about the age, sex, and nationality of victims is not public, and most of those who contracted the infectious, skin-disfiguring disease were described only as landscapers. Various accounts have speculated armadillos are to blame, but armadillos are not newcomers to the region. The theory holds that somehow the leprosy bacteria, which generally requires prolonged contact and against which most humans have developed immunity over millennia, is in the dirt armadillos wallow in, and the cases that broke out among landscapers then would be linked to the animals they encounter. But leprosy is not endemic in Florida. It is most common in parts of southeast Asia, equatorial Africa, and Brazil. The influx of people, sure its a problem and its always a possibility, Williams said. But we dont really know. Nevertheless, the questions are being asked with more frequency. On Dec. 19, Ashley St. Clair, a conservative commentator, set off a firestorm on X, formerly Twitter, that her Delta flight from Phoenix to New York was filled with people who had recently been processed, released, and brought to the airport by Border Patrol. All the pilots, airline staff, and passengers want to know is: what medical screenings are being done? she wrote. 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Dixon Technologies right now is a beehive of activity. It is building a new facility in Noida to make 1.3 million laptops for Taiwanese PC maker Acer. The facility must be up and running in four months. The pace of activity will only increase. Last week Dixon won a similar contract from Lenovo, the Chinese personal computer maker and the third largest information technology (IT) hardware brand in India, to assemble laptops and notebooks. Though the clientele in these two cases is Taiwanese and Chinese, Dixon is a company reaching for the stars with its feet planted firmly in the Indian governments policy. Both the contracts are under the revamped production linked incentive scheme for IT products. And reaching for the stars it is. Sunil Vachani, executive chairman, says he hopes to end this calendar year with Dixon as the worlds 15th or 16th largest EMS (electronic manufacturing services) player, rising to the top 10 in five years, and top five in 10 years. Dixon was number 21 in 2022. Based on Statista, Dixon is the second largest EMS player in India, behind Bharat FIH, part of Foxconn. We have leveraged the PLI (performance-linked incentive) scheme to build scale and it is a stepping stone for Dixon to become a global champion, selling locally as well as exporting from India, Vachani told Business Standard. The stock market seems to appreciate the reasoning. Dixons stock price on the BSE has risen from Rs2,929 on March 1 this year to Rs6,377. With a commitment of Rs 48,000 crore of production revenues under the PLI scheme in six years, Kotak Institutional Research projects that Dixon is targeting a 17 per cent share of the IT products market by 2030. With the Indian laptop market estimated to be around $10 billion annually, even if we take a 10 per cent share, it would be a Rs10,000 crore business for us every year, Vachani told Business Standard. But he is not content with laptops. Dixon straddles five of the 14 PLIs where it is eligible: mobile devices, IT products, refrigerators, LED components, and telecom networks. Eye on PLI Vachani learnt the ropes of the electronics business from his father, Sunder T Vachani, who founded Weston Electronics, and was the first assembler of colour televisions in India with South Korean brand LG (then called Lucky Gold Star). Weston shrunk under the onslaught of multinationals. Vachanis father gave him three things to help him start on his own: A small capital, the name Dixon, and his blessings. Vachani took the three and made Dixon into an EMS company that gradually notched up revenue milestones: From under Rs 3,000 crore in the pre-PLI year of FY19 to an estimated Rs 18,000 crore in the current financial year. Before PLI, Dixon used to assemble 100,000 phones a month. But, with the new plant getting ready and others already running, it will have a capacity to make 70 million phones annually, of which 40 million will be feature phones and 30 million smartphones. With an annual demand of 180 million phones in the country annually, Vachani says, Dixon controls more than 35 per cent of the total capacity. With new contracts to assemble phones sealed with Xiaomi and Itel, and ongoing contracts with Reliance Jio Bharat phones (it has already assembled 1.5 million of those) and Nokia (1 million a month), Vachani expects Dixon to be at full capacity by the end of next year. It is also making phones for exports, worth Rs 1,200 crore last year, and aims to increase it to Rs 2,000 crore this financial year. ICICI Securities projects that mobile phones will account for 60 per cent of Dixons revenues by FY26, from 50 per cent currently. The second plank of Dixons strategy is to build the domestic supply chain, which would reduce costs, and will be especially crucial in a post-PLI scenario. We want to be future-safe even after PLI is over, says Vachani. Some components will be made in-house, others through joint ventures, and some will be sourced from third parties. Vachani says it is a misconception that EMS players do not localise. In automated washing machines, he says, Dixons localisation is already 75 per cent, in refrigerator components it is 85 per cent, and in LED lighting 60 per cent. In China, mobile value-addition is 40 per cent. In India we are at 18 per cent in three years. "That is because 50 per cent of the bill of materials is semiconductors, which have to be imported, says Vachani. Dixon, he says, will surely participate in the proposed PLI scheme for non-semiconductor components. Up against big boys Dixons global ambition will inevitably bring it toe-to-toe against global giants, which are expanding their footprint in India. Foxconn, the largest contract manufacturer of iPhones, already does $10 billion in annual business, 4 per cent of its global revenues, in India through 30 factories. It has announced further investments of $1.5 billion in the country to build more mobile making and component capacity, get into wearables and hearables (Dixons verticals) and assemble electric vehicles, apart from foraying into chip making on its own. Dixon is projected to earn $2.16 billion in revenues in FY24, which would place it 15th or 16th in the world among EMS players. The number 10, New Kinpo Group in Taiwan, has revenues of $6.9 billion. Flex, at number five, had revenues of $29 billion in 2022. What Dixon has going for it is the large and growing market for EMS in ICTE (internet, communications, telecom and electronics), which is already at $900 billion globally, while India accounts for only 2.3 per cent of it. Yet the domestic demand for such products was $110 billion last year and would treble in five years. So there is room to grow, says Vachani. What has differentiated Dixon from many other home grown companies is that it has never defaulted on the PLI pre-conditions for getting incentives: A minimum yearly investment for three to four years and a yearly threshold production value for five to six years. In mobile devices, three out of the five home grown companies have failed to meet these targets for all the three years. Vachani says he wants to ensure that anyone in the ICT space, who is looking at India for an EMS partner, should first think of Dixon. That can be an incentive scheme on its own. As the COVID-19 pandemic seized an unprepared health care system in the U.S., many states scrambled for limited supplies of face masks and other protective gear. Fast-forward three years to when the pandemic loosened its grip and states are struggling to deal with a glut of surplus protective gear and are ditching their supplies in droves. It appears Colorado avoided that conundrum by proactively giving away supplies, though it's not immediately clear how those entities that got them dealt with expiration dates. Last year, Colorado lawmakers passed a law that requires the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management within the Department of Public Safety to maintain in a declared disaster emergency a stockpile of these essential supplies and to donate or sell any excesses to avoid storing provisions past expiration dates. The law also authorizes the State Board of Health to adopt rules that ensure health facilities maintain an adequate stockpile of protective gear for infection control. Hospitals and long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, are required to maintain their own reserves. Colorado maintains a 60-day supply of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies in warehouses for state and local public health agencies, Kristen Petitt Stewart, spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said in an email to The Denver Gazette. Since April 2022, the state warehouse has donated: 368,000 medical gowns 67,000 face shields and bottles of hand sanitizer 101,000 packages of sanitizing wipes 54,000 surgical masks 75,000 N or KN95 masks Donations were made to health care providers, long-term care facilities, various nonprofit organizations, schools, dental offices, local public health agencies, and veterinary clinics, Stewart said. Inadequate supplies compelled Ohio officials to buy millions of medical gowns from a marketing and printing company and spent about $20 million to try to get personal protective equipment made in-state. Three years later, Ohio and other states are now trying to deal with an excess of protective gear, ditching their supplies in droves. With expiration dates passing and few requests to tap into the stockpile, Ohio auctioned off 393,000 gowns for just $2,451 and ended up throwing away another 7.2 million, along with expired masks, gloves and other materials. The now expiring supplies had cost about $29 million in federal money. A similar reckoning is happening around the country. Items are aging, and as a deadline to allocate federal COVID-19 cash approaches next year, states must decide how much to invest in maintaining warehouses and supply stockpiles. An Associated Press investigation found that at least 15 states, from Alaska to Vermont, have tossed some of their trove of PPE because of expiration, surpluses and a lack of willing takers. Into the trash went more than 18 million masks, 22 million gowns, 500,000 gloves, and more. Thats not counting states that didnt give the AP exact figures or responded in cases or other measurements. Rhode Island said it shredded and recycled 829 tons of PPE; Maryland disposed of over $93 million in supplies. What a real waste. Thats what happens when you dont prepare, when you have a bust-and-boom public health system, where a lack of planning leads to panicked over-purchasing in emergencies, said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. It shows that we really have to do a better job of managing our stockpiles. The AP sent inquiries about PPE stockpiles to all 50 states over the past several months. About half responded. States emphasize that they distributed far more gear than they discarded and have gone to lengths to donate the leftovers. Washington state sent hundreds of thousands of supplies to the Marshall Islands last year. Pennsylvania said it offered PPE to 10,000 cities, heath facilities and more throughout the pandemic. Both states still ended up throwing out loads of expired items. Some states found limited post-expiration uses, such as training exercises. Many states are keeping at least a portion, and sometimes all, of their remaining protective gear. Some, such as Minnesota, even plan to update their stockpiles. But others said the vagaries of the pandemic and the PPE supply left no choice but to acquire the items and now to throw them out however reluctantly. Expiration dates are set because materials can degrade and might not work as intended. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has set the fair market value of expired supplies at zero dollars. Anytime youre involved in a situation where youre recalling how difficult it was to get something in the first place, and then having to watch that go or not be used in the way it was intended to be used, certainly, theres some frustration in that, said Louis Eubank, who runs the South Carolina health departments COVID-19 coordination office. The state has discarded over 650,000 expired masks. Before the coronavirus pandemic, health care product distributors typically kept 20-to-30 days of supplies. That wasnt enough when the pandemic struck and demand skyrocketed for N95 masks, gloves and gowns. They became so scarce that some health care workers wore homemade masks and used trash bags for gowns. Hampered by years of underfunding and expanded responsibilities, the U.S governments Strategic National Stockpile was not equipped to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an inspector generals report. As the federal stockpile dwindled, states plunged into global bidding wars and anything-goes arrangements. Massachusetts even used the New England Patriots team plane to collect masks from China. The explosive demand triggered a surge and ultimately a hard crash for American PPE manufacturers. The AP found in 2020 that states spent over $7 billion in a few months on PPE, ventilators and some other high-demand medical devices in a sellers market. Ultimately, the federal government paid for many of the supplies. There was no way to know, at the time of purchase, how long the supply deficit would last or what quantities would be needed, Ohio Department of Health spokesperson Ken Gordon said. Ohio distributed more than 227 million pieces of protective equipment during the pandemic. But as the supply crunch and the health crisis eased, demand faded, especially for gowns. Now, states, hospitals, manufacturers everybody in the whole system has extra product, said Linda Rouse ONeill of the Health Industry Distributors Association. Given the glut, stockpiled items are selling for bargain prices, if at all. Vermont got $82.50 for 105,000 boot covers and 29 cents apiece for thousands of safety goggles. The glut extends beyond states. Georgias Fulton County, which encompasses Atlanta, dispensed gloves, hand sanitizer and other supplies by the dozens of boxes at a public PPE giveaway in March. New York City said it auctioned a heap of non-medical-grade PPE that was expiring or supplanted by better versions. Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan told local lawmakers in May that officials would focus on enhancing supply contracts for future emergencies, rather than prioritizing a static stockpile of commodities." Missouris mental health department planned, but scrapped, an auction of thousands of extra masks, gowns and other protective items bought with federal coronavirus relief money. The agency cited a belief that federal rules barred such a sale, but the U.S. Treasury Department later told the AP that states can sell excess PPE. Supply chain chaos prompted some governments to place multiple orders, resulting in surpluses when the shipments belatedly arrived. A New York state-run veterans home was so deluged by PPE deliveries in early 2021 that it stashed them under tarps in a parking lot. By the time a warehouse was arranged four months later, between $560,000 and $1.6 million of supplies were too damaged to use and cost another $21,000 to incinerate, according to a state inspector generals office report. Another $779,000 in expired items have been discarded. Striking a balance between preparedness and surpluses is a major dilemma for governments, said Scott Amey of the Project on Government Oversight, a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group. And while politicians vowed in 2020 never to be caught off guard again, memories are short, budgets are tight, Amey noted. In Wisconsin, a legislative committee axed from the budget $17.2 million that would have funded a warehouse with an ongoing 60-day supply of PPE for two years. The state Department of Health Services said it is now demobilizing the warehouse and trying to donate the supplies. Already, Wisconsin has tossed nearly 1.7 million masks and almost 1 million gowns. In Michigan, a 2021 state law requires the state health department to keep a stockpile of up to two months of medical supplies, and the departments website shows more than 38 million items on hand. But one of the laws sponsors, Republican state Rep. John Roth, said he now thinks we have to take another look at it, suggesting a one-month supply might mean less waste. The Health Industry Distributors Association recommends that product distributors maintain a 60-to-90-day supply to guard against demand spikes. But the group says its probably unnecessary for everyone in the system from manufacturers to doctors offices to have such a large cushion. Some government officials concur. Its not really practical for most local health departments to have a large stockpile of materials for just in case, said Adriane Casalotti of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. They have limited budgets. They also have limited space. Pennsylvania officials are aiming for a 15-day stockpile after frank conversations about what they can afford not only to keep, but to keep replacing. Tens of thousands of cases of PPE already have expired and been slated for disposal. If we had unlimited federal funding, or even significantly more federal funding, for public health preparedness, that 60-day stockpile or 90-day stockpile would be a fantastic idea," said Andy Pickett, the Health Departments emergency preparedness and response director. Meanwhile, Missouris health department has maintained a 90-day supply of PPE, based on the highest-demand months of the pandemic. Its keeping even expired materials, presuming the federal government will OK their use in an emergency as it did for COVID-19. Missouri has insured the stockpile at $19 million. If you dont make the investment and perhaps the investment that is never used then you may not be prepared to assist the public when its needed, Missouri health director Paula Nickelson said. Minnesotas Department of Health was allocated some money this year for retaining and restocking PPE and is figuring out how much, while trying to condense the cache. For now, emergency response official Deb Radi said the agency expects to dispose of a few expiring gowns items once so elusive that the state bought disposable raincoats instead. People might be critical that we have some excess supply right now, but they would have been way more critical if we were not trying to procure supplies at the time we needed them, Radi said. She hopes the federal government will examine how expiration dates are determined and whether they can be extended. Chris Emory, who runs New Mexicos Bureau of Health Emergency Management, suggests incentivizing suppliers to expand their stocks. Still, his state is hanging onto its PPE cache, after using masks left over from fighting the H1N1 flu when COVID-19 struck. Nevada, meanwhile, cant give its aging PPE away fast enough. Pallets of it are at or approaching expiration in a leased warehouse, Department of Administration Director Jack Robb lamented. Nevada is endeavoring to shed expiring supplies safely and efficiently and not waste money, but the bulk of this is going to end up in a landfill, he said. Some already did. Bankers said the outlook of M&As in India in 2024, especially in the second half after the Lok Sabha election, seems relatively better. Merger and acquisition (M&A) investment bankers are going home with lower bonus cheques as deal value fell 63 per cent to $70.9 billion compared to 2022 when India Inc signed M&As worth $192 billion. The sharp rise in M&As in 2022 was mainly attributed to the mega merger between HDFC and HDFC Bank. Data collated from Bloomberg shows that M&A deal value has crossed the $100 billion mark since 2018. This came as Indian companies and private equity firms acquired or sold companies in India despite Covid. But in 2023, it slowed down considerably despite a record rise in stock indices Mehul Bheda, partner, Dhruva Advisors, said M&A activity was subdued possibly due to the funding winter for startups. "On the listed space, markets have gone up significantly, leading to mismatches in valuation expectations. There was also a bit of wait and watch due to the impending general elections, some of which is clear now due to better-than-expected performance of the BJP in the assembly elections. "It points to a similar mandate in the general elections in May 2024, signifying policy stability and continuity," he said. The Adani group, which was acquired by Ambuja Cements for $6.5 billion in 2022, made smaller acquisitions this time as it grappled with an unsubstantiated report by a US-based short seller. The group made a strong comeback, acquiring Sanghi Cement and Haifa Port in Israel for $1.2 billion. Among other major conglomerates, the Aditya Birla Group's Ultratech announced plans to buy Kesoram Industries for Rs 5,379 crore (Rs 53.79 billion) in an all-stock deal. The largest transaction this year was the stake acquisition in Renew Power by Canada Pension Plan Investment for $4 billion. Bankers said the outlook of M&As in India in 2024, especially in the second half (after the general elections), seems relatively better. Anurag Sud, managing director, head of India at Apax Partners, a US-based private equity firm, said as one of the fastest growing large economies, India continues to offer attractive investment opportunities for PE firms for acquisitions next year. "Any bet on India is a bet on its growing digitisation trend. Companies are betting big on premiumisation and low penetration, which will aid the next leg of growth. "Long-term macro indicators, such as healthy GDP growth and rising per capita income, will lead to higher discretionary spend," Sud said. "This will further aid the growth of companies in the country. Taken together, we believe technology services / software, healthcare, and digitally-backed global consumer brands will do extremely well in the coming years in India," Sud added. A similar trend was observed in the rest of the world. A total of 48,953 deals (M&As, private equity and venture financing) were announced globally during January-November 2023. This is a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) decline of 23.6 per cent compared to 64,092 such deals during the previous year, according to GlobalData, a data analytics company. An analysis of GlobalData's financial deals' database reveals that all the deal types under the coverage recorded considerable Y-o-Y decline during January-November 2023. December is a dull month for deal making. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com India's voting pattern in the United Nations with regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict is lately marked by a calibrated distancing from Israel, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar. IMAGE: Palestinians, who were killed by Israeli strikes, are buried in a mass grave in Rafah in southern Gaza, December 26, 2023. Photograph: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters Indian diplomacy is ending 2023 with a momentous turnaround. What began as a course correction necessitated by the torrential flow of events in West Asia is assuming strategic overtones. Truly, the aberration in India's policies can be traced to the UPA rule (2004-2014) but it is under the period since then 2014 that they accentuated phenomenally and began creating contradictions undermining national interests. This aberration also led to a serious erosion of India's strategic autonomy in a transformative international environment. India's voting pattern in the United Nations with regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict is lately marked by a calibrated distancing from Israel. Only a few weeks ago, Israel's ambassador in Delhi bullishly described the Indian stance as one of '100% support' to his country. But that is no more the case today. Delhi has rejected the repeated Israeli entreaties to declare Hamas as a terrorist organisation, marking its independent opinion regarding the ecosystem of resistance movements. Indeed, this is a highly significant distinction that Delhi is making vis-a-vis the Israeli and Western narrative about Hamas. Although India has not hesitated to condemn the violence directed against Israel on October 7, it refused to name Hamas. IMAGE: Displaced Palestinians, who fled their houses due to Israeli strikes, shelter in a tent camp in Rafah in southern Gaza, December 26, 2023. Photograph: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters Considering that Hamas had a chequered past of receiving patronage from Israel, Tel Aviv has no right to expect Delhi to dance to its tunes. Equally, Hamas' future is far from an open and shut case. The fact that Sinn Fein and Irish opinion has shown empathy towards Hamas, or that South Africa, which has itself been a victim of apartheid, has recalled its ambassador and diplomatic mission to Israel, calling the horrific Gaza killings as 'genocide', go to show that the embers of national liberation struggle are still burning. Although India expressed 'solidarity' with the Israeli people over the brutal violence on October 7, it cannot condone the vastly disproportionate Israeli retaliation since then, blithely calling it a matter of Israel's 'right to self-defence'. On December 13, India voted in favour of a resolution in the UN General Assembly that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This was the first time India supported such a resolution since the war broke out more than two months ago. Such a stance puts India on the right side of history, as the 193-member UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the resolution at an emergency special session, with 153 nations voting in its favour. IMAGE: Palestinians flee their homes after they were ordered by the Israeli army to evacuate the area in Bureij in central Gaz, December 26, 2023. Photograph: Mohammed Al-Masri/Reuters A third aspect is that from a geopolitical perspective, Delhi has marked its distance from the US-Israeli campaign branding Iran as the instigator of extremist groups acting against Israel. Interestingly, on December 19, India was one of only 30 states -- along with Russia and China -- who voted against a UN resolution on 'the human rights situation in Iran'. The running thread here is that India has reverted to its traditional stance on the Palestine problem and jettisoned the tilt supportive of Israeli interests. The unprecedented unity among the Arab countries, the close coordination between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the huge groundswell of opinion in the Arab world against Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian populations in Gaza and West Bank -- all this has created a new momentum in Middle East politics that has pitchforked the Palestine problem to the centre stage, which is something India cannot afford to ignore. IMAGE: Palestinians struggle to remove the body of a relative killed in an Israeli air strike from under the rubble at the Maghazi camp in central Gaza, December 25, 2023. Photograph: Doaa Ruqaa/Reuters Nor can Delhi be oblivious of the new reality that something has fundamentally changed in the dynamics of the Palestine problem after the events since October 7. The Israeli ploys of dissimulation and evasiveness and deliberate wrecking of dialogue process and negotiations may no longer work. Indeed, Israel's overwhelming military superiority vis-a-vis its Arab neighbours has lost its relevance. Coupled with the US' loss of influence and America's waning global hegemony alongside the sharp polarisation of opinion within Israel itself internally add up to create grave uncertainties regarding the future of the state of Israel as it exists today. Suffice to say, India feels the need to adapt to the new conditions in West Asia where regional countries prefer to settle their issues by themselves, which in turn undermines the rationale behind the creation of Israel as a cockpit of Western strategic interests. The way out of this impasse lies in Israel reinventing itself. But the near civil war conditions in the country won't permit that to happen. IMAGE: Palestinians carry a child casualty at the site of an Israeli strike on a house in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Photograph: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters An immediate fallout of all this is going to be that India is unlikely to join the US-led alliance in the Red Sea gearing up to wage a war on terror against the Houthis of Yemen. This is despite the US efforts to involve the Quad countries in the Red Sea operations. By the way, both Japan and Australia have dissociated themselves from joining the US-led coalition of the willing. Once again, Delhi will be guided by the consideration that the US' ill-fated move to use military power against the Houthis has no takers among the regional states. The US naval enterprise in the Red Sea is struggling to be born. The well-known ex-CIA analyst Larry Johnson has written(external link) that 'On paper it would appear that Yemen is outnumbered and seriously outgunned. A sure loser? Not so fast. The US Navy, which constitutes the majority of the fleet sailing against Yemen, has some real vulnerabilities that will limit its actions.' Johnson cites the expert opinion of Commander Anthony Cowden, a US naval reserve officer, that given the current configuration of the US Navy as a 'forward-based navy' -- as distinct from an 'expeditionary navy' -- the 'US Navy no longer has sufficient capability for sustaining expeditionary operations.' After all, the chief of staff of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Mohammad Reza Naqdi was not far off the mark when he warned last week that the US and its allies are 'trapped' in the Red Sea and should prepare for the closure of waterways stretching all the way to the western gates of the Mediterranean Sea. IMAGE: The bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes at a hospital in central Gaza, December 25, 2023. Photograph: Doaa Ruqaa/Reuters The Indian defence and security establishments have been unabashed votaries of India's strategic ties with Israel. Such excessive adulation of the Israeli model as worthy of emulation by India was built on sheer naivete, completely overlooking that the two countries operate under vastly different conditions and national ethos. It is patently absurd that India can emulate Israeli methods of brutal repression or assassination as part of Statecraft, apartheid policies and so on and get away with it. The incidents of October 7 have been an eye opener for Indians, which has exposed not only Israel's frailties as a modern State but also its military's bluster and intelligence's failure. The acolytes of Israel in the Indian strategic community feel utterly disillusioned. Simply put, an influential constituency in India and the interest groups that it spawned are no longer calling the shots in Delhi. This is going to be consequential. At the same time, the entire ideological underpinning of the present government's tilt towards the Israeli leadership under Benjamin Netanyahu is unravelling. In a brilliant essay recently, the well-known French scholar and author on right-wing politics in India, Christophe Jaffrelot wrote in the Indian Express that the emerging India-Israel alliance during the recent years was anchored not only on the two ruling elites' hostility to Islam but also on affinities between Hindutva and Zionism, characterised by 'ethno-nationalist ideologies that prioritise factors like race, territory and nativism.' Going forward, such affinities are going to be hard for the Indian elite to sustain, leave alone openly flaunt, as Israel turns into an apartheid state and gets battered by the forces of history. Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar served the Indian Foreign Service for 29 years. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com '...by directing these draconian provisions against political and ideological opponents of the ruling group, minorities, and those who dare to dissent through and selective prosecution and prolonged incarceration as undertrials.' Ever since the Narendra Damodardas Modi government passed the three new laws -- the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanchita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Sanhita -- in Parliament last week, there have been concerns about its impact on the Indian people. Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf asked Dr G Mohan Gopal for his impressions of the new laws. Dr Gopal was the director of the National Judicial Academy of the Supreme Court of India from 2006 to 2011. From 2012-2019 he was the founder chair of the National Court Management Systems Committee of the Supreme Court of India. He was also former director (vice-chancellor) of the National Law School of India, Bengaluru. What is your opinion about the three new laws? The three new criminal laws equip the State to scale up repression and suppress democracy. The government says it is more Indian in nature and give up the colonial hangover of British laws. I am not persuaded by the government's rhetoric. Can you elaborate on your viewpoint? The laws scale up repression by enhancing arbitrary police power. The laws create a new offence of terrorism in addition to the existing offence of terrorism under the 1967 Congress-enacted draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). They introduce new draconian laws against unorganised crime in addition to existing laws. The State will have the option to charge people under either or both of these sets of laws. While claiming that sedition has been abolished, the new laws introduce a new crime 'Acts endangering sovereignty unity and integrity of India', which is in effect 'sedition plus'. It criminalises 'exciting' people, 'creation of excitement amongst people'; and 'encouragement of feelings amongst people', in support of undefined 'subversive activities'; 'secession'; 'separatist activities'; 'endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India'; and 'armed rebellion'. The laws criminalise disobedience or disregard of the orders of the police and empower the police to detain people for 24 hours if they disobey. Under the Indian Penal Code, any detention order was given after the police complaint to an executive magistrate that you as an individual were disobeying, and you had the right to be heard before detention. And the provision was mainly focused on removing public nuisance. The laws increase the scope of dreaded police custody (where torture is notorious) some six-fold from a maximum of 15 days to up to 90 days. Violating long standing judicial standards, the laws dilute the legal obligation of the police to file FIRs and register cases. Again contrary to standards laid down by the Supreme Court, the laws escalate handcuffing, not only during arrest but also during production in court (granting an exemption to economic offenders). To expand the surveillance State the laws mandate the provision of biometrics by those who are not accused but are arrested in a case (enhancing the incentive for arresting a person who is sought to be surveilled). Incarceration is increased across the board. They have increased the number of capital offences. These laws are equipped to suppress democracy by directing these draconian provisions against political and ideological opponents of the ruling group, minorities, and those who dare to dissent through and selective prosecution and prolonged incarceration as undertrials. On the other hand, there is no real effort to enhance police accountability to the people. The IPC (Indian Penal Code) was relatively more carefully structured and had safeguards. The provisions in the new laws are not restrained by safeguards for the common person. These laws are a recipe for suppressing liberty and democracy in our country. IMAGE: Lok Sabha MPs pass the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill by voice vote during the winter session of Parliament, December 20, 2023. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo Is it not good that sedition has been abolished? They have abolished sedition only to introduce what we need to understand as 'sedition plus', which I have already described. This 'sedition plus' will hang over all of us like Damocles' sword. It can be deployed in a targeted and selective manner at the whim of the political bosses who control the power of the Union. Under the colonial IPC, sedition involved disaffection towards the government established by law. The government itself says that the colonial 'raj droh' offence has been changed to 'Desh Droh'. When they say 'Desh Droh' are they referring to the Constitutional Republic? I quoted Justice Aharon Barak (the former chief justice of Israel) in one of my lectures, 'The core of democracy is to protect human rights of individuals and minorities'. Our Constitutional Republic of India is a nation that protects the human rights of individuals and minorities. Or are they going to apply the majoritarian concept of nation which is the Hindutva Sangh Parivar concept of 'Hindu Rashtra'? The latter is more likely to be the interpretation of 'Desh Droh' of a Hindutva government. What about the challenges of teaching these new laws in law colleges? The change of names and changed numbering are transitional issues, not substantive ones. They are not critical issues. All three laws have the name 'Bharatiya'. Two of the laws are named Sanhitas. While the word Sanhita literally means a collection, it is also a name of a section of each Veda. This is the first time we are forcing people to use religious Vedic words in the names of laws of the land. It is what is done in theocratic States. But it is a double edge sword. Given that the laws will be applied in a repressive and draconian way, the masses will associate 'Bharatiya' laws and 'Sanhitas' with repression and injustice. Theocratic countries know the risks to religions when religion is brought into governance. Governance always involves, at the human implementation level, corruption, cruelty and brutality. And when you start to associate governance with religion, people will associate brutality and corruption and injustice with the religion. In the long term this could help us build greater mass support for secularism and separation of Church and State. Does it mean secular law will be dead in India? There is no support for secularism from the government. They are now starting to look at Constitutional issues with a theocratic, religious, colour. They are giving increasing legal legitimacy to religious belief as a source of law. They are blurring the distinction between Constitutional values and religion through judicial interpretation. Hindu Rashtra could come through theocratic judgments that will interpret the Constitution as a Hindu document and the Republic as a Hindu Rashtra, rather than through a new Constitution or extensive amendments to the current Constitution. Does this mean that secular law is dead in India? No, even if the Government repels it, secularism and secular law will always remain a potent force in a very diverse country like India. Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Pexels Has this shift started lately or did this start much earlier? This shift started longtime ago, even when the Congress was in power. Whereas the Constitutional text had a strict separation of Church and State (the Hindi version says, 'Panth Nirapeksh'), from the outset the Congress brought in the extra constitutional concept of 'Sarva Dharma Samabhava' and mixed religion into politics. This was Gandhiji's theocratic understanding of India, which was multi theocratic, rather than secular. Is Sarva Dharma Samabhava not another phrase for Indian secularism? The Congress interpreted secularism so as to allow all religions to have some place in governance, not just one. They derided the strict separation of religion and State as in France (laicite). The judiciary also by and large accepted the idea that Indian secularism was Sarva Dharma Samabhava and not laicite. A member of the Constituent Assembly, who had a Hindutva perspective, disagreed with this approach. He indicated he was prepared to live with a strict separation of Church and State, but would not agree with Hinduism having to compete on an equal basis with minority religions. He said, either you make Hindu religion the State religion or exclude all religions. The assertion of the superiority of the religion of the so-called majority, and the exclusion of the religion of the minorities was a natural next step to the Congress policy of mixing religion and governance. So what do we call ourselves now Dharm Nirpeksh or Pant Nirpeksh? Where are we headed in the future? We are a Pant Nirpeksh and not a Dharm Nirpeksh country. Dharma is an imprecise concept as indeed is the idea of 'religion'. Now from 'Sarva Dharma Samabhava' we are heading to a 'Hindu Dharma Bhava'. The RSS and Hindu Mahasabha have been saying openly, for the last 100 years, that India is a Hindu Rashtra. There was no hidden agenda from their side. It is just that we (secularists) were not taking them seriously. For them, it is just a question of formally recognising it. We are heading towards this formalisation of the Hindu Rashtra. If that happens, India will no longer be a democracy. Without a liberal democracy, the chances that a monophonic Hindutva autocracy can hold our vast and diverse country together by force for long are slim. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com 'Reports of the JD-U joining hands with the BJP again is baseless.' IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, left, with Union Home Minister Amit Anilchandra Shah at the Eastern Zonal Council meeting at the CM Secretariat in Patna, December 10, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Afaque Ahmad Khan, national general secretary of the Janata Dal-United, worked closely with seasoned Socialist politicians Sharad Yadav and George Fernandes and enjoyed their confidence. He is perceived to be close to JD-U supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who ensured his election as a member of Bihar's legislative council. A couple of days before the JD-U national executive meets in New Delhi on Friday, December 29, the party was rocked by reports that its national president Lallan Singh had quit. Political circles in Patna were agog with speculation that Nitish Kumar was ready to dump the ruling Mahaghathbandan in Bihar and rejoin the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance after his desire to be appointed convenor was snubbed by the INDIA bloc last week. "Nitishji is the founder of the Opposition alliance, he played the main role to consolidate it. INDIA was the outcome of his concept to unite the Opposition to take on the BJP together," Afaque Ahmad Khan, left, tells Rediff.com Senior Contributor M I Khan. Is JD-U national President Lallan Singh set to resign on December 29 at the party national executive and national council meetings in Delhi? As of now, there is no such thing. Yesterday (December 26) a rumour was spread that Lallan Singh had resigned, but he denied it. So far he has not resigned and will continue as the party president. All of us are busy working for the party national executive and national council meetings that will take place on Friday. Both meetings were due for a long time. This is not the first time that both meetings will take place on the same day to discuss several important issues. As the parliamentary elections are not far away, our meetings assume significance. Each political party discusses its agenda, designs its strategy and how to face political challenges smoothly. But JD-U sources say Lallan Singh will step down during the party meetings. If you have such information, I have nothing to say. Everything will be cleared in the meetings. Lallanji will make his stand clear during his speech. In politics, each political party decides for its interest and smooth functioning. Nothing is permanent, neither a post nor a leader. Some say Nitish Kumar will be the new party president. Look, whatever will happen, it will take place on December 29. There is a strong buzz in political circles that Nitish Kumar may dump INDIA and join hands with the BJP again. There is no truth in it. I dismiss it with the full certainty that no such thing is brewing in the party. Reports of the JD-U joining hands with the BJP again is baseless and far from the truth. Nitishji is the founder of the Opposition alliance, he played the main role to consolidate it. INDIA was the outcome of his concept to unite the Opposition to take on the BJP together. JD-U is a part of the Opposition alliance, will continue to do so and contest the next elections together. There is no ifs and buts about it. It was Nitishji who invited Opposition leaders in Patna where the first formal meeting took place, where the INDIA bloc was formed. IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, centre, with Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, left, and Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav at former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 99th birth anniversary celebration in Patna, December 25, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo It is also being said that Nitish Kumar is under tremendous pressure from Lalu Yadav to vacate his post as CM and make Tejashwi Yadav CM. This is gossip. Nitishji has repeatedly said he did not want any post, but only wants to unite and strengthen the Opposition alliance. The Mahagathbandhan is functioning without any trouble and differences. The Mahagathbandhan is strong and united. This is giving the BJP's top leadership sleepless nights as it will face a tough election in Bihar. Twenty-five Indian passengers who had stayed behind seeking asylum in France after their flight from the UAE was grounded last week over suspicion of human trafficking before being allowed to take off for India have now been freed, according to local French media reports on Wednesday. IMAGE: Passengers from the Nicaragua bound flight leave the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj international airport in Mumbai. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters These 25 passengers were not on the flight carrying 276 mostly Indian passengers which took off for Mumbai on Monday afternoon after four days of being held at Chalons-Vatry airport near Paris. The Le Monde newspaper quoted prosecutors to say that the local judge had ordered their release on 'formal grounds', considering that the head of the border police at France's main Charles De Gaulle airport "had not referred the case to him" within the timeframe stipulated by law. "They are therefore free to do as they please, even if they are in an irregular situation on French territory," the Bobigny public prosecutor's office told the French newspaper. The 25 passengers, who had applied for political asylum in France, were reportedly freed on Tuesday and five of them were taken into care of child welfare services being minors. The 25 people were among 303 passengers who boarded a plane operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines in Dubai last week. They were bound for Nicaragua but a refueling stopover at Vatry airport in northeastern France on December 21 resulted in the plane being grounded for four days after an anonymous tipoff. Among those staying behind in France were two people questioned by police over suspected people trafficking. According to local media reports, the charge of human trafficking was dropped against two arrested people after it was established the passengers had boarded the plane of their own free will. The leak of ammonia gas from a subsea pipeline linked to a fertiliser manufacturing unit in north Chennai led to local residents suffering shortness of breath and nausea, authorities said on Wednesday, adding that 52 persons are under observation in hospitals. IMAGE: Officials wearing masks outside the fertiliser manufacturing unit in Chennai. Photograph: Screen grab The leak has been fully plugged and there is no cause for concern, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board said, following protests by people who sought closure of the plant. "Within 20 minutes, the gas leak was plugged by specialists," an official release here said, adding that "the TNPCB has confirmed that there is no ammonia leak now." Following the gas leak, the TNPCB ordered immediate suspension of operation of the Ammonia offshore pipeline activity for precooling and transfer. The unit shall resume activity only after ensuring the safety of the pipelines and after obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, the TNPCB said in a notice to the fertiliser manufacturing unit. Also, other directions to the unit includes approval from Indian Register of Shipping and the TN Maritime Board. The government has constituted a technical committee of experts to look into the matter and submit its immediate field assessment report within 24 hours and a full report within three days. The gas leak took place around 11.45 pm on December 26 and some fishermen and local residents who happened to be on the beachfront at midnight noticed unusual sounds and water gushing from some spots above the subsea pipeline. Soon, an odour spread through the air in north Chennai areas, causing severe discomfort to people. A number of persons fainted after experiencing a "burning sensation" in their eyes, throat and chest. Many people who were asleep woke up in panic and rushed out of their homes. They alerted neighbours and all of them soon reached the main roads, unsure of what to do. For the people of north Chennai, the ammonia gas leak came as a second blow after they were affected by a recent oil spill. Approximately 60 people including children, who were residents of areas close to the fertiliser plant experienced unease, shortness of breath, nausea, faintness and irritation in the eyes and were treated in hospitals. As of now, "52 people are under observation in hospitals", the government said, adding that medical camps were organised in the affected areas. In a separate release, the state health department said, "All those in hospitals are doing well.". Governor R N Ravi expressed concern and wished the affected people a speedy recovery. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami slammed the DMK regime for the incident and said the TNPCB officials should act swiftly and take appropriate preventive steps to avert such accidents. The former chief minister also demanded that the government provide relief to the affected people. According to representatives of fishing villages, Chinna Kuppam, Periya Kuppam, Netaji Nagar and Burma Nagar in north Chennai were among the affected neighbourhoods. People had a tough time finding transport at midnight and used whatever vehicles were available, such as autorickshaws and motorcycles, to reach hospitals. An elderly woman fainted after bouts of vomiting and was rushed to a hospital in an autorickshaw. Buses and ambulances were also deployed by authorities to immediately bring the affected people to hospitals many kilometres away from the location of the fertiliser plant. Health minister Ma Subramanian visited the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital here and spoke to the people admitted from the areas where the gas spread, and interacted with hospital authorities. Coromandel International Limited, a Murugappa group company which runs the fertiliser plant, said in a statement: "As part of routine operation, we noticed abnormality on 26/12/2023 at 23.30 hrs in the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline near shoreside, outside the plant premises. Our Standard Operating Procedure activated immediately, and we have isolated ammonia system facility and brought the situation to normalcy in the shortest time." During the process, the company said, "a few members in the local community expressed discomfort and were given medical attention immediately. All are safe and normalcy is restored. We have informed the relevant authorities about the incident." Coromandel said it has always adhered to the "highest safety standards and emergency response system". The government said it has issued an order mandating that the company carry out appropriate tests after a full repair of its pipelines to completely rule out any scope for leak. This must be done before unloading Ammonia (in liquid form through undersea pipelines) from ships. The technical committee of experts set up by the government, which is expected to submit a full report within three days, comprises experts from the Indian Institute of Technology, and officials of the state and central pollution control boards, as well as NEERI and CLRI. After the company officials addressed the issue, police personnel pacified the people who gathered on the roads and requested them to go back to their homes as there was no problem anymore. Police personnel were deployed in the area to prevent law and order issues. Meanwhile, sources said a team of NDRF specialists visited the spot to conduct a safety audit. Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the promoters of the Mahadev online betting app, has been put under "house detention" in Dubai while Indian probe agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate, have been "alerted" and are working through diplomatic channels to get him deported, official sources said on Wednesday. IMAGE: Mahadev online betting app owner Sourabh Chandrakar. Photograph: Courtesy Sourabh Chandrakar on Facebook The Enforcement Directorate may also file a fresh chargesheet in this multi-crore money laundering case soon, they said. The development comes weeks after Ravi Uppal, another promoter of the betting and gaming app, was detained by local authorities in Dubai on a red notice issued by Interpol at the behest of the ED. The sources said Chandrakar's location in Dubai has been intimated to the federal agency and he has been put under "house detention". Indian agencies are working, through diplomatic channels, to secure the deportation or extradition of the two who are vital to the money laundering and police investigation into the alleged illegal activities of the 'Mahadev Book Online' app that also have political links in Chhattisgarh and elsewhere, the sources said. The ED is also expected to file a fresh (supplementary) charge sheet in this case against two people arrested by it in November from Chhattisgarh -- alleged cash courier Asim Das and police constable Bheem Yadav. The agency, in its first charge sheet filed before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Raipur, had named Chandrakar and Uppal along with some others. In this charge sheet, it had quoted the statement of Dilip Chandrakar, the uncle of Sourabh Chandrakar, that before Sourabh went to Dubai in 2019 he ran a juice shop named 'juice factory' along with his brother in Bhillai town of Chhattisgarh. The ED claimed Sourabh Chandrakar got married at Ras Al Khaimah, UAE in February 2023 and about Rs 200 crore "in cash" were spent for this event in which private jets were hired to ferry his relatives from India to the UAE and celebrities were paid to perform. Uppal, 43, was detained last week in Dubai. Both businessmen are being probed by the ED in the money laundering case linked to alleged illegal betting through online apps, apart from investigations by the Chhattisgarh and Mumbai Police Crime Branch. A red notice was issued against the two by Interpol based on the ED's request that was based on a court-issued non-bailable warrant. The projected proceeds of crime in this case are about Rs 6,000 crore, according to the ED. The agency had claimed in November, just before the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls, that forensic analysis and statement made by a 'cash courier' Asim Das have led to "startling allegations" that Mahadev betting app promoters have paid about Rs 508 crore to former Chhattisgarh chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, adding that these allegations were "subject matter of investigation". Das had later submitted before the special court in Raipur that he had been framed as part of a conspiracy and he had never delivered cash to politicians. The ED investigation has shown that the Mahadev Online Book App is run from a central head office in the UAE, officials said. It operates by franchising "Panel/Branches" to their known associates on a 70-30 percent profit ratio, it had said. Large-scale hawala operations are done to siphon off the proceeds of betting to off-shore accounts, it had said. Large expenditure in cash is also being done in India for advertising betting websites to attract new users and franchise (panel) seekers, the ED had said. The company promoters hail from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh and the Mahadev online book betting application is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites, it is alleged. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that no one can stop the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as it is the law of the land and accused the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, of misleading people on the issue. IMAGE: Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a meeting of the West Bengal BJP's social media and IT wing members at the National Library in Kolkata. Photograph: @AmitShah/X Addressing a closed-door meeting of the state BJP's social media and IT wing members at the National Library in Kolkata on Tuesday, Shah said it is the party's commitment to implement the CAA. Shah expressed confidence that the party will bag more than 35 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats from the state. In the 2019 polls, the saffron camp had secured 18 seats. The Bengal BJP media cell shared a list of pointers of Shah's speech at the closed-door programme. Later in the evening, it also shared a few video clips of Shah's speech. "We have to work to form a BJP government in West Bengal after the next assembly polls. A BJP government will mean the end of infiltration, cow smuggling and providing citizenship to religiously persecuted people through CAA," he said at the party programme, the video clip of which was shared by the BJP's media wing. Shah launched a scathing attack on Banerjee for misleading people on the issue of CAA. "At times, she tries to mislead the people, the refugees, whether CAA will be at all implemented in the country or not. I want to say this clearly that CAA is the law of the land and no one can stop its implementation. This is the commitment of our party," he said. The TMC led by Mamata Banerjee has been opposing the CAA, which was passed by Parliament in 2019. The promise of implementing the controversial CAA had been a major poll plank of the BJP in the last Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. The saffron party's leaders consider it a plausible factor that led to the rise of the BJP in Bengal. The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities like Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who had entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The Congress is all set to kickstart its campaign for the next year's Lok Sabha elections with its mega rally 'Hain Tayyar Hum' to be held in Maharashtra's Nagpur city on Thursday, the party's 139th foundation day. IMAGE: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi during the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, at AICC headquarters in New Delhi on December 21, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo "It will be a historic moment for the people of the country," Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Wednesday said addressing a press conference at the venue of the event. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will address the rally, according to party leaders. The mega event assumes significance as it will be held in Nagpur, where the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) headquarters and 'Deekshabhoomi', the historic place where Dr B R Ambedkar embraced Buddhism, are located. "The rally, with the theme 'Hain Tayyar Hum' (we are ready), will send a good message throughout the country. The Congress will sound the bugle for the Lok Sabha polls due next year," party MLA from Nagpur Nitin Raut told PTI on Tuesday. Hectic preparations are underway for the mega rally at Dighori in Nagpur where lakhs of people and Congress workers will attend the event, as per party leaders. "Whenever the country faced trouble, the Congress pitched in and a big change took place in the country," Patole told reporters at the venue of the event. After Emergency, (the then prime minister) Indira Gandhi held a public meeting in Nagpur and the Congress then won all the seats from Vidarbha, he said. "History will repeat in Nagpur and a big 'parivartan' (change) will take place in the country," the Congress leader said. Patole also said that Rahul Gandhi will embark on the 'Bharat Nyay Yatra' from Manipur in the east to Mumbai in western India from January 14. Congress MLA Raut said the party has chosen Nagpur for the rally due to its ideology and thinking. On one hand there is the RSS ideology, and the other hand is the ideology of Constitution's architect Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar which is aligned with the ideology of the Congress, he said. The public will certainly go along with the slogan of the Congress and the rally will sound the bugle for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Raut added. Maharashtra Congress working president and former cabinet minister Naseem Khan said the Congress has given the slogan of 'Hain Tayyar Hum' to fight for protecting the country's democracy. The Congress led a fight before 1947 for the country's independence and the Congress is now going to sound the bugle for the next fight to save democracy, he said. Delhi has reported its first case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Wednesday, while urging people not to panic. IMAGE: A health worker collects a nasal swab sample of a woman for the COVID-19 test amid a surge in cases, in New Delhi, April 17, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo According to an official, three samples were sent for genome sequencing, and one of them tested positive for the JN.1 variant while the remaining two were Omicron. While confirming the first case of the JN.1 variant, Bharadwaj said, "JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron and is mild infection. This is the one spreading in south India. There is no need to panic. It causes mild sickness." Another official, while giving more details of the first JN.1 case, said the patient was a 52-year-old woman, who was admitted to a hospital three to four weeks ago. "She was admitted for mild symptoms. She had cough and upper respiratory infection. She did not require oxygen support and there was no involvement of lungs. Initially, we thought that she had flu but she tested positive for COVID. She was discharged within a few days," the second official told PTI. Delhi has around 35 active cases with nine fresh infections being reported on Wednesday, the official told PTI, while adding that a 28-year-old man, who had comorbidities, died though Covid was not the primary reason. Delhi has around 35 active cases with nine fresh infections being reported on Wednesday, the official told PTI, while adding that a 28-year-old man, who had comorbidities, died, with Covid not being the primary reason. "The man was not from Delhi and was referred to a private hospital recently. He had multiple comorbidities and the Covid finding was incidental. The sample of the man has been sent for genome sequencing and a report is awaited," the official told PTI. The official said that the deceased was suffering from multi-system inflammatory syndrome and was "highly comorbid". "The COVID finding was incidental and mostly it has been seen that patients are referred to Delhi when they are in the last stage of a disease," he added. Forty more cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 were recorded, with the tally of cases of the new variant across the country till December 26 rising to 109, official sources said earlier on Wednesday. Thirty-six cases were detected from Gujarat, 34 from Karnataka, 14 from Goa, nine from Maharashtra, six from Kerala, four each from Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, and two from Telangana, they said. Most of the patients are currently in home isolation, they added. India recorded 529 fresh COVID-19 cases in a single day, while the country's active infection count stood at 4,093, the health ministry said on Wednesday. Three new fatalities -- two from Karnataka and one from Gujarat -- were reported in a span of 24 hours, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am. The number of daily cases had dropped to double-digits till December 5, but infections have again gone up after the emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions. To unearth a suspected illegal immigration network, the police have begun questioning some Gujarat residents who reached their native places on Wednesday, days after their plane was grounded in France over suspected human trafficking, an official said. IMAGE: Passengers of a charter plane that was grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking, landed in Mumbai, on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The Nicaragua-bound aircraft, an Airbus A340, carrying 276 passengers, mostly Indians, was grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking. It landed in Mumbai in the wee hours on Tuesday. According to a senior official of the state Crime Investigation Department (CID), those passengers included at least 21 from Gujarat. "We have learnt that 21 passengers were from Gujarat and some of them have reached their respective places in the state. Our teams are in the field right now and we have already begun their questioning," Superintendent of Police, CID (Crime), Sanjay Kharat said. The police will try to find out how the passengers were contacted for possible illegal immigration into America, how they were supposed to go to the US once they reached Nicaragua and which agents were involved in it, he said. Earlier on Tuesday, Kharat had said the CID had formed four teams to investigate the issue. "The CID (crime) wants to take action against agents who had promised help to the victims to enter the US and other countries (illegally). We have formed four teams which will get information from the victims regarding promises made to them by these agents," Kharat told reporters on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Mehsana police swung into action after some media reports suggested that most of the passengers were from the district. Mehsana SP Achal Tyagi said a local police team has also visited a place to verify claims that an agent named Kiran Patel was a part of the immigration network. "We don't have any specific information yet about Mehsana residents who were on that flight. Since some reports suggested that people from Mehsana were on their flight, we have sought a list of passengers from the immigration department," said Tyagi. He added that Kiran Patel was not found at his residence in Mehsana as he had shifted to another location several years ago. Talking to reporters on Tuesday, Kharat had said the state CID had so far received 'raw information' regarding the agents involved in the incident and would be able to find out more only after questioning the passengers concerned. Kharat had said different agents involved in illegal immigration work in tandem. "The agents working at the village and district levels are small players controlled by a kingpin who works at the international level," he had said. The Gujarat police will investigate and get a clear picture of how they operate, he had said. The chartered flight, which was operated by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines and bound for Nicaragua, landed at Vatry near Paris on December 21 for a technical stopover en route from Dubai when the French police intervened. French authorities launched a judicial investigation into the conditions and purpose of the trip, with a unit specialising in organised crime investigating suspected human trafficking. Nicaragua has become a popular destination for those seeking asylum in the United States. As many as 96,917 Indians attempted to enter the US illegally in the financial year 2023, signalling a 51.61 per cent jump from the previous year, according to data made available by the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). At least 41,770 of those Indians attempted to enter the US via the Mexican land border, CBP data shows. Flights to Nicaragua or third countries where obtaining travel documents is easy have come to be known as 'dunki' flights. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike on Wednesday targeted business establishments in Bengaluru and damaged their signboards and name plates that did not display the information in Kannada. IMAGE: Pro-Kannada protestors vandalise a signage in Bengaluru. Photograph: ANI/X The activists of the Narayana Gowda faction of the KRS held rallies in various parts of Bengaluru, especially in business hubs such as MG Road, Brigade Road, Lavelle Road, UB City, Chamarajapet, Chickpet, Kempe Gowda Road, Gandhi Nagar, St Marks Road, Cunningham Road, Residency Road and Sadahalli Gate near Devanahalli. The activists claimed that the business establishments were 'undermining the official language of Karnataka, which is Kannada'. Many malls, shops, commercial buildings, companies and factories, especially multinational companies, faced the ire of KRV activists, who damaged and defaced signboards and name plates which were not in Kannada. Later, the agitating members, including KRV convenor T A Narayana Gowda, were taken into preventive custody by the police. Addressing reporters, Gowda said that name plates and signboards in Karnataka should be in Kannada. Citing BBMP rules, he said, "Sixty per cent of the (space on the) signboards and name plates should be in Kannada. We are not against your business but if you are doing business in Karnataka then you have to respect our language. If you ignore Kannada or put Kannada letters in small, we will not let you operate here." The KRV leader warned the government that it would face the music in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if it did not take their love for Kannada seriously. The Ballari road leading to the airport and other places was chock-a-block with activists, which led to vehicles moving at snail's pace. The police too found themselves helpless before the agitating crowd, which had gone berserk. Meanwhile, state Home Minister G Parameshwara told media in Kalaburagi that the pro-Kannada activists have been warning against leaving out Kannada from signboards, advertisements and name plates. He said the government respects Kannada very much as it uses the state's official language for all its activities. The crime branch of Mumbai police detained three youths from Gujarat's Vadodara in connection with the Reserve Bank of India threat email case. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo According to the crime branch, the accused have been identified as Mohammed Arshil Topala (27), Adil Bhai Rafiq Bhai Malik (23) and Wasimraja Abdulrazzak Memon (35). The police said that the threat email was sent from the accused, Mohammed Arshil's ID. He has a BBA degree and works in share market trading. "The other two accused were detained because their SIM was used in the case," the police added. All three accused have been handed over to the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg police station for further investigation. On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of India received a threatening email stating that bombs would be planted in its premises, the police said. According to the police, the sender of the email has also threatened to plant bombs inside the premises of HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank in Mumbai. The police said that the sender in the email demanded the resignation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI governor Shaktikanta Das. "A total of 11 bomb threats were made at 11 places in Mumbai, Police went to all these places and investigated but did not find anything," police said. Further investigation is underway. Neelam Azad, an accused arrested in the December 13 Parliament security breach case, Wednesday approached the Delhi high court alleging her police remand was illegal as she was not allowed to consult a legal practitioner of her choice to defend her during the trial court proceedings. IMAGE: Parliament security breach accused, Neelam being taken to Patiala House Court by the police, in New Delhi on December 14, 2023. Photograph: ANI photo In her petition seeking a writ of habeas corpus directing her production before the high court as well as an order to 'set her at liberty', Azad said not allowing her to consult a lawyer of her choice amounted to violation of her fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, making the remand order unlawful. The trial court has remanded her in police custody till January 5. The matter is likely to be mentioned for urgent hearing before a vacation bench of the high court on Thursday. Under Indian laws, a detainee or a person on their behalf can file a habeas corpus petition in a high court or the Supreme Court for their production if they feel they have been detained illegally. Upon production, if the court concerned concludes that the detention is illegal, it can order their release. 'Upon her arrest, the petitioner's family wasn't informed. It was informed only in the evening of 14.12.2023. Further, she wasn't permitted to meet any person including advocates which is mandatory under Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India. Even at the court a single DLSA (Delhi Legal Services Authority) counsel was appointed to all the accused persons without giving them any choice among counsels,' the plea, filed through lawyer Suresh Kumar, alleged. 'The remand order dated 21.12.2023 is illegal and violative of Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India which mandates the accused person to be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice whereas in the present case the petitioner's advocate wasn't permitted to take instructions and defend the petitioner prior to the disposal of the remand application,' the plea added. The petition also said she was produced before the trial court on December 14 'after a period of 29 hours from the time of arrest'. Article 22(2) of the Constitution says every person who is arrested and detained in custody shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within a period of 24 hours of such arrest excluding the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court of the magistrate and no such person shall be detained in custody beyond the said period without the authority of a magistrate. On December 21, the trial court had extended till January 5 the police custody of four accused, including Azad, arrested in the Parliament security breach case, after the Delhi police said they needed to uncover all those involved in the conspiracy. While the four were arrested on the day of the incident itself, two others were apprehended later. Recently, the high court stayed the trial court's direction to the police to supply a copy of the FIR to Azad, noting that it is a case of 'sensitive nature' and, according to a judgment of the Supreme Court, the FIRs in sexual offences, offences pertaining to insurgency, terrorism and of that category, and those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are not to be uploaded on website of the authorities. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on December 13, two of them -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by some MPs. Around the same time, two others -- Amol Shinde and Neelam Azad -- also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' outside the Parliament House premises. Besides the four accused, police have also arrested Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat in the case. All are being interrogated in police custody. Fresh searches were launched along the border with Pakistan in Samba and Poonch even as cordon and search operations continued for the seventh straight day on Wednesday to track the terrorists involved in last week's ambush that killed four soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. IMAGE: Security personnel search the area of Dera ki Gali in the Poonch sector on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has flown to Rajouri to visit ground zero on Wednesday along with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Army chief Manoj Pande to review the security situation following the terror attack. "Security forces are continuing the cordon and search operation to track down the terrorists involved in the ambush on Army vehicles," a senior official told PTI. The operation includes sniffer dogs, surveillance equipment and aerial mechanisms. Additional forces have been deployed to plug seven infiltration routes amid area domination operations in the area. Mobile internet services will remain suspended in Rajouri and Poonch for the fifth day in a row. Security forces and special operation groups have launched search operations at three places along the International Border (IB) in Samba district since this morning, officials said. They said that this has been done as a precautionary measure due to the intense fog along the borderline, they said. Security forces have also launched fresh search operations along the LoC in Kirni sector in Poonch following reports of suspicious movement in the area, they said. The operations are going on, they said. Officials said the defence minister is likely to review the security situation at a high-level meeting at Raj Bhawan after his visit to Rajouri and Poonch to meet the families of three civilians who were found dead during the anti-terror operation in the area. Singh will also meet a delegation of selected people, they said. Three civilians picked up by the Army for questioning after the terrorist ambushed two Army vehicles on Thursday at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in Poonch were found dead on Friday sparking outrage. The defence minister's visit follows Chief of Army staff (CoAS) General Manoj Pande's visit to ground zero in Poonch on Monday where he reviewed the anti-terrorist operation under way in Surankote and nearby Rajouri district's Thanamandi forest belt. General Pande asked security personnel to remain resolute and steadfast against all challenges. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced compensation and jobs to the families of the dead civilians. It said the medico-legal formalities were conducted and legal action on the matter has been initiated. The Army has ordered a thorough internal investigation into the civilian deaths and said it is committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of the investigation. The police in Uttar Pradesh's Hamirpur registered an FIR after a revenue officer's wife alleged that he was forcibly converted to Islam and made to marry a Muslim woman, officials said on Wednesday. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Ishant Kumar/ANI Photo Arti Gupta went to the police when she learned about the 'wedding' through social media as her husband Ashish Kumar Gupta -- a naib tehsildar posted in Maudaha tehsil of Hamirpur -- had not come home for almost four months. According to police, Ashish Kumar Gupta has so far not been traced. In her complaint lodged at the City Kotwali Police Station, Arti Gupta, a resident of Kanpur city, said her husband was "forcibly" converted to Islam and made to marry a Muslim woman named Rukhsaar, the police said. A case was registered against five people, including the Naib Tehsildar, and around six unidentified people. Two of them, including a maulvi at a local masque in Maudaha, have been detained, the police said. Arti Gupta told the police that her husband was having an affair with Rukhsaar. Rukhsar's father, one Munna, Maulvi Babu Aadhati of a local mosque in Maudaha and four to five others "forcibly" converted Ashish Gupta on December 24 and got him married to the woman, she alleged in the complaint. The police said a case has been registered against Ashish Gupta, Rukhsaar, her father, Munna, Aadhati and five to six unidentified people under section 494 (marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife) of the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. After registering the case, the accused maulvi and Munna have been taken into custody and are being interrogated, they said. According to some locals, Ashish Gupta would also offer namaz in a mosque in Maudaha. The caretaker of the mosque, Muhammad Mushtaq, said Ashish Gupta identified himself as Mohammad Yusuf. Later, when he revealed that he was the naib tehsildar of Maudaha and a resident of Kanpur, the caretaker informed the authorities. Maudaha Tehsildar Balram Gupta, however, said the reports of the naib tehsildar offering namaz could not be verified. The statements of local people in Maudaha were recorded as part of the investigation. The claims of Ashish Gupta offering namaz in a mosque could not be verified, Balram Gupta said. Assuring justice to families of three civilians allegedly killed in Army custody in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch last week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday urged troops to win the hearts of people and not make "mistakes" that may hurt citizens. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with the Army troops during his visit to the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday. Army Chief General Manoj Pande is also seen. Photograph: ANI Photo Singh also said he had full faith in the Army that it would wipe out terrorism from the Union Territory as he lauded the troops for their sacrifice, steadfastness, commitment and devotion to safeguarding the nation. The minister's statement comes amid the outrage that sparked in the wake of three civilians being found dead in Poonch district on December 22 allegedly after they were picked up by the security forces for questioning in connection with an ambush on two Army vehicles that had left four soldiers dead a day earlier. Accompanied by Army chief General Manoj Pande and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Singh flew to Rajouri district soon after his arrival in Jammu to review the security situation, especially in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch where terror attacks and infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control have witnessed a spike this year. He also met the families of the slain civilians, visited the victims of "torture" at Government Medical College (GMC) hospital before chairing a closed door security review meeting at Raj Bhawan in Jammu. Addressing the troops at a military garrison in Rajouri, the defence minister lauded the troops for their bravery. "I believe in your bravery and steadfastness...Terrorism should be finished from Jammu and Kashmir and you need to move forward with this commitment. I have full faith that you will achieve victory," Singh, flanked by General Pande and LG Sinha, said. Four soldiers died and three others were injured when their vehicles were ambushed by terrorists at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in the Surankote area of Poonch on December 21. Three civilians -- Safeer Hussain (43), Mohd Showket (27) and Shabir Ahmad (32)-- were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning following the attack. They were found dead the next day. Soon, video clips purportedly of torture of the detained civilians went viral on social media. Asking the troops to be more vigilant, Singh said "such incidents (ambush) cannot be taken for granted. I know you are alert to the situation but feel more alertness is required. I want to assure you that the government stands with you and your welfare is our top priority". In an apparent reference to the killing of three civilians, the defence minister asked the troops to avoid "mistakes that hurt the citizens of the country". "The Indian Army is not considered an ordinary force in the world. The people accept that the Army is much more powerful than ever and also well-equipped compared to the past. You are the guardians of the nation but alongside protecting the country, you need to win the hearts of the citizens. It is a big responsibility on your shoulders," the minister said. He stressed on the need to adopt more serious approach by meeting the people, listening to their problems and raising those issues at appropriate level for redressal. Singh paid his tributes to the fallen soldiers and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel. "I want to assure you that given the seriousness of the incident, required and appropriate steps would be taken. For us, every soldier is a part of the family and his life is very precious...anyone eyeing our soldiers is not acceptable to us," he said. Later, the defence minister met the families of the slain civilians and assured justice to them and also visited the GMC hospital Rajouri to enquire about the health of four persons who were admitted in the hospital after being subjected to alleged torture by the Army. Several District Development Council members, former legislators and civil society members were also present at the meeting between the defence minister, Lt Governor and the families of the deceased civilians. "Please have faith in us. Nobody can bring back to life of those who have died. But there will be justice," Singh told five members of three families of the deceased and further said that they are all pained at the loss of lives in Poonch. "We all -- I, LG Sahib and Prime Minister Ji -- are pained," he told the kin in presence of Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and IGP Anand Jain. "Whatever has happened...there will be justice," the defence minister told reporters at the GMC hospital where he had reached after meeting the families of the deceased civilians at Dak Bungalow. Four people -- Mohd Zulfkar, his brother Mohd Betab, Fazal Hussain and Mohd Farooq -- were admitted in the GMC hospital, Rajouri last Friday after they were allegedly beaten up by the troops in Thanamandi area of Rajouri during the anti-terrorist operation. The search for terrorists is going on in both Surankote and Thanamandi forest belt. "The defence minister met the families of the civilians, civil society and assured action against the guilty after an inquiry into the incident," former MLC Shahnaz Ganai, who was present in the meeting at Dak Bungalow, told PTI. 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 29F. Winds light and variable. Nostalgia for good times is not the way to deal with an increasingly unstable and unpredictable world. A woman places a placard on a structure with defaced portraits of Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing during protest in 2021.The military coup in Myanmar awakened many to the reality that some conflicts of the pre-Cold War period had not been resolved. 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. 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) 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. 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 processor, 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. Myanmar former military ruler Senior General Than Shwe reviews troops in Resistance Park on the 60th anniversary of the Myanmar Armed Forces Day in 2005. (Adrees Latif/Reuters) 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. 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. Myanmar military troops take part in a military exercise in Ayeyarwady delta region in Myanmar in 2018. (Lynn Bo Bo/Pool via Reuters) 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. Taang ethnic army gather for a ceremonial event in northern Shan state, Myanmar in 2015. (Gemunu Amarasinghe/AP) 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), the Southeast Asia Columnist at the Diplomat, and writes analysis pieces for several newspapers and magazines. 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. The 23-year-old suspect turned himself in after an online uproar and public comments from the prime minister. A Jeep [left] was allegedly driven by the son of a prominent Cambodian lawyer during a hit-and-run accident that killed Seang Kimhong, a decorated badminton player. At right, Seang Kimhongs family gathers for a celebration of his life. The son of a prominent lawyer facing charges in a driving accident that killed a gold medal-winning badminton player was being held in pre-trial detention after turning himself into authorities. Prohm Vicheth Sosakada, 23, was sent to PJ Prison in Phnom Penh on Sunday, according to Nuth Savana, the Interior Ministrys spokesperson for the Department of Prisons. The announcement on Wednesday comes after numerous Cambodians posted messages on social media doubting whether authorities really had Prohm in custody. The Dec. 14 accident between a jeep and a motorcycle in Phnom Penhs Toul Kork district left SEA Games badminton champion Seang Kimhong dead. Evidence proves that Prohm was the driver of the car and fled the scene without responsibility, prosecutor Plong Sophal wrote in an arrest warrant. Police said this week that they were also investigating the possibility that a second driver was racing with Prohm. Cambodians were outraged when the victims wife wrote on Facebook that Prohms father attended the funeral and offered the family US$1,000 if they agreed to not pursue criminal charges. Justice Minister Keut Rith responded by ordering Phnom Penh Municipal Court prosecutors to investigate and resolve the matter properly and strictly. The arrest warrant was issued soon afterward. Intervention from Hun Manet Prime Minister Hun Manet on Dec. 21 instructed traffic police officers to immediately arrest reckless drivers who caused deadly accidents. Officers dont need to wait for instructions from top-ranking officers, he said at a ceremony at the Ministry of Environment in Phnom Penh. I will take action against those who punish police officers for their work, he said. What will happen to our society if police officers enforce the law and they later receive punishment from [powerful] individuals? Our law must be enforced if there is enough proof of drunk driving or hit-and-run. Prominent suspects are often able to escape justice in Cambodia when they are accused of a crime. But following the prime ministers comments, Prohm voluntarily turned himself in at the Commissariat of Phnom Penh Municipal Police. The president of human rights group Adhoc told Radio Free Asia that without the prime ministers intervention, the suspect would not have been arrested or been sent to detention by authorities. To what extent will they enforce the law against the person who caused the accident? Ny Sokha said. Is it according to legal procedure or just intermittent enforcement? Or is it just to reduce the sentence or a show for the public to calm down public criticism? Will they release the suspect later on? Seang Kimhong won the gold medal in badminton at this years SEA Games, a regional Olympiad that takes place every two years and was hosted by Cambodia for the first time in May. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. A little girl sits with her father in a park in Shanghai, China, April 2, 2023. The Mother and Infant Daily news service says 1.68 million fewer babies were born this year than in 2022. Chinese censors deleted an article on Wednesday that reportedly leaked full-year population figures for 2023, revealing a plummeting birth rate despite ongoing efforts by the ruling party to encourage people to have families. While official figures won't be confirmed until Jan. 17, the Mother and Infant Daily news service said 7.88 million babies were born across China 2023, 1.68 million fewer than in 2022. Given that 11 million people died this year, China's population has therefore fallen by 3.12 million, the population of a medium-sized Chinese city, the report said, citing the City Data account on Baidu's Tieba forum site. The City Data post had been deleted by Wednesday evening local time, suggesting that the topic is a highly sensitive one for the ruling Chinese Communist Party, which is keen to sing the praises of the economy in a bid to boost people's confidence in the future. However, the reported figures were in line with earlier estimates, including one by Peking University School of Medicine scholar Qiao Jie, who told a forum in August that the number of newborns has plummeted by 40% over the past five years. "The number of births in 2023 is expected to range from 7-8 million," Qiao was quoted as saying by the China Business News. The journal China Philanthropist predicted in May that new births this year would come in under the 8 million mark, extrapolating figures that were available at the time. In 2022, China's National Bureau of Statistics reported a drop in population of around 850,000 to 1.41175 billion, the first fall since 1961, the last year of China's Great Famine. Authorities also announced a nationwide poll of 1.4 million people in October, as the Communist Party struggles to encourage more people to marry and have kids, Reuters reported. Step up, women! Faced with plummeting marriage rates, flagging births and a rapidly aging population, President Xi Jinping wants the country's women to step up and embody "the traditional virtues" of marriage and raising children in a bid to "rejuvenate" the nation. Authorities in Hangzhou, Zhengzhou and other major cities with populations in the tens of millions, are promising cash subsidies for new families, with the Wuhan Donghu High-tech Zone offering 60,000 yuan (US$8,400) per child, the highest known rate so far, according to recent media reports. Meanwhile, the number of Chinese couples tying the knot for the first time has fallen by nearly 56% over the past nine years, the financial magazine Yicai quoted the 2023 China Statistical Yearbook as saying, with such marriages numbering less than 11 million in 2022. Young people are increasingly avoiding marriage, having children and buying a home amid a tanking economy and rampant youth unemployment, part of an emerging social phenomenon known as the young refuseniks people who reject the traditional four-fold path to adulthood: finding a mate, marriage, mortgages and raising a family. A recent poll on the social media platform Weibo found that while most of the 44,000 respondents said 25-28 is the best age to marry, nearly 60% said they were delaying marriage due to work pressures, education or the need to buy property. COVID effect A Chinese expert who declined to be named for fear of reprisals told Radio Free Asia that the leaked figures likely signal a turning point in the aging of the population, and blamed the three years of stringent zero-COVID policies under Xi. "The official statistics for negative population growth in 2023 are the direct result of three years of pandemic restrictions and the zero-COVID policy, which dampened people's desire to have children," the expert said. "Now, the aging of society is truly accelerating, and birth rates can't keep up with [that]. The researcher said people have no energy left after three years of zero-COVID policies. "Low fertility ... is also a political choice," they said. "Young people in China over the past year have generally chosen not to marry, and have little desire to reproduce." A recruiter talks with an applicant at a booth at a job fair at a shopping center in Beijing, June 9, 2023. Young people are increasingly avoiding marriage, having children and buying a home amid a tanking economy and rampant youth unemployment. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) "They're not buying homes, making step-by-step career moves or growing the population as their parents or the government would like," the expert said. "The model of accumulating wealth and then having kids is broken." "Young people are starting to make their own choices." A Beijing resident who gave only the surname Guo for fear of reprisals said many young people simply don't have enough of an income to set up independently. "The main reason is that young people are scared to have kids ... because they can't guarantee being able to feed them food that is safe, especially infant formula," Guo said. "A lot of people have said this to me -- I think it's quite sad." A resident of the southwestern province of Sichuan agreed. "The main reason is that young people today are under a lot of pressure," said the woman, who gave only the surname Jiang for fear of reprisals. "Raising kids now isn't as easy as it used to be." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. They demanded safer working conditions and a halt in nickel production until a comprehensive investigation was completed. Workers from the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park protest outside the facility against working conditions in the parks factories, Bungku, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Dec. 27, 2023. Dozens of workers on Wednesday protested at a China-owned nickel smelter complex in Indonesias Central Sulawesi province after a weekend fire killed 19 people, exposing safety issues in the fast-growing industry. About 100 workers demanded the closure of all smelters in the Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) until a full investigation into Sundays fire was completed, but the demand was rejected by an official at the industrial complex. We demand a thorough investigation of the work accidents that have occurred at IMIP, Rizky Akbar, the leader of the protesting workers at the steel plant, told BenarNews. We also urge a 20% increase in wages for workers. Provide fair compensation to workers and temporarily halt nickel production before there is a comprehensive evaluation. IMIP spokesman Dedy Kurniawan said the company would enhance safety measures. However, it is not possible to shut down all smelters in the IMIP area, he told BenarNews. After a dialogue with the protesters, they understood this and dispersed. Meanwhile, another worker who was injured in the fire died on Wednesday, taking the death toll from the incident to 19 eight Chinese and 11 Indonesian nationals according to hospital staff and the company. IMIP 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. Between 2019 and 2023, more than 30 workers have died at two nickel plants with majority Chinese ownership in Morowali and North Morowali regencies, according to a mining watchdog. China is a big investor in an array of Indonesian projects through its Belt and Road Initiative, a globe-spanning infrastructure-building program. In 2022, more than 42,000 Chinese were working in Indonesia, accounting for about 44% of all expatriates in the country, according to the Ministry of Manpower. Relatives weep during the funeral at a cemetery of a worker killed in a nickel plant explosion, Polewali Mandar, Indonesia, Dec. 26, 2023. [Yusuf Wahil/AP] Indonesia, the worlds largest producer and exporter of nickel, is a key component of stainless steel and lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and other devices. Activists have pointed out the fast expansion of the industry, driven by the global demand for nickel in electric vehicle batteries, could lead to companies putting profits before people. Afraid to work One protesting worker, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, criticized the poor occupational safety conditions at the complex. [A] fter the incident, we are afraid to work. We dont want to become victims because of the poor safety at the company, the worker told BenarNews. We want assurances that our lives are not worth only 600 million rupiah (U.S. $42,000), he said, referring to the amount of money the company offered to the families of the workers who died in the fire. The worker said that some Chinese colleagues ignored inputs from local staff regarding the general work environment at the plant. This also needs to be evaluated because if we dont listen to each other, it could be dangerous, especially since our communication with them is not so good, the worker said. Initial reports indicate that a faulty furnace may have been the source of Sundays fire, although authorities said they are still trying to ascertain the cause. Investigators have interviewed 17 witnesses to the explosion, said Senior Commissioner Djoko Wienartono, spokesman for the provincial police. He said the fire in the smelter furnace was followed by an explosion. Around the site, there were oxygen tanks that were used for welding. After the furnace fire, the tanks exploded, he said. On Wednesday, a group of environmental and human rights activists held a protest at the offices of the Central Sulawesi police and the provincial government to demand the formation of an independent team to investigate the accident. BenarNews is an online news outlet affiliated with Radio Free Asia. Taiwan Navys naval staff chief said the trio were swept away by sudden strong waves during training. The search continues for three crew members of a Taiwanese submarine, who were swept off their boat by a sudden large wave last week, Taiwans Navy has said. The accident took place last Thursday when the Hai Hu (Sea Tiger) submarine was on a training mission in southeastern Taiwan, but it was not covered extensively in the media over the festive period. Despite the window known as golden 72 hours, when the survival rate of the victims is high, having long passed, the search-and-rescue mission has not stopped. "All officers and soldiers are brothers and sisters and we will not give up the search and rescue of anyone," Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Wu Li-ping told a press briefing in Taipei on Tuesday. Rogue waves At around noon on Dec. 21, four crew members were sent up to the deck of the sub to recover a rescue buoy that was detached for unknown reasons. All of them were wearing life jackets and safety harnesses, the vice admiral said. Three of them were swept off the deck by a sudden large wave but one of the three was saved because his safety harness was working. Among the team of six crew who were sent later to the deck to rescue the initial four members, two were also swept overboard one was rescued but the other one disappeared. The three missing sailors have been identified by their last names as Lin, Yen and Chang. Wu said that as the weather conditions on that day were within safety standards, an unexpected surge in the sea was likely the main reason for the accident. The Hai Hu left the southern port of Kaohsiung on Dec. 18 for a training exercise that is set to finish on Dec. 29. Hai Hu, together with another submarine named Hai Lung (Sea Dragon), are the only two combat-ready submersible vessels in the Taiwan Navy. The diesel-electric attack submarines were bought from the Netherlands in the 1980s and are a modified version of the Dutch Navys Zwaardvis class. Taiwan is building its first indigenous submarine, the Hai Kun (Narwhal) with a budget of US$1.54 billion. The Navy hopes to have three submarines with full combat capabilities by 2025 and four by 2027. Meanwhile Taiwans defense ministry said on Tuesday that it has not seen any signs of large-scale Chinese military activity around the island even as presidential and parliamentary elections come nearer. The election outcomes are expected to play a decisive role in the relations with mainland China. So far we haven't seen signs they're making big moves, said a defense ministry spokesman, Sun Li-fang at a press briefing in Taipei. We are watching all the time. The Chinese military often holds drills around Taiwan at the times of big political events, such as the visit to Taipei by the U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Aug. 2022 or Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wens meeting with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Apr. 2023. Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan. They bring the total to 83 individuals and 53 institutions under the current Yoon administration. A Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile is launched during what North Korea says is a drill at an unknown location Dec. 18, 2023 in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency. South Korea imposed unilateral sanctions on North Korean individuals involved in illicit financing of the countrys high-stake nuclear programs that have posed threats to the United States and its regional allies. New sanctions target eight individuals, including the Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau Ri Chang-ho, and the CEO of a company called Beijing New Technology Park Yong-han, South Koreas foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday. The ministry asserted that the individuals were actively involved in generating income for supporting Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programs through what it described as illicit trading and cyber operations. The individuals were involved in foreign currency acquisition, technology theft, and the trading of sanctioned materials, including weapons, the statement added. A former North Korean diplomat stationed in China, Yoon Chol, for instance, was allegedly involved in the trading of Lithium-6 a mineral that falls under the United Nations sanctioned items list for North Korea, it claimed. Under South Korean regulations, South Korean nationals must obtain permission from the governor of the Bank of Korea or the Financial Services Commission if they wish to engage in financial transactions with sanctioned individuals. The U.S. allys latest sanction marks the 14th time the current Yoon Suk Yeol administration has imposed sanctions on North Korea, bringing the total to 83 individuals and 53 institutions since October last year. We have consistently made it clear that there will be consequences for North Korean provocations, the ministry statement said. We will continue to closely coordinate with the international community, including the United States and Japan. South Koreas announcement comes as North Korea is expected to determine its major policy direction for 2024 this week, where it is likely to put an increased focus on further boosting its nuclear capabilities. Last week, North Korea fired its latest solid-fueled ICBM, the Hwasong-18, with the launch reaching a maximum altitude of about 6,500 kilometers (4,040 miles) and flying a distance of around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) before hitting its target off its eastern coast. Although the test was conducted at a high angle, it still represented a potential threat to the U.S. If launched at a lower trajectory, this missile may be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. The International Atomic Energy Agency announced on Dec. 22 that that a new nuclear reactor is apparently operational at North Koreas Yongbyon nuclear complex, suggesting the countrys acquisition of additional means to obtain plutonium for nuclear weapons. The nuclear watchdogs discovery came as the Norths official state media reported Kim Jong Un emphasizing the countrys implementation of its assertive response strategy, which includes the potential for a nuclear attack in retaliation against the allies. Meanwhile, the leaders sister Kim Yo Jong issued a fresh warning that the allies should consider how Pyongyang might respond to what it perceives as their hostile actions. Edited by Elaine Chan and Taejun Kang. Parties to a deep-sea port project sign addendum to speed up the plan. Displaced women and children, who fled their homes amid fighting between Myanmar junta troops and the Arakan Army in Ramree township, western Myanmar's Rakhine state, find refuge in a building, Dec. 18, 2023. Intense fighting between junta troops and an ethnic army in western Myanmars Rakhine state has threatened to disrupt Chinese-backed infrastructure projects that are part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Progress has stalled on the projects the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, a deep-sea port and a railway because of the armed conflict, said a Rakhine resident who has been monitoring developments there. For the time being, Chinas two important projects the railway and deep-sea port are impossible to implement, because the [railway] must connect Kyaukphyu to Mandalay, he said. Currently, there is fighting in both Mandalay and Magway regions. There are also conflicts in Rakhine state, so it is challenging to implement the project. The Kyaukphyu area is also the starting point of dual pipelines that transport oil and gas across Myanmar and into China. The pipelines are Myanmars largest energy infrastructure project and a crucial source of revenue for the Southeast Asian country. Intense clashes between the junta and the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed organization also known as the AA, resumed in Rakhine state on Nov. 13. The AA is now dominant in southern parts of the state, though battles continue, said a second resident who declined to be named for safety reasons. Nevertheless, Myanmar and China are trying to speed up the implementation of the deep-sea port project a key part of Chinas Belt and Road initiative in Myanmar said Aung Naing Oo, chairman of Myanmar Special Economic Zone Central Working Committee and the juntas Union Minister for Union Government Office 1. To that end, a Burmese and a Chinese official involved in the port project signed an addendum to the original agreement in Naypyitaw on Tuesday, as armed conflict in the state expands, according to the juntas cabinet minister via the state media. The project will improve living standards and create job opportunities in Rakhine state, including in Kyaukphyu, Aung Naing Oo said. Threat to fishing But Kyaukphyu residents, who are economically dependent on fishing, said they have little faith in the project, fearing they will lose their livelihoods. They pointed out that authorities cited similar incentives for locals when building the natural gas and oil pipeline project, though they failed to materialize, residents, who did not want to be named for safety reasons, told RFA. One or two projects have been implemented, but the locals didnt get job opportunities, one local said. China is investing the bulk of the money in the deep-sea port project, which will have 10 jetties where container ships can dock and accommodate about 7 million 20-foot containers per year, with goods shipped to Europe, South Asia and Africa. Because the AA dominates sizable areas in Kyaukphyu and Ramree townships, where the project will be implemented, China will have to negotiate with the AA, a third resident pointed out. The Chinese Embassy in Yangon did not respond to an email request for comment. Myanmars previous civilian-led government signed the agreement to build the deep-sea port and special economic zone in November 2020. Residents flee A skirmish between the AA and junta forces in Ramree township on Dec. 18 drove nearly all of towns 10,000-plus residents from their homes after the Myanmar military unleashed attacks by its army, navy and air forces, residents told Radio Free Asia. The island is the site of one of two deep-water container ports financed by a Chinese consortium. Oil tanks that are part of China's oil pipeline project are seen on Myanmars Maday island in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, Oct. 7, 2015. (Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters) An elderly man from Laung Chaung village was killed and two girls from Nyaung Pin Hla village were seriously injured when the juntas forces fired heavy weapons during the fighting, according to a statement issued the same day by the Three Brotherhood Alliance of ethnic armed organizations, including the AA. Additionally, four junta soldiers were killed, the AA seized arms and military equipment, the statement said, though RFA could not independently confirm the information. The following day, the junta deployed warships around Ramree Island and fired heavy weapons, a resident told RFA. Internet and phone lines were cut off, making it difficult to obtain further information on the situation. The ongoing fighting in Rakhine state could expand to Kyaukphyu, Toungup, Thandwe and Gwa townships, said the first resident. In a statement issued on Dec. 10, the AA said it seized four police stations and a police battalion in Ramree township. Fierce fights between the junta troops and the AA forces also occurred in Rakhines northern townships, including in Pauktaw on Dec. 18, when a junta battalion opened fire on the town with heavy weapons, according to the AA. The ethnic army said it seized 142 army camps in Rakhine state and Paletwa township in Chin state during the fighting. RFA could not reach junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun or Hla Thein, junta spokesman and attorney general for Rakhine state, for comment. More than 100,000 civilians have fled their homes in Pauktaw, Ponnagyun and Minbya townships due to the fighting, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance. Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster. Junta continues to bombard the city, making it difficult to ascertain the full extent of the casualties. Juntas recent deployment of heavy weaponry in Laukkaing, a city within the Kokang Self-Administered Zone in Myanmars Shan State, has resulted in the death of eight civilians and left 25 others injured, according to the anti-junta Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) on Tuesday. The MNDAA said in a statement that the military juntas two heavy weapons landed near the Crown hotel in Dong Cheng neighborhood in Kokang, bringing civilian casualties. It added that the injured individuals were transported to the hospital, while those who passed away were cremated. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, told RFA Burmese that he eye-witnessed the death of several civilians when a shell hit and detonated on a car parked near the Crown Hotel. The heavy weapon dropped straight on that car and one of the people in the car and the two others near the car died. Children and women were among the dead, said the resident. He further explained that the incident occurred when troops from the MNDAA positioned near the Sel Ton gate, just outside Laukkaing city, launched an attack on the 77th Division of the military junta as they entered the city. A heavy weapon used in this exchange landed near the Crown Hotel and exploded, resulting in casualties. The military junta continues to bombard Laukkaing city, and frequent disruptions in internet and telecommunication services have made it difficult to ascertain the full extent of the casualties. RFA Burmese called Li Kyarwen, a MNDAA spokesman on Wednesday regarding the locals claim, but he did not respond. The military junta has yet to issue a statement on this incident as of Wednesday noon. RFA Burmese also contacted Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the State Administration Council spokesman, but the call went unanswered. Separately, the MNDAA said three civilians were killed and ten were injured on Dec. 24 in an juntas airstrike in Laukkaing and Hseni (Hsenwi) township. Between Oct. 27 to Dec. 23, a total of 55 civilians were killed and more than 40 people were injured due to the junta airstrikes in Kokang Region, according to data compiled by RFA based on the MNDAAs statements. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan. Born out of a war that stemmed in part from an electoral dispute, the country still lacks a credible election system. Bangladeshis visit the Museum of Independence during celebrations to mark 50 years of victory over Pakistan at an event in Dhaka, Dec. 16, 2021. Bangladeshs birth as a nation in 1971 was violent, coming out of a war partly ignited by the then-Pakistani military governments refusal to honor the results of a democratic election. Fifty-two years after East Pakistan broke free and became Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the daughter of the countrys founding father and her party seem poised to clinch a lopsided victory for a fourth consecutive term through the ballot box. Government critics and the opposition, however, warn that next months general election will essentially be another undemocratic exercise in a nation with a long record of dubious polls. As its own nation, Bangladesh has failed to institute an independent election system thats credible enough to satisfy domestic and international observers, critics say. Even after 52 years of independence, we still lack an electoral system acceptable to all. This is extremely disappointing, Mujahidul Islam Selim, a Bangladeshi freedom fighter in the 1971 war and a veteran politician who heads the Bangladesh Communist Party, told BenarNews. Politics has morphed into merely a means of plundering public wealth. To sustain this plunderage, no one wants to risk going out of power. Hasina inherited the reins of the Awami League years party after her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated during a military coup in 1975. In the months leading up to the Jan. 7 election, she and Awami officials have refused to give in to the oppositions main demand that her government step aside to allow a neutral caretaker government to oversee the polls to guarantee that they be free and fair. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which leads the opposition, has staged mass street demonstrations and transportation strikes in 2023 to force Hasina to step aside. But Hasina and her party have not buckled under this pressure. The BNP has now opted to boycott the polls after the Awami League refused to budge on the caretaker government issue. On Dec. 16, Bangladesh celebrated the 52nd anniversary of its victory against the Pakistani military in the 1971 war for independence, but criticism about the state of democracy in the South Asian nation of 160 million persists. During Hasinas uninterrupted rule as PM for the past 14 years, Bangladeshs economy posted impressive growth, but that progress shrunk after the COVID-19 pandemic and through a steep rise in oil prices following the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine. Critics, including international human rights groups, have accused her government of becoming increasingly authoritarian and committing rights abuses and violations, such as jailing critics and carrying out extrajudicial killings and state-backed enforced disappearances. Government officials have adamantly rejected such accusations as false. Next months polls will be the 12th general election in Bangladeshs history as a free nation, but some observers are predicting that the polls will seal Hasinas autocratic rule. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (center on rostrum), leader of then-East Pakistans powerful Awami League, addresses an election rally in Dhaka, Dec. 7, 1970. [Dennis Lee Royle/AP file photo] Out of the 11 previous general elections, only four were considered to be relatively free, fair and uncontroversial because they were shepherded under a non-partisan caretaker system. The rest of the elections were very controversial, domestically and internationally, M. Sakhawat Hossain, a former election commissioner, told BenarNews. All of the four elections that were overseen by a caretaker administration delivered a victory for the opposition, whereas the seven polls under a partisan government always resulted in a landslide for the incumbent. The Awami League government removed the provision for a caretaker government from the constitution in 2011 based on a partial reading of a Supreme Court ruling. The two elections held since then have been contentious. In 2014, the opposition led by the BNP boycotted the elections, allowing the Awami League to return to power virtually unopposed. The boycott was so widespread that the Awami League faced no rival candidates not even from independent ones in more than half of the parliamentary seats. In 2018, the opposition did take part in the vote, but the ruling party and its allied partners secured more than 95% of the seats amid reports of extensive fraud and intimidation. Citing this experience, the BNP refused to participate in the upcoming Jan. 7 election. The government responded to the BNPs protest rallies and escalating strikes and transportation blockades which often disintegrated into violence by arresting tens of thousands of its members, including senior figures. Pakistan President Yahya Khan makes his first grand tour of areas of East Pakistan that were devastated by a cyclone, Nov. 25, 1970. [AP file photo] In 1970, when Bangladesh was a geographically detached region of Pakistan, the Awami League headed by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman widely regarded as the leader of the Bangladeshi independence movement captured the majority of Pakistans federal legislature. However, the Pakistani junta, led by Gen. Yahya Khan, refused to recognize the Awami Leagues right to rule Pakistan. As negotiations to end the stalemate extended to March 1971, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight in whats now Bangladesh, targeting mainly Bengali civilians. As many as 3 million people are believed to have been killed in the war, which ended in the defeat of the Pakistani military on Dec. 16, 1971. Rahman, who had been jailed by Pakistan early on during the war, returned from a Pakistani prison to take the helm of the newly independent country as its president in 1972. But the tenure in power of Bangladeshs founding father drifted into autocratic rule. The election in 1973 the first in independent Bangladeshs history saw Rahmans party win all but seven seats in the 300-seat parliament. In 1974, he formalized the country as a one-party state by banning all other political parties and most of the press. After his assassination in a coup the next year, a military government in various iterations ruled the country for the next 16 years. During those years, elections in Bangladesh lacked legitimacy and were widely seen as a rubber stamp to gain authority. Elections under the military rulers in the 1980s sowed deep-seated suspicion among the public about the electoral system, according to Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq, a retired professor of Dhaka University. But even during the military rule, the distrust was not as widespread as it is today, he told BenarNews. This proves that we are deteriorating gradually as a nation. Caretaker system In 1990, the Awami League and the BNP banded together to end the military rule of Gen. Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Both parties then agreed to take part in an election under an interim government headed by Shahabuddin Ahmed, a widely respected chief justice of the Supreme Court. The election returned a narrow victory for the BNP. But as the BNPs tenure neared an end, the Awami League began to call for a permanent non-partisan system of electoral government, citing alleged rigging in parliamentary by-elections. The BNP rejected the demands and went ahead with holding a one-sided election in February 1996 where its candidates won in all but 11 seats. Bangladesh President Shahabuddin Ahmed (right) shares a smile with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed (second from right) and main opposition leader Khaleda Zia (left) before a presidential dinner in Dhaka, June 11, 1996. [Handout/PID/AFP] However, amid violent protests from the Awami League-led opposition and under mounting pressure from a large swath of civil society, the BNP-led government gave in to pressure to codify the caretaker system into the constitution. The BNP should be credited for agreeing to launch the caretaker system in the face of demands from all opposition parties for an acceptable election process, said Nazrul Islam Khan, a member of BNPs top decision-making body and a veteran of the 1971 war. Within a month, the BNP resigned from the government so that the newly formalized caretaker government could hold another election. Sheikh Hasinas Awami League came to power through that election. Five years later, in 2001, under a similar caretaker government, the BNP-led opposition coalition returned to power with a landslide victory. But around 2006, the Awami League, which was then in the opposition, again raised accusations against the BNP government. It accused the BNP government of trying to manipulate the caretaker system by allegedly pushing for a loyal former chief justice to head the electoral government. The judge soon declined to lead the interim government, but violence and clashes persisted. In early 2007, the military intervened as parties failed to reach any consensus and helped install a technocratic government led by a former central bank governor. That caretaker government didnt limit itself to holding an election. Instead, it launched ambitious reform programs and even arrested major political leaders, including Sheikh Hasina and BNP leader Khaleda Zia on corruption charges. With its reform experiments largely failing after more than a year, the government decided to hold an election by releasing most political prisoners. In that election in 2008, the Awami League returned to power with a thumping supermajority. Three years later, the Supreme Court declared the unelected nature of the caretaker system unconstitutional, but carved out an exception for two more elections under the system. The Awami League ignored the exceptions and removed the caretaker system from the constitution. Both are to blame Today, many observers in Bangladesh view both parties as equally responsible for the credibility crisis facing the election system. The non-partisan caretaker government was introduced as an emergency measure, but because of the power-hungry mentality of the BNP and Awami League, this system became controversial, said Mujahidul Islam Selim, the communist party leader. The BNP tried to manipulate the caretaker system to cling on to power and failed. But the Awami League succeeded. With its wholesale elimination of the caretaker system, the Awami League de-legitimized the entire electoral arrangement. But the Awami League and the BNP have wildly different interpretations of todays crisis. After removing the caretaker system from the constitution, the Awami League has held the election process hostage, said Nazrul Islam Khan, the BNP leader. The upcoming elections will be the last nail in the coffin of our election system. Police personnel stand guard in front of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists during a rally demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the release of BNP leader Khaleda Zia, in Dhaka, Oct. 28, 2023. [Munir uz Zaman/AFP] Shahjahan Khan, another 1971 freedom fighter and a member of the Awami Leagues top political body, agreed that Bangladeshs election system still faced debates. But, he said, his party was trying to build a stronger electoral system by fighting against the BNP. The BNP is not a democratic political party, he told BenarNews, referring to its boycott of the election. Whatever they do does not matter to the people of this country. BenarNews is an online news outlet affiliated with Radio Free Asia. Nepals Himalaya Airlines announced it will begin weekly flights between Kathmandu and Tibets regional capital of Lhasa this week, the first non-Chinese airline to receive permission to fly into Tibet. The move is aimed at bolstering tourism, an airline spokesperson told Radio Free Asia. No other airline has received this permission, she said. The inaugural flight by the Kathmandu-based airline a joint venture between Nepal and China to Lhasa is set to take off from Kathmandu on Thursday and is scheduled to operate once a week. China has expanded its economic and political influence in the Himalayan country sandwiched between it and India. A recent report said that Chinas sway within Nepal has led to stricter regulations on the estimated 20,000 Tibetans residing in the country, many without legal status. Nepal has become a highly unsafe and insecure place for Tibetan refugees to exercise basic human rights, including freedom of religion, culture and expression, according to the report from Seoul-based Asian Dignity Initiative and Dharamsala, India-based advocacy group Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy. Himalaya Airlines has released its flight schedule for the Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu route. (Himalaya Airlines) Formerly an independent nation, Tibet was invaded and incorporated into China by force 70 years ago. Chinese authorities maintain a tight grip on the region, restricting Tibetans political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identity. Tourism to religious sites After cutting back operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Himalaya Airlines has recently added several routes into China and elsewhere in Asia. In June, it announced scheduled flights to Beijing, and earlier this month, it began flying routes to Shanghai and Chongqing. The airline said in a statement announcing the resumption of flights to Chongqing that it is committed to enhancing connectivity and promoting bilateral ties between Nepal and China. The flight to Lhasa will help Nepal facilitate more tourism to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar revered pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and Hindus located in southwest Tibet, according to Santosh Sharma Poudel, a foreign policy analyst and co-founder of the Kathmandu-based Nepal Institute for Policy Research. Flying Nepali and Indian tourists through Lhasa to get to Mansarovar would be much cheaper and faster than through the current route overland, he said. The tour packages to the sites are also touted as one of the most lucrative for tour operators in Nepal. Tourists traveling to Lhasa or other parts of the Tibetan Autonomous Region must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit or a Tibet Entry Permit, in addition to a Chinese visa. The Chinese government is looking at the Lhasa flight as an economic opportunity and as a way to increase people-to-people relations under its Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, Poudel said. BRI is Chinas decade-old global infrastructure development strategy that aims to connect Asia, Europe and Africa through a network of roads, railways, energy pipelines and ports. Nepal signed a cooperation agreement with China in 2017 to participate in the BRI. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. We will take countermeasures against American intelligence data company Kharon, which has long collected Xinjiang-related sensitive information, says Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, shown at a press conference in Beijing on July 26, 2023. Beijing has sanctioned Kharon, a U.S.-based company that helps businesses comply with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which bans the import of goods made using forced labor in Chinas far-west. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Tuesday the sanctions were a countermeasure to hit back at sanctions imposed on Dec. 8 by the United States against two Chinese officials for their role in serious human rights abuses against Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region. In accordance with Chinas Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, we will take countermeasures against American intelligence data company Kharon, which has long collected Xinjiang-related sensitive information and provided so-called evidence for Americas illegal sanctions, Mao said. Mao said sanctions would also be issued against Kharons director of investigations, Edmund Xu, and Nicole Morgret, a former researcher with the Center for Advanced Defense Studies, which earlier this year issued a report about U.S. brands ties to Uyghur-mined gold. She said both Xu and Morget would be banned from entering China, Hong Kong and Macau, and would have any assets frozen there. We again urge the U.S. to stop smearing China, cancel the illegal unilateral sanctions on Chinese officials and companies, and stop implementing wrongful acts such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, Mao said at a press briefing. If the U.S. refuses to change course, China will not flinch and will respond in kind. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Los Angeles-based Kharon describes itself as a research company that helps businesses identify a wide range of sanctions and compliance risks to assist with managing financial crimes, supply chain exposure, export controls, investment risk, and more. Among other things, the company helps businesses comply with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which bans the import into the United States of any goods produced using the slave labor of Uyghurs, and presumes that any goods originating from Xinjiang are tainted. In a statement, Kharon said its world-class investigative and analytical services were relied upon by thousands of clients, customers, and stakeholders to effectively and efficiently manage risk in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The firm also denied it was engaging in a smear campaign and said that because it has no presence in China, the sanctions will not impact its operations or ability to service its clients. Kharon notes that the Government of China has sanctioned other U.S. businesses, individuals, and organizations over the last several years, it said, adding it will continue to provide research and data analytics that is objective, independent, and based on reliable sources. As many as 1.8 million Uyghurs and other members of ethnic Turkic groups are thought to have been detained by Chinese authorities since 2017. The United States has previously labeled the effort a genocide and has cited allegations of torture, forced labor, sterilization, and severe restrictions on freedom of speech, movement and religion. China has called its efforts in Xinjiang a de-extremification campaign and has dismissed allegations of widespread abuse as a lie. Louisa Greve, the director of global advocacy for the Uyghur Human Rights Project and a former colleague of Morgret, said the sanctions issued by Beijing were a hamfisted attempt to hit back at an increasingly successful global campaign to call out its abuses. Overall, it is clear that the Chinese government wishes to censor and intimidate anyone uncovering the facts about the Chinese government's state imposed forced labor of Uyghurs, Greve said. However, these sanctions cannot cover up the truth. 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. 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 FORT NOVOSELThe 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment honored one of its own with the units new Specialist 5 Fujii Award in a ceremony on Soldier On Field on Dec. 15. Staff Sgt. Janai Thomas, training management noncommissioned officer at 1-13th Aviation, received the award for embodying the traits of selfless service and dedication to fellow Soldiers that was exemplified on the battlefield by Specialist 5 Dennis M. Fujii, a Medal of Honor recipient and his distinguished service as a crew chief aboard a helicopter ambulance during rescue operations in Laos and the Republic of Vietnam in February of 1971. While Fujii served with the 237th Medical Detachment, 61st Medical Battalion, 67th Medical Group, evacuating seriously wounded Vietnamese military personnel during intense fighting, his aircraft was badly damaged and crashed. Fujii was injured, but waved off a helicopter that rescued his fellow aircrew members rather than endanger the lives aboard the helicopter, and he remained under fire. The lone American on the ground, he treated South Vietnamese troops for injuries throughout the night and following day. Then for 17 hours, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire, leaving the security of his entrenchment to better observe enemy troop positions and direct airstrikes against them using a radio he had secured. He continued to protect and defend the friendly encampment until an American helicopter could attempt to airlift him from the area. That helicopter was shot down, and it was too more days before a helicopter could fly him to Phau Bai for medical assistance. Drawing from his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, the battalion decided on the type of Soldier traits they wanted to recognize with the new quarterly award. Lt. Col. Jeramy Norland, 1-13th Aviation commander, said their battalion is the enlisted lead on Fort Novosel, considering their number of junior enlisted Soldiers. (The award) is our way of recognizing the enlisted portion and increasing pride in that, he said. We have all these criteria this the culture we want to grow. Thomas received an Army Commendation Medal and SPC 5 Fujii Award. They get an obelisk, a free parking pass anywhere on our footprint, they can be like, the sergeant majors spot is now my spot. It trumps everybody in the battalion, he said. The award is based on a packet that includes a letter of recommendation, standard board packet material (ACFT score, weapons qualification, etc.), and a grading sheet created using the NCO leadership attributes and competencies, providing a holistic look at the Soldier. Competencies and attributes include their MOS competency, volunteerism, servant leader, character, presence, intellect, leads, develops, and achieves. Im trying not to get choked up about this, said Command Sgt. Maj. McAvoy, 1-13th Aviation command sergeant major, as he spoke during the award presentation. Staff Sgt. Thomas demonstration of trustworthiness and dependability emulate the characteristics that SPC 5 Fujii displayed during the Vietnam War in 1971. Her performance is above that of her peers and sets the bar for others to strive for both in and out of uniform. Staff Sgt. Thomas competence and commitment are continually displayed throughout her time as the assistant S3 NCOIC, he said. She is a true professional and servant leader in the 1-13th Aviation Regiment and the 1st Aviation Brigade, McAvoy said. Thomas said she wasnt expecting the award. I just want to say thank you. Its an honor to receive this award. I just want to give a shoutout to my S-3 shop, because you guys have molded me, and have been a huge help in the process. Thank you to my NCOIC and my mentor Sgt. 1st Class (Ashley) Hogge, and thank you to the command team for even thinking Im deserving of this award, Thomas said. Also present at the ceremony were Mayor David B. Hayes of Geneva, and other key civic leaders who represented the units partner city, who had just participated in an all-day Meet Your Army event focused largely on the mission of 1-13th Aviation. Pakistan has sent scores of Afghans back to their country despite their possessing documents confirming they are being considered for resettlement to the United States. The expulsions are part of a broader Pakistani crackdown on more than 1.7 million "undocumented foreigners," who are predominantly Afghans. Nearly half a million Afghans have returned to their country since early October, when Islamabad announced the forced repatriation drive. "The process of our resettlement [in the United States] should be expedited or the problems of Afghan asylum seekers will worsen," Gul Wali Ahmadzai, an Afghan in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar who is waiting to be resettled, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "Although we carry a letter of protection from the United States, it has not deterred the [Pakistani] police from detaining us," said another Afghan asylum seeker who requested anonymity. "The police do not allow us to even call or text the U.S. government hotline," he added. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad sent protection letters to some 25,000 Afghans. The letters proved to Pakistani authorities that they were being processed for resettlement in the United States. U.S. officials say they are trying to keep in touch with these Afghans in Pakistan. Washington has established an emergency hotline on WhatsApp in Dari, Pashto, and English. A senior State Department official told Reuters that his country had "no formal way to track these kinds of cases," adding that the number of Afghans deported while awaiting U.S. resettlement was "very small." But Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, the main coalition of groups helping Afghan resettlement, told Reuters that at least 130 Afghans waiting for U.S. special immigration visas in Pakistan had been expelled and returned to their country. He said the Pakistan police have arrested more than 230 such Afghans. Of these, about 80 have since been released. "The letters matter in some cases and not others," said VanDiver. "Not all local officers are abiding by it." Senior Pakistani government leaders have repeatedly assured their Western counterparts that Islamabad will not deport the tens of thousands of Afghans whose cases are being considered for immigration. On December 13, Islamabad extended a deadline to allow tens of thousands of Afghans waiting to be resettled in a third nation to stay in the country for two more months. Under the extension, the Afghans can remain in the country until February 29. Previously, they were to leave by the end of December. With reporting by Reuters When Wagner mercenary force founder Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a fiery plane crash in August, exactly two months after leading a rebellion that challenged President Vladimir Putins 24-year grip on power, it cast a thick cloud over the future of Russias footprint in Africa. Ever since the West began isolating Russia following Moscows takeover of Ukraines Crimea region in 2014, Putin had attempted to rekindle Soviet-era ties with nations in the Global South, especially in Africa, using Prigozhins paramilitary company as one of his most important tools of influence. A skilled businessman and charismatic leader who was said to enjoy fierce loyalty from his troops, Prigozhin picked up clients in several African states seeking regime protection as instability spread, moving money and weapons around the continent through an intricate web of shell companies he controlled. In addition to increasing Moscows clout in Africa, Wagners presence has been lucrative. A report published this month by a U.S.-based pro-democracy group said its analysis suggests that Wagner and Russia have earned more than $2.5 billion from blood gold [in Africa] since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But Prigozhins demise after nine years at Wagners helm raised serious questions about whether Russia would be able to ensure a seamless transfer of control over the groups African mercenary, disinformation, and business operations to the security services and to selected Putin allies. Russian defense and intelligence officials have parachuted into Africa in recent months to reassure existing clients of continuity and woo potential new ones. Earlier this month, an RFE/RL investigation found that a former Kremlin envoy to the EU whom European diplomats link to Russian intelligence has been dispatched to the Central African Republic (CAR) to oversee coordination between the Wagner mercenary group and local security forces. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Western intelligence indicates the fugitive former chief operating officer of payments-processing company Wirecard, Jan Marsalek, is now helping Russia with the reconfiguration of [Prigozhins] business empire in Africa. Media outlets have reported that the Russian military is setting up a force called Africa Corps as a replacement for Wagner, and Telegram channels have posted recruitment ads, but the Defense Ministry has not confirmed such plans and its unclear how much progress the initiative has made. On a far more public level, Putin met with the heads of 17 African states at a summit in St. Petersburg in July, a month after the rebellion. Growing instability and anti-Western sentiment, especially in the Sahel region, has been helping Moscow get a bigger foothold on the continent, even as its attention and resources are consumed by the war in Ukraine. Joseph Siegle, research director at the Washington-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies, said that Russia has strengthened its position in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.), Sudan, and the countries of the Sahel, where a series of coups have brought juntas to power. Russian defense officials earlier this month met with junta leaders in Niger to discuss security cooperation after the government ordered French troops to leave, becoming the third Sahel country to do so. Mali and Burkina Faso had earlier kicked out French forces amid growing anti-colonial sentiment and frustration over the lack of progress against jihadist groups terrorizing the western Sahel. Wagners checkered record isnt helping its cause, Siegle said. Malis stability has deteriorated, with militant attacks on the increase since the junta ejected French and UN forces and brought in about 1,000 Wagner trainers. Meanwhile, Wagner has reportedly grabbed lucrative assets in the C.A.R. The European Union and others in the international community have accused Wagner of gross human rights violations, including torture and killings, in countries including Mali, Libya, C.A.R, and Sudan. The pointy spear of Russian engagement in Africa continues, but I think there's a growing realization among leaders that this is breeding instability, that Russian deployments are a national security threat, not a solution, Siegle said. Burkina Faso and Niger have yet to sign on with Russia, nor has the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has also held meeting with Russian defense officials. Putins decision in June to pull out of a grain deal that allowed the safe passage of ships carrying Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea to world markets hurt Russias image in Africa, Siegle said. It was just a very vivid demonstration of Putins blatant disregard for the real priorities in Africa -- a sobering realization that to Russia, Africa is just a pawn in its broader geostrategic interests, he said. Russia blocked Ukrainian grain exports following its full-scale invasion in 2022, driving up global prices and adversely affecting African countries that depend on those imports. Global Influence Experts say Russias growing interest in Africa is driven by a desire to expand its global influence amid a breakdown in relations with the West due to its invasion of Ukraine, and to secure military bases to project power. Moscow is also seeking to expand arms sales, build and run nuclear power plants, and acquire the rights to natural resources throughout the continent. Russia is Africas largest supplier of arms, accounting for about 40 percent of annual sales to the continent, which gives it some political leverage. Russian arms are cheap, and Moscow does not tie weapons sales to a nations human rights record, opening doors to more countries. Wagners presence has focused international attention on Moscows growing role in Africa. But Amaka Anku, who oversees the continent at the risk consultancy firm Eurasia Group, said that Russias real influence is limited. Wagner is deployed in a few impoverished countries ruled by juntas or authoritarian leaders that lack legitimacy and domestic support, she said, adding that aside from arms and grain sales, Russia does little trade with Africa and does not provide much investment or aid. Russia has very little to offer African nations, Anku said. But Russia does share a deep grievance with a number of African nations about what they see or portray as an unfair, Western-led world order. Both Russia and the African Union advocate for a multipolar world in which the United States would be less powerful than it is. The United States' use of sanctions to punish countries for rights abuses and aggression, including cutting them off from the U.S. dollar, has alarmed many states in the Global South. We are playing a different communications game than Russia is online, and we are losing because of it." Moscow has played upon these and other grievances, like the continents brutal colonial legacy, to drive a wedge between Africa and the West, experts say. Moscow supported African independence movements during the Cold War and that legacy is still a powerful factor today. I think there's a gross underestimation of how impactful Russia has been with its disinformation campaign, Siegle said. Cameron Hudson, who served as the National Security Councils director for African affairs under President George W. Bush, told a congressional hearing in July that Russia has been more effective than the United States in promoting its views, producing information in African languages -- not just English and French -- and using TikTok to reach the continents young audience. We are playing a different communications game than Russia is online, and we are losing because of it, Hudson, who is now an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee in July. Ukraine War And 'Consistency' Russias war against Ukraine has generated another grievance between the West and the Global South, said Bruce Jones, an analyst at the Brookings Institution in Washington. The West quickly mobilized tens of billions of dollars in military, financial, and humanitarian aid for Ukraine in the wake of Russias full-scale invasion. By comparison, he said, the U.S. response to the Tigray War in Ethiopia that has killed 500,000 people, mainly civilians, since 2020 has been a drop in the bucket -- and that is not lost on Africans. Echoing that point, U.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat-California) told Mike Hammer, U.S. President Joe Bidens special envoy to the Horn of Africa, that Africans want to see consistency in the U.S. response to civilian deaths and human rights violations. African countries often feel our double standard, she said at a November 30 House hearing on the Tigray War. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) is one of those countries. The government in Kinshasa has complained about what it says has been the lack of Western attention to renewed rebel attacks that have created a massive humanitarian crisis in the D.R.C.s eastern provinces. The Congolese governments exercise of the Russia option is at least as much about the way it can be leveraged in relations with the West as it is of its actual Russia policy." A few months before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized control of large parts of North Kivu Province, triggering fighting that has forced more than 800,000 people to flee their homes. The Congolese felt that very little action was taken to support their sovereignty -- a point made more stark by comparison with the invasion of Ukraine, Kristof Titeca, a professor at the University of Antwerp in the Netherlands, wrote in a March report following dozens of interviews with Congolese policymakers, foreign diplomats, civil society members, and journalists. Some in the D.R.C. government are now calling for a pivot toward Russia, Titeca said. The geopolitical landscape is in flux, and the Congolese governments exercise of the Russia option is at least as much about the way it can be leveraged in relations with the West as it is of its actual Russia policy, Titeca said. The D.R.C. will hold presidential elections on December 20 with incumbent Felix Tshisekedi seeking reelection in a vote that could be contested. If there's controversy, Russia could very easily jump in and support Tshisekedis claims of winning to enhance its standing with the incumbent, Siegle said. Anku agreed that Russia is a card that African leaders can play to push back against the West. Talking to Russia has a lot of value in that context, she said. Africans think that Russias invasion of Ukraine is breaking down the existing world order, opening an opportunity for African nations to help shape the new one in a way that is more favorable to the continent, Anku said. Amid the rise in anti-Western sentiment, and mindful that African nations hold more than a quarter of the seats in the UN General Assembly, the Biden administration has significantly stepped up its engagement with Africa over the past 12 months. In December 2022, the United States hosted the first U.S.-Africa Summit in eight years, with 49 heads of state and the president of the African Union attending. Afterwards, Biden dispatched 17 top officials to 26 nations on the continent, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. During those visits, the United States announced aid and investments in Africa running into the billions of dollars. Biden has yet to fulfill a promise he made to African leaders at the summit to visit their continent this year. A U.S. president has not visited sub-Saharan Africa since 2015. Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, in his first court appearance since being moved to a notorious prison in the Arctic, joked and smiled at a hearing on his challenge to how he was being treated in prison, which the judge ultimately rejected. The court said a suit filed by Navalny, who attended the January 10 hearing via video link, against his placement in a solitary confinement for 12 days at his previous prison in October was without merit as the move was legal. In his decision, Judge Kirill Nikiforov ruled Navalny's placement in a punitive cell was warranted because it was proven that he violated an internal order at the IK-6 prison in the Vladimir region, namely by using "offensive" words when debating with a guard. In a light moment during the proceedings, Navalny told the judge, who has presided over several similar sessions, that "a tear is flowing down my cheek" as a sign of pleasure at getting to see him again. A second suit also filed by Navalny against the prison's decision not to allow his wife's letters to reach him will be considered by the court at a later date as Navalny asked for time to get acquainted with all documents related to the case. Navalny said he needed to see the prison warden's written order banning his wife's letters. The day before, Navalny said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was immediately placed in a punitive solitary-confinement cell for seven days for failing to "properly" introduce himself to a prison guard after finishing a quarantine term at his new prison formally known as IK-3, but widely referred to as "Polar Wolf." Navalny was transported to the notorious and remote prison in December. Located some 2,000 kilometers northeast of Moscow, the prison holds about 1,050 of Russia's most incorrigible prisoners. Human rights activists say the prison holds serial killers, rapists, pedophiles, repeat offenders, and others convicted of the most serious crimes and serving sentences of 20 years or more. Navalny, who is serving a total of 19 years in prison on extremism and other charges, was hospitalized on August 20, 2020, after falling seriously ill on a flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He was later transferred to Germany for treatment of poisoning by a deadly nerve agent of the Novichok group. His Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) conducted an investigation of the poisoning and determined that it was carried out by agents of the Federal Security Service acting at Putins behest. Russian authorities have never investigated the poisoning, with prosecutors claiming there was no evidence a crime had been committed. Navalny returned to Russia from Germany on January 21, 2021 and was immediately arrested. He has been in custody ever since. He has posed one of the most serious challenges to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently announced he is running for reelection in March. Putin is expected to easily win the election amid the continued sidelining of opponents and a clampdown on opposition and civil society that has intensified since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. On January 9, Navalny's team, in a post on Telegram, called on Russian citizens both home and abroad to hold an action called "Russia Without Putin" on January 21 -- the third anniversary of Navalny's arrest at a Moscow airport after he returned from Germany. Navalny's FBK and his network of regional offices were declared "extremist" organizations and shut down in Russia in 2021. Many of his supporters fled the country in the face of criminal cases or the threat of prosecution. Several of his associates were arrested on extremism charges, with some of them being handed prison terms. With reporting by Mediazona and Meduza Known as "Polar Wolf," the strict-regime prison to which opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has been sent is a place where a water cannon is an instrument of torture. "In the winter, prisoners would be hastily assembled in the courtyard in light clothing," said prisoners' rights activist Olga Romanova, relating the testimony given by a man who was released from Polar Wolf, more formally known as IK-3, in 2018. "They were held in formation and not allowed to clap or rub their hands together. They had to stand for 30 or 40 minutes without moving when it was minus 45 degrees Celsius or colder. If one person moved, the whole group was doused with water. "In the spring, there was a new torture," she added. "Mosquitoes and biting flies. If you moved a hand, the water came. They would just douse the whole group with a water cannon." After spending 19 days incommunicado during transit from a prison in the Vladimir region, Navalny confirmed his arrival at IK-3 -- in the settlement of Kharp in the Yamalo-Nenets district above the Arctic Circle in north-central Siberia -- on December 26, one day after his lawyer was able to visit him there. Navalny is serving a 19-year prison term on extremism charges that he and his supporters maintain are part of a campaign of persecution aimed at stymying his political activity. Amnesty International, the banned Russian human rights group Memorial, and others have recognized him as a political prisoner. Navalny's long absence, while routine in Russia during prisoner transfers, raised global alarm because the last information about him on December 5 was that he had fallen ill in his cell after being subjected to harsh conditions, including limited food, a lack of ventilation, and minimal exercise time. Several court hearings into Navalny's complaints about his treatment were postponed until the courts could establish his whereabouts, judges said. Lawyers and supporters launched a major effort to locate Navalny, requesting information about him from prisons and pretrial detention centers (SIZOs) across Russia. "We carried out massive legal work," said Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which was declared extremist by the state and banned in Russia. "We wrote inquiries, visited various SIZOs and eliminated them one by one. Only now do I understand what a huge amount of work that was. But in the end, we achieved our result." In a December 26 social-media post, Navalny wrote that he arrived at Polar Wolf, which is renowned as one of the most remote and inaccessible prisons in Russia, during the evening of December 23 and was shocked when guards came to him on December 25 to tell him that a lawyer had arrived to see him. 'You Are In Purgatory' "As soon as you cross the threshold, they let you know that you are in purgatory where you have no rights and there is no one to complain to," said Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov, who spent five years on a terrorism conviction at the IK-8 prison ("Polar Bear"), also in the Yamalo-Nenets region. "Beatings, humiliation, electric shocks, being kept in a cold cell naked or in wet clothes -- but that is still not the worst. You can be sealed in the fetal position in an iron box where you can hardly breathe and have to urinate on yourself. They routinely threaten to rape you when they are bullying you." Some 2,000 kilometers northeast of Moscow, IK-3 holds about 1,050 of Russia's most incorrigible prisoners. Human rights activists say the prison holds serial killers, rapists, pedophiles, repeat offenders, and others convicted of the most serious crimes and serving sentences of 20 years or more. In some cases, like Navalny's, the government sends convicts who are widely considered to be political prisoners there as well. Platon Lebedev, a former business partner of Mikhail Khodorkovsky who was convicted of tax evasion and other charges during the dismantling of the Yukos oil giant, spent about two years at IK-3 in the mid-2000s. The prison was founded in 1961 at a former camp of dictator Josef Stalin's Gulag network. The settlement of Kharp, with about 5,000 people, mostly provides housing and services for prison workers and administrators. "All you need to do is look at a map and you can see that this is the northernmost, harshest prison," Zhdanov told RFE/RL. "The very location means the conditions there are the most severe. And Navalny will be held for at least a year in a cell with a tiny exercise area from which you cannot even see the sky." For most of the year, there are no flights to the area, and access by train is difficult and limited. The Federal Penitentiary Service's (FSIN) postal service -- FSIN-pismo -- does not service IK-3. The only communication with the prison is by the normal Russian postal service, Zhdanov said. "You never know if you your letter arrived or not," he said. "Or whether there was any opportunity for the recipient to respond. Of course, that was the point of sending Aleksei so far away." In addition, the prison system's cell-phone service, Zonatelekom, was shut down at IK-3 around the time Navalny arrived. "Until today, Zonatelekom worked fine at IK-3," Romanova said on December 25. "As far as we can tell, they just shut it off today. I hope it is just a technical problem, but it definitely looks like a strange coincidence." While Navalny's team was searching for him, they learned that FSIN Director Arkady Gostev visited the remote prison earlier this year. He also visited the nearby strict-regime prison IK-18 ("Polar Owl"). "It was a very unusual visit for the head of the agency," Zhdanov said. "It is not normal for him to visit prisons, especially ones so remote, north of the Arctic Circle. It is very likely that this trip was in preparation for sending Aleksei Navalny there in the near future. And they concealed the information about his transfer from us so thoroughly that it seems obvious they wanted to keep him hidden for as long as possible." In a post on X, formerly Twitter, human rights activist Sergei Davidis wrote on December 25 that "there should be no prisons in Kharp." "There is no point in their existence except to make convicts suffer and to waste budgetary funds," he wrote. Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting by RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities As Russian forces try to push west of the city of Bakhmut, Ukrainian soldiers are dug into their positions in barren, mine-strewn battlefields. Fighters on the front lines near the village of Klishchiyivka describe an unrelenting Russian assault as they trudge through mud to take shelter in trenches. The Ukrainian Navy has described the destruction of a Russian landing ship in the occupied Crimean Peninsula as a "serious blow" to Russia's war operations against Ukraine. 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. Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service on December 27 that the damage inflicted upon the Novocherkassk landing ship during an air strike on the Crimean port of Feodosia on December 26 will significantly harm Russia's logistics capabilities. Russia confirmed the ship had been damaged, and new satellite imagery taken on December 26 by Maxar Technologies appears to show the wreckage of a sunken ship along the quay of the Feodosia port, and other damaged port equipment. Pletenchuk also claimed that the Russian military is currently unable to use the Crimean Bridge, a key route for transporting military supplies from the Russian mainland to the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula. Now, with the loss of the Novocherkassk, the Russian military will only be able to use ferries to transport military cargo because it has "not been able to use large amphibious ships in the Black Sea for a long time," according to Pletenchuk. Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, said that the December 26 air strikes caused an explosion that indicated that ammunition on the large landing ship had detonated. He said the ship was used to transport equipment, weapons, and personnel to Feodosia and other Russian-occupied ports on the Ukrainian Peninsula. In addition to the damage sustained by the Novocherkassk, the training ship UTS-150 was also damaged and partially sunk, RFE/RL's Russian Service reported on December 26. The satellite images taken by Maxar Technologies also show a smaller ship partially submerged not far from the apparent wreckage of the Novocherkassk. Pletenchuk said that successful Ukrainian attacks have seriously depleted Russia's naval forces, leaving it with only six large ships on the Black Sea and none on the Sea of Azov. Crimea.Realities, a regional news outlet of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, reported that, following the December 26 attack, two Russian vessels left the port of Feodosia. It was not possible to identify the ships by name, but judging by their size the vessels were a military ship and a military boat belonging to Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Pletenchuk said that, including the strike that hit the Novocherkassk, Ukrainian forces had disabled seven large Russian ships. WATCH: Ukraine hit a major naval port in the city of Feodosia in Russian-occupied Crimea, and claimed a Russian naval landing ship docked there was destroyed. Following the December 26 attack, British Defense Minister Grant Shapps wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that 20 percent of Russia's Black Sea Fleet had been destroyed in the past four months. "Russia's dominance in the Black Sea is now challenged," Shapps wrote. The most significant loss suffered by the Russian Navy came in April 2022, when the Black Sea Fleet flagship guided-missile cruiser Moskva was sunk south of the Ukrainian port of Odesa. In September, the Rostov-On-Don diesel electric submarine was damaged while in port in Sevastopol. The Crimean Bridge, a major transport link opened in 2018 after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, has been heavily targeted by Ukrainian forces since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both the rail and the automotive sections of the bridge were heavily damaged in a truck explosion in October 2022. In July, a sea-drone attack collapsed one section of the vehicle traffic span and damaged the separate rail section. The bridge was most recently closed to traffic following sea-drone strikes on December 21. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force said on December 27 that "waves" of Russian kamikaze drones targeted Ukrainian territory overnight, with 32 of 46 drones shot down. The governor of the Odesa region said that a 35-year-old man was killed by debris from a downed drone in a residential area. The Interior Ministry said four people, including a 6-year-old child, were wounded. The air force said the drones were fired from the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and from Russia's southwestern Krasnodar region. The attacks ended in the early morning hours of December 27, with some successfully striking near the front lines in Ukraine's east and west. With reporting by Reuters The capacity of solar power projects in Vietnam has exceeded a government-approved plan by 10-fold, inspectors have found. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has by itself approved 114 projects and asked the Prime Ministers Office to greenlight another 54 projects to be added to the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP). But of these 168 projects, none has any legal ground to be added to the plan, the Government Inspectorate said in a report Monday after investigating the industry ministry in its management of solar power plants. These violations have resulted in 8,600 MW of solar power being connected to the grid by the end of 2020, 10 times the approved plan. Similar violations were discovered in rooftop solar power. The total capacity of solar rooftop surpassed 16,500 MW by the end of 2020, 19 times the approved plan. Some regulations that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued or consulted on with the government had "led to issues and carried risks of policy abuse" as it allowed rooftop solar projects to be installed on agriculture and forest land. These projects, although approved on false legal ground, were still eligible for the incentive feed-in tariff (FiT) of 8.38 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour for 20 years. The surge in solar power capacity in the central and central highlands was not matched by an improvement in transmission capacity, which led to an overload of power in some localities such as Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Phu Yen, Gia Lai and Dak Lak, where solar power plants were forced to run below capacity. "The imbalance between installed capacity and transmission capacity has caused inefficiency in the grid and broke the PDP," the inspectors said. This is a waste of resources and created a bad reputation to power investment in Vietnam, they added. Another violation of the Ministry of Industry and Trade is delaying the completion of a national solar power development plan for 2025. The Prime Ministers Office in 2017 issued a policy to encourage solar power investment and tasked the ministry with making a national plan for it, but the ministry waited almost two years to complete the plan. This means there was no official plan for solar power development until six months before the incentive mechanism expired. It resulted in hundreds of projects being approved without any legal grounds, and it was possible that some investors had to ask the ministry for permission covertly for its approval. The industry ministry also made violations in giving 14 projects an incentive FiT of 9.35 cents per kilowatt-hour in 20 years, even when the incentive mechanism had expired. This means the national power monopoly Vietnam Electricity had to pay an extra VND1.48 trillion to buy electricity from these projects from 2020 to June 2022. The ministry also gave unreasonable consultation in proposing a timeframe of 20 years for the incentive price period, which is "too long" and not suitable for establishing a competitive market, inspectors said. It proposed the government to buy the electricity in U.S. dollars, causing difficulties in implementation due to exchange rate fluctuations. "The industry ministry has shown lax management and irresponsibility that caused severe consequences," inspectors said. The United States on December 27 announced the final drawdown of weapons and military equipment for Ukraine from U.S. stockpiles under existing presidential authorization. The $250 million package includes air-defense munitions, additional ammunition for High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155 mm and 105 mm artillery ammunition, and anti-armor munitions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. 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. "Our assistance has been critical to supporting our Ukrainian partners as they defend their country and their freedom against Russia's aggression," Blinken said, adding that the arms and equipment was being provided under previously directed drawdowns for Ukraine. White House national-security spokesman John Kirby said last week that President Joe Biden was planning one more military aid package in December, but that further assistance after that would require an agreement in Congress, where the prospects for a deal are uncertain. "When that one's done...we will have no more replenishment authority available to us and we're going to need Congress to act without delay," Kirby said on December 18. Blinken urged Congress to "act swiftly" on new aid for Ukraine, "to advance our national security interests by helping Ukraine defend itself and secure its future." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was in Washington last week to speak with U.S. lawmakers about Ukraine's needs as Biden's proposed $61 billion in aid for Ukraine, along with additional military aid for Israel and Taiwan, has been stalled by Republican demands that the administration address border security. Senate leaders said after Zelenskiy's visit that negotiators were "making encouraging progress" but "challenging issues remain." The announcement of the aid package came as the Ukrainian military said its troops fought 49 combat clashes along the front line. In addition, the General Staff said on December 27 in its evening summary that Russian forces carried out 67 air strikes and fired 12 rocket salvos at Ukrainian troop positions and populated areas. The main hotspot remains the area near Avdiyivka in the Donetsk region, where Ukrainian troops repelled nearly 30 enemy attacks, the General Staff said, adding that about 10 settlements, including Avdiyivka, were hit by enemy artillery and mortar fire during the day. The Ukrainian military also repelled attacks in the areas near Kupyansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Maryinka, and Zaporizhzhya. In the Kherson region, the General Staff said Russian forces "do not give up their intention to knock out our units from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnieper." Russian forces carried out 10 unsuccessful assaults on the positions of Ukrainian troops during the day and "received a decent repulse and suffered significant losses," the General Staff said, adding that Ukrainian forces were "firmly holding" their defensive positions. WATCH: As Russian forces try to push west of the city of Bakhmut, Ukrainian soldiers are dug into their positions in barren, mine-strewn battlefields. Also on December 27, the countrys minister of strategic industry told RFE/RL that long-range drones were now being mass produced in Ukraine. Oleksandr Kamyshin said this includes "analogs" of Iranian-made Shahed drones. He also announced a new version of a Ukrainian-made drone that flies as far as 1,100 kilometers but did not provide details. "The product that previously worked for 1,100 kilometers will soon have a new version, you will hear about it over time, based on the results of use," he said. With reporting by Reuters A ring of suspected traffickers, comprising two women and a man, were arrested for allegedly posing as marriage brokers to trick Vietnamese women into being sold into captivity in China Van Tuyet Mai, 40, Nguyen Thi Nho, 38 and Tran Quang Phat, 34, are currently in detention and being investigated for "human trafficking," police announced Tuesday. Officers from the Ministry of Public Security and Dak Nong Province police in the Central Highlands had been surveilling the marriage brokering ring operating in Ho Chi Minh City and nearby localities. Police said they have identified Mai as the leader of the group. According to investigators, Mai is married to a Chinese man and lived in China. She often traveled between China and Vietnam. Late last year, a Vietnamese woman in China asked Mai to find other women in Vietnam to sell to Chinese men as wives for commissions at VND200-300 million (US$8,176-12,264) per woman. Mai agreed. She returned to her home country and contracted Nho and Phat to entice uneducated, unemployed women from poor families in remote areas. Most of them were from Dak Nong Province. Mais ring promised the women a brighter future in China along with a dowry of VND80-120 million. After selecting the women, members of the ring organized "blind dates" for Chinese customers to meet face-to-face with the women in Vietnam, or online. Any woman chosen by the Chinese men would be given passports, visas, health certificates, and other documents by the ring. Only once they arrived in China did the women realize they had been tricked as they received no dowries and their handlers would confiscate their documents and mobile phones and not allow them to leave the homes of their new "families." Anyone who wanted to return to Vietnam would have to pay the traffickers the same amount of money that the Chinese men had paid for them. Police said that since at least May, Mais ring has sold tens of Vietnamese women to China. But some of them escaped and reported Mai when they made it back to Vietnam. According to government data, in the first half of this year, 229 people were arrested in 88 cases of human trafficking that involved 224 victims, up from 55 cases and 154 victims over the same period last year. The trafficking of women to China as brides is not rare given the high demand there. According to a New York Times story in July, due to the Chinese government's one-child policy, which it ended in 2016, and a traditional cultural preference for boys, China has around 35 million more men than women, which has fueled a competition for brides. Weather Latest Update Severe Cold Grips Northern Region, Affecting Normal Life and Railway Operations Weather Latest Update: Dense fog has descended upon several states in North India, including Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, disrupting normal life and causing delays in train services. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports heavy fog in Delhi, NCR, and various other cities, impacting visibility and leading to delays in train schedules. Rail Traffic Hit Advertisement The Northern Railway has reported disruptions in train services, with 14 trains being affected due to the dense fog in the national capital. Trains arriving late in Delhi include well-known services like Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Howrah-New Delhi Purva Express, and Allahabad-New Delhi Prayagraj, among others. The Chief Public Relations Officer stated that the delays are attributed to low visibility caused by the dense fog. Weather Impact According to IMD data, the minimum temperature across most parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh ranged between 6-10 degrees. Similar conditions were observed in Rajasthan, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of North India. The chilly weather and reduced visibility due to fog have not only disrupted rail services but also affected general life and traffic in the region. Advertisement To get all the latest updates, join us on Whatsapp Broadcast Channel. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5YsojLY6d7m75hgV1y As the dense fog persists, travelers are advised to stay updated on the status of their train journeys and exercise caution during this period of inclement weather. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and railway officials are working to minimize the impact on services. Commuters are urged to plan their travel accordingly, considering potential delays caused by the prevailing weather conditions. Advertisement (For More News Apart from Weather Latest Update News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Punjab Weather Update Punjab Braces for Prolonged Period of Thick Fog; Meteorological Department Issues Red Alert Punjab Weather Update: In a significant weather development, Punjab is currently grappling with dense fog, leading to zero visibility in several districts. The blanket of fog, persistent from 5.30 am to 8 am, has engulfed regions including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Moga, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Gurdaspur, Mohali, and Barnala, causing disruptions in road traffic. Humidity levels have soared to 100 percent due to the dense fog, intensifying the challenges faced by commuters. Despite vehicle headlights being switched on, the thick fog renders visibility practically nonexistent. The adverse weather conditions have not only impacted morning travel but have lingered throughout the day in many districts, with visibility ranging from 50 to 100 meters until noon. Advertisement Reportedly, The sun's rays proved ineffective in penetrating the dense fog, resulting in a sunless day in numerous districts. Day temperatures recorded three to five degrees Celsius lower than usual, contributing to a bitterly cold atmosphere. Night temperatures, however, were higher than normal in several districts, attributed to the influence of the Western Disturbance. To get all the latest updates, join us on Whatsapp Broadcast Channel. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Punjab, signaling an anticipated continuation of very dense fog in the coming days. Jalandhar emerged as the coldest district during the day, prompting authorities to caution pedestrians about potential challenges. Despite the forecast of prolonged fog, minimal changes are expected in the state's minimum temperature over the next three to four days. Advertisement (For More News Apart from Punjab Weather Update News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman) CM Bhagwant Mann at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib News CM Bhagwant Mann, Accompanied by Wife, Reveres Martyrs in a Solemn Visit to the Historic Gurdwara CM Bhagwant Mann Latest News: In a poignant tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Chaar Sahibzade of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with his wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur, undertook a solemn visit to Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. The Revered pilgrimage began with the CM's arrival at the sacred grounds of Fatehgarh Sahib, the symbolic land of martyrs. Advertisement Inside the hallowed walls of Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by his family, paid heartfelt obeisance. The dignified visit included prayers and homage to the memory of Chote Sahibzade and Mata Gujri ji, emphasizing the profound respect for the sacrifices made by them. To get all the latest updates, join us on Whatsapp Broadcast Channel. Advertisement The visit to Fatehgarh Sahib holds immense significance as it aligns with the Chief Minister's commitment to preserving and honoring the rich Sikh heritage. The pilgrimage, steeped in tradition, showcased CM Bhagwant Maan's dedication to the values of bravery and righteousness epitomized by the martyrs. Advertisement (For More News Apart from CM Bhagwant Mann Latest News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman) WH Ireland Group plc (WHI.L) posted a loss before tax of 3.9 million pounds for six months ended 30 Sep 2023 compared to a loss of 384 thousand pounds, prior year. Loss per share was 4.36 pence compared to a loss of 0.59 pence. Underlying loss before tax was 1.8 million pounds compared to a loss of 0.9 million pounds. First half revenue declined to 10.7 million pounds from 14.3 million pounds, previous year. Group revenue fell by 25.0% driven both by the fall in indices and lack of transactional activity in light of wider uncertainty in the market, impacting revenue generated by both divisions. No interim dividend has been paid or proposed. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Norway's retail sales increased for the third straight month in November, preliminary data from Statistics Norway showed on Wednesday. The volume of retail sales rose a seasonally adjusted 0.4 percent month-on-month in November, the same pace of increase as in the previous month. Retail sales of other household equipment grew 3.8 percent compared to last month, and those of information and communication equipment climbed by 3.1 percent. On the other hand, sales of automotive fuel showed a decline of 3.0 percent. On a yearly basis, retail sales declined at a faster pace of 1.5 percent in November, following a 1.0 percent fall a month ago. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News As the U.S. State Department has repeatedly declared, journalism is not a crime. But the increasing number of journalists arrested in recent weeks in Azerbaijan show that Azerbaijani authorities do not agree. Starting in November with the arrest of the leadership of Abzas Media, an independent anti-corruption media outlet, Azerbaijani authorities have escalated their repression of voices critical of the government. First to be detained in November was director of Abzas Media Ulvi Hasanli. Shortly after, its chief editor Sevinj Vagifgizi, deputy director Mahammad Kekalov, and journalist Nargiz Absalamova were also arrested. They have been accused of what international human rights organizations say are spurious, politically-motivated crimes because of Abzas Medias investigative reporting on high-level government corruption. All are being held in prolonged pre-trial detention. Also recently arrested are Aziz Orujov, founder of the independent online TV channel Kanal 13 and the channels anchor Rufat Muradli. It is not only journalists who are the victims of the governments repression. Gubad Ibadoghlu, an economist and chair of the opposition Azerbaijan Democracy and Welfare Party, was arrested in July, and prominent opposition leader and government critic, Tofig Yagublu, was detained in mid-December. At a press briefing, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller called the recent trend of detaining journalists, civil society activists, and opposition figures in Azerbaijan deeply troubling. Over a dozen such figures have been detained in just the last month. Its unacceptable, declared Spokesperson Miller. We will continue to urge the Azerbaijani Government to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, including those exercising freedom of expression, as well as call for the expeditious release of all those who have been unjustly detained. Hundreds of civilians were killed in the ongoing intense bombing of central Gaza by the Israeli forces, reports said. Gaza's Hamas-run ministry put the death toll at 241. The UN human rights office said Israeli attacks have killed more than 100 Palestinians since December 24. Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi was quoted as saying that his forces hit more than 100 sites in Gaza on Tuesday. OHCHR expressed deep concern at the ongoing "intense" bombing of central Gaza involving more than 50 strikes by the Israeli Defense Forces. It added that this was particularly concerning given that Israeli forces had "ordered residents from the south of Wadi Gaza to move to Middle Gaza and Tal al-Sultan in Rafah". OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango said three refugee camps were hit in airstrikes, naming Al Bureij, Al-Nuseirat and Al-Maghazi. "Two strikes hit seven residential buildings in Al-Maghazi camp, killing an estimated 86 Palestinians and injuring many more," he said in a statement. "An unknown number of people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble." World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Medical Teams coordinator Sean Casey said that 100-plus patients had been brought into central Gaza's Al-Aqsa Hospital on Monday in the space of 30 minutes, following reported blasts, including near Al-Maghazi refugee camp. All of them needed urgent treatment for serious wounds, the WHO official told UN News, while about 100 more lifeless bodies were brought into the hospital at around the same time. Sean Casey warned that with ever decreasing space in the Gaza Strip to treat those needing urgent lifesaving care, many more will die. In a social media post on X, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the "carnage" caused by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Meanwhile, a UN humanitarian team carried out an emergency fact-finding mission to Al-Aqsa Hospital in response to reports of mass casualties in Israeli airstrikes targeting three refugee camps. More than 20000 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids in Gaza in retaliation for Hamas' October 7 terror attacks on communities in southern Israel, in which some 1,200 people were slaughtered and another 240 taken hostage. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News ELKO Bob Colbert has directed the Elko Community Orchestra for over 21 years. The orchestra is held together by a shared passion for music, the sort of bond that spans generations and keeps a communitys dream alive for 60 years and counting. We have a range of players that go from eighth grade to players that have been in since 1963, Colbert said. The orchestra rehearses Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Elko High School band room. We just got done with our fall/Christmas concert. That was on Nov. 28, Colbert said. The November concert featured classics like Joseph Haydns Surprise Symphony alongside unconventional Christmas pieces such as African Holy Night and Santa the Barbarian. Right now, we are not rehearsing because of the holidays, Colbert said. We will start back up with rehearsals on Jan. 25. And we will do another performance in May. We do two performances a year, he said, one in the fall and one in the spring. Colbert provided a preview of upcoming events. For the spring performance, our focus is actually going to be Americana and folk music. We are also going to include a couple patriotic selections at the end of the concert. So we are going to do Armed Forces Salute, Stars and Stripes Forever, and a version of America the Beautiful. Colbert said retired Elko High School band director Walt Lovell is a valuable source of help with pulling off these compositions. For the past, about five years, he has helped direct and he also does some arranging for the orchestra. According to Colbert, the orchestra features a variety of instruments and takes on an extensive range of classical pieces. Their last concert featured a trumpet trio, he said. We did Buglers Holiday, which is one of the premier trumpet trio pieces, and we did a selection that was called Triad and is also a well-known trumpet feature selection. A few years ago, oboe soloist Theodore Kern played with the orchestra. The orchestra also attempted Johann Sebastian Bachs double violin concerto about four years ago, played by violinists Annessa Ashcroft and Jesse Perez. About a decade ago, the orchestra featured high school senior Kevin Glover, who performed Edvard Griegs piano concerto. That was the first time that I had ever picked a soloist for the community orchestra, Colbert said. The main challenge of running a community orchestra is recruiting members, Colbert said. Our membership is entirely dependent upon who can show up and who is available to show up when we do rehearsals. And then the second part of it is selecting music that fits the group. We do not always go with a theme. This spring we are focusing on Americana. Last year we focused on the movement westward across America, but we do not always do that. Sometimes I randomly pick music, but I need to make sure that the music fits the groups capabilities. We might have a musician who is out for some reason. And it would be difficult to pick a piece of music that we rely on that person to perform, he said, noting oboe soloist Kern moved to Arizona. I have to watch the music that I picked, so I do not pick something that relies on an oboist since we are currently without an oboe player. In addition, Colbert said he wants to be careful not to choose musical pieces that exceed the groups playing level. It is very difficult to judge what music to pick, because I do not want to have the eighth graders totally lost with the music but yet I want to have something that the older adults enjoy as well. So, what I aim for when I am selecting music is I consider it about an intermediate group, which would be about 10th grade and high school. Colbert explained how he coordinates rehearsals and performances. Elko High School band director Jared Hearld has been generous enough to allow us to practice in his room, Colbert said. The high school band room at the Elko High School has been very accommodating to allow us to perform at the Performing Arts Center at the high school. That is a fantastic facility. And it works really well for our group. The Elko Community Orchestra has been a longstanding part of Elkos arts scene, Colbert said. It started in 1963 as the pit orchestra for the local musical production of Guys and Dolls. That was the very first performance. And I guess they had so much fun with the performance that they decided that they would make it a weekly event and they would get together and play and put on concerts a couple of times a year. It was spearheaded by a woman named Laurena Moren. The Elko Convention Center theater is actually named after her, Colbert said. She was a very positive musical force in the music scene back in the 60s and 70s. He said one musician dates to the original group in 1963, flautist Karen Wilson. Colbert said he first stepped into his director role when veteran Elko Community Orchestra member Ann Nisbet asked him to give directing a try. I think she is only a few years shy of being an original member, Colbert said of Nisbet. And she is still performing with us. The director that was prior to me, his name was Troy Newville. And he had retired and he was moving out of the area. So they needed a director, Colbert said. And they approached me and at first I said, Well, I am not really an orchestra person. I am more of a band director. But I changed my mind and decided to give it a go and I have been directing ever since. And actually, it is a lot of fun to get together once a week and make music and be with all the local musicians. Colbert said has had other musical roles in Elko. I was the assistant band director at Elko Junior High School in 1997. And then I went on to be the head band director at the Elko Junior High School in 2001. And now I teach band and choir and elementary music at Carlin Combined School. Colbert said his favorite part of directing the Elko Community Orchestra is seeing the progression from the beginning, the very first read-through of the music, to the final accomplishment at the end of the semester. Colbert said mastering material in time for the concert can be a challenge, since not all of a community orchestras members may show up every week. However, our last concert was just fantastic. It came together. And it was just a really, really great concert. It is just amazing to see the change or hear the change, I guess I should say and how much improvement is made with only practicing once a week, he said. Mining reform bills are often on the table in Congress, and with all the talk of the need for more domestic mining to produce minerals needed for the clean energy transition, many people are saying there is an increased urgency for mining reform. Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act In May, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced House and Senate versions of the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act of 2023. Grijalva has introduced several mining reform bills through the years, and the 2023 version is a 20,500-word document which, according to a news release on Heinrichs bill, updates requirements and standards for hardrock mining operations to be more similar to those that apply to oil, gas, and coal development on public lands. The new requirements in the bills include a leasing system and royalty payments. Heinrichs bill includes a royalty of 5% to 8% for new mines, based on gross income, while Grijalvas bill includes a 12% royalty on new mining operations and an 8% royalty on existing operations. The bills say some of the royalty revenue would go to abandoned hardrock mine reclamation. Interagency Working Group on Mining Laws In February 2022, the Biden administration announced the formation of a Department of the Interior-led Interagency Working Group on Mining Laws, Regulations, and Permitting, and the group released its final report on Sept. 12. The report provides more than 60 recommendations to Congress and federal agencies, a DOI news release said, including for increasing public and Tribal engagement, making permitting processes more consistent and predictable for industry, and protecting impacted communities and workers, as well as the environmentally and culturally sensitive lands they cherish. The report was informed by input received at dozens of meetings including with industry, states, stakeholders, and the public multiple government-to-government consultations with Tribes, and a review of over 26,000 comments from the mining industry, state officials, equipment manufacturers, academics, legal experts, environmental justice experts, the public and more, the news release said. The working groups report recommends a 4% to 8% royalty on the net proceeds of minerals from mining operations on federal public lands. Jake Ward-Herzik, a Reno associate with the Parsons Behle & Latimer law firm, said in his response to the IWG report that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law required DOI to submit a report identifying legislative and regulatory recommendations to increase the timeliness of permitting activities for exploration and development of domestic critical minerals. Few of the recommendations in the Final Report, however, address this objective and, in fact, most will further complicate the permitting process and make domestic mining more expensive. Rich Nolan, president and chief executive of the National Mining Association, said in a statement most of the recommendations made by the IWG reveal a fundamental lack of understanding of our industry and the laws that govern it, and will throw insurmountable obstacles in the way of responsible domestic projects and would-be investment. In June, S&P Global published the results of a study of how long it takes for a mine to move from discovery to production. The study looked at 127 precious and base metals mines that began production within the past 22 years, and found it took from six to 32 years for the mines to begin production. The average lead time was 15.7 years, which included 11.9 years of exploration and studies. A 2021 information sheet from the National Mining Association said it takes an average of 7 to 10 years for a mine project to secure the permits required to begin operations. A typical mining project loses more than one-third of its value as a result of bureaucratic delays in receiving the numerous permits needed to begin production, the National Mining Association said, based on information from an SNL Metals and Mining report. Mining Regulatory Clarity Act In April, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) introduced the Senate and House versions of the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2023, which addresses the potential roadblocks to mining operations which could be created by the 2022 Rosemont decision. In 2019, a federal judge in Tucson, Arizona, ruled the Forest Service was incorrect in assuming Hudbay Minerals Rosemont Copper Co. had valid claims to the mineral rights in a proposed dumping area. In May 2022, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, upheld the 2019 ruling. The Service thus gave to Rosemont, essentially free of charge, the right to permanently occupy 2,447 acres of National Forest land with 1.9 billion tons of its waste rock based on an improper assumption, Circuit Judge William Fletcher wrote. The Rosemont decision means mines cannot dump mine waste on public land unless they can prove they have valid mining claims on that land which essentially means they can only bury land under mine waste if the land contains valuable minerals. Mining industry lawyers James Allen and Michael Ford of the Phoenix-based law firm Snell and Wilmer wrote in an online article that the Rosemont decision is likely the most significant federal court decision on federal mining law in several decades. They said the decision will likely be received with shock throughout the hardrock mining industry. Sen. Cortez Mastos Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2023 is a short bill of just 479 words. It would change some of the wording in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, so the 1993 act would say, A claimant shall have the right to use, occupy, and conduct operations on public land, with or without the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit, if the claimant meets several requirements, such as paying fees and complying with the required assessment work. Hearings, environmentalist responses On Dec. 12, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committees Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining heard testimony on both Cortez Mastos Mining Regulatory Clarity Act and Heinrichs Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act. This gave environmental groups the opportunity to highlight their calls for mining regulation reform. A news release from Earth Justice said 115 conservation, environmental and justice groups sent a letter to senators urging them to support the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act, and 90 organizations sent a letter to senators urging them to oppose the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act. A news release from the Center for Western Priorities said the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act is a long overdue update of the nations mining laws which would bring hardrock mining into the 21st century, and the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act would be worse than the Civil War-era status quo in its giveaway of the nations public lands for mining companies to use as free trash dumps. A news release from Cortez Mastos office on the Dec. 12 hearing said, Expert witnesses confirmed the Rosemont decision is slowing down critical mineral mining projects across the U.S., threatening good-paying mining jobs, and making it more difficult to meet the nations climate goals. Cortez Masto said the Rosemont decision makes no economic sense if [mines] are forced to store waste rock or build administrative offices on mineral-rich land, they cant access the resource. During the hearing, Cortez Masto said the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act does not give mining companies unrestricted access to federal land, prohibit the construction of renewable energy projects on public lands, or undermine Tribal rights. The key to our clean energy transition is to invest in the production of clean energy technologies that reduce our carbon emissions, but we cannot create those technologies without critical minerals and that begins with mining, Cortez Masto said. As we take the necessary steps to address climate change we must produce minerals in the United States and not solely rely on foreign sources, some of whom threaten our national security and dont uphold the same environmental and labor standards. All of this means we must address the complications created by the Rosemont decision. Environmental groups have expressed strong support for the Rosemont decisions requirement that mining companies can only put their mine waste over land which contains valuable minerals. The letter to senators from 90 organizations prior to the Dec. 12 hearing said the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act is a highly problematic, unprecedented giveaway of Americas cherished public lands to mining corporations, upending and reversing over a hundred years of public land law precedent. Despite what proponents contend, this legislation does NOT return the mining law to the status quo. This bill would tip the scales away from communities, the environment, and our clean energy future giving the mining industry the power to dictate how we use our public lands. In their statements in support of the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act and the need for mining regulation reform, members of Congress and environmental groups expressed an idea that is often conveyed to the public that mines are operating under the Mining Law of 1872, so mining companies have almost no regulations to deal with. For more than a century and a half, the mining industry has operated under an outdated, free-for-all claims system that gives them carte blanche to pollute and destroy, while American taxpayers get stuck with the cleanup bill, a May press release from the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Democrats said. This antiquated law has become a driving force behind centuries of legacy mining pollution that is leaking toxic heavy metals and acid mine drainage into streams and rivers all across the West, Heinrich said in a news release. Our nations current mining laws have remained virtually unchanged since first being established in 1872. It offers little to no environmental protection to our public lands and adjacent national park units, vulnerable water resources and nearby communities, said a press release from the National Parks Conservation Association. The law that governs mining operations on federal lands has remained virtually unchanged since it was passed in 1872, a September news release from the Center for Biological Diversity said. This law has no environmental or community protections, does not require consultation with or consent from affected communities, and overwhelmingly privileges multinational mining corporations over frontline communities. The Dec. 12 news release from the Center for Western Priorities said its Winning the West Poll conducted in July surveyed voters in Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada on their concerns around mining on public lands. When asked how important it is to update the General Mining Law of 1872, 84% of respondents said its important, with 36% indicating its very important. The center said the poll showed 63% of voters understand that the reason the U.S. hasnt updated the General Mining Law of 1872 is that the mining industry has spent millions of dollars lobbying decision-makers and donating to political campaigns. National Mining Association response In a collection of differing viewpoints on U.S. mining published in the May/June 2023 issue of the Environmental Forum, Katie Sweeney, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the National Mining Association, countered these types of statements about the Mining Law of 1872 and the need for regulatory reform. Theres a stubborn belief by some in the administration and anti-mining voices in Congress that a sweeping overhaul of the General Mining Law must be a precondition to expansion of domestic mining, Sweeney wrote. This view a Trojan Horse of mining opponents who dont want new U.S. mining claims the law is outdated and lacks needed environmental and community engagement protections. This criticism of the Mining Law stems from a misperception about the legislations intent and the complementary legal framework. The law is not nor was it intended to be an environmental statute. Importantly, it is complemented by exhaustive federal and state environmental, ecological, reclamation, and financial-assurance regulations. Given the applicability of over three dozen major environmental laws including the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic Preservation Act duplicating these existing standards in a misguided overhaul of the Mining Law would provide no additional environmental benefit. Rather, there is a pressing need for recognition that the last five decades have ushered in a sea change in environmental awareness in all industrial activities, including mining, that account for federal and state laws and regulations, environmental management systems, design standards, engineering controls, environmental monitoring requirements, best management practices, improved technology, training, and financial assurance, Sweeney wrote. ELKO Traffic flow, police staffing, housing development and air travel are some of the areas the city of Elko hopes to tackle in the coming year. In addition, two city council seats will be decided by voters. Several concerns and loose ends could be resolved in 2024, according to Mayor Reece Keener. One of those is the acquisition of Union Pacific Railroad property. The land package includes right of ways that, if purchased, would allow for the extension of Silver Street and Manzanita Drive to improve traffic flow and pressure on Idaho Street, Keener said. Currently, the railroad owns over 60 acres that Keener said would be ideal for purchasing and then selling to private parties to eliminate blight and put these properties on the tax rolls. Were exploring funding options to see if this is feasible, he said. The city is also looking at bringing the Elko Police Department up to full staffing. Retirements and resignations have meant ongoing vacancies in the department, Keener said. The patrol positions have been challenging to fill. The difficulty in law enforcement recruiting is a nationwide challenge, he said. Housing developments are also a priority for the city in light of newly permitted Nevada Gold Mine projects. Keener said the city will continue to collaborate with builders and developers to streamline development. We will be seeing a big demand for new housing units, Keener said. Were also hoping for two new apartment complexes to begin construction that have been in the planning and design stages for the past couple of years. Regarding air travel, Keener was appointed by Gov. Joe Lombardo to serve on the newly created Air Service Development Commission tasked with improving interstate air service within Nevada. Keener said his appointment could help draw additional flight service to Elko, which has seen ups and downs the past three years following the pandemic and the recently celebrated return of overnight flights by SkyWest and larger CRJ900 76-seat aircraft offering first-class and business-class service. Im excited to serve and I am hopeful that the commission will receive seed funding to facilitate new flight options for Elko residents, Keener said. Carryovers from 2023 into the New Year include the RDAs sidewalk-renovation project between Fourth and Fifth streets on Commercial Street and water and sewer developments at Exit 298 and the Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospitals second-source project. Two seats on the city council will be up for election. Councilwoman Mandy Simons is termed out by completing her third term in office and Councilman Clair Morris concludes his first term in office in 2024. Looking back on 2023 Recreation and events center The city took on several issues that will impact the upcoming year. Among them is the location of the new recreation and events center, a project led by the Boys & Girls Club of Elko, which endured a public debate when it was proposed to take over the Kump and Herrera ballfields. After an encumbrance was discovered on the Hererra softball fields, the club CEO Rusty Bahr pivoted and received a conveyance from the city to construct the new aquatics center at the Municipal Pool. According to the Boys & Girls Club, the groundbreaking for the recreation and aquatics center is set for March. The club also is studying several other locations for the proposed events center, but nothing has been finalized, Keener said. Elko Inn nuisance The city declared a nuisance on the Elko Inn and Studio at the corner of Idaho and Ninth streets on Aug. 29. The action, unanimously approved by the city council, followed complaints by residents, business owners and police who reported an increase in crime and disturbances in the area. Owner Keith Warburton was required to install security camera, chain-link fencing and hire a security company to ensure evicted squatters did not return. More than three months later, the city is still working with Warburton to abate the nuisance that City Manager Jan Baum said appears to be improved but still not resolved. One improvement is the reduction in calls for law enforcement and neighbor complaints, she said. Warburton, who stated his goal was to turn the property into low-income housing, is still in discussions with the building department about building permits, Baum said. Scientists have identified a new genus and species of true toad from a single specimen found in the high forests of Mount Kenya, an extinct volcano in Kenya and the second-highest peak in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. Contrary to the prevailing belief that most of Kenyas amphibian species originated after volcanic activity subsided millions of years ago, the new species named the Kenyan volcano toad (Kenyaphrynoides vulcani) may date back as far as 20 million years, making it significantly older than the volcanic formation of Mount Kenya itself. Many of Kenyas mountains are volcanic or geologically comparatively new, so to find an ancient lineage that has persisted for millions of years is mind-blowing, said Dr. Simon Loader, principal curator of vertebrates at the Natural History Museum, London. Its a real conundrum to figure out how it got here. While were not certain, it seems like it might once have had a wider distribution and as the climate changed over the past 10s of millions of years, it tracked the tropical forest as it moved, with the toads final destination being the top of Mount Kenya. The discovery of the Kenyan volcano toad challenges the notion of the Kenyan Interval, a term used to describe the stark contrast in amphibian diversity between Kenya and its neighboring countries. While Ethiopia and Tanzania have long been biodiversity hotspots for amphibians, Kenyas geological history, and the frequency of tectonic activity, has made it a challenging place for these creatures to thrive. The unique characteristics of Kenyaphrynoides vulcani suggest that the Kenyan Interval may not be as straightforward as previously believed. When the toad was first discovered in a pitfall on Mount Kenya back in 2015, it already appeared to be very different from the species that are normally found in the region. We were really surprised to see this animal it didnt look like anything we had seen before but resembled something we knew from Tanzania called Churamiti maridadi, a forest tree toad from the rainforests of the Ukaguru mountains, said Dr. Patrick Malonza and Dr. Victor Wasonga, curators at the National Museums of Kenya. Kenyaphrynoides vulcanis distinct features include a smaller size, a more frog-like body, and distinctive green and brown markings. Its genetic and morphological differences from other known toad species have led to its recognition at the genus level. Clues from its physical characteristics, such as enlarged fingertips suggest it may be a climber. Its thumbs also have sharp points known as nuptial spines which are found in many male frogs and toads, as they help the male grab onto a female and stimulate them into breeding. These forest toads found in mountains in East Africa are unusual and dont look like a typical toad, said Dr. Hendrik Muller, a researcher at the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg. More interestingly, several are known have an unusual breeding strategy called ovo-vivipary. In ovo-viviparity the eggs hatch inside the female. This means that the young emerge from the mother as small toads, rather than as tadpoles. The discovery is reported in a paper in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. _____ H. Christoph Liedtke et al. A new genus and species of toad from Mount Kenya illuminates East African montane biogeography. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, published online November 7, 2023; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad160 RENO Twenty-year-old Fakhar Sultani lived in Afghanistan until he and his family moved to Reno in 2017. Six years later Sultani who goes by Omar because Fakhar is kind of hard to pronounce has finished high school by age 16, completed his associate degree in automotive studies at Truckee Meadows Community College and is working on another degree in cyber security while also working at Tesla. I had not so much opportunities back in Afghanistan, he said in a late November interview with The Nevada Independent. There was no school, which was like we want to have a bright future. As Sultani is sharing his story, cheers erupt from the gathering room adjacent to the hallway where the interview is taking place. When he returns to the team-building activity that involves constructing the tallest structure using only tape, marshmallows and dry pasta, his group informs him that his architectural creation has won. He smiles and rejoins the table. Sultani is one of more than 20 participants in the Northern Nevada International Centers refugee mentorship program who showed up at that nights event. Joining him are other refugees as well as mentors and program organizers. Aaron Laden, who is the refugee youth coordinator with the international center, created the program to emulate the church youth groups he attended when he was a teenager. Laden grew up in Reno, but spent some time in Asia after he finished school before returning, later joining the international centers staff. The other inspiration for this was something that I took part in often when I lived in China, which was something we call English corners or English cafes, Laden said. English cafes are common in places where many people are learning English but it is not their first language. Laden said they offer chances for people to practice their language skills without the pressure of a classroom. The refugee youth gatherings are also a way for people with similar experiences to connect with one another and build relationships in a safe space, Laden said. For new arrivals, it gives them an opportunity to meet people from where they came from, he said. So even if theyre not confident in their English skills, they can at least talk to other people who know their language. The mentorship program is one of many the Northern Nevada International Center has developed to help welcome people arriving in Reno from countries such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria and El Salvador. Since 2016, the organization has resettled more than 500 people. Many of the refugees who have settled in Reno decide to stay in the city, building businesses and communities. The refugee youth mentorship program has also been a way for not only refugee youth to connect, but for the broader Reno community to get to know neighbors with international roots. Mentors for the program range from people who are immigrants themselves to American-born empty nesters looking for a way to stay involved. Ericka Mora Campos, who came to the United States from Costa Rica to pursue a graduate degree in civil engineering at UNR, is one of the volunteer mentors. Mora Campos brought her dog, Milo, to the gathering in hopes that he could act as an emotional support animal for the younger kids as they worked to become more comfortable talking to other youth in the group. Mora Campos said she hopes her own experiences coming from another country can help others transition to life in the United States. The difference is that I chose it, Mora Campos said. I would like to share all those experiences and my mistakes and my lessons to people that may actually get a lot out of them. She said she is also looking forward to all she can learn from the mentees. Its such an amazing experience to share this with different people, Mora Campos said. The number one piece of advice Mora Campos said she would give someone moving to the United States is to not be afraid to speak up about what you need, even if that person is not familiar with the language. Its OK just to ask because we all are humans, she said. We should all be very understanding with each other. Ma Ming checks prefab houses on his truck at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Ma Ming calls to confirm the delivery place of prefab houses at the exit of an expressway in Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Fang Xin) Ma Ming waits for unloading at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Ma Ming wipes the rearview mirror during a break on his way to a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Fang Xin) Ma Ming prepares to have a quick lunch while waiting for unloading at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Fang Xin) Ma Ming drives to a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Construction workers prepare to transfer a prefab house at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Ma Ming drives to a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Fang Xin) Ma Ming has a quick lunch while waiting for unloading at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Ma Ming checks prefab houses on his truck at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Editor: WJH Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Tuesday morning held a symposium at the Great Hall of the People to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the symposium. Xi stressed the importance of pushing forward the cause pioneered by Comrade Mao Zedong and called for efforts to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization. Mao Zedong Thought is an invaluable spiritual wealth for our Party and will guide our action in the long term, Xi said, underscoring that the best way to commemorate Comrade Mao Zedong is to continue to advance the cause pioneered by him. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng attended the symposium. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the symposium. In his speech, Xi said that the life of Comrade Mao Zedong was one devoted to national prosperity, rejuvenation, and people's happiness. Mao led the people in blazing a trail for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, forging the great, glorious and correct CPC and founding the New China with the people being masters of the country, Xi said. He also led the people in establishing the advanced socialist system and founding a new model of people's army that is invincible, Xi said. Mao made indelible historic contributions to the Chinese nation and the Chinese people, which will go down in history, Xi said. Comrade Mao Zedong devoted his life to the Party and the people, and his noble spirit will be forever remembered by posterity. Noting that the central task of the whole Party and the entire nation on the new journey of the new era is to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, Xi said it is a cause passed down from veteran revolutionaries including Mao Zedong, and is the solemn historical responsibility of today's Chinese Communists. On the new journey, we must never forget our original aspiration and founding mission, and must remain confident in our history and grasp historical initiative, so as to steadily advance the great cause of Chinese modernization, said Xi. Chinese modernization is the cause of all Chinese people, emphasized Xi. He called for efforts to stimulate the historical initiative of the people, and reiterated that the gains of modernization should benefit all the people fairly. He also stressed the importance of breaking new frontiers in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Reform and opening-up is a major reason why China has been able to catch up with the times at such an extraordinary pace, and is a crucial move that determines the fate of Chinese modernization, said Xi. He stressed that to advance Chinese modernization, it is a must to further deepen reform and opening-up across the board, and remove all institutional barriers hindering the advancement of Chinese modernization, so as to continue expanding its development space. Chinese modernization is the socialist modernization led by the CPC, said Xi, stressing that only by making the Party stronger can Chinese modernization realize steady and sustained development. He said that it is necessary to improve the systems for exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance, and ensure the Party will never change its nature, its conviction, or its character. Noting that the advancement of Chinese modernization calls for the efforts of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation in solidarity, Xi underscored the need to uphold and improve the systems for implementing the "one country, two systems" policy and ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. He stressed the need to see that Hong Kong and Macao are administered by patriots, and ensure both the central government's overall jurisdiction and a high degree of autonomy in the special administrative regions. Xi said that realizing China's complete reunification is an inevitable trend, stressing that it is where the greater national interest lies, and it is what the people desire. Highlighting the need to implement the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, and uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, Xi called for efforts to advance integrated development in all fields across the Taiwan Strait, and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. We will resolutely prevent anyone from making Taiwan secede from China by any means, Xi underscored. He stressed that Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, which not only benefits Chinese people, but is also conducive to promoting modernization of other countries. Dedicated to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, we will carry forward the shared values of humanity, and advance the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, Xi said. By doing so, we will bring about an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity, he added. China's development strengthens the world's forces for peace, Xi said, stressing that no matter what stage of development it reaches, China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism. While presiding over the symposium, Cai Qi urged earnest study and full implementation of Xi's speech and called for concerted efforts in advancing the great cause of building China into a stronger country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and relevant leading officials of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Central Military Commission attended the symposium. Before the symposium, leaders including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng came to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, where they made three bows toward Mao's seated statue and paid respects to the remains of Mao. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng attended the symposium. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng attended the symposium. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng attended the symposium. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall before attending a symposium held by the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Editor: WXL Shipping giant Maersk on Wednesday said it would operate several dozen container vessels via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea in the coming days and weeks despite recent attacks on vessels by Yemen's Houthi militant group. Container companies stopped using the Red Sea routes after the attacks, with some suspending services or taking longer routes to port to avoid the troubled area. Maersk's share price fell 5% on the news as a resumption of shorter routes would likely lead to a change in freight rates. Maersk said its decision to resume travel through the Red Sea was based on the deployment of a US-led military operation to protect vessels against Houthi attacks. However, Germany's Hapag-Lloyd said it still considered the route "too dangerous", and would continue to reroute ships via the Cape of Good Hope - adding 3,500 nautical miles to the journey. A spokesperson added that it will review its decision on Friday. France's CMA CGM on Tuesday said it was increasing the number of vessels travelling through the Suez Canal. Rerouting means extra fees for customers and weeks to the time it takes to transport goods from Asia to Europe and to the east coast of North America. Maersk last week said it would add charges of $700 for a standard 20-foot container travelling from China to Northern Europe, consisting of a $200 transit disruption surcharge and a $500 peak season surcharge. Some ships using the Red Sea, with Yemen to its south, have come under attack from drones and rockets by Houthi rebels. In response, more than a dozen countries have joined a US coalition called Prosperity Guardian to try and protect commercial shipping in the area, which is vital for the transport of consumer goods, oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese newspaper unveiled a list of the country's top 10 scientific and tech stories for 2023, to sum up its advances in areas such as frontier science, biotechnology, space probe, and engineering. The establishment of a central science and technology commission topped the list, according to Science and Technology Daily on Tuesday. The commission was set up to beef up the CPC Central Committee's centralized and unified leadership over science and technology-related work. In space probe, China's orbiting Tiangong space station, which functions as a national space laboratory, has been put into operation. The country's FAST telescope found key evidence for the existence of nanohertz gravitational waves, which can help solve puzzles in supermassive black holes, the history of galaxy mergers, and the formation of large-scale structures in the universe. In biotechnology, Chinese scientists identified a key gene in a crop that might, via genetic engineering, substantially improve crop yields in alkaline soil. Also, a team from Shenzhen constructed a high-resolution dynamic map of human prenatal immune system development across 18 gestational stages and 19 tissues, which offered promising avenues for potential therapeutic interventions. In computing science, the quantum researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China generated a genuine entanglement up to 51 superconducting qubits. The team from Tsinghua University reported a fully integrated chip consisting of multiple memristor arrays and all the necessary peripheral circuits to support complete on-chip learning. Among the country's engineering wonders in 2023 are the first commercial flight of its self-developed large passenger aircraft C919, the delivery of China's first domestically-built large cruise ship, the "Adora Magic City," and the commercial operation of the Shidaowan high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) nuclear power plant, the world's first fourth-generation nuclear power plant, according to the yearly selections. Editor: WXL The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has granted approval for a project worth Rs 2,486.78 crore. This project aims to enhance and widen the 135 km road from Khowai to Harina on NH-208 in Tripura, as reported by an official. The project involves a loan component of Rs 1,511.70 crore from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme. The project is envisaged to facilitate better road connectivity between various parts of Tripura and to provide alternative access to Assam and Meghalaya from Tripura apart from existing NH-8. The project stretch closely intersects with the Bangladesh border, and its implementation will enhance connectivity to Bangladesh via Kailashahar, Kamalpur, and Khowai Border Check Post. The improvement in the road network resulting from the project's development is anticipated to foster potential growth in land border trade in the region. The selected stretch will provide improved connectivity to agricultural belt, tourist places, religious places and tribal districts of the state, which are backward in terms of growth and income . After completion of the project, the connectivity will be improved which help to generate more revenue to the State as well as income for local public. The construction phase for the project spans two years, encompassing the maintenance of these National Highways stretches for either 5 years (for flexible pavement) or 10 years (for rigid pavement) following the completion of construction, as mentioned in the statement. India and Russia have strengthened their longstanding partnership with the signing of significant agreements pertaining to the development of upcoming power-generating units at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently on a five-day visit to Russia, disclosed this after a "comprehensive and productive" meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The agreements, covering nuclear power and various sectors such as medicines, pharmaceutical substances, and medical devices, were formalized during their discussions on bilateral economic cooperation. "Today, in my presence and that of Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, we signed some very important agreements pertaining to the future units of the Kudankulam nuclear project," he said addressing the Indian diaspora here. India's largest nuclear power plant, Kudankulam, is under construction in Tamil Nadu with technical support from Russia. The project, initiated in March 2002, has seen the first power unit successfully operating at its designated capacity of 1,000 MW since February 2016. According to Russian media reports, the plant is anticipated to reach its full operational capacity in 2027. During the meeting, Mr. Jaishankar noted the significant progress in trade, finance, connectivity, energy, civil aviation and nuclear domains. "Appreciated the greater focus on exploring new opportunities. Discussed making our cooperation more balanced and sustainable in different dimensions", he said in a post on X. During his address to the Indian community, Mr. Jaishankar characterized Russia as a "special partner" particularly in defense, nuclear power, and space. He further announced that both sides have reached an agreement for their negotiating teams to convene for in-person discussions on the free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Zone by the end of January. "Today, when I met the Deputy Prime Minister we agreed that early next year, our negotiating teams will meet. So I expect by the end of January, hopefully, that the in-person negotiations will start", he said, responding to questions at the community event. "Finalised the programme of cooperation on Russian Far East. Expect to hold early meeting of EaEU-India FTA negotiators. Will jointly organise connectivity events across land and maritime corridors", he later posted on X. "If one looks at our economy, influence, and impact on the world today, it is very different from 10 years ago and will be different 10 years later. We went on from the 10th largest economy a decade ago, to be the 5th largest now and will hopefully be the 3rd largest and beyond that, later", Mr. Jaishankar said. The Indian Foreign Minister will meet his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, to discuss bilateral, multilateral, and international issues. "I'm very sure that this relationship will only grow from strength to strength. And I think even in the last few years, I see, frankly, for example, a greater Russian focus on Asia. I think that is partly one reason why our trade has grown so much in the last two years", he added. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In what District Attorney Michael E. McMahon calls the crisis of our lifetimes, drug overdoses claimed the lives of people on Staten Island and throughout New York City at alarming rates in 2023. Authorities say that the opioid fentanyl often in combination with other substances such as cocaine and alcohol is linked to over 80% of the more than 3,000 overdoses each year citywide, and xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, is emerging as corrosive killer. While residents of the Bronx had the highest rate of overdose death in 2022, about 74 people per 100,000 residents, Staten Island had the second highest rate at 38 per 100,000, according to statistics from the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Authorities have identified 145 deaths from suspected accidental-drug poisonings on our borough through Dec. 10, 2023, based on preliminary data from the Overdose Response Initiative. The disturbing statistic means that Staten Island is on pace for 153 fatal overdoses in 2023. According to the city Health Department, 158 people lost their lives to drug overdoses on our Island in 2022. So far this year, the Overdose Response Initiative has identified 133 instances where people were rescued after overdosing. However, the actual number of saves is likely much higher because not all recoveries are reported to law enforcement or health professionals. This data should stop every Staten Islander in their tracks, McMahon said in a statement to the Advance/SILive.com. By the end of the year, another 150 Staten Islanders will have tragically died of a drug overdose, and yet if they had passed of any other cause, a state of emergency would have been declared and the whole of government would be singularly focused on solving the problem. McMahon said that while many have grown numb to the overdose epidemic, he and Borough President Vito Fossella founded the Staten Island Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force, which is scheduled to release recommendations for policy makers in January in the hopes of reversing these deadly trends. We will not rest in our unrelenting efforts to save lives by disrupting drug rings and jailing those who profit from the pain of our neighbors, by diverting those struggling with addiction into treatment, and by warning our youth and the general public about the immense danger posed by the omnipresence of fentanyl in nearly all drugs available on the street, McMahon said. This is the crisis of our lifetimes, and we need those in power to meaningfully invest in law enforcements efforts to stop the supply from entering the country and making its way to our streets, in the people on the frontlines doing lifesaving treatment, and in prevention campaigns bigger than those waged against big tobacco. The lives of our neighbors and kids depend on it. The overdose rates are the highest in New York City since official reporting began in 2000 when about 10 people per 100,000 residents perished from accidental drug overdoses compared to about 43 in 100,000 residents last year based on the provisional statistics provide from city Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and Department of Health. Courtesy of the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene HIGH RATES OF OVERDOSES ON STATEN ISLAND MIRRORED CITYWIDE Citywide in 2022, 3,026 people died of drug overdoses, the highest number since official reporting began in 2000 and a 12% leap from 2021 when substances fatally poisoned 2,696 people, according to the city Health Department. Overdose rates have quadruped over the past two decades, since 10 people per 100,000 residents perished from accidental drug overdoses in 2000 compared to 43 people in 2022. The citywide rate of overdose deaths per 100,000 was exceeded by two neighborhoods on our borough. Port Richmond ranked sixth at a rate of 58 behind neighborhoods in the Bronx and East Harlem, while Stapleton came in 13th, with a rate of about 46 in a list of 15 communities, according to the city Health Department. Fentanyl played a role in about 81% of fatal overdoses and all opioids claimed 85% of those lives citywide in 2022, according to the city Health Department. City Health Department statistics show that cocaine and fentanyl are a deadly combination in about one out of every two of these deaths. Alcohol often is a hidden killer as part of a toxic cocktail of drugs. Last year, substances that frequently were detected in opioid-overdose deaths included cocaine at 55%, alcohol at 44%, xylazine at 22% and benzodiazepines at 15%. Ukraine based on results of eurobond restructuring in 2024 may return to external borrowing market in 2025-2026 minister of finance The tasks of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine in the upcoming negotiations in 2024 on the next restructuring of commercial debt are to avoid default and create opportunities to return to the market starting in 2025-2026, Minister Serhiy Marchenko said on "Business Breakfeast with Volodymyr Fedorin" YouTube channel on Wednesday. "Our key task is: a) not to get into default; b) to be able to borrow on the capital market, we will need such a need, I think, starting from 2025-2026; c) to fulfill obligations under the program with the International Monetary Fund, following our indicators in relation to debt to GDP, other indicators that are envisaged for the medium term," the minister said. Marchenko recalled that the deferment on payments on Ukrainian eurobonds expires on September 1, 2024. "We have time, we are preparing appropriate decisions," the minister said, adding that there is still no complete picture, but there are several action plans. The minister of finance said that in the domestic borrowing market there is no risk of restructuring or the state refusing to fulfill its obligations, but the task, on the contrary, is to expand the circle of bond owners and investors. "Government domestic loan bonds are one of the main sources that finance the Armed Forces. Therefore, there will be no steps that will undermine faith in our ability to service domestic debt obligations," Marchenko said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A few months before developers started demolition at Eltingville Lutheran Church, prepping the property for the construction of 20 new two-family homes, Benjamin Mick started worrying about the bell. Housed in a tower high above the century-old building, rung each week before Sunday services, the small but powerful piece of bronze was meaningful to him and anyone else who had ever attended the small, picturesque house of worship. I felt like it was going to end up somewhere in a scrap yard, said Ben, a 14-year-old freshman at Monsignor Farrell High School whose family attended Eltingville Lutheran for years. My mom thought we could do something to save it, so we talked to our pastor and asked the developer if we could remove it. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Its been decades in the making, but a vital resiliency project meant to protect Staten Islands East Shore from coastal flooding is finally underway. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has advertised the first contract for the undertaking officially known as the South Shore of Staten Island Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, but commonly referred to as the East Shore Seawall, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) announced Friday. The first contract, which is expected to be filled in 2024, will be for an interior drainage portion of the $2.3 billion project that will run 5.3 miles along the coast from Fort Wadsworth to Oakwood Beach. An exact completion date for the entire project isnt available, but some Corps-estimated start dates for other portions of the work arent until 2030. Despite that, Schumer and Malliotakis both applauded the milestone as theyve both been working to advance the project since Hurricane Sandy devastated Staten Island in 2012. Im excited to announce, after many hurdles, the vital seawall for the South Shore of Staten Island is moving another step forward with the Army Corps first contract set to be advertised for bidders in a few days, Schumer said. Staten Islands homeowners and businesses need protection against coastal storms, which was made painfully clear after Superstorm Sandy. Ive fought to clear every obstacle so the seawall can be builtfrom saving New York City and state taxpayers up to $260 million by securing 90% federal cost share, to ensuring Army Corps conducts site remediationand I wont stop fighting until the community is fully protected. From left: Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Senato Charles Schumer, Borough President James Molinaro, State Senator Diane Savino walk down Cedargrove Avenue in New Dorp Beach to tour a devastated part of Staten Island following Hurricane Sandy on Thursday November 1, 2012. (Staten Island Advance/Anthony DePrimo)Staten Island Advance While Sandy provided the Seawalls impetus, the project dates back decades with a feasibility study first approved in 1993. Various delays have persisted since Sandy demonstrated the genuine need for the project, including design conflicts among the different levels of government, and disagreements about who would be responsible for hazardous waste remediation in the portion of the project that will run near Great Kills Park. Malliotakis, who served in the State Assembly during Sandy, entered Congress after the 2020 elections, and has been a staunch advocate to move the project forward. She has largely credited Mayor Eric Adams administration and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala for helping get the Seawall on track. The contract solicitation for the East Shore Seawalls Interior Drainagethe first phase of the projectis a critical milestone, Malliotakis said. After years of delay, we successfully cut unnecessary bureaucracy, secured the additional funding and got this project back on track. 2024 will be the year we finally break ground on this much-anticipated infrastructure project and I will continue working with the Army Corps and our partners at the city level to keep everything moving. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The federal government has failed to address the nations immigration system for decades and this year, the problem had a long-lasting impact on the five boroughs. Since spring 2022, more than 150,000 people have made their way to New York City, and tens of thousands in the citys care prompted Mayor Eric Adams administration to set up more than 200 shelters around the five boroughs. A Morris County man charged with murdering his father on Christmas Eve used both an axe and battery-operated saw in the killing, according to police records. Kyle Meyer, 33, was captured in Paterson around 9 p.m. on Sunday, about eight hours after his father, Gregory Meyer, 61, was found dead at their home in Boonton. Kyle Meyer is charged with murder and related weapons offenses. He is in the Morris County jail awaiting a detention hearing. Eligible New York students looking to enter college this upcoming spring can now apply for free college tuition. Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the application process for New Yorks Excelsior Scholarship is now open to new applicants for the Spring 2024 term. The Excelsior Scholarship fills a tuition gap after federal and state financial aid providing the potential for a tuition-free college experience for eligible state residents at City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) colleges. The Excelsior Scholarship is a game changer for students across New York State who might not have the financial means to pursue higher education, Hochul said. This program is making college more affordable and accessible for low- and middle-income families, giving them the opportunity to obtain their college degree. By investing in our future workforce, we are investing in our economy and ensuring a strong and prosperous future for all New Yorkers. The Spring 2024 Excelsior Scholarship application is now open to first-time students entering college this spring and current college students who have never received the Excelsior Scholarship, with the Feb. 2 deadline just over a month away. Students currently receiving an Excelsior Scholarship do not need to complete this application to receive continued award payments. To be eligible for a Spring 2024 Excelsior Scholarship award students must: be a resident of NYS and have resided in NYS for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term; be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; have either graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved Ability to Benefit test, as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department; have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less; be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University; be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward his or her degree program through continuous study with no break in enrollment except for certain reasons that can be documented; if attended college prior to the 2024-25 academic year, have earned at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward his or her degree program prior to applying for an Excelsior Scholarship; be in a non-default status on a student loan made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award; be in compliance with the terms of the service condition(s) imposed by any NYS award that you have previously received; and execute a Contract agreeing to reside in NYS for the length of time the award was received, and, if employed during such time, be employed in NYS. The Excelsior Scholarship is provided by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), New Yorks higher education student financial aid agency. In 2022, roughly 58% of full-time resident undergraduate students attended SUNY and CUNY tuition-free, including 53% at SUNY State-operated campuses and 67% at CUNY colleges. With this programs continued implementation, we are breaking down barriers so more low and middle-income students can benefit from a quality education, opening doors to more job opportunities, enhancing socioeconomic mobility, and fostering a more inclusive society, said HESC President Dr. Guillermo Linares. >> MORE RESOURCES FOR NY COLLEGE KIDS >> STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Critics and supporters of congestion pricing have one more chance to voice their thoughts on the controversial program before implementation this upcoming spring. On Tuesday, the MTA announced the start of the public comment period to solicit feedback on a recently proposed tolling structure for the agencys congestion pricing program, which includes a $15 base toll to drive into Manhattans Central Business District (CBD). The public comment period, which began Wednesday, Dec. 27, will run through Monday, March 11, with residents able to provide comments through the following means. Online : https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/CBDTP Email: cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org Mail: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004 Phone : 646-252-7440 Fax: Send to (212) 504-3148 with Attention to CBDTP Team The agency will also host four hybrid public hearings, which will take place in-person, but also be accessible online, to solicit additional feedback and hear directly from residents. Those looking to speak at the hearings are required to register in advance online or by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777. Registration will open one week before the start of each hearing and will close 30 minutes after the beginning of the hearing, with each speaker allotted two minutes. The hearings will be held in-person at 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004, in the William J. Ronan 20th Floor Board Room, though those unable to attend can also register to participate remotely via Zoom or telephone. The four hybrid public hearings, which can be accessed through the projects website, will be held on the following dates. Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6 p.m. Friday, March 1, at 10 a.m. Monday, March 4, at 10 a.m. Monday, March 4, at 6 p.m. Once the public comment period has concluded, the recommendation will go back to the MTA board for a final vote in the spring. The agency will then test the system to ensure its operating as intended and launch a public awareness campaign to educate drivers on the specific nature of how the program will work prior to implementation, which is expected in late-spring 2024. Borough President Vito Fossella, who has been among the numerous Staten Island elected officials to publicly oppose congestion pricing, issued a statement imploring borough residents to speak out against the program during the public comment period. We would like to invite Staten Islanders, especially those who would be adversely affected by the congestion pricing program, to submit their concerns to the MTAs public comment system, Fossella said. We all know that Staten Island will be disproportionately affected by congestion pricing. We know that our traffic will get worse, our air quality will get worse, and residents who must commute by car will pay an exorbitant added tax to travel within their own city. And, to top it all off, Staten Islanders will see no mitigation measures and little to no benefit in return for this toll, the borough president added. ABOUT THE PROPOSED TOLLING STRUCTURE If approved, the $15 toll, which would be capped at once per day, would be in effect on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. During overnight hours, the toll would be $3.75, a 75% discount on the standard $15 toll. Crossing credits, which were among the most-discussed topics during the panels recommendation process, would be offered to drivers entering the CBD via a directly-connecting tunnel, but would not be offered to those who enter Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge, something New Jersey officials have been tirelessly advocating for. Drivers who enter the CBD through the Queens-Midtown, Hugh L. Carey, Holland and Lincoln tunnels would receive a $5 credit against their congestion pricing toll, bringing their effective toll rate down to $10. As is the case at the citys tolled crossings, trucks would be charged a higher toll than passenger vehicles because they contribute more heavily to congestion and roadway deterioration. Under the panels recommendation, small trucks would be charged $24, while larger trucks would be charged $36. These vehicles would receive $12 and $20 crossing credits, respectively, if they enter the zone via one of the aforementioned tunnels. Buses providing commuter services would be exempt from all congestion pricing tolls, though other buses would be charged $24 or $36, depending on their size. Motorcycles would be charged $7.50, half of the standard $15 toll for passenger vehicles, to reflect the smaller impact those vehicles have on congestion. Taxis and for-hire vehicles would be charged $1.25 and $2.50, respectively, per ride within the CBD, with both expected to pass those costs along to customers. The panels recommendation includes a 50% discount for low-income drivers on the standard toll after their first 10 trips each month. The recommendation would also fully exempt buses providing transit services and specialized government vehicles, like garbage trucks, street sweepers and snow removal trucks. Separate from the panels recommendation, as required by state law, emergency vehicles and those carrying people with disabilities will be exempt from the program, with tax credits in place for residents living within the CBD and earning less than $60,000. Additionally, drivers on the FDR Drive, West Side Highway and the sections of the Battery Park Underpass and Hugh Carey Tunnel that connect the two will not be subject to tolls, unless exiting into the CBD. ABOUT CONGESTION PRICING As part of the $175 billion state budget approved on April 1, 2019, the MTAs Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) has been authorized to establish the Central District Business Tolling Program (CBDTP), which will charge travelers a variable fee for driving into Manhattans Central Business District, defined as any area south of 60th Street. Congestion pricing refers to the use of electronic tolling to charge vehicles for entering certain areas, ideally resulting in reduced traffic congestion and increased revenue for transit projects. Revenue generated from the program will be bonded against and placed in a designated MTA lockbox to fund capital improvements to the citys ailing mass transit system. The program is expected to generate $1 billion annually, which will be used to secure $15 billion in bonds for repairs and improvements to the public transportation system. New York officials had hoped congestion pricing would be in place already, expecting a January 2021 start date when the program was first authorized by the state in 2019. However, various hurdles in receiving approval from the federal government have delayed implementation in recent years, pushing the expected start date to late-spring 2024. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York Citys housing crisis isnt a secret, and on Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams administration launched its latest initiative to address it. Called the Mixed Income Market Initiative, the new program will provide city subsidies to development projects that include homes for a wide range of household incomes in areas without many low-cost housing options. New York City is in the midst of a housing and affordability crisis, so we must explore every creative idea to deliver the relief New Yorkers need, Adams said. As someone who grew up on the edge of homelessness, allowing New Yorkers to feel insecure about their housing situation is simply unacceptable. The Mixed Income Market Initiative is an example of how our administration is refusing to accept the status quo, and, instead, is relentless in our efforts to accelerate housing production, cut red tape, and get New Yorkers into safe, quality, and affordable homes. The city Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) issued a request for expressions of interests in the new program Tuesday that it hopes will engage the areas development community. Projects selected to move forward must be 70% affordable and 30% market rate while including a wide range of housing options, such as homeless-set aside units, supportive housing units and a mix of income-restricted units at rents between 0% to 120% of the area median income, according to HPD. Tuesdays announcement marks the latest initiative from Adams administration that seeks to build 100,000 units of new housing across the five boroughs. Any New Yorker who has struggled to find a home or thinks certain neighborhoods are out of reach will be excited about the Mixed Income Market Initiative, HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrion Jr. said. Today is about building new homes, new opportunities, and new choices for New Yorkers including areas of the city that are typically not affordable for the average New Yorker. This month the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced major changes to the citys approach to snow plowing, with the mayor touting the implementation of new technology that he says makes New York City snow-ready. Just ahead of the start winter of 2023-2024, Mayor Eric Adams and DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch unveiled Bladerunner 2.0, a new technology they say will facilitate efficient snow removal service to all parts of the five boroughs. Replacing a 2015 tracking technology, Bladerunner 2.0 will centralize the deployment and real-time tracking of snowplows, salt spreaders and brining vehicles. And the mayor says the increased efficiency supported by the new technology will allow the city to plow in a more equitable way; with its implementation the city is abolishing the categorization of roadways, which the mayor says had different communities receiving different levels of service. In years past, city streets were designated into one of three categories for plowing purposes: primary, secondary or tertiary. In 2022, these classification were pushed aside in favor of a system that classified streets as either critical or sector. Critical roadways were those such as highways, major thoroughfares, schools, hospitals and emergency services. Now, however, the mayor says that every street in NYC is located on a plow and salt route, and each route will be dispatched when warranted. Bladerunner 2.0 facilitates the approach by more quickly and clearly providing data on what streets need clearing, getting vehicles more rapidly to streets in need of service, officials said. With the mayors new emphasis on equitable service, it wasnt immediately clear how the city would manage in major snowstorms that tax clearing equipment or exactly how Bladerunner 2.0 will prioritize routes in such instances. Instead the mayor emphasized New Yorkers role in the snow-clearing process. [T]he best thing New Yorkers can do to help us get the roads clear when there is a storm is to stay off them use mass transit if you must travel, so our plows, salters, and briners, now powered by Bladerunner 2.0, can do their jobs. Were ready, New York, Adams said. The snowstorms of the future have to be met with the technology of the future. Introducing Bladerunner 2.0: https://t.co/LS4e9tbtTf Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) December 14, 2023 BLADERUNNER 2.0 Bladerunner 2.0, which is housed in the DSNYs snow command center, will be available for use in all 59 DSNY garages. In ensuring efficiency, thousands of DSNY superintendents have been trained in how to properly navigate the system. Theres no business like snow business and theres no city that can come close to New York when it comes to preparing for snow season, Tisch said. As the citys former chief information officer, I know firsthand the transformative impact that smart, innovative, technology can have on government. BladeRunner 2.0 is a state-of-the art system that reflects this administrations commitment to using technology to better serve this city, and Im proud of DSNYs continuous efforts to enhance and streamline snow cleanup operations. Of the notable upgrades, Bladerunner 2.0 features enhanced GPS tracking data, Google map integration, real-time brine progress data, the ability to locate vehicles of interest, enhanced search capabilities, a new cloud-based system, and visual layer data detailing brine coverage locations, snow preposition points and protected bike lane information. In a demonstration, Tisch presented how the softwares real-time tracking enables officials to effectively deploy DSNY vehicles to areas requiring service. Street by street and route by route, we can track plowing and/or spreading progress, Tisch said in highlighting one of Bladerunner 2.0s features. More specifically, we can see how long its been since the last time one of our snow fighting vehicles addressed a given street. In addition to snow removal, the system will be used year-round to track DSNY collection and cleaning operations. With forecasters predicting a snowy winter, were revolutionizing how we track our snow operations and using new technology to keep New Yorkers safe, Adams said. Weve never been more ready for snow season, thanks to our new Bladerunner 2.0 software that will allow us to better track and support our fleet of approximately 5,000 vehicles across all five boroughs. PREPARING FOR THE WINTER TO COME In addition to the introduction of this state-of-the-art technology, the DSNY boasts its greatest headcount in 20 years. Combined with the investment of $500,000,000 into new trucks within the past two years, DSNY is reportedly better equipped than ever before to tackle any winter snow to come. Currently, the DSNY has more than 5,000 vehicles at its disposal, including 3,200 that can plow, and 700 capable of spreading salt, according to Tisch. Unlike last years rather dry winter, city officials anticipate more precipitation, with temperatures determining if it will be a snow-filled season. In remaining vigilant, DSNY monitors the weather for any indication of a potential winter threat. Days before the first flakes fall, we are in touch with our meteorological vendors, getting the latest forecast and preparing to deploy resources, Tisch said. We have over 700 million pounds of salt on hand this winter and we are prepared to combine long-standing best practices with the latest innovations. Sometime 24-48 hours before a predicted snowfall event, DSNY may pretreat select streets with a liquid sodium brine solution aimed at reducing the adhesion of snow and ice to the pavement. At the initial sign of precipitation, salt spreaders are deployed to disperse salt on roadways across the city, as detailed in the DSNYs snow plan. Then, when snow exceeds approximately two inches, plows set out to clear roadways. In substantial snowfall events, the DSNY may activate emergency hired equipment contracts. Following significant snowfall, DSNY deploys emergency snow shovelers, per-diem individuals supervised by DSNY staff, to clear crosswalks, pedestrian curb cuts, paths for loading and unloading at bus stops, pedestrian bridges, and more. REMINDER FOR PROPERTY OWNERS Property owners have a legal duty to clear snow from their property after snowfall. Snow must be cleared according to the following timetable: When snowfall ends in between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4:59 p.m., within four hours; when snow ends between 5-8:59 p.m., within 14 hours; and when snow ends between 9 p.m and 6:59 a.m., by 11 a.m. Please note that DSNY does not clear sidewalks, driveways or parking areas. Residents should remember that those Sanitation workers responsible for picking up refuse also conduct the snow plowing, and the trucks that are used to plow snow are the very same Sanitation trucks that are used to pick up trash. As a result, garbage collections could be delayed during and after a snowstorm. To monitor plowing progress, New Yorkers can utilize PlowNYC. NY residents can follow NYCEMs Notify NYC page on social media for the latest updates on weather operations, and subscribe to Notify NYC to receive text and e-mail updates. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive.com. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here. Virginia Gill (nee Gibson), 86, of New Dorp, passed away on Dec. 24, 2023 in Neptune, NJ. She passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, following a brief illness. Born in Greenwich Village, on July 22, 1937 to John and May Gibson, Virginia attended St. Veronicas High School. She moved to Staten Island after marrying, and there she raised her family. In recent years, Virginia was an enthusiastic member of the Friendship Club of New Dorp, and she looked forward each year to re-connecting with her friends at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, N.J. Read the full obit on SILive. YESTERDAYS OBITUARIES Charles J. Fallon, a cherished father and grandfather from Westerleigh, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Giovannina Joy Fallon, survived by his loving children, and grandchildren. He was a graduate of New Dorp High School and served in the U.S. Army and Navy. For decades, he loved birding and participated in Staten Island Spring and Christmas bird counts. Active in community service, Charles umpired for the Staten Island Softball Association, served as president of the Staten University Hospital South Chapter AARP, and was involved in various organizations, including Sons of Norway and the National Audubon Society. His loving family will continue to cherish and honor his memory. For the full obituary, click here. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Bongo drums boomed around the room as more than 100 people gathered Tuesday evening to celebrate Kwanzaa at the Central Family Life Center in Stapleton, the first of a week-long series of Staten Island events aimed at getting the community more involved in the tradition. Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc. and Alkebulan Consciousness Rising hosted their second annual Kwanzaa celebration, kicking off the holiday with Unity in the Community, which honors the first of the seven Kwanzaa Principles, Umoja, which means unity in Swahili. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Staten Island events, which celebrate the importance of family, community and culture, and coming together to strengthen the bonds among all individuals. - Gregory Taylor lighting the candles for Kwanzaa with the children.Steve White Steve WhiteSteve White What I would like everybody to know about Kwanzaa is that these seven principles that are talked about during Kwanzaa, theyre for everybody, said Gregory Taylor of Alkebulan Consciousness Rising. Our truth speaks to the world. Everybody needs to incorporate these things in their lives. The idea isnt just to celebrate at the end of the year, but for you to incorporate the seven principles into your daily life. Then at the end of the year, you could say: I did well. The annual focus on the holiday draws on Southern African first-fruits celebrations and centers around the seven basic values of African culture or the Nguzo Saba, which in Swahili means the seven principles. The first Kwanzaa celebration took place in 1966 in Los Angeles under the direction of Dr. Maulana Karenga -- the chair of Black Studies at California State University at Long Beach -- to unite, uplift and reconnect the African American community to their roots against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. - The 2nd Annual Kwanzaa celebration was held at the Central Family Life Center located at 59 Wright St. on Dec.26,2023.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White During an early portion of the evenings lengthy program, Taylor poured a libation to pay respects to those who have passed, before bringing seven young people up on stage to join him in the ceremonial lighting of the the kinara, each of whom read aloud the principles of Kwanzaa they were lighting a candle for. Taylor went on to explain in detail the handful of objects used during the holiday, emphasizing that the ceremonial set-up is limited to ones creativity and that celebrants could incorporate items of their own interests. Taylor pointed out that Kwanzaas seventh day includes the giving of gifts, but that those gifts are meant to have meaning, such as books or something along the lines of a chess set. Taylor said gifts like a Playstation should be reserved for Christmas. In addition to a program full of performances, which included drumming, dancing, singing and spoken word poetry, a variety of vendors filled the large room with a unity marketplace, offering everything from clothing and jewelry to potted plants and homemade food. Kwanzaa is very important to the community, not just the Black community, but the community at large, said Dorcas Meyers, owner of the Stapleton-based Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation. We want to make sure that everyone is part of the Kwanzaa celebration to celebrate these seven principles that help us love together, work together and thrive together. - The 2nd Annual Kwanzaa celebration was held at the Central Family Life Center located at 59 Wright St. on Dec.26,2023.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White Meyers said that while the event has gotten bigger since last year, the organizing of the yearly gathering takes a collective effort, as members of the community offered donations to make sure the free event went off smoothly. She added that shes been told that Staten Island has no culture. For me, my dream is to incorporate the other boroughs, Meyers said. To continue in 2024, we need more people to be here to celebrate unity and the community. Everybody has to get involved in order for this to work collectively. Thats the third principal of Kwanzaa Ujima, which means collective responsibility. MORE STATEN ISLAND EVENTS New Brighton celebrates Kwanzaa: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m. doors open. A collaboration between Universal Temple of the Arts and Mt. Sinai Center for Enrichment. Free admission. 382 Jersey St. Celebrating the second principle of Kwanzaa, self-determination. Will feature African drumming, music, dance, lighting of candles, Kwanzaa history. Kwanzaa Dance Party with Walter Rutledge: Friday, Dec. 29, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Staten Island Childrens Museum. Included with admission to the museum. West African drumming and dances in workshops designed to enhance awareness of and celebrate the rich culture of the Kwanzaa holiday. Ukrnafta extends deadline for searching for partners for joint development of fields until March 1, 2024 PJSC Ukrnafta has extended the deadline for searching for partners for joint development of oil and gas fields until March 1, 2024. "Taking into account the fact that not all potential partners had time to familiarize themselves in detail with the capabilities of 21 fields (10 fields are located in the west and 11 in the east of Ukraine) and in order to ensure conditions for a transparent process for submitting and considering applications, the management of Ukrnafta decided to extend the deadlines receiving applications, the company said in a press release on Wednesday. When considering applications, the company will give preference to product sharing agreements, which allow for the full potential of fields with sufficient reserves but low production rates. As the company informed, as of the end of December 2023, some 25 companies were already interested in cooperation, including both Ukrainian and companies from seven countries in Europe and North America. These are specialized investors, service, investment (in particular, several international consortiums) and consulting companies, noted Ukrnafta. According to the company, 2P category reserves, that is, proven and probable reserves of fields, access to which Ukrnafta offers potential partners, amount to more than 12 million tonnes of oil and more than 31 billion cubic meters of gas. Ukrnafta offers the deposit and the right to use the existing mining infrastructure. The partner must develop a plan for the development of production intensification and provide financing and technology. After a thorough assessment of all proposals received, negotiations will be held and winners will be selected separately for each field. The production sharing agreement must be finally approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the company explained. Profitable products will be distributed between Ukrnafta and partners according to agreed terms. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. One of the citys largest public sector unions broke with a Staten Island councilmember last week after her vote on a controversial police bill. In a scathing statement to members, Vincent Vallelong, president of the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), called out Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) for her vote in favor of a piece of police transparency legislation commonly known as the How Many Stops Act, which passed Wednesday. Hanks, who chairs the Councils Committee on Public Safety, cruised to re-election in November over a third-party candidate, and had previously won the support of the SBA. That wont be the case going forward, according to Vallelongs statement. Councilwoman Hanks sold herself as being pro law enforcement when she was soliciting union endorsements, but it is now obvious that her promises were devoid of truthfulness or transparency, the head of the 13,000-member union said. As the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, her support of this idiotic bill shows that she actually has little knowledge of police work and even less regard for the safety of the public. She is just another politician who speaks from both sides of her mouth depending on which way the political winds are blowing. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, one of the citys most liberal elected officials, was the main backer of the bill that passed the Council with 35 votes a majority that protects it from a possible veto by Mayor Eric Adams, an opponent of the legislation. NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell, DA Michael McMahon, Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks, and other police officials take a tour of the North Shore community of Stapleton to speak with business owners and residents on Friday, June 9, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) Most of the Councils more conservative members either abstained or voted against the bill, including Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) and Councilman David Carr (R-Mid-Island) two of the nine votes against the legislation. District Attorney Michael McMahon penned an op-ed last week criticizing the How Many Stops legislation, but a spokesperson said he would not like to comment specifically on Hanks vote. While Hanks isnt considered a leftist in Staten Islands political circles, the vote last week marked one of her careers most significant breaks with her local Republican colleagues. A resident of Stapleton, Hanks said she understood the concerns of police officers, who mostly complained about an increased paperwork load in regard to the legislation, but that her support for the law was about balancing that with concerns from communities like the one she calls home. For folks who do not live in neighborhoods where there is an excess and a history of violence, the How Many Stops bill may seem counterproductive. However, as Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and the representative of the 49th District, my family and I live in such a neighborhood, she said Tuesday. We unfortunately and statistically will have more interactions with police whether we are the bad actors or not. This reporting bill is for the hardworking families who live in these communities that have dealt with both the violence and the enforcement. That is who I voted for on Wednesday. TRACKING ALL POLICE-PUBLIC INTERACTIONS Under the bill, officers will be required to track their investigative interactions with the public, and the NYPD will have to issue a public statistical report quarterly starting October 2024. Opponents of the legislation tried to frame the bill as requiring officers to track every single interaction they have with members of the public, but the language of the legislation specifies investigative encounters, while excluding everyday casual conversations. The bill also requires the NYPDs quarterly report to include detailed information about the nature of each interaction, including the race, gender and age of the person stopped, the reason for the stop, and the officers subsequent actions, like whether they issued a summons or used force. Police Officers are committed to keeping the people of the city safe, and it is extremely disappointing that Councilwoman Hanks did not not have the mettle to stand up for what was right at such a crucial time, Vallelong said of the councilwomans vote. It has become clear that she is just another elected official that cannot be trusted to tell the truth or put the safety of her constituents ahead of her political ambitions. The How Many Stops bill passed the council with a series of other controversial bills opposed by conservatives, including a ban on solitary confinement that Hanks also voted in favor of. LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS BACKED HANKS IN PAST Previously, the councilwoman had won the support of multiple NYPD unions including a 2017 endorsement from the Police Benevolent Association when she tried to unseat her predecessor, Councilwoman Debi Rose, in a Democratic primary. Hanks won the traditionally Democratic-stronghold seat over Republican Patricia Rondinelli with about 59% of the vote in 2021, so it remains unclear how much of an impact a break with the citys police unions will have on her next re-election campaign in 2025. Regarding her How Many Stops vote last week, Hanks said her decision came as a way of balancing her concerns about police transparency with her respect for law enforcement. My foremost priority remains the safety of all citizens, recognizing the inherent complexities in achieving both transparency and effective policing. This decision underscores the importance of acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the challenge at hand. I firmly believe that a comprehensive and thoughtful solution is necessary one that upholds transparency while preserving the effectiveness of law enforcement and nurturing positive relationships within our communities, she said. My grandfather, a retired NYPD Sergeant, who instilled my deep honor and respect for those who wear the uniform, would have agreed with me. 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 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 From a distance, the white flush looks almost like a line of snow, freshly settled on the mountain slopes. This is Mount Hotham, after all, one of Victorias most popular snowsports destinations, known best as a playground of powder snow and downhill ski runs, chair lifts and alpine lodges. But the white haze that covers these slopes is not snow, its dead trees. Dead snow gums, to be precise, Eucalyptus pauciflora. Cam Walker, from Friends of the Earth, at an area near Mount Hotham which has been burnt repeatedly in recent years. Credit: Joe Armao In some regions of the Australian alps, particularly in Victoria but also in New South Wales, these stands of dead trees are replicated hill after hill, slope after slope, as far as the eye can see. The gnarled, rugged branches of the beloved snow gum, one of the Australian publics favourite trees, have evolved over millennia to weather severe winters, in places where temperatures can drop below -20 degrees and frosts can grip the landscape all year round. Their unusually pliable branches can bend almost to the ground to bear the enormous weight of the snow that settles on them, making them the only tree that survives at these altitudes. Advertisement But the global climate crisis, driven by humans burning fossil fuels, has brought a new threat to these mountain peaks: more frequent and more intense bushfires. Because snow gums have not evolved to cope with these conditions, experts say the nature of Australias high mountain landscapes are changing, and the ecological collapse of snow gum woodlands - the abrupt decline or change of this ecosystem - is happening before our eyes. Ecologist John Morgan next to an old snow gum at Dinner Plain near Mount Hotham. Credit: Joe Armao Snow gum dont like fire at all - as soon as you hit them with fire they have to start regrowing from the base, explains La Trobe Universitys Associate Professor John Morgan, as he runs a hand across the pink and green striated bark of a towering old snow gum. And it takes them a long time to regrow these big trunks, probably over a century. Morgan, a plant ecologist, met this masthead in a patch of alpine bushland, dotted with elderly snow gums and fringed with younger ones, near the Victorian ski village of Hotham Heights, about 1450 metres above sea level, to show us what mature, old-growth snow gums should look like. To regenerate after a fire, snow gums can resprout from buds under their bark, or from the large swelling at their base, known as the lignotuber. Partially buried, the lignotuber is where protected buds lie dormant until the trees canopy is lost, and vigorously re-sprout after fire. Dead and living snow gums near Mount Hotham. Credit: Joe Armao Advertisement But their capacity to do this is limited, and every time a snow gum is burned some of these buds are lost: Theres only so many buds on the tree from which to resprout, says Morgan. And its these multiple fires, not single fire events, that are really knocking snow gums on the head. Long-unburnt, old snow gum forests, which have significant conservation, eco-tourism and cultural value, are now exceedingly rare. They comprise only one percent of snow gum forests in the Victorian alps, according to a new paper co-authored by Morgan that will be published in the Australian Journal of Botany in the coming weeks. A snow gum that has been attacked by wood boring beetles. Credit: Joe Armao Researchers looked at the mountainous region along the Great Dividing Range to the east and north-east of Melbourne and made a startling discovery: only 0.5 per cent of these snow gum forests had remained unburnt since 1938, and 92 per cent had been burnt at least once since 2000. Since 2000, the repeated incidence of bushfires has meant 30 per cent of snow gum stands have now been burnt three, four or five (or more) times since 1938. Researchers found only three areas of old-growth snow gums had not burnt in 1939 or since; trees surrounding the historic chalet at Mount Buffalo, east and south of Mount Buller, and at Mt Nugong, in the Eastern Alps. Although Australias alpine area is relatively small covering about 11,000 square kilometres or 0.15 per cent of the continent these alpine and subalpine ecosystems have outstanding natural value, and are home to thousands of plants and animals that occur nowhere else on earth, including the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum and migratory bogong moths. Advertisement An area near Mount Hotham which has been burnt in recent years, with Hotham Heights village in the background. Credit: Joe Armao The last part of the drive up to Mount Hotham, along a steep road winding up from the village of Harrietville, is confronting: thousands upon thousands of white, dead snow gums thrust out of the forest of living, younger snow gums beneath them. Most visitors come to the alps in winter, when snow blankets these mountains and these changes are less obvious. In theory, these younger snow gums will mature, produce seed, and sustain the next generation. But they need to be at least 20 years old to produce seed, perhaps more, and the odds of another bushfire sweeping through in that time period are shortening. Otherwise, its like these young forests are stuck in toddlerdom; just as they begin to mature they get hit by another bushfire, and the forest has to attempt to start the cycle all over again. Snow gums extend all the way from the central highlights in Victoria to Kosciuszko in New South Wales, and are also found in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. But the biggest impact on them is in the middle part of their range, in Victoria, where the really high frequency of fires are occurring. Dr Tom Fairman, a forest scientist at Melbourne University, did his doctoral research on the frequency of alpine fires: I remember looking at maps of fires and thinking Theyre starting to overlap, thats concerning. There were only a few years between big, landscape-scale bushfires. Advertisement Fairman surveyed snowgum forests, and mixed tree species forests, to find out how well they were resprouting, going into areas that had been burned in high-severity fires up to three times in a decade, in 2003, 2007 and 2013. He found snow gums recovered after a couple of fires, but after the third one they really suffered, with a loss in the ability of the lignotuber to keep pushing out shoots. After two fires the background mortality rate was about 10 per cent of the trees, but after three fires it jumped to half of them. At some sites it was as high as 80 per cent. I have some very distinct memories of sitting at the end of the day looking across a valleythat had been burned multiple times, and you could see the stems of the trees and underneath them mainly acacia shrubs and grassit affected me quite deeply, says Fairman. I remember thinking Shit, we have to start doing stuff differently. We have to confront this. Were pushing things beyond a resilient limit for a species that is otherwise pretty tough. Dead snow gums on the slopes near Mount Hotham Credit: Joe Armao Snow gums are the only tree species at high altitudes, and removing them will change the microclimate of the region, the composition of the soil and its permeability, says Morgan. Its not like we get rid of snow gums and another eucalypt takes its placeit is the only species up here. Advertisement Ukraine has tripled the production of weapons and military equipment in 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, speaking on Wednesday at a meeting with representatives of the defense industry. "This year alone, thanks to you and everyone working in our defense sector, we have managed to produce three times more weapons and equipment than in the past," he said. According to the president, "there is a very significant increase in the production of ammunition, in particular for artillery. At the systemic level, Ukraine is developing the production of such extremely necessary things as ammunition for our domestic drones. Important results in the production of our rockets. The quantity and quality indicators for missiles are already significantly greater and will be even greater." Zelenskyy said "the share of private companies in our defense complex is constantly growing. Already 45 defense industry companies are not state-owned companies. And we must increase the use of this power, one of the main forces of human nature the power of entrepreneurship." According to him, "we are simplifying all procedures from the import of components to the procedure for authorization for operation. The government is working to secure funding for long-term contracts." "Special attention is paid to the production of explosives and gunpowder. This is a matter of special chemistry. It is truly extremely difficult. And not only for us, but also for the majority of the world. There is a shortage everywhere today. Investments in this area are especially needed, and we will increase them," he said. The president said Ukraine has agreed with some of the leading states and, accordingly, companies of the world on joint production. "Currently, 300,000 men and women are involved in our defense complex. I am grateful to them all," Zelenskyy said. For about 18 months in the mid-1990s, Loui Frasers sculpture Joy stood proudly at the corner of Yurong and Stanley streets in Darlinghurst. It was believed to be the worlds only public statue of a sex worker or prostitute, as she was called then. Joy, who leant casually against a red door frame smoking a cigarette, was a tribute to the ladies of the night who had long worked the nearby brothels. But when she was installed in November 1995, she was not welcomed by all. Joy, by artist Loui Fraser, was installed at the corner of Yurong and Stanley streets in East Sydney in 1995. By 1997, she was gone. Credit: Image courtesy of City of Sydney Archives: A-00033885 We find it offensive to the eye, Yurong Street resident and local artist Wendy Littlewood told the Herald at the time. The legendary Beppi Polese, then owner of Beppis restaurant just metres away, also reportedly complained to the local council. The statue was vandalised several times, including by the grieving mother of a dead sex worker who bore an uncanny resemblance to Joy. Eventually, she was removed by the South Sydney City Council and gifted to Macquarie Universitys Sculpture Park, where she has lived since. Stacey Chater was out for dinner when her eldest son Brayden texted her from work Christmas drinks: Im getting a fever again. Im coming home. Two hours later, Chater peered into her sons bedroom to find him convulsing on the floor, unresponsive and unable to speak. Soon she was in the car, trailing an ambulance on the way to Wollongong Hospital, where doctors pulled her into a room and told her that Brayden was brain-dead. He had just turned 23. Stacey and Ralph Chater are facing a second Christmas without their son Brayden, who died at just 23 after contracting meningococcal B. Credit: Louise Kennerley In the blur of the days following his death, doctors called Chater to tell her Brayden had died from meningococcal B. I never knew there was a strain of meningococcal [disease] that my children werent vaccinated against or that the vaccine existed, she said. I try really hard to be positive and remember good things and how lucky I was to have him for 23 years. Homewares retailer Bed Bath N Table has won a misleading and deceptive conduct claim against a rival seller of bed linen and soft furnishings, after a Federal Court judge found consumers were likely to be confused by the similarities in branding. Bed Bath N Table sued Global Retail Brands Australia, the company behind House kitchenware and hard homewares stores, for trademark infringement and misleading and deceptive conduct in 2021 after House launched the first of a series of soft homewares stores dubbed House Bed & Bath. Hamptons style Bed Bath N Table, founded in 1976, is the owner of a trio of registered trademarks relating to its name. Global Retail Brands Australia bought the House business in 2007, but the House name had been used by its predecessors since at least 1978. Applications from Indians overseas to study in Australia are being rejected at a rate more than 50 per cent higher than those from China, sparking accusations the government is sending mixed messages to Australias second-largest international student cohort after government ministers travelled to the subcontinent to promote tertiary education. Home Affairs data shows just over 10 per cent of Indian nationals offshore applications to study at international colleges were accepted so far this financial year as authorities crack down on visa fraud in the sector. Just 58.9 per cent of Indian student visas for universities were approved. The government wants to improve educational ties with India, but critics say a low number of visa approvals sends a mixed message. Credit: Edwina Pickles Offshore applications from Nepalese students have also been targeted, with just 47 per cent approved for universities, and 9.1 per cent for the vocational education and training (VET) sector since July. In comparison, offshore applications from Chinese students Australias largest international student cohort were approved 97.7 per cent of the time for universities this financial year, and 42.1 per cent of the time for the VET sector during the same period. Higher change development, which could be up to eight stories high based on the illustrations, stretches out along Clayton Road, Centre Road, and North Road. That area will concentrate the densest opportunities for employment in a mixed-use neighbourhood that will include taller buildings and upgraded public spaces and will enable quality social and affordable housing and well-designed student and key worker accommodation close to Monash University and hospitals in both Clayton and Monash, the vision says. Jessies Pizza owner Sanan Shaana. Credit: Luis Ascui Sanan Shaana owns Jessies Pizza on Clayton Road, part of a small shopping strip that will be bulldozed to make way for the new Clayton underground station. Under the draft vision, the single and double-storey shopfronts would be replaced by high rises. The Suburban Rail Loop Authority bought the building from Shaanas previous landlord and has given him until March to leave. Shaana who has worked in the pizza shop for 22 years and bought the business in 2009 said he couldnt afford the $100,000 needed to lease and fit-out a new store. He has sold his house because he wont be able to cover his mortgage payments when his business shuts. Sometimes I cant sleep, Im just thinking, March is coming, what can I do after? How can I manage? he said. Theyre stealing my business in front of my eyes. Ill lose everything. A government spokesperson said Jessies Pizza was eligible for support via planning advice and business mentoring but not financial compensation because he was on a year-to-year lease. We are working closely with owners and tenants and aim to minimise acquisition, however delivering this city-shaping project means that some impacts are unfortunately unavoidable, the spokesperson said. On Madeleine Road, a suburban street on the border of Claytons proposed significant change area, about half-a-dozen freestanding houses acquired for the project are already vacant and boarded up, awaiting demolition. Residents said that while they knew about the new underground station being built, they had no idea that high-rise apartment buildings could follow. Clayton resident Leila Mercado said she was not aware that high rises would be built in here area alongside the rail loop. Credit: Luis Ascui I was shocked because Ive been getting letters and theres been people from the Suburban Rail Loop here talking about whats going to happen with the plans and the route where the train is going, said Leila Mercado, who has lived with her adult children on Madeleine Road for about three years. But they never ever said anything about apartments. Mercado predicted many residents would move out if there was significant development in the area. The authoritys draft vision for Glen Waverley details a swathe of high-density commercial buildings along Snedden Drive, south of High Street Road. It has also been proposed to provide corridors of green space and bike paths in the surrounding streets to support this high-rise hub. Monash Mayor Nicky Luo said the council was reviewing the draft precinct documents for the four stations in its boundaries and would make a submission in early 2024. Whilst this transformational project has the support of council, we have previously expressed reservations about the precinct planning process, in particular the provision of planning powers to the Suburban Rail Loop Authority, the size and intensity of development and impacts on existing neighbourhoods, she said. It is important that planning for these precincts focuses development and density in appropriate areas around the SRL station precincts. Whitehorse Mayor Denise Massoud said the council had been advocating for broader community consultation and for the authority to enter a collaborative partnership with it for plans at Burwood and Box Hill. She said the council wanted to ensure the plans reflect local community needs and give due consideration to open space, environment, amenity, liveability and our local economy. Loading RMIT Centre for Urban Research director Professor Jago Dodson said the Suburban Rail Loop Authority would have planning powers over station precincts alongside laws allowing for levies, charges and financial deals that would help their goal of funding a third of the project through value capture. One would assume that theyll be using those [powers], to the full extent they can to maximise the benefit of development, he said. The question will really be when it comes to the actual physical built environment thats being developed and the extent to which residents have input into those processes. I dont think theyre going to quite achieve the notion of Hong Kong or Shanghai-style concentrated development around the station in the very short term. The prospect of that kind of scale of development or that typology of development is a very, very long-term pattern. Loading Dodson said the authority would have a say in as much as half of the residential area in some areas. Giving it to a separate planning body that doesnt have direct democratic input from the electorate thats a pretty substantial change, he said. Opposition planning spokesman James Newbury said the SRL precincts were being used to take a wrecking ball through our suburbs. The solution to the housing crisis is a proper plan for our states future, not taking away local planning decisions and imposing high-rise towers right across our communities, he said. Consultation on the draft vision has received more than 1000 responses so far. An authority spokeswoman said: The Suburban Rail Loop will shape how Melbourne grows extensive feedback from the community and careful planning will ensure this project transforms our public transport system for the better. The areas around SRL stations will be vibrant communities, close to jobs and services and we have begun the planning process to make sure these communities maintain their existing neighbourhood character while increasing housing choices to meet demand. A dormant North Korean port near the border with Russia has sprung back to life, fuelling what experts say is a burgeoning trade in arms destined for the frontlines in Ukraine that is simultaneously bolstering the anaemic economy managed by Kim Jong-un. Satellite imagery of the Najin port taken from October to December shows a steady stream of ships at the facility, hundreds of shipping containers being loaded and unloaded, and rail cars ready to transport goods. A North Korean cargo ship docked at an unknown port. Credit: AP The activity appears to have picked up since early October, when the US accused North Korea of sending munitions to Russia. The White House provided imagery it said showed weapons later being delivered thousands of kilometres away to a depot in the Russian town of Tikhoretsk for use in Ukraine. The flow of munitions that the US and South Korea say have included hundreds of thousands of artillery shells could grow far greater in importance as divisions in the US Congress and European Union over military aid threaten Kyivs ability to repel Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion. At night, as a result of the fall of a downed UAV in Odesa region, a fire broke out in country houses, one person was killed, two were injured, Head of the Regional Military Administration Oleh Kiper said on Wednesday morning. "At night, Russian terrorists attacked Odesa region with drone strikes. Our air defense forces destroyed 12 drones," he wrote on his Telegram channel. However, according to the Kiper, one of the downed drones fell on one of the uninhabited new buildings in Odesa, the wreckage of another caused a fire among country houses in the suburbs. "As a result of the attack, a 35-year-old man was killed. Two people were injured: a 37-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy. The victims received numerous wounds, are in a state of moderate severity in one of the medical institutions where they receive the necessary assistance," the head of Odesa region stressed. Law enforcement officers are recording the consequences of another crime by Russians. Zelenskyy: Ukraine must produce by itself or with partners all weapons it needs Ukraine must produce independently or together with partners all the weapons necessary to combat aggression, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video message on Tuesday. According to him, the Staff Headquarters meeting was almost entirely devoted to the production of weapons next year. Every aspect from artillery to drones and missiles was discussed in detail, with thorough clarification on enterprises, contracts, and state investment in production. Involving everyone responsible for the result for the state. The Ministry of Strategic Industries, the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the Commander-in-Chief, Zelenskyy said. Together with the Prime Minister, we outlined the amount of funds to be allocated to the defense sector as a matter of urgency. Additionally, government officials must decide on all the objectives for our diplomatic activities next year specifically regarding agreements with partners on arms production, supply of components and equipment, he noted. Ukraine, he said, must produce, either independently or jointly with partners, everything necessary for protection against any forms of Russian aggression. We can provide this. NATO is foundation of security for Ukraine and Europe Zelenskyy on meeting on cooperation with NATO NATO is the foundation of security for Ukraine and the whole of Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video message, who held a meeting on Tuesday on cooperation with NATO next year. Ukraine's strategy in relations with the Alliance is absolutely clear: it is the foundation of security for both Ukraine and the entire Europe, including Ukraine. We are formulating the corresponding tactics of action in line with this strategy, Zelenskyy said. Foreign policy, communication, institutional steps within our state. Everything should be as substantive as possible, he stressed. Right now former Governor Nikki Haley is considered Donald Trumps biggest threat to winning his third consecutive Republican presidential nomination. Shes remaining competitive, barely but bravely, in Iowa, the site of the first caucuses of next years nomination fight. She is surging in New Hampshire, the site of the first primary, and perhaps is even within striking distance of former President Donald Trump. Shes a phenom, a minority woman whose ethnic background and gender have not raised substantial notice until recent days, and then only glancingly. Hillary Rodham Clinton did not have that advantage eight years ago. Barack Obama did not have that advantage 16 years ago. Nor, on the question of religion, did Mitt Romney a dozen years ago nor John F. Kennedy 64 years ago. In short, America is ready that is the cloying word that the earlier four pioneers faced for an Indian-American female to sit where 44 white men have sat, there in the presidents chair. The remaining question now is whether the Republican Party is ready to move on from Mr. Trump. Present and future So if America is ready, and Ms. Haley, a former ambassador to the United Nations, is willing and able and her experience is at the heart of her campaign why does so much depend on what the definition of is is? There are three reasons to consider the definition of is in this complex context. The first is that the word is in the present tense. Shes gained 18 percentage points on Mr. Trump since September in New Hampshire, according to the recent CBS News/YouGov poll. Theres more: Chris Sununu, the governor of the Granite State, has endorsed her, and the fact that Independents (and in some cases Democrats) can vote in the GOP primary makes her an attractive magnet for those who want Mr. Trump consigned to the dustbin of history. But the word is is operative here because Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida leads her in Iowa. He cant afford to finish anything short of second place to assure that his White House dreams are not finished. If the ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman were to characterize Mr. DeSantiss status in Iowa he would say he was back, back, back, way back behind Mr. Trump 36 points to be precise. But the word is is in the present tense. The election is in the future tense. Soif Mr. DeSantis were to do better than the paltry 22 percentage points he now registers in Iowa, might he emerge on the cusp of New Hampshire as the best alternative? In three weeks or so we will know the answer, and the word is might migrate to him. A delicate dance The second is is even more complicated. Its whether Mr. Trump is the best candidate to defeat Joe Biden at a time when it now seems as if the best candidate to beat Mr. Biden is Joe Biden himself. Again, the word is in the present tense, and there is much time in the future for that to erode. Here is one way it might. This is, of course, a little like playing Chinese checkers in three dimensions, but give this mind-bender a try: (1) If Mr. Trump is considered the best bet to defeat the president and half of New Hampshire primary voters believe he is right now; and (2) If Mr. Biden is himself endangered for re-election, and all polls suggest he is right now; then (3) Does the decline in Mr. Bidens re-electability ratings itself undercut what many Republicans believe is the former presidents most important electoral asset; and thus (4) Does that make it more plausible that another Republican less disorganized, less undisciplined, less crude and coarse, less alienating might seem attractive, especially since (5) Mr. Trumps adversaries in the primaries surely are going to point out that he can serve only for four additional years while they can serve for eight? These five steps of political dance jump, turn, gesture, transference of weight and stepping are, to be sure, unlikely to be performed with ease, especially in this climate. The CBS/YouGov New Hampshire poll shows that 51% believe Mr. Trump can beat Mr. Biden, followed by Ms. Haley at 32%. Another factor demands our attention at this moment. More than half the public believes Mr. Bidens policies have hurt them, according to the latest Wall Street Journal Poll. At the same time, more than half believe Mr. Trumps policies helped them. That changes the dynamic in a way that has no precedent, except perhaps in 1892, when former President Grover Cleveland returned to the White House by defeating sitting President Benjamin Harrison: The challenger is running with the advantage incumbents often get. The courtesy extended to all former occupants of the presidency except for Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight Eisenhower applies to Mr. Trump. He gets to campaign as President Trump. (General Grant and General Eisenhower had their military titles restored after their presidencies ended.) Expectations matter All this leads us to the third is. It depends on what the expectation for Mr. Trump is. It surely cannot be that what is projected today will stay the same. Because a mere 15-point New Hampshire victory by a former president against a national-politics rookie isnt a particularly impressive performance, especially since the prevailing narrative is that Mr. Trump is, Berman-style, way, way, ahead of any pretender to his throne atop the GOP. Some perspective: Senator Edmund S. Muskie of Maine went into New Hampshire with a 29-point lead in national polls over Senator George McGovern of South Dakota in 1972. Mr. Trump holds a 51 percentage point lead in national polls. Mr. Muskie defeated Mr. McGovern by nine percentage points in 1972 - finishing with 46% of the vote in New Hampshire, far less than the 60% that was the expectation for a candidate from a neighboring state. The message coming out of Manchester, N.H., that night and I was there was a big blow to Mr. Muskie, who didnt reach the finish line at the Miami Beach convention. The expectations for Mr. Trump are even higher and his New Hampshire numbers are about even with Mr. Muskies final Granite State total. Actually, they are two points below. Conclusion: We cant reach any conclusion at this point. The definition of is is constantly changing. David Shribman, a Pulitzer Prize winner in journalism, is the former executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Russian Federation has used ammunition loaded with chemicals 465 times, of which 81 cases of use were recorded in December 2023, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Some 465 facts of the use of ammunition by the Russian Federation, which are loaded with toxic chemicals, have been recorded. Of these, 81 cases occurred in December of this year alone. At the same time, the dynamics of application is growing. So, in just one day on December 19, Russia carried out eight attacks using chemicals," reads a message posted on the Telegram channel on Wednesday morning. The General Staff notes that the occupiers most often use K-51, RGR grenades and the Drofa-PM hand gas grenade, which are dropped from UAVs, and the use of improvised explosive devices equipped with irritating substances has also been recorded. In addition, the enemy carries out artillery attacks containing chemically dangerous substances. On December 14 of this year, the enemy used a new type of special RG-VO gas grenades containing an unknown chemical substance. "Twenty-eight cases of the use of dangerous chemicals were documented and sent for investigative actions within the framework of criminal proceedings by groups of radiation, chemical, biological intelligence from military units," the message says. The study, shared with the PA news agency, also found buying a monthly season ticket instead of four anytime return tickets per week for four weeks ranges from being 20% more expensive (from Grays to London) to 43% cheaper (from Brighton to London). From the river to the sea is not a metaphor. Nor is it merely an expression of solidarity. It is one or both of the following: a desire to see the Jewish state of Israel subsumed within an Arab-majority Greater Palestine; a call for the obliteration of Israel and its inhabitants. Israel can hardly be expected to listen to, let alone negotiate with, another party that plots its destruction. Nothing will come of nothing. Criticism of Israel would be more effective if it started with an acceptance of its legitimacy, because that criticism could be argued from a position of reason, rather than absurdity. 250 off per bookings 2,500+ with this TUI discount code Up to 30% off new in items at ASOS 5% off all bookings with this Travelodge discount code 20% off everything with The Body Shop discount code 15% of all orders with The Perfume Shop birthday discount One of the most fascinating things about Paju is the way that the film focuses on what it means to be a woman in modern-day South Korea. That said, it's all seen through the lens of Joong-skid (Sun-kyun), a young man who flees to the remote city of Paju after a disaster and ends up marrying a local woman. Years later, she disappears and her sister Eun-mo (Seo Woo) is convinced he did it. Unfortunately, he also ends up being her sole guardian. Author Rachel O'Conner wrote of the inaugural book: "Waking to blinding sunshine requires bold, fortifying flavours on the breakfast table. Recipes like banana maple porridge with buttered apples, French toast stuffed with peaches and toasted coconut waffles with fresh mango set the tone for a lazy weekend on the beach." Eleven more cookbooks would follow. The New York Times would go on to describe Granger as the "egg master of Sydney", whilst the Telegraph dubbed him "the king of breakfast" Perhaps the most fitting tribute came in 2016 when The New Yorker stated that Granger was "the restaurateur most responsible for the Australian cafe's global reach." His books went on to sell more than a million copies internationally. Like his restaurants, these cookbooks were typically approachable and championed familiar ingredients treated with simplicity and care, an ethos of straightforward food found in his restaurants right across the world. If youre with Marc, know where he is or have any information that could help police find him, call 999 and quote incident 507 of 23 December. Lady Carnarvon, who has run Highclere Castle since 2001 with her husband the Earl of Carnarvon, wrote in The Telegraph: Rewilding is part of the countryside story but we cannot eat the trees that politicians propose we plant. We should grow at least some of our own food and for that farmers need support. The situation in the east remains difficult, the enemy continues intensive offensive operations in Kupyansk, Lymany, Siversk and Bakhmut directions, said Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of the AFU Ground Forces. "In Kupyansk direction, the enemy is trying to capture Synkivka at any cost and create conditions for blocking Kupyansk. After the losses incurred, it regroups its units. The enemy continues to increase efforts by moving units to other areas. The total number of personnel of the enemy assault units is more than 2,000," the commander wrote on the Telegram channel. In Lymany direction, the aggressor resumed intensive offensive operations to oust Ukrainian troops from Serebrianske forestry area and expand the Torsky salient. Syrsky noted that the enemy also does not give up attempts to capture Terniv and access to the Chorny Zherebets River. In turn, in Siversky direction, the enemy is trying to develop an offensive in the areas of Spirne and Belohorivka. "It is training assault units from among the airborne units to develop an offensive in the direction of Soledar, Siversk," the commander added. Intensive offensive operations are also continuing in Bakhmut direction. So, the enemy is trying to capture Bohdanivka, restore the lost position in the areas of Klischiyivka, Kurdiumivka and Andriyivka. According to Syrsky, the enemy uses assault groups of the "volunteer corps", which were moved from the southern direction, in addition, the personnel of the marine corps of the Caspian Flotilla were involved. He stressed that the enemy has recently significantly increased the use of armored vehicles, kamikaze drones and continues to conduct intensive artillery attacks. "In all directions of the enemy's offensive, our commanders at all levels are taking the necessary measures to strengthen the defense and prevent the enemy from advancing. I would like to note the effective work of the headquarters of military units in responding promptly to the actions of the enemy and preparing the most optimal options for our actions, depending on the current situation," said Syrsky. Separately, he noted that despite the difficult situation, the Ukrainian soldiers are holding back the enemy's advance and inflicting significant losses on him. Over the past week, the occupiers have lost more than three thousand personnel in the Eastern direction, of which more than a thousand people were killed. Some 361 units of enemy equipment were destroyed and damaged. Of these, 43 tanks, 83 armored combat vehicles, 69 artillery systems. "In the conditions of active hostilities, our priorities remain the preservation of the lives of our soldiers, the effective use of fire weapons, constant reconnaissance and prompt decision-making," said the commander of the Ground Forces. Mr King said most of the bad scenery has been cleaned up in the kibbutz, such as cars that had been burnt, trees and bushes that had been knocked down by tanks and bulldozers, and people who had been shot and killed in their vehicles. Leader of the Ulster Democratic Party Gary McMichael said it accepted working towards a decommissioning deadline of May 2000, and said that loyalist paramilitaries were very much watching what the IRA would do, and as a result they were not able to say that the UDA would decommission. Mrs Robinsons visit to London was planned for May 26-28, where she was to receive the degree of doctor of civil law by diploma from the University of Oxford, become an honorary fellow of Hertford College, Oxford, and present the Irish Post Awards that celebrate the Irish in Britain. Granger was brought up by a vegetarian mother and his father, a butcher. But his culinary journey really began when he applied for a job as a waiter during his second year of university and became friends with the owner. He cooked for her and she liked the way he did so, inviting him to cook in the kitchen. "And it started from there", Granger said in an interview with Lorraine Elliott. In 1993, Granger dropped out of art school and at 21 opened his first restaurant, bills, in Darlinghurst Sydney - not to be confused with UK namesake Bill's, the restaurant group founded by Bill Coulson. Granger's is where his avocado toast appeared on the menu before it took off as a global favourite. As a result of a nighttime enemy UAV attack on Odesa region, two people were killed, four more were injured, among them a 17-year-old teenager, according to head of the Regional Military Administration Oleh Kiper. "Four victims were found in the suburbs of Odesa, including a 17-year-old teenager. One person died on the spot, and another person, who was taken to the hospital in serious condition, died. The teenager remains in the hospital, the woman and the man are being treated on an outpatient basis," Kiper wrote on the Telegram channel on Wednesday. The head of the Regional Military Administration noted that "a 6-year-old child, who was previously reported about, was injured as a result of a domestic fire unrelated to a drone attack." Earlier it was reported about one dead person. 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The foreign citizens were detected during an action to prevent and combat illegal migration carried out by the northwestern Oradea Border Police Territorial Inspectorate, in cooperation with the western Timis Border Police Territorial Service, agerpres reports. "Thus, at the Nadlac II Border Crossing Point, a Turkish citizen, driving a Turkey-registered truck, presented himself for border formalities on the way out of the country. According to the documents accompanying the goods, the driver was transporting textiles for a commercial company in Slovakia. Following the detailed control of the means of transport, 38 foreign citizens were discovered, hidden in the compartment intended for the transport of goods, scattered among the goods," the Border Police says. Following the checks, the border police established that they are citizens from Syria, Iraq and Iran, most of them asylum seekers in Romania.In this case, investigations are being carried out for committing the crimes of migrant trafficking for the driver and attempted fraudulent crossing of the state border for the citizens hidden in the means of transport AUR's draft law for increasing minimum wage to 5,000 RON A draft law of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) proposing to increase the minimum wage to 5,000 lei and to reduce labor taxation to a maximum of 25% for the first 5,000 RON has been submitted to the Parliament, informs the political party. "In this way, we want to connect the labor market to the new economic reality in Romania, by increasing the net income of employees, but without putting additional pressure on the business milieu by increasing labor taxation in absolute value. The state budget will not be affected, because the absolute value collected remains unchanged. A positive effect of the increase in the minimum wage and the decrease in labor taxation in the form proposed by the AUR is the increase in consumption, which will lead to an increase in the state's receipts from VAT", says an AUR press release sent to AGERPRES. According to AUR, another beneficial effect of the proposed measure is the attraction of the labor force from among Romanian citizens who have gone abroad. "The AUR solution transposes into law an already existing reality: Romanian entrepreneurs are forced to break the law and offer additional payments to employees, taking money out of companies in the form of dividends that they distribute to employees. Thus, by applying this legislative measure, there will be positive consequences on the business milieu", explains the AUR in the quoted press release. The court found former head of the Supreme Court Vsevolod Kniazev guilty of violating restrictions on gifts, ordered him to pay a fine of UAH 2,550 and confiscated a gift in the amount of UAH 906,600, the National Agency on the Corruption Prevention (NACP) has reported. "The Pechersky District Court of Kyiv, based on the materials of the NACP, found guilty ex-head of the Supreme Court Vsevolod Kniazev of violating the restrictions established by law on receiving gifts," the NACP reported on the Telegram channel on Wednesday. As reported, the court "ruled that Kniazev has to pay a fine of UAH 2,550 and confiscated a gift of UAH 906,600." "According to Part 2 of Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine On Prevention of Corruption, judges are prohibited from accepting gifts whose cost exceeds two subsistence minimums for able-bodied persons. Violating this prohibition, the judge received a gift in the form of renting an apartment in the Pechersky district (Lypky) of Kyiv with an area of 133 square meters at a price significantly lower than the minimum market value of rental housing. On the basis of a real estate lease agreement concluded at the end of 2017, the judge rented an apartment for living with a monthly fee of UAH 1,000," the arguments in the case are given in the message. More than 4,000 packs of contraband cigarettes were discovered on Tuesday at the Bucharest Henri Coanda Otopeni International Airport, with the help of the dog Ebasa, the Romanian Border Police informs, in a statement sent to AGERPRES. The cigarettes were found in the luggage of three women with Bulgarian citizenship, who were trying to smuggle them into Romania, agerpres reports. The source specifies that the border police and customs workers decided, based on the risk analysis, to carry out a thorough check on the women's checked luggage. Following the checks, with the help of the service dog Ebasa, numerous packs of cigarettes were discovered in several large suitcases. "As a result of the check, 4,050 packs of cigarettes (81,000 cigarettes), various brands, were found. Therefore, the entire amount of cigarettes was seized by the customs authority," the release states.In this case, the Prosecutor's Office next to the Buftea Court were to be notified, in order to carry out investigations regarding the crime of smuggling Another charred victim was found, on Tuesday evening, by firefighters, being the sixth deceased person found following the fire at the Ferma Dacilor in the southern Prahova County's village of Tohani, the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations Prahova IGSU informs. According to IGSU, the officials could not specify yet whether this last victim is an adult or a minor, while the search for missing persons went on, agerpres reports. Previously, the prefect of Prahova, Virgiliu Nanu, specified that the three people who are still not found are two children and a young adult. The management of the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police ordered the sending of a team of specialists from the National Institute of Forensics, to support the investigation.Prosecutors with the Prosecutor's Office near the Prahova Court opened a criminal case for destruction and manslaughter in this case.Judicial sources have specified for AGERPRES that the investigators do not rule out any option, being taken into account both the outbreak of the fire as a result of an intentional action, as well as the option of an accident. Health Inspectorate reports 2,735 cases of measles were recorded in Romania in 2023 The National Public Health Institute (INSP) on Wednesday informed that there were 2,735 confirmed cases of measles recorded in Romania between January 1 and December 24, 2023, three deaths counted among them, told Agerpres. According to the INSP, the deceased are two children from the Brasov county, 7-month old both of them, who weren't eligible for a MMR vaccination, and a 35-year-old adult from Bucharest, who was also not vaccinated against measles, and who had comorbidities. The first death caused by measles since the current epidemic was first reported was that of a child and was recorded on December 5. If until December 17 (January 1 - December 17, 2023) 2,455 confirmed cases of measles had been notified in 34 counties and in the city of Bucharest, at the last report, on Wednesday, the number increased rapidly, reaching a total of 2,735 cases (reference period January 1 - December 24, 2023), with measles cases being confirmed in 34 counties and in the Capital City Bucharest. The most cases, according to the INSP, were recorded in the counties of Mures - 748, Brasov - 657, Cluj - 197, Giurgiu - 173, Ilfov - 123 and in Bucharest - 352. The Romanian police and partners from the states of the European free movement area detected, between December 15-21, 858 people, 63 vehicles and 37 documents that were the subject of alerts introduced in the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Romanian Police informs. Thus, 647 persons who are subject to the SIS alerts were located on the territory of our country, following the additional exchange of information through the SIRENE Bureau of the International Police Cooperation Center - General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police, agerpres reports. The Romanian police officers implemented 18 European arrest warrants, detected 82 persons flagged by the member states as having the refusal of entry or stay in the Schengen territory, 282 persons who were wanted in order to participate in a judicial procedure and nine persons who were reported as missing by the partners in the Schengen states. At the same time, 211 persons wanted by the Romanian authorities were identified by the foreign partners on their territory, following the exchange of information through the SIRENE Bureau of the International Police Cooperation Center - General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police.Of these, 32 were pursued by the Romanian Police, based on European arrest warrants, 31 were reported by the member states as having the refusal to entry or stay in the Schengen territory, another 23 people were wanted for participating in a judicial procedure, and seven were reported missing by the Romanian authorities.At the same time, the foreign partners discovered on their territory 13 documents and nine vehicles wanted by the Romanian authorities, with a view to making them unavailable or to be used as evidence in criminal proceedings. Yasmin Levy, the legend of Judeo-Spanish music, returns on Wednesday, from 20:00, at the Bucharest's Palace Hall / Sala Palatului, together with her band including artists Yachiel Hasson - guitar, Itay Abramovitz - piano, Sebastian Wypich - bass, Matan Efrat - drums, informs the salapalatului.ro website. With a distinct and soulful style, Yasmin Levy brings a new interpretation to medieval Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) song, incorporating modern sounds of Andalusian flamenco and traditional Turkish music, as well as combinations of instruments such as darbuka, oud, violin, cello and piano, agerpres reports. "I come from Israel to sing Sephardic music - that of the Jews who lived in Spain before 1492, the year they were forced to leave the Iberian territory. The texts of these songs are in Ladino, the old Spanish spoken more than five centuries ago. In addition, I am proud to combine the two cultures, Ladino and Flamenco, while mixing influences from the Middle East. I am embarking on a 500-year-old musical journey, taking Ladino to Andalusia and mixing it with Flamenco, the style that still carries the memories of the music of the ancient Moorish and Jewish-Spanish world with the sound of the Arab world. In a way, it is a 'musical reconciliation' of history," said Yasmin Levy, according to the source. The artist was in Romania in 2011 as well during the George Enescu International Festival and in 2022 in a sold out concert at Palace Hall / Sala Palatului with the Bucharest Metropolitan Orchestra. Daniel Neman Features writer Follow Daniel Neman 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 Have pity for our poor brethren on the East and West Coasts. Yes, they look down on us as provincial and dull, they see us as uninspired and uninspiring. Mostly they just ignore us. But its not their fault. They cant help it. Theyre so busy trying to latch onto the latest trend, staying ahead of the next trend and disgorging themselves of the last trend that they dont have time to think. Terrified that they will find themselves on the wrong slope of the trend curve, they automatically and reflectively look down on people who are constitutionally untrendy. Which is to say, us. Thats why those Top 10 food trends of 2024 stories generate little interest here in the Midwest. Our social standing does not depend on which trends we follow and when we start to follow them. Were content to eat our mac and cheese and look at those predictions with amusement. Do you know what Whole Foods predicted would be a huge food trend this year? Mac and cheese. Mac and cheese, pizza bites, classic old-school cereals and more we all crave the occasional comfort of a meal from our childhood, they wrote after consulting their Trends Council. It took a Trends Council to prognosticate that hipster Americans are going to be eating what we Midwesterners have been eating nonstop for the last 80 years. And they think we are untrendy. Do you know what else the mighty Whole Foods Trends Council predicted would be huge in 2023? Kelp. Yes, kelp the ingredient found on the menus of apparently no restaurants in the St. Louis region. You can, however, buy it in fish food and fertilizer (its a brown algae or seaweed). Kelp-inspired foods are gaining popularity, they said, and the trendies can keep it. Admittedly, the folks who predicted food trends, like a broken clock, did get a few things right this year. Southern Living Magazine, as well as Whole Foods, predicted that no-alcohol drinks would soar. Soar they did. Bars and restaurants everywhere are creating such mocktails as tangerine no-jitos (Retreat Gastropub), Wolves in Cheap Clothing (Planters House) and Dry 75s (The Lucky Accomplice). So, give credit where it is due. They got one right. But did dates become big this year in desserts, as predicted? Maybe in trendier parts of the country, though I kind of doubt it. And Im someone who loves dates. Dates were going to become the next big dessert ingredient, according to Whole Foods, because a TikTok video went viral. It showed a woman slicing open a date, removing the pit and filling the middle with peanut butter. She sprinkled in some chopped peanuts, closed the date and refrigerated it to set. Finally, she dipped it in chocolate and added more chopped peanuts. Admittedly, that sounds pretty amazing. But is it enough to spark an actual trend of restaurants and ordinary people using dates in desserts? Apparently not. Meanwhile, the prognosticators thought that avocado snacks and, gulp, avocado desserts would be huge this year, and that there would be a huge explosion of foods with caviar in them. Its enough to make you wonder if these predictions do not come from serious study and contemplation but are actually the result of simple transanal extraction. So what are the predicted food trends of 2024? You dont want to know. Actually, theyre not as bad as kelp, or honey alternatives, or everything coming in tamarind flavor, which were also predicted for 2023. The Food Network thinks that sake will be the next it drink, that frozen food will be getting ever better and that white chocolate will become a gourmet ingredient. Food & Wine predicts that chicken a la king will make a comeback, that ranch dressing will be everywhere (isnt it already?) and that Caesar salads will be huge, but made with such non-Romaine ingredients as kale (been there, done that) and asparagus. Southern Living suggests the food trends youll see everywhere include French toast prepared in casseroles and muffins, tahini being used in non-dip ways and a resurgence in Italian foods. Italian foods. Midwesterners have been eating that for 125 years. ST. LOUIS Nurses waved rain-soaked signs in front of SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital early Wednesday morning as they launched a two-day strike, ramping up their protests against managements outsourcing of nursing jobs. The strike began 7 a.m. Wednesday. Dozens of picketers braved the rain and near-freezing temperatures to march along South Grand Boulevard. The strike will end Friday at 6:59 a.m. The two-day strike follows the 24-hour strike SLU Hospital nurses staged in September. Nurses are trained to be advocates, Jessica Tulk, a registered nurse who works in the emergency department, said on the picket line Wednesday morning. We advocate for patients and we are advocating for ourselves. SSM Health said that it will have agency nurses in place to ensure no disruption in care occurs during the two-day strike. Tulk, who has been a nurse for five years, said that sometimes the hospital is so understaffed she doesnt have time to eat or drink for an entire shift. She said the patient load for nurses at SSM Health in St. Louis is nearly double what California law has deemed safe. Instead of having three patients to every one registered nurse, Tulk said she handles five patients, not counting those in the ER waiting room. Were stretched very, very thin, she said. In addition to better equipment, higher wages and a competitive contract, the union, National Nurses United, is protesting managements continued hiring of travel nurses, nurses from agencies who are ineligible to join the union, in permanent positions. We wont remain silent with their union-busting tactics, outsourcing our jobs, Kellie Allen, an RN in the cardiac telemetry step-down unit, said during the Wednesday rally. We deliver better care when we have continuity of care at the bedside, relationships with our physicians and better team members. This is the second work stoppage held by nurses represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee at SSM Health in four months. In September, nurses walked off the job for 24 hours. SLU nurses have been in negotiations for a new labor agreement with SSM since May. The previous contract expired in June. We are deeply disappointed the NNOC has once again chosen to try and pull nurses away from the bedside to participate in a strike rather than complete discussions at the bargaining table, Jennifer Wiegert, St. Louis SSM Health spokesperson, said in a statement. Calling for yet another work stoppage demonstrates clearly where NNOCs priorities are and sadly, its not taking care of our nurses or patients, Wiegert wrote. The union said it gave the hospital notice of the strike on Dec. 15 so that it could prepare. The union will strike again in the future if demands arent met by the hospital, Tulk said. Were in this to get a good contract, Tulk said. Until the problems are solved, well be here. SLU Hospital nurses on strike for a second time Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) evacuated people from Kherson railway station, which was fired at by Russian occupiers with missiles on Tuesday evening. "More than 100 passengers from Kherson railway station, which was hit by Russian shelling yesterday, successfully reached Kyiv. Volunteers of the rapid response unit of the National Committee of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) met the passengers of the train with hot tea and coffee," URCS reported on Facebook on Wednesday. URCS noted that volunteers of the rapid response unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross of Kherson region are on duty daily at the railway station of the regional center. On Tuesday, after the missile attack, they provided first aid and psychological assistance to the victims, helped people move to shelter and facilitated further evacuation to a safer place. Volunteers from Kherson, Mykolaiv and Kyiv took part in the safe evacuation of people. During the shelling of Kherson railway station, the official transport of URCS volunteers was also damaged. As reported, as a result of the Russian shelling of Kherson railway station and an evacuation train, a policeman was killed and several people were injured. 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 ST. LOUIS The Rev. Bruce Forman told me a story about $1. Forman is the priest at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Soulard. For about 40 years, the church and the nearby St. Vincent de Paul have provided evening meals for people in need, many of them living on the streets. Schools, nonprofits and businesses help provide volunteers to serve the meals in the parish hall. Its a sit-down meal, with 100 or so diners spread out among tables. The service, compared to standing in a buffet line, is about dignity as much as anything else. Its food, but its a lot more than that, Forman says. On a recent evening, students from St. Josephs Academy helped serve meals. Afterward, one of them gave Forman a dollar bill. It had been left as a tip by an unhoused person, grateful for the meal and the service. The story reminded me of Patrick. I met him more than 30 years ago while I was pushing my daughter in a stroller at the 16th Street Mall in Denver, Colo. It was the Christmas season, and we were listening to a choir sing carols. Patrick ambled up to us and sat down. He had a big Army surplus duffel bag. He was homeless. He asked if he could listen to the music with us. Patrick started to tell us his story. He had been an engineer of some sort. He lost his job and his marriage. He turned to booze. He had lived on the streets, going from town to town, for some time. When the songs were over, and as we got up to leave, he asked us to wait. Patrick reached into his duffel bag and pulled out a trinket box. It was made of wood and had sea shells on the outside, with torn felt lining on the inside. He pulled a $1 bill out of his pocket and put it in the box. Can I give this to your daughter? he asked. It was Christmas, and he wanted to give somebody a gift. I think of Patrick frequently when writing about homelessness. So much of what is missed when lawmakers in St. Louis or the Missouri Legislature talk about homelessness is the dignity of people who need a little bit of our help. There was no dignity, for instance, in the law passed by the Legislature last year to criminalize the act of sleeping on state property, like in a park or near a highway overpass. It was passed despite several advocates the people who do the work of helping the unhoused population explaining to lawmakers how truly bad the bill was. Last week, the Missouri Supreme Court tossed the law. It was for technical reasons there is strong case law in Missouri that says the Legislature cant pass a Christmas tree sort of bill, loaded with unrelated topics. Heres why that rule is important: If lawmakers tried to pass a stand-alone bill to make unhoused people criminals, and that punishes the cities and nonprofits trying to help them, they would fail. The only way such bills pushed by out-of-state think tanks become law is to tie them to unrelated pieces of legislation. Theres no dignity in that. On the day the court tossed that very poorly conceived law, St. Louis Alderman Alisha Sonnier said she would bring back her Bill of Rights legislation, with a focus on adding new shelters and providing services at tent encampments when they pop up, rather than just clearing them. If they havent already, Sonnier and the other aldermen should talk to Forman. After decades at the center of the community feeding and sheltering unhoused people in St. Louis, hes got some common-sense ideas about how the city can move forward hopefully without interference from the state. If Peter and Paul Community Services can find a neighborhood willing to let the group build a larger 24-hour shelter, replacing the cramped one in the basement of the church, it can locate a new program there to help with job training. Thats a net positive for St. Louis. We usually run into people critical of accepting a shelter in their neighborhood but they fail to consider the positive effects, Forman says. A shelter will provide a place for people to sleep, so they dont have to sleep on storefronts or front lawns. Shelters provide food. Shelters have restrooms and showers. It can be a win-win for a neighborhood. The debate will continue at City Hall and the Missouri State Capitol in the coming year. It will go better if lawmakers remember the dignity of a $1 tip offered in gratitude for a warm meal. ST. LOUIS The number of catalytic converter thefts is declining across the St. Louis region after a yearslong surge, according to local police departments. Thefts of the device, key for controlling a vehicles pollution, surged in recent years because of the resale value of the precious metals inside. Drivers often dont realize their catalytic converter is gone until the next time they try to drive, and repairs can cost thousands of dollars. But the trend has reversed this year, as local police departments have seen year-over-year declines in theft of the part ranging from 30% to 70%. The exact causes are difficult to pinpoint, but officials have a few theories. One is that a crackdown on serial catalytic converter snatchers and new state laws that carry harsher penalties for offenders may be starting to make a dent. And the increased penalties dont just focus on thieves, said. Lt. Matt Moore, of the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Recently, there has been a regional effort to conduct investigations at scrap yards, he said in a written statement to the Post-Dispatch. The effort is aimed at the buyers complicity in purchasing ambiguously obtained catalytic converters, he said. Moore said detectives have worked with prosecutors and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to investigate several scrap yards, including one in Cedar Hill that is now shuttered. In St. Charles, detectives investigated a scrap yard in Byrnes Mill, also prompting that spot to close, he said. Sgt. Tracy Panus, with St. Louis County police, said efforts from detectives there have focused on big takedowns of rings of thieves who were selling large amounts of catalytic converters. And, perhaps most importantly, catalytic converters arent worth what they used to be. The thefts first surged a few years ago when prices increased for the precious metals found at the core of the devices. Prices of platinum, palladium and rhodium, compounded by supply constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic, have largely taken the blame for the initial surge. But those prices have come back to earth, and theft rates have come with them. In St. Louis County, reported catalytic converter rates dropped by 64% from 509 instances to 184 through the end of October compared with the same period one year earlier. The same is true in Jefferson County, where thefts decreased about 70% from last year. St. Louis police dont track the theft of catalytic converters specifically, but thefts of motor vehicle parts dropped more than 30% through the end of November, from 2,453 at its recent peak last year to 1,640 crimes this year. And the St. Louis area isnt alone. State Farm Insurance released a report in October showing that claims from customers for catalytic converter theft dropped about 37% nationwide in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2022. Locally, both Moore and Panus credited the changes to state law as another possible driver of the decline. The Missouri legislature passed a law that beginning in August 2021 made possession of a stolen catalytic converter a class E felony. The law also imposed new restrictions on buyers, including waiting periods before a catalytic converter could be melted down, and new requirements for how to record purchases of the device. Just this year, 21 states have followed suit and enacted laws of their own to more tightly regulate the possession of sale of catalytic converters, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. We may be seeing the residual results of new laws taking effect and offenders facing a more serious punishment, Moore said. ST. LOUIS A crash reconstruction expert was on the stand in a manslaughter trial last month when the clanging began. The sound, like a hammer on metal, banged every few seconds. Jurors leaned forward in their chairs, straining to hear over the racket. Attorneys spoke up. But the noisy radiator would not yield. Judge Clinton Wright told the witness to pause, pulled the attorneys aside and told the jury to go home for the day. Theyd come back tomorrow when the issue was fixed, he said. Such problems are part of the fabric of the citys 22nd Judicial Circuit, which operates out of the 88-year-old Carnahan Courthouse and 93-year-old Civil Courts building. Pipes corrode. Ceiling tiles fall. Roofs leak. The city and the courts have spent millions of dollars in recent years making repairs and upgrades. And court officials have mapped out millions of dollars more to stabilize facades, rehab courtrooms and replace fire alarms, roofing, heating and cooling. Judge Michael Stelzer, the citys former presiding judge who also chaired the courts budget committee, said upkeep is an ongoing challenge. And its crucial: Thousands of jurors and scores of attorneys, defendants and staff using the facilities every day. These are iconic downtown buildings, Stelzer said. We have the responsibility to maintain them and make sure theyre in good condition and can be utilized for their purpose, which is a courthouse. The Civil Courts building was built in 1930 as part of an ambitious public works project. Its columns and pyramid roof were designed to replicate the tomb of King Mausolus in modern-day Turkey one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and are frequently featured in photos, framed by the Gateway Arch. The Civil Courts counterpart, the Carnahan Courthouse, opened in 1935 and housed the federal court until the new Thomas F. Eagleton courthouse was built to replace it in the early 2000s. It now houses multiple judicial divisions as well as the Circuit Attorneys Office, public defenders office and some city departments. Federal authorities had kept up with maintenance at Carnahan. And in the mid-1990s, city officials approved a roughly $35 million overhaul of the Civil Courts building. They installed a centralized air system and redid the heating, plumbing and electrical systems. The building ran well for years. But in 2019, a water main busted in Carnahan. Six feet of water flooded the basement. The water damaged the air conditioning system, and for roughly a year, large cooling trucks were parked outside the building to provide air conditioning. In 2021, it happened again. Meanwhile, other problems arose. Parts of the building facades came loose. Old, narrow pipes clogged with sediment, causing water leaks and preventing heating and cooling. Sewer lines deteriorated. A sinkhole kept sinking outside of the Civil Courts. The courts facilities manager, Louis Rucker, and his deputy, Ramon Cusi, said theyre constantly addressing problems that crop up. And the ornate, classic buildings, while beautiful, make repairs even more difficult: Major projects require busting out walls adorned with original marble slabs, and some installs are difficult because the courthouses werent built with the size of modern wiring, ducts or piping in mind, Rucker said. A lot of your lines are not accessible, Rucker said. You have to tear out a lot to get to them. Stelzer said the courts have started planning for the future, though. They have allocated money for expected annual building repairs and emergencies and also mapped out major, more expensive priorities for the future. This year, for example, the city agreed to pay $1.9 million to replace fire alarms in the Civil Courts building. The courts also allocated roughly $1 million for building systems maintenance. Stelzer said he is grateful for City Hall providing money for courts upkeep. Were not trying to turn these buildings into the Taj Mahal, Stezler said. But they are older buildings, and they do need a lot of constant upkeep. ST. LOUIS COUNTY The ex-boyfriend of a missing St. Louis County woman was charged Wednesday with her murder after admitting to killing her and disposing of her body. Trenton Ivy, 31, of Flordell Hills, is charged with the killing of Marquisha Williams, 29, of St. Louis, who was reported missing last week. Ivy and Williams share four children. Williams was last seen, with Ivy, in her 2020 Jeep Compass near Cook and Spring avenues in north St. Louis, St. Louis County Police said. Her family reported her disappearance to police Dec. 20, after she dropped off her kids at daycare centers and at relatives houses, but didnt show up to her work shift that morning, her family has said in local television reports. Two days later, Ivy was arrested in Racine, Wisconsin, on charges of using a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest by an officer and fleeing from an officer in a vehicle. He was driving Williams's vehicle, police said. Detectives found blood and "biological material" in the jeep along with personal items that belonged to Williams. Ivy later admitted to Racine detectives that he killed Williams during a physical altercation and then disposed of her body in an unknown location, police said. Williams' family has pleaded for public assistance in locating her and led search parties throughout St. Louis and the Metro East each over several days. A relative reached Wednesday said Williams family were out continuing their search and would keep looking each day until they found her. Ivy was being held in custody in Racine without bond. LINCOLN COUNTY A Wentzville woman who worked as a home health aide in Lincoln County is facing criminal charges after prosecutors say she stole rare coins, jewelry and gold bars from her client. Lauren E. Dean, 41, has been charged with one count of felony stealing and one count of abuse of an elderly, disabled or vulnerable person in Lincoln County. The stolen items were valued at $183,000, according to investigators. Authorities on Wednesday issued a warrant for Deans arrest. The charges stem from an investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriffs Department that began on Dec. 11 when the client noticed that several pieces of jewelry, 20 gold coins and four gold bars weighing approximately 10 ounces each were missing from her home. She told authorities that only herself, her domestic partner and Dean had access to the area of her home where the valuables were stored. A family member of the victim told investigators on Dec. 13 that they had checked local pawn shops and had found some of the items at Troy Coin and Jewelry, but the owner would not discuss the purchase of the items with them. Detectives with the Lincoln County Sheriffs Department went to the pawn shop and learned from the owner that he had purchased five gold eagle coins and nine gold buffalo coins from Dean on two separate occasions in October. According to the U.S. Mint, the gold eagle coins were first released in 1986 and are valued between $5 and $50 depending on the coins thickness. Meanwhile, buffalo coins are among the most coveted and sought after coins produced by the government, according to the U.S. Mint. New gold buffalos retail for more than $2,900, according to the U.S. Mints website. The pawn shop owner was able to provide pictures of the coins and a copy of a Missouri Drivers License belonging to Dean. He also told investigators that Dean told him in October that she was in possession of two gold bars that weighed about 10 ounces each, but he declined to purchase them. The gold bars have a retail value of $20,000 each, the pawn shop owner told police. When questioned by authorities on Dec. 15, Dean admitted that she had stolen the gold and jewelry from her client, that she had sold some of the items to pawn shops in Troy and in Wentzville and that gold bars were in her privately-owned storage unit, police said. Authorities executed a search warrant for the storage unit and were able to recover the gold bars. They have since been returned to the victim, the Sheriffs Department said. Dean could not immediately be reached for comment. JEFFERSON CITY Gov. Mike Parsons legislative budget director has left the administration to launch a lobbying firm. Alex Tuttle, who has been in the post for the past two years, filed paperwork with the Missouri Ethics Commission Tuesday to open his own shop, marking the latest top adviser to depart as Parson enters the final year of his tenure. Its been a goal of mine for a long time to get into lobbying, Tuttle said Wednesday. Ive enjoyed all of my time at the state, but my kids are getting older and the hours are long. Earlier this month, Missouri Department of Corrections Director Anne Precythe retired after more than six years at the helm of the states sprawling prison system. Parsons economic development chief left in June. Both agencies are being headed by acting directors. In addition, the governors top aide in filling boards and commission posts also has moved on. A spokesman for Parson confirmed Tuttles Dec. 22 departure, which comes as the Legislature is poised to begin its annual session Jan. 3. We will make an announcement regarding his replacement in the near future, Johnathan Shiflett said. Tuttles new position may come with some limitations on whom he can lobby. Under an executive order signed by Parson in 2018, Tuttle is barred from lobbying the executive branch until Parsons term in office expires in January 2025. He would still be permitted to lobby the Missouri Legislature, which has been his primary role under Parson. As the governors legislative liaison, Tuttle was often seen roaming the House and Senate hallways as negotiations over various bills and funding initiatives were being hashed out behind closed doors. Prior to serving as Parsons director of governmental policy and legislation, Tuttle was the liaison for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for nearly three years. He also served as a budget analyst for the Missouri Senate for 12 years. In his new role, Tuttle said he hopes to focus on budget and health care issues. He currently lists no clients. ST. LOUIS Forecasters expect a mix of snow and rain to hit the region Wednesday through Thursday morning. A low pressure system from the northwest will bring rain Wednesday morning, turning to a mix of snow and rain by the evening, and continuing into Thursday morning. But warmer temperatures Wednesday will see a high of 39 and a low of 33 at night are expected to prevent travel problems, according to the National Weather Service in St. Louis. Its hard to say as far as how much we may get at this time because of the warmer temperatures and warmer ground temperatures, said meteorologist Melissa Byrd. Most of the region will see just a trace of snow. The western portion of the metro area could see a bit more, perhaps up to an inch, said meteorologist Fred Glass, also of the weather services local office. Otherwise the further east you go, the chance of accumulating snow looks pretty darn low, Glass said. Any accumulation would most likely happen on elevated or grassy surfaces. Snow can happen even when temperatures on the ground are above freezing, Glass said. It can be plenty colder above the Earths surface, he said. Snowflakes can form above ground but then melt when they meet warmer temperatures lower down. Missouri Department of Transportation officials were monitoring the weather, said spokesman Andrew Gates. The St. Louis region hasnt seen much snow this year, according to weather service data. At 2.5 inches, 2023s total snowfall so far is tied for the second lowest since at least 1885. The weather service logged 1.5 inches in 1954, and 2.5 inches in 2001. Most of this years snow fell on Jan 25. Punishing heat that hovered and hung on much longer than usual. Flash floods that washed away large swaths of land and life. And wildfires that burned much of the year, leaving a wake of smoke and charred earth. The toll of disasters propelled by climate change in 2023 can be tallied with numbers thousands of people dead, millions of others who lost jobs, homes and hope, and tens of billions of dollars sheared off economies. But numbers cant reflect the way climate change is experienced the intensity, the insecurity and the inequality that people on Earth are living. Associated Press photographers around the world captured moments in 2023 that collectively tell that story, one of a changing world. INTENSITY In so many skies, there was smoke, seen in the distance and breathed up close. From Canada to Greece to Hawaii, wildfires raged, consuming land while the flames fanned a thick haze that traveled around the globe. So intense were the wildfires in Canada that they released several times more air pollution than the entire country usually does in a year, working against world efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions, which fuel climate change. There was also intense heat and desperate efforts to find relief during a year on track to be the warmest in recorded history. In China, two little girls held small fans in front of their faces, while in Romania a father and daughter delighted in the mist of a public fountain. In Switzerland, a man walked toward the Rhone Glacier, which is melting like so many other glaciers worldwide. And there was rain, that caused destruction. After Storm Daniel unleashed a torrent from the sky, floods in Libya killed more than 11,000 people, with several thousand others missing. In India, a woman wailed after a landslide washed away houses, leaving family members trapped under rubble. In the U.S., two people waded through water in a laundromat after major flooding. INSECURITY In so many places, floods, powerful storms and heat waves wiped out supplies of food. That led to hunger, forced people to migrate in search of sustenance and increased pressure on governments to respond. In India, a woman cooked in her flooded home while her husband prayed, a scene of both devastation and resilience. In neighboring Pakistan, people waited in the rain to receive food distributed by volunteers outside a camp for internally displaced migrants as Cyclone Biparjoy ominously approached. In Zimbabwe, a woman worked a field of millet, a cereal that is more resistant than other crops to changes in temperature. In Argentina, men fished amid many floating carcasses of fish killed by drought and multiple heat waves that jacked up river temperatures and dried out landscapes across areas of South America. A hemisphere away, seemingly endless heat imperiled sheep herding, central to the culture of Navajo in the U.S. Farther west, in Alaska, men worked fishing boats with the knowledge that this years catch could be much less than last years, as climate change is upending their livelihood. INEQUALITY In every place that climate change made its mark, inequality was made worse. Desperation could be seen in the eyes of Pakistani children, standing in the mud and looking through a window while it rained at a camp set up for internally displaced people. It gripped people in Kenya who must go deeper and deeper to access groundwater, as periodic drought has plagued East Africa. On the other side of the African continent, in a coastal community in Senegal, desperation was felt by women who say they have had to turn to prostitution, thanks to depleted fish populations from climate change and fallout from an offshore gas drilling project. In Malawi, coffins with people killed during heavy rains from Cyclone Freddy lay in the mud while family and friends, standing under a large tent, said goodbye. In India, where floods frequently forced evacuations, a displaced farmworker, squatting over dirt, washed her face. In Sri Lanka, a man stood in debris from his home, destroyed by erosion. On this day, the seas were calm, but as the planet continues to warm, more storms are ahead. From wildfires to floods, photos reveal intensity of climate change in 2023 PHOENIX Some voted for Donald Trump, others for Joe Biden. A few had never wanted anything to do with politics before they heard Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on a podcast or YouTube video. Lined up outside a Phoenix wedding hall tucked between a freeway, a railroad track and a U-Haul rental center, the hundreds of people who turned out earlier this month to hear Kennedy speak shared little in common ideologically. What united them was a deep-seated distrust of the media, of corporations and especially of the government and a belief that Kennedy is the only person in politics willing to tell them the truth. I like that he talks to us like adults, said Gilbert Limon, a 48-year-old pharmacist from Phoenix. He tells you the majority of what you need to know. Whereas I feel like (other politicians) just give you bits and pieces to try to fit their agenda. Ive had enough of that. Voters are not enthusiastic about a Biden-Trump rematch, and alternatives like Kennedy or the No Labels third-party movement, which would typically be longshots, see an opening. Kennedys appearance in a 2024 battleground state highlights how he could influence the election in ways that are tough to predict. Allies of both Trump and Biden have expressed concerns that Kennedys independent bid could pull votes from their candidate in next years expected general election rematch. Candidates from outside the Republican and Democratic parties rarely make a splash, if they can make the ballot to begin with. But third-party candidates dont usually carry a famous last name like Kennedys, or his existing network of supporters. Kennedy made the stop in Phoenix as part of his laborious push to get access to the 2024 presidential ballot as an independent candidate, which he figures will require him to collect at least a million signatures across the country. Aides mingled in the crowd, filling up his petitions to qualify in Arizona. Ballot access for independent and minor-party candidates is an expensive and complicated process, with each state setting its own rules. Campaigns usually hire people to collect signatures and often need a small army of lawyers to challenge access rules and fight back against others trying to keep the candidates off the ballot. American Values 2024, a super PAC supporting Kennedy, has pledged to spend $15 million to help him get on the ballot in 10 states. Kennedy secured a victory in Utah, where the lieutenant governor pushed back the deadline to qualify from January to March after Kennedy filed suit. Kennedy is a member of one of the Democratic Partys most famous families his father was the attorney general for his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. But hes more recently built closer ties to the far right, where his conspiratorial and isolationist views are at home. Enriqueta Porras, a 52-year-old physician from Phoenix, voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Trump in 2020. She said shes torn about the third-party conundrum. Shed like to vote for someone she believes in, like Kennedy, but also wants to make sure Biden loses and may vote strategically. I dont want to be that person, Porras said, but I feel like theres a lot at stake and that may just have to happen. One of the nations most prominent anti-vaccine activists, Kennedy has long had a loyal following of people who reject the scientific consensus that vaccines are safe and effective, and they form a backbone of his presidential campaign. An organization that Kennedy founded, Childrens Health Defense, currently has a lawsuit pending against a number of news organizations, among them The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Rigorous study and real-world evidence from hundreds of millions of administered shots prove that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Deaths caused by vaccination are extremely rare and the risks associated with not getting vaccinated are far higher than the risks of vaccination. Debra Sheetz first started paying attention to Kennedy when she was doing her own research on COVID-19 vaccinations. Ive been listening to him for the last several years, she said. I was so interested when he decided to make this big leap into politics because he has a lot of good ideas. He can really speak to what people really care about. Sheetz, 71, voted for Biden in 2020, she said sheepishly, because she found him to have more balance, a little more sanity compared with Trump. But she was disillusioned by Bidens support for pandemic-era restrictions and what she sees as a loss of freedom to speak freely. Kennedy is keenly aware that his fans avoid the mainstream media, where journalists often flag the falsity of his vaccine claims, in favor of free-wheeling alternative sources online. He said hes drawing support especially from young people but struggling with people in his own generation. Third party or independent candidates rarely do well in presidential contests. Even the most successful recent example, Ross Perot in 1992, didnt win a single electoral vote despite winning 19% of the popular vote. Sometimes, minor-party candidates will get enough votes that partisans will blame them for tipping the scales to elect the popular vote loser, like Ralph Nader in 2000 or Jill Stein in 2016, both Green Party candidates. Photos: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. through the years Oleksandr Tarnavsky, commander of the Tavria Operational and Strategic Group of Troops, does not believe that the situation at the front has reached an impasse, but the enemy has intensified its actions almost along the entire line of combat. In an interview with the BBC Ukraine, answering the question whether he believes that the situation at the front has reached an impasse, Tarnavsky said: "I think not yet. To date, it has accurate logistical results. We should not forget that we are up against one of the strongest armies, which has its own corresponding resource." He also noted that "for almost two years there has been a large-scale invasion of the Russian aggressor and almost all analysts have given us forecasts that we will not be able to resist." "And if we can, it won't be more than a month or two. And the fact that the enemy has not achieved its stated goals so far is already a significant success for the Ukrainian people and their troops. The most important misconception of the enemy is that he did not count on such a unification of our nation, on the support that continues today. Therefore, if someone says that this is a dead end, no, this is not a dead end, this is our state today," Tarnavsky said. At the same time, he stressed that the situation in the direction is tensely complicated - the enemy has intensified its actions almost along the entire line of combat. "We are clearly aware that his strategic goal is the elimination of Ukrainian statehood. Therefore, the Russian leadership wants to somehow implement all these intentions by the end of this year. At a minimum, this is the capture of the settlement of Avdiyivka. And a more ambitious goal is to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and seize territories in areas lost by the Russians during our offensive operations in Zaporizhia direction," the commander said. Tarnavsky also confirmed that the enemy is constantly sending reinforcements to Avdiyivka area. Yes. They are constantly being reinforced. These are mainly units such as Storm Z, Storm V," he said. In turn, the Ukrainian forces, as Tarnavsky stressed, constantly maneuver with their units. In Avdiyivka, the enemy's efforts are focused on two directions, the commander added. According to Tarnavsky, if we compare Maryinka with Avdiyivka, then the enemy does not want to enter Avdiyivka. "He wants to bypass it to avoid fighting in the city this will further complicate his problems. We observed this during the battles for Bakhmut," the general stressed. "Today, the enemy has become more active all over the front line, and directly in my operating area. Somewhere he determined the direction of the main blow, somewhere distracting. So, regarding Avdiyivka, it is located in the direction of their main strike. Maryinka is a different direction. Novomykhailivka is, for example, a distracting direction. Novopavlivka direction also has its own purpose," he explained. In turn, Robotyne is "a piece of terrain where the enemy had losses in the territory, where he presses, conducts active assault operations." "But when the enemy attacks in any area, believe me, there are both positive and negative consequences for them. They are trying to succeed, but it is important for us to hold on and give a clear rebuff," Tarnavsky stressed. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) The doctors gave Shaimaa Nabahin an impossible choice: lose your left leg or risk death. The 22-year-old had been hospitalized in Gaza for around a week, after her ankle was partially severed in an Israeli airstrike, when doctors told her she was suffering from blood poisoning. Nabahin chose to maximize her chances of survival, and agreed to have her leg amputated 15 centimeters (6 inches) below the knee. The decision upended life for the ambitious university student, as it has for untold others among the more than 54,500 war-wounded who faced similar gut-wrenching choices. My whole life has changed, said Nabahin, speaking from her bed at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central town of Deir al-Balah. If I want to take a step or go anywhere, I need help. The World Health Organization and the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza say amputations have become commonplace during the Israel-Hamas war, now in its 12th week, but could not offer precise figures. At the hospital in Deir al-Balah, dozens of recent amputees are in various stages of treatment and recovery. Experts believe that in some cases, limbs could have been saved with proper treatment. But after weeks of Israel's blistering air and ground offensive, only nine out of Gaza's 36 hospitals are still operational. They are greatly overcrowded, offer limited treatment and lack basic equipment to perform surgeries. Many wounded are unable to reach the remaining hospitals, pinned down by Israeli bombardment and ground combat. Sean Casey, a WHO official who recently visited several hospitals in Gaza, said the acute lack of vascular surgeons the first responders to trauma injuries and best positioned to save limbs is increasing the likelihood of amputations. But also in many cases, he said, the severe nature of the injuries means some limbs are not salvageable, and need to be removed as soon as possible. People may die of the infections that they have because their limbs are infected, Casey told a news conference last week. We saw patients who were septic. Israel declared war after Hamas militants stormed across the border on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking more than 240 hostages. Israel has vowed to keep up the fight until Hamas is destroyed and removed from power in Gaza and all the hostages are freed. More than 20,600 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting, about 70% of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants among the dead. Before the war, Gaza's health system was overwhelmed after years of conflict and a border blockade enforced by Israel and Egypt in response to the 2007 Hamas takeover of the territory. In 2018 and 2019, thousands were wounded by Israeli army fire in weekly Hamas-led anti-blockade protests, and more than 120 of the wounded had limbs amputated. Even then, Gaza amputees had a hard time getting prostheses that would help them return to an active life. Those joining the ranks of amputees now face near-impossible conditions. Some 85% of the population of 2.3 million have been displaced, crowding into tents, schools-turned-shelters or homes of relatives. Water, food and other basic supplies are scarce. On Nov. 13, when an Israeli airstrike hit the home of Nabahin's neighbor in Bureij, an urban refugee camp in central Gaza, her ankle and arteries in her leg were partially severed by a clump of cement that blew into her home from the explosion next door. She was the only one of her family who was injured, while a number of her neighbors were killed, she said. She was quickly taken to nearby Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where doctors managed to sew up her leg and and stop the bleeding. But after that, Nabahin said she received minimal treatment or attention from doctors, who were dealing with a growing number of critically wounded people amid dwindled medical supplies. Days later, her leg turned a dark color, she said. They discovered that there was shrapnel that was poisoning my blood," she said. The amputation went well, but Nabahin said she remains in acute pain and can't sleep without sedatives. Jourdel Francois, an orthopedic surgeon with Doctors Without Borders, says the risk of post-op infections in war-stricken Gaza is high. Francois, who worked at Nasser Hospital in the southern town of Khan Younis in November, said hygiene was poor, mainly because of scarce water and the general chaos in a hospital that's overwhelmed with patients while hosting thousands of displaced civilians. He recalled a young girl whose legs had been crushed and urgently needed a double amputation, but she couldn't be booked into surgery that day because of the high number of other critical injuries. She died later that night, Francois said, likely from sepsis, or blood poisoning by bacteria. There are 50 (injured) people arriving every day, you have to make a choice, he told The Associated Press by phone after leaving Gaza. At Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, many of the new amputees struggle to get to grips with how the loss of limb has changed their lives. Nawal Jaber, 54, had both legs amputated after she was injured on Nov. 22, when an Israeli bombardment hit her neighbor's empty house and damaged her house in Bureij. Her grandson was killed, and her husband and son were wounded, she said. "I wish I could meet the needs of my children, (but) I am unable, the mother of eight said, with tears streaming down her face. Before the conflict, Nabahin had started her degree in international relations in Gaza and planned to travel to Germany to continue her studies. She said her goal now is to get out of Gaza, to "save what is left of me, and to install a prosthetic limb and live my life normally. Jeffery reported from London. Associated Press writer Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report. Kansas City Star. December 20, 2023. Editorial: Missouri law could force public schoolteachers to out transgender students Missouri already faces a massive teacher shortage in its public schools. What will happen if educators are forced to betray their transgender students or else face the loss of their careers and livelihoods? Unfortunately, we may find out soon. H.B. 1739 which bills itself the Parents Bill of Rights 2024 is one of a host of anti-LGBT bills pre-filed by Missouri lawmakers ahead of the 2024 legislative session, which starts next month. It is sponsored by state Rep. Doug Richey, a Clay County Republican who is running for a promotion to the state Senate. Much of the bill is relatively innocuous: It would guarantee parents and guardians the right to important pieces of information about their childs public school education the names of teachers and guest lecturers, access to their students education and medical records, and information about medical records. That seems reasonable enough. We expect that most Missouri schools already have such policies and procedures in place. Its the rest of H.B. 1739s text, though, that is potentially harmful: Teachers and other public school employees would be ordered to out transgender students to their families. How? Richeys bill would require educators to inform parents immediately if a student approaches them to express discomfort or confusion about the students documented identity. It would also order those same teachers to also quickly notify parents if a student asks a school official to refer to the student using personal pronouns that are associated with a gender other than the students documented identity. And the legislation would mandate that classroom educators call students only by names approved in writing by their parents. The bill would also prohibit teachers from encouraging students to undergo gender reassignment therapy or surgery. Fair enough, we suppose: Teachers who listen empathetically shouldnt encourage students to undertake a gender reassignment, or give any surgical advice, actually. Punishments would be harsh. Teachers who violate the requirements could have their license revoked or suspended on charges of incompetence, immorality or neglect of duty. School nurses could be tagged with the stigma of unethical or unprofessional conduct involving a minor. Other officials could be banned from working in public schools for up to four years. Educators who inform on colleagues for violations, on the other hand, would be offered protections under the states whistleblower law. The point is clear: Richeys bill would close off some of the few remaining safe spaces left to many transgender students in Missouri and do so by threatening the careers and livelihoods of our states educators. We would hope that every student has a warm and supportive family environment to honestly explore any questions they have about gender and identity: These issues can be complicated and deeply personal, after all. But those supportive environments arent always available. Richeys bill would make it impossible for young people even to hint at their questions with other trusted adults in their lives. More broadly, the legislation would probably make it that much harder for Missouri public schools to hire and retain teachers. That is already a huge problem in the Show-Me State. The earlier generation became teachers and stuck with it, Jon Turner, a retired teacher and associate professor of educational leadership at Missouri State University, told The Star last year. That doesnt happen anymore, because of the stresses of teaching, the politics involved in teaching. Richeys bill would only add to those political stresses. Who would want to work in a Missouri public school, knowing they could lose their job at any time because a student came to them to discuss a deeply personal issue? The legislation seems designed to keep the states public educators looking over their shoulders or out of the profession entirely. Then again, that may be the least of Richeys concerns: He has also pre-filed legislation to create a tax credit for Missouri parents who send their kids to private schools, a so-called universal school choice bill that would inevitably undermine the states support for public schools. Missouri Republicans appear determined to make the state ever-less welcoming to its LGBT residents. Thats a tragedy. Worse, their crusade threatens to undermine other institutions, like community schools, that form the backbone of public life in this state. And that will make the state less welcoming for all of us. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. December 22, 2023. Editorial: Missouri regulates books and uteruses, but getting food to kids is too complicated For a state that can quickly leap into action to censor libraries, harass trans youths and deny women the right to control their own bodies, Missouri cant seem to do anything but bumble when presented with the chance at free federal money to feed its poorest kids. The state is poised to miss out for the second year on a federal program that offers tens of millions of dollars to provide food to low-income kids during the summer months, when they dont have access to school lunch programs. The deadline for informing the feds if Missouri will participate this year is Jan. 1 barely a week away yet as of Wednesday, state officials were still dithering about the question due to concerns that the state doesnt have the technological capability to administer the program. Thats the same problem that prevented Missouris participation in a previous round of the program, leaving more than $40 million in federal funds on the table. This year, the state would be eligible for more than $51 million, to help feed some 429,000 low-income Missouri kids, according to reporting by the Missouri Independent. Yet the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education told the news site this week that it is still assessing Missouris ability to accept the free money this summer and get it where its needed. This is the same Missouri government that was able to institute its draconian new abortion ban literally minutes after the Supreme Courts overturn of Roe v. Wade last year. Its also the same state that this year imposed new bureaucratic requirements on public libraries to purge offensive reading material. Priorities, priorities. The Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) program began during the pandemic but Congress has since made it permanent. Its designed to address the distressing fact that for many low-income children, subsidized school lunches are the only reliable and nutritious meals they usually get and, of course, they dont get them during the summer. The program provides federal money to participating states, to administer to children in the state. Kids who are eligible for free or reduced school lunch programs can get $40 per month for the three months of summer, with the money loaded onto cards they can use to buy food. Missouri signed up for the 2022 round of the program, but had such problems with the states outdated data systems that it couldnt get the benefits out to kids until a full year after it was supposed to start. It was among the last participating states to disperse the money. By that point, the 2023 round of the program was underway, but this time, Missouri sat it out completely. Some state officials appeared to blame the problem on dense federal requirements regarding program administration, but the fact is, 40 other states somehow managed it. Missouris poorest kids, meanwhile, went hungry. Now deadlines loom for the 2024 round of the program, and Missouri officials (despite knowing about the data complications for going on two years now) are again considering the possibility of refusing the free federal money. A state education spokesperson told the Independent that the factors being weighed include staffing levels and technology solutions and the timeline in which a system would be in production and complete. Thats what theyre discussing less than two weeks before a decision regarding 2024 has to be made and a year after dropping the ball for the 2023 round of the program? Why didnt officials address these issues months ago? The answer, demonstrated here not for the first time, is that Missouris radical-right political system today prioritizes divisive culture-war issues and couldnt care less about the nuts-and-bolts responsibilities of government that affect real people. END Despite the best efforts of city police, the public has learned much of what happened at Bar:PM in south St. Louis late on Dec. 18. We know, based on security camera footage, that a police SUV, speeding for no apparent reason, blew through a red light, swerved seconds later (again, for no clear reason) and crashed into the front of the bar. We know, based on a bystander video, that the bars owners, understandably angry about the situation, were treated like criminal suspects by officers at the scene. We know that one of the owners was ultimately arrested and charged with assault and resisting arrest. Then there are the things the public doesnt know: How was the arrested owners face bruised during an off-camera encounter with officers? Why was the officer who was driving the police cruiser not tested for drugs or alcohol? And whats with that imaginary dog that apparently started the whole thing? Its OK to note the absurdity of this story only because no one was hurt. But that was dumb luck; had it happened a little earlier in the evening, there could well have been fatalities. Yet the police department persists in its knee-jerk, circle-the-wagons, pull-down-the-blinds lack of transparency that has come to define Chief Robert Tracys relatively new tenure here. And Mayor Tishaura Jones, for all her tough talk about reforming the police, continues to give him a long leash. Enough. A police vehicle crashed into a private business and the owner, rather than the police, is now facing charges. Yet-unrevealed details could certainly explain that seeming injustice, but continued secrecy around those details is unacceptable. The city should publicly open the books on this incident, now. Before even discussing who did what regarding the incident, its important to keep in mind that it began with the police car driving into the bar. Its not like they were called there for a disturbance or something; they just randomly crashed into the building in the middle of the night. Virtually any reaction by the owners in that moment must be considered in that context. At least three explanations have been offered for the crash. The bar owners say the officers in the car initially told them the driver had swerved to avoid hitting a dog in the street. But, bizarrely enough, security video that subsequently emerged doesnt indicate there was any dog there. (Making the dog the only transparent thing about the cops story.) Police later offered the explanation that the officer had swerved to avoid a car that was parallel parked across the street from the bar. The video shows there was indeed a parked car, but its not at all clear that the police cruiser was in danger of hitting it when it swerved. Maybe that explains the third explanation, which was that the driver of the police car was distracted by the in-car radio. So the cause of a speeding police SUV suddenly swerving into a building remains unclear, with an apparently hallucinated dog among the possible explanations. Yet the officers involved in the crash werent tested for drugs or alcohol, a police spokesperson said, because policy requires a reasonable suspicion of impairment for such a test. Its worth asking: If driving into a building for no clear reason doesnt inherently present such a suspicion, what would? The bar owners attorney has shown reporters snippets of a bystanders video of the subsequent confrontation between the owners and police, including additional officers who arrived on the scene. At one point, an officer reportedly demanded that one of the owners, James Pence, produce an identification. The New York Times, which was among the media that reviewed the bystander footage, described Pences reaction to the request as incredulous. When officers subsequently handcuffed Pence, and a bystander asked why, an officer reportedly responded, Hes creating a disturbance, obviously. Talk about incredulous. Lets get this straight: A cop car crashes into a bar out of the blue, bashing in an exterior wall and soon after, police are demanding the bar owners ID, and then handcuffing him. Was there even a sorry in there somewhere? Pence was released but the bars other owner, Chad Morris, was arrested and initially charged with felony assault and resisting arrest. Police claim he pushed an officer; the owners attorney denies that and says an officer struck Morris in the face. A photo taken the next day showed Morris left eye was bruised. The city circuit attorneys office later downgraded the charges against Morris from felony to misdemeanor. Police on the scene were wearing body cameras but the department has refused to release that footage, citing a state law that prohibits such disclosure during an on-going investigation. However, police reportedly have shown the footage to several city aldermen and to members of a city advisory board on LGBTQ issues (Bar:PM is a gay bar). That disclosure would appear to violate the very law the department is invoking to shield that footage from the public. But it also provides an opportunity: There is apparently nothing in that law that would prohibit someone outside of law enforcement from publicly disclosing evidence they have seen. The aldermen and LGBTQ board members who have seen the body cam footage dont appear to be prohibited from publicly disclosing its contents. They should, if only because police have been so opaque and inconsistent in their version of events. There is strained trust these days between police and the public even when cops are doing their jobs properly. When they start randomly wrecking property and then cuffing the property owners, the need for full transparency becomes that much more urgent. Norway and Britain have sent Ukraine two Sandown-Class Mine Hunters to help clear the Russian naval mines showing up on the west coast of the Black Sea, where commercial shipping brings supplies to Ukraine and carries Ukrainian wheat and other food products to world markets. These 600-ton ships are already in service for Britian, Estonia, and Saudi Arabia. One was also transferred to Romania, a NATO member country with a coastline just south of Ukraine. Some of the Russian mines are drifting into Romanian waters. Sandowns have fiberglass hulls to protect them from bottom mines that look for metal hulled ships. The Sandowns have special sonar and other sensors to find mines as well as systems to detonate the mines safely. The hull of the Sandon-class ships is built to withstand the shockwave from mines the Sandown found and detonated. The naval mine problem in the Black Sea became a problem for Ukraine in mid-2023, when there was a sudden increase in the number of free floating mines between Crimea and the shipping lane from the western Ukraine port of Odessa via waters controlled by NATO nations to the narrow straits Turkey controls that lead to the Mediterranean and the worlds oceans. Turkey and other NATO nations control most of the Black Sea coastline, especially the southern and western Black Sea coasts. The Russian navy is believed responsible for more than 400 free floating naval mines showing up west of Crimean since mid-2023. Few of these mines appear to be tethered mines that broke loose from their chain. That is an old problem with Russian made floating mines. Tethered mines are designed to have their weighted base sink to the bottom of shallow (less than 20 meters) water. Most of the mines currently in the Black Sea were apparently released into the water without any tether. The use of naval mines is diminished because they are not much of a threat to warships, which are constantly on the lookout for them, and most commercial ships are too big to sink after encountering one of these mines. There is some hull damage and flooding, but not enough to sink a ship. The mines are a danger to smaller commercial ships, especially fishing trawlers, not to mention some large private vessels like yachts. Some NATO counties with Black Sea coastlines have organized a mine clearing operation. Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria contributed mine clearing vessels and equipment. NATO members that do not border the Black Sea but do have a lot of commercial shipping operating in it, are also contributing mines clearing ships and equipment. Floating contact mines are a 19th century development that has been improved on for over a century and is still used because it is cheap and effective. Iran has acquired a stockpile of 3,000 to 6,000 mines, mostly of Soviet/Russian, Chinese or North Korean origin. Most are unsophisticated but still dangerous moored contact mines, like those that damaged several American warships in the Persian Gulf during 1991. These mines had been released by Iraq. Iran's current arsenal of sea mines is estimated to number around 2,000 and includes the domestically produced Sadaf-01/02 moored contact mines as well as more sophisticated bottom mines that depend on battery-operated sensors to detect ships passing overhead and detonate when a ship of the desired type comes by. These mines put holes in ships bottoms, which causes serious flooding that often sinks them. Naval forces with the right equipment can easily find and disable bottom mines and thats what happened to the ones Iran supplied to the Yemen Shia rebels. The rebels had only a few such mines, and apparently no more were smuggled in after so many were found and destroyed by naval mine clearing ships. BOULDER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. ("BlackStar") (OTC PINK:BEGI) BlackStar received its Blockchain Equity Trading Patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U. S. Patent No. 11,854,080, Issue Date: December 26, 2023, Titled "System and Method for Matching Orders and Immutable Blockchain Ledger for all Customer Trading Activity with Settlement into the Broker Dealer Ecosystem." The technology claimed in the patent enables trading of common shares of a public company on a blockchain. BlackStar has designed the BlackStar Digital Trading Platform BDTP"' to be compatible with the broker-dealerl ecosystem, and is not intended to need licensure through the SEC as a special purpose broker-dealer. BlackStar's CEO, Joseph E Kurczodyna stated that "Blockchain First" trading offers encrypted order entry to the block; your broker sees the confirmation only." With this patent issued on 12/26/2023, BlackStar has a vision for the future of securities trading and public company transparency on a blockchain. Other Info: BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. (OTC PINK:BEGI) WEBSITE: blackstarenterprisegroup.com EMAIL: [email protected] CONTACT Bryan P Hemphill&.559-359-1480 http://www.blackstarenterprisegroup.com/investor-relations/ More information can be found in the Company's recently filings at the SEC web site: https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=BlackStar+Enterprise&match=&filenum=&State=&Country=&SIC=&myowner=exclude&action=getcompany SEC Disclaimer This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or elsewhere. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words or phrases "would be," "will allow," "intends to," "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate," "project," or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements." Actual results could differ materially from those projected in BlackStar's ("the Company's") business plan. The creation of subsidiaries and expansion of services into new sectors should not be construed as an indication in any way whatsoever of the future value of the Company's common stock or its present or future financial condition. The Company's filings may be accessed at the SEC's Edgar system at www.sec.gov. Statements made herein are as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as of any subsequent date. The Company cautions readers not to place reliance on such statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, we do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences, developments, unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statement. SOURCE: BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Grant of New Options and Directors' Dealings LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Golden Metal Resources plc (LON:GMET)(OTCQB: GMTLF), a strategic mineral exploration and development company focused on Nevada, US, announces that it has granted options over 3.9 million new ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the Company ("Ordinary Shares"), representing approximately 4.6 per cent. of the existing issued share capital of the Company, to certain Directors, employees and advisors to subscribe for new Ordinary Shares at an exercise price of 14p with a life to expiry of 3 years from 22 December 2023 with an immediate vesting period (the "New Options"). Further details on the grant of the New Options are provided below and recognise the contribution made by the team to the rapid development of the Company and the strategic current value of its broad-spectrum natural resource focused exploration and development portfolio. 2.5 million of the New Options have been granted to Golden Metal board directors (the "Director Options"). The Director Options, along with a summary of existing options held are outlined in the table below: Director Options Granted Director Existing options New Options granted Exercise price (p) of New Options Expiry date of New Options Total options following award of New Options Oliver Friesen 2,104,859 500,000 14p 21.12.26 2,604,859 David Ovadia 500,000 14p 21.12.26 500,000 J.T. Starzecki 500,000 14p 21.12.26 500,000 Mark Burnett 500,000 14p 21.12.26 500,000 Mick Billing 500,000 14p 21.12.26 500,000 Total 2,104,859 2,500,000 4,604,859 A new pool totalling 1.4 million New Options has been granted to Golden Metal employees and advisors, to be allocated in line with the Board's instructions to non-Board team members, and with the same terms as the Director Options above. PDMR DISCLOSURE The notifications below, made in accordance with the requirements of the EU Market Abuse Regulation, provide further detail on the director's share dealing. 1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Oliver Friesen 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Chief Executive Officer b) Initial notification /Amendment Initial Notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Golden Metal Resources plc b) LEI 213800J4SKZAMUEPGW34 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument ordinary shares of 1p each Identification code ISIN: GB00BPQY8R36 b) Nature of the transaction Issue of Options c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 14p 500,000 d) Aggregated information - Aggregated volume 500,000 - Price 14p e) Date of the transaction 22 December 2023 f) Place of the transaction Off Market 1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name David Ovadia 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Chairman b) Initial notification /Amendment Initial Notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Golden Metal Resources plc b) LEI 213800J4SKZAMUEPGW34 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument ordinary shares of 1p each Identification code ISIN: GB00BPQY8R36 b) Nature of the transaction Issue of Options c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 14p 500,000 d) Aggregated information - Aggregated volume 500,000 - Price 14p e) Date of the transaction 22 December 2023 f) Place of the transaction Off Market Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated Name J. T. Starzecki Reason for the notification Position/status Non-Executive Director Initial notification /Amendment Initial Notification Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Name Golden Metal Resources plc LEI 213800J4SKZAMUEPGW34 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument ordinary shares of 1p each Identification code ISIN: GB00BPQY8R36 Nature of the transaction Issue of Options Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 14p 500,000 Aggregated information - Aggregated volume 500,000 - Price 14p Date of the transaction 22 December 2023 Place of the transaction Off Market Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated Name Mark Burnett Reason for the notification Position/status Non-Executive Director Initial notification /Amendment Initial Notification Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Name Golden Metal Resources plc LEI 213800J4SKZAMUEPGW34 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument ordinary shares of 1p each Identification code ISIN: GB00BPQY8R36 Nature of the transaction Issue of Options Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 14p 500,000 Aggregated information - Aggregated volume 500,000 - Price 14p Date of the transaction 22 December 2023 Place of the transaction Off Market Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated Name Mick Billing Reason for the notification Position/status Non-Executive Director Initial notification /Amendment Initial Notification Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Name Golden Metal Resources plc LEI 213800J4SKZAMUEPGW34 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument ordinary shares of 1p each Identification code ISIN: GB00BPQY8R36 Nature of the transaction Issue of Options Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 14p 500,000 Aggregated information - Aggregated volume 500,000 - Price 14p Date of the transaction 22 December 2023 Place of the transaction Off Market This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Golden Metal Resources PLC View the original press release on accesswire.com Regions Community Development Corporation collaborated with internal partners to create technology enhancements and process improvements to better support mission-driven clients. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Regions Bank By Candace Higginbotham The Regions Community Development Corporation, or RCDC, launched with great success three years ago and quickly began fulfilling their mission to create inclusive prosperity in the communities that Regions Bank serves. A few years into their journey, the new organization began to experience some growing pains. The RCDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regions Bank that supports underserved communities with limited access to traditional sources of capital by providing debt and equity financing for projects and entities with a community development purpose. "The need is great, and the opportunities are infinite." David Christian, Regions Community Development Corporation chief operating officer "The need is great, and the opportunities are infinite," said David Christian, Regions Community Development Corporation chief operating officer. "We became aware pretty early on that we needed some process enhancements to streamline our lending efforts so we could scale our loan production." Innovation is a key priority at Regions Bank, especially around enhancing digital and data across all channels. Also important are personalizing the customer experience and enhancing the associate experience. The company even has an informal bank-wide program for such initiatives: Innovating Today & With an Eye on Tomorrow. Here's how the RCDC team utilized cross-functional collaboration and technology enhancements to make it faster and easier to support their clients. The Problem Regions has a passionate team dedicated to providing lending products to organizations with a mission-driven purpose in underserved communities. Bankers who knew about the RCDC were ready and willing to utilize this important service throughout our markets. Because these banking products and the needs of the clients don't always fit the standard lending model, it can sometimes take longer to complete the process. That bottleneck was frustrating for everyone involved. The Solution The RCDC collaborated with internal Regions specialists to create and enhance existing technology solutions to streamline processes and improve communication so they can offer financial assistance to more community partners. All stakeholders benefitted from this improvement effort: the team, Regions bankers and clients. How They Did It First, the RCDC team consulted with in-house specialists in Risk Management and Wealth Management to create new reporting dashboards. The Power BI tool improved the quality and timeliness of information, which in turn enabled quicker and better decision making. Next, the RCDC engaged consultants from the Change Management and Strategic Execution team in the Regions Corporate Banking Group to evaluate their loan application and fulfillment processes. They also helped RCDC develop a more effective internal technical communication strategy. As a result, the team was equipped with job aids and FAQs to distribute to local relationship managers and market managers to ensure lending teams throughout the Regions footprint are aware of the RCDC capabilities and processes. In addition, they streamlined the loan fulfillment process and helped eliminate bottlenecks. "We are seeing tangible benefits from this already, in the way of faster throughput times on loans and cleaner, smoother output," Christian said. Recent Successes The improvements were put to work immediately. Because of market conditions and industry activity in the past year, some clients began approaching RCDC with deposit requests to increase their liquidity positions. One example is Carver State Bank, a community development financial institution (CDFI) and minority depository institution (MDI) in Savannah, Georgia. We appreciate the quick work the RCDC team did to execute this deposit for us. Robert James II, president of Carver Financial Corporation and executive vice president of Carver State Bank The RCDC already had a $1 million preferred stock investment with Carver Financial Corporation, parent company of Carver State Bank. Thanks in part to their recent efforts to be more nimble, the RCDC was able to respond quickly to Carver's request and allowed the institution to secure an additional $4 million in the form of a certificate of deposit (CD). "Technology played a role in the ability to move fast on that deal," said Ben Brady, relationship manager for the RCDC. "By utilizing the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) program administered by the IntraFi Network, RCDC was able to make a significantly larger-than-usual deposit while maintaining FDIC insurance on the entire deposit." CDARS allows a business to invest in CDs held by FDIC-insured banking institutions, so it can achieve full FDIC coverage for the total sum. "We appreciate the quick work the RCDC team did to execute this deposit for us," said Robert James II, president of Carver Financial Corporation and executive vice president of Carver State Bank. "The transaction helped Carver to enhance our balance sheet at a critical time and make more deep-impact loans in our community. We're grateful for the continued alliance." Christian reinforced the importance of the relationship, saying, "Carver is an important client for us. They provide critical banking services to low- and moderate-income areas in Savannah. They also recently acquired a majority stake in Alamerica Bank, located in Regions' headquarters city of Birmingham, Alabama. We are excited about future opportunities to collaborate and serve these two important communities." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regions Bank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Regions Bank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/regions-bank Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Regions Bank View the original press release on accesswire.com In Tennessee, the Highlands Training Center is tackling poverty through training, skills development and workforce re-entry NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / The Highlands Training Center was born with a clear goal. Bring 1,600 local children out of poverty by 2025. "Our goal number is just 10% of the children currently living in poverty in the Upper Cumberland region," says Ryan Barnhart, executive director of the Highlands Training Center. "We're working with almost 800 families, including parents and grandparents, to bring these kids out of poverty over the next three years." The Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee faces a high youth poverty rate, which as of 2020 sat at 24.6% for infants, children and teens aged up to 17-about 7% higher than the national average. After receiving a significant grant from a federal government program in 2022, the Highlands Economic Partnership (HEP) was "hot on the trail" to open up a training facility in Cookville, TN this year. As the result of a collaboration between HEP and Empower Upper Cumberland (UC), the Highlands Training Center emerged-and now offers programs to people in four key counties that identify key employment gaps and provide essential skills training to encourage workforce participation. "These individuals have so many barriers to overcome just to get inside these doors," says Barnhart. "Things like transportation, child care, housing, mental health issues-we want to give these people opportunities that they may never have had before." The Highlands group's job training program focuses on helping people who are on or eligible for government-assisted programs. This year, Enbridge entered into a multi-year commitment to give $20,000 annually to the Highlands Economic Partnership as part of our commitment to building vibrant and sustainable communities near our operations. The Fueling Futures funding helps to keep the training center operational and also supports the My Work Ready program. My Work Ready is a 32-hour course that helps participants realize their strengths and interests while improving financial literacy and equipping them for not only participation, but success, in the workforce. Soft skills are also a major focus of the program. "It's a two-way street," says Barnhart. "The program not only helps our participants; we feel as though we're helping to fill employment voids with the best possible employees out there." The facility opened its doors to its first participants this summer, with nine inaugural enrolments into the program. Twelve participants have already completed the program and qualify for graduation this year. The My Work Ready program is accredited through the state's Department of Higher Education, meaning graduates can go to potential employers with a certificate in hand that verifies their work readiness and ultimately boosts their chances of employment. "Our hope," says Barnhart, "is that each participant that comes through the Highlands Training Center will learn how to work hard, create success, and live happy." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Enbridge Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Enbridge View the original press release on accesswire.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / Pampa Metals Corp. ("PMC" or the "Company") (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIR)(OTCQB: PMMCF) announces the acceleration of the expiry dates of certain share purchase warrants issued on November 10, 2022 (the "2022 Warrants") and March 2, 2023 (the "2023 Warrants"), and amended to reduce the exercise price to $0.095 and $0.105 in September and October of 2023 respectively (see news releases dated September 22, 2023 and October 23, 2023). In accordance with the policies of the Canadian Stock Exchange ("CSE") the expiry date of the warrants is accelerated if the Company's common shares close at or above $0.125 in the case of the 2022 Warrants and $0.13 in the case of the 2023 Warrants, for a period of at least 10 consecutive trading days in each case. This condition was met on December 14, 2023. As a result, the expiry date of the 2022 Warrants and the 2023 Warrants outstanding (totaling 4,653,140) has been accelerated to January 23, 2024 . To date, an aggregate of 2,913,186 of the 2022 Warrants and 2023 Warrants have been exercised for gross proceeds of approximately $295,000. In order to exercise the warrants, holders of the 2022 Warrants and 2023 Warrants must complete and submit a Notice of Exercise in the form attached to your warrant certificate on or before 4pm Vancouver time on January 23, 2024. Unexercised 2022 Warrants and 2023 Warrants will expire after that time. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO INVESTORS CONTACT Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO [email protected] +1 604 347 8777 ABOUT PAMPA METALS Pampa Metals is listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE: FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges, and wholly owns a portfolio of projects highly prospective for copper, molybdenum, and gold along proven and highly productive mineral belts in Chile, the world's largest copper producer. In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option & JV Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Pampa Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com The innovative automotive, diesel, and collision trade school's teachers describe the reasons and rewards of entering the education field and working with students. LARAMIE, WY / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2023 / WyoTech, one of the leading automotive trade schools, is recognized for addressing the country's need for skilled technicians. Now, WyoTech's experienced faculty is encouraging people with technical training and experience to consider a career in teaching in light of a looming shortage for technical education teachers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 14,800 openings for technical education teachers annually for the next decade, primarily to replace retiring teachers or those leaving the profession. The Bureau also projects a need for 28,000 diesel technicians and mechanics annually over the decade. "The demand in the trade industry is growing, as is the number of technicians who are reaching retirement age," said Kyle Morris, president of WyoTech. "And there is a dire need for the current generation of technicians and teachers to pass their knowledge and passion to the next generation so we can keep the trades - and therefore the country - up and running." While many in the trade industry are aware of the support that WyoTech gives to the trade industry in providing hands-on experience to the next generation of technicians, the need for mentors and teachers in the industry is rarely spoken of. Across the board at both schools and companies, there is a need for experienced hands who are willing to pass their passion on to the next generation of technicians. WyoTech's instructors speak to this need and encourage other technicians to consider a field in teaching. "There's a huge need for teachers across the board. I can see it in our programs, and I can see it in other programs across the country," said Tyler Mead, Diesel Instructor at WyoTech. "There's lots of reasons to teach, and I often feel like I get way more enjoyment out of teaching than I do when I'm actually working on equipment. I get more reward out of it than I ever did mechanicing.' To see the progression and development of the students is out of this world." Veteran WyoTech teachers said they've seen students' development pay long-term dividends of successful careers that also provide a good quality of life. "Working with one's hands to build or repair is rewarding for many that do it, and that usually translates to personal happiness and contentment," said Charles "Mac" McDonald, Trim and Upholstery Instructor at WyoTech. "I would suggest to anyone considering a teaching role to think about the impact they can have on someone's life. It's a good feeling to have a student reach out to you years later to thank you for impacting their life in a positive way." WyoTech teachers say the most important part of teaching is being able to leverage their skills to have that kind of impact on hundreds or thousands of lives. "In the fighting world, a force multiplier is a tool that gives you an unfair advantage. I am that tool to my students, a force multiplier," said Robert Stage, Automotive Instructor at WyoTech. "That is what I'd say to a technician who was contemplating coming to WyoTech to teach: Come here and make the most impact that you ever could in our industry and the careers of our young people. Be that force multiplier in someone else's life." To learn more about WyoTech's leading programs for automotive and diesel trades and become part of the team teaching the next generations of technicians, visit wyotech.edu. About WyoTech WyoTech, formerly known as Wyoming Technical Institute, is a for-profit technical college founded in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1966. WyoTech provides training programs that prepare students for careers as technicians in the automotive, collision and refinishing, and diesel industry with nine-month training programs that focus on hands-on experience and has recently established a top-tier, six-month welding and fabrication program. Contact Information Mike Albanese [email protected] SOURCE: WyoTech View the original press release on newswire.com. Since the beginning of 2023, the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officers have eliminated more than 500 Russian tanks that fired at and tried to break through the positions of the Defense Forces, the Ukrainian special service said. "The Ukrainian special service methodically destroys enemy armored vehicles daily in battles on the eastern and southern fronts. Among the destroyed tanks of the aggressor country are the latest T-90 and T-90M, the cost of which is about $5 million each," SBU said in the Telegram channel on Wednesday. The department said the occupiers primarily used this equipment as part of the so-called "armored fists" to storm Avdiivka and Bakhmut. The invaders also involved heavy armored vehicles to contain the counter-offensive operations of the Ukrainian defenders in Melitopol and Berdiansk directions. "The effective destruction of Russian tanks on the battlefield was the result of filigree operational combat operations of SBU together with units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In order to maximize the destruction of Russian armored vehicles, a powerful arsenal of anti-tank weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles was brought in," the special service said. FILE PHOTO: OpenAI logo is seen in this illustration taken, February 3, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/File Photo By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft on Wednesday, accusing them of using millions of the newspaper's articles without permission to help train chatbots to provide information to readers. The Times said it is the first major U.S. media organization to sue OpenAI, creator of the popular artificial-intelligence platform ChatGPT, and Microsoft, an OpenAI investor and creator of the AI platform now known as Copilot, over copyright issues associated with its works. Writers and others have also sued to limit the scraping -- or automatic collection of data -- by AI services of their online content without compensation. The newspaper's complaint, filed in Manhattan federal court, accused OpenAI and Microsoft of trying to "free-ride on The Times's massive investment in its journalism" by using it to provide alternative means to deliver information to readers. "There is nothing 'transformative' about using The Times's content without payment to create products that substitute for The Times and steal audiences away from it," the Times said. OpenAI and Microsoft have said that using copyrighted works to train AI products amounts to "fair use," a legal doctrine governing the unlicensed use of copyrighted material. On its website, the U.S. Copyright Office says "transformative" uses add "something new, with a further purpose or character" and are "more likely to be considered fair." The Times is not seeking a specific amount of damages, but estimated damages in the "billions of dollars." It also wants OpenAI and Microsoft to destroy chatbot models and training sets that incorporate its material. Talks to avert a lawsuit and allow "a mutually beneficial value exchange" with the defendants were unsuccessful, the 172-year-old newspaper said. "We respect the rights of content creators and owners," OpenAI said in an emailed statement. "Our ongoing conversations with the New York Times have been productive and moving forward constructively, so we are surprised and disappointed with this development." Microsoft did not respond to requests for comment. $80 BILLION VALUATION FOR OPENAI AI companies scrape information online to train generative AI chatbots, and have attracted billions of dollars in investments. Investors have valued OpenAI at more than $80 billion. While OpenAI's parent is a nonprofit, Microsoft has invested $13 billion in a for-profit subsidiary, for what would be a 49% stake. Novelists including David Baldacci, Jonathan Franzen, John Grisham and Scott Turow have also sued OpenAI and Microsoft in the Manhattan federal court, claiming that AI systems might have co-opted tens of thousands of their books. In July, the comedian Sarah Silverman and other authors sued OpenAI and Meta Platforms in San Francisco for having "ingested" their works, including Silverman's 2010 book "The Bedwetter." A judge dismissed most of that case in November. The Times filed its lawsuit seven years after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to revive a challenge to Google's digital library of millions of books. A federal appeals court had found that the library, which gave readers access to snippets of text, amounted to fair use of authors' works. "OpenAI is giving the copyright industry a second bite at control," said Deven Desai, a professor of business law and ethics at the Georgia Institute of Technology. "It's outputs that matter," Desai said. "Part of the problem in assessing OpenAI's liability is that the company has altered its products as copyright issues arose. A court could say its outputs at this moment in time are enough to find liability." Chatbots have compounded the struggle among major media organizations to attract and retain readers, though the Times has fared better than most. The Times ended September with 9.41 million digital-only subscribers, up from 8.59 million a year earlier, while print subscribers fell to 670,000 from 740,000. Subscriptions generate more than two-thirds of the Times' revenue, while ads generate about 20% of its revenue. 'MISINFORMATION' The Times' lawsuit cited several instances in which OpenAI and Microsoft chatbots gave users near-verbatim excerpts of its articles. These included a Pulitzer Prize-winning 2019 series on predatory lending in New York City's taxi industry, and restaurant critic Pete Wells' 2012 review of Guy Fieri's since-closed Guy's American Kitchen & Bar that became a viral sensation. The Times said such infringements threaten high-quality journalism by reducing readers' perceived need to visit its website, reducing traffic and potentially cutting in to advertising and subscription revenue. It also said the defendants' chatbots make it harder for readers to distinguish fact from fiction, including when their technology falsely attributes information to the newspaper. The Times said ChatGPT once falsely attributed two recommendations for office chairs to its Wirecutter product review website. "In AI parlance, this is called a 'hallucination,'" the Times said. "In plain English, it's misinformation." Times general counsel Diane Brayton told staff in an internal memo that the newspaper recognized the potential of generative AI for journalism, but "the use of our work to create GenAI tools must come with permission and an agreement that reflects the fair value of that work, as the law provides." The case is New York Times Co v Microsoft Corp et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 23-11195. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Matthew Lewis and Leslie Adler) CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and the American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, announced today it has donated more than $240,000 to United Way as part of its continued commitment to create a lasting, positive impact on the communities served by American Water. Each year, in addition to financial donations, American Water employees proudly contribute to the important efforts of United Way through creative fundraising campaigns and events that help advance the common good in the communities in which we live and work. To complement employee giving, $50,000 was donated by the American Water Charitable Foundation. During the last 10 years, American Water has donated over $3 million to numerous United Way chapters across the country. Learn more about American Waters Volunteerism and Workplace Giving here. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Waters 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the companys national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. About American Water Charitable Foundation The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the companys ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227100751/en/ Media Contact Alicia Barbieri Director, Communications & External Affairs American Water (856) 676-8103 [email protected] Source: American Water A Juniper-powered networking infrastructure delivering nanosecond-level latency will enable Arirang TV to deliver uninterrupted 24/7 broadcasts to households in 105 countries worldwide SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR), a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, today announced that Arirang TV, an international English language broadcasting network based in South Korea, has deployed multiple networking upgrades from Juniper Networks QFX Series Switches and EX Series Switches, in support of their mission to showcase South Koreas values, culture and arts to a global audience. Established by the Korea International Broadcasting Foundation in 1996 to promote an accurate portrayal of South Korea to the international community and strengthen diplomatic relationships, Arirang TV highlights Korean culture and arts via three channels (Korea, World, and UN) and 10 broadcasting stations carried globally through satellite broadcasters. To keep up with the surging global demand for Korean productions, Arirang TV sought to upgrade its networking infrastructure, prioritizing a high-speed, robust and scalable network for the main control room's transmission system in a 24/7 production environment with stringent formatting requirements. Additionally, to support Arirang TV's new Network Device Interface (NDI) based video data sharing technology for their next-gen broadcasting system, significant updates were required for the existing Serial Digital Interface (SDI) environment. Junipers solutions were selected to establish a stable IT framework supporting next-gen broadcasting, online media platforms, business management and information security systems. For the NDI-based smart live studio, the QFX5120 Switch was chosen for its bandwidth and performance capabilities across 10G, 25G, and 40G/100G uplink environments. This switch efficiently forms a LAN environment supporting delay-free interconnectivity for NDI core broadcasting systems, including streaming services, encoders, cameras and repeaters. In addition, the QFX10008 Switch was deployed in the backbone of the next-generation system to enable nanosecond-level latency and a substantial Q5 ASIC capacity buffer, crucial for the system's sensitivity to video quality and delay time. To enable stability across inter-floor user networks, Arirang TV deployed Junipers EX3400 and EX4300 Series Switches as interlayer switches, chosen for their lower power consumption and heat generation, coupled with high performance and reliability. This capability to overcome environmental limitations was crucial due to the challenge of installing temperature and humidity control devices beyond the server room, given height constraints. By leveraging Junipers solutions, Arirang TV has established robust foundations for its diverse networks. This includes a broadcasting network connected to a 100G backbone and internally segregated 'zones' for office, management, and security, enabling independence, safety, and efficient serviceability. Additionally, the implementation encompasses a distributed and interconnected storage area network, a demilitarized zone between internal and external networks, an internet network server farm, wireless networks, as well as a multicast network for a live NDI production environment. Empowered by Juniper, Arirang TVs upgraded networking infrastructure provides a robust and scalable platform, which is crucial as it continues to expand globally. This will allow them to broadcast real-time content consistently, showcasing the richness of South Korea's values, culture, and arts to millions of households worldwide, 24/7. Supporting Quotes We are thrilled to partner with Juniper Networks on our network transformation journey, establishing the foundation for Arirang TV's future transition to a cloud-based AI-driven management system. A Juniper-powered network facilitated thorough testing of automation functions, enabling uninterrupted service during disasters, supporting service expectations with machine learning algorithms and harnessing the power of a conversational assistant that integrates with ChatGPT. We look forward to leveraging Junipers solutions to fully integrate and manage both wired and wireless networks, paving the way for a broadcasting station supported by an AI-driven network. - Heon-Jun Lee, General Manager, AI Data Informatization Center, Arirang TV Through our work with Arirang TV, it is an honor to contribute to the global sharing of the richness of South Korea's values, culture, and arts. Junipers solutions play a crucial role in enabling Arirang TV to maintain a secure, efficient and scalable service infrastructure for around-the-clock video content production and transmission, supporting massive traffic. We are confident that our solutions will empower Arirang TV in seamlessly operating and managing networks, supporting their goal to expand its reach to millions more households in the future." - KB Chai, Country Manager, Korea, Juniper Networks Additional Resources: About Juniper Networks Juniper Networks is dedicated to dramatically simplifying network operations and driving superior experiences for end users. Our solutions deliver industry-leading insight, automation, security, and AI to drive real business results. We believe that powering connections will bring us closer together while empowering us all to solve the worlds greatest challenges of well-being, sustainability, and equality. Additional information can be found at Juniper Networks (www.juniper.net) or connect with Juniper on X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Juniper Networks, the Juniper Networks logo, Juniper, Junos, and other trademarks listed here are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231226924250/en/ Media Relations: Kenneth Chew Juniper Networks +65 6959 0553 [email protected] Source: Juniper Networks Company asserts DataDome Solutions, Inc. and its parent company infringed various patents in the companys intellectual property portfolio SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arkose Labs, the global leader in bot management and online account security, today announced it filed a lawsuit earlier this morning against DataDome Solutions, Inc. and its parent company (collectively referred to as DataDome) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to stop DataDome from its infringement, and the lawsuit claims DataDome has been conducting unfair business practices and competition. The full complaint can be read through court-held public records, using the filing number: 1:23-cv-01467-UNA. Arkose Labs uses patented technology to help companies, globally, detect and block automated attacks, like computer-generated bots. For well over a year, Arkose Labs has sought accommodations with DataDome, but those efforts failed, leaving us with no alternative but to file this lawsuit, said Arkose Labs General Counsel Robert Murray. Our immediate and long-term growth strategy relies heavily on patented innovations, which are developed at a significant effort and cost. This type of Intellectual Property is the cornerstone of our company, and we will vigorously defend our patents where theyre being infringed. Its our duty to shield our customers, partners, and shareholders who have an interest in the success in our company. We take that responsibility seriously and wont ignore when others violate our Intellectual Property rights. Our customers rely heavily on our technology to protect their millions of consumers from bot attacks that are predicate offenses to fraud, money laundering, and disruption. The company holds an extensive patent portfolio and has received numerous industry awards for its innovation. Most recently TIME named the Arkose Bot Manager platform as one of the top 200 innovations of 2023, and Fast Company selected Arkose MatchKey as a finalist in its Innovation by Design Awards. Deloitte ranked Arkose Labs as the 142 fastest growing company on its 2023 Technology Fast500 list, due to an extraordinary 1,005 percent revenue growth rate. The lawsuit also claims unfair competition and seeks to require DataDome to remove false assertions about Arkose Labs from its website, sales presentations and talk tracks, and all marketing materials. About Arkose Labs The mission of Arkose Labs is to create an online environment where all consumers are protected from spam and abuse. Recognized by G2 as the 2023 Leader in Bot Detection and Mitigation, with a high score in customer satisfaction and the largest market presence six quarters running, Arkose Labs offers the worlds first $1M warranties for credential stuffing, SMS toll fraud, and card testing. With 20% of our customers being Fortune 500 companies, our AI-powered platform combines powerful risk assessments with dynamic threat response to undermine the strategy of attack, all while improving good user throughput. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with offices in Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, India, and the U.K., Arkose Labs protects enterprises from cybercrime and abuse. For daily insights pertinent to the shifting threat landscape, follow the company on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227126585/en/ Jean Creech Avent Head of Global Brand and Communications Arkose Labs [email protected] +1 843-986-8229 Source: Arkose Labs Company exceeded financial metrics, added notable enterprise customers, disrupted threat actor groups, and bolstered ELT as it marches towards profitability SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arkose Labs, the global leader in bot management and account security, today announced its 2023 business performance results eclipsed plan, accelerating its momentum and solidifying its strong marketplace position going into 2024. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227874872/en/ Arkose Labs exceeded or met all financial and operational 2023 goals, including Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), gross margins, customer expansion, renewals, etc., all of which accelerate the companys march towards profitability within the next 12 months. The performance is remarkable as companies in nearly all industries faced economic headwinds and cybersecurity teams dealt with budget cuts, labor shortages, and a skills gap that continues to widen as adversaries skills gap narrows. We end the year with so much to be grateful for, including our more than 200 global employees, a strong and loyal customer base, as well as the active involvement of our investors and partners, said Arkose Labs founder and CEO Kevin Gosschalk. Throughout 2023 this broad team demonstrated resilience and a resolute dedication to our mission, leading us to overachieve our milestones despite tough market conditions faced by just about every company around the world. The company experienced growth in APAC and EMEA while also expanding its North American foothold. The most recognizable brands in the world continued to select Arkose Labs over the competition as their bot management and fraud detection partner-of-choice. Leading companies, like OpenAI, recognized immediately the value Arkose Labs delivers to businesses that have complex environments and that adversaries aggressively attack in perpetuum. Arkose Labs hit other notable milestones throughout the year: Product Innovation and Capability Advancements Throughout the year, Arkose Labs research and development function blazed new trails in bot management and account security, leading to ongoing innovation and competitive differentiation. The company brought many new products and features to market to help enterprises detect and block volumetric attacks and modern threats while at the same time to discern good consumers and provide a seamless online experience. Arkose Phishing Protection mitigates man-in-the-middle attacks, like EvilProxy, and Arkose Email Intelligence combines email risk assessment with the industry's best bot detection and challenge platform to stop bots and bad actors from utilizing fake, throw-away, or other high-risk email addresses. Intellectual property is the cornerstone of the company. It will continue its investments in technology and vigorously defend its extensive patent portfolio. Earlier today Arkose Labs filed a lawsuit against DataDome Solutions, Inc., and its parent company for patent infringement and unfair business practices. Additions to Executive Leadership Team (ELT) New executives joined the company and others were promoted into key positions to lead the next season of growth and success. In February 2023, the company tapped Frank Teruel, a well-known cybersecurity veteran with private and public company experience, as its Chief Financial Officer. Bill Sytsma joined the company as Chief Revenue Officer in August 2023, after stints at CallSign, BioCatch, and ThreatMetrix. In November 2023, John Walsh took up the role of Chief Technology Officer to lead the companys global engineering team. Disrupts Gateway Services to Cybercrime In mid-December, threat intelligence insights from Arkose Labs threat research unit ACTIR was used by Microsoft to disrupt an alleged Vietnam-based cybercriminal ring, dubbed Storm-1152. Since the summer of 2021, ACTIR had been tracking Storm-1152, which not only sold technology to bypass identity verification tools but also performed fake account registration attacks, selling those fake accounts to other cybercriminals and then cashing out with crypto currency. It is alleged that Storm-1152 bilked enterprises and consumers out of millions of dollars. Receives Awards for Innovation and Growth Arkose Labs achievements in blocking bots and protecting enterprises (and ultimately their consumers) gained marketplace recognition. TIME named Arkose Bot Manager as one of 200 inventions of the year. And, for the third consecutive year, Deloitte ranked Arkose Labs as one of the fastest growing technology companies in North America fueled by a 1,005% revenue growth rate. Fast Company selected Arkose MatchKey as one of the finalists for its Innovation by Design award. Expands Industry-First Warranty Program and Receives Compliance Certificate Arkose Labs doubled down on its commitment to provide best-in-class detection and protection, outwardly standing behind the efficacy of its platform and setting a precedent for other cybersecurity firms to follow. The company expanded its industry-first Warranty Program, introducing two new $1 million guarantees: the Arkose Card Testing Warranty and SMS Toll Fraud Warranty that are now available alongside its Credential Stuffing Warranty. The company also received its WCAG 2.1 certification, demonstrating its commitment to and compliance with digital accessibility requirements. Digital inclusion hinges on accessibility for all people, and Arkose Labs is proud to be an accessibility-first company. The achievements gained in 2023 fuel the companys momentum going forward into 2024. About Arkose Labs The mission of Arkose Labs is to create an online environment where all consumers are protected from spam and abuse. Recognized by G2 as the 2023 Leader in Bot Detection and Mitigation, with a high score in customer satisfaction and the largest market presence six quarters running, Arkose Labs offers the worlds first $1M warranties for credential stuffing, SMS toll fraud, and card testing. With 20% of our customers being Fortune 500 companies, our AI-powered platform combines powerful risk assessments with dynamic threat response to undermine the strategy of attack, all while improving good user throughput. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with offices in Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, India, and the U.K., Arkose Labs protects enterprises from cybercrime and abuse. For daily insights pertinent to the shifting threat landscape, follow the company on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227874872/en/ Jean Creech Avent Global Head of Brand and Communications Arkose Labs [email protected] +1 843-986-8229 Source: Arkose Labs WHIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On Friday, December 22, a jury reached a defense verdict in the Jones Roundup product liability trial before Judge Patrick Palacios in the Superior Court of California, San Benito County, and the Company issued the following statement. The jurys verdict in favor of the Company brings this trial to a successful conclusion and is consistent with the evidence in this case that Roundup does not cause cancer and is not responsible for the plaintiffs illness. The verdict continues the Companys strong record at trial, winning ten of the last fifteen cases, and validates its strategy of taking cases to trial based on the overwhelming weight of scientific and consistent worldwide regulatory support for the safety of these products. We continue to stand behind the safety of Roundup and will continue to confidently defend the safety of our products and our good faith actions in future litigation. About Bayer Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. Social Media Channels - Facebook: BayerUnitedStates - Twitter: BayerUS - Instagram: BayerUS - YouTube: BayerUS Bayer and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227452011/en/ Nicole Hayes Director, U.S. External Communications [email protected] (201) 421-5268 Source: Bayer FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BBX Capital, Inc. (OTCQX: BBXIA) (PINK: BBXIB) (BBX Capital or the Company) announced today the final results of its cash tender offer to purchase up to 500,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock at a purchase price of $8.00 per share. The tender offer expired at 5:00 P.M., Eastern time, on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Based on the final count by Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, the Depositary for the tender offer, a total of 737,134 shares of BBX Capitals Class A Common Stock were properly tendered and not withdrawn. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the tender offer, including BBX Capitals right to accept the tender of additional shares up to an amount equal to two percent of the outstanding shares of BBX Capitals Class A Common Stock outstanding upon the commencement of the tender offer, BBX Capital will purchase 726,043 shares in the tender offer. Because more than 726,043 shares were tendered in the tender offer, BBX Capital will purchase the 726,043 shares from tendering shareholders on a pro rata basis in accordance with the terms and conditions of the tender offer. BBX Capital has been informed by the Depositary that the proration factor for the tender offer is approximately 98.5%. The aggregate price for the shares to be purchased in the tender offer is approximately $5.8 million, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer. The Depositary will promptly issue payment for the shares accepted for purchase and return shares tendered but not accepted for purchase. The shares to be purchased in the tender offer represent approximately 6.4% of the issued and outstanding shares of BBX Capitals Class A Common Stock and 4.8% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of BBX Capitals Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The shares purchased in the tender offer will be canceled by BBX Capital. After giving effect to the purchase and cancellation of the shares, BBX Capital will have 14,430,319 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, consisting of 10,576,125 shares of its Class A Common Stock and 3,854,194 shares of its Class B Common Stock. Shareholders who have questions or would like additional information about the tender offer may contact the Information Agent for the tender offer, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., toll-free at (800) 322-2885. About BBX Capital, Inc.: BBX Capital, Inc. (OTCQX: BBXIA) (PINK: BBXIB) is a Florida-based diversified holding company whose principal holdings include BBX Capital Real Estate, BBX Sweet Holdings, and Renin. For additional information, please visit www.bbxcapital.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements. All opinions, forecasts, projections, future plans, and other statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Companys control, that may cause actual results or performance to differ from those set forth or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to the tender offer described in this press release and the risks and uncertainties relating to the business, operations, affairs, results, and financial condition of the Company and its subsidiaries, and the ownership of the Companys stock, detailed in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (including the Risk Factors section thereof) and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, each of which may be viewed on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website at www.bbxcapital.com. The Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date made. In addition, past performance may not be indicative of future results. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231226405614/en/ BBX Capital, Inc. Contact Info: Investor Relations Contact: Sharon Stennett P: 954-940-5300 Email: [email protected] Media Relations Contact: Kip Hunter, Kip Hunter Marketing P: 954-303-5551 Email: [email protected] Source: BBX Capital, Inc. WOKINGHAM, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ferguson plc (NYSE: FERG, LSE: FERG) (the Company) announces today that it purchased a total of 69,762 of its ordinary shares in the period from December 18, 2023, up to and including December 22, 2023, in connection with its $3.0 billion share repurchase program. Aggregated information about the purchases carried out during this period Trading Day Aggregate Daily Volume (in number of shares) Daily weighted average purchase price of the shares (USD) Trading Venue December 18, 2023 1,900 188.5021 ARCX December 18, 2023 100 188.6900 EDGA December 18, 2023 11,984 188.5066 XNYS December 19, 2023 2,049 189.8071 ARCX December 19, 2023 65 189.5500 HRTF December 19, 2023 200 189.5500 XNAS December 19, 2023 12,286 189.7343 XNYS December 20, 2023 1,600 188.9794 ARCX December 20, 2023 13,200 188.9840 XNYS December 21, 2023 1,500 188.8220 ARCX December 21, 2023 100 188.6700 BATS December 21, 2023 16 188.5250 BBOK December 21, 2023 11,575 188.8875 XNYS December 22, 2023 2,000 191.5240 ARCX December 22, 2023 676 191.1998 HRTF December 22, 2023 100 191.9300 KNLI December 22, 2023 24 191.3100 MEMX December 22, 2023 10,387 191.3124 XNYS The Company intends to hold these shares in treasury. Following the purchase of these shares (including those purchased but not yet settled), the number of shares held by the Company in treasury will be 28,808,895. Following the purchase of these shares, the remaining number of ordinary shares in issue will be 203,362,287. The figure of 203,362,287 may be used by shareholders (and others with notification obligations) as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation), as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, detailed information about the individual purchases can be found at Ferguson - Investors - Shareholder Center - Share Buy-Back Details - 2023 Share Buy-Back. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227497319/en/ For further information please contact: Brian Lantz, Vice President IR and Communications, +1 224 285 2410 Pete Kennedy, Director of Investor Relations, +1 757 603 0111 Source: Ferguson plc DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of its client Allied Components International to Avnan Capital. The transaction closed December 4, 2023. Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, Allied Components International (ACI) designs and manufactures a wide variety of industry standard and custom magnetic components and modules. These products are used in networking, telecommunications, test equipment, power conversion and many other applications in the commercial and industrial markets. ACI is the first choice of top tier OEMs and worldwide for LAN magnetics, SMD power chip inductors, line filters, current sensing transformers, wire wound and air core inductors, multilayer and thin film inductors, standard and custom transformers, standard and custom toroids, common mode chokes, USB common mode chokes, RJ45 connectors and ferrite beads. Avnan Capital is an investment firm that specializes in acquiring or strategically partnering with electronic design, engineering, manufacturing, and distribution companies. The firm is committed to advancing the electronics manufacturing industry by investing in companies that share their desire for continuous improvement and innovation for the betterment of their customers and the planet. The team at Avnan Capital, founded by Anuj Jain, Brian Church, and Allan Read comprises entrepreneurs, business builders, and electronic industry business owners with over 100 years of collective experience. They understand the effort and energy required to build a successful business and are committed to working directly with their portfolio companies to preserve a company's legacy and invest in its future success. Avnan Capital is thrilled to announce the addition of Gurpreet Sandhu to the team, who will be taking a leading role in managing and growing their new portfolio company, Allied Components International. Gurpreet brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry. With Gurpreet's leadership, Avnan Capital is confident in the future growth and success of Allied Components International. Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A Western Region, Stephen Crisham, and his team led by Managing Director, M&A, Cole Preston, with support from Senior Vice President, M&A, Amy Wall closed the deal. Senior Managing Director David Pickard established the initial relationship with ACI. The principals of ACI have built an outstanding company with over 30 years of excellence serving customers worldwide. The shareholders have endured many challenges over the past few years and are fortunate that Avnans team was flexible and allowed for a successful transaction that met all parties goals, said Preston. Preston added, The professional advisors on both sides contributed to a much-appreciated, smooth transaction process. About Generational Equity Generational Equity, Generational Capital Markets (member FINRA/SIPC), Generational Wealth Advisors, Generational Consulting Group, and DealForce are part of the Generational Group, which is headquartered in Dallas and is one of the leading M&A advisory firms in North America. With more than 350 professionals located throughout 16 offices in North America, the companies help business owners release the wealth of their business by providing growth consulting, merger, acquisition, and wealth management services. The Generational suite of advisory services includes strategic growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A services, digital services, and wealth management. The M&A Advisor named Generational Equity Investment Banking Firm of the Year three years in a row, Valuation Firm of the Year in 2020, and North American Investment Bank of the Year in 2022 as well as Consulting Firm of the Year. The Global M&A Network named Generational USA Investment Bank of the Year in 2023. For more information visit https://www.genequityco.com/ or the Generational Equity press room. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227459590/en/ For more information: Carl Doerksen 972-342-0968 [email protected] Source: Generational Equity DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of its client Lobo Solutions, Inc. to HCMS Napa, LLC. The transaction closed December 4, 2023. Lobo Solutions (LSI), located in Poway, California, is a full-service provider of professional medical billing and coding services. The Companys solutions are developed to increase the amount of reimbursement, improve operational efficiency, and maximize the total compensation to medical service providers. LSIs experienced technical team assists clients to provide business-focused tailored technology solutions and services to take care of their business needs reliably as well as effectively. The Company has successfully expanded its business through continuous innovation; LSIs management has continued to invest in the business to ensure that the solutions can help its target client base with a wide range of functions. Overall, the Company is well known in the regional markets, and has an excellent reputation for client service and on-time completion of jobs. Located in Napa, California, HCMS Napa (HCMS) is a team of dedicated professionals specially trained to increase efficiency in medical billing and business systems. HCMS adds value and produces results using its coding expertise, experience dealing with insurance providers and patients, and hallmark HCMS never give up determination. The Company employs specialized software in the collection and analysis of practice data, billing and coding records, and uses HIPAA-compliant, secure portals to communicate between offices, with insurance providers and patients, and clients. Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A Western Region, Stephen Crisham, and Ron Rosenow, a Generational Group Authorized Affiliate, with support from Senior Vice President, M&A, Amy Wall closed the deal. Executive Managing Director Rick Buchoz established the initial relationship with Lobo Solutions. Ron Rosenow and Generational Equity were excellent to work with during this sale transaction, said Kenneth Lobo, Founder and Owner of Lobo Solutions. About Generational Equity Generational Equity, Generational Capital Markets (member FINRA/SIPC), Generational Wealth Advisors, Generational Consulting Group, and DealForce are part of the Generational Group, which is headquartered in Dallas and is one of the leading M&A advisory firms in North America. With more than 350 professionals located throughout 16 offices in North America, the companies help business owners release the wealth of their business by providing growth consulting, merger, acquisition, and wealth management services. The Generational suite of advisory services includes strategic growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A services, digital services, and wealth management. The M&A Advisor named Generational Equity Investment Banking Firm of the Year three years in a row, Valuation Firm of the Year in 2020, and North American Investment Bank of the Year in 2022 as well as Consulting Firm of the Year. The Global M&A Network named Generational USA Investment Bank of the Year in 2023. For more information visit https://www.genequityco.com/ or the Generational Equity press room. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227735285/en/ Carl Doerksen 972-342-0968 [email protected] Source: Generational Equity MFA in response to PM of Saxony statement: If Ukraine accepts temporary loss of territories, Russian forces to become closer to Germany If Ukraine accepts the temporary loss of territories, Russian forces will become closer to Germany and Saxony, in particular, Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko said, commenting on the words of the Prime Minister of Saxony about concessions on territories for the sake of a ceasefire. "If Ukraine accepts the temporary loss of territory, Russian forces will become closer to Germany and Saxony, in particular. By the way, Putin is well aware of this region from his service near Dresden," Nikolenko said on his Facebook page. The Foreign Ministry said concessions on territories will certainly lead to greater Russian aggression, which will undoubtedly extend beyond the borders of Ukraine. Peace in Europe lies through the defeat of Moscow. "We urge the German politician to face the truth: first Chancellor Angela Merkel and then Chancellor Olaf Scholz made enormous political efforts to convince Putin to stop the war. This did not help. Just like any other concessions will not help. His goal is the destruction of Ukraine and destabilization of all of Europe," the spokesman said. The department also said the only "turnaround" in Germany's policy towards Russia could be even greater support for Ukraine. "We are very grateful that the German federal government shares this approach," Nikolenko said. Earlier, the media said Prime Minister of German Saxony Michael Kretschmer called on Ukraine to come to terms with temporary concessions on territories for the sake of a truce. He also spoke out for a "reversal" in German policy towards Russia. A Scientific Advice confirms UK MHRA could accept a marketing authorisation application for LUMEVOQ with the most recent clinical data from existing trials (not necessarily including RECOVER data) GenSight plans to file an application for a marketing authorisation in the UK in H2 2024, aiming for a possible decision by H2 2025 Decision to mix the two successful Drug Substance batches into one single Drug Product batch to optimise the number of available vials for patients; product now expected to be fully released in Q3 2024 (vs early Q2 2024 previously) Extended cash runway to mid-February 2024; ongoing discussions to bridge AAC resumption in France in Q3 2024; estimated need amounting to 14 million PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: GenSight Biologics (Euronext: SIGHT, ISIN: FR0013183985, PEA-PME eligible), a biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders, today provides an update on its regulatory strategy in the United Kingdom, the possible resumption of early access (Autorisation dAcces Compassionnel or AAC) in France and its financial situation. We are grateful to the MHRA experts for their thoughtful in-depth consideration of the massive amount of clinical and experimental data generated over the past many years, commented Pr. Jose-Alain Sahel, Co-founder of GenSight, Distinguished professor and Chairman of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (US), Founding Director of the Institut de la Vision, Paris (France). It is reheartening to feel hopeful that patients affected with this blinding disease will possibly access the life-changing medicine developed by the teams at the Paris Vision Institute and the GenSight teams over close to twenty years and especially the past decade. Regulatory Update A Scientific Advice meeting with the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) took place in November 2023 to discuss the conditions for accepting a marketing authorisation application in the United Kingdom. Based on the clinical data presented, MHRA experts issued a letter dated December 19, 2023, which states that the package proposed by the Company appears comprehensive and could support a marketing authorisation application in the UK not necessarily including data from the upcoming RECOVER trial. This application is expected to be filed during the second half of 2024 and could be eligible for a rolling review. This initial application would not include data from the RECOVER trial that would later complete the dossier. GenSight very positively welcomes this first step towards a possible commercialisation in the United Kingdom in 2025. Manufacturing Update In September and November 2023, GenSight announced the successful manufacturing of two Drug Substance (DS) batches of LUMEVOQ under conditions compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, as confirmed by a vg titer within the expected range. Given the need to set aside mandatory retainers for archives and samples for quality controls and in order to maximise the number of available vials for patients, the Company decided to mix the two manufactured DS into one single Drug Product (DP) batch. Through this operation, the total number of vials will increase while the number of vials used for retainers and controls will remain the same, hence increasing the number of potential vials available for patients. This helps to ensure that the Company will be able to supply LUMEVOQ for patients treated under AAC in France until more batches are manufactured. Pending the completion of this mixing operation, the new DP batch is now expected to be fully released by Q3 2024, vs early Q2 2024 initially. Financial Update Since the 4.7 million offering announced in November, GenSight continued to work on cash preservation measures, notably additional savings and other means to optimise short-term cash management, extending the cash runway from mid-January to mid-February 2024. These new measures also include several ongoing discussions with some business partners and creditors. As a result of AAC in France now being expected to resume in Q3 2024, and including aforementioned cash preservation measures, the Company estimates it will require approximately 14 million to finance its activities until July 2024 (vs 10 million with AAC resumption previously expected early Q2 2024), after which revenues from AAC in France are expected to significantly contribute to extend the cash runway until the end of Q1 2025. The Company is therefore actively discussing with existing and potential new shareholders to finance its activities from mid-February to Q3 2024. In parallel, the Company is also advancing on a number of discussions with potential partners on strategic opportunities, including a possible merger, acquisition or licensing deal, assessed as one of the relevant options to move forward. About GenSight Biologics GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. GenSight Biologics pipeline leverages two core technology platforms, the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) and optogenetics, to help preserve or restore vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases. GenSight Biologics lead product candidate, LUMEVOQ (GS010; lenadogene nolparvovec), is an investigational compound and has not been registered in any country at this stage, developed for the treatment of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disease affecting primarily teens and young adults that leads to irreversible blindness. Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to each eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231226126461/en/ GenSight Biologics Chief Financial Officer Thomas Gidoin [email protected] LifeSci Advisors Investor Relations Guillaume van Renterghem [email protected] +41 (0)76 735 01 31 Source: GenSight Biologics SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Inszone Insurance Services, a rapidly growing national provider of commercial, personal, and benefits insurance, is pleased to announce the acquisition of LPL Insurance Agency, Inc., a well-established agency with a long history of serving its community since its formation in Brea, CA. Founded in 1981 by Bud Laughlin, Bob Powell, and Dennis Lambourne, LPL Insurance Agency, Inc. has built a legacy of excellence in serving its clients' insurance needs. Beginning in Brea, California, LPL Insurance has navigated through several phases of growth and geographic transitions, all while maintaining its dedication to providing exceptional customer service and tailored insurance solutions. "The rich history of LPL Insurance and the teams dedication to their community aligns perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional insurance services," said Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services. This strategic move not only strengthens our position in the market but also allows us to carry forward the legacy of personalized service that LPL Insurance is known for. The acquisition of LPL Insurance by Inszone Insurance marks a significant step in the company's ongoing expansion efforts. Inszone Insurance looks forward to building upon the strong foundation laid by LPL Insurance. Clients of LPL Insurance can anticipate a seamless transition, continuing to receive the same high-quality service and support they have come to expect, now backed by the extensive resources and capabilities of Inszone Insurance. Inszone Insurance is expected to announce a number of important acquisitions in the upcoming months as it continues to build its national presence. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone is a full-service insurance brokerage firm that provides a broad array of property & casualty insurance and employee benefits solutions. With a strong, experienced management team, Inszone continues to grow organically and through acquisitions. With 47 locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington, the company is looking to expand further throughout the United States. For more information about Inszone, please visit www.inszoneinsurance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227301548/en/ Inszone Insurance Chris Walters CEO 714-619-5620 [email protected] Source: Inszone Insurance Services MoMo the first Vietnamese Fintech company to become PCI DSS v4.0 validated by Crossbow Labs BENGALURU, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- M_Service Joint Stock Company (MoMo), a leading fintech company in Vietnam, proudly announces its successful achievement of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) version 4.0 compliance. MoMo stands among the pioneering entities to become PCI DSS v4.0 validated in Vietnam. The certificate was awarded by Crossbow Labs, a PCI QSA company and a GEAR Committee member with PCI SSC, an international council which defines these stringent standards. MoMo extends heartfelt thanks to their dedicated team, whose unwavering commitment, expertise, and diligence were instrumental in achieving this milestone. Their collective contributions underscore the internal culture of excellence at MoMo, essential for navigating the complexities of information security with precision. MoMo deeply thanks Crossbow, a crucial partner since 2016, whose collaboration was pivotal in achieving certification. Their enduring partnership strengthened security measures and showcased a joint commitment to excellence. Celebrating this milestone underscores their powerful collaboration and shared dedication. MoMo eagerly anticipates continued success in cybersecurity together. Mr. Kirubakaran, the lead PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) at Crossbow Labs, highlighted the formidable nature of achieving compliance with the stringent global standard of PCI-DSS v4.0. MoMo, cognizant of the paramount importance of securing their infrastructure for their clientele, demonstrated unwavering commitment by consistently upholding PCI-DSS requirements annually since 2016, with Crossbow Labs. About MoMo MoMo is a Vietnamese Fintech unicorn, provides super-app and payment service and is one of the fastest growing and largest fintech apps in the world. Our mission is to improve the life of Vietnamese people and merchants by using technology to give them access to superior, simpler and affordable financial solutions and daily services. Our award-winning super app platform is trusted and loved by millions of users and merchants for its ease of use, product design, and compelling ecosystem of partners. MoMo has over 2,000 employees and is headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City with offices in Hanoi and Danang. For further information please visit: www.momo.vn About Crossbow Labs Crossbow Labs is a leading cyber security consulting organization which has over 200 customers in more than 28 countries for cyber security consulting and certification programs in Banking, Retail, Fin-tech, Hospitality, E-commerce, IT/ITES, BPO, Manufacturing and other emerging technologies. Website: https://cbl.world/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220992317/en/ Media Contact: Pratik - [email protected] Source: Crossbow Labs & MoMo Best of 2023: A Year in Review LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As 2023 wraps up, Lexington-based RD1 Spirits celebrates a year of tremendous growth, including portfolio expansion, 66 product awards, distribution across 15 states, and an invitation to join the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227327330/en/ RD1 Spirits Kentucky Straight Bourbon Portfolio (Photo Credit: RD1 Spirits) As a brand founded to celebrate meaningful firsts, RD1 which stands for Registered Distillery One was founded in 2020 to honor Lexingtons bourbons history and help write the next chapter. We are an entrepreneurial brand founded on the principles of honoring the mavericks from our past, and layering in modern-day innovation to evolve the story, said RD1 Chief Executive Officer Mike Tetterton. Contributing to the Kentucky bourbon industry is an opportunity we take seriously, and our accomplishments in 2023 speak to our teamwork, creativity, and resolve. New Releases and Top Awards RD1 kicked off the year by adding two, unique, wood-finished bourbons to its portfolio. RD1s 110-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood and its 99.9-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Double Finished In Oak and Maple Barrels joined the two RD1 expressions released in October 2022 (98-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and 101-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished With French Oak). The entire RD1 portfolio was met with incredible reception from beverage wholesalers, retailers, restaurant owners, and consumers earning 66 awards in 2023 42 representing gold, double gold, platinum, double platinum, and century awards. As a young, craft bourbon brand, to consistently take home this many top competition awards awards across all four of our bourbons is extremely powerful in gaining credibility among our distributor and buying network, but most of all, in earning the trust of discerning consumers, Tetterton said. Top recognitions from 2023 include: RD1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 98 proof Double Gold in 2023 Sip Awards 95 points and Gold in 2023 New York International Spirits Competition RD1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With French Oak, 101 proof 96 points from The Tasting Panel Double Platinum from Fred Minnicks 2023 Ascot Awards RD1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood, 110 proof 100 points from the 2023 Pr%f Awards 95 points from the 2023 Ultimate Spirits Competition RD1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey Double Finished In Oak and Maple Barrels, 99.9 proof 100 points from the 2023 Pr%f Awards 100 points in 2023 MLSA Competition Multi-State Expansion RD1 Spirits also reached milestones in its market distribution. At the beginning of the year, RD1 was available for purchase in its home state of Kentucky. Today, the brand is available across 15 states: Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. RD1 participated in more than 45 bourbon events from coast to coast in 2023, tasting consumers on its award-winning bourbon portfolio. KY Distillation Home In addition, RD1 signed a significant contract in 2023 with Western Kentucky Distilling (WKD) a $30-million, new production house in Beaver Dam, Kentucky where 8th generation Master Distiller Jacob Call continues to handcraft RD1s Straight Bourbon Whiskey. RD1 team members handle the wood finishing of its barrels across bourbon warehouses in Central Kentucky. RD1s five-year agreement for production of up to 15,000 barrels a year gives RD1 a strategic home with Call at the helm. WKD features a 40-foot tall, 36-inch copper still, complemented by copper condensers, a copper doubler, and 15 state-of-the-art fermenters. RD1 owners are also part owners of Western Kentucky Distilling, and we have the utmost respect for Jacob Call and the fantastic team he has built, said Tetterton. Our partnership is built on shared business values of Kentucky owned and operated. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour RD1s Tasting Room and Gift Shop in Lexington was named to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour in July 2023, giving the brand national and international attention. When visiting RD1 in Lexingtons Distillery District, guests hear stories of the Ashland and Old William Tarr Distilleries from the late 1800s. Guests then explore their palate, learning more about woods powerful yet delicate influence on bourbon. Visit RD1spirits.com, and follow @RD1spirits on Facebook and Instagram to learn about RD1s aggressive growth plans for 2024. About RD1 Spirits Based in Lexington, Kentucky, RD1 Spirits exists to explore the bourbon frontier. Lexington entrepreneurs founded the company in 2020 to help give life to the stories of Lexingtons bourbon firsts, namely its first federally registered distillery, established in 1865. RD1 is paving its own path, focusing on Kentucky Straight Bourbon and its interaction with various wood finishings in the barrel. For more information on this growing brand, visit RD1spirits.com or follow @RD1spirits on Facebook and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227327330/en/ Laura Mulhern [email protected] 717.991.8509 Source: RD1 Spirits Grocer remains committed to supporting communities and shoppers across the Southeast JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is concluding 2023 by celebrating a WINNing year for the customers and communities it serves. Throughout this year, the grocer introduced new products and provided more value through online and in-store programs to help customers save time and money. Additionally, SEG has continued to be a steadfast community partner by donating more than $3,727,000 back into the community to support neighbors in need. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227845036/en/ 2023 has been a year of growth and renewal for Southeastern Grocers, with 17 store remodels providing customers with improved, localized shopping experiences and enhanced offerings, along with the opening of two brand-new Winn-Dixie stores in its home state of Florida - in the Apopka City Center in Orange County and the new College Park development in its hometown of Jacksonville. (Photo: Business Wire) Raymond Rhee, Chief People Officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, Reflecting on the remarkable journey weve taken over the past year, we are immensely grateful for the incredible dedication of our associates and the unwavering support of our loyal customers. Throughout 2023, we celebrated many WINNs as we worked together to improve our stores, support our neighbors and lend a helping hand to community members in need. As we turn the page on a new chapter in 2024, we look forward to another year of nourishing communities and fostering genuine connections both inside and outside of our neighborhood stores. 2023 has been a year of growth and renewal for the grocer, with 17 store remodels providing customers with improved, localized shopping experiences and enhanced offerings, along with the opening of two brand-new Winn-Dixie stores in its home state of Florida. In August, SEG unveiled a new ground-up store in the recently developed Apopka City Center in Orange County, and a second new store opening in September in the new College Park development in its hometown of Jacksonville to support the Arlington communitys revitalization efforts. With customer satisfaction in mind, SEG also expanded its online shopping service for Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers with the launch of curbside pickup in February to provide busy customers with additional convenience and value. When shopping online at participating stores, customers can enjoy easy delivery or curbside pickup in as little as two hours while receiving the same great benefit of in-store prices, savings and promotions. SEGs commitment to serving customers also extends to the grocers line of Own Brand products, which offers customers an average savings of more than 20% compared to national brands on nearly 8,000 items. In 2023, SEG won more than 150 awards for its Own Brand products and market exclusive lines, including top recognition from grocery industry outlets, Store Brands and Progressive Grocer, in addition to World Dairy Expo and USA Wine, Beer and Spirits Ratings. This year, SEG also announced a new exclusive product line Know & Love designed to provide a range of products made with ingredients customers know, to create the everyday products theyll love. The curated line prioritizes ingredients, quality and value that customers can trust. Ingredients are selected for quality and every product is free from nearly 100 undesirable ingredients such as certified color additives, partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose. The thoughtfully selected products are rigorously taste-tested and budget friendly. With many products already available, the SEG Know & Love product line will continue to roll out gradually through 2024 ultimately offering more than 1,000 clean label products including dairy, produce, ready-made foods, beverages and household items. The grocer continues to offer customers significant savings through the rewards program, which was included in Newsweeks Americas Best Loyalty Programs list for the third consecutive year. To further help customers save time and money, SEG launched its new seasonal discount program to hold down the prices of most-shopped grocery essentials. The Price Hold program lowers prices on more than 1,000 popular items to help customers stretch their grocery budget when shopping items marked in blue Price Hold signage throughout Winn-Dixie stores. As a grocer deeply rooted in the communities it serves, SEG remains unwavering in its support of causes customers and associates care about the most. In 2023, SEG and the SEG Gives Foundation donated more than $3.7 million to more than 1,300 community partners throughout the Southeast. This includes $560,000 and more than 13 million pounds of food to fight food insecurity throughout the Southeast in partnership with Feeding America and its food bank partners; $460,000 to support emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts; and $750,000 to Folds of Honor to provide 150 educational scholarships to the legacies of fallen and disabled service members. SEG also supported various community initiatives in 2023, including a donation of $350,000 to the American Cancer Societys Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a donation of $225,000 to support nine pediatric care facilities in the Southeast, supported more than 420 local schools ahead of the academic school year and much more. Additionally, in its fourth year, SEGs Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant program provided 40 nonprofit organizations with a total of $400,000 to help address racial disparities in education, health care and food insecurity. In recognition of the companys ongoing commitment to social responsibility, the grocer was included on Forbes list of Best Brands for Social Impact in May and honored with a Progressive Grocer Impact Award in November. SEGs people-first culture has also earned the grocer recognition from national outlets throughout the year, including: certification as a Great Place to Work for the fourth consecutive year; Newsweeks Americas Greatest Workplaces list with a 5-star rating for its dedication to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in addition to prioritizing professional development; Fortunes Best Workplaces in Retail list which uses employee feedback to highlight the top 20 companies with workplace cultures that reflect a genuine commitment to meet associates needs; Newsweeks America's Most Trustworthy Companies list as one of only 700 U.S. companies recognized for customer and employee trust; Forbes America's Best In-State Employers list as a top employer in Georgia; and Newsweeks America's Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families and America's Greatest Workplaces for Women in recognition of the grocers efforts to provide superior work-life balance and develop female leaders in the workforce. Looking ahead to 2024, SEG plans to continue serving neighbors in need while investing in the communities it serves throughout its five-state footprint. About Southeastern Grocers Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer and one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S., serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores and liquor stores as well as online with convenient grocery delivery and curbside pickup throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and caring associates and a strong commitment to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit www.frescoymas.com, www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com. About SEG Gives Foundation SEG Gives Foundation is the charitable arm of Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company of Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores. The SEG Gives Foundation aligns giving with causes that are priorities to the communities SEG serves, including the fight against hunger, support for military service members and their families, relief to those affected by extreme weather and natural disasters and championing belonging, inclusion and diversity by combating social injustice to bridge the gap of inequities faced by many individuals, families and communities. Southeastern Grocers strives to be ingrained in its communities and, through the SEG Gives Foundation, better the lives of its customers and neighbors. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227845036/en/ For SEG interviews or images contact: Meredith Hurley Senior Director, Communications and Community (904) 370-6029 [email protected] Source: Southeastern Grocers Inc. Bryce Van promoted to Chief Accounting Officer; Deanna White to become Senior Advisor LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE: SRFM), the air mobility platform transforming regional flying through electrification, today announced that Oliver Reeves will join the Company as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Reeves will lead the Companys financial and capital markets strategies leveraging his nearly two decades of experience in the investment management, enterprise technology, and insurance industries. He will start his new role in January, 2024. Mr. Reeves recently worked at Xinuos, Inc., where he served as the Chief Strategy Officer since 2019. We are very pleased to have Oliver join us on our journey to electrify regional air mobility, said Stan Little, CEO of Surf Air Mobility. He is a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record at both the strategic and operational levels. Oliver will play a pivotal role in steering our financial strategy and supporting our growth initiatives. His broad strategic expertise and financial acumen fit very well within our executive team as we look to the future and continue to pioneer innovations in green flying. Mr. Reeves will succeed Deanna White, who has served as Surf Airs Chief Administrative Officer and then as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. White, who joined Surf Air Mobility in 2021 to help take the company through its public listing, will become a Senior Advisor to both Surf Air Mobility and the Surf Air Board of Directors. Ms. Whites expertise across public company finance and the airline industry has helped position Surf Air Mobility for significant future growth. Deanna has been a valuable member of our senior executive team, and her expertise in aviation and aerospace has served us well these last three years as we brought Surf Air Mobility public, said Mr. Little. We are honored that Deanna will continue to serve the company full-time as a Senior Advisor, even as she begins to move toward retirement. I am very excited to join this pioneering company that has already become a key player in regional air mobility, said Oliver Reeves, incoming CFO of Surf Air. It is an honor to be involved in the electrification of air travel and to move toward a more prosperous future for our investors and our customers. Surf Air Mobility is a phenomenal company committed to serving its customers, said Ms. White. I am grateful for the time Ive spent here, and Im excited to continue to serve both the company and the board of directors as a Senior Advisor. The company has also promoted Bryce Van to the role of Chief Accounting Officer from his current position as Vice President, Controller. More About Oliver Reeves Since 2019, Mr. Reeves has served as Chief Strategy Officer of Xinuos, Inc., the developer and licensor of the UnixWare and OpenServer operating systems. Xinuos and its predecessor companies have provided enterprise customers with operating systems with a reputation for stability and rock-solid performance in mission critical contexts for over 40 years. Earlier in his career, prior to joining Xinuos as an Executive Vice President in 2016, having consulted with the company since 2014, Mr. Reeves gained investment experience by holding several asset management positions: first as an Investment Analyst at Coliseum Capital Management then as a Vice President at Gerson Global Advisors and finally as a Senior Vice President at Phoenix Star Capital. Mr. Reeves started his career as an Associate in the M&A Group at Aon. Mr. Reeves received his MBA from Columbia Business School where he participated in the prestigious Value Investing Program and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Babson College. About Surf Air Mobility Surf Air Mobility is a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility platform expanding the category of regional air travel to reinvent flying through the power of electrification. In an effort to substantially reduce the cost and environmental impact of flying and as the operator of the largest commuter airline in the US, Surf Air Mobility intends to develop powertrain technology with its commercial partners to electrify existing fleets and bring electrified aircraft to market at scale. The management team has deep experience and expertise across aviation, electrification, and consumer technology. Forward Looking Statements The information in this press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about Surf Air Mobilitys ability to anticipate the future needs of the air mobility market, and future trends in the aviation industry, generally. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, should, could, might, plan, possible, project, strive, budget, forecast, expect, intend, will, estimate, anticipate, believe, predict, potential or continue, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: Surf Air Mobilitys limited operating history and that Surf Air Mobility has not yet manufactured any hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; the powertrain technology Surf Air Mobility plans to develop does not yet exist; any accidents or incidents involving hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; the inability to accurately forecast demand for products and manage product inventory in an effective and efficient manner; the dependence on third-party partners and suppliers for the components and collaboration in Surf Air Mobilitys development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains, and any interruptions, disagreements or delays with those partners and suppliers; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain Surf Air Mobilitys growth; the inability of Surf Air Mobility to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although Surf Air Mobility believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Surf Air Mobility cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements and financial projections. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Surf Air Mobility does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Additional information regarding these and other factors that could affect Surf Air Mobilitys results is included in Surf Air Mobilitys SEC filings, which may be obtained by visiting the SECs website at www.sec.gov or the investor relations page at https://investors.surfair.com under the FinancialsSEC Filings section. Information contained on, or that is referenced or can be accessed through, our website does not constitute part of this document and inclusions of any website addresses herein are inactive textual references only. The SECs website at www.sec.gov or the investor relations page on Surf Airs website at https://investors.surfair.com under the FinancialsSEC Filings section. Other information contained on, or that is referenced or can be accessed through, our website does not constitute part of this document and inclusions of any website addresses herein are inactive textual references only. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227370171/en/ Surf Air Mobility: [email protected] Source: Surf Air Mobility Inc. The float will be featured on the 2024 Rose Parade on New Years Day LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float will feature 59 honorees representing 17 states in the U.S. With ages ranging from 16 to 64 years old for riders and walkers, and from 3 years to 78 years old for floragraph honorees, these participants and their families will travel to Pasadena to be part of Americas Donate Life celebration on New Years days traditional Rose Parade. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227237160/en/ The 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life float, Woven Together: The Dance of Life will honor 56 participants on the 2024 Rose Parade on New Year's Day (Graphic: Business Wire) The 2024 Donate Life Float will feature: 4 walkers , who are living donors , who are living donors 18 riders who are organ and tissue recipients who are organ and tissue recipients 34 floragraphs or floral portraits representing organ, eye and tissue donors who gave the gift of life to others Float Walkers Four honorees who gave the gift of life to others as living donors will walk alongside the 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life float. The 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life float walkers include for the first time in the history of the OneLegacy Donate Life float a very special group of dancers from the Hopi Tribe, who will perform the traditional Hopi Butterfly Dance and who will walk in front of the float in full Hopi regalia. These dancers will accompany living donors who will walk alongside the float. The 2024 OneLegacy Donate life float walkers include: Celeste Rodriguez , Mayor of the City of San Fernando and living donor to her brother , Mayor of the City of San Fernando and living donor to her brother Sened Isaac from Los Angeles, CA, a film and TV producer who donated one of her kidneys to her sister, Bana Isaac, who will also be honored on the float as a rider. from Los Angeles, CA, a film and TV producer who donated one of her kidneys to her sister, Bana Isaac, who will also be honored on the float as a rider. Katie Becerra , a living kidney donor to a family member, who is also a OneLegacy Ambassador , a living kidney donor to a family member, who is also a OneLegacy Ambassador Jason McCluney, a two-time living donor (kidney and liver) who became an altruistic donor to two people he didnt know after deciding he wanted to help others gain a second chance at life. Bios to all four 2024 Donate Life float walkers are available here: https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2024/walkers.html Float Riders The 2024 Donate Life float 18 riders include musical performers like Leslie Pridgen, better known as Freeway, a national hip hop artist and kidney recipient from Philadelphia, and Chloe Temtchine, a recording artist and double lung recipient from Los Angeles. Additional float riders include: Bana Isaac , a 35-year-old kidney recipient from San Jose, Calif. Banas sister and living donor will be a walker on the float. , a 35-year-old kidney recipient from San Jose, Calif. Banas sister and living donor will be a walker on the float. Cheryl Renee Roybal , a 64-year-old heart recipient from Santa Fe, NM , a 64-year-old heart recipient from Santa Fe, NM Dave Gray , a 64-year-old heart recipient from Rensselear, NY , a 64-year-old heart recipient from Rensselear, NY Diana Ladio , a 36-year-old tissue recipient from Nashville, TN , a 36-year-old tissue recipient from Nashville, TN Jeff Newell , a heart recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. , a heart recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. Joceline Perez Hernandez , a 26-year-old bone tissue recipient from Riverside, Calif. , a 26-year-old bone tissue recipient from Riverside, Calif. Joseph Sanchez Munoz , a 19-year-old liver, kidney and heart recipient from Northern California , a 19-year-old liver, kidney and heart recipient from Northern California Malakai Carey , a 16-year-old liver recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. , a 16-year-old liver recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. Melissa Nelson a 38-year-old pancreas recipient from Bettendorf, IA a 38-year-old pancreas recipient from Bettendorf, IA Missy Rodriguez , a 49-year-old liver recipient from Short Hills, NJ , a 49-year-old liver recipient from Short Hills, NJ Orlan Honyumptewa , a 48-year-old kidney recipient from Upper Moenkopi, AZ , a 48-year-old kidney recipient from Upper Moenkopi, AZ Raul Sansores, a 52-year-old liver recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. a 52-year-old liver recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. Raymond Jones, a 42-year-old kidney recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. a 42-year-old kidney recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. Rhonda Hill, a 63-year-old kidney and pancreas recipient from Douglas, WY a 63-year-old kidney and pancreas recipient from Douglas, WY Somone Washington , a 37 year old kidney recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. , a 37 year old kidney recipient from Los Angeles, Calif. Ted Jung, a 62 year old heart recipient from San Francisco, Calif. Teds donor, Joe Barrett, will also be honored on the float with a floragraph. Bios to the 2024 Donate Life float riders are available here: https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2024/riders.html Floragraph Honorees 34 deceased donors, whose images are being memorialized with floral portraits or floragraphs on the 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life float, will be placed on the woven baskets that surround the Hopi dancer. These donors gave the ultimate gift of life to save and heal lives through the power of organ, eye and tissue donation. The floral portraits were decorated using organic materials like cinnamon, rice, farina, coffee and watercress seeds. The 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life float floragraph honorees include: Alanya Echols , a 28 year old tissue donor from Los Angeles , a 28 year old tissue donor from Los Angeles Alexander Granados , a 29 year old organ and tissue donor from Los Angeles , a 29 year old organ and tissue donor from Los Angeles Alicia MacAleese , a 41 year old cornea donor from Reno, NV , a 41 year old cornea donor from Reno, NV Anthony Hidalgo , a 20 year old cornea and tissue donor from Lake Elsinore , a 20 year old cornea and tissue donor from Lake Elsinore Cary Sauve-Brown , a 6 year old organ donor from Lake Elsinore , a 6 year old organ donor from Lake Elsinore Clarke Dani Reese , a 13 year old organ donor from Richmond, VA , a 13 year old organ donor from Richmond, VA Dakota Sams , a 21 year old tissue and cornea donor from Greenville, TN , a 21 year old tissue and cornea donor from Greenville, TN Don Calata , a 35 year old organ, tissue and cornea donor from Puyallup, WA , a 35 year old organ, tissue and cornea donor from Puyallup, WA Dominic Ogden , a 25 year old organ and tissue donor from Marshalltown, IA , a 25 year old organ and tissue donor from Marshalltown, IA Enrique Rivas , a 22 year old organ donor from Pacoima , a 22 year old organ donor from Pacoima Frederick Jones , a 27 year old organ and cornea donor from Albuquerque, NM , a 27 year old organ and cornea donor from Albuquerque, NM Gavin Raceles , a 7 year old organ donor from San Diego , a 7 year old organ donor from San Diego Jake Sullivan Roman , a 20 year old organ donor from Carson City, NV , a 20 year old organ donor from Carson City, NV Jayme Sue Louque , a 14 year old organ, tissue and cornea donor from Olathe, KS , a 14 year old organ, tissue and cornea donor from Olathe, KS Jihad Pridgen , a 20 year old organ donor from Philadelphia, PA. Jihads dad, Freeway , will also be honored on the float as a rider. , a 20 year old organ donor from Philadelphia, PA. Jihads dad, , will also be honored on the float as a rider. Joe Barratt , a young organ and tissue donor from Concord, Calif. Joes heart recipient, Ted Jung, will also be honored on the float as a rider. , a young organ and tissue donor from Concord, Calif. Joes heart recipient, Ted Jung, will also be honored on the float as a rider. John J. Vargas , a cornea donor from Baldwin Park , a cornea donor from Baldwin Park Kali Geselowitz , a 3 year old organ donor from Coto de Caza, Calif. , a 3 year old organ donor from Coto de Caza, Calif. Kerry Welsh, and organ, cornea and tissue donor from Glendora and organ, cornea and tissue donor from Glendora Lance Bo Chavez , an organ and tissue donor from the Inland Empire , an organ and tissue donor from the Inland Empire Linda Dean , a cornea and tissue donor from Oklahoma , a cornea and tissue donor from Oklahoma Manohar Mike Vaswani , a 78 year old tissue donor from Las Vegas, NV , a 78 year old tissue donor from Las Vegas, NV Marty Palmanteer , a 50 year old organ donor from Omak, Washington , a 50 year old organ donor from Omak, Washington Matthew Messina , a 25 year old organ donor from Northern California , a 25 year old organ donor from Northern California Miguel Cortes , a 27 year old organ donor from Riverside , a 27 year old organ donor from Riverside Nate Hall , a 16 year old tissue donor from Oklahoma , a 16 year old tissue donor from Oklahoma Neal Patel , a 38 year old organ and tissue donor from Columbia, SC , a 38 year old organ and tissue donor from Columbia, SC Paul Eskildsen , a 59 year old organ, cornea and tissue donor from Coto de Caza, Calif. , a 59 year old organ, cornea and tissue donor from Coto de Caza, Calif. Qyana Porter , a 21 year old organ donor from Victorville, Calif. , a 21 year old organ donor from Victorville, Calif. Ronald Sublett, Jr. , a 53 year old cornea donor from Woodland, Calif. , a 53 year old cornea donor from Woodland, Calif. Rosanna Manrique Gomez , a 56 year old tissue donor from Whittier , a 56 year old tissue donor from Whittier SadiJae Najera , a 17 year old organ donor from Bakersfield , a 17 year old organ donor from Bakersfield Scott Hultman , a 43 year old organ donor from Camarillo , a 43 year old organ donor from Camarillo Vivian Beutel, a 41 year old organ and tissue donor from Santa Barbara Bios to all 34 floragraph honorees for the 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life float are available here: https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2024/floragraphs.html The OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float is produced by OneLegacy, designed by Charles Meier, built by Fiesta Parade Floats and made possible thanks to more than 27 sponsors, including: American Association of Tissue Banks, Artivion, Bazic Products, Bridge to Life, Center For Donation and Transplant, Dignity Memorial Providers, Donate Life California, Donate Life South Carolina, Donor Alliance, Donor Network West, Gift of Life Donor Program, Global Transplant Solutions, Goal Productions, Iowa Donor Network, JJs Legacy, JRF Ortho, LifeCenter Northwest, LifeNet Health, LifeShare Network, Lifesharing, MTF Biologics, Midwest Transplant Network, MTF Biologics, Missys Miracle, Nevada Donor Network, New Mexico Donor Services, OneLegacy, RTI Donor Services, Sharing Network Foundation, Specialist Direct, UCLA Health and We Are Sharing Hope SC. As the worlds most visible campaign to inspire organ, eye and tissue donation, the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float inspires viewers to help the over 1 million people in need of organ, eye or tissue transplants each year. Register today to become an organ, eye or tissue donor by visiting registerme.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227237160/en/ Tania Llavaneras (323) 354-6619 [email protected] Source: OneLegacy The recently signed National Defense Authorization Act marks the first time in U.S. history that IBCLCs have been written into federal legislation CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Lactation Network (TLN), the largest national provider of insurance-covered lactation care delivered by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), secured a bipartisan amendment to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed last week by President Biden. Working closely with Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), TLN crafted language that underscores the importance of lactation care expertise while providing funding for military spouses seeking their IBCLC certifications. We were thrilled to lock arms with Rep. McClain, Sen. Gillibrand, Sen. Booker, and so many others to enable military spouses to secure their IBCLC certifications, said Sarah Kellogg Neff, CEO of TLN. Our bipartisan, bicameral coalition knows the life-changing impact of expert lactation careand were only just getting started. TLNs contributions to the NDAA include a professional pathway and earning potential for military spouses through IBCLC careers that can be practiced anywhere: These partners often sacrifice their own jobs to support active-duty service members. Further, the bipartisan, bicameral coalition behind the NDAA amendments represents a vote of confidence in IBCLC expertise which will drive meaningful access to lactation care on military bases and beyond. Especially, the NDAA creates communities in the face of transience. Military parents are often far from familial support during their breastfeeding journeys, and this amendment both acknowledges the role IBCLCs play in supporting families at vulnerable times and is an incredible toehold as TLN continues to advocate for fair reimbursements for the clinical care IBCLCs provide. In passing this bill, Congress and the president did more than fund the military; they funded military families and elevated the IBCLC profession, added Kellogg Neff. Military service runs deep in my family so this moment hits particularly close to home. About The Lactation Network The Lactation Network (TLN) is a national provider of insurance-covered lactation care delivered by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). They provide lactation support, including breast pump products and lactation consultations to families in need of care. TLN is the largest network of IBCLCs in the United States, and helps them provide the gold-standard of lactation care. TLN is building inclusive, tech-forward healthcare systems designed to remove barriers to access, dismantle stigmas and support all parents so they and their families can thrive. For more information and to access resources, please visit lactationnetwork.com or follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220641489/en/ Carly Kuikman CSK Public Relations (978) 604 - 0904 [email protected] Source: The Lactation Network Six natural gas storage facilities with total capacity of 115 Bcf across Louisiana and Mississippi Highly contracted business with diverse customer base including investment-grade utilities, interstate pipelines, LNG terminals and natural gas marketers Strategically located to take advantage of strong LNG and power demand fundamentals that are forecasted to drive earnings growth TULSA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Williams (NYSE: WMB) today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire a portfolio of natural gas storage assets from an affiliate of Hartree Partners LP for $1.95 billion. The transaction includes six underground natural gas storage facilities located in Louisiana and Mississippi with total capacity of 115 billion cubic feet (Bcf), as well as 230 miles of gas transmission pipeline and 30 pipeline interconnects to attractive markets, including LNG markets, and connections to Transco, the nations largest natural gas transmission pipeline. The acquisition price represents an approximate 10x estimated 2024 EBITDA multiple. This premier natural gas storage platform on the Gulf Coast fits squarely within our strategy to own and operate the best assets connected to the best markets to serve growing demand driven by LNG exports and power generation, said Williams President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Armstrong. These assets better position Williams natural gas storage operations to serve Gulf Coast LNG demand and growing electrification loads from data centers along the Transco corridor. Importantly, this storage will also allow us to provide value to customers in markets with growing renewables adoption as daily peaks for natural gas increases the need for storage. Since 2010, U.S. demand for natural gas has grown by 56% while gas storage capacity has only increased 12%. We expect the increasing demand for high deliverability storage to drive significant earnings growth across these assets. The six natural gas storage facilities include four salt domes with combined capacity of 92 Bcf and two depleted reservoirs with combined capacity of 23 Bcf. The facilities have injection capacity of 5 Bcf/d and withdrawal capacity of 7.9 Bcf/d, among the highest of any natural gas storage platform in the United States. Two of the facilities, Pine Prairie and Southern Pines, are directly connected with Transco and are well positioned for expansions. The transaction is expected to close in January 2024, following satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Advisors BofA Securities served as financial advisor to Williams; Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as legal advisor to Williams. Evercore served as lead financial advisor and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC served as financial advisor to Hartree; Milbank LLP served as legal advisor to Hartree. About Williams Williams (NYSE: WMB) is a trusted energy industry leader committed to safely, reliably, and responsibly meeting growing energy demand. We use our 33,000-mile pipeline infrastructure to move a third of the nations natural gas to where it's needed most, supplying the energy used to heat our homes, cook our food and generate low-carbon electricity. For over a century, weve been driven by a passion for doing things the right way. Today, our team of problem solvers is leading the charge into the clean energy future by powering the global economy while delivering immediate emissions reductions within our natural gas network and investing in new energy technologies. Learn more at www.williams.com. Portions of this document may constitute forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Although Williams believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Any such statements are made in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in Williams annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227523874/en/ MEDIA: [email protected] (800) 945-8723 INVESTOR CONTACT: Danilo Juvane (918) 573-5075 Caroline Sardella (918) 230-9992 Source: Williams Crude oil storage tanks are seen in an aerial photograph at the Cushing oil hub in Cushing, Oklahoma, U.S. April 21, 2020. REUTERS/Drone Base/File Photo By Stephanie Kelly NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices dropped nearly 2% on Wednesday, eating into the previous day's gains as investors monitored developments in the Red Sea, where shippers are returning despite further attacks on Tuesday. Brent crude futures settled down $1.42, or 1.8%, at $79.65 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.46, or 1.9%, to $74.11. Danish shipping company Maersk said it has scheduled several dozen container vessels to travel via the Suez Canal and Red Sea in the coming weeks after calling a temporary halt to those routes this month after attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia. France's CMA CGM also said it was resuming passage through the Red Sea after deployment of a multinational task force to the region. "I think we have to wait and see whether the increased naval patrols and rerouting of ships lead to a decline in attacks," said Callum Macpherson, head of commodities at Investec. Both the Brent and WTI benchmarks settled more than 2% higher in the previous session as the latest attacks on ships in the Red Sea prompted fears of shipping disruption. The prospect of a prolonged Israeli military campaign in Gaza remained a major driver of market sentiment. Israeli forces pummelled central Gaza by land, sea and air on Wednesday, a day after Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi told reporters the war would go on "for many months". Elsewhere, oil loadings at the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiisk were suspended because of a storm. However, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near the port was open, Kazakhstan's energy ministry said. U.S. crude oil inventories rose last week by 1.84 million barrels, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Wednesday. [API/S] U.S. government data on stockpiles is due on Thursday. Oil output in Russia, the third largest producer in the world after the United States and Saudi Arabia, is expected to be steady or even to increase next year as Moscow has largely overcome Western sanctions, analysts said. (Reporting by Stephanie Kelly in New York, Robert Harvey and Noah Browning in London and Jeslyn Lerh in Singapore;Additional reporting by Andrew Hayley in Beijing;Editing by David Goodman, Jane Merriman, David Gregorio and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) The IT Army has stopped the work of one of the largest ERP systems in Russia 1C-Rarus, whose users include such technology giants and war sponsors as Tatneft and VTB, the Ministry of Digital Transformation said on Telegram channel. "Minus is the EPR system in Russia. The IT Army has paralyzed the work of 1C-Rarus. One of the largest ERP systems in Russia has stopped working due to attacks by the Ukrainian IT Army," the ministry said. It is indicated that 1C-Rarus has 150,000 users. As a result of the cyberattack, 1C-Rarus clients cannot use accounting services and work at full capacity. It is impossible to make payments in stores and gas stations because the cash registers do not work, which will bring millions of losses to the Russian economy, the Ministry of Digital Transformation said. Chinese automaker, BYD announced Wednesday that they have secured a conditional testing license for level 3 autonomous driving on high-speed roads. BYD announced in a statement on its official Weibo account that it was granted the first such license of its kind in China in July. In a separate development, BMW Group confirmed its acquisition of a test license for level 3 autonomous driving on high-speed roads in Shanghai earlier in December. Concurrently, Mercedes Benz unveiled plans to conduct level 3 tests on specified highways in Beijing. IM Motors, affiliated with the state-owned Chinese automaker SAIC Motor and specializing in electric vehicles, expressed intentions to seek approval from China's industry ministry for the introduction of level 3 vehicles. By Michael Elkins | [email protected] FILE PHOTO: Shopping trolley is seen in front of Alibaba logo in this illustration, July 24, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Wednesday rejected Alibaba's bid to dismiss a lawsuit over the alleged sale by various merchants of counterfeit versions of the popular children's toy Squishmallows on its online platforms. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman in Manhattan said Kelly Toys, whose parent Jazwares is owned by billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, plausibly alleged that Alibaba knew about and contributed to the merchants' infringement of its copyrights and trademarks. Kelly Toys said the sale of counterfeits on Alibaba has persisted despite six earlier lawsuits to stop it, with Alibaba ignoring its own "three-strike" policies and awarding some infringing merchants "Gold Supplier" and "Verified" status. Alibaba and lawyers for the Chinese e-commerce company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Furman did not rule on the lawsuit's merits. Kelly Toys had in November 2022 sued about 90 merchants it accused of selling counterfeit Squishmallows, and obtained an injunction two months later. It added Alibaba as a defendant in March. In seeking a dismissal, Alibaba said Kelly Toys failed to allege it had any involvement in infringements, and was trying to improperly shift the burden of policing its intellectual property by requiring "draconian" measures against sellers. Jazwares bought a majority stake in Kelly Toys in April 2020. Berkshire bought Jazwares' parent, the insurance holding company Alleghany, in October 2022. Revenue at Jazwares totaled $847 million in the first nine months of 2023. The case is Kelly Toys Holdings LLC v 19885566 Store et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 22-09384. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York) DALLAS, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Associa, the community management industrys largest company, recently held its annual Christmas toy drive in support of North Texas kids. Team members at the Associa Home Office collected and donated 130 toys to Community Partners of Dallas. They were then distributed to kids throughout Dallas County who would otherwise go without a gift this Christmas. This comes on the heels of the companys recent Big Bike Giveaway, where team members assembled 300 bikes that were also donated to North Texas charities. Thanks to the generosity of Associas team members, hundreds of kids in need will experience the joy of opening a Christmas present. About Associa With more than 275 branch offices across North America, Associa is building the future of community for more than 6.5 million residents worldwide. Our 14,000+ team members lead the industry with unrivaled education, expertise, and trailblazing innovation. For more than 44 years, Associa has brought positive impact and meaningful value to communities. To learn more, visit www.associaonline.com. Stay Connected Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/associa Subscribe to the Blog: https://hub.associaonline.com/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/associa Join us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/associa Attachment Tom Womack Associa 214.272.4107 [email protected] Source: Associa Siem Investments S.a.r.l. has on 27 December 2023 acquired 12,000,000 shares in Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS or the Company). Siem Investments S.a.r.l. is an entity closely associated with member of the board and primary insider (PDMR) of EMGS, Jrgen Westad. Siem Investments S.a.r.l. owns, after this acquisition, a total of 43,327,467 shares in EMGS constituting 33% of the share capital and voting rights in EMGS. Siem Investments S.a.r.l. has consequently passed the 25% disclosure threshold. Further details regarding the transaction are set out in the attached form. Contact Anders Eimstad, CFO, +47 948 25 836 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements in Regulation EU 596/2014 article 19 number 3 and the Norwegian Securities Trading Act 5-12. The stock exchange notification was published by Anders Eimstad, CFO, Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA. About EMGS EMGS, the marine EM market leader, uses its proprietary electromagnetic (EM) technology to support oil and gas companies in their search for offshore hydrocarbons. EMGS supports each stage in the workflow, from survey design and data acquisition to processing and interpretation. The Company's services enable the integration of EM data with seismic and other geophysical and geological information to give explorationists a clearer and more complete understanding of the subsurface. This improves exploration efficiency and reduces risks and the finding costs per barrel. CSEM technology can also be used to detect the presence of marine mineral deposits (primarily Seabed Massive Sulphides) and EMGS believes that the technology can also be used to estimate the mineral content of such deposits. The Company is undertaking early-stage initiatives to position itself in this future market. Attachment Atlanta, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Television, Inc. (Gray) (NYSE: GTN) today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with the NBC Network that extends and renews all of Grays NBC network affiliations, which otherwise would have expired at year-end 2023. Gray owns and operates NBC affiliated television stations serving 56 markets. In the current 2023-24 television season, NBC is the #1 network and ranks first in all key demos, as well as first in primetime, morning/afternoon news, late night, primetime sports, scripted and alternative program categories. Gray Television, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray is the nations largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Its television stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. It also owns video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. Gray owns a majority interest in Swirl Films. For more information, please visit www.gray.tv . Gray Contacts Pat LaPlatney, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, 334-206-1400 Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333 # # # PITTSBURGH, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LoanCare, LLC (LoanCare) recently announced that its parent company (Fidelity National Financial, Inc.) suffered from a cybersecurity attack on or around November 19, 2023, that impacted the personal information of hundreds of thousands of individuals. The information potentially impacted in the data breach includes individuals names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and loan numbers. Lynch Carpenter, LLP is investigating claims against LoanCare and Fidelity related to this data breach. If you received a data breach notification from LoanCare and/or Fidelity, you may be entitled to compensation. If you have received a notification from LoanCare and/or Fidelity that your information was impacted, please call Patrick Donathen at (412) 322-9243, email him at [email protected], or fill out our contact form at www.lynchcarpenter.com/contact. About Lynch Carpenter Lynch Carpenter is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois. Our firm has represented millions of clients in data privacy matters for more than a decade and has earned national acclaim for complex litigation for plaintiffs across the country. To learn more, please visit www.lynchcarpenter.com. CONTACT Jennifer Schlieper COMPANY Lynch Carpenter LLP PHONE (412) 387-7002 EMAIL [email protected] WEB lynchcarpenter.com Source: Lynch Carpenter TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian companies trying to attract and retain employees need to take note that workers are prioritizing personal fulfillment and work/life balance, and are willing to make sacrifices to do so, according to new survey data released today from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. Most employed job seekers (54%) feel they are performing above and beyond at their company now, compared to a year ago, but only 41% of Canadian hiring decision-makers report the employees at their company are performing similarly. Half (50%) say their employees are doing just enough (nothing more, nothing less). Canadian hiring decision-makers believe the definition of professional success for employees is advancing in their careers (66%). And to achieve such success, around half (51%) report the only way to do so is to climb the corporate ladder. Most job seekers (68%) are aligned on this definition of professional success (i.e., advancing in their career), with nearly 3 in 5 (56%) agreeing it can only be done by climbing the corporate ladder. Canadian job seekers and hiring decision-makers also both believe the best way for employees to add value to a company is by advancing their careers (69% and 63%, respectively). Nevertheless, nearly two-thirds of Canadian job seekers (63%) say they are not interested in climbing the corporate ladder. Whats more, most job seekers say it is more important to them to have a meaningful job than a high-level job title (85%) and define success through work/life balance as opposed to climbing the corporate ladder (84%). Canadian hiring decision-makers also confirm this trend, as most agree it is more important for workers to have a meaningful job than a high-level job title (87%), and more employees are defining success by work/life balance (84%) now compared to three years ago. Interestingly, contrary to what many might assume, and older workers are more likely to agree that work/life balance is more important than climbing the corporate ladder, possibly because they are nearing retirement and have already advanced in their career. For example, 75% of boomers and 66% of Gen X say they are not interested in climbing the corporate ladder, but that number is only 57% for Gen Z. Similarly, while work/life balance is the priority for 90% of boomers, that number falls to 78% for Gen X and 73% for Gen Z. Workers may choose to remain in their current role rather than accept promotions that require more responsibility and time. However, half of Canadian hiring decision-makers (49%) feel employees who have no desire to advance are looked upon negatively at their company, and 63% of job seekers agree. When assessing employees not interested in climbing the corporate ladder, Canadian hiring decision-makers commonly describe such employees negatively (57%) including noting a lack of drive (31%), being unengaged (27%) and uncommitted (23%). And half (51%) report such employees as having less long-term potential in their company. While many companies seemingly desire employees with the drive to rise through the ranks, more than 4 in 5 Canadian hiring decision-makers (86%) agree that employees content with their current role still contribute to the success of a company. Such employees may even be thought of as more introspective and self-aware than most, as around a quarter of hiring decision-makers describe them as knowing their limit (24%) and what they want (20%). Whether it's an entry-level position or an executive role, every job contributes significantly to the overall functionality and success of a workforce, said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. Peoples ambitions vary, but one thing that all employees should have in common is to find continuing education opportunities to excel in their duties and always strive for improvement. Businesses would also be prudent to discover how team members individually define purpose to avoid mistaking contentment with complacency. Survey MethodologyThe Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 8 and June 22, 2023, among 507 Canadian hiring decision-makers. The Job Seeker Survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 507 adults ages 18 and older who are employed or not employed but looking for work and looking for a new job. For full survey methodologies, please contact Ana Curic at [email protected]. If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Ana Curic at (613) 858-2622 or email [email protected]. About Bill StollerWilliam H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. About Express Employment ProfessionalsAt Express Employment Professionals, were in the business of people. From jobseekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 579,000 people globally in 2022 and 10 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/CA. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d84108b6-4d32-4e56-a08f-3bf441bd60f2 Sentiments About Climbing the Corporate Ladder Sentiments About Climbing the Corporate Ladder Source: Express Employment Professionals Charleston, SC, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An exciting new memoir from Palmetto Publishing releases this month, telling the story of George Gipson, an ex-military man, rehabilitated convict, and now a decades-long leader in nonprofit and ministry. After a dark turn in his life led him into federal custody, Gipson says God reached out to him through a man on death row. This chance meeting sparked weeks and months filled with Bible study and prayer, eventually leading to a powerful, transformative spiritual vision. Experiencing a deeper understanding of what it meant to be a part of Gods family, Gipsons life began to gradually undergo a major shift. This ultimately led him to Kenya, where a giraffea key element of his visionwould confirm Gipsons commitment to share his experiences through a memoir. The Chase could be compared in some ways to the bestselling novel The Shack. There is an emphasis on the Christian Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit present in Gipsons work. It is through Gipsons renewed faith and his encounter with God that his life changed, and his audience, too, will benefit from a deeper understanding of who God is. The Chase features supernatural signs and symbols, and it will deeply convict readers of their viceswhile offering sincere hope through its core message of Gods faithfulness. Gods love for his people speaks from every page. For those who are questioning faith and for the devout alike, The Chase is a source of inspiration and revival that shouldnt be missed. The Chase is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. For more information about the author, please visit any of his social media platforms. Facebook Youtube Channel Founder: RefinersArmy.Com About the Author: George Gipson experienced an early calling to ministry as far back as his upbringing in rural Missouri. After unfortunate events led him into federal custody, a series of relationships and visions brought about a complete life transformation. The Chase depicts Gipsons journey from darkness to light in hopes that many will feel empowered to find freedom and joy. For decades, Gipson has contributed to the recovery and reentry fields as a nonprofit pioneer. Most of all, he cherishes time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, for whom he is immensely grateful. Attachment Leah Joseph Palmetto Publishing [email protected] Source: Palmetto Publishing VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Standard Uranium Ltd. (Standard Uranium or the Company) (TSX-V: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (Frankfurt: FWB: 9SU) is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive option agreement (the Option Agreement), dated December 20, 2023, with Mamba Exploration Limited (the Optionee), an arms-length company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Optionee has been granted an option (the Option) to earn a 75% interest over three years in the 7,302-hectare Canary Project located in the eastern Athabasca Basin. The Option Agreement gives effect to the term sheet previously signed with Allora Resources Pty. Ltd., dated October 30, 2023, which was assigned to the Optionee. The Option is exercisable by the Optionee in three stages, summarized in Table 1. During the first stage, the Optionee can earn a fifty percent interest in the Canary Project by completing cash payments totalling $200,000, arranging for the issuance of $200,000 worth of Optionee shares to the Company and incurring $3,000,000 of expenditures, all within the first two years of the Option. After earning a fifty percent interest in the Canary Project, the second stage will commence. During the second stage, the Optionee can increase its interest in the Canary Project to seventy-five percent by completing a further cash payment of $100,000, arranging for the issuance of a further $100,000 worth of Optionee shares to Standard Uranium and incurring an additional $3,000,000 of expenditures, all within the third year of the Option. Jon Bey, CEO and Chairman, commented The Company is pleased to welcome the Mamba exploration team to the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. We are excited to confirm the Canary project will have three partner-funded years of exploration run by our technical team. The Canary project has exceptional potential for a high-grade1 unconformity-related uranium discovery, and we are looking forward to the inaugural drill program in H1 2024. Figure 1. Overview of the eastern Athabasca Basin, highlighting Standard Uraniums Canary project. Canary Project The Companys Canary project is situated in the Mudjatik geological domain where several recent discoveries have been made, including IsoEnergys Hurricane deposit 11 km directly to the south, and is significantly underexplored relative to adjacent magnetic low/electromagnetic (EM) conductor corridors. The Company completed a high-resolution ground DC/IP survey on the project in 2022, providing valuable structural and lithological information in the area to identify conductive bodies and potential fault systems. Significant resistivity-low anomalies are present along the northern conductor on the project, potentially representing substantial hydrothermal alteration zones in the sandstone and proximal to basement conductors. Additionally, legacy GeoTEM data defining the southeastern EM corridor on the project is directly comparable to the response and scale of the GeoTEM conductor which hosts the Roughrider/J-zone uranium deposits futher to the south. Highly anomalous geochemistry and favorable alteration was returned from historical drill hole CRK-137 along the southeastern conductor, providing an exceptional follow-up target. The project is drill-ready with multiple overlapping geophysical anomalies having been identified on the property, coinciding with previously identified conductive corridors and anomalous historical drill results. Our exploration thesis and targeting strategy in this exciting district had been bolstered by the high-quality geophysical surveys and interpretations completed last year, said Sean Hillacre, President & VP Exploration for the Company. Our technical team and new partners at Mamba are excited to begin drilling the significant anomalies identified on Canary for the first time, exploring for high-grade1 unconformity-related uranium mineralization. 1 The Company considers uranium mineralization with concentrations greater than 1.0 wt% U3O8 to be high-grade. Table 1. Summary of Option Agreement Terms Option Stage Cash Shares Exploration Expenditures Operator Fee (10%) Equity Earned Year 1 $100,000 $100,000 $1,000,000 $100,000 - Year 2 $100,000 $100,000 $2,000,000 $200,000 50% Year 3 $100,000 $100,000 $3,000,000 $300,000 25% TOTAL $300,000 $300,000 $6,000,000 $600,000 75% If within five years of completing the second stage, a bankable feasibility study on a defined mineral resource is completed, the Optionee has the option to acquire the remaining 25% interest in the Canary Project by making a payment to the Company equivalent to the value of the remaining 25% interest, with such value determined by an independent third party. Upon completion of the first two earn-in stages on the Canary Project, the parties intend to form a joint venture for the further development of the Project. During the first two stages of the Option, the Company will act as the operator of the Canary Project and will be entitled to charge a ten percent operator fee on exploration expenditures. Following exercise of the Option, the Company will retain a one-and-one-half percent net smelter returns (NSR) royalty on the Canary Project, of which one-half percent may be purchased back at any time for a one-time cash payment to the Company of $500,000. The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President and VP Exploration of the Company and a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101. About Standard Uranium (TSX-V: STND) We find the fuel to power a clean energy future Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in the worlds richest uranium district. The Company holds interest in over 199,095 acres (80,571 hectares) in the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development. Standard Uraniums Atlantic, Canary, Ascent, Corvo, and Rocas Projects, in the eastern Athabasca Basin, comprise twenty-three mineral claims over 29,520 hectares. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries. Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area. Standard Uraniums Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected. For further information contact: Jon Bey, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman1030 West Georgia Street, Suite 907Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3Tel: 1 (306) 850-6699E-mail: [email protected] Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: execution of the definitive agreement; conditions to the exercise the Option; completion of the Optionees go public transaction; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations; timing of the Companys exploration programs; and estimates of market conditions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the Risks and Uncertainties in the Companys management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, dated August 24, 2023. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Companys actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: that the transaction with the Optionee will proceed as planned; the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Companys ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Companys securities; future sales of the Companys securities; the Companys ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Companys mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b7ad4ad-d677-4902-9369-a5cde6902691 Figure 1. Overview of the eastern Athabasca Basin, highlighting Standard Uraniums Canary project. Figure 1. Overview of the eastern Athabasca Basin, highlighting Standard Uraniums Canary project. Source: Standard Uranium Ltd. Atlanta, GA., Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, announced the theme for the 56th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s birthday and the 39th King Holiday Observance commemorating her father's 95th birthday. The 2024 theme is It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence. Aligning with the theme, The King Center will host several events from January 4th January 15th, including a Kick-Off Reception, Press Conference, Book Signing, Global and Youth Summit, Childrens Book Reading and Puppet Show, the Shifting the Climate Through a Love-Centered Strategy Nonviolence365O Workshop, Community Service Projects, the Beloved Community Awards, and the Beloved Community Commemorative Service. This years theme addresses the strategies we must employ individually and collectively to create a just, humane, equitable, and peaceful world. It also addresses the pathway we must take to achieve this desired world. As the theme conveys, each person must understand that It Starts with Me and connect with others to shift the cultural climate in every area of life. The theme emphasizes the study and practice of Kingian Nonviolence, which The King Center rebranded as Nonviolence365O, the prominent training course for providing the tools to make the necessary shifts in the cultural climate. The shifts explored during the celebration will ultimately help to create the Beloved Community, which our founder, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, described as a realistic vision of an achievable society, one in which problems and conflict exist, but are resolved peacefully and without bitterness. The study of Nonviolence365O enables understanding of The Six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence, the fundamental tenets of Dr. Kings nonviolence philosophy, and The Six Steps of Nonviolent Social Change, the defining guide to love-centered action towards addressing humanitys fundamental issues. Todays pervasive cancel culture, rhetoric of division and destruction, surging gun violence, war catastrophes, and rampant economic inequities demand global citizens to make the study and practice of nonviolent social change the source for creating a just, humane, equitable and peaceful world. The observance will inspire, educate, and energize the global community, facilitating the shifts, for students and practitioners of nonviolent principles, steps, and corresponding teachings of Kingian Nonviolence. Current event discussions will also focus on our capacity to create the Beloved Community, addressing the violence and destruction in Ukraine, Gaza, Bethlehem, Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tigris, and other parts of the world; specifically, how Kingian Nonviolence advances a positive affirmation of peace via equitable solutions even during the most intense conflicts. My father shared in his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, titled The Quest for Peace and Justice, Therefore, I venture to suggest to all of you and all who hear and may eventually read these words that the philosophy and strategy of nonviolence become immediately a subject for study and serious experimentation in every field of human conflict, by no means excluding the relations between nations, states Dr. Bernice A. King. He spoke these words 59 years ago, and as we witness and mourn not only the militarism devastating people in several regions of our world but also the persistence of bigotry, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, hate, apathy, poverty, and even the inhumane use of technology, my fathers words remain critical and relevant today. Shifting the global culture requires the commitment of individuals and leaders across every community and field of human endeavor to become students and practitioners of Kingian Nonviolence. I invite everyone to join us in choosing nonviolence, making the necessary shifts, and being inspired and equipped to do both during The King Centers 2024 King Holiday Observance. Further details will be announced, including opportunities to participate in person, nationwide, and globally. Visit www.thekingcenter.org for a complete schedule and description of events, registration, and sponsorship opportunities. Purchase tickets for The Beloved Community Awards at BCA2024Tickets. To learn more about Kingian Nonviolence and the coursework offered, visit the Nonviolence365O Training page here. ### About The King Center The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) is a 501(c) (3) organization established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. The King Center is the official living memorial and programmatic nonprofit organization committed to educating the world on the life, legacy, and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The King Center serves to inspire new generations to carry forward Kings unfinished work, strengthen causes and empower change-makers who are continuing his efforts today. The King Centers premiere educational initiative, Nonviolence365, is based on Dr. Kings nonviolent philosophy and methodology. His teachings engage participants from various sectors of society, including emerging and next generation leaders, in modules and exercises that enhance communication, leadership, interpersonal and conflict reconciliation skills. Attachment In Ukraine, the production of mortar rounds has increased significantly, by 42 times, and in artillery shells an increase of almost three times, Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin said. "What worries everyone today is the production of ammunition. I can say that we already have a significant increase in the range of mortar rounds 42 times, we have an increase in artillery shells an increase of almost three times. And we are working to grow further," Kamyshin said at a press conference on Wednesday. The minister said the need of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is much greater, and the constraint on production growth is the scarcity of explosives and gunpowder in the world, not only in Ukraine. "We are working on starting to produce them. The decisions necessary for this have been made," he said. Kamyshin said Ukraine would be pleased to attract private companies to the production of explosives and gunpowder. He also said Ukraine started to produce items that had not been produced for many years, in particular a 125-caliber tank shell and small arms cartridges. The minister said "the defense industry of Ukraine consists of 300,000 people, some 500 companies, most of which are private (about 400)." According to him, a million FPV drones per year is realistic. More than 10,000 medium-range attack drones and 1,000 long-range ones, too. "We produced 42-fold more mortar shells than last year. We started producing small arms cartridges, 73 mm, 125 mm, VOG-17, VOG-25 caliber shells, as well as factory-made ammunition for UAVs. And also self-propelled guns 'Bohdana,' the production rate of which has brought it to the level of the giants of the world's defense industry. The number of 'Stuhna' has become twice as large," the minister said. He said that of the 4.9% increase in Ukraine's GDP in 2023, some 1.5% has already been provided by the defense industry. The defense industry is already becoming the engine of economic recovery, and it is only gaining momentum. "We have our first joint venture with a large German concern, there are a number of other forms of cooperation with foreign partners. The share of private business in the defense industry is growing," Kamyshin said. Company Re-Enters BDA Business After Five-Year Hiatus ANGOLA, N.Y., Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TX RX Systems, Inc., the market leader in radio frequency (RF) design and engineering, today announced the relaunch of its revolutionary bi-directional amplifier (BDA) products and services to offer unparalleled performance in a world increasingly dependent on robust connectivity. Founded in 1976 in Angola, N.Y. by Dan Kaegebein and Elliott Johnson, TX RX Systems is renowned for developing customized solutions for challenging RF projects that span public safety, critical communication and enterprise two-way radio users. The company has become the go-to full-service supplier for land mobile radio (LMR) applications across UHF, VHF, 700/800 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands, which are designed, engineered and manufactured in the companys 45,000 square foot Angola facility. TX RX Systems invented BDAs in 1985, the first of which was designed for a coal mine. The company has conducted rigorous testing and implemented ongoing technology enhancements to ensure the integrity and performance of all BDA products. TX RX Systems RF components and products play a pivotal role in improving and optimizing numerous mission-critical radio networks for both public safety and enterprise two-way radio users, and we take pride in the ingenuity and reliability of our products, said Ken Pokigo, CTO, TX RX Systems. Our state-of-the-art BDAs reflect our dedication to providing customers with solutions for seamless communication in any environment. TX RX Systems provides industry-leading products globally, all of which are customizable industrial grade and include a three-year warranty. Customer and technical services specialists are available to provide customer support Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. 5 p.m. EST. In addition, the company has an engineer on call to address any unexpected public safety emergencies. The companys passion for continuous improvement and commitment to customer service have helped solidify long-term customer relationships. For over 25 years, TX RX Systems has been able to engineer, produce and support an endless stream of custom and off-the-shelf solutions, said Mac McKnight, vice president, Radio Communications Management, Inc. TX RX Systems gives us peace of mind that we know it will always work; we would never consider using another brand. TX RX Systems offers a wide variety of RF products, including: UHF Band Capable BDAs 450-512 MHz frequency range. Commonly used for emergency responder communications. Available in Class A or Class B operations. VHF Band Capable BDAs 150 - 174 MHz frequency range. Commonly used in large buildings, tunnels or areas with obstructed line of sight. Available in Class A or Class B operations. Class A 700/800 MHz Includes 32 filters per band. Individual filter bandwidths start at 12.5 KHz to full band. Available in Class A or Class B operations. Class B 700/800 MHz Includes four individual filters. Individual filter bandwidths start at 250 KHz to full band. DAS Distributed Antenna System: State-of-the-art indoor antenna system. Enhances BDA coverage to eliminate signal shadows that compromise connectivity. DAS Monitoring System Currently in development and will launch on Feb. 14, 2024. Will give clients the ability to centrally monitor the performance of all DAS products. BDAs are available now. For more details, contact Jay Slomba ([email protected]) . * All BDAs are NFPA & UL 2524 Compliant About TX RX Headquartered in Angola, N.Y., TX RX has proven to be an industry front-runner since its founding in 1976. In the 45+ years since its inception, TX RX has developed many innovative technologies for the RF and LMR markets that are now commonly used throughout the industry. These innovations include, but are not limited to, the T-Pass Transmit Combiner, Auto-Backup Tower Top Amplifier, and the wideband collinear Base Station Antennas. Today, TX RX is one of the only OEM manufacturers of RF conditioning hardware and equipment to also provide a comprehensive suite of RF conditioning services, products, and training opportunities across multiple markets. TX RX is ISO 9001:2015, RoHS, IBwave certified. Georgias ambition to become the first state to allow pharmacies to distribute medical-cannabis products faces a setback as the DEA issued a stern warning. On Nov. 27, 2023, the agency cautioned pharmacies that dispensing medical cannabis violates federal law, urging Georgia to reconsider its plans. The states pharmacy board, which initiated the acceptance of applications for dispensing medical cannabis products in October, has already granted licenses to Read More>> About CNW420 CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis. To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer CannabisNewsWire Denver, CO www.CannabisNewsWire.com 303.498.7722 Office [email protected] CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.(CSE: API) (OTCQX: APAAF) (FSE: A0I0) (MUN: A0I0) (BER: A0I0)(the "Company" or "Appia")is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $1,462,100 (the "Offering"). In connection with the Offering, the Company issued 4,873,667 flow-through shares (the "FT Shares") at $0.30 per FT Share. The FT Shares issued under the Offering have a hold period expiring on April 28, 2024. The gross proceeds from the sale of FT Shares will be used for Canadian Exploration Expenses (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")) which qualify as a "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditure" for purposes of the Tax Act related to the exploration program of the Company to be conducted on the Company's properties located in Saskatchewan. The Company will renounce such Canadian Exploration Expenses with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2023. The Canadian Exploration Expenses to be renounced by the Company will qualify for the critical mineral exploration tax credit under the Tax Act. Cash finder's fees of $87,726 were paid to eligible finders pursuant to this Offering. The securities described herein were not registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (Appia) Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, as well as exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 113,837.15 hectares (281,297.72 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143acres), with rare earth elements and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario. Lastly, the Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Project which is 17,551.07 ha. in size and located within the Gois State of Brazil. (See June 9th, 2023 Press Release - Click HERE) Appia has 136.3 million common shares outstanding, 144.2 million shares fully diluted. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information, visit www.appiareu.com. As part of our ongoing effort to keep investors, interested parties and stakeholders updated, we have several communication portals. If you have any questions online (Twitter,/Facebook,/LinkedIn)/please feel free to send direct messages. To book a one-on-one 30-minute Zoom video call, please/click here. Contact: Tom Drivas, CEO and Director (c) (416) 876-3957 (f) (416) 218-9772 (e)[email protected] Stephen Burega, President (c) (647) 515-3734 (e) [email protected] NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192320 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - DODmini, the innovative cryptocurrency project, is set to make waves in the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) with the launch of an ambitious global marketing campaign. This strategic move signals DODmini's commitment to driving awareness, engagement, and adoption of its groundbreaking project on a global scale. The Journey to 100X A Global Marketing Campaign Unveiled: DODmini, driven by its vision of pioneering innovation in the cryptocurrency space, is poised to reach new milestones with an expansive marketing campaign. Starting on December 26, 2023, the campaign will encompass a wide array of channels and initiatives, all designed to bring the project to the forefront of the DeFi landscape through partnerships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), communities, private chats, and a partnership with a Korean marketing company. The project recently surprised DODMini community members by launching a campaign on BTOK - China's number one blockchain social network. Key Elements of DODmini's Global Marketing Campaign: Community Engagement: DODmini places its community at the heart of its mission. The campaign will foster a vibrant and engaged community of crypto enthusiasts, investors, and supporters who share the vision of a decentralized financial future. Educational Initiatives: The campaign will focus on educating the crypto community about the unique features and value proposition of DODmini, ensuring that potential investors and partners understand the project's potential. Strategic Partnerships: DODmini aims to collaborate with like-minded projects, influencers, KOLs, and industry leaders to amplify its reach and create synergies that drive mutual growth all over the globe. Social Media Presence: An enhanced social media strategy will keep the community informed, engaged, and excited about DODmini's latest developments, events, and updates. Global Outreach: DODmini's campaign will extend its reach to international markets, bringing its innovative approach to DeFi to a global audience. DODmini's journey is underscored by its ingenious prize vault mechanism-a unique feature that has captured the attention of crypto enthusiasts. This mechanism forms the solid foundation on which DODmini's success is built. Model Illustration DODmini's Vision: DODmini is more than just a cryptocurrency project; it represents a vision of financial empowerment, community-driven innovation, and exponential growth. As it launches this global marketing campaign, DODmini invites individuals and organizations alike to join hands and be part of a movement that is shaping the future of DeFi. For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Jerry Lagace Managing Direction [email protected] https://dayofdefeat.app/ https://dodmini.xyz/ https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/day-of-defeat-mini-100x/ https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/day-of-defeat/ About DODmini: DODmini is a dynamic cryptocurrency project with a mission to redefine the possibilities of decentralized finance (DeFi) and offer holders an opportunity for exponential growth. With an innovative prize vault mechanism and a global marketing campaign, DODmini is poised to make a significant impact in the crypto space. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192376 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp.(TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF)("Elemental Altus" or "the Company") announces that after more than sixteen years of combined service Steven Poulton, the Company's Executive Chairman has advised the Company of his intention to retire from the board effective January 01, 2024. Mr. Poulton was the former Chief Executive and co-founder in 2007 of Altus Strategies plc, which merged with Elemental Royalties in 2022 to form the Company. The board would like to thank Mr Poulton for his invaluable contributions during his tenure and commends him for his unwavering service and dedication, as well as his longstanding support as a shareholder. Following his retirement from the board Mr Poulton will continue to be available as an independent consultant to the Company. Steven Poulton, Executive Chairman commented: "With the Company now in such a robust financial and strategic position and after almost seventeen years of combined service, most recently as Executive Chairman and prior to this as CEO and co-founder of Altus Strategies, the time has come for me to recharge and consider new opportunities. It has been an honour working with such a high calibre board and talented management team, and to have had the opportunity to materially contribute to building what I believe is the preeminent, growth-orientated, royalty income business. While the board kindly extended the invitation for me to remain as a director, my faith in them, our team and our excellent CEO Frederick Bell, satisfied me that this would not be necessary. "I would like to thank all our shareholders who have, and continue, to support the Company and pay tribute to the trust and confidence of the Company's board and management team, as well as all former colleagues, who have worked together tirelessly to build, from the ground-up, the formidable business that Elemental Altus Royalties is today." David Netherway, Lead Independent Director commented: "Steven's contribution to the Company, has been exemplary and instrumental in our growth and strategic direction. Since assuming his current role as Executive Chairman, following the merger in August 2022 between Altus and Elemental, his leadership of the board has been characteristically diligent and highly effectual. During this period he has also been responsible for monetising our generative portfolio, resulting in five successful transactions in less than eighteen months. These deals have created 25 new gold and copper royalties and realised substantial value. Notable among the deals is the sale of our 'shovel ready' Diba gold project in Mali, which now forms part of the Sadiola Gold mine operated by Allied Gold, the sale of an 80.1% interest in our Egyptian gold portfolio to In2Metals where drilling is now already underway and the divestment of our Moroccan copper portfolio for a strategic equity holding in LSE listed Aterian Plc. "Prior to Elemental Altus, Steven was the CEO and co-founder of Altus, where I also served as Independent Chairman from the founding of the business until its merger with Elemental. It has been a pleasure working with him over all these years. He has an impeccable track record for hard work, attention to detail and aligning his interest with shareholders, continually investing his capital alongside theirs. His infectious determination has helped build and shape talented teams capable of weathering the toughest market conditions. On behalf of the board and management, and on a personal basis, I thank Steven for his outstanding service and wish him the very best for his future endeavours." On behalf of Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Frederick Bell CEO and Director Corporate & Media Inquiries: Tel: +1 604 243 6511 (ext. 2700) Email: [email protected] Elemental Altus is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca or contact 604-653-9464. (TSXV: ELE) | (OTCQX: ELEMF) | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109 About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Elemental Altus is a revenue generating precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties, as well as generating royalties on new discoveries. The vision of Elemental Altus is to build a global gold royalty company, offering investors superior exposure to gold with reduced risk and a strong growth profile. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the date that the name change is expected to become effective, whether shareholders will be required by their broker to exchange their issued certificate for a new certificate or take any other action in connection to the name change, the Company's ability to deliver a materially increased revenue profile with a lower cost of capital, the future growth, development and focus of the Company, and the acquisition of new royalties and streams. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Elemental Altus to control or predict, that may cause Elemental Altus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over the mining operations from which Elemental Altus will receive royalties, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Elemental Altus' expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022. Elemental Altus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking statements and information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement or information can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192426 Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - Greeneration, the avant-garde horticulture company founded by Roman Ulyanov, has transitioned from vision to reality with its fully operational farm, now becoming one of the key suppliers of culinary excellence to top-tier restaurants in Dubai. Roman Ulyanov has orchestrated the transformation of Greeneration from a concept to a thriving operational food hub. This marks a remarkable milestone in the company's commitment to providing rare crops and sustainably sourced ingredients tailored to meet the unique demands of the HoReCa industry. The fully operational farm, executed under Roman's meticulous guidance, is actively supplying fresh microgreens and edible flowers to leading restaurants in Dubai. Greeneration's commitment to sustainability is evident through its groundbreaking initiatives. These include substantial reductions in water and plastic usage, fostering a significant positive environmental impact. Furthermore, Greeneration proudly practices year-round pesticide-free green cultivation, contributing to the promotion of eco-friendly and healthy farming practices. Roman Ulyanov, the founder of Greeneration, expressed his excitement about the successful realization of this vision. He stated, "The UAE is a globally-known destination for tourism and gastronomy, but 85% of food is imported, resulting in mediocre quality and a threat to national food security. Greeneration will provide up to 50 tonnes of ultrarunner ultra-fresh produce annually to the selected restaurants in the UAE, bringing more than 55 new SKUs to the market." The company is set to open its second farm next winter, which will introduce new ingredients and supply to even more restaurants. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the impact of Greeneration's sustainable agriculture practices will continue to spread, transforming the culinary landscape of the region for years to come. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Mariia Iordanidi [email protected] +34 662 466 016 About Greeneration: Greeneration specializes in cultivating and providing naturally grown, locally sourced ingredients. By focusing on local production, the initiative strives to decrease the UAE's dependence on imported foods, boost export potential, and reduce unhealthy food consumption, enhancing both national food security and the country's international goodwill. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192424 HRemodel's mission is to transform spaces and enhance lives. Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - HRemodel, the distinguished full-service residential and commercial remodeling firm, proudly introduces its expertise to the greater Seattle area. The coming 2024 year will mark HRemodel transformation as it plans to add more remodeling services to the Bellevue, Washington community. HRemodel Announces Expansion of Operations in the Greater Seattle Area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/192110_e90657e954e36bdf_001full.jpg The development provides a step-by-step roadmap to be the one-stop company for all home projects in the Bellevue community. HRemodel has stood as a leading player, offering a diverse range of remodeling and construction services in the area for four years. The company's expertise spans various scopes, delivering exceptional results. It brings a global standard of expertise to every project, enhancing the architectural and aesthetic appeal of homes and businesses in the Seattle metropolitan area. In addition, HRemodel distinguishes itself through a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. From the initial planning stages to the final touches, the company prioritizes excellence, ensuring that each project reflects precision and attention to detail. Whether it's transforming a residence into a dream home or enhancing the functionality of a commercial space, HRemodel brings a wealth of experience to both residential and commercial projects. The company's versatility allows it to cater to diverse client needs. HRemodel places clients at the forefront of every project. The company's client-centric approach involves active collaboration, transparent communication, and a commitment to delivering results that exceed expectations. Client satisfaction is the driving force behind HRemodel's success. Thus, the company stays abreast of industry trends, ensuring that clients benefit from the latest advancements in construction and remodeling. HRemodel is more than a construction company; it is a catalyst for transforming spaces and enhancing lives. With a portfolio that speaks to its dedication to craftsmanship and a commitment to community well-being, HRemodel continues to shape the architectural landscape of the greater Seattle area. For more information, please visit: https://hremodel.com/. About HRemodel HRemodel is a full-service residential, commercial remodeling and general contractor. HRemodel proudly serves the vibrant communities in the greater Seattle area, including Medina, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Kirkland, Newcastle, Redmond, Issaquah, and Sammamish. Contact Info: Name: Arman Sadri Email: [email protected] Organization: HRemodel Website: https://hremodel.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192110 Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - NOWPayments, a cryptocurrency payment gateway, has unveiled its newfiat on-ramp solution, marking a significant milestone for businesses worldwide. This innovative update emphasizes user-friendliness, exemplified by allowing customers to effortlessly deposit up to 700 without undergoing extensive KYC verification. It became possible thanks to strategic partnerships with various fiat providers. Additionally, the platform now supports a multitude of Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) and currencies. The on-ramp solution enables companies to receive fiat payments from their customers and conveniently withdraw funds directly to their crypto wallets in over 300 cryptocurrencies. This strategic move by NOWPayments bridges the gap between conventional payment methods and the burgeoning world of crypto payments, offering unparalleled flexibility and accessibility. Unleashing the Power of Seamless Onboarding NOWPayments, through its partnership with various fiat providers, has made the verification process effortless, empowering businesses to offer their customers a hassle-free experience. While KYC procedure is still a part of the process, it's simplified for smaller transactions, ensuring that transactions remain smooth and swift. This balanced approach was designed to enhance customer satisfaction by providing a more accessible and efficient transaction experience. Diverse Payment Options for Global Accessibility Understanding the need for versatile payment solutions, NOWPayments integrates a vast array of payment methods. From universally accepted options to regional favorites, the platform caters to diverse customer preferences. This inclusivity was designed to support businesses in attracting a broader customer base. Auto Withdrawals for Effortless Earnings Management With NOWPayments, businesses can set up automatic settlements, allowing them to withdraw their earnings anytime in any of the 300+ supported cryptocurrencies, including a wide range of stablecoins. This feature adds convenience and efficiency, freeing businesses from manual withdrawal processes. Global Reach with Extensive Currency Support NOWPayments boasts a global reach, accommodating clients in over 175 countries and supporting more than 25 fiat currencies. This expansive coverage simplifies cross-border transactions, making it easier for businesses to operate internationally. Getting Started with Fiat Payments Tostart receiving fiat payments through NOWPayments, businesses can easily integrate the solution into their existing systems by creating an account and sending a request to the team. This process is streamlined and user-friendly, ensuring businesses can quickly adapt to this new payment paradigm. NOWPayments is committed to providing businesses from various sectors the flexibility to accept and withdraw payments in a way that suits their unique needs. Whether a small startup or a large corporation, NOWPayments' solution caters to all, ushering in a new era of financial transactions that seamlessly blend traditional and innovative payment methods. About NOWPayments NOWPayments is a trailblazer in the world of cryptocurrency payment services, offering a versatile platform that caters to the diverse needs of modern businesses. Established with the vision of fostering seamless integration of cryptocurrency transactions into everyday commerce, NOWPayments provides a secure, user-friendly, and comprehensive payment gateway. This service supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and fiat options, catering to a global clientele. For media inquiries, please contact: Company Name: NOWPayments Contact Person: Kate Lifshits Email: [email protected] Phone: +3197010280767 City: Kingstown Country: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Website:https://nowpayments.io/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192118 Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2023) - SCMDOJO expands supply chain training to five new companies. Within the last three months, SCMDOJO, a pioneering Dubai-based startup, has successfully implemented its cutting-edge online learning platform across five additional companies. This expansion directly responds to the growing demand for cost-effective and efficient supply chain training solutions. It underscores SCMDOJO's unwavering dedication to making top-tier supply chain education accessible and affordable. Dubai, a city renowned for its strategic geographical location, serves as a pivotal nexus connecting diverse markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. The city's thriving port infrastructure, particularly the Jebel Ali Port, ranks among the busiest globally. This highlights its role as a central hub in international trade and supply chains. Despite these advantages, the region faces a significant challenge: a shortage of supply chain talent and limited access to industry knowledge and best practices. According to Dr. Muddassir Ahmed, a staggering 72% of companies struggle to find affordable supply chain expertise. Marsel and Muddassir creative meeting at SCMDOJO headquarters To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/192418_2abb0b2d54bd2b1f_001full.jpg In response to this challenge, SCMDOJO has emerged from the heart of Dubai's innovative startup culture. Founded in 2022, SCMDOJO helps supply chain professionals grow by providing high-quality supply chain on-demand courses, guides, best practices, tools, and consulting from industry experts. It focuses on Supply Chain Competencies, People Skills, and Technology Know-How. These pillars are crucial for navigating the complex landscape of the modern supply chain industry. The inception of SCMDOJO is a story of entrepreneurial spirit and collaboration. Marsel Khanane, a young Procurement Prodigy, and Dr. Muddassir Ahmed, a seasoned expert in supply chain management, joined forces to create SCMDOJO Academy for Businesses. This platform addresses the limitations of traditional certification programs like CIPS and ASCM's CSCP, which are often prohibitively expensive. SCMDOJO's online platform offers a comprehensive learning experience with an extensive course library, interactive reward system, progress tracking, and performance analytics. The success of SCMDOJO in deploying its platform to five new companies within a short span demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency in supply chain management. SCMDOJO's journey epitomizes the essence of Dubai's startup culture, which thrives on innovation, collaboration, and addressing real-world business challenges. Through Marsel Khanane and Dr. Muddassir Ahmed's visionary approach, SCMDOJO has not only filled a significant gap in the market but also established a more accessible, cost-effective pathway for supply chain knowledge management. As global supply chains continue to evolve, platforms like SCMDOJO are instrumental in aligning talent development with industry best practices, ensuring companies of all sizes can benefit from advanced learning opportunities. About the Company: SCMDOJO is a Dubai-based startup revolutionizing supply chain knowledge management. It focuses on equipping businesses with essential competencies, people skills, and technology know-how. The company's innovative platform, SCMDOJO Academy for Businesses, offers practical, interactive online learning solutions in supply chain management, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional certification programs. By putting knowledge and best practices at companies' fingertips, SCMDOJO helps supply chains thrive. Media Contact: Full Name: Marsel Khanane Email: [email protected] City: Dubai To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192418 SESTRADING, led by Saad El Soussi, pioneers day trading success with innovative tools. Empowering a thriving community, they redefine trading in a dynamic market. Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2023) - SESTRADING, a trailblazer in the world of day trading, proudly announces new milestones and innovations under the visionary leadership of founder Saad El Soussi. With a steadfast commitment to empowering individuals in their trading endeavors, Saad El Soussi has propelled SESTRADING to unprecedented success, revolutionizing the landscape of day trading. Saad EI Soussi Under the leadership of Saad El Soussi, SESTRADING has not only fostered a community of thriving traders but has also introduced cutting-edge automated software, transforming the way people approach day trading. The company's automated tools, designed under Saad's strategic guidance, have streamlined processes and provided traders with a competitive edge. Saad is 32 years old, born and raised in Denmark with Palestinian roots, but now living in Dubai with his family. He is a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits in several different industries and has been involved in day trading since 2017. Today, he mainly makes a living from Day Trading and the day-to-day running of their amazing community. His team and he is collectively analyze the market for more than 100 hours a week Day trading is a high-paced investment strategy where traders buy and sell financial instruments within the same trading day to capitalize on short-term price fluctuations. It demands quick decision-making, market analysis, and risk management. Traders often leverage technical analysis tools and charts to identify entry and exit points. Success in day trading requires discipline, a solid understanding of market trends, and the ability to adapt swiftly to changing conditions. While potential profits can be substantial, the risks are equally significant, making it essential for day traders to stay informed, focused, and well-versed in market dynamics. Saad El Soussi's vision goes beyond mere financial gains; it's about creating a supportive environment where individuals can harness the power of day trading to achieve their financial goals. His dedication to education and mentorship has cultivated a community that shares insights, experiences, and success stories. "I believe in democratizing access to financial opportunities through day trading," says Saad El Soussi. "SESTRADING is not just a platform; it's a community-driven initiative where traders support each other in their journey towards financial independence." SESTRADING's success is a testament to Saad El Soussi's commitment to innovation and inclusivity. The company's automated software reflects a deep understanding of market dynamics, providing users with a sophisticated toolset to navigate the complexities of day trading. As the founder of SESTRADING, Saad El Soussi continues to be a guiding force in the industry, leading by example and inspiring a new generation of traders. Through his leadership, SESTRADING remains at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring that traders have the tools they need to thrive in a dynamic market. For media inquiries, please visit: https://www.ses-trading.com/english About SESTRADING: SESTRADING is a leading name in the day trading industry, driven by the vision of founder Saad El Soussi. The company is committed to empowering individuals through education, mentorship, and advanced automated software, fostering a community of successful traders. Media Contact: Company Name: SESTRADING Founder Name: Saad El Soussi Email: [email protected] Instagram: sestrading_en City: Dubai Country: United Arab Emirate This press release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute financial advice or a trading guide and should not be relied upon as such. KISS PR and its partners are not responsible for any decisions made based on this information. Before making any financial decisions, consult a financial advisor or contact SESTRADING, the source company issuing this press release. Source: Story.KISSPR.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192493 Press Release December 25, 2023 Amid the holiday season, Bong Go sends assistance to displaced workers in Garcia Hernandez in Bohol Senator Christopher "Bong" Go extended aid to displaced workers from Garcia Hernandez in Bohol on Wednesday, December 20, as part of his efforts to support the country's economic recovery. In coordination with Board Member Tita Baja, Go's Malasakit Team held the distribution activity at the Garcia Hernandez Gymnasium where they gave away snacks and shirts to 195 displaced workers. The beneficiaries also qualified for temporary employment support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after completing DOLE's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program. Go underscored the importance of safeguarding the welfare of marginalized workers, particularly those residing in rural areas who require improved economic prospects. Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420, filed by Go, proposes the establishment of a system designed to provide short-term employment opportunities for eligible individuals from disadvantaged rural households. Within the DOLE, the suggested legislation envisions the creation of the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP). Should this bill be enacted, the primary aim of REAP would be to furnish temporary job opportunities to individuals meeting criteria related to economic hardship, poverty, displacement, or seasonal employment. "Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito na makabuo ng mas maginhawa at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino," Go said in a video message. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, supported individuals requiring healthcare services. He advised them to seek assistance at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City and at Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay, where Malasakit Centers are ready to assist them in managing their medical expenses. Principally authored and sponsored by Go, Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 aims to provide indigent Filipino patients with convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go highlighted as well that necessary funds have been allocated to construct Super Health Centers in the municipalities of Buenavista, Candijay, Dauis, Sagbayan, Talibon, Antequera, Balilihan, Bien Unido, Carmen, Panglao, Tagbilaran City, and Ubay. These Super Health Centers aim to address the growing healthcare needs of communities and improve the provision of primary care, medical consultations, and early disease detection. Through the collective efforts of DOH, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 Super Health Centers in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built. As one of its principal sponsors and authors in the Senate, Go acknowledged the passage of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. Recently signed into law by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., RA 11959 aims to make specialized medical care more accessible to underserved rural regions. The law mandates the creation of Regional Specialty Centers within the current regional hospitals of the DOH, underscoring the government's dedication to improving healthcare accessibility nationwide. Still in line with his efforts to strengthen the province's health sector, Go also principally sponsored the passage of RA 11883 which converts GCGMH to Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Buenavista, Danao, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Loay, Loon and Valencia; improvement of evacuation centers in Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez and Valencia; installation of a water system in President Carlos P. Garcia; construction of the municipal slaughterhouse in Inabanga; and the acquisition and installation of solar-powered street lights in Getafe. The Polish government is making efforts to effectively represent the interests of Polish carriers and drivers, which will lead to the easing and, as a result, ending of the blockade on the Polish-Ukrainian border, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Wednesday at a press conference after a government meeting. "I dont think we will achieve the maximum that the protesting Polish carriers are demanding, but it seems that what can be achieved will allow us to defuse emotions and perhaps quickly lift the blockade on the border. I think we are close to believing in that our actions can bring results both actions in Kyiv and negotiations in Brussels," polskieradio24.pl said, citing him. Tusk also said that after the government meeting, a meeting of the Security Committee of the Council of Ministers was held, during which Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski reported on his visit to Kyiv. "This confirmed what we all know and feel, that the situation at the front is difficult," the Prime Minister said. He said "in general, the situation in Ukraine is quite dramatic for various reasons. This requires great activity from us, both in terms of diplomatic and political support, as well as strong cooperation in terms of material assistance to Ukraine," Tusk said. WOOD DALE, Ill. , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, has signed a multi-year contract extension and expansion for flight-hour component support services with ASL Aviation Holdings DAC (ASL Airlines). The contract extends and expands AAR's existing component support agreement with ASL Airlines Belgium to include ASL Airlines France, ASL Airlines United Kingdom, and ASL Airlines Ireland. AAR currently supports 28 ASL aircraft, which is expected to increase to 65 under the new agreement. AAR's Integrated Solutions' segment will provide 24/7 component support services for the airlines' Boeing 737 fleets. "For more than a decade, ASL has benefited from AAR's proven excellence in delivering flight-hour support services and associated cost efficiencies, which enable the on-time performance of ASL's operations," said James George , ASL Aviation Holdings' Head of Procurement. "We are delighted to expand our partnership with AAR to include additional ASL airlines." "AAR's strategically located warehouses and support teams expedite the delivery of components and reduce maintenance turnaround times for ASL," said Chris Fiddes , AAR's Vice President of Commercial Programs. "We look forward to the expansion of our relationship as ASL grows and modernizes its fleet." For more information on AAR's flight-hour support, visit https://www.aarcorp.com/en/services/commercial-solutions/flight-hour-support/. About AAR AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services. Additional information can be found at aarcorp.com. About ASL Aviation Holdings ASL Aviation Holdings, a global aviation services company with airlines based in Europe , South Africa , Australia and Asia , is a world leader in ACMI airline operations and both scheduled and charter cargo and passenger services. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland , ASL's eight airlines include ASL Airlines Ireland, ASL Airlines Belgium, ASL Airlines France, ASL Airlines United Kingdom in Europe and ASL Airlines Australia. ASL also has joint venture and associate airlines, FlySafair in South Africa , K-Mile Asia in Thailand and Quikjet Airlines in India . The group also includes several leasing entities as well as an MRO. The Group has a fleet of 160 aircraft that includes 9 aircraft types ranging from the turbo prop ATR 72 to the Boeing 747. For more information regarding ASL's services and fleet please visit https://www.aslaviationholdings.com/. This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 reflecting management's expectations about future conditions, including expected activities and benefits under the extended and expanded services agreement. Forward-looking statements may also be identified because they contain words such as ''anticipate,'' ''believe,'' ''continue,'' ''could,'' ''estimate,'' ''expect,'' ''intend,'' ''likely,'' ''may,'' ''might,'' ''plan,'' ''potential,'' ''predict,'' ''project,'' ''seek,'' ''should,'' ''target,'' ''will,'' ''would,'' or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company's control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. Contact: Media Team Corporate Marketing and Communications +1-630-227-5100 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aar-signs-extension-and-expansion-of-flight-hour-component-support-agreement-with-asl-aviation-holdings-dac-302022592.html SOURCE AAR CORP. CAIRO , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned entrepreneur Ahmed Abou Hashima has revealed plans for a groundbreaking agri-food industrial complex, set to become the largest in the Middle East . With a significant investment of up to $300 million , the project is being undertaken in collaboration with a foreign investor. At the Council of Ministers headquarters, an auspicious signing ceremony unfolded, in the presence of key dignitaries including Dr. Mostafa Madbouly , the Prime Minister, Ahmed Samir , the Minister of Industry, Hossam Hibah, the CEO of the General Authority for Investment, and Ahmed Abou Hashima , Founder and Chairman of MAFI Company for Agricultural Produce Industries. Additionally, representatives from leading global companies specializing in cutting-edge agri-food technologies were also in attendance, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the occasion. MAFI for Agricultural Produce Industries, under the leadership of Ahmed Abou Hashima , has unveiled plans for a sprawling agri-food complex. Spanning an expansive area of 154,000 square meters in Industria Sadat City, this visionary project is set to redefine the industry landscape. Comprising five state-of-the-art plants, the complex is set to become a beacon of innovation and productivity. Among its notable features are two of Egypt's largest plants dedicated to the production of orange and tomato concentrates, as well as various fruit products and citrus oils. Notably, it also houses the first-of-its-kind cloudy product plant in the Middle East , showcasing a commitment to pioneering advancements. Furthermore, the complex boasts one of the world's largest freeze-drying facilities for fruits and vegetables, along with a cutting-edge factory for freezing these perishable commodities. The complex has an impressive annual production capacity of over 100,000 tons of agricultural food products in Phase I, with an estimated turnover of USD 200 Million . In Phase II, the production capacity will expand to reach 200,000 tons, equivalent to a turnover of USD 400 Million . This remarkable feat is made possible through strategic collaborations with prominent international companies renowned in the field. Notable partners include JBT and Cabin Plant from the United States , as well as GEA from Germany , all of which bring their expertise and cutting-edge technologies to the table. To ensure the project's financial viability and feasibility, comprehensive financial studies were conducted by Beltone Holding Company. Additionally, market studies were undertaken by the reputable American BCG Company, providing invaluable insights into market dynamics and consumer trends. Ahmed Abou Hashima unveiled the remarkable potential of this complex, which is set to create over 7,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. By generating significant employment opportunities, the project aims to contribute to the growth of the Egyptian economy while striving to achieve a balance between imports and exports. In line with its ambitious vision, the complex is geared towards exporting over 80% of its production. This strategic approach not only enhances global market reach but also bolsters foreign direct investment and financing, denoted in dollars. Mr. Luca Bordini , the General Manager of JBT Company praised the advanced level of technology and the high quality that MAFI complex will deliver to global markets. Mr. Sunil Kumar, the CEO of GEA Company, conveyed his immense satisfaction with the partnership with MAFI Company in setting up one of the largest plants worldwide, equipped with state-of-the-art freeze-drying technology. The primary objective is to boost the Egyptian food sector's ongoing attempts to enhance their global exports. Recognizing the Egyptian market's growth potential, this collaboration aims to contribute significantly to its expansion on a global scale. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2308109/MAFI.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ahmed-abou-hashima-founder-of-mafi-for-agricultural-produce-industries-unveils-massive-300-million-agri-food-industrial-complex-setting-new-standards-in-the-middle-east-with-the-egyptian-prime-minister-in-attendance-302022845.html SOURCE MAFI for Agricultural Produce Industries VANCOUVER, BC , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals" or the "Company"; (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) announces that it has completed all infrastructure geotechnical field data collection in support of the preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") for its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element ("REE") Project located near Prince George, B.C. , Canada . Craig Taylor , CEO of Defense Metals, commented: "We are very excited to have completed our 2023 Phase 3 geotechnical program. I would like to congratulate the APEX and SRK teams for their safe and professional execution of this work. These multi-phase programs started in early summer and we now have all field geotechnical data in hand necessary for the completion of our PFS study which we expect to be finished in Q2 2024." Highlights of the 2023 Wicheeda REE Project infrastructure geotechnical programs include: 16 helicopter and track sonic overburden geotechnical drill holes totalling 225.5 metres ( Image 1and Image 2 ); ); 20 excavated overburden geotechnical test pits totalling 76.8 metres ( Image 3 ); ); 6 diamond drill holes totalling 1,182 metres within the Wicheeda REE deposit pit shell; inclusive of 4 open pit geochemical drill holes totalling 920 metres, and in pit exploration holes totalling 262 metres; Shipment of a 2,700 kg metallurgical sample, collected from drill core, to SGS Lakefield, Ontario for continued flotation and hydrometallurgical optimization test-work; for continued flotation and hydrometallurgical optimization test-work; Initiation of humidity cell testwork on 17 samples, and 250 kg sample selection for on-site kinetic leach (barrel) testing of samples representative of anticipated mine waste rock to assess metal leaching and acid rock drainage potential in support of environmental assessment. The geotechnical work was completed by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. ("SRK") with the support of APEX Geoscience Ltd. ("APEX"). Image 1: Heli-Sonic Overburden Drilling in PFS Tailings Option Study Area Image 2: Temporary Bridge Installation to Access Tailings Study Area Image 3: Excavated Overburden Test Pits Underway in Tailings Study Area Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Project has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle , P.Geo . (B.C.), Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta , who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101. About the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project Defense Metals' 100% owned, 8,301-hectare (~20,534-acre) Wicheeda REE Project is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia ; population 77,000. Wicheeda is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydro power transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the port facilities at Prince Rupert , the closest major North American port to Asia . About Defense Metals Corp. Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Deposit located near Prince George, British Columbia , Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "DEFN", in the United States , trading symbol "DFMTF" on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under "35D". Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/ For further information, please visit www.defensemetals.com or contact: Todd Hanas , Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd. Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: (778) 994 8072 Email: [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, the expected completion of the PFS and the expected timeline, the receipt of assays from drilling, continued optimization test-work, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, accuracy of assay results, performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, interpretation of geological, engineering and metallurgical data, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration, engineering and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration, metallurgy and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 and other viruses and diseases on the business of the Company, the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, increase in costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/defense-metals-completes-geotechnical-field-data-collection-for-wicheeda-rare-earth-element-project-preliminary-feasibility-study-302022655.html SOURCE Defense Metals Corp. HONG KONG , Dec. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DPC Dash Ltd ("DPC Dash" or the "Company") (HK: 1405), Domino's Pizza's exclusive master franchisee in the China Mainland , the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China , and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China , is thrilled to announce the grand opening of 10 new stores across eight new cities in the past week. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for DPC Dash as it brings its delectable offerings to new customers in China mainland cities of Tangshan , Xi'an , Xiamen , Fuzhou , Changsha , Nantong, Yangzhou and Hefei . All of the stores opened between December 23 rd and 24th. Notably, the Company is opening two stores at a time both in Fuzhou and Nantong. In 2023, DPC Dash has already opened a total of 175 new stores for new and existing consumers. As of December 26 , DPC Dash directly operates 761 stores across 29 cities in China mainland. The expansion of DPC Dash stores into these new cities aligns with the Company's focus on serving Chinese consumers delicious, value-for-money pizzas through online channels, with an emphasis on delivery, enhanced by technology. Prior to the new openings, DPC Dash already held nine of the top 10 spots for first 30-day sales among Domino's stores globally. New stores continue to break sales records. The stores in Xi'an and Changsha , both newly opened, breaks Single Day Sales records among DPC Dash stores in China , while other stores are also delivering excellent performance. "We are thrilled for the new store openings and DPC Dash's expansion to eight more new cities," said Aileen Wang , director and chief executive officer of DPC Dash. "This expansion represents an exciting milestone for our company as we bring our exceptional food and outstanding service to new communities. It is encouraging to witness the overwhelming passion and enthusiasm our valued customers have shown for our food and brand as we expand into new cities. I am incredibly grateful to our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to create spectacular openings, delivering outstanding food and service to our cherished customers. Our expansion in China is on the right track, and we continue to strengthen our development capabilities in regards to both menu and technology." About DPC Dash DPC Dash is Domino's Pizza's exclusive master franchisee in the China mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China. Domino's Pizza, Inc., DPC Dash's global franchisor, is one of the most widely-recognized global consumer brands and the world's largest pizza company. Led by a seasoned and visionary management team, DPC Dash is a market leader that differentiates from competitors with, among others, a continually developed and localized pizza-focused menu, unique expertise and leadership in delivery, technology focus and scalable and replicable store economic model. DPC Dash directly operates 761 stores across 29 cities in China mainland as of 26 December, 2023. The Company is the fastest growing among China's top-five pizza brands, as well as the third-largest in terms of 2022 revenue, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan in March 2023 . For more information, visit www.dpcdash.com Contacts Media Relations DPC Dash Public Relations: ICR, LLC [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dpc-dash-expands-china-presence-with-10-new-store-openings-across-eight-cities-302022319.html SOURCE DPC Dash Ltd Despite negative headlines and transnational economic challenges, a lot went right for the German business sector in 2023, says the country's international economic promotion agency, Germany Trade & Invest. BERLIN , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- German GDP may have been stuck treading water in 2023, but that didn't deter major international companies from launching major expansion projects in Europe's largest economy. In August, Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC chose Dresden as the site for its massive new Europe semiconductor production facility, reportedly worth some EUR 10 billion . And in late November, American pharmaceutical and medtech giant Eli Lilly and Company announced a EUR 2.3 billion expansion in the western German city of Alzey. In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), Germany continued to perform well. "Projects like the ones being launched by TSMC and Lilly demonstrate Germany's continuing appeal as a location from which to prosper in the European Union and beyond," says Germany Trade & Invest CEO Robert Hermann . "While we expect the raw number of FDI projects to decline somewhat in 2023, the big-ticket expansions, the ones that have the greatest economic impact, are continuing. That's a sign of both the economic might and the appeal of Germany as a place to do business." Independent surveys confirm the attractiveness of Germany . The country ranked fourth in the world and top in Europe in consultant Kearney annual FDI Confidence Index. And in Ernst&Young's 2023 UK Attractiveness Survey, 62 percent of executives said Germany was among the "most attractive" companies in Europe for foreign investments. That led the list. "Clearly, a fundamental confidence persisted despite the considerable international and domestic turmoil of 2023," says Hermann. "It needs to be remembered that Germany has launched an unprecedented transition to clean energy. That involves some short-term pain, but major companies, which think in the long term, believe that there'll be fair more gain in having reliable supplies of environmentally friendly energy for the future. That's why they're still keen on doing business here." The majority of economic forecast groups predict that Germany will return to positive growth in 2024. Germany Trade & Invest is the German government agency for international business promotion and is owned by the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change. It helps international companies do business in Germany and German companies do business abroad. Contact: Jefferson Chase , Senior Communications Manager Germany Trade & Invest Friedrichstrasse 60 10117 Berlin, Germany [email protected] +49 1796873724 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/germany-remains-top-international-business-expansion-location-302020956.html SOURCE Germany Trade & Invest BEIJING , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In Athens , two Chinese dramas were staged in early December during the first Sino-Hellenic International Theater Festival - The Prince of Lanling, a general of the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-557), and The New Legend of the White Snake, which blended elements from both Chinese and Greek culture. Chinese dramas staged in Greece have become a fairly commonplace phenomenon thanks to decades of efforts by the Luo family, and their contributions to cultural exchanges have been passed down for three generations. "The late Professor Luo Niansheng , a renowned Chinese scholar and translator, is remembered for his lifelong dedication to the translation and research of Greek literature and for his important contribution to furthering our friendship, a legacy carried on by his son and granddaughter," wrote President Xi Jinping in a signed article titled Let Wisdom of Ancient Civilizations Shine Through the Future, published on November 10, 2019 , in the Greek newspaper Kathimerini (The Daily) ahead of his state visit to the European country. Luo Niansheng, the first Chinese student to attend the American School of Classical Studies at Athens in 1933, was a major force in introducing ancient Greek theater and literature such as Aesop's Fables and the works of Aeschylus to China . Carrying on his father's legacy, Luo Jinlin has produced Chinese versions of popular classic Greek plays such as Oedipus the King and Medea and put them in Chinese theaters. Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, Luo Tong is also striving to bring Chinese theater to Greece , enabling more Greek people to understand Chinese culture. "Cultural bridges need piers. I have built a pier in Athens , where my cultural center promotes Chinese culture. Now, in Beijing , I would establish another pier to widely promote Greek culture. If these two piers are strong enough, more people will come across the bridge we've built," Luo told the Global Times. Venturing beyond boundaries Luo Niansheng was once a dispatched student to the US. However, he chose to abandon his academic pursuits and an imminent degree in the country, opting instead to relocate to Greece , becoming the first Chinese student to study in Greece . During his lifetime, Luo Niansheng translated over 10 million words from more than 50 ancient Greek literary and artistic works. His son, Luo Jinlin, brought ancient cultures to life on stage. In 1986, Luo Jinlin first staged Oedipus Rex and went on to direct more ancient Greek dramas translated by his father, exploring the interpretation of ancient Greek drama through Chinese traditional opera. When depicting Oedipus blaming and blinding himself, he employed the freehand techniques of Chinese opera, covering Oedipus' eyes with a piece of black cloth, immersing the audience in the scene and leaving room for rich imagination. Boldly venturing beyond traditional boundaries, Luo Jinlin used Hebei Bangzi Opera (a gem among traditional Chinese operatic styles from North China's Hebei Province ) to interpret Medea, presenting a trilogy of plays with Pingju Opera for Orestes. His directed works never overlook the manifestation of contemporary values inherent in ancient Greek drama. In The Women of Troy, he expresses condemnation of war and a commitment to peace through his work. The ode to human dignity in Antigone and the self-reflection in Oedipus Rex are all conveyed through Luo Jinlin's direction. Luo Jinlin told Guangming Daily that Medea has been performed over 250 times and has become greatly popular. Audiences in Greece even filled the corridor to watch the opera. "I hope that our dramas, especially our traditional Chinese operas, can step beyond our borders, both in form and content, and take center stage in overseas theaters. This is of utmost importance," the youngest Luo Tong told the Global Times. Bringing Greece to China "My grandfather and father made great efforts to bring Greek culture to China . However, Chinese culture has not been adequately promoted in Greece , especially in terms of grassroots exchanges. I thought I should bring it to Greece ," Luo Tong recalled. After her graduation in Greece , she stayed on and worked as a teacher at the University of Athens. In 1992, thanks to her efforts, the language school at the university began offering Chinese language courses. In 2001, Luo Tong the cultural expert established the InterChina Cultural Center , which initially focused on teaching the Chinese language but gradually expanded into areas like kung fu, calligraphy, painting, and other forms of performances. This center, the first of its kind in Greece , has become a well-known institution in the field. Upon returning to China in 2018, she started her teaching career at the Shanghai Theatre Academy and gave lectures at some other universities. In addition to her teaching work, Luo Tong has also been dedicated to promoting the development of Greek drama performances in China . For example, in 2019, at the National Theatre of China, Luo Tong invited both Greek and Chinese actors, directors, and production teams to perform bilingually. One of Luo Tong's goals is to get more ordinary Chinese people interested in and passionate about Greek drama through popularization. She and her father participated in the first Sino-Hellenic International Theater Festival. Luo Tong expressed her desire at the forum to explore further cultural exchange activities next year. " China will continue to cooperate with the Greek government, especially the Ministry of Culture, to implement more cultural cooperation programs," Chinese Ambassador to Greece Xiao Junzheng told the Global Times, praising the Hebei Bangzi Opera version of the Greek tragedy Medea as an effective way to promote mutual learning. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-the-luo-family-builds-piers-for-cultural-bridges-in-china-and-greece-via-literature-theater-302022681.html SOURCE Global Times Nation's leading swim school franchise to open throughout Orange , Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties; franchise expansion opportunities open throughout the state TROY, Mich. , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC announced today the signing of multi-unit swim school agreements with two franchise groups to develop six Goldfish Swim Schools in California over the next several years. The two new franchise groups and their development plans include: Swimergy4 LLC plans to open three Goldfish Swim Schools in Orange County . Led by Parag Mehta, the team's first school is planned to open in fall 2024 in Santa Ana at 3357 S. Bristol St. plans to open three Goldfish Swim Schools in . Led by Parag Mehta, the team's first school is planned to open in fall 2024 in at Shivshakti Corporation plans to open three Goldfish Swim Schools throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Led by Khyati Thakkar , the team's first school is planned to open in winter 2025. "As we expand into the West Coast , we are pleased to have identified two franchise groups and know that Parag, Khyati, and their partners have demonstrated passion and commitment to kids and water safety," said Chris McCuiston , CEO and co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. "We know their dedication will lead the way as they educate children to be safer in and around the water throughout Orange , Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties." Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay. Each new swim school employs 50 people, on average. "Every year, our Goldfish Swim Schools are teaching 10 million swim lessons to help reduce childhood drowning throughout the country, and we're actively seeking proven operators in California ," said McCuiston. "My wife and I developed the franchise brand nearly 18 years ago, and given the alarming shortage of swimcare providers throughout the state, we know the benefits each lesson will bring to children." Currently, there is one Goldfish Swim School location in California , in Aliso Viejo , which is owned and operated by Jesal Mehta , who will join efforts to expand the brand throughout the state. Goldfish Swim School is currently seeking proven operators in California throughout Sacramento , San Diego , San Francisco , San Jose and Los Angeles . For more information on Goldfish Swim School and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchise-opportunities/ or call 248-801-1850. About Goldfish Swim School: Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston , Troy, Michigan -based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged four months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to more than 160 schools in over 30 states, with an additional 150-plus in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 69 overall in Entrepreneur's 2023 Franchise 500 and has been recognized as the #1 children's fitness franchise for eight consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times' Top 500 for 2023 and is rated as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2023. Goldfish Swim School is currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America . For information on franchising, go to www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchising-opportunities. Media Contact: Rachel Tabacnic [email protected] 561-441-9692 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goldfish-swim-school-announces-plans-for-6-new-schools-in-california-302022624.html SOURCE Goldfish Swim School VANCOUVER, BC , Dec. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Graphite One Inc. (TSXV: GPH) (OTCQX: GPHOF) ("Graphite One" or the "Company") announces that the vesting date of certain restricted share units ("RSUs") that were granted to employees and directors on December 27, 2022 and January 19, 2023 pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Plan are being extended. For 729,605 RSUs that are to vest on December 27, 2023 and for all 659,831 RSUs that are to vest on January 19, 2024 , the Company and the grantees have agreed to extend such vesting date to June 14, 2024 . The extension of the RSUs vesting date is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. Such extensions are not expected to delay the award of the Company's 2024 equity grants. About Graphite One Inc. GRAPHITE ONE INC. (TSXV: GPH; OTCQX: GPHOF) continues to develop its Graphite One Project (the "Project") to become an American producer of high-grade anode materials that is integrated with a domestic graphite resource. The Project is proposed as a vertically integrated enterprise to mine, process and manufacture anode materials primarily for the lithiumion electric vehicle battery market. As set forth in the Company's 2022 Pre-Feasibility Study, graphite mineralization mined from the Company's Graphite Creek Property, situated on the Seward Peninsula about sixty (60) kilometers north of Nome, Alaska , would be processed into concentrate at an adjacent processing plant. Natural and artificial graphite anode materials and other valueadded graphite products would be manufactured from the concentrate and other materials at the Company's proposed advanced graphite materials manufacturing facility to be located in the contiguous United States. The Company intends to make a production decision on the Project upon the completion of a Feasibility Study. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Anthony Huston" (signed) For more information on Graphite One Inc., please visit the Company's website, www.GraphiteOneInc.com or contact: Anthony Huston CEO, President & Director Tel: (604) 889-4251 Email: [email protected] Investor Relations Contact Tel: (604) 684-6730 Email: [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Other than statements of historical facts, the approval of the extension of the RSUS is subject to TSXV approval. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are no guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/graphite-one-extends-restricted-share-unit-vesting-dates-302022622.html SOURCE Graphite One Inc. SHIJIAZHUANG, China , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the 2023 China International Digital Economy Expo was held in Shijiazhuang, Hebei . The expo, themed "Empowering Various Businesses with Industrial Internet, Leading High-Quality Development with Digital Economy", set up an exhibition area of 60,000 square meters (approximately 645,834 square feet). Over 400 companies, including Tesla, State Grid, iFLYTEK, Huawei, and Alibaba, participated, showcasing the latest cutting-edge technological achievements. The event established exhibit sections for Germany , the Netherlands , Turkiye, Nigeria, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states, building a bridge for digital economic cooperation, according to Hebei Provincial Industry and Information Technology Department. Representatives of foreign merchants expressed their deep impressions of China's digital economic development in recent years, with technologies like mobile payment and artificial intelligence being particularly attractive. They expressed desires to deepen cooperation with China in the digital economy sector, bringing more quality Chinese products and technologies to their home countries. A Turkish merchant, Oktay, said that they attended the expo to find consultants to help their company cooperate with other enterprises. They also hoped to collaborate with the Chinese government to keep pace with China's technological advancements. He wished for companies in China's digital economy sector to provide professional consultation to guide their way of better tapping into the digital economy in Turkiye's economic development. Nigerian merchant David Smith commented that the world has gone digital, where transactions no longer require cash and can be completed with only a mobile phone, such as China's WeChat Pay, which he hopes to introduce to Nigeria . He recognized China as one of the most technologically advanced countries, which is why he attended the expo, believing it could help boost Nigeria's economy. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hebei-china-international-digital-economy-expo-attracts-foreign-merchants-seeking-cooperation-302022732.html SOURCE Hebei Provincial Industry and Information Technology Department Company's latest-generation IntelliKit features Rightware's Kanzi One human-machine interface toolchain CHICAGO , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intellias will unveil a new digital cockpit with Rightware's Kanzi One technology to accelerate the development of dynamic, consumer-friendly automotive instrument panels at CES 2024 on January 9-12 in Las Vegas . IntelliKit, a digital cockpit designed by Intellias, will showcase for CES attendees how the company's engineers seamlessly integrate hardware and software from partnerships in the automotive sector to speed the development of cockpit systems. Rightware's Kanzi One HMI (Human Machine Interface) kit and Qualcomm's fourth-generation Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platform are among the systems featured in the Intellias portable but fully functional digital cockpit. Intellias experts, including Vice President of Delivery and Mobility Oleksandr Odukha, Technology Director Adam Konopa and Delivery Director Sergii Shcherbakov , will be available to discuss IntelliKit features along with a variety of other mobility-related topics at the company's exhibit in the West Hall (Booth 7075) of the Las Vegas Convention Center CES 2024 - Intellias. Konopa explained that Intellikit with Rightware Kanzi One enables faster, easier prototyping of digital screens. It also speeds up user-interface development processes by linking and creating new interaction logic between different components. "Harnessing the power of Rightware's Kanzi One HMI tools not only showcases our proficiency in orchestrating a diverse ecosystem of software and hardware partners, but also allows us to revolutionize the way we develop and integrate software," Konopa said. "With Intellikit empowered by Kanzi One we're able to simplify and accelerate the prototyping of digital screens, forging a path to the development of more intelligent and dynamic digital instrument panels." Rightware's Head of Partnerships Derek Sellin noted that the company's partnership with Intellias was established in 2022, adding that Rightware's Kanzi One provides a virtually limitless toolchain for the creation of visually stunning digital automotive cockpits with optimized performance. "Proven by more than a decade in mass production, Kanzi One is the dedicated automotive HMI creation tool that automotive manufacturers trust to deliver the best brand experience in their vehicles," Sellin said. "Development of a unique signature UI with Kanzi One can be expedited in partnership with experts from Intellias and its advanced IntelliKit solution." Intellias also recently announced a partnership with Rightware to assist in training students as part of its IntelliDrive program at Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv. IntelliDrive students are studying embedded-software development under the mentorship of Intellias experts. The establishment of a new Kanzi Learning Lab with Rightware will provide students with an opportunity to become more familiar with leading-edge cockpit design. "The Kanzi Learning Lab will give students experience in automotive HMI design using Kanzi One while our partnership with Intellias will expose them to leading software experts as part of their studies," Sellin added. "We look forward to continued collaboration with Intellias and Ukrainian Catholic University to develop these students as industry leaders of tomorrow." About Intellias Intellias is a global technology partner with more than 20 years of experience delivering product engineering and consulting services to Fortune 500 companies. Leading automotive OEMs, Tier One suppliers, transportation and mobility service providers, including HERE Technologies, Elmos, JOYNEXT, TomTom, DKV, and Rand McNally , rely on Intellias to co-create custom solutions and digitally transform their businesses. Intellias answers mobility challenges with deep expertise in connectivity, infotainment systems, autonomous driving, eMobility, and intelligent transportation. More information on Intellias can be found at www.intellias.com. About Rightware Rightware is the pioneering provider of automotive graphics software tools and services headquartered in Finland with a presence in China , France , Germany , Italy , Japan , South Korea and the USA . Its Kanzi One, an all-in-one HMI toolchain, enables automotive OEMs to deliver the best user experience for their customers while transforming the traditional HMI into a real signature UI. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intellias-to-unveil-new-digital-automotive-cockpit-technology-at-ces-302022849.html SOURCE Intellias The vehicle manufacturer Etalon Corporation already has a configuration base for the production of 300 buses by 2024, which will allow them to maintain their production almost at the level of 2023, said the president of the corporation, Volodymyr Butko. I can say that we have a complete set base for the bus plant for 2024 for 300 buses. In addition, we want to tell all customers that we have a complete set for almost the same quantity that we produced this year. Yes, the set is still incomplete, its about 30% of the total cost, but this is already a lot. So we are ready to work, the start is already there, he said at a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Wednesday. At the same time, Butko clarified that as of January 2, 2024, the plant begins work in the new year. Assessing the results of 2023, the president of the corporation noted that this year the corporation's enterprises operated more stably compared to 2022, when it was necessary to restore factories that were destroyed because of the bombing of the city. At the enterprises (Chernihiv Automotive Plant, Ukrainian Kardan and Forging Plant), wages have increased by 30-50% and are paid on time, but the number of employees has been halved compared to the pre-war period - to 600 people. At the same time, Chernihiv Automotive Plant began operating at full capacity in June, when the implementation of the School Bus program began, Butko noted, and for the next year the plants capacity was ensured due to this program. According to him, more than UAH 200 million has already been invested in repairs and restoration of working conditions (in total, the damage caused to enterprises is estimated at EUR 30 million). Butko also noted that the corporation completed nine months of the current year without losses, but it is too early to talk about the results of the year. The ideology here is simple survival, he emphasized. Among the internal problems, the president of the corporation noted, first of all, personnel problems. The problem is people, and above all mobilization. Therefore, we are increasing the number of women in jobs that are permitted by labor legislation and, although not en masse, we are attracting specialists of retirement age, over 60 years old, Butko said. The second problem, he said, was logistics. We received many components through our Ukrainian ports, now we receive them through others, and delivery from foreign ports by land is very difficult for various reasons. You know what is happening in Poland, and from Romania the road is also, say, not strewn with flowers. And todays routes (throughout Ukraine) are under shelling and bombing every day, Butko noted. The third internal problem, he said, is the lack of a commercial transport market in Ukraine, which, although it shows signs of life, cannot be called a market. There is only one external problem - the war and the lack of investors, foreign buyers of our products. We had plans for cooperation with Poland, which today have not been implemented due to the war. Many programs were curtailed, and this problem affected us. Including pause until the end of the war, all issues related to investments. And not only in our enterprises, Butko emphasized, adding that the corporation has signed many contracts with a delay in the start of their validity. Therefore, we hope that we will have a good start after the end of the war, summed up the president of the corporation. Butko noted that some hope for support for Ukrainian manufacturers is given by the results of the meeting of First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko with business on December 20, where a number of tools for such support were proposed (including a program to stimulate demand for new buses). Etalon Corporation includes 21 enterprises, including Chernihiv Automotive Plant, which produces buses of various classes and trolleybuses. The main directions are production of motor vehicles, mechanical engineering, and warehouse logistics. According to the director of the plant, Oleksandr Verkhulevsky, in 2023 the plant produced 300 school buses and 20 city buses. New mortgage brokerage franchise in Clermont invites the community for a fun happy hour event to celebrate the new year and new options for local homebuyers in Florida CLERMONT, Fla. , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage, the first-and-only national mortgage brokerage franchise brand in the United States focused on transparency and compliance, has a new office in Clermont, Florida . Motto Mortgage Homewise is now open and serving all markets throughout The Sunshine State. Motto Mortgage Homewise will hold a grand opening celebration on Thursday, January 18, 2024 , from 57 p.m. at Arcade on Central in Winter Haven ( 254 W Central Ave ). The happy hour event will include small bites courtesy of Agape Agora, beer and wine provided by Obscure Wine Company, and the opportunity to win fun prizes and learn how Motto Mortgage Homewise is breaking the mold of shopping for a home. All in the community are invited and welcome to attend! Motto Mortgage Homewise is a customer-first, full-service mortgage brokerage established by Steve Silcock and Manny Quiros who together bring over two decades of industry experience to this venture. The office is led by mortgage loan originators Sarah Sonneborn and Ovidio Sardinas who have the experience, drive, and know-how to provide customers a seamless home shopping experience. "We are thrilled to be open for business and we are looking forward to personally introducing ourselves to the community at our grand opening event. Motto Mortgage Homewise offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in Clermont ," said Sarah Sonneborn . "We provide the scope, scale and support of a large retail lender, while offering the flexibility, autonomy and exceptional service of a local mortgage broker that knows how to navigate the intricacies of the home buying process in your market." Sarah continued, "Throughout my 25-year journey in the mortgage industry I've found that what I love the most is the daily opportunity to learn. The ever-changing market conditions and new loan programs challenge me to adapt and grow, so I can provide my customers valuable insight and the highest level of customer service." "As an experienced mortgage loan originator and former real estate agent, I am dedicated to guiding my clients through every step of the transaction, especially with first-time homebuyers. My combined experience of real estate and mortgage lending allows me to offer tailored solutions for my customers' unique financial situations and create a seamless process from pre-approval to closing," said Ovidio Sardinas . Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network have access to competitive loans from various wholesale lenders and work hard to give homebuyers choices because no loan is one-size-fits-all. A digital mortgage experience is available for borrowers who would prefer to conduct business remotely. For more information about the grand opening celebration or to RSVP, please contact Motto Mortgage Homewise at (863) 236-3868 or email Sarah Sonneborn at [email protected]. Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed. About Motto Mortgage Homewise: Motto Mortgage Homewise (NMLS #2491986) is a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage brokerage serving all of Florida , located at 9110 US 192, Suite C, Clermont, FL 34714. To learn more, please visit (Motto Mortgage office www.MottoMortgageHomewise.com or call (863) 236-3868. Sarah Sonneborn NMLS#41131 Ovidio Sardinas NMLS#2286213 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/motto-mortgage-homewise-to-host-grand-opening-celebration-at-arcade-on-central-on-january-18-302022884.html SOURCE Motto Mortgage SHENZHEN, China , Dec. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from People's Daily Online: As the year draws to a close, consumer enthusiasm for gold and jewelry is surging in Shenzhen's Shuibei, China's largest jewelry wholesale market. Sales in the market are skyrocketing, echoing the rising demand. Shenzhen , famed for its youthful spirit and tech-forward ethos, is fast becoming a new epicenter of fashion, captivating trendsetters throughout China and beyond. Throughout 2023, Shenzhen played host to several key fashion events, such as Shenzhen Eyewear Fashion Week, Shenzhen Fashion Home Design Week, and the China ( Shenzhen ) International Brand Underwear Fair. The events not only drew in fashion buyers worldwide, sparking conversations and new collaborations, but also saw style titans like Dior, Chanel, Galeries Lafayette, and Versace Home showcasing their latest collections and carving out new retail niches in the city. Shenzhen has emerged as a powerhouse in China's fashion landscape, fueled by an unparalleled assortment of original brands and a dynamic clustering effect. The city excels in an array of fashion-related sectors, showcasing everything from high-fashion and luxury timepieces to designer eyewear, fine gold jewelry, stylish intimates and premium leather goods. Beyond mere fashion, Shenzhen has also become a hub for contemporary furniture, sophisticated beauty products and cosmetics, innovative artisanal crafts and design, and cutting-edge consumer electronics. Shenzhen's dynamic and efficient supply chain is the backbone of its rapidly growing fashion industry. The city's remarkable industrial feats are exemplified by unique stats often cited by its local press and proud denizens: the ability to build a drone with every component originating from a maker within the city's confines, to assemble a sophisticated watch with mostly locally sourced parts within the space of one hour, and to have a top-spec smartphone roll off a local production line every 28.5 seconds. Shenzhen is a rising star on the global fashion stage, home to over 2,500 apparel companies and a staggering 42% of the world's watch production. The city doesn't stop there; it also churns out an impressive 125 million pairs of eyeglasses each year. Powered by this formidable industrial might, Shenzhen is swiftly carving out its niche as a global fashion trendsetter, captivating the international scene with its unique blend of charm and dynamic energy. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shenzhen-on-the-rise-capturing-the-global-spotlight-as-a-fashion-powerhouse-302022641.html SOURCE People's Daily Online TOKYO , Dec. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unifly, a Terra Drone Corporation group company and a leading provider of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems, is proud to announce the successful completion of the groundbreaking Unified UTM Cybersecurity Model project, granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of the Broad Agency Announcement call 003. In partnership with the Rhea Group and NY UAS Test Site (NYUASTS), the objective and purpose of the project was to refine a UTM cybersecurity model, including the requirements and certification scheme, and to validate the model in an operational environment. Andres Van Swalm , CEO at Unifly, expressed his satisfaction, 'We are thrilled to have successfully led this R&D project in collaboration with FAA, Rhea, and FAA-designated UAS Test Site. As drone use continues to rise, it's vital to develop specific cybersecurity measures for UTM to ensure airspace safety and security. We take pride in our key role in this initiative.'" With the rapid growth of the drone industry, ensuring the safety and security of our airspace is more important than ever. UTM systems have a big responsibility in this regard. The key characteristics of UTM systems - software-based, highly automated, and relatively recent - make them an attractive target for cyberattacks that exploit vulnerabilities, threatening aviation safety, the privacy of airspace users, and business operations. Although cybersecurity is unanimously recognized as a critical safety concern, UTM cybersecurity has only been partially explored to this date. This includes either considering a limited subset of security attributes (e.g., authentication) or applying generic cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity framework) that do not provide sufficient cyber resilience for the complex ecosystem that is UTM. As a result, no comprehensive approach to system requirements, and much less a unified certification scheme, has been developed to assess and validate cybersecurity for UTM systems. These gaps have triggered an urgent need for an updated security framework. In the initial phase of the project, interviews were conducted with the following stakeholders from the UTM ecosystem: FAA ATO ( Federal Aviation Administration - Air Traffic Organization ) - ) NASA ( National Aeronautics and Space Administration ) ) CNA (The National Security Analysis) Nav Canada (The Air Navigation Service Provider of Canada ) (The Air Navigation Service Provider of ) DroneUp (Drone Delivery Service Provider) During the interviews, the concept of a unified UTM cybersecurity model was presented. Feedback and security requirements were collected from all interviewees, who acknowledged the need for a new security framework. Jared Thompson , Nav Canada explains: "When considering traditional Air Traffic Management (ATM), it never had a model that focused on the operational aspect. Therefore, as we introduce additional layers like UTM, it's imperative to establish a cybersecurity direction as a baseline. While some operational frameworks do exist, they have not been applied in the ATM context.'" Joey Rios , NASA emphasizes, "We indeed require the appropriate prerequisites for a UTM-specific cybersecurity framework. Additionally, there is a clear need for a verification approach to ensure the implementation of these requirements." Eldon Myers , DroneUp affirms, "There is unquestionably a demand for such a framework. It should not only address the cybersecurity information and requirements but also ensure alignment with already established frameworks." Alongside this input, the project team refined both the system requirements and the security controls for the updated prototype model. The updated prototype model underwent a demonstration through actual flights conducted in an operational environment at the NY Test site in Syracuse, utilizing tracking facilities and Unifly's Broadcast Location and Identification device (BLIP). The extensive validation process comprised more than 60 flights conducted in diverse operational environments. These flights encompassed three distinct scenarios: operations under optimal conditions, operations subjected to simulated attacks, and operations with the implementation of countermeasures against such attacks. The thorough testing and demonstration of the updated prototype model in real-world conditions at the NY Test site confirm the need and efficacy of the implemented security controls. After extensive research, testing, and data gathering, several reports containing findings and best practices have been delivered. These reports will serve as a baseline for future cybersecurity framework development. The results of this project will not only benefit the UTM industry but also various stakeholders, including drone operators, regulators, and the general public, by ensuring the safety and privacy of all airspace users. By implementing advanced cybersecurity measures, we can all have peace of mind, knowing that our airspace is secure. This successful collaboration among Unifly and these stakeholders underscores the importance of partnerships and innovation in the ever-evolving world of UTM. Unifly remains committed to working with industry leaders to drive progress and enhance the safety of drones in our skies. About Rhea Group The Rhea Group is a prominent global engineering and consulting company with expertise in space, security, and other advanced technology sectors. They specialize in providing innovative solutions, research, and project management services to various industries, including space exploration, cybersecurity, and defense. The Rhea Group plays a key role in advancing cutting-edge technologies and facilitating collaborations between industry, government, and academia to drive progress in these critical fields. About New York UAS Test Site The NYUASTS provides flight-testing opportunities for all classes of UAS, from small drones to full-sized commercial aircraft, offering all the capabilities of a towered airport surrounded by Class D airspace and a fully instrumented BVLOS flight corridor. From the NY Test Site, UAS flights can reach an unparalleled variety of test environments, including urban and suburban areas, rural agricultural land, hills, and mountain terrain, and over water. The NYUASTS collaborates with industry, academia, defense, federal agencies, and public safety to advance the development of UAS technology and policy to safely integrate UAS into the NAS. About Unifly Unifly is a prominent provider of UTM and U-space solutions for drone operators. The company's mission is to facilitate the safe, efficient, and scalable integration of drones into airspace. Unifly boasts a proven track record of successfully delivering UTM technology on a global scale. For more information, please visit the website at Unifly.aero About Terra Drone Terra Drone is a pioneering drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan , with the mission to [Unlock "X" Dimensions], creating a prosperous future by "crossing" bridges by integrating diverse fields to foster innovation and find solutions. Terra Drone's proprietary technologies in drones, sensors, and software revolutionize industries globally, from oil and gas to agriculture. In July 2023 , Terra Drone acquired a majority stake in Unifly, a world leading provider of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) systems, aiming to establish a digital infrastructure in the skies to maximize the potential of air mobility. For more information, please visit https://terra-drone.net/global/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/terra-drones-group-company-unifly-successfully-completes-groundbreaking-utm-cybersecurity-model-project-in-partnership-with-faa-302021471.html SOURCE Terra Drone Corporation SHENZHEN, China , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Timekettle, one of the world's most fast-growing providers of translation hardwares and solutions, will attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas , the United States , from Jan.9th to 12th, 2024. During the CES, the company will officially launch its flagship AI translation product - the X1 Interpreter Hub. A CES 2024 Innovation Award Honoree, the X1 Interpreter Hub makes a breakthrough with its all-in-one integrated design, which enhances communication efficiency by eliminating the need for additional apps or complex setups. Moreover, it boosts the world's first multi-language simultaneous interpretation system, supporting both online and offline business meetings. The X1 Interpreter Hub is an epitome of Timekettle's relentless innovative efforts in the past years, combining the brand's key technology of ear-to-ear wearable translation in the W series, and the portability and compact design of the T series hand-held translators. Significant improvement is also seen in X1's speed and accuracy of translation across an impressive languages range. Taking user experience as its core, the X1 Interpreter Hub was first born as a solution for multi-lingual classrooms worldwide that call for seamless translation in various languages, therefore advancing international collaboration and communication. The X1 Interpreter Hub will be announced during Timekettle's news conference by CEO Leal Tian . Global and industry media outlets have been invited to attend the conference. The X1 Interpreter Hub demos and other Timekettle lineups will be available for try-out at the Timekettle's booth. X1 Release Event Schedule CES Unveiled Media Event Date and Time - 5:00-8:30pm , Jan.7th, 2024 Location - Booth 229, Mandalay Bay Convention Center X1 News Conference Date and Time - 9:45-10:30am , Jan.8th, 2024 Location - Ballroom Palm A. Mandalay Bay Convention Center CES Exhibition Date and Time - Jan. 9 th to the 12th, 2024 Location - Booth 9163, AI & Robotics North Hall, LVCC About Timekettle Established in 2016, Timekettle is an industry-leading and award-winning provider of translation solutions. Their exceptional products have been recognized with numerous international accolades, including the CES Innovation Award, iF Design Award, and Japan Good Design Award. Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Timekettle also operates a customer center in Los Angeles, United States. As the top-selling brand in the translator device industry, Timekettle currently holds the largest market share on Amazon, serving hundreds of thousands of users in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/timekettle-attending-ces-2024-with-new-product-302022783.html SOURCE Timekettle Grand opening celebrations in Crawfordville Friday and Crestview Saturday TALLAHASSEE, Fla. , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the United States , today announced the opening of two new medical dispensaries in Crawfordville and Crestview, Florida . Grand opening celebrations will be held in Crawfordville on Friday, December 29 and Crestview on Saturday, December 30 . Both events begin at 9 a.m. , featuring music, specials, discounts, and opportunities to register for upcoming patient education sessions. "We are excited to open these dispensaries, providing high quality products and service for Florida patients in the Big Bend and Panhandle regions," said Trulieve's Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers . Trulieve Crawfordville Dispensary Express, located at 2615 Crawfordville Highway , is the Company's first dispensary dedicated solely to express pickup orders. Customers at this location will place online orders on the Trulieve website ahead of fast and convenient express pickup service. Trulieve Crestview, located at 2150 South Ferdon Blvd. , will offer both walk-in and pickup service. Across Florida , Trulieve offers home delivery, convenient online ordering, and in-store pickup. Veterans receive 20% off every order when they show their military ID, and all first-time guests are eligible for a 60% new customer discount at any Florida Trulieve location. Both locations will carry a wide variety of popular products including Trulieve's portfolio of in-house brands such as Alchemy, Co2lors, Cultivar Collection, Modern Flower, Momenta, Muse, Roll One, Sweet Talk and Trekkers. Customers will also have access to beloved partner brands such as Alien Labs, Binske, Black Tuna, Blue River , Connected Cannabis, DeLisioso, Khalifa Kush , Love's Oven, Miami Mango , O.pen, Seed Junky and Sunshine Cannabis, all available exclusively at Trulieve in Florida . Both new dispensaries will be open 9 a.m. 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. 8 p.m. on Sundays . For more information, or to learn how to become a registered patient, please visit Trulieve.com and connect on Instagram or Facebook. About Trulieve Trulieve is an industry leading, vertically integrated cannabis company and multi-state operator in the U.S. , with established hubs in the Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest, anchored by leading market positions in Arizona , Florida , and Pennsylvania . Trulieve is poised for accelerated growth and expansion, building scale in retail and distribution in new and existing markets through its hub strategy. By providing innovative, high-quality products across its brand portfolio, Trulieve delivers optimal customer experiences and increases access to cannabis, helping patients and customers to live without limits. Trulieve is listed on the CSE under the symbol TRUL and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol TCNNF. For more information, please visit Trulieve.com. Facebook: @Trulieve Instagram: @Trulieve_ Twitter: @Trulieve Investor Contact Christine Hersey , Vice President of Investor Relations +1 (424) 202-0210 [email protected] Media Contact Phil Buck , APR, Corporate Communications Manager +1 (406) 370-6226 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trulieve-to-open-florida-medical-cannabis-dispensaries-in-crawfordville-and-crestview-302022650.html SOURCE Trulieve Cannabis Corp. Hundreds of Americans are signing up for volunteer missions to Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA as the organization continues its support for the communities devastated by the October 7 terrorist attacks. NEW YORK , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, Jewish National Fund-USA launched Volunteer Missions to Israel . The week-long trips support critical relief efforts aimed at shoring up Israel's food security, assisting with community rehabilitation efforts, and supporting civilian logistical needs on army bases. The trips leave every other week through May 2024 , and due to high demand, January's missions are already sold out. Volunteer mission highlights include: Spending time with evacuees and the people providing lifesaving efforts to support them. Taking part in community service initiatives that help with everything from cooking to assisting in daycares, or cleaning homes and public spaces. Working with outdoor youth organizations on farms, picking vegetables and other crops to prevent food shortages and ensuring no farmer is left behind. Volunteering at an army base and supporting civilian logistical roles necessary to fill the void of the over 350,000 Israelis serving in the Israel Defense Forces and reserves. For Chicago -based philanthropist Deb Lust Zaluda , taking part in Jewish National Fund-USA's inaugural volunteer mission in mid-December impacted her in unexpected ways. "I wanted to have an impact, make a difference, do something, and feel useful; however, what I didn't expect was how the mission would impact me," said Lust Zaluda, who is also the organization's Assistant VP of Missions. "Yes, we pulled weeds so that the fields of green onions didn't suffocate and could be harvested when it was time. We picked citrus, which would have gone rotten on the trees if not for us. But more importantly, we listened. We listened to the story of the lone soldier from Texas , Noah, who went back into the army after being released so he could join his unit in Gaza . We heard from Erez, a citrus farmer in the south of Israel whose family was evicted from Tunisia in the early 1950s with just the clothes on their backs. Erez's family knew nothing of farming when they arrived in Israel , but they helped make the desert bloom in the Negev through their grit and determination." She added, "Erez, after looking at our group of volunteers, was truly shocked by how much we did as his level of trust in the future had been shattered. Now, he was given cause for hope." The volunteer missions include accommodation, airport transfers, armed security, daily transportation to sites, 4-6 hours of daily volunteering, and all meals. Trips will run every other week and are currently scheduled through May 2024 . Weekly volunteer day trips are also available, departing every Wednesday from the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem . For more information on mission prices and eligibility criteria, visit jnf.org/travel or call 877.563.8687. To support Jewish National Fund-USA's Israel Resilience Campaign, visit jnf.org/supportisrael. About Jewish National Fund-USA Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel's north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel , and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel . Learn more at jnf.org. MEDIA CONTACT Stefan Oberman 212-879-9305 x222 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-for-good-american-volunteers-positively-impact-israel-and-themselves-302022782.html SOURCE Jewish National Fund-USA SOCi's all-in-one platform empowers franchisees to customize local marketing efforts to enhance guest experiences SAN DIEGO , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SOCi Inc. , the leading CoMarketing Cloud Platform for multi-location enterprises, today announced it is the new Platform of Record for WOWorks , the holding company of better-for-you restaurant brands, including Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina, and Zoup! Eatery. With the goal of being a leader in customer service, WOWorks has enabled its franchisees with the SOCi platform to better manage guest relations through social media, online business listings, and reviews, the trifecta of local visibility. WOWorks, which has about 350 locations across its six brands, relies heavily on digital marketing and understands the importance of being visible online to build awareness and become entrenched in its local communities. By equipping WOWorks franchisees with the right platform to improve their individual businesses all in one place, they are able to become leaders in guest relations and ensure each guest receives the online support they need and deserve. "We provide a variety of programs for franchisees to use and simplifying use and accessibility is always a priority." said Ted Asbury , Chief Marketing Officer, WOWorks. "The implementation of the SOCi platform helps do both while empowering franchisees to take ownership of their local marketing efforts in making their own presence even larger in their respective market." Through SOCi Social , Listings , and Reviews , WOWorks and its franchisees are able to streamline the management of countless guest-facing digital channels to ensure quick and personalized review responses, accurate location information, and engaging social content that its guests find valuable across all of its restaurant brands. "Managing digital marketing channels for a single multi-location brand can be a challenge in itself, but the consolidation factor for companies like WOWorks, which operates multiple restaurant brands, is crucial as the channels start to add up to the hundreds and eventually thousands," said David Marler , Chief Customer Officer, SOCi. "Being able to address the needs of its guests across channels in one streamlined platform was a top priority for the WOWorks team, and we're proud to help them take their guest relations to the next level." To learn more about how SOCi is helping restaurant brands like those in the WOWorks portfolio drive industry leading results through its all-in-one platform, visit www.meetsoci.com . About SOCi SOCi is the leading CoMarketing Cloud Platform for multi-location enterprises. We empower businesses like Ace Hardware, Jersey Mike's, Kumon, and Ford to automate and scale their marketing efforts across all locations and digital channels in a way that is brand directed, locally perfected, and data connected. Through the use of best-in-class generative AI and machine learning, the SOCi Genius platform provides multi-location enterprises actionable insights and recommendations while automating their most important workflows at scale. With SOCi, businesses can strengthen their digital presence across local search and social pages while protecting their online reputation, driving improved customer engagement and market leading results. To learn more about how SOCi can help fuel your localized marketing success, please visit us at www.meetsoci.com or message us at [email protected] . About WOWorks WOWorks was formed in 2020 with a mission to help guests pursue their passions and live their best lives by serving healthier-for-you and flavorful meals along with its Vow to "WOW!" guest hospitality. Fully owned by Centre Lane Partners, LLC, WOWorks' portfolio, in addition to its newest brands, Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina and Zoup! Eatery, consists of: Saladworks , the nation's leading fast-casual salad brand; Frutta Bowls , a unique restaurant franchise serving a variety of superfood bowls, fresh fruit smoothies, protein bites and more; Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, a popular Mediterranean restaurant concept; The Simple Greek , which offers a fresh and healthy take on traditional Greek recipes in a fast-casual setting. WOWorks seeks to drive explosive growth across all of its brands through a variety of channels, both traditional and non-traditional, including ghost kitchens, food trucks, grocery retail and more. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/woworks-chooses-soci-as-platform-of-record-to-transform-digital-marketing-guest-relations-for-six-restaurant-brands-302021495.html SOURCE SOCi SANYA, China , Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Between December 6 and 20 , Yili Group and its Thai and Indonesian subsidiaries, respectively, brought together global partners for their Top Partners Conference 2024, themed "Grow with Innovation, Forward in Unity." Fueled by record-breaking sales, Yili Group has cemented its all-around leadership in the industry Supported by global partnerships, Yili's performance in the first three quarters of 2023 was a resounding success. Revenue soared to a record 97.404 billion yuan (approx. US$13.32 billion ), accompanied by a notable 16.36% increase in net profit. Yili's international business has experienced sustained and rapid growth, driven by the expansion of its strategic global network. The company has now put into place a network comprising a global resource system, a global innovation system and a global market system, owning a total of 15 R&D and innovation centers and 81 production bases worldwide. This year, Yili's operation in New Zealand and Australia was recognized as the fastest growing in the region, with its products now gracing shelves in over 40 countries and revenue hitting an all-time high. Brands like Thailand's Cremo and Indonesia's Joyday have both achieved the industry's highest sales growth rate. In the face of fierce market competition, Yili's Thai subsidiary rolled out rich product portfolios like Atom, Pilot, and Choco-Crush to better meet the needs of local consumers. At the conference, Yili's Indonesian subsidiary shared its 2024 market expansion plan, which will focus on product innovation, channel expansion, brand promotion, and efforts to continue to improve consumer satisfaction. It also released five major initiatives focused on empowering partners with value-sharing. Over 100 new products launched at this year's conference Upholding the belief of "no innovation, no future," Yili always actively creates products in response to the full life-cycle, all-scenario needs among all types of consumers. It launched over 100 new products at this year's Top Partners Conference. At the conference, Yili's Liquid Milk Business Unit showcased impactful product innovations across various segments, with its flagship brands like AMBOPMIAL, SATINE and PLANT SELECTED launching new flavors to enrich the portfolio. Owning innovative formula patents developed for more than two decades, Yili's Jinlingguan launched a new immunity-enhancing formula. Made from organic A2 raw milk, the new Zhenhu series features a remarkable 20-fold increase in active probiotics, alongside organic breast milk oligosaccharides (HMO) and lactoferrin. The Adult Nutrition Business Unit Business also showcased its breakthrough in functional innovation, unveiling a new type of formula milk powder designed to enhance sleep quality. Yili's fast-growing Cheese Business Unit pays equal attention to nutrition, and deliciousness. Its new products include Yijiahao Rock Grilled Cheese Sauce, which is double-loaded with cheesy richness, and Cheese Torch, a crispy delight bursting with cheesy goodness. Yili's International Business Unit is accelerating the pace of innovation. Fueled by a robust collaborative innovation network and deep insights into the needs of overseas consumers, the Unit creates innovative products of exceptional quality, tied with a dynamic brand image that resonates with local consumers. Forward in Unity: Yili and its partners celebrated a journey of shared development At the Top Partners Conference, Yili showered global partners with accolades, unveiling over a thousand awards across diverse categories, including team management, channel development, and outlet retailing. From Thailand , Pracha Kittrongsiri, the recipient of the Outstanding Partner Award, expressed his readiness to continue to work with Yili to deliver better products and services. Recognizing the technological and financing challenges within the supply chain, Yili has built a mechanism to align interests with its partners. As of October 2023 , Yili had helped over 12,000 partners secure over 140 billion yuan (approx. US$19.18 billion ) in financing. This commitment to shared success has resulted in a robust global network of over 2,000 partners. Image Attachments Links: Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443867 Caption: Yili Group's Top Partners Conference 2024 in Sanya, Hainan, China Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443874 Caption: Top Partners Conference 2024 of Yili Group's Thai subsidiary in Pattaya, Thailand. Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443875 Caption: Top Partners Conference 2024 of Yili Group's Indonesian subsidiary in Jakarta, Indonesia View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yili-group-celebrates-dynamic-global-relationships-at-the-top-partners-conference-2024-302022713.html SOURCE Yili Group PARIS (Reuters) - A Cypriot brokerage firm caught up in an investigation by French prosecutors probing financial transfers possibly tied to Yevgeny Prigozhin on Wednesday denied it had ever had direct relations with the late Wagner mercenary chief. The Paris prosecutor on Tuesday confirmed that in June it opened a preliminary probe into the origins of money flows worth hundreds of millions of dollars and euros after an alert from the French finance ministry's anti-money laundering unit TRACFIN over transfers TCR International Ltd made between 2019-2021. The transfers, deemed suspicious by TRACFIN, were made at a time when TCR International worked with BNP Paribas' custodian unit. The probe was first reported by French daily Le Monde. TCR International categorically denied to Reuters handling any financial transfers on behalf of Prigozhin, who was killed in a plane crash in August, or Wagner. In a separate letter seen by Reuters, TCR International told Le Monde it had found no evidence that Wagner, Prigozhin and all related affiliations were linked to any of its past or present clients. Lawyers representing TCR International said a preliminary investigation did not mean the brokerage was being targeted, but simply that checks were being made. There was no registered investigation with TCR International mentioned as a person of interest, they said. TCR International said its operations fell under strict compliance rules and that it condemned money laundering practices. Asked on Tuesday if it was aware of the investigation, BNP Paribas said it could not comment on its obligations. The bank said it had a global compliance system in place and was committed to meeting its regulatory obligations. A source close to the investigation said the probe had not yet established any link between the transfers under investigation and either Wagner or Prigozhin. Since Prigozhin's death, Wagner has been brought firmly under Kremlin control. Unconfirmed Russian reports have said that Anton Yelizarov, known by the call sign "Lotus", has been appointed commander of Wagner. Yelizarov did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. (Reporting by Richard Lough; Editing by Nick Macfie) FILE PHOTO: A woman points at a Glock handgun during the annual National Rifle Association (NRA) convention in Dallas, Texas, U.S., May 6, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo By Kirsti Knolle Gaston Glock, the reclusive engineer and tycoon who developed one of the world's best-selling handguns, died on Wednesday aged 94, Austrian news agency APA said. The Austrian won loyal followings among police and military across the world with the weapons that bore his name. Forbes estimated his and his family's fortune at $1.1 billion in 2021. His rise began in the 1980s when the Austrian military was looking for a new, innovative weapon. Up until then, the Glock company had made military knives and consumer goods including curtain rods. But he assembled a team of firearms experts and came up with the Glock 17, a lightweight semi-automatic gun largely made of plastic. The revolutionary design - with a frame made of a high-strength, nylon-based polymer and only the slide made of metal - beat several other companies' blueprints and secured his upstart outfit the contract. Soon the easily assembled weapon became a global hit. "Get yourself a Glock and lose that nickel-plated sissy pistol," Tommy Lee Jones said in the 1998 movie "U.S. Marshals". Many U.S. police officers used them and U.S. rappers worked them into their rhymes, among them Snoop Dogg's "Protocol" and Wu-Tang Clan's "Da Glock". U.S. soldiers found toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein hiding with a Glock in a hole in the ground in 2003. They later presented that weapon to U.S. President George W. Bush, according to the New York Times. Gun-control advocates criticised Glock for popularising powerful guns that they said were easy to conceal and could hold more ammunition than other guns. A former U.S. Marine combat veteran armed with what police described as a .45 caliber Glock with a high-capacity magazine killed 12 people in a bar in Thousand Oaks, California, in November 2018. White supremacist Dylann Roof used a Glock pistol to kill nine African-American people during a Bible study session at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, in June, 2015. MALLET ATTACK Glock himself rarely responded to criticism from activists, shunned public debate and, in 2000, refused to join other weapons manufacturers in signing a voluntary gun control deal with the U.S. government. He made few comments of any kind to the press, but the public got glimpses of a sometimes tempestuous private life through the courts. At the age of 70, in July 1999, he survived an attempt on his life when an investment broker who managed his assets hired a former wrestler to attack him with a rubber hammer, a court heard. Glock had grown suspicious of how the broker was managing his affairs and had flown to Luxembourg to confront him, lawyers said. He suffered seven blows to the head but fended off the assault. The broker, Charles Ewert, and the attacker, Jacques Pecheur, were both jailed. His 49-year-old marriage with Helga Glock ended in divorce in 2011 and the pair embarked on a lengthy legal battle over alimony. Soon after, he married his second wife, Kathrin, more than 50 years his junior. He owned a lakefront mansion and a state-of-the-art equestrian sport centre in the province of Carinthia, where celebrities showed up for parties. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons. (Reporting by Kirsti Knolle; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Nick Macfie) Etalon Corporation has identified the production of electric transport (trolleybuses, electric buses, trams) as a priority direction for further development, taking into account European trends in the significant growth in sales of this type of passenger transport, said the president of the corporation, Volodymyr Butko. Today, we are primarily focused on the production of electric transport. Thanks to diesel transport, as we have grown as an enterprise, and then we want to work in the direction of electric transport. Today statistics show that in Europe, sales of municipal passenger transport have increased significantly, and maybe this the trend will also affect Ukraine, he said at a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Wednesday. At the same time, he noted that the corporation has a line of electric transport, in particular, a regular trolleybus, an autonomous trolleybus and a pilot development of an electric bus with a length of 9.5 m. We already have an agreement with our Moldovan partner, the Informbusiness company (supplies electrical equipment), and I think we will make such an electric bus in 2024, Butko said, noting that there are enough tenders for the purchase of electric buses in Ukraine. In addition, according to him, the company is currently developing a three-section tram. We want to make it more modern, with a low floor in the middle section, and we are now looking for a partner. Most likely, this will be cooperation with Czech manufacturers, he noted. In turn, General Director of Chernihiv Automotive Plant Oleksandr Verkhulevsky noted that in 2023 the corporation offered its trolleybuses with dynamic charging not only with electrical equipment from Informbusiness, but also a new model with electrical equipment from the Ukrainian manufacturer Politekhnoservice. We hope to expand cooperation with Ukrainian suppliers, which will not only reduce the cost of the final product, but also increase the level of localization, he noted. Verkhulevsky recalled that Chernihiv Automotive Plant offered its trolleybuses at tenders financed by a network of funds from European financial organizations. At the same time, the participants in the press conference again recalled that non-Ukrainian-made buses are most often purchased at these tenders, although the plant offers equipment much cheaper. "We understand that the EIB and the EBRD primarily support their manufacturers, because there are more guarantees of delivery, although the price is twice as high. Yes, we have big risks, but people need to be transported today, and we offer to quickly produce everything and transfer European trading in the ProZorro Market, then everything will be clear. If you dont want to lend to a Ukrainian company during the war, then you dont need to declare that this is help. But tell the truth, while theres a war, no one will lend to you, Butko thinks. In addition, he pointed out that announced tenders for the supply of trolleybuses to Ukrainian cities are constantly postponed or decisions are delayed, including due to complaints, and as a result they can last two to three years. In particular, for the third time, the tender for the supply of 15 vehicles to Ternopil, in which the Turkish company won, was canceled, but during the period it was held, the prices for the equipment increased and it became unprofitable for them to supply. There are still tenders for Zaporizhia, Mykolaiv, Khmelnytsky, Lutsk, all are pending, and there are more than 200 trolleybuses, he noted. In addition, he reported that there is already information about Ukraines application for the purchase of 150 trolleybuses, which are allegedly produced in Moldova. But this is not a Moldovan body, this is the same Belarusian MAZ! We took part in an international tender in Moldova, but did not pass, and the Dnipro company Litan, which received bodies from Belarus, won. Then information appeared in their press, that the body is produced somewhere in Moldova - but we see that this is MAZ 203. That is, now we will also buy trolleybuses with Belarusian bodies?" the president of Etalon Corporation asked. Etalon Corporation includes 21 enterprises, including Chernihiv Automotive Plant, which produces buses of various classes and trolleybuses. The main directions are production of motor vehicles, mechanical engineering, and warehouse logistics. A passenger from Nicaragua bound Airbus A340 flight that was grounded in France on suspicion of human trafficking, leaves the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after his arrival, in Mumbai, India, December 26, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Mascare By Sumit Khanna and Rupam Jain AHMEDABAD, India (Reuters) - India has launched an investigation into how 303 Indians ended up on a chartered flight that was grounded in France last week because of suspected human trafficking, authorities in the western Indian state of Gujarat said on Wednesday. Tipped off by an anonymous informant, French authorities on Friday prevented the plane from flying to its listed destination of Nicaragua from a refuelling stopover at Vatry airport in northeastern France. It had taken off from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with 11 unaccompanied minors among the passengers, 276 of whom returned to India on Tuesday. Many of the Indians onboard hailed from Gujarat, officials said. Sanjay Kharat, a senior Gujarat police official, said authorities had obtained the names and addresses of 21 persons from the state who were on the flight, and that investigators were trying to determine who facilitated their travel. "Our teams have already spoken with some of them ...(or) their family members," he said. The flight was operated by Romania's Legend Airlines. Its lawyer Liliana Bakayoko declined to name the client who chartered the plane, citing contractual confidentiality. An official at India's home ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the registration of the chartered flight and "people operating this entire nexus" had been identified, but declined to elaborate. A ministry spokesperson did not respond to an email seeking further comment. French authorities placed two of the passengers on "assisted witness" status after investigating them for suspected people smuggling, while another 25 remained in France to apply for asylum. In France, "assisted witness" is an intermediate status between that of a witness and an indicted suspect. Reuters was not immediately able to speak with any of those who returned to India, with some declining to talk after emerging from Mumbai airport and others hiding their faces with their hands or clothing. The Indian home ministry official said Indian immigration officials were also being questioned to see if any children had left India unaccompanied. "All these people landed in (the UAE) at different times, and they congregated to leave on the same plane. They had legal tourist visas to enter Dubai," the official told Reuters. The plane was held in France a day after the U.S. State Department said it would impose visa restrictions targeting individuals operating charter flights into Nicaragua for migrants heading towards the U.S.-Mexico border. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, the number of Indians caught trying to enter the United States illegally has tripled over the past three years. U.S. authorities caught 96,917 Indians between October 2022 and September 2023, up from 30,662 three years earlier. (Reporting by Sumit Khana, Krishn Kaushik and Rupam Jain; editing by Mark Heinrich) Smoke rises over Gaza following an Israeli airstrike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, December 27, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Bassam Masoud CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) -Israeli tanks thrust deep into a town in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday after days of relentless bombardment that forced tens of thousands of already displaced Palestinian families to flee in a new exodus. A Palestinian journalist posted pictures of Israeli tanks near a mosque in a built-up area of Bureij, the armoured contingent having apparently advanced from orchards on the eastern outskirts. Three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli missile strike on a house in northeastern Maghazi camp in central Gaza, health officials said. Further south Israeli forces hit the area around a hospital in the heart of Khan Younis, Gaza's main southern city, where residents feared a new ground push into territory crowded with families made homeless in 12 weeks of an Israel-Hamas war. In one of Israel's latest deadly airstrikes, 20 Palestinians were killed and 55 wounded in Rafah, a major town near the southern border with Egypt, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra said. Their bombed building was housing displaced civilians, according to local medics and residents. Reuters video showed rescuers scrabbling frantically through rubble to uncover and pull out victims including a baby and several children and rushing them through milling crowds of dazed and weeping people to the nearby Kuwaiti Hospital. Palestinian health authorities said earlier that 210 people were confirmed killed in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours, raising the toll of Palestinians killed in the war so far to 21,320 - nearly 1% of Gaza's population. Thousands more dead were feared to be buried or lost in the ruins. Over the course of the war, the Israeli military has expressed regret for civilian deaths but it accuses Hamas of operating in densely populated areas and using civilians as human shields, a charge the group denies. GROUND OFFENSIVE INTENSIFIES DESPITE U.S. PLEAS Israel has escalated its ground offensive in Gaza sharply since just before Christmas despite public pleas from its closest ally the United States to scale the campaign down in the closing weeks of the year. It launched the war to destroy the militant Islamist Hamas movement that runs Gaza after fighters rampaged through Israeli towns in a cross-border raid on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages. Of the hostages, 110 were freed during a short truce in late November and another 23 have now been declared dead in absentia, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Thursday. Later on Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden said American Judith Weinstein, who was believed to have been kidnapped by Hamas, was killed by the Islamist group on Oct. 7. Her husband, Gadi Haggai was killed on the same day, Biden said last week. The Israeli military released findings of an investigation into the killings by its troops in error of three Israeli hostages in Gaza on Dec. 15. Soldiers mistook their cries for help as a ruse by Hamas militants to draw them into an ambush, the military said on Thursday, concluding that the soldiers acted rightly to the best of their understanding. The main focus of fighting is now in central areas south of the wetlands that bisect the narrow coastal strip, where Israeli forces have ordered civilians out over the past several days as their tanks close in. Tens of thousands of people fleeing the densely packed Nusseirat, Bureij and Maghazi districts were heading south or west on Thursday into the already overwhelmed city of Deir al-Balah along the Mediterranean coast, crowding into hastily built camps of makeshift tents. "Over 150,000 people - young children, women carrying babies, people with disabilities & the elderly - have nowhere to go," the main U.N. organisation operating in Gaza, UNRWA, said in a social media post. The eastern part of Bureij was a theatre of heavy fighting on Thursday morning, with Israeli tanks thrusting in from the north and east, residents and militants said. "That moment has come, I wished it would never happen, but it seems displacement is a must," said Omar, 60, who said he had been forced to move with at least 35 family members. He declined to give his surname for fear of reprisals. Yamen Hamad, living in a school in Deir al-Balah since fleeing from the north, said the people who were newly displaced from Bureij and Nusseirat were setting up tents wherever there was open ground. FIGHTING NEAR HOSPITAL IN KHAN YOUNIS Khan Younis, where Israeli forces advanced this month after a truce collapsed on Dec. 1, also came under heavy bombardment on Thursday morning from warplanes and tanks near al-Amal hospital, west of Israeli positions. The Palestinian Red Crescent, which runs the hospital and has its headquarters nearby, said 10 Palestinians were killed and 12 wounded in one bombardment there, the third strike targeting the area around the hospital in less than an hour. Residents said they believed Israeli forces were trying to provoke a new exodus ahead of a further ground assault. Nearby at Nasser Hospital, the main medical centre in Khan Younis and largest still functioning in Gaza, women and children shrieked as the dead and wounded were brought in. A toddler lay motionless on a cot while medics tried to revive him; one doctor nodded "no," signalling the boy was dead. Israel reported three more of its soldiers killed, bringing its toll in the ground campaign to 169. The past week has seen some of its heaviest losses of the war so far. Virtually all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been driven from their homes at least once and many several times. Only a handful of hospitals still function. In a statement on Thursday, the Israeli military said it "regrets the harm caused to uninvolved civilians" from a Dec. 24 air strike on the Maghazi refugee camp that killed 70 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The statement said warplanes struck two targets adjacent to where Hamas militants were operating, and a preliminary inquiry showed further buildings nearby were also hit, "which likely caused unintended harm to additional uninvolved civilians". It added: "The IDF ... is acting to draw conclusions and learn lessons from this event." The Palestinian health ministry denounced the attack as a massacre in a crowded residential square. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Bassam Masoud in Gaza, Maayan Lubell in JerusalemWriting by Peter Graff, Mark Heinrich and Grant McCoolEditing by Angus MacSwan and Frances Kerry) FILE PHOTO: European Union President Jacques Delors listens to a question during a press conference on the book "In search of Europe" October 21, 1994, at the EU headquarters. REUTERS/Nathalie Koulischer/File Photo (Reuters) -Jacques Delors, a passionate advocate of post-war European integration and a founding father of the European Union's single currency project, has died, his family said. He was 98. The French socialist served as president of the European Commission, the EU executive, for three terms - longer than any other holder of the office - from January 1985 until the end of 1994, a time of rapid change for Europe's emerging union. The era was marked by forthright clashes of vision between federalists such as Delors, who believed passionately in an "ever closer union", and Britain's then prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who firmly resisted any shift of power to Brussels. So antagonistic did relations between London and Brussels become towards the end of Thatcher's time in office, especially over the plans for monetary union, that The Sun tabloid famously ran a front page headline reading: "Up Yours Delors". Delors' death came three years after Britain fully exited the EU on Dec. 31, 2020, following tortuous negotiations and 47 years of membership. Delors, a Catholic trade unionist with a background in economic planning, was an outspoken force at the heart of the Brussels bureaucracy, tirelessly crafting compromises among member states to build the European single market, one of the EU's defining achievements. He oversaw a period of rapid enlargement, with the 10-member European Community, as it was then called, growing to 12 with the accession in 1986 of Spain and Portugal and then adding Sweden, Austria and Finland in 1995. The era was defined by the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, as the tectonic plates underpinning modern Europe shifted. The post-war ideal of a unified continent - the dream of federalists - began to seem real. Delors' commitment to a united Germany led to a close bond with then German chancellor Helmut Kohl and helped to cement the Franco-German relationship that remains critical to the EU. 'COILED SPRING' Those who worked with Delors recall a man with endless energy and drive who was not afraid to lose his temper or twist the right arm if it might get the deal he believed possible. "I like Delors above all for his intellect. He had the most formidable brain I ever encountered," Peter Sutherland, a former commissioner from Ireland, said of him in the 1990s. "But he was extremely tense, like a coiled spring." Others describe the small, dapper man with heavy-framed glasses and grey hair swept back as someone capable of applying "rudeness, finesse, insight and diplomatic skill" all at the same time "while promising more than there really was". Of himself, Delors once said: "I don't hide. I make mistakes, I lose my temper. But people say, 'that guy, he's human.' I shall never be a great politician because I cannot get concerned about my image." Jacques Lucien Jean Delors was born in Paris in 1925 to a devoutly Catholic family. He earned a degree in economics from the Sorbonne and followed his father into a career at the central bank. A union member from a young age and a staunch defender of labour rights throughout his life, Delors joined the Socialist Party in the 1970s, carefully balancing his politics with his religious faith and a belief in a market economy. After a two-year stint in the European Parliament, where he headed the economic affairs committee, he served as minister of finance, economics and budget under President Francois Mitterand, gaining a front-row seat on the shaping of economic policy in Europe in the early 1980s. COLLISION COURSE As president of the Commission from 1985 he was convinced of the need to forge deeper economic and monetary ties among the member states of the European Community. That passion for integration is what would set him on a collision course with Thatcher, who saw in Delors all the dangers of a French-dominated European superstate. Their bristling animosity came to a head in 1988, after Delors made a pro-Europe speech to Britain's Trade Union Congress, an enemy of Thatcherism, prompting a severe retort from Thatcher in a speech in Bruges weeks later. The blood rose again in 1990, when Thatcher's government was on its last legs and Britain was becoming isolated in Europe. Challenged in parliament over her Europe policy, Thatcher said: "The president of the Commission, Mr Delors, said... he wanted the European Parliament to be the democratic body of the Community, he wanted the Commission to be the executive and he wanted the Council of Ministers to be the senate. No! No! No!" Delors ushered through the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which established the European Union, and launched the single market in 1993, finally stepping down in December 1994. He decided not to run for the French presidency in the 1995 election and remained mostly preoccupied with European issues, setting up his own think-tank, Notre Europe, and supporting groups dedicated to federalism. He spoke often during Europe's 2010-2013 debt crisis about his belief in the single currency, the euro, while acknowledging its faults as a project launched with strong political will but insufficient economic underpinning. Delors is survived by his daughter Martine Aubry, a French politician who is mayor of Lille and who campaigned to be the socialist candidate for the French presidency in 2011, losing to Francois Hollande. (Editing by Gareth Jones, Richard Lough, Alexandra Hudson) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov looks on during a visit of CIS heads of state to the Catherine Palace at the Tsarskoye Selo State Museum and Reserve in Saint Petersburg, Russia December 26, 2023. Sputnik/Alexei Danichev/Kremlin via REUTERS MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Wednesday that any fresh European Union aid to Ukraine would not affect the outcome of the conflict there and that such spending would only hurt Europe's economy. The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that the EU was preparing a back-up plan of funding worth up to 20 billion euros ($22.10 billion) for Kyiv. The debt-funded scheme would sidestep Hungary, which opposes such aid to Ukraine, allowing the EU to release the funds to Kyiv quickly, the article said. Asked about the report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested, without citing specific examples, that EU taxpayers were starting to understand that their money was being misspent by authorities in Ukraine. "Both Europeans and Americans are already well aware of the level of corruption (in Ukraine) and they understand that a fair portion of this money is stolen," Peskov told a regular news briefing. "This money will not be able to change the course of events (in the Ukraine conflict)... This money is allocated to the detriment of EU economies which are already going through difficult times..," he said. Peskov reiterated that Moscow would press on with what it calls its special military operation in Ukraine until it had achieved "the goals that stand before us". Moscow has previously said its military operations in Ukraine are aimed at the demilitarisation and "denazification" of the country. Kyiv and its Western allies say Moscow is bent on an imperial-style land grab in Ukraine. The EU agreed on Dec. 14 to open membership talks with Ukraine despite the ongoing military conflict, but they could not agree on a 50 billion euro package of financial aid for Kyiv due to opposition from Hungary. EU leaders, who would prefer a deal backed by all members but also have a plan B that would circumvent Hungary, are expected to revisit the issue at an emergency summit on Feb. 1. Kyiv says it is doing its best to crack down on any corruption. Ukraine's SBU security service and the Defence Ministry said earlier this month that they had uncovered a scheme for the fraudulent purchase of artillery shells that involved embezzlement of the equivalent of nearly $40 million. ($1 = 0.9050 euros) (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Gareth Jones; Editing by Andrew Osborn) BEIRUT (Reuters) - An Israeli air strike on a residence in south Lebanon has killed a Lebanese-Australian man, his wife, and his brother, who was a member of armed group Hezbollah, security and local sources told Reuters on Wednesday. The strike late on Tuesday, part of a flare-up of border area hostilities between Israeli and Hezbollah forces, hit a home in the town of Bint Jbeil, where the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah enjoys widespread support. The Lebanese-Australian civilian man was identified by one of his relatives as Ibrahim Bazzi. His wife, a Lebanese national, also died. Hezbollah then announced the killing of Ali Bazzi, his brother and one of the Shi'ite Muslim group's fighters. Asked about the incident, the Israeli military said one of its jets had struck a Hezbollah military site overnight in Lebanon. Australian media quoted a spokesperson for Australia's foreign ministry as saying it was aware of the report and was seeking confirmation. Hezbollah, an ally of Palestinian Islamist faction Hamas, has been exchanging near-daily fire with Israel across Lebanon's southern frontier sinc the eruption of the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza in early October. Hezbollah launched the most rockets and weaponised drones against Israel on Wednesday that it has in a single day since the spate of daily clashes began, security sources said. The Israeli military said on Wednesday its jets had targeted a number of Hezbollah military sites and other locations. Israeli air strikes and shelling have killed more than 100 Hezbollah fighters and nearly two dozen civilians, including children, elderly and several journalists. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily; editing by Mark Heinrich) FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Trump Organization civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., November 6, 2023. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Pool/File Photo By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump scored a victory on Wednesday in his fight against challenges to his eligibility to run for the White House again when Michigan's top court declined to hear a case seeking to disqualify him from the state's presidential primary ballot. The Michigan Supreme Court said it would not hear an appeal from four voters in the state seeking to bar the former president from the Feb. 27 Republican primary for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The voters argued that Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination, could not serve as president under a provision in the U.S. Constitution that bars people from holding office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after swearing an oath to the United States. "We are not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court," the justices said in a brief order. Trump in a post on his Truth Social site said that the court "strongly and rightfully denied" what he called a "desperate Democrat attempt" to take him off the ballot in Michigan. The Michigan ruling contrasts with a decision by Colorado's top court last week to disqualify Trump under the same constitutional provision, known as Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Trump has vowed to appeal the Colorado ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump has been indicted in both a federal case and in Georgia for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 election but he has not been charged with insurrection related to the Jan. 6 attack. A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court could resolve the issue of Trump's eligibility nationwide to run in the 2024 presidential race. A lawyer for the voters cast the ruling as procedural, noting that the court allowed them to revive their case for the November 2024 general election. The Courts decision is disappointing but we will continue, at a later stage, to seek to uphold this critical constitutional provision designed to protect our republic, the attorney, Mark Brewer, said in a statement. Unlike in Colorado, the Michigan Supreme Court did not decide the merits of whether Trump engaged in insurrection. The justices upheld lower court rulings concluding that courts should not decide the issue for the primary election. Unlike 14th Amendment challenges brought in some other states, Michigan is considered one of the key swing states likely to decide the outcome of the general election. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward, Jasper Ward and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Richard Cowan, Paul Grant, Chizu Nomiyama and Mark Porter) A fire burns at the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa region, Ukraine December 27, 2023. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Odesa region/Handout via REUTERS KYIV (Reuters) -Two people were killed after Russian forces sent dozens of attack drones over Ukraine in an overnight air strike, Ukrainian authorities said on Wednesday. The Ukraine air force said that 32 of 46 Iranian-made drones deployed by Russia had been shot down. Most of the rest struck near the front line, mainly in the southern Kherson region. The governor of Ukraine's Odesa region said that a 35-year-old man was killed by debris from a downed drone in a residential area. Another man died in the hospital from his injuries. Four others including a 17-year-old boy were wounded, according to the governor, Oleh Kiper. There were no other immediate reports of casualties. The air force said the military had shot down drones over parts of central, southern and western Ukraine. Russia has carried out a campaign of regular air strikes on population centres far behind the front line of its nearly two-year-old war in Ukraine. Ukraine's interior ministry also reported a separate fatality from overnight shelling of Kherson city. (Reporting by Dan Peleschuk in Kyiv and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne, Editing by Tom Hogue, David Goodman and Angus MacSwan) By Praveen Paramasivam and Nandan Mandayam CHENNAI/BENGALURU (Reuters) -About 60 people have been hospitalised after an ammonia leak from a pipeline belonging to India's Coromandel International near its Ennore plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the government said. The people were hospitalised after they had difficulty in breathing and a burning sensation in the eyes, and 52 people are still under observation, the government said in a statement. The leak took place when Coromandel's fertiliser manufacturing unit was preparing to receive an ammonia shipment through its 2.5 kilometre-long (1.5 mile) undersea pipeline. "The unit observed pressure drop in the pipeline at around 11.45 pm and simultaneously observed pungent odour around the storage terminal and near the material gate," the statement said. "They will identify the exact location and the extent of pipeline damage within a day and will rectify the same before commencing the ammonia transfer." Coromandel's shares dropped as much as 3.7% on Wednesday, before closing 1.6% lower. "All are safe and normalcy is restored. We have informed relevant authorities about the incident," Coromandel said in an exchange filing earlier in the day. The incident comes weeks after an oil spill in the same area from a refinery belonging to Indian Oil-owned Chennai Petroleum Corp during Cyclone Michaung. Separately, one worker was killed and another was injured in an explosion at state-run refiner Indian Oil Corp's (IOC) plant in Chennai on Wednesday. (Reporting by Nandan Mandayam in Bengaluru and Praveen Paramasivam in Chennai; Editing by Sohini Goswami and Devika Syamnath) GAZA (Reuters) -Israel has returned the bodies of 80 Palestinians killed in the Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said on Wednesday. Israel said it was returning the bodies after confirming that they were not Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. The ministry said the bodies were buried and the authorities recorded details to help with later identification. Gaza authorities were trying to figure out when and where the men were killed and who they were. Israel government says the aim of its offensive in Gaza is to destroy Hamas despite global calls for a ceasefire in the 11-week-old war. Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and captured 240 hostages on Oct. 7 in the deadliest day in Israeli history. An Israeli military spokesperson said that during the war, bodies have been transported to Israel "for an identification procedure as part of our effort to locate the hostages and the missing persons". "The difficulties in identifying those murdered make it necessary to transfer those bodies to Israel for forensic identification," and that it was in line with "routine analysis that complies with internationally accepted forensic standards" in order to rule out their identification as Israeli hostages, the spokesperson said. The health ministry said the bodies were handed over by Israel through the Kerem Shalom border crossing. According to the Islamic Waqf, or religious affairs ministry, the bodies had been collected from the northern part of the Gaza Strip. It is rare for such a large number of bodies to be returned. They were buried on Tuesday in a long ditch at a Rafah cemetery in the south of the enclave. "Pictures are being taken to identify them later," a representative of the Gaza Islamic Waqf said. Palestinian health authorities say about 21,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, with thousands more feared buried under rubble. Nearly all the enclave's 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes, many several times. Israel says it is doing what it can to protect civilians, and blames Hamas for putting them in harm's way by operating among them, which Hamas denies. (Writing by Michael Georgy;Editing by Alison Williams and Nick Macfie) FILE PHOTO: Trucks line up in a long queue to cross the Polish-Ukrainian border at the Dorohusk-Jagodzin crossing, in Okopy, Poland, December 4, 2023. REUTERS/Kuba Stezycki/File Photo WARSAW (Reuters) -Poland's government is getting close to ending a blockade by truckers of several border crossings with Ukraine, the prime minister said on Wednesday. Polish drivers have been blocking several crossings with Ukraine since Nov. 6, demanding the European Union reinstate a system whereby Ukrainian companies need permits to operate in the bloc and the same for European truckers to enter Ukraine. Farmers suspended a protest at one border crossing on Sunday, but truckers have continued to block three others. "We are close to the belief that our actions can bring results, both the talks in Kyiv and Brussels," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told a news conference. "I do not think that we will achieve the maximum that the truckers want, but it seems that what can be achieved will allow us to relieve emotions and relieve blockades on the border." The permit system for Ukrainian drivers was lifted after the EU and Kyiv signed an agreement on June 29, 2022, four months after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tusk said that the current regulations concerning permits would be in force until June and that it was unlikely that they could be changed before then. However, he said other solutions could be found at the "operational level". He said that he would discuss the issue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during an upcoming visit to Kyiv. "I will do everything possible to make the life and fate of Polish truckers easier," he said. 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. (Reporting by Alan Charlish, Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Sales of new buses in Ukraine increase by 62% in 2023 - Etalon Corporation The market for new buses in Ukraine (except minibuses) in 2023 grew by 62%, or by 360 units, compared to 2022, up to 940 units, said Vadym Shkarupin, director of Etalon Auto Trading House. This is our internal analysis, we did not rely on any statistical data, but we see that the market for new buses is growing, he said at a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency in Kyiv on Wednesday. According to Shkarupin, the largest share in sales was occupied by Ataman buses produced by Cherkasy Bus - 450 units, or 48%, Etalon ranked second with the sale of 300 buses (32%), ZAZ ranked third with 115 buses (12%). Next come the Turkish Otocar and Temsa (20 cars each and 2% of the market), the Ukrainian Bogdan with 15 buses. The remaining manufacturers sold 20 buses. At the same time, sales of Ataman buses increased by 66% compared to 2022, Etalon by 55%, ZAZ by 1.9 times. Despite the seemingly unimpressive sales of Turkish Temsa, the growth dynamics are 1000%. If this dynamics continues next year, then Temsa will have half of the market, says Shkarupin. The majority of buses sold, taking into account the fact that 70% are school buses, are small class. The structure of the market has not changed for many years - 90% are government purchases (including 70% from schools, the rest are purchases by cities) and 10% are commercial purchases, said the director of the trading house. According to his approximate data, the secondary bus market grew by 43%. According to our estimates, the purchase of used cars amounts to more than 700 units. That is, in the overall market structure, about 55% are new buses and about 45% are used, he noted. Shkarupin also analyzed the market for trucks (excluding converted cars), which is expected to amount to 11,000 units in 2023 (60% more than in 2022). Moreover, if in the segment of new trucks with a gross weight of 3.6-8 tonnes the sales increase was 52%, then in the segment of 8.1-16 tonnes - 93%. This is due, first of all, to the fact that most logistics have moved from air and the Black Sea to the delivery of goods by wheeled transport and trucks from Europe, he concluded. The market for used trucks, according to Shkarupin, in 2023 decreased to 36,000 units compared to 47,000 in 2022. But in the overall structure of the market, the situation is sad 77% are used cars and only 23% are new, he emphasized. And returning to Yulia Svyrydenkos speech on December 20, we see that there are certain actions by the government, because the sales dynamics of Ukrainian manufacturers are positive, but there are certain points that are very alarming, added Shkarupin. In particular, in the bus auction announced in 2023, some 24 Turkish Temsa buses were purchased for almost UAH 118 million. That is, the average cost of one is UAH 4.9 million, while we offered for UAH 3.2 million. That is, for this amount it was possible to purchase 51% more buses, or 36 units, he noted. At the same time, Shkarupin again emphasized the insufficient control over the level of localization declared by foreign manufacturers at tenders - the same Temsa indicates almost 35%. The new philosophy of supporting the Ukrainian manufacturer, declared by the government, is good, but it must be treated with caution. And if the state proclaimed - lets return to the domestic manufacturer, then in a year we will tell you at our next press conference what happened from the point of view new philosophy, summed up Volodymyr Butko, president of Etalon Corporation. COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Six Danes have been charged by Russia for participating in the war between Russia and Ukraine as foreign mercenaries, the Russian embassy in Denmark said in a statement on Wednesday. The charges follow an investigation by Russian authorities into the recruitment and participation of foreign mercenaries and the Danes face up to 15 years in prison according to the Russian Federation's Penal Code, the embassy said. 20 Danes have been registered for taking part in the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian embassy said, adding that the embassy has reached out to the Danish Foreign Ministry. The Danish foreign ministry was not immediately available to comment. (Reporting by Johannes Birkebaek; Editing by Tomasz Janowski) By Ali Sawafta TULKARM (Reuters) - Six Palestinians were killed by a drone strike during an Israeli raid n the West Bank city of Tulkarm, the Palestinian health ministry said on Wednesday, one of the latest examples of rising violence since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Israeli military said its forces came under attack by militants who threw explosive devices at them during a counter-terrorism operation. The attackers were struck by an Israeli air force aircraft, it said. The confrontation took place in the Nour Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm, a flashpoint city on one of the main crossing points into the West Bank. Witnesses said the six young men killed in the strike were sitting together in the early hours of the morning but were not involved in clashes with Israeli forces conducting a raid in other parts of the camp. "We heard the sound, and the screaming, our house is nearby so we came out to see," said Izzaldin Assaili, a resident who lives nearby. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa said the young men were aged between 17 and 29. Another man, aged 24, died of wounds received in a clash last month, the agency said, quoting the health ministry. No detailed comment on the incident was immediately available from the Israeli military. The West Bank had already been experiencing the highest levels of unrest in decades during the 18 months preceding the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas gunmen but confrontations have risen sharply as Israel have launched a ground invasion of Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers over the past weeks and security forces have carried out thousands of arrests, with repeated confrontations between troops and Palestinian protesters. (Reporting by Ali Sawafta; Writing by James Mackenzie; editing by Grant McCool) BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's Software AG has invited competitors and investors to submit bids for two software platforms and is looking at options for a third one, the Handelsblatt daily reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the talks. Software AG, which is majority-owned by private equity firm Silver Lake, is looking for interested parties for its Trend Miner and Cumulocity platforms, according to Handelsblatt. In addition, options are being examined for its Alfabet software, the report said. Trend Miner is used for data analysis for industry, Cumulocity is a software used for the 'Internet of Things' and Alfabet helps with the visualisation of company architecture. Software AG was not immediately available for comment. The German software firm earlier this month said that it had agreed to sell its StreamSets and webMethods platforms to IBM. Silver Lake had simultaneously announced its delisting offer for Software AG at 32 euros ($35.34) per share, the expected next step following its takeover this year. ($1 = 0.9054 euros) (Reporting by Elke Ahlswede; Writing by Miranda Murray; Editing by Rachel More) FILE PHOTO: A Tesla logo is seen outside a showroom of the carmaker in Beijing, China May 31, 2023. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo (Reuters) -Electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc is preparing to launch a revamped version of its Model Y from its Shanghai plant, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The move was first reported by Reuters in March when three sources said Tesla was readying a production revamp of the Model Y, expected to start production in 2024. (Reporting by Gokul Pisharody in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu and Sonia Cheema) FILE PHOTO: Erkan Bas, the leader of Workers' Party of Turkey (TIP) speaks near a portrait of Can Atalay, a jailed MP of TIP, at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey, June 2, 2023. Atalay has not been released despite a law that opens a way for jailed ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A Turkish court refused on Wednesday to release the newly elected opposition lawmaker Can Atalay despite a Constitutional Court ruling that his rights to security, liberty and to be elected were violated. The Constitutional Court issued the ruling last week, saying he should be released immediately. An Istanbul penal court heard Atalay's case on Wednesday but refused to release him, instead transferring the case to the Court of Cassation. "Istanbul 13th Criminal Court has just unanimously sent the case once again to the 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation. This is a constitutional crime," said Erkan Bas, who leads Atalay's Workers' Party, an ally of the pro-Kurdish Green-Left Party. Atalay, 47, was elected to parliament in May 14 elections while serving an 18-year prison sentence. Atalay was sentenced in April 2022 after being convicted of trying to overthrow the government by allegedly organising the nationwide Gezi Park protests in 2013 with Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala and six others. All the defendants denied the charges, saying the protests developed spontaneously. The demonstrations marked the biggest popular challenge to President Tayyip Erdogan in his two decades in power. Last month, the appeals Court of Cassation made a criminal complaint against judges of the Constitutional Court, which ruled that jailed parliamentarian Atalay should be released. President Erdogan said parliament may pass a legal amendment to resolve a judicial crisis involving an unprecedented clash between two of the country's top courts. (Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Writing by Huseyin Hayatsever; Editing by Richard Chang) KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine has opened a war crimes investigation into the alleged execution by Russian forces of three Ukrainian prisoners of war, the general prosecutor's office said on Wednesday. Authorities said the incident occurred this month near the village of Robotyne in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, and was captured in a video that was circulating online. Reuters could not independently verify the footage, which appears to show three unarmed figures collapsing from a stationary position after being fired upon. Russia did not immediately comment on the allegation, the second this month levelled against it by Ukrainian prosecutors. "This is another case of a gross violation by the aggressor country of international humanitarian law regarding the treatment of prisoners of war," the prosecutor's office said in a statement. Ukraine on Dec. 3 accused Russia of committing a war crime after another video on social media appeared to show several soldiers shooting two surrendering military personnel who emerged from a dugout at gunpoint. Last March, a captured Ukrainian soldier was seen being shot dead in a video after defiantly saying "Glory to Ukraine," a phrase that has taken on special significance as a common public greeting since the start of the war. (Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Angus MacSwan) FILE PHOTO: Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's vice president and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate arrives an election campaign event in Kaohsiung, Taiwan December 22, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) - As Taiwan's election approaches next month, it is not only fraught ties with China competing for electors' attention. The candidates are exchanging blows over everything from property disputes to whether drinking whisky is out of touch, in a raucous and freewheeling display of the island's democracy. Taiwan's Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary election will define how the Chinese-claimed island deals with Beijing and the subject is indeed a major bone of contention. But it is far from the sole issue debated at rallies, press conferences and on television talk shows where the uncensored exchanges are a major contrast to China, which says it is a socialist democracy but has been ruled only by the Communist Party since the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. One subject taking much limelight in Taiwan is whether the childhood home of Lai Ching-te from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and currently frontrunner to be next president according to most polls, was illegally expanded by his family in an old coal mining area north of Taipei. Lai has denied anything untoward took place. But he has pledged to donate the tidy-looking house, which using Chinese-language wordplay on his name the opposition have called Lai's "rascally shack", so it can be turned into a miners' museum. "I've seen that villagers in mining areas are worried the houses they've settled down in would be considered illegally built and be demolished. I'm very sorry about this. It is my responsibility to help everyone find a way to protect their housing rights," Lai said last week. The property ownership of the other two presidential candidates, Hou Yu-ih from the main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je from the small Taiwan People's Party (TPP), have also garnered attention. The DPP has criticised Ko for co-owning farmland illegally turned into a parking lot, and Hou of profiting from renting out a large number of apartments his wife owns. Ko has promised to tear up the parking lot. Hou has denied wrongdoing, and his wife said on Wednesday the apartments "from beginning to end do not belong" to him, denouncing "political smears and suspicion". Hou's running mate, the outspoken media personality Jaw Shaw-kong, said this week nobody was being forced to live in the apartments, many of which were rented to students. "If people think they are too expensive then boycott them," Jaw told reporters. Illegally adding to buildings or putting farmland into other uses are not uncommon problems in Taiwan given the sometimes vague or unenforced regulations. JOHNNIE WALKER AND SARSAPARILLA Lai has a lead of around 5 percentage points in most polls, though some have shown Hou only one or two points behind. One focus for all three parties has been how to appeal to the young, with an estimated 1 million new voters eligible to cast ballots at this election. Ko has honed in on bread-and-butter issues like the high cost of housing, and young people have flocked to his rallies even if he has trailed in the polls. But the TPP has been attacked as out of touch with ordinary people for Ko's choice of running mate, Cynthia Wu, whose family is a major shareholder of conglomerate the Shin Kong Group. The TPP's opponents mocked Wu for comments at a vice presidential debate on Friday where she said "when I was young, everyone loved to drink Johnnie Walker," referring to the popular Scotch whisky. Wang Ting-yu, a senior DPP lawmaker, shot back on his Facebook page that when he was young, "we mostly drank plain water". Wu downplayed the furore. "Sarsaparilla, beer, guava juice and Johnnie Walker is for us Chinese what should be on the table to drink. OK? So there's no need to make a fuss about it," she told reporters. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Yimou Lee; Editing by Jamie Freed) Traffic moves along a highway shrouded in heavy smog in New Delhi, India, December 26, 2023. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis By Ruma Paul DHAKA (Reuters) - A thick layer of toxic smog wreathed Bangladesh's capital of Dhaka on Wednesday as the air quality index plummeted into the "hazardous" category, while similar conditions prevailed in New Delhi, the capital of neighbouring India. The air quality in Dhaka, one of the world's most crowded cities with more than 20 million people, has deteriorated as large projects spring up and fossil fuels get overused, bringing health problems for many. "We often suffer from asthma, fever and allergies while operating rickshaws on the streets," said Rafiq Mondal, who pulls the traditional two-wheeled vehicles to earn his living. "It is often very painful." Images from drones equipped with cameras showed smog at 9 a.m. (0300 GMT) that put Dhaka in top spot among the world's most polluted cities, with a "hazardous" index level of 325, Swiss group IQAir said. But conditions improved slightly, with the index dropping to 177, in the "unhealthy" range, by 1.35 p.m. (0735 GMT). City authorities spray the streets with water to help the dust settle, but residents called for greater efforts. "The air pollution is taking its toll," said one of them, Wasim Akhter. "With all the mega projects like the metro rail overhead, there is a lot of construction material everywhere ... Measures must be taken more seriously." In a year when smog briefly put Sydney on par with New Delhi, the World Bank has urged Bangladesh to co-ordinate more closely with neighbours in South Asia to clean up the air. Air pollution, often a mix of solid particles, liquid droplets and gases, takes a toll of about a fifth of the country's premature deaths each year, it said in a report. Some areas of Dhaka had levels of fine particulate matter as much as 20 times in excess of World Health Organization (WHO) standards, the report added. In New Delhi, the Indian capital, pollution was also high, with an index reading of 378, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, for a rating of "very poor". More than 100 flights were delayed and rail services disrupted by an enveloping fog amid temperatures of 11 degrees Celsius (51.8 degrees Fahrenheit), said news agency ANI, in which Reuters has a minority stake. (Additional reporting by Sam Jahan in Dhaka and Sakshi Dayal in Delhi; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) CHENNAI/BENGALURU (Reuters) -One worker was killed and another injured in a fire incident at an Indian Oil Corp (IOC) plant in the southern Indian city of Chennai on Wednesday, the state-run refiner said. "The incident occurred during a planned maintenance activity of an ethanol storage tank managed by a contractor," IOC said in a statement. It did not provide a cause for the fire at the company's Tondiarpet terminal, or specify how long the terminal will be closed; it only said it would take safety measures before resuming operations. Supplies of petroleum, oil, and lubricants, which IOC sells in Chennai through the affected terminal, will be provided to the city from alternate locations, it said. A few weeks ago, a major oil spill was reported on the Tamil Nadu coast from a refinery belonging to Indian Oil-owned Chennai Petroleum Corp during Cyclone Michaung. In a separate incident in Chennai on Wednesday, around 60 people were hospitalised after an ammonia leak from a pipeline belonging to Coromandel International near its Ennore plant in the city. (Reporting by Varun Vyas in Bengaluru and Praveen Paramasivam in Chennai; Editing by Savio D'Souza, Sohini Goswami and Shinjini Ganguli) UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of December, 2023 Commission File Number 1-15106 PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. PETROBRAS (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Brazilian Petroleum Corporation PETROBRAS (Translation of Registrant's name into English) Avenida Henrique Valadares, 28 19th floor 20231-030 Rio de Janeiro, RJ Federative Republic of Brazil (Address of principal executive office) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F _______ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes _______ No___X____ Petrobras on payment of remuneration to shareholders Rio de Janeiro, December 27, 2023 - Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras, following up on the Material Facts of 03/01/2023, 04/27/2023 and 12/22/2023, informs that it will pay today the third installment of the remaining remuneration to shareholders for 2022. The gross amount to be distributed today is R$ 0,56252157 per common and preferred share in the form of dividends. CREDIT INSTRUCTIONS Payment will be made by Banco Bradesco S.A. (Bradesco), institution depositary of book-entry shares. All shareholders who have their registration duly updated, will have their rights automatically credited to their bank accounts today. More information can be obtained through any Bradesco branch or by calling 0800-7011616. For shareholders with custody in B3, the payment will be done by deposit brokers. For holders of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) negotiated on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the payment will be made from 01/04/2023 by JP Morgan Chase, depositary bank of ADRs. Information and clarifications may be obtained at www.adr.com Dividends not claimed within 3 (three) years from the date of payment (12/27/2023) will lapse and revert to the company (Law 6404/76, article 287, item II, item a). www.petrobras.com.br/ri For more information: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. PETROBRAS | Investors Relations e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected] Av. Henrique Valadares, 28 19 Andar 20231-030 Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Tel.: 55 (21) 3224-1510/9947 | 0800-282-1540 This document may contain forecasts within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Trading Act of 1934, as amended (Trading Act) that reflect the expectations of the Company's officers. The terms: "anticipates", "believes", "expects", "predicts", "intends", "plans", "projects", "aims", "should," and similar terms, aim to identify such forecasts, which evidently involve risks or uncertainties, predicted or not by the Company. Therefore, future results of the Company's operations may differ from current expectations, and the reader should not rely solely on the information included herein SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: December 27, 2023 PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.APETROBRAS By: /s/ Sergio Caetano Leite ______________________________ Sergio Caetano Leite Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Officer OTP Bank offers small and medium-sized businesses loans for the purchase of equipment with the possibility of reimbursement of part of the costs financed by the bank. Such loans are provided as part of the EBRD's SME Competitiveness Program in the Eastern Partnership countries. According to Natalia Kondratchuk, Director of Corporate Finance at OTP Bank: "The purpose of the program is to develop lending aimed at purchasing energy-efficient machinery and equipment by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and investing in energy-saving technologies. In particular, such financing is intended to meet the needs of local agricultural producers to upgrade their agricultural machinery fleet with products of well-known global brands. In doing so, the borrower will be able to claim compensation for part of the costs financed by the bank's credit facilities." The amount of compensation depends on the type of assets acquired and can reach 20% of the loan proceeds. The reimbursement will be made in euros, approximately within a month after the borrower has documented the intended use of the funds and the EBRD has verified the documents. The average amount of loans under the program is expected to be the hryvnia equivalent of EUR 300 thousand, but the amount of each loan is determined by the details of the investment project, which must be acceptable to the EBRD. The minimum loan term is 24 months and the maximum is 60 months. The loan is secured by a pledge of the purchased equipment, a financial guarantee of the borrower's owners and additional collateral if necessary. The loan agreement is implemented under the EBRD's risk-sharing program, so the project to be financed must also meet its criteria. OTP Bank offers loans with such unique cost compensation to its clients with no more than 249 employees and annual revenues not exceeding the equivalent of EUR 50 million or the currency of the annual balance sheet not exceeding the equivalent of EUR 43 million in UAH equivalent. The borrower company must have been operating in the Ukrainian market for at least 3 years and meet other requirements set by OTP Bank and the EBRD, including a positive credit history. U.S. forces camped on decaying tarmac on Tinian during the COPE North airpower drills Feb. 18, 2020. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) The U.S. Air Force is bringing the island airfield that launched the atomic bombings of Japan back into service as it seeks bases where its Pacific forces can disperse in wartime. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of Pacific Air Forces, told Nikkei Asia for a Dec. 13 report that North Airfield on the island of Tinian is being reclaimed from jungle that has overgrown it since World War II. In 1945, the airfield included four 8,500-foot runways that launched B-29 Superfortress bombers against Japan. Visitors to Tinian, a U.S. territory 118 miles from Guam, can still see pits where the atom bombs Fat Man and Little Boy were loaded onto B-29s bound for Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The North Airfield has extensive pavement underneath the overgrown jungle. Well be clearing that jungle out between now and summertime, Wilsbach said. If you pay attention in the next few months, you will see significant progress he told Nikkei, without providing a timeline for when the airfield will be in use. Pacific Air Forces confirmed the comments in an email Tuesday to Stars and Stripes. The recently passed National Defense Authorization Act, which will fund the military in 2024, includes tens of millions of dollars for projects on Tinian. Funding for the island includes $26 million for airfield development, $20 million for fuel tanks, $32 million for parking aprons, $46 million for cargo pad and taxiway extension and $4.7 million for a maintenance and support facility. The Tinian projects are part of efforts to restore World War II-era airfields throughout the western Pacific. Visitors to Tinian can still see pits where the atomic bombs were loaded onto the B-29 Superfortress bombers bound for Hiroshima and Nagasaki. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) Agile combat employment The old airfields provide available real estate, Brig. Gen. Michael Zuhlsdorf, the Air Forces deputy director of resource integration for engineering, logistics and force protection, said during a webinar hosted by the Mitchell Institute, a nonpartisan aerospace research organization in Arlington, Va., in August. Were going to capitalize in investing in that and bringing some of those bases to life, he said. Were going to bring to life some mothballed bases that are out there. The plan is to build robust infrastructure to support agile combat employment, he said. Agile combat employment refers to the Air Forces ability to move aircraft rapidly to a network of smaller airfields to avoid being targeted by missiles in the event of war. Chinese missile forces could reach American bases in the region, meaning the Air Force is seeking places to disperse aircraft in wartime. Last month, the U.S. and the Philippines marked the completion of a $24-million runway upgrade at Basa Air Base on the Philippines main island of Luzon. Basa, just south of the larger Clark Air Base, is the home of the Philippine Air Forces 5th Fighter Wing and was built by U.S. forces at the start of World War II. The U.S.-funded renovation is one of several projects at bases in the islands that American forces have access to under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA. U.S. forces can operate from nine sites in the country, including four announced in February, under the 2014 security pact. The U.S. has paid for $66 million in projects at Basa, including a warehouse and fuel storage tanks, the Philippine Inquirer reported Nov. 8. The U.S. Defense Department has earmarked $35 million in fiscal year 2024 to build a transient aircraft parking apron at the base. Japanese airmen watch a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Tinian during the COPE North airpower drills in 2020. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) Mutually reinforcing Investing in Tinian complicates planning for China or any other country that considers military challenges to a free and open Indo-Pacific, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Leaf, a former deputy commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said by email Tuesday. With modern aircraft and weapons, some of the preparatory work for a modern airfield is much better done in advance rather than response making it important to act now, he said. The restoration of the airfield means it will be available if needed for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, he said. The airfield will be a useful part of the Air Force network, although not a game changer, Grant Newsham, a retired Marine colonel and senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo, said in an email the same day. The new Philippine airfields to which [the Air Force, Navy and Marines Corps] have access are also very useful and allow more effective cover of the South China Sea and even Taiwan, he said. Each location or facility plays a certain role and they tend to be mutually reinforcing. You can launch and attack from many different directions and that makes things difficult for an enemy. An undated image posted online by Goines Towing & Recovery shows tow trucks operated by the company, which is involved in a legal settlement with the Justice Department. The settlement addresses allegations of violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act by towing and selling vehicles belonging to service members without proper court disclosures. (Yelp) A North Carolina tow-truck operator must pay almost $67,000 to settle claims that he repossessed and sold vehicles owned by Marines deployed to Okinawa and elsewhere overseas, according to federal prosecutors. Billy Joe Goines, owner of Goines Towing and Recovery outside Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C., agreed to the reimbursement amount in a settlement, court documents filed Tuesday said. He also will forgive storage fees charged to the eight Marines and take training on the legal rights of military personnel. Debt collectors and towing companies shouldnt be allowed to take and sell (service members) property behind their backs, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley said in a statement Tuesday. The federal government sued Goines and his company in March based on claims he had thwarted legal protections for deployed service members. The case is the first brought by the U.S. against a towing company under a section of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act that requires them to submit an affidavit as to whether the owner of a repossessed vehicle is in the military, the Justice Department said Tuesday. The law intends to give troops their day in court, even if they are not physically present in the country because of deployments or military service. Prior to asking for a court judgment to sell a vehicle, repo companies are supposed to check whether its owner is in the military. If so, the court cannot authorize a sale until it appoints a lawyer to represent the interests of the service member. Goines told the court that he and his employees couldnt determine that, even when they had towed the vehicle from the parking lot of a barracks on the base. In one instance, the company filed an affidavit saying it could not tell whether the owner of a Toyota FJ Cruiser was in the military, despite the fact that the owner had called to say he was deployed to Okinawa, according to court documents. Goines took a Marine corporals SUV from a parking lot near Camp Lejeune while he was deployed in Okinawa. Then Goines asked a court to let him sell it and keep the proceeds, without ever flagging the corporals service for the court, Easley said in Tuesdays statement. Under the terms of the settlement, which must still be approved in federal court, seven service members whose vehicles were sold would receive cash for the value of their vehicles plus $500, provided they agree to the deal. Goines also was ordered to return a 2005 Ford Mustang and $1,500 to another service member as part of the settlement. An engraving depicts The opening of the fight at Wounded Knee, engraved illustration by Frederic Remington. Appeared as an illustration in Harpers Weekly, 1891 (Engraved illustration by Frederic Remington appeared in Harpers Weekly in 1891.) (Tribune News Service) Last November, more than 150 items stolen from mass graves of Wounded Knee massacre victims were returned to a group of descendants, the SiTanka Ta Oyate Omniceye (Descendants of the Si Tanka Nation). Now, a year later, the group plans to burn the artifacts to mark the end of the one-year traditional bereavement period called wasigla. In 1890, more than 300 Lakota men, women and children were killed by the United States military. The military had been sent to Pine Ridge to stop a potential Indian uprising. Instead, they encountered a band of Mniconju Lakota led by Chief Spotted Elk (nicknamed Big Foot by the military). The military misinterpreted the groups ghost dance songs as an intent to attack and opened fire on the band. Now 133 years later, the descendants of those who survived the massacre are working to preserve the memory of what happened that day. A majority of the items are clothing, mostly moccasins and ghost dance shirts. All of the clothes had been removed from the victims of the massacre by grave robbers. Some moccasins have blood splatters on them. The rest are peace pipes, dolls, two tomahawks, a bow and arrows, and a few beaded lizard and turtle amulets/pouches containing umbilical cords. Mixed in amongst the artifacts are items from other tribes, Ojibwe moccasins, Dakota and Cheyenne beadwork and other items from other tribes were scattered in. Those items will also be burned. All repatriated items came from the Woods Memorial Librarys Founders Museum Collection in Barre, Massachusetts. The museum qualifies as a private collection. The Founders Museum did not respond to a request for comment. It is unclear if the museums entire Native American Collection was given to the Wounded Knee descendants or just the Wounded Knee-related items. Out of fear for the items being stolen in the future and a desire to honor Lakota traditions, the group is choosing to burn all artifacts except for the peace pipes, on the 133rd anniversary of the massacre. The groups leader, Cedric Broken Nose, Oglala Lakota and a descendant of Chief Spotted Elk, said burying them wouldnt successfully return the items to the ancestors, rather the smoke created from the fire would carry the items up. The group has been advised by a medicine man as to what they should do with the artifacts. We dont want these items to end up in a museum, they dont belong in there, Broken Nose said. If we were to bury them the grave robbers would steal them; thats how they ended up in a museum in the first place. Broken Nose said all groups that had been gathering seasonally since the initial repatriation had all agreed to burn the items by October 2023. Every year the ancestors come back for their items, but since they cant take the items they take relatives, Broken Nose said. One hundred and thirty-three years later we need to give those items back to them. Theyre trying to come back for the items but they cant, so they take a spirit, they take a life, thats how powerful they are. The group has been working with Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out on how to properly handle the objects and ceremony. These items dont belong to us, they belong to the ancestors, Broken Nose said. Despite the groups plans, some Wounded Knee survivor descendants claim they were left out of the process. The group said there are more than 500 descendants of Wounded Knee survivor James Pipe on Head alone, the grandson of Chief Spotted Elk. Broken Nose said just in Oglala, South Dakota, over 30 families descend from Spotted Elk. This specific group is comprised of descendants who have met since 1980. Calvin Spotted Elk, a citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, said he feels the descendants have not been properly included in the decision-making process, especially those who live out of state. Spotted Elk lives in California. What really matters is that one family is making the decisions, he said. It is not our way for one family to make the decisions. Spotted Elk said he feels burying the items is more in line with Lakota tradition. He also said hes filed a petition in the Oglala Sioux Tribal Court to stop the artifacts from being burnt. Broken Nose said out of respect for maintaining good intentions around the items during the mourning period, the group will not be commenting on the claims made by Spotted Elk. Spotted Elk also alleged the group has not followed guidelines set out by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Under the 1990 legislation, museums or other institutions that accept federal funding must compile an inventory of Indigenous cultural items and initiate repatriation of the collections and remains to tribes or family members. While the act does set guidelines for the repatriation of Native American items, including remains and funerary objects, it does have its limitations. It only applies to museums or other institutions that accept federal funding, including the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act). Private collections are not subject to the federal legislation. In a normal NAGPRA-guided repatriation, items would be returned to direct descendants or the tribe from which the items came. A press release from the Founders Museum dated April 2022 stated the items were repatriated in the Spirit of the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act, not under NAGPRA. In January 2022 the museum began to take steps to repatriate the librarys Native American collection. In the meantime, the survivors descendants group has discussed sending the items to the Oglala Lakota College, Red Cloud Museum and Crazy Horse Memorial. Currently, the items are on a loan to the college. The Crazy Horse Memorial is too far from the reservation and community members couldnt easily access items to pray, Broken Nose said. The group said the Red Cloud Museum doesnt have an adequate temperature-controlled climate the items require but will reconsider once the Heritage Museum is constructed. For now, the peace pipes will remain at Oglala Lakota College, as will the other items until theyre burned. This story is co-published by the Rapid City Journal and ICT, a news partnership that covers Indigenous communities in the South Dakota area. Amelia Schafer is the Indigenous Affairs reporter for ICT and the Rapid City Journal. She is of Wampanoag and Montauk-Brothertown Indian Nation descent. She is based in Rapid City. You can contact her at aschafer@rapidcityjournal.com. (c)2023 Rapid City Journal, S.D. Visit Rapid City Journal, S.D. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Friedberg, Germany, Jan. 5, 2006: Soldiers of the 1st Armored Divisions 1st Brigade Combat Team salute during the playing of the national anthem at their deployment ceremony at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany. The 1st BCT is heading to Iraq for a second Operation Iraqi Freedom tour. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, visits a Russian aircraft plant that builds fighter jets in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, about 3,900 miles east of Moscow, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. A dormant North Korean port near the border with Russia appears to have sprung back to life in October. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) (Tribune News Service) A dormant North Korean port near the border with Russia has sprung back to life, fueling what experts say is a burgeoning trade in arms destined for the frontlines in Ukraine that is simultaneously bolstering the anemic economy managed by Kim Jong Un. Satellite imagery of the Najin port taken from October to December shows a steady stream of ships at the facility, hundreds of shipping containers being loaded and unloaded, and rail cars ready to transport goods. The activity appears to have picked up since early October, when the U.S. accused North Korea of sending munitions to Russia. The White House provided imagery it said showed weapons later being delivered thousands of miles away to a depot in the Russian town of Tikhoretsk for use in Ukraine. The flow of munitions that the U.S. and South Korea say have included hundreds of thousands of artillery shells could grow far greater in importance as divisions in the U.S. Congress and European Union over military aid threaten Kyivs ability to repel Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion. Pyongyangs decision to deliver munitions at scale once again underscores the grave threat that North Korea poses to international security, this time feeding a conflagration on European soil that has already cost the lives of tens of thousands of Ukrainians and consumed tens of billions of dollars in Western military support, according to a report by the Royal United Services Institute, a U.K. security think tank. Pyongyang, which has been banned from arms sales for about 15 years, has repeatedly rejected accusations it is supplying Russia. Analysis of the satellite data suggests otherwise. In a recent example, an image from Dec. 9 seems to show the Russian container ship Angara, sanctioned by the U.S., in Najins port unloading cargo while containers from North Korea await loading at an adjacent pier. Satellite imagery shows that round trips of cargo vessels between Najin, North Korea, and Dunay, Russia, have continued unabatedly despite additional U.S. sanctions and widespread reporting on this activity in the past few months, said Jaewoo Shin, an analyst at the Open Nuclear Network in Vienna. Shin said that while the nature of the cargo cant be confirmed with available imagery, the number of round trips and transferred containers suggest a significant and ongoing exchange, possibly including weapons and other military supplies. As the North Korea-Russia trade picks up, the flow of U.S. military aid to Kyiv has been increasingly under threat, with the Pentagon saying it will run out of money to replace weapons sent to Ukraine by Dec. 30 unless Congress approves additional funding. Thats unlikely now, with most lawmakers out of Washington for the year-end holidays. With an effective stalemate on the battlefield, the Kremlin is increasingly confident Russia can consolidate its control over occupied regions of eastern and southern Ukraine and wait for international support for Ukraine to erode. Putin said this month that therell be peace when we achieve our goals. For many U.S. partners, the flagging support for Ukraine is tied in part to a much-vaunted counteroffensive during the spring and summer that failed to deliver on the high expectations of allies. While satellite imagery shows steady activity at Najin, the vessels docking there appear to have turned off international maritime transponders that give their location, effectively turning them into ghost ships as they make the relatively short trip between Najin and Dunay also written as Dunai about 110 miles away. The Central Intelligence Agency identified the port as a Soviet submarine base during the Cold War, according to a document obtained by RUSI, the U.K. think tank. RUSIs October report analyzed dozens of high-resolution images that it concluded showed a few cargo vessels repeatedly making the trip between Najin and Dunay, likely packed with North Korean arms that are then sent across Russia. That trade appears to have continued in the time since the report was published, according to Joseph Byrne, a research fellow at RUSI and co-author of the report. There has been a continuation of deliveries by these vessels, he said, adding there is a continuation of the unloading of boxes loaded in Russia and delivered to North Korea and then the loading of containers that have seemingly comes down from rail cars from other places in North Korea to apparently be shipped back to Russian military facilities. South Koreas National Intelligence Service told lawmakers in November there had been about 10 shipments of weapons from North Korea to Russia since August, likely encompassing more than 1 million rounds of artillery. North Korea holds some of the worlds largest stores of munitions, much of it interoperable with weapons Russia has on the front lines. About six weeks later, Ive seen no signs of the transfer rate slowing down so for all we know thats another half million shells, said weapons expert Joost Oliemans, who co-authored the book The Armed Forces of North Korea. Oliemans said hes identified four types of munitions that have been a part of recent deliveries: 120 millimeter mortars, 122mm and 152 mm artillery shells and 122 mm rockets based on an analysis of what is making its way to the front lines. The situation on the battlefield is impacted by those deliveries, he said. Rather than seeing a notable change in tactics or swaths of land suddenly changing hands, it will allow Russia to keep up much higher pressure for longer on Ukrainian forces. An extra one million shells means about 2,700 rounds more per day Russia could fire at Ukraine, which is already having trouble procuring artillery and may face more difficulty if aid from the U.S. isnt secured. How much exactly North Korea will be able to deliver is anyones guess, Oliemans said, adding that deliveries will likely slow down once inventories become depleted, with North Koreas manufacturing capabilities insufficient to keep up with the pace of demand. Russias importance to North Korea had waned after the end of the Cold War, with China becoming Pyongyangs biggest benefactor. Trade between Russia and North Korea slowed to a trickle when Kim shut the borders at the start of the pandemic. But as COVID protections eased, and international sanctions hung over Moscow and Pyongyang, the two rekindled ties, finding they each had something the other wanted and could trade without real repercussions from the outside world. The assistance Kim receives from Russia is easing the pressure of years of sanctions over his increasing nuclear arsenal and potentially making the already-tense situation on the Korean Peninsula worse. With both Kim and Putin recognizing the utility and benefits of partnership, cooperation is likely to continue between North Korea and Russia into next year, said Soo Kim, a former Korea analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency, who now works at U.S.-based management consulting firm LMI. The give-and-take between the two countries is unlikely to be stopped so long as the international consequences sanctions, reputational shaming remain symbolic and largely insufficient to deter bad behavior, she said. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II photographed during flight training over the Utah Test and Training Range on Feb 14, 2018. (Andrew Lee/U.S. Air Force) OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea South Korea agreed this month to purchase 20 additional F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to respond to power imbalances stemming from North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, according to a news release Wednesday from the Ministry of National Defense procurement agency. The additional F-35As will have significantly improved performance, such as data encryption, over the approximately 40 F-35As already in South Koreas air force, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said in the release. The deal was finalized earlier in December; the new F-35As are expected to be operational by 2027, the administration said. The administration in March proposed buying 20 fighter jets from the United States for nearly $2.9 billion. In addition to serving as a deterrent against North Korean threats, the new F-35As could fill the void left by jets that are undergoing maintenance, the ministry said at the time. The U.S. State Department on Sept. 13 approved the sale of up to 25 F-35As and related equipment to South Korea for around $5.06 billion, according to a news release from the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The sale will improve South Koreas capability to meet current and future threats by providing credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces, the agency said. Interoperability is a term used by militaries to describe the ability of one nations forces to use anothers training methods and equipment. The State Department also approved the sale of several F-35 munitions, including 39 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles, to South Korea for around $271 million on Dec. 1, according to a separate release. South Korea began receiving F-35As for its air force in 2019 after agreeing to a $7 billion deal with the United States. The fifth-generation aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin comes in three variants: the F-35A conventional takeoff-and-landing, F-35B short takeoff and vertical-landing and the F-35C designed for aircraft carriers. U.S. and South Korean F-35As took to the skies for aerial drills earlier this year. On Nov. 15, U.S. F-35Bs, and F-16 Fighting Falcons flew alongside South Korean F-35As and F-15K Slam Eagles to escort a U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bomber from Seoul to the Yellow Sea in an airpower demonstration. Lt. Gen. Alfons Mais, head of the German ground forces, welcomes Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a visit in Hammelburg, Germany, on May 16, 2023. Mais said in a letter this week that the German army is missing everything "from A to Z." (German Defense Ministry) STUTTGART, Germany A German plan to reinforce NATOs eastern flank by basing a brigade of soldiers in Lithuania is pushing the countrys poorly equipped army to the brink, with shortfalls ranging from artillery shells to tents, a top general warned this week. The blanket is simply too thin, Lt. Gen. Alfons Mais, head of German army headquarters, wrote in a letter to Gen. Carsten Breuer, the German defense chief. The equipment shortfalls and lack of funding highlighted in the letter reported on Tuesday by the German magazine Der Spiegel, are the latest example of the German militarys failure to live up to a pledge to ramp up defense spending. Germanys lackluster investment in NATOs common defense has been a point of contention with the U.S. for years, especially during the tenure of former President Donald Trump, who accused Berlin of failing to shoulder its fair share of the security burden in Europe In 2022, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany would spend more than $100 billion to fast-track improvements to its military, but those investments are yet to materialize. And that has left the German ground forces in a dire situation. Only about 60% of the army is sufficiently equipped, Mais said in the letter. And the situation will only get worse as Germany moves forward with a plan to incorporate a 5,000-troop-strong brigade designated for basing in Lithuania by 2027, he said. The establishment of a new major brigade without additional investment would reduce this number to 55%, Mais said, adding that the service lacks everything from A to Z. Lt. Gen. Alfons Mais, head of the German ground forces, talks with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on May 16, 2023, at the German Infantry School in Hammelburg. Mais warned government leaders in a letter this week that plans to help reinforce NATOs eastern flank by basing a brigade in Lithuania threaten to overextend Germanys poorly equipped army. (German Defense Ministry) Germanys plan to station a brigade in Lithuania appeared to signal that it was poised to shake its reputation for punching below its economic weight on military matters. The move was hailed as a historic moment last week by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who said during a news conference that it marks the first time the country will permanently station forces outside its borders. But the situation also highlights the gap between Berlins stated desire to play a larger security role in Europe and delivering the funding necessary to make those ambitions a reality. Even before Germanys decision to base troops in Lithuania was finalized, Mais was sounding the alarm. In a separate internal army memo made public by Bild in April, Mais warned that the army will not be able to hold its own in high-intensity combat and will also only be able to fulfill its obligations to NATO to a limited extent. Some NATO countries have done more to prepare for a potential Russian attack than others. Poland, Romania and the Baltic states are among those that have taken big steps to modernize their respective forces. Germany, Europes economic powerhouse, has struggled to keep pace despite being by far Europes wealthiest country. An undated file image shows German Leopard 2 tanks participating in exercises in Lithuania. Lt. Gen. Alfons Mais, head of the German army, warned that increasing the engagement on NATO's eastern front is putting stress on an underfunded German military. (German Defense Ministry) Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, political leaders from across Europe have talked up the need for militaries across the Continent to rearm to counter the Kremlin threat. In a Dec. 10 interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sunday edition, Breuer said, We might have to fight a defensive war one day. We now see a (German military) that is not yet sufficiently equipped for this, he added. Belgian defense chief Adm. Michel Hofman issued similar warnings last week in an interview with news agency VRT, saying it was absolutely possible that Russia could have ambitions to attack either Moldova, which is not a NATO member, or the Baltic states. Europe must urgently prepare and make it clear that it can defend itself, Hofman said. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed talk of an invasion into NATO territory as nonsense. Russia has no reason, no interest no geopolitical interest, neither economic, political nor military to fight with NATO countries, Putin said during a Dec. 17 interview with state media. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Mastercard will come out with new options to accelerate monetization in the Azerbaijani market soon, Mastercard General Director for Azerbaijan and Turkiye Avsar Gurdal told Trend. He said that Azericard and Mastercard want to collaborate on a number of projects, as well as research best global and regional practices for the development of card business and fintech. "Last year, Mastercard and Azericard signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic data monetization partnership. Since then, we have been working closely with our strategic partner, Azericard, to build and develop these solutions. We will be bringing these to market very shortly. Our ultimate goal is to help our partners leverage this market's massive data resources to make more effective and efficient business decisions," Gurdal noted. Besides, he pointed out that Mastercard is actively working on activating money transfers via mobile numbers in Azerbaijan, and collaborating with the International Bank of Azerbaijan on this. Masterpass is a service that allows customers to transfer money to a mobile phone number by reinventing the traditional technique. For example, you can transfer payments by immediately inputting a recipient's cell phone number from your smartphone rather than typing the person's 16-digit bank card code," Gurdal explained. "The money will be deposited into the recipients' bank accounts using simply their phone number. This substantially facilitates the mutual comfort process. We've made it feasible to transfer money using already-existing information - a mobile phone number. Bank card information is encrypted in the background, and transactions are processed via 'Masterpass'. Here, safety comes first," the general director highlighted. "In reality, we launched 'Masterpass' to make the e-commerce easier in Azerbaijan. However, this approach will not only be suitable for e-commerce but also for money transfers. 'Masterpass' will be utilized not only for money transfers between Azerbaijani banks but also for sending money to bank accounts in Turkiye and other countries via cellphone number. What advantages may you anticipate? Domestic and international remittances will be processed in the same way, making life easier for consumers. We are currently working on this," Gurdal added. Furthermore, he forecasted that after the introduction of 'Open Banking' in Azerbaijan, more small and medium-sized enterprises will have access to loans. 'Open Banking' is a very important element of digitalization of the economy, the general director also pointed out. In essence, 'Open Banking' gives users ownership over their data. According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, this service will be available in the country shortly, and the market is ready for it. We expect to see value offers for SMEs such as access to loans through the system and accounting solutions once 'Open Banking' goes live," Gurdal said. "As an example, when 'Open Banking' was implemented in the UK, 75 percent of SMEs obtained access to loans, up from 50 percent previously. In the Azerbaijani market, we anticipate similar changes. One of the primary benefits of 'Open Banking' is access to more extensive information on clients, which enables banks and financial institutions to make more informed credit decisions." The second key factor, according to Mastercard General Director, is accounting systems that allow businesses to regulate cash flow and handle cash movements in banks. As he explained, 'Open Banking' gives consumers with access to personal finance management options. "Accounts, payments, and investments in other banks may now be easily managed from a single spot, considerably improving consumer convenience," Gurdal said. Moreover, he emphasized that over the last few years, the Mastercard global payment system has been actively investing in cyberspace. We have purchased a number of cybersecurity firms, including those that provide monitoring and preventive services. We have Cybercrime, Cyberfront, and Risk Recon solutions for both market groups. These solutions aid in the identification of hazards that may affect financial institutions as well as their clients, which include corporations. As a result, we offer these solutions to our banking partners and their clients, who include corporations from a variety of industries, he noted. Speaking of the security of digital payments, Gurdal said payments made via telephone are as safe as those processed via bank cards. There are no known security flaws. However, we know that cyberattacks are becoming more common around the world. By purchasing businesses, Mastercard helps our field-related partners. Our members - banks, non-bank organizations, and other enterprises selling Mastercard products - may safeguard their own security and, more critically, the security of their shareholders through our services. We find and test solutions. We introduce items that improve security in linked fields, he concluded. Mastercard is a global technology leader with over 2.3 billion account holders in 210 countries. Kantar 2023 ranks the company among the top ten most valuable global brands in the world, with a market worth of more than $390 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Airmen from the 436th Aerial Port Squadron load cargo during a security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Jan. 13, 2023. The Pentagon on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, announced a new military aid package for Ukraine. (Marco A. Gomez/U.S. Air Force) WASHINGTON The United States is sending Ukraine a new military aid package to help bolster the countrys air defenses and provide other needed items during the winter months, officials said Wednesday. The new security package is worth $250 million and includes rockets for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, or NASAMS; and tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missiles, the Pentagon said. Also included in the package are more stinger missiles, anti-armor systems, 15 million rounds of small-arms ammunition, various spare parts and medical equipment. This package includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russias war of aggression, the Defense Department said in a statement. The equipment will be taken from military stocks and sent to Ukraine on an emergency basis, meaning the Pentagon ultimately will have to replace the hardware. The items should reach Ukraine within a few weeks. The new aid package, which could be the last one of 2023, comes as Congress works toward passing full government funding for 2024 and debates President Joe Bidens $100 billion supplemental funding request that would authorize more aid for Ukraine as well as Israel, which has been engaged in a new conflict with militant group Hamas for almost 12 weeks. The Pentagon is quickly running out of aid money for Ukraine that was authorized for this year. Without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine and to provide equipment from U.S. military stocks. There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money and nearly out of time, White House budget director Shalanda Young said earlier this month. Already, our packages of security assistance have become smaller, and the deliveries of aid have become more limited. If our assistance stops, it will cause significant issues for Ukraine. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said last week that new funding for Ukraine probably wont happen before the end of 2023. Negotiations arent easy. We know its going to take more time, he said in his weekly news conference. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has provided nearly $45 billion in military aid to Kyiv. A U.S. Army soldier assigned to Task Force Voit, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps, guides an M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher into place to demonstrate HIMARS capabilities to multinational troops from NATOs enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Estonia at the Central Training Area near Camp Tapa, Estonia, Dec. 22, 2023. (H Howey/U.S. Army) Items included in Wednesdays military aid package: Fighters from Iraqs Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitaries on Dec. 26. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images via TNS) (Tribune News Service) U.S. strikes on targets in Iraq and fresh attacks by Houthi militants on shipping in the Red Sea provided the latest warning signs that the war in Gaza risks expanding into a wider conflict destabilizing the Middle East. The Pentagon said late Monday that its forces launched strikes on three installations in Iraq linked to Kataib Hezbollah. Washington said the Iraqi insurgent group thats backed by Iran was behind an attack that injured three U.S. personnel, leaving one in critical condition. While we do not seek to escalate conflict in the region, we are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. He called it a necessary and proportionate response. Then on Tuesday, Yemen-based Houthi rebels, also backed by Iran, renewed their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. confirmed that the container ship MSC United VIII was hit while en route to Pakistan. It said no injuries were reported. And US Central Command said in a social media posting on X that a U.S. destroyer and F/A-18 fighter jets shot down 12 attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land attack cruise missiles fired by the Houthis over the southern Red Sea on Tuesday. It said there was no damage to ships or reported injuries. The U.S. and a number of other nations have formed a maritime task force to respond to the Red Sea attacks. With that assurance, A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, the worlds second-largest container line, said over the weekend that it was preparing to resume shipping through the sea. Still, oil rose Tuesday as tensions remained high over the shipping disruptions. Although Iran has denied helping militants attack commercial ships, the Islamic Republic has vowed that Israel will pay a price for an airstrike in Syria on Monday that killed a senior commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Clearly, the longer the Israeli-Hamas war goes on with this sort of kinetic intensity, the more likely there would be some escalation, said Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former U.S. official who has advised secretaries of state on the Middle East. The number of non-state groups, as well as the unpredictability of both Israeli military operations and Irans potential responses, makes it difficult to forecast when specific incidents might flare up into a broader escalation. But Miller said the U.S. would probably be forced to act more assertively if a regional group manages to kill U.S. service members. If were attacked directly and Americans die, then theres going to have to be a much, much heavier response, he said. The attacks, and other developments around the region, highlight an increasingly difficult balancing act for the Biden administration, which is trying to support Israel in its battle against the militant group Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7 and took more than 200 hostages. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the European Union. The U.S. has deployed aircraft carrier strike groups in an effort to deter Iran-backed forces in the region from striking Israel as it pursues an increasingly deadly ground war in densely populated urban areas in Gaza. But U.S. officials also have put pressure on Israel to wind down its high-intensity operations in Gaza, which have have killed about 20,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Washington visit Israels Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer was set to meet Tuesday in Washington with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan for consultations on the conflict in Gaza and the return of hostages held by Hamas. But for Israeli officials worried about Hezbollah militants in neighboring Lebanon and other groups in the region, the current conflict already looks like the wider war the U.S. says it is trying to prevent. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in the Knesset that Israel was in the midst of a multi-front war, having already been attacked from seven different arenas Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. We have already taken action against six of these seven, and I will say now in the clearest manner possible that anyone who takes action against us will become a potential target, he told the foreign affairs and defense committee. There will be no immunity for anyone. Gwen Ackerman and Justin Sink contributed to this report. 2023 Bloomberg News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. US President Joe Biden steps off Air Force One upon arrival at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in Christiansted, Saint Croix, on the US Virgin Islands, on Dec. 27, 2023. Biden will be spending the New Year's holiday on Saint Croix. (Mandel NGAN/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) President Joe Biden said the U.S. military struck targets in Iraq in order to prevent further attacks on American personnel in the Middle East, which have fueled concerns about a wider regional conflict. U.S. forces on Christmas Day struck three installations linked to an Iran-backed insurgent group, their latest retaliation against militias targeting Americans. The strikes are intended to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners and to deter Tehrans proxy forces from conducting or supporting further attacks, Biden wrote Wednesday in a letter to congressional leaders. The presidents comments provided the broadest rationale yet for stepped-up U.S. military action in the Middle East amid the Israel-Hamas war. American troops have been injured in a series of attacks carried out by militias supported by Iran, while Yemen-based Houthi rebels have wrought havoc on Red Sea shipping by launching drone strikes on commercial vessels. The militant groups attacks are meant to be in support of Hamas, the Iran-backed group that rules the Gaza Strip and carried out the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel that sparked the war. The U.S. has responded by bolstering its naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea and forming a multinational maritime task force to protect ships in the Red Sea. The White House also declassified intelligence saying that Iran is responsible for the attacks, claims which Tehran has denied. U.S. military forces for weeks have also conducted strikes against militia targets in Iraq and Syria. The latest strikes were against sites linked to Iraq-based Kataib Hezbollah, an insurgent group behind an attack that injured three U.S. personnel, leaving one in critical condition. Tensions remain high, as the U.S. and others have sought to contain the Israel-Hamas conflict from becoming a broader war that destabilizes the Middle East. Biden on Tuesday spoke to Qatari leader Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani about reviving efforts to free hostages held by Hamas and boosting humanitarian aid to Gaza, steps that could lead to a pause in fighting. Bidens comments were included in a letter that he said was consistent with the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of taking military action. 2023 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The National Memorial of Military Ascent is unveiled at Grafton, Ill., on Oct. 11, 2023. (Facebook) GRAFTON At the Grafton City Council meeting on Dec. 19, Joellen Sudmeier and Chris Grigsby, owners of Seed to Sewn, introduced themselves as the official supplier of hoodies/T-shirts sporting the logo of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). The business is a direct-to-film transfer operation that specializes in T-shirts, hoodies, and custom imprinted apparel, according to a press release from the City of Grafton. The company was formed in April and is based in Collinsville, but Sudmeier and Grigsby also travel to venues, printing and selling customized shirts on site. Grafton first became acquainted with their work at Witches on the Water in October, the event that collected over $16,500 for Graftons National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). Seed to Sewn was the sole provider of event shirts and, on the spot, donated $1,310 of their own proceeds to the NMMA. From that beginning, memorial hoodies/shirts have been appearing everywhere in Grafton and beyond, proudly printed by Seed to Sewn. We love Grafton and are blessed to be a part of this memorial to all veterans, Sudmeier said. Sudmeier and Grigsby stated that a portion of the memorial shirt proceeds will also be donated to the NMMA. The Grafton Memorial will replicate the WWII landing by the U.S. Army Rangers on Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, France, on June 6, 1944. In addition to bronze figures climbing the cliffs behind Graftons Visitor Center, a military museum and memorial plaza are planned. Shirts may be ordered online from the website at www.seedtosewn.com and there is also a link to both websites on the Grafton Memorial Facebook page at www.facebook.com/graftonmemorial. Grafton City Council meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. and are broadcast live and recorded on YouTube. For more information on the project, visit the NMMA website. (c)2023 The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.) Visit The Telegraph Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A memorial to commemorate women of the Confederacy, shown in September, was the centerpiece of a city park in Jacksonville, Fla., for more than a century until it was dismantled Wednesday morning. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post) A massive Confederate memorial in a city park in Jacksonville, Fla., came down Wednesday morning after years of controversy over the statue, preempting proposed state legislation that would punish local officials who vote for the removal of such markers. On orders of Mayor Donna Deegan, crews moved in equipment overnight to Springfield Park formerly Confederate Park and had the first part of In Memory of Our Women of the Southland on the ground shortly after dawn. Though many residents had long demanded such action, it still came as a surprise as the sun rose with a TV stations live stream allowing both critics and supporters of the monument to watch its dismantling. Deegan (D) had promised after her election in May to have the statue taken down but couldnt get agreement from the city councils 19 members. Then last month, a Republican state representative from Duval County introduced a measure to fine local officials who vote to remove historical monuments. The mayor said in a statement that she used her own authority and nearly $200,000 in private funds to have the work done. Early cost estimates were as high as $1.3 million. Symbols matter, Deegan said in explaining why she thought the statue had to go. They tell the world what we stand for and what we aspire to be. By removing the Confederate monument from Springfield Park, we signal a belief in our shared humanity. Her statement noted that the memorial was erected during the peak of early 20th century Confederate monument-building, part of a widespread campaign to promote and justify Jim Crow laws in the South and intimidate African Americans. One Republican council member reacted angrily. Deegan is our Mayor, not our Monarch, Nick Howland said on X, formerly Twitter. Waiting until nightfall before taking a backhoe to the Women of the South monument is blatant overreach. A woman takes a moment in August at a makeshift memorial outside a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Fla., where three people were fatally shot. (Saul Martinez for The Washington Post) Jacksonville continues to grapple with its history. In August, three Black people were fatally shot by a White man with a swastika-decorated AR-15-style rifle. The gunman who had targeted a Dollar General store in a Black neighborhood near Edward Waters University, a historically Black college killed himself before police arrived. The murders shook the city and, for many, brought about a reckoning with Jacksonvilles racist past. Women of the Southland, 1861-1865 was for many an unwelcome reminder of that past. The 12-column, 41-foot-tall memorial features three figures high atop a pedestal: a mother embracing her two children. The plaque included at its dedication made its intent clear. Let this mute but eloquent structure speak to generations to come of a generation of the past, it read. Let it repeat perpetually the imperishable story of our women of the 60s, those noble women who sacrificed their all upon their countrys altar. The monument, erected in 1914 after a fundraising effort by the Florida division of the United Confederate Veterans, was the centerpiece of what for more than another century would be called Confederate Park. Deegans support gave protesters hope but also prompted pushback. State Rep. Dean Black proposed legislation he titled Protection of Historical Monuments and Memorials, which calls on Floridas secretary of state to ensure that each nonmilitary Florida monument or memorial is not removed, damaged, or destroyed. On Wednesday, Black called on the Jacksonville council to replace what had been taken down. History belongs to all Floridians, he said in an interview. To destroy a memorial to that history, you diminish every Floridian, wherever they are in the state. And we need to protect our history and add to it, not subtract from it. The first changes came in 2020 with the parks renaming and the removal of a statue of a Confederate soldier across from City Hall. Yet still the monument remained, despite weekly protests from the group Take Em Down Jax and others. A spokesman for Deegans office said Blacks proposed legislation had no bearing on the timing of the mayors order. We have been exploring options since the first day in office, and the planning process took several months, Phillip Perry said in an email. We wanted to ensure public safety around the removal during a slower week. Crowds, singing and chanting, gathered at Springfield Park as the crews worked and wound thick straps around the three bronze figures. A fourth figure, which had stood atop the dome holding a furled Confederate flag, had already been pulled down and placed on its side in the grass. Tim Gilmore, a lifelong Jacksonville resident and professor at Florida State College, has written extensively about the citys racist history. He credits Deegan with taking action. Mayor Deegan has caught us up with where we should have been sometime well back in the 20th century, Gilmore said before heading to Springfield Park to watch the activity. Deegan has put an end to the Lost Cause lie in Jacksonville. Russell Hamler was the last of roughly 3,000 original Merrills Marauders. (C-SPAN screenshot) The last surviving member of World War IIs famed Merrills Marauders, who endured harsh conditions, malnutrition and relentless tropical disease as they fought behind Japanese enemy lines in Burma, has died. Russell Hamler died Tuesday at a veterans hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was 99. His death was confirmed by Jonnie Melillo Clasen, whose father was a Marauder. In recent years, Clasen has served as an informal liaison to the still-living Marauders and their families as the veterans grew too old for reunions. Hamler had been living with his son Jeffrey in Baldwin Township, Pa., until he was hospitalized, Clasen told Stars and Stripes in an email Tuesday. Hamler was the last of roughly 3,000 original Marauders who were sent to capture an airfield in Burma, now known as Myanmar, a mission few were expected to survive. Hamler was born in 1924 and raised in the townships of Mount Lebanon and Baldwin in Pennsylvania, according to a biography published by the Department of Veterans Affairs in January. As a teenager, he took care of horses on several area farms. At age 18, Hamler joined the U.S. Army in June 1942, spurred on by the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. He completed basic training in Fort Riley, Kan., and was assigned to the 27th Cavalry Troop and sent to Puerto Rico, the bio states. Hamler volunteered to join the 5307th Composite Unit Provisional, commanded by Brig. Gen. Frank Merrill. The unit arrived in India in October 1943 and began a 1,000-mile march to and through Burma to seize a Japanese-held airfield in the city of Myitkyina. Russell Hamler and Merrills Marauders endured harsh conditions, malnutrition and relentless tropical disease as they fought behind Japanese enemy lines in Burma. (Department of Veterans Affairs) Hamler was wounded in the hip by a mortar fragment during the battle of Nhpum Ga in late March 1944, one of the fiercest clashes the beleaguered Marauders faced. Hamler lay immobile in his foxhole for more than 10 days until rescue forces arrived. We were surrounded, Hamler said in the VA biography. We accepted it for what it was. The Marauders captured the airfield on May 17, 1944, and the 5307th was disbanded in August 1944 after the unit captured Myitkyina. Roughly 200 of the original 3,000 members remained with the unit at that point. After his rescue, Hamler was evacuated to a hospital in India, where he recuperated for five months, and then sent back to Pennsylvania. He served as a military policeman until he was discharged in December 1945. Hamler was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was among the handful of Marauders still living when the original members were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. Hamler will be interred at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Pittsburgh, but the date of the funeral has not yet been finalized, Clasen said. VFW Post 1 opened showcasing veteran-centered art pieces for the public to view during First Friday Walk of Santa Fe Drive in Denver, Colo., on Dec. 1, 2023. (Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post/TNS) DENVER (Tribune News Service) The art gallery on Santa Fe Drive teemed with people on a recent night, part of the districts signature First Friday art walk that takes over the funky strip south of downtown Denver. Families, young professionals and retirees some with drinks in hand took in the myriad works gracing the gallerys walls, chatting amiably with the artists about their process. The gallery featured moonlit nature photography; avant-garde, black-and-white portraits; and artificial-intelligence-infused pieces. If visitors didnt notice the 19th-century memorabilia hanging on the walls, they might confuse 841 Santa Fe Drive with just another art gallery. But this isnt your average art space this is Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1, the international veteran organizations first and oldest post in existence, with origins dating back to William McKinleys presidency. Its motto: First of many, one of a kind. We want to change the story of the VFW, said Brittany Bartges, the posts commander. We want to make it a healing place. Bartges and the posts previous commander, Jim Stevens, say the old model for VFWs is broken. The younger generation of veterans doesnt want to sit around all day in a smoky bar telling war stories. They want to channel their efforts into more productive activities, while retaining the community feel and camaraderie that has drawn vets to the organization since its founding in 1899. This means yoga, meditation and music jam sessions during the week. The art gallery, meanwhile, reserves 80% of its space for veteran artists. In a population where 7% struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, VFW Post 1 can be a life-saving experience. Every year families and spouses call us to say, Thank you, Stevens said. Until they got involved with the VFW, they were sitting in the basement with a .45 caliber in their hand. Origins of the VFW In the basement of the Colorado State Capitol, on a nondescript post near the snack bar, hangs a plaque commemorating the origins of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In this building December 1, 1899 was held the first meeting of the Army of the Philippines from which emanated, August 13, 1913, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. A group of Colorado soldiers founded the Army of the Philippines after returning from fighting there during the Spanish-American War. The returning veterans struggled to reintegrate back home and yearned for the connection with their comrades who served alongside them. They named their post John S. Stewart Camp No. 1 after the first Coloradan to die in the war. His name still appears in gold lettering above the temporary bar set up at the VFW during the First Friday art walk. In 1913, the Army of the Philippines merged with an Ohio and Pennsylvania-based organization, the American Veterans of Foreign Service. The new conglomerate would be called the Veterans of Foreign Wars, with Denvers group becoming Post 1. The VFW and its predecessor organization have been meeting in the city every month for 124 years. Were proud to be first, Stevens said. A storage room in the back of the building holds more than a centurys worth of VFW history, including a cannon brought back in pieces from the Philippines and the hat Stewart wore the day he was shot and killed. Bartges, on a recent tour of the building, looked longingly at a black-and-white photo of the posts members several hundred strong posing several decades ago in front of the state Capitol. Membership was much stronger back then, the commander noted, peaking in 1949 with 2,461 members. But it was definitely a racist, exclusive organization. By the time Bartges, a queer woman, became commander this year, though, the glass ceilings already had been broken. The post previously had its first female and gay commanders. So I just took the helm nothing to say, said Bartges, a former Army intelligence analyst who served in Iraq. I was like, Heck, yeah. These days, the post one of 15 in metro Denver and 87 throughout Colorado stands 977 members strong. One member, astronaut Scott Kelly, made history in 2015 when he joined the first VFW from the International Space Station. We wanted to shake everything up VFW Post 1 prides itself on being different and progressive. But it wasnt easy convincing the more traditional members to turn its building into an art gallery. It was a bit contentious, Bartges said. But we thought the VFW needs to change to survive. Until 2019, the VFW nationwide suffered 17 straight years of declining membership. The national organization has lost half its members since 1992. Long a staple for Vietnam War and World War II veterans, those who fought in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars have been far less likely to turn to the VFW. We wanted to shake everything up, Bartges said. In 2015, Stevens helped launch the Veterans Arts Council, a nonprofit founded by VFW Post 1. The council showcases, mentors, educates and provides economic opportunities for veteran artists working in any medium from all generations and service backgrounds, according to its website. The year prior, the post purchased the 131-year-old building on Santa Fe Drive, which formerly served as an auto parts store and then an art gallery. Post 1, in its first four decades, convened at numerous locations around Denver. From the 1940s through the early 2000s, the organization used two locations on Bannock Street, just off Speer Boulevard, maintaining the traditional VFW vibe. But the move to the historic Santa Fe Arts District made the gallery idea a natural fit. Stevens was the perfect man to lead the project. In 1993, 23 years after being shot in the head while serving in Vietnam, a bullet fragment shifted in his head, causing a stroke. It also left Stevens, a professor of business and employment law at the University of Colorado, legally blind. But that didnt stop him from his creative pursuits and helping other veterans do the same. On the second Saturday of every month, the Veterans Arts Council puts out an open call for art. Veterans, plus civilian artists, can bring in their work. They reserve 80% of the gallery for veterans and the art changes every month. Those vets that do get their art showcased give up 10% of sales to the VFW, while others send 20% to the organization. On a First Friday earlier in December, veteran artists proudly stood by their work, answering questions from interested patrons. Angel Espino first got started in the Art of War Project, an organization helping veterans with PTSD through artistic expression. It was very therapeutic, Espino, an abstract impressionist artist, said. We talked about serious stuff that may not have come out otherwise. Chuck Rasco stood on the other end of the hall in front of his photography. He first started displaying and selling his art at the VFW in 2018 after spending 10 years in the U.S. Army. Were all more like-minded here, he said of showing his work at the VFWs gallery. We dont have that hoity-toity gallery feel. The VFW, he said, feels like home. Nicole Jirtle never thought she would join the VFW. But the former Army medic found this post to be different than the traditional VFWs. She now teaches a free yoga class Tuesday nights, a group she now calls a little family. The attendees arent your typical yogis many are men in their 50s or 60s who may have never tried the practice. They all enjoy pizza and beer together afterward. Painting helped Jirtle process her deployment to Iraq. It feels good to channel the angst and tension you feel, she said. First Fridays bring in $5,000 to $10,000 in art sales, Stevens said. Every penny helps the VFW work toward much-needed building renovations crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic and escalated supply chain costs. The organization was able to complete Phase 1 of an extensive rebuild but needs to raise more funding to install an elevator. Membership among young and female members is increasing at VFW Post 1, he said. On Dec. 2, the post held its annual birthday celebration 124 years serving Denver veterans. Im so excited for where were going, Bartges said. We have this incredible opportunity for younger vets to make this what we want. 2023 MediaNews Group Inc. Visit at denverpost.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Europe's unilateral, violent policy that does not take into account the dynamics of the countries is plunging the region into instability and chaos, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yuce, dean of the Faculty of Turkic World Economics at UNEC (Azerbaijan State University of Economics) and professor at Uludag University told Trend. "When talking about the European Union's foreign policy, usually the first theoretical approach that comes to mind is realism. This is because realism is a framework that argues that states' interests are fundamental and justifies the impossibility of transferring sovereignty," he said. "The pursuit of Europe's foul foreign policy (especially in recent years) by its leaders, who do not favor peace and stability in the world and put only their interests at the forefront, contradicts Europe's common values and undermines peace in the countries of the region," the professor added. "The latest example is the situation in Serbia. The opposition held several protests, pointing to electoral fraud. This behavior, which is not unfamiliar to us, has recently been used by Europe to interfere in the internal affairs of countries. This method, called color revolutions, was also used in post-Soviet countries, which led to long-term instability in those countries," said Yuce. "What does the European Union expect from Serbia? As we know, Serbia has traditionally had strong ties with Russia, although geographically and culturally, it has been considered part of Europe. The EU is concerned about this situation. It demands that Serbia pursue an anti-Russian policy. President Aleksandar Vucic, on the other hand, is pursuing an independent policy based on balance. The European and pro-European opposition concerned about this accuses Vucic of creating an atmosphere of uncertainty in a country that officially seeks membership in the EU but maintains close relations with its traditional ally Russia," he said. "On the other side, it forces Serbia to recognize Kosovo, which has declared de facto independence under the auspices of the EU and the US. Europe wants Vucic, who is attempting to pursue autonomous policies, to relinquish leadership and work with an opposition aligned with EU principles. When the EU fails to achieve its electoral aims, it collaborates with the opposition, resulting in upheaval in the country and destabilization of the area," Yuce added. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vice chairman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, has been rearrested from outside Adiala jail. As per details, Punjab police rearrested Shah Mahmood Qureshi after his release from Adiala Jail on bail in cipher case.The release came after police pleaded to end the 15-day detention orders of the former foreign minister under 3-MPO. The former foreign minister was arrested by RA Bazaar police in a General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case. Yesterday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice President Shah Mahmood Qureshi was detained in Rawalpindis Adiala Jail for 15 days under 3-MPO. The cipher case pertains to a piece of paper that Imran Khan had waved at a public rally on March 27, 2022, ahead of a vote of confidence that he lost. The former prime minister, later naming the US, had claimed that the cipher was evidence of an international conspiracy to topple his government. Shah Mahmood Qureshi was serving as the foreign minister at that time and was indicted in the case on October 23. The case was registered after Imran Khans then-principal secretary, Azam Khan claimed that the former PM used US cipher for political gains and to avert a no-confidence motion against him. Iliescu pleaded guilty to one count of fraud, committed between January and March Police are still searching for Selvis Sali, the fraudster's former husband A credit card fraudster has been handed an 18-month prison sentence. Judge Roseanne McCormick KC told Lulea Iliescu she would spend half the term in jail and half on licence. But because of time already served, the 34-year-olds wish to be deported back to her native Romania is likely to be granted in the new year. Iliescu pleaded guilty to one count of fraud, committed between January and March. Her 50-year-old former husband Selvis Sali was charged alongside her but failed to attend a later court date. A warrant has since been issued for his arrest. Antrim Crown Court was told staff at the Rosspark Hotel, outside Ballymena, raised the alarm after IIiescu paid the 638 bill for a five-day stay with someone elses credit card. The police subsequently arrested she and Sali at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick. Police are still searching for Selvis Sali, the fraudster's former husband A search of their vehicle and room uncovered credit cards not in their names and documents connected with fraud. An A4 notebook was found to contain pages filled with postcodes, addresses, phone numbers, email address, dates of births and names of what police suspect are victims of identity fraud. Read more Romanian woman admits using stolen credit card after days of running up bills in hotel Detectives later became aware of a victim who reported that an unknown person had redirected his mail correspondence to a different address without his knowledge. He had since found out that numerous credit accounts, including loans and credit cards, had been opened in his name and without his permission, a prosecution lawyer said. They included a 4,500 Halifax loan and a credit card debt of 1,700. CCTV identified Iliescu as having used the card. She claimed she went along with her husbands frauds out of fear and that he would attack her if she refused. But a prosecution lawyer said: Of note is that they were married when she was 17 Sali (has since) remarried. However, found in Iliescus wallet was a passport-sized picture of Sali along with a Revolut card in his wifes name. 48-year-old Nelson Fernandes was spared jail A man who hassled and harassed his mistress to try to get back with her narrowly escaped spending Christmas in jail. Ordering 48-year-old Nelson Fernandes to act your age, District Judge Francis Rafferty said that while he deserved the eight month prison sentence, given his guilty plea and lack of convictions he would suspend that sentence for two years. Also imposing a two year restraining order, the Craigavon Magistrates Court judge warned Fernandes that if he contacted the victim or was to commit further offences, you will go to jail. He said: This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. If a woman doesnt want to go out with you, she does not want to go out with you. This court has yet to meet a complainant who has ever been persuaded by a barrage of texts, threats and messages to go out with somebody. Fernandes, from Bridge Street in Portadown, had earlier entered a guilty plea to a single count of harassment covering a time span between March 31 last year and February 28 this year. On Thursday, a prosecuting lawyer outlined how police were called to a domestic related incident on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown on February 27 where the victim reported how her ex-partner, the defendant, had been constantly messaging her from April 2022. The harassment began, the court heard, after the married victim ended their affair but Fernandes accused of her of sleeping with other men and he threatened to send intimate images of them to her husband back in East Timor. Judge Rafferty revealed that Fernandes told a probation officer that he had in fact sent images of himself and the woman together, describing that as appalling behaviour, absolutely appalling behaviour. Fernandes told police that he did it to make her angry. Defence counsel Damien Halleron said that while Fernandes may not have understood the word no, he fully understands it now - his court appearance and the police have explained that to him. He stressed however that Fernandes had entered a guilty plea and saved the victim from having to come to court to testify. Imposing the eight month suspended prison sentence, Judge Rafferty said Fernandes had blotted his copybook spectacularlyhe did not take no for an answer and he thought he knew best and he thought he could bully this woman back into a relationship with him. Rosanna Bradley (34) was on a concoction of cocaine and heroin when she damaged 25 worth of confectionery in the convenience store, a court heard. A woman was arrested for damaging sweets in a shop after she opened a packet of Lion bars she had not paid for and continued to eat and eat until she was stopped. Rosanna Bradley (34) was on a concoction of cocaine and heroin when she damaged 25 worth of confectionery in the convenience store, a court heard. A judge gave her more time to pay compensation to the shop after she pleaded: its Christmas. Bradley, of Maple House, North Circular Road, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Circle K on OConnell Street. Garda Stephen Lynam told Dublin District Court he was on beat patrol on April 14 when a staff member called him into the shop. He saw the accused opening a multi-pack of Lion bars and eating them. She continued to eat and eat until she was stopped, Gda Lynam said. Bradley had a very bad addiction at the time and could not recall the events but accepted the facts, her solicitor Andrew Broderick said. She was highly intoxicated on a concoction of heroin and crack cocaine, he said. Bradley was now on methadone and hoped to get clean long-term. She had no compensation. Judge Bryan Smyth said the accused had more than enough time to address the issue. Its Christmas, judge, Bradley said, explaining that she needed money for her children and asking for more time to get the compensation. What about the injured party who is out of pocket since April 14?, the judge asked. I would love to pay for it if I can, Bradley said. The family member added: We cant believe life has to go on without him. A garda forensic officer at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown following the Christmas Eve attack. Photo: Mark Condren The Family of a man who was stabbed to death moments after he tried to gun down a customer in a busy Dublin restaurant have said they are absolutely heartbroken. Tristan Sherry (26), who is originally from Finglas and has links to the Mr Flashy crime gang, was pronounced dead at Brownes Steakhouse on Main Street in Blanchardstown on Sunday. Sherry died from his injuries after he was overwhelmed by other men when he used a high-velocity weapon in the attempted gun murder on Christmas Eve. His victim, a 47-year-old man from Corduff, was eating with family members in the restaurant when Sherry arrived at the scene and fired multiple shots at him at 8.10pm while there were children in the restaurant. The victim is undergoing treatment at Connolly Memorial Hospital where his condition is described as serious. Its understood he suffered at least one gunshot wound to the neck. Meanwhile, the family of Tristan Sherry have set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money towards his funeral costs. "We made this to raise money for his funeral cost in this difficult time, a family member wrote on the fundraising page. We are absolutely heartbroken that this has happened. He was well known for his love of motorcycles and was loved by many. He was an amazing Son, Brother, Father and Friend. The family member added: We cant believe life has to go on without him. The fundraising page had raised 585 of its 7,000 target as of this evening. Tristan Sherry Sherry was a known associate of the Finglas-based drugs trafficking gang led by the criminal nicknamed Mr Flashy. This gang had previously become embroiled in the Corduff feud that led to numerous violent incidents in 2018 and 2019. The potential for the gun attack to have been organised by the Mr Flashys crew is a very significant line of inquiry in this case, a source said. It was a botched but very reckless shooting as there were a number of children in the restaurant when this happened and other people could have been easily hit. It comes as gardai are on high alert amid fears of reprisal attacks. Associates of the shooting victim, some of whom have strong links to gangland figures, have already sworn revenge. This has seen a huge increase in tensions and armed garda patrols in the Blanchardstown area, with one source saying threats are flying around everywhere. It comes as Gardai are continuing to appeal for information following the horror incident. Detectives are appealing to anyone with information or footage to contact them at Blanchardstown Garda Station and urged anyone with videos from the scene not to circulate it. Local Labour Councillor John Walsh described it as a "reckless and senseless" attack which he said has caused shock and disbelief. "Blanchardstown is a vibrant community. It's an incredibly busy time of year, he told RTE. "The restaurant itself was very crowded, there was also a lot of people moving around the village, there was carol singing, religious services up at the church, and there was people doing last-minute Christmas shopping, so it was just an extraordinary reckless and senseless act. "Theres a great sense of shock and disbelief that something as dreadful as this could happen. It was a crowded family restaurant, there were families there with young children. Were probably very fortunate that it didnt lead to a greater loss of life." St Brigid's Church, which is just metres from where the attack took place, said the local community is in shock. "The events unfolded while we were in the nearby church preparing for and celebrating Christmas carols and Mass. We only heard about them as our services concluded," a statement said. "The contrast could not be stronger between our Christmas message of the importance of peace, joy, and the family and these terrible events. A garda forensic officer at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown following the Christmas Eve attack. Photo: Mark Condren "Our prayers and thoughts are with all those who were involved in any way, the victims, the customers, the staff and management, the Gardai and emergency services and all their families and loved ones". Fingal Chamber also expressed concern about the impact the gun attack could have on local businesses. Communications Manager David Branagan told RTE News: "Incidents like this do raise real concern. Businesses are already facing many difficult challenges. This can shake peoples confidence and lead to a real knock- on effect in the area. "So we're encouraging local communities to get out there and support the local business and their good, decent, hard-working employees in the days to come". Justice Minister Helen McEntee described the attack as disgusting. I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown, Ms McEntee said in an Instagram post. 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. 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 wrote on X/Twitter. Residents in Blanchardstown previously told of their distress about the gun attack. Im absolutely appalled, said Pauline Harte, a local school warden. Its a very safe community and to happen on that occasion on Christmas Eve is absolutely deplorable. She added: Im just really in a state of shock because Blanchardstown is a very tightly knit community and I often dine in that restaurant and its a very busy, popular restaurant. Lovely staff and lovely people go there from the area. Everybody knows everybody, and what a time for it to happen and so unfortunate because Christmas is a time of peace and love and good Christmas spirit. Im absolutely shocked. The programme is used for those whose lives are deemed in danger after giving evidence in court against criminals The State spent just over 500,000 on the Witness Security Programme (WSP) this year, but the cost is expected to soar next year when Jonathan Dowdall and his family are due to enter the programme. Data released shows the Department of Justice spent 600,000 on the WSP last year, up from 400,000 in 2021, 300,000 in 2020 and 200,000 in 2019. The programme is used for those whose lives are deemed in danger after giving evidence in court against criminals, but it has never been particularly popular in Ireland. The greatest amount spent on the programme was in 2016, at just over 1.3m. The spend in 2013 and 2014 was 1.2m. Sources acknowledged it has never proved a very popular option for Irish trial witnesses as it involves people being relocated overseas and cutting off all contact with their previous lives. Dowdall and his family are due to enter the programme next year, on his release from prison. The former Sinn Fein councillor turned state witness against Gerry The Monk Hutch and gave evidence against him, alleging he was behind the Regency Hotel shooting, which claimed the life of Kinahan cartel lieutenant David Byrne in 2016. Earlier this year, the Special Criminal Court found Hutch not guilty of the murder of Byrne, despite Dowdalls evidence, which was dismissed by the court as unreliable. Dowdall (44) was formally accepted into the WSP following an assessment by gardai in the wake of Hutchs acquittal last April. It is understood some logistical matters remain to be worked out and that several members of Dowdalls family will enter the programme alongside him. The criticism of the former councillors evidence did not have any impact on his admission to the programme. On his release, he will almost certainly be relocated abroad, most likely to an English-speaking country, and will be set up with a new identity and livelihood. He will also receive limited financial support. The security services in his new home will be responsible for Dowdalls safety. He has been assessed as being under continuing and severe threat. Dowdall was originally due to go on trial alongside Hutch for Byrnes murder, but the charge was dropped after he pleaded guilty to facilitating the killing and agreed to testify against his former co-accused. Dowdall was sentenced to four years in prison for facilitating the murder. The WSP was set up in 1997 to combat attempts by criminals to prevent the normal functioning of the criminal justice system, including threats of violence and intimidation of witnesses. It was introduced after the murder of Sunday Independent journalist Veronica Guerin, but has been openly criticised by judges and a former justice minister. Charles Bowden and Russell Warren both testified as protected witnesses against John Gilligan over the murder of Ms Guerin, of which Gilligan was ultimately acquitted. Both witnesses were later relocated overseas under assumed identities. In another case in 2011, a Crumlin man who gave evidence against four former criminal associates became a state witness and entered the programme along with members of his family. A contract was put on the life of Joseph OBrien after he gave evidence in the murder trial of John Champagne Carroll. OBrien, his girlfriend and his family except for one of his sisters, who declined to participate left Ireland following the conclusion of the trial. The State accepted the witness played a role in Carrolls murder. Along with his family, OBrien was set up in another country and supplied with new identities, retrained and given jobs. Following the failed murder trial against Gilligan, Judge Brian McCracken warned that the programme was badly thought-out, and one of the most worrying features is that there never seems to have actually been a programme. Former justice minister Dermot Ahern also expressed concerns. Unfortunately, people who are targeted for witness protection, whatever it is in the Irish psyche, they dont want to leave their home, they dont want to take up their life and go to the UK or Australia and start up a new life, he said. This view was backed up in 2009 by then director of public prosecutions James Hamilton, who said he felt the scheme was of limited use. The WSP is operated by An Garda Siochana and is overseen by the Crime and Security Section at Garda Headquarters, supported by the Special Detective Unit and other local garda resources. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the application of the law On amendments to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan On customs tariffs and on amendments to the Decree of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic on the application of the Law On customs tariffs, Trend reports. According to the decree, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan exercises the powers of the relevant executive authority provided for in Articles 20.0.24 - 20.0.28 of the Law of Azerbaijan On customs tariffs. "The money isnt coming from deprived areas, it is coming from people who are middle class or upper class people holding down good jobs and believe it is acceptable to use cocaine at the weekend, without accepting any responsibility." A top cop says the use of cocaine by educated middle and upper class people in Ireland has become acceptable. Speaking with RTEs Crime Correspondent, Paul Reynolds, Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Bolan appealed to the public to think about the damage being done to society by drug use. He also highlighted the extraordinary figures which have been seized in the past 12 months alone. This has been a very significant year in relation to drug seizures in Ireland, he said. "At national level the significant marks we have reached is we have now seized in excess of half a billion euro worth of controlled drugs. In 2023, we have seized in excess of 210 million. It is indicative of the size of the drugs market in Europe. Multi tonnage cocaine seizures have greatly increased. Unfortunately, cocaine use has become acceptable in many levels of society. "The money isnt coming from deprived areas, it is coming from people who are middle class or upper class people holding down good jobs and believe it is acceptable to use cocaine at the weekend, without accepting any responsibility." Lines of Cocaine Garda Boland indicated the insidious nature of how drug dealing takes place in modern Ireland, with encoded apps playing a large role. Cocaine can be easily purchased, most people will know their dealer, some people wont even consider them a dealer, it will be a friend or associate. "Technology has advanced to instant messaging on apps -decades ago we could target specific areas, thats no longer the case- now someone is on a night out in town and someone rocks up on a scooter or moped or bicycle , we have advanced to the stage where the dealer comes to you. That takes the risk for middle class or upper class not venturing into areas that they may not want to. It is very, very difficult to combat. People need to self-reflect. "When we look at vulnerable addicts or areas that are affected by the cartels where the violence will take place- if you are socialising and buying cocaine you cant walk away from the fact you are feeding the problem, Detective Chief Superintendent Boland added. Meanwhile, officials are currently deciding whether or not there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the leaders of the Kinahan Organized Crime Group. "2023 was a significant year for targeting the Kinahan Organized Crime Group. A significant investigation file which has been years in compiling and gathering of evidence is currently with the law officers and being considered as to whether there is sufficient evidence, or not, for a prosecution to take place, Mr Bolan said. He indicated the broad and continuing scope of garda work combatting drugs gangs in Ireland. Daniel Kinahan, Christy Kinahan Snr and Christopher Jnr Our investigations are ongoing. There are more than two significant organized crime groups impacting this jurisdiction for many years. The Kinahan gang has been the primary group but we have seen these groups work in unison and operate as a network on many occasion. It can be difficult to determine where one group differs from another and we have seen in the past how the Hutch and Kinahan gangs will operate in consort. We live in a democratic country where the final determinations of guilty or innocence are decided in a court of law. Tristan Sherry (26) died after being beaten and then stabbed 27 times at Brownes Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, Dublin, on Christmas Eve. Gardai braced for revenge attacks after gunman Tristan Sheery overpowered and killed in Christmas Eve shooting A gunman desperately tried to flee a restaurant through a back door following a botched gangland shooting, but was unable to escape before he was overpowered and stabbed to death. Tristan Sherry (26) died after being beaten and then stabbed 27 times at Brownes Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, Dublin, on Christmas Eve. Sherry entered the restaurant at around 8.10pm and fired shots from a sub-machine gun into one of his targets, a 47-year-old man, before trying to flee. The Irish Independent can reveal the fatal stabbing of Finglas native Sherry was filmed by those involved after he was disarmed following the shooting. It is understood Sherry tried to escape through a rear door, which was locked, before he ran back into the main dining area where he was confronted and then stabbed to death. There were children eating in the restaurant at the time of the shooting. A graphic video has since circulated showing part of the attack on Sherry. In the short clip he can be seen bloodied on the ground before he is turned over and struck with an object. Investigators have also asked the public not to share camera footage made at the scene of the shooting. Gardai in Blanchardstown are continuing to investigate the shooting and killing. No arrests have been made yet. The male who received a number of gunshot wounds to the head was yesterday being treated in hospital. He was in the restaurant with relatives, at least one of whom is also believed to have been a target of the gunman. They are linked to organised crime in west Dublin, but cannot be named as they are currently facing charges before the courts. The shooting victim was driven to hospital by one of his younger relatives, who sources said was in a highly agitated state, leading to fears of retaliation. Intelligence linked Sherry to a criminal gang based in Finglas led by the drug dealer Mr Flashy who had been feuding with associates of the shooting victim. This bitter dispute is being investigated as a prime motive for the failed hit. Gardai are also attempting to identify the other gunman involved. The feud has previously been marked by a spate of shootings, assaults and petrol bomb attacks, while gardai have also foiled a number of assassination attempts linked to the feud. Extra garda resources, including armed units, have been deployed to the area over fears of reprisal attacks. Investigators are to review CCTV footage of the shooting and stabbing to determine the course of their inquiries. Yesterday, a GoFundMe page was also set up for Sherry. His family say they are trying to raise money for his funeral costs. Gardai have appointed a senior investigating officer to oversee the inquiry. A family liaison officer is assisting Sherrys relatives. The shooting has been condemned by senior political figures including Leo Varadkar and Justice Minister Helen McEntee. I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown. This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas, Ms McEntee has said in an Instagram post. 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... who have to deal with this senseless violence. The Taoiseach 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, Mr Varadkar wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Residents in Blanchardstown have also told of their distress about the machine-gun attack. Im absolutely appalled, said Pauline Harte, a local school warden. Its a very safe community and to happen on that occasion on Christmas Eve is absolutely deplorable. North Dublin Fianna Fail councillor Howard Mahony said he was horrified by the events on Christmas Eve. What I find most concerning is that there were innocent men, women and children out during one of the busiest nights of the year, he said. Both the Irish Prison Service and Dept of Justice sources say a minimum sentence behind bars can not be imposed on Josef Puska The monster who killed Ashling Murphy will not get a longer jail sentence if he loses the appeal against his conviction. Both the Irish Prison Service and Dept of Justice sources say a minimum sentence behind bars can not be imposed on Josef Puska, even if it becomes law this spring before his appeal is heard. The Justice Minister Helen McEntee is fast-tracking the legislation to give judges the power to impose a minimum number of years to be served in life sentence cases for heinous crimes. This is expected to increase the average time behind bars from 20 to 30 years depending on the circumstances of the case. However the sources are adamant it will not apply in the Puska case because he was convicted before the new legislation becomes law and even if his appeal is heard by the courts afterwards. The 33 year old Slovakian's appeal is due to go ahead in the autumn next year. His lawyers have already lodged it with the courts. Ashling Murphy A Dept of Justice source said; " Unfortunately the new minimum sentence laws will not apply to him. " He got a life sentence for killing Ashling and any new minimum sentence powers that the judiciary will be given can not be backdated to cover his case. "If he loses his appeal he will just continue with the life sentence he has received and then it will be up to the new Independent Parole Board to decide if and when he will be freed. "Ashling's family of course will have the right to object every time he applies to be free." The Judge in the Puska Trial, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, said such was the severity of the crime that he would have imposed a minimum sentence if he had the power. The Justice Minister decided to bring in the new laws in reaction to his comment and the public outrage at the killing . It is due to be passed by the Dail during the next term in the Spring. Teacher Ashling Murphy was stabbed to death in Tullamore An Irish Prison Service source also said; " Our understanding is a minimum sentence can not be imposed on him if he loses his appeal even though by that stage the proposed legislation will be law." It is understood Puska spent Christmas in a cell on his own in a protected wing of the Midlands prison. He was jailed for life in mid- November for the shocking murder of teacher Ashling ,23, while she was out walking in January last year. He stabbed her 13 times in the neck in a totally unprovoked and premeditated attack after stalking two other women that day. Her heartbroken family believe Puska should never see the light of day. The Government has made it clear he will be kicked out of Ireland whenever he is free in 20 to 30 years time. A life sentence in Ireland is currently around 20 years in custody. There will be very strong westerly winds, coupled with spring tides, and coastal flooding is likely. Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange rain warning for Cork and Kerry as intense rainfall will likely bring flooding to the southwest as Storm Gerrit sweeps across Ireland. The warning is valid from 8pm today until midnight on Thursday. A Status Yellow rain warning was also issued for the entire country on St Stephens Day and will last until midnight on Thursday. Heavy rain overnight, followed by heavy showers on Wednesday, may lead to localised flooding. A separate Status Orange wind warning has also been issued for Galway, which is valid from 6pm on Wednesday until 6am on Thursday. There will be very strong westerly winds, coupled with spring tides, and coastal flooding is likely. Meanwhile, a Status Yellow wind warning for Clare, Kerry, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo will come into force at midnight on Thursday and last until 4pm. Flood barriers will be erected in two Cork towns tomorrow morning ahead of expected downpours. Mallow and Fermoy will see barriers put in place tomorrow morning while other areas will continue to be monitored, Cork County Council has confirmed. It comes as Midleton, a town around 30 minutes south of Fermoy, saw huge flood damage during Storm Babet earlier this year. 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 Temperatures dipped to chilly lows of one to four degrees early last night, however they will rapidly rise to seven to 10 degrees by dawn on Wednesday. There will be strong to gale force winds, with some surface water flooding possible on Wednesday morning. Tomorrow will be another windy day with early rain extending right across the country once again. It will turn very windy later in the day, especially in the south and west. Temperatures will range between seven to 10 degrees, with strong winds. Wednesday night will be cold and windy, with some clear spells and showers. Some showers might turn wintry on northern hills. Temperatures will drop to four to seven degrees, accompanied by strong winds. Thursday will be windy, with bright spells and widespread showers, most frequent in the west with hail and thunder. Some falls might turn wintry in the mountains. Temperatures of seven to 10 degrees will be accompanied by strong and gusty winds. On Thursday night, there will be clear spells and showers, with potential for some hail and sleet on the hills. Temperatures will plunge to as low as one degrees, with moderate to fresh winds and some frost or ice possible. This week will be colder than recently and staying unsettled, Met Eireann has said. What should be natural for both genders ends up being denied to one of them A Brazilian model is facing a possible prison sentence for going topless on a promenade with her pet dogs. Caroline Werner (37) was nicked by cops in May after being stopped topless whilst walking by the beach in Balneario Camboriu, a coastal city in the south of Brazil. Ms Werner gave an interview to the G1 news outlet this week to describe her horror at what unfolded. "In many countries, it is a completely normal practice. A woman's body is not objectified and hypersexualized, she said. "Unfortunately in my country, even though the Constitution ensures gender equality, in practice this does not happen, I cannot have the same freedom and I feel coerced into doing so by this system and the repressive interpretation of the law. "What should be natural for both genders ends up being denied to one of them in an arbitrary and repressive manner." Caroline's arrest (g1) Ms Werner said it was a spur of the moment decision to remove her clothing, before authorities arrived on the scene. "I was on the beach walking the dogs, when I decided to go topless. When crossing the street to leave the dogs, I was approached by the Municipal Guard in a completely arbitrary and disproportionate way. They arrived already putting my hands behind me and handcuffing me. Caroline's walk (Jornal Extra/Reproduction) "When I arrived at the police station, they took me to a dark cell, where I was handcuffed to the cell railing, without the right to communicate with any family member, friend or lawyer. I spent more than an hour in that situation, unable to speak to anyone and, even though I had asked for I was denied my right to speak to my lawyer several times." Article 233 of the Brazilian Penal Code reportedly describes the charge as performing an obscene act in a public place, either open or exposed to the public. Brazilian police stated they came across the model after receiving a complaint from a member of the public. Ms Werner was further accused of "uttering insults against the garrison", reportedly. Ms Werner's incident is similar to the women involved in America's 'free the nipple' movement who were convicted of public nudity offences after also going topless. In 2020 the US Supreme Court ruled that a prosecution of three women for removing their bathing suit tops on a New Hampshire beach did not violate their constitutional rights. Heidi Lilley, Kia Sinclair and Ginger Pierro were arrested in 2016 after removing their tops at a beach in Laconia. The women argued this was a form of gender-based discrimination because men don't have to follow the same rules. Ms Werner could face up to 12 months in prison if found guilty of the offence. Can you see what is in front of you for what it really is? President Biden has signed legislation which will reveal some 'technologies of unknown origin and non-human intelligence' to the public over a period of 25 years. With this in mind as 2023 draws to a close, it is worth revisiting the words of Nobel prize nominee, Dr Garry Nolan, from his talk at the Salt Expo in New York earlier this year when he spoke about the UAP reality facing humanity. Dr Nolan is a Professor in Pathology at Stanford University, where he works in bio threat, cancer and virology. He studies the immune systems and related technologies, having established numerous companies. Dr Nolan has also been hired by the US Government to study the impact of UFOs on human health. He discussed the reality of non-human intelligence and the probability of an alien arrival already on earth. 100 pc probability. Thats not my opinion. AARO (All domain Anomaly Resolution Office) has been established to collect all of the information across all intelligence office into a uniform format. It hasnt just visited it has been here a long time and it is still here. The wow signal is that people see it on a regular basis, Dr Nolan said. The award winning scientist with an Irish surname updated the public on this fundamental issue and detailed what he thinks humanity is facing on an ongoing basis. Dr Nolan at Salt expo in NYC Whistle blowers have created quite a hornets nest in Washington. The most compelling evidence is just look at what the Government is doing. What are they basing their opinions on? Its dozens of individuals talking in classified settings. My personal experience is with people who are working on the reverse engineering programs of downed craft. If they are so advanced why are they crashing? Because what is crashing is not living things. If you wanted to study a tribe of cannibals in the Amazon are you going to go yourself and not become dinner? If you are advanced, you are not going to put your life at risk. What we are seeing here is drones or advanced A.I. We already have it in our emails, we are dealing with an alien intelligence. Chat GPT nobody knows what it is doing, Dr Nolan said. Dr Nolans statements are undoubtedly consequential as we face into the new year, with reports of looming AI job threats and the erosion of human cognitive ability. A grain of silicone changed our world. We have multiple sensor systems track these objects from 50 feet above water up to 14 miles and back in less than a second. That is a truth. The US Government has confirmed these measurements. They are careful what they say; we have no evidence of ET, well because no ET will walk in and say hello. You need to read between the lines. It does stuff we cant do. The Russians and Chinese are not doing it. If you can go from zero to 5,000 mph and take a right turn without being squished like a bug, what is the physics? We need to re-think our physics. Alleged UAP seen over Ireland (social media) Will we be able to do it in 1,000 years? A tiny piece of that knowledge could revolutionize what we are doing. How do we use it? 100 pc the material is there. Data convinces a scientist. The data is real, irrespective of the conclusions. Believe the data. Dr Nolan was asked to provide a potential hypothesis about UFOs and he pointed out something which does not receive enough attention in society in general. I think it is an advanced intelligence that uses intermediaries- can you see what is in front of you for what it really is? The south American native tribes didnt see the Spanish ships on the horizon for what it was. Who amongst you are intelligent enough to realize? You just need to show yourself enough to acculturate. They have been around a long time. They are affecting our culture. It is thought our important religions have been part of this process. Many scientists are working on this. We have used the threat narrative. This is today. They are showing up around our ships. Its okay to talk about this. We created laws to open the sensor systems. We are writing policy papers for Governments. This is a slow release process. The material needs to be published and not behind the scenes anymore. The intel community is frustrated because the best scientists havent been working on this. We need to bring together anthropologists and sociologists , to talk about that we are not at the top of the intellectual food chain, how do you deal with the religions? We know the Vatican is involved. I am working with people involved with that aspect. There is something here, Dr Nolan concluded. A Westpac Rescue Helicopter and crew will be based at the Whitianga Airfield for the summer holiday period. New chairman of the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust, John Stephenson, confirmed the helicopter will be stationed on the Peninsula until mid-February, reports Coromandel's CFM. John replaces Merv George who has retired from the Trust. He says he looks forward to continuing the development of the Trust and the raising of funds to support the helicopter rescue services into the region. Additional support has been provided to the Trust by Farmer Auto Village with the motor vehicle dealer providing a utility to be used by crew members. John says the generosity of Mike Farmer and his team at Farmer Auto Village is appreciated, the vehicle would be an asset to the trust and rescue helicopter team while based at Whitianga. Summer just aint summer without a bit of brain freeze. Fortunately, Kiwis are pretty talented in the ice cream department. Hence, the mind-boggling array of quality options up and down the motu/country. Stuff has put together this list of some favourite spots to help you decide where to get your frozen sugar rush this summer. Sea People Ice Cream, Mt Maunganui Made with a blend of cashew and coconut milk, the plant-based ice creams at Sea People are as rich and decadent as their non-vegan counterparts. The gingerbread cookie ice cream flavoured with cinnamon, clove and nutmeg is a festive favourite, while the double chocolate cookie, espresso brownie, and vanilla and almond butter are favourites year round. This summer, try the ruberry sherbet, a sorbet and ice cream hybrid with raspberries, strawberries and organic coconut milk with a hint of hibiscus. Zelati Dessert Cake, Wellington Tucked away in Left Bank Lane, just off Cuba Street, this dessert cafe turns out sundaes, ice cream sandwiches and gelato-topped brownies and baklava that are nothing short of edible works of art. The mango float sundae is a swirl of mango sorbet, vanilla gelato, crushed malt biscuits and whipped cream, while the fudgy ube (purple kumara and yam) brownie topped with a frozen dessert of your choice is a decadent deep purple dream. Italy-trained master gelato and sorbet maestro Alberto Tuason ensures the ingredients are top quality, turning out a rotating array of flavours. The gelato folded with Fix & Fogg Peanut Butter is a winner, as is the plant-based chocolate fudge sorbete made with 72% cacao Belgian chocolate, and passionfruit sorbeto. Scrunchy Millers, Auckland Opened by a former flight attendant and his wife after he was made redundant, Scrunchy Millers offers real-fruit ice creams in more than 10 different flavours, including kiwifruit, passionfruit, mango and various kinds of berry, blended with Oreo cookies if you like. Big fans of the also highly recommended Charlies Gelato in Matakana, Mike Kitching and Hayley McRae also offer dozens of varieties of its gelato and sorbet in flavours which range from kiwiana think jaffa, pineapple lumps and goody goody gum drops to raspberry panna cotta topped with slivers of coconut and almond and frozen versions of Snickers bars and Ferrero Rocher. You can get them turned into sundaes, banana splits, ice cream sodas and affogato if a simple cone or cup doesnt quite cut it. With three layers of ice cream, gelato or sorbet topped with the likes of Lindt chocolate, scorched almonds, freeze-dried raspberries and marshmallows, the cakes are well worth trying too. The Gelato Lab, Christchurch Made from scratch by an Italian gelatiere and a Kiwi scientist who attended a gelato university in Bologna, its no wonder the gelato at this Opawa lab is ultra authentic. Look forward to classic and seasonal flavours, including dairy-free options. Pattis & Cream, Dunedin So good youll find Dunedinites queueing for it even on a frigid grey day, the handmade ice creams at this St Clair Beach food truck have something close to cult status. The retro Bedford truck, open on sunny weekends, has a whiff of Mr Whippy about it, but the flavours are often anything but old-fashioned. Think pear and blue cheese, lemon curd and marshmallow, and coffee and cream. The truck, named Betty, proved such a hit that Pattis now also has two brick-and-mortar outlets: The Scoop Shop in Mornington and an American-style diner, The Diner, in George St. The Village Berry, Gisborne Real-fruit ice cream rarely tastes so intense. Most of the produce sold at this family-run grocery and ice cream shop is grown in sunny Gisborne, ensuring its full of flavour. Get it in a waffle cone if youre feeling fancy, or opt for frozen yoghurt if youre watching your waistline. Theres also a dairy-free version, and toppings include the likes of chocolate flakes, chocolate sauce, and brownie bits. I Scream for Ice Cream, Feilding Theres a good chance you could have to queue for this family-run joint with more than 60 flavours on offer. With something of a retro, ice cream parlour/milk bar vibe, I Scream offers traditional favourites, wacky combos, and plenty to keep vegans and those with food allergies and intolerances happy. Youll also find sundaes, milkshakes, cakes, fudge and pick n mix lollies. Fuse Real Fruit Ice Cream, Christchurch A back injury that forced Logan Whyte to give up his job as a landscaper saw him embark on a mission to take real fruit ice cream to another level. Finding a food truck with a bright orange, cone-shaped sign on Trade Me back in 2017, Logan and his partner Tahlia began experimenting with flavours such as peanut butter, Nutella and sour cherry yoghurt, replaced the traditional chocolate flake with a berry and biscuit slice, and developed their own quickset sauce using Whittakers chocolate. It worked wonders. So much so that Logan now runs the food truck, parked by the Port Hills at 73 Cashmere Rd, full-time and Tahlia lends a hand when she clocks off from her day job as a high school science teacher and at weekends. Customers can build their own dream frozen dessert, choosing a base of vanilla or chocolate ice cream or frozen yoghurt, another flavour (with options including mixed berry, mango and passionfruit), toppings such as Oreos, sprinkles and peanuts, and dark, milk or white chocolate sauce. -Lorna Thornber/Stuff. Traffic congestion is being reported around Tauranga and the rest of the North Island as people prepare for New Year's. On State Highway 2, between Katikati and Taurnaga, today, a SunLive reader reported traffic at a slow crawl and often standstill for 10km from Omokoroa intersection to Bethlehem. They say it was flowing well in the other direction north. A similar situation has been reported on SH29, over the Kaimai Range. Further afield, passengers have been seen getting out of vehicles and walking alongside standstill traffic on the Kapiti Expressway earlier today, as queues and crashes caused chaos around the country. There were reports on social media of traffic backed up between Otaki and Levin with the drive taking 40 minutes on Wednesday - double what it usually would. Movement was slow heading north into Taihape, with a report of a 3km-line of traffic. Multiple crashes throughout the country have also added to travel times. State Highway One south of Sanson has reopened, after being closed for more than an hour due to a campervan crash near Rongotea this afternoon. No one was injured, but both lanes of SH1 near Rowe Road were closed, and diversions were in place. And Remutaka Hill has reopened in both directions after a three-vehicle crash that left one car on fire. Three people received minor to moderate injuries. A crash on Haywards Hill Road in Wellington, which previously closed the road to eastbound traffic, has since been cleared. Meanwhile, motorists heading north through Auckland to holiday hotspots face a long, slow drive as the summer exodus gets underway in earnest. At 2pm, northbound motorway traffic was backed up from the Harbour Bridge to Newmarket, and was slow-moving as far south as the Greenlane interchange. Those heading south faced slow-moving queues from the junction with State Highway 20 in Manukau almost to Ramarama, at the foot of the Bombay Hills. Part of the Harbour Bridge was closed for maintenance, which was also causing delays but for southbound traffic only. North of Auckland, traffic was heavy but mostly flowing. -Additional reporting by RNZ. More rain is on the cards today, warns weather forecasters. A northeasterly airflow lies over the country today as a high pressure system moves away out to the east, they never last to long these days, says the latest update from WeatherWatch.co.nz Later on a warm front pushes in from the Tasman ahead of a low pressure system, says the weather organisation. "So to start we will have areas of high cloud increasing across the country today, the North Island will have a fair amount of mid level cloud with a few showers in the northeast (Northland through to Bay Of Plenty). "Rain develops about Northland this evening then elsewhere in the west before pushing east overnight. "The South Island has areas of mid level cloud in the east but these will break away, rain arrives for the top of the South Island later this evening then progressively spreads elsewhere overnight apart from in the southeast (Southland / Otago). "Northeasterlies will freshen for the upper North Island and along the east coast of the South Island. Temperatures are warmest about the western / upper North Island and in the far south reaching into the mid to late 20s." A rain band is forecast to move onto the country later today. Image: WeatherWatch.co.nz BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. The State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads has been allocated 350,000 manat ($205,882) for major repair of highways in Sabail district of Baku, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree on measures for capital repair of roads in Sabail district of Baku city. Will be updated Alekk M. Saanders Wednesday, 27 December 2023, 13:19 | Updated 16:09h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram When the name Gustave Eiffel is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is the iron structure on the banks of the Seine river in Paris designed by his company and built for the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle. However, the engineer's numerous works and buildings can be found all over Europe and even the world. According to the Association of Descendants of Gustave Eiffel, the distinguished engineer built more than 500 structures in 30 countries. Eiffel also left traces in Spain, and at least one of them is in Andalucia. Some Andalusian cities and towns still preserve fragments of his work, as well as some legends and stories. Eiffel's bridges In 1864, the Frenchman started working independently and created his own company, Gustave Eiffel et Compagnie, based in Levallois-Perret. Gustave Eiffel, known for his love of new means of communication, created many objects related to trains, from railway stations to railway bridges. Not surprisingly, Eiffel's workshops specialised in metal bridges and viaducts, iron piles and scaffolds, harbour towers and lighthouses, railways, cranes and lifting equipment. According to some reports, Gustave Eiffel sought various licences from Spain to create his designs during the peninsula's railway boom. His little-known works can be found all over Spain: in Galicia, the Basque Country, Extremadura and Catalonia, amongst others. Some Andalusian cities and towns still preserve fragments of Eiffel's imagination, as well as some legends and stories His first bridge in Spain was built in 1878 in Girona. It was nine years later that he built the iconic Parisian landmark. The old Pont del Rellotge bridge was supposed to 'save' the River Guell river, which runs through the Catalan city. One of the most impressive Eiffel bridges in Spain is in Granada. El Hacho Bridge takes us back to an era when trains were the main means of transport between the cities of Andalucia However, one of the most impressive Eiffel bridges in Spain is in Granada. El Hacho Bridge takes us back to an era when trains were the main means of transport between the cities of Andalucia. The extension of the railway between Jaen and Granada took place at the end of the 19th century. The railway line connecting Moreda with Linares-Baeza was commissioned by Compania de los Caminos de Hierro del Sur de Espana and built by the French company Fives-Lille. The bridge was built between 1886 and 1895 between the municipalities of Alamedilla and Guadahortuna, then the industrial centre of Granada province. (Several centuries ago, Guadahortuna was the main supplier of coal and wood to Granada, and was also known for its glass industry.) El Hacho in the end of the 19th century. SUR The iron bridge, with a span of 625 metres and a height of 50 metres, is considered one of the largest metal viaducts created by the Eiffel School in Spain, and... one of the most peculiar. El Hacho Bridge is created using superimposed metal moulds. It has been dubbed the "poor cousin" of the Eiffel Tower. The inauguration of the Hacho Bridge was held in 1897 (some sources say 1898), and seven decades later the bridge fell into disuse, as did the stations in the municipalities to which it belongs. A modern concrete bridge was built alongside in the late 1970s. However, El Hacho was saved from demolition by local residents. A bridge in neglect In Granada province, there is a bridge named after Eiffel. Puente Eiffel is an iron bridge over the Genil river situated between the municipalities of Lachar and Pinos Puente. It was built in the 1897 by the studio of Gustave Eiffel. Don Julio Quesada-Canaveral commissioned the bridge to connect the station of Illora by the Decauville railway at Lachar with two important factories that the nobleman had in Lachar. The bridge is considered the last vestige of the Industrial Revolution in Vega de Granada. Although the bridge in Lachar is classified as a protected monument, it is currently in an advanced state of neglect, with no remodelling or refurbishment work having been carried out to make it suitable for use as a platform for pedestrians and cyclists. This means that, on occasions, the bridge acts as a dam when the river rises. Cordoba The 'Three Eyes' bridge (El Puente de los Tres Ojos) over the Guadalquivir River connects the town of Villa del Rio and Cordoba on the A-3101 motorway. In 1889, it was not built for the railway. Wikipedia recognises it as a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel and gives an alternative name, the Iron Bridge (Puente de Hierro). Although many articles have been published in local newspapers in recent years in the context of its long-term reform, however, they do not mention that it is a creation of Eiffel or of any connection with his workshops. The bridge in Cordoba province. SUR Incidentally, there is another Puente de Hierro in Andalucia, which is mentioned in some sources as a creation of Eiffel, or rather of his workshops. Apparently, the wrought iron bridge was built in 1885 to cross the bed of the Rio Genil during the extension of the line that connected Marchena with Ecija and Cordoba. The bridge was made of triangular, riveted girders and consisted of two sections formed by reinforced straight beams with a double lattice resembling St Andrew's Cross. Seville The Andalusian capital also boasts a couple of legends associated with Gustave Eiffel and his work. One of Seville's most impressive bridges, the Isabel II Bridge, commonly known as the 'Triana', has long been thought to be the work of Gustave Eiffel. The real author is Gustavo Steinacher. It is believed that he and Eiffel exchanged some letters and thereby created the misunderstanding. Thus was born the myth of the Eiffel Bridge over the Guadalquivir. Malaga Apparently inspired by 'several' of Eiffel's Andalusian works, the iron bridge over the Rio Guadalmedina in the heart of Malaga is sometimes referred to as a project from Eiffel's workshops. The bridge, named after the church of Santo Domingo and also known as the Bridge of the Germans (Puente de los Alemanes), may clearly follow Eiffel's style, but excludes any reference to Gustave Eiffel. Maria Albarral Wednesday, 27 December 2023 | Updated 29/12/2023 12:49h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram New 'Zona de Bajas Emisiones' (ZBE) low emission zone signs have gone up in the centres of Marbella and San Pedro Alcantara. However, as the town hall announced in October, the signs are provisional and while drivers might get a warning, they will not be fined until a study of air quality measurement and the development of the relevant bylaw is introduced. According to the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition, municipalities in Spain with more than 50,000 inhabitants are obliged to establish ZBE areas to phase out the use of the most polluting petrol and diesel vehicles. "The regulation is obligatory, so despite the fact that Marbella has the second-best air quality in Spain, it must also have this zone," said the local government spokesperson, Felix Romero, recently. Marbella has followed the model used by Malaga city, having looked into systems used by cities including Madrid, Zaragoza and Alicante. "There is no universal signage, so we have chosen the same as Malaga city, as it made more sense to have uniformity with a neighbouring city," said the councillor. The ZBE covers the central areas of Marbella and San Pedro, where most of the roads are already pedestrianised. The zones are limited to vehicles with environmental labels B, C, Eco and Zero; those associated with residents or owners and tenants of parking spaces, commercial premises or tourist accommodation in these areas, delivery, emergency vehicles, Blue Badge holders and municipal service vehicles. "The aim is to promote an awareness-raising campaign in these areas. During these months we will monitor the functioning of the system in this area and this will allow us to subsequently develop more effective regulations," Romero explained. Other Costa del Sol towns Spains Climate Change Act set the deadline of 2023 for municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants to implement their Low Emission Zones (ZBEs), however many have been unable to meet the deadline. In practice, it means that 149 towns and cities will need to define an area in their urban centres where over-polluting vehicles cannot enter. Other Costa del Sol resorts whose central areas will be affected in Malaga province include Benalmadena, Estepona, Mijas, Fuengirola, Malaga city, Marbella, Torremolinos and Velez-Malaga. Pilar Martinez Malaga Wednesday, 27 December 2023, 21:01 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Many people choose the festive season to travel, enjoying the festive season in a different culture or seeing out the year in another country. Due to the high volume of EU tourists travelling through Europe at this time of the year the European Commission has published a ten-step guide to help EU citizens enjoy the festive season in any EU country in a responsible and safe way. The first recommendation focuses on consumer rights and warns that under EU legislation all products purchased in any EU can be returned, without explanation, within 14 calendar days of receipt or purchase. The seller, upon receipt of the returned product, must refund the money within 14 days at the latest. Consumers also have two months to inform the seller of any defects or problems with the product, not forgetting that in the EU, all products are guaranteed for a minimum of two years. When people are travelling, all EU citizens have the right to travel freely throughout the 27 countries of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, which are members of the Schengen area. This freedom of movement means that a valid passport or national identity card (DNI in Spain) is sufficient to visit any of these destinations. In the case of travelling with pets, EU rules allow citizens to travel to another EU country, Norway and Northern Ireland with a dog, cat or ferret. To do so, they must have a clearly legible microchip or tattoo, be vaccinated against rabies, have been treated for tapeworm and carry a valid EU pet passport. Passenger rights As a passenger, the European Commission states that in the event of cancellation of a ticket, whether by air, rail, bus or package, EU citizens have the right to reimbursement. This can be in the form of a refund or a voucher redeemable at another time, provided that the traveller agrees. The Commission has recently presented a proposal for a revision of the Passenger Rights Regulations. For example, in the case of a travel package, it proposes that advance payments for travel packages at the time of booking be limited to a maximum of 25% of the price up to 28 days before departure and that reimbursement be made within a maximum of 14 days. To prevent any surprises on phone bills, the European Commission points out that EU citizens benefit from the new roaming rules, which state that they can call, text and surf the web in other EU countries at no extra cost. In this regard, it pointed out that in 2022 the new Roaming Regulation came into force, which guarantees a better experience, with the same quality of mobile service abroad as in the country of origin. "The new rules also improve access to emergency communications across the EU and ensure clear information on services that may incur additional charges," it said. In addition, the Commission insists that digital content can be enjoyed in any EU country without additional costs and with the same conditions as in the EU country where subscribed. In the event of an emergency, the European Commission advises calling 112, which can be dialled free of charge from EU landlines and mobile phones to contact the emergency services, and using the European Health Insurance Card if treatment is needed. With it, European citizens are entitled to the same healthcare as nationals of the EU country they are in. It is easy to apply online and is usually delivered to the person's home within a week. It is common that when people do searches to plan their holidays, advertisements from large online platforms start to pop up repeatedly. The new Digital Services Act ensures that users can clearly and easily report illegal content, goods or services. This also applies to profile-based advertising. The law also includes a ban on personalised advertising for minors or advertising based on certain personal data such as ethnicity, political opinions or sexual orientation. Responsible consumption When discovering European culture and gastronomy, EU citizens should be aware that Europe has a rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, with a wide variety of foods and beverages that carry the European quality label, such as those that are part of the Protected Geographical Indications. The European Commission recommends buying what is essential and avoid waste, stating that in the EU around 20% of the food purchased is wasted. In addition, each EU citizen throws away around 11 kilos of clothing per year, which increases the amount of waste produced. In order to prevent the generation of electronic waste, the European Union has recently adopted legislation which will ensure that, by the end of 2024, users will be able to use a single charger for small, newly purchased portable electronic devices. This will prevent 11,000 tonnes of waste. The Commission has also recently proposed new common rules promoting product repair. The aim is to ensure that more products are repaired within the legal guarantee and that consumers have simpler and cheaper options for repairing products. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Syracuse, N.Y. A lawsuit by a Syracuse police officer that claimed the department cultivated a Jim Crow racist culture has been rejected a second time. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a ruling Tuesday upholding a lower federal judges dismissal of Brandon Hanks lawsuit that claimed he was discriminated against by the Syracuse Police Department. Hollywood and Upstate New York met in harmony this year when a Hudson Valley college was selected to perform in Bradley Coopers Netflix film Maestro. Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson announced that their pre-professional graduate orchestra featuring students from around the world, The Orchestra Now, was selected to perform in the movie as well as the films original soundtrack. Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan are seen on the set of "Maestro" on July 05, 2022 in New York City. An Upstate NY college orchestra was selected to be featured in the film and on the film's original soundtrack.Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin | GC Images Maestro, stars Bradley Cooper as the renowned composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. The college reported that in April of 2022, the orchestra, also know as TON, was approached by the films orchestra casting agent. They were looking for an orchestra to depict a 1989 Tanglewood performance by Bernstein with a youth orchestra. Out of all of the major pre-professional orchestras on the east coast, TON was chosen. Students were sent to New York City for costume fittings and to make sure the instruments they would be playing were appropriate for the 1989 timeline. By May of 2022, the orchestra was in Tanglewood, the renowned music venue in western Massachusetts, to perform for the film. The Orchestra Now, otherwise known as TON, was selected to appear in the Netflix movie "Maestro" with Bradley Cooper playing Leonard Bernstein.Matt Dine | @omd17 on Instagram They rehearsed for hours with the Metropolitan Operas Music Director Maestro Yannick Nezet-Seguin, perfecting Beethovens Symphony No. 8 for the soundtrack recording. Once the track was set, the student orchestra was joined on stage by Bradley Cooper in full makeup as Lenny and filmed their 1989 Tanglewood performance for the screen. Double bassist Milad Daniari, a 2018 TON graduate, told Bard College this once-in-a-lifetime performance was the highlight of his career. Like most classical musicians, I grew up surrounded by Leonard Bernsteins iconic recordings and videos. I even have a framed print of him conducting the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood hanging above my desk, Daniari said. The second Bradley Cooper came on set in full makeup, it truly felt as if Leonard Bernstein was in the room with us. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving the budget of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024, Trend reports. According to the decree, the budget revenues of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024 will amount to 12.07 billion manat ($7.09 billion) and expenditures - 12.9 billion manat ($7.11 billion). Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Lacona, N.Y. A bank in Oswego County was robbed Wednesday morning by a man wearing a blue mask, troopers said. A man entered the Pathfinder Bank on Harwood Drive in Lacona around 9 a.m. and passed a note to a teller, according to Trooper Jack Keller, a state police spokesperson. The village is just off Interstate 81 about 40 minutes north of Syracuse. The suspect left on foot with an unknown amount of cash, Keller said. Troopers ask anyone with information about the robbery to call 911 or Troop D at 315-366-6000. The man pictured robbed the Pathfinder Bank on Harwood Drive in Lacona, according to the state police.Courtesy New York State Police Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7. Say goodbye to the days of having to manually install and update your mods. Lunar Client is an all-in-one modpack that includes, and automatically updates, all of your favorite mods. Lunar Client also offers the most popular versions of Minecraft such as 1.7, 1.8, 1.12, 1.16, 1.17 and 1.18 directly in our launcher. Countless Mods Lunar Client offers over fifty customizable mods and hundreds of settings to enhance your Minecraft experience. Our mods are suited for players of every gamemode, ranging from PvP to Skyblock. Some of the mods we offer include Replay Mod, Hypixel Mods, 1.7 Visuals, and Skyblock Addons. For a full list of mods, visit our mods page. Boosted Frames Thanks to our talented developers, and a little bit of magic, Lunar Client offers the most up-to-date performance enhancements. Have a bad computer? No problem! In most cases, your frames will nearly double. These enhancements are built into the client. There are also individual settings you can adjust to further improve your FPS such as full bright, chunk loading, and entity rendering. MultiOS Support Lunar Client supports all of the major operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS. We offer 32-bit and 64-bit variants for any Windows version above XP, as well as Intel and Apple Silicon variants for any macOS version above El Capitan. The Linux package is distributed as an AppImage which supports the major Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, and more. Will Lunar Client boost my frame rate? Using several FPS boosting techniques, Lunar Client boosts your FPS by a huge amount. In most cases users will see their FPS double. Is Lunar Client compatible with any Minecraft server? Lunar Client is compatible with any server that supports the vanilla game! Meaning that as long as the version you are playing on is supported, you are always able to connect. Is Lunar Client free? Lunar Client is completely free to use, and you miss out on zero features! However, if you would like you can support us by purchasing cosmetics in-game to improve your look, show off to your friends and improve the way your character looks at store.lunarclient.com. Can I use my own texture pack in Lunar Client? Any texture pack is compatible with Lunar Client and can be enabled ingame like you normally would. However, Lunar Client will not allow you to load "xray texture packs". Installation Instructions You're almost ready to experience awesomeness...simply follow the instructions below and you'll be on your way! If you encounter an issue when downloading or installing the client, please create a support ticket with a detailed report. Wait for your download to finish Run the Lunar Client Installer Open the client and hit launch What's New Hey everyone! It's been a while since our last patch notes and one of the main reasons is because we've been hard at work on many unreleased projects. We recently got to show off one of these projects in the Minecraft MOBA event at TwitchCon a few weeks ago. I plan on doing patch notes more frequently again so stay on the lookout for more. I can't wait to show you guys what we have planned next, some amazing stuff in progress! For today's patch notes, we will be highlighting improvements for mods like Armor Status and Hypixel Mods. We also implemented various quality of life features and fixed a large number of bugs. For more in-depth information, read the entirety of our patch notes below. Fixed an issue causing the error modal to appear after canceling a launch that had just started Added progress events as individual files download, instead of just when one finishes downloading Fixed an issue causing differential downloads to fail 100% of the time Fixed an issue causing differential downloads to hang when the user experiences a 404/network issue Fixed an issue causing the hs_err log to not upload sometimes under certain circumstances Added more error handling around when a differential download fails New Mods Sodium Sodium is a rendering engine replacement for the Minecraft client, which significantly improves frame rates and stuttering while fixing many graphical issues on modern versions of Minecraft. (This mod is only available on the Sodium module) Iris Iris is a shaders mod for modern versions of Minecraft intended to be compatible with existing OptiFine shader packs. (This mod is only available on the Sodium module) Phosphor Phosphor is an optimization mod for modern versions of Minecraft which optimizes the lighting engine. (This mod is only available on the Sodium module) NotEnoughUpdates NotEnoughUpdates is a quality of life mod for Hypixel Skyblock which was created by Moulberry (This mod is only available on the Forge module) Playtime A mod that allows you to keep track of the time you spend enjoying Lunar Client! New Features Toolchain Added the ability for our toolchain to load the Forge or Fabric mod loaders that will then load Forge or Fabric mods This change allows us to fully integrate 3rd party mods into Lunar Client much easier than before. If you are a mod developer and are looking to get your mod integrated into Lunar Client, please contact us! Keystrokes Mod Added the ability to set the fade delay when a key is pressed Added inner and outer border support ArmorStatus Added the ability to separate and move each individual armor pieces Added icons to each armor type in the settings Added the ability to toggle separated armor pieces Polling Rate Warning Added a warning when entering the main menu if your mouse polling rate is above 500, this can cause your sensitivity to feel stuttery and laggy Improvements Memory Management Profiled the client and made many memory optimizations across the entire codebase Hit Color Mod Reworked some of the code to have better support for shaders on modern Chroma Revamped how Chroma is done in HUD mods, this should improve the color transitions across mods and overall performance Hypixel Mods Added the ability to change the position of Levelhead, either above or below your name Cosmetics Added support for GeckoLib backpacks Added support for GeckoLib wings Added options to show cosmetics over certain armor pieces Improved a lot of the rendering code on modern, slightly improving performance UI Replaced all boolean option checkboxes with ON/OFF switches Emotes Added support for interactive emotes between players such as the Rock, Paper, Scissors emote Added support for custom server models to render while emoting Language Imported translations for French, Dutch, Chinese Simplified, Turkish, Swedish, Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazilian), Polish, Norwegian, Lithuanian, Spanish, Italian, Greek, and German Bugfixes Cosmetics/Emotes Fixed an issue causing cosmetics to be inverted on legacy Fixed an issue causing cosmetic positions and scaling to be wrong on modern Fixed an issue causing cosmetic animations to restart when another player joined a server with GeckoLib cosmetics on Fixed an issue causing cosmetics to render twice while emoting Fixed an issue causing players to go invisible when emoting with the glowing effect (1.12+) Fixed an issue causing GeckoLib hats to not render properly on the Sodium module Fixed an issue where cosmetics that had transparency wouldn't appear transparent when holding items Fixed an issue where players would sometimes crash when loading other people's cosmetics on 1.16+ Fixed an issue causing players to crash when rendering a GeckoLib cosmetic on version 1.7.10 3D Skins Fixed an issue where head layers were flipped 180 degrees Fixed an issue where the extra skin layer on skulls would render in the wrong position Settings Converter Fixed various issues with Settings not converting when switching off of modern versions Fixed an issue causing FOV to be set extremely high when switching off of modern Fixed an issue causing a crash when no options.txt file was preset Chunk Borders Fixed an issue causing chunk borders to be off by 1 on 1.7.10 and 1.8.9 UHC Overlay Fixed an issue where items wouldn't be scaled properly if the 2D Items mod was enabled Vanilla Backported a fix from Version 1.9-pre3 to Versions 1.7.10 and 1.8.9 that prevents sprinting while in inventory OptiFine Module Fixed an issue that caused connected textures to not work on 1.8.9 Fixed an issue that caused chests to appear transparent when having enchanted armor equipped Fixed an issue causing the hover item chat component to not work on version 1.8.9 Fixed a freeze caused by enabling VSync on 1.16+ Saturation Mod Fixed an issue causing resource pack texture overriding to not work properly for the AppleSkin icons Particle Changer Fixed an issue causing overlay colors to not be as vibrant as they should be Fixed an issue where some particle types were null Fixed an issue with block break particles being dark Screenshot Mod Fixed an issue causing screenshots to not save in the correct folder Fixed an issue where users were unable to use the Copy button on version 1.16 Fixed an issue that caused the screenshot chat message to not appear in chat on 1.19 Fixed an issue causing all the chat buttons to be wrong on 1.19 Settings Fixed an issue with the "Show Pets" option not doing anything Fixed an issue with text boxes not allowing backspace on certain keyboards Fixed Emote settings showing up in the Cosmetics section AutoTextHotkey Fixed an issue causing hotkeys for chat to not work on version 1.19 Skin Changer Fixed an issue causing your game to crash when using Skin Changer on modern versions Item Physics Fixed an issue causing the mod to not render dropped items properly Forge Module Fixed an issue causing your game to crash when receiving an achievement on 1.7.10 & 1.8.9 Fixed an issue causing chat messages to not appear on 1.8.9 Fixed an issue that caused custom item textures to not work on 1.8.9 Fixed an issue where the Weather Changer mod wasn't working at all Multiplayer Fixed an issue causing servers to be unjoinable on macOS Fixed an issue with message signing that disallowed people from joining certain servers Keystrokes Fixed an issue on 1.18+ that caused keystrokes to be empty Version 1.7.10 Fixed an issue causing TCP_NODELAY to be disabled Realms Fixed an issue causing your realms worlds to not appear after switching accounts Chat Mod Fixed an issue with the ping sound playing when a player is mentioned in the action bar Fixed an issue where certain chat messages would appear "unsafe" on 1.19 Fixed an issue causing chat to not render if Stacked Spam Messages was enabled Title Mod Fixed an issue that caused the title to render before the subtitle on modern Coordinates Mod Fixed an issue that caused the background of the Coordinates Mod to still appear when typing Tab Mod Fixed an issue that caused Lunar Client logos to not render in tab Nametag Mod Fixed an issue causing extra nametag lines to not render on modern (health) Version updates OptiFine Updated OptiFine to HD U H7 on 1.18.2 Updated OptiFine to HD U H9 on 1.19.2 Java Upgraded to Java 17 on legacy versions (1.7, 1.8, 1.12) NotEnoughUpdates Updated to Version 2.1-blahaj-rc7 Sodium Updated to Version 0.4.4 Iris Serving the tech enthusiast community for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust . Read our ethics statement The big picture: Despite ongoing efforts by Meta, Valve, Apple, Sony, and Samsung, virtual reality and mixed reality have struggled to achieve mainstream acceptance. Now, Microsoft has given up on the technology. Anyone considering using Windows Mixed Reality should download the required software now while it remains available. Windows Mixed Reality recently entered Microsoft's list of deprecated features. The company has confirmed that it will no longer update the Mixed Reality Portal app or its SteamVR compatibility driver. A Microsoft representative told UploadVR that consumers can no longer download the Mixed Reality Windows Store and Steam VR apps from November 1, 2026. They will remain available for commercial users for another year afterward. Those who are already using the software won't be affected when the company delists it. However, they won't be able to set up new Windows Mixed Reality systems or continue using the necessary apps after upgrading to future versions of Windows. Earlier reports indicate that Microsoft could release Windows 12 before the end of next year, with AI as a central focus. However, the company may still be deciding whether to call the 2024 update Windows 12, as Windows 11 has yet to surpass the popularity of Windows 10. Deprecating Windows Mixed Reality brings the fates of numerous headset models into doubt. The Dell Visor, Lenovo Explorer, HP VR1000, HP Reverb headsets, Acer AH101, Acer OJO 500, Asus HC102, and both Samsung Odyssey models require Microsoft's software stack. In 2026 and 2027, all those models could become e-waste unless their manufacturers or third parties find workarounds. Meanwhile, Sony is forging ahead with PlayStation VR 2. The company's latest patent looks ambitious and might never see the light of day, but its existence proves that Sony is considering new input methods to make VR and mixed reality more immersive. The patent explores two possible methods to simulate movement with foot-based controls that require less space than room-scale VR interfaces. One involves a pair of foot-operated spheres similar to trackballs. The other is a circular touchpad that users would operate with their feet. Interestingly, the latter can sense a foot's proximity to determine the force of an input, giving users finer control over movement speed. Emulating locomotion has been one of VR's most enduring challenges. Omnidirectional treadmills have been a fixture in the VR space for years, and one company proposed a pair of robotic boots. What just happened? The US government has officially banned the import of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 over a patent dispute regarding their new blood oxygen sensor. The ban came into effect on Tuesday, December 26, after the Biden Administration declined to veto the US International Trade Commission's (USITC) decision to restrict the wearables. Update: Apple has flexed its corporate and legal muscle, managing to secure a temporary halt in the legal dispute concerning its Apple Watch, as an appeals court on Wednesday decided to delay the previously implemented ban that started on Tuesday. The court has given the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) until January 10 to reply to Apple's plea for an extended suspension as the case continues to unfold in the judiciary, per the court's decision. In a statement, the Office of the United States Trade Representative said that "after careful considerations," Ambassador Katherine Tai decided not to reverse the ITC's decision that called for a blanket ban on the import of the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the US. In anticipation of the ban going into effect this week, Apple halted online sales of both devices from its US website on December 21 before stopping in-store sales a few days later. The sales freeze on the new Apple Watches was ordered by a US court earlier this year after medical technology company Masimo successfully claimed that Apple's light-based pulse-ox sensor infringed its patents. The ruling was upheld by the USITC in October, and was automatically sent to the White House for a 60-day presidential review window, which ended on December 25. With the Biden administration choosing not to intervene, the ban came into effect the next day. While the ban is a major setback for Apple, the company is not taking it lying down, and has appealed the ITC's decision in the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. As reported by Reuters, the company asked the court to suspend the ban, at least until the US Customs and Border Protection decides whether the watches infringe on Masimo's patents. In a media statement, an Apple spokesperson said that the company "strongly disagrees" with the USITC decision and is taking "all measures" to get the two devices back on store shelves as soon as possible. On the other hand, a Masimo spokesperson hailed the ban as "a win for the integrity of the U.S. patent system, and ultimately American consumers." The way things are right now, Apple's only real chance to get the two watches unbanned in the US is for the Federal Circuit to overturn the USITC's decision. If that doesn't happen, Apple will be left with no choice but to settle with Masimo to get its products back on sale. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the sales ban only applies to the US currently, so Apple fans in the rest of the world don't have anything to worry about, at least for now. Press Release December 26, 2023 Bong Go calls for heightened vigilance amid surging flu cases in PH Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has strongly urged Filipinos to maintain heightened vigilance following a report by the Department of Health (DOH) on the over 190,000 documented influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the country. Go expressed his deep concern over the escalating public health concern especially amid the holiday season. "Each one of us needs to be more vigilant and responsible in our daily activities," he said. "Tandaan na mahalaga ang kalusugan at pagmamalasakit sa isa't isa. Ito ang regalo na dapat nating pahalagahan ngayong Kapaskuhan. Ang katumbas ng kalusugan ay buhay ng bawat Pilipino," he stressed. The senator stressed the importance of collective effort in curbing the spread of such health threats including flu, influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. In a Senate hearing on December 18, on the reported rise of respiratory illnesses, Go, together with the DOH, appealed for the need for continued mask usage, despite its voluntary nature. He likewise emphasized the crucial lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity for bolstered preparedness in the Philippine healthcare system. According to the latest Disease Surveillance Report from the DOH, there have been 193,148 cases of ILI from January 1 to November 25, a notable 50% increase from the 128,386 cases reported during the same period in the previous year. The data from DOH shows that the regions most impacted by this increase are Davao with 27,411 cases; Northern Mindanao with 24,357 cases; and Central Visayas with 23,470 cases. Additionally, regions such as the Zamboanga Peninsula, National Capital Region, and Cordillera Administrative Region have experienced the most significant rise in cases compared to last year. Despite the rise in cases, the DOH report reveals a silver lining with a decrease in ILI-related deaths, dropping to a 0.14 percent case fatality rate this year, compared to 0.38 percent in 2022. Go commended the DOH for its enhanced disease surveillance and monitoring efforts. However, the senator cautioned against complacency. "While it's heartening to see a decrease in fatalities, we cannot let our guard down. Every life matters, and we must continue our efforts to protect our fellow Filipinos," Go emphasized. Go also highlighted the need for proactive health measures. "Kailangan nating paigtingin ang ating mga kampanya sa pagbabakuna, lalo na sa high-risk areas. We should also raise awareness and education about the flu, its symptoms, and prevention should be a top priority," he suggested. The senator also called on local government units (LGUs) to play a more active role. "LGUs should closely monitor their respective areas and ensure that health protocols are properly implemented. We need a synchronized approach to effectively manage this health issue," Go remarked. Influenza-like illnesses, characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches, pose a significant challenge, especially in densely populated areas. With the holiday season approaching, Go urged Filipinos to exercise caution. "The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but let's not forget the invisible threat we are facing. I urge everyone to celebrate responsibly and adhere to health guidelines to keep our families and communities safe," he added. In closing, Go echoed the commitment of Health Secretary Herbosa in reassuring the public of the government's commitment to addressing the situation. "We should always be taking all necessary steps to address this health concern. Together, with cooperation and vigilance, we can overcome this challenge and protect the lives and well-being of fellow Filipinos," he concluded. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament) plans to approve one more international document, Trend reports. The draft law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Approval of Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism" was submitted for discussion at the meeting of the Milli Majlis Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Ties. After discussion, the document was recommended to the plenary session of the Parliament. Serving the tech enthusiast community for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust . Read our ethics statement Forward-looking: Numerous companies have spent several years trying to fulfill the long-dreamed promise of flying cars. Significant challenges remain, but developments in the sector sped up significantly throughout 2023. Multiple proposals have outlined flying taxi services that could appear in major cities over the next two years. Recent milestones could put a nascent industry on track to open flying taxi services in 2024 and 2025. Questions remain regarding cost and safety, but regulators are warming up to the technology, which could save passengers significant commute time. Volocopter might become one of the first flying taxi companies to open a service with broad exposure if its planned Paris service is ready for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The company is designing multiple routes between Versailles and airports around Paris. Since Volocopter gained approval for the plan, it has successfully flown electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles in Florida, New York City, and Osaka. The tests prove flying taxis can operate in major metropolitan areas and international airports. Another flying taxi company, Joby Aviation, recently completed air traffic control simulations with NASA and started plans for specialized landing pads throughout Japan. Joby plans to start air taxi services in NYC by 2025, and Archer Aviation is working with United Airlines to provide flying taxis in Chicago around the same time. However, China may be currently in the lead regarding flying taxis. The government recently approved for EHang Holdings to offer trial tours in Xinjiang and Shenzhen. Meanwhile, in the US, the FAA has drafted proposals for short eVTOL flights by 2028. Despite the progress, significant obstacles to broad adoption remain. The most obvious issue is likely cost. Flying over traffic with new technology is inherently expensive, but Joby and UA hope flying taxis can eventually become as cheap as an Uber ride. Another problem is safety, as the extreme weight of eVTOL batteries complicates flight. Furthermore, the VTOL design that companies have chosen has a troubled history. Since the US military began deploying V-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft in 2007, 10 have failed, killing 24 people. The military recently grounded its $32 billion Osprey fleet after a fatal crash off the coast of Japan. Such issues caused competitors like Kitty Hawk and Uber to back out of the market. Time will tell if Joby, EHang, Volocopter, and Archer can stay the course and eventually offer affordable air taxi rides. India has swiftly responded to an alarming attack on the MV Chem Pluto, an Israel-linked chemical tanker, deploying its naval might to safeguard its waters in the Arabian Sea. Nikkei Asia tells us that the Liberian-flagged vessel, carrying a crew of 21 Indians and one Vietnamese, was targeted in what preliminary assessments suggest was a drone attack, raising concerns about regional security. Defensive Measures from the Indian Navy The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed the arrival of the attacked vessel, now docked safely in Mumbai under naval escort. "Further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of attack, including the type and amount of explosive used," the ministry stated, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation. In response to this incident and recent escalations in maritime attacks within the Arabian Sea, India's Navy swiftly initiated defensive measures. Three guided missile destroyers, namely INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata, were strategically deployed in various sea areas. This move aims to maintain a significant deterrent presence and protect maritime interests. Read Also: Santa Claus' Whereabouts Is Being Tracked by US-Canada Military Center for the 68th Year: Here's Why Escalating Tensions in the Region The attack, reported on Saturday morning, stirred international concern. Aljazeera reports that the United States alleged Iranian involvement, claiming that the strike on the Chem Pluto was fired from Iran, situated 200 nautical miles off the coast of India in the Indian Ocean. However, Tehran has vehemently denied any role in the incident, dismissing the accusations as baseless. According to journalists, militarisation is increasing not only in the Red Sea but also in the Arabian Peninsula. An Aljazeera writer said these are the regional consequences of the Gaza war. The ongoing conflict involving Yemen-based Houthi militants has further intensified maritime security concerns. The US Central Command reported two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile strikes in the Southern Red Sea, emphasizing the global impact of regional conflicts. Analysts have drawn connections between this incident and the wider regional context, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict that began earlier in the year. The Indian news outlets speculated that Chem Pluto might have been targeted due to its alleged Israeli affiliation, pointing to its ownership ties to Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. "We can see that militarization is increasing, not only in the Red Sea but also in the Arabian Peninsula," observed Al Jazeera's Resul Sardar, highlighting the broader implications of the escalating tensions. What's Next? As investigations continue to unravel the specifics of the attack, the Indian Navy remains on high alert, committed to securing its maritime territories and ensuring the safety of commercial vessels navigating through these waters. The Indian government, in coordination with international agencies, is poised to unravel the complexities surrounding this targeted attack, signalling a concerted effort to maintain peace and stability in the region. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: UK, Japan, Italy Sign Pact for Supersonic Stealth Fighter: Global Combat Air Program Advances 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As technology advances, Android phones are now enjoying extended software support, with devices like the Google Pixel 8 series receiving an impressive seven years of updates. Additionally, manufacturers are enhancing repair options, even introducing self-repair programs. Amidst these advancements, understanding and maintaining your phone's battery health emerge as pivotal for a prolonged device lifespan. The latest report tackles the latest developments in tracking battery health on Android devices. You might soon know when to replace an old battery for your handset. New Android Battery Health Developments As tipped by Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority, Android users could soon get information about the battery health of their devices by not relying anymore on third-party apps. As stated in the report, here are the three major points: First, over time, the battery capacity of a smartphone "naturally" loses. Second, Android users can soon know the information about the battery's remaining capacity. Third and last, you will also know if your phone's battery needs replacement based on its battery health stats. Related Article: Survey Finds iPhone 15's USB-C Transition Might Urge More Android Users to Switch Prolonged Software Support Android devices, notably the Google Pixel 8 series, are witnessing extended software support, ensuring users receive updates for an unprecedented seven years. This commitment aligns with the industry's move towards sustainable technology usage. Battery Degradation Challenges Batteries, however, face natural degradation over time, impacting maximum charge capacity and overall runtime. Recognizing when to replace your phone's battery becomes crucial, considering the absence of straightforward metrics to measure remaining capacity. Android OS as a Reliable Source Contrary to third-party apps, the Android OS, especially with the introduction of Android 14, gathers essential battery-related statistics from the device's first boot. This innate data collection capability positions the OS as a more reliable source for estimating battery health. Unveiling Battery Information with Android 15 The recent Pixel Feature Drop for December 2023 introduces a groundbreaking "battery information" page under Settings > About phone. This feature, powered by new APIs introduced in Android 14, displays key details such as battery manufacture date and cycle count. Future Enhancements in Battery Health Tracking While the current Settings app does not showcase the battery's state of health, a forthcoming update suggests a dedicated "battery health" page. This page aims to provide users with the estimated percentage of the battery's current full charge capacity compared to its original state. Recalibration Process for Accurate Estimates An intriguing aspect is the mention of battery recalibration, a process expected to take a few weeks. This recalibration aims to enhance the accuracy of estimating battery capacity by collecting data over an extended period. Future updates may include details such as part status and serial numbers, offering users deeper insights into their device's battery. The Role of the Health HAL in Bridging Information The health HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) plays a pivotal role in bridging OS APIs with battery/charging chips. The upcoming Version 2.0 of the health HAL is essential for supporting new Android 14 battery health APIs, ensuring compatibility with state-of-the-art features like tracking the state of health. It's possible that one reason why iPhone users hold longer onto their smartphones than Android users is because of the battery performance. If the next update is indeed addressing this area of concern, this will be a huge win for all Samsung, Xiaomi, and other Android brands. Elsewhere, here are the three steps to access the hidden Android auto settings on your phone. Read Also: Best Android Puzzle Games For Mobile Users [2023] 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A federal judge has rejected X, formerly known as Twitter, dismissing a lawsuit alleging its failure to pay promised bonuses. The decision comes in response to allegations that after Elon Musk acquired X in October 2022, it failed to honor its commitment to give employees annual bonuses. In June 2023, former Senior Director of Compensation Mark Schobinger filed a lawsuit on behalf of all former and current X employees who had their 2022 bonuses withheld. US District Judge Vince Chhabria declared last week that Schobinger's case against X was plausible, allowing it to proceed. Chhabria asserted that Twitter's offer to pay a bonus constituted a binding contract under California law, according to CNN. The social media company had sought to dismiss the case, arguing that an oral promise should not be legally binding and that the trial should be conducted in Texas. However, Judge Chhabria ruled that California law applies when determining the enforceability of contracts. The lawsuit detailed concerns raised by employees about their compensation and annual bonuses following Elon Musk's announcement of the acquisition in April. In the months leading up to the acquisition's completion, X executives assured employees that 2022 bonuses would be paid at 50% of the target, with these promises reiterated after Musk's takeover. Despite these assurances, X allegedly failed to fulfill its commitment to pay bonuses, leading to Schobinger's departure from the company in May due to "Twitter's reneging on various promises it had made to employees, including its failure to pay promised bonuses," as stated in the complaint. Elon Musk Slams President Biden on Christmas Day Elon Musk spent his Christmas vacations denouncing US President Joe Biden's treatment of Tesla, including his absence from the EV summit and his recognition of GM as an electric vehicle leader. "Most of the Democratic Party is controlled by the unions - they carry far more weight than the environmentalists - and Biden particularly so (he gladly admits it)," Musk posted on X on Christmas Day, as quoted by Business Insider. Musk noted that Biden said, "The UAW elected me." The tech tycoon also implied that Tesla was excluded from the EV meeting before Musk's inflammatory words. Read Also: Crypto Theft Declining? Security Firm Reports $2 Billion Lost in 2023 The tech mogul regularly cites Tesla's absence from the 2021 EV conference as the cause of his conflict with President Joe Biden. Musk voiced dissatisfaction with the Biden administration and his desire for a moderate 2024 presidential contender at a recent meeting. Musk, who previously supported Barack Obama, pledged to vote for GOP nominee Ron DeSantis in November 2022. Musk and Biden did not reply to calls for comment. No Need to Worry About Tesla Going Rogue Moreover, Elon Musk commented on a scene from Netflix's "Leave the World Behind." The future scenario shows hacked Tesla Model 3s attacking in full self-driving mode. The depiction in the hit Netflix film, starring Julia Roberts, raised worries about Tesla's autonomous features, but CEO Elon Musk seemed unfazed. The tech billionaire used the opportunity to emphasize Tesla's post-apocalyptic resiliency. "Teslas can charge from solar panels even if the world goes fully Mad Max and there is no more gasoline!" Elon Musk wrote on X, as quoted by The Cool Down. Moreover, Tesla's self-driving capabilities only work while a human is in the car, debunking the idea of an autonomous army of Model 3s. Related Article: GM, Ford EV Owners Can Access Tesla's Supercharger Network Starting February 2024 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In the quest for innovation in the field of mobility raids, the Can Go smart cane emerges as a groundbreaking solution, offering more than just physical support. Priced at $400, this advanced cane integrates cellular connectivity, GPS, and activity tracking, providing a unique blend of safety and technology for users, especially senior citizens. Remember your grandpa's parent cane? Well, things have changed now and it's automated just like your smartphone and other gadgets. Smart Cane Redefined: Beyond the Ordinary The Can Go smart cane is not your ordinary cane that your grandfather carries every time he wants to take a walk outside. According to CNET, the new cane elevates its functionality beyond a mere walking aid. Packed with features like built-in cellular connectivity and GPS, it becomes a multifunctional device designed to cater to the diverse needs of its users. Related Article: Students Invent RoboCup to Keep Wheelchair Users Hydrated Innovative Design: Tech-Embedded Simplicity While maintaining the appearance and feel of a traditional cane, the Can Go integrates cutting-edge technology seamlessly. The gold-and-black aluminum design conceals a range of features, including a call button, flashlight switch, and a small screen displaying crucial information such as caller ID and step count. Emergency Calling at Your Fingertips Targeted towards seniors, the Can Go ensures emergency calling is just a button press away. With built-in speakers, a microphone, and wireless connectivity through AT&T, users can instantly connect with designated emergency contacts, providing a sense of security and peace of mind. Caregiver Integration: Unparalleled Support An online portal allows users to add an unlimited number of caregivers, providing access to detailed activity reports. One caregiver can be assigned as the emergency contact, streamlining communication. GPS mapping aids both in emergencies and in locating the cane if misplaced. Fall Detection and Safety Features In beta, the Can Go incorporates a fall detection feature, signaling emergency contacts if no action is taken post-fall. While the device doesn't currently connect to emergency services directly, its safety features make it a valuable companion for those at risk. Addressing Mobility Challenges in Aging Populations Considering that around 7% of Americans face challenges with walking or climbing stairs, the Can Go addresses a critical need, particularly among adults over 65. Tech solutions for older adults remain limited, making innovations like Can Go invaluable. Balancing Tech and Simplicity for User-Friendly Experience CEO Ahmad AlGhazi highlights Can Go's simplicity despite its technological prowess. The user-friendly interface ensures that seniors, accustomed to traditional canes, can seamlessly transition to this advanced device without intimidation. "This segment of the population is underserved. We need more innovators in this space," AlGhazi said. Smart Cane Subscription With a $400 price tag and a $20-per-month subscription (waived for the first 12 months), Can Go positions itself as a significant investment. A comparison with medical alert bracelets and necklaces or even smartwatches highlights its value, particularly for seniors seeking a balance between technology and practicality. Can Go's integration of technology into a familiar object not only enhances safety and communication for seniors but also represents a shift towards inclusive and thoughtful innovation. As the aging population grows, solutions like Can Go showcase the potential for technology to contribute meaningfully to the well-being and independence of older individuals. Read Also: IKEA's DIRIGERA Coming Soon, Smart Home Hub with Matter Support-Price and Release Date? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a sudden turn of events, SpaceX's resilient Falcon 9 booster, which had achieved an unprecedented 19 successful landings, has toppled down and ended up at sea (via Orlando Sentinel). Fair winds and following seas. Following rough conditions in the Atlantic after the Starlink 6-32 mission, Falcon 9 first stage B1058.20 became unstable and tipped over on drone ship, Just Read The Instructions. - @NASASpaceflight - https://t.co/AFdPuCYKLR pic.twitter.com/clEGaxpeeR Max Evans (@_mgde_) December 26, 2023 The incident occurred while the booster was returning to Florida, when rough weather off the Atlantic coast caused it to topple on the droneship. Considering the booster's illustrious history, this marks a notable setback for SpaceX. Falcon 9 Tips Over on Droneship The Falcon 9 booster, imprinted with NASA's iconic "worm" logo from its historic Demo-2 mission in 2020, had become a symbol of SpaceX's reusability expertise. Despite its notable history, the vessel was destroyed during transport due to high winds and waves, as revealed by SpaceX in a late Monday announcement. Images circulating on social media showed the fallen booster, revealing a depressing scene with only the bottom portion of its 135-foot-tall fuselage remaining on the droneship, Just Read the Instructions. SpaceX clarified that newer Falcon boosters have upgraded landing legs designed to self-level, alleviating such concerns. Unfortunately, this booster did not have this feature. Read Also: Flying High: NASA's Aeronautic Breakthroughs in 2023 The Booster's Final Flight The booster's final flight went on just days before the incident, and it carried 23 of SpaceX's Starlink satellites before landing on the droneship for the first time. This booster's significance extends beyond its final journey; it played a critical role in the Crew Demo-2 flight on May 30, 2020. This mission marked the first return of human spaceflight from the Space Coast since the Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011. The Crew Demo-2 flight laid the groundwork for SpaceX's subsequent commercial and private missions, totalling 42 humans flown to space across 11 missions. During its long career, the booster also contributed to missions such as ANASIS-11, CRS-21, Transporter-1, Transporter-3, and various Starlink deployments. SpaceX highlighted the booster's staggering achievements, emphasizing that it alone launched two astronauts and over 860 satellites, accumulating a total payload of 260+ metric tons in just over three and a half years. The Falcon fleets life leading rocket completed its 19th and final launch and landing on December 23. This one reusable rocket booster alone launched to orbit 2 astronauts and more than 860 satellites totaling 260+ metric tons in ~3.5 years pic.twitter.com/q1ANdGCpEg December 26, 2023 SpaceX's Impressive Reusable Rocket Efforts Despite this setback, SpaceX maintains a remarkable track record with 256 successful landings among Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. The incident represents the first lost booster since February 2021, a testament to the reliability of SpaceX's reusability efforts. SpaceX is on the brink of reaching 100 launches for the year, with the Space Coast accounting for 66 out of 70 launches. The company's next mission involves a Falcon Heavy liftoff from KSC's Launch Pad 39-A, carrying the secretive X-37B spacecraft for the Space Force on the USSF-52 mission. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: SpaceX Launches 23 Starlink Satellites on Falcon 9 Rocket's Historic 18th Flight 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Israel National Cyber Directorate has issued a crucial warning about an ongoing phishing attack orchestrated by Iranian hackers. The attackers, masquerading as the renowned American network security giant F5, targeted IT officials in multiple Israeli companies. The deceptive emails contain instructions to download what appears to be a routine update but are, in fact, malicious malware. Iran-Based Hackers are Back Again In a report by Times of Israel, the phishing attack exhibits a high level of sophistication, with the fraudulent email meticulously crafted to appear legitimate. It includes precise IP addresses linked to F5, creating an illusion of authenticity. Moreover, the email cleverly references F5's recent software update announcement, adding an extra layer of credibility to the scam. Collaborating with an undisclosed commercial entity, the Cyber Directorate identified the perpetrators as members of an Iranian offensive cyber squad. This revelation sheds light on the organized and state-backed nature of the cyber threat posed by Iran. Related Article: Researchers Discover New Hacking Group Targeting Gambling Firms in Asia Malicious Payload: Data Extraction and Destruction The Iranian malware comprises two distinct programs, each with a nefarious purpose. One program stealthily siphons sensitive data from the host computer, posing a severe risk to the targeted organizations. The second, ominously named a "wiper," is designed to irreversibly delete data from the compromised source, amplifying the potential damage. Israel Warns Public of Continuous Phishing Schemes Upon discovering a common threat on the list, Israel's cybersecurity watchdog has alerted the public to be extra vigilant when threading the internet. The agency also urged the IT professionals to notify them if they notice something strange with their system-hence, a clear presence of any malware or interruption. The statement provides essential technical details for damage control and diagnosis. The warning comes in the wake of increased cyberattacks on Israel, with the Cyber Directorate attributing numerous incidents to around 15 groups associated with Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. The significance of these attacks suggest that the war is not ending soon-the cyberwarfare is just getting started. Extracting Sensitive Information Highlighting the severity of recent cyber threats, the Cyber Directorate previously revealed Iran and Hezbollah's involvement in a cyberattack on Ziv Medical Center. While the attack did not disrupt operations, it successfully extracted sensitive medical information, raising concerns about the potential consequences of cyber warfare on critical infrastructure. The Cyber Directorate's call for cooperation and information sharing among IT professionals is pivotal in forming a robust defense against cyber threats. Swift identification and reporting of such incidents play a crucial role in safeguarding national security. In early November, The Record reported that some state-sponsored hackers from Iran were caught spying on their military and government units in the Middle East. According to the report, the group operates under "Scarred Manticore" which specializes in tracking communication, military, and government departments across Israel, Iraq, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Read Also: FBI Warns Businesses About Iranian Hacker Group Emennet Pasargad 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Daihatsu, a subsidiary of global car giant Toyota, has shut down all four of its plants until the end of January following a startling admission of a 30-year safety test fraud. The closure not only jeopardizes the jobs of 9,000 workers but also raises concerns about the potential impact on Toyota's hard-earned reputation. Daihatsu Admits to Test Fraud The BBC reports that Daihatsu confessed to manipulating safety tests on a staggering 64 models over the course of three decades. The closure of its headquarters in Osaka on December 25 was the final blow after earlier shutdowns in Oita, Shiga, and Kyoto prefectures. Of the 64 models implicated, 24 bear the Toyota branding, putting the parent company's reputation at risk. The falsification of test results was reportedly driven by intense pressure to maintain production levels. While there is no indication that the actual products were unsafe, the revelation has exposed a significant issue - testing a car with specific components and then selling a car with different ones. Read Also: Ontario Startup Arc Motor Company Converts Vintage Cars to EVs with Tesla Batteries; Price Starts at $75,000! Impact on Workers and Daihatsu's Response The shutdown raises concerns about the livelihoods of 9,000 workers in Japan. Daihatsu has committed to working with its main suppliers to address the fallout and may extend assistance to smaller subcontractors that might not receive compensation directly. Additionally, the company plans to compensate 423 domestic suppliers with which it has direct business relations during the idle period. Daihatsu, established in 1907 and contributing approximately 10% to Toyota's annual 10 million vehicle sales, has been a reliable subsidiary until this revelation. The scandal comes as a blow to the Japanese automaker, which has worked tirelessly to rebuild its reputation after previous recalls in 2009 and 2012. Roots of the Scandal The fraud initially surfaced in April, focusing on collision tests being falsified. However, an independent commission by Toyota revealed deeper issues, including airbags and speed tests. Motor industry analyst David Bailey highlighted that while there's no suggestion of product unsafety, the problem lies in testing a car with certain components and then delivering a car with different ones. This scandal echoes broader industry concerns, with many analysts drawing parallels to the pressure carmakers face to grow rapidly. The Volkswagen emission scandal in 2015 is often cited as another example where growth pressures led to regulatory violations. Suspensions and Economic Impact Daihatsu's response to the scandal includes suspending operations at three domestic assembly plants, with an uncertain timeline for resumption. The Japan Times reports that the affected plants include Shiga, Kyoto, and Oita prefecture facilities. The automaker's labour union is pushing for 90% wages for workers during the suspension, highlighting the human impact of corporate missteps. Beyond the immediate consequences, there are fears that the scandal could ripple effect on local economies, impacting parts suppliers and other businesses expecting strong year-end sales. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Toyota to Expand Its Battery Electric Vehicles Line-up in Europe by 2026 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple appealed against the ban on Apple Watch imports based on a Masimo complaint. US President Joe Biden's administration did not intervene in the government tribunal's verdict, prompting the appeal. Apple has asked the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals to lift the prohibition on the importation of its Apple Watches in an emergency request on Tuesday, according to Reuters. The tech giant wants the Federal Circuit to halt the import ban while US Customs and Border Protection determines if redesigned watches infringe on Masimo's patents. It also requests a ban halt while the court considers its appeal. Apple anticipates a customs ruling on January 12, 2024. Masimo claims Apple stole their pulse oximetry technology and implemented it into the popular Apple Watch. The 2020 Series 6 Apple Watch with blood oxygen level measurements has been banned from import and sale by the US International Trade Commission (ITC). US Trade Representative Katherine Tai upheld the restriction, confirming the ITC's ruling on December 26, 2023. Apple quickly appealed to the Washington Federal Circuit. Apple's Response to the Decision Apple strongly opposed the USITC's judgment in a statement. "We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible," Apple noted, as quoted by Reuters. The ITC had previously denied Apple's request to pause the ban during the appeal process, opposing the company's plea for the Federal Circuit to halt the ban in a recent court filing. Read Also: Nvidia Matches Employee Donations, Contributes $15 Million for Israel-Hamas Conflict Relief According to Politico, US President Joe Biden's decision not to reverse a parallel patent ruling involving Apple and medical device firm AliveCor earlier this year echoes his stance on the current import ban. However, the AliveCor-related ban remains on hold due to ongoing legal battles between the two companies. A similar scenario unfolded in 2021 when Biden avoided making a decisive move in an ITC case on electric vehicle batteries, ultimately resolved by a settlement between the competing parties. Apple v. Masimo In September, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 9, highlighting enhanced performance and new features for accessing and logging health data. Throughout the legal proceedings, Apple has strongly refuted Masimo's claims, accusing the company of attempting to hinder a potentially life-saving product from millions of US consumers while paving the way for their own imitative watch, per a report from Daily Tribune. The May trial of Masimo's allegations concluded in a mistrial as jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Apple subsequently filed patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo late last year, claiming the medical tech company copied Apple Watch technology. In November, Masimo gained regulatory clearance from US authorities for its wrist-worn product, both for prescription and over-the-counter use. Apple contends that Masimo's legal actions are a strategic maneuver to make room for its own Apple Watch-inspired products on the market. The legal battle continues, with the tech giant committed to challenging the ban and defending its watch products. Related Article: Elon Musk's X Facing Lawsuit Over Allegations of Unpaid Bonuses 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A massive hack that affected as many as 80,000 people occurred against National Amusements, the renowned parent company of CBS and Paramount, but the twist in this story is that this happened last year. This was only reported this 2023, under a recent filing by the renowned cinema chain and media conglomerate, with the breach opening the access to thousands of personal information. The question remains regarding the transparency of this attack, particularly as National Amusements refuses to give comments about this issue. National Amusements Hack: Breach Affected 80,000 Users TechCrunch reported the latest revelation of National Amusements' hack, centering on a total of 82,128 people affected by this recent attack on the company, compromising user data. The breach have the hackers a lot to obtain via the company, but it remains unknown who were the main victims in this attack. It was said that the company's human resources chief was sent a notification letter regarding the data breach that occurred within the company, with the threat actors already taking away the data. The recent filing led to the belief that the company's employee data were stolen, alongside customer data which were affected. Nevertheless, National Amusements remains silent regarding the issue and refuses to give more information outside its filing. Read Also: Israel Watchdog Accuses Iranian Hackers of Deploying Phishing Attack, Posing as American Cybersecurity Firm Paramount Parent Company Breach Reported Late What is even more alarming in this case is that the hack took place in December 2022, with the company only discovering the breach months later in August 2023. This filing was made under Maine's Attorney General, thanks to the 2005 state digital privacy law. The company notified its customers a year later, with the company telling those affected only this December 22, 2023. Massive Breaches Reported these Holidays While many people are looking to enjoy some time off work, school, or drama in life, the notorious threat actors were busy taking advantage of this time to enact massive attacks and hacks against the cyber world. This December 2023 alone saw multiple reports of breaches, including fake extensions in Google Chrome which hid under the guise of a VPN that aims to steal data and more. There was also the notorious cyberattack on a company called Mr. Cooper, which took place in mid-December where it exposed as much as 14.6 million users, unveiling sensitive personal user data. This attack focused on mortgage and loan customers, with the breach affecting "substantially all" of the current and past consumer data despite only declaring 4 million customers. A rise in cyberattack cases saw a massive progression this December, and many reports are piling up and adding more each passing day, but while not all happened this year, it is still a cause of concern. National Amusements remains mum regarding this latest issue, but its latest filing already says a lot about what happened, with the company remaining oblivious even months after, with tens of thousands affected. Related Article: Ubisoft Faced a Security Breach, Stopping Hackers from Stealing 900GB Worth of Data 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a law "On approval of 'Agreement between Azerbaijan and Serbia on involving family members of employees of diplomatic missions and consulates to paid work'", Trend reports. The "Agreement between Azerbaijan and Serbia on involving family members of employees of diplomatic missions and consulates in paid work" was signed on November 7, 2023, in Belgrade, Serbia. The notorious 2014 Bitcoin hack on the largest cryptocurrency exchange platform in the world, Mt. Gox, has recently begun reimbursing customers affected by the issue. The only problem now is that the company is asking for the money back, particularly for those who were mistakingly given double payments via PayPal, after some accounts got it twice, for unknown reasons. After almost ten years of being left in the air, Mt. Gox is doing the right thing in giving customers their money back, but a new issue arose for the victims. Mt. Gox 2014 Bitcoin Hack Sent Double Payments to Customers (Photo : YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP via Getty Images) A new development over at the infamous 2014 Bitcoin hack of the defunct company, Mt. Gox, has been processing the returns of stolen money to its affected customers after as much as 850,000 of the top coin was stolen. However, there is a problem in the recent reimbursements for the stolen money, as not only will users get the value that was looted from there before, but incorrect payments were also made. To be precise, some customers were given double the amount they were supposed to receive via PayPal, and now, its trustees want it back. This specific hack caused Mt. Gox's collapse and bankruptcy filing in 2014, with the 850,000 Bitcoins then only amounting to $272 million, but now, at reportedly around $35 billion. Read Also: Former Mt. Gox CEO Officially Faces Embezzlement Charges In Japan Mt. Gox is Asking for its Money Back for its Mistake While the customers are not getting the payoffs from how much Bitcoin has grown since nine years ago, the mistaken payments are now asking to return it, with the Rehabilitation Trustee sending emails to the victims (revealed via Reddit). It is unknown if these double payment mistakes were made to all customers or only a handful of users, but it said that users are "legally obligated" to return the exact amount sent the second time. The Massive Controversy of Mt. Gox Once hailed as the largest cryptocurrency exchange platform of its time, Mt. Gox rose to fame when it was one of the pioneers in offering Bitcoin transactions to be more accessible to the public. But, it was not smooth sailing for the company, and it eventually led to it filing for bankruptcy, amidst a massive breach which lost as much as 850,000 Bitcoins during this time. Around nine years ago, Bitcoin was only priced at $318, but now, it has grown more than 10,000 percent, with its current price now playing around $40,000. Hackers were also vindictive against Mt. Gox's infamous CEO, Mark Karpeles, saying that he was a fraud, also claiming to expose him with legitimate evidence obtained via the breach. As Mt. Gox closed its platform for good, customers have long rallied for their money back after its initial bankruptcy and collapse, but for so long, they were left hanging without any returns. Despite Bitcoin's soaring its price in the market, Mt. Gox victims were only getting their money's worth after the attack in 2014, but now, the company bugs them regarding the double payments incorrectly made. Related Article: 'Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde': New York Couple Plead Guilty to Laundering Billions of Dollars in Stolen Bitcoin 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Amidst the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a captivating development unfolded on Thailand's Koh Ped Island as long-tailed macaques showcased an unexpected behavior - the use of stone tools. (Photo : JACK TAYLOR/AFP via Getty Images) Macaque monkeys gather outside the Phra Prang Sam Yod temple during the annual Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi province, north of Bangkok on November 28, 2021. Using Stone Tools Researchers are left pondering whether this marks the dawn of a new era for primates or is merely a response to the altered circumstances brought about by the pandemic, as reported by Interesting Engineering. This unique occurrence stands as the first documented instance of a new behavior pattern emerging within a population of long-tailed macaques. The utilization of stone tools holds significant historical relevance, being a crucial step in the evolutionary journey of humans. While the exact timeline of human ancestors using such tools remains debated, it undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization. Before concerns arise about the potential ascent of long-tailed macaques to a human-like level, it's essential to acknowledge that although uncommon, other primate species have previously exhibited similar behavior. Chimpanzees, select capuchins, and Burmese long-tailed macaques have showcased the ability to use stone tools, adding a layer of complexity to our understanding of primate behaviors. Also Read: Scientists Insert Human Genes In Monkeys' Brains to Make Them Larger and Have More Wrinkles Despite the genetic proximity between the macaques on Koh Ped Island and those in Burma, the adoption of stone tool usage by the monkeys might seem expected. However, researchers Elisa Bandini and Claudio Tennie from the University of Birmingham faced challenges in their attempt to train 31 long-tailed macaques on the island to use these tools for processing nuts. Their 2018 paper revealed that the macaques struggled to acquire this behavior, both individually and in a social setting. This resistance to tool usage was not limited to the experimental group. Over a decade, researcher Suchinda Malaivijitnond from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok observed hundreds of monkeys on Koh Ped Island and concluded that they did not exhibit the use of these tools. Situated off the coast of the tourist hotspot Pattaya, Koh Ped Island attracts global visitors who often bring along treats like mangoes, cucumbers, and nuts accessible through a short boat journey. Experiencing COVID However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, abrupt travel restrictions led to a cessation of tourist visits, depriving the monkeys of a dependable food source. During the two-year hiatus in visitor activity, the monkeys adapted to the food shortage by foraging for themselves. Upon the lifting of restrictions, researcher Suchinda Malaivijitnond and her team revisited the island, discovering two adult males using pebbles to crack open oyster shells. In March of the current year, the researchers returned to systematically observe this behavior. Seventeen monkeys were spotted clumsily wielding stone tools, lifting rocks to shoulder height, and hurling them at oysters for extraction. As published in the American Journal of Primatology, the researchers propose that the scarcity of food incentivized the monkeys to innovate their foraging techniques, leading to the emergence of this behavior. While this marks the first time such a behavioral pattern has been witnessed in a population, uncertainties persist regarding whether it was initiated by an individual and adopted by others or if multiple monkeys independently conceived it. Given that these macaques typically forage alone, the trait may have evolved independently within the population. With the resurgence of tourist activity on the island, the intriguing question arises of whether this newly acquired behavior will endure or fade away. Related Article: Ancient Stone Tools in Brazil Were Made by Capuchin Monkeys, Not Humans - New Study 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The electric vehicle (EV) charging industry is poised for a transformative moment in the coming months of 2024, possibly as early as February. (Photo : Jens Schlueter/Getty Images) A worker demonstrates the charging process of Volkswagen's second generation ID.3 electric car on May 24, 2023 in Zwickau, Germany. Facing Challenges in 2024 Electric vehicle charging companies, which have historically operated with limited competition mainly among themselves, are on the brink of facing a formidable challenge - the renowned Tesla Supercharger network. In the realm of EV charging, a clear divide has existed until now: Tesla and everyone else. TechCrunch reported that Tesla owners have enjoyed the perks of a robust, fast, and dependable charging infrastructure, setting a benchmark in the industry. Other EV users have navigated a landscape of fragmented services, relying on various companies, none of which could match the reliability standards set by Tesla. The impending shift signifies a new era for EV fast-charging networks as they gear up to confront this significant challenge from Tesla's acclaimed Supercharger network. In May, the automotive landscape witnessed a transformative shift as Ford broke down barriers by agreeing with Tesla. This groundbreaking collaboration grants Ford's electric vehicles access to Tesla's extensive network of 12,000 Superchargers. Adopting Tesla's NACS Existing Ford owners gain the capability to charge at these stations using a specially designed adapter. Looking ahead to 2025, Ford announced a strategic move to embrace Tesla's plug, the North American Charging Standard (NACS), replacing the Combined Charging System (CCS) plug-in with its future EVs. The ripple effect of this collaboration was swift, with other major automakers swiftly following suit. General Motors, Rivian, Volvo, Mercedes, Nissan, and a host of others quickly joined the ranks. Interestingly, Volkswagen was among the final players to adopt the Tesla plug. This move marked a significant development, especially considering Electrify America's initial role as the CCS counterpart to Tesla's Supercharger network. Electrify America, born out of the Volkswagen diesel settlement, initially held promise as a non-Tesla network prioritizing nationwide DC fast charging. While its best chargers rival Tesla's Superchargers in speed, the reality is marred by persistent issues like software faults and broken equipment. Despite the potential for a competitive market among various networks, the lack of support from automakers and the inherent challenges of building a successful charging network has hindered progress. Also Read: Tesla Supercharger Network Now Open on All 50 US States; All Locations [LIST] Tesla's unique approach to underwriting its Supercharger network with EV sales has set it apart and prompted other automakers to reconsider their reliance on third-party networks, resulting in many signing with Tesla to access Superchargers. In 2024, Tesla's Supercharger network faces a surge in users, potentially impacting its famed reliability. Competing networks brace for their first true rival, aiming to attract Tesla owners by adding NACS plugs to their chargers. Electrify America and ChargePoint strive to enhance their services, with the former addressing network gaps and the latter establishing a new operations center for improved station uptime. Despite efforts, these networks lag years behind Tesla, and the shift in drivers toward Superchargers is likely, to pose a challenge to their prospects. Related Article: Ford Announces Partnership with Tesla, Gaining Access to 12,000 Superchargers 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ukrainian authorities have disclosed ambitious plans to significantly escalate the production of domestic drones in 2024. As a crucial component of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard Ukraine against potential threats from the Russian Armed Forces, the augmented production efforts will be concentrated on manufacturing first-person view (FPV) drones designed for both attack and reconnaissance missions. (Photo : SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images) DJI Matrice 300 reconnaissance drones, bought in the frame of program 'The Army of Drones' are seen during test flights in the Kyiv region on August 2, 2022, prior to being sent to the front line. Mass Production for Domestic Drones Oleksandr Kamyshin, the Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries, unveiled this strategic initiative, specifying the focus on FPV drones. Interesting Engineering reported that this reveals that the country had already produced over 50,000 units in December alone. Additionally, beyond FPV drones, Ukraine boasts the capability to manufacture more than 10,000 mid-range strike drones and over 1,000 drones with an extended range of 1,000 km within the next year. These UAVs, along with the first-person view (FPV) craft, are part of Ukraine's strategy to deploy a vast number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to target Russian forces. Additionally, Ukraine aims to produce 1,000+ drones with an impressive range of 621 miles. While both sides in the ongoing conflict have employed various communication tactics, ranging from sophisticated to "ham-fisted" efforts for propaganda, a degree of skepticism is warranted when evaluating such declarations. Posing Significant Challenges The commitment to produce over one million drones poses significant challenges, considering the existing industrial gap and wartime constraints. Kamyshin has revealed that Ukraine has successfully boosted production rates, reaching an impressive milestone of over 50,000 FPV drones manufactured in December. Despite this achievement, reaching the ambitious target of producing one million drones requires a production rate increase of more than 30%. Assuming the accuracy of Kamyshin's figures, the monthly output has significantly risen from around 1,000 units just a few months ago. He stated that all production facilities are ready, and contracting for 2024 begins. Reports from the Kyiv Post suggest that Ukraine's push to scale up drone production may have come too late for frontline forces, as the lack of aerial assets poses challenges for soldiers, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. While initiatives like the "Army of Drones" campaign have garnered cash contributions, financing the acquisition of tens of thousands of off-the-shelf drones, including popular DJI UAVs for consumer and enterprise applications, this support may no longer be sufficient in the escalating conflict. Also Read: Russia's Largest Drone Attack Yet Leaves 5 Wounded in Ukraine Ukraine's budget-friendly battlefield strategy, employing inexpensive drones to neutralize Russian heavy weaponry with multimillion-dollar price tags, faces a significant challenge. The Kremlin's mass acquisition and production of similar drones are overpowering Kyiv's defense. DroneDJ reported that drone pilots express concerns that Kyiv's ongoing dependence on volunteer donations and crowdsourcing may not sustain the aerial front much longer. In response to these challenges, Kamyshin's pledge to manufacture over one million drones explicitly for Ukrainian fighters seems to acknowledge this critical situation and is now swiftly put into action. Related Article: Ukraine to Use Drones to Surveil Russia Through Donations from Come Back Alive Non-Profit 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp., has ceased production in all four of its factories in Japan as officials from the transport ministry conduct investigations into improper safety certification tests. According to the Associated Press, this shutdown, effective as of Tuesday, follows Daihatsu Motor Co.'s announcement last week regarding suspending all vehicle shipments within and outside Japan after discovering irregular testing practices involving 64 models. In response, transport ministry officials initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the systemic problems that seem to have persisted for decades. Temporary Halt in Daihatsu Production According to AP, the temporary halt in production is anticipated to impact numerous auto parts manufacturers and their employees, potentially dealing a significant blow to local economies. Earlier this year, safety test irregularities prompted an independent panel investigation, which revealed widespread and systematic issues at Daihatsu. This incident is the latest in a series of safety or regulatory violations identified in at least five major Japanese automakers in the past few years. However, AP noted that so far, no accidents or fatalities related to the falsified tests have been reported. Daihatsu, recognized for producing Hijet trucks, vans, and Mira hatchbacks, initiated the closure of select production lines on Monday, resulting in a complete cessation of operations across all four facilities situated in Shiga, Kyoto, and Oita prefectures, in addition to its headquarters in Osaka. Although the company has not disclosed a specific timeline for the resumption of production, media reports indicated that the suspension of production lines is anticipated to extend at least through January. Read Also: Toyota Set to Begin Production of Next-Generation BEVs in 2026, Prioritizing Affordability and Performance Intricate Supply Chains Teikoku Databank, a market research company, reported that Daihatsu's factories have intricate supply chains involving 8,136 companies throughout Japan, generating sales totaling 2.2 trillion yen ($15.53 billion). An analysis from Teikoku Databank expressed apprehension regarding the potential ramifications on company revenue, employment, and the local economy, underscoring that an extended suspension of shipments could compound these concerns. The identified issues affected 64 models and three vehicle engines, encompassing 22 models and an engine distributed by Toyota. Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. also encountered challenges with specific models sold in Japan, along with reported issues about Toyota and Daihatsu models distributed internationally. Daihatsu's internal investigation uncovered 174 cases of irregularities in safety tests and other procedures across 25 test categories, apart from the problems reported earlier. The controversy first surfaced in April when Daihatsu revealed irregularities in testing door linings. Following this, additional problems in side collision testing came to light in May, accompanied by revelations of data falsifications and the utilization of unauthorized testing procedures. In a recent media briefing, Daihatsu President Soichiro Okudaira openly acknowledged the lapses in safety testing and procedural misconduct, framing it as a neglect of safety certificates. Okudaira attributed these issues to the immense pressure exerted on workers to meet demanding deadlines for development projects. Related Article: Man Tries to Scam Toyota for $4.3 Million but Gets Six Years in Prison, Taking Advantage of 150% Buyback With 350 Trucks 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 2023 is a year of groundbreaking AI advances and discoveries. Despite ongoing concerns about its potential dominance in various sectors, notable figures like Bill Gates reassure us not to fear it. AI is no longer an entirely foreign concept, evidenced by the millions of users turning to ChatGPT and its recognition as the most notable word of the year by major dictionaries. Thus, it's clear - AI is here to stay. From clinics and laboratories advancing medical research to courtrooms, schools, grilling stations, and even crab farms, AI has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives. AI took the world by storm this year, and Tech Times was among those that extensively covered all the controversies, achievements, shenanigans, and everything in between about this tech. This article will focus on the craziest, most mind-blowing breakthroughs of AI. Let's relive the crazy ride of this ever-burgeoning technology. AI Helps a Woman Regain Her Voice After 18 Years A woman named Ann, paralyzed by a brainstem stroke at 30, regained control of her speech after 18 years, thanks to AI. Researchers from UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley developed a brain-computer technology that translates brain signals into natural speech and facial expressions. This groundbreaking system decodes signals at nearly 80 words per minute, offering hope to those struggling with communication. Learn more about this breakthrough here. AI Reunites The Beatles After 50 Years AI breathed new life into The Beatles' music, reuniting them with generated renditions of their songs. AI-generated music, including the controversial "Heart on My Sleeve," featuring AI-generated voices of Drake and The Weeknd, stirred the industry, raising legal, ethical, and copyright concerns. The rise of AI music challenges the soundscapes of music, shaping the industry in unforeseen ways. Learn more about how AI reunited the Fab Four here. Your Honor, AI is Here! AI making its way to the courtroom may not necessarily be considered a breakthrough, but it certainly sounds ridiculous and unbelievable. In February, a Colombian judge turned to OpenAI's ChatGPT to resolve a children's medical case. The judge asked the AI chatbot if an autistic minor should be exonerated from paying fees for their therapies. ChatGPT answered by saying that this was correct because laws in Colombia indicated that autistic minors are exempt from paying therapy fees. Recently, a British judge also used the ChatGPT to summarize a legal topic, marking the first time a UK judge used AI to support a ruling in a court case. However, using ChatGPT may not always be the wisest and sharpest weapon to use when you enter the daunting courtroom. Two lawyers in New York were fined for using ChatGPT and generating a legal document with forged case references. This was a classic example of the chatbot's "hallucinations" or its tendency to generate false information. These cases underscore how AI's rapid advancement made its way to the courtroom but also prompted ethical concerns about the integrity of practicing law. AI Detects a Supernova Without Human Intervention AI reached cosmic heights when an international collaboration led by Northwestern University reported an AI-powered tool autonomously discovering, identifying, and classifying its first supernova. This marks a significant shift towards complete automation in supernova detection, minimizing human intervention and reducing potential errors. Learn more about this explosive breakthrough here. AI KOs a Human Street Fighter Champion! Being hailed as a champion of one of the most beloved fighting games of all time is a massive feat. But how would you react if an AI beats you in your favorite game? Research published earlier this year has detailed how AI can be trained to learn the inner and outer workings of the "Street Fighter" game, which ultimately leads to its victory against a human champion with the help of a new technology called "phase-change" memory. Learn more about this mind-blowing, human-defeating technology here. AI Farms Soft Shell Crabs in Hong Kong AI is indeed everywhere, including in the scrumptious soft-shell crab. This is true in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay, particularly at the Hee Kee Fried Crab restaurant. The Hee Kee Fried Crab restaurant utilizes AI to farm soft-shell crabs indoors, ensuring their readiness and health for harvest within the critical four-hour window before their shells harden again. Learn more about how AI saved this restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eye (AI) Can Read You! Cornell University's SciFi Lab introduced "EchoSpeech," an AI-powered eyeglasses interface that recognizes up to 31 unvocalized commands based on lip and mouth movements. This breakthrough is ideal for those who cannot vocalize sound, offering a new way to interact with technology. Discover more about this "echoing" breakthrough here. California Fights Fire With AI Wildfires are a rogue force of nature, but Cal Fire, the firefighting agency in California, is combatting these ferocious disasters with AI. They use advanced cameras capable of autonomously detecting smoke without the need for human eyes. Learn more about how California uses AI to tame and monitor wildfires here. Read Also: Don't Tell ChatGPT Your Deepest Secrets: 'Having Heart-to-Hearts' With Chatbot Is 'Extremely Unwise,' Says AI Expert Can You Smell What AI is Cooking? In October, Suraj Sudera, an Aston University engineering graduate, unveiled Perfecta, the world's first AI-powered kitchen maestro. Capable of cooking the perfect succulent steak in just 90 seconds, this AI technology redefines the culinary experience. Discover more about this "grilling" breakthrough here. In retrospect, 2023 has been a year of astonishing AI breakthroughs, shaping the present and future landscape of technology and human experiences. Related Article: How AI Becomes a Christmas Elf Helping Retail Giants During the Holiday Season 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. President Ilham Aliyev, as part of his visit to Aghdam district on December 24, laid the foundation of several villages, two of which are Giyasli and Salahli Kangarli, Trend reports. Giyasli village was designed in modern style with preservation of historical traditions. The total area of the village is about 400 hectares. It is planned to resettle 4,972 people there. A total of 1,323 private houses are planned to be built in the village. At the first stage, 656 private houses will be built to resettle 2,546 people. A school for 540 pupils, two kindergartens for 180 places and other social facilities will be built in Giyasli village. In order to save energy resources, alternative energy will be used in the village. Another village of Aghdam - Salahli Kangarli has a total area of about 178 hectares. It is planned to resettle 1,376 people there. A total of 418 private houses will be built in the village according to the project (at the first stage - 150 houses for resettlement of 850 people). Also, a school for 480 pupils, a kindergarten for 80 children and other social facilities will be built in the village. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Crocodiles are romantics and according to the study, they speak a "language of love" 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 AFCON 2024: everything you need to know about Group E 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 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 The DANA leaves snow and frost in the interior of the peninsula this Thursday, as well as heavy rains in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands The PNG riots have killed 16 people and the prime minister has declared a state of emergency The escalation of relations between China and the Maldives has "two new" behind the "change of words" Carry out the party's self-revolution to the end - the comrades attending the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection talked about studying and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech 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 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 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 Israeli writer: Our borders will extend and we will take Mecca, Medina and Mount Sinai Communities 2019 - Privacy The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. Eleven kilometers into the depths: China says it wants to drill into the Earth's mantle with a special ship According to the study, crocodiles are romantic lovers and speak a "language of love" Five New Restaurants and Travelers Who Are Going to Be Very Familiar This Year Mantequeria Bermejo, the centennial trade that has gone viral for a few horns Google will probably fail with lawsuit against billions in fine from the European Union 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 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? The escalation of relations between China and the Maldives has "two new" behind the "change of words" Carry out the party's self-revolution to the end - the comrades attending the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection talked about studying and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech 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 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 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 Israeli writer: Our borders will extend and we will take Mecca, Medina and Mount Sinai 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. The lands of the water fund, including the bottom in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea (lake) (based on proposals of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources), and lands of 20-50-meter coastal strip may be leased by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports. This was reflected in the decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on amendments to the decree on the application of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Land Lease". BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. France has declared two employees of the Azerbaijani embassy in Paris persona non grata, Trend reports. France acknowledges Azerbaijan's decision to declare two members of the French embassy's diplomatic staff in Azerbaijan persona non grata. We categorically deny the accusations made by Azerbaijan as the basis for its decision, French Foreign Ministry said in a statement. French MFA emphasizes that its decision is a reciprocal measure. The Azerbaijani ambassador to France was summoned to the Quai d'Orsay today to be informed of this development. Meanwhile, on December 26, 2023, French ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Buyon was summoned to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She was informed that two embassy staff members had been declared persona non grata by the Azerbaijani government due to activities inconsistent with diplomatic status and in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. These individuals were instructed to leave Azerbaijani territory within 48 hours, as stated in the note handed over to the ambassador. Earlier a French spy network was exposed in Azerbaijan. The same network was also conducting activities in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and a number of nations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The French embassy housed the agent network. They gathered intelligence on delegates from several countries. The network tried to broaden its sphere of influence in the region by identifying new targets. Many network members had previously served or were presently serving in Azerbaijan, and others worked in other nations and prominent international organizations. As a result of the efforts of Azerbaijan's special services, a French citizen, who had been a non-staff member of the French spy network for many years, willingly worked with Azerbaijan's law enforcement authorities. The source revealed a wealth of crucial information, as well as documentation and documents pertaining to the activity of French agents. A number of people involved in intelligence activities relating to Ukraine, Georgia, and Azerbaijan have been arrested as part of the criminal case, and others are being investigated by Azerbaijan's special services. Extensive information about this is scheduled to be released soon. State and city officials joined representatives from AT&T and the East Feliciana Parish Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, to distribute refurbished laptops to families in Jackson. From left are Matt Adams, AT&T; Jackson Councilman Rafe Stewart; Justice of the Peace Tanya Adams; State Rep. Roy Daryl Adams; Jackson Mayor Jimmy Norsworthy; East Feliciana Parish Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council Director Darriell Hinton; AT&T Louisiana State President David Aubrey; and East Feliciana Parish Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council Community Liaison Maurene Selders. The Baku Higher Oil School of SOCAR (BHOS) held an info session on "Introduction to Sustainable Development" to increase students' awareness in the field of sustainable development and to help them acquire new knowledge in this area. During the info session, conducted by Natavan Samadova, a senior lecturer at the Chemical Engineering Department of BHOS, the students received information on the concept, goals, and importance of sustainable development. Detailed discussions were also held as part of the session. It was noted that Baku Higher Oil School pays special attention to the development of students in this field, and works are regularly carried out in this direction. The hotel was bought by a fund managed by global investment firm KKR in partnership with Futuro Capital and Marprop Real Estate Investors in 2021 for $315 million. Accor is the hotels operator. Sam Panetta, general manager, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, said the business was excited to reignite and add layers to the history of this landmark hotel. The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth was the citys first five-star international hotel. The repositioning of the Sofitel will enhance the luxury services on offer and reinforce the value of the brand, Panetta said. Led by architecture and interior design firm Fender Katsalidis, the refurbishment of the heritage-listed property will include a comprehensive redesign of all 436 guest rooms and suites, corridors, club lounge and lobby areas. It will also include a new dining precinct, with a range of restaurants and bars. Loading In Melbourne, the StandardX hotel is the latest lifestyle hotel a smaller, boutique-style hotel to open early next year. Located in the city fringe suburb of Fitzroy, the 125-room hotel will reflect the rebellious spirit of the suburbs heyday of the 70s and 80s. The hotel will have an elevated loft with a fireplace, columns wrapped in macrame by local artist Sarah Smalltown, a rooftop Mexican restaurant and minimalist rooms where a millwork ledge doubles as a writing corner and open closet. It comes as hotel operators are being pushed to change the way they run their properties, in response to new demands from guests. Increasingly, guests expect to have access to offerings such as bikes to see the city, along with fresh local produce or the latest technology. Gone are the days of pilfering the shampoo bottles from the bathroom; now, guests want to see pump packs and organic sheets that are high in sustainability. Welcome to the new age of hotels where the guests want an experience they will remember. The hotel sector was one of the hardest hit by the global pandemic and the enforced lockdowns and border closures in mid-2020, but with the opening up for tourists, it has started to gradually emerge as one of the strongest growth sectors. Australias hotel sector attracted about 14 per cent of the $US9.1 billion ($A13.86 billion) funds deployed during the first nine months of 2023. Works on the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth are scheduled to commence in January and be completed in spring 2024. Nick Lower, state director of hotels at Savills Australia and New Zealand, said the outlook for the Australian hotel sector in 2024 remains positive, fuelled by the strong tourism rebound late last year. Ongoing pent-up demand for accommodation throughout 2023 underpins hotels as a robust asset class and has made them even more attractive to investors, Lower said. Loading Australia is regarded as a safe haven in the Asia-Pacific hotel market, backed by our favourable demographic tailwinds and rapid tourism recovery. Offshore investors continue to take a keen interest in Australian hotels, and it now ranks third as an asset class in terms of investor market share across the Asia Pacific region. Accommodation Australia chief executive Michael Johnson said there are 20,000 new rooms coming on line and more than 200 hotels opening nationally since the end of 2020. Johnson says the latest data from STR, which provides analysis of market data on the hotel industry worldwide, shows occupancy rates are back to pre-pandemic levels, and hes confident the sector will also see the benefit of tour groups returning from China, after Australia was put back on Chinas list of approved outgoing group travel destinations in August 2023. Hotel operators across the country but particularly in our gateway cities are seeing occupancies rebuilding to pre-pandemic levels, he says. The recovery of the sector after COVID-19 is phenomenal, and we expect this to continue into 2024 as international tourism increases, Johnson says. In November, Sydneys hotels were 88 per cent full, with an average daily room rate (ADR) of $333 per night; Melbourne was at 76.5 per cent with an ADR of $227 per night. The lower rate was attributed to the large number of new hotels that have opened or coming up in the coming year. In Brisbane, where the Amora Hotel Brisbane has unveiled its $30 million transformation, the STR data shows occupancy at 79 per cent, Perth was at 86 per cent and Adelaide was 82 per cent full. The new Amora Brisbane has 296 guest rooms, across 14 floors, with the top two floors featuring Amoras premier rooms and suites. Facilities include an elevated outdoor pool and deck, with a fitness studio and sauna, and 11 revived conference and event spaces. IHG Resort and Hotels fast-growing Hotel Indigo has opened a new hotel in Potts Point behind the famous Coca-Cola sign in 2023, and it will open a new hotel in Sydney at the City Tattersalls Club in 2024. It also re-branded a hotel in Melbourne in Flinders Lane in 2023. The brand offers food from local restaurants, artwork and interactive general gathering areas for guests. Marriott International has been one of the busiest operators, opening the Le Meridien, which is its 10th hotel in the Melbourne CBD and its 42nd in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Another 24 are in the pipeline in Australia, including a W Hotel that has opened in the Ribbon building at Darling Harbour, Sydney. Le Meridien Hotel opened in Melbourne this year. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Its latest boutique hotel is the Moxy Sydney Pitt Street, scheduled to open in August 2025. It is expected to feature 314 rooms in Sydneys CBD, close to retail hot spots such as Pitt Street Mall and Martin Place. Moxy is one of Marriotts fastest-growing brands in the Asia Pacific region, the company says it offers affordable premium standard accommodation with a fun and playful vibe. A Woman of Courage Tania Blanchard, HarperCollins, $32.99 Credit: The history of womens suffrage is littered with unsung heroes, and Tania Blanchard mines the genealogy of her own family for inspiration in A Woman of Courage. It follows Hannah Todd, a young woman who finishes her teaching degree at Durham in the 1890s and returns to a rural village in northern England to join her parents. Hannah tirelessly devotes herself to education and improving the lot of women and children, but the village cannot contain her ambitions or her desire for change, and she is swept into a social movement in full swing in progressive London. As a suffragette, Hannah must endure the nastiness of the backlash against womens equality, and wrestle with the unruly desires of her own heart. Its cleanly written, galvanising historical fiction that spotlights womens resilience and resistance within a continuing struggle for social justice. Shes a Killer Kirsten McDougall, Gallic, $29.99 Credit: New Zealand is high on the list of best places to ride out the zombie apocalypse, and in Shes a Killer, the country is being overrun by wealthugees forking out for citizenship to avoid the worst of the climate crisis. The influx of privilege is making it harder to pay the rent, as if life werent hard enough for the likes of Alice, a misanthropic, barely socialised thirtysomething with an impressive IQ, a dead-end admin job, and a relationship with her mother so fraught that the two only communicate via Morse code. When Alice meets Erika the rebellious (and even more intelligent) teenage daughter of a wealthugee shes pricked to put her wit to use, and slacktivism soon turns to radical action. Kirsten McDougalls brisk speculative novel takes a clifi premise and moulds it into a bizarre and bracing thought experiment, twisting the psychology of disempowerment into fast-paced action. NON-FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK A Fire Runs Through All Things Susan Murphy, Shambhala, $45.99 Credit: We know that to address the climate crisis, we have to change our ways. But how many of us reckon with the need for change at an even more fundamental level? To save the Earth, says writer and Zen teacher Susan Murphy, we must shed the illusion that we are possessed of a self that is separate from it. Just as harming the Earth means harming ourselves, we cannot heal the Earth without healing ourselves. Murphy presents Zen koans concentrated fragments of story that detonate all assumptions to help us grow skilled in tolerating a precarious state of mind in order to respond fearlessly to this moment of crisis. She also looks to the Indigenous understanding of Country as a home-grown koan that can stir us to recognise the ground we are standing on. This is a book full of humour, ardour, tenderness and wonder that demands everything of us and offers everything in return through the profoundest wake-up call of all. The Great Divide Alan Kohler, Quarterly Essay, $27.99 Credit: Alan Kohler is known for making a graph speak a thousand words. The most eloquent in this essay shows house prices climbing precipitously while average earnings plod a slow incline. Key to reducing this disparity, he says, is shaking Australians habit of regarding housing as wealth creation rather than a roof over ones head. But this involves undoing decades of damage, mostly by conservative governments fuelling demand by selling off public housing and cutting capital gains taxes for ideological reasons. Kohler brings together the many pieces of the housing crisis puzzle, from zoning laws and urban planning to tax concessions and the power of the banks, to confront what we are up against. The two-thirds of us who own homes are going to have to accept that prices need to plateau. But without decisive government intervention, says Kohler, the divide will only grow. Stay True Hua Hsu, Picador, $36.99 Credit: The American college experience and the friendships formed there have been much mythologised in film and literature. In this memoir, the minutiae of this phase of life takes on heightened significance because of the violent way the story ends. Hua Hsu felt he had nothing in common with Ken when he met him in a dorm room, apart from the fact that both were Asian-American. Hsu saw himself as an outsider, Ken exuded the confidence of the frat boy. Stay True charts the deepening of their unlikely friendship, much of it due to Kens easy charm and curiosity. Slowly it dawns on Hsu that Ken, too, is chafing against a society that fails to understand him. The bond between them is finely evoked, as is the way it changes them. This part-immigrant, part-coming of age story painstakingly documents Hsus quest for identity as he grapples with the randomness of fate. Stories similar to Sue Williams have been told about Centrelink, insurance companies and telcos. I work for a bank, and almost all the employees I know are good people, so bastardry does not seem a correct description of the behaviour of such bureaucracies. In my experience, both as customer and employee, the objectionable actions are carried out by (good) people who lack the power to change a process designed by senior management who rarely see the consequences of their decisions. At worst, the management could be accused of incompetence or negligence in overseeing reporting lines where the flow of information upwards is not working well enough for them to be aware of these consequences, but its equally possible they would be receptive to that information, and that it is rarely volunteered. Joel Reicher, Altona Elderly are victims I feel so sorry for Sue Williams father ( Comment , 27/12). Many older people are computer literate, but for those who are not, the banks and utility corporations have barged into the future apparently caring not an iota for that percentage of lifetime loyal customers who need some extra assistance. The combination of corporate profits and decreasing service, across many sectors and, in fact, all age groups, is unacceptable. Fiona White, Alfredton To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au . Please include your home address and telephone number. No attachments, please include your letter in the body of the email. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published. Improve services Thank you Sue Williams for speaking up for bank customers. Chairmen and women and board directors of banks must read this article. Some of the billions in banks profit must be spent to improve customer services by increasing the number of phone operators and bank tellers. Yean Lim, Toorak PM needs to act The article Support for Labor, PM heads down nationwide (27/12) is a reminder that oppositions dont win elections, governments lose them. The possibility that Anthony Albanese could be letting this happen, especially the prospect of ceding election victory to an opposition burdened by Scott Morrisons legacy and now led by Peter Dutton, is too awful to think about. Labors right-leaning economic policies, including obdurately going ahead with the Coalitions stage 3 tax cuts and inaction on high interest ratess, are aimed at wooing conservative voters. This has been at the cost of alienating Labors own electoral base. What we are seeing is a social democratic government losing its grip, unless it can rediscover social justice and act to restore it. Lawrie Bradly, Surrey Hills The French connection Joanne Anderson (Comment, 26/12) rightly regrets the loss of the humble ing, in words like a spend (for spending) or in waitlist (for waiting list). Also, as she alludes, official police charge lists are full of offences like the quaintly jarring one of break and enter. All of these grammatical shifts show the sad loss of the humble gerund or gerundive. Perhaps those of us who do miss the ing on nouns will soon have to seek refuge with odd borrowings in French where a car park is denoted simply as a parking. David Keuneman, Fairfield A royal example With great respect to the current incumbent, I watched the Kings Christmas message, but I also watched The Kings Speech re-run the other night. I probably got more from the account of the challenges faced by his grandfather. Real courage in the face of unthinkable obstacles; an example of service and devotion to duty all too rare in current generations. Jenifer Nicholls, Armadale Tragic blindness Tragic to see that Christmas was cancelled in Bethlehem and that nativity scenes included a baby Jesus wrapped in a white shroud and surrounded by rubble. Notwithstanding the atrocity on October 7, it is tragic to hear that another refugee camp has been bombed and that the death toll in Gaza has topped 20,000. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind. Di Cousens, Upwey In the 1980s, when the calendar turned from April to May, Dot Burghard would take out the envelopes and blue pens and start a process that would last seven months or longer. Burghard, a volunteer at the Office of the Vice President in Houston, spent her summers and falls addressing envelopes for a massive undertaking: George H.W. Bushs Christmas card list. The operation, which had about 30,000 recipients at its peak, required a start date two seasons before the holidays. And when December rolled around, Burghard was joined by a room of volunteers all women turning the office into a miniature Hallmark factory. A 1991 White House Christmas card from president George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush. Credit: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Many politicians reach out to top donors and allies around the holidays, but Bush as vice president and president took the practice to another level. The process lasted nearly all year, ending as late as February or March, when letters returned to sender were investigated and rectified. The Christmas card list included everybody from their hairdresser and the waiter at their favourite restaurant to Queen Elizabeth, said Jean Becker, the presidents longtime chief of staff. And everybody in between. They all got the same card. AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, December 27. The "In the footsteps of the President" media tour organized in Azerbaijan's Aghdam district has started, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. The media representatives first visited Aghdam's 110/35/10-kilovolt nodal substation ("Aghdam") built by AzerEnerji (largest electrical power producer in Azerbaijan), the opening of which was attended by President Ilham Aliyev. Director of the Karabakh Regional Electric Network LLC Mirjalal Huseynov told reporters that a 110 kV double-circuit power line was built to the Aghdam 110/35/10-kilovolt nodal substation built by AzerEnerji from the Agdam-1 substation at a distance of 10 kilometers, and a 24-core fiber-optic cable line was installed above it inside the lightning protection cable. "The construction of this substation on the border of Aghdam and Khojaly is of special significance. By connecting Khojaly, Asgaran, Khojavand, Aghdara, along with some villages in the district, to the country's energy system, the Aghdam Nodal Substation as a backup power source also ensures the reliability of the region's power supply. For this purpose, the substation has also installed spare sockets," Mirjalal Huseynov said. He noted that in connection with the restoration of sovereignty in the region, in the near future a 110-kilovolt transmission line will be laid from "Aghdam" hub substation in Khankendi, which will be connected to 110/35/10-kilovolt substations "Shusha" and "Fuzuli". Thus, two-way power supply will be ensured. At the same time, the Aghdam substation will also provide 35-kilovolt power supply to Khojaly, Asgaran and other villages and settlements. Huseynov also mentioned that the newly built Substation Control Center accommodates digital closed switchgears of 35 and 10 kV capacity. Along with this, the center is provided with emergency automation, microprocessor-based relay protection device, automatic control panels, constant and alternating current devices. A SCADA microsystem corresponding to modern requirements has been created at the substation, which is synchronized with the central SCADA system of AzerEnerji. AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, December 27. A modern style village will be built in Aghdam with preservation of historical traditions, Deputy Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the territories of the Karabakh economic region (except Shusha district) liberated from Armenian occupation Bashir Hajiyev told reporters, Trend's Karabakh Bureau reports. A total of 656 private residential houses will be built for resettlement of 2,546 people to the new village of Giyasli. He noted that during his trip to Aghdam, the head of state laid the foundation of Giyasli, Salahli Kangarli and Bash Garvand villages. "The construction of 656 private residential houses is envisaged in Giyasli village, 150 in Salahli Kangarli and 851 private residential houses in Bash Garvand village. The private residential houses will be 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-room houses. Construction of non-residential facilities such as club and community center, administrative building, trade and catering facilities, etc. is also envisaged," he said. Hajiyev noted that the construction of private residential houses has already started in the villages, the foundation of which was previously laid by President Ilham Aliyev. "In the villages of Khidirli, Sarijali and Kangarli, demolition and vertical layout work has already been completed and construction of houses has begun. The work is in full swing. In the next stages, road and communication work will begin. It is also expected to start construction of non-residential facilities," he said. BAKU, Azebaijan, December 27. The last issue of this year's SkyRoad Turkish magazine, owned by Albayrak Media Group, is dedicated to Azerbaijan, Trend reports. Azerbaijan is described as "a country of antiquity and modernity synthesis" in the magazine, which published detailed information about tourism sites, cuisine, historical and cultural monuments, ideal geographical location, nature, and the variety of flora and fauna in Azerbaijan. There is also information on certain cities and areas in Azerbaijan. Shusha, Baku, and Ganja have been designated as cultural centers, as have the areas of Guba, Gusar, Ismayilli, Gabala, Shaki, and Naftalan, which is a healing center. The magazine provides extensive information about historical places such as Icherisheher, the Shaki Khans' Palace, Lahij, Goygol State Nature Reserve. The article also pays attention to the splendor, grandeur of the popular tourist district of Tufandag. The magazine calls each region of Azerbaijan "a treasure trove full of secrets". Aftermath: PCC Executive Committee dissolved, new executive panel soon By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla In the first major action after its massive drubbing in recently held Assembly polls, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Jitu Patwari has dissolved the State unit signalling a drastic overhaul. State In-charge Bhanwar Jitendra Singh said that after the review meeting, it has been decided to dissolve the State Executive. The District President and District Incharge will continue to work till further orders. A new executive will be formed soon, he added. The crucial meeting was attended by District Congress President, Districts in-charges and State officials. Internal factionalism was cited as a major reason behind the partys defeat in the recent elections. The District President and in-charge raised the demand to announce the candidates name for the Lok Sabha elections much in advance as delayed announcement of candidates in Assembly polls has affected partys prospects adversely in the elections. They opined that the mistakes made in the Assembly elections should not be repeated in the Lok Sabha polls. There was a delay in candidate selection for the Assembly elections, due to which the party had to bear the brunt in the elections. Along with this, it has been said that the party should field bigwigs in the Lok Sabha elections. Along with State President Jitu Patwari, Congress in-charge Jitendra Singh, former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, former state presidents Suresh Pachauri, Kantilal Bhuria, Arun Yadav, CWC member Kamleshwar Patel, CEC member Omkar Markam, former Leader of Opposition Govind Singh were present in the meeting held at Congress State headquarters. Resentment of the District President and District In-charges also erupted before the seniors. Most of the members said that appointments are made in the organisation, but the person incharge is not aware of it. He further said that in many districts some people have adopted a dictatorial attitude. There must be consultation with every member. Many leaders admired the BJPs strategy and said that in Rajasthan, BJP picked a first-time MLA as Chief Minister. We have lost not because of BJP but because of the Congress. Because those who did not get the ticket have tried their best to defeat the party candidate, a member on condition of anonymity said. Talking to the media after the meeting, a senior leader said that Congress lost the Assembly elections due to factionalism. The BJP scored a resounding 163-seat victory in State Assembly polls held last month. The saffron party now holds a two-thirds majority with the Congress garnering merely 66 seats. After the defeat, the grand old party took an important decision. Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Kamal Nath was replaced with Jitu Patwari recently. Cong high command meets leaders from Bihar, J&K, Ladakh, Punjab to discuss LS poll strategy NEW DELHI, THE Congress high command held a series of meetings with party leaders from Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Punjab on Tuesday to discuss the strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal and along with other central leaders met the delegations from the States and Union Territories. Around 40 leaders of the Congress Bihar unit, including its chief Akhilesh Prasad Singh and newly appointed state in-charge Mohan Prakash, attended the meeting with the partys central leadership. Talking to media after the meeting, the Bihar Congress chief said the RJD-JDU-Congress-Left alliance will fight the Lok Sabha polls together, and a final decision on seat sharing will be taken in the meeting of the alliance committee of Congress which is scheduled for December 29. We held detailed discussions on the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections. We have made an action plan which will be taken forward. The discussion on seats will be held in the alliance committee meeting on December 29, he said. The Congress fought on nine seats in Bihar in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Asked how many seats the Congress would fight on this time, Singh said they would be flexible in seat sharing. One or two seats may go here or there... It is not a problem. Last time we fought in alliance with RJD and Left parties. This time JD(U) is also there, he said. Earlier, in a post on X, Kharge said, The Grand Alliance government in Bihar is working firmly as per the expectations of the people of Bihar. We are committed to social justice. For the progress, prosperity and peace of Bihar, every Congress worker is ready to reach out to the people and live up to the aspirations of the people of Bihar. The partys high command also held a meeting with leaders from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Jammu and Kashmir has five Lok Sabha seats, and Ladakh has one. After the meeting, the Congress Jammu and Kashmir in-charge said they discussed ways to strengthen the party in the Union territory, and the strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as well as the assembly polls, whenever they are held. We will win all five seats in Jammu and Kashmir and one in Ladakh, there is no doubt about it. Rahul Gandhi said Jammu and Kashmir is the most important state. While the Congress is trying to unite it, the BJP is trying to divide it, Solanki said. The Congress high command also held a meeting with leaders from Punjab. Rahul Gandhi shared photos of the meetings on his WhatsApp channel and said several important issues were discussed. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi along with West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury met former leader of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha Binay Tamang and ex-Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chetri. The meetings come as the INDIA bloc parties in their meeting held last week decided to conclude seat-sharing agreements soon. Congress fires salvo at BJP Govt Staff Reporter RAIPUR, The Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) has launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government, accusing it of prioritising the interests of the Adani Group over the States natural resources. In a press conference held at the state Congress party office Rajiv Bhawan, Chairman of Communication Department of CPCC, Sushil Anand Shukla, asserted that the BJP Government is facilitating the transfer of water, forest, land, and mineral wealth to the Adani Group. During the press conference, Shukla referenced a statement made by former Congress National President Rahul Gandhi during the Assembly elections, suggesting a close association between the BJP Government and Adani. Shukla claimed that this assertion is now manifesting as reality, with the BJP allegedly initiating deforestation in the Hasdeo Aranya forest area, leading to the felling of over 50,000 trees. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has countered these allegations by attributing the tree-cutting orders to the previous Congress Government. However, Shukla contested this, stating that the environmental approval and orders for deforestation were sanctioned by the BJP Government at the Centre. He pointed to a letter from the Additional Secretary of the Forest and Climate Change Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh to the Director General of Forests, Government of India, dated October 31, 2022, requesting a ban on coal excavation in Parsa Open Cast Coal Mines and the cancellation of the deforestation proposal. The Union Coal Minister, who had come to Raipur had said that where the Coal Bearing Act is applicable the provisions of PESA Act are not applicable there, no ones objection or consent will make any difference on coal mining. The previous Congress Government in Chhattisgarh had resolved to cancel the allocation of coal blocks in the forests of Hasdeo Aranya, Tamor Pingla and Elephant Reserve area of Korba by passing a resolution on July 27, 2022 in the Chhattisgarh Assembly against the coal mines allotted by the Central Government in the Lemru Elephant Corridor. However Shukla accused the BJP Government of allowing tree-cutting to benefit Adani. The CPCCs Communication Department Chairman contended that the recent deforestation in Hasdeo Aranya forest area is indicative of the BJP Governments intentions and future actions. CPCC In-charge General Secretary Malkit Singh Gaindu, Mahendra Chhabra, Senior State Congress Spokesman Dhananjay Singh Thakur, Senior State Congress Spokesman Surendra Verma, Spokesmen Ajay Gangwani, Rishabh Chandrakar and Matin Khan were present at the press conference. Corridors of power infested with brokers sanitised: V-P CHANDIGARH, VICE-PRESIDENT Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday said he is pained by attempts to demean constitutional institutions and added people doing so should heed Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution. Speaking at the convocation of Maharshi Dayanand University in Haryanas Rohtak, he added that the corridors of power which were infested with brokers 10 or 15 years back have now been sanitised. Asking the students to take inspiration from Dr Ambedkars life, Dhankhar noted, This is very important because we find, some of us, a very small number, who are not subscribing to this. It pains our heart. How can anyone believing in Bharatiyata, a citizen of Bharat, demean and decry our nation, tarnish our progress, dent our constitutional institutions by going all round the country or outside? he said. The lesson for them is to heed Dr Ambedkar, Dhankhar said and added, I quote, You should be Indians first and Indians last and nothing else but Indians. Speaking on graft, Dhankhar said, Governance corridors, I remember a decade or 15 years back, were infested with power brokers ... Nothing could be transacted without corruption. The scenario now is that these corridors have been sanitised of the power brokers, he added. Now, the inalienable facets of governance are honesty, accountability, transparency and integrity, he said and called these non-negotiable elements. Tracing the shift from an era plagued by corrupt brokers, the Vice-President emphasised that an ecosystem has been established where power corridors are free from corruption and intermediaries. Grounded flight Aircraft with 276 passengers returns from France MUMBAI : A PLANE carrying 276 passengers, mostly Indians, grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking, landed in Mumbai in the wee hours on Tuesday, an official said. The aircraft, an Airbus A340, landed in Mumbai shortly after 4 am, the official said. It had taken off from Vatry airport near Paris around 2.30 pm local time. There were also 15 crew members on board when the plane landed in Mumbai, the official said. Despite repeated attempts by waiting media personnel at Mumbai airport, none of the passengers spoke about their journey or the events that unfolded over the last four days. Many on board who came out of the airport hours after the plane landed, were seen rushing out, without facing the waiting media. Queries to them regarding reported interrogation of some of the passengers by officials at the airport went unanswered. According to French authorities, the charter plane had 276 passengers on board when it took off for Mumbai, as 25 persons, including two minors, had expressed the wish to apply for asylum and were still on French soil. Two others were held, produced before a judge and placed on assisted witness status, a French news channel said. When the flight landed in Vatry airport, there were 11 unaccompanied minors among the 303 Indian passengers on board, a local official had said. Makeshift beds were arranged for the stranded passengers, who were given access to toilets and showers and provided meals and hot drinks in the hall of Vatry airport, the official had said. The flight, which was operated by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines and bound for Nicaragua, had landed at Vatry on Thursday for a technical stopover en route from Dubai when French police intervened. French authorities launched a judicial investigation into the conditions and purpose of the trip, with a unit specialising in organised crime investigating suspected human trafficking. Nicaragua has become a popular destination for those seeking asylum in the US. As many as 96,917 Indians attempted to enter the US illegally in the financial year 2023, signalling a 51.61 per cent jump from the previous year, according to data made available by the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). At least 41,770 of those Indians attempted to enter the US via the Mexican land border, CBP data shows. Flights to Nicaragua or third countries where obtaining travel documents is easy have come to be known as dunki flights. MUMBAI, STEALTH guided missile destroyer Imphal, which has an ability to fire extended range supersonic BrahMos missile, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Mumbai on Tuesday. Apart from Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the event that marked the formal induction into the Navy of the third of four Visakhapatnam class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Navys in-house organisation, Warship Design Bureau, and constructed by defence PSU Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai. INS Imphal is the first warship to have been named after a city from North-East India. INS Imphal was delivered to the Navy on October 20 after the completion of a rigorous and comprehensive trial programme both in the harbour and at sea. Subsequently, the ship successfully test-fired the extended-range supersonic BrahMos missile in November 2023, a first for any indigenous warship before commissioning, thus demonstrating the Navys thrust on combat effectiveness and confidence in its cutting-edge indigenous weapons and platforms, the Navy said. Project 15B (Visakhapatnam class) is the latest in the lineage of Project 15A (Kolkata class) and Project 15 (Delhi class) indigenous destroyers with upgraded capabilities and greater indigenous content. Measuring 163 metres in length, displacing 7,400 tonnes and with 75 per cent indigenous content, Imphal is one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in the country, the navy said. INS Imphal is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots and is packed with sophisticated state of the art weapons and sensors, such as Surface to Surface Missile and Surface to Air Missiles. The ship is fitted with a modern surveillance radar that provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems of the ship. The ships anti-submarine warfare capabilities are provided by the indigenously developed rocket launchers, torpedo launchers and ASW helicopters. The ship is equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions and has a high degree of automation and stealth features further enhancing her combat capability and survivability, the Navy said. It added that some of the major indigenised equipment/system onboard Indigenous Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles, surface to surface missiles, torpedo tubes, anti-submarine rocket launchers, super rapid gun mount, besides combat management system, integrated platform management system, automated power management system, foldable hangar doors, helo traversing system, close-in weapon system and bow mounted sonar. Proud moment for India: PM Modi on INS Imphals commissioning into Navy: PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the commissioning of INS Imphal into the Indian Navy as a proud moment for India and said it is a testament to the countrys growing self-reliance in defence. It epitomises our naval excellence and engineering prowess. Compliments to everyone involved in this milestone for Aatmanirbharta. We shall keep securing our seas and strengthening our nation, Modi said in a post on X. His remarks came after the Navys post of the warship being commissioned. True to the motto Always Ready, the warship and its crew will meet any challenge and every mission in service of the Navy and the nation, the Navy said. Earlier, stealth guided missile destroyer Imphal, which has an ability to fire extended range supersonic BrahMos missile, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Mumbai. INS Imphal is the first warship to have been named after a city from northeast India. It was delivered to the Navy on October 20 after the completion of a rigorous and comprehensive trial programme both in the harbour and at sea. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. India-Russia ties on positive trajectory External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a meeting with leading representatives of Russian strategic community. Indian Ambassador to Russia Pavan Kapoor is also seen. (PTI) MOSCOW : Geopolitics, strategic convergence is the reason: EAM GEOPOLITICS and strategic convergence will keep India-Russia ties on a positive trajectory, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said ahead of his talks with his Russian counterpart and other top leaders here. Jaishankar, who is on a five-day visit to Russia to hold meetings with Russias leadership, will discuss with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov various bilateral and global issues. Arrived in Moscow. Look forward to my engagements, Jaishankar said in a post on X along with a picture. Geopolitics and strategic convergence will always keep India-Russia ties on a positive trajectory, he said on Monday as he interacted with strategic experts. An open and forward-looking interaction with leading representatives of the Russian strategic community. Spoke about the importance of rebalancing and the emergence of multipolarity, Jaishankar posted on X. Exchanged views on how India-Russia ties will develop in that framework. Also discussed connectivity, multilateralism, big power competition and regional conflicts, he said. The ties between India and Russia remained strong notwithstanding Moscows invasion of Ukraine. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. 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 of External Affairs (MEA) said in New Delhi ahead of Jaishankars visit. Focusing on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between our two countries, the external affairs ministers programme will include engagements in Moscow and St. Petersburg, the MEA said. The Indian and Russian sides are expected to discuss various aspects of the bilateral relations, especially in areas of trade, energy, defence and connectivity. Indias import of Russian crude oil has gone up significantly despite increasing disquiet over it in many Western countries. ISRAEL IN A BIND WITH US RUNNING THE WAR ON GAZA By ARUN SRIVASTAVA The War on Gaza would have ended if Biden hadnt stood firm with Netanyahu. Some strategists caution that even if Biden did take a harder line with Israel, it would alienate him from Democrats who want him to strongly support the Jewish state. REVERSES suffered by the Israeli Army in 80 days of the War on Gaza reminds of the Vietnam War. The then US President, Lyndon B. Johnson, invaded Vietnam to check the communism juggernaut. Today, POTUS Joe Biden is commanding the Israeli Defence Forces much to the disgust of centrist liberal forces. Then, it was the start of the Cold War; today, Biden is fighting terrorists. Biden and Netanyahu have vowed to finish Hamas. But the nature and character of the War on Gaza make it explicit that the IDF is targeting civilians along with Hamas. Israel claims to have killed nearly 3,000 Hamas terrorists. But that is only 10 per cent of the 40,000-strong Hamas. The reality is Israelis have killed nearly 18,000 Palestinians. These figures contradict Netanyahu. The attack is not only to finish off Hamas. The attack has an ulterior motive. The goal is to take control of Palestine. The US has been eyeing this oil producing region. So much so, Biden has put his political career at stake. And Americans are hitting the streets against Biden goading Netanyahu. One thing is clear, the War on Gaza would have ended if Biden hadnt stood firm with Netanyahu. The genocide in Gaza is also of Bidens doing. Does Israel have the support of most of the world of the US, UK, EU? Truth is, the war against Hamas is only part of the War on Gaza. After 80 days of fighting, Biden is like Lyndon Johnson on the verge of losing the war. Biden is bidding on Bibi Netanyahu to do his bidding. The fact is Biden cannot ditch Israel for his own second term. Though a moderate Democrat, Biden wants to eliminate democratic and liberal forces. To achieve his mission Biden supports the likes of Benjamin Netanyahu. The US is talking ceasefire but then why did the US boycott the vote on ceasefire and veto the proposal for ceasefire. He talks of asking Netanyahu to stop civilian deaths but there is always something fishy about Biden and his statements. He could have come out with this suggestion long back, but he is waiting for the end of Hamas, which will not happen in a 100 years. A week ago, the United Nations called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and Biden realised Israel was losing international support because of the indiscriminate bombing of civilians in Gaza. The 193-member UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for ceasefire. 153 countries voted for and 23 abstained. But the US and Israel voted against. A Hamas official in exile, Izzat El-Reshiq, echoed the general reaction: Israel must stop its aggression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing of our people. Israel had created an impression that its forces would finish Hamas in ground action. But reports paint a gloomy picture. So far the IDF has lost 152 soldiers. Hamas terrorists are reportedly targeting officers who know the geographical features of Gaza. The killings of officers have created a precarious situation for Israel. Now bank employees, workers, vendors and shopkeepers are fighting Hamas and becoming easy victims. The total number of Israeli soldiers and officers killed since October 7 is 469. These many deaths have had its effect on Netanyahu. The war, which was initially perceived to be a cakewalk for Israel, has acquired a much bigger dimension with Hezbollah also taking a hand. The Lebanon-based terrorist group has with its security apparatus, political organization, and social services network, the reputation of a state within a state and is fighting for the Palestinian cause. The US on December 22 released newly-declassified Intelligence reports that suggested Iran is deeply involved in planning the operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Houthi rebels have launched more than 100 attacks against commercial and merchant ships transiting the Red Sea. The US has accused Iran of being deeply involved in the attacks. The Houthi are driven by their hate for Israel and their resistance to the West interference in the Middle East. That said, it is not just military reverses but also the hits taken by the economy that has Netanyahu restive. Israeli businesses have come to standstill and traders, bankers and students are signing up to join the military. The situation has further worsened with thousands of people hitting the streets to protest against the War on Gaza. As the war enters 80 days, Israelis appear resigned. Uncertainty has gripped them. The only option left is to agree to a ceasefire. Bibi is also scared of his loss of face. Before the declaration of war he had given the impression that he would win the battle. But in the prevailing situation it does not appear to be feasible. War experts and diplomats are of the opinion that Netanyahu has committed a blunder by underestimating Hamas. While his popularity has been badly battered by the security failures in the wake of Hamas attack into southern Israel on October 7, the lingering war and Israels huge losses have exposed even Mossad. The masterminds of October 7 Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif continue to be at large and Israeli officers say they may need months more to complete their mission. To add to Netanyahus woes, Israeli Defence Forces have poor knowledge of urban warfare in which the Hamas terrorists are experts. As for Indias role, right from the beginning, India has taken a wrong line. Prime Minister Narendra Modis declaration that We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour might have had a soothing effect on the RSS, but it did not reflect the leaderships political maturity. Finally, Biden appears to be getting little credit for his warmongering efforts. Some strategists caution that even if Biden did take a harder line with Israel, it would alienate him from Democrats who want him to strongly support the Jewish state. Japanese varsity confers honorary doctorate upon Deputy CM Fadnavis Staff Reporter Koyasan University of Japan has confered honorary doctorate upon Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, at the convocation hall of Mumbai University on Tuesday. Fadnavis has become the first person in the 120-year history of the university to receive honorary doctorate. Koyasan University had announced about this honourary doctorate to be awarded to Fadnavis in August when Deputy Chief Minister had paid a visit to Japan. The university conferred the doctorate on Fadnavis in recognition of his efforts in creating basic civic infrastructure, developing strong water conservation system by implementing schemes such as the Jalyukta Shivar Yojna, his contribution in the industrial development of the State and his efforts to bring social equality in the society. In his acceptance speech at the event held in Mumbai, Fadnavis said that he dedicates this honour to the people of Maharashtra. Fadnavis opened his address in Japanese where he expressed gratitude towards Koyasan University and people of Japan. They have awarded this doctorate to me in recognition of the work done by my colleagues and myself in the fields of infrastructure, water management, and the industrial field. This has only been possible due to the blessings of the people of Maharashtra. The road to Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a 5 trillion-dollar economy went through Maharashtra, Fadnavis mentioned with proud feeling. Rainfall, hailstorm forecast for Bhopal from Dec 30 to Jan 4 Staff Reporter Tuesday morning began with dense fog in many cities of Madhya Pradesh. IMD has predicted rainfall and hailstorm in parts of State from December 30 to January 4. It was bright sunny day in many cities, including Bhopal. While Satna and Datia recorded visibility limited to 50 meter, Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Ujjain saw hazy weather on Tuesday morning. Vidisha, Raisen, Khargone and other cities also recorded dense fog. According to Indian Meteorology Department (IMD), new western disturbance is being activated in state from December 29 and this would be a strong system. Beginning of New Year 2024 will be quite colder and dense fog. IMD has said that southern-western wind is blowing in maximum parts of state while north- east wind is blowing in Gwalior-Chambal region due to which dense fog is there in many parts of State. For next two days, fog will remain in State. Weather scientists said that after new weather system sets in state on December 29, Gwalior, Chambal, Ujjain, Bhopal, Sagar and Rewa will be experiencing rainfall and snowfall. Indore, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur and Shahdol will be recording droplets. On Tuesday, minimum temperature in Bhopal was recorded as 13.4 degrees Celsius, Indore 15.6 degrees Celsius, Gwalior 7.8 degrees Celsius, Jabalpur 9.8 degrees Celsius and Ujjain 12 degrees Celsius.Maximum temperature in state capital Bhopal was recorded as 29.3 degrees Celsius, Indore 27.8 degrees Celsius, Gwalior 23.1 degrees Celsius and Ujjain 29.4 degrees Celsius. It was brighter sun during day. SINKING IN SILT PAKISTAN continues the process of its sinking -- at its own hands -- deeper into the silt of its own making. Its designers of public policy appear all ready to push the country into a mess from which it would be extremely difficult to emerge unscathed. Whatever is happening in Pakistan for the present is nothing but a suicidal conspiracy by those who have no vision of how a country is run. If media reports are to be believed, steps are being taken in Pakistan to include the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), headed by terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed, in the electoral domain. In other words, terrorism will get official status in Pakistans public policy -- certainly a surer way deeper into the silt and slush of bad public affairs. Other media reports on the same day indicate that former Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan is about to move the Election Commission of Pakistan to challenge its decision to declare the intra-party elections of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) unconstitutional. In other words, Mr. Imran Khan refuses to follow the directives of the Election Commission. It means, Mr. Imran Khan is all set to block the overall election process -- obviously for his own goals. But more important and dangerous of the two pieces of information is the likely participation of a terrorist organisation like LeT in the electoral process. The organisation that has planned and executed terrible terror strikes internationally, thus, will get an official umbrella for its honourable existence -- and continue its terrorist activity under official cover. True, Hafiz Saeed has formed a political front for this purpose, but the soul of the move would be the dangerous LeT. Thus, in all likelihood, Pakistan appears to become all the more dangerous not only for itself but also for other countries. For, when a countrys system allows a terrorist mastermind to form a political front to contest elections, it is sure to be harbouring dirty goals in mind. Obviously, Pakistans political system has accepted terror as an anthem and not as an anathema. Naturally, India will have to be all the more careful in watching the internal developments in Pakistan and plan its counter-moves to protect and preserve its integrity and security. It will not be able to do anything about these developments in Pakistan. Yet, it will have the option open -- of creating a narrative against the Pakistani moves on global platforms. In this one task, India must not allow itself any relaxation. It must keep campaigning against such a development in Pakistan and try to expose the flawed Pakistani thinking on the issue of democracy in a true sense. The world must know the direction in which Pakistan is moving. It must realise that whatever India has been saying for years is coming true in Pakistan -- about terror as a political tool for Pakistan and its political system, about sheltering of terrorists in the larger Pakistani ecosystem ...! There is no doubt that the world has begun sensing Pakistans true colours in the past some years. Yet, there are a few countries that refuse to see Pakistan as it is -- a clear supporter of terror as a tool and policy. It is time for the world to know the malady in greater details. When Pakistani system accepts a terrorist as part of its electoral domain, it is declaring to the world in the most shameless manner that it cares a damn for world opinion on the issue of terror. In the long run, this approach will prove to be Pakistans undoing over the next few decades. No matter that, India must step up its systematic campaign -- in whichever way possible -- to expose Pakistans open political support to terror. That is the prime task India must assign itself. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin arrives in city to grand welcome by Dawoodi Bohra community Staff Reporter His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, 53rd Head of Bohra community, arrived to a grand welcome at city on his tour of Vidarbha Region. The local community members were overjoyed as Syednas visit comes after a long gap. He is going to be States guest in the region. Syedna flew here from Goa. On arrival at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Sonegaon, Syedna was warmly received by Janab Taha Bhai Saheb Hakimuddin; Najmuddin Bhai Fidvi, Secretary of Nagpur Jamat; Shabbir Husain Saifee Amil Sahab; Zainuddin fida Husain Khambati Amil Sahab; Siraj Bhai Jariwala; Hatim Bhai Dhamangaonwala and senior members of the community. After leading afternoon prayers in Nagpur, Syedna left for Amravati by road. During the tour of Vidarbha region, Syedna is expected to meet with community members in Murtizapur, Akola, Washim, Hingoli, Wardha, and Chandrapur. During these visits to towns and cities, Syedna will deliver sermons, counsel community members on following a righteous path, and look into their socio-economic and cultural affairs. Expressing his joy on Syednas visit to the city, Taiyeb Arif, Media Co-ordinator said Dawoodi Bohra community was delighted to welcome His Holiness to the Orange City. Syednas visit comes after a period of seven-years and is a momentous occasion for community in the region, and they look forward to invaluable guidance and wisdom that former will share through sermons and interactions with community members. Arif also thanked Maharashtra Government and local authorities for their continued support and co-operation in facilitating all the necessary arrangements to host Syedna and community members in the region. Tributes paid to Guru Gobind Singh, his sons on Veer Bal Diwas NEW DELHI, UNION Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday paid tributes to Sikh guru Gobind Singh, his sons on Veer Bal Diwas, saying their unmatched valour will continue to inspire future generations. December 26 is observed as Veer Bal Diwas to mark the martyrdom of the Sikh gurus sons who laid down their lives while defending their faith. On Veer Bal Diwas, I bow to Guru Gobind Singh Jis four Sahibzade. With supreme courage they stood against the brutal Mughal rule and chose martyrdom, refusing to convert. Their unmatched valour will continue to inspire generations to come, Shah wrote on X. The Home Minister said by proclaiming their martyrdom day as Veer Bal Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spread the saga of their sacrifice to every corner of the country and the world. On the occasion of Guru Gobind Singhs birth anniversary on January 9, 2022, the Prime Minister had announced that December 26 would be observed as Veer Bal Diwas. India is on the cusp of making history, as it looks forward to becoming a developed nation by 2047, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday. Puri made the remarks after offering prayers at the Patna Sahib Gurudwara on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, which is being observed to commemorate the martyrdom of sons of Guru Gobind Singh. We are on the cusp of making history. India looks forward to becoming a developed nation by 2047. At such a point of time, commemoration of the martyrdom (shahadat) is of immense value, he said. Puri, who is the only Sikh in the Narendra Modi Cabinet, expressed delight upon visiting the historical site where the 10th Sikh Guru was born. I consider myself privileged to be here on this occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had last year announced that December 26 will be observed as Veer Bal Diwas, said the Union Minister, who was accompanied by senior leaders of the BJP in Bihar. Puri, who holds the crucial portfolios of Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum & Natural Gas, also made a brief remark about the impressive economic prospects of the country. Under the leadership of Modi, we have become the fifth-largest economy in the world. Very soon, we shall be among the top three, said Puri. He is also scheduled to hold talks with party leaders and prominent members of the Sikh community here. Sikh community across the World thanks PM Modi: Members of the Sikh community in the US have extended their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the historical step to celebrate Veer Bal Diwas in India and across the World. A member of the Sikh community in the US, Jaspal Singh said, We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the historical initiative to celebrate Veer Bal Diwas nationwide. The convenor of the Indian Minorities Foundation, Satnam Singh Sandhu, who was celebrating Veer Bal Diwas at Gurudwara Sahib, Brookfield, emphasised that this move by PM Modi will help people know more about Sikh history. The Indian Government has announced to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas as Veer Bal Diwas. The move will help people learn about Sikh history, he said. Amar Singh Bhullar, Founder and MD of Hamdard Media Group in Canada, thanked PM Modi on behalf of the Canadian Sikh community as he declared a holiday on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas. We thank PM Narendra Modi as he has declared a holiday on Veer Bal Diwas. I thank him on behalf of the Canadian Sikh community... China's Sanya witnesses peak season for tourism Xinhua) 08:38, December 27, 2023 Tourists take a rest at a scenic area in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 15, 2023. Since the beginning of winter, the tourism market in Sanya has been heating up continuously. According to official data, the city witnessed a peak season for tourism since mid-November, which is expected to last until the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) Tourists have fun at Dadonghai scenic area in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 15, 2023. Since the beginning of winter, the tourism market in Sanya has been heating up continuously. According to official data, the city witnessed a peak season for tourism since mid-November, which is expected to last until the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) Tourists visit a night market in Tianya District of Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 20, 2023. Since the beginning of winter, the tourism market in Sanya has been heating up continuously. According to official data, the city witnessed a peak season for tourism since mid-November, which is expected to last until the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing) Tourists shop at a duty-free mall in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 21, 2023. Since the beginning of winter, the tourism market in Sanya has been heating up continuously. According to official data, the city witnessed a peak season for tourism since mid-November, which is expected to last until the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing) Tourists are seen at the entrance of Tianyahaijiao, a popular attraction which literally means the "edges of heaven and corners of the sea," in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 19, 2023. Since the beginning of winter, the tourism market in Sanya has been heating up continuously. According to official data, the city witnessed a peak season for tourism since mid-November, which is expected to last until the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing) Tourists arrive at Sanya Phoenix International Airport in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 19, 2023. Since the beginning of winter, the tourism market in Sanya has been heating up continuously. According to official data, the city witnessed a peak season for tourism since mid-November, which is expected to last until the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing) A couple poses for photos at a seashore scenic area in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 19, 2023. Since the beginning of winter, the tourism market in Sanya has been heating up continuously. According to official data, the city witnessed a peak season for tourism since mid-November, which is expected to last until the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) By LI YINGQING in Kunming and ZHAO RUINAN A rural CEO (second from left) guides villagers on growing plants in a town in Zhuji, Zhejiang province, in May. XU YU/XINHUA The story of a village CEO who helped revitalize a small village recently became a sensation on micro-blogging platform Weibo. Bai Ling, 28, assumed the role in August 2022, breathing new life into Yunzhong Miao village in Zhaotong city, Yunnan province. The small Miao ethnic village had fewer than 600 residents, and struggled with a single-industry focus and weak agricultural foundations. Working with the local government, a team from China Agricultural University's National Rural Revitalization Research Institute began guiding the establishment of a village CEO team in 2021. Upon becoming the CEO, Bai leveraged the village's tourism resources to initiate projects such as minsu (Chinese-style bed-and-breakfast), a coffee shop and the promotion of local cuisine, fostering the development of the tourism industry. A graduate of Yunnan Technology and Business University majoring in accounting, Bai had valuable experience working in the catering industry, holding roles such as accountant, purchasing specialist, and head of logistics before assuming the position of a village CEO. "Village CEOs should introduce market-oriented development models into rural operations. We need to develop a reasonable growth plan based on the financial conditions of our village, steadily moving forward," he said. The village has so far established attractions such as a 100-meter barbecue corridor and a "flower sea", and has welcomed 320,000 visitors, generating revenue of 3.2 million yuan ($450,000). In 2022, the residents' annual per capita income increased by more than 5,000 yuan. Hou Yufeng, a lecturer at the College of Humanities and Development Studies of China Agricultural University, hailed the village's achievement as a beneficial collaboration between the university and the local government. He said that by mobilizing villagers to collectively build their community, the village has set a good example and progressively advanced shared prosperity in rural areas. The success of Yunzhong Miao village has led to a revival, drawing young individuals back to start businesses, such as study tour agencies, minsu and handicraft shops. However, Bai acknowledged the need for diversification, and steering the village toward richer and more operationally valuable experiences. "After the initial surge in visitors, it's crucial to clarify our development positioning, and avoid rural tourism becoming a one-time consumption. We need to delve into the cultural essence of Miao for sustainable rural tourism development. This is the key to long-term development," Bai said. "Currently, minsu and catering are our main sources of income. We are now developing the secondary industry, which involves processing agricultural and sideline products and livestreaming sales on the internet." China Daily APP Dec. 20th, 2023 Strategic Blueprint LLC purchased a new stake in Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 37,559 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,402,000. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Rollins during the second quarter valued at $29,000. KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Rollins during the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Rollins during the second quarter worth about $47,000. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S grew its holdings in shares of Rollins by 129.8% during the first quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 1,140 shares of the business services providers stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 644 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fred Alger Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Rollins in the third quarter worth approximately $41,000. 38.98% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Rollins alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have commented on ROL shares. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Rollins in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. They issued an equal weight rating and a $42.00 price target for the company. TheStreet cut Rollins from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded Rollins from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $40.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 20th. UBS Group boosted their target price on Rollins from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of Rollins from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $49.17. Rollins Trading Up 0.7 % NYSE ROL opened at $43.27 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $20.94 billion, a PE ratio of 52.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.28 and a beta of 0.68. Rollins, Inc. has a 52 week low of $32.19 and a 52 week high of $45.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $39.38 and a 200 day moving average price of $39.82. Rollins (NYSE:ROL Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The business services provider reported $0.28 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.25 by $0.03. Rollins had a net margin of 13.77% and a return on equity of 33.81%. The company had revenue of $840.43 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $824.35 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.22 EPS. Rollinss revenue for the quarter was up 15.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Rollins, Inc. will post 0.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. Rollins Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.39%. This is a positive change from Rollinss previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 9th. Rollinss payout ratio is 72.29%. Insider Activity at Rollins In related news, CEO Jerry Jr. Gahlhoff sold 3,000 shares of Rollins stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.00, for a total value of $126,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 215,091 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,033,822. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 4.70% of the companys stock. About Rollins (Free Report) Rollins, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides pest and wildlife control services to residential and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. The company offers pest control services to residential properties protecting from common pests, including rodents, insects, and wildlife. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rollins Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rollins and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Avior Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Free Report) by 0.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 46,525 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 129 shares during the quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLCs holdings in AbbVie were worth $6,935,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. raised its holdings in AbbVie by 5.0% during the second quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 372,189 shares of the companys stock worth $50,154,000 after purchasing an additional 17,879 shares during the last quarter. DDD Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of AbbVie by 9,979.7% in the 2nd quarter. DDD Partners LLC now owns 135,673 shares of the companys stock worth $18,279,000 after buying an additional 134,327 shares in the last quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc grew its stake in AbbVie by 11.6% in the 2nd quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc now owns 358,872 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,351,000 after acquiring an additional 37,368 shares during the last quarter. Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC increased its holdings in AbbVie by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC now owns 18,755 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,989,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in AbbVie during the second quarter worth about $486,807,000. 67.86% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get AbbVie alerts: AbbVie Price Performance ABBV stock opened at $154.62 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $144.69 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $144.98. The company has a market cap of $272.99 billion, a PE ratio of 42.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.59. AbbVie Inc. has a 12-month low of $130.96 and a 12-month high of $168.11. AbbVie Increases Dividend AbbVie ( NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The company reported $2.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.86 by $0.09. AbbVie had a return on equity of 152.70% and a net margin of 11.81%. The business had revenue of $13.93 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.72 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $3.66 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 6.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that AbbVie Inc. will post 11.24 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 16th will be issued a $1.55 dividend. This is an increase from AbbVies previous quarterly dividend of $1.48. This represents a $6.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.01%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 12th. AbbVies dividend payout ratio is currently 162.19%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on ABBV shares. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of AbbVie from $157.00 to $150.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 20th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on AbbVie in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on AbbVie from $193.00 to $196.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on shares of AbbVie in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $150.00 target price for the company. Finally, Raymond James boosted their price objective on shares of AbbVie from $177.00 to $181.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $167.59. View Our Latest Stock Report on AbbVie AbbVie Profile (Free Report) AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune, intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq, a JAK inhibitor to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, and ulcerative colitis; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat hematological malignancies. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABBV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AbbVie Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AbbVie and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Axle & Manufacturing (NYSE:AXL Get Free Report) and Atmus Filtration Technologies (NYSE:ATMU Get Free Report) are both small-cap auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, risk, dividends, analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership and earnings. Valuation & Earnings This table compares American Axle & Manufacturing and Atmus Filtration Technologies gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get American Axle & Manufacturing alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio American Axle & Manufacturing $6.01 billion 0.17 $64.30 million ($0.01) -892.00 Atmus Filtration Technologies $1.56 billion 1.26 $170.10 million N/A N/A Atmus Filtration Technologies has lower revenue, but higher earnings than American Axle & Manufacturing. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Axle & Manufacturing 1 4 1 0 2.00 Atmus Filtration Technologies 0 0 5 0 3.00 This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for American Axle & Manufacturing and Atmus Filtration Technologies, as provided by MarketBeat.com. American Axle & Manufacturing presently has a consensus price target of $8.08, suggesting a potential downside of 9.38%. Atmus Filtration Technologies has a consensus price target of $26.50, suggesting a potential upside of 12.34%. Given Atmus Filtration Technologies stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Atmus Filtration Technologies is more favorable than American Axle & Manufacturing. Institutional & Insider Ownership 91.4% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 20.7% of Atmus Filtration Technologies shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.1% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares American Axle & Manufacturing and Atmus Filtration Technologies net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Axle & Manufacturing -0.01% -1.46% -0.17% Atmus Filtration Technologies 10.67% 79.43% 19.22% Summary Atmus Filtration Technologies beats American Axle & Manufacturing on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About American Axle & Manufacturing (Get Free Report) American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, engineers, and manufactures driveline and metal forming technologies that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. It operates through Driveline and Metal Forming segments. The Driveline segment offers front and rear axles, driveshafts, differential assemblies, clutch modules, balance shaft systems, disconnecting driveline technology, and electric and hybrid driveline products and systems for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossover vehicles, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles. The Metal Forming segment provides range of products, such as engine, transmission, driveline, and safety-critical components for traditional internal combustion engine and electric vehicle architectures including light vehicles, commercial vehicles, and off-highway vehicles, as well as products for industrial markets. It operates across Brazil, China, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, Romina, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and United States of America. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. About Atmus Filtration Technologies (Get Free Report) Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells filtration products under the Fleetguard brand name in North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and internationally. It offers fuel filters, lube filters, air filters, crankcase ventilation, hydraulic filters, and coolants, as well as fuel additives. The company's products are used in on-highway and off-highway commercial vehicles; and agriculture, construction, mining, and power generation vehicles and equipment. It serves original equipment manufacturers, dealers/distributors, and end-users. The company was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Cummins Inc. Receive News & Ratings for American Axle & Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Axle & Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 274,457 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,463 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble comprises 1.1% of Capital Investment Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Capital Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $40,032,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in PG. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 99,734.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 253,081,478 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,402,583,000 after buying an additional 252,827,976 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 96,526.4% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 38,535,557 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,840,449,000 after buying an additional 38,495,676 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $3,752,321,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 42.2% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 24,386,838 shares of the companys stock worth $3,626,080,000 after purchasing an additional 7,235,990 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 12.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 44,320,700 shares of the companys stock worth $6,717,246,000 after purchasing an additional 4,959,527 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 63.43% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 575 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.97, for a total transaction of $83,357.75. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 7,498 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,086,985.06. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other Procter & Gamble news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 188 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.52, for a total transaction of $27,921.76. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 626 shares in the company, valued at approximately $92,973.52. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 575 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.97, for a total value of $83,357.75. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 7,498 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,086,985.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 79,382 shares of company stock worth $11,988,690 in the last ninety days. 0.17% of the stock is owned by insiders. Procter & Gamble Trading Up 0.5 % PG opened at $145.94 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $343.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.69, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 0.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 12 month low of $135.83 and a 12 month high of $158.38. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $149.06 and a 200-day moving average price of $150.35. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The company reported $1.83 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $21.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.58 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.49% and a net margin of 18.30%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.57 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Friday, October 20th were paid a dividend of $0.9407 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 19th. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.58%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 61.04%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. StockNews.com cut Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday. William Blair assumed coverage on Procter & Gamble in a report on Friday, September 8th. They issued a market perform rating for the company. They noted that the move was a valuation call. HSBC initiated coverage on Procter & Gamble in a report on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $179.00 target price for the company. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $161.00 to $151.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $166.00 to $154.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $166.41. Get Our Latest Analysis on PG About Procter & Gamble (Free Report) The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC purchased a new position in shares of TELUS International (Cda) Inc. (NYSE:TIXT Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 17,532 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $134,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of TELUS International (Cda) in the third quarter worth about $30,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of TELUS International (Cda) in the first quarter worth about $46,000. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale purchased a new stake in shares of TELUS International (Cda) in the second quarter worth about $63,000. Citigroup Inc. boosted its holdings in TELUS International (Cda) by 18.8% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 4,781 shares of the companys stock valued at $96,000 after purchasing an additional 755 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC purchased a new position in TELUS International (Cda) in the first quarter valued at about $101,000. 59.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get TELUS International (Cda) alerts: TELUS International (Cda) Price Performance Shares of NYSE:TIXT opened at $8.34 on Wednesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $7.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.15. TELUS International has a 52 week low of $6.03 and a 52 week high of $24.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $609.49 million, a P/E ratio of 46.34, a PEG ratio of 9.44 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In TELUS International (Cda) ( NYSE:TIXT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The company reported $0.21 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.21. TELUS International (Cda) had a net margin of 1.89% and a return on equity of 13.01%. The company had revenue of $663.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $657.55 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.30 earnings per share. TELUS International (Cda)s revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that TELUS International will post 0.82 earnings per share for the current year. TIXT has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. TD Securities reduced their price target on TELUS International (Cda) from $12.00 to $10.50 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 6th. National Bankshares reduced their price target on TELUS International (Cda) from $16.00 to $10.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 26th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on TELUS International (Cda) from $11.00 to $8.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 6th. Barclays reduced their price target on TELUS International (Cda) from $11.00 to $9.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Robert W. Baird reduced their price target on TELUS International (Cda) from $12.00 to $9.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $15.10. View Our Latest Analysis on TIXT TELUS International (Cda) Company Profile (Free Report) TELUS International (Cda) Inc design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, and the Central America. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TELUS International (Cda) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS International (Cda) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC acquired a new stake in MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE:MXL Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 5,943 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $132,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its position in shares of MaxLinear by 659.9% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 33,837 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $753,000 after acquiring an additional 29,384 shares during the period. CWM LLC lifted its stake in shares of MaxLinear by 712.8% during the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,292 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 2,010 shares during the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of MaxLinear during the 3rd quarter worth about $35,000. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL acquired a new stake in shares of MaxLinear during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,840,000. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC acquired a new stake in shares of MaxLinear during the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. Institutional investors own 87.65% of the companys stock. Get MaxLinear alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently issued reports on MXL shares. Roth Mkm cut shares of MaxLinear from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the stock from $35.00 to $18.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Benchmark cut their target price on shares of MaxLinear from $35.00 to $23.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Needham & Company LLC dropped their price objective on shares of MaxLinear from $34.00 to $28.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of MaxLinear in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of MaxLinear from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $23.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $26.36. MaxLinear Trading Up 3.4 % Shares of MaxLinear stock opened at $24.72 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.02 billion, a PE ratio of 16.71 and a beta of 1.98. The company has a current ratio of 2.18, a quick ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The firms 50 day moving average is $18.82 and its 200 day moving average is $23.33. MaxLinear, Inc. has a 1 year low of $13.43 and a 1 year high of $43.66. MaxLinear (NYSE:MXL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The semiconductor company reported ($0.02) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.25) by $0.23. The company had revenue of $135.53 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $140.11 million. MaxLinear had a negative net margin of 0.42% and a positive return on equity of 16.19%. Equities research analysts forecast that MaxLinear, Inc. will post 0.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. MaxLinear Company Profile (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. Recommended Stories 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. CreativeOne Wealth LLC lessened its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 38.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,171 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,998 shares during the period. CreativeOne Wealth LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,703,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of LLY. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 533,336.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 19,059,681 shares of the companys stock worth $8,938,609,000 after buying an additional 19,056,108 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter worth about $3,416,206,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 102,752.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,446,026 shares of the companys stock worth $1,992,374,000 after purchasing an additional 5,440,731 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 44.1% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,059,204 shares of the companys stock worth $4,411,740,000 after purchasing an additional 3,691,436 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Imprint Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 53,716.8% during the 2nd quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 1,751,200 shares of the companys stock worth $175,120,000 after purchasing an additional 1,747,946 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 0.1 % Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $570.81 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $585.86 and its 200-day simple moving average is $538.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $541.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 103.41, a P/E/G ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $309.20 and a twelve month high of $629.97. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.88 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.55% and a return on equity of 48.12%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis 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 payout ratio is presently 81.88%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction 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 transaction, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently weighed in on LLY shares. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $535.00 target price on the stock. UBS Group restated a buy rating and set a $710.00 target price (up from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Friday, October 20th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $583.24. Read Our Latest Analysis on LLY 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. Further Reading 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. CreativeOne Wealth LLC lowered its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 12.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,437 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 470 shares during the period. CreativeOne Wealth LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $1,112,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Pacific Center for Financial Services acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the first quarter worth $33,000. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the first quarter worth $33,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the second quarter worth $34,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the second quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 140.0% during the second quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 120 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.06% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes GS has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Citigroup reduced their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $400.00 to $380.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $329.00 to $333.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $440.00 target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, HSBC assumed coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $403.00 target price on the stock. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $393.99. The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 0.3 % GS stock opened at $381.65 on Wednesday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $337.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $332.42. 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 Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $289.36 and a 52-week high of $386.20. The firm has a market cap of $124.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.47, a PEG ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 1.44. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The investment management company reported $5.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.42 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $11.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.15 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 7.77% and a return on equity of 7.37%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $8.25 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 22.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be paid a $2.75 dividend. This represents a $11.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 53.24%. Insider Activity at The Goldman Sachs Group In related news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 72,874 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total value of $51,740.54. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 397,954 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $282,547.34. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 72,874 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total value of $51,740.54. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 397,954 shares in the company, valued at approximately $282,547.34. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Ericka T. Leslie sold 1,376 shares of the 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 completion of the sale, the insider now owns 10,471 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,509,355.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 74,407 shares of company stock valued at $515,039. 0.54% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements. 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. Meridian Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 2.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,834 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 332 shares during the period. Meridian Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Duke Energy were worth $1,044,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Argus Investors Counsel Inc. raised its position in shares of Duke Energy by 19.7% during the third quarter. Argus Investors Counsel Inc. now owns 5,470 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $483,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares during the period. Nalls Sherbakoff Group LLC raised its position in shares of Duke Energy by 4.8% during the third quarter. Nalls Sherbakoff Group LLC now owns 2,847 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $251,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the period. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Duke Energy by 49.1% during the third quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 571 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 188 shares during the period. Advisors Management Group Inc. ADV raised its position in shares of Duke Energy by 1.5% during the third quarter. Advisors Management Group Inc. ADV now owns 28,757 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,538,000 after purchasing an additional 427 shares during the period. Finally, Bellecapital International Ltd. raised its position in shares of Duke Energy by 1.6% during the third quarter. Bellecapital International Ltd. now owns 16,496 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,456,000 after purchasing an additional 267 shares during the period. 63.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Duke Energy alerts: Duke Energy Stock Performance DUK opened at $96.73 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $74.55 billion, a PE ratio of 61.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 0.45. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $91.51 and a 200-day moving average of $91.15. Duke Energy Co. has a 52-week low of $83.06 and a 52-week high of $106.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 0.76. Duke Energy Announces Dividend Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.92 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $7.99 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.13 billion. Duke Energy had a return on equity of 8.24% and a net margin of 4.47%. The firms revenue was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.78 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 18th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $1.025 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $4.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.24%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 261.15%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Duke Energy from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on Duke Energy from $104.00 to $101.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. KeyCorp lifted their price target on Duke Energy from $96.00 to $106.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. StockNews.com upgraded Duke Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on Duke Energy from $96.00 to $97.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Duke Energy has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $98.82. Read Our Latest Analysis on DUK 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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DUK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC cut its stake in New Jersey Resources Co. (NYSE:NJR Free Report) by 2.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 196,669 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 4,193 shares during the period. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC owned approximately 0.20% of New Jersey Resources worth $7,991,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in New Jersey Resources by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 16,327,934 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $770,678,000 after buying an additional 756,914 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of New Jersey Resources by 1.0% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,757,330 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $493,331,000 after purchasing an additional 111,403 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its position in New Jersey Resources by 4.5% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,661,984 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $416,694,000 after purchasing an additional 456,306 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in New Jersey Resources by 22.6% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,203,151 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $146,897,000 after purchasing an additional 589,747 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in New Jersey Resources by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,745,545 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $129,590,000 after purchasing an additional 41,300 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.08% of the companys stock. Get New Jersey Resources alerts: New Jersey Resources Stock Performance NYSE NJR opened at $44.82 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.38. The company has a market cap of $4.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.48, a P/E/G ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.63. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $42.81 and a two-hundred day moving average of $43.64. New Jersey Resources Co. has a 1-year low of $38.92 and a 1-year high of $55.84. New Jersey Resources Increases Dividend New Jersey Resources ( NYSE:NJR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 21st. The utilities provider reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.30. The business had revenue of $331.30 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $759.99 million. New Jersey Resources had a return on equity of 13.24% and a net margin of 13.49%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 56.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.50 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that New Jersey Resources Co. will post 2.77 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.75%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 12th. This is a boost from New Jersey Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.39. New Jersey Resourcess payout ratio is 61.76%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently issued reports on NJR shares. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of New Jersey Resources in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating for the company. Mizuho decreased their price target on New Jersey Resources from $49.00 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 20th. Guggenheim cut their price objective on New Jersey Resources from $47.00 to $42.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of New Jersey Resources from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their target price for the company from $44.00 to $46.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on New Jersey Resources Insider Buying and Selling at New Jersey Resources In other New Jersey Resources news, COO Patrick J. Migliaccio sold 3,579 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $44.29, for a total value of $158,513.91. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 41,886 shares in the company, valued at $1,855,130.94. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.75% of the companys stock. About New Jersey Resources (Free Report) New Jersey Resources Corporation, an energy services holding company, distributes natural gas. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Distribution, Clean Energy Ventures, Energy Services, and Storage and Transportation. The Natural Gas Distribution segment offers regulated natural gas utility services to approximately 576,000 customers in Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Sussex counties in New Jersey; provides capacity and storage management services; and participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for New Jersey Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Jersey Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC raised its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report) by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 17,157 shares of the aerospace companys stock after acquiring an additional 663 shares during the quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $7,017,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 81,305.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,907,328 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $927,896,000 after buying an additional 1,904,985 shares during the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in Lockheed Martin by 426.6% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 1,203,558 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $104,767,000 after acquiring an additional 975,012 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in Lockheed Martin in the second quarter valued at $351,143,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 586.8% during the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 369,500 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $163,097,000 after purchasing an additional 315,700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 5.3% during the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,256,069 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,320,030,000 after purchasing an additional 264,665 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.26% of the companys stock. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Lockheed Martin Stock Performance NYSE LMT opened at $450.18 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $111.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.45, a PEG ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.57. The businesss 50 day moving average is $447.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $444.91. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 12-month low of $393.77 and a 12-month high of $508.10. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.67 by $0.10. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 75.46% and a net margin of 10.29%. The firm had revenue of $16.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.73 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $6.87 earnings per share. Lockheed Martins quarterly revenue was up 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 27.19 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 Friday, December 1st will be paid a $3.15 dividend. This is a boost from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.80%. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.04%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on LMT. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Lockheed Martin from $532.00 to $510.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They issued a hold rating and a $435.00 price target for the company. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $505.00 to $455.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Lockheed Martin from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $440.00 target price for the company in a report on Monday, September 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $484.07. Check Out Our Latest Report on Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Profile (Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the nineteen brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $66.00. A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays raised shares of Fidelity National Information Services from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the company from $62.00 to $69.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Seaport Res Ptn reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Wolfe Research raised Fidelity National Information Services from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $65.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Fidelity National Information Services from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $71.00 to $67.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Get Fidelity National Information Services alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Fidelity National Information Services Fidelity National Information Services Price Performance NYSE:FIS opened at $60.27 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $35.71 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.47, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.76. The firms fifty day moving average price is $55.03 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $55.90. Fidelity National Information Services has a one year low of $46.91 and a one year high of $79.32. Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 7th. The information technology services provider reported $0.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.59 by ($0.65). The company had revenue of $2.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.65 billion. Fidelity National Information Services had a positive return on equity of 13.89% and a negative net margin of 180.32%. Equities analysts expect that Fidelity National Information Services will post 3.52 earnings per share for the current year. Fidelity National Information Services Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th were paid a dividend of $0.52 per share. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 7th. Fidelity National Information Servicess payout ratio is -5.08%. Insider Activity In other Fidelity National Information Services news, Director Ellen R. Alemany purchased 855 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $53.00 per share, with a total value of $45,315.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 4,598 shares of the companys stock, valued at $243,694. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.68% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fidelity National Information Services A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in FIS. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in Fidelity National Information Services by 2.7% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 60,473,174 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $3,307,883,000 after acquiring an additional 1,575,081 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 12.7% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 57,885,046 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $3,199,306,000 after purchasing an additional 6,503,451 shares during the period. Dodge & Cox increased its holdings in Fidelity National Information Services by 4.9% in the first quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 27,493,640 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,493,729,000 after purchasing an additional 1,273,025 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 1.4% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 26,456,658 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,437,381,000 after buying an additional 367,417 shares during the period. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors boosted its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 115.2% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 14,426,414 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $789,119,000 after buying an additional 7,721,981 shares in the last quarter. 85.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Fidelity National Information Services (Get Free Report Fidelity National Information Services, Inc provides technology solutions for financial institutions and businesses worldwide. It operates through Banking Solutions, Merchant Solutions, and Capital Market Solutions segments. The Banking Solutions segment provides core processing and ancillary applications; mobile and online banking; fraud, risk management, and compliance; electronic funds transfer and network; card and retail payment; wealth and retirement; and item processing and output solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity National Information Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity National Information Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flame Acquisition (NYSE:FLME Get Free Report) and Battalion Oil (NYSE:BATL Get Free Report) are both small-cap oils/energy companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation and risk. Profitability This table compares Flame Acquisition and Battalion Oils net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Flame Acquisition alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Flame Acquisition N/A N/A -11.34% Battalion Oil -17.33% -20.89% -3.75% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Flame Acquisition and Battalion Oil, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Flame Acquisition 0 0 0 0 N/A Battalion Oil 0 2 0 0 2.00 Risk and Volatility Battalion Oil has a consensus target price of $18.60, suggesting a potential upside of 92.75%. Given Battalion Oils higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Battalion Oil is more favorable than Flame Acquisition. Flame Acquisition has a beta of 0.03, meaning that its stock price is 97% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Battalion Oil has a beta of 0.85, meaning that its stock price is 15% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 43.1% of Flame Acquisition shares are owned by institutional investors. 14.3% of Flame Acquisition shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 41.5% of Battalion Oil shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Flame Acquisition and Battalion Oils top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Flame Acquisition N/A N/A -$2.59 million N/A N/A Battalion Oil $359.06 million 0.44 $18.54 million ($3.04) -3.17 Battalion Oil has higher revenue and earnings than Flame Acquisition. Summary Battalion Oil beats Flame Acquisition on 6 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Flame Acquisition (Get Free Report) Flame Acquisition Corp. does not have significant operations. It focuses on effecting into a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company intends to identify, acquire, and operate a business in the energy industry primarily upstream exploration and production sector, and midstream sector and companies. Flame Acquisition Corp. was incorporated in 2020 and is based in Houston, Texas. About Battalion Oil (Get Free Report) Battalion Oil Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, production, exploration, and development of onshore oil and natural gas assets in the United States. It holds interests in the Delaware Basin located in the counties of Pecos, Reeves, Ward, and Winkler, Texas. The company was formerly known as Halcon Resources Corporation and changed its name to Battalion Oil Corporation in January 2020. Battalion Oil Corporation was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Flame Acquisition Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flame Acquisition and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Founders Financial Securities LLC increased its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX Free Report) by 9.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,588 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the period. Founders Financial Securities LLCs holdings in L3Harris Technologies were worth $277,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 15,499,913 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,041,703,000 after acquiring an additional 480,610 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its stake in L3Harris Technologies by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,795,513 shares of the companys stock worth $1,721,898,000 after buying an additional 104,323 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 3.0% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,663,645 shares of the companys stock valued at $715,171,000 after acquiring an additional 107,293 shares in the last quarter. Longview Partners Guernsey LTD increased its stake in L3Harris Technologies by 15.3% during the 2nd quarter. Longview Partners Guernsey LTD now owns 2,391,090 shares of the companys stock valued at $468,104,000 after purchasing an additional 317,953 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its stake in L3Harris Technologies by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 2,332,482 shares of the companys stock worth $457,726,000 after acquiring an additional 41,845 shares during the last quarter. 81.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get L3Harris Technologies alerts: L3Harris Technologies Stock Up 0.6 % L3Harris Technologies stock opened at $209.73 on Wednesday. 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 stock has a market capitalization of $39.75 billion, a PE ratio of 26.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.68 and a beta of 0.68. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $190.27 and a 200-day simple moving average of $186.26. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $160.25 and a 12 month high of $219.31. L3Harris Technologies Dividend Announcement L3Harris Technologies ( NYSE:LHX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $3.19 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.06 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $4.92 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.95 billion. L3Harris Technologies had a net margin of 7.96% and a return on equity of 12.66%. The firms revenue was up 15.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.26 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that L3Harris Technologies, Inc. will post 12.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th were paid a $1.14 dividend. This represents a $4.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. L3Harris Technologiess dividend payout ratio is presently 58.61%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on L3Harris Technologies from $211.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 28th. StockNews.com raised shares of L3Harris Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of L3Harris Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the company from $184.00 to $240.00 in a report on Friday, December 15th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $225.00 target price on shares of L3Harris Technologies in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Finally, Robert W. Baird raised shares of L3Harris Technologies from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the company from $198.00 to $216.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, L3Harris Technologies has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $227.73. Read Our Latest Report on LHX Insider Buying and Selling In other L3Harris Technologies news, insider Edward J. Zoiss sold 4,742 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total transaction of $900,980.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 27,183 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,164,770. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.82% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. L3Harris Technologies Profile (Free Report) L3Harris Technologies, Inc, an aerospace and defense technology company, provides mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers worldwide. The company's Integrated Mission Systems segment provides multi-mission intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems; and communication systems, as well as fleet management support, sensor development, modification, and periodic depot maintenance services for ISR and airborne missions. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LHX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX Free Report). 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. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC increased its holdings in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 572.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,529 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,153 shares during the period. Impact Partnership Wealth LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $369,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Davis Investment Partners LLC grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Davis Investment Partners LLC now owns 1,658 shares of the companys stock worth $250,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. LWM Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. LWM Advisory Services LLC now owns 3,018 shares of the companys stock worth $457,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Proquility Private Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Proquility Private Wealth Partners LLC now owns 6,008 shares of the companys stock worth $912,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 7,309 shares of the companys stock worth $1,087,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Trust Co grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Trust Co now owns 9,311 shares of the companys stock worth $1,327,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. 63.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have weighed in on PG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $169.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 12th. DZ Bank raised shares of Procter & Gamble from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $155.00 target price on the stock in a report on Friday, October 20th. William Blair assumed coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, September 8th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. They noted that the move was a valuation call. StockNews.com lowered shares of Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, HSBC assumed coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $179.00 price objective on the stock. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $166.41. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CFO Andre Schulten sold 40,298 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.61, for a total value of $6,069,281.78. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 36,460 shares in the company, valued at $5,491,240.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 6,575 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total transaction of $1,009,065.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 5,620 shares of the companys stock, valued at $862,501.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Andre Schulten sold 40,298 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.61, for a total transaction of $6,069,281.78. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 36,460 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,491,240.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 79,382 shares of company stock worth $11,988,690. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock. Procter & Gamble Stock Performance Shares of PG stock opened at $145.94 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $149.06 and a 200-day moving average of $150.35. The company has a market cap of $343.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.69, a P/E/G ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 0.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.48. The Procter & Gamble Company has a one year low of $135.83 and a one year high of $158.38. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.12. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 18.30% and a return on equity of 33.49%. The business had revenue of $21.87 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.58 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.57 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.42 EPS for the current fiscal year. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Friday, October 20th were issued a dividend of $0.9407 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 19th. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.58%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 61.04%. Procter & Gamble Profile (Free Report) The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Azerbaijan and Turkiye have signed an agreement on the restoration of five small hydropower plants (HPPs) in Kalbajar and Lachin districts, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said on "X" (Twitter), Trend reports. "Azerbaijan aims to derive 30 percent of the generated electricity from renewable sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Joint Participation Agreement has been signed among "Azerbaijan Investment Company" OJSC, Turkiye's "Demiroren Yatirim Holding A.S.," and "Arges Enerji Team" LLC for the restoration and operation of five small hydropower plants in Kalbajar and Lachin districts. This project is a significant step toward establishing a "green energy" zone in the liberated territories. Implemented as part of a public-private partnership, the project will not only create new jobs but also accelerate the Great Return, foster sustainable economic development in the liberated territories, and transfer new experiences and capabilities in the renewable energy field," said Jabbarov. Earlier, within the Azerbaijani-Turkish investment forum, the Azerbaijani Minister of Economy said that Azerbaijan and Turkiye had prepared a project for the restoration of five small HPPs in the liberated territories. Five small HPPs located on the Hakari and Tartar rivers will be rehabilitated. The document was signed by CEO of Azerbaijan Investment Company OJSC (AIC) Ulvi Mansurov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Demiroren Yatirim Holding A.S." Yldrm Demiroren, and Head of Arges Enerji Team LLC Mehmet Fehmi Ozata. Earlier, CEO of Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIK) Ulvi Mansurov told Trend that the cost of the rehabilitation project was estimated at $15 million. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Redwood Wealth Management Group LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,571 shares of the companys stock after selling 27 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 1.0% of Redwood Wealth Management Group LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position. Redwood Wealth Management Group LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $844,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth approximately $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% in the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock worth $589,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth approximately $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 9.9% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 53,052 shares of the companys stock worth $15,193,000 after acquiring an additional 4,774 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth approximately $561,000. Institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance Shares of LLY opened at $570.81 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $585.86 and a 200 day moving average of $538.70. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12 month low of $309.20 and a 12 month high of $629.97. The company has a market capitalization of $541.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 103.41, a PEG ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 48.12% and a net margin of 15.55%. The business had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.88 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast 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 announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be given a $1.30 dividend. This is an increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 81.88%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. StockNews.com upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. TheStreet downgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Bank of America increased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Finally, Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and issued a $650.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $583.24. Read Our Latest Report on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Featured Stories 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. Richelieu Gestion SA acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 250 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $134,000. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 533,336.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 19,059,681 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,938,609,000 after acquiring an additional 19,056,108 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $3,416,206,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 102,752.2% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,446,026 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,992,374,000 after buying an additional 5,440,731 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 44.1% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,059,204 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,411,740,000 after buying an additional 3,691,436 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Imprint Wealth LLC grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 53,716.8% in the 2nd quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 1,751,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $175,120,000 after buying an additional 1,747,946 shares during the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of LLY opened at $570.81 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $585.86 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $538.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.05. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $309.20 and a 52-week high of $629.97. The company has a market cap of $541.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 103.41, a PEG ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued 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 firm had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.88 billion. Analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced 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. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 81.88%. Insider Activity In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares 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 can be accessed through this link. In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes LLY has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 9th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, December 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $535.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on 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, TheStreet downgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $583.24. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Further Reading 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. Strategic Blueprint LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IVLU Free Report) by 14.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 60,648 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 7,770 shares during the period. Strategic Blueprint LLC owned about 0.09% of iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF worth $1,538,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. increased its position in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. now owns 698,215 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,707,000 after purchasing an additional 5,655 shares during the period. Firethorn Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 16.0% in the third quarter. Firethorn Wealth Partners LLC now owns 39,913 shares of the companys stock worth $1,012,000 after buying an additional 5,500 shares in the last quarter. CGN Advisors LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 3.6% in the third quarter. CGN Advisors LLC now owns 16,626 shares of the companys stock worth $422,000 after buying an additional 577 shares in the last quarter. Cypress Wealth Services LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 15.8% during the third quarter. Cypress Wealth Services LLC now owns 126,742 shares of the companys stock worth $3,214,000 after buying an additional 17,340 shares during the period. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc boosted its position in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 16.1% during the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 225,519 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,719,000 after acquiring an additional 31,275 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF Trading Up 0.3 % IVLU opened at $26.46 on Wednesday. iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF has a 12 month low of $23.04 and a 12 month high of $26.79. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $25.50 and a 200-day moving average price of $25.55. The firm has a market cap of $1.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.24 and a beta of 0.82. iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF 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. Further Reading 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. Suncor Energy Inc. (TSE:SU Get Free Report) (NYSE:SU) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the twelve analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is C$55.24. SU has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Suncor Energy from C$51.00 to C$53.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Suncor Energy from C$59.00 to C$52.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 8th. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Suncor Energy from C$52.50 to C$55.00 in a report on Friday, October 20th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of Suncor Energy from C$59.00 to C$55.00 in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Finally, National Bankshares upped their price target on shares of Suncor Energy from C$57.00 to C$74.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Get Suncor Energy alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Suncor Energy Insider Transactions at Suncor Energy Suncor Energy Stock Up 0.0 % In other news, Senior Officer Shelley Powell sold 9,452 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$42.60, for a total transaction of C$402,655.20. In other news, Senior Officer Shelley Powell sold 9,452 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$42.60, for a total transaction of C$402,655.20. Also, Senior Officer Karen Liane Keegans bought 2,674 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$29.73 per share, for a total transaction of C$79,498.02. 0.01% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Shares of SU opened at C$42.46 on Wednesday. Suncor Energy has a 52 week low of C$37.09 and a 52 week high of C$48.26. The firm has a market cap of C$55.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 1.54. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$44.25 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$43.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 36.93, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 1.24. Suncor Energy (TSE:SU Get Free Report) (NYSE:SU) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported C$1.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$1.19 by C$0.33. The firm had revenue of C$12.64 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$10.93 billion. Suncor Energy had a net margin of 16.37% and a return on equity of 20.56%. On average, analysts forecast that Suncor Energy will post 5.4787097 earnings per share for the current year. Suncor Energy Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 22nd were given a dividend of $0.545 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th. This is a boost from Suncor Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.13%. Suncor Energys dividend payout ratio is 35.22%. Suncor Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report Suncor Energy Inc operates as an integrated energy company in Canada and internationally. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; and Refining and Marketing segments. The Oil Sands segment explores, develops, and produces bitumen, synthetic crude oil, and related products. This segment also engages in syncrude oil sands mining and upgrading operations; and marketing, supply, transportation, and risk management of crude oil, natural gas, power, and byproducts. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Suncor Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suncor Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. trimmed its position in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 34.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 702 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 374 shares during the quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in Accenture were worth $215,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in ACN. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new position in shares of Accenture during the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Accenture in the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Accenture during the first quarter valued at about $32,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of Accenture during the second quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Canton Hathaway LLC purchased a new stake in Accenture during the third quarter valued at approximately $37,000. 70.42% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Accenture alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently commented on ACN. Redburn Atlantic initiated coverage on Accenture in a report on Thursday, November 16th. They set a buy rating and a $410.00 price objective for the company. Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on Accenture from $332.00 to $322.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 29th. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Accenture from $333.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and set a $358.00 price objective on shares of Accenture in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Finally, Piper Sandler Companies cut their target price on Accenture from $314.00 to $312.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $348.59. Accenture Stock Performance ACN opened at $353.43 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $324.80 and a two-hundred day moving average of $317.53. Accenture plc has a fifty-two week low of $242.80 and a fifty-two week high of $354.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $221.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.76, a PEG ratio of 3.26 and a beta of 1.23. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The information technology services provider reported $3.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.14 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $16.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.17 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 29.08% and a net margin of 10.65%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.08 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Accenture plc will post 12.21 earnings per share for the current year. Accenture Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 18th will be paid a $1.29 dividend. This represents a $5.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.46%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 17th. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.82%. Accenture declared that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Thursday, September 28th that authorizes the company to buyback $4.00 billion in 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 generally a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Activity In related news, Director Paula A. Price sold 551 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $345.36, for a total transaction of $190,293.36. Following the transaction, the director now owns 6,583 shares in the company, valued at $2,273,504.88. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Accenture news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $291.41, for a total transaction of $2,622,690.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 35,830 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,441,220.30. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Paula A. Price sold 551 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $345.36, for a total value of $190,293.36. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,583 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,273,504.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 36,885 shares of company stock worth $11,129,320 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock. Accenture Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. See Also 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. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. cut its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 5.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,216 shares of the companys stock after selling 65 shares during the quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $653,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Retirement Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 159.1% during the 2nd quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 57 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 156.4% in the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 100 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth approximately $40,000. Finally, RVW Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the third quarter worth $46,000. 81.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently commented on LLY. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Bank of America increased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $650.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Monday, December 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $583.24. Insider Activity In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance Shares of LLY opened at $570.81 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $541.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 103.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $309.20 and a 52-week high of $629.97. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $585.86 and a 200 day moving average price of $538.70. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.88 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.55% and a return on equity of 48.12%. Research analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.91%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 81.88%. About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Featured Articles 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. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of The Allstate Co. (NYSE:ALL Free Report) by 13.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,720 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 200 shares during the quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in Allstate were worth $192,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Allstate by 0.9% during the first quarter. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC now owns 104,489 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $11,578,000 after purchasing an additional 958 shares during the period. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S increased its stake in Allstate by 8.7% during the 2nd quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 5,748 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $627,000 after purchasing an additional 460 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Allstate by 36.5% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 63,018 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $6,872,000 after purchasing an additional 16,851 shares in the last quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Allstate by 19.3% during the first quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 63,582 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $7,046,000 after buying an additional 10,271 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arcataur Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Allstate in the second quarter valued at $344,000. Institutional investors own 77.23% of the companys stock. Get Allstate alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ALL has been the subject of several recent research reports. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Allstate from $145.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on Allstate from $125.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, December 15th. Piper Sandler raised their target price on Allstate from $137.00 to $138.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Roth Mkm lifted their target price on Allstate from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Citigroup increased their price target on Allstate from $135.00 to $156.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $136.93. Insider Buying and Selling In other Allstate news, CAO John C. Pintozzi sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $134.79, for a total transaction of $539,160.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 13,711 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,848,105.69. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CAO John C. Pintozzi sold 4,000 shares of Allstate stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.79, for a total value of $539,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 13,711 shares in the company, valued at $1,848,105.69. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Mark Q. Prindiville sold 10,951 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.43, for a total transaction of $1,483,093.93. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 18,677 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,529,426.11. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.70% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Allstate Stock Up 0.5 % NYSE ALL opened at $138.07 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $133.63 and its 200-day moving average is $118.40. The company has a current ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The Allstate Co. has a one year low of $100.57 and a one year high of $144.99. Allstate (NYSE:ALL Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The insurance provider reported $0.81 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.42. Allstate had a negative net margin of 3.51% and a negative return on equity of 10.95%. The firm had revenue of $14.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.78 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($1.56) earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that The Allstate Co. will post -1.89 earnings per share for the current year. Allstate Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.89 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $3.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.58%. Allstates payout ratio is -44.89%. Allstate Company Profile (Free Report) The Allstate Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides property and casualty, and other insurance products in the United States and Canada. The company operates through Allstate Protection; Protection Services; Allstate Health and Benefits; and Run-off Property-Liability segments. The Allstate Protection segment offers private passenger auto and homeowners insurance; other personal lines products; and commercial lines products under the Allstate and Encompass brand names. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Allstate Co. (NYSE:ALL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Allstate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allstate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) by 168.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,083 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 6,333 shares during the quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc.s holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners were worth $296,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 43,553,186 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,589,691,000 after buying an additional 618,631 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 8.5% during the second quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 26,066 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $951,000 after purchasing an additional 2,037 shares during the period. CIBC Asset Management Inc grew its stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 4.8% in the second quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 5,509,191 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $201,507,000 after purchasing an additional 252,473 shares during the last quarter. Beacon Financial Advisory LLC increased its holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 1.4% in the second quarter. Beacon Financial Advisory LLC now owns 35,536 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,297,000 after purchasing an additional 476 shares during the period. Finally, MONECO Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners during the 1st quarter worth about $230,000. Institutional investors own 55.52% of the companys stock. Get Brookfield Infrastructure Partners alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from $45.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. National Bankshares upgraded Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $38.00 to $33.00 in a report on Thursday, October 19th. TD Securities dropped their price objective on Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from $50.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Credit Suisse Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $44.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in a research note on Wednesday, August 30th. Finally, Raymond James cut their price objective on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from $45.00 to $40.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $38.44. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Stock Up 0.5 % BIP stock opened at $31.83 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $26.84 and a 200-day moving average of $30.72. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. has a fifty-two week low of $21.03 and a fifty-two week high of $37.32. The company has a market capitalization of $14.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 102.68 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.70. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP Get Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.73 by ($0.70). The business had revenue of $4.49 billion during the quarter. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners had a return on equity of 1.28% and a net margin of 2.17%. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current year. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a $0.382 dividend. This represents a $1.53 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 493.55%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Company Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 60,000 kilometers (km) of operational electricity transmission and distribution lines; 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 7.8 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 540,000 long-term contracted sub-metering services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. The capacity of five small hydroelectric power plants in Kalbajar and Lachin districts of Azerbaijan is 13.8 MW, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on X (Twitter), Trend reports. "Today, Azerbaijani and Turkish firms signed a JPA for the restoration and operation of five 13.8 MW SHPPs in Kalbajar and Lachin. This is a sign of our solidarity in transforming our free areas into green energy zones and Azerbaijan into a green growth country," he said. Earlier, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on "X" (Twitter) that Azerbaijan and Turkiye have signed an agreement on the restoration of five Small Hydropower Plants (HPPs) in Kalbajar and Lachin districts. "Azerbaijan aims to derive 30 percent of the generated electricity from renewable sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Joint Participation Agreement has been signed among "Azerbaijan Investment Company" OJSC, Turkiye's "Demiroren Yatirim Holding A.S.," and "Arges Enerji Team" LLC for the restoration and operation of five small hydropower plants in Kalbajar and Lachin districts. This project is a significant step toward establishing a "green energy" zone in the liberated territories. Implemented as part of a public-private partnership, the project will not only create new jobs but also accelerate the Great Return, foster sustainable economic development in the liberated territories, and transfer new experiences and capabilities in the renewable energy field," Jabbarov said. Azerbaijan Investment Company executive director Ulvi Mansurov said that the cost of the restoration project was estimated at $15 million. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured depositors of the safety of their monies in all the Nigerian banks. The apex bank said this in a statement released on Wednesday by its acting Director of Corporate Communications, Sidi-Ali Hakama. The CBN gave the assurance following media reports that the federal government has been asked to take over some financial institutions it supervises. According to the statement, the CBN said Nigerian banks are safe and sound, adding that depositors and the public can continue their regular banking activities without fear. The statement reads: The Central Bank of Nigeria has noticed reports, in some certain media outlets, about a recommendation, for the Federal Government to take over some CBN-supervised financial institutions. For the avoidance of doubt, Nigerian banks remain safe and sound. The CBN encourages the public to continue with their regular activities without being alarmed by reports that emanated from the CBN about the health status of Nigerian banks. The CBN is fully equipped to carry out its statutory duty of upholding a stable financial system in Nigeria. We assure the general public and depositors about the safety of their funds in Nigerian financial institutions. Bank customers are therefore advised to proceed with their banking transactions as usual, as there is no cause for concern. Illegal Chinese construction workers arrested at Layan PHUKET: A joint task force of police and officers from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office have arrested 28 Chinese nationals for working illegally at a hotel construction site in Layan. immigrationconstructionChinesecrimepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 27 December 2023 04:48 PM The raid, led by Pol Lt Col Jongserm Preecha of Region 8 Police, was conducted at the construction site of a hotel in Baan Layan, in Moo 6, Cherng Talay, yesterday (Dec 26), netting 27 Chinese men and one woman. The officers confirmed through documents and mobile phone records that the 28 Chinese nationals were working illegally. Following previous raids on illegal construction workers in the area last week, prompting concerns that the Chinese workers were victims of human trafficking, a volunteer interpreter was provided. However, none of the Chinese nationals arrested volunteered to explain their situation. As the 28 arrested were not cooperating with officials, all 28 of them were taken to Cherng Talay Police Station for further legal action. No peace until Hamas destroyed, says Israeli PM GAZA STRIP: Israel bombed Gaza yesterday (Dec 26) after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed there would not be peace until the territorys Hamas rulers are destroyed and Palestinian society is deradicalised. violencelandmilitarypolitics By AFP Wednesday 27 December 2023 10:57 AM Palestinians mourn their relatives, killed in an overnight strike on the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, during a mass funeral at the Al-Aqsa hospital in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on Christmas Day (Dec 25). Photo: AFP The army said it had struck more than 100 targets in 24 hours, including military sites and tunnel shafts in central Jabalia and Khan Yunis in the south, as heavy ground combat continued. The withering military campaign launched after the Hamas attacks of Oct 7 has caused mass civilian casualties and widespread hunger and reduced much of the coastal territory to rubble. The UN World Health Organization reported harrowing accounts of entire families killed during Christmas Eve strikes on the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central area of the Gaza Strip. Global concern has mounted and international calls for a ceasefire have multiplied but Netanyahu vowed to stay the course in an op-ed article published in the Wall Street Journal late Monday. Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarised and Palestinian society must be deradicalised, he argued. These are the three prerequisites for peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbours in Gaza. Once the fighting ends, he said, for the foreseeable future Israel will have to retain overriding security responsibility over Gaza and build a temporary security zone on the perimeter of the territory. Netanyahu had earlier visited Israeli troops inside Gaza, then reportedly told a meeting of his conservative Likud party that were not stopping... Were intensifying the fighting in the coming days. The bloodiest ever Gaza war erupted when Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct 7 and killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. They took 250 hostages of whom 129 remain inside Gaza. Israel launched extensive aerial bombardment and a siege followed by a ground invasion. The campaign has killed 20,674 people, mostly women and children, according to Hamas-run Gazas health ministry. Great destruction The Israeli army released video showing its troops moving through the muddy war zone of shattered buildings as gunfire rings out, tanks churning up dust and a soldier firing a heavy machine gun from a window. The army says 158 Israeli soldiers have been killed inside Gaza. AFPTV images from Gaza Citys devastated and largely deserted Tal al-Hawa area showed dirt roads winding through mountains of rubble amid multi-storey buildings pancaked by strikes or standing askew. By God, the destruction is very great, and all the owners of the place have been displaced to the south, says one Palestinian man. May God help people through the misfortunes they are in. Video from inside the citys Al-Quds Hospital showed an empty ward with a hole blasted into a wall, broken window glass strewn across the floor and medical equipment covered in a layer of dust. Some residents of Al-Maghazi refugee camp returned to the ruins of their homes after strikes that Gazas health ministry said killed at least 70 people. AFP was unable to independently verify that toll. One of those coming back, Zeyad Awad, said there had been no evacuation warning before the strikes. What should we do? he asked. We are civilians, living peacefully and wanting only safety and security. WHO staff visited a hospital treating victims of the strikes and heard harrowing accounts from health workers and victims, said the agencys chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Sean Casey, a WHO emergency medical teams coordinator, described the fate of a nine-year-old being treated who was expected to die. He was crossing the street in front of the shelter where his family is staying and the building beside him blew up, he said. The Israeli army said it was reviewing the incident and added that it was committed to international law including taking feasible steps to minimise harm to civilians. Real hunger Vast areas of Gaza lie in ruins and its 2.4 million people are enduring dire shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine, alleviated only by the limited arrival of aid trucks. Now there is real hunger, said Nour Ismail, who was waiting for food to be distributed in the southern city of Rafah. My children are dying of hunger. An estimated 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced, according to the UN, many fleeing south and crowded into shelters or makeshift tents in the winter cold, even as the fighting comes ever closer. Netanyahu told Likud party members on Monday that he was ready to support the voluntary migration of civilians out of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported. He reportedly told party members our problem is not whether to allow an exit, but that there will be countries that are willing to absorb an exit. Hamas rejected as absurd any such discussion. Palestinians refuse to be deported and displaced, it said in a statement. There cant be exile and there is no other choice than to remain on our land. The Gaza war has heightened regional tensions between, on the one hand, Israel and its ally the United States, and, on the other, Iran-backed armed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said an Israeli air strike in Syria had killed the senior Quds Force commander Razi Moussavi, and President Ebrahim Raisi vowed Israel will certainly pay for this crime. In Iraq the US military launched strikes on pro-Iran groups whom it has blamed for more than 100 attacks in recent weeks, said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The Iraqi government denounced the air strikes, which it said had killed one member of the security forces and wounded at least 18 others, as a hostile act. Phuket officials to set up task force to identify bad farang PHUKET: Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Ittisanronnachai, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau, in Phuket yesterday (Dec 26), called for Phuket officials to establish a task force to identify bad foreigners so that the Immigration Bureau can help to deal with them. immigrationeconomicstourismpropertycrime By The Phuket News Wednesday 27 December 2023 11:35 AM After staying overnight on the island, Lt Gen Itthiphon yesterday presided over a meeting joined by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and a host of government agency heads, and leading representatives from Phukets tourism and business community. The meeting was touted as held to brainstorm ideas to build a strong Phuket city, ready to receive tourists impressively. Present at the meeting were Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO); Rear Admiral Suchat Thammapitakwet, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Naval Area; as well as Phuket Town Deputy Mayor Prasit Sinsaowaphak, the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, the head of the Phuket Provincial Labour Office, and of course senior local Immigration officers. Phuket is an important province with many tourists arriving, especially during this period when Mr Settha Thavisin, the Prime Minister, has a policy to open Free Visas to attract tourists from many countries such as China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan and Taiwan. Therefore, we would like to come and listen to problems from all sectors to integrate and solve problems quickly and comprehensively, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon said, according to an official report of the meeting. We must help control bad people so they do not spoil the image of tourism, Lt Gen Itthiphon said. Kongsak Koophongsakorn, President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, called on the Immigration Bureau to help facilitate tourists looking to stay for long periods, and to crack down on foreigners who are bad elements. We have tourists who come to stay for a long time and come to extend their visa. Please do this [extending stays] quickly and impressively. Dont cause any delays, Mr Kongsak urged. I want the officials to be strict about safety protection, especially those who come to work in the grey areas, the Mafia, and I want local officials to help them [immigration officers] be strict, he said. In addition, sharing Big Data between agencies, such as notifying the residence of a foreigner will have information of all foreigners. The private sector will greatly benefit from collecting information from officials, he added. Of note, after arriving in Phuket on Monday (Dec 25) Lt Gen Itthiphon announced that foreigners in Phuket staying in Thailand on one of any 12 types of visas will be allowed to apply for extensions to stay via an online portal. According to widespread posts by government agencies, including Phuket Immigration, Lt Gen Itthiphon said that the Immigration Bureaus E-Extension Visa service is currently available at Immigration Bureau 1 (Bangkok), Immigration Offices in Chonburi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, providing services for 12 types of visas such as tourist visas, teachers, etc. The E-Extension Visa online application service was launched in November last year, but was open only to foreigners staying in Bangkok. Since then, until Lt Gen Itthiphons announcement yesterday, the Immigration Bureau has not made any announcements confirming that the E-Extension Visa is now available to any foreigners outside Bangkok. Phuket Immigration still has yet to make any announcements that the E-Extension Visa online application service is open to foreigners in Phuket. REAL ESTATE INVESTORS In addition, we must help draw many foreign investors with potential to invest in Thailand. to help the government and enhance tourism potential, Lt Gen Itthiphon continued. PPAO President Rewat Areerob said that some foreigners were unable to come to Thailand to invest. It is quite difficult to come in right now. We must take good care of these people. In Asia there are 10 countries that rival the island of Phuket. We must compete all the time. Therefore, we must help preserve the image of Phuket province, he said. Thanusak Phungdet, former Phuket Chamber of Commerce President and current Honorary Consul of Hungary in Phuket, also highlighted the need to facilitate entry to Thailand by investors. We have investor markets that we have not yet promoted to. These are investors who come to buy real estate in Phuket in large numbers. Phukets primary economy of B400 billion comes from tourism, but the other side comes from buying real estate, housing developments, condos, villa, Mr Thanusak said. Phuket is about to become a world-class brand, close to Hawaii. Looking at the future, in the next five to 10 years people who come to buy real estate will mostly be from Eastern Europe. Therefore, I want the government sector to help support and push this as well, he said. BAD FARANG Regardless, Lt Gen Itthiphon yesterday talked at length about rooting out bad elements and foreigners who cause chaos. In terms of the security of the province, I would like Phuket Province [the Phuket provincial government] to have a working group to identify foreigners whose behaviour is a danger to society, he said. We can provide support information, and the Immigration Bureau can consider revoking permission to stay in the Kingdom, he added. In concluding the meeting, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat thanked Lt Gen Itthiphon for his visit, and confirmed that a subcommittee will be set up to consider and screen the stay of foreigners in the Kingdom. The subcommittee is to be a mechanism for driving the control and screening of foreigners who cause chaos, affecting the tourism image of Phuket province, Governor Sophon noted. Three fishing hulks destroyed by fire PHUKET: Three decrepit fishing boats were destroyed by fire east of Phuket Town early this morning (Dec 27). By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 27 December 2023 04:19 PM Pol Lt Col Udom Phetcharat of the Phuket City Police was informed of the blaze at about 5am. Police and firefighters soon arrived at the scene, on a canal near the Asia Marina Pier in Moo 1, Ratsada. Marine Police have yet to confirm who owns the boats. Officers inspected the boats, but preliminary inspections were unable to determine the cause of the fire. Forensics investigators have been called in as the investigation continues. Two fishing boats, the Thong Charoensap 32 and the Yutuna No. 3, were also destroyed by fire in the Klong Noi area nearby in August. Two arrested for knife melee in Patong PHUKET: Patong Police have arrested two Myanmar men for an attack on two other Myanmar men that caused fear and panic among bystanders on Prachanukroh Rd early yesterday morning (Dec 26). patongviolencecrimepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 27 December 2023 09:15 AM Police were called to the scene, along Prachanukroh Rd, at the southern end of Patong, at about 12:45am. Myanmar nationals Thian Pay, 23, and Win Sithu, 21, told police they were sitting on the beach with friends when a gang of other Myanmar youths arrived, with some of them carrying long knives. The two groups had previous encounters, the men said. Thian and Win fled on a motorbike, and were chased by the gang.The chase ended on Prachanukroh Rd, where Win and Thian stopped their motorbike and fled on foot. Instead of pursuing Win and Thian, the gang turned their attention to the motorbike the pair had left behind, and attacked with long knives During the melee a single gunshot was reported as heard. Police later found no evidence of a firearm, but did find the remains of a large firecracker that they said made a noise similar to using a firearm. Finished with their attack, the group dispersed. At about 2am police arrested two Myanmar nationals, Mr Thai, 19, and Site Ian, 21, for their role in the attack. The men were arrested at a workers room in Soi Rong Wai (opposite SuperCheap), on Nanai Rd. Seized as evidence was a knife, about 50cm long. The two men were taken to Patong Police Station and charged with jointly causing loss of property and jointly carrying weapons (knives) into towns, villages, or public roads openly or without reasonable grounds, police confirmed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. A new era begins in the banking relations of the two countries with the start of banking platforms between Iran and Russia, Trend reports. On December 27, a meeting of bank officials from the two countries was held in Moscow, the Russian capital. The meeting was chaired by Mohammad Reza Farzin, Director General of the Central Bank of Iran, and Elvira Nabiullina, Head of the Central Bank of Russia. At the meeting, both sides talked about how to improve their banking and monetary cooperation, which is vital for the economic development of both countries. They also agreed to use their own currencies instead of US dollars for their trade, which will help them avoid the sanctions imposed by the US and other countries. This will also allow them to benefit from the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group as well as the free trade agreement struck by Iran with the Eurasian Economic Union, which comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The two sides also discussed how to connect their information systems without using SWIFT, which is a global network for financial transactions that is dominated by the US and its allies. The same day, Sberbank of Russia and Bank Melli Iran also met and opened a letter of credit worth 6.5 billion rubles (about $71 million). This letter of credit is a guarantee of payment that will allow Iran to buy essential goods from Russia, such as food, medicine, and machinery. This will also strengthen the trade ties between the two countries, which have been growing in recent years. Good governance can reinforce democracy | Laimayum Bashanta Sharma In India, the 25th of December is designated as Good Governance Day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the late Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In 2014, Good Governance Day was instituted as a way to raise awareness of Government accountability among Indians and pay tribute to Prime Minister Vajpayee. On December 23, 2014, the late President Pranab Mukherjee of India announced that Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, both 90 years old, had been awarded India's highest civilian award for merit, the Bharat Ratna. After the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's newly elected Government declared that Good Governance Day would now be observed on the former Prime Minister's birthday every year in India. Both the decision to declare Good Governance Day a Government working day and the fact that it falls on Christmas Eve have drawn criticism. The Good Governance Index was introduced by the Modi administration in 2019. It is described as "a scientifically prepared tool based on various parameters of good governance which assess the level of any State at a given point in time and help in shaping future development." The Good Governance Day's significance Educate People on Governance : The purpose of Good Governance Day is to educate the public about the responsibility and management of their Government. Fair Treatment of Citizens: The day guarantees that citizens of the Nation receive a variety of Government services promptly and that they are treated equitably by the authorities. The National Good Governance Day aims to raise awareness of e-governance, and its official slogan is "Good Governance through e-Governance" to be realised through the application of sound governance principles. The Way Ahead : Enhancing Good Governance Right to Information : This initiative seeks to combat corruption, empower citizens, and achieve democracy's real objectives by encouraging transparency and accountability in Governmental operations. The Good Governance Index is a scientific tool that evaluates a State's level of governance at a particular moment in time and aids in directing future development. It is based on a number of good governance parameters. E-Government : It uses information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide the general public with Government services. Local Body Governance : By creating local bodies, the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution decentralized decision-making. The Citizen Charter is a written document that outlines the steps taken by the service provider to concentrate on their dedication to meeting the needs of the clients/citizens. The process of analyzing and assessing how social and economic policies and programs affect societal welfare, with an emphasis on beneficial results, is known as social auditing. Obstacles to India's Effective Governance Woman Empowerment: Women are under represented in the Government and other key positions. To redress this issue On 21 September, Indian legislators passed the first legislation considered in the countrys new Parliament building : the Womens Reservation Bill, 2023. The Bill, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament almost unanimouslywith just two votes againstwill ensure that women occupy at least 33 per cent of the seats in State legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha, the lower House of Parliament. Corrupt practices : It is difficult to improve things when there are too many bad actors. Justice Delayed : Although assistance should be provided promptly, there are instances when it is not. Administrative System Centralization: More authority is necessary for lower-level governments to function effectively. The criminalization of politics: Public welfare is negatively impacted by certain politicians, labor unions, and corporate collusion. Additional Difficulties: Encouraging growth, preserving the environment, and adapting to global changes are examples of challenging tasks. Good Governance Day has been annually observed by the government since 2014. The day is commemorated to make sure that everyone in the nation receives equitable treatment from the government and has access to various government services. The purpose of Good Governance Day is to increase public participation in government processes and services by promoting good governance. "Good Governance through e-Governance" was the slogan used when it was founded. The robust e-Government system has prevented money from being embezzled to fictitious recipients. In the current fiscal year, or 20222023, the effective transfer of subsidies to the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has reached approximately Rs 5.5 trillion thus far. How the Direct Benefit Transfer program has changed India's social welfare system In the current fiscal year, 20222023, the amount of subsidies transferred to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has amounted to approximately Rs 5.5 trillion. About the DBT Program: Goals, Objectives, Methods, Outcomes, Accomplishments, etc.On January 1st, 2013, the Indian government introduced the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) program. Through the DBT program, GoI hopes to eliminate any irregularities from the current system, like diversions and duplicate payments, by paying end beneficiaries directly into their bank accounts linked to their Aadhaar. Transparency and the elimination of theft from the distribution of Central Government-sponsored funds are the main goals of the DBT program. DBT procedure The Public Financial Management System (PFMS) registration process is one of the primary checkpoints in the Direct Benefit Transfer process. The steps or subsections that follow are this process.verification of the recipient's eligibility. verification of the Aadhar number and bank account of the recipients enabled the bank account. Beginning of the payment The Central Plan Monitoring System of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, is called the Public Financial Management System, or PFMS.For the DBT program, it serves as a common platform for e-payments made using both Aadhar and non-Aadhar accounts. Success of the DBT Initiative In January 2013, a mother in Puducherry received the first payment for the Janani Suraksha Yojana. (To be contd) Underlining the need for a dialogue It cannot go on like this | Significant development in the last few days. On December 24, just one day ahead of Christmas, Retd Lt General Konsam Himalay banked on a refreshingly new approach to the ongoing conflict-dialogue. This is something far removed from what the war mongers on either side of the clash divide have had to say and which unsur-prisingly seem to be the toast of everyone at the moment. Just two days after the retired Army official advocated dialogue in a meaningful take during an exlusive chat with The Sangai Express, Chief Minister N Biren called for dialogue as the only feasible way forward. This is what the retired Army officer has been advocating from the evening of May 3 and go back to June 8, 2023 and it would do good for the people and the place to have another look at his thought provoking piece, An eye for an eye makes everybody blind, Way ahead towards conflict resolution. The Sangai Express would like to believe that the call for dialogue is an extension of what was said as early as June 8, and one hope things are taken up from here and taken to the next plane, especially with the Chief Minister himself openly advocating a dialogue. This is where New Delhi should step in and broker a dialogue and this is precisely the reason why the continued silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been noted with anguish, not once but many times in this column. One word from the man in New Delhi will certainly go a long way in softening the hawkish stands adopted by either side. Nearly 200 people have been killed, many others are missing, numerous houses have been razed to the ground and thousands are braving the current winter chill in the different shelter homes. The Peace Committee which was set up in the earlier days of the ongoing clash has been a still born child, but this should not mean why efforts cannot be taken up afresh to give a fresh shot of life to the proposed committee. New Delhi may take the lead in giving the needed shot and push to the still born committee, for the truth is, dialogue is the only way forward and such a move can only be to the benefit of everyone. Solution first, peace later, was the slogan coined by the Committee on Tribal Unity but now is the time for everyone concerned to take a fresh look at the slogan and see how it can be reviewed. The spadework to take things to the negotiating table should start now and while the Government is expected to take the lead, the people too should acknowledge the responsibility that lies before them. Initiatives may come from the Government but it is the people who should carry it forward. The understanding of a dialogue is naturally followed by the first steps that have to be taken to put Manipur on the path of normalcy. Everybody would want this and as Lt General K Himalay advocated, the guns should be silenced to take the first step towards normalcy. This may be easier said than done, but it should not be forgotten that defenders of the people and land emerged due to the vacuum created in the earlier days of the ongoing clash. The sense of deep distrust between the public and some security forces of the Union Government should also be studied with the merit it deserves for the cases of looting arms from the police armouries cannot and should not be seen in isolation of the vacuum that was created, either by will or by default. As noted, this will be a tough call, but the Government cannot and should not just sleep over this all important point. The guns used in the valley districts have been accounted for, but the question that has been consistently raised by the people, is how about the guns that are being used in firing at the villages at the foothills. From where have these guns come from is the question that is doing the round. The need to address this need not be overstressed and it should be clear to the Government and everybody concerned. It is Chief Minister N Biren and Lt General K Himalay and it would make so much sense for the civil society organisations on either side of the clash divide to start talking about the inevitability of sorting out differences via a dialogue. And for reasons that should be obvious to all, the right environment, the sense of security need to be cultivated for the CSOs to come out in the open to talk about the need for a dialogue. Union home minister Amit Shah today addressed a meeting of BJP Bengals social media and IT karyakartas at National Library auditorium this evening. He said in Bengal the BJP will contest the election hinging on its social media strength because the regional media does not carry the message of the BJP fearing Didi. In Bengal the BJP will contest the election hinging on its social media strength because the regional media does not carry the message of the BJP fearing Didi. If you all social media warriors decide, you can have more reach than any channel or newspaper and no one can stop you from making Modiji win. That is the reason you have the biggest responsibilities, he said at the gathering of the IT team of BJP. He asked the IT workers to give 35 seats to Modiji from the land of Shayma Prasad Mookherjee. I guarantee that Modiji will make this Sonar Bangla. Look at the outcome we have achieved. We did not have a single MLA but today we have 77 of them in Bengal and 20 Lok Sabha members. If we can achieve 77 seats from 0 then we can form a government with two-third majority also, he said. Forming a BJP government in Bengal will mean the end of infiltration, cow smuggling and the citizenship to religiously persecuted people through CAA, he said. Didis MP shares her password with businessmen in exchange for gifts and now she is trying to safeguard that MP. Advertisement How many questions were asked about the poor in Bengal? They will never do that because the poor cannot give them expensive gifts. Her MP also mimics the vice president. The UPA government gave Rs 2,09,000 crore to Bengal in 10 years and Modiji gave Rs 7,17,000 crore in 9 years. Didi will have to account for every rupee, he said Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda landed in Kolkata on Tuesday (26 December) to assess the organisational preparedness in Bengal ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024. Amit Shah and J P Nadda, as per schedule, held a series of organisational meetings during the day with state BJP workers. Both the central leaders on Tuesday visited and offered prayers at Gurudwara Bara Sikh Sangat in Kolkata on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas. Both the senior BJP leaders visited Kalighat temple for which security arrangements were tightened. Amit Shah today has set the target to win 35 out of the 42 seats in Bengal and will discuss strategies ahead of the new year, a senior BJP leader said. According to BJP state general secretary Agnimitra Paul, the joint visit of the top two leaders underscores the significance that Bengal holds in the eyes of the partys central leadership. Before the Lok Sabha elections, BJP central leadership bestowed confidence on former state president and MP Dilip Ghosh to effectively manage the partys organization. Advertisement Amit Shah and Nadda included him into the 15-member election committee of the party. In the committee, partys state president Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh, Rahul Sinha, Locket Chatterjee, Amitabh Chakraborty, the partys five state general secretaries, and five central leaders, including Satish Dhawan, Asha Lakra, Mangal Pandey, Amit Malviya, and Sunil Bansal, are members. Notably, all members of the core committee, including Mithun Chakraborty and Anupam Hazra, have not been included in the partys election committee; instead, only five central leaders have been inducted. This decision makes it clear that there is a lack of special confidence in the state leaders leadership by the central leadership of the party. According to sources, this core committee will be responsible for determining the partys strategy and the selection of Lok Sabha candidates. Each member will submit a separate list of candidates to the central leadership. Afterwards, the central leadership will choose the candidates for the elections. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Kazakhstan has approved the plan of spacecraft launches from its Baikonur Cosmodrome (operated by Russia) for 2024, presented by the Russian side, Trend reports. The relevant resolution of the government of Kazakhstan was published in the Information and Legal System of Regulatory Legal Acts of Kazakhstan. The Government of Kazakhstan approves the plan of spacecraft launches for 2024 presented by the Russian side within the framework of the state program of the Russian Federation "Space Activities of Russia", programs of international cooperation and commercial projects from Baikonur Cosmodrome. In addition, according to the resolution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan is instructed to send a conclusion to the Russian side through diplomatic channels until December 30, 2023. This decree shall enter into force from the date of signing. Spaceport and the city of Baikonur together form the Baikonur complex, which consists of 15 launch complexes of nine types for launching carrier rockets, 4 launchers for testing intercontinental ballistic missiles, 11 assembly and test buildings (MIK) and other infrastructure. The resilience of the market even in the holiday season, which is normally devoid of much action, is an indication of its underlying bullishness, says V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. The global support to the market from the US market where the S&P 500 is close to all-time high is significant, he said. There are areas of concern which investors have to be careful about. Several IPOs getting heavily oversubscribed is an indication of exuberance. Advertisement There is frenzy in the mid and small-cap segments where valuations are excessive. The rally in the PSU space, in some segments like ship building, are being driven by hope based on order inflows. The market is ignoring the execution challenges here, he added. Investors should give priority to high quality bluechips which are doing well and have good earnings visibility. A correction in the broader market is inevitable, he said. BSE Sensex is up 463 points at 71,800 points on Wednesday. Ultratech Cement, Tata Motors, Tata Steel are up more than 2 per cent. Freight rates from Asia have spiked by 53 per cent in a month depending on the route plus container shipping giants and oil super major British Petroleum having halted transit via the Red Sea-Suez Canal route after the attacks, the latest Freightos data said. The disruption assumes significance as Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Arabian Sea via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, is vital for 30 per cent of global container traffic and India relies on the route to trade with parts of West Asia, Africa, and Europe. Reports suggested that a majority of the insurance companies have refused to cover shipments crossing the Red Sea after Yemen-based Houthi militants hit a Liberian-flagged ship Palatium III with an anti-ship ballistic missile, with some insurers starting to levying a $5,200 war risk surcharge over and above the freight charges. Advertisement Speaking on the impact of higher freight costs via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, Madhavi Arora, Lead Economist, Emkay Global, highlighted how it will affect the oil, gas, auto, chemicals and logistics industry. For India, oil, gas, bulk of crude and LNG come through the Persian Gulf. Hence, the Red Sea issues wont hamper those flows much. However, Russian oil flows from the Black Sea, which may be affected and rerouted, Arora said. For the auto industry, Arora said the freight costs may increase marginally for export-oriented companies. Delay in shipments may not have as severe an impact as during the chip shortage crisis as channel inventories have largely normalized, she said. A lot of key developments were witnessed by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) in the year 2023 ranging from steadfast commitment to value creation, strategic divestment, and consistent financial planning. The Ministry of Finance has highlighted the emphasis on value creation in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Since the introduction of the New PSE policy in January 2021, the NSE CPSE and BSE CPSE Indices have surpassed benchmarks. Nifty 50 and BSE SENSEX have registered a rise of 44.00% and 40.29% respectively whereas the NSE CPSE and BSE CPSE Indices have outperformed with a big margin with returns of 160.49% and 128.66% respectively till November 2023. This year, DIPAM also successfully launched the IPO for the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a state-run NBFC in November. Advertisement IREDA was successfully listed on the stock Exchanges, and the government has realised Rs 858.36 crore as Disinvestment Receipt. Also, the company has realised approximately Rs 1,290 crore through the issuance of 15% fresh equity. The Offer for Sale (OFS) route has been actively pursued by the government for divesting its shareholding in CPSEs. Noteworthy transactions involve CPSEs like HAL (Rs 2,910.39 cr), Coal India Limited (Rs 4,185.69 cr), RVNL (Rs 1,365.61 cr), SJVN Limited (Rs 1,349.27 cr), and HUDCO (Rs 1,049.95 cr). They have collectively yielded Rs 10,860.91 crore. The stocks involved generally experienced an uptrend post-OFS, contributing to capital gains for investors, the ministry said. DIPAM has also implemented a Consistent Dividend Policy over the years, with the total dividend receipts from CPSEs in FY 2022-23 at an impressive Rs 59,533 crore, surpassing the Revised Estimates. In the current fiscal year, the government has realised Rs 26,644 crore as dividend receipts from CPSEs as of December 4, 2023. The Ministry further said that looking ahead, DIPAM is actively pursuing strategic disinvestment in entities like IDBI Bank Limited, PDIL, HLL Life Care Limited, NMDC Steel Limited, Shipping Corporation of India, and BEML Ltd with Expressions of Interest (EoIs) having been issued for these transactions. In 2023, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) also exhibited a commitment to fostering economic growth and efficiency across various key areas. According to the Ministry of Finance, the DPE has focused on monitoring of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) within CPSEs, embracing digital transformation by implementing an online MoU Dashboard for the Performance Assessment of CPSEs and ensuring enhancements in procurement under the DPEs purview. As of 30 November 2023, against an estimated expenditure of Rs 7.33 lakh crore, an achievement of Rs 4.88 lakh crore, about 66.61%, has been reported. In alignment with the governments support measures for MSEs, CPSEs have demonstrated a robust commitment to inclusive procurement. Data released by the ministry said that Rs 1,33,720 crore was procured by CPSEs through GeM till November 2023 as against Rs 48,730 crore till November 2022. Procurement by CPSEs through GeM has grown around 2.7 times YoY and from MSEs stands 10% more than the set target as of 30 November, 2023. These achievements underscore the DPEs pivotal role in driving economic progress and fostering a conducive environment for sustainable growth within the public sector. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Wednesday that he has sent a note to the health secretary asking him to share the report on Covid cases in the city and inform about the genome sequencing report of the positive samples. On the cases of the latest JN.1 variant, the health minister said it can be verified only after the genome sequencing. Bharadwaj further said that 250 to 400 RTPCR tests are being conducted on a daily basis in the city and the situation is being closely monitored. Advertisement He informed that the new cases were reported mostly from the southern region of the country. On the new strain, he reiterated that it is not very dangerous, but mild. However, he asked people to take precautions to avoid getting infected and stay safe. On the status of Covid patients, the minister said going by the latest update 4- 5 Covid patients were admitted to the hospitals but no death was reported due to Covid in Delhi in the recent past. On the number of fresh cases, he said based on the update on Tuesday, there were two positive cases reported in Delhi. A few days ago, the health minister had said 90 per cent of the cases did not require hospitalisation as the patients could be treated and recovered under home isolation, while very few required oxygen and ventilators. Currently, the active Covid case load on the country stands at 4,093, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data on Wednesday. A day after receiving an emergency call regarding an explosion near the Israeli embassy, security agencies continued their search outside the mission in New Delhi. Multiple agencies are on their toes to unravel the mystery of explosion. Delhi Police teams, including forensic science laboratory and dog squad, examined the area around the alleged explosion site once again close to the Israel embassy to collect evidence, an official said on Wednesday. Advertisement According to sources, the police had recovered a letter on Tuesday along with other exhibits which had been sent for proper forensic analysis and verification. A team of the National Investigation Agency(NIA) and the anti-terror National Security Guard (NSG) also inspected the site to collect any relevant evidence with regard to the explosion, while the area in close proximity to the embassy was cordoned off as the officials conducted. Security has been stepped up around the Israel embassy further and the Lutyens area in New Delhi following the incident. Meanwhile, deputy ambassador of Israel to India said there was an explosion in close proximity to the embassy in Delhi. Speaking to a news agency, he said all the diplomats and workers are safe, and the security teams were working along with the local Delhi security to investigate the matter. Deputy Ambassador of Israel to India Ohad Nakash Kaynar said, This evening several minutes after 5, an explosion occurred in close proximity of the Embassy. All our diplomats and workers are safe. Our security teams are working in full cooperation with local Delhi security and they will investigate the matter further. Experts have examined the spot, lifted exhibits that may have evidentiary relevance; the same are being sent for forensic examination. Further enquiry is in progress, a Delhi Police official had said on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the security agencies are already on alert ever since the war began in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has arrested a senior technical assistant working with the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi with regard to a cheating case involving more than Rs 11 crore. The man has been identified as PD Gaikwad, who allegedly cheated people including JNU professors on the pretext of providing affordable housing as a part of the project under the disguise of purported Delhi Development Authority (DDA) approved land pooling policy. He was finally arrested by the EOW on December 14 in this matter, the police said on Wednesday. Advertisement An FIR in the matter was registered with the EOW where the complainants, professors of JNU and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi alleged that the said person had formed a Noble Socio-Scientific Welfare Organization (NSSWO), claiming to provide affordable housing. Gaikwad had also made a presentation to the victims, enticing them to be a part of the NSSWO, and provided them with fabricated details of the proposed housing project. Accordingly, complainants who became members of NSSWO, booked units in the proposed project, and paid membership fees and payments for the apartments. Taking advantage of his position, he continued to suspend providing the correct information to the victims and kept things going in circles, until November 2015 when the investors had a doubt, to which he again misled people by showing them a piece of land in Najafgarh. However, he had no supporting papers or any other such documents. According to police, he allegedly collected more than Rs 11 crore during 2011- 2021, in the account in the name of a proposed housing society from the members and misappropriated in the form of cash withdrawal and transferred to other persons in the name of purchasing land and services rendered by liaisoner. The victims fell for his assurances, as he was associated with the institution and a permanent senior official with the JNU. Gaikwad is a native of Nagpur, Maharashtra and presently resides in Gurugram, Haryana. Around 148 of the 276 Indian passengers whose flight was grounded in France over suspected human trafficking belong to the state of Punjab, with the remaining being natives of Gujarat and Nepal, official sources said on Wednesday. A dunki flight carrying 303 passengers, mostly Indians, which was grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking, landed in Mumbai Tuesday morning. A donkey or dunki flight is an illegal route undertaken by Indians to immigrate to countries such as the US, the UK, and Canada. The list of passengers, of which The Statesman possesses a copy, most of them 148 of them have Punjabi surnames. The remaining 128 passengers are either from Gujarat or the neighbouring country of Nepal. Advertisement The aircraft, an Airbus A340, took off from Vatry airport, which is 207 km from the French capital, Paris, at around 2.30 pm local time. It landed in Mumbai shortly after 4 am. Most of the passengers are youngsters in their early 20s and 30s. Sources say, apart from the passengers, there were also 15 members of the crew. Some of the 276 passengers were questioned by immigration officials but none of them were detained and were allowed to depart from the airport by 11.30 am. According to the authorities in France, the chartered plane which originally ferried 303 passengers including two minors when it left Mumbai, out of these, 276 passengers were made to board the flight back to Mumbai, as 25 passengers, including two minors, expressed their desire to apply for asylum. Back in Punjab, the Punjab Police is yet to receive any official information regarding the names of the passengers from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Interestingly, the information gathered so far reveals that most of the people deported had gone to Dubai on tourist or work permits within the past two months, a standard procedure followed by all those looking to immigrate legally or illegally. After all, past work permit history abroad and tourist visas are believed to be a stamp of authentication to the passport of the person concerned in the eyes of immigration officials. Sources say an immigration agent from Jalandhar is under the radar for facilitating the travel of several of these youths from Punjab. The final destination of these youth was the United States through Nicaragua and Mexico. This route is the most common one for illegal immigration to the US. Moving from Nicaragua to Mexico is easy. And from there, people sneak into the US. Many consultants even charge Rs 40-50 lakh per person promising a safe entry into the US. In the year 2023, about 97,000 Indians attempted to enter the US illegally. This is about 49,000 more compared to the year 2022, according to data made available by the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). With the Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheduled visit to the temple town approaching Ramnagari is undergoing a magnificent transformation reminiscent of the splendor of Treta Yug. The prime minister is scheduled to arrive here on December 30. Meticulous preparations are underway to extend an unprecedented welcome to the prime minister on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Ayodhya is being decked up utilising a combination of local and foreign flowers and artistic archways. Advertisement Concurrently, plans are afoot to extend an extraordinary welcome to the prime minister with flower showers. With only three days left for the prime ministers visit, the pace of the work has accelerated to ensure timely completion of all arrangements. Approximately 700-800 skilled artisans from Ayodhya and surrounding districts are working overtime to meet the deadline. Contributors from West Bengal, Mathura, and Sitapur are also engaged in this endeavor. Flowers are being procured from places like Kolkata, Kanpur, Delhi, Bangalore, etc. Over 24 archways will grace a stretch exceeding 9 km, spanning from the Airport Bypass through the four-lane Dharampath, Saket Petrol Pump Hanumangarhi. The railing dividers, statues, and other elements along this route will be adorned with flowers and bouquets. Unprecedented efforts are underway to ensure a grand welcome for the Prime Minister. The majestic archways of Ayodhya are set to create a truly spectacular sight. Balkrishna Saini, a resident of Ayodhya, is actively involved with his team in the preparations for the forthcoming event. He said Ayodhya would be adorned with delightful fragrances of both local and foreign flowers. More than 20 DCM flowers (approx. 1,44,000 quintals) will be used for the purpose. These will include marigold strings from Kolkata, Ashoka leaves from Kanpur and Delhi, and exotic blooms from Bengaluru. Orchids, Anthuriums, Carnations, Tata Rose, Star, Dahlia, Gerbera as well as Victoria, Sun of India, Para grass, Manokamini flower, China Leaf, Ghoda Palm, Areca palm etc will also be included in the decoration. The roads will also be decorated with flowers like marigolds, roses, tuberoses, dog roses, dahlias, etc. PM Modi and CM Yogi gave Ayodhya a different identity. Everyone is excited to welcome them. The workforce includes 250 artisans from Mathura-Vrindavan, another 250 from Sitapur, 150 from West Bengal, and 75 local artisans, all diligently contributing to the project. . Meanwhile, the pace of construction of Ram temple has been increased and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is busy completing as many arrangements as possible by January 15. Keeping this in view, 500 more labourers have been employed in the construction work. So far, 3,500 labourers were engaged in the construction of the temple but now their number has been increased to 4,000. Currently, workers were put on duty for eight hours each in two shifts. Now, the construction work is going on in three shifts i.e. 24 hours. Trust officials said here on Wednesday that the ground floor of the Ram temple is ready and its finishing is going on in full swing. The flooring work on the ground floor is nearing completion. The work of carving sculptures in the pillars of the ground floor will be complete by January 15. The work of gold inlaying the three feet high and eight feet long throne built in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple has also started. A copper sheet is being placed on the throne. A layer of gold will be plated on the copper. The main gate of the temple and the throne of the sanctum sanctorum will be adorned with gold. A jewelry company from Delhi has been assigned with the task. The work of gilding Ram Lallas throne will be completed by January 15. Dr. Anil Mishra, member of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said there was a plan to complete the maximum work of the temple by January 15. The decision of the Congress leaders in favour of participation in the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration ceremony has put the party in a fix in Kerala. Some party leaders in the state have expressed their concern over the Congress stand. Kerala Congress leaders are learnt to have informed the high command that the decision to attend the consecration ceremony may have an adverse impact on the partys electoral prospects in Kerala. They feel the acceptance of the invitation for the consecration ceremony may put party in a huge crisis situation. The CPI-M will make use of the opportunity to propagate that Congress is pro-Hindu and would do everything to keep Muslims away from the Congress. Already the Suprabhatam daily, the mouthpiece of Samastha Kerala Jam-iyyathul Ulama has come out against the Congress stand. Advertisement In an editorial titled Will the Congress put its foot on the land where the mosque is demolished, the Samathas mouthpiece said the Congress is adopting a soft Hindutva and if this position is not changed, the BJP will come to power in 2024. Welcoming the decision of CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechuri and CPI leader D Raja and rejecting the invitation to attend the consecration function, the Suprabham daily asked the Congress to be careful not to fall on BJPs agenda to communalise the country. Yechury and D Raja decided that they will not attend the function. Ram temple is built on broken minds of secular India. Congress should be careful not to fall on BJPs attempt to communalise the country, the editorial says. The editorial also warns that minorities and Dalits who have put their faith in Congress, will move to other political alternatives, if the party attends the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which is an ally of the Congress in Kerala, has also warned the Congress against falling in the BJPs trap. IUML General Secretary PMA Salam asked the Congress to be cautious on accepting the invitation for the Ram Temple ceremony. BJP creates traps before every election. Their policy is still to exploit communal sentiments. Congress should not fall on such traps of the BJP, Salam said Meanwhile, Congress leader KC Venugopal dodged a question regarding the participation of Congress in the Ram Temple event. Venugopal said he would give the answer in due course The invitation has put the Congress in a difficult situation, if its leaders participate in the ceremony, it might lead to Muslims moving away from the party, particularly in Kerala, if they do not participate, it might lead to the propaganda in north India that the Congress is against the Hindu sentiments. In a meeting with Union External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at Kremlin on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin wished dear friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi success in the next years general elections. The Russian President made the remarks while extending an invitation to PM Modi to visit Russia. we will be very glad to see our dear friend his excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi to paying a visit to Russia.. so we will be able to discuss the current issues and talk on the prospects of Russian and Indian relations. we have a lot an open field of work ahead of us, Putin said. Advertisement He further added, So, please convey my very very best wishes to his excellency and convey that we want to see him, expect him to be in Russia. The Russian President continued, Although, I know India next year will have a busy political schedule. the general elections for parliament are scheduled for next year and we wish our very dear friend every success and we hope that Putin, however, quickly changed to a more neutral stance and said the friendly ties between India and Russia will continue regardless of the outcome. anyway, no matter what the political alignment of forces would be, the traditional conventional friendly ties will persist between our nations he added. #WATCH | External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow pic.twitter.com/nn5su3wASA ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 Dr Jaishankar conveyed PM Modis personal greetings to Putin and shared a his letter addressed to the Russian President, which highlighted the state of India-Russia cooperation and the progress made by the two nations in recent days. The Union Minister told Putin that PM Modi is looking forward to visiting Russia next year and a date of mutual convenience will be decided soon. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 27. Kyrgyzstan imported a total of 57,307 tons of oil products from Kazakhstan, valued at $28.305 million, from Kazakhstan from January through October 2023, Trend reports. Data from Kyrgyzstan's State Statistical Committee indicates that volume increased by 72.1 percent compared to the same period in 2022, (33,295 tons). The value of the imports surged by 74.2 percent over $16.252 million from January through October 2022. During the period under review, Kazakhstan ranked as the second-largest provider of oil products to the country. Russia maintained the leading position by exporting 392,966 tons valued at $290.386 million, while Uzbekistan secured the third spot by supplying 6,425 tons valued at $4.679 million. In total, Kyrgyzstan imported 469,757 tons of oil products from January through October 2023, which is 24.3 percent less than in the same period of 2022 (620,243 tons). The value reached $357.405 million, decreasing by 24.7 percent compared to the 10 months of 2022 ($474.583 million). Kyrgyzstans trade turnover reached $12.297 billion from January through October 2023, increasing by 24.9 percent compared to $9.845 billion in the same period of 2022. Exports from Kyrgyzstan totaled $2.443 billion during the 10 months, which is a 29.6-percent increase compared to $1.885 billion recorded from January through October 2022. Imports into Kyrgyzstan amounted to $9.854 billion during this period, reflecting a 23.8-percent increase compared to the same period in 2022 ($7.959 billion). The letter recovered by Delhi Police from the blast site near the Israeli embassy was written by a group called Sir Allah Resistance and mentioned words like Zionist, Gaza and Palestine, official sources said on Wednesday. The letter addressed to Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon was abusive in nature, they said. The Delhi Police has beefed up security around the embassy and other Jewish establishments in the national capital following the low intensity blast. Advertisement According to police, a PCR call informing about an explosion-type sound was received at 5:53 pm on Tuesday. A bomb disposal unit, dog squad and teams of forensic experts with Delhi Police Crime Unit reached the spot to investigate the incident. No one was injured in the blast and police said they lifted exhibits from the spot for further investigation. Sources said possibility of a chemical explosion cannot be ruled out as forensic experts are studying the exhibits lifted from the scene. Israel issues advisory for citizens in India Meanwhile, Israel has upgraded its travel advisory for its citizens in India, asking them to avoid crowded places like malls and markets, and skip large-scale events. The advisory said that the explosion could possibly be a terrorist attack and there was a fear of a recurrence of the events. Israels National Security Headquarters advised citizens in India and particularly in Delhi to avoid showing Israeli symbols in public and sharing their trip details on social media. The incident comes amid Israels war against Hamas in the Gaza strip. It began on October 7 when Hamas led a brutal attack on Israeli communities living near the Gaza border and killed 1,200 people, including children. In retaliation, the Israeli defence forces launched an all-out war against the Hamas, leaving a trail of destruction in the Gaza strip. More than 21,000 people, including children, have been killed in Gaza in nearly two months of fighting. Neelam Azad, one of the accused in the December 13 Parliament security breach case, on Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court seeking his immediate release. In her plea, the 37-year-old resident of Haryanas Ghaso Khurd village challenged the legal validity of the December 21 remand order of a lower court claiming that she was not given the lawyer of her choice to defend her case during the remand proceedings. Neelam was among the six accused who have been arrested in the Parliament security breach case. She has been charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for protesting outside Parliament. Advertisement She, along with another protestor, was arrested by the Delhi Police while raising slogans and setting off smoke canisters on December. Both of them were associates of Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma, who entered the Lok Sabha and set off similar canisters emitting a yellow smoke. In a video of the incident, Neelam could be seen being taken away by the police while she was heard shouting slogans against the government. She claimed that they wanted to raise the issues of unemployment and injustice. The incident triggered a massive political storm and raised serious national security concerns as they managed to breach the Parliament complex one of Indias most secured premises. Since the passes were issued to the intruders by a BJP MPs, it caused embarrassment to the ruling party. The key accused in the case, Manoranjan and Sagar Sharma, had entered Parliament using entry passes issued to them on behalf of Mysore BJP MP Pratap Simha. President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday expressed concern over the unethical practices related to organ donation and said it is the responsibility of an aware society to solve problems like these. Addressing the ninth convocation of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) here, President Murmu said, In our country, there is a need to organise more and more awareness campaigns on a larger scale to encourage people about organ donation. She said that due to non-availability of the sufficient number of organs, many patients are deprived of liver, kidney or any other transplant. Advertisement She emphasised the need to pay more attention to preventive healthcare. It can be said that the liver is the security guard of our body. Health problems related to the liver are serious in our country and the huge number of diseases caused by them is a cause for worry, she said, adding the ILBS is expected to make a significant contribution to the prevention of liver diseases. President Murmu advised doctors to take care of themselves. She said amidst challenges like long duty hours, continuous emergency cases and night duties, they have to continuously serve the patients with full alertness and enthusiasm. Therefore, it is important that despite all the challenges, they all remain physically, mentally and spiritually healthy and alert Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu said that ILBS has carved its own niche in a span of only 13 years on the strength of world-class efficiency and integrity. She was happy to note that more than 1,000 liver transplants and about 300 renal transplants have been performed at ILBS. She stated that India is becoming an international healthcare hub on the strength of institutions like ILBS by providing world-class health services at relatively low cost. The President said with the integration of life sciences and modern information technology, revolutionary changes are taking place in the field of healthcare. She termed the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Learning Unit in ILBS as a timely initiative. She urged ILBS to continue to work in the field of research along with providing treatment. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday made an early morning impromptu visit to Bhai Virendra Arya Akhada in Chhara village of Jhajjar, Haryana, and met ace wrestler Bajrang Punia, who had recently left his Padma Shri on a footpath near Prime Minister Narendra Modis residence. During the visit, both of them talked about wrestlng and the Congress leader was treated to local food -bajre ki roti and hara saag. Villagers were also seen handing him radishes. Gandhis visit was aimed at a show of solidarity with the wrestlers who are seeking justice for women wrestlers allegedly sexually assaulted by BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Advertisement After irrigating the soil with his blood and sweat along with years of hard work, patience and unmatched discipline, a player brings a medal for his country, Gandhi said in a social media post and shared pictures of the visit. Refering to the retirement announcement of wrestler Sakshi Malik over the sexual assault case, the Wayanad MP said, if these players, the daughters of India, have to leave the fight in their arena and fight for their rights and justice on the streets, then who will encourage their children to choose this path? Gandhi said these wrestlers are innocent and simple people from farmer families and they should be allowed to serve the country with full honour and respect. These are innocent, straightforward and simple people from farmer families, let them serve the tricolor. Let them make India proud with full honour and respect, he added. The Congress on Wednesday announced that former party president Rahul Gandhi will undertake a Bharat Nyay Yatra from the north-eastern state of Manipur to Mumbai, starting from January 14 next year. The grand old party, however , categorically said this yatra will be non political and it will be in line with the Bharat Jodo Yatra, led by Gandhi from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The yatra will be flagged off by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Imphal. The decision of the party comes days after the partys highest decision making body, Congress Working Committee (CWC) in its meeting unanimously suggested that Gandhi should start a yatra from East to West, to which he agreed upon Advertisement Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Congress general secretary in-charge of organisation KC Venugopal said, On December 21, Congress Working Committee unanimously gave an opinion that Rahul Gandhi ji should start a yatra from East to West. Now, Rahul Gandhi has also agreed to fulfil the wishes of CWC. So, the Congress has decided to hold a Bharat Nyay Yatra from January 14 to March 20 from Manipur to Mumbai. Now, Rahul Gandhi will do a yatra with great experience gained from Bharat Jodo Yatra. During this yatra, he is going to interact with the youth of this country, women, marginalised and people from different areas. The yatra will cover a distance of 6,200 kms. It will travel through Manipur, Nagaland,Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, UP, MP, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Informing that this yatra will cover 85 districts spread across 14 states, Venugopal said, Basically the mode of yatra is bus. The Bus yatra allows maximum access to the people on the way. But, it will also have short stretches of walking every now and then. He asserted that Bharat Nyay Yatra will also be the most historic one in the country, and added that it will raise issues concerning the public. This yatra will be flagged off by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at Imphal on January 14, the Congress leader said.He said the final details of the yatra are being worked out. In response to a question on Manipur, Venugopal said, We want to try to heal the wounds which happened in Manipur. This yatra is for love and affection. This is not a political or election yatra. Ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3 and since then, hundreds of people have lost their lives whereas thousands have been forced to take refuge in the relief camps. The state government says that normalcy has been restored in the state. Congress general secretary in-charge of communication, Jairam Ramesh said, After Bharat Jodo Yatra, now under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi , the Congress party will take out a Bharat Nyay Yatra. It will be a 6,200- km yatra. It will traverse through 14 states. It will start from Manipur and conclude in Mumbai. Noting that during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi raised the issues of economic disparities, polarization and dictatorship, he said this yatra will focus on social, economic and political justice for the people of the country. History will be written that in the year 2023, Rajasthan witnessed a faceless assembly poll-contest between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP, and it was handed over a big surprise with a first-time MLA taking the helm of the border state. The tradition of changing the government has continued with the victory of BJP in Rajasthans assembly poll but choosing a fresh face for the post of chief minister by the party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi stunned the people as well as the veteran politicians. Bhajanlal Sharma, a first time MLA elected from Sanganer assembly constituency of Jaipur district, startled everyone by getting the reigns of the state. Sharma, who comes from the Brahmin community, earlier held the posts of General Secretary in the state BJP and sarpanch. Advertisement Rajasthan got its chief minister from the Brahmin caste after a gap of 33 years Late Hari Deo Joshi (Congress) ruled the state during 1973-77, 1985-1988 and 1989-90. This also ended the 20 years of chief-ministership by Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (former Vice President), Vasundhara Raje, and Ashok Gehlot in the state. Public mandate in the election year is well defined with the trend of change in government every five years, one time BJP and another for the Congress, but no one guessed that the BJP leaders like two-time Chief Minister and five- time MLA from Jhalrapatan Vasundhara Raje, leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore, Deputy Leader in assembly Satish Poonia, and son-in-law of former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Narpat Singh Rajvi would be left behind. Although all of them lost in the polls except for Raje. The year began with a good change for the BJP when Satish Poonia was replaced by Chittorgarh MP C P Joshi as the State party President while veteran MLA of Udaipur and leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Katarai was appointed as the Governor of Assam. The entire organisation was overhauled with presidents of the districts being changed and all seven fronts of BJP reshuffled. The year was one of uncertainty and impatience for Congress as the Ashok Gehlot-Sachin Pilot feud on CM-chair controversy remained in the headlines and on social media till the poll season arrived in October. Pilots Jan Sangharsh Padyatra against corruption, paper leak issues, and special prathna sabha on his father late Rajesh Pilots death anniversary had given sleepless nights to Gehlot and the AICC. Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasara tried his best to fill up all the vacant posts of party functionaries up to district level at the 11th hour. For the Congress government, 2023 began with controversy when Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in his budget speech read a few paragraphs of last years budget points (2022-23) in the opening paragraph of 2024-25 budget. Although he tendered his sorry for faux pas, the issue was picked up by the Prime Minister in his public meetings. Keeping in mind the election year, the Congress government has announced a tax-free budget with a string of 10 flagship schemes including LPG cooking cylinder at Rs 500 to 76 lakh BPL families, free electricity to consumers in different categories, free ration to one crore families under the National Food Security Act, and the Right to Health with Chiranjeevi Medical Health care schemes up to Rs 25 lakh. Gehlot himself had driven a camp for months on Bachat, Rahat and Badhat (saving, relief and lead) in far flung areas of all 33 state districts for months together. Gehlots efforts and the move of an ambitious Rajasthan Mission-2030 in the direction of making the state, a leader in the country in every field by 2030, and unveiling Mission-156: a projected number to win the polls, did not give him final success. Red Diary in the Rajasthan Assembly created a stir in the politics of the state. Rajendra Gudha, a turncoat MLA who had switched to Congress from the Bahujan Samaj Party, was expelled from the ministry by the Gehlot government for his anti-Congress remarks. He had reached the assembly with the controversial diary. Gudha was expelled from the House when he showed papers of the Red Diary. A part of the diary was snatched away by the Congress members. This issue remained alive and in discussion in poll rallies of the BJP leaders including the PM who assured the public to probe its contents if voted to power. Beginning of the year saw a serious train derailment accident in which 26 passengers were injured in Pali district. A Division Bench of Rajasthan High Courts decision to set aside the conviction of four accused and the capital punishment in the Jaipur Serial bomb blasts killing 80 people and injuring 176 on May 13, 2008 gave a political issue to the Opposition BJP which termed it a result of Congress appeasement policy. Huge amount of cash of Rs 2.31 cr, and one kg gold bars recovered from State Secretariats Yojna Bhawan almirah had also given a playing field to the BJP top leaderships to make it a political agenda against the alleged widespread corruption in the Gehlot regime. Frequent raids during the electioneering process by the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax and CBI over alleged scams, paper leak, corruption and huge cash reserves in lockers also gave sleepless nights to ruling party leaders, ministers and PCC President. The daylight murder of National President of Shri Rajput Karni Sena Sukhdev Gogamedi triggered massive protests in the entire Rajasthan and would have given a big task to the newly elected BJP government but thanks to the state Polices ATS, all accused were arrested within a week. A tough challenge for the ruling BJP next year will be to win all 25 seats for the Prime Minister for his third term in Lok Sabha-2024 from Rajasthan, which the party won in 2014 and 2019. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said appropriate steps are being taken to prevent incidents like the recent ambushing of Army vehicles by terrorists in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing troops in the border district of Rajouri, he said each and every soldier is important for the country. I would pray for the speedy recovery of the army personnel who sustained injuries in the incident. I would like to ensure you that keeping in mind the severity of the incident, required steps are being taken. Each of our army personnel is important to us, the defence minister said. Advertisement The defence minister stressed on the need to finish terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir and asked them to move forward with this commitment. I believe in your bravery and steadfastness Terrorism should be finished from Jammu and Kashmir and you need to move forward with this commitment. I have full faith that you will achieve victory, Singh added. The defence minister was accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande. On December 21, four Army personnel were killed, while three others were injured after heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles near Thanamandi in the Rajouri sector. This was a major terrorist attack on Army in the Rajouri sector area which has been largely peaceful in the last few years. Singh is also likely to meet family members of three civilians who were found dead hours after security forces picked them up for interrogation on December 22. Their family members alleged they were killed in custody after torture. The Army had also taken note of the incident and ordered an inquiry into the their alleged custodial deaths. Following the incident, the Army chief had also advised the security personnel to conduct their operations in the most professional manner. At a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday expressed his countrys willingness to support Indias initiative to produce military equipment as part of the Made In India programme. Mr Jaishankar, who is on a five-day visit to Russia, announced that the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union will resume in January next year. Mr Lavrov said he and Mr Jaishankar have discussed a number of steps that would expand cooperation between India and Russia, including the launch of the North-South International Transport Corridor as well as establishment of the Chennai Vladivostok route. Advertisement Addressing a press conference after his meeting with the Indian minister, Mr Lavrov said, We have also discussed the prospects of military and technical cooperation, including the joint production of modern weaponry. We also have specific steps in the area. Our cooperation is of strategic nature, strengthening it corresponds to the national interests of states, the interests of Security in the Eurasian continent. As mentioned before, we are respectful of the aspiration of our Indian colleagues to diversify their military and technical links. We also understand and hence we are ready to support their initiative to produce military products as part of the Made in India programme. We stand ready to cooperate in this area. We have reaffirmed our aspiration to strengthen energy cooperation, he added. Lavrov said he and Jaishankar agreed to expand the legal framework of India-Russia relations, in particular to accelerate the adoption of the agreement on the mutual protection of investment. Mr Jaishankar paid rich tributes to the India-Russia relationship, saying the two countries have lived up to the responsibilities of a special and privileged strategic partnership. He also spoke about the personal equation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy alleged that hoping to comeback to power a third time, the previous BRS government had bought 22 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles just before the polls. Slamming the BRS for the extravagance, the chief minister said the newly-bought bullet proof vehicles were deliberately kept in Vijayawada as his predecessor, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had planned to use them if voted back to office. Mocking the BRS for coming up with Sweda Patram, a comprehensive documentation of how the previous BRS toiled hard to create assets in Telangana, Reddy said, I had asked officials to repair old vehicles so that I could use them. They then informed me that the state government had bought 22 Land Cruiser vehicles. These were kept at Vijayawada and the previous government had planned to bring them over after KCR is sworn in. Advertisement With Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu nodding his head in agreement, Revanth Reddy took a dig at KCR saying, Each vehicle costs Rs 3 crore since they are bulletproof and cost more. This is how KCR created wealth for the state. By wasting funds, which could have been used for welfare, he said the BRS left the state high and dry. They demolished the Secretariat which could have housed a hospital and built a new one. I cant call this asset creation, he added. Taking a dig at BRS working president KT Rama Rao, who recently gave Rs one lakh to a poor woman, who had earlier approached the Praja Durbar, Reddy said Rao still owed Rs 99,999 crore to the people of Telangana. The chief minister said the delay over the formation of a new board of TSPSC was delayed as the governor was seeking legal opinion before accepting the resignation letters from the chairman and members of the existing board. Revanth Reddy unveiled the logo for Abhaya Hastham, the common programme incorporating all the social welfare schemes promised in the Congress manifesto, ahead of a massive public outreach programme being launched tomorrow by the new government. He also released the application form to be submitted by the beneficiaries during the outreach programme called Praja Palana across the state. Blaming the previous government for not heeding to the grievances of the public, he pointed out how people were sleeping on the pavement in front of Praja Darbar in the hope to be the first in the queue to be heard. He said the Praja Palana programme was aimed at bringing governance at the doorstep of the people. Meanwhile, BRS leader Kalvakuntla Kavitha questioned the Congress government over the delay in implementing the promises made during elections. String of Pearls, naval forays, spy ships, debt trap, illegal and destructive fishing practices are some of the adverse expressions associated with China and have featured prominently in the Indian Ocean strategic and security discourse. China has pursued aggressive strategies to expand politicodiplomatic, economic and strategic influence among the Indian Ocean littorals and the regional seas. The outcome has been maritime infrastructure to support the 21st century Maritime Silk Road under the Belt Road Initiative, naval bases/facilities for access by the Chinese Navy, and arms exports to several smaller countries in the region particularly in South Asia thereby disturbing regional peace and stability. Its distant water fishing fleet is also accused of engaging in Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and has attracted concerns from several Indian Ocean countries. At another level, the Chinese leadership has been pushing the Global Development Initiative (GDI), a development partnership agenda which according to the Chinese resonates with the United Nations-led 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (17 Goals). The GDI involves close to 200 projects and half of these have been completed. Over 100 countries and international organisations support the GDI, and nearly 70 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. Advertisement Encouraged by the popularity and support for the GDI, China hosted the first ever China-Indian Ocean Region Development Cooperation Forum in November 2022 at Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in southwest China. A year later, the second iteration of the Forum was held at the same destination. It focused on the ocean economy and was labelled Shared Development: Theory and Practice from the Perspective of the Blue Economy, similar to the first Forum. It was attended by 19 Indian Ocean littoral countries including landlocked Afghanistan and three international organisations. It was organised by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). Luo Zhaohui, chairman of CIDCA, who is also Chinas current Vice-Foreign Minister, has emphasised that China will strengthen cooperation with countries in the Indian Ocean region to grow the blue economy, advance the implementation of the GDI (Global Development Initiative) in the region, embark on the path to shared development, accelerate cooperation and work together to build a maritime community with a shared future. China is promoting this idea of shared future among the Indian Ocean countries and has drawn plans to set up a Blue Economy think tank network, establish a China-Indian Ocean Region marine disaster prevention and mitigation cooperation mechanism, and is even willing to provide fiscal, technological and training support. The cooperation also extends into the space domain and the China-Africa satellite remotesensing application is being conceptualized to enhance optimal utilization of sea based goods and services across various sectors. There are at least two important reasons which encourage China to push the development agenda. First, Beijing believes that China-Indian Ocean Region Development Cooperation Forum can dispel fears about Chinas strategic ambitions in the region and assure Indian Ocean countries that it is committed to their economic growth. Importantly, China should be seen and accepted as a trusted development partner. It is true that China has both the technical capabilities and the much needed financial support to deliver high quality infrastructure. The national marine gross domestic product (2022) exceeds 9 trillion Yuan (US$1.25 trillion) and covers multiple ocean related goods and services ranging from shipping, shipbuilding, fisheries, non-living sea based resources, etc. It merits mention that seven of the worlds top 10 busiest ports are in China, and sea based trade is a significant contributor to the countrys GDP. According to Sea Freight Transport Market Analysis, the maritime industry in China is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 3 per cent during 2023- 2028. However, behind these impressive indicators are numerous opacities as well as predatory practices that have undermined Chinas benevolent intentions. Of particular concern is the debt trap which has been the bane of some of the countries. For instance, the Sri Lankan government was left with little choice but to lease Hambantota port to China for 99 years which not only impacted national pride, but led to a severe economic crisis with domestic political fallout. Second, there is a belief that the Chinese proposal is aimed at countering Indias Indo Pacific Oceans Imitative (IPOI) which comprises of seven pillars: (a) Maritime Security; (b) Maritime Ecology; (c) Maritime Resources; (d) Capacity Building and Resource Sharing; (e) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; (f) Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation; and (g) Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport. Under the IPOI, India has created a sense of community and several partnerships are mushrooming in the Indo Pacific region. New Delhi is encouraging other countries as well as groupings such as the ASEAN to join the IPOI as also lead some thematic areas under the Initiative in diverse areas spanning security, safety, resource development, science and technology, resilient infrastructure and marine environment-ecology. The Indian political and diplomatic establishment has not missed the opportunity to convey New Delhis concerns of the growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian naval leadership has perhaps been the most vocal about the Chinese naval presence and flagged these at multilateral forums, and regional dialogues. The strategic-academic community has joined the chorus and has been churning out policy briefs, academic papers, media commentary, etc. highlighting aggressive Chinese posturing in the Indian Ocean Be that as it may, the China-Indian Ocean Region Development Cooperation Forum should not be seen as a standalone Chinese initiative aimed at countering Indias IPOI; instead it dovetails into the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), an inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region. This 23- member grouping of which India is an important member along with 11 Dialogue Partners including China, has been spearheading Blue Economy initiatives including setting up of an IORA Working Group on the Blue Economy ( WGBE). The IORA can potentially emerge as a common platform for both India and China by delivering sustainable ocean development. (The writer is Emeritus Professor of Research, SoA Center for Integrated Maritime Studies and Research (SOACIMSR), Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, India.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Kyrgyzstan plays a key transit role in east-west connectivity, Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) Umberto de Pretto told Trend. "Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked Central Asian country that has embraced transportation and transit, plays an important role in east-west connectivity, helping to send commodities from China to the Middle East, Europe, and beyond," he said. He stated that just this year, IRU activated numerous new TIR routes connecting Kyrgyzstan to the east and west, including the route connecting Pakistan to Kazakhstan via China and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan truck route. The Pakistani transport company NLC completed the first operation on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan-Pakistan TIR route in November 2023. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan corridor was also established this year. This new TIR route, which connects China to Central Asia, was activated by CEVA Logistics, an IRU member. This route is projected to increase trade between these three countries, benefiting not just the area but also the world. "As Kyrgyzstan continues to implement trade facilitation and harmonization instruments, such as acceding to e-CMR last year, it becomes an increasingly important country along the major corridors crossing it," he said. E-CMR is an electronic version of the consignment note, used within the framework of the CMR Convention for transporting goods by road transport. TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) is an international transit system governed by a UN convention, operating globally through collaboration between the public and private sectors. Almost two decades after the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) recommended mediation as an approach to settle disputes outside courts, the Government of India after much deliberation among stakeholders, enacted the Mediation Act 2023, on 15 September 2023. The MCPC initiated mediation as a court integrated process which has proved very successful. Encouraged by results, the MCPC has conducted 40 hours Mediation Training Programme, raised awareness, albeit inadequate, and conducted Judges Training Programme/Referral Training Programme. The approach to mediation as an alternative dispute resolution originally flows from Mahatma Gandhis words. He said: I had learnt the true practice of law. I had learnt to find out the better side of human nature and to enter mens hearts. I realized that the true function of a lawyer was to unite parties riven asunder. The lesson was so indelibly burnt into me that a large part of my time during the twenty years of my practice as a lawyer was occupied in bringing about private compromises of hundreds of cases. Advertisement I lost nothing thereby ~ not even money, certainly not my soul. With the enactment of the Mediation Act, court annexed mediation centres are established across India. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), and the State Legal Services authorities had been given authority to provide mediation services in court-referred cases through court-annexed mediation centres before enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023. In fact, mediation does not require any court reference; many family disputes are resolved at family level, village level, in caste groups, and by the elders. With the enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023, it is anticipated that mediation legislation will provide relief to industry, business, and families from the delays of courts. The mediators assert that only disputes should be brought to them, while the litigations go to courts. Neither mediators nor mediation institutions are responsible for resolving litigation. They only encourage the disputants to settle the disputes themselves and provide the required technical and expert opinion. Leaving the argument unchanged, Indias mediation legislation provides a legal foundation for institutional mediation. Its aim is to promote and facilitate mediation, especially institutional mediation, for resolution of disputes, commercial or otherwise, enforce mediated settlement agreements, provide for a body for registration of mediators, to encourage community mediation and to make online mediation as acceptable and cost-effective process and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Accordingly, the Mediation Act aims to reduce the burden on courts by encouraging disputants to resolve their disputes with the assistance of trained mediators and mediations facilitated by authorised mediation institutions. The Act walks the additional mile by giving the mediation settlement agreement or mediation settlement deed the status of a court decree. To elaborate, if two parties go to a mediation institution, have their dispute mediated, resolve their dispute, reach a consensus on the issue, and write down their own terms and conditions, the mediator will attest to them. It will become a court order that is legally enforceable. The law encourages low-income individuals and MSMEs to settle their disputes amicably rather than resorting to litigation. The key takeaways from the measure are pre-intuitive mediation in commercial or family disputes. By using mediation, the parties can resolve their disputes outside of court. The mediation law is a stand-alone law that governs the mediation of disputes between parties willing to settle them amicably. It appears to be a boon for many micro and medium enterprises (MSMEs), families, and others seeking to save money, time, and relationships. However, there is a great deal behind the scenes regarding mediators, mediation institutions, disputants, and advocates. When the first Mediation Centre was established in the District Courts of Delhi, the practicing advocates viewed it as a threat. After much persuasion and mediation training, todays advocates across the country, despite feeling threatened by alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, participate in mediation proceedings and get trained under the guidelines of the Supreme Court of Indias Mediation and Conciliation Project committee. Advocates continue to be concerned about their clients reluctance to resolve their disputes through assisted mediation. However, the required level of awareness and education on mediation either among the disputants, or among the lawyers is yet to be raised. Despite the Governments best efforts to encourage alternative dispute resolution systems like mediation in India and save time, money, and relations among disputants, the required awareness among the legal fraternity and people in the country is not there. Even after two decades of existence of mediation in court-annexed mediation centres, mediation as an approach of dispute resolution is not mainstreamed. Disinterest in adopting mediation as a tool to resolve disputes resonates among many in the profession defeating the very purpose of alternative dispute resolution. Although the mediation law encourages the assisted settlement of disputes between disputants, the institution of such assistance as recommended by the law is imperfect. Alternative Dispute Resolution systems that are being promoted in our country are hampered by bureaucratic procedures, and redundant approaches. Above all, many within the legal profession, and outside, are unaware of mediation as an approach to settle disputes outside courts. Many law students are of the opinion that only courts will recommend cases for mediation if not settled, while it is not so. No court reference is required for taking up cases for mediation if the disputing parties consent for the same and appoint a mediator on their own. The mediation legislation suggests the establishment of the Mediation Council of India for the purpose of regulating mediation processes and institutions. In addition, the current law requires that for the purposes of record, any mediated settlement agreement reached between the parties, other than those reached in a court or tribunal-referred mediation or award of Lok Adalat or final award of Permanent Lok Adalat under section 21 or section 22E of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, shall be registered with an Authority constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, in such manner as may be specified. This not only calls into doubt the secrecy of the mediation agreements, but also creates bureaucratic obstacles for the registration of settlement deeds. The objective is to reduce the courts workload, time, and expense. The proposed mediation institutions must first be registered with the Mediation Council of India, and then a yearly report of the cases settled by the mediation institutions may be permitted to be submitted to the authorities established pursuant to the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987 to protect the secrecy of the parties and the settlement arrived at. The responsibility lies with the law makers to raise awareness on mediation, and mediation institutions. Courts now should depart from referring the case only to court-annexed mediation centres. They should consider referring the cases to the established mediation service providers and institutions. They should make it clear that neither mediation nor arbitration requires a reference from courts, and the decisions taken with the help of mediators are as enforceable as a decree of a court. Incentivising institutional mediation, making mediation mandatory for all the disputes before going to courts to reduce the burden on courts, notifying all the mediation institutions already in existence as mediation service providers pending establishment and operationalisation of the Mediation Council of India is needed urgently (The writer is former Senior Advisor, UNDP) Negotiations between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov are set to take place in Moscow on Wednesday, the Russian Embassy in India said in a statement. The Ministers will focus on the current and future areas of bilateral cooperation as well as discussion of the schedule of upcoming contacts, the statement said. The main emphasis will be made on promoting the further building of sustainable transport, logistics and banking and financial chains, expanding the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, it also said. It is planned to touch upon issues of cooperation in high-tech areas, including space and nuclear ones, as well as the implementation of joint projects for the development of hydrocarbons on the Arctic shelf and in the Russian Far East, the statement added. The ministers will compare notes on current international matters. The topic of interaction within the United Nations (UN), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and G20 will be discussed separately, as also the priorities of Russias BRICS chairmanship in the coming year, the statement further read. An in-depth exchange of views is expected on the issues of forming a fair security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan, as well as the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation, it added. Advertisement Moscow and New Delhi are committed to multipolarity as an integral factor in ensuring the balance of the world order that has emerged over the recent decades. Russia supports countries of the Global South in upholding political and economic sovereignty amid the spread of neocolonial practices. The priority is to promote a positive agenda and build constructive interstate dialogue, the statement concluded. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Jaishankar and Russias Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation between Russia and India. Russias Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov and Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation between & at the exhibition forum Russia at the #VDNH, posted Russian Embassy in India on X. The parties touched upon topical issues of interaction in trade, investment, financial and banking, transport and logistics spheres, in the areas of energy and food security. Particular attention was paid to promoting priority industrial cooperation projects, the post added. Following the negotiations, in the presence of the co-chairs of the Russia-India Intergovernmental Commission, an MoU was signed between the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare (Roszdravnadzor) of Russia and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation of India, it also said. The parties touched upon topical issues of interaction in trade, investment, financial and banking, transport and logistics spheres, in the areas of energy and food security. Particular attention was paid to promoting priority industrial cooperation projects, the Russian Embassy in India also stated. Earlier on Monday, Jaishankar held a meeting with leading representatives of the Russian strategic community and discussed connectivity, multilateralism, big power competition and regional conflicts. They spoke about the importance of rebalancing and the emergence of multipolarity. Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Sunday for a four-day visit to Russia from December 25-29. After he arrived in Moscow, Jaishankar said he looked forward to his engagements in Russia. An Iraqi Shiite militia has claimed responsibility for a rocket barrage on a US military base in Syrias northeastern province of al-Hasakah. The militia, named Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed in an online statement on Tuesday that its fighters fired rockets on the al-Shaddadi military base and hit their targets, without giving further details, Xinhua news agency reported. The attack by the Iraqi armed group is part of a series of retaliatory measures against the US forces amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the groups statement added. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, confirmed that explosions were heard in the al-Shaddadi base. There are no reports of casualties so far. The incident marked the 61st recorded attack on the US bases in Syria since October 19, the war monitor added. Earlier in the day, the White House said that US President Joe Biden ordered the military to launch airstrikes against three locations utilized by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq. The order came after a drone attack on Monday on a US base near Erbil Airport in northern Iraq wounded three US service members, one critically. Later in the day, the Iraqi government condemned the US airstrikes on Iraqi security sites, which killed a security member and injured 18 people, including civilians, according to a statement by the media office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Cloudy with periods of light snow late. High 23F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 13F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Doing away with our gun and speech rights is not the solution CCTV: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping. Its also been a fruitful year for Belt and Road cooperation. What has high-quality Belt and Road cooperation accomplished this year? Whats Chinas expectation for the cooperation in the next decade? Mao Ning: The BRI is a major initiative for international cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping with an insightful grasp of the trend of the world and the future of mankind. Over the past decade, Belt and Road cooperation has made historic achievements and become the most popular international public good and the largest platform for international cooperation. This year has seen steady progress in trade and investment under Belt and Road cooperation. For the first 11 months, Chinas trade with Belt and Road partner countries totaled RMB 17.65 trillion, up by 2.6 percent year on year; non-financial FDI from China in these countries reached RMB 201.1 billion, up by 26.8 percent year on year; and the completed turnover of China-contracted projects in these countries rose to RMB 784.8 billion, up by 8.5 percent year on year. Connectivity cooperation has produced numerous highlights. For the first 11 months of this year, the China-Europe railway express ran 16,145 trains, up by 7 percent year on year, and shipped 1.749 million TEUs of cargo, up by 19 percent year on year and exceeding the total shipment for last year. The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, which has been in operation for just two months, has transported over 1 million passengers. Projects such as the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel in Bangladesh and the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria have opened, giving a strong boost to national and regional connectivity. Cooperation for better livelihood has yielded fruitful outcomes. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Headquarters that China helped to build completed construction early this year. Small but practical livelihood projects, such as the Luban Workshop, the Brightness Action, programs on growing Juncao and hybrid rice and cooperation on artemisinin have brought sustained benefit to our fellow developing countries and had an extensive and positive impact. Cooperation in new areas, such as green and digital areas, is booming. China and relevant countries have jointly issued the Beijing Initiative for Belt and Road Green Development and the Beijing Initiative on Belt and Road International Digital Economy Cooperation, stepped up industrial cooperation in green energy such as hydro power, wind power and photovoltaic power, and reinvigorated traditional industries through such digital economy platforms as the Silk Road e-commerce. The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in October is the culmination of the commemoration of the BRIs 10th anniversary and marked a new stage of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. At the forum, President Xi Jinping reviewed achievements of the past decade and the good experience and announced eight major steps China will take to support the joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. This identified the direction, new vision and the source of impetus for BRI. We hope the 10th anniversary of BRI can be a new starting point for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and galvanize efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind. China Daily: Several overseas media reported that a commander of the Baloch National Army that had surrendered himself to the Pakistani government disclosed that India has been secretly supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and financing Balochistan separatist forces. Baloch officials said that Indias support and use of terrorists is the main reason behind the increasing terrorist activities in the province. Whats your comments? Mao Ning: We noticed relevant reports. Terrorism is humanitys common enemy. China firmly opposes double standards on counterterrorism. To support and use terrorist groups and let them thrive out of ones selfish interests at the expense of international and regional security benefits no one and will only backfire. China stands for strengthening counterterrorism cooperation among all countries to jointly fight all forms of terrorism. AFP: Zambias foreign minister resigned yesterday due to suspicion of taking bribes from a Chinese businessman. Could you share more information on this or your comment? Mao Ning: I noted the reports but do not have information on what exactly happened. The Chinese government asks overseas Chinese companies and individuals to strictly abide by local laws and regulations in their cooperation with local partners. Zambia is Chinas important partner in Africa and we will continue working with Zambia to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields and advance common development. Job Title: EFM Assistant Facilities Manager (Administrative Assistant, FSN 105) Organisation: United States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Salary: USD $45,290 /Per Year Position Number: Kampala-2023-088 About US Embassy: The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador. Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Peace Corps Job Summary: The Assistant Facilities Manager (Administrative Assistant, FSN 105) serves as the Assistant Facilities Manager and oversees Post real property assets to ensure that they are maintained within acceptable USG standards and in accordance with applicable policies, guidelines and regulations. Provides program management and administrative support to the Facilities Management Section. Provides cleared American support to the section for access and control. The position is supervised by the Facility Manager. Incumbent has no formal supervisory responsibility, but does provide work guidance to 75 LE staff in the Facility Management section. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. The applicants for the United States US Embassy EFM Assistant Facilities Manager (Administrative Assistant, FSN 105) job should have two years of university studies. Required. At least four years of experience in maintenance, construction, program and project management, involving customer engagement and resources management. Must have a good working knowledge of Department of State and Foreign Service organization and policies. Knowledge of facilities and facility requirements at an overseas State Department location such as an embassy or consulate. Must be knowledgeable in the use of mechanical and electrical codes, trade practices and should be comfortable working with different teams. Standard level keyboard and computer skills to include specialized software (GMMS), database management, spreadsheets. Should be able to use Microsoft suites. Must possess excellent written and oral skills in order to conduct training and drafting of materials and reports in the performance of duties. Ability to coordinate, prioritize and oversee multiple projects. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Must have a valid drivers license. Must be able to obtain a secret security clearance. This may be tested. Language: Level 4 English fluency is required. This may be tested. How to Apply: All those interested in working with the United States Embassy, US Mission in Kampala should send their applications online at the link below. Click Here Deadline: 19th January 2024 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline New research utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D images of the human tongue has discovered that the surface of our tongues is unique to each individual. This groundbreaking finding provides valuable insights into the biological composition of the tongue's surface and sheds light on how our sense of taste and touch differ from person to person . The human tongue is a highly sophisticated and complex organ composed of hundreds of small buds called papillae. These papillae play a crucial role in taste perception, speech, and swallowing. Among the various types of papillae, the mushroom-shaped fungiform papillae house our taste buds, while the crown-shaped filiform papillae contribute to the tongue's texture and sense of touch. While the taste function of the fungiform papillae has been extensively studied, little is known about the variations in shape, size, and pattern of both types of papillae among individuals. To address this knowledge gap, a team of researchers from the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics, in collaboration with the University of Leeds, employed AI computer models to analyze three-dimensional microscopic scans of the human tongue . The researchers trained the AI models using data from over two thousand detailed scans of individual papillae, obtained from silicone molds of fifteen people's tongues. By combining this data with the principles of topology, a branch of mathematics that studies the structure and connectivity of spaces, the AI models were able to predict the type of papillae with an impressive 85% accuracy. Furthermore, the AI tool successfully mapped the position of filiform and fungiform papillae on the tongue's surface . One of the most remarkable findings of the study was the distinctiveness of the papillae across all fifteen subjects. In fact, individuals could be identified with an accuracy of 48% based on a single papilla. These findings have significant implications for various fields, including personalized food design, the development of healthy food alternatives, and early detection of oral cancers . Lead author Rayna Andreeva, a PhD student at the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Biomedical AI at the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the effectiveness of topology-based features in the analysis and emphasized the need for further research on other biological surfaces and medical conditions. Professor Rik Sakar, the senior author of the study and a Reader at the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, expressed excitement about the study's contribution to understanding the intricate architecture of tongue surfaces. He also mentioned the potential applications of this research in designing personalized food for specific individuals and populations, ensuring proper nutrition while enhancing the enjoyment of food. Additionally, Professor Sakar discussed the future use of AI combined with geometry and topology to identify micron-sized features in other biological surfaces, aiding in the early detection and diagnosis of abnormal growths in human tissues . Pro-Kannada outfits in Bengaluru vandalised English signages at shops and business establishments in the city on Wednesday days after a new order issued by the civic authority. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has passed an order directing businesses to keep at least 60 per cent of their signage in Kannada before February 28 deadline. Failure to comply could lead to suspension of business licences, as per the order. Some members of Kannada Rakshana Vedike pulled down a few posters and billboards in the city on Wednesday. Another person was seen spraying black paint on a English signage This comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged residents of the state to learn Kannada. We have thought about those who are born and raised in Karnataka, those who have built their lives in the state as Kannadigas. In Karnataka, Kannada language gets the priority and it is the duty of everyone to follow the rules. It has been mandated that the commercial establishments must have 60 per cent of signage in Kannada. It has to be implemented before February 28. Lets follow the rule and be proud Kannadigas, he had posted on X. Top Congress leaders, Members of Parliament and legislators from various states will be present at the party's Hain Taiyaar Hum (We Are Ready) rally to be held in Nagpur on Thursday. The event will kicking off the principal opposition party's campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The rally, being held to mark the 138th Foundation Day of the party, will be addressed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other top leaders of the party. All roads led to Nagpur for the Congress on Wednesday as party leaders and workers from all over the country were headed to the city in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region. Around 500 leaders, including MPs and MLAs from various states, will take part in the rally. The party expects around 10 lakh workers to be present in the rally. Party leaders are calling the event to be held at Nagpur's Azad Maidan a 'mega rally', saying it will be an apt way of declaring the party's readiness for the Lok Sabha elections. Among the talking points for the leaders at the rally will be issues of unemployment, price rise, the growing rich-poor divide, and the allegedly undemocratic and authoritarian manner of functioning of the central government. The rally will set the tone for the party's campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, and it remains to be seen if the issue of caste census, which it is felt did not enthuse the voters in the just concluded assembly elections, will be talked about at the event. The Congress's decision to hold the rally in Nagpur, where the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's headquarters are situated, is aimed at sending across a message to the RSS-BJP. The party is also hoping to capitalise on the rally and build momentum for its efforts to maximise its chances in the Vidarbha region, which was once the party's bastion. The party's decision to appoint Vijay Wadettiwar, who belongs to the region, as its leader in the Maharashtra assembly was also seen as an effort in that direction. Vidarbha, which witnesses a direct fight between the Congress and the BJP, has 62 assembly segments and 11 Lok Sabha seats. A day after the charter flight from France landed in Mumbai with 276 passengers onboard, the Gujarat Police began an investigation into the suspected illegal immigration network. Teams have been formed to identify "agents" involved in the illegal immigration work. Many passengers of the plane hail from Gujarati districts of Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana and Anand. Superintendent of Police, CID (Crime), Sanjay Kharat told PTI that action will be taken against agents who promised help to victims to enter the US and other countries illegally. "We have formed four teams which will get information from the victims regarding promises made to them by these agents," Superintendent of Police, CID (Crime), Sanjay Kharat said. "The police will coordinate with the passengers when they reach Gujarat from Mumbai to find out the agents and agencies involved and whether documents provided to them to migrate to the US and other countries were forged," he added. The probe will also focus on the number of people who flew abroad this way. "The CID has so far received raw information regarding the agents involved in the incident and will be able to find out more only after questioning the passengers concerned," he said. Kharat said different agents involved in illegal immigration work in tandem. "The agents working at the village and district levels are small players controlled by a kingpin who works at the international level," he added. "Different agencies use different modus operandi based on the requirements of persons seeking to migrate like whether they require forged documents etc, and rates are fixed accordingly," the SP said, adding the victims will be questioned and police will reach the kingpin. Meanwhile, the lawyer of the chartered flight, operated by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines, said both UAE, from where the flight originated, and Nicaragua, the destination, refused to accept the passengers. "India was the country that was ready to just accept the passengers very quickly. The United Arab Emirates refused. Nicaragua, as far as we know, also (refused). So, as the passengers were Indian nationals, the Indian Embassy worked hard with the French authorities to speed up the process of obtaining all the permits necessary to fly to India. Some of them refused to go... In the end, 276 passengers boarded and left for India and the others requested asylum," Liliana Bakayoko told NDTV. She added that all passengers claimed they had return tickets and hotel reservations. However, some of the passengers did not want to go to India. (With PTI inputs) Surprise exclusions from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh cabinets have put a question mark on the political future of several senior BJP leaders in both states. In what seemed to be an attempt to overhaul the internal power structure in the said states, as many as 17 new faces were inducted recently to the 31-member Mohan Yadav cabinet in Madhya Pradesh. The BJP retained only six of the 33 ministers in the previous Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet. In Chhattisgarh, CM Vishnu Deo Sai, his two deputies Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma and five of the nine ministers that form the BJP government are fresh faces. In the process, many prominent leaders, who were considered frontrunners even for the chief ministerial posts, have found themselves out of the cabinet. These leaders are now looking ahead to their new roles with many pinning their hopes for candidature in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. But, Lok Sabha tickets will be limited and many leaders might have to be satisfied with some organizational role in the party or a political posting -- ranging from that of a Governor to chairpersons of union or state-level commissions, corporations or boards. However, any such posting might not be in keeping with the stature of these leaders who have been in the power axis of the state for a long time. Among the biggest names who are awaiting future roles in Madhya Pradesh is the former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. There are indications that he might be adjusted only in the party organization and even moved out of the state with the responsibility of a southern state. Other big names in Madhya Pradesh include 10-time MLA Gopal Bhargava, 71. For the short duration that BJP lost power in the past two decades, Bhargava worked as the Leader of the Opposition. The senior leader, who remained a minister for about 20 years, had made open remarks about his chief ministerial aspirations in the run-up to the polls. But he finds himself out of the cabinet probably on the age factor. Another senior leader Bhupendra Singh, considered very close to Chouhan, has also been excluded probably due to internal strife with erstwhile ministers from Sagar district and corruption allegations. He might not be considered for any key assignment soon, political watchers feel. The list of once-powerful leaders who are currently left to stare at uncertainty despite elector success includes former ministers Jayant Malaiya, Ajay Vishnoi, Prabhuram Choudhary, Bisahulal Singh, Meena Singh, Usha Thakur, Brijendra Pratap Singh, Brajendra Yadav, Hardip Singh Dang, Omprakash Sakhlecha, Sanjay Pathak and the likes. Some of these leaders are over 70 like Gopal Bhargava and are unlikely to even get another run as legislatures. Some leaders who lost the recent polls like former ministers Narottam Mishra, Arvind Singh Bhadoria, Mahendra Singh Sisodia, Rajvardhan Singh Dattigaon, Gaurishankar Bisen are also not sure about their political future. Interestingly, Riti Pathak, who resigned as a Member of Parliament after winning the assembly polls has also been kept out of cabinet. But with age on her side, the 46-year-old is likely to get good assignments in future. In Chhattisgarh too, senior leaders like former union minister Renuka Singh, who resigned after winning assembly polls, await fresh assignments. Interestingly, Singhs name was being circulated as one of the most likely picks to become the new CM. Others in need of fresh roles are resigned MP Gomti Sai, former leader of opposition Dharamlal Kaushik, former ministers Amar Agrawal, Rajesh Munat, Ajay Chandrakar, Punnulal Mohle, Bhaiyyalal Rajwade, Vikram Usendi and Lata Usendi. Initial reports with forensic teams that visited the spot of the low intensity blast near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday night revealed that the blast was triggered by a chemical based explosive. No traces of an improvised explosive device (IED) have been found so far, which explains why the explosion did not cause heavy damage. Searches were carried out for over three hours by the Delhi police and CCTV footages showed two suspects whose identities are being ascertained by the police. Given the sensitivity of the location and the timing of the blast with the Israel-Hamas war drawing international attention, the police are taking extra precautions around the embassy which has witnessed tighter security measures since the war began. The war had already put the diplomatic staff under restricted movements in the capital. Intelligence sources believe that the proximity of the blast to the embassy premises cannot rule out the possibility that the Israel-Gaza tensions are slowly spilling onto foreign soils with India being one of the key locations that could possibly become the target for a terror strike. For now, the investigations by the Delhi police have found a letter on the blast spot which had a marking of an organisaton and a letter head typed in Hindi. The contents were abusive in nature, sources said, and the organisation that was mentioned was Sir Allah Resistance. The National Investigation Agency has also stepped in to follow up on any inter-state or trans-national links that may emerge during the course of investigation. In the last one month, commercial ships in the Red Sea were hit by missile attacks claimed by Yemens Houthi rebels marking an escalation of tensions on Israeli assets abroad. Iran-backed groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq have been targeting Israel and its allies with security sources pointing out that New Delhi needs to remain alert to Hamas support in the region and any retaliatory action. Just after the explosion near the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday, the Israeli National Security Council issued a travel advisory for its citizens in India. The council said the blast could have been a "possible terror attack". The low-intensity blast happened around 5:48 pm near the embassy in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave. Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir confirmed the blast, stating that the "Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation." No one was injured in the blast. The recommendations of the Israeli National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday, which come amid concerns of a "recurrence of events", apply especially to New Delhi. Israeli nationals have been warned to try to avoid going to crowded places (malls and markets) and places identified as serving Westerners/Jews and Israelis. They have also been urged to be on heightened alert in public places (including restaurants, hotels, pubs, etc). The recommendations also suggest avoiding openly displaying Israeli symbols, refraining from attending unsecured large-scale events, and avoiding publicising itineraries on social media as well as photographs and details of visits in real time. Since the war began, the NSC warned Israelis to reconsider all their travel abroad and called on those who do need to travel overseas to avoid outward displays of their Jewish and Israeli identities. This came amid rising anti-Semitism around the world. The blast is being investigated by the Delhi Police which rushed to the spot with its bomb disposal squad and fire department. A letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador was found while the officials combed through the area. They also found a flag wrapped with the letter. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) team also examined the site, a senior police officer in New Delhi said. Security has been beefed up around the embassy and other Israeli establishments. This isn't the first security threat to the Israel embassy. In 2021, there was an explosion outside the Israeli embassy. Investigating officials had claimed that the attack was out by the Quds Force branch of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the bomb was planted by a local Indian Shia module. In February 2012, the wife of the Israeli military attache was injured in a car bomb attack in New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met the families of three civilians who were found dead last week after being detained by the troops following a terrorist attack on two Army vehicles in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Safeer Hussain (43), Mohd Showket (27) and Shabir Ahmad (32) had been picked up by the Army for questioning following the attack and they were later found dead on December 22. The defence minister also visited the Government Medical College (GMC) where four personsMohd Zulfkar, his brother Mohd Betab, Fazal Hussain and Mohd Farooqhave been admitted to after being allegedly beaten up by the troops during an anti-terror operations. The minister assured action against the guilty after an inquiry into the incident. Whatever has happened...there will be justice, he said. The minister was accompanied by Army chief General Manoj Pande and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. Earlier, Singh visited the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and took stock of the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC). He also paid tributes to the soldiers killed in action and conveyed his condolences to the families of the bravehearts. Four soldiers lost their lives while three others were injured after terrorists opened fire at their vehicles at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in the Surankote area of Poonch on December 21. The minister assured the troops that the government stands with the armed forces and the nation will forever be indebted to the unparalleled valour and sacrifice of the soldiers. He termed the welfare of the forces as the governments top priority, stressing that additional efforts are being made to bolster the security and intelligence framework. Indian Army is not an ordinary army. The soldiers are our protectors. It is their duty to not only safeguard national interests, but also to win the hearts of the people, he said. The minister, however, also cautioned the troops against making mistakes that may hurt countrymen. "You are the guardians of the country. Apart from the responsibility toward security of the country, winning the hearts of the citizens is also a big responsibility on your shoulders. You are making efforts in this direction as well, but sometimes there does happen a mistake (chook). Such mistakes, that may hurt any citizen of the country, should not happen," he said. In a shocking development in USA's Florida, a 23-year-old woman was shot dead by her teen brother who was jealous that her sister received more gifts on Christmas. The shooter was then fired at by his other sibling, also a teen, suspectably to save his sister. The entire episode unfolded in front of the victim's 10-year-old child, media reports said. The horrific development reportedly happened in Florida's Pinellas County on Tuesday, reports said. The victim was identified as Abrielle Baldwin, mother of two. According to reports, Baldwin was at loggerheads with her 14-year-old brother over Christmas presents. The victim reportedly received more presents than her younger brother. In a fit of rage following an argument, the minor fatally gunned down the woman while she was carrying her firstborn in a carrier, the BBC said in a report. Although she was later rushed to a hospital, the doctors reportedly pronounced her brought dead. Meanwhile, Abrielle Baldwin's other sibling was shocked to see the dispute between his siblings escalating beyond imagination. The 15-year-old quickly drew his gun and shot his brother before fleeing the spot, the report added. However, the bullet wound inflicted on the boy was not life-threatening. Both the boys no remain under police custody, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri told the press. Local prosecutors are yet to decide whether to charge the teenager as an adult for the murder, he said. It remains unclear how the two minors got hold of their "personal" sidearms. Westerly, RI (02891) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 45F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 32F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, December 27. Tajikistan and Iran discussed strengthening cooperation within the joint committee for investments and implementation of mutual projects, Trend reports. The topics were discussed during the 16th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission between Tajikistan and Iran on trade, economic, technical, scientific, and cultural cooperation. According to Tajikistan's State Committee on Investments and State Property Management, the meeting resulted in an agreement to bolster collaboration in trade, economic, investment, agricultural, industrial, energy, transport, communication, modern technology, education, science, healthcare, and tourism sectors. Additionally, both sides agreed on establishing joint industrial enterprises with the involvement of Iranian investors in Tajikistan. Discussions also focused on organizing an Investment Forum between Tajikistan and Iran, scheduled for 2024 in Tehran. The 16th Protocol of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission between Tajikistan and Iran on trade, economic, technical, scientific, and cultural cooperation is set to be signed on December 28, 2023. The relationship between Tajikistan and Iran is strengthening. On November 8, 2023, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital, leading a significant political and economic delegation. Throughout the visit, Tajikistan and Iran inked 18 agreements outlining their collaboration. These agreements encompass a trade and economic roadmap spanning 2023 to 2030, visa requirement waivers, joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, transportation and transit pacts, emergency management strategies, the establishment of a joint free trade zone, cultural and educational initiatives, among others. Nearly three years after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, the false election conspiracy theories that drove the violent attack remain prevalent on social media and cable news: suitcases filled with ballots, late-night ballot dumps, dead people voting. Experts warn it will likely be worse in the coming presidential election contest. The safeguards that attempted to counter the bogus claims the last time are eroding, while the tools and systems that create and spread them are only getting stronger. Many Americans, egged on by former President Donald Trump, have continued to push the unsupported idea that elections throughout the U.S. cant be trusted. A majority of Republicans (57%) believe Democrat Joe Biden was not legitimately elected president. Meanwhile, generative artificial intelligence tools have made it far cheaper and easier to spread the kind of misinformation that can mislead voters and potentially influence elections. And social media companies that once invested heavily in correcting the record have shifted their priorities. I expect a tsunami of misinformation, said Oren Etzioni, an artificial intelligence expert and professor emeritus at the University of Washington. I cant prove that. I hope to be proven wrong. But the ingredients are there, and I am completely terrified. AI DEEPFAKES GO MAINSTREAM Manipulated images and videos surrounding elections are nothing new, but 2024 will be the first U.S. presidential election in which sophisticated AI tools that can produce convincing fakes in seconds are just a few clicks away. The fabricated images, videos and audio clips known as deepfakes have started making their way into experimental presidential campaign ads. More sinister versions could easily spread without labels on social media and fool people days before an election, Etzioni said. You could see a political candidate like President Biden being rushed to a hospital, he said. You could see a candidate saying things that he or she never actually said. You could see a run on the banks. You could see bombings and violence that never occurred. High-tech fakes already have affected elections around the globe, said Larry Norden, senior director of the elections and government program at the Brennan Center for Justice. Just days before Slovakias recent elections, AI-generated audio recordings impersonated a liberal candidate discussing plans to raise beer prices and rig the election. Fact-checkers scrambled to identify them as false, but they were shared as real across social media regardless. These tools might also be used to target specific communities and hone misleading messages about voting. That could look like persuasive text messages, false announcements about voting processes shared in different languages on WhatsApp, or bogus websites mocked up to look like official government ones in your area, experts said. Faced with content that is made to look and sound real, everything that weve been wired to do through evolution is going to come into play to have us believe in the fabrication rather than the actual reality, said misinformation scholar Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Republicans and Democrats in Congress and the Federal Election Commission are exploring steps to regulate the technology, but they havent finalized any rules or legislation. Thats left states to enact the only restrictions so far on political AI deepfakes. A handful of states have passed laws requiring deepfakes to be labeled or banning those that misrepresent candidates. Some social media companies, including YouTube and Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, have introduced AI labeling policies. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to consistently catch violators. SOCIAL MEDIA GUARDRAILS FADE It was just over a year ago that Elon Musk bought Twitter and began firing its executives, dismantling some of its core features and reshaping the social media platform into whats now known as X. Since then, he has upended its verification system, leaving public officials vulnerable to impersonators. He has gutted the teams that once fought misinformation on the platform, leaving the community of users to moderate itself. And he has restored the accounts of conspiracy theorists and extremists who were previously banned. The changes have been applauded by many conservatives who say Twitters previous moderation attempts amounted to censorship of their views. But pro-democracy advocates argue the takeover has shifted what once was a flawed but useful resource for news and election information into a largely unregulated echo chamber that amplifies hate speech and misinformation. Twitter used to be one of the most responsible platforms, showing a willingness to test features that might reduce misinformation even at the expense of engagement, said Jesse Lehrich, co-founder of Accountable Tech, a nonprofit watchdog group. Obviously now theyre on the exact other end of the spectrum, he said, adding that he believes the companys changes have given other platforms cover to relax their own policies. X didnt answer emailed questions from The Associated Press, only sending an automated response. In the run-up to 2024, X, Meta and YouTube have together removed 17 policies that protected against hate and misinformation, according to a report from Free Press, a nonprofit that advocates for civil rights in tech and media. In June, YouTube announced that while it would still regulate content that misleads about current or upcoming elections, it would stop removing content that falsely claims the 2020 election or other previous U.S. elections were marred by widespread fraud, errors or glitches. The platform said the policy was an attempt to protect the ability to openly debate political ideas, even those that are controversial or based on disproven assumptions. Lehrich said even if tech companies want to steer clear of removing misleading content, there are plenty of content-neutral ways platforms can reduce the spread of disinformation, from labeling months-old articles to making it more difficult to share content without reviewing it first. X, Meta and YouTube also have laid off thousands of employees and contractors since 2020, some of whom have included content moderators. The shrinking of such teams, which many blame on political pressure, sets the stage for things to be worse in 2024 than in 2020, said Kate Starbird, a misinformation expert at the University of Washington. Meta explains on its website that it has some 40,000 people devoted to safety and security and that it maintains the largest independent fact-checking network of any platform. It also frequently takes down networks of fake social media accounts that aim to sow discord and distrust. No tech company does more or invests more to protect elections online than Meta not just during election periods but at all times, the posting says. Ivy Choi, a YouTube spokesperson, said the platform is heavily invested in connecting people to high-quality content on YouTube, including for elections. She pointed to the platforms recommendation and information panels, which provide users with reliable election news, and said the platform removes content that misleads voters on how to vote or encourages interference in the democratic process. The rise of TikTok and other, less regulated platforms such as Telegram, Truth Social and Gab, also has created more information silos online where baseless claims can spread. Some apps that are particularly popular among communities of color and immigrants, such as WhatsApp and WeChat, rely on private chats, making it hard for outside groups to see the misinformation that may spread. Im worried that in 2024, were going to see similar recycled, ingrained false narratives but more sophisticated tactics, said Roberta Braga, founder and executive director of the Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas. But on the positive side, I am hopeful there is more social resilience to those things. THE TRUMP FACTOR Trumps front-runner status in the Republican presidential primary is top of mind for misinformation researchers who worry that it will exacerbate election misinformation and potentially lead to election vigilantism or violence. The former president still falsely claims to have won the 2020 election. Donald Trump has clearly embraced and fanned the flames of false claims about election fraud in the past, Starbird said. We can expect that he may continue to use that to motivate his base. Without evidence, Trump has already primed his supporters to expect fraud in the 2024 election, urging them to intervene to guard the vote to prevent vote rigging in diverse Democratic cities. Trump has a long history of suggesting elections are rigged if he doesnt win and did so before voting in 2016 and 2020. That continued wearing away of voter trust in democracy can lead to violence, said Bret Schafer, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Alliance for Securing Democracy, which tracks misinformation. If people dont ultimately trust information related to an election, democracy just stops working, he said. If a misinformation or disinformation campaign is effective enough that a large enough percentage of the American population does not believe that the results reflect what actually happened, then Jan. 6 will probably look like a warm-up act. ELECTION OFFICIALS RESPOND Election officials have spent the years since 2020 preparing for the expected resurgence of election denial narratives. Theyve dispatched teams to explain voting processes, hired outside groups to monitor misinformation as it emerges and beefed up physical protections at vote-counting centers. In Colorado, Secretary of State Jena Griswold said informative paid social media and TV campaigns that humanize election workers have helped inoculate voters against misinformation. This is an uphill battle, but we have to be proactive, she said. Misinformation is one of the biggest threats to American democracy we see today. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simons office is spearheading #TrustedInfo2024, a new online public education effort by the National Association of Secretaries of State to promote election officials as a trusted source of election information in 2024. His office also is planning meetings with county and city election officials and will update a Fact and Fiction information page on its website as false claims emerge. A new law in Minnesota will protect election workers from threats and harassment, bar people from knowingly distributing misinformation ahead of elections and criminalize people who non-consensually share deepfake images to hurt a political candidate or influence an election. We hope for the best but plan for the worst through these layers of protections, Simon said. In a rural Wisconsin county north of Green Bay, Oconto County Clerk Kim Pytleski has traveled the region giving talks and presentations to small groups about voting and elections to boost voters trust. The county also offers equipment tests in public so residents can observe the process. Being able to talk directly with your elections officials makes all the difference, she said. Being able to see that there are real people behind these processes who are committed to their jobs and want to do good work helps people understand we are here to serve them. (AP) Federal prosecutors on Tuesday urged a judge to reject U.S. Sen. Bob Menendezs request to delay his bribery trial scheduled for next spring by two months, until July. Prosecutors argued against the postponement a week after defense lawyers offered multiple reasons why they say a trial of the Democrat and codefendants, including his wife, should be delayed. The senator gave up his position as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after his September arrest. Prosecutors said the original May 6 trial date was appropriate and drew no objections when it was announced even though circumstances were the same. The schedule was and remains reasonable, and in accord with the strong public interest in a speedy trial, prosecutors wrote. Defense lawyers cited over 6.7 million documents to be reviewed, an unprecedented foreign-agent charge and complex legal questions to be addressed as they asked for a delay of a trial now scheduled for May 6. They said a two-month adjournment would still bring defendants to trial within 10 months of their arrests. Four defendants, including Menendez, have pleaded not guilty to a bribery conspiracy charge that alleges that Menendez and his wife accepted bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen who wanted the senators help and influence over foreign affairs. The senator, his wife and a third defendant have also pleaded not guilty to a charge that they conspired to utilize the senator as an agent of the Egyptian government even though he was prohibited from doing so as a member of Congress. In asking for a delay, defense lawyers wrote, Given the complexity of this case and the seriousness of the charges at issue, the speed with which this case is proceeding is extraordinary. They said they plan to ask Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan to dismiss the indictment on multiple grounds, including for constitutional and sufficiency reasons and because New York federal court is the wrong venue. Prosecutors said in their letter to the judge that the voluminous amount of evidence turned over to the defense should not delay the trial because it was consistent with what the government promised at the first conference in October. In short, if there were a right to have multiple months to digest discovery prior to filing motions, as the defendants appear to suggest, practice in this district would look quite different. The current schedule set by the Court is expedited, but reasonable, prosecutors said. (AP) A top U.S. delegation is to meet with Mexicos president Wednesday in what many see as a bid to get Mexico to do more to stem a surge of migrants reaching the U.S. southwestern border. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said he is willing to help, but also says he wants to see progress in U.S. relations with Cuba and Venezuela, two of the top senders of migrants, and more development aid for the region. Both sides face strong pressure to reach an agreement after past steps like limiting direct travel into Mexico or deporting some migrants failed to stop the influx. This month, as many as 10,000 migrants were arrested daily at the southwest U.S. border. The U.S. has struggled to process thousands of migrants at the border, or house them once they reach northern cities. Mexican industries were stung last week when the U.S. briefly closed two vital Texas railway crossings, arguing border patrol agents had to be reassigned to deal with the surge. Another non-rail border crossing remained closed in Lukeville, Arizona, and operations were partially suspended in San Diego and Nogales, Arizona. U.S. officials said those closures were done to reassign officials to help with processing migrants. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken left open the possibility those crossing could be reopened if Mexico provides more help. Secretary Blinken will discuss unprecedented irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere and identify ways Mexico and the United States will address border security challenges, including actions to enable the reopening of key ports of entry across our shared border, his office said in a statement prior to Wednesdays meeting. Mexico already has assigned over 32,000 military troops and National Guard officers about 11% of its total forces to enforce immigration laws, and the National Guard now detains far more migrants than criminals. But the shortcomings of that approach were on display Tuesday, when National Guard officers made no attempt to stop a caravan of about 6,000 migrants, many from Central America and Venezuela, when they walked through Mexicos main inland immigration inspection point in southern Chiapas state, near the Guatemala border. In the past, Mexico has let such caravans go through, trusting that they would tire themselves out walking along the highway. No caravan has ever walked the 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) to the U.S. border. But wearing them out by obliging Venezuelans and others to hike through the jungle-clad Darien Gap, or corralling migrants off passenger buses in Mexico no longer works. Many have simply found other ways. So many migrants have been hopping freight trains through Mexico that one of the countrys two major railroad companies was forced to suspend trains in September because of safety concerns. Actual police raids to pull migrants off railway cars the kind of action Mexico took a decade ago might be one thing the American delegation would like to see. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall will also be in on the meeting. One thing the U.S. has already done is show that one countrys problems on the border quickly become both countries problems. The Texas railway closures put a chokehold on freight moving from Mexico to the U.S., as well as grain needed to feed Mexican livestock moving south. Lopez Obrador confirmed last week 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. Mexico says it detected 680,000 migrants moving through the country in the first 11 months of 2023. In May, Mexico agreed to take in migrants from countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba who had been turned away by the U.S. for not following rules that provided new legal pathways to asylum and other forms of migration. (AP) Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday. The barrages killed at least five people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of Kherson. The aerial barrage came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea as both sides soldiers struggle to make much progress along the front line of the 22-month war. Overnight, the Kremlins forces launched an artillery and drone bombardment of the Kherson region just as some 140 civilians were waiting for a train at the regions capital city of the same name, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The shelling killed one policeman and injured two other police officers, as well as two civilians. More than 100 people who were waiting for the train at the time of the attack arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning, national rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said. The attack on the Kherson region and its capital hit residential areas and a mall as well as striking the power grid, leaving around 70% of households in Kherson city without electricity during the winter cold, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said. It was not immediately possible to estimate when power might be restored, he said. Targeting energy infrastructure was also a Russian tactic last winter, when it tried to break Ukrainians spirit by denying them heating and running water. In Odesa, another major city in southern Ukraine, the drone assault killed two people and wounded three, including a 17-year-old man, regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said. Ukraines air force said it intercepted 32 out of the 46 drones that Russia fired overnight. A Western military assessment, meanwhile, reckoned that Russias capture this week of a city in eastern Ukraine would not provide it with a springboard for major battlefield gains. Ukrainian commander-in-chief Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi said Tuesday that his troops had retreated to the northern outskirts of the city of Marinka, which sits about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Donetsk, the largest city in Russian-held territory. Zaluzhnyi said his troops had held Marinka for almost two years but Russians were destroying it street by street, house by house. The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank, said Russian forces are highly unlikely to make rapid operational advances from Marinka. But it noted that localized Russian offensive operations are still placing pressure on Ukrainian forces in many places along the front in eastern Ukraine. (AP) by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com Today, December 27th, is the birthday of Louis Pasteur (18221895). Pasteur was a French chemist responsible for remarkable breakthroughs in the causes and preventions of numerous diseases. He was one of the founders of microbiology, but was best known for inventing a process, called pasteurization that increases shelf life and prevents milk and wine from causing disease. This process involves heating up the liquid for the purpose of destroying bacteria, protozoa, molds, and yeast lurking in the liquid. There is a difference between pasteurization and sterilization, however. Sterilization is designed to kill all microorganisms. The purpose of pasteurization is to reduce the number of viable pathogens so that disease will be highly unlikely. Why not use sterilization? It all boils down to taste (pun, of course, intended). Sterilization severely affects the taste and quality of most foods. How does pasteurization affect the kashrus of wine? There are two prohibitions on wine: The first prohibition involves biblically forbidden wine. The Torah forbids the use of wine that was poured as a libation in the religious worship of foreign deities. The prohibition is quite strict in that any benefit whatsoever from this wine is proscribed. If we recall from our high school world literature class, Pontonous, the kings squire in Homers Odyssey, mixed the honey-hearted wine, and served it to all. And they poured forth as a libation before the blessed gods that keep the heavens wide This is a classical example of what the Torah was discussing. The second prohibition involves rabbinically forbidden wine. The rabbis forbade the consumption of wine that was poured or touched by a gentile. (The majority of poskim hold that the reason for the prohibition was to prevent intermarriage; see for example Tosfos Avodah Zarah 29b VeYayin.) It is important to note that the rabbinic prohibition of stam yeinam is indeed a serious one. Rabbi Adam Danziger writes (Chochmas Adam Klal 75:1), One who drinks rabbinically forbidden wine uproots his soul from the place that it was rooted in holiness and loses his share in the World to Come. This is also clearly indicated in the Zohar. The Chida writes (Shiurei Berachah 123:2) that the punishment for violating the prohibition of stam yeinam is so severe the violator is reincarnated as a jackass. But here we have an interesting exception. The Gemara (Avodah Zarah, 30a) quotes the opinion of Rava that the prohibition upon gentile wine does not apply when the wine was previously cooked. This is the halachah as codified in the Yoreh Deah section of Shulchan Aruch (123:3). The Rosh (in his halachos of tractate Avodah Zarah 2:13) explains that when a situation is uncommon, the rabbis never enacted their prohibitions. Since cooked wine is highly uncommon, the enactment was never made. Is the Roshs explanation the authoritative halachic explanation? Does this leniency still apply? Also, how do we define the term cooked? The Shulchan Aruch states that it is considered mevushalcooked mishehirtiach al gabei haeishwhen it gets hot on the fire. The Vilna Gaon seems to understand these words as equivalent to yad soledes bowhen the hand becomes singed on account of the heatas he references Rishonim that derived these parameters from the cooking of liquids on Shabbos. Rav Moshe Feinstein, ztl (Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah, Vol. II No. 52 and Vol. III No. 1) rules in accordance with this view, as does Rav Ovadiah Yoseph (Yoreh Deah section of his Yabia Omer, Vol. 8 No. 15.) This is the view of the Rosh and the Geonim, too. The Shach (subparagraph 7), however, rules that the volume of wine must be detectably reduced on account of the cooking process. He rules in accordance with the view of the Rashba and the Ran in this regard. Rav Elyashiv (Kovetz Teshuvos, Vol. I No. 76) rules in accordance with the Shach, as does the Tzelemer Rav here in the United States. So now we have defined the term cooked. It is a debate between poskim as to the exact temperature; according to the lenient opinion 175F will suffice; according to the stricter opinion the temperature is at boiling point. In modern times when cooked wine is commonplace, does the Talmuds leniency still apply? Also, is pasteurization to be considered equivalent to the Talmuds notion of cooked wine? Rav Elyashiv is of the opinion that the exception of cooked wine is no longer applicable because most wines are now being cooked. In Koveitz Teshuvos (1:75) he writes that the exception is no longer valid. According to Rav Elyashiv, housekeepers and waiters do not mix with wine. Obviously, Rav Moshe Feinstein disagreed. (How this information will affect sales is anyones guess. Will wine sales go up, because so much wine will now be rendered invalid? Or will sales go down, because people dont want the wine to become invalid?) Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, ztl (Minchas Shlomo, Vol. 1, responsum 25) argues that pasteurization should not even be considered cooking at all, since the taste is not significantly changed. He cites the Rashba, Meiri, Sdei Chemed, and Kneses HaGedolah, who back up the idea that the leniency of cooking is based upon altered taste. The pasteurization is a flash pasteurization and the heated wine is recovered through sealed pipes. The taste, therefore, is not significantly altered. Notwithstanding the fact that there are many experts who can distinguish the tastes, Rav Shlomo Zalman writes that the majority of wine drinkers cannot. He, consequently, ruled that pasteurization is not considered cooked, but for different reasons than Rav Elyashiv. Is it just gentile wine that is forbidden? What about a Jew who has turned his back on Judaism? This too is the subject of debate. The Chasam Sofer (in his novellae to Yoreh Deah chapter 124) rules that the wine of a Jew who has rejected his religion is not forbidden, since there is no prohibition of intermarriage in such a case. He writes that Rabbi Caro did not include a Jew who has rejected his religion in the prohibition in Shulchan Aruch, because in essence it is permitted. On the other hand, the Shach in the Nekudas haKeseph in Yoreh Deah chapter 124 writes clearly that they are included. The consensus of rabbinic thought is that one can be lenient only in the following three situations: Where darchei shalom is involved, in a case of serious monetary loss, or in a situation where Jewish outreach is involved. In a nutshell, the microbiological development of Louis Pasteur has given rise to a plethora of halachic thought and analysis. JOIN THE TENS OF THOUSANDS WHO ALREADY ARE ALERTED OF BREAKING NEWS LIKE THIS IN LIVE TIME: YWN WHATSAPP STATUS UPDATES: CLICK HERE to join the YWN WhatsApp Status. YWN WHATSAPP GROUPS: CLICK HERE to be added to an official YWN WhatsApp Group. MAKE SURE TO CHECK THIS PAGE FREQUENTLY AS UPDATES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN LIVE TIME THERE IS NO NEED TO REFRESH THIS PAGE AS UPDATES WILL APPEAR AUTOMATICALLY (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The IDF has requested Apache attack helicopters from the Pentagon in recent weeks but the US has so far refused the request, Ynet reported on Tuesday morning. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant raised the issue in a discussion with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin during his visit to Israel last week. Israeli security sources say that the US has yet to make a final decision on the matter and Israeli government officials are continuing to apply pressure. Israel only has two helicopter squadrons. The helicopters have been operating around the clock in Gaza since the beginning of the war as well as in southern Lebanon and against Palestinian terror targets in the Shomron. The workload of the two squadrons is so high that in a rare move, Air Force commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar was asked to authorize a recall of retired pilots, aged 54-55, to return to active duty. [The age limit for pilots of combat flights is 51.] In addition, older pilots, aged 55-60, were recruited for operational roles on the ground. Some pilots who lived abroad returned to Israel when the war began and resumed flying after taking refresher courses. Despite the constant attacks on Israel by the Hezbollah terror group in southern Lebanon, the US and France continue to pressure Israel to avoid expanding the conflict into an all-out war. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Channel 12 correspondent for Arab affairs Ohad Hemo explained why the battles in southern Gaza have incurred significantly heavier costs than in the northern part of the Strip. Gaza has been preparing for this for 16 years, he said. During that time, over half of Gazas residents were born into this reality of Hamas rule born in a place where along with their mothers milk, they were fed hatred of Israel and the desire for the IDF to enter the Strip and engage them in battle. Its been 16 years of Hamas preparing the Gaza Strip turning it into the toughest battlefield in the world with hundreds of kilometers of tunnels, bunkers, and booby-trapped homes. The IDF entered and we see the heavy price were paying. We have to understand that nothing different could have been done its part of this arduous war. Khan Younis is a harsh place, a very perilous Hamas stronghold, and Israel operates somewhat differently there. If we saw bombing, shelling, and only then the entry of the IDF in the north of the Strip, (by the way, 72% of the north is destroyed), its somewhat different in the south due to the fact that two million people are there. We have to understand that Israel must continue this operation until Hamas is weakened there is no other option, he concluded. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The IDF is reportedly adjusting its strategy in Gaza, shifting from high-intensity combat to a sustained, low-intensity engagement aimed at undermining Hamas, according to a report from Channel 12s military reporter. The strategic change coincides with demands from the United States for Israel to reduce its intensive bombardments and troop incursions into urban areas, and also aligns with an unofficial deadline set for January by Biden administration officials. According to Channel 12s military correspondent Nir Dvori, the Israeli army plans to establish a one-kilometer-wide buffer zone within the Gaza Strip along its borders with Israel. This zone will expand the existing buffer area. Dvori reports, Infantry troops, largely drawn from conscripts, will occupy the zone to ensure Gazans cannot approach the fence with Israel, and launch pinpoint raids from there. He notes that the troop presence in this new buffer zone will be significantly smaller than the current levels. While Dvori does not cite a specific source for this information, it is common for Israeli military reporters to receive briefings from the army which are then presented as their own analysis. Dvori explained the rationale behind this new military approach: The assumption behind the change in strategy is that total defeat of Hamas will not be achieved via a massive ground offensive, but via a long war of attrition, he says. It can take months, maybe even years but creating a new reality in Gaza will require a diplomatic process and economic moves along those of the military. Yuli Edelstein, the chair of the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, acknowledged this shift in strategy during a meeting. As the fighting progresses, Israel is transitioning from the second to third stage of the military operation in Gaza, Edelstein said, advising the public to brace for a prolonged conflict. In late October, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had remarked on the limitations of Israels ground offensive against Hamas. Gallant mentioned, Israels ground offensive would not be enough to defeat Hamas, which would require a third, intermediate stage of fighting during which it will begin to seek out new leadership for the battered enclave, while rooting out pockets of resistance. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israeli security officials have released a recording of a Palestinian residing in Gaza accusing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) of being controlled by Hamas, and being guilty of severe mismanagement and diversion of humanitarian supplies. The situation is terrible because the humanitarian people, those responsible for the humanitarian aid, are thieves, the Gaza resident said in the recording. He further claimed, Hamas has their hands on UNRWA administration workers, and it manages UNRWA. From the day they [Hamas] rose to power they took control of everything. According to the man, Hamas ensures that the incoming humanitarian supplies are first distributed among its members, sidelining the needs of over one million civilians displaced by the war. The mans comments were made during a call recorded by the IDF, during which an IDF officer was informing Palestinians about evacuation locations and aid distribution points amid ongoing Israeli bombardments in Gaza. UNRWAs mandate is to provide assistance and protection to registered Palestinian refugees, but it has faced accusations along with mountains of evidence of its support of Hamas. In one incident reported by the Jerusalem Post, an Israeli hostage released by Hamas claimed to have been held in the attic of a UNRWA teacher. In another, the IDF discovered Hamas tunnels near UNRWA schools. Despite these allegations, UNRWA has consistently denied any affiliation with Hamas. The US House Foreign Affairs Committee is reportedly preparing to investigate UNRWA, according to committee member Rep. Darrell Issa. There is extensive evidence of a troubling connection between UNRWA and Hamas, and it is far deeper than was known, said Issa. Congress must now investigate and uncover the extent of what UNRWA knew, what it did, and what it may be hiding from the world. This investigation comes after the US resumed funding to UNRWA under President Biden in 2021, following a halt in 2018 under the Trump administration. Since Bidens inauguration, the US has provided approximately $730 million in aid to the terror-backing UN agency. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi announced on Tuesday a strategic expansion of military operations into southern and central Gaza, following significant progress in dismantling Hamas battalions in the northern part of the Strip. However, he cautioned that the war is expected to last many more months. In a press conference hed in southern Israel, Halevi detailed the successes of the IDF thus far: We eliminated many terrorists and commanders, some of them surrendered to our forces and we took hundreds of prisoners. We destroyed many underground infrastructures and weapons, he said. Despite these achievements, Halevi acknowledged the challenges in dense urban warfare: In this dense urban area, where terrorists are dressed as civilians, it cannot be said that we killed all of them. Halevi also pushed back against recent political criticisms about the IDFs approach, particularly from Economy Minister Nir Barkat, assuring that the IDFs operations are precise and well-supported: The IDF is focused and precise in its operations. Wherever our forces attack, they are accompanied by heavy fire from the air, sea and land. Addressing the ongoing war, Halevi explained, This war has necessary and not easy goals to achieve, it takes place in complex territory. Thats why the war will continue for many more months, and we will work with different methods, so that the achievement will be maintained for a long time, he said, adding that the IDF is constantly learning and adapting its fighting methods to each area of the Gaza Strip it operates in. There are no magic solutions, no shortcuts in the thorough dismantling of a terror organization, but stubborn and determined fighting. And we are very, very determined, Halevi said. It was correct to set high goals he continued, and we will reach high [achievements]. We assessed from the start that it would take many months, and we believe that our assessments are accurate. Therefore, the timescale will be lengthy. At the end, will we be able to say There are no more enemies around Israel? I think thats too ambitious. But we will bring about a different security situation, and as much stability as we can. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The New York Times, always looking for a way to be more depraved than before, recently published a guest op-ed by Yahya Sarraj, the Hamas-appointed mayor of Gaza City. The op-ed, titled I Am Gaza Citys Mayor. Our Lives and Culture Are in Rubble, was released on Sunday evening and has been met with both ridicule and disgust. Sarrajs piece aimed to highlight the destruction in Gaza following the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7, which resulted in the killing and kidnapping of Israeli, American, and other civilians. In his op-ed, Sarraj expressed his anguish over the invasion that led to the devastation of infrastructure and cultural landmarks in Gaza. He lamented what he described as the obliteration of our way of life in Gaza and conveyed his feeling of living in a nightmare due to the horrific campaign of destruction and death. The irony in Sarrajs failure to acknowledge Hamass role in the conflict or call for the release of the hostages is impossible to miss. Sarrajs portrayal of Hamas supporters as victims has been met with skepticism and condemnation, with many seeing it for it is an attempt to deflect responsibility for the consequences of Hamass actions. And, of course, the New York Times has no problem running articles written by terrorists. Oh, nothing to see here. Just @nytimes publishing an op-ed by Hamas appointed mayor of Gaza, Yahya Sarraj. I wonder, would NYT also publish an op-ed from Al-Qaeda justifying 9-11? Of course not, but there is no red line to this papers Jew hatred. pic.twitter.com/pLAVgo9sn3 Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) December 25, 2023 The @nytimes published a guest essay by Gaza Citys Mayor. The problem? Hamas appointed him, and The Times failed to mention it.https://t.co/P1hcI1Oqb4 HonestReporting (@HonestReporting) December 26, 2023 Yes, Gaza Citys Mayor is a Hamas member. And yes, this was clear to the New York Times before publication. pic.twitter.com/SSBCommDaf Yoni Michanie (@YoniMichanie) December 25, 2023 Remember when the @nytimes journalists lost their minds and a chief editor had to resign because they ran an op-ed by a sitting US Senator? Well now the New York Times is running opinion pieces written by Hamas. Are their journalists outraged? NYT showing their true colors! pic.twitter.com/aXpwGKngKn Chaya Raichik (@ChayaRaichik10) December 25, 2023 (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has escalated his rhetoric against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying his actions in Gaza are no different from those of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler YMS. The comparison isnt new for Erdogan, who in July 2014 accused Israel of keeping Hitlers spirit alive during a conflict with Gaza. Erdogans criticism of Israel has intensified amid the current war, and he has also taken the mindboggling position that Hamas is not a terrorist organization. Netanyahu fired back in tweet hammering Erdogan. Erdogan, who is carrying out a genocide of Kurds and holds a world record number of journalists opposed to his rule in jail, is the last to preach morality to us, Netanyahu says. The IDF is the most moral army in the world, which is fighting and eliminating the most despicable and brutal terror organization in the world, Hamas-ISIS, which committed crimes against humanity and Erdogan praises it and hosts its senior officials. War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz also fired off a reaponse on Twitter: I condemn the statements made by Turkish President Erdogan. Statements that are blatant distortions of reality and a desecration of the Holocausts memory. Hamas was the organization that perpetrated a despicable massacre. Removing the threat of Hamas from the citizens of Israel is an existential necessity and an unparalleled moral imperative. The diplomatic relationship between Turkey and Israel, once regional allies, has seen significant strain. In October, Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey following Erdogans accusations of Israeli war crimes. Subsequently, Turkey also recalled its ambassador from Israel. The two countries relationship deteriorated notably after a 2010 incident involving an Israeli commando raid on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara ship, which was part of a flotilla attempting to breach the blockade of Gaza. The raid resulted in the deaths of 10 Turkish activists who attacked IDF soldiers aboard the ship. While relations between Turkey and Israel have fluctuated since then, there have been efforts to mend ties. In late September, Erdogan and Netanyahu held their first known meeting in New York, where they discussed potential cooperation. However, Turkey continues to maintain strong connections with Hamas. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Three explosive-laden drones launched from Lebanon have struck the Mount Dov area, which houses multiple IDF positions along the border, Wednesday afternoon. The IDF promptly detected and identified these drones, confirming that the incident has been resolved. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for this drone attack. Additionally, several more projectiles originating from Lebanon were fired into various northern Israeli areas, fortunately causing no damage as they landed in open spaces. The IDF swiftly responded by targeting the launch sites. As a direct response to the rocket barrage originating from Lebanon, particularly on Rosh Hanikra, the IDF took decisive action. Fighter jets conducted a series of strikes targeting multiple locations within Lebanon, including military sites linked to Hezbollah. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The boss in charge of the HS2 high speed rail project said there will be 'no let-up' in its progress next year, after parts of the line were scrapped in October. HS2 Ltd executive chair Sir Jon Thompson said improvements to tracks and signalling, will 'edge [it] ever closer' to completion. The Government-owned company is building HS2 between London and the West Midlands. Ploughing on: The boss in charge of the HS2 high speed rail project said there will be 'no let-up' in its progress next year Plans to extend the route north to Manchester and Leeds were scrapped by Rishi Sunak in October to cut costs. A series of construction milestones are expected to take place early in 2024. Formal work on central Birmingham's new Curzon Street station will begin and the first of two machines digging a 10-mile long twin-bore tunnel under the Chiltern Hills will complete its journey. Eleven contracts worth a total of about 5billion will be awarded by HS2 Ltd for railway systems next year. These will cover the installation of features such as tracks, signalling, power supplies and overhead wires, and the construction of a control centre in Birmingham. Scrapped: Plans to extend the route north to Manchester and Leeds were scrapped by Rishi Sunak in October In charge: HS2 Ltd executive chair Sir Jon Thompson A telecom system allowing passengers to experience 'uninterrupted phone calls and streaming along the entire route, including in tunnels' will also be created, HS2 Ltd pledged. Construction relating to many of these contracts is expected to begin in 2026 and 2027 when the main civil engineering work reaches its conclusion. Work has started on two-thirds of HS2's viaducts and nearly half its bridges. Highlights in 2023 included the start of platform installation at the new Old Oak Common station in West London, the completion of a twin-bore tunnel beneath Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire and crossing the halfway point in construction of the Colne Valley Viaduct just outside north-west London. HS2's workforce passed the 30,000 mark for the first time, with tens of thousands more jobs supported through the supply chain. Sir Jon added: 'This is a project of phenomenal scale and ambition, and we're immensely proud of the progress made between London and the West Midlands throughout 2023. 'There will be no let-up in delivery in 2024. 'The transition in our focus towards railway systems represents another significant milestone and will edge us ever closer towards bringing this transformational project to life.' HS2 Ltd is recruiting a new chief executive after incumbent Mark Thurston left the role in September. Train services on HS2 are expected to launch between 2029 and 2033. During the Conservative party conference in October, Rishi Sunak scrapped the planned HS2 line between Birmingham and Manchester. Sunak claimed: 'The facts have changed.' Addressing his party conference, Sunak said the project had come from a 'false consensus' that links between big cities were 'all that matters.' Sunak said he would instead invest in transport projects across the country. Aviva will receive an estimated 80million extra from the deal to offload its stake in Singapore Life Holdings (Singlife). The insurance giant initially agreed in September to sell its 25.9 per cent holding in Singlife, in addition to two debt instruments, to Japanese company Sumitomo Life for 800million. It now expects to receive 930million in total proceeds related to the sale after Sumitomo reached a separate arrangement to buy the Singlife stake belonging to asset manager TPG Capital. Disposal: Aviva initially agreed in September to sell its 25.9 per cent holding in Singlife, in addition to two debt instruments, to Japanese company Sumitomo Life for 800million Aviva expects to use the additional cash for either reinvestment, investor returns, or mergers and acquisition deals when the deal is finalised, which it expects to happen in the first quarter of next year. The FTSE 100 firm completed the largest-ever insurance sector merger deal in Singaporean history when it sold a 75 per cent stake in Aviva Singapore for about 1.8billion in 2020 to a consortium led by Singlife. After Aviva agreed to sell its Singlife holding three months ago, its chief executive, Amanda Blanc, said the transaction represented a 'good outcome' and left the group in 'a very strong position to build on our trading momentum.' Under Blanc, Aviva has sold off numerous foreign divisions to help reduce its debts, simplify operations, and focus on its UK, Irish and Canadian markets. The move also followed pressure from Swedish activist investor Cevian Capital to hand more money to shareholders. Cevian disposed of its entire Aviva stake in May after the London-based business had returned 5billion to investors since 2021. Upon the disposal, one Cevian partner hailed Blanc for transforming Aviva from a 'poorly-performing conglomerate into a focused and well-performing insurance company.' In its most recent trading update, Aviva said it anticipated beating medium-term financial targets and boosting annual operating profits by 5 to 7 per cent despite higher weather-related claims, including from storms Babet and Ciaran in the UK. Alongside this, the group revealed general insurance premiums rose to 8billion in the first nine months of 2023 following robust performances across all three of its core territories. In particular, the firm benefited from higher demand for private health insurance in the UK amid record NHS waiting lists and a surge in corporate customers at its workplace pensions business. Aviva shares were 0.35 per cent higher at 432.6p on early Wednesday afternoon but have still declined considerably since the Covid-19 pandemic started. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO Free Report) by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 4,617 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 139 shares during the quarter. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLCs holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $2,337,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Halpern Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 307.7% in the 3rd quarter. Halpern Financial Inc. now owns 53 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the period. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Live Oak Investment Partners acquired a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 2nd quarter valued at about $37,000. Finally, Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO bought a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 3rd quarter valued at about $38,000. 87.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: Thermo Fisher Scientific Stock Performance Shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific stock traded down $0.56 on Tuesday, reaching $528.49. The stock had a trading volume of 191,828 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,588,127. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $479.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $509.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a current ratio of 1.63. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $415.60 and a fifty-two week high of $609.85. The stock has a market cap of $204.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 0.83. Thermo Fisher Scientific Dividend Announcement Thermo Fisher Scientific ( NYSE:TMO Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The medical research company reported $5.69 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.61 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $10.57 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.60 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a net margin of 13.68% and a return on equity of 18.88%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $5.08 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 21.52 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.26%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics dividend payout ratio is currently 9.17%. Thermo Fisher Scientific announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program on Tuesday, November 14th that authorizes the company to buyback $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the medical research company to repurchase up to 2.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TMO has been the topic of several recent research reports. Robert W. Baird reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $670.00 price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $670.00 to $630.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $657.00 to $579.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, TheStreet downgraded shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, November 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $597.53. Read Our Latest Report on TMO Insider Buying and Selling at Thermo Fisher Scientific In related news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $456.15, for a total value of $4,561,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 131,175 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,835,476.25. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock. About Thermo Fisher Scientific (Free Report) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the United States and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, clinical next-generation sequencing, bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TMO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report published on Saturday morning. WBS has been the topic of a number of other reports. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Webster Financial from $53.00 to $48.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on Webster Financial from $53.00 to $47.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Citigroup began coverage on shares of Webster Financial in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $51.00 price target on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Webster Financial from $50.00 to $42.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $53.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Webster Financial has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $50.75. Get Webster Financial alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on WBS Webster Financial Price Performance Shares of Webster Financial stock opened at $51.56 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.88 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Webster Financial has a twelve month low of $31.03 and a twelve month high of $56.00. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $43.79 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $42.23. Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The financial services provider reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $677.50 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $686.11 million. Webster Financial had a return on equity of 13.65% and a net margin of 24.45%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.46 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Webster Financial will post 6.03 EPS for the current year. Webster Financial Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 13th. Investors of record on Friday, November 3rd were issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.10%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 2nd. Webster Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 30.65%. Institutional Trading of Webster Financial A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in WBS. Neo Ivy Capital Management purchased a new stake in Webster Financial in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. NBC Securities Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Webster Financial during the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Webster Financial by 9,388.9% during the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 854 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 845 shares during the period. Montag A & Associates Inc. bought a new position in shares of Webster Financial during the second quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Webster Financial during the third quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.37% of the companys stock. About Webster Financial (Get Free Report) Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides commercial real estate and equipment financing, business banking, asset-based lending, and commercial services; public sector finance; mortgage warehouse financing; treasury management services; credit, deposit, and cash flow management services; and wealth management solutions to business owners and operators, including trust, asset management, financial planning, insurance, retirement, and investment products, as well as derivative, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and trade products and services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Webster Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Webster Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the five research firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com began coverage on Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Barclays raised Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Get Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria alerts: Get Our Latest Report on BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of BBVA stock opened at $9.12 on Wednesday. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria has a 1-year low of $5.96 and a 1-year high of $9.52. The company has a market cap of $54.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.13, a PEG ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $8.71 and a 200-day simple moving average of $8.09. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The bank reported $0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.36. The business had revenue of $8.66 billion for the quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria had a net margin of 26.36% and a return on equity of 14.46%. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.29 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria will post 1.35 EPS for the current fiscal year. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 10th were issued a $0.1685 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 6th. This represents a dividend yield of 5.1%. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentarias dividend payout ratio is presently 21.09%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Harding Loevner LP raised its holdings in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Harding Loevner LP now owns 21,195,228 shares of the banks stock worth $149,406,000 after acquiring an additional 272,562 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 11.6% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 10,418,594 shares of the banks stock worth $80,014,000 after purchasing an additional 1,079,790 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 1.2% during the third quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 10,345,999 shares of the banks stock worth $83,285,000 after purchasing an additional 117,641 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 8,333,054 shares of the banks stock valued at $63,998,000 after purchasing an additional 21,963 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its stake in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 8,129,565 shares of the banks stock valued at $57,313,000 after buying an additional 195,513 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.83% of the companys stock. About Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Get Free Report Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides retail banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services. It offers current accounts; and demand, savings, overnight, time, term, and subordinated deposits. The company also provides loan products; deals in securities; leasing, factoring, brokerage, and asset management services; and manages pension and investment funds. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six analysts that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $49.33. Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Barclays assumed coverage on Fidelity National Financial in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. They set an equal weight rating and a $44.00 price target on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Fidelity National Financial in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and set a $51.00 price target on shares of Fidelity National Financial in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of Fidelity National Financial from $46.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Fidelity National Financial from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Get Fidelity National Financial alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Fidelity National Financial Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fidelity National Financial Fidelity National Financial Trading Up 0.9 % A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FNF. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Fidelity National Financial by 49.4% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 27,414 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,339,000 after purchasing an additional 9,059 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Fidelity National Financial in the first quarter valued at approximately $266,000. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its stake in Fidelity National Financial by 21.2% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 277,396 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,548,000 after buying an additional 48,434 shares during the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Fidelity National Financial by 8.1% in the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 9,736 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $476,000 after buying an additional 730 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LSV Asset Management lifted its stake in Fidelity National Financial by 40.9% in the first quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 204,300 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $9,978,000 after buying an additional 59,308 shares during the last quarter. 77.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Shares of FNF opened at $50.63 on Wednesday. Fidelity National Financial has a 52-week low of $31.84 and a 52-week high of $50.66. The company has a quick ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 0.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The firms fifty day moving average is $44.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is $40.91. The stock has a market cap of $13.78 billion, a PE ratio of 21.01 and a beta of 1.30. Fidelity National Financial (NYSE:FNF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The financial services provider reported $1.23 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.13 by $0.10. Fidelity National Financial had a return on equity of 15.99% and a net margin of 6.01%. The business had revenue of $2.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.84 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.07 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 13.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that Fidelity National Financial will post 3.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Fidelity National Financial Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a $0.48 dividend. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.79%. This is an increase from Fidelity National Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Fidelity National Financials dividend payout ratio is 79.67%. About Fidelity National Financial (Get Free Report Fidelity National Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various insurance products in the United States. The company operates through Title, F&G, and Corporate and Other segments. It offers title insurance, escrow, and other title related services, including trust activities, trustee sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity National Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity National Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 27. Turkmenistan and Turkish major defense companies discussed the possibilities of further development of mutual relations, Trend reports. According to the official source, these issues were discussed during the meeting of Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the heads of Turkish defense companies 'Baykar Makina Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.' Haluk Bayraktar and 'BMC Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.' Fuat Tosyal. It was noted at the meeting that the comprehensive development and strengthening of strategic and long-term relations with Turkiye is one of the key directions of Turkmenistan's foreign policy strategy. At the meeting, the Turkmen side considered the proposals of Turkish companies that occupy a leading position in the world in the defense industry, within the framework of which relevant agreements were reached in this direction. The businessmen stressed that the supply of new modern samples of high-quality and widely demanded products in the world produced by their companies to Turkmenistan will be a worthy contribution to further strengthening partnership relations. At the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan and Turkish businessmen expressed confidence in further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation. Shares of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the fifteen ratings firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $77.07. A number of research firms have recently issued reports on BBY. UBS Group cut their price objective on Best Buy from $85.00 to $76.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 13th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on Best Buy from $74.00 to $68.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $70.00 price objective on shares of Best Buy in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Telsey Advisory Group cut their price objective on Best Buy from $80.00 to $75.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 17th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Best Buy in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Get Best Buy alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Best Buy Best Buy Price Performance Best Buy stock opened at $77.88 on Wednesday. Best Buy has a 52 week low of $62.30 and a 52 week high of $93.32. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $70.22 and a 200 day simple moving average of $74.43. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The stock has a market cap of $16.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.43, a PEG ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.51. Best Buy (NYSE:BBY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 21st. The technology retailer reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.10. Best Buy had a return on equity of 49.13% and a net margin of 2.93%. The business had revenue of $9.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.90 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.38 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that Best Buy will post 6.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Best Buy Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 12th will be given a dividend of $0.92 per share. This represents a $3.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.73%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 11th. Best Buys payout ratio is 63.45%. Insider Buying and Selling at Best Buy In other Best Buy news, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 110,974 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.00, for a total transaction of $8,544,998.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 19,566,458 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,506,617,266. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Best Buy news, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 110,974 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.00, for a total transaction of $8,544,998.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 19,566,458 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,506,617,266. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 313,728 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.97, for a total value of $24,147,644.16. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 199,448 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,351,512.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 686,796 shares of company stock valued at $52,374,450 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. EA Series Trust purchased a new position in shares of Best Buy during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $222,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Best Buy during the 1st quarter worth approximately $201,000. O Brien Greene & Co. Inc grew its stake in shares of Best Buy by 163.7% in the 2nd quarter. O Brien Greene & Co. Inc now owns 156,954 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $12,862,000 after buying an additional 97,443 shares during the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board grew its stake in shares of Best Buy by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 9,571 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $784,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund grew its stake in shares of Best Buy by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 127,772 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $10,471,000 after buying an additional 1,912 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.10% of the companys stock. Best Buy Company Profile (Get Free Report Best Buy Co, Inc engages in the retail of technology products in the United States and Canada. The company operates in two segments, Domestic and International. Its stores provide computing and mobile phone products, such as desktops, notebooks, and peripherals; mobile phones comprising related mobile network carrier commissions; networking products; tablets covering e-readers; smartwatches; and consumer electronics consisting of digital imaging, health and fitness products, home theater, portable audio comprising headphones and portable speakers, and smart home products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Best Buy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Best Buy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Hold from the eleven ratings firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $146.75. Several brokerages recently commented on DGX. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $148.00 to $149.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. Get Quest Diagnostics alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Quest Diagnostics Institutional Investors Weigh In On Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics Stock Up 0.0 % Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Headinvest LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics in the 3rd quarter worth $36,000. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC boosted its holdings in Quest Diagnostics by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 218 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its position in Quest Diagnostics by 14.6% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,613,793 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $318,517,000 after purchasing an additional 333,947 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 12.3% in the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,554,517 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $433,153,000 after buying an additional 388,162 shares during the period. Finally, Neo Ivy Capital Management purchased a new stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics in the third quarter valued at approximately $659,000. 87.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. NYSE:DGX opened at $136.76 on Wednesday. Quest Diagnostics has a fifty-two week low of $119.59 and a fifty-two week high of $158.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.53 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.12. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $133.39 and its 200-day simple moving average is $133.05. Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The medical research company reported $2.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.19 by $0.03. Quest Diagnostics had a net margin of 8.21% and a return on equity of 15.80%. The business had revenue of $2.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.27 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.36 EPS. The companys revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Quest Diagnostics will post 8.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Quest Diagnostics Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be issued a $0.71 dividend. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 16th. Quest Diagnosticss payout ratio is currently 42.64%. Quest Diagnostics Company Profile (Get Free Report Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine testing, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services. Featured Articles 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. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC grew its position in MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Free Report) by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 14,155 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 231 shares during the quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLCs holdings in MetLife were worth $890,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Capital Advisory Group Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in MetLife during the third quarter worth approximately $589,000. Caprock Group LLC lifted its position in MetLife by 2.5% during the third quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 17,770 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,118,000 after buying an additional 436 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC lifted its position in MetLife by 4.1% during the third quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 5,467 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $344,000 after buying an additional 217 shares in the last quarter. Mcrae Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in MetLife by 20.0% during the third quarter. Mcrae Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,800 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $365,000 after buying an additional 965 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Founders Financial Securities LLC lifted its position in MetLife by 5.0% during the third quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 12,592 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $792,000 after buying an additional 605 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.14% of the companys stock. Get MetLife alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets MET has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on MetLife from $79.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. Barclays restated an overweight rating and issued a $71.00 target price on shares of MetLife in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their target price on MetLife from $79.00 to $77.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on MetLife in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on MetLife from $85.00 to $82.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $75.58. MetLife Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of NYSE MET opened at $66.24 on Wednesday. MetLife, Inc. has a twelve month low of $48.95 and a twelve month high of $73.92. The company has a current ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 0.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $62.61 and a 200-day simple moving average of $61.55. The stock has a market capitalization of $49.03 billion, a PE ratio of 24.35, a PEG ratio of 0.72 and a beta of 1.05. MetLife (NYSE:MET Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The financial services provider reported $1.97 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.99 by ($0.02). MetLife had a net margin of 3.60% and a return on equity of 19.14%. The firm had revenue of $15.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.49 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.21 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 28.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that MetLife, Inc. will post 7.46 earnings per share for the current year. MetLife Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 14th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 9th were paid a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 8th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.14%. MetLifes payout ratio is 76.47%. MetLife Company Profile (Free Report) MetLife, Inc, a financial services company, provides insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management services worldwide. It operates through five segments: U.S.; Asia; Latin America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and MetLife Holdings. The company offers life, dental, group short-and long-term disability, individual disability, pet insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, vision, and accident and health coverages, as well as prepaid legal plans; administrative services-only arrangements to employers; and general and separate account, and synthetic guaranteed interest contracts, as well as private floating rate funding agreements. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MetLife Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MetLife and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in Capital One Financial Co. (NYSE:COF) by 6.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,204 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 130 shares during the period. Proficio Capital Partners LLCs holdings in Capital One Financial were worth $214,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of COF. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its position in Capital One Financial by 25.3% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 7,940 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,042,000 after acquiring an additional 1,601 shares during the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. grew its position in Capital One Financial by 9.2% during the 1st quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 3,979 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $522,000 after acquiring an additional 335 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Capital One Financial by 11.4% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,959 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $388,000 after acquiring an additional 303 shares during the last quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. grew its position in Capital One Financial by 4.1% during the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 43,094 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,658,000 after acquiring an additional 1,698 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its position in Capital One Financial by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 25,248 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,315,000 after acquiring an additional 1,008 shares during the last quarter. 90.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Capital One Financial alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Capital One Financial from $130.00 to $126.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Capital One Financial from $125.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 18th. Morgan Stanley raised Capital One Financial from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $87.00 to $120.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. TD Cowen assumed coverage on Capital One Financial in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. They set a market perform rating and a $106.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, HSBC assumed coverage on Capital One Financial in a report on Friday, October 13th. They set a reduce rating and a $84.00 price objective on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Capital One Financial currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $112.15. Capital One Financial Stock Performance Shares of Capital One Financial stock opened at $130.73 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $49.79 billion, a PE ratio of 9.82, a PEG ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 1.46. Capital One Financial Co. has a 12 month low of $83.93 and a 12 month high of $132.14. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $109.92 and its 200 day simple moving average is $107.26. Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The financial services provider reported $4.45 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.35 by $1.10. The business had revenue of $9.37 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.21 billion. Capital One Financial had a return on equity of 9.77% and a net margin of 11.43%. The firms revenue was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $4.20 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Capital One Financial Co. will post 12.79 EPS for the current year. Capital One Financial Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Investors of record on Monday, November 13th were paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.84%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 10th. Capital One Financials payout ratio is presently 18.03%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Ann F. Hackett sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $120.00, for a total transaction of $240,000.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 59,980 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,197,600. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other Capital One Financial news, Director Ann F. Hackett sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $120.00, for a total transaction of $240,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 59,980 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,197,600. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Richard D. Fairbank sold 3,891 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.88, for a total value of $392,524.08. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 3,848,412 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $388,227,802.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 99,538 shares of company stock valued at $12,083,142. 1.41% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Capital One Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One Bank (USA), National Association; and Capital One, National Association, which provides various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Capital One Financial Co. (NYSE:COF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Capital One Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capital One Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE:BBU Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $22.72 and last traded at $20.89, with a volume of 782 shares. The stock had previously closed at $20.91. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Desjardins set a $30.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Business Partners and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $28.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Business Partners in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Credit Suisse Group restated an outperform rating and set a $26.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Business Partners in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Finally, Scotiabank upped their target price on shares of Brookfield Business Partners from $25.00 to $26.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $28.70. Get Brookfield Business Partners alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Brookfield Business Partners Brookfield Business Partners Stock Performance The firms fifty day moving average is $16.06 and its 200 day moving average is $16.53. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.52. Brookfield Business Partners (NYSE:BBU Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The business services provider reported ($0.20) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.85 by ($1.05). The firm had revenue of $14.40 billion for the quarter. Brookfield Business Partners had a net margin of 0.67% and a return on equity of 2.21%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.56 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Brookfield Business Partners L.P. will post 3.78 EPS for the current year. Brookfield Business Partners Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.0625 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $0.25 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.20%. Brookfield Business Partnerss payout ratio is -624.84%. Insider Activity at Brookfield Business Partners In related news, major shareholder Gp Ltd Bcp sold 132,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.47, for a total transaction of $327,769.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 30,368,482 shares in the company, valued at approximately $75,010,150.54. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 745,558 shares of company stock worth $1,687,024. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brookfield Business Partners A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in Brookfield Business Partners by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 8,779,849 shares of the business services providers stock worth $133,455,000 after acquiring an additional 128,970 shares in the last quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. grew its stake in Brookfield Business Partners by 19.3% in the 3rd quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 81,371 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,229,000 after acquiring an additional 13,155 shares in the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. grew its stake in Brookfield Business Partners by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 166,300 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,525,000 after acquiring an additional 6,700 shares in the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC bought a new position in Brookfield Business Partners in the 3rd quarter worth about $476,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. grew its stake in Brookfield Business Partners by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 237,099 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,604,000 after acquiring an additional 5,877 shares in the last quarter. 79.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Brookfield Business Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brookfield Business Partners L.P. is a private equity firm specializing in acquisition. The firm typically invests in business services, infrastructure services, construction, energy, and industrials sector. It prefers to take majority stake in companies. The firm seeks returns of at least 15% on its investments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Business Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Business Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 27. Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Turkiye have signed a protocol on the development of transport links along the Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan Iran Turkiye transport corridor, Trend reports. The document was signed within the framework of the first meeting of the railway administrations of the countries participating in the Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan Iran Turkiye transport corridor in Istanbul. The implementation of competitive railway prices and an increase in traffic volumes along the route were the main topics of discussion. The parties agreed that establishing affordable and competitive transportation pricing along this route will contribute to an increase in the volume of goods and cargo transported. Meanwhile, the Protocol on the formation of the Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan Iran Turkiye transport corridor was signed within the framework of the 12th meeting of Ministers of Transport of the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization in November of 2023. As per Uzbekistans Transport Ministry, the newly formed corridor is an important element of the development of transport infrastructure and trade relations between the countries of the region. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 27. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have discussed acceleration of the implementation of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway construction project, Trend reports The news followed a meeting between Uzbek Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Afghanistan Hamidullo Ohunzoda. The meeting addressed the development of cooperation between the countries in the field of transport and logistics. During the talks, the parties discussed the issues of fees and charges for road transportation, as well as transit and bilateral transportation through the territory of Afghanistan, especially along the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan corridor. In particular, the ministers negotiated the adoption of tariff benefits for railway transportation. The administrations of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan signed a road map for the building of the Termez-Mazar-I-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway in February 2021. According to the calculations of the participants in the project, with a preliminary cost of about $5 billion, the new transport corridor with a transit potential of up to 20 million tons of cargo should connect the countries of Europe, Russia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and further the states of Southeast Asia. December 27, 2023 2023 has been a fruitful year for hackers. Unfortunately, things are not likely to slow down just yet. As people scurry to finish their holiday shopping, online criminals are busier than ever attempting to get that last phishing email sent in the hopes of catching something big. And so, businesses large and small were targets yet again this year for the hottest commodity in recent history data. The cost of the average data breach grows by the day, standing at a lucrative $4.45 million. With cybercriminals changing tactics from one minute to the next, its seemingly impossible to keep up with online threats looming around every digital corner. Application security tools are an integral part of cybersecurity, with breaches costing businesses not only millions but also hindering reputations in terms of security. Think of application security as the lock on your front door, and data breaches as criminals trying to get in. If your lock (aka application security) is weak, it isnt a problem for hackers to get in and steal your data. Strengthening that lock by improving application security helps protect your business against the increasing threat of data breaches. Lets take a look at the biggest known data breaches of 2023 and in turn attempt to understand the cybersecurity forecast for the upcoming year. 5 Data Breaches From 2023 ChatGPT Arguably the most popular AI tool on the market, ChatGPT has been a hot topic since its inception. In March 2023, however, it hit digital news outlets for all the wrong reasons. A bug allowed for the possible exposure of personal data of some of its ChatGPT Plus subscribers. This included things like: First and last names of users Email addresses Payment addresses The last four digits of credit card numbers Credit card expiration dates The Open AI platform shut down while managing the issue. It was explicitly stated that full credit card numbers were never revealed, and the bug has since been fixed. However, data leaks such as this may have been nipped in the bud with proper application security tools. T-Mobile One of the most popular mobile carriers in the US, and the world, T-Mobile experienced a data breach of epic proportions in September 2023. Unfortunately, it isn't the first to occur to the telecommunications giant. This time, it came packaged as two separate incidents. Hacker forums were ablaze with not only T-Mobile (News - Alert) employee data (including partial Social Security numbers and email addresses) but also the exposure of customer data. A system error within the T-Mobile app meant that users could access the data of other T-Mobile users. Personal information such as phone numbers, billing addresses, and account balances. The company said that the issue, which came from a glitch, affected less than 100 customers. However, reports that came to light later suggest that as many as millions of customers may have had their personal information exposed. The importance of utilizing powerful application security tools cannot be stressed enough, particularly in this instance. Mailchimp Back in January of 2023, Mailchimp, a go-to email marketing platform was yet another big name to suffer a data breach. This happened when a hacker was able to gain access to Mailchimps tools which are typically used by teams who interact with their customers. Having access to an internal customer service tool, thats also used for account management, the criminal was able to compromise data of more than 100 customers. Mailchimp was quick to address the topic, with a statement on the website saying: Based on our investigation to date, this targeted incident has been limited to 133 Mailchimp accounts. There is no evidence that this compromise affected Intuit (News - Alert) systems or customer data beyond these Mailchimp accounts. After we identified evidence of an unauthorized actor, we temporarily suspended account access for Mailchimp accounts where we detected suspicious activity to protect our users data. We notified the primary contacts for all affected accounts on January 12, less than 24 hours after initial discovery. Chick-fil-A US fast food chain, Chick-fil-A suffered a breach on both their website and application, where user accounts were stolen as part of a credential-stuffing attack. The accounts were found online for $2-$200 depending on the rewards found on the accounts as well as the linked payment methods. More than 71,000 accounts were affected. Shein One of the best ways for e-commerce platforms to sell to customers is through mobile apps. With more than 100 million downloads, the Shein shopping application encountered a safety issue, discovered by Microsoft (News - Alert) earlier this year. One of the versions of the app in Google Play was accessing the clipboard of devices and sending the contents to a remote server. Clipboards are a hackers sweet spot because people typically use them to copy/paste sensitive information like logins or credit card information. With this type of information in their hands, bad actors can take that clipboard data, steal passwords, launch phishing attacks, steal identities, and so on. Shein users are advised to update to the latest version to prevent any potential attacks. Application Security (News - Alert) Tools Are a Must in 2024 Data breaches and general online crime are on the rise. A lucrative means for financial success, at least from a hackers point of view. While an increasing amount of businesses are investing in cybersecurity, some still put application security tools on the back burner. But these application security tools safeguard your application from various cyber threats and keep users safe and happy. And the best customer is a returning customer. Application security tools detect vulnerabilities. Shield sensitive data, and prevent unauthorized access, in turn reducing the risk of sensitive data breaches like the ones mentioned here. Investing in such tools is not just a precaution. It is a proactive measure that keeps your data safe, protecting your business from potential breaches, and keeping your customers trust intact. [December 26, 2023] INSPIRE MEDICAL ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Announces that a Class Action Lawsuit Has Been Filed Against Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm Tweet Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. ("Inspire Medical" or the "Company") (NYSE: INSP) in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Inspire Medical common stock between May 3, 2023 and November 7, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors have until February 20, 2024 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. Click here to participate in the action. Inspire Medical is a medical technology company that develops and commercializes minimally invasive products for patients with obstructive sleep apnea ("OSA") that require prior authorizations from doctors. In 2022, Inspire Medical introduced a pilot program (the "Acceleration Program") through which the Company's Advisor Care Program team, with the customer on the phone, would directly access doctors' electronic schedules and schedule doctor appointments online, without the need for phone calls. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants touted the Acceleration Program's effectiveness, claiming that the program had achieved a "30% improvement in physician appointments," and that by August 2023, "about 60-plus centers are using the tool right now." The Class Action alleges that, during theClass Period, Defendants misled investors and/or failed to disclose that: (1) despite the Acceleration Program, customers were encountering challenges with the prior authorization submission process, including with the scheduling of appointments; (2) a slowdown in prior authorization submissions arising from these challenges led to a shortfall of hundreds of procedures to implant the Company's OSA device; and (3) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's financial guidance, business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. After the close of markets on November 7, 2023, the Company announced disappointing earnings results for the third quarter of 2023, including "a decline in prior authorization submissions for patients seeking Inspire therapy." Inspire Medical further admitted it had started to "track" problems with the Acceleration Program no later than the second quarter of 2023, the Company "had strong confirmation" of the problems with the Acceleration Program, and the Company "realized we needed to take some corrective action." In response to this news, shares of Inspire Medical declined approximately 20%, from a closing price of $161.74 per share on November 7, 2023, to a closing price of $129.95 per share on November 8, 2023. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Inspire Medical shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at [email protected], telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, California, and South Carolina. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231226854642/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 26, 2023] Nagad honoured as Most Emerging Brand of Bangladesh Tweet DHAKA, Bangladesh, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nagad, a popular mobile financial service provider, has been identified as the Most Emerging Brand in Bangladesh, experiencing an unparalleled rise in the brand equity index for three consecutive years. This accolade was bestowed upon Nagad at the 15th edition of the Best Brand Award 2023 held at a five-star hotel in Dhaka recently. Nagad's Chief Marketing Officer Sadat Adnan Ahmad, Chief Commercial Officer Md Shihab Uddin Chowdhury and other top officials received the prestigious award. Bangladesh Brand Forum in partnership with nSearch Ltd. conducted a survey involving 10,000 interviews of customers living in both urban and rural areas, and identified Nagad as the most Emerging Brand of Bangladesh. Founder and Managing Director of Tanvir A Mishuk views this recognition as a reflection of customer love. He says, "While being acknowledged as one of the nation's premier brands is indeed an honour, our true aspiration lies in garnering the affection of our customers by contributing to the socio-economic development of our cuntry. And that's exactly what we've been striving for over the past four years, culminating adoration of over 8.5 crore customers." Besides, Nagad has recently achieved success in digital marketing and various other domains. Tanvir A Mishuk expressed, "These awards stand as evidence of our team's hard work and dedication. Simultaneously, we're actively elevating our customer engagement on digital platforms." He added, "Our company is consistently involved in digital innovations, as we evolve to continually address the changing needs of our customers." Only in four years of its inception, Nagad has become a popular MFS provider of 8.5 crore customers. Alongside popularising digital payments across the country as well as ensuring market competition, its daily transactions now average $112 million. To take customer experience to a new high in terms of digital transactions, the world's fastest growing company is going to establish a digital bank within a few months, with all necessary preparations, including technological upgradation, nearing completion. 10 Digital Marketing Awards 2023 for Nagad Recently, Nagad Ltd clinched an impressive ten awards, including two gold, at the 7th edition of the Digital Marketing Award 2023, hosted by Bangladesh Brand Forum. The MFS provider also won two silver and six bronze awards in various categories. Among the awards received by Nagad Ltd. were accolades for "Best Use of PR in Digital Platform" (gold) for the country's first-ever BMW mega campaign, "Best Use of Influencer" (gold) that helped to bring together Tamim and Shakib in the same frame. About Nagad Ltd (https://www.nagad.com.bd/) Nagad Limited is one of the leading MFS operators in Bangladesh's payment industry with 85 million registered customers and an average daily transaction of about USD 112 million. The digital payment platform, known as a successful publi c-private partnership between Bangladesh Postal Department and the private sector, was inaugurated in 2019 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/nagad-honoured-as-most-emerging-brand-of-bangladesh-302022321.html SOURCE Nagad Limited [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2023] Rockwell Automation Lights Up Homes and Schools Across the Country Tweet Collaborates with Habitat for Humanity India to install solar panels in Assam, Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal as a part of a nationwide campaign NEW DELHI, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, the world's largest company focused on industrial automation and digital transformation, has successfully concluded another phase of its nationwide solar energy access project. The project is a collaboration with Habitat for Humanity India, and supports schools and families in Assam, Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal with renewable energy through the installation of rooftop solar systems. The panels will generate more than 20 units of electricity per day, helping schools and families to meet their energy needs and save on utility bills. The installation has been completed at Gurukul Academy in Balijokaibowa, Majuli Island district, Assam, benefiting 207 students. Solar panels were also installed at Mairapur (Garo Basti), Rani, Kamrup Rural, in the state, where it benefited as many as 514 students. Additionally, solar panels were installed at Bankati and Malandighi village of Kanksa Block at Durgapur in Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal, which will power 50 households. Installations have also been completed at the Government Primary School and the Holy Family School at Ghaziabad in Delhi NCR. Speaking on the occasion, Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director, Rockwell Automation India, said, "At Rockwell Automation, we put technology to use to expand human potential, and cultivate sustainable societies. Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity India to light up the lives of underprivileged families' homes and schools in the remotest corners of India using renewable solar power is a marvelous example of expanding human possibility and we are thrilled with the progress that the project is already delivering for schools and families across India." Solar panels were also installed in two schools at Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu. Around 1,177 studentsbenefited from the project at the Government Model Higher Secondary School in Alamathi and 2,300 at the Government Girls Model Higher Secondary School in Avadi in the district. Installations are ongoing in Maharashtra. In addition to the installation of the solar power appliances, the communities were given an orientation and demonstration on its usage and maintenance by Habitat for Humanity India. James Samuel, National Director (Interim), Habitat for Humanity India, said, "We are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the latest stage of the nationwide project providing solar energy in collaboration with Rockwell Automation. In alignment with our core mission of ensuring decent housing for all, the installation of rooftop solar systems marks a significant milestone. Beyond meeting immediate energy needs, the project also plays a crucial role in promoting long-term savings, contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future for communities. Through collaborative efforts, we are not just installing solar panels; we are illuminating the path toward a more resilient and prosperous tomorrow for everyone involved." Rockwell Automation has previously provided sustainable and renewable energy solutions through solar home lighting systems to 905 families across Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra), Kangpokpi, Churachandpur (Manipur) and Peren (Nagaland). About Habitat for Humanity India Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort. The housing organisation has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In India, since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported more than 38 million people by helping them build or improve a place they can call home, build improved sanitation units and provide humanitarian aid and disaster resilient shelter solutions in the aftermath of natural disasters. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.habitatindia.org About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 29,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/rockwell-automation-lights-up-homes-and-schools-across-the-country-302022334.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2023] CitySavings Brings Banking Services Closer Through Bank-on-Wheels Tweet PASIG, Philippines, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Advocating for financial inclusion, City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), debuts its groundbreaking Bank-on-Wheels (BOW) mobile kiosk. The BOW services underserved regions in the Visayas and Mindanao and designated areas in Metro Manila. The Bank-on-Wheels mobile kiosk in collaboration with UnionBank, features services such as balance inquiry and cash withdrawal, making these more accessible to customers. The BOW also champions the Bank's sustainability endeavors by utilizing batteries to power the automatic teller machines (ATMs), contributing to eco-friendly operations and minimizing carbon emissions. CitySavings Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Ocampo shared how this pursuit contributes to elevating communities through financial inclusion and sustainability. "Through Bank-on-Wheels, we bring convenient banking closer to our customers in the more remote areas. Extending services to regions where branch accessibility might be a challenge ensures easier access for our customers for their daily banking needs. This initiative is a glimpse of what's to come as we strive to enhance accessibility and improve our services for our fellow Filipinos." "We take pride in the fact that this initiative prioritizes environmental responsibility without compromising growth and expansion. Our goal is to infuse sustainability into our efforts, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable prosperity across the country," added CitySavings President Manuel Santiago, Jr. About City Savings Bank: City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) is the thrift bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and a member of the Aboitiz Group. It is one of the largest thrift banks in the country, providing a wide range of mass market financial products and services, such as salary loans to public and private school teachers, pension loans to GSIS and SSS pensioners, motorcycle loans, government salary loans, AFP salary loans, BFP salary loans, and traditional deposit products. Today, CitySavings has more than 140 branches nationwide. It is well on its way to becoming the leading mass market bank in the Philippines, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable prosperity across the country. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/citysavings-brings-banking-services-closer-through-bank-on-wheels-302022738.html SOURCE Union Bank of the Philippines [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2023] Cenlar Promotes Four Leaders to Vice President and One to Director Tweet Cenlar FSB, the nation's leading mortgage loan subservicer, announced today the promotion of four leaders to Vice President and one to Director - all of whom enable us to offer the most innovative, high quality and flexible servicing solutions to the market. "Congratulations to this team on their very well-deserved promotions. You all exemplify the best of our company and continue to deliver the most exceptional service to both our internal and external stakeholders," said Chief Administrative Officer Glen Vilim. Our promoted Vice Presidents include: Shanth Ananthuni to, Vice President of Digital Transformation. Shanth joined Cenlar in 2016 as a Solutions Architect and has been promoted up through his current role of Director of Information Technology where he continues to be a high performer and outstanding leader within technology. In his new leadership role, Shanth will continue to lead our automation efforts and digital program strategy. Shanth has more than 20 years of technical leadership and expertise. Before Cenlar, Shanth served as a Digital Program Manager and Strategist for Bank of America/Merrill Lynch. He also held several Solutions Architect and technical program management roles at Collaborative Consulting, GMAC Mortgage Corp./Ally Bank and Accenture Consulting. Shanth holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Findlay and an MS in Information Systems Management from the University of Akron. He also holds several professional certifications, including Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and the Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP). Dana Cifelli, to Vice President of Internal Communications. In this role, Dana will focus on both strategic and tactical execution for all internal communication plans and activities across the enterprise, as well as employee engagement. Dana is responsible for developing the vision and strategy for effective and consistent communication plans that promote Cenlar's internal branding, and enhancing the company's culture and employee experience that aligns to our corporate goals. Dana is a strategic marketing and communications leader with over 15 years of experience in branding strategies and project management. Dana joined Cenlar in 2021 to lead the Contct Center Communications. Prior to coming to Cenlar, Dana was with Verizon for more than 10 years where she held several leadership roles, including Chief of Staff. She earned her Master's in Business Administration from Centenary University and a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dana also holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. David Drakesmith, to Vice President of Information Technology. David partners with business stakeholders to provide reporting and analytics for operational, financial and program performance for loan servicing. He will continue to further Cenlar's automation efforts for reporting services for our clients, investors and internal business partners as part of our technology transformation strategy. David joined Cenlar in 2018. He has more than 25 years of mortgage banking and financial services experience. Before Cenlar, David worked at CitiMortgage where he held several senior leadership roles in default servicing and project management. David earned his Bachelor of Science in Administrative Management from Missouri State University. Bernadette Felix, to Vice President of Information Technology. Bernadette joined Cenlar in 2021 as Director of Information Technology. She will continue to lead the Servicing Systems team. Bernadette has more than 35 years of mortgage banking experience. She has held IT project management leadership positions at Ocwen Financial, GMAC ResCap and GMAC Mortgage Corp. She has extensive experience with the operation and technology aspects of loan servicing and is well versed in the development of information systems strategies and policies across complex functional levels. Our promoted Director includes: Jonathan Lobb, to Director of Investor Relations. In this role, Jonathan serves as a primary point of contact with investors, government agencies, rating agencies and their auditors. This role will partner with our Investor Relations Officer to create and apply a consistent program to manage Cenlar's agency investors and rating agencies. Jonathan joined Cenlar in March of 2020 as a Manager in Compliance where he was responsible for managing all aspects of the full scope reviews for the GSEs (including Fannie Mae STAR and Freddie Mac CORE Reviews), Fitch Ratings, S&P Global's Servicer Evaluations, and Government Agencies Lender Review. Jonathan is an attorney who worked at a large creditor's rights law firm that represented mortgage lenders and servicers in foreclosure and related legal proceedings in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As the firm's REO attorney, Jonathan handled thousands of real estate transactions for the GSEs, mortgage lenders and investors. Jonathan earned his Juris Doctor from Widener School of Law and his bachelor's degree from Cabrini College. About Cenlar FSB Cenlar FSB is the nation's leading subservicer, servicing loans in 50 states and its U.S. territories. Cenlar boasts a loyal and growing client base including banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Our employees, strategically located throughout the United States, are dedicated to customer satisfaction and teamwork that drives client solutions unparalleled in quality, flexibility and innovation. Headquartered in Ewing, NJ, Cenlar is industry rated and audited regularly by independent third parties. For more information, visit www.cenlar.com. Find us on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cenlar-fsb/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227896346/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2023] Evermos Wins Nikkei Asia Award 2023 for Its Dedication to Empowering Women's Economic Independence Tweet BANDUNG, Indonesia, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Evermos is proud to announce its latest achievement in winning the prestigious Nikkei Asia Award 2023. This award is a form of recognition for Evermos' dedication in supporting the economic independence of women, especially those living in areas with minimal employment opportunities, by providing employment opportunities, encouraging people to become business owners, as well as providing free access to entrepreneurship training. Evermos was selected as the winner of the Nikkei Asia Award from among 244 nominations received from countries and regions throughout Asia. The Nikkei Asia Award itself is an award given to recognize innovation and extraordinary achievements originating from Asia, which have a positive impact both locally and globally. One of these awards focuses on initiatives that can provide access to economic prosperity, in an effort to improve people's quality of life. "We are expressing sincere gratitude for the prestigious Nikkei Asia Award, marking a noteworthy early achievement in our journey. This acknowledgment underscores the substantial work ahead as we continue our journey in empowering more local entrepreneurs and contributing to the economic advancement of Indonesia," said Arip Tirta, Co-founder & President of Evermos. "While many e-commerce platforms with similar services are spread across parts of Asia, however, the noteworthy points of Evermos is that it has brought jobs to many rural and households in poverty and people who have not had the opportunity to hone their business skills," explained Fujio Mitarai, Advisory Board Nikkei Asia Award 2023. "The number of people supported by Evermos has expanded to more than 600,000, many of whom are women, which gives the company's activities certain social significance." "Women's empowerment is an integral part of Evermos. "More than 70% of our resellers are women, and quite many of them live in rural areas," said Iqbal Muslimin, Co-founder & Chief of Sustainability at Evermos. "Earning the trust to receive the Nikkei Asia Award is like a trigger for us to continue striving for a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for Indonesian women in achieving greater economic prosperity. The success of Evermos is not just the success story of one company, but also represents the Nikkei Asia Award's efforts to recognize and encourage innovation that can bring about positive change. This award adds to Evermos' growing list of achievements and further strengthens its position as a key player in developing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. About Evermos: Evermos is a connected commerce platform that empowers local brands and underserved communities by providing a distribution network and commerce services focused on curated products based on Sharia principles. It is also a one-stop platform offering comprehensive support services for entrepreneurs, ranging from local brand owners, resellers, to pro sellers. Various free entrepreneurship training programs are available for anyone within the Evermos reseller network to support their success, regardless of gender, educational background, geographic location, or income level. Established in November 2018, Evermos has built the largest reseller-based connected commerce network in Indonesia, with over 165,000 active sellers across the country and 1,600 MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) partners. To date, Evermos has received numerous industry awards, including the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch award in the Asia-Pacific region, the UN Women 2022 Indonesian Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) award, and membership in the global Endeavor Entrepreneur network. Evermos is also a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Innovators Community, an invitation-only group of the most promising startup and scale-up companies worldwide at the forefront of technological innovation and ethical business models. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/evermos-wins-nikkei-asia-award-2023-for-its-dedication-to-empowering-womens-economic-independence-302022829.html SOURCE Evermos [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2023] Intellias to Unveil New Digital Automotive Cockpit Technology at CES Tweet Company's latest-generation IntelliKit features Rightware's Kanzi One human-machine interface toolchain CHICAGO, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intellias will unveil a new digital cockpit with Rightware's Kanzi One technology to accelerate the development of dynamic, consumer-friendly automotive instrument panels at CES 2024 on January 9-12 in Las Vegas. IntelliKit, a digital cockpit designed by Intellias, will showcase for CES attendees how the company's engineers seamlessly integrate hardware and software from partnerships in the automotive sector to speed the development of cockpit systems. Rightware's Kanzi One HMI (Human Machine Interface) kit and Qualcomm's fourth-generation Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platform are among the systems featured in the Intellias portable but fully functional digital cockpit. Intellias experts, including Vice President of Delivery and Mobility Oleksandr Odukha, Technology Director Adam Konopa and Delivery Director Sergii Shcherbakov, will be available to discuss IntelliKit features along with a variety of other mobility-related topics at the company's exhibit in the West Hall (Booth 7075) of the Las Vegas Convention Center CES 2024 - Intellias. Konopa explained that Intellikit with Rightware Kanzi One enables faster, easier prototyping of digital screens. It also speeds up user-interface development processes by linking and creating new interaction logic between different components. "Harnessing the power of Rightware's Kanzi One HMI tools nt only showcases our proficiency in orchestrating a diverse ecosystem of software and hardware partners, but also allows us to revolutionize the way we develop and integrate software," Konopa said. "With Intellikit empowered by Kanzi One we're able to simplify and accelerate the prototyping of digital screens, forging a path to the development of more intelligent and dynamic digital instrument panels." Rightware's Head of Partnerships Derek Sellin noted that the company's partnership with Intellias was established in 2022, adding that Rightware's Kanzi One provides a virtually limitless toolchain for the creation of visually stunning digital automotive cockpits with optimized performance. "Proven by more than a decade in mass production, Kanzi One is the dedicated automotive HMI creation tool that automotive manufacturers trust to deliver the best brand experience in their vehicles," Sellin said. "Development of a unique signature UI with Kanzi One can be expedited in partnership with experts from Intellias and its advanced IntelliKit solution." Intellias also recently announced a partnership with Rightware to assist in training students as part of its IntelliDrive program at Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv. IntelliDrive students are studying embedded-software development under the mentorship of Intellias experts. The establishment of a new Kanzi Learning Lab with Rightware will provide students with an opportunity to become more familiar with leading-edge cockpit design. "The Kanzi Learning Lab will give students experience in automotive HMI design using Kanzi One while our partnership with Intellias will expose them to leading software experts as part of their studies," Sellin added. "We look forward to continued collaboration with Intellias and Ukrainian Catholic University to develop these students as industry leaders of tomorrow." About Intellias Intellias is a global technology partner with more than 20 years of experience delivering product engineering and consulting services to Fortune 500 companies. Leading automotive OEMs, Tier One suppliers, transportation and mobility service providers, including HERE Technologies, Elmos, JOYNEXT, TomTom, DKV, and Rand McNally, rely on Intellias to co-create custom solutions and digitally transform their businesses. Intellias answers mobility challenges with deep expertise in connectivity, infotainment systems, autonomous driving, eMobility, and intelligent transportation. More information on Intellias can be found at www.intellias.com. About Rightware Rightware is the pioneering provider of automotive graphics software tools and services headquartered in Finland with a presence in China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and the USA. Its Kanzi One, an all-in-one HMI toolchain, enables automotive OEMs to deliver the best user experience for their customers while transforming the traditional HMI into a real signature UI. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intellias-to-unveil-new-digital-automotive-cockpit-technology-at-ces-302022849.html SOURCE Intellias [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2023] Arkose Labs Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against DataDome Solutions, Inc. and its Parent Company Tweet Arkose Labs, the global leader in bot management and online account security, today announced it filed a lawsuit earlier this morning against DataDome Solutions, Inc. and its parent company (collectively referred to as DataDome) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to stop DataDome from its infringement, and the lawsuit claims DataDome has been conducting unfair business practices and competition. The full complaint can be read through court-held public records, using the filing number: 1:23-cv-01467-UNA. Arkose Labs uses patented technology to help companies, globally, detect and block automated attacks, like computer-generated bots. "For well over a year, Arkose Labs has sought accommodations with DataDome, but those efforts failed, leaving us with no alternative but to file this lawsuit," said Arkose Labs General Counsel Robert Murray. "Our immediate and long-term growth strategy relies heavily on patented innovations, which are developed at a significant effort and cost. This type of Intellectual Property is the cornerstone of our company, and we will vigorously defend our patents where they're being infringed. It's our duty to sheld our customers, partners, and shareholders who have an interest in the success in our company. We take that responsibility seriously and won't ignore when others violate our Intellectual Property rights. Our customers rely heavily on our technology to protect their millions of consumers from bot attacks that are predicate offenses to fraud, money laundering, and disruption." The company holds an extensive patent portfolio and has received numerous industry awards for its innovation. Most recently TIME named the Arkose Bot Manager platform as one of the top 200 innovations of 2023, and Fast Company selected Arkose MatchKey as a finalist in its Innovation by Design Awards. Deloitte ranked Arkose Labs as the 142 fastest growing company on its 2023 Technology Fast500 list, due to an extraordinary 1,005 percent revenue growth rate. The lawsuit also claims unfair competition and seeks to require DataDome to remove false assertions about Arkose Labs from its website, sales presentations and talk tracks, and all marketing materials. About Arkose Labs The mission of Arkose Labs is to create an online environment where all consumers are protected from spam and abuse. Recognized by G2 as the 2023 Leader in Bot Detection and Mitigation, with a high score in customer satisfaction and the largest market presence six quarters running, Arkose Labs offers the world's first $1M warranties for credential stuffing, SMS toll fraud, and card testing. With 20% of our customers being Fortune 500 companies, our AI-powered platform combines powerful risk assessments with dynamic threat response to undermine the strategy of attack, all while improving good user throughput. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with offices in Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, India, and the U.K., Arkose Labs protects enterprises from cybercrime and abuse. For daily insights pertinent to the shifting threat landscape, follow the company on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227126585/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 27. Uzbekistan has doubled daily imports of gas from Russias Gazprom in December 2023 against the backdrop of cold weather, Trend reports. The remark was made during a meeting between Gazprom Chairman Alexei Miller and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. "Currently, in December, we supply Uzbekistan with the maximum technically possible volume of gas that can be supplied via the Central Asia Center gas pipeline," Miller said. Miller noted that the Central Asian countries and Russia were discussing an agreement on cooperation in the gas sector for 15 years ahead. To increase supplies, the Russian state-owned company plans to expand the Central Asia-Center gas pipeline system. Meanwhile, as per data by Uzbekistans State Statistics Committee, the value of gas imported to Uzbekistan amounted to $562.7 million from January through November of 2023. The Presidents of Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan launched Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan on October 7. The gas supply agreement is designed for two years and provides for the supply of 2.8 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Transit is carried out via the Central Asia-Center gas pipeline. Moreover, Uzbekistan and Gazprom signed a Memorandum on Cooperation in the Energy Sector earlier this month to develop cooperation in the field of gas supplies and transportation, as well as in the field of exploration and production of hydrocarbons. [December 27, 2023] Red Cap Plumbing, Air & Electric Helps Area Homeowner for Annual "Red Cap Gives Back" Program Tweet Florida home service leaders Red Cap Plumbing, Air & Electric, a Wrench Group company and a "Best of the Bay" award winner, proudly announced the recipient of its 2023 holiday "Red Cap Gives Back" community initiative. "Red Cap Gives Back" was created by employees a decade ago to find instances where they can donate their skills and time to help others in the Tampa community, then contribute or fund the materials for each case. It's about trying to make the community a better place to live, one act of kindness at a time. This year's recipient is a hardworking area family that is struggling with making ends meet. Due to longstanding structural and insulation issues with their house, the homeowner, a deaf woman in her 60s, was dealing with major utility bills she could no longer afford. Red Cap's team of volunteers sprang into action and installed two new air conditioning units, a new gas water heater, plumbing an electrical upgrades, as well as provided lawn care service and a pizza feast for the family to top it off. "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by giving back," said Red Cap President Yeshua Stathos. "We are grateful to the best team in the land for how quickly and completely they jumped in to help make this family's wish come true and for the hard work they put in every single day." You can view the video with more information about this year's "Red Cap Gives Back" project and recipient here. For more information about Red Cap, to see its service area, or to schedule service, please visit redcapnow.com or call 813-536-5095. About Red Cap Plumbing, Air & Electric Red Cap's professional technicians are committed to serving homeowners in Tampa, Pinellas, and the surrounding areas with honesty and trust. We take pride in our efficient service, professionalism, and technical expertise for all drain, pipe, water heater, and plumbing fixture jobs, along with additional services in HVAC and electrical. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231227068254/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The drama continues and there's more fighting ahead as Missouri leaders confront courthouse officials with lawsuits and scathing audits. Here's a tactic that the plebs can use along with a caveat about payment that's still due in a few days: "Both the Attorney General and the Missouri State Auditor point out that taxes must be paid by Dec. 31. State law is clear that interest and penalties will apply to late payments. "But both offices believe taxpayers should consider paying under protest. This means you pay your bill but you officially contest your bill." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Last-minute moves for Jackson County property owners and taxes The Missouri Attorney General and State Tax Commission filed a lawsuit against the county and numerous employees, creating confusion for property owners. Related . . . Judge rules against Jackson County's motion to dismiss in assessment lawsuit The cities of Blue Springs and Independence received welcome news earlier this week in their lawsuit regarding the 2023 Jackson County property assessment process. Developing . . . Again . . . What's important here is to DE-STIGMATIZE the need for help. Big picture: Domestic violence is a problem that often plagues families from across the demographic spectrum. Tonight local news notes this tragedy amongst a rural family that reminds us that tensions will continue to run high at the end of the year, amid the playoff, as Winter takes hold and as those credit card bills come due. Here's the word . . . The suspect, identified as a family member, was apprehended on-site without incident and is currently in custody for questioning. The shooting was determined to be a domestic violence assault between a father and son. Multiple witnesses were present and have been interviewed by law enforcement. The Grain Valley Police Department emphasizes that this is an isolated domestic incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been called in to assist with the crime scene investigation. The police department is collaborating closely with the Jackson County Prosecutors Office and the Jackson County Medical Examiners Office to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry. The police department will continue to release information as the investigation progresses and updates become available. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Today is history . . . ACCORDING TO POLICE STATS, KANSAS CITY NOW TIES AN ALL-TIME RECORD FOR HOMICIDES IN A SINGLE YEAR!!! A few things to consider . . . There's still a few days left in the year so we might break the record. Other than a highlights regarding crime reduction in a single urban neighborhood, the public hasn't embraced any new plan to deal with this ongoing slaughter. Like it or not . . . Mayor Q's tenure has been the deadliest in Kansas City that has now spanned over two police chiefs and two council terms. MILLIONS funneled to anti-crime groups last year doesn't seem to have any impact in reducing local violence. Accordingly, here's the report of recent homicide and more news links after . . . Homicide 2500 block of Myrtle - LATE DEATH Last night (12/26) just after 9pm officers were dispatched to the 2500 block of Myrtle on a shooting call. On arrival officers located indications of a crime scene at a residence there, however they were told by people at the scene an adult female shooting victim was driven away from the scene, en route to the hospital by a family member. While on the way to the hospital the victims family member stopped and called 911 for assistance, officers and EMS responded to that secondary location as well and EMS transported the victim to the hospital for treatment. Detectives responded to the original scene for investigation and crime scene processing at that time. Several hours later detectives were notified by the hospital that the victim died from her injuries. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation and are working now to gather any information that leads them to any indication about what led up to the shooting and the identification of any suspect(s) If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents. ##################### Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Fatal shooting Tuesday night ties KCMO's 2023 homicide total with city's deadliest year on record Kansas City, Missouri, police are investigating a fatal shooting Tuesday night in the 2500 block of Myrtle. Around 9 p.m., officers received notification of a shots-fired call in the area. Woman dies in hospital hours after she was shot Tuesday night on Kansas City's East Side This year now matches 2020 as the deadliest year ever recorded in Kansas City, according to data tracked by The Star. KCPD: Woman shot, dies hours later at hospital People at the home told police a woman had been shot and was being driven to the hospital by a family member. Woman shot and killed in east Kansas City late Tuesday evening, marking deadly milestone for KCMO The homicide investigation marks a deadly milestone for the city in 2023 Developing . . . Amid KC's record-breaking homicide spike . . . We notice an uptick in crime and violence throughout the metro. Accordingly . . . We take a moment to share news links about recent charges and cold cases from across the metro. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Man charged with shooting and killing his father on Christmas Day in Grain Valley The man told investigators he was protecting his friends and family from his father Three arrested after chase, accused of ramming Grandview police car Three suspects involved in a police chase were arrested Tuesday after Cass County officials say they rammed a Grandview police car. Shawnee man charged with attempted capital murder A 66-year-old Shawnee man has been charged with attempted capital murder following a welfare check on Thursday. More than a year later, Kansas City mom still looking for justice in son's killing The loss still as heavy today as it was when she got the call her oldest son had been killed. Independence police ask for public's help to find missing 25-year-old woman Evelina I. Wagner was last seen on Oct. 22, 2023, at the Executive Inn & Suites at 15014 East U.S. 40 Highway in Independence, Missouri, according to IPD. Developing . . . At the beginning of A Charlie Brown Christmas, the 1965 Peanuts Christmas movie, the storys anti-hero, Charlie Brown, expresses sentiments with which many of us can identify at this time of year: Christmas is coming, but Im not happy. I dont feel the way Im supposed to feel I always end up feeling depressed. Charles Schulz understood the uncomfortable truths of human nature like few other cartoonists. This is part of why A Charlie Brown Christmas so effectively conveys the double-sidedness of the holiday season. New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik recognized this in his 2011 CBC Massey Lecture in Edmonton, Recuperative Winter, noting that we experience the happiest time of year as a time of maximum stress, with feelings of sadness, disappointment, confusion, depression more often than elation. And yet we cannot and would not want to envision a winter without holidays. At least if we look to broadcaster choices for this time of year, many of us keep returning to holiday screen narratives from childhood, whether those of Charlie Brown, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) or Frosty the Snowman (1969). Key to the formation of this Christmas nostalgia is the music. Flawed heroes Why do we continue to find such pleasure in these tales? After all, these title characters not only experience challenges to their identities but are somehow impaired in and of themselves. Charlie Brown remains a blockhead, Rudolphs unique bright nose, for which he is ostracized by other reindeer, keeps glowing brightly and Frosty ultimately melts. Even George Bailey, the ostensible hero of Its a Wonderful Life, (1946) responds less than admirably to the various hardships that beset him. The Christmas classic film sees an angel intervene in the life of a suffering and frustrated businessman. But after the holidays, Bailey will still have to deal with banker Potter in the crummy little town of Bedford Falls. That viewers identify with these flawed characters helps explain the attraction their holiday specials have, and for some families, annual rituals of watching them in a family circle. Indeed, it may well be such collective engagement with these musical narratives of broken individuals and compromised conclusions that makes it possible for some of us to feel a sense of familial togetherness and belonging often associated with the holidays. Though the outcomes of the stories are known, admirers revisit them for the recuperative memories of past experiences with family, or at least for the catharsis that nostalgia can evoke. This is the case even though these idealized and romanticized pasts may never have existed for viewers. Music and emotions Music serves as the foundation for the emotional economy of holiday-themed specials. The traditional carols and newer songs typically communicate messages of religious fulfilment (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen), family pleasure (Jingle Bells) and overcoming personal struggles (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer). Yet they do not ignore the darker emotional worlds of the holidays. Gopnik singles out In the Bleak Midwinter as his favourite carol. The carols lyrics are a poem written by Christina Rossetti in the 19th century, and the song is best known in the musical arrangement by composer Gustav Holst. As Gopnik writes, It is a song about the remaking of the world, and it also is a song about, well, the bleak mid-winter. The Economist published an essay in 2016 under the title, The Curious Comforts of In the Bleak Midwinter, with the subhead: Though sombre in tone, the carol is a perennial festive favourite. A 2008 BBC poll also named it Best Christmas Carol. Beloved jazz piano Christmas But the most celebrated musical representation of ambivalent emotions toward the holiday remains A Charlie Brown Christmas from almost 60 years ago. Curiously, the show almost did not see the light of day due to various complications in production, including pushback from CBS executives, who felt it lacked action, the childrens voices needed more polish, and the jazz was inappropriate for a kids program. And yet that music by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi a self-described reformed boogie-woogie piano player is a big part of what has endeared A Charlie Brown Christmas to generations of viewers. Pulitzer-winning novelist Michael Chabon sums up its impact: That show, in its plot, characters and perhaps above all in its music, captures an authentic bittersweetness, the melancholy of this time of year, like no other work of art I know. Bittersweet vibes Guaraldis chart-topping creation Cast Your Fate to the Wind (1963) has the same bittersweet vibe as his tracks for the television special, and in fact serves as the source for the iconic Charlie Brown Christmas dance number Linus and Lucy. Beyond Charlie Brown, Frosty and Rudolph, other holiday musical TV specials from the 1960s are also based on eponymous pre-existing songs that invoke loss or impairment. In The Little Drummer Boy (1968), Baba the sheep is seriously injured, while Santa Claus is Comin to Town (1970) presents loss through the the banning of toys. Of course these popular audiovisual narratives exploit core threats depicted in their plots to make the outcomes seem all the more miraculous, yet a residue of loss remains, even in the most optimistic of them. At the end of Santa Claus is Comin to Town, for example, Santa is compelled to limit himself to spreading his largesse on only one night of the year. Joy, stress and melancholy Charlie Brown does not undergo a Scrooge-like conversion or social redemption in the closing moments of his Christmas special either. After he claims to have ruined the tree and then suggests it needs a little love, one of his friends re-affirms his loser identity with the sarcastically insinuating phrase, Charlie Brown is a blockhead Nevertheless, the beloved Christmas music simple, tuneful and memorable possesses the power to mediate the characteristic holiday mix of joy and stress and melancholy. Its power? Helping us ever again return to the time of year with hope for more of the one and less of the others. Dear Money Lady readers, I recently volunteered at the SPCA with a friend who does so regularly. I was so very surprised at all the stray cats and kittens. All the little cages were full of stray pets that people had turned in. When I met the coordinator, she showed me so many cute dogs and cats that had been surrendered by owners not able to care of them. This is occurring across the country, and is an issue that should be addressed. Many people treat their pets like a member of the family. What happens if your pet outlives you? Legally, pets are considered property, therefore unless you state otherwise, upon your death, your pet will become the property of whomever receives the rest of your personal items; such as furniture, cars, etc. Does this person want the responsibility of caring for your pets. Are they suitable guardians? Often a friend or family member may say that they will take your pet when you pass, but I have seen all too often how these arrangements can fail. Sometimes it can be a conflict with other pets, incompatibility with other family members or children, inadequate finances, or maybe they have reconsidered taking on the responsibility. I dont even know what I would do if my mother passed away and I suddenly had to take in her three dogs. The only way to really ensure that your pets are given to someone willing and able to care for them is to make a special provision in your will or estate plan. Here's what to consider when making your own personal plan. 1. Select one or more responsible persons to take care of your pet during short-term emergency situations, or as a permanent caregiver. 2. Provide your future caregivers with detailed instructions on care, food, routine and health care and emergency veterinary needs. Give them a notebook with all the details that are important to you and your pet should you die or become incapacitated. 3. Carry the caregiver instructions or contact information in your wallet. I have some clients who even have the details of their wishes on a business card they carry with them. Some have also given these cards to family and friends. 4. If you have multiple pets, consider how you want them to be cared for together or apart? 5. Ensure you have set aside funds for the future care of your pets. This can be gifted to your future pet guardian and provides safeguards so that they are more willing to adopt your pets wholeheartedly without suffering a financial burden. There are so many Canadians in retirement with only their pets as companions. Because your pets are so important, you must make a plan to protect them. Write down your expectations, change things if you have to, but have your say and make sure it is done your way. Good luck and best wishes, Money Lady A man suffered serious injuries after being stabbed in downtown Toronto early Wednesday. Police were called to Shuter and Parliament streets for reports of a stabbing at 1:23 a.m. The victim, in his 20s, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance, Toronto police said. The investigation is ongoing. Police didn't release a description of the suspect or suspects. Anyone with information can call police at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477). A man arrested in Morocco by Belgian police last month has now been charged by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in connection with a series of bomb threats that occurred across the province, including in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). According to the OPP, multiple schools and other public facilities received messages Nov. 1 indicating that bombs had been placed at their locations. "The threats also demanded money in exchange for details about the alleged explosives," OPP spokesperson Brooklyn Harker said Wednesday, adding no explosives were ever found. A man was arrested in late November in Morocco by Belgian police. Harker said he was recently charged by the OPP in connection with the Ontario bomb threats. "The OPP is in consultations with the federal Department of Justice to determine how the accused will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice," she said. A 45-year-old man from Casablanca, Morocco, is charged with two counts of uttering threats, two counts of mischief and two counts of extortion. Police wouldn't disclose how many facilities were threatened. "There were multiple schools and other public facilities all across Ontario, including the GTA," Harker said. Starting a journey to Saint Lucia, a jewel in the Caribbean, opens doors to an exciting world filled with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and lasting memories. If you plan a trip to this beautiful island, you are in for a fantastic experience. Saint Lucia is not your everyday vacation spot. It offers a mix of thrilling adventures, peaceful retreats, and cultural experiences that are rare to find. From the famous Pitons, rising impressively from the sea to the warm waters of the Caribbean, every part of Saint Lucia promises an adventure to remember. Whether you love nature, enjoy history, or just want a peaceful escape, this island has something special for everyone. The lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and rich history are just the start of what you can discover here. If you are planning a trip to the Caribbean, Saint Lucia should be at the top of your list. Let us look at some of the must-visit places on this beautiful island. 1. The Majestic Pitons Visiting Saint Lucia means you cannot miss seeing the Pitons. These two volcanic spires, rising from the sea, are not only a symbol of the island but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you view them from afar or hike up their rugged trails, the Pitons offer an unforgettable experience. The adventurous can climb Gros Piton for a challenging yet rewarding trek with panoramic island views. 2. Sulphur Springs Park - The Caribbean's Only Drive-in Volcano At Sulphur Springs Park, you can drive through a volcanic crater. The park is home to bubbling mud pools and steam vents, showcasing the island's volcanic activity. Be sure to take a dip in the therapeutic mud baths, known for their healing properties. It is a unique experience and a chance to rejuvenate in nature's spa. 3. Pigeon Island National Landmark Pigeon Island is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Once separate from the mainland, this island is now accessible via a causeway. Here, you can explore remains of military buildings from historical battles between the French and the British. The island also offers beautiful beaches and lookout points with stunning views of the northwest coast of Saint Lucia. Read Also: Here Are the 5 Top Caribbean Destinations for Your Tropical Adventure 4. Its Rainforests Saint Lucia's rainforests are a paradise for nature lovers. Hike through the dense foliage to spot exotic birds, colorful flowers, and perhaps even the rare Saint Lucia Parrot. Trails in the rainforest cater to both casual walkers and serious hikers. Do not forget to visit Toraille Waterfall, where you can cool off under its cascading waters. 5. Anse Chastanet Beach and Reef For a relaxing day, head to Anse Chastanet Beach. This beach, with its soft sands and clear waters, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The nearby reef is excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving, offering a chance to see the vibrant marine life of the Caribbean Sea. 6. Rodney Bay For a lively atmosphere, Rodney Bay is the place to be. This area is filled with restaurants, shops, and nightlife options. The Rodney Bay Marina, with luxury yachts and boats, is a great spot to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the lively scene. 7. Authentic Creole Cuisine While exploring Saint Lucia, try the local cuisine. The island's Creole dishes are a fusion of African, European, and East Indian flavors. Try the national dish, green fig and saltfish, or savor the spicy flavors of jerk chicken. The local street food and fresh seafood are also culinary highlights. 8. Marigot Bay Marigot Bay, often described as one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean, offers a peaceful escape. Surrounded by lush hills and dotted with yachts, this bay is picturesque and calming. It is a great spot for kayaking or simply relaxing at one of the waterside cafes. Related Article: Looking for Relaxation in the Cotswolds, England? Here Are the Best Leisure Spots In North Queensland, the tourism industry is asking for urgent help after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and severe flooding. They want to save the Christmas and summer seasons from economic troubles. While some areas are damaged, most North Queensland is open and ready for tourists. North Queensland Tourism Industry Seeks Help After Cyclone Jasper After the recent ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and heavy floods, North Queensland's tourism industry calls for urgent assistance. They aim to salvage the Christmas and summer period and prevent further economic downturns. Despite some regions being affected, most of North Queensland is sunny and welcoming for visitors. Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, highlights that the cyclone and floods have only impacted specific areas. He emphasizes that most of North Queensland is operational and eager to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences. According to Travel Weekly, Olsen urges the public and the travel industry to support them during this difficult period. He notes that local businesses are innovating, like running ferries between Port Douglas and Cairns and rerouting bus routes to the Daintree. Tourism in North Queensland contributes $3.7 billion annually to the state's economy. Keeping holiday bookings is crucial, Olsen adds. Claudia Brumme-Smith, CEO of Townsville Enterprise, echoes this sentiment. She reassures that destinations like Townsville, Magnetic Island, and Cairns are ready for visitors despite some areas north of Cairns facing significant challenges. Read Also: Blizzard Warnings Sweep Central Plains, Threatening Holiday Travel with Whiteout Conditions Businesses like Cairns Adventure Group, led by Roderic Rees, share the severe impact of the weather event on their operations. Similarly, Accor's General Manager Wayne Reynolds expresses concern over significant booking cancellations due to misconceptions about the region being closed. While facing challenges in certain areas, the tourism sector remains open in most parts of North Queensland. Stakeholders are keen to welcome visitors and call for community, government, and potential tourist support to aid recovery efforts and ensure a successful Christmas season for North Queensland. Tropical Cyclone Jasper Hits North Queensland Hard Last week, North Queensland faced severe flooding due to Tropical Cyclone Jasper, surprising many residents. Despite being used to cyclones, locals did not expect the extent of damage this category-two storm would bring. In Machans Beach, near Cairns, Euan Williams and his wife, Shannon, experienced a sudden flood. Water quickly filled their street and homes, making it impossible to stay. They and their pets had to leave their house, which was completely ruined. The Guardian reported that North Queensland is known for its cyclone preparedness, with an average of one cyclone every two years. However, the impact of Jasper was unprecedented. In Mossman, a sudden 'flash flood' struck on Sunday afternoon, filling the town with water and disappearing quickly. This unexpected event left long-time residents like Peter McKewon's mother-in-law, who had lived there for nearly 80 years, in shock. The situation was dire in Cairns as well. Cairns Mayor Terry James expressed surprise at the cyclone's behavior, which differed from the usual forecasts. The Barron River, near Machans Beach and Cairns, reported rain totals of up to 2,200mm, more than the city's annual average. The aftermath of Jasper left North Queensland with a critical issue - a shortage of drinking water. Cairns residents were advised to use water only for essential needs. Additionally, remote communities like Wujal Wujal were cut off due to ongoing floods, with rescue operations being hindered by the conditions. Related Article: Christmas Travel in the UK Gets Tough as Strong Winds, Closed Train Stations Create Big Delays, Confusion When you think about Canada, what comes to mind? Maybe it is the wide-open spaces, friendly locals, or their famous maple syrup? But there's something else worth noting - the beautiful hotels. In this blog, we will look at five of the most stunning hotels across Canada. Each stands out with its style, offering experiences and views you will not forget. Let's get this straight - these are not your typical hotels. They are among the best, known for impressive designs, luxurious comforts, and excellent service. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, this list has something for everyone. So, let's dive in and explore these magnificent destinations that will leave you in awe. 1. Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs stands as a testament to timeless elegance. You are not just booking a room but stepping into a piece of history. With its stunning Gothic architecture and breathtaking mountain views, it is like a castle amidst the Rockies. The hotel offers world-class amenities, including a luxurious spa, gourmet dining, and easy access to outdoor adventures. Whether you are sipping a hot drink by the fireplace or exploring the natural wonders outside, Fairmont Banff Springs promises an unforgettable stay. 2. The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto In the heart of Toronto, this hotel offers a blend of urban sophistication and comfort. The Ritz-Carlton is not simply a place to stay but an experience. From the moment you walk into the grand lobby, you feel a sense of luxury. The rooms offer stunning city views, modern decor, and plush comfort. Food lovers will delight in the hotel's dining options, including a renowned Italian restaurant. Moreover, its central location means you are steps away from Toronto's top attractions. Read Also: 7 US Hotels Opening in 2024 That Promise Unforgettable Experiences 3. Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland This is not your typical hotel. Located on a remote island in Newfoundland, Fogo Island Inn stands as a striking modern structure against the rugged Atlantic coastline. The hotel offers a unique connection to the local culture and natural environment. Each room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the sea and sky. The hotel operates sustainably and is deeply connected to the community and nature. Here, you can enjoy locally sourced food, participate in community-led tours, and immerse yourself in the tranquil isolation of island life. 4. Hotel Le St-James, Montreal In the historic heart of Montreal, Hotel Le St-James welcomes you with a blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. This boutique hotel, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, offers an intimate and sophisticated experience. The interior showcases elegance with artful decor and attention to detail. You can relax in opulent rooms, dine in the exquisite restaurant, and unwind in the spa. Its location in Old Montreal means you are just a walk away from the city's best cultural sites and eateries. 5. Wickaninnish Inn, British Columbia On the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, the Wickaninnish Inn offers a retreat into nature's embrace. This hotel is a haven for those seeking peace and natural beauty. Surrounded by ancient forests and the Pacific Ocean, the inn provides a perfect balance of rugged wilderness and refined comfort. The rooms feature local artwork, fireplaces, and ocean or beach views. You can indulge in the spa, dine on fresh local cuisine, and explore the natural wonders of Tofino. Related Article: These Are the 5 Vacation Spots in Africa to Visit If You're Tired of Cold Winters TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 27. Uzbekistan plans to cover growing need in electricity primarily through renewable energy, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said, Trend reports. The remark was made during the solemn ceremony of commissioning and connection to the grid of five solar plants and one wind power plant in six regions of Uzbekistan jointly with international partners such as Emirati Masdar and China Energy Engineering Corporation. During the address, Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan has itself a goal of doubling the volume of industry by 2030, and raising such areas as metallurgy, petrochemistry and mechanical engineering to a qualitatively new level. We plan to implement more than 500 large industrial and infrastructure projects with a total value of $150 billion. To achieve the goals, we need guaranteed and stable energy resources like air. According to estimates, in the next 6 years, the demand for electricity in our country is expected to grow from the current 83 billion to 120 billion kWh. We will cover this need primarily through renewable energy, he said. Mirziyoyev stressed that the area of renewable will give a powerful positive impetus to the development of other industries and services. This is vividly confirmed by the fact that within the framework of today's projects, domestic enterprises have supplied $100 million worth of electrical equipment and construction materials. Currently, 4 enterprises in our country have started the production of solar panels, and 2 more enterprises - metal structures. About 50 projects in the field of green energy create an additional $500 million cable market, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Iran has not done anything new in enriching uranium and is following its previous plans, said Mohammad Eslami, Vice President and Chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Trend reports. He spoke to reporters after a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Dec.27. His statement came after some media outlets on December 26, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reported that Iran had increased its 60 percent uranium enrichment rate at the Natanz and Fordo sites since late November 2023. They claimed that Iran was producing about 9 kg of highly enriched uranium every month, which could be used to make 3 atomic bombs. Eslami dismissed these reports as politically motivated and said they were based on the IAEA Director General Rafael Grossis report. He said the aim of these reports was to shift the worlds focus from the Middle East issues to Iran. He added that Iran was conducting its nuclear activities in accordance with the countrys laws and the IAEA regulations. On March 4, 2023, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency signed a statement on collaboration on Iran's nuclear program. According to the statement, Iran cooperates with the IAEA within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Convention (NPT) and controls. --- Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. The national economies of the former Soviet republics confronted a grim image following the dissolution of the Soviet Union (USSR) and the rupture of cooperation and technological connections between economic organizations. According to expert estimations, the region's economic crisis had reached 5060 percent by the mid-1990s. Investment and industrial production were approaching critical levels. The advice of international financial institutions, which had already become highly dominant in the region by those years, also played a negative influence, in my opinion. These recommendations, I believe, resulted in the institution of domestic investment being blocked. This denied countries the chance to develop economic and social objectives. Certainly, the region's states have distinct resource potential. While they had many characteristics, the economic policies they implemented were not the same. Azerbaijan staked on the "oil strategy" in the uneasy conditions of the 1990s, which implied obtaining investment support for the national economy through the development and increase of oil production. The core of the "oil strategy" was the export of energy carriers to Europe, one of the most solvent regions of the globe. This should have led to a sharp increase in foreign exchange earnings. That in turn meant ensuring an impressive surplus in foreign trade and, in general, in the balance of payments of the state. In the absence of other real resources to support the reproduction of the national economy, it was an alternative way to maintain economic stability and development. As a result of the multiplier effect, related industries also developed. Economic dividends also made it possible to resolve the issues of maintaining the country's defense capability and security. In addition, several social policy issues have been resolved. And of course, the "oil strategy" has significantly strengthened the country's position on the political map. However, the global economy is undergoing a transformation. And this process is nearing its end. The new technological mode, the introduction of energy-saving and efficient technologies, and the rise and strengthening of alternative energy carriers all bring changes to the economic and energy agendas. The West's "green agenda" creates new obstacles. In the near and medium term, it is unrealistic to forsake existing forms of electricity generation. However, it is clear that even Europe, which is experiencing a severe shortage of energy carriers, is refusing long-term contracts and investments in projects for the supply of traditional energy carriers. This means that novel solutions are required. In this regard, it is not by chance, I believe, that in recent months, Azerbaijan has been actively preparing and making decisions on launching power generation capacities from alternative sources. Today, the country's energy agenda includes the implementation of projects in three of the four already established main directions of alternative power generation. The water potential of the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from Armenian occupation is an important factor in solving these tasks. According to expert estimates, 20 to 25 percent of the country's water resource potential is concentrated in the liberated territories. Taking into account the presence of mountain rivers in the region, the construction and commissioning of small hydroelectric power plants can have a significant positive impact both in terms of supplying the domestic market and the export track. I would like to point out that recently the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev noted that in 20212023, hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 170 MW will be commissioned in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. He added that by the end of next year, the capacity will amount to 270 MW, and in a few years, it will reach 500 MW. Moreover, the Garadagh Solar Power Plant, with a capacity of 230 MW, was launched in October this year in Azerbaijan. This power plant is the largest in the Caspian and Caucasus regions. In general, according to expert data, Azerbaijan's potential for wind and solar energy on land is about 37 GW, and the potential of wind energy in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea is about 157 GW. According to the head of state, by contract, the production of electricity from alternative sources will reach 10 GW in the country in the upcoming years. At the same time, with the development of a new technological mode and the solution of technological and infrastructural problems, hydrogen may also become an extremely important area of energy. Here, I believe, Azerbaijan's competitive opportunities will be impressive. The fourth component of alternative power generation, nuclear power, should certainly not be neglected. I think that underestimating this area is extremely unfavorable. World experience and advanced science convincingly testify to the high efficiency of nuclear power generation, its technology, and its competitiveness. In my opinion, the prerequisites for the development of nuclear energy in the country will only increase. Azerbaijan has considerable economic and resource potential for this purpose. The data cited above, I believe, clearly illustrates the creation of a new energy agenda. The essence of its export component is an endeavor to change priority from energy carrier export to finished electric energy export. These new problems, I believe, will cause considerable modifications in many areas of the socioeconomic agenda. Changes in overseas trade and the labor market are two examples. Without a doubt, the new energy agenda will be regional in nature and cannot be limited to a single country. I am confident that Azerbaijan can serve as a unique hub in this global process. Professor Elshad Mammadov Doctor of Economic Sciences Securing a spot in medical school goes beyond stellar grades and test scores; the interview process plays a pivotal role. Preparing for medical school interviews demands a strategic approach akin to a full-time job. From attire to communication style, and mastering scenario-based questions, prospective students must meticulously ready themselves for this critical phase. Let's delve into the intricacies of medical school interviews and how to emerge successful. Diverse Interview Approaches Medical schools employ varied interview methods. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, for instance, conducts two one-on-one interviews-one with a medical student and another with faculty. Additionally, a team exercise in small groups is incorporated to assess candidates' abilities in scenarios, reflecting the school's small group-based curriculum. Contrastingly, the University of New Mexico School of Medicine adopts a holistic approach, emphasizing a 360-degree view of applicants. Multiple mini interviews (MMIs), likened to speed dating, are prevalent in many schools, including the University of Minnesota Medical School. READ ALSO: Looking Forward To Your Nursing Education? Here Are 3 Graduate Nursing Degrees To Choose From Scenario-Based Questions Institutions like the University of Pittsburgh present applicants with dilemma-based questions. Candidates must navigate complex scenarios, such as managing communication issues within a healthcare team or addressing challenges during a pandemic. This approach assesses problem-solving skills, ethical reasoning, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Hot Topics and Controversial Questions Medical school interviews often touch upon hot topics and present controversial questions to gauge applicants' knowledge and critical thinking. Subjects may include health disparities, inequities in healthcare, abortion, resource allocation in critical situations, and an applicant's experiences in overcoming challenges. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's awareness and ability to navigate complex issues. Role of Empathy and Professionalism MMIs, like those at the University of Minnesota, include stations designed to assess specific attributes, such as empathy and professionalism. Role-playing scenarios, such as delivering bad health news, gauge an applicant's ability to handle emotionally challenging situations with sensitivity. Asking Questions and Recruitment Conversations Medical school interviews aren't one-sided; they also provide an opportunity for applicants to assess whether the institution aligns with their goals. Applicants are encouraged to ask questions about the school, creating a dual-purpose conversation that serves both evaluation and recruitment. Keys to Success Dressing professionally and maintaining eye contact during virtual interviews are crucial aspects. Lack of engagement or constant note-checking may be viewed negatively. Despite potential informality with student interviewers, maintaining a professional demeanor is essential. An open mind is a key attribute. Judgments formed in clinical settings should be approached with caution, considering the limited experience of young applicants. Authenticity is valued; while a level of preparation is advisable, applicants should aim for a balance between professionalism and genuine self-expression. Preparing for Success Practice is vital. While spontaneity is appreciated, practicing responses with friends or mentors helps refine communication skills. Familiarity with common interview questions and scenarios enhances an applicant's confidence and ability to articulate responses effectively. In essence, the medical school interview is a multifaceted evaluation encompassing scenario-based assessments, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and personal attributes. Successful navigation requires a blend of professionalism, authenticity, and a thorough understanding of the institution's values and expectations. Prospective medical students should approach this phase with diligence, recognizing that the interview day holds significant weight in the admissions process. RELATED ARTICLE: University Of Kentucky Takes The Lead With $7 Million Grant To Tackle Lung Cancer Crisis The U.S. Education Department has expanded its list of colleges and universities under investigation for alleged discrimination based on shared ancestry, adding George Mason University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to the roster. While the department does not specify the nature of the potential violations, the investigations fall under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which mandates that federally funded institutions protect students from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. UNC-Chapel Hill: A Hotbed of Tension The inclusion of UNC-Chapel Hill on the list raises questions about the campus's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The university has been a focal point for student protests and sit-ins related to the ongoing conflict. Pro-Palestinian students at UNC-Chapel Hill have accused the administration of fostering a "hostile climate" and perpetuating Islamophobia on campus. The Education Department's decision to investigate suggests a need to assess whether the university is meeting its obligations under Title VI. READ ALSO: Harvard President Claudine Gay Faces Plagiarism Allegations, House Committee Demands Answers George Mason University: Antisemitism Allegations George Mason University faces accusations related to antisemitic incidents on campus. Reports indicate instances of antisemitic behavior, such as the tearing down of posters discussing hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, the university is under scrutiny for allegedly deleting emails from pro-Palestinian students critical of a statement made by the university's president. These incidents have prompted the Education Department to investigate whether George Mason University has violated anti-discrimination provisions. Rising Antisemitism and Islamophobia Complaints The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has experienced a surge in complaints related to antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in early October. The conflict has heightened tensions and led to increased activism and expressions of solidarity on campuses across the country. As a response to this uptick in complaints, the department has initiated dozens of investigations into alleged discriminatory practices at both K-12 school districts and colleges. Title VI Investigations: Shedding Light on Campus Climate The Office for Civil Rights began publicly disclosing institutions under investigation in mid-November, shedding light on the prevalence of discrimination complaints. The investigations seek to determine whether these institutions are maintaining inclusive and nondiscriminatory environments as required by Title VI. The growing number of probes underscores the need for colleges and universities to address issues related to shared ancestry, religion, and political beliefs, fostering an atmosphere conducive to open dialogue and diverse perspectives. Campus Activism and Free Expression: A Delicate Balance The inclusion of George Mason University and UNC-Chapel Hill in the ongoing investigations highlights the challenges faced by campuses in managing activism, particularly when it intersects with deeply divisive geopolitical issues. Balancing the right to free expression with the need to create an inclusive and respectful environment is a delicate task for institutions of higher education. Moving Forward: Implications for Higher Education As the investigations unfold, colleges and universities nationwide will be closely watching the outcomes and the potential precedents set. The cases at George Mason University and UNC-Chapel Hill serve as reminders for institutions to proactively address concerns related to discrimination and to reassess their approaches to fostering a climate of inclusivity. The Education Department's actions underscore the commitment to upholding the principles of the Civil Rights Act in the realm of higher education, ensuring that campuses remain spaces where all students feel valued and protected. RELATED ARTICLE: Former Saint Augustine President Pleads Hostile Work Environment And Discrimination The Federal Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday announced remarkable trade Performance and Year-on-Year Balance of Payments (BoP) Improvement worth $5.6 billion as a significant achievement in Pakistan's trade sector ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) The Federal Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday announced remarkable trade Performance and Year-on-Year Balance of Payments (BoP) Improvement worth $5.6 billion as a significant achievement in Pakistan's trade sector. Caretaker Minister of Commerce Dr. Gohar Ejaz said that the positive trade figures and upward trend showcased Pakistan's resilience, said a press release issued here. The minister said, "We will continue to work towards enabling our exporters and to find new destinations for exports." According to the Ministry, for a Year-on-Year Increase in exports in the first 20 days of December 2023, Pakistan experienced an outstanding year-on-year increase in exports, amounting to $479 million, reflecting an impressive growth rate of 33.1 percent. On Year-on-Year decrease in Imports, conversely, imports during the same period saw a substantial decrease of $405 million, marking a -12.8 percent reduction. This positive trend contributed to an $884 million improvement in the balance of trade for December 2023. According to the data, from July 1st, 2023, to December 20 th, 2023, Pakistan's exports soared to $14 billion, showcasing a remarkable year-on-year increase of $709 million, translating to a substantial 5. 3 percent improvement. Import figures during the same period (1 July 2023 to 20 December 2023) dropped to $24.3 billion from $29.2 billion in FY-2022, reflecting a notable year-on-year decrease of $4.9 billion.This comes down to a year-on-year improvement in the balance of trade of $5.6 Billion. According to sectoral performance, agricultural and food exports witnessed an extraordinary 109.2 percent year-on-year increase, totaling $574.6 million in the first 20 days of December 2023. This surge can be attributed to robust performances in maize, corn, ethyl, alcohol, tobacco, and rice exports. The textile sector and manufacturing and engineering sector demonstrated a commendable 15 percent year-on-year increase in exports during the first 20 days of December 2023. The top export destinations Pakistan's exports witnessed significant growth to key destinations, including Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Madagascar and China. The minister expressed the confidence in the continuation of this upward trend, emphasizing the Ministry's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for trade and economic growth. These achievements underscore Pakistan's resilience and competitiveness in the global market, he told. Punjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood has appreciated the scholarship provided by the alumnus of the Institute of Zoology LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) Punjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood has appreciated the scholarship provided by the alumnus of the Institute of Zoology. He expressed his views during a ceremony held at the VC office. Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood said offering a merit scholarship to two students of the Institute of Zoology would contribute to fostering a positive academic environment among students. The vice-chancellor highlighted the significance of Tahira Hyder Motara Memorial Merit Scholarship, noting that it represented the largest amount ever awarded by the university. The generous scholarship not only reflected the commitment of the alumnus to the institute but also stood as a testament to their dedication in supporting the academic endeavours of current students. Among the distinguished attendees were Prof. Dr. Nabila Roohi, the Director, Institute of Zoology, and Prof. Dr. Nadeem Sheikh, the Focal Person for Alumni at the Institute of Zoology. Also present at the event was Jafar Haider, the focal person by the donor of the Tahira Hyder Motara Memorial Merit Scholarship. The VC, along with other key figures, expressed optimism that the scholarship would not only provide financial assistance but also inspire a sense of achievement and motivation among the students. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) The number of dengue cases has surpassed 15,060 at Punjab in the current year with four new cases reported during the last 24 hours in the provincial capital. Secretary Punjab Health Department, Ali Jan Khan told a private news channel that Rawalpindi has so far reported 2,654 dengue cases in the current year. As many as 16 patients of dengue fever were currently admitted to hospitals of the province, he added. Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has rapidly spread in recent years around the world. Dengue virus is transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly of the species Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 28. Turkiye seeks to develop cooperation with the European Union as part of the European integration process, Chief Advisor to the President of Turkiye on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Cagatay Kilic said, Trend reports. He also said that Turkiye hopes for a positive atmosphere in the negotiations, despite existing differences "We are making efforts for active cooperation in matters of visas, green energy, climate change within the framework of the Customs Union. We also ensure that our voice is heard in the fight against Islamophobia", - the chief adviser to the President of Turkiye noted. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said on Wednesday that climatic disaster was one of the biggest challenges the country was facing currently, and acquisition of research-oriented knowledge was vital to tackle it. He expressed these views while addressing the 4th convocation of Information Technology University (ITU) Punjab here. Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman, ITU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Adnan Noor Mian, vice chancellors (VCs) of various universities, ITU Dean Faculty of Sciences Prof. Dr. Arif Mehmood, Dean Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr. Yaqoob Bangash, Dean Faculty of business and Management Sciences Dr. Sara Khawar, faculty members and a large number of students and their parents attended the event. He said, "We observe the negative effects of global warming and other climatic changes every day; therefore, we have to play our due role to protect the natural environment." The federal minister said that Pakistan was faced with challenges of economic depression, intolerance and violent behaviours also. Emphasising the important role of students to overcome these challenges, he said that only those nations attain the uphill tasks of development and prosperity which face the challenges firmly, asserting that education was the most important tool to overcome these challenges. Pakistan could also fast progress and develop only through the acquisition and promotion of knowledge, he added. Murtaza Solangi said humanity had been the characteristic of all religions and that very objective was of the education that people become better persons. He also stressed the need for tackling the negative propaganda, citing that unfortunately some people were spreading false and baseless news on social media to secure high ratings, which the government and patriotic people would have to fight out. He said if research universities like the ITU maintain the very basis of their establishment, many of the problems would be solved automatically. In this regard, he referred to the well-known German dramatist's famous play "The Exception and the Rule". In the 4th convocation of the ITU, 524 students were awarded degrees including five with Ph.Ds and 16 with gold medals. (@FahadShabbir) Sydney, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) Two 100-foot supermaxis battled for the lead Wednesday in a storm-struck Sydney-Hobart race fleet of 95 yachts, after eight entrants pulled out of the punishing ocean event. In a gripping late-morning struggle, LawConnect edged less than one nautical mile ahead of the favourite Andoo Comanche after a "cat-and-mouse" chase, with the lead switching through the night. But Hong Kong-owned supermaxi SHK Scallywag, which had been in a three-way battle for the lead, was the first major casualty on Tuesday evening when it suffered a broken bowsprit. Andoo Comanche was first across the line last year and still holds the 2017 race record for the bluewater classic of one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds. LawConnect has been runner-up in the three previous editions of the race. "We are pretty close after we were neck and neck overnight," LawConnect captain Ty Oxley said in a racing update just a couple of hours before retaking the lead. "It's raining and there are squalls everywhere, clouds on the horizon," Oxley said, reporting winds of more than 30 knots, sometimes exceeding 40 knots, as the rivals sailed southwards across the Bass Strait towards the Tasmanian capital. - 'Lightning for hours' - Less than 24 hours after the fleet left Sydney Harbour, eight yachts had pulled out, most with equipment damage, including one due to a lightning strike. SHK Scallywag crew member Geoff Cropley said the sailors had endured "lightning and thunder for hours". The crew were now "hunkered down", he added, with the weather slowly beginning to improve. "There is a little bit of blue sky. It's quite nice out here." Aid missions to supply Gaza have become increasingly difficult amid reports of continued bombing of the ravaged Strip overnight by the Israeli military and intense clashes in most areas with Hamas resistance fighters, UN humanitarian officials warned on Wednesday UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) Aid missions to supply Gaza have become increasingly difficult amid reports of continued bombing of the ravaged Strip overnight by the Israeli military and intense clashes in most areas with Hamas resistance fighters, UN humanitarian officials warned on Wednesday. Locations in the north and south of the enclave were hit as Israeli ground forces also reportedly pushed into central areas, prompting concerns from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, about the safety of civilians uprooted time and again. Rafah governorate in the southern Gaza Strip is now bursting at the seams, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza Tom White said on X formerly Twitter - late on Tuesday, his video post showing a long line of cars crawling forwards tail to bumper, laden with mattresses strapped down and other belongings. In its latest update on the crisis, UN aid coordination office OCHA said that Israeli forces had reportedly carried out heavy bombardment from air, land and sea across most of the Gaza Strip, specifically the Middle Area from December 23 to 26. This included more than 50 strikes from December 24 to 25 on three refugee camps - Al Bureij, An Nuseirat and Al Maghazi - that reportedly killed dozens and hindered the work of aid teams confronted by destroyed roads connecting the camps. It has been more than 80 days since the beginning of Israeli occupation forces' bombardment of the Strip. The enclaves health authority has reported that at least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed there since October 7, including 858 people between last Saturday and Tuesday, OCHA said. About 70 per cent of those killed are said to be women and childrenMany people are missing, presumably buried under the rubble, with many still waiting for rescue or recovery. OCHA also reported that 164 Israeli soldiers have died with another 874 injured during ground operations in Gaza. The development followed a new evacuation order issued by the Israeli Defence Forces impacting people living in Gazas middle area. At the same time, UNRWA Director of Communications Juliette Touma issued a fresh warning about the dire situation impacting people sheltering in tented camps in the south. You have 400 people sharing one toilet, Ms. Touma said, echoing repeated concerns about disease spread linked to the lack of basic necessities including water, sanitation and food. UN humanitarian officials have already described how hungry Gazans have stopped aid trucks en route to their destination to offload food, amid repeated warnings that it is becoming impossible to meet the needs of all those in the south, where population density is estimated at 12,000 people per square kilometre (about 7.5 miles). (@FahadShabbir) Hundreds of university students in Indonesia's westernmost province stormed a temporary shelter for more than a hundred Rohingya refugees on Wednesday, forcing them to leave in the latest rejection of the persecuted Myanmar minority JAKARATA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) Hundreds of university students in Indonesia's westernmost province stormed a temporary shelter for more than a hundred Rohingya refugees on Wednesday, forcing them to leave in the latest rejection of the persecuted Myanmar minority. More than 1,500 Rohingya refugees have arrived on the shores of Aceh province since mid-November in what the United Nations says is the biggest influx for eight years. Some of their boats have faced rejection by locals and in some cases have been returned to sea. The students, many wearing jackets with different universities' insignias, entered a government function hall in the capital Banda Aceh where 137 Rohingya refugees were staying. The students demanded they be moved to a local immigration office so they could be deported, according to footage seen by AFP. It showed students chanting "kick them out" and "reject Rohingyas in Aceh". The students were also seen kicking the Rohingyas' belongings. The protesters were also involved in a scuffle with police who were guarding the frightened refugees but officers ultimately permitted their removal by the students, according to an AFP journalist at the scene. The students burned tyres and prepared trucks for the Rohingyas to be moved. Police helped them board before they were taken to another government office nearby, the AFP journalist observed. Banda Aceh police did not respond to an AFP request for comment. The UN refugee agency said the incident left refugees shocked and traumatised. "UNHCR remains deeply worried about the safety of refugees and calls on local law enforcement authorities for urgent action to ensure protection of all desperate individuals and humanitarian staff," it said in a statement. "The attack on refugees is not an isolated act but the result of a coordinated online campaign of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech against refugees." Many Acehnese, who themselves have memories of decades of bloody conflict, are sympathetic to the plight of their fellow Muslims. But others say their patience has been tested, claiming the Rohingyas consume scarce resources and occasionally come into conflict with locals. "We protested because we don't agree with the Rohingyas who keep coming here," Kholilullah, a 23-year-old university student who goes by one name, told AF str-dsa-jfx/dva Sydney, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) Nine people have died after Christmas storms pounded Australia's eastern seaboard, authorities said Wednesday, including two women who were washed through a stormwater drain. Thunderstorms and destructive winds have in recent days battered the Australian states of Victoria and Queensland -- capsizing boats, sparking flash floods, and tearing down concrete powerlines. The government weather bureau has warned that coastal regions in Queensland were still at risk of "dangerous" storms, "life-threatening" floods, "giant" hail, and "damaging" winds. Three women were "exploring" a large stormwater drain in the rural Queensland town of Gympie when they were swept away by floodwaters on Tuesday afternoon, police said. By Wednesday police divers had recovered the bodies of two of the women. The third survived after she was washed onto the banks of a nearby river. Eleven people were tossed into the ocean when a 39-foot yacht capsized at sea during an annual fishing trip near Brisbane. Police said Wednesday that three men had drowned, while eight survivors had been scooped from the water and rushed to hospital. "It has been a very tragic 24 hours due to the weather," police commissioner Katarina Carroll told reporters. The body of a nine-year-old girl was found after she went missing in flood waters on Brisbane's outskirts, police said, while a 59-year-old woman was killed by a falling tree on Queensland's Gold Coast. Utility company Energex said it was racing to restore electricity to more than 80,000 homes in the state. "How strong were those storms? Enough to snap multiple concrete poles supporting high-voltage lines," it posted on social media. Meanwhile in Victoria, a woman was found dead late on Tuesday evening after flash floods swamped a regional campground in Buchan, 350 kilometres (217 miles) east of the state capital Melbourne. A man was killed after he was struck by a falling tree branch in Caringal, 180 kilometres (111 miles) east of Melbourne. (@FahadShabbir) Saint Petersburg, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) Russian swimming star Kliment Kolesnikov is all about winning Olympic medals -- but not at all costs. The world record holder in the men's 50m backstroke has vowed to sit out the Paris Games over the "unacceptable" conditions imposed on Russian competitors due to the assault on Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said this month athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus would be able to compete in Paris as neutrals, outside of team events and as long as they did not actively support the campaign in Ukraine. "At this time, under the current conditions, it's unacceptable for me" to take part in the 2024 Games, Kolesnikov told AFP in an interview on the sidelines of a recent swimming competition in Saint Petersburg. "The dream of an Olympic gold medal remains, but I'm not sad about not being able to go," said the 23-year-old, who won bronze in the 100m freestyle and silver in the 100m backstroke at the 2020 Tokyo Games. The IOC says there are currently only 11 athletes -- eight Russians and three Belarusians -- who have qualified for the Olympics that meet the above criteria. Around 60 Ukrainians have qualified. Moscow has denounced the "discriminatory" conditions but has not yet decided whether it would recommend that its athletes go to Paris or instead call on them to stay home. Kolesnikov, who at 20 was crowned European champion in the 100m freestyle in 2021, has his mind made up about the Paris Games. "I decided that for me personally, it would not be possible to participate in the Olympic Games under these conditions," he said, explaining that he did not want to be a "black sheep" among the other athletes. "The other guys are taking part, competing like nothing ever happened. Meanwhile we won't have the right to a delegation... nor a flag nor hymn," he added. While the athlete spoke to AFP, young swimmers gathered around him to ask for autographs. "I've always prepared for the Olympic Games," he said, calling it the "coolest" event for any sportsman. "Of course, I'd like to go. Of course, I'd like to win Olympic gold. But considering the current situation, I'd run the risk of coming home with the medal only to see it taken away (by the IOC)," he added. The death toll from a series of attacks on villages in central Nigeria has climbed to almost 200, local authorities said Wednesday, as survivors began to bury the dead Bokkos, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2023) The death toll from a series of attacks on villages in central Nigeria has climbed to almost 200, local authorities said Wednesday, as survivors began to bury the dead. Armed groups launched attacks between Saturday evening and Tuesday morning in Nigeria's Plateau State, a region plagued for several years by religious and ethnic tensions. Authorities had previously put the death toll at 163. During a meeting with Nigeria's vice president on Wednesday, Monday Kassah, head of the local government in Bokkos, Plateau State, said that 148 Bokkos villagers had been killed in the attacks. At least 50 people were also reported dead in several villages in the Barkin Ladi area, according to Dickson Chollom, a member of the state parliament. There are fears the death toll could rise further as some people remain missing, Kassah told AFP on Tuesday, adding that 500 people had been injured and thousands displaced. A large number of the dead were buried on Tuesday, with the vice president of the Church of Christ in Nations, Timothy Nuwan, putting the number at 150. Nigerian Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday decried the attacks and ordered "security agencies to immediately move in, scour every stretch of the zone, and apprehend the culprits". Northwest and central Nigeria have been long terrorised by bandit militias operating from bases deep in forests and raiding villages to loot and kidnap residents for ransom. Competition for natural resources between nomadic herders and farmers, intensified by rapid population growth and climate pressures, has also exacerbated social tensions and sparked violence. A 34-year-old Brazilian woman, whose name is being kept secret by the country's police, took revenge on her husband for adultery by cutting off his penis. The woman told law enforcement that her chosen one had slept with a minor, who was also her niece. ADVERTISIMENT After the amputation, she flushed the penis down the toilet. The details of the incident were reported by the Daily Mail, citing police. The niece, with whom the victim was allegedly having fun, is only 15 years old. The incident occurred near Sao Paulo in the city of Atibaia. The man did not even suspect what his wife was up to. Allegedly, the woman flirted with the man, and when the two of them were in bed, she pulled out a razor and quickly amputated the penis of her "unfaithful" lover. After that, the Brazilian woman, ignoring the wounded man, went to the bathroom, took a picture of the organ and flushed it down the toilet. Later, at the police station, she said that she did this because she "heard that it could be sewn back on." ADVERTISIMENT Interestingly, it was not her husband who reported the incident to the police, but the woman herself. She came to the police station with her brother and confessed to the crime. Nothing is reported about the victim's condition, but his wife, who is already in custody, has been charged with attempted murder, meaning he survived. Law enforcement officials are also investigating a woman's claim of a sexual act between an adult male and a 15-year-old schoolgirl. Despite the fact that the age of consent in Brazil is 14, local authorities need to check whether the girl really voluntarily agreed to it. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that the American actress Marlo Thomas, who has an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy, went under the knife voluntarily. In the latest photos, the 86-year-old star of the TV series That Girl and Rachel's mom from Friends is hardly recognizable. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Vietnamese New Year 2024: How to Prepare Your Business This article was originally published in December 2021. It was updated December 27 2023 to reflect the most recent, relevant information. Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tet, is the most important public holiday in the country. The longest holiday of the year marks a time of increased travel resulting in the closure of businesses, with planned events, and festivities during the holiday period. Vietnam Briefing provides a general overview of the New Year Holiday including what businesses should expect and be aware of. Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet or Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnamese) is the most important traditional holiday in Vietnam. It is also the longest public holiday in the country with up to ten consecutive work-free days. The most important aspect of the Lunar New Year in Vietnam is the emphasis on the old traditions and time with family. For most Vietnamese, visiting their parents over the holidays is crucial; weeks before the holiday, flight and train ticket prices sharply increase, as people leave the major hubs of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang and head to their hometowns. Tet is the Vietnamese version of the Lunar New Year in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan but is also influential in areas with major Chinese diasporas, such as Singapore. Several other Asian countries, including South Korea and Vietnam, celebrate their own lunar new year holidays as well. The date of the festival is dictated by the Lunisolar calendar and can therefore fall anywhere between January 21 and February 20. This year, the transition from the Year of the Cat to the Year of the Dragon will begin on February 10, though preparations usually begin after the western new year. In 2024, the holiday will be from Thursday, February 8, 2024 to Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Though Tet shares the same origins with the Chinese New Year, it is celebrated with unique Vietnamese characteristics that distinguish it from forms of the festival anywhere else. One example is the preparation and consumption of distinctive traditional foods with their own symbolic value (glutinous rice cake, braised pork dishes, pickled vegetables, and candied fruits among many others). In celebration of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, families will be cleaning and decorating their houses to prepare for the Ong Cong Ong Tao (Kitchen Guardians Day) ceremony on the 23rd day of the last month of the lunar year. This is usually the time of the year for family gatherings as families will prepare a feast to worship the three kitchen guardians and ask for a full kitchen for the rest of the year. Red envelopes, or Li Xi in Vietnamese, are commonly given to children, younger colleagues, and support staff during the Lunar New Year Period. The significance of these red packets is the red envelopes themselves, which are seen to symbolize energy, happiness, and good luck. Therefore, when a red envelope is given, this is seen as sending good wishes, happiness, and luck to the receiver. Tet traditions and bonuses for businesses in Vietnam One aspect business owners and foreign employers should be aware of is the custom of paying a Tet bonus to each staff member, which can be as much as a monthly salary or more. Despite the bonus not being a legal obligation, it can facilitate employee satisfaction and retention. More than a few foreign employers have seen their valued staff leave after the holidays due to the lack of a Tet bonus. Considering that the Lunar New Year is the high season for recruiting and job change, the bonus should be used to both motivate and retain employees. Without an obligated rate, it should be determined based on business results and the employees work performance. Though employees are entitled to a holiday break, some businesses might require or offer them to work during this time depending on the nature of the work or special requirements. This is more frequent for foreign businesses than local counterparts. However, to do this, employers must pay them penalty rates. In addition to cash, enterprises can reward employees in other forms. In fact, many businesses give Lunar New Year incentives to employees in the form of train tickets to return to their hometowns as well as expensive objects such as household appliances and motorbikes (which are ubiquitous to Vietnam). Besides that, especially in business, it is customary to send gifts (normally imported delicacies or wine) to top partners or clients. Usually, people prefer buying gift hampers that include different kinds of food such as cookies, chocolates, fruit baskets, wine, soft drinks, and other treats. This variety is intended to symbolize the wishes for a fruitful, prosperous, and successful new year. In 2020, according to a report from Statista, the three most popular gifts for business partners were spirits, wine, and local delicacies. This tradition might appear problematic to foreign businesspeople from western countries, as giving gifts is often seen as a form of bribery and is highly regulated in various compliance regulations. However, the difference in custom and culture is worth considering and should be communicated to headquarters overseas in order to create an understanding of the local business culture that may require exceptions. Any company doing business in Vietnam should be prepared to adopt local practices over this festive period. Business closures over the Tet holiday Even though in 2024, Tet falls on February 10, businesses and factories in Vietnam will be closed for seven days. This includes five days promulgated by the Labor Code for the Tet holiday and the other two on the weekend for the 2024 Lunar New Year. See also: Vietnams Public Holidays 2024 Banks and schools will also be closed during this time. To avoid delayed production and backlogs that can culminate up to one to two weeks before the holiday, factories should process orders according to their priorities and partner relationships. It is advised that both manufacturers and buyers pay utmost attention to the ordering process. If the buyers place their orders early, problems with rushed production before and after the new year can be minimized. Within the first week after the holiday, most businesses will slowly start reopening and planning their production, however, others might take longer to get ready for full operations. Note: Usually, millions of migrant workers in major cities will return to their hometowns to celebrate Lunar New Year with their families. This results in crowded airports, and bus and train stations prior to the holiday and quieter and emptier streets in the cities. Domestic travel usually booms, especially between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Potential delays after Vietnamese Lunar New Year During the Lunar New Year period, the Vietnamese ports and port warehouses will be closed while the terminals continue to work full-time and are open for incoming vessels. The days before the festival, the ports work overtime and try to load all export cargo to unload all import shipments in time before the business closure. After the holiday, the ports will be back to full capacity when they resume work. However, they may have to deal with heavy congestion at the terminals. Businesses should expect delays created by the week-long closure. It usually takes longer in the North than in the South for the timelines to get back to normal. This may further add to supply chain delays. Foreign businesses with supply chains in Vietnam are advised to stay in touch with their suppliers who may face labor shortages and ensure that products can be shipped on time. After the festival it often takes some time for business to fully return to normal. Holiday Greetings The traditional greeting to wish your clients a happy new year is Chuc Mung Nam Moi. It is customary to at least send a physical card or e-card to partner offices if the partnership does not require a gift. In this spirit, the Dezan Shira & Associates Vietnam team wishes you a prosperous, successful, and healthy New Year of the Dragon! Chad's Supreme Court will on Thursday declare definitive results of the country's constitutional referendum that paves the way for a return to civilian rule. Chad's military leader said he will respect the verdict, which is likely not going to be different from provisional results published on Sunday indicating the central African states new constitution was approved by 86% of voters. Some opposition leaders challenge the figures, saying the constitution approved in a referendum does not guarantee that the military leaders are ready to hand power to civilians. Chad's transitional military government said the large turnout of voters in the central African states constitutional referendum indicates that civilians overwhelmingly adhere to General Mahamat Idriss Debys plans to hand power to civilian rule by December 2024. Deby spoke on Chads National Television this week after provisional results of the constitutional referendum were announced. He congratulated civilians, political actors and civil society activists who helped Chads constitutional referendum to unfold peacefully from Nov. 25, when the campaign was launched, through Dec. 17, when the referendum took place, up to Dec. 24, when the National Commission Charged with the Organization of the Constitutional Referendum, CONOREC, announced provisional results. According to the provisional results, the new constitution was approved by 86% of voters. CONOREC reports that more than 63% of the more than 8.3 million voters took part in the Dec. 17 referendum. But Chad's opposition leaders and civil society groups say a majority of voters did not turn out to vote. Opposition parties, including the Union of Democrats for Development and Progress, report that several million voters did not even collect their voter cards. Before the referendum, CONOREC reported that it had launched a campaign for several million voters to collect their voter cards to be eligible to vote in the referendum. Many opposition leaders and civil society groups described the referendum as a sham to prepare for an eventual election of Deby, a 39-year-old military general. Deby assumed power in April 2021 following the death of his father, General Idriss Deby Itno, who took power in a 1990 coup. Chad's opposition and civil society say the younger Deby started showing his intention to hold onto power after he failed to organize elections within 18 months from April 2021 as he had promised. He instead extended his rule until November 2024. Saleh Kebzabo is Chad's civilian transitional prime minister, appointed by Deby, He said opposition parties and civil society groups that claim that Deby is doing everything possible to illegally continue his family's 31-year autocratic rule are ill-intentioned. He said it would be better for political parties and civil society groups to prepare for elections that will hand power to civilians by December 2024 instead of wasting their time in unnecessary political quarrels. Kebzabo said the referendum is key for a return to civilian rule by 2024. The opposition argued it does not bar Deby from running for president. Chad's military rulers said voters in the referendum also decided that Chad would continue as a decentralized system of government, with the country's 23 regions to have greater financial autonomy with elected regional officials. Chad's Supreme Court has until Thursday to examine provisional results and declare definitive results of the Dec. 17 referendum. The opposition, CONOREC, military government and civil society groups said they do not expect any changes from the provisional results declared on Sunday. China's foreign ministry said it had sanctioned Kharon, a U.S. firm founded by former Treasury Department officials that provides data to companies on alleged forced labor in the Xinjiang region to help them comply with U.S. laws. The foreign ministry said on Tuesday it would take "countermeasures" against Kharon and its director of investigations for providing "so-called evidence for America's illegal sanctions related to Xinjiang." In response, Los-Angeles based Kharon said it had no presence in China, so the action was "largely symbolic" and would not impact its operations or ability to service its clients. "In service of our clients and all global businesses that seek to implement leading risk management programs, Kharon will continue to provide research and data analytics that is objective, independent, and based on reliable sources," it said in a statement. A former researcher of the U.S.-based Center for Advanced Defense Studies will also be subject to sanctions. The affected individuals will be banned from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and the property of Kharon in China will be frozen, the ministry said. Kharon said companies depend on its forced labor data to comply with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The act was signed into U.S. law in 2021 to deny entry to goods from listed companies originating from the Chinese region of Xinjiang unless they can prove they were not produced with or tied to forced labor. The United States this month curbed imports from three more Chinese firms including Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group, previously found by Kharon to have participated in labor transfers in 2017 in which thousands of workers were sent to work at various production facilities. U.S. officials say they believe Chinese authorities have established labor camps for Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. Beijing denies any abuses. The Xinjiang-related sanctions are based on "lies" and "false narratives," according to Beijing, which says the U.S. is bent on undermining Xinjiang's stability and curbing China's development. The death toll in Nigerias Christmas Eve attacked by armed gangs has risen to 150, Plateau state officials said Wednesday, while survivors and observers expressed outrage at the governments reaction. Plateau authorities say the unknown gunmen overran more than 17 local villages across Bokkos and two other districts, burning down houses in the attack. A local district head in Bokkos said search teams were still combing nearby bushes for missing people. Thousands have been displaced from their homes. Shelong Gabriel said she last spoke to two of her male cousins on Christmas Eve. She said that the two brothers ages 45 and 58 told her they had joined a local vigilante group because of a warning of a possible attack. Later that night, she said, assailants attacked the village, killing the men and their mother. "These people came on motorbikes, and they had so much machineries Gabriel said. I lost three of my family." No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, but locals blame herders. Plateau state is embroiled in a decades-old ethno-religious conflict between predominantly Muslim herders and Christian farmers. The attack has sparked outrage and criticism of the government. Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International's country director for Nigeria, called on authorities to investigate. "It is really sad and unfortunate that these kinds of things continue to happen, and the authorities cannot do anything apart from sympathizing with the victims, which shows helplessness on their side, Sanusi said. Rural communities have been allowed to live in the last 10 years or so at the mercy of gunmen." Plateau resident Mangai Luka said people have been afraid since the attack. "People are at home; nobody is going anywhere, Luka said. With the situation ... you can't go far from the house because you can't tell what will happen next. Even [last] night we heard gunshots; we couldn't sleep." Nigerian authorities have condemned the attack and promised to hold the perpetrators accountable. Insecurity is a big problem for the government of President Bola Tinubu, who came to power promising to address the problem. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the affected villages Wednesday. Some observers, including security analyst Chukwudi Victor Odoeme, remain critical of the governments efforts. "I think the government is not doing enough, he said. There's still the absence of political will. It's an indictment on our government and security forces." On Dec. 28, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act. Nothing, he said, is more priceless and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed. The powerful new law charged the federal government with saving every endangered plant and animal in America and enjoyed nearly unanimous bipartisan support. The Act was so sweeping that, in retrospect, it was bound to become controversial, especially since it allowed species to be listed as endangered without consideration for the economic consequences. In that way it pitted two American values against each other: the idea that Americans should preserve their incredible natural resources (the United States invented the national park, after all) and the notion that capitalism was king and private property inviolate. Left to navigate this minefield was a group of young biologists in Washington the first Office of Endangered Species. The snail darter Ichthyologist Jim Williams, the office's first fish guy, was hired in 1974. He describes his cohort as a bunch of conservation-minded biologists that were all on a mission to save every last one of our chosen group of organisms come hell or high water, and, by the way, to hell with the bureaucrats and politicians. His unconventional attitude and methods soon became apparent with the listing of the snail darter, a little fish now so notorious it has become synonymous with government overreach. At the time, it was only known to exist in the Little Tennessee River which the Tennessee Valley Authority was planning to dam. I started talking about listing it, and boy, oh boy, did the crap hit the fan, Williams says. His boss told him the listing was so controversial it might spell the end of the Endangered Species Act. It didn't. But the law would never again enjoy the support of its earliest days. Whether the government should try to save all species from extinction, or if not, where to draw the line, became a point of conflict that has never been fully resolved. Save Ken Dodd and Rattlesnakes Herpetologist Ken Dodd was recruited to the office in 1976. There was not a whole lot of conservation theory at the time to draw on, he says. So we were really at the cutting edge of determining what is necessary for conservation." Like Williams, Dodd regularly butted heads with administrators. He also followed the science where it led without thought for whom it might inconvenience. But the thing that actually got him fired in 1979 was not a listing but a letter. A man named Dominique DErmo owned a Washington restaurant that was serving rattlesnake meat he said came from Pennsylvania. That would have violated a law called the Lacey Act. So I wrote to the restaurant and said, Hey, Dominique, I think you need to get a better source, Dodd says. It turned out Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus was a patron. When he learned what Dodd had done, He fired me." Dodd hired an attorney. Meanwhile, according to Williams, We all went down to a T-shirt shop, got shirts that said Save Ken Dodd and Rattlesnakes. The ensuing publicity made an impact. Soon, Dodd was back at work. Gray wolf season Mammologist Ron Nowak joined the office in 1973. The animals he was responsible for were often furry and charismatic, but he still had problems with his listings. In the 1980s the gray wolf was coming back in Minnesota from just a tiny remnant of a couple hundred animals to maybe several hundred or a thousand thanks to the Endangered Species Act. Wildlife officials wanted to open a hunting season. That would require a regulation showing it would benefit the wolves and was the only way to control their population. They told me, You have to write the regulation, Nowak says. And I said, It would be illegal. Someone else wrote the regulation. Conservation groups sued, calling Nowak as a witness. The conservation groups won. Nowak's success may have made him overconfident, he said, because he then sought outside help that forced the agency to move on a stalled listing for the Louisiana black bear, the inspiration for the original teddy bear. By late 1987, his unit had been dismembered and he was reassigned. Today, Nowak has nothing but praise for his colleagues. They wanted to show a true reflection of that part of the natural world that was in danger of disappearing, he says. You could go there at night or on weekends, and theyd be there, not for any extra pay, but just because they believed in it. And you could find them out in the field, sometimes, actually going to just try to look for these animals and plants. Really, I think it was a unique place one that we may never see again. Climate change and the California condor LaVerne Smith was hired in 1978 as a botanist, but her title and duties shifted over a long career. When Smith started, The agency was just getting hiring people, getting staffed up, trying to figure out what to do with this amazing new piece of legislation, she says. One of the early decisions was whether to bring the last of the critically endangered California condor s into captivity for breeding. It was controversial, but it worked. Theyre out sailing around the Grand Canyon. And I think anyone whos seen one the day I saw one sail over the Grand Canyon, I was like, Oh my God! That was all worth it. Smith later transferred to Alaska, where she led the listing for the polar bear, the first animal to be listed as endangered because of climate change. That is a whole new era of challenge for the agency," she says. Smith calls it terrifying but tries to remain hopeful. People were very worried that we would never be able to do anything for the condor, she says. Certainly it still requires a lot of protection and a lot of help, but its still out there." The boss John Spinks, an early chief of the Office of Endangered Species, was aware that some of his staff would make end runs around the bureaucracy. At one point there was a particular listing that was being blocked by Interior Department attorneys. He wrote a memorandum about the problems that got leaked to the Washington Post and caused all hell to break loose, he says. Of course, we were as clean as the driven snow. There was nothing that would ever come back to us. That was many years ago, but I still think about that with great satisfaction. All About America explores American culture, politics, trends, history, ideals and places of interest. Librarians-turned-spies helped fight the Nazis by deploying their information gathering and organizing skills as weapons during World War II. These secret agents collected everything from local newspapers and trade journals to underground resistance pamphlets, technological manuals, economic reports and land surveys. They weren't the James Bond type of spy but more of the low key, under-the-radar spy, says Kathy Peiss, author of Information Hunters: When Librarians, Soldiers, and Spies Banded Together in World War II Europe. "They were there to collect what today we would call open-source materials. So magazines, newspapers, materials like industrial directories, and anything that might give some insight into the planning and strength of the enemy. The librarians possessed skills that made them well-suited for the job. Librarians, and specifically research librarians, are taught to be managers of information, says Katie McBride Moench, a library media specialist who has researched these librarian field agents. It is not so much like these librarians were trying to steer the course of the war they were trying to take the information that was coming out of these occupied territories and organize it in a way that would be useful to military commanders and other people involved in making those decisions. Peiss, a retired professor of American history at the University of Pennsylvania, became interested in the topic after learning that her fathers eldest brother was one of these spies. Reuben Peiss, a Harvard University librarian, was recruited by the Office of Strategic Services the first U.S. intelligence agency at the start of World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945. Like many of the librarians and academics recruited for the war effort, Peiss spoke several languages. My uncle Ruben Peiss knew German, French, Italian. He picked up Portuguese instantly. So, being able to look at a newspaper or a magazine or a book and know what it is saying was extremely important, and to be able to make a quick judgment about that, Peiss says. Nobody suspects librarians of doing anything threatening, so they make really good intelligence agents. They're kind of hidden in plain sight. Although there were many female librarians in the United States at the time, the librarians who helped the war effort were mostly men, according to Peiss. The federal government mostly recruited librarians at colleges and universities, jobs that were difficult for women to obtain. But at least one female recruit who was denied a job in the highest echelons of academia excelled in her role as a spy. Adele Kibre, who had a Ph.D. in medieval linguistics, was among the first of these academic spies to use microphotography taking pictures of documents and sending the film back to her bosses for analysis. Sometimes being a woman gave them a little more plausible deniability, and they were able to get access to places that men might not have been able to, McBride Moench says. And so, in her case, for example, she developed really strong memberships with the Danish resistance and their underground press, and she used those channels to smuggle books and articles out of territories occupied by the Nazis. Lila Devis family built a new home after their house in Khanyara village in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh collapsed when intense rains lashed the Himalayan mountains this summer. They moved to lower slopes where they own a patch of land they had to sell a part of it to fund the new home. They hope they will be safer if a flash flood inundates their village again, but memory of the torrent of water and debris that coursed down the hill still haunts them. We keep praying to God that this never happens again. Does anyone want to abandon their home? said Devi. Her brother-in-law is equally apprehensive. I am frightened to even venture up the hill because I witnessed the deluge with my own eyes, said Ramel Singh. They were among thousands impacted by a series of unprecedented disasters that ravaged Indias Himalayan region this year. The devastation has raised questions whether large-scale infrastructure development along with the impact of climate change is making the mountains more disaster-prone. In Joshimath town, hundreds of people were evacuated from houses that developed huge cracks when land began sinking in January. In the monsoons, heavy rains unleashed landslides and floods that swept away roads and buildings in several towns and villages. In October, a glacial lake in Sikkim state overflowed, flooding many villages. Last month, 41 men were trapped in an under-construction road tunnel for 17 days. In recent years, India has fast-tracked construction of highways, hydroelectric dams, bridges and rail lines in the Himalayan mountains. Environmentalists point out that hillsides are being blasted, tunnels drilled and trees cut at a time when global warming is bringing more intense bursts of rain and causing glaciers to melt. Climate change is a force multiplier. These projects when they were planned had not taken climate change into account, said Anjal Prakash, a research director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad. What if 250 millimeters of rain falls in just two days which is the order of the day now in the Himalayas? That means the road infrastructure, the tunnel infrastructure must adhere to these new realities, the new normal that we have. Development is needed in the Indian Himalayas home to 50 million people. Dams ramp up clean energy and light villages, while roads cater to an ever-growing influx of tourists, boost local economies and create livelihoods. Highway construction is also a vital strategic project India is accelerating road construction to ferry troops and military equipment to Indias tense border with China where tens of thousands of soldiers remain deployed for a fourth year. But local communities fear that the infrastructure push is destabilizing the mountains. In Joshimath town, where homes developed cracks, some residents said that the rampant construction had caused the land to sink. Joshimath resident, Vikesh Sikri, who runs a hotel close by, said while schools and roads are necessary, more caution is necessary. Tinkering too much with the mountains will make them loose and crack or damage hillsides, he said. Last month the spotlight turned on a flagship project of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government a 900-kilometer all-weather network of roads being built to improve connectivity to four Hindu pilgrim sites in the Himalayas. The 41 men who were trapped in a road tunnel before being rescued had been working on the project. Some environmental groups had raised questions about the viability of the two-lane road that will wind through high mountains. The road will go through some areas about which we have limited understanding, according to Rajneesh Sareen, Program Director of the Sustainable Buildings and Habitat Program at New Delhis Center for Science and Environment. The variation in environment within just two to three kilometers in the mountains can be huge. Detailed studies have not been done in some of these areas, so how do we assess the likely impact of construction? Environmentalists say there is no time to lose in switching to more sustainable development in mountain ranges that are warming faster than other parts of the planet. Climate change is striking us very fast. The window of opportunity is only 10 to 15 years. If we dont put our act together, we will have a much bleaker future, according to Prakash. The climate crisis that the Himalayas are facing also got attention at the Cop28 climate summit held in Dubai earlier this month. It is deeply shocking to learn how fast the Himalayan glaciers are melting. And deeply distressing to hear first-hand from local communities about the terrible impact on their lives, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said. His comments followed a visit he made to Nepal last month. In India, those who have seen their mountain homes collapse, like Lila Devi's family, are apprehensive. I worry that our new home might get flooded. People say that might happen when the rains come, said Swarna Devi in Khanyara village. Echoing her concerns, her father-in-law, Ramel Singh, pointed to the mountains around. This is where we want to stay because these hills have been our home for generations. Last year, Yale Law School, traditionally ranked No. 1 by the influential US News & World Report, announced it would no longer participate. Other law schools faced a difficult choice leave en masse with Yale or reap the benefits as a competitor left the field. Jack Stripling of The Washington Post investigates their covert struggle with the rankings and one another. (December 2023) [[ ]] American film actor Dwayne Johnson, nicknamed "The Rock," repeated his image from 27 years ago and surprised his fans. They noticed that a 24-year-old boy and a 51-year-old successful man look almost identical. ADVERTISIMENT The cosplay of himself in his youth appeared on Instagram. Almost 5 million people liked his video in just one day. On Christmas Day, the artist dressed in a black tee and jeans, just like in the iconic photo of the 27-year-old. He also wore a massive chain, a belt bag, and a watch. The actor himself called the photo "absurd" but "iconic". The only thing that has not been preserved is The Rock's hair, because for many years he has been filmed without hair. However, Johnson solved this problem very simply by painting his hair and attaching a fragment of a wig. The actor sang for his subscribers, showing off his image in all its glory, and they noted that The Rock is the only person who can cosplay The Rock. ADVERTISIMENT In 2015, on Graham Norton's talk show, Dwayne Johnson told the story of this photo shoot. "I look like a closeted lesbian. The worst part was that I had a napkin under my elbow because I was protecting my turtleneck," the artist admitted at the time. He was posing in his mom's jeans and trying to look cool, but the dirty surface forced Skela to put a napkin, which can be seen in the picture. This detail made him laugh the most. By the way, the Fast and the Furious star laughingly shared in an interview that at school, his peers thought he was an undercover cop because of his "adult" appearance, but now the actor looks younger than most of his classmates. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA showed how Ukrainian and foreign celebrities looked like in their youth and how they have changed over the years. Photos can be found in the article. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Israel on Wednesday that it or its allied groups would take direct action to avenge the killing of senior commander Razi Mousavi. The general was killed Monday in an Israeli missile strike near the Syrian capital, according to state media, at a time of heightened regional tension around the Israel-Hamas war raging in Gaza. The Israeli army, which has launched hundreds of strikes on Iran-linked targets in war-torn Syria in recent years, said only that it does not comment on foreign media reports. The body of Mousavi, a commander in the Guards' foreign operations arm the Quds Force, was taken to Iraq for funeral rites in Shiite Muslim holy sites a day ahead of his burial in Iran planned for Thursday. IRGC spokesman Ramezan Sharif warned that "our response to Mousavi's assassination will be a combination of direct action as well as (from) others led by the Axis of Resistance," the local Mehr news agency reported. Sharif charged that the Israeli killing of the general near Damascus "was likely due to its failures after the 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,'" a reference to the October 7 attacks Hamas launched against Israel. The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,140 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures, and the abduction of around 250 people. Israel has retaliated with a relentless bombardment and ground invasion that have killed at least 21,110 people, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry. The Gaza war has reverberated across the Middle East, drawing in armed groups backed by Iran in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Iran, which supports Hamas financially and militarily, has hailed the deadly attacks as a success but denied any direct involvement. 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." Sharif claimed Mousavi's killing was an Israeli attempt "to expand the war to other geographical areas." In Iraq, hundreds of mourners Wednesday attended memorial prayers for Mousavi, whose coffin was taken to the Imam Ali shrine in the Shiite shrine city of Najaf. "America is the enemy of God," some of them chanted. The pallbearers included members of the Hashed al-Shaabi, mainly pro-Iranian former paramilitary units that have been integrated into Iraq's regular armed forces. Mousavis remains were then taken to Karbala, another shrine city, ahead of his repatriation to Iran. Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Mohammed al-Sadiq, told AFP that Mousavi's death was the latest of the Israeli "enemy's list of crimes." Israeli forces carried out fresh airstrikes Wednesday in the Gaza Strip, a day after comments from Israeli officials about expanding ground fighting sparked concern from the United Nations about the safety of civilians. Wednesdays fighting included Israeli ground operations and airstrikes in Gaza City, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip where Israel initially focused its campaign to eliminate the Hamas militant group After moving south to the Khan Younis area, Israeli officials this week have signaled a push into parts of central Gaza, including areas home to multiple refugee camps. Much of Gazas population has been forced from their homes by the fighting, with people crowding into overburdened shelters and scrambling to exit areas after Israel warns of impending military action. Humanitarian aid deliveries have also been limited by the violence, leaving shortages of food, water and fuel. "There are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organization," Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi said Tuesday, referring to Hamas. He said the war would go on "for many months." The expansion of fighting in central Gaza prompted the United Nations Tuesday to voice alarm over Israeli attacks that killed more than 100 Palestinians in the span of two days this week. "We are gravely concerned about the continued bombardment of Middle Gaza by Israeli forces, which has claimed more than 100 Palestinian lives since Christmas Eve," U.N. human rights office spokesperson Seif Magango said Tuesday. The World Health Organization said its teams have undertaken high-risk missions to deliver supplies, with partners, to hospitals in northern and southern Gaza. A statement issued Wednesday said the WHO teams witnessed intense hostilities in their vicinity, high patient loads and overcrowding caused by people displaced by the conflict seeking refuge. Today I repeat my call on the international community to take urgent steps to alleviate the grave peril facing the population of Gaza and jeopardizing the ability of humanitarian workers to help people with terrible injuries, acute hunger, and at severe risk of disease, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Residents on Wednesday reported airstrikes and shelling in the areas of the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij refugee camps in central Gaza. Radwan Abu Sheitta, who lives in Bureij, told The Associated Press by phone, "The bombing was very intense." The White House Wednesday welcomed the appointment this week of Sigrid Kaag as United Nations senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza. We welcome Ms. Kaags leadership and look forward to working together closely to increase the flow of aid into Gaza, and ensure safety and security for the aid delivery and the humanitarian staff providing the life-saving support to those in need, said a statement from national security advisor Jake Sullivan. Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Tuesday with the Israeli minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer. A White House official said Sullivan and Dermer discussed transitioning to a different phase of the war to focus on high-value Hamas targets, and planning for the day after fighting ends, including governance and security in Gaza. On October 7, Hamas militants poured over the border with Israel and attacked southern Israeli communities, killing about 1,200 people, according to Israel. Hamas, designated a terrorist group by the United States 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 attack on Gaza. The Israeli offensive has left vast parts of Gaza in ruins and killed nearly 21,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. The fighting has also displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million people, with many trying to find safety in overcrowded, U.N.-run shelters in southern Gaza. The Israeli army said Tuesday that 158 Israeli soldiers have been killed inside Gaza since fighting began in October. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Israeli forces killed six people Wednesday during a raid in the occupied West Bank. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa said an Israeli airstrike hit the Nur Shams refugee camp near the town of Tulkarem and that several other people were injured. Israels military said it carried out a counterterror operation in the Nur Shams camp, and that its forces came under attack by a group of people throwing explosives. The Israel Defense Forces said an aircraft attacked the group, and that soldiers also arrested 14 people during the operation in Nur Shams and also in Hebron. Violence has increased in the West Bank since Israel launched its operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants. The Palestinian health ministry says more than 300 people have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers during that time. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Thousands of Palestinian families fled Wednesday from the brunt of Israel's expanding ground offensive into Gaza's few remaining, overcrowded refuges, as the military launched heavy strikes across the center and south of the territory, killing dozens, Palestinian health officials said. On foot or riding donkey carts loaded with belongings, a stream of people flowed into Deir al-Balah a town that normally has a population of around 75,000. It has been overwhelmed by several hundred thousand people driven from northern Gaza as the region was pounded to rubble. Because U.N. shelters are packed many times over capacity, the new arrivals set up tents on sidewalks for the cold winter night. Most crowded onto streets around the town's main hospital, Al-Aqsa Martyrs, hoping it would be safer from Israeli strikes. Still, no place is safe in Gaza. Israeli offensives are crowding most of the population into Deir al-Balah and Rafah at the territory's southern edge as well as a tiny rural area by the southern coastline. Those areas continue to be hit by Israeli strikes that regularly crush homes full of people. Many fear they too could eventually come under ground assault. Israel has said its campaign in Gaza is likely to last for months, vowing to dismantle Hamas across the territory and prevent a repeat of its October 7 attack into southern Israel. Benny Gantz, a member of the country's three-man War Cabinet, said the fighting "will be expanded, according to need, to additional centers and additional fronts." He and other Israeli officials also threatened greater military action against Lebanon's Hezbollah, hiking fears of an all-out war on that front. The two sides have exchanged fire almost daily across the border. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen warned Wednesday that "all options are on the table" if Hezbollah does not withdraw from the border area, as called for under a 2006 U.N. cease-fire. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah "must understand that he's next," Cohen said. Death, displacement and starvation Israel's offensive in Gaza has already been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than 21,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The count doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants. Some 85% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people have fled their homes in an exodus that for many Palestinians has echoes of the mass displacement in 1948 that they refer to as the Nakba, or catastrophe. The latest people to be displaced fled from several built-up refugee camps in central Gaza that have been targeted in the latest phase of Israel's ground assault. One of the camps, Bureij, came under heavy bombardment throughout the night as Israeli troops moved in. "It was a night of hell. We haven't seen such bombing since the start of the war," said Rami Abu Mosab, speaking from Bureij, where he has sheltered since fleeing his home in northern Gaza. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for Bureij and neighboring parts of central Gaza on Tuesday. The area was home to nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north, according to the U.N. humanitarian office. Bureij camp, like others in Gaza, houses refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation and their descendants and now resembles other densely populated neighborhoods. It was not known how many were evacuating. In Deir al-Balah over the past two days, empty lots have filled up with families in tents or sleeping on blankets on the ground. This was the third move further south for Ibrahim al-Zatari, a daily laborer. First he, his wife and four children moved in with relatives in Gaza City after surviving a strike that flattened their home in northern Gaza. Later, they fled to Bureij to escape fighting in the city. On Wednesday morning, they made an hourslong journey on foot to Deir al-Balah, where like many others they wandered the streets looking for an empty spot to lie down. "There is no foothold here," he said. "Where should we go?" With much of northern Gaza leveled, Palestinians fear a similar fate awaits other areas, including Khan Younis, where Israeli forces launched ground operations in early December. The Israeli military said Wednesday it deployed another brigade in the city, a sign of the tough fighting. Israeli shelling Wednesday struck a residential building in Khan Younis next to Al-Amal Hospital, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, which runs the facility. Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said at least 20 people were killed and dozens more wounded. Footage from the scene showed several torn bodies lying in the street as rescue workers loaded a man whose legs had been severed onto a stretcher. Despite continuous U.S. calls for Israel to shift to a more precise assault, the military so far appears to be following the same pattern used in earlier phases of the ground offensive in northern Gaza and Khan Younis. Before troops move in, heavy bombardment targets what Israel says is Hamas' tunnels and military infrastructure. Fierce urban fighting follows as troops move block to block, backed by airstrikes and shelling that the military says aim to force out pockets of militants. The resulting devastation has been massive. U.N. officials say a quarter of Gaza's population is starving under Israel's siege, which allows in only a trickle of food, water, fuel and other supplies. Israel has said Hamas must be destroyed after its October 7 attack in which militants broke through Israel's formidable defenses and killed some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducted around 240. An estimated 129 remain in captivity after dozens were freed. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll in Gaza because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. The military says it has killed thousands of militants, without presenting evidence, and that 164 of its soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. Warning over Lebanon Cross-border exchanges of fire have escalated between Hezbollah and the Israeli military. An Israeli strike on a family home in Lebanon overnight killed a Hezbollah fighter, his brother and his sister-in-law, local officials and state media said Wednesday. A day earlier, a Hezbollah strike wounded 11 people in northern Israel. Since the Gaza war began, the near daily battles have forced tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate their homes from nearby communities. At least nine soldiers and four civilians have been killed on the Israeli side, and around 150 people on the Lebanese side, mostly fighters from Hezbollah and other groups, but also 17 civilians. Gantz warned that time for diplomatic pressure was "running out." "If the world and the Lebanese government will not act to stop the firing on the northern settlements and keep Hezbollah away from the border, the IDF will do so," he said, referring to the Israeli military. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians during an overnight raid in the refugee neighborhood of Nur Shams, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. More than 300 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the war, mostly in confrontations with Israeli forces during raids and protests. South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead Wednesday in an apparent suicide according to a police official. The actor was discovered inside a vehicle at a park in central Seoul, Yonhap news agency reported, citing police. Lee, 48, had been under police investigation over his alleged use of marijuana and other psychoactive drugs. Once celebrated for his wholesome image, local news outlets reported that the actor was being dropped from television and commercial projects following the scandal. A graduate of South Korea's prestigious Korea National University of Arts, Lee made his acting debut in 2001 in a television sitcom titled "Lovers." He later won acclaim for his performances in a variety of roles, including a charismatic chef and a diligent architectural engineer who learns his wife cheats on him. Globally, he is best known for his portrayal of the wealthy and shallow patriarch in director Bong Joon-ho's 2019 Oscar-winning film "Parasite." His last film, this year's horror flick "Sleep" in which he played a husband whose sleepwalking eventually leads to horrifying circumstances was well-received critically and featured in the Critics' Week section at the Cannes festival. He briefly spoke to reporters in late October before entering an Incheon police station to meet with investigators. "I sincerely apologize for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident," he said at the time. "I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment. "Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone." South Korea has extremely tough laws on illegal drugs, with even Koreans who take drugs like marijuana legally abroad risking prosecution upon returning to their home country. This year, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for more stringent measures to eliminate drug traffickers, saying the country was no longer "drug-free." He is survived by wife and actress Jeon Hye-jin and two sons. Several people were wounded in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital on Wednesday as riot police forcibly dispersed a banned protest by the opposition who are calling for a re-run of last week's chaotic national elections. The disputed vote threatens to further destabilize poverty-stricken Congo, which is already grappling with a security crisis in the east that has hampered development in the world's top producer of cobalt and other industrial minerals and metals. Police surrounded the headquarters of Martin Fayulu, one of five of President Felix Tshisekedi's challengers who had called on their supporters to march in Kinshasa on Wednesday against the presidential and legislative poll, which they say was fraudulent and should be annulled. Tshisekedi's administration has dismissed the claims. Tshisekedi "did not win the election, his victory is fraudulent," said one protester, who gave his name as Jean-Pierre. Opposition vows to proceed The opposition vowed to proceed even after the government banned the protest on Tuesday, saying it was intended to undermine the work of the national election commission (CENI) as it compiles results that for now give Tshisekedi a strong lead. Police fired tear gas and threw rocks at people outside and inside the headquarters, said a Reuters witness, who said that the people were also throwing rocks. Fayulu accused the security forces of heavy-handedness and said 11 people had been injured. "You see how the police attacked us. Our program was simple: gather little by little and head to CENI headquarters," he told journalists. A Reuters reporter saw members of Fayulu's team carrying wounded people from the scene and taking them to hospital. Kinshasa police chief Blaise Kilimba Limba said two police officers had been injured by stones. Attempts to gather elsewhere in the city were rapidly thwarted amid the heavy security presence. Some protesters tried to block roads with burning tires before police intervened. Credibility concerns In a sign of tension elsewhere, supporters of a local candidate who appeared to be losing briefly blocked roads and disrupted traffic with burning tires in the eastern city of Butembo before dispersing. The unrest follows the December 20 vote, which was marred by delays delivering election kits, malfunctioning equipment, and disorganized voting lists. Violence also disrupted the poll in some places. The protest organizers have heavily criticized CENI's decision to extend voting at polling stations that failed to open on election day, calling it unconstitutional and grounds for a full re-run. Some independent observers have also said the extension undermines the credibility of the poll. CENI has acknowledged there were delays but denied that the legitimacy of the election was compromised by extending some voting. Its latest tally on Tuesday put Tshisekedi well ahead of his 18 challengers, with almost 79% of around 6.1 million votes counted so far. Around 44 million were registered to vote, although the number of ballots cast remains unknown. The Biden administration announced Wednesday the final drawdown of weapons and military equipment for Ukraine from U.S. stockpiles under the existing presidential authorization, with future assistance for Kyiv up to Congress. The $250 million package includes air defense munitions, additional ammunition for High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155 mm and 105 mm artillery ammunition, and anti-armor munitions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. "Our assistance has been critical to supporting our Ukrainian partners as they defend their country and their freedom against Russia's aggression," Blinken said, adding that the arms and equipment were being provided under previously directed drawdowns for Ukraine. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said last week that President Joe Biden was planning one more military aid package in December, but that assistance after that would require an agreement in Congress, where the prospects for a deal are uncertain. "When that one's done ... we will have no more replenishment authority available to us, and we're going to need Congress to act without delay," Kirby said on December 18. Blinken urged Congress to act swiftly on new aid for Ukraine, "to advance our national security interests by helping Ukraine defend itself and secure its future." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Washington earlier this month to speak with U.S. lawmakers about Ukraine's needs. Biden has proposed $61 billion in aid for Ukraine, along with additional military aid for Israel and Taiwan, but the legislation has been stalled by Republican demands that the administration address border security. Senate leaders said after Zelenskyy's visit that negotiators were "making encouraging progress" but "challenging issues remain." Drone attacks Overnight Wednesday, Russia attacked Ukraine with 46 drones launched in several waves, Ukraines military said. The Ukrainian air force said its defenses destroyed 32 of the drones, while most of the remainder were able to strike front-line areas, mainly in the Kherson region. The aerial barrage came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea as the 22-month war has reached a stalemate. Two people were killed and three were injured in the barrage in the Odesa region. The bombardment of the Kherson region occurred as about 140 civilians were waiting at a train station in the regions capital, Kherson, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. The shelling killed one policeman and injured two other officers, as well as two civilians. More than 100 people who were waiting for the train arrived in Kyiv Wednesday morning, national rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said. The attack on the Kherson region also struck the power grid, leaving around 70% of households without electricity in Kherson city, where temperatures hovered around 3 degrees Celsius, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said. He said it was not known when power might be restored, he said. The Russian embassy in Denmark said in a statement Wednesday that six people from Denmark have been charged by Russia as being foreign mercenaries in the war between Russia and Ukraine. The charges follow an investigation by Russian authorities into the recruitment and participation of foreign mercenaries. If convicted, the Danes face up to 15 years in prison, according to the Russian Federation's Penal Code, the embassy said. The Russian embassy added that 20 Danes have been registered for taking part in the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian embassy said, adding that the embassy has reached out to the Danish Foreign Ministry. The Danish foreign ministry was not immediately available to comment, Reuters reported. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. South Korea imposed sanctions on eight North Koreans linked to nuclear and missile development through arms trade, cyberattacks and other illicit activities, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Wednesday. The sanctions came days after North Korea fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile, which South Korea and the United States strongly condemned as a grave violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The newly blacklisted people include Ri Chang Ho, head of the Reconnaissance General Bureau involved in overseas hacking operations, and Yun Chol, who helped supply nuclear materials while working at the North Korean Embassy in China, the ministry said. "The eight were involved in generating profits for the North Korean regime and financing nuclear weapons and missiles development by earning foreign currency through illegal cyber activities or stealing technology and trading sanctioned goods including weapons," it said in a statement. Amid a prolonged stalemate at the U.N., Seoul has sanctioned Pyongyang independently or together with Washington and Tokyo, seeking to squeeze its funding sources. South Korea has blacklisted 83 individuals and 53 entities related to North Korea's weapons programs since October 2022. A top U.S. delegation is meeting with Mexico's president Wednesday in what many see as an attempt to have Mexico do more to limit a surge of migrants reaching the U.S. southwestern border. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said he's willing to help, but he wants to see progress in U.S. relations with Cuba and Venezuela, two of the top sources of migrants, along with more development aid for the region. "We have always talked about addressing the causes [of migration]. The ideal thing is to help poor countries," Lopez Obrador said before the meeting. Both sides in the talks face pressure to reach an agreement after past steps like limiting direct travel into Mexico or deporting some migrants failed to stop the influx. This month, as many as 10,000 migrants were arrested daily at the southwest U.S. border. The U.S. has struggled to process thousands of migrants at the border, and house them once they reach northern cities. Mexican industries were stung last week when the U.S. briefly closed two vital Texas railway crossings, arguing that border patrol agents had to be reassigned to deal with the surge. Another non-rail border crossing remained closed in Lukeville, Arizona, and operations were partially suspended in San Diego and Nogales, Arizona. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken left open the possibility that those crossings could be reopened if Mexico provides more help. "Secretary Blinken will discuss unprecedented irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere and identify ways Mexico and the United States will address border security challenges, including actions to enable the reopening of key ports of entry across our shared border," his office said. Mexico says it detected 680,000 migrants moving through the country in the first 11 months of 2023. Mexico has assigned over 32,000 military troops and National Guard officers about 11% of its total forces to enforce immigration laws, and the National Guard now detains far more migrants than criminals. But the shortcomings of that approach were on display Tuesday, when National Guard officers made no attempt to stop a caravan of about 6,000 migrants, many from Central America and Venezuela, from walking through Mexico's main inland immigration inspection point in southern Chiapas state near the Guatemala border. In the past, Mexico has let such caravans go through, trusting that they would tire themselves out walking along the highway. By Wednesday, Lazara Padron Molina, 46, from Cuba was sick and exhausted. The caravan set out December 24 from the city of Tapachula and had walked about 45 miles (75 kilometers) through the heat to Escuintla in southern Chiapas state. "The route is too long to continue walking. Why don't they just give us documents so that we could get a bus or a taxi?" Padron Molina said. "Look at my feet," she said, showing blisters. "I can't go on anymore." But wearing the migrants out by obliging Venezuelans and others to hike through the jungle-clad Darien Gap, or corralling migrants off passenger buses in Mexico no longer appears to work. So many migrants have been hopping freight trains through Mexico that one of the country's two major railroad companies suspended trains in September because of safety concerns. Police raids to pull migrants off railway cars the kind of action Mexico took a decade ago might be one thing the American delegation would like to see. A few blocks from Mexico City's main plaza where Blinken will meet with Lopez Obrador at the National Palace migrants stayed at an improvised shelter at a church, gathering strength before continuing north. David Pena, his two daughters and his pregnant wife, Maryeris Zerpa, hoped to reach the United States before the child is born in about a month. "The goal is to cross over so the baby will be born there," Pena said. But with no asylum appointment, he had no idea how the family will enter. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall also are attending the meeting. The U.S. has shown that one country's problems on the border quickly become both countries' problems. The Texas railway closures put a chokehold on freight moving from Mexico to the U.S., as well as grain needed to feed Mexican livestock moving south. Lopez Obrador confirmed last week 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." He said Mexico has proposed to President Joe Biden that a U.S.-Cuba bilateral dialogue be opened. In May, Mexico agreed to take in migrants from countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba who had been turned away by the U.S. for not following rules that provided new legal pathways to asylum and other forms of migration. For a generation of Albanians, there is no more precious memory than that of a rally attended by some 300,000 people on June 22, 1991, to hear the visiting U.S. secretary of state, James Baker, congratulate them on emerging from decades of communist rule. But what came over the loudspeakers was not the voice of Baker but that of his translator, Elez Biberaj, who retires this week after a 43-year career at the Voice of America during which he served as an Albanian-language broadcaster, service chief, Eurasia Division director and for six months as the agencys acting director. Of course, the voice they heard very well was one they were very familiar with, Elez Biberajs voice, who had broadcast on VOAs Albanian Service, said Chris Hill, the current U.S. ambassador to Serbia, at a retirement party for Biberaj this month. I remember the great things you have done for the United States, the great things you have done for our relationship with all the countries of the language services broadcasts, Hill said. Ervin Bushati, Albanias ambassador to the United States, shared his own memories of the historic appearance by Secretary Baker in Tiranas Skenderbeg Square. I was a kid in that big square. I walked away from school without my family knowing it, and it was the biggest place I had ever seen. And listening to your voice, which was the sound of light, because the Voice of America was the light during our darkest times during the communist regime, Bushati recalled. People were glued to the radio listening to your voice in short waves, with weird sounds on and on coming, and there was the sound of history. Because to us, history, apart from what we learned during the communist regime, history was in the VOA sound, Busahti continued. Elez is an icon of Albania, he is an institution to us. I am very proud to be here and to say that [it was] this voice, this sound, which brought light to us." Biberaj joined VOAs Albanian Service as an international radio broadcaster in 1980, and from 1982 worked in the Press Division of the former U.S. Information Agency as a senior writer/editor, specializing in Soviet and East European affairs. He returned to VOA as Albanian service chief in 1986 and for the next 18 years helped transform the service into one of VOAs most successful broadcasting units. For more than a decade, he served in a dual capacity as chief of the Albanian Service and director of European Division writers and researchers. He was named the Eurasia Divisions managing editor in 2004, was appointed acting division director the following year, and director in 2006. Under his leadership, the division built audience and influence throughout Eastern Europe, sending highly professional journalism content to more than 100 affiliate news outlets across Russia, Ukraine, the South Caucasus and the Balkans. Over his career at VOA, Biberaj earned the respect of his colleagues for his dedication to the agency and its mission, and to the highest principles of journalism. Biberaj has made an enduring impact, creating a dynamic and adaptive work environment and a results-oriented, forward-looking culture. Thats part of his legacy, said Eurasia Division Internet Managing Editor Alen Mlatisuma, who worked with Biberaj for the past 15 years. Elez not only encouraged us to think creatively and stay ahead of the curve but also fostered an environment where voicing opinions and contributing to a culture of innovation was not just accepted but actively encouraged, Mlatisuma said. This commitment to embracing diverse perspectives became a cornerstone of Elez's leadership philosophy. Biberaj was all about continuous learning and self-improvement, said Irina Van Dusen, chief of VOAs Russian Service, who worked with Biberaj since joining VOA 20 years ago. Everyone who works for him quotes him at work and at home we need to move the needle, think outside of the box, stay ahead of the curve. He always had our back and told us to remember the mission. We will carry his legacy as best we can, while he will for sure be rooting for us from the sidelines. Biberaj enthusiastically returned the loyalty and appreciation of his staff, speaking frequently of his love for VOA, his commitment to its mission and his appreciation for the talent and dedication of the Eurasia Division staff. It has been the highest honor of my life to have worked for the Voice of America, said Biberaj at his retirement party, where he recalled listening to VOA as a child in Albania. As with many of my colleagues here, my family came to this country from a repressive, communist society, where most basic human rights were denied, and the government made every effort to extinguish the flames of freedom. What a thrill for me to have had the opportunity to play a tiny role in advancing VOAs mission in the service of truth and dissemination of Americas democratic values. Biberajs commitment to those values was tested in 2020 when a new chief executive of VOAs parent agency, USAGM, announced a repeal of the so-called firewall that had long secured VOAs editorial independence and protected it from political interference. In his capacity as acting director of VOA at the time, Biberaj put his own career at risk with a message to the staff that heartened the agencys journalists. It is my position that the repeal does not allow government officials to tamper with or otherwise distort VOA content, he wrote. The importance of the firewall remains at the heart of VOAs operations. Also present at Biberajs retirement party was current USAGM chief executive Amanda Bennett, who commended him for his service during that period. We all hopefully have learned and will continue to learn what it looks like to be brave and principled in the face of pressure and opposition because Voice of America is the symbol of that, she said. In his own parting words, Biberaj pointed to the new challenges facing the forces of democracy and freedom in Eastern Europe and his vision for VOA in addressing them. Our mission has never been more critical than it is now, he said. I am confident that with such exceptionally talented journalists, VOA is well positioned to serve its strategic audiences with unique, relevant, value-added content and, simultaneously, disseminate Americas democratic values and promote U.S. national interests worldwide. Brazilian model Caroline Werner, 37, accused law enforcement officials of violating her rights by detaining her and forcing her to dress. The Brazilian woman took off her shirt while walking her dogs on the beach, but she could not go long in this form. ADVERTISIMENT The woman is outraged because men in her country are not convicted for walking around with a bare torso on the street, while women are not allowed to bare their breasts. The details of the incident were reported by the Daily Mail. Caroline Werner criticized officials that although Brazilian law provides for gender equality, in practice women are not allowed to do what men can do. "Unfortunately, in my country, despite the fact that the constitution guarantees gender equality, this does not happen in practice. When I was walking down the street, I was approached by municipal security officers, and it was completely arbitrary and disproportionate," Werner told a Brazilian channel. ADVERTISIMENT The businesswoman, who owns a bikini brand, claims that the police spoke to her rudely, twisted her arms behind her back, forced her to cover her breasts, and chained her to the bars of her prison cell for an hour. The detainee was allegedly not allowed to call her family and lawyer. The woman was later released, but received a summons to appear in court for "indecent behavior." Allegedly, the Brazilian constitution does not specify which acts fall under this law. Werner's case is being handled by the Santa Cantarina state prosecutor's office, which has offered her a plea deal. If she refuses the offer, she faces a large fine and up to a year in prison. ADVERTISIMENT "The abuse of power and judgment by society that has happened to me demonstrates how the interpretation of the law reflects gendered behavior dictated by a patriarchal, violent culture about controlling women's bodies," the model believes. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that in Brazil, a woman cut off her husband's penis because of adultery. After the amputation, she flushed the organ down the toilet and surrendered to the police. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Zambian Foreign Minister Stanley Kakubo resigned Tuesday, the president's office announced, hours after he was embroiled in a social media frenzy over alleged dealings with a Chinese businessman. Kakubo, who had been foreign minister since September 2021, said in a letter he was quitting because of "malicious claims over a business transaction." Earlier, a video showing two people counting wads of cash stacked on a table spread quickly on Zambian social media accounts. An image of a signed handwritten note, dated July 8, 2022, was also put online. The note named a Chinese mining firm and a Zambian mining firm and said they had "exchanged $100,000." Though the names of Kakubo and a Mr. Zang were on the note, it was not immediately possible to verify the details. President Hakainde Hichilema has accepted Kakubos resignation, an official statement said. It gave no reason for the resignation but added: "The president acknowledges the commendable work and leadership" of Kakubo in the government. Kakubo, 43, quickly followed the announcement by releasing his own letter. He said he had resigned "in view of the matter that is currently in the media regarding malicious claims over a business transaction between my private family business and our business partner with whom we still have good relations." He added: "This decision is to ensure that our government is not distracted from continuing to look for solutions for bettering the lives of our people." Kakubo could not be reached for further comment on his resignation or the video. Chinese enterprises are heavily involved in the Zambian mining industry, a bedrock of the southern African nation's economy. China is a major importer of Zambian copper. Kakubo, a member of parliament since 2016, said he would remain loyal to the government. And the president's statement said Hichilema implores the former minister "to continue to serve diligently in his capacity as member of parliament." The Chinese embassy said in 2022 that more than 600 Chinese businesses had invested more than $3 billion in Zambia. China has also been a major player in international efforts to restructure Zambia's foreign debt. Zambia defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020 as the COVID-19 crisis grew. Photo-Illustration: Anna-Laura Sullivan. Photo: Josh Katz Scrolling through her page, its hard to imagine that Anna-Laura Sullivan spent most of her life making black-and-white art. Today, the Brooklyn-based artist is known for the vibrant comics that she posts to more than half a million followers, including Gigi Hadid, on Instagram (@annalaura_art). The 26-year-old intentionally designed her corner of the internet to feel slower and softer, from her use of watercolors (a deliberate denial of the fast-paced sleekness of the modern world were living in) to the overall childrens-book aesthetic of the world that her earnest little animal characters inhabit. More words and more complexity just kind of infuses my own ego into it, she says. Im not trying to teach, Im just trying to give you a gentle nudge toward what you already know. Compassion, self-understanding, and the ability to find beauty even in moments of suffering she believes were born with all of it. Sullivans work has been reposted by celebrities from Lil Nas X to Daniel Kwan, and she sells prints and merch in a newly launched online shop. Shes got a middle-grade graphic novel in the works and is currently pitching childrens books that will feature some familiar critters. Yet she still also sets aside time to read her DMs and comments, which she says shes never been able to do without crying. Naturally, she has also shed tears of gratitude while creating her art. I feel like Im so emotional, Sullivan says, laughing. But I love it, I think its my superpower. I wouldnt trade it for anything. Your work feels so nostalgic. Could you tell me a bit about what your childhood was like? I read that you spent some time growing up in a Nebraska cornfield. My dad was in the military, so we moved around a lot. I was the new kid almost every year, and I think that really informed my sense of observation and openness. This was kind of the very last era before social media, before phones became so prevalent. It radically impacted my life that I had so much space to be a kid. I spent almost all of my time in nature, and I just was engaging in that conversation of imagination and nature all the time. It really made silence feel like a home. I just think the pace of my childhood was a lot slower, and Im grateful for it. As someone who makes such hopeful and warm art, what is your relationship with despair? Great question. In college and high school, I had a lot of sadness. I wanted to be taken seriously as an artist, and I remember making very dark paintings. I was trying to wail and moan my experience out through my work. It wasnt until I reached a true depth of sadness where I came to the understanding that theres such profundity in joy. If you genuinely feel gratitude and the beauty thats around you, you can overcome any bleakness. Its not a weakness to embrace joy its actually one of the most vital and powerful things you can do. Photo: Josh Katz How do you come up with ideas for these comics? I carry a journal with me everywhere. Whenever theres a moment where Im just like, I never want to forget this, this is what its all about, I write it down. I can look at every comic and remember the couch we were sitting on, or what that laugh sounded like, or what that cry felt like. I couldnt be the artist I am without the people whove loved me and who love me now. Its all coming from a deeply real place. The true task of my work is trying to find a way to take that invisible world and make a tiny window through it. Ive found that this art style in particular is a great window because the characters can be anyone. Theyre universal. I think theyre perfect vessels for what a soul is: a very soft, gentle thing. And because the characters have no shape, gender, age, race, anything, they can be everything all at once. One of the most fascinating outcomes of these projects is people apply all different types of love connections to these characters. They can be your best friend, they can be your lover it just shows the magnitude of what love is. Is there an aspect of the creative process that you struggle with, or that takes longer? With these comics in particular, I feel so grateful to say that theyre really just pouring out of me. I dont know how long Ill be possessed with this ghost of inspiration. Maybe the most difficult part is relinquishing control of how the comics are received. Making a work of art is kind of like having a baby. And then they go to college, and then youll see them on Pinterest without a watermark. [Laughs.] Well, they have been received really well on the internet. Gigi Hadid follows you, and Does she really? She does! What? Thats crazy. As your following has grown, has there been a particular interaction with your account that has felt especially surprising or meaningful?Some DMs impact me on such a deep level, I print them out and put them up in my room above my desk to remind me that this is a beautiful adventure that Im embarking on. That connection is life force, it feels like thunder in my heart. Its an unbelievable feeling that I can offer anyone any solace on their journey. Ive seen people sharing some deeply personal, vulnerable connections to your comics in the comments section, too. Isnt that so beautiful? Its crazy. Ive actually had a very tumultuous relationship with the internet. I think if I wasnt using it for art, I wouldnt have social media. I dont love it. I think it dilutes connection a little bit. But in this particular case, in this instance where people resonate with my work enough to truly reveal themselves to me, they bless that space between us. The internet becomes a home where we can both sit at the same table and be like, I know you. And you know me. We may never meet, but we know each other and thats oh my God, its spiritual. Its really something. [Shakes head.] Im so in awe of these people. Theyre like, thank you for the art, its beautiful. Im like, youre the artist. Do you know what that comment was? That was poetry. I hope the people who follow me realize too that by viewing the work, theyre alchemizing it into something meaningful. They make me feel like I can try braver things and explore harder topics because of their kindness and support. We really created this benevolent ecosystem in what I previously thought was a cold platform. How does spirituality inform your art? I know in Buddhism, monkeys are significant. Thats actually why I made the monkey characters. I was also a student athlete in college, and I got an injury junior year that took me out of both creating and sports. Everything that built up my identity was gone almost overnight, and I had nothing to fall back on. I was raised Catholic I think organized religion is beautiful if it helps you, but it didnt resonate with my spirit at that time. I was curious about Buddhism because it felt like a philosophy more than a religion. I found a Buddhist temple in the swamps of Georgia, because I went to school at SCAD. And it taught me that spirituality is applied poetry. Spirituality is the art of seeking meaning in everyday experience. It really informed my art and became the new thing that I sought. Instead of I want to be liked for my work, it was like, How can I look into this more? How can I explain it? So I started making a comic about the monkey mind. It was this 200-page behemoth project. The monkey characters were the chattering forces. And then those little creatures really resonated, and they became my tool to articulate what Id been wanting to say for a long time. What are the main messages youre trying to convey to your audience? There is a depth to you that experience and time and space cant touch, and theres an infinity to you that is so profound and so immense. And youre welcome to it anytime. Theres nothing you have to do, theres nothing you have to earn, theres nothing you have to discover. Youre standing in the threshold of all of your infinity, all the time. The world is gonna try to convince you that its something that you need to earn. Thats a fallacy. And I think when Im saying that infinity thats love. And its everywhere. Id also like to do what Studio Ghibli did for me, which is glorifying those mundane moments that seem so insignificant. But those are what our lives are built upon. Do you think youll stick to this watercolor style moving forward? Life is uncertain. And if I find someday that Ive exhausted this tool, or I find a thread of something I want to pursue, I will have to do that. I have a lot of faith in this particular audience that theyd be curious about whatever journey Id want to follow. If not, then thats okay, thats part of it. I think that is especially when surrendering to meaningful dialogue will be more important than the glamour of social media. I dont know what it will look like, but I know my art will probably shift around. But I think the core of what Im looking to do will always be the same. I was looking through scrapbooks of when I was a kid. My first ever drawings, its so funny its the exact same thing. Maybe better, honestly. I was drawing little critters and a message. Love thy neighbor. Be nice. Little phrases that struck me that I felt I needed to write down. So yeah, the vessel might change, but I think this message will be a lifelong pursuit. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Photo: Getty Images South Korean actor and Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun died at the age of 48 on December 27, reports The Korean Times and AP News, citing police. Lee was facing an investigation over suspected drug use and was seen at the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency just days before on December 23. Police previously questioned him about the drug charges on October 28 and November 4. Lee was found unconscious in his car at a park in Seoul Wednesday morning. The police began searching for Lee when it was reported that Lee had left a concerning note before leaving home. Lee found international recognition as Park Dong-ik in Bong Joon-hos Parasite, playing the wealthy patriarch who gets conned by the Kim family. Alongside the cast, he won a Screen Actors Guild award for his performance, and the film took home several Academy Awards at the 2020 Oscars. Lee began his acting career in the early 2000s, starring in several comedy films and tv series. He most recently starred in the 2023 comedy film Killing Romance, where it became a cult favorite among moviegoers. Lee was married to fellow actress Jeon Hye-jin and had two children. If you or anyone you know are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. This is a developing story. TV journalist Lidiia Taran, who took temporary refuge in France with her daughter Vasylyna during the full-scale invasion, seems to have plans to stay in France for a long time. The TV presenter's friend and godmother Marichka Padalko suggested in an interview with OBOZ.UA that Lidiia might stay in France because her high school daughter is likely to enter a French university. ADVERTISIMENT According to the TV presenter, she admires her friend, who dared to "start things over in another language." Marichka Padalko says that she herself once tried to learn French and realized that the language is very difficult. "She's getting a university degree in French, which is such a feat for me," Marichka says of Lidiia Taran. "I once tried to start learning French, but it was very difficult although I'm a philologist by training, and I also studied English and German. I admire my friend for pushing herself so hard. I don't want to talk about our age, but you must admit that languages at school are much easier than in older age. Lida did great." ADVERTISIMENT "I don't know which country she associates her future life with, you have to ask her. You know how it often happens: life is tied to a child," Padalko continues, "And higher education in French is free, and this may be a prospect for her daughter, who is now in the 10th grade. But I think Lida will come to visit us from time to time." During the full-scale invasion, TV presenter Lidiia Taran and her daughter Vasylyna took temporary refuge in France. Subsequently, Taran came to Kyiv several times, but she did not dare to return permanently, "The place where I bought an apartment turned out to be very unfortunate. My house is located near Artem's plant, a facility that Russian missiles are constantly trying to hit. They have already hit it three times, there were human casualties. In general, there is no guarantee that they won't hit it for the fourth and fifth time." ADVERTISIMENT At the age of 44, the TV journalist became a student at a university where the sciences are taught exclusively in French. Lidiia Taran has repeatedly admitted on her social media page how difficult the language is for her, "Lord, why did you send the French such a beautiful but difficult language?" Meanwhile, her daughter adapted very quickly in France, "Children usually adapt faster than adults. My daughter's immersion turned out to be complete: she gets up at six in the morning, goes to the train at seven, and at 7:40, Vasylyna is already at college. She is more adapted than I am because she is among her peers every day from morning until five in the evening. Now, I see that my daughter has even started to add French words to Ukrainian speech. In other words, she has taken a crash course in immersion." ADVERTISIMENT Read the full interview with Marichka Padalko on OBOZ.UA on Sunday, December 24. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! On the morning of December 27, Lee Sun-kyun, a South Korean actor known for his role as Park in the Oscar-winning film Parasites, died. The cause of death was probably suicide, which could have been due to Lee's depression. He suffered from it after being interrogated by the police on suspicion of drug use. ADVERTISIMENT The actor was found in his car in Seoul's Central Park, the capital of South Korea, unconscious, Yonhap News Agency reports. Earlier, his wife, Jeon Hye-jin, said that Lee had gone somewhere and had not returned for a long time. Later, a suicide note was found at home. Shortly before his death, the actor was questioned by police three times about his use of illegal substances. Under South Korean law, he could have been sent to prison for a term of four months to 14 years. Lee claimed that he had been tricked into taking drugs by a woman he knew and that he did not know what he was doing. In particular, the actor was banned from leaving the country because of the charges. ADVERTISIMENT Subsequently, police investigations began, which showed a negative test result for illegal substances, but this did not prevent Lee from becoming depressed. On the eve of his death, the actor stated that he was innocent and requested a lie detector test from the Incheon Metropolitan Police Department, which was charged with the investigation. Lee Sun-kyun gained his recognition through the movie Parasite, which won four Academy Awards. He was also nominated for an Emmy for his leading role in the series Dr. Brain. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that the American actor of the Friends series Matthew Perry used drugs, which were the reason for his death. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Recipes What do you want to cook today? Political power will swing further to Melbourne at the expense of Sydney and regional areas outside of Queensland, with the southern capital city on track to reclaim the title as Australias largest population centre by the next decade. New projections for Australias population point to growing problems for any political party based outside the major capitals as a record proportion of people call the nations suburbs home. Melbournes political power in the federal parliament will swell as the citys population eclipses Sydney. Credit: Scott McNaughton Melbourne, which until 1905 was the most populous city in the country, is expected to fully recover from the population hit delivered by COVID, the Andrews governments movement restrictions and the closure of the international border. According to federal Treasurys Centre for Population, Melbournes population will swell from 5.21 million this year to 6.45 million in 2034. Sydney, home to 5.46 million people today, is expected to grow to 6.36 million residents. The head of the Australian Workers Union wants employers hiring migrants to have a union agreement in place to stem exploitation and restrict bosses from avoiding local talent, sparking a fresh clash with business groups over worker protections. As the Albanese government overhauls the migration system, AWU national secretary Paul Farrow says he wants businesses to consult unions when they start looking abroad to fill gaps. AWA head Paul Farrow wants employers recruiting overseas workers to hash out agreements with unions. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen This isnt a member grab. If you really want to be serious about a way to deal with exploitation, then datas there now that people on union collective agreements dont tend to be underpaid or exploited, Farrow said. Whether its a collective agreement, whether its an MOU [memorandum of understanding], its really about employers sitting down with unions, and eyeballing them at the table and coming out with an understanding and they tend to stick to it because its a bipartisan approach. The world is changing at an impressive pace. A sharp jump in scientific and technological progress has led to the emergence of various gadgets and technologies. For comparison, from the time of the Roman Empire until the early twentieth century, horses were the main means of transportation. Modernization was limited to carts and carriages. ADVERTISIMENT Over the past few decades, an incredible amount of technology has emerged, and with the invention of nuclear weapons, a new stage in the history of world wars has begun. Wired magazine explains what the world of gadgets might look like in 2053. A world of monitors and screens Imagine a world where screens are everywhere. Screens in the palm of your hand, screens in cars, screens built into road signs, screens on the streets and in every room... It's hard to call it the usual television there. Analysts predict that display equipment will be thinner and brighter. Displays will be able to be rolled up like ordinary books. Screens will be available to everyone. Production costs will drop, so we can even talk about free screens (but not without obligations). For example, you will need to subscribe to some kind of advertising service to be eligible for free TV. Some gadgets will become multi-screen, each of them absorbing audiovisual channels from two or more personal screens simultaneously. ADVERTISIMENT What will happen to phones It seems that humanity has already implemented all the features that could be invented for smartphones, except that we can't smell through the screen yet. According to Neil Shah, head of Counterpoint Research, smartphones of 2053 will not look like phones at all. They will be built into headsets, ears, or even brains. It sounds a bit terrifying. "The phone will have generative and cognitive AI capabilities that will learn our habits and even predict what we need to do next: what to eat, where to go, when to rest," Shah suggested. This also means that we will be physically interacting with mobile devices much less. We will no longer have to sit in front of our phones every day; new gadgets will do a lot of things on their own, even without our participation in pressing them. ADVERTISIMENT Sports, health, diseases Analysts assume that ultra-wideband chips will be widely used in 30 years. Let's look at the example of smartwatches. Smartwatches will not only measure heart rate or calories but will also track a wide range of diseases. The new sensors will be able to measure blood pressure, glucose, and heart rate, and will transmit data to an artificial intelligence analysis engine on special devices. Jennifer Radin, an epidemiologist, suggested that in 2053, gadgets will: inform people that they are sick; select treatment; transfer data to a common database to create detailed health models for each community; predict the rate of virus spread and determine the presence of allergens, etc. How to survive disasters Everyone will have their own gadget to determine air quality. It will inform you about the presence of solid ash, carbon monoxide, fungal spores, and pathogens. Gadgets will be able to scan the food we are about to eat for traces of microplastics and other potential toxins. ADVERTISIMENT Robin Murphy, a professor of computer science and engineering at Texas A&M University and co-founder of the Center for Robotic Search and Rescue, says that in the future, even the worst environmental disasters will be less destructive thanks to technology. For example, firefighting drones will extinguish flames and spread fire retardants in areas where it is dangerous to send people. Water gadgets will move around water bodies, collecting data for AI-enhanced flood forecasting models. Headphones evolution Headphones will be smaller, lighter, and more comfortable, and more importantly, they will be a perfect fit for your ears. The process of mapping your auricle and ear canal will be instantaneous. When you come to the store, you will be able to get 3D printed or molded headphones in a few minutes. Pretty convenient, don't you think? ADVERTISIMENT Off-grid batteries and flying cars Andy Palmer, CEO of electric vehicle charging company Pod Point, predicts that batteries will be "more energy-dense, which means longer ranges." There will also be changes in the way batteries are charged: fast wireless communication will be developed. Experts agree that the next few decades will finally bring autonomous driving, meaning that cars without a steering wheel will become the norm. Micromobility will grow rapidly, and the cabin will have additional features: streaming video, updated AR information, and advanced safety functions. Of course, there will be flying cars. Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that the media deciphered Nostradamus' predictions for 2024. A period of difficulties and disasters, which will be a real test for humanity, has begun. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Abbas Ganbay Azerbaijan Investment Company OJSC, owned by the Ministry of Economy and Demiroren Investment Holding A.?., a Turkish company, signed a Joint Participation Agreement between the Group of Companies and Arges Energy Team Ltd. According to Azernews, this was announced by Minister Mikail Jabbarov in his account on the social network "X". According to the Minister, the agreement aims to restore and operate 5 small hydroelectric power plants in the Kalbajar and Lachin districts, which are the next project to create a "green energy" zone in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation. "Azerbaijan aims to get 30 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project, implemented within the framework of a public-private partnership, along with the creation of new jobs, will contribute to the acceleration of the Great Population Return, sustainable economic development in the territories liberated from occupation, and the transfer of new experience and skills in the field of renewable energy," the minister said. The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, attended important international events throughout the year, meeting foreign guests and giving interviews. Each time, stylists chose fashionable but restrained looks for her that included trendy colors, appropriate styles, and stylish combinations. ADVERTISIMENT OBOZ.UA decided to tell you about the top 10 best outfits of Olena Zelenska, according to the editorial staff. Sometimes they were bright, but more often they were laconic, dark and elegant. Olena Zelenska appreciates cool two-piece and three-piece suits. The Ukrainian woman's wardrobe includes many variations of dark and light colors, which the first lady wears when meeting with distinguished guests. In the summer, Olena Zelenska and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark spoke to Ukrainian and Danish volunteers in Haderslev in a luxurious milk-colored suit. The First Lady likes monochromatic outfits with laconic details. Usually, these are brooches by Ukrainian designers. ADVERTISIMENT During her official visit to the United States and Canada, the Ukrainian first lady wore an embroidered shirt from the Etnodim brand and the Ivan Honchar Museum National Center of Folk Culture. She paired the authentic wardrobe item with classic trousers. Not all of Olena Zelenska's outfits are monochromatic. Sometimes they feature stylish, minimalist elements, such as a white line on a jumper. This makes the Ukrainian look both classic and fashionable. ADVERTISIMENT On August 24, the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's declaration of independence, the Zelenskyy couple wore embroidered shirts. The Ukrainian leader wore a military version, while the first lady wore a shirt embroidered with yellow and blue patterns with national symbols. This is another example of how Ukrainian embroidery can look stylish on holidays and every day. As we have already mentioned, brooches hold a special place in Olena Zelenska's heart. The First Lady has a whole collection of iconic jewelry. For example, in the form of Ukraine with the 1991 borders and a cockerel jug that survived the shelling. They make even basic Ukrainian costumes look original. ADVERTISIMENT Special attention should be paid to the styles of the wife of the President of Ukraine's costumes. In the summer, she visited Korea in a light-colored suit with slits on the sleeves. Rarely, but appropriately, does the first lady showcase bright colors. For example, the red shirt she wore in Lviv. ADVERTISIMENT By the way, the first lady doesn't always wear restrained suits and mid-length dresses. She is no stranger to regular jeans when it comes to less formal meetings. She recently met with Ukrainians in a sporty down jacket. You can also learn from the first lady how to combine clothes and shoes of the same color but in different shades. Just like she did with a blue suit during an interview. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Zelenska showed the most fashionable colors of winter 2023-2024. Find out what to combine them with here. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Linenhall Arts Centre is appealing to the general public for donations at a time of financial concern as 2023 comes to a close. A registered charity, and one of Irelands oldest arts centres, the centre is located on Linenhall Street in the heart of Castlebar and provides an arts service to all in the locality. Welcoming over 17,000 people through its doors in 2023, the Linenhall offers a wide range of high-quality arts experiences and engagements to audiences of all ages, and supports local and community projects, encouraging access to the arts for everyone. Support from the Arts Council of Ireland, Mayo Arts Office and Castlebar Municipal District are the organisation's main sources of funding, along with donations from audiences and the general public. Rising costs, a change in audience attendance post-Covid, and a significant drop in funding from Castlebar Municipal District for 2023 have resulted in financial challenges this year, says the centre's management. As a registered charity, we rely heavily on donations and funding. We are a small team that works hard to fight for the ongoing presence of the arts in Mayo because we feel strongly about the service we provide to the community," said the Linenhalls executive director Bernadette Greenan. "We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access high-quality arts experiences and this is reflected in our mission Arts for All'. The Linenhall is appealing to local businesses and the general public to support the charity by donating either through a one-off donation by post, in person or online, or via a monthly donation. 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. Coronavirus restrictions that led to a ban on tourism on a Thai island forced local monkeys to take up tools to feed themselves. Traditionally, the monkeys ate at the expense of a large number of tourists who gave them food for free. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in a new study published in the American Journal of Primatology. Scientists discovered interesting monkey behavior back in July 2022 when they returned to their subjects. We are talking about common long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that live on the island of Koh Ped, also called crab-eating macaques. This island, with an area of only a quarter of a square kilometer, is located in the Gulf of Thailand near the city of Pattaya. This location has made the island very popular with tourists, who enjoy feeding the monkeys mangoes, cucumbers, and nuts. The researchers, led by Suchinda Malaivijitnond from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, have been studying these monkeys for ten years, but admit that they have never seen them using stone tools before. They first saw the unusual behavior of the macaques in July 2022 when the island was reopened after coronavirus restrictions. Then, in front of their eyes, two adult male monkeys used stones to break oyster shells. ADVERTISIMENT In March 2023, scientists began to systematically study the behavior of the monkeys and noticed that 17 of them had already used stones to crack oysters. According to the researchers, they did it rather clumsily, lifting the stone with both hands to about shoulder height and then throwing it at the oyster. According to New Scientist, the main mystery for scientists is whether this behavior was invented by one macaque, which was followed by others, or whether this method of foraging was invented by different macaques independently of each other. The researchers are more inclined to the second version, as according to them, the monkeys they saw with stone tools usually foraged alone. Now tourists are beginning to return to the islands, so scientists are also wondering if giving them food for free will not wean them off their new skills. ADVERTISIMENT Previously, it was known that five populations use stone tools: chimpanzees, bearded capuchins, yellow-breasted capuchins, white-faced capuchins, and Burmese long-tailed macaques (M. fascicularis aurea), which are closely related to the Koh Ped macaques. In 2018, an experiment was conducted on captive M. fascicularis macaques, which revealed that they were unable to learn to use stone tools despite being trained. Instead, scientists suggest that the captive macaques simply did not have the incentive that their relatives on the island of Koh Ped had when the amount of food was significantly reduced. Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that the remains of a new species of monkey cast doubt on the theory of the origin of humans from Africa. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday. The barrages killed at least five people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of Kherson. The aerial barrage came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea as both sides' soldiers struggle to make much progress along the front line of the 22-month war. Overnight, the Kremlins forces launched an artillery and drone bombardment of the Kherson region just as some 140 civilians were waiting for a train at the regions capital city of the same name, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The shelling killed one policeman and injured two other police officers, as well as two civilians. More than 100 people who were waiting for the train at the time of the attack arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning, national rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said. The attack on the Kherson region and its capital hit residential areas and a mall as well as striking the power grid, leaving around 70% of households in Kherson city without electricity during the winter cold, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said. It was not immediately possible to estimate when power might be restored, he said. Targeting energy infrastructure was also a Russian tactic last winter, when it tried to break Ukrainians spirit by denying them heating and running water. In Odesa, another major city in southern Ukraine, the drone assault killed two people and wounded three, including a 17-year-old man, regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said. Ukraines air force said it intercepted 32 out of the 46 drones that Russia fired overnight. A Western military assessment, meanwhile, reckoned that Russias capture this week of a city in eastern Ukraine would not provide it with a springboard for major battlefield gains. Ukrainian commander-in-chief Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi said Tuesday that his troops had retreated to the northern outskirts of the city of Marinka, which sits about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Donetsk, the largest city in Russian-held territory. Zaluzhnyi said his troops had held Marinka for almost two years but Russians were destroying it street by street, house by house. The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank, said, Russian forces are highly unlikely to make rapid operational advances from Marinka. But it noted that localized Russian offensive operations are still placing pressure on Ukrainian forces in many places along the front in eastern Ukraine. Amid concerns that weapons supplies from abroad could diminish as allies become fatigued with the war, Ukraine's minister of strategic industries told a briefing on Wednesday that the defense sector aims to increase production significantly next year and that production was three times higher in 2023 than in the previous year. Oleksandr Kamyshin said Ukraine is now producing six Bohdana self-propelled artillery units per month. Bohdanas are a strategically important weapon for the Ukrainian defense industry as they are the only Ukrainian-produced self-propelled gun using NATO-standard 155mm rounds instead of the 152mm rounds used by artillery based on Soviet technology. Kamyshin also said the country next year aims to produce up to 1,000 long-range strike drones which have a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) an increase from only a few dozen a month currently. It is also targeting production of 10,000 middle-range and 1,000 long-range strike drones. - Illia Novikov in Kyiv contributed to this report. Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine READING, Pa. - Kwanzaa has been celebrated for decades. "It came about in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga," said Wynton Butler, NAACP Reading branch historian. Butler said the holiday is based on the Civil Rights Movement. "Right after the Watts riots and he tried to find a way to bring the African American community together along with the African Diaspora throughout the world," said Butler. Butler said a lot of churches will remind parishioners of the holiday. It runs from December 26th until January 1st. "In the past, there would be first day celebrations. I actually believe this year, because of the way the holiday fell on a Monday and a lot of people have to work today, it's gonna be tough to get the celebrations in," said Butler. Butler said a lot of people have ceremonies where they do the lighting of the Kinara, a seven-branched candleholder, and a lot of people celebrate with singing. "A lot of people actually celebrate with food. You'll see African drumming, you'll see all the normal things you would see at maybe an African festival or the First Fruits festivals," said Butler. He said he is hoping people take away the seven principles and apply them to every day of the year. "Umoja is the first one and Unity is definitely a good principle," said Butler. He said the one he is hoping younger people focus on is Kuumba, which is creativity. "We need right now as much creativity as we possibly can get," said Butler. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Two versions of the next Walnut Street Garage in Bethlehem will be presented to a historic board on Jan. 3, including an option that will be just a few feet higher on the side of the deck that overlooks residences. Neighbors of the garage have expressed concern about the size of the proposed deck at 33 Walnut St. in the historic downtown. The garage at the site now has 770 parking spaces and was built in 1976. The proposal reviewed earlier was for a smaller but higher structure. The height of the next deck has been a focus of residents' complaints. Their concerns were heard. One of the two options submitted to the city for the Jan. 3 meeting provides for less of a height increase along the southern edge of the structure, the side that borders on homes. The Bethlehem Parking Authority has submitted the plans for the next meeting of the Historic Architectural Review Board, known as HARB, an advisory group that makes recommendations to City Council. HARB considered a garage plan Dec. 7 but delayed making a recommendation. The deck discussed at that meeting would be smaller but higher than the existing garage. It would have about 590 parking spaces. The BPA has submitted two plans for review at the next meeting. Both have a proposed length of 278 feet, shorter than the existing deck. Proposal 1 would be 64 feet high along Walnut Street, about 13 feet higher than the current garage, and Proposal 2 would be 63 feet high. The bigger change is along the southern elevation of the deck, bordering on residences. The first plan is for height of 59.67 feet, almost 14 feet higher than the current structure. The height of Plan 2 would be 50.25 feet, or 4.25 feet higher than what is up now. Both plans include retail space. Steven Fernstrom, executive director of the parking authority, has said the current garage, nearly 48 years old, is past its useful life and is an "embarrassment" to a city whose downtown promotes tourism. A new garage with retail space, and potentially residential units on the western edge of the property, would promote activity on Walnut Street. The Historic Architectural Review Board will meet Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 5 p.m. in Town Hall. The meeting will also be available on Bethlehem's YouTube channel. The agenda and a link to the webcast are available on the city's website. If the authority's plans move ahead, the old garage would be demolished in early 2024 and a new version would be ready in late 2025, disrupting only one holiday shopping season along Bethlehem's Main Street. Working Pennsylvania families could get some more help paying for child care. The state expanded its Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, Pennsylvania lawmakers announced earlier this month. Those getting the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can now get the same amount back from the state. It's based on income level and the number of your dependents. Who qualifies? You must have incurred care expenses for: A dependent child under age 13. A spouse who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lived with you for more than half the year. An individual who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care, lived with you for more than half the year, and either: Was your dependent; or Could have been your dependent, except that he or she received gross income of $4,400 or more, filed a joint return, or could have been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's return. How much? The state credit is equal to 100% of the federal credit, so: The maximum credit will be $1,050 (one child) or $2,100 (two or more children) The credit cap phases down as income levels increase. The minimum credit will be $600 (one child) or $1,200 (two or more children). Pa. Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) explained that families with an income less than $43,000 will see the credit increase from $315 to $1,050 (one child/dependent), and from $630 to $2,100 (two or more children/dependents). Those earning more than $43,000 could see a jump from $180 to $600 (one child/dependent), and $360 to $1,200 (two or more children/dependents), Harris said. Pennsylvanians can claim the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit when they file their Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return (PA-40). The credit is refundable, meaning qualified taxpayers will not owe any state taxes on the amount they receive. A judge has agreed to seal a motion to dismiss the proceedings against a Poconos man charged with killing four college students in Idaho. This follows last week's move by the judge to deny a defense request to throw out the charges against Bryan Kohberger, of Monroe County. He's charged with killing four University of Idaho students in their off-campus house last year. Kohberger has denied wrongdoing. Not guilty pleas have been entered on his behalf. The prosecution has proposed going to trial next summer. PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. Broken glass, charred windows and the foundation are what's left of an apartment building in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. A press release from the Town of Phillipsburg says a fire broke out around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday inside the second floor of 342-44 S. Main St. Seven people were safely evacuated from the flames, but they remain displaced. A caller's report that someone was trapped on the second floor turned out to be unfounded, the press release said. The fire was put out, but started back up a short time later. It was around that time that the surrounding neighborhood lost power. "While we were sitting at home and enjoying the warmth until everything went off. So now we have nothing and we're way down," said Francine Delgado, Phillipsburg resident, Tuesday night. Power and gas were turned off as firefighters worked to put out the blaze. Crews took 3.5 hours to bring the fire under control, according to the town's press release. Police say the power was out all down Main Street up to Center Street for a few hours. "There's no electric, like maybe four blocks down, I want to say, because I'm a block and a half, so it's about four blocks," Delgado said. According to the town's press release, an attached building at 338 S. Main St. sustained "minor smoke damage," but firefighters managed to stop flames from spreading to this building. Two apartments and an insurance company occupy the building destroyed by the fire. The Red Cross says it's stepped in, providing monetary assistance to the two families that are displaced. "Our responders learned it was seven people in two families," said Diane Concannon, American Red Cross New Jersey Region, said. "They were able to meet with the families that were affected and we provided Red Cross emergency assistance." According to the town's press release, one firefighter sustained minor injuries but no one else was injured in the fire. Utility service to the affected building has been disconnected, the press release said. According to the town's press release, the building is insured and owned by Robin and Jeffrey Donaldson, of Stewartsville. An estimated value of the damage is not yet available, the press release said. The Warren County Fire Marshal's office was on the scene Wednesday morning investigating the fire. Phillipsburg Police are also involved in the investigation, the press release said. They have not yet determined a cause. Ukrainian hackers from the IT Army have shut down one of the largest ERP systems in Russia, 1C-Rarus. As a result, the system's clients, including such giants as Tatneft and VTB Bank, cannot operate at full capacity due to the lack of accounting services. Other businesses are also suffering, with Russian entrepreneurs complaining on social media about the disruption of deals and damage to goods. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced by the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov. In total, about 150 thousand customers currently use the 1C-Rarus system, the minister said. "One of the largest ERP systems in Russia has stopped working due to attacks by the Ukrainian 'IT Army'... All thanks to our cyber army," Fedorov said. Yes, 1C-Rarus services and portals are not available to users. The system support service confirms the hacker attack. Also, information about the failure was displayed in the network resource monitoring services. ADVERTISIMENT "Customers cannot use accounting services and work at full capacity... Customers in stores and at gas stations cannot make payments because the cash register is down. This means millions of dollars in losses for the Russian economy," emphasized Fedorov. Entrepreneurs themselves are actively complaining about the failure on social media. The support service tells them that it may take several days to restore services. "Five tons of frozen food are missing, please do it faster. We can't ship the car without documents! We urgently need access!", "Everything is down, they said. They can restore it in up to three days," customers of the system write on social media. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, meanwhile, Russian hackers are sending letters to Ukrainians allegedly from Kyivstar mobile operator and the Security Service of Ukraine with malware. The subject of the letters is "debt under the Kyivstar contract". Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. - Most of downtown Phillipsburg was without power for a couple of hours Tuesday night, because of a fire on South Main Street. The Phillipsburg Police Department says it was a second-floor rear apartment in the building. The initial call came in just after 6:30 p.m. The fire was out and then sparked back up again. There are multiple apartments in the building, but authorities couldnt yet say how many were damaged. Theres no word yet on what may have caused the fire. Power and gas were turned off as firefighters worked to put out the blaze. Police say the power was out all down Main Street up to Center Street for a few hours. Fire officials say the Red Cross has been notified and will help those impacted. They said nobody was in there, which was good, because these houses right here are so close, thank God its not windy, its not hot, because this might have ended up a lot worse, said Phillipsburg resident Francine Delgado. A 17-year-old from the Lehigh Valley has been spreading holiday cheer in honor of his grandmother, and he's already setting a new goal for next year to reach even more people. Carter knows that it's the little things that can change our lives, and that a simple greeting card might bring joy to someone who is suffering during the holidays. In this case, a little thing turned into a big thing, when one greeting card turned into more than 3,000. Carter is handing out those holiday greeting cards to people in health care facilities all over the Lehigh Valley. He's the founder of Grammy's Greeters. People send him greeting cards with warm wishes, and then right before the holidays, he delivers them. It's all in honor of his grammy, Betty Krisak, who passed away last year. Carter and his grammy shared a birthday and they were always close. Carter says this project was a way to cope with her loss. A friend in New Jersey runs a Christmas card program in honor of his grandmother, called Mom Moms Merry Messengers, and he thought why not start one here and name it after Betty. Carter's grammy's health wasn't great over the years, so she spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital and was always sad to see that some patients didn't have any visitors. Her family says Betty always made it a point to befriend those who were lonely and going through a rough time. Her family thinks she'd be pretty proud of Grammy's Greeters and how the cards are touching lives. Carter is already gearing up for next year, hoping to collect 5,000 cards. You can learn how to send him your cards by friending his event page on Facebook. On the night of December 27, a large group of Russian operatives went to Feodosia (temporarily occupied Crimea, Ukraine) to investigate the destruction of the Novocherkassk large amphibious assault ship and the UTS-150 training vessel. It is reported that Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin is furious over the missile attack on the port and may organize p urges among Russian commanders. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by the Telegram channel of the Atesh guerrilla movement, citing a source in the security forces of the Russian Federation. According to the source, the Russians are actively looking for the perpetrators, including the adjusters of the successful Ukrainian attack. "The arrival of FSB operatives (investigative task force of the 'anti-terrorism headquarters'), counterintelligence, prosecutors, and a departmental commission is expected. The arrival of the heads of various structures from Moscow is also expected," the statement said. After the missile strike on December 26, the occupiers began raiding local residents in Feodosia, taking away their smartphones and searching their homes. They allegedly want to punish the Crimean air defense personnel. Atesh reports that many commanders of the enemy army may be removed from their posts and even sent to the front. ADVERTISIMENT "The Russians' situation is as follows: in addition to gunners among the residents of Feodosia, the occupiers have problems with detecting western-made cruise missiles such as "Storm". Despite this, military commanders in charge of air defense report that they have no problems," the guerrillas explained. According to them, the Russian Armed Forces do not have the capability to intercept all Ukrainian missiles. Members of the Atesh association noted that Russian servicemen who want to avoid punishment can cite equipment failure and make appropriate notes in the operation logs. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA previously reported: - On the night of December 26, Ukrainian missiles hit the Russian Battleship Novocherkassk in Feodosia. Another ship that was moored nearby was also hit. - The destruction of the Novocherkassk was confirmed by the Air Force. As it turned out, Russian air defense missed two Storm Shadow missiles. Satellite imagery also confirmed that two Russian ships had gone down to the bottom of the Moskva. - The enemy suffered losses in manpower as a result of this attack. It is stated that among the dead are conscripts. There could have been 77 sailors on board, more than 20 of them could have been injured, 33 are missing. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $245.46 and last traded at $245.13, with a volume of 164192 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $243.58. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently issued reports on UNP. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $282.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Benchmark restated a buy rating and set a $254.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on Union Pacific from $233.00 to $232.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Barclays reduced their price objective on Union Pacific from $285.00 to $275.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Bank of America reduced their price objective on Union Pacific from $265.00 to $257.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $239.42. Get Union Pacific alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Union Pacific Union Pacific Trading Up 0.9 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.22, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.72. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $221.53 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $216.36. The company has a market cap of $149.83 billion, a PE ratio of 23.38, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 1.10. Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The railroad operator reported $2.51 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.41 by $0.10. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 49.14% and a net margin of 26.37%. The company had revenue of $5.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.96 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.19 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Union Pacific Co. will post 10.24 EPS for the current year. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be paid a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.12%. Union Pacifics payout ratio is 49.90%. Insider Transactions at Union Pacific In other news, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 1,274 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $203.24, for a total transaction of $258,927.76. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 31,991 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,501,850.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Vincenzo J. Vena purchased 4,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were bought at an average price of $222.00 per share, with a total value of $999,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 5,106 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,133,532. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 1,274 shares of Union Pacific stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $203.24, for a total transaction of $258,927.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 31,991 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,501,850.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Union Pacific A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Dagco Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 30.1% during the third quarter. Dagco Inc. now owns 3,535 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $720,000 after buying an additional 817 shares during the last quarter. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Union Pacific in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $4,073,000. Financial Insights Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Union Pacific in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $573,000. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Union Pacific by 235.0% in the 3rd quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,638 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $333,000 after acquiring an additional 1,149 shares during the period. Finally, B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Union Pacific by 7.1% in the 3rd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 43,135 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $8,784,000 after acquiring an additional 2,850 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.36% of the companys stock. About Union Pacific (Get Free Report) Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, and other agricultural users; petroleum, and liquid petroleum gases; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Boston Properties, Inc. (NYSE:BXP Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the sixteen analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eleven have assigned a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $69.00. A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Truist Financial lifted their price target on Boston Properties from $75.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Boston Properties from $62.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. KeyCorp started coverage on Boston Properties in a research note on Monday, September 11th. They set a sector weight rating on the stock. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on Boston Properties from $60.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Finally, Compass Point started coverage on Boston Properties in a research note on Tuesday, September 26th. They set a neutral rating and a $65.00 price objective on the stock. Get Boston Properties alerts: View Our Latest Report on Boston Properties Boston Properties Stock Up 1.7 % Boston Properties Dividend Announcement Shares of BXP opened at $72.08 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 4.21, a quick ratio of 4.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89. Boston Properties has a 12 month low of $46.18 and a 12 month high of $79.42. The stocks 50 day moving average is $59.27 and its two-hundred day moving average is $60.66. The firm has a market cap of $11.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 58.60, a PEG ratio of 6.17 and a beta of 1.17. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be given a $0.98 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.44%. Boston Propertiess dividend payout ratio is currently 318.70%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Boston Properties Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Kinneret Advisory LLC raised its holdings in shares of Boston Properties by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC now owns 4,043 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $525,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the period. Toroso Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of Boston Properties by 6.7% in the 1st quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 1,915 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $247,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Boston Properties by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 28,520 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,673,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the period. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp raised its holdings in shares of Boston Properties by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 29,779 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,715,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the period. Finally, Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its holdings in shares of Boston Properties by 39.5% in the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 593 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 168 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.58% of the companys stock. Boston Properties Company Profile (Get Free Report BXP (NYSE: BXP) is the largest publicly traded developer, owner, and manager of premier workplaces in the United States, concentrated in six dynamic gateway markets Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. BXP has delivered places that power progress for our clients and communities for more than 50 years. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Boston Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. (NYSE:BSBR Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $6.65 and last traded at $6.64, with a volume of 50923 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $6.58. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have commented on BSBR. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Banco Santander (Brasil) in a research note on Monday, October 16th. They issued a hold rating and a $5.70 price target on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Banco Santander (Brasil) in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, TheStreet upgraded Banco Santander (Brasil) from a c rating to a b- rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. Get Banco Santander (Brasil) alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on BSBR Banco Santander (Brasil) Stock Performance Banco Santander (Brasil) Cuts Dividend The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $6.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $5.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 0.03 and a current ratio of 0.03. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 23rd were given a dividend of $0.0202 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 20th. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.22%. Institutional Trading of Banco Santander (Brasil) Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Ballentine Partners LLC acquired a new position in Banco Santander (Brasil) in the second quarter worth approximately $77,000. AXQ Capital LP purchased a new stake in shares of Banco Santander (Brasil) during the second quarter valued at $112,000. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Banco Santander (Brasil) by 41.4% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 6,397 shares of the banks stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 1,874 shares during the period. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Banco Santander (Brasil) by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 52,165 shares of the banks stock worth $332,000 after buying an additional 2,126 shares during the period. Finally, Checchi Capital Advisers LLC lifted its stake in Banco Santander (Brasil) by 8.3% during the second quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 25,373 shares of the banks stock valued at $161,000 after buying an additional 1,944 shares in the last quarter. 14.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Banco Santander (Brasil) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Banco Santander (Brasil) SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, small and medium enterprises, and corporate customers in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through, Commercial Banking and Global Wholesale Banking segments. It offers deposits and other bank funding instruments; debit and credit cards; digital prepaid solutions; payment platform; loyalty programs; employee benefit vouchers; payroll loans; digital lending and online debt renegotiation platform; mortgages; home equity financing products; consumer credit; and local loans, commercial and trade finance, guarantees, structured loans, and cash management and funding solutions, as well as on-lending transfer services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander (Brasil) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander (Brasil) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Russian ship Novocherkassk, which was docked in the port of Feodosiia, had 77 sailors on board when it arrived on the night of December 26. So far, one person has been reported dead, 19 wounded, and 33 more sailors are missing. ADVERTISIMENT At the site of the hit, debris and a Storm Shadow missile attachment unit were allegedly found. This was reported by the Russian Telegram channel ASTRA, citing sources. According to the channel, the missile hit the bow of a large landing ship during the attack. The channel also claims that the missile killed 64-year-old Feodosiia port security officer Nadya Tolshchina and four other civilians were allegedly wounded. The ship completely burned down and sank. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the evening of December 26, satellite images confirming that in addition to the Novocherkassk, another occupier's ship was hit in the port of Feodosia, were published. The same was said earlier by the spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, Natalia Humeniuk. ADVERTISIMENT Other satellite photos show that the Novocherkassk has partially gone underwater, although the Russian Defense Ministry continues to claim that the ship was allegedly just damaged. Shares of Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated (NYSE:HR Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Hold from the nine ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $18.22. Several brokerages recently issued reports on HR. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Healthcare Realty Trust from $17.00 to $16.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $17.00 price objective on shares of Healthcare Realty Trust in a research report on Monday, November 6th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Healthcare Realty Trust from $20.00 to $17.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 6th. BTIG Research upgraded Healthcare Realty Trust from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $17.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Healthcare Realty Trust from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $19.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Get Healthcare Realty Trust alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Healthcare Realty Trust Insider Buying and Selling at Healthcare Realty Trust Institutional Investors Weigh In On Healthcare Realty Trust In other news, EVP Julie F. Wilson sold 4,100 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.30, for a total transaction of $70,930.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 116,233 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,010,830.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Company insiders own 0.49% of the companys stock. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Barclays PLC raised its stake in Healthcare Realty Trust by 31.0% in the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 420,943 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $7,938,000 after acquiring an additional 99,593 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in Healthcare Realty Trust by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,350,051 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $103,412,000 after acquiring an additional 109,686 shares during the period. William Blair Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Healthcare Realty Trust by 17.0% in the 2nd quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 2,062,029 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $38,890,000 after acquiring an additional 299,615 shares during the period. Gilman Hill Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Healthcare Realty Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at $174,000. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its stake in Healthcare Realty Trust by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 2,616,820 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $49,337,000 after acquiring an additional 89,402 shares during the period. Healthcare Realty Trust Trading Up 1.2 % Healthcare Realty Trust stock opened at $17.28 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.58 billion, a P/E ratio of -23.99 and a beta of 0.84. Healthcare Realty Trust has a 1 year low of $13.86 and a 1 year high of $22.35. The business has a 50-day moving average of $15.27 and a 200-day moving average of $16.77. Healthcare Realty Trust (NYSE:HR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.18) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.39 by ($0.57). The company had revenue of $333.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $331.80 million. Healthcare Realty Trust had a negative return on equity of 3.70% and a negative net margin of 20.24%. Healthcare Realty Trusts quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.39 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Healthcare Realty Trust will post 1.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Healthcare Realty Trust Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 14th were paid a $0.31 dividend. This represents a $1.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.18%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 13th. Healthcare Realty Trusts payout ratio is -172.22%. Healthcare Realty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report Healthcare Realty (NYSE: HR) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates medical outpatient buildings primarily located around market-leading hospital campuses. The Company selectively grows its portfolio through property acquisition and development. As the first and largest REIT to specialize in medical outpatient buildings, Healthcare Realty's portfolio includes more than 700 properties totaling over 40 million square feet concentrated in 15 growth markets. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Healthcare Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Healthcare Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:PHB Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $18.20 and last traded at $18.19, with a volume of 8128 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $18.12. Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Stock Up 0.4 % The companys 50 day simple moving average is $17.54 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $17.41. Get Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. UBS Group AG grew its holdings in Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 0.9% during the first quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 86,110 shares of the companys stock worth $1,508,000 after acquiring an additional 776 shares during the period. Hancock Whitney Corp raised its holdings in shares of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 4.8% during the first quarter. Hancock Whitney Corp now owns 17,819 shares of the companys stock valued at $312,000 after acquiring an additional 815 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in shares of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 1.2% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 76,711 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,409,000 after acquiring an additional 900 shares in the last quarter. Stifel Financial Corp boosted its stake in shares of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 1.5% in the third quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 63,793 shares of the companys stock worth $1,090,000 after acquiring an additional 927 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC increased its position in shares of Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 1.8% during the second quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 52,630 shares of the companys stock worth $920,000 after purchasing an additional 931 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Company Profile The Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (PHB) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the RAFI Bonds US High Yield 1-10 index. The fund tracks a fundamental-weighted index of high-yield US corporate bonds that must be rated between B3\u002FB- and Ba1\u002FBB+. PHB was launched on Nov 15, 2007 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fifteen research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and thirteen have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $68.97. LVS has been the subject of several research analyst reports. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $71.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 16th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Las Vegas Sands from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $71.00 to $64.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 26th. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 13th. Finally, Susquehanna began coverage on shares of Las Vegas Sands in a report on Friday, December 15th. They issued a positive rating and a $59.00 price target for the company. Get Las Vegas Sands alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on LVS Las Vegas Sands Stock Performance LVS stock opened at $49.05 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $37.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 55.74, a PEG ratio of 3.76 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $47.70 and a 200 day simple moving average of $51.58. Las Vegas Sands has a fifty-two week low of $43.77 and a fifty-two week high of $65.58. The company has a quick ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.82. Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The casino operator reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.55. The business had revenue of $2.80 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.72 billion. Las Vegas Sands had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 21.05%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 178.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($0.27) earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Las Vegas Sands will post 1.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Las Vegas Sands Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 7th were issued a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 6th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.63%. Las Vegas Sandss dividend payout ratio is 90.91%. Las Vegas Sands declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, October 18th that allows the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the casino operator to reacquire up to 5.5% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Activity In related news, major shareholder Miriam Adelson sold 12,253,628 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.23, for a total value of $529,724,338.44. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 41,134,164 shares in the company, valued at $1,778,229,909.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.91% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Las Vegas Sands Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Spire Wealth Management increased its holdings in Las Vegas Sands by 197.4% in the second quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 452 shares of the casino operators stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Las Vegas Sands in the third quarter worth approximately $27,000. Western Pacific Wealth Management LP acquired a new position in Las Vegas Sands in the third quarter worth approximately $29,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new position in Las Vegas Sands in the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC boosted its position in Las Vegas Sands by 434.7% during the second quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 524 shares of the casino operators stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 426 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 39.16% of the companys stock. About Las Vegas Sands (Get Free Report Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the People's Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Las Vegas Sands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Las Vegas Sands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the eleven research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and two have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $146.75. Several research firms have recently weighed in on DGX. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Quest Diagnostics from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the company from $140.00 to $160.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. TheStreet lowered shares of Quest Diagnostics from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Get Quest Diagnostics alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on DGX Hedge Funds Weigh In On Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics Stock Up 0.0 % A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of DGX. Pacifica Partners Inc. bought a new position in shares of Quest Diagnostics during the third quarter worth $25,000. NBC Securities Inc. bought a new position in shares of Quest Diagnostics during the third quarter worth $25,000. Park Place Capital Corp boosted its position in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 73.4% during the second quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 189 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 100.0% during the third quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 218 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chilton Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Quest Diagnostics during the first quarter worth $28,000. 87.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. DGX opened at $136.76 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $133.39 and a 200-day moving average price of $133.05. Quest Diagnostics has a twelve month low of $119.59 and a twelve month high of $158.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.53 and a beta of 0.91. Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The medical research company reported $2.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.19 by $0.03. Quest Diagnostics had a net margin of 8.21% and a return on equity of 15.80%. The firm had revenue of $2.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.27 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.36 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Quest Diagnostics will post 8.71 earnings per share for the current year. Quest Diagnostics Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be given a $0.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 16th. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.08%. Quest Diagnosticss payout ratio is currently 42.64%. About Quest Diagnostics (Get Free Report Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine testing, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services. Featured Articles 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 upgraded shares of Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday. WBS has been the subject of several other research reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on Webster Financial from $57.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Seaport Res Ptn reissued a buy rating on shares of Webster Financial in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Citigroup began coverage on Webster Financial in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $51.00 target price for the company. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Webster Financial from $53.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Webster Financial from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Webster Financial has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $50.75. Get Webster Financial alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Webster Financial Webster Financial Stock Performance WBS opened at $51.56 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The companys fifty day moving average price is $43.79 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $42.23. Webster Financial has a 1-year low of $31.03 and a 1-year high of $56.00. The company has a market cap of $8.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.88 and a beta of 1.36. Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The financial services provider reported $1.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $677.50 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $686.11 million. Webster Financial had a net margin of 24.45% and a return on equity of 13.65%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.46 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Webster Financial will post 6.03 EPS for the current fiscal year. Webster Financial Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 3rd were paid a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.10%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 2nd. Webster Financials payout ratio is 30.65%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky grew its holdings in Webster Financial by 54.3% in the third quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 81,832 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,299,000 after purchasing an additional 28,798 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in Webster Financial by 1,773.9% in the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,324,457 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $53,389,000 after purchasing an additional 1,253,778 shares during the period. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its position in Webster Financial by 1.4% in the third quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 21,702 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $875,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. Creative Planning raised its position in Webster Financial by 11.7% in the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 29,691 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,197,000 after purchasing an additional 3,119 shares during the period. Finally, Tudor Investment Corp Et Al purchased a new stake in shares of Webster Financial in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,175,000. 86.37% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Webster Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides commercial real estate and equipment financing, business banking, asset-based lending, and commercial services; public sector finance; mortgage warehouse financing; treasury management services; credit, deposit, and cash flow management services; and wealth management solutions to business owners and operators, including trust, asset management, financial planning, insurance, retirement, and investment products, as well as derivative, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and trade products and services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Webster Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Webster Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coastline Trust Co lowered its position in shares of Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP Free Report) by 18.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,048 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 2,207 shares during the quarter. Coastline Trust Cos holdings in Union Pacific were worth $2,046,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Meitav Investment House Ltd. bought a new stake in Union Pacific during the second quarter valued at $27,000. Power Corp of Canada acquired a new position in shares of Union Pacific in the 1st quarter valued at about $40,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new stake in shares of Union Pacific during the 4th quarter valued at about $32,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management acquired a new stake in Union Pacific during the second quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, IMA Wealth Inc. bought a new position in shares of Union Pacific in the second quarter valued at $37,000. Institutional investors own 77.36% of the companys stock. Get Union Pacific alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on UNP shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Union Pacific from $238.00 to $240.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $282.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Barclays decreased their target price on Union Pacific from $285.00 to $275.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Benchmark reissued a buy rating and issued a $254.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $233.00 to $232.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Union Pacific has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $239.42. Union Pacific Stock Performance NYSE:UNP opened at $245.16 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $149.45 billion, a PE ratio of 23.54, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.22. Union Pacific Co. has a 1 year low of $183.69 and a 1 year high of $246.43. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $222.21 and its 200 day simple moving average is $216.68. Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The railroad operator reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.41 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $5.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.96 billion. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 49.14% and a net margin of 26.37%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.19 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Union Pacific Co. will post 10.24 EPS for the current year. Union Pacific Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.12%. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio is 49.90%. Insider Transactions at Union Pacific In related news, CFO Jennifer L. Hamann sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $235.00, for a total transaction of $235,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 98,297 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,099,795. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 1,274 shares of Union Pacific stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $203.24, for a total transaction of $258,927.76. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 31,991 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,501,850.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Jennifer L. Hamann sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $235.00, for a total value of $235,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 98,297 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,099,795. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Union Pacific (Free Report) Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, and other agricultural users; petroleum, and liquid petroleum gases; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The alleged capture of Marinka in the Donetsk region by Russian troops is a limited tactical gain and does not bode for any significant operational advance. The town, which the occupiers have been trying to take since 2014, is now virtually non-existent, having been turned into rubble. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, even if the enemy were there, they would be unlikely to be able to launch a quick operational offensive from the town to other areas. This is how analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assess the situation on this section of the front. According to the experts, the "capture" of Marinka will "help" Russian troops in an operational sense if they can significantly improve their ability to carry out a rapid mechanized offensive. But so far, the aggressor has shown no signs of this happening. As a reminder, on December 25, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to dictator Vladimir Putin on the "complete capture of Marinka" (directly west of Donetsk). The next day, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said that the Defense Forces had been partially withdrawn from Marinka, but added that the defenders were still operating on the northern outskirts and had prepared a defensive line outside the city, which no longer exists because the fighting had destroyed it. ADVERTISIMENT Geo-referenced images published on December 25 show Russian forces advancing in the northern districts of Marinka. ISW estimates that the occupiers likely control most, if not all, of the city, despite the fact that there was no visual evidence of its capture by Russia as of December 26. Putin claimed that this maneuver would allow Russian troops to push Ukrainian combat units away from occupied Donetsk and create a wider operational space for Russian forces. Against this backdrop, many Kremlin propagandists began to spread the news about Marinka, claiming a "tactical victory" and arguing that it would allow the aggressor army to conduct offensive operations towards settlements 15 km west of the city "in the coming weeks and months, threatening nearby Ukrainian ground communications." ADVERTISIMENT Their "triumph" was dispelled by analysts at the Institute for War Studies. They reminded that Russian troops have been trying to capture Marinka since 2014 and have been conducting daily frontal attacks on the city since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and these attacks have intensified since early October 2023. Both sides have now acknowledged that the fighting has completely destroyed Marinka, which was home to about 9,000 people before the full-scale war. "The small and completely destroyed town does not provide Russian troops with a reliable foothold for further offensive operations. Marinka is located less than a kilometer from the front line before the invasion, and Ukrainian forces have long since fortified many of the nearby settlements that Russian forces are also trying to capture," ISW said. ADVERTISIMENT According to the report, since February 24, 2022, the Russian army has advanced to about three kilometers in depth into Marinka, and there is no indication that the rate of its advance to the next settlements designated by the Kremlin as "tactical objectives" will be faster, especially given the rate of attrition with which the Russian Armed Forces had to capture a small settlement directly on the border with the territory that Russia has controlled since 2014. It is noteworthy that Russia's "capture" of Marinka came after several months of very little success and was not the result of a sudden rapid mechanized Russian offensive. Since the spring of 2022, Russian troops have not conducted a single operation that would lead to a rapid and mechanized offensive, and the aggressor country's ability to conduct the mechanized maneuver necessary for this has seriously deteriorated. ADVERTISIMENT Recently, the occupiers demonstrated the lack of these capabilities in unsuccessful waves of massive attacks to capture Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, and these offensives led to further losses of armored vehicles, prompting the Russian command to switch to ground attacks using heavy infantry. In addition, the enemy needs combat-ready mechanized units to conduct rapid maneuver warfare, and the Russian groups that took part in the capture of Marinka are mostly elements of poorly trained and less effective units from the "DPR." "Russian troops are unlikely to be able to launch a quick operational offensive from Marinka. And reports of Russia's capture of the settlement create conditions for only limited further tactical success," ISW experts concluded. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, according to NSDC Secretary Oleksii Danilov, a small part of what is left of Marinka is still under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He called the situation there worse than in Bakhmut because of the terrain in particular. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Click the photo and watch the video. Chinese calligraphy is the artistic vehicle in which the nation's cultural lineage is carried. Editor's note: There are 43 items inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage lists that not only bear witness to the past glories of Chinese civilization, but also continue to shine today. China Daily looks at the protection and inheritance of some of these cultural legacies. In this installment, we trace the aesthetic and cultural lines that connect the first Chinese scholars with the brush-wielding enthusiasts and practitioners today. When Zhuo Heng entered a showroom of the National Art Museum of China one day in late November, she was startled by the bustling scene of visitors viewing the calligraphy scrolls. The exhibition was dedicated to the work of Chen Hailiang, a calligrapher of repute who has gained recognition particularly for writing caoshu, the cursive script that presents the most freedom and boldness in Chinese writing. An amateur calligraphy practitioner herself, Zhuo says Chen's works caught her deeply at first sight. "I was awed, not only by his mastery of the art he is well-versed in all the scripts and in making works of different sizes, varying from those measuring dozens of centimeters to several meters from the floor to ceiling, and he has shown the grandeur of calligraphy," she says. "But also, how he breaks certain rules to form a distinctive style of his own surprised me a great deal." Zhuo refers to the many areas in Chen's writing pieces where too much ink is accumulated, and look like big stains. She says it is normally seen as wrong and should be avoided. To her even greater surprise, Chen was in the showroom that day, providing a guided tour and a calligraphy demonstration to the audience. Zhuo joined the group and put forward her question about the accumulations. "He told me, it (not following the rules) is totally fine; he said, when raising up the brush, try to forget these rules and regulations of how you should orchestrate the strokes correctly, and just focus on how to awaken your mind and give the full expression of your feelings on the paper," Zhuo recalls. "I felt relief hearing his words. I had often felt tense when practicing, fearing I would make mistakes it is funny because I practice trying to calm myself but now I know how to write, truly, with ease." Zhuo was not the only one enchanted by calligraphy that day. As well as Chen's one-man exhibition, a separate exhibition, Purity and Glory, which marked the 70th anniversary of the Buddhist Association of China, was also creating quite a stir. The exhibition displayed fine and rarely seen calligraphic works of important figures, such as Zhao Puchu, the former chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, and Hongyi, the master monk whose last piece of writing, done three days before his passing, was on display and drawing crowds of onlookers. Days later, another calligraphy show, featuring the work of the great painter Liu Haisu, was opened at the National Art Museum of China to continue inspiring people's enthusiasm for the long-standing art of writing. With an artistic legacy of thousands of years, Chinese calligraphy seems unlikely to lose its status in the heart of people, even in a time when handwriting has decreased sharply. It was, at one time, viewed by people as a high form of artistic worship at museums, while at other times, simply a practice so common that lovers of the art, both professionals and amateurs, would write on a daily basis. Expressive Strokes The birth and early evolution of Chinese calligraphy began with the formation of Chinese characters millennia ago, including those of such pictorial simplicity that were engraved on animal bones and tortoise shells, and the ones cast on bronze vessels that became neat and elaborate. A significant development of the calligraphic script is the widely known shiguwen, or the inscriptions on stone drums, believed to date back 2,000 years. It is deemed the "ancestral form", upon which Qinshihuang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), unified the writing of characters, one of the important measures taken to unify the land and people he ruled over. The unique script of shiguwen made it a topic of discussion after several stone drums were discovered during the early Tang Dynasty (618-907). The style inspired interest among artists for its structural grace and the majestic mood being presented. Shiguwen ushered in the invention of dazhuan (the large-seal script), and xiaozhuan (the small-seal script) that was simpler in structure. These were followed by lishu (the clerical script), kaishu (the regular script), xingshu (the running script) and caoshu (the cursive script). These scripts have been executed predominantly by learned people. Practicing calligraphy becomes a carefree dance of the Chinese brush on paper, that is far beyond communicating the meanings of the characters being written. It is a silent symphony orchestrated by the fluidity of ink and water, and a ritual enforced by the energies of hands for one to cultivate himself, and to connect with the universe. Such writing unites Chinese people living in different corners of the country from all walks of life, reinforcing that intention by adding dimensions of artistry and spirituality. Be it a scholar, a painter, a calligrapher or someone amateur, they share the pleasure brought by calligraphy. In 2009, Chinese calligraphy was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The essential role calligraphy plays in Chinese cultural tradition is also evident in the close association between it and painting. Normally, they are mentioned in a union as shuhua (calligraphy and painting). A Chinese painting often bears calligraphy, added by its creator or collectors and viewers, to accentuate a literary temperament. It can be an autograph, a poem, a commentary, a note to the one who is to receive the painting as a gift, or simply a seal impression of the artist's name or pseudonym a smaller form of calligraphy that demands the delicate techniques of hand engraving. Zhao Mengfu, a great artist who lived during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), asserted the equivalence of the two forms not only in presenting brushwork brilliance, but also as the vehicles of self-expression. "Calligraphy and painting are basically of the same creative source," he said. The continuous reforms in execution by exponent figures like Zhao helped regenerate calligraphy throughout centuries, through their efforts to be a consummate artist. Meanwhile, there have been personalities who articulate the importance of appreciating calligraphy in the course of public education. Perhaps outperforming them all is Liang Qichao, the foremost intellectual and educator of modern China, who considered the research and promotion of calligraphy an integral part of his life's work. Liang's contribution to the calligraphy renaissance of his time is hailed at Old China's New Citizen, an ongoing exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth at the Tsinghua University Art Museum, which runs until Jan 14. His collection of calligraphy rubbings and his own written works are on show. Du Pengfei, executive director of the museum, says Liang was a great man who "believed in the necessity of cultivating an interest in things of aesthetic value, such as calligraphy". He says Liang was devoted to the study of calligraphy and to spreading its beauty, and the significance of carrying on Chinese cultural lineage, to the public. In 1926, Liang gave a speech titled "A Guide to Calligraphy" at the Tsinghua campus, during which he said that "calligraphy is the most beautiful and convenient tool for entertaining to sooth one's heart and mind". He went on to note that "calligraphy shows the beauty of lines, the reflective glare of ink, and the strength of handwriting". He donated a large part of his collection of ancient tablet rubbings to the Beiping Library, now the National Library of China. Modern Twist The evolution of calligraphy continues even now. For example, the timeless beauty of shiguwen continued through to the 20th century among artists and scholars who kept copying the script. Wu Changshuo, a leading reformer of the ink tradition, is famed for integrating the calligraphic brushwork of shiguwen into painting. Today, some endeavors are done in an avant-garde gesture and shown at art galleries like INKstudio which has spaces in Beijing and New York. The decade-old gallery introduces to both domestic and global audiences experimental approaches to add new perspectives to ink art and calligraphy, as a rich, complex art language and also as the distinctive worldview of China and East Asia, according to Craig Yee, who co-founded INKstudio alongside two Stanford University alumni. Artists who have been shown at the gallery include the likes of Wang Dongling and Wei Ligang. Their works have aroused discussions and debates, which from Yee's point of view, are "very important to expand the possibilities" and degrees of freedom in the realm of calligraphy and ink art, the same way as their predecessors did. Just as Liang Qichao once put it: "There is no better way (for one) to best express the personality of a person than calligraphy." (Source: China Daily) This photo taken on Nov. 18, 2023 shows the remains of the Zaghouan Aqueduct in Ben Arous Province, Tunisia. The Zaghouan Aqueduct is a famous historical site in Tunisia. [Xinhua] Cultural cooperation between China and Tunisia has seen an increase in recent years, and the China-Tunisia joint archaeological project launched this year is proceeding smoothly, said Tarek Baccouche, director of the Tunisian National Heritage Institute. TUNIS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) Exchanges and dialogues on civilizations between China and Tunisia will promote the two countries' common development and prosperity, the president of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) Ji Bingxuan said on Monday. He made the remarks at a Chinese-Tunisian cultural and civilizations exchange conference jointly held here in the Tunisian capital by CAFIU and the Tunisian National Heritage Institute (INP) with the participation of Chinese and Tunisian researchers, academics, and historians. The China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative aims for coexistence and mutual learning among different civilizations, and plays an important role in promoting the modernization process of human society and the different civilizations in the world, Ji said. Cultural cooperation between China and Tunisia has seen an increase in recent years, and the China-Tunisia joint archaeological project launched this year is proceeding smoothly, Tarek Baccouche, director of the INP, said in his speech. 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Tunisia, and cooperation between the two sides will reach a higher level, Baccouche said. M'hamed Hassine Fantar, a Tunisian historian, briefly introduced the ancient Tunisia civilization at the conference, particularly the history of Carthage. (Source: Xinhua) 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. && The scandal involving Conservative Party Baroness Michelle Mone is throwing oil on the fire of the deepening crisis of the Sunak government. Mone admitted in a December 17 interview with the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg that she stands to benefit from tens of millions of pounds of profit from personal protective equipment (PPE) sold to the UK government during the pandemic by a company led by her husband, Doug Barrowman. Michelle Mone presenting to Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, April 2013 [Photo by B Milnes / CC BY-SA 3.0 Tens of billions of pounds in get-rich-quick COVID contracts were handed out from Westminster from the first days of the pandemic, with almost 20 billion awarded without any form of tendering. Government cronies in big business made a killing. Mones support helped PPE Medpro secure a place in a VIP lane used during the COVID pandemic to prioritise companies. PPE Medpro secured contracts worth more than 200 million. Vast amounts of the PPE supplied by the private sector profiteers during the height of the pandemic was not fit for purpose. The government is suing PPE Medpro for a breach of contract, after rejecting the surgical gowns for which it paid 122 million. PPE Medpro maintained the gowns had been fit for purpose. A separate civil case was launched by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the House of Lords commissioner for standards launched another investigation into whether Mone had breached the Lords code of conduct. Mone, who fronted a lingerie company, shot to prominence in the Tory Party when she was appointed Tsar for business start-ups in David Camerons government and then elevated to the House of Lords in 2015. It is established that the highly politically connected Mone contacted, on May 8, 2020, then Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and fellow Tory peer Theodore Agnew, offering to supply PPE. Agnew referred PPE Medpro to the VIP lane. In June 2020, PPE Medpro was awarded two PPE deals by the Department of Healthone for 122 million for 25 million sterile surgical gowns and one for 89 million for the supply of 210 million face masks. A HSBC bank paper trail establishes that in September 2020 Barrowman received at least 65 million in profits from the PPE deal. These profits were transferred to The Warren Trust, registered in the Isle of Man, with Barrowman the beneficial owner. In December last year Mone took a leave of absence from the House of Lords in order to clear her name. This followed a series of exposures the previous monthled by the Guardianindicating that Barrowman had transferred 29 million to an offshore trust, the Keristal Trust, of which Mone and her three adult children were the beneficiaries. Mone had always insisted that she did not stand to benefit from the PPE deal and denied any role in it being awarded. Mone and her husband had clearly decided by the time of the BBC interview that it was no longer possible to maintain this fiction. Barrowman said the deal created 60 million profit which was now in a family trust. Half of this is the Keristal trust, from which Mone and her children stand to benefit unless she and Mr Barrowman divorce. Mone will be able to access the millions if her husband dies first. Kuenssberg asked Mone, Your family as a unit will benefit from that cash. Why didnt you just be more straightforward about it? Mone responded, Im saying to you that I didnt receive that cash. That cash is not my cash, that cash is my husbands cash, we are married. She then told Kuenssberg, If one day, if God forbid, my husband passes away before me, then I am a beneficiary, as well as his children and my children, so yes, of course. It is ludicrous to claim that Mone would not benefit from any such profits for years to come. Barrowman is a billionaire and Mone is a multi-millionaire herself. Until this year the couple lived in a luxury 19 million London townhouse. Barrowman has also put his 127ft yacht Lady Mnamed after Moneon the market. Mone admitted, I did make an error in saying to the press that I wasnt involved. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I wasnt trying to pull the wool over anyones eyes, and I regret and Im sorry for not saying straight out, yes, I am involved. She added that lying to the media was not a crime. As justification Mone explained, I was just acting the same way as every other baroness and lord who were also putting names forward. Barrowman and Mone are implicitly threatening to spill the beans on wider governmental corruption that resulted in an estimated 4 billion in taxpayers money being spent on unusable PPE. Over a month prior to the BBC interview the Guardian reported that representative of Barrowman had said, The UK government was fully aware of Baroness Mones involvement; like many other peers and MPs on the high priority lane, she acted as an intermediary/liaison between PPE Medpro and the Cabinet Office/Department of Health and Social Care. Following this Mone was interviewed by the pro-Tory Telegraph in a piece headlined, Baroness Mone: The PPE scandal made me ashamed to be a Tory I am purely a scapegoat. The underline read, Entrepreneur launches fightback over PPE equipment investigations with startling counter-allegations. This was the occasion for the launch of a YouTube programme, The Interview: Baroness Mone and the PPE Scandal. The programme was paid for by PPE Medpro and fronted by investigative reporter Mark Williams-Thomas. The Telegraph revealed that Barrowman and Mone have a recording from after 2021when they were in mediation with Department of Health and Social Carein which a government official is alleged to have told them, Obviously we understand youve made an offer and its a sizeable sum of money. Were just trying to piece together and thinking through and I think our view at the moment, and where we stand, is it is probably not likely to be enough to call the dogs off. Barrowman gave more details in his interview with Kuenssberg saying, We get to November 2022, and I attend this negotiation, as opposed to a mediation. Its very, very clear that, you know, theyre interested in settling but they want a sum of money that, quite honestly, we are not of a mind to pay. So, I then have a separate meeting, and this individual asked me would I pay more for the other matter to go away. Barrowman added, I was absolutely gobsmackedI think it raises very serious questions as to what that official meant, what he was saying. Asked by Kuenssberg why he did not go to the police with the allegation, Barrowman stated, I take the advice of my legal team, and the legal team at that point in time suggested that we park that one for now. The government responded by seeking to wash their hands of the growing stench. Interviewed by Sky News' Kay Burley on whether someone who had admitted to lying should be allowed back into parliament, energy minister and Tory peer Martin Callanan said, It is a matter for her to decide... [but] I would hope she would not be coming back to the House of Lords. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden defended the governments handling of PPE procurement, insisting there were no favours or special treatment, while stating that Mone was not being made a scapegoat. Labours Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that no-one watching the BBCs interview with Mone would be shedding any tears, adding, Theres a fundamental point of principle here, which is, in the midst of a deadly pandemic, when so many people rushed to help others in all sorts of ways and then there were others who saw the pandemic as an opportunity to make a quick buck at someone elses expense Our message to those people who sought to use the pandemic to get rich quick [is]: we want our money back. This is nauseating. While the crisis reveals the staggering level of profiteering that took place as the ruling class exploited a pandemic for financial gain, utilising government PPE policies that contributed to hundreds of thousands of deaths, the filthy operation could only take place because Labour, first under Jeremy Corbyn and then Sir Keir Starmer declared that the task as the Opposition was to support the governments public health efforts while being constructively critical. "Peccy," Amazon's mascot, at a company picnic in 2014 [Photo by Yin Zhou via Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 As the holiday season comes to a close, millions of workers are facing financial hardship throughout the United States. Faced with the inability to make ends meet the rest of the year on poverty wages, many working class households are simply unable to afford the added expenses of travel, holiday meals and Christmas gifts. This is the product of massive levels of social inequality and exploitation on a scale which many Americans in an earlier period believed had been abolished. A holiday charity scheme by online retail giant Amazon, infamous for its cheap labor and technologically-enforced speedup regime in its warehouses, peels back the veil on the contempt and condescension with which the capitalist ruling class regards workers. According to a recent article in the Guardian, Amazon is asking workers experiencing hardship to write a letter to its company mascot, Peccy, this holiday season so some of their holiday wishes can come true. The newspaper cites a flyer distributed at an Amazon warehouse in Rock Tavern, New York, which declares: Are you or someone you know facing financial hardship this holiday season? Peccy wants to help! Write a letter to Peccy. If the Peccy team selects you, some of your holiday wishes could come true! Amazons patronizing contest casts itself in the role of Santa Claus and workers in the role of children, whom, through invasive monitoring technologies, the company knows whos been bad or good. It is not the first time that the company has sponsored such a letter-writing competition, with at least one other promotion being sponsored last year, according to social media posts from that time. Unsurprisingly, it provoked denunciations from SWF1 employees. Its startling to see them shell out all this money to promote Amazon, get us excited about Amazon, but not actually give us what would endear us to Amazon, which would be a living wage, Amazon worker Keith Williams told the Guardian. All were just asking for from Amazon is to do what theyre clearly able to do with the billions of dollars that they have. We just want to share in some of the efforts that we do for Amazon, Williams continued. We want wages. Not trinkets. According to the same article, In Amazons most recent quarter, the company tripled its profits to $9.9bn, and revenues for the three months ending 30 September topped $143bn, and that the astronomic wealth of the Amazon founder and chair, Jeff Bezos, [is] a net worth of about $172bn. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on the sidelines before the start of an NFL football game, Sept. 15, 2022, in Kansas City, Missouri. [AP Photo/Charlie Riedel] If workers at giant multinational corporations like Amazon are unable to afford holiday-related expensesor, for that matter, housing, as is often the casethen the cause is the exploitation by Amazon itself. The company prides itself on its high employee turnover rate, as it forces workers to rush past the point of endurance in order to make rate only to throw them out onto the street without workers compensation once they are injured on the job. The brutal conditions at Amazon have also claimed workers lives, such as that of 19-year-old Jerrold George Dejean at a warehouse in South Carolina and 20-year-old Caes Gruesbeck in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this year. On the basis of this exploitation, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has become the richest individual in human history, with a net worth of more than $170 billion as of November. That is more than $100,000 for each Amazon worker on the planet. Now, in an attempt to garner positive press for its generosity, the company has thrown a few table scraps, a tiny fraction of this sum back to the workers from whom it was stolen. But Amazons charity contest is notable perhaps only for the degree of crudeness. The function of charity as a whole has always been to provide a public cover for the exploitation of the ruling class. As Friederich Engels, the co-thinker of Karl Marx, wrote in 1845 in his The Conditions of the Working Class in England: The English bourgeoisie is charitable out of self-interest; it gives nothing outright, but regards its gifts as a business matter, makes a bargain with the poor, saying: If I spend this much upon benevolent institutions, I thereby purchase the right not to be troubled any further, and you are bound thereby to stay in your dusky holes and not to irritate my tender nerves by exposing your misery. You shall despair as before, but you shall despair unseen, this I require, this I purchase with my subscription of twenty pounds for the infirmary! It is infamous, this charity of a Christian bourgeois! Engels scathingly characterized this as sucking out their [the working class] very life-blood and then practicing your self-complacent, Pharisaic philanthropy upon them, placing yourselves before the world as mighty benefactors of humanity when you give back to the plundered victims the hundredth part of what belongs to them! Affairs, if anything, have only degenerated since Engels wrote the above. In recent decades, the nonprofit sector has been oriented more and more explicitly towards creating a business environment more favorable for the bottom line of the corporate donors. Known in the industry by the euphemism venture philanthropy, this has motivated billions in spending in the charter school privatization of public education. It has also led to the increasing domination of universities and other academic institutions by billionaire donors, many of whom are now demanding the expulsion of students protesting the genocide in Gaza as a condition for future charity. A recently leaked memo from Amazon titled, Community Engagement Plan 2024Southern California, reveals the companys own charity is motivated by the same basic considerations. The leaked memo laid out Amazons plans to donate to community groups, school districts, institutions and charities in the Inland Empire and support sympathetic politicians to burnish the companys reputation and ensure that it is seen as the most trusted community and business partner in the Southern California area. The leaked memo mentions prominent Inland Empire politicians by name, including Perris, California Mayor Marty Vargas, which the leaked memo regards as an influential elected leader that we have cultivated through PPE donations to support the region, touring him and his team, and ongoing engagement. The exposure comes amidst a growing wave of strikes and work stoppages around the globe. At Amazon, the company is waging a determined campaign against workers seeking to organize against management. In this context, Amazon donations can best be described as reasonable investments, or common business transactions, in the eyes of Amazon and their billion dollar owners who wish to expand the companys bottom line. Charitable contributions from capitalists such as Bezos promotes the illusion that the very same class of people who are responsible for the social misery of billions of workers around the world can fix the poverty that they have created by returning a small percentile of their ill-gotten wealth back to charitable organizations of their choosing. What is the root cause of this? It is the capitalist system. Amazon and other huge corporations must be expropriated and placed under public ownership under the control of workers themselves who will determine that all production is directed to meet human need, not private profit. Instagram, the photo and video sharing social media platform owned by Meta, has shut down the account of political activist Shaun King for speaking out against the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Best known for his advocacy of movements associated with the Democratic Party such as Black Lives Matter, King had an Instagram following of nearly six million users before his profile was removed on Christmas Eve. In a video comment posted to the account of a friend on Christmas, King said, Frustrated that Instagram has banned me for fighting for Palestine and speaking up for the human rights and dignity of Palestinians, but I refuse to betray my values and principles by staying silent about this genocide and the war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. He added, You can NEVER mince words about genocide. You can never mince words about war crimes. You MUST speak truth to power every way you know how. In an email sent to the New York Post, a Meta spokesperson confirmed the shutdown in typically opaque language, The account was disabled due to multiple instances of praise for designated entities in violation of our policies. The Meta representative did not specify the nature of Kings purported policy violations. In a statement on Facebook, where his account remains active, King stated, I am told by my sources inside of Meta that they are tracking my IP address and will delete anything I say anywhere I say it. In partnership with young men and women on the ground in Gaza yesterday (Christmas Eve) we decided together all day long that we would show the world just how awful Israel and the United States were. And yesterday was one of the single deadliest days, particularly for children, of this 80 day genocide. It was one of the most brutal days Ive ever witnessed in my entire life. And Ive done human rights work for 25 years. In an email to NBC News on Tuesday, King wrote, I formally appealed the night of the suspension, but have also now retained attorneys to proceed with the Civil Rights Division of the legal team at Meta. To get a sense of the politics behind Metas decision, Roya News reported that King and his family have faced daily death threats for speaking out against the ethnic cleansing by the US-backed Israeli government in Gaza. Among the slanderous accusations that have been made against him, Roya News reported, is the spreading of misleading information by the Tel Aviv army, including a video falsely claiming monetary donations from him. The censorship of Shaun King by Instagram and Meta is directly connected with his truthful exposure of the genocide being carried out by the Zionist military. For example, on October 29, King reposted an aerial photograph of the destruction of an entire Palestinian neighborhood in which he wrote that the area was carpet bombed by the US and Israel. He went on, And this is indisputable evidence of a war crime. Its why Israel and the US are killing journalists and cutting off the Internet. It is illegal to do this. It violates dozens of international laws. EVERY NATION IN THE WORLD KNOWS THIS. On this Facebook post, King received more than 6,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments, the majority of which are supportive. For example, these comments include the following: Thank you Shaun for speaking truth to power. Yes we must stand up for the innocent people of Palestine! Thank you for showing the world what is happening. They think by shutting down your account that they have silenced you but they have not. They have only proved that they know they are wrong and now they have sent the clean up crew to clean up and try to hide their secrets. We know. We know. We already know. The move by Meta to silence King is out of desperation and fear. Acting on behalf of the interests of the ruling elite and US imperialism, Meta is seeking to block Kings audience from hearing the truth about the murder of civilians in Gaza as part of a preplanned operation of the Zionist state of Israel to remove all Palestinians from the area. As reported here on December 22, Human Rights Watch published a report entitled Metas Broken Promises: Systemic Censorship of Palestine Content on Instagram and Facebook that details the ongoing silencing of pro-Palestinian voices on its platform. This censorship includes, according to the report, a pattern of undue removal and suppression of protected speech including peaceful expression in support of Palestine and public debate about Palestinian human rights. This censorship is part of the pro-Zionist and imperialist fraud that is seeking to pollute public consciousness with the lie that opposition to Israeli war crimes in Gazawhich has now reached a death toll of 20,000 people, the majority of whom are women and childrenis antisemitic. It is now clear that the effort mounted over the past seven years by the major tech companiesincluding Google, Twitter, Meta and othersto remove and stifle political content in the name of promoting authoritative news sources is being aimed directly against left-wing, anti-war and pro-Palestinian individuals who refuse to accept the official propaganda lies about the events that have taken place in Israel and Gaza since October 7. The Russian invaders have changed the tactics of launching Iranian kamikaze drones. Now the enemy is trying to lay routes for the "Shahed" through residential areas of Ukrainian cities. ADVERTISIMENT In this way, the invaders plan to complicate the work of Ukrainian air defense and cause maximum damage. This was stated by Natalia Gumenyuk, head of the Joint Coordination Press Center of the Southern Defense Forces, during a telethon. According to her, the Ukrainian military has recently been recording the occupiers' efforts to complicate the trajectory of kamikaze drones during attacks on Ukraine. "We are noticing a change in enemy tactics: they are really trying to create complex drone trajectories to exhaust the air defense system, complicate our work, and inflict maximum damage. During this nighttime attack, almost all Odesa residents recorded drones flying right among residential neighborhoods. Where, in principle, stationary air defense systems cannot be deployed," noted Gumenyuk. By flying the Shaheds over residential areas, the Russians are counting on the fact that even if shot down, the kamikaze drone will cause disaster. After all, the wreckage of downed UAVs often catches fire, so they can start a fire after they fall. If the combat unit was not destroyed in the air, the Shahed can cause significant damage after falling. ADVERTISIMENT Another goal that the enemy may pursue by resorting to new attack tactics is attempts to expose the location of air defense systems. As a reminder, on the night of December 27, Russian troops attacked Ukraine with Iranian kamikaze drones. The invaders launched a total of 46 Shaheds at Ukraine. The air defense was operating in Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson, Dnipro, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, and Kirovohrad regions: 32 drones were shot down by air defense forces over these regions. Some of the Shahed drones that could not be shot down were fired at Kherson region. There are casualties after night and morning attacks. In the Odesa region, the wreckage of a downed Shahed fell on a residential building in the suburbs of Odesa. There are two dead and three wounded, including a 17-year-old teenager who was hospitalized in moderate condition. ADVERTISIMENT On Wednesday, December 27, top Biden administration officials headed up by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will be meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) to discuss further police-state crackdowns on immigrants heading to the United States. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the G7 Nations at the Munich Security Conference, Germany, on February 19, 2022. [AP Photo/Ina Fassbender] Blinken, Mayorkas and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall have been dispatched by Biden to Mexico City to pressure AMLO to stop immigrants from reaching the US-Mexico border. This is deemed a critical part of Bidens efforts to secure Republican votes for a war package that includes over $60 billion in funding for Ukraine and billions more for the Israel Defense Forces currently waging a genocidal war against the Palestinians in Gaza. Speaking on the reason for the meeting in a press conference on December 22, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Biden called AMLO to discuss the unprecedented migratory flows in the Western Hemisphere. Kirby revealed that the two leaders agreed that additional enforcement actions are urgently needed. Unsatisfied with the Mexican governments efforts to block immigrants democratic right to apply for asylum in the US, earlier this month and for the second time in the last four months the US government shut down two major rail freight transport lines between the US and Mexico. The US claimed that immigrants were using the rail lines to illegally enter the US. The unilateral shutdowns prompted recriminations from Mexican business interests and farmers. Detailing some of the additional enforcement actions the Biden administration was seeking from the Mexican government, Kirby said Biden and Lopez Obrador discussed what can be done inside Mexico to slow that process down ... things like checkpoints on rail lines and on highways. Kirby added that the Mexican Armed Forces presence in the south also can be important. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. [AP Photo/Andrew Harnik] Kirby noted that the Biden administration included an additional $6 billion for border security in its latest supplemental funding request. Last week, the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) claimed that an average of 10,000 migrants were being arrested per day at the southern border. The agency added that there were more than 26,000 people in CBP custody, nearly 10,000 more than the agency said it can accommodate. As Wednesdays meeting in Mexico City takes place, as many as 8,000 immigrants, including many families with young children, are marching north from southern Mexico to the US border, in what US officials are claiming is the largest migrant caravan this year. The Exodus of Poverty march began on December 24 after thousands of people waited for months to receive travel visas from the Mexican government. Without the visas, immigrants are not able to secure motorized transportation, such as bus tickets, thereby forcing many to travel on foot some 2,000 kilometers, or about 1,200 miles, to the US-Mexico border. Thousands of immigrants, mostly from Central and South America, embark on the "Exodus of Poverty" march from Tapachula, in Chiapas, Mexico, en route to the United States, December 24, 2023. [AP Photo/Edgar H. Clemente] Video and photos from multiple news agencies over the holiday weekend showed thousands of workers and their families marching north in the sweltering heat. I was used to my Christmas dinner with the family, not spending it in the street as we did yesterday, Edivges Arias, a migrant, told the Associated Press (AP). The AP reported that local police and the Mexican National Guard have been trailing the march since it left Tapachula, located in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Chiapas, highlighted in red, in southern Mexico. [Photo by TUBS / CC BY-SA 3.0 Wednesdays meeting between top Biden administration officials and the AMLO government represents a further escalation in the international attack on the democratic right of workers to live and work in the country of their choosing. That the Biden administration is seeking to enlist the AMLO government, as Trump did, to deny immigrants the right to asylum is a further refutation of claims made by fake socialists and phony progressives that Biden would enact more humane border policies compared to his fascistic predecessor. In fact, the Democratic Party is more than willing to ride roughshod over immigrants rights if it means securing Republican support for war funding abroad. Wednesdays meeting in Mexico City comes just over a week after Trump-aligned Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed three anti-immigrant bills in front of a giant border wall, while flanked by police, military and border officials. While all three laws further militarize the border and criminalize allegedly illegal immigration, Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), stands out for unconstitutionally granting state police officers the ability to enforce federal immigration laws. This includes arresting suspected illegal aliens in public places such as sidewalks or even college campuses. In response to the Texas anti-immigrant laws, several civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have filed lawsuits seeking to get them overturned. Even though SB 4 is not slated to take effect until next week, US citizens and immigrants alike have already been harassed and intimidated by armed Texas Department of Public Safety officers operating under Abbotts anti-immigrant Operation Lone Star. Texas Republicans have earmarked $11 billion for the reactionary campaign, which began in 2021. Last week, El Paso Matters reported that a family returning in October from visiting relatives in Ciudad Juarez were forced off the road and nearly shot by Texas agents in unmarked vehicles in an alleged case of mistaken identity. The agents were operating as part of Lone Star. Gerardo Ayala, 37, told El Paso Matters that as he was driving back to his El Paso home with his wife, mother-in-law and 13-year-old daughter, multiple unmarked vehicles surrounded his car and forced him off the road. Heavily armed officers then pointed semi-automatic rifles at him and his family and demanded that they exit the vehicle. After the agents discovered the Ayalas were US citizens, they admitted they had made a mistake, but, according to Ayala, nobody there actually came up and apologized. Ayalas mother-in-law has accrued about $3,000 in medical bills since the incident, for which police have refused to compensate her. The same is true for Ayalas car, which suffered minor damage to the front and rear as a result of the police action. There is no question that should SB 4 go into effect, incidents like that inflicted on the Ayala family will only increase. The continued militarization of the US-Mexico border under the Biden administration has led to immense human suffering and death. In October, an El Paso Times/USA Today investigation revealed that 148 migrant deaths occurred in the El Paso Sector in Fiscal Year 2023, the most since record keeping began. The El Paso Sector runs along the Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Mexican borders. The number of deaths recorded last year is several times more than any other year going back to 1998, with as few as one death being recorded in the sector and no more than 40 deaths each year. Even this tragic and entirely preventable figure is a likely a vast under-count. In a December 15 article on immigrant deaths, reporters from El Paso Matters wrote that the El Paso Police Department and El Paso County Medical Examiner dont track migrant deaths and were unwilling to compile the data when asked. An open source immigrant death tracker, the Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants, has recorded 189 suspected cases of migrant mortality this year alone in southern Arizona. An image of all the migrant deaths tracked in Arizona this year by the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, or Pima County OME, and Humane Borders, Inc as part of the Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants. [Photo: Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants. ] We need to start by recognizing that migrants are dying because of US policy and US strategy, Fernando Garcia, executive director of the El Paso-based Border Network for Human Rights, told El Paso Matters. Its what I call death by policy. This death by policy is bipartisan. On December 15, Arizona Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order deploying an unidentified number of National Guard troops to the Arizona-Mexico border. In the order, Hobbs revealed that approximately 2,500 National Guard troops are currently on federal active duty orders on the southern border. In justifying the deployment, Hobbs cited the absence of action by the federal government, which she claimed has led to an unmitigated humanitarian crisis ... and has put Arizonas safety and commerce at risk. New York Representative and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who derided socialist critiques of Bidens inhumane immigration policies as privileged in 2021, has yet to issue a single tweet or press release stating her opposition to SB4 or the Democratic Party and Biden administrations continued militarization of the US-Mexico border. Ocasio-Cortezs silence underscores that the Democratic Party is unwilling and incapable of defending the democratic rights of the working class in the United States, or anywhere else. It is also further evidence, if more was needed, that the DSA and its unofficial press organ, Jacobin, which has yet to publish a single article on SB 4 nearly two weeks after Abbott signed it, are nationalist, pro-capitalist organizations that have nothing to do with socialism. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP), in political solidarity with the International Committee of the Fourth International, defends the right of workers to live and work in the country of their choosing and demands safe passage and legal entry for all participants in the Exodus of Poverty caravan. The SEP fights for the abolition of the militarized border apparatus in every country. All the funding slated for the incarceration and detention of immigrants needs to be reallocated towards the provision of jobs, homes, healthcare and educational opportunities for all, regardless of their immigration status. Workers, students, youth, academics and their organisations are sending protest letters condemning the violent attack on two members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka by pro-government thugs. Dehin Wasantha is a veteran university worker, who is a well-known fighter for workers rights and socialism, and Lakshman Fernando is a full-time SEP party worker. The letters to the Sri Lankan Attorney General and Vice Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa have demanded the culprits be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Fernando and Wasantha were physically assaulted at the University of Moratuwa on November 30 by Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardenathe president and secretary of the Moratuwa university branch of Podujana Pragathishile Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS). The PPSS is a trade union affiliated to the ruling Sri Lankan Podujana Peramuna party. Dehin Wasantha, ten days after the attack The two SEP members were campaigning with other party members at the rear gate of the university for SEP public meetings on the Centenary of Trotskyism addressed by Joseph Kishore, National Secretary of the SEP (US). They were attacked with long wooden clubs causing serious injuries. Wasantha suffered two fractured fingers, while Lakshman was badly bruised and left with a neck injury. Both were immediately admitted to hospital. On doctors advice, Wasantha is on lengthy medical leave, as his fractured fingers will take a considerable period to mend. The attack could have been fatal if Wasantha had not avoided a blow aimed at his head. The Moratuwa Magistrate Court is due to hear the case against Perera and Piyawardena on January 8. The SEP and its sister parties of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) around the world are campaigning in defence of Fernando and Wasantha, and the SEPs democratic right to campaign at Moratuwa University and any other places. We are publishing below letters sent by the Socialist Equality Group (SEG) in New Zealand and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at Victoria University of Wellington as well as statements from university students in Australia. The SEG in New Zealand the IYSSE at Victoria University of Wellington: The Socialist Equality Group in New Zealand and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality at Victoria University of Wellington condemn the violent assault on members of the Socialist Equality Party in Sri Lanka, Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando. The evidence is clear: Two SEP members were seriously injured in a premeditated attack by officials from the Peoples Progressive Employees Union, a trade union controlled by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. This is the party that leads the deeply unpopular government which is imposing brutal austerity measures on the Sri Lankan working class and driving millions into poverty. Lakshman Fernando sustained injuries to his face and back in the attack We join the SEP in demanding that these union-government thugs are punished to the full extent of the law. Their aim was to stop the SEP from speaking with students outside the Moratuwa University about the partys upcoming public meeting on the centenary of Trotskyism to be addressed by Joseph Kishore, national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party in US. This was an attack not only on the SEP but on the right of students and workers to learn about and freely discuss the historic struggle for socialism led by the Fourth International. The fact that the state cannot tolerate open discussion on this subject points to the profound social and political crisis wracking the Wickremesinghe government, which has no popular support or legitimacy. This is the same regime that violently suppressed the mass protest movement over the past two years against social inequality and poverty. The government and its union backers are terrified that young people, who are looking for a way to fight against war, dictatorship and inequality, will be attracted by the internationalist and socialist perspective of the SEP and the International Committee of the Fourth International. This is not only a Sri Lankan issue. In the past two months, groups and individuals protesting against Israels genocide in Gaza have been slandered and censored, and sometimes subjected to police brutality and violence, in the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The SEG and IYSSE in New Zealand call on our supporters and readers in New Zealand to oppose the politically-motivated violence against the SEP in Sri Lanka. It reflects the global turn by governments towards authoritarian and fascist methods to suppress opposition and, above all, to try and stop the development of a socialist movement among workers and youth. The ruling class must not be allowed to succeed. Hands off the SEP! Defend free speech and stop the attacks on socialism! Statements by Australian university students: Youp, University of Newcastle My name is Youp, I'm an IYSSE member in Australia and I wholeheartedly oppose the attack on my Sri Lankan comrades. Freedom of speech is an absolutely fundamental right and nobody deserves to be beaten or killed over their beliefs. The fact that this vicious attack was premeditated speaks volumes about the politics of the PPSS and SLPPthey cannot beat us politically, so they have to resort to sticks. I think the perpetrators should be treated with true due process and face the full force of the law. Thenuki, La Trobe University The reported attack on members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka is deeply troubling, highlighting serious threats to democratic rights and political freedoms. The violence against political activists challenges the fundamental principles of free expression and open discourse essential for a robust democratic society. The alleged affiliation of the attackers with a ruling party-linked trade union raises concerns about the impartiality of law enforcement and the protection of political opposition. This incident underscores the imperative of fostering a secure and inclusive political environment where diverse voices can be expressed without fear, emphasising dialogue over violence. The police response, as outlined in the article, is criticised for potential biases and inadequacies in safeguarding victims rights, with concerns raised about the downplaying of the incident and the failure to seize the attackers taxi, potentially eroding public trust in law enforcement. The situation underscores the critical importance of a transparent and impartial law enforcement system in any democratic society and highlights the need for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and deterrence against political violence. Grace, Victoria University I am appalled by the pre-meditated attack on Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando, members of the SEP in Sri Lanka, by trade union bureaucrats. These SEP members were expressing political beliefs in favour of unifying the working class and oppressed peoples, causing no harm. Their lives have been disrupted due to President Wickremesinghes right-wing regime and the violence it actively facilitates. Wickremesinghe harbours no sympathy for workers and students, and his use of militaristic means to prevent opposition to his political decisions is horrifying. Zach, IYSSE President at Western Sydney University The attacks on Dehin Vasantha and Lakshman Fernando at the Moratuwa University on November 30 are appalling. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality of Western Sydney University stands opposed to this vile attack on our comrades to whom we sincerely wish a speedy recovery. The fact that armed SLPP goons with links to the state and the trade unions have been employed to interfere in our campaign and incapacitate our members is not a first. This development comes as a tremendous sign of weakness and restlessness from the capitalist class and their lackeys in the unions, not only in Colombo but internationally. They will not succeed, but only expose themselves to the working class and turn it against them. The culprits must be put on trial and prosecuted. Whether the Sri Lankan courts will do this is unlikely without pressure from the working class. In any case, our appeals are not to the bourgeois courts for justice but to the far greater social force in Sri Lanka and around the world. If the state is unable to deliver then we will fight for it in the working class. * * * * * The SEP is calling on all those who are concerned to defend democratic rights and freedom of expression to register their opposition by sending protest letters to the following addresses of relevant authorities with copies to the SEP (wswscmb@sltnet.lk). Senior Professor N.D. Gunawardena, Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa Email: vc@uom.lk or ndg@uom.lk Attorney General, Mr. Sanjay Rajaratnam Email: agdurgentmotions@gmail.com President Joe Biden is greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Tel Aviv. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) I had a long talk with Netanyahu today, US President Joe Biden said on Friday as he was leaving Washington to spend the Christmas holiday at Camp David. Asked to describe the call, Biden provided only one sentence: I did not ask for a ceasefire. In other words, Biden gave the Israeli government his blessing to not just continue, but to intensify the genocide in Gaza over the holiday weekend. That phone call marked the prelude to a bloodbath. On Christmas Eve, Israel bombed the Maghazi camp, one of the most densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip. At least 70 people were murdered. What is happening at the Maghazi camp is a massacre that is being committed on a crowded residential square, said Gazan Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra. The relentless bombardment continued on Christmas Day, with hundreds killed, mostly women and children. This mass murder was accompanied by open statements of genocidal intent and the deliberate circulation by the Israeli military of shocking footage of hundreds of detainees huddled naked and blindfolded. The call between the two old war criminals, Biden and Netanyahu, was not the exception, but the rule. Every major decision taken by Israel is done with the prior knowledge and full support of the United States government. Every new atrocity is preceded by a high-level meeting with Washington, either by phone or through the seemingly endless parade of US officials traveling to Tel Aviv. Israeli troops, paid with billions in US military funding, are dropping American-made bombs from American-made aircraft onto civilian targets designated by American spy planes flying over Gaza, in coordination with American officers. The Biden administration, which is working to provoke a war in the Middle East targeting Iran, has decided that the final solution of the Palestinian question is a vital strategic aim of US domination in the Middle East. On Monday, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor submitted to the International Criminal Court documentary evidence of dozens of cases of mass summary executions of civilians by the Israeli army. The report referred to what is taking place as field executions, physical liquidations and widespread killing operations. These words recall the infamous Einsatzgruppen of the SS under Nazi Germany, responsible for the rounding up and mass extermination of Jews during the Holocaust. The Monitor estimated that 28,000 people have been killed since the start of the genocide, with 70 percent of the victims being women and children. It reported that Palestinian deaths constitute the highest rate of civilian casualties worldwide in the 21st century. The Israeli military has circulated footage of the mass detention of hundreds of prisoners, stripped naked, blindfolded and forced to kneel outside on streets and in mass detention facilities. The Euro-Med Monitor reported that women and girls, detained in separate areas, are being stripped of their veils, beaten and forced to watch men being stripped. The Monitor wrote, The Israeli military has deliberately published shocking footage and photos showing Palestinian detaineesboth male and female civiliansin humiliating conditions, in an attempt to dehumanize Palestinians and deprive them of their dignity. In detention, they are forced to answer questions while naked, handcuffed, and blindfolded, and are threatened or tortured by Israeli soldiers who demand that they provide information about Palestinian factions. Some of them are eventually released, while others are killed. The release of this footage by the Israel Defense Forces comes as Israeli officials are becoming ever more explicit in demanding the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. In a speech in Parliament on Monday, Netanyahu declared, Regarding voluntary immigration we are working on it. This is the direction we are going in. In making these statements, Netanyahu is employing the homicidal cynicism pioneered by the Nazis. In the parlance of the banality of evil preferred by Netanyahu, after Gaza is made uninhabitable, the people will voluntarily leave. The Israeli press is, meanwhile, openly advocating the displacement of the people of Gaza to the Sinai Peninsula. On Monday, the Jerusalem Post published an op-ed declaring that moving to the Sinai peninsula is the solution for Gazas Palestinians. It calls for the total razing of damaged structures, which encompasses nearly all of Gaza, writing: Rather, the damaged and destroyed structures must be completely torn down. The Sinai Peninsula, on the other hand, represents one of the most suitable places on Earth to provide the people of Gaza with hope and a peaceful future. This, the op-ed says, is the Sinai solution, echoing the language of the final solution used by Nazi Germany to describe the Holocaust. In response to these and similar statements, Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, wrote, Forced Displacement is a CRIME, prosecutable under the Rome Statute. Its architects shall be investigated/prosecuted by the International Criminal Court and other courts. The Israeli government is systematically and deliberately committing war crimes on a scale with hardly any precedent since the Second World War. But it is an undeniable fact that any future war crimes prosecution will by rights include not only Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, but US President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The Biden administration has categorically asserted that there are no red lines for the types of crimes it will allow Israel to carry out against the Palestinians. Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked, Is there a red line for you? regarding how many people Israel will be allowed to massacre. To this, Blinken replied that the United States is intent on seeing this through to completion. The United States has vetoed two UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire and has provided Israel with 10,000 tons of military equipment, loaded onto 20 ships and 244 transport planes, according to a report by Israels Channel 12. US imperialism sees the genocide in Gaza as inseparable from its broader military offensive throughout the Middle East. On Monday, Israel carried out an illegal airstrike on Syria, killing the highest-ranking Iranian general in the country. Later that evening, the United States carried out its own strikes in Iraq, intended to degrade capabilities of the Iran-aligned militia groups, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. To this was added a threat: We are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities. American imperialism, seeing itself in what it calls a decisive decade to secure its global domination, is seeking to reimpose colonial shackles on the masses of the Middle East. The genocide of the Palestinians is a critical step in world imperialisms drive to militarily subjugate the globe. For this reason, the struggle against the Gaza genocide must be the struggle against the Biden administration and all of the imperialist governments, including the UK, Germany, France and Italy, that are funding, protecting and enabling it. In a fluff piece published in the Sunday Times on December 10, Labour Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting showed just how little divides the two main capitalist parties in Britain from one another. Speaking about his recent visit to Singaporethe South-East Asian island-state built on free-market capitalism and political dictatorshipStreeting gushed over the health system there, comparing it favourably to the National Health Service (NHS). Singapore General Hospital [Photo: Sengkang] Streeting highlighted Singapore General Hospitals innovative use of technology, such as robots delivering medicines and patients registering for medical appointments via their mobile phone, noting approvingly that it is a system that is designed around patients. Leaving aside the obvious demographic differences between Singapore and the UK (Singapores population of 5.4 million is equal roughly to 60 percent of the population of London), the fundamental difference between the two health systems is that while the NHS is free at the point of access, Singaporeans cannot walk into a clinic or hospital and receive treatment for free, as the government imposes user fees for all healthcare services. Only about 25 percent of Singapores public healthcare is funded by taxes. Individuals and their employers pay for the rest through mandatory life insurance schemes. While the insurance covers almost all treatments, individuals still must pay expensive deductibles. Between 8.5 percent and 10 percent of an employees monthly salary is deducted to pay for the scheme. While everyone is covered by the insurance, poorer workers are prevented from using it unnecessarily by the fact that the deductible must be paid first, before the insurance kicks in. There is a separate fund that fully subsidises the cost of healthcare for those deemed in need of financial assistance, however it only applies to people over 65 and children. This is not a deal-breaker for Streeting, with the Sunday Times reporting he believes that replicating the approach of countries such as Singapore is the key to ensuring that the UK health service has any future at all. In other words, Labours solution for the NHS is doing away with a universal health system and replacing it with a privatised or semi-privatised one, a position identical to that of the right-wing Conservative Party. His comments echo those made by David Cameron and his Health Secretary Andrew Lansley in 2010, before embarking on a devastating campaign of cuts to the NHS. This was part of the governments Age of Austerity that killed more than 330,000 people between 2010 and 2019 (according to the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) and which resulted in nearly 500,000 excess deaths over the past decade. Decades of systematic underfunding of the NHS have been exposed during the pandemic, with hospitals at breaking point. In the past two years alone, cuts to the NHS meant 240,000 people died while waiting for hospital treatment. Unfilled job vacancies extend across the NHS, with waiting lists hitting a record high of 7.8 million this year, and 123,000 seriously ill patients waiting in A&E for over 12 hours. By August, 396,643 people had been waiting over 52 weeks for routine hospital treatment, including 8,998 who had been waiting over 18 months. Streeting criticises the NHS for not maximizing the convenience of patients and being slow to innovate, knowing full well that central government cuts have crippled every aspect of patient care. Throughout the Sunday Times piece, he blames institutional and structural problem[s] in the NHS for poor results, rather than lack of resources. He condemns examples of waste and inefficiency and then shows his contempt to NHS workers by saying, I dont think its good enough that the NHS uses every winter crisis and every challenge it faces as an excuse to ask for more money. Streeting goes on: The NHS is going to have to get used to the fact that money is tight and its going to have to get used to switching spend, and rethinking where and how care is delivered to deliver better outcomes for patients and better value for taxpayers money. At the moment, I think we get the worst of all worlds, which is poor outcomes alongside poor value for taxpayers. Given the catastrophic situation in the NHS outlined above, these comments can only be described as obscene. However, they serve a definite political purpose: to make clear that a future Labour government will not spend a single penny on the NHS, or any social measure that benefits the working class. At the Labour Party conference in October, Streeting proposed a meagre funding package of 1.1 billion. For comparison, the deficit predicted by NHS England for 2022/23 is 7 billion. Further deficit reduction would be achieved through efficiency savings, such as overworking existing staff, with Streeting condemning the Monday to Friday culture in hospitals. He doubled down on these comments this week, telling the Guardian that a Labour government would treat any pay rise for junior doctors as a journey, not an event and that it would not match the 35 percent pay rise for junior doctors called for by the British Medical Association. This is not the first time that Streeting has shown his hostility towards the NHS and its dedicated workforce. Throughout the year, he has ingratiated himself with the pro-Tory Telegraph, repeatedly condemning strikes by junior doctors as obstacles to the unsentimental reform of the NHS. He has repeatedly shown his support for a policy of running down the NHS with comments such as We are not going to have a something-for-nothing culture in the NHS with Labour Im not prepared to pour money into a black hole and his recurrent mantra that the health system is a service, not a shrine. In an interview with the pro-Tory Sunday Telegraph, Streeting said, We are not going to have a something-for-nothing culture in the NHS with Labour Im not prepared to pour money into a black hole. [Photo: screenshot of Sunday Telegraph print edition, December 11, 2022] This year, NHS workers across all professions took strike action to oppose government cuts and to demand improvements to their appalling working conditions. This included the first ever nationwide strike by Royal College of Nursing members. The junior doctors dispute is ongoing, with further strikes set for early January. Throughout, Labour shadow cabinet members, including Streeting and prospective prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, have made clear their hostility to NHS workers, condemning strikes at every opportunity. In March, the right-wing LBC ran an article under the headline, Wes Streeting: I dont support the junior doctors strike. More recently, he told BBC Radio 4 that he would be depressed and furious if the dispute was not over before the general election. As the crisis of capitalism worsens, and as NATO powers boost military spending to finance their proxy-war against Russia in Ukraine, and a military and naval build-up against China, Labour and the Conservative Party are united in their plans to cut all social spending. This cannot be achieved without provoking massive social struggles. While Labour would prefer the health union bureaucrats to reach agreement with the government to betray the strikesrepeating a pattern set with the nurses, railway and postal workersit is not above using the anti-strike laws introduced by the Tories to enforce their agenda of austerity and war. The defence of the most elementary social rights, including access to healthcare, housing, and education, is bound up with an international offensive of the working class against capitalism. This requires a socialist programme enabling workers to act independently of the trade union bureaucracies which restrain them, and against a hostile pro-corporate and militarist Labour Party. As US and Canadian imperialism steps up its backing for Israels genocide in Gaza, Palestinian activists in Canada face an unprecedented and escalating campaign of violent threats, smears and demonization. This campaign originates at the highest levels of the Canadian imperialist state. On December 14, Liberal MPs Anthony Housefather, former Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, former Attorney General David Lametti, Ben Carr and Anna Gainey attempted to initiate a witch hunt campaign on Canadian university campuses to silence, intimidate and slander anyone expressing solidarity with the Palestinians. Taking his cue from the witch-hunt underway on US campuses, Housefather deployed the filthy smear that demands for a democratic Palestinian state from the river to the sea were tantamount to calls for the genocide of the Jews. This reverses the real situation, in which Israeli and US officials are calling for, and carrying out a genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza. The MPs addressed an open letterreally a threatto the presidents of 25 Canadian universities, demanding they say whether calling for a genocide against Jewish people or the elimination of Israel violates their school policies. But nobody is calling for genocide against Jewish people. This fraud is designed to compel university administrators to silence any opposition to Israels genocide against the Palestinian people, and to remove from their posts any administrators who refuse to shutdown protests and censor students. The brunt of this campaign is being born by Palestinian activists such as Ghada Sasa, a McMaster University PhD student studying how Israeli environmental policies are integrated into its policy of occupation. Ghada Sasa Since the beginning of the Israeli genocide in Gaza, Sasa, an outspoken defender of the Palestinian peoples right to resist, has become a target for institutional supporters of Israels genocidal policy. These include the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, BNai Brith Canada, and Allied Voices for Israel, whose director smeared Sasa as an antisemite and demanded that Sasa be dismissed from her position at McMaster in a December 13 National Post article. This official witch-hunt atmosphere has also emboldened fascistic individuals to threaten Sasa with violence. Her case is an example of the treatment being meted out to anyone who dares to stand up to the ruling class and their imperialist war. Sasa has courageously exposed some of the most egregious and violent threats she has received on her Twitter account. On December 4, British Columbia-based management consultant Brad Atchison messaged Sasa on Facebook, despite having no common friends or contacts, to declare that Sasa deserved to be rapedbecause of her outspoken defence of the Palestinians right to resist genocide and Israels illegal occupation. Atchison also declared that Sasa should have your butt punted out of Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen, you should have your citizenship stripped. Such racist, anti-immigrant ravings saturate the social media statements of the same layers who supported the far-right Freedom Convoy against public health mandates in 2022, and who now support the leader of the Federal Conservatives, Pierre Poilievre. Demands for the expulsion of Palestinians and Muslims from Canada are being promoted by the far-right tabloid Toronto Sun, the right-wing National Post, and the fascistic Rebel Media. They all declare that antiwar, pro-Palestinian demonstrators do not share Canadian values. It should come as no surprise that efforts to smear and politically isolate Sasa and anyone who defends Palestinians were legitimized at the outset by the trade union-backed New Democratic Party, which is propping up a federal Liberal government that is waging imperialist war abroad and class war at home. The Ontario NDPs expulsion from the Ontario legislature caucus of Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama on October 23, for her refusal to denounce the Palestinian uprising of October 7, helped create the political atmosphere for the far-right campaign now in full swing. Official NDP support for Jamas censure by Ontarios far-right Conservative Government made it clear that no assistance would come to Palestinians or their supporters, even elected ones, from any faction of the capitalist ruling class. From there on, it has been open season. Two days later, Sasa and her brother Khaled were physically attacked by security guards while peacefully protesting for a cease fire at the Federal NDP convention, which occurred in Jamas riding in downtown Hamilton. The assault was captured on video. Speaking to the World Socialist Web Site, Sasa related what occurred: We were chanting and then all of a sudden, this one guy, he literally had me in a chokehold. And I was trying to get free. They were also tackling my brother. I dont think any of that was legal. We were never aggressive. We were there to peacefully protest, and they were there to block and assault us. MP Heather McPherson, who is supposed to be an ally for the Palestinian people, said that we had made people feel unsafe through our peaceful discussion. The NDP were trying to argue that they didnt call the police on us, but I dont know if I believe that. There were 11 police cars outside of the building. It should be noted that MP McPherson is also an outspoken supporter of the Ukrainian far right. On October 19, Sasa participated in a radio interview, in her former capacity as a board member of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) with the right-wing Real Talk radio show host Ryan Jesperson. Sasa was brought onto CJPMEs board in 2022 to provide it with more authentic Palestinian representation. The organizations treatment of Sasa and events in Gaza have exposed CJPMEs tokenism, and its cynical equation of Palestinian resistance with Israeli violence as politically bankrupt. In her radio interview, Sasa attempted to explain the situation faced by her own family in the village of Madama in the occupied West Bank. But Jesperson was not really interested to hear that. Jesperson was only interested in Sasa to the extent that she condemned Hamas, and thus serve as a political prop for those seeking to delegitimize Palestinian resistance to genocide, and to blame the victims of genocide for the allegedly unforgivable sins of October 7. Jesperson was further outraged by Sasas correct statement that the IDF was responsible for hundreds of Israeli deaths on October 7. Multiple investigations by Israeli and international media have confirmed that Sasa was entirely correct. Speaking separately with the WSWS, Sasa described the situation faced by the Palestinians of Madama. Ive already lost 46 family members, murdered in Gaza and in the West Bank Theyre vulnerable to daily pogroms. The settlers are taking advantage of the eye of the world on Gaza to try to colonize more of our land, assault and even kill Palestinians. The villages have Facebook pages to alert people about whats going on. Im looking at it now as were talking. Theres an incursion right now as were talking. Im seeing right now theres a jeep rolling through our streets. In response to the radio interview, CJPME director Thomas Woodley, a former staffer at the US White House Office of Management and Budget, took a line not dissimilar to that of the right-wing radio host. He called Sasa and demanded that she remove any reference to CJPME from her Twitter bio, and sent the entire board a list of restrictive conditions for future media engagements, explicitly drawing an equals sign between the genocidal violence of the Israeli state, and the resistance of the Palestinians to it. According to Sasa, Woodley was also concerned that the assault on Sasa at the NDP convention would somehow reduce CJPMEs influence with Canadas social democrats. On October 24, the CJPME suspended Sasa from her role on the Board. The atmosphere of intimidation is also being expressed in daily social interactions. Two days after three Palestinian university students in Vermont were shot because they wore the keffiyeh, Sasa and her brother Khaled were stopped and harassed by security guards at Torontos Scotiabank Arena while on their way to a Mariah Carey concert simply because they were wearing Palestinian keffiyehs and carrying a sign showing Santa Claus holding the Palestinian flag. Security guards came up with multiple reasons why the keffiyeh and sign were not allowed, from being too political to the sign being too large. When Ghada and Khaled refused to remove them, police were called. I was fully frisked. The police had their body cameras on and we were treated with an extremely aggressive and rude manner. They didnt let us in till we took off our keffiyehs, Sasa said. The full extent of the damage and human toll is still emerging from the unprecedented floods that suddenly struck communities in the northernmost part of Queensland just before Christmas, following Cyclone Jasper. Australian Navy evacuates members of the public in Cairns, Australia, on December 18, 2023. [AP Photo/Australian Defense Department] Hundreds of homes have been partially or totally ruined. Piles of furniture and household goods remain on streets as residents clear out mud from their houses. Others are living in evacuation facilities. Some roads remain blocked by landslips north of the regional city of Cairns. Crews around Port Douglas and Mossman, up the coast from Cairns, are still working to restore essential services, including water. According to a Cairns Regional Council spokesperson, about 1,400 homes in Cairns alone suffered some sort of flood damage. Despite all this, and wild storms continuing along the continents entire eastern coast, the federal and Queensland state Labor governments have urged tourists to visit far north Queensland without delay, supposedly to assist recovery. At a joint press conference in Cairns on December 22, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier Steven Miles declared that the area was open for business, even though much of its infrastructure was still in shambles. They joined tourism industry figures in calling on tourists to avoid cancelling their bookings during the Christmas holidays, saying the industry could lose $125 million during that period. Labors focus on preserving tourism and other profits was underscored when Albanese and Miles announced a $64 million package of business-related grants. That was $25 million for primary producers, $25 million for small business and not-for-profits, $9 million for local municipal councils and $5 million for tourism operators, plus an advertising campaign to keep tourists arriving over summer. By contrast, despite thousands of affected people losing homes or having to do significant repairs to make them liveable, the federal government has offered only one-off payments of $1,000 per adult, and $400 per dependent child, for those who have suffered a serious injury or have a severely damaged or destroyed home because of the flooding. Miles said his state government had also made a $1.5 million donation to a charity flood appeal. That is a pittance compared to the need. After making landfall on December 13, Cyclone Jasper resulted in massive rainfall over five days in Cairns, a city of 150,000, and across the Cape York Peninsula. The total exceeded 2 metres in some areas affected, the equivalent of one years worth of rain in less than one week. The result has been widespread disruption and suffering, with 40,000 households losing power within 24 hours of the cyclones landfall. One fatality has been recorded as of writing and two people are missing. Dwellings in some remote communities are still to be assessed. A hydropower station was damaged by the storms and is estimated to need six months of repairs, exacerbating electricity shortfalls in the region. There are also fears that the runoff from the floods will harm the offshore Great Barrier Reef. Remote communities have been especially affected. Often they have been neglected by governments for decades, leaving them little infrastructure with which to prepare or evacuate in event of natural disasters. Such was the case of Wujal Wujal, an indigenous community of 300. It was completely inundated, forcing residents onto the roofs of buildings to avoid rising floodwaters. In one instance, nine people, including a sick seven-year-old child, were forced onto the roof of the local clinic. Despite their desperate circumstances, Wujal Wujal residents were denied rescue for as much as five days as conditions were deemed unsafe by the Queensland government, which had taken no steps to evacuate them before the cyclone hit. Criticising the lack of assistance to Wujal Wujal, deputy mayor Rejan Kulka noted: Theres nobody here for us, were here on our own, theres no ED at the hospital, the power is off, theres no food in the store. Were just being forgotten. Across the region, residents, some trapped on rooftops or in trees, had to depend on fellow residents to rescue them using little boats and, in one case, a cattle mustering helicopter in which a pilot saved 18 people from a roof. Reports emerged from more remote communities. In Julatten, 81-year-old Bette Brandon was stuck on the top floor of her two-storey home for three days. She was finally rescued by two young men in a small boat. Rossville resident Gavin Dear told the Guardian on December 20: Emergency services are only arriving now. All the rescuing, all the looking after people, sheltering them, has been done locally. People in Daintree, near Port Douglas, north of Cairns, spent seven days without power, water, communications and with limited food dropped by helicopter. Many residents were blind-sided by the intensity of the floods. Though cyclones in the region are not unusual, this shock and surprise reflects the lack of official warnings and the failure of the governments to prepare to evacuate vulnerable communities likely to be trapped in floods. The Bureau of Meteorology has been criticised for downgrading the threat posed by Jasper. Of greater impact, however, once the prolonged downpours began, was the inadequacy of warning systems. Australian Warning System text messages were often sent to those without power or cellular reception or sent too late to be of any use. Residents of flooded beachside suburbs north of Cairns, including Holloways Beach and Machans Beach, reported receiving flood warnings only at 9am on December 17, despite access roads being cut from about 9pm the previous evening. Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the Albanese government was working on a new warning system following similar complaints about disaster alerts during the southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) floods in 2022. Watt admitted that warning systems fell short. But he said the replacement system was only expected to be available from the end of 2024. Even if that deadline is met, it is more than a year away. Meteorology is not a perfectly precise science. The exact course of Cyclone Jasper may have been difficult to determine, but climate scientists said the possibility of a slow-moving storm like Jasper hitting north Queensland had been understood for some time, and this risk had been exacerbated by climate change. Dr. Andrew Dowdy, an expert on tropical cyclones at the University of Melbourne, told the Guardian: A slow-moving tropical cyclone can cause a lot more rain in a particular region, as compared to if a cyclone was moving faster with that rain spread over a wider region. Dr. Andrew King, also a climate scientist at the University of Melbourne, noted that increasing global temperatures would provide more energy to cyclones through evaporated water vapour. He warned that for every degree increase in temperature, rainfall from storms could increase in Australia by more than 15 percent. The disaster also laid bare underlying socio-economic issues, including the housing crisis that forces working-class people into low-lying, flood-prone areas. Before Cyclone Jasper, Cairns already faced an acute housing shortage, with a vacancy rate of less than 1 percent. With thousands of houses damaged, this shortage will worsen dramatically, increasing homelessness or forcing people to leave the region entirely. Conflicts with insurance companies are underway as well. As of December 22, about 4,600 claims had been made, mostly lodged by home and contents policy holders. In the Brisbane floods of 2022, more than 650 insurance policy holders were denied flood claims due to exclusions, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority reported earlier this year. Insurers have made it plain they will not re-insure many flood victims. Premiums are certain to rise. A federal government scheme introduced in 2022 to minimise insurance premiums only covers damage in the first 48 hours of a cyclone, which in Jaspers case would be just half the total period of severe rainfall. This disaster comes on top of Australias 201920 bushfire catastrophe, the 2022 floods in Sydney, Brisbane and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, and the resurging COVID-19 pandemic. Far from addressing the root causes, including climate change, and protecting ordinary people, the Labor governments, like capitalist governments everywhere, are preoccupied with bolstering profits. We are publishing here the tribute to Helen Halyard written by Ulrich Rippert, the former national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party of Germany (Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei), founding member in 1971 of its predecessor, the League of Socialist Workers (Bund Sozialistischer Arbeiter), and member of the WSWS International Editorial Board. Comrade Helen died suddenly at the age of 73 on November 28. Dear comrades, I was unfortunately unable to take part in the memorial service for comrade Helen Halyard because I was in hospital. In addition to the many very moving contributions already made in honour of this great fighter for world socialism, I would like to relate a few thoughts and memories. The American section of our world party, first the Workers League (WL) and now the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), played a central role in our political work in Germany from the very outset. In this regard, Helen, who played such an outstanding leadership role in the WL/SEP, was also very important to us here. When we founded the German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, the Bund Sozialistischer Arbeiter (BSA), in September 1971, the Workers League was not directly, but rather indirectly heavily involved. Two years earlier, in the summer of 1969, I met Bill Brust, who had a research and teaching position at the University of Frankfurt. In a series of long conversations, Bill told me about the great struggles of American workers and explained the international socialist perspective of the Workers League. That was a revelation for me. Ulrich Rippert I had just finished my apprenticeship at a large metalworking company and was looking for a political orientation. At that time, the anti-Vietnam War movement was raging in Germany, and on the walls of many homes in Frankfurt, Berlin and other university cities you could read the words: Yankee go home! A party that relied on the strength of the American working class and set itself the goal of challenging and overthrowing imperialism at the centre of its power had to be a courageous and strong party. This had an enormous impact on me. In the summer of 1971, I attended the Young Socialists educational summer camp in Britain and met David North, who was delighted to meet young workers and students from Germany. If my memory serves me right, I also met Helen for the first time at this summer camp. Although we could only speak with the help of a translatormy English was at that time very inadequateHelen immediately reminded me of Bills reports on the strength of American workers. She radiated self-confidence and optimism. Her straightforwardness seemed typical of workers I had also got to know here in Germany. Later, we often met at international conferences and party educational schools. We didnt always have time for in-depth conversations. Helen was always very busy, taking care of the so-called small and personal matters of comrades with great empathy. Helen speaks at Ann Arbor conference, "The Fight for Socialism Today, April 9, 2011. Uli Rippert and Larry Porter in background. But once, when I was a guest in her flat, I came back from an excursion. Comrades had shown me the huge area of the Ford Rouge complex, and I was deeply impressed. I said to Helen: I didnt realise that the construction of Ford Rouge started in the same year as the Russian Revolution in 1917. We had a long conversation about the significance for the European revolution of the fact that the ruling class in the US had managed to hold back the American working class at that time. Then Helen suddenly laughed and said: But you know what, Uli, the coming revolution will be different. Globalisation has changed everything. This time it will start as a world revolution and no one will be able to hold back the workers here in the US. Helen could laugh with her eyes and her enthusiasm was infectious. She was firmly convinced that the international socialist programme of our world party would resonate strongly with the working class. I think it was during that stay that Helen and Sheila invited me to attend a concert with Nina Simone. It was an unforgettable evening. Helen combined her deep convictions in a socialist future for humanity with a great zest for life. Trotsky probably had political cadres like Helen in mind when he said at a celebration to mark the founding of the Fourth International in October 1938: Dear friends, we are not a party as other parties Yes, our party takes each one of us wholly. But in return it gives to every one of us the highest happiness: the consciousness that one participates in the building of a better future, that one carries on his shoulders a particle of the fate of mankind, and that ones life will not have been lived in vain. Yes, we are saddened by Helens untimely and unexpected death. We miss her vibrancy, her convictions and laughter. She lives on, however, and will remain eternally alive in our memories and in the party in which she played such a decisive role. Best regards, Uli Ukraine is not considering the option of joining NATO without the occupied territories. Such ideas are a "unworkable construction". ADVERTISIMENT Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov said this in an interview with Voice of America. He emphasized that the Constitution of Ukraine enshrines Ukraine's aspiration to join the European Union and NATO, and that the territorial integrity of our country is not questioned by any civilized country in the world. "We (Ukraine - Ed.) are a single organism. We cannot transfer a part of the body and forget the other part somewhere else. This is a completely unworkable construction. I don't know who has such not quite correct thoughts in their heads. Because it is simply impossible," Danilov commented on the possibility of Ukraine's partial accession to NATO. He emphasized that Ukraine has irreversibly set a course to join the North Atlantic Alliance and the EU, and the territorial integrity of our country is recognized by the international community. ADVERTISIMENT "I emphasize once again: our Constitution clearly states that we are a member of the EU and NATO, and Ukraine's territorial integrity is recognized by all civilized countries. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that one part will go in one direction, while the other part will wait for something," Danilov summarized. Earlier, Danilov commented on the fighting for Maryinka and Russian tactics. According to the NSDC Secretary, a small part of the ruins of this city in Donetsk region is still controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, the Russian invaders want to capture Maryinka completely. Danilov emphasized that the situation in Maryinka is worse than in Bakhmut due to the terrain. Lawyers for South Africa asked judges at Thursdays hearings to impose binding preliminary orders on Israel, including an immediate halt to military campaign in Gaza as it reached its 97th day. South African lawyers said the latest Gaza war is part of a decades-long oppression of the Palestinians by Israel. Abbas Ganbay Iranian Foreign Minister Hosein Amir Abdollahian has discussed the situation in the South Caucasus with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Azernews reports. Abdollahian, in his conversation with Lavrov, welcomed the negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia to reach a lasting peace agreement and stressed Iran's support for stabilising peace and stability in the region, IRNA reported. During the telephone conversation, the ministers discussed the latest developments in the South Caucasus, the current state of cooperation and bilateral relations, as well as some issues on the regional and international agenda. In the telephone conversation, Lavrov and Abdollahian emphasised respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other's countries. Israel said it was intensifying its war on Gaza, where relentless strikes exacerbated the dire conditions for civilians in the war's 12th week. The war has heightened tensions across the Middle East where Israel killed a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards general in Syria. 22:10 In his first TV interview with Egyptian satellite TV channel ON, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says: Our people never witnessed such a war even in the 1948 Nakba [catastrophe]. What is happening is bigger than a new Nakba [catastrophe]." 21:10 Israeli forces expanded their ground offensive into urban refugee camps in central Gaza after bombarding the crowded Palestinian communities and ordering residents to evacuate. Gaza's main telecom provider announced another complete interruption of services in the besieged territory. The military's announcement of the new battle zone threatens further destruction in a war that Israel says will last for many months. 19:40 Israel says it will no longer grant automatic visas to U.N. employees, accusing the United Nations of being complicit partners in Hamas tactics. The move ratchets up tensions between the United Nations and Israel, which has long claimed the world body directs unfair and disproportionate criticism at it. Government spokesman Eylon Levy said Tuesday that Israel would consider visa requests from U.N. employees on a case by case basis rather than automatically. 18:30 The Israeli war on the Palestinian resistance group Hamas in Gaza will last "for many more months," Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi said on Tuesday. The war "will continue for many more months, and we will work with different methods so that our achievements are preserved for a long time," Halevi said at a televised press conference. 16:30 Internet and telephone services were cut again across the war-torn Gaza Strip on Tuesday, the Palestinian telecommunications company Paltel said. "We regret to announce a complete breakdown of fixed telecommunications and internet services in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing offensive," the company said, announcing the fourth such breakdown since the war began on October 7. 16:00 The United Nations said it was "gravely concerned" by Israel's continued bombardment of the central Gaza Strip and urged Israeli forces to take all available measures to protect civilians. "We are gravely concerned about the continued bombardment of middle Gaza by Israeli forces... all attacks must strictly adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law, including the distinction, proportionality, and precaution," UN Human Rights Office Spokesman Seif Magango said in a statement. 15:30 The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said at least 20,915 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory since Israel launched its war on 7 October. The ministry said another 54,918 people have been wounded in more than 11 weeks of Israeli bombardment. 15:00 Explosions were heard and missiles were sighted near a vessel transiting the Red Sea, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said. "Explosions heard, missiles were sighted" near the port of Hodeida on Yemen's west coast, UKMTO said, adding that the ship and its crew are safe. It followed two other explosions earlier Tuesday that struck near a vessel also off Hodeida, according to the British maritime authority. The ship later continued its voyage, without reporting any major damage or crew injuries, UKMTO said. There was no immediate claim for Tuesday's attacks. 14:00 A flying object was downed approximately two kilometres off the coast of the Egyptian city of Dahab, according to Al-Qahera News, citing several eyewitnesses who confirmed hearing explosions in Dahab. This is not the first time a drone has been downed in the Egyptian coastal cities across the Red Sea since the start of the Gaza war crisis in early October. On 27 October, two drones coming from south of the Red Sea crashed in Taba and Nuweiba: one of the drones was targeted outside Egypts airspace in the Gulf of Aqaba, resulting in some debris falling into an uninhabited area in Nuweiba, while the other one fell in Taba. Moreover, on 16 December, the Egyptian Air Defense Forces intercepted a flying object, which crashed into the Egyptian territorial waters approximately one and a half kilometres off the coast of Dahab. #_ pic.twitter.com/fNwJbv02Wd (@AlArabiya_EGY) December 26, 2023 Last week, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry affirmed, during a presser with his British counterpart, that Egypt is currently coordinating with the countries bordering the Red Sea to secure maritime navigation, as Houthi attacks against ships passing the Red Sea continue, leading to the establishment of an international US-led coalition. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen but are not recognized internationally, said previously they were targeting Israeli ships near the strategic Bab Al-Mandeb strait to pressure Israel over its deadly war on the Gaza Strip. 12:00 The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said that its headquarters in Khan Younis, in the south of Gaza, are being shelled by the Israeli army. Several people were injured in the attack on its headquarters, where thousands are sheltering, the PRCS said in a tweet. Urgent: Artillery shelling targets the upper floors of the PRCS headquarters in #KhanYounis, causing several injuries among the displaced individuals, as thousands of IDPs are sheltering in the building.#Gaza#NotATarget pic.twitter.com/zCHyva5Pu7 PRCS (@PalestineRCS) December 26, 2023 11:00 Two Palestinians were killed by gunfire from the Israeli army, and two others were injured during confrontations in Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, according to medical and local sources. Ahmad Yousef Yaghi, 17, and Ibrahim Majed Al-Titi, 31, were killed, the health ministry said. The soldiers also fired sound grenades, according to local sources. The daily life of displaced Palestinians in Rafah, southern Gaza. pic.twitter.com/C7EzMyrLz8 Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) December 26, 2023 10:45 The southern Gaza Strip has become overcrowded, and there are no longer enough places for new displaced people, said Gemma Connell, an official at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Connell, who has been in Gaza for weeks, described the strip as a human chessboard, where thousands of people have been displaced several times from one place to another. "There is no guarantee that there are safe areas in Gaza," the UN official points out. This picture released by the Israeli army shows troops on the ground in the Gaza Strip on December 7, 2023. AFP Connell, who visited the Deir Al-Balah area in the central Gaza Strip on Monday, said that she saw "displaced people carrying luggage heading south in an attempt to find a safe place." She noted that she spoke to many people heading to the city of Rafah, who expressed their fear that there would be no place for them in the city. For weeks, the United States has been pressing Israel to take further measures to reduce harm to civilians, including identifying safe areas and opening humanitarian roads for displaced people. Clothes are hung to dry at a temporary camp for the internally displaced Palestinians in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip on December 24, 2023 AFP 10:15 Iraq denounced US air strikes in the country as a "hostile act" after the Pentagon said it had targeted three sites used by pro-Iran forces after coming under fire, AFP reported. The government said the strikes that killed one member of the security forces and wounded 18 other people, including civilians, were an "unacceptable attack on Iraqi sovereignty" that damaged bilateral relations. 10:00 One member of pro-Iranian forces in Iraq was killed and 24 people were wounded in strikes after the United States said it had conducted retaliatory strikes in the country, an Iraqi security source said. An Iraqi interior ministry official said the strikes targeted a Hashed Al-Shaabi site in the central city of Hilla, one of two locations targeted in Babylon province. One person was killed and 20 wounded, while four others were wounded in another strike in the southern province of Wassit, the official said. Two security sources in Babylon and Wassit provinces gave the same information. 9:30 Israeli forces bombarded Palestinian refugee camps in central Gaza in apparent preparation to expand their ground offensive into a third section of the besieged territory. Residents of central Gaza described a night of shelling and airstrikes shaking the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij camps. The camps are built-up towns, housing Palestinians driven from their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war and their descendants - and now also crowded with people who fled from the north. The bombing was very intense, Radwan Abu Sheitta, a Palestinian teacher said by phone from his home in Bureij. It seems they are approaching, he said of the Israeli troops. The Qassam Brigades, Hamas military arm, said its fighters struck an Israeli tank east of Bureij in suggestion that Israeli forces might be moving toward the camp. Warplanes and artillery also hammered areas east of Nuseirat camp. We couldnt sleep because of the bombing, said Ezzel-Din Mohammed Abdallah al-Masry, a Palestinian fisherman who was displaced to the area from northern Gaza with his five children and another family. The children are terrified. We are terrified. 9:00 President Joe Biden ordered the US military to carry out retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia groups after three US servicemembers were injured in a drone attack in northern Iraq. The US strikes were carried out at about 4:45am on Tuesday in Iraq. According to US Central Command, the retaliatory strikes on the three sites, "destroyed the targeted facilities and likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants. "No way would I leave my homeland." Mohamed Qadoura, an elderly Palestinian man, describes Israel's current war on Gaza as the most brutal he's seen, stressing that he will stay on his land pic.twitter.com/mDCAyX0Rpi Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 26, 2023 Search Keywords: Short link: A promotional image from the A promotional image from the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" series in 1993. In 1993, Angel Groves finest took the world by storm. Yes, Im talking about Zachary, Kimberly, Billy, Trini, Jason and Tommy, all affectionately known as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I was 8 years old when the series premiered. I videotaped the pilot and watched it 10 times in a row. I couldnt get enough. But as quickly as I fell in love with the Power Rangers, the series was taken away from me and other kids in Aotearoa, the Maori language name for the land of New Zealand. The smash hit series no longer had a place on the countrys programming schedule due to parents complaining to the Broadcasting Standards Authority that children had become more violent at recess trying to emulate the karate-kickin action heroes. Thirty years on, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers has reinvented itself time and time again, resonating with children over the last three decades. But for me and other kids who grew up in New Zealand, the series has a long legacy, which came full circle this year. Shortly after the series premiered, I had harassed my Mum into buying me a giant Goldar toy along with figurines of the original five Power Rangers. My baths lasted twice as long because I was having too much fun playing with them in the water. I didnt have a favorite ranger the truth is I loved them all equally. If anyone, it was Scorpina who I was most obsessed with. Her golden armor was fly, and she had 22 inches of jet black hair flowing down her back as she talked smack and cut it up during battle. This was a show where you were rooting for the good guys, but you just couldnt get mad at Rita Repulsa or her crew for trying to kill them because they were cool, too. Every day I imitated the Power Rangers on the playground at school, then rushed home to watch the latest installment in the afternoon. Life was so good. Until one fateful day. I had walked home from Porirua East School, raided the fridge and cupboards, then planted myself in front of the TV. But when I clicked the power button on my TV remote at 4:30 p.m., I didnt recognize what was on the screen, and the theme song to my beloved show was not starting up. This was something else. I couldnt find the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers anywhere. Once the initial shock wore off, I began to pray, telling myself that maybe the show was on hiatus until the new season came out. There had to be a good reason. "In 1993, Angel Groves finest took the world by storm. Yes, Im talking about Zachary, Kimberly, Billy, Trini, Jason and Tommy, all affectionately known as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," the author writes. That evening, the anchors on the 6 oclock news delivered the worst news of my life. The Power Rangers were off the air in New Zealand. This was by far the saddest moment of my childhood. I felt so powerless. My Mum tried her best to console me but nothing worked. I furiously wrote a letter to the New Zealand Broadcasting Standards Authority. I encouraged all my classmates to do the same. Years went by, and I found scraps of consolation where I could. I bought a video from an overseas seller for an outrageous price. I read episode summaries on online forums. Then, 1995s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie came out. Thankfully, the film was released back home, so I could get a dose of my favorite teen action squad. But the movie was so different from the original series my peers and I saw in New Zealand. The Black and Yellow Rangers had been replaced with new actors. The new Black ranger was played by Johnny Yong Bosch of Korean heritage, and the new Yellow ranger was portrayed by Black actor Karan Ashley. Tommy, who suited up as the Green Ranger in the original TV series, was now the White Ranger. There was also a new villain, Lord Zedd. But once the movie was done, it was back to having close to nothing. David Yost, Thuy Trang, Jason David Frank, Steve Cardenas, Amy Jo Johnson and Walter Emanuel Jones as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in 1993. David Yost, Thuy Trang, Jason David Frank, Steve Cardenas, Amy Jo Johnson and Walter Emanuel Jones as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in 1993. Then, Disney bought the Power Rangers franchise in 2003 and started filming the series in my home country,. By that time, I was in my first year of law school and had found my peace with the Power Rangers. I tried to tune in, but the new lineups did not live up to the original cast. I resigned to the fact that this was something I had to forget about. Those feelings changed in 2022. Last year, the entire catalog of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers became available to stream on Netflix. When I found out, it was like I received a gift from God, righting a massive wrong in the world. Rewatching it brought back so many memories. It also showed me that diversity and representation felt so natural on the series. It didnt feel forced like so much content today. Sure, it was problematic that the Black ranger was Black and the Asian ranger was yellow, but they were characters, and their humanity didnt play on lazy stereotypes. In commemoration of its 30-year anniversary, Netflix released an hour-long special Power Rangers: Once & Always in April. It was a celebration paying homage to the original cast, including Thuy Trang who died tragically in a car accident in 2001. It was a sweet tribute wrapped up in all the things that made Power Rangers the global success it is today. And yes, it was filmed in New Zealand, where as a child I had yearned for it to return to my TV screen. This iconic phenomenon went from being banned in New Zealand in 1993, to being filmed there 10 years later in 2003, to having a reunion movie come out another 20 years later. The series also recently announced that its 31st season will be the last production shot in New Zealand. Thats 30 years of Morphin Time, and Im here for every second of it. Related... The first mugshot of 'That 70s Show' actor Danny Masterson has been revealed, and he does not look his best, as his hair and beard are seen tousled and ungroomed. The 47-year-old was convicted of raping two women and received a sentence of 30 years to life (two 15-year sentences consecutively, one for each charge.) He must also register as a sex offender. Danny Masterson was being held in L.A. County Men's Central Jail, but has since been transferred to North Kern State Prison in Delano, California. Danny Masterson's Prison Mugshot Revealed California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation The Blast can confirm that Daniel Masterson, 47, was transferred and received by Kern Valley Prison on December 27, 2023. The "That 70s Show" actor was accused by three women of rape, in which he pleaded not guilty to all three counts. The alleged attacks took place between 2001 and 2003. On September 7, 2023, he was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for two counts of rape with force, violence, or fear of bodily injury. Victims Of Danny Masterson Speak Out MEGA During the trial, Jane Doe 1 spoke out, wanting Masterson to serve a life sentence for what he did. She also admitted that she wished she had reported him to the police sooner. [I] knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with, she said, adding, I am so sorry, and Im so upset. I wish Id reported him sooner to the police. Jane Doe 2 said she forgave Masterson and his "sickness is no longer my burden to bear." Jane Doe 3 had a statement read on her behalf, which she thanked the judge for giving her a chance to "use my voice." She also stated she was given her own life sentence as she has PTSD and other mental health issues, including anxiety, that she now has to live with for the rest of her life. One of the three women claimed Masterson shoved a pillow into her face in 2003 while raping her. When you raped me, you stole from me, the victim said, as per the Associated Press. Thats what rape is, a theft of the spirit. You are pathetic, disturbed, and completely violent, she added. The world is better off with you in prison. MEGA "[Jane Does 2 and 3] have displayed tremendous strength and bravery, by coming forward to law enforcement and participating directly in two grueling criminal trials," Boies Shiller Flexner, the attorney for both women, said in a statement. Adding, "Despite persistent harassment, obstruction, and intimidation, these courageous women helped hold a ruthless sexual predator accountable today, and they are not stopping there. They are eager to soon tell the fuller story of how Scientology and its enablers tried desperately to keep them from coming forward." Danny Masterson Appeals Rape Conviction MEGA Last month, The Blast reported that Danny Masterson is appealing his rape conviction after he was found guilty of raping two women in May. Masterson, who had been charged with forcibly raping three women in three separate incidents and arrested in 2020, claims each of the encounters was consensual. Eiffel Gilyana was a husband and father of three who previously worked as an interpreter with the United States Army Special Forces facebook Missing kayaker Eiffel Gilyana The body of a Florida Army veteran who went missing while kayaking with friends over the weekend was discovered two days after the search to find him was suspended. My heart aches to share that after four days of relentless searching, the waterways have yielded Eiffel's remains this afternoon, Jen Grubbs, the organizer for his GoFundMe account, said on Tuesday. Eiffel Gilyana, 46, a husband and father to three children, had gone missing on Saturday near the ocean side of the North Jetties in St. Augustine, a press release shared by the United States Coast Guard said. GIlyana was kayaking with Task Force Hydro-1, a mental health support group for veterans. His group alerted the Jacksonville Coast Guard of his disappearance at approximately 10:39 a.m. on Saturday. Gilyana was not wearing a life vest when he went missing. facebook Missing kayaker Eiffel Gilyana According to the GoFundMe account, after escaping unimaginable hardship in Iraq, Eiffel rebuilt a life in Jacksonville with his spouse Lana. He was working as a fitness and wellness Director at the Jewish Community Alliance. The organization said the group Gilyana was kayaking with lost sight of him and his canoe was found damaged, per Jacksonvilles First Coast News. On Sunday, the United States Coast Guard said they had suspended the search for a missing kayaker near St. Augustine Inlet, Florida. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The decision to suspend the search came after rescue crews searched for 90 asset hours and covered approximately 341 square miles, the Coast Guard said. During this time, there was a rip current advisory in effect. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic event," said Cmdr. Nick Barrow, search and rescue coordinator, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. "This was an intensive search with the hope of finding Mr. Gilyana. I want to thank our partners from the city of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida Fish and Wildlife and Customs and Border Protection for their contributions to this unified effort. facebook Missing kayaker Eiffel Gilyana Although the search was suspended on Sunday, volunteers continued looking for him on Monday. "His family and I were supposed to have dinner last night," Leonardo Yui told First Coast News during the Christmas day search. "We're hoping for the best and expecting the [worst], really," he said. "There are many emotions right now. I just gotta stay focused. Just keep my eye on the mission today and the mission that was yesterday. So, we just gotta keep going and do the best we can." On Gilyanas GoFundMe account, the Army vet was remembered for his laughter, his warmth, [and] his vibrant spirit. His infectious laughter and unwavering spirit touched everyone he met, from his esteemed work as an Iraqi Christian interpreter with the US Army Special Forces to his dedication to Task Force Hydro1 and the Jewish Community Alliance, the post continued. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. According to USA Today, among other sources, experts believe Gypsy Rose Blanchards mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, had Munchausen by proxy. The mental disorder, also known as factitious disorder, involves a guardian fabricating, exaggerating, or inducing certain illnesses in a child for attention, sympathy, and even money. It is considered a relatively rare form of child abuse. Marc Feldman, who has been studying Munchausen by proxy for decades now, believes Gypsy was a victim of the disorder. Gypsy, once known as a sick child with cancer, and her boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn murdered Dee Dee in June 2015. Dee Dee had abused Gypsy for years, convincing her that she had leukemia, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, asthma, and poor vision. Prosecutors considered Gypsy a victim of abuse and offered her a plea deal. She pleaded guilty, receiving 10 years in prison. Her release date is on December 28, 2023, after serving 85% of the term. Meanwhile, her then-boyfriend, Godejohn, is currently serving a life sentence without parole ever since his late 2018 first-degree murder conviction. Dee Dee Blanchards Munchausen by proxy disorder explained People Magazine claimed that the truth about Dee Dee Blanchards Munchausen by proxy disorder surfaced after her murder in June 2015. Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, plotted her murder. The latter stabbed Dee Dee to death at Blanchards Missouri home on June 14. Gypsy later admitted to her role in the murder and also revealed details about the abuse she endured. Gypsy Rose Blanchard lived in a wheelchair and went through unnecessary medical procedures because of Dee Dee. The latter claimed her daughter was a terminally ill teenager with the mental capacity of a child. But in reality, Gypsy was 23 years old at the time, and she could walk. Dee Dee claimed she and her daughter fled Hurricane Katrinas devastation in New Orleans when they arrived in Missouri in 2005. Dee Dee claimed that they lost Gypsys medical records in the storm, using the situation as a cover story, suggested authorities. She moved her daughter from under the care of one doctor to another. The mother also gave Gypsy medications to mimic the symptoms of the diseases she claimed Gypsy had. Later, she shaved the girls head to make her appear like she was undergoing chemotherapy. Investigators believed money was the motive for Dee Dee Blanchards years-long deception. The mother-daughter duo received heavy donations while in Springfield, Missouri. These included a home from Habitat for Humanity and paid trips to Disney World. Moreover, to keep up the facade, Dee Dee isolated herself as well as Gypsy from friends and relatives. She even refused to let the latter spend alone time with her father, Rod Blanchard. People reported that Rod, who lives in Louisiana, divorced Dee Dee during her pregnancy with their daughter. The father told the outlet that I had my doubts, but also regrets not recognizing the abuse sooner. Rod said, I cant imagine anything else apart from raising someone in a prison [where] you would be able to control somebody. It was the perfect breeding ground for a controlled situation. The 2017 documentary Mommy Dead and Dearest revisits the peculiar case. Moreover, Hulus The Act also chronicles the same case, presenting a more dramatized version of the occurrences. Experts believe Dee Dee Blanchard had Munchausen by proxy, which made her induce certain illnesses in Gypsy Rose Blanchard for attention, sympathy, and money. The post What Condition Did Dee Dee Blanchard Have? Munchausen by Proxy Disorder Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Nashville's food scene has plenty to recommend in it, and it's growing rapidly. At first blush, we might even seem to have it all. Want to eat your weight in beef at one of our many steakhouses? We have plenty. Looking for barbecue? We've got that, too. We also have lots of food trucks, Italian eateries and tacos galore. But the real question is, what are we missing? Oh, quite a bit friends. Read on to see what we're pining for most, whether it's now-shuttered restaurants or entire food genres. Bring back Arnold's! Brad: Yes, there are for sure some great meat-and-three restaurants with long histories in Nashville. I'm lookin' at you, Silver Sands Cafe (937 Locklayer St.). But some of the other storied meat-and-three spots have closed or haven't held up over the years. So let's bring back Arnold's Country Kitchen (605 8th Ave S.), which had a vibe, man. Few other spots in town brought working-class folks together with country stars and political leaders like Arnold's did. And that carved roast beef, the fried chicken, the desserts downright, down-home delicious. Franz Arnold cuts the roast beef to serve to customers Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at the family's meat-and-three Arnold's Country Kitchen in Nashville, Tenn. Mack: Well, that seems to be the plan. Kahlil Arnold has confirmed that his restaurant, on three contiguous parcels his family owns, will reopen temporarily starting Jan. 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. However long the restaurant could stay open is anyone's guess, he said, as the property is still for sale after an earlier deal fell through. It could be a few weeks. It could be three months," he said. "It could be six months or two. Our property is still for sale, I've had people interested in it, but Ill open up Arnold's until (we sell)." Arnold told The Tennessean in November, in advance of some wildly popular Thanksgiving week pop-ups, that he's looking to reopen a version of Arnold's elsewhere in the future. "When we first closed, that felt like the last goodbye," he said on Dec. 20. "The difference between now and then is that ... now its not 'Goodbye,' it's see you again in the next chapter for sure. Let's get better Asian food, please Mack: I'm calling dibs on this category. While we have some good Thai and Vietnamese places, and great Japanese comfort food and plenty of ramen, we're missing some things. First, there's the matter of Chinese food. Lucky Bamboo (5855 Charlotte Pike Ste B.) is fine if you venture off the Chinese-American menu. But for a metropolitan area of 2 million people? There should be more Asian restaurants that are better than passably good. The sushi selection save for some outliers needs work, as does our inventory of Indian food. We're waiting. Brad: You're calling dibs? Oh c'mon, man, you just got here! I've been suffering with mediocre Chinese food here for 33 years! I love how much the restaurant scene here has grown. But when I'm lucky enough to have dim sum in Boston, New York or even Las Vegas, I want to cry when I think of the dearth of great Chinese food back in Nashville. Can we get some better Bellevue bites? Brad: Look, downtown, Germantown and East Nashville are silly with sensational spots. Antioch and South Nashville boast the city's best global food. Midtown, West Nashville and the Nations can each boast one or two exceptional restaurants. Crieve Hall has its own awesome bagel shop. The scene is even getting better in Donelson/Hermitage, though it could use a little help. Guests play yard games at an event hosted by The Loveless Cafe celebrating the seasonal re-launch of Smokehouse Sips on Saturday, April 15, 2023 in Nashville, Tenn. And then there's Bellevue, exploding with business and residential growth. But the restaurant scene there? Meh. I mean, I dig the biscuits and barbecue at Loveless Cafe (8400 TN-100), I like the peanut butter-banana pudding at HoneyFire BBQ, and there's a charmer of a neighborhood bar out there that serves great tater tots. But for the love of God, Bellevue needs a locally-owned upscale restaurant spot real bad. These fine folks deserve a delightful dining destination! Bring me a fast, healthy breakfast Mack: Biscuits. That's something we have plenty of. They're even on the breakfast bar at the East Nashville location of Turnip Truck (701 Woodland St.). Listen, I can't believe I'm admitting this in print, but I just don't love a bellyful of biscuit in the morning. I know, I know. Can I still live in the South? Thanks. Places like Hearts, Cafe Roze (1115 Porter Rd.) and Two Hands (606 8th Ave S Store 400) serve exactly the type of breakfast I love, but that's not something I can grab quickly on the way to work. Stout waffles with mascarpone and poached fruit from Cafe Roze in East Nashville On most days, I'd love a healthy breakfast bowl. Maybe some chia pudding? No, we don't do that so much in Nashville? Yeah, I know. That's why I make my breakfast, coffee and juice at home every day, which has probably saved me enough money for a mortgage payment or two, so there's that. I miss diners Brad: Speaking of breakfast, can we please get an honest-to-God, open-all-night diner here? I'm talking, HUGE cakes/pies case in the front, tons of breakfast items, regular ol' drip coffee, open-face sandwiches, onion rings and gravy, lots of gravy. I'm sorry, but downtown's The Diner (200 3rd Ave S) isn't really a diner (but I do love their desserts case). New York and New Jersey natives, please band together and make this happen. Thanking you in advance, Brad. Mack: The lack of late-night eats in general has driven me to eat all kinds of things I'm not proud to admit, including a Checker's Baconzilla burger that nearly gave me hypertension on the spot. But more and more late-night options are popping up, including Sweeza Super Quesadilla at The Wash (1101 McKennie Ave.). I also recently had a late-night meal of fantastic gumbo (get the potato salad on the side), boudin balls and fried catfish at Spicy Boys (924 Mcferrin Ave.) I was hungry! However all-night diners they are not. Nashville, where delis go to die Brad: Kids, once upon a time, Noshville deli had THREE locations in Nashville. (The main Midtown location closed in 2015.) And there was an East Nashville spot called Shep's Delicatessen. (Closed last year.) There was Goldie's Deli in the Belle Meade Plaza. (Closed in 2006.) Sigh. Nova lox and an everything bagel, pancake and corn beef hash and eggs at Noshville deli in Green Hills Whadya gotta do around here to get a good matzah ball soup or a hot pastrami on rye or, God forbid, a knish? (They're de-lish!) Well, I guess you can go to the surviving Noshville deli in Green Hills (4014 Hillsboro Cir). But I'd love more choices, and ones open late at night. And maybe even ones that'll slice and sell ya a pound of corned beef to take home. Mack: You're in luck because I happen to love a good pastrami on rye, and Flat Tire Diner (4700 Old Hickory Blvd.), Mitchell's Deli (1306 McGavock Pike) and Bare Bones Butcher (906 51st Ave. N) all make killer versions. I know, I know, it's not the same. But if it's excellent sandwiches you're after, they got plenty and also get yourself over to Bill's Sandwich Palace (311 N 16th St.) posthaste. Now I want a sandwich. What did we miss? Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com. Reach Mackensy Lunsford at mlunsford@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Arnold's, Asian food, diners: What Nashville needs more of in 2024 A flying object was downed approximately two kilometres off the coast of the Egyptian city of Dahab, according to Al-Qahera News, citing several eyewitnesses who confirmed hearing explosions in Dahab. This is not the first time a drone has been downed in the Egyptian coastal cities across the Red Sea since the start of the Gaza war in early October. On 27 October, two drones coming from south of the Red Sea crashed in Taba and Nuweiba: one of the drones was targeted outside Egypts airspace in the Gulf of Aqaba, resulting in some debris falling into an uninhabited area in Nuweiba, while the other one fell in Taba. Moreover, on 16 December, the Egyptian Air Defense Forces intercepted a flying object, which crashed into the Egyptian territorial waters approximately one and a half kilometres off the coast of Dahab. Last week, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry affirmed, during a presser with his British counterpart, that Egypt is currently coordinating with the countries bordering the Red Sea to secure maritime navigation, as Houthi attacks against ships passing the Red Sea continue, leading to the establishment of an international US-led coalition. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen but are not recognized internationally, said previously they were targeting Israeli ships near the strategic Bab Al-Mandeb strait to pressure Israel over its deadly war on the Gaza Strip. Search Keywords: Short link: Leonie Benesch Germany The Teachers Lounge The German actress, who has appeared in The Crown and Around the World in 80 Days, stars as an idealistic teacher trying to solve a series of thefts at her school in the film that was selected as Germanys entry for the 2024 Academy Awards. Her performance has been lauded by critics; The Hollywood Reporters Sheri Linden described Beneschs portrayal as veering masterfully between openhearted hope and tense physicality. The film itself holds a score of 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and even beat out four-time Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front at this years German film awards, known as the Lolas. More from The Hollywood Reporter France The Taste of Things The French actress delivers yet another exceptional performance in The Taste of Things, with Vanity Fair writing that Binoche does some of the best onscreen cooking youll ever see. The film beat out Justine Triets Anatomy of a Fall to become Frances official Oscar contender. Binoche is no stranger to the Academy Awards; she won best supporting actress for her role in the 1996 feature The English Patient, and four years later was nominated for best actress for her performance in Chocolat. Christian Friedel United Kingdom The Zone of Interest Another German actor receiving serious awards consideration this Oscar season is Friedel, who is the male lead in Jonathan Glazers The Zone of Interest, the British entry for the 2024 Oscars and the Grand Prix winner at this years Cannes Film Festival. Friedel won the breakthrough performer award at this years Montclair Film Festival for his powerful performance as a man living next to the Auschwitz concentration camp with his family. Sandra Huller France/United Kingdom Anatomy of a Fall/The Zone of Interest After starring in German films (Requiem, Toni Erdmann), the German actress is gaining wider recognition with not one but two Oscar contenders this awards season, and her work in both films has been critically acclaimed. THRs Jon Frosch called Hullers performance in Anatomy of a Fall, this years Palme dOr winner at Cannes, sensational, [exuding] a prickly intelligence. Huller opted to compete for the best supporting actress Oscar for her work in The Zone of Interest, while campaigning for best actress for Anatomy. Its possible she becomes the first person to receive double acting nominations for non-English-language films. Benoit Magimel France The Taste of Things Juliette Binoches onscreen partner (and previous real-life partner the duo share a daughter) in Frances Oscar entry has also been the subject of critics praise since the movies premiere at Cannes. The Taste of Things currently holds a score of 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Koji Yakusho Japan Perfect Days Known for his roles in Shall We Dance?, Memoirs of a Geisha and Babel, Yakusho is receiving recognition on the Oscars circuit for his performance in Perfect Days, Japans official selection, directed by three-time Oscar-nominated German auteur Wim Wenders. Yakusho already secured the best actor prize for his performance at Cannes. THRs David Rooney called his character the life at the center of every frame, while the critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes calls Yakushos stint remarkable. This story first appeared in a November stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Here are the Georgia Department of Health's restaurant inspection scores for Athens-Clarke County conducted Dec. 13-Dec. 26. Scores in each category are listed in order of most recent inspection date. The Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, conducts regular restaurant inspections to help keep residents and visitors safe. Disclaimer: On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. A few more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here. The Grill reopened in downtown Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Eat Athens: Venture off of the beaten path to find this unbeatable pizza place Athens-Clarke County: Perfect scores HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS (513 WEST BROAD ST) Athens-Clarke County: High to average scores THE GRILL (171 COLLEGE AVE): 94JINYA RAMEN BAR (351 E BROAD ST): 92TRAPPEZE PUB (269 N HULL ST): 96FIVE & TEN (1073 S MILLEDGE AVE): 94PIEDMONT ATHENS REGIONAL - DOGWOOD BISTRO (1199 PRINCE AVE): 96 EDDIE'S CALZONES (227 E CLAYTON ST): 98BAD MOON BAR (246 E CLAYTON STREET: 93GRESHAM'S DISCO LOUNGE (1495 WEST BROAD STREET): 93THE CRAB HUT (1860 BARNETT SHOALS RD STE 501): 99OUR DAILY BREAD COMMUNITY KITCHEN (355 PULASKI ST): 96CLAYTON SOCIAL (335 E CLAYTON ST): 98DOOLEY'S BAR AND GRILL (259 E BROAD ST): 90ESQ ATHENS LLC D/B/A EMMY SQUARED (199 PRINCE AVE): 95 Previous health scores: Athens hotel docked for same violations as previous inspection Oconee County: High to average scores WOK'S UP (1791 OCONEE CONNECTOR STE 470): 93 CATCH 22 (1021 PARKWAY BLVD STE 117): 97CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORES # 505 (1913 EPPS BRIDGE PKWY): 90 Oconee County: Low Scores TEXAS ROADHOUSE (1021 DOWDY RD): 84. Inspector Notes: "Flour for breading at breader stations, cut tomatoes and lettuce all stored on ices as a form of temperature control. If time is to be used, the product must be labeled with a start and discard time + documentation submitted. Dumpsters need replacing-covered in grime (particularly the one of the right). Dumpster doors left open." This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Recent health inspections for Athens and Oconee County area restaurants The Idaho murders autopsy report of the four University of Idaho students revealed that they suffered multiple stab wounds from a large knife. The Independent stated the victims were Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20. The autopsy findings ruled their deaths homicides by stabbing. Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt claimed that the attacker had stabbed them multiple times and that their wounds were pretty extensive. Mabbutt also confirmed that the students bled out at the off-campus Moscow home on November 13, 2022. The autopsies further revealed that all four students died early in the morning. A more recent report confirms that Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho murders, allegedly used a military-style knife for the killings. Authorities are yet to find this knife. However, they used DNA, among other evidence, to link Kohberger to the crime. The Washington State University PhD student now faces four counts of first-degree murder. Idaho murders autopsy report findings & the latest on Bryan Kohberger revealed Today reported that the Idaho murders autopsy reports offered a clearer view of the slayings. In a November 17, 2022, interview with NBC News, coroner Cathy Mabbutt claimed, It would have been early in the morning, sometime after 2 a.m., but still during the night. She added that there is no medical way to determine who was attacked first. However, at the time, investigators were trying to put timelines together with other text messages and other technology. Mabbutt also alleged that the murder weapon would have been a bigger knife, citing their pretty extensive wounds. According to Fox 13, the coroner said, It had to be a really big knife to inflict those injuries and kill four people. She described the wounds as tears and big open gouges. The Idaho murders autopsy report also revealed that the victims showed a little bit of bruising. Mabbutt suggested that this wouldnt be uncommon during a stabbing. The victims were Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves. Three of the victims lived in the off-campus home, where they were stabbed to death. There were two other roommates, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortenson, present in the house at the time of the slayings. The killer reportedly left them unharmed. Mortenson later claimed she had a face-to-face encounter with the masked man, who walked right past her. After a weeks-long investigation, authorities arrested Brayn Kohberger, a Washington State University PhD student, on December 30, 2022. The Independent confirmed that law enforcement found incriminating evidence during an apartment search. They seized 15 items, including hairs, receipts, a computer tower, a disposable glove, and items with peculiar stains. The outlet reported that investigators listed several items with stains. These included a reddish/brown stain on an uncovered pillow and a collection of dark red spots. They also linked Kohberger to the crime via cellphone records and his white Hyundai Elantra. The suspect reportedly changed the license plates on his car days after the murders. Moreover, CBS News confirmed that Kohbergers DNA closely matched the DNA found on a knife sheath. Police recovered the same sheath from the crime scene. However, authorities have failed to locate the alleged murder weapon. It remains unclear whether the suspect personally knew the victims and whether he carried out the murders in a fit of jealousy or rage. The motive behind the killings remains uncertain. In May 2023, a grand jury indicted Bryan Kohberger on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the trial, which was originally set for October. However, the accused waived his right to a speedy trial, causing an indefinite delay. Recently, Denver 7 reported that the prosecution has proposed a summer trial. CBS 48 Hours, among other true crime shows, has previously revisited the Idaho murder case. The full episode titled The Night of the Idaho Student Murders is now available on YouTube. The post Idaho Murders Autopsy Report: What Did the Findings Reveal? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Stories of Indian serial killers barely took over mainstream narratives about crime like the American ones did. However, some horrifying tales of crime and serial killing originated in India and haunted different parts of the country in their time. The Indian Predator series on Netflix is perhaps the most popular representation of serial killings in India. With serial killings being so strongly driven by the social and cultural implications of the societies they are based in, Indian serial killers follow a rather different pattern in the way they execute crimes as well as the motive that triggers them. Here are some of the most horrifying serial killers known to us. Charles Sobhraj Photo Credit: Jack Guez | Getty Images With a minimum kill count of 20, Charles Sobhraj is known to have murdered Western tourists who toured along the hippie trail of South Asia during the 1970s. 14 of the murders occurred in Thailand. Sobhraj was also known as the Bikini killer because most of his victims were found in bikinis. The fact that he escaped conviction for a very long time also gave him the name The Serpent. Sobhraj was convicted and imprisoned till the 90s in India. Following that, he was tried in Nepal. There, he was imprisoned until 2022 when he was released and deported to France considering his old age. The eight-part Netflix series The Serpent follows the crimes of Charles Sobhraj. Raman Raghav Raman Raghav, one of the scariest known Indian serial killers, was also known by the name of Sindhi Talwai and haunted the streets in and around Mumbai during the 1960s. He was famously known as the Jack Ripper of India and killed at least 41 people during his killing spree. His crimes were especially eerie because he targeted random victims which made him very difficult to track down. He is known to have killed his victims using heavy, blunt objects and created quite a fear among the residents of Mumbai in the 1960s. Raman Raghav received a sentence of life imprisonment and was found to be schizophrenic. The Nithari Killers Moninder Singh Pandher Photo Credit: STRDEL | Getty Images A horrifying series of childrens murders shook the country in 2006. Also known as the Noida serial murders, the series of crimes resulted in more than 16 victims. Moninder Singh Pandher and his servant Surinder Koli were initially accused of the killings after the parents of the missing children reported negligence from local police. However, the court subsequently acquitted the two accused, leaving the case inconclusive even today. The fact that the Nithari killers have not been found yet makes the case all the more interesting and one of the most horrifying Indian serial killers cases. The Karma Killings is an Indian documentary that explores the details of the Nithari killings. It is streaming on Netflix. Jolly Joseph Jolly Joseph is one of the Indian serial killers from Kerala. She is known to have killed six people over the 14 years between 2002 and 2016. While her crimes were initially motivated by a greed for family property, the motive began to become grey when she murdered her two-year-old niece and married her father. Also known as the Cyanide killer, she killed her victims through cyanide poisoning. Jolly Joseph killed her mother-in-law, father-in-law, husband, husbands uncle, niece and the nieces mother. She was finally caught when suspicions were raised by her husbands brother. Until then, all the deaths were assumed to be natural. Curry and Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case is a Netflix documentary that explores the crimes of Joseph, also called the Koodathayi Cyanide case. The post Indian Serial Killers: Charles Sobhraj, The Nithari killer(s) & Others appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Recent reports have revealed that a number of Kanye West's past real estate purchases have been left to deteriorate. The rapper owns several properties in the U.S., many of which are either incomplete or seem to have been abandoned. It comes in the wake of rumors that he plans to build a city in the Middle East and is currently recruiting for various positions within the project. The Properties In Kanye West's Declining Real Estate MEGA According to the Daily Mail, West's once noteworthy property collection has undergone a noticeable decline. One such property is the rapper's $1.5 million estate in Los Angeles, acquired with the intention of housing his Donda Academy. Recent images of the piece of real estate showed that it had been left deserted, its surroundings marred by abandoned shopping carts and scattered broken furniture. Additionally, West seems to have abandoned the single-story house in Hidden Hills, purchased strategically across from his ex, Kim Kardashian, amid their divorce. Reports also indicate that any construction plans on West's $14 million Wyoming ranch, acquired in 2019, appear to have come to a halt. While some structures from the initial development still stand, they now lie dormant beneath a thick blanket of snow, a shadow of what was once proposed to provide "affordable housing" within the Midwest state. The same could be said for West's $3 million sprawling ranch in Calabasas, which he bought in hopes that he would help house LA's rampant homeless population in 50-foot "Yecosystems." See photos of the properties here. Kanye West Allegedly Planning To Build 100,000 Acre City In The Middle East MEGA Due to the state of the properties, one would think that West has given up on his goal of becoming "one of the biggest real estate developers of all time." However, a recent report has suggested that might be far from the truth, as the rapper appears to have plans to build a self-sustaining city halfway across the world. The proposed piece of real estate has been titled DROAM, as claimed in a post by an X account under the name @unreleased_ye. The project aims to create a 100,000-acre site in the Middle East, although the account did not confirm the exact location. It further claimed that the development is currently in Phase 1, and West is actively recruiting project managers, engineers, architects, contractors, and builders to participate in birthing his ambitious project. Netizens Speak On The Rappers Middle East Project Kanye West announces plans to build 100,000-acre city in the Middle East The city, still in Phase 1 development, boasts plans to span twice the size of New York City. Kanye actively seeks collaborators, calling upon project managers, engineers, architects, contractors, and pic.twitter.com/Xbf5NIhPmS Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 22, 2023 Social media users have speculated that the new project would tragically meet the same fate as his other abandoned projects. One X user commented, "Dude has like 4 failed property projects going on currently but surely the Middle East one will be the success." Another person mentioned, "When you have too much money, too many drugs, and nothing better to do, build a city in the Middle East and abandon the project after a few months because it's getting boring and taking too much effort at the same time." A third X user remarked, "Sure, but he knows a city won't get built in three months, right? That's usually how long his ideas last before he moves on to something else. Despite the prevailing sentiment suggesting that the project was destined for failure, some individuals threw their support behind the rapper. "Kanye's got plans for a massive city in the Middle East. Big dreams, big ego," said a fan. Another commented, "Kanye's ambitions seem to know no boundaries; a 100,000-acre city in the Middle East is no small feat. " Kanye West Pens Apology To The Jewish Community Instagram | Kanye West In the meantime, West recently shocked the world by apologizing to the Jewish community for his anti-Semitic remarks towards them. Last year, the "Donda" crooner garnered flak for making a post about going "Death Con 3 on Jewish People," which led to him losing millions of dollars in business deals. He was also recently seen going on another rant about Zionists. In his apology, West said it was not his "intent to hurt or disrespect" the Jewish community with his "unplanned outbursts" and that he "very much regrets any pain" his actions caused. He added, "I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding In the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity." As 2023 comes to a close, Prince William and Kate Middleton are ready to put the past behind them and move into the new year with their eyes on the future of the British royal family. The Prince and Princess of Wales took on new responsibilities, fended off rumors, and dealt with family drama in front and behind the scenes over the course of the last few years. Now, the royal couple has only one thing front-of-mind as the embrace the year ahead. They arent looking back, a friend of Kate shared in an exclusive interview with People. The Princess of Wales is, per the source, very focused on what matters going forward. Furthermore, it seems the Prince and Princess of Wales have no interest in revisiting the recent past. Shes moved on and William has too, the insider said. More from SheKnows The royal family's Christmas plans are set, but this year, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be taking a break from the extended family. https://t.co/kVlerC1OYq SheKnows (@SheKnows) December 15, 2023 Among the changes that occurred within the royal family over the course of the last few years, William and Kates rise as significant working royals was quite swift. Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markles departure from the United Kingdom in 2020 and their subsequent dramatic step back as working royals, William and Kate took on a slew of new responsibilities. Then, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the couple assumed the roles of Prince and Princess of Wales, adding to their royal duties and list of engagements. As a couple and independently, Kate and William have taken on quite a lot. Kate recently hosted Westminster Abbeys Christmas carol service for the third year in a row, and Williams Earthshot Prize initiative continues to generate interest in the fight to slow down the impact of climate change. All the while, the couple is raising their three young children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis and including them in public royal outings and engagements. The Prince and Princess of Wales clearly have a lot on their plate. We can only imagine how much their responsibilities will grow in the year head. For now, they seem focused on the future, and ready to bid farewell to the drama of the past. Click here to see a complete timeline of Prince Harry and Meghan Markles feud with the royal family. Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Olympic gymnast shared a sweet shot of her mini-mes, Skyla, Emma, McKenna and Shayla, on Instagram David Livingston/Getty; Mary Lou Retton/Instagram Mary Lou Retton; her four daughters, Skyla, Emma, McKenna and Shayla. Mary Lou Retton is feeling the holiday spirit! The Olympic gymnast, 55, who spent several weeks "fighting for her life" in the ICU at a Texas hospital in October, commemorated her Christmas by sharing a sweet photo of her kids on Instagram. On Tuesday, Retton documented the holiday with a photo of her mini-me daughters Skyla, Emma, McKenna and Shayla, whom she shares with ex-husband Shannon Kelley. "Merry Christmas ," the gymnast captioned the post, a mirror selfie of the four daughters sporting matching Christmas-light headbands. Related: Mary Lou Retton's 4 Children: All About Shayla, McKenna, Skyla and Emma The retired athlete's return home comes as a relief to her family and friends, who came together two months ago to support the decorated former gymnast during her health crisis. Her daughter, McKenna, 26, was the first to break the news that her mother was in a Houston-area hospital in early October. My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life," she wrote in a message on a Spotfund fundraising page for Retton, which has raised over $459,000 well over its initial $50,000 goal. At the time, Rettons eldest daughter, Shayla, 28, voiced that her familys No. 1 concern was the well-being of our mom in a statement to PEOPLE. Mary Lou Retton/ Instagram Mary Lou Retton photographed with her family Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. After the retired gymnast was released from the hospital in late October, Shayla shared her gratitude in a statement on social media. Mom is HOME & in recovery mode, Kelley wrote on Instagram. We still have a long road of recovery ahead of us, but baby steps. We are overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone," she continued. "Grateful doesnt scrape the surface of the posture of our hearts. Related: Mary Lou Retton Is Home from the Hospital and 'in Recovery Mode,' Daughter McKenna Says Ben Gabbe/Getty Mary Lou Retton photographed in New York City on Aug. 9, 2016 Last month, Retton celebrated Thanksgiving with her loved ones and took the time to thank her family for their support during her health scare. The love and support of my four amazing daughters have been a source of strength and inspiration throughout my journey, Retton wrote on Instagram alongside a carousel of photos of her girls. Their presence in my life is a testament to the incredible bonds of family," she added. "My extended family, all of you, have shown me immeasurable kindness, offering prayers, encouragement and unwavering support during my challenging times. Your love has been a beacon of hope in my life," the post concluded. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The most popular original Netflix movies of all time, including 'The Adam Project' and 'Red Notice' Ryan Gosling in "The Gray Man." Netflix "Red Notice" is Netflix's biggest original movie ever, with 239.4 million views. "Extraction 2" is the most recent addition to the list, and the combined "Extraction" movies have more than 270 million views. Netflix's also look at hours viewed, which gives a boost to longer movies like the 2-1/2 hour "Don't Look Up." 10. "Extraction 2" (2023) 134.9 million views Chris Hemsworth in "Extraction 2." Jason Boland/Netflix Description: After barely surviving the events of the first movie, Rake is back as the Australian black ops mercenary, tasked with another deadly mission: rescuing the battered family of a ruthless Georgian gangster from the prison where they are being held. Hours viewed: 278.7 million Rotten Tomatoes rating: 79% What critics said: "With its bigger, broader swath of carnage, Extraction 2 improves upon the original and isn't unpleasant (you know, unless you're bothered by watching hundreds of deaths on screen)." Mashable 9. "Extraction" (2020) 135.7 million views Chris Hemsworth as mercenary Tyler Rake in "Extraction." Netflix Description: "A hardened mercenary's mission becomes a soul-searching race to survive when he's sent into Bangladesh to rescue a drug lord's kidnapped son." Hours viewed: 266.6 million Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 67% What critics said: "The one big weapon it has Hemsworth's ability to juxtapose his brawn with approachable charm is one it never pulls from its holster." Polygon 8. "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (2022) 136.3 million views Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc in "Glass Onion." Netflix Description: "World-famous detective Benoit Blanc heads to Greece to peel back the layers of a mystery surrounding a tech billionaire and his eclectic crew of friends." Hours viewed: 320.3 million Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 92% What critics said: "The twisty plot isn't quite as ingenious as [Rian] Johnson's last one, but the writer-director has gone all-out to make everything in Glass Onion as big, broad, funny and colourful as Daniel Craig's southern drawl." BBC 7. "The Mother" (2023) 136.4 million views Jennifer Lopez in "The Mother." Netflix Description: "A military-trained assassin comes out of hiding to protect the daughter she's never met from ruthless criminals gunning for revenge." Hours viewed: 265.9 million hours Rotten Tomatoes critics score: 43% What critics said: "Despite well-choreographed action and a gritty performance from Jennifer Lopez, 'The Mother' is not the Mother's Day vehicle Netflix had hoped it would be." Film Inquiry 6. We Can Be Heroes 137.3 million views JJ Dashnaw as Sharkboy in "We Can Be Heroes." Netflix Description: "When alien invaders kidnap Earth's superheroes, their children must team up and learn to work together if they want to save their parents and the world." Hours viewed: 231.2 million Rotten Tomatoes score: 74% What critics said: A sort of sequel to "Sharkboy and Lava Girl," this film gives kids exactly what they want. Adults? Not so much. San Jose Mercury News 5. "The Gray Man" (2022) 139.3 million views Ryan Gosling as Six in "The Gray Man." Netflix Description: "When a shadowy CIA agent uncovers damning agency secrets, he's hunted across the globe by a sociopathic rogue operative who's put a bounty on his head." Hours viewed: 299.5 million Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 46% What critics said: "The film exists to set up sequels, to spend money on fancy location shoots, and to look glamorous and exciting; every harder edge has been sanded down to nothing." The Atlantic 4. "Bird Box" (2018) 157.4 million views "Bird Box" Netflix Description: "Five years after an ominous unseen presence drives most of society to suicide, a survivor and her two children make a desperate bid to reach safety." Hours viewed: 325.3 million Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 64% What critics said: "Unfortunately, Bird Box puts these performers through familiar paces, in roles of such tight typecasting that they seem like recurring characters in an extended TV series." New Yorker 3. "The Adam Project" (2022) 157.6 million views Ryan Reynolds in "The Adam Project." Netflix Description: "After accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self on a mission to save the future." Hours viewed: 281 million Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 69% What critics said: "It's an assemblage of ideas from other popular films that just hangs there with little cohesion. It's like watching a movie that hasn't been made yet." Vulture 2. "Don't Look Up" (2021) 171.4 million views Meryl Streep as President Orlean in "Don't Look Up." Netflix Description: "Two astronomers go on a media tour to warn humankind of a planet-killing comet hurtling toward Earth." Hours viewed: 408.6 million Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 55% What critics said: "McKay's movies are not particularly pointed in their satire and, as time has gone on, have increasingly settled into their preferred form of a harangue." Vulture 1. "Red Notice" (2021) 230.9 views Dwayne Johnson as Interpol agent John Hartley in "Red Notice." Netflix Description: "An FBI profiler pursuing the world's most wanted art thief becomes his reluctant partner in crime to catch an elusive crook who's always one step ahead." Hours viewed: 454.2 million Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 36% What critics said: "Red Notice is limp and dull, and does more to showcase the shortcomings of each of its marquee idols than it does to highlight their bankable charisma." Vanity Fair Read the original article on Insider In the aftermath of Brandon Rodriguezs 2021 death by suicide at Rikers Island, investigators found a number of serious missteps by jail medical staff, but none resulted in discipline, according to records and interviews. Thats not unusual. Just two Correctional Health Services staffers have been disciplined in the 44 deaths reported in city jails since January 2021, agency officials confirmed to the Daily News. Detainee advocates argue that theyve seen cases mishandled by Correctional Health Service workers who they feel should have been sanctioned. In Rodriguezs case, Correctional Health Services staffers failed the day before he died to identify him as a suicide risk despite his record of mental illness and self-harm. They also failed to give him psychiatric medication and failed to put him in a mental health unit, records show. I am asking for help because I cannot stay there, Rodriguez allegedly told a Correctional Health Services staffer. Rodriguez had been attacked 24 hours into his stay at Rikers and was scared of being placed in general population, his familys lawyer William Wagstaff said. The staffer ignored Rodriguezs plea and didnt send him to a mental health unit, said Wagstaff. Rodriguez was then shoved into a caged shower stall where he hung himself. [The staffer] should definitely have been disciplined, and thats why she is named in the lawsuit, Wagstaff said. It screams negligence in the best case, indifference in the worst case. Correctional Health Services staff also failed to provide Rodriguez with medication for his mental condition, Wagstaff said a belief he said was based on a review of case records. Any CHS employee who was responsible for the delay in medicating Brandon should have been fired, he said. Last Tuesday, the city agreed to settle the lawsuit brought by Rodriguezs mother, Tamara Carter, for $2.25 million. A court hearing on the settlement is scheduled for January. The two Correctional Health Services workers who were punished were sanctioned in the case of detainee Marvin Pines, who died Feb. 4 of a seizure. The two employees were suspended and later quit after botching the use of electric defibrillator paddles to revive Pines and failing to bring a stretcher to his side as he was dying, the city Board of Correction found. Exactly why they were suspended was not made clear before the employees voluntarily left their jobs. Correctional Health Services staffers errors contributed to other deaths as well, say investigative reports and lawsuits. In the death of Wilson Diaz-Guzman, who hung himself in the Otis Bantum Correctional Center on Jan. 22 2021, the state Commission of Correction found that Correctional Health Services staff failed to secure psychiatric treatment for him after he threatened suicide and cut himself. [H]ad Diaz-Guzman received proper psychiatric referrals and treatment, his death may have been prevented, the report said. Correctional Health Services response to the finding was redacted from an otherwise public document. After Javier Velasco, 37, hanged himself on March 19, 2021, in a mental observation unit at the Anna M. Kross Center, the Commission of Correction found Correctional Health Services staff took him off suicide watch just 36 hours after a previous attempt. The commission also questioned why Velasco wasnt put in a hospital given a history of suicide attempts. Velascos death was preventable, the city Board of Correction said. As in the Diaz-Guzman case, Correctional Health Services response to the boards finding was redacted from an otherwise public document. After Robert Jackson died on June 30, 2021, of heart disease, the Commission of Correction found there was an unacceptable delay in the arrival of medical staff. If medical help had arrived sooner, Jackson could have been saved, the report said. Correctional Health Services disputed that finding, stating it was notified of Jacksons medical emergency 68 minutes after the time claimed in Correction Department reports. The Commission of Correction noted a of conflict of findings between [Correction Department and Correctional Health Services] responses. After Victor Mercado died of COVID-19 on Oct. 15 2021, the Commission of Correction found multiple deficiencies in medical assessment and treatment that may have led to his death, including a failure to check his vital signs for 72 hours prior. Correctional Health Services called the findings incorrect. After Malcolm Boatwright died of a seizure on Dec. 10, 2021, the commission found Correctional Health Services staff mismanaged his anti-depressant medication. Correctional Health Services also called this finding incorrect a statement not elaborated on in the public record. The Commission of Correction said health services didnt provide medical documentation to back up its claim the finding was incorrect, and that it stood by its conclusions. In the case of Herminio Villanueva, who died of a severe asthma attack while positive for COVID-19 on June 21, 2020, the commission found Correctional Health Services staffers repeatedly failed to give him his medication. He needed an inhaled steroid, which reduces swelling in the lungs, said Katherine Rosenfeld, a lawyer for Villanuevas family. But they just kept giving him the less effective Albuterol, which was making him sicker and sicker. Correctional Health Services response is not noted in the Commission of Correction report. The health provider often pushes back on the commissions reports. Correctional Health Services spokeswoman Jeanette Merrill said that after every in-custody death, the agency conducts a comprehensive review to assess the care that was provided, and also does a joint review of the cases with the Correction Department. Any identified areas for improvement are addressed to support the provision of quality health care, she said. Regarding the specific patient cases outlined in the death reports, CHS has provided clarifications and corrections to the oversight bodies, which are publicly available. The Commission of Correction often takes more than two years to finalize a report thus the agency has released final reports in only 10 of the 44 deaths since January 2021. Lawyers and detainees families also raise questions about missteps by Correctional Health Services that are not yet the subject of state commission reports. Esias Johnson, who overdosed on methadone on Sept 7, 2021, told a Correctional Health Services staffer he was getting the drug from another detainee but that information was not passed on to the Correction Department, the city Board of Correction found. The doctors reaction was to continue to prescribe methadone, but they didnt verify that the amount they were giving him was acceptable, said the Johnson familys lawyer Joshua Kelner. While CHS often blames [the Correction Department] for failing to produce people for appointments, when they are continuing to give someone a drug, they have to be accountable for verifying its safe. William Brown, who died Dec. 15, 2021 from a synthetic cannabis overdose, was on an anti-psychotic drug before his arrest, but didnt get any medication during his first 12 days at Rikers, the Board of Correction found. As Herman Diaz choked on an orange peel on March 18, 2022, medical staff did not respond immediately and detainees had to try to render aid before he died, a report by the state attorney general found. Correctional Health Services disputed any delay in response, a Board of Correction report said. Mary Yehudah, who died May 18, 2022, of a diabetic seizure, was not screened for diabetes by Correctional Health Services when she entered the jail system, the AGs office found. Medication could have reversed the effects of diabetic ketoacidosis and might have saved her, the attorney general found. In two cases of detainee deaths, Correctional Health Services didnt know where a detainee was, the reports show. Correctional Health Services records repeatedly listed Albert Drye as at Rikers when he was already in a hospital, the Board of Correction reported. Correctional Health Services records showed Antonio Bradley refusing treatment at Rikers, when he was brain-dead at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx. Health services countered that the Correction Department is responsible for knowing the location of detainees. In early November, the Correction Department notified the Board of Correction it plans to hire a leading accreditation organization, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, to review the jail health care system and identify risks or gaps in oversight. Lee Sun-kyun, a South Korean actor famous for his role in the hit 2019 movie "Parasite" has unfortunately passed away. 'Parasite' Actor Lee Sun-kyun Dead At 48 On Wednesday, December 27, authorities found Sun-kyun unconscious in a car with charcoal briquettes placed next to him. The vehicle was discovered in a parking lot in Seoul. Charcoal briquettes are often used for fuel and kindling to start a fire. According to reports, the 48-year-old actor was found unconscious in a vehicle in Seoul, Korea. He left behind what is believed to be a suicide note suggesting he took his own life. MEGA The details around the late actor's death remain a bit of a mystery. However, it was reported that authorities were alerted about Sun-kyun's safety earlier in the day when his wife discovered the suicide note he left at home. Sun-kyun's death comes just hours after he was questioned by authorities for allegedly using illegal drugs. He was under investigation as part of South Korea's government cracking down on illegal substance use. South Korea has one of the strictest drug laws with offenders typically sentenced to at least six months in prison or up to 14 years if they are repeat offenders and dealers. The weekend before Sun-kyun's shocking death, he had been reportedly questioned for over 19 hours. Per reports, he claimed during the questioning that he was tricked into taking drugs by a bar hostess who then tried to blackmail him. Sun-kyun, who played the role of Park Dong-ik in the Oscar-winning movie, had a thriving career and was at the peak of his success. He won a Screen Actors Guild Award for playing the father of a wealthy family in "Parasite." Some of his acting credits include "All About My Wife," "Paju," "A Hard Day," "Pasta," and "Golden Time" amongst others. However, it was his role in the famous Korean movie "Coffee Prince" that put him on the map. Lee Sun-kyun Claimed He Thought He Was Taking A Sleeping Pill According to JTBC, a South Korean pay television network, Sun-kyun amid the illegal drug use allegations told authorities that he thought he was using a sleeping pill and not drugs. "I inhaled using a straw through my nose but thought it was a sleeping pill. I didn't know it was a drug," he said. As part of the police investigation, an unnamed source referred to as Mr. A reportedly provided specific dates and locations for five instances of drug use on Sun-kyun's part. MEGA "I saw Lee Sun Gyun inhale ketamine powder using a straw. He expressed curiosity when I mentioned ketamine, so I procured it for him, and he then used it," claimed the witness. Although the late actor admitted to four of the five instances of drug use mentioned, he insisted that he believed it was a sleeping pill. He then submitted a request through his attorney for a polygraph test, with his lawyer claiming, "We are in an incredibly unjust situation, so both Mr. A and Lee Sun Gyun should undergo a polygraph test to scientifically verify whose statement is accurate." Before his tragic passing, Lee Sun-kyun released a statement about the investigation, declaring his innocence. "Although it's a bit late, I have completed my investigation as a victim in the extortion case today. I hope the police will judiciously determine which side's statement between me and the extortionists is more credible," he said at the time. Rest In Peace, Lee Sun-kyun. Story Developing... Tom Smothers Tom Smothers, half of the popular Vietnam War-era comedy duo the Smothers Brothers, died Tuesday in his home following a recent battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by Smothers brother and longtime co-star, Dick Smothers. Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner, Dick said in a statement (via The Hollywood Reporter). I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed. Tom Smothers was 86. The Smothers Brothers, who hosted The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour on CBS in the late 60s, were known for their youthful bent and bold satire of American politics and culture during the Vietnam War. The brothers signature bit was a lighthearted folk act, with Tom on acoustic guitar and Dick on stand-up bass. As the song progressed, the brothers would descend into bickering, prompting Tom to utter his signature line, Mom always liked you best! Read more The Smothers brothers went on to appear on a number of specials and variety shows in the ensuing decades, including 1970's The Return Of The Smothers Brothers, 1988's The Yo Yo Man Instructional Video, a popular VHS starring a character created by Tom, and a number of guest spots on shows like Benson, Life With Bonnie, The Aristocrats, The Simpsons, and more. Toms family has requested that memorial donations be made to the National Comedy Center, which has helped preserve the Smothers Brothers legacy over the years. Tom was an extraordinary comedic talent, who, together with his brother Dick, became the most enduring comedy duo in history, Journey Gunderson, the National Comedy Centers executive director, said in a statement (via THR). [He] was a true champion for freedom of speech, harnessing the power of comedy to push boundaries and our political consciousness. In addition to his brother, Smothers is survived by his wife, Marcy Carriker Smothers, children Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, grandson Phoenix, and several nieces and nephews. More from The A.V. Club Sign up for The A.V. Club's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Plus, there are still daily flights from the U.S. to Cuba check out our primer at the bottom of this article. Nestor Kim/Courtesy of Tribe Caribe From left: A guest-room balcony at Tribe Caribe, in Havana's Cayo Hueso district; Cuban artist Carlos Quintana's mural in a courtyard at the hotel. When Tribe Caribe opened its doors in the Cayo Hueso district of central Havana last winter, it celebrated not with a formal inauguration or bottles of Champagne but with a block party. All evening, neighborhood kids lined up outside the boutique hotel to get their faces painted, while bands, DJs, and dance troupes drew a crowd of hundreds. Cayo Hueso residents wandered through the 11-room hotels ground-floor gallery, the Black Box, where an exhibition by Cuban artist Juan Carlos Alom included videos of local streetscapes as well as photographs of the buildings restoration. People had been wondering what was going on in here, and when they saw these images of their own neighborhood and of themselves people cried, said Andres Levin, the musician and record producer who founded Tribe Caribe with his business partner, Chris Cornell. There are just so many stories to tell about this place. Nestor Kim/Courtesy of Tribe Caribe From left: The 1930 building that is home to Tribe Caribe; a view of Cayo Hueso from a third-floor suite. Before it became a luxury hotel, the 1930 building had fallen on hard times. Salty air blowing off the Caribbean Sea, just a few blocks away, had rusted its iron balconies, and the interior had been subdivided into eight apartments. The architect behind the restoration, Orlando Inclan, said the building was just a few years away from total collapse. With its facade restored, but its 100-year patina left intact, Tribe Caribe does more than connect guests to Cayo Hueso and greater Havana; it serves as a creative hub with music and community at its core. The economic devastation of the pandemic set off widespread protests in 2021 and sparked the largest exodus of Cubans since the 1959 revolution. As the artist Jose Manuel Mesias told me one evening at Tribe Caribes rooftop bar and restaurant, It feels like half the country has left. Levin later told me that the quartet playing in the bar, which was made up of some of the citys most accomplished jazz musicians, often plays under the name Los Que Quedan (Those Who Remain). For at least the past century, working-class Cayo Hueso has played a central role in Havanas musical history. Levin told me that it was in Parque Trillo, a block from Tribes front door, that the legendary vocalist Benny More first sang with the percussionist Chano Pozo the man who introduced the sounds of rumba to the lexicon of American jazz in the 1940s. In 1970, the neighborhood luminary Juan Formell founded the band Los Van Van, which was central to the development of Cuban popular music. When Tribe brought the present-day iteration of Los Van Van to play a free concert in Parque Trillo as part of Havanas Jazz Fest in January, some 2,000 people showed up; many had never had a chance to see the band live. Nestor Kim/Courtesy of Tribe Caribe A spread of Spanish tortilla, tacos, salad, and fruit at Manteca, the hotel's restaurant. By the time Levin first visited Cuba in 1998 (now based in Havana, he lived, at the time, in New York City), Cayo Huesos glory days were in the past just one of countless victims of Cubas economic tailspin of the 1990s. The 2010s saw a brief reprieve when domestic reform allowed small businesses to function more easily and, later, when President Obama loosened travel restrictions for Americans. But after Donald Trump entered office, he limited the amount of money U.S.-based Cubans could send home an essential economic lifeline. He also scared off potential travelers by banning U.S. cruise ships and discontinuing the people-to-people travel license many Americans had used to visit the island. The artists and musicians who remain are Tribe Caribes lifeblood, just as they are Havanas. The young, enthusiastic staff, most of whom are new to hospitality, nearly all hail from Cayo Hueso or nearby districts and approach the project with an infectious warmth and spontaneity. The restoration, too, relied on local talent from the Havana-based Inclan, the lead architect, to the metalworkers who remade the buildings balconies and the carpenters who restored the Art Deco and colonial-style furniture that Cornell had spent years collecting from local antiquarians. Rather than leaving the building as an homage to the past, Levin and Cornell brought in Sachie Hernandez, curator for the independent Havana art collective La Sindical, to turn Tribe Caribes public spaces and guest rooms into galleries. Sensuous landscapes by Maikel Sotomayor and explosive neo-Expressionist paintings by Angel Ricardo Rios share space with photographs by Michel Pou Diaz and Alejandro Gonzalez works that address issues like queerness and migration with touching, and sometimes surprising, specificity. Nestor Kim/Courtesy of Tribe Caribe Commissioned artworks on display in a junior suite. Tribe Caribes commitment to the citys creativity extends well beyond the its doors. In the course of a few days, the hotel arranged for me to visit a workshop for dance troupes in a former mirror factory, and I spent hours at artists studios, talking candidly about Havanas history and the joys and difficulties of working there. I spent one evening at an intimate outdoor concert and another learning about rumba from one of Cayo Huesos most illustrious musical families. One boiling afternoon, I waded into the cyan Caribbean Sea at Tribes 1950s beach house, a 25-minute drive away on the coast. I returned to the city for dinner at Grados, where chef Raulito Bazuk, working from the kitchen of his childhood home, prepared a relaxed tasting menu using the limited ingredients available on the island: locavorism refracted through a political lens. I want people to enjoy themselves, but I dont want to create an oasis or a bubble, he told me before I sat down to eat. I want to open the door to a conversation. For all its aesthetic appeal, Tribe Caribe is, at its core, about facilitating these sometimes challenging, often joyful, always illuminating experiences in a city that is all too easily and all too often reduced to a romantic stage set. More than its crumbling mansions and fortifications, Havana is, like cities everywhere, a product of its people, the ones who remain, the ones who have gone, and the ones who may yet return. Nestor Kim/Courtesy of Tribe Caribe Vintage furnishings in a guest room at Tribe Caribe hotel. How to Visit Cuba In August 2016, JetBlue flew from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Santa Clara, Cuba the first commercial passenger flight between the two countries in more than half a century. Since then, the U.S. governments stance on travel to Cuba has, at least rhetorically, tended to fluctuate, but those flights have never stopped. The big misconception is that President Trump made travel to Cuba illegal, which he didnt, says Molly Layman of the Miami-based travel agency Cuba Candela. We always emphasize that travel is easy and safe. Currently there are 10 daily flights to Cuba from Miami, as well as daily flights from Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Newark, and Tampa. When purchasing flights online, youll be asked to select your reason for travel. President Biden reinstated the people-to-people travel license in 2022; this is the category most often used by tour groups. Selecting Support for the Cuban People allows for virtually unrestricted individual travel. Visas are available for purchase at any airport that offers direct flights to Cuba, usually at check-in, but tour agencies like Cuba Candela (as well as Tribe Caribes in-house travel coordinators) can arrange for visas to be sent by mail ahead of time. Customs officers in the U.S. might, though probably wont, ask to see an itinerary for your visit, and carrying a hard copy is advisable. But practically any activity that engages with local businesses eating at a private restaurant, visiting artists studios, attending a concert (in a non-state-run venue, of course) counts. The use of American credit and debit cards remains restricted, but many businesses accept U.S. dollars. Layman suggests arriving with about $100 per day in cash. If you want Cuban pesos on hand, its best to change dollars at your hotel rather than at the airport. Leave generous tips where you can, and avoid haggling. The Cuban economy remains fragile in no small part because of the ongoing U.S. trade embargo and visitors are, for many families, a lifeline. A version of this story first appeared in the November 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "Heart of Havana." For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Budget airline Play Airlines is offering travelers an irresistible deal to ring in the New Year, but only for a very limited time. Play is offering half-priced flights to Europe from several major U.S. hubs if you book through Saturday, December 30, with deals starting at just $293. The Points Guy reported the deal. The Icelandic carrier is offering trips from Boston, Washington, and New York to Reykjavik, London, Dublin, Paris, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Currently, the dates on offer range from January through May and September through October of 2024. Itineraries can be booked directly with Play Airlines, and must be complete by 11:59 pm on December 30. All Play flights leaving the U.S. will be routed through Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. Prices vary based on the route, and Play doesnt guarantee they wont fluctuate. At the time of publication, the airline was offering flights from Boston to Reykjavik starting at $180, and New York to Paris starting at $344. All of the deals are advertised with Plays basic fare, which only allows you one small personal item that fits beneath the seat in front of you. A full-sized carry-on will cost you an additional $43, while a checked bag runs $51. For an additional fee, you can upgrade to the value fare, which allows travelers a checked bag and a carry-on in addition to their personal item. It also guarantees priority boarding and allows advance seat selection for all seats in the middle or back of the plane. Flex, the top-tier ticket, allows you a slightly heavier checked bag and seat selection anywhere in the plane, excluding extra-large seats. You can check out Plays full list of baggage and cancellation fees here. Play Airlines is an off-shoot of the defunct Wow Air, which similarly offered discounted flights from America to Europe through Iceland. Wow operated from 2012 until 2019, the same year executives announced Play, then known as WAB (We Are Back) Airlines. Service began between Iceland to Europe in 2021, with American destinations added in 2022. You can book your Play Airlines itinerary here. When my grandparents bought their home, they didn't know it would become a safe space for all of us to heal from the systemic difficulties we faced outside. Bruce and Rebecca Meissner/Stocksy Ten minutes away from the beach, theres a dirt road leading to my grandparents home. Its a sacred place rich with five generations worth of memories in the soil and foundation. My grandparents labored to maintain this refuge no one could see from the road. Through the years, its become the place family goes to for seclusion and healingour gathering place to tackle overwhelming situations. Their doors open like arms, welcoming all who comewhether to visit, live or simply rest. Growing up, my grandparents home was the hotspot for relatives coming into town. Air travel wasnt as frequent during this time and most of them drove down from the north. It made sense economically to bunk with my grandparents because they had the biggest house in the family. Unfortunately, half of these stays coincided with funerals. But Grandma had a way of making even those mournful times feel like a vacation. Feasting on the meals she cooked had a way of restoring strength after being worn. Visitors had the assurance of privacy and being undisturbed since the main bedroom is on the other end of the house. Soaking in the sun was encouragedsomething grandma recommended on instinct but is now supported by research to improve mood. Grieving felt easier to bear in the stillness of their home and tranquil surroundings. At one point, my great-grandmother temporarily moved in with my grandparents. The passing of her husband left her emotionally taxedit hurt to be home alone. There were unreconciled wounds and she needed comfort. According to Debra Umberson, bereavement and loss of relationships have long-term adverse effects on individuals, and Black Americans are disproportionately exposed to loss. Physical, mental, and emotional health complications are common. My great-grandmother wasnt a stranger to death but unresolved traumas along with this event pushed her to a state of helplessness. A long time passed before she gradually began functioning independently. The remoteness of my grandparents home allowed her to be cared for without unexpected visitorswho while well-intentioned may have stifled her processing naturally. Our cultural history and collective grief as Black Americans means its essential to have a support system when processing loss and loss isnt relegated to only death. Due to socioeconomic inequities from racism, Black households are less likely to own their homes in the USmeaning fewer opportunities for families to assist each other during a crisis. The stress of financial difficulty and extenuating circumstances are connected to some mental illnesses and disorders such as anxiety and PTSD. When my husband and I lost our home in 2017, we sojourned to my grandparents' home from Virginia. Id separated from the Air Force and the plans we made crumbled like paper mache in the rain. Our life flop caught my grandparents at the inopportune time of renovating. Still, they received us without hesitation. Grandma fried fish and put on a pot of grits one of the mornings we were still settling in. Her words over breakfast were gentle and soothing. We sat in the breakfast nook eating a hardy meal, laughing through the pain of perceived failure. The sunlight flowed through the windows from the back porch like baptismal water. It washed over us, filling us with hope. We were given space to breathe and create a new plan with clear and measurable goals. A place to lay our heads without fear made it possible to quickly recoup from what life threw at us. My husband and I found renewed direction in the quiet, apart from the noise of disappointment. Though aging, my grandparents are to this day still opening up their home. My mom and sister were recovering from COVID not long ago and spent time recuperating there. My grandma cooked and prayedeffortlessly checking in on both of them and still going about her day. Not having the usual tasks of things to accomplish allowed my mom and sister the ability to listen to their bodies. Nourishing meals and peaceful spaces accelerate the body's natural ability to work against infection. The time spent there was so entrancing they hardly wanted to leave. Relentlessly trudging through difficult times without taking a step back leads to brokenness. Stepping backstepping away to recenter, refocus, and rehabilitate could be the difference between falling apart or shooting forward to the direction and path meant for us. Having homes or places we can retreat to is vital to resilience. Healing is a process requiring intentionality, with strategy individualized as uniquely as our DNAand for our family, its in the warmth of a home away from it all. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents. Ten years ago, interior designer Anja Michals was driving around Mill Valley, California, when she spotted a house being built. It was located in the idyllic Sycamore Park neighborhood, where she was hoping to move with her husband and two young sons, so she called the architect, Kelly Haegglund, to learn more. The minute she started describing the home, I was like, This is so meant to be, Anja remembers. She told me it was going to be this modern farmhouse with light floors, and it really spoke to me because Im Swedish, so I love this clean, Scandinavian feel. Anja was just starting her own interior design firm at the time, so the property became her first real project. She didnt need to change much in the way of finishes, since her aesthetic was so aligned with Kellys, but she was able to add layers of coziness and personality to the crisp white walls, paneled ceilings, and white oak floors. The space quickly transformed into a lived-in family home. But interior designers are famous for designing, so of course Anja has made a handful of updates to her house throughout the past decade. She swapped out the limestone fireplace for a plaster version, replaced the subway tile and white marble in the kitchen with a dramatic Calacatta Viola, and outfitted the white Shaker-style cabinets with brass Rocky Mountain Hardware pulls and knobs. She also installed metal Forbes & Lomax electric switches and cover plates for a special touch. JESSICA BURKE 2022 JESSICA BURKE 2022 The furnishings and decor have evolved over time too. Anjas current living room setup embodies her California coolmeetsglobal eclectic vibe, with a contemporary Lawson-Fenning Curved Back sofa, a striped John Derian ottoman, an Argentinian handmade wool rug, and a pair of 1940s Swedish chairs that she reupholstered in fluffy shearling. Its a real, true reflection of me, she explains. Nothing too serious, nothing too precious, but what I love is mixing textures in a room. The open shelves, which feature a rich, reclaimed wood backing, are now filled with beloved books, art, and pottery pieces that Anja has accumulated over the years. An aerial seascape by Cornwall-based artist Nina Brooke is displayed near bowls and vases from Oaxaca, Mexico. I consider myself a ceramic collector, if you will, Anja says. The art to the right of the fireplace is Heather Levine, who I love. She does a lot of wall hangings out of ceramic. Anjas dining area combines a long, rustic Nickey Kehoe table with a 1960s brass Danish pendant and a graphic, black-and-ivory Ethan Cook painting. Meanwhile, her kitchen peninsula is equipped with a trio of Lawson-Fenning cantilevered Cruz Barstools for quick, casual meals and the nearby powder room is revamped with a custom stone sink from Turkey. JESSICA BURKE 2022 Now that Anjas sons are nearly teenagers, she knew she needed to curate a relaxed lounging zone. She designed a custom sofa that stretches the length of the wall, so everyone can sit comfortably at once. Its soft cotton linen upholstery encourages a full Netflix binge, while the accompanying plaid Amber Interiors ottoman offers a place to put your feet up. A mauve Armadillo rug completes the inviting look. JESSICA BURKE 2022 The primary bedroom, which is accessed by a sliding barn door, is just as calming. Though Anja employed bold printsa gingham Heather Taylor duvet cover juxtaposes floral Kerry Cassill pillowcasesthe muted tones keep the space mellow. Art by Heather Day and Serena Dugan adorns the walls, lamps by Victoria Morris top the Design Within Reach Raleigh bedside tables, and a Superordinate Antler chandelier by Jason Miller hangs above. Its funny, this ones stayed with us since we moved in, Anja says of the latter. I like it because its just different. JESSICA BURKE 2022 Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest More Great Stories From Clever In 2023, a new comfortable, easy-to-wear shoe made from intriguing sustainable materials hit the market. Juntos which come in slip-on and lace-up styles for men and women feature an alpaca fleece upper, sock liner and insole; coconut insole; banana tree lining and a sugarcane midsole. The Huacaya Alpaca fleece is sustainably sourced from the Mazar Wildlife Reserve in the Ecuadorian highlands, providing a cozy, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating footwear experience, meant to be worn without socks. The sustainable shoes retail for $95 and currently come in three colors per style. More from Footwear News The Juntos slip-on and lace-up shoes. Juntos Juntos, which means together in Spanish, are inspired by the beloved lace-up canvas Ecuadorian street shoe, el zapato de lona, reimagined with sustainable materials found in abundance in Ecuador. Each shoe purchased provides a backpack full of education supplies to a child in need in Ecuador. When Juntos co-founder Mauricio Laniado, who is Ecuadorian, wore his zapato de lonas back home in Miami as a teenager, people noticed. Now hes sharing his version of them with the world, with caring for the planet top of mind. FN caught up with Laniado to learn more about his exciting new shoes and whats in store for them in the new year. One thing weve learned is that in this highly capital-intensive business, were really competing against time, not other brands. With the right resources, persistence, and patience, we can get the foothold we need to be successful, Laniado told us exclusively over email. We have quietly soft-launched with no advertisement dollars invested yet. The focus has been in developing a stellar brand art direction and stellar product. Amongst it all, weve received orders from impact investors, renowned designers to professional futbol players. Some really exciting times are ahead of us as we plan to continue to build up our brand which represents authenticity and culture. A model wears Juntos slip-ons. Juntos As Juntos continues to grow and impact the marketplace, its team is already thinking about how they can create an even more sustainable product; one that can fully biodegrade in nine months if buried in the ground. Our product and its composition are the most important aspect to our brand, and we are working with some really exciting new footwear tech. The idea is to be 100 percent compostable, also known as biodegradable. Weve been researching and working alongside scientists from Bolt Threads, Al Genesis Materials and Recircled for solutions and directions to take through the product life cycle. Juntos leadership strongly believes by 2025, Juntos will have developed a fully composable shoe. A model wears Juntos slip-ons. Juntos Key to Juntos environmentally responsible and comfortable design is alpaca fleece. According to their website, alpacas are low-impact ranch animals their hooveless feet dont harm the arid land they live on, and their grazing method keeps grass roots in place. We are very serious about sourcing sustainable, ethically made materials. One of the most important ones is our alpaca wool, which all comes from one family-owned ranch high in the Andes of Ecuador. Only three percent of the 4,000-acre property is used for alpaca farming, and the rest is a private nature preserve. The owner is now a partner in our company, and the hacienda is open to visitors, so adventurous customers can actually go see exactly where the wool in their shoes comes from. It can seem like a new sneaker brand or competitor product offering pops up nearly every day, but smaller and newer brands, such as Hoka, have made large waves in the crowded sea of kicks. Juntos is hoping to have a big impact on the industry and planet. Juntos lace-ups in electric blue. Juntos The shoe industry is dominated by giant global corporations, and its extremely difficult to understand how it all works, let alone get a foot in the door. There were many moments when barriers to entry were just too high, and we needed more resources to overcome them. Most people would stop when those kinds of obstacles arise, but we saw them as an opportunity to learn and grow, Laniado reflects. Rothys is a great story and example of perseverance and patience. Rothys was founded in 2012, but it took 4 to 5 years for them to become profitable and successful at selling shoes. They also vertically integrated their business early on, and they built strategic partnerships that helped them navigate the space. Juntos also took root in 2012, when Laniado met product designer Andrew Tupper in New York City. We didnt want to make just another shoe. This was 2012, and fast fashion had been accelerating for over a decade already. We werent interested in becoming part of an industry that consumed precious resources, exploited people, and destroyed the planet, Laniado reflects. We wanted to create a brand that would be a force for good in the world; and thats when Juntos was born. Best of Footwear News Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Indonesia has been one of the world's largest coffee-producing countries for centuries. Delicious, full-bodied Indonesian coffee is such a beloved commodity that coffee drinkers in Europe and North America have been referring to coffee as "java" since the 19th century. Java is one of the many Indonesian islands that produces its namesake coffee synonym and has developed many coffee customs of its own. Kopi kothok is one such Indonesian coffee recipe born in the Javan town of Cepu. Kopi kothok is a simple, two-ingredient coffee drink enjoyed in households and shops around Indonesia. It's a blend of coffee grounds or powder and sugar boiled together in water. While espresso machines, percolators, French presses, and all the latest coffee-making technology have streamlined and concentrated coffee's flavor, boiling is the oldest, most basic way to make coffee. It's also a method still widely used in Indonesia. While we might be accustomed to adding sugar to a freshly brewed cup of coffee, kopi kothok infuses the sugar into the brew while simultaneously dissolving it in boiling water for a perfectly blended cup of sweet coffee. Kopi kothok is a fundamental preparation from which many other regional variations have arisen, including coconut and sugar-infused Kopi Lethok and the more elaborate kopi bajigur with cinnamon, ginger, and pandan leaves. Read more: 26 Coffee Hacks You Need To Know For A Better Cup How To Make Kopi Kothok At Home boiling pot of coffee on stove - seeshooteatrepeat/Shutterstock While there's not much technique needed to boil coffee and sugar together, authentic Kopi Kothok tends to use dried coffee powder. Unlike the fairly poor quality instant coffee you might have in mind, Indonesian coffee powder is the dehydrated form of their delicious indigenous arabica brewed coffee. It's also hard to find outside of Indonesia. Consequently, if you'd rather not swap Indonesian instant coffee for a more readily available instant coffee brand, you can use Indonesian arabica coffee grounds, which are easier to find packaged or roasted fresh at grocery stores and coffee shops. Coffee grounds won't dissolve, but they'll taste even richer than instant coffee powder and offer a stronger caffeine kick. Typical Kopi Kothok recipes use a ratio of one part instant coffee to one part sugar per single serving. You can use the same ratio for coffee grounds. If you use grounds instead of instant coffee, you can strain the grounds through a mesh sieve or simply let the grounds settle at the bottom of your mug before taking your first sip. You can add powdered or fresh spices to the boil for more complexity. Another option is to use coconut milk instead of water for the boiling liquid. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Some container shipping giants are arranging returns to the Red Sea after a U.S.-led coalition was established to fight off attacks on vessels passing through the waterway. Three days after A.P. Moller-Maersk asserted that it would prepare to allow vessels to resume transit through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the global logistics company unveiled Wednesday that 59 ships are set to continue their voyage through the Suez Canal. More from Sourcing Journal The schedule remains subject to change based on specific contingency plans that may be formed over the coming days, Maersk said. CMA CGM beat Maersk to the punch, saying Tuesday in its own service update that some vessels already had made their transit through the Red Sea. This decision is based on an in-depth evaluation of the security landscape and our commitment to the security and safety of our seafarers, CMA CGM said in the advisory. We are currently devising plans for the gradual increase in the number of vessels transiting through the Suez Canal. The container shipping company said it is monitoring the situation constantly and is ready to promptly reassess and adjust plans as needed. Earlier this month, ocean carriers including Maersk, CMA CGM, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Hapag-Lloyd initially halted vessel traffic through the Red Sea and its chokepoint, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, amid a string of missile attacks on ships from Yemen-based Houthi militants. According to data from maritime intelligence platform EeSea, 212 vessels have been rerouted around Africa due to concerns of attacks within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. Although the moves from Maersk and CMA CGM represent a sign of confidence in the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG), the multinational naval operation built to counter the Houthi threat and shield commercial traffic from attacks, not all ocean freight competitors are set on bring back Red Sea traffic just yet. Hapag-Lloyd said in a statement that the situation remains too dangerous to cross the Suez Canal, with the company saying it would keep diverting ships around southern Africas Cape of Good Hope. The Germany-based ocean carrier said it was continuously monitoring the developments and will regularly reassess the situation, assuring that it would resume services through the Suez Canal when it is deemed safe for our vessels, crews and your cargo on board. MSC confirmed Tuesday that one of its container ships, the MSC United VIII, was attacked while transiting the southern Red Sea en route from King Abdullah Port, Saudi Arabia to Karachi, Pakistan. The vessel informed a nearby coalition task force warship of the attack and engaged in evasive maneuvers as instructed. The Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack. All crew members safe and no injuries have been reported, with the company saying a thorough assessment of the vessel is being conducted. The decisions from Maersk and CMA CGM would be a sigh of relief for shippers, particularly those in Europe, that are relying on goods to be transported via the Suez Canal. Approximately 20 percent of global container shipments flow through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, making the gateway a vital area for facilitating global trade. The alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope adds roughly 3,500 nautical miles to the journey, adding to concerns of delayed shipping times of two weeks, and an increase in prices to cover the higher transport costs. Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC and Hapag Lloyd have all implemented extra surcharges to cover the costs of the longer routes, with MSC becoming the first carrier to announce a change to the European Unions Emissions Trading System (ETS) surcharge on account of the rerouting around Africa. ETS is the carbon tax on shipping levied by the E.U., with new charges kicking in January 2024. On the Far East to Northern Europe route, fees will jump from $21 per dry 20-foot equivalent container unit (TEU) to $27 per TEU, while the Far East to Mediterranean trade lane will see a steeper increase from $17 per TEU to $40 per TEU. Having continued their descent much of 2023, ocean freight rates have seen an uptick of sorts in the weeks after the Houthi rebels began attacking commercials ships in what they say is a response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. According to Drewrys composite World Container Index (WCI), spot rates increased week-over-week by 9 percent to $1,661 per 40-foot container as of Thursday. Two Asia-to-Europe trade lanes, Shanghai-to-Rotterdam and Shanghai-to-Genoa, saw the highest rate increases across the eight major lanes analyzed by Drewry, at 16 percent and 15 percent, respectively. From Nov. 30, composite prices have increased 30 percent per container across all trade lanes. Myla Dalbesio already knew her way around the set of an SI Swimsuit photoshoot when she traveled to Kangaroo Island, South Australia in 2019. She had made her debut with the brand two years prior and had followed up that first photoshoot with a second in 18. So, its safe to say that year three was a walk in the park for the American model. Though she was used to the team and the experience, it did bring newfound emotions to the surface for the 36-year-old. Never felt better about myself, my mind and my body - this shoot was epic for me personally. Three years in, and I wasnt expecting that I could continue to grow and change and advance, but I did - within myself! she expressed in an Instagram post at the time of the issues release. Thank you to the amazing team that made this possible, to @josie_clough for the BEST. PHOTOS. EVER. And thank you to all the amazing women at @si_swimsuit who love me and support me no matter what. So thrilled to be involved with this ever-evolving, growing, and changing company. Thank you for giving me a reason to prove to myself that I could achieve things I had never even dreamed I could before. YEAR THREE BABY! . The model, photographer and creative director proceeded to pose for the magazine in 2020, making her fourth consecutive appearance in the annual issue. And while each and every photoshoot has been incredible in its own way, there was just something special about that trip Down Under. Here are a few of the lovely photos from the trip. Josie Clough/Sports Illustrate Josie Clough/Sports Illustrate Josie Clough/Sports Illustrate Josie Clough/Sports Illustrate Josie Clough/Sports Illustrate Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube! While Paulina Porizkova first stepped in front of an SI Swimsuit photographers lens in 1983, the Czechoslovakian model has appeared in 10 total magazines with the brand. Her most recent feature took place in 2019, when Porizkova, then 54, returned to the fold after traveling to Kenya with photographer Yu Tsai. Her time on location in the East African country resulted in some stunning imagery, but the opportunity also allowed for Porizkova to reflect upon posing for the magazine in her 50s. I landed my first SI cover 35 years ago, and the trajectory of my career changed overnight, she noted at the time in a self-penned essay. But these days, youll most likely find me behind a desk, or more truthfully, behind the kitchen table, with crap reality TV on in the background as I write. I write fiction and nonfiction, and have been militant about ageism: Im deeply offended on behalf of all of us women who are rendered socially invisible once we look a certain age. Certainly, todays 50 is not yesterdays 50. In addition to her modeling career, the 58-year-old is also a published author. Her book, No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful, was released in November 2022 and details her journey through the industry and life lessons learned along the way in essay format. With only three weeks to prepare, I considered for a moment all the things I could do to make myself look younger, Porizkova added of her 2019 feature. Then I settled for a facial, and the only work I did was working on accepting that I didnt look 25. Or 35. Or 45. In honor of Porizkovas continued work to rebuke ageism, were throwing it back to a few of our favorite bright and beautiful bikini pics from Kenya. Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated 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! Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) Chairperson and Army Commander General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan will meet with the Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo Hemedti," on 28 December in Djibouti, to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan, according to TSC sources. A government delegation has headed to Djibouti to prepare for the meeting, facilitated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The proposed meeting aims to bring an end to the conflict between the two leaders, who have been in a state of war since 15 April. Al-Burhan agreed to the meeting on the condition of a ceasefire and the withdrawal of the RSF from residential areas, following the "Jeddah agreement." His willingness was communicated through the designated Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq, who delivered a written message to the IGAD chairmanship, according to a senior Sudanese source. While Al-Burhan hinted at the possibility of negotiations with the RSF in the past, he emphasized that any peace agreement should not humiliate the people and armed forces. The potential negotiations are expected to focus on specific points, including a ceasefire and the rapid exit of the RSF from civilians residential areas. Amid these diplomatic efforts, the Sudanese army engaged in shelling RSF sites in central Khartoum and neighbouring areas on Tuesday. Witnesses reported heavy artillery exchanges in several areas of Khartoum, along with intermittent clashes between the army and the RSF on the border between the states of Gezira and Sennar in central Sudan. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the feasibility of the proposed meeting, with a senior official from Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggesting that arrangements for the direct encounter are yet to be finalized. However, sources close to the matter indicated that the Djibouti meeting is set to take place on 28 December, attributing the discrepancy to a lack of communication between the IGAD chairman and the Sudanese foreign ministry. International and regional actors, including the United States, have intensified pressure on the warring parties to hold the meeting and initiate a political process to resolve the Sudanese crisis. Search Keywords: Short link: There are many ways to serve hot dogs that are far superior to a simple squirt of ketchup or mustard, like Chicago-style on a poppy seed bun with toppings like a dill pickle and tomato slices or Colmbia's traditional pineapple sauce and crushed potato chips. But if you really like a hot dog piled high with unique and flavorful toppings, it's time for you to try Guatemalan shucos. Guatemalan shucos, or simply shucos, as they're called in Guatemala, are a popular street food that are also served at eateries across the country and around the world at authentic Guatemalan eateries. The hot dog is typically cut in half lengthwise and grilled on the inside to give it a crispy texture and smoky flavor, then cut into smaller pieces before it's assembled. It's then served on a grilled hot dog bun and finished off with toppings like guacamole, peppers, and cabbage slaw plus condiments like mustard, mayo, ketchup, and hot sauce. Read more: Common Mistakes Everyone Makes With Hot Dogs Eating Guatemalan-Style Hot Dogs Guatemalan shucos being prepared - Byron Ortiz/Shutterstock When you find these Guatemalan-style hot dogs, they will traditionally be served how we described, but there are variations out there. Regular beef or pork hot dogs like you're probably used to eating are commonly used, but some variations might use chorizo, salami, or a combination of sausages. Some of these hot dogs might be served with different toppings like jalapeno peppers, pico de gallo, chimichurri, and queso fresco. And you might occasionally find it served on a flour tortilla instead of a hot dog bun. If you find yourself in Guatemala, try the shucos from a street vendor or at eateries like Shucos Ejecutivos El Chino or Shucos Campo Marte. There's also Puchica Guatemalan Bar & Grill, a popular Guatemalan eatery in Sherman Oaks, California, if you find yourself with a craving for an indulgent hot dog in Los Angeles. To make these hot dogs at home, it's best to grill the sausages so you get that smoky flavor and caramelized meat. But if you don't have a grill (or a grill pan), you can still cut them in half and pan-fry the hot dogs in a skillet so the inside is caramelized. For the toppings, check out our original recipe for crave-worthy guacamole and use your go-to recipe for a zesty slaw with thinly sliced cabbage and onion. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Cartagena, Colombia, has something for everyone. Piero Damiani/Getty Images As the boat sped away from Cartagena, I held on a little tighter to the handrails, watching the city line quickly diminish on the horizon. In a matter of minutes, I could only see the Caribbean Sea and lush mangroves lining small undeveloped islands. When I finally got to my destination a private beach in Isla Baru I was in a beachy oasis with no signs of Cartagena de Indias, the bustling city I was actually visiting. Its exactly this juxtaposition that makes this Colombian city named one of the best places to travel in 2024 by Travel + Leisure editors so special. If you want a beach vacation, you can visit white-sand beaches and turquoise waters that the Caribbean is famous for. If you want more culture, then the walled Old City a UNESCO Heritage Site is teeming with history. Elsewhere in Cartagena, towering new buildings spotlight just how much the area has modernized and its potential for growth. (Colombia, as a whole, saw a 222 percent increase in international tourists between 2010 and 2022.) In Cartagena, growth in 2023 included the debut of Casa Pestagua, a historic 17th-century mansion that underwent a $15-million renovation in the Old City. The owners also opened up overnight bungalows at Acasi a private beach in Baru that is a popular day-trip spot. Next year, Disney's Encanto-themed tour of Colombia will include a stop at Cartagena and the city is slated to welcome a Four Seasons hotel. Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure Cartagena has something to offer everyone, Boris Seckovic, a T+L A-List advisor and co-founder of Amakuna, told T+L. There's ample architecture and history, and high-end dining, Cartagena being home to some of Colombias leading chefs. Cartagena is also known for its nightlife, particularly around the holiday season. Back in the Old City, I couldnt get enough of the charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful walls, quaint wooden doors with whimsical doorknockers, and diverse architecture. (According to Seckovic, the city has a mix of classicist, baroque, neoclassical, and republican architecture.) Vendors set up shop on the corners selling the likes of arepas, limonada de coco, and fresh coconuts. Even while aimlessly roaming the area, I stumbled upon street performers, vibrant murals, the iconic "La Gorda Gertrudis" sculpture by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, and countless boutiques. Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure During my recent visit, I went on a walking tour of the city with Galavanta, which offered both fun tidbits of trivia and important historical context about how Cartagena became the city it is today. I learned that the aforementioned whimsical doorknockers that I couldn't stop taking pictures of symbolized the residents profession back in the day. A lion, for example, meant the home belonged to a military family. I also learned that Cartagena was once Spanish Americas largest slave port. David Wheat, an associate professor of history at Michigan State University, told T+L that at least 100,000 were trafficked through the city between 1570 and 1640 from the likes of Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Jose Palacios Preciado, the former director of the Colombian national archives, told The Atlanta Black Star that 1.1 million Africans were trafficked through Cartagena. After learning about the city's history, it became hard not to see Afro-Colombian culture in everything from the music to the art. "The music we listen to is called champeta and it is African beats-based," Alex Rocha, an Afro-Colombian who owns Experience Real Cartagena, told T+L. "We have poets like Candelario Obeso and writers like Manuel Zapata Olivella, the author of 'Chango, el gran Putas.'" Rosie Irene Betancourt/Getty Images I would soon learn that even the eye-catching palenqueras, who sport bright dresses with bowls of tropical fruit on their head, were instrumental in rebelling against slavery. Fernando Rivera, a guide working with Galavanta, told me that many enslaved people ran away to create their own villages that the Spanish government called palenques. "Women were crucial in aiding in the escapes. They knew the enslavers lifestyle and were able to time the best moment for the escapes, Rivera said. Women could also move throughout the city, which made them the perfect messengers and guaranteed the palenques would be safe." These contributions led to the formation of San Basilio de Palenque, which made history in 1713 as the first free town for Africans in the Americas. Today, centuries later, palenqueras sell fruit throughout the Old City. (Though, they likely sell more photo-ops to tourists than actual fruit a clever pivot amid the citys growing tourism scene.) Both Rocha and Rivera noted there are plenty of sites and landmarks to experience and honor Cartagena's Afro-Colombian culture, including Plaza de San Pedro Claver, San Basilio de Palenque, La Ruta del Esclavo, Monumento a la Palenquera, Mercado de Bazurto, Plaza Joe Arroyo, and Plaza Benkos Bioho. atosan/Getty Images Even Cartagena's food scene carries strong past influences. "Our African ancestors left the legacy of the various foods such as coconut rice; patacones (fried plantains); and different types of fruit-based sweets like dulce de papaya, dulce de coco, dulce de yuca," Rocha said. "There's also sancocho, which is a stew cooked in a pot with vegetables plantains, potatoes, corn, yuca, and fish or beef." (Pro-tip: Roche recommended dining at La Cocina de Socorro, La Picua, Kiosko El Bony, and La Mulata to explore Afro-Colombian cuisine.) Don't miss popular mainstay restaurants like Celele, Alma, La Cevicheria, Carmen, and Donjuan Cartagena. In 2023, chef Heberto Eljach, the brains behind Alma, debuted Anima in Casa Pestagua, focusing on the ancestral traditions of Colombian cuisine. Anima's relationship with Colombian cuisine is focused on ancient techniques of traditional cooking this includes preservation methods (cured, salted, fermented, canned, smoked, pickled), the use of local products, artisanal fishing, organic products from the Montes de Maria, Amazon, and other regions of Colombia," Eljach told T+L. F.J. Jimenez/Getty Images And, of course, no culinary tour of Colombia is complete without a coffee experience. After all, Colombia is the leading producer of wash Arabica coffee. My first visit to Cartagena entailed daily visits to Epoca Coffee, coupled with a desperate impulse purchase of coffee beans so I could attempt to replicate this tradition back home. But during my second trip, I joined a coffee experience at Cafe San Alberto. Here, I learned about Colombia's coffee scene and explored the flavor notes of different beans I left with a greater appreciation of all the elements at play in making a batch of coffee beans. At the end of my recent visit, I couldn't help but compare my two visits to Cartagena. So much had changed in the four years between my trips and yet, there was still a rich culture that permeated throughout the city. I found that I was able to relive what I loved from my first visit while also dabbling in new experiences and, ultimately, I was able to curate a trip that had a little bit of everything. Beaches We Love: T+Ls Top Coastal Escapes demo_tandl oAqRWo For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Yesterday, Sun Valley Resort, Idaho, announced plans to begin constructing a replacement for its Seattle Ridge Chairlift in the spring of 2024. The Seattle Ridge Chairlift is a four-person detachable quad that has serviced a variety of terrain offerings below the Seattle Ridge Day Lodge since 1996. Its planned replacementalso named Seattle Ridgewill be a six-person detachable lift that increases uphill capacity by 20%. "Over the last five years, we've been able to increase the skiable terrain serviced by Seattle Ridge chair by over 200 acres, and we believe the chairlift upgrade is coming at the perfect time as we continue our investment in the mountain experience at Sun Valley." In 2021, Sun Valley officially opened the Sunrise Area, a backcountry-lite glade zone accessed by the Seattle Ridge lift. According to a press release issued by the resort, this area was developed "in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, US Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management, Sun Valley Resort," involving the removal of "113 acres of trees gladed from the Sunrise region, since 2019, to improve forest health, reduce fuels and associated fire risk, and preserve recreational experience on and around Bald Mountain." Pending Forest Service approval, the Seattle Ridge replacement project will begin in April 2024, with an expected opening day in December 2024. This season, Sun Valley plans to open the current iteration of Seattle Ridge tomorrow, December 28th. A project approval request on the Forest Service's website for Seattle Ridge also notes plans to replace Sun Valley's Christmas Lift, but at the time of writing this, the resort hasn't publicly acknowledged a Christmas Lift replacement project. The announcement of the Seattle Ridge project comes after the construction of lift infrastructure improvements in the Warm Springs base area. Over the summer, Sun Valley replaced the Flying Squirrel and Challenger lifts with updated models and removed the Greyhawk lift. These new lifts opened on December 15th, 2023, marking the completion of the Warm Springs base area facelift. With Seattle Ridge in its sightsand perhaps the Christmas LiftSun Valley aims to keep the momentum going. Related: Five Year Old Launches Off Ski Jump After His Brother Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos. Only a handful of Ukrainian passenger airlines are still flying despite the Russian invasion. The planes are not flying in Ukraine but mostly operate under charter or leasing contracts abroad. Budget carrier SkyUp is now Ukraine's largest airline as the nation's flag carrier faces bankruptcy. Passenger flights were effectively halted when Ukraine fell under martial law, as much of the country became an active warzone after Russia invaded in February 2022. This left Ukrainian airlines scrambling as they canceled flights and quickly moved their planes into storage. Some aircraft got stuck in Ukraine, but dozens of others were scattered around places like Romania, France, Estonia, and Spain. Many of these jets were evacuated ahead of time at the direction of aircraft insurers who did not want their planes still in Ukraine given warnings of the potential invasion, the aviation media company Key Aero reported. Although many of these planes remain grounded or have been reclaimed by their lessor, there are still 18 Ukrainian-registered jets in service, according to Cirium data collected on November 29 and shared with Business Insider. A handful of Ukrainian carriers represent these aircraft, including SkyUp Airlines, Windrose Airlines, and Skyline Express Airlines the latter previously known as Azur Air Ukraine but rebranded this year. Skyline's previous Azur name was affiliated with the Russian carrier Azur Air, and it wanted to avoid association. Nimdamer/iStock SkyUp has been the most vocal about its operations. In September 2022, the privately owned budget airline published a round-up of its missions over the first six months of the war, including signing leasing and charter contracts and operating humanitarian flights. "When the war started, it was absolutely necessary for us to set up these humanitarian flights, despite any possible risks," SkyUp CEO Dmytro Seroukhov told Business Insider in an interview on Friday. "We flew more than 20 flights in March and April." The company has 10 planes in operation, including one jet that got left behind when the war broke out and had to be rescued from Ukraine in April 2023. Seroukhov told BI this was a significant task that took about 1,000 people to organize. Since February 2022, SkyUp has flown thousands of flights and carried millions of people on behalf of close to 20 airlines, Seroukhov said. These include Air Albania, Air Moldova, Corendon Dutch Airlines, Hungary's Wizz Air, and Tunisia's national airline Tunisair, among others. SkyUp is famous for letting its female cabin crew wear sneakers and pants instead of heels and pencil skirts. Reuters More recently, the carrier received permission to operate some of its Boeing 737 planes in the US and Canada as it hopes to enter the lucrative North American aircraft leasing market. "We are in negotiations with several possible partners," Seroukhov told BI. SkyUp has also set up a Malta subsidiary, known as SkyUp Malta, and has received its air operator certificate to officially become an EU airline. Seroukhov told BI that the Malta-based arm will have three operations: leasing, charters, and scheduled flights. The company is already using two of its 10 Boeing 737 planes for SkyUp Malta, with plans to add passenger flights in 2024. "All of these three different parties need to be connected in the same base where the aircraft are located, allowing us to shift to high utilization per aircraft and higher revenue for SkyUp," he said, noting the planes will fly to leisure destinations. While SkyUp quickly adapted its operation for wartime, charter airlines Windrose and Skyline have only resumed flights as of 2023. According to the Ukrainian media outlet Avianews, Windrose has two Boeing 737s and one Embraer E190 in service. The E190 has been leased out to Air Montenegro, while the two 737s are being operated by Windrose, the Cirium data sent to BI shows. Planespotters data shows the pictured Windrose ATR 72, registered UR-RWC, is currently parked at Dnipro International Airport in Ukraine. Francois LOCHON Regarding Skyline, only two Boeing 757s in its fleet of 10 aircraft are in service, according to Cirium. Avianews reported these aircraft were received in 2023 and are flying on behalf of tour operators. Skyline's website lists destinations like Burgas, Bulgaria, and Heraklion, Greece. Another small Ukrainian airline called YanAir also has a Boeing 737 plane flying, but it was leased out to Mali's Sky Mail in May 2021 before the war started. And charter carrier Air Urga has operated four turboprop planes for the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service since 2019. Ukraine's flag carrier is not on the list A Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 777 over New York's JFK airport in November 2018. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images The list of airlines still flying does not include Ukraine's national carrier, Ukraine International Airlines, which was also the nation's largest pre-war. Despite flying on behalf of foreign airlines like airBaltic in 2022, UIA has not flown for over a year due to non-payments for things like maintenance and fuel, Forbes Ukraine reported. Shortly after ceasing flights last fall, some UIA aircraft were de-registered and sent to new homes, including the three that Windrose is currently flying, according to data from Planespotters. And UIA is now facing a lawsuit from the Ukrainian state-owned bank, Ukreximbank, asking it to declare bankruptcy, per Forbes, noting the airline has total debts of more than $500 million. "They no longer have assets in civilized countries to guarantee payment," a former UIA employee who worked in the company's top management told Forbes in October. "UIA as such is an office, that's all." The airline's assets including its logo and subsidiaries have been sold, too, Avianews reported in October. With UIA's collapse, SkyUp is now Ukraine's biggest airline. Ukraine is evaluating the resumption of civil flight operations Ukrainian military men at Kyiv airport in 2022. Sergei Supinky/AFP via Getty Images Although passenger flights are still currently suspended amid the ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine has actively discussed how and when to resume civilian operations. In July, European low-cost giant Ryanair announced a $3 billion plan to return to Ukraine soon after the war ends as a way to help rebuild the battered country. The news came after meetings in Kyiv with Ukraine's government and airport leaders. "The fastest way to rebuild and restore the Ukrainian economy will be with low-fare air travel," Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said, noting the airline plans to base 30 new MAX planes in Ukraine's three main airports in Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa. During a recent trip to the US, the head of the president's office, Andrii Yermak, suggested Ukraine could open one of its airports for civilian use before the war ends, the BBC reported. "Strengthening air defense will be the key to recovery," he said at a press conference at the Hudson Institute in Washington DC on November 13. "To restore Ukraine, a reliable umbrella is needed." "In particular, its strengthening will allow us to reopen one of Ukraine's airports," Yermak continued. "We are already working on it with our partners. This is a sign that a turning point in the war is approaching. The next year will be decisive in this regard." The Ukrainian Air Force has expressed concerns about a pre-mature resumption of civil flights, though. A spokesperson told the Kyiv Post in July that the idea poses "significant risks," noting there are uncertainties surrounding insurance for planes and passengers. "Currently, all Ukrainian airfields, which serve various purposes, are operational," he said. "However, in a war-torn country like ours, missiles and enemy drones can appear anywhere at any time." Read the original article on Business Insider In late August, amid a rising outcry over revelations that Supreme Court 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. Meehan attached a letter in support of Thomas. Minutes later came a reply. I just had to jump up right away and say bravo for this, wrote Steven 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 popular Fox News host Laura Ingraham. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times In turn, the justices wife, 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!!! In the 32 years since Clarence Thomas came through the fire of his confirmation hearings and onto the Supreme Court, he has assembled an army of influential acolytes unlike any other a network of like-minded former clerks who have not only rallied to his defense but carried his idiosyncratic brand of conservative legal thinking out into the nations law schools, top law firms, the judiciary and the highest reaches of government. The former clerks public defense of Thomas was unparalleled in the history of the court, said Todd Peppers, a professor of public affairs at Roanoke College and the author of Courtiers of the Marble Palace: The Rise and Influence of the Supreme Court Law Clerk. Its frankly astonishing. For Thomas, the letter came at a time of both trial and triumph. He had become the face of long-simmering questions about the high courts ethical guidelines. But he was also at the height of his influence. The courts senior justice, he had spent years on the losing side of cases, writing minority opinions grounded in his strict originalist interpretations of the Constitution. Now that former President Donald Trump had given the court a conservative supermajority, Thomas was a guiding voice for a new judicial mainstream. He was playing a long game, and his former clerks were among its most important players. The Thomases did not respond to requests for comment, but in a 2008 interview, the justice said, I tell my law clerks that were not writing current events were writing for a much longer period, adding that his opinions were based on principles that are locked down and that will be here when the tides turn in 50 years. Now, the tides have turned, and at least 18 of those former clerks have served as state, federal or military judges, nearly three-fourths of them appointed by Trump to federal courts, where they have ruled on issues such as voting rights and access to the abortion pill. Roughly 10 others served in Trumps administration; nearly a dozen made his Supreme Court shortlists. Former Thomas clerks have argued, and won, several of the most momentous Supreme Court cases of recent years. The network also includes a number of adopted clerks who never worked for Thomas but are invited to events and receive clerk communications. Among them are high-profile conservatives such as Leonard Leo, the judicial kingmaker of the Federalist Society; Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah; and Alex Azar, a Trump Cabinet secretary. Supreme Court clerks are, by definition, the sort of ambitious lawyers likely to wield significant influence in their post-clerk lives. What makes Thomas clerks so remarkable, in large part, is their success as loyal standard-bearers of his singular ideology. Indeed, an examination of what the justice and his wife call Thomas Clerk World based on interviews with people in and around it and a review of private emails and the Thomases public statements shows how meticulously the couple have cultivated the clerk network over the decades. It is common for justices to maintain close ties with their clerks, but Stephen McAllister, a former clerk who served as the United States attorney for Kansas during the Trump administration, said Thomas was quite extraordinary in terms of keeping in touch with his clerks, helping clerks and having everyone be in touch with each other. The Thomases have tended to their network through monthly lunches at Mortons The Steakhouse or the Capital Grille in Washington, open to any alumni who happen to be in town. They have hosted clerks and their families at ski resorts and summer retreats, complete with inside jokes stenciled on T-shirts and swag bags with Thomas-themed challenge coins, stress balls and playing cards. The justice has encouraged camaraderie through group screenings of the film version of Ayn Rands manifesto of individualism, The Fountainhead, and pilgrimages to the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg. At the heart of the organizing is Virginia Thomas jokingly designated law clerk emeritus who manages the networks discourse as a sort of den mother. Hers has been a particularly active role for a Supreme Court spouse overseeing production of a directory with a page for each clerk, as well as the email Listserv and a private Facebook group. All of it, she has said, is meant to build connective tissue across and throughout this amazing community of leaders. Virginia Thomas, whose right-wing political activism has included involvement in efforts to overturn Trumps 2020 election defeat, has insisted that she and her husband operate in separate lanes. But some of her interactions with the clerk network show the degree to which theirs is, in fact, a shared ideological project. She cheered when Trump appointed members of the Thomas clerk roster as judges: Thank God, she told an interviewer, rattling off other appointments. He used to tell them, Youre going to be future leaders, its coming your way, youre going to be next. And now they are. Last year, she encouraged clerks to start an email thread in which participants shared articles celebrating the courts decision overturning the constitutional right to abortion. The network has found its own ways to celebrate Thomas and his legacy. In 1998, one of the justices clerks hunted down and presented him with a memento from one of his first Supreme Court opinions: a mounted taxidermy lobster. When Thomas speaks of his clerks, he tends to refer to them as his kids. As he put it in a talk a decade ago at Harvard Law School, I really love my clerks. Trying to Train a Pig For many years, Supreme Court clerkships were considered largely nonpartisan. Accomplishment top grades, law review membership, recommendations rather than ideology was the currency required to win one of the coveted jobs. Aspirants usually worked first for a feeder judge, one of a small group of prominent federal judges with close ties to the justices and track records of sending clerks to the high court. The justices did not uniformly select from Democratic- or Republican-appointed appeals court judges, and prospective clerks were expected to apply to all nine of them. As the country has become more polarized, so, too, have the clerkship ranks. The current justices have overwhelmingly hired clerks from judges appointed by a president of the same party as the one who appointed them. Thomas has fully embraced the trend. In 2010, The New York Times noted that all 84 of his clerks had trained with Republican-appointed appeals judges, and that pattern has largely continued in recent years. Im not going to hire clerks who have profound disagreements with me thats a waste of my time, Thomas said during an interview in Dallas in 1999. And someone said thats like trying to train a pig. It wastes your time and aggravates the pig. Thomas, like his peers, typically hires four clerks per term, a process he has likened to selecting mates for a foxhole. He has often said he seeks clerks from modest backgrounds that mirror his own who havent had the skids greased for them, arent jerks and show they have the horsepower to work long hours. Although many of his clerks come from elite law schools such as Harvard University, the University of Chicago and Yale University, he is known for making a point of venturing beyond this pool. He has hired from George Mason University in Virginia and the University of Kansas, both public schools, and church-affiliated schools such as Creighton University in Nebraska, where his wife studied law. He has spoken of four locker-room-style hooks on a door in his chambers with a sign reading, Hang egos here. Justice Lewis Powell Jr., who died in 1998, famously said the court operated like nine separate law firms, each its own small world with the justice at the center. Thomas eagerly debates cases with his clerks. His clerks help review the thousands of petitions filed each year, summarizing the requests and making recommendations to grant or deny them, and they work with the justice on pending cases. For Supreme Court clerks, the relationships formed with justices are often described as familial, a club membership that lasts a lifetime. The Thomas clerk network began to take shape early in the justices tenure on the court. Virginia Thomas used her grassroots-organizing skills to set up a newsletter and small discussion group for clerk spouses. The email Listserv emerged out of heartbreak. In 2010, Greg Coleman, a former clerk who had served as solicitor general of Texas, was killed in a plane crash. Virginia Thomas and Colemans widow, Stephanie, created the Thomas Clerk World Listserv so clerks could support one another. At the Supreme Court, Virginia Thomas has hosted womens events and included past female clerks on the guest list. In 2013, she invited several to a luncheon about parenting challenges, headlined by a polarizing speaker: Gayle Trotter, a self-described liberty-loving and tyranny-hating conservative lawyer who had just gained notoriety for her congressional testimony that guns make women safer. Congratulations for being on the IN list! Virginia Thomas wrote in an email. The couples view of the clerks as family is on display in their glossy, photo-filled Christmas letters. The 2006 edition mentioned two gatherings of clerks, one of which celebrated Thomas first 15 years on the court. We LOVE this extended family, the Thomases wrote. The 2015 letter showed the justice in a leprechaun hat at a Dallas gathering with his frequent benefactor, billionaire conservative donor Harlan Crow, who had hosted Clarences clerks for meetings, study and fun. Later that year, dozens of former clerks and their families traveled to Park City, Utah, for one of the networks retreats multiday affairs that can include continuing-education courses taught by former clerks, sometimes with appearances by the justice. As Thomas reached his 30th anniversary on the court in 2021, the Thomases hosted a clerk retreat at the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia. For one event, the clerks surprised the Thomases with a banner that read Liberty and Justice (Thomas) for All. So many people came to the retreat that a group photo was shot from a drone. Seeding the Field As a microcosm of the radiating power of the clerk network, consider the career of William Consovoy. While studying law at George Mason in the early 2000s, Consovoy became enamored of Thomas originalist judicial thinking a method of interpreting the Constitution that says judges must apply the Founding Fathers understanding of the text. After clerking for the justice in 2008, Consovoy carried that philosophy into battle on some of the signature legal questions of the day. The law firm he helped build before his death last winter, Consovoy McCarthy, has become a boutique go-to litigator for the right. In 2013, Consovoy was a key member of the team that successfully challenged a central provision of the Voting Rights Act, a law from the civil rights era aimed at insulating Black Americans from attempts to dilute their voting power. The 5-4 ruling in the case, Shelby County v. Holder with Thomas in the majority largely gutted the legislation, clearing the way for nine states, mainly in the South, to change election laws without federal clearance. Shock waves from the case are still being felt, including in recent fights over voting maps in Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana. And last month, another Thomas clerk, David Stras, a Trump appointee to the appeals court in Minneapolis, wrote an opinion that could further weaken the Voting Rights Act. The ruling is almost certain to be appealed to the Supreme Court. Consovoys work also built on Thomas harsh critique of affirmative action that such programs stigmatized Black people while providing cover to failures to address the true needs of disadvantaged Americans and discriminated against other applicants. Consovoy worked on a case challenging race in college admissions, Fisher v. University of Texas, which began in 2008 and twice came before the Supreme Court. The case didnt succeed in ending affirmative action, but Consovoy would join conservative groups in mounting another attack, steering two challenges at Harvard and at the University of North Carolina to the Supreme Court. With Consovoy battling cancer, two of his law-firm colleagues argued the cases, both former Thomas clerks. Last June, the court struck down race-based admissions policies, with Thomas in the majority. At Consovoy McCarthy, five partners are Thomas clerks. Overall, more than one-third of the justices clerks have become law partners, many helping lead influential firms such as Jones Day, Kirkland & Ellis and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Although many Thomas clerks have gone on to teach, there are clusters at two schools that are centers of conservative legal scholarship: George Masons Scalia Law School and Notre Dame. Thomas, who has co-taught with several former clerks, has been a visiting professor at both schools. He has filled the judiciary with his disciples, in far greater numbers than Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, recent justices with a similar length of service. After clerking for Thomas, teaching at Scalia Law and serving in the Trump administration, Neomi Rao was appointed to the federal appeals court in Washington, considered a Supreme Court feeder. In 2019, she cast the lone dissenting vote on a three-judge panel that allowed congressional investigators to seek Trumps financial records. In the New Orleans-based 5th Circuit, James Ho is one of the three judges who upheld part of a Texas decision to limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone. This month, the Supreme Court announced that it would hear the challenge to federal approval of the drug. That case follows on the heels of the courts striking down Roe v. Wade in a case argued successfully by Mississippi Solicitor General Scott Stewart, a 2015 Thomas clerk. When the Trump administration needed conservatives to fill key positions, it pulled from the Thomas network. Although they were hardly the only former Supreme Court clerks to sign on, the ideology nurtured by Thomas proved a fit with the administrations focus on executive power, skepticism of welfare and social benefits and pushback at gun regulation. A second Trump administration would probably again draw on the Thomas clerk roster. Three Thomas clerks Patrick Philbin, John Eisenberg and Kate Todd became deputy White House counsels. Two more Heath Tarbert and Sigal Mandelker held high posts in the Treasury. Steven Bradbury had several jobs in the Transportation Department, including, briefly, acting secretary. Jeffrey Wall, a 2004 clerk and star Supreme Court litigator while in private practice, served as principal deputy solicitor general and then acting solicitor general in the Trump administration, where he argued on behalf of Trumps travel ban and his plan to include immigration status on the 2020 census. In October, back in private practice, Wall argued an admiralty case that focused on a yacht that had run aground. The ethics questions surrounding Thomas were in full flare. During oral arguments, Thomas jokingly asked if the yachts engines still worked after the accident. Later, during his rebuttal, Wall answered: Justice Thomas, to your central question, the boat is available for sale online if you have a half-million dollars. The courtroom filled with laughter. Deploying the Network In February 1998, Christopher Landau, a Thomas clerk in both the appeals and Supreme courts, wrote to a Virginia man named Angelo Cordova. Landau was hoping to buy a lobster. Several years earlier, writing one of his first Supreme Court opinions in a case that dealt with the standard courts should apply when reviewing states criminal convictions, Thomas had rejected the appeal of a man who had burglarized the Cordova familys summer home. Among the stolen items was the crustacean in question, a lobster from the Philippines, preserved, stuffed and mounted. The Cordovas gladly handed over the lobster, which Landau presented to Thomas, to his amusement, at a clerk reunion. Thomas has frequently said he promises his clerks that they will leave their jobs with clean hands, clean hearts and clean consciences. Over the years, the clerks have not only bestowed tokens of loyalty such as the lobster several clerks also bought him batteries for his recreational vehicle but defended him and his legacy in trying times. When two Wall Street Journal reporters published a bestseller in 1994 detailing sexual harassment allegations against the justice and the politics of his confirmation, two former clerks Ingraham and Stephen Smith defended him in The Washington Post. The autumnal pounding of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has resumed, they wrote, adding, The maligning of him as a person has been both heart-wrenching and frustrating. When allegations surfaced in 2016 that Thomas had groped a woman during a 1999 dinner party, his former clerk Carrie Severino wrote in National Review, I look forward to the day when the Left has had enough of trying to destroy this worthy and admirable man. In the wake of an HBO series that year dramatizing the confirmation hearings, some members of the clerk network began working on a flattering documentary film and book project, aimed at portraying the real Clarence Thomas, in the words of Mark Paoletta, an adopted clerk who helped with the project. In recent years, fissures have formed in the network. The conflicts came to the fore after Virginia Thomas and John Eastman, a 1996 clerk, attended the Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6, 2021. Eastman, who spoke at the rally, was a chief architect of the scheme to create slates of fake electors and pressure Vice President Mike Pence to refuse to certify the election. (Virginia Thomas broader activism to overturn the election would emerge later.) In a message to the Listserv, first reported by The Washington Post, Eastman said he would continue to challenge the election, writing: Rest assured that those of us involved in this are working diligently to ascertain the truth. That provoked a sharp rebuke from Smith, a law professor at Notre Dame. If by truth you mean what actually happened, as opposed to a false narrative, then I agree, he wrote. Others spoke up, too. Virginia Thomas later apologized. Even as she bemoaned the loss of the election, she wrote, Lets pledge to not let politics divide THIS family, and learn to speak more gently and knowingly across the divide. That wasnt the end of the discussion. After the California State Bar announced an ethics investigation of Eastman in March 2022, Wendy Stone Long, a 1997 clerk, wrote to the Thomas network. Dear Clerk Family, John Eastman is being put through a sham disbarment proceeding by the bar of the state of California, she wrote, encouraging fellow clerks to speak out on his behalf and providing a link to donate to his defense fund. She added a postscript warning the group not to leak the email. This family was created by Ginni and CT, and you are hurting them more than anyone if you assault the integrity and sanctity of it, she wrote. We can disagree over issues, but we are a family, and CT has told us to help each other and look after each other. Thomas Clerk World Justice Clarence Thomas has filled the legal world with scores of his former clerks, acolytes who have carried forward his idiosyncratic brand of conservatism and rallied to his defense. Over the years, others have been adopted into their fold even though they didnt clerk for Thomas. This is a sampling of some of the roles they have held, which shows the justices far-reaching influence. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION The Trump administration stocked its ranks with numerous appointees from the Thomas clerk roster. Mark Paoletta Former general counsel, Office of Management and Budget (adopted clerk) Christopher Landau Former ambassador to Mexico Patrick Philbin Former deputy White House counsel LAW PROFESSORS Many clerks have gone on to academia. Several have co-taught classes with Thomas. John Yoo Professor, University of California, Berkeley, law school Peter Rutledge Dean, University of Georgia School of Law John Eastman Former dean, Chapman Universitys law school CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS Former and adopted clerks are leaders of influential conservative groups. Leonard Leo Co-chair, Federalist Society (adopted clerk) Carrie Severino President, Judicial Crisis Network GOVERNMENT Many clerks and adopted clerks serve in the federal and state governments. Scott Stewart Solicitor general, Mississippi Mike Lee U.S senator, Utah (adopted clerk) LAW FIRM PARTNERS More than one-third of the clerks have gone on to become law partners, often at influential firms. Taylor Meehan Partner, Consovoy McCarthy William Consovoy Founder, Consovoy McCarthy (deceased) FEDERAL JUDGES At least 18 former clerks have gone on to serve as state, federal or military judges. David Stras 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Kathryn Kimball Mizelle U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida Gregory G. Katsas U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Neomi Rao U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit James C. Ho 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals TELEVISION HOST One of Thomas first clerks went on to become a popular TV personality. Laura Ingraham Fox News host c.2023 The New York Times Company The Fort Meade City Commission voted 4-0 in a special meeting Thursday night to approve a contract offer to Pat Oman for the city manager position. Fort Meade has officially hired a new city manager. The City Commission voted 4-0 in a special meeting Thursday night to approve a contract offer for Pat Oman, currently county administrator for Becker County in Minnesota. Oman said Friday evening that he had signed a contract earlier in the day and expects to join the city on Jan. 22. Samuel Berrien, appearing at only his second meeting after winning a November election for an open seat, joined Mayor James Watts and fellow commissioners Bob Elliott and James Possum Schaill in voting to approve the contract negotiated by City Attorney Chris Berg. Commissioner Petrina McCutchen was absent. Fort Meade offered Oman a salary of $125,000, nearly $17,000 less than he currently makes. The contract includes moving expenses of up to $5,000, a $400 monthly vehicle allowance and a contribution of 12% of Omans salary to a retirement investment. "I think its an interesting opportunity," Oman said. "In interviewing with the city commissioners, I really appreciated what theyre looking for in a city manager. Theyre looking for a chief administrative officer that will run the city and implement strategic growth and economic development opportunities, and thats something thats really part of my background. And thats an opportunity Im not seeing in my current position." Berrien asked for a delay in the vote, which took place at the final meeting for Elliott, who has served on the commission for 26 years. Jaret Landon Williams defeated Elliott in the November election and will take office at the Jan. 9 commission meeting. Jan Bagnall resigned as Fort Meades city manager in August after 2 years in the job. Assistant City Manager Maria Sutherland has served as interim city manager, but a clause in the city charter limits the duration of interim service to five months. Sutherland will reach the five-month mark on Jan. 21. Elliott and other commissioners cited the time factor in pushing to move the hiring process forward before both of the newly elected members take office. Berrien suggested consulting with the International City/County Management Association to find a retired professional willing to serve as temporary city manager, allowing a delay in hiring Oman that would not cause a charter violation. He said that would give Oman time to talk to Williams and be certain that he is comfortable with the composition of the commission he will take direction from. I'm not opposed to offering Mr. Oman, Berrien said. But what I am opposed to is not allowing the next commissioner to have that same opportunity. Schaill said there was a genuine risk that Oman might reconsider if the commission did not act quickly. He said he had talked with Oman for an hour by phone a few days earlier. I see where Sams coming from, but if we don't hire this man, we're going to lose him, Schaill said. I can tell you that right now, because hes got another job coming up, an interview coming up tomorrow (Friday), if we dont hire him tonight. And he wants to come here. He likes the town. When the other commissioners declined Berriens suggestion of a delay, he said he would vote to approve the contract offer for the sake of a unanimous statement. The City Commission had voted 3-1 at a Nov. 29 meeting to make an offer to Oman. McCutchen was the sole dissenter, raising the fact that Berrien and Williams had not yet taken office after winning their elections. Oman, 56, assumed his current position in northwest Minnesota in December 2021. He oversees 10 departments with 377 employees and an operating budget of $68 million, according to his resume. Among his accomplishments, he cited improving the countys Standard and Poors credit rating from AA to AA+. Most of Omans previous employment has been in Minnesota. He served from 2015 to 2021 as county administrator in Mille Lacs County and has held administrative roles in Moose Lake and Carlton County, his resume states. 'Long time coming': Fort Meade celebrates construction of new bridge over Peace River Oman worked as a corporate manager and product development engineer for Honeywell International from 1995 to 2002 and has also held two positions in economic development, according to his application packet. He received bachelors degrees in biology and art history from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a masters degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas-St. Paul in Minnesota, his resume states. Oman emerged from an initial pool of 22 applications, whom city commissioners narrowed to eight candidates by individually submitting lists of applicants they deemed worthy of consideration. Of that group, only five returned pre-interview questionnaires, Sutherland said, and one dropped out before virtual interviews were scheduled. The commission settled on two finalists: Oman and Patrick Marsh of Port Charlotte. Marsh most recently served as city manager in Fernley, Nevada, his resume indicated. The commission conducted in-person interviews with both Oman and Marsh at the Nov. 29 meeting. Commissioners submitted rankings of each based on the interviews, and Oman received an average score of 39.5, compared to 37.5 for Marsh. In the previous virtual interviews, Marsh had scored higher than Oman. Fort Meade promoted Bagnall from director of the electricity department to city manager in April 2021. Bagnall, who had endured frequent criticism of his performance from a group of residents active on social media, submitted his resignation in 2022 but withdrew it and was allowed to remain in the job. The City Commission gave Bagnall a letter of reprimand in May after learning that he had signed off on the purchase of a fire truck without their approval, in what Bagnall said was confusion about what he was signing. While receiving reproofs from some citizens, Bagnall said that he had helped Fort Meade secure an unprecedented volume of grant money during his time as city manager. Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Fort Meade Commission approves city manager offer to Minnesotan ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) Keep Round Rock Safe, a group pushing for more billboards in the City of Round Rock, said it turned in 4,203 signatures to the city Tuesday, surpassing the required amount of signatures needed. The petition is to get their item on the ballot in May. Currently, the law in Round Rock says billboards are prohibited within city limits, and there is only one billboard in southern Round Rock because it was grandfathered in before the city council prohibited its existence in the city. If voters approve the charter amendment, it will allow up to 12 new privately owned and operated double-faced digital billboards along Interstate 35 and State Highway 45. PAST STORY: Round Rock leaders warn voters of misleading petition circulating at polls The city confirmed to KXAN that it received the groups petition and will start the process to verify the signatures. Today, the City of Round Rock received a charter amendment petition from the Keep Round Rock Safe Political Action Committee (PAC), which aims to allow a maximum of twelve (12) new privately-owned, operated, and funded freestanding off-premise double-faced electronic signs along IH-35 and SH-45 within the City of Round Rock and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The City will now begin the process of verifying the signatures submitted to ensure their validity and compliance with legal requirements. City of Round Rock The city has an explanation of its electronic billboard laws online. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A second North Korean nuclear reactor may have reached criticality, the worlds atomic watchdog has warned, amid rising concerns it could be used to produce weapons-grade fuel. The UNs International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has observed increased activity and a strong water outflow from the light water reactors cooling system since mid-October. The developments indicate the reactor at North Koreas Yongbyon nuclear complex (LWR), the reclusive states main facility of its kind, is operational and has become a second potential source of plutonium for its nuclear warheads. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the IAEA director-general, said the discharge of warm water is indicative the reactor has reached criticality, meaning its nuclear chain reaction is self-sustaining But he added the agency could not confirm its operational status without direct access. IAEA inspectors were expelled from North Korea in 2009, and it now mainly uses satellite imagery to monitor developments there. 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, Mr Grossi wrote in a statement last week. Unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs Observers noted that North Korea could adapt a light water reactor to produce large amounts of plutonium, a major ingredient used in producing nuclear weapons. Pyongyang has for years used spent fuel from a five-megawatt nuclear reactor at Yongbyon to produce plutonium for its nuclear arsenal. The US said it was alarmed over what appeared to be another reactor coming online, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Without IAEA monitoring and assistance, significant risks extend to the DPRK [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea], the region, and the global nuclear industry, the US mission to international organisations in Vienna said over the weekend. The DPRKs unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs continue to pose a grave threat to international peace & security. In an April report, the Washington D.C.-based Institute for Science and International Security estimated the light-water reactor could allow a surge in plutonium quantities at an estimated rate of about 20 kilograms of plutonium per year, a rate four to five times larger than that of the small adjacent reactor. Failed negotiations with the US That study concluded North Korea may have anywhere from 31 to 96 nuclear warheads, depending on the types of devices being built and which fuel is being used. News of the reactors operation comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test this week showed his country would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if an enemy provokes it with strategic weapons. North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests; the last one was in 2017. Activity at North Koreas nuclear test site at Punggye-ri has led to months of speculation that it could resume nuclear weapon testing as it seeks to miniaturise warheads for use in ballistic missiles. Kim has pledged to enlarge the countrys nuclear weapons arsenal following failed negotiations with the United States in 2019. In 2021, days before president Joe Biden took office, he ordered the exponential growth of North Koreas nuclear program, calling the US his biggest enemy. 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. Murfreesboro officials have unanimously voted to repeal a community decency standards ordinance that sparked a federal First Amendment lawsuit. Five of seven Murfreesboro City Council members were present for the first of two required meetings Thursday to rescind the controversial ordinance adopted after a June decision. "Basically, upon advice of external and internal legal counsel, we felt it was best at this time to rescind it," Council Member Austin Maxwell explained Tuesday. Austin Maxwell 'Is that what we want?' Library book freedom may be issue with Murfreesboro decency law The ordinance has faced opposition from First Amendment advocates, including BoroPride LGBTQ+ festival organizers, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and book-banning opponents. BoroPride organizers and the ACLU filed the federal lawsuit and won a court order agreement with the city in October to prohibit the Murfreesboro government from enforcing a 74-year-old ban on homosexuality during the Oct. 28 BoroPride festival. The council also responded prior to this year's BoroPride festival by agreeing to remove the word "homosexuality" from city code after it had been defined as an unenforced city violation of sexual conduct since 1949. Much of the conflict started after Murfreesboro City Manager Craig Tindall sent an October 2022 letter to BoroPride organizers with a ban threat that accused the LGBTQ+ event and drag show of exposing children to a harmful prurient interest. Timeline: Murfreesboro decency standards conflict started with letter from city manager First Amendment expert backs repeal decision BoroPride 2023 Pageant Judge Miss Amber Rose performs during the pageant at Austin Audio Visual Design, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Free Speech Center Director Ken Paulson praised the ACLU for challenging the Murfreesboro government and "spending the money needed to protect the rights of the community. "The ACLU consistently stands up for the Bill of Rights," said Paulson, whose Free Speech Center is based at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. He's also an MTSU media professor and former editor in chief for USA Today. Ken Paulson "The decision to repeal the decency act is smart and really the only move the City Council can make. Government has no business legislating decency, and the legislation in place was clearly unconstitutional and would only end up costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars at a minimum," he said. "If this was promoted by advice from counsel, one can only hope they (City Council members) will consult the same attorneys when they are temped to pass any future restrictive legislation." LGBTQ+ rights: 'Homosexuality' is now legal in Murfreesboro, city leaders decide in response to lawsuit Council member expects ordinance to be amended Council member Kirt Wade said he expects that the elected city officials will be amending the community decency standards ordinance. "Were not getting rid of it because were getting sued," Wade said Tuesday. "The reason we are amending this is to make sure its fair to all people involved. We want to make sure were doing the right thing to look out for all citizens." Kirt Wade Wade called for the vote to rescind the community decency standards ordinance. Vice Mayor Bill Shacklett seconded the vote after previously being the only member of the council to oppose the community decency standards ordinance because of concerns about library book banning and violating First Amendment rights. Council members Shawn Wright and Jami Averwater were absent from Thursday's meeting. Wright declined to comment because he was out of town during the meeting for the Christmas holiday. LGBTQ+ issue emerges in Murfreesboro: City's threat to deny future events angers, insults BoroPride organizers Agenda excludes mention of ordinance in question The Thursday meeting agenda excluded any mention of repealing the community decency standards ordinance. After going through the listed agenda items and whispering back and forth briefly with Harris, the mayor near the end of the meeting brought up the ordinance by using code numbers rather than words to describe it. Unlike the tense debate between the vice mayor and mayor when the council adopted the community decency standards ordinance, elected city officials engaged in no discussion prior to the vote to repeal the controversial legislation. 'I gotta believe!': BoroPride pleased with revised festival plan, MTSU public records show 'Whats happening inside your community' Soon after the vote, the mayor recognized several audience members who were attending with Leadership Rutherford, a group pursuing training offered by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Rutherford is invaluable to learn whats happening inside your community," McFarland told the group. Shane McFarland You were here for a 21-minute meeting. Although its not a record, its still pretty dang good. The Daily News Journal left phone messages for McFarland, Shacklett, Averwater and Harris Tuesday morning, but none were available for comment. BoroPride supporters speak up: Murfreesboro pride group says they're 'about love and acceptance,' amid controversy Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow his tweets on the X social media platform that used to be known as Twitter @ScottBroden. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: ACLU, Boropride suit leads council to nix Murfreesboro decency statute The Murfreesboro government opposition to BoroPride has led to about 14 months of conflict starting with a letter to organizers of the annual LGBTQ+ festival. 'Rescind it': ACLU lawsuit sparks repeal of Murfreesboro decency standards ordinance Here's a timeline of what's happened so far: Community decency standards issue starts with letter Mr BoroPride for 2021 and 2022 Diesel Khaos, performs during BoroPride 2023 Pageant at Austin Audio Visual Design, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Sources: BoroPride organizers, Murfreesboro government, Middle Tennessee State University and federal First Amendment lawsuit records in case against city by BoroPride organizers and the American Civil Liberties Union This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Timeline: How Murfreesboro ended up repealing decency standards Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed a 30-year definitive concession agreement with the Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) for the development and operation of the Safaga 2 multi-purpose terminal at Safaga Sea Port with $200 million in investments over three years. The project will be the first internationally operated port on the Red Sea serving the Upper Egypt region, AD Ports Group announced in a statement on Wednesday. The total investment will cover the construction of superstructure, equipment, buildings, and utilities within the concession area. The new terminal is set to become operational by 2025. The terminal, spanning approximately 810,000 square metres, will feature a 1,000-metre quay wall and will handle diverse cargo types, including dry bulk, liquid bulk, containerized cargo, and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships, which are cargo ships designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, buses, trailers, and railroad cars. The Safaga 2 terminal is a part of the integrated logistics path Safaga - Qena - Abu Tartur cargo track which will serve Upper Egypt, Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir noted, as per a Cabinet statement. El-Wazir stated that the ministry has invested EGP 3.6 billion (about $116 million) in the project. Around 85 percent of the projects infrastructure has been completed and the remainder is expected to be wrapped up by April 2024, before the superstructure works start in the second quarter of the same year, the minister revealed. The confidence and trust placed by the Egyptian government and our partners is a testament to AD Ports Groups capabilities and experience in developing ports and terminals infrastructure, said Mohamed Juma Al-Shamisi, the groups managing director and CEO. Safaga's strategic position on the Red Sea coast allows us to not only enhance our commercial offerings and diversify revenue streams but also contribute to Egypts broader economic objectives, setting the stage for further cooperation and opportunities in other sectors, added Saif Al-Mazrouei, CEO of ports cluster at AD Ports Group. In March, AD Ports Group and the RSPA signed a 30-year concession agreement to develop and operate a multi-purpose terminal at Safaga Port, along with other agreements. Egypt is striving to attract foreign investment, particularly from Gulf nations to help its economy recover and fulfil its commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the $3 billion loan deal signed last year. In May, Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir said Egypt was seeking partners in the UAE to invest in some of the $20 billion worth of projects planned in the countrys transport sector. Emirati investments in the country surged 300 percent to reach $5.7 billion in FY2021/2022, up from $1.4 billion in FY2020/2021. Search Keywords: Short link: United Nations The U.N. Security Council voted Friday to speed up the process of delivering aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza and demand that all the hostages held by Hamas be released immediately and without conditions. The U.S. abstained on the measure, allowing the resolution to pass, after days of negotiations on the terms. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 13-0 with 2 abstensions, by the U.S. and Russia. Before the vote, Russia proposed an amendment that was vetoed by the U.S. The U.N. Security Council resolution was changed on the morning of the vote to call for "urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities." Although the final text does not make a renewed call for a pause in the fighting or demand a cease-fire as the Arab group of nations at the U.N. wanted it was a diplomatic breakthrough for the U.S. and United Arab Emirates negotiators that avoids a feared veto by Washington and creates a pathway to expedite food, water and fuel to Palestinian civilians. The United States worked at the U.N., in Washington and around the world to negotiate compromises in the resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates. In its final form, the resolution does not constrain Israel's ability to degrade the militant group Hamas' military arsenal, nor does it impede Israel's ability to search for Israeli, American and other nations' hostages who are still in captivity in Gaza. Ambassadors vote during a meeting of the U.N Security Council, approving a resolution to boost aid to Gaza, at U.N. headquarters in New York on Dec. 22, 2023. / Credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images The draft resolution also contains a commitment of world powers to a two-state solution with Israel and the Palestinians living "side-by-side" with the Gaza Strip and the West Bank unified under the Palestinian Authority a governance role for the Palestinian Authority that Israel recently said it opposes, but which is an acknowledgement by the Arab Group of nations at the U.N. that Hamas will no longer have a de-facto governing role in a post-conflict Gaza. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after a Thursday evening meeting that the U.S. supported the resolution's passage because it will bring humanitarian aid "to those in need." The 11th-hour breakthrough compromise calls for "urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities" in Israel's ongoing war with the Hamas militant group. The U.S. had vetoed two previous attempts at a Security Council resolution on Gaza since the beginning of the war sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel. The resolution demands a substantial increase in aid for Gaza with an opening of more land, sea and air routes into the Palestinian territory, and, in language changed on the morning of the vote, "calls for urgent steps to immediately allow safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access and to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities." Several top U.S. officials were involved in the intense negotiations over the draft this week, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, CIA Director Bill Burns, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. U.K. Foreign Minister David Cameron met with French and Italian leaders to push for a "sustainable cease-fire" in the conflict, as Hamas' most senior leader, Ismail Haniyeh, traveled to Egypt this week to discuss proposals for a possible new pause in the fighting that would allow for aid deliveries and the return of more hostages along with the release of more Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails a proposal that Hamas has so far rejected. The draft resolution adopted Friday demands that all of the remaining hostages believed to be held in Gaza, about 130 people, including Americans, be released immediately. It also calls for more border points to be opened into the territory for the delivery of aid, and it endorses the long-sought "two-state solution" for the crisis in the heart of the Middle East. U.S. administrations have advocated for such a solution for decades, although the prospects for achieving it currently appear remote. The draft resolution proposed a plan for a two-state solution "where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine" would live "side by side" a plan that would unify the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under Palestinian Authority leadership, without Hamas' control in Gaza. "It took many days, and many, many long nights of negotiating to get this right, but today, this Council provided a glimmer of hope amongst a sea of unimaginable suffering," Thomas-Greenfield said after the vote. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield abstains during the vote on Dec. 22, 2023. / Credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images The main sticking point, among several issues of contention during the negotiations, was the draft resolution's proposal to set up a U.N. monitoring system for aid flowing into Gaza. An earlier draft proposed that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres create a system for the U.N. "to exclusively monitor all humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza provided through land, sea and air routes of those states that are not parties to the conflict." That was changed to a request that Guterres appoint "a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator with responsibility for facilitating, coordinating, monitoring and verifying" whether relief deliveries to Gaza are humanitarian goods and to "establish a UN mechanism for accelerating the provision of humanitarian relief" enabling Israel to continue to have a role in the security process. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters about the difficulties of getting the needed humanitarian aid into Gaza: "We have to deal with different parties. We're trying to bring humanitarian aid into a live conflict zone. It is complex. And you know, ideally, if there were less burdens and there was no fighting more aid could go in." Since the Oct, 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel, the Security Council approved a November resolution calling for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses," but a December resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire was vetoed by the United States, which also voted against a General Assembly resolution calling for a cease-fire. "All sides have been more flexible in negotiations this time around. I think that the U.S. wants to show it cares about the suffering in Gaza, and the Emiratis and Arab group have wanted to show they are not just trying to shame Washington," Richard Gowan, U.N. Director for the International Crisis Group, told CBS News. Gowan added, "I don't think this process and resolution will entirely erase bad feelings over the U.S. rejection of the cease-fire text. U.N. members will want to see Biden taking more steps to halt the war." Supreme Court set to decide number of cases impacting 2024 presidential election Gaza mom separated from baby at birth, reunited after 50 days U.N. Security Council approves resolution for Gaza aid The board overseeing University of Wisconsin System campuses will meet behind closed doors Wednesday evening to consider disciplining or firing a UW chancellor. It wasn't immediately clear which of the 13 UW chancellors was in hot water. The UW Board of Regents meeting notice released Tuesday evening didn't specify. An email to a UW System spokesperson wasn't immediately returned. The meeting agenda states the board will "consider taking a personnel action to discipline or terminate a chancellor," as well as discuss pending litigation with UW lawyers. There are no votes or other agenda items. The last time the board disciplined chancellors came five years ago this month when UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow and then-UW Whitewater Chancellor Beverly Kopper were denied raises. Gow was reprimanded for inviting an adult film actress to speak on campus. A UW System investigation found Kopper's husband sexually harassed at least seven female students and employees. The husband denied any wrongdoing. Contact Kelly Meyerhofer at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KellyMeyerhofer. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: University of Wisconsin Regents weigh punishing or firing a chancellor Start your new year off on the right foot by joining a hike at one of Louisiana's state parks. Start your new year off on the right foot by joining a hike at one of Louisiana's state parks. Louisiana is participating in the America's State Parks' First Day Hikes project, a chance for families and people to start off the new year in a healthy way. Entrance fees are $4 per person at most parks, but children 3 and younger and people 62 and older can get in free. "Start the new year on the right foot with a First Day Hike at one of our Louisiana state parks or historic sites. Hiking is a great way to get outside, connect with nature and get physically active, said Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser in a news release announcing the hikes. 'Pretty big deal': Could a 62-mile, bike and pedestrian trail bring tourism dollars to the Alexandria area? Potential to grow: Central Louisiana has lots of outdoor economic opportunity, says BIG Idea luncheon speaker The First Day Hikes began more than 30 years ago at a Massachusetts state park, Blue Hills Reservation. All 50 U.S. states have participated since 2012, and the non-profit group hopes to break its record in 2024. The hikes are being held at six sites in Louisiana. Here's the information: This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Take a hike at a Louisiana state parks to start 2024 off healthy With U.S. democracy plagued by extremism, polarization, and a growing disconnect between voters and lawmakers, a set of reforms that could dramatically upend how Americans vote is gaining momentum at surprising speed in Western states. Ranked choice voting, which asks voters to rank multiple candidates in order of preference, has seen its profile steadily expand since 2016, when Maine became the first state to adopt it. But increasingly, RCV is being paired with a new system for primaries known as Final Five or in some cases, Final Four that advances multiple candidates, regardless of party, to the general election. Together, proponents argue, these twin reforms deliver fairer outcomes that better reflect the will of voters, while disempowering the extremes and encouraging candidates and elected officials to prioritize conciliation and compromise. Tallying for the ranked-choice primary voting was done in a special office a mile from Maine's State House in Augusta during the 2018 mid-term election. Ultimately, they say, the new system can help create a government focused not on partisan point-scoring but on delivering tangible results that improve voters lives. Alaska, the only state currently using RCV-plus-Final Four or Final-Five, appears to be seeing some benefits to its political culture already: After years of partisan rancor, both legislative chambers are now controlled by bipartisan majorities eager to find common ground and respond to the needs of voters, say lawmakers in the state who have embraced the new system. A slew of other states could soon follow in Alaskas footsteps. Last year, Nevada voters approved a constitutional amendment that would create an RCV-plus-Final-Five system for the measure to take effect, voters must approve it again next year. Efforts also are underway to get RCV-plus-Final-Five on Arizonas 2024 ballot, and RCV-plus-Final-Four in Colorado and Idaho where organizers announced earlier this month that theyve gathered 50,000 signatures (they need around 63,000 to qualify). Even Wisconsin Republicans, who in the redistricting sphere have fought reform efforts tooth and nail, in December held a hearing for bipartisan legislation that would create RCV-plus-Final-Five, though its prospects appear dim. Meanwhile, Oregon voters will decide next year whether to adopt RCV alone. And this year, Minnesota and Illinois lawmakers passed bills to study RCV, while Connecticut approved a measure that allows local governments to use it. There are even flickers of interest at the national level. In December alone, two leading Washington, D.C., think tanks that often find themselves on opposite sides the conservative American Enterprise Institute and the liberal Center for American Progress each held separate panel discussions that considered RCV-plus-Final-Four/Five. Katherine Gehl, the founder of the Institute for Political Innovation, and the designer of the Final Four/Five system, calls RCV-plus-Final-Five transformational. (Her organization now says advancing five candidates to the general works best, by giving voters more choices.) Theres a huge pressure on reformers to say, this is not a silver bullet, said Gehl. And OK, I get that. But, she added, I think its as close to a silver bullet as you can come. Meanwhile, a backlash to reform is brewing, with several Republican-led states banning RCV in recent years. A coalition of national conservative election groups last month warned Wisconsins legislative leaders that RCV and Final Five are intended to dramatically push our politics to the Left. Understanding the process Heres how RCV-plus-Final-Four/Five works. In the primary election, candidates from all parties compete against each other, with voters picking only their top choice, as in a conventional election. The top four or five finishers, regardless of party, advance to the general. In the general, voters use RCV to pick the winner. They fill out their ballot by ranking as many of the candidates as they want, by order of preference. If no candidate wins a majority of first-place votes, the candidate who finished last is eliminated, and his or her supporters second-place votes are allocated. If theres still no candidate with a majority, the process is repeated with the next-to-last candidate. This continues until someone gains a majority and is declared the winner. Supporters of the system say the Final Four/Five primary gives a voice to a broader share of voters, while the use of RCV in the general helps ensure a fairer result. Under the current system, two similar candidates together may win a clear majority but split voters between them, allowing a third candidate to win with a minority of votes. But even more important, many advocates argue, is how the two reforms together can change how candidates and elected officials of all stripes approach their jobs, by adjusting the incentive structure they operate under. Increasingly, many states and districts are solidly red or blue, meaning the general election is uncompetitive, and the key race takes place in the primary. Thats a problem, because the primary electorate is by and large smaller, more partisan, and more extreme than the general electorate. Right now, with politicians worrying more about the primary than the general, theyre more focused on playing to their base than on reaching beyond it and solving problems, critics argue. It isnt hard to find evidence for this lately, both in Washington and in state capitals across the country. By allowing multiple candidates to advance, Final Four/Five shifts the crucial election from the primary to the general. And RCV means the votes of Democrats in red districts and Republicans in blue ones still matter, even if their top choice remains unlikely to win. Together, it means candidates are rewarded for paying attention to the entire general electorate, not just a small slice of staunch supporters. As a result, it encourages candidates and elected officials, once in office toward moderation and problem-solving, and away from extremism. People do what it takes to get and keep their jobs, said Gehl, the Final Four/Five designer. So if you change who hires and fires, which is to say, November voters instead of primary voters, and you change the system so that theres real competition in November every time, even once youre an incumbent, that forces accountability. A success story from the Last Frontier? The experience of Alaska, whose voters passed an RCV-plus-Final-Four system in 2020, offers an illustration. At its first use in 2022, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an independent-minded Republican distrusted by the partys conservative wing, was reelected. Mary Peltola, a moderate Democrat who kept in place her Republican predecessors chief of staff, was elected to the U.S. House, defeating Sarah Palin, the conservative Republican former governor. (Murkowski and Peltola endorsed each other). Meanwhile, voters reelected Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a conservative Republican suggesting, reformers say, that the system can produce a wide range of outcomes. And more women ran in 2022 than in the five previous cycles combined highlighting how allowing anyone to run, regardless of party, can boost opportunities for under-represented groups. But the effect on how candidates and lawmakers have approached their jobs has been more dramatic still, advocates say. Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, a Republican, told the Center for American Progress event that, after angering GOP voters by working collaboratively with Democrats, she lost her 2020 primary, held under the old election system, to a staunch conservative. Giessel had been in office since 2011. Giessel said that when she ran again last year under RCV-plus-Final-Four, her campaign didnt even buy the database showing voters party affiliations that most candidates rely on to identify supporters, because she needed to target voters of all stripes. Helped by being the second choice of many Democratic voters in the general election, Giessel won back her seat. Youre requiring us as candidates to be much more authentic, said Giessel of the new system. Were not speaking to a party platform anymore. Were speaking to the citizens. Giessel now leads a bipartisan majority coalition, formed within days of the election. Members have focused on consensus issues that are priorities for voters, including boosting education funding, lowering the cost of energy, and passing a balanced budget. We have seen much more collaboration on the budget, said Giessel. Theres a much more open process now, understanding that everyone needs to have input. An analysis by the R Street Institute, a center-right Washington, D.C., think tank, found that Alaskas new election system gave citizens greater choice and elevated the most broadly appealing candidates, in turn improving representation. Reformers in Nevada gearing up for next years campaign to pass RCV-plus-Final-Five a second time after it won with 53 percent of the vote last year have noticed Alaskas early success. Over 40 percent of all registered voters in the Silver State arent affiliated with a major party, and the figure is growing. It was these voters frustration over being denied a voice in the states taxpayer-funded closed primaries that initially drove the push for reform, said Mike Draper, the communications director for Nevada Voters First, a political action committee that organized the ballot measure. As in Alaska and elsewhere, there was also a related concern about politicians playing only to their base. Candidates and electeds, through no fault of their own, are not incentivized to work to solve problems, said Draper. The primary incentive is to make sure they stay in the good graces either of the party, or of that fringe group thats active in the primaries. Top figures in both major parties, including Nevadas Republican governor and its two Democratic U.S. senators, oppose reform. A lawsuit brought by Democratic super-lawyer Marc Elias that aimed to keep the measure off the 2022 ballot was rejected by a judge. A scheme of the Left? Though elected Democrats in Nevada and some other blue states have come out against reform, the most vocal opponents have been red-state Republicans and national conservative groups. They argue it would confuse voters and further reduce confidence in election results. Some even see a progressive plot. An October analysis by the conservative Foundation for Government Accountability called RCV a scheme of the Left to disenfranchise voters and elect more Democrats. Florida, Tennessee, Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota all Republican-controlled states have passed legislation in recent years to ban RCV. Arizonas GOP-controlled legislature also passed an RCV ban, but it was vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat. In Alaska, conservatives have launched a campaign to advance a ballot measure repealing their states reform. Palin, who has blamed the system for her loss to Peltola last year, calling it wack, is playing a prominent role in the effort. Still, advocates say there are also signs of emerging interest among some Republicans in other states. Last year, the GOP lost several winnable statewide races after primary voters nominated extremists like Doug Mastriano in Pennsylvania and Kari Lake in Arizona. Now, some in the party think reform could allow them to advance more electable candidates. Even among Republicans, Ive had my fair share of conversations where they are starting to recognize that the system isnt putting forward candidates who are necessarily the best general election winners, said Matt Germer, an associate director and elections fellow at the R Street Institute. So theres even some growing interest among Republican electeds to say, hey, what were doing now is not growing our party. And if we really want to change our country, were going to need to grow our party, and that means appealing to enough voters to win elections. This story was first published in New Hampshire Bulletin. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: How ranked choice voting, pioneered in Maine, is gaining traction (Reuters) - Artificial intelligence startup Anthropic has projected it will generate more than $850 million in annualized revenue by the end of 2024, the Information reported on Tuesday, citing two people with knowledge of the company's financial picture. Three months ago the company told some investors it was generating revenue at a $100 million annualized rate and expected that figure would reach $500 million by the end of 2024, according to the report. Backed by Amazon.com and Alphabet's Google, Anthropic is one of a series of companies building generative AI systems that can create human-like responses and content. It was co-founded by former executives at Microsoft-backed rival OpenAI and siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei. Its Claude AI models have vied for prominence with OpenAI's GPT series. Some people close to the company believe Anthropic could reach $1 billion in annualized revenue next year, or $83 million in revenue per month, the Information reported. The company is also in discussions to raise $750 million in a funding round led by Menlo Ventures, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters last week. In the past few months, Google and Amazon agreed to invest up to $2 billion and $4 billion, respectively, in the company. (Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta) Apple won its appeal against a US import ban on its latest smart watch models. Apple's latest smart watches can resume being sold in the US after the tech company filed an emergency appeal with authorities. Sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches had been halted in the US over a patent row. The US's trade body had barred imports and sales of Apple watches with technology for reading blood-oxygen levels. Device maker Masimo had accused Apple of poaching its staff and technology. It comes after the White House declined to overturn a ban on sales and imports of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches which came into effect this week. Apple had said it "strongly disagrees" with the ruling. The iPhone maker made an emergency request to the US Court of Appeals, which proved successful in getting the ban lifted. Earlier this month, Apple had "pre-emptively" removed the devices from its US site and from stores in the country. Sales elsewhere have not been affected. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) order, issued in October, was subject to a 60-day review by the president, who has the power to veto the decision. That review period ended on Christmas Day, when the White House decided to keep the ban in place. The office of the United States Trade Representative Ambassador, Katherine Tai, said on Tuesday that it had decided not to reverse the USITC's decision after "careful consultations". Apple had asked for a stay on the ban until Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could consider whether the redesigned versions of its watches, which do not include the disputed technology, violated Masimo's patents. CBP was due to make its decision on 12 January, according to an Apple spokesperson. The USITC found in October that Apple infringed two patents owned by medical device maker Masimo Corporation. The California-based company had accused Apple of poaching key staff and taking other steps to steal technology it developed to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Most versions of Apple's smart watches have included the disputed blood oxygen feature since 2020. Its lower cost SE models do not. Previously sold watches will also not be affected by the ban. In a statement given on Tuesday, Apple said: "We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible". Arieh Smith, also known as Xiaomanyc, is a social media celebrity who has studied more than 50 languages A New Yorker who has learned dozens of languages left Cardiff locals stunned after speaking to them in Welsh. Arieh Smith, 33, known as Xiaomanyc online, spent three weeks studying Welsh before flying across the Atlantic to chat with native speakers. He has amassed more than a billion views on YouTube documenting himself speaking languages across the globe. "[Welsh] is definitely one of the most beautiful languages I've ever had the pleasure of studying," said Arieh. Arieh, who said he was never very good at languages in school, started to learn Mandarin after leaving high school by immersing himself in Chinese media, before moving to Beijing. "It really opened my eyes to the idea that it is actually possible to learn languages to fluency as an adult," he said. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1ZZNnwIP-y/ After studying more than 50 languages from across the world, and travelling to many of them to speak with locals, he turned his attention to Welsh. "I've been wanting to study the Welsh language for a while I get comments all the time from people all over the world who want me to learn their language, and then come to their country," he said. "Welsh to me was very exciting because, as an American, I don't think we typically think of the UK as being a country that, in addition to English, is full of other languages that people have been speaking for thousands of years." It takes Arieh about 15 sessions with an online tutor before he is confident enough in his abilities to make a trip to a country. Which, in this case, involved learning from "both a native Welsh speaker, but also from a German man who has been living in Wales for a while". Arieh said it generally takes him about three weeks of online sessions with a tutor to learn the basics of any language "I would say Welsh is definitely in the upper quartile in terms of difficulty, so quite hard. At the same time, it's a beautiful language," he said. Arieh, who picked Cardiff due to ease of flying over from New York for just a few days of filming, said he did have concerns about finding enough Welsh speakers in the capital. "I had heard from my contacts and teachers that one very clear message was 'do not come to Cardiff to speak Welsh', like that is not the place you want to go to," he said. "I ended up finding a lot of people in Cardiff who spoke Welsh, which was really cool and it was a beautiful city." Arieh has gained about 13 million social media followers travelling the world and speaking the native language Arieh said speaking Welsh, as a New Yorker, to people in Cardiff brought about a "mix of reactions". "There was one category of reactions that was like, just complete confusion, like 'who is this foreigner? And what language is he speaking with me?'. "But then, I would say with most people, if I pressed on and kept speaking Welsh, at some point the light would go on their head and be like 'oh, dwi'n siarad Cymraeg - you're speaking Welsh?'. So that was really cool. "The other category of reaction was just instantly like, 'oh [damn], you're speaking Welsh, that's great'. "And I encountered quite a few native or fluent speakers in Cardiff and we had some great conversations and in Welsh, which was really fun and interesting." Arieh hopes the content he creates online will help inspire people to pick up Welsh, or any other language they want to learn. "Learning a language to fluency as an adult is totally possible... it's changed my life and I think that it can change your life too." Watch on iPlayer banner Watch on iPlayer footer Angel A. Ponce-Rodriguez appears via Zoom in Yakima County Superior Court Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. He is accused of driving while intoxicated and crashing into a car, injuring two people. A representative from Washington Healthplanfinder speaks with a Yakima Valley resident during a visit to Yakima County at the Valley Mall in Union Gap on Dec. 9, 2023. The Egyptian government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Company to develop a 10-gigawatt solar energy project, according to a Cabinet statement on Wednesday. The signing ceremony was attended by Egypts Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker, and several prominent figures. The MOU is part of Egypts broader plan to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels to implement its plan for sustainable development. This project is expected to produce about 29,784 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually, which would help reduce around 14 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Upon completion, the solar energy project is expected to save over $ 1 billion annually in natural gas costs. For his part, Minister of Electricity Mohamed Shaker delivered a speech at the event in which he said that Egypt is keen on making maximum use of new and renewable energy resources and encouraging the foreign and local private sectors to invest in this field. This project aligns with Egypts goals to increase the participation of renewable energy sources in the energy mix to 42 percent by 2030 and the National Climate Strategy 2050, he added. Shaker further stressed that the project strengthens the historical ties between Egypt and China and showcases Egypt's ability to attract foreign direct investments (FDI) in the renewable energy sector. In November, Egypts Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) signed agreements with Chinese partners to invest $15.6 billion to establish 11 manufacturing and green hydrogen projects on 4.9 million square metres. Search Keywords: Short link: 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. Egypt is set to host the fourth edition of the Pakistan Africa Trade Development Conference (PATDC) and Single Country Exhibition (SCE) from 9 to 11 January, according to a statement by Pakistan on Wednesday. The events are scheduled to be held at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in Cairo. This is the first time the conference is being held in Egypt, as previous editions were held in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. This decision was influenced by Egypt's strategic geographical location, connecting the Middle East and North Africa region, besides its rapidly growing economy and expansive consumer market, the government of Pakistan added. The conference will be attended by representatives from Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Mauritania, as well as a delegation comprising over 100 business owners and traders from Pakistan. The two events aim to boost relations between Pakistan and African countries, particularly in key trade sectors such as agriculture, textile, engineering, and services. During the last edition in South Africa, Pakistani and South African companies signed agreements with $24 million. The government expects even more commercial activity at this years conference and exhibition. In September, the Pakistani ambassador to Egypt Sajid Bilal said at the Pakistan-Egypt Business Opportunities Conference in Cairo, that their bilateral relations are built on a strong foundation of common faith, cultural affinities, and aspirations. During the conference, Egypt and Pakistan signed seven memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in various economic fields. Bilal said at the time that trade between the two countries reached $200 million in 2023. Search Keywords: Short link: 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. Ministerul Finantelor a atras, joi, peste 2,6 miliarde de lei de la banci Ministerul Finantelor a atras, joi, peste 2,6 miliarde de lei de la banciMinisterul Finantelor (MF) a imprumutat, joi, 2,621 miliarde de lei de la banci, prin doua emisiuni de obligatiuni de stat, potrivit datelor publicate de Banca Nationala a Romaniei [citeste mai departe] Tesla se apropie rapid de Audi dupa numarul vehiculelor vandute la nivel global Tesla se apropie rapid de Audi dupa numarul vehiculelor vandute la nivel globalConstructorul auto american Tesla Inc. s-a apropiat vertiginos anul trecut de una dintre cele mai renumite marci germane de automobile, transmite Bloomberg, [citeste mai departe] Not so long ago, I interviewed the son of the great Hungarian jazz guitarist Gabor Szabo. The musician had escaped to the United States with his family in 1956. His brother had already told me they had embraced America and its culture with open arms and turned their back on Hungarianness. So, I was surprised when Szabos son told me he remembered driving around Los Angeles with his father in the 1970s, desperately searching for a tub of sour cream that approximated the taste of the Hungarian tejfol hed been raised on. In our house, my partner and her daughter dont just use tejfol in cooking. They smear it onto bread and crackers, eat it by the spoon, and, for all I know, rub it into their faces as part of their beauty routine. I, on the other hand, have yet to learn to love tejfol. But that doesnt stop me being fascinated by the stuff. One of my backburner projects is a book on the place of tejfol in Hungarian culture, along the lines of such works of genius as Mark Kurlanskys Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World and Elizabeth Davids masterly Harvest of the Cold Months: The Social History of Ice and Ices. Until my study of tejfol hits the bookstores, I hope you enjoy these notes on a work in progress. Tejfol is a form of sour cream, which can be traced back to Russia, where they had copied the Mongols practice of adding bacteria to mares milk to thicken it. Russians call sour cream smetana. From Russia, sour cream spread all over Central and Eastern Europe. American Conquest Sour cream was introduced to America by immigrants from CEE around the end of the 19th and the start of the 20th century. Given that a fair number of these immigrants, including Michael Curtiz (born Mano Kaminer in 1886 but, from 1905, known as Mihaly Kertesz), who moved to the States in 1926 and was the director of Casablanca, settled in Los Angeles and helped give birth to the film industry, its reasonable to imagine that Szabo found his sour cream. But it probably wouldnt have been tejfol. The Hungarian Food Codex (Codex Alimentarius Hungaricus) tells us that tejfol, which translates as sour cream, can only be made by adding cream or butter and then a lactic acid bacteria culture to milk. Its fat content must be more than 16% but less than 20%. What follows is translated from an article in Hungarian by Dr. Bela Nemet. I used the power of Google Translate, so please dont take it as gospel. After the fat and bacteria culture are added to the milk to ferment it, its heated to around 75F (24C) in glass containers and homogenized at a pressure of 100-160 bar to prevent foaming and achieve the desired consistency. Its the bacteria that thickens the milk. The tejfol is heated one last time at temperatures of between 95-100F (35-38C) to get rid of any unwanted bacteria, and then its ready to be chilled, cold aged and shipped to stores. Tejfol lends itself to being used in cooking or added to dishes such as gulyas (goulash) because its rich enough in fat not to curdle at higher temperatures. In case you were wondering, the origins of goulash lie in stews eaten by Hungarian shepherds in the 10th century. Meat previously cooked and flavored was dried in the sun and stuffed into bags made from sheeps stomachs. When the wandering shepherds were hungry, they just added water to make their gulyas. Paprika-free These early versions of goulash didnt include paprika because it wasnt introduced to Europe until after Columbus brought it back from America in the early part of the 16th century. Somewhat confusingly, given its origins in shepherding, the word gulyas can mean cowboy. Gulya means herd of cattle in Hungarian. Up until the 19th century, the Hungarian Puszta, that area of grassland in the east of Hungary that lies around the River Tisza, was home to vast herds of cattle. From there, they were driven to enormous cattle markets in Moravia, Vienna, Nuremberg and Venice. Some cattle were slaughtered along the way to make goulash. Presumably, the cowboys bought a supply of tejfol with them. Being rather Budapest-centric in my cultural exploration of Hungary, I had no idea there were Hungarian cowboys. They are called csikos; I wont inflict another digression on you, but I do wonder if Hungarian cowboy culture is a secret influence on that of the United States. To be honest, Ive yet to find significant references to tejfol in Hungarian literature, art, music and film, although Im sure they exist. So far, Ive discovered various superstitions that pertain to milk in general. It was considered bad luck to chop bread into milk using a knife. If a cow gave bloody milk, it was believed that it had been bewitched by a boszorkany or witch. A fire caused by lightning could only be put out by milk. On April 24, the feast day of St. George (the dragon-slayer), Hungarians traditionally carried out magical ceremonies to protect their animals, keep them fertile and ensure they gave plenty of milk. St. George, or more accurately, Szent Gyorgy, has also been the patron saint of the Hungarian police since 1992. Tejfol and jazz: a coda A friend of mine is a superb bass player named Steve Bergendy. I didnt know this until his father passed away, but Bergendy Jnr. is the son of the great Hungarian jazz composer and musician Istvan Bergendy. Steve lives most of the time in Mallorca. When we met there this summer, he was chatting with my Hungarian partner when he suddenly became excited. Listen, he said, beaming from ear to ear. Ive discovered how to make tejfol. You just put a tub of yogurt in the sun for a while, and it ferments! Air India has declared today that travellers flying to and from Delhi's IGI airport in the winter season can modify or cancel their reservations without incurring extra charges in case of significant fog-related delays. The Delhi Airport encountered disruptions for over 100 flights today due to dense fog, and further interruptions are anticipated throughout the winter season. Leading airlines in the country are actively monitoring the situation to address potential challenges posed by inclement weather conditions. The initiative is an extension of last winter's FogCare program, highlighting the airline's dedication to ensuring passenger convenience during challenging weather conditions. To assist affected passengers, Air India will provide proactive support and present uncomplicated options for rescheduling or cancelling tickets without incurring extra charges. Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India, emphasized the sincerity of the FogCare initiative, stating, "It is a sincere effort to minimize inconvenience to guests whose flights are likely to get affected by fog. It will also help maintain network schedule integrity." Also Read - Dense Fog Engulfs Delhi, Causing Flight Disruptions; Airlines Warn Flyers Of Delays Passengers on these flights will receive regular updates through flight-specific advisories, ensuring they are well-informed about potential delays. The airline aims to enhance the overall travel experience by offering passengers easy alternatives in advance, demonstrating a proactive approach to address challenges associated with winter fog. DIAL's Fog Alert Also, DIAL posted on X, sharing a fog alert, revealing that flights not compliant with CAT III are likely to get affected. The CAT III-compliant flights, however, can land even if the visibility is low. "Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," posted DIAL on X. Flight Diversions At IGI, Delhi On tuesday, Delhi airport recorded 12 flights diversion during the early morning between 0600 and 1200 hrs. While 11 of these flights were diverted to Jaipur, one was diverted to land in Lucknow. Also, over 30 flights were delayed as the visibility reduced to inoperable conditions. Vistara also reported multiple flight diversions across various sectors in India. The northern part of the country is currently experiencing cold winds that have brought down the mercury, along with visibility. The dense fog impacted visibility, thereby disrupting flight operations in the morning. While the temperature was recorded at 7.8 degree Celsius, an orange alert was issued by the Indian Meteorological department. Two flights operated by SpiceJet were diverted in the morning as they couldnt land given the bad weather conditions. The flights were diverted to Jaipur between 0900 and 0915 hours. Considering the low-visibility conditions at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, airlines have started to issue warnings to flyers. SpiceJet took it to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), urging passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. A similar situation of flight diversion, subject to low visibility, was also observed at Jaipur and Lucknow airports. SpiceJet Suffers Flight Delays SpiceJet posted, #WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather in Delhi(DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status. #WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather in Delhi(DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via https://t.co/VkU7yLjrw0. SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) December 27, 2023 IndiGo Alerts Of Flight Delays Similarly, IndiGo shared, #6ETravelAdvisory: Due to bad weather in #Lucknow, flight departures and arrivals are getting impacted. Please check your flight status. #6ETravelAdvisory: Due to bad weather in #Lucknow, flight departures and arrivals are getting impacted. Please check your flight status by visiting https://t.co/TQCzzykjgA. IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 26, 2023 Flight Diversions At IGI, Delhi On tuesday, Delhi airport recorded 12 flights diversion during the early morning between 0600 and 1200 hrs. While 11 of these flights were diverted to Jaipur, one was diverted to land in Lucknow. Also, over 30 flights were delayed as the visibility reduced to inoperable conditions. Vistara also reported multiple flight diversions across various sectors in India. DIAL's Fog Alert Also, DIAL posted on X, sharing a fog alert, revealing that flight not compliant with CAT III are likely to get affected. The CAT III compliant flights, however, can land even the visibility is low. "Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," posted DIAL on X. New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for copra for 2024 season. The MSP for Fair Average Quality of milling copra has been fixed at Rs 11,160 per quintal and for ball copra at Rs 12,000 per quintal for 2024 season. This will ensure a margin of 51.84 percent for milling copra and 63.26 percent for ball copra, which are well beyond 1.5 times the all India weighted average cost of production. Milling copra is used to extract oil, while ball/edible copra is consumed as a dry fruit and used for religious purposes. Kerala and Tamil Nadu are major producers of million copra, whereas ball copra is produced predominantly in Karnataka. The MSP for 2024 season is an increase of Rs 300 per quintal for milling copra and Rs 250 per quintal for ball copra over the previous season. In the last 10 years, the Government has increased MSP for milling copra and ball copra from Rs.5,250 per quintal and Rs.5,500 per quintal in 2014-15 to Rs.11,160 per quintal and Rs.12,000 per quintal in 2024-25, registering a growth of 113 percent and 118 percent, respectively. In order to provide remunerative prices to the cultivators, government had announced in the Union Budget of 2018-19, that MSPs of all the mandated crops will be fixed at a level of at least 1.5 times of all India weighted cost of production. "A higher MSP will not only ensure better remunerative returns to the coconut growers but also incentivize farmers to expand copra production to meet the growing demand for coconut products both domestically and internationally," said an official release. In the current season 2023, the Government has procured a record amount of more than 1.33 lakh metric tonnes of copra, at the cost of Rs.1,493 crores, benefiting around 90,000 farmers. The procurement in the current season 2023 indicates a rise of 227 percent over the previous season (2022). National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) will continue to act as Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) for procurement of copra and de-husked coconut under Price Support Scheme (PSS). New Delhi: In a move mirroring the Left parties, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is not likely to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, slated for January 22, according to sources quoted by news agency PTI. While the exact motive behind her decision remains shrouded in ambiguity, insiders speculate that Banerjee views the event as a political spectacle camouflaged in religious attire. The reluctance to participate stems from her belief that the ceremony might be exploited for political gains. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee not to attend the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: Sources pic.twitter.com/5RnmAPoc7p December 27, 2023 Left Parties To Skip Ram Temple Event This development follows the footsteps of Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury's declaration that he will not partake in the event, criticizing the BJP-led Centre for transforming the ceremony into a "state-sponsored" affair. Earlier, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat also declared the party's boycott of the event. Banerjee's Delicate Balancing Act Political analysts suggest that Banerjee is apprehensive about aligning herself with the BJP's political narrative. With the saffron party aiming to capitalize on the event for its 2024 Lok Sabha campaign, Banerjee seems keen on avoiding any association that might be construed as political endorsement. Govt Vs Opposition Over Ram Temple Event The consecration ceremony, scheduled for January 22, is expected to witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. However, the growing dissent is not limited to Banerjee, as reports indicate that key Congress figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, may also decide to skip the event. 'BJP Politicising Ram Temple Event' The opposition, led by figures like Sitaram Yechury and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, has strongly criticized the ceremony. Yechury stated, "This inauguration ceremony has been converted into a state-sponsored event, not in consonance with the Constitution." Meanwhile, Sibal labeled the entire affair as a "show-off," accusing the BJP of deviating from the virtues associated with Lord Ram. In the face of mounting dissent, the event raises questions about the intersection of religion and politics on the national stage, setting the stage for a contentious beginning to 2023. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: The city of Ayodhya is all set to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, when he will inaugurate the newly constructed Ayodhya Dham railway station and airport. The railway station, which was earlier known as Ayodhya Junction, has been renamed as Ayodhya Dham Junction, as per the public sentiments and the guidance of the Prime Minister, said the city MP Lallu Singh on Wednesday. The railway station and the airport are part of the grand development plan of Ayodhya, which is also gearing up for the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024. The Prime Minister will oversee the preparations for the temple ceremony, which is expected to draw millions of devotees from across the country and the world. The Ayodhya Dham railway station is a marvel of architecture and technology, blending the ancient and the modern. The station building resembles a majestic temple, with domes, pillars, arches and murals depicting the life and glory of Lord Ram. The station is also equipped with modern amenities such as lifts, escalators, tourist information centre, and medical facilities. The platforms, signboards, and other infrastructure have been refurbished and upgraded to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for the passengers. The airport, which is located about 25 km from the city, is also ready to operate domestic and international flights. The airport will boost the connectivity and accessibility of Ayodhya, which is already a popular pilgrimage and tourism destination. The airport will also facilitate the movement of dignitaries and VIPs who will attend the Ram Mandir inauguration. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is personally overseeing the arrangements for the Prime Ministers visit and the temple ceremony. He has instructed the officials to ensure that all the protocols and guidelines are followed strictly, especially in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. He has also appealed to the people of Ayodhya and Uttar Pradesh to cooperate with the administration and maintain peace and harmony. Gaurav Dayal, the district magistrate of Ayodhya, said that the administration is prepared to handle the huge influx of visitors after the temple inauguration. He said that according to estimates, around 50,000 to 55,000 people will visit Ayodhya daily after January 22, and the administration is busy making arrangements for their accommodation, transportation, security, and sanitation. The inauguration of the Ayodhya Dham railway station and airport, and the Ram Mandir, will mark a new chapter in the history and culture of Ayodhya, which is revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram and the capital of his kingdom. The city will soon become a symbol of Indias heritage, spirituality, and progress. Some catchy headlines for this news story are: Ayodhya gets ready for a double bonanza: PM Modi to launch railway station and airport, ahead of Ram Mandir inauguration Ayodhya Dham: A blend of tradition and technology, PM Modi to unveil the new railway station and airport PM Modi to inaugurate Ayodhya Dham railway station and airport, a milestone in the development of the city of Ram Ayodhya Dham: How the new railway station and airport will transform the city of Ram New Delhi: Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday said that there is no need to panic over the JN.1 variant of COVID-19, which is a sub-variant of Omicron and causes mild infection. He said that this variant is spreading in south India and Delhi has reported its first case of JN.1 infection. JN.1 is a mild infection. There is no need to panic. It causes mild sickness, Bharadwaj told ANI. He added that out of the three samples sent for genome sequencing, one was found to be JN.1 and the other two were Omicron. According to the Health Ministry sources, India has recorded 109 cases of JN.1 variant as of December 26. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the WHO has also said that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence. Dr Bobby Bhalotra, Vice Chairman in the Department of Chest Medicine, Gangaram Hospital, said that the new variants are mild and from the family of Omicron virus. He advised people to take precautions and preventions to avoid the spread of the infection. He also said that there is an increase in cases of respiratory illness in OPD due to weather changes, viral illness and pollution in the national capital. He urged people to get vaccinated against viruses like H1N1 or swine flu, which can also affect the lungs of patients. New Delhi: In a major crackdown on terrorism, the Union Home Ministry on Wednesday officially labelled the 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)' (MLJK-MA) as an 'Unlawful Association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). This move comes as part of the government's commitment to curb anti-national and secessionist activities in the region. Masarat Alam Faction Promoting Terrorism: Shah Union Minister Amit Shah did not mince words when he stated that the organisation and its members are actively participating in activities detrimental to national interests in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah emphasized that the 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)' has been promoting terrorist activities and encouraging the establishment of Islamic rule in the region. "The 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)'/MLJK-MA is declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA. This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J-K, supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah declared. The Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)/MLJK-MA is declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA. This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 27, 2023 Centre's Stern Warning To Terror Groups In J&K Shah went on to convey a clear message from the government, stating that anyone working against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of India will face severe consequences. "The PM @narendramodi government's message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and will face the full wrath of the law," he affirmed. Masarat Alam's Anti-India Propaganda The organization, led by Masarat Alam, interim chairman of the hardline faction of the All India Hurriyat Conference, is known for its "anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda," according to the Home Ministry notification. It highlighted the leaders' involvement in raising funds, including from Pakistan and its proxy organizations, for unlawful activities. MHA Notification The notification further revealed that members of the 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)' have been engaging in secessionist activities, showing a blatant disregard for the constitutional authority of the country. Particularly, the chairman, Masarat Alam, has been implicated in unlawful activities prejudicial to the unity, integrity, security, and communal harmony of the nation. This decisive action by the government underscores its commitment to maintaining peace, security, and the constitutional integrity of Jammu and Kashmir, sending a strong message against activities that threaten the nation's stability. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Wednesday that it had successfully evacuated 18 Egyptian students and some of their parents who were stranded in the city of Wad Madani in Sudan's Jazeera State. The city of Wad Madani has been the scene of recent armed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The ministry coordinated with the Sudanese authorities to secure the evacuation of the students from the city and ensure they arrived safely at the Egyptian Consulate in Port Sudan. The students were then flown to the Egyptian border and returned home. In a statement, the ministry urged all Egyptian citizens currently in Sudan, including those in states that have not been affected by the armed clashes, to leave the country as soon as possible, warning against any travel to Sudan at this time. In addition, the statement said the ministry is working closely with the Sudanese authorities to ensure the safety of all Egyptian citizens in Sudan. In April, following the eruption of the war between the two armed rival powers in the country, Minister of Emigration and Expatriates' Affairs Soha Gendy stated that Sudan hosted around 5,000 Egyptian students, most of whom resided in Khartoum, adding that a total of 10,000 Egyptian citizens lived in Sudan In the weeks that followed, Egypt evacuated a large number of its nationals from Sudan. Search Keywords: Short link: New Delhi: In the aftermath of the recent blast near the Israel Embassy in Delhi, the Delhi Police Special Cell has gathered crucial information indicating a potential connection to an organized act of aggression. According to police sources, a one-page letter received by the authorities expressed significant anger towards Israel and contained ominous messages. The letter featured the phrase "Allah Hu Akbar" and made references to an organization, suggesting a potential motive rooted in ideological extremism. Furthermore, the letter boldly declared that "Jihad will continue," heightening concerns about the nature of the incident. Delhi Police suspects that the blast may have been executed through a chemical explosion, as the forensic team did not find conventional explosive residue at the scene. The absence of typical explosive evidence has led investigators to consider the possibility of a chemical blast. The impact of such explosions often propels substances into the air, leaving behind little traditional trace. The incident's authenticity gains credence from discovering a letter at the blast site. The letter, characterized by its vivid color and addressed to the Ambassador of the Israel Embassy, contained vulgar language and featured a drawn flag. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the police have sent the letter for forensic examination to gather potential fingerprints and additional evidence. As part of the ongoing investigation, multiple police teams are diligently reviewing CCTV footage from the entire area to identify any suspicious activities leading up to the incident. Authorities remain committed to unraveling the full extent of this incident and apprehending those responsible for the blast near the Israel Embassy. Following the incident, the Israeli National Security Council has released a travel advisory for Israeli citizens in India, advising caution and vigilance. Israeli nationals are cautioned to steer clear of crowded locations such as malls and markets, as well as places known to cater to Westerners, Jews, and Israelis. Additionally, heightened alertness is advised in public spaces, including restaurants, hotels, and pubs. The advisory further recommends refraining from openly displaying Israeli symbols, avoiding attendance at unsecured large-scale events, and abstaining from publicizing itineraries, photographs, and real-time details of visits on social media. New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday visited Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir and met the families of three civilians who were killed last week after being allegedly detained by the Army following a terrorist attack on two Army vehicles in Poonch district. Singh, who was accompanied by Army chief General Manoj Pande and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, also enquired about the health of four other civilians who were allegedly tortured by the troops in Thanamandi area of Rajouri during an anti-terrorist operation. He assured them of justice and action against the guilty after an inquiry into the incident. The defence minister also interacted with several District Development Council (DDC) members, former legislators and civil society members who were present at the meeting at Dak Bungalow. He expressed his condolences to the families of the four soldiers who lost their lives and three others who were injured in the ambush by terrorists at Dhatyar Morh in Surankote area of Poonch on December 21. Whatever has happenedthere will be justice, Singh told reporters at the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital where he had gone after meeting the families of the deceased civilians. The incident had sparked a public outrage after video clips showing the alleged torture of the detained civilians went viral on social media. The civilians Safeer Hussain (43), Mohd Showket (27) and Shabir Ahmad (32)-- were found dead on December 22, a day after they were picked up by the Army for questioning. The four civilians Mohd Zulfkar, his brother Mohd Betab, Fazal Hussain and Mohd Farooq who were admitted in the GMC hospital last Friday claimed that they were beaten up by the troops in Thanamandi area during the search for terrorists. The search operation is still going on in both Surankote and Thanamandi forest belt. Former MLC Shahnaz Ganai, who was present in the meeting, said that they were hopeful that the victim families will get justice, given the visit of the defence minister and his assurance. She also paid tributes to the brave soldiers and said that the people of Rajouri-Poonch will not let the enemies of the country take advantage of such incidents. Sohail Malik, DDC member, Surankote, said that the defence minister assured them that all those responsible for the incident would be dealt with as per the law of the land. He said that the people demanded justice, compensation and jobs for the victim families. New Delhi: The Netflix documentary on the Jolly Joseph case, titled "Curry and Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case," is based on the perplexing serial killing case in Kerala. Allegedly centred around a series of six murders claimed by Jolly Joseph, the documentary was released on Friday, December 22. This case is also known as the Koodathai serial killings, involving murders that occurred from 2002 to 2016 over a span of 14 years. Let's delve into the details of the entire case. Who Was Jolly? According to a report by The Indian Express, Jolly Joseph was the daughter of a wealthy cardamom farmer in Wadakkanchery village, Idukki. She was the first woman in her family to attend college, portraying herself as an ambitious woman with dreams beyond agriculture. In 1997, during a relative's housewarming ceremony, Jolly met Roy Thomas, the eldest son of the Ponnamattam family in Koodathai. Roy's father, Tom, worked as a senior clerk in the education department, and his mother, Annamma, was a school teacher. Roy had a younger brother and sister, and he had supposedly secured a well-paying job in Hyderabad. A romance blossomed between Jolly and Roy, leading to their marriage shortly after. However, the reality of their marriage was not as it seemed. Jolly realized that Roy was unemployed and spent most of his time at home after their marriage. Despite claiming to have an M.Com degree, Jolly had not completed her post-graduation, as she had falsely asserted. How Did Lies Lead To The First Murder? According to reports, Jolly's first alleged victim was her 57-year-old mother-in-law, Annamma Thomas. After Annamma insisted on Jolly finding a job or continuing her education upon discovering her (fake) M.Com degree, Jolly concocted a story of securing a guest lecturer position at Kottayam College. Subsequently, she would leave home and return only on weekends. Fearing that Annamma might discover her lies, Jolly decided to take matters into her own hands in 2002. Jolly procured cyanide, disguised as a visit to a veterinary clinic, and mixed it in her mother-in-law's soup on August 22, resulting in Annamma's death. The Pressure Of Property Led Jolly To Commit More Murders The next target of Jolly's alleged crimes was her 66-year-old father-in-law, Tom Thomas. Tom owned significant land, around 1600 square meters, which he intended to give to his younger son Rozo before leaving for the United States. Fearing that she would be left with nothing if her unemployed husband had no inheritance, Jolly planned to seize the property. In 2008, Tom, who was in Colombo to visit his only daughter, planned to go to the United States from there. Jolly called him back, claiming to be pregnant and expressing concern about Roy's excessive drinking. Troubled by the situation, Tom returned to Kerala, where Jolly successfully managed to gain control of his property by preparing a fake will. On August 22, exactly six years after the first murder, she killed her father-in-law using cyanide. The supply of cyanide was facilitated by Mathew, with whom Jolly was having an extramarital affair. Jolly sought Mathew's help, claiming that Tom had discovered their illicit relationship. Turning The Husband Into The Next Victim No one doubted the first two deaths. 2011 was the third death of Roy Thomas, which gave the impression of murder for the first time. After Tom's death, Roy inherited all his wealth. Jolly's next murder was done with the intention of laying a hand on that property. On October 30, 2011, Roy was found lying unconscious on the floor of his bathroom, vomiting and foaming at the mouth. He was declared dead at the hospital. Suspecting something wrong, Roy's siblings and his 68-year-old uncle Matthew (not to be confused with Jolly's boyfriend) managed to get an autopsy done which revealed the presence of cyanide in his body. According to the Indian Express report, Jolly explained to the police that Roy, a depressed alcoholic, had ended his life. The local police agreed to this argument and did not investigate further. Jolly was now a house and property owner, and the way was clear for her to live her life. But The Killings Did Not Stop Not everyone was satisfied with the police's findings. Uncle Mathew insisted on investigating the mysterious deaths of his sister, brother-in-law and nephew making him Jolly's next target. On an ill-fated date in 2014, Jolly mixed cyanide in Matthew's drink. Matthew collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital by Jolly and neighbours, but it was too late. Meanwhile, Jolly was having another affair, this time with her late husband's cousin Shaju Zacharias. Unlike Roy, Shaju was a teacher with a steady source of income. But to unite, Jolly needed to "remove" the additional barriers. The first was Shaju's younger daughter Alfein. On May 1, 2014, Jolly gave the girl cyanide Alfin died a few days later. Shaju's wife Sili was 'eliminated'. On January 11, 2016, Jolly took Silly to the dentist, where she mixed cyanide in her medications. Jolly attended Sily's funeral, and started visiting Shaju's house frequently. The couple got married in 2017. How Did 'Deaths' Turn Into 'Murders'? Suspicion arose after the death of Roy Thomas in 2011, which hinted at foul play for the first time. Following her brother's death, Rojo Thomas was never satisfied with Jolly's versions of events. Eventually, in June 2019, she contacted the police, demanding an investigation into the deaths of her parents and brother. After exhuming the bodies, a post-mortem revealed the presence of cyanide, proving foul play. Jolly was arrested on October 5, 2019, and she confessed to all her crimes. Mathew, her accomplice in the supply of cyanide, was also apprehended. Both are currently in custody, facing trial for their actions. New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to file a fresh charge sheet soon in the multi-crore money laundering case involving the Mahadev online betting app, news agency PTI quoted official sources as saying on Wednesday. The development comes after two promoters of the app, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, were detained by the authorities in Dubai on the basis of a red notice issued by Interpol at the request of the ED. The sources said that Chandrakar and Uppal, who are accused of running an illegal betting and gaming racket through online apps, have been put under house detention in Dubai and Indian agencies are working through diplomatic channels to get them deported or extradited. They said that Chandrakars location in Dubai has been intimated to the federal agency. The ED is also expected to file a supplementary charge sheet against two people arrested by it in November from Chhattisgarh - alleged cash courier Asim Das and police constable Bheem Yadav. The agency had earlier filed a charge sheet before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur, naming Chandrakar, Uppal and some others. The ED had claimed that Chandrakar and Uppal, who hail from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, had paid about Rs 508 crore to former Chhattisgarh chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, based on the forensic analysis and statement of Das. The agency had said that these allegations were subject matter of investigation. Das had later told the court that he had been framed as part of a conspiracy and he had never delivered cash to politicians. The ED had also claimed that Chandrakar, who ran a juice shop in Bhilai before going to Dubai in 2019, had spent about Rs 200 crore in cash for his wedding at Ras Al Khaimah, UAE in February 2023, where he had hired private jets to ferry his relatives from India to the UAE and paid celebrities to perform. The ED investigation has revealed that the Mahadev Online Book App is run from a central head office in the UAE and operates by franchising Panel/Branches to their known associates on a 70-30 per cent profit ratio. The agency had said that large-scale hawala operations are done to siphon off the proceeds of betting to off-shore accounts and large expenditure in cash is also done in India for advertising betting websites to attract new users and franchise seekers. The Mahadev online book betting application is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites, the ED had alleged. The projected proceeds of crime in this case are about Rs 6,000 crore, according to the ED. The case is also being probed by the Chhattisgarh and Mumbai Police Crime Branch. NEW DELHI: In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against CC Thampi, a close associate of Robert Vadra, in connection with a probe related to black money. Thampi, an arms dealer, is currently evading authorities and is believed to be hiding in the UK. The chargesheet also includes allegations against Sumit Chadha, a British citizen and an associate of Sanjay Bhandari, who is currently on the run. London Property: Vadra's Alleged Involvement The investigation reveals a complex web of transactions surrounding a London property at 12 Bryanston Square. Sanjay Bhandari initially purchased the property in 2009, but it was later purportedly sold to Thampi in 2010. However, the ED claims that the property belongs to Robert Vadra, and Thampi was used as a front to shield Vadra's alleged undisclosed assets. Business Ties, Financial Transactions Exposed The ED asserts that Robert Vadra and CC Thampi share a close business relationship. Vadra not only renovated Bhandari's London flat but also purchased substantial land in Haryana jointly with Thampi. The financial connections between Vadra, Thampi, and Bhandari are being thoroughly probed in the context of undisclosed overseas assets. Contradictory Statements During the investigation, Vadra claimed to have met Thampi incidentally during a plane journey, while Thampi provided conflicting statements, alleging a connection between Vadra and Sonia Gandhi's assistant, P.P. Madhavan. The contradictory statements have added layers of complexity to the ongoing inquiry. Intricate Networks Of Companies For Money Laundering Sanjay Bhandari, in collaboration with Thampi and Chadha, is accused of weaving intricate networks of companies in the UAE and the UK to evade scrutiny. These companies, including M/s Sky Lite Investment FZE and later Mayfair Investment FZE, played a pivotal role in concealing assets. The ED alleges that Bhandari orchestrated these maneuvers to shield himself from any legal repercussions. Global Conspiracy To Conceal Black Money The investigation uncovers a conspiracy to shelter Sanjay Bhandari from charges of Black Money and Money Laundering. Plans include establishing a trust in the UAE, involving individuals such as Sanjeev Kapoor and Anirudh Wadhwa. The intention is to transfer Bhandari's black money to this trust, thereby changing ownership and potentially evading the Black Money Act of 2015. Legal Challenges In Sanjay Bhandari's Extradition Efforts to bring Sanjay Bhandari back to India face legal hurdles. While a UK court initially approved his extradition, Bhandari challenged the decision in the High Court. In the meantime, the ED has seized assets worth 26.55 crore in India related to the case. The tangled web of financial transactions, alleged partnerships, and global conspiracies continues to unravel, raising serious questions about the involvement of key individuals, including Robert Vadra, in this complex case. The highly anticipated 'Pray for India-Conference 2023,' originally scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on December 16th and 17th, was cancelled due to heightened security concerns. The event faced an unexpected setback following a major security breach at the Indian Parliament on 13th December 2023. The national capital New Delhi, Karnataka along with few other states were put on a high alert and security was already stepped up and prompted the organisers to cancel the event. The chief guest of the event, renowned Johannesburg-based author and televangelist Alph Lukau, has expressed his disappointment but understands the necessity of this decision. In collaboration with Shalom and the All India Christian Federation, the event aimed to provide attendees with an opportunity to "experience the power of faith." Within a week, the event had received over one hundred thousand registrations, with spiritual leaders from across the globe showing their intent to join. Quoting Mr. Lukau, he said, "I am deeply saddened by the cancellation of the 'Pray for India' event. As an apostle of faith, I was excited to share my message of hope and spiritual growth with the people of India. However, I understand and respect the decision to cancel the event due to the prevailing security concerns. My prayers are with the people of India during this sensitive time, and I stand in solidarity with them. The cancellation comes after recent security breaches in the parliament, which has put the entire state of Karnataka on high alert. Concerns over the safety and security of the attendees prompted the organsers to make the difficult decision to cancel the event. This is an unfortunate turn of events for both the organizers and the attendees who were eagerly looking forward to the conference. "We deeply regret the cancellation of the 'Pray for India' event, but the safety and security of our attendees are of utmost importance to us," said the spokesperson of Shalom. "We will continue to work with the authorities to ensure that future events can be organized successfully without compromising the safety of our participants." The organizers express their gratitude to all those who had registered for the event and acknowledge the support received from spiritual leaders from around the world. They also extend their apologies for any inconvenience caused by the last minute cancellation,. While the 'Pray for India' event did not take place at this time, the hopes and prayers for the well-being of the Indian people remain strong as Lukau went ahead and did an exclusive prayer session from his church in Johannesburg. The organizers remain committed to organizing similar events in the future, where individuals can gather to celebrate and strengthen their faith. (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Ltds Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility, liability or claims for any errors or omissions in the content of the article. The IDPL Editorial team is not responsible for this content.) NEW DELHI: In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate has named Robert Vadra in a chargesheet related to a money laundering case involving arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The central probe agency alleges Vadra's connection to a London property, terming it "proceeds of crime." This is also the first time that Robert Vadra has been named in a chargesheet filed in connection with a money laundering case by the ED. Connections With Arms Dealer Sanjay Bhandari The ED chargesheet reveals that Sanjay Bhandari held undisclosed foreign income and assets, including properties in London. CC Thampi and Sumit Chadha are implicated in the concealment and use of these "proceeds of crime." Thampi, identified as a "close associate" of Robert Vadra, played a role in renovating and occupying the London property mentioned in the chargesheet. Money Laundering Cases Filed Against Vadra The ED has initiated money laundering cases against Robert Vadra regarding the purchase of properties in London, totaling 1.9 million pounds. These acquisitions, along with others between 2005 and 2010, are allegedly linked to kickbacks received during a petroleum deal in 2009 under the UPA regime. Haryana Land Deal, Bikaner Money Laundering Cases Vadra faces accusations in a 2010 FIR related to the purchase and sale of land in Gurgaon, suggesting irregularities in pricing. Additionally, the ED registered a money laundering case in 2015, asserting that Vadra's company Skylight Hospitality engaged in illegal transactions concerning land in Bikaner meant for the rehabilitation of poor villages. Fraud Cases, Allegations Of Favouritism The Central Bureau of Investigation registered 18 fraud cases in 2017, with four involving companies linked to Robert Vadra. Furthermore, allegations were made in early 2002 that Vadra's family sought favors using their ties with the Nehru-Gandhi family, prompting inquiries into the matter. Robert Vadra-DLF Land Deal During the 2012 anti-corruption movement led by Arvind Kejriwal, serious accusations were made against Vadra, including "illegal" deals with real estate giant DLF. Kejriwal, now Delhi Chief Minister, alleged that DLF provided interest-free loans and discounted apartments, receiving undue favor from the Congress-led Haryana government. Following the 2012 allegations, the BJP raised the Vadra-DLF land deal as a major issue in the 2014 Haryana assembly elections. CM Manohar Lal Khattar ordered an inquiry into the matter, with Vadra defending the transaction as a legitimate business deal. This comprehensive overview highlights the various legal cases and controversies that have surrounded Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra over the years. The Indian Navy in their initial examination of the recent assault on the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea suggests a high likelihood of a drone attack. On Tuesday, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, received a briefing on the preliminary analysis conducted by the Indian Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and the subsequent measures underway, as stated by the Indian Navy. The probe, based on the crew inputs and on-scene examination, also ascertained that the explosive charge on the drone detonated completely, causing extensive damage above the waterline, the statement further read. Remnants of projectiles have been collected by the Indian Navy for further forensic analysis in coordination with other agencies, it added. Notably, MV Chem Pluto, with 20 Indian and one Vietnamese crew member, caught fire on Saturday 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 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 the International Safety Net (ISN) and immediately diverted other merchant vessels in the vicinity of Chem Pluto for assistance. The vessel reached Mumbai and anchored safely at Outer Anchorage off Mumbai at 1530 hrs on Monday. On her arrival, the Indian Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspected the vessel to make a preliminary assessment of the type and nature of the attack. As per the Indian Navy statement, a joint investigation by various agencies has commenced on completion of the analysis by the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Team and MV Chem Pluto has been cleared for further operation by her company-in-charge in Mumbai. The ship is scheduled to undergo mandatory checks by the various inspecting authorities before undertaking Ship to Ship (STS) transfer of cargo. In response to the recent maritime incidents in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has commenced focused maritime security operations in the region. The navy has significantly increased the presence of warships and enhanced air surveillance to safeguard the waters and ensure the safety of maritime activities, the Indian Navy said in a statement. "The presence of Indian Navy warships and air surveillance in the region has been enhanced," stated the Indian Navy. The navy is actively collaborating with national maritime agencies to coordinate efforts and implement effective security measures. The primary objective of these operations is to secure the Arabian Sea and protect merchant marine activities from potential threats. The increased naval presence is expected to act as a deterrent and contribute to the overall safety and stability of the maritime environment. The Indian Navy also deployed multiple Guided Missile Destroyers including INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata, in various areas of the Arabian Sea to maintain a deterrent presence, the Indian Navy said in an official press release on Monday. Moreover, long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are also being regularly tasked with maintaining domain awareness.The release stated that the Western Naval Command's Maritime Operations Centre is actively monitoring the situation in close coordination with the Coast Guard and all concerned agencies. Jerusalem: The Israeli National Security Council has issued a travel advisory for Israeli citizens in India, citing a blast near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday as a "possible terror attack." The advisory was issued after a blast took place near the Israeli embassy in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave on Tuesday evening. No one was injured in the blast near the Israeli embassy. Its spokesperson Guy Nir confirmed the incident, stating, "Around 5:48 pm, there was a blast in the close proximity to the embassy. Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation." Travel Advisory And Security Measures The Israeli National Security Council's recommendations, prompted by concerns of a potential recurrence, particularly apply to New Delhi. Israeli nationals are advised to avoid crowded places, and locations catering to Westerners/Jews, and exercise heightened vigilance in public spaces, including restaurants, hotels, and pubs. Precautionary Measures Among the suggested precautions are refraining from displaying Israeli symbols openly, avoiding unsecured large-scale events, and refraining from publicizing itineraries on social media. The Israeli Foreign Ministry emphasized that there were no casualties in the explosion and that local authorities are investigating in collaboration with Israeli security forces. Response And Investigation Following the blast, Delhi Police's Special Cell, bomb disposal squad, and fire department swiftly responded. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team examined the site during the almost three-hour-long search operation. Security measures were heightened around the embassy and other Israeli establishments in the aftermath. The incident follows a prior warning from the National Security Council urging Israelis to reconsider travel abroad due to rising antisemitism globally. Historical attacks on the Israeli embassy in New Delhi were highlighted, including a 2021 explosion resulting in damaged cars and a 2012 attack injuring the wife of an Israeli security staff member. Heightened Security Since Ongoing Conflict Security officials noted increased security around the Israel embassy in New Delhi since the commencement of the conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group earlier this year. The situation is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. New Delhi: A deputy tehsildar in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh has landed in legal trouble after he converted to Islam following his marriage to a Muslim woman. A photo of him reading namaz in a mosque went viral on social media and sparked a controversy in the district. The administration, which was unaware of his conversion, was shocked to learn that he was a government official and launched an inquiry into the matter. His first wife, who was unaware of his second marriage, filed a case against him and the mosques maulvi along with 10 others for unethical marriage and forced conversion. The case is of Maudaha Kotwali town, where an unknown person was spotted reading namaz in a mosque for two days. When the locals questioned him, he identified himself as Mohammad Yusuf and said that he was from Kanpur. Later, his photo reading namaz went viral and the locals recognized him as Ashish Gupta, the deputy tehsildar of Maudaha tehsil. They informed the authorities, who reached the spot and verified the information. Ashish Gupta, a resident of Kanpur, was already married and had two children. He had not visited his home in Kanpur for a long time. He had recently married a Muslim woman in Maudaha tehsil area, after which he changed his name to Mohammad Yusuf and converted to Islam. He started visiting the Kachariya Baba mosque to read namaz regularly. The Hindu organizations of the district protested against his conversion and demanded strict action against him and the others involved. His first wife filed a case against him and the mosques maulvi along with 5 named and 5 unknown persons in the Sadar Kotwali for marrying and converting him without giving her a divorce. The police have arrested 2 accused in the case and are investigating the matter further. An Egyptian source said on Tuesday the countrys proposal for a Gaza ceasefire is still preliminary while a comprehensive one will follow once the approval of all parties is obtained, reported the Egyptian news outlet Al-Qahera News. Over the past few days, Egyptian officials held separate talks with two delegations from Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements in Cairo on ceasefire and prisoner-captive swap efforts. The Hamas delegation was headed by its chief, Ismail Haniyeh, while the Jihad delegation was headed by its secretary-general Ziad Nakhaleh. The source asserted that Egypt has not received any responses to the proposal so far and did not provide further details. However, several media outlets reported that Egypt proposed a phased initiative to bring a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end the Israeli war, which is now in its 12th week. The proposal involves an extendable truce and a phased release of civilian Palestinians in Israeli jails in return for Israeli captives still believed to be held in Gaza. This would be followed by the creation of an independent government in the strip, currently led by Hamas, in preparation for public elections. The third phase involves the implementation of a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gazan cities. Last week, Nakhaleh said any swap deal must be carried out only after a ceasefire and based on the principle of "all for all," meaning the release of all captives held in Gaza in return for freeing all Palestinians jailed in Israel. 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 on 7 October, Israel has killed over 20,000 Palestinians, including women and children, and wounded thousands of others. Search Keywords: Short link: Planning for your next family trip? Situated in the beautiful hills of Lonavala amidst the cool mountain breeze, Malpani group has achieved in creating the perfect experience for your loved ones filled with adventure and fun. 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Once you visit WetnJoy it becomes hard to leave it behind, they curate such a beautiful experience for you. Give yourself the break you deserve with the spice of adventure and fun with your family. Lets touch "Masti Ki Nayi Heights Together." Adventure Awaits! Visit Today! (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Ltds Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility, liability or claims for any errors or omissions in the content of the article. The IDPL Editorial team is not responsible for this content.) TEL AVIV: In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel executed a targeted airstrike near the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Monday, resulting in the death of Sayyid Raji Mousavi, a key advisor to Iran's paramilitary force, the Revolutionary Guard. The incident draws parallels with the 2020 killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian intelligence commander, in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad. Rising Regional Tensions This event unfolds amid heightened confrontations between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel, raising concerns about the expanding scope of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The timing of Mousavi's assassination adds complexity to an already volatile situation in the region. Mousavi's Connection With Soleimani Mousavi, reportedly a close associate of Major General Soleimani, played a pivotal role in Iranian intelligence. Soleimani's death in 2020 marked a significant loss for Iran, and Mousavi's demise further deepened the void left by the influential commander. General Soleimani's Influence On Iran General Soleimani held the status of a national hero in Iran, often regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the country, second only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Soleimani's influence extended beyond Iran, shaping diplomatic relations and bolstering Iran's presence in the Middle East. He led the Quds Force, a branch of the Revolutionary Guard responsible for advancing Iran's interests abroad, supporting allies, and countering adversaries. The U.S. had designated the Quds Force and Soleimani as terrorist entities. Soleimani's Legacy, Involvement In Syria Soleimani played a crucial role in supporting Syria's President Bashar al-Assad during the early stages of the Syrian civil war in 2012. His efforts included coordinating campaigns, assisting Iran's allies, and facilitating Russian military intervention to stabilize and control the situation in Syria. Assassination Of Soleimani Soleimani's demise occurred on January 3, 2020, in a U.S. drone strike at Baghdad International Airport. The strike also claimed the life of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the leader of Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iraqi paramilitary group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. Iranian Presence In Syria Iran's military presence in Syria dates back to the early stages of the civil war. Iranian forces supported President Assad's government against widespread uprisings, aligning with Iran's broader regional strategy. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps The IRGC, established in 1979, is a branch of Iran's armed forces responsible for safeguarding the Islamic Republic's ideals. It actively intervenes in foreign affairs to prevent foreign interference, thwart coup attempts, and preserve the ideological legacy of the Islamic Revolution. As of 2011, the IRGC had a force of at least 250,000 personnel. The IRGC Navy controls operations in the Persian Gulf, making it a dominant force in Iran's military capabilities. The organization also includes the Basij, a volunteer militia with around 90,000 active members, playing a significant role in various aspects of Iranian society and politics. The IRGC, labeled a terrorist organization by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and the United States, continues to be a focal point of regional tensions and international scrutiny. Abbas Ganbay The separatist clan, having lost their strength and the ability to suck the juices out of life in the territory of Azerbaijan's Garabagh, became complicit with the French pro-Armenian authorities. The massively spreading disease of separatism and anti-religious discrimination continues to manifest itself in France through a gross neglect of cultural values and the morals of friendship. The new variant of separatism should make the authorities think about the vaccination of some officials and that group of people who violate the norms and standards of the above-mentioned principles and are more susceptible to infection. Today, Azerbaijan, after clearing its territories out of separatism by means of brilliantly conducted anti-terrorist measures, is moving on the newly charted path towards peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The past years were not a good scenario for the South Caucasus, where there was a long conflict between the two neighbours, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Today, there is no more conflict, but there are those who had a hand in its inception. Some adherents of separatism want to promote it through information or propaganda among societies, sharing ideas of revanchism and hatred. The human system is already subject to global changes and wars where world organisations and the world community act based on the worldview of clans and Western elites. Sticking to their ideology and orders of the "master," the adherents of chaos are losing their former rigid grip on reformating the world order. Sometimes the ship stops sinking as soon as the rats leave. Armenian lobbyists work tirelessly to spread the mythology that has been hypothetically dinned in heads of population in Armenia. Their job has always been to propagandise Armenia's "higher values" and to appropriate someone else's things not created by them. Although Armenia and Azerbaijan were in enmity with each other, the latter always observed the ethics of respect for the cultural values of the nation and the cultural monuments of the opposing side. This is confirmed by more than 6,000 cultural monuments, memorials, and other Armenian historical landmarks protected under the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan. No such thing can be said about Armenia, as evidenced by the destroyed and desecrated graves of Azerbaijanis, mosques, cultural monuments, and what can be found today in the liberated territories that were previously unavailable. The latest separatist vandalism was seen in Zangilan and in the French town of Evian, where the monument to Khurshidbanu Natavan is located. The pro-Armenian French politicians managed to make UNESCO remain indifferent. It has become known that the pro-Armenian municipality of the French city of Evian-les-Bains, which signed a charter of cooperation with the Azerbaijani city of Ismayili in 2015, recently decided to remove all references to the Azerbaijani park in the city. On June 3, 2017, the official opening of the park took place. After the opening of Azerbaijan Park and the Friendship Spring, the opening ceremony of the monument to the outstanding Azerbaijani poetess Khurshudbanu Natavan was held in the park. On December 18, opposition representatives demanded that the Municipal Council officially remove all inscriptions related to the park. Their demand came from what they called "dictations" by the "September aggression" of Azerbaijan. Pro-Armenian Mayor Josiane Ley stated that all references to Azerbaijan, including parks and other places, have already been removed. These actions can be characterised as a cause where another group of people was infected with the virus of "separatism" as a consequence of being nearby. Following the experience of countries in the fight against the pandemic, the French Ministry of Health should have isolated the group of such badly infected people and prevented its spread to the more susceptible group of elderly people. During the occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan, Armenia destroyed the Natavan monument, and now the mayor of Evian is daring to carry out this action. "Today, the threat to demolish the Natavan monument in France demonstrates what "common values" Armenian and French societies have. Racist French politicians, MPs, mayors, and journalists who accuse Azerbaijan of allegedly 'destroying Armenian heritage' in Garabagh should be ashamed," the West Azerbaijan Community said in a statement. Back in 2017, mutual respect for the culture and values of the two countries coexisted between Azerbaijan and France. Today, France has trapped itself in a pit of manure and cannot realise how it got there. Representatives of the opposition, who put forward these demands because of the anti-terrorist measures taken by Azerbaijan, make us realise that the pit into which they have fallen is deep. In addition to the Monument to the Azerbaijani poetess, there is also a "spring of friendship" in the park, which was a symbol of respect and appreciation for the friendship between the cities of Ismaili and Evian-les-Bains. One should not expect the French authorities to show culture and its value in such an infected state. As mentioned above, world organisations and communities act out of self-interest and do not serve peace and order. The world-famous UNESCO, the world organisation for the protection of cultural and non-cultural heritage, has its headquarters in France. And what do you think the organisation has done? Inaction. Back in May 2023, guests from France, including the head of the French community of Gurgy le-Chateau Lou Beaumier, and editor-in-chief of Danser magazine Michel Oden, with the support of the State Committee for Diaspora Work and the organisational support of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan, paid a visit to the city of Shusha on May 21. They saw with their own eyes the monuments of prominent figures of Azerbaijani culture, such as Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyov, who were shot by Armenian vandals. The guests were informed that during the occupation, Armenians wanted to take the statues to Armenia and melt them down. On the initiative of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, the sculptures were brought to Azerbaijan and kept in the yard of the Baku Art Museum. After the city was liberated from occupation, they were returned to their former places. Deputy Mayor Jean-Pierre Amadio stood in defence of the monument, paying tribute to Khurshidbanu Natavan. "She is known as a free woman, and on the monument in Evian she is depicted without a veil. Of course, we support the Armenian people, but culture and art are the most reliable bridges that connect peoples and countries. Should we all clean up and tear down these bridges?" he said. The monument of Khurshudbanu Natavan also symbolises the memory of the meeting with Alexander Dumas Sr. In 1858, the famous writer and traveller Alexander Dumas Sr. visited Azerbaijan, and Prince Umtsiyev could not miss such an event as a meeting with the famous writer. Dumas was fascinated by the Prince's excellent French language and intelligence, but it was the educated woman of the East, Natavan, who impressed him. What is remarkable in this story of the meeting between Natavan and Dumas is that she gave him a kitset embroidered by her. But having beaten the Frenchman at chess, she received it as a gift from the great writer. This meeting remains a piece of history for France and Azerbaijan; however, Azerbaijan, unlike those separatist-minded French officials, does not burn French books and does not act based on the weight of a bag of gold. In conclusion, it is worth recalling that for 30 years, Armenia has been destroying and desecrating the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people in the occupied lands and preventing the UNESCO mission to these territories. Today, UNESCO is apparently under pressure from the Armenian lobby and does not notice what is happening in the world like other organisations. In the war's 12th week, Israeli forces extended their ground offensive to encompass urban refugee camps in central Gaza as six Palestinians were killed in the West Bank. 23:00 The Egyptian Red Crescent has begun establishing a refugee relief camp in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, Al-Qahera News reported on Wednesday. The camp is being set up per the directives of the Egyptian leadership as part of Egypts efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and accommodate thousands of Palestinians who were driven out of their homes in northern Gaza due to Israeli bombardment. The first phase of the camp, which includes the construction of 300 tents to accommodate over 1,500 people, is nearing completion. Egypt has spearheaded efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the 2.4 million Palestinians in Gaza through the Rafah border crossing who have been under Israeli bombardment and blockade Since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza. One million out of 1.8 million displaced people across Gaza have sought shelter in 99 facilities run by the UNRWA in the south, including in Khan Younis and Rafah. 22:00 The population of Gaza is in "grave peril", the head of the World Health Organization warned Wednesday, citing acute hunger and desperation throughout the Palestinian territory. "What we urgently need, right now, is a ceasefire to spare civilians from further violence and begin the long road towards reconstruction and peace," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The WHO said it delivered supplies to two hospitals on Tuesday -- one in the north and one in the south -- with 21 out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip no longer functioning at all. Tedros called on the international community to take "urgent steps to alleviate the grave peril facing the population of Gaza and jeopardising the ability of humanitarian workers to help people with terrible injuries, acute hunger, and at severe risk of disease". In a statement, the WHO said its staff reported Tuesday that the need for food "continues to be acute" across the Gaza Strip, while "hungry people again stopped our convoys today in the hope of finding food". "WHO's ability to supply medicines, medical supplies, and fuel to hospitals is being increasingly constrained by the hunger and desperation of people en route to, and within, hospitals we reach. 21:00 Battles between Israel and Hezbollah continued on the northern front on Wednesday Hezbollah said it targeted the settlement of Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel with 30 rockets in response to deadly Israeli airstrikes on Bint Jbeil in south Lebanon on Tuesday. Today, hundreds of Lebanese buried a Hezbollah fighter and two civilians who were killed in the Israeli airstrike on two homes in Beit Jbeil. Hezbollah also said it launched drone and rocket attacks on Israeli forces deployed in the occupied Shebaa Farms, confirming direct hits. The Lebanese resistance also reported targeting Israeli artillery positions in Khirbet Maar and Hadab Al-Bustan in the Western Galilee in addition to a new command centre near the Israeli naval base in Ras al-Naqoura, added Hezbollah. On the other side, the Israeli army said it had intercepted eight out of 18 missiles launched from Lebanon towards the Western Galilee. Israel also launched rocket attacks in southern Lebanon on the outskirts of Al-Jebbayn, Tayr Harfa, Dhaira, Yarine, Al-Naqoura, Aita al-Shaab, and al-Hamames south of Al-Khiam, according to Lebanese media. 20:00 The Israeli army announced that two officers, including a deputy platoon commander, and a soldier in the Givati Brigade were killed in fierce battles in Gaza on Wednesday. The 84th Givati Brigade (Highland Brigade) is an Israel Defense Forces infantry brigade formed in 1947. During the 1948 war, it was involved in capturing and ethnically cleansing various Palestinian villages. Before Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, the Brigade was stationed within the Gaza Strip. Retired Major General Wasef Erekat, who is based in Ramallah, stressed to Al Jazeera that the Israeli army has not been able to establish control over northern Gaza and was forced to withdraw its troops and tanks outside major population centres after it took heavy casualties amid valiant resistance from Palestinian fighters. Meanwhile, Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson of the Israeli army, announced that the army added a fresh brigade to its military operations in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Last week, the Israeli army withdrew Company 13 in the Golani Brigades from northern Gaza after the elite force suffered 40 percent losses in personnel and gear in heavy battles. 19:00 A video posted on Quds News Network captured joyful moments for the children of Gaza in one of the displacement camps Kindergarten-age kids sing and dance Dabka as they own the moment! More than half of the 2.4 million population in the Gaza Strip are children under the age of 18. A video shows children enjoying fun activities in a shelter center despite hunger, refuge, and bombings. pic.twitter.com/pSykceaPn1 Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 27, 202318:00 We have not received any fuel shipments since the end of last October, as the municipal services continue to deteriorate, announced the Gaza City Municipality on Wednesday 18:00 We have not received any fuel shipments since the end of last October, as the municipal services continue to deteriorate, announced the Gaza City Municipality on Wednesday. We received promises from UNICEF yesterday about fuel delivery, but we confirm that we have not received anything so far, added the municipality. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have refused to leave Gaza City and other parts of northern Gaza despite relentless Israeli bombardment and a near-total blockade on the entry of all food, water and fuel to relief residents in the area. On Tuesday, the United Nations named an outgoing Dutch minister Sigrid Kaag as its humanitarian coordinator for Gaza following last week's watered-down Security Council resolution which called for aid to be delivered to the strip "at scale. Kaag's appointment comes as the people of Gaza face a dire humanitarian emergency, with aid slowed to a trickle by Israel's continued bombardment of the strip. She will start work on 8 January, the UN said in a statement Israel has allowed the entry of tens of trucks carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, nowhere near what the civilian population needs to stay alive. It has blocked most aid from reaching northern Gaza. 17:00 Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Jordans King Abdullah II discussed on Wednesday the latest developments in the region, especially in the Gaza Strip, stressing the need to refrain from expanding the conflict, which threatens security and stability both regionally and globally. Both leaders discussed, during a meeting in Cairo, the humanitarian situation in the strip, where major destruction of infrastructure and facilities occurred, reaffirming their complete rejection of all attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause and forcibly displace the Palestinians inside or outside their lands. El-Sisi and Abdullah II also called on the international community to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for an uninterrupted delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to ease the tragic situation and the suffering of people in the strip. Furthermore, they emphasized the necessity of a just and comprehensive settlement, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, following the relevant decisions of international legitimacy 16:00 German Hapag-Lloyd announced on Wednesday it will not resume its use of the Suez Canal describing it as "too dangerous" despite a US-led multinational naval operation announced earlier this month to protect shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Accordingly, the shipping giant affirmed that it would continue to reroute its ships via the Cape of Good Hope despite the Suez Canal being the fastest and shortest route for global shipments. "We continuously assess the situation and plan a next review on Friday," a spokesperson for the German container shipper said on Wednesday. According to a recent Alphaliner report, Hapag-Lloyd is the fifth largest container shipping company in the world, which handles 1,963,934 containers per year (6.4 percent share of global shipping). This comes as Houthi rebels continue to launch drone attacks against Israeli ships and ships heading toward Israel around the Bab Mandab Strait in what they described as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians amid the Israeli war on Gaza. On Monday, Shipping firm Maersk said that its preparing to allow vessels to resume sailing through the Red Sea, thanks to the start of a US-led multinational naval operation. 15:00 An Israeli operation in a Palestinian refugee camp in the north of the occupied West Bank left six people dead and several others wounded early Wednesday, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. "Six martyrs killed by the occupation (Israel) and some who were seriously wounded were transported to the Thabet Thabet government hospital in Tulkarem," the ministry said in a short statement. According to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, six people were killed by Israeli air strikes on the Nur Shams refugee camp near the town of Tulkarem, where Israeli soldiers were also deployed. This brings the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the start of the war to 300. EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinians killed during an Israeli raid on the Nur Shams refugee camp near the town of Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on December 27, 2023. AFP 14:00 On Wednesday, the Palestinian health ministry in the Gaza Strip reported that the death toll in the Palestinian territory has reached at least 21,110 since the outbreak of the war on 7 October. The ministry added that, within the last 24 hours alone, 195 individuals lost their lives. Additionally, the total number of wounded individuals has reached 55,243 since the commencement of the conflict. 13:40 Paltel, the Palestinian telecommunications company, reports a gradual restoration of internet and telephone services in the central and southern areas of Gaza. "We would like to announce the gradual restoration of telecom services in the central and southern areas of Gaza Strip after a blackout caused by the ongoing aggression" Paltel announced on X. On Tuesday, for the fourth time since the start of the war on Gaza, all telecommunications were interrupted. During blackouts, Gazans rely on eSIMs to stay connected. . #___#KeepGazaConnected Paltel (@Paltelco) December 27, 2023 13:00 Hamas denied, on Wednesday, the statements made by a spokesperson for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard that the Al-Aqsa Flood offensive against Israel was carried out by the movement in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. In a press statement, Hamas stated: "We have repeatedly affirmed the motives and reasons for the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, foremost among them the dangers threatening the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The movement added: "We affirm that all actions of Palestinian resistance are in response to the presence of the occupation and its continuous aggression against our people and sanctities." The spokesperson for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Ramadan Sharif, stated today that the Al-Aqsa Flood operation was one of the retaliatory operations for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani at the beginning of 2020 in a US attack, adding that these retaliations will continue." On Monday Iran announced that a senior general with Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Rezi Mousavi, was killed in an Israeli strike in Syria. "Our revenge for the death of the martyr Rezi Mousavi will come and it will be a very hard blow to the Zionists," Sharif said. 11:30 Negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar to end the Israeli war in Gaza grapple with mounting complexities as recent media leaks purporting a three-phased proposal from Cairo appear to be somewhat detached from the actual core of the discussions, according to sources close to the negotiations. 10:00 A Hezbollah fighter was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a border town in south Lebanon, as stated by the group on Wednesday. State media also indicated that two of the fighter's relatives lost their lives in the attack. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that "enemy warplanes raided a house... in the center of the town of Bint Jbeil" late at night, resulting in the death of a man, his brother, and his wife. On Tuesday, Israel's military confirmed that nine Israeli soldiers were wounded by an anti-tank missile. The conflict has claimed over 150 lives on the Lebanese side, including several civilians and journalists, while on the Israeli side, at least four civilians and nine soldiers have been reported killed since the onset of the War on Gaza on October 7. 09:30 The Israeli army says one officer and two soldiers were killed in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Israel claims that the total number of soldiers killed since the start of ground operations in Gaza has reached 164, though these figures could not be independently verified. 09:00 Early on Wednesday, an Israeli operation in a Palestinian refugee camp in the northern part of the occupied West Bank resulted in the death of six Palestinians and left several others seriously wounded, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The ministry stated, "Six martyrs killed by the occupation and some who were seriously wounded were transported to the Thabet Thabet government hospital in Tulkarem". The casualties were reportedly a result of Israeli airstrikes on the Nur Shams refugee camp near the town of Tulkarem, where Israeli soldiers were also deployed, according to the official Palestinian news agency, Wafa. Search Keywords: Short link: Without eSIMs, Gazans would be "cut off from the world," and "no one would know what's happening in the Gaza Strip." Like many Palestinians, Hani al-Shaer obtained a virtual SIM card to cope with frequent phone and internet outages. On Tuesday, for the fourth time since the start of the war on Gaza, all telecommunications were interrupted, according to the Palestinian operator Paltel. The dematerialized SIM card is the key for Gaza residents to communicate with the outside world. These eSIMs are purchased by families living abroad. The principle is simple: to activate the card, one must scan the QR code sent by a relative using a compatible mobile phone camera. The user then connects in roaming mode to a foreign network, often Israeli, sometimes Egyptian. The use of eSIMs is almost essential to stay connected since the Israeli army has been bombing the Gaza Strip. Searching for victims For over a week, Samar Labad "lost contact" with her family. Her brother, who lives in Belgium, eventually sent her an eSIM, says the 38-year-old mother, who had to flee with her three children from Gaza City and the fighting to settle in Rafah in the south, where tens of thousands of displaced people are crowded into makeshift camps. "Communication is not stable, but it works," she says. "At least, we stay in touch with each other to reassure ourselves, even intermittently." However, she cannot directly reach her relatives residing in Khan Younes in the south of the Gaza Strip. "I get updates from them through a person living with them whose phone is compatible with the eSIM." Having a virtual SIM is not enough to guarantee communication. The service is only available in areas near the borders with Israel, or one must climb onto roofs to catch a signal. In his mobile phone store, Ibrahim Mukhaimar mostly sees journalists. "They use eSIMs to convey the real situation to the world, especially that the occupation deliberately sought to conceal what is happening in the Gaza Strip," he believes. "To show that essential products necessary for survival are missing," adds the merchant. In addition to reporters, "there are also doctors and civil defense employees looking to know the exact location of strikes to help people," notes Ibrahim Mukhaimar. Employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, "Unrwa, who need it to organize aid convoys," he details. "Cut off from the world" While these virtual chips alleviate telecommunication disruptions, the irony is that internet is needed to activate them. "It can take us two or three hours," explains Yasser Qudieh, a video journalist (JRI). The card's price varies between "15 and 100 dollars, depending on the validity period, which ranges from one week to two months," he specifies. For "better Wi-Fi service," prices can soar. "Without these eSim cards, we would be cut off from the world, and no one would know what's happening in the Gaza Strip," says Hani al-Shaer, a local journalist, who also uses it for his "live broadcasts in 4G or 5G." In late October, the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned that telecommunications and internet disruptions in the Gaza Strip could "provide cover for mass atrocities and contribute to impunity for human rights violations." In addition to documenting the war, Palestinian journalists with eSIMs serve as messengers. "Many expatriates contact us to follow the latest news in the Gaza Strip and get information about their families, and we reassure and inform them about bombing locations when Palestinian service providers are not working," explains Yasser Qudieh. Search Keywords: Short link: The Israeli army said that the Israeli soldiers' death toll in the ongoing ground operation in the besieged Gaza Strip had risen to 164. The Israeli occupation army announced on Wednesday the deaths of three more soldiers that were killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip. Since Friday, 14 Israeli soldiers have been killed in battles in central and southern Gaza, an indication of how the Palestinian groups are still putting up tough resistance against advancing Israeli troops, even as Israel claims to have dealt a serious blow to the Palestinian resistance groups. According to Israeli Army Radio, four soldiers were killed when an anti-tank missile struck their vehicle. The others were killed in separate, sporadic fighting. Another soldier was killed in northern Israel by fire from the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah, which has kept up low-level fighting with Israel since the war on Gaza began, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the Gaza war was exacting a "very heavy price" as the toll of soldiers killed in fighting mounted. "This is a difficult morning, after a very difficult day of fighting in Gaza," he said after the army announced the death of the 14 soldiers. "The war is exacting a very heavy price... but we have no choice but to keep fighting," he added in a statement. Their deaths bring the number of Israeli soldiers killed since the ground invasion began on 27 October to 164, the military said. The mounting death toll among the Israeli occupation army is likely to play an important factor in Israeli public support for the war. Since October 7, more than 20,900 people have been killed in the Israeli aggression on Gaza, 70% of the dead are women and children, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Some 55,000 have also been wounded Search Keywords: Short link: The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission approved Sweden's NATO membership bid on Tuesday, in a key step toward enlarging the Western bloc after 19 months of delays in which Ankara demanded security-related concessions from Stockholm. The commission, controlled by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party, voted to back the bid -- which Sweden made last year in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- after some four hours of debate, including talks on other matters. It had postponed a vote on the bid after an earlier debate. The next step is a vote in the parliament general assembly, where Erdogan's party also holds a majority. It is also expected to pass there in a vote that could be held within weeks. Erdogan would then sign it into law, concluding a process that has frustrated some of Ankara's allies and tested its Western ties. Commission head Fuat Oktay played down expectations for a speedy vote in the general assembly, telling reporters in parliament that the parliament speaker would decide on a timing for the vote. "The decision to submit it to the general assembly has been made now, but this should not be interpreted as [a sign] that it will pass the general assembly with the same speed. There is no such thing," Oktay said. Parliament is set for a two-week recess in early January. Erdogan's AK Party, its nationalist MHP allies, and the main opposition CHP voted in favor of ratification, while the small Islamist Felicity party and right nationalist Iyi party voted against it. What is called communism is nothing other than fascism with a red flag, communist, lieutenant colonel in the Spanish Civil War, and anti-Stalinist Valentin Gonzalez once said. Communisms dream of a just and egalitarian society became a nightmare from the first moment for those thinkers, novelists, poets, playwrights, journalists, artists, filmmakers, and musicians who did not agree with a totalitarian, single-party regime. The journalist, writer, and editor Manuel Florentin has published a great chronicle that covers this particular horror story, from Lenins rise to power in Russia in 1917 to Daniel Ortegas Nicaragua. I am a left-wing person, Florentin says, that is why I believe it is essential to criticize the crimes of communism from the left. The idea for this work, Escritores y artistas bajo el comunismo (in English, Writers and artists under communism), arose from one of his previous works in which he showed the other side of evil on the extreme right, Guia de la Europa Negra (Guide to Black Europe). Through that, I realized how many books there were about Nazism and its crimes, but not about those of communism. In 1997, the Russian newspaper Izvestia put the number of lives that communism had claimed since 1917 at 100 million worldwide. The journalist and editor Manuel Florentin in Madrid. Alvaro Garcia The circles of descent into hell that affected artists and intellectuals ranged from censorship and banning publication or performances of their works to losing their jobs and their homes; exile, prison, torture, internment in concentration camps, and execution. Florentin delved into published books and reports, and used his journalistic experience, which allowed him to interview writers from behind the former Iron Curtain and cover the wars of the former Yugoslavia, among others. The bulk of the books 912 pages focus on the Soviet Union. Florentin maintains that the persecution of intellectuals considered dissident or bourgeois was one of communisms original sins. In December 1917, Lenin created the Commission for the Fight against Counter-Revolution and Sabotage, the sinister Cheka. The list of books that should be censored and eliminated from Russia was drawn up by his own wife. Books were burned and authors were banned. To lighten the very dark tone of the subject matter in this volume, the author intersperses jokes and examples of the black humor that emerged in communist countries, such as the one that said: A prisoner asks for a book in prison. To which the guard responds: We dont have the book, but we have the writer. Lenin littered Russia with concentration camps. They were there since the time of the tsars, but under communist rule they went from 84 to 315 in just three years. A fact that is overlooked by those who bristle when Lenin is called genocidal. One of the cruelest camps was Kolyma, during Stalins time. It is a name that, according to Florentin, should appear alongside Auschwitz. From the left, Kliment Voroshilov, writer Maxim Gorky, and Josef Stalin in 1931. Sovfoto (Universal Images Group via Getty) Lenin had made clear his postulation about what literature should be in 1905. Writers and artists had to put themselves at the service of the revolution, Florentin says. If their work exalted the workers and how happy they were, there were no problems, in fact, those protected by the regime lived very well. This was the case for Maxim Gorky, who had participated in the October Revolution, although he later confronted Lenin, and had to leave the country. Stalin rehabilitated him. With his new status, he had to justify the farcical trials, publish writings against the convicted, and not lift a finger for defenestrated colleagues. The playwright Vsevolod Meyerhold was an enthusiast of the revolution. However, in 1929 the staging of a social satire written by another author, who had been criticized by the official press, led to his downfall. His theater was closed, and in 1939 he was arrested. He was 65 years old, he was tortured for seven months, he cried in pain until his left arm was broken. His torturers left him healthy so he could sign his confession. His wife was found dead with her eyes gouged out the crime was committed by the Peoples Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD) and in February 1940, Meyerhold was executed. Another enthusiast of the Revolution who was purged was Isaac Babel, the author of Red Cavalry and Odessa Tales, two books that the regime did not like. He was arrested, tortured, and executed in January 1940. His works were banned. His widow, when she asked about her husbands fate, was told that he was in Siberia and he was fine. She did not know that he had been killed until 1954. Boris Pasternak had written poems in praise of Lenin and Stalin, but he ended up suffering because his most famous work, Doctor Zhivago, was branded apolitical. Pasternak was married, but had an affair with a woman 22 years younger. She was arrested, and in the torture she lost a son she was expecting. Pasternak was harassed by the state for the rest of his life. The writer Isaac Babel in 1933. Georgy Grigoryevich Petrusov (ALBUM ONLINE) Then there is the case of poet Osip Mandelstam and his wife Nadezhda, who was a writer. He was deported and died during his transfer to the gulag, an acronym for Main Directorate of Correctional Labor Camps and Colonies. He had been arrested for reciting epigrams against Stalin in which he said the leader had a cockroach mustache. His widow wandered around different cities because the order was not to give her work. A joke from the Stalinis period goes: A man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for saying that Stalin is an idiot: one year for sedition and 14 for revealing a state secret. With Stalins successor, Nikita Khrushchev, the thaw and the first criticism of the Stalinist genocide began. But it was not a period without repression. Psychiatric clinics were created. When someone was sent to those centers, they did not know when they would be able to leave. At least in the gulag they knew their sentence, although it was possible that when they were going to finish it, it would be increased. The writer Vasily Grossman, in his monumental Life and Fate, tells a joke about the Lubyanka, the KGB headquarters in Moscow, where detainees were taken. It is the tallest building in the USSR. Why? Because you can see Siberia even from the basement. Other victims appear in Florentins book, such as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, a communist, who in Gulag Archipelago (1973) recounted up to 31 methods of psychological torture during interrogations. Solzhenitsyn recounted firsthand his eight years of captivity. The Cuban dancer Alicia Alonso with Mao Zedong (right) after a performance in 1964. The Cultural Revolution Another notable chapter in this dark history is occupied by Mao Zedongs China, and the so-called Cultural Revolution, of the early 1960s. It was total repression. Mao was losing power because the Great Leap Forward [the industrialization program of the late 1950s] was a disaster. It is estimated that around 60 million people died during the period. That unleashed criticism in the party, and Mao, through the Red Guard, carried out a purge of the intellectuals and the party elite. That era would generate the literature of scars, written by former communists, including Red Guards, who had fled the Peoples Republic. In the prologue, the historian Antonio Elorza remembers that in that delirium, doctors, judges, teachers, and government officials were forced to tour the cities hungry and while suffering insults and attacks. One of the most heinous cases in China was that of the communist poet Lin Zhao, who criticized the excesses of the regime. She was sent to a forced labor camp in 1958. Her boyfriend suffered the same fate and was not released until 1979. She was released and imprisoned several times, until she went on a hunger strike and attempted suicide. In 1965, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison, but only three years later, she received the death penalty. She was executed at the age of 36, in April 1968. On her last day of life, she was even prevented from saying a few last words by placing a rubber gag in her mouth. This map of horrors has stops in countries like Poland, where the essayist and journalist Adam Michnik was imprisoned several times; or the 1980 Nobel Prize winner in Literature, Czeslaw Milosz, who had to go into exile. The writer Guillermo Cabrera Infante went into exile from Fidel Castros Cuba, after having been in a position of trust within the dictatorship, while the poet Reinaldo Arenas suffered imprisonment for his double status as a dissident and gay man. A case similar to that of Cabrera Infante was what the poet Gioconda Belli and the writer Sergio Ramirez in Nicaragua suffered. They went from revolution to punishment. Gulag prisoners constructing the Baltic Sea canal. Laski Diffusion (Getty Images) Similarly, art that did not fit into socialist realism was persecuted. The book recalls a contemporary art exhibition that Khrushchev visited in which he uttered epithets such as dog shit, faggots, and a donkey would paint better with its tail. Of course, Khrushchev was the author of a famous phrase after the uprising in Hungary in 1956: It would not have happened if a dozen writers had been killed in time. What did the leftist intelligentsia in the West do while all this was happening? They looked the other way, although articles and books had been published since the 1920s that denounced what was happening in the USSR. However, since fascism was on the rise and it had to be fought, communism was ignored. Then, after World War II, the enemy was Yankee imperialism, and any criticism of communism was considered a weakening of its own ranks. Florentin also visited countries such as France, where there was no revolution but there was a powerful Communist Party. The leaders of communist countries normally came from the bourgeoisie, they were not workers, and many had studied at the Sorbonne. France played a key role due to its dominance in European intellectual life. We must not forget that Jean-Paul Sarte and Simone de Beauvoir praised Maoism. Earlier, Louis Aragon and Paul Elouard had also been staunch defenders of Soviet communism. The Romanian writer and professor Mircea Cartarescu. Joan Sanchez This double standard of European progress depending on who committed murder, whether communism or Nazism, was reflected in the letter that the Polish writer Czeslaw Milosz sent to Pablo Picasso: During the years in which painting was systematically destroyed in the Soviet Union, you lent your name to the proclamations that glorified Stalins regime [...] Your support for terror counted, your indignation would also have been taken into account. Although among the hundreds of testimonies collected in the book, one of the most lucid reflections is that of the Romanian writer Mircea Cartarescu: Like anyone who has experienced a communist regime, I cant stand utopias. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 'Christ and the Centurion,' a work by Francisco Caro, on display in the Prado Museum in Madrid. Painted near the end of the 17th century, its a representation of one of the best-known episodes of the Gospel, which continues to be the subject of debate. Museo Nacional del Prado For centuries, theological disputes have often honed in on a word, a nuance, or a philological doubt that upon being amplified by the religious perspective can acquire extraordinary dimensions. One of the most recurrent disputes has to do with an episode in the life of Jesus, narrated in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Its a well-known story: when Jesus is in Capernaum, he receives a request from a Roman centurion. The army commander asks Jesus to perform a miracle to heal his servant, who is seriously ill. When Jesus goes to his house, the centurion comes out and tells him that its not necessary for him to enter his abode, since hes considered impure. He knows that, with the mere word of Jesus, a miracle will be able to take place. Indeed, when the centurion returns to his residence, he finds the sick man instantly cured. Its an episode so popular that, in the Catholic celebration of the Eucharist, millions of faithful recite a variation of his words before communion: I am not worthy of you entering my house, but one word from you will be enough to heal me. The story told in similar terms by Matthew and Luke offers multiple interpretations. In addition to verifying the miraculous capacity of Jesus, its usually used as an anecdote to illustrate the strength of faith, as the miracle of healing can be carried out at a distance. This is what leads Jesus to say: I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. These are the words with which the episode concludes. However, for years now, a controversy has arisen between different sectors of the Church regarding this story. Was the sick man truly a servant of the centurion? Several theologians and biblical experts have warned that the Greek term that appears in Matthews text to identify him pais doesnt refer to a simple servant in the military language of the time (doulos, the term used by Luke), but rather to a servant who establishes an emotional and sexual relationship with his master. If the servant was indeed a reference to a same-sex partner resulting in a relationship on unequal terms, given the social difference between the two this story would be the only direct allusion to the phenomenon of homosexuality in the Gospel. However, most translations have omitted this interpretation to opt for the words son which is doubtful, since centurions were prohibited from marrying or having offspring and servant. Of course, with Luke emphasizing that the servant is very dear to him, theres the suggestion that the relationship goes beyond servitude. The relationship between the centurion and his servant doesnt come from a marginal interpretation. In fact, its quite widespread: its normal to find it in books and articles that address Catholicism from an LGBTQ perspective. Theres even an Argentine LGBTQ Catholic association whose name El Centurion refers to this reading. And, this past year, the story reached new audiences. The book Daily Gospel 2023 the guide to biblical readings in accordance with the liturgical calendar, published annually by St. Pauls, one of the oldest and most respected Catholic publishing houses includes this queer interpretation in the comments that accompany the fragment, which is the reading from the Gospel on the first Monday of Advent. Xabier Pikaza, a veteran theologian and the author of the accompanying text, has spoken out in favor of the integration of the LGBTQ community in the Church. His interpretation of Matthews verses aligns with this idea. According to the commentary he has written, the centurion is a tough man, a professional [soldier], who is wounded because his servant-lover is sick. Hes a man hated by many Jewish nationalists and despised by other, more legalistic ones, because of his possible homosexual behavior. By begging Jesus to help him, he has had to overcome his military pride and his presumed sexual humiliation. If, in other cases, Pikaza notes, Jesus dares to break the invisible barrier that prevented people from approaching lepers, here, he attends to the pain of the soldier with irregular behavior, showing himself willing to enter his house even if its impure. He doesnt demonize him, nor expel him. He heals him. This isnt the first time that Pikaza has approached this episode. In an article published in 2015 on his blog, Digital Religion, he carefully analyzed the implications of this fragment an old controversy that, despite everything, continues to be an open wound in certain sectors of the Church. On December 18, the Pope made an unprecedented decision by authorizing blessings for homosexual couples. While this is far from marriage equality (the Vatican remains restrictive about this), the Popes declaration shows an evolution and an openness compared to the previous position of the Church. However, weeks before the announcement after the inclusion of Pikazas commentary in the reading guide was made public certain figures took to social media to call for a boycott of St. Pauls publishing house, for allowing room for what they consider to be heretical interpretations of the New Testament. The response from Pikazas entourage has come in the form of an article that defends the theologians academic and intellectual work against the arguments of his detractors. His supporters have denounced the campaign launched by conservative media. Another supporter of openness is James Martin, an American Jesuit priest who is close to Pope Francis. His essay on the subject Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity has become a small bestseller. Published in 2017, the book is currently in its third printing. Curiously, in the work, the centurion appears, but not as a homosexual. Rather, he shows up as a symbol and parable. Ive heard that interpretation (about the centurion and the servant being queer) and its very interesting that the centurion at least in Matthew doesnt use the word doulos, which is almost always used in the Gospels to define a servant or slave, Martin explains to EL PAIS. As Xabier Pikaza points out, the term used is pais, which means boy or young man. Of course, the centurion must have felt great affection for his servant; otherwise, he wouldnt have asked Jesus to heal him. But were they really lovers? Is that why the centurion says that hes not worthy of Jesus entering his house, as has been suggested? Im no Greek expert, but most New Testament scholars say that this interpretation is unproven. Despite his reluctance to accept this reading, Martin head of Outreach, a Catholic LGBTQ portal suggests a similar interpretation. Even if pais just meant servant, this story shows Jesus addressing someone entirely outside the Jewish environment. In other words, the centurion was probably not a monotheist and certainly not a Jew. But instead of expelling him by calling him pagan or sinner, Jesus treats him with great respect, praises his faith and gives him a great gift. Its an early example of how Jesus treats marginalized people and, therefore, whatever [the word] means, it demonstrates how we should treat everyone we consider to be the other including LGBTQ+ people. The Churchs gesture of openness to LGBTQ couples suggests that part of the Vatican thinks like Martin. In a Church plagued by internal struggles and conflicting theological currents, cornered by the scandal of sexual abuse and by its own contradictions, something as simple as a story repeated a thousand times can spark an entire media storm. The unnamed centurion although one source names him Gaius who approached Jesus to ask him to heal the man he loved (be it his servant or his partner) has been there from the beginning, in a Gospel where Jesus makes no explicit condemnation of sexual diversity. Something that, for centuries, a good part of the Church has ignored. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Traffic accidents resulting from failures in autonomous driving systems are posing an obstacle to the development of driverless cars in the United States, where some states already allow the circulation of fully autonomous vehicles. One of these states is California, where a woman was run over on October 2 by a person who fled the scene; the impact hurled the victim into the path of a driverless taxi which, instead of braking or performing evasion maneuvers, dragged her for 20 feet. The accident was a serious blow to Cruise, the autonomous vehicle unit of General Motors, which fired nine top executives after it was found that they had withheld a key video of the accident from California regulators, as reported by Bloomberg. Although this is not the only incident in which Cruise has been involved, it was the one that forced the company to suspend its activities a little over a year after being granted permission to operate in California. It was also present in Texas and Arizona. Cruises situation is no exception in the automotive industry. Tesla, the worlds leading electric car manufacturer, which has been promising fully autonomous vehicles for years, was forced this month to recall two million cars, practically all the Teslas currently on American roads. The reason was that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) considered that Teslas driver-assistance system, Autopilot, does not do enough to ensure that drivers pay attention to what goes on around them. The system, which offers a certain level of autonomy, has caused several fatal accidents in recent years. One of them happened in 2019 when a man driving a Tesla in Autopilot mode crashed into a Honda Civic, causing the death of its two occupants. The NHTSA conducted a two-year investigation, analyzing 956 crashes in which Autopilot mode was used. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Their first battle plan was outdated the moment the dam crumbled. So the Ukrainian special forces officers spent six months adapting their fight to secure a crossing to the other side of the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine. But it wasnt enough just to cross the river. They needed backup to hold it. And for that, they needed proof that it could be done. For one of the officers, nicknamed Skif, that meant a Ukrainian flag and a photo op. Skif, Ukrainian shorthand for the nomadic Scythian people who founded an empire on what is now Crimea, moves like the camouflaged amphibian that he is: Calculating, deliberate, until the time to strike. He is a Center 73 officer, one of Ukraines most elite units of special forces water operations specialists, frontline scouts, drone operators, underwater saboteurs. They are part of the Special Operations Forces that run partisans in occupied territories, sneak into Russian barracks to plant bombs and prepare the ground for reclaiming territory seized by Russia. Their mission on the more dynamic of the two main fronts in the six-month counteroffensive reflects many of the problems of Ukraines broader effort. Its been one of the few counteroffensive successes for the Ukrainian army. By late May, the Center 73 men were in place along the rivers edge, some almost within view of the Kakhovka Dam. They were within range of the Russian forces who had controlled the dam and land across the Dnipro since the first days after the February 2022 full-scale invasion. And both sides knew Ukraines looming counteroffensive had its sights on control of the river as the key to reclaim the occupied south. In the operations opening days, on June 6, an explosion destroyed the dam, sending a wall of reservoir water downstream and washing out the Ukrainian army positions. An AP investigation found evidence Russia was responsible. We were ready to cross. And then the dam blew up, Skif said. The water rose 20 meters (yards), submerging Skifs supply lines, the Russian positions and everything else in its path. The race was on: Whose forces could seize the islands when the waters receded, and with them full control of the Dnipro? AP joined one of the clandestine units several times over six months along the Dnipro. The frogmen are nocturnal. They transform themselves from nondescript civilians into elite fighters, some in wetsuits and some in boats. In the morning, when their operations end, theyre back to anonymity. They rarely take credit for their work. Ukraine created the special services operations in response to Russias lightning-fast annexation of Crimea in 2014, a precursor to the widescale invasion of Ukraine eight years later. We realized that we were much smaller in terms of number than our enemy, said Oleksandr Kindratenko, a press officer for Special Operations Forces. The emphasis was placed on quality. These were supposed to be small groups performing operational or strategic tasks. He said they were trained and equipped in part by Europeans, including those from NATO countries, but their own recent battle experience means they are now as much teachers as students. Tasks that the unit considers routine scouting as close to Russians as possible, planting explosives under their noses, underwater operations most soldiers would consider high-risk. High-risk missions are practically a death wish. Skif knew he first had to plan and persuade the generals that if his men could secure a bridgehead a strategic crossing point it would be worthwhile to send troops. And that would mean high-risk river missions. But a lucky thing happened in early autumn. A Russian officer who claimed hed been opposed to the war since its beginning was sent to the front in Kherson. It was, he later said, every bit as bad as hed feared. He made contact with Ukrainian intelligence and said he had 11 comrades who felt similarly. The group surrendered together and Skif ended up taking custody of the Russian officer and his men. The surrendered Russians told him exactly what he needed to know about their unit on the little island they were now tasked with taking, just outside the village of Krynky. He was sure he could take the island and more with 20 experienced men. But not without the promise of sufficient backup so Ukrainian regular forces could hold the territory. Fine, his commander said. Hed get the backup if he returned with footage of his unit in the village hoisting the Ukrainian flag. And thats how, in mid-October, a Ukrainian drone carrying the national blue and yellow flag came to fly above Krynky at just the moment Skif and his men made their way to the occupied village across the river. They got their photo op, sent it to the military headquarters, and established the bridgehead. Multiple Ukrainian brigades were sent to hold the position and have been there ever since, including those men from Center 73 still in shape to fight. But nighttime temperatures are dipping well below freezing, and Ukrainian forces are vastly underequipped compared to the Russians nearby. Holding and advancing in winter is much harder on soldiers bodies and their morale. In recent weeks, Russia has sent waves of glide bombs essentially enormous munitions retrofitted with gliding apparatus to allow them to be launched from dozens of kilometers (miles) away, as well as swarms of grenade-launching drones and Chinese all-terrain vehicles, according to the Institute for the Study of War and the Hudson Institute, two American think-tanks analyzing open-source footage from the area. But Ukrainian forces and Center 73 keep fighting. My phone book is a little graveyard, Skif said one evening, coordinating over the radio his men on another boat mission. This is our work. No one knows about it, no one talks about it, and we do it with little reward except to benefit our country. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A demonstrator holds a banner outside The Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, in London, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. For holding a sign outside a courthouse reminding jurors of their right to acquit defendants, a retiree faces up to two years in prison. For hanging a banner reading Just Stop Oil off a bridge, an engineer got a three-year prison sentence. Just for walking slowly down the street, scores of people have been arrested. They are among hundreds of environmental activists arrested for peaceful demonstrations in the U.K., where tough new laws restrict the right to protest. The Conservative government says the laws prevent extremist activists from hurting the economy and disrupting daily life. Critics say civil rights are being eroded without enough scrutiny from lawmakers or protection by the courts. They say the sweeping arrests of peaceful demonstrators, along with government officials labeling environmental activists extremists, mark a worrying departure for a liberal democracy. Legitimate protest is part of what makes any country a safe and civilized place to live, said Jonathon Porritt, an ecologist and former director of Friends of the Earth, who joined a vigil outside Londons Central Criminal Court to protest the treatment of demonstrators. The government has made its intent very clear, which is basically to suppress what is legitimate, lawful protest and to use every conceivable mechanism at their disposal to do that. A patchwork democracy Britain is one of the worlds oldest democracies, home of the Magna Carta, a centuries-old Parliament and an independent judiciary. That democratic system is underpinned by an unwritten constitution a set of laws, rules, conventions and judicial decisions accumulated over hundreds of years. The effect of that patchwork is we rely on self-restraint by governments, said Andrew Blick, author of Democratic Turbulence in the United Kingdom and a political scientist at Kings College London. You hope the people in power are going to behave themselves. But what if they dont? During three turbulent and scandal-tarnished years in office, Boris Johnson pushed prime ministerial power to the limits. More recently, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has asked Parliament to overrule the U.K. Supreme Court, which blocked a plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda. Such actions have piled pressure on Britains democratic foundations. Critics say cracks have appeared. As former Conservative justice minister David Lidington put it: The good chap theory of checks and balances has now been tested to destruction. Government takes aim at protesters The canaries in the coal mine of the right to protest are environmental activists who have blocked roads and bridges, glued themselves to trains, splattered artworks with paint, sprayed buildings with fake blood, doused athletes in orange powder and more to draw attention to the threats posed by climate change. The protesters, from groups such as Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil and Insulate Britain, argue that civil disobedience is justified by a climate emergency that threatens humanitys future. Sunak has called the protesters selfish and ideological zealots, and the British government has responded to the disruption with laws constraining the right to peaceful protest. Legal changes made in 2022 created a statutory offense of public nuisance, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and gave police more powers to restrict protests judged to be disruptive. It was followed by the 2023 Public Order Act, which broadened the definition of serious disruption, allowing police to search demonstrators for items including locks and glue. It imposes penalties of up to 12 months in prison for protesters who block key infrastructure, defined widely to include roads and bridges. The government said it was acting to protect the law-abiding majoritys right to go about their daily lives. But Parliaments cross-party Joint Human Rights Committee warned that the changes would have a chilling effect on the right to protest. Days after the new act took effect in May, six anti-monarchist activists were arrested before the coronation of King Charles III before they had so much as held up a Not My King placard. All were later released without charge. In recent months the pace of protests and the scale of arrests has picked up, partly as a result of a legal tweak that criminalized slow walking, a tactic adopted by protesters to block traffic by marching at low speed along roads. Hundreds of Just Stop Oil activists have been detained by police within moments of starting to walk. Some protesters have received prison sentences that have been called unduly punitive. Structural engineer Morgan Trowland was one of two Just Stop Oil activists who scaled the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over the River Thames near London in October 2022, forcing police to shut the highway below for 40 hours. He was sentenced to three years in prison for causing a public nuisance. Judge Shane Collery said the tough sentence was both for the chaos you caused and to deter others from seeking to copy you. He was released early on Dec. 13, having spent a total of 14 months in custody. Ian Fry, the United Nations rapporteur for climate change and human rights, wrote to the British government in August over the stiff sentences, calling the anti-protest law a direct attack on the right to the freedom of peaceful assembly. Michel Forst, the U.N. special rapporteur on environmental defenders, in October called the British laws terrifying. The Conservative government has dismissed the criticism. Those who break the law should feel the full force of it, Sunak said in response. Even more worrying, some legal experts say, is the justice lottery facing arrested protesters. Half the environmentalists tried by juries have been acquitted after explaining their motivations, including nine women who smashed a banks windows with hammers and five activists who sprayed the Treasury with fake blood from a firehose. But at some other trials, judges have banned defendants from mentioning climate change or their reasons for protesting. Several defendants who defied the orders have been jailed for contempt of court. Tim Crosland, a former government lawyer turned environmental activist, said its Kafkaesque if people are on trial and theyve got a gag around their mouth. That feels like something that happens in Russia or China, not here, he said. To highlight concern about such judges orders, retired social worker Trudi Warner sat outside Inner London Crown Court in March holding a sign reading Jurors You have an absolute right to acquit a defendant according to your conscience. She was arrested and later informed by the solicitor-general that she would be prosecuted for contempt of court, which is punishable by up to two years in prison. Britain has strict contempt laws intended to protect jurors from interference. Since then, hundreds more people have held similar signs outside courthouses to protest a charge they say undermines the foundations of trial by jury. Two dozen of the Defend Our Juries protesters have been interviewed by police, though so far no one apart from Warner has been charged. Porritt said the aim is to bring it to peoples attention that there is now this assault on the judicial process and on the rights of jurors to acquit according to their conscience. Is Brexit to blame? Many legal and constitutional experts say the treatment of protesters is just one symptom of an increasingly reckless attitude toward Britains democratic structures that has been fueled by Brexit. Britains 2016 referendum on whether to leave the European Union was won by a populist leave campaign that promised to restore Parliaments and by extension the publics -- sovereignty and control over U.K. borders, money and laws. The divorce brought to power Boris Johnson, who vowed to get Brexit done, but appeared unprepared for the complexities involved in unpicking decades of ties with the EU. Johnson tested Britains unwritten constitution. When lawmakers blocked his attempts to leave the bloc without a divorce agreement, he suspended Parliament -- until the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that illegal. He later proposed breaking international law by reneging on the U.K.s exit treaty with the EU. He also became enmeshed in personal scandals from murky funding for his vacations and home decoration to lockdown-breaking parties during the pandemic. He was finally ousted from office by his own fed-up lawmakers in 2022, and later found to have lied to Parliament. People were elevated to high office (by Brexit) who then behaved in ways which were difficult to reconcile with maintenance of a stable democracy, said Blick, the Kings College professor. The populist instinct, if not the personal extravagance, has continued under Johnsons Conservative successors as prime minister. In November, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that a plan by Sunak to send asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda was unlawful because the country is not a safe place for refugees. The government has responded with a plan to pass a law declaring Rwanda safe, regardless of what the court says. The bill, which is currently before Parliament, has caused consternation among legal experts. Former Solicitor-General Edward Garnier said changing the law to declare Rwanda a safe haven is rather like a bill which says that Parliament has decided that all dogs are cats. But Blick says Britains unwritten constitution means that checks and balances are easier to override than in some other democracies. Nothing can actually be deemed clearly to be unconstitutional, he said. So theres no real blockage (on political power) other than thats where you come back to self-restraint. A democratic deficit? In Britains system, Parliament is meant to act as a bulwark against executive overreach. But in recent years, the government has given lawmakers less and less time to scrutinize legislation. Because the Conservative government has a large House of Commons majority, it can push bills through after perfunctory time for debate. Many laws are passed in skeleton form, with the detail filled in later through whats known as secondary legislation, which does not receive the full parliamentary scrutiny given to a bill. It increasingly falls to Parliaments upper chamber, the House of Lords, to scrutinize and try to amend laws that the House of Commons has waved through. The Lords spent months this year trying to water down the anti-protest provisions in the Public Order Act. But ultimately the upper house cant overrule the Commons. And as an unelected assortment of political appointees, a handful of judges and bishops and a smattering of hereditary nobles, its arguably not the height of 21st-century democracy. Of course the Lords is indefensible, but so is the Commons in its current form, William Wallace, a Liberal Democrat member of the Lords, told a recent conference on Britains constitution. The Commons has almost given up detailed scrutiny of government bills. Since Brexit, academics, politicians and others have been debating Britains democratic deficit in a series of meetings, conferences and reports. Proposed remedies include citizens assemblies, a new body to oversee the constitution and a higher bar for changing key laws. But none of that is on the immediate horizon much less a written constitution. The protesters, meanwhile, say they are fighting for democracy as well as the environment. Sue Parfitt, an 81-year-old Anglican priest who has been arrested more times than she can remember as part of the group Christian Climate Action, has twice been acquitted of criminal charges. She, too, was interviewed by police after holding a sign outside court reminding jurors of their rights. Its worth doing to keep the right to protest alive, quite apart from climate change, she said. It would be difficult for me to get to prison at 81. But Im prepared to go. There is a sense in which going to prison is the ultimate statement you can make. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Sabah Khodir is an Egyptian-American writer and activist based in Cairo with more than 33,000 followers on Instagram, where she mixes posts about her work and life with posts about her political opinions. On average, she explains, her stories receive around 7,000 people views, a figure that sometimes rises to 12,000. But since Israel launched its latest military offensive in Gaza and Khodir began to share more about the situation in Palestine and express her solidarity with Palestinians, her stories have been viewed less than 100 times. This is a recurring problem, its not new, she explains. And it only happens with Palestine. Like Khodir, many social media users and dozens of rights and civil society organizations claim that Facebook and Instagram both owned by Meta have been disproportionately censoring content and accounts in support of Palestine. The most common form of censorship is limiting the visibility of such posts and accounts. In other cases, the account is restricted, suspended or eliminated, or the users access to the platforms functions is restricted. The claims of censorship on social media where many seek information on the Gaza war due to the widespread perception that mainstream Western media is following the pro-Israel line has put moderation policies and practices once again in the spotlight. There is also growing criticism, as these practices limit access to information and users freedom of expression and political participation. If its about Palestine in particular, [the visibility of my content] is always much lower. My profile has been attacked [previously] for reporting sexual predators, and yet I have never been restricted; its only when it comes to Palestine, Khodir notes. From the start of the Israeli offensive in Gaza until the end of November, Human Rights Watch documented over 1,050 takedowns and other suppression of Instagram and Facebook content that had been posted by Palestinians and their supporters in more than 60 countries. The organization, however, noted that the total number is likely to be much higher. The 7amleh-Arab Center for Social Media Advancement has also documented hundreds of cases. One of the most striking cases is Facebooks decision to suspend the Quds News Network, which has almost 10 million followers, according to 7amleh. Another example is the temporary suspension of the Eye on Palestine Instagram account, which has six million followers. In response to these takedowns, 90 human rights and civil society groups from around the world denounced the discrimination and disproportionate censorship of Palestinian content in a statement on October 13. An Egyptian researcher in critical artificial intelligence studies, who prefers that her name not be published due to the sensitivity of the subject, explains that this large-scale practice is possible because, in addition to human reviewers, large social media platforms have a highly automated process of text recognition, machine learning techniques, computer vision programs and deep learning that allow them to identify all types of content that violate their moderation policies. What is problematic is determining what constitutes incitement to hate, antisemitism, terrorism and justifying terrorism, because it is an inherently subjective act, she says. In the case of Palestine, she adds, there have been occasions when pro-Palestinian and solidarity slogans have been confused with slogans that are considered to support or condone Hamas violence. This, in turn, makes it difficult to achieve a balance between freedom of expression and compliance with content moderation policies, she says. Fighting the algorithm In response to the criticism, Meta declared on October 13 that it had formed an operations center, with Hebrew and Arabic speakers, to address the crisis, and admitted that, due to the increase in flagged content, some content was removed by mistake. The company said that they removed or marked as disturbing more than 795,000 pieces of content, between October 7 and 10, but did not detail how much of that content was in Hebrew and how much was in Arabic. Meta said that in that three-day period, it removed seven times as many posts on a daily basis for violating its Dangerous Individuals and Organizations policy a rule critics say disproportionately affects Palestinian voices. The companies also blocked hashtags associated with content that violated its community guidelines, and lowered its thresholds for using automated tools to detect and remove potentially violating content. In a second statement, following the HRW report, Meta denied it was deliberately suppressing a particular voice. EL PAIS contacted Meta, but did not receive a response by the time of publication. They always claim that there are what they call technical errors or glitches, but they always end up resulting in discrimination, censorship and silencing of not only Palestinian voices, but also citizens around the world who advocate for the protection of Palestinian human rights and in solidarity with Palestine, says Itxaso Dominguez de Olazabal, 7amlehs EU advocacy officer. An external report on Metas handling of content during the May 2021 Israeli military offensive in Gaza concluded that its actions appeared to have had an adverse human rights impact [...] on the rights of Palestinian users and their ability to share information. It also noted that Arabic content was more likely to be mistakenly removed, and that proactive detection rates of potentially violating content were significantly higher for Arabic content compared to content in Hebrew. It also identified unintentional bias where Meta policy and practice most affected the rights of Palestinian and Arab users. Hate speech A separate case is X, formerly Twitter, which is being criticized for giving free rein to misinformation after recent changes introduced by the companys owner, Elon Musk. One of these changes is that paid-for accounts are more visible regardless of their credibility and who manages them. X has also been accused of failing to crack down on content that incites hatred. Since the start of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, 7amleh has recorded more than 2.5 million instances of violent speech in Hebrew against Palestinians on X a figure it attributes to the fact that the platform does not have Hebrew-speaking content moderators. On October 10, X said in a statement that it had taken action against tens of thousands of posts for their graphic, violent and hateful content. It added that it is proactively monitoring antisemitic speech, but made no mention of anti-Palestinian speech. The companys CEO, Linda Yaccarino, published a letter the following day addressed to the European Unions internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton, in which she explained that X had removed hundreds of Hamas-affiliated accounts, but did not mention any other cases. She also recalled that the platforms rules prohibit content that threatens to to damage civilian homes and shelters, or infrastructure that is essential to daily, civic, or business activities. But it is not clear whether this rule is being applied to senior Israeli officials. On Twitter they are allowing under the banner of freedom of expression incredible amounts of hate speech and violent speech, which also come from [Israeli] authorities and are often accompanied by disinformation, says Dominguez. The Egyptian researcher and Dominguez note that this imbalance is taking place in a context of asymmetrical power: firstly between social platforms and their users, and secondly, between Palestinians and pro-Palestine supporter, and Israelis. For example, on October 19, the cyber department of the Israeli Public Prosecutors Office announced that it had reported more than 6,200 pieces of content on social media, and claimed that around 90% of its requests to Meta platforms had been accepted. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition By Azernews The organisation of War Veterans of Labour and Armed Forces of Azerbaijan addressed President Ilham Aliyev with a statement to show support and solidarity. According to Azernews, the statement reads: The people of Azerbaijan are currently experiencing a completely new, extremely proud, and glorious stage of its history. The Patriotic War, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, ended with a glorious victory. First, the territorial integrity and then the sovereignty of the country were fully secured. Azerbaijan came out of the 44-day war stronger. The operation in 2023 took only 1 day. Parts of the Armenian army were completely cleared from Azerbaijani lands, and war criminals and heads of the military junta were arrested. With these historic victories, the architect of which was President Ilham Aliyev, he put an end to the hardships, defeats, and shocks faced by Azerbaijani people over the past 200 years, and the Golden Age of Azerbaijan's statehood history was opened. Having successfully fulfilled this sacred mission, President Ilham Aliyev has fulfilled the cherished dream of national leader Heydar Aliyev - "father's testament." 8 November - Shusha Liberation Day entered our history as Victory Day. Today, the flag of Azerbaijan flies proudly in Khankandi, Khojaly, and Aghdara. Ilham Aliyev is the victorious leader of the victorious nation. All Azerbaijani people, all veterans are proud of it! Azerbaijan, which 30 years ago was saved by the national leader from a difficult, crisis and the threat of disintegration, is developing dynamically today, following the path of Heydar Aliyev, thanks to President Ilham Aliyev's determination, his policy meeting the challenges of time. The huge successes achieved by Azerbaijan, especially in the last 20 years, have turned it into a place of political stability, progress, and global initiatives in the world. Ilham Aliyev's course of independent policy based on national interests and mutual trust has brought Azerbaijan great respect and authority at the international level. When we veterans look at today's Azerbaijan, we see that our efforts have not paid off. We are proud that Azerbaijan is in safe hands, we are proud that Azerbaijan has such a president as Ilham Aliyev. This is a historical happiness inscribed in the destiny of the Azerbaijani people! Today the Azerbaijani people are united in a fist, today the heart of every Azerbaijani beats with one beat, and today everyone fights for the same deed. This is the national strength! This is the policy of national leader Ilham Aliyev! Today, everyone is in a hurry to build. Azerbaijan is giving new life to our ancient lands with its possibilities, and our people are returning to their ancestral homes. Today, we, the veterans, look at the youth and are proud of them. They are walking our path with honor, spreading our glory all over the world. These are the youth who grew up in the times of President Ilham Aliyev, ready to give their life, their blood for the Motherland, their flag. Let it be love for the youth with this determination and this faith! We veterans have seen very painful roads and suffered a lot. Today, many regions of the world yearn for a quiet day, wars, and massacres have engulfed the surrounding regions. But Azerbaijan, as an island of stability, security, and development, is only going forward. We, veterans from all over the republic, gathered in Baku, holding this general meeting, declare that each of us wants the continuation of President Ilham Aliyev's policy. Ilham Aliyev has fulfilled all his promises to the people. His word-signature. The whole world knows it. We, veterans, declare that we are with President Ilham Aliyev! These victories must continue. The world is facing a period of great upheaval and transformation, from Russias attack on Ukraine to the artificial intelligence revolution. Historian Niall Ferguson, 59, who holds positions at Harvard and Stanford University, calls for maximum alertness in the face of the several risks inherent to this era. In an interview on the sidelines of the Grand Continent Summit, an annual conference organized by Le Grand Continent magazine in Saint-Vincent (Aosta Valley, Italy), Ferguson says he believes that the foreign policy of the Joe Biden administration has been a failure as it did not deter the Taliban, Putin or Hamas from launching their attacks. He believes that Donald Trump is likely to win the U.S. elections again, and warns that Ukraine may lose the war, that Europe cannot forget that its security depends on the United States and that artificial intelligence may seriously affect our cognitive abilities. Question. How do you see the West in this fragmented world with increasingly antagonistic powers? There was a united response to the invasion of Ukraine, but now support is wavering. Answer. I think if future historians try to sum up the Biden administrations foreign policy, one way they might do it is to say, these guys were very bad at deterrence. They failed to deter the Taliban from taking complete control over Afghanistan. They didnt deter Putin from further invading Ukraine. They havent deterred Iran from launching attacks on Israel through its proxies. And it remains to be seen if they deter China from blockading Taiwan, but it wouldnt surprise me if they failed there too. The response of the West to the invasion of Ukraine has become a slightly mythologized subject. When the U.S. came round to realizing that Putin was serious, rather than deter him, they just published the plan. The Americans didnt expect Ukraine to hold up. They expected [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskiy to fly out. Everybody was truly surprised by the success of the defense of Kyiv by the Ukrainians. Only then did we start to supply them with arms. And from the moment that we began to supply them with arms, we supplied them with enough weapons not to lose, but never enough to win. People in Washington said, oh, this is great. Russias military is being degraded, and we dont have to do the fighting. But that created a major risk to Ukraine, which we now see: it ran out of offensive capability. We should have seen the need for an armistice last year when things were going really well for Ukraine. Weve created a very bad situation in which Western support has begun to decline. The Ukrainians are already running out of ammunition. And thats potentially a year before Donald Trump is in the White House. The foreign policy of the Biden administration has been very unsuccessful. It makes Trump look good. Q. You mentioned the Taiwan issue. Faced with the threat of China, do you think the European Union should align itself closely with the U.S. or rather seek its own position? A. Were in a cold war. Two superpowers the United States and China are competing ideologically, technologically, in economic terms, in geopolitical terms. There are only two, because superpower status today is about AI, quantum computing, all of those things. And for Europeans, its a complete delusion to think that theres a choice. Because this continent relies on the United States for its security. Its unbelievable to me that Europeans think they have a choice. And yet they do. If the United States elects Donald Trump, and he withdraws from NATO, then Europeans are going to discover what strategic autonomy means. Q. What does it mean? A. It will turn out to be a very unpleasant thing, because it will cost a lot of money. It will be very hard to achieve in any kind of realistic time frame. And then Europeans will find themselves quite exposed, not just to China, but to Chinas proxy Russia. The situation is really quite a bit worse than most Europeans recognize. If Ukraine is defeated, then Russias at the borders of Europe. And Europe, if it doesnt have the United States, has to find a huge amount of money. And not only money, but the capability to arm itself, which it currently lacks. All this can happen quite quickly. Q. What do you think needs to be done? A. I think we have to be very, very, ready to work extremely hard to keep the transatlantic lives together. Because if were divided, were in a much weaker position. Currently, theres a good deal of doubt on both sides. Were very bad at imagining defeat. Its really one of our big myopic problems. We cant quite picture the day Kyiv falls. We cant quite picture what its like if Trump gives a speech in 2025, and he says the United States is leaving. We cant picture [Chinese President] Xi Jinping in Taipei after a successful takeover. And all of these things can happen. We might have a rude awakening. Q. Since 2016, it has been evident that the extreme right is gaining ground in the West. Far-right parties are either surpassing moderate groups or impregnating their ideology in them. Do you think that the traditional right can still prevail in this battle? A. Classical liberalism achieved a very clear dominance that lasted right down until the 2010s. It beat the Soviet Union, beat the leftists, persuaded [U.S. president Bill] Clinton and [British prime minister Tony] Blair. Once there, you had nowhere else to go but to create a global economy based on free markets, free trade, free capital movement, and indeed free movement of people. And that was bound to generate a backlash because it wasnt likely to benefit everybody. In fact, it was quite likely to hurt the white working class of Western Europe and North America and benefit the working class of Asia. Thats the big story. These arguments are still alive. Theyre still strong, theyre still compelling, and theyre still winning elections. But in Europe, ultimately, the populist right doesnt have a solution to the problem of aging populations. It doesnt have a solution to the problem of low productivity growth. It doesnt have a solution to the economic problem. And in many ways, its solution to the immigration problem just makes the economic situation slightly worse. Q. How should leaders of the traditional right approach this situation? Should they partly buy into the arguments of the radical right? Or emerge as a clear moderate alternative? A. I think if you want to be elected as a conservative, you have to join these different elements together. You cant just be elected by disaffected working class nationalists. But you cant also expect only free market business people to support you. So how do you get them together? I think you say the following: we are in terrible fiscal trouble. This is going to create a burden for your children and your grandchildren. We have to address the problem of low growth, we have to address the problem of high debt. But we also are against open borders, and we also are against cultural relativism, and therefore we combine classical economic principles with a controlled immigration policy. If you cant do both those things, you will fail. Q. In these troubled times, the artificial intelligence revolution is bursting onto the scene. It has enormous potential, it could lead to great advances, but it also comes with risks. What will its socioeconomic impact be? A. You already see white collar clerical jobs being destroyed. There will be a large scale transformation of middle class employment because a whole raft of jobs will be gone really soon. Adoption is pretty rapid, and the first data show that there will be major gains in productivity through large scale job losses. I think economic history tells you that you get a bunch of new jobs after 20 years, but in the transition period, you have a great deal of distress and discontent that will find a political outlet of some kind. But there is another issue that is even more worrying. Q. What is that? A. Artificial intelligence will have unintended consequences for our powers of cognition. In the same way that Google destroyed our memory, because we no longer had to remember things, I think large language models will actually destroy our path of thinking, because it will essentially construct plausible-sounding arguments for us. And because were very lazy as a species, most people will essentially let it do that and lose the ability to do it themselves. If we dont cut children off from large language models and make sure that theyre educated without them, we will not be able to teach children to think. I think they will simply get GPT4 or 5 to do the thinking for them, and thats actually more worrying to me than the effects on employment. If we lose the ability to construct an argument in answer to a question, because we delegate it to a machine, I dont think we have much of a future as a species really. Thats my bigger fear. The large language models are an invitation to mass mental laziness. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Djenabou Bella Diallo learned to mutilate girls genitals during her university nursing internship at a private clinic in the town of Labe, in west-central Guinea-Conakry. There is a lot of social pressure. All past generations did it, absolutely all women were mutilated. In an environment where everyone does one thing, its very difficult not to do the same thing, she explains. Cut as a child herself, Diallo, 35, talks about her work practicing female genital mutilation (FGM) in a rather introverted manner, although she answers all questions. At the clinic, we stopped mutilating little girls when we understood the physical and psychological damage it causes, and we began to provide training to stop this gender-based violence, she recalls. Two years ago, she stopped cutting to work as a midwife in a public health center in the district of Pelel, near Labe, the commercial epicenter and capital of one of the eight regions into which Guinea is divided. Since 2021, a military junta has governed this country of 14 million inhabitants; according to the United Nations Population Fund, over 41% of the population is under 14 years of age. Female genital mutilation or the cutting of a girls clitoris is practiced mostly in countries in Africa and the Middle East, despite being prohibited in many of these places. According to UNICEF data, today at least 200 million girls and women in 31 countries have been subjected to genital mutilation. UNICEF says that in general the practice has been declining over the past three decades. But that is not the case in Guinea-Conakry, which has the worlds second-largest population of girls and women whove suffered this form of gender violence, after only Somalia. According to the feminist organization Equality Now, 95% of females undergo genital mutilation in Guinea-Conakry. In our case [at the clinic], we only cut a piece of the clitoris, Diallo recalls. But there are other types of FGM. The most widespread type in Guinea, especially in rural areas, is type three, in which the clitoris, the greater nerves and the upper labia are cut. In private clinics, the procedure is performed with sanitary instruments. In other cases, it is done with scissors, cutters or knives; that is very common in rural areas. Aissatou Diallo, a Guinean feminist activist based in Barcelona, Spain, adds that this practice is not directly related to religion. Muslim, Catholic and animist girls are mutilated, she says. Each month, Nurse Diallo mutilated two girls between the ages of five and six for approximately 50,000 Guinean francs (about $6.00). In Guinea, the percentage of families who mutilate their daughters at private clinics is very low, as not everyone can afford it, she notes. There are what are called community mutilators, who go to rural villages, and in exchange for very little money, they offer to perform FGM. In these cases, they dont mutilate the girls indoors, but take them and mutilate them in the middle of the forest, for example. FGM has many different consequences: psychological trauma, serious complications in childbirth and deprivation of sexual pleasure. It is a macho practice, used to make women more vulnerable from an early age. It is a tool of domination, to weaken us, emphasizes Aissatou Diallo, nurse Djenabou Diallos sister-in-law and the president of AHCAMA, an association working to combat gender-based violence. Djenabou Diallo says that increasingly more women, especially those of her generation, are refusing to perform FGM on their daughters. She acknowledges that a popular strategy is pretending and claiming that the girls have complied with the rite when its not true. Even [the girls] think they are [mutilated], and when they grow up they find out they are not, Diallo notes. Asked about her own daughter, Diallo is quick to respond, Were not going to mutilate her. The practice of FGM is not the only problem Guinean women face. According to World Bank data, barely 31% of the countrys women were literate in 2021. Access to healthcare and basic resources like drinking water is very scarce or non-existent, says Boubacar Sylla, of the Guinean NGO Club des Amis du Monde (CAM). The situation is particularly harsh in rural areas, where approximately 62% of the Guinean population currently lives. In addition to FGM, there are other problems, such as the forced and early marriage of girls. According to a study by the Autonomous University of Barcelonas Wassu-UAB Foundation, in 2021, 47% of women in Guinea were married before the age of 18. The same report concluded that a community that legitimizes FGM is more likely to lead its sons and daughters into forced marriages. The study also pointed out that in societies where gender inequalities limit womens access to economic opportunities, forced marriage is often seen as a good survival strategy to attain some financial security. Sara Aminiyan Llopis and Anna Enrech Calbet are founders of Yemaya magazine. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Valerii Zaluzhnyi (right), head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with Serhii Shaptala (center), chief of the General Staff, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, after the press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday. The decision to recruit more soldiers and the strategy to achieve this goal has further distanced Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. General Zaluzhni challenged the Ukrainian leader on Tuesday by criticizing the governments strategy to mobilize more troops to fight Russias full-scale invasion. I am not satisfied with the work of the [recruitment offices], Zaluzhni said at a rare press conference in Kyiv. Russias war against Ukraine has become a battle of attrition, and as the fighting enters its third year, few Ukrainians want to go to the front lines. Meanwhile, in Russia, the Kremlin has ordered the maximum number of army personnel to be raised to 2.2 million. In addition to criticizing the recruitment plan, Zaluzhni also expressed his concern for the situation in Ukraine. I made a mistake believing that stopping the casualties we have caused would be a factor for Russia, said the head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is the second time Zaluzhni and Zelenskiy have clashed in public. In a November interview with The Economist, the general admitted that the situation had reached a stalemate, that it was proving very difficult for Ukraine to advance and that the counteroffensive has collapsed. He also criticized the pace of recruitment as being too slow. The Ukrainian government censured Zaluzhni for his statements. Last week, Zelenskiy stressed that Zaluzhni whose popularity has skyrocketed in recent months, while the presidents has fallen amid the failed counteroffensive is also responsible for the results on the battlefield. The latest public disagreement comes after Zelenskiys executive presented in the Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament, a decree aimed at boosting the number of soldiers in the army. The draft law which will be debated and amended expands the conditions of men who can be called up and reduces the minimum age of conscripts from 27 to 25. It only applies to men, as women enlist voluntarily. Last week, at the annual press conference to review the situation in the country, Zelenskiy said that the army was seeking to mobilize between 450,000 and 500,000 new recruits, but stressed that the issue required further debate. However, Zaluzhni said on Tuesday that the figure only represents a general plan that would be covered gradually. I cannot say how many: it is a military secret, the general said in the televised conference, detailing only that the number will take into account the compensation for losses, the training of new units and the replacement of possible losses next year. Zaluzhni also said that he is leaving the idea of recruiting Ukrainians abroad an idea considered by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in the hands of the government. For Ukraine, increasing military personnel is a top priority. Kyiv has not made public how many troops it has in its forces which are made up of several bodies but experts estimate that there were one million at the beginning of the war. Since then, the Ukrainian army has suffered casualties. While Ukrainians rushed to enlist during the first stages of the war, today, few are eager to join. In most cities far from the battlefront, the war does not have the same impact. Whats more, corruption cases against recruitment officers, who received bribes in exchange for exempting people from service, have sparked widespread indignation, which has made it even more difficult to swell the armys ranks. On the Donbas front, in eastern Ukraine, the vast majority of soldiers have not taken leave to return home for months. Many are exhausted. It gets very hard, the physical and mental fatigue is sometimes overwhelming, admitted Kostya, a tank driver, in a coffee kiosk filled with military personnel, a few miles from the Bakhmut front, which is one of the most active. Russia, meanwhile, has been digging in, completing robust defenses and continuing to launch waves of troops against the Ukrainian line in a bid to gain a few meters. Ukrainian analysts and military officials say Moscow is using its own soldiers as cannon fodder. Ukraine argues that only with new, more powerful and technologically superior weapons sent by its allies will it be able to turn the battle around. But the EU which is hoping to approve a special 50 billion ($55 billion) aid package to keep Ukraine afloat is struggling to produce enough ammunition to keep up with Ukraines needs. Whats more, arms sent by EU countries to Ukraine have only just been meeting the countrys basic requirements. The United States is in a similar position. Washingtons $61.4 billion in funding for military and economic aid to Ukraine is blocked because of infighting, largely within the Republican Party. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition While Rio de Janeiro was finalizing the details of Christmas dinner, the most wanted man in the city crossed the empty streets and knocked on the doors of the Federal Police headquarters, accompanied by his lawyer. Luis Antonio da Silva Braga, better known as Zinho, a feared militiaman who had been wanted by the justice system for five months and faced 12 arrest warrants, turned himself in on Christmas Eve. His supporters had been negotiating the surrender for several days, but his appearance at the central police station of the Federal Police, in the heart of Rio, caught everyone by surprise. After the usual bureaucracy, the officers quickly set up a special unit with 50 men who transported him 21 miles north, to a maximum security prison in Bangu, on the outskirts of the city. From a cell measuring six square meters, where he has no contact with other prisoners, Zinho will face interrogations that could be decisive in eroding the power of the Rio militias. The militias are mafia groups initially formed by retired police officers, soldiers or firefighters who promised security and a hard-line approach to crime to the residents of the peripheral neighborhoods. In exchange, they carried out and continue to carry out all types of extortion, threats and abusive charges for services, from gas to cable television. Investigations into Zinho indicate that his militia charged security fees to all construction companies that wanted to place a brick in the neighborhoods of Campo Grande and Santa Cruz, the fiefdoms of his group. The City Councils public works were no exception. Over time, these vigilante gangs built local empires based on tight social control, strong patronage networks and bloody score settling with rivals. Zinho is the third member of his family to assume command of the militia. The first was Carlinhos Tres Pontes, a former drug trafficker murdered in 2017 in a police operation. Control of the group then passed to another of his brothers, Ecko, who oversaw the militias expansion in the western area of Rio. In 2021, he was injured when he was captured. While being transferred to the hospital, he tried to steal the weapon of one of the police officers who was guarding him. Another officer reacted and shot him in the chest, according to the polices version. It was also a close call for Zinho, who barely escaped. The last death in the Braga Family took place in October of this year. A nephew known as Faustao, 24, accused of 20 murders, was killed by police. He was Zinhos right-hand man and his possible heir. In retaliation, Zinho sought to cause havoc in the city: 35 buses and a train were set on fire. It brought half the city to a standstill, with mass traffic jams keeping drivers waiting for hours. Zinho is facing more than a dozen pending cases. He is accused of crimes such as homicide, active corruption and membership in a criminal organization, which could add up to more than 200 years in prison, according to local press. The Prosecutors Office believes that Zinho ordered the killing of Jerominho, another notorious militiaman (and former councilor) who sought to regain power in the militia that he founded years ago. Rios most wanted militiaman did not surrender to the police on Christmas Eve because he was moved by the Christmas spirit. He had been backed into a corner and feared both rival gangsters and the police. In fact, he did not hand himself over to the Military Police or the Civil Police, which usually lead investigations in Rio, in many cases responding with disproportionate violence. Zinho was concerned that rival militiamen could have infiltrated these forces. The Federal Police, on the other hand, has a broader perspective and is not as influenced by local dynamics. Officers from the Federal Police were the ones who dealt the final blow to Zinhos group, with attacks particularly aimed at its political arm. They searched the home of regional representative Lucia Helena Pinto de Barros, better known as Lucinha. This veteran of local politics who was always one of the most voted was known by the militia as The Godmother. She defended their interests in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio and acted as a bridge with the City Council. Now, it is hoped that with her removed from office and Zinho behind bars, investigators will be able to dig deeper into who was supporting the group. The executive secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Ricardo Cappelli, trusts that Zinho will collaborate. A militia like that is not established in Rio de Janeiro, dominating almost a third of the citys territory, without powerful connections. Zinho has a lot to say, we hope he speaks, he told the Globo news network. Either way, Zinhos arrest does not mean that the militias are losing power or that order will be restored to the western zone of Rio, where these groups reign supreme. The main concern now is about the power struggle to take Zinhos place, and how bloody that battle will be. The territorial empire his brother Ecko created is increasingly fragmented, the Red Command (CV), the main drug trafficking faction, has taken advantage of that weakness to expand, and there is a long list of rivals with a thirst for revenge and power. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Among the heartbreaking global humanitarian conflicts seen in 2023, it is important not to forget the Latin American migrants who cross through Mexico to the United States in search of a better future. Fleeing poverty and political repression, this dramatic exodus has seen an unprecedented spike in the past two months, according to the United States. Proof of this are Washingtons continuous diplomatic contacts with Mexico, which are testing the bilateral relationship. On Wednesday, in the middle of the Christmas break, a top-level U.S. delegation will visit Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to again address the migration crisis in a face-to-face meeting. The new delegation will be led by U.S. Secretaries of State Antony Blinken, and include Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Homeland Security Advisor Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall. The number of migrants detained at U.S. border crossing has increased by 31%, reaching 69,462 detentions, according to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. On Christmas Eve, a caravan of thousands of people left Chiapas, in the south of Mexico, and is now advancing to the U.S. border. In the middle of winter, entire families will try to cross Mexico. In addition to the poor conditions, the migrants also face the risk of corruption and extortion schemes. Last week, in view of the spike in arrivals, the United States closed several ports of entry, seriously affecting the imports and exports of both the U.S. and Mexico. This sparked emergency calls that succeeded in reopening the international crossing bridges. The Mexican business association accused the closures of causing million-dollar losses. In a call last Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden and Lopez Obrador agreed to meet on Wednesday to negotiate additional enforcement actions to regulate the migratory influx and ensure the trade flow between the countries. The latest of the anti-immigration measures, passed in Texas by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, allows state authorities to detain and deport undocumented people to Mexico which before now, only federal authorities were allowed to do. The rule scheduled to come into force in March has been described as the toughest law against migrants to date in the United States and earned the condemnation of the Mexican president. Migrants depart in a new migrant caravan from southern Mexico in an attempt to reach the U.S. border. JOSE TORRES (REUTERS) The migrants have dubbed this caravan the "Exodus of Poverty." JOSE TORRES (REUTERS) They began their journey in Huehuetan, Mexico. JOSE TORRES (REUTERS) Entire families, women with their children, young men and teenagers of different nationalities departed at Christmas with the goal of reaching the U.S. border. DAMIAN SANCHEZ (REUTERS) The Caravan of approximately 6,000 people departed on Sunday from Tapachula, Chiapas. JOSE TORRES (REUTERS) Migration is a tail-eating serpent. Countries affected by U.S. economic sanctions, such as Cuba or Venezuela, argue that these restrictions are what are pushing people to migrate. In an October 22 meeting, held at the request of Mexico, various Latin American leaders attempted to address the crisis by focusing on the situation in the countries of origin. The Mexican government which is reluctant to crack down on Latin American migrants passing through the country is caught between two fires. On the one hand, it is under pressure from the U.S. to stem migration. On the other, it is facing a massive outflow of Mexican nationals who have joined the caravans in order to cross illegally to the north. Lopez Obradors government estimates that of the 307,000 people expected to be detained at the border by the end of the year, almost 75,000 will be Mexicans. The political and economic crises shaking all of Latin America particularly in Honduras, Venezuela, Guatemala and Nicaragua are the origin of a migratory wave that condemns hundreds of thousands of people to extraordinary suffering as they leave their countries for the prosperous north. But meetings between political leaders are not resolving this issue, nor do they even come close to changing the state of affairs. Condemned to understand each other, Mexico and the U.S. have maintained cordial relations throughout the past six years. One of Blinkens recent visits to Mexico was preceded by the announcement that the U.S. was extending the border wall, but not even that soured relations. The immigration crisis, however, is not the only thorny issue testing relations, Mexico and the U.S. are also facing the problem of fentanyl trafficking. This deadly drug enters from Mexico and kills more than 100,000 Americans a year. Another issue is the drug trafficking cartels, which play a role in the economy, drugs and migration. During a recent visit to Mexico, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen, tried to bring order to the matter by imposing economic sanctions on individuals and companies linked to drug cartels. At the beginning of December, Yellen also signed a memorandum of intent to focus a national security lens on foreign direct investment. Today, the migration crisis is once again the top concern for both sides of the border. Far from being solved no matter how many stopgap measures are introduced thousands of people continue to suffer as they refuse to give up on their hope of finding a better future in the north. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A 20-year-old womans trip north ended tragically in September. Border Patrol agents found her face down in the sand at 10 a.m. near a New Mexico highway. The coyotes (human traffickers) who had taken her into the United States had abandoned her the night before. The woman was taken to a hospital, where she died three days later in an intensive care unit. In August, the intense Texas heat dehydrated a Mexican man so badly that he suffered seizures and had trouble breathing. He died hours later. A 20-year-old Honduran man drowned in the Rio Grande in the summer, near where Texas authorities had installed a controversial floating wall of buoys to reduce the flow of migrants. These are just some of the recently documented deaths of migrants. The deaths are discreetly reported by the local press, with the victims often remaining anonymous. The bodies are difficult to identify because migrants do not take their papers on the last leg of the trip to the U.S. A boy who drowned in the river was identified by his tattoos. His mother, who was waiting for news in a shelter in Mexico, was the one who identified him when agents showed her photographs. These stories come in trickles, but they make up a sea of casualties on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2023, which threatens to become one of the deadliest. The El Paso Sector of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said a few weeks ago that 148 deaths had been recorded during the fiscal year 2023, which runs from October 2022 to the last day of September 2023. The figure nearly doubles the 71 deaths recorded in fiscal year 2022, which saw a significant influx of migrants. According to authorities, most of the deaths occurred between May and September, when high temperatures are recorded in the vast semidesert area stretching from El Paso in West Texas to the borders of New Mexico and Arizona. The 148 deaths do not include those recorded in other Border Patrol sectors, such as Tucson (Arizona), San Diego (California) and the River Valley, another area of Texas that has recorded an influx of migrants. It has been a bloody year for a sector that documented six deaths in 2017. The 2023 crisis has also seen a significant rise in the number of female victims, with 84 recorded. In 2021, by contrast, there were 35. These figures may increase, as they are preliminary. The deaths recorded in the El Paso sector represent a considerable percentage of those in 2021, the most recent official figures. That fiscal year, there were 560 deaths along the more than 1,800-mile border, according to CBP. The year has set a new record for irregular crossings, with more than 2.4 million migrant interceptions recorded in 2023, The increase in the migratory flow has triggered a tug-of-war between Washington and Mexico. The two governments will address the issue on Wednesday in yet another high-level meeting. The crisis has also sparked a dire humanitarian situation that continues to deteriorate. The United Nations has described the U.S.-Mexico border as the deadliest land route for migrants. It stated that last year, 686 immigrants died or disappeared in their attempt to reach the North American power. Almost half of these deaths are linked to crossings in the Sonoran and Chihuahua deserts increasingly dangerous routes in an increasingly hot world. When the deaths from other legs of the journey are taken into account, such as the passage through the Darien jungle and sea routes through the Caribbean, the figure rises to 1,457 deaths. That makes 2022 the deadliest year in U.N. records. But the international agency warns that the real number of victims may be higher. The 2022 figure is likely higher than the available information suggests, due to missing official data, including information from Texas border county coroners offices and the Mexican search and rescue agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) of the U.N. stated in September. In 2020, the University of Texas agreed with the IOM, stating that CBP data was incomplete, as it does not include the deaths of migrants who drown in the Rio Grande and whose bodies end up on the Mexican side. The academic report stated that more than 3,200 migrants have died trying to cross into south Texas since 1990. Pending more recent official figures, the numbers are worrying. Throughout 2022, the Mexican consulate in San Diego documented 42 deaths of Mexicans trying to cross through Tijuana. Two years earlier, only 16 had been recorded in that area. Accidents and deaths increased in that area next to Donald Trumps border wall. During the Trump administration, the wall went from being 5.1 to 9.1 meters high, which led to more hospital admissions for fractures, injuries and blows. Eight out of every 10 migrants who arrived at the hospital blamed their injuries on Trumps wall. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition KYODO NEWS - Dec 27, 2023 - 13:37 | World, All North Korea's ruling party opened Tuesday a key year-end meeting to review its policies from 2023 and discuss a draft budget for next year, with leader Kim Jong Un hailing achievements in boosting "national power," the official Korean Central News Agency said. Kim, who presided over the plenary meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, in his report defined 2023 as "a year of great turn," in which North Korea "left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country," KCNA said Wednesday. The report said "change and progress" were made in areas including politics, national defense and diplomacy, it added. KCNA noted the country's possession of "space reconnaissance assets," referring to the November launch of a military spy satellite, and said Pyongyang "has been unswervingly put (in) the position of a military power" following the development of new strategic weapons. The agency also mentioned a constitutional amendment in September to incorporate Pyongyang's policy of boosting its nuclear force, saying the move firmly laid "a strong institutional and legal foundation for defending the state, self-respect and national interests." The gathering presented six major agenda items including the implementation of the state budget in 2023 and the draft state budget for 2024, the agency added. The party meeting is expected to continue for several days with decisions expected to be released later. The session may discuss plans for more satellite launches next year, nuclear and missile development, policies in dealing with such countries as the United States, Russia and China, and the full scrapping of COVID border restrictions introduced in January 2020. Related coverage: Aging mother of North Korea abductee awaits reunion as health woes mount North Korea held Hwasong-18 ICBM "launch drill": KCNA Japan's FY 2024 defense budget expands to record 7.9 trillion yen KYODO NEWS - Dec 27, 2023 - 09:42 | All Episode 26: Kanji of the year What word would you use to describe your 2023? Three Kyodo News journalists - Yamaguchi-san, Eduardo and Su-san - talk about the kanji choice of the year among Japanese businesses: "change." Listen as they discuss the nuances of kanji characters and other words they believe could be used to describe the year in global politics as well as their personal lives. Article mentioned in the podcast: Japan firms pick kanji for "change" to describe turbulent 2023 Kyodo News presents a bilingual podcast for English learners about the ins and outs of news writing and how to translate tricky Japanese phrases into English. Have fun listening to journalists discuss recent articles as they occasionally go off on unrelated tangents. Related coverage: Podcast [English World] Episode 25: 2023 Japanese buzzwords Podcast [English World] Episode 24: Japan's tallest skyscraper Podcast [English World] Episode 23: Youngest female mayor KYODO NEWS - Dec 27, 2023 - 22:34 | All, World, Japan A zoo in the western Japanese city of Kobe said Wednesday it will delay the return of a giant female panda to China by another year as the animal undergoes medical treatment. Tan Tan is the oldest panda in Japan at age 28, which puts her in her 80s in human years, according to Oji Zoo. The animal seems to have lost her appetite and has been less active since fall. The panda came to the zoo in 2000 from China for breeding purposes. She was supposed to be sent back home in July 2020 upon the end of her lease agreement, but it was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and treatment of age-related cardiac disease. Following discussions with China, the zoo has decided that it needs to postpone the return beyond the end of this month due to the need to continue checkups and treatment while also taking into consideration the risks of transportation. Since spring 2022, the zoo has refrained from showcasing Tan Tan to the general public due to her health condition. Related coverage: Head of Japan's Komeito party meets senior China official, seeks end of seafood ban Japanese among fans overjoyed to see Tokyo-born panda in China Giant panda Ya Ya returns to China from U.S. after stirring worries By Junko Horiuchi, KYODO NEWS - Dec 27, 2023 - 09:28 | Feature, All Sakie Yokota, 87, is increasingly fearful that time is ticking away, robbing her of the chance to once again see her daughter Megumi, who was abducted in Japan and taken to North Korea at age 13 some 45 years ago. For quite a while, she prioritized her busy schedule, dedicating much of her time to activities aimed at raising awareness about the abduction issue and urging the Japanese government to take action, often neglecting her health. However, on Feb. 28, 2023, she finally understood that her well-being could be in jeopardy when she suddenly felt disoriented, vomited, and began to faint. With palpitations getting stronger and her vision blurring, she walked toward the door at her home in Kawasaki, outside Tokyo, thinking she needed to get help from the neighbors. But at the doorstep she felt an acute tightness in her chest and collapsed. "This may be the last," she thought and managed to gasp, "Please God, let me live another two years. I will continue to work hard." As she prayed and waited, the throbbing began to subside, and her vision recovered. She managed to leave her home, catch a taxi and go to the hospital, where she ended up undergoing surgery to insert an artery stent. It was her first time being hospitalized and undergoing an operation. "I don't know why I said 'two years,'" Yokota told a recent interview with Kyodo News. "As I am already 87 and since I don't expect to live a lot longer, I probably thought instantly at the time I would be allowed to live roughly two years." The fate of Megumi, who came to symbolize Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea throughout the 1970s and 1980s, remains unknown after she was kidnapped on her way home from a junior high school badminton practice in Niigata on the Sea of Japan coast in 1977. A total of 17 Japanese nationals are officially listed as abductees. North Korea is believed to have used abductees to teach Japanese language and culture to its spies or to steal their identities so that their agents could conduct espionage activities. File photo taken in September 2014 in Niigata, northwest of Tokyo, shows Shigeru Yokota (R) and his wife Sakie, the parents of Megumi Yokota, a symbolic figure in the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s. Shigeru Yokota died on June 5, 2020, at age 87. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo Yokota now lives alone at her home in Kawasaki after her husband Shigeru, with whom she spearheaded the campaign to bring back the abductees, died in 2020. The group of abductees' families, once led by Shigeru, is now being headed by one of their twin sons. She said she cannot help being aware of the effects of aging, such as becoming frail and forgetful, but her firm resolve to rescue her daughter seems to keep pushing her forward. "I am thinking perhaps she may be forced by North Korea to undertake grueling tasks if she is well and not resistive," Yokota said. "I always hope to hear her voice, see a photo of her or anything." In her living room are photos of Megumi taken in North Korea when she was in her 20s, as well as Kim Eun Gyong, who was born to Megumi and Kim Young Nam, a South Korean abducted by North Korea. "I now prefer seeing a photo of (Megumi) as an adult rather than of when she was younger. It gives me a little reassurance, knowing that she has grown up to this age, although what happened afterward remains unknown," Yokota said of her daughter, who would be 59. In 2002, five abductees were returned to Japan after then Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with North Korea's leader at the time, Kim Jong Il, in Pyongyang, the first-ever summit between the two countries that do not maintain diplomatic ties. Megumi was not among them, and North Korea insisted that she had committed suicide after giving birth to a daughter. Koizumi revisited Pyongyang in 2004 and North Korea handed over cremated remains, which it claimed were those of Megumi. However the Japanese government said the remains were not hers, citing DNA analysis. Ten years later, Yokota and her husband had the opportunity to meet Kim Eun Gyong and their great-granddaughter in Mongolia, a rare moment of joy amid decades of sorrow. Over the years, the Yokotas have tirelessly rallied to bring Megumi and other victims back, traveling across the country to make more than 1,400 speeches and actively initiating petitions, urging the government to take action. They also sought to make their plight known overseas, with Sakie Yokota having met four U.S. presidents, most recently Joe Biden. She also testified before a U.S. congressional panel and spoke before a U.N. human rights working group in Geneva. Even after her husband's death, she continues to speak at rallies and other events to bring attention to the issue. But no substantial progress has been made, leaving Yokota frustrated. She firmly believes that a breakthrough in the abduction issue hinges on the Japanese government and the realization of a summit between the Japanese and North Korean leaders. "It is so irritating that the prime minister cannot even meet (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un," said Yokota. "The prime minister earned the post after saying he would protect the Japanese people. The government needs to work harder and politicians need to have active discussions toward resolving the abductions issue," she said. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who took office in October 2021, has shown willingness to hold direct talks with Kim Jong Un. He has repeatedly said he would do so "without preconditions" rather than insisting that any summit should yield progress on the abduction issue. Japanese officials engaged in several informal contacts with the North Korean side around this spring, according to sources close to the matter. However, any negotiations over the long-standing issue have become challenging due to the regional security environment worsened by Pyongyang's repeated test-firing of ballistic missiles. North Korea also maintains that the abduction issue has been resolved and that it holds no more abductees. While Yokota is determined to remain fit until the day they reunite, Megumi may also be wishing the same. Hitomi Soga, 64, who was among the five abductees that returned to Japan in 2002, recently shared at a gathering her memories of the months she spent with Megumi in North Korea. Soga was abducted in 1978 from Niigata Prefecture along with her mother Miyoshi Soga. Soga recalled that she and Megumi would quietly sing a Japanese song, Momiji, so their North Korean supervisors would not notice. She said they also enjoyed a rare treat of eating ice cream together. When she was asked by a moderator what messages Megumi would have for her family at this moment, Soga said, "In essence, 'Mother and my beloved family, how are you? Please stay well from now on and forever.' I think Megumi-san has always kept this feeling." Related coverage: PM Kishida vows further efforts to realize summit with North Korea leader Photo exhibition held in Tokyo on iconic North Korea abductee North Korea abduction suspect died in 2018: Japan police Abbas Ganbay The Russian Community of Azerbaijan has expressed support for the candidacy of Ilham Aliyev in the upcoming presidential elections, the community said in a statement, Azernews reports. It notes that members of the community welcomed with satisfaction the decision of the New Azerbaijan Party to nominate Ilham Aliyev as the party's presidential candidate in the February 7, 2024, elections. "We are confident that members of the Russian Community will continue to support our president, his purposeful, uncompromising activity for strengthening peace, preservation of multinational society in friendship and brotherhood, further development, and strengthening of the country's Armed Forces, and will cast their votes for Ilham Heydarovich Aliyev for the bright future of our motherland on February 7," the statement reads. The Azerbaijani people overcame with honour and dignity all the difficulties of more than 30-year occupation of the country's territory by neighbouring Armenia, the Russian Community noted. "Heroic sons of Azerbaijan of different nationalities gave their lives for the establishment of long-awaited peace, for the prosperity of their homeland, and for the well-being of their descendants. Rallying around the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, victorious President Ilham Aliyev, our brave soldiers, as true patriots of the country where they were born, grew up, and loved, used all their capabilities to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. All these years, the Azerbaijani people believed in their just cause, in their struggle for justice and independence, in their victory and peace. And this victory came under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Heydarovich Aliyev. Our valiant soldiers of the Azerbaijani army gave all of us a peaceful sky above our heads. Our Garabagh has been liberated from years-long Armenian occupation. Hundreds of families, once expelled from their homes, are returning to their native places, to comfortable houses, thanks to the purposeful state programme on the return of former IDPs". The statement also noted that Azerbaijan's authority in the international arena strengthens every year. "Large-scale programmes for the development of the region leave no doubt about the ever-increasing role of Azerbaijan in the international community. The firm position of the President of Azerbaijan in the issues of strengthening peace and good-neighbourliness arouses respect and support from the people of the country". Extraordinary presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on February 7, 2024. KYODO NEWS - Dec 27, 2023 - 19:24 | All, Japan, World Chinese President Xi Jinping showed his reluctance to resolve recent disputes with Tokyo, such as Beijing's detention of Japanese citizens, during his talks with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in November, bilateral sources said Wednesday. Xi also expressed a negative reaction to Kishida's request to remove a buoy installed by Beijing within Japan's exclusive economic zone near the Senkaku Islands, administrated by Tokyo in the East China Sea, the sources added. The details of their meeting held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco were not previously known, as neither Tokyo nor Beijing disclosed all of Xi's responses to Kishida. The November meeting was the first between Kishida and Xi in about a year, and came as ties between Tokyo and Beijing continue to sour with China opposing Japan's release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, starting in August. After the summit, Japan and China said their two leaders agreed to build "mutually beneficial" bilateral relations based on common strategic interests, even though Beijing has imposed a blanket ban on Japanese seafood import since the water discharge. Xi was quoted by the sources as telling Kishida that Beijing will deal with its detention of Japanese nationals in accordance with Chinese laws. As for the buoy placed near the Senkaku Islands, claimed by China, Xi apparently rejected Kishida's call to get rid of it, saying only that the two Asian countries should manage their different views over the East China Sea, the sources said. Kishida also asked for China's cooperation in addressing past abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea, but Xi responded by saying the deterioration of the situation on the Korean Peninsula is due to the United States, according to the sources. The leaders, meanwhile, did not discuss Xi's planned trip to Japan, agreed on between the two nations in 2019. Xi had been expected to visit Japan as a state guest around the spring of 2020 but the trip was postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Related coverage: Japan PM Kishida arranges to visit U.S. as state guest in early March Japan to partially lift ban on ride-hailing services from April New Japan envoy in China vows to "tenaciously" address Fukushima row KYODO NEWS - Dec 27, 2023 - 16:07 | Japan, All, 3/11 Fukushima Japan's nuclear watchdog said Wednesday it has lifted its de facto ban on the operation of Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.'s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata Prefecture, more than two years after an order was issued for the improvement of counterterrorism measures. The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that measures had been enhanced after inspections of the seven-reactor complex on the Sea of Japan coast and hearing from TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa, but it remains uncertain whether the nuclear plant will resume operation as the trouble-prone utility still needs to obtain local consent. "We will listen to residents' opinions and make our decision," Niigata Gov. Hideyo Hanazumi said. In April 2021, the NRA prohibited the transportation or loading of reactor fuel stored at the plant due to insufficient counterterrorism measures, ordering the utility to take corrective action. "We want (TEPCO) to take this as a starting line and we will request for continuous improvement" as stipulated in a report on inspections, NRA Chairman Shinsuke Yamanaka said. Restarting the complex, one of the world's largest nuclear plants by output, is an integral part of TEPCO's restructuring plan to restore its operations following the Fukushima nuclear disaster triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. The crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, the worst nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, led to the scrapping of the complex as well as TEPCO's Fukushima Daini plant. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant was found to be vulnerable to unauthorized entry at multiple locations because of defective intruder detection systems and backups, with security flaws discovered since January 2021, according to the NRA. The security breaches came to light despite the complex's Nos. 6 and 7 reactors having met the NRA's stricter safety standards, imposed after the 2011 nuclear disaster. The authority confirmed measures to prevent the leakage of radioactive materials had been enhanced through an additional 4,268 hours of inspections, according to the regulators. Related coverage: Fukushima nuclear plant worker exposed to radiation Japan finishes 3rd round of Fukushima treated water discharge 3rd release of Fukushima treated radioactive water begins KYODO NEWS - Dec 27, 2023 - 20:34 | Japan, All The governor of Okinawa said Wednesday he has appealed last week's high court ruling that ordered him to approve a modified landfill plan to relocate a key U.S. military base within the southern island prefecture. Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki has ignored the order by the Fukuoka High Court's Naha branch, setting the scene for the central government to approve in his place the modified plan for the transfer of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from the densely-populated Ginowan to the Henoko coastal area in Nago. The appeal, however, will not bring a halt to the work the central government plans to start next month in line with the upgraded plan, unless the top court overturns the high court ruling. "I hope to resolve the issue through dialogue with the central government," Tamaki told reporters at the Okinawa prefectural office. The governor was hospitalized for lobar pneumonia last week but was discharged Tuesday. Related coverage: Okinawa rejects court order to OK revised U.S. base transfer plan Japan government to bypass Okinawa governor, approve U.S. base relocation Court orders Okinawa governor to approve work to relocate key U.S. base KYODO NEWS - Dec 27, 2023 - 14:54 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism The government on Wednesday rejected a plan to open a casino resort in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, amid doubts about the feasibility of its funding. The plan for the so-called integrated resort had been under review by the government since April, following the approval of a similar project in Osaka. It was estimated that the project in Nagasaki at the Dutch-themed Huis Ten Bosch seaside resort would draw 8.4 million visitors annually, bringing 330 billion yen ($2.3 billion) in economic benefits to the southwestern Japan region. Government approval is required to open a casino in Japan, among a myriad of other steps, including obtaining a license. An expert panel under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism makes decisions based on a casino resort's ability to boost visitors from overseas, its economic benefits and measures against gambling addiction. The plan for Nagasaki Prefecture had remained under review after approval was handed down in April for the construction in Osaka of what will be Japan's first casino resort. The integrated resort will be built on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. It is expected to attract about 20 million visitors annually and bring 1.14 trillion yen in annual economic benefits to the region. The total price tag of the Osaka IR project is estimated at 1.27 trillion yen, with the resort slated to open around the fall of 2030. Related coverage: Gov't approves plan for Japan's 1st casino resort in Osaka Students prepare for an opera performance at a school in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 27, 2023. In recent years, activities related to operas were introduced to the campus life in Lianchi district of Baoding City, offering local students opportunities to feel and inherit the traditional culture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Provincial-level inheritor of traditional Baoding Laodiao opera Du Zhenzhong teaches students at a school in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 27, 2023. In recent years, activities related to operas were introduced to the campus life in Lianchi district of Baoding City, offering local students opportunities to feel and inherit the traditional culture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Students perform traditional Baoding Laodiao opera at a school in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 27, 2023. In recent years, activities related to operas were introduced to the campus life in Lianchi district of Baoding City, offering local students opportunities to feel and inherit the traditional culture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Provincial-level inheritor of traditional Baoding Laodiao opera Du Zhenzhong teaches students at a school in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 27, 2023. In recent years, activities related to operas were introduced to the campus life in Lianchi district of Baoding City, offering local students opportunities to feel and inherit the traditional culture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Provincial-level inheritor of traditional Baoding Laodiao opera Du Zhenzhong teaches students at a school in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 27, 2023. In recent years, activities related to operas were introduced to the campus life in Lianchi district of Baoding City, offering local students opportunities to feel and inherit the traditional culture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Provincial-level inheritor of traditional Baoding Laodiao opera Du Zhenzhong demonstrates at a school in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 27, 2023. In recent years, activities related to operas were introduced to the campus life in Lianchi district of Baoding City, offering local students opportunities to feel and inherit the traditional culture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Students take part in a training for operas at a school in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 27, 2023. In recent years, activities related to operas were introduced to the campus life in Lianchi district of Baoding City, offering local students opportunities to feel and inherit the traditional culture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A teacher (L) helps a student to prepare the make-up before an opera performance at a school in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 27, 2023. In recent years, activities related to operas were introduced to the campus life in Lianchi district of Baoding City, offering local students opportunities to feel and inherit the traditional culture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Students prepare for an opera performance at a school in Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 27, 2023. In recent years, activities related to operas were introduced to the campus life in Lianchi district of Baoding City, offering local students opportunities to feel and inherit the traditional culture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) LUSAKA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo resigned on Tuesday. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has accepted the resignation and thanked Kakubo for his services in the government. In a statement, the president implored the former minister to continue to serve diligently in his capacity as a lawmaker of the governing party. Kakubo disclosed the reasons for his resignation on social media, saying that he resigned "in view of the matter that is currently in the media regarding malicious claims over a business transaction between my private family business and our business partner with whom we still have good relations." People mourn for Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the city of Tulkarm in northern West Bank, Dec. 27, 2023. At least six Palestinian youths were killed as a result of an Israeli drone strike on the Nour Shams refugee camp in the city of Tulkarm in northern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry and security sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least six Palestinian youths were killed as a result of an Israeli drone strike on the Nour Shams refugee camp in the city of Tulkarm in northern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry and security sources on Wednesday. The Health Ministry said in a press statement that the six youths were transported to the government hospital in the city, along with other persons seriously wounded. Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that Israeli forces stormed the camp accompanied by a military bulldozer amid an exchange of gunfire with Palestinian militants. The sources added that a drone fired a missile at a group of militants, directly hitting them, resulting in casualties before the Israeli army, who entered the camp and obstructed the arrival of ambulance vehicles, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. People inspect the damage after an Israeli drone strike in the city of Tulkarm in northern West Bank, Dec. 27, 2023. At least six Palestinian youths were killed as a result of an Israeli drone strike on the Nour Shams refugee camp in the city of Tulkarm in northern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry and security sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) People inspect the damage after an Israeli drone strike in the city of Tulkarm in northern West Bank, Dec. 27, 2023. At least six Palestinian youths were killed as a result of an Israeli drone strike on the Nour Shams refugee camp in the city of Tulkarm in northern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry and security sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) NANJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Gan Rongkun, a former member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Henan Provincial Committee and former secretary of the political and legal affairs commission of the provincial Party committee, was sentenced to life imprisonment for accepting bribes. The Intermediate People's Court of Changzhou City in Jiangsu Province issued the verdict on Wednesday. Between 1999 and 2021, Gan took advantage of his various positions to help others in construction project contracting, business operations, and case handling. In return, he illegally accepted money and valuables worth more than 166 million yuan (about 23.37 million U.S. dollars). According to the verdict, the defendant has been deprived of his political rights for life, and his personal properties have been confiscated. BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan business people and enterprises had donated funds and relief supplies worth more than 40 million yuan (about 5.63 million U.S. dollars) to the quake-hit areas in Gansu Province as of Tuesday, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday. At a press conference, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed gratitude to the relevant organizations and individuals from Taiwan as well as a large number of Taiwan business people and enterprises for their concern and assistance. "This once again fully shows that the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are members of one family," Chen said, noting that at no time can this family bond be severed. On Dec. 18, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake jolted a county in Gansu Province, leaving at least 149 people dead and two persons missing in Gansu and neighboring Qinghai Province. SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- South Korean banks' lending rate rose for the third successive month on the prolongation of restrictive monetary policy, central bank data showed Wednesday. The weighted average rate for new bank loans gained 0.02 percentage points from a month earlier to an annualized 5.26 percent in November, continuing to go up since September, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The BOK has left its policy rate unchanged at 3.50 percent since January, after increasing it by 3.0 percentage points for the past one and a half years. Rate for banks' new corporate loans advanced 0.03 percentage points over the month to 5.36 percent in November. The lending rate for big corporations slipped 0.01 percentage point to 5.29 percent, but the rate for small companies increased 0.07 percentage points to 5.42 percent. Rate for new bank loans to households stood unchanged at 5.04 percent in November compared with the previous month. Mortgage loan rate for households retreated 0.08 percentage points to 4.48 percent, but credit loan rate picked up 0.04 percentage points to 6.85 percent. The weighted average rate for new bank deposits added 0.04 percentage points over the month to an annualized 3.99 percent in November. Qabil Ashirov Azerbaijan-France relations have been ebbs and flows recently. France's ambiguous support for Armenia, such as providing it with lethal weapons and international anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric, strictly damaged relations with Azerbaijan. Last week, Baku exposed a French espionage cell, and the employees of the French embassy were declared persona non grata on December 26, 2023. Many experts put the blame on the French authority for worsening relations between Azerbaijan and, especially, the failed foreign policy of Paris. The South Caucasus is not the only region where French foreign policy has reached an impasse. Paris carries out unpredictable foreign policy in Ukraine, and it lost all its leverage in Niger and so on. The crisis within the French government gradually increased and reached such an extent that it is impossible to hide it anymore. President Emmanuel Macron fired Bernard Emie, the head of the Foreign Spy Agency, on the accusation of failure in Africa, Ukraine, and the South Caucasus. To clarify the issue, Azernews learned the opinion of Irish political analyst and historian Patrick Walsh. He noted that French-Armenian matrimony is based on a win-win policy. Paris sees an opportunity to enter the South Caucasus with the help of Yerevan to replace Russia. On its turn, Yerevan considers Paris an important partner in the road leading to the EU. France has seen an opportunity in Armenia with Yerevan's pivot to the West. Its objective is to replace Russia if it can. He said that France is well positioned with its Armenian diaspora and past good relations with Armenia. It has something Yerevan desperately wants access to: a modern arms industry. It is also key to EU entry. There are lots of mutual benefits in this relationship, Walsh said. He underlined that Azerbaijan will obviously be concerned about this. France has been one of Armenia's most supportive powers in the past. It can provide Yerevan with sophisticated weaponry. The Armenians see this as a "game changer". So it really puts France in the enemy camp. Patrick Walsh emphasised that Armenia claims it is only interested in defence, but the Armenian record is one that has included a thirst for territory. With another government and at another time, the priority may not be defensive. As for the question of how long the tense relationship between Azerbaijan and France could continue, he pointed out that this is a situation that is likely to continue. Although a peace deal may settle things for now in the South Caucasus, there is still a strong revanchist spirit in Armenia and in the diaspora. Unfortunately, strong vigilance will be needed, which is depressing because arms money would be better spent on development and social improvements, the pundit said. He also touched on the issue of possible future resignations or dismissals in the French government and noted that it is difficult to say. However, he added that wrongdoers are always looking for a victim to blame. It is difficult to say, but right across the West, there will be changes. There are always scapegoats for policy failure and the loss of influence in the Global South. These problems will not be addressed by the sacking of individuals since they are geopolitical failures related to a lack of realism in world affairs and being tied too closely to Washington's interests. Ukraine and Gaza will be the graveyard of many careers, military and political, in Europe, the Irish historian added concluded. Zhang Yuhang promotes local kites via livestreams in Wangjiazhuangzi Village in Fangzi District of Weifang, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Zhi) JINAN, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Despite the bitter cold outside, the workshop of a kite factory in the city of Weifang in east China's Shandong Province is bustling, with workers at full throttle to fulfill orders. "Our clients are distributed across more than 10 provinces. We have sold 2 million kites this year, with our sales revenue increasing to over 6 million yuan (about 845,487 U.S. dollars), up 10 percent compared to the same period last year," said Wang Licai, manager of the Sanli kite factory. Currently, more than 30 workers are involved in making colorful kites at this factory, with designs including butterflies, swallows and centipedes, while these workers also package the products. The kite culture and thriving kite industry in Weifang have a long and rich history. The city has over 600 kite enterprises, with more than 80,000 employees and an annual output value of over 2 billion yuan. Wangjiazhuangzi Village, where the Sanli company is located, stands out as the leading village in Weifang's kite industry, due to its excellent craftsmanship and diverse designs. "Our village features over 200 kite enterprises. More than 2,300 villagers, about half of the entire population, are engaged in the industry," said Wang Zhenhua, a village official. "Making kites is our specialty. I've been working in the factory for 20 years, and on average, I can produce 300 kites per day, earning a monthly salary of 4,000 yuan," said 52-year-old villager Wang Fengling. Apart from passing on traditional manufacturing skills, enterprises in the village have also injected new vitality into kites. "We have integrated modern technologies such as sound and light into the traditional bamboo-framed kites, as well as produced 3D kites, making the kite industry in Wangjiazhuangzi Village more dynamic," said Wang Tieyuan, a secretary of the local kite industry association. In recent years, the village has seen enterprises using environmentally friendly materials to make kites and upgrading production lines, while also improving efficiency. In addition, kite enterprises have jumped on the e-commerce bandwagon. "About 80 percent of kite factories in the village have established online shops. Sales revenue from e-commerce livestreaming in 2023 has reached nearly 100 million yuan," Wang Zhenhua said. The thriving kite industry has also attracted young people back to their hometown, a further boost for rural revitalization in this region. Zhang Yuhang returned the village in 2022 and is now engaged in kite e-commerce. "I have sold local kites to customers across the world through livestreaming. Witnessing the kites from my hometown flying high and far, I feel quite fulfilled," said Zhang. Thus far, kites from Wangjiazhuangzi Village have been exported to more than 50 countries and regions, including Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asian countries. The annual sales volume of kites in the village has reached nearly 100 million, with an annual output value exceeding 500 million yuan. This year, the per capita annual income of villagers is around 35,000 yuan. Workers make kites at the workshop of a kite factory in Wangjiazhuangzi Village in Fangzi District of Weifang, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Zhi) Workers pack kites at the Sanli kite factory in Wangjiazhuangzi Village in Fangzi District of Weifang, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Zhi) LONDON, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pint-sized bottles of wine will be sold in the United Kingdom (UK) for the first time in 2024, the Department for Business and Trade said on Wednesday. The bottles will be introduced to Britain's supermarket shelves, pubs, clubs and restaurants "thanks to new freedoms from leaving the European Union (EU)," the government said. The pint size bottles, equaling 568 ml, will sit alongside the existing 200 ml and 500 ml measures to provide customers with increased flexibility and choice. "Our exit from the EU was all about moments just like this, where we can seize new opportunities and provide a real boost to our Great British wineries and further growing the economy," commented Kevin Hollinrake, UK minister for enterprise, markets and small business. According to the government, 900 vineyards would "benefit from the new freedoms, boosting production and supporting British businesses." The 2022 data by Wines of Great Britain, an independent association, showed that the country's wine industry currently produce around 12.2 million bottles of still or sparkling wine annually. The changes will also allow the sale of new volumes of both prepacked still and sparkling wine in sizes of 200 ml and 500 ml. Currently, still wine in 200 ml and sparkling wine in 500 ml sizes are not available for sale. The Department for Business and Trade added in a statement that although the UK looked at changing laws regarding units of measurement after its departure from the EU, the government has decided not to introduce any new legislation at this time. Enditeme BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of 19,834 certificates of origin involving 568 million U.S. dollars were issued under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement by Chinese authorities in November, official data showed on Wednesday. The number of certificates of origin marks a year-on-year growth rate of 20.83 percent, Zhang Xin, spokesperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, told a press conference. The certificates were issued to 3,434 enterprises last month, up 12.41 percent from a year earlier, according to Zhang. The certificates are expected to reduce tariffs by 9 million dollars for Chinese products in RCEP importing countries, Zhang said. Certificates of origin are documents widely used in international trade transactions. They state that the products listed have met sufficient criteria to be considered as originating in a particular country. The issuance of these certificates is widely regarded as a barometer of foreign trade. BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- To commemorate the two-decade partnership between Chinese and Brazilian scientists, a flying reptile from the dinosaur era has been named Meilifeilong youhao, which translates as "beautiful dragon of friendship" in Mandarin. According to a study published recently in the journal Scientific Reports, paleontologists from both nations discovered a new toothless pterosaur species based on two specimens, one of which is the most complete and well-preserved pterosaur ever recorded in Chaoyang city, northeast China's Liaoning Province. Pterosaurs, or cousin of dinosaurs, were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight. They fly using four extremely enlarged ring finger phalanges to support their membranes. The well-preserved fossil represents an individual with a maximum wingspan of around 2.16 meters. According to the study, "Beautiful" was so named in reference to the remarkable fossil preservation. This species also provides novel information on the unknown palatal region of this flying reptile found in this location, as well as the rarely preserved ear part with stapes. JINAN, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A court in east China's Shandong Province on Wednesday sentenced one person to death with a reprieve and another to life imprisonment for child trafficking. Guo Gangtang, the father of an abducted boy, inspired the 2015 road drama film "Lost and Love." The film depicts the father's arduous journey, riding a motorbike across China in search of his son. In 2021, Guo reunited with his abducted son after 24 years of search. Hu Fuji was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve and Tang Lixia was sentenced to life in prison, according to a verdict by the Liaocheng Intermediate People's Court. Both are deprived of their political rights for life, with all their personal property confiscated, the verdict said. The two defendants were also ordered to jointly pay the plaintiffs over 500,000 yuan (about 70,400 U.S. dollars) as compensation for the incidental damages. In 1997 and 1998, Hu and Tang abducted and trafficked four children. Hu, together with others, also abducted and trafficked a fifth child in 2001, the court found. BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) on Wednesday expressed strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to the negative provisions related to China in the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which was recently signed into law. Related provisions in the act manipulate the Taiwan question, advocate for strategic competition with China, picture China as a threat, and promote "de-risking" in pivotal engagement areas with China, said spokesperson Xu Dong. They grossly interfere in China's internal affairs, severely undermine China's sovereignty, security and development interests, and seriously violate the consensus reached by the heads of state of China and the United States at the San Francisco meeting, said the spokesperson. The spokesperson said the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and the first red line not to be crossed in China-U.S. relations. The spokesperson added that the U.S. made solemn commitments on the Taiwan question in the three China-U.S. joint communiques. "China will eventually achieve reunification, and reunification is inevitable," Xu said, stressing that any attempt to use Taiwan to contain China is doomed to fail. Stressing that China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development, the spokesperson said the relevant provisions of the U.S. act disregard facts and advocate for "decoupling," wantonly politicizing economic, technological and cultural issues, and attempting to obstruct normal exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States. "Such actions are unpopular, unjust, and contrary to the interests of either side," Xu said. Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation are the direction of mutual efforts between China and the United States, said Xu. The U.S. side should refrain from taking reckless actions on issues involving China's sovereignty and core interests and instead work with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus reached at the San Francisco meeting between the two heads of state with practical actions, the spokesperson said. TEHRAN, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Iran's nuclear chief dismissed claims that the country had increased its production of highly enriched uranium as "media hype," the Iranian Students' News Agency reported Wednesday. Mohammad Eslami, president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, made the comments on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, responding to a statement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) summarizing a confidential report leaked to Reuters. He asserted that "Iran's uranium enrichment activities remained unchanged and compliant with international regulations." "We have been enriching uranium to 60 percent for some time now. We haven't changed anything nor created new capacity," Eslami was quoted as saying. "This is simply media hype," he said, claiming the report is "orchestrated by the White House and Israel" to distract attention from their actions in Gaza and deflect public pressure. The IAEA report claimed that Iran had reversed a recent slowdown in its enrichment of uranium to "near weapons-grade levels," adding that Iran continues to enrich uranium to 60 percent at its Natanz and Fordow facilities. Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal with world powers in 2015, agreeing to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The United States withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and the subsequent reimposition of sanctions prompted Iran to scale back its JCPOA commitments. Talks to revive the JCPOA began in Vienna in 2021 but have stalled since August 2022, with no significant progress reported. JISHISHAN, Gansu Province, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of 11,000 prefabricated houses have been built as of Tuesday to provide shelter for residents relocated in the quake-hit areas of northwest China's Gansu Province, according to the local quake rescue headquarters. The province plans to build 15,000 such houses to shelter residents whose dwellings were destroyed or damaged in the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred over a week ago, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The affected residents are currently moving into prefab houses with better facilities. Ma Fengying's prefab house in Meipo village in Jishishan county is equipped with a stove and two beds, adorned with electric blankets. Beneath the beds, a supply of earthquake relief materials, including instant noodles and Mahua, or fried dough twist, is neatly stored. "I had a bad cold some days ago and could not get out of bed. Now the new prefab house is clean and warm and I have fully recovered," Ma said. On the night of the earthquake, the family hurriedly evacuated their home, enduring a night in the cold winds. Later, they built a makeshift tent using plastic sheeting and, a few days later, moved into a better windproof tent. Besides the prefab houses, a line of blue tents serves as fire and health stations, as well as spaces for psychological counseling and handling other issues. China Telecom is offering free WiFi services in the area. The county fire brigade has set up eight micro fire stations in Meipo village equipped with about 200 fire extinguishers, with firefighters patrolling five times a day to prevent any fire risks. "Now, with basic necessities assured, we hope that our new home will be built quickly and we can move in as soon as possible," Ma said. Wang Xudong, who works as a nurse in a hospital in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu, returned home after the earthquake. Wang's family home in the village collapsed in the quake, which came as a big blow to his parents. "After spending a few days in the prefab house, life is becoming a little more stable and my parents are now in better spirits," Wang said. BAGHDAD, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- An Iraqi Shiite militia on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a rocket barrage on a U.S. military base in Syria's northeastern province of al-Hasakah. The militia, named Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed in an online statement that its fighters fired rockets on the al-Shaddadi military base and hit their targets, without giving further details. The attack by the Iraqi armed group is part of a series of retaliatory measures against the U.S. forces amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the group's statement added. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, confirmed that explosions were heard in the al-Shaddadi base. There are no reports of casualties so far. The incident marked the 61st recorded attack on the U.S. bases in Syria since Oct. 19, the war monitor added. Earlier in the day, the White House said that U.S. President Joe Biden ordered the military to launch airstrikes against three locations utilized by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq. The order came after a drone attack on Monday on a U.S. base near Erbil Airport in northern Iraq wounded three U.S. service members, one critically. Later in the day, the Iraqi government condemned the U.S. airstrikes on Iraqi security sites, which killed a security member and injured 18 people, including civilians, according to a statement by the media office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. Abbas Ganbay President Ilham Aliyev visited several villages during his visit to Aghdam district on December 24. Two of these villages are Kiyasli and Salahli Kangarli villages, Azernews reports. Deputy Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Bashir Hajiyev, told reporters about this. Giyasli village is designed in a modern style through the preservation of historical traditions. The total area of the village is about 400 hectares. It is planned to resettle 4972 people in Giyasli village. A total of 1323 individual houses are planned to be built in the settlement. In the first stage, 656 individual houses will be built to resettle 2546 people in the village. A school for 540 places, two kindergartens for 180 places, and other social facilities will be built in Giyasli village. Alternative energy will be used in the village to save energy resources. Another Aghdam village, Salahli Kangarli, has a total area of about 178 hectares. It is planned to resettle 1376 people in Salahli Kangarli village. A total of 418 private houses will be built in the village. In the first stage, it is planned to build 150 individual houses to resettle 850 people in the village. A 480-seat school, an 80-seat kindergarten, and other social facilities will be built in Salakhli Kangarli village. SANAA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Tuesday claimed responsibility for fresh attacks on a commercial ship in the Red Sea and on the Israeli city of Eilat in the northern part of the Red Sea. "Our naval forces carried out a military operation against a commercial ship called MSC UNITED, with naval missiles," Houthi military spokesman Yehya Sarea said in a statement aired live by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. In the meantime, the spokesman said the Houthi forces also launched another attack toward the Israeli city of Eilat, using "a number of suicide drones." Currently, there are no reports of casualties or damage from the two attacks. NANNING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Su Haibing, a resident of the Jing ethnic group in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, dressed in the traditional ethnic costume and embarked on a thrilling trip on Wednesday morning as one of the first passengers aboard the newly-launched Fangchenggang-Dongxing high-speed railway. "From now on, I can take the train instead of driving my car to pick up my child," he said, while using his cellphone to record the views through the window. Dongxing, a city on the China-Vietnam border, has been linked to China's national railway network thanks to the opening of the new rail line. Stretching 47 km long with a designed speed of 200 km per hour, the new railway is a dual-purpose line that handles both passenger and freight transportation, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. The new railway, which began construction in March 2019, will reduce the travel time between the two cities to 19 minutes. It can also further connect Dongxing with other major cities in Guangxi, including the regional capital Nanning, within a three-hour trip. The rail route runs through areas with an annual precipitation totaling more than 2,000 mm, which made its construction technically complicated. It also encompasses a 7.5-km cross-sea high-speed railway bridge, the first of its kind in Guangxi. "We've overcome multiple unfavorable factors, such as deep-water tides, sea-surface winds and complex seabed geology. With the significant expertise we've gathered, we'll be able to build the same type of cross-sea railway bridge under unusual conditions," said Wang Bo, head of the bridge's construction team. "The operation of the railway has further fine-tuned the rail network structure of the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone, which is conducive to promoting tourism in border areas, improving the interconnectivity level of transportation infrastructure between China and ASEAN countries, and strengthening the economic cooperation and trade exchanges of both sides," said Luo Zhen, deputy mayor of Fangchenggang. Dongxing is China's only port city connected both by land and sea with ASEAN. Customs data shows that in the first 11 months of this year, the total freight volume via Dongxing Port was 823,900 tonnes, with a value of 64.8 billion yuan (about 9 billion U.S. dollars), both exceeding the figures for the whole of 2022. Texhong International Group Ltd. is a major cotton textile supplier headquartered in Shanghai. The company has several production bases in Vietnam, and imports nearly 10,000 tonnes of fabric products via Dongxing every month. "The new rail line allows us to import goods from Vietnam more conveniently as some of our clients have high demand for timely delivery," noted Chen Yingjian, a manager at the company. Vietnam has been Guangxi's largest trading partner since 1999. In recent years, Guangxi and Vietnam have deepened economic, trade and investment cooperation in sectors including clothing and electronic information. In the first 11 months of this year, the imports and exports between Guangxi and Vietnam totaled 222.97 billion yuan, up by 31 percent year on year, the highest growth rate since 2016, according to the customs of Nanning. The railway will bring more quality products from ASEAN to Chinese consumers, deepen Sino-Vietnam trade cooperation and bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries, according to Cheng Chaoying, an official with the Nanning customs. JERUSALEM, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Air Force intercepted on Tuesday an unmanned aerial vehicle over the Red Sea while it was approaching Israel, the Israeli military said. The military, which released the video footage of the interception, said in a statement that an Israeli aircraft "successfully intercepted a hostile aerial target that approached the Israeli territory in the area of the Red Sea." The Air Force's Control Unit "monitored the target throughout the incident," it added. The Israeli military issued the statement after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed a fresh attack on the Israeli Red Sea resort city of Eilat, using "a number of suicide drones." Houthi forces have launched several missiles and drones toward Eilat since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7, saying the attacks were carried out "to support Hamas." BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- On the morning of Dec. 26, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held a symposium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Comrade Mao Zedong's birth. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech. He emphasized that Mao was a great Marxist, and a great proletarian revolutionary, strategist, and theorist. He was a great trailblazer in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, and laid the groundwork of China's socialist modernization. He was a great patriot and national hero in modern Chinese history, and the core of the Party's first generation of central leadership. He was a great man who led the Chinese people to change their destiny and the nation as a whole, and a great internationalist who made significant contributions to the liberation of oppressed nations and the cause of human progress worldwide. Mao Zedong Thought is the precious spiritual asset of our Party and will continue to guide what we do for a long time to come. The best way to commemorate Mao is to continuously advance the cause he initiated. Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, attended the event. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the symposium. In his speech, Xi pointed out that Mao devoted his life to achieving national prosperity, rejuvenating the Chinese nation, and promoting people's well-being. He led the people in starting the historical process of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, forging the great, glorious, and correct Communist Party of China, founding the New China with the people enjoying the status as masters of the country, creating an advanced socialist system, and building a new model of people's army that is invincible. He made indelible historical contributions to the Chinese nation and the Chinese people, and made shining contributions that will go down in history. Xi emphasized that Comrade Mao Zedong dedicated his entire life to the Party and the people, leaving behind a lofty and inspirational spirit for future generations. Comrade Mao, as a great revolutionary leader, demonstrated far-sighted political vision, firm revolutionary conviction, extraordinary courage to blaze a new trail, perfect art of waging struggle, outstanding leadership, deep concern for the people, an open and broad-minded demeanor, and an exemplary work ethic of hard endeavor. As a result, he earned the love and respect of the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups. Comrade Mao's noble spirit will forever be a motivating force inspiring us to forge ahead. Xi stated that advancing the building of China into a strong country and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a path to Chinese modernization is the central task for the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups on the new journey in the new era. This is an unrealized cause of the older generation of revolutionaries such as Mao Zedong, and is the solemn historical responsibility of contemporary Chinese communists. On the new journey, we must never forget our original aspiration and founding mission, be confident in our history, and take historical initiative to continuously advance the great cause of Chinese modernization. Xi emphasized that Chinese modernization is the cause of the Chinese people, and we must closely rely on the people, pool the inexhaustible wisdom and strength inherent in the people, and fully motivate the historical initiative of the people. It is crucial to adhere to the fundamental viewpoint of historical materialism that the people are the fundamental driving force in creating history, uphold the people's principal position, take it as the fundamental purpose of our work to defend, realize and develop the fundamental interests of the vast majority of the people, so as to ensure that all the Chinese people share the achievements of modernization in a more equitable manner. Efforts should be made to establish systems that ensure the people's status as masters of the country, improve the mechanisms that uphold social fairness and justice, focus on ensuring and improving people's well-being, follow the mass line in the new era, always maintain a close connection with the people, accept criticism and supervision from the people, always breathe the same air as the people, share the same future, and stay truly connected to them, in order to provide the most reliable, profound, and sustainable source of strength for advancing Chinese modernization. Xi pointed out that unwaveringly adhering to and adapting Marxism to the needs of the times, vigorously advancing theoretical innovation on the basis of practical experience, and consciously using the Marxist theory with Chinese characteristics to guide new practices, are the successful approach for the CPC to exhibit greater historical initiative, keep pace with the times, and constantly break new ground for the development of its undertakings. There is no end to practice or theoretical innovation. It is a never-ending process to understand the truth, so we should constantly open up a new frontier in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times. Chinese modernization has opened up broad prospects for the CPC's theoretical innovation and put forward new, more arduous and demanding tasks. We must adhere to integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and fine traditional culture, thoroughly explore the laws for advancing Chinese modernization, constantly answer new questions presented by practice, and guide practical innovation by using theoretical innovation. Xi emphasized that reform and opening up is a major reason why China is able to catch up with the times, and it is the key move that determines whether Chinese modernization will succeed. To promote Chinese modernization, we must further comprehensively deepen reform and opening up, continuously liberate and develop social productive forces, and unleash and enhance social vitality. It is imperative to adapt to the new trends of the times, meet the new requirements of development, and fulfill the new expectations of the people. With strong determination to carry out reform to the end, we must take concrete actions, dare to confront difficulties head-on, make precise and coordinated efforts, and never lose steam in our endeavors. In such spirit, we will resolutely remove all institutional obstacles that impede the smooth progress of Chinese modernization, inject fresh impetus into all aspects of Chinese modernization, and constantly expand the space for the development of Chinese modernization. Xi pointed out that Chinese modernization is the socialist modernization led by the CPC. Only by always staying alert and determined to tackle the unique challenges that a large party like ours faces, and by strengthening the Party more vigorously, can we ensure that Chinese modernization advances through waves and storms, and steadily moves forward. We must implement the general requirements for Party building in the new era, use Party political building to guide all aspects of work in Party building, improve the system to exercise full and rigorous Party self-governance, and comprehensively promote the Party's self-purification, self-improvement, and self-renewal. It is important to continue to take coordinated steps to see that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity, or desire to become corrupt, so that the Party can remain true to its original aspiration and mission, and at the forefront of the times, and always stay vibrant and vigorous. By doing so, we can ensure that the Party will never change its nature, its conviction, or its character. Xi stressed that Chinese modernization requires the efforts of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation in solidarity. It is essential to comprehensively and accurately implement, with unwavering determination, the policy of "one country, two systems" as well as the policies of Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong and Macao people administering Macao with a high degree of autonomy. It is important to stick to law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macao, uphold and improve the systems for implementing the "one country, two systems" policy and ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. Xi also stressed the need to see that Hong Kong and Macao are administered by patriots, and ensure both the central government's overall jurisdiction and a high degree of autonomy in the special administrative regions. It is imperative to support Hong Kong and Macao in growing their economies, improving their people's lives and resolving deep-seated issues and problems in their economic and social development, so that they will better integrate into the country's overall development. Realizing China's complete reunification conforms to the trend of the times and the will of the Chinese people, and the overall interests of the Chinese nation. China must and will surely be reunified. It is essential to implement the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, advance integrated development in all fields across the Taiwan Strait, promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and prevent anyone from separating Taiwan from China in any form. Xi stressed that Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, which not only promotes the well-being of the Chinese people but also advances other countries' modernization. We will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, remain dedicated to peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, hold dear humanity's shared values, promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity, Xi said. We will also uphold the basic norms governing international relations, adhere to the right course of economic globalization, pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, and reform global governance to make it more just and equitable, Xi said. He also said that China's development strengthens the world's forces for peace, and that China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism no matter what stage of development it reaches. Cai Qi, while chairing the meeting, noted how affectionately General Secretary Xi, in his important speech, has looked back upon the great practices of Comrade Mao Zedong in leading China's revolution and construction, and how he has recognized the monumental achievements Comrade Mao Zedong made for the Chinese nation and Chinese people. General Secretary Xi noted in his speech that Comrade Mao Zedong's lofty spirit should serve as a driving force for our continued progress ahead. Xi proposed in his speech explicit requirements for commemorating Comrade Mao Zedong with concrete actions and with efforts to push ahead with the magnificent cause of Chinese modernization, Cai said. General Secretary Xi's important speech, with its broad and profound perspective, is of political, ideological, and guiding importance, and is of great significance in guiding our Party to continuously advance the cause pioneered by Comrade Mao Zedong and other older-generation revolutionaries, follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and break new ground for Chinese modernization. We must conscientiously study, and thoroughly implement the speech, so as to strive in unity for building China into a strong country and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a path to Chinese modernization. Qu Qingshan, director of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, Miao Hua, member of the Central Military Commission and director of the commission's Political Work Department, and Shen Xiaoming, secretary of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee, also spoke at the symposium. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and leading officials of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and the Central Military Commission attended the symposium. Also present were officials from relevant central Party and government departments, the military and people's organizations, as well as leading officials from the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee, representatives from other political parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and personages without party affiliation. Mao Zedong's relatives, his former staff, representatives from his hometown, and those attending the "National Seminar to Commemorate the 130th Anniversary of the Birth of Comrade Mao Zedong" were also present. Before the symposium, Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng, and other leaders visited the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. In the north hall of the memorial hall, placed in front of the seated statue of Comrade Mao Zedong were flower baskets from the CPC Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Central Military Commission, other political parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and personages without party affiliation. Xi Jinping and others bowed three times to the seated statue of Comrade Mao Zedong, and then proceeded to pay respects to the remains of Comrade Mao Zedong. ISLAMABAD, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Arif Alvi said on Wednesday that Pakistan and China enjoy a unique friendship as all-weather strategic cooperative partners. "The bilateral ties between Pakistan and China are of special importance ... Both countries are close, trusted friends and iron brothers," the president said during a meeting here. Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, bilateral relations between the two countries have touched new heights, he said. "A network of roads has been laid across Pakistan under the CPEC, whereas infrastructure projects of strategic importance were also included in the mega project," Alvi said. Also, China is the largest trading partner of Pakistan and is an important source of foreign direct investment in the country, he added. Alvi said that the cultural and educational exchanges are important for the strong friendship between the two countries, adding that Pakistan and China are taking steps to deepen the bond between the people of the two countries. Launched in 2013, the CPEC is a corridor linking the Gwadar port in southwestern Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport and industrial cooperation. BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Companies across China are more enthusiastic about holding and attending trade exhibitions overseas, said the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) on Wednesday. Asia, Western Europe and North America remained the most important markets for Chinese enterprises in terms of exhibition participation this year, CCPIT spokesperson Zhang Xin told a press conference. Comprehensive exhibitions and exhibitions featuring the textile and machinery sectors were again the major destinations for Chinese enterprises, while exhibitions related to medical and health care, transport and logistics, information and telecommunication became more popular, said Zhang. Chinese enterprises were also keen to hold exhibitions overseas, with the range and impact of the exhibitions both improving, he said. The CCPIT will provide support for Chinese enterprises wanting to participate in or hold overseas exhibitions, said Zhang. The screenshot captured from a video released by the Houthi group on Dec. 26, 2023 shows Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea making a statement in Sanaa, Yemen. Yemen's Houthi rebels on Tuesday claimed responsibility for fresh attacks on a commercial ship in the Red Sea and on the Israeli city of Eilat in the northern part of the Red Sea. (Xinhua) SANAA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Tuesday claimed responsibility for fresh attacks on a commercial ship in the Red Sea and on the Israeli city of Eilat in the northern part of the Red Sea. "Our naval forces carried out a military operation against a commercial ship called MSC UNITED, with naval missiles," Houthi military spokesman Yehya Sarea said in a statement aired live by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "The attack came after the ship's crew refused to answer calls from our naval forces for three times, and ignored our repeated warning messages," he said. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a British maritime observer agency, reported two explosions early in the day near a commercial cargo ship in the southern end of the Red Sea, about 50 nautical miles west of Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, which is under the control of the Houthi fighters. In the meantime, the spokesman said the Houthi forces also launched another attack toward the Israeli city of Eilat, using "a number of suicide drones." But the Israeli military, which released the video footage of the interception, said in a statement on Tuesday that an Israeli aircraft "successfully intercepted a hostile aerial target that approached Israeli territory in the area of the Red Sea." Currently, there are no reports of casualties or damage from the two attacks. The Houthi attacks came after a series of missiles and suicide drone attacks claimed by the group against dozens of cargo ships navigating the Red Sea throughout the past few weeks since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on Oct. 7. The Houthis on Sunday made a clear threat to the United States and its allies, demanding them withdraw their battleships from the Red Sea, otherwise, the militant group would turn the sea into a "burning arena." Last week, the U.S. announced the formation of a 10-nation naval task force 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 Palestinian enclave. The Houthis control large swathes of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the strategic port city of Hodeidah on the coast of the Red Sea, where up to 12 percent of world trade passes through. HONG KONG, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday mobilized some of its army, naval and air forces to conduct a joint patrol, focusing on training the troops' combat capability of rapid planning, emergency response, special situation handling, and joint operations. The joint patrol involved high-mobility infantry, ships, helicopters and other units of the armed forces, which was carried out under real combat conditions. The training included setting up command posts, naval and air patrols, interception and verification, army and air patrols, and battlefield rescue, which has effectively improved the troops' capability of planning, command and joint operations. During the joint patrol, the participating troops strictly complied with the laws and regulations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on road, waterway and aviation management, and notified in advance the relevant departments of the HKSAR government. A time-honored ink brand in China's Tianjin rejuvenates its legacy with innovation, creating culturally rich and elegant colored inks, as well as stylish inks tailor-made for customers overseas. Produced by Xinhua Global Service TEHRAN, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) vowed Wednesday to take "tough" revenge on Israel for killing a senior Iranian commander in Syria. Ramezan Sharif, a spokesman for the IRGC, made the comments at a press conference in the capital Tehran, where he denounced Israel's Monday missile attack on Damascus that killed Seyyed Razi Mousavi, the Iranian Students' News Agency reported. Sharif added that the IRGC would take "tough revenge on Israel this time too," as it had done after previous incidents. Mousavi was one of the IRGC's veteran commanders who served as a "military adviser" in Syria and a comrade of the late Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad airport in January 2020, according to IRGC statements. Iranian Ambassador to Damascus Hossein Akbari told the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network on Monday that Mousavi was hit by three missiles while he was alone at his home at 4:10 p.m. local time (1310 GMT) after returning from work. Earlier this month, the IRGC said two of its members were killed by Israeli forces "while conducting an advisory mission in Syria's Islamic resistance front." Iran says it has an advisory role in Syria and is there at the invitation of Damascus. Israel has repeatedly targeted what it says are Iran-linked positions in Syria. China's Shandong handles 2,500 China-Europe freight train trips this year Xinhua) 08:56, December 27, 2023 JINAN, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- East China's economic powerhouse province of Shandong has handled 2,500 China-Europe freight trains so far this year, up from 2,057 trips made throughout 2022. On Tuesday, the 2,500th freight train of 2023, loaded with 1,400 tonnes of appliances including air conditioners, freezers and water heaters, departed from the provincial capital of Jinan heading to Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital. According to Shandong Hi-Speed Group, the operator of the services, four warehouses have been established in Germany, Poland, Serbia and Uzbekistan to further advance the development of an overseas collection and distribution system and assist businesses in reducing logistics costs. In recent years, Shandong has launched special trains to transport cross-border e-commerce goods, vehicles, chemicals and tires. According to the operator, the total number of customized special trains departing from the province has exceeded 200 in 2023. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Nigar Hasanova Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shahin Abdullayev, has met with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi to explore prospects for cooperation between the Council`s member countries and Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi recalled his meeting with President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, during the Summit of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), held in Baku this November. The GCC Secretary General stressed that the GCC member countries attach special importance to developing relations with Azerbaijan, highlighting numerous opportunities for enhancing ties between Azerbaijan and the GCC member countries in political, economic, investment, and other domains. The two also discussed the steps to implement the GCC-Azerbaijan Joint Action Plan 2024-2028, approved in November. The Joint Action Plan 2024-2028 between the GCC and the Republic of Azerbaijan, achieved through the collaborative efforts of working teams from both sides, covers several areas of mutual interest, including political coordination, trade cooperation, and investment opportunities. JERUSALEM, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israel declared on Tuesday the expansion of its ground offensive in the central Gaza Strip, as the United Nations warned that the escalation of attacks is exacerbating a "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave. Israel previously urged the residents of Gaza to move from the northern region to the central and southern regions, which it claimed as "safe zones." However, the Israeli forces later expanded their strikes across the strip, including the central and southern parts. In a statement, UN Human Rights Office's spokesperson Seif Magango reported that more than 50 strikes occurred in central Gaza on Dec. 24-25, targeting the refugee camps of Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi, where two strikes hit seven residential buildings, killing at least 86 people. "An unknown number of people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble," Magango said. The escalated Israeli bombardment, said Magango, is "deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian situation," with all roads connecting the three camps destroyed, hindering the delivery of relief aid. Shelters and hospitals, operating at a minimal capacity, are grappling with critical overcrowding and limited resources. Palestinian health authorities have reported that approximately 21,000 people, predominantly children, women, and the elderly, were killed during the 81-day conflict, with thousands more missing and presumed to be buried under the rubble. A majority of the 2.3 million population has been displaced, and the UN reports widespread hunger. Meanwhile, an Israeli military spokesperson told reporters that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) believes that "thousands" of Hamas militants are located in the refugee camps of central Gaza. IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said in an address to soldiers that the attacks will now concentrate on central and southern Gaza. According to Halevi, the military "is close to completing the dismantling of Hamas' battalions in the northern Gaza Strip." He said that the military killed "many" militants and Hamas commanders, some surrendered to the Israeli forces and "hundreds" were taken prisoner. However, "it cannot be said that we killed them all. It seems likely that we will still encounter fighters in this area." He acknowledged that the ongoing attack has exacted a "heavy and painful toll" on soldiers' lives, with official figures indicating that the number of Israeli troops killed has reached 161 since the beginning of Israel's ground invasion. The Israeli objectives -- eliminating Hamas and bringing back home about 129 hostages who are still held in Gaza -- "are not simple to achieve," Halevi noted, saying that the fight would continue "for many more months." Addressing the parliament Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also emphasized that Israel faces "a long fight." He said that since Hamas launched its surprise attack on Oct. 7, Israel has been "in a multi-front war. We are being attacked from seven different arenas: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), Iraq, Yemen, and Iran." Israel has "retaliated in six of these arenas," Gallant said. "Anyone who acts against us is a potential target, there is no immunity." Ma Ming checks prefab houses on his truck at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Ma Ming calls to confirm the delivery place of prefab houses at the exit of an expressway in Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Fang Xin) Ma Ming waits for unloading at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Ma Ming wipes the rearview mirror during a break on his way to a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Fang Xin) Ma Ming prepares to have a quick lunch while waiting for unloading at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Fang Xin) Ma Ming drives to a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Construction workers prepare to transfer a prefab house at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Ma Ming drives to a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Fang Xin) Ma Ming has a quick lunch while waiting for unloading at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Ma Ming checks prefab houses on his truck at a prefab house transfer point in Liugou Township of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 26, 2023. 50-year-old Ma Ming is a veteran truck driver with more than 20 years of experience in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Ma Ming volunteered to transport relief supplies. Under a unified arrangement, Ma Ming drove more than 600 kilometers from Yinchuan to Jishishan County, and delivered the relief materials safely. In the following days, Ma Ming and many truck drivers from all over the country traveled day and night from Lanzhou, Linxia of Gansu Province and other places to transport prefab houses to various resettlement sites in the quake-hit area. "This is the responsibility of us truck drivers," said Ma Ming. In his view, they were carrying the expectations of the people of the quake-hit area. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Members of the Commonwealth of Independence States (CIS) support the further expansion of the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday. The transition to the use of national currencies in mutual settlements will ensure the economic and financial sovereignty of CIS member countries, Putin said during an informal meeting of leaders of the CIS countries in Russian city St. Petersburg. Russia will continue to promote this work during its presidency of the CIS in 2024, he said. According to Putin, the trade turnover between CIS countries has shown steady growth this year. Data shows that in the first 10 months of 2023, the trade turnover increased by 2 percent to 83.7 billion U.S. dollars. Putin and other CIS leaders agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in economic, cultural and humanitarian fields, including combating attempts to falsify history and glorify Nazism. Churches in Bethlehem, the reputed birthplace of Jesus, in the West Bank decided to keep only religious rituals and cancel all other celebrations for the current Christmas season to show sympathy to the Palestinians suffering from Israeli attacks and siege. GAZA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The number of Palestinian deaths due to Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip surpassed 21,000, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Ashraf al-Qidra, the spokesperson of the ministry, said during a press conference that the casualties from the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip have now risen to 21,110 deaths and 55,243 injuries. He added that 195 people were killed while 325 were injured and transported to hospitals within the past 24 hours due to Israeli attacks. Al-Qidra warned against the deliberate targeting by the Israeli army of the vicinity surrounding the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, urging international institutions to take effective and immediate steps to ensure the protection of the complex, its staff, the wounded, and the thousands of displaced people within it. Meanwhile, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh announced on Wednesday the cancellation of all New Year celebrations due to Israel's continuous military operation on the Gaza Strip. Shtayyeh said the Palestinian government in Ramallah decided during a weekly meeting "to cancel all New Year's Eve celebrations, and there will be marches of anger against the occupation's crimes." ISLAMABAD, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Minister for Commerce Gohar Ejaz said on Wednesday that information technology (IT) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Pakistan is poised to play a crucial role in fostering innovation and technological advancement in the country. Speaking at a session here on the status of SEZs in the southern port city of Karachi, Ejaz highlighted the importance of diversification and growth, specifically addressing the establishment of a SEZ dedicated to the IT sector. The session focused on the operational status of the Port Qasim SEZ in Karachi, which is now ready for prospective investors, the ministry said in a statement. The Port Qasim SEZ could potentially boast comprehensive utility services, creating an ideal environment for businesses to thrive, it added. The minister reiterated the need for proper incentivization of the public sector to ensure inclusive growth. He emphasized that sustained economic development requires a collaborative effort between the government and private sector, with appropriate incentives serving as a catalyst for progress. BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland official condemned Lai Ching-te, deputy leader of China's Taiwan region, on Wednesday for his comments on the risk of a cross-Strait war. The pursuit of "Taiwan independence" means war, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference. Chen made the remarks in response to Lai's recent claim that if he is elected as Taiwan's leader, the chances of a war across the Taiwan Strait are minimal. The Democratic Progressive Party authorities obstinately stick to "Taiwan independence" stance, escalating the tense and volatile situation across the Strait and pushing Taiwan toward the brink of war, Chen said. Upholding the one-China principle is a common consensus of the international community, the spokesperson said, emphasizing that opposing "Taiwan independence" and safeguarding peace is the right way forward. BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The decision to suspend tariff reductions on some products under a cross-Strait economic pact is justified, lawful, well-founded and restrained, said a Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday, noting that this decision is a normal economic behavior. Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities desire the benefits brought by the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) on the one hand but violate ECFA and WTO rules on the other, which has compelled mainland authorities to suspend tariff cuts on some products from Taiwan, said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference. The DPP authorities' repeated double-dealing will only make people across the Taiwan Strait more aware of their selfishness, insincerity in improving cross-Strait relations, and their lack of intention or capability to address concerns involving the immediate interests of the people in Taiwan, the spokesperson said. All issues concerning the ECFA can be properly resolved through negotiations on the basis of the 1992 Consensus, the spokesperson said. The DPP authorities' stubborn adherence to "Taiwan independence," their rejection of the 1992 Consensus, and their attempts to undermine the political foundation of cross-Strait negotiations are the root causes why ECFA-related issues cannot be resolved, Chen said. If the DPP authorities continue to stick to their "Taiwan independence" stance, "we support relevant departments to take further measures as per regulations," the spokesperson added. In response to queries about the resumption of the import of groupers from Taiwan, the spokesperson said the decision was made after a comprehensive assessment of rectifications by Taiwan's grouper farmers and based on the conviction that people across the Strait all belong to the same family. He added that as long as the 1992 Consensus is adhered to and "Taiwan independence" is opposed, the mainland is willing to work together with authorities on the island to continue providing assistance in resuming the import of Taiwan's agricultural and aquatic products into the mainland on the premise that the products comply with the relevant mainland quarantine regulations. by Julia Pierrepont III LOS ANGELES, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Following the Western tradition of performing Christmas carols at the homes of friends and neighbors, the Chinese Musician Association of Southern California, led by composer/conductor James Chiao, embarked on their holiday mission this year to bring music and good cheer to an American community on Christmas Day. The orchestra performed in Los Angeles' famous "Candy Cane Lane," a fun and festive holiday destination for whole families to visit each year at Christmas. There, nearly every house and yard is bedecked with blazing Christmas light displays that spin, twinkle and glow, plus huge crystal snowflakes, people-sized candy canes, merry inflatable snowmen and Santa's galore with his diminutive elves and sleighs laden with presents drawn by his legendary reindeer. But this year, families got an additional holiday treat when a dozen colorfully-costumed Chinese musicians performed classic Christmas carols on a treasure trove of traditional Chinese instruments, like the erhu, pipa, and guzheng. Homeowner John Schneider, whose house and yard in Woodland Hills served as the launch pad for the neighborhood event, was delighted when they came knocking at his door. "I feel blessed to have them perform for us and the whole neighborhood," Schneider told Xinhua, as he and his whole family assembled at the door to watch the merry tunes. "It was great, cross-cultural thing to enjoy that gave everyone a beautiful and memorable Merry Christmas," he added. "Seems like a Chinese orchestra playing American Christmas carols on antique Chinese instruments is the perfect way to share the universal joy of the holidays," George, a visiting accountant from Florida, told Xinhua. Longtime Candy Cane Lane residents Karen and David agreed, "These musicians are so generous to take time off from their own families at Christmas to come out and share their talents with us. It's remarkable and very special." For many other residents who enjoyed the show, the Chinese instruments, with their unique sounds and historical significance, and the talented musicians playing them, created an enchanting musical experience that blended the festive spirit of Christmas carols with the rich heritage of Eastern melodies -- a musical bridge between East and West. "Music's always been a universal language that transcends borders and cultural differences," Beth, an Angelino and a musician herself, told Xinhua. "It brings people together, no matter where they're from." "We learn about American traditions and culture and they learn about ours," Chiao, the group's conductor and a Chinese immigrant from Guangzhou, told Xinhua, adding that it fosters a mutual respect that transcends cultural differences and leads to new friendships. Many Americans may not be familiar with traditional Chinese instruments, explained Steve, a local school teacher who enjoyed the concert. "But now we get chance to see and hear these antique instruments up close, learn about their history and significance in Chinese culture." "I can't wait to tell my friends," said Sue, 16, a local girl wearing a string of colorful, battery-operated Christmas lights on her sweater. "They've never seen anything like this!" Other attendees said they were also likely to share their experiences with friends and colleagues, spreading awareness and a new appreciation for Chinese culture. "Hopefully stuff like this will help lead to more inclusive communities, where diversity is celebrated and different cultures are better understood and respected," said one African American spectator, who had driven there with his two daughters to see the lights and had stayed to enjoy the Chinese-style music. In a post-Covid world still divided by cultural misunderstandings and conflicts, things that promote cultural exchange and understanding are always a good thing, he felt. Chiao said he conceived of the caroling idea because he felt, "The image of a Chinese orchestra playing Christmas carols in American homes would symbolize a world where cultures can harmonize to create a symphony of understanding and respect." "We may be all different," he smiled, "but we all share the same holiday spirit and feelings of joy. Just like musical notes, we can all come together to make something beautiful in concert." BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The theme of China's cultural and tourist industry through 2023 was revival. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first three quarters of the year, the total revenue of China's cultural enterprises was 9.16 trillion yuan (1.29 trillion U.S. dollars), up 7.7 percent year on year. With favorable policies, the support of scientific technology and the transformation of tourism concepts, innovation has been and will remain a key driving force behind the revival of the cultural and tourist industry. FULL HEAD OF STEAM Enterprises in the 16 prominent new subcategories listed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), such as digital publication, digital cultural content service and the manufacture of smart devices related to cultural consumption, saw their revenue rise by 15.2 percent year on year. The rise of the new subcategories has been tangible. According to the ministry, about 900,000 items and sets of cultural relics at the Palace Museum have undergone digitalization, constituting 48 percent of its total collections. Meanwhile, of the 1.43 million sets of collections at the National Museum of China, 700,000 have been digitally processed. In June, an 11-part series of standards for digital protection of intangible cultural heritage was released by the MCT, elaborating on the specific requirements for the digitalization of different types of intangible cultural heritage items. Promoting the digitalization of such resources lays a solid foundation for better utilizing and presenting them, said Lu Yingchuan, vice minister of culture and tourism. In September, a guideline was issued by the State Council on unleashing the potential of tourist expenditure, listing a number of measures to deepen the integration of culture and tourism. It was estimated by the China Tourism Academy that the total tourism income in 2023 across the country will bounce back to 5.2 trillion yuan, 91 percent of the figure from 2019. STRONG SCI-TECH SUPPORT "We didn't expect such strong interest from the visitors in observing the restoration of relics up close," said Lei Yu, curator of the popular Sanxingdui Museum in southwest China's Sichuan Province. He was referring to the hall showing the restoration of cultural relics. Despite freezing weather, the venue remained a hot spot for visitors. Inside a hall of the museum, there was a glass wall separating the cultural conservation work area from the sightseeing area. On one side, researchers engaged in restoring the relics with state-of-the-art devices. On the other side, visitors watched the restoration work, either directly or via 3D replays, and learned about the restoration through touch screens, interactive games and other creative forms. At the new site of the museum, naked-eye 3D technology was utilized to "restore" the archaeological sites, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the excitement of unearthing relics from the viewpoint of archaeologists. "While highlighting the visual impact, we try to better present the stories behind the cultural relics so that the visitors can feel the unique charm of Chinese culture while enhancing their cultural confidence," said Zhu Yarong, deputy director of the museum. Such innovative measures with cutting-edge technology have won over numerous visitors. During the eight-day National Day holiday from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6, Sanxingdui Museum welcomed 153,400 visits, more than tripling the number from the same period in 2019. According to a three-year plan to boost domestic tourism released by the MCT in mid-November, the role of scientific technology in facilitating tourism will be further enhanced, and new technologies will be more widely applied at tourist sites. "The wide application of new technologies brings new audiovisual experiences to people and creates a new business model that integrates culture and tourism," said Tao Cheng, a senior official with the MCT. CREATIVE TRANSFORMATION In northwest China's city of Xi'an, an unimpressive old shopping mall was turned into a buzzing neighborhood in the style of Chang'an, the old name for the city when it was the capital of China's Tang Dynasty (618-907). Various traditional Chinese buildings from the period featuring carved beams and painted rafters flank the streets of the block, which also stage Tang Dynasty songs, dances and interactive reenactments featuring celebrities from the era. "We feel like ordinary Chang'an residents from the height of the Tang Dynasty here," said Xi'an resident Liu Rui, who was surprised by the evolution of the site. "The sensation of traveling back in time to such lively surroundings made me realize that tourism can be so profound." Yanchi County in northwest China boasts part of the Great Wall. As night falls, the site starts glowing with different lights and colors, becoming a stage for dances that reflect the beauty of cultural interaction along the ancient Silk Road. Such transformations are in line with the aforementioned guideline on unleashing the potential of tourist expenditure, which called for flexible efforts to make the most of existing and potential tourist programs and sites with the support of financial and investment policies. For practitioners behind the scenes, the transformation of sites into cultural and tourist phenomena stems from the transformation of Chinese people's concepts. "The old way of sightseeing can no longer meet the tourists' needs for cultural and tourist activities," said Lu Tao, general manager of the company behind the ancient Chang'an city neighborhood. "Creating more tourist products that meet the needs of the people for a better life through modern means is the direction of the supply-side reform of the cultural and tourism industry." Taiwan will definitely be united with mainland China, Azernews reports, citing Chinese leader Xi Jinping telling at the event dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the People's Republic of China Mao Zedong. "We will resolutely prevent anyone from separating Taiwan from China in any way," Xi Jinping said. In 1949, Taiwan became a haven for the Government of the Republic of China and the Kuomintang Party, which lost the civil war to the Communists led by Mao Zedong. They did not recognize the legitimacy of the new Chinese authorities and did not agree to consider themselves part of the country subject to the Communists. Beijing does not recognize Taiwan's sovereignty and considers it one of its provinces. JERUSALEM, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Israel launched a plan on Wednesday to enhance the integration of young Arab-Israelis into the country's job market, according to a statement issued by the Israeli Ministry for Social Equality. The plan, named Gap Year, was initiated by the ministry in collaboration with the humanitarian organization Joint to address unemployment and narrow gaps. With a budget of 100 million shekels (about 28 million U.S. dollars), the plan aims to provide youths from Israel's Arab society with a comprehensive package covering personal development, soft skills, professional and occupational guidance, as well as preparation for academic pursuits. The plan, to be operated in 11 Arab cities and towns across Israel, will encompass four months of general activities. Following this phase, each participant will choose a specific professional track for focused advancement. According to data from the Israeli Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Arab society was 5.1 percent in September, compared to the overall workforce rate of 3.7 percent. Since the outbreak of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, this gap even widened. In October, 15.6 percent of employed Arabs were absent from their jobs, including unpaid leaves, in comparison to 9.7 percent for the entire workforce, according to the official statistics. WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department on Wednesday announced this year's final package of weapons and equipment to aid Ukraine, exhausting existing funding still at the Biden administration's disposal. The arms and equipment in the package are worth up to 250 million U.S. dollars and are being provided "under previously directed drawdowns for Ukraine," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. "Capabilities provided in today's package include air defense munitions, other air defense system components, additional ammunition for high mobility artillery rocket systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, anti-armor munitions, and over 15 million rounds of ammunition," Blinken said. Assistance packages such as this just-announced one fall under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows weapons to be pulled directly from the stocks of the Department of Defense so that they can be delivered to Ukraine in a swift manner. The United States has already used up funds from another form of assistance for Ukraine, the congressionally-appropriated Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which enables the Department of Defense to purchase weapons for Kiev by signing contracts with arms manufacturers. In his statement, Blinken reiterated the urgent need for Congress to get their work done. "It is imperative that Congress act swiftly, as soon as possible, to advance our national security interests by helping Ukraine defend itself and secure its future," he said. Warning that the funding Congress previously approved for providing assistance to Ukraine would soon dry up, the Biden administration said last week that lacking lawmakers' renewed commitment to further appropriation meeting the White House's over 60-billion-dollar supplemental budget request for Ukraine, the administration would be able to announce but one additional package for Kiev before year's end. "We are still planning one more aid package to Ukraine later this month," John Kirby, the National Security Council's Coordinator for Strategic Communications, told reporters on Dec. 18. "However, when that one's done ... we will have no more replenishment authority available to us, and we're going to need Congress to act without delay, as we have been saying," Kirby said. On Capitol Hill, Republicans are withholding their votes for new money for Ukraine, conditioning their approval on Democrats making compromise to satisfy the GOP's demand for tighter control measures on the border to keep incoming migrants at bay. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022, the United States has committed more than 44.2 billion dollars in military aid to Ukraine, the Pentagon said in a fact sheet published Wednesday. BRUSSELS, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Jacques Delors, a former head of the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU), and key figure in the establishment of the euro currency, has died, AFP reported on Wednesday, citing his daughter Martine Aubry. A Socialist, Delors had a high-profile political career in France, where he served as finance minister under President Francois Mitterrand from 1981 to 1984. From 1985 to 1995, he led the European Commission during a transformative decade for the bloc. This period witnessed multiple milestones in European integration, such as the creation of the common market, the Schengen accords for travel, the Erasmus program for student exchanges, and the establishment of the euro as the single currency. European leaders expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Delors' contributions to European integration. "Jacques Delors led the transformation of the European Economic Community towards a true Union ... A great Frenchman and a great European, he went down in history as one of the builders of our Europe," European Council President Charles Michel said. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, described Delors as the architect of the modern European Union, saying, "We are all heirs to the life work of Jacques Delors: a dynamic and prosperous European Union." On social platform X, formerly Twitter, French President Emmanuel Macron praised him as "statesman with a French destiny, unwavering craftsman of our Europe, fighter for human justice." Hailing Delors as a "visionary" and "architect of the EU as we know it," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz tweeted: "It is our responsibility to continue his work today for the good of Europe." KHARTOUM, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday the postponement of a meeting between leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is slated in Djibouti on Thursday. The ministry said in a statement that it was informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti, the current chair country of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), that RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was unable to attend the meeting scheduled for Thursday with Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan due to technical reasons. There would be coordination again to hold the meeting next January, added the statement. It noted that Al-Burhan, out of his keenness to end the suffering of the Sudanese people caused by the "rebel militia," was prepared to leave Wednesday evening for the IGAD-proposed meeting. The ministry further expressed regret over "the RSF's procrastination and its unwillingness to stop the destruction of Sudan and harming the people." The IGAD has been leading intensive efforts to revitalize the faltering ceasefire talks between the SAF and the RSF, who initiated deadly clashes in Khartoum and other areas in Sudan since April 15. The clashes have so far left more than 12,000 people killed, according to a statement by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in early December. TUNIS, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia and Saudi Arabia signed Wednesday seven memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, the Tunis Afrique Presse reported. The MoUs aim to enhance cooperation between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in the fields of water, environmental protection, agricultural scientific research, climate and meteorology, tourism, industry, and employment. The deals were inked between Tunisian Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri Nemsia and Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef in the Tunisian capital of Tunis. At the signing ceremony, Nemsia, also Tunisia's interim minister of economy and planning, underlined her commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabia. For his part, Alkhorayef said bilateral cooperation will be further strengthened, particularly in the commercial sector and investment. The screenshot taken from the streaming of CBS News Texas shows the scene where sixth people, including two kids aged 9 and 10, were killed and three others hospitalized after a head-on crash along a highway in the south central U.S. state of Texas Tuesday evening. (Xinhua) "It's a devastating scene and very emotional for all involved," the Johnson County Sheriff's Office posts. HOUSTON, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Six people, including two kids aged 9 and 10, were killed and three others hospitalized after a head-on crash along a highway in the south central U.S. state of Texas, Tuesday evening, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) on Wednesday. The dead, aged from 9 to 64 years old, were all riding in one of the two cars involved in the crash, the DPS said, adding that the three hospitalized sustained critical injuries. The collision happened at around 5:30 p.m. local time along U.S. Highway 67 in the Nemo area, about 70 miles southwest of Dallas. Preliminary investigation showed that a Chevrolet Silverado truck was traveling south while a Honda Odyssey van carrying seven people was traveling north on the same road, where the posted speed limit is 70 mph, said a report from the Courier Journal, part of the USA Today network. DPS investigators believe the truck entered the northbound lane in a no-passing zone and struck the van in a head-on collision. Only two people in the van were wearing their seatbelts. The truck's driver and passenger, both critically injured, were both 17-year-old males of Glen Rose, Texas, according to DPS. "It's a devastating scene and very emotional for all involved," the Johnson County Sheriff's Office shared in a Facebook post. "Please say a prayer for the families of the deceased and injured," the office said. The U.S. Highway 67 was shut down "in both directions for several hours" while the authorities examined the "devastating scene", according to the office. Protesters escort an injured peer in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 27, 2023. Injuries have been reported Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since several presidential candidates attempted to launch a protest, which was banned by the government, to denounce what they called "a sham election." (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) KINSHASA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Injuries have been reported Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since several presidential candidates attempted to launch a protest, which was banned by the government, to denounce what they called "a sham election." On Wednesday morning, on Kinshasa's Triumphal Boulevard, where the parliament is located, heavy presence of the DRC police has been deployed ahead of the protest attempt launched by five of the incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi's challengers in the race on Dec. 20. The five opposition candidates demanded a re-run as the general elections suffered from major logistic problems, leading to delay and extension of polling across the country. On Tuesday, a day before the planned protest, the DRC government banned the protest, claiming that the protest was against the "game rules" and undermined the electoral process as the vote counting has not finished. "I can reassure you, there will not be this march. It violates the legal provisions that the contestation of the (election) results takes place at the Constitutional Court," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Peter Kazadi at a press briefing. Violence has been reported and the police fired tear gas as some protesters burnt the tires on the Triumphal Boulevard, the planned starting point of the protest and right next to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in downtown Kinshasa. According to local media, the police have stepped up security around the CENI headquarters. The Congolese National Police (PNC), the national police force, accused the opposition of having minors during the protest. According to Blaise Kilimba Limba, police commissioner of Kinshasa, some minors were present at the protest and two police officers were injured. "The organizers have put minors who are not supervised by their parents at the forefront. At some point, they will be arrested to justify the presence of children at the demonstration site," he told the press. According to partial results announced by CENI late Tuesday, Tshisekedi was leading the race with 78.98 percent of the vote counted, while Katumbi ranked in second place with 14.27 percent of the vote. The results announced by CENI so far account for more than 6.1 million ballots out of around 44 million voters registered. Full provisional election results are expected by Dec. 31. CENI has started to publish daily updates since Dec. 24. Police officers in action are pictured in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 27, 2023. Injuries have been reported Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since several presidential candidates attempted to launch a protest, which was banned by the government, to denounce what they called "a sham election." (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) Protesters escort an injured peer in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 27, 2023. Injuries have been reported Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since several presidential candidates attempted to launch a protest, which was banned by the government, to denounce what they called "a sham election." (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) Police officers are on guard against protesters in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 27, 2023. Injuries have been reported Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since several presidential candidates attempted to launch a protest, which was banned by the government, to denounce what they called "a sham election." (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) A protester confronts police officers on a street in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 27, 2023. Injuries have been reported Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since several presidential candidates attempted to launch a protest, which was banned by the government, to denounce what they called "a sham election." (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) Burning tires are pictured on a street in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 27, 2023. Injuries have been reported Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since several presidential candidates attempted to launch a protest, which was banned by the government, to denounce what they called "a sham election." (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) Police officers stand by on a street in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 27, 2023. Injuries have been reported Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since several presidential candidates attempted to launch a protest, which was banned by the government, to denounce what they called "a sham election." (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) Protesters are pictured in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 27, 2023. Injuries have been reported Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since several presidential candidates attempted to launch a protest, which was banned by the government, to denounce what they called "a sham election." (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's anti-narcotics authorities have seized 3,182 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin, and arrested seven suspected drug traffickers in a special crackdown conducted in the Dar es Salaam and Iringa regions, according to the country's Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA). "This is the largest ever seizure of drugs in the country's anti-narcotics crackdown history," Aretas Lyimo, the commissioner general of the DCEA, said on Wednesday. Lyimo told a news conference in Tanzania's commercial hub of Dar es Salaam that out of the seized drugs, 2,180.29 kilograms were methamphetamine and 1,001.71 kilograms were heroin, adding that the drugs were seized during the special crackdown that was conducted on Dec. 5-23. Lyimo said the seven arrested suspected drug traffickers were five Tanzanian nationals and two Asians, adding that the suspects were linked to a cartel of drug dealers with networks across the world. "The seized drugs were packed in packets of various brands of coffee and tea leaves. This method is used to facilitate the transportation of the drugs and avoid detection," said Lyimo. SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- South Korea signed a contract to buy 20 more F-35A stealth fighter jets, manufactured by the U.S. arms company Lockheed Martin, Yonhap news agency reported Wednesday, citing the arms procurement agency. The letter of acceptance (LOA) for the purchase of the combat planes was signed with the U.S. government on Dec. 8, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) was quoted as saying. The country purchased a total of 40 F-35A stealth fighters between 2019 and 2022, but one fighter jet retired as it was strongly damaged by a bird strike in January last year. The additional U.S. stealth fighters were scheduled to be delivered to South Korea beginning in 2027. ISTANBUL, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Industry expert estimates that Turkiye could attract up to 800 million tourists over the next ten years by boosting capacity and diversifying its offerings, according to the state-run Anadolu agency Wednesday. Oya Narin, president of the Turkish Tourism Investors Association, said achieving this ambitious goal would require upgrading and diversifying current capacity by creating different tourism areas. Turkiye already offers a variety of tourism options, including beach, health, and cultural tourism. Sector insiders have been working to expand the range, such as by promoting senior and culinary tourism, Narin added. Narin also said the industry expected tourism to account for 7.5 percent of the gross national product by 2028, up from the current 5.5 percent, and the tourism revenue to reach 100 billion U.S. dollars. The Culture and Tourism Ministry said Turkiye's tourism target for 2023 was 60 million foreign visitors, generating 55.6 billion dollars in income. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said recently that Turkiye was close to meeting the 2023 targets despite the challenges of twin earthquakes in the south in February and the Israel-Palestine crisis. The ministry's latest data showed that Turkiye had attracted 52.7 million tourists in the first 11 months of this year. The Republic of Korea has imposed restrictions on eight more DPRK citizens, including the head of the intelligence agency of the People's Republic, for trading goods prohibited by international sanctions, including weapons, as well as for illegal activities in the cyber sphere as a response to the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on December 18, Azernews reports, citing the Korean Foreign Ministry. "Our government, responding to the launch of a long-range ballistic missile on December 18, which seriously threatened security and peace on the Korean peninsula and on the planet, imposed independent sanctions against eight North Koreans associated with the trade in sanctioned goods, including weapons, as well as illegal activities in the cybersphere," Seoul said. Among them is Lee Chang Ho, listed as the head of the intelligence directorate of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army. Seoul believes that the Secret Service is behind hacker groups such as Kimsuky, Lazarus, and Andariel, who are suspected of obtaining technology and foreign currency through illegal activities. "Our government indicated that provocations would have consequences. We will continue to cooperate with the international community, including the United States, and Japan, so that North Korea understands this, stops provocations, and moves towards denuclearization," the ministry said. This is the 14th package of sanctions against the DPRK under President Yun Seok-yeol, whose inauguration took place in May 2022. Restrictions now apply to 83 individuals and 53 legal entities. KIEV, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The first group of Ukrainian F-16 pilots have completed their basic training under the work of the international Air Force Coalition, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. The training course, which started in August, was held in the UK, the ministry said in a statement. After the course, six Ukrainian pilots went to Denmark to learn in practice how to fly F-16 fighter jets. Meanwhile, ten other Ukrainian pilots stayed in the UK to continue with practical basic flight training and improve their aviation medicine skills. In July, Ukraine signed a memorandum with 11 countries to create a coalition for training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets. Last week, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that his government has decided to prepare an initial 18 F-16 aircraft for delivery to Ukraine. Rutte noted that certain criteria must be met before F-16 delivery to Ukraine can take place, including requirements for personnel and infrastructure. BERLIN, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of doctors' offices across Germany will remain closed in the week between Christmas and New Year due to a planned strike while respiratory diseases in the country are increasing. "Wherever you look, almost every doctor's practice is currently massively overloaded," Dirk Heinrich, federal chairman of the Virchowbund association, said when the strike was announced a week ago. The Virchowbund represents the interests of all registered and outpatient doctors in the country. Germany saw a wave of respiratory diseases in December, with the number of patients getting flu and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in particular on the rise. According to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases, one in ten people in the country had been sick before Christmas. The number of COVID-19 infections in Germany has also increased, with the seniors being the most affected group. Of almost nine million recent viral infections, one in three was caused by a sub-variant of SARS-CoV-2, the RKI figures showed. "It is incomprehensible that there are calls to close practices at a time when many people are ill," Eugen Brysch, chairman of the German Foundation for Patient Rights, criticized, stressing that the doctors' strike "particularly affects the old and vulnerable people." However, the Virchowbund argued that the "systematic underfunding" was exacerbating the shortage of specialists in medical practices. According to a recent study by PwC (Germany), the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals in the country could grow to 1.8 million by 2035. Many are looking to switch their jobs, while only one in three doctors expect themselves to remain in the profession until retirement. "The demands of the medical profession are well known, they don't need to be presented again," Minister for Health Karl Lauterbach told public broadcaster RBB, pointing out that a reform has already been worked on. In this article, we will look into the 15 best long-term care insurance companies heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Long Term Care Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. Market Analysis of Long-Term Care Insurance Long-term care insurance is provided to senior citizens who are unable to support themselves and are receiving long-term care services. The care can range from assistance in daily activities at home to extensive care at institutions and facilities. According to a report by SkyQuest Technology, the global long-term care insurance market was worth $18.88 billion in 2021. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% and reach $53.21 billion in 2030. The growth can be attributed to a rise in the aging population, an increase in long-term ailments, and a higher life expectancy. Regionally, North America dominated the market in 2022, accounting for a total share of 49.3%. The growth can be attributed to the availability of long-term care facilities, favorable government policies, and an improving reimbursement framework. Segment-wise, the nursing care segment led the market with a share of 32.3%, driven by the rising demand for nursing care services. Key Players in the Market Some of the prominent names in the long-term care insurance market include Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP), Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC), and The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL). Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP) is a major financial services and insurance company. On October 25, the company reported earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. The company reported an EPS of $7.68 and beat estimates by $0.08. The company generated quarterly revenue of $3.92 billion and outperformed estimates by $69.71 million. The company's revenue grew by 10.44% on a year-over-year basis. Here are some comments from Ameriprise Financial, Inc.'s (NYSE:AMP) Q3 2023 earnings call: Story continues "Were driving good sales in targeted focused areas that serve our clients comprehensive needs and generate good risk-adjusted returns. In our life business, we focused on variable universal life and disability products that are appropriate for this environment. Life and health sales were up nicely, increasing 22%, with the majority of sales in higher-margin accumulation VUL products. Were also seeing positive initial results from our accelerated underwriting modeling, thats highly automated and will drive further efficiencies as we roll it out more fully. In variable annuities, our structured product continues to attract good interest. Combined with our variable annuities without living benefits, sales were up 18% from a year ago." Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) is one of the market leaders in the long-term care insurance market. On November 15, the company announced that it had acquired a top London-based alternative credit manager, CQS. The acquisition will provide the company with access to CQS's $13.5 billion credit platform. This will enhance its fixed income and multi-asset services. The agreement will allow CQS to retain its autonomy and leverage Manulife Financial Corporation's (NYSE:MFC) resources. The transaction is anticipated to close in early 2024. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is one of the major insurance companies, providing long-term care insurance products and services. On November 1, the company reported reported earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. The company reported an EPS of $0.81 and outperformed estimates by $0.32. The company reported a revenue of $14.50 billion for the quarter and surpassed estimates by $1.06 billion. The Allstate Corporation's (NYSE:ALL) revenue grew by 8.39% on a year-over-year basis. Here are some of the comments from the company's Q3 2023 earnings call: "Our success now positions us to achieve additional growth that potential could be maximized by aligning this platform with a broader set of complementary products, distribution channels and capabilities. We anticipate completing a transaction in 2024. We also made progress in executing and transformative growth initiatives to set the stage for personal profit liability market share growth as margins improve. The second part of our strategy to broaden protection offerings also progressed with Allstate Protection Plans growth." 15 Best Long Term Care Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 15 Best Long Term Care Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 Methodology To rank the best long-term care insurance companies heading into 2024, we reviewed market reports including SkyQuest Technology, Vantage Market Research, Allied Market Research, and Research and Markets. We identified public and private companies from these reports and ranked them in ascending order of their market cap as of December 22, 2023, and annual revenue. 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. 15 Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 15. Mutuals of Omaha Annual Revenue (2022): $11.54 billion Mutual of Omaha is ranked among the 15 best long-term care insurance companies heading into 2024. The company offers a wide range of health and life insurance products. It provides coverage for both short-term and long-term care. Some of the major life insurance products of the company include Life Protection Advantage, Income Advantage, and AccumUL Answers. Mutuals of Omaha reported an annual revenue of $11.54 billion in 2022. 14. Aviva plc (OTC:AVVIY) Market Cap as of December 22: $15.05 billion Aviva plc (OTC:AVVIY) is a leading insurance company, offering services including retirement, investments, insurance, health, insurance technology, and protection. It offers two lifetime care insurance plans, Immediate Lifetime Care and Secured Lifetime Care. As of December 22, Aviva plc (OTC:AVVIY) boasts a market cap of $15.05 billion. 13. Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (OTC:DCNSF) Market Cap as of December 22: $20.19 billion Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (OTC:DCNSF) is a leading life insurance company company, operating in over 10 countries. The company boasts a comprehensive set of products including EduPro Premier, Active Care, Smart Shield, DL EduPro, and LoanShield. The company provides care annuity insurance, long-term care insurance, and critical illness insurance among others. As of December 22, Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (OTC:DCNSF) has a market cap of $20.19 billion. 12. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) Market Cap as of December 22: $32.54 billion The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is one of the top insurance companies in the US, headquartered in Illinois. The company provides life insurance, long-term care insurance, homeowners insurance, auto Insurance, earthquake insurance, general liability, and annuities. As of December 22, The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) has a market cap of $32.54 billion. 11. Capgemini SE (OTC:CGEMY) Market Cap as of December 22: $34.57 billion Capgemini SE (OTC:CGEMY) is a French multinational company, providing business tech solutions to companies including insurance. The company provides automation and tech solutions to companies to streamline their insurance process. Its insurance services cover health, life, and property & casualty among others. As of December 22, Capgemini SE (OTC:CGEMY) has a market cap of $35.47 billion. It is ranked 11th on our list. 10. Northwestern Mutual Annual Revenue (2022): $35.00 billion Northwestern Mutual is a leading insurance company, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company has over 160 years of experience in providing top-notch insurance products and services. The company provides financial security to over 4.5 million people. QuietCare is a major long-term care brand of the company, introduced in 1998. The company reported an annual revenue of $35 billion. It is ranked 10th on our list of the best long-term care insurance companies. 9. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) Market Cap as of December 22: $37.37 billion Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) is one of the top financial services companies in the UK, specializing in life insurance, group benefits, financial wellness, retirement benefits, annuities, and mutual funds. The company is operating in multiple countries and territories including the US, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The company offers life and health insurance coverage including long-term care insurance in case of long-term ailments or disability. As of December 22, Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) has a market cap of $37.37 billion. 8. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP) Market Cap as of December 22: $38.05 billion Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP) is a leading financial services company, offering financial planning, investment, and insurance services. The company has over 125 years of experience and a network of over 10,000 financial advisors. Along with traditional long-term care insurance, the company also offers hybrid long-term care insurance and life insurance with a long-term care rider. As of December 22, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP) has a market cap of $38.05 billion. It is ranked 8th on our list. 7. MassMutual Annual Revenue (2022): $39.30 billion Ranked 7th on our list, MassMutual is a leading life insurance company. The company specializes in life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement services, and annuities. The company's first-ever long-term care policy was issued in 2000. MassMutual reported an annual revenue of $39.30 billion in 2022. 6. Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) Market Cap as of December 22: $39.56 billion Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) is ranked 6th on our list of the best long-term care insurance companies heading into 2024. The company is a leading multinational financial services firm, headquartered in Toronto. It offers a comprehensive set of products including CoverMe life insurance, and Synergy life insurance among others. As of December 22, Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) has a market cap of $39.56 billion. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Long Term Care Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Best Long Term Care Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we will look into the 15 best motorhome insurance companies heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Motorhome Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. North America RV Insurance: A Market Analysis North America is the biggest shareholder in the global RV insurance market. According to a report by We Market Research, the RV insurance market in North America was worth $16.55 billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.60% and reach $22.18 billion in 2033. The growth can be attributed to the growing awareness about road safety, urbanization, and rising per capita income. The escalating demand for RVs, and the increase in natural calamities and disasters are some of the other factors driving the growth in the market. The market was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the closure of manufacturing units leading to disruption in sales and strict government protocols restricting unnecessary outdoor activities. Regionally, the United States, Canada, and Mexico are some of the major countries contributing to the overall market in North America. The US is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecasted period. The growth is driven by multiple factors including a rise in sales of RVs, a thriving economy, rising per capita income, and rapid urbanization in the country. Key Players in the Market Some of the most prominent companies in the motorhome insurance market include MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET), Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO), and The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR). MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) is an American insurance company, leading the market with its top-notch insurance products and services. On November 1, the company announced its earnings for the fiscal 3rd quarter of 2023. It reported an EPS of $1.97, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.01. The company generated a revenue of $15.87 billion for the quarter. Here are some of the comments from MetLife, Inc.'s (NYSE:MET) Q3 2023 earnings call: Story continues "Were pretty pleased with our performance this quarter. So, year-to-date weve had $3.5 billion worth of sales. Weve also added another $600 million of premium so far in the fourth quarter. And we see a very healthy pipeline ahead and really with a lot of visibility into 2024. And in particular in the jumbo end of the market which is where we focus and where we have distinct competitive advantages. Our focus so far has been on the immediate with RV only part of the market and we see significant pipeline there and were able to win business at healthy IRRs. But we always continuously evaluate opportunities here. And as weve always stated its value over volume here. And so if we see opportunities with the right IRRs and the right returns and the right risk profile were always going to be looking to evaluate those as we go forward." Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) is a leading insurance firm, headquartered in Florida. On December 12, the company announced that its Europe subsidiary had acquired R McGee, an insurance broker in South Wales. The team from McGee will be joining the company to serve their clients from its Maesteg office. This will help Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) expand its business and provide quality products and services. On December 8, Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) announced that it had acquired a leading administrator of automotive warranty products, ABS. This transaction will help the company enhance its warranty offerings with the help of ABS, which offers parts and labor repair warranties, component-specific warranties, and road hazard programs. The company's F&I product line will enable ABS to provide a new range of solutions to its customers. The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States, specializing in auto insurance. With its innovative insurance solutions, the market leader has captured the attention of Wall Street analysts. On December 18, Wells Fargo's analyst Elyse Greenspan raised his price forecast on The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) to $176 from $144 and upgraded the stock to Overweight from Equal Weight. Over the past 3 months, 9 Wall Street analysts have recommended buying the stock. The stock has an average price forecast of $167.79 and a high price target of $225. As of December 22, The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) has surged nearly 22% over the past 6 months. Some other prominent companies in the market include Allianz SE (OTC:ALIZF), Zurich Insurance Group AG (OTC:ZURVY), and AXA SA (OTC:AXAHY). 15 Best Motorhome Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 15 Best Motorhome Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 Methodology To compile our list of the best motorhome insurance companies heading into 2024, we sifted through multiple reports including Data Research Insights, Market Reports World, We Market Research, and 360 Research Report. We identified public and private companies from these reports and ranked them in ascending order of their market cap as of December 22, 2023, and annual revenue. Some of the private companies on our list do not have publicly disclosed revenue figures. For such companies, we utilized the number of employees in the company to rank them instead of financial data. The number of employees depicts the company's market presence and size. 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. 15 Best Motorhome Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 15. Foremost Insurance Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 Foremost Insurance is owned by the leading insurance company, Farmers Insurance. It specializes in property insurance, auto insurance, RV insurance, and motorcycle insurance among others. The leading insurance products offered by the company include Foremost Auto & Home programs, Foremost Choice Property & Casualty programs, and Bristol West. It is ranked among the best motorhome insurance companies heading into 2024. Allianz SE (OTC:ALIZF), Zurich Insurance Group AG (OTC:ZURVY), and AXA SA (OTC:AXAHY) are some of the major companies providing RV and motorhome insurance services. 14. National General Insurance Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 National General Insurance is a leading insurance company, specializing in RV and motorhome insurance, commercial and private auto insurance, home insurance, accident & supplemental health insurance among others. Within its motorhome insurance plans, the company offers coverage for loss and damage, liability, roadside assistance, vacation liability, and replacement coverage. The company has up to 5,000 employees and is ranked 14th on our list. 13. GEICO Number of Associates: 40,000 GEICO is a major insurance company with offices in more than 15 states. The company offers insurance coverage across multiple lines including auto, RV, ATV, boat, motorcycle commercial auto, and condo and homeowner insurance among others. The company has over 40,000 associates. The company provides 24-hour service and insures over 20 million vehicles. The company offers insurance for both motorized and towable RVs. It is ranked 13th on our list. 12. American Family Insurance Annual Revenue (2021): $14.40 billion American Family Insurance is a top insurance provider in the US, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. The company specializes in auto insurance, life insurance, business insurance, and property insurance. The company offers comprehensive coverage for RVs/motorhomes including RV damage and loss, fire, theft, vandalism, and falling objects. In 2021, the company reported an annual revenue of $14.40 billion. It is ranked 12th on our list. 11. Sompo Holdings, Inc. (OTC:SMPNY) Market Cap as of December 22: $15.58 billion Ranked 14th on our list, Sompo Holdings, Inc. (OTC:SMPNY) is a top Japanese insurance company, headquartered in Tokyo. With over 130 years of experience in the market, the company offers a wide range of insurance solutions including domestic P&C insurance, auto insurance, overseas insurance and reinsurance, domestic life insurance, nursing care & seniors, and digital insurance products and services. As of December 22, Sompo Holdings, Inc. (OTC:SMPNY) reports a market cap of $15.58 billion. 10. Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) Market Cap as of December 22: $20.06 billion Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) is a leading insurance company, specializing in P&C insurance, insurance brokerage, risk management solutions, and employee benefits among others. The company offers tailored RV and motorhome insurance solutions. The motorhome insurance provides liability coverage including bodily injury and property damage coverage, medical payments, and uninsured coverage. As of December 22, the company boasts a market cap of $22.06 billion. 9. USAA Annual Revenue (2022): $27.44 billion USAA is a major insurance company, leading the market with its innovative financial services, employee well-being, risk management, and insurance solutions. The company provides RV insurance for motorhomes, travel trailers, campers, and fifth wheels. In 2022, USAA reported an annual revenue of $27.44 billion. It is ranked among the best motorhome insurance companies heading into 2024. Market Cap as of December 22: $48.75 billion MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) is one of the top insurance companies in the US, providing services including insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management. Under its auto and home insurance portfolio, the company offers a wide range of RV/motorhome solutions. MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) reports a market cap of $48.75 billion, as of December 22. 7. Liberty Mutual Insurance Annual Revenue (2022): $50.00 billion Liberty Mutual Insurance is ranked 7th on our list. Boasting an experience of over 100 years, the company operates in over 29 countries and jurisdictions. The company has over 45,000 employees and provides a wide range of insurance solutions. Liberty Mutual Insurance offers tailored RV/motorhome insurance at affordable prices. The company reported an annual revenue of $50 billion in 2022. 6. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Annual Revenue (2022): $57.00 billion Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company is ranked 6th on our list of the best motorhome insurance companies heading into 2024. The company offers services including insurance, banking, annuities, investments, life insurance, and retirement planning. The company provides coverage of over $10,000 for motorhome/RV insurance. In 2022, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company reported an annual revenue of $57 billion. Some of the top motorhome insurance stocks to buy now according to analysts and hedge funds include Allianz SE (OTC:ALIZF), Zurich Insurance Group AG (OTC:ZURVY), and AXA SA (OTC:AXAHY). Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Motorhome Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Best Motorhome Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we will cover the 15 best pet insurance companies heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the pet insurance market, you can go directly to 5 Best Pet Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. The Global Pet Insurance Market: An Analysis Driven by economic trends, increasing pet adoption, and changing consumer preferences, the global pet insurance market is expected to reach new heights in the coming years. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global pet insurance markets value is estimated to have reached $9.57 billion in 2023. Looking forward, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.43% from 2024 to 2028 and reach $17.19 billion by the end of the forecasted period. The North American region, where the US accounts for the largest market share, is expected to dominate the pet insurance market during the forecasted period. In one of our previous articles about the most owned dog breeds in America, we briefly discussed the growing pet population and the increasing humanization of pets. Fueled by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and the emotional benefits of pet companionship, more people are adopting pets. Pets are seen as valued members of the family, and the growing trend of pet humanization means that more pet owners are increasingly willing to invest in the well-being of their pets. Such trends have led to an increased demand for pet healthcare services as well as pet insurance. Moreover, the rising cost of veterinary care and treatments is driving the demand for pet insurance. As veterinary expenses rise, pet insurance offers much-needed financial security and peace of mind, helping pet owners prioritize their pets health without having to break the bank. Major Players in the Pet Insurance Industry Marketing efforts and educational campaigns are raising awareness about the advantages of insurance coverage. Pet owners are now more educated about the potential financial burden that can come with unexpected illnesses or accidents. This has led to an increase in demand for insurance coverage. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is one of the biggest insurance companies in the United States. It is also one of the best auto insurance companies heading into 2024. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) offers pet health insurance that covers unexpected illnesses or injuries. It also offers an optional wellness plan for routine and preventative care. With The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL), pet owners can also get a 10% multi-pet discount for insuring multiple pets. On November 1, The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) reported strong earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. The company reported an EPS of $0.81 and beat estimates by $0.32. The companys revenue for the quarter grew by 8.39% year-over-year and amounted to $14.5 billion, ahead of market consensus by $1.06 billion. Story continues Other prominent pet insurance companies that are expected to benefit as the pet insurance market continues to grow include Trupanion Inc. (NASDAQ:TRUP) and Lemonade Inc. (NYSE:LMND). Lemonade Inc. (NYSE:LMND) is an American digital insurance company that offers renters, homeowners, car, life, and pet insurance. It is currently available in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. On November 8, Lemonade Inc. (NYSE:LMND) reported that it had welcomed its two millionth customer. The digital insurance company achieved this milestone 35% faster than the first million, which was reached in late 2020. The premium per customer also increased by about 70% over the same period. Additionally, net operating loss, as compared to gross earned premium, roughly halved over the same period, demonstrating Lemonade Inc.s (NYSE:LMND) technological advantage, scalability, and clear progress toward profitability. Technology is playing a significant role in improving the pet insurance experience. AI-powered claim processing and telemedicine are streamlining the process for both pet parents and insurance companies. Trupanion Inc. (NASDAQ:TRUP) is an American pet insurance company that offers pet insurance in the US, Canada, and Australia. On August 9, Trupanion Inc. (NASDAQ:TRUP) announced that it has achieved a significant milestone by automating over 60% of invoices submitted through its vet portal, enabling lightning-fast invoice processing and direct payments to veterinary hospitals at the time of checkout. This quick and efficient payment process helps alleviate the financial burden on pet parents, allowing them to focus on their pets' treatment and well-being. Trupanion Inc.s (NASDAQ:TRUP) vet portal employs state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate real-world policy decisions and process an invoice at the hospital in just five seconds. Margi Tooth, Trupanion Inc.s (NASDAQ:TRUP) President, said: "By removing upfront payments and using AI to eliminate cumbersome paperwork and wait times, pet parents can more easily say 'yes' to the treatment their pet needs, regardless of cost. In turn, this removes barriers to care and empowers veterinary professionals to practice their best medicine, unhindered by financial constraints. Happier vets can focus on what matters most: helping pets." Now that we have discussed whats going on in the pet insurance market, lets take a look at the 15 best pet insurance companies heading into 2024. Methodology For this article, we compiled a list of the 15 best pet insurance companies heading into 2024. Choosing the best pet insurance companies requires a number of factors to be taken into consideration and it can still be a matter of personal preference. To provide the readers with an accurate representation, we used consensus picks from different insurance, finance, and review websites that ranked the best pet insurance companies based on factors like available coverage options, customer service, claims filing process, and other related services and products. We analyzed rankings on Hepper, Pet Insurance Review, NerdWallet, and USA TODAY. We counted the number of times each pet insurance company was listed in these sources. We then also calculated the Insider Monkey Ranking for all the insurance companies by adding up their rankings in each of the sources and then dividing that figure by the number of times each companys name came up. We then ranked the 15 best pet insurance companies heading into 2024 based on how many times their name came up in the sources as well as their average rankings. The number of mentions is our primary metric and the Insider Monkey Ranking is our secondary metric. A lower Insider Monkey Ranking is better since it means that the insurance company had a better overall ranking among our sources. In the case where multiple companies had the same number of mentions across our sources, tie-breaking was done on the basis of average Insider Monkey Rankings. The 15 best pet insurance companies heading into 2024 are listed below in ascending order. 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 one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 15 Best Pet Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 werzk-luuu-tDlo2ZPlQlU-unsplash 15 Best Pet Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 15. Hartville Pet Insurance Number Of Mentions: 2 Insider Monkey Ranking: 11 Hartville Pet Insurance is a pet insurance provider headquartered in Akron, Ohio, and it ranks among the 15 best pet insurance companies heading into 2024. Hartville Pet Insurance offers an informative and transparent enrollment process and great online tools. It offers accident-only coverage and complete coverage, which covers both illnesses and accidents. With Hartville Pet Insurance, there are no age limits and the company also offers flat-rate policies, which makes it one of the best pet insurance companies for older pets. 14. ManyPets Number Of Mentions: 2 Insider Monkey Ranking: 8.5 ManyPets is a licensed insurance agency that offers pet insurance and wellness services in the US, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It also offers vet-approved coverage for skin infections. With a hassle-free claims process and no hidden fees, ManyPets is one of the best pet insurance companies heading into 2024. However, unless the pet has been free of symptoms and treatment for 18 months, ManyPets pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. 13. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Number Of Mentions: 2 Insider Monkey Ranking: 8 ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, as a strategic partner of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), offers affordable and reliable pet insurance coverage. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers a variety of pet insurance plans that cover wellness, illness, accidents, behavioral issues and more. 12. Fetch Pet Insurance Number Of Mentions: 2 Insider Monkey Ranking: 4 Fetch Pet Insurance is a pet insurance provider in the United States and Canada. Founded by husband and wife entrepreneurs Chris and Natasha Ashton in September 2003 after experiencing a high veterinary bill, Fetch Pet Insurance is now one of the best pet insurance companies heading into 2024. Fetch Pet Insurance offers a variety of plans that cover accidents, illness, dental disease, alternative care, hereditary conditions, physical therapy, and alternative care. It is one of the best options for pet owners looking for a comprehensive coverage plan. 11. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Number Of Mentions: 2 Insider Monkey Ranking: 4 Healthy Paws Pet Insurance offers insurance plans that cover accidents, illnesses, emergency care, alternative care, breed-specific conditions, cancer, and genetic and hereditary conditions. Offering a fast and easy claims process as well as no maximum limits on claim payouts, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is one of the best pet insurance companies heading into 2024. 10. Pumpkin Pet Insurance Number Of Mentions: 3 Insider Monkey Ranking: 11.66 Pumpkin Pet Insurance offers extensive accident & illness coverage that includes dental illnesses, behavioral issues, and hereditary conditions which may be excluded in other plans. It ranks among the top 10 on our list of best pet insurance companies heading into 2024. Pumpkin Pet Insurance also offers optional benefits, such as a unique wellness package called Preventive Essentials, which includes check-ups, vaccines, and parasite testing to make sure your pet stays healthy. 9. AKC Pet Insurance Number Of Mentions: 3 Insider Monkey Ranking: 9.66 AKC Pet Insurance is the exclusive pet insurance brand of the American Kennel Club (AKC). It offers accident and illness coverage plans as well as customizable plans for pet owners to choose from a selection of policy add-ons and customizable coverage options. With AKC Pet Insurance, new and current policyholders may receive a 5% multi-pet discount for insuring multiple pets. AKC Pet Insurance also offers pre-existing condition coverage for curable and incurable conditions after 1 year of continuous coverage. 8. Metlife Inc. (NYSE:MET) Number Of Mentions: 3 Insider Monkey Ranking: 6.66 Metlife Inc. (NYSE:MET) is one of the worlds largest insurance providers and through its pet insurance plans, it offers coverage for injuries, illnesses, pet medicines and more. Pet owners will have the flexibility to choose from various levels of coverage with no upper age limits or breed exclusions. Metlife Inc. (NYSE:MET) Pet Insurance also offers family plans to cover multiple pets on one policy. Competitive rates with discounts as well as easy enrollment and hassle-free claims have helped Metlife Inc. (NYSE:MET) rank among the best insurance companies heading into 2024. 7. Nationwide Pet Insurance Number Of Mentions: 3 Insider Monkey Ranking: 5.66 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company is one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the US. Nationwide Pet Insurance offers extensive coverage that includes accidents, injuries, illnesses, chronic illnesses, hereditary conditions, and testing and diagnostics. As one of the best pet insurance companies heading into 2024, Nationwide Pet Insurance also offers coverage for exotic pets that can include a wide range of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. 6. Pets Best Number Of Mentions: 3 Insider Monkey Ranking: 5.66 Pets Best is one of the best pet insurance companies heading into 2024. It offers comprehensive accident and illness coverage for pets. Pets Best also offers pet wellness and routine care coverage as an optional add-on, which includes veterinary visits like annual check-ups, vaccinations, and more. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Pet Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Best Pet Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 is published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we will look into the 15 best term life insurance companies heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to 5 Best Term Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. Term Life Insurance Industry: A Market Analysis According to a report by Grand View Research, the global term life insurance market was worth $988.42 billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% over the forecasted period and reach $1.89 trillion in 2030. The growth is driven by multiple factors including the cost-effectiveness of term life plans, raising awareness, and availability of tailored and flexible term life insurance solutions. Moreover, varying demographics, growing insurance market trends, and a focus on financial security are key factors contributing to the market growth. The market is growing rapidly, fueled by the growing trend of digital technology integration. Recent studies showed that consumers prefer to interact with insurers virtually, using online platforms. InsureTech is another trend in the market that provides a compelling opportunity for growth. InsureTech utilizes I0T, AI, and big data analytics to streamline operations, reduce costs, and promote competitive pricing for insurance products. Segment-wise, the term life insurance market is dominated by individual-level term life insurance, accounting for over 75% share in 2022. Individual-level term life insurance is tailored according to the individual's needs, providing cost-effective policies. The major driver of growth of the segment is the growing demand for tailored financial protection. Group-level term insurance is projected to grow substantially over the forecasted period. Within the distribution network, tied agents and branches held the largest share of over 52% in 2022, driven by their deep knowledge, customized service, and an established client relationship. Over the forecasted period, the brokers segment is poised to grow at a significant rate, driven by their transparency and comprehensive coverage. Story continues Regionally, Asia Pacific led the market in 2022, accounting for over 30% of the revenue share. The growth can be attributed to its rising population, burgeoning life insurance awareness, and government support. Europe is also expected to experience significant growth over the forecasted period, fueled by multiple factors including regulatory changes, a rise in the aging population seeking financial security, and economic uncertainties. Key Players in the Market Some of the key players in the term life insurance market include Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC), Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL), and AXA SA (OTC:AXAHY). Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) is one of the major life insurance companies in the US, providing both whole and term life insurance. On December 11, Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) announced that it had partnered with Global Atlantic for a reinsurance deal. The company has transferred $13 billion of reserves to Global Atlantic. This strategic move will free up $1.2 billion for share buybacks, which will have a positive impact on the group's earnings. Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) is one of the top insurance companies in the US. On December 14, the company along with its partner in pet insurance, Trupanion had decided to withdraw from the Japanese market and focus on the North American market instead. Both companies have launched a comprehensive range of pet medical insurance solutions that are available in the United States. Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) invested $200 million in Trupanion and its distribution alliance to provide pet insurance products and services to its customers in the US. AXA SA (OTC:AXAHY) is a leading French multinational insurance company. On December 20, AXA SA (OTC:AXAHY) announced that it had made a strategic reinsurance deal. The French subsidiary of the company, AXA France Vie has entered into an agreement with AXA Reassurance Vie France, the reinsurance subsidiary. The agreement will proceed with AXA Reassurance Vie France covering 12 billion of savings reserves. 15 Best Term Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 15 Best Term Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 Methodology To compile our list of the best term life insurance companies heading into 2024, we sifted through multiple reports including Grand View Research, The Business Research Insights, and Verified Market Research. We identified public and private companies from these reports and ranked them in ascending order of their market cap as of December 22, 2023. For private companies, we used their annual revenue to rank them. 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. 15 Best Term Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 15. Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) Market Cap as of December 22: $39.56 billion Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) is one of the top insurance companies, offering a diverse range of insurance products and services including term life insurance, permanent life insurance, CoverMe life insurance, Term Life Vitality Plus, and Synergy life insurance. The company's CoverMe term life insurance provides coverage of $100,000 to $1 million for a 10-year term. As of December 22, it boasts a market cap of $39.56 billion. 14. The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) Market Cap as of December 22: $42.44 billion The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) is a leading insurance company, headquartered in New York. The company offers a wide range of insurance services including P&C insurance, life insurance, auto insurance, and business insurance among others. As of December 22, The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) reports a market cap of $42.44 billion. 13. American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) Market Cap as of December 22: $47.35 billion American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) is ranked 13th on our list of the best term life insurance companies heading into 2024. The company offers travel insurance, life insurance, and retirement insurance solutions among others. The company offers a wide range of term life insurance solutions at affordable rates via AIG Direct. As of December 22, American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) boasts a market cap of $47.35 billion. 12. Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) Market Cap as of December 22: $47.59 billion Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) ranks 12th on our list. Headquartered in Georgia. The company specializes in employee benefits, broker relationships, PEO, life insurance, small business, and individual policies. Within its life insurance portfolio, the company offers both term and whole life insurance solutions customized as per the client's needs. Its term life insurance plans include increasing term, decreasing term, fixed term, and annual renewable life insurance. The company boasts a clientele of over 50 million people and has a market cap of $47.59 billion. 11. Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. (OTC:TKOMF) Market Cap as of December 22: $48.54 billion Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. (OTC:TKOMY) is a leading Japanese insurance company that provides a comprehensive suite of insurance products and services. TM Term Assure (II) is a major term life insurance plan of the company that provides coverage against death, total and permanent disability, and terminal ailment. Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. (OTC:TKOMY) is ranked 11th on our list and is valued at $48.54 billion, as of December 22. Market Cap as of December 22: $48.75 billion MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) is a major life insurance company in the US. It offers services including insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management. The company offers basic, supplement, and dependent term life insurance coverage plans. MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) is ranked among the best term life insurance companies heading into 2024 and is valued at $48.75 billion, as of December 22. 9. ING Groep N.V. (NYSE:ING) Market Cap as of December 22: $50.56 billion Rabnked 9th on our list, ING Groep N.V. (NYSE:ING) is a financial services company offering banking, asset management, and insurance services. The company offers a variety of life insurance products and services including term life, whole life, and variable universal life insurance at affordable rates. As of December 22, ING Groep N.V. (NYSE:ING) has a market cap of $50.56 billion. 8. Munich Re (OTC:MURGF) Market Cap as of December 22: $56.95 billion Munich Re Group (OTC:MURGF) is ranked among the best term life insurance companies. it offers a wide range of products and services including life insurance, cyber insurance, reinsurance, primary insurance, health insurance, and property insurance among others. The company offers a variety of term life insurance products and services. One of its products, SwiftTerm Select is a joint venture of the company along with SelectQuote, and Symetra, that offers instant issue term life insurance. As of December 22, Munich Re Group (OTC:MURGF) has a market cap of $56.95 billion. 7. AXA SA (OTC:AXAHY) Market Cap as of December 22: $73.46 billion AXA SA (OTC:AXAHY) ranks 7th on our list. It offers a variety of services including insurance, asset management, and banking. The group offers tailored term life insurance solutions that can also be combined with retirement provisions. Its affordable solutions position it as one of the best term life insurance companies in the market. As of December 22, AXA SA (OTC:AXAHY) reports a market cap of $72.49 billion. 6. Zurich Insurance Group AG (OTC:ZURVY) Market Cap as of December 22: $75.45 billion Zurich Insurance Group AG (OTC:ZURVY) is ranked among the best term life insurance companies heading into 2024. The company is a market leader in life insurance, risk insurance, marine solutions, travel insurance, auto insurance, and investment management. The group's term life insurance product, Zurich Term offers death protection benefits, available in 10, 15, and 20-year durations. As of December 22, Zurich Insurance Group AG (OTC:ZURVY) boasts a market cap of $75.42 billion. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Term Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Best Term Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. This article will list the world's top silver mining companies and highlight the recent trends in the silver industry. You can skip our detailed overview of supply and demand intricacies of silver and read 5 Biggest Silver Mining Companies in the World. Global Silver Demand and Supply In 2022, the dynamics of global silver demand and supply underwent major changes. The year saw a minor decline in mine production, with a 0.6% drop to 822.4 million ounces, in contrast to the previous year's robust growth of 5.8%. According to the Silver Institute, this decrease primarily resulted from reduced output at lead/zinc mines, notably in China and Peru, where silver production decreased by 3.5% to 248.2 million ounces. However, this decline was partially offset by increased silver production in gold and copper mines, which rose by 1.0% to 129.5 million ounces and 0.8% to 212.0 million ounces, respectively. Production from primary silver mines remained relatively stable, with a marginal 0.1% increase, totaling 228.2 million ounces. Meanwhile, the demand for silver experienced an upswing in 2022, with total demand increasing by 18% to 1,242 million ounces, reaching its highest level since 2010. Notably, silver recycling continued to rise for the third consecutive year, growing by 3% and reaching a 10-year peak of 180.6 million ounces. This underscores the growing interest in silver as both a mined resource and a recyclable commodity. Must Read: Top 20 Gold Mining Companies in the World Major Silver-Consuming Sectors Silver experiences high demand in key sectors, namely physical investment, jewelry, and silverware. Regarding the investment aspect, the Silver Institute reported a significant increase in physical silver investments for the fifth consecutive year in 2022, reaching a record 332.9 million ounces. Notably, India stood out with a staggering 188% year-over-year increase in silver investments, driven by lower prices and bargain hunting. Story continues Silver jewelry manufacturing also saw impressive growth, rising by 29% to a record 234.1 million ounces in 2022, primarily driven by India. In India, a combination of pent-up demand post-pandemic and restocking led to a doubling of volumes from the previous year. However, excluding India, there was a slight decline in jewelry manufacturing. The US experienced reduced demand as consumer spending normalized. In contrast, Europe showed some increase in silver jewelry demand, driven by increased local consumption despite a drop in exports from Italy. Thailand, Indonesia, and Turkey also reported growth due to a recovery in exports and improvements in domestic sales. It's worth noting that jewelry manufacturing is expected to decrease by 15% at the end of the fiscal year, returning to pre-pandemic levels, particularly in India, where the market is adjusting after the 2022 surge. Lastly, silverware manufacturing outpaced jewelry in terms of growth percentage, experiencing an 80% increase in demand in 2022, reaching 73.5 million ounces. This boost, as seen in the jewelry sector, was mainly driven by India, where demand more than doubled in 2022 as employment and income levels returned to pre-pandemic norms. Also Read: 10 Largest Cobalt Mining Companies and Their Mines in the World Top Silver Producing Countries The largest silver-producing countries in the world are Mexico, China, and Peru. In 2022, Mexico led the way with an impressive production of 6,300 metric tons, drawing from its reserves of 37,000 metric tons. Following closely, China also made a significant contribution, producing 3,600 metric tons of silver, supported by its substantial reserves estimated at 71,000 metric tons, according to the US Geological Survey. Peru, ranking third in silver production, boasts the world's largest silver reserves, totaling 98,000 metric tons. In 2022, Peru's commitment to sustainable mining practices resulted in a silver production of 3,100 metric tons. Let's now talk about the top silver mining companies in the world! 15 Biggest Silver Mining Companies in the World 15 Biggest Silver Mining Companies in the World Our Methodology We identified the world's largest silver companies based on their average silver production over the past three years. This was determined using data from The Silver Institute's World Silver Surveys of 2022 and 2023, along with the companies' annual reports. The top silver mining companies were ranked in ascending order according to their annual silver yield. Based on the available data, here are the top silver mining companies in the world: 15. First Majestic Silver Corp (TSE:FR) Average Annual Silver Production:11.6 million ounces First Majestic Silver Corp., headquartered in Vancouver, is among the biggest silver mining companies in the world, with a notable presence in Mexico. The company's primary mining sites in Mexico include the San Dimas, Santa Elena, and La Encantada mines. The most prominent among them is the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, which encompasses an extensive area of 102,244 hectares and operates both the Santa Elena and Ermitano underground mines. Looking ahead to the end of 2023, First Majestic has set ambitious production targets, aiming to achieve a record high of 33.2 million to 37.1 million silver equivalent ounces. This represents approximately a 12% increase from the previous year. This production goal is further broken down into 10 million to 11.1 million silver ounces and 277,000 to 310,000 gold ounces. The projected all-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent ounce is expected to range between $18.47 and $19.72. 14. Boliden AB (STO:BOL) Average Annual Silver Production: 11.8 million ounces Boliden AB, a European company headquartered in Stockholm, primarily focuses on silver extraction in three key areas: the Boliden Area, Garpenberg, and Aitik. The Boliden Garpenberg mine stands out as one of the world's most efficient underground zinc mines and holds the distinction of being Sweden's oldest active mining area. This mine processes complex ores containing a combination of zinc, lead, silver, copper, and gold. In 2022, Garpenberg processed approximately 2,989 kilotons of ore, resulting in the production of metal concentrates, including silver. 13. BHP Group (NYSE:BHP) Average Annual Silver Production: 12 million ounces BHP Group (NYSE:BHP), among the world's most valuable mining companies, operates several copper mines, notably the Escondida mine in Chile and the Antamina mine in Peru. Silver is a significant byproduct of copper and zinc mining within the company's operations, contributing to its high global silver production. Another key asset in BHP's silver production portfolio is the Olympic Dam operation in South Australia, known for its vast deposits of copper, gold, silver, and uranium. BHP Group (NYSE:BHP) also manages the Carrapateena and Prominent Hill mines in Australia, both notable for their substantial gold and silver projects. 12. South32 (ASX:S32) Average Annual Silver Production: 12.7 million ounces South32, an Australian mining and metals organization, plays a significant role in the global silver mining industry. In the fiscal year 2022, the company achieved a notable milestone by producing 12.3 million ounces of silver. The primary source of this impressive production is the Cannington site located in Queensland, Australia, which ranks among the world's largest silver production sites. Expanding its operations beyond Australia, South32 is also advancing the Hermosa project in Arizona, USA. This forward-looking project encompasses two significant deposits: the Taylor sulfide deposit, rich in zinc, lead, and silver, and the Clark oxide deposit, known for its zinc, manganese, and silver content. Also Read: Top 20 Diamond Producing Countries in the World 11. Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) Average Annual Silver Production: 13.5 million ounces Founded in 1891, Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) is one of the largest silver-producing companies in the US, operating active mines in Alaska, Idaho, Quebec, and Canada and developing a new mine in Canada's Yukon region. In 2022, Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) achieved substantial success, reporting a silver production of 14.2 million ounces, a 10% increase over the previous year. This remarkable growth was primarily attributed to substantial production increases at two key mines: the Lucky Friday mine in Idaho, which experienced a 24% boost, and the Greens Creek mine in Alaska, contributing to a 5% rise. Notably, Greens Creek was a major contributor, accounting for 9.7 million ounces of the total silver produced in 2022. During the first three quarters of 2023, despite a slight decline in silver production in the third quarter compared to the second quarter, the company's overall output for the first nine months of 2023 demonstrated an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2022, totaling 11,407,232 ounces of silver. 10. Volcan Cia Minera (BME:XVOLB) Average Annual Silver Production: 13.8 million ounces Volcan Compania Minera S.A.A., a leading mining firm based in Peru, specializes in various activities, including exploring, extracting, processing, and selling polymetallic ores, with a particular focus on silver. This company is situated in the mineral-rich Central Andes regions of Junin and Pasco, where it operates 16 polymetallic mines: 11 underground and five surface mines, along with six processing plants and a gold mine concentrator. Despite its extensive operations, the company saw a slight decline in silver production in 2022, with output decreasing by 5% to 14.3 million ounces (Moz) from the previous year's 15 Moz. 9. Pan American Silver Corp (NYSE:PAAS) Average Annual Silver Production:18.3 million ounces In 2022, Pan American Silver Corp (NYSE:PAAS) successfully produced 18.5 million ounces of silver, meeting its adjusted projection of 18.0 to 18.5 million ounces. Initially, the company had aimed for a higher range of 19.0 to 20.5 million ounces. Additionally, it achieved significant gold production, totaling 552.5 thousand ounces, which fell within its forecasted range of 550.0 to 605.0 thousand ounces for the same period. The third quarter of 2023 marked a notable period for Pan American Silver Corp (NYSE:PAAS) as it recorded a silver output of 5.7 million ounces and achieved a record-breaking gold production of 244.2 thousand ounces. 8. Southern Copper Corp (NYSE:SCCO) Average Annual Silver Production: 19.7 million ounces Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO), a prominent player in the silver mining sector, has recently experienced fluctuations in its silver production. In the third quarter of 2023, the company produced 4,390,000 ounces of silver, marking a 10% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. This decline was consistent across all their operations, except for the Toquepala mine. Additionally, there was a 7% decrease in the company's silver sales volumes year-over-year. Despite these production and sales challenges, Southern Copper Corp (NYSE:SCCO) exhibited robust financial performance in the third quarter. The company's net sales increased by 16.2%, primarily attributed to higher prices for molybdenum, silver, and copper. Its net income also showed significant growth, reaching $619.5 million, a 19.4% increase from the previous year's third quarter. 7. Polymetal International plc (OTC:POYYF) Average Annual Silver Production: 20.08 million ounces Polymetal International plc operates in Russia and Kazakhstan, consistently delivering strong performance. In the third quarter of 2023, the company's gold equivalent production increased by 12% compared to the same period the previous year, reaching a total of 508 thousand ounces. This significant rise was primarily driven by heightened production levels at their Russian facilities, including Urals, Mayskoye, and Dukat sites. Throughout the first nine months of 2023, Polymetal continued this growth trajectory, reporting a 6% year-on-year increase in gold equivalent production, totaling 1,272 thousand ounces, with substantial contributions from both Kazakhstan and Russia. 6. Hindustan Zinc Ltd (NSE:HINDZINC) Average Annual Silver Production: 22.02 million ounces Hindustan Zinc Ltd, headquartered in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, has achieved the remarkable status of being the world's fifth-largest silver producer, as highlighted in the 2023 World Silver Survey by The Silver Institute. Since its inception in 2002, when it produced 41 tonnes, the company has steadily expanded its production capacity to reach 800 tonnes. In 2022, Hindustan Zinc Ltd produced an impressive 694 tonnes (22.2 million ounces) of silver. Notably, the company's silver refinery in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, has earned recognition from the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and holds a place on the prestigious "London Good Delivery" list. The silver produced at Hindustan Zinc's refinery boasts an exceptional purity level of 99.99%, adhering to the stringent standards set by the LBMA. Click to continue reading 5 Biggest Silver Mining Companies in the World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Biggest Silver Mining Companies in the World is originally published at Insider Monkey. In this article, we will be looking at the 25 best online accounting degree programs heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Online Accounting Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Accounting Services Market and Job Outlook Accounting services entail a diverse range of services including audits, counseling, and tax preparation. According to the US Bureau of Statistics (BLS), the employment rate for auditors and accountants is expected to grow 4% faster, compared to other occupations, between 2022 and 2032. The growth rate will add almost 126,500 job openings every year during the forecast period. The demand for accountants is directly linked to the changing condition of the economy. A blossoming economy surges the demand for accountants needed to maintain and examine financial documents. The increase in demand is evident at both the national and international levels. Globalization of business has created a need for accountants with expertise in international trade. Accountants render various services including smooth mergers and acquisitions in international trade. The incorporation of technology in almost every field is inevitable. Cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence are becoming a norm in accounting services. The use of technology, however, is not expected to hinder the demand for accountants in the future. The use of technology in accounting services is mainly used in streamlining day-to-day processes. The need for accountants is predicted to stay persistent during the forecast period. The accounting services market is growing rapidly. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global accounting services market was valued at $628.4 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% to reach $1.5 trillion by 2032. One of the key factors fuelling the growth of the market is the use of advanced accounting software and automation tools in the provision of accounting services. The advanced software has refined the overall process for accounting services companies by reducing errors. The software can process large amounts of data in relatively short periods, helping firms make informed decisions. The use of technology has also helped costs for accounting services companies and is expected to drive growth during the forecast period as well. Story continues In 2022, North America was the most dominant region in the accounting services market. The presence of industry-specific accounting services companies in the region was the main factor contributing to the large market share of the region. The presence of industry-specific firms attracts more businesses in that domain to seek accounting services. The region is expected to experience consistent growth during the forecast period as well. Major Players in the Industry Wolters Kluwer NV (AMS:WKL) is one of the most prominent companies in the accounting services industry. The company provides professional information, software solutions, and services for accounting firms. On December 13, Wolters Kluwer NV (AMS:WKL) announced that it has been recognized as a Leader in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Financial Planning Software. The CCH Tagetik Budgeting, Planning, and Forecasting software by the company is an AI-based software. The software has been designed to help enterprises in financial and operational planning. Wolters Kluwer NV (AMS:WKL) is ambitious to develop software that provides data-driven insights and can be used in the financial and accounting services industry. Automatic Data Processing Inc (NASDAQ:ADP) is another prominent name in the accounting services industry. The company offers accounting and financial services through its cloud-based human capital management (HCM) system. On December 12, the company announced that it had entered into a collaboration with Salesforce Inc (NYSE:CRM) to enhance its customer experience using generative AI. The partnership will combine the HCM expertise of Automatic Data Processing Inc (NASDAQ:ADP) and the Customer 360 platform by Salesforce Inc (NYSE:CRM) to enable and provide informed responses to customer queries. The use of generative AI will help Automatic Data Processing Inc (NASDAQ:ADP) deliver a more personalized experience to over 1 million of its clients. Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) is a renowned company in the accounting services industry. On December 19, Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) reported earnings for the fiscal first quarter of 2024. The company reported an EPS of $3.27, beating estimates by $0.14. The company's revenue for the quarter grew by 3.03% and amounted to $16.22 billion, ahead of market consensus by $28.92 million. As of December 27, Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) has surged nearly 17.49% over the past six months. Here are some comments from the company's earnings call: "Its using the technology to drive both growth and cost. And I would just say on the macro side, right, is that our clients, we recognize you cannot cut yourself to growth. And if you think about the examples that I used in todays script, most of them were both cost and growth, right? Because that is what our clients are focused on, is how are they going to grow revenue despite whatever the environment is. And that, of course, is our unique capabilities to be able to do both. And then, with respect to GenAI, so first of all, I just want to say $450 million in sales this quarter, were very pleased. I mean, it demonstrates we are leading here. All of last year, it was $300 million. And to your point, the conversations are changing. You have examples like BBVA, which we talked about earlier in my script, where were starting to use it at scale." Getting an accounting degree could directly launch you into the accounting services industry. We have made a list of the best accounting degree programs heading into 2024. 25 Best Online Accounting Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25 Best Online Accounting Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 Our Methodology To make our list of the best online accounting degree programs heading into 2024, we have used a consensus methodology. We consulted four sources, including Intelligent.com, MyDegreeGuide, Value Colleges, and Degree Choices. The consensus methodology involved identifying names that were consistently mentioned in a minimum of two out of the four sources. We calculated the average rank of each course based on its individual rank in each of our sources. The resultant list has been organized in descending order of the computed average ranks. 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 one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 25 Best Online Accounting Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25. Arizona State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 18.5 Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accountancy degree program. The program requires 120 credits for completion. The accountancy degree program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. 24. Western Governors University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 18.5 Western Governors University has one of the best online accounting degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program. The program requires 120 credits. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. 23. Franklin University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 17 Franklin University offers completely online accounting degree programs including a Bachelor of Science in Accounting program. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. 22. University of South Carolina Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 16 The University of South Carolina offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. 125 credits are required for graduation. 21. Touro University Worldwide Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 14 Touro University Worldwide has the best online accounting degree programs heading into 2024. Touro University Worldwide offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program with a concentration in Accounting. The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. 20. Texas A&M University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.5 Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The program prepares students with both practical and theoretical knowledge of accounting. 19. University of South Florida Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13 The University of South Florida offers an online Bachelor in Accounting program. The degree program is offered through the Muma College of Business. The program is flexible and suitable for students managing other commitments alongside education. 18. University of Alaska Fairbanks Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12.5 The University of Alaska located in Fairbanks has one of the best online accounting degree programs heading into 2024. The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Applied Accounting program and an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting program. 17. Colorado Christian University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12.5 Colorado Christian University offers an online Bachelors Degree in Accounting program. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The program also accepts transfer students facilitating them to up to 90 credits. 16. Colorado State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12 The Colorado State University offers an online Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. The program is flexible and facilitates students to complete courses according to their pace. The university also offers an online MBA in Advanced Accounting. 15. Indiana Wesleyan University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12 Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program. Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The accounting programs have also attained a separate accounting accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. 14. Eastern New Mexico University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9.5 Eastern New Mexico University has one of the best online accounting degree programs heading into 2024. The Eastern New Mexico University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. The degree programs prepare students to get professional accounting certification. 13. University of Minnesota Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9 The University of Minnesota offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program. The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 120 credits are required for completion. 12. Washington State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 5 Washington State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in Accounting program. The program requires 120 credits for completion. Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. 11. Auburn University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 4.5 Auburn University offers online accounting degree programs through the Harbert College of Business. The programs include a Master of Accountancy online and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accountancy. The School of Accountancy at Auburn University is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. 10. Florida Institute of Technology Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 4 Florida Institute of Technology has one of the best online accounting degree programs heading into 2024. The institute offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Accounting program. Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 9. University of Maryland Global Campus Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 20.7 The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program. The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program requires 120 credits to complete. The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 8. Temple University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 19.7 Temple University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting program. 124 credits are required for the completion of the program. Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 7. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 14.3 The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program. The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program requires 120 credits to complete. The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. 6. Southern New Hampshire University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12.3 Southern New Hampshire University offers several online accounting degree programs, including an Associate of Science in Accounting, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and a Master of Science in Accounting. Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Online Economics Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Best Online Economics Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we will be looking at the 25 best online computer science degree programs heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Software Development Industry: Career Spotlight Joining the software development industry is a popular choice among students with a computer science degree. According to the US Bureau of Statistics (BLS), the employment rate for software developers is expected to grow 25% faster, compared to all other occupations, from 2022 to 2032. The high growth rate entails the addition of 153,900 job openings for software developers annually during the forecast period. Furthermore, as businesses become more digital and automated, the concerns over threats to computer security are increasing. Enterprises are more vigilant and are investing in computer security software. Businesses are searching for software solutions customized to cater to their individual needs. The demand for software developers in the custom software development industry is projected to grow as well. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global custom software development market was valued at $35.42 billion in 2023. The market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.4% from 2024 to 2030 and reach $146.18 billion by 2030. One of the most notable trends in the custom software market is embedding analytics into a company's custom software. The incorporation of analytics provides enterprises with error-free data that facilitates operational and strategic decision-making. The increasing adoption of custom software by companies is expected to fuel market growth. In 2022, North America was the most dominant region in the custom software market. The region accounted for 37% of the total revenue share of the industry. The region has a concentration of budding enterprises. The presence of a large number of small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) combined with the digital transformation contributed to the prominent status of the region. The Asia Pacific region is expected to have the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The presence of large tech firms in the region will contribute to the market growth. Story continues Major Players in the Software Industry ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) offers a diversified cloud computing software platform. The computing software platform enables users to perform various tasks including managing their workflow and generating analytics. On December 18, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire UltimateSuite. The acquisition will help the company improve its automation and artificial intelligence capabilities, which will be used to improve service delivery to customers. The enhanced intelligent automation capabilities of ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) will be used to catalyze the digital transformation of the customer businesses and eliminate operational bottlenecks. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is another noteworthy software company that provides customer relationship management software that facilitates businesses to generate analytics and manage customer relations. On December 14, Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) announced updates to its Einstein 1 Platform. The update includes the addition of a Data Cloud Vector Database and Einstein Copilot Search. Data Cloud Vector Database provides analytics for efficient decision-making. The update has also significantly improved the capabilities of the generative AI assistant by Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM). Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is one of the largest software companies in the world by revenue. On November 28, Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) reported earnings for the fiscal first quarter of 2024. The company reported an EPS of $2.47, beating estimates by $0.49. The company's revenue for the quarter grew by 14.67% and amounted to $2.98 billion, ahead of market consensus by $94.53 million. As of December 27, Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) has surged nearly 36.12% over the past six months. Here are some comments from the company's earnings call: "We believe this is Intuits most exciting era yet. Five years ago, we declared our strategy to be an AI-driven expert platform with data and AI core to fueling innovation across our platform. Were delivering experiences where the hard work is done for you with a gateway to human expertise, powering our customers prosperity and accelerating penetration of our $300 billion in TAM. The launch of Intuit Assist is the result of years of investment in data and AI. At the core of our platform is powerful, relevant data. Intuit has incredibly rich longitudinal, transactional and behavioral data for our 100 million customers. We have 500,000 customer and financial attributes per small business and 60,000 financial and tax attributes per consumer on our platform." Getting a degree in computer science offers promising career prospects in the software development industry. We have made a list of the best online computer science degree programs heading into 2024. 25 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 (Ready For Review 25 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 (Ready For Review Our Methodology To make our list of the best online computer science degree programs heading into 2024, we have used a consensus methodology. We consulted four sources, including Intelligent.com, Best Colleges, Degree Choices, and MyDegreeGuide. The consensus methodology involved identifying names that were consistently present in a minimum of two out of the four sources. We calculated the average rankings assigned to each program across our sources. The list has been organized in descending order of the calculated average ranks. 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 one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 25 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25. Troy University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 18.5 Troy University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 24. Pace University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15.5 Pace University has one of the best online computer science degree programs heading into 2024. Pace University offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science program. Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 23. Dakota State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15 Dakota State University offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science program. 30 credit hours are required for the completion of the degree program. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 22. Old Dominion University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.5 Old Dominion University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 21. Florida State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.5 Florida State University has one of the best online computer science degree programs heading into 2024. Florida State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. The degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology/Computing Accreditation Commission. 20. Southern New Hampshire University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13 Southern New Hampshire University offers a variety of online computer science degree programs including an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. 19. Davenport University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13 Davenport University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. 120 credits are required for graduation. Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 18. Fort Hays State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12 Fort Hays State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 17. Auburn University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 11 Auburn University offers an online Bachelor of Computer Science program. The program requires 120 credit hours for completion. The online degree program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 16. University of Wisconsin Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9.5 The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an online Bachelor of Computer Science program. The program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours for completion. The online computer science degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. 15. California State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9.5 California State University has one of the best online computer science degree programs heading into 2024. California State University offers an online Bachelor of Computer Science degree. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. 14. University of Illinois Springfield Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 8.5 The University of Illinois Springfield offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. The degree program requires 24 months of study. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 13. Baker College Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 6 Baker College offers several online computer science programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 12. University of Missouri Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 5.5 The University of Missouri has one of the best online computer science degree programs heading into 2024. The University of Missouri offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 11. University of Florida Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 4.5 The University of Florida offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. The online degree program requires 120 credit hours for completion. The degree program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 10. Maryville University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 4.5 Maryville University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. 128 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 9. Brigham Young University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 2 Brigham Young University has one of the best online computer science degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. The degree program is flexible and enables students to follow the course at their own pace. 8. National University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15.3 National University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. The program imparts comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge to its students. The online degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. 7. Saint Leo University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 14.3 Saint Leo University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. The degree program prepares students for a successful career in computer science. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. 6. Regent University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 14.3 Regent University has the best online computer science degree program heading into 2024. The Regent University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we will be looking at the 25 best online criminal justice degree programs heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Criminal Justice Degree: Career Outlook The completion of a criminal justice degree program makes you eligible to become a police officer or a detective. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment rate of police officials and detectives is expected to grow 3% faster, compared to all other occupations, between 2022 and 2032. The projected employment rates imply the addition of 64,500 jobs for police officials and detectives annually over the forecasted period. The demand for police and detectives is fuelled by the need for public safety. If the state adopts policies focused on the safety of its citizens, the employment of police and detectives also increases. It is directly linked to the availability of the budget. Budget strains can hinder the hiring of new police officers and detectives to the force. However, the overall demand for police and detectives has been noted to stay consistent in the periods when crime rates fall. Students with a criminal justice degree can also join legal occupations after graduating. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 91,700 openings in legal occupations will be added on average every year from 2022 till 2032. The high number of annual job openings offers promising prospects for students with a criminal justice degree. In May 2022, the median annual salary of the legal services group was $95,170 which was higher compared to all other occupations. A diverse range of legal occupations are open to criminal justice students including arbitrators, mediators, hearing officers, and conciliators. Online Platforms for Attaining a Criminal Justice Degree Udemy Inc (NASDAQ:UDMY) is an online learning platform that enables students to pursue various degrees and courses online. Udemy Inc (NASDAQ:UDMY) offers various online criminal justice degree programs as well. On November 14, the company announced that it had become an official learning and skills partner of McLaren Racing. The partnership with McLaren includes the McLaren Formula 1 Team, Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, and NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team. Udemy Inc (NASDAQ:UDMY) will now be able to offer business licenses to McLaren individuals. Story continues Coursera Inc (NYSE:COUR) is an EdTech company initially launched by two Stanford professors. Coursera Inc (NYSE:COUR) offers a wide range of credible online courses including online degree programs in criminal justice. On December 5, Coursera Inc (NYSE:COUR) announced that it had expanded AI-powered translations to include 17 languages. The expansion enables access to more than four thousand courses and fifty-five plus professional certificates in the newly introduced languages. The added languages also include Russian, Turkish, and Italian. Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) also offers a diverse range of online courses including criminal justice degree programs. On October 24, Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) reported earnings for the fiscal first quarter of 2024. The company reported an EPS of $0.11, beating estimates by $0.41. The company's revenue for the quarter grew by 12.94% and amounted to $480.18 million, ahead of market consensus by $29.41 million. As of December 27, Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) has surged nearly 17.98% over the past six months. Here are some comments from the company's earnings call: "I think our numbers for this quarter speak for themselves, record revenue, record career enrollments, record career revenue, and except for the pandemic year, our highest profitability also except for the pandemic year, our highest growth rate in the past decade. Total revenue growth for the past few years, including at the midpoint of our range for this year, has been right around 9% a year. Adjusted operating income at the midpoint of our range is up over 400% from fiscal year 2020 and up well over 50% from fiscal year 2021 when we had the pandemic benefit. Our net income will be up something like 600% from fiscal year 2020. Our EPS will be over $3.60 a share, which is six times higher than fiscal year 2020. Now, as weve returned to a sense of normalcy following the worst of the pandemic, while our programs have continued to flourish, unfortunately many public school systems have largely reverted back to doing exactly what they were doing pre-pandemic." Online learning enables students to pursue education from the comfort of their homes. We have made a list of the best online criminal justice degree programs heading into 2024. 25 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 (Ready For Review) 25 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 (Ready For Review) Our Methodology To make our list of the best online criminal justice degree programs heading into 2024, we have used a consensus methodology. We consulted four sources, including Intelligent.com, Best Colleges, Value Colleges, and Degree Choices. The consensus methodology employed involved identifying names that were present in a minimum of two out of the four sources. Our selection process included the computation of average ranks assigned to each program. The average ranking was calculated by dividing the sum of the ranking by the number of sources the item appeared in. The list has been arranged in descending order of the calculated average ranks. 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 one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 25 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25. The University of Alabama Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 33 The University of Alabama offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The program is delivered through the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice at the university. 24. Excelsior University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 27.5 Excelsior University has one of the best online criminal justice degree programs heading into 2024. The Excelsior University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. The program is comprehensive and prepares students for successful careers in the field. 23. Bethel University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 27 Bethel University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 22. Indiana University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 26 Indiana University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. The degree programs prepare students for successful careers by imparting applicable skills to them. The program is delivered through the IU Online portal. 21. Polk State College Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 25.5 Polk State College has one of the best online criminal justice degree programs heading into 2024. The Polk State College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 20. Concordia University St. Paul Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 24 Concordia University St. Paul offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program. The program is flexible and facilitates students to follow at their own pace. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 19. University of Louisville Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 24 The University of Louisville offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The degree program is offered through the College of Arts & Sciences. 121 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association. 18. Georgia Southern University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 17.5 Georgia Southern University offers both an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Criminology program. 123 credit hours are required for completion. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 17. Central Christian College of Kansas Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 16 Central Christian College of Kansas offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 16. University of Cincinnati Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15.5 The University of Cincinnati has one of the best online criminal justice degree programs heading into 2024. The University of Cincinnati offers both an online Bachelor and Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 15. University of Central Florida Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15 The University of Central Florida offers an online Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. The degree programs prepare students for successful careers in the field. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 14. San Francisco State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15 San Francisco State University offers an online Bachelor's Degree Program in Criminal Justice Studies. The program enables students to transfer up to 60 credits. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 13. Colorado State University Global Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 14 Colorado State University Global has one of the best online criminal justice degree programs heading into 2024. Colorado State University Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. The degree program is flexible and suited for students managing other commitments alongside education. 12. University of Nebraska Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13 The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The degree program requires 120 credits for completion. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 11. Missouri Southern State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12.5 Missouri Southern State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 10. Eastern Kentucky University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 10 Eastern Kentucky University has one of the best online criminal justice degree programs heading into 2024. Eastern Kentucky University offers several online criminal justice degree programs, including an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The online criminal justice degree provides students with leadership skills. 9. Arizona State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 10 Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 8. Indian River State College Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 8 Indian River State College offers an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Technology. The degree program imparts practical skills to the students. The Indian River State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 7. Liberty University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 6.5 Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. The university enables students to tailor their degree programs to meet their career aspirations. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 6. Franklin University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 4 Franklin Univerity has one of the best online criminal justice degree programs heading into 2024. Franklin University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. Asim Aliyev According to the instructions of the Azerbaijan Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army met with the families of the Shehids (Martyrs), Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. At the meetings in different regions, the military personnel held conservations with the Shehids family members and enquired about their concerns. The graves of the Shehids were visited and their memories were honoured with deep respect and reverence. Medals of the Shehid servicemen, awarded according to the relevant Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated November 7, were presented to their family members. The family members and relatives of the Shehids expressed their gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the leadership of the Defense Ministry for the attention and care shown to them. In this article, we will be looking at the 25 best online cybersecurity degree programs heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Cybersecurity Industry: An Overview The cybersecurity industry is growing rapidly which implies bright career prospects for students with a cybersecurity degree. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global cybersecurity market was valued at $222.66 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% from 2024 to 2030 and reach a valuation of $500.7 billion by 2030. The digital transformation of businesses and the mass use of smart devices is fuelling the growth of the market. As the world is becoming more digital, the chances of cyber attacks are also increasing. Businesses are integrating cybersecurity solutions into their operations to mitigate risks. The demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions will significantly drive market growth during the forecast period. Governments across the world are also becoming more vigilant of cybersecurity threats. Strict regulations are being drafted and introduced to protect enterprises. The rise in government-imposed regulations will drive the market growth during the forecast period. The regulations mandate compliance which is expected to cause a surge in demand for enterprise cybersecurity solutions. In 2022, North America was the most dominant region in the global cybersecurity market. The region accounted for 34.9% of the total market share. The presence of a large number of IT companies and businesses in the region contributed to the large market share. The Asia Pacific region is estimated to be the fastest-growing region during the forecasted period. The region has been estimated to experience a high CAGR of 15% from 2024 to 2030. The growing proliferation of the latest technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to fuel the growth of the region. Story continues Major Players CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) is one of the biggest cybersecurity companies in the world. The company develops cybersecurity solutions for individuals and enterprises. On November 22, the company announced the launch of Falcon Go on Amazon Business. Falcon Go is a product by CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) designed to protect small and medium enterprises against cyber threats. As of December 27, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) has gained over 149% on a year-to-date basis. Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTNT) develops and sells a large range of cybersecurity solutions including firewalls and endpoint security products. On December 14, Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTNT) announced the launch of a quantum-safe virtual private network. The VPN has been developed and launched by a Symmetric Key Agreement between Arqit Quantum Inc (NASDAQ:ARQQ), BT Group (LON:BT.A), and Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTNT). The VPN is commercially available and is designed to protect the user against threats posed by quantum computers. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) is a prominent company in the cybersecurity industry. On November 15, Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) reported earnings for the fiscal first quarter of 2024. The company reported an EPS of $1.38, beating estimates by $0.22. The company's revenue for the quarter grew by 20.13% and amounted to $1.88 billion, ahead of market consensus by $34.57 million. As of December 27, Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) has surged nearly 18.40% over the past six months. Here are some comments from the company's earnings call: "We continued to see steady execution excuse me, in our firewall cloud and endpoint businesses and SASE, we continue to position ourselves in larger and more strategic deals, and XSIAM while in its early days, continues to garner tremendous interest, giving us more comfort around our long-term intentions. So in summary, a strong start in Q1 towards our three-year journey, early days, but confidence is fired. Lets dig in the details. Our Q1 revenue grew 20% and our billings grew 16%, while our RPO growth of 26% exceeded both of these and was driven by our next-generation security capabilities. I would like you to pay particular attention to RPO versus billings, Dipak will talk about the difference at plan and explain why the street might be confused with our future billings guidance. Our Q1 non-GAAP operating margins expanded by 760 basis points, driving 1.38 in non-GAAP earnings per share and we generated record $1.5 billion adjusted free cash flow in Q1. If you look at whats going on from an overall cybersecurity perspective, we have never seen as much adversarial and consistent activity at scale as we have seen in the first quarter. Unfortunately, we dont expect this to abate anytime soon. As a consequence of this increased activity and in recognition of our customers commitment to us, this week we announced the Unit 42 Rapid Incident Response Retainer at no cost to all of our strategic customers, and are providing additional support during this escalating threat landscape." Let's now take a look at the best online cybersecurity degree programs heading into 2024. 25 Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25 Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 Our Methodology To make our list of the best online cybersecurity degree programs heading into 2024, we have used a consensus methodology. We consulted four sources, including Intelligent.com, College Consensus, Fortune, and Cybersecurity Guide. Using the consensus methodology we separated the names that were consistently present in a minimum of two out of the four sources. The average ranking for each item was calculated across the sources. The list has been arranged in descending order based on the computed average ranks. 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 one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 25 Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25. University of Illinois at Springfield Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15.5 The University of Illinois at Springfield offers an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management program. The online degree programs allow students to complete the degree at their own pace. The University of Illinois at Springfield is accredited by AACSB International. 24. Davenport University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15 Davenport University offers several online cybersecurity degree programs, including a Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. It is one of the best online cybersecurity degree programs heading into 2024. The degree program prepares students for successful careers in the field. 23. Mississippi State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.5 Mississippi State University offers an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management. The degree program is accredited by AACSB International. The degree program is offered through the College of Business and Management. 22. Penn State World Campus Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13 Penn State World Campus offers several online cybersecurity degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis with a focus on Information and Cybersecurity. 120 credits are required for completion of the degree program. Penn State World Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 21. Indiana Wesleyan University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 11.5 Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree and an Online Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate Program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree. Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 20. Syracuse University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 10.5 Syracuse University offers an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The program prepares students for successful careers in the field. 19. American Public University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 7 American Public University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 18. Bellevue University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 5 Bellevue University offers various online cybersecurity degree programs including a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. It is one of the best online cybersecurity degree programs heading into 2024. Bellevue University's undergraduate cybersecurity program has been approved by the National Security Agency. 17. City University of Seattle Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 4 The City University of Seattle offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. The degree program prepares students for successful careers in the field. The university also offers an Undergraduate Certificate in the Advancement of Computing. 16. Baker College Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 4 Baker College offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity degree program. 120 are required. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 15. Norwich University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 22 Norwich University offers an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program. 36 credit hours are required for the completion of the program. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. 14. Western Governors University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 22 Western Governors University has one of the best online cybersecurity degree programs heading into 2024. Western Governors University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. 13. Herzing University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 20.7 Herzing University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. The program imparts applicable skills to the students that equip them for their future careers. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 12. Mercy College Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 20 Mercy College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 11. Champlain College Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 20 Champlain College offers various online cybersecurity degree programs including a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. 90 credits are required for the completion of the online degree program. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. 10. Robert Morris University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 19.3 Robert Morris University has one of the best online cybersecurity degree programs heading into 2024. Robert Morris University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 9. Old Dominion University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 18 Old Dominion University offers both a graduate certificate and a master's degree program in cybersecurity. The program is designed to inculcate skills and practical knowledge in the students. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 8. Kennesaw State University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 17 Kennesaw State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the degree program. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 7. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 16.7 Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology offers an online Bachelor of Technology in Information Technologies - Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics program. The program requires 120 credit hours for completion. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 6. Drexel University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.7 Drexel University has one of the best online cybersecurity degree programs heading into 2024. Drexel University offers both undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity degree programs online. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we will be looking at the 25 best online degree programs for working adults. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Online Degree Programs For Working Adults. The Ed Tech Boom Driving Adult Online Learning The adoption of EdTech was accelerated across the globe because of the pandemic. The world had to adapt as educational institutions across the world went into lockdown. EdTech has made education more accessible, as anyone with a smartphone can access online courses. Online education offers more flexibility which makes it a good option for working adults wanting to pursue their education. The EdTech market is growing rapidly. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global EdTech market was valued at $142.37 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6% from 2024 to 2030 and reach $348.41 billion by 2030. EdTech is more cost-effective compared to traditional forms of education. It eliminates a wide range of costs that are a part of the traditional education delivery including commute and printing. It also improves student engagement by using the latest technologies including immersive tech. The cost-effectiveness, innovation, and rapid adaption of EdTech solutions are expected to be the driving factors for the growth of the market during the forecast period. In 2022, North America was the most dominant region in the education technology market. The region accounted for 36% of the total market share. The large investments from venture capitalists in the EdTech sector contributed to the large market share. The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period. Increasing access to affordable broadband connectivity in the region is expected to fuel the market growth. Noteworthy Companies in EdTech 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) is one of the most significant names in the EdTech industry. The company partners with educational institutions enabling them to conduct their degrees online. The online platform offers degrees from credible institutions which makes it a popular choice among the working adults wanting to pursue a degree. On December 7, 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) announced that it has partnered with Degreed to provide skill-based educational content to enterprises. The collaboration entails the integration of the edX For Business platform by 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) with the Degreed platform. The partnership will enable businesses to curate their unique selection of programs based on their organizational vision and needs. Story continues Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) is another prominent name in the EdTech market. The company offers a wide variety of courses suitable for working adults. On December 14, Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) announced the expansion of the availability of generative AI tools to students learning various courses using the company's platform. The generative AI tool uses the course content to answer the queries of the students. The expansion has been done after receiving a positive response from the students who used the beta AI study tools by Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) during the fall of this year. 75% of the students who used the beta AI tools found them to be helpful. Udemy Inc (NASDAQ:UDMY) is a noteworthy company in the EdTech industry. The company offers a variety of courses that help students learn at their own pace which makes it a good option for working adults. On November 2, Udemy Inc (NASDAQ:UDMY) reported earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. The company reported an EPS of $0.05, beating estimates by $0.07. The company's revenue for the quarter grew by 16.59% and amounted to $184.71 million, ahead of market consensus by $6.5 million. As of December 27, Udemy Inc (NASDAQ:UDMY) has surged nearly 47.89% over the past six months. Here are some comments from the company's earnings call: "Udemy once again delivered results that exceeded our expectations for both revenue and adjusted EBITDA. On a year-over-year basis, Udemy Business revenue increased 30%, while consumer revenue increased 1%. We also raised our outlook, which now projects our first full year of positive adjusted EBITDA well ahead of plan. During the quarter, Udemy Business customers remain highly engaged with our platform as demonstrated by the 14% year-over-year increase in logos and the 114% large customer net dollar retention rate. We added new or expanded existing relationships with global customers, including Assurant, Deutsche Telekom, Schlumberger USA, Shell and Walmart Chile to name a few.We closed many six-figure deals during the quarter, including three $1 million-plus deals, contributing to Udemy Business ARR growth of 26% year-over-year. Compared to the prior quarter, deal velocity improved, our win rates increased, and were seeing higher average enterprise plan contract values. Given these results, we are very encouraged by the demand on both sides of our business. While still too soon to call a bottom, we are seeing customers beginning to ease their budgetary constraints, although still below historic norms. As customers plan for 2024, it is clear that investments in upskilling and reskilling are a key focus. Our conversations with CLOs across the globe suggest that developing skills-based practices will be a top priority for the foreseeable future." Online learning platforms enable students to manage professional commitments while getting an education. Online degree programs have become a popular choice for many working adults. We have made the list of the best online degree programs for working adults. 25 Best Online Degree Programs For Working Adults 25 Best Online Degree Programs For Working Adults Our Methodology To make our list of the best online degree programs for working adults, we have used a consensus methodology. We consulted four sources, including Intelligent.com, Affordable Colleges Online, My College Guide, and Best Colleges. The consensus methodology entailed extracting names that appeared in at least 2 of the 4 sources. We then calculated the average ranking for each degree program across the sources. The computation of average ranks involved aggregating the individual rankings assigned to each program and dividing it by the number of sources it appeared in. The resulting list has been arranged in descending order based on the calculated average ranks. 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 one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 25 Best Online Degree Programs For Working Adults 25. Northwestern State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 31.5 Northwestern State University offers over 40 online degree programs. The degree programs include associate, bachelor's, certificate, and graduate degree programs in various fields. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 24. Arizona State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 29 Arizona State University offers over 300 online degree programs and certificates. The wide variety of degree programs makes it one of the best universities for online degree programs for working adults. Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 23. University of Massachusetts Global Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 28 The University of Massachusetts Global offers some of the best online degree programs for working adults. University of Massachusetts Global offers over 80 online degree and certificate programs especially suitable for working adults. UMass Global is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission. 22. Saint Leo University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 26.5 Saint Leo University offers a robust selection of online degree programs. The degree programs are flexible and can be adjusted as per individual requirements. Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 21. Endicott College Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 25 The college offers a variety of online degree programs, including majors, minors, and graduate degrees in various fields. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduate degree programs. Endicott College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. 20. Regent University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 20 The university offers a variety of online degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in various fields. The degree programs are flexible and well-suited for working adults. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 19. Northeastern University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 18.5 Northeastern University offers a variety of online degree programs for working adults, with more than 50 online undergraduate and graduate programs available. The degree programs facilitate students to complete courses at their own pace. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 18. Ohio Christian University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 17.5 Ohio Christian University offers some of the best online degree programs for working adults. Ohio Christian University offers online degree programs for working adults in various fields, including Business, Government, Psychology, and Education. 17. Liberty University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 16 Liberty University offers over 400 online degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The vast range of degree programs makes it one of the best universities for working adults. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 16. University of Maryland Global Campus Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15 The University of Maryland Global Campus offers some of the best online degree programs for working adults. The university has a comprehensive range of degree programs in various fields. The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 15. Florida Institute of Technology Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 14 Florida Institute of Technology offers a range of online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, providing flexibility and convenience for working adults. The university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 14. Davenport University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 11.5 Davenport University offers over 50 online degree programs for working adults, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. The degree programs are offered in various fields including business, psychology, cybersecurity, and aviation management. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 13. Columbia College Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 10 Columbia College offers more than 30 online degree programs for working adults, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields. A minimum of 120 credits are required for the undergraduate degree program and 30 credits for graduate degree programs. The university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 12. Purdue University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 7.5 Purdue University offers a wide range of online degree programs for working adults, providing flexibility and accessibility. The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Purdue University's online programs cover various fields, including business, economics, and technology. 11. Azusa Pacific University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 5.5 Azusa Pacific University has some of the best online degree programs for working adults. The flexibility of online programs facilitates students to manage other commitments while getting a formal education. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. 10. Western Governors University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 19.3 Western Governors University offers a wide range of online degree programs. The degree programs are credible and suited for working adults. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. 9. Regis University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9.3 Regis University offers a variety of fully online degree programs designed to be flexible and fit the busy lifestyles of working adults. The university provides over 130 majors and programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 8. Maryville University of Saint Louis Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9.3 Maryville University of Saint Louis offers a variety of online degree programs for working adults, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 7. Union Institute & University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 8.3 Union Institute & University offers some of the best online degree programs for working adults. The diverse range of courses makes it a suitable choice for working adults. The online degree programs enable students to pursue education while managing professional commitments. 6. Colorado State University Global Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 5.7 Colorado State University Global offers a variety of online degree programs for working adults, including bachelor's and master's degrees. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 120 credits are needed to graduate with a bachelor's degree. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Online Degree Programs For Working Adults. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Best Online Degree Programs For Working Adults is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we will be looking at the 25 best online economics degree programs heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Online Economics Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. What Industry Can You Get Into With an Economics Degree? The financial services industry offers promising job prospects for students with a degree in economics. According to the US Bureau of Statistics (BLS), the financial investments industry is one of the top-paying industries for economists. In May 2022, the annual mean wage of economists in the financial services industry was $197,400. Becoming an investment banker is an opportune career choice for a large number of economists. Investment bankers act as intermediaries who connect companies seeking capital with investors and provide services including underwriting securities, facilitating mergers, offering financial advisory, conducting market analysis, and managing risk. The global investment banking industry is growing rapidly, which implies an auspicious career outlook for students with economics degrees in the future as well. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global investment banking market was valued at $78.9 billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% to reach a market valuation of $213.6 billion by 2032. The rapid technological advancements and digital transformation of the financial sector are expected to fuel the growth of the investment banking industry during the forecast period. Investment banks are harnessing technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to streamline processes and bolster risk management. The use of generative AI is transforming the provision of services including writing and interpreting technical documents. Online platforms and trading have democratized market access, broadening the customer base. These advancements empower investment banks to deliver innovative products, enhance operational efficiency, and propel demand in the investment banking market. As a canon event, increased demand is expected to create more jobs in the investment banking industry. In 2022, North America was the most dominant region in the investment banking industry. The presence of a strong and well-developed financial sector and the presence of financial centers like Wall Street contributed to the region's market. North America has numerous multinational corporations, which drives the strong regional investment banking sector. The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The growing economies including India and China will significantly contribute to the growth of the region. Story continues Key Players Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS) is one of the most prominent names in the financial industry. It is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company. On December 18, Reuters reported that Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS) is facing a costly exit from its Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) credit card partnership, viewed as risky and unprofitable by other lenders. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) has proposed an exit for Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS) in the next 12 to 15 months. The CEO of the company is seeking strategic alternatives for the consumer unit after scaling back retail ambitions and eliminating earnings drag from the credit card business. Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) is a dominant company in the financial services industry. On September 18, Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) announced that it is enhancing its CashPro Chat virtual service advisor within the CashPro banking platform. The CashPro banking platform by the company is already benefiting over 40,000 global corporate and commercial clients. The update integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning from Erica, the virtual financial assistant by Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC). This enables business clients to swiftly access account information and direct complex queries to specialized service teams. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is a significant player in the financial services industry. On October 18, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) reported earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. The company reported an EPS of $1.41, beating estimates by $0.1. The company's revenue for the quarter grew by 2.21% and amounted to $13.27 billion, ahead of market consensus by $48.4 million. As of December 26, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) has surged nearly 10.55% over the past six months. Here are some comments from the company's earnings call: "The firm produced revenues of $13.3 billion in the third quarter. Our EPS was $1.38 and our ROTCE was 13.5%. Results in the third quarter were solid against a mixed market backdrop. The firms year-to-date efficiency ratio was 75%. Together, severance and DCP impacted the year-to-date efficiency ratio by nearly 150 basis points. As we invest for growth, our integration efforts have remained a priority. Integration-related expenses were $68 million in the third quarter, and we anticipate a similar amount in the fourth quarter as previously communicated. Now to the businesses. Institutional securities revenues were $5.7 billion, declining 3% versus the prior year. Equity and fixed-income results were in line with long-term historical averages.Investment banking revenues remained depressed on lower volume. However, leading indicators across advisory and underwriting progress positively, evidenced by a notable increase of Morgan Stanleys announced volumes in the third quarter on a year-over-year basis. Investment banking revenues decreased to $938 million. The change to the previous year was driven by lower results in advisory and debt underwriting. Advisory revenues of $449 million reflected a decline in completed transactions, due to lower announced volumes in prior periods. Despite the weaker quarterly results, we continue to see broad sector diversification of our completed deals and the backlog reflects a similar pattern. Equity underwriting revenues were $237 million. Overall activity remained muted relative to historical averages." Getting an economics degree offers a credible avenue for entering the financial services industry. Getting an online degree offers flexibility to pursue a formal education while managing other commitments as well. We have made a list of the best online economics degree programs heading into 2024. 25 Best Online Economics Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25 Best Online Economics Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 Our Methodology To make our list of the best online economics degree programs heading into 2024, we have used a consensus methodology. We consulted four sources, including Intelligent.com, Great Value Colleges, BestColleges, and Best Value Schools. The consensus methodology entailed extracting names that appeared in at least 2 of the 4 sources. Our selection methodology encompassed a comprehensive analysis of the average rankings attributed to each program across multiple sources. The computation of average ranks involved aggregating the individual rankings assigned to each program within the respective sources where it was featured. Subsequently, this sum was divided by the total number of sources in which the program was evaluated. The resulting list has been arranged in descending order based on the calculated average ranks. 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 one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 25 Best Online Economics Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25. Ottawa University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 25 Ottawa University has one of the best online economics degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics. The program provides a strong foundation for students to pursue different careers as well as graduate work. 24. Texas State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 24.5 Texas State University is located in Central Texas. The university offers an online Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. 120 credits are required for graduation. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 23. Indiana State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 20 Indiana State University offers a variety of online degree programs including a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree. The Bachelor of Science in Economics is designed to prepare students for careers in fields including research and consulting. Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 22. Regent University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 19.5 Regent University is located in Virginia Beach and has one of the best online economics degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Economics program. The university also has a generous transfer policy, allowing students to transfer up to 90 credit hours. 21. University of North Carolina Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 19.5 The University of North Carolina offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. The degree program requires a minimum of 45 credit hours. The University of North Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 20. University of Arizona Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 18.5 The University of Arizona offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree program. The program is designed to enable students to understand and apply economic theory. The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 19. Eastern New Mexico University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 16.5 The Eastern New Mexico University offers a wide range of online degree programs including an online Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Applied Economics and Finance. The online economics degree program is offered through the university's College of Business. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 18. Fort Hays State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 14.5 Fort Hays State University has one of the best online economics degree programs heading into 2024. The online degree programs are offered through its Department of Economics, Finance & Accounting. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 17. University of Hawai'i at Manoa Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.5 The University of Hawai'i at Manoa offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree program. The online economics degree is delivered through its Outreach College. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 16. University of Wisconsin Whitewater Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.5 University of Wisconsin Whitewater offers a variety of online degree programs including a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics. The degree program requires 120 credits. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 15. SUNY Empire State College Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12.5 SUNY Empire State College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business, Management, and Economics, with a major in Economics. 124 credits are required for completion. The online degree programs are offered through the SUNY Online Plus platform. SUNY Empire State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 14. West Texas A&M University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 10 West Texas A&M University has one of the best online economics degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers an online Master of Science in Finance and Economics. The program is designed to impart applicable knowledge of economics theory to its students. 13. University of West Georgia Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9 The University of West Georgia offers several economics programs, including a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Economics. The program requires 120 credits for completion. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 12. Arizona State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9 Arizona Stata University offers a wide range of online degree programs including a Bachelor of Science in Economics. The degree program requires a total of 120 credit hours for completion. Arizona Stata University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 11. Western Illinois University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 8 Western Illinois University offers an online Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree. 120 credits are required for the completion of Bachelor's degree programs. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 10. Eastern Oregon University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 5 Eastern Oregon University has one of the best online economics degree programs heading into 2024 including a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. 120 credits are required for completion. The students have access to the same professors, content, and opportunities as on-campus students. 9. Florida International University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 2.5 Florida International University offers a multitude of online degree programs including an online Bachelor of Arts in Economics program. The program requires a total of 120 credit hours. Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 8. Liberty University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 16.7 Liberty University offers several online economics degree programs including a Bachelor of Science in Economics, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Economics, and a Master of Business Administration in Economics. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 7. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 8.7 North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University offers one of the best online economics degree programs heading into 2024 including an online Bachelor of Science in Economics program. 120 credits are required for completion. The university is accredited by is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 6. Colorado State University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 7.3 Colorado State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Economics program. The degree program requires 120 credits. Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Online Economics Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Best Online Economics Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we will be looking at the 25 best online engineering degree programs heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Online Engineering Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Engineering Jobs Outlook According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global engineering services market was valued at $1.6 trillion in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% to reach $1.96 trillion by 2028. Digital transformation is enabling businesses to optimize processes, enhance customer experiences, and gain data-driven insights by using cutting-edge technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. The enhanced business capabilities are helping enterprises optimize revenue which is causing a surge in demand for engineering services. The digital transformation and development of digital infrastructure is expected to fuel the growth of the market during the forecast period. Engineering services market growth is not even across the region. Some countries have strong, concentrated engineering services markets compared to others. Japan is one of the top five engineering services markets. Japan was valued at $90.6 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach $114.57 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 4.81% during the forecast period. The development of the digital infrastructure of the country is expected to fuel market growth. According to the US Bureau of Statistics (BLS), almost 188,000 job openings are projected each year, on average from 2022 to 2032 in engineering-related occupations. The overall employment in engineering professions is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations during the forecast period. Computer hardware engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers are the top three highest-paying engineering domains based on the annual median salaries. Career Spotlight and Top Employers Computer hardware engineers design and develop computer hardware and components. The employment for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow at 5% from 2022 to 2032 compared to the average for all occupations. The 5% employment rate corresponds to almost 4,600 openings being created every year during the forecast period. A Bachelor's degree is required for entry-level jobs in the industry. Story continues Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) is one of the biggest companies tech hardware companies in the world. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) hires top engineering talent to facilitate the development of innovative products. On December 11, Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) announced the launch of spatial video recording in iOS 17.2 for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users. Once enabled in settings, users can easily capture spatial videos. These videos can be viewed on various devices and will sync across devices with iCloud. Petroleum engineers design and develop methods to extract petrol and gas from underground. A bachelor's degree is required for entry-level jobs in the industry. Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032, compared to the average for all occupations which will add 12,000 jobs annually. Shell PLC (LON:SHEL) hires petroleum engineers across the globe. The expansion of operations in different countries offers bright prospects for students seeking to join the company. On December 23, Reuters reported that Venezuela has granted a 30-year license to Shell PLC (LON:SHEL). The license was signed, in light of the Dragon project by the government, between Venezuela, Shell PLC (LON:SHEL), and Trinidad and Tobago's National Gas Company. The Dragon project, signed in Caracas, allows an initial output of 185 million cubic feet per day of gas, to be sent to Trinidad for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemical production. Venezuela has the largest gas reserves in Latin America. The employment rate of aerospace engineers will also experience a strong growth of 6% during the forecast period which will add almost 3,800 jobs annually. One of the biggest companies that hires aerospace engineers is Boeing Co (NYSE:BA). It is also expanding its operations and adding new countries to its lists of clients. On December 8, Reuters reported that China's aviation regulator welcomed Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) to expand its presence in the Chinese market. The Civil Aviation Administration of China noted the longstanding positive relationship between China's civil aviation and Boeing Co (NYSE:BA). Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) has expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation and contribute to the development of the aviation industry in China. Getting an engineering degree offers bright career prospects in a diverse range of fields. A large number of universities offer online engineering degree programs especially to facilitate students managing education with other commitments. We have made a list of the best online engineering degree programs heading into 2024. 25 Best Online Engineering Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25 Best Online Engineering Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 Our Methodology We have used a consensus methodology to make our list of the best online engineering degree programs heading into 2024. We consulted four sources, including Intelligent.com, Degree Choices, OnlineU, and Value Colleges. We extracted the names that appeared in at least 2 of the 4 sources. The methodology involved aggregating individual program ranks from each source and computing the average by dividing the sum of ranks by the number of sources in which a program was featured. The list has been arranged in descending order of the calculated average ranks and in ascending order of the number of mentions across sources. 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 one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 25 Best Online Engineering Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 25. Eastern New Mexico University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 24 Eastern New Mexico University offers several online engineering degree programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. The degree program enables students to pursue their dream education remotely. The Eastern New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 24. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 19 Southern Illinois University at Carbondale has one of the best online engineering degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers a variety of online degree programs including a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 23. Indiana State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 18.5 Indiana State University offers several online engineering degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. The online degree program has a flexible schedule. Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 22. Clemson University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 18.5 Clemson University offers several online engineering programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The degree program requires 128 credits for completion. The online electrical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission. 21. Bemidji State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 17.5 Bemidji State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Applied Engineering degree program. The online degree program at Bemidji University is the best online engineering degree program heading into 2024. Bemidji State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 20. The University of Maine Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 16 The University of Maine offers several online engineering degree programs, including completely online graduate and undergraduate certificates in Electrical Engineering Technology and Data Science. The University of Maine is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. 19. Liberty University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 16 Liberty University has one of the best online engineering degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. The program also includes on-campus intensives, providing students with the opportunity to visit the university's campus. 18. Kennesaw State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 15 Kennesaw State University offers a variety of online engineering degree programs including a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology. The online degree program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. The lectures are pre-recorded and accessible at any time. 17. Tarleton State University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.5 Tarleton State University offers an online Master of Science in Quality and Engineering Management degree program. As an online Tarleton graduate student, you can participate in all recruiting activities including job fairs on the Stephenville campus. Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 16. University of Arizona Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12.5 The University of Arizona's College of Engineering offers a range of online graduate engineering programs, including Cybersecurity, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Management, and Industrial Engineering. The degree programs provide students with an in-depth understanding of engineering while preparing them for their future careers. The University of Arizona is a public institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 15. Western Carolina University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12 Western Carolina University offers online engineering degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. The degree programs have a project-based learning model. The online engineering degree programs are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. 14. Full Sail University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 12 Full Sail University has one of the best online engineering degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers online software engineering and computer science degree programs. The university's approach is centered on real-world industry experience and creative problem-solving. 13. Old Dominion University Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9.5 Old Dominion University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a major in Mechanical Engineering. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. 12. University of Arkansas Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 8.5 The University of Arkansas offers several online engineering degree programs, including a fully accredited Master of Science in Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 11. University of Southern Mississippi Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 7.5 The University of Southern Mississippi offers an online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology. The online degree program is comprehensive and meets all objectives of the on-campus degree. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 10. University of North Carolina at Charlotte Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 6 The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a range of online engineering degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. It has the best online engineering degree programs heading into 2024. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. 9. American Public University System Number of Mention: 2 Average Ranking Across Sources: 4 The American Public University System offers online engineering degree programs, including a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. The degree program is designed to help students build applicable skills useful in practical fieldwork. 8. National University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 14 National University offers a variety of online engineering degree programs, including Electrical and Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Manufacturing Design Engineering, and Engineering Management degree programs. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. 7. Lamar University Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9.7 Lamar University offers a range of online engineering degree programs, including Bachelor's and Master's programs in Electrical Engineering. Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university also welcomes transfer students online. 6. The University of Alabama Number of Mention: 3 Average Ranking Across Sources: 9 The University of Alabama offers a variety of online engineering degree programs, including Bachelor's and Master's degrees in fields such as Manufacturing Systems Engineering. The degree program is designed to help students build successful careers in the manufacturing industry. The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Online Engineering Degree Programs Heading Into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Best Online Engineering Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we are going to discuss the 25 best red wines of 2023 for casual drinking. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global wine market, the trends of global wine consumption, and the recent acquisition in the wine industry, and go directly to 10 Best Red Wines of 2023 For Casual Drinking. In ancient times, due to the scarcity of water, wine had become an essential need rather than a luxury, so it came to symbolize sustenance and life. The drink has had such a tremendous cultural impact on human society that it even played an important role in several religions and rituals around the world. The Egyptians had Hathor, the goddess of wine, while the Greeks had Dionysus as their patron of wine and pleasure. For Romans, it was a gift from Jupiter. In the East, wine has its place on Japanese shrines, as well as the ceremonial altars of China. Perhaps it truly is a gift from the gods. Global Wine Market: Wine is one of the Most Consumed Alcohols in the World. As we mentioned in our article Top 20 Wine Producing Countries in the World the global wine market size was valued at $441.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of $698.54 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. Wine is gaining huge popularity among millennials and youngsters, owing to its refreshing appeal and low ABV offerings. The rising demand for premium and luxury wines, increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of wine, and growing popularity of wine tourism are some of the key factors driving the growth of the wine market. The United States was the world leader in the wine market in 2022 in terms of revenue, with $52.7 billion. Here are the U.S. States that Drink the Most Wine. Trends of Global Wine Consumption: The global wine consumption in 2022 was estimated to be at 232 million hectoliters, marking a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year. Since 2018, wine consumption around the world has decreased at a regular rate. This negative trend can be mainly attributed to the decline in Chinas consumption, which has lost an average 2 million hectoliters per year since 2018. The drop was further accentuated in 2020 by the Covid-19 pandemic, which negatively affected many large wine markets. Story continues In 2022, the war in Ukraine and the associated energy crisis, together with the global supply chain disruptions, led to a spike in costs in production and distribution. This has resulted in a significant increase in wine prices for the consumers. Recent Acquisition in the Wine Industry: It was announced in November that The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. (NYSE:NAPA), a California-based luxury wine company, has reached an agreement with the Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) for the acquisition of SonomaCutrer Vineyards, in a deal worth around $400 million. The Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) will receive an ownership percentage of approximately 21.5% in The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. (NYSE:NAPA) and $50 million in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, the SonomaCutrer brand trademarks, facilities, and six vineyards in two appellations will join Duckhorns fine wine brands. Upon closing the deal next year, the Jack Daniels maker will receive two seats on The Duckhorn Portfolios Board of Directors. Sonoma-Cutrer, known for its Russian River Ranches Chardonnays, operates six vineyards in Sonoma County, California, and had net sales of $84 million in the year ending July 31. Both, The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. (NYSE:NAPA) and Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B), rank among the Best Alcohol Stocks to Own According to Hedge Funds. With that said, here are the Top Red Wines for Casual Drinking in 2023. 25 Best Red Wines of 2023 For Casual Drinking Methodology: To collect data for this article, we have referred to a number of sources, such as Liquor, My Bartender, Reddit etc., looking for the Best Red Wines for Casual Drinking. We picked wines that appeared at least twice in these sources, assigned them a score based on their number of appearances, and ranked them accordingly. If you enjoy the finer things in life and indulge in a glass of bubbly every now and then, here are the 16 Best-Selling Champagne Brands in the World. 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. 25. Grignolino Insider Monkey Score: 2 Grignolino is a light-bodied, light-colored, completely dry red wine, with raspberry aromas and flavors, high acidity and considerable tannins for its lightness. Grignolino grows in Italys Piedmont region, home to better-known grapes like Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo, and is known for being a Great Everyday Red Wine, especially in summers. 24. Dolcetto Insider Monkey Score: 2 Hailing from the Piedmont region of Italy, Dolcetto wines are generally soft and medium-bodied with lots of juicy fruit flavors, subtle spicy aromas, and earthy undertones. As it is bright and refreshing, fruity and jammy, Dolcetto is a versatile wine for pairing and great for casual, everyday drinking. 23. Barolo Insider Monkey Score: 2 Made with the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo is a red wine again from the Piedmont region of Italy. Barolos have brisk, high acidity that, coupled with the red fruit and floral flavours, can mean that they feel medium to light-bodied. Despite its grandiose title as the King of Wine, Barolo doesn't have to be set aside for special occasions. 22. Schiava Insider Monkey Score: 2 Schiava is a light-bodied red wine with aromas of cotton candy, strawberry, bubblegum, and lemonhead candy. This wine from Trentino-Alto Adige is unpretentious, easy-drinking, and intended to be consumed soon after release, when it is still young and fresh. 21. Pinotage Insider Monkey Score: 2 Pinotage is a red wine made from the grape of the same name, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes. Pinotage is generally quite full-bodied, with light to medium tannins, intense flavors, and a low acidity, making for an all-round easy-to-drink red wine. South Africa remains the largest producer of Pinotage wine, with over 7% of the countrys vineyards dedicated to the grape. 20. Barbaresco Insider Monkey Score: 2 One of the famed Killer Bs of Italy, Barbaresco is a stunning demonstration of the Nebbiolo grape's potential, offering an expression that is both captivating and sophisticated. A perfect companion to rich meat dishes, aged cheeses, or simply a cozy fireside conversation, Barbaresco's timeless appeal is truly captivating. 19. Chianti Classico Insider Monkey Score: 3 Chianti Classico is a dry red wine made predominantly from the Sangiovese grape grown in a delimited area of the Tuscan hills. Meant to be consumed while young, bright, and fresh, Chianti Classico is great value for the quality of wine you can get. A great example is the Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico, which ranks among the High-Quality Wines To Buy Under $30 According to Reddit. 18. Carmenere Insider Monkey Score: 3 Carmenere is a medium-bodied red wine that originated in Bordeaux and now grows almost exclusively in Chile. Often compared to Merlot, this wine is medium-bodied with medium acidity and a standard amount of alcohol for red wine. Carmenere is always ready to drink, incredibly delicious, and easy on the pocketbook. 17. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Insider Monkey Score: 3 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is generally an easy-drinking, lightly fruity wine that goes with a wide variety of foods, including lighter pasta dishes and pizza. Montepulciano is the second-most planted red grape in Italy. Produced in the central Italian region of Abruzzo, a good Montepulciano dAbruzzo can cost as little as $9, though many cost more and tend to be, correspondingly, more complex. 16. Dornfelder Insider Monkey Score: 3 This red wine grape is relatively new, bred in 1956. Dornfelder is usually easygoing and meant for everyday enjoyment. The wine is light bodied with low tannins and crisp acidity, making it an excellent sipping wine and a happy companion to most midweek meals. Dornfelder is one of the easiest red wines for everyday drinking. 15. Petite Sirah Insider Monkey Score: 4 Petite Sirah is a red wine produced from the grape of the same name. Interestingly, it's not the same grape variety as Syrah, with which it's often confused. Aside from being cost-effective and easy to find, Petite Sirah is also high in tannins, delivering the heart-healthy and valuable procyanidin compounds necessary to give red wine its cardiovascular and metabolic effects. 14. Barbera Insider Monkey Score: 4 The Barbera grape makes wines that are juicy and relatively light-bodied despite its bold, deep purple color. Barbera is extremely drinkable due to its refreshingly high acidity, low tannins, and moderate alcohol. Since Barbera is a grape variety, as opposed to a particular place, Barbera wine is produced around the world. Still, the vast majority of this red wine that you'll find at restaurants and wine shops comes from the Piedmont region of Italy. Barbera is a great red wine to drink casually. 13. Brunello di Montalcino Insider Monkey Score: 4 Brunello di Montalcino is one Italy's most famous and prestigious red wines, rivaled only by the likes of Barolo, Chianti, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Adored by critics, collectors, young and old, casual and serious drinkers alike, this Tuscan denomination is one of the most revered wines from Italy. The United States represents the top foreign market for Brunello di Montalcino, accounting for approximately 30% of sales abroad and showing a year-on-year growth of 29% in value by the end of 2022. 12. Bordeaux Rouge Insider Monkey Score: 5 Red Bordeaux wine is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods and can be enjoyed on its own or aged for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, a bottle of Bordeaux is always a great choice. Bordeaux Rouge is one of the Best Red Wines for Drinking Casually According to Reddit. 11. Rioja Insider Monkey Score: 6 Rioja wine is made from grapes grown in the autonomous communities of La Rioja and Navarre, and the Basque province of Alava. This red wine is recognisable, affordable, easy to purchase, delicious to drink, and great with foods all year round. The U.K. is one of the top export markets for Rioja and buyers consider it a must-have in any supermarket wine aisle or restaurant wine list. Indeed, according to the Consejo Regulador, Rioja performed well in 2020 despite the pandemic, and in the U.K., sales were up 18%. Click to continue reading and see the 10 Best Red Wines of 2023 For Casual Drinking. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Best Red Wines of 2023 For Casual Drinking is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this piece, we will take a look at the 25 richest U.S. cities by GDP per capita. For more rich U.S. cities, head on over to the 5 Richest U.S. Cities by GDP Per Capita. The United States has been well-renowned as the land of opportunities for decades. The economic prowess and entrepreneurial spirit of the US make it the largest economy in the world. The richest US cities are home to some of the largest multinational corporations in the world. From bustling metropolises to tech hubs, the US cities are economic zones that have paved the way for several industries. These cities have become some of the wealthiest cities not only in the US but in the world. However, the richest US cities are also facing economic crises due to ongoing global economic issues. The high interest rates, increasing inflation, and ongoing geopolitical events in the Middle East are creating much economic uncertainty. On December 22, the United States Institute of Peace reported that the drone and missile attacks by Yemeni Houthis on ships in the Red Sea have disrupted global supply chains. About 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea, accounting for billions of dollars of goods. Almost 30% of the worlds container shipping is channeled through the Red Sea. The increasing tensions in the region are creating huge supply chain risks, which can lead to increased prices of goods in Europe and the US. The US Economic Outlook We have highlighted the major global threat which is all driven by Israels aggression and bombing against the innocents of Gaza. Now, the new events unfolding in the region can cause another global economic turmoil, potentially impacting the economic outlook for 2024. Despite the risks, economic growth improved to a certain extent in the US in 2023. The increase in manufacturing investment during the third quarter of 2023 has boosted economic growth in the US. The private manufacturing construction investment reached a record-high level, the highest since 1958. On December 25, Business Insider shared the economic developments and outlook for 2024 for the US. The US economy is expected to remain slow in 2024 as leading banks and economists project the GDP growth between 0.5% and 2% for 2024. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) forecasts a conservative growth rate of 0.7%, while the Conference Board estimates growth rate of 0.9%. Story continues According to Goldman Sachs, the US GDP is expected to grow 2.1% on a full-year basis. If this projection comes true it would beat the low consensus expectations. The consumption growth is expected to be just under 2%, with real disposable income growth of almost 3%. The business investment is projected to grow roughly 2% as the surge in manufacturing facility investments driven by CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act subsidies slows down. Residential investment is expected to remain flat as the shortage in the housing sector continues. 2023 successfully defied recession fears and by the end of the year, there were a few expectations for a soft landing. However, the potential soft landing wasnt feasible. According to Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate, there is more hope for a soft landing heading into 2024 compared to 2023, as reported by NBC News. The good thing is that the hard part of the inflation fight now looks over. Goldman Sachs analysts see an average 15% probability of recession over the next 12 months. The richest cities in the United States always play a key role in the economic development of the country. The richest cities in the US are home to billionaires and millionaires with top cities including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston, among the leaders. Key Companies in Wealthiest US Cities The US companies are some of the biggest companies in the world that play a significant role in wealth creation and economic transformation in the country. Companies including Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), and General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) are a few of the top corporations based out of the richest cities in the US. Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) is an American multinational giant that operates in hotel, residential, and timeshare properties. Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) began as an A&W Root Beer franchise in Washington, D.C., in May 1927. On December 20, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) announced the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Xian Southwest China. JW Marriott is the companys international luxury hotel brand. The hotel is located near UNESCO World Heritage sites, historical attractions, and iconic landmarks. The company continues to make global expansion. On November 2, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) reported its earnings for the third quarter of 2023. The company posted earnings per share of $2.11, beating consensus by $0.01. The company's revenue was reported at $5.93 billion, ahead of estimates by $59.50 million. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate based out of New York City. On December 11, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) announced a $100,000 award to NextWaveSTEM (NWS) for the development of Project Integrated Neighborhood Technology Engagement Laboratory (Project INTEL) in Chicago. Verizon Communications Inc.'s (NYSE:VZ) grant to NextWaveSTEM is part of its $1 million national initiative to help communities navigate the increasingly technological world. NWS in collaboration with Gary Comer Youth Center will design and implement Project INTEL, a program focused on STEM education, workforce preparation, and emerging tech innovation. General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) is based out of Boston and is one of the leading multinational companies in the US. On December 13, General Electric Companys (NYSE:GE) joint venture, Prolec GE, announced additional manufacturing investments worth $85 million to meet the increasing demand for single-phase pad-mount transformers in North America. Prolec GE will enhance its manufacturing capacity in Monterrey through a new facility that will be able to duplicate the number of transformers produced at its existing Mexico facility. These were a few top US companies making a major impact in the region and around the world. Now, lets take a look at the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 25 Richest U.S. Cities by GDP Per Capita 25 Richest U.S. Cities by GDP Per Capita Our Methodology To compile or list the richest U.S. cities by GDP per capita, we first needed to have GDP per capita or GDP for each city in the US, which isnt available. Therefore, we took the real GDPs for each state and divided them by their respective population to find each state's GDP per capita data. We then choose the most populous city from the top 25 states with the highest GDP per capita. We have ranked the richest U.S. cities by GDP per capita based on the state GDP per capita. We took data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis for the real GDP of states. For population data, we used population figures from the US Census Bureau, and for the population of cities, we used data from Macro Trends and the US Census Bureau. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using different consensus approaches, 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 one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 25 Richest U.S. Cities by GDP Per Capita 25. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State GDP Per Capita: $61,269 Philadelphia is one of the most populous cities in the US with a total population of 5.78 million. Philadelphia is based in Pennsylvania and the state has a GDP per capita of $61,269. Philadelphia is ranked 25th among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 24. Sioux Falls, South Dakota State GDP Per Capita: $61,599 Sioux Falls is the most populous city in South Dakota and has a population of 202,078. With South Dakotas GDP per capita of $61,599, Sioux Falls ranks among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 23. Portland, Oregon State GDP Per Capita: $61,775 Oregons largest city, Portland has a total population of 2.22 million. Oregon has a GDP per capita of $61,775. Portland is one of the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 22. Des Moines, Iowa State GDP Per Capita: $62,787 Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and has a population of 566,000. With Iowas GDP per capita of $62,787, Des Moines ranks 22nd among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 21. Wichita, Kanas State GDP Per Capita: $62,984 Wichita is a city in South Central Kansas with a total population of 539,000. Kansas has a GDP per capita of $62,984 and Wichita ranks among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 20. Salt Lake City, Utah State GDP Per Capita: $64,486 Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous city in Utah. Salt Lake City has a population of 1.20 million and Utah has a GDP per capita of $64,486. Ranked 20th on our list, Salt Lake City is one of the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 19. Manchester, New Hampshire State GDP Per Capita: $65,338 Located on the Merrimack River in Southern New Hampshire, Manchester has a total population of 115,141. With New Hampshires GDP per capita of $65,338, Manchester ranks among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 18. Minneapolis, Minnesota State GDP Per Capita: $67,120 Minneapolis is a major city in Minnesota and has the most population, a total of 2.99 million people. Minnesota has a GDP per capita of $67,120. Minneapolis is placed 18th among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 17. Houston, Texas State GDP Per Capita: $67,255 Houston is one of the most populous cities in the US with a population of 6.70 million. Texas has a GDP per capita of $67,255 and Houston is one of the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 16. Cheyenne, Wyoming State GDP Per Capita: $67,995 Cheyenne is the capital city of Wyoming having a population of 64,610. The GDP per capita of Wyoming is approximately $67,995 and Cheyenne ranks 16th among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 15. Virginia Beach, Virginia State GDP Per Capita: $68,050 Virginia Beach is a coastal city in Southeastern Virginia. The city has a population of 1.48 million and Virginia has a GDP per capita of $68,050. Virginia Beach is one of the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 14. Baltimore, Maryland State GDP Per Capita: $68,361 Baltimore has a population of 2.35 million and Maryland has a GDP per capita of $68,361. Ranked 14th on our list, Baltimore is one of the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 13. Chicago, Illinois State GDP Per Capita: $70,072 Chicago is one of the largest cities in the US and has a population of 8.93 million. Illinois has a GDP per capita of $70,072 and Chicago ranks among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 12. Newark, New Jersey State GDP Per Capita: $71,026 Newark is the most populous city in New Jersey with a population of 305,344. New Jersey has a GDP per capita of $71,026 and Newark is one of the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 11. Wilmington, Delaware State GDP Per Capita: $72,064 Wilmington is a port city in North Carolina and has a population of 71,569. With Delawares GDP per capita of $72,064, Wilmington ranks among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 10. Anchorage, Alaska State GDP Per Capita: $72,600 Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska having a population of 287,145. Alaska has a GDP per capita $72,600. Anchorage is placed 10th among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 9. Denver, Colorado State GDP Per Capita: $73,328 Denver has a population of 2.93 million and Colorado has a GDP per capita of $73,328. Denver is one of the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 8. Omaha, Nebraska State GDP Per Capita: $73,789 Omaha has a population of 860,000 and is one of the richest US cities by GDP per capita. Nebraska has a GDP per capita of $73,789. 7. Fargo, North Dakota State GDP Per Capita: $74,327 Fargo is the most populous city in North Dakota having a population of 131,444. North Dakota has a GDP per capita of $74,327 and Fargo ranks among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. 6. Bridgeport, Connecticut State GDP Per Capita: $78,430 Bridgeport is a major city in Connecticut and has the most population, a total of 961,000 people. Connecticut has a GDP per capita of $78,430. Bridgeport is placed sixth among the richest US cities by GDP per capita. Click to continue reading and see 5 Richest U.S. Cities by GDP Per Capita. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Richest U.S. Cities by GDP Per Capita is originally published on Insider Monkey. buy sell hold die money Robinhood Markets flipped the investing world upside down when it introduced commission-free stock trades, forcing the rest of the industry to play catch-up. Years after that move, Robinhood still holds significant influence over investors, especially with the younger cohort. Robinhood has more than 20 million active accounts on its platform, and they tend to skew toward millennials, as the average account holder on Robinhood is in his or her early 30s, making the trading app a good indicator of what younger investors are buying. Robinhood makes that easy to track as it publicizes the top 100 most popular stocks on the platform. If you're looking for stocks to buy and hold forever, this list has a few good candidates right now. These are stocks that have a track record of outperformance, a clear set of competitive advantages, and a reasonable valuation. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Taiwan Semiconductor: World's biggest chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) may not be a household name the way other big tech stocks are, but chances are you use its products every day. Taiwan Semi is the world's biggest third-party chip manufacturer, owning roughly 55% of the market share for contract chip fabrication. Among Taiwan Semi's biggest customers are Apple, Qualcomm, Advanced Micro Devices, Broadcom, Nvidia, and Intel. TSMC's extraordinary market share gives it a competitive advantage. Its scale in chip fabrication is unmatched, and the company has an even larger market share of advanced chips, with an estimated 90% share among third-party foundries. The strength of its business is evident in its financial results. It reported a 41.7% operating margin even though revenue was off due to cyclical headwinds in the semiconductor industry. However, revenue growth should soon return, especially as the AI boom begins to gain traction with chip production ramping up. Taiwan Semi stock also looks reasonably priced, at a price-to-earnings ratio of 19. Story continues 2. Visa: Riding the rails of global commerce Few companies have a stronger set of competitive advantages than Visa (NYSE: V), which essentially operates in a credit card duopoly with Mastercard, and those companies have easily withstood threats from digital payment apps, buy-now-pay-later services, and cryptocurrencies. Millions of merchants around the world depend on Visa to allow them to easily and swiftly collect payment, and that relationship, in which Visa offers a valuable service with high switching costs and network effects, has allowed it to generate a huge profit margin, which came in at 54% in its most recent quarter. Looking ahead, Visa should continue to benefit from the growth of the global economy and the ongoing transition from spending cash to credit cards. The company aims to expand its geographical reach, increase penetration of existing products, and launch new products. The stock trades at a modest premium to the S&P 500 at a P/E ratio of 31, but it's worth paying up for a stock with as wide of an economic moat as Visa. 3. Realty Income: A proven real estate winner Most of the top stocks on Robinhood are tech or growth stocks, but Realty Income (NYSE: O) offers something different. The company is a real estate investment trust (REIT), meaning it's required to pay at least 90% of its profit to investors as dividends. Realty Income is also unusual because it pays a monthly dividend. The company even calls itself the Monthly Dividend Company. It just raised its dividend for the 123rd time. The REIT owns more than 10,000 properties and specializes in triple net leases, favoring stable tenants such as Walgreens and 7-Eleven. A triple net lease means the tenant is responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, removing much of the risk of owning properties from the landlord. That strategy has worked well for Realty Income. Its business has grown steadily since its 1994 IPO, and the company continues to grow through acquisitions, recently agreeing to take over Spirit Realty in a $9.3 billion deal. Realty Income now offers a dividend yield of 5.4%, and investors should expect that dividend to continue to grow, given the company's aggressive track record of dividend increases. For dividend investors, Realty Income looks like a great long-term stock to own. Should you invest $1,000 in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing right now? Before you buy stock in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, 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 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing 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 Jeremy Bowman has positions in Broadcom. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Apple, Mastercard, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Realty Income, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and Intel and recommends the following options: long January 2023 $57.50 calls on Intel, long January 2025 $370 calls on Mastercard, long January 2025 $45 calls on Intel, short February 2024 $47 calls on Intel, and short January 2025 $380 calls on Mastercard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Robinhood Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever was originally published by The Motley Fool (Bloomberg) -- A subsidiary of troubled landlord Adler Group SA significantly overstated the value of stale debts in its 2021 accounts, according to German financial watchdog BaFin. Most Read from Bloomberg In its approved financial statements, Adler Real Estate AG should have cut the valuation of a receivable linked to the sale of shares in Accentro Real Estate AG in 2017, the regulator said Wednesday. Adler sold the shares in the company to a partnership advised by the firm of an Azeri businessman, but was still waiting to recover much of the money on the date the accounts were filed. Bafin also took issue with the high valuation of a real estate project in Dusseldorf and said that the firm didnt say whether an inter-company loan was collateralized. However, the watchdog didnt impose fines or order any corrections. Even though we do not agree with the error determinations by BaFin, we are pleased to have concluded the proceedings with BaFin in an always constructive and professional dialogue, Adlers Chief Financial Officer Thomas Echelmeyer said in a separate statement. Adler, a residential landlord with thousands of properties across Germany, has been under intense public scrutiny since October 2021, when short-seller Fraser Perring released a scathing report accusing the property giant of widespread fraud. Since then the firm has seen a restructuring deal approved in a London court that would see the firm conduct an orderly sale of its assets to repay debt. Earlier this year, premises related to Adler and Cevdet Caner, a real estate tycoon linked to the firm, were raided by law enforcement. Read More: Troubled Landlord Adler Takes $1 Billion Hit From Restructuring Story continues Adler and Caner have denied any wrongdoing. The property group hired accountancy firm KPMG to investigate the allegations. The ensuing 125-page report, which Adler characterized as a vindication of its business practices, cleared the company of systemic fraud but failed to disprove several key claims. Adler Real Estate valued the receivable related to the Accentro share sale in 2017 at 59 million ($65 million) by the end of 2021, despite the company knowing that there was a risk that the money would not be recovered, the regulator said in its statement. Adler had not taken into account the significant credit and liquidation risks of which it was aware - contrary to the relevant accounting regulations, BaFin said in its statement. The shares were sold to a partnership advised by Vestigo Capital Advisors LLP, a company run by Azeri businessman Natig Ganiyev. The transaction was one of a number of deals involving Adler and Ganiyev and companies linked to the businessman still owe Adler money for those deals. Read More: In Adlers Orbit, Deals Lead to Azeri First Family In October, Adler found an auditor to take on the job of checking its books after failing to hire one for a year and a half. The developer was previously audited by KPMG, but the firm resigned in May 2022 after refusing to give an opinion on the companys 2021 accounts and saying its audit report on Adlers 2020 financial statements should not be relied on. --With assistance from Jack Sidders. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. An Allsup's Burrito is pictured outside an Allsup's convenience store. Allsup's Burritos and chimis are now available online. THACKERVILLE Allsup's, small-town convenience stores famous in New Mexico and Texas for their deep-fried burritos, infamous for the Allsup's Burrito Shortage of 2019, are advancing north across the Red River. South of the river, the iconic destinations are second only to the ubiquitous "Texas stop sign" Dairy Queen. An Allsup's is coming to the Oklahoma City area, to Blanchard, about as close to a big city as Allsup's gets. Of course, Lubbock, Texas, population about 270,000, with five, is nothing to sniff at unless you're smelling the burritos, which are being celebrated for their 50th year, and other fried fare. The decades-old chain is expanding in a big way, a tall way, in fact, with its most prominent location ever, in Thackerville, a 6,277-square-foot store costing about $3 million offering Valero-branded fuel. An Allsup's sign high enough to see from Interstate 35 is sure to draw Texans celebrating wins, or nursing financial wounds, at nearby WinStar Casino & Resort. That's the plan, anyway, to attract traveling Texans, as well as nearby settled Oklahomans, said Tom Brown, president and director of real estate acquisitions for Yesway, which bought Allsup's in 2019 in the wake of the burrito shortage. Four Oklahoma towns getting Allsup's in 2024 The N Mockingbird Lane Dairy Queen sign is seen April 13, 2022, next to the one for an Allsup's convenience store. These locations are staples in small Texas towns. Allsup's has five locations in Oklahoma now, in Frederick, its lone Sooner State outpost for years, and new ones in Guymon, which opened in 2022, and Madill and Altus, which has two, in 2023. Four more are under construction, in Broken Bow, Davis, Tushka and Thackerville. Three more will start construction in the next month, in Blanchard, Elk City and Kiowa. That'll make a dozen by mid-2024, and at least three more are planned for Oklahoma. But Brown said the one in Thackerville stands out because it will truly stand out when it opens soon after the first of the year. Allsup's banking on Thackerville's access to WinStar Casino, I-35 traffic WinStar Casino & Resort "The Thackerville store was a long time in the making," Brown said. "As this will be our first 'true' interstate store, we wanted to make sure we got it right. If you look at many of the Allsups locations, the stores are supported by plenty of rooftops. Story continues "The town of Thackerville is a wonderful small town and we hope the people support the store, but most of the traffic is going to be coming off of Interstate 35. I can tell you after speaking with the workers at the WinStar, they are super excited to have the store in their backyard." Yesway and Allsup's won't settle for 12 or 15 stores in Oklahoma, Brown said. "We will continue to build in Oklahoma as long as the store economics make sense for us. It is extremely beneficial for us to build stores within a tight geographic area, because it helps with recruiting store associates and with our distribution network of vendors," he said. Could there be another Allsup's burrito shortage? Allsup's burritos and chimichangas are pictured at a store. The fast-food items are now available online. Don't worry about bracing for another burrito shortage during the holidays, Brown said, thanks to increased production by the supplier. "When you sell 27 million a year and with Christmas Day being one of the larger burrito sales days of the year, a little wrinkle in the supply chain rolls downhill pretty quickly, he said. "Our current supplier has added another production line at another facility to make sure that we have a continuous supply of burritos, and this is just in time. "In celebration of the 50th anniversary year of our World Famous Allsups Burrito, we recently launched an e-commerce site to ship burritos nationwide. We are now selling our burritos in the frozen food cases in the stores, as well." Why is Allsup's expanding farther into Oklahoma? Brown said it all comes down to geography, where its customers are, and where Allsup's is likely to find new ones. In 2022, the chain focused on expanding in New Mexico, where it was based in Clovis when Yesway bought it, and Texas, where it moved its headquarters to Fort Worth in 2020. "As we spent more time driving the markets in Oklahoma, we realized that many of the towns were underserved with a good convenience store operator that was focused on customer service and providing quality product with a strong value proposition," Brown said. "Being adjacent to Texas was certainly beneficial, as we discussed the opportunity with our distribution partners and evaluated a number of other internal metrics before making the decision." Besides Allsup's burritos, what makes Allsup's Convenience Stores stand out? An Allsup's Burrito is pictured alongside a "Tallsup" fountain drink. The popular deep-fried burrito is now available online. Allsup's stores have groceries, and the new Oklahoma stores will probably have an expanded "Marketplace" section with fresh-cut meats, fruits and vegetables, as well as frozen products and other items typically found in a grocery store, Brown said. "We recognized the need for this because in many of the towns in which we operate, the nearest grocery store is a 15-30-minute drive," he said, "In addition, we can deliver grocery store pricing on many of our grocery items, because we are supplied by one of the largest grocery co-ops in the Southwest." Sign Up: Weekly newsletter Real Estate with Richard Mize Senior Business Writer Richard Mize has covered housing, construction, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com since 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Real Estate with Richard Mize. You can support Richard's work, and that of his colleagues, by purchasing a digital subscription to The Oklahoman. Right now, you can get 6 months of subscriber-only access for $1. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Allsup's is bringing more stores and World-Famous burritos to Oklahoma (Bloomberg) -- Legendary designer Jony Ive and OpenAIs Sam Altman are enlisting an Apple Inc. veteran to work on a new artificial intelligence hardware project, aiming to create devices with the latest capabilities. Most Read from Bloomberg As part of the effort, outgoing Apple executive Tang Tan will join Ives design firm LoveFrom, which will shape the look and capabilities of the new products, according to people familiar with the matter. Altman, an executive who has become the face of modern AI, plans to provide the software underpinnings, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the endeavor isnt public. The work marks one of the most ambitious efforts undertaken by Ive since he left Apple in 2019 to create LoveFrom. The iconic designer is famous for the products he helped devise under Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, including the iMac, iPhone and iPad. His hope is to turn the AI device work into a new company, but development of the products remains at an early stage, according to the people. The efforts so far are focused on hiring talent and creating concepts. Tan will lead hardware engineering at the project while working at LoveFrom, the people said. Bloomberg News previously reported that the executive was stepping down as Apples vice president of iPhone and watch product design. He isnt slated to depart until February, though his responsibilities were already divided up this month. Altman, who was fired as OpenAI chief executive officer in November and quickly restated, irked some board members by raising funds for other endeavors. That included the effort with Ive, Bloomberg News reported in November. Altman had courted SoftBank Group Corp. Chairman Masayoshi Son about making a multibillion-dollar investment in the new company. Story continues Projects in the concept stage include devices for the home. OpenAI referred questions to LoveFrom, which declined to comment. Apple also declined to comment. For Apple, Tans departure underscores an exodus of design talent. Since 2019, about 14 members of Ives former team at Apple have left. Only roughly half a dozen of the designers who once reported to Ive still remain at Apple. Read More: Apple Loses One of Last Remaining Designers From Jony Ive Era Earlier this year, Apple lost Ives successor, Evans Hankey, after only a few years in the role. The brain drain left the company without an obvious replacement for her. Instead of naming a new executive to lead design, Apple tapped Jeff Williams, its chief operating officer, to oversee the companys designers directly. LoveFrom, meanwhile, has assembled a roster of high-profile clients, including Airbnb Inc., Ferrari NV and Moncler SpA. The firm also had a three-year deal with Apple to continue providing consulting services, but that relationship ended in 2022. In all, more than 20 former Apple employees have joined the design firm. The Apple departures have continued more recently. Patrick Coffman, one of Apples most important user interface design leaders, has left. Colin Burns, a former design executive at the British Broadcasting Corp. who joined Apple after Ive stepped down, is departing in January. He runs Apples Interaction Architecture team, which is responsible for exploring early hardware and software concepts. Shota Aoyagi, another member of Ives storied industrial design team at Apple, has also exited. He just started at LoveFrom. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Fintech Saudi and Kyndryl, the worlds largest IT infrastructure services firm, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support fintech entrepreneurs and startups. The MoU will help accelerate the adoption of advanced innovation among Saudi Arabias home-grown and locally based entrepreneurs and startups in the financial technology industry. The collaboration is part of Fintechs Enablement Programme (Makken), an initiative by Fintech Saudi and supported by Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Capital Market Authority. It is aimed at helping fintech entrepreneurs and startups go to market faster and more efficiently. Fintech strategy The programme closely aligns with the kingdoms fintech strategy, which is part of the pillars of the Financial Sector Development Programme, that supports the strategic objective of Saudi Vision 2030. Makken is a verb in Arabic that means to enable or to empower. Launched in April 2018 by SAMA in collaboration with the Capital Market Authority, Fintech Saudi serves as a catalyst for the Kingdoms fintech industry development. It aims to transform Saudi Arabia into an innovative fintech hub, facilitate infrastructure, capabilities and talent development, and provide support to entrepreneurs and startups throughout their developmental stages. According to SAMAs annual fintech report, the number of fintech companies operating in Saudi Arabia has increased by approximately 300% since 2021, generating a total revenue of SR2.8 billion ($746.4 million) in 2022. Under the MoU, Kyndryl will aid fintech entrepreneurs and startups by providing a secure, fully managed, cloud-based incubation platform so that startups can focus on developing prototypes, use cases, and products and services prior to seeking funding. Throughout the incubation period, Kyndryl will provide technical support and additional resources to help transform ideas into viable, real-world technological innovations. Additionally, Fintech Saudi and Kyndryl will co-host hands-on seminars, events, and workshops aimed at nurturing knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and the promotion of modernisation within the FinTech community. Enablement partner "We are proud to be chosen as an enablement partner for Saudi Arabias fintech entrepreneurs and startups and have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the financial services sector in Saudi Arabia," said Andreas Beck, Vice President and Managing Director, Kyndryl Middle East and Africa. "Through the collaborative efforts of both organisations leveraging their strengths and resources, we are well-positioned to facilitate the development of innovative value propositions across the financial services value chain, addressing customer needs." In the presence of the leadership team from both organisations, the MoU was signed by Nizar Al-Haider, Director at Fintech Saudi and Andreas Beck, Vice President and Managing Director, Kyndryl Middle East and Africa.--TradeArabia News Service (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. said it would put its latest smartwatch models back on sale in its US retail stores Wednesday after it won a court ruling in a patent fight, providing a quick reprieve for its $17 billion business. Most Read from Bloomberg The company said its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 would also resume online sales beginning Thursday by noon Pacific time. The US International Trade Commission had banned the import and sale of the products at Apples official channels after it ruled in favor of Masimo Corp., a medical device maker, in a patent infringement case. An appellate court in Washington had issued an interim stay of the ITCs decision earlier Wednesday while Apple seeks to overturn the decision. Apples teams have worked tirelessly over many years to develop technology that empowers users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features and we are pleased the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has stayed the exclusion order while it considers our request to stay the order pending our full appeal, a company spokeswoman said in a statement. The watches will be back on shelves beginning Wednesday at some of Apples about 270 retail locations across the country, with wider availability by Saturday, the company said. Apple was forced to stop sales of one of its signature products after the ITC found the company infringed a pair of Masimo patents related to measuring blood-oxygen saturation. Apple pulled the watches from its website on Dec. 21 and in retail stores on Christmas Eve. Read more: Apple Watch Saga Set in Motion by Late-Night Email to Cook Story continues The ITC announced the sales and import ban in October, but the White House had 60 days to review it and potentially veto it. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said Tuesday she wouldnt intervene and the White House refused to veto the measure. Apple also has developed a software update for the Apple Watch that it believes will mitigate the issue. It submitted the design of that update to the US customs agency and said the government is scheduled to decide Jan. 12 whether to approve the changes. The appellate court in Washington gave the ITC until Jan. 10 to respond to Apples request for a longer stay during the companys full appeal. A spokesperson for Irvine, California-based Masimo declined to comment on Wednesdays court ruling. Masimos shares fell 4.6% to $115.11 at the close in New York after the court temporarily ended the ban on watch sales. Apples stock was little changed. The ITC had argued against the interim stay of its order, saying in a Tuesday court filing that Apple didnt face irreparable harm during its appeal because sales of some watch models continued. The Commissions remedial orders do not affect all Apple Watch products, but only those that include a light-based pulse oximetry feature, i.e., a feature for measuring the oxygen level in the blood, the ITC said. Masimo is also seeking to intervene in the appeals case. The company said in a separate filing on Tuesday that Apples emergency request for an interim stay should be denied because there is no emergency. Apple misleads the Court as to the status quo, Masimo said. Apple fails to inform the Court that it has already stopped sales of the infringing Apple Watches that are the subject of the challenged ITC orders. Apple had argued the ITCs decision was wrong and said it was taking all measures to return the watches to the US market. In a headache for owners of the Apple Watch Series 6, 7 and 8 all of which include the blood-oxygen feature out-of-warranty watches also werent eligible for hardware repairs as long as the ban had remained in place. --With assistance from Bre Bradham. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By Blake Brittain and Jaspreet Singh (Reuters) -Apple can for now resume sales of its flagship smartwatches, after a U.S. appeals court on Wednesday paused a government commission's import ban on the devices imposed in a patent dispute over its medical monitoring technology. The tech giant had filed an emergency request asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to halt an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which had ruled that Apple had infringed the patents of Irvine, California-based Masimo. A final decision could cost either company millions of dollars and potentially force a settlement or some kind of technological workaround by Apple, analysts said. Ultimately, though, any financial hit for Apple is likely to be dwarfed by the bad publicity the lawsuit is generating, they said. Masimo shares closed 4.6% lower at $115.11 following the decision on Wednesday, and Apple shares closed flat at $193.15. "We are thrilled to return the full Apple Watch lineup to customers in time for the new year," Apple said in a statement. "Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, including the blood oxygen feature, will become available for purchase again in the United States at Apple Stores starting today and from apple.com tomorrow by 12 pm PT." Masimo declined to comment on the court decision. The ITC barred imports and sales of Apple Watches with technology for reading blood-oxygen levels. Starting with its Series 6 model in 2020, Apple included a pulse oximeter feature in its smartwatches. Masimo has accused Apple of hiring away its employees, stealing its pulse oximetry technology and incorporating it into Apple Watches. Apple has countersued, calling Masimo's legal actions a "maneuver to clear a path" for its own competing smartwatch. "Apple can easily develop their own blood monitoring software, it is just a matter of time ... The software development costs are not something that will be too concerning for a company as wealthy as Apple," said Stuart Cole, chief macro economist at Equiti Capital. Story continues "The bigger issue is that this is not very good PR for Apple, suggesting as it does that Apple is stealing technology from competitors rather than developing its own. Apple is fighting this lawsuit more with an eye on what it means for their future health-wearable products rather than this specific blood oxygen monitoring piece of software," he said. In a four-paragraph ruling on Wednesday, the appeals court said it would halt the ban while it considers Apple's motion for a longer-term pause during the appeals process. The court gave the ITC until Jan. 10 to respond to Apple's request. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration declined to veto the ban on Tuesday, allowing it to take effect. Apple asked for a pause of the ban later that day. Apple has said it is working on a range of legal and technical options. On Tuesday, the company told the court that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is considering whether redesigned versions of its watches infringe Masimo's patents and can be imported. The customs agency has set a target date of Jan. 12 for its decision, Apple said. Apple had paused sales of the affected devices from its website and retail locations last week in the United States due to the ITC decision. They remained available at retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Costco and Walmart. The ban did not affect the Apple Watch SE, a less-expensive model without a pulse oximeter. Previously sold watches also were not be affected by the ban. A jury trial on Masimo's allegations against Apple in California federal court had ended with a mistrial in May. Apple's wearables, home and accessory business, which includes the Apple Watch, AirPods earbuds and other products, brought in $8.28 billion in revenue during the third quarter of 2023, according to a company report. (Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington and Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Max Cherney in San Francisco, and Akash Sriram and Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Ben Klayman, Chizu Nomiyama, Howard Goller and Matthew Lewis) The Lauder Business School in Vienna, Austria, has severed ties with Harvard University in solidarity with the Jewish student community, according to a statement from the institution. Since 2014, Lauder Business School has proudly been an affiliate of Professor Michael Porters Microeconomics of Competitiveness Network at Harvard University, and we have valued and enjoyed the productivity of this cooperation over the years, said Daniella Sheinfeld, head of communications for Lauder Business School, in a statement. However, due to recent events, Lauder Business School has decided to withdraw from this network. The statement initially appeared in a Facebook post earlier this month. Jerusalem Post earlier reported the severed ties. A spokesman for Harvard did not respond to requests for comment. Harvard is embroiled in a series of crises, including its response to rising antisemitism on its campus, accusations of plagiarism against President Claudine Gay and a drop in early admissions applications. Lauder Business School, founded by billionaire Ronald Lauder, incorporates Judaism into its curriculum, according to its website, saying it wants to offer its Jewish students a place for spiritual development. In addition, students at the Lauder Business School will have a chance to gain a deep knowledge of Judaism along with courses in liberal arts, creating a dynamic and electric environment, it reads. Billionaire Ronald Lauder founded the school in 2003. Lauder, one of the heirs to the Estee Lauder cosmetics company, is exerting his influence onto other Ivy League Schools. Lauder is also a powerful financial backer at the University of Pennsylvania. In October, the billionaire threatened to cut off donations to the school if it doesnt do more to combat antisemitism. Lauder Business School said it does not have a relationship with the University of Pennsylvania. A representative for Lauder did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Story continues Penn, like Harvard and many other schools across America, has encountered rising antisemitism on campus. But Penn in particular has struggled, even before Hamas October 7 attacks against Israel. Donors grew furious with the administration because of a Palestinian literary festival that took place on campus. Lauder joined the backlash from prominent donors such as Marc Rowan and former US ambassador Jon Huntsman. After months of pressure, UPenn president Liz Magill resigned, following a widely criticized Congressional hearing with Gay and MIT president Sally Kornbluth. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Bapcor fair value estimate is AU$9.82 Current share price of AU$5.55 suggests Bapcor is potentially 43% undervalued The AU$6.96 analyst price target for BAP is 29% less than our estimate of fair value Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Bapcor Limited (ASX:BAP) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Bapcor What's The Estimated Valuation? We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$166.1m AU$165.2m AU$181.3m AU$174.6m AU$188.0m AU$193.8m AU$199.1m AU$204.2m AU$209.1m AU$214.0m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Est @ 3.06% Est @ 2.77% Est @ 2.56% Est @ 2.42% Est @ 2.32% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.3% AU$155 AU$143 AU$147 AU$132 AU$132 AU$127 AU$121 AU$116 AU$111 AU$105 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$1.3b After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.1%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 7.3%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = AU$214m (1 + 2.1%) (7.3% 2.1%) = AU$4.2b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$4.2b ( 1 + 7.3%)10= AU$2.0b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is AU$3.3b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$5.6, the company appears quite good value at a 43% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. ASX:BAP Discounted Cash Flow December 27th 2023 Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Bapcor 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 7.3%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.052. 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 Bapcor Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Retail Distributors market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Significant insider buying over the past 3 months. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Moving On: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. 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. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Bapcor, we've compiled three essential elements you should further examine: Risks: You should be aware of the 1 warning sign for Bapcor we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for BAP's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. People to watch in business. The Shreveport-Bossier area is brimming with new businesses and for 2024 we decided to shed light on a few entrepreneurs making a positive impact in the community. Whether they spend their time helping other businesses flourish or have found a creative way to help others in need, here are the 2024 People to Watch in Business. Grant Nuckolls Grant Nuckolls, business owner named Shreveport Times People to Watch in Business for 2024. Business owner Grant Nuckolls is no stranger to doing business in his hometown of Shreveport. His family has been doing business in Shreveport since the late 1860's. He said, "I think each subsequent generation has left the community better than they found it." Over the years Nuckolls has owned and co-owned many businesses across the Shreveport-Bossier area, including Jacquelyn's Cafe, Cuban Liquor and Rhino Coffee/Southern Maid in south Shreveport. In 2023, Nuckolls opened the Southern Maid Donuts inside of the new Rhino Coffee South in the Prevenance neighborhood. That is one thing he is most proud of this year. Nuckolls said, "small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. When a citizen supports a local business, the majority of those dollars are kept here. Local business owners employ local citizens, do business with other local businesses, serve on local nonprofit boards, donate to local schools and churches." He continued by saying, "when you have a choice, please choose to spend your dollars at businesses that are owned by Shreveporters." More: Learn more about the south Shreveport Rhino, which merges two local favorites Erica Thomas Erica Thomas, owner and CEO of Ad Pros Promotion and Advertising Agency Inc. named Shreveport Times People to Watch in Business for 2024. Owner/CEO, Ad Pros Promotion and Advertising Agency Inc. Ad Pros Erica Thomas is the owner and CEO of Ad Pros Promotion and Advertising Agency Inc. Ad Pros is an award-winning, full-service advertising agency located in Shreveport. Thomas opened Ad Pros Promotion & Advertising Agency in 2001, initially just selling promotional products. Since that time Ad Pros has grown to offer professional development training. Story continues "I have been a professional development trainer and certified etiquette trainer/consultant for the past twenty years," said Thomas. This past year Thomas conducted a leadership development program for at-risk girls. During the program, the young ladies learned social etiquette, table manners, personality development, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and public speaking. Thomas said, "Being a leader in Shreveport/Bossier requires one to think outside of the box... we must be able to adapt to the changing environment innovatively and creatively. We should have a vision for how we want our environment to look like for the next twenty years or more." She continued by saying, "we must first lead with love." Jessica Schiele Jessica Schiele, Executive Director of Cohab is one of Shreveport Times People to Watch in Business for 2024. Executive Director, Cohab Shreveport-Bossier City Jessica Schiele is the Executive Director of Cohab and has been with it since it launched in 2010. Before Cohab, Schiele worked in broadcast journalism as a news producer in Baltimore at the Hearst-Argyle group as well as served as a technology specialist for the AP. Her background in media has come in handy with developing marketing strategies for companies across northwest Louisiana. "I want to be doing more to make Shreveport-Bossier a place, ever-evolving, to be more amazing for its residents," said Schiele. Through her work at the Cohab, she has started a learning camp that launched in the summer of 2023. Lemonade Day Academy Camp is a summer camp to teach Shreveport-Bossier area school children about entrepreneurship. Schiele said, "I'm excited about coming up in 2024 are the addition of more Lemonade Academy Summer Camps for K-12 entrepreneurs in the community... watching the students learn about the possibilities of business ownership, all while learning vital soft skills like problem-solving and effective communication is such an amazing experience." She continued by saying, "I can tell you as a transplant into this community, Shreveport-Bossier can be a truly amazing place to live. Being a leader in the community means spreading the message about that both through words and action." More: Shreveport Times announces 2024 People to Watch nominees Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Check out the Shreveport Times People to Watch in Business for 2024 (Bloomberg) -- A gas tankers long, circuitous journey is highlighting the toll that war and climate change are taking on the shipping industry. Most Read from Bloomberg Pacific Weihai loaded in Houston on Dec. 14 with a cargo of liquefied petroleum gas intended for Ningbo, China, a route that should typically take 30 days. Instead, it faces an additional 15 days at sea, 8,000 kilometers in travel distance and potentially $1.8 million in shipping rates to avoid two key chokepoints that are upending global trade. Normally, ships carrying LPG from US shale fields to plastics-making refineries in China use the Panama Canal, a journey that would take about 30 days and cover nearly 20,000 kilometers. This year, though, droughts have lowered water levels along the conduit, limiting the number of ships that can traverse it and creating long queues. Instead Pacific Weihai set out to use the Suez Canal in Egypt, which typically would add 10 days but lower the risk of delays. Those plans were quickly foiled by escalating attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. READ: How Houthi Red Sea Attacks Are Disrupting World Trade: QuickTake On Dec. 18, the tanker diverted its path from the Suez and is now headed for the Cape of Good Hope around Africa, a route thats 15 days longer than the Panama Canal, said Ciaran Tyler, an analyst at shipping intelligence firm Kpler. Such diversions could add more than 15% in shipping costs, according to an S&P Global Market Intelligence report published Dec. 26. Chartering a gas tanker for the US Gulf-to-North Asia route on Dec. 14 was $123,000 a day, according to Baltic Exchange data, or about $1.8 million for 15 days. Story continues The vessel is owned by China-based Pacific Gas, based on data by Kpler and shipping data Equasis. The company could not be immediately reached for comment. --With assistance from Yongchang Chin and Sarah Chen. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Disney holidays A number of companies have moved on from the pandemic's challenges to reach new heights. Rough times have a way of separating great companies from merely good ones, and although no one is asking for difficulties, these moments can often strengthen a business for the better. But not every top company is out of the woods just yet. Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) is still reeling from challenges of the past few years, with new ones taking the place of old ones and keeping Disney stuck in a rut. There have been pockets of good news throughout, and Disney recently made a sweet announcement to start the new year off right. What is this exciting present? Disney suspended its dividend in light of pandemic difficulties, and although it has been almost four years and the parks business has rebounded, it hasn't reinstated it until now. Management said that it would issue a dividend of $0.30 on Jan. 10 to shareholders as of Dec. 11, 2023. That implies a yield of 0.66%, which isn't great, but it's a start. Prior to the suspension, Disney's dividend yielded around 1.5%, or about the S&P 500 average. Disney is an old stock, having traded over the counter since 1940 before an initial public offering in 1957. It has paid a dividend from the beginning but only started raising it in 1989. It has had a great run, growing much more than storied dividends from stocks like Coca-Cola and Proctor and Gamble, before being put on hold in 2020. DIS Dividend Chart Is now the right time? Disney's been through a lot of ups and downs over the past four years, including a new CEO -- and now its old CEO. Bob Iger is trying to set things straight by reverting to the company's tried-and-true model of a powerful parks segment and blockbuster films, both fueled by an incredible content-creation machine. He's aiming to get streaming spending under control, boost profits, and reward shareholders. Shareholders have been disillusioned by Disney's ongoing challenges, and Disney stock is up just 6% this year, sharply underperforming the market. It's still 53% off its highs, and it's going to take more work to drive the share price higher. Story continues According to Board Chairman Mark Parker, "This has been a year of important progress for The Walt Disney Company ... As Disney moves forward with its key strategic objectives, we are pleased to declare a dividend for our shareholders while we continue to invest in the company's future and prioritize meaningful value creation." On the most recent earnings call, Iger mentioned a strong balance sheet and robust cash flow as an impetus to restart the dividend. These are both bouncing back nicely, and now that Disney has the money, it's giving back to patient shareholders. DIS Cash and Equivalents (Quarterly) Chart Disney has the money to pay the dividend, and it doesn't look like investors need to worry about its ability to pay it and keep operations running. Should you gift yourself some Disney stock? Don't buy Disney stock for the January dividend; you'll get better yields elsewhere. This is mostly a gesture that says, "We're back." However, it does look like things are moving in the right direction for Disney, and this could be the start of a real rebound for the media giant. Should you invest $1,000 in Walt Disney right now? Before you buy stock in Walt Disney, 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 Walt Disney 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 Jennifer Saibil has positions in Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Walt Disney. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2024 $47.50 calls on Coca-Cola. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The New Year Is Here and Disney Has an Exciting Present for Shareholders was originally published by The Motley Fool Martin Baker says 7,716 pilots and crew have been saved by its devices - Martin Baker/Flickr The owners of ejection seat maker Martin-Baker will share in a 50m dividend payout after orders swelled to 667m. Killinchy Aerospace Holdings, which owns Martin-Baker, made the payment to shareholders including the heirs of founder Sir James Martin, according to filings made at Companies House. The companys products, which safely blast pilots out of stricken warplanes, can be found on most Western jet fighters, including the Lockheed Martin F-35 and the Eurofighter Typhoon. It makes just over a third of its sales in the US. The company said its assets swelled to 417m, comparable to smaller members of the FTSE250 index. Sales fell by 1pc to 326m as it continued to suffer from parts shortages caused by the pandemic as factories shut and disrupted trade. It reported profit for the company of 98m for the year to March, little changed form the 97m it reported a year earlier. Orders for the year to the end of March rose to 667m from 588m for the year earlier. The company started life as Martins Aircraft Works in 1929. It moved into ejection seats in 1942 after Captain Valentine Baker was killed testing a Martin aircraft. The death of his friend inspired Sir James to investigate a means of surviving a plane crash. The company developed a seat fitted with an explosive charge that propelled pilots away from the aircraft after the canopy has been detached. They then deploy a parachute for a safe landing on the ground. Since its formation it has delivered more than 90,000 ejection seats to 93 air forces around the world. Based in Higher Denham, near Uxbridge, the business is still jointly managed by John and James Martin, the twin sons of Sir James. Similar sized defence firms have been the target of a series of takeovers in recent years, including submarine parts maker Ultra and aviation firms Meggitt and Cobham, but the ownership structure of the firm makes a hostile takeover unlikely. Last month, two aircrew ejected with the firms seats, from a PC-21 trainer aircraft operated by the Swiss Air Force which crashed during landing at Emmen air base. The company says 7,716 pilots and crew have been saved by its devices. A Martin-Baker product was also used in 2021 by the pilot of a British F-35B which crashed into the Mediterranean after a malfunction when taking off from the HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier. Successful ejectees receive a tie and a certificate following use of one of the companys products. 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. Eni SpA E, the Italian multinational energy company, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) entered into a voluntary five-year cooperation agreement aimed at uplifting youth employment opportunities in Libya's Fezzan region. Eni, operating through its branch Eni North Africa, signed this agreement to enhance the professional skills of 850 trainees, both male and female, thereby contributing to the economic development of the area. According to Eni, the initiative will focus on strengthening technical and vocational education and training centers. This is pivotal in addressing the skill gap within the labor force. Through the rehabilitation and equipment of these facilities, the project aims to provide industry-tailored learning modules, preparing job seekers for employment opportunities in key sectors such as agribusiness. The primary goal is to build a robust workforce in key sectors, particularly agribusiness, by aligning training curricula with the needs of the private sector in the Fezzan region. Simultaneously, the initiative aims to facilitate access to self-employment opportunities. By doing so, Eni and IOM intend to address youth unemployment effectively and promote the inclusion of young beneficiaries in sectors such as agriculture, construction and industry. In addition to addressing the immediate employment needs of the youth, the collaboration between Eni and IOM will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, the partnership aligns with Goal 4 - Quality Education, Goal 8 - Economic Growth, and Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals. The initiative goes beyond traditional employment programs by incorporating courses that cover essential life skills, positive communication and conflict resolution. This holistic approach is aimed not only at preparing the youth for job opportunities but also at fostering social cohesion among them. Story continues Additionally, Eni North Africa, in unison with the National Oil Corporation (NOC), is actively exploring innovative solutions to reduce CO2 emissions in challenging sectors. In a joint venture with Mellitah Oil and Gas BV (MOG), where Eni has a 50% stake and NOC holds the other 50%, the partners are committed to sustainable development. Zacks Rank & Key Picks E currently has a Zack Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the energy sector are The Williams Companies, Inc. WMB, Sunoco LP SUN and Murphy USA, Inc. MUSA, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The Williams Companies is well-positioned to capitalize on the anticipated substantial long-term growth in U.S. natural gas demand, thanks to its impressive portfolio of large-scale projects that create significant value. The companys debt maturity profile is in good shape with its $4.5-billion revolver maturing in fiscal 2023. WMBs earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 13.68%. Sunoco is among the biggest motor fuel distributors in the U.S. wholesale market in terms of volumes. By distributing more than 10 fuel brands via 10,000 convenience stores under long-term distribution contracts, the partnership will continue to generate stable cash flow. SUNs earnings beat estimates in two of the trailing four quarters and missed twice, delivering an average surprise of 28.33%. Murphy USA is a low-cost, high-volume fuel seller, whose stations are located near Walmart supercenters. This enables it to attract significantly more transactions than its peers. MUSAs sourcing infrastructure is another key competitive advantage. The companys earnings beat estimates in two of the trailing four quarters and missed twice, delivering an average surprise of 7.04%. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Williams Companies, Inc. (The) (WMB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Eni SpA (E) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sunoco LP (SUN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Murphy USA Inc. (MUSA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, DSM-Firmenich fair value estimate is 114 With 91.43 share price, DSM-Firmenich appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value Analyst price target for DSFIR is 113 which is 1.3% below our fair value estimate How far off is DSM-Firmenich AG (AMS:DSFIR) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for DSM-Firmenich Is DSM-Firmenich Fairly Valued? 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: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 1.00b 1.20b 1.49b 1.56b 1.61b 1.65b 1.69b 1.71b 1.73b 1.75b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x9 Analyst x9 Analyst x4 Analyst x3 Est @ 3.22% Est @ 2.45% Est @ 1.91% Est @ 1.53% Est @ 1.27% Est @ 1.08% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 5.9% 948 1.1k 1.3k 1.2k 1.2k 1.2k 1.1k 1.1k 1.0k 992 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 11b After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (0.6%) 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 5.9%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = 1.8b (1 + 0.6%) (5.9% 0.6%) = 34b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 34b ( 1 + 5.9%)10= 19b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 30b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 91.4, the company appears about fair value at a 20% 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. ENXTAM:DSFIR Discounted Cash Flow December 27th 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 DSM-Firmenich 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 5.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.041. 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 DSM-Firmenich Strength Net debt to equity ratio below 40%. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Chemicals market. Opportunity Expected to breakeven next year. Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows. Current share price is below our estimate of fair value. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Dividends are not covered by cash flow. Moving On: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For DSM-Firmenich, there are three pertinent aspects you should further examine: Risks: We feel that you should assess the 1 warning sign for DSM-Firmenich we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does DSFIR'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 Dutch 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. The 19th edition of the SteelFab exhibition the metalworking sectors biggest event across the Middle East and North Africa will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from January 8-11, 2024. It will feature more than 600 major global brands under one roof, said Emirates News Agency in a report. More than 275 local and international exhibitors from 33 countries, and representing top industry leaders and experts in steel fabrication technologies, are expected to take part in the expo. Organised with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SteelFab 2024 will bring together top names in the iron and steel industry, and major global producers from the fields leading countries including the UK, Germany, Italy, the US, China, the Netherlands, and India. The event will also draw in representatives of local and regional companies that play a prominent role in technology innovation, coming up with solutions that contribute to advancing the various metal industries based on steel fabrication, a statement said. The exhibition provides visitors a chance to discover state-of-the-art machinery, equipment, and tools pertinent to the metal industries, welding and cutting, laser metal cutting systems, pipe manufacturing, and metal plate fabrication. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Expo Centre Sharjah, said that the iron and steel industry is closely linked to the UAEs ongoing developmental momentum, which aims to cement a competitive infrastructure for industry and construction that attracts further investments into innovations and technical solutions. The Sharjah Chambers eagerness to support the SteelFab exhibition comes out of its commitment to bolstering the broader industrial sector, which plays a primary role in diversifying the national economy and enhancing the UAEs competitiveness both regionally and globally, said Al Owais. This exhibition helps to stimulate the Sharjah and UAE business sectors to discover the importance of investing in metal industries, which have an impact on boosting growth, realising sustainable development, and providing additional opportunities for various vital sectors to leverage advanced modern technologies in different industry fields. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said: SteelFab serves as a bridge linking innovation in the iron and steel industry with trade. The event, he said, allows local and international companies to exchange expertise and experiences in order to advance their position in the market. In this new edition, SteelFab sheds further light on industry developments, showcasing the latest technologies and innovations and thereby contributing to unlocking new opportunities for manufacturers and companies operating in the field locally and regionally. These efforts aim to help expand the scope of companies work and allow them to discover growth potentials in the Emirati and regional markets, especially given the sizeable investment opportunities offered within Sharjah and the UAE in the metal and technological industries, which focus on supporting innovation and continued development. The event, which will welcome visitors to Expo Centre Sharjah from 10am to 6pm daily, will bring together heads of industrial companies and institutions producing the steel fields premium-brand products. Through live demonstrations, they will present contemporary machinery, systems, and technologies innovated by their companies, including lifting processes and material handling applications for various industries. TradeArabia News Service The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued multiple recalls last week, including more than 2 million Honda vehicles due to a fuel pump issue. Are you looking to see if any recalls were issued on your vehicle? If the car isn't listed below, owners can check USA TODAYs automotive recall database or search NHTSAs database for new recalls. The NHTSA website allows you to search for recalls based on your vehicle identification number or VIN. Here are the vehicle recalls published by the NHTSA from Dec. 13 to Dec. 23. Honda fuel pump recall Honda is recalling 2,539,902 various 2017-2020 vehicles because the fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. If the fuel pump module is inoperative, the engine may not start or can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash or injury, the company said in a report filed with NHTSA. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 5, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. Recalled vehicles: 2018-2020 Honda Accord 2018-2020 Honda Civic Coupe 2018-2020 Honda Civic Sedan 2018-2020 Honda Civic Hatchback 2018-2020 Honda Civic Type R 2018-2020 Honda CR-V 2018-2020 Honda HR-V 2018-2020 Honda Ridgeline 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey 2018-2020 Acura ILX 2018-2020 Acura MDX 2018-2020 Acura MDX Hybrid 2018-2020 Acura RDX 2018-2020 Acura RLX 2018-2020 Acura TLX 2019-2020 Honda Insight 2019-2020 Honda Passport 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV 2018-2019 Honda Fit 2017-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid 2017-2020 Acura NSX The 2018 Honda CR-V on display at the 2017 LA Auto Show in Los Angeles, California on November 30, 2017. See what else is being recalled: Check USA TODAY's recall database Tesla car recalls 2023:Check the full list of vehicle models recalled this year Tesla recall: Tesla is recalling 120,423 of its 2021-2023 Model S and X vehicles because the cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash, which can increase the risk of injury during a crash, the company said in a NHTSA report. Story continues Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 17, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-009. Recalled vehicles: 2022-2023 Tesla Model S 2022-2023 Tesla Model X Ford recall: Maverick pickups may have malfunctioning turn signal Ford is recalling 189,814 of its 2022-2024 Maverick pickup trucks nonfunctioning exterior turn signal will not notify other drivers that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash, the company said in a NHTSA report. Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 2, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C41. Recalled vehicles: 2022-2024 Ford Maverick The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat FX4 (EcoBoost engine) and XLT Hybrid models shown off to the media at a studio in Detroit on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Mercedes-Benz recall for possible axle failure Mercedes-Benz is recalling 588 of its 2022-2023 AMG G63 special edition 4x4 (squared) vehicles because the rear axle differential housing may develop cracks, possibly resulting in oil leaking onto the roadway or axle failure, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury, the company said in a report filed with NHTSA. A remedy is under development. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed; towing to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer may be necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 13, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Recalled vehicles: 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 Mercedes-Benz recall: Front roof panel may detach Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2,976 of its 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles because the front roof panel may detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. The company said this was an expansion of a previously recall filed with NHTSA. Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197. Recalled vehicles: 2017-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 2015-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 2014-2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 2019 Mercedes-Benz MG GLC63 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 2014-2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 2015-2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz C350E 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 2014-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC350E 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 2014-2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550E 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz S600 2018-2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 The 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 sedan at the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on March 28, 2018. Mercedes-Benz recall for headlights issue Mercedes-Benz is recalling 10 of its 2023 EQE 350 sedans equipped with comfort suspension because the headlights may be incorrectly adjusted due to a software error in the headlight control unit. Incorrectly adjusted headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic and impair the dynamic driving control performance, both of which can increase the risk of a crash, the company said. Dealers will update the headlight control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 13, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Recalled vehicles: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 GM recalls some Chevrolet Bolts for potential fire hazard General Motors is recalling 6,746 of its 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles because they were previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall number 22V-930. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar support (between the front and rear doors), causing a fire and increasing the risk of injury, the company said in a NHTSA report. Dealers will inspect both front seat belt pretensioners and, if necessary, install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust. Certain vehicles will also need a pretensioner cover installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 29, 2024. Owners may contact GM EV Concierge at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) or Customer Service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232421970. Recalled vehicles: 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Honda recall Honda is recalling 106,030 of its 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid SUVs because the 12-Volt battery cable routed outside of the body frame is missing a fuse on the power circuit, which can allow the battery cable to short circuit or overheat and can increase the risk of a fire or injury in a crash, the company said in a NHTSA report. Dealers will replace the battery cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 29, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FGB. Recalled vehicles: 2020-2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles on November 21, 2019. Volkswagen recall Volkswagen is recalling 93,196 various 2020-2024 model electric vehicle models because using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting can overheat some home wiring systems and eventually cause permanent damage to the house socket and charging cable, the company said in a NHTSA report. Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V cable with temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed Feb. 9, 2024. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available, anticipated mid-2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8. Recalled vehicles: 2021-2022 Audi A7 2020-2021 Audi A8 2019-2024 Audi e-tron 2022-2024 Audi e-tron GT 2022-2024 Audi Q4 e-tron 2020-2024 Audi Q5 2022-2024 Audi RS e-tron GT Porsche recall Porsche is recalling 41,345 various 2019-2024 hybrid electric models because the industrial 220V/240V charging cable may cause some home power outlets to overheat. The cable could also overheat and become damaged and there's a risk of overheating and thermal damage to the electrical receptacle and the surrounding area. Left undetected, the local thermal damage could potentially spread, resulting in a fire, the company said in a NHTSA report. Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V charging cable with a temperature sensor, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed Feb. 9, 2024. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available, anticipated mid-2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APB6. Recalled vehicles: 2019-2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid 2020-2023 Porsche Cayenne S Turbo E-Hybrid 2021-2023 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid 2021-2023 Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid 2021-2023 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid 2021-2024 Porsche Taycan 2022-2024 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo 2020-2024 Porsche Taycan 4S 2021-2024 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo 2022-2024 Porsche Taycan GTS 2022-2024 Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo 2020-2024 Porsche Taycan Turbo 2021-2024 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo 2020-2024 Porsche Taycan Turbo S 2021-2024 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo A Porsche Cayenne e-hybrid car is on display at the International Motor Show (IAA) Germany, on September 8, 2021 in Munich, Germany. Porsche recall Porsche is recalling 205 various 2021-2023 model vehicles because the high-voltage battery may short circuit increasing the risk of a fire, the company said in a NHTSA report. Dealers will inspect and repair the high-voltage battery by replacing modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APB5. Recalled vehicles: 2021-2023 Porsche Taycan 2021-2022 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo 2021-2022 Porsche Taycan 4S 2021-2022 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo 2022 Porsche Taycan GTS 2022 Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo 2021-2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo 2021-2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo Ineos Grenadier Ineos Automotive is recalling 727 of its 2024 Grenadier SUVs equipped with the auxiliary switch package relay because the relay control wire may have been trapped under the relay power cable connection fastener during assembly. That could damage the relay control wire insulation and result in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire, the company said in a NHTSA report. Dealers will inspect and secure the wiring, and repair or replace any damaged wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ineos customer service at 1-919-296-3626. Recalled vehicles: 2024 Ineos Grenadier Ducati motorcycle recall Ducati is recalling 2,906 of its 2016-2023 XDiavel S and XDiavel STD motorcycles because the passenger backrest may break if it is installed incorrectly or used incorrectly by the passenger can increase the risk of injury, the company said in a NHTSA report. Dealers will inspect the passenger backrest installation, tighten the screws as necessary, and also apply a warning sticker on the component, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 9, 2024. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati's number for this recall is SRV-RCL-23-005. Recalled vehicles: 2016-2023 Ducati XDiavel S 2016-2023 Ducati XDiavel STD Contributing: Emily DeLetter. Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider. What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Car recall check: Ford, Honda, Tesla, among 3 million recalled Key Insights Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad's significant individual investors ownership suggests that the key decisions are influenced by shareholders from the larger public 51% of the business is held by the top 12 shareholders Insiders own 21% of Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad To get a sense of who is truly in control of Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad (KLSE:FPI), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are individual investors with 41% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). Meanwhile, public companies make up 29% of the companys shareholders. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad. See our latest analysis for Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad KLSE:FPI Ownership Breakdown December 27th 2023 What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad? Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index. Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. KLSE:FPI Earnings and Revenue Growth December 27th 2023 Hedge funds don't have many shares in Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is Wistron Corporation with 27% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 4.9% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 3.2% by the third-largest shareholder. Chao Yuan Shih, who is the third-largest shareholder, also happens to hold the title of Member of the Board of Directors. Story continues Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 51% of the ownership is controlled by the top 12 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership. Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. Our information suggests that there isn't any analyst coverage of the stock, so it is probably little known. Insider Ownership Of Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions. It seems insiders own a significant proportion of Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad. It has a market capitalization of just RM727m, and insiders have RM152m worth of shares in their own names. It is great to see insiders so invested in the business. It might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying recently. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 41% stake in Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders. Public Company Ownership Public companies currently own 29% of Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad stock. It's hard to say for sure but this suggests they have entwined business interests. This might be a strategic stake, so it's worth watching this space for changes in ownership. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad . Of course this may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free free list of interesting companies. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Larimer County and Weld County health departments have a three-tiered health inspection rating, with rankings of pass, reinspection required or closed. Establishments with violations of 0-49 points pass; those with 50-109 points require reinspection; and any with more than 110 points face closure. This report is for Dec. 21-27. Full reports and total points for the restaurants included in this story can be viewed at https://inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/larimer-county-health and https://inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/weldcounty. LARIMER COUNTY PASS Domino's, 901 E. Harmony Road, Suite 120, Fort Collins Rollerland Skate Center concessions, 324 S. Link Lane, Fort Collins 7-Eleven, 4543 Boardwalk Drive, Fort Collins 7-Eleven, 430 Remington St., Fort Collins Wingstop, 244 N. College Ave., Fort Collins Bindle Coffee, 1933 Jessup Drive, Fort Collins Mugs Coffee Lounge, 306 W. Laurel St., Suite 130, Fort Collins Hiroshi Teriyaki Grill, 4904 Larimer Pkwy., Johnstown Domino's, 1385 Sculptor Drive, Loveland Five Guys, 2860 E. Harmony Road, Suite 140, Fort Collins Culver's, 4890 Thompson Pkwy., Johnstown REINSPECTION REQUIRED The Lyric, 1209 N. College Ave., Fort Collins Carniceria y Restaurante Munoz, 1350 E. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland WINDSOR (inspected by Weld County) No inspections completed This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins, Loveland restaurant inspections: 2 require reinspection The most talked about and market moving research calls around Wall Street are now in one place. Here are today's research calls that investors need to know, as compiled by The Fly. Top 5 Calls: Raymond James upgraded Fusion Pharmaceuticals (FUSN) to Strong Buy from Outperform with a price target of $15, up from $12, arguing that a recent series of high-profile acquisitions in the radiopharma space - including Bristol Myers' (BMY) $4.1B acquisition of RayzeBio (RYZB) and Eli Lilly's (LLY) $1.4B acquisition of Point Biopharma (PNT) - highlight the value of radiopharma platforms. Capital One upgraded Outlook Therapeutics (OTLK) to Overweight from Equalweight with a $5 price target following the company's 2023 financial and corporate update. The FDA is only requiring a short additional Phase 3 study for Lytenava in wet AMD, which is "great feedback," according to the firm. Piper Sandler downgraded Gracell Biotechnologies (GRCL) to Neutral from Overweight with a price target of $10, up from $9, after the company entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by AstraZeneca (AZN) for $10.00 per ADS in cash at closing, plus a non-tradable contingent value right for up to $1.50 per ADS representing a total transaction value of up to $1.2B. Ladenburg Thalmann initiated coverage of PMV Pharmaceuticals (PMVP) with a Buy rating and $7 price target. The firm says PMV trades at a "deep discount" to its intrinsic value and its cash on the balance sheet. (Bloomberg) -- US strikes on targets in Iraq and fresh attacks by Houthi militants on shipping in the Red Sea provided the latest warning signs that the war in Gaza risks expanding into a wider conflict destabilizing the Middle East. Most Read from Bloomberg The Pentagon said late Monday that its forces launched strikes on three installations in Iraq linked to Kataib Hezbollah. Washington said the Iraqi insurgent group thats backed by Iran was behind an attack that injured three US personnel, leaving one in critical condition. While we do not seek to escalate conflict in the region, we are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. He called it a necessary and proportionate response. Then on Tuesday, Yemen-based Houthi rebels, also backed by Iran, renewed their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. confirmed that the container ship MSC United VIII was hit while en route to Pakistan. It said no injuries were reported. Read More: How Israel-Hamas War Sparks Wider Violence in Mideast And US Central Command said in a social media posting on X that a US destroyer and F/A-18 fighter jets shot down 12 attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land attack cruise missiles fired by the Houthis over the Southern Red Sea on Tuesday. It said there was no damage to ships or reported injuries. The US and a number of other nations have formed a maritime task force to respond to the Red Sea attacks. With that assurance, A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, the worlds second-largest container line, said over the weekend that it was preparing to resume shipping through the sea. Still, oil rose Tuesday as tensions remained high over the shipping disruptions. Story continues Although Iran has denied helping militants attack commercial ships, the Islamic Republic has vowed that Israel will pay a price for an airstrike in Syria on Monday that killed a senior commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Read More: US Weighs Military Strikes on Houthis to Deter Red Sea Attacks Clearly, the longer the Israeli-Hamas war goes on with this sort of kinetic intensity, the more likely there would be some escalation, said Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former US official who has advised secretaries of state on the Middle East. The number of non-state groups, as well as the unpredictability of both Israeli military operations and Irans potential responses, makes it difficult to forecast when specific incidents might flare up into a broader escalation. But Miller said the US would probably be forced to act more assertively if a regional group kills US service members. If were attacked directly and Americans die, then theres going to have to be a much, much heavier response, he said. The attacks, and other developments around the region, highlight an increasingly difficult balancing act for the Biden administration, which is trying to support Israel in its battle against the militant group Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7 and took more than 200 hostages. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union. The US has deployed aircraft carrier strike groups in an effort to deter Iran-backed forces in the region from striking Israel as it pursues an increasingly deadly ground war in densely populated urban areas in Gaza. But US officials also have put pressure on Israel to wind down its high-intensity operations in Gaza, which have have killed about 20,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Washington Visit Israels Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer met Tuesday in Washington with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The discussions, according to a White House official, involved the war itself, efforts to release the hostages in Gaza, limiting civilian casualties and planning a future for the region. The conversation regarding the conflict centered on Israeli forces shifting their focus to the main Hamas targets, the official said. Separately, President Joe Biden spoke with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on efforts to gain the release of hostages being held in Gaza and to bolster humanitarian assistance to the territory, the White House said Tuesday evening. Read More: UN Names Gaza Aid Coordinator as Israel Rejects Automatic Visas For Israeli officials worried about Hezbollah militants in neighboring Lebanon and other groups in the region, the current conflict already looks like the wider war the US says its trying to prevent. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in the Knesset that Israel was in the midst of a multi-front war, having already been attacked from seven different arenas Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. We have already taken action against six of these seven, and I will say now in the clearest manner possible, that anyone who takes action against us will become a potential target, he told the foreign affairs and defense committee. There will be no immunity for anyone. --With assistance from Gwen Ackerman and Justin Sink. (Updates with Dermer meeting, Biden call, starting in 12th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation in the Middle East, including recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Most Read from Bloomberg We exchanged views on the West Asia situation and shared concerns regarding terrorism, violence and the loss of civilian lives, Modi said in a post on X. He also reiterated Indias long-standing and principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue and called for continued humanitarian aid for the affected population, according to an India readout of the conversation. The call between the two leaders comes days after a cargo vessel, the MV Chem Pluto, was hit by an alleged drone strike near Indias west coast. In response, India deployed three warships to the Arabian Sea, according to a government statement. India is investigating the attack on the vessel, which the US military has blamed on Iran. The US has also been consulting with its allies about potential military action against Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels in response to their increasingly brazen attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Indias Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday that the perpetrators of the attack on the vessel will soon be brought to justice. India plays the role of a Net Security Provider in the entire Indian Ocean Region. We will ensure that maritime trade in this region touches greater heights, said Singh. For this, together with our friendly countries, we will keep the sea lanes secure. India, the worlds third largest oil importer, gets the bulk of its supplies from the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and Iraq are among its top suppliers of crude oil. Story continues Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Passive investing in index funds can generate returns that roughly match the overall market. But you can do a lot better than that by buying good quality businesses for attractive prices. For example, the Power Corporation of Canada (TSE:POW) share price is 53% higher than it was five years ago, which is more than the market average. Zooming in, the stock is up a respectable 17% in the last year. Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns. See our latest analysis for Power Corporation of Canada To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. During five years of share price growth, Power Corporation of Canada actually saw its EPS drop 0.8% per year. By glancing at these numbers, we'd posit that the decline in earnings per share is not representative of how the business has changed over the years. Since the change in EPS doesn't seem to correlate with the change in share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics. We note that the dividend is higher than it was previously - always nice to see. Maybe dividend investors have helped support the share price. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). TSX:POW Earnings and Revenue Growth December 27th 2023 It's probably worth noting we've seen significant insider buying in the last quarter, which we consider a positive. On the other hand, we think the revenue and earnings trends are much more meaningful measures of the business. So we recommend checking out this free report showing consensus forecasts What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of Power Corporation of Canada, it has a TSR of 104% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! Story continues A Different Perspective It's nice to see that Power Corporation of Canada shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 25% over the last year. Of course, that includes the dividend. Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 15% per year), it would seem that the stock's performance has improved in recent times. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should be aware of the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Power Corporation of Canada . Power Corporation of Canada is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Canadian exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. (Bloomberg) -- Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc. fell the most in more than a year after US regulators paused a study of its lung cancer drug following a patient death. Most Read from Bloomberg The Food and Drug Administration told Iovance to stop the trial after a death potentially related to a process that cancer patients must complete before receiving cellular therapies, the company said Wednesday in a statement. Called lymphodepletion, the process involves weakening the immune system. The shares lost as much as 24% as of 11 a.m. in New York, their biggest intraday loss since May 2022. Iovance is developing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, an experimental approach to using the bodys own immune defenses to attack solid tumors. The death was reported in a mid-stage trial in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who havent responded to other drugs. The clinical hold has no impact on any other Iovance clinical trials, including an experimental treatment for melanoma that has been submitted for regulatory review, the company said. The FDA is expected to decide on approval of that drug, called lifileucel, in late February. Analysts called the hold a slight setback thats expected to be resolved over time. Ultimately a lifileucel approval and launch in melanoma is what matters here and that looks to remain on track, Piper Sandler analysts said in a note. Iovance said its working with the FDA to safely resume trial enrollment as soon as possible. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Italy wont need to change its budget plans for next year to meet the new European Union rules just agreed by the bloc, according to the countrys finance chief. Most Read from Bloomberg Our forecasts are coherent with the new European fiscal rules so theres no need for additional budget updates, Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti told lawmakers in Rome on Wednesday. The deal reached earlier this month after months of negotiations among the 27 member states is a compromise, Giorgetti added. We will evaluate the new European fiscal rules in due time. While Italy plans to lower its deficit-to-GDP ratio to below the EUs limit of 3% in 2026, the blocs new rules allow countries to have some flexibility, a respite for debt-ridden Italy. Giorgetti remarks come as Giorgia Melonis government faces political backlash over parliaments decision not to ratify the EUs bailout fund last week. Italys officials previously linked the ratification of the European Stability Mechanism fund to a successful negotiation on the new EU fiscal rules, and the decision to reject the ratification pointed to the countrys dissatisfaction on the compromised reached. While opposition parties have called for Giorgettis resignation, the finance minister hastily defended his governments decision. I never said and never told EU partners that Italy would have ratified the mechanism, he said. Meloni and Giorgetti, a member of Matteo Salvinis League party, have so far been prudent in managing their countrys finances, reflected by a progressive drop in the Italian-German bond spread, widely used as a gauge of market risk. Story continues The measure was at 159 basis points Wednesday, down from 210 basis points when the governments budget was first unveiled earlier this year. The budget law, the governments second, is expected to win Lower House approval by the end of this week, meeting a Dec. 31 deadline to avoid a temporary freeze on public spending. (Updates with context on Italys budget plans in fourth graph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. New mortgage brokerage franchise in Clermont invites the community for a fun happy hour event to celebrate the new year and new options for local homebuyers in Florida CLERMONT, Fla., Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage, the first-and-only national mortgage brokerage franchise brand in the United States focused on transparency and compliance, has a new office in Clermont, Florida. Motto Mortgage Homewise is now open and serving all markets throughout The Sunshine State. wemlo logo (PRNewsfoto/wemlo) Motto Mortgage Homewise will hold a grand opening celebration on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 57 p.m. at Arcade on Central in Winter Haven (254 W Central Ave). The happy hour event will include small bites courtesy of Agape Agora, beer and wine provided by Obscure Wine Company, and the opportunity to win fun prizes and learn how Motto Mortgage Homewise is breaking the mold of shopping for a home. All in the community are invited and welcome to attend! Motto Mortgage Homewise is a customer-first, full-service mortgage brokerage established by Steve Silcock and Manny Quiros who together bring over two decades of industry experience to this venture. The office is led by mortgage loan originators Sarah Sonneborn and Ovidio Sardinas who have the experience, drive, and know-how to provide customers a seamless home shopping experience. "We are thrilled to be open for business and we are looking forward to personally introducing ourselves to the community at our grand opening event. Motto Mortgage Homewise offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in Clermont," said Sarah Sonneborn. "We provide the scope, scale and support of a large retail lender, while offering the flexibility, autonomy and exceptional service of a local mortgage broker that knows how to navigate the intricacies of the home buying process in your market." Sarah continued, "Throughout my 25-year journey in the mortgage industry I've found that what I love the most is the daily opportunity to learn. The ever-changing market conditions and new loan programs challenge me to adapt and grow, so I can provide my customers valuable insight and the highest level of customer service." Story continues "As an experienced mortgage loan originator and former real estate agent, I am dedicated to guiding my clients through every step of the transaction, especially with first-time homebuyers. My combined experience of real estate and mortgage lending allows me to offer tailored solutions for my customers' unique financial situations and create a seamless process from pre-approval to closing," said Ovidio Sardinas. Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network have access to competitive loans from various wholesale lenders and work hard to give homebuyers choices because no loan is one-size-fits-all. A digital mortgage experience is available for borrowers who would prefer to conduct business remotely. For more information about the grand opening celebration or to RSVP, please contact Motto Mortgage Homewise at (863) 236-3868 or email Sarah Sonneborn at Sarah.Sonneborn@mottomortgage.com. Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed. About Motto Mortgage Homewise: Motto Mortgage Homewise (NMLS #2491986) is a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage brokerage serving all of Florida, located at 9110 US 192, Suite C, Clermont, FL 34714. To learn more, please visit (Motto Mortgage office www.MottoMortgageHomewise.com or call (863) 236-3868. Sarah Sonneborn NMLS#41131 Ovidio Sardinas NMLS#2286213 Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/motto-mortgage-homewise-to-host-grand-opening-celebration-at-arcade-on-central-on-january-18-302022884.html SOURCE Motto Mortgage King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), the leading energy industrial ecosystem, has partnered with Affordable Housing Company, a unit of Saudi developer Bin Saedan, for the launch of two key projects - a residential and a commercial one - in Saudi Arabia. Spread over a 50,000-sq-m area, these projects are aimed at strengthening Spark's offering for those looking to set up their companies in the kingdom and enhances the quality of life for all residents in the city. Spark and Affordable House Company jointly broke ground on the residential apartment complex, featuring 459 fully furnished apartments with a combination of one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. These apartments are intended for long stays incorporating the latest smart technologies - supporting Sparks offering to tenants and clients establishing their business in Saudi Arabia. The total land size for the project stands at close to 30,000 sq m and represents an investment of $50 million. The development will be constructed in phases with the first planned for completion by Q4 2025. This marks the third investment between Spark and Bin Saedan Group, a leading real estate developer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with over 80 years of experience. The Saudi energy park additionally signed a lease agreement with the Affordable House Company to develop multipurpose commercial offices which will include over 15,000 sq m of leasable area. The commercial offices will feature best-in-class facilities including multifunctional offices, equipped receptions, gyms, and light restaurants powered partially by green energy and using the latest smart technologies. On the commercial offices, Spark said it will be built on 25,000 sq m of land and represent an investment of $15 million. The development will be constructed in two phases with the first planned for completion by Q4 2026, it added. Key news highlights: Mowilex, the first manufacturer in Indonesia to be certified a CarbonNeutral company, has earned its fifth consecutive CarbonNeutral company certification. The company remains committed to cutting carbon emissions and supporting offset projects that advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As a leader in corporate environmental stewardship, Mowilex is supporting Indonesia's carbon reduction goals. JAKARTA, Indonesia, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex), a leading producer of premium paints and wood coatings, has received its fifth consecutive CarbonNeutral certification from Climate Impact Partners. Since becoming Indonesia's first certified carbon neutral manufacturer in 2019, Mowilex continues expanding its commitment to supporting Indonesia's targets of using renewable energy for at least 34% of all power generation by 2030 and the country's goal of reaching net zero carbon by 2060. In November 2023, Mowilex completed its pledge to plant 50,000 mangrove trees that will store carbon, control flooding, provide wildlife habitat and benefit communities throughout Indonesia. To earn CarbonNeutral company certification, Mowilex commissioned SCS Global Services to calculate its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions according to The CarbonNeutral Protocol. In addition to cutting emissions through major technology and renewable energy investments, Mowilex supports offset projects that follow verified standards and advance several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In March 2023, Mowilex inaugurated a state of the art production plant designed to reduce carbon emissions by up to 7%. Automated power meters and cooling system technologies in the green plant decrease electricity usage by 15%, while skylights and double glass further minimize the electricity used for lighting and air conditioning. Mowilex now operates electric forklifts, which don't generate emissions like previous diesel versions. The plant's zero-waste water system processes and cleans sewage water, which is then reused to irrigate green space that covers 37% of the plant grounds. Story continues Additionally, new solar panels at the Mowilex headquarters are expected to cut that facility's carbon emissions by up to 30%. In November, Mowilex also completed its pledge to plant 50,000 mangrove trees across Indonesia. Though the project didn't factor into the company's recent carbon neutral certification, these trees move the Mowilex toward a carbon positive impact. In addition to storing carbon, the mangroves will protect beaches, decrease flood risk and create new wildlife habitat. Mowilex offsets its unavoidable emissions by supporting renewable energy, biodiversity and responsible community development projects. For example, the company is advancing Indonesia's clean energy transition by procuring renewable energy credits from the PLN Lahendong Geothermal Project. Mowilex supports the National Solar Power Development Program, which accelerates grid-connected solar projects in India. In recent years, the company has also funded turbines for the Philippines' Burgos Wind Project, helped to save 65,000 hectares of Bornean orangutan habitat in the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, and supported the installation of small-scale biogas plants in 50+ provinces across Vietnam. This month, Mowilex celebrated its fifth year as a certified CarbonNeutral company by hosting the Mowilex Carbon Neutral Talk Show 2023. Participants included sustainability experts, environmental activists and academics. "By investing in carbon reduction efforts, supporting offset programs aligned with our company values, and sharing information with stakeholders and industry peers, Mowilex models how other companies can be environmentally responsible. We are committed to sustainability and quality, and we're incredibly proud to earn our fifth consecutive CarbonNeutral company certification from Climate Impact Partners," says Niko Safavi, CEO of PT Mowilex Indonesia. "We are thrilled to celebrate Mowilex's milestone five years of carbon neutrality," says Carolyn Bacchus, Vice President of Client Solutions Climate Impact Partners. "Through our longstanding partnership, Mowilex became the first manufacturer in Indonesia to be certified as a CarbonNeutral company. Mowilex continues delivering significant climate and sustainable development impacts through emissions reduction projects." Mowilex recently launched a voluntary Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report to share its strategies and impact. The 2022 Mowilex ESG Report and the 2022 ESG Intelligence Report, produced with Oxford Business Group, are available at Mowilex website. Learn more about Mowilex ESG programs and products at Mowilex.com. About PT Mowilex Indonesia PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex), a subsidiary of Asia Coatings Enterprises, Pte. Ltd., is a leading producer of premium paints and coatings. Since launching the first Indonesian-made, water-based paints in 1970, the company has expanded its commitment to environmental ethics, equality, community and innovation. PT Mowilex is Indonesia's only certified carbon neutral manufacturer, producing zero and low VOC paints in modern colours, and the company regularly wins awards for its corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts. media@mowilex.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mowilex-receives-a-fifth-consecutive-carbonneutral-company-certification-extending-its-commitment-to-indonesias-carbon-reduction-targets-302022406.html SOURCE PT Mowilex Indonesia (Bloomberg) -- At about 1 a.m. California time in 2013, a scientist emailed Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook with an irresistible pitch. Most Read from Bloomberg I strongly believe that we can develop the new wave of technology that will make Apple the No. 1 brand in the medical, fitness and wellness market, he wrote in the email, which was later included in legal documents. Some 10 hours after the message was sent, an Apple recruiter was in touch. And just weeks after that, the engineer was working at the tech company on a smartwatch with health sensors. A flurry of activity began. Within a few months at Apple, the employee asked the company to file about a dozen patents related to sensors and algorithms for determining a persons blood-oxygen level from a wearable device. But this wasnt just any engineer. He had been the chief technical officer of Cercacor Laboratories Inc., the sister company of Masimo Corp., which went on to get the US to ban the Apple Watch. Apples decision to hire this technical whiz a Stanford engineering Ph.D. named Marcelo Lamego is seen as the spark that sent Masimos lawyers after Apple. While the iPhone maker denies it did anything wrong, Masimo cited the poaching of employees as part of claims that the iPhone maker infringed its patents. The dispute culminated this month in Apple having to pull its latest watches from the companys US stores, hobbling a business that generates roughly $17 billion in annual sales. A US appellate court Wednesday temporarily halted the ban on sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. The company responded by putting the products back on shelves in some of its US retail stores Wednesday, with online sales to resume Thursday. Story continues Read More: Why Apple Halted Sales of Its Newest Watches: QuickTake Masimo, a relatively obscure maker of medical devices based in Irvine, California, argues that Lamego seized its prized asset the ability to noninvasively and accurately capture the level of oxygen in a persons blood and took it to Apple. The feature ultimately helped turn the watch into more of a health device, solidifying its status as the wearable industrys best-selling product. Lamego joined Masimo in 2003 as a research scientist before becoming Cercacors tech chief around 2006. Cercacor was a spinoff of Masimo, and both companies are run by CEO Joe Kiani, who helped invent much of their core technology. Lawyers for Masimo say that Lamego lacked prior knowledge about how to develop the blood-oxygen feature (his previous studies were about neural interfaces rather than health sensors). He learned how to build the technology at Kianis companies and delivered it to Apple, they say. Lamego then resigned from Apple in July 2014, just months after joining. Masimo argues that he left after Apple got what it needed. The reality, according to longtime Apple executive Steve Hotelling, is that Lamego didnt fit in at the company. He clashed with managers, demanded multimillion-dollar budgets and wanted the ability to hire his own engineers without approval, Hotelling said in a deposition that was part of a court fight between the companies. After weeks of discussions, Lamego left Apple. The first Apple Watch was announced three months later, in September 2014. It didnt have the blood-oxygen sensor and instead relied on more basic technologies, such as a pulse reader. Apple first approached Lamego to join about a year before his email to Cook. The overture happened around the time executives from Apple and Masimo met in 2013, a moment that has become another focal point in the dispute between the two companies. Lamego declined to join Apple at the time, but his tune changed after Kiani refused to make him the CTO of Masimo as well, lawyers for the medical company argue. When Apple met with Masimo, it was seeking technology and talent that could bolster its work on the watch. At the time, Masimo believed Apple was interested in doing a deal. The company alleged in a 2020 lawsuit that Apple used the meeting to instead learn about its technology and lay the groundwork for hiring its people. In addition to enlisting Lamego, Apple hired Masimos former chief medical officer and about 20 other staffers, the medical device company said. Masimo failed to convince a jury of its claims this year. While the Lamego email was a key piece of evidence for Masimos lawyers, the effort didnt make much headway with the judge after a senior Apple engineer testified that development of the blood-oxygen feature started in late 2014 after Lamego had already left. Further, the judge threw out parts of the case relating to Apples practice of hiring Masimo employees, saying that recruiting or hiring employees from another company, including from a competitor, does not on its own constitute improper means. The judge also dismissed the idea that Apple stole trade secrets, and a jury sided with Apple 6-to-1. After his stint at Apple, Lamego ended up starting his own company, True Wearables. In 2016, he released a device called the Oxxiom, which he called the worlds first continuous and disposable blood-oxygen sensor. Masimo sued the startup and won a court order blocking it from selling the product. Lamego didnt respond to requests for comment. When Masimo filed its initial lawsuit, Apple hadnt yet brought a blood-oxygen sensor to market. But eight months later, the Apple Watch Series 6 was introduced with the feature known in the industry as pulse oximetry as its key new addition. That led Masimo to file a separate complaint with the US International Trade Commission in 2021 alleging that the feature infringed its patents. The ITC concurred in October and ordered Apple to remove infringing models from the US, including the current Series 9 and Ultra 2. That prohibition took effect this week after the White House declined to intervene. Apple said it strongly disagrees with the ITC decision and is taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible. A representative for Masimo declined to comment. Wednesdays ruling by an appeals court in Washington paused the ITCs ban while Apple seeks a longer stay. Read More: Apple to Challenge Watch Ban After White House Refuses Veto Blood oxygen is frequently called the fifth vital sign. A proper level of oxygen saturation the percentage of oxygen floating in ones bloodstream compared with the maximum it could be is a requirement for functions like breathing, moving and thinking. It has long been one of the first diagnostics when a patient arrives at a hospital or doctors office. And the measurement became key at the height of the Covid pandemic, when doctors said that a reading under 95% could suggest a person is struggling to breathe due to the virus. Apple argues that Masimo sued it to clear the field for its own consumer-focused wearables. Masimo recently released the W1, a square smartwatch with an array of health sensors. And its planning to soon release the Freedom watch, which has more health capabilities and a round, more modern-looking design. In an attempt to reach more consumers, it acquired Sound United, owner of speaker maker Bowers & Wilkins, for more than $1 billion last year. Apple countersued Masimo in 2022, saying that the W1 took the design of the Apple Watch. Masimo copied from Apple Watch and is freeriding on Apples hard work, the company said. In a Bloomberg interview earlier this month, Kiani said that Apple should have done things differently. They didnt have to steal our people we could have worked with them, he said. These guys have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, and instead of being embarrassed and doing the right thing theyre blaming everybody and fighting everybody. Kiani said that Apple executives once called him the Steve Jobs of health care. Maybe its time they think different, he said. Masimo is a fixture in hospitals. Its equipment for tracking blood oxygen, blood management and other measures is used on more than 200 million patients a year, the company says. But part of its revenue over the past two decades has stemmed from lawsuits against medical device competitors, including Royal Philips NV, that turned into settlements or licensing agreements. Kiani immigrated from Iran when he was 9 and started Masimo in 1989, five years after the original Mac went on sale. While his company now has thousands of workers globally, a market valuation of $6 billion and annual revenue of about $2 billion, Kiani says Masimo started as an underdog just like Apple. He says he took out a second mortgage in his 20s to fund development of the startup in his garage. Though there was already medical gear to monitor blood oxygen, Kianis breakthrough was tracking it during movement or on people with weak pulses key features for mass-market wearable devices. Hes also friends with President Joe Biden, one person who could have stopped the Apple Watch sales ban. The White House has the ability to veto import bans to the US, a power it has rarely used. One case came in 2013 when President Barack Obama overturned an iPhone ban spurred by a patent dispute with Samsung Electronics Co. But that was an easier move politically: It involved picking a homegrown American company over a South Korean competitor. The headquarters of Apple and Masimo are both in California. Masimos goal, people close to the matter say, was for the ITC to impose its ban in the summer. That would have probably led Apple to delay the release of its new models, which are typically unveiled in September, and wiped out the holiday season. Instead, the ban only affected about a week of sales in Apples December quarter. It also only applied to Apples own stores; outside retailers like Best Buy Co. could still sell the watches at least until their inventory ran out. And Apple believes its well on its way to a fix apart from its appeal of the ITC ruling. The company had engineers race to change the software algorithms and presentation of its blood-oxygen app to sidestep Kianis claims. Its now up to the US customs agency to determine if those tweaks are sufficient to allow the smartwatches back on the market. A decision is expected on Jan. 12. For his part, Kiani doesnt believe a software fix will resolve a dispute that involves hardware patents. I dont think that could work, he said. In any case, Kiani and Masimo have gone further than anyone before them. Many companies have made arguments that Apple has stolen their technology and poached staff, putting them out of business or sending them into bankruptcy. But theyve rarely gotten much traction. A further mark of success for Kiani would be a settlement, which would bring a payday but also vindication. Masimos website touts all the companies that license its technology and adding Apple to that list would be a triumph. It also would give Masimo marketing muscle for promoting its own products. Apple says it has held mediation talks with Masimo and that it expects to hold more. In its earlier suit, which ended with a deadlocked jury, Masimo wanted Apple to pay more than $3 billion in damages. Kiani isnt saying how much money it would take to reach a licensing agreement now. But he does plan to insist on one concession: There needs to be an apology. If that doesnt happen, the two companies are scheduled to return to court again over patents in late October. (Updates with Apple resuming sales in the fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Are you having trouble canceling your SiriusXM subscription? You're not alone. New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against SiriusXM Radio, Inc. (SiriusXM) Wednesday "for trapping consumers in subscriptions and maintaining deliberately long and burdensome cancellation processes" after an investigation into the company. Having to endure a lengthy and frustrating process to cancel a subscription is a stressful burden no one looks forward to, and when companies make it hard to cancel subscriptions, its illegal, James said. Consumers should be able to cancel a subscription they no longer use or need without any issues, and companies have a legal duty to make their cancellation process easy." What were the AG investigation's findings about SiriusXM? After hundreds of consumers reached out to the Office of the Attorney General and other agencies about their struggles canceling Sirius XM subscriptions, the agency opened an investigation into the company. The AG's Office found Sirius XM, which is headquartered in New York City, forces its subscribers to call or chat online with an agent to cancel a subscription then deliberately draws out the interactions to try and prevent subscribers from canceling. New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks to the media, Nov. 6, 2023, in New York. New Yorks attorney general filed suit Wednesday, Dec. 20, against SiriusXM, accusing the satellite radio and streaming service of making it intentionally difficult for its customers to cancel their subscriptions. This process includes a lengthy six-part conversation with a series of questions and as many as five retention offers, all to delay cancellation, the AG's Office said. When customers decline the offers, the company trains its agents to then not take "no" for an answer and keep bombarding customers with questions or offers, making the process difficult and frustrating. It takes subscribers an average of 11.5 minutes to cancel by phone and 30 minutes to cancel online according to SiriusXM's own data, the AG's Office said, but for many subscribers it takes much longer they often have to wait more than 20 minutes to be connected with an online chat agent. However, the company can cancel a customer's subscription with a simple click of a button or even allow customers to do so themselves, the investigation revealed. Story continues SiriusXM said the AG's Office's claims are "exaggerated," adding that the company offers a number of easy ways to cancel subscriptions. Its telling that the New York Attorney General issued a press release before providing SiriusXM with a copy of the complaint," a SiriusXM spokesperson said in a written statement Thursday. "Upon receiving and reviewing the complaint, we intend to vigorously defend against these baseless allegations that grossly mischaracterize SiriusXMs practices." Will Chick-fil-A feel the impact?: Proposed bill aims for 7-day operation at Thruway restaurants What NY AG's lawsuit means for SiriusXM customers SiriusXM violated state and federal laws concerning subscriptions that renew automatically by failing to provide subscribers with a simple, timely and easy-to-use cancellation mechanism, the AG's Office noted, alleging the company engaged in fraud and deception by misleading customers looking to cancel their subscriptions. The Office is seeking full restitution for all impacted subscribers nationwide, including compensation for time the company wasted by putting its subscribers through a deliberately lengthy cancellation process, disgorgement, penalties and costs. The AG's Office through its lawsuit is also looking to require SiriusXM to implement a simple and easy-to-use cancellation process for its subscribers. If you have been affected by Sirius XM's cancellation practices or the deceptive or fraudulent cancellation practices of any other automatic-renewal service, the Office is asking you to file a consumer complaint online at ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/consumer/goods-services. Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: SiriusXM subscriptions a hassle to cancel. NY sued the company for it (Bloomberg) -- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusks cabinet placed public television and radio under liquidation after the president vetoed legislation providing subsidies to the state-run media amid a political standoff over the broadcasters. Most Read from Bloomberg Culture Minister Bartomiej Sienkiewicz said on Wednesday that Telewizja Polska SA, Polskie Radio SA and news agency Polska Agencja Prasowa SA have been disbanded after a suspension in financing due to President Andrzej Dudas veto. The liquidation status will help to efficiently restructure public media and avoid layoffs amid a lack of public funding, the ministry said. Earlier, Tusk said he was willing to work with Duda and members of the opposition Law & Justice party in the future to create a more balanced public media landscape and a stable funding system replacing the current finance ministry subsidies. His cabinets decision last week to reshuffle the management ranks of public broadcasters fueled sit-in protests by Law & Justice officials, who lost their governing majority in an October election. The premier, whose pro-European coalition took office two weeks ago, expressed disappointment in Dudas decision to veto a government spending plan that included public media subsidies. The move put on display the willingness of the head of state to confront Tusk over legislation, signaling that the prime minister will struggle to undertake bigger projects. My expectations and hopes regarding the presidents actions have diminished a lot recently, Tusk told reporters in Warsaw on Wednesday. Law & Justice has resisted because for the last eight years they got used to treating public media as their own property, he said. Story continues Dudas chief aide, Marcin Mastalerek, said on X that the liquidation move signaled that the cabinets Blitzkrieg reshuffle wasnt working and that it hasnt found any legal way to change managements of the public media. The mounting deadlock underscores the challenge the new administration will have in dismantling structures built up over two terms of nationalist rule. Tusks top priority is to unwind judicial reforms that the European Union requires for Warsaw to tap almost 60 billion ($66.4 billion) in suspended aid, which will be more difficult without Dudas support. The EUs top court has ruled that the Law & Justice-led government eroded rule-of-law standards by politicizing the judiciary. Media Plurality In a protest against the media shakeup made without a contested panel overseeing public broadcasters, lawmakers from Law & Justice have for days occupied the headquarters of PAP, the national news agency. Theyre also backing an alternative management board of public television, calling for media plurality. International monitors and human rights organizations have long criticized public media coverage during Law & Justices tenure, saying the news organizations effectively became mouthpieces of the former ruling party. The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights said while the changes were necessary, the overhaul path that Tusks cabinet took raises serious legal concerns. After calling Tusks media overhaul anarchy, Duda this week vetoed a government spending plan that sought to lift wages because it included a 3 billion-zloty ($765 million) subsidy for public broadcasters. The presidents then proposed his own bill, which also entails wage increases for teachers and other public-sector workers but without the media aid. Under Polish law, lawmakers, the government as well as the head of state can send draft bills to parliament. Speaker Szymon Holownia, a Tusk ally, said the lower house will stick to its schedule and hold its next session on Jan. 10-11, despite requests from the presidents staff to fast-track Dudas legislation. --With assistance from Piotr Bujnicki. (Updates with comment from presidential adviser in paragraph six.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Shutterstock.com George Kamel is a financial personality best known for co-hosting The Ramsey Show, created by Dave Ramsey. Kamel released a YouTube video on Dec. 11, 2023, outlining the types of money scams people should watch out for in 2024. This is timely advice, as the FTC reported an incredible $8.8 billion in scams in 2022, up 30% over the prior year. Experts: Make These 7 Money Resolutions If You Want To Become Rich on an Average Salary Find Out: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement One of the reasons scams are so successful is that criminals are experts at understanding human nature. What may seem like an obvious scam to one person could seem like the real deal to another. With that in mind, heres a look at the wide range of scams described by Kamel, along with his suggestions on how to protect yourself from falling prey to them. Sponsored: Open a new checking account and earn early paycheck access; up to 2 days early with Discover Cashback Debit with Early Pay Crypto Scams Scams involving cryptocurrency typically appeal to those who want to get rich quick or who fear missing out on the next big thing. This type of thinking can make you susceptible to websites or advertisements promising huge gains in this new currency. One of the most popular crypto scams involves fake websites that look like legitimate, well-known ones. Once you sign up for an account on the imitation site, the scammers will have your personal and financial information. Theyll also have control over any deposits you make. Im a Financial Advisor: Heres the No. 1 Piece of Advice I Would Give My Younger Self Student Loan Forgiveness Scams People are so desperate to get out from under their student loans these days that they may be more susceptible to forgiveness scams. Coupled with the constant talk in the press about various forgiveness programs implemented and suggested by the government, its the perfect cocktail for a scam. Just as with fake crypto websites, scammers have set up a number of imitation student loan forgiveness sites that ask you for vital information like your Social Security number and bank account. Be particularly wary of urgent emails or texts pushing you to apply now before a new forgiveness program runs out of money. Story continues Romance Scams Romance is another area in which human beings by their very nature can be susceptible to being scammed. Attractive, fake profiles are designed to steal your heart, and once youre caught, youre more likely to fall prey to requests for money. Online Purchase Scams Fake online storefronts, or fake ads on places like Facebook, are becoming more and more common. A current hot scam, according to Kamel, is the puppy scam. After seeing cute dogs for sale online at a good price, a fake seller asks for a credit card payment and says it was declined, leading them to ask for cash instead. Like a romance scam, if youve already fallen in love with a puppy, you might be more susceptible to this type of ploy. App Scams Criminals are notoriously good at making clever copies of popular apps. If you arent paying attention and download the wrong one, you might end up giving all your personal and banking info, or even money itself, directly to scammers. Job Scams Job scammers pose as real companies so they can get personal information and even money from eager applicants. While some may ask for phony job application fees upfront, others may even conduct legitimate-seeming phone interviews in which you have seemingly earned the job. The scam comes when the fake company then asks you for things like your bank information so it can set up direct deposit. How To Avoid Scams There are concrete steps you can take to actively reduce the chance that youll get scammed. Kamels favorite preventive actions are as follows: Change Your Passwords While acknowledging that its a pain, Kamel suggests you change your passwords every 90 days, especially for important accounts like email, social media and bank accounts. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication This makes hacking your accounts an extra step harder, which might be enough to deter scammers looking for an easy mark. Pay Close Attention to Your Emails Verify that the sender is legitimate and dont click on any links in your emails. Be especially wary of emails that ask for money, particularly via wire transfer, prepaid debit card, money order or gift card. If you feel like a communication may have come from a legitimate source, like your bank, go to a known webpage and get a valid phone number so that you can contact them directly. Dont Engage If youre upset at scam attempts, dont try to fight back by engaging with text messages or emails you receive. Just replying can verify with a scammer that your phone number or email address is legitimate, keeping you on their list as a potential target. Check Your Bank Account Daily This may sound like a pain, but it actually doesnt take a lot of time, particularly if you use a banking app. Simply open the app, login with your password or fingerprint and check if there is any unusual activity in your account. Taking 30 seconds per day can go a long way towards helping keep your accounts secure. Set Up Automatic Purchase Alerts Purchase alerts can notify you any time a transaction has been made in your bank or credit card account. By setting them up, youll know immediately if there is any fraudulent activity in your accounts. Trust Your Gut If something seems weird or somehow off to you, it probably is. Dont be tricked by suspicious texts or emails if they seem too good to be true. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Ramsey Show Co-Host George Kamel: Money Scams To Watch Out For in 2024 If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an eye out for. Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing base of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. Looking at Quartix Technologies (LON:QTX), it does have a high ROCE right now, but lets see how returns are trending. What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)? For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. The formula for this calculation on Quartix Technologies is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.26 = UK5.4m (UK29m - UK8.2m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023). Thus, Quartix Technologies has an ROCE of 26%. That's a fantastic return and not only that, it outpaces the average of 9.3% earned by companies in a similar industry. Check out our latest analysis for Quartix Technologies AIM:QTX Return on Capital Employed December 27th 2023 Above you can see how the current ROCE for Quartix Technologies compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for Quartix Technologies. The Trend Of ROCE On the surface, the trend of ROCE at Quartix Technologies doesn't inspire confidence. While it's comforting that the ROCE is high, five years ago it was 45%. On the other hand, the company has been employing more capital without a corresponding improvement in sales in the last year, which could suggest these investments are longer term plays. It may take some time before the company starts to see any change in earnings from these investments. Our Take On Quartix Technologies' ROCE In summary, Quartix Technologies is reinvesting funds back into the business for growth but unfortunately it looks like sales haven't increased much just yet. And investors appear hesitant that the trends will pick up because the stock has fallen 36% in the last five years. In any case, the stock doesn't have these traits of a multi-bagger discussed above, so if that's what you're looking for, we think you'd have more luck elsewhere. Story continues One final note, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Quartix Technologies (including 1 which shouldn't be ignored) . 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. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 Folks love rankings. (Business schools, not so much unless they do well in them.) The evidence: Of the 16 most-read Poets&Quants stories in 2023, half are rankings or lists that serve the same function. That includes our own ranking, released this month, our coverage of the U.S. News, Financial Times, and Bloomberg Businessweek rankings, and a story about how ChatGPT would rank the top B-schools. Folks love rankings, but they love scandals even more, and two of the three stories by P&Q that drew the most eyeballs and raised the most eyebrows were about one of the biggest controversies of the year: the suspension of Harvard Business School professor Francesca Gino. HBS Dean Srikant Datars handing of the allegations of Ginos misconduct, including a review of her tenure, reported on first by Poets&Quants, was our single biggest story of the year, drawing more than a quarter million pageviews; put together, the two stories on this list (just two among many we wrote this year) account for more than 420,000. Other popular 2023 stories include some of the usual suspects: trend stories on how to get into B-school (Acceptance Rates & Yield at the Top 50 U.S. B-Schools) and what MBAs make after they graduate (a pair of stories on MBA salaries and bonuses at the leading schools). Another very popular piece in the tradition of past features: Our story on Jay Bhandari, who got into Harvard, Wharton and Stanford and who gave a very in-depth description of the process he followed to accomplish the feat. Enjoy these stories, if you havent already, listed here in the order of their popularity and check out their counterparts, P&Qs Most Overlooked Stories, as well. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar Seven tenured professors at Harvard Business School, remaining anonymous out of fear of retaliation by Dean Srikant Datar, say his handling of the Francesca Gino case has rocked their confidence in the schools leadership. Story continues In a letter published in The Harvard Crimson, the professors accuse Dean Datar of violating the schools norms of policy development by pushing through a new process to deal with professors accused of research misconduct without the knowledge or collaboration with the faculty. In fact, according to the professors, the new policy was in place for two years before ever being mentioned to faculty. It is another extraordinary development in a widening controversy over accusations that Gino, an award-winning behavioral scientist at Harvard Business School, has been accused of fabricating data in at least four published research papers, and possibly many more. After a three-person investigation committee found her guilty of research misconduct, Dean Datar placed Gino on unpaid administrative leave, taken away all her benefits, including healthcare, banned her from campus and Harvards publishing platforms, and began the unusual process of stripping her of tenure. The controversy has led to widespread media coverage, including The New York Times and The New Yorker, and a $25 million lawsuit against Dean Datar, the university, and the authors of a blog, Data Colada, that first raised the accusations. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 Every MBB firm is elite. McKinsey, Bain, and the Boston Consulting Group you cant go wrong with any of them. Their lavish pay and benefits enable them to attract top talent. And their deep connections and all-around expertise cover every industry. At an MBB firm, consultants arent just mastering the best practices, theyre creating them. That doesnt mean you wont find differences among the Big Three. Be it culture, perks, or training, each firm sets different priorities. When it comes to the big picture, Bain & Company stands apart again. For the third consecutive year, Bain & Company ranked as the #1 consulting firm in the world according to the Vault Consulting 50 from Firsthand regarded as the gold standard for evaluating consulting firms. In a survey of 16,000 practicing consultants across North America, Bainies were bullish on their Compensation, Culture, and Long-Term Outlook. On top of that, Bain posted the second-highest employee satisfaction rate too. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 Francesca Gino If Harvard Business School is successful in stripping Professor Francesca Gino of tenure, it could be the very first time any faculty member at Harvard University has lost the lifetime protection tenure offers a faculty member. Harvards Office of the President notified Gino that it had begun the process of reviewing her tenure on July 28 over allegations of research misconduct, nine years to the month in which she was promoted to a full professor and granted tenure by Harvard Business School on July 1 of 2014. HBS Dean Srikant Datar had already put Gino on an unpaid administrative leave, banned her from campus, revoked her named professorship, and prevented the professor from publishing on Harvard Business School platforms. Ginos lawyers, who filed a $25 million lawsuit against Harvard, HBS Dean Datar and the authors of the Data Colada blog that initially alleged data fraud in her research, confirmed that the process had begun. If Gino loses tenure, it would likely be the first time Harvard University has forcibly stripped a tenured faculty members position since the 1940s, when the American Association of University Professors formalized tenure rules. Tenured faculty have long been considered invincible. More often than not, professors who are under pressure from a university administration voluntarily surrender their tenure or simply retire. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 Poets&Quants 10 Business Schools To Watch honors the MBA programs that arent just adapting to the marketplace theyre disrupting it. These schools have closely monitored trends, recognized ripples, and tailored programming that makes employers more competitive and graduates more agile. In the process, theyve acted as roadmaps as much as inspirations. Now entering its eighth year, the feature showcases schools that act like real businesses. Understanding that complacency represents their biggest threat, the Business Schools To Watch are always looking to do more and be more. They embrace their competencies and leverage their assets and they invest to maximize their impact. Take the Wharton School. This year, the program is bringing an Ivy League Executive MBA to the masses online, the first M7 program to attempt this feat. By the same token, Georgetown Universitys McDonough School has laid out an ambitious five-year plan predicated on sustainability, global business, and mentorship that taps into its Jesuit DNA. In addition, Northeastern Universitys DAmore-McKim School of Business has pioneered employer partnerships that enable students to gain practical experience that stands out. What do the 10 Business Schools To Watch in 2023 have in common? For one, they charged ahead, unafraid of risk or criticism; they never let their creations get swallowed by bureaucracy or diluted by compromises. Theyve mined whats important to students to harness the spirit of our age. Most of all, theyve carved out an advantage, created an identity, and charted a course that set them apart. Along the way, theyve captured their peers attention and become the programs that everyone is watching. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 They call it the grind. The long hours and heavy workloads. Always on: rapid response and nonstop vigilance head down and obedient. Bankers are the masters of appearances, Amid changing conditions and mounting demands, they operate with calm and certainty. They roll up their sleeves and cover every angle, boiling it all down to a 10-page pitchbook. And they carry their loves lost, vacations missed, and weekends worked as their badges of honor. Maybe thats how banking used to be the playground for technical wizards and wheeler-dealers, the overworked and overstimulated overlords who live to max their year-end. These days, bankers associates and directors alike are pushing back against this life. Forget money, they crave time and freedom. They seek a more balanced and relaxed approach, one where every client doesnt call for all-hands-on-deck urgency. And the best banks are heeding this call according to the newly-released Vault Banking 25 ranking from Firsthand. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 Its long been known that business schools have a love/hate relationship with MBA rankings. When they go up, youll find little complaint. But when they go down, the knives come out. Well, there will be plenty to love and much to hate in the 2023-2024 composite ranking from Poets&Quants. Few would likely disagree with Stanfords re-emergence at the top of the list for having the best full-time, residential MBA program in the U.S. After all, Stanford Graduate School of Business has rightly claimed that title five times in the 14 years of the ranking, including four of the last five. And few would likely argue with the No. 2 ranking for Harvard Business School, which has topped our list for seven of the 14 years. But then the surprises come fast and furious. Dartmouths Tuck School of Business has its best showing, securing third place, while No. 4 Columbia Business School and No. 5 Yale School of Management also have their best showings ever in this ranking. Rounding out the Top Ten are No. 6 Duke Universitys Fuqua School of Business, No. 7 Cornell Universitys Johnson Graduate School of Business, No. 8 UVAs Darden School of Business, No. 9 Michigans Ross School of Business, and No. 10 New York Universitys Stern School of Business. The higher-than-expected ranks for these schools is a testament to their outstanding quality, often diminished in many traditional rankings. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 In a year in which U.S. News has revamped the way it ranks MBA programs, the fearsome threesome widely considered the best business schools in the world find themselves mere also-rans. According to U.S. News 2023-2024 MBA ranking, Stanford Graduate School of Business now ranks sixth in a tie with Dartmouth Tuck; Harvard Business School continues to languish in fifth place for the third consecutive year, while Wharton slips to the third position from first behind both No. 1 Chicago Booth and No. 2 Northwestern Kellogg. The big news at the top of the new U.S. News ranking, however, is the upward movement of Dartmouth Colleges Tuck School of Business. The school jumped five places to sixth, up from 11th a year ago, largely the result of U.S. News decision to increase the emphasis on outcome measures and to reduce the weight it places on reputation. Notable changes among the top schools include the falling out of the Top Ten by both Columbia Business School and UC-Berkeley Haas. MBA programs at both of those schools fell by three places to rank 11th. Meantime, the University of Southern Californias Marshall School and Emory Universitys Goizueta Business School both climbed four spots to rank 15th and 17th, respectively. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 For the very first time in a quarter of a century of rankings, Columbia Business School has captured first place in the Financial Times Global MBA ranking. But the biggest bombshell in the new 2023 ranking is the complete disappearance of The Wharton School, which claimed top honors last year. Its the most glaring of many surprises on FT ranking which is celebrating its 25th iteration since launching in 1999. The Financial Times tossed Wharton out of its ranking after it failed to reach the minimum threshold of responses to its alumni survey. While other MBA programs have suffered a similar fate over the years, that has never happened to as prominent an MBA program as Wharton, particularly because the FTs survey requirement is a low bar to overcome for a school with ample resources to track and keep in touch with its alums. Whartons absence is an embarrassment for both the school and the Financial Times, particularly for a school that has won more No. 1 places on the FT lists than any other business school (see below table). Whartons MBA program has topped this list 11 out of the 25 times it has been published. Whartons inability to generate enough responses is a sign of the lingering resentment and anger among alumni who believe the school poorly managed the pandemic. Yet, there are plenty of other surprises on the list. Only four of the M7 business schools made the Top Ten: Columbia in first, Stanford and Harvard tied in fourth place, while Northwestern Kellogg took ninth. INSEAD lands in second, while IESE Business School in Spain takes third place just ahead of both HBS and the GSB. Italys SDA Bocconi, UC-Berkeley Haas and Cornell Universitys Johnson Graduate School of Business all make notable jumps into the Top Ten. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 Jay Bhandari applied to three of the worlds most elite business schools, Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, in round 1 of the 2022-2023 cycle. Between them, they are among the most selective B-schools in the world, with acceptance rates between 8% and 23%. Bhandari got into all three. How did he do it? Was there something he did that can be emulated by another applicant? Can his success be copied? Poets&Quants sat down with Bhandari to get the answers to help anyone thinking about applying to business school this fall. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 In spring 2022, Poets&Quants reported that the window of opportunity to get into a reach business school in the United States had narrowed dramatically. Applications were up, acceptance rates were down, and yield the percentage of admits who actually enroll was on the rise across the board, all of which suggested that the leading MBA programs had fully recovered from the coronavirus pandemic and were returning to their normal, highly selective selves. That was an assessment based on 2021 data. With 2022 data available in spring 2023 with the release of the U.S. News MBA ranking, its clear that declarations of the window closing were a bit premature. At the elite B-schools of the top 50 U.S. MBA programs as ranked by Poets&Quants, acceptance rates have climbed back up, meaning more applicants are gaining admission even as class sizes have shrunk (in some cases severely). These elite schools (including all of the M7 schools), where applications plummeted in the 2021-2022 cycle, responded by admitting significantly more applicants (and watching their yield slip as more of those applicants enjoyed the luxury of choosing other schools). Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 If you ever doubted the ROI of an MBA, 2022 should dispel them though after 2021, youd be forgiven for having those doubts. Starting salaries for MBAs graduating from the top 30 business schools flat-lined between 2020, the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, and 2021. But a year later, salaries and signing bonuses are looking robust, with new school records aplenty, whether those B-schools measure in averages or medians. In 2020, the average starting salary at 18 schools that reported means was $135,874; a year later, that number had actually declined by 0.6% to $135,098. Not good! But in 2022, the average at 17 schools minus Dartmouth Colleges Tuck School of Business, which switched last year to reporting medians was $147,648, up $12,550 or 9.3%. Indeed, the MBA had made a dramatic comeback. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 U.S. college enrollment numbers are finally rising after years of decline, though the number of first-year students is still down overall since the Covid-19 pandemic. But by one key measure, higher education in the U.S. is thriving: It is still the preferred destination of a huge and growing population of young people around the world who hope to climb the socioeconomic ladder to a better life. U.S. State Department data show that U.S. colleges have largely rebounded from the Covid enrollment slump: In the first nine months of 2023, the U.S. issued over 372,000 F-1 student visas, compared with 335,000 for the same period of 2022. Thats 11% growth. According to Sasha Ramani, chief strategist at MPOWER Financing, a leading international student loan lender, the U.S. is on track to issue over 460,000 visas during 2023. The story in American higher education is empty seats in classrooms, Ramani tells Poets&Quants. There are fewer American students in their late teens and twenties who are at university-going age. Theres actually a lot of room to fill those seats with international students, since we also need to fill jobs in healthcare, high-tech, manufacturing the growth areas in the American labor force. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 Who is Tyler Kelley? Thats tough to pin down in a few words. A first-generation student who grew up in a low-income home headed by a single parent? Thats where he started. The student president of the University of Virginias Darden School wholl be joining McKinsey & Company after graduation? Thats where he is now. In between, Kelley was named the Outstanding Male Leader for Bloomington, Indiana, and won the heart of the eventual first runner-up for Mrs. America. Come May, Kelley can add another feat to the list: Darden MBA (to go along with his MEd in Education Innovation). Kelley describes himself as a storyteller who seeks to build bridges and empower others an example of someone who pushed past [the] odds. More than that, Kelley is a Renaissance Man who embraces leadership and pursues service. In the process, he has fostered an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, valued, and supported. This track record of elevating talent and building consensus makes Kelley a force among the Class of 2023. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 How would ChatGPT rank business schools? And how accurate would a list of full-time MBA programs actually be from the AI chatbot? To put it to the test, we asked the former question to get at the latter query. The result? Naming the top MBA programs was too complex a task for ChatGPT-4. Though the artificial intelligence program that is all the talk of the technosphere generated a list of reputable programs, the rankings were contextually vague and inconsistently founded upon further interrogation. Some information the AI chatbot identified as its ranking evidence was plainly false. ChatGPT also changed ranking placements in different answers with no real sense of justification, but one always remained first. By and large, ChatGPTs ranking is more a reflection of a business schools longstanding reputation, rather than a revealing list that uncovers MBA programs that are more likely to slip through the cracks. ChatGPT named Harvard Business School the best program in the world. But while HBS is undoubtedly a world-class school, it has been languishing in the rankings lately, generally situated somewhere in the top five but not No. 1 in any reputable list since 2020. Harvard has ranked fifth in Poet&Quants aggregate ranking the last two years; in 2023, The Financial Times named HBS MBA program the third best, while U.S. News & World Report ranked it fifth in 2022; the latters 2023 ranking is due in mid-April. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 For the fifth straight year, Stanford Graduate School of Business came out on top of the 2023 Bloomberg Businessweek MBA ranking published today (Sept. 13). But the more surprising news on this years list is the continued rankings slump for Harvard Business School and the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School, widely regarded as the two other business schools that form the triumvirate at the top of the business education pecking order. Harvard sunk to sixth place, falling four spots from last year, while Wharton slid to eighth, losing one notch from its seventh-place ranking a year earlier. It is HBS lowest ranking from Businessweek since 2014 when the schools MBA program ranked eighth. The last time Harvard Business School took first place was in 2017. This years position for Wharton was its worst since 2021 when Whartons MBA program was ranked ninth by Businessweek. With the two powerhouse MBA programs failing to make the Top Five, several other highly prominent business schools gladly took their place. Rounding out the Top Five was No. 2 Chicago Booth, tied in third are Dartmouth Tuck and UVA Darden, and No. 5 Columbia Business School. Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School placed seventh, slipping three positions, while the University of Michigans Ross School of Business was ninth and MIT Sloan finished tenth. Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 If you stare long enough at columns of MBA salary figures, the numbers start to run together, becoming a blur. Its a form of semantic satiation where even as you search for trends and distinctions, the data become a meaningless blob of numbers, and your mind zones out. Fortunately, theres a cure. Nothing breaks the spell faster than a juicy seven-figure number. In the mountain of salary and bonus stats released in conjunction with U.S. News annual ranking, two graduates of Harvard Business Schools MBA Class of 2022 earn special notice. Even as HBS took the prize for highest MBA salary for a U.S. citizen, a cool $550,000, one of Harvards international MBAs nearly doubled up his classmate, reporting a $1 million starting salary at a finance/accounting job based in the U.S. Northeast. Both of these HBS grads salaries dwarf the highest salaries reported in 2021. $1 million is a special number, a pinnacle rarely reached but always dreamed of by elite MBA students, and its no surprise to see someone from Harvard reach it. Yet Harvard did not corner the market on flashy numbers in 2022. Six schools reported high U.S. salaries of $300K or more, and four reported the same for foreign graduates. Bonuses of the eyebrow-raising variety were abundant as well. One international student at Hawaii Manoa Shidler College of Business a school with 14 total students in its latest MBA class reported a $200K sign-on bonus, and a graduate at Michigan State Broad College of Business reported a bonus of $107K. The latter student was, again, a non-U.S. citizen. The standard measure of success for business schools is how well they place their MBAs three months after graduation: how many get job offers, and how many accept them. This fall, at school after school, placement rates are down: At Yale School of Management, by more than 4 percentage points in both offers and acceptances; at Chicago Booth School of Business, by a couple of points in each measure; and at Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business, by 2 points in each. Offers and acceptances were likewise down at Michigan Ross School of Business, Duke Fuqua School of Business, Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, and every other top B-school to release employment data so far.Nowhere were they down by more than Harvard Business School. Harvard on Wednesday (November 29) published Class of 2023 employment data showing that 86% of this year's grads received job offers 90 days after graduation, down from 95% one year ago, and 80% accepted, down 10 percentage points from last year's 90%.Thats one in five Harvard MBAs unemployed three months after graduating as strong a sign of a tough jobs market as youll find anywhere."This years slow hiring market created unique dynamics as students with deferred start dates sought gap employment or alternative full-time roles," Kristin Fitzpatrick, HBS's managing director of MBA Career & Professional Development, tells Poets&Quants, "and more students than usual pursued post-grad internships, some of which have since converted to full-time roles." DON'T MISS OUR BUSINESS CASUAL PODCAST DISCUSSION OF THE YEAR'S TOP TRENDS & STORIES IN BUSINESS EDUCATION The post Year in Review: Poets&Quants Most Popular Stories Of 2023 appeared first on Poets&Quants. Chartwell Investment Partners, LLC, an affiliate of Carillon Tower Advisers, Inc., released the Carillon Chartwell Small Cap Value Fund third quarter 2023 investor letter. A copy of the same can be downloaded here. Information technology and industrials were the top-performing sectors in the Carillon Chartwell Small Cap Growth Fund, with alpha production coming from well-chosen stocks. In contrast, poor stock selection hindered the materials sector's performance. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2023. Carillon Chartwell Small Cap Value Fund highlighted stocks like Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) in the third quarter 2023 investor letter. Headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) provides thermal management products and solutions. On December 26, 2023, Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) stock closed at $60.45 per share. One-month return of Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) was 20.23%, and its shares gained 209.21% of their value over the last 52 weeks. Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) has a market capitalization of $3.158 billion. Carillon Chartwell Small Cap Value Fund made the following comment about Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) in its Q3 2023 investor letter: "Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) was another strong performer. Modines performance technologies segment is experiencing high demand as it provides thermal solutions for electronic vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicle manufacturers. The company also has focused on growth opportunities in the data-center market, selling data center cooling solutions needed for energy intensive artificial intelligence (AI) projects." An engineer examining an electric vehicle design in a lab, showing the company's innovative battery systems. Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 30 hedge fund portfolios held Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) at the end of third quarter which was 21 in the previous quarter. Story continues We discussed Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD) in another article and shared the list of most undervalued auto stocks to buy according to hedge funds. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q3 2023 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Group of people drinking champagne together It's hard to believe, but we're just days away from 2024 and all the major retirement rule changes that come with it. This includes several important Social Security tweaks for workers and beneficiaries alike. Here's a look at five of them and how they could affect you. 1. Benefits are climbing Social Security beneficiaries will see their January Social Security checks climb by 3.2% thanks to the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This will give the average retired worker $1,907 per month in 2024, up from $1,848 per month in 2023. Those receiving survivors or spousal benefits will also see their benefits increase. Image source: Getty Images. 2. Workers can earn more before running into the earnings test The Social Security earnings test withholds money from your checks if you're claiming while under your full retirement age (FRA) and you earn more than a certain amount of money each year. In 2023, you lose $1 for every $2 you earn over $21,240 if you're under your FRA all year. And you lose $1 for every $3 you earn over $56,520 if you reach your FRA this year and hit this amount before your birthday. In 2024, these thresholds rise to $22,320 and $59,520, respectively. But don't sweat it too much if you think you'll run into the earnings test. Once you reach your FRA, the government will give your checks a boost to account for the money it withheld previously. 3. More income is subject to Social Security taxes In 2023, the government only taxes the first $160,200 you earn each year. This will climb to $168,600 in 2024. But you probably won't notice a difference. If you're earning less than $160,200, you're already paying Social Security taxes on all your income, and that won't change in 2024. 4. Eligibility requirements are getting a little steeper You must have at least 40 work credits to claim Social Security retirement benefits on your own work record. The definition of a credit varies by year. In 2023, you earn one credit for every $1,640 you make, up to a maximum of four credits. This will rise to $1,730 per credit in 2024. However, if you've already worked for at least 10 years, you've locked in your eligibility, so you don't have to worry about this. Story continues 5. The maximum benefit is rising The maximum Social Security benefit is also climbing next year from an already-impressive $4,555 per month to $4,873 per month. However, most seniors won't qualify for this. To do this, you must pay the maximum amount of Social Security taxes for at least 35 years, and then you have to delay benefits until 70 when you qualify for your largest possible checks. For most people, it's just not doable. These changes may not all affect you right now, but it doesn't hurt to keep them in the back of your mind. Changes happen nearly every year, and some of them may become relevant to you in the future. The $21,756 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $21,756 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. New Year, New Rules: 5 Major Social Security Changes for 2024 was originally published by The Motley Fool (Bloomberg) -- Russia has sufficient budget funds to pay for its war in Ukraine, according to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. Most Read from Bloomberg The Finance Ministry provided all the funds required for the main tasks of the military, Siluanov told reporters in a briefing Wednesday. All the needs of our armed forces for their tasks in the special military operation are provided with money. Russia plans a massive increase in defense spending in 2024, to 10.8 trillion rubles ($112 billion) from 6.4 trillion rubles this year, overtaking outlays on social support even as President Vladimir Putin prepares to run for a fifth term in elections in March. Higher than expected proceeds to Russias budget from non oil and gas sectors in 2023 allowed the government to spend more than was planned, according to Siluanov. Thats even as international sanctions including a price cap on oil sales were meant to drain the states coffers and increase pressure on the economy. Russias overall budget spending exceeded the target by more than 3 trillion rubles at 32.2 trillion rubles, Siluanov said. While meeting the armys needs in the war, the government didnt cut spending on infrastructure, investment, and social services, he said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. 2023 is the highest-ever passenger traffic witnessed in the kingdoms aviation history, with 101 million passengers carried until November of the year, according to General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). This was revealed at the quarterly Saudi Aviation Strategy Steering Committee meeting in Jeddah by GACA after reviewing its major milestones and achievements during 2023. Hosted by Saudia Technic, Saudi Aviation Strategy Steering Committee meeting was attended by Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Dr Rumaih Al-Rumaih, and chaired by Abdulaziz Al-Duailej the GACA President, and top aviation sector leaders. The 2023 passenger traffic surpassed the 2019 record of 99 million passengers. GACA also announced that Saudi Arabia is now connected to 149 destinations globally, a 41% increase on 2019. These results are in keeping with the kingdoms global connectivity, featuring high on the International Air Transport Associations 2023 Air Connectivity Index. Minister Al-Jasser said: Saudi Arabia is leading globally through aviation, achieving the highest increase in connectivity out of any country and outperforming global aviation growth rates. The aviation sector is making a significant contribution to the Kingdoms National Transport and Logistics Strategy, connecting Saudi Arabia to the world in support of Vision 2030. Al Duailej said: 2023 has been a record-breaking year for Saudi aviation with the kingdom carrying more passengers and connecting with more destinations than ever before. This transformation is being led through the Saudi Aviation Strategy, targeting 330 million passengers, connectivity with 250 destinations, and a cargo capacity of 4.5 million tons by 2030. The achievements are a testament to the work of the entire aviation sector and to the alignment achieved through the steering committee. The steering committee also reviewed achievements related to airline, cargo, and logistics sector milestones of 2023. Airport achievements included the launch of Riyadhs King Salman International Airport Masterplan, the Abha International Airport Masterplan, the opening of Red Sea International Airport, the granting of a commercial licence to Riyadh Air and more than 150 aircraft ordered by national airlines. Cargo and logistics achievements included further investment secured in the Riyadh Integrated Logistics Zone, following the zones opening in 2022. In October, GACA implemented the largest aviation economic reforms since Vision 2030 and strengthened rights protections in November to support passengers affected by travel disruptions and delays. The Kingdom also hosted the largest-ever International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) civil aviation negotiation conference (ICAN 2023) in December and opened Airports Council Internationals Middle East-Asia Pacific Regional Office in Riyadh earlier in the year. TradeArabia News Service Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Canadian Premium Sand Inc. (CVE:CPS), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders. While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. See our latest analysis for Canadian Premium Sand The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Canadian Premium Sand Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Vice President of Corporate Development Anshul Vishal for CA$66k worth of shares, at about CA$0.56 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of CA$0.30. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels. In the last twelve months Canadian Premium Sand insiders were buying shares, but not selling. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! TSXV:CPS Insider Trading Volume December 27th 2023 There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Insiders At Canadian Premium Sand Have Bought Stock Recently Over the last three months, we've seen a bit of insider buying at Canadian Premium Sand. President Glenn Leroux purchased CA$24k worth of shares in that period. We like it when there are only buyers, and no sellers. But the amount invested in the last three months isn't enough for us too put much weight on it, as a single factor. Story continues Does Canadian Premium Sand 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. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 6.8% of Canadian Premium Sand shares, worth about CA$1.7m, according to our data. Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings. What Might The Insider Transactions At Canadian Premium Sand Tell Us? Insider purchases may have been minimal, in the last three months, but there was no selling at all. Overall the buying isn't worth writing home about. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. The transactions are fine but it'd be more encouraging if Canadian Premium Sand insiders bought more shares in the company. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Canadian Premium Sand. To that end, you should learn about the 5 warning signs we've spotted with Canadian Premium Sand (including 3 which make us uncomfortable). Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies. 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. Key Insights Significantly high institutional ownership implies Sherwin-Williams' stock price is sensitive to their trading actions 50% of the business is held by the top 24 shareholders Insiders have bought recently To get a sense of who is truly in control of The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 78% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk). Given the vast amount of money and research capacities at their disposal, institutional ownership tends to carry a lot of weight, especially with individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait. Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Sherwin-Williams, beginning with the chart below. View our latest analysis for Sherwin-Williams What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Sherwin-Williams? Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing. Sherwin-Williams already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Sherwin-Williams' historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. Story continues Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Sherwin-Williams. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 8.3% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 7.7% and 6.5%, of the shares outstanding, respectively. Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 50% of the ownership is controlled by the top 24 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership. While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily. Insider Ownership Of Sherwin-Williams The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of The Sherwin-Williams Company. As it is a large company, we'd only expect insiders to own a small percentage of it. But it's worth noting that they own US$221m worth of shares. In this sort of situation, it can be more interesting to see if those insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 14% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Sherwin-Williams better, we need to consider many other factors. Be aware that Sherwin-Williams is showing 1 warning sign in our investment analysis , you should know about... Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. (Bloomberg) -- Most Read from Bloomberg Shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd AG said it will keep its vessels away from the Red Sea even after the launch of a US-led taskforce to protect the key trade route from militant attacks. The container liner said it will continue to reroute its vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, a detour of several thousand miles. It follows a spate of attacks on merchant ships by Yemeni rebels acting in support of the Palestinians on a route that handles about 12% of global trade. Read more: Houthi Attacks and US Strikes Heighten Risk of Wider Mideast War The incidents have struck everything from oil tankers to container vessels, pushing shipowners to avoid the route. That means delays and extra costs that could ultimately hit consumers. Spot rates for container shipping have jumped 26% over the past four weeks and are likely to remain in a heightened state as long as voyages continue to be diverted, according to a Bloomberg Intelligence research note on Wednesday. Oil prices have risen since the attacks stepped up, though traders are still not pricing in major disruptions. The US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian got underway last week with the aim of containing a threat to global trade thats been triggered by the war between Israel and Hamas. Yemen-based militants say they are acting in support of the Palestinians and initially were targeting ships with Israeli links. But US officials and their allies in the region are wary of causing an escalation in the conflict by too heavy-handed a response. Theres been little sign of a let-up in attacks in recent days, and a container ship known as the MSC United VIII was hit on Tuesday. Story continues For some companies, the taskforce has provided reassurance. A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, the worlds second-largest container line, said on Wednesday it is preparing to resume shipping through the Red Sea, and will deviate from the policy only on a case-by-case basis. Still, the overall risk in the area is not eliminated completely, spokesperson Adhish Alawani said in emailed comments. Maersk will not hesitate to re-evaluate the situation and once again initiate diversion plans if we deem it necessary for the safety of our seafarers. Another liner, CMA CGM, also said on Tuesday it was devising plans to gradually increase the number of ships it sends through the Suez Canal. Some vessels have been considering transiting the Red Sea at night in order to avoid drone attacks. Advice given to shipping at the start of Operation Prosperity Guardian said that drones have generally been active during daylight hours, and it may be harder for seaborne attacks to hit vessels at night. (Adds comment from Maersk) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. eric1513 / Getty Images Artificial intelligence will likely have a major impact on the Social Security system in coming years but not necessarily for good reasons. The most significant near-term impact is that AI might make it easier for criminals to commit fraud against beneficiaries, according to Social Security Administration officials. Earlier this year, SSA Inspector General Gail Ennis sent a memo to Acting SSA Commissioner Dr. Kilolo Kijakazi warning that criminals will use AI to make fraudulent schemes easier and faster to execute. Read: 8 Ways Baby Boomers Become Poor in Retirement Learn: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement While the agency gets its arms around that threat, other uses of AI for Social Security have been put on the back burner. However, you can expect that the SSA at some point will take a hard look at how AI can improve the program, as theres a lot that needs improving. The main area of potential improvement is customer service, which has reached a point of crisis due to underfunding and understaffing, according to a press release issued earlier this year from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), a labor union that represents 750,000 federal and D.C. government workers. As previously reported by GOBankingRates, the AFGE noted that over the last decade, the number of Social Security beneficiaries has increased by 25% while the SSAs operating budgets have decreased. Hiring has fallen by half in recent years, contributing to a shortage of workers that put SSA staffing levels at a 25-year low at the end of fiscal year 2022. The role AI ultimately plays in correcting these and other SSA problems has yet to be determined. In October, President Joe Biden issued an executive order on AI citing government benefits programs as an area where the technology could be helpful. However, the main focus now is on U.S. Department of Agriculture programs such as food stamps, formally known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Story continues But regardless of the government agency, AI has the potential to help fix operational problems if it is implemented correctly. Here are three ways AI could improve Social Security. Customer Service This is a major issue that the SSA needs to fix, and AI has been used in many other applications to improve customer service through AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots. As Forbes noted, these tools have streamlined and improved support by providing instant answers to customer queries, 24/7. Using virtual assistants can also address the staffing shortages at the SSA. Data Entry and Analysis In 2023, an average of nearly 67 million Americans per month received a Social Security benefit, according to the SSA, totaling about $1.4 trillion in benefits paid. Thats a whole lot of data to keep up with and every year millions more Americans apply for Social Security benefits. As evidenced by the SSAs overpayment scandal, getting data wrong can have far-reaching consequences. Many government entities still rely on manual data entry or verification, according to a blog on the V7 Labs website. V7 cited a Governing magazine report which found that more than half (53%) of local government officials cant complete their work on time due to low operational efficiencies such as manual paperwork, data collection, and reporting. The SSA could use AI to help streamline the data process, freeing up more time and resources to focus on other things. Security AI is considered a major threat to Social Security in terms of fraud and cybercrime, which means AI could also be the best defense against those threats. As V7 noted, government organizations can use AI to do the following: Monitor unusual network activity and entry points. Identify potential data vulnerabilities and fortify access restrictions to critical data. Improve the accuracy of intrusion detection systems. Simulate cyberattacks in controlled environments to identify system vulnerabilities. Automate system patching and security updates. Retirement Savings: I Lost $400K in a Roth IRA Whether (and when) these types of initiatives are put to practical use is unknown, though the rise of AI in all aspects of society makes it almost inevitable that the SSA will incorporate AI in the not-too-distant future. The challenge now is determining where AI can make the most immediate positive impact and then training staff on how best to implement AI strategies, experts say. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Social Security: 3 Ways AI Could Improve This Outdated System Suntree financial planner Moisand honored by Investment News Suntree certified financial planner Dan Moisand has been named to the 2023 Hot List by Investment News, which honors the top movers and shakers in wealth management." Dan Moisand The winners were nominated by wealth professionals across the country, and narrowed down to the top 100, based on their contributions that have helped shape the industry. Moisand, a FLORIDA TODAY columnist, served as 2023 chairman of the board of directors of CFP Board, the body that confers and administers the Certified Financial Planner and CFP credentials for the more than 98,000 CFP professionals in the United States. During his tenure, CFP Board reorganized its corporate structure; instituted a formal call for planners to provide pro-bono service; and began a comprehensive review of both the credentials competency standards and disciplinary processes. He spoke at events throughout country and as far away as Singapore. His three decades of advocacy for stronger investor protections resulted to an invitation to the White House for an announcement by the president of new investor protection rules. In addition, Forbes named Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo LLC to its 2023 list of the 250 Top Registered Investment Advisor firms in America. Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo serves financial planning and wealth management clients as a Registered Investment Advisor that works only for clients directly, never sells products, and is 100 percent locally owned and independent. More: Lloyd named VP of aerospace/defense at BRPH architecture, engineering, construction firm Rockledge Regional Medical Center maternity care program recognized Rockledge Regional Medical Center has been named by U.S. News & World Report to its 2023-2024 Best Hospitals as a high-performing hospital for maternity care. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions Ratings. Dr. Jamie Burrows The annual Procedures & Conditions Ratings are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. Story continues We are honored to receive this distinction, said Dr. Jamie Burrows, chair of the Obstetrics-Gynecology Department. Our team works incredibly hard to provide high-quality health care to our community, and we are proud to be recognized for that hard work. U.S. News evaluated hospitals from across the nation that provide labor and delivery services, and submitted detailed data to the publication for analysis. There were 680 hospitals, an all-time high, participating in this years U.S. News survey. Hospitals that receive a high-performing designation as part of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care meet a high standard in caring for parents with uncomplicated pregnancies, said Jennifer Winston, health data scientist at U.S. News. These hospitals have C-section rates that are 26% lower and newborn complication rates that are 37% lower than unrecognized hospitals that participated in the survey. Parents-to-be can research their local hospitals performance metrics for free at health.usnews.com to help them choose where to have their baby. The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures. Edwards named sector human resources director at L3Harris Erica Edwards recently was named human resources director at L3Harris Technologies Space & Airborne Systems Mission Networks sector. Erica Edwards Edwards joined the company in 2014 as a human resources business partner, then moved into labor relations. She is a graduate of Florida State University, with a bachelors in English literature and and political science; and the Florida Institute of Technology, where she received her masters degree in management - human resources. If you have a Business Newsmakers item you'd like to publish, please email details to Wayne T. Price at wtpkansas@yahoo.com or contact him at 321-223-0230. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Investment News honors Suntree financial planner Moisand The city of Turin, consolidating the bond with the territory, increasingly improves the representation of Langhe and the international involvement at the event. 300 wineries ready to showcase new vintages of Langhe DOCGs and DOCs also to Chinese trade operators, as part of the project "Top Tales: a piece of Europe on your table" MILAN, Dec. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Grandi Langhe 2024 is now in its 8th edition and is preparing to welcome wine professionals to Turin on Monday, January 29 and Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Top Tales Barolo Barbaresco 2024 Solid presence of international operators, including, a group of 20 buyers from China and Hong Kong, rounding out the activities launched in September 2023 for China as part of the European campaign "Top Tales: A piece of Europe on your table" whose Barolo Barbaresco World Opening is part of. In addition to participating in Grandi Langhe activities, the buyers will take part in various educational events on the territory, guided vineyard tours, a cooking class, and a Wine Academy alongside buyers from other countries. Professionals from China will be joined by more than 90 buyers selected from over 30 countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and India. Buyers, wine retailers, restaurant owners and international importers will be allowed to register for the largest tasting dedicated to the appellations of Langhe and Roero. 300 wineries will present their labels in the charming venues of OGR Turin, a strategic location confirmed for the third year in a row to remark the national and international growth of the event and consolidate the relationship with the city of Turin. Thus, year after year, the representation at the event of Langhe and Roero wineries improves, reaching this year a round figure and covering almost all the companies associated with the group. After hosting Nebbiolo Alto Piemonte wines as guests, this year's new feature will be the participation through a large tasting counter of Alta Langa wines. The aim, in fact, is to reach out to other territories to better represent the entire Piedmont wine region. Story continues For further information visit: https://www.grandilanghe.com/ About Top Tales: Top Tales is a project supported by the European Union aimed at promoting Fontina DOP from Valle d'Aosta, Rice di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese DOP, as well as the DOCG's Barolo and Barbaresco. The European communication campaign Top Tales: A piece of Europe on your table, is designed to increase the awareness of the three DOP products in the Chinese market. Website https://toptales.cn/ Images link Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Barolo Barbaresco Logo Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/top-tales--chinese-wine-professionals-joining-grandi-langhe-2024-302021027.html SOURCE Barolo Barbaresco Elon Musk, Xs billionaire owner, sees the inevitable. If paying brands stay off the platform, denying what used to be Twitter's lifeblood of ad revenue, X is toast. Musk himself has admitted as much. But however risky the platform is to advertisers and degraded the experience is for users, X is still standing at the end of 2023. For a handful of X alternatives, Musks recent missteps were their opportunities. If this was Xs year of hanging on, this was a year of ascendence for its replacements. Mark Zuckerberg has said that Threads, which was released during a chaotic time for Twitter, has a "good chance" of reaching 1 billion users in the next few years. (Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) (SOPA Images via Getty Images) This summer, in a surprise release, Mark Zuckerbergs Meta (META) unveiled its text-based Twitter rival Threads. The app exploded onto the scene just as Twitter was blundering. Musk had imposed a poorly received update that temporarily limited the number of posts Twitter users could see in a day. Users lashed out at the restrictions, which amplified the turmoil that was defining Musks takeover. Additional changes to the site, such as removing the verification badges of journalists and amplifying the posts of users who pay for premium services, worsened its public standing after it was already damaged by chaotic mass layoffs and a sinking valuation. Zuckerberg timed Threads arrival at the peak of Twitter disaffection. Within hours the app claimed at least 10 million sign-ups. But while Threads has the backing and built-in user network of a tech giant with a near-trillion-dollar market cap, other microblogging platforms have captured attention and drawn their own nascent user bases too. Such alternatives aren't billing themselves as a direct replacement. There has to be a point where people realize there isn't going to be another Twitter, said Noam Bardin, CEO and founder of Post, the new social platform, which counts 550,000 registered users. While some new entrants are attempting to recreate the idiosyncrasies behind the success of old Twitter, Bardin said that type of app cloning wont work if you are just another Twitter without the content. Story continues Posts way of differentiating itself relies in part on emphasizing news, which other players like Meta have deemphasized, ceding ground to upstarts. The platform allows users to buy individual articles from news providers and read stories from outlets within the same interface. Bardin points to TikToks success as a model for Post. Rather than trying to clone YouTube, TikTok leaned heavily on surfacing entertaining content that meets the tastes of its users without having to push them to find and follow other accounts or build out a curated feed using social signals. The result was an endless stream of clips that are personalized to users. For Bardin, TikTok took a slice of the incumbents service and ran with it. Thats a path for Post, too. Bluesky claims more than 2.6 million users and is still invite only. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images) Bardin also emphasized that Posts business model of partnering with news outlets and publishers rather than relying on ad revenue based on impressions shapes the incentives for the company in ways that dont rely on the more toxic elements of social media, like constantly pushing to keep users psychologically trapped on the platform. We don't need you to doomscroll for five hours, he said. We make the same money by you reading three articles. Bluesky, which has 2.6 million users and is still invitation-only, claims its own niche. It aims to offer a more communal and transparent alternative to X that is less susceptible to control by a single entity. Originally propped up as an initiative inside Twitter to develop an open-source social network, Bluesky is now its own public-benefit company. While it resembles old Twitter, the company has plans for a fully decentralized system that would allow the general public to run their own apps, using Bluesky as a kind of digital infrastructure. For now, the flagship Bluesky app is giving many former Twitter users a home for public conversation. The changes that Twitter has been through really demonstrate inadvertently why its important for us to exist, said CEO Jay Graber. We are actually trying to build something thats resilient to a single person or a single company changing the infrastructure that people communicate on very drastically. Then there's Mastodon, an open-source Twitter alternative that was among the first social networks to pull in users fleeing Musk's platform. While its monthly active users have wavered this year, there are efforts to continue its early momentum. An array of third-party clients have released polished apps that make using the service more intuitive. Ive hesitated to spend more time on other social networks even as Ive dabbled in them. At first, leaving X can be disorienting in the same way starting up a new video game or hobby can be. You dont know what youre doing. The screens look weird. When does it get fun? Whats a skeet? Getting over that beginner feeling is hard to do when X is sitting right there, even when it's so much worse clogged with crypto spam, hostile to consuming news, and increasingly lacking of my favorite accounts that arent posting as much or at all. I know Im hung up on X. Im lurking more on LinkedIn and Reddit, even when newer, enticing alternatives are right in front of me. As a friend texted me recently about Bluesky, Get in here, the water is warm. Ryan Broderick, a web culture writer and author of the Garbage Day newsletter, said we dont have a lot of historical precedents to think through Twitter dying. But there are examples to pull from. "The big question mark is what kind of crisis is X in right now?" he said, sketching three paths. The first is what many people immediately jump to: Myspace, a complete shutdown. The second is something like what happened to YouTube during advertiser boycotts over brand safety. Eventually, the advertisers returned, and the platform bounced back. The third case Broderick noted was Tumblr, which suffered a huge exodus of users but has limped onward with an ever-shrinking user base. It's likely X will plod along and get smaller and dumber, Broderick said. "I don't think X is going to disappear one day." That all depends on Musk and the courses set by X's competitors. Zuckerberg, for his part, has lofty ambitions for Threads, even as the platform has deemphasized news, a crucial element of old Twitter's chaotic magic. During Meta's most recent earnings call, Zuckerberg said Threads has almost 100 million monthly active users. Reaching a level 10 times that number is within a few years' reach, he said. Earlier this month Threads opened up to users in the European Union. In the days after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza, X appeared to flash some of its old, arresting power as a conduit of breaking news and a portal into momentous global events. At the same time, its limitations were laid bare: the amplification of attention mongers, a flood of abusive and bigoted posts, and design choices that make it harder for people to find trustworthy news sources. When the drama of current events pulls audiences in, X becomes an irresistible destination. It's also a deeply flawed one. That's what makes the race to replace it or bypass it simultaneously intriguing and implausible. Broderick said he followed the events on both Threads and X, describing the experience of being on Musk's platform as exhausting and horrible without the right filtering. "But I had a better sense of the ticking clock of the conflict on X," he said. "The machinery is still there. It is still a pretty good app." Hamza Shaban is a reporter for Yahoo Finance covering markets and the economy. Follow Hamza on Twitter @hshaban. Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Gas Storage Ukraine The number of Western traders storing their gas in Ukraine has more than doubled since August despite Moscow continuing its attacks on the country. New figures reveal that 52 energy firms have sent their gas to western Ukraine to be stored, up from 21 in August. It comes after EU storage levels neared full capacity in autumn and signals that energy traders are banking on gas prices rising enough to compensate for the risk. The gas being sent to Ukraine is being stored by state firm Naftogaz. Oleksiy Chernyshov, the chief executive of the company, said Western traders were making the decision to use its storage services based purely on commercial risk, without war risk insurance from third parties. Insurers are refusing to provide cover for gas flows to Ukraine without a state-backed EU guarantee, which policymakers in Brussels have been working on. However, they have so far failed to deliver this guarantee. Mr Chernyshov told the Telegraph: This demonstrates Naftogazs reliability and critical role in the European energy market. The energy firms, which are based in countries like Germany, Switzerland and France, at one point had more than 2.5 billion cubic metres of gas stored in the war-torn country, worth around $1.5bn (1.2bn). They have recently started drawing down the reserves and are able to sell the gas at a higher price as demand ramps up. Ukraine has significant gas storage capacities in the west of its country near the Polish border, established during the Soviet period when Russia sought to ensure a constant flow of natural gas to Europe. The companies choosing to store their gas with Naftogaz ahead of winter were from 15 different countries, the state energy provider said. While the western parts of Ukraine are far away from the front line of the war, they have also faced several attacks from Russia. Naftogaz says its gas storage is 3,000 metres underground, which it claims makes it safe from missile attacks. Mr Chernyshov said: When European traders utilise our services, they significantly support Ukraines energy sector, enabling us to contribute more to the Ukrainian state budget. We are continuing our efforts to engage even more gas in the upcoming year. Story continues It comes as the European Union draws up a 20bn workaround fund for Ukraine, as Brussels tries to overcome Hungarys opposition to further financial support for the country. Officials were forced to prepare the Plan B proposal after Prime Minister Viktor Orban rejected a 50bn aid package for Kyiv at a summit in Brussels earlier this month. 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. taiwan semiconductor TSMC building with tsmc logo in front_tsmc Industry forces could again align for Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM). The world's leading third-party chip manufacturer experienced a significant slowdown as its industry experienced a downturn following the post-pandemic boom. Today, the downturn appears to be ending, meaning TSMC (as it's known for short) can better capitalize on an artificial intelligence (AI) boom in its industry. As more customers demand the most advanced chips for AI and other purposes, it should lead the way for the stock to achieve record highs in 2024 and perhaps beyond. The state of TSMC TSMC's stock has followed the trajectory of most of the semiconductor companies it serves. The lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 led to an industry boom with much of the world's work moving away from the office. That frontloaded much of the growth that would have likely happened in later years, leading to a downturn in 2022. Now, the need to support activity related to AI appears to have sparked another boom cycle. With TSMC claiming 58% of the third-party chip manufacturing market in the third quarter of 2023, most of the benefit naturally flows to it. In a sense, that dominance poses a threat to the company by attracting more competition. Its most prominent competitor for advanced chip production, Samsung, claims about 12% of the market share. Moreover, Intel's Intel Foundry Services (IFS) has emerged as a top 10 third-party producer with machines bought from ASML. That potentially gives Intel the ability to compete at the top end of the chip market. TrendForce estimates that the island nation of Taiwan controls 46% of worldwide chip production, a figure rising to 68% when considering the world's most advanced chips. Amid heightened geopolitical activity in the region, manufacturers have scrambled to produce more chips outside of the country. That includes TSMC, which has invested heavily in a facility -- also known as a fab -- in Arizona. And companies are looking to fabs such as IFS. Story continues Warren Buffett reversed Berkshire Hathaway's decision to own TSMC due to the geopolitics in that region. That is a reminder of the potential dangers the chip manufacturer faces. Why TSMC is likely to rise Despite such concerns, customers must turn to TSMC for the most advanced chips, making it unlikely that it will lose its clients as long as it can maintain that lead. But amid the recent slump, the financials reflect the downturn of the past. In the first nine months of 2023, revenue of $50 billion fell 6% compared with the same period in 2022. Likewise, net income of $19 billion dropped 17% amid a slight increase in the cost of revenue and a double-digit rise in operating expenses. Moreover, in the first three quarters of 2023, TSMC spent $25 billion on property, plant, and equipment, leading to free cash flow of just $2 billion for the period. Still, that investment should pay off in the long term as it seeks to meet an anticipated demand increase for the most advanced chips. Such signs of recovery in the industry could explain why TSMC stock is up 34% over the last year. And even with the falling profits and a stock price almost 30% below its all-time high, its price-to-earnings ratio stands at 19, a low level in relation to where it has traded over the last five years. As rising demand for chips leads to a sector turnaround, that ratio could fall, becoming a catalyst that could take TSMC stock higher. Consider TSMC stock Thanks to an AI-driven increase in semiconductor demand, TSMC stock is well positioned to set new all-time highs. With its technical edge, it remains the leading producer of semiconductors for fabless chip companies, which seems to have positioned it well as the chip sector recovers. Competition is rising, and the desire to move production away from Taiwan could affect some aspects of its business. But as long as TSMC can keep delivering the most advanced chips, its stock is unlikely to stay at current levels for long. Should you invest $1,000 in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing right now? Before you buy stock in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, 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 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing 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 Will Healy has positions in Berkshire Hathaway and Intel. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ASML, Berkshire Hathaway, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool recommends Intel and recommends the following options: long January 2023 $57.50 calls on Intel, long January 2025 $45 calls on Intel, and short February 2024 $47 calls on Intel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why 2024 Could Be the Year for Taiwan Semiconductor Stock was originally published by The Motley Fool (Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping used a speech remembering Mao Zedong to push a framework the current leader rolled out recently to counter the Wests capitalist model. Most Read from Bloomberg The central task of the nation and its ruling Communist Party is to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, Xi said in Beijing on Tuesday, as he marked 130 years since Maos birth. Xi described Chinese modernization a vague concept he has been promoting since 2021 as a cause passed down from veteran revolutionaries including Mao Zedong that is now the solemn historical responsibility of todays Chinese Communists. The Chinese leader has promoted that idea at events including last years leadership congress, describing it as an alternative to systems used by the US and its allies. The flagship Peoples Daily has described Chinese modernization as containing unique features, including benefiting a large population, achieving common prosperity and developing peacefully. By linking his own project to Maos legacy, Xi creates room for state media to tout him as an extension of the man remembered as the founder of a new China. That version of events largely glosses over Maos role in the famine-inducing Great Leap Forward of the 1950s and the chaotic Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 70s. Xi, whose government eliminated term limits in 2018, has spent his first decade-plus in office consolidating power to levels unseen since Mao. That campaign has left some investors worried his ambitions lack checks and balances, and his push to narrow the wealth gap may lead to sweeping income redistribution. Story continues Read: New Title for Xi Stokes Concern of a Mao-Style Personality Cult Some officials have in recent years called Xi lingxiu, or leader, a revered title of praise previously reserved for Mao. Xi has also moved to pack key positions with supporters, potentially making it harder for him to hear dissenting policy voices. Chinas propaganda machine has also stepped up efforts to draw parallels between Mao and Xi. A Communist Party research institute said in an article this month that Mao should be remembered for his high achievements and strong morals. Then it added: It is blessing for the party and the state, the people and the Chinese nation to have General Secretary Xi Jinping, another core of the party, leader of the people and commander-in-chief of the army who enjoys popular support. In his Tuesday speech, Xi also repeated the partys lines on Taiwan, comments that come before the island that Beijing claims as its own chooses a new president next month. The motherland must and is bound to be reunified, he said. China must deepen cross-strait integration and development in all areas, and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. As the 10th edition of the Light Middle East Awards approaches next month, the shortlisted entries for the awards ceremony have been officially announced. Taking place on the final day of Light + Intelligent Building Middle East on January 18 in Dubai, the Light Middle East Awards aim to recognise excellence in the lighting industry and attract the attention of lighting professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world, said the organisers. With three overarching categories, including Project of the Year, Product of the Year and Partner of the Year, the awards are judged by an extensive panel of regional and international judges, led by jury chairs Martin Lupton and Sharon Stammers, the Co-founders of Light Collective UK. Commenting on the awards, Abdul Muhsin, Show Director of Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, said: "The Light Middle East Awards serve as a pivotal platform which celebrates innovation and achievement in the ever-evolving realm of lighting design and technology. As the event marks its 10th anniversary, it is a particularly significant time to recognise and honour the best in the industry." "We have received an exceptional number of entries from industry professionals and organisations across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). In addition to recognising the leading lights from the region, our Project of the Year category recognises outstanding lighting projects internationally," he stated. Shortlisted entries for The Project of the Year category for the MEA region include Atmosphere at the Burj Khalifa, Atlantis The Royal, Kingdom Centre Tower, 7 Tales, Chic Nonna, City Social, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, EL&N Yas Bay, the Fairmont HQ Accor Headquarters in Dubai, FitnGlam at Dubai Hills Mall, the Islamic Arts Biennale, Ling Ling Dubai, Okku Dubai, Oman Across Ages Museum, the Samen Mosque and the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia. The international Project of the Year finalists are the Chapel of Sound in China, Delta in Oslo, the Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Masala Zone Piccadilly Circus, London, MSC World Europa, the Temple Complex at Gaya in India, The Church of Our Lady of Laeken in Brussels and the Universe art installation for the 2022 Shenzhen-Hong Kong Biennale. The Light Middle East Project of the Year Ultimate Award will celebrate the best overall project of the year and is awarded to the entry with the highest score overall from the jury, said the organisers. The Product of the Year award covers five categories, which include Indoor Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Decorative Lighting, Intelligent Lighting Solutions and the Peer Award Product, a public voting category covering all shortlisted product entries. This award will be voted for online, live at the exhibition on January 16. The Indoor Lighting finalists have been announced as Ghost by Bold Lighting, Kvisten by Fagerhults Belysning, Quinta by ERCO Lighting, SPIO by XAL and Vyko by Intra Lighting. For Outdoor Lighting, the shortlisted entries are Arpool Iris Trifecta by Filix, D-Wave by Linea Light Group, E-Framer by Vice Lighting DWC-LLC, Urba Deco by Thorn and Vader by Targetti. In the Decorative Lighting category, Enso by Catellani & Smith srl, Halley by Linea Light Group, Linearlight Flex Backabone by Inventronics, Lysabel by Intra lighting and Modular Light by Bahar Aydnlatma San have successfully made it to the final round. The Intelligent Lighting Solution finalists are the Air Quality sensor for the Modus System by Linea Light Group, Black Hole by Intra lighting, e:cue Genius 4CH & 8CH by Traxon e:cue, High Accuracy Positioning (HAP) by Zumtobel Group and the POET Creator Software by Skandal Technologies. The Partner of the Year award recognises manufacturers, suppliers and distributors that have demonstrated excellence in lighting innovation and collaboration between project and design teams, leading to successful lighting projects. The shortlisted companies for this coveted category are HSI Lighting, LEDFlex Group and the Zumtobel.-TradeArabia News Service A 21-year-old man landed in jail early in the morning on Christmas Eve after a Stafford County Sheriffs deputy found him asleep behind the wheel on Kings Highway. The Sheriffs Office said in a news release that the deputy was called to the 400 block of Route 3 at approximately 2:26 a.m. Sunday on a report of a car parked on the highway. The deputy approached the vehicle, with its engine still running and parked in a turn lane to the Washington Square Plaza shopping center, and found the driver asleep. After the driver awoke, the deputy believed he saw signs of intoxication, the Sheriffs Office said. The deputy also found that the driver was carrying a concealed gun and that there were numerous THC based products, baggies, and a scale inside the vehicle. The driver, not identified by the Sheriffs Office, was charged with driving under the influence, possession with intent to distribute THC, as well as concealed carry charges. The man was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail with a $10,000 bond. Days after a deadly shooting at The Citadel mall on Christmas Eve left one man dead and two in critical condition with gunshot wounds, it was largely business as usual Tuesday. The crowds seemed decent in the Colorado Springs mall, with small lines for most of the eateries in the food court. Most stores were open for business. Some were closed although there were no indications whether the closures were due to the holiday season or the shooting. Among the closed shops was Champs Sports on the third level. Video of the Christmas Eve shooting shows it occurring directly in front of the shop. Across the way from Champs is streetwear apparel store The Players Closet. A front glass display window and glass door were missing, replaced by boards where an employee, who asked to be kept anonymous, said bullets had shattered the glass. The El Paso County Coroner's Office hasnt released the name of the victim, and as of late Tuesday morning Colorado Springs police had made no arrests in the shooting, which they say began as a fight between two groups of people that erupted in gunfire shortly before the mall was set to close at 5 p.m. Sunday. We are combing through a good amount of evidence, said CSPD spokesperson Ira Cronin. I should add that everything so far in our investigation indicates this was an isolated incident, and the two groups were known to one another, so there is no known ongoing threat to the community. A female who was transported to the hospital Sunday night with minor injuries from the attack was treated and released. Two adult males who suffered gunshot wounds are still hospitalized, but no longer in critical condition, Cronin said. Kevin Alexander of Colorado Springs sat on a bench on Tuesday, next to the kids play area, just down the stairs from where the shooting occurred. Alexander said he had heard about the shooting two days earlier, but didn't hesitate to still come with his family to The Citadel. He said he'd been coming there since he was a pre-teen. Though, he added, the mall did seem less crowded than he thought it would be for the day after Christmas. "I thought there would be more people here," Alexander said, while watching his daughter, about to turn 3, climb on the play place. "But maybe that's why." Nearby, Alejandro Guilbe of Colorado Springs waited for some of his family members outside a department store entrance. He said with family in town and kids that needed to to get out of the house even if it was chilly outside, they also didn't hesitate to head to the mall, even after hearing about the shooting. "Things happen and it doesn't dictate that the mall was a part of it, or that the experience here would be different," Guilbe 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. The Citadel mall has a history of escalating gun crimes and violence, going back to at least early 2016, when three people were injured in a drive-by shooting. Four people have died in shootings one of which was officer-involved on mall property since a parking lot fight ended in a double murder on March 25, 2022. The family of Makayla Anderson, paralyzed after she was caught in the crossfire of a May 12, 2022, shooting in the parking lot, filed suit against the mall this year, alleging lax safety protocols. Attorneys for the 13-year-old's family issued a statement responding to the most recent shooting Tuesday afternoon. "The family of Makayla Anderson is deeply saddened for the victims of the Christmas Eve shooting at the Citadel Mall but equally outraged that the mall's owners have done nothing to stop the ongoing violence in and around the mall," according to the Atlanta-based firm of Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys. "How many people need to die or be gravely injured for the mall's ownership to finally take the safety and security of its customers seriously and make the necessary changes to protect those who are spending money at the mall?" The statement went on to say that the firm sued to seek justice for Anderson's family, as well as "force the mall's ownership group to answer difficult questions about the lack of real security" provided at the mall. "We fight to protect all citizens of Colorado Springs who patronize the mall, but until we attain justice the danger is still clearly unaddressed," the statement read. An email to the public relations firm handling media inquiries about the shooting for The Citadel was unreturned as of 2 p.m. Tuesday. Reporter Glenn Wallace contributed to this report. One lucky individual in Colorado Springs became an overnight millionaire, thanks to a recent Powerball drawing. A ticket worth $2 million was sold at a Circle K located at 5553 Austin Bluffs Parkway in the city's northeast side for the Dec. 20 drawing, according to the Colorado Lottery. The winner of the $2 million prize was identified as Greg S. of Colorado Springs. The Colorado Lottery said he is a native of Colorado and will be keeping his 'mum' in his plans for his new fortune. He didn't share any other details regarding himself or plans for his winnings yet. Greg got all five winning numbers but missed the Powerball number. He was able to double his winnings by adding the Power Play, according to the release. The winning numbers for that drawing were: 27, 35, 41, 56 and 60. The Powerball number was 16. 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. Greg isn't the only one in Colorado that won $2 million this week. Someone in Grand Junction also won a $2 million prize in Monday's drawing. The ticket sold at the Safeway located at 2512 S. Broadway matched five numbers and included a Power Play, but missed the Powerball number. The winning numbers from last night's game were: 5, 12, 20, 24, and 29. The Powerball number was 4. The next Powerball drawing takes place this Wednesday with an estimated jackpot of $685 million and a cash value of $344.7 million. AD Ports Group (AD Ports) has announced that it has signed a definitive concession agreement with the Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) for the development and operation of a multi-purpose terminal at Safaga Seaport in Egypt. Following the Government of Egypts approval, this significant milestone reaffirms the strong trade ties between the UAE and the Arab Republic of Egypt. The definitive agreement was signed at the Egyptian Cabinet headquarters in Cairo by Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group, and Major General Osama Saleh, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Red Sea Port Authority, in the presence of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egypts Prime Minister, Lieutenant-General Kamel El Wazir, Egypts Minister of Transport, Mariam Al Kaabi, Ambassador of the UAE to Egypt, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group. The Safaga Port definitive agreement, sanctioned under the Law on the Granting of Commitment Contract issued on November 1, 2023, marks a significant advancement in the strategic partnership between AD Ports Group and RSPA. This collaboration will see an investment of $200 million over 3 years, aimed at developing a state-of-the-art facility within the strategic location of the Red Sea and will be the first internationally operated port serving the Upper Egypt region. The total investment will cover superstructure, equipment, buildings, and utilities within the concession area to create advanced facilities and leading-edge infrastructure. The terminal, spanning approximately 810,000 sq m, will feature a 1,000-m quay wall and will handle diverse cargo types, including dry bulk, liquid bulk, containerised cargo and Ro-Ro. This project is expected to bring substantial economic impact, with cost savings and efficiency improvements to traders and businesses in the region. The terminal is on track to become operational by 2025. Commenting on this strategic milestone, Al Shamisi said: "The confidence and trust placed by the Egyptian government and our partners is a testament to AD Ports Groups capabilities and experience in developing ports and terminals infrastructure." "With this project, our Group will demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the efficiency of global supply chains, creating faster trade routes and providing diverse logistics solutions for our key strategic trading partners," he stated. "This significant milestone embodies the strength of trade ties between the two nations and the keenness of the UAEs wise leadership to continue supporting the ambitious development plans of the Egyptian government. Through this agreement, we aim to spur economic development, create jobs, boost local industries, and attract further investments into the region. We look forward to working closely with our partners to make this vital project a success," he added. Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster, said: "AD Ports Groups expertise in port infrastructure development and operations positions us uniquely to leverage those skills and knowledge to play a key role in the next stage in the evolution of Safaga Port." "Moreover, Safaga's strategic position on the Red Sea coast allows us to not only enhance our commercial offerings and diversify revenue streams, but also contribute to Egypts broader economic objectives, setting the stage for further cooperation and opportunities in other sectors," he stated. This project is a significant step in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the UAE and Egypt. The UAE stands as Egypts second leading trade partner in the region, with Egypt ranking as the fifth leading trade partner of the UAE in non-oil trade with Arab countries, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials denied a formal request by a rancher in Jackson County to remove two depredating wolves in the North Park area. Don Gittleson made the request on Dec. 16, three days after a wolf known as 2101 attacked a heifer belonging to him. Wolf 2101 has been confirmed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as responsible for injuring or killing seven heads of livestock on the Gittleson Angus operation. It has also killed or injured four domestic dogs, and killed or injured a total of 13 cattle. Wolf 2103, meanwhile, was involved in all of these attacks with the exception of the most recent one on a replacement heifer at Gittleson Angus. Wolf 2103 is also responsible for killing three lambs in November in the area. Gittleson received a response from state officials on Dec. 22 after The Fence Post magazine requested information. After consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has made the determination not to lethally remove these two wolves at this time," said the letter signed by division chief Jeff Davis. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "The division considered the entire history of depredation events in your area, including the most recent history of depredation events in November and December of 2023. Our assessment considered the change in pack dynamics that took place over the preceding year when most of the pack left the area and did not return. With only two of the original wolves remaining, the number and frequency of events has dropped in 2023." The division said it will continue to monitor the situation and "collaborate with you and other livestock producers in Jackson County and across the state to evaluate future actions." The letter added: "We encourage the continued deployment and use of a variety of wolf conflict minimization tools and collaboration with your local CPW staff. I also recognize that these events have a direct and real impact on you and the community in Jackson County. If damage to livestock caused by wolves continues, we will reassess the situation and our determination. Gittleson said he is disappointed but not particularly surprised by the decision. Rachel Gabel is Assistant Editor of The Fence Post Magazine. She is also a columnist of Colorado Politics and The Gazette newspapers. This article has been reprinted with permission from The Fence Post Magazine. Tanner Harris is the Founder and CEO of Blue Nose Aerial Imaging in Denver. Judge Sarah Wallace presides over the final day of a hearing for a lawsuit to keep former President Donald Trump off the state ballot last month in Denver. Jeremy Haefner is the 19th chancellor of the University of Denver. Torrey Wilson is the dean of the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver. China's largest land port sees busy China-Europe freight train service Xinhua) 08:56, December 27, 2023 HOHHOT, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Manzhouli, China's largest land port, handled 4,681 China-Europe freight trains in the first 11 months of 2023, up 5.9 percent year on year, according to data from the customs of Manzhouli in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Lei Jianjun, director with the customs of Manzhouli railway station, said that in recent years the port has implemented measures to improve the business environment and facilitate cross-border customs clearance for China-Europe freight trains. By the end of November this year, more than 23,000 China-Europe trains had passed through the Manzhouli port since the China-Europe freight train service via the port was launched in 2013. At present, there are 57 China-Europe freight train routes running through this land port, connecting China with more than 10 European countries. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) IT and physical security teams will converge; demand for hybrid cloud solutions will rise; access control modernisation will become a top priority, and data from IIoT devices will generate demand for analytics. These are the top physical security trends for 2024 according to Genetec, a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions. IT and physical security teams will become more united In the coming year, organisations will look to optimise collaboration between IT and physical security teams. Bridging these two valuable skill sets will result in more effective risk mitigation and data optimisation across the business. Physical security leaders are increasingly integrating IT expertise into their departments. Simultaneously, Security Operations (SecOps) are broadening their function to address physical security risks, leveraging data from both groups. More and more, IT will bring physical security within their group and begin overseeing physical security mandates. The need for unified, cloud-connected physical security solutions will increase as cross-departmental collaboration expands. This unified and connected view will help teams get a complete picture of systems and changing threats while enabling them to use data more effectively. Access control modernisation will top tech investments Modernising access control will remain a top priority in 2024. To ease upgrade complexities, many organisations will shift to a hybrid-cloud model and deploy cloud-ready access control solutions. This will deliver continuous innovation and cybersecurity updates that reinforce security from doors to networks. Also will be seen greater demand for open access control solutions. Businesses are increasingly looking for the flexibility to add and connect the best technologies available. This will include everything from building management systems and life and safety solutions to mobile credentials. Many organisations will also reach a breaking point in managing separate video and access control systems. Striving for more efficiencies, leaders will take steps towards system unification. This will simplify system monitoring and maintenance tasks, leading to higher output and cost savings across the enterprise. Hybrid-cloud adoption will rise Over the next year, the physical security industry will see a large increase in hybrid-cloud adoption in medium and large enterprises. Recent research of over 5,500 physical security professionals conducted by Genetec found that 44% of organisations already have over a quarter of their physical security deployment in a cloud or hybrid-cloud environment. And 60% of organisations say they prefer hybrid-cloud as a long-term strategy. As cloud adoption rises, there will be growing interest in new plug-and-play, cloud-ready appliances. They not only streamline access to cloud services but also enhance computing power at the edge. More focus will be seen on cloud data usage and associated costs. Users will increasingly use cloud-managed appliances to store heavy data such as video. Organisations will seek the expertise of channel partners to explore use cases beyond security to maximise hybrid-cloud investments. This will create a lucrative opportunity for channel partners to focus their efforts on added-value services to help customers overcome new challenges, all while generating sustainable recurring business. Growth of IIoT devices and associated data creates demand for analytics The market is seeing a surge in the availability of physical security devices and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors. Organisations across various industries are eagerly adopting these technologies, not only to increase the diversity of data in their security deployments but also to break down siloes between systems and retrieve valuable information. Organisations that opt for an API-centric, open architecture, along with a unified approach will stand to gain the most over time. This will enable them to combine and analyse multiple data sources to help inform new strategies and maximise returns across all tech investments. As the amount of available data continues to rise, many organisations will also look for ways to digitise and automate their workflows to support their operators. As a result, demand for physical security solutions with embedded analytics, automation tools, and visual dashboards will grow.--TradeArabia News Service New dining options are coming to Cripple Creek. Nathan Dirnberger, executive sous chef at Bronco Billys Casino and Chamonix Hotel, 233 E. Bennett Ave., and his chef tournant, Jeremy Gomez, have been busy creating menus for restaurants at Bronco Billys and the new Chamonix Hotel. Earlier in December on a tour of Bronco Billys restaurants and a peek at the hotel construction, I heard about the great dining options on the horizon for Cripple Creek and sampled dishes from the new menu at Baja Billys Cantina. Im especially pleased with the birrias taco, Gomez said. Ive been working on the recipes since starting here a few months ago. It was an outstanding version of the popular taco. The meat was fork tender and the dipping sauce was delicious with layers of flavor with a spicy chili finish. But even more impressive was the sweet finish for the lunch: the New York-style sopapilla cheesecake. Were super excited about the pastries Johnny is making, Gomez said. Im from Connecticut and know what a New York cheesecake should taste like and he has nailed it. Johnny used sopapilla in the crust. Gomez was talking about Johnny Iuzzini, from New York City, who is a pastry chef, television celebrity and cookbook author. He has trained in some of the top restaurants in New York including Daniel and at Jean Georges. Iuzzini is on board to produce the sweets for all the property restaurants. On Tuesday, Chamonix Bistro was scheduled to be the first restaurant to open in the new hotel addition to Bronco Billys Casino. We will be serving a daily breakfast buffet, a la carte lunch and dinner menu at the bistro, Dirnberger said. And there will be a huge brunch on weekends. 980 Prime is a steakhouse we are planning to open Feb.1 and the large Italian restaurant will open next summer. The name for the Italian restaurant has not been selected yet. Dirnberger said 980 Prime is from Barry S. Dakake, another celebrated chef known for his Barrys Downtown Prime and N9NE Steakhouse in Las Vegas. 980 Prime will be one of the best upscale restaurants in Colorado, Dirnburger said. Dakake is known for creating restaurants with amazing guest service and incredible cuisine. He has won all sorts of awards for his eateries. So, its time to set your sights on an unforgettable culinary experience in Cripple Creek. Visit chamonixco.com/dining and broncobillyscasino.com. Making dreams a reality Two notable local Hispanic chefs have opened eateries in downtown Colorado Springs. Heres a look: 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. Ferando Trancoso (formerly owner of Tepex food truck) welcomed customers to Inefable, 19 N. Tejon St., on the second floor of Avenue 19 food hall Dec. 12, the restaurant of his dreams come true. John Jaramillo, president of the Hispanic Restaurant Association, posted on Facebook, Chef Fernando Transcoso brings his talents with a fantastic culinary journey with a menu of the regions of Mexico. I predict it will become one of the culinary jewels of Colorado Springs. We agree. The food Trancoso prepared for the first evening of service was spot-on and his wine presentation was excellent. The fact that he has a level two sommelier training shows. Overall, he has stepped up Latin American dishes to a new creative level. The eatery has already garnered eight 5-star reviews on Open Table. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Details: 719-212-2449, tinyurl.com/37emn9cr. Roberto Beto Reyes, has opened Eleven18, 26 S. Wahsatch Ave., (formerly Brother Lucks restaurants, Folklore and Lucky Dumpling). Reyes was the head chef and kitchen manager at Milagros Cocina Mexicana. The restaurant is named for his twins birthday, Nov. 18. This has been a longtime dream to do my own thing to make food with no boundaries with creative freedom, Reyes said. Im not interested in high-end food. Thats what Ferando (Trancoso) does. I want a place that feels comfy and approachable. The food is Mexican-fusion. Reyes has made a small menu with uncomplicated starters like mole wings and tuna tostaditas (seared tuna, salsa macha, pickled serrano and avocado lime puree). Theres a section featuring street tacos a la carte ($4 each) and tacos de la casa (order of 3) for $15-$17. Seasonal entrees and desserts will change every month or so. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Details: 719-418-5843, eleven18cos.com. Whiskey tourDistillery 291, 4242 N. Nevada Ave., is offering buy one, get one free distillery tours and whiskey tastings using code BOGO291 through Jan. 2. Cost is $20 for 30-minute tasting and $40 for an hour and half tasting. Hours are 2-8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 2-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tours can be booked online at tinyurl.com/34yzbkuh. contact the writer: 636-0271. A fire over Christmas weekend heavily damaged a Lebanon home, though nobody was injured, according to a Lebanon Fire District news release. The Lebanon Fire District responded to a house fire in the 400 block of Park Street around 11:27 p.m. Dec. 23 after receiving reports of people screaming for help and exiting the structure, according to a news release. A Place to Sleep, episode 10: Wrapping up We check back with some of the people we've met along our travels and we catch up with politicos who are trying to come up with solutions. The first battalion chief on the scene reported a heavy fire on the first and second floors with flames threatening two neighboring houses. The owner wasn't inside, and no injuries were reported, according to the news release. The first-arriving engine tried to thwart the fire's forward progress, and more units were requested from Albany, Scio, Tangent and Sweet Home, according to the news release. Crews were on the scene for more than three hours to make sure the fire was extinguished. The Lebanon Fire District responded with 22 people, and other units brought in 19 more to help with the fire and cover the district for any other calls, according to the release. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today. The district reminds the public to use safe heating sources in the home during colder temperatures and to make sure their smoke detectors work. ROCKFORD A hot and fast fire destroyed the landmark old school building in the Floyd County community of Rockford late Friday night. All of Floyd Countys fire departments were on scene to battle the blaze, according to Charles City Fire Rescue, which was called in to assist the Rockford Fire Department at around 10 p.m. Rockford resident Roy Wilson has owned the landmark school since the early 1990s. He and his wife, Lorie, operate Seams Right, an awning and upholstery business. The two originally purchased the building in hopes of using it as their business and home. As the couple undertook renovations, there was a roof failure. Over the years, other issues prevented them from refurbishing the building, and it has been mainly empty over the years. Wilson said they left for Charles City on Friday. They returned at 7 p.m. and walked past the school to reach their front door with no indication anything was amiss. By 10 p.m., Wilson said Lorie noticed a light coming through the window. Before she discovered the school was burning, a neighbor knocked to check on the couple. Wilson had been working to recover some ornate cabinet doors earlier in the afternoon inside the school. "I was using a saw and a cutting wheel to take down some of those cabinet doors. I had a drop cord run through one of the windows there. It's been broken out a while and may have had leaves blown in, too," he said. "I turned everything off and we went up for supper at Charles City." Wilson thinks it's possible sparks from his cutting wheel may have smoldered until the flames broke out hours later. Over the years, there have been multiple break-ins, but not recently, Wilson said. "It's probably just sparks." The structure was fully engulfed in flames when Charles City firefighters arrived, according to the departments Facebook page. The structure suffered major damage to a large portion of the building but thankfully no one was injured, the post stated. Many area firefighters, sheriffs deputies, first responders, and EMS personnel responded to the fire, according to Floyd County Iowa Emergency Management Agency. Other departments called to the scene included Floyd County Search and Rescue, AMR ambulance, and the Greene Fire Department from Butler County. "They were out here working hard. They should get plenty of credit for the work they did to keep the neighbors safe and put out the fire," said Wilson. Municipal water supplies were utilized to fight the blaze, and water also was pulled water from the Shell Rock River and then shuttled back to the fire scene via tanker trucks, according to FCIEMA. The school was constructed in 1900 to replace another school that was built in 1873 that was also lost in a fire in 1899. The cause of the fire has not been determined. On Facebook, the city of Rockford thanked "all the fire departments and rescue workers" who responded to the call over the holiday weekend, adding, "Thank goodness no one was hurt!" OFFICIAL EXPLANATION Every year, May Seas employees are required to attend seminars that focus on improving the quality of customer service. The budget allocated to these annual seminars is $500,000. Last year, less than 1% percent of May Seas Department Store customers filed a complaint about the quality of service they received from the store's employees. Therefore, May Seas should reallocate $400,000 of the seminar budget to advertising. Which of the following most weakens the above conclusion? To solve this Conclusion Weakening question, first break down the argument. The first three sentences are premises which provide factual data; the last sentence uses the conclusion conjunction Therefore so it's the conclusion: Premise A: May Seas employees attend a customer service seminar annually + Premise B: the seminar costs $500,000 + Premise C: last year less than 1% of the customers complained about the service = Conclusion: $400,000 should be taken from the seminar budget and added to the advertising budget Possible assumption: reducing the seminar budget would not reduce the number of customers - AND- the company will gain by increasing the advertising budget Weakening Data: ? You are required to find data that weakens the conclusion that $400,000 should be transferred from the seminar budget to the advertising budget. The correct answer could be one that exposes the argument's assumption. This answer choice strengthens the argument's conclusion, but you're required to weaken it. This data supports the premise about the low percentage of customer complaints and, therefore, just gives us another reason to believe that the $400,000 is not really needed to improve customer service. Incorrect.To solve this Conclusion Weakening question, first break down the argument. The first three sentences are premises which provide factual data; the last sentence uses the conclusion conjunction Therefore so it's the conclusion:You are required to find data that weakens the conclusion that $400,000 should be transferred from the seminar budget to the advertising budget. The correct answer could be one that exposes the argument's assumption.This answer choice strengthens the argument's conclusion, but you're required to weaken it. This data supports the premise about the low percentage of customer complaints and, therefore, just gives us another reason to believe that the $400,000 is not really needed to improve customer service. Incorrect. This answer choice strengthens the argument's conclusion, but you're required to weaken it. By stating that increasing the advertising budget is likely to increase May Seas' revenues, this answer choice directly supports transferring more money to the advertising budget. Incorrect. This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens the conclusion. Because it does not favor the importance of the seminar's budget over that of advertising, or vice versa, it is irrelevant to the argument of where the funds should be allocated. Incorrect. This answer choice strengthens the argument's conclusion, but you're required to weaken it. By stating how accessible complaints forms and boxes are, this answer choice simply shows that the low percentage of complaints truly reflects a low percentage of unsatisfied customers. This answer choice weakens the argument's assumption. It does so by providing evidence that shows that even when the advertising budget is increased, the number of customers does not grow. This fact undermines the conclusion that the seminar money should be transferred to the advertising budget since it would just be wasted and have no effect. A. Last year, May Seas was voted Customer Service Provider of The Year.B. There is a strong positive correlation between May Seas' advertising budget and its revenues.C. May Seas investigated every complaint received last year, and customers whose complaint was found to be justified received compensation.D. Complaint forms and boxes are positioned at every entrance to the store, and on the May Seas website.E. May Seas' advertising budget has grown steadily over the past five years, but the number of customers has not increased._________________ Re: In her account of unmarried womens experiences in colonial Philadelph [ #permalink 5 Kudos 2 Bookmarks Recommendations for Universities: Top-Tier Programs: Mid-Tier Programs: Safety Schools: Meet our Panel of Consultants. keshavbhatnagar wrote: I am a Business Studies undergraduate fresher from a private university in India. My GMAT score is 650 (Q47, V32). My GPA is 8.9/10 and I have done 2 internships in a private and a government company. I have basic knowledge of Excel, SQL, and Tableau. Can anyone judge my profile and suggest me which universities should I target for MS in Business Analytics in USA? That would be really helpful! Thanks in advance! sherxon wrote: The fruit in a box weighs a ton and has a moisture content of 82.0%. After some time under the sun, moisture content has dropped to 70%. What is the current weight of the fruit in kg? A. 810 B. 900 C. 600 D. 720 E. 780 The weight of moisture is 82% of 1 ton or 1000kg, that is 82*1000/100=820kg.Weight of the remaining portion =1000-720=180. Now this remains constant in weight even after moisture reduces, but now becomes 100-70 or 30% overall.So 180=30% of new weight. Thus new weight = 180*100/30=600_________________ WANT TO APPLY? To be eligible for the Next NC Scholarship, students must be: A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition. A high school graduate (those with a high school equivalency are also eligible). From a household with an annual adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less. Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program for the 2024-25 academic year. Taking at least six credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award). Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of the school they plan to attend. A student who has completed the 2024-25 FAFSA with a resulting Student Aid Index at or below 7,500. Source: North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority Bishop Road is closed both ways near Groometown Road today after a large, disassembled crane fell into a ditch. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a truck carrying a disassembled crane left a Guy M. Turner equipment yard and hit some mud turning onto Bishop Road. This made the crane shift and fall into a nearby ditch. Because there are power lines near the ditch, the Highway Patrol cannot bring in another crane to pick up the 135,000 pounds of crane. Multiple heavy wreckers had to be brought onto the scene, and the Greensboro Department of Transportation is assisting to block Bishop Road. This area will be closed for a large portion of the day while authorities work to remove the equipment. For the most part, schools in 2023 were back to business, moving on from the learn-from-home era of the pandemic, and the speed bumps of 2022, to the first year fully back in the classroom. Looking ahead to 2024, Guilford County Schools expects to open one new school building and close several others. Meanwhile, its an election year for the Board of Education. Heres some of whats upcoming in 2024: New Claxton Elementary School to open Guilford County Schools leaders expect the new Claxton Elementary School to open in August 2024. If that happens, it will be the first completed of the many school construction projects included in the districts 2019 facilities master plan. The new Claxton will be located on the same campus as the prior school, which is located in northwest Greensboro. Archer, Wiley, Murphey Elementary Schools and Swann Middle School to close The Guilford County Board of Education voted in December to close three elementary schools at the end of the 2023-24 school year: Archer, Wiley and Murphey. Under proposed boundary changes, Wiley and Murphey students would attend Peck Expeditionary Learning K-8 school and Archer students would attend Foust Gaming and Robotics Elementary School. By consolidating small schools that are in bad condition into fewer, newer schools, the district hopes to save money on operations while providing a better learning environment for students. The board also voted to redistrict Swann Middle School. Thats in preparation for renovating the building and turning it into a performing arts magnet school for students in grades 6-12. Swann is the districts oldest school building, dating back to 1922. Prior to new construction taking place, the district has to remove any existing hazardous materials such as lead or asbestos that could be agitated by the work. Another (temporary) home for Erwin Montessori Erwin Montessori has been double-bunked with Alamance Elementary School ever since a tornado ravaged its east Greensboro campus in 2018. Instead of trying to salvage the old Erwin Montessori, which was already in poor shape even before the tornado, district leaders decided they want to renovate whats now the Archer Elementary building to become the home of the Montessori school instead. However, in the meantime, being doubled up with Alamance Elementary is limiting Erwin Montessoris ability to grow. And Alamance Elementary is also experiencing enrollment growth. Thats why, starting next school year, Erwin Montessori students would go to school in the current Wiley Elementary building, allowing construction to go forward at Archer. (The district also plans to use Murphey to temporarily house students displaced by other school construction). Board of Education elections Four of nine Guilford County Board of Education seats are up for reelection in 2024. T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, the Democrat who represents District 1, has no opponents on the ballot. Its still possible that someone could gather enough signatures to be added to the general election ballot as an independent candidate in the race, but for now the seat looks like hers to claim again in November. The other three races are all multiple candidate contests. Deborah Napper, who ran for the board as an independent in 2020, is running for reelection as a Democrat. She has no opposition in her primary, but will face Republican Cara Townsend Dohner in the November general election for the District 5 seat. Democrat Bettye Jenkins faces fellow Democrat Anthony Izzard in a March primary for the District 7 seat. Theres no Republican on the ballot for the general election. Republican Michael Logan, the District 3 school board member, lacks a primary opponent but will face Democrat David Coates in the general election. Former District 3 Board of Education member Bill Goebel has said he is gathering signatures to run in the general election as an independent. The Montana Department of Commerce said earlier this week that projects in Helena are among those sharing more than $9.4 million of funding allocated to hopefully increase the number of affordable homes in six Treasure State communities. The funding is through Commerces Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Housing Trust Fund (HTF) programs. The funds will be used to build new and rehabilitate 485 affordable homes in Montana. In Helena, United Housing Partners LLC will receive an additional $947,232, for a total of $2,526,194 of HTF funding, to support the construction of Twin Creeks Apartments 62 affordable homes for families and individuals. Additionally, Accessible Space Inc. will receive $1,200,000 of HOME funding for the rehabilitation of the Queen City Estates 24 affordable homes for households with individuals with disabilities. The HOME Program is designed to create affordable homes for lower earning households. The HTF is an affordable housing production program that complements existing federal, state and local efforts to increase the supply of safe and affordable homes for the most vulnerable households living in Montana. All three programs are financed from federal funds allocated to Commerce from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Funds in other communities include: Butte-Silver Bow County will receive $750,000 of CDBG funding for the rehabilitation of the Aspen Place Apartments - 68 affordable homes for families and individuals. Billings - Mitchell Court LLLP will receive $1,650,000 of HOME funding for construction of the Mitchell Court Apartments 32 affordable homes for families and individuals. Hamilton - The City of Hamilton, along with Sapphire Lutheran Homes, will receive $750,000 of CDBG funding, along with $1,500,000 of HTF and $1,900,000 of HOME funding for the rehabilitation of The Manor 60 affordable homes for seniors. Missoula - Homeword Inc. will receive $1,500,000 of HOME funding for the rehabilitation of the Creekside Apartments 161 affordable homes for families and individuals. Kalispell - Samaritan House Inc. will receive $750,000 of HTF funding for the development of the Samaritan House Family Living Development 18 permanent supportive homes for households experiencing homelessness. Montana's CDBG Housing grants help local governments fund new construction or rehabilitation of single-family or multi-family homes that benefit Montanans earning less than 80% of the area median income. For more information about Commerces housing programs, visit housing.mt.gov. This funding will provide homes for Montanans who are at risk of homelessness, in lower wage-earning jobs and those experiencing special needs, said Cheryl Cohen, Montana Housing Division administrator with the Department of Commerce. Around Uptown, through downtown and into the flat, folks around Butte were searching for answers Sunday and Monday after apparently hearing really loud noises. Knee-jerk reactions might suggest a blown transformer and/or work at the Montana Resources open-pit copper and molybdenum mine. NorthWestern Energy confirmed none of its equipment like a transformer made any such noises in the Butte area over the holiday weekend. MR's Vice President of Environmental Affairs Mark Thompson said blasting at the mine happens after lunchtime at around 1 p.m. He also said there had been no secondary blastings at unusual hours recently. He added that migratory bird hazing on the Berkeley Pit and equipment malfunctions were also unlikely culprits. "Sometimes when a tire on a truck blows, that sounds like a bomb," Thompson said. "No blown tires in the past couple of days." People took their crowd sourcing to social media. One post noted a "boom" at around 4:30 a.m. Christmas morning near Park and Montana streets. Other residents in the area confirmed this was no ordinary boom. Santa Claus, perhaps? The sound was heard again by some around 3 p.m. Monday. Santa would have to be awfully far behind schedule for such clatters to arise late into Christmas Day. There was in fact no evidence of a sleigh crash as some people pontificated. Among the abundance of stray dogs, there were no reindeer sightings. Another boom was heard "loud and clear" by residents near The Derby on Harrison Ave. Others posted after they were startled by an explosion-like sound near Clark Park and behind the Civic Center on Christmas Eve. Sheriff Ed Lester weighed in. "We had (a call) on Christmas Eve around 11 p.m.," he told The Standard in an email Tuesday. "Couldnt locate anything. Probably Santa breaking the sound barrier!" The Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department said it did not send anyone out to tend to a possible explosion over the holiday weekend. Several commenters chalked it up to their own gas leakage, to which another replied, "Blame it on the eggnog!!" Reporter Tracy Thornton contributed to this story. During Montanas Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Helena last week, a subtle yet profound shift occurred, signaling a troubling trend in Montana wildlife management. This shift wasnt a change in policy or a new regulation; it was a shift in decision-making, from a steadfast reliance on science to an expedient embrace of special interests. This move was evident by the unanimous vote of the seven-member Commission to eliminate science-based quota ranges on permit allocations in coveted deer and elk hunting districts. This development isnt merely procedural but part of a troubling shift in how we manage wildlife a pivot from scientific rigor to political whimsy. For the professional biologists at FWP, their job has always been clear: use science to understand the status of our wild animals and provide this information to inform regulations. This science-based practice kept special interests and personal biases in check through biological objectivity. The Commission operates under a different paradigm. Composed of governor-appointed citizens, their volunteer role demands difficult value-based decisions on an overwhelming number of issues, often on the fly. But theyre not required to stick to scientific integrity. Here, the core of the issue lies. Wildlife management, inherently political in nature, should be heavily informed and mostly constrained by scientific insights about reality. The previous quota ranges on hunting permits were based on professional opinions about how many animals could be harvested without harming populations, coupled with other on-the-ground considerations like land ownership, distributions, and more. Importantly, the ranges allowed biologists to adjust quotas before the actual permit draw to better reflect conditions on the ground, such as severe winter weather causing unexpected wildlife mortality. Now, despite overwhelming written opposition to this change and no proponents or real justification provided, these ranges are gone, meaning the Commission can change the number of hunting permits on the fly, up or down, to whatever they want, with minimal biologist input and public involvement. And since the Commission can adjust permits during meetings, where public comment is limited to two minutes per person, and only open to those who are there or register the day prior, this could potentially allow last-minute proposals to bypass proper vetting. This move opens the door to cater to special interests. As seen during last weeks meeting, those seeking personal profit from the publics wildlife can amass their members quickly to fill multiple two-minute slots and drown out other voices. Historically, managing Montana's rich fish and wildlife was about arriving at policies bounded by scientific facts. Achieving this wasnt always easy, but it protected against narrow interests getting the upper hand: democracy at its finest. With its thorough methods and unbiased analysis, science has always provided a strong base for making policies rooted in reality rather than political ideology, economic opportunity, or bureaucratic expediency. And with excellent results. Under the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, which includes the foundational tenet that the best science available is used for informed decision-making, we have seen the prolific recovery of our wildlife. But with this abundance comes profiteering and the potential to abandon the lessons of the past. To throw the science out now insults those whose expertise we should continue to rely upon. We must recommit ourselves to a conservation ethos that values science, not as something to ignore but as the main beacon we base regulations on. The biologists at FWP have the training and expertise to discharge this duty with care and excellence. Lets let them do their job. A Hickory Public Schools teacher died over the Christmas holiday. Lisa Gagliano was a kindergarten teacher at Southwest Primary School. It is with such great sadness in my heart that I am writing to tell you that our beloved G (Ms. Lisa Gagliano) gained her heavenly wings on the morning of 12/24, the school posted on its Facebook page. Please keep her beautiful family in your thoughts and prayers along with our staff and students whose lives she touched. We are all trying to process losing this amazing woman. Gagliano was also remembered by her former colleagues at Longview Elementary School in Hickory. The school posted the following on Facebook: It is with great sadness that we share this news. Ms. Gagliano worked with us at Longview when we were a PreK-5 school and was an integral part of our family. Her bright smile and warm heart will be remembered always and her loss is a huge blow to our lives. We stand with our Southwest family in remembering her for all she was and continues to be in our hearts and minds. Our thoughts and prayers for all who knew her. No cause of death was listed. Hickory Public Schools declined to make a statement about the death of the popular teacher, instead saying in an email, Out of respect for the family, we do not have a formal statement. However, we are supporting the school family during this time. Long View Police Sgt. Eddie Marlowe said he met Lisa Gagliano when she was a teacher at Longview Elementary School. Marlowe said Gaglianos students would call him Cha Cha Marlowe when he would visit the classroom. Marlowe said one of Gaglianos Hispanic students coined the nickname. G was trying to teach her how to say Sergeant Marlowe, he said. The little girl couldnt pronounce it, so the little girl could only say Cha Cha Marlowe. Thats how I got the nickname. Marlowe said Gagliano was a remarkable teacher that always knew how to relate to her students. No matter what the situation was, she had a way to build that connection and help them move forward, Marlowe said. She was a genuine person who showed she always cared. A Winston-Salem businessman has pleaded guilty to securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud involving a New Jersey delicatessen and two publicly-traded companies, according to a Dec. 20 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey. U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said James Patten, 64, has admitted to orchestrating a large-scale market manipulation scheme related to Hometown International Inc. and E-Waste Corp. Sentencing is scheduled for April 3. The securities fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The conspiracy to commit securities fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and at least a $250,000 fine. According to an ongoing separate but related investigation, the Securities and Exchange Commission said the companies had a combined $220 million market capitalization via grossly inflated prices at the peak of the alleged share-price manipulation. Patten moved to Winston-Salem in August 2017, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office indictment filed Sept. 22, 2022. The SEC complaint, filed four days later, listed Pattens address in the 200 block of Lucerne Lane. According to the U.S. Attorney indictment, from 2014 through September 2022, Patten and co-defendants Peter Coker Sr. of Chapel Hill and Peter Coker Jr. of Hong Kong conspired to enrich themselves through a scheme to manipulate securities prices via a pattern of coordinated trading, which injected inaccurate information into the marketplace, creating false impressions of supply and demand for these securities. The Paulsboro, N.J., deli was open for business on and off through the indictment period, producing less than $40,000 in annual revenue. Hometown International, utilizing the HWIN ticker symbol, was listed as the umbrella corporation with the deli as a wholly-owned subsidiary. E-Waste Corp. utilized the EWST ticker symbol. The defendants, through the coordinated trading, were able to manipulate Hometown Internationals share price from $1 per share in October 2019 to nearly $13 per share by April 2021, producing a grossly inflated market capitalization of $100 million. Meanwhile, E-Wastes share price jumped from 10 cents to $10, which was a market capitalization of $120 million for a shell company with no revenue. According to the indictment, Patten worked as a stockbroker before being barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in 2006. During 2014, two New Jersey residents began the process of opening a local deli in Paulsboro. One of them discussed his interest in opening the business with Patten, a long-time friend, who suggested the creation of Hometown International. Unbeknownst to the deli owners, after Hometown International was formed, Patten and his associates began positioning (it) as a vehicle for a reverse merger that would yield substantial profit to them. A reverse merger is a stock transaction in which an existing public company merges with a private entity. A successful reverse merger would allow the defendants to sell shares of each entity at a significant profit. In October 2019, Hometown International began trading on the OTC Marketplace part of a U.S.-based financial market providing price and liquidity information for almost 10,000 over-the-counter securities that are lightly traded. Patten told the deli owners that creating Hometown International would allow for easy expansion in the event the deli was successful, according to the indictment. The defendants took similar actions to gain control of E-Wastes stock and management. The defendants also arranged for the transfer of millions of shares of stock to other entities, including those controlled by Coker Jr., in an effort to mask their control of the shares. The defendants transferred shares to family members, friends and associates. Although some of those individuals were set up as officers, Patten remained in charge. According to the indictment, three unidentified investors lived in Greensboro, included one listed as an immediate family friend of Coker Sr. The defendants used those accounts to commit a number of coordinated trading events involving stock on both sides of the transaction. These tactics artificially inflated the share price of both stocks by giving the false impression there was a genuine market interest. According to the indictment, the scheme began to fall apart following an April 2021 news article exposing Hometown International and E-Wastes ever-inflated market valuations. There were subsequent articles by national and business media outlets. Dairy-beef animals are a hot commodity right now. Many dairy farmers want to make them to take advantage of better market prices and right-size replacement numbers, and the beef industry can use them to offset this years roughly one million head reduction in the national beef herd. It is a prime opportunity for dairy farmers to provide a valuable co-product while generating additional income. Over three million dairy-beef calves are expected to hit the ground next year, said Margaret Quaassdorff, a dairy management specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension. If dairy farmers continue to make a high-quality product, the current high beef prices can be sustained for those animals and in the future even if the native beef herd numbers bounce back, she continued during a Cornell Cow Convos podcast episode. Dairy-beef meat has been shown to perform better than straight dairy meat in taste tests because it marbles well, which also raises the value and quality of the carcass, Quaassdorff said. It oxidizes less in grocery store cases, making it attractive to consumers and therefore the stores. Further, the dairy industry produces calves year-round and excels at traceability. Thats something the native beef industry has some strength in, but they can make some improvements in, continued Quaassdorff. All of these aspects create value opportunities for dairy producers. Taking advantage of those opportunities requires attention to a few areas, discussed Quaassdorff and fellow Cornell Cooperative Extension dairy management specialist Betsy Hicks: Calf care A survey they did of New York farmers found that most farms implemented calf care practices such as colostrum, navel care, and vaccines to calves including dairy-beef animals. This is critical especially for calves travelling at a young age, Quaassdorff reminded. A survey they did of New York farmers found that most farms implemented calf care practices such as colostrum, navel care, and vaccines to calves including dairy-beef animals. This is critical especially for calves travelling at a young age, Quaassdorff reminded. Sire selection Farmers and bull studs have learned a lot about what kind of beef traits are desirable in these animals. Attention to ribeye shape, frame size, growth, and feed efficiency leads to a more valuable end product. Were creating a better calf because were selecting better sires, said Hicks. Quaassdorff reminded that it is a good idea to still keep in mind traits like gestation length and calving ease. Farmers and bull studs have learned a lot about what kind of beef traits are desirable in these animals. Attention to ribeye shape, frame size, growth, and feed efficiency leads to a more valuable end product. Were creating a better calf because were selecting better sires, said Hicks. Quaassdorff reminded that it is a good idea to still keep in mind traits like gestation length and calving ease. Have a plan Whether you want to prepare for expansion or just maintain your current size, be sure to recognize your true replacement needs far enough in advance to create them. You cant wait to change up your beef strategy until you need heifers, Quaassdorff said. Whether you want to prepare for expansion or just maintain your current size, be sure to recognize your true replacement needs far enough in advance to create them. You cant wait to change up your beef strategy until you need heifers, Quaassdorff said. Know your market How are you going to sell these calves? Typically, you get more bang for your buck if you have a buyer, Quaassdorff noted when comparing a contract to sending calves through a sale barn. This is especially true if you have a Jersey herd, she emphasized. If you are raising crossbreds on the farm, develop a ration that works and is not cost prohibitive. Hicks added that if you are keeping them to finishing, make sure butcher spots are available. Its not as easy as the milk truck showing up every day, she said. Beef-on-dairy breeding is still developing and changing, but it has made significant strides in the last decade to become a valuable part of many dairy farms. We have an opportunity to produce an even more efficient beef animal, summarized Hicks. Doing it well benefits both sides of the cattle industry as well as beef consumers. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023 December 25, 2023 The foreign affairs committee of the Turkish parliament approved Swedens accession to NATO, Politico reported. This brought Stockholm even closer to joining the military organization, because the parliament of the country led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been delaying the ratification of the countrys NATO accession for more than a year, because according to the Erdogans Sweden is too friendly towards the Kurdish activists they consider to be terrorists. At the same time, in the background, Ankara is not only troubled by the attitude of the Swedes towards the Kurds: Erdogan previously tried to get the United States to sell F-16 fighter jets to Ankara in exchange for ratification, which currently still needs to be approved by the United States Congress. However, this is not the end of the tug-of-war surrounding Swedens accession: the Turkish parliament still has to vote on it, but the date of the vote has not yet been set. EXCEPT TURKEY, EVEN HUNGARY HAS NOT APPROVED THE SWEDISH ACCESS, however, the Hungarian parliament has not yet started the ratification process, despite the fact that the Parliament even sent a parliamentary committee to the country to discuss the concerns raised by Fidesz-KDNP. Sweden joined NATO at the same time as Finland in the summer of 2022, after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. The two countries were proud of their military independence for a long time, but at the same time, the war shifted the public opinion of both countries towards NATO. Finland has been a full member of NATO since April, but Swedens accession is still delayed due to the reservations of Turkey and Hungary a countrys accession becomes complete when it has been ratified by the parliaments of all member states. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke about this in an exclusive interview with Index a few weeks ago: he expects the Hungarian parliament to support Swedens accession. For China, the complete reunification of the motherland is an unavoidable direction, he declared Xi Jinping Chinese President on Tuesday at a meeting organized on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong, the founder and first leader of the Peoples Republic of China. The motherland must be reunified, and we will inevitably reunify said Xi in his speech at the event in front of high-ranking officials of the Chinese Communist Party. China should deepen integration with Taiwan, promote the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait, and resolutely prevent anyone from separating Taiwan from China in any way, the Chinese state news agency Xinhua quoted the president as saying. Presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in Taiwan in mid-January. According to Beijing, the election in Taiwan is an internal Chinese matter, and for voters on the island, the question is whether to choose war or peace. According to China, any attempt at Taiwanese independence means war. According to the Beijing government Lai Ching-teu, the most likely candidate for the presidency of Taiwan is a dangerous separatist whose invitation to the talks has been rejected several times. Although Xi Jinping did not hint in his speech that the island would be retaken by military force, China has held two large-scale military exercises near Taiwan in the past year and a half, and its warships and warplanes regularly appear in the Taiwan Strait. (MTI) Originally, the plane would have landed in Europe only to refuel, and several of its passengers were arrested by the French authorities on suspicion of human trafficking. The passenger plane originally bound for Nicaragua from the United Arab Emirates, which was kept waiting for three days at a French airport with 300 Indian passengers on board, has arrived in India where the plane originally landed only to refuel. According to a BBC report, 276 passengers of the Airbus A340 operated by Romania-based Legend Airlines have returned to India, but 25 of the planes passengers including 2 minors remained in France, where they sought asylum. The two suspected human traffickers, because of which the plane was not allowed to take off, were arrested in view of the investigation. The plane landed in Mumbai early Tuesday morning local time, but according to British public media, not all passengers had left the airport yet. The plane was initially prevented from leaving Chalons-Vatry airport, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Paris, on Thursday after authorities received an anonymous tip that some passengers might be victims of human trafficking, Paris prosecutors said. Most of those on board were believed to be Indian nationals working in the UAE. A third of the passengers are reported to be from Indias wealthy western state of Gujarat. The French authorities suspected that among the passengers there were those who wanted to get from Nicaragua to the United States or Canada. According to the BBC, the details of the case are so vague that it is not even possible to know whether the passengers flown back to India were reported to have committed a crime. Nor is it entirely clear why the plane went to India instead of continuing on to Central America. According to the online flight tracker Flightradar, Legend Airlines is a Romanian charter airline with a fleet of four planes. Due to improper behavior, the new national champion title was taken away, and the newest champion of Chinese chess, the 48-year-old, was also banned from competing for a year. Jen Chenglong the Guardian reported. Back on December 17th, Chenglong won the title of King of Chinese Chess at a tournament on Hainan Island, after which he celebrated as most people would. However, he overdid it a bit. So much so that the celebration in his hotel room ended with the champion spilling so much on his throat that he pooped in the bathtub the next night. With which, according to the Chinese Chinese Chess Association, he not only damaged hotel property, but also violated public order and morality. It is not known exactly how much prize money he lost, but according to the British newspaper, he could have lost tens of thousands of yuan. (By the way, 10,000 yuan corresponds to roughly half a million forints.) However, in addition to the celebration unworthy of the sport, another accusation arose against Jen Cenglong. In addition, something that has recently stirred up the world of traditional chess: the Chinese chess champion, who was stripped of his title, may have cheated with vibrating anal beads as a signal. Lets say that the association could not confirm this accusation appearing on Chinese social media. History often repeats itself. Many Americans are supporting a philosophy of America First as defined by former President Donald Trump. Its an attempt to purify the nation by creating a homogeneous population free of immigrants from certain nations. Trump stated, immigrants are poisoning our blood. They commit crimes and bring in diseases. Many come from mental institutions, he said. This kind of language inflames the radical base that longs for a dictatorial leader that will tell the cult-like followers what they should believe. They fail to believe that we are a melting pot nation. We are all immigrants of one kind or another. Only the native Americans can claim original residency and genetic purity. In 1935 Huey Long, the governor and senator from Louisiana, made decisions in an autocratic manner. He stated, I am the Constitution. He had his own bodyguards, and made his own policies regardless of public opinion. Henry Ford in his later years made known his prejudice against Blacks, Jews and immigrants in an attempt to purify the nation with white only policies. In the late 1930s many congressional leader advocated the same propaganda as Hitler. Namely to keep the U.S. out of the German invasion of European countries. They wanted Europe to handle problems in Europe. There was widespread admiration towards Hitlers aggression and military might. Germany flooded our country with anti-FDR propaganda and pro-German policies of discrimination. Hitler strove to divide our country and create chaos so we would not enter the war against Germany. It all changed after Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Five days later Germany declared war on the United State of America. The forthcoming election will determine what kind of government will prevail. One where decision making is made by one person or a government based on free and fair elections with democratic principles based on the Constitution. One candidate will be guided by his own self-interest. The other will govern based upon the common good of all the people regardless of national origin, race, gender, religion, or political orientation. In other words: Democracy will be on the ballot. Eligible voters should be encouraged to vote, not excluded from voting. The Discovery Series at Davis Theatre begins in a few weeks. Join the Cabarrus Arts Council for a celebration of local talent with two diverse acts back-to-back for only $15. Here are some of the upcoming shows in the series: Feb. 15: UNCC Music Faculty & falllift UNCC Music Faculty: Classical chamber music with a modern twist. falllift: Playful melodies and heartfelt lyrics with a modern sound! March 14: Mizz Ember & Guerilla Poets Mizz Ember: Captivating dance artistry themed Black Love. Guerilla Poets: Explore life in Detention Centers through spoken word videos and live performances. April 11: Sahaj School of Dance & Chroma Sahaj School of Dance: Kathak, Folk, and Bollywood Dance showcase. Chroma Ensemble: LGBTQIA+ affirming choral ensemble celebrating life in song. May 9: The Garrison Experience & Paleface The Garrison Experience: Jazz-inspired dance choreography. Paleface: Indie-rock/alternative duo with exciting and prolific songs. The ticket information visit: https://bit.ly/cabartstickets Give to the Cabarrus Arts Council: Help keep art alive in our community through a donation of any size. Visit cabarrusartscouncil.org/support/ how-to-donate This week (today Dec. 31) Preschool Story Time: Welcome 2024! Thursday, Dec. 28, 11-11:30 a.m. Celebrate New Years (a few days early) with a craft and story. Come dressed to make a mess! Ages 3-5 with caregiver; FREE; No Registration Required; Kannapolis Library; 850 Mountain St.; For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us. Mindful Movement Friday, Dec. 29, 10:15-11 a.m. Join us for a fun and energetic program of movement, mindfulness, interactive stories, and music. Ages 3-5 with caregiver; FREE; No Registration Required; www.cabarruscounty.us. DIY Dishcloths Saturday, Dec. 30, 3-5 p.m. Come learn how to make a simple crochet dishcloth! Adults; FREE; No Registration Required; Kannapolis Library; 850 Mountain St.; For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us. Next Week (Jan. 1 7) Drama Kids Thursday, Jan. 4, 4:40-5:30 p.m. Find your inner actor and develop your creative thinking skills! Come for a class that will include improvisations, theater games, creative movement, and more. Ages 6-11; FREE; No Registration Required; Concord Library; 27 Union St. N; For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us. Cabarrus Arts Council Family Day Saturday, Jan. 6, 1-3 p.m. Make crafts at Creation Stations throughout The Galleries, take a tour of the latest exhibition, go on our ISpy Scavenger hunt. Check out the Art Nook. Ideal for preschool and elementary school ages, Family Days are FREE fun for everyone! Enjoy a performance by Opera Express! FREE; For more information, and to RSVP, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org. Self-Care Saturday Saturday, Jan. 6, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Self-care is about taking care of your mind, body, and soul in ways to reduce stress and enhance your happiness. Join us as we do a brief mindfulness meditation, journal our goals for the new year, work on a coloring page or two, or bring your own self-care projects to work on. Ages 12+; FREE; No Registration Required; Kannapolis Library; 850 Mountain Street; For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us. Upcoming! Call for artists: 2024 Black History and Womens History Month Exhibits at Clearwater Arts Center, Concord Submission Deadline: Jan. 7, 2024. ClearWater Arts Center & Studios is excited to announce a Call for Artists and a new collaboration with local arts consultancy, St Lawrence-Martin. Jemma L. St. Lawrence-Martin will serve as Guest Curator for production of the 2024 Black History Month and Womens History Month exhibits under the theme, Lets Celebrate!. Both exhibits will be featured from February 1st through March 18, 2024, in the ClearWater Arts Main Gallery, at 223 Crowell Drive, NW, in Concord. Black and Afro-Latino artists, and Women artists living in North Carolina and regionally are called & are invited to submit artworks for consideration; Submission instructions and Criteria are spelled out within the Call for Submissions, found at the St Lawrence-Martin website. Information is available on both websites: www.clearwaterartists.com , under Events, and www.stlawrencemartin.org under Announcements. ClearWater Arts Center & Studios has offered working Studio Space for artists, Public Programs, and Galleries for exhibits & event rentals for 13 years in Historic Concord,. With the opening, in fall 2023 of its newly built Ceramics Center; its merge into the Citys Parks & Recreation Department; and new projects & collaborations under way, ClearWater is an up-and-coming Arts Center with a growing profile. Renovated out of 100-year-old City-owned industrial buildings, ClearWater offers a unique vibe and an inspiring setting in its 2200 square foot Main Gallery, ringed with Artist Studios. Offering a Black History Month and Womens History Month-themed Exhibition is a new venture for the Studios. We are looking forward to an outstanding exhibit feature in early 2024, with related receptions and Artist Talk events, that engages the community and is in continuum with the work that we do to support artists. For more information on submitting artworks, email admin@stlawrencemartin.org. Art Lab at the Cabarrus Arts Council Thursday, Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cabarrus Arts Council takes student ages 6-16 on a guided tour through the current exhibition in The Galleries before heading into the lab to explore the artistic processes and subjects they viewed. Registration and adult supervision are required. Art Labs are limited to 15 students. $5 per participant; Preregistration Required; For more information or to register, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org. Cabarrus Art Guild Class: Build a Book with Cheryl Maney Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to noon. Come Build a Book! In this workshop you will make a 9x6 hardcover artistic journal or sketchbook. Inside pages provided in the workshop will be writing, drawing and 130-pound watercolor paper. The uniqueness of this book lies in your ability to use whatever paper you like and to keep adding pages and pages to your journal. Have fun with three bonus projects! Cheryl Maney, a local bookmaker, has over 30 years in art education, teaching art to kindergarten through adult students. She has taught workshops in a variety of locations around the United States. All supplies are provided although students can bring additional paper for their journal. Class Cost: $50 for members and $60 for non-members; Registration Required; To Register: Send an email to cherylmaney@gmail.com; Advance payment preferred. When you register, Cheryl will send you an address to mail a money order to; or we can arrange for cash payment; For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org/classes. Cabarrus Art Guild Class: Using Collage in Acrylic Painting with Susan Lackey Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Unleash your creativity as you explore this mixed media technique. You will make your own textured papers to use as collage elements in your painting. You may elect to work in an expressive realistic or slightly abstracted manner. Susan will demonstrate and help you individually. Susan Lackey has been painting and teaching painting for many years. She paints in acrylic and mixed media. She has won numerous awards in local, state, and national exhibitions and juried shows. She is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina. Class cost: $60; Ages 18+; Registration Required; Registration cutoff date is Feb. 12, 2024; To register click then scroll down https://secure.rec1.com/NC/concord-nc/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI3Njc4NzE= Supply list provided upon registration; For questions or more information, email susanlackeyart@gmail.com. Ongoing Cabarrus Arts Councils Annual Clay Exhibition showcasing ceramic artists from around the region. The exhibit opened Thursday, Nov. 2, and closes Saturday, Jan. 20. The exhibit is free for all ages. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org. After School and Adult Art Classes in drawing, painting, pottery, and sculpture. After school classes from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and adult classes from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday one day per week for six weeks. For more information, call 704-786-8570. North Carolina Music Hall of Fame The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Museum is a safe, fun, and touch-free visit for your friends and family! The museum is open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Reserve your visit at Make A Reservation North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame, 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. Open Art Day Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Bring your lunch and drink, bring a project you are working on and your supplies. Or bring work youd like to share and discuss. This is a working, weekly meeting, each Tuesday, to work with and share with artists and like-minded people who appreciate creativity. ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (223 Crowell Drive, NW, Concord) enter through the double glass doors facing Kerr Street, called the Greenway Gallery). For more information: About Us (cabarrusartguild.org). Caffeinate with Creatives Every Second Saturday, 10-11 a.m. The Concord area is filled with artists of all kinds, lets take some time to get to know each other. Join us every second Saturday for coffee and creative conversations. All artists are welcome; no registration; free, coffee for purchase; ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (223 Crowell Drive, NW, Concord). For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com. Plein Air with the CAG Calling all artists. First timers welcome. Dont worry if you dont have all the things, you think you need, this is a very informal gathering, and your fellow artists are happy to help. Reach out to get on the mailing list for various events. Has the idea or the fun of Plein Air ever fascinated you? Well first off, to explain, Plein air is a French term meaning, denoting or in the manner of a 19th-century style of painting outdoors, or with a strong sense of the open air, that became a central feature of French impressionism. Some famous Plein air painters were amongst the most impressive painters from history including Monet, Homer and Sargent. Within the Cabarrus Art Guild, a group of Plein air painters have banded together to enjoy the lovely North Carolina Piedmont and surrounding sites via Plein air. They have named themselves, Dusty Road Painters and meet to explore the indoors (inclement weather) and outdoors that offer countless opportunities to express ones artistic curiosity and passion. Have questions or interested in joining this free group of adventurous artists? Reach out to Plein Air Chair, OLynda Walker at olynda.walker@gmail.com. Free. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Course Offerings Continuing Education courses available with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. In addition to career courses, we also offer personal enrichment courses. Call 702-216-7222 or register online at https://cce.rcc.edu/ The following link is continually updated with new course offerings: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hwaTI5nAM_bMAiQ_XooVkANHnnJOqN63/edit. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, shared an apology written in Hebrew on Tuesday for making a number of antisemitic comments last year that upended his career. "I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any 'unintended outburst.' It was not my intention to hurt or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused," he wrote in an Instagram post, which has been translated to English. "I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity." In response to Ye's apology, the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement: "After causing untold damage by using his vast influence and platform to poison countless minds with vicious antisemitism and hate, an apology in Hebrew may be the first step on a long journey towards making amends to the Jewish community and all those who he has hurt. Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words but this initial act of contrition is welcome." Ye's apology follows antisemitic comments that he made last year. In October 2022, he said on social media that he would go "death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE" while also making allegations that Sean Combs was controlled by Jewish people, a commonly used antisemitic trope. Around the same time, he showed up to Paris Fashion Week in a shirt that read "White Lives Matter." Ye also told conspiracy theorist Alex Jones in December 2022 that he liked Adolf Hitler. His behavior ultimately led to bans from X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram before later being reinstated by both platforms. He also lost business partnerships with JPMorgan Chase, the CAA talent agency and fashion company Balenciaga. And in a move that shook up the fashion world, Adidas announced that it would stop collaborating with Ye, putting an end to the highly lucrative Yeezy brand, which garnered about $2 billion per year. Ye said at the time that even though he lost money over the backlash, he did not take back his words, according to the Los Angeles Times. "I lost 2 billion dollars in one day and I'm still alive," he wrote in an Instagram post that has since been deleted. "This is love speech. . . . The money is not who I am. The people is who I am." This month, more than a year after his previous comments, videos showed Ye ranting about Hitler, Jesus and Donald Trump. In one video, he said, "Jesus Christ, Hitler, Ye! Third party! Sponsor that!" It's unclear what Ye will say on his new collaboration album with Ty Dolla $ign, titled "Vultures," which is expected to drop in January. However, the song "Vultures," which is expected to appear on the album, does have a line that references the Jewish community. Using expletives, Ye wonders why anyone would consider him antisemitic, because he has had sexual relations with a Jewish woman. Representatives for Ye did not respond to a request for comment. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. The story of the 2024 campaign so far is the effort by Democrats and their appointees to use criminal charges and lawsuits to force former President Donald Trump out of the race for a second term in the White House. The name for such an effort is lawfare that is, "the strategic use of legal proceedings to intimidate or hinder an opponent," to cite one law dictionary. The latest development, of course, is the Colorado Supreme Court ruling disqualifying Trump from being on the state ballot. All seven members of Colorado's highest court were appointed by Democrats. The case was started by a Washington-based, aggressively anti-Trump activist group called CREW, or Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which recruited local Coloradans to file suit against Trump. The Colorado case, of course, comes amid a growing number of Democratic legal efforts to bring down Trump. Here are five additional examples. All were brought by Democratic or Democratic-appointed prosecutors, and three of the five are being tried before Democratic-appointed judges. 1) New York Attorney General Letitia James, an elected Democrat, won office on a platform of going after Trump. After considering various criminal charges against the former president, James decided instead to file a lawsuit intended to destroy Trump's business empire in New York. James's case received a boost when Judge Arthur Engoron, a Democrat, ruled that Trump was guilty before the trial began. Trump is now awaiting Engoron's decision on damages. 2) Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, also an elected Democrat, also won office on a platform of going after Trump. In late March, Bragg became the first prosecutor to indict Trump, charging him with 34 felonies related to the hush money Trump arranged to pay porn star Stormy Daniels in the 2016 presidential campaign. Bragg's indictment is widely regarded as the weakest of the criminal cases against Trump. It was assigned to Judge Juan Merchan, who made three small political contributions in 2020: $15 to Joe Biden, $10 to the Progressive Turnout Project, and $10 to a group called Stop Republicans. 3) Special counsel Jack Smith, appointed by the Biden Justice Department, began his investigation of Trump a few months after the New York Times reported in April 2022: "As recently as last year, Mr. Biden confided to his inner circle that he believed former President Donald J. Trump was a threat to democracy and should be prosecuted, according to two people familiar with his comments. And while the president has never communicated his frustrations directly to [Attorney General Merrick] Garland, he has said privately that he wanted Mr. Garland to act less like a ponderous judge and more like a prosecutor who is willing to take decisive action over the events of Jan. 6." Smith was appointed six months later. He indicted Trump over Jan. 6 and the 2020 election in August 2023. The case is being heard under Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was nominated to the federal bench by President Barack Obama and also contributed to Obama's 2008 campaign. 4) Smith, again acting under his appointment by the Biden Justice Department, indicted Trump in June of this year on 40 felony counts in the classified documents case. In contrast to the other cases, this one is being presided over by Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed to the bench by Trump. 5) Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, an elected Democrat, indicted Trump on 13 felony counts relating to the 2020 election. Willis alleged a huge RICO conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election that included 19 defendants. That group would have been even larger, but Willis was barred from prosecuting one target, Republican state Rep. Burt Jones, after news came out that Willis had hosted a fundraiser for Jones's Democratic opponent. So that is six cases, including the Colorado case, driven by Democrats and their appointees and activists. Party leaders, of course, would deny that there is any political motivation at work. But the reality is, the prosecutions and lawsuits are all the work of Trump's political opponents. If they succeed, they will result in him going to prison, paying huge fines, and losing his business. They would, in short, once and for all remove Trump from the American political scene. It is as if anti-Trump leaders concluded that elections did not succeed in getting rid of him and media attacks did not succeed in getting rid of him and investigations did not succeed in getting rid of him and now the next step is lawfare. That's where we are now. It is hard to overstate how crazy this situation is. In the two federal criminal cases, the Biden administration is prosecuting the president's main political opponent in the run-up to an election. In the two local criminal cases and the New York lawsuit, elected Democrats who ran for office promising to pursue a single political target, Trump, are making good on their promises. And in the Colorado case, Trump's political opponents have dreamed up a novel use for a clause in a Reconstruction-era constitutional amendment that was long thought dead. We all know the political impact of this. Immediately after the first indictment, Bragg's, support for Trump in the Republican primary race shot upward. It rose further amid later indictments and lawsuits, going from 44% support before the Bragg indictment to 63% support today in the RealClearPolitics average of polls. Some Republicans are clearly using support of Trump as a way to express their disapproval of the wave of prosecutions and lawsuits. Whether that will last is unclear. But the Democratic lawfare campaign has been relentless, and it will surely provoke continuing Republican reaction in the months to come. (COMMENT, BELOW) In 2009, I covered the Gaza war known as Operation Cast Lead. International journalists, including myself, assembled in tents at El Arish crossing, on the Egyptian-Palestinian border, hoping to directly cover the news in the Gaza Strip. This was before social media empowered Gazans to broadcast live from their phones to ours. Yet we cant equate professional journalism and social media. Journalists cover the news, but today journalists are the news. In this current conflict, journalists have been killed in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported at least 68 journalists and media workers have died in this war since Oct. 7, the deadliest period for journalists since the organization started compiling data three decades ago. This is not the whole story. According to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, journalists are actively being targeted. The fate of journalists in Gaza is especially poignant because they provide a window into a world that has been cut off from international press and independent reporting (with the exception of one CNN journalist). Their lives matter. Journalists write the first draft of history. The Geneva Convention, a fundamental part of international humanitarian law, requires protection of civilians and journalists during armed conflict. But in Gaza, its almost as though journalists are being treated as combatants. Their deaths have become mere numbers, counted among the death toll of more than 20,000. One might cynically conclude that the deaths of nearly six dozen journalists is par for the course in a war that is marked by indiscriminate bombing. But these journalists were informing the world, providing understanding and footage of Israels relentless assault that numbers and statistics alone cannot capture. Faced with this terrible number of journalist deaths, five U.S. senators wrote a letter Dec. 15 to President Joe Biden asking for greater protection for journalists in Gaza and for foreign journalists to be allowed in. They also called on Egypt and Israel to lift restrictions on reporting from Gaza. When I first attempted to enter Gaza with my tape recorder and notebook in 2009, the Egyptian authorities blocked me and other journalists from doing so without the written consent of our embassies. This was quite unusual. I already had a letter signed by my boss at Al-Masaa newspaper saying that my assignment required me to enter Gaza. But I had to drive eight hours across the Sinai Desert to the Moroccan Embassy in Cairo, where I showed officials that letter to get the additional paperwork I needed for the Egyptian authorities. I was surprised by a strange request from the Moroccan consular official: You must sign a complete waiver to absolve the Kingdom of Morocco of responsibility if you are subjected to harm or killed. I signed the document without a second thought, and it wasnt until much later that I noted how strange it was for my country to make me sign a waiver of liability should I die in a foreign land. Now the killing of journalists in Gaza is being normalized with no one taking responsibility. Journalists are also suffering in other ways. Wael Dahdouh, an Al Jazeera correspondent, received the news of the killing of his wife, children and several members of his family as he was live on air describing the Israeli advance on Gaza. Viewers watched his heart break in real time. Recently, Dahdouh was badly wounded, and yet he continued to report with bandages on his arms. Last year, the world was stunned by the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh as she reported from the West Bank town of Jenin. In a 2021 video, she recounted: In the difficult moments, I overcame my fear because I chose journalism in order to be close to the people. It might not be easy for me to change the reality, but at least I was able to convey the peoples message and voice to the world. In May, a year after her death, the Israel Defense Forces apologized for her killing after conceding a high possibility that she was shot by an Israeli soldier. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said, We want journalists to feel safe in Israel, especially in wartime. How empty these words feel now. Today journalists are dying in this war at a staggering rate with zero accountability. If this pace continues, who will be left to accurately report from this conflict zone? The top investor of Gildan Activewear Inc. has added to its ownership as it advocates for the reinstatement of fired chief executive Glenn Chamandy. Gildan, based in Montreal, has more than 500 jobs at its yarn production plant in Mocksville as well as facilities in Rockingham and Rowan counties. According to a regulatory filing posted Tuesday, global investment firm Jarislowsky Fraser raised its stake from 7.2% to 8.7% through purchases made by parent company Bank of Nova Scotia. Meanwhile, a regulatory filing posted Wednesday had No. 2 investor Coliseum Capital Management selling off about 14% of its share holdings between Nov. 6 and Dec. 7. According to a Wednesday filing, Coliseum Capital held a 5.7% stake. That moved Coliseum below Voya Investment Management at least temporarily with Voya at 6.3%, according to MSMMoney.com. Coliseum Capital has pledged to make an additional investment in Gildan to become its largest investor. In return, Gildans board of directors appointed Coliseum co-founder and managing partner Chris Shackelton to its board on Dec. 17. Gildan and Coliseum did not disclose the investment amount in what they identified as a support agreement through market purchases during insider open window periods. Jarislowsky Fraser called Shackeltons appointment a serious governance concern considering Coliseum only became a prominent investor in 2022. Coliseum Capital announced the heightened investment commitment as it defended the Gildan boards decision to terminate Chamandy on Dec. 11. The Gildan management shakeup escalated Dec. 20 with the board defending and explaining their decision, while a top-five shareholder warned it may call for a special meeting to address the boards governance. Since Chamandys termination was made public, there have been several rounds of in-fighting among several large Gildan shareholders over how he was dismissed as well as the apparent coalescing of a coalition representing at least 33% of outstanding shares urging his return. The board, led by chairman Donald Berg, took the unusual step of sending a letter to all shareholders that would clarify the record as to why the directors of Gildan recently came to the unanimous decision. In the interim, board member Craig Leavitt was appointed chief executive and president. The board letter was also meant to outline the path forward under Vince Tyra, who is scheduled to take over as chief executive and president in February. The board said it determined that the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead call for a new leader with new ideas and different skills, which led members to recently select Tyra. After praising Chamandys 20-year career with Gildan for exceptional growth and value creation, the board said that over the last two years ... trust and confidence ... eroded gradually as we worked to hold him accountable for delivering the next chapter of the companys long-term growth strategy as well as the development of his people. Since December 2021, the board and Chamandy, 61, had conversations addressing chief executive succession, but they dispute how the plan was to work and when it would take effect. The board claims Chamandy began to renege on his succession cooperation in October when he recommended potential acquisition initiatives. The board called them high-risk and highly dilutive multibillion-dollar acquisitions that would shift Gildan away from its core area of manufacturing experience. According to the board, Chamandy indicated that if members didnt go along with his recommendations he would step down and sell his shares in the company. The board is disappointed in Mr. Chamandys attempts to inflict the maximum amount of disruption to Gildans business in order to remain as CEO, according to their letter. In a statement, Chamandy denied that he gave an ultimatum to the board. This is a sideshow to distract from the reaction the shareholders have had with respect to the boards handling of succession planning, in which I was not involved, Chamandy said. I did not and could not orchestrate or control the events; the board conducted the process. The Gildan boards letter quickly prompted a response from at least two other top-five investor shareholders. Browning West LP, an investment management firm, was the first investor to oppose the boards termination of Chamandy in a letter sent Dec. 14. The firm said a few days ago that it has raised its stake from 3.8% on Dec. 11 to 4.8% to accentuate both its belief in Gildan and its disappointment with the boards actions. Browning West is calling for Chamandys immediate reinstatement, as has at least eight other prominent shareholder. A teenager was shot and wounded Tuesday night, Winston-Salem police said Wednesday. Police received a report of a drive-by shooting in 900 block of Peachtree Meadows Drive at 9:10 p.m. Two occupants of a white SUV fired shots at Peter Anthony Steele, police said. Steele, 22, was not injured, but two bullets entered a home in the 900 block of Peachtree Meadows Circle, police said. No injuries were reported among the home's occupants. A short time later, Kernersville police went to a hospital to investigate a shooting, Winston-Salem police said. A 17-year-old male teen was brought to the hospital in a white SUV, police said. The teen was suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound to his chest, police said. The teen, whom police have not identified because of his age, is in stable condition, police said. Officers are trying to determine if there is a link between the the gunfire on Peachtree Meadows Circle and the shooting of the teen. Anyone with information about this incident can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904. When it comes to choosing a new country to call home, there are several factors to consider. From cultural differences and job opportunities to financial stability and living arrangements, seemingly small decisions can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life and financial well-being. One of the most critical aspects, however, is the cost of living. Both the USA and Canada are renowned for their economic opportunities, cultural diversity, and high quality of life, but day-to-day costs are where the similarities end. This article from debtreliefcanada.com delves into the cost of living in the USA and Canada, breaking down the biggest price differences between these two North American neighbors and offering practical advice for managing your finances, regardless of which country you decide to call home. Housing Housing is arguably the biggest cost youll have to budget for when you move to the USA or Canada. The USA has a wide range of housing options, from affordable apartments in rural areas to high-end condos in major cities. According to Numbeo the worlds largest cost of living database the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center location is USD 1,844 a month, while a similar home outside of the city center will set you back, on average, USD 1,505 a month. Housing costs in Canada are also diverse with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center location costing around CAD 1,979 a month and more rural locations averaging a slightly lower CAD 1,805 a month. However, while it costs less to rent in Canada than it does in the USA, buying a home is 19% more expensive in Canada. Food Groceries in the USA are generally affordable, with a wide variety of food products available at different price points. For example, a liter of milk costs an average of USD 1.04 while a 500g loaf of white bread will set you back around USD 3.59. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also suggests that a family of four can expect to spend around USD 1,568 on groceries each month. In Canada, a 0.5 liter bottle of beer costs around CAD 4.06 and a head of lettuce costs CAD 3.60. The Canada Food Price Report for 2023 also recorded the average yearly grocery spend for a family of four at CAD 16,288thats around CAD 1,357 a month. Transport Transport costs in the USA can vary significantly by location and commuting distance. For example, a monthly pass costs around USD 80 while gasoline tends to average around USD 1.01 a liter. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that households spent an average of USD 12,295 on transport in 2022, making it the second largest expense after housing. Canadian cities also offer a wide range of transport options with a monthly pass costing an average of CAD 78.41 while gasoline costs a slightly steeper CAD 1.63 a liter. Overall, transport costs are more expensive in the USA than they are in Canada. Healthcare and Insurance The USA is known for its notoriously high healthcare costs, with private health insurance premiums for an average family often exceeding USD 1,000 a month. This is before you factor out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, into the equation. The cost of not having health insurance can also add up, with the base rate for an ambulance costing anywhere from USD 400 to USD 1,200 and a visit to the emergency room regularly costing upwards of USD 2,200. Canadas publicly funded healthcare system, on the other hand, provides essential medical services at no extra cost to residents, meaning people dont have to worry about not being able to afford the care they need when they need it. This option is, however, only available to residents with visitors urged to take out private health insurance to cover additional services and prescription drugs. Education Education is a common reason for moving to a new country, but costs can vary significantly depending on where you choose to call home. Generally, higher education in the USA is significantly more expensive than in Canada, with annual tuition fees for international students ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 50,000 a year and some institutions charging even more depending on the program and course length. The USA has also been criticized for its lengthy and complicated visa process that requires students to reapply every year. Canadian universities, on the other hand, offer competitive education at a more affordable cost for international students, with tuition fees typically ranging from CAD 10,000 to CAD 30,000 a year. This, coupled with the higher cost of living, makes the USA a significantly more expensive place to get an education. Taxes Tax is another important factor you must consider when contemplating a move to the USA or Canada. The USA has a complex tax system consisting of federal, state, and local taxes and federal income tax rates for individuals currently range from 10% to 37%, depending on income level. Canada also has federal and provincial taxes, but federal income tax rates range from 15% to 33%. However, there are some key differences in the way the two countries calculate taxable income. For example, because Canada has a larger basic personal amount, lower-income Canadians tend to pay less tax than lower-income Americans. Conclusion Choosing between moving to the USA or Canada involves careful consideration of the cost of living and its impact on your quality of life. While both countries offer unique advantages and challenges, understanding the various factors that contribute to the cost of living can help you make an informed decision. Remember, individual circumstances, such as job opportunities, personal preferences, and family needs, also play a significant role in choosing which country you should call home. Ultimately, whether youre attracted to the vibrant cities and diverse culture of the USA or the natural beauty and healthcare benefits of Canada, your choice should align with your goals and priorities. This provided content was produced by Lee Enterprises. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Actor Matt Crowle estimates that hes done 420 to 430 of the 470 performances of Les Miserables since the musicals U.S. tour hit the road in October 2022. If I havent got it down at this point, I dont know if Im going to, the actor who plays the unscrupulous innkeeper Thenardi in the stage version of Victor Hugos 1862 novel. My job in the show is this character who is a vehicle for the comedy and moments of levity that kind of permeate between some very large, very heavy moments of drama and emotion. But, even after more than a year crisscrossing the country, Crowle is still amazed each time the production moves from city to city. It feels like a magic trick really every time we get to a new city where, one night, we close in, say, Spokane, and less than 48 hours later, I'm walking onto the stage in say Lincoln, Crowle said from Tempe, Arizona. The set is built, the lights are hung, the costumes are in place backstage. Then were up and running. The U.S. Les Mis touring company will be coming from Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Lincoln next month, closing at the Walton Arts Center on Jan. 7 and opening at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Jan. 9. Orchestrating that move, Crowle said, is far from a simple process. He said it takes more than 100 people to break down the set and load it into 12 18-wheeled trailers the crew travels with across the country. They pick up local crew members in every city who take it out of the truck, bring it into the theater and build it "this very multifaceted beast of a set" in less than 24 hours. It's like an ant farm watching everything move around very quickly and very strategically. There's no room for error. Constructing the new staging for the production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg's Tony Award-winning musical that features reimagined scenery based on Hugos paintings, is the biggest challenge on load-in day. But the transition to a new theater isnt finished when the sets and lights are in place. The productions sound has to be dialed in on the fly. On the first night in a new town, the audio engineer running the soundboard has to mix in real time, figuring out where sound is bouncing and where it might die because each house has different materials. So theres a learning curve on the first night, Crowle said. That learning curve not only applies to the house sound engineer. It extends to the stage, where the actors never know what theyre going to hear, he said. Actors step out on the stage and have to listen very carefully, he said, because in some houses you can't hear anything. "It's the strangest thing. There's a 14-piece orchestra, they're all playing expertly and you can't really even hear them on the stage. So all I have to go by is the waving, bouncing arms of our conductor and just putting 1,000 percent trust into him and knowing that he's got our back. If we start to get off the beat at all, or we get behind or we get ahead, the bouncing arms get a little more ferocious to make his point, Crowle said. There likely wont be any audio issues at the Lied during the six-day, eight-performance run of the worlds most popular musical, which has been seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe. One song after another is iconic, Crowle said in explaining the 38-year-old musicals continuing popularity. Everybody thinks 'oh, that's in this show too.' It's like a greatest hits. It's lightning in a bottle." Using incredible source material from Victor Hugo, the writers have the audience hanging on a razor's edge the whole time, Crowle said. "It's a colossal, thematic masterpiece. And, he said, in cities like Lincoln, where it has previously played, the Les Miserables audience knows what its coming to hear and see something Crowle said can be measured at every performance. As the curtain goes up before the first scene and there's the iconic "bomb bomb" of the first two chords, he said the audience often explodes in the darkness before they've even seen a thing. It feels like a Stones concert. It's just this raucous moment. It doesn't ever get old. That I get to be a part of something that is this beloved, and this world-traveled is thrilling. Theres one last element involved in the musicals move from city to city. What does the cast and touring crew do during the days theyre in town? Crowle said he's getting to an age where he is more careful about how much he packs in before a nighttime show, but he loves history museums or "any funky tour you can take of some random author's house." And he likes trying the local cuisine, particularly pizza. "I feel like that's my secondary job. I've been trying to find all the different far-flung pizzerias across the country and keep a journal about that. Got any recommendations? Tammy Lamprecht is one of a kind at Lincoln Public Schools. Across the entire district of more than 41,000 students and more than 3,500 teachers, shes the lone Japanese language teacher. She was recently recognized for her work teaching students about the language and culture in Japan by the Nebraska International Language Association. Last month, Lamprecht was named the 2023 Outstanding Language Teacher of the Year by the organization, an honor she wasnt expecting. I was very surprised, but also just filled with gratitude for the many people I get to work with every day that work just as hard as me to make a huge impact on students in Nebraska, she said. Lamprecht helped launch the Japanese program at Lincoln Southwest High School in 2002 when the school first opened and has been one of the only teachers to teach the language in the district breaking for an eight-year stint to raise her children before returning to the role in 2015. She first started learning Japanese when she was in high school in Curtis through a virtual program offered by her school, which is when her love for the language was really sparked. Lamprecht went on to study English in college at Nebraska Wesleyan University, with a minor in Japanese. Lamprecht later studied abroad for a year in Japan and eventually spent three years living there after graduation. Since then, shes traveled to the country more times than she can remember most of which have been on trips with students. Every few years, students studying Japanese at Lincoln Southwest have the opportunity to travel with Lamprecht to Japan, where they are able to immerse themselves in the culture and gain real-life experiences with the language. The high school also has developed a sister school in Japan where any student, regardless of whether they take Japanese classes or not, can adopt a pen pal. Those who travel to Japan with Lamprecht also have the ability to visit the school and their pen pals. What we have going on here at Southwest High School is pretty special, she said. Its more than a language course. The students get the opportunity to be pen pals and be friends with someone thats just like them from across the ocean. Her ability to provide opportunities like these to students and her dedication to each individual student are just a couple of reasons why she is so qualified to win an award such as this, Southwest Principal John Matzen said. Were incredibly proud of Tammy. With or without an award, we know that Tammy is a fabulous teacher who every day creates an environment for students that is welcoming and challenging, Matzen said. Shes always a teacher that students really connect with and respect because of her interest, both in the curriculum and in them as individuals. While Japanese isnt the schools most popular language course, Matzen said it does attract students to Southwest and can sometimes be a reason why students choose to go there. I always think about education as just opening doors to opportunities. And certainly if you have a whole other language, then theres a whole set of doors that wouldnt have been opened otherwise, he said. And while it isnt our largest world language in our school, it does provide an opportunity to connect with certain students who are very excited and passionate about it. Top Journal Star photos for December 2023 KABUL, Afghanistan Bahara Rustam, 13, took her last class at Bibi Razia School in Kabul on Dec. 11 knowing it was the end of her education. Under Taliban rule, she is unlikely to step foot in a classroom again. In September 2021, a month after U.S. and NATO troops withdrew from Afghanistan following two decades of war, the Taliban announced that girls were barred from studying beyond sixth grade. They extended this education ban to universities in December 2022. The Taliban have defied global condemnation and warnings that the restrictions will make it almost impossible for them to gain recognition as the countrys legitimate rulers. U.N. special envoy Roza Otunbayeva recently expressed concern that a generation of Afghan girls is falling behind with each day that passes. An official in the Education Ministry said Afghan girls of all ages are allowed to study in religious schools known as madrassas, which have traditionally been boys-only. But Otunbayeva said it was unclear if there was a standardized curriculum that allowed modern subjects. Bahara is holding onto her education and pores over textbooks at home. Graduating (from sixth grade) means we are going to seventh grade, she said. But all of our classmates cried and we were very disappointed. There was no graduation ceremony for the girls at Bibi Razia School. In another part of Kabul, 13-year-old Setayesh Sahibzada wonders what the future holds for her. She is sad she cant go to school anymore to achieve her dreams. I cant stand on my own two feet, she said. I wanted to be a teacher. But now I cant study, I cant go to school. Analyst Muhammad Saleem Paigir warned that excluding women and girls from education will be disastrous for Afghanistan. We understand that illiterate people can never be free and prosperous, he said. The Taliban have barred women from many public spaces and most jobs, all but confining women to their homes. Photos: A new view of life under the Taliban emerges RAFAH, Gaza Strip Israeli forces on Tuesday expanded their ground offensive into urban refugee camps in central Gaza after bombarding the crowded Palestinian communities and ordering residents to evacuate. Gaza's main telecom provider announced another "complete interruption" of services in the besieged territory. The military's announcement of the new battle zone threatens further destruction in a war that Israel says will last for "many months" as it vows to crush the ruling Hamas militant group after its Oct. 7 attack. Israeli forces have been engaged in heavy urban fighting in northern Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis, driving Palestinians into ever-smaller areas in search of refuge. The U.S. said Israel's minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, met Tuesday with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Despite U.S. calls for Israel to curb civilian casualties and international pressure for a cease-fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military was deepening the fighting. "We say to the Hamas terrorists: We see you and we will get to you," Netanyahu said. Israel's offensive is one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than 20,900 Palestinians, two-thirds women and children, have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, whose count doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants. The U.N. human rights office said the continued bombardment of middle Gaza claimed more than 100 Palestinian lives since Christmas Eve. The office noted that Israel had ordered some residents to move there. Meanwhile, Israel said it would no longer grant automatic visas to U.N. employees and accused the world body of being "complicit partners" in Hamas' tactics. Government spokesman Eylon Levy said Israel would consider visa requests case by case. That could further limit aid efforts in Gaza. Residents of central Gaza described shelling and airstrikes shaking the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij camps. The built-up towns hold Palestinians driven from their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war, along with their descendants. "The bombing was very intense," Radwan Abu Sheitta said by phone from Bureij. The Israeli military ordered residents to evacuate a belt of territory the width of central Gaza, urging them to move to nearby Deir al-Balah. The U.N. humanitarian office said the area ordered evacuated was home to almost 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north. The military later said it was operating in Bureij and claimed it located a Hamas training camp. The telecom outage announced by Paltel follows similar outages through much of the war. NetBlocks, a group that tracks internet outages, confirmed that network connectivity in Gaza was disrupted again and "likely to leave most residents offline." Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said several countries sent proposals to resolve the conflict following news of an Egyptian proposal that would include a transitional Palestinian government in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He did not offer details of the proposals. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel faces a "multi-arena war" on seven fronts Gaza and the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. "We have responded and acted already on six of these," he told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Iranian-backed militia groups around the region have stepped up attacks in support of Hamas. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq carried out a drone strike on a U.S. base in Irbil on Monday, wounding three American service members, according to U.S. officials. In response, U.S. warplanes hit three locations in Iraq connected to a main militia, Kataib Hezbollah. Almost daily, Hezbollah and Israel exchange missiles, airstrikes and shelling across the Israeli-Lebanese border. On Tuesday, Israel's military said Hezbollah struck a Greek Orthodox church in northern Israel with a missile, wounding two Israeli Christians, and fired again on arriving soldiers, wounding nine. In the Red Sea, attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen against commercial ships have disrupted trade and prompted a U.S.-led multinational naval operation to protect shipping routes. In an area Israel declared a safe zone, a strike hit a home in Mawasi, a rural area in the southern province of Khan Younis. One woman was killed and at least eight were wounded, according to a cameraman working for The Associated Press at the nearby hospital. Israel's military said that it wouldn't refrain from operating in safe zones, "if it identifies terrorist organization activity threatening the security of Israel." At the Kerem Shalom border crossing, U.N. and Gazan medical workers unloaded a truck carrying about 80 unidentified bodies that were held by Israeli forces in northern Gaza. They were buried in a mass grave. Medical workers called the odors unbearable. "We cannot open this container in a neighborhood where people live," Dr. Marwan al-Hams, health emergency committee director in Rafah, told the AP. He said the health and justice ministries would investigate the bodies for possible "war crimes." A Douglas County jury took less than five hours last week to convict a man on two counts of first-degree murder among other felonies in a 2020 double homicide at an Omaha hotel. John Parks Sr., 41, was found guilty Dec. 19 of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony, two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charges are in relation to the killings of Michael Harbour, 35, and Nicole Hatten, 36. The killings took place in the parking lot of the Best Western Plus at 4706 S. 108th St. in the early-morning hours of July 30, 2020. Investigators previously said Parks shot and killed the two after he mistook a video on Harbours phone as depicting his sons murder. Michael Meckna, Parks defense attorney, filed a motion on Tuesday requesting a new trial because of numerous evidentiary issues and alleged violations of Parks constitutional rights. Though Meckna declined to elaborate on the exact issues, he previously filed a motion to exclude the aforementioned video from evidence, which was overruled. He has also raised speedy trial issues throughout the case. According to court documents and previous testimony from Omaha police detectives: Parks had a registered address in Texas and was in Omaha at the time of the killings to attend the funeral of his son, John Parks Jr., who was fatally shot in Omaha just days earlier. Police said at the time that they had no reason to believe Harbour or Hatten were involved in the killing of Parks son. Harbour and Parks were friends, according to court documents. They had gathered at the hotel to celebrate the birthday of one of Hattens friends. But as Parks, Hatten, Harbour and two women were drinking and smoking marijuana in a hotel room in the early-morning hours of July 30, Parks came across something that caught his eye as he was scrolling through pictures of cars on Harbours phone: a video of a man being shot and killed. Though the video was later found to be a completely unrelated video of a man being gunned down in Mexico, Parks thought the video depicted his sons murder. Without confronting the two about his assumptions, according to previous testimony, Parks shot and killed both Harbour and Hatten in the hotel parking lot as they went to the car to retrieve incense. Charges were filed against Parks in May 2021 and he was extradited to Omaha from Texas the next month. Parks filed an appeal with the Nebraska Court of Appeals in late 2022, claiming that he had been denied his right to a speedy trial. The appeal was denied. After six days of testimony, the case was submitted to the jury at 11:41 a.m. on Dec. 19. They returned a verdict of guilty on all counts at 4:20 p.m. the same day. Unless Mecknas motion for a new trial is granted, Parks will be sentenced to life in prison in March. First-degree murder convictions carry an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole. Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers RAYMOND The realization hit him when he woke up the morning after the hearing. Jeff Peterson had spent two months preparing the case for why he should keep his job as Raymond School principal. That ended at an employment hearing earlier this month when the Raymond School Board voted 4-1 not to renew his contract at the end of the 2023-24 school year. I held onto the belief that having the ability to share some of my side of the story would change minds, but it just reinforced that there is underlying animus, that no matter what I did or how great of a principal I am, (board members) are not supportive of my leadership, Peterson said. It felt like, regardless of what I did or produced, they had their minds made up. The hearing, which lasted nearly six hours, was nerve-wracking for Peterson, who testified and was cross-examined for two hours. I have never been so afraid to do something in my life as that hearing, he said. After the hearing, Peterson fell asleep around 4:30 a.m. feeling sad yet relieved. I felt like my attorney and I had gotten to a good point, that we accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, Peterson said. The results were not what we wanted, but there were a lot of supporters in the audience. Background It is unclear if Peterson will return to work before his contract ends on June 30, 2024. Since late September, Peterson has been on paid administrative leave pending the results of a school district investigation into his conduct. Peterson said he has not been contacted for the investigation. After being placed on leave, Peterson filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development alleging that the school district is discriminating against him because he is gay. A decision on the complaint has not been issued. Peterson believes his ouster is part of a political agenda that some Raymond School Board members want to enact. I think not enough people are willing to say what its really about, Peterson said. In retrospect, there were signs, pretty much since I got hired, that there was this undercurrent of homophobia, hatred, whatever you want to call it. In a statement, the Raymond School Board said any notion that the school district or its board members would tolerate any discrimination, including that which is based on sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected classification, is ridiculous and extremely disappointing. Not a picnic The past three months have been a consuming, largely dispiriting time for Peterson. Its not a picnic, he said. Its not a vacation Im not finding joy or happiness in life, period, because of whats happening Im not quite sure what the relief will be. Daily walks with his two miniature schnauzers have helped, and Peterson is heartened by the outpouring of support he has received. I am very grateful for that, and its important that I acknowledge that, because I couldnt be doing this without that, Peterson said. It truly does get me up in the morning sometimes You really, really need that to keep you going. That support included three Raymond School teachers who testified during the employment hearing to Petersons character, professionalism and leadership. Teachers said they feared retaliation for publicly supporting Peterson. I was very proud of them, and I thought they were very brave to actually stand up and admit to that, knowing that theres been a real culture of fear and an intimidation factor for the last two years with Mike Garvey, Peterson said. Michael Garvey, Raymond School District superintendent, is resigning effective Dec. 31. In his resignation letter, Garvey wrote that he is stepping down because he has been subjected to nonstop hostility from vindictive staff and community members. The Raymond School Board on Dec. 18 hired James Heiden as interim superintendent. In November, the School Board hired Peter Kempen as interim principal. Kempens first day was Dec. 1. Peterson, who grew up in Raymond and attended Raymond School as a student, believes Heiden and Kempen are competent professionals, but he said they do not possess the commitment to Raymond that he does. Im sure theyre amazing, wonderful people that care about education, but they dont have the same investment, Peterson said. Employment hearing On the morning of Sept. 28, Garvey gave Peterson an administrative leave letter and told Peterson to turn in his keys and leave the building. Peterson said it felt surreal and shocking to be escorted out of the school one day after the Raymond School Board approved a motion to consider nonrenewal of his contract. The first few days of leave involved Peterson trying to understand what happened and taking care of himself. He then spent nearly all his time and energy filing the discrimination complaint and preparing for the Dec. 6 employment hearing. During the hearing, Garvey said Peterson had not satisfactorily complied with a performance improvement plan Garvey put Peterson on in April, and Garvey said he does not believe the best interests of the school district are served by having Peterson under contract as principal. Peterson did not think the performance improvement plan was necessary, nor did he sufficiently follow it, Lori Lubinsky, the attorney representing the school district at the hearing, argued in her closing statement. Peterson and his attorney Wesley Haslam argued that there were no examples in the plan of what Peterson needed to do to improve, nor was data shown for how improvement could be measured. Peterson provided numerous documents to The Journal Times outlining how he tried to meet the performance improvement plan. That included holding staff accountable by creating a website that was updated every two weeks with staff information and recognition. Peterson also addressed an issue with a teacher and enforced the employee handbook. As part of the performance improvement plan, Garvey said Peterson failed to adequately address a divide between newer and veteran teachers. The three teachers who testified at the hearing said staff division does not exist. Peterson tried to determine if a staff divide existed and why, but said he could not find a division. The divide that I see is what the board has created by the actions theyre taking, Peterson said. I do think the citizens of Raymond have a hard time with some decisions theyre making, not only regarding my situation, but their greater roles as being representative of the community. Before the Dec. 18 Raymond School Board meeting, concerned parents and community members submitted signed recall petitions against board members Janell Wise and Gwen Keller. If the School Board verifies that there are enough signatures, a recall election would occur on the sixth Tuesday after the board certification. At Petersons employment hearing, School Board member Amy Helvick was the lone vote against nonrenewal. I do not believe Mr. Peterson was given a reasonable expectation to succeed in a performance improvement plan set before him, Helvick said at the hearing. In explaining their votes for nonrenewal of Petersons contract, four School Board members Audrey Kostuch, Wise, Keller and Amanda Falaschi said the district and community need to try to move forward. Peterson did not think the four school board members explanations made sense. To move forward as a community you eliminate one of your own? Peterson said. It was a huge disconnect for me. Time as principal Peterson has many relatives who live in and around Raymond. After attending the school, he was a teacher at Raymond School in the 1990s. He returned as principal in 2021, which he called a dream come true. Raymond School, 2659 76th St., is a K-8 building with about 400 students. As principal, Peterson usually worked 10 to 12 hours on weekdays. He was often at the school on Saturday for an activity or on Sunday to plan ahead for the upcoming week. The job was time-intensive, but he was committed to it. I know that goes with the territory, Peterson said. The life of a principal is pretty consuming. On weekends or during summers, Id still be thinking about improvements our building needed or activities or things we could build student engagement with. I was always thinking about school. In recent months, when Peterson checks the time during the day, he often pictures what he would be doing as principal. While on leave, he occasionally has had dreams related to Raymond School, but they are largely anxiety-ridden. Those arent the most pleasant dreams to have, Peterson said. He misses the daily excitement of leading a school and seeing students embrace who they are in a welcoming atmosphere. I miss most the energy that fills a school with student excitement and learning and discovery, Peterson said. The creativity in schools is what I miss, because that causes students to really express this innocence, pure joy and excitement in their day, and I love being a part of that. I also like interacting with students that are comfortable in their environment because theyre surrounded by giving, supportive, loving individuals. He also misses extracurricular events where he met many parents and community members. As part of his leave, Peterson said he was told he is not welcome at extracurricular activities or board meetings. Next steps The teachers who testified at the employment hearing said employee morale has decreased since Peterson was placed on leave. Peterson is worried about how the additional stress of the past few months have impacted staff. He also worries about students, some of whom have likely read or heard rumors about him. That is something that the hateful grown-ups that have made their presence known in this situation arent thinking of, Peterson said. Throughout all of this, theres a big pattern of people not thinking about kids. Peterson remains on paid leave. He hopes the next six months will involve a discrimination complaint ruling so he has a clearer sense of his next steps. After his hearing, Peterson, who has worked as a teacher and administrator for 29 years, said he does not think he has a future in education because of the ancillary events that have happened around the last two months. Recently, he has considered other potential jobs but not in-depth. I never, ever thought Id have to do that, so Im not very good at even speculating right now, Peterson said. I never expected to not (work in education) until it was on my terms. Peterson is speaking publicly because he believes he lost his dream job through unjust treatment. If it was anywhere else but Raymond, I probably wouldve packed my boxes and said, Im on my way, Peterson said. I do have a history of accomplishments and success as a school principal. Its wrong what theyre doing to me My family is so deeply invested in that school and that district, and (it is) truly the place that made me the educator that I am. Taking that away from me is not something that sits well with me or Im comfortable saying goodbye to without standing up for myself. Twelve photos of a Raymond School principal Dec. 6 employment hearing The Raymond School principal will not have his contract renewed at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Peterson oath Peterson and attendees Peterson looks to crowd Keller and Garvey Employment hearing Michael Garvey Garvey and Lubinsky Peterson, Haslam during hearing Kostuch and Keller Kelly Rasmussen After the vote Peterson hugs DaPra Raymond School hearing RACINE The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will provide the City of Racine with more than $3 million next year to replace lead water service lines. WDNRs 2024 Safe Drinking Water Loan Program is giving grants to more than 100 municipalities for projects. The city applied for $3.2 million and will receive a $2.3 million grant and a $969,000 loan. Funding numbers have not been finalized, and the city has until September to complete a financial assistance agreement with the WDNR, according to Kate Leja-Brennan, a project manager for the Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water funds. Racine Water Utility Director Michael Gitter said public lead service lines go from the water main in the street to a property, and private lines extend from the property line to a structure. The Water Utility plans to replace about 300 lead service lines in 2024, Gitter said. The city has about 11,000 lead service lines in the system, including both public and private. Property owners will not be charged for planned private side replacement, Gitter said, and the costs of unplanned replacement because of emergency leaks will be be reimbursed once loan funds are available. The Water Utility will pay any of the costs not covered by the grant for public line replacement, Gitter said. Racine also received funding for lead service line replacement in 2021 and 2022, Leja-Brennan said. The city replaced about 120 lines each of those years. WDNR expects to have money available for line replacements for the next five years. This can be a really great opportunity for municipalities to be able to help any property owners that cannot afford a private side replacement on their own, Leja-Brennan said. Were really excited at DNR to be able to try to get Wisconsin as close to a lead-free state as we can. The complete SDWLP funding list and more information about WDNR project funding is available at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/projectListsIUPs.html. Racine County experienced a busy 2023, making strides in various departments, from expanding behavioral health services to making a deal with tech giant Microsoft. Here are some of the countys biggest stories from 2023: Behavioral Health Services expanding: Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave announced on March 15 that the county would expand the Behavioral Health Services campus in Racine to include a new consolidated mental health service building at 1720 Taylor Ave. The county purchased the property for $290,000 in July 2020 with the intent of making it a juvenile detention facility, but the plan did not advance because of unforeseen environmental costs. The county will use American Rescue Plan Act and opioid settlement funds to cover the cost of the new building. Demolition on the former Brannum Lumber site began on Oct. 24. According to the Racine County Executives office, groundbreaking for the new building will begin in July 2024 and the estimated project completion date is April 2026. County, Higher Expectations launch early literacy work: Racine County partnered with Higher Expectations for Racine County and Steady State Impact Strategies to create initiatives for increasing early literacy, it was announced in April. The countys Early Literacy Steering Committee met six times this past year. The committees focus is to create solutions that best fit the needs of county residents so the county can become a national leader in literacy. The committee decided on three action items for increasing early literacy, which include a community-wide literacy campaign, literacy passports, and having local businesses encourage literacy through internal policies and practices, according to Racine County Executive Administrative Assistant Casey Morgenson. The committee presented these items to the County Board and has consulted RAMAC, City of Racine Library, RCEDC and United Way. County fires Jay Kerner following child abuse allegations: Racine County fired Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Jay Kerner in March because of child abuse allegations against him. Kerner and his wife, Tiana Kerner, appeared in court on the charges in June. Jay Kerner faced eight charges of physical and mental child abuse; Tiana Kerner faced 19 counts of physical, mental and sexual child abuse. Both entered not guilty pleas on all counts. The Kerners will return to court in March 1, 2024 for a status conference. Alexander Freeman filled Racine Countys Office of Emergency Management coordinator post in July. Freeman had worked for the county since December 2021 as deputy emergency management coordinator. Nonprofit gets green light to fundraise for Racine County Ice Center: A nonprofit group received approval from the county board at the June 27 meeting to move forward with fundraising for an indoor community ice arena. According to the Racine County Executives Office, the county expects to report on updates regarding fundraising progress and potential construction plans in winter or spring of 2024. Racine County passes 2024 budget with unanimous vote: The Racine County Board of Supervisors passed the 2024 annual budget of $243 million with a 19-0 vote on Oct. 31. The budget is a nearly $23 million increase compared to 2023. It incorporates the remaining $14.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for the construction of the new behavioral health facility in Racine and also increases property taxes from $58.5 million to $60.8 million. Microsoft purchases 1,345 acres for data centers in Mount Pleasant: After two purchases, Microsoft owns 1,345 acres within the Village of Mount Pleasants Tax Incremental District No. 5, part of the Foxconn development. Racine County and Mount Pleasants journey with Microsoft began in March, when the tech giant expressed interest in purchasing 315 acres from the village to develop a data center. Mount Pleasant approved the $50 million sale later that month, followed by the Racine County Boards approval in April. Microsoft completed the purchase on May 25. In November, Microsoft presented plans to expand on its purchase to acquire an additional 1,030 acres within Mount Pleasant TID No. 5. The Mount Pleasant Village Board and Racine County Board both unanimously approved the expansion at their respective meetings at the end of November. Foundation work began in November and will continue through spring 2024, according to Microsoft. Toni L. Young appointed to Racine County Circuit Court: Gov. Tony Evers on Nov. 30 announced the appointed Toni L. Young to the Racine County Circuit Court Branch 3. The appointment filled the vacancy created by Judge Maureen M. Martinezs resignation, effective Nov. 17. Young will complete the term, which ends July 31, 2024, the governors office said. UW Extension Racine County awarded Sparks Grant: The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities awarded a 2023-24 Sparks Grant to UW Extension Racine County, the organization announced Dec. 4. The $5,000 grant was provided with the purposed of encouraging inclusiveness and conversations surrounding people with disabilities. UW Extension Racine County will create a committee of about 12 youth of varying abilities to host a discussion next year regarding disability inclusivity in the county. The discussion likely will be held in August or September, according to UW Extension Racine County. In 2023, Constitutional Carry, (permitless) had been restored to 26 states. Vermont always had Constitutional Carry. Those states make up 65% of the land area of the United States of America. According to John Lott, those 27 states contain 44% of the population of the United States. When will a majority of the people in the United States enjoy permitless carry, as well as a majority of the states? It is highly likely Louisiana will join the Constitutional Carry club in early 2024. Louisiana increases the percentage of the land area from 65.3% to over two thirds with 66.7% of the land area. Louisiana increases the percent of the population to 45.4 percent. The estimate for the population in 2023 is about 340 million people. 4.6% of 340 million is 15.6 million people. There are several states which are candidates for Constitutional Carry which could be combined to place the population of people in states where a permit is not required to over 50% of the population of the USA. One of the most likely of those states is Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania passed Constitutional Carry, with significant margins in its legislature, in 2021. Anti-Second Amendment Governor Tom Wolf vetoed Senate Bill 565. A Republican governor in Pennsylvania and a Republican legislature would very likely pass a Constitutional Carry bill. Pennsylvania has a population of about 12.96 million people in 2023. Pennsylvania would put the United States very close to a majority of the population living in permitless carry states. ..... 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 A 17-year-old has been referred to the Monroe County District Attorneys Office for arson and recklessly endangering safety after the teen allegedly set a fire inside the Sparta Walmart store. The Sparta Area Fire District was called Tuesday around 10:45 a.m. to the store, where the teen reportedly set fire to merchandise in the fabric aisle. Firefighters arrived within a minute of the call. The fire created heavy smoke and activated the stores fire alarm and sprinkler system, which was insufficient to contain the blaze. Fire crews ran an attack line and extinguished the fire. Firefighters spent much of the afternoon searching for hot spots before the scene was cleared around 5:30 p.m. Customers were already exiting the store when firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported. The Sparta Police Department says the fire caused at least $7 million in damage and that the store will be closed for the next several days. Walmart is in the process of transferring prescription drug orders to other stores. The teen is being held in the Monroe County Jail. The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting with the investigation. A business in the town of Holland sustained damage after a fire broke out Dec. 22. According to the Holmen Fire Department, crews were dispatched shortly after 3:30 p.m. to Ignite Performance and Repair, N7735 Amsterdam Prairie Road. When firefighters arrived, moderate smoke was visible from exterior soffit areas, and smoke had created zero-visibility conditions in the interior. Firefighters entered the structure and extinguished a small fire. They also ventilated the building, pulled soffit material and checked for fires in other parts of the building. Crews remained at the scene until nearly 8:30 p.m. No injuries were reported. Two vehicles in the main shop sustained major damage, along with interior shop finishings and contents. The roof sustained minor damage. One resident was displaced from a living area in the building. The property had no automatic fire suppression system. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Minneapolis Star Tribune. December 21, 2023. Editorial: Restore the Vote is here to stay So far, fortunately, legal challenges to the law expanding voting rights for felons have failed. For the second time in less than two months, a law that restores voting rights to non-incarcerated felons has withstood a legal challenge and rightly so. Last week, an Anoka County judge dismissed a conservative groups lawsuit that challenged the ability of the Legislature to change the terms for a restoration of voting rights for felons who have served their prison terms. The law, passed earlier this year by the House and Senate and signed by Gov. Tim Walz, restored voting rights to an estimated 55,000 Minnesotans who are no longer incarcerated but are still on probation. District Judge Thomas Lehmann ruled that the Minnesota Voters Alliance failed to prove that the Legislature violated the Constitution in moving to expand voting rights. Before the change passed, felons were required to serve their entire prison sentence and complete probation which in Minnesota can last years before becoming eligible for restored voting rights. In his ruling, Lehmann noted that Section 1 of the Minnesota Constitution states that a person convicted of a felony could not vote in an election unless restored to civil rights. He said that the state Supreme Court typically has interpreted such restoration to require an affirmative act that could include such things as a full pardon or an act of the Legislature. Citing previous case law, Lehmann correctly noted that The challenger of the constitutional validity of a statute must meet the very heavy burden of demonstrating beyond a reasonable doubt that the statute is unconstitutional. The Alliance, he said, did not meet that burden of proof and further lacked the legal standing to sue. The Minnesota Voters Alliance, its name notwithstanding, appears to be more dedicated to shrinking voting rights than either expanding or safeguarding them. Earlier this year, the alliance sued the state over a law to bar individuals from deliberately spreading false information prior to an election. In the past, the organization has fought against expanded use of absentee ballots and to eliminate same-day voter registration. The reality is, these are people who dont want Minnesotans to vote, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told an editorial writer. They are anti-democratic, in my view, and we are going to continue to defend the right to vote at every turn. What actually motivates the group, he said, is reducing the electorate to a small number that will be easier to control. As determined as they are to suppress the vote, we are more determined to expand it, because we function better when everyone has a stake in our democracy. In a Star Tribune story on Lehmanns ruling, James Dickey, who represents the Alliance, said the organization would appeal and seek an accelerated review with the state Supreme Court before the 2024 election. We think its important enough that the court should decide this now and end any uncertainty about whether the Legislature had the authority to do what it did, he said. Restore the Vote also survived a recent and somewhat incredible challenge in October from Mille Lacs County Judge Matthew Quinn, who went on a bit of rampage while declaring on his own authority that the recently passed state law was unconstitutional. In a series of sentencing orders for at least a half-dozen individuals, he proceeded to specifically bar them from registering to vote, or voting or attempting to vote while on probation. To do so, he wrote at the time, is a criminal act which can be investigated, charged, and prosecuted in the normal course. That, of course, is nonsense. A single district judge cannot declare on his own a state law to be void. Appropriately, the Court of Appeals in early November administered a sharp and necessary judicial slap to Quinn and blocked his attempts to undermine the law, ruling that he had overstepped his authority. As the Star Tribune Editorial Board wrote at the time of the laws passage, the steps taken to re-enfranchise tens of thousands of Minnesotans who have paid their debt through prison sentences will benefit the state as a whole and move those still on probation closer to full participation in society. That fact is well recognized by the more than 20 other states that already allow felons to vote after being released from incarceration. This may not be the end of legal challenges to Restore the Vote. But Minnesota has a long history of moving forward to expand the voting franchise, and we are confident it is not going to turn back now. Nor should it. Mankato Free Press. December 22, 2023. Editorial: Education: School counselor additions fill a growing need The good news in education: The Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Tim Walz increased funding for hiring more school counselors. The bad news: Minnesota continues to have one of the worst counselor-to-student ratios in the country. Minnesota has the fourth worst school counselor-to-student ratio in the country at 570 students for every counselor, according to a report by the American School Counselors Association. Thats more than double the 250-1 ratio the group recommends. The DFL-controlled government approved funds that makes each school eligible for at least $40,000 to hire counselors, with the amount varying by school district. Mankato Area Public Schools received $109,000. St. Peter, St. Clair, New Ulm, Sibley East, Le Sueur Henderson, Blue Earth, Maple River and Waseca all received $40,000. Madelia received $81,600. Mankato has added a new chemical health counselor to address a growing need of students substance abuse, making it a staff of two that will also develop curriculum for all schools on chemical health. Michael Green started as a chemical health counselor two years ago and had a caseload in the hundreds, with 30-40 students at each school and seeing 10-12 students a day, as reported by The Free Press last Sunday. He says the addition of another counselor will lighten the load. But school officials see continued demand. St. Peter schools used $40,000 in new funding to hire a social worker in the schools to help with growing mental health needs. Related to COVID, kids had more isolation. We have more kids coming in that are just generally dysregulated, so helping them build skills and resilience and supporting them just in their mental health journey, said Supt. Bill Gronseth. Metro area schools are stretched even thinner. Keela Kuhlers, a counselor in the St. Paul school system, testified at the Legislature earlier this year that her caseload was around 600 students. She was part of a group asking the Legislature for extra funding. She said the school received temporary American Rescue Act money lowering her caseload to about 300 to 1, still above the recommended average. In all, the Legislature allocated $64.4 million for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and $117.7 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The Legislature came through with much of the money schools needed to add counselors, social workers and psychologists, and its important it will be a continued funding stream. Still, if every one of Minnesotas 331 school districts added one counselor, the Minnesota school counselor-to-student ratio would drop to 468 to 1, still well above the national average of 408 and far worse than the recommended level of 250 to 1. Its important to recognize progress and we commend the Legislature and governor for approving these student support funds. The rest of our huge investment in education goes to waste if students are not ready, willing and able to learn. END When the Wisconsin Supreme Court last week ordered parties to a redistricting lawsuit to draw new legislative maps, it also named two referees to evaluate the maps adequacy. The two consultants University of California, Irvine political science professor Bernard Grofman and Carnegie Mellon University postdoctoral fellow Jonathan Cervas may not be household names in Wisconsin, but they have played prominent roles in settling map disputes in other states. In Wisconsin, theyll weigh in on whether the maps abide by the courts standard that any new maps contain equally populated districts; be bounded by county, precinct, ward or town lines; include only contiguous territory; be as compact as possible; and comply with federal law. Theyll also assess whether the maps preserve communities of interest, reduce municipal splits and are drawn so that no party benefits more than the other. On Tuesday, the consultants sent out a letter to parties in the case specifying how they will evaluate the proposed maps. They called for each party to note themselves when their proposed maps may go up against one of the Wisconsin Supreme Courts proposed metrics, and said theyll independently verify each claim. The new maps must be submitted by Jan. 12, and the professors evaluations are due by Feb. 1. Heres what to know about them: Bernard Grofman Grofman was recently one of two special masters the Virginia Supreme Court hired to draw new maps after that states bipartisan commission deadlocked on selecting new ones. Nominated by Democrats, Grofman worked with a Republican-nominated special master to forge new congressional and legislative maps in Virginia that followed similar principles the Wisconsin Supreme Court set forth last week. The Virginia court prohibited either consultant from working with political parties or partisan organizations during their work. Grofman took a more active role in Virginia drawing the maps than hell be taking in Wisconsin, where hes evaluating maps that others submit. But a memo outlining his process in Virginia provides some insight into how he may evaluate maps here. Critically, to make sure the Virginia maps favored neither party, he ensured the maps he drew provided representation to both parties that reflected how they performed in statewide vote shares from both recent legislative and presidential elections. The resulting congressional maps gave Republicans one more likely seat than they had before. Outside of consulting with courts on new maps, which he had done in many states prior to Virginia, including as an expert testifying witness in two Wisconsin redistricting cases, Grofmans research interests include issues of representation and the use of statistics in law. He has made only one donation to a federal political campaign, according to the Federal Election Commission. It was a $200 donation in 1996 to former Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, who ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the U.S. House. Jonathan Cervas Cervas has also been involved in creating new political maps. After a New York judge found Democratic-proposed maps unconstitutional, a judge hired Cervas to redraw boundaries for the states U.S. House seats and state Senate. The maps he drew boosted Republican odds of capturing more seats, earning Cervas the ire of Democrats. Under his proposal, there were eight competitive seats. Under the rejected Democratic proposals, there were just three. He told the New York Times that his political leanings were pro-democracy. He is registered as an independent in Pennsylvania, his home state, and recently voted in a Republican primary, The New York Times reported. Cervas studied with Grofman, later serving as a research assistant as the latter worked on several redistricting cases. He has served as the redistricting consultant for the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission and consulted with courts in several other states. He used to be a bartender in Las Vegas. There, he made one political donation, in 2006: a $25 donation to Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards campaign, according to the FEC. China has proposed new rules for online gaming that aim to restrict purchases and limit compulsive playing behaviors. The guidelines were recently issued by the organization that oversees, or regulates, the countrys gaming industry. It is called the National Press and Publication Administration. Reuters news agency reported the public will be able to comment on the rules through January 22 before they receive final approval. The new rules ban companies from offering incentives to people who play video games or make in-game purchases each day. Other restrictions include limits on how often players can add money to online money accounts, called wallets. The government also warned of the dangers of irrational behaviors it says can lead to gaming compulsions. In addition, the regulator brought attention to an existing ban on online game content that endangers national unity. The new rules also call for companies to create warning messages to be sent to users who seem to be showing irrational playing behaviors. And in an effort to protect user privacy, the regulations also require game publishers to store their servers within China. The announcement of the new proposals caused shares in major Chinese gaming companies to fall sharply. Stock shares in Tencent Holdings, the worlds biggest gaming company, dropped as much as 16 percent. The stock price for NetEase, Tencents biggest Chinese competitor, fell about 25 percent. The latest proposals follow rules announced by Chinas government in 2021. Those regulations included a policy that limits online gaming for young people to three hours each week. Current law permits players under age 18 to only play between 8 pm and 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the school year. Chinese gamers are also currently required to provide identification when registering to play online under existing rules. In 2021, Chinese regulators suspended approval of all new video games. But approvals restarted in April 2022. Steven Leung is a sales director at Hong Kong stock trading company UOB Kay Hian. He told Reuters that many people in the industry thought such policies had ended, reducing the risks for gaming businesses. "It's not necessarily the regulation itself - it's the policy risk that's too high." Leung said. When asked about the effects of the new proposals, Tencent Games' vice president Vigo Zhang said the company will not need to change "its reasonable business model or operations" for gaming. He added that the company has already been enforcing existing government rules. Zhang said that since the first regulations were announced in 2021, minors had been spending historically low amounts of time and money on Tencent's games. One of the new rules is widely expected to be welcomed by the industry a requirement for regulators to process game approvals within 60 days. On the same day the gaming proposals were released, Chinese regulators announced the approvals of 40 new imported games for release in the country. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________ Words in This Story compulsive adj. to do something very often because the activity is very hard to control incentive n. something that urges a person to act in a particular way irrational adj. not reasonable or logical reasonable adj. fair and showing good judgment In the third full school year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, students continued to feel the effects of school closures. Some leading experts and education officials worry that the learning loss caused by the pandemic may be long-term. Making matters worse, many students are missing school. Chronic absenteeism is becoming more common at school districts around the country. Some students went missing from the attendance rolls during the pandemic and have never been accounted for. And in a year of growing artificial intelligence technology, AI has also entered the classroom. Some schools have banned the use of chatbots like ChatGPT. Other teachers are using the new technology to help students, hoping they use the technology in appropriate ways. Here is a look at the big issues that shaped education in 2023 and will shape education in the year to come. Continued learning loss In June, the U.S. Department of Education released the scores from a national math and reading test that is given to 13-year-olds. About 8,700 students took the test in both math and reading in late 2022. The results showed a drop of nine points in math and four points in reading compared to 2020, the last year the test was administered. The departments information shows that those are the largest point decreases between tests recorded since 1973. The test asks students to read short passages and identify the main idea or some facts. In math, students had to answer simple multiplication and geometry questions. The latest test scores show that American 13-year-old students are back to their lowest level in math since 1990 and lowest reading level since 2004. Math and Reading scores were no better outside the U.S. Students around the world suffered historic setbacks in reading and math. That information comes from results of the latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). The PISA is an international comparative study of the scores of 15-year-old students on tests in reading, math and science. It is administered by OECD. Nearly 700,000 students worldwide took part in the study. PISA is given every three years. The latest results showed an unprecedented drop in performance since 2018. The 2022 results were released on December 5. It is the first extensive study with data on how the pandemic has affected student performance around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic was a major reason for the worldwide score drops. But science and reading scores were dropping even before the pandemic. This suggests there are other reasons for the decrease. Factors such as the level of investment in education, the social value and pay levels of teachers, and educational beliefs of students have all influenced educational results, OECD found. Absent, missing students Students are not going to make gains in learning if they miss school. Education officials and activists are concerned about an increase in the number of students who are absent for many days during the school year. Education policy experts call the problem chronic absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing more than 10 percent out of the days in a school year. There are many reasons why students miss a lot of school. Certain physical problems and mental health problems, which have increased since the pandemic, are possible causes. Certain community conditions also can affect attendance, says Joshua Childs, a professor of education policy at the University of Texas at Austin. These include whether a student has safe transportation to and from school and whether the school itself is a safe environment. Childs added that if families do not feel connected with the school community or do not value education that can add to absenteeism. Hundreds of thousands of American students have also dropped out of public schools since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have essentially gone missing from schools. A recent examination found an estimated 240,000 students in 21 states whose absences from school could not be explained. These students did not move out of state. They also did not sign up for private school or home-school. The issue of missing students received a lot of attention in 2020 after the pandemic closed schools around the country. In the years since, however, the issue has largely become a budgeting problem. There is no longer urgency to find the students who disappeared from school. Early in the pandemic, school workers would go to the students homes to try and help them return to the classroom. Most of those efforts have ended. Changing technology The COVID-19 pandemic showed how useful digital technology could be for schools. But it also showed the limitations of technology in the educational setting. Millions of students were able to attend classes online and avoid spreading the virus. But many students failed to learn by such methods. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( or UNESCO) argues against unsupervised wide use of digital tools and AI in education. A recent UNESCO report says there is little evidence that wide technology use improves learning. The organization says digital educational tools can never replace the human connection of teacher and student. There is a very large divide, or gap, between rich and poor countries when it comes to digital resources Even if connectivity was universal, it would still be necessary to demonstrate that digital technology offers real added value in terms of effective learning, the UNESCO report says. Many educators fear students will use the AI tool ChatGPT to write their reports or cheat on homework. New York City school officials started blocking the writing tool on school devices and networks in January. But other teachers are including it in the classroom. Donnie Piercey is a teacher in Lexington, Kentucky. He told his fifth-grade students to try and outsmart the tool that was creating writing assignments. Piercey says his job is to prepare students for a world where knowledge of AI will be required. He describes ChatGPT as just the latest technology in his 17 years of teaching that raised concerns about the possibility of cheating. Other tools include Google, Wikipedia and YouTube. As educators, we havent figured out the best way to use artificial intelligence yet, he added. But its coming, whether we want it to or not. Im Dan Novak. And Im Anna Matteo. Dan Novak wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Quiz - Three Years after Pandemic, Students Still Far Behind Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________ Words in This Story chronic adj. continuing or occurring again and again for a long time absent adj. not present at a usual or expected place district n. an area established by a government for official government business appropriate adj. right or suited for some purpose or situation passage adj. a usually short section of a book, poem, speech, etc. unprecedented adj. not done or experienced before access n. a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone universal adj. done or experienced by everyone cheat v. to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something assignment n. a job or duty that is given to someone : a task someone is required to do figure v. to understand or find by thinking Its Life Insurance 101: Term life insurance is cheaper because it doesnt build cash value over time. Right? Well, yes and no, said Brad Mueller, a licensed life settlement broker with Monarch Insurance Partners, a firm in Madison, Wisconsin. Term life doesnt build cash value within the contract itself. But as an asset of a business or even as a personal holding, term life insurance might be convertible into a policy that could be sold to help fund retirement or long-term care. Life settlements offer cash for life insurance policies The concept of life insurance being a piece of property that you could sell or count as an asset is not a new one. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled over a century ago in 1911 that an insurance policy could be sold like just about any other property. This holds true for term life insurance policies, even though they have no cash value buildup. One can and many successfully do sell a term policy based on its value in the marketplace. This transaction is called a life settlement, and the market for these settled life insurance policies is an active one. Companies that buy life insurance policies (such companies are called providers) take over the premium payments, and in exchange they pay cash to the policy owner. Providers then bundle the policies into anonymous investments, which are then bought by institutional investors. These investors stand to gain if they collect more in death benefit proceeds than they pay in premiums. Its a risky investment, but because the risk is not tied to the stock market or really, the economy as a whole it is considered a good way to diversify a portfolio. Can I find a life settlement for term insurance? How do you know if your term policy is one that might qualify for a life settlement? First, Mueller explained, Check the policy to see if its convertible. This means it can be changed from a policy that has an expiration date the date the term ends to one that doesnt expire until you do. If its not convertible, investors wont be interested. Conversion is key If it is convertible, then completing that term conversion will be an early step in the life settlement process. Mueller added. He noted that even if a policy is convertible, other factors might knock it out of consideration for a life settlement. The policy owners age, health status, premium amount and the face amount of the policy all play a part in determining whether a settlement makes sense financially. Also, policy owners need to make sure that selling their policy makes sense for their beneficiaries and their need for coverage. Mueller said, Folks buy life insurance for good reasons. We need to make sure those reasons no longer need the coverage a term policy might be providing. For more information about life settlements, contact Monarch Insurance Partners at 608.620.0596. Visit monarchinsure.com to schedule a meeting with a licensed life settlement broker. Valmark Securities supervises all life settlements like securities transactions. Its registered representatives act as brokers on the transaction and may receive a fee from the purchaser. Once a policy is transferred, the policy owner has no control over subsequent transfers and may be required to disclose additional information later. If a continued need for coverage exists, the policy owner should consider the availability, adequacy and cost of comparable coverage. A life settlement transaction may require an extended period to complete and result in higher costs and fees due to its complexity. Policy owners considering the need for cash should consider other less costly alternatives. A life settlement may affect the insureds ability to obtain insurance in the future and the sellers eligibility for certain public assistance programs. When an individual decides to sell their policy, they must provide complete access to their medical history and other personal information. Each clients experience varies, and there is no guarantee that a life settlement will generate an offer greater than the current cash surrender value. Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. 130 Springside Drive, Akron, Ohio. 44333-2431. 1.800.765.5201. Monarch Insurance Partners is an entity separate from Valmark Securities, Inc., and Valmark Advisers, Inc. The information contained herein has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the material discussed, nor does it constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, products or services mentioned. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Unless otherwise noted, Valmark Advisers and Valmark Securities are not affiliated with, associated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any other company, agency or government agency identified or referenced in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this paid post belong solely to the advertiser and do not represent the views of Brand Ave. Studios or its parent company. This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com. In Madisons competitive restaurant market, 2023 saw many new restaurants and bars, but some closed, too. Here are 13 bars and restaurants that went out of business this year in the Madison area. The Brink Lounge The sprawling, 12,000-square-foot event space on East Washington Avenue closed in April after 17 years. In that time, we have been fortunate to host thousands of events along with hundreds of weddings and bands, officials from the venue wrote in an email that went out to groups that performed there. Developer Curt Brink, who owns the space and the property, said the loss of his manager and other staffing challenges were behind the decision. He said Tuesday that he should have some news in about a month. Pedros Mexican Restaurante The restaurant at 3555 E. Washington Ave., a Madison mainstay for nearly 42 years, closed its dining room and bar area in March due to staffing issues. Owner Jim Martine said hes concentrating on catering, private parties and selling Pedros tortilla chips, salsa and signature margaritas in retail outlets. Poke Poke Located in the Gateway Mall on Williamson Street, the restaurant closed in April. Mike Wang, who owned it with his wife, Judy Zhu, said they didnt renew their five-year lease, but are offering part of their poke menu at their other Williamson Street restaurant, FEAST Artisan Dumpling and Tea House, which they opened in the summer of 2020. A place called The Mediterranean Joint is in the old Poke Poke location. Haveli The restaurant at 5957 McKee Road in Fitchburg closed in April after nine years, with Dhaba Kitchen, another Indian restaurant, opening there two months later. The same owner has Dhaba Indian Bistro in Middleton. Everyday Kitchen The restaurant at 2801 Marshall Court, on the Near West Side, closed in February after almost three years. It was part of a coworking space known as Lodgic Everyday Community, a nonprofit developed by Loyal Order of the Moose, a fraternal organization based in Mooseheart, Illinois. Tucuma The Brazilian cafe and bakery at 3301 Parmenter St. in Middleton closed after less than a year. It has been replaced by Pikkito, a Peruvian restaurant from the family that used to run Estacion Inka and the former Inka Heritage. Burrito Drive The Near East Side favorite at 310 S. Brearly St., tucked behind Williamson Street, known for its distinctive Tex-Mex food and homemade salsas, closed in March. Its a sad thing, founder and co-owner David Swedarsky said. We had a good run, 16 years, but its just come to an end. Diamonds Cafe The Gilman Street restaurant off State Street closed this summer. The Southeast Asian restaurant was noteworthy for its banh xeo, or crepe tacos. Sookies Veggie Burgers, which was once in a bigger spot next door, moved into the cozier space carved out of the enormous former Koi Sushi. Roman Candle Pizza The last Roman Candle restaurant, in Middleton, closed in February, eight months after the original restaurant closed on Williamson Street. The decision to close after years of serving our beautiful community comes with a heavy heart, owner Brewer Stouffer wrote in an email to customers. Fajitas, Tapas & Bar opened in June in the Parmenter Street space. Growlers to Go-Go The business at 2927 E. Washington Ave. on Madisons East Side closed in February. The owners of Trixies Liquor next door opened the 1,800-square-foot tavern in 2016 as an outlet for beer lovers to take home specialty craft beers sold in growlers instead of bottles or cans. A second location of Minocqua Brewing Co. is set to open there. My Sisters Kitchen This popular restaurant at 2225 Parmenter St. in Middleton closed in August just before its lease expired. Owner Shelly Skinner is looking to move the breakfast-and-lunch restaurant, and has had many potential sites fall through. Skinner said Tuesday she should have some news soon. Graft The upscale, small-plates restaurant at 18 N. Carroll St. on the Capitol Square closed at the end of last year, too late to get into the 2022 roundup. The space will become part of the new Wisconsin History Center. Vin Santo The closing happened this year, but in a way it took place in 2020. The Italian restaurant in Middleton was planning to open a year ago after its 2020 pandemic shutdown. It is with great reluctance and a bit of sadness that we need to announce that we will not be moving forward with our plans for reopening Vin Santo, Gregg Edwardsen, who opened the homestyle family restaurant with his wife, Clarissa, in 1998, said in an email. Other notes These restaurants have moved or are consolidating: Davids Jamaican Cuisine: The restaurant closed in August after five years at 5696 Monona Drive, and its owners, Pauline and David Blake, are moving to a spot a mile and a half away at 1006 E. Broadway. Pauline said Tuesday that they will open as soon as she can get someone to set up their point-of-sale system. The Red Shed: The bar at 406 N. Frances St. closed in September after 54 years at that location. The owner of Wandos next door bought the building for his own lounge-type bar. Red Shed owner Lynn Dieffenbach found a new location at 508 State St. and is remodeling what was most recently a clothing shop called Earthbound Trading Co., but best known as the Exclusive Company record store. Tutto Pasta: A State Street staple for almost 27 years, the restaurant had its last day in its current form in late November and then merged with owner Joe Perkins other restaurant, Sass, on Capitol Square. Perkins has renamed the resulting restaurant Tutto with a Touch of Sass. When the Madison School Board hires a new superintendent early in 2024, he or she will have a lot to catch up on, and fast. Administration was surprised with a slight enrollment increase, Superintendent Carlton Jenkins left the district and a group of teachers spoke out in support of smaller class sizes. Its looking like 2024 will be just as busy, perhaps more so. Whats coming in 2024? Here are five things that will be making headlines. Superintendent search and selection The Madison School Board is scheduled to hire a new superintendent by February or March. The board began interviewing candidates in closed meetings this month and will continue into January. The board is expected to announce two or three finalists and hold open interviews where the public can participate. The new superintendent will eventually replace Lisa Kvistad, a longtime district educator who has been serving as interim superintendent since June. She was selected to replace Jenkins earlier this year. This time around, the board is looking for a superintendent familiar with Madison who can lead large-scale change and has a track record of improving outcomes for students of color, according to a job profile drafted and approved in October. School Board elections also will take place on April 2. Incumbents Maia Pearson and Savion Castro have announced their reelection campaigns. Board members serve in staggered, three-year terms. Behavior Education Plan revisions The board is taking a closer look at the districts Behavior Education Plan in 2024 and considering revisions. The plan has been in place for about 10 years. One of its main goals was to reduce the use of exclusionary practices, such as out-of-school suspensions, that disproportionately impact Black students and students with disabilities. While the number of out-of-school suspensions for students with disabilities has decreased with the Behavior Education Plan in place, the number of suspensions for Black students has seen little change. Despite policy changes, our outcomes have not substantially changed, Leia Esser, the districts executive director of student and staff support, said in a November board meeting. 2024-25 budget planning The planning process for the districts 2024-25 budget is already underway. The public will get its first look at the drafted budget in the spring. The board will likely approve a preliminary version in June and the final budget in October. With enrollment trending downwards over the past decade, state funding will likely continue to shrink, placing more pressure on local taxpayers as a result. The 2023-24 school year also marks the final year the district can use money from the operational referendum approved by voters in 2020, which provided the district an additional $33 million to use over four years. Our 24-25 budget work is going to be like none other weve ever done before, Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services Bob Soldner told the School Board in November. We are in a spot with our finances and the lack of state support that the Legislature should have been providing has just not been provided. We are in a unique spot, its like none other. COVID-19 relief funds to expire The COVID-19 relief funds distributed to school districts during the pandemic also will run out in 2024, leaving the district facing a $40.6 million funding cliff. School districts must use all the money by September. So far, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief dollars, commonly called ESSER funds, have been used for building improvements and to pay staff salaries. More than 78 full-time equivalent positions within the district are being funded with ESSER dollars. When those funds expire, so will the positions, unless they are funded another way. Soldner told the board in November that the district has long planned for these jobs to be temporary. But some board members expressed reservations about eliminating the jobs when theres high demand among educators for more staff support. I think theres going to be some argument that well want to try to maintain some (positions) perhaps, and others we know are coming to an end, board member Nichelle Nichols said during a work group meeting in November. The salaries for more than 100 other full-time positions also are being paid for by ESSER dollars, meaning district finance officers and the School Board will have to find permanent funding. Salaries for those 100 positions total $12.4 million. State-funded drivers education returns State funded drivers education is coming back to Wisconsin in the future, too. Drivers education used to be offered for free or at low cost in public schools across Wisconsin, but the state slashed funding for the programs in 2003. Since then, school districts have had to fund their own programs. Many families opt to go through more expensive private providers instead. Gov. Tony Evers signed a bipartisan bill into law in early December that directs the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to allocate $6 million every year to drivers ed tuition. To qualify for the grant program, students also must qualify for the federal free and reduced school lunch program. The Madison School Board and the Madison City Councils committee on education now called the City, County, Schools Collaborative Committee already drafted a resolution outlining their commitment to making drivers education more accessible and affordable in Dane County. The resolution outlines two main goals: That every Madison School District student, or young person in Dane County, has access to drivers education regardless of ability to pay, and that drivers education, including behind-the-wheel instruction, become part of the core high school curriculum. The Universities of Wisconsin is looking to double its number of international students in the next five years, as it lags neighboring states, and international enrollments at many campuses have yet to return to their pre-pandemic levels. Increasing the number of international students would not only boost the UW systems overall enrollment and financial outlook. It also naturally creates more diverse campuses where students can access a global education through interacting with their peers, said interim Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Johannes Britz. To meet the systems goals, most universities are partnering with an international recruitment firm, Shorelight, that pairs students with universities across the country. Britz himself was born in South Africa, but after arriving at UW-Milwaukee in 2001 he was enamored with the beauty of Lake Michigan. Hes made Wisconsin his home since and thinks other international students would, too, if they were here. I always thought this is one of the best places to live, Britz said. So being international myself, ending up in Wisconsin, working in Wisconsin, I always thought we should recruit more international students. Not just for monetary value, but just the cultural value, just the discovery. I believe Wisconsin is one of the most beautiful places in the world. International students make up about 4% of the UW systems undergraduate population, although much of that comes from UW-Madison, where about 10% of its undergraduates come from other countries. Of the regional schools, UW-Superior has the highest percentage of its undergraduate enrollment from international students, about 6.4%. As a result, the UW system as a whole is lagging behind neighboring public university systems. International students make up about 10% of undergrads of public university systems in Minnesota and Illinois, Britz said. By those standards, it should be reasonable to get UW systems international undergraduate student enrollment to 8% by 2028, Britz said. The UW system is hoping to do that by highlighting degrees in its strongest programs or promoting those in industries suffering from workforce shortages, such as engineering, health sciences, data and computer sciences, and business. Under a $32 million workforce development plan created earlier this year, the UW system is looking to greatly expand its degree offerings in artificial intelligence and nursing. While this fall was the first year since 2014 that enrollment across the UW system increased, there are still 20,000 fewer students at UW campuses than there were a decade ago. As the states pool of high school students is projected to shrink in coming years, the UW system wants to take a two-pronged approach: Increase the rate of college participation in Wisconsin students through automatic admission and tuition-waiver programs for low-income students and attract students from outside the state and the country. Were not replacing any Wisconsin students, Britz said. By doing this, we supplement our current students that live in the state by just increasing the number to what is reasonable in terms of the rest of the nation. Pandemic impacts Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of UW-Whitewaters largest annual events was its International Dinner. A night of sharing culture and heritage through food, the event was run with the help of about 200 students, said John McGuigan, director of the Office of Global Experiences. But its a lot harder to run the dinner now, with about 80% fewer international students. I feel like were missing out on a lot (with fewer international students), McGuigan said. It kind of limits the number of events I think that we have that were another means for students to interact with each other. UW-Whitewater and UW-River Falls were two of the first UW system schools to approve contracts with Shorelight in November. A second round of UW system schools had their contracts approved by the UW Board of Regents earlier this month. UW-River Falls, which has traditionally had one of the best participation rates in study abroad programs, also saw its international student population take a hit at the onset of the pandemic. With about 50 international students a semester about 1% of UW-River Falls student population Chancellor Maria Gallo said she sees a partnership with Shorelight as a significant part of the schools strategy to building back that population. Prior to the pandemic, UW-River Falls had about 130 international students, which is where Gallo wants them to be again, if not higher, she said. Many of the UW system universities had relied on international agents and at least some word of mouth to promote their international programs before the pandemic someone from a specific area would enjoy their experience at one of the campuses and tell others about it. As a result, there were areas around the world where UW system schools had developed a reputation. But the pandemic damaged that informal marketing effort as the pipeline of students dried up. With Shorelight, the goal is to spread those efforts across a wider range of prospective students. So, its a matter of getting reengaged and having the expertise in developing those relationships, Gallo said. I have no doubt thats going to happen, and Im sure well exceed that. Model for success UW-Superior has the smallest student population in the UW system, at 2,720 students. But its international student rate, at 6.4% with 175 students, tops that of any of the other regional campuses. Mark MacLean, director of international admissions, said UW-Superior has been able to maintain those numbers through a diversified approach. Anywhere from 20% to 30% of international students are also athletes, but for the remaining enrollment, UW-Superior has a network of international agencies and partnerships, MacLean said. Hes also one of the few directors of international admissions within the UW system. Part of UW-Superiors recruitment efforts involve capitalizing on the University of Wisconsin brand which UW system administrators have said is partly the reason for its recent branding change to Universities of Wisconsin and highlighting its small class sizes. The quality that is associated with (UW) is certainly a good part of our message, MacLean said. Our size is a good thing. Were the smallest campus and we have the smallest classes. And so, we do tout that; students are going thousands of miles away coming to a campus where theyre not going to get lost. UW-Oshkosh Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Marketing Amber Evans came to the UW system earlier this year after working at universities with much larger international student populations. The university is in the process of renegotiating its contract with its current international student recruitment agency, she said. Just as important, though, is UW system schools having the ability to offer scholarships to its international students. Regents have recently changed those policies, Evans said, which she called a huge step in the right direction. That policy, last revised earlier this month, better defines how international students receive scholarships while still following strict IRS rules. Scholarships definitely help to make us more attractive to international students that are looking for that level of recognition, honor of the work that theyve already done, but then also just to make it more accessible and affordable for those students to come, Evans said. But I think its really about the competition in the marketplace to be able to attract those students to come here. Cultural competency In addition to boosting enrollment, the UW system hopes increasing the presence of international students will naturally strengthen cultural competency on campuses. International students bring with them their own lived experiences and cultures, infusing different ideas into classroom discussions and preparing U.S. students to enter a workforce where theyll be expected to interact with people of different backgrounds, Britz said. How many international companies do we have in Wisconsin and the United States? Britz said. What better place for you as a student to learn, without having to go to textbooks or the internet, from others who come from India, who come from China, who come from Nigeria, who come from South Africa? (You can learn) how they think, how they talk, how they do their business, so that youre so much better prepared with a competency that is much more globally focused. A former Twin Falls youth pastor pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a minor Tuesday in a case in which he was indicted by a grand jury. I solicited a 17-year-old minor to commit a sexual act, Dakota Austin Kennemer, 31, told Judge Roger B. Harris. As part of a plea deal, Kennemer agreed to plead guilty to one count of sexual battery while another count of sexual battery was dropped. Prosecutors will recommend a sentence of six years fixed and six years indeterminate, with Kennemer and his attorney retaining the right to argue for retained jurisdiction. Kennemer worked at Grace Baptist Church in Twin Falls and the churchs pastor told police that after reports of an improper relationship came to light, he and three church deacons met with Kennemer in December 2022 and he was fired that month, court records say. A previous case against Kennemer was dismissed in August because it involved the same victim and was superceded by the grand jury indictment, court records say. In that case, the victim, now an adult, told investigators that she and Kennemer began texting each other, and he started to ask for inappropriate pictures, and inappropriately touched her. Investigators examined Kennemers phone and found a dozen photos of the girl, court records say. While investigators deemed the photos inappropriate, none showed explicit nudity. Kennemers sentencing is set for March. A Jerome man received serious injuries after being shot and stabbed Tuesday afternoon by a woman in Jerome County, police say. Brandalyn Michelle Maglaughlin, 42, of Jerome was charged with five felonies including aggravated assault and aggravated battery using a deadly weapon, reports say, after she first threatened a man with a butcher knife at about 4 p.m. and then ran into a trailer near 750 E. 225 N. belonging to Marvin Lamm, and stabbed the 68-year-old man in the stomach/chest area. Maglaughlin then picked up a handgun belonging to Lamm, court records say, and fired at him through a window when he fled his trailer, wounding him. She eventually threw down the knife and gun when Jerome County deputies arrived at the scene. A relative of Maglaughlin said the suspect had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and being bipolar, and might not have been taking her medications, records say. An arraignment scheduled for Wednesday afternoon did not take place and is on hold until further notice, a clerk at the Thomas H. Borresen Judicial Complex said. Jerome County Sheriff George Oppedyk told the Times-News that the stab wounds Lamm received were serious, while the gunshot wound was the result of being grazed with the bullet or a ricochet. Lamm was moved a half mile from the scene by a neighbor when he was injured, and was later flown to St. Lukes Magic Valley Regional Medical Center. Maglaughlin is also charged with burglary, malicious injury to property and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Deputies who entered Lamms trailer reported seeing damaged items and broken glass. Maglaughlin is currently on supervised probation for being found guilty of unlawful use of a weapon in Umatillo County in Oregon. She is being held without bond. Businessman Manuel Pangilinan took the helm of SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), as MGen Renewable Energy (MGreen) completed its P15.9-billion investment in the solar energy firm founded by Leandro Leviste. MGreen is the renewable energy development arm of Meralco Powergen Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. chaired by Pangilinan. SPNEC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday its board approved the election of Pangilinan as its chairman, president and chief executive and Leviste as vice chairman. This followed MGreens payment of the balance of P8.9 billion after infusing an initial P7 billion in November. MGreen now owns 15.7 billion common shares and 19.4 billion preferred shares in SPNEC, translating into a voting interest of 50.5 percent. All of us shareholders are extremely fortunate for this opportunity. We are optimistic that becoming the newest member of the MVP Group of Companies will help SPNEC grow even beyond what we have planned, for the benefit of all shareholders and other stakeholders, Leviste said. Prior to the transaction, SPNECs parent Solar Philippines sold 1.6 billion secondary shares of SPNEC for P2 billion to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Meanwhile, SPNEC also appointed Amanda Roselle Bengson as director, chief compliance officer and corporate secretary; Pedro Emilio Roxas as independent director; Dominador Camu Jr. as chief operating officer; Anthony Matthew Co. as assistant treasurer; and Jo Marianni Ocampo as assistant corporate secretary. SPNEC is the developer of a planned 3.5-gigawatt solar and 4.5-GWh battery project in Nueva Ecija, which would be the worlds largest single-contracted solar project. SPNEC earlier said the total investment for the Nueva Ecija solar project could reach up to P200 billion. This will be one of the largest solar projects not just in Asia but in the world, Pangilinan said earlier. Its a big project. It has attracted a lot of interest from foreign investors because its big. Its transformative for the Philippines. The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) has reported a slight increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among its members as more Filipinos and their families gather for celebrations during the holiday season. According to a dzBB report, PHAPI said most of the cases are mild, especially for patients who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano was quoted as saying the rise in COVID cases was possibly due to more gatherings being held this December. The group expects the number of COVID-19 cases to decrease over the coming weeks, de Grano added. The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) reinstated this month the mandatory use of face masks inside the hospital amid the increasing COVID-19 cases in the country. SEOULSouth Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, was found dead Wednesday, police said. He was 48. The actor was found inside a vehicle parked on the street in Seouls mid-northern Seongbuk district, an official from the Seongbuk police station told AFP. We believe his body has now been transferred to the Seoul National University Hospital, he added. South Koreas Yonhap news agency reported, citing police, that Lee had left a note that reads like a will. Lee had been under police investigation over his alleged use of marijuana and other drugs. Once celebrated for his wholesome image, local news outlets reported that the actor was being dropped from television and commercial projects following the scandal. A graduate of South Koreas prestigious Korea National University of Arts, Lee made his acting debut in 2001 in a television sitcom titled Lovers. He later won acclaim for his performances in a variety of roles, including a charismatic chef and a genius neuroscientist who is incapable of empathy. Lee received widespread critical acclaim for his performance in the 2018 TV drama series My Mister, for his portrayal of a diligent architectural engineer who, despite facing personal turmoil, steadfastly upheld his sense of responsibility as both an adult and a professional. Globally, he is best known for his portrayal of the wealthy and shallow patriarch in director Bong Joon-hos 2019 Oscar-winning film Parasite. He was also recognized for his performances in romance flicks, such as 2007 TV drama Coffee Prince and the 2012 film All About My Wife. His last film, this years horror flick Sleep in which he played a husband whose sleepwalking eventually leads to terrifying circumstances was well-received and featured in the Critics Week section at the Cannes festival. Devastated fans expressed their grief on social media, with one user writing on X: I laughed and cried a lot while watching your acting. Thank you. Renowned Korean-American writer Min Jin Lee joined others in expressing their condolences. Lee was praiseworthy in Parasite and exceptional in My Mister,' she wrote on Instagram. May he be remembered for his excellent work and creative gifts. Great disappointment Lees reputation suffered a significant blow when South Korean authorities launched an investigation into his alleged drug use in October. He had been suspected of using illicit drugs at the residence of a hostess employed at a high-end bar in Seouls glamorous Gangnam district. According to Yonhap, the actor asserted that he was tricked by the hostess into consuming the drugs and was unaware of their illegal nature. From December 23 to 24, he attended his third police investigation session, which lasted 19 hours, Yonhap reported. He briefly spoke to reporters in late October before entering a police station in Incheon to meet with investigators. I sincerely apologize for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident, he said at the time. I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment. Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone. South Korea has extremely tough laws on illegal drugs, with Koreans who take drugs such as marijuana legally abroad risking prosecution upon returning to their home country. Lee is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin and two sons. But Beijing still blaming Manilas change of policy, position The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it would ask China to stop interfering with their resupply operations and its harassment of Filipino fishermen within the countrys exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), if talks between the two countries materialize. Non-interference in our operations is good enough, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a message. The AFP official was referring to the regular rotation and resupply (RORE) missions being conducted by the AFP in support of Philippine outposts in the WPS, which have been targeted by Chinas recent aggressive actions. Yes. Plus non-harassment of our fishermen within the countrys EEZ, Aguilar said when asked if he would consider it an act of good faith should China comply with their first demand. But China on Wednesday again blamed the Philippines for heightened tension in the disputed waters in the South China Sea, saying it was caused by Manilas change of policy and position over the disputed maritime territories. Mao Ning, spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry, said the responsibility lies with the Philippines as far as the maritime conflict is concerned. However, Aguilar said other agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Transportation with the Philippine Coast Guard under it would have their own demands. On Tuesday, National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said that while they welcome Chinas offer of dialogue, it must first immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the WPS as these seriously undermine regional peace and security. This was in response to Beijings accusation that Manila is encroaching on its territory and making provocative actions in the WPS. Beijing, however, said it is ready to work with Manila to resolve maritime issues. Chinas illegal exercise of maritime law enforcement powers, interference with Philippine vessels, harassment and intimidation of Filipino fisherfolk, and other activities that infringe upon the Philippines sovereignty and jurisdiction in the WPS are clear violations of international law, Malaya said. He also said that the dialogue can only succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations. Malaya said China is the only country that believes in its narrative and propaganda, and not a single nation has expressed support for its claim of the entire South China Sea. The root of all these tensions is its non-adherence to international law, UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. As the world has seen, it is not the Philippines that has been engaged in provocations, bullying, and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. In fact, the Philippines has been very restrained and responsible but the same cannot be said of China, he added. In Beijing, Mao added: The recent developments involving China and the Philippines in the South China Sea are caused by the Philippines change of policy and position, refusing to honor its commitment, violation of the international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and deliberate infringement of Chinas sovereignty and provocations. Despite international agreement that its claims over the entire South China Sea are illegal, China refuses to recognize the exclusive economic zones of several countries, including the Philippines, and claims these as its own. Mao said China is hoping the Philippines will make a wise choice, return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation, and work with China to manage the situation at sea. Meanwhile, two navy ships from South Korea arrived in the Philippines for a series of activities aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries. Training ship ROKS Hansando and combat support ship ROKS Hwacheon will be participating in the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)s Cruise Training Task Group (CTTG), which will be held in the Philippines to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. CTTGs participating ships arrived on Wednesday at the port of Manila as the trainings 12th port of call, with 460 sailors aboard. It is CTTGs 28th visit to the country, the highest record among countries in Asia. Among CTTGs scheduled activities in Manila is a visit to the Korean War memorial in the Cemetery of the Heroes for a wreath-laying ceremony and a visit to the Korean War memorial hall to honor the sacrifice of the Korean War veterans. Another activity is a joint cultural performance of both navies bands and honor guards, which will happen in Rizal Park. CTTG will also visit the Philippine Fleet, tour the Philippine Navy Special Operations Command and host receptions to strengthen the friendship between the navies of both sides. It will host a Defense Industry Exhibition on board ROKS Hwacheon in tandem with the ROK ship tour during the port call at Manila. CTTG will also conduct a joint passing exercise with BRP Jose Rizal of the Philippine Navy to refortify the relationship between the two navies. Moscow, Russia The Kremlin on Tuesday acknowledged a Ukrainian attack had damaged a warship in the occupied Crimean port of Feodosia in what Ukraine and its Western allies called a major setback for the Russian navy. Ukraine said its air force destroyed the Novocherkassk landing ship, with President Volodymyr Zelensky joking on social media that the vessel had now joined the Russian underwater Black Sea fleet. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed about the damage to our large landing ship to President Vladimir Putin in a very detailed report, the presidents spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Russias defence ministry said that the ship was damaged by guided aerial missiles. Ukraines military said its air force destroyed the Russian naval ship in a missile attack on the eastern Crimean port. The Ukrainian defence ministry wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the Novocherkassk landing ship was destroyed in Feodosia tonight. It published an unattributed photo showing flames and smoke in a port at night. Black Sea dominance Ukraines aviation did an excellent job. Crimea is Ukraine. There is no place for the occupiers fleet here, the ministry wrote. In his post on social media, Zelensky wrote: The occupiers will not have a single peaceful place in Ukraine. The attack comes after Ukraine struck the Black Sea fleets headquarters in Sevastopol in September, forcing Moscow to move warships to ports further east. British defence minister Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter that this latest destruction of Putins navy demonstrates that those who believe theres a stalemate in the Ukraine war are wrong! Russias dominance in the Black Sea is now challenged, he added. Ukraine nevertheless announced a setback on the eastern front Tuesday. Commander-in-chief Valeriy Zaluzhny said that troops had pulled back in the town of Maryinka, which is close to the key Russian-held city of Donetsk. He said troops were still present on the outskirts, after Russia on Monday claimed to fully control the town. Ship transported Shaheds Ukraines air force said that its tactical aviation attacked the Novocherkassk with cruise missiles at around 0030 GMT in the area of Feodosia. Videos posted on social media showed a fire on the horizon in a port area, followed by a loud explosion that sent up a ball of fire and was apparently followed by multiple explosions. Ukraines armed forces said that on board of the ship were Shahed drones that Russia uses for attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine frequently carries out strikes in Crimea, particularly targeting the Russian military. In April 2022, it sank the cruiser Moskva, the flagship of the Black Sea fleet. The Novocherkassk was previously used by Russia for its military intervention in Syria. The governor of the Russian-annexed peninsula, Sergei Aksyonov, wrote on Telegram: Sadly, one person was killed and two others were wounded in an enemy attack on Feodosia. Crimeas Krym 24 television reported that two had been hospitalised in a moderately severe condition. Aksyonov said earlier that the citys port was cordoned off following an enemy attack that caused a detonation and fire. Six buildings were damaged, mostly with broken windows, the governor said, and some local residents have been evacuated. SEOUL South Korea has sanctioned the head of North Koreas intelligence agency over illicit cyber activities following Pyongyangs recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, Seouls foreign ministry said Wednesday. Pyongyang is already under international sanctions for its atomic bomb and ballistic missile programs, which have seen rapid progress under North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The announcement came weeks after Seoul, Tokyo and Washington launched new three-way initiatives encompassing measures to address North Koreas cybercrime, cryptocurrency, and money laundering activities, which are believed to fund the countrys nuclear and missile programs. Ri Chang Ho, the head of Pyongyangs Reconnaissance General Bureau, has been sanctioned for his involvement in earning foreign currency through illegal cyber activities and technology theft, Seouls foreign ministry said in a statement. His activities have contributed to generating revenue for the North Korean regime and procuring funds for its nuclear and missile activities, it added. Ri heads the agency that is believed to be the parent organization for North Korean hacking groups Kimsuky, Lazarus and Andariel, which have been previously sanctioned by Seoul. Along with Ri, Seoul has sanctioned seven other North Korean individuals, including former China-based diplomat Yun Chol, for being involved in the trade of lithium-6, a nuclear-related mineral and UN-sanctioned material for North Korea. The blacklisted individuals are barred from conducting foreign exchange and financial transactions with South Korean nationals without prior authorization from Seoul, measures that analysts say are primarily symbolic given the extremely limited trade between the two countries. Seoul has now blacklisted 83 individuals and 53 entities related to Pyongyangs weapons programmes since October last year, its foreign ministry said. North Korea has recently ramped up its nuclear and military threats, successfully launching a reconnaissance satellite in November and testing its most advanced ICBM this month. Kim said last week that Pyongyang would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if provoked with nukes. Our government has made it clear that North Koreas provocations will inevitably come with a price, Seouls foreign ministry said in its statement Wednesday. Our government will continue to closely cooperate with the international community to make North Korea realise this fact, cease provocations, and engage in dialogue for denuclearisation. According to Seoul, Tokyo and Washington, Pyongyang stole as much as $1.7 billion in cryptocurrency last year alone and supported its weapons programmes in part by gathering information through malicious cyber activities. In June, Seoul sanctioned a Russian national over allegedly founding a North Korean front company in Mongolia to assist Pyongyang in evading sanctions to secure financing for its banned weapons programmes. Juan Karlos ERE dominates the airwaves and local music scene according to Google As we bid farewell to 2023, the musical landscape of the Philippines reflects a dynamic blend of local talent, international hits, and the transformative power of social media in shaping musical trends. James Arthurs Say You Wont Let Go stands tall as a timeless anthem, with its enduring popularity seven years after its initial release. This song not only joined the exclusive billion-views club on YouTube but also clinched the title of the most searched song in the Philippines. Its ability to maintain such resonance speaks to the enduring nature of love encapsulated in its lyrics. Local sensation Juan Karlos struck emotional chords once again with ERE, a ballad that follows the success of Buwan. This powerful track resonates with those who have experienced heartbreak and sudden ghosting, cementing itself as an anthem for the emotionally wounded. Baguio-based indie band Dilaws Uhaw breaks new record as the most-streamed song in the Philippines on Spotify within a 24-hour period Indie brilliance echoed through the airwaves with Sunkissed Lolas Pasilyo, a wedding-themed track celebrated for its exceptional storytelling, lyricism, and captivating vocals. The song not only found a place on local radio but also showcased the growing influence of independent artists in shaping the countrys music scene. Dilaw, a Baguio-based indie band, stormed the charts with Uhaw, a song that not only claimed the top spot for six consecutive weeks but also set a new record as the most-streamed song in the Philippines on Spotify within a 24-hour period. This achievement solidified Dilaws position in the industry, underscoring the prowess of local talent against international giants. On a patriotic note, searches for Chosen Land (Lupang Hinirang English) surged during the Philippines Independence Day, reflecting the nations collective pride and patriotism through music. Sunkissed Lolas Pasilyo is named as Spotify Wrapped 2023s most streamed song in the country Miley Cyruss Angels Like You secured its place as the second most searched foreign song in the Philippines, demonstrating the enduring popularity of international artists in the country. Meanwhile, Rihannas California King Bed, a decade-old favorite, continued to capture the hearts of Filipino TikTok and Reels creators, illustrating the timeless influence of Rihannas music on social media platforms. Rapstar by Flow G dominated the rap scene, garnering nearly 100 million views on YouTube and surpassing global releases. This marked a significant achievement for the Filipino rap scene, showcasing success against all odds. Lola Amors Raining In Manila became a rock band triumph, amassing 65 million views on YouTube and earning a spot as the OST for the Rain in Espana series, demonstrating the bands crossover success. In an unexpected twist, Mayonaises 2004 hit Jopay experienced a TikTok resurgence, thanks to a viral video inspired by the 2022 movie Ngayon Kaya. This revival resonated with its original audience and Gen Z and Gen Alpha, emphasizing the timeless quality of well-crafted music. Bernie Llamzon, President of Gogoro Philippines; Horace Luke, Gogoro Founder and CEO; Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO; and Cezar Consing, President and CEO of Ayala Corporation, open the Gogoro Experience Center in Makati City, the first outside Taiwan. The year 2023 was a time of greater expansion for the Globe Group, as it continued to deliver life-enabling innovations that solve daily pain points of Filipinos. From its network optimization and data center business to its debut in climate tech and fintech expansion overseas, the Globe Group cast an even wider net across industries this year, with unstoppable momentum going into the new year. Despite the challenges we faced, 2023 was another banner year for Globe, as we continued to cement our standing as the foremost digital solutions provider in the Philippines, with an unrivaled ecosystem of products and services that make life better, said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO. Here are highlights of the year for the Globe Group: STT-GDC Philippines breaks ground in QC, Cavite STT GDC Philippines is a joint venture between Globe, Ayala Corporation, and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres of Singapore, is in the thick of an aggressive expansion, breaking ground on two major infrastructure projects this year. In May, it broke ground on the STT Fairview data center campus, touted to become the largest interconnected and carrier-neutral data center in the Philippines at a capacity of 124 MW upon its completion in early 2025. Six months later, STT GDC Philippines also announced the start of construction on the 6-MW STT Cavite 2, which will rise as a two-storey building with a gross floor area of over 4,500 square meters in a campus just south of the countrys capital region. It will serve to complement its enterprise-grade STT Cavite 1 at the same campus in General Trias, Cavite, which has a 4.3 MW capacity. It also expanded its existing data centers to 5.2MW. STT GDC Philippines is closing the year with a total seven facilities in Metro Manila, Cavite and Davao, as it aims to serve the as the next data center hub in Southeast Asia amid steadily rising demand for data center services. Gogoro Philippines hits Metro Manilas roads Gogoro Philippines, a leader in electric mobility and battery-swapping technology, launched commercially in the country this year, bringing a new sustainable transport option to Metro Manilas congested roads. A collaboration of Globes 917Ventures Inc., Ayala Corporation, and Gogoro Taiwan, Gogoro Philippines opened the Gogoro Experience Center in Makati City in November, giving the Filipino public access to its Smartscooters, battery-swapping technology, and other merchandise. It formally went to market in December, launching its Energy Plans for Filipino riders. Currently, Gogoro Philippines will close the year with a total five GoStations for battery swaps in BGC, Taguig, Paranaque City, Makati City and Pasig City. It will open 6 more GoStations by Q1 of 2024: two each in Quezon City and Makati City, and one each in Marikina and Pasig City. GCash expands global footprint Globe Group affiliate GCash, the No. 1 finance super app in the country, continued its international expansion this year. The app is now available for use with international mobile numbers for Filipinos in Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Canada, and the US, with services such as send money, pay bills, bank transfers, and buy load available in these key countries. Its Global Pay business, which allows users to pay via QR, is now available in 17 countries including Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, France and Italy. GCash users may also use their Visa-powered GCash Card for cashless transactions in over 36 million merchants across 210 countries. 917Ventures launches new startups 917Ventures, the Globe Groups corporate venture builder, had a prolific year, introducing new startups in various areas. To date, 917V has vetted over 700 ideas, launched and tested 29 ventures, and has a total portfolio of 13 companies. For one, Housify was launched as a proptech (property tech) digital solutions platform for Filipino real-estate brokers meant to increase productivity and sales conversions. It has a strict no-duplicate policy, ensuring that listings are served on a first-come, first-served basis. To date, it has partnered with 550 sellers and brokerage firms, with almost 7,000 verified listings to its database. 917Ventures also launched PetPal this year, an all-in-one digital pet care solutions provider with a stable of licensed and accredited veterinariansmaking pet care services more accessible to Filipino pet owners. It offers hassle-free online consultations and home grooming services, with more services set to be launched in the coming year. In the new year, 917Ventures aims to strengthen its growth strategy by maximizing its Systems of Advantage continuing to innovate and develop digital solutions that will positively impact Filipino businesses through digital inclusion and sustainably-driven solutions. Going into 2024, the Globe Group is set to sustain its change-making and trendsetting pace to bring even more life-enabling digital solutions to Filipinos here and abroad. Our wins in 2023 fuel our momentum going into the new year, as we continue to innovate to drive digital transformation in the country, said Cu. To know more about Globe, visit globe.com.ph. A Floyd County man has been charged with driving while under the influence and other offenses related to a Dec. 16 head-on collision on Virginia 8 in Patrick County that left two teenagers with life-threatening injuries. Oscar Eduardo Vidrio, 30, formerly of Martinsville, also was charged with permanent maiming of another while driving under the influence, maiming with serious injury while driving under the influence, driving while license is suspended or revoked and reckless driving, according to a news release from Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith. Micah Underwood, 16, of Floyd and his girlfriend, Lauren Worley, 17, of Patrick County, were struck head-on by a vehicle driven by Vidrio. Underwoood told police that he had just rounded a turn on Virginia 8 at 9:35 p.m. when he met an oncoming vehicle in his lane. Family and rescue personnel located the crash with the use of Life360, an app on Worleys phone, that gave specific information about the location of the crash. Worley, Underwood and Vidrio were all flown by AirCare to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Underwood suffered a broken leg and broken arm and underwent surgery for his injuries. Worley was trapped in the vehicle and rescue workers used a hydraulic rescue tool, to free her. Her family said Worley suffered severe forehead brain trauma, a broken jaw, a damaged carotid artery, broken femur, bruised lungs and a cut spleen. Shannon Wood, the organizer of a GoFundMe account to help pay for the cost of Worleys medical expenses, wrote in an update on Dec. 24 that Worleys condition was slightly improved. As of Dec. 26, $31,462 had been raised toward a goal of $25,000. Smith said in the release that the crash was investigated by Virginia State Trooper Joe Hylton and that Vidrio was born in Mexico. The extent of Vidrios injuries was not disclosed. Vidrio was convicted in Danville General District Court in November 2014 of driving without a license, and in Martinsville General District Court in December 2014 of driving with an expired registration, and in January 2018 of driving with a revoked or suspended license, failure to have a vehicle inspected and speeding, according to the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System. He is currently being held in the Patrick County Jail without bond. RICHMOND Hidden beneath the foliage at East End Cemetery are gravestones split in half, sunken into the earth and grave markers divorced from the bodies they honor. The Richmond cemetery is littered with fallen trees and debris. East End is not the only cemetery to find this fate. Historically, Black and African American cemeteries across Virginia have been neglected for years. The tide is just now starting to turn. Brian Palmer is the founder of Friends of East End, an all-volunteer nonprofit established in 2017 that works to restore and maintain East End Cemetery. Manual labor, like pulling up vines and removing trash, is only half of the work. The group also documents found headstones and researches those buried there. Students from University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Union University have been the main source of labor and interest, Palmer said. Through their collaboration, they have created a digital database that maps over 3,000 graves. We want people to be able to find their loved ones, even if they cant be physically present, he said. Jim Crow comes down in full force East End was founded in 1897 and Evergreen, another historically Black cemetery in the area, was founded in 1891. Civic leader and banker Maggie L. Walker is buried at Evergreen. An estimated 15,000 people are buried at East End Cemetery. There are an estimated 10,000 plots at Evergreen Cemetery. Churches, mutual aid societies and families once cared for the cemeteries but they fell into disrepair. They were, you know, really quite lovely places for decades, Palmer said. And then the power of Jim Crow came down on Black people full force. Jim Crow laws caused Black Richmonders to leave the city and others to move up from the Deep South. Palmer said this caused a disconnect between the cemetery and the community, as those who had been there since birth were replaced with outsiders. Palmer points to the well-funded preservation of Confederate grave markers. They have been literally invested in money and time and labor, but theres also a kind of popular significance assigned to them and that is less so with the sites that we care about, Palmer said. Virginia lawmakers spent roughly $9 million in todays money for the care of Confederate graves since 1902, according to Smithsonian Magazine. The United Daughters of the Confederacy, a Confederate hereditary association, received state funds that were distributed to local UDC chapters and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. This funding recently stopped, according to Stephanie Williams, deputy director of the Department of Historic Resources. The last budget to include $83,570 to the UDC was fiscal year 2022. Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Richmond, passed a bill in 2017 that dedicated state dollars to help maintain Black cemeteries. This bill provided $5 per grave marker for African Americans buried in the East End and Evergreen cemeteries who lived between 1800 and 1900. The scope of McQuinns bill was expanded over a few years to include historical African American cemeteries throughout the state that were established before 1948. The states current budget allocates $250,000 toward the preservation of the cemeteries at $5 a grave, or the average actual routine maintenance, whichever is greater. Currently, there are 34 cemeteries receiving state money for preservation and care. How to rebuild from the Enrichmond fiasco? Enrichmond Foundation, a nonprofit group that supported the city of Richmonds Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, acquired Evergreen Cemetery in 2017. Enrichmond received a $400,000 grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation a year prior to help restore Evergreen and East End cemeteries. But the foundation would ultimately prove to be unqualified to take care of these historic sites. Friends of East End sounded the alarm before Enrichmond suddenly folded with hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding. The Attorney General Jason Miyares said his office is investigating, and Mayor Levar Stoney has indicated federal authorities could also be involved. There has been no update on the investigation. Enrichmond did not have the capacity or the knowledge to do the work it committed to do, Palmer said. This is a criticism that several community organizations had from the beginning. Looking forward, Palmer hopes there can be better collaboration, something that was missing under Enrichmond. All they had were political friends, Palmer said. And for some reason the political friends wanted to put these cemeteries in their hands. History professor Ryan Smith has taught classes on Richmonds historic cemeteries at Virginia Commonwealth University for about a decade. Why Enrichmond was selected for the funding, how they acquired the cemeteries, and their internal strategy was very opaque, he said. Smith does not think the city has the resources to properly restore these sites. The best thing that they could do would be to create a framework that allows the kind of successful volunteer operations that were working so well before Enrichmond got involved, Smith said. The cemeteries still are under the ownership of Parity LLC, the legal entity that represented Enrichmond through its ownership of East End and Evergreen, according to Smith. The dissolution of Parity and Enrichmond makes it difficult for the city to make a legal real estate transaction, Smith said. Smith published a book two years ago called Death and Rebirth in a Southern City: Richmonds Historic Cemeteries. The main argument of that book was, No. 1, that the color line and the lines of race shaped every element of death and burial in the city from its founding through the 20th century, he said. But Smith believes things are on the mend. We may within the past generation or so, be finding ourselves in a moment where some of those older boundaries are starting to break down and people are starting to care about historical sites in ways that they had not in the past and some opportunities for preservation have opened up, he said. Seventh District Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille has hosted community meetings about the future of the cemeteries. This was the first time in the better part of a decade where people felt that they were genuinely being heard, according to Peighton Young, co-chair of the Descendants Council. The Richmond-based group advocates on behalf of descendants of historic Black cemeteries in the area. Right now its more of a group effort to try to rectify the consequences of Enrichmonds behavior, as well as to address the issues that actually allowed Enrichmond to, you know, mistreat those cemeteries for as long as they did, Young said. Preservers of the Daughters of Zion Cemetery As a little girl, Bernadette Whitsett-Hammond visited her ancestors buried at Daughters of Zion Cemetery in Charlottesville every Memorial Day. The cemetery was built in 1873. Prominent African American figures in Charlottesville were interred there and family and community members maintained the plots. Like many other cemeteries of its kind, the Daughters of Zion Cemetery fell into disrepair when families moved away and died out. The city did not take over maintenance of the cemetery because it was owned privately by the namesake organization that disbanded in the 1930s, according to Whitsett-Hammond, a retired school psychologist and Charlottesville native. Charlottesville declared the cemetery abandoned in the early 1970s and assumed responsibility for its upkeep. The Preservers of the Daughters of Zion Cemetery formed in 2015. Whitsett-Hammond is a member. They repaired a number of grave markers and deployed ground penetrating radar to unearth burials sunken over time. I think it was around 300 initially, and now were well past that, said Edwina St. Rose, a retired administrative judge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Rose is a descendant of those interred at the cemetery. Their improvements have sparked curiosity in the community, St. Rose said. The preservers of the cemetery feel supported, but recognize the need for more resources to overcome years of mismanagement. By the time people get involved and want to make that effort, the needs are so great for these cemeteries because theyve been neglected so long, Whitsett-Hammond said. A lot of times what funds are available really are a drop in the bucket for what really needs to be done. African-American Historical Society of Portsmouth Mount Calvary Cemetery Complex in Portsmouth opened in 1879 and was closed in 1964. The 13-acre complex includes Mount Calvary and Mount Olive cemeteries, in addition to Fishers Hill and a potters field where the poor were buried without headstones. We had grass probably as tall as we are, said Dinah Walters, co-chair and member of the African-American Historical Society of Portsmouth. The historical society got involved with the cemetery in the 1980s and has handled research and restoration. Usually if they did set aside some land for African-American cemeteries, its probably going to be the worst land that somebody didnt want, Walters said. The city of Portsmouth took over maintenance in 2019. The citys responsibilities include cutting down trees, picking up trash and taking care of the cemetery plots. Charles Johnson, president of the society, called this basic maintenance. When it comes to the actual markers, the grave (sites) and so forth, there is no direct city involvement, Johnson said. The cemetery did get help when the state expanded funding for African American cemeteries. They get $5 for each of the 266 graves. That funding is not enough to alleviate the problems, according to Johnson. The area is flooding, its eroding, the graves are sinking, Johnson said. The markers are just going to go farther into the ground. Mount Calvary also received help to repair the stone markers of deceased military personnel at a discounted price. Portsmouth deemed Mount Calvary a city cemetery in June 2023. This means it will receive a portion of the $50,000 allocated to the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund. That $50,000 applies to the maintenance, and thats been an ongoing issue, Johnson said. Mount Calvarys history has been plagued with racism, like many other historically African American cemeteries. The cemetery experienced a lot of vandalism in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement as it was in a predominantly white neighborhood during this time. They just toppled stones, they broke stones, they did so much damage to the area and thats when the cemetery really started to go down, Johnson said. The wrought iron that surrounded the family plots and entrances to the cemetery, as well as urns and shells honoring the deceased, were taken. Currently, the cemetery is dealing with flooding issues because of its low altitude, a common issue with many historical Black cemeteries, according to Johnson. The group is waiting for a grant from the city to help alleviate the issue. Mismanagement will only continue unless community members see saving their local, historic cemeteries as a reason to contact their representatives and demand collective action, Johnson said. My grandfather told me, if you put your ear to the shell you can hear the sea, Walters said. When you die, the seashell will take you back home. That was an old tradition. Conch shells used to be scattered around the cemetery, Walters said. There are only two left. An elderly woman and two children perished when suspected rebels from the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) set fire to their home in a village in western Uganda on Monday, local authorities said on Tuesday. The attack took place in a remote village in the Kamwenge district, already the scene of an attack a week earlier attributed to the ADF in which ten villagers were killed and burned. According to Kamwenge district commissioner Isiah Byarugaba, the attackers set fire to a house in which the victims were staying. The ADF rebels killed three people, an elderly woman and two of her grandchildren. They were burnt to death in their house last night, he said. The army and police are in pursuit of the rebels, he added. We are on the ground assessing the situation and mobilizing the local community to prevent such cowardly attacks by ADF terrorists against innocent civilians, he added. Originally Ugandan rebels with a Muslim majority, the ADF have been active since the mid-1990s in eastern DRC, where they have killed thousands of civilians. In 2019, they pledged allegiance to the EI, which now claims some of their actions and presents them as its Central African province. Uganda and the DRC launched a joint offensive in 2021 to drive the ADF out of their Congolese strongholds, without so far succeeding in putting an end to the groups attacks. In October, two tourists, a British and a South African honeymooner and their guide, were killed in Queen Elizabeth Park (west), in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. In June, 42 people, including 37 students, were killed in a high school in western Uganda in an attack also attributed to the ADF. The Port of Sao Tome workers union on Tuesday contested an agreement allegedly signed by the government that gives an exclusive right to a French company to operate services at the port for five years. We, the Enaport workers, have once again been confronted with the problem of the companys concession and without being seen or heard [], once again the Enaport workers feel aggrieved, this is the second time the government has done this without informing the union, the unions president, Hermes Carvalho, told media. The aforementioned public-private partnership agreement, was signed on December 20 between the government, represented by the Minister of Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Environment, Adelino Cardoso, the director of the National Port Administration Company (Enaport), Hamilton de Sousa, and the representative of the company Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Pierre-Francois Pioriou. According to the document, AGL, a simplified joint stock company registered in France, enters into this agreement only as a shareholder of the operating company, which will be incorporated under the laws of Sao Tome and Principe, whose registered office will be in Sao Tome. The partnership provides that during the term of the agreement the operator will have the exclusive right to provide services at the terminal, which includes the quay, the yard and the equipment for the purpose of providing services at the port. The agreement is signed for a period of five years and can be renewed for the same period or another, according to the will of the parties. The authority [Enaport] grants the operator, from the date on which all the conditions precedent have been met and for the term, the exclusive right of use in the assets of the authority [] together with all the rights and easements that belong to it for the purpose of implementing and executing the project, the document reads. On Tuesday, Mozambican police arrested a man wanted since 2019 by the Angolan authorities for international drug trafficking, the National Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic) announced on Tuesday. The 51-year-old man of Angolan nationality was arrested in Maputo, the Mozambican capital, after fleeing his country in September 2019, when he was serving a final sentence of 10 years imprisonment for the crime of international drug trafficking, according to a Sernic statement sent to the media. According to the Mozambican authorities, the detainee presented several identification documents, including those from Mozambique, Brazil, Namibia and the Seychelles, with different names from the Angolan register and, in others, with a different photograph. The action could also constitute committing the crime of falsifying documents, warned Sernic, noting that the case will follow the legal procedures with a view to the mans extradition. This is a sign that the Mozambican authorities are attentive to all movements of citizens who intend to use the country as a refuge, as well as to nationals who become involved in the world of crime, concluded Sernic. The bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and Sao Tome (CEAST) have expressed perplexity about blessings to irregular couples and have determined that they should not be carried out in these two countries because they would create enormous scandal and confusion among the faithful. With regard to informal blessings for irregular couples (homosexuals), although it is a sacrament different from the liturgical blessing, we consider that, in our cultural and ecclesial context, it would create a huge scandal and confusion among the faithful, so we have determined that it should not be carried out in Angola and Sao Tome, they said in a statement. The CEAST communique thus reacts to Pope Francis recent suggestion that same-sex couples should be blessed without transmitting the wrong conception of marriage, and also states that priests cannot become judges. According to CEAST, their position is supported by the declaration Fiducia Supplicans, which they consider sufficient to guide the prudent and paternal discernment of ordained ministers with regard to the blessings of same-sex couples, arguing further that the document does not impose any uniform line. The bishops argue that the answer given by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on February 22, 2021, on the subject, is a prudent choice, because it guides us to accompany with pastoral charity the faithful who live in these complex situations and reminds us that the Church does not and cannot bless sin. For the bishops of CEAST, the issue of greatest incidence in the pastoral context of Angola and Sao Tome is access to the sacraments, particularly the baptism of adults who, objectively, live in sin and who do not intend to amend or change their lives, as well as their godparents. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain When I tell people that I research cannabis, I sometimes receive a furtive gesture that implies and presumes: "We're both stoners," as if two members of a secret society have met. Other times, I receive looks of concern. "You don't want to be known as the guy who studies marijuana," a professional colleague once counseled. Lastly, some respond with blank stares: "Why do academics spend time on such frivolous topics?" I've learned that all these attitudes reflect ignorance about the plant, which few people have learned about except through popular media or their own experiences with it. I study cannabis, but I'm more broadly interested in how people and plants interact. I've studied plants from perspectives ranging between ecology and cultural history, including obscure plants and more widely known ones, such as the African baobab. Cannabis is in another category, being one of the world's most famous and widespread plants. Yet it's the one for which people most commonly question my research motivations. Cannabis has a truly global history associated with a wide range of uses and meanings. The plant evolved in central Asia millions of years ago. Across Eurasia, humans began using cannabis seeds and fiber more than 12,000 years ago, and by 5,000 years ago, people in south Asia had learned to use cannabis as an edible drug. It arrived in east Africa over 1,000 years ago. Cannabis has been under global prohibition for most of the last century, which has stunted understanding of the people-plant relationship. Africa, Africans and people of the African diaspora have had crucial roles in the plant's history that are mostly forgotten. I want people to learn about cannabis history for four reasons. First, understanding its historical uses can help identify potential new uses. Second, understanding why people have valued cannabis can improve how current societies manage it. Third, understanding how people have used cannabis illuminates African influences on global culture. Finally, understanding how people are profiting from cannabis exposes inequities within the global economy. Medicinal potential The African history of cannabis highlights its medicinal potential, a topic of growing interest. Advocates of medical cannabis often justify their interest by telling tales of the plant's past. Yet the tales they tellnotably in medical journalshave been problematic. They are only about social elites and are mostly untrue. The African past is absent from this medical literature, even though historical observers reported how Africans used cannabis in contexts that justify current interest in its medicinal potential. For instance, in the 1840s, a British physician reported that central African people liberated from slave ships considered the plant drug "a great promoter of exhilaration of spirits, and a sovereign remedy against all complaints." These were emaciated, traumatized survivors. Their experience justifies exploring cannabis as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and other conditions. Exploitative labor We need to understand why people value cannabis to identify and address social processes that may produce drug use. Africans have valued cannabis for centuries, though it's difficult to know all the uses it had, because most weren't documented. Despite its limits, the historical record clearly shows that people used cannabis as a stimulant and painkiller in association with hard labor. Many European travelers observed their porters smoking cannabis before setting off each day. A Portuguese in Angola stated that the porters "affirm that it wakes them up and warms their bodies, so that they are ready to start up with alacrity." Because laborers valued cannabis, many overseers did too. Cannabis drug use remains associated with social marginalization in contexts from Morocco to Nigeria. The pan-African experience suggests using it is not a moral failing of users but isat least in partsymptomatic of exploitation and inequity. Africa's place in global culture I also study cannabis to understand how African knowledge has shaped global culture. Cannabis traveled as an element of exploitative labor relationships that carried people around the world, including chattel slavery, indentured service and wage slavery. There is strong evidence that psychoactive cannabis crossed the Atlantic with Africans. Oral histories from Brazil, Jamaica, Liberia and Sierra Leone tell that enslaved central Africans carried cannabis. In 1840s Gabon, a French-American traveler observed a man "carefully preserving (seeds), intending to plant them in the country to which he should be sold." The people who transported seeds shaped our modern language. Around the Atlantic, many terms for cannabis trace to central Africa, including the global word marijuana, derived from Kimbundu mariamba. Further, the most common modern use of cannabisas a smoked drugwas an African innovation. Prehistoric people in eastern Africa invented smoking pipes. After the plant arrived from south Asia, eastern Africans discovered that smoking was a more efficient way to consume cannabis compared with edible forms of the drug. Notably, all water pipeshookahs, bongs, shishas and so ontrace ultimately to African precedents. Drug policy reforms Finally, understanding the plant's African past illuminates inequities within the global economy. Drug policy reforms worldwide have opened lucrative, legal markets for cannabis. Businesses are feverishly competing for wealth, and governments are eagerly seeking new revenue sources. The rush to profit has enabled businesses from wealthy countries to gain power in poorer countries. Most African countries that have enacted drug-policy reformsnotable exceptions being South Africa and Moroccodid so only after foreign businesses paid for cannabis farming licenses. These had always been possible under existing laws, though the governments had never made them available. These drug-policy reforms don't meaningfully extend to citizens of African countries. Licensing fees are either unknown or unaffordable for most citizens of the countries that have allowed commercial farming, including Zimbabwe, Uganda, Lesotho, Malawi, Eswatini and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The countries that have allowed licensed production still prohibit traditional cannabis uses. Even as export markets grow, African citizens face criminal consequences for domestic production. Cannabis-policy reforms in Africa have mostly benefited investors and consumers in wealthy countries, not Africans, a textbook example of neocolonialism. Further, profitable industries in Europe and North America rely on seed taken from Africa, where cannabis genetic diversity is high thanks to farmers' plant-breeding skills. Cannabis is the center of industries that generate billions of dollars annually. Increasingly, this income is legal. History shows that African countries have competitive advantages for cannabis farming. Reforms should enable Africans to enjoy these advantages. Way forward Globally, many societies are recognizing that criminalizing cannabis has produced problems and has not eliminated drug use. Some African countries are developing cannabis-policy reforms that include decriminalization and degrees of legalization. African (and non-African) societies must address complex questions in evaluating cannabis policies. In any case, the plant's African past provides insight into both long-term and emerging issues in humanity's interactions with cannabis. This is why I study African cannabis. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain A research perspective was recently published in Oncoscience, titled "Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavityfollow up treatment and distant metastatic behavior." Up to 90% of tumors in the head and neck region are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). SCC can develop in different anatomical sections of the head and neck. The SCC of the oral cavity is one of the most common locations.The main risk factors for SCC in the oral cavity are chronic alcohol abuse and smoking. Furthermore, chronic inflammation of the oral cavity and HPV infection predispose in exceptional cases to the development of SCC. SCC can manifest itself through various symptoms such as burning, pain and changes in the mucous membranes (leukoplakia, erythroplakia). A prosthesis that no longer fits as well as loose teeth can also indicate for SCC. However these symptoms may vary. Within the oral cavity, SCCs often occur in the area of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, as well as the jaw ridge and the palate. In this research perspective, researchers Florian Dudde, Ina Giersdorf, Filip Barbarewicz, and Kai-Olaf Henkel from Army Hospital Hamburg discuss a recently published case report in which the team was able to associate a symptomatic distant osseous metastasis in the area of the femur with late recurrent SCC in the oral cavity. "However, distant osseous metastases deriving from SCC of the head and neck region are to be considered a rarity, as we were able to clearly illustrate in a recent publication." Credit: Impact Journals LLC More information: Florian Dudde et al, Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavityfollow up treatment and distant metastatic behavior, Oncoscience (2023). DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.582 Provided by Impact Journals LLC For those thinking about investing in Bitcoin, knowing the basics of crypto trading beforehand is essential. While Cryptocurrency may be a relatively new industry, it already has a rich history that traders rely on the knowledge of to make important decisions. Learning about Bitcoin is one of the best introductions to the cryptocurrency world. By furthering your knowledge of Bitcoin, you could be one step ahead of other investors. Where did Bitcoin come from? Bitcoin originated in 2008 when a person or group of people operating under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto released the Bitcoin whitepaper outlining the concept of cryptocurrency. On January 12, 2009, the first Bitcoin transaction took place when ten Bitcoins were sent to a developer. Ever since, the cryptocurrency has been active. The identity of Satoshi Nakamoto has been highly debated over the past fifteen years but has never been confirmed. Many have claimed to have solved this mystery, with several identities being proposed by publications like Newsweek, Forbes, The New York Times, and others. Newsweek suggested in 2014 that Dorian Prentice Satoshi Nakamoto was, in fact, Bitcoins inventor, but the theory was quickly shot down by the man in question, as well as Satoshi Nakamotos official online accounts. Forbes contributed to speculation that Hal Finney, a pre-Bitcoin cryptographic pioneer, was the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto. Other prominent candidates include decentralized finance enthusiast Nick Szabo, Australian academic Craig Wright, and Finnish economic sociologist Dr. Vili Lehdonvirta. All claims have thus far been denied. Bitcoins mysterious entry into the marketplace and the intrigue surrounding its creator only made it more appealing to early enthusiasts. However, it also made many others wary of investing. People like to know where their money is going, and the shroud of mystery and anonymity surrounding Bitcoin did not lend it any legitimacy. Since then, the keys to the Bitcoin kingdom have been turned over to Gavin Andresen, a lead developer in the original Bitcoin project. Nakamotos involvement has apparently ceased, and Bitcoin and cryptocurrency have become much more mainstream. This does not, however, guarantee the legitimacy or reliability of cryptocurrencies. While Bitcoin is seen by many as a relatively reliable cryptocurrency, that does not mean that the price of Bitcoin is any less volatile than other currencies. Because Bitcoin was the original cryptocurrency, it has a longer history and, therefore, more information to pull from than other, newer platforms. However, Bitcoin is well known for having its price volatility. How does Bitcoin work? Bitcoin is not backed by any real-world assets or government and cannot be censored. Its financial system is backed by a decentralized network of computers or nodes. This concept is inherently volatile as no regulatory body has power over the price of Bitcoin. The crypto markets size is another contributor to its volatility. Because the cryptocurrency market is smaller and not as heavily traded as traditional markets, large trades can cause large swings in price. Bitcoins value also relies on public sentiment and speculation, causing rapid but short-term price changes. News of real-world events, online trends, and gossip can swing the price of Bitcoin. The Bitcoin price changes constantly as the crypto market is open for trading twenty-four hours a day. The price is reported by companies like Binance so traders can find the most up-to-date figures. The Bitcoin price varies greatly, with an all-time low of $67.81 recorded in 2013 and an all-time high of $69,044 recorded in 2021. The price as of this writing in December 2023 is $$42,879, according to Binance. Since its inception fifteen years ago, Bitcoin has remained the leading cryptocurrency by market cap. As its user base has grown, the relative value of Bitcoin has consistently increased. Its actual value remains volatile. How can I buy Bitcoin? Purchasing Bitcoin is as easy as the click of a button. Websites like Binance allow the purchase of Bitcoin directly by debit or credit card. The purchaser is quickly and easily able to buy and sell Bitcoin, as well as trade other forms of crypto through the site. As trends and market speculation are so important to the price of Bitcoin, it is important to keep up with the news surrounding cryptocurrencies. Reading the latest on crypto trading on reliable news sites like Forbes, CNN Money, Binance, and Investopedia could be key to your trading success. Investing in Bitcoin could be a first step in your crypto trading journey. The original cryptocurrency is a great place to start for novice investors. Dipping your toe into Bitcoin trading may be the perfect crash course to get you started with crypto trading. Information is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be used as investment advice. As with all investments, there is risk and the past performance of a particular asset class does not guarantee any future performance. Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content. A group of students from Montana State University Billings recently launched a project to help the transition for formerly incarcerated people into the workforce. Named "Work Wise," the online tool helps people find and apply for jobs, market themselves and their experience, negotiate a fair employment agreement and know their rights while on the job. There was a need for it, and I feel as though it will benefit many individuals in the future, said Amanda Rouse, a senior who worked on the project and hopes to become a labor and employment lawyer. The project was undertaken by seven students in MSU Billings Womens and Gender Studies program for their fall 2023 capstone course. Emily Arendt, the chair of the history department, served as their faculty adviser, encouraging the team to recognize the way that prison impacts entire communities well beyond a given inmate's release date. Not only have our students conducted research and practiced essential academic skills throughout this process, Arendt said. But they ultimately produced a resource that has a tangible impact on our community. As of Dec. 26, there are 2,845 people currently incarcerated in prison facilities overseen by the Montana Department of Corrections, according to the agencys website. Another 1,721 are in alternative facilities such as pre-release or treatment centers, and over 9,800 are under community supervision such as probation or parole. The DOC defines recidivism as the rate at which a person returns to prison for any reason within three years. In 2019, the latest point for which three-year data is available, 36.8% of people released from Montana prisons were reincarcerated within that time. Data for the following year suggests a similar trend 30% of people released in 2020 had returned to prison two years later. Experts say people who secure stable, full-time employment after being released from prison are less likely to commit another crime in the future. However, unemployment among the formerly incarcerated is significantly higher than among the general population. Federal data shows that an estimated 60% of people who served time in prison are still unemployed a year after release, far more than the 3.7% without work nationally. Many employers in Montana require applicants to share their criminal history, which can make it harder to get hired. People who were incarcerated also tend to have lower rates of education or professional readiness. Its not uncommon for them to lack consistent access to email, reliable housing or a robust credit history soon after their release, all of which can make finding a job more difficult. The Work Wise team collaborated with pre-release centers in Billings to ensure that the resource would help people leaving prison overcome such barriers. Alpha House and Passages are residential facilities for men and women, respectively, that focus on job placement, treatment for mental health or substance use challenges and general transition back into society after serving time, according to their websites. Tools available on Work Wise include templates for building a budget and a resume; information on how to obtain important documents; a questionnaire to help job seekers think about their own strengths; ideas for how to handle history of criminal conviction; direct access to guaranteed rights as an employee; and much more. The Montana Department of Commerce said earlier this week that a project in Butte-Silver Bow County is among those sharing more than $9.4 million of funding allocated to hopefully increase the number of affordable homes in six Treasure State communities. The funding is through Commerces Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Housing Trust Fund (HTF) programs. The funds will be used to build new and rehabilitate 485 affordable homes in Montana. Butte-Silver Bow County will receive $750,000 of CDBG funding for the rehabilitation of the Aspen Place Apartments, which will go toward 68 affordable homes for families and individuals. The HOME Program is designed to create affordable homes for lower earning households. The HTF is an affordable housing production program that complements existing federal, state and local efforts to increase the supply of safe and affordable homes for the most vulnerable households living in Montana. All three programs are financed from federal funds allocated to Commerce from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Funds in other communities include: Helena United Housing Partners LLC will receive an additional $947,232 for a total of $2,526,194 of HTF funding to support the construction of Twin Creeks Apartments 62 affordable homes for families and individuals. Additionally, Accessible Space Inc. will receive $1.2 million of HOME funding for the rehabilitation of the Queen City Estates 24 affordable homes for households with individuals with disabilities. Billings Mitchell Court LLLP will receive $1.65 million of HOME funding for construction of the Mitchell Court Apartments 32 affordable homes for families and individuals. Hamilton The city of Hamilton, along with Sapphire Lutheran Homes, will receive $750,000 of CDBG funding, along with $1.5 million of HTF and $1.9 million of HOME funding for the rehabilitation of The Manor 60 affordable homes for seniors. Missoula Homeword Inc. will receive $1.5 million of HOME funding for the rehabilitation of the Creekside Apartments 161 affordable homes for families and individuals. Kalispell Samaritan House Inc. will receive $750,000 of HTF funding for the development of the Samaritan House Family Living Development 18 permanent supportive homes for households experiencing homelessness. Montana's CDBG Housing grants help local governments fund new construction or rehabilitation of homes that benefit Montanans earning less than 80% of the area median income. For more information about Commerces housing programs, visit housing.mt.gov. This funding will provide homes for Montanans who are at risk of homelessness, in lower wage-earning jobs and those experiencing special needs, said Cheryl Cohen, Montana Housing Division administrator with the Department of Commerce. Three Montana places named in honor of the former president of the Confederate States of America have been given new names that honor their Native American past. For members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, this is a great opportunity to put our names back on the landscape, and get rid of the derogatory names that arent so great, said Sadie Peone-Stops, director of the Selis-Qlispe Culture Committee (SQCC), a department of the CSKT, which worked on the project. In 2021, Wild Montana (then known as the Montana Wilderness Association) joined other organizations and the CSKT in petitioning the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to rename three places on public lands in Montana honoring Jefferson Davis, who headed the Confederacy. Davis was an unrepentant defender of slavery, white supremacy and racism. He had been the secretary of war in the Franklin Pierce administration, but defected to the Confederacy in 1861, those who support the name change said. These places were given their names by Confederate sympathizers who had moved to Montana after the Civil War and wanted to honor Davis. The board, which approved the name change in September, maintains uniform geographic names throughout the federal government. Peone-Stops and other representatives from CSKT were at that meeting. We really had to work hard, she said of the name change process. Davis Gulch, northwest of Helena near Birdseye and Marysville and east of the Continental Divide, is now In-qu-qu-leet a rough phonetic rendering of the Salish word that means Place of Lodgepole Pines. At one time it was incorrectly reported the name change would be for the Davis Gulch south of Helena. "Lodgepole is a tree of great importance in the traditional way of life of the Selis (Salish or "Flathead") and Qlispe (Kalispel or "Pend d'Oreille") people, including for food (the cambium layer of the bark), light rope or twine (made from bark strips), medicine, and tipi poles. The area in which the gulch is located has always been well known to the Salish for its abundance of lodgepole," the SQCC said. Jeff Davis Peak in the Beaverhead Mountains southwest of Dillon is now Three Eagles Peak, which the Elders Cultural Advisory Committee recommended in honor of Salish Chief Three Eagles. "In September 1805, Salish scouts spotted an approaching group of strangers. It was the Lewis and Clark expedition. Chief Three Eagles met with his elders and warriors to discuss the situation and evaluate whether the strangers presented a threat to the people," the SQCC said. "He decided they did not, and instructed his warriors to do no harm. Instead, Lewis and Clark were welcomed into the Salish camp at K ti P up m (Big Open Ross's Hole), and given gifts of food, horses, and material items. It is the encounter depicted in Charlie Russell's masterpiece, 'Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flatheads,' the mural on the wall in the Montana House of Representatives. Chief Three Eagle's decision, described in numerous tribal accounts and reflected in the expedition's journals, set the precedent for Salish policy toward non-Indians ever since: a steadfast commitment to peace, and an equally resolute insistence on tribal sovereignty, rights, and justice." And Davis Creek, flowing from Three Eagles Peak, has been renamed Doyavinai Baa Oogwaide at the recommendation of the Idaho-based Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, who also recognize southwest Montana as their homeland. The name means water flowing from the mountain creek, according to the Wild Montana blog at https://bit.ly/3RVIkqx. Peone-Stops said a rededication will likely take place in the spring. The change did not come quickly. From 2018-2020, a coalition of organizations led by Wild Montana, represented by Paul Spitler, began working to change the names of three Montana places named for Davis. That coalition included the Montana Racial Equity Project, the Forward Montana Foundation, the Montana Wilderness Association (now Wild Montana), the Montana Human Rights Network, and the Mai Wah Society. By 2020, the coalition had reached agreement on three new place names, and produced detailed write-ups about all three. Spitler approached the CSKT, seeking their support, the tribe said. The tribal council referred the issue to its culture committee, which reviewed information gathered as part of its Selis-Qlispe Ethnogeography Project. The project draws from sources that include tribal oral histories and archival records, CSKT officials said in a Dec. 20 email from its Selis-Qlispe Culture Committee detailing how the names were changed. The CSKT said they expressed gratitude and support for the name change. However, we also respectfully told the coalition that we could not support adopting other non-Indian names in tribal territories, they said. Our mission is to restore to the land names that in some way refer to tribal history and culture. They said the coalition, to its great credit, welcomed the CSKT response and invited the tribe to offer new names for the three places. Despite the considerable time and work they had already devoted to the issue, they pledged to support whatever we proposed, the CSKT said. It was a remarkable act of flexibility and respectful consultation. The SelisQlispe Elders Cultural Advisory Council met several times, reaching consensus on names. But there was some dispute among tribes. The Char-Koosta News reported the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes claim some of the area in Montana. They reported some bureaus of the federal government negotiated about the name change with the Shoshone rather than the CSKT. The Shoshone were not receptive to efforts by the CSKT to reach an agreement. The CSKT said it continued to work on the issue. The BGN voted April 13 to approve the name In-qu-qu-leet Gulch at a meeting. However, the BGN continued to delay consideration of the other two names, Three Eagles Peak and Choos-wee Creek, the Char-Koosta News reported. The Shoshone Bannock Tribes reportedly petitioned the BGN with counterproposal names for the two places. The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management wrote to the BGN, saying they supported changing the names. But, they were neutral on the specific replacement names, because they did not want to choose between tribes, the newspaper reported. The coalition and CSKT got the proposal on the BGNs September agenda. The BGN approved the name Three Eagles Peak. In a compromise with the Sho-Ban Tribes, they voted to adopt the Sho-Bans proposed name for the creek. The Shoshone Bannock Tribes did not return an email seeking comment for this story. Peone-Stops said most people have had a positive response to the change. We have a deep connection to place, to have (our) names back on the landscape is pretty meaningful, she said. She said Native Americans typically did not call the places by the Davis names, saying they used the names their people had called it. But it just wasnt always about a name. A place name is really the tip of the iceberg, she said, adding the name can be associated with creation stories and trails. There have been other changes made in Montana when it comes to honoring the Confederacy. On Aug. 18, 2017, the city of Helena removed a memorial to Confederate soldiers that had resided in a public park since 1916. On the federal level, in late 2021, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland formally established a process to replace derogatory names of the nations geographic features. She also declared squaw to be a derogatory term and ordered the Board on Geographic Names to implement procedures to remove the term from federal usage, according to a U.S. Department of the Interior news release. Kayje Booker, Wild Montana deputy director, said they would continue to explore other opportunities for renaming other offensive and inappropriately named public lands in Montana. The board ridded "three places in western Montana of a name that our public lands should never have acquired ..." she said in a blog post, adding she could not be "more delighted at the outcome, which was encouraged by the hundreds of Wild Montana members and supporters who joined our petition to the Board on Geographic Names." Public lands belong to all Americans, and all Americans have the right to enjoy those lands and feel welcome to use them, Booker said in a Dec. 18 blogpost. But that cant happen if these lands bear names that clearly represent hatred and division. A Muscatine man was arrested Saturday evening and a Muscatine police officer suffered a severe cut on his finger when officers were called to an incident in the 200 block of East Second Street. According to a press release from the Muscatine Police Department, officers responded to an apartment shortly before 7 p.m. On arrival, officers could hear the raised voices of a male and female coming from inside the apartment. Officers noted the female could be heard calling for help and sounded as if she were in distress. The release said the doors of the apartment were locked and officers were not able to get any response from the occupants. Believing the female needed immediate assistance, the officers began forcing their way into the apartment. One of the officers broke a window and was able to reach the interior lock on the door. Once entry was gained. Officers discovered a male subject assaulting a female subject. The male subject surrendered peacefully and without incident. Austin Lee Darnell, 24, of Muscatine is charged with serious domestic assault, a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison; false imprisonment, a serious misdemeanor; and interference with official acts causing injury, a serious misdemeanor. He is being held in the Muscatine County Jail on bond. During the process of breaking the window out, the officer severely cut one of his fingers against the broken glass. The officer was transported to Trinity Emergency Center where he was treated and released. The injury will require follow-up care before he can return to duty. This morning's headlines: AI safeguards, Israel ground assault, UAW strike American Canyon plans to stick with Recology as its waste collector for perhaps as long as another decade, with city officials citing the service and rates. Its kind of the old adage, 'If it aint broke, dont fix it,' City Manager Jason Holley said. The city has yet to finish negotiating a new contract with Recology. But the City Council on Dec. 20 indicated it wants to go this route, as opposed to letting other companies bid on the service. Holley said the City Council should vote on a new franchise agreement with Recology within the first few months of 2024. City Councilmember Mark Joseph recalled when the city went out to bid in 2003, at a time when he was city manager. Thats when the city first chose Recology. Without going into a lot of detail, suffice to say, it was an incredibly long, drawn-out process, Joseph said. Given Recology provides great service and low rates and the amount of energy involved in going out to bid, he prefers to stay with Recology, he said. The city took an informal survey of its residents on the waste collection service. Only 22 people responded, which Holley took as a sign that theres not a lot of complaints. Generally, 4.2 stars out of 5, Holley said. In our world, thats pretty good. The city looked at the prices of and services provided for waste collection in 13 other communities. They included the other Napa County cities and town, rural Napa County, Vallejo, Petaluma, Cloverdale, Fairfield, east and west Sonoma and Guerneville. Seven are served by Recology. American Canyon residents pay $31.49 a month for a 35-gallon trash container. Only Fairfield at $26.45 and Petaluma at $28.64 are lower. The city of Napa is $39.58. Eight communities topped $40. City Councilmembers praised the Recology service. Recology has always been a great partner to American Canyon, City Councilmember Mariam Aboudamous said. Im totally fine with the services, City Councilmember David Oro said. I think its great. You guys rarely miss a beat, if at all. Derek Nelson spoke on behalf of Recology. Thank you all for the kind words, Nelson told the council. It means the world to Recology to be a partner with American Canyon. The city is looking at having Recology start a recycled art program, similar to one Recology has in San Francisco. Artists would make art out of recycled materials. The American Canyon program would be housed at the planned Napa River Ecology Center on Wetlands Edge Road. Such a program would mean a rate increase. Recology would hire a director for the program. There would be artists costs and the cost of leasing ecology center space, Nelson said. We want to see the ecocenter, breath life into it and would be happy to support it with that artist-in-residence program, Nelson said. But, given the ecology center has yet to be established at a public works yard the city is moving away from, the city would look into the arts program and any associated rate increase at another time. The American Canyon Planning Commission was scheduled Dec. 21 to vote on a design permit for the ecology center. It delayed the matter for lack of a quorum. Photos: The Tug McGraw Foundation's work in Yountville Tug McGraw Foundation 7 Tug McGraw Foundation 2 Tug McGraw Foundation 3 Tug McGraw Foundation 4 Tug McGraw Foundation 5 Tug McGraw Foundation 6 Tug McGraw Foundation 8 Tug McGraw Foundation 9 Tug McGraw Foundation 1 Napas planning commission is beginning to develop objective design standards, a set of building requirements municipalities need to use to approve residential development projects that are supposed to streamline the process of building affordable and attainable housing. Many cities have already developed and implemented their own standards, which clearly state form, aesthetic, material, and open space requirements for residential development projects. Objective design standards first appeared in a California bill in the Housing Affordability Act in 2017. The bill required design review boards and planning commissions to review new development proposals using a set list of standards to remove subjectivity from the development approval process. Over the past six years, more than five additional state laws that require ODS review have also passed. When the statewide requirement to apply ODS passed, cities were tasked with determining their own specific standards. However, until now, the city of Napas planning commission had not really begun developing and codifying standards for the city. The commission hopes to do the bulk of this work in 2024, with the assistance of a contractor. Requests for proposals from possible contractors were due on Dec. 22, and based on the number of applicants they get, the city hopes to choose a contractor in early 2024. City Planner Ricky Caperton said at the commission's Dec. 21 meeting that the entire process could take anywhere between one and two years, but commissioners expressed a desire to have the work complete by the end of 2024, to ensure continuity throughout the standard-setting process. Commission Chair Bob Massaro said he believes creating a set of objective design standards is an opportunity for the planning commission to be more clear in what they expect to see in development proposals. Right now, its kind of a beauty contest for developments hoping to be approved, Massaro said during the commission meeting. By contrast, when using a set of design standards, both developers and commissioners would have a good idea whether a project will be approved even before it is presented at a commission meeting. We look at projects through three lenses: the General Plan, the Zoning Plan, and our Residential Design Guidelines, Massaro said ahead of the Dec. 21 meeting. Right now, our design guidelines are subjective and about 8 to 10 years old, but because of things that have transpired in state law, the push is to create less subjective guidelines and set the bar for what we want in terms of design features as well as building performance. Really, ODS tells developers what they should target, from the city of napas standpoint. He said that his hope is that the commission uses this opportunity to include standards that are climate conscious, like requiring window shades for south and west-facing windows to keep homes cooler. I hope that we put in measures that help combat climate change to make it clear to developers that combating climate change is important to our city, Massaro said. While the standards are an opportunity for the planning commission to require a certain caliber of work from developers in terms of the materials they use, the performance and efficiency of their designs Commissioner Gordon Huether said that he worries about the standards limiting creativity and originality among new developments. Flying back and forth through Sacramento my greatest fear is that were going to look like that: housing developments right up against the freeway, the houses look like theyre four feet apart everything looks exactly the same in big clumps, Huether said. I think one thing I would be looking for is avoiding repetitive architecture. He said that he fears that without subjective oversight ability, developers might not be incentivized to develop creative and innovative architecture for new projects. Massaro said that he hopes to see a set of standards that allow for creative designs to the greatest extent possible while meeting the states requirement to expedite housing development in Napa. At the commissions Jan. 18 meeting, city staff will present the chosen contractor and a more definitive timeline for the project. Former President Donald Trumps removal from the Colorado primary presidential election ballot has triggered a partisan firestorm thats likely to make an already fierce and ugly California campaign season even more brutal. The rhetoric and finger-pointing is likely to grow even uglier. It already has. Trump supporters in the state say Democrats are trying to deny voters their right to choose a candidate. GOP loyalists see the Colorado Supreme Court decision as a Deep State conspiracy to keep Trump out of the White House at all costs. Democrat officials across California, such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, are urging the Secretary of State to follow the Colorado example and remove Trump from its March 5 ballot. Colorados court ruled that Trumps role in the January 6th Capitol attack in 2021 violated the U.S. Constitution 14th Amendments disqualification clause. It says anyone who had taken an oath to support the Constitution as an elected official and then engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof, cannot serve in public office. The former presidents camp quickly sent a message that was echoed by supporters. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung called the ruling a completely flawed decision and a Soros funded, left-wing groups scheme to interfere in election. (George Soros is a billionaire philanthropist who backs progressive causes, and who frequently draws conspiracy theories from the far right.) We have full confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court will quickly rule in our favor, Cheung said. Trump also chimed in on social media platform Truth Social. Im not an Insurrectionist (PEACEFULLY & PATRIOTICALLY), Crooked Joe Biden is!!! he said Wednesday. The conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court (Trump appointed three of its nine members) is considered unlikely to let the decision stand, and its also unlikely that other states would then attempt to do the same. That hasnt stopped the MAGA faction of the Republican Party from campaigning on, as former Congressman Ron Pauls Campaign for Liberty phrased it in a fundraising email, one of the most anti-democratic court decisions theyve ever seen. Republicans are going to raise a bunch of money off this, said California Republican consultant Matt Rexroad. Theyre going to be thrilled. Campaigning on the battle for the ballot Shortly after Kounalakis letter to Weber, Congressional candidate David Giglio, who is running to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy in the Central Valley, called for a recall against the lieutenant governor. Any politician who, absent any sound legal reasoning, endorses stripping voters of their right to vote for a candidate they support does not belong in public office and thats why I am officially demanding the start of recall proceedings against. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, he said in a statement Wednesday. President Donald Trump, nor anyone else for that matter, has been tried, charged, or convicted of engaging in an insurrection. These blatant attacks on our democracy are coming from the same fascists who claim Donald Trump is a threat to democracy ... Kounalakis desperate and un-American actions are reason enough to have her recalled. Its time for Republicans to do more than talk. We must take swift and immediate action, he said. Jack Posobiec, a strongly conservative media personality and former news anchor for pro-Trump One America News Network, used the occasion to urge supporters of his daily newsletter to sign an EMERGENCY PETITION to help keep President Trump on the ballot in all 50 states. The petition link takes readers to a donation page. This helps (Trump) in terms of fundraising, Rexroad said. People are fired up because (they think) hes running against the system, against the machine. Trump was eager to capitalize on being booted from the Centennial State ballot. Theres no other way to say this: our country needs you now more than ever before, said a campaign fundraising email on Thursday. Patriots across the country must peacefully unite to put a STOP to this right now or our Free Republic will be lost forever. Below the statement was a link to donate. What happens if Trumps off the ballot? The California Secretary of States office confirmed last week that Trump is on its list of generally recognized presidential candidates for the March primary. Shirley Weber, Democrat, has not responded to the lieutenant governors letter asking her to boot Trump from the ballot. Other elected officials in the legislature, such as Assemblyman Evan Low, D-Silicon Valley, have spoken out about getting Trump off the ballot, and one civil rights attorney is attempting to have Trump removed through a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court. All attempts aside, its an unlikely scenario. Trump won the 2016 California Republican primaries. He lost the state in the 2016 and 2020 general elections.. Being kicked off the states March 5 primary ballot could hurt Trump if the GOP nomination is still being seriously contested. If he wins a majority of the vote, he would get all 169 Republican convention delegates, an important haul since it takes 1,234 to get nominated. Trump is far ahead of his Republican rivals in statewide polls. Trump lost the general election vote in California in both 2016 and 2020, and would losing California votes likely wouldnt hurt his national campaign. If anything, it might help it. There are blue collar people in the rust belt who think California is the worst place in the world, Rexroad said. California rejecting Trump is good for him. But the hypothetical circumstances would mean trouble for down-ballot races at the state level. The top of the ticket drives election, thats what gets voters up, Rexroad said. If Trump was not on the ballot in California, it would decimate turnout for Republicans. This could be hugely consequential in the competitive Congressional races that will likely decide which party has control the House of Representatives. Democrats nationally need a net gain of five seats, and several California races are regarded as swing contests. The prospect of no Trump on the ballot could also mean a violent sequel to January 6th the event that began this controversy in the first place. We have some really angry people, Rexroad said. And we want to see people go and vote safely. But they take Trump off the ballot, and people dont get to do that vote for their candidate I am concerned about some of these wackadoodles will cause a bunch of harm. Its not a hypothetical fear. NPR reported Friday that since the Colorado Supreme Court decision, violent rhetoric online is increasing. We saw trending the terms insurrection and civil war really within hours of the Colorado decision, said Daniel Jones, president of Advance Democracy, told NPR. Posts on far-right platforms called for violence against the justices who made the decision, and some of their personal information was also posted on those same platforms. Im actually kind of scared, Rexroad said. Armenia ruling force MP: Without guarantors, peace treaty with Azerbaijan is meaningless document Saudi Arabia issues $12 billion in bonds Maersk: Red Sea shipping disruption will hit global economy Ex-Deputy FM Vahe Gevorgyan replaces Sergey Manassarian as Armenia Ambassador to China Dollar falls, euro rises in Armenia Everything said by Azerbaijan president should be taken seriously, Armenia ruling force legislator states Armenia ruling power MP on signing peace treaty with Azerbaijan without mediators: Very tempting proposal Armenia will no longer be at war in any period of time, ruling force lawmaker says Nikol Pashinyan to new PM of France: I will be happy to host you in Armenia on official visit Iran envoy: What would be violation of Armenias territorial integrity is not acceptable to us Czech Rep. supplies first batch of mobile diesel generator sets to Armenia nuclear plant Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria sign memorandum on clearing floating mines in Black Sea Deputy defense minister on Armenia soldiers non-combat deaths: Such incidents have occurred, still exist today Ombudsperson on non-combat deaths in Armenia army: State should have proper prevention structures Armenia Security Council head to attend 4th meeting on Ukraine peace formula Ecuador security forces arrest 329 people, kill 5 criminals, says head of army Joint Command Armenia government to help those forcibly displaced from Karabakh to get training, jobs Moving Yeraskh village steel plant project to Ararat city costs Armenia government 3.5 billion drams Davit Khudatyan is appointed governor of Armenias Armavir Province Cigarette smuggling prevented at Georgia borders with Turkey, Armenia, Russia Newspaper: Ruling force MP speaks on EU's termination of European Peace Facility for Armenia Open-air exhibition on Karabakh being held in Paris (PHOTOS) Why most people cradle babies in left arm? Deputy PM Grigoryan chairs meeting of commission coordinating measures to ensure Armenia-EU CEPA implementation Greece FM statement after Armenia visit: Important to help our ally country on all international platforms Armenia ruling force legislator: Army is the sector where the more closed and secret, the better Central Bank governor: I can't say banks in Armenia make super profits Armenia Security Council chief, Greece FM discuss regional, extra-regional security Central Bank official: Banking services very accessible for Armenia citizens, businesses Dollar down, euro up in Armenia Suren Papikyan, Rory Domm discuss Armenia-EU cooperation prospects (PHOTOS) Gerapetritis to Pashinyan: Greece government ready to support Armenia in all possible directions FM: Greece clearly supports preservation of Christian sites in Karabakh George Gerapetritis: Armenia's prosperity is possible only with Europe Ararat Mirzoyan: Armenia should be able to make use of Azerbaijan railway Greece official on South Caucasus situation: We rule out use of force, aggression Sargis Khandanyan: Not aware of any arrangements for Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in January Armenia lawmaker: Peace treaty can be signed when Azerbaijan accepts our principles About $70M allocated to programs for persons forcibly displaced from Karabakh to Armenia, minister says Armenia FM on relations with EU: There is long way to go Armenia ruling force MP: Azerbaijan statements about bilateral negotiations are just statements TASS: Germany offers Armenia financial assistance for anti-Russian steps, source says Gunmen take TV journalists hostage live on air in Ecuador, police manage to free them ARARATBANK attracts USD 5 million from EFSE to support MSMEs in Armenia Researchers discover ancient temple ruins thanks to Emperor Constantine's letter to group of Romans Armenia ex-ruling party: Court once again proved it is submissive tool of current authorities Armenia, Greece FMs' private conversation kicks off Volkswagen to equip Golf, Tiguan with artificial intelligence MFA: Armenia established diplomatic relations with 3 more countries in 2023 (VIDEO) Newspaper: Attacks on judges gaining new momentum in Armenia US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin treated for prostate cancer China recreational area breaks world record as largest temporary ice, snow theme park Copernicus: World dangerously close to global warming limit Greece FM arrives in Armenia on official visit Armenia army officer found dead with gunshot wound Crime gang leader escapes from Ecuador prison, state of emergency declared in country Indonesia police rescue 226 dogs sent to slaughter Lemkin Institute condemns recent attack on Armenian Quarter in East Jerusalem Armenia economy minister, businessmen discuss major investment programs planned for 2024 Dollar, euro gain value in Armenia Greece FM to arrive in Armenia Wednesday on official visit MFA: In 2023 Armenia was elected to all international organizations where it nominated its candidacy Azerbaijan ambassador to France confirms arrest of Frenchman Martin Ryan, suspected of espionage Armenia records 2% inflation in 2023 US Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations visiting Yerevan, discusses efforts to bring peace, stability to region World of Buzz: Son didn't know for 20 years that his father was actually a millionaire Yerevan to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Annual Meeting, Business Forum in May Russia media report details about Armenian mans murder in Noginsk city ARARAT Museum Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Sergei Parajanov with "Uninterrupted Flight" Exhibition Ruben Rubinyan, Louis Bono discuss Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process Criminal investigation launched, Armenia serviceman detained in case into killing of fellow soldier at combat position Sergei Parajanov statue unveiled in Yerevan Protest being stage outside Armenia education ministry Bloomberg: Researchers find out waters nanoplastics content dangerous for humans MFA: Matter of Armenia driver's licenses recognition in Russia is on bilateral discussions agenda Armenia soldier found dead, with gunshot wound, in combat position Bitcoin exceeds $47,000 for first time since March 2022 China researchers develop electronic skin PM: Armenia foreign policys highest goal is to ensure country's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity Newspaper: Yerevan mayor unaware that Karabakh has been de-Armenianized? US embassy in Baku: Louis Bono holds regular talks to support Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process Armenia economy minister to go on business trip to India Armenia Security Council chief: We have no expectations from CSTO any longer Armenia Security Council head: Contractual obligations with Russia regarding weapons not fulfilled Armen Grigoryan. There is agreement that Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation commissions will meet in late January Ararat Mirzoyan and Louis Bono discussed regional security issues Tourism Committee chair: 50% of tourists arriving in Armenia are from Russia Quake hits Turkey One of French spies arrested in Azerbaijan identified Armenia unemployment rate dropped sharply over last 3 years, economy minister says Economy minister: US is for first time on list of Armenia's largest trade partners Pope Francis expresses concern about Armenia-Azerbaijan disagreements Kanaani: Iran has clear positions regarding situation in South Caucasus Armenian National Committee member: Heavy equipment removed from Jerusalem Armenian Quarter Cows Garden Zangezur is crucial route for north-south and east-west directions, Thomas de Waal says Stratfor: Armenia will probably accept Azerbaijan's demands de Waal strongly doubts EU, NATO will invest in Armenia army Armenia Security Council chief meets with OSCE Minsk Group US co-chair Thomas de Waal: Karabakh de-Armenianization is price of Armenian politicians maximalism, wrong actions as well de Waal: Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement not only about its signing, also about its implementation Turkish parliamentary committee okays Sweden's NATO bid Xinhua) 09:16, December 27, 2023 Members of the Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee attend a meeting on Sweden's NATO bid in Ankara, Turkiye, on Dec. 26, 2023. The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday approved Sweden's NATO bid following deliberation, a first step necessary for putting it to a full parliament vote. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) ANKARA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday approved Sweden's NATO bid following deliberation, a first step necessary for putting it to a full parliament vote. The bill regarding the approval of Sweden's accession protocol to NATO was adopted by the committee with votes by the ruling Justice and Development Party, the Nationalist Movement Party, and the main opposition Republican People's Party. The IYI (Good) Party voted against the bill, while the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party did not participate in the voting. Fuat Oktay, the committee's chairman, said that Sweden has taken steps, especially regarding the financing of terrorism, but added that Turkiye has "not yet seen the expected results in the fight against terrorism." The parliament might debate the bid at the general assembly later this week for the final vote. But if the parliament enters recess, the vote will be delayed to the coming new year. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed Sweden's NATO accession protocol and submitted it to the parliament in October. Turkiye approved Finland's NATO bid in March but has slow-walked Sweden's accession, demanding the Nordic country further address Ankara's security concerns. Turkiye is under pressure from the United States to approve Sweden's accession to NATO, but Ankara has been holding up its ratification to press Washington to allow the sale of F-16 fighter jets. Members of the Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee attend a meeting on Sweden's NATO bid in Ankara, Turkiye, on Dec. 26, 2023. The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday approved Sweden's NATO bid following deliberation, a first step necessary for putting it to a full parliament vote. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Members of the Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee attend a meeting on Sweden's NATO bid in Ankara, Turkiye, on Dec. 26, 2023. The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday approved Sweden's NATO bid following deliberation, a first step necessary for putting it to a full parliament vote. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Members of the Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee attend a meeting on Sweden's NATO bid in Ankara, Turkiye, on Dec. 26, 2023. The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday approved Sweden's NATO bid following deliberation, a first step necessary for putting it to a full parliament vote. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Members of the Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee attend a meeting on Sweden's NATO bid in Ankara, Turkiye, on Dec. 26, 2023. The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday approved Sweden's NATO bid following deliberation, a first step necessary for putting it to a full parliament vote. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A team of international scientists working on a research vessel off the coast of Panama is looking for something you might think would be hard to find. "We are exploring the unexplored," Alvise Vianello, an associate chemistry professor at Aalborg University in Denmark, told CBS News. "It's like, you know, finding the needle in the haystack." In this case, the needle is microplastic, and the ocean is drowning in it. An estimated 33 billion pounds of the world's plastic trash enters the oceans every year, according to the nonprofit conservation group Oceana, eventually breaking down into tiny fragments. A 2020 study found 1.9 million microplastic pieces in an area of about 11 square feet in the Mediterranean Sea. "Microplastics are small plastic fragments that are smaller than 5 millimeters," Vianello said. The researchers are trying to fill in a missing piece of the microplastic puzzle. "I want to know what is happening to them when they enter into the ocean. It's important to understand how they are moving from the surface to the seafloor," said researcher Laura Simon, also with Aalborg University. About 70% of marine debris sinks to the seafloor, but we know little about its impact as it does. A study published in March by the 5 Gyres Institute estimates there are now 170 trillion pieces of plastic in the oceanmore than 21,000 for every person on the planet. Vianello explains that some of the fish we eat, like tuna, swordfish and sardines, could be ingesting these microplastics. He says the data collected by these researchers could help us better understand how microplastics are affecting everything from the ocean's ability to cool the earth to our health. The scientists are conducting their research on a ship owned by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, a nonprofit that is funded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy. In order to patch the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) page and remove the topic from the final agenda, Azerbaijan first brought out the provision concerning Artsakh in the ongoing negotiations after the 44-day war in 2020, and between 2021 and 2023, in phases, even after its military aggression, it is pushing forward to insure itself at the level of the parliament the so-called the right of Azerbaijanis to return to Armenia. Armenian opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan wrote about this on Facebook. "Parallel to this, during the same 2021-23 years, Azerbaijan has carried out several attacks on the RA [(Republic of Armenia)] sovereign territories and is occupying around 200 square km of territory. Now the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan are trying to convince the Armenian people that the cancellation of the well-known decree of the Artsakh president [on the dissolution of Artsakh] can lead to Azerbaijani aggression. Over the past 3 years, Azerbaijan has been dealing with the RA authorities as whatever it wanted, as it wanted: unleashing a war, breaking arrangement, lying, deceiving, making them a doormat. It may seem to only the most ignorant or the stupid people that if Azerbaijan has set a goal to snatch something from Armenia again, it will not find an opportunity. The issue of Artsakh has remained in the throat of the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and in order to get rid of it, they speak the language of joint blackmail and threats. After digesting the well-known decree, they will act in the same way towards various provinces of the RA in order to satisfy all the expectations of Azerbaijan's territorial and political ambitions," added the Armenian opposition lawmaker. In December, the staff of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku again visited all the Armenians whose names were confirmed to the organization by the Azerbaijani authorities. Zara Amatuni, Communication and Prevention Program Manager of the ICRC Armenia office, informed Armenian News-NEWS.am about this. The visits took place in a one-to-one format, and an opportunity was created to contact families in Armenia. Amatuni added that during the visit they were given parcels by their families. From time to time the ICRC transfers the parcels of relatives, and this procedure is planned within the scope of the organization's activities, and it is coordinated with the representatives of the relevant authorities. Sweden has started issuing Turkish companies export permits for defense products. Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Burak Akcapar informed about this in the parliament, during the discussion of the protocol on Sweden's accession to NATO, TASS reported. "Sweden lifted the embargo on Turkeys defense industry products. After the process [of Swedens NATO membership] started, the applications made by Turkish companies were concluded positively," Akcapar said, Yeni Safak daily reported. The aforesaid newspaper recalled that Sweden imposed a ban on the export of defense industry products to Turkey since 2019. But in September 2022, when the review of Sweden's bid began, the embargo was lifted and the process of accepting the bids of the Turkish side began. The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday approved the ratification of the protocol of Sweden's accession to NATO. Now this document will be put to the vote of the Turkish legislature in its entirety. The date of this vote, however, is not yet known. The Turkish parliament will go on winter break on Friday. Armenia and Azerbaijan are moving towards bringing the peace treaty to the finish line, said Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian president, RIA Novosti reported. "We [i.e. Russia] really document that the [two] countries are moving in the direction of bringing the peace treaty to the finish line. We hope that it will happen as soon as possible; of course, not to the detriment of quality. Therefore, together with everyone, we are waiting for when that work will be completed. The main thing is that we see the presence of [respective] political will on both sides, both in Baku and Yerevan. And of course, we support it," Peskov told reporters. He noted that the signing of the aforesaid peace treaty will be useful for the peace and stability in both countries and the entire region. The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan did not negotiate in Saint Petersburg, Russia on Tuesday, but all of them had the opportunity to have short contacts, Peskov noted. "No, they did not hold negotiations yesterday. But such events, including the informal CIS summit, are always a good opportunity for short contacts on foot; it happened like that this time as well. Everyone had the opportunity to communicate on foot with each other on some key moments," said the Kremlin spokesperson. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday received a delegation led by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the PMs office informs The premier welcomed the aforesaid delegation's visit to Armenia. "I am happy for the high-level contacts and mutual visits that we see between the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is important not only for the further development of our bilateral relations, but also in the sense of being more understandable to each other in our foreign relations and policies in general. Of course, we constantly discuss the matters on the bilateral agenda, and I am glad that a working and sincere atmosphere has been established in these discussions. I also know that you had a productive discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and you have active, intensive working contacts, which I am also happy about. I would also like to hear from you about the agenda and expected results of the visit," said the Armenian premier. In turn, Iran's FM first conveyed the warm greetings of his country's president, Ebrahim Raisi, to Prime Minister Pashinyan. "The [Iranian] President asked me to warmly congratulate you and the friendly people of the Republic of Armenia on New Year and Christmas. Your Excellency, I am very happy to meet you. We had a very good, constructive, and useful discussion with my colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Mr. [Ararat] Mirzoyan. Today we [i.e. the visiting Iranian delegation] are in the Republic of Armenia to once again emphasize the attention we pay to bilateral relations and their importance. Our assessment is that both countries are on the right track. We are witnessing the development of [bilateral] relations in the political, economic, cultural, educational, and humanitarian spheres. Along with that, we pay special attention also to the deepening of [bilateral] relations," Amir-Abdollahian noted. Subsequently, the interlocutors discussed a number of matters on the Armenian-Iranian cooperation agenda. In particular, reference was made to the deepening of bilateral trade and economic ties, and the projects being implemented and planned in the near future in infrastructure as well as in some other domains. The parties exchanged views also on topics of regional significance, including the processes surrounding the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty, the unblocking of regional transport communication routes based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and reciprocity, an the Crossroads of Peace project of the Armenian government. The Iranian FM noted that his country supports the de-blockade process based on the abovementioned principles, in particular, the Crossroads of Peace project. Iran welcomes the Crossroads of Peace project put into circulation by the Armenian government. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian announced this during Wednesdays joint news conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, in Yerevan. "Iran supports the establishment of stable peace in the South Caucasus and the launch of the North-South transit route. Iran also welcomes the project proposed by the Prime Minister of Armenia, which was presented as the Crossroads of Peace. We are ready to be consistent for the development of the North-South transit route," said the Iranian FM. Amir-Abdollahian added, however, that Iran wants to ensure this peace and security without the intervention of foreign forces. "Only thanks to the regional guarantors they will be able to ensure that peace and security," he said. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan considers the point of view of returning the vector towards Moscow as a primitive judgment. At Wednesdays joint news conference with visiting Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, answering a reporters remark that the Armenian Prime Minister's participation in the EAEU summit after the "criticism of the Russian Federation" shows that "the vector of Armenia's foreign policy, which seemed to have turned towards Europe, is returning to Moscow," called such judgment primitive. "I believe that in politics, and in particular in this case when they are talking about the relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation, one should be as attentive as possible to the wording. And don't be guided by primitive assessments. You said that in recent times Armenia has been criticizing Russia at a high level. I believe I quoted correctly. Please give examples as to when Armenia criticizes Russia at a high level. Its another matter [that] we talked about different issues," the Armenian FM said. As an example, he mentioned the criticisms on television. "But the statement that Armenia criticizes Russia at the highest level is not true; at least in my recollection there are no episodes corresponding to such description. [But] this does not mean, and we have never hidden, that there were a number of problems that we talked about, and they related primarily to bilateral relations, and to the expectations of the Republic of Armenia within the framework of the CSTO, their implementation or non-fulfillment. They happened when the borders of Armenia were violated, the sovereign territory of Armenia came under occupation [by Azerbaijan], whereas there were actions or inaction of the [Russian] peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, and many other cases, some economic problems. Were there any problems, expectations from CSTO? Yes, there were. The issue was raised due to their non-fulfillment. Yes, it was raised. A few years ago, we were talking about increasing the efficiency of CSTO. Based on that, we maintained our participation in the CSTO at the level that was considered equivalent to the processes going on in the CSTO at that time or to the CSTO activity itself," said Mirzoyan. At the same time, he reminded that the member countries of the CSTO are obligated to protect each other's borders. "Our borders were violated, and we saw that the organization did not rush to protect those borders. This is in shortalthough the problem is much more complicated", he said. Regarding Armenias participation in the EAEU summit, the FM said: "I don't think you've ever heard of the EAEU failing to meet expectations to the same degree as the CSTO I just talked about. I believe that in the case of Armenia, the EAEU continues to work effectively. Although the wording may be conditional, there are problems here, too, but you will not find wording similar to the CSTO case." In general, the Armenian FM considered the wording of the aforesaid remark to be primitive, but the short answer to the question was no. 14:29 The elections will be about deciding the destiny of India, he told PTI-Video in an interview. While the Election Commission has always dismissed apprehensions over EVMs and also held hackathons to clear any doubts, some opposition leaders, including from the Congress, have been repeatedly raising the issue of EVMs allegedly being open to manipulation. Many in the Congress have also asserted, including after the recent assembly polls in which the party lost some key heartland states, that they trust these machines. However, the Congress and other opposition parties have been demanding 100 per cent Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) and that the slips should be given to voters rather than falling into boxes. Congress leader Pitroda also said that his recent comments on the Ram temple in Ayodhya were "twisted" and asserted that religion is a personal matter and should not be mixed with politics. He was quoted in reports as saying it bothers him that the entire nation is hung up on the Ram temple. On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's upcoming Manipur-to-Mumbai Bharat Nyay Yatra ahead of the polls, Pitroda said, "The next election is about the future of India. What kind of nation we want to build." "Do you want to build a nation articulated in our Constitution which respects all religions, autonomy of our institutions, which allows our civil society to function, or you want to build the nation based on one religion dominating?" he asked. Expressing concern over electronic voting machines (EVMs), Pitroda cited a report by NGO 'The Citizens' Commission on Elections', chaired by former Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur, and said that the main recommendations of the report were to modify the current design of the VVPAT system to make it truly "voter-verified". "I waited for the Election Commission to respond but when it didn't happen I decided to speak. It has nothing to do with the fact that elections in five states are over and the 2024 election is coming," Pitroda said. "I feel there is a trust deficit based on this report. And, the Election Commission must respond to rebuild the trust," he said. The Congress leader said he believes that democracy is derailed and "we are becoming too authoritarian". "It's all about one-man show," he said. Asked about the BJP's claim that it would win more than 400 seats in the general elections, he said, "More power to them if they think they can do it. Great. That is for the country to decide. EVM needs to be fixed before the next election. If EVM is not fixed, 400 may be true. If EVM is fixed 400 may not be true." On his comments about the Ram temple, Pitroda said, "My comments on the Ram mandir got twisted. I am basically protecting the Constitution. I am saying that religion is a very personal matter, leave it to the people. Of course you celebrate, people should celebrate what they want to. But don't complicate with politics." Asked about opposition INDIA bloc, of which the Congress is also a part, not picking Rahul Gandhi as its prime ministerial face, Pitroda said, "The INDIA alliance is not projecting anybody for the PM post." The alliance has collectively decided that "we get to that after the election because right now the priority is to mobilise 60 per cent of the people who don't vote for the BJP", he said and added that the members of the bloc will decide as a group who should be the prime ministerial candidate. "Collectively, the group decided that it will not project anybody as its PM candidate. Those are two out of how many who pitched (Congress president Mallikarjun) Kharge's name. In a coalition like that there are bound to be some differences. That's the beauty of a coalition," Pitroda said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is the TMC supremo, and her Delhi counterpart and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had pitched Kharge's name as the bloc's prime ministerial face at its meeting in Delhi on December 19. On the opposition face against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pitroda said, "I don't think that's the right question to be asked. It is not a presidential election, it is a parliamentary election." PTI Raising concerns over electronic voting machines, Congress leader Sam Pitroda on Thursday said the BJP can win more than 400 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections if issues associated with EVMs are not "fixed". SRV Media Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 27: Awiros, a leading AI startup, marked a historic milestone by concluding India's largest Computer Vision Hackathon in collaboration with Intel. This groundbreaking hackathon unfolded over three months, drawing participation from an impressive 3500 teams comprising over 8000 individuals from leading educational institutions and multinational organisations. The hackathon centred around development of enterprise grade computer vision applications on the Awiros Platform utilising tools provided by Intel OpenVino. This was the second such Hackathon organised by Awiros, with the first one being held in February this year at IIT Delhi. Awiros stands as the world's first computer vision operating system and marketplace. The Awiros Appstack already houses 70 applications and is deployed across leading enterprises like Mercedes Benz, Pratt & Whitney and in 7 safe and smart cities in India including Delhi, Bangalore, Thane and more. For developers, Awiros not only simplifies the application development process but also provides a unique marketplace that exposes applications to large global corporations. Vikram Gupta, CEO of Awiros, stated, "Awiros handles all the plumbing to make lab-grade computer vision models operate at scale. The Awiros Operating System enables computer vision applications to become hardware-agnostic, both in terms of the video source and processors. Developers only need to write and push the core algorithm; the remaining modules, requiring diverse skill sets of more than 90 per cent complexity, are handled by us." The grand finale, hosted at Conrad Bengaluru, showcased 11 outstanding finalists. Each team was given a dedicated booth to display their solutions. The coveted first prize was awarded to Team AI Slayers from Coimbatore for their revolutionary application, "Cart Lens," capable of generating retail heat maps, calculating high-traffic areas, and detecting stocked-out items on shelves. The second prize went to Team Random_State42 from Mumbai, creators of a Pothole Detection System. Their innovation employs cameras mounted on government vehicles to map out the density of potholes in various areas, contributing to safer and more efficient urban planning. Team Intelagent secured the third prize for their app "Securos," which analyzes CCTV video footage in real-time to determine whether 2-wheeler riders adhere to safety regulations, such as wearing helmets and refraining from using mobile phones while driving. The total prize money exceeding Rs. 5 lakhs was distributed amongst the winners and participants. Many of the applications submitted in the hackathon will be fine tuned and onboarded onto the Awiros Appstack. The vision at Awiros is to grow its repository to 1000 applications over the next couple of 3 years to serve a huge gamut of use cases. Backed by leading deep tech venture capitalists, including Exfinity Ventures, Inflexor, and Veda VC, Awiros is emerging as a leader in the video AI space in India, driving innovation by developing a strong ecosystem. Young and budding developers can get in touch with the company to have their applications hosted on the Awiros platform. For more details one can visit https://www.awiros.com and explore the best video analytics and computer vision solutions. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval for improvement and widening to two lane with paved shoulder of road from Khowai to Harina, covering a total length of 134.9 km in Tripura. The project involves an investment of Rs 2,486.78 crore, which includes a loan component of Rs 1,511.70 crore. The loan assistant will be from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme. The project is to facilitate better road connectivity between various parts of Tripura and to provide alternative access to Assam and Meghalaya from Tripura apart from existing NH-8. The project stretch also passes very close to Bangladesh border and it would improve connectivity to Bangladesh through Kailashahar, Kamalpur and Khowai Border Check Post. The land border trade would also potentially grow with the improvement in Road Network in the region through the development of the project road. "Development of the project stretch of NH-208 would not only improve Interstate connectivity between Assam and Tripura via NH-208A but also reduce the transit time and provide safer connectivity for travellers," the government said in a release. The construction period for the project will be two years, which includes the maintenance of these national highways for five years (in the case of flexible pavement) or 10 years (in the case of rigid pavement) after the completion of construction. Among others, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for the construction of a new 4.56-kilometer-long, six-lane bridge over the Ganga connecting Digha and Sonepur in Bihar. The bridge, once completed, will connect north and south Bihar. Large ships will be able to pass below the bridge, supporting inland water transport in the country. The total cost of the approved project is Rs 3,064.45 crore and is expected to be completed in 42 months, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told reporters. Also, the Union Cabinet today approved raising the Minimum Support Price for copra for 2023-24 marketing season. The MSP for milling copra has been increased by Rs.300 to Rs 11,160 per quintal. The MSP for ball copra has been increased by Rs 250 to Rs 12,000 per quintal. Briefing reporters after a meeting of union cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said the decision will ensure better remunerative returns to the Indian coconut growers. (ANI) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 27: Tata AIA Life Insurance (Tata AIA), one of India's leading life insurers, introduces the Tata AIA Life Flexi Growth Fund that allows policyholders to invest in a wide range of companies in the Large, Mid, and Small cap space, depending on the attractiveness of each at any given point in time. The New Fund Offering (NFO) with Unit-Linked Products window will remain open until December 31, 2023, at a NAV of Rs 10 per unit. The Flexi Growth Fund offers consumers four compelling reasons to invest: * Dynamic allocation: At any given time, it can be dynamically overweight or underweight across Large/Mid/Small caps, depending on its attractiveness. * Sector-wise improvisation and diversification: Sector outlooks change periodically; Flexi Growth Fund can pick and choose sectors to invest in based on the outlook. * Risk mitigation across Market Cycles: Due to its ability to navigate across market capitalisation, Flexi Growth Fund can perform well across different market cycles. * Track record of Superior Returns: Over the past five years, Tata AIA funds have generated robust returns. For instance, its Multicap Fund has generated returns of 26.07% versus a benchmark return of 13.99% on a 5-year basis as of 30 November 2023. Commenting on the Flexi Growth Fund launch, Harshad Patil, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Tata AIA, said, "At Tata AIA, our endeavour is to provide superior, consistent, risk-adjusted long-term returns to our policyholders.Tata AIA funds have delivered outstanding performance over the years, beating benchmarks on a consistent basis. Tata AIA Flexi Growth Fund will invest in stocks across market capitalisation to generate capital appreciation in the long run. In order to maintain flexibility, the fund will invest in carefully selected companies offering opportunities across large, mid, and small-cap universe. With a well-defined research process and methodology as well as a bottom-up stock selection approach, we aim to provide superior long-term returns to our policyholders." To generate capital appreciation in the long run, 70%-100% of the fund's investments will be made in equity and equity-related instruments and 0%-30% in debt and money market instruments. Featuring high quality, diversified portfolios, and strong performance potential, the Tata AIA Flexi Growth Fund offers investors the choice of investing across market caps in one fund. Tata AIA policyholders can invest in this fund through the Company's ULIP offerings, including Fortune Pro, Wealth Pro, Fortune Maxima, etc. They can also invest in the fund through innovative ILP solutions e.g .Param Rakshak Plus or the newly launched Pro-fit, that offers multiple benefits across health, wealth and life cover. This offers consumers the unique opportunity to benefit from the long-term growth potential of equity while securing their loved ones with the protection of a life insurance cover. India became the fifth largest country by GDP in 2022 and is broadly expected to become the third largest by 2030.^ Tata AIA has a well-defined research process and methodology and takes a long-term view based on fundamental research. As of 30th November 2023, the Company's total Asset Under Management (AUM) was Rs 86,729 Cr. 95.19% of the rated AUM of Tata AIA Life is rated either 4 star or 5 star on a 5-year basis as of November 2023, by Morningstar Ratings. # *Data as of November 30, 2023. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Fund Benchmark: Multi Cap Fund, India Consumption Fund, Top 200 Fund: S&P BSE 200. **Inception Dates: Top 200 Fund: 12 Jan 2009, Multi Cap Fund: 05 Oct 2015, India Consumption Fund: 05 Oct 2015. # (c)2020 Morningstar. All rights reserved. The Morningstar name is a registered trademark of Morningstar, Inc. in India and other jurisdictions. The information contained here: (1) includes the proprietary information of Morningstar, Inc. and its affiliates, including, without limitation, Morningstar India Private Limited ("Morningstar"); (2) may not be copied, redistributed or used by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior, written consent of Morningstar; (3) is not warranted to be complete, accurate or timely; and (4) may be drawn from the data published on various dates and procured from various sources and (4) shall not be construed as a n offer to buy or sell any security or other investment vehicle. Neither Morningstar, Inc. nor any of its affiliates (including, without limitation, Morningstar) nor any of their officers, directors, employees, associates or agents shall be responsible or liable for any traducing decisions, damages or other losses resulting directly or indirectly from the information. ^ Source: S&P Global (Global Credit Outlook 2024 report titled, 'New Risks, New Playbook') About Tata AIA Life Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited (Tata AIA) is a joint venture Company formed by Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. and AIA Group Ltd. (AIA). Tata AIA Life combines Tata's pre-eminent leadership position in India and AIA's presence as the largest, independent listed pan-Asian life insurance group in the world, spanning 18 markets in the Asia Pacific region. Tata AIA reported an Individual Weighted New Business Premium (IWNBP) income of Rs 7,092 Cr in FY23, an increase of 59% over FY22. The Individual Death Claims Settlement ratio improved from 98.53% in FY22 to 99.01% in FY23. The Persistency ratio, reflecting the percentage of consumers who choose to renew their policies with Tata AIA, has earned the Company the top rank in four out of five cohorts, including 13th-month persistency. Compared to FY22, the 13th Month Persistency ratio (based on Premium) of the Company improved to 88.1%. About the Tata Group Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata Group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals. The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust'. Tata Sons is the principal investment holding company and promoter of Tata companies. Sixty-six percent of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, which support education, health, livelihood generation and art and culture. In 2022-23, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was USD 150 billion (Rs 12 trillion). These companies collectively employ over 1 million people. Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors. There are 29 publicly listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of USD 300 billion (Rs 24 trillion) as on July 31, 2023. About AIA AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively "AIA" or the "Group") comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets-wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR(1), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR(2), and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd. The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of USD 276 billion as of 30 June 2023. AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 41 million individual policies and 17 million participating members of group insurance schemes. AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes "1299" for HKD counter and "81299" for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol "AAGIY". Notes: 1. Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 2. Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Actor Varun Dhawan on Wednesday announced the Kerala schedule wrap of his upcoming action film 'VD 18'. Taking to Instagram, Varun shared a couple of pictures which he captioned, "Thank u Kerala. Sched wrap #vd18." https://www.instagram.com/p/C1WwLhvs_uj/ In the pictures, the 'Badlapur' actor could be seen facing his back at the camera and standing near a lake. He wore a t-shirt, black shorts, and slippers. Recently, the 'October' actor suffered a leg injury. He posted a picture of his swollen leg on his Instagram stories. The film tentatively titled 'VD18' is directed by Kalees and produced by Atlee and Murad Khetani. The film also stars Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi. Excited about the project, Wamiqa said in a statement: "Being a part of 'VD18' is a thrilling experience for me. Collaborating with exceptional talents like Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh under Atlee sir's visionary direction is a creative journey I'm eager to explore. I have been and will always be eternally grateful to 2023, the year that plunged things to new beginnings. And to end the year by being on sets now for my next is truly the perfect curtain call for the year. The moments like these remind me why I love what I do, and I can't wait for audiences to witness the magic we are creating on screen."The makers have not officially any details regarding the project yet. Meanwhile, Varun was last seen in director Nitesh Tiwari's romantic drama film 'Bawaal' opposite Janhvi Kapoor. The film premiered exclusively on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video and received positive responses from the audience. He will also be seen in the Indian adaptation of the Hollywood series 'Citadel' opposite actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu. It is an Indian adaptation of the Russo Brothers' series of the same name. Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden headlined the international version. The release date of the Indian version of Citadel is awaited. Raj and DK have created the Indian version. (ANI) The unanimous decision was taken in a meeting held by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday with public representatives, including ministers, MLAs and senior officials at Mantralaya here. The decision was taken following a detailed discussion on various problems arising in traffic due to the BRTS. During the meeting, the plan for the phased removal of the BRTS track in the state capital and the work of levelling the road and developing the route for easy traffic was also discussed. Besides, the Public Works Department's proposal of Lake Corridor was presented and discussed in the meeting. Cabinet Minister Vishwas Sarang, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Krishna Gaur, BJP MLAs Rameshwar Sharma, Bhagwan Das Sabnani, Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai, Chief Secretary Veera Rana, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Raghavendra Singh, Bhopal Collector Ashish Singh and others officials were present in the meeting. Public representatives said that the removal of BRTS tracks would reduce the traffic on busy routes and agreed that the local transport system could be made more convenient. They also agreed to build a central road divider in place of BRTS. (ANI) Alleging 40,000 crores of rupees were embezzled under the Yediyurappa government in the state during the first wave of corona, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal warned that he would expose the "irregularities," if expelled from the party. "I will take out names who have looted and made property wherever. BS Yediyurappa was the Chief Minister in the first wave of corona. 40,000 crores of rupees have been embezzled at that time. They billed 8 to 10 lakh rupees for each corona patient." Vijayapur BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal said. "It was our government, doesn't matter whose government was in power, thieves are thieves," he said. Responding to the allegations of BJP MLA, CM Siddaramaiah said "BJP MLA @BasanagoudaBJP's bold allegation that the previous @BJP4Karnataka government led by @BSYBJP was involved in a Rs 40,000 crore corruption scandal during the Covid-19 pandemic has given further evidence to our earlier accusation that the BJP government was a '40% commission government'." "If we consider Yatnal's accusation, it seems like the corruption is 10 times more than our estimate. The group of BJP ministers who had come out howling at our accusation and held a press conference in Vidhana Soudha, where are they hiding now?" the CM added. The BJP MLA further alleged that the Yediyurappa government at COVID-19 time fixed Rs 485 for a Rs 45 mask. "They (BJP govt) fixed Rs 485 for a Rs 45 mask during Corona. 10 thousand beds have been prepared in Bengaluru. 10,000 beds were rented for this. If they had bought the beds with that money, how many thousands of crores of rupees have they looted? I told this matter to BS Yeddyurappa in Vidhansouda. When I got corona positive, they took Rs 5 lakh 80 thousand in Manipal hospital. From where do the poor people give so much money?" the BJP leader alleged. The Vijaypura MLA also asserted that the country survives because of PM Modi. "Let them give me a notice and try to expel me from the party, I will expose them all. If truth be told, everyone should be kept in fear. If everyone becomes a thief, who will save the state and the country? The country survives because of Prime Minister Modi. There have been many scandals in the past in this country. Coal scam to 2G scam," he said. Talking about former BJP Minister Murugesh Nirani's statement that Yatnalas will not be taken into consideration, he said "Why questions about such people should be asked? How do they all become State Vice Presidents? There are many more things that I will tell you after if I am expelled." (ANI) As Congress leaders from Jammu and Kashmir went into a huddle with their leadership in the national capital, party leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir said that during the meeting on Tuesday, discussions were held regarding the preparations for the upcoming elections in the Union Territory. The former Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president said that all the leaders put forward their opinions and issues in front of the leadership. "Today the senior Congress leaders of J-K had a meeting with the central leadership. Talks were held regarding the preparations for the upcoming elections in J-K, and about issues we have, regarding the INDIA bloc...all the leaders put forward their opinions and issues in front of the leadership," he said. As the 2024 Lok Sabha polls are months away, the grand old party has been holding meetings with its state units and reviewing their ongoing preparations for the high-stakes poll battle. On Tuesday, along with J-K, a delegation of Congress leaders from Bihar also met party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and others here. After the meeting with party leaders from J-K and Ladakh, Kharge hit out at the Centre and accused them of 'betraying' the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress president said that his party is "deeply concerned about the rise in terror attacks in Pir Panjal and the targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits in the last few years." "We had a detailed discussion with the Congress party leaders from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, regarding the Lok Sabha elections. Modi Govt has left no stone unturned in betraying the people of Jammu & Kashmir... We are deeply concerned about the rise in terror attacks in Pir Panjal and the targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits in the last few years," Kharge said. He further said that post-Galwan clash, the national security and strategic interests have been 'endangered'. "Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are inalienable and indistinguishable parts of India, but PM Modi's clean chit to China, post-Galwan has endangered our national security and strategic interests," the Congress chief said. He further expressed his hope for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. "We hope to see full statehood restored to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh being made a state at the earliest," he added. Kharge also alleged that the Modi government has 'deceived' the people of Ladakh who are demanding safeguards for the tribal people of the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. "People of Ladakh are unitedly demanding safeguards for the tribal people of the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. But the Modi Govt has time and again, deceived them," Kharge added. Kharge further said that the opposition bloc- INDIA is strongly committed to the welfare, development and empowerment of J-K and Ladakh. "People of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh want change and want their voices to be heard too, and they conveyed the same to us, by the kind of strong support they gave to Shri @RahulGandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Congress party and are allies are strongly committed to the welfare, development and empowerment of J&K and Ladakh," the Congress chief said. (ANI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Congress leaders on Wednesday to discuss the strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the national capital. Party General Secretary KC Venugopal was also present at the meeting. Several leaders from the state also attended the meeting. Earlier on Tuesday, Congress President and party leader Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with Bihar Congress leaders and Punjab leaders here to discuss the strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Bihar Congress chief Akhilesh Prasad Singh and newly appointed state in-charge Mohan Prakash, along with leaders like Ranjeet Ranjan, and Shakeel Ahmed, were among those present in the meeting. After the meeting with Bihar Congress leaders, party chief Kharge took to X, and said that every worker of his party is ready to reach out to the people and live up to the aspirations of the people of Bihar for progress, prosperity and peace of the state. "The Grand Alliance government in Bihar is working firmly as per the expectations of the people of Bihar. We are committed to social justice. For the progress, prosperity and peace of Bihar, every Congress worker is ready to reach out to the people and live up to the aspirations of the people of Bihar," he said. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be held next year and are likely to be between the Modi government's NDA alliance and the INDIA bloc. (ANI) An INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) imagery released by the Met department on Wednesday morning depicted fog hovering over the North India region. The satellite image taken at 11:30 am (IST), showed a fog layer continuing over Punjab, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh and extreme parts of North Rajasthan. According to the Met department, the minimum temperature recorded during past 24 hours over most parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan was in the range of seven to ten degree Celsius. "Minimum temperatures realised during past 24 hours till 0830 IST today are in the range of 7-10C over most parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan," India Meteorological department said in a post on X. On wednesday morning, several regions of North India including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana were engulfed in a thick layer of fog, causing low visibility leading to traffic disruptions and accidents. Due to dense fog in the Agra national highway, Multiple vehicles collided due to low visibility causing injuries to many. Meanwhile, In the Bagpat district of Uttar Pradesh, two vehicles collided, in which several were injured. According to the Met Department Visibility recorded at 5:30 AM today was, Amritsar (airport)-0, Patiala-25; Srinagar-25; Bareilly-25, Lucknow-25, Paryagraj-25 & Varanasi-50, Jhansi-200; Ganganagar-50, Kota-500; Delhi- Safdarjung-50; Delhi (Palam)-125. The IMD has warned of dense to very dense fog in the northwest and parts of adjoining central India during the next three to four days. "Dense to very dense fog is likely to continue over Northwest & parts of adjoining Central India during next 3-4 days," the IMD said in a post on X. The arrival and departure timings of flights and trains were also affected due to the inclement weather conditions and fog. Several airlines issued advisory for the passengers warning them of the delay in timings due to the dense fog. "Due to bad weather in Delhi(DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected," airline Spiceject posted on X. Meanwhile, The Delhi Airport Authority has issued an advisory stating that while landing and takeoffs continue, flights not complaint with CAT III (category III) standards may face disruptions. "While landings and take offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III complaint may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the Delhi airport stated in a post of X. (ANI) Calling out the Indian National Congress for its announcement about the Bharat Nyay Yatra, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s national spokesperson Nalin Kohli alleged that this is mere 'theatrics' that the party has resorted to, and the real 'Nyay' for the people of the country is served by the BJP. Reacting to the announcement of the Bharat Nyay Yatra, starting on January 14, 2024, and to be led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BJP leader Nalin Kohli said that Nyay is something that you do for the people of the country and not something that you say as a 'slogan.' "What is Nyay? In this country, Nyay or justice has been happening after 80 crore people have been getting ration from PM Modi's government for so many years. People in India, under the leadership of PM Modi, are reaping the benefits of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayaas. They are seeing how India has become one of the fastest-growing economies and moved from number ten to number five. Delivery, prestige, and infrastructure of the country have increased; this is real justice. Not the empty slogans of 'Gareebi Hatao'," the BJP spokesperson said. "The Bharat Jodo Yatra has been rejected by the people of the country, and now coining another word Nyay. The people of the country will give a reply to the Congress party on these theatrics that they often resort to," he added. Alleging that the Yatras by the Congress are nothing but a hoax and a 'marketing' strategy, Kohli said that the people of the country have given an answer to the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' with the Assembly election results. Meanwhile, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said that the Yatra is 'damage control' by the Congress after losing in the recent assembly elections. "What remains to be seen is if the Yatra will be held in BJP-ruled states or non-BJP states. If they enter non-BJP states like Bengal, then the party is indirectly helping the BJP. Their route needs to be defined," he said. Congress Secretary KC Venugopal on Wednesday announced that party leader Rahul Gandhi is all set to embark on a Bharat Nyay Yatra from January 14 to March 20 from Manipur to Mumbai. The Congress party said that the Nyay Yatra will cover 6,200 kilometres. It will traverse a route through the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and finally Maharashtra. The Yatra will cover 14 states and 85 districts. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma condemned Samajwadi Party leader, Swami Prasad Maurya, for his 'controversial' remarks against Hinduism and Hindus. Reacting to Swami Prasad's comment that "Hinduism is a hoax," Chhattisgarh Dy CM Sharma suggested that the SP leader should think before saying something about someone or a religion. "What does your heart say? Try to understand it, and be careful about speaking about someone as it may lead to severe consequences," he said while speaking to the media. On Tuesday, Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya explained his "Hindu ek dhoka hai" remark, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had made similar statements. "In 1955, the Supreme Court said in its order that Hindu is not a religion but a way of life. It is a conglomeration of more than 200 religions. Even Mohan Bhagwat had said, not once but twice, that Hindu is not a religion but a way of life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that Hindu is not a religion. Even Gadkari had said the same thing in a media conclave," Maurya said while speaking at the National Buddhist and Bahujan Rights Conference in New Delhi on Monday. Swami Prasad Maurya's remark created a stir, with several political parties demanding an apology from the SP leader. His comment drew huge criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Earlier, in a video posted on 'X' in August this year, Maurya could be heard saying, "The roots of Brahminism are very deep, and the reason for all the disparity is also Brahminism. There is no religion called Hindu; Hinduism is just a hoax. There is a conspiracy to trap the Dalits, tribals, and backward people of this country by calling the same Brahmin religion as Hindu religion." Delhi advocate Vineet Jindal had filed a complaint against the SP leader after he justified his remarks. (ANI) Groupon's corporate headquarters in the former Montgomery Ward mail-order building, 600 W. Chicago Ave., along the Chicago River in the Goose Island neighborhood on June 8, 2019. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Chicago-based Groupon reached an agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to establish and contribute $350,000 for a fund to support STEM education for Black students. The agreement comes following an EEOC investigation, according to an EEOC news release Wednesday. Groupon did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment asking for clarification around the investigation. The EEOC declined to comment. Advertisement The Tribune previously reported on an EEOC investigation into Groupons hiring practices in 2016 based on a complaint lodged by Adrian Stratton, who alleged Groupon did not hire him for a vice president position because he is Black. The online marketplace has been struggling for years, issuing a warning in May that it could be headed toward insolvency. Most recently, Groupon announced it would be downsizing its headquarters. Advertisement Under the EEOC agreement, Groupon will contribute funds to improve primary and secondary STEM education and award scholarships to Black students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM fields. The EEOC news release stated that Groupon will also voluntarily provide annual reports to the EEOC on recruitment activities and hiring demographics and will meet regularly with the EEOC to discuss Groupons progress. Groupon has demonstrated that it is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, including through contributing to furthering STEM education and improving its hiring and recruiting practices, said Diane Smason, acting district director of the EEOCs Chicago District Office, in the news release. The company had more than 11,000 employees worldwide at its peak in 2012. It is unclear how many Groupon employees remain in the Chicago area. Groupon had 2,904 employees worldwide, including 799 in the U.S., at the end of 2022, according to SEC filings. Another 700 employees were laid off during the first quarter, with more cuts reported on LinkedIn as recently as November. Building and nurturing a diverse and engaged workforce is a mission-critical priority for Groupon, said Emma Coleman, Groupons global head of communications and diversity, equity and inclusion, in the Wednesday news release. We also want to contribute to a future where there is equality of opportunity for all, and, in this spirit, we are excited to create the STEM educational fund. Chicago Tribune reporter Robert Channick contributed. ekane@chicagotribune.com The Economic Offence Wing, Delhi police has arrested a senior technical assistant working at Jawahar Lal Nehru University, in a case related to cheating and misappropriation of funds of more than Rs. 11 crores in inducing the professors of JNU on the pretext of providing affordable housing project, Economic Offences Wing official said. According to the police, the accused has been identified as P D Gaikwad. DCP EOW Surendra Choudhary said, "Economic Offences Wing, Delhi police has arrested a senior technical assistant working in Jawahar Lal Nehru University, named P D Gaikwad in a case of cheating and misappropriation of funds of more than Rs 11 crores by inducing the professors of JNU on the pretext of providing affordable housing project under the guise of purported DDA approved land pooling policy." According to DCP EOW Surendra Chaudhary, an FIR was registered on the complaints of professors, working in Jawahar Lal Nehru University and IIT Delhi by the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police. It was alleged by the complainants that in the year 2015, accused P D Gaikwad, who was working as a Scientific Officer at the School of Environmental Sciences, JNU, New Delhi, formed the Noble Socio-Scientific Welfare Organization (NSSWO) claiming to provide affordable housing. He made a presentation and enticed them to become members of the said organization. In his capacity as the President of the said organization, accused P D Gaikwad provided the details of a proposed housing project under a DDA land pooling policy for which he said that NSSWO was in the process of procuring land in the proposed L-Zone. Accordingly, complainants became members of NSSWO and booked units in the said proposed project. The complainants paid membership fees and payments for their flats. The alleged person apprised them of the progress of the project from time to time, which they realized was untrue in hindsight. On November 1, 2015, the accused took them to show a piece of land in the L-Zone, Najafgarh. However, he did not show any document supporting the purchase of the land. Over the years, they came to realize that he was cheating the complainants right from the beginning in the name of providing them with their booked units in the said purported project under the land pooling scheme of DDA. In 2019, Gaikwad informed the complainants by an email that he was going to launch a different Society namely Siddhartha Officers Housing & Social Welfare Society through Govt. of NCT of Delhi and as a member of NSSWO, complainants could change their membership to the new society by visiting his office in JNU. He did this without holding a GBM with NSSWO members. Since 2019, the complainants have been writing to Gaikwad to return their money but they did not receive any acknowledgement for any of these communications. Accused P D Gaikwad has collected more than Rs. 11 crore from the above members/complainants and misappropriated the same. During the investigation, complainants provided the materials/brochures and receipts issued by accused P D Gaikwad. On scrutiny, it was found that materials/brochures contained very rosy and artistic pictures of a housing project and the same were also depicting the land pooling policy of DDA. Accused Gaikwad had formed a Society namely Noble Socio-Scientific Welfare Organization (NSSWO) for the said cheating and became President of the said Society. Emails sent by Gaikwad to the members on a regular basis also contained the elements of inducement depicting the land pooling policy of DDA. However, during the investigation, DDA informed that it had not issued any license or granted any approval to any housing project under the land pooling policy in Dwarka or any other land pooling zones nor authorized any developer/builder/ society/company including NSSWO to offer any flat in the name of DDA under land pooling policy. RERA (Delhi) has confirmed that the alleged Society has neither registered itself with RERA nor applied for registration. Scrutiny of the bank account of the society reveals that he received more than Rs 11 Crores in the said bank account of the society from the members of the said Society, however, the funds were either siphoned off through cash withdrawal or transferred to other accounts. He cheated several victims in lieu of providing affordable housing projects under the guise of the purported Land Pooling Policy of DDA. When the notices were served upon the accused, he was not found at his available addresses. After making sincere efforts, the accused was arrested in the present case on December 14. P D Gaikwad came to know about some societies, indulged in making money by offering affordable housing schemes in the name of the land pooling policy of DDA. Accordingly, he as President formed a Society by the name of the Noble Socio-Scientific Welfare Organization (NSSWO) in 2011. As the other Societies were making profits by inducing government employees and other people in their societies as members of Society, he also started making presentations and had meetings with professors of JNU and other government employees and enticed them to become members of the Society in the name of land pooling policy of DDA. He informed them that his Society was in the process of procuring land in the proposed L-Zone under the DDA land pooling policy. As he was a permanent and senior official in JNU, they believed his words and became members of the said Society. Thereafter, he started collecting money from them in the name of purchasing the land for the project in the account of said society. He was the only authorized signatory in this bank account. He had also made a website in the name of said Society, on which he posted attractive and rosy brochures concerning the proposed project under the land pooling policy of DDA which did not have any approval from DDA for the said project and collection of money from the members. From 2011 to 2021, he collected more than Rs. 11 crores in the said account from the members and misappropriated in the form of cash withdrawals and transferred to other persons in the name of purchasing land and services rendered by liaison. (ANI) The PIL was filed by one Sunil Kumar Mahato. The court said the petition is the repetition of an old PIL that was filed by Shiv Shankar Sharma. "There's nothing new in this PIL," the court said. Notably, Chief Minister Hemant Soren is respondent number 7 in the said Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by one Shiv Shankar Sharma seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against Soren for getting a stone mining lease allotted in his name, completely misusing his official position. The matter pertains to the allotment of the stone mine lease in his favour in the Angara block of Ranchi. Hemant Soren, being the minister of the mines department, issued a mining lease for quarrying stones in his name on over 88 decimals of land in 2021 in Angara block in Ranchi. Soren had the mining lease earlier and on its expiration, he re-applied for it. However, when the lease was granted and the matter was highlighted, forcing him to surrender it. (ANI) Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Numal Momin on Wednesday took a dig at Congress following its announcement of party leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Nyay Yatra and said that the Wayanad MP should first deliver 'nyay' (justice) to the people of the northeast who suffered during the regime of his party. "I want to ask Rahul Gandhi that, what Nyay he has delivered to the people of the northeast region including 855 youths who were killed during the Assam Movement, in the 1992 riots in Manipur how many people died, the people died in a bomb blast in Mizoram in 1996. How many innocent people died in the insurgency period in the northeast region," Dr Numal Momin said while speaking to ANI. However, Momin said that he 'welcomes' the Congress leader in the region for his yatra. "We welcome Rahul Gandhi in the Northeast region for Bharat Nyay Yatra. But at the same time, I want to ask Rahul Gandhi that what Nyay he has delivered to the people of the northeast region. If Rahul Gandhi can deliver Nyay to them, then it is a very welcome step from his side," he added. Calling Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Nyay Yatra just a 'drama', Dr Numal Momin said that the Congress leader himself is not getting justice from the INDIA bloc as the leaders of the Opposition reportedly proposed the name of Mallikarjun Kharge instead of the Wayanad MP. "In the previous meeting of INDI Alliance, TMC and AAP proposed Mallikarjun Kharge as their PM face. Rahul Gandhi is not getting nyay from his own alliance, then what the Nyay he can deliver to the people of Northeast region and the country," the Deputy Speaker of Assam Assembly and senior BJP leader said. The Congress on Wednesday announced it will hold a 'Bharat Nyay Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi from Manipur to Mumbai, covering 14 states and 85 districts, beginning January 14. The yatra will conclude on March 20, just around the time when the schedule for the next Lok Sabha polls is likely to be announced. Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, Momin said that the former should embark on his yatra only after giving justice to the people of the northeast region. "This is a holy place for us, we don't want him to make it dirty. First, he started the Bharat Jodo Yatra, but the people understood that Congress was the main culprit who kept India separate ways like Article 370 and that is a clear indication that they didn't want Bharat Jodo. Just to fool the innocent people of India, he did Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Bharat Jodo Yatra was a super flop. The people had totally rejected his party. Now he is trying to make Bharat Nyay Yatra," Dr Numal Momin said. "Now under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 80 crore people are now getting free ration. If the Congress had earlier charged from the poor people, then how can we believe that Congress will give Nyay to the people of the country, it is a big question," Dr Momin added. On queried about the impact of Rahul Gandhi's yatra for his party ahead of Lok Sabha Polls, Numal Momin said that Congress will lose all its remaining seats in the upcoming elections. "Whether Bharat Jodo, Bharat Nyay Yatra, that will not be effective in our region, because of the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi is developing the region, he has considered the region as Ashta Lakshmi and he has given equal importance to progress this region like as railway connectivity, road infrastructure development, education, medical set up, agro-based industries. Everywhere Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given stress and he is showing how the Northeast can develop. Now people will not jump from this development, peaceful initiation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's steps to Congress regime where terrorism, riot, violence, murder, poor development, hatred, neglecting the tribal people of the Northeast region including tea tribes also. The poor people really suffered during the Congress regime. Now the people want to get rid of the Congress culture.. got 3-4 seats in North-eastern region and they are now going to lose all the seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections," Dr Momin added. He also said that the Northeastern region is witnessing progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The people will reject any proposal from the Congress. In the 2024 Lok Saba polls, in the Northeastern Region Congress may hardly win one or two seats out of 25 seats in this region. They are going to lose very badly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections," the Deputy Speaker of Assam Assembly said. (ANI) Anganwadi workers have been agitating to hike their salaries, provide pension and other retirement benefits, regularise their services, clear pending bills and meet other demands. Anganwadi workers of the Palnadu district besieged the house of Vinukonda MLA Bolla Brahmanaidu's house. The workers attempted to submit a petition to the MLA. Leaders of Anganwadi workers' unions emphasised that the Anganwadi workers are not seeking mere goodwill; instead, they demand Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy fulfil pre-election promises. Criticism was directed at the state government for showcasing honorariums without addressing the pressing need to increase wages and integrate staff into government programmes. For the past two years, Anganwadi workers have been advocating for a minimum wage of Rs 26,000, in line with electoral assurances. The rising cost of living has made it challenging for them to support their families. However, the Jagan government has not yet addressed these concerns, sparking frustration among the workers. According to workers, the government's current stance resembles indifference, undermining their legitimate demands for better wages and improved working conditions. Multiple demands, such as raising the age limit to 62 years, providing ten lakhs of group insurance, and ensuring equal pay for equal work. As the protest persists, the Anganwadi workers and their supporters remain steadfast in their call for justice and resolution of their legitimate issues. (ANI) The meeting was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Army Chief, the Director General of J-K, senior officials of intelligence agencies and other concerned agencies. In the meeting, Singh reviewed the ongoing anti-terror operations and the overall security situation. Earlier in the day, Singh reached Rajouri-Poonch, where local Army commanders briefed him on the current security scenario. He also interacted with Jawans. "It was the responsibility of the soldiers to win people's hearts while carrying out their duty towards the nation's security," he said during the interaction. Singh also met the family members of three civilians who died allegedly due to custodial torture. He also met injured civilians at the government hospital in Rajouri. (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting on Wednesday regarding preparations for the Gangasagar Mela 2024 at the State Secretariat, Nabanna. The meeting was attended by cabinet ministers and secretaries of different departments. During the meeting, Mamata Banerjee announced that the fair would be held with extensive security and amenities. This includes a strict police vigil, 200 km of barricades, 1150 CCTV cameras, 20 drones, 2400 civil defence forces, and 50 fire engines. Additionally, there will be accident insurance of Rs 5 lakh per person, 6,500 volunteers, and 10,000 toilets. "There will be strict police vigil... 200 kilometres long barricades to control the crowd, 1150 CCTV cameras, 20 drones, 2400 civil defence forces, and 50 fire engines will be there in the fair from January 9-17. There will be accident insurance of Rs 5 lakh per person. 6,500 volunteers and a provision of 10,000 toilets will also be there," Mamata Banerjee said. The Gangasagar Mela 2024 will start on January 8 and end on January 17. The Chief Minister also directed the administration to keep a close watch to avoid any untoward incidents in this regard. Mamata also asked the media to make arrangements to telecast this aarti live. Apart from this, she also informed that the number of buses is being increased for the convenience of pilgrims. "Our goal is to have an eco-friendly and green Ganasagar fair. To make the entire fair plastic-free, we will provide biodegradable carry bags," the CM said. Further, she said, "300 beds will be set up for medical facilities. In addition, there will also be arrangements for an intensive care unit in Sagar, and first aid facilities will be available everywhere at the fair. Sufficient doctors, nurses, and paramedics will be present everywhere. In addition, arrangements have been made for air ambulances and water ambulances, totalling 61 ambulances." "10,000 police personnel will be deployed for the event. There will also be arrangements for patrolling the river," the Chief Minister added. "Unless essential, VIPs will not be permitted to enter the Mela in convoys. This type of VIP activity amid the crowd can lead to issues," she stated. She further clarified that this rule will apply to VIPs from other states too. "Gangasagar, the largest and oldest living tradition in Bengal, has been mentioned in Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, indicating its existence as early as 400 BCE. Legends suggest that the first Kapil Muni temple was constructed by Queen Satyabhama in 430 AD, and the present idol was established by Swami Ramanand in 1437, marking the beginning of a pilgrimage that remains timeless till today," as per the Gangasagar official website. The Gangasagar Mela is celebrated during the auspicious period of Makar Sankranti. Sankranti refers to a period when the sun transits from one Rashi into another. It is believed that astrologically, the sun enters the Makar Rashi (house of Saturn), underscoring the importance of relationships. "The story of Gangasagar is that of Moksha. The liberation from the circle of life and death It narrates the tale of how Bhagirath freed the souls of 60,000 sons from the eternal flames of hell after performing their last rites with water from the holy Ganges," as per the Gangasagar Mela website. "Gangasagar Mela is the world's second-largest human congregation at the confluence of the holy river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal after Kumbh. The island is quite large, with an area of 224.3 km located on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal, about 100 km south of Kolkata," the website stated. (ANI) Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday released a special postal cover to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of legal luminary late Justice Konda Madhav Reddy at a college in Hyderabad. The programme was presided over by Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of Telangana and Lt Governor of Puducherry. Late Justice Konda Madhav Reddy served as the Governor of Maharashtra and Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai High Court. Speaking at the occasion, the Vice President hailed the service of the late justice and said that the central message of Justice Reddy's life was an inclusive society. "He among his peers is remembered as a soft-spoken, thoughtful, contemplative, reasonable and fair with an innate sense of justice and thorough with facts and the law. He was ever open to the other point of view, something we all need to imbibe. The central message of late Justice Konda Madhav Reddy's life was inclusive society. We must live by values and create values. He lived what he believed in and founded several educational, social and cultural organizations," he said. The VP further said that the late Justice took inspiration from those who were before him and encouraged young lawyers to work to their full potential. "He was a contributor to several important judgments that shaped Indian history and discourse. I resonate with Justice Reddy on a personal level not only because of his association with the judiciary but also as someone who did not forget his roots. A son of the soil, Justice Reddy remained a cultivator in his native village, Dharmasagar, until the end. As a Kisan putra (farmer's son) myself, I am inspired by Justice Reddy's efforts to alleviate rural struggles through his judgements. He gave a voice to those who were believed to be voiceless, he helped those who are the providers of Bharat i.e the Kisans of our Bharat," he added. Dhankhar also said that as India approaches its centenary year, the people of the country must remember the ideals advocated and emphasized by Justice Reddy - service, justice and compassion, as these must form the bedrock of an inclusive society and a vibrant democracy. "We are living in Amrit Kaal. The world is witnessing India's progress across domains, the outcomes of which are impacting the lives of one-sixth of humanity - that is our Bharat. This is our Gaurav Kaal- for we are laying the firm foundations for a developed Bharat, to reclaim the glory that had made ours the leading nation for many centuries," he added. The Vice President also said that It is soothing to note that all three organs - the Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature are performing commendably and catalyzing the unprecedented rise of the country. Speaking about the judiciary, Dhankhar said that the legal landscape of the country has been undergoing a great affirmative change in recent months, which will have a tremendous positive impact on its progress, and on the welfare of one-sixth of humanity. "During the past decade, significant strides have been made in the judicial system, emphasizing digitalization through the e-Courts Project and the National Judicial Data Grid. These have not only enhanced transparency and accessibility, but have resulted in a reduction in the pendency of cases. Major legal reforms included the establishment of Commercial Courts and amendments to arbitration laws, aiming at faster dispute resolution. Initiatives like National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) have been taken to strengthen legal aid mechanisms for the underprivileged sections of society, ensuring access to justice for all," he added. What is further noteworthy is that under the current Chief Justice of India, the Supreme Court has taken several critical steps including bringing justice to people in their own language, he said, adding that the SC has gone paperless, and even the Courts (including advocates) are performing paperless. "99 per cent of the District Courts are connected to the respective High Courts, and the High Courts are moving towards a paperless ecosystem," he said. He further said that the new laws -- the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act -- have unshackled Indian Criminal Justice system from colonial legacy while keeping the focus on justice rather than punishment. It is a monumental and revolutionary change that the Bhartiya Dand Sanhita has now become the Nyaya Sanhita. "The passing of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam by Parliament was another just landmark in our legal landscape. This law marks a long-overdue measure that will give women their rightful space in our democracy, and amplify the voice of one-half of our society," he added. (ANI) "Acting on specific intelligence of the presence of arms and ammunition in the general area of Kiyamgei and Leiphrakpam in Thoubal district of Manipur, joint teams of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a joint search operation on December 27 and recovered ammunition and war-like stores," as per a Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) press release. In the joint operation, the forces recovered one tube launcher, 12 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, one no 36 hand grenade, one stun grenade, one smoke grenade and two radio sets, the release stated. In a similar incident on December 23, Assam Rifles, in a joint search operation with Manipur police, recovered arms and ammunition in the general area of Kouburu Ridge in Noney district, according to an official statement. Based on inputs about the presence of arms and ammunition in the general area of Kouburu Ridge, in the Noney district, a joint team of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a joint search operation on December 23. A detailed joint search of the general area was carried out, leading to the recovery of one AK 56 rifle, one single-barrel gun, ammunition, six grenades and war-like stores, according to the release. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court asked the Manipur government to furnish to the court-appointed committee the details of the steps it had taken to restore the places of worship that had been destroyed in the ethnic violence. The violence involving the Kuki and Meitei communities erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. With the violence and rioting persisting and many lives lost, the Centre had to deploy paramilitary forces to restore peace. (ANI) Police seized over five canals of orchard land belonging to the notorious drug dealer named Amir Mukhtiyar Malik. The property was seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. Earlier, in a similar case that happened in September this year, Jammu and Kashmir police attached the property of a notorious drug peddler worth Rs 7.88 lakh in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. "Police in Pulwama attached a single-storey, under-construction house valued at approximately 7.88 lacs belonging to a notorious drug peddler, namely Zahoor Ahmad Wani, son of Ab Rehman Wani, located in Jindwall village, Tehsil Pulwama, District Pulwama under the NDPS Act 1985," Jammu and Kashmir police said after seizing the property of the drug peddler. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the Union Railway Ministry to rename Ayodhya Railway Station as 'Ayodhya Dham' junction. "This is Ayodhya Dham only, it should have been named as Ayodhya Dham, so as per the direction of PM Modi, the Rail Minister took this initiative," Maurya said while speaking to ANI. "I welcome this decision," he added. Ayodhya Railway Station,which is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, has been renamed to "Ayodhya Dham" Junction, said the city MP Lallu Singh on Wednesday. "Ayodhya Junction became "ayodhya-dham">Ayodhya Dham" Junction Under the guidance of Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri @narendramodi ji, the name of Ayodhya Junction of the newly constructed grand Ayodhya Railway Station has been changed to #ayodhyaa_dhaam_jNkshn as per the expectation of public sentiments," Lallu Singh said in a post on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the grand railway station and airport being built in Ayodhya on December 30. The Prime Minister will also oversee the preparations done in Ayodhya for the grand inauguration of Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024. The grand railway station will comprise lifts, a tourist information centre, and medical facilities. All types of extensive preparations are being completed. Refurbished platforms, new signboards, escalators, and murals of Lord Ram painted on walls--these and many more would be the features of the Ayodhya railway station after the ongoing revamp. This railway station is said to have as much mythological importance as much as it is modern. It is built like a grand temple from the outside and is equipped with equally modern facilities from the inside. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also reviewing the preparations being done for the inaugural ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram temple. "The airport and the railway station which have been prepared in the first phase are going to be inaugurated on 30th December. 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 said. (ANI) A Palestinian boy walks through the aftermath of the Israeli military raid on Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. (Majdi Mohammed/AP) RAFAH, Gaza Strip Thousands of Palestinian families fled Wednesday from the brunt of Israels expanding ground offensive into Gazas few remaining, overcrowded refuges, as the military launched heavy strikes across the center and south of the territory, killing dozens, Palestinian health officials said. On foot or riding donkey carts loaded with belongings, a stream of people flowed into Deir al-Balah a town that normally has a population of around 75,000. It has been overwhelmed by several hundred thousand people driven from northern Gaza as the region was pounded to rubble. Advertisement Because U.N. shelters are packed many times over capacity, the new arrivals set up tents on sidewalks for the cold winter night. Most crowded onto streets around the towns main hospital, Al-Aqsa Martyrs, hoping it would be safer from Israeli strikes. Still, no place is safe in Gaza. Israeli offensives are crowding most of the population into Deir al-Balah and Rafah at the territorys southern edge as well as a tiny rural area by the southern coastline. Those areas continue to be hit by Israeli strikes that regularly crush homes full of people. Many fear they too could eventually come under ground assault. Advertisement Israel has said its campaign in Gaza is likely to last for months, vowing to dismantle Hamas across the territory and prevent a repeat of its Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel. Benny Gantz, a member of the countrys three-man War Cabinet, said the fighting will be expanded, according to need, to additional centers and additional fronts. He and other Israeli officials also threatened greater military action against Lebanons Hezbollah, hiking fears of an all-out war on that front. The two sides have exchanged fire almost daily across the border. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen warned Wednesday that all options are on the table if Hezbollah does not withdraw from the border area, as called for under a 2006 U.N. cease-fire. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah must understand that hes next, Cohen said. Death, displacement and starvation Israels offensive in Gaza has already been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than 21,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The count doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants. Some 85% of Gazas population of 2.3 million people have fled their homes in an exodus that for many Palestinians has echoes of the mass displacement in 1948 that they refer to as the Nakba, or catastrophe. The latest people to be displaced fled from several built-up refugee camps in central Gaza that have been targeted in the latest phase of Israels ground assault. One of the camps, Bureij, came under heavy bombardment throughout the night as Israeli troops moved in. It was a night of hell. We havent seen such bombing since the start of the war, said Rami Abu Mosab, speaking from Bureij, where he has sheltered since fleeing his home in northern Gaza. Advertisement The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for Bureij and neighboring parts of central Gaza on Tuesday. The area was home to nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north, according to the U.N. humanitarian office. Bureij camp, like others in Gaza, houses refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants and now resembles other densely populated neighborhoods. It was not known how many were evacuating. In Deir al-Balah over the past two days, empty lots have filled up with families in tents or sleeping on blankets on the ground. This was the third move further south for Ibrahim al-Zatari, a daily laborer. First he, his wife and four children moved in with relatives in Gaza City after surviving a strike that flattened their home in northern Gaza. Later, they fled to Bureij to escape fighting in the city. On Wednesday morning, they made an hourslong journey on foot to Deir al-Balah, where like many others they wandered the streets looking for an empty spot to lie down. There is no foothold here, he said. Where should we go? With much of northern Gaza leveled, Palestinians fear a similar fate awaits other areas, including Khan Younis, where Israeli forces launched ground operations in early December. The Israeli military said Wednesday it deployed another brigade in the city, a sign of the tough fighting. Israeli shelling Wednesday struck a residential building in Khan Younis next to Al-Amal Hospital, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, which runs the facility. Advertisement Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said at least 20 people were killed and dozens more wounded. Footage from the scene showed several torn bodies lying in the street as rescue workers loaded a man whose legs had been severed onto a stretcher. Despite continuous U.S. calls for Israel to shift to a more precise assault, the military so far appears to be following the same pattern used in earlier phases of the ground offensive in northern Gaza and Khan Younis. Before troops move in, heavy bombardment targets what Israel says is Hamas tunnels and military infrastructure. Fierce urban fighting follows as troops move block to block, backed by airstrikes and shelling that the military says aim to force out pockets of militants. The resulting devastation has been massive. U.N. officials say a quarter of Gazas population is starving under Israels siege, which allows in only a trickle of food, water, fuel and other supplies. Israel has said Hamas must be destroyed after its its Oct. 7 attack in which militants broke through Israels formidable defenses and killed some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducted around 240. An estimated 129 remain in captivity after dozens were freed. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll in Gaza because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. The military says it has killed thousands of militants, without presenting evidence, and that 164 of its soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. Warning over Lebanon Cross-border exchanges of fire have escalated between Hezbollah and the Israeli military. Advertisement An Israeli strike on a family home in Lebanon overnight killed a Hezbollah fighter, his brother and his sister-in-law, local officials and state media said Wednesday. A day earlier, a Hezbollah strike wounded 11 people in northern Israel. Since the Gaza war began, the near daily battles have forced tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate their homes from nearby communities. At least nine soldiers and four civilians have been killed on the Israeli side, and around 150 people on the Lebanese side, mostly fighters from Hezbollah and other groups, but also 17 civilians. Gantz warned that time for diplomatic pressure was running out. If the world and the Lebanese government will not act to stop the firing on the northern settlements and keep Hezbollah away from the border, the IDF will do so, he said, referring to the Israeli military. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians during an overnight raid in the refugee neighborhood of Nur Shams, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. More than 300 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the war, mostly in confrontations with Israeli forces during raids and protests. Based on a tip-off, a joint operation was launched by Assam Rifles and police representatives from Baraigram Watch Post and Patharkandi Police Station on Tuesday. "A joint operation was launched by Assam Rifles with police representatives from Baraigram Watch Post under Patharkandi Police Station in which two drug peddlers were apprehended along with 23.7 gm of brown sugar worth approximately Rs 9,70,000 from the general area of Nagaria Village under Baraigram Watch Post, Patharkandi Police Station, Assam," the Assam Rifles said in an official statement. The apprehended individuals and seized contents were handed over to Patharkandi Police Station PS for further investigation and legal proceedings. Assam Rifles has demonstrated its commitment to a drug-free society. Earlier on December 17, in a joint operation, the Assam Rifles, the Central Police Reserve Force (CRPF) and the Ambassa police seized marijuana worth Rs 70 lakh from the Ambassa area in Tripura's Dhalai district, according to an official statement from the Assam Rifles. The seized marijuana weighed 160 kilogrammes, it added. Marijuana is a kind of drug extracted from the cannabis plant. "Based on credible information, a joint operation was launched by the Assam Rifles Battalion in Radhanagar, the CRPF and Ambassa PS. The team seized 160 kg of marijuana worth Rs 70 lakh and one heavy vehicle, said the official statement. "Seized contents were handed over to Ambassa PS, Dhalai District, Tripura, on December 17, 2023, for further investigation and legal proceedings," it added. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Camp organised at Ramlila Maidan in Tanakpur, Champawat district, on Wednesday. The Chief Minister honoured various beneficiaries by inspecting the stalls set up by various departments in the camp organised on this occasion. On this occasion, the Chief Minister distributed checks of Rs. 1 lakh each to 9 women groups under the NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission), checks of Rs. 13 lakhs were distributed to 10 resource cooperative societies of the Cooperative Department and 10 women beneficiaries under the NRLM. Along with attending the baby shower programme of 10 pregnant women, the Chief Minister also flagged off 11 new vehicles for the municipality. The Chief Minister said that the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra has been launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today, on his call, the countrymen have taken charge of this yatra. The Chief Minister said that the beneficiaries from all the states of the country are very excited about this journey. "People are welcoming 'Modi's Guaranteed Vehicle' in new ways. It is the priority of the government to provide information about the public welfare schemes of the government to the general public and to provide benefits from the schemes to the deprived, the Chief Minister said. He said, "Bharat Sankalp Yatra developed by the Central Government, focuses on public welfare schemes. 19 schemes in rural areas and 15 in urban areas have been identified for the Yatra; these include schemes related to Healthy India Mission, food security, quality education, health services, proper nutrition, housing for the poor, financing services and social security". For information and publicity of the schemes, Yatra Raths are reaching Gram Panchayat in every district, where Prime Minister Modi's address, information about the schemes and films related to the schemes are being shown. Quizzes, cultural programs and drone demonstrations are also being held to create awareness regarding the schemes. Programmes like 'Meri Kahani-Meri Zubaani' are also being conducted to share personal success stories and achievements of the beneficiaries. The Chief Minister instructed the officers and employees to ensure that the public welfare schemes related to the Central and State Governments should be taken to every village and that the benefits of the schemes should be provided to the people deprived of them. The Chief Minister said that during this Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the vehicle guaranteed by Honorable Prime Minister Modi is reaching every village and every panchayat, the aim of which is to build a developed India. The resolution of this yatra is to develop India in every way by 2047. This vehicle is reaching every corner of our state as a guarantee of Modi's ability to deliver all the schemes by major departments to the people. Under the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, more than 63 thousand participants in the state have so far gotten the benefits of the schemes. Deprived of Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Health Department, Bank's Financial Institution, Industry, PM Vishwakarma, Jal Jeevan Mission, Agriculture, Aadhaar, Food Supply, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana under Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra Programme. Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra is doing the work of saturating the people with the schemes under this scheme. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, work is being done to make people aware of the schemes. He said that a large number of people are enthusiastically joining the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra and are also taking advantage of it. Modi's guarantee vehicle is being welcomed with much fanfare everywhere. Because people's lives are improving by connecting with the schemes, some got housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, some got water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission Yojana, and some got the benefit of the Ayushman Card. In this way, various benefits have been given to the people. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also honored the two women, Janaki Devi and Parvati Devi, for the help they provided to Geeta Devi, a resident of Ucholigoth, Tanakpur, who was injured by a tiger on Tuesday, in saving her from the tiger attack. (ANI) "The duo, Akthar Hussain Laskar alias Md Hussain of Assam and Abdul Aleem Mondal alias Md Juba of West Bengal, have also been fined Rs 41,000 and Rs 51,000, respectively, by the NIA," as per an NIA press release. NIA registered the case on August 30, 2022, under sections 153A, 153B, 120B, 121, 121A, 114 and 511 of the IPC and sections 10, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 20 of the UA (P) Act, 1967. "The conviction of the two AQIS members marks a major success in the NIA's sustained efforts to identify the banned outfit's 'Handlers' and prosecute them," the release stated. As per NIA investigations, the two convicted individuals had been radicalized and recruited by foreign-based online handlers of AQIS (Al Qaeda in Indian Sub-Continent) and were actively engaged in furthering the activities of the AQIS. Post-recruitment by AQIS, the men had joined various Telegram groups. NIA investigations have further revealed that the men had conspired to undertake Hijra to the Khorasan Province of Afghanistan, where they also intended to undergo training. "Further, the two men had planned to carry out Jihad against members of a particular community in India after undertaking training in Khorasan as part of the AQIS conspiracy to promote its anti-India agenda through acts of terror and violence," the release stated. "They were also in the process of radicalising and recruiting other youth into the AQIS, besides motivating them to commit Hijra to Khorasan, Afghanistan," as per the release. (ANI) In a tragic accident near Sheikhupura district of Punjab, three youths lost their lives while shooting a video for the popular video-sharing platform TikTok, as reported by ARY News. The victims, residents of Khanqah Dogran city in Safdarabad Tehsil, were on a motorcycle, capturing footage for TikTok when the incident occurred. Distraction led to a head-on collision with a car approaching from the opposite direction, resulting in the tragic deaths of the three young men. The deceased have been identified as Anas, Rizwan, and Mubeen, according to ARY News. This incident echoes a recurring and concerning trend where lives are lost during the creation of short videos. In 2020, a 13-year-old boy in Karachi lost his life while creating a TikTok video. In another incident, three individuals were injured, and a teenager lost his life after being struck by a hi-roof vehicle while filming a video at Lyari expressway. According to police reports, all three were recording a video for the popular short-video app. Notably, on December 24, Jamia Binoria Town, a prominent religious school in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, 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 the fatwa, the institution outlined ten reasons supporting its stance. 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. 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. 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) The United States said on Tuesday said that it had shot down twelve attack drones and five missiles, which it claimed were launched by the Iran-backed Houthis. There was no damage to ships in the area or injuries reported, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. "U.S. assets, to include the USS LABOON (DDG 58) and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, shot down twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis over a 10 hour period which began at approximately 6:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on December 26. There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries," the US CENTCOM posted on X. The USS Laboon, a guided-missile destroyer, and F-18 fighter jets from the Eisenhower carrier strike group are in the southern Red Sea as part of a US-led coalition meant to protect shipping lanes from attack by the Houthis in the key Bab el-Mandeb strait, according to The Times of Israel. The US announcement followed the Israel Defence Forces' statement on downing a "hostile aerial target" heading toward Israel, monitored by the IAF's air traffic control. The Iran-backed Houthis claimed firing drones at Eilat in solidarity with Gaza. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari termed the attacks "acts of terror" directed by Iran. "This is an act that is carried out under Iranian directives," he added. The IDF released footage of the interception off Egypt's Sinai Peninsula coast. Witnesses cited by Egyptian media said they saw something fall into the Gulf of Aqaba, near Dahab. Al Qahera News television, which has links to state intelligence, stated that blasts were heard about two kilometres from the Egyptian seaside town of Dahab, which lies around 125 kilometres south of Eilat, as reported by The Times of Israel. No casualties or damage were reported. Al-Arabiya's footage showed the aerial interception. The Houthis claimed a missile strike on MSC UNITED and launched drones at southern Israel. Yemen's Houthis have launched several drone and missile attacks at Israel, with most intercepted. The Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, after thousands of Hamas terrorists crossed the border, and killed scores of Israelis. Houthis claim solidarity with Gaza, reporting over 20,900 killed. (ANI) Ukraine claimed that it had successfully targeted and destroyed a large Russian landing ship docked in a Crimean port overnight, The Washington Post reported. However, Russian officials acknowledged the assault but downplayed the extent of the damage, stating that the ship and nearby structures had sustained some harm. The Washington Post could not independently confirm the scale of the damage. The Ukrainian Air Force said on its Telegram channel that the strike occurred at approximately 2:30 am local time (Tuesday) in the port of Feodosia, situated in eastern Crimea--a region annexed by Moscow in 2014 and under its occupation since. A video circulating on social media, depicted a fire followed by a massive explosion, aligning with the reported time and location of the attack, as reported by The Washington Post. Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has consistently pursued air attacks on Russian ships and ports in Crimea and the Black Sea. This strategy aims to impede Russia's movement of troops and weaponry in the region, seeking high-profile victories by targeting formidable and costly vessels. Notably, in April 2022, Ukraine claimed the sinking of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the Moskva missile cruiser, providing a significant morale boost. Subsequent attacks targeted a shipyard and Russia's navy headquarters in Sevastopol in September 2023, and another ship in the port of Kerch in November. The vessel purportedly destroyed on Tuesday is identified as the Novocherkassk, a 370-foot-long ship designed for amphibious assaults, capable of transporting 10 tanks and 340 personnel with a regular crew of 87. Ukraine's military had previously claimed to have damaged the ship in May during another attack. The Russian Defence Ministry countered, asserting that two Ukrainian SU-24 jets, allegedly responsible for the missile launch at the port, were shot down. However, a spokesperson for Ukraine's air force refuted this claim in an interview with Radio Liberty, highlighting the frequent discrepancy between Russian claims of downed planes and the actual outcomes. As tensions escalate, the conflict strains Ukraine's predominantly Soviet-era air force. NATO allies, including Holland and Denmark, have committed to supplying US-made F-16 jets, yet the training of pilots to operate these aircraft is an ongoing process. The destruction of the Russian landing ship marks a critical development in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about the intensification of hostilities in the region, The Washington Post reported. (ANI) According to the police, Saleem was at his workplace near Chamra Chowrangi in Korangi on Tuesday when armed pillion riders arrived, opened indiscriminate fire, and swiftly fled the scene. The police have ruled out the possibility of a robbery, terming the incident a suspected targeted attack. The case is currently under investigation from all possible angles, ARY News reported. At the crime scene, the investigation team discovered four bullet shells and highlighted that a motorcycle with a fake number plate was used by the assailants. Saleem, a resident of Chakwal, has a son who is also an active worker for the religious party. This incident follows a similar tragic occurrence in March 2023 when another religious party worker named Saleem Khatri was fatally shot near Bilal Colony in Karachi by four suspects riding a bike. The initial investigation revealed that Saleem Khatri sustained six bullets, leading to his untimely death. As authorities probe these incidents, concerns about targeted attacks on religious party workers in the region continue to grow, ARY News reported. (ANI) Political activist, Mahrang Baloch, a key figure in the ongoing Baloch protest in Islamabad, has slammed the Pakistani media for its coverage of the protests, according to The Balochistan Post. The lead organiser of the long march decried what she saw as serious antagonism and bias from certain journalists towards the Baloch demonstrators in a video message from the protest camp outside the Islamabad Press Club. Baloch stated that, with the exception of a few journalists who reported honestly, she met great hostility from others, whom she accused of functioning as state operatives disguised as Pakistani journalists. "In these three days in Islamabad, we encountered nothing but hatred towards the Baloch from those masquerading as journalists," Dr Baloch went on to say, according to The Balochistan Post. She stated her goal to share her hostile experiences with the Baloch country, regarding them not as a reason for grief but as a chance to demonstrate the genuine views of Pakistani media persons against the Baloch people. The Baloch protestors alleged on Tuesday that three men entered their camp at midnight on Monday and harassed the women who were sleeping there, besides other girls. One of the activists, Sammi Deen Baloch, stated that last night, cameras were installed in the camp. However, these men closed the cameras and showed pistols to the marchees and entered the camp. "Closing the cameras that were installed last night, then getting off 3 people from 2 vehicles in the presence of the police, showing pistols to the comrades, entering our camp and harassing the women, taking the sound speakers from where all of us women and girls were sleeping, and escaping with them added to your low standard," she wrote in a post on X. The leader of the Baloch Solidarity Committee, Mahrang Baloch, noted that instead of ending the genocide and human rights violations, they attacked our camp at midnight. "We travelled 100s of KM & came to the capital of this state to protest against the #BalochGenocide, but you see the seriousness of this state. Instead of ending our genocide & HR violations, they attacked our camp at 3:15 AM, & stole our sound system," she posted on X. Earlier, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee complained that the Islamabad Police was using different tools to harass the Baloch protestors and have now installed surveillance cameras to threaten them and the families of Baloch's missing people. The march from Turbat to Islamabad faced numerous challenges, with the state imposing 'barriers and arrests', yet the "march united Baloch and revealed the government's oppressive actions", the Baloch Yakjahti Committee added. The committee said the movement began with a peaceful sit-in in Turbat, lasting 13 days, before transitioning into a peaceful long march covering hundreds of kilometres to reach the capital. (ANI) Six people were injured after unknown assailants fired at a passenger van near Saddar police station in the Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as reported by The News International. The firing happened on Tuesday, and six people, including the driver, were injured. Soon after the incident, District Police Officer (DPO) Hangu, Nisar Ahmad Khan and his team arrived at the scene of the incident and collected evidence from the crime scene, The News International reported. Further details are awaited. Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been witnessing continuous attacks and blasts this year, as terror activities see a rise in the country. Earlier in September, at least four people, including a police officer, were killed while 12 persons sustained injuries as two blasts rocked the Doaba police station in the Hangu area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dawn reported citing police. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, at least 52 people including a police officer, were killed and around 50 people injured in a blast near a mosque in the Mastung district of Pakistan's Balochistan on the same day. Pakistan witnessed the highest number of suicide attacks this year after 2014, with nearly half of them targeting the security forces, Dawn News reported. Citing the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Dawn reported, "A staggering 29 suicide attacks were reported, resulting in the tragic loss of 329 lives and leaving 582 individuals injured." "As many as 48 per cent of deaths and 58 per cent of injuries were inflicted upon security personnel. This marks the highest death toll since 2013 when 683 people lost their lives in 47 suicide bombings," it stated. Comparing the data to the preceding year, 2022, the report revealed a distressing 93 pc increase in the number of suicide attacks, a shocking 226 pc rise in resultant deaths, and a troubling 101 pc surge in the number of injured individuals. The most attacks occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 23 instances that resulted in 254 deaths and 512 injuries. Within KP, newly merged districts or erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) experienced 13 suicide attacks, leading to 85 deaths and 206 injuries. Balochistan faced five attacks, causing 67 deaths and 52 injuries, while Sindh witnessed one suicide attack, resulting in eight deaths and 18 injuries. (ANI) Taiwan's presidential candidates clashed over future trade agreements with China on Tuesday, as the two leaders presented contrasting opinions regarding the same. According to Taiwan News, the Kuomintang's (KMT) presidential candidate said he would prioritize negotiating further trade agreements with China if sworn into power. Whereas, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) asserted that the move would do more harm than benefit Taiwan's democracy, according to Taiwan News. The remarks came during a televised policy address on Tuesday (December 26). Hou Yu-ih of the KMT indicated he would negotiate further advancements to the Economic Cooperation Framework Pact (ECFA), a free trade pact inked with China in 2010, according to Taiwan News. "There are many things that the ruling (DPP) is unwilling to do, so let Hou Yu-ih do it," he told reporters. Hou claimed that since taking office, the DPP has compromised the interests of Taiwanese farmers and fishermen by refusing to negotiate trade deals with China. He stated that he would initiate negotiations on the 12 Taiwanese petrochemical products that lost preferential treatment from China on December 21, according to Taiwan News. Since Tsai Ing-wen gained office in 2016, cross-strait trade has surged by over 13 per cent, according to Hou, and despite the DPP's previous criticism of ECFA, the party has "been dependent" on the trade deal. Taiwan, an island with a democratically elected government, is seen by China as an integral part of it, and Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that Taipei should be united with Beijing. Meanwhile, in response, the DPP's Lai stated that the KMT's aspirations to expand trade deals under ECFA neglected the impact on Taiwan, and added that ECFA was being used to manipulate economic interests to influence the election outcome, Taiwan News reported. Lai claimed that the KMT's efforts to reopen discussions on the ECFA's contentious services trade pact will result in a high number of Chinese students in Taiwan, "locking Taiwan's economy to China's." (ANI) The Slim Jim promotional vehicle was found on a transport truck outside a Holiday Inn Express in Hillside. Its custom wrap was damaged, but the car was found mostly operational, a Conagra spokesperson said. A cross-country charcuterie con job came to a close Friday afternoon when a custom Slim Jim promotional car stolen in California was discovered outside of Chicago. Slim Jim, a Conagra brand, first discussed the theft publicly on Dec. 16. The car was reported stolen on Dec. 13, while on its way to a video shoot in Los Angeles, Conagra spokeswoman Amy Morgan told the Tribune. Advertisement We were incredibly surprised, Morgan said. I think we had all assumed we would never see it again. The car was recovered Dec. 22 from the parking lot of a Holiday Inn Express in Hillside. Police came to the hotel after receiving a ping from Sirius XM around 1 p.m., Hillside police spokesperson Andrew Mack told the Tribune. The car had been loaded onto a transport trailer. Advertisement Some cars equipped with Sirius XM radio have a tracking feature, which can be used by law enforcement to recover stolen vehicles, Mack said. I suppose the fact that its a fancy-looking car probably contributes to the appeal of it, Mack said. The Slim Jim car is a relatively new asset for Conagra, Morgan said. The brands usual fare is shelf-stable meat sticks containing a mix of beef, pork and chicken. The flamboyant vehicles travels came to life as part of a partnership between Slim Jim and WWE that was announced in August. The car has been a staple at WWE wrestling events around the country, including the Survivor Series tournament in Rosemont on Nov. 25. The car recently starred in a series of Slim Jim commercials along with WWE wrestler LA Knight, who crushed 24 opponents in the Slim Jim Battle Royal wrestling competition this summer. The Slim Jim vehicle, a custom Nissan Z nicknamed Fast Meat, has built a cult following online. Slim Jim took to X, formerly Twitter, to encourage fans of the brand to keep an eye out for the missing meat mobile. Slim Jim also posted a redacted police report last week, clapping back at those who called the theft a publicity stunt. Theres been by and large a very positive response from the community, Morgan said. Its an engaged community already, but just knowing them, this could be an opportunity to get them further invested in the car. Advertisement Hillside police found the vehicle on a transport trailer and towed it to a secure parking lot. The car was found with its custom graphics and decal wrappings partially removed. The recovered roadster is currently in an Illinois garage awaiting repairs to its exterior wrap. Fast Meat came back to its owners fairly operational, Morgan said. When it hit the road, Fast Meat came equipped with a custom Slim Jim dispenser in the glove box and custom Slim Jim holders on the dashboard and seat belts. Word is still out on if the thieves took souvenirs. Slim Jim declined to press charges against the operator of the transport trailer, Mack said. No arrests have been made as investigations continue in Hillside and in Los Angeles County, where the car was stolen. It was a very, very unfortunate incident, Morgan said. Being able to really turn to the community to help us, in a time that was ultimately not the best experience for our brand theyve been able to really help us turn this around. The crackdown on Baloch long march protesters has brought a lot of criticism to the federal government for not being able to ensure the safety of people, after unidentified armed men took away the sound system used by the demonstrators, according to Dawn. The Baloch protesters remained in their camps outside Islamabad's National Press Club, pressing authorities to accept their demands. However, on Monday night, unidentified armed men stormed the camp and stole the demonstrators' sound system. Soon after the incident took place, social media was swamped with footage of unclothed people fleeing the camp in a white double-cabin van equipped with a sound system, according to Dawn. In a post on 'X', renowned Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir expressed sympathy with the protesters. "We condemn terror acts in Balochistan but there is a need to condemn those who violated the Constitution, derailed democracy and the judiciary provided relief to them, there is no relief to the helpless mother sitting here seeking the return of her son," he said. Notably, Mir visited the camp outside the National Press Club on Tuesday morning. https://x.com/HamidMirPAK/status/1739863714634121333?s=20 Meanwhile, after the harrowing incident took place, political activist Mahrang Baloch told media that, while the women and children were sleeping, some masked men arrived at the camp in a white van, loaded with firearms. In addition, Mahrang also confronted Magistrate Zeeshan Babar regarding the camp incident as soon as he arrived at the press club in the morning. "You were here to protect us but now you say that nobody knows who raided the place and took our equipment," the activist asked. The Baloch protestors alleged on Tuesday that three men entered their camp at midnight on Monday and harassed the women who were sleeping there, besides other girls. One of the activists, Sammi Deen Baloch, stated that last night, cameras were installed in the camp. However, these men closed the cameras and showed pistols to the marchees and entered the camp. "Closing the cameras that were installed last night, then getting off 3 people from 2 vehicles in the presence of the police, showing pistols to the comrades, entering our camp and harassing the women, taking the sound speakers from where all of us women and girls were sleeping, and escaping with them added to your low standard," she wrote in a post on X. The leader of the Baloch Solidarity Committee, Mahrang Baloch, noted that instead of ending the genocide and human rights violations, they attacked our camp at midnight. "We travelled 100s of KM & came to the capital of this state to protest against the #BalochGenocide, but you see the seriousness of this state. Instead of ending our genocide & HR violations, they attacked our camp at 3:15 AM, & stole our sound system," she posted on X. Earlier, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee complained that the Islamabad Police was using different tools to harass the Baloch protestors and have now installed surveillance cameras to threaten them and the families of Baloch's missing people. The march from Turbat to Islamabad faced numerous challenges, with the state imposing 'barriers and arrests', yet the "march united Baloch and revealed the government's oppressive actions", the Baloch Yakjahti Committee added. The committee said the movement began with a peaceful sit-in in Turbat, lasting 13 days, before transitioning into a peaceful long march covering hundreds of kilometres to reach the capital. (ANI) Under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan and the CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia) Secretariat, high-level representatives from CICA member states gathered to assess the year's successes and discuss the organization's plans at the Astana meeting. The SOC meeting, presided over by Alibek Bakayev, Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister, provided a venue for a detailed review of CICA's achievements in 2023. Bakayev provided an overview of CICA's current activities, emphasising the implementation of the CICA transformation roadmap, a critical framework approved by the CICA Ministerial Council in September 2023. The chairperson's address also provided insight into the outlook for 2024, laying the groundwork for debates about the organization's future direction, according to an official release of the Embassy of Kazakhstan. According to Astana Times, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Senior Officials Committee (SOC) convened for its final meeting of 2023 in Astana on December 12, as reported by CICA's press service. During the meeting, CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay provided an annual report on the work of the CICA Secretariat in 2023. The report addressed a wide range of topics, summarising the secretariat's activities and accomplishments over the previous year as well as proposing ambitious work plans for 2024. The approval of key planning papers for 2024 was a major focus of the SOC conference. The SOC approved the 2024 strategy for executing confidence-building measures as well as the CICA Secretariat's budget for 2024, all of which are critical components in setting the forum's yearly agenda. The SOC recently accepted two concept papers in CICA priority areas such as environmental protection and natural catastrophe management. These papers were developed by Mongolia and Iran, showing the collaborative and cooperative nature of CICA's programmes, the Kazakh Embassy release said. The meeting also welcomed a proposal from Saudi Arabia to join CICA as an observer state. The SOC unanimously supported Saudi Arabia's application, recommending it for approval by the CICA Ministerial Council. This potential growth highlights CICA's significance as a pan-Asian organisation dedicated to fostering discussion and collaboration. The SOC also talked of strengthening ties with other international organisations, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. Another highlight was the acknowledgement of the breakthrough in ratifying the CICA Convention on Privileges and Immunities by Bangladesh. (ANI) Pakistan security authorities detained four Sindhi teenagers in Mirpur Khas for their participation in a demonstration in support of Baloch women and children participating in a sit-in protest in Islamabad, according to The Balochistan Post that cited the media reports. The event was part of the "Long March Against Baloch Genocide," which began in Turbat and ended in Islamabad. However, the marchers were first denied admittance, resulting in their detention. Supporters in Islamabad, especially Baloch students assembled at the National Press Club to welcome the march, were attacked and arrested in large numbers, according to The Balochistan Post. Moreover, a similar demonstration was also held in Mirpur Khas, Sindh, in support of the Baloch protesters. In addition, more than 50 political activists were arrested for opposing the security forces and the state. Several allegations came to light from Karachi and other parts of Sindh, claiming that workers and protestors affiliated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee have been jailed and charged with sedition for showing solidarity with those arrested in Islamabad, according to The Balochistan Post. Sindhi nationalists have issued statements stating that until the workers and activists are released, they intend to escalate large-scale protests across the state. Several Sindhi organisations, including the Sindh Sujagi Forum, Voice for Missing Persons of Sindh, Sindh Sabha, Sindh United Party, and others, have been actively protesting in Islamabad in solidarity with the Baloch protestors. The Baloch protest march was started in Turbat on December 6 after the alleged extrajudicial killing of a Baloch youth by Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel and reached the federal capital last week. However, following their protest, they were met with brutal force and over 200 protestors were taken into custody by the Islamabad police. Later, to raise their voice against the crackdown, the march led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee converted into a sit-in outside the National Press Club. Earlier on Saturday, the BYC gave a three-day ultimatum to the government to quash the cases registered against students and activists and release all of the protesters. The same day, the Islamabad police announced they were releasing all the detained protesters after their bail was approved. Moreover, the police had also set up a "special help centre" for the release of incarcerated individuals. The interior ministry stated on Monday, confirming the release of 290 detained protesters. "Peaceful protests are the right of every citizen but no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands," it said. It added that the security of the Red Zone had been ensured in every way, as it houses the Diplomatic Enclave and other constitutional bodies. The special help centre set up by the police has completed its job, the ministry said. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the relationship between India and Russia have been "very strong and steady" and stressed that the two nations have lived up to the responsibilities of a "special and priviliged strategic partnership." In his opening remarks at the meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar said, "Our relationship has been very strong, very steady and I think we have lived up to the responsibilities of a special and priviliged strategic partnership." Noting that it is his seventh meeting with Lavrov, Jaishankar said, "I am told this year we have already met six times I believe. I learnt this is our seventh meeting a part of it is ofcourse the G20, the SEO, the ASEAN, BRICS formats have today allowed many more and many regular contacts and our leaders - Prime Minister Modi and President Putin have also been in frequent contact." Jaishankar said India and Russia have seen different expressions of cooperation in 2023. He also spoke about India's presence at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum and the Far Eastern Economic Forum. EAM Jaishankar said, "We have seen different expressions of our cooperation this year, some of which you have noted. I would also mention our presence at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, at the Far Eastern Economic Forum at the Vladivostok at the meetings and on the bilateral, the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, which I co-chair with Deputy PM Manturov. We have been meeting. I met him yesterday. We are very glad to seek continued progress." He said India expects a strong Russian partnership at the vibrant Gujarat meeting in January. Jaishankar said he and Lavrov will discuss the international strategic situation, conflicts and tensions. "We expect a strong Russian participation at the Vibrant Gujarat meeting in January, including lot of governors from the Far-East. So today I think our meeting. We will focus on bilateral cooperation in different spheres, adjusting it to changing circumstances and demands," Jaishankar said. "We will discuss the international strategic situation, conflicts and tensions, where they are, also focus on development challenges that the Global South faces. And of course, the state of multilateralism and the building of a multipolar world order. Look forward to our discussions once again," he added. Meanwhile, Lavrov noted that the ties between Russia and India have been "good and long." He emphasised that the two nations have a "reliable partnership." In his opening remarks at the meeting, Lavrov said, "Our relationship is very long and very good and it's good to see they are moving consistently in the present moment. We have a reliable partnership and it's been confirmed by our bilateral relations based on the agreements by Prime Minister Modi and President Putin." Earlier, the Russian Embassy in India had stated that during the meeting, the ministers will focus on the current and future areas of bilateral cooperation as well as discussion of the schedule of upcoming contacts. "Moscow and New Delhi are committed to multipolarity as an integral factor in ensuring the balance of the world order that has emerged over the recent decades. Russia supports countries of the Global South in upholding political and economic sovereignty amid the spread of neocolonial practices. The priority is to promote a positive agenda and build constructive interstate dialogue," the statement added. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held extensive discussions with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on a wide range of global issues Indo-Pacific, Ukraine conflict as well as Gaza. The two leaders also discussed progress in economic cooperation, connectivity efforts, military-technical cooperation and people-to-people exchange. Jaishankar noted that ties between India and Russia reflect geopolitical realities, strategic convergence and mutual benefit. In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, "A wide ranging and useful meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. As strategic partners, discussed the international situation and contemporary issues. Exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation , Afghanistan and Central Asia, BRICS, SCO, G20 and the UN. Noted the progress in our economic cooperation, energy trade, connectivity efforts, military-technical cooperation and people to people exchanges. Signed Protocol on Consultations for the period 2024-28. India-Russia relations reflect geopolitical realities, strategic convergence and mutual benefit." Jaishankar, who is in Russia for a five-day visit met Lavrov at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reception House in Moscow. The two leaders warmly greeted each other as they met in Moscow. After the meeting, Jaishankar and Lavrov held a joint press conference. Jaishankar appreciated the India-Russia trade, which is at an all-time high. He said that the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union will resume in January next year. The Eurasian Economic Union is an economic union of five post-Soviet states located in Eurasia. The five member nations are; Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. He said that the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow remains very steady, and strong and is based on strategic convergence on geopolitical interests. "We have had a very good session of talks and today, what really came out was India-Russia relationship remains very steady, very strong. They are based on strategic convergence on geopolitical interests and because they are mutually beneficial," Jaishankar said. He added, "We spent a lot of time discussing political cooperation, with regards to a lot of international issues including international organisations like BRICS of which Russia will be the President, SCO". Speaking on bilateral cooperation, Jaishankar appreciated the fact that the India-Russia trade is at an all-time high and crossed 50 billion USD last year. "What is important is that this trade is more balanced, sustainable, and provides for more market access," he added.Jaishankar further said that New Delhi is expecting a delegation from the Far East to participate in an important conference in India next month."We discussed mutual investments, and the need to progress on a bilateral investment treaty. We spoke about Railways yesterday. We have agreed that the agreements between India and the Eurasian economic union for a Free Trade Agreement would be resumed in the second half of January this year," he informed. The EAM also announced that New Delhi is looking to expand its investments in oil and gas in which the two countries enjoy a very substantial relationship. Jaishankar said that amendments have been signed to take the Kudankulam nuclear power project forward. He added that the two leaders also spoke about connectivity from the North-South Transport Corridor. He called Russia India's "valued and time-tested" partner. He said India and Russia have benefited enormously from the relationship that the two nations share and added that the developments in various sectors, including trade, investment and military technical cooperation showcase a good sense of importance that New Delhi attaches to its ties with Moscow. In response to a question about India-Russia ties, Jaishankar said, "For us, Russia is a very valued partner. It's very time-tested partner. It's a relationship from which both India and Russia have benefited enormously and my presence here today and the fact you know all the developments that I have pointed out including our growing trade, investments, our military technical cooperation, our connectivity projects. I think all of this will give you a good sense of the importance and the value that we attach to the relationship." (ANI) The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the proposal of the Ministry of External Affairs to sign and ratify the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy, the Cabinet informed in a release on Wednesday. The agreement would enhance people-to-people contacts, foster mobility of students, skilled workers, business people and young professionals and strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration between the two sides. The agreement locks in the current Italian visa regime including mechanisms for post-study opportunities, internships, and professional training assuring an advantage for India under the existing labour mobility pathways under the Flows Decree. According to the release, after this agreement, the Indian students wishing to gather initial professional experience, after completing academic or vocational training in Italy may be granted temporary residence in Italy for up to 12 months. The Italian side has detailed provisions related to professional training, extracurricular internships and curricular internships which allow Indian students and trainees to gain experience in Italian skills and training standards. For workers, the Italian side has reserved a quota of 5000, 6000 and 7000 non-seasonal Indian workers for 2023, 2024 and 2025 under the current Flows Decree (Total reserved quota stands at 12000 for non-seasonal workers). Additionally, the Italian side has also reserved a quota of 3000, 4000 and 5000 seasonal Indian workers for 2023, 2024 and 2025 under the current Flows Decree (Total reserved quota stands at 8000 for seasonal workers), the release added. Under the Flows Decree, the Italian side has also offered incremental reserved quotas for both seasonal and non-seasonal workers from 2023-2025. Additionally, the Agreement also formalises joint working on furthering mobility pathways between India and Italy through agreements on Youth Mobility and Facilitation of Recruitment of Indian qualified professionals in the healthcare and medical services sectors which will be discussed under the Joint Working Group (JWG). Cooperation between the two parties in the fight against irregular migration has also been formalised through the Agreement. "This agreement will come into effect on the first day of the second month following the date of receipt of the last of the two notifications by which parties shall have communicated to each other the completion of their internal procedures necessary for its entry into force and will remain into force for a period of 5 years. Unless terminated by any participant, the agreement will be automatically renewed for a similar successive period," the release stated. The agreement provides a formal mechanism for its monitoring through a JWG which would meet periodically, in virtual or physical mode as convenient, and oversee its implementation. The JWG would share relevant information, evaluate the implementation of the agreement and discuss all appropriate proposals to support implementation as necessary. Notably, the agreement was signed on November 2 this year, by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the Indian side and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani on the Italian side, the cabinet release added. (ANI) Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to open a Consulate General of India in New Zealand's Auckland. The Consulate is likely to be opened and fully operationalised within a time frame of 12 months. In the press release, the Cabinet noted that opening the Consulate General of India in Auckland will help in increasing India's diplomatic footprint. Furthermore, it will strengthen India's diplomatic representation, considering India's increasing global engagement and help promote India's strategic and commercial interests. "Opening of Consulate General of India in Auckland would help in increasing India's diplomatic footprint and strengthen India's diplomatic representation in view of India's increasing global engagement," the Cabinet in the press release said. "This will also help promote India's strategic and commercial interests and better serve the welfare of Indian community in Auckland. The Consulate is likely to be opened and fully operationalized within a time frame of 12 months," it added. Notably, India and New Zealand have historically shared "close and cordial ties." India and New Zealand have various similarities, like membership in the Commonwealth, common law practices and pursuing shared aspirations of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems. The two nations became independent in the same year and diplomatic representation of India in New Zealand was established in 1950 with the opening of a Trade Commission, which was later upgraded to High Commission. (ANI) Hitting out at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over his "Hitler" remarks against him, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Erdogan is the "last person" to preach morality to Israel. He also accused Erdogan of "committing genocide" against Kurds and imprisoning journalists opposing his regime. Netanyahu further said that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is the "most moral army" in the world and is fighting to eliminate "Hamas-ISIS" whose 'crimes against humanity' were "praised" by Erdogan. "Erdogan, who is committing genocide against the Kurds and who holds the world record for imprisoning journalists who oppose his regime, is the last person who can preach morality to us. The IDF, which is the most moral army in the world, is fighting to eliminate the most abhorrent and brutal terrorist organization in the world, Hamas-ISIS, which has committed crimes against humanity, and which Erdogan has praised and whose leaders he hosts," Netanyahu posted on X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/netanyahu/status/1740039502423265747?s=20 This comes after Turkish President Erdogan compared Netanyahu with German dictator Adolf Hitler and said that Netanyahu's actions over Gaza are "no different" from those of Hitler, Anadolu Agency reported. Earlier in November, Erdogan had labelled Israel as a "terrorist state", CNN reported. "Israel is implementing a strategy of total annihilation of a city and its people. I say very clearly and frankly that Israel is a terrorist state," he said. The Turkish President also vowed to take steps to ensure that Israel's political and military leaders face trial in international courts for their actions in Gaza. After this, Netanyahu too hit back accusing Erdogan of supporting the "terror state of Hamas." In another big statement, Erdogan had said that Hamas is "not" a terror organisation and termed it as 'mujahideen' defending their land, Times of Israel reported. "Hamas is not a terrorist organization, it is a group of mujahideen defending their lands," he said. Erdogan had also cancelled a planned visit to Israel amid the Israeli operations in Gaza, asserting that Turkey has "no problem with the Israeli state; however, Ankara would never approve of Tel Aviv committing atrocities," according to CNN. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 27 (ANI/WAM): Today, the UAE dispatched a plane carrying 50 tonnes of aid in food supplies to the Republic of Seychelles to provide humanitarian relief to thousands of families impacted by the recent floods, which have caused severe and widespread damage. The plane was deployed in coordination with several humanitarian institutions in the UAE. Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Development Affairs, stated, "Under the directives of our wise leadership, the UAE remains steadfast in its humanitarian commitments, offering continuous support to alleviate the impact of the recent global humanitarian and natural crises. These take many different forms, including waves of drought, floods, and earthquakes. In this context, the UAE's humanitarian response aims to deliver essential food, medications, and various relief supplies, tailored to the specific needs of each crisis." He further emphasised that the dispatch of aid underscores the strong and deep-rooted relations between the two countries, as well as illustrating the UAE's commitment to fulfilling its humanitarian responsibilities, which is evident in the country's leading role in assisting nations facing challenging circumstances arising from natural disasters, and in mitigating the consequences of severe climate change. (ANI/WAM) In a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the significant progress in India-Russia bilateral trade, surpassing USD 50 billion. Jaishankar emphasised the potential for further growth and the need to give the trade relationship a more sustainable character. "I would like to highlight the progress we have and trade, which is in excess of a turnover of USD 50 million, and we believe that this is something whose potential is now only beginning to be visible. It is important that we give it a more sustainable character, and we discussed how we should do that," said Jaishankar. Addressing key aspects of collaboration, the EAM discussed the nuclear sector, highlighting the signing of crucial agreements related to the Kudankulam project. He revealed the finalisation of a substantial agreement on nuclear fuel supply, indicating advancements in India-Russia cooperation in the nuclear domain. "The second aspect pertains to the nuclear side and we signed agreements yesterday that would take the Kudakulam project forward. And also, we have finalised a very significant agreement on nuclear fuel supply," he added. During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal greetings to President Putin. He mentioned that PM Modi had sent a letter expressing thoughts on the state of cooperation and recent progress. "Please allow me to convey the personal greetings of Prime Minister Modi and he has also, through me, sent a letter to you, a letter expressing his thoughts about, the state of our cooperation and the progress that we have made in recent days. And I will have the honour to give you the letter," said Jaishankar. " Certainly, he (PM Modi) looks forward to visiting Russia next year. And I'm sure that we will find a date that is mutually convenient from the political calendars of both countries," the EAM said, responding to President Putin's invitation to PM Modi. Jaishankar took the opportunity to update President Putin on the progress made over the last two days, including discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. "I would also, extensively, like to take the opportunity to share with you aspects of the progress that we have made and in the last 2 days, I had a chance to discuss it with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and today with Lavrov," the EAM said. Following his meeting with the Russian President, Jaishankar took to his social media handle on X and said that he appreciated Putin's guidance on the further developments of India-Russia ties. "Honoured to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM Narendra Modi and handed over a personal message. Apprised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of our ties," the EAM posted on X. The EAM is on a Russia visit from December 25 to 29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides. (ANI) A 66-year-old woman and a man, 70, were discovered dead during a well-being check Tuesday night on the Northwest Side in the Avondale neighborhood, Chicago police said. Around 9:15 p.m., police responded to a well-being call in the 3300 block of North Central Park after neighbors grew concerned for two seniors. Officers were able to enter the unit and found the two deceased. Advertisement The Cook County medical examiners office identified the victims as Victoria Guzman Perez, 66, and Miguel Guzman Chavez, 70. Detectives have opened a death investigation, and said no obvious signs of trauma were found. President Vladimir Putin has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "willing to do his utmost" to address the Russia-Ukraine issue through "peaceful means". Putin's remarks came during a meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar at the Kremlin on Wednesday. The EAM is on a Russia visit from December 25 to 29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides. Putin emphasised the positive stance of Prime Minister Modi on complex global developments, including the situation in Ukraine. "We know the stance of Prime Minister Modi and we mentioned that repeatedly on many occasions. Well, his attitude towards some complex developments, including the flashpoints like...in Ukraine," he noted. The Russian President mentioned that he has advised Modi on the developments in Ukraine multiple times and indicated that further discussions on the matter would take place. "Many times, I advised him of how things have been going there and I know that he (PM Modi) is willing to do his utmost so that the issue is resolved by peaceful means. So, we probably will delve into that deeper now, and we will give additional information to you on that time," Putin added. The Russian President also expressed gratitude for the progressing relationship between Russia and India amid global turmoil. "We are gratified to note that despite all the turmoil happening worldwide, the relationship with our true friend in Asia, India has been progressing incrementally," Putin said. "We have outpaced the growth rates over the past year. We have surpassed all the growth that we had last year over 9 months only," Putin said, attributing the growth to trade in oil, refined products, coal, and high-tech spheres. He highlighted the multifaceted nature of the Russia-India partnership, extending beyond energy cooperation to encompass technology and other sectors. "So, definitely, this is due to the trade in oil and refined products in coal. Not only energy, we also operate in high-tech spheres," he noted. Putin expressed eagerness for Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia, indicating that discussions on relevant and current issues, as well as the prospects of Russian-Indian relations, would take place during the visit. "Definitely, we will be glad to see our dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paying a visit to Russia, we will be able to discuss all the relevant, current issues and talk to the prospects of the Russian and Indian relationship," he also said. He conveyed warm wishes to Modi and acknowledged the busy political schedule in India, with general elections scheduled for the next year. "We have a lot an open field of work ahead of us. So, please convey my best, very best wishes to his excellency. And please, tell him that we want to see him, Russia expect him to come although, I know that India next year will have a busy political schedule. The general elections in parliament are scheduled for next year. We wish our friends every success in that and we hope that anyway, no matter what the alignment of political forces would be the traditional conventional friendly ties will persist between our nations," the Russian President also said. India has often articulated and clarified its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides. Amid the raging military conflict, PM Modi has spoken to Putin as well as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. PM Modi also met Ukraine President Zelenskyy in Japan during the G7 summit in May 2023. In the meeting, PM Modi assured that he would do whatever is possible to help resolve the conflict. "India and I will do whatever we can to resolve the conflict," PM Modi had said. New Delhi has sought a diplomatic solution to the conflict, with PM Modi telling Russian President Vladimir Putin in September that "now is not an era of war". The remark drew praise from world leaders as well as the global media. Prime Minister Modi advised President Putin to ensure a "cessation of violence", stressing the need for both sides to return to the talks table. During a telephonic conversation with Putin, PM Modi underlined that Delhi for now will stick to a path of strategic ambivalence on the Ukraine crisis. This is a pragmatic choice, one that reflects the complexities of a realist world and Delhi's own positions on territorial integrity and sovereignty. (ANI) SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A woman was killed and a man seriously injured Tuesday evening in a head-on crash on SR-126 in northern Utah. Sgt. Cameron Roden with Utah Highway Patrol said the collision happened around 4:30 p.m. in West Haven, a city roughly 40 miles north of Salt Lake City. Boy, 10, airlifted to hospital after being struck by car in Eagle Mountain A Ford pickup truck heading northbound crossed the roadways center line and collided head-on with a Toyota SUV, which tried to swerve out of the way. The crash caused both vehicles to roll. The driver of the Toyota, a woman, died after suffering critical injuries, Roden said. The driver of the Ford, a man, was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Following the crash, both directions of SR-126 were closed for the better part of an hour. The crash remains under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The train from the shelled Kherson railway station arrived in Kyiv on schedule More than 100 relieved passengers arrived in Kyiv this morning at 7:20 after surviving Russias vicious shelling of Kherson railway station last night, Ukraines national railway Ukrazaliznytsia reported on Dec. 27. Read also: Russia shells Kherson train station during boarding of an evacuation train, casualties still being determined Ukrzaliznytsia's Food train met the travelers from Kherson at an intermediate stop, providing 320 servings of nourishment, including specially prepared sets for children. This impromptu breakfast provision allowed passengers to fuel up before reaching the capital. The ruthless Russian shelling of the Kherson railway station on Dec. 26 resulted in the tragic death of a police officer, with multiple injured law enforcement personnel and civilians awaiting evacuation. Read also: Russian attack on Kherson leaves 100,000 without power; conflict & weather affect homes in 8 oblasts The indiscriminate nature of the attack was noted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a video addressed. He noted the high number of civilians at the station at the time of the assault. At least 140 civilians were awaiting evacuation at the station during the intense Russian assault, Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister, Ihor Klymenko, later announced. Ukrzaliznytsia staff also suffered injuries, and the station and rolling stock suffered damage, the railway carrier announced. Kherson suffered from widespread shelling with various weaponry, causing injuries to at least three individuals, Kherson City Council head, Roman Mrochko, reported. 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 CENTER CITY - Philadelphia is celebrating the first day of Kwanzaa and the holiday, created in 1966, highlights African culture. The African American Museum in Philadelphia has become the hub of tradition for Kwanzaa over the years. The museum has a full slate of family-friendly activities running through New Years Day, the last day of Kwanzaa. "Were so excited to put on Kwanzaa for the second year in a row. Were in programming for seven straight days, so were honoring every principle of Kwanzaa," Director of Programming for the African American Museum of Philadelphia, Nina Ball, explained. "Its been a long year for a lot of our community and Philadelphians and Kwanzaa is that time to really reflect on our values of community and togetherness, economic strength and fortitude and things that are family-friendly and wholesome." Kicking off the opening ceremony on the first day of Kwanzaa celebrating Umoja, which means unity, unifying all generations from the kids to the elders through music, dance, drumming and poetry. "I think thats a big part of Kwanzaa," Karen Smith, with Sisters Laying Down Hands Collective, said. "Its connecting all communities, older levels, ages. Everyone comes together." Instilling Black pride and heritage into the younger generations while instilling the values and traditions of a diverse, resilient people. "Kwanzaa is an important holiday for our community, but Philly, specifically, does a lot to empower communities," Brianna Belo stated. Tish Bruce added, "When it comes to Kwanzaa, its just something that people are learning more about trying to connect with more broadly and the fact that they have performances going on and different exhibits." Hoping the seven-day celebration brings understanding of the beauty of Kwanzaa. "I would love people to walk away with a deeper appreciation that every day is intentional. About how do we live and embody these principles all year round," Ball remarked. "Everyone is welcome to come out to observe Kwanzaa and celebrate with us, knowing whats at the core is these black stories, culture and traditions." CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) Three men are facing charges in connection to a burglary at a CAL Ranch location in southern Utah last month where more than 70 guns were stolen. Two of the men Russell Gruber, 29, and Darrell Devoge, 78 are in custody. Authorities are still searching for Devoges son, 20-year-old Parker Devoge, who allegedly fled ahead of the arrest of Gruber and his father. Mapleton man arrested after allegedly stabbing father in Spanish Fork, found with bloody knife The Iron County Attorneys Office said the three men were charged Tuesday with first-degree aggravated burglary, several counts of gun theft, and property destruction. The charges stem from a burglary late on the night of Nov. 21 at the CAL Ranch location in Cedar City. According to court documents, surveillance footage captured three men armed with handguns breaking in through the stores back door and heading straight for the gun section in an obvious planned action. In a matter of minutes, the three stole about 75 guns, ranging from pistols to rifles. Using a crowbar and a pair of box cutters, they smashed display cases and opened gun cabinets, causing an estimated $1,500 in damage. Roughly four hours after the burglary, at least two of the men returned to the store and stole more guns, ammunition, gun optics and holsters, the court documents state. One of them had their pistol drawn, the surveillance footage showed. In the immediate aftermath of the burglary, local and federal authorities asked for the publics help in identifying the suspects. A break in the case came on Dec. 14, when investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received a tip that Gruber was involved. According to the court documents, Gruber has an extensive history of theft, including a felony burglary conviction. He also has two pending cases in Iron County, and several warrants out for his arrest. Not long after the tip came in, authorities linked Grubers van with surveillance footage of the suspect vehicle. They also used cell phone location records to determine he was in the area of the CAL Ranch store on the night of the burglary. Last week, police searched a residence in Cedar City, where they found several guns that were stolen from the CAL Ranch store, the court documents state. Burglary tools were also found, as well as clothing worn by the suspects in the surveillance footage. Neighbors told investigators that Darrel Devoge lived in the home, the court documents state. Parker Devoge, his son, was also staying there, but left roughly a week before officers executed the search warrant. While speaking with police, Gruber admitted to being involved in the CAL Ranch burglary and told officers which one of the men on the surveillance video was Parker Devoge. He said that after the initial burglary, he convinced Parker to go back with him and steal more guns, the court documents state. According to Cedar City police, 40 of the roughly 75 stolen guns have been recovered. Still, the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 435-586-2956. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Plans to reopen a closed, historic seafood restaurant in northwest Atlanta took another step forward the week before Christmas. Bankhead Seafood, a more than 50-year-old Atlanta fixture, announced it was closing in January 2018. As previously reported by Channel 2 Action News and reporting partner the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, rappers Mike Killer Mike Render and Clifford T.I. Harris chose to save the restaurant, citing its history and place in their lives as they grew up. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2 Action News reported the rappers had purchased the business in 2019, including its name, trademark and recipes. When the restaurant owner, Brown Harden, announced it would be closing, the community turned to Render and Harris to save it, but the pair had already been planning on trying to buy the business, according to the AJC. Two years later, the pair of rappers released renderings of what the reopened seafood spot would look like. In 2021, they filed building permits to revive the historic restaurant and rebuild and reopen it. On Dec. 20, a joint statement from Greenwood, a banking platform, and both T.I. and Killer Mike said theyd secured a loan to boost job opportunities around the restaurant location and invest in the community as an accompaniment to the expected reopening in the second quarter of 2024. The loan was backed by the Georgia Banking Company, and described as marking a pivotal moment in the growth of Bankhead Seafood, a restaurant deeply rooted in the local community. TRENDING STORIES: Speaking about the loan announcement, both rappers expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity. Todays investment serves as a profound testament to the broader vision weve cultivated at Bankhead Seafood, T.I. said. Its exciting to join forces with leaders like Greenwoodwhose commitment to uplifting the community echoes our same ethos. This is an exciting moment in our communitys work to foster a legacy of mutual prosperity and support. Greenwood CEO Ryan Glover said hes known the two for more than 25 years and was proud to support their growth and commitment to improving the community. Discussing the investment, Killer Mike thanked his partners and the community for their support. This is a transformational milestone for our business, and the broader Southwest Atlanta community, Killer Mike said in the announcement. I extend my deepest appreciation to Greenwood and GBC, whose partnership today provided us with the resources we need to kickstart Bankheads future and re-build a community gem. Ryan Glover and Paul Judge continue to exemplify the important role that Black entrepreneurial collaboration has in our economic empowerment and unity. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Russias overnight drone attack on Odesa killed two people and wounded another three, including a 17-year-old teenager, according to updated information published by Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper. Air defenses in Odesa Oblast downed 12 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight on Dec. 27, but debris from a drone fell and hit a house on Odesa's outskirts, causing a fire, according to the Southern Defense Forces. One person was killed on the spot while another man died in hospital after being hospitalized in severe condition, Kiper said on Telegram later. The teenager remains in the hospital while two other victims are being treated at home, according to the regional governor. He clarified that the six-year-old child previously reported wounded had received injuries in a house fire unrelated to the drone attack. Russia had launched 46 kamikaze drones at Ukraine overnight, 32 of which were shot down by air defenses, the Air Force wrote earlier. Read also: Dozens left without a home as Russian strike damages apartment building in Kyiv Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GARLAND, Texas - Its now been two years since Xavier Gonzalez went to a convenience store in Garland to buy tacos for his family. The 14-year-old never made it home. "Christmas for us is not the same," said Xaviers mom, Lluneli Lopez. "Because we have an empty spot." Xaviers mother learned on the evening of Dec. 26, 2021, he was shot and killed. Garland police say it was by 14-year-old Abel Acosta. "Its not fair how they took his life away," Lopez said. "Its been hard for us that hes not here." Police say Abel also shot and killed 17-year-old Rafael Garcia and 16-year-old Ivan Noyola. The two teens were involved in a prior conflict with Abel. Xavier had nothing to do with that. He was an innocent bystander. Where is Abel? Now, 16 years old, investigators believe hes likely hiding in Mexico with help from family members. Abels father, Richard Acosta, was convicted of capital murder in February. He drove his son to commit the murders and helped him get away. Richards life in prison sentence is only a slight relief for Xaviers family. "Because the person who took the life away from my son is still out there on the run," Lopez said. Xaviers family lives down the street from where he was killed. "When I drive by there, I dont even look up," Lopez said. "I just try to look somewhere else or try to not even go through there at all." Xaviers family wants to remind the public to call police if they know where Abel is hiding. "So he can pay for what he did," Lopez said. Oleksii Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, has said that 20% of Russia's fleet has been destroyed. Source: Danilov in an interview with Voice of America Quote: "Of course, we would like to have a much better situation regarding the liberation of our territories. But in parallel with this process, huge and important events have occurred on the Black Sea. Speaking about this situation, 20% of the Russian fleet has been destroyed. And we are talking about something other than a few small vessels for 5-30 people. These are huge warships that have been sent to the same place the famous Black Sea Fleet's flagship Moskva was sent on 13 April 2022. And what happened today [26 December ed.] at night clearly confirms that our military understands the issue with Crimea. And for us, it is extremely important, just like the rest of our territory." Background: Explosions rang out in Feodosiia, occupied Crimea, at 03:00 on the night of 25-26 December. Telegram channels claimed that a ship carrying Iranian-made ammunition had been blown up, and a fire had broken out in the port. Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Force, confirmed that Ukrainian defenders had targeted the Novocherkassk ship in occupied Feodosiia. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that the Novocherkassk ship had been damaged "while repelling an attack by the Armed Forces of Ukraine using air-to-surface missiles". Russias Defence Ministry claimed that "two Ukrainian Su-24s that were launching missiles have been destroyed by air defence during anti-aircraft combat". Ukraines Air Force refuted this claim. Support UP or become our patron! Authorities are investigating after a Cook County Jail inmate died at a hospital after he was found unresponsive in his cell on Monday. Michael OConnor, 33, was housed in the jails Residential Treatment Unit, according to a statement from the Cook County sheriffs office. The Cook County medical examiners office has not yet reached a finding on the cause or manner of death, a spokeswoman said. Advertisement Security and medical staff members with Cermak Health Services, which provides medical care to inmates, began lifesaving measures, but OConnor was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital, the sheriffs office said. In a statement, the sheriffs office said that no foul play is suspected but noted that the medical examiners office would make that determination. The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task force is investigating. Advertisement OConnor was awaiting trial on multiple felonies after he was arrested in June and accused of threatening a Chicago police officer and sending her explicit content, according to court documents. He was held in jail on an $100,000 deposit bond that was issued shortly before cash bail was abolished in Illinois. A police report alleges that OConnor sent a female Chicago police officer pornographic images and videos of him exposing himself. He also sent her threatening text messages, the report alleges. A judge in October ordered that OConnor undergo a psychiatric examination and he was ordered into treatment at the jail, records show. A hearing to determine whether OConnor was fit to stand trial had been scheduled for Jan. 12. At least 16 other Cook County Jail inmates have died in custody in 2023. In the years following extended school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence has only grown that American schoolchildren have suffered tremendous learning losses from months spent in online learning. Test scoresand school attendance ratesare still far below pre-pandemic levels. Over the past year, increasing evidence has emerged of just how badly school closures damaged American schoolchildren. Here's what we learned in 2023. 1. Online learning was linked to lower test scores. According to a study published in June, students who spent more time in online learning were more likely to fail state standardized tests. The study, published in American Economic Review: Insights, examined the results of 11 state tests given to children in grades 38. The study found that between 2019 and 2021, pass rates saw substantial declines. On average, pass rates declined 6.8 percentage points for English language arts and 12.8 percentage points for math. However, in-person learning significantly cushioned the decline. "Offering fully in-person learning, rather than fully virtual learning, reduced pass rate losses by approximately 13 percentage points in math and approximately 8 percentage points in," wrote the study's authors. 2. Half of American students are now performing below grade level. In May, a report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) cited a survey that found that, on average, American public schools reported that 49 percent of their students were below grade level in at least one subject area in the beginning of the 202223 school year. Before pandemic school closures, schools said that 36 percent of their students were behind on average. The declines hit elementary and middle school students hardest, with schools reporting 14- and 15-point increases in the percentage of students behind a grade level respectively. In contrast, high schools reported only a 9 percent increase in struggling students. 3. School closures accelerated a decline for 13-year-olds. In June, the NCES released new test data indicating that school closures steepened an already existing educational decline among 13-year-olds. On the National Assessment of Educational Progress long-term trend (LTT) test, performance among American 13-year-olds dipped to the lowest point in decades. declines Reading scores were brought to their lowest point since 1975 and math scores to their lowest point since 1990. Student performance had already been modestly declining since 2012. The pandemic appeared to rapidly increase this negative trend. "The 'green shoots' of academic recovery that we had hoped to see have not materialized," NCES Commissioner Peggy G. Carr said press release in June. "There are signs of risk for a generation of learners in the data we are releasing today and have released over the past year." 4. Thousands of students still haven't returned to classrooms. Well after most pandemic-era school closures had ended, thousands of American schoolchildren were still "missing" from classroomsmeaning they weren't enrolled in local public schools but hadn't moved to another school district, enrolled in a private school, or began homeschooling. A shocking 230,000 kids were still missing from schools in fall 2021, according to a February data analysis of 21 states. In December, additional data analysis from 22 states found that 50,000 kids were still absent a year later in fall 2022. 5. Learning loss is a global trend. Results from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test, released in December, show that the United States is far from the only nation whose students have suffered devastating educational declines following the COVID pandemic. In fact, among comparable countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), American students actually performed fairly well. The test measured 15-year-olds' reading and math skills. And while U.S. math scores still dipped a dramatic 13 points on the test, the average decline among OECD countries was 17 points. Andin contrast with national data suggesting large declines in readingAmerican students' reading scores declined a single point, while the OECD average dropped 9 points. The post 2023 Brought More Evidence That Pandemic School Closures Damaged Students appeared first on Reason.com. Five days into 2023, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and safety officials stood in a conference room at Columbus police headquarters. They touted a 30% decline in homicides in the city in 2022. "We've come a long way, but this is not a victory lap, and we are not resting on our laurels," Ginther said at the time. "We will not rest, and I will not yield until we are the safest big city in America." Columbus recorded its third-deadliest year in the city's history in 2023, with 146 people killed as of Dec. 15, despite the much anticipated opening of the city's Office of Violence Prevention and group violence reduction efforts. While the 146 deaths reported in 2023 in the first 350 days of the year were an overall 4% increase from 2022, there was an encouraging figure in the number of young people who were killed. In 2022, 10% of the city's homicide victims were under the age of 18, and 33% were under the age of 21. Those numbers declined to 25% of homicide victims being under the age of 21 in 2023. However, the deaths of people younger than 30, which accounted for 75 of the 146 deaths or 51% of the total are still a cause for concern. Another 1,012 people younger than 30 were identified as victims of felonious assaults, according to Columbus police data. That number includes 257 juveniles, including 95 children younger than 13. Columbus police Cmdr. Mark Denner, who leads the homicide unit, updates reporters on investigations into five recent homicides during a 48-hour period, including that of 15-year-old Maria Fernanda Guerra-Sandoval. Columbus police Cmdr. Mark Denner, who oversees homicide and felony assault detectives, said there are many programs in place to reach out to young people and correct behavior, but there also has to be an element of individual and community accountability. "There's other people that need to be a part of the conversation," Denner said. "Where is the family? What role does that play in them growing up? And education what role does that play in shaping children?" Police are also concerned about the number of youth involved in homicides and felonious assaults as suspects. According to Columbus police data, 21 teenagers 13-17 became homicide suspects in 2023, and 146 children, including 17 under the age of 13, were identified as suspects in felonious assaults. Some of the homicide suspects may have also been identified as suspects in a felonious assault. "It is always concerning when we have people that young who are involved in these types of crimes," Denner said. "Theres a system set up for them to hold them accountable. We have to correct that behavior. Everybody is trying to take measures, and what that will look like will be determined as we move into 2024." Another 476 people ages 18-30 were identified as suspects in felonious assaults in 2023, as well as 83 homicide suspects in the same age range. Much of that violence, as much as 60 to 70%, is attributed to about .05% of the population, according to Molly Robbins, director of Columbus Violence Reduction. The program is based on a model from the National Network for Safe Communities and focuses on providing targeted messaging, support and potential enforcement to the group of individuals most at risk for being involved in violence as a victim or a perpetrator, based on police information and intelligence. 80 hours: 50 guns confiscated, 10 people shot, more than 100 gunshots detected all in 80 hours "They're not sitting back and waiting until something happens," Robbins said. "We're providing support on the front end. The law enforcement message is we know who you are, we know what you're doing and we don't want that to happen. We want you and your family members and the community members to be safe, healthy and out of prison." The program, which focuses on young adults and not juveniles, involves a three-tiered approach, including a community moral voice someone who can reach young people where they are and connect with them as well as police and support services. "Neighborhoods are not violent. People are violent," Robbins said. "Being a partner is saying folks understand the urgency of the needs of our participants. We don't want to overpromise and under-deliver. We want to underpromise and over-deliver. They have agreed to expedite resources, not because they're more important but because we're trying to reduce violence. They're willing to do things that are violent to meet their needs, so that support is paramount." Robbins said that because the program has a federal law enforcement component, adults are the target for CVR. Federal law does not allow for the prosecution of juveniles. "If we are working to effect and impact change with the adult behavior, children and juveniles are watching and will follow suit," Robbins said. The interventionists, currently a team of four with two more expected to join soon, and the support team have reached 65 of the 89 identified targets for the program, or 73%, Robbins said. Of those 65 people, 49 are meeting the goals of being safe, alive and out of prison. "Generally speaking, that means they have not continued to be involved in violence," Robbins said. "Twenty-five percent didn't get the message and have already been enforced upon 16 out of the 65." The resources provided to the 49 considered participants in the program include mental health counseling, food and housing assistance, job training, help with childcare and other resources. "We know that most people living this lifestyle don't want to be living this lifestyle," Robbins said. "If given the opportunity and appropriate support, most people want to change. We're not surprised by the fact that most people are open to this message." In 2024, the CVR program hopes to expand to help additional targets and see continued success with reduced violence. Columbus police are also hopeful to see the potential impact of the program. "To see the impact might take some time, but it's encouraging to have people that care and reach out to people on that edge," Denner said. "What I know about this work is that if it was done the way it's intended to be done, it's supposed to work," Robbins said. "We haven't done everything perfectly, don't get me wrong, but the prongs, the collaborative it's been working well so far." Office of Violence Prevention Director Rena Shak speaks Sept. 19 during a roundtable discussion about gun violence at Columbus Public Health. The CVR program also works with the Office of Violence Prevention, which began in 2023 with Mayor Andrew J. Ginther's appointed director, Rena Shak, and a team of community engagement coordinators. The Dispatch sought an interview with a member of the staff or Shak for this story; however, the office said no one was available for an interview and answers could only be provided to questions in writing. In the response, attributed to Shak and Deputy Director Joanne Lunceford, the office said much of the 2023 work of the Office of Violence Prevention has been establishing relationships and building the administrative framework for the office, as well as doing an inventory of what programs are in place across city departments and agencies. "Working in silos creates an environment of fragmented and duplicative efforts, but working together under one cohesive strategy can remedy that. Producing a citywide strategy for combatting community violence will set us up for success in 2024 and beyond. Residents deserve safe neighborhoods, and our office is committed to making that happen," the office said in its statement. The office partnered with Columbus police for a gun buyback program in September and recently provided $500,000 in funding to LSS Choices, a domestic violence shelter. Cars stretched for blocks in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood Saturday for a Columbus gun buyback program hosted by the city's Office of Violence Prevention. The Office of Violence Prevention hopes to create a "citywide strategy to combat violence in our neighborhoods that focuses on reducing homicides," rooted in "evidence-based violence prevention programming that produces measurable outcomes." "Less than 500 people in our city commit over 50% of the violent crimes and acts," Shah and Lunceford said. "Research supports focusing on evidence-based violence prevention programming that targets this demographic to reduce homicides in a city significantly." As the calendar turns into 2024, police are also hopeful that continued efforts and changes, including additional detectives, will help solve more cases. Denner said a goal for 2024 is to add more detectives to the felonious assault unit and find innovative ways to allow more cases to be solved. "If we can drive these numbers down, I'm hopeful we can drive (homicide) numbers down, too," Denner said. There is also hope that new technological tools like the Crime Gun Information Center, which began in 2023, will lead to additional case closures. Detectives have solved 27% of nonfatal shootings in 2023. Homicide detectives were also able to identify suspects in at least 23 cases from previous years. In this photo from September, Columbus police cruisers block off the scene of a homicide that was later determined to be tied to domestic violence. There have been 25 domestic violence related homicides in 2023. Prevention can be tricky, Denner said, because there are unique circumstances related to each case, particularly in domestic violence-related homicides. However, some types of homicides seen in 2023 could be prevented with better conflict resolution and refocusing on basic humanity. In 2023, there were at least 20 road rage-related incidents, including one homicide, as well as 50 robberies, 13 of which resulted in a death. "People are very quick to use a firearm instead of walking away, talking it out, finding some other way to solve that problem," Denner said. "There's so much more when you think about the decisions to use a firearm and the consequences that come from that. It is concerning and I don't know, hopefully, people might make better decisions in 2024." bbruner@dispatch.com @bethany_bruner This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: First year of Columbus violence prevention efforts sees mixed results To commemorate the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, the U.S. Mint will use Native American citizenship as the theme of the 2024 Native American $1 coin. The U.S. Mint annually releases a Native American coin that celebrate the contributions made by American Indian tribes and individual Native Americans to the history and development of the United States. The Mint issues one new reverse design each year. The program is authorized by the Native American $1 Coin Act (Public Law 110-82). The 2024 Native American coin was designed and sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill. The coins reverse shows an eagle staff, an American Indian symbol of respect, honor, and patriotism, together with an American flag to represent the dual citizenship of Native Americans. Around the image are inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, $1, and INDIAN CITIZENSHIP ACT OF 1924. Background On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, which stated all noncitizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States be, and they are hereby declared to be, citizens of the United States: Provided that the granting of such citizenship shall not in any manner impair or otherwise affect the right of any Indian to tribal or other property. 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. The Act notably did not require American Indians to give up their tribal citizenship to become U.S. citizens, allowing individual Indian people to preserve their tribal identity and their right to communal tribal property. Not only did the Act give American Indians the rights and protections afforded to citizens of the United States, it added to the diversity of thought and culture of our nation by unlocking the doors for Indians to become citizens of the United States on their own terms. Release Date The 2024 commemorative coins will be available for order on January 29, 2024. Options will include 25-coin rolls, 100-coin bags, and 250-coin boxes containing circulating-quality dollars produced at U.S. Mint production facilities in Denver and Philadelphia. 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 Before Americans pick a president in November, they get to pick the candidates in a series of primaries and caucuses. Its a wonky process that has evolved over the course of the countrys history and continues to evolve today. Heres what to know: What is a primary? Its an election to select candidates, usually for a particular political party, to appear on the general election ballot. Who is running in the primaries? For Democrats, Joe Biden is the sitting president and hes running for reelection, which makes him the incumbent candidate. Incumbents rarely face serious competition. There are some Democrats challenging him in the Democratic primaries, including Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and author Marianne Williamson. But they have not yet generated much support, at least in opinion polls. For Republicans, former President Donald Trump has long been the front-runner, meaning he appears in polling to have a lead over five other candidates who are still in the race. Trump, as a former president, also projects some of the power of an incumbent, although he lost the last election. His is the first serious campaign by a former president for his partys nomination since Teddy Roosevelt tried and failed to reclaim the Republican nomination in 1912. Anti-Trump Republicans appear to be interested in two main options: former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Haley has polled better in New Hampshire and DeSantis has focused on Iowa. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson have had more trouble gaining support. Who can vote in a presidential primary? It varies by state. Primaries are generally conducted in polling places like any other election. But some states have open primaries, meaning any registered voter can vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary. Other states have closed primaries, meaning only people registered in a particular political party usually Republicans or Democrats can vote in that partys primary. Others offer voting day registration, which essentially opens the primaries to most registered voters. When do the presidential primaries occur? The first date on the presidential primary calendar is January 15, although it is not technically for a primary. On that day in Iowa, Republican Party members gather at events called caucuses, where they hear speeches from a campaigns supporters and then vote for their preferred candidate. Unlike primaries in other states, these events are overseen by state parties and are not conducted like normal elections. Democrats will also gather that day in Iowa, but their vote for president will be conducted by mail ending on March 5. In some states, presidential primaries are conducted on one date and primaries for other offices are conducted later in the year. See the full calendar. After Iowa, New Hampshire holds its first-in-the-nation primary on January 23, although Democrats are not sanctioning the event. Democrats want their first official primary to take place on February 3 in South Carolina, which is a more racially diverse state, and the first place Biden won a primary in 2020. That will then be followed by Nevadas primary on February 6. The calendar spreads out from there. Republicans compete in caucuses in Nevada and the US Virgin Islands on February 8 and South Carolina on February 24. Do the winners in Iowa and New Hampshire usually win the partys nomination? Not necessarily. In 2020, Biden didnt win either Iowa or New Hampshire, but his campaign got a reset in South Carolina and he went on to the Democratic nomination and the White House. In this February 2020 photo, then-Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks during the 100 Club Dinner at SNHIU in Manchester, New Hampshire. - Scott Olson/Getty Images In 2016, Donald Trump lost Iowa but won New Hampshire, similar to fellow Republican Mitt Romney in 2012. In 2008, Democrat Barack Obama won Iowa, but lost New Hampshire. Republican John McCain lost Iowa that year but won New Hampshire. The last candidate to win both in Iowa and New Hampshire and go on to the White House was Democrat Jimmy Carter in 1976, although he technically placed second in Iowa, behind uncommitted. If multiple candidates win in party primaries in different states, how is the ultimate presidential candidate determined? Voters cast ballots for candidates, but theyre really selecting delegates for the party conventions, which take place over the summer. Delegates can either be apportioned through a winner-take-all system, meaning the top candidate in a states primary gets all of that states delegates, or they can be apportioned proportionally to the primary election results. Some states have thresholds where every candidate who gets over a certain amount of the vote say, 20% may be entitled to delegates. Democrats these days apportion all of their delegates proportionally. Republican rules this year generally require that states with primaries and caucuses before March 15 apportion delegates proportionally. States with primaries and caucuses after March 15 may switch to a winner-take-all format. When will we know which candidate has enough delegates to be the partys nominee? We will have to see how the primaries play out. Keep an eye on Super Tuesday, March 5. While there wont yet be enough delegates on the table to clinch the nomination, that is the night with the largest pot of delegates, where Republicans in 16 states and territories will vote for president. It might take until May or June for one candidate to secure enough votes to win his or her partys nomination. The last presidential primaries occur on June 4. What happens if no candidate gets a majority of delegates in primaries? Delegates are mostly required to be bound (the Republican term) or pledged (the Democratic term) to a particular candidate heading into the convention. A very small portion of delegates in certain states and territories on the Republican side are unbound. These few delegates can support whomever they choose at the outset of the convention. Democrats have unpledged delegates party bigwigs but they do not cast ballots in the first round of voting on the convention floor if they could impact the outcome. If theres no clear majority winner after the delegates vote, they go to additional rounds of voting where the bound delegates become unbound so that they can ultimately select a nominee. This is whats known as a brokered convention. When we say this is rare, we mean it hasnt happened since 1952. In this July 2016 photo, then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and then-Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence acknowledge the crowd at the end of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images How did this process come about? It evolved over the course of the countrys history. It used to be congressional delegations who would select presidential candidates. The first election for which there were political conventions for party members was 1832, when Andrew Jackson won the White House. The first convention was held by the short-lived and long-defunct Anti-Masonic Party. The move toward focusing on primary elections and making the system more democratic began after violence at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968, when party leaders had opted for then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey over anti-war candidate Eugene McCarthy. (Humphrey went on to lose to Richard Nixon.) Where and when are the 2024 conventions? The Republican National Convention runs July 15-18 in Milwaukee. The Democratic National Convention runs August 19-22 in Chicago. Are there primaries that are not so focused on political parties? Yes, but not for the office of president. A growing number of states are experimenting with nonpartisan primaries, where all voters and candidates take part in one primary election and the top finishers, regardless of their party affiliation, square off on Election Day. These nonpartisan primaries, which feature in statewide races for Senate and governor and for House races, are not used in the presidential election. California, Nebraska and Washington use the top-two system. Alaska has a top-four system. Louisiana has so-called jungle primaries. All candidates for local, state or federal office are listed on the Election Day ballot, and if no candidate gets a majority, the top-two finishers take part in a runoff. Will there be presidential candidates from third parties? Yes. The Green Party will likely have a presidential candidate on the ballot in most states, and the Libertarian Party expects to be on the ballot in all 50 states. These parties will select their nominees in their own conventions. The last time a third-party or independent candidate secured electoral votes in a general election, however, was 1968. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Editors Note: Sign up for CNNs Meanwhile in China newsletter, which explores what you need to know about the countrys rise and how it impacts the world. Perched up against the edge of a cliff in Chinas southwest Guizhou province is the bamboo shack 21-year-old retiree Liu Youwen built from scratch. Three years ago, Liu left his rural hometown Xiaxixiang, Guizhou, for the city of Shantou in Guangdong, Chinas richest province, joining a decades-long nationwide migration of workers from the countryside that has fueled the countrys enormous growth and created some of the worlds largest megacities. But as a junior high dropout, it was tough for Liu to find a job. He said he was turned down by many factories due to his lack of credentials, before eventually finding work as a car mechanic, then a construction worker, and finally at a clothing factory. Liu says he built his home from scratch in his mountainous hometown of Xiaxixiang. - Courtesy Liu Youwen Disillusioned by the grind of city life, at the end of 2022 he decided to call it quits and return to the rolling hills and rivers of Guizhou. Lius parents and older brother protested the move but he wanted a simple life, he said, and to escape the high-pressure rat race. In the factory, I used to work from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. plus overtime, my time was not my own, Liu told CNN over the phone recently as he finished chopping up bamboo shoots. Now I get to wake up to the sounds of birds chirping. Lius frustrations reflect a growing sense of disenchantment among young people in China, many of whom face a dire job market, burnout after years of grueling academic and work pressure, plus the traumatic impact of the countrys draconian former pandemic policies. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Chinas youth unemployment rate in cities and towns hit a record-high 21.3% in June before the government stopped releasing the uncomfortable data. In response, authorities have encouraged urban youth to head to the countryside instead a controversial proposal. Liu, 21, grows his own food and films videos of his meals being prepared. - Courtesy Liu Youwen Last December, Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged young people to make the move to revitalize the rural economy, a call that has drawn comparisons with a previous campaign launched decades ago by former leader Mao Zedong in which tens of millions of urban youths were effectively exiled to remote areas. Xi was himself a member of the sent-down youth and has depicted his time in rural central China as a rewarding, life-changing experience that toughened his body and mind. The entire village where the leader once lived has been turned into a Communist shrine dedicated to him, attracting officials and tourists from across the country. Authorities in Guangdong, one of Chinas most densely populated provinces and a major factory hub, said earlier this year they hope to send 300,000 unemployed young people to the countryside to find work. Living in the mountains has its challenges, as Liu discovered. Liu lives in the mountains with his dogs and pigs. - Courtesy Liu Youwen At first, his parents worried about his safety, being alone in the woods, so they installed CCTV around the area to keep tabs on him. Then, to solve the problem of no electricity, Liu installed numerous solar panels around the shack. But he has also found an unconventional path to success and a starkly different one than the farm work and blue-collar jobs Chinese authorities have encouraged urban youth to seek out. Inspired by Chinese vlogger and influencer Li Ziqi, whose videos about life in rural China have earned her 18 million subscribers on YouTube, Liu now uploads weekly vlogs of his days in the mountains. And he isnt alone. Dianxi Xiaoge, another Chinese food vlogger, teaches her more than 10 million YouTube subscribers how to cook healthy food from a village in southwest Yunnan province. Another pair of Gen Z retirees, Xiao Chun Zi and Xin Xins Rural Life from Sichuan province, also post content similar to Lius. YouTube is among a number of social media sites behind Chinas Great Firewall, meaning it isnt accessible to most people in the country. Lius videos range from him building a pig pen to his interactions with his furry companions, two dogs named Lucky and Flower. Armed with just a phone and a tripod, his one-man production begins as he works in the field to grow vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and garlic, and as he prepares mashed up sweet potatoes and ragweed for his piglets. Liu's videos depict him eating meals, watching television, building a pig pen and other aspects of rural living. - Courtesy Liu Youwen He says he never feels lonely, with access to a television and his animals keeping him company. Since September, he has quickly garnered attention online, with more than 350,000 likes combined across his social media accounts. Some online users voiced admiration, with one commenting: He clearly knows what hes doing, has a healthy lifestyle, unlike some other Gen Zers who are addicted to video games. Another lamented, The 00s are starting to retire, what about those of us born in the 80s? referring to Lius retirement from the traditional workforce at just 21 years old. However, some were more skeptical, Do you have nothing to do at home? Doing all this meaningless stuff and lying flat? a commenter wrote. The lying flat movement tangping in Chinese exploded in popularity among young people in 2021, calling on them to reject social pressures to work hard, get married, have children and buy property. Instead of endlessly laboring toward those traditional goals which many now say offer diminishing returns people should pursue a simple life, the philosophy suggests. A 21-year-old vlogger in China quit his job in the city and moved back to his rural hometown to pursue a simpler life in the mountains - Courtesy Liu Youwen Liu has pushed back on his critics. Perhaps those who dont know me would see it as a form of lying flat, but I would disagree, he said. Ive built my entire home from scratch life in the mountains isnt that much easier than working in the city. To sustain his rural lifestyle, he incorporates advertising and product placement into his videos. From selling hand cream, facial cleansers to hot and sour noodles, hes making a small income to improve his living conditions, he said. In the future, Liu is also planning to expand his home to build a chicken pen, so he can sell meat online. And, he said, he encouraged those who wanted to move to the countryside to start their own business ventures there. Life in the mountains is much better than city life even drinking water costs money in the city, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Spaceship Neptune balloon capsule taking shape in Titusville hangar for 2024 test flight Resembling a white whiffle ball spanning 14 feet across, Space Perspective's prototype Spaceship Neptune is taking shape to soar on a series of test flights to the brink of space beneath a huge hydrogen-filled balloon. Spaceship Neptune is a pressurized circular capsule expected to take its inaugural flight during the first quarter of 2024, said Taber MacCallum, co-founder and co-CEO of Space Perspective. Read the full story here. SpaceX targets Friday night for record-extending 70th launch this year from Cape Canaveral Unprecedented: SpaceX's next rocket launch, which is scheduled for late Friday night, will mark the record-extending 70th this year from Cape Canaveral. And afterward with nine days remaining on the 2023 calendar will SpaceX send up another orbital launch or two for good measure? Read the full story here. Updates: SpaceX Starlink launch Saturday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team live coverage of tonights SpaceX Starlink 6-32 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Read the full story here. SpaceX Falcon 9 launches early Saturday; rocket booster logs 19th landing atop drone ship After its target launch time pushed back past midnight, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocketed into low-Earth orbit early Saturday morning amid a moderate risk of upper-level wind shear. The SpaceX Starlink 6-32 mission lifted off from Launch Complex 40 at 12:33 a.m. EST at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. That represented a 93-minute delay from the original 11 p.m. Friday target. Read the full story here. Titusville large-scale industrial park near airport to house space, aerospace tenants Officials hope to kick off construction early next year on Space Coast Innovation Park, a future 1.1-million-square-foot, five-building industrial spaceport complex across 100 acres alongside Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville. The opening construction phase calls for a trio of buildings spanning a combined 639,040 square feet for space-industry and aerospace tenants off Grissom Parkway. For comparison's sake, Amazon's recently built distribution center in Melbourne between West Eau Gallie Boulevard and Sarno Road measures 141,360 square feet, a site plan shows. Read full story here. SpaceX Falcon 9 booster tips over at sea, returns to Port Canaveral as battered wreckage Like long spaghetti strands, cables dangled from the mangled cylindrical base of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster into the waters of Port Canaveral as it floated home via a small watercraft flotilla following a Christmas mishap at sea. Identified as B1058, this bashed-up booster tipped over atop its drone ship early Monday morning amid rough seas and gusty winds, SpaceX announced. Read the full story here. For the latest launch schedule updates from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/launchschedule. Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 321 Launch: Space news you may have missed over the past week (Dec. 26) At least 19 Russian sailors are injured and 33 are missing after the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the Novocherkassk large landing ship in the port of temporarily occupied Feodosiia, Crimea. Source: Astra, a Russian independent Telegram channel, with reference to its sources; Telegram channel Agentstvo; 3rd Rank Captain Dmytro Pletenchuk, the spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, in an interview with Radio Liberty Details: Astra stated that 77 sailors were on board the vessel at the time of the attack on the night of 25-26 December. In addition to those who have gone missing, 19 sailors have been injured. Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed puppet leader of Crimea, previously reported one civilian killed and four injured as a result of the attack on the port. The fact that there were sailors on the Novocherkassk ship at the time of the attack was also reported earlier by Agentstvo, another Russian media outlet. It said that at least two officers could have been on board the vessel at the time of the attack. Updated at 11:17: 3rd Rank Captain Dmytro Pletenchuk, the spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, reported that the Novocherkassk large landing ship should have had personnel on it, even when it was in port. The result of the attack on the ship is still being established, as reconnaissance in the occupied territory is a difficult task. Quote: "A fairly large part of the crew was supposed to be on board, about 80 people. If you consider this type of ship, then there could be outsiders on it. Theres no way there were no victims there." Background: Explosions rocked Feodosiia in occupied Crimea at around 03:00 on 26 December. It was reported that a vessel supposedly carrying Iranian-made ammunition had been blown up, and a fire broke out in the port. Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Force, confirmed that Ukrainian defenders had blown up the large Russian landing ship Novocherkassk in occupied Feodosiia. It was revealed later that the Novocherkassk had been destroyed by cruise missiles launched from tactical aircraft belonging to the Ukrainian Air Force. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that the Novocherkassk had been damaged in Feodosiia that night "while repelling an attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces using air-launched guided missiles". According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, "during the anti-aircraft battle, two Ukrainian Su-24 fighters that were launching missiles were destroyed by air defence systems." The Ukrainian Air Force denied this. Support UP or become our patron! Six people, including two children, were killed and three injured Tuesday night in a multiple fatality accident in Johnson County, authorities said. Cleburne Assistant Fire Chief Keith Scarbrough told the Star-Telegram that a minivan with Georgia license plates and a pickup were involved in the crash. Six out of the seven minivan passengers died, according to Scarbrough. The preliminary investigation indicates that a Chevrolet Silverado traveling south on U.S. 67 around 4 p.m. entered the northbound lane in a no passing zone and hit a Honda Odyssey head on, the Texas Department of Public Safety said Wednesday morning in a press release. The two occupants of the Silverado, both 17-year-old males, and the 28-year-old surviving male passenger of the Odyssey were airlifted to Fort Worth hospitals, according to the release. The Odysseys driver, identified as 28-year-old Rushil Barri of Irving, died. The five minivan passengers who also died included a 9-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy, a 36-year-old woman, a 60-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man, according to the release. Four of the six who died were not wearing seatbelts. All of the minivan passengers were from Alpharetta, Georgia. The Georgia State Police is working with the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate the next of kin, the release said. The highway was closed for several hours Tuesday night between County Roads 1234 and 1120 due to the deadly crash, according to William Lockridge, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available right now, Lockridge said. The crash site is roughly 10 miles southwest of Cleburne. The Johnson County Sheriffs Office posted about the crash on social media and asked drivers to avoid the area while officers worked to clear the accident.. Please say a prayer for the families of the deceased and injured. Also, please pray for our Deputies, Troopers and all other first responders working this accident. Its a devastating scene and very emotional for all involved, the post said. Today's top stories: Flu widespread in Tarrant County Off-duty officer arrested on drunken driving charge Are speed traps legal in Texas? What the law says Get free alerts when news breaks. A vast caravan of thousands of migrants is travelling to the US southern border, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Mexico to lead a high-level delegation for critical talks on the immigration crisis. An estimated 8,000-strong group of migrants largely from Venezuela, Cuba and Central America, including many families with young children, crossed the Guatemalan border just before Christmas, according to the Associated Press. The caravan is believed the largest to set out from Central America in over a year, and comes as a record 10,000 migrants were arrested this month alone at the southwestern border. The US briefly closed two railway crossings in Texas last week that are crucial to the Mexican economy as border patrol agents were reassigned to cope with the unprecedented surge. The Aguilar Bastida family, from Venezuela, sit outside the Church of Santa Cruz y La Soledad where migrants camp out i (Associated Press) Mr Blinken, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall will meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in Mexico City on Wednesday to discuss ways to address border security challenges, according to a State Department statement. 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, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said last week. Around 8,000 migrants are making their way towards the southern US border (AP) Mr Lopez Obrador has said he is willing to help enforce immigration rules at the shared border, but wants to see US remove or reduce sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela, and for the US to contribute more development aid to the region. We are going to help, as we always do, the Mexican president said this week. Mexico has reportedly offered to negotiate directly with Venezuela and has pushed for increased US spending on youth scholarship and apprentice programmes in Central America. The migrants mainly come from Venezuela, Cuba and Central America (AP) The migrants faces a 1,000 mile (1,600km) trek to reach the US border, a feat no previous caravan has managed. On Christmas Day, entire families spent the night sleeping on scraps of cardboard and plastic in a park, and were fed sandwiches, bananas and water by church groups, according to the Associated Press. I was used to my Christmas dinner with the family, not spending it in the street as we did yesterday, Eduviges Arias, a migrant from Venezuela, told the AP. Migrant activist and caravan organiser Luis Garcia Villagran told the AP that Wednesdays summit would be a meeting between fools and fools, who want to use women and children as trading pieces. We are not trading pieces for any politician. Immigration reform has been deadlocked in Washington DC as Republicans in Congress have sought to tie aid to Ukraine and Israel to tougher border security. A total of 80 combat engagements between Ukrainian defenders and Russian occupiers took place at the front on 26 December 2023. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 27 December Details: A total of 80 combat engagements took place over the past day. The Russians launched 8 missile strikes and 60 airstrikes, and fired 69 times from multiple-launch rocket systems on Ukrainian troops' positions and populated areas. Unfortunately, the Russian terrorist attacks have resulted in civilian casualties. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure facilities were destroyed and damaged. It is noted that about 100 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts came under Russian artillery fire. On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russians are maintaining a military presence in the border areas, conducting active sabotage activities to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to vulnerable areas, and increasing the density of minefields along the state border in Russias Belgorod Oblast. In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled eight Russian attacks near the settlement of Synkivka and north-east of Petropavlivka (Kharkiv Oblast), where the Russians were trying to break through the Ukrainian defences. On the Lyman front, the defenders repelled 11 Russian attacks near Serebrianka Forest (Luhansk Oblast) and Vesele (Donetsk Oblast). On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled eight Russian attacks near the settlements of Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk Oblast). In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian Defence Forces persisted in holding back the Russians, as they kept trying to encircle the town of Avdiivka. Ukrainian soldiers are steadfastly holding the line, inflicting significant losses on the Russians. Ukrainian defenders repelled 13 Russian attacks east of Novobakhmutivka and Avdiivka, and 16 more near Pervomaiske and Nevelske (Donetsk Oblast). On the Marinka front, Ukrainian defenders are holding back the Russians near Novomykhailivka and Pobieda (Donetsk Oblast), repelling seven attacks in the area. On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians did not conduct any assault operations. On the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukrainian troops repelled nine Russian attacks near Robotyne and west of Verbove (Zaporizhzhia Oblast). In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, Ukrainian soldiers are continuing their efforts to expand their bridgehead. The Russians, despite their significant losses, keep trying to drive Ukrainian units from their positions. They carried out 14 unsuccessful assault operations but received a worthy response from Ukrainian defenders and retreated. Ukraine's Air Force struck 17 areas where Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment were concentrated and 5 anti-aircraft missile systems. Ukrainian air defence destroyed two Kh-59 air-launched guided missiles and one reconnaissance UAV. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine pointed out that tactical aircraft of Ukraines Air Force successfully targeted the Novocherkassk large landing ship belonging to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Units from Ukraines Rocket Forces and Artillery struck three clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment, a command post, two artillery systems and other three important facilities belonging to the Russians. Support UP or become our patron! Officers work at the scene where four people, including three teens, were shot in the 9300 block of South Racine Avenue on Dec. 11, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) It was a cold winter morning in 2021 when my youngest son ducked into a local gas station to grab a snack before heading to work. As he came out and entered his car, a gunman approached, yanked on his door, pointed a gun at him and commanded him to give up his car. My son refused. He was shot in the head. Miraculously, my son was not killed. The bullet passed through his left temple, exiting down through his right cheek. But the incident made the local Chicago crime problem real for me and my family in the most personal and painful way possible. Unfortunately, my familys experience is not uncommon. Across the city, Chicagoans saw a decade-high number of assaults and car thefts and homicide rates last year, according to a recent Illinois Policy Institute report. Certain offenses are on pace to increase in 2023. Advertisement Typically, solutions to crime in urban centers are built upon improving social structural factors or shoring up support for traditional law enforcement institutions. Both efforts are important. But a third factor too often gets ignored: the home life. City leaders and those fighting to decrease crime rates should put more emphasis on encouraging and fostering a healthy family life, including two-parent households. According to a new report from the Institute for Family Studies, crime rates are lower in neighborhoods and in cities where stable, two-parent families are the norm. Conversely, crime rates go up in places where fathers are absent, single mothers are common and family instability is the norm. Chicago often falls into the broken family category. In fact, the assailant who was arrested in connection with my sons carjacking came from a home without a father. Advertisement In Chicago specifically, we found neighborhoods with more single parents witness violent crime rates 226% higher and homicide rates 436% higher than in neighborhoods with lower levels of single parenthood. When comparing all major cities, crime rates are 48% higher in cities with higher levels of single parenthood, with violent crime rates 118% worse. These connections hold up even after controlling for other factors such as race, education and poverty. Whats special about strong two-parent family units is their higher levels of supervision, lower levels of parental conflict and poverty, and lower risks of abuse. These factors compound when considering a childs future. First, young boys are traumatized by family instability in ways that make them more likely to experience anti-social personality disorders as teens and young adults. Second, absent fathers provide less guidance and discipline for male adolescents and young adults. In fact, fatherless young men are about twice as likely to end up in jail or prison, compared with their peers from two-parent families, according to researchers Cynthia Harper and Sara McLanahan in a late-1990s study. Our leaders must prioritize policies that encourage young people in troubled neighborhoods to form strong and stable families. A major step forward would be to promote and advocate for the success sequence in schools and social media across American cities including Chicago. The idea is that a high school education, a full-time job and marriage should precede parenthood. Not only does this lead to less crime and more positive outcomes for individuals, but also, for young adults who follow the success sequence, 97% avoid falling into poverty as adults, according to a study of millennials by the Institute for Family Studies. 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 > Additional solutions could include eliminating marriage penalties in federal means-tested programs such as Medicaid, which discourage marriage among lower-income families. We could also offer more young adults, particularly young men, vocational education and apprenticeship programs. This would boost their career prospects, income and marriageability. To be sure, family is not the only factor driving crime. Its clear that factors such as poverty and race also matter for crime rates. Its also clear that political and law enforcement changes have made it easier to commit crimes here in the Chicago area. To that end, policymakers must also focus on strengthening neighborhood institutions, improving school outcomes and bolstering the effectiveness of local law enforcement. Advertisement That said, its a disservice to those who are both victims and perpetrators of crimes to not emphasize family stability in urban environments. We must realign material and cultural incentives to favor marriage and two-parent families in our cities not undercut them. To make Chicago safer, we must make our families stronger. Eddie Kornegay, Ph.D., is executive director of the Center for Poverty Solutions at the Illinois Policy Institute, a conservative research group. Brad Wilcox, professor of sociology and director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, is the Future of Freedom Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, a conservative think tank, and author of Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. A fallen tree lays across a camping trailer near the Gold Coast, Australia Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. At least nine people have died in wild weather in the Australian eastern states of Queensland and Victoria, officials said on Wednesday. (Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP) BRISBANE, Australia (AP) Wild weather has left at least 10 people dead in the eastern Australian states of Queensland and Victoria, officials said on Wednesday. Three men, aged 48, 59 and 69, were killed after a boat with 11 people on board capsized in rough weather in Moreton Bay off the south Queensland coast on Tuesday, police said. Ambulances took eight survivors to a hospital in stable conditions. The men were aboard the 39-foot pleasure craft on an annual fishing trip, The Courier Mail newspaper reported. Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Andrew Pilotto said those rescued were lucky to survive. The storm was still raging when they were rescued," Pilotto said. "It would have been very difficult to survive in those conditions anywhere. Elsewhere, a 59-year-old woman was killed by a falling tree in the Queensland city of Gold Coast on Monday night. The body of a 9-year-old girl was found on Tuesday in the neighboring city of Brisbane hours after she disappeared in a flooded stormwater drain. The bodies of a 40-year-old woman and a 46-year-old woman were found in the Mary River in the Queensland town of Gympie. They were among three women swept into the flooded river through a stormwater drain on Tuesday. Another 46-year-old woman managed to save herself. Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll blamed extraordinarily difficult weather for the tragedies. It has been a very tragic 24 hours due to the weather, Carroll told reporters. Severe weather has lashed parts of southeast Australia since Monday including Queensland and Victoria. A woman, who is yet to be identified, was found dead late Tuesday after flash flooding receded at a campground in Buchan in regional Victoria. The body of an unidentified man, who had been camping with the woman, was found late Wednesday, police said. Also on Tuesday, a 44-year-old man was killed by a falling branch on his rural property in Caringal in eastern Victoria. Thunderstorms and strong winds have brought down more than 1,000 power lines in parts of Queensland and left 85,000 people without electricity. By Brendan Pierson (Reuters) - The legal landscape surrounding abortion has been roiled by uncertainty since the U.S. Supreme Court last year overturned its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, which had guaranteed abortion rights nationwide. Abortion providers and reproductive rights groups have brought a slew of lawsuits seeking to invalidate new bans and abortion restrictions that went into effect in many Republican-led states after Roe fell, invoking women's rights under state constitutions. The cases often resulted in preliminary victories followed by whiplash reversals on appeal, leaving providers and patients in limbo. Many of those frontal challenges have now been decided by state supreme courts, which have upheld abortion bans in South Carolina, Indiana, Georgia and elsewhere. Of course, the initial wave of litigation is not over. Some of the state challenges - like Florida's - are still awaiting rulings. In another notable case with nationwide implications filed by conservative activists in 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to roll back access to the abortion pill mifepristone. Nonetheless, there has been a shift in the litigation, away from the broad, head-on challenges and toward narrower issues arising from the bans. A newer wave of lawsuits has focused on when emergency medical exceptions to abortion bans apply and whether states can stop their citizens from traveling to states where abortion remains legal- a trend experts expect to continue in the new year. WHY IT MATTERS All of the 18 states that have banned or sharply restricted abortion allow exceptions for medical emergencies when continued pregnancy would endanger the mother's life, or, in some states, health. But in practice, according to allegations in multiple lawsuits and public testimony from women, those exceptions are often unavailable because the laws are so vague that physicians are not sure when they apply, and so are unwilling to perform abortions for fear of prosecution. The issue received widespread national attention in December when the Texas Supreme Court ruled against Kate Cox, a Dallas Fort-Worth area woman who had sought an emergency medical abortion of her nonviable pregnancy. While that decision only applied to Cox, the state court is still considering another case about the scope of the medical exception that will apply more broadly. "Its becoming increasingly clear to the American public that there are a lot of scenarios in pregnancy where people need access to abortion" but can't get one, said Elizabeth Sepper, a professor of health law at the University of Texas at Austin. Data suggests that many women seeking abortion in states where it is banned, for medical or other reasons, travel out of state, like Cox did while she was awaiting the Texas Supreme Court's ruling. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights, about 92,100 women crossed state lines for an abortion in the first half of 2023 - more than double the number in a six-month period in 2020. Some states, like Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma and Idaho, have sought to stop that by making it a crime to help, or pay for, such travel. Lawsuits over such measures are pending in Alabama and Idaho. WHAT IT MEANS FOR 2024 Sepper and others said they expect more litigation over travel and, especially, medical exceptions in the coming year. Greer Donley, a professor at Pittsburgh Law School who focuses on abortion, said most such cases will not be brought by plaintiffs like Cox in need of an immediate abortion, since many people in that position would not want to take on the burden of a lawsuit and being in the national spotlight. "I think it's important to remember that what Kate Cox was willing to do was so extraordinary," Donley said. However, lawsuits over health exceptions could still be brought by physicians or women who have reason to believe they will face complicated pregnancies. One such case, brought by Planned Parenthood and others, is already pending in an Indiana state court. The case seeks to capitalize on a ruling by the Indiana Supreme Court that, while upholding the state's abortion ban, found that the state constitution allows abortion to preserve the mother's life or health. Two other pending cases center on a federal law, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), requiring emergency rooms to stabilize patients with an emergency condition. The Biden administration said last year that, if EMTALA conflicts with a state abortion ban, the federal law takes precedence. The guidance prompted challenges from state governments in Texas, where the federal government is currently blocked from enforcing it, and Idaho, where a judge has sided with the administration. Both cases are being appealed. David Cohen, a professor at Drexel University Law School, said that while the issue of medical exceptions affects a relatively small share of people seeking abortions, they have provided an effective message for abortion rights advocates about harms caused by bans. That will be particularly important in the coming year's elections, where Democrats expect abortion to be a potent issue. "Those stories seem to be resonating," Cohen said. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Jonathan Oatis) Meta has banned social justice activist Shaun King from Instagram, and he claims his account was disabled because he posted support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war. King, known for his social media advocacy on movements such as Black Lives Matter, had a following of more than 5 million users before his account on the Meta-owned platform was removed on Christmas Eve. The account was disabled due to multiple instances of praise for designated entities in violation of our policies, a Meta spokesperson wrote in an email. The spokesperson did not specify Kings violations, although Meta has come under scrutiny since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel for its Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy, which states that its platforms do not permit praise, substantive support and representation of various dangerous organizations and individuals. A Human Rights Watch report this month urged Meta to overhaul this policy, pointing to a series of flaws in its enforcement. The organization analyzed patterns of heightened censorship around content supporting Palestinians, citing user reports of Meta removing their posts or restricting their access to certain Instagram and Facebook features. On Monday, King posted a video and statement on his Facebook page claiming the platform banned him for fighting for Palestine online. I am told by my sources inside of Meta that they are tracking my IP address and will delete anything I say anywhere I say it, King wrote on Facebook, which is also owned by Meta. He added that he plans to take every measure available to get himself back on Instagram. I formally appealed the night of the suspension, but have also now retained attorneys to proceed with the Civil Rights Division of the legal team at Meta, King wrote in an email to NBC News Tuesday. In his Facebook statement, he wrote that he is safe and that he had hoped his Instagram platform would serve as a cover for Palestinians who cannot afford to lose their accounts by documenting their plight within Gaza and the West Bank. I refuse to betray my values and principles by staying silent about this genocide and the war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, he wrote. You can NEVER mince words about genocide. You can never mince words about war crimes. You MUST speak truth to power every way you know how. He said he feared Meta would further retaliate against Palestinians. Many on Facebook commented their support under his post. But others online were more critical, and even some pro-Palestinian activists celebrated his account's removal. King has been a controversial figure online, having faced repeated accusations of failing to deliver money he raised to the intended recipients. He has also faced allegations of lying about his biracial background, accusations he denied in a 2015 essay. Some on X resurfaced the hashtag #BlockShaunKing, which first trended on the platform more than two years ago after Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice, and Lisa Simpson, mother of Richard Risher, called him out for monopolizing and capitalizing [on] the Black Lives Matter movement. I support Palestine. I do not support Shaun King, one X user posted to more than 4,000 likes. The user added in a reply: I understand the role he has played in showcasing information coming from Palestine, but I do not believe his intentions were pure, and I do believe intentions matter with regards to doing this kind of work. Another user wrote on X: The best Christmas gift I could imagine is Shaun King getting deleted from the internet. He is not the hill anyone should die on. Follow actual Palestinians. Follow actual Black people. Lets not take known grifters into the new year, thanks! This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A coalition of key LGBTQ+ and immigrants' rights groups has come forward with a strong condemnation of potential revisions to the United States asylum system. In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and members of Congress, organizations including Immigration Equality, the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and Lambda Legal have outlined severe concerns regarding the implications of these changes for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. It comes at a critical juncture, just days after the Biden administration indicated its willingness to consider significant changes to the U.S. asylum and immigration system. Last Tuesday, reports emerged that the administration, in discussions with Congress, was open to new border authority measures, including the possibility of expelling migrants without asylum screenings and expanding immigration detention and deportations. Related: LGBTQ Asylum Seekers Cannot Wait Safely in Mexico In negotiations with Congress over a roughly $100 billion emergency funding package, which includes military aid and immigration enforcement measures, the White House indicated a willingness to support new, stringent immigration policies, CBS News reported. These include a new legal authority for U.S. border officials to expel migrants without processing their asylum claims, effectively reviving the Trump-era Title 42 policy but without using public health considerations to support it. Additionally, the administration is considering expanding the use of expedited removal, which allows for the deportation of migrants without court hearings and mandating the detention of certain migrants. These measures are part of an effort to secure Republican backing for the foreign aid package, which includes assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan as well as funding for border enforcement and hiring additional immigration officials. The letter describes the proposed adjustments as radically irresponsible restrictions, drawing parallels with policies from former President Donald Trumps administration. The dangerous and highly politicized proposals under consideration threaten to make asylum inaccessible to a vast majority of refugees, the letter reads, emphasizing the particular vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals escaping persecution and torture. Related: New Biden Asylum Policy Will Hurt LGBTQ+ Migrants and Others, Activists Say The coalition points explicitly to the potential reimplementation of expulsion policies that would enable a president to halt asylum access at the border indefinitely. They argue that it is reminiscent of the Title 42 policys severe repercussions, during which LGBTQ+ asylum seekers faced egregious violence, including instances of kidnapping, rape, and assault. Title 42, a policy initially implemented during the Trump administration in March 2020, was framed under the guise of a public health order. Its primary function was to enable U.S. officials to rapidly expel migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, citing the prevention of COVID-19 spread as the rationale. This policy marked a significant shift from previous practices, under which migrants could typically request asylum upon entry, even if entering illegally, and often be allowed into the U.S. to await the outcome of their immigration cases. Under the stringent measures of Title 42, migrants, regardless of their asylum claims, were swiftly returned across the border, effectively denying them the opportunity to seek asylum. This led to more than 2.8 million expulsions, according to the Associated Press. Notably, families and unaccompanied children were often exempt from these expulsions. As we saw under the deadly Title 42 policy, over thirteen thousand migrants were subjected to severe violence in Mexico, including LGBTQ asylum seekers who were kidnapped, raped, and assaulted, the letter states. While the policy was initially enacted as a health measure, it had substantial implications for border management and asylum processes, often criticized for circumventing established asylum protocols. In January of this year, the Biden administration announced the end of national COVID-19 emergencies, leading to the cessation of Title 42 restrictions. This has prompted a shift in border policies and asylum processing, sparking debates and legal challenges around the treatment of migrants and the protection of public health. Related: LGBTQ+ Refugees Tell Their Stories in Unsettled, Now Streaming Equally concerning to the groups is the possibility of enforcing a Transit Ban or Safe Third Country agreement. The letter highlights the extreme danger these transit countries pose to LGBTQ+ people, marked by widespread violence and discrimination, making them unsuitable as asylum havens. Transit Ban and Safe Third Country agreements are immigration policies that significantly impact the asylum-seeking process. Under a Transit Ban, asylum seekers who pass through another country before reaching the United States are not eligible to apply for asylum in the U.S., on the assumption that they should have sought asylum in the first safe country they entered. Similarly, Safe Third Country agreements are formal arrangements between the U.S. and other countries, requiring refugees to seek protection in the first country they enter that is deemed safe, effectively barring them from claiming asylum in the U.S. if they traveled through a designated safe third country. These policies have been controversial, as they can force asylum seekers, including those from vulnerable groups like the LGBTQ+ community, to seek refuge in countries where they may still face danger or where the asylum process is not as robust as in the United States. Additionally, the letter critiques the idea of tightening the asylum screening process, asserting that this could lead to the wrongful return of legitimate LGBTQ+ asylum seekers to countries where they face persecution. The coalition stresses the critical need to maintain an accessible and equitable asylum system, especially for groups at heightened risk, like the LGBTQ+ community. The Advocate reached out to the White House for comment. Concluding its message, the coalition made a plea: The lives of LGBTQ asylum seekers must not be compromised in legislative bargaining. They call on the Biden administration and Congress to contemplate the grave consequences of these proposed policy changes and to pursue immigration reform that protects the rights and safety of refugees and asylum seekers. AUSTIN (KXAN) A man was arrested in connection to a murder that happened in southeast Austin early the morning of Dec. 19, according to a court document obtained by KXAN. David Mejia-Villagran, 42, was arrested and charged with murder after admitting to homicide detectives that he shot the victim, identified as Jorge Ordonez-Perez, 28, according to the affidavit. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, around 4:50 a.m., the Hays County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call from a witness who had dialed 911 and left the phone on and put it in their pocket. Dispatchers were able to hear a male and female voice crying and occasionally arguing, the affidavit said. Deputies arrived at the scene around 4:57 a.m. While working the scene, Villagrans son arrived and spoke to deputies, and told them he drove his father from Kyle to an apartment complex located at 2005 Willow Creek Drive in Austin early the morning of Dec. 19 to locate his mother, the affidavit said. Due to the HCSO call, the Austin Police Department was dispatched to the apartment complex, where they located a body partially concealed by a concrete barrier. The man was pronounced dead on the scene at 8:44 a.m. and identified as Jorge Ordonez-Perez. Villagrans son told police he parked further away from his mothers car at the complex while his father got out and searched on foot for her. The affidavit said the son told police he heard two loud pops in the area while he waited for his father. The son said shortly after that, he got a text from Villagran asking him to drive back to the mothers car to help jumpstart it, according to the affidavit. According to the affidavit, when the son arrived back at his mothers vehicle, he saw her in the front passenger seat and observed a body on the ground on the passenger side of the vehicle. He said the body appeared to be breathing, but there was blood on the persons face, the affidavit said. The son asked Villagran what happened, to which Villagran responded he had knocked the person out, then again asked his son for help jumpstarting the vehicle, according to the affidavit. Once the mothers car was running, the son saw Villagran drag the body from the passenger side to the rear of the vehicle, the affidavit said. The son then went back to his vehicle and left the scene. Villagran was later transported to the APD homicide office where he spoke with police and told them he called Perez about a month prior and accused him of being in a romantic relationship with his wife, according to the affidavit. Villagran told police that in the same call, he told Perez, if you dont keep your distance, I will kill you, the affidavit said. According to the affidavit, Villagran knew his wifes car was at the Willow Creek Drive apartment complex because of a GPS he had installed on her vehicle. The affidavit said he admitted to asking his son to drive him to her location and admitted to bringing a handgun with him. The affidavit says Villagran told police he saw his wife in the vehicle on top of Perez and said, thats when I lost everything. According to the affidavit, Villagran admitted to becoming angry and shooting Perez. When asked why, Villagran said it was out of jealousy, the affidavit said. Villagran was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and booked into the Travis County Jail on Dec. 19 on a $1 million bond, according to jail records. No attorney is listed for Villagran at this time, but if one becomes available, KXAN will reach out to them for comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. As 2023 comes to an end, it's time to start looking ahead to next year. Here are 14 Wilmington anniversaries worth celebrating, or at least noting, in 2024. Fort Johnston built: 260 years The Southport Pier and Fort Johnston in Southport, 2018. Colonial North Carolina Gov. Gabriel Johnston actually ordered that construction begin on this former military base at the mouth of the Cape Fear River in 1745. But things took a bit longer back then, and construction on the Fort in what we now know as Southport didn't begin until 1748. Work wasn't completed until 1764. Parts of the original fort were destroyed over the years, but the building that exists today is the former officers' quarters. Fort Johnston had key roles to play in both the Revolutionary and Civil wars, and it's still a focal point of life in Southport, where it's now a museum and a gathering site for civic events. Rose O'Neal Greenhow dies: 160 years In one of the more enduring tales from the history of the Lower Cape Fear is that of Washington socialite and Confederate spy Rose O'Neale Greenhow, who drowned near the mouth of the Cape Fear River on Oct. 1, 1864. Greenhow was returning from a trip to France and Great Britain to raise money and gain support for the Confederacy when the ship she was on ran aground trying to escape a Union blockade. Greenhow attempted to reach shore in a rowboat, but it capsized and, so the legend goes, weighed down by $2,000 in gold coins, she drowned. (Some have disputed the role the money played in her death, saying the weight of her wet clothes probably would've been enough to drag Greenhow under.) Greenhow is buried in Wilmington's Oakdale Cemetery. Alton Lennon Federal Building opens: 105 years Alton Lennon Federal Building in Wilmington, 2015. Built on the site of the old Customs House, which itself pops up in Wilmington history quite a bit, the Alton Lennon Federal Building on Water Street opened in 1919 as a federal courthouse. In 1976, it was renamed for Alton Asa Lennon, a Wilmington native who served in the U.S. Senate in the early '50s and in the U.S. House from 1957 to 1972. Lennon died in 1986. The building recently reopened after being closed for five years due to extensive damage from Hurricane Florence. Wrightsboro Elementary opens: 100 years Wartime photo of Wrightsboro. The principal was Nellie Fentress. The elementary school still operates. Wilmington elementary school on Castle Hayne Road was built in 1924 and is still in use today. A second story was added 1939, and in 1997 a 15-classroom addition was constructed. Henry Bacon Jr. dies: 100 years Wilmington native is best known as the architect of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. He died in 1924, which is also the year the former Confederate monument at Third and Dock streets was installed, which Bacon also designed. The Confederate monument was removed in 2021. Britt's Donuts opens: 85 years Five racks of recently glazed donuts dry at Britt's Donut Shop at Carolina Beach on Saturday, July 21, 2007. Legendary and beloved spot on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk starting serving up fried dough way back in 1939. Hurricane Hazel hits: 70 years Carolina Beach, N.C., Oct. 15, 1954: Hotels, rooming houses and apartments were damaged, some beyond repair, by the fury of Hurricane Hazel. [Photo from 'Hurricane Hazel Lashes Coastal Carolinas: The Great Storm in Pictures'; caption by Beverly Tetterton] One of the most destructive storms ever to hit the Lower Cape Fear, Hazel hit Oct. 15, 1954, as a Category 4 storm packing 140 mph winds and an 18-foot storm surge. Nineteen people died, damages topped $163 million and over 50,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. WECT goes on the air: 70 years Wilmington's oldest television station signed on the air for the first time on April 8, 1954. It was originally called WMFD and aired content for four different networks before eventually becoming associated primarily with NBC. WWAY goes on the air: 60 years Ten years after Wilmington got its first TV station with WECT in 1954, WWAY began broadcasting Oct. 30, 1964. It was then, and remains, an ABC affiliate. Wilmington National Register Historic District created: 50 years Chuck Capehart walks across the front porch of the Bellamy Mansion while touring the historic home in Wilmington, N.C. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO] In 1974, much of downtown Wilmington was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This helped pave the way for much of the historic preservation that contributed to the city's revitalization starting in the late '70s. Willis Richardson Players formed: 50 years From left, James Williams, Lela Thompson and Marie Williams in a promotional photo for "It's So Nice to Be Civilized" performed by the Willis Richardson Players. In 1974, Peter Smith, Gloria Ramos, Jim Johnson and others formed Wilmington theater troupe The Willis Richardson Players, aiming to perform work by Black playwrights and with predominantly Black casts. The troupe took its name from the Wilmington native, born in 1889, who is the first Black playwright to have work produced on a Broadway stage: The Chip Woman's Fortune in 1923. The Willis Richardson Players were run for more than 20 years by Lela Thompson, who was in the troupe's inaugural production. Thompson died in late 2022, however, and the troupe has not been active since before the pandemic in 2019. Independence Mall opens: 45 years Belk's at Independence Mall is closed in Wilmington, N.C., Wednesday, May 6, 2020. N.C. Gov. Cooper announced a transition to phase 1 that will ease retail restrictions beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday. Independence Mall on Oleander Drive opened Aug. 1, 1979, to big crowds. Anchor stores were Sears, J.C. Penny and Belk-Beery, and the mosaics of area scenes above several entrances, created by late Wilmington artist Samuel D. Bissette, still shine today. Wilmington's first enclosed mall (Long Leaf Mall, which predated it, was open-air) has seen renovations and additions over the years, but its core remains intact. 'Firestarter' opens in theaters: 40 years Drew Barrymore was 8 years old when she starred in 1984's "Firestarter," the first film to shoot in the Wilmington area. The movie credited with sparking Wilmington's film industry hit theaters nationwide with a star-studded cast on May 11, 1984. Critics weren't kind to the movie, which was based on the novel by Stephen King about a girl (a pre-talk show Drew Barrymore) who can start fires with her mind. But it led to Wilmington's first film studio, built by "Firestarter" producer Dino De Laurentiis, and paved the way for dozens of film and TV productions that changed the face of Wilmington. Hurricane Floyd hits: 25 years Carolina Beach Ave. North is filled with four feet of sand Friday, Sept. 17, 1999, as work crews use front end loaders to remove the sand left by Hurricane Floyd in Carolina Beach. (AP Photo/Wilmington StarNews, Mark Courtney) Making landfall near Wrightsville Beach on Sept. 16, 1999, Floyd was "only" a Cat 2 but had the highest rainfall totals of any storm ever to hit Wilmington until Florence in 2018. Floyd caused more than $6 billion in damage statewide. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Important Wilmington, NC anniversaries in 2024: history, food, film More than one fifth of the world is at risk of significant flooding as waters rise. But artificial intelligence models could help save lives as conditions worsen in the coming years. AI flood models study not just the weather, but nearby terrain and history as well. Nearly two billion people are facing significant flooding risks amid the climate crisis and experts only expect the problem to worsen with coastal flooding on track to skyrocket by 2100. But as waters rise across the globe, scientists and researchers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to combat the growing problem, according to reports. Flood monitoring firms from Iowa to Norway are using AI to combat damage from flooding by creating digital prediction models that could help save lives with early evacuation warnings and more accurate mapping data. Cities around the world could see more than six feet of flooding by the turn of the century, and at least eight major American cities are at risk of disappearing almost entirely by 2100 including New Orleans, Miami, and New York City, Business Insider previously reported. Low-lying coastal cities are especially at risk of flood damage brought on by rising seawaters, leaving much of Florida in a path of potential destruction. A model flood Physics-based flood models that rely on standard computing power were once the norm in flood prediction, according to the BBC. But those models are prone to underestimating the real risk of incoming flooding, Northeastern Global News reported earlier this year, citing an incident in Waverly, Tennessee, in August 2021 when 20 people died after meteorologists predicted two to three inches of rain but wound up with more than 20. There were at least 77 US flood fatalities in 2023, according to the National Weather Service. Artificial intelligence models, however, study not just the weather forecast but the nearby land and rivers, drainage information about the area, and regional layout to create more comprehensive predictive models. Residents cross a road damaged during flooding. Brian Inganga/AP According to the BBC, AI also has superior computing power, meaning models can do the work much quicker and with less human oversight. One firm employing AI is 7Analytics, a Norway-based sustainability data platform focusing on climate risk management. The company already uses its AI model to provide real-time flooding predictions for local businesses and authorities, pinpointing at-risk areas, according to the BBC. The company's founder Jonas Borland told the outlet that the model can predict up to seven days before a catastrophic weather event. "All of this data takes into account where the water will flow, and where it will create problems," he said. "We can tell you that in five days you will have 50 cm of water at your entrance, and we can tell you when it will subside." Torland told the outlet that donations and funding for the model have increased recently as awareness of flood risks has become more commonplace. Big names Neara, a London-based infrastructure modeling platform, uses AI to make digital simulations of floods that help electricity networks prepare for and respond to water damage, The BBC reported. Meanwhile, the University of Iowa also has an AI model called Flood AI. Even Google has gotten in on the AI game, providing river flood warnings across more than 80 countries with its Flood Hub platform, which launched in the UK and the US earlier this year. "Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters, and impact hundreds of millions people per year," Yossi Matias, vice president of engineering and research and crisis response lead at Google, told the BBC "We really want to let people know before floods actually hit them." The system uses satellite images to make pictures of rivers and nearby terrain, which AI then uses to predict how rivers could flood following rainfall. Flood Hub researchers told the BBC that the system could send a warning anywhere from two to seven days before devastating weather hits. In 2021 alone, Google sent 115 million flood alert messages to 23 million people, the company wrote in a sponsored Bloomberg article. According to the BBC, AI models are especially helpful in places with limited historical weather data. "The nature of these global models is they can actually learn from experiences happening in other rivers where you have more data and more historical experience, Matias told the BBC. But AI models aren't a perfect solution, Amy McGovern, a computer scientist at the University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology, told the outlet. They are only as good as the data they collect; places that don't have a history of severe flooding, remain at risk as artificial intelligence races to gather enough information to predict the outcome of rare heavy rains there. Read the original article on Business Insider Texas Gov. Greg Abbot began busing migrants to Chicago long before Mayor Brandon Johnson was sworn into office. More than 26,000 new arrivals have come to Chicago since last summer, according to the citys online dashboard. And more continue to arrive. Our section has published several op-eds and columns this year that offer perspectives on what can be done to ease the immigration crisis in Chicago and the U.S. and provide basic needs for those arriving to our city after making arduous journeys from their home countries. And some writers have questioned what it really means for Chicago to be a sanctuary city. Advertisement Here is a look back in excerpts. Geographically, our southern border is the only place where people can access asylum, a universal human right. The United States shares borders with only two countries, Mexico and Canada. Almost everyone asking for asylum accesses it at our southern border because to our north is Canada, a safe country. At one time, people could fly to one of our airports or access our territory on boats, but we have closed off those options. Airlines have been turned into de facto immigration agents because they are made to pay huge fines if they carry people to an airport where those passengers ask for asylum. The same is true for boats or ships. Advertisement Any person fleeing rape, violence, persecution, gangs or terror must find a way to make it to our southern border. There is no other way. Instead of seeing this situation as a human rights nightmare, which it is, Americans are concentrating on reading it as a quasi-assault on our sovereignty. When the mayor of El Paso, Texas, Oscar Leeser, asked for additional resources, he was instead attacked for not declaring an emergency. Yes, asylum-seekers are at our border. We have the resources for processing their applications. Why arent we using them? Migrants exit a bus in the West Loop neighborhood on Dec. 5, 2023, after traveling to Chicago from Texas. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) No matter what immigration policy is used, it is critical that the people being vetted have appropriate documentation to establish where they are coming from and what their current citizenship is. Without such information, it is impossible to implement any policy in a fair and equitable manner. Providing standardized requirements for every possible immigrant long before they ever get to the border is critical. Without widespread communication campaigns throughout Latin America, immigration officers are handcuffed in doing their jobs. This would be like Transportation Security Administration officers not being able to protect the air system if they are focused on sorting through the identity verification materials presented by every traveler and assessing which will be accepted. ... Create multiple layers to vet immigrants, with each layer providing independent information to facilitate processing. An online system is a step to facilitate this. The key is consistency, which means that if people show up without having registered, authorities could provide computer network facilities for them to register, all in their language of choice, with ample assistance available. Only those registered should be processed. Once rules are broken and standardization is compromised, it becomes impossible to maintain order at the borders. Things were very different back in the early 1980s. Hundreds and then thousands of Salvadorans and Guatemalans fleeing murderous governments began arriving in our city. Their immediate needs were taken care of by informal networks within their own communities and by the religious congregations that eventually formed the sanctuary movement. Although the flow of refugees went on for at least a decade, their survival did not require the public marshaling of resources for shelter, food and clothing we see today. The critical difference was that until 1986, undocumented immigrants and asylum-seekers could find jobs. There was no employer sanctions law asylum-seekers who wanted to work were able to get jobs that enabled them to supply their own daily needs soon after they arrived. Today, we have a federal law that bars employers from hiring any foreigner who lacks official authorization to work. Its official federal employment authorization that the new asylum-seekers need. Advertisement Pat Sharkey speaks during a rally outside the Broadway Armory on July 27, 2023, in Chicago. The rally was in response to plans to use the armory, which is run by the Chicago Park District, as a shelter for migrants. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) The day before construction crews began converting the armorys gyms into a massive dormitory, city officials could not tell Edgewater residents when they expect the parks programs and community spaces to reopen. Since resolution of the migrant crisis at the southern U.S. border has been elusive for decades, Edgewater residents are understandably concerned it may be years before the armory is reopened. Residents of other Chicago neighborhoods should take heed as their park programs may be the next on the chopping block. The problem with this ad hoc solution is that it shifts the cost of sheltering migrants to those who can least afford it at-risk youths and working families. These Chicagoans rely on the safe space and affordable recreational and educational services provided at our urban parks. I am proud of our city and state for welcoming these individuals. I am proud we are a sanctuary city. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a disaster declaration to unlock resources for asylum-seekers. We are one of at least 10 states that extend government-sponsored insurance to low-income children regardless of immigration status, though we did recently scale back coverage for adults in similar circumstances. Illinois is going to provide a funeral and burial for the 3-year-old asylum-seeker who died on that bus. But she should not have been there in the first place. How many more vulnerable children need to be buried in the United States before things change? Before these children have access to needed pediatric care and pediatric subspecialists? Before we can ensure that parents are listened to, and help is called when necessary? We need to speak out at the state and federal level against policies that harm children. And we need to continue to show support for the policies that make our community a sanctuary for these children and provide them with necessary and appropriate medical care. Jose Urribarri shows the chickenpox on his son Jose Leonardo, 3, outside the 18th District police station in November 2023. Leonardo's parents took Jose to a nearby health clinic after cold weather and snow hit the Chicago area (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Critics dismiss (Mayor Brandon) Johnsons planned trip as a publicity stunt, a high-profile attempt to show he is large and in charge. Mr. Mayor, instead of touring the border, heres a better use of your extremely valuable time. Advertisement You love to remind voters that you are a former community organizer. So, you should be right at home, attending those community meetings to hear firsthand the barrage of complaints and concerns of your constituents and respond. Instead of jumping on a jet to fly 1,400 miles to the border, take a short ride to OHare International Airport to inspect the humanity languishing there. Come to my neighborhood, where I regularly walk by the shuttered American Islamic College, at Irving Park Road and DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The school has been transformed into temporary housing for 1,000 migrants. Young children are playing outside, their numerous bicycles propped up inside the gates. All are provided beds, hot showers and regular meals. 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 > Directly across the street, on an embankment butting up against the busy drive, sit several thin, raggedy tents blowing in the wind. Living there are homeless Chicagoans. Mayor, ask yourself, whats wrong with that picture? Prohibition did permit exceptions in the same way Americas current legal immigration does provide avenues, but in both cases, the public then, as the public now, bent those rules well beyond their intention to meet the demands of that time. During Prohibition, for example, the law allowed for medicinal use of alcohol. This exception quickly overwhelmed the medical profession as doctors pocketed an estimated $40 million for writing medicinal whiskey prescriptions. ... Similarly, asylum laws were only meant for a small portion of individuals who are seeking asylum. Of the 1.3 million pending asylum cases, chances are only about 31% of them will get asylum, based on historical trends. Asylum is an exceptional remedy, just as medicinal alcohol was then, but in both situations, the exceptional quickly became the rule because they are essentially the only game in town. Advertisement What lessons can we learn from our failures then and now? First, repealing Prohibition did not suddenly make drinking entirely available no more than reforming our immigration laws would lead to open borders. A series of regulations after the repeal of Prohibition in the 1930s led to closing hours, age limits, Sunday blue laws and a collection of geography-related prescriptions that kept bars and package stores away from schools, churches and hospitals. ... The same is true for immigration. Updating our immigration system with a much larger number of legal immigrants, a greater number of immigration pathways, faster temporary work visa processing, technological case management improvements and far more flexibility in increasing immigration numbers during good times and decreasing in bad would help as well. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Alex Brown operates a shoe shine business inside the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Brown learned to shine shoes from his father when he was in middle school. First impressions matter. Especially in a courtroom. Alex Brown can appreciate that. He's not a prosecutor or a judge or some young paralegal paying their dues on their way to a career at a defense table. Brown shines shoes. It's here, on the ground floor of the Milwaukee County Courthouse, just a few steps from the cafeteria, where the 46-year-old Brown can be seen each day working at the Courthouse Valet station. His office is a sit-down Collins shine stand fitted with mocha-colored leather chairs and brass foot stirrups. His work tools are an assortment of brushes and cleaning rags, along with a collage of glosses and polishes that come in umpteen shades of brown and tan. It's all reminiscent of a old black-and-white photo. But its value is timeless. "I don't do anything for a job. I do things for a purpose," Brown said. "I get to bring something back to new every day. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley gets a shoe shine from Alex Brown on Dec. 12, 2023, at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. "I live my life like that. Every day is a new day for me." Brown is among the scores of people who work inside the state's busiest courthouse but aren't law-types. While most people may think courthouses are filled mainly keenly coifed men in sport coats and neatly manicured women in pantsuits or pencil skirts, Brown wears a traditional shiner's apron to work. Proudly. He was in middle school, maybe 13 years old, the first time he picked up a shine brush. Brown learned the trade from his father, Ricky, who runs a separate stand. A Milwaukee native, Brown's only time away from shining came when he went to college in Maryland. After four years, he came back to Milwaukee and to the shining stirrups. Brown makes it his mission to smoothen out scuffs, blend discolorations and cover imperfections on shoes worn by courthouse visitors. And he does so, in many instances, just moments before they appear before a judge it can be a high-stakes situation. Shoe shiners are harder to find these days, outside of a train station or an airport. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the industry's decline as more people worked from home, and more people began wearing more casual shoes in the workplace. Milwaukee County's courthouse was an anomaly during the pandemic; it never fully closed. The court continued to operate, while implementing strict social distancing policies and leaning more on technology for virtual hearings. Keeping the courthouse open meant Brown could keep working. While Brown says he doesn't keep count of how many shoes he's restored in a week, month or a year, he's been able to make a living working at Milwaukee's courthouse, which processes roughly 150,000 case files annually. That means a lot of potential foot traffic. Alex Brown shines a shoe Dec. 12, 2023, at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Still, he doesn't obsess over how many shoes march into the courthouse or ponder the potential profit. "People come in and out of here ... and, at the end of the day, people put an emphasis on what? At the end of the day, what really matters to me is how a person is doing. Are you healthy? That's what matters, not how much (money) you made. "What makes my day? Peace of mind." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: At Milwaukee County Courthouse, Alex Brown makes people shine A woman in Florida caught a brawl between a Burmese python and an alligator on camera during a recent trip to Everglades National Park. Alison Joslyn came across the scene while riding her bike in the parks Shark Valley and posted the footage on Facebook. As an amateur wildlife photographer, I knew immediately I was seeing something very special, Alison Joslyn told Storyful. I thought both might be dead until the gator opened an eye to look at me! The Florida park is visited by around 1 million people annually, according to the National Park Service. and is the only place in the world where alligators co-exist with crocodiles. Its also the only place in the US where visitors can see crocodiles, due to a mix of fresh water from Lake Okeechobee and seawater. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Burmese python is a large, nonvenomous constrictor and an invasive species in the state. They are primarily found in and around the Everglades ecosystem. The species is considered to be one of the largest snakes in the world and officials consider it a threat to the states native wildlife. The biggest Burmese python to be captured in the state was 18ft long. As a result, members of the public can capture and kill the pythons without a permit and year-round on private property. In Florida, Burmese pythons have been found to prey upon a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and alligators, according to the conservation commission. A number of antisemitic incidents rocked several college campuses this year in the U.S. following an attack committed against Israel by Hamas militants. Following the terrorist attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, which left an estimated 1,200 people dead, several college campuses became hotbeds for pro-Palestinian demonstrations amid an outpouring of protests on the same issue from different corners of the world. Many of those who took part in the demonstrations failed to condemn the terror group and instead took aim at the Jewish State over its retaliatory efforts. Several of the protests and demonstrations involved the direct targeting of Jewish students, sparking backlash on a national scale. Other protests seemingly encouraged attacks on Jewish students outside the settings of the demonstrations. CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM HAS PARENTS, STUDENTS RECONSIDERING COLLEGE CHOICES Pro-Palestinian protesters gather at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Oct. 14. Less than a week after the initial attack on Israel, a 24-year-old Israeli School of General Studies student at Columbia University was allegedly assaulted with a stick by another student in front of one of the school's libraries. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The suspect, a 19-year-old female, was reportedly taken into custody and charged with one count of assault, according to the Columbia Daily Spectator, the school's newspaper, which cited comments from a NYPD spokesperson. The Jewish student who was attacked, according to the outlet, "suffered minor injuries, including a laceration to his hand." An instructor at Stanford University was sidelined in October for "identity-based targeting of students" amid the school's probe of a situation that caused "serious concern" on the heels of the brutal Hamas terror attacks in Israel. Stanford President Richard Saller and Provost Jenny Martinez issued a lengthy statement addressing "several issues that have arisen" on campus since the Hamas terror attack, including the apparent suspension of an unnamed instructor. "We have received a report of a class in which a non-faculty instructor is reported to have addressed the Middle East conflict in a manner that called out individual students in class based on their backgrounds and identities. Without prejudging the matter, this report is a cause for serious concern. Academic freedom does not permit the identity-based targeting of students," the pair said. "The instructor in this course is not currently teaching while the university works to ascertain the facts of the situation." An instructor at Stanford University was sidelined in October for alleged "identity-based targeting of students" amid the school's probing of a situation that caused "serious concern" on the heels of the brutal Hamas terror attacks in Israel. Forward, a nonprofit news organization that covers "issues, ideas and institutions that matter to American Jews," spoke with Rabbi Dov Greenberg, director of the Chabad Stanford Jewish Center about the ordeal. Rabbi Greenberg said he was told by three students the instructor asked Jewish and Israeli students to identify themselves during an undergraduate course called "Civil, Liberal and Global Education." Greenberg told Forward the teacher then told the Jewish students to take their belongings and stand in a corner because "this is what Israel does to the Palestinians." CLASHES OVER ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR SHATTER STUDENTS' SENSE OF SAFETY ON US COLLEGE CAMPUSES "The instructor then asked, How many people died in the Holocaust? When a student answered, Six million, the lecturer said, Colonizers killed more than 6 million. Israel is a colonizer," Forward reporter Beth Harpaz wrote of the incident. Multiple pro-Palestinian student groups hosted a march and "die-in" at Harvard Business School on Oct. 18 in protest of Israels "genocide" of Palestinians in Gaza. The two Harvard student groups, the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee and Harvard Graduate Students for Palestine, organized the march from Harvard's main campus in Cambridge to its business school in Boston to protest Israels alleged mistreatment of innocent Palestinians in Gaza. The crowd of pro-Palestinian Harvard students marched from one Harvard campus to the other with signs and banners, one that said, "Stop the genocide in Gaza," while chanting slogans like, "Hey! Hey! You cant hide, we charge you with genocide." Chants of "F--- Harvard Business School" could be heard from the marchers as well. During the demonstration, a first-year Israeli student at the school was captured on film being shoved and accosted by some protesters. In the clip, the student can be heard saying "dont grab me" and "dont touch my neck" while those surrounding him shouted "Shame!" Following the incident, the Washington Free Beacon noted a "report to the FBI identified two of the people laying hands on him as fellow Harvard University graduate students, one a law student, Ibrahim Bharmal, a member of the Harvard Law Review, and the other a divinity school graduate student, Elom Tettey Tamaklo, who lives with Harvard undergraduate students in a supervisory role known as a proctor." Jewish students at a private New York City college were locked inside a school library on Oct. 25 as a pro-Palestinian rally moved through the building, with protesters banging on the doors and chanting "free, free Palestine," video shows. In one video, protesters were seen outside the windows of one Cooper Union library as Jewish students sit at a table and attempt to study. On the other side of the glass, students are seen holding up signs protesting Israels occupation of Palestine. Jake Novak, the former media director at the Israeli Consulate in New York, posted on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that several Jewish students were locked in the school library at about 5:15 p.m. 'PROBABLY CAN'T FIND ISRAEL ON A MAP': AMERICANS RESPOND TO ANTISEMITISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES "My sources tell me several Jewish students [at Cooper Union] are currently locked in the school library as a [pro] Hamas rally outside of the Cooper Union building learnt [sic] the Jews were afraid and sitting in the library, then brought the protest inside and are barricading all exits," he posted. "Police have been called for 40 min and are afraid to get involved. Security locked the students in as they are worried they cannot protect the Jews [right now]." He also shared video of the Jewish students standing in the library as banging could be heard from outside. Just before 6 p.m. that day, Novak shared that the "besieged" Jewish students were safe and were led out of the library through tunnels. A University of Massachusetts Amherst student was arrested after allegedly punching a Jewish student and spitting on the Israeli flag the student was holding. The incident happened Nov. 3 at the end of a vigil organized by UMass Hillel during which students called for the release of the more than 240 Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The event included symbolic Shabbat tables with empty seats representing each hostage abducted during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The suspect is accused of approaching the crowd and aggressively giving people the middle finger, according to school officials and the UMass chief of police. A University of Massachusetts Amherst student was arrested after allegedly punching a Jewish student and spitting on the victim's Israeli flag. After security left, the same student allegedly returned to the gathering and assaulted a Jewish student holding an Israeli flag, UMass Hillel said. The suspect also allegedly grabbed the flag and spit on it. A UMass Hillel staff member stepped in to deescalate the situation as other staff members witnessed the incident. The victim was not injured, according to the university. UMass Police investigated and arrested the suspect on the night of the event. The suspect was released on bail but prohibited from returning to campus. A pro-Palestinian protest erupted into violence near Tulane University in New Orleans on Oct. 26, which resulted in multiple students being assaulted. Video appears to show two protesters standing in the back of a truck. One wearing a mask is holding a Palestinian flag. The other is attempting to set fire to an Israeli flag when counter-protesters stepped in. The footage also showed police and what appeared to be school administrators trying to calm the competing crowds of protesters, who at times came to blows. The pro-Palestinian protesters also carried banners that said, "From the River to the Sea Palestine Will Be Free," which many have interpreted as a call for the end of Israel's existence as a state. FOX 8, an affiliate based in New Orleans, reported that authorities attempted to keep the crowd under control, adding that multiple arrests were made following the incident. Tulane University President Michael A. Fitts issued a statement addressing the unrest, affirming that student safety is the university's top priority. "Three Tulane students were assaulted at a rally intentionally staged on the public sidewalk along Freret Street, over which we do not have control. This rally was not approved or sanctioned by Tulane. There were approximately 40 plainclothes and uniformed New Orleans, Tulane, Loyola and State Police officers, including mounted police, who made several arrests. There were also dozens of Tulane staff members on hand to support students. TUPD also apprehended a suspect last night for an act of antisemitic vandalism (graffiti) to a building near campus," the statement stated in part. TULANE STUDENT WHO FILMED VIOLENT PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTEST BLASTS 'ANTI-JEWISH' ATTITUDES: 'DEEPLY CONCERNING' "To be clear: We condemn and are outraged by todays violence and the hateful language and rhetoric we heard. It is counter to everything we stand for at Tulane. What started out as a peaceful demonstration unfortunately devolved into a violent incident and a dark day for our community," Fitts added. In a follow-up statement, Fitts added that plans to enhance security measures, enforce the student code of conduct and provide support resources were in effect. Though there were numerous other acts of violence against Jewish students at schools around the country in the latter half of 2023, the Jewish community in the U.S. is vowing to remain vigilant. "Rising antisemitism on college campuses following the October 7th massacre has led to a surge in hateful activities and a concerning reluctance from university leaders to condemn these acts," Israel on Campus Coalition CEO Jacob Baime told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Despite this, the Jewish community in 2023 has remained strong, securing important campus victories such as the removal of complicit officials, dismantling of extremist groups and disciplinary actions against discriminatory faculty. "In the face of violence and hate, the Jewish community stands firm in its commitment to Never Again, united in the pursuit of a future free from hatred." Noa Tishby, an Israeli activist, told Fox News Digital that "American universities have become dangerous places for Jewish students" amid a rise in antisemitism. A supporter of Israel carries a flag through a crowd of students rallying on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles in support of Palestinians on Oct. 12. "This violence has been planned, engineered and incubated for decades by heavily funded, professionally orchestrated groups with close connections to terrorist organizations, like Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the PFLP. One of the main perpetrators of campus Jew-hate is Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), which has been set up and is supported by groups and individuals with well-documented records of support and fundraising for terrorist organizations," added Tishby, who formerly served as Israel's first special envoy for combating antisemitism and the delegitimization of Israel. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The groups responsible for the protests seen on many school campuses, according to Tishby, "are not interested in peace, and their true intent is to destroy the worlds only Jewish state by all means necessary." "Universities have let their Jewish students down, and they are letting America down. It is time to kick these hate groups off campus, investigate their connections to terrorist organizations and stop their influence in Congress. This is not just a Jewish issue; its an American one," she added. Fox News' Brian Flood, Gabriel Hays, Greg Wehner and Peter Aitken contributed to this report. Original article source: American colleges rocked by numerous antisemitic incidents in 2023: 'The face of violence and hate' Late last summer, thousands of Floridians were furious to learn that, even though Congress and the White House had earmarked millions of dollars to help them with energy costs, they couldnt access the money. The reason: Gov. Ron DeSantis had decided to reject the federal rebates as part of his political strategy of opposing most anything Joe Biden supports. It didnt matter to DeSantis that this money was meant for low- and moderate-income Floridians. Or even that members of his own party Republicans in the Legislature had requested the funding. DeSantis wanted to stick it to Joe Biden. So he vetoed the Republican-approved plan that wouldve allowed Floridians to access nearly $350 million in federal rebates. The decision cost people like Daniel Milligan of Deltona dearly. Milligans 22-year-old air-conditioning and heat pump unit was on its last legs. Hed been laid off, was struggling financially and was looking at a $10,000 bill to get a new, more energy-efficient unit. This program was designed specifically for people like Milligan and to help the nation become more energy-independent in general. Yet DeSantis was so confident that he was going to be Americas next president and that bashing Biden whenever possible was the way to make that happen that he didnt care about the fallout. Floridians stung by DeSantis veto that cost $346M in energy-saving programs But that was a political lifetime ago. Today, DeSantis has polling numbers that make hemorrhoids look popular. So now, with headlines blaring Ron DeSantis hits new low in New Hampshire, slips to 6% and What Went Wrong for Ron DeSantis in 2023, Floridas governor is desperate for good publicity. Which led us to the story on the front page of Sundays newspaper: DeSantis seeks energy-saving rebates in apparent change of heart. DeSantis seeks energy-saving rebates in apparent change of heart Yes, the governor is now apparently a fan of the money he previously rejected. DeSantis wouldnt say much about his flip-flop. The Sentinels Jeff Schweers reported that DeSantis usually tough-talking spokesman had no comment on the governors change of mind. But Milligan, who said he limped through this past summer by keeping it at 80 degrees, hopes this change of heart is the real deal. The sooner the better for the good of the citizenry, he said. DeSantis has rejected other federal funds meant to help Floridians. Florida has also so far refused to accept $248 million in federal money meant to help feed low-income students who might otherwise go hungry during the summer and $320 million meant to curb tailpipe emissions. Florida unlikely to seek $248 million in federal aid to feed hungry children So why the change of heart on this energy-rebate program? Well, aside from DeSantis desperate need for some positive P.R. to combat his plummeting polling numbers, Florida Democrats also staged an unusually effective counteroffensive. The states congressional Democrats, led by Darren Soto and with help from Maxwell Frost and others, introduced a bill that would allow city and county governments to run the home-energy rebate program even if DeSantis said no. Basically, their bill said: If your governor is trying to stop you from getting money to which youre entitled, well find other government officials willing to help. Said Soto: We refuse to let politically motivated vetoes get in the way of access to these programs. While Democrats stepped up pressure on DeSantis, Florida Republicans remained fearfully servile to the governor. Even though GOP lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the energy-rebate program, knowing it made sense, they cowered in the shadows as soon as DeSantis vetoed the money. State Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson mustered up a thimbleful of courage enough to let upset Floridians know DeSantis was the one to blame for them missing out on the federal money, but stopping short of criticizing the governor. Milligan, a political independent, has said he isnt interested in the blame game. Hes more irritated that politics in Tallahassee have left people like him in limbo and considering using only emergency heat when most needed this winter. I just hope our efforts bear fruit one way or another, he said. smaxwell@orlandosentinel.com A trove of ancient statues was recently discovered at the famous Tomb Raider temple in Cambodia, officials said. Six sandstone statues were found buried underneath the temple officially known as Ta Prohm which is in Angkor Wat, a sprawling temple complex in Siem Reap. Workers excavated the relics from soil underneath a gate in the temple, according to a Dec. 21 news release from Cambodias APSARA National Authority. One of the sandstone statues still in the soil Two of the statues depict Buddha surrounded by a Naga, a semi-divine serpentine creature, while another portrays an Avalokitesvara, a figure in Buddhist legend. The three other statues, two of which are broken, depict Buddha alone, officials said. Workers in the process of removing a statue from the ground One of the damaged statues Officials did not say how old the statues were, but the temple itself dates back to the 12th or 13th century, according to Cambodias Ministry of Tourism. It was constructed as a monastery by Jayavarman VII, king of the Khmer Empire, which stretched across a large section of Southeast Asia between the ninth and 15th centuries, according to UNESCO. The temple was once bustling with life as it was occupied by over 12,000 people, including high priests and dancers. More recently, it was featured in the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie. The entire Angkor Wat temple complex attracts more than 4 million visitors per year, making it a fixture of Cambodias booming tourism business, according to UNESCO. Google Translate was used to translate a news release from Cambodias APSARA National Authority. Metal detectorist stumbles upon centuries-old jewelry during event in Wales. See it Pregnant mummy may have hid negative secret from embalmers. Now, researchers spot it 500-year-old tablet engraved with devil curse against two people found in Germany Are you an Android user? Have you made purchases in the Google Play app store? If so, you may be owed some money. Google will pay millions in restitution to Android users in New Jersey and many other states after settling a lawsuit that alleged the company was using anticompetitive practices in its mobile app store, according to the settlement. Those who made purchases between August 16, 2016 and September 30, 2023, will be eligible. As part of the settlement, Pennsylvania will receive $20.58 million to distribute to consumers, Attorney General Michelle Henry said, but New Jersey did not disclose the amount it is receiving. How will Google get the money to you? If your email address associated with your Google Play account matches an email address associated with an existing PayPal or Venmo account, the payments will be made directly to that account, the settlement said. You will then get an email from PayPal or Venmo that the funds have been deposited. If you don't have a PayPal or Venmo that matches your Google Play account email, you'll get an email notifying you of the available payment and the opportunity to create a new PayPal or Venmo account, redirect the payment to an existing PayPal or Venmo account at another email address, or choose another method such as a written check or an ACH transfer, according to the settlement. What if you don't receive your money? After these payments have been made, eligible consumers who have not received paymentthrough PayPal, Venmo or another means and are entitled to payment above a certain threshold will be sent a written check, the settlement said. The payments are not deemed reportable for tax purposes. Jenna Calderon covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Android users could get money back after lawsuit against Google The 2024 presidential election promises to be one of the most polarising political contests in living memory. But as the war in Gaza rages, President Joe Biden's strong support of Israel is putting him at odds with some of his key supporters - younger voters. Abdul Osmanu, 22, is not sure he can cast a ballot for President Joe Biden again. Much of that hesitation, he said, involves the Biden administration's support of Israel as it continues to bombard Gaza. "As a lover of peace, a Muslim, and a black man, it's terrible to see the repression of the Palestinians," said Mr Osmanu, who was elected to his local town council in 2021. "It'd be tough for me, in my conscience, to vote for a president aiding and abetting that in many ways." The young Connecticut voter told the BBC that he was weighing whether to vote for a third-party candidate or leave his presidential ballot blank in 2024. The decision is difficult, however, as he - and many other young voters - do not want to see Donald Trump elected again. An increasing number of young Democratic voters, like Mr Osmanu, appear to be breaking with President Biden over the issue of Israel and the conflict in Gaza. It is a cause for concern for Democrats, as their opposition to Mr Biden's policies could threaten a key pillar of support that the elder statesman leaned on during the 2020 election. For the past two months, young voters have seen in the news and on social media images of war and destruction from within Gaza. They have followed the death toll as it climbed to over 20,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. At the same time, they have watched as Mr Biden publicly backed Israel's stated effort to eradicate Hamas after they and allied groups killed 1,200 people in Israel on 7 October. It continues to hold an estimated 100 hostages in Gaza. The BBC reviewed polling research and spoke to six young Democratic voters and organisers from across the US. Data and interviews appear to show a growing sense of political discord among young voters ahead of the 2024 election. The Biden campaign declined to comment. But registered voters aged 18-29 said they were more likely to support the Palestinian cause over Israel, a recent New York Times/Siena poll suggested. According to the survey, voters aged 18-29 had critical views of Israel and its counteroffensive against Hamas across the board, while older generations had more favourable views of the country. Though a clear majority of registered voters - 57% - disapprove of the way Mr Biden is handling the conflict, young voters have the greatest objections. A total 72% of voters aged 18-29 disapprove of Mr Biden's efforts, the Times/Siena poll indicated. Anna Bosking, a 22-year-old Iowa native, plans to vote for Mr Biden again. But after taking a Middle Eastern politics course at university, speaking to classmates from Gaza and seeing eyewitness accounts on social media, she has become more critical of America's relationship with Israel. "Before this conflict I always thought Israel was a consistent ally that we would always support, and I never had any issues," she told the BBC. "But I think the American people have been forced to consider the historical context in the situation." One possible reason for the divide is that young Democrats, particularly progressives, are also more likely to connect the cause of Palestinian statehood to the fights for social justice playing out in the US. "A lot of the organisations that I'm present in have made strong connections to what the Palestinians experience, and want to continue to uplift their struggle," said Michael Abramson, the 25-year-old policy director of Young Democrats of Maricopa County in Arizona. Mr Abramson organises in a key Arizona county for Democrats. He said he was confident the youth would turn out in Arizona for other candidates and ballot measures - such as abortion - but he said he was unsure whether he and others would vote for the Democratic nominee, whom he called "the lesser of two evils". Democrats relied on young voter turnout to propel them to victory in the 2020 presidential election and the 2022 midterms. The Democratic apparatus typically pours millions of dollars into youth outreach and engagement to shore up support. Multiple young voters told the BBC that they were torn over the 2024 election, despite seeing Joe Biden as the "lesser of two evils" when compared to Donald Trump. And not all young voters criticised Mr Biden's position towards Israel. Jessica Schwab, a 20-year-old student at Columbia University in New York, said she did not want to see Mr Trump re-elected and thought Mr Biden was handling the conflict well. "He's standing with Israel and providing them with military supplies, and general funding in their defence," she said. "But I do like how he is also asking for humanitarian pauses, and inserting some sort of breathing room to reduce the amount of casualties that are occurring in Gaza." Mr Biden's backers also argue that the 2024 election is nearly a year away, and that young Democrats would come back to the fold if presented with a choice between Mr Biden and Mr Trump. "It's a choice between two candidates," said Jack Lobel of the Gen-Z voter advocacy group Voters of Tomorrow. "And so while President Biden's policies towards Gaza might be upsetting some young people, that's not going to change the fact that he and Donald Trump are two very different people." There are no barks or meows coming from a Pennsylvania animal shelter during this holiday week thanks to what it called "a true miracle." For the first time in 47 years, the Adams County SPCA kennels are empty because all of its animals have been adopted and strays have been reunited with their families, the organization shared in a Facebook post. Today is a great day for the Adams County SPCA! Two weeks ago our kennels were almost filled, now we don't have any dogs... Posted by Adams County SPCA on Friday, December 22, 2023 The kennels were nearly full two weeks ago, but now there are no dogs remaining and only one cat that came as a stray, according to the animal shelter. The Adams County SPCA shared a joyous photo of its employees smiling in a hallway filled with empty kennels. "This is the first time in 47 YEARS that the Adams County SPCA is empty let alone at Christmas time, it is a true miracle!" the organization wrote. "To say that we are beyond excited is an understatement! The staff and volunteers have worked VERY hard to take care of the animals in our care and to make sure they got adopted to the right home!" Adams County SPCA kennel technician Tonya Hays tells TODAY.com the organization moved between 15 and 20 animals either as adoptions or strays returned to owners in the last two weeks to empty the kennels. We had to get all them spayed and neutered, vaccinated, and tested for heart worms and tick-borne illness while also processing a lot of (adoption) applications, so the staff worked really hard, Hays says. It was pretty cool. It was quite a feat. The Adams County SPCA adopted out 94 animals and returned 26 strays to their owners since Nov. 1 and not one of them has been returned, officials told TODAY.com. Shelter officials wrote on Facebook that the organization has adopted 598 animals this year and reunited 120 pets with their owners. It's now pitching in to help other shelters in Pennsylvania that are filled. While it may seem like the holiday spirit motivated more adoptions to help empty the shelters, Hays said they actually discourage people from giving pets as gifts because of the years-long commitment it requires. Many of the owners who adopted pets from the shelter responded in the comments with photos of their lovable pooches and felines. The organization also shared "happy tails" on Facebook sent by owners who have recently adopted pets from the shelter, including an adorable cat named Bootsie. HAPPY TAIL Hi everyone! Wanted to pass along an update on Bootsie, who we adopted last month! Bootsie is living it up... Posted by Adams County SPCA on Saturday, December 23, 2023 "All of our children adore him but he has been the biggest game changer for my four year old autistic daughter," the owner wrote to the SPCA. "Hope cuddles Bootsie when shes upset instead of having full blown meltdowns, cuddles him and practices her verbal expressions of compassion, love and affection. Thank you so much for all you do!" The Adams County SPCA wrote in a follow-up Facebook post on Dec. 26 that it has "received an overwhelming response" from shelters across the country and in Canada and Mexico, as well as members of the public, asking them to take in animals to shelter. "Even though our hearts break from them and the situation they are in we need to help our members of OUR community members first," the organization wrote. The shelter is only taking animals surrendered by residents within the county as well as surrounding counties and any "overwhelmed shelters" in Pennsylvania. "We are going to do the best we can to help as many animals and people we can," the Adams County SPCA wrote. The ASPCA estimates that 6.3 million animals enter shelters every year, split almost evenly between cats and dogs, and about 4.1 million of them are adopted each year. Approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized each year, the majority of them cats, according to the ASPCA. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Secretary of State Antony Blinken will lead a delegation of U.S. officials to Mexico to negotiate measures at the border. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will lead a delegation of senior U.S. officials to Mexico City in a key immigration meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Wednesday. White House Homeland Security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall will join Blinken and Mayorkas at the key migrant meeting that takes place amid a reported new influx of migrants, estimated at 6,000, walking through Mexico from Tapachula to the U.S. border. That does not include the more than 11,000 who are waiting to enter the United States in shelters and camps on the Mexico side of the border. At stake for President Joe Biden is coming away with some movement to ease the wave of immigrants coming to the U.S. southern border that is now receiving bipartisan calls for practical solutions. Republicans have taken advantage of the border crisis by demanding immigration policy changes in exchange for foreign aid support for Israel and Ukraine. Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will also join the delegation that will meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. File Photo by Al Drago/UPI The meeting is a continuation of diplomacy over the immigration issue, started by Biden's phone call with Lopez Obrador last week, where the two agreed that urgent action along the border was needed. Lopez Obrador said he was willing to work with the United States in reinforcing containment measures at Mexico's southern Mexico to slow the number of migrants entering his country to make the dangerous trek to the United States. He also expressed the need to tackle the root causes of the surge from Latin America into Mexico and the United States to get a true handle on the crisis. "Secretary Blinken will discuss unprecedented irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere and identify ways Mexico and the United States will address border security challenges, including actions to enable the reopening of key ports of entry across our shared border," a State Department statement said last week. "Secretary Blinken will reaffirm the United States' commitment to the Los Angeles Declaration for Migration and Protection and underscore the urgent need for lawful pathways and additional enforcement actions by partners throughout the region." Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 20,915: ministry Xinhua) 09:24, December 27, 2023 People inspect the damage after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) GAZA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. In the past 24 hours, 241 Palestinians died and 382 others were injured in the 18 air and ground operations launched by Israeli forces across the Hamas-ruled enclave, the ministry's spokesman Ashraf Al-Qedra said in a press statement. Al-Qedra called on international organizations to help protect the hospitals and medical staff in Gaza, as well as the wounded, the sick, and the displaced people there. He also urged the international community to "immediately step up to ensure the provision of the urgently needed medicines and fuel for thousands of wounded and sick people in Gaza." Meanwhile, Gaza's main telecom provider Paltel announced via the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, a total blackout, including all internet and telephone services due to the continuing Israeli attacks. The company added that its technical teams were working to restore services despite the dangerous conditions on the ground. A man squats in front of a damaged building after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) A boy walks among the rubble after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) A boy walks among the rubble after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) People inspect the damage after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) People mourn a victim at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) A man mourns a victim at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People mourn a victim at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) A woman mourns a victim at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People mourn victims at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 26, 2023. At least 20,915 Palestinians have been killed, and 54,918 others wounded in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Palestinian children search the rubble of a building following Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza strip on Dec. 26, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas. (Said Khatib/Getty-AFP) U.S. Rep. Sean Castens op-ed in the Dec. 22 Tribune is stunningly tone-deaf (A cease-fire between Israel, Hamas has to come with accountability). He admits that he is not an expert but claims he has traveled widely in the area, which he would have us believe makes him knowledgeable. There is no mention of visiting Gaza and taking the pulse of the more than 2 million people who live there and now are dying by the thousands. He could have listened to his own constituents, and if he did, he would have called for an immediate cease-fire. He would rather wait for a cease-fire with accountability while Gazans are massacred daily. Paying lip service to the Palestinians killed sounds hollow. His op-ed reads like a high school essay. If he had talked to University of Chicago professor John Mearsheimer, he would have learned the two-state solution is dead. If he had read the late Edward Said or called Columbia University professor Rashid Khalidi, he would have been schooled on the apartheid nature of the state of Israel. Advertisement In this asymmetric conflict, the only way to bring a just resolution is to bring pressure on Israel. One way of doing it is to elect representatives who do not turn their eyes away from genocide. Javeed Akhter, Oak Brook Advertisement Israels actions lack legal merit For more than two months now, U.S. Rep. Sean Casten has refused to call for an immediate, lasting cease-fire in Gaza despite the fact that, in the words of veteran human rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber, Israel is engaged in a textbook case of genocide being funded by our own government. In his op-ed, Casten lays out points that are apparently meant to justify his failure to make the aforementioned call. His attempt at justification fails on numerous points, of which I will address a particularly crucial one. Casten states, unjustifiably, that Israel has an absolute right to defend itself and its citizens from external attack. Casten conflates the general principle of self-defense guaranteed under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter with Israels obligations as an occupying power within the territory under its occupation. U.N. Security Council Resolution 1860 (2009) affirms the Gaza strip to be an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory. Israel is thus an occupying power bound by the Fourth Geneva Convention, which strictly forbids it to impose collective punishment including the barbaric denial of food, water, fuel and medicine to the entire Gazan population or to carry out acts of violence and destruction that, by Israeli officials own admission, are intended to cause widespread harm. As Riyad Mansour, permanent observer to the U.N. for Palestinians, noted: None of the rights of protected persons derived from the Fourth Geneva Convention may be terminated by Israel in any case or in any manner whatsoever. Therefore, Israels invocation of the right to self-defense to justify the unrelenting, wholesale slaughter of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the creation of conditions that render the preservation of life impossible, is patently devoid of legal merit. It follows that, by aiding and abetting Israels acts of genocide and forced mass expulsion of an entire population, the U.S. and its representative officials are in grave breach of their duties under international law, including the U.N. Genocide Convention of 1948, which requires them to do everything in their power to prevent genocide. Castens intransigent refusal to call for an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities in Gaza thus has no legal or moral justification, and he should act immediately to reverse his position. Nancy Roberts, Wheaton Calling it genocide is wrong Imtiaz Uddins Dec. 18 letter to the editor (Justifying genocide) is deeply problematic, especially since its premise is flawed that Israels war against terror group Hamas constitutes genocide. The dictionary definition of genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group. Israels military aims to destroy Hamas but not the population of Gaza. The military isnt deliberately killing civilians, but in every war, civilians suffer. Military experts such as retired Col. Richard Kemp, former head of British forces in Afghanistan, have marveled at the Israeli militarys measures to reduce civilian casualties, informing civilians in advance to leave areas where combat is anticipated (through leaflets, phone calls and text messages), setting up humanitarian corridors (which have sometimes been attacked by Hamas) and hitting only legitimate Hamas targets. Unfortunately, Hamas has embedded itself among Gaza civilians, going so far as to place assets and fighters in and under mosques, schools, private homes and even hospitals. Advertisement The fact that Hamas honeycombed Gaza with hundreds of miles of tunnels indicates that Hamas knew and intended that the Israeli military would enter Gaza. Hamas Oct. 7 mass slaughter of Jews, planned for years, set in motion everything that is befalling Gaza today. Since Hamas leaders have vowed to repeat Oct. 7, Israel has no choice but to eliminate this threat. War is horrible, so dont start a war. Hamas started this war, so the blood of Gaza civilians is on its hands. But the only genocide is what Hamas did on Oct. 7. Gary Katz, Long Grove Examples of Burkes legacy Regrettably, following the conviction of former Ald. Edward Burke, media satirists, newspaper headline writers, bloggers, editorialists and pundits have directed derisive sarcasm and angry invectives against a public figure whose 54-year tenure in the City Council is studded with examples of beneficial and impactful legislation that have improved the quality of life for all Chicagoans. Through Burkes efforts, public and private buildings now have defibrillators installed in the event of medical emergencies. He led the fight to outlaw the dumping of phosphates into Lake Michigan that were polluting our waters and create the citys nonsmoking ban in public places. During the Persian Gulf War, he helped safeguard salaries and insurance for municipal employees called to duty. Burke lent support and inspiration to his wife, future Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke, in her heroic launch of Special Olympics, now a global movement for individuals with special needs. These are among his many achievements that were either overlooked or ignored in the coverage of his recent trial. Advertisement Richard Lindberg, Chicago Example of Christmas spirit 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 > Regarding the article Migrants first Christmas in area made a little brighter (Dec. 23): Thank you for the inspiring story of Elaine Pierce and her welcoming of migrants to her home! She is a wonderful example of the Christmas spirit and a true American patriot. Carole Bogaard, Oak Lawn Actions make all the difference Regarding Migrants first Christmas: I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Elaine Pierce while we were both at Concordia University. She was one of the bright lights at the university who made everyone feel special. Elaine is a unique individual who does the right thing that makes all the difference in peoples lives. L. Arthur Safer, Chicago Join the conversation in our Letters to the Editor Facebook group. Advertisement Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Antony Blinken led the closed-door negotiations for the US side The US and Mexico have vowed to crack down on migrant smugglers as a growing migration crisis causes chaos on their shared border. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador discussed how to stop the flow of people in talks held in Mexico City. The high-level meeting came as pressure grows on the White House to stem the influx of migrants to the US. US officials said last week that up to 10,000 people were crossing every day. On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Mr Blinken said the US is committed to resolving "shared challenges" with Mexico including "unprecedented irregular migration flows", drug trafficking and re-opening ports of entry. Speaking to journalists on Mr Blinken's flight back to Washington, a senior Biden administration official said that Mexico's delegation shared plans to crack down on migrant smugglers, whom officials say have been moving migrants en masse to the border on trucks and trains. "We were really impressed by some of the new actions that Mexico is taking, and we have seen in recent days a pretty significant reduction in border crossings," the official was quoted as saying by the Agence France Press (AFP) news agency. The official added, however, that the US would "never draw conclusions based on day-to-day fluctuations" of migrant numbers and would continue to monitor the situation in the new year. Mexico's Foreign Minister, Alicia Barcena, told reporters that the negotiations also focused on the "economic part" and the "structural causes of migration". Mexico's president gave a positive assessment of the talks, saying on X that the two sides came to "important agreements" but offering few details as Mr Blinken left. Speaking ahead of the summit he had called for more efforts to address the root causes of migration and warned that it could become a key issue in the 2024 US election. Former president Donald Trump has taken an increasingly hard-line stance on the border and will reportedly unleash a massive crackdown on undocumented migrants if returned to office next year. President Lopez Obrador and Antony Blinken met in Mexico to address the spike in migration flows The meeting in Mexico City came on the same day as the mayors of three US cities - New York City, Denver and Chicago - held a joint virtual press conference to address efforts to mitigate what officials have described as a migrant "crisis" in those areas. Additionally, for the first time on Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order requiring bus charter companies to provide 32 hours' notice of migrant arrivals in the city and limiting the times of day in which migrants can reach the city. Last week, 14 buses carrying migrants arrived from Texas in a single night, an all-time high. The number of people apprehended at the US southern border exceeded two million, both in the 2022 and the 2023 fiscal years. US Customs and Border Protection [CBP] officials said in a statement on Friday that there were more than 190,000 apprehensions in November alone. The figures have become a political vulnerability for Mr Biden, with the Republican-controlled House of Representatives refusing to allocate new military funding to support Ukraine without a commitment to reinforce the border. Ahead of the meeting attention in US media turned to a migrant caravan of about 7,000 people which is making its way towards the US from southern Mexico. At least 7,000 migrants are estimated to have joined the caravan which started in southern Mexico The caravan left from the southern Mexican city of Tapachula, near the country's southern border with Guatemala, on Christmas Eve. Its leaders carried a banner reading "Exodus from poverty". So far, the caravan - reportedly made up of migrants from Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Haiti and other countries - is about 1,000 miles south of the US border. A three-judge Michigan Court of Appeals panel has reversed a Livingston County ruling on lakefront rights in a subdivision on Lake Chemung. GENOA TWP. A three-judge Michigan Court of Appeals panel has reversed a Livingston County ruling on lakefront rights in a subdivision on Lake Chemung. Some "back lot" homeowners in the Glen Echo subdivision near Howell were ordered by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty in March 2022 to remove docks, boat mooring, and other property from a portion of the lakeshore. Hatty ruled that only "front lot" owners those closest to the lake without other homes in between have "riparian" rights to the waterfront in front of their homes. A group of unhappy homeowners fought the decision, arguing land around the lakeshore was intended as a community park to be used equally by all subdivision residents, as identified on the original 1921 subdivision plat map. More: Howell subdivision residents divided by Lake Chemung 'park' ruling Hatty's order didn't ban back lot homeowners from using the lakeshore altogether, but established strict limits. He determined front lot owners alone were allowed to have docks, boat moorings, fire rings, picnic tables and other semi-permanent structures in front of their homes, and launch motorized watercraft from the shore there, according to court documents. Meanwhile, back lot owners could launch non-motorized watercraft, swim, fish, set up a picnic for the day, and walk along the lakeshore, but couldn't drive small vehicles, such as ATVs, or disrupt front lot owners. Appeals court judges reversed that decision, finding no one has complete ownership of the lakeshore where a park easement exists. They vacated Hatty's judgement and a permanent injunction, and remanded the case back to determine the scope of the easement. "Appellants first argue the trial court erred by ruling (front lot) owners are the fee owners of the park areas abutting the lakeshore," the opinion dated Dec. 21 reads. "We agree. Michigan case law establishes that all lot owners have an irrevocable easement to the park. Neither the plat language nor the facts of this case support the conclusion that any lot owner has fee ownership of the park areas." The judges did not rule on whether the scope of the easement includes installing docks, mooring boats, or any riparian rights. That question will return to the lower court. A neighborhood dispute Problems began after homeowner Matt Ikle purchased property on the lake and built a house. The property was previously the site of several rental units until it was destroyed in 2009. After the fire, some subdivision residents placed docks and the site became a location for gatherings, including large parties. Ikle, a county planning commissioner, previously told The Daily when he asked some residents to remove docks and stop mooring boats there, he was met with foul language and harassment. He said, on one occasion, a resident drove up on an ATV and yelled profanities, and another did a "lawn job" with a truck, after Ikle marked the property off with ropes during a firework celebration. Ikle's original suit in 2018 only named a few subdivision residents as defendants. But following a motion made by the defendant homeowners' attorney at the time, the court ordered the suit be applied to the entire subdivision and Genoa Township. The township was later removed from the suit. Back lot homeowner Daniel Goebel, one of the defendants named in the original suit, installed a dock for his boat on the property, he previously told The Daily. Ikle had the dock removed following Hatty's ruling. Goebel and other back lot owners argued the judge's ruling essentially created two classes of homeowners that didn't previously exist. Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage The appeals judges conceded plat dedication of the park area "is ambiguous because it does not identify the permitted uses of the park areas." "It would be improper for us to decide the scope of the easement, as appellants request, because this court does not make factual findings. ... Further, the evidence regarding the traditional and historical use of the park areas is not so clear-cut that reasonable minds could not differ on the outcome." That question will return to Hatty. Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com. This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Appeals court reverses ruling on lakefront dispute in Lake Chemung subdivision Former European Commission President Jacques Delors - described as the architect of the modern EU - has died aged 98, his daughter says. He helped create the single market allowing the free movement of people, goods and services within the bloc. Serving from 1985 to 1995, Delors also laid the groundwork for the single European currency, the euro. But for those sceptical of integration, especially in the UK, he was seen as a symbol of Brussels meddling. A headline by British tabloid The Sun once famously shouted: "Up Yours, Delors." Delors' daughter Martine Aubry said he had died in his sleep on Wednesday morning in his Paris home. French President Emmanuel Macron praised Delors, who also served as French finance minister from 1981-84, as a "statesman with a French destiny" and "inexhaustible craftsman of our Europe". "His commitment, his ideals and his righteousness will always inspire us," he said. "I salute his work and his memory and share the pain of his loved ones." He served three terms as European Commission president, longer than anyone else. Ursula von der Leyen, who currently holds the post, said he was "a visionary who made our Europe stronger". European Council President Charles Michel described him as a "great Frenchman and a great European" who had "entered history as one of the builders of our Europe". A French Socialist, he was a firm believer in post-war integration. As well as the single market and the euro, his tenure at the top of the EU saw the creation of the Schengen agreement for travel and the Erasmus programme for student exchanges. But for the UK's ruling Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher, moves towards a federal Europe were seen as anathema. Thatcher described the 1989 Delors report calling for economic and monetary union as unacceptable, because it would wrest many economic policies from the hands of the British Parliament. Lord Clarke of Nottingham, who as Kenneth Clarke served in Thatcher's cabinet, told BBC Radio 4's PM programme she shared Delors' vision of a single market, but suspected him of also wanting a political union, which she was against. "The truth was that Jacques Delors and Margaret Thatcher deeply disliked each other personally, they hated each other for personal and political reasons," he added. Former UK opposition leader Neil Kinnock told the programme he was a "very polite, calm, highly intelligent man, a problem-solver" and not a "fanatical federalist" as Thatcher tried to portray him. On leaving his post in 1995, Delors declined to stand for the French presidency, despite a huge lead in the polls. He remained true to his federalist ideals. More recently, he warned of the dangers of populism in Europe, calling for bold moves in the wake of Brexit. (Bloomberg) -- Argentinas President Javier Milei is considering issuing a perpetual bond to pay a $16 billion lawsuit award stemming from the nationalization of state-run energy company YPF. Most Read from Bloomberg Swinging between political jabs and policy intentions, Milei suggested that the government would issue the bond without a fixed maturity while charging Argentines the Kicillof tax, named after Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof who spearheaded efforts to nationalize YPF in 2012. Here we have a problem because we dont have the money, we dont have $16 billion, thats the reality but we have the willingness to pay, he said in a TV interview with La Nacion Tuesday night. What were going to do, its an idea were working on, is to create the Kicillof tax, meaning pay this fund with a perpetual bond. Milei was referring to litigation fund Burford Capital, which acquired the right to pursue the claims in 2015 and stands to collect the biggest share of the award. Shares of the fund rose as much as 14% in London. The Economy Ministry didnt immediately provide details about Mileis idea. Burford Capital didnt respond to a request for comment after business hours. Milei issued a decree last week ordering all state-run companies to prepare for privatization, although he hasnt set a timeline for the sale of the energy company. After several years of litigation in New York, a judge awarded plaintiffs $16 billion in a lawsuit against Argentina that claimed the country had fumbled key legal aspects of the YPF nationalization. Burford Capital stands to receive $6.2 billion of the total. US Federal Judge Loretta Preska stated that Argentina must pay by Jan. 10 or face the potential seizure of assets. The case adds to Argentinas long list of financial troubles. With central bank reserves in the red, the country needs to start repaying next month creditors who accepted a $65 billion bond restructuring in 2020. It also has to renegotiate a $44 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund. Milei said the current IMF deal has collapsed because the previous government missed key targets agreed upon with the Fund, and added that his austerity-driven administration is working to reset the program. The Fund sees us as heroes, he said. Were working to comply with the agreement. Milei also told La Nacion he would call for a national referendum if congress votes down the emergency decree he issued last week with hundreds of austerity measures. And with inflation estimated to finish December near 200% a year, the president confirmed his government would increase Argentinas largest peso bill denomination from 2,000 pesos (about $2.50) to 50,000 pesos to avoid people carrying around massive wads of cash for basic transactions. (Updates with move in Burford shares in fourth paragraph. A previous version of this story was corrected to clarify that Burford Capital receives only part of the entire lawsuit award.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. An argument over a man not picking up after his dog ended with one person dead, Tennessee police said. Now, Stefen White of Knoxville faces a charge of second-degree murder. Police responded to a call of a shooting at about 6 p.m. on Dec. 23, the Knoxville Police Department said in a news release. They found a man inside the home with at least one gunshot wound. Officers attempted to save his life, but the man died of his injuries, police said. His identity has not been released. In an arrest report, police said the victim accused 34-year-old White of not cleaning up his dogs poop in his yard, WVLT reported. They got into a fight, then White pulled out a gun and shot the man in the chest, police said, according to WATE. He was booked in the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, and his bond was set at $100,000. His attorney information is not in jail records. Doggy poop bag dispenser prompts bomb scare at Oregon middle school, cops say Man shot girlfriend and her daughter as they fled condo during fight, Florida cops say Christmas Eve killing is second act of gun violence on same block this year, CMPD says Mom fatally shoots her sons in bed and leaves note for police to find them, PA cops say A fifth-generation Arizona rancher said an influx of illegal migrants crossing his land in recent years has increased his fear that terrorists are successfully sneaking into America. "It's really a serious issue," Jim Chilton, owner of the Chilton Ranch, told Fox News. "We have no security on our ranch nor in most places along the border anymore. It's not good. It's not better in any sense. It's still outrageous." WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE The ongoing crisis at the southern border is breaking records as illegal migrant entries skyrocket, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data. The first week of December saw a record-setting 18,900 migrant apprehensions in Arizona's Tucson Sector alone, the section's Chief Border Patrol Agent John Modlin said. By comparison, that's about 2,000 more encounters than all of December 2021 for that sector, according to CBP data. Daily encounters also reached a new record-high across the southern border earlier this month, with more than 12,000 migrants flooding in on Dec. 4. "It's a national security issue," Chilton said. "I'm very concerned that terrorists are coming across the border." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Fifth-generation Arizona rancher Jim Chilton says the border crisis hasn't gotten any better in the last year. I LOVE YOU JOE BIDEN: MIGRANT THANKS POTUS AFTER CROSSING ILLEGALLY IN ARIZONA CBP encountered 169 people on the FBI terror watch lists between ports of entry at the southern border in fiscal 2023, data show. That total exceeded not only the previous year's record-setting 98 encounters, but the last six fiscal years combined. "When are they going to strike, and are they walking through my ranch?" Chilton said. The border rancher previously told Fox News his wife, while home alone, opened the door to MS-13 members carrying guns. "Its kind of scary," Chilton said. "Thats just life on the border." MIGRANTS EXPLOITING BORDER WALL GAPS CONTAMINATE CROPS, THREATEN NATION'S FOOD SECURITY, ARIZONA FARMERS SAY Chilton fears more cartel members crossed his property without his knowledge this year. He said cartels fight for control of the trails through his ranch, and he's occasionally seen coyotes smuggling migrants across his land. "We have cartel scouts on our mountains," he said. They "really have control of everything." The fifth-generation rancher is frightened that cartels flood certain areas with migrants to divert Border Patrol agents, creating undermanned sections where smugglers can bring in terrorists and drugs. The port of entry in Lukeville, Arizona, for example, closed Dec. 4 so that agents could address an illegal migrant surge nearby. "It's a method of controlling where everybody goes. It's a method for opening up other routes for crossing really bad guys, drug packers," Chilton previously told Fox News. "The cartel is running drugs and bad people across other areas." Migrants are seen camped out near Lukeville, Arizona, as Arizona's Tucson Sector sees an unprecedented surge in illegal migrant crossings. Chilton partially blames the migrant influx on President Biden's decision to halt construction on the border wall, which protects only part of his property. The administration approved $950 million for repairs and upgrades in November, but Chilton still urged Biden to finish construction and hire more Border Patrol agents to protect Americans. "You shouldn't give a message to the world that the border is open and all you have to do is come through, and you'll get processed, captured and released into the United States," Chilton said. "It's a national security issue." Original article source: Arizona border rancher who saw MS-13 on his ranch has dire warning: 'We have cartel scouts on our mountains' LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansas State Parks is encouraging Arkansans to start the new year spending time outdoors with goals of leading a healthy life. Arkansas State Parks will lead First Day Hikes Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. The annual tradition encourages everyone to focus on enjoying the Natural State while also focusing on healthy habits. The First Day Hikes have become a family tradition for so many Arkansans, and I encourage all to join in and kick off the new year with an adventure through one of our beautiful trails that show why we are called the Natural State, Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said. State Capitol exhibit celebrates 100 years of Arkansas State Parks Arkansas park visitors can participate in a self-guided hike or hike with a ranger on the first day of 2024 or First Weekend (Dec. 20 Jan. 2). Participants can receive a free sticker by going on a guided hike at a state park or completing a self-guided hike at a state park and logging miles at ArkansasStateParks.com. Scheduled guided hikes and more tips and information on First Day Hike will be on the Arkansas State Parks website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. The Ukrainian IT army has stopped operating one of the largest ERP systems in the Russian Federation, 1C-Rarus. Source: Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology Minister of Digital Transformation "One of the largest ERP systems in the Russian Federation has stopped working due to attacks by the Ukrainian IT Army. The clients cannot use accounting services and work at full capacity," Fedorov said. It is noted that 1C-Rarus has 150,000 users, including technology giants and war sponsors such as Tatneft and VTB. As a result, customers in shops and petrol stations cannot make payments because the cash register is not working. And this means millions of losses for the Russian economy. Background: Ukrainian IT Army stopped the work of the largest airports in Russia. Support UP or become our patron! SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A 28-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after a 911 caller reported that a man threatened someone with a gun in Salt Lake Citys Liberty Park. The Salt Lake City Police Department said Dawood Alogaili was taken into custody on suspicion of illegally possessing a gun and drugs. Boy, 10, airlifted to hospital after being struck by car in Eagle Mountain According to a police news release, someone called 911 around noon saying that a man threatened another person with a gun at Liberty Park, located in the Central City neighborhood. An officer at the park immediately started searching for a suspect, and not long after, police arrested Alogaili without incident. Alogaili was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on suspicion of possession of a firearm by a restricted person, police said. He was also accused of marijuana possession. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Barrington Giving Day, both a nonprofit organization and the title of the community giveaway events it hosts for Barrington School District 220 families and others in need, held its signature holiday distribution Dec. 9, 2023 at Barrington Middle School-Station campus in Barrington. (Karie Angell Luc/Chicago Tribune) Hundreds of area families were able to pick out winterwear, bikes, toys and more at the Barrington Giving Day event earlier this month, capping another year of community outreach for the hosting nonprofit organization that also holds three other giveaways for families in need. At the Dec. 9 distribution, held at Barrington Middle School- Station campus, 443 families were registered, according to organizers, and volunteers helped them as they chose the available items they wanted. Advertisement Barrington Giving Day, both a nonprofit organization and the title of the community giveaway events it hosts for Barrington School District 220 families and others in need, held its signature holiday distribution Dec. 9, 2023 at Barrington Middle School-Station campus in Barrington. (Karie Angell Luc/Chicago Tribune) As always, theres a need, said Dori Hough, executive director of Barrington Giving Day. Barrington Giving Day, a nonprofit community organization as well as the title name of its giveaway events, assists families of Barrington School District 220 and others who may be in need. Advertisement Towns in the school districts boundaries include Barrington, Carpentersville, Hoffman Estates, Fox River Grove, Deer Park, Tower Lakes, North Barrington, Lake Barrington, Port Barrington and South Barrington. Hough said this year, families beyond Barrington were served, including Lake Zurich and Huntley. Were trying to expand and really serve the families as much as possible throughout the year, so were constantly in need of the support, Hough added. At the end of the shopping journey that Saturday morning, participants were offered snack bags with fruit that was provided by The Community Meal of Barrington. The Community Meal maintains a calendar of free meals open to all and rotates at local houses of worship and other community locations. There were also free COVID-19 test kits to take which are not covered now by a majority of insurance plans and cost about $23 each. Barrington Giving Day hosts four events each year, one in the spring, for back to school event, a pop up prom boutique and the flagship holiday event. Approximately 200 high school student volunteers assisted with the holiday giveaway, and some middle school students also helped with preparations. These kids are the lifeblood of what we do, said Hough. Advertisement Houghs daughter, Ariana Squires, of St. Petersburg, Florida and also a SD220 alum, has assisted at Barrington Giving Day since middle school. Squires now handles the social media and marketing to promote BGD philanthropy. Its totally taken off, Squires said of the growth of Barrington Giving Day. We wouldnt have been able to do this without the great foundation thats been in place since the 80s. Hough said the increase in marketing and social media is meant to draw more awareness to the organizations and its community support efforts. Our donations this year have been through the roof because I think mostly in part because of our social media, Hough said. At the Dec. 9 event, volunteers were wore red T-shirts with We rise by lifting others printed on the back. Advertisement We love to help out, said volunteer Simone Zorzy of Barrington who assisted in the coat department with son Will Zorzy, 16, a junior at Barrington High School. I just really enjoy helping people, said Will Zorzy, a 16-year-old junior at Barrington High School who was among the days volunteers. And knowing that they have clothes for their children makes me happy. Vanessa Johnson, of Barrington Hills, helped to staff a station in the multipurpose room. Were giving back to the community we live in, Johnson said. Thats the most important thing. Volunteer Katie Johnson, of Barrington, called it humbling to see how the community really rallies around itself to support this event for others. Over and over, volunteers echoed their joy for being able to help others. Advertisement It feels good, always, said Horner Chen, of South Barrington, a regular volunteer for The Community Meal. Its a lot of work, a lot of people today. But its good. Its very good Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer. ASHEVILLE Conservation biologist JJ Apodaca and his Asheville-based organization, Tangled Bank Conservation, are working to save two of the most poached turtle species in the United States, which are found in North Carolina. They recently received a $100,000 prize for the cutting-edge genetic sequencing techniques they use to combat this trafficking. Apodaca, who is also the executive director of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, was one of five applicants selected to receive the 2023 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize. The TRGPs, established in 2019, are awarded yearly to applicants who foster technology-driven solutions that can solve conservation challenges. Apodaca told the Asheville Citizen Times that this genetic sequencing is saving the lives of turtles that would otherwise be subjected to unhappy endings. For most of the history of this happening, those turtles were euthanized, or in best case scenario put into a zoo or educational setting, Apodaca said. But there's only so much room for animals like that. Asheville conservation biologist JJ Apodaca works to combat poaching of turtles in North Carolina. More: Word from the Smokies: What happens when we relocate box turtles? Biodiversity, which Apodaca called the currency that species use to adapt to changes, can be harmed by releasing turtles without knowledge of their origins. Due to this, law enforcement responsible for seizing these animals from poachers have historically been left with no other choice but to euthanize. With technology like Apodacas genetic sequencing, however, scientists can match the DNA of seized turtles to their original habitats, making it possible to safely release them into the wild. The $100K in prize money will go toward the development of a genomic database for three of the most poached turtle species in the U.S.: Eastern box turtles, alligator snapping turtles and Blanding's turtles. If we want to be able to identify where poached turtles came from, we have to collect a bunch of samples in the wild, sequence those, and build the database so that when we do get an alligator snapping turtle that has been poached out of Louisiana, we have that river represented in our database, and we can trace it back, Apodaca said. The ARC stated in a recent news release that millions of U.S. turtles are poached yearly to be sold illegally for food and pet trade. Apodaca said that N.C. and other Southeastern states, which are home to many of the eastern box turtles and alligator snapping turtles his team hopes to preserve, may be particularly vulnerable to this practice. Eastern box turtles are one of the most poached turtles in North Carolina and the United States. Conservation biologist JJ Apodaca is working to combat the illegal practice. We've seen major poaching cases and busts occur in nearly every state in the East, Apodaca said. And it's essentially because we're such a biodiverse region and biodiverse state. Poachers definitely come here and poach within North Carolina, or certainly within the Southeast. Without intervention, Apodaca said that North Carolina could potentially lose iconic species like the Eastern box turtle forever. He told the Citizen Times that box turtles are currently the most poached turtle species in the country. Anybody who spends time in the woods and is over the age of 40 or 50 can tell you that you see a lot less box turtles than you used to, Apodaca said. Alligator snapping turtles are also becoming increasingly rare. In fact, these turtles are currently being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act. With the help of genetic sequencing, scientists like Apodaca and his team are working to combat this growing problem. In 2021 Apodaca and his team successfully identified the home river of 44 alligator snapping turtles rescued from poachers in 2016, allowing law enforcement to finally release the seized turtles into the wild. Apodaca reminded N.C. residents that they can help the cause by supporting local conservation and habitat restoration efforts. He suggested subscribing to the ARCs newsletter, which can be found on their webpage; simply staying aware of these issues can go a long way in supporting their work, Apodaca explained. This is an incredibly real threat that could lead to the Southeast and North Carolina not having wild turtles to interact with, and that's obviously detrimental to our ecosystems, but is really detrimental to us culturally, Apodaca said. If we and our children, and our children's children cant experience the joy and wonder of finding a box turtle wandering in the woods, what kind of connection with nature do we lose? More: US Forest Service proposes to conserve old-growth forests, including Pisgah, Nantahala More: Endangered butterflies, bats return to natural habitat after WNC nonprofit restorations This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville biologist combats NC poaching trade A 40-year-old man is recovering after he was shot on Tuesday afternoon, according to police. Officers were called to North Camp Creek Pkwy. and Stone Hogan Connector SW around 5:45 p.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] When they got there, they found a man who had been shot. He was alert, conscious and breathing and taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Investigators say the man was shot while inside his car. The gunshots came from another car. TRENDING STORIES: Details about the suspect or their car have not been released. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Ali Hajimiri has spent a decade researching how to put solar panels in space and beam the energy down to Earth. Yet when the Caltech electrical engineering professor talks about his work, people always have three questions, usually in this order: Why not just put solar panels on Earth? Are you going fry birds in the sky? Are you building a Death Star? Hajmiri jokes he plans to have the answers printed on a card. Im going to have it in my wallet to show people, he said. Originally a space solar skeptic, Hajimiris interest was piqued when he started looking more closely at the idea. On average, you get about eight times more power in space compared with solar on Earth, he told CNN. The beam wont kill animals either. And as for the Death Star? The beam wont be powerful enough to be weaponized, he added. This year, Hajimiri and his team made a step towards making space-based solar a reality. In January, they launched Maple, a 30-centimeter-long space solar prototype equipped with flexible, lightweight transmitters. The aim was to harvest energy from the sun and transfer it wirelessly in space, which they did, managing to light up a pair of LEDs. But the stretch goal was to see if Maple could also beam down detectable energy to Earth. In May, the team decided to launch a dry run to see what would happen. On a rooftop on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California, Hajimiri and the other scientists were able to pick up Maples signal. The amount of energy they detected was tiny, too small to be useful, but they had succeeded in wirelessly beaming down power from space. It was only after the fact that it dawned on us a little bit that, OK, well, this was something very special, said Hajimiri. Space-based solar may sound a wild, futuristic idea, but it is not new. As far back as 1941, it was described in a short story by science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. In the decades since, countries including the US, China and Japan have explored the idea but for years it was written off. The economics were just way out, said Martin Soltau, CEO of the UK-based company Space Solar. That may now be changing as the cost of launching satellites falls sharply, solar and robotics technology advances swiftly, and the need for abundant clean energy to replace planet-heating fossil fuels becomes more urgent. Theres a nexus of different technologies coming together right now just when we need it, said Craig Underwood, emeritus professor of spacecraft engineering at the University of Surrey in the UK. The problem is, these technologies would need to be deployed at a scale unlike anything ever done before. What is space-based solar? At its heart, space-based solar is a fairly straightforward concept. Humans could harness the enormous power of the sun in space, where its available constantly unaffected by bad weather, cloud cover, nighttime or the seasons and beam it to Earth. There are different concepts, but it would work roughly like this: huge solar power satellites, each more than a mile long in diameter, would be sent into a very high orbit. Because of the colossal size of these structures, they would be made up of hundreds of thousands of much smaller, mass-manufactured modules, like lego bricks, Soltau told CNN, which would be assembled in space by autonomous robotic assembly machines. The satellites solar cells would capture the suns energy, convert it into microwaves and beam it down to Earth wirelessly via a very large transmitter, able to hit specific points on the ground with precision. With the International Space Station and the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, shown for scale, this illustration demonstrates how massive the CASSEioPia array would be. - CNN The microwaves, which can easily travel through clouds and bad weather, would be directed to a receiving antenna (or rectenna) on Earth made of mesh think of a sort of fishing net hung on bamboo poles, Soltau said where the microwaves would be converted back into electricity and fed into the grid. Power would be transmitted wirelessly in the form of microwaves to dedicated receiver stations on Earth, called "rectennas," which convert the energy back into electricity and feed it into the local grid. - ESA The rectenna, approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) in diameter, could be built on land or offshore. And because these mesh structures would be nearly transparent, the idea is the land underneath them could be used for solar panels, farms or other activities. A single space solar satellite could deliver up to 2 gigawatts of power, roughly the same amount as two average nuclear power plants in the US. An idea whose time has come? Theres nothing science fiction about space-based solar, Underwood, the UK professor, told CNN. The technology is mature, he said. The big stumbling block has been simply the sheer cost of putting a power station into orbit. Over the last decade, that has begun to change as companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin started developing reusable rockets. Todays launch costs at around $1,500 per kilogram are about 30 times less than in the Space Shuttle era of the early 1980s. And while launching thousands of tons of material into space sounds like it would have a huge carbon footprint, space solar would likely have a footprint at least comparable to terrestrial solar per unit of energy, if not a smaller, because of its increased efficiency as sunlight is available nearly constantly, said Mamatha Maheshwarappa, payload systems lead at UK Space Agency. Some experts go further. Underwood said the carbon footprint of space-based solar would be around half that of a terrestrial solar farm producing the same power, even with the rocket launch. But that doesnt mean space-based solar should replace terrestrial renewables, he added. The idea is that it could provide baseload power that can be called upon around the clock to fill in the gaps when the wind doesnt blow and the sun doesnt shine on Earth. Currently, baseload power tends to be provided by power plants running on fossil fuels or nuclear energy, which are able to operate with little interruption. The power would be very portable, said Peter Garretson, a senior fellow in defense studies at the American Foreign Policy Council. It could be beamed from space to the top of Europe, for example, and then to the bottom of Africa. Many advocates point to the potential it could offer developing countries with deep energy needs but a lack of infrastructure. All they would need is a rectenna. It will provide real democratization of abundant affordable energy, Soltau said. Space-based solar could also help power remote Arctic towns and villages that lie in almost complete darkness for months each year, and could beam power to support communities experiencing outages during climate disasters or conflict. The challenges There is still a huge gulf between concept and commercialization. We know how to build a satellite, and we know how to build a solar array, the UK Space Agencys Maheshwarappa said. What we dont know is how to build something this big in space. She gives the example of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world, which stands at around 830 meters, or roughly 2,700 feet. The structures that we are talking about are twice that, Maheshwarappa told CNN. So we have not even built something this big on the ground, let alone in space. Scientists also need to figure out how to use AI and robotics to construct and maintain these structures in space. The enabling technologies are still in a very low technology readiness, Maheshwarappa said. Then theres regulating this new energy system, to ensure the satellites are built sustainably, theres no debris risk, and they have an end-of-life plan, as well as to determine where rectenna sites should be located. Public buy-in could be another huge obstacle, Maheshwarappa said. There can be an instinctive fear when it comes to beaming power from space. But such fears are unfounded, according to some experts. The energy density at the center of the rectenna would be about a quarter of the midday sun. It is no different than standing in front of a heat lamp, Hajimiri said. And to build a satellite capable of doing harm to people, it would have to be many times bigger than the concepts currently being developed, Hajimiri said. Anyone who tries to start building that, everyone else would know. That doesnt mean questions shouldnt be asked, he said. The idea is to benefit humanity, and if it doesnt, theres no point. An artists impression of what a solar power satellite could look like - ESA For some, however, the whole concept of space-based solar is misplaced. Amory Lovins, a physicist and adjunct professor at Stanford University, said the world would be far better focusing on terrestrial renewables. The extra energy in space and the ability to harvest it nearly 24 hours a day is not valuable enough to pay for the cost to collect it and beaming the energy down, he told CNN. For Lovins, promises that the system would be a great source of baseload power dont hold up either. There are techniques to match energy demand to supply, rather than the other way around, without consumers even noticing. Having a huge power source that is producing all the time is undesirably inflexible, he said. Why spend money on something that has no chance of a business case if you succeeded, whose need will have been met before you could build it and whose most optimistic future cost estimates are the same as the current price of terrestrial solar power plus batteries? he asked. The future But governments and companies around the world believe there is huge promise in space-based solar to help meet burgeoning demand for abundant, clean energy and tackle the climate crisis. A development program able to demonstrate proof of concept is about five or six years away, Soltau said. It will then take another five or six years to industrialize and scale up the gigawatt-scale system to be fully operational. Strong government support will be key, he said. Its an ambitious thing to create a brand new energy technology. In the US, the Air Force Research Laboratory has plans to launch a small demonstrator called Arachne in 2025, and the US Naval Research Laboratory launched a module in May 2020 aboard an orbital test vehicle, to test solar hardware in space conditions. The China Academy of Space Technology, a spacecraft designer and manufacturer, is aiming to send a solar satellite into low orbit in 2028 and into high orbit by 2030, according to a 2022 South China Morning News report. An illustration of what a space solar satellite could look like. Governments around te world are investing in programs to research and develop the concept. - Andreas Treuer/ESA Theres been a burst of activity from the UK government. It commissioned an independent study which reported in 2021 that space-based solar was technically feasible, highlighting designs such as the UK-led CASSIOPeiA, a satellite 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) in diameter that aims to deliver 2 gigawatts of power. In June this year, the government announced nearly $5.5 million in funding to universities and tech companies to drive forward innovation in the space-based solar sector. And Europe has its Solaris program, to establish the technical and political viability of space-based solar, in preparation for a possible decision in 2025 to launch a full development program. Obviously, before you build something, everything is speculation, said Garretson, but there are strong reasons to think that this might actually be economically possible and viable. Back in California, Hajimiri and his team have spent the last six months stress testing their prototype to extract data to feed into the next generation of design. Hajimiris ultimate vision is series of lightweight, flexible sails, that can be rolled up, launched and unfurled in space, with billions of elements working in perfect synchronization to send energy where it is needed He views their project as part of this long chain of people who build upon each others work and help each other, he said. So we are taking an important step, perhaps, but it is not the last step. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A body found in a wooded area of Clay County near Mosby, Missouri has been identified as a missing 18-year-old, police say. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said a Mosby resident found a body in a wooded area Dec. 21. At the time, authorities determined the person died by suicide. The Sheriffs Office said Wednesday the body has since been identified as Andrew Mullin, 18, from Mosby, Missouri. Mullin was reported missing Dec. 5 and was last seen Nov. 27 in Mosby. When he was reported missing, Mullins family and the authorities said they were concerned about his mental health. In a statement Dec. 27, the Clay County Sheriffs Office said they extend their support to his friends and family. Our condolences go out to all of his family and friends. Africa-inspired scenes have been added to the BBCs new Agatha Christie adaptation to use an allegory of colonialism in the show, the director has revealed. Meenu Gaur said that a story originally from West African Yoruba culture had informed sequences in the new TV adaptation of the mystery writers 1939 book Murder Is Easy. I thought it was a great allegorical story about colonialism and empire and how by becoming a part of another culture which is what empire and colonialism is what part of us as people becomes invisible, she said. The story about a man who goes hunting and uses the pomade of two strangers before becoming invisible to everyone he knew and loved back home shaped the opening scenes, in which the protagonist is chased through a forest. The lead role of Luke Fitzwilliam is played by David Jonsson, who in 2022 was named best actor at the Black British Theatre Awards. David Jonsson with Mathew Baynton, who plays Dr Thomas in the latest BBC Agatha Christie adaptation - ANNE BINCKEBANCK/MAMMOTH SCREEN The British actor previously told The Telegraph: Its the first time theyve had a black lead in the entire history of Agatha Christie. At first it really shocked me to the point I didnt want to do it. The opening scene of Fitzwilliam being chased features him holding an Ikenga, which is a sign of power among the Igbo people an ethnic group in Nigeria and the scene recurs throughout the first episode. Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre, who wrote the screenplay, said of these sequences: Its kind of an in joke I wanted to start the show in the way that shows about black people have always begun: with a black man running through a forest apparently being chased by something, in a white shirt, and then I wanted to blow it up. Recent BBC adaptations of Christies work have proved controversial, with some fans aghast that a 2015 version of And Then There Were None contained swearing and sex scenes which were not found in the novel. Murder Is Easy marks the screenwriters first adaptation of a Christie novel, but she says she has watched all the adaptations that came before this. Speaking about the decision to cast Jonsson as the lead, she said: Obviously Luke Fitzwilliam is a white man, hes a returning colonial police officer from a fictional place and throughout the book, Christie describes him as being brown. David Jonsson as Luke Fitzwilliam attends a social occasion in Murder Is Easy - MARK MAINZ/MAMMOTH SCREEN Now, Im a brown person, a brown woman, andI just started thinking about him as a black person pretty much from the get-go and we decided to put it in the 1950s. She added that she had included some personal influences, explaining: My grandfather came over in the 1930s and my father came over in the 1960s and I really wanted to talk about their experience as black immigrants in the year that we are celebrating Windrush. [I wanted] to talk about the other black entries into this country and how that happened and our place here, so that is one very obvious change [from the book]. Things felt very true In the adaptation, Fitzwilliam, who was played by Benedict Cumberbatch in a 2009 series, is tasked with investigating reports of a serial killer in the sleepy English village of Wychwood-under-Ashe. Jonsson is joined in the cast by Penelope Wilton and by Morfydd Clark, the star of Amazon Primes big-budget Lord of the Rings spin-off. The actor said: At first I wasnt sure about it. Im not a big fan of colour-blind casting and I dont know what this was and to be blind to anything is no good thing. So I think I said no and they were quite persistent and it turns out Sian wasnt blind to anything. They were really doing something different with this one and incorporating things that felt very true. Murder Is Easy is coming to BBC iPlayer from 6am on Dec 27, and will be broadcast on BBC One at 9pm that evening, with episode two broadcast the following night. 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. Beating jet lag is possible - as long as you don't give in to the temptation of "just a quick nap.". Christin Klose/dpa When travelling across several time zones, our bodies find it hard to adjust. A phenomenon known as jet lag, we end up tired, exhausted and unable to focus. It almost feels like you have a bit of a hangover. "During jet lag, the body's natural circadian rhythm is messed up after crossing several time zones," explains sleep specialist Professor Kneginja Richter. This is reflected in symptoms similar to those experienced during a hangover. The expert has some advice on what helps. Ms. Richter, when it comes to jet lag, what's worse: flying east, for example from Europe to Australia, or flying west, for example from Europe to the US? Kneginja Richter: This depends largely on a person's chronotype [meaning their body's natural inclination to sleep at a certain time]. For late risers who are active at night - so-called owls - flying west is a little easier to cope with than flying east. For early risers - known as larks - who are more active in the morning, flying east is easier to deal with than flying west. Since owls naturally have a later sleep/wake cycle, they experience a reset when flying west. Conversely, larks find it easier to fly into the future, towards the east. Some people advise adjusting your sleep pattern to the time zone of the country you're travelling to a few days before the flight, so that your body gets used to it. Does this help against jet lag? Richter: This can be helpful, yes. If I know that I am going to the US or Japan from Europe or Africa, I would ideally start adjusting my sleep pattern slightly a week in advance. For example, if I'm flying east to Japan, I would go to bed a little earlier and get up a little earlier; if I'm flying west to the US, I would go to bed a little later and get up a little later. It's about creating regular sleep patterns, not getting more sleep - going to bed at wildly different times each day is stressful for the body. You shouldn't mess up your body's rhythm too much when preparing for a trip. Going to sleep half an hour or an hour earlier or later for a few days before your trip and then getting up earlier or later can be a good idea to help you adapt to the time in your destination country. Taking melatonin can help with falling asleep. If I arrive in the US and start feeling tired in the early afternoon because of jet lag, can I go to bed at 3 pm or should I stay up until the evening to force my body to adjust to the new time zone? Richter: It's better to try and adapt to the new time zone right away and force yourself to stay awake throughout the day. It's okay to allow yourself to take a nap for 20 to a maximum of 30 minutes - but make sure to set an alarm! If you don't, your nap will turn into a two to three hour nap, and that's a no-go. My advice: Get as much light as possible at your destination during the day and completely darken the room you're going to sleep in before going to bed. It's also a good idea to ask the hotel for a room that's as quiet as possible. And last but not least: be sure to pack a sleep mask. ABOUT: Professor Kneginja Richter is chief physician at the CuraMed day clinic in the German city of Nuremberg and teaches at the Nuremberg University of Technology. She is the spokesperson of the Scientific Committee and the Chronobiology Working Group of the German Society for Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine(DGSM). Travelling across several time zones can have effects similar to a hangover. Fredrik von Erichsen/dpa Welcome to Whats being built there? an occasional feature where the Tri-City Herald answers questions about construction taking place around town. Send your Whats that? to news@tricityherald.com Kennewick Tropic Hunger Restaurant 5210 W. Okanogan Place Construction crews work on framing the building for the new Tropic Hunger restaurant on West Okanogan Avenue adjacent to the Edison Food Park. The future home of Tropic Hunger, serving Hawaiian plates, is taking shape next to Edison Food Park, a food truck plaza north of Kamiakin High School. Tropic Hunger and its sibling, the Local Bite, are owned by Rachel Lundegard and her husband, Scott. Lundegard serves both menus from the blue Local Bite food truck in the parking lot. The Hawaiian plate lunch business will move into the new space when its ready in 2024. Its future restaurant is part of a 2,223-square-foot commercial building being built by Tim Bushs TTB Investments as part of a larger development on Okanogan Place. Sanders Peach Farm subdivision 1929 W. 10th Ave. The well-known Sanders peach farm is being transformed into a small subdivision on West 10th Avenue just east of South Vancouver Street in central Kennewick. A well-known Kennewick peach farm is being transformed into a small subdivision near West 10th Avenue and South Vancouver Street in central Kennewick. Sanders Peaches announced it was shutting down in 2022 after the 3.76-acre property was sold to Thomas Wei. Wei is preparing the land for a 17-lot subdivision built around the future extension of South Underwood Place, which will end in a cul-de-sac. Kennewick planning documents indicate the original home, built in 1920, will remain. Extended drives will provide access to flag lots that dont front the main street. Sanders, who died in 2020, bought the former Gravenslund home in 1968 and owned it until his death, according to his obituary. Workers are digging trenches across the property to accommodate a gas main, according to building permits. Hungry Generation Church lot 1120 N. Edison St. and 5121 W. Canal Drive Hungry Generation Church was ordered to halt work on a parking lot for its new Kennewick church on Dec. 20.. The city of Kennewick said it is waiting for a few outstanding items before it can finalize a construction permit for the 172-space lot, which spans parcels at both 1120 N. Edison St. and behind the main building at 5121 W. Canal drive. Hungry Generation Church was ordered to halt work on a parking lot for its new Kennewick church on Dec. 20.. The city of Kennewick said it is waiting for a few outstanding items before it can finalize a construction permit for the 172-space lot, which spans parcels at both 1120 N. Edison St. and behind the main building at 5121 W. Canal drive. Hungry Generation bought a former government office building on Edison together with a vacant 3-acre parcel behind it in December 2021 and set out to create a modern sanctuary that can serve up to 1,000. Plans include a school as well. The Canal Drive property was mostly cleared before the city ordered the work halted.. The city said both projects were issued civil plan project approval earlier this year, but do not have final construction permits. The parking lot will have lighting, sidewalks and landscaping. The church is raising $5.36 million to support the project. Pasco Take 5 Oil Change 5822 Road 68 Construction crews work on the new three bay Take 5 Oil Change building on the corner of Road 68 and Three Rivers Drive in west Pasco. Hogback Three Rivers LLC is building a new Take 5 oil change facility with three service bays and four parking spots. The project is valued at $650,000. The oil change is next to a newly opened Starbucks at 5818 Road 68. Take 5, based in Metairie, La., is a national oil change brand with one location in Washington, on Newport Highway in Spokane. It specializes in 10-minute oil changes performed while customers remain in their cars. Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday. Eleven area children were able to "Shop with Heroes" as part of the annual holiday event by the Buffalo Grove police and fire departments. Officers and firefighters accompanied the kids as they shopped for gifts Dec. 2, 2023 at Target, 1400 W. Lake Cook Road in Wheeling. (Buffalo Grove Police Dept.) Some Buffalo Grove-area children learned that not all heroes have capes and some like to stroll the aisles of local retail stores during the holiday, helping the kids purchase gifts for their family members and spread Christmas cheer. The holiday spirit was alive, emergency responder officials said in a news release, telling of the Buffalo Grove police and fire departments teaming up for the annual Shopping with Heroes event. Advertisement Eleven area children were able to "Shop with Heroes" as part of the annual holiday event by the Buffalo Grove police and fire departments. Officers and firefighters accompanied the kids as they shopped for gifts Dec. 2, 2023 at Target, 1400 W. Lake Cook Road in Wheeling. (Buffalo Grove Police Dept.) Eleven area children were able to "Shop with Heroes" as part of the annual holiday event by the Buffalo Grove police and fire departments. After shopping for gifts Dec. 2, 2023, volunteers helped the children wrap the gifts back at the police station. (Buffalo Grove Police Dept.) On Dec. 2, police officers and firefighters assisted 11 deserving children in shopping for gifts for themselves, their families and loved ones at the Target store in Wheeling. The volunteer police officers and firefighters spent time shopping with the youth, encouraging the selection of both educational items and their desired gifts, according to the release. Advertisement The children then gathered at the police department for where other volunteers helped with gift wrapping, and pizza and treats were served. Our first responders look forward to this event every year, said police Chief Brian Budds. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the many volunteers who helped make the holidays special for kids in our community and their families. Officials stated in the release that the holiday shopping and pizza party were made possible by donations from the police department, Target, the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council and other generous donors. The Lone Star BBQ and Mercantile in Santee has been a local favorite and a travelers destination for more than 20 years. On Christmas, it burned mostly to the ground. The restaurant and mercantile was made up of four old-timey country buildings, each more than a century old. The shops were built between the 1890s and 1920s and spent most of their lives as businesses in the small railroad town of Lone Star, South Carolina. Lone Star was nearly abandoned by the end of World War II, but a handful of stores kept running until the late 1990s. When Lone Stars Zeaglers General Store closed in 1997, local real estate agent Pat Williams saw an opportunity, according to past coverage by multiple news outlets. Williams moved four of Lone Stars rustic, empty buildings to Santee in 2000 and created Lone Star BBQ and Mercantile, using the charm of the historic buildings to create a unique dining experience. Williams ran the restaurant for 20 years with his son before selling the business several years ago. Cory and Rachel Henderson purchased the restaurant three years ago. Its just devastating. We had so many hopes and dreams and now its, as you can see, what it is, Rachel Henderson told The Times and Democrat newspaper after the Christmas fire, as she looked upon the charred interior of her store. The Santee Fire Service District received a call about a structure fire late Christmas day, Fire Chief Ed Barnett told the local news. By the time trucks arrived at the scene, one building was already engulfed in flames, and the blaze was as high as some trees, Barnett said. No one was injured in the fire, Barnett added. The cause has not been publicly released. At the end of the year we like to remember some of the beloved restaurants and creative concepts that closed their doors. In 2023, we saw some of the Triangles top pizzerias close up shop, as well as some of the areas most comforting neighborhood gathering spots. Here are the notable restaurants that closed in 2023. Capital Creations, Raleigh Around Thanksgiving, Raleigh lost one of its most popular takeout pizza shops. Jim and Beth Niver opened Capital Creations in 1992 and for the next 31 years served up inventive and traditional pies. After three decades the couple decided to hang up their aprons and retire from the pizza business. Coronato, Carrboro Opened as one of the Triangles most unique pizzerias, Coronato closed after a four-year run specializing in thin and crispy Roman-style pizzas. The first restaurant owned by chef Teddy Diggs, Coronato made pizzas with an authentically Italian perspective, combining bites like crispy fried suppli and seasonal pizzas topped with fresh figs or tomatoes. Coronato distinguished itself as a destination for sober diners, transforming its beverage program to be entirely non-alcoholic. Deli Edison, Chapel Hill This market from the owners of neighboring barbecue joint The Pig combined a bagel and sandwich shop with a gourmet food store. Deli Edison took over the former Bagel Bar space in Chapel Hill, catering to what was then a bagel desert, while also serving as a pastry counter and a retail shop for the wildly popular Lady Edison ham products. Double Barley, Wilsons Mills Double Barley helped bring craft beer to Johnston County and was best known for a sweet porter called Thrilla in Vanilla. The brewery closed in July after nearly a decade in business, but beer wasnt gone for long. The space has been turned into Raleigh Brewing Distro, a new taproom and production space for the well-known brewery. Fine Folk, Raleigh Born out of the early days of the pandemic, the threads of Fine Folk began as a burger pop-up in the former Cary restaurant Postmaster, where chef Christopher Lopez served up wildly popular smashburgers. On the wave of those burgers, Lopez created Fine Folk, a casual neighborhood restaurant and wine bar in Gateway Plaza. Fine Folk dealt in a kind of modern Americana, built with a diner soul and fine dining talent. Though it closed after a year and a half, the barstools were full until the lights went out. Honeysuckle at Lakewood, Durham The second iteration of the former County Fare space in Durhams Lakewood neighborhood closed in December, making way for the new restaurant Lakewood Social from Joel Schroeter. The closing of Honeysuckle in Durham ends the brands run with traditional cafes and restaurants, with the original picturesque space in Chapel Hill now operating only as an events venue. Humble Pie, Raleigh A Raleigh classic ended its run after more than 30 years in its downtown space. Founded by Grover Williamson and named for the English rock band, Humble Pie was the quintessential downtown Raleigh neighborhood restaurant, boasting a best-in-the-city patio, a comfortable bar and comforting Southern menu. Humble Pie helped launch the career of Raleigh chef Ashley Christensen and its space is being taken over by one of her proteges, former Pooles chef David Ellis, who plans a new Italian restaurant. J-Lights Market, Durham & Raleigh This cross-Triangle pair of cafes opened in newer developments in Durham and Raleigh, opening as Golden Belts first restaurant and in Smoky Hollows array of food and beverage options. Part deli, part bottle shop, J. Lights served up solid sandwiches and always curated a tasty draft list of craft beer. Jack-Tar, Durham The modern diner is one of the biggest trends in restaurants today, a concept helped put in motion by downtown Durhams Jack-Tar. From the same owners as Pizzeria Toro and Littler, Jack Tar nailed the all-day restaurant, serving giant pancakes for breakfast, a perfect burger at lunch and at night a plate of fried chicken, tossed in a tingly szechuan oil. With Jack-Tars departure, Durham also lost the narrow black box cocktail bar The Colonels Daughter, known as one of the Triangles best spots for a drink around the holidays. Ko.an, Cary This revival of the former An Cuisines space in Cary was owned by former bu.ku and so.ca founder Sean Degnan. Ko.an offered a casual yet refined view of southeast Asian cuisine, serving dishes like steamed lobster buns, tuna tataki and bowls of flavorful noodles and curries. Opened shortly before the pandemic, Ko.an was one of the best known restaurants in the Triangle to morph its space into a temporary grocery store, offering hard-to-find staples to customers. Pompieri, Durham After a decade in business, one of Durhams popular pizzerias closed near the end of 2023. Pompieri served up piping hot and blistered pizzas from a wood-burning oven, among the first in the area at the time to cook Neapolitan-style pies. Pooleside Pies, Raleigh This bright and lively pizzeria from chef Ashley Christensen closed before Christmas, ending a four year run next door to her flagship restaurant Pooles Diner (thus the name). With a large skylight and a pool club theme, Pooleside churned out airy, creative pizzas and riffs on Pooles Diner classics, like fried mac and cheese. You might find collard greens on your pizza and dill pickle juice brightening up your salad, as just a few of the inventive touches at Pooleside. But Christensen promises a new concept will move into the space soon. The Rockford, Raleigh One of the oldest restaurants on Glenwood South closed in early 2023 after nearly three decades in business. This second-story hidden gem was once called spunky by former News & Observer dining critic Greg Cox. In more recent years it was known for comforting fine dining, led by then-chef Kevin Ruiz, and a popular brunch service amid Raleighs busiest nightlife districts. Saint Jacques, Raleigh One of the Triangles oldest French restaurants, Saint Jacques served European refinement in a North Raleigh strip mall. Opened nearly two decades ago, the restaurant was known for a time as Raleighs best French restaurant, but closed abruptly and silently in the summer. Sawmill Tap Room, Raleigh The closing of this North Raleigh neighborhood bar was one of our most-read restaurant stories of 2023. Fans and patrons of Sawmill flocked to the bar over its final month, a closing it says was forced when it wasnt offered a lease renewal on its home of 23 years. The popular spot was best known for burgers and craft beer and a wide outdoor patio. Soul Taco, Raleigh This short-lived taqueria held so much promise for downtown Raleigh, but closed after only a few months in business. Soul Taco was the Raleigh expansion of a popular Richmond, Virginia, brand and served a style of taco that mashed up soul food and Mexican cuisine. The result was jambalaya chicken tinga tacos, or poboy shrimp tacos. Yamazushi, Durham One of the Triangles most artful, creative and transportive restaurants closed this year as owners George and Mayumi Yamazawa retired Yamazushi after 37 years. What opened as a straightforward sushi restaurant in the Woodcroft shopping center eventually morphed into one of the Souths only traditional Japanese kaiseki meals. George Yamazawa would cook for as few as a dozen diners a night, serving a multi-course meal on plates and bowls he had made himself. It was as intricate and intimate a dining experience as existed in the Triangle. Zwelis, Durham Fear-not, this isnt a forever closing. The excellent Zwelis Kitchen closed its original location on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard earlier this year. But owners Zweli and (new Durham Mayor) Leonardo Williams will reopen in Brightleaf Square next year. Expect the same peri peri chicken and peanut butter collard greens that made the original Zwelis a destination. This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, Digital Trends and Yahoo Inc. may earn a commission. A colorful image on the LG C2 OLED's screen. The end of Christmas doesnt mean your shopping spree should also stop, as there are some amazing TV deals that are still available right now. If youre still on the hunt for a display that will upgrade your home theater setup, check out the bargains that weve gathered below featuring screens from the best TV brands. Youre going to have to hurry if you dont want to miss out on the discounts though, as stocks for certain models especially those that are featured in our roundup of the best TVs may already be running low. Best after-Christmas LG TV deals LG C3 OLED LG is known for its OLED TVs, which offer perfect black levels and better contrast compared to other types of TVs. LG TVs can go cheap or expensive, but no matter what model you get, you can be sure that youll enjoy topnotch quality when youre watching your favorite shows and movies. LGs smart TVs are powered by its webOS platform, which will allow you to access streaming services while also offering deep customization and personalized shortcuts. Best after-Christmas TCL TV deals An aerial view of a lava flow on a TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV. TCLs growth over the past several years has been nothing short of impressive, as the brand will give you massive value for your hard-earned money with its relatively affordable TVs. There are several series for TCL TVs, with the higher-end models able to go head-to-head with the top offerings of brands like Samsung and LG, but youll still get fantastic brightness and colors from the more affordable choices. Best after-Christmas Sony TV deals Sony A80L 4K OLED TV. There has been increased demand for Sony TVs because theyre optimized to work with the PlayStation 5, but theyre much more than just a perfect display for video games. Sony TVs come with the latest features and powerful technologies, if youre willing to pay higher prices, though cheaper models are also worthwhile purchases because theyre designed to make a massive improvement on any home theater setup. Best after-Christmas Vizio TV deals Vizio V-Series TVs in family room with smart TV on. Vizio made a name for itself as a brand that offers awesome picture quality at reasonable prices, and that hasnt changed over the years. Youll be able to enjoy 4K Ultra HD resolution without spending too much if you go with certain Vizio TVs, so youll have enough cash to spend in upgrading the rest of your home theater setup. Vizios SmartCast platform will let you catch up to your favorite streaming shows, while also offering free content through the WatchFree+ service. Best after-Christmas Samsung TV deals Samsung's 65-inch Class 'The Frame' QLED 4K Smart TV displaying a famous oil painting. Samsung is widely considered as the market leader in the TV industry, and its easy to see why. Their offerings cater to a wide range of customers, from those on a tight budget to those who are willing to make a huge investment, with features that take advantage of the latest technology. Samsungs QLED, QD-OLED, and Neo QLED TVs are worth the high price tags, and its Tizen operating system grants access to all of the popular streaming services. The Bethel Park Police Department is mourning the death of retired chief Timothy C. OConnor. Chief OConnor, 66, abruptly resigned from his position back in November. Community leaders told Channel 11 at the time it wasnt clear why he resigned. Chief OConnor was hired in 2015 after 35 years of working as a patrol officer for Pittsburgh Police. >> Longtime Bethel Park police chief abruptly resigns According to the Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office, Chief OConnor died just after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. The department is asking the public to keep Chief OConnors family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The Municipality of Bethel Park issued the following statement: The Municipality of Bethel Park expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends and past coworkers of former Police Chief Timothy OConnor. Chief OConnor was a dedicated law enforcement professional who served the Bethel Park community for many years until he recently transitioned from his position. Were asking that the privacy of his family be respected during this difficult time. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Steelers announce starting quarterback against Seahawks 3-year-old boy opens entire familys Christmas presents at 3 a.m. Dispute between brothers over Christmas gifts leads to shooting death of older sister VIDEO:Teen killed in crash honored by hundreds during vigil at Pine-Richland Stadium DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts A Michigan Republican who served as a fake elector for former President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election expressed remorse for partaking in the scheme, per a recording of the electors interview with the state attorney generals office that was obtained by The New York Times. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel dropped criminal charges against 77-year-old James Renner after he agreed to cooperate. Renner is the only one of 16 fake electors charged to have reached an agreement with Nessels office. Thus far, Nessel has only charged the electors but has stated that her investigation is ongoing. I cant overemphasize how once I read the information in the J6 transcripts how upset I was that the legitimate process had not been followed, Renner said in the interview. I felt that I had been walked into a situation that I shouldnt have ever been involved in. The Times reported that Renner was an eleventh-hour substitution in December of 2020 for two electors who had dropped out of the plot. Slates of fake electors have already been charged in several states, including Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada. Separate probes are also underway in Arizona and New Mexico. The investigators who conducted Renners interview questioned him about a bevy of items related to the scheme, including reported key players such as former New York City Mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, and Shawn Flynn a Michigan lawyer who worked with the Trump campaign. Giuliani is also charged in the Georgia probe, headed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. He recently filed for bankruptcy after being ordered to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers who sued him for defamation after he peddled voter fraud conspiracies about them. The Times reported that Renner is a former state trooper and a retired businessman who volunteered as a local party activist in Clinton County, near Michigans state capital, Lansing. He had never served as an elector before and typically supported Republican campaigns by passing out signs and distributing fliers, the Times report noted. He said he was contacted by the head of the county Republican Party a day or so before the electors had planned to meet on Dec. 14, 2020, was asked to fill in for someone who was dropping out and agreed to do so. During the interview, Renner indicated that he knew nothing about the electoral process, adding that three other electors Meshawn Maddock, Kathleen Berden, and Marya Rodriguez took the reins. All three have pleaded not guilty. I was accepting the individuals that were in authority knew what they were talking about, Renner told investigators. It was not until he and the other electors were sued in civil court in January of 2023, Renner said, that he took it upon himself to begin reading into the House transcripts and the official procedure for electors. He later understood that what had transpired was not legitimate. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. It was only then that I realized that, hold it, there is an official state authorized process for this, he said. Prior to that, Renner said, I had never been an elector, I had never discussed it with anybody. I was used to a much more informal process at the county level. And so thats when I became suspicious of what had gone on. I am very upset, I dont show it, but I am, Renner told investigators. Feeling betrayed, he added, is an understatement. Thats all I can say. Wildlife officials in Virginia say they had no choice but to euthanize an American bald eagle that was suffering with a gunshot wound to the wing. "It was a very sad Christmas Eve," Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke wrote on its Facebook page on Tuesday. "This bird, even in a true miracle scenario, would never be able to live a painless and stress-free life. It was an inhumane act that led this beautiful bird to suffer for over a week out in the elements with no hope of recovery." Wildlife officials initially rescued the female eagle and brought her to the facility to receive treatment. She had been surviving with the untreated horrific wound by eating deer carcasses, the agency said. An X-ray confirmed the eagles wing was severely injured by the bullet. Our worst fears gave way to horror when we realized that this bird had been shot. Sadly, due to the severity of the injury, there was nothing that could be done, the post reads. "Images of this eagle's wing are too horrific to be shared on social media." Virginia wildlife hospital wants justice for bald eagle The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke shared news of the tragedy with hopes of finding the person who shot her and get them to face justice, according to the post, which included the exact location where the eagle was found. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources online, by phone at 800-237-5712 or via email at wildcrime@dwr.virginia.gov. The center also wants the public to reflect on how fragile our natural resources are, reminding everyone that bald eagles were still considered an endangered species 30 years ago. And this is how we treat them? Our national symbol, that we worked tirelessly to save for future generations?" the post says. "We can do better than this. We SHOULD do better than this. If we don't, who will? Consequences for messing with an eagle are hefty One of the bald eagles from the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam at Dick Pritchett Realty in North Fort Myers, Florida preens from the nest tree on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. There are a couple criminal penalties for anyone who chooses to take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, at any time or any manner, any bald or golden eagle whether its alive or dead," according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, established in 1940, was created with the intention of protecting these majestic creatures, including their feathers, nests and eggs. Taking a bald eagle or golden eagle here means to pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb, the U.S. Forest Service writes on their website. The act also explicitly states that intentional human interference around a previously used nest site during a time when eagles are not present that severely disrupts the animal in any way is covered by the definition above. Take a look at the possible consequences below: A $100,000 fine ($200,000 for organizations) Year-long prison sentence Penalties will increase for additional offenses, but a second violation is considered a felony, according to the the wildlife service. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American bald eagle shot in Virginia euthanized on Christmas Eve The following items were taken from police and court reports and news releases. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Mokena FELONY CHARGES: Three Chicago men are scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit Court Jan. 5 on felony charges stemming from a Dec. 21 retail theft that turned into a crash and then a dash, according to police and court records online. Joseph M. Ammons Jr., 53, is charged with aggravated fleeing and possession of a controlled substance, Geno Taylor, 50, is charged with felony retail theft and possession of a controlled substance and Shawn J. Willis Jr., 19, is charged with felony retail theft court records show. A Frankfort officer spotted the trio driving about a half-mile from the Brookhaven Market, 19818 La Grange Road, where Taylor and Willis had allegedly stolen liquor, police said. The officer pursued them, arresting one after the getaway vehicle crashed, police said. Mokena and Frankfort officers and Will County deputies searched the area, arresting the two other suspects without incident, police said. Advertisement Oak Lawn SHOT FIRED: Police say a resident who was shot at early Saturday morning outside his home in the 5300 block of Stoney Creek Drive may have inadvertently interrupted a car burglary. The resident said he noticed another individual, dressed in all black, standing near the street and then saw a flash from that direction. A single bullet, which didnt injure the resident, struck a vehicle parked in the driveway and then hit a rain gutter on the homes second floor at about 2 a.m. The other person fled to a waiting red sedan, which was driven south on Central Avenue before colliding with a vehicle containing passengers at 111th Street and Cicero Avenue. No one reported being injured. The red sedans driver then fled east, eventually crashing into a utility pole in Chicagos Mount Greenwood neighborhood, near 111th Street and Trumbull Avenue, police said. At least four individuals fled the vehicle, police said. Investigators recovered a rifle inside the vehicle and a handgun nearby, police said. ILLEGAL GUN: Damien J. Foster, 27, Chicago, was arrested on a charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon during a traffic stop Friday at 95th Street and Melvina Avenue after officers recovered a .45 caliber handgun loaded with 10 bullets from his glove box and determined he lacked a concealed carry license, police said. Foster, stopped for having expired registration, was also accused of driving on a suspended license and driving without insurance, police said. Advertisement BATTERY ALLEGED: An employee at Tobacco Island, 11051 Cicero Ave., told police a male punched him in the face while he was checking the individuals age. The employee said two other males who had entered the store with the individual ran out of the store with an unpurchased case of cigars, police said. The employee told police he briefly struggled with the third male, who freed himself, grabbed merchandise from a shelf and then fled. Orland Park DUI CRASH: An Oswego woman accused of drunken driving Dec. 1 tailgated a pickup truck for several turns before hitting it at 179th Street and Pentagon Drive, police said. Natalie A. Gates, 39, reportedly offered an officer multiple $20 bills to give to the other driver, police said. DUI CRASH: An Orland Park man told officers cheap tires caused him to drive off 159th Street into a small tree, shearing it, and to also knock down a street sign at 77th Avenue, police said. Kyle P. Harrison, 20, 16100 block of Princeton Avenue, also said hed had only one beer. But officers arrested Harrison, accusing him of driving under the influence of drugs (cannabis) and alcohol. Palos Hills DUI CRASH: Henry Feliciano Montoya, 30, Schererville, Indiana, was arrested Dec. 14 and accused of drunken driving after crashing at 103rd Street and Roberts Road, police said. Steger A University Park man was charged with a two-count felony after officers found a loaded 9 mm handgun in his locked glove box during a Dec. 16 traffic stop, according to police and Will County court records online. Deon M. Washington, 38, 500 block of Landau Road, was driving ahead of a law enforcement officer on Kings Road when he switched into the oncoming lane at Norfolk Avenue, police said. During the ensuing stop the officer determined Washington owned the weapon and lacked the state-required firearm owners identification, police said. Washington was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon/no FOID card and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon/gun in a motor vehicle, as well as drunken driving and improper lane use, court records show. The city of Eugene has been working to reconfigure East 8th Avenue between Mill Street and Lincoln Street to decrease traffic lanes, add protected bike lanes and widen sidewalks. The city of Eugene continues developing a city focused on accessible transportation, equity and safety through its Envision Eugene planning. With dozens of projects coming down the pike in 2024, here are some of the largest and most impactful that residents of Eugene can look forward to seeing completed in the new year. Roadway Projects 8th Avenue Streetscape Redevelopment of the 8th Avenue Streetscape is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2024 with construction beginning in spring. The project includes the repaving of 8th Avenue from Lincoln Street to Mill Street. The road section will be converted into a two-way street with protected bike lanes from High Street to Lincoln Street, all-way stops at the intersections for Willamette Street, Olive Street and Lincoln Street, widened sidewalks and new sidewalk access ramps. Bike lanes will be constructed from High Street to Lincoln Street. On-street parking will be removed from the south side of 8th Avenue and parking available on the north side of 8th Avenue will be moved to include a buffer space between parking lanes and bike lanes. The changes to 8th Avenue are funded both through federal grants and the $51.2 million 2017 bond measure dedicated to street preservation as well as bicycle and pedestrian projects. The bond funds developments to 91 streets in Eugene. EWEB Infrastructure Currin Substation The Eugene Water and Electric Board has committed to rebuilding 10 electrical substations in the next decade to update the citys electrical grid and better serve the growing area. The 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan aims to upgrade and rehabilitate aging infrastructure, many of the substations being built over 50 years ago, to continue providing reliable services for residents in Eugene. Substations act as key nodes in the electrical grid that take high-voltage power and reduce the voltage to an amount appropriate and safe for residential and commercial uses. Excavation equipment removes a foundation from the former Currin Substation during a $14.8 million rebuild of the Eugene Water and Electric Board substation near Interstate 105 in Eugene. The first of the substations set to be replaced, the Currin Substation, is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024. The $14.8 million substation replacement allows EWEB to address equipment failures and other concerns related to aging infrastructure such as modern seismic standards. The rebuilding of all 10 substations is expected to cost about $125 million with funding coming from customer rates, bonds and grants. A rebuilt substation will last over 50 years into the future, so its a job worth doing right, Tyler Nice, EWEB electric operations manager, said in a project release. Thats why we are focusing on hiring the right people and ramping up our stock so that over the next couple years these station rebuilds can roll out smoothly with minimal impact to customers. 4J School District Camas Ridge Elementary School Camas Ridge Elementary School is getting a new building, expected to be ready for students to utilize for the fall term of 2024. The project was funded by the passage of a 2018 bond, pumping $319.3 million into the 4J School District to provide financing for improvements at every school in the district. While construction at the school location on E. 29th Avenue is ongoing, students are attending classes at the 4J Willard Swing School property located at W. 29th Avenue and Lincoln Street. Camas Ridge Elementary School construction continues as the building near 29th Avenue and University Street begins to receive external finishes. Once complete, the two-story building will meet modern seismic standards, improve campus security and allow for the utilization of contemporary learning tools such as laptops, tablets and interactive whiteboards. Other 4J schools that have already received new facilities through the 2018 bond include North Eugene High School, Edison Elementary School and ECCO High School the districts alternative high school. Parks & Open Spaces MLK Jr. Park Martin Luther King Jr. Park is undergoing renovations to design improvements to local parks, including Mattie Reynolds Park and Alton Baker Park as part of a planning initiative to engage with Black voices in Eugene. The city of Eugenes acknowledgment of the Ferry Street Community, Eugenes first Black neighborhood which was displaced by the construction of the Ferry Street Bridge in 1949, paves the path forward for more thoughtful, inclusive and considerate planning to honor the history of Black communities disparaged by racial inequities throughout Oregons history. MLK Jr. Park is located at 10th Avenue and Grant Street in the Far West neighborhood of Eugene. The park was constructed with funding from Community Development Block Grant Funds in 1982. Renovations are funded by the 2018 Parks and Recreation Bond. Improvements to be provided through this renovation include new playground equipment, improved sight lines through the park for increased safety, a beginner-level skate feature, additions of seating and lighting and interpretive art to honor Martin Luther King Jr. as well as other improvements decided upon in partnership between the city and members of the Black community involved in listening sessions. The project hopes to highlight interpretive and artistic representations of the influential work of MLK Jr. while trying to meet the citys goal of having a welcoming and safe park within a half-mile walk of all Eugene neighborhoods. Construction hopes to be completed by early 2025. Delta Ponds Loop Trail The final piece to complete the 1.5-mile loop trail around Delta Ponds plans to finish construction in spring of 2024, providing barrier-free access to the area. Delta Ponds borders part of the Willamette River downstream from the Valley River Center. Construction includes a new pedestrian bridge and 1000 feet of extended trail on the north end of the ponds that create new access to Goodpasture Island Road and improved neighborhood access to the trail. The city of Eugene is working on a trail extension project at Delta Ponds. The project was made possible through the 2018 Parks and Recreation bond, which has funded over a dozen projects. System Development Charges and a $350,000 Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Local Government Grant also support the project as funding assets. The cost of the Delta Ponds Loop Trail updates totals to $1.85 million. Housing The Heartwood Apartments Eugenes River District is making development progress as the new districts first new housing addition approaches completion in early 2024. The Heartwood apartment building aims to accept leasing applications in January 2024 with move-ins expected in spring once the project is complete. The complex will offer 12 studios, 38 one-bedroom and 45 two-bedroom apartments at a market-rate. There is one floor plan available for studio units, nine floor plans for one-bedroom units and 10 floor plans for two-bedroom units. The complex is the first to be completed in a series of projects taken on by developer Atkins Dame to lay the foundation for the newest of Eugenes neighborhoods. The purchase of multiple parcels for development at the riverfront has cost Atkins Dame $11.1 million in total. Construction is under way on Heartwood, a 95-unit multi-family housing development in Eugene's new riverfront neighborhood. Development will continue on additional housing developments in the riverfront neighborhood. Residents can expect to see other apartment buildings take residence in the area over the next five years, with the Portal leasing in 2025, the Landing leasing in 2027 and the Parker leasing in 2028. The Standard Construction on E. Broadway for a new housing complex intended to serve University of Oregon students has been ongoing as enrollment in the universitys freshman class continues to increase each year. Joining the ranks of other student housing complexes on E. Broadway in 2024 will be The Standard, a four-story complex intended to add 247 apartments with 703 bedrooms to the student housing market near campus. Around 300 parking spots are expected to be provided. The new building at 435 E. Broadway plans to offer a mix of units from studios to five-bedroom apartments. Georgia-based realty firm Landmark Properties oversees over 80 properties across the country. The Standard will be Landmarks second venture in Eugene once it opens in the fall of 2024. The Standard, a new student housing complex, is under construction at 475 East Broadway in Eugene. Our first student housing community near the University of Oregon seeks to bring more students within walking distance of campus, Wes Rogers, president and CEO of Landmark Properties, said in a release about The Standard. We are eager to welcome students to The Standard and believe that the combination of location and top-notch amenities will be well received by University of Oregon students. The complexs location is a 0.3-mile walk from the UO campus and a one-mile walk from Eugenes Market District. Pre-leasing for the complex began in September of 2023 and leases are expected to be signed for the 2024-2025 academic year once construction wraps up in September of 2024. Hannarose McGuinness is The Register-Guards growth and development reporter. Contact her at 541-844-9859 or hmcguinness@registerguard.com This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Eugene construction projects to watch in 2024 In the second half of the 1950s, Brazil built itself a brand-new capital citya bold modernist metropolis on the central highlands. An enterprising butcher named Jose Batista Sobrinho, living some two hours away, became one of the first meat suppliers to the companies that won the contracts to build Brasilia. Workers flocked to the region, and Batistas business grew. By the 1970s, his company was one of the dominant players in the vast meat market of central Brazil. By 1980, it was reaching into the south and southeast. It started exporting to foreign markets in 1996. Batista was so successful that none of his six children finished high school, swept up as they were in the familys lucrative businesses. In the 2000s, his sons Wesley and Joesley took over and renamed the company, christening it with their fathers initials: JBS. Today, JBS is the largest purveyor of animal protein in the world. Last year it became the biggest food company of any kind, surpassing the Swiss multinational Nestle. And its a potent force in the United States as well: It is the countrys largest producer of beef and second-largest producer of pork and poultry, employing more than 66,000 people at nearly 60 facilities. All told, the company accounts for over 17 percent of revenue in the U.S. meat processing industry, and some years has accounted for 50 percent of U.S. beef exports. Its name might be unfamiliar to most U.S. consumers, but the JBS fleet of brands stock some of Americas major retail chains and businesses: Kroger, Goya Foods, Albertsons (the parent company of Safeway, Jewel-Osco and Vons), as The Washington Post reported last year. A business that began decades ago as a humble family-owned butcher shop in Brazil is now a central cog in the machinery of global mass food production. Recently, JBS has taken pains to present its businessand meat consumption more broadlyas essentially environment-friendly. At the recent COP28 climate summit, for example, it promised to prioritize sustainably produced crops across its supply chain. But in the course of its meteoric rise, the companys list of alleged malfeasances has grown almost cartoonishly long. It generates enormous greenhouse gas emissions. Multiple reports have uncovered ties to illegal deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon. The U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis has investigated JBS for callous disregard for workers health, and the company has been investigated and fined by both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition to all this, the environmental advocacy organization Mighty Earth wrote in an extensive 2022 report on the company that JBS has been linked to bribery, price-fixing, pollution, worker exploitation, and allegations of selling tainted meat. Brothers Wesley and Joesley, worth billions, have repeatedly tangled with the law. Perhaps most notably, in 2017, their company was linked directly to corruption allegations against Brazils then-President Michel Temer and Aecio Neves, the center-right senator who lost the 2014 presidential race to Dilma Rousseff of the Workers Party by just three percentage points. Images clearly showed Ricardo Saud, head of institutional relations at JBS, transferring a suitcase containing 500,000 reais ($102,400) to a congressman who had long been an aide and confidant to Temer. Other images showed Nevess cousin at JBS headquarters also meeting with Saud, leaving with his own half-million-reais suitcase. The kicker is that the images were likely leaked by Joesley Batista himself after he was ensnared by the blockbuster Operation Carwash, the largestsubsequently taintedanti-corruption effort in Brazilian history. As part of a plea bargain, the Batista brothers offered damning testimony, including the aforementioned images, as well as recordings of conversations in which Temer urged Joesley to purchase the silence of the imprisoned former speaker of Brazils lower chamber of Congress, who was instrumental in the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff. This head-spinning narrative of high political intrigue speaks to the power and centrality JBS has assumed in the affairs of Latin Americas largest nation. It is anything but a mere meat processor. Perhaps unsurprisingly, nothing much has come from the many accusations against the Batista brothers over the years. They maintain a controlling stake in JBS through a holding company they operate called J&F Investimentos. J&F, according to the SEC, owns approximately 250 companies in 30 countries worldwide. Indeed, it was the brothers themselves who, after spending six months in pretrial detention in Brazil on charges of insider trading in 20172018 (they were acquitted earlier this year), oversaw the successful entry of JBS into the U.S. In 2007, JBS bought the Colorado-based Swift & Co. for about $225 million. On that occasion, as Forbes reported, Wesley Batista showed up at Swift headquarters wearing the basic cowboy gear of jeans, boots and hat. He spoke no English and made a point of getting blood on his handsshowing butchers at his newly acquired Swift how to carve out the most dollars worth of cuts from a cows carcass. The brothers did not stop there. Like their father decades before, they gobbled up competitors and grew quickly. By 2021, they supplied about a quarter of all U.S. beefprocessing some 22,000 cattle a dayand a fifth of its pork. Their aggressive expansionism earned the attention of the SEC, which in 2020 issued a cease-and-desist order naming the brothers specifically. The document weaves a tale of transnational corporate conspiracy involving JBS, the Brazilian Development Bank, and various political parties and candidates in Brazil who helped facilitate the companys takeover of Pilgrims Pride Corporation, a meat company founded in Pittsburg, Texas, in 1946. The Batistas were fined $27 million, but the deal closed. Engaging in bribery to finance their expansion into the U.S. markets and then continuing to engage in bribery while occupying senior board positions at Pilgrims reflects a profound failure to exercise good corporate governance, Charles Cain, chief of the SEC division dedicated to enforcing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, asserted in 2020. As The Hill reported that year, JBSs other legal issues include the alleged involvement of Pilgrims Pride in a national poultry price fixing scheme. The company agreed Wednesday to pay a $110 million fine to settled charges related to the price fixing allegations in a separate action led by the Justice Department. Such fines, however, are less than speed bumps for a company with revenues exceeding $50 billion per year. Now the company is diversifying. Last year, J&F purchased manganese and iron ore mines in central Brazilthe companys cradlewith the aim of eventually creating a JBS of mining. J&F also owns pulpmaker Eldorado Brasil, one of the worlds largest. Eldorado bills itself as the worlds most modern and sustainable pulp company and prides itself on its use of clean energy to power its operations as well as the fact that well over 90 percent of its workforce have undergone anti-bribery training. Yet the Environmental Paper Network, or EPN, an organization that brings together 150 civil society entities around the goal of sustainable paper production, argues the company can and should be doing more in the context of Brazilian deforestation. Agriculture and cattle ranching are the notorious drivers of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, Karen Vermeer, the pulp finance coordinator for the EPN, noted in a 2020 report. But the cattle and soy industry are only one side of the coin, with pulp & paper companies refusing to carry the blame because they do not directly burn the landother industries do that for them. Vermeer calls the pulp industry, in which Eldorado is a central player, a time-bomb which has been growing exponentially due to the global consumption of paper having quadrupled over the past 50 years. Crossing out yet another box on their bingo card of environmental hazard, the Batista brothers are now getting into oil as well. In early December, Bloomberg reported J&Fs acquisition of upstart Brazilian oil company Fluxus, founded by veterans of Petrobras and ExxonMobil. We are very optimistic about the opportunities that [South America] presents in the oil, gas and energy sectors, the CEO of Fluxus recently stated. Beginning in Argentina, the company is also looking to start operations in the more competitive arenas of Brazil, Bolivia, and Venezuela. Oil is obviously a cut-throat industry, but so is meatand JBS came from nothing to dominate. The Batistas competitors would be unwise to dismiss them. The scions of JBS have now assembled an impressively diverse portfolio of devastation, spanning multiple industries and continents. More than most titans of industry, they represent the marriage of profound political corruption and environmental degradation. The Batistas would surely say they are simply servicing healthy demand on multiple fronts. People want meat, after all, and industries want paper, minerals, and oil. The problem, of course, is that the companys rapacity in meeting those demands has not shown itself responsive to legal limitations. The companys diversified growth plans should be attracting more attention from those concerned about environmental degradation as well as those who worry about the unobstructed progress of corporate consolidation. You reach a point and reach a certain reality, then youre ready for another reality, Wesley Batista told Forbes in 2011. One step at a time. Eventually, JBS may well trample the entire planet. In 2023, homes across the nation became the backdrop for surprising moments captured by Ring security cameras. These videos elicited laughter, tugged at heartstrings, and sent shivers down spines. From unexpected animal encounters to heartwarming acts of kindness, surveillance devices witnessed it all. Let's look back at the most notable Ring camera moments of 2023. Couple's sweet journey from first date to newlyweds A young couple from Georgia discovered that their Ring home security camera system captured special moments in their relationship. After Megan and Alex Herrig got married, they realized that the camera documented significant events such as the end of their first date, their first moments as newlyweds and bringing their new dog, Cooper, home for the first time. SAY GOODBYE TO THESE HABITS HOLDING YOU BACK IN 2023 READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A young couple from Georgia recounts their security camera capturing major milestones in their relationship. Megan said she was grateful for the ability to relive these precious moments through the captured videos, describing their lives together as full of meaningful "firsts." Dog returns to former shelter and rings doorbell A Texas rescue dog named Bailey astounded her new owners and the Animal Rescue League of El Paso by embarking on a remarkable 10-mile journey back to her former shelter after running away. Bailey navigated busy intersections over two days to reach the shelter in the middle of the night. MOST MEMORABLE POLITICAL GAFFES AND BLUNDERS OF 2023 The heartwarming reunion was captured on a Ring camera as Bailey rang the doorbell, signaling her desire to be let in. The husky mix is now happily settled with her new family, marking a joyful conclusion to her adventure. Pizza delivery hero foils suspect Tyler Morrell, a pizza delivery man in Pennsylvania, became an unexpected hero when he assisted police in capturing a suspect while making a delivery. Morrell noticed police chasing a suspect across the street as he was delivering a pizza. TOP 5 AIRLINE MISHAPS OF 2023 Tyler Morrell, a delivery driver for Coccos Pizza Aston, tripped the fleeing suspect and allowed police to quickly apprehend him on Sunday afternoon in Brookhaven, Pennsylvania. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, tripped the fleeing suspect, and helped police apprehend him, all while holding the pizza order. The Brookhaven Police Department expressed gratitude and even offered Morrell a job in law enforcement. Thieves caught red-handed A pair of Florida thieves pulled off a heist on a celebrity jeweler, disabling alarms and stealing $500,000 in valuables. However, the burglars overlooked a key detail: a discreetly positioned Ring camera. TOP POLITICAL COURTROOM MOMENTS OF 2023 The camera captured a clear shot of one suspect's face, who appeared shocked upon noticing the device. Police suspect that the duo is part of a crime ring responsible for at least six similar incidents. Mountain lions roaming the property Homeowners near Boulder Canyon, Colorado, made a shocking discovery in late January as they reviewed their Ring camera video feed, spotting two mountain lions on the outskirts of their yard. The homeowners reported previous wildlife encounters, including bears attempting to enter their condo. HOTTEST FOOD TRENDS OF 2023, ACCORDING TO GRUBHUB Colorado homeowners were shocked to find video on their Ring camera of two mountain lions wandering together onto the property. They said they were "pleasantly surprised" by the sighting of the two mountain lions traveling together. Bear ready for its close-up Elizabeth Martin, a Florida resident, encountered a bear on her property in the middle of the night, triggering her Ring video doorbell alert. Though familiar with the bear family in the area, it was the first time they had set off the alert. TOP 5 SURVIVAL STORIES OF 2023 Elizabeth Martin in Lake County, Florida, said a bear activated her door alert. The video shows a bear putting its face to the camera, with another smaller bear in the background. Martin recalled an incident where a bear had opened her outside freezer in the past. The bear in this recent encounter explored her yard before leaving. As Florida residents navigate their unique wildlife challenges, these incidents have become memorable cautionary tales about the untamed side of the Sunshine State. House explosion rocks quiet Pennsylvania suburb A shocking incident unfolded in the Pittsburgh area, revealing the horrifying explosion of a house. The Ring camera video, taken from a nearby damaged home, showcases the peaceful suburban neighborhood just moments before chaos erupts. CRIMES THAT SHOCKED THE COUNTRY IN 2023 Flames and smoke billowing from a house fire in Plum, Pennsylvania. Five lives were claimed by the blast. The explosion, attributed to problems with a hot water tank, demolished three structures and caused damage to several others. Video captured by the Ring security camera serves as a chilling testament to the sudden and tragic nature of the fatal incident. A scaly surprise in Florida A Wesley Chapel, Florida, woman, identified only as Lucia, made a surprising discovery when her Ring doorbell camera captured video of an alligator approaching her front door. Lucia stumbled upon the unusual video after her dog's barking prompted her to check the recording. THE BIGGEST TWISTS IN RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IN 2023 Following the incident, Lucia began regularly reviewing the video feed for more potential wildlife encounters. Despite her proximity to ponds, including one behind her home and across the street, Lucia has not observed additional alligator activity, according to Ring. Bobcats busted on family's property A Texas family using a Ring doorbell camera discovered an unexpected visitor, a bobcat, on their property. After receiving a motion alert, the homeowner, Jessica Carlsen, found the bobcat on their fence. THESE ARE 7 SUPERSTARS OF 2023 (AND YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED) A Ring doorbell camera catches footage of a bobcat sitting outside a family's home in Texas. The bobcat returned with a companion the next day, lingering in the family's yard. While the felines generally pose no threat to humans, small pets may be at risk. "I love having my Ring cameras around my house, as well as the security system," Carlsen told Ring in a statement released to Fox News Digital. "It definitely makes me feel safer." Original article source: Bizarre moments captured on Ring camera in 2023 The governing board of a small town in the Mississippi Delta has voted to reinstate a police officer who was suspended after he shot an 11-year-old Black boy who had called police to his home earlier this year to help resolve a domestic dispute involving his mother. During a special session, the city of Indianola Board of Aldermen voted 4-1 to clear the way for Sgt. Greg Capers, who is Black, to return to duty more than seven months after he claims he accidentally fired his service weapon when he seriously wounded Aderrien Murry in the chest. Three members of the Board of Aldermen are Black, and two are white, while Indianola Mayor Ken Featherstone is also Black. Officer Greg Capers (right) will not face charges in the shooting of 11-year-old Aderrien Murry who was reportedly shot by Capers during a domestic disturbance call at his home. (Photos: Facebook) Immediately after the May 20 shooting, Capers was placed on paid administrative leave, but a month later, the board voted 4-1 to suspend Capers without pay, pending the outcome of an internal affairs probe and a grand jury investigation, which ended last week with no criminal charges against Capers. The Dec. 21 reinstatement became effective immediately, according to attorney Michael Carr, who represented Capers during the inquiry on behalf of the Mississippi division of the Police Benevolent Association. Capers is glad for the reinstatement and ready to get back to work, Carr told CNN the day after the vote, adding that Capers would remain a sergeant once he was back on the job. The board also voted to prohibit the release of police bodycam footage of the incident, leading to criticism over the boards lack of transparency in the majority-Black Southern town. Previously, Murry family attorney Carlos Moore said he filed a motion to reverse the boards decision to suppress the videos. According to Moore, Capers is also responsible for another instance of misconduct involving an incident in December 2022 in which Capers allegedly used a Taser on a handcuffed suspect. Meanwhile, Aderrien and his family attended the meeting, and as the board voted to reinstate Capers, a surge of emotions overcame the boy, and he had to be taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Aderrien Murry suffered an anxiety attack during the meeting, which resulted in him bleeding from his mouth and nose, Moore said in a statement to CNN. This unfortunate incident only underscores the deep, ongoing trauma that Aderrien and his family are experiencing. Immediately after the shooting, the Murry family sued the city of Indianola, Police Chief Ronald Sampson, and several officers, including Capers, seeking $5 million in damages for multiple claims, including excessive force, negligence, reckless endangerment, and civil assault and battery. The city filed a motion on Dec. 5 urging the judge to dismiss the legal claim, arguing that Capers and the police chief are entitled to qualified immunity because the allegations amount to no more than an unintentional shooting where an officer reasonably reacted to a potentially dangerous situation and threat of serious harm. Additionally, the city argued that the Murrys failed to demonstrate a breach of the Fourth Amendment as Capers actions were unintentional and because the officers were not informed by dispatchers about the presence of children at the home. According to court documents, officers had been to the residence dozens of times in response to violent and sometimes armed disputes between Nakala Murry and the father of one of her children. On the day of the shooting, Aderriens mother instructed her son to call police after the adult male showed up at the home in the middle of the night acting irate. Capers showed up with his gun already drawn and ordered the occupants of the home to come outside as several other officers kicked open the front door. Nakala Murry said Aderrien followed the officers orders to come out, but as he rounded a corner into the living room, Capers opened fire from outside the door, hitting the unarmed boy in the chest. His words to me were, Why did he shoot me? What did I do wrong? Then he just started crying, Murry said during a May 22 press conference. He ran to me. He was bleeding. I held him. I held his wound. He bled out the mouth. Every time I close my eyes, I see it. Aderrien sustained a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and a lacerated liver; he had to be placed on a ventilator but ultimately survived. A breast cancer survivor has said she is "super proud" to finally achieve her dream of becoming a nurse after having to pause her degree for treatment. Michelle Lomas, of Blackpool, was near the end of her adult nursing degree apprenticeship when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. The 52-year-old said it was "really tough" but she was "absolutely determined" to finish her course, graduate and become a registered nurse. She now works as a nurse in Garstang. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) graduate said: "I went through very aggressive treatment and I had to leave my studies and my base placement for 10 months. "It was really tough and there were loads of times when most people would've thrown in the towel but that wasn't me." Ms Lomas said she was "eternally grateful" to her husband, Paul, team leader Karen Lawson and UCLan personal tutor Kim Slater for supporting and encouraging her. They all went to her graduation ceremony to see her don her cap and gown and take to the stage. The mother-of-two said: "I am super proud of my achievement." 'Go for it' Ms Lomas said she had been "absolutely determined" to fulfil her "lifelong dream" which she had put aside for a long time to care for older relatives and raise her children. "When they got a bit older, I decided it was time to think about what I could do to make my dream a reality," she said. She has worked for the NHS since 1995 but it was only in 2009 that she enrolled on a two-year foundation degree in health and social care at UCLan. It led her to become an assistant practitioner and spurred her on to continue her educational journey. She later gained level six qualifications in multi-professional support of learning and assessing in practice, and bladder and bowel health. In 2019, she was back at UCLan to complete a nine month course to top up her foundation degree to a full degree. The following year she got an apprenticeship to complete a nursing degree at UCLan. "I jumped at the chance," she said. "It was an amazing opportunity." She has words of encouragement for people considering a return to study as a mature student. "Go for it, you won't regret it. "You're never too old to learn and you're never too old to study," she said. Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk The van had a blue carpet and a huge dent in the back door, and Terra Lopez said that in 2002 it could fit at least 15, maybe 20, teenagers. Did it run? Not reliably. Was it the same 80s Dodge Ram from the Blink-182 music video for Rock Show? Weirdly, yes. Was everything better when that van was around? Immeasurably. It seemed like Lopez threw a party almost every weekend. Some folks have tree houses or clubhouses, she said. That was my clubhouse. She was a student at Sacramento High School when her mom called and told her to be outside in 10 minutes. The teenage skater walked out of the south Sacramento house right off the 65th Street Expressway and watched in shock and delight as her mothers boyfriend drove that van into the driveway. The back doors were still badly dented from when Blink-182s bassist and singer Mark Hoppus backed it into a red convertible on camera. It quickly became a sensation, Lopez said. Everyone at my school knew: Thats the girl with the Blink-182 van. Lopez had loved the Rock Show music video for the bands album Take Off Your Pants And Jacket. She watched the band ride around in the van, giving away money, picking up a homeless man and getting him a haircut and a new white suit. In the video, the band says they were given money by a production company to shoot their new music video. This is what they did with the money. The video had next to nothing to do with the songs lyrics about falling in love with a girl at a rock show, but it was unabashedly cool. The van was it was iconic, said Lopez, now 38. She was a millennial teenager, so she decked it out in inflatable furniture. A van used by Blink-182 is seen in their music video for the 2001 song Rock Show. The van, which sat in a south Sacramento driveway for years, was recently sold to a Texas couple who is restoring it. Her mother, Michelle Delso, acquired that van through sheer force of will. Lopez said that Delso worked in the same J Street building as alternative rock station KWOD-FM (106.5 now broadcasts Top 40 hits), and the station tried to give away the van as a prize in a contest. Instead, the car sat unclaimed in the parking garage until Delso asked whether she could have it; she was informed by the station that if she could get that van to start, it was hers. And when Delso sets her mind to something, she follows through. The van never really ran again, and it sat in Lopezs mothers driveway until 2010. Because the family lived off such a busy street, If you wanted to go to the Florin Mall back in the day, you would pass our house, Lopez said and youd admire the van. Lopez had her own room inside the family home, but the car felt more private. Shes now a musician she sings in the electronic R&B bands Sister Crayon and Rituals of Mine. The Dodge is part of that, too: She taught herself to sing and play guitar in the van, where she couldnt be overheard by her mother or her brother. It truly was my safe space, she said. And also, you know, being a moody, angsty teenager wanting to have my own space and have my own place to go to, that was it. So how did the van that was the site of so much Sacramento teenage malaise and enchantment end up in Austin, Texas this year? Terra Lopez, right, is seen in a family snapshot with her mother, Michelle Delso. Delso had obtained the Blink-182 van from a radio station in Sacramento in the early 2000s. Lopez says the punk-rock prop was a launching point for her teenage years, as well as her own music career. A Texan longs for a Sacramento car Andrew Baldwin was a fussy 8-year-old, and thats why he bought this Blink-182 van 24 years later. The way he remembers it, it was 1999, and he was upset in the car on the way back from the airport. His brother some 20 years his senior had done something a little mean or thoughtless, maybe. To cheer the boy up, the older brother began to sing along to the song playing on the radio: Say it aint so, I will not go. Turn the lights off, carry me home. Na na, na na, na na na, na na, na. Na na, na na, na na na, na, na na. Baldwin laughed. It is, he said, one of his first memories of hearing music on the radio: a voice of treason turning into the best trip. The moment sparked a decadeslong love of Blink-182 that recently led him to spend $2,300 on that piece-of-junk van from the Rock Show video a car that spent the last 13 years rusting out in an East Sacramento auto shop on Elvas Avenue. The car became the victim of darkness in the Central Valley after Lopezs mother moved out of the family home and had to relocate the van. Baldwin, now 32, followed Reddit posts about the car. He talked for years about his indecision to call the auto shop. Finally, his partner, Taylor Sheets, 31, urged him in 2023 to stop talking about it and act. Dont act like theres tomorrow, she coaxed. Life, as they say, is too short. They bought the van. And this was another outlandish gesture of love: Sheets is not a Blink-182 superfan like Baldwin, but she is a big fan of this man who was once a fussy 8-year-old. It wasnt love at first sight, like in the song, but she knew it could be love not long after they met in the fall of 2019, when he took her hand on a crowded street. After a few matter-of-fact phone calls with the current owner, Baldwin received a contract from the auto shop handwritten on lined paper, which the couple documented on their TikTok, @therockshowvan. They signed the agreement and sent a $1,000 check back to Sacramento in June. They spent another $1,300 to ship it to the home they share in Austin. It arrived in July. Baldwin and Sheets signed on for a massive restoration project. The car is giant and ridiculous, and it had a not-insignificant amount of rodent droppings inside. Nevertheless, theyll take one lift. Taylor Sheets, left, and Andrew Baldwin of Austin, Texas, tracked down and purchased the van used in the Blink-182 music video for Rock Show. The couple, which received the van in late July, is chronicling their restoration through TikTok videos. Fell in love with the girl at the rock show Rock Show shouldnt be described as Blink-182s most lyrically compelling song. In the chorus, Hoppus offers the listener a lifeless exchange: I fell in love with the girl at the rock show / She said, What? and I told her that I didnt know. The song is not Baldwins particular favorite, either. I dont know if it strikes a chord any more than any of the other Blink songs that I love, he said. But the van was the Blink-182 van, he said, and he wanted to have it. And like Lopez, he said, Ive always enjoyed the music video. And the van has come to represent more than the song and the accompanying video. Lopez said her favorite memories in the car are kind of bittersweet. One of her best friends, Duayne, would sit with her in that van for hours. The teens would talk about life and listen to music on a Walkman. I think we liked one another, Lopez said, but nothing really ever happened. The van used in Blink-182s music video for its song Rock Show is seen, circa 2002, in Terra Lopezs childhood driveway in south Sacramento. The van was recently sold to a couple in Texas to be restored. In 2003, just before their high school graduation, Duayne died by suicide. We couldnt comprehend it at the time, she said. It was the first time that I had ever lost someone in that way. Now, she cherishes the youthful memories of time whiled away with him in the van. Those moments with him, she said, I didnt really realize at the time just how special they were. There was sorrow in the Dodge, but so much joy, too. The parties. The simple fact that it was a sweet, bizarre gift from her mother. And Lopez, who is gay, remembers playing spin the bottle with her friends. It was really an opportunity for me to kind of explore, she said, without feeling judgment. The inside of that car was so important, she said, in a way she didnt understand until she became an adult. A van used by Blink-182 is seen in their music video for the 2001 song Rock Show. The van, which sat in a south Sacramento driveway for years, was recently sold to a Texas couple who is restoring it. A van used by Blink-182 is seen in their music video for the 2001 song Rock Show. The van, which sat in a south Sacramento driveway for years, was recently sold to a Texas couple who is restoring it. When youre a kid, you dont realize just how magical it was, to be in the early 2000s, and have that space in that van, she said. I just thought, This is so cool. I have my own van, and its Blink-182s. But now, reflecting, it really helped me just have the space to kind of explore in all the ways. It was important. Lopez graduated high school in 2003 and went to college in Long Beach. Twenty years later, Sheets and Baldwin decided to restore that rusty old heap that meant so much to so many Sacramento teens. The Texans dont yet have a real plan for where theyll put the van, which they bought without real purpose or direction. It barely fits in their garage. Maybe theyll take it to shows on the upcoming Blink-182 tour. Maybe theyll rent it out, or go on road trips if they ever get it running. Theyre figuring it out as they go, posting updates on TikTok along the way. It is, they said, just fun for now. In the end, all the small things added up to love. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a media availability with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron at the State Department, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) MEXICO CITY Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other top American officials met with Mexicos president Wednesday in hopes of figuring out a strategy to slow the surge in illegal migration at the southern U.S. border. President Joe Biden dispatched the officials to Mexico City at a pivotal moment, as border crossings have hit record numbers and there is growing pressure on Biden to solve or at least contain a crisis that has proved to be a consistent political vulnerability. The situation at the border is at the center of some of Bidens biggest priorities going into 2024, particularly as Republicans in Congress demand a new crackdown on immigration in exchange for wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel. Mexico has been a key player in the U.S. efforts to stem the tide of migration as people from across the globe have passed through the country. On several occasions in recent weeks, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered more than 10,000 people a day trying to cross the border. Shortly before Wednesdays meeting, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico said the U.S. Congress should offer more support to Latin America instead of putting up barriers, barbed wire fences on the river or thinking about building walls. He added, It is more efficient and more humane to invest in the development of the people. Lopez Obrador also said next years presidential election in the United States would bring migration to the top of the agenda. The migration issue is going to intensify, he said. Wednesdays two-hour meeting also included Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, and Liz Sherwood-Randall, the White House homeland security adviser. Mexico has taken steps to keep migrants from massing along the border in the past. But earlier this month, the Mexican government suspended migrant deportations because of a lack of funding, according to an official from the governments National Migration Institute who was not authorized to speak publicly. During the Trump administration, Mexico agreed to take migrants under the former presidents Remain in Mexico policy. The migrants waited in border towns for months as they awaited court hearings in the United States, a key pillar of Donald Trumps crackdown on asylum-seekers. Later, during the institution of Title 42, a measure that allowed border agents to quickly expel asylum-seekers, Mexico agreed to take in migrants from other countries. Biden has struggled to keep the numbers down despite trying to institute limits on asylum access at the border and deporting migrants to Venezuela and Cuba. He has also said he is willing to make significant compromises with Republicans on the border issue if Republicans will agree to aid for Ukraine and Israel. A caravan that began its journey north Sunday reflects the challenges in curbing migration. Migrant caravans have become a common phenomenon and are usually broken up by authorities well before they reach the U.S. border. The latest caravan, roughly 1,000 miles south of the U.S. border in the state of Chiapas, includes people from Honduras, Haiti and Cuba, among other countries. The Mexico office of the United Nations refugee agency said in a statement that the procession was starting to disperse and consisted of more than 2,000 people. It initially included approximately 5,000 people, the agency said. Republicans have stepped up their attacks on Biden over the border numbers, a continuing issue for the president as he seeks reelection next year. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law that authorizes law enforcement officials in his state to arrest migrants who cross without authorization. (El Paso County challenged the measure in federal court last week.) The president has also faced pressure from mayors in Democratic cities over the increase in migrants arriving in their cities. The increase in border crossings in recent weeks has forced border officials to shut down railway crossings temporarily in El Paso and Eagle Pass, Texas, and to close the port of entry in Lukeville, Arizona. While the railway crossings are reopened, Biden administration officials plan to speak to Mexican officials about the port of entry closures, officials said in a statement. Last week, Lopez Obrador briefed reporters about a call with Biden in which they agreed that more enforcement at the border was needed. Now we have an extraordinary situation because the number of migrants passing through our country with the purpose of reaching the United States has increased, Lopez Obrador said, adding that Mexico was going to help, as we always do. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced Friday that there were more than 190,000 apprehensions between ports of entry in November. U.S. officials said they removed or returned more than 400,000 people between May and the end of November. We are facing a serious challenge along the southwest border, and CBP and our federal partners need more resources from Congress as outlined in the supplemental budget request to enhance border security and Americas national security, Troy Miller, the acting leader of the border agency, said in a statement Friday. c.2023 The New York Times Company Senior US officials held a very productive meeting with their Mexican counterparts Wednesday, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said, as Washington seeks help from Mexico City to drive down southern border crossings that have placed increasing pressure on President Joe Biden. The regional challenge of migration requires regional solutions and we appreciate Mexicos commitment to continue its efforts alongside us and with others, Mayorkas wrote on X, formerly Twitter, following a bilateral meeting also attended by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House Homeland Security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall. Officials from both countries said the talks went well, though initial statements following the meeting were somewhat light on details. As we made clear in Mexico City today, we are committed to partnering with Mexico to address our shared challenges, including managing unprecedented irregular migration in the region, reopening key ports of entry, and combating illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, Blinken said in a post on X. In a post on X, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said important agreements were reached for the benefit of our people and nations during the talks, without giving details. Now more than ever, a good neighbor policy is essential, he added. Immigration has been a political vulnerability for Biden amid fierce criticism from Republicans and some members of his own party over the situation at the US-Mexico border. This month, the issue fell at the center of the presidents foreign policy agenda, as the White House lobbied for aid to Ukraine and Israel amid their war efforts. Lack of consensus over border policy changes ultimately kept Biden from clinching billions of dollars in funds for Ukraine, Israel and the border before the end of the year. Homeland Security officials have in recent months discussed a range of ways Mexico can help drive down numbers at the US border, including moving migrants south, controlling the railways used by migrants to move north, and providing incentives to not journey to the border, like visas, to remain in the country and avoid migrating irregularly. In January, Biden met with Lopez Obrador in Mexico City for the North American Leaders Summit, where, along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, they addressed migratory flows in the region. Nearly a year later and despite a series of measures aimed at deterring irregular migration the record number of migrants moving across the Western Hemisphere remains a pressing challenge for the US and Mexico. Migrants rest on railroad cars as they wait for a freight train to travel to the US border, at a rail yard in Chihuahua, Mexico, on December 26. - Raul Fernando Perez/Reuters What was discussed The number of migrants presently traveling in a caravan toward the US southern border has dropped as migrants have dispersed to approximately 3,000, according to estimates from the UN refugee agency shared with CNN. And following the meeting Wednesday, senior administration officials said they had seen in recent days a pretty significant reduction in border crossings. According to senior administration officials, Mexico shared plans in the talks to crack down on migrant smugglers. Mexico has also taken a leadership role on conducting humane border management, including repatriations, a senior administration official said, adding that more repatriations were conducted this year than ever. (Mexico) came prepared to share a plan with us on how they were taking the work that they are already doing, a senior administration official said. Enforcement actions are building on that. That was really aligned with the things that weve been focused on as well. Things like the need to really crack down on the smugglers that are putting migrants on buses, putting migrants on trains. Weve seen that really contribute to the increase that weve seen at the border and just in recent weeks. Mexicos Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Barcena described the talks as very good. The top Mexican diplomat told reporters the discussions also covered the importance of the economic relationship between the two countries and the root causes of migration, such as poverty, inequality, violence and family reunification, according to a recording provided to CNN by Mexicos Foreign Ministry. Migrants gather near the border in Eagle Pass after crossing the Rio Bravo river with the intention of turning themselves in to US Border Patrol agents to request asylum on December 23. - Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters Limited resources Migrants have been trying to pressure Mexican authorities to provide documents, which have previously allowed people crossing into Mexico to move throughout the country. The lack of papers appears to have factored into migrants decision, including the ones who might have wanted to file an asylum claim or to stay in Mexico, to head to the US fueling the current caravan moving through Mexico, according to interviews on the ground by non-governmental organizations. Migration often ebbs and flows, and in recent weeks, a new surge of migrants fleeing deteriorating conditions at home has overwhelmed already stretched federal and state resources. Former and current Homeland Security officials have warned that the border is nearing a breaking point. Border authorities apprehended around 6,000 migrants along the US-Mexico border on Tuesday, marking a drop from previous days, according to a Homeland Security official. Earlier this month, the seven-day-average hovered around 9,600 encounters, a jump from late November when that average stood at 6,800. The latest figures reflect some relief for US border authorities, though officials are still bracing for the days to come, chalking up the drop, in part, to the holidays. Last week, Biden called his Mexican counterpart as the situation at the US southern border worsened. During the call, the two leaders agreed that additional enforcement actions were urgently needed so key ports of entry, which had been suspended to redirect personnel to help process migrants, could be reopened. The US has historically leaned on Mexico to stem the flow of migrants journeying to the US southern border. But Mexico, like the US, faces similar difficulties as the number of migrants crossing into its country overwhelms its limited resources. The Mexicans still have relatively limited capacity, said Earl Anthony Wayne, former US ambassador to Mexico and public policy fellow at the Wilson Center. Their immigration force is underfunded and small. Also, they use the National Guard occasionally to stop people but thats only good for stopping people for short periods of time and hasnt seemed to hold up very well. And you still have networks of smugglers, he added. Mexican officials are currently contending with thousands of migrants who left Tapachula, located in southern Mexico, on Sunday, making a long trek by foot toward the United States. Many of the migrants are from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean, Cuba, and Haiti. Caravans, like the one that departed over the weekend, often splinter in the weeks it takes to get to the US southern border, so its unclear how many migrants will arrive to the US-Mexico border. Migrants walk in a caravan in an attempt to reach the US border, in Escuintla, Mexico, on December 27. - Jose Torres/Reuters The number of migrants arriving has also been difficult for US authorities to manage because there isnt enough detention space or repatriation flights for those who dont qualify for asylum. Already in northern Mexico, more than 11,000 migrants continue to wait in shelters and camps to cross into the United States, according to community leaders. Many of those migrants are hoping to enter the US through legal pathways established by the Biden administration, such as the CBP One app, which automates scheduling appointments to claim asylum with border authorities, they said. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Rashard Rose contributed to this report For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas will travel to Mexico City on Wednesday to discuss historic levels of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border as pressure ratchets up on the Biden administration to act. They will be joined by White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall and meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The meeting will be focused on unprecedented irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere and identify ways each country can address border security challenges, including reopening key ports of entry, the Department of State said in a statement last week. It will serve as a follow-up to President Bidens phone call with Lopez Obrador last week, when the two agreed additional enforcement action was urgently needed. The meeting also comes as attention turns to a caravan reportedly made up of 6,000 migrants that is making its way toward the U.S. and promising to be a political headache for both countries leaders. It would be the largest organized group of migrants to form in Tapachula, Mexico, since 2022, when news of a similarly sized caravan threatened to overshadow the Summit of the Americas, hosted in Los Angeles by the Biden administration. There are an estimated 10,000 people crossing illegally into the U.S. every day. At least three ports of entry in Texas, Arizona and California have closed to foot and vehicle traffic, and two railway crossings have closed. The surge in migrants at the border has become a major point of political contention, and Republicans are demanding reforms to border policy to unlock aid for Ukraine. Biden said he is willing to make significant compromises on immigration policy to secure an aid deal for Kyiv in its war against Russia. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Top Mexican and US officials said that they made progress Wednesday in emergency talks on curbing a surge in migration, which has become a major headache for President Joe Biden as he enters an election year. Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid an unusual Christmas week visit to Mexico City as the rival Republican Party presses Biden for a migration crackdown in return for agreeing in Congress to one of his key priorities -- support for Ukraine. The day trip was abruptly announced last week after Biden spoke by telephone with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who met for more than two hours with Blinken and other top US officials including Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Lopez Obrador, writing afterward on X, formerly known as Twitter, said that "important agreements were reached for the benefit of our peoples and nations," without elaborating. A senior Biden administration official said that Mexican leaders told the US delegation about new measures they are taking including cracking down on smugglers who are putting migrants on buses or trains to the border. "We were really impressed by some of the new actions that Mexico is taking, and we have seen in recent days a pretty significant reduction in border crossings," the official told reporters on customary condition of anonymity on Blinken's airplane back to Washington. The official, however, said the United States knows to "never draw conclusions based on day-to-day fluctuations" on migrant numbers and said the countries would stay in close contact in 2024, an election year in both. The number of people seeking to enter the United States without authorization had shot up this month to around 10,000 a day, nearly double the number from before the pandemic. Few migrants are Mexicans, with the bulk in recent years fleeing Central America, which has been ravaged by extreme poverty, rampant violence and failing crops worsened by climate change. There has also been an uptick in migrants heading through Mexico from Haiti, which has been devastated by gang violence and a lack of a functioning government, and Venezuela, where basic goods have fallen in short supply after years of economic chaos. - 'Nobody's going to stop migration' - Lopez Obrador said before the meeting that Mexico was "helping a lot" on addressing migration but that the solution was job creation. "People leave their towns out of necessity and there's a lot of economic and social crisis in the world," the leftist leader said. A new caravan of hundreds if not thousands of people has been heading by foot toward the US border since the past weekend. "Nobody's going to stop migration," activist and caravan organizer Luis Garcia Villagran said, complaining that migrants were being treated as "currency" by the US and Mexican governments. "A budget of billions of dollars is being settled right now to mitigate migration. With all the gold and money in the world they cannot stop people seeking better living conditions," he told reporters in southern Mexico. - Priority for two governments - US border authorities have been so overwhelmed that they have suspended several legal crossings to focus on processing undocumented migrants. Reopening those crossings "is a priority for us" given the close trade links between the two countries, Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Barcena told reporters after the talks, which she described as "excellent." Mexico, under agreements with both Biden and his Republican predecessor Donald Trump, has agreed at least temporarily to take in migrants seeking to cross into the United States. The package proposed by Biden to Congress would also fund 1,300 additional Border Patrol agents to help address migration. The Biden administration has warned that without a deal, Ukraine will soon run out of weapons needed to repel the nearly two-year-old Russian invasion, and on Wednesday announced its final package of arms under existing authorization. Republican hardliners have shown little sign of compromise. Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Biden next November, is again campaigning on stridently anti-immigrant rhetoric, accusing foreigners of "poisoning the blood of our country," language that critics pointed out was similar to that of Adolf Hitler. Andrew Rudman, director of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, said that politicians around the world wanted a "short-term solution" to the long-standing issue of migration. "The Biden administration wants to show for its own domestic political reasons that they're doing everything they possibly can," he said. "There is no magic wand." bur-sct-dr/tjj Will County Democratic Leader Jackie Traynere, of Bolingbrook, with her 2020 Chevy Bolt when she bought it three years ago. She also has a 2014 Chevy Volt. Traynere said she was an early adapter of electric vehicles and lauds county efforts to go green. (Jackie Traynere) Will County residents have until Jan. 3 to take a survey on alternative fuels designed to help county officials prepare a plan to meet the demand for sustainable transportation options. The survey, at www.willcountyaltfuels.com, is part of the countys Alternative Fuels Readiness Plan that began earlier this year. Advertisement The plan, the first countywide study in Illinois, will look at ways to meet the infrastructure needs of electric, hydrogen, biodiesel, ethanol, natural gas vehicles and other alternative fuels in the next five years, county officials said. The plan is expected to develop strategies to meet immediate needs, such as identifying where charging stations are needed, but also help the county be competitive economically, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from traditional fuel sources. The county has worked with Cambridge Systematics, Inc., a transportation specialist firm, to analyze existing data on alternative fuels, location of charging stations and trends to better understand how quickly use of these vehicles is growing in Will County, said Mike Theodore, a spokesman for the countys executive office. Advertisement The study is funded primarily through a $560,000 state grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation with the county contributing about $140,000. The survey will ask participants their perceptions of alternative fuel vehicles, whether they own one or if they plan to buy one. Participants are asked if they live or work in Will County or drive through the county. Growth of electric vehicle ownership by Will County residents has nearly doubled in the past 12 months, according to the Illinois Secretary of States office. Most of the electric vehicle registration is concentrated in the northern part of the county, including Naperville, Plainfield, Frankfort and Homer Glen, the study found. As of Dec. 15, there are 6,215 electric vehicles registered in Will County, according to the secretary of states office. Last December, there were 3,632 electric vehicles. In 2017, Will County residents owned just 398 electric vehicles. Will County Democratic Leader Jackie Traynere, of Bolingbrook, with a 2014 Chevy Volt. Traynere said she was an early adapter of electric vehicles and lauds county efforts to go green. (Jackie Traynere) Jackie Traynere, the county boards Democratic Leader, said she has owned an electric vehicle for about nine years. I can go to almost any corner in Will County and find a gas station, Traynere said. Thats not the fuel I want to use. Advertisement Traynere, who represents the Bolingbrook area, said she uses an app on her phone to find charging stations. According to the study, there are 65 publicly available alternative fueling stations in Will County, most close to Interstates 55 and 80. I know this is much better for the air, the climate, Traynere said. It makes sense for the county to take a leadership role. Weve always been on the cutting edge of green energy and plan to stay there. Will County is home to Hyzon Motors, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle manufacturing plant in Bolingbrook, and Lion Electric Company, which manufactures electric school buses in Joliet, Traynere said. The county also has green roofs on some of its buildings, LED lighting and operates a renewable natural gas plant in Wilmington that repurposes methane gas from the Prairie View Landfill to conventional natural gas, she said. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Traynere said she has been impressed by the studys workshops so far, and the county has already received a lot of feedback from those interested in alternative fuels. Advertisement We spent very little money on this, and it will have a big impact in the future, she said. The county will have more public meetings and focus groups in the spring for specific stakeholders, such as municipalities, utilities and other entities that might be interested in charging locations, Theodore said. The final plan will provide Will County with maps and strategies that can help the county, municipalities and businesses prepare for increased use of alternative fuel vehicles and apply for grants, Theodore said. It can also help facilitate economic development and create jobs by showcasing the region as forward-thinking and attract more businesses in the green energy industry, he said. Strategic locations of charging infrastructure can also boost traffic to existing businesses, such as shopping and cafes, Theodore said. A final report is expected next summer. Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter. Two bodies found inside a car, believed to belong to a missing Texas teen who was nine months pregnant and her boyfriend, each had a gunshot wound, police said Wednesday. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters earlier on Tuesday that authorities believe the bodies belong to 18-year-old Savanah Soto, who was last seen on December 22, and her boyfriend, but he could not confirm the identities. One of the victims was later identified as 22-year-old Matthew Guerra, according to the medical examiners office. Guerra was Sotos boyfriend, family members told CNN affiliate KSAT. Police told CNN they are still waiting for medical examiners to identify the female victim. The medical examiners office will conduct a death investigation to determine cause of death, a Wednesday police statement said. This investigation remains ongoing. The case has been listed as a Capital Murder due to the death of an unborn child, San Antonio Police Lt. Michelle Ramos told CNN Wednesday. The bodies were found in a car parked near an apartment complex, police said in an earlier statement. Police believe the bodies were there for possibly three or four days, McManus said, describing the crime scene as very, very perplexing. Soto was pregnant and past her delivery date when she missed an essential medical appointment and her family reported her missing, according to the Leon Valley Police Department. Soto was last seen Friday in the 6000 block of Grissom Road, in Leon Valley, according to an alert issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The car described in that alert was a grey Kia Optima. San Antonio police will be taking over the investigation as the crime scene is located within the City of San Antonio, a release from the Leon Valley Police Department said. CNNs Lauren Mascarenhas contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PHOENIX - A mother accused of dumping her young daughter's body in a west Phoenix dumpster on Christmas Eve has been arrested. Phoenix Police say officers responded to 31st Avenue and Thomas Road at around 8 p.m. on Dec. 24 for reports of a body found in a dumpster. When the officers got to the scene, they found the remains of a young child. The child was not identified, but investigators say she appeared to be between 5 and 7 years old. She was naked and was covered in open wounds and scars, according to court documents. On Christmas Day, investigators say they received a tip from someone in New York claiming that 38-year-old Sophia Simmons had dumped her daughter's body in a dumpster. "Sophia told the person that she had beaten her child and it went too far," court documents read. "Sophia told the complainant that she left her house after beating the victim and when she returned the victim was not breathing." Police obtained a search warrant for Simmons' home and found "evidence of someone attempting to clean a crime scene." Simmons was not home, but police learned she was on Interstate 10 heading back to Arizona. Simmons was eventually found in Tonopah and detained. Simmons was arrested and booked into jail. She is accused of first-degree murder, child abuse and tampering with physical evidence. Simmons is being held on a $1 million cash bond. Investigators say Simmons' cell phone records showed that she was in the area of the dumpster where her daughter was found dead. "The investigation remains active as detectives await the findings of post-mortem examination by the Office of the Medical Examiner," police said. Sophia Simmons (MCSO) Area where the body was found Boston Police are investigating and searching for 3 suspects after an armed robbery in Dorchester. Officers responded to a call around 2:56 a.m. for a home invasion in the area of Bentham Rd. Upon arrival, officers talked to residents of the home who said they were robbed at gunpoint by 3 unknown suspects. No arrests have been made and the break-in is under investigation. No additional information is available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available. EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah (ABC4) A 10-year-old boy was airlifted to a hospital Tuesday after he was struck by a vehicle in Eagle Mountain. The Utah County Sheriffs Office said the child was hit around 2:10 p.m. after accidentally falling off a curb at the intersection of Pony Express Parkway and Porters Crossing. Mapleton man arrested after allegedly stabbing father in Spanish Fork, found with bloody knife When first-responders arrived at the scene, the child was conscious, but suffering from head trauma. A medical helicopter flew the boy to Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake City for treatment. According to officials, the boy was at the southeast corner of the intersection with a group of friends when he fell into traffic. Eagle Mountain is a Wasatch Front community located roughly 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The Met Police and London Fire Brigade are investigating the cause A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a blaze at the London Oratory School in west London. Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters were called to the selective Catholic school on Seagrave Road in Fulham at about 10:00 BST. "An atrium is alight in a four-storey building with basement", the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. The Met Police said it arrested the boy at about 11:15 and he was taken into custody. The force said no injuries had been reported at the school, which is a short distance from Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium. Fire crews from Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Wandsworth, Hammersmith, Clapham, Lambeth and Soho were called to the scene The brigade said the fire was under control by 11:47 and the cause was under joint investigation with the Metropolitan Police. A nearby shopping centre and some residential addresses were evacuated as a precaution. And residents were urged to keep their windows closed. Fire crews from Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Wandsworth, Hammersmith, Clapham, Lambeth and Soho fire stations remain in attendance, the LFB said. The London Ambulance Service said it had not treated any patients. A spokesperson said: "We sent a number of resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an incident response officer, a medic in a fast-response car and members of our hazardous area response team. "Our first medics arrived at the scene in less than three minutes." A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said earlier that officers had no knowledge of there being any casualties. "The cause of the fire is currently unknown and will be investigated," the spokesperson said. 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 BRANCH COUNTY Hospitalizations are back from COVID-19 infections in Branch County as cases rise. ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital reported on Dec. 19 that they admitted six patients with COVID-19, two of whom were in intensive care. ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital County-owned Maple Lawn nursing facility administrator Jayne Sabaitis said, "There's been a lot of COVID in the community. One of the physicians said they hadn't seen (hospitalizations) for quite some time." According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the weekly state COVID-19 cases rose 12% last week to 6,879. Branch County averaged five new cases a day. Numbers do not reflect actual infection rates for those who test at home, whose physicians do not report to the state, or those with the virus who do not test. Maple Lawn saw an outbreak among patients early in December. Maple Lawn Administrator Jayne Sabaitis Sabaitis said 11 of the 19 patients in the 400-wing tested positive in the first half of the month. All symptoms were minor, cold-like, for a day or two. "We had one resident that kept saying, 'Why are you telling me I'm sick, I feel fine,'" the administrator said. All quarantines were lifted on Dec. 19 on the 400 wing. Two patients on the rehabilitation wing tested positive. Quarantine ends there on Dec. 27. Except for those in single rooms, "it's difficult to keep people apart," Sabaitis said. Sabaitis and her staff wore masks to the monthly board meeting last Tuesday. "We will probably be masking our staff through the end of January because of holidays." The administrator said, "We're all getting together with our families," which can increase exposure. Several staff tested positive and were off. "We test on day six, and if they test negative, they can come back," Sabaitis said. Residents currently are on quarantine for 10 days when positive. "Anybody that goes in their room has to fully suit up," Sabaitis said. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph County Health Agency reported that recently released data from the CDC show increases not only in COVID-19 but also in all respiratory illnesses, including influenza and RSV. The health agency is urging vaccinations. Maple Lawn vaccinated patients except for the last released COVID-19 vaccine. "We haven't received those yet," Sabaitis said. Subscribe Keep up with local news. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a fast-spreading new COVID-19 variant called JN.1 could drive a new wave of disease across the U.S. as people travel in record numbers over the holidays. Health agency medical director Dr. Karen Luparello urged vaccinations. "While no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing illness, vaccines decrease the potential for serious illness, hospitalization, and death, especially for young children, older adults, people with some chronic conditions, or who are immune compromised." Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Branch County seeing rise in COVID hospitalizations Brazil will probably not arrest Russian dictator Vladimir Putin despite the country being a signatory to the Rome Statute, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said in an interview with the BBC on December 27th. Read also: Putin to skip BRICS summit in South Africa amid risk of arrest He stated that the Russian leader will be invited to Brazil for the G20 summit, which Brazil will be hosting in 2024. "We have to see this in each case. There are always, even in the ICC rules, treatments for heads of state that we have to examine. If he (Putin) wants to come, we will be very happy for him to be present and at the meetings in Brazil." the minister added. He was also asked to comment on whether there is a possibility of Putin's arrest if he comes to Brazil. "I don't know. I don't think so. I also hope not. I don't know. We will not take any initiative to make this happen," Vieira replied. Read also: ICC may issue another arrest warrant for Putin Ukrainian intelligence He said that "there must be an order" for such a step. But which one - the official did not specify. Since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin for the deportation of Ukrainian children in March of this year, the Russian dictator has participated in major international summits online or refused to participate at all. Read also: Brazil's Lula backtracks, says Brazilian courts will decide whether to arrest Putin if he attends 2024 G20 meeting in Rio In the summer, he did not dare to go to the BRICS summit in South Africa, and in September, he did not go to the G20 summit in India. Since the arrest warrant was issued, Putin has traveled abroad only three times to China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Brazilian officials have issued conflicting statements on Putins status in the country. 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 Over a month after a Brazilian fan died after passing out during a Taylor Swift concert, the official cause of death has been revealed. According to a forensics report viewed by the Associated Press, Ana Clara Benevides Machado died of cardiorespiratory arrest brought on by heat exposure. The 23-year-old passed out towards the beginning of Swifts Rio de Janeiro Eras Tour stop on November 17, when temperatures were reported to be at a sweltering 105 degrees. According to concertgoers interviewed by PRIDE, an ambulance was spotted on the ground level during the second song of the performance. Machado was ultimately transported to the hospital by first responders, where she died several hours later. The forensics report confirmed that Machado had no preexisting conditions or substance abuse issues that contributed to her death, and further added that she had a serious compromise of her lungs and sudden death from the heat. I never doubted that the cause of death was the heat, her father, Jose Weiny Machado, told G1. Following Machados death, fans present at the concert expressed concerns that water was not readily available at the venue. Some claimed that they hadnt been allowed to bring any in themselves, which organizers Time For Fun has denied. They also insisted that they distributed thousands of bottles of water to fans during the show. During the piano section of the Evermore era, Taylor stopped what she was doing and started saying on the mic something like, We need water here for the fans, content creator and concert attendee Jessica Ballut previously told PRIDE. The concert basically stopped. Taylor said that the concert would only continue after water bottles were provided. And then, just like that, finally water arrived and they gave out bottles to the fans. Rio de Janeiro police have launched an investigation into Time For Fun related to the crime of endangering the life and health of concertgoers, according to NBC News. Labor experts see more wins ahead in 2024 for US unions after a year of attention-grabbing strikes and surging public support but worry gains may be stymied by the USs broken labor laws. Strikes by autoworkers, writers, actors and nurses and a threatened strike by UPS workers all led to significant wins in 2023. The big challenge for labor in 2024 will be to take that momentum and turn it into new organizing and getting first contracts where workers have organized, said Ken Jacobs, the co-director of the UC Berkeley Labor Center. Thats going to be a real challenge because labor law in the US is broken. Related: Were not backing down: Wells Fargo workers push to grow union campaign Among the big tests that labor faces is whether the United Auto Workers (UAW) will succeed in using the impressive contracts it won with Detroits automakers to organize Toyota, Tesla and other non-union auto plants, especially in the anti-union south. Another challenge is whether the Starbucks, Amazon, Trader Joes, Apple, Chipotle and REI workers who have unionized over the past two years will finally get first contracts that deliver improved wages and benefits. During 2023, there were several major contract disputes, including ones involving 340,000 Teamsters at UPS, 150,000 screen and television actors, 140,000 autoworkers and 85,000 Kaiser Permanente workers. In each of those negotiations, unions came away boasting of record contracts, although only after the actors, autoworkers and Kaiser workers went on strike. 2023 has been huge for labor, both the extraordinary increase in large strikes beyond and the success of workers through those strikes, Jacobs said. Thats a really a turnaround from where we had been. The bargaining schedule for 2024 doesnt have as many major battles. It includes 200,000 postal workers whose contract expires in September it is illegal for them to strikes. Other expiring contracts cover 45,000 dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas, 30,000 Boeing workers and 8,000 film crew members in Hollywood. Strike activity might not reach the same level next year but its still an opportune time to go on strike, said Johnnie Kallas, director of the ILR Labor Action Tracker, which keeps a tally of strikes across the US. Many labor experts say its a favorable time to go on strike because the labor market is tight, public approval for unions is at its highest level in decades, and theres a vigorously pro-union president in the White House. Moreover, many unions feel emboldened because of unions recent record gains, like the raises of more than 25% over four years that the UAW won from GM, Ford and Stellantis, with starting pay rising 68%. This year has certainly shown the effectiveness of withholding labor as a tool, said Saba Waheed, the director of the UCLA Labor Center. The number of people willing to go out into the streets has increased so much, and wage increases are bigger than weve seen in a long time. Every time there is a successful strike or negotiation, theyre helping set up negotiations for other workers. The UAW hopes its record contracts with Detroits automakers will set up organizing victories at auto and battery plants across the south. It has announced plans to seek to unionize Toyota, Tesla, Mercedes and BMW, and its effort to unionize the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is racing ahead of the others, with more than 1,000 VW workers signing pro-union cards. But some auto executives, most notably Teslas Elon Musk, have served notice that the UAW is unwelcome. I disagree with the idea of unions, Musk said recently. I just dont like anything which creates a lords and peasants sort of thing. I think the unions naturally try to create negativity in a company. Joseph McCartin, a labor historian at Georgetown University, voiced relative optimism for the UAW. Theyre in a better position to make a move on these companies than they have ever been, he said. They not only have a great contract to show what theyve accomplished, but they have the will to wage the campaign in a way that the union has not for a long time. Its bound to be a really important campaign. Theres going to be a furious struggle. Will Jones, a labor historian at the University of Minnesota, added: A lot is resting on the UAW. It could make a big difference if they have some big victories in organizing these plants. It could have a ripple effect. Like the UAW, the Teamsters have launched an ambitious unionization drive in targeting the fiercely anti-union Amazon. The labor movement is also looking for many more unionization wins at universities and museums, where many white-collar workers have embraced unions to obtain better pay and a stronger voice at work. On the strike front, labor leaders are threatening a highly innovative walkout by up to 30,000 workers in the Twin Cities in March. Unions representing 4,500 janitors, 1,000 airport workers, 2,500 security guards and thousands of teachers and support staff have lined up expiration dates so they can all go on strike at the same time. Their demands focus on housing affordability, a cleaner environment, better jobs and improving schools. What were trying to do is a contribution to the evolving excitement about labor, said Greg Nammacher, the president of a service employees local representing Twin Cities janitors and security guards. A big question for labor in 2024 is whether Starbucks workers, who first unionized two years ago in Buffalo and now have unionized more than 360 Starbucks, will finally get a first contract after their union and the National Labor Relations Board have repeatedly accused the company of failing to bargain in good faith. Union officials complain that Starbucks has refused to negotiate for more than six months and has not put forward any contract proposals in over a year. Starbucks says its intent on reaching a contract. Stephanie Luce, a labor studies professor at City University of New York, said that to pressure Starbucks to reach a contract, we need a major disruption of corporate power. There are growing calls for a Starbucks boycott; students at Georgetown and UCLA are urging their universities to kick out Starbucks. Many labor leaders see another important challenge for 2024: to help ensure that Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee for president. McCartin said the 2024 election is reminiscent of 1948. If you think about Harry Truman he was not doing well in the polls, he was struggling, his party was divided, with rival candidates Strom Thurmond and Henry Wallace, McCartin said. When Truman won, he said that labor did it. Related: US unions winning big gains amid Great Reset in worker power McCartin said Biden is also facing a situation of how to hold together: Biden has a youth problem. People under 35 are not enthused about him. In my view, labor is well-positioned to be an engine for the re-election of Biden. But its hard to prognosticate. Jones of the University of Minnesota said: Labor has to play a big role. I think its going to be a make or break. Biden has talked a lot about turning out working-class voters, particularly white men. Hes been fairly successful at that. Theres a lot of talk of him losing support among Black and Latino voters. So the degree that Biden can turn out white, working-class voters is really critical. Thats something the UAW and other unions can really help with. Jones said unions could make a pivotal difference in industrial states such as Michigan and Ohio. Arguably the biggest challenge labor faces is whether unions can finally begin to reverse the decline in union membership and in the percentage of workers in unions. Just 10% of workers are in unions, down from more than 20% during the 1980s. Many worker advocates say its great that the UAW has undertaken a bold, large-scale organizing drive that aims to unionize more than 100,000 workers. But these advocates say what is badly needed is for other unions, helped by the AFL-CIO, also to launch big, ambitious organizing drives. Reversing the decline in union membership is the big test, Jacobs said, adding: The UAW demonstrated what a union can do when its members are fully engaged and taking on the boss. Can unions turn that into new organizing and expanding and increasing union density? In the context of our very broken labor law, none of this is easy. But Im the most optimistic Ive been since I began doing this work. CHURCHVILLE The twin brother of Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith has been jailed on numerous felony charges, including attempted capital murder, after he allegedly stole the sheriff's semi-truck Tuesday afternoon and reportedly rammed a deputy's vehicle during a chase. Besides attempted murder, Ronald W. Smith, 41, of Churchville, is facing charges of driving under the influence of drugs, felony destruction of property, felony eluding, obstruction of justice, and unauthorized use of a vehicle, a press release said. On Tuesday at about 4 p.m., Sheriff Smith called his office and requested assistance with getting a stolen vehicle stopped, and said his brother was behind the wheel of a 2000 International semi with a goose-neck trailer attached. Sheriff Smith said he tried stopping the truck near the intersection of Churchville Avenue and Eagle Rock Lane but was unsuccessful. The truck continued on Churchville Avenue and then headed north on Va. 262. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle at the intersection of Va. 262 and Commerce Road but the suspect reportedly refused to pull over. A pursuit continued through the intersection and onto Woodrow Wilson Parkway, the release said. The suspect turned onto Balsey Road but made an abrupt U-turn in a driveway. Deputies used tire deflation devices but the truck kept going. The pursuit continued through Verona to Fort Defiance Road and into the parking lot of S. Gordon Stewart Middle School. Ronald Smith then drove into the parking lot of Clymore Elementary School, where he allegedly rammed a deputys vehicle and reportedly attempted to pin a second deputys vehicle between the stolen truck and trailer, according to the release. Tire deflation devices were again used to disable the truck in the parking lot, and a K-9 was utilized in an attempt to take Ronald Smith into custody. When that failed, deputies continued giving him commands to exit the vehicle but he allegedly did not comply. While inside the truck, the suspect shouldered a hay spear that resembled a long rifle, the release said. Deputies were later able to determine it was a piece of metal and not a firearm. Deputies finally opened opened the driver-side door and ordered Ronald Smith out of the vehicle. He complied and was arrested. Ronald Smith was taken to Augusta Health in Fishersville with injuries to his left arm from the K-9 utilization. Following his release from the hospital, he was jailed without bond. As your sheriff, I am not exempt from family issues and addiction problems," Sheriff Smith said. Im extremely grateful that no one was seriously hurt by my brothers actions, and commend my deputies and the Virginia State Police for ending this situation safely." Working to rebuild its girls basketball program, Stuarts Draft will rely heavily on four freshmen Court: Waynesboro man's 2020 robbery arrest did not violate his rights Staunton's Silver Line presents final weekend of 'It's a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play' Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter). This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Brother of Augusta County sheriff charged with attempted murder Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune. A Leyden Township homeowner, right, files an appeal of their property tax rates during a community event Dec. 20, 2023 held at the Schiller Park Community Center in Schiller Park. As the saying goes that death and taxes may be sure things in life, some Leyden Township area residents learned that the property tax rate, at least, may not be set in stone. On Dec. 20, dozens of residents of the Leyden Township area gathered in the evening at the Schiller Park Community Center, in Schiller Park, to file appeals to the recently increased property tax rates. While those appeals dont automatically mean the individual rates will be lowered the request is free, quick and, apparently, easy. Advertisement Residents of Leyden Township turned out Dec. 20, 2023 to begin the appeals process of their property tax rates. The event was held at the Schiller Park Community Center in Schiller Park. Frank Calabrese, of the Cook County Board of Review, explains the property tax appeals process during a Leyden Township community event Dec. 20, 2023 at the Schiller Park Community Center in Schiller Park. The person over there was lickety split when it came to filing the appeal, said one woman, who asked to remain anonymous. She said she had no trouble with the process, but added she wasnt exactly optimistic her tax bill would come down. Who knows, when youre dealing with the government, who knows. Every three years homes and properties across the county have their values reassessed and, should that value go up, the owner is on the hook to pay more taxes. Residents learned that higher assessments may be optimal if looking to sell, but for those who arent, not so much. Advertisement But also every three years, county authorities welcome appeals and with that, the possibility of a lower tax rate. The deadline to file an appeal is Jan. 2 and, as Schiller Park Mayor Nick Caiafa pointed out, a lot of people are eager to try to do just that. We know everyone got hurt this last go around, so we thought wed ask the Board of Review to come in, the mayor told an assembled crowd. The municipalities that are part of Leyden Township include the cities of Nortlake and Park Ridge, as well as the villages of Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Melrose Park, Norridge, River Grove and Rosemont. Residents at the Wednesday night event had the opportunity to meet with county appeals workers, ask questions and file an electronic appeal and the whole process took minutes for most homeowners. Property owners may also file an appeal only by the Jan. 2 deadline. The process is similar for business owners or owners of commercial property, though those owners must have legal representation while homeowners need not have an attorney. Condo and townhome owners may also appeal and while those tax rates are figured differently from single family home owners, its still a free process and those owners dont need legal representation either, officials explained. Frank Calabrese, an employee with the county Board of Review, reminded the crowd to be optimistic. Advertisement The assessor has to assess almost two million properties a year and they could make a mistake, because thats a lot of property, Calabrese said. He said the appeals process is worth a shot. If you appeal your assessment one of two things will happen, Calabrese said. It will remain the same or it will get lowered. It will not get raised, so theres no harm in talking to us. Jesse Wright is a freelancer. Two brothers will spend time behind bars after a Miamisburg man was found shot and burnt. A Montgomery County Judge sentenced Dana Parks to 23 years to life, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office. Last month a jury found him guilty on several charges including two counts of murder and tampering with evidence. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man found guilty after victim found shot, burned In July 2021 police found the body of Kevin Hughes near Wolf Creek. Prosecutors previously said the body had been burnt. Detectives said Hughes was shot after an argument outside a house on Valencia Drive. Parks brother, 53-year-old Ernest Parks, was charged with tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, and a misdemeanor count of arson. He was sentenced to three years in prison. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Two men, one from Buffalo and one from Orlando, were shot early Wednesday morning on the first block of Person Street. Buffalo police say it happened while the men were outside, just before 1 a.m. The 25-year-old Buffalo resident was taken to ECMC, where hes in stable condition, and the 38-year-old Florida man was treated and later released from Buffalo General Hospital. The investigation into this shooting continues, and police are asking anyone with information to call or text their confidential tip line at (716) 847-2255. 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. A new California law will require that most food-service workers get paid at least $20 per hour starting next year. But hundreds of pizza delivery drivers in the Los Angeles area are about to discover Thomas Sowell's famous adage that the true minimum wage is zero. Pizza Hut announced Wednesday that it would lay off about 1,200 delivery drivers in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties, CBS News reported. Pizza Hut franchises are outsourcing delivery to third-party apps like GrubHub and UberEats as a cost-saving measure in advance of the new law taking effect. The layoffs are likely to take effect in February, The Los Angeles Times reports, just weeks before the new, higher minimum wage hits. California's minimum wage for all workers is already $15.50, one of the highest wage floors in the country. The new $20 per hour minimum wage applies to all employees of fast-food chains with at least 60 locations in the country. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the fast food worker minimum wage proposal into law in September. The law also created a new state board, the Fast Food Council, that will play a role in setting labor standards and future wage increases for many food-service jobs. That the new wage mandate is already costing jobs should not be much of a surprise. Perhaps worse is the unseen costs in the form of jobs that will never exist in the first place. Like burger-flipping in a fast-food joint, pizza-delivery gigs are low-level employment opportunities for workers with low skills or those seeking a little extra cash. Hiking the minimum wage means some workers will earn more, but other people will effectively be priced out of the labor market. "Labor costs account for one-third of fast-food costs, so prices will rise. McDonald's and Chipotle already have announced higher prices for next year," Reason contributor Steven Greenhut wrote last month. "For most of us, the higher prices will mean a little less pocket cash and a lot more home-cooked meals. But think about the lost opportunities for people who need them the most." The post California's New Minimum Wage Is Predictably Killing Food Delivery Jobs appeared first on Reason.com. TRENTON - The Camden City school district has agreed to pay $175,000 to settle a complaint that it wrongly rejected a job applicant due in part to her age. The applicant, a 23-year district employee, claimed the school system violated the state's Law Against Discrimination (LAD) when she sought a new job after losing her position to cutbacks. The state Division on Civil Rights (DCR) said its investigation found enough evidence for "a reasonable suspicion" of age discrimination. Under a consent order and decree, the terminated employee is to collect almost $175,500 in back pay, and at least three years of pension credit, the division said in a Dec. 20 statement. Edward Cagney Mathews weeps at hearing South Jersey man in bias incident gets an 8-year prison term, says he's a victim The district also is to pay $4,000 to cover the division's cost of investigating the complaint. The woman's name was redacted from records released by the DCR. In New Jersey, no one is allowed to discriminate against a potential employee because of their age. Its the law, said Attorney General Matt Platkin. School districts, as institutions of learning and public trust, have a special responsibility to follow the law." Camden district rejects claim of age bias But the Camden district said its actions "were not done based on a discriminatory basis." "To be clear, there was no finding in this matter that the district violated the law," it said in a statement. The district also said it was "disappointed" that the DCR and the Attorney General's Office "used" the settlement "to promote their commitment to protecting against discriminatory hiring practices by public entities. The consent order notes the district did not admit to the woman's complaint or the CDR's findings. The order also requires the district to ensure that its hiring practices follow state law. In addition, the school system must provide anti-bias training "to all teaching, clerical, and other office staff," the statement said. And it must submit regular reports to the division about hiring decisions for central office and clerical staff. The district said it will "continue to comply with all policies and procedures regarding anti-discriminatory hiring practices." According to the order, the woman was among more than 100 applicants for a post-layoff position. She was not offered the job. But the division said its investigation "refuted the school's contention that the chosen candidate's qualifications were superior" to the older, more experienced candidate. It also said the applicant's job interview "was conducted by an employee of the same rank who was not authorized to make hiring decisions." Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Order also requires Camden City district to offer anti-bias training How will upcoming lane closures on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge impact emergency medical services in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties? When lanes begin closing on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in January, officials anticipate increased traffic congestion and delays on detours outlined by the N.C. Department of Transportation. While Memorial Bridge lane closures will alter the daily travel of residents in New Hanover, Brunswick and other neighboring counties for months, one crucial effect of the closures sits at the forefront. How will delays impact emergency medical systems (EMS) in New Hanover and Brunswick counties? Increased transport times Lyle Johnston, Brunswick County EMS director, said transport times, or the time it takes to transfer patients from Brunswick into New Hanover for medical treatment, are likely to increase. On average, Johnston said Brunswick transports 450 to 500 patients monthly into New Hanover for medical treatment, depending upon the month. Bridge closures may increase transport times for these patients by about 10 to 20 minutes, Johnston said, adding that these delays will depend on traffic and selected alternative routes. Brunswick County EMS and New Hanover County EMS will work together to assess traffic in real time and identify the most efficient route alternatives, Johnston said. Staff from both counties are meeting regularly to prepare for the upcoming closures. "The biggest issue that I foresee is if something happens on one of these alternative routes," Johnston said, adding that Brunswick County EMS has been in contact with Novant Health Airlink Air Transport about helicopter access in the case of serious time-sensitive emergencies. "If we just absolutely could not get across the river for some reason, or the delay was going to be [really] long, then we would access the helicopter," Johnston said. If the helicopter is unavailable, for example in inclement weather, Johnston said "[Brunswick County EMS is] just going to have to get over there, it's going to take a little longer, we'll use our lights and sirens ... to try to get through traffic the best we can." Outside of time-sensitive emergencies, "most of the stuff that needs to be done, [EMS] can do in the back of the truck," Johnston said. "[Patients] might just need the finalization of what needs to be done and to be seen by a doctor once we get to the hospital." If necessary, Johnston said Brunswick County patients, particularly those in the south of the county, could be transported into South Carolina hospitals if New Hanover Regional Medical Center was inaccessible. Brunswick County EMS currently transports to 11 hospitals between North and South Carolina in Columbus County, New Hanover County, Brunswick County and Horry County. Regional leaders discuss the impacts of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project on Dec. 21, 2023, in the New Hanover County Government Center. The 'same methodology' with 'new tactics' At a roundtable discussion Dec. 21, Steven Still, New Hanover County emergency management director, said EMS are equipped to handle the challenges using the same methodology used for previous disruptions, such as the Azalea Festival and tropical storms. "The methodology that we apply has the same reporting structure, the same terminology ... we are firm in our objectives," Still said. "The only thing that changes really are the tactics." Leaders plan to address concerns presented by the Memorial Bridge closure through a "regional approach," including collaboration from public safety officials, local government, NCDOT and other community organizations across Southeastern North Carolina. "Every single public safety respondent, whether that's law, fire, EMS, they [will] have complete and direct communications with the project management on site at the [bridge]," Still said, noting that tactics will need to remain flexible as the project progresses. "We understand that many plans won't survive the first shot," Still said. Establishing an Incident Command Center Emergency management staff are establishing an Incident Command Center at the new Wilmington City Hall at Skyline Center, according to a briefing document provided by the city of Wilmington and New Hanover County. Staff will use existing camera infrastructure and the "ideal vantage point" of the ninth floor to "evaluate and respond in real time to traffic conditions," according to the document. Still said views of Third Street, the Memorial Bridge and the Isabel Homes Bridge from this space will provide advantages, adding that when traffic disruptions are detected early on, public information officials will be able to "get the message out early and often." Johnston said the most significant aspect of the command center for Brunswick County EMS will be the camera surveillance, allowing for real-time traffic updates. New Hanover and Brunswick County 'dual response' In areas surrounding the bridge, where officials "[anticipate] traffic issues," Brunswick EMS and New Hanover EMS are discussing the use of "dual dispatch" Johnston said. "If we couldn't get to [the scene] from our side, [New Hanover EMS] may be able to, or vice versa." Johnston said if an emergency call came in from one of these defined dual dispatch areas, 911 call centers in both counties would coordinate a dual dispatch of units from both counties to the scene. "The first unit that gets on scene, if they get there and they can handle it, then they would cancel the other unit," Johnston said, adding that dispatch units are able to communicate with one another through radio. When asked what he would want to convey to residents who are concerned about the potential impacts of the bridge closure on emergency medical care, Johnston said he doesn't "want citizens changing what their normal healthcare streams are because of the traffic." "We will take care of you, and we will get you where you need to go, it may just take a little extra time," Johnston said. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: How will EMS be impacted by the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge closure? CHICAGO - A car was set on fire at a dealership and a person was injured during a home invasion in two separate incidents on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on Chicago's North Side. At about 1 a.m. Sunday, an unknown offender began kicking in the rear door of an apartment in the 4700 block of North Virginia. As he gained entry, he was confronted by the homeowner, said Ald. Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward. A fight ensued and the offender fled the scene. The homeowner was injured and was transported to an area hospital for bruising and swelling. No description of the offender is available at this time. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Area Three detectives at (312) 744-8263. At about 4:15 a.m. Monday, a male subject was seen on video jumping the fence of a car dealership located at 5950 N. Western Ave., Ald. Vasquez said. The offender poured gasoline on a car and ignited it. He then fled in a black Jeep. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact Arson Detectives at (312) 746-7618. Lake County election judges will receive a significant pay hike for working in the 2024 primary and general elections, and the increase in compensation quickly spurred interest for potential first-time applicants. When we announced the increase (online), in the first two hours we had 50 applicants, Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said Tuesday. They were all new judges. Advertisement Vega recently announced the 20% increase in the pay scale for three Election Day positions, as well as early voting, across Lake County to both retain existing judges and draw new people to the jobs. Compensation for ballot-box judges on Election Day will go from $205 to $285, voter services judges will receive an increase from $195 to $240 and check-in judges will get a boost from $165 to $225. Early voting judges will be paid $15 per hour, rather than $12. Advertisement This was long overdue, Vega said. We have had challenges recruiting and retaining judges starting with the (coronavirus) pandemic. We hope this will help us recruit new judges and keep our experienced judges. They work very long hours. For Election Day, Vega said approximately 900 poll workers are needed. During early voting, more than 150 are required. Poll workers must work all day for the March 19 primary and Nov. 5 general elections, according to the clerks website. They are expected to arrive at 5:15 a.m. and remain until all tasks are completed after the polls close at 7 p.m. Partial days are not allowed. Though Vega said local election judges have not experienced any of the intimidation or threats which occurred in other states during the 2020 election, he does not ever want to see it happen in Lake County. Its unfortunate the election judges administering the process experience multiple stress levels, including unnecessary online bullying and in-person threats, he said. In Lake County, voters are very respectful of the judges that make our electoral process work. Among the qualifications to become an election judge, Vega said the individual must be affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican Party. Lake County party officials are pleased with the change in pay. Its in everyones interest we have honest, open and transparent elections, and election judges are an integral part of that, said Keith Brin, the chair of the Lake County GOP. Increasing the pay of election judges is something we should invest in. Lauren Bet Gash, the chair of the Lake County Democratic Party said it is important to attract people to become election judges. Increasing compensation to what will soon be the minimum wage in Illinois is something the party has, supported for many years, she said. Advertisement Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, Gash said. If someone hasnt served in these roles, they may not be aware of how challenging and important the position is. Its important that we can attract people to do this essential job. Our representative government depends on them. Along with being affiliated with a major political party, Vega said judges must be Lake County voters, be in good repute in character, cannot be subject to registration under the sex-offender act, be able to sit or stand for a long period of time and complete the required four hours of training. Other requirements include not being a candidate for election, or being an elected or appointed precinct committeeperson. Vega said they must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. We encourage bilingual applicants to apply, he said. While judges working Election Day must be on the job the entire period of time from before the polls open until after they close, Vega said people working during early voting can do partial shifts. Early voting starts Feb. 8 in the lobby of the Lake County Courthouse and Administration Building, and March 4 at 18 locations throughout the county. Detailed job descriptions are available on the clerks website. Federal officials have urged state health departments to seek out cases of lead poisoning, which could be missed if children who ate the lead-tainted applesauce don't get blood tests from their doctor for the toxic metal. Photo courtesy of U.S. Food and Drug Administration At least 251 cases of lead poisoning linked to tainted fruit puree pouches have now been reported in 34 states, U.S. health officials said. That's up from 205 cases reported in the last weekly tally, the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention noted in its latest update. States reporting new cases to CDC now include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Exactly how many cases have been reported in each state is unclear because the CDC has withheld state-specific counts, pointing to patient privacy, CBS News reported. The median age for cases in the investigation "is nearly 2 years old," a CDC spokesperson told CBS News, though reports have come in for children as old as 9. Federal officials have urged state health departments to seek out cases of lead poisoning, which could be missed if children who ate the lead-tainted applesauce don't get blood tests from their doctor for the toxic metal. AustroFoods, which makes the now-recalled WanaBana, Weis and Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, said Monday it will reimburse customers for up to $150 for lead tests. Meanwhile, the FDA reported earlier this month that cinnamon samples gathered at a facility in Ecuador linked to the tainted fruit puree pouches were found to contain levels of toxic lead that were 2,000 times higher than proposed standards. Tests conducted at an Ecuadorean facility run by Austrofoods found that cinnamon supplied to the plant by another company, Negasmart, contained "extremely high levels of lead contamination, 5,110 parts per million (ppm) and 2,270 ppm," the FDA said in its update. To put that into context, an international body charged with setting lead limits in bark-sourced spices such as cinnamon "is considering adopting a maximum level of 2.5 ppm for lead in bark spices," the FDA said. Earlier this month, a source at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that the cinnamon used in the recalled applesauce may have been deliberately tainted with the toxic element. "We're still in the midst of our investigation," Jim Jones, the FDA's deputy commissioner for human foods, told Politico. "But so far all of the signals we're getting lead to an intentional act on the part of someone in the supply chain and we're trying to sort of figure that out." The applesauce pouches under recall so far are from three brands - Weis, WanaBana and Schnucks. Each is tied to the same manufacturing facility in Ecuador. "My instinct is they didn't think this product was going to end up in a country with a robust regulatory process," Jones said. "They thought it was going to end up in places that did not have the ability to detect something like this." According to Politico, the FDA suspects the deliberate adulteration of cinnamon included in the applesauce products was "economically motivated." U.S. and Ecuadorian authorities are cooperating and have traced the cinnamon to Negasmart, which supplies the spice to Austrofoods, which manufactures the applesauce pouches in Ecuador. The FDA said Negasmart is now operating under an "Ecuadorian administrative sanctions process." Jones told Politico that food adulteration outside the United States "is always going to be tricky to absolutely stop, if somebody has intent to purposefully do something like this." An FDA spokesperson also told Politico: "We have limited authority over foreign ingredient suppliers that do not directly ship product to the U.S. because their food undergoes further manufacturing/processing prior to export." Still, he said, "we're going to chase that data and find whoever was responsible and hold them accountable." In November, FDA said health officials detected very high levels of lead in one product sample of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree collected from Dollar Tree. The level then detected was 2.18 parts per million, which is more than 200 times greater than the action level the FDA has proposed in draft guidance for fruit purees and similar products intended for babies and young children. So far, sample analysis of WanaBana, Weis and Schnucks fruit puree pouches that do not contain cinnamon and are not part of the recall have not shown elevated levels of lead. In its initial alert on the recall issued in late October, the FDA said four children in North Carolina were the first to be found to have high levels of lead in their blood that was linked to the WanaBana products. By law, food manufacturers have a responsibility to prevent chemical hazards when needed, the FDA noted. This includes measures to lower or eliminate the presence of lead in their products. The FDA has warned families not to eat or serve these products and encourages them to throw out the pouches or return them to the store where they bought them for a refund. Caregivers should take any children who may have eaten these products to have blood tests to check for lead exposure, the CDC added. Lead is toxic to humans, particularly children, and there is no safe level of exposure, the CDC says. Exposure can cause developmental delays in children. Initial symptoms of lead poisoning may include head, stomach and muscle aches, vomiting, anemia, irritability, fatigue and weight loss. More information Visit the CDC for more on the dangers of lead exposure. Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Whether youd like to ring in the new year by indulging in some of Happy Valleys finest culinary experiences, you prefer to bid farewell to 2023 with a drink or two or youve already made plans to attend First Night State College, area foodies will find lots of options for tasty ways to celebrate New Years Eve in Centre County. Fine dining and live music Grab your tickets and make reservations for a night of gastronomic delights at one of two favorited area eateries known for their modern and creative approaches. Pine Grove Hall welcomes 2024 with a night of fine dining, beverage pairings and live classical music. Keeping with the restaurants local focus, the prix fixe menu incorporates regionally sourced ingredients. Guests are greeted with a decadent welcoming bite (such as warm poached blue point trout roe or mini crabcakes with saffron), before the main event kicks off with a burrata and blood orange salad starter, your choice of either a whole roasted branzino or coulotte beef steak entree and then cardamom coffee and Medjool date tiramisu for dessert. Tickets are $85, plus tax and gratuity, and can be purchased on the restaurants website. RE Farm Cafe offers a special, New Years Eve Euro-style seven-course menu, with wine-pairing options and accompanied by a performance from Eric Ian Farmer. The menu includes Alaskan wild-caught sockeye salmon gravlax, garlic and herb-rubbed lamb from the adjacent farm, local cheeses and maple cheesecake. Tickets are $95 and reservations can be made on the restaurants website. Prefer to order off a menu you already know and love? In downtown State College, The Tavern is offering its regular dinner menu, along with New Years Eve specials (such as a surf and turf plate featuring an 8-ounce filet mignon, lobster claw and smoked gouda potatoes). Grab a drink at a favorite watering hole (or take one to-go) Prefer something a little more casual and a little more focused on the drinks portion of the evening (but still with the option to order some spectacular eats while you celebrate)? Area breweries and distilleries have you covered. At Bellefontes Big Spring Spirits, you can start the party early. While the tasting room will hold its normal Sunday hours, noon-8 p.m. on New Years Eve, it will offer, alongside its cocktail menu, a special food menu courtesy of Justin Leiter at Belle City Bites, with options including charcuterie boards, a steak and gorgonzola flatbread, a wild mushroom tart and more. When youre ready to head home, grab one of Big Spring Spirits New Years Eve-themed cocktail four-packs on your way out the door, available to-go all week. The four-packs contain fun options such as the Ball Dropper (a classic gin rickey with edible glitter), Hare of the Dog (made with white rum, white rye, pineapple, lime and jalapeno), Walk of Shame (a Bloody Mary made with Pittsburgh Pickle Companys Briney Mary Mix) and This Ones for Dick (made with rye whiskey, triple sec, lemon, simple syrup and club soda). At Voodoo Brewing Co., the brewerys new kitchen will be open later than normal on New Years Eve, until 8 p.m., so you can grab a beer or cocktail and fuel up on new menu items like the grilled mahi mahi tacos. Discover a new food truck at First Night For those headed to First Night State College, stopping into the University Baptist & Brethren Church First Night Soups & Sweets Takeout Cafe or the Faith United Church of Christ First Night Chili Cafe (or both!) is a must, but dont miss a relative newcomer to the festival. The Bean Box is an area food truck that serves Australian-style eats, including meat pies and sausage rolls, alongside Aussie Style coffee and other caffeinated favorites. The food truck will be serving on the 100 Block of South Allen Street until 10 p.m. Holly Riddle is a freelance food, travel and lifestyle writer. She can be reached at holly.ridd@gmail.com. A neighbour of actor Charlie Sheen who allegedly tried to choke him at his apartment has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of assault. Electra Schrock, 47, was officially charged with one count of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury after she was arrested for allegedly attacking the Two and a Half Men actor inside his home in Malibu, California. An initial charge of assault with a deadly weapon against Schrock was dropped, according to US media reports. Schrock, who lives in the same Malibu apartment complex as Sheen, denied assaulting Sheen during a nine-minute arraignment hearing at a Los Angeles court on Tuesday (26 December). Sheens lawyers argued he was left feeling quite fearful after the alleged attack at his home on 20 December, as the presiding judge set Schrocks bail at $75,000 (approximately 59,000) and issued a restraining order against her. The Independent has contacted Sheens representatives for comment. Citing law enforcement sources, Fox News reported that Sheen heard knocking on his door last week and opened it slightly to find his neighbour, Shrock, standing outside. Sheen was said to be fearful following the incident Shrock pushed her way into Sheens home and began grabbing at him and his neck. Sheen tried to get away from Schrock, but she pursued him through his home, they were quoted as saying. She then allegedly grabbed Sheens neck multiple times, eventually ripping his shirt before he was able to dial 911. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department confirmed deputies identified Charlie Sheen as a victim of assault after they responded to an incident in western Malibu on 20 December. Appearing on behalf of Shrock, public defender Randy Kaplan told the court that Sheen did not sustain any injuries during the incident, adding that it doesnt seem like anything more than an overfilled misdemeanour battery. A preliminary hearing for the case has been set for 8 January. Sheen is known for playing the role of womanising bachelor Charlie Harper in the hit US sitcom Two and a Half Men, while his film credits include 1980s hits Platoon, Wall Street and Young Guns. Sheen has five children, including daughter Cassandra with his high sweetheart Paula Speert, daughters Sami and Lola with ex-wife Denise Richards, as well as twin sons Bob and Max with ex-wife Brooke Mueller. Stuart White, a Charlotte chiropractor, is jailed in Texas after being convicted there this month for felony child sexual abuse. Stuart, 66, has worked as a chiropractor for Synergy Holistic Health in Charlottes Cotswold neighborhood. In a recent letter to his patients here, he maintains he was falsely accused of abusing children from a former marriage. He said hes committed to clearing his name. I am appalled by the disturbing accusations leveled against me, as they are both disgusting and inconceivable, his letter states. I want to emphatically state that I would never engage in such reprehensible actions. Stuarts current wife, Nicole Fodel, is doing everything possible to hire the best appellate attorney to fight this false charge, the chiropractic office stated in an email to patients that accompanied Stuarts letter. Fodel also works as a chiropractor and acupuncturist at the office. She could not immediately be reached for comment. Another letter accompanying the email invites people to contribute money to restore Stuarts freedom and exonerate his name. On Dec. 19, a jury in Harris County, Texas, convicted Stuart of super aggravated sexual assault with a child under 6, a first-degree felony that carries a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison. He was found not guilty on a charge of indecency with a child. A judge is scheduled to sentence him on Jan. 23. Angela Weltin, one of Whites attorneys, stated in an email to The Observer that the defense team feels strongly that the case should be appealed. Dr Stuart White will petition the court to review this case on appeal once sentencing occurs, Weltin wrote. White was charged with the offense in 2014, three days after his ex-wife filed for divorce, according to the Houston Chronicle. White appears to have just one conviction in North Carolina for speeding in Watauga County in 2017, a state criminal records check shows. In its online mission statement, Synergy Holistic Health says it treats the entire person, not just their symptoms. Our goal is to not only alleviate pain and chronic illness, but more importantly, inspire and educate our patients to become active participants in their own well being, the mission statement says. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) went after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Wednesday after the governor sent a flight full of migrants from Texas to Chicago. What Gov. Abbott is doing is, quite frankly, its reckless, Johnson said in a CNN interview. Last weeks chartered flight of 120 migrants marked an expansion of Abbotts migrant busing program, which has sent thousands of migrants from Texas to so-called sanctuary cities around the country as a form of protest against President Bidens immigration policies. Sanctuary city Chicago started obstructing and targeting our busing mission. Texas will now expand our operation to include flights to Chicago, Abbott wrote last Wednesday in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Until Biden steps up to secure the border, we will continue to provide overwhelmed Texas border towns with much-needed relief. City leaders have widely denounced Abbotts busing program. At least 26,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago via bus since late last year, according to city data, with another 4,200 arriving by air. Sending buses all over the state of Illinois and all over the country is reckless, and quite frankly, its dangerous, Johnson continued. The progressive mayor noted that he agrees with Abbott that state and local governments must do more about immigration, but he was clear that the pair dont agree on how that should be done. What Ive called for repeatedly is, again, a coordinated approach between state and local municipalities so that we can address this crisis, Johnson said. We need more resources. In no way what the state of Texas is doing is helping the cause, he continued. As we recognize that there are challenges significant challenges at the border, we do need real substantive immigration reform and policies that allow us to have a structure and a pathway to citizenship. The flights started as Chicago raised penalties for bus companies that drop loads of migrants in the city without filing proper paperwork or using a designated drop-off location. The White House slammed the move last week as a political stunt. Yet again, Governor Abbott is showing how little regard or respect he has for human beings, White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said in a statement to The Associated Press. This latest political stunt just adds to his tally of extreme policies which seek to demonize and dehumanize people. Johnson hosted a video conference with New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (D) later Wednesday to again denounce the migrant transit scheme. Abbott has also sent migrants to New York City and Denver. We cannot allow buses with people needing our help to arrive without warning at any hour of day and night, Adams said. This not only prevents us from providing assistance in an orderly way, it puts those who have already suffered in so much in danger. Adams also announced similarly increased penalties for buses dropping off migrants unannounced. The lack of care that has been on display for the last year and a half has created an incredible amount of chaos, Johnson said. Updated at 8:28pm. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The December sun is baking on the Heng Chun peninsula, the tongue of land that juts out from the bottom end of Taiwan into the Philippine Sea. A half-smoked cigarette pokes from the corner of Hsu Keng-Jui's mouth. He is part of a network of volunteers - most of them veterans like him - who track the now-constant presence of Chinese ships and aircraft just outside Taiwan's territorial limit. Using plastic zip ties, Mr Hsu straps a long radio antenna to a steel railing, then sits down with his portable radios and begins to scan the military channels. At first all we hear is the soft southern lilt of the Taiwan coastguard directing sea traffic. Then a different accent and a different tone comes through the heavy static. It's the Chinese navy. China has been ramping up the pressure ahead of a pivotal presidential race in Taiwan, an island it has long seen as a renegade province. With just weeks to go, Beijing looms larger than ever before - on the ballot, and at Taiwan's borders. "We represent all the people of China," the voice from the Chinese navy intones. "The People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government of China, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China." Dragging on another cigarette, Mr Hsu looks unmoved: "I hear it every day now. It's like they're reading from a script." Another voice comes across the airwaves. It's the captain of a Chinese tugboat, just three miles off Taiwan's coast. The captain has been asked to move out of Taiwan's territorial waters, but he refuses: "What territorial waters are you talking about? Taiwan doesn't have any territorial waters!" Mr Hsu is suddenly furious. He leaps up, grabs a handset and lets loose a stream of invective over the airwaves. He swears as he sits back down, muttering, "Who does he think he is?" Hsu Keng-Jui is a veteran who volunteers to track Chinese military intrusion into Taiwan's territory For decades the governments in Beijing and Taipei had an unwritten agreement not to stray across a median line that divides the 110-mile-wide strait between them. Now China is crossing it almost daily, at sea and in the air. On one day in September the People's Liberation Army sent more than a 100 aircraft towards Taiwan, 40 of which crossed the median line. Map of Taiwan's air defence identification zone This so-called "grey zone warfare" is meant to "subdue the enemy without fighting" to borrow the words of a legendary Chinese military strategist. In this case the enemy is Taiwan's government, those who support Taiwan's permanent separation from China, and its foreign allies in the United States and Japan. "China is sending a very strong message to the United States and even Japan," says retired Admiral Lee Hsi-min, a former commander of Taiwan's armed forces. "It's telling them that Taiwan is part of China. That this is our area so we can do whatever we want here. Meanwhile it's aimed at making Taiwanese people scared and making them capitulate." With Taiwan due to elect a new president on 13 January, the key objective is to undermine support for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The island's current president Tsai Ing-wen is stepping down after eight years in power. Beijing on the ballot - again President Tsai, who has been candid yet deft in her defence of Taiwan's sovereignty, is deeply disliked by Beijing. But the man running to replace her, current vice-president William Lai, is far worse in their eyes. Despite saying he will do nothing to change the status quo, Mr Lai is seen by China as a hardline "splittist", an advocate of formal Taiwan independence. Beijing's message to voters in Taiwan is that a vote for William Lai is a vote for war. It's also the message from the main opposition party, the nationalist Kuomintang or KMT. Their candidate Hou Yu-ih told supporters at a recent rally: "Our whole generation will lose everything we have fought for during our lifetime [if Lai wins]." But DPP supporters don't seem cowed. They have seen this movie before, and every four years since Taiwan's first presidential election in 1996. President Tsai (C) with her vice-president and frontrunner William Lai (L) at an election rally in November On a recent drizzly Sunday afternoon, around 60,000 DPP supporters crowded into a square in downtown Taipei to see Mr Lai and his running mate speak. Then President Tsai stepped onto stage and the crowd came alive cheering and waving little, green DPP flags. Dotted among them were many rainbow flags of gay pride. Ms Tsai is adored by the LGBT community here for making Taiwan the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. Democratic elections aside, this is yet another thing that sets Taiwan apart from China. And it is one of many reasons DPP supporters are adamant this island will never be part of the People's Republic of China. "I am very worried [about the threats from China], but I am not afraid," said Frederika Chou. "Because I will volunteer to be a soldier and fight if they ever try to invade our beautiful country." "Some day we may have war, but I'm not afraid because I am Taiwanese, and I need to protect my country," said 27-year-old Abby Ding who'd come to the rally with her father all the way from Tainan in the south. Beijing is far from the only issue on the ballot. Rising costs, unaffordable housing and shrinking opportunities have driven dissatisfaction against the DPP - and sent young voters into the arms of the Taiwan People's Party and its populist candidate Ko Wen-je. Once a DPP supporter, Mr Ko now positions himself as a middle-of-the road option between his main rivals - and one who can broker better ties with Beijing. While "reunification" was always a possibility, China's claims have now turned more urgent, especially with its leader Xi Jinping's repeated vows to take the island, with a deadline to boot. The issue of how much Taiwan should prepare to fight divides the island's main parties. The current DPP government has invested heavily in new, domestically-built submarines and bought scores more F16 fighter jets and modern missiles from the US. It has reinstated 12-month-long compulsory military service and says it will do more if re-elected. Supporters at a recent rally for KMT, which is campaigning on a promise to secure peace with Beijing The KMT is much more ambivalent. Its candidate for vice-president, Jaw Shaw Kong, has labelled the submarine building programme a vanity project and a huge waste of money. Mr Jaw's family is from China, and he has long been seen as one of the most Beijing-friendly voices in Taiwan politics. He says the only way to secure peace for Taiwan is to talk to Beijing, to reassure Mr Xi that Taiwan is not intent on independence, and that one day Taiwan and China can and should be united. This is far from an unpopular opinion in Taiwan. The island's links to China, from family ties to trade, run deep and are tangled with complicated questions about the past and identity. It's an issue that often pits an older generation with stronger ties to the mainland, against young people who have grown up in a democratic, open society. No-one will deny the military threat from China but they are divided over how best to deter it. While the main parties squabble, Taiwan's air force is being slowly and steadily exhausted by the constant Chinese pressure. Early one morning in December a group of Mirage 2000 fighter jets scrambled from their base on the west coast and roared out in to the Taiwan straits. The base is home to the 45 jets of Taiwan's rapid reaction squadron, tasked with confronting those Chinese aircraft daily probing the edge of Taiwan's airspace. The jets were bought from France in the early 1990s and are now getting old. China is wearing down the Taiwanese air force, says retired admiral Lee. And they can feel the impact because maintenance has increased and "it is actually affecting our capability", he adds. China can afford to fly as often as it likes. The People's Liberation Army has more than 2,000 fighter jets and is building many more. Taiwan has fewer than 300, many of them now over a quarter of a century old. Military experts say that the wear and tear on the Mirage fleet is so high and the cost of fixing them so prohibitive that they've quietly stopped scrambling to intercept all but the most threatening of Chinese intrusions. Taiwan's Mirage 2000 fighter jets are old - and they are being exhausted by Chinese incursions The long game The latest polling data suggest Mr Lai and the DPP are heading for victory in January albeit by a small margin. For the DPP it would be an unprecedented third consecutive presidential term, and a slap in the face for Beijing. But the DPP will probably get less than 40% of the vote. That means there is still plenty to play for. Taiwan has a free press and an open internet. So the door is wide open for China's propaganda apparatus to target the 60% of voters who won't vote for the DPP. They will also be voting in a new legislature, which the KMT could win. For years the main target of Chinese propaganda has been Taiwan's older population, particularly those with family ties to the mainland, people who have traditionally voted for the KMT. "It's been very effective," says Puma Shen, an academic and political activist who has spent years studying Chinese influence operations around the world. "If you look back in history, supporters of the KMT used to be very anti-Chinese Communist Party. But now they have become anti-Taiwan independence. They now believe people who support Taiwan independence are the ones who could trigger a war." A group of voters who used to think of the Chinese Communist Party as the enemy, now think the DPP is the real danger. It's not a rare view in Taiwan. Older Taipei residents speak disparagingly of President Tsai and her party as a "bunch of troublemakers". But Beijing knows the key to success will be winning over young voters, those who have no party affiliation and are dissatisfied with both the old traditional parties. They are now being targeted through TikTok and YouTube. China has over 200 channels that are uploading videos daily. "They are very good at finding out what young Taiwanese are interested in and then creating content to attract them," Mr Shen says. It's what he calls "paving the road". Once an audience is established and trust develops, pro-China messaging is then introduced. Mr Shen's research has shown an increase in groups of young Taiwanese who are not pro-China, but have become increasingly anti-US and anti-Japan. Such influence operations are unlikely to yield any sudden embrace of China. But Beijing is playing the long game. "This election is only one short-term goal for them," Mr Shen says. "The grand strategy, the real end game, is to get Taiwan to sign a peace agreement without the need to fight." (Bloomberg) -- China said it was sanctioning a US company and two human rights researchers over work related to Xinjiang, escalating a dispute between the nations over allegations of forced labor. Most Read from Bloomberg China was freezing any assets held in the nation by Kharon, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, referring to a Los Angeles-based company that identifies sanctions and compliance risks for organizations. Edmund Xu, directer of investigations at Kharon, and Nicole Morgret were also barred from entering China and had any assets there frozen. Morgret was previously an analyst at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies and now works for a congressional commission. Chinese companies were also barred from working with Kharon, Xu or Morgret. The moves are largely symbolic because Kharon and the two individuals are unlikely to have much business or property in China. Earlier this month, the US sanctioned a pair of Chinese officials, saying they were linked to human rights abuses against minority groups including Uyghurs in Xinjiang, a far western region of China. Mao indicated that Chinas sanctions were a response to that move by the US. Kharon said in a statement that it would continue to provide research and data analytics that is objective, independent and based on reliable sources. Kharon has published articles about issues such as sportswear companies that it says are at risk of links to forced labor in Xinjiang through their suppliers. The Center for Advanced Defense Studies credits Morgret with helping on a paper that said major US companies are exposed to suppliers that get gold from firms that exhibit risk indicators of forced labor. See: Why China and US Disagree on Forced Labor in Xinjiang: QuickTake Over the summer, the US expanded a ban on imports from the Xinjiang region by placing two more companies on its so-called entity list. Those were the first additions since an American law targeting forced labor in the area took effect in mid-2022. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act bars imported goods partly or wholly made in Xinjiang, unless companies can prove the products have no ties to forced labor. China has long denied it uses forced labor. On Tuesday, Mao said the US has once again concocted and spread false narratives related to Xinjiang. China has been accused of sending millions of minorities to reeducation camps in Xinjiang to curb terrorism. Beijing has countered that the facilities provide vocational education, bringing prosperity to the region. The nation has sanctioned American people and companies before over Xinjiang and other issues. In 2021, Beijing sanctioned former US officials who were instrumental in shaping the Trump administrations confrontational stance toward China. Beijing has also sanctioned US arms firms over sales to Taiwan. The latest move comes as ties between China and the US improve following a meeting between President Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in November. Those discussions led to cooperation on the fentanyl issue and to high-level military dialogue. More: Xis Quest for Ethnic Unity Turns Genghis Khan Into New Danger --With assistance from Josh Xiao. (Updates with statement from Kharon and more detail.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. FILE - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning gestures during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, on July 26, 2023. China says it is banning a United States research company and two analysts who have reported extensively on claims of human rights abuses committed against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups native to the countrys far northwestern region of Xinjiang. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File) BEIJING (AP) China says it is banning a United States research company and two analysts who have reported extensively on claims of human rights abuses committed against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups native to the countrys far northwestern region of Xinjiang. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was quoted as announcing late Tuesday night that Los Angeles-based research and data analytics firm Kharon, its director of investigations, Edmund Xu, and Nicole Morgret, a human rights analyst affiliated with the Center for Advanced Defense Studies, would be barred from traveling to China. Also, any assets or property they have in China will be frozen and organizations and individuals in China are prohibited from making transactions or otherwise cooperating with them. In a statement on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Mao said the sanctions against the company, Xu and Morgret were retaliation for a yearly U.S. government report on human rights in Xinjiang. Uyghurs and other natives of the region share religious, linguistic and cultural links with the scattered peoples of Central Asia and have long resented the Chinese Communist Party's heavy-handed control and attempts to assimilate them with the majority Han ethnic group. In a paper published in June 2022, Morgret wrote, The Chinese government is undertaking a concerted drive to industrialize the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), which has led an increasing number of corporations to establish manufacturing operations there. This centrally-controlled industrial policy is a key tool in the governments efforts to forcibly assimilate Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples through the institution of a coerced labor regime. Such reports draw from a wide range of sources, including independent media, non-governmental organizations and groups that may receive commercial and governmental grants or other outside funding. China has long denied such allegations, saying the large-scale network of prison-like facilities through which passed hundreds of thousands of Muslim citizens were intended only to rid them of violent, extremist tendencies and teach them job skills. Former inmates describe harsh conditions imposed without legal process and demands that they denounce their culture and sing the praises of President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party daily. China says the camps are all now closed, but many of their former inmates have reportedly been given lengthy prison sentences elsewhere. Access to the region by journalists, diplomats and others is tightly controlled, as is movement outside the region by Uyghurs, Kazaks and other Muslim minorities. By issuing the report, the United States once again spread false stories on Xinjiang and illegally sanctioned Chinese officials and companies citing so-called human rights issues, Mao was quoted as saying. If the United States refuses to change course, China will not flinch and will respond in kind, Mao was quoted as telling reporters at an earlier news briefing. The U.S. has slapped visa bans and a wide range of other sanctions on dozens of officials from China and the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong, including the country's former defense minister, who disappeared under circumstances China has yet to explain. China's foreign minister also was replaced this year with no word on his fate, fueling speculation that party leader and head of state for life Xi is carrying out a purge of officials suspected of collaborating with foreign governments or simply showing insufficient loyalty to China's most authoritarian leader since Mao Zedong. Hong Kong's government has cracked down heavily on freedom of speech and democracy since China imposed a sweeping national security law in response to massive anti-government protests in 2019. Neither Xu or Morgret could immediately be reached for comment, and it wasn't clear what degree of connection, if any, they had with the U.S. government. Semafor Signals Insights from South China Morning Post, Nikkei Asia, and Channel News Asia NEWS China threatened to impose further trade sanctions against Taiwan as the islands pro-independence ruling party continues to lead in the polls ahead of the Jan. 13 presidential election. Last week, China announced it was ending tariff cuts on some chemical imports from Taiwan, leading Taipei to accuse Beijing of election interference just weeks ahead of a vote that will define its future relationship with China. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Candidates pitch themselves as best options to assure peace Sources: South China Morning Post The Democratic Progressive Partys William Lai Ching-te, Taiwans current vice president, is currently leading in the polls. His opponent, the mayor of New Taipei City, has sought to cast Lai as ardently pro-independence, which he argues is sure to lead to war. Chinas latest statement that it could impose more tariffs if Lai insists on a pro-independence stance is the first official confirmation from Beijing that political considerations were behind the recent trade announcements, the South China Morning Post wrote. What does Taiwanese grouper have to do with the presidential election? Sources: CNN, Nikkei Asia Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently reiterated his stance that the reunification of Taiwan with China is inevitable. Beijing, which sees the island as a breakaway province, announced last week that it is also lifting an import ban on Taiwanese-raised grouper fish, saying an appeal from the opposition party is responsible for the move. In this case, removing trade restrictions is part of a carrot-and-stick strategy designed to shake up Taiwanese politics and promote the rise of a China-friendly administration in Taiwan, Nikkei Asia reported. Its not all about China Sources: Channel News Asia Despite all the headlines about China defining Taiwans election, other, more domestic topics are also on voters minds. That includes controversy over whether Lais childhood home was illegally expanded by his family in an old coal mining area, and whether farmland owned by a third-party candidate was illegally turned into a parking lot. A vice presidential candidate also came under fire for saying during a debate that when I was young, everyone loved to drink Johnnie Walker, a comment seen by some as out of touch. BEIJING (Reuters) - The Chinese government on Wednesday threatened to place further trade sanctions on Taiwan if the ruling party "stubbornly" adheres to supporting independence, in a further escalation of the war of words as Taiwanese elections approach next month. Taiwan's Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections are taking place as China, which views the island as its own territory, has sought to force Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty claims. Taiwan this month accused China of economic coercion and election interference after Beijing announced the end of tariff cuts on some chemical imports from the island, saying Taipei violated a trade agreement between the two sides signed in 2010. That came after China said it had determined Taiwan had put up trade barriers in contravention of both World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and the 2010 trade deal. Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said the "root cause" of resolving problems related to the 2010 deal was Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) adherence to the island's formal independence. "If the DPP authorities are determined to persevere, continue to stubbornly adhere to their Taiwan independence position, and refuse to repent, we support the relevant departments taking further measures in accordance with the regulations," Chen said. China detests both the DPP and its presidential candidate, current Vice President Lai Ching-te, who is leading in the polls, believing they are separatists. Lai says he has no plans to change the island's formal name, the Republic of China, but that only Taiwan's people can decide their future. He has also repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed. The defeated republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists who founded the People's Republic of China. Chen said Taiwan was "facing a crossroads" about where to go, and that anything can be discussed on the basis of opposing Taiwan's independence. He reiterated that Taiwan independence means war. However, Chen also extended his "heartfelt thanks" to Taiwanese companies which had donated money to help deal with the aftermath of an earthquake in a remote part of northwestern China this month which killed 149 people. But he made no mention of condolences by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to China after the disaster and offers of help from her government. (This story has been corrected to change the death toll to 149 from 1,949 in paragraph 11) (Reporting by Ryan Woo, Ethan Wang and Albee Zhang; Additional reporting and writing by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, Michael Perry and Jon Boyle) This year saw one of the biggest changes in U.S. criminal justice in Illinois, as the state became the nations first to eliminate cash bonds as part of a criminal reform act. The implementation of the new system locally and the statewide fight over the concept of cashless bail made bail reform one of the Lake County News-Suns top stories of 2023. Advertisement Under the previous system, people accused of a crime would appear in bond court shortly after their arrest. There, a judge would listen to prosecutors detail the alleged crime, and the judge would set a bail dollar amount much higher for a serious crime, and less for smaller violations. The accused would then have to post 10% of the bail in order to be released on bond pending trial. Critics charged that the system kept poor people in jail for nonviolent crimes because they did not have enough money to post bond. Supporters of the old system said monetary bond was necessary to keep criminals off the street. Advertisement Under the new system, created by the passage of the states Safe-T Act, many violations are now considered non-detainable. Those accused are released with conditions imposed by the judge. In more serious crimes, prosecutors can file a petition to detain suspects, asking the judge to hold an alleged criminal in the county jail without any bond available. The change to cashless bond appeared to draw mostly negative reaction from Illinois police chiefs and many county prosecutors. McHenry County States Attorney Patrick Kenneally was a critic. In a September social media post, he called the Safe-T Act, an objectively bad law that constituents do not want once they understand it. However, Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart spoke out in favor of cashless bail. Bail should not be dependent on a persons bank account, he said in a recent interview. He remains a proponent of cashless bail, saying it keeps nonviolent offenders out of jail, and increases transparency and accountability. I think the government should make very intentional decisions about who to hold. And by the government, I mean prosecutors and judges, Rinehart said. Cashless bail went into effect just over three months ago. Rinehart said his office has not generated any statistics, but his staff has not noted an increase in failures to appear in court or new crimes committed by people who had been released. Advertisement The cashless bail implementation has coincided with a decrease in the number of people in the Lake County jail. The jail population stood at 639 inmates the day cashless bail went into effect. It dropped to about 500, and has remained around that since, according to the jail. Semafor Signals Insights from CNBC, The China Project NEWS Chinese autonomous vehicle firm WeRide has been granted test licenses for robot buses in Singapore, part of an ambitious expansion plan to bring driverless buses to major metropolises around the world. As cities look to automate their transport systems, Chinese autonomous vehicle (AV) companies are leading the way, testing vehicles including robot buses, vans and road sweepers. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Singapore is leading the charge for driverless vehicles Sources: Bloomberg, CNBC Singapores small size and advanced road infrastructure have helped to make it one of the leading countries for driverless buses. The island nation even built a mini-town complete with a rain machine to simulate the islands frequent tropical downpours as a test circuit. Automated public transport could help Singapore to overcome some of the challenges faced by one of densest and fastest-aging populations in the world. With a quarter of its people set to be over the age of 65 by 2030, Singapore hopes driverless buses will help ease mobility issues for seniors and solve a future shortage of bus drivers. Middle East vies with Singapore in race to go driverless Sources: WIRED Middle East, CNN The Middle East is vying with Singapore in the race to go driverless with WeRide one of several Chinese AV companies looking to put robot vehicles on the streets. The United Arab Emirates which has vowed to go 25% driverless by 2030 in July granted WeRide the countrys first national license to test self-driving vehicles on the countrys roads, including robotaxis, robobuses, robosweepers, and robovans. Saudi Arabia introduced self-driving bus services during the Hajj this year shuttling pilgrims in Mecca, CNN reported, while Dubai is rolling out its first round of robotaxis in a bid to ease congestion and accidents. Chinese AV firms face obstacles in U.S. over their handling of sensitive data Sources: Reuters, The China Project WeRide and other Chinese AV firms have run into roadblocks in the U.S. over fears around their collection of sensitive data. Last month a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers raised the alarm about the companies collection and handling of data about Americans and their daily routines, according to letters seen by Reuters. Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, has also cited national security concerns about the possibility of such data being shared with the Chinese government. However, one think-tank expert told The China Project that a driverless car in the middle of nowhere is not an especially useful intelligence tool, adding that theres no evidence theyve been used for surveillance so far. The Chinese spies wanted more. In meetings during the pandemic with Chinese technology contractors, they complained that surveillance cameras tracking foreign diplomats, military officers and intelligence operatives in Beijings embassy district fell short of their needs. The spies asked for an artificial intelligence program that would create instant dossiers on every person of interest in the area and analyze their behavior patterns. They proposed feeding the AI program information from databases and scores of cameras that would include car license plates, cellphone data, contacts and more. The AI-generated profiles would allow the Chinese spies to select targets and pinpoint their networks and vulnerabilities, according to internal meeting memos obtained by The New York Times. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times The spies interest in the technology, disclosed here for the first time, reveals some of the vast ambitions of the Ministry of State Security, Chinas main intelligence agency. In recent years, it has built itself up through wider recruitment, including of American citizens. The agency has also sharpened itself through better training, a bigger budget and the use of advanced technologies to try to fulfill the goal of Xi Jinping, Chinas leader, for the nation to rival the United States as the worlds preeminent economic and military power. The Chinese agency, known as the MSS, once rife with agents whose main source of information was gossip at embassy dinner parties, is now going toe-to-toe with the CIA in collection and subterfuge around the world. Today, Chinese agents in Beijing have what they asked for: an AI system that tracks American spies and others, said U.S. officials and a person with knowledge of the transaction, who shared the information on the condition that the Times not disclose the names of the contracting firms involved. At the same time, as spending on China at the CIA has doubled since the start of the Biden administration, the United States has sharply stepped up its spying on Chinese companies and their technological advances. This article is based on interviews with more than two dozen current and former U.S. officials, most of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, and a review of internal Chinese corporate documents and public MSS documents. A Game of Ghosts Competition between the U.S. and Chinese spy agencies harks back to the KGB-versus-CIA rivalry of the Cold War. In that era, the Soviets built an agency that could pilfer Americas most closely held secrets and run covert operations while also producing formidable political leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. But there is a notable difference. Because of Chinas economic boom and industrial policies, the MSS is able to use emerging technologies such as AI to challenge U.S. spymasters in a way the Soviets could not. And those technologies are top prizes in espionage efforts by China and the United States. For China in particular, exploiting the existing technology or trade secrets of others has become a popular shortcut encouraged by the government, said Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based research institute. The urgency and intensity of technological espionage have increased significantly. The MSS has intensified its intelligence collection on U.S. companies developing technology with both military and civilian uses, while the CIA, in a change from even a few years ago, is pouring resources into collecting data on Chinese companies developing AI, quantum computing and other such tools. Though the U.S. intelligence community has long collected economic intelligence, gathering detailed information on commercial technological advances outside defense companies was once the kind of espionage the United States avoided. But information about Chinas development of emerging technologies is now considered as important as divining its conventional military might or the machinations of its leaders. CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said that under President Joe Biden, the agency was making investments and reorganizing to meet the challenge of collecting on Chinese advances. The agency has started both a China mission center and a technology intelligence center. Weve been counting tanks and understanding the capability of missiles for longer than we have been as sharply focused on the capability of semiconductors or AI algorithms or biotech equipment, Cohen said in an interview. But some policymakers say privately that the effort is still falling short, and that Chinese companies and the military are surprising the U.S. government with their advances. In China, the status of the Ministry of State Security has only grown under Xi , who prizes bold intelligence action and a powerful security state. In October 2022, the Communist Party promoted the ministrys head, Chen Wenqing, to be the partys top security official and a member of the 24-member Politburo, the first spy chief in decades to ascend to that body. His replacement, Chen Yixin, a longtime aide to Xi, has raised the public profile of the MSS. He has also been given a broad mandate, which encompasses leading a crackdown on U.S. and other foreign companies that conduct corporate investigations of Chinese firms, including for military ties and human rights violations. The ministry has the foreign responsibilities of the CIA and the domestic mandate of the FBI, combined with an authoritarian edge. The MSS is charged with carrying out intelligence collection and operations overseas, as well as limiting foreign influence within China and clamping down on so-called subversive activities. Its mission is avowedly political: to defend the Communist Party against all perceived threats. The current minister, Chen Yixin, has repeatedly emphasized loyalty to Xi. In June, he told officers to wholeheartedly embrace Xis core status. Under Chen, the ministry is embracing social media to spread messages about threats. The United States multifaceted obstruction, containment and suppression will only make China more battle hardened and self-reliant, it said on a new WeChat account. In August, the ministry made separate announcements asserting that it had caught two Chinese citizens spying for the CIA, one recruited by a U.S. agent in Japan and the other in Italy. In October, the ministry and Chinese state television announced a case in which a researcher at a defense industry institute had been recruited by a U.S. agent while he was a visiting scholar at an American university. He then transferred copies of secret documents to the Americans after he returned to China, before being detained in 2021. The announcements suggested that the CIA had been rebuilding a network within China that Chinese counterintelligence officers decimated more than a decade ago. The CIA does not say whether people detained overseas on espionage charges are spies for the United States. But at least some of the Chinese citizens detained were working for the United States, according to people briefed on U.S. intelligence reports. There is no evidence, however, that the MSS has cracked the network, they said, and the Italy case is more than a year old. The MSS is making its own aggressive moves abroad, including recruiting a far-right Belgian politician and harassing ethnic Chinese critics of the party. One agent hired a local private investigator to physically attack a Chinese American candidate for U.S. Congress on Long Island, New York, according to a Justice Department indictment. Another man is accused of helping to set up an organization in New York that lured in dissidents. A Chinese Agency on the Offense The central government in Beijing established the Ministry of State Security in 1983 during a reshuffling of security units. For decades, the agency struggled to win favor with party leaders. Its Chinese rival, the intelligence services of the Peoples Liberation Army, had greater resources and better tradecraft, especially in cyberespionage. The MSS gradually improved its tactics, got bigger budgets and even built business expertise. Some MSS officers who would be working undercover as businesspeople were sent to private sector offices for training, said Peter Mattis, a former CIA analyst and co-author of a book on Chinese espionage. Chinese agents also expanded their foreign recruitment targets, including among U.S. citizens. U.S. intelligence agencies were alarmed after discovering that the Shanghai MSS had recruited an American student in China, Glenn Duffie Shriver, and got him to apply to the CIA and State Department. Shriver was sentenced in 2011 to four years in prison. It was a big sign of improved tradecraft from MSS, for the first time targeting non-Chinese Americans and attempting penetration of the U.S. intelligence community, said John Culver, a former U.S. intelligence analyst. The case has had far-reaching consequences. It made U.S. counterintelligence officers more suspicious of applicants for U.S. government jobs who had studied in China or had contacts there, and it turned their attention to MSS provincial bureaus. The bureaus are their own fiefs, based outside the agencys national headquarters, which is in the secretive Xiyuan compound of northwest Beijing. Under Xi, they have become more aggressive in operations overseas, with some specializing in recruiting and running informants in the United States. The bureau in Jiangsu province, next to Shanghai, is another one focused on getting U.S. secrets, and particularly defense technologies, U.S. officials said. Its officers recruited Ji Chaoqun shortly before he went to the United States in 2013 to study engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, according to the Justice Department and court documents. His MSS handler, Xu Yanjun, got him to provide the names of at least nine people in the United States for the Chinese spy agency to try to recruit to get aerospace and satellite technologies. Ji eventually joined the U.S. Army Reserves, where he aimed to get a security clearance so he could eventually apply to work in the CIA, FBI or NASA. He was arrested in Chicago in 2018 and sentenced this year to eight years in prison. Xu, his handler, was arrested in Brussels in 2018, in a related operation run by the FBI, becoming the first MSS agent to be extradited to the United States. Unlike Russian operatives, MSS case officers generally avoid working undercover in the United States, preferring instead to run agents or assets from outside and recruit online, including using jobs ads with no apparent ties to China, U.S. officials said. Around 2018, a Singaporean agent for the MSS created a fake consulting company that used the same name as a prominent U.S. consulting firm and posted online job ads under that company name, said Michael Casey, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center. The Scramble for Tech The MSS often directly hires from universities, especially for core positions, according to a review of more than 30 online job ads from the agency. In recent years, it has sought technology experts, including hackers, according to two people with knowledge of the recruiting efforts. Beijings most acute worry is that the United States and its allies could choke China off from technological know-how vital for economic and military growth. Xi has stressed that risk. Chen, the minister of state security, wrote in an article in September that core technologies remained under the control of other nations, and that reaching technological self-reliance was an urgent task. Chinese government experts openly admire the collection capabilities of U.S. spy agencies and their technology. Chinese intelligence journals often carry studies examining U.S. operations. A recent study of U.S. national security services by the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, the main MSS research institute, said, Drawing on an in-depth assessment of the relevant methods of the United States, China should choose what works and dispense with what does not. The MSS has also been elevating experts on the United States. Early this year, one such analyst, Yuan Peng, president of the main research institute, appeared under a new name, Yuan Yikun, as a vice minister of the ministry itself. Earlier in his career, Yuan often mixed with U.S. scholars, some of whom saw him as a coolheaded observer of Washington. While president of the research institute, Yuan became a champion of Xis sweeping concept of overall national security, which casts the United States as the main threat to Chinas ascent. Biden said America is back, but the world is not the same as it was, and if it cant keep up with massive global changes, then this changing world will inevitably slip from U.S. control, Yuan wrote in an international strategy assessment published in early 2022. In judging current American grand strategy a few decades from now, its biggest mistake may be seen as choosing China as an enemy. Think Like a Wall Street Analyst One of the first major decisions by CIA Director William Burns was to create the China Mission Center. The idea was to ensure that stations all over the world, not just in Asia, focused on collecting intelligence on China. Burns took the step after a strategic review led by Michael Collins, a career intelligence officer. Under Burns, Collins was appointed director of strategy, with a mandate to help improve the agencys work on China. The China challenge requires the United States to be smart on critical domains like biotechnology and semiconductors, said Collins, who now leads the National Intelligence Council, a coordinating body across spy agencies. We have to be better. To get a sharper understanding of which technologies China is targeting, the CIA has begun asking American executives and scholars for insights about what Chinese companies are trying to develop. American universities and companies, often approached by Chinese investors and researchers, have knowledge of the specific technologies, U.S. officials said. But officials said it was important to bring in people with deeper knowledge of Chinas commercial and technological ambitions. For now the spy agencies are struggling to get information to policymakers as quickly as they want it. Last year, a Canadian firm, TechInsights, revealed that Chinas leading chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., had developed a 7-nanometer chip. The U.S. government was unaware of the advance and was surprised that the Chinese firm had made the leap so quickly, said Jimmy Goodrich, an expert on Chinese technology who advises the Rand Corp. The intelligence community is just not set up institutionally to be adept at understanding Chinas commercial and tech issues, he said. Its hard to do. And more important, you really have to think like a Wall Street analyst, market researcher, talking to everyone up and down the supply chain. (A U.S. official said American intelligence agencies had assessed that the company had at least the capability to produce the smaller chip before the Canadian report.) Part of the problem is that U.S. intelligence agencies favor information from satellites, intercept programs and human spies. One senior U.S. official said analysts were overlooking valuable insight from nonclassified sources in China. The U.S. intelligence community can do amazing things on focused targets, said Mattis, the former CIA analyst. But it sometimes can struggle with broad-based awareness like understanding Chinas technology prowess. c.2023 The New York Times Company It wasn't a white Christmas like many people in Henderson County wanted, but it was definitely a wet one. The rain began on Christmas Day and continued until the early morning hours of Dec. 27, with many areas in the county getting more than 5 inches of precipitation. The steady rainfall caused flooding in several parts of the county, resulting in road and even park closures. Barricades were up for roads in Hendersonville that needed to be closed due to heavy rainfall and flooding on Dec. 26. The city of Hendersonville posted on social media at 8 a.m. Dec. 27 that all roads in Hendersonville had reopened and that the roadway flooding alert had been rescinded but that portions of Oklawaha Greenway remained closed and would open after the water had receded. Also on Dec. 27, Bruce Gilliam, the director of Henderson County Parks and Recreation, told the Times-News that Jackson Park would be closed for most of the day, since there was still some water across some of the roadways there. "We are keeping it closed to stay safe," he said. Later in the afternoon of Dec. 27, Jackson Park reopened after floodwaters receded. Barricades were up for roads in Hendersonville that needed to be closed due to heavy rainfall and flooding on Dec. 26. Minor flooding was still occurring at the French Broad River at Blantyre Park (located at the Henderson County/Transylvania County line) on Dec. 27, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a flood warning for that area until the evening hours of Dec. 28. More: With final permit, construction set to begin on Fairmont Heritage Place - The Cedars "Floodwaters continue to inundate farmland between the French Broad River and the old railroad bed. Floodwaters may start to inundate the shoulders of River Road near the Big Willow Road intersection," the NWS flood warning said. "Floodwaters continue to impact boat access areas at Grove Bridge Road and Crab Creek Road." The NWS reported that at 11:16 a.m. Dec. 27, the stage was 17.5 feet and that the bankfull stage was 15 feet. The NWS said the river is expected to rise to a crest of 17.5 feet in the afternoon of Dec. 27 and then fall below flood stage on the morning of Dec. 28. On the evening of Dec. 26, the city of Hendersonville posted on social media that streets in low-lying areas in the city had flooded and that barricades were put in place in areas that needed to be closed to traffic. More: Council approves plan to improve pedestrian networks, safety; audit report released These were the roads and intersections closed by the city of Hendersonville and the North Carolina Department of Transportation due to the flooding on Dec. 26: King Street at South Main Street White Street westbound toward Kanuga Road Caswell Street between King Street and Grove Street Barricades were up for roads in Hendersonville that needed to be closed due to heavy rainfall and flooding on Dec. 26. Meteorologist Bill Martin with the National Weather Service in Greenville, South Carolina, said most areas in Henderson County received about 5 inches of rain over the course of 48 hours from Christmas Day through Dec. 27. "We still have a flood warning for parts of Henderson County," he told the Times-News on Dec. 27. "Due to the previous dry conditions, the first two inches that fell soaked up pretty quickly, and then the next three inches began to run off, so that caused all the flooding issues." Martin said in the higher terrain of the county, rainfall totals reached 6 inches in some spots. As for the rest of the year, Martin said there is no more rain in the forecast for the next seven days. "We don't want to go too much longer than that, or we'll be back in drought conditions again," he said. Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News. This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Christmas flooding: Flood warning remains for parts of Henderson County What Christmas is like on a remote Scottish island where residents celebrate the holiday 12 days after the rest of the world On Christmas, the locals swig shared bottles of booze, sing, and dance late into the night. Jeff J Mitchell The remote island of Foula kept an old calendar after the rest of Great Britain modernized. Residents celebrate Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's on a 12-day delay from the rest of the world. Local innkeeper and engineer Ken Gear describes what the festivities typically entail. While most of us are in the throes of a Christmas comedown, for a tiny Scottish island called Foula, the holiday is still something to look forward to. That's because Foula home to roughly 30 residents celebrates Christmas 12 days later than the rest of the world, on January 6. The difference stems from the fact that Foula retained the Julian calendar after the rest of Great Britain adopted the modern Gregorian calendar in 1752. "Quite a lot of households here on the island really don't do anything at all on the twenty-fifth of December," resident Ken Gear told Business Insider. "The main game is indeed on the sixth of January." Gear noted that residents don't live on a 12-day delay year-round, though they do "celebrate a few occasions by the old calendar." This includes Christmas (or "Yule," as Gear calls it), New Year's Day (or "Newerday," which falls on Jan. 13) and Halloween ("Old Hallowmas.") Foula is located roughly 100 miles off the coast of the mainland, and is accessible via ferry. It doesn't have a shop or a pub though there is one nurse and one teacher on the island, according to Conde Nast Traveler. The city is also known for its birdwatching tourism. More evidence of its deeply-steeped traditions? Foula also happens to be the last place in Great Britain where the ancient Norse language of Norn was spoken. Locals 'go visiting' on Christmas, swigging, singing and dancing into the night Gear moved back to Foula after living abroad for several years. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Gear grew up in Foula and says his ancestry on the island dates back hundreds of years if not more. After working and living abroad, he moved back with his wife and their two kids almost seven years ago. He operates an inn for tourists on the island, and also works as an engineer. "I suppose it's that time of year again," he said, when reached by a reporter. Gear said that residents tend to spend the holiday together. On Christmas, Gear said locals "go visiting" whereby one resident offers or is chosen to serve as the de facto host. "There'll be one household that's maybe agreed or maybe they haven't really agreed but everyone will eventually gravitate to someone's home." Everyone then convenes to swig from shared bottles of whisky or port, and enjoys singing and dancing (the Foula Reel is a staple, Gear said) to traditional Shetland fiddle music late into the night, with the festivities wrapping up around 3 am. "Santa actually comes to our house twice," Gear said, noting that he distributes presents to his family on both Dec. 25 and Jan. 6. The food is somewhat similar as well with many families in Foula enjoying turkey or a roast. Growing up in the '70s, Gear remembers "shooting parties" venturing out to hunt birds to be roasted for supper that same night. When asked, Gear said locals take some degree of pride in preserving the traditions that distinguish them from much of modern society. "We realize it's a bit quaint, but that's all cool," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider City of Atlanta employees will receive an additional pay raise in 2024, Mayor Andre Dickens announced on Wednesday. The boost comes after the city previously approved a cost of living raise for 2024. Now, employees will receive a 3.5% raise, which is up from a 2.5% raise that was previously approved. Dickens said this additional raise will cost the city $4 million more in salaries for next year. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This is a heartfelt thank you to our employees and a recognition and reward for their dedication, said Mayor Dickens. It is also a strategic investment in the human capital that is critical to the Citys operations. As we await the results of the pay and class study, these enhancements reflect our continued commitment to our workforce and the financial stability of our city. Dickens noted the city would also maintain competitive benefits for employees without a cost increase to them for the second year in a row. The city said this pay raise is possible because of higher-than-expected revenues from sales taxes and business licenses. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Community Readiness Center (CRC) has been housing an average of 300 migrants per night since opening last week, City of El Paso officials said. The City of El Paso activated the CRC formerly Morehead Middle School right before the holiday weekend to aid local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) who might have faced capacity concerns. City of El Paso spokesperson Laura Cruz-Acosta said most migrants are just passing through El Paso with the goal of reaching other destinations, and with increased travel demands because of the holidays, migrants had limited options to continue moving forward over the weekend. UPDATE: Thousands of migrants headed to El Paso The facility is equipped with sleeping quarters, showers and Wi-Fi so that migrants can communicate with sponsors or family. It also offers migrants warm food. Cruz-Acosta said that City officials continue to monitor the number of migrants crossing at the border, and that the facility could accommodate more people. It has the capacity to expand up to 500 if need be. Really, it depends on the need and the type of individuals that are going into the facility. If theres a lot of families, obviously, theres going to be fewer folks because the families have a different kind of need in terms of space. Individuals that are single, they have a different type of need and so you have a different level of capacity in that space, Cruz-Acosta said. How long the CRC is in operation will depend on how many migrants are coming in and out of El Paso. Meanwhile, Mexican media are reporting that thousands of migrants coming from south and central Chihuahua have been making their way to the border in the Ciudad Juarez/El Paso sector during the Christmas weekend. We understand that there is news from southern Mexico of caravans coming up to the northern community and up to the border region. So were just tracking that. But its really anybodys guess in terms of whats going to happen over the next several weeks, Cruz-Acosta said. The City of El Paso has not been using hotels to house migrants since opening the CRC, and have not had to do any street releases this year, City officials said. The City also continues to send out their roving teams to make contact with migrants to offer them shelter. Cruz-Acosta said some migrants chose to stay out in the street. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Maggie He, co-owner of Redwood Chinese Restaurant, assesses the damage and is thankful husband Eric made it out alive. The couple vows to reopen the business. Just days after the tornado, Maggie He, co-owner of Redwood, was surrounded by friends and family as she searched through the rubble that was her business for the past 17 years, looking for anything salvageable. Her husband, Eric, was in the building when the tornado struck, she said. He had 60-90 seconds from the time he heard the warning, until the tornado struck the building, Maggie He said. He took cover under a table between booths 1 and 2, and everything came down on top of him. He then crawled from the rubble to the back of the building. There he was able to find his way out. He walked toward the post office and found medical assistance. Eric He is recovering from cuts and bruises, but otherwise very lucky. Maggie He vows to rebuild her business. This is our livelihood, we have four kids. We will rebuild. Redwood has been here since 2006, and our customers have become like family," He said. "So many of them have reached out to us and offered to help. We thank everyone for their kindness. The attractive, modern building housed Redwood Chinese Restaurant, Sun Tan City, Luigi's Pizza, Battleground Fitness and other popular local businesses. A 2019 Fort Campbell Boulevard strip center that housed Redwood Chinese Restaurant, Sun Tan City, Luigi's Pizza and more was totally destroyed by an EF-3 tornado in Clarksville on Dec. 9. The structures lay in waste on Dec. 13, 2023. The He's daughter, Carol Finch, has started a GoFundMe to help her parents get through the losses. Redwood was the sole income for both my parents and sister. As we navigate these next couple of months, they are unsure what the future will look like. My dad and mom are already looking into and exploring their options of the next chapter," Finch said. "They know they have a wonderful, supporting community behind them, that, when Redwood 2.0 opens, we will be there to support them. The recent F3 tornado that cut a path of destruction 600 yards wide and 11 miles long through parts of Clarksville, Tennessee arrived without much warning, claiming three lives, and injuring dozens more. Pictures and videos showing hundreds of damaged homes have gained nationwide attention, and supporters from far and wide have generously come to the aid of the affected. One of the most striking photos was of the Fort Campbell Blvd. strip center where the He's restaurant once stood, which was completely leveled. The center sits maybe 100 yards from Britton Springs Road and Ringold Road, where tremendous residential damages also occurred. According to Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency, 2,212 residential sites were affected with 268 of those being destroyed, while 517 sustained major damage. Meanwhile, 81 commercial sites and three public facilities were affected. The Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce leadership said the community has been responsive to helping businesses affected throughout north Clarksville. It is amazing to witness the remarkable outpouring of support and resources flowing into our community, and the assistance from citizens and local businesses in response to the Dec. 9 tornado," the chamber said in a statement. "As the recovery progresses, the Chamber will continue to communicate information on resources and support for businesses and individuals as they become available via our website and social media channels." Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts called the community response to the tornado generous and overwhelming. The response has been overwhelming, in a good way," Pitts said. "This community, and folks from across the nation have been very generous. The business community is rallying, supplying equipment and manpower to help clean up these neighborhoods. The strength and resolve of the people in this community has absolutely been reinforced." Structures affected by Clarksville tornado: 2,211 residential sites 81 commercial sites 3 public facilities Status of structures 268 residential sites destroyed 517 have sustained major damage 1,000 have sustained minor damage 426 have been affected This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Clarksville Redwood restaurant owner vows to reopen after tornado The Core Store houses rock specimens that can tell the history of the earth below our feet If you look behind a nondescript warehouse door just outside Belfast, you'll be able to travel about 600 million years back in time. It's here that you'll find 30,000 rock specimens and cores - intact rock samples obtained by drilling with special tools - that run the length of 20km. Welcome to the Core Store. This is the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland's (GSNI) library of cores, minerals and samples, which have been collected since its inception in 1947. And for GSNI science programme manager Kirstin Lemon, they tell a "fabulous story" of 600,000 millennia, buried beneath our feet. GSNI science programme manager Kirstin Lemon A huge amount of climate change took place in that time frame, Kirsty said, which saw the area we now know as Northern Ireland be everything from a tropical sea, to a warm desert and an icy wasteland. "We've got everything with regards to the climate change sphere, so we can look at past aspects of climate change and we can use the Core Store to educate about that. "We can also put it in the context of current climate change and how those two are related." Jimmy Graham said the Core Store is about more than geothermal potential Knowing what's beneath our feet and how it has changed over the years helps engineers and policy makers when it comes to making decisions about how to use our natural resources. Thanks to these samples, they know there is potential to use the Earth itself for heating without having to undertake expensive drilling. That theory is being tested in two geothermal pilot schemes. The technology is already in use in several locations around Northern Ireland, including Riddell Hall at Queen's University Belfast and the visitor's centre at the Giant's Causeway. This rock dates back six million years "The Geological Survey provides important scientific information to the Department for the Economy (DfE) and other government departments to inform decision-making on a range of policy developments," said Jimmy Graham, from the energy unit at the DfE. For him, the Core Store is about more than geothermal potential. "The survey provides the energy team with data, technical advice on a range of different energy issues, such as shallow and deep geothermal energy, critical mineral resources and also other potential geological solutions for decarbonisation." Silent storytellers Rob said cores tell stories about Northern Ireland's underground we would never be able to understand otherwise For senior energy geologist Rob Raine, the samples he works with are silent storytellers of Northern Ireland's underground past. "We have cores that go down 2.8km underneath the surface, so that's an environment which is very hard for us to understand. "Some of these cores are really crucial to be able to map the subsurface to understand what's going on beneath us." Rocking the economy The contents of the drawers, trays and storage boxes also help explain some of Northern Ireland's infrastructure challenges. "When you drive around the Antrim Coast Road, you'll see that there are black rocks, those are lavas and they're on top of white rocks," he said. "The white rocks are the equivalent of chalk. "Underneath, we have Jurassic mud rocks and that's the reason why that coast road is so beautiful but also why there are issues with landslip there." The rocks also play a part in the economy of Northern Ireland, through their contribution to tourism. "All of our geoparks and the world heritage sites are only here because of our internationally-important geological heritage," said Kirstin. "If you think about the size of Northern Ireland, we're actually very, very small, but we're really big hitters when it comes to geological heritage. "We've such a diversity of geology, we've got every single geological time period bar one and you can see all of those within about an hour and a half. "What's in this building provides vital information on our subsurface so we can better understand it, so we can better manage it and more importantly, how we can better use it but in a sustainable way. "So it really benefits people all across Northern Ireland." Scientists happened to notice some captive cockatoos dipping their food in water before they ate. They concluded the birds were likely doing this to change the texture of their food. Other birds do this, but it's the first time we've seen it in the parrot family. Sometimes, you can't have a cookie without some milk. Some cockatoos might feel similarly, according to a new study. Other birds, including grackles and blackbirds, have been known to dunk their food in water before they eat it. But this is the first time that any type of parrot has been observed doing this, the researchers report in the study, which was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Biology Letters. The scientists of the study determined that the cockatoos were dunking food to change its texture. "To go through all this effort just to change the texture of your food is quite impressive," study co-author Alice Auersperg, a cognitive biologist at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, told The New York Times. This type of behavior isn't just human-like, it's another prime example of the birds' innovative nature, the authors wrote in the study. Maybe bird brain isn't much of an insult, after all. How scientists figured out dunking was for texture Some cockatoos dunked their crackers for over half a minute. Aitor Diago/Getty Images The scientists observed a group of 18 Goffin's cockatoos over twelve days. During that period, they saw that seven of the birds dunked their hard crackers in water before eating them. Sometimes certain birds held the cracker in water for a few seconds while other times they'd hold it for over half a minute long enough to make the bottom soft, the researchers reported in the study. Imagine holding your cookie in milk for 30 seconds before taking that delicious first bite these birds certainly exhibited some self-control. Some of the birds also dunked banana and coconut chips, though this was less common. There are a few reasons animals might dip their food in liquid, the study elaborated. Soaking hard food might change its texture, clean it, make it tastier, allow the bird to transport water for drinking, or be a way to drown and kill live prey. In this case, though, the study's authors went through each of these possibilities and found that one made the most logical sense given the animals' unique environment changing the food's texture. Louis Lefebvre, a biologist at McGill University who wasn't involved in the study, told The Times that this was "a cool study." A peculiar preference or common behavior? Though the dunking behavior is intriguing, more research is necessary to determine if the behavior is widespread among cockatoos or just a peculiar preference among this group. Only about 38% of the birds observed in the study were dunkers, and the researchers reported that no one has documented dunking among wild Goffin's cockatoos. Moreover, the scientists aren't sure if the dunking birds developed that behavior on their own or learned it from watching other birds do it, The Times reported. "Future research should focus on the change and diffusion of this behavior in the group," the researchers reported in the study. Read the original article on Business Insider Renovation of Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 s administration building housing the Wraparound Center is nearing completion. The Wraparound Center is scheduled to open Jan. 9. (Steve Sadin/Lake County News-Sun) With a pair of social service agencies filling a majority of its intended needs and set to fill a most of its offices, the Wraparound Center planned by Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 is scheduled to open in early January. District 60 officials plan to open the Wraparound Center on Jan. 9 on the ground floor of the former First Midwest Bank building in downtown Waukegan, providing therapeutic support and access to services and resources from partner agencies. Advertisement Bridget Dotson, the director of Wraparound Center services, said the center will open as soon as it gets final approval from the District 60 Board of Education anticipated at its Jan. 9 meeting and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). Much of the funding for the center comes from a $2.5 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity arranged by state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Gurnee, and $800,000 from the ICJIA. Advertisement Dotson said the center will provide services to members of the District 60 community for needs such as substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental health, criminal justice, legal aid and social emotional counseling. Providing many of those services are the first two partners planning to occupy some of the centers seven suites A Safe Place and the Community Youth Network. The network already provides counseling services in some district schools. Purchasing the building in 2019, the district plans to house many of its administrative offices, as well as departments which are most frequently visited by school community members. LeBaron Moten, the districts deputy superintendent for operational supports and programs, said the $12.3 million renovation project of the downtown Waukegan mid-rise building started over the summer. He anticipates completion by the end of June. Dotson said she expects A Safe Place and the Community Youth Network to occupy four or five of the seven suites. They will provide most of the services the center hopes to offer. The Community Youth Network provides a mixture of mental health, substance abuse, crisis intervention and trauma treatment, she said. They will provide a minimum of two therapists or counselors, she added, referring to both the network and A Safe Place. In the fall, Dotson said the district issued a request for proposal for Wraparound Center service providers. The network and A Safe Place were selected. There may be another round of requests if it becomes necessary. During a recent meeting of the boards Operational Services Committee, board member Christine Lensing wanted to know if A Safe Place will offer counseling to people trying to leave gangs. Dotson did not rule it out. Advertisement From my therapeutic lens, I want to see all that they are able to do, and what works best for Waukegan District 60, she said, referring to both the Community Youth Network and A Safe Place. To exit out of a gang is certainly a need. For the goals of offering legal aid and help to people in the criminal justice system, Dotson said once the center is open, the district will examine the need for further partners and determine the best course of action. Moten said other departments will start moving into the newly renovated space by mid-spring, and he anticipates all will be in place by the end of the school year June 30. Making their home on the first floor are the Welcome Center, family community engagement and outreach, transportation and the bilingual departments. Moving into the mezzanine will be the human resources department. Occupying the upper floors will be the superintendents office, and some of the administrative departments. Others will remain at the Lincoln Center administration building on Sheridan Road. Delors played a transformative role as the European Community became the European Union during his term (Franck FIFE) For both fans and foes of the European project, Jacques Delors was Brussels' driving force during the EU's greatest period of integration, the creation of the single market and the euro. In his native France the statesman was a respected figure in the remaking of the centre-left under Francois Mitterrand and for many perhaps the greatest president the country never had. Dead on Wednesday at the age of 98, the champion of an ever closer European Union and the bugbear of British Thatcherites received tributes from across the continent he sought to unite. "Generations of Europeans will continue to benefit from his legacy," declared the speaker of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, a Maltese conservative hailing a French socialist. Another conservative, the current president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, declared: "Jacques Delors was a visionary who made our Europe stronger. "His life's work is a united, dynamic and prosperous European Union," the German EU chief said. Delors stood down as president of the European Commission in 1995 after disappointing his French supporters by declining to stand for office as president of his homeland. But he had already played a transformative role as the European Community, which became the European Union during his term, took on a central role in the continent's affairs. This reflected his previous role under Mitterrand as French finance minister, as he imposed rigour on public accounts and rewrote the romantic language of the centre-left in a more "realist" register. In 1984, Mitterrand wanted to make Delors prime minister, but he offended the president by asking to keep his finance portfolio alongside the top job, and he was sidelined. Mitterrand would later declare bitterly: "He'll be remembered for his role at the European Commission, but in politics: zero." - Citizen of Europe - But it would indeed be in his Brussels role that Delors would enter history, taking the job of EU chief executive in 1985 after two years in the European Parliament. Delors' vision of Europe as a federation of nation states and his workaholic doggedness would see him compared to the post-war founders of the European project, Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman. In 2015 he was named a "Citizen of Europe", becoming the last person to receive an honour only Monnet and former German chancellor Helmut Kohl had previously enjoyed. Under the Delors presidency the man who had once reassured world markets that France's budget was in safe hands would lay the foundation of what would become Europe's monetary union. A passionate educationalist, he would also found the Erasmus programme of university exchanges, helping educate a whole new generation of young Europeans with a greater EU identity. This passion for closer union also made him enemies. Across the Channel in the UK, prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major adopted him as a foil -- the archetypal "Brussels bureaucrat", constraining British sovereignty. In 1990 the top-selling British tabloid The Sun urged its readers to take to the streets at midday and to raise a two-fingered salute in Brussels' direction under the front-page headline: "Up yours Delors". Thatcher had supported his original appointment, seeing him as less federalist than a rival candidate, but London came to regret his championing of greater European integration. He declined The Sun's invitation to "Frog off" and to stop pushing unification "through the back Delors" and by the time he left Brussels, the single currency was irreversible, albeit sans London. As a teenager, Delors had lived in German-occupied Paris, and always said Europe would know lasting peace only if its main powers became so entwined they could never again go to war. For Delors' generation this proved the need for the euro and he was frustrated after he stood down at what he saw as Europe's failure to build on his economic success to find political momentum for unity. - Orthodox economics - Born in Paris on July 20, 1925, Delors grew up in a family of seven children. His father was a humble cashier at the Banque de France where a young Delors later worked as a clerk. He studied in the evenings and joined the Christian trade union federation CFTC. In 1962 he joined the civil service as an adviser on social affairs. As Mitterrand's finance minister he pursued orthodox economic policies that alienated him from the traditional left. Delors and his wife Marie lived in Paris after his retirement. They had two children: a son, Jean-Paul, who died of cancer in 1982, and a daughter, former French socialist leader Martine Aubry. bur-dc/raz/imm By Benoit Nyemba and Ange Kasongo KINSHASA (Reuters) -Congolese police violently broke up a banned protest in the capital Kinshasa on Wednesday, leaving several people wounded, and one opposition leader said more marches were planned against last week's vote. Disputes over the Dec. 20 presidential and legislative elections threaten to further destabilise Democratic Republic of Congo, which is already grappling with a security crisis in eastern areas that has hampered development in the world's top producer of cobalt and other industrial minerals and metals. Riot police surrounded the headquarters of Martin Fayulu, one of President Felix Tshisekedi's main challengers, and used tear gas and force to disperse protesters who had gathered for Wednesday's opposition march in defiance of a government ban. Security forces and people in and around the headquarters lobbed rocks at each other, leading to multiple injuries, according to a Reuters reporter at the scene. Fayulu and fellow opposition heavyweight Moise Katumbi condemned what they called the heavy-handedness of the police response. "A point of no return has just been crossed. This first march will be followed by other actions throughout the country. Cheating, fraud and lying will not pass," Katumbi said on social media platform X. His team said separately they did not plan to use legal channels to contest election results, asserting that institutions including the CENI election commission and the Constitutional Court were committed to tipping the vote in Tshisekedi's favour. The CENI and Tshisekedi's government deny the allegations. Kinshasa police chief Blaise Kilimba Limba defended his forces' move to close down Wednesday's unauthorised demonstration. He said two police officers had been injured by stones as well as a number of civilians. Fayulu said 11 protesters had been injured. Attempts to gather elsewhere in the city were rapidly thwarted amid a heavy security presence. Some protesters tried to block roads with burning tires before police intervened. CREDIBILITY CONCERNS In a sign of friction elsewhere, supporters of a local candidate, who appeared to be losing, briefly blocked roads and disrupted traffic with burning tires in the eastern city of Butembo, before dispersing. The election was derailed by delays delivering voting kits, malfunctioning equipment and disorganised voter lists. Violence also disrupted the poll in some places. Opposition presidential candidates, who sounded the alarm over the CENI's preparations for the election, now reject its decision to extend voting at polling stations that failed to open on Dec. 20. They said it was unconstitutional and grounds for a full rerun. Some independent observers have also said the extension undermines the credibility of the election. The CENI, which has been gradually releasing provisional results, has acknowledged there were delays but denied that the legitimacy of the election was compromised by extending the vote. Its latest results update on Wednesday showed Tshisekedi well ahead of his 18 challengers, with more than 77% of around 9.3 million votes counted so far. Full provisional results from the presidential vote are due by Dec. 31. Businessman Katumbi and former energy executive Fayulu stand in second and third place respectively with almost 16% and 4% of the vote. The CENI has not said how many of the 44 million registered voters were able to cast their ballot. (Reporting by Benoit Nyemba and Ange Kasongo in Kinshasa, Yassin Kombi in Butembo; Writing by Sofia Christensen and Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Grant McCool) Lets game out a potential agreement on border security. There was the Christmas rush to try securing a deal before the holiday. The plan was to link an immigration accord to a massive international aid package for Israel and Ukraine requested by President Biden. The Senate stuck around Washington for a few extra days before Christmas. Talks even ran through one weekend in mid-December. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., partially delayed the Senates holiday recess to maintain momentum in the talks. However, few senators thought much of the effort. A meager 61 senators surfaced on the evening of Dec. 18 for a vote to confirm former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley as the Social Security Administration Commissioner. It was the sparest attendance for any Senate vote since 56 senators cast ballots on an appropriations bill on May 28, 1959. BIDEN HAS ANOTHER CALAMITOUS YEAR AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER IN 2023 AS RECORDS SHATTER In an aerial view, thousands of immigrants, most wearing thermal blankets, await processing at a U.S. Border Patrol transit center on Dec. 19, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas. Major surges of migrants illegally crossing the Rio Grande have overwhelmed U.S. border authorities in recent weeks. The 1959 tally was only rivaled by a scant 54 senators who showed up to vote on May 5, 1960. The issue at hand was more like the issue "afoot": duties the government levied on lathes used to make shoes. The Senate voted to give the duties the boot. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Border security talks are taking so long that senators may well burn through a few pairs of shoes before they strike a deal. Even though attendance was thin last week, Senate negotiators plodded ahead. Dropping things for the holidays would likely have cost the process momentum, such as it was. Maintaining any modicum of momentum is paramount if you consider the difficult path ahead for a border security/supplemental spending package. Talks resumed this week, remotely. One source signaled to Fox News that the negotiators might meet in person before Congress reconvenes on Jan. 8, if it is believed that face-to-face negotiations would help. In fact, Fox was told it is entirely possible the sides cannot even reach an agreement until the week of Jan. 8. Of course, it remains to be seen whether they can get a deal at all. MENENDEZ BLOCKS 2 BIDEN NOMINEES OVER FRUSTRATION WITH BORDER NEGOTIATIONS Lets consider a middle-of-the-road scenario here. Imagine the sides reach a handshake agreement late next week, before Congress returns to session. At a minimum, it will take congressional legislative counsel a week or so to actually write the very complex, intricate changes to border and immigration policy. So that gets us toward the end of the first full week of January before the bill text is ready. All the while, interest groups and factions in Congress will inevitably start to chip away at this provision or that one after details of the agreement begin to dribble out. You can anticipate that opposition from both parties could be fierce to any proposal as controversial and complicated as immigration. That is why even a deal may be far from a true agreement. So this could drift until mid-January for the Senate to begin to process this proposal even working on an expedited timetable. However, even if things go swimmingly, there is no guarantee the Senate can move quickly. Sixty votes are necessary to extinguish filibusters to both start debate and close debate on the bill. So bet on the Senate spending at least a week-and-a-half on this measure even on a fast track. However, what we neglected in this narrative is the realpolitik of January and February on Capitol Hill. The first two months of the year might qualify as a parliamentary Superfund site. For starters, the government could run out of money on Jan. 19. Even if lawmakers limp along past that deadline and avoid a government shutdown, they will get a second crack at it on Feb. 2. The U.S. Capitol is seen lit by the morning sun. Yes. Groundhog Day. You cannot make this stuff up. No Punxsutawney Phil, here. Well see if "Louisiana Mike" and "Brooklyn Chuck" can pull a marmot out of their hat to avert a shutdown. Otherwise, look for clues. If they see their shadows, the government may operate for six weeks on a Continuing Resolution. If they dont see their shadows, the stopgap bill may only last for four. You think this is daft? Considering the perils of Congressional prognostication, you could do worse than relying on a soothsaying rodent from central Pennsylvania. The potential of a government shutdown will consume everything on Capitol Hill. Of course, some longtime Capitol Hill observers might suggest that they Velcro the border security/supplemental aid package onto one of the spending bills. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., argued against that. But you never know, when you consider how few legislative trains might depart from the Congressional station early next year. The House will also delve into a potential impeachment of the president. That will demand significant oxygen on Capitol Hill. The House will likely hold a vote to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for failing to appear for a deposition before the Oversight Committee. Lawmakers still havent sorted out a potential plan to reform the foreign surveillance program commonly known as FISA. The House will also delve into a potential impeachment of President Biden. Any and all of this could sidetrack efforts to finish the border/supplemental package. And thats if theres ever a deal. So, dont bank on a vote right away in January. In fact, a Senate vote could come in late January or beyond. Then, on to the House. And that is a complete wild card. Fox is told that Johnson understands that Israel and Ukraine need aid and cant wait too long for that to materialize. But advancing any sort of immigration package through the House which deviates from the strict border security plan Republicans approved in the spring (known as "HR 2") is going to be a monster. Johnson still has goodwill among House Republicans. But he doesnt have much political capital. That account will dwindle even further hinging on what Johnson decides to do about government funding. Remember that its far from clear what if anything the House can do to actually fund the government. So political problems for Johnson could impede passage of any border security/supplemental plan. Thats to say nothing of problems on the Democratic side of the aisle. Fox News is told that House Speaker Mike Johnson understands that Israel and Ukraine need aid and cannot wait too long for that to materialize. As much as there are many Republicans who wont vote for any immigration plan, there are likely just as many Democrats who will oppose whats framed as "border security." Liberals will watch to see what changes are made to parole and asylum. Potential migration limits could be problematic. And then there are enforcement questions. Now you see how this could easily slip into February. And frankly, it may go deeper into the new year if a government shutdown or impeachment capsizes the Congress. So, no one truly thought there was any realistic chance of moving any sort of border security/supplemental spending package in December, despite the rush. And it may be rushing things to try to complete this by February or March. Original article source: Congress' fight over immigration reform could last a while Members of Congress spent the past 12 months ensuring that this session would be one for the history books. It was punctuated with the first removal of a House speaker, the first interim speaker and the first member to be expelled in more than 20 years. There was Republican infighting; and almost physical fighting in a hallway, a committee meeting and even on the House floor. But what people wont remember about 2023 is the long list of legislation passed through the hallowed halls of Congress. Thats because it doesnt exist. In fact, only 31 pieces of legislation became law since Jan. 1, making this year one of the most ineffective in congressional history. And President Joe Biden signed eight of those bills into law just this month. Debt ceiling Among the 16 members of North Carolinas congressional delegation, they sponsored 214 pieces of legislation. Only one member succeeded at having his bill become law: Rep. Patrick McHenry, a Republican from Lincoln County. McClatchy looked specifically at bills originated by members. That does not take into account that some of the 214 bills may have been added into one of the 31 that became law, or include bills that passed through only one chamber. It also does not include bills they co-sponsored. On June 3, Biden signed McHenrys Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 into law, narrowly preventing an economic collapse, that would have been caused by the countrys failure to meet its financial obligations. This is the most conservative spending package during my time in Congress, McHenry said then in a written statement. The Fiscal Responsibility Act is the largest deficit-reduction bill in at least a decade and will fundamentally change the spending trajectory in Washington. The majority of the House and Senate supported the bills passage, though North Carolinas Rep. Dan Bishop, a Republican from Waxhaw, and Sen. Ted Budd, a Republican from Davie County, voted against it. Rep. Deborah Ross, a Democrat from Raleigh, missed the vote after testing positive for COVID-19. McHenry received the gavel used the day the bill passed the U.S. House as a memento of his work on the bill. He announced earlier this month he would not seek reelection after 20 years in office. Bipartisan support The bill that received the most attention from North Carolinas delegation honored the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps. Rep Seth Moulton, a Democrat from Massachusetts, sponsored the bill directing the Department of Treasury to release a series of coins commemorating the anniversary. North Carolina is home to the East Coasts largest Marine Corps base, Camp Lejeune, as well as Marine Corps Air Station New River and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Reps. Ross, Chuck Edwards, David Rouzer, Richard Hudson, Greg Murphy, Jeff Jackson and Wiley Nickel co-sponsored the bill. Sens. Budd and Thom Tillis cosponsored a mirroring bill in the Senate. It passed both chambers with only the objection of Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie. Crime in Washington, DC Another piece of legislation that caught the attention of North Carolinas delegation this year had to do with Washingtons plans to revise its criminal code. The citys council proposed new rules would lower maximum penalties for most crimes. The constitution gives Congress authority over the citys laws, which means that if enough lawmakers oppose the criminal code revisions, Washington wouldnt be able to move forward. Reps. Murphy, Edwards and Virginia Foxx all signed on as cosponsored of a bill to block the revisions, with Sens. Tillis and Budd co-sponsoring a mirroring Senate bill. Tillis addressed the bill on the Senate floor: The far left is so out of touch that they want to reduce penalties for violent crimes in D.C. while residents, federal employees, members of Congress, visiting constituents, and even our visiting diplomats are facing greater risk. I hope President Biden proves his commitment to public safety by working with my colleagues and me on commonsense, bipartisan proposals to keep our communities safe. Many members of Congress maintain residences in Washington, while working in the city on behalf of their constituents. Tillis has recently said he no longer feels safe walking home at night from the U.S. Capitol. This year alone, a congresswoman was assaulted in her Washington apartment building, a congressman was carjacked after coming home late from the Capitol and a staffer was stabbed leaving a restaurant. All of North Carolinas lawmakers voted to block the revisions except Democratic Reps. Jackson, Ross, Alma Adams and Valerie Foushee. The bill passed through both chambers, and Biden signed it into law. Veterans issues So at this point, you may be wondering if any of the bills helped North Carolinians. If youre one the nearly 800,000 veterans living in North Carolina, theres a strong possibility that one of the bills may impact you. Of the 31 bills passed, 11 either helped veterans or commemorated the military in some way. Tillis co-sponsored a bill that helps National Guard members facing financial hardships, keeping them from having their higher income from the National Guard used in bankruptcy proceedings, instead of that of their normal jobs. It ended up in the House version, sponsored by Rep. Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee, that was signed into law last week. Other bills that passed, and who sponsored them: Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican from Alabama, sponsored a bill to fund the militarys budget in 2024. The bill included projects and improvements to North Carolinas military bases. Rep. Pete Aguilar, a Democrat from California; aims to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs makes accessing claims or benefits records easier for users. The department is required to create an online system for veterans or their representatives to request documents. The department must fulfill requests within 120 days. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana; gave veterans a cost-of-living increase beginning on Dec. 1. The increase was for disability compensation, clothing allowance, dependency and indemnity compensation for spouses and children. Rep. Mark Takano, a Democrat from California; helped veterans from South Korea who fought alongside the United States in the Vietnam war to receive health care benefits. Sen. Mike Braun, a Republican from Indiana; strengthened benefits for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange who then had children born with spina bifida. Under this new law, Veteran Affairs must provide lifetime health care, job training and monetary benefits to the children who have spina bifida whose parents were exposed to Agent Orange during the war. Health care laws The two chambers also tackled issues in health care. One of the first pieces of legislation to pass through Congress ordered the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to declassify information about potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China and the origin of COVID-19. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, sponsored the bill and it passed both chambers unanimously. Less universally accepted was Arizona Republican Rep. Paul Gosars bill to end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Reps. Foxx, Murphy and Edwards and Sens. Tillis and Budd co-sponsored bills in their chambers. North Carolina split down party lines on the bill, with the exception of Democratic Rep. Don Davis, who voted with Republicans. Another bill, signed this week, and co-sponsored by Foushee, Jackson and Ross, looks at best practices involving Xylazine, a medication used by veterinarians that when mixed with fentanyl has made the drug Narcan ineffective in reversing some drug overdoses. Under the new law, the National Institute of Standards and Technology must research Xylazine, create rapid detection tests for the drug and create partnerships with organizations that might come into contact with street drugs. Whats next? Congress ended the year without tackling some major issues like funding Israel and Ukraine or enhancing the nations border security. Its becoming routine news, but Congress also returns in January facing down another potential government shutdown if lawmakers cant agree on how to fund the government. Meanwhile, the 2024 election season is underway with a series of upcoming primaries, including North Carolinas on March 5, meaning everything Congress does will be held to higher scrutiny. COSHOCTON For many years, the City of Coshocton was the nations leading manufacturer of advertising art, shipping products worldwide. That history is being honored with a special display at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum, 300 N. Whitewoman St. The special exhibit running to the end of the year features items from the personal collections of Joe Kreitzer and William Carlisle, who have been collecting for close to 45 years. The exhibit is sponsored by Auer Ace Hardware and the Ohio Arts Council. Items range from the birth of the industry in the 1890s to when it started to die out locally in the 1950s. Joe Kreitzer points out items and talks about the history of specialty advertising in Coshocton from its origins in the 1880s when the industry started to die out in the 1950s. The special exhibit is on display through the end of the year at the Johnson Humrickhouse Museum. Lithographs on tin and paper, signs of every description, trays, calendars and celluloid novelties advertised every kind of business. This often included breweries, soft drink manufacturers, ice cream factories, tobacco companies and distilleries. Considered the birth-place of advertising art, Coshocton was once second only to New York City in the number of artists residing in town compared to the rest of the country. The exhibition includes pieces from Tuscarora Advertising Co., Standard Advertising Co., The Novelty Advertising Co., Meek & Beach Co., The American Art Works, W.F. Smith Co., and more. Visitors to the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum look at specialty advertising items in a case in the second floor special exhibit gallery prior to a presentation on the exhibit by Joe Kreitzer. The origins of advertising art Kreitzer recently gave a museum talk, which included him going around the exhibition room and pointing out items as he reviewed the history of advertising art locally from it origins to the end of the era. In 1887, Jasper F. Meek printed an ad for Cantwell Shoes, owned by William Cantwell, on a burlap bag for school children to carry books in. One of the sacks is on display near the museum's front door. "Cantwell is documented as being the very first one to place an order for specialty advertising. And that's not just blowing a whistle for people in Coshocton. There's a national association in New York City with hundreds and hundreds of members that deals in specialty advertising...and that national association gives credit to Coshocton for being the birthplace," Kreitzer said. "At one point, in their literature, they said 'those boys in Coshocton would print advertising on a fence post if they could figure out how to run it through their presses.'" Meek owned the Coshocton Age newspaper and eventually sold it to focus on specialty advertising, forming the Tuscora Advertising Co. Henry D. Beach owned another newspaper in town, the Democratic Standard, and started his own advertising printing company after seeing how well Meek was doing. "He saw the success Jasper Meek had and it wasn't long before he jumped into the fray. It wasn't long before he had so many orders, he sold his newspaper. He retained half the name of it and called his venture The Standard Advertising Company," Kreitzer related. Joe Kreitzer points out items and talks about the history of specialty advertising in Coshocton from its origins in the 1880s when the industry started to die out in the 1950s. The special exhibit is on display through the end of the year at the Johnson Humrickhouse Museum. Other companies followed on their heels and Meek and Beach even joined forces for a short time. The Meek and Beach Company was created in April 1901 and only lasted six months. Kreitzer said this was due to Meek and Beach disagreeing on what they wanted to sell and the quality of products. Beach sold out to Meek and then bought a company in New York. Beach eventually moved it local and constructed a building in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, that eventually became the Ansell-Edmont glove factory. He went from printing on metal to other materials, like leather for wallets and luggage tags. "Beach continuing to innovate, in 1905, he patented the Vienna Art Plate. That was a good thing," Kreitzer stated. "Meek, watching Beech, the following year, he patented his, slightly different so he could get a patent. He called his the Dresden Art Plate." Joe Kreitzer points out items and talks about the history of specialty advertising in Coshocton from its origins in the 1880s when the industry started to die out in the 1950s. The special exhibit is on display through the end of the year at the Johnson Humrickhouse Museum. Meek retired in 1908 and died in 1918. His company became American Art Works in 1910 and lasted until 1963. The Beach Company still exists today with a factory on South Second Street and makes M-Line Commercial Calendars. The museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday with free admission on Sundays for Coshocton County residents. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and $15 for families. For more information, contact the museum at 740-622-8710 or go to jhmuseum@jhmuseum.org. The museum is offering free admission this week through Dec. 31. Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst. This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Museum exhibit pays tribute to Coshocton's advertising past Heavily armed police officers exit the Costco following a shooting inside the wholesale warehouse in Corona, Calif., Friday, June 14, 2019. A gunman opened fire inside the store during an argument, killing a man, wounding two other people and sparking a stampede of terrified shoppers before he was taken into custody, police said. The man involved in the argument was killed and two other people were wounded, Corona police Lt. Jeff Edwards said. (Will Lester/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG via AP) Attorneys began presenting closing arguments on Tuesday in the trial of a former police officer suspected of fatally shooting a developmentally disabled man and critically wounding the victims parents in the Corona Costco. Salvador Alejandro Sanchez, 33, of Corona, is charged with voluntary manslaughter and two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He additionally faces sentence-enhancing allegations of using a firearm and causing great bodily injury. The charges stem from a shooting that occurred on the evening of June 14, 2019, inside the Costco at 480 N. McKinley St., where 32-year-old Kenneth French was killed and his parents, Russell and Paola French, all of Corona, were wounded. Sanchez, who was an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer at the time of the shooting, is free on a $155,000 bond. This undated photo provided by Louana D'Cunha shows Kenneth French. French, fatally shot in a Southern California Costco store, was mentally ill and off his medication when he pushed or slapped an off-duty police officer who opened fire and killed the man and critically wounded the man's parents, the lawyer for the man's family said Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Deputy Attorney General Michael Murphy began his argument by telling jurors that when someone chooses to carry a gun, they also choose to carry the power of life and death, which requires great responsibility because they have an obligation to make a reasonable assessment before aiming a gun and shooting it at a human being. The defendants alleged decision to kill the victim, who was unarmed as he was being pushed away by his father, was not reasonable, according to Murphy. Sanchez didnt make a reasonable assessment of the situation and immediately created a false narrative in his head about what happened, including about his belief that he was shot, that the victim had a gun, and that he fell unconscious after being struck in the back of the head. A reasonable person in his position, after being struck in the back of the head, would have instead said something along the lines of What the heck? before feeling the back of their head to see if there was an injury, Murphy said, and added that the defendant realized that what he did was unreasonable and as a result, lied about being knocked unconscious and when he went into the District Attorneys Office when he said he saw a gun pointed at his head. This did not need to happen for self protection or to defend his son and it shouldnt have happened, Murphy said. The defendant needed only to take a few moments to check himself to see if he had a gunshot wound and realize that he did not. Murphy concluded his closing argument by asking jurors to find the defendant guilty of all the charges based on the evidence. Sanchezs attorney, Michael Schwartz, began his closing argument shortly before the end of the court day and gave jurors an overview of what hell tell them Wednesday morning when the trial resumes. He told jurors that when prosecutors prove something they have to do it beyond a reasonable doubt, like when Murphy presents a fact. This undated photo provided by Louana D'Cunha shows Paola and Russell French. Their son, Kenneth, who was fatally shot in a Southern California Costco store, was mentally ill and off his medication when he pushed or slapped an off-duty police officer who opened fire and killed the man and critically wounded the man's parents, the lawyer for the man's family said Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Sanchez was diagnosed with an injury and prescribed with narcotics to take home and the records to prove that will be shown to jurors Wednesday, Schwartz said. And in the moment, the defendant was acting in self defense and only had a few seconds to react to the danger because the most vulnerable victim was his son and if he had taken time to confirm whether the victim had a gun and he did end up having one, he would have been dead by the time he found out. Schwartz also told jurors that on Wednesday hell discuss what prosecutors didnt mention, which was testimony from Russell and Paola French because their statements were opposite from what he claims happened. When we come back in the morning, lets talk about what this case is really about. Its about a father defending his 20-month-old son from a vicious wild attack, Schwartz said. The French family was shopping at the store when they stopped at a food sample table, where the defendant was also standing, holding his son, Murphy said opening statements. For unknown reasons, Kenneth French punched the defendant in the back of the head and stepped back from him. Within seconds, the defendant pulled out a gun and shot Kenneth four times in the back, killing him, Murphy said. The defendant also shot Kenneths mother and Kenneths father as they were trying to protect their son from being shot. Murphy said that Sanchez chose to take a gun, loaded with 13 bullets, took it into the store and that by loading that gun, he made it ready to fire with just a pull of the trigger. While on the ground after being struck on the back of the head, the victims parents pleaded with the defendant to not shoot their son because he was sick, but Sanchez ignored their pleas, aimed his gun at them and pulled the trigger, Murphy said. Paula French was shot first, once in the stomach, her husband was hit once on his side and their son was shot four times in the back. Kenneth French was taken out of the store in a body bag and his parents were taken for emergency treatment while the defendant was seen in an officers body-worn camera video being escorted out without assistance, Murphy said. Sanchez requested to be taken to a hospital, where a doctor found no injuries, but still diagnosed him with a concussion due to Sanchezs claim that he lost consciousness. More: Costco shooting: Cop's lawyer says client was attacked, victims' lawyer wants officer locked up The Riverside County District Attorneys Office in September 2019 took the matter to a 19-member county grand jury, and the panel declined to indict Sanchez, culminating in the California Department of Justice ultimately filing charges. In the summer of 2020, the Los Angeles Police Commission determined the Costco shooting was an unjustifiable use of force, and Sanchez was fired from the LAPD. The French family filed a lawsuit against the department, the city of Los Angeles and Sanchez at the end of 2019, alleging negligence and civil rights violations. A Los Angeles jury in November 2021 ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, awarding them $17 million. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Corona Costco shooting: Prosecutor says ex-LAPD officer created false narrative The Hulu documentary We Live Here: The Midwest offers an insightful glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ families in conservative areas of the United States. The experience of living as a queer person in the United States is not necessarily the same for someone in New York City or San Francisco as it is for an LGBTQ+ person in Nebraska or Kansas. The recent Hulu documentary We Live Here: The Midwest, from director and executive producer Melinda Maerker and executive producer David Clayton Miller, follows several LGBTQ+ families as they navigate being out in their midwestern states. The Advocate spoke with three of the films couples, who spoke about their own experiences living proudly. Navigating Love and Identity: Nia and Katies Story One of the films most compelling narratives is that of Nia and Katie, a couple from Iowa whose relationship has profoundly changed since they started dating in high school before Nia, who is trans, transitioned. My deepest desire is to continue building this life with Nia, Katie said about her decision to embrace her partners gender identity. Their story is a testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of personal and societal challenges. It also touches upon the often tricky coexistence of LGBTQ+ identities and religious beliefs and reveals the couples struggle with and healing their experiences in faith. We Live Here: The Midwest | Official Trailer | Hulu www.youtube.com In discussing the dynamics of their relationship post-transition, Katie illuminates her self-discovery process: It wasnt just lets find that person. It was this person is a safe space for me. Nias revelation about her gender identity and its impact on their family life is another significant element of their story. One of my big worries was the kids, how it affects their lives, she told The Advocate. The couple has five children. Katie and Nia say their children accepted Nia for who she is, calling her Momo and Katie Mom. Nias concerns highlight a familiar story in transgender experiences, where the decision to come out is often weighed against potential familial and societal repercussions. The couple also addresses the challenge of maintaining their religious faith in light of Nias transition. Katie, who preached in their church, recalls their struggle with their church community, noting that although they no longer felt like they belonged after coming out, We never want to portray people as an enemy. The couple recently moved to the Baltimore area of Maryland, where they say they have found a sense of belonging. You just dont realize that theres this hum of stress all the time, Nia said, noting a marked decrease in the couples sense of anxiety and stress. Their story, as depicted in We Live Here: The Midwest, is not just a tale of a transitioning. It is a narrative rich with themes of love, acceptance, and the pursuit of authenticity. Nia and Katies experience is a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that true love can adapt and thrive, even in the face of lifes most profound changes. Championing LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education: Russell and Marks Perspective Russell and Mark, a gay couple who are educators from Ohio, bring a unique perspective on LGBTQ+ representation in schools. Russell, addressing the state of LGBTQ+ content in education, notes the absence of explicit bans on such content in Ohio but acknowledges the challenges in achieving true inclusivity. We in Ohio havent really gotten to the point where there are necessarily bans on what can be taught, Russell said. Reflecting on his experience as a teacher, Russell speaks to the importance of being a supportive figure for LGBTQ+ students. He articulates, I find it humbling...every time someone comes to share their experience and their truth with me. I dont think Russ and I even hide anything anymore, as far as living as gay men publicly, Mark said. For people who struggle with seeing LGBTQ+ people living full lives, he added, Thats on them. Their participation in the documentary has also brought about new reflections and revelations. It did kind of give me a little bit of a push, Russell said. Im a little more apt to grab his hand when were walking somewhere. A Groundbreaking Transgender Love Story: Jennifer and Debb From Minnesota, Jennifer and Debbs story in We Live Here: The Midwest offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of a transgender couple navigating the complexities of identity, love, and acceptance. Jennifer shares her coming out experiences, emphasizing its impact on her children. Its hard to know yourself when you dont know the words, Jennifer said, highlighting her and her familys initial challenges in understanding her transition. Debb adds a poignant layer to their story, recounting her integration into Jennifers family. Over time, Jennifers adult children have welcomed Debb into their family with open arms, even as her children have rejected her. Its been a huge blessing, Debb said. The couples relationship, as two transgender women, is particularly striking. Jennifer describes their bond: It was so easy to love her. You come from a place where youre not really welcome, and you meet somebody who loves you for you. Its magical. Debb, reflecting on their relationship and the broader transgender experience, shared, Being transgender isnt the only thing about us. Toward the end of the interview, Jennifer encapsulated the documentarys overarching theme the pursuit of authenticity and the importance of living ones truth. Its about being true to yourself, no matter where you are, Jennifer said. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) One person has been rushed to the hospital with serious injuries following an accident Wednesday on Interstate 85 southbound, Medic confirms. The wreck happened at 8:39 a.m. on I-85 South near Beatties Ford Road in north Charlotte. According to NCDOT, the two right lanes are closed near Exit 37 at this time. Two of the four lanes remain shut down. Track issues along your commute with the QCN Traffic Interactive Map The expected impact on traffic is high. NCDOT projects the area to be reopened by 9:39 a.m. This is a developing story ; check back for updates For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A group of migrants arrive by bus near a Greyhound station in Chicago after being transported from Texas in October. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Two busloads of migrants have been dropped off at Napervilles downtown Metra station since last Thursday, according to city spokeswoman Linda LaCloche. LaCloche could not say how many migrants arrived in the city or where the buses traveled from but said passengers boarded a Metra train for downtown Chicago right after arriving in Naperville. Advertisement We did not receive any prior notification of this and became aware after it happened, LaCloche wrote in an email to the Naperville Sun. We continue to monitor this ever-changing situation. [ A US delegation to meet with Mexican government for talks on the surge of migrants at border ] Naperville is one of a growing list of suburban cities that have seen buses ferry migrants to their communities unannounced over the past few weeks. The spread of migrant-carrying buses to collar communities comes in the wake of more stringent rules for migrant drop-offs adopted by the city of Chicago earlier this year. Advertisement Chicago still accepts busloads of migrants as it has since buses started arriving from the southern border in August 2022 but has recently started to clamp down on where and when arrivals can take place. In mid-November, Chicago officials implemented rules that restricted migrant drop-offs to approved weekday hours. The policies also designated a migrant drop-off landing zone in Chicagos West Loop and limited arrivals to two per hour. Buses, however, did not immediately obey the new rules. In an effort to hold bus owners accountable to the November policy, Chicago aldermen on Dec. 13 approved tougher penalties for rogue arrivals. Essentially, buses face seizure, impoundment and fines for unloading passengers without a permit or outside of approved hours and locations. [ Chicago begins impoundment of rogue migrant buses as new ordinance toughens penalties ] Yet since the harsher penalties took effect, Chicago has lost all communication about drop-offs. Instead of more coordination, Chicago officials have said that bus drivers, in direct correlation with tighter drop-off rules, have started to unload migrants in unauthorized places including suburban train stations to work around penalties. [ City has lost all communication about migrant drop offs since new penalties, official says ] Reports of unauthorized migrant drop-offs in Chicago-area suburbs have been mounting, especially over the past week. Migrants reportedly have been left in Lockport, Kankakee, Fox River Grove and Elmhurst. Last week, five buses stopped at Auroras Transportation Center. In response, the Aurora City Council Friday passed an ordinance regulating buses coming to the city to drop off migrants who are en route to Chicago. Advertisement Also on Friday, the Will County Emergency Management Agency announced it is coordinating with municipalities and state agencies on suburban bus arrivals from the southern border. Our municipalities have seen an increase in buses from Texas disembarking passengers at Metra stations and other locations throughout the county, Will County EMA Director Allison Anderson said in a news release. We are working to coordinate information between public safety agencies, the state of Illinois, and the city of Chicago. Our priority is ensuring humane transportation of asylum-seekers to the official Chicago landing zone. One bus unloaded migrants at Napervilles downtown Metra station on Thursday, followed by a second Sunday night, according to LaCloche. She said that to her knowledge, none of the passengers stayed in Naperville. The city has been planning for the possibility of migrant drop-offs since last year. [ Naperville has a plan should asylum-seekers arrive but officials arent seeking them out ] In fall 2022, Naperville officials, behind the scenes, developed a plan to handle migrants on an emergency basis only. The plan, however, primarily focuses on a situation where migrants are dropped off in town and temporarily stay, instead of immediately leaving by train, as was the case with arrivals last week. As you know, we started planning for this in 2022, LaCloche said. Given how the situation is evolving and changing, we continue to update our plan and keep it current with the given situations we are witnessing. We have been actively meeting since mid-December due to the changes with Chicagos policies. Advertisement Chicago Tribune reporters Robert McCoppin and Nell Salzman and Aurora Beacon-News reporter Steve Lord contributed. tkenny@chicagotribune.com When the impact of credit card swipe fees on prices consumers pay for groceries came up at a hearing in Washington in 2022, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn was concerned. Tell me how this contributes to this out-of-control inflation that we have, Blackburn asked Laura Karet, chair and CEO of Giant Eagle Inc.. That means the price on the shelf for a package of a package of Oreos is going to cost more this summer," said the senator, adding that parents see the effect when theyre packing lunches for kids to go to camp and making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and putting a couple of cookies in there. A year later, swipe fees are still driving up prices parents pay to pack a lunch for their children and by a lot more. At an average 2% to 4% of the purchase price, swipe fees account for up to 60 cents of the $15 or so it costs to buy a package of Oreos, a jar of peanut butter, one of jelly, and a loaf of bread. And depending on the credit card and the size of the shopping trip, swipe fees can equal the price of a gallon of milk or a dozen eggs in a typical cart of groceries. That might not sound like much, but these fees, which giant credit card networks and big banks charge merchants to process transactions, add up quickly. And they affect almost everything consumers buy, not just groceries. Thats because they are most merchants highest operating cost after labor and are too much for small businesses to absorb. In 2021, they drove up prices for the average family by about $900 a year and in 2022 the amount increased to over $1,000 a year, according to the Merchants Payments Coalition. Thats a huge amount for working families in Tennessee still struggling under the stress of inflation and the uncertainties of todays economy. Guest opinion by Sen. Marsha Blackburn: Not one dime from U.S. taxpayers should go to antisemitic universities Credit Card Competition Act would fix a broken payments market Swipe fees are ultimately paid by consumers, totaling $1.8 billion in Tennessee last year. Nationwide, they have more than doubled in the past decade, soaring 50% since the pandemic and skyrocketing $22 billion last year alone to a record $160.7 billion. Credit card swipe fees add up and make typical purchases more expensive. And even though consumer groups, small businesses and key members of Congress have asked them not to, Visa and Mastercard raised swipe fees another $500 million beginning in October. That will mean even higher prices for Tennessee shoppers. Swipe fees are growing so fast because Visa and Mastercard, which control 80% of the market, use their power to block competition. Each centrally sets the swipe fees charged by all banks that issue their cards rather than letting banks compete to offer lower fees. And they restrict processing to their own networks even though others could do the job for less while offering consumers better security. As a result, the average swipe fee is up to a dozen times the amount in Europe. After last years Senate Oreo hearing, however, lawmakers said enough is enough and introduced legislation to fix the broken payments market. The Credit Card Competition Act would give merchants and consumers a break by requiring that the largest banks enable credit cards to be processed over at least two unaffiliated networks Visa or Mastercard plus a competitor like NYCE, Star or Shazam. Banks would choose which networks to enable but merchants would choose which to use, leading to competition over fees, security and service expected to save them and their customers $15 billion a year. More: Why Congress should pass the Credit Card Competition Act | Opinion Keep money circulating in the Tennessee economy instead of Wall Street The competitors are the same networks that already safely and efficiently process billions of dollars in consumers daily ATM and debit card transactions. In addition to having lower fees, the Federal Reserve says they have one-eighth the fraud of Visa and Mastercard.Merchants and consumers in Tennessee would save a projected $291 million a year with no changes in which cards consumers use or the credit card rewards they receive.Thats money that would be kept circulating in the Tennessee economy instead of locked away in Wall Street vaults. And its money supermarkets like mine would use to help hold down the price of Oreos and other foods. Grocery is the most competitive sector of the economy, so consumers can rest assured the savings will be passed along because if one store doesnt, the next one will.Senator Blackburn is concerned about the costs parents face when feeding their children, and Sen. Bill Hagerty certainly feels the same. They can take a major step in helping grocers keep food prices affordable for Tennessee families by supporting the Credit Card Competition Act. Joey Hays Joey Hays is owner of Dyer Foods Inc., which is based in Dyer, Tennessee, and operates 18 supermarkets in western Tennessee under the Food Rite, Hays Cash Saver and Save A Lot brands. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Credit card fees reform would create competition and reduce prices A father tracked down and shot the man accused of attacking his daughter on the day after Christmas, Illinois police reported. A woman went to the home of her parents to report she was assaulted in a domestic battery case at 2:36 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, Wood River police said in a news release. When officers responded, they learned the woman had returned to her home to meet with officers there, police said. Her father had also left the home in another vehicle. The man accused in the attack had left by the time the woman and officers arrived at her home, police said. While officers were taking her report, police received reports of gunfire nearby. Officers found the womans father and the man accused of attacking her with gunshot wounds, police said. Both were taken to hospitals. This was not a random act of violence, police said. Police are continuing to investigate and the local district attorneys office will make a decision on charges, officers said. Wood River is about 30 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri. Mom swam after dog swept under ice in Alaska river and died a hero on anniversary Family visiting from out of town finds body in homes freezer, California police say 24-year-old pizza delivery man on break shot dead in front of mom, California cops say Dallas police arrested a 45-year-old man Tuesday in the fatal shooting of an Army veteran on an Uptown street. Corey Antwon Thompson is in the Dallas County Jail on a charge of murder. Bond is set at $1.25 million. Dallas police asked for the publics assistance in tracking down Thompson after Roderick Butler was fatally shot Dec. 20 in the 2200 block of McKinney Ave. Butler, 46, had struggled with PTSD and experienced homelessness after his service but his family told Star-Telegram affiliate WFAA, things were looking up for him. Thompson was arrested at the 2600 block of Bickers Street, just four miles from where Butler was slain. A man found dead on Christmas Day in southeast Dallas is being investigated by police, according to a news release. At about 11:20 p.m. Monday, Dallas police responded to a welfare check in the 7800 block of Rayville Drive, west of Loop 12. When officers arrived, they found a man, 41-year-old Calvin Daulton, dead, according to the preliminary investigation. Police did not announce an arrest or identify a person of interest. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to contact Detective Castillo at 214-671-4739 or joann.castillo@dallaspolice.gov. DALLAS - Dallas police are asking for information about a homicide in Pleasant Grove. Police were doing a welfare check on Rayville Drive when they found 41-year-old Calvin Dauton dead. The incident is being investigated as homicide. Anyone with information is asked to call police detectives at 214-671-4739. FOX 4 is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV and Vizio! Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment. On Wednesday, the Michigan Supreme Court threw out an attempt to remove Donald Trump from the 2024 primary ballot per the US Constitutions insurrectionist ban. The only appropriate reaction to that news is Damn! though all hope is not lost: an effort to remove the former president could be renewed for the general election. Earlier this month, the Colorado Supreme Court removed Trump from its primary ballot because of the role he played in the January 6 Capitol riot. However, that decision has been paused pending an appeal. In both Michigan and Colorado, those who challenged his eligibility invoked section 3 of the US constitutions 14th amendment. Read more Free Speech for the Peoplethe group that brought the lawsuitwere upset by the ruling remain hopeful. We are disappointed by the Michigan supreme courts decision, said Ron Fein, legal director of the group. The decision isnt binding on any court outside Michigan and we continue our current and planned legal actions in other states to enforce Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment against Donald Trump. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. FILE - Danny Masterson arrives at an event on March 24, 2014, in Los Angeles. Authorities said Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, that 47-year-old Masterson has been admitted to North Kern State Prison to serve his sentence for two rape convictions. (Photo by Annie I. Bang/Invision/AP, File) DELANO, Calif. (AP) That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson has been sent to a California state prison to serve his sentence for two rape convictions. Authorities said Wednesday that the 47-year-old Masterson has been admitted to North Kern State Prison, and they released his first prison mug shot. The photo shows him wearing orange prison attire, with long hair and a beard. In June, Masterson was convicted of raping two women in his Los Angeles home in 2003. In September, a judge sentenced him to 30 years to life in prison. His wife, actor Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce in the weeks that followed after a marriage of nearly 12 years. He had been held in Los Angeles County jail in the months since while post-sentencing hearings were held and issues resolved, including the turnover of all the guns Masterson owned, some of which had to be located. It will be more than 25 years before Masterson will be eligible for parole. Masterson's lawyers said they plan to appeal the conviction.